Circling on Etsy / My Sister

Building a presence on the internet is a necessity if you are going to have a successful online business.   The same is true on Etsy.

One of the ways to help build a presence on Etsy is to build up your circles.   When someone chooses to add your shop to their circle, then your activity shows up in their activity feed - such as when you favorite an item, or a shop or a treasury, or add someone to your circle.   Essentially, they are saying that they like some of the same things that you like and would like to see more of what you like in the future.

It really is quite easy to build your circles simply by adding shops or people to your circle.   Often, but not always, they will circle you back - and your circle count grows!

My method for choosing shops to add to my circle is to go to my Favorites - either Favorite Items or Favorite Shops.   I select a shop or item that I like - one either with similar items as those that I carry, or with a similar style (even if the item or items or totally different) to items that I carry.   Then, I go to the list of those that have Favorited the item or shop.   There you will find a list of shops and people who have favorited the item or shop.   You will also find a count of how many circles each one is in, as well as how many items they have favorited and pictures of the last four items they favorited.

Now, you have to determine what your criteria will be for including a shop or person in your circle.   I NEVER include a "Secret Admirer".   They keep their favorites private, so that their favorites never hit the activity feed.   Generally, I choose shops that have at least 50 members in their circles, indicating that they have been around for at least a little while.   I also look for those that have at least as many items favorited as the number of circles they are in.   This tells me that they will be involved in getting items into the activity feed for their circle members to see.   All of this helps to get items seen.  

The reason for choosing shops or people that like the same styles that I sell is that some of those will also favorite my shop, which serves as an added bonus!

New Addition to My Shop !

This week, my sister joined my shop.  She will be bringing her creativity in the form of things that she sews and jewelry that she makes.  The first of her items added to the shop are three handmade Christmas Tree Skirts.  Generally going beyond just sewing the skirt together, she also adds details such as paint, glitter, sequins, ruffles, gemstones and crystals.  These are truly heirloom quality!  Be sure to check them out -

Have a great day and Thank you for joining me here today! 

Please leave a comment - I love to hear from my followers.

Shop Feature and Just a Few Treasuries

PromoFrenzy Featured Shop of the Week: NewCreatioNZ
  Jocelyn of NewCreatioNZ is a Photographer and Painter.  She users her artistic abilities to create a number of beautiful and unique pieces of art.  Be sure to stop by her shop!  You will be glad that you did!

Now, just a few Treasuries -

Christmas In July

Etsy is having a "Christmas in July" Celebration / Sale and a lot of shops are participating.  My shop, RomanticThoughts, will be extending its Christmas in July Sale for the entire month. (* Discount is not valid on Custom Orders).  You can look for shop announcements to see if your favorite shops are participating, as well as to see what specials each participating shop is having.  Also, you can do a search on Etsy for "CIJ" or "christmasinjuly" to find items from shops that are included in the sale. 

Here are some of the latest additions to my shop:

Hope you have a chance to visit RomanticThoughts.etsy.com or some of the many other shops participating in Christmas In July.  The Official dates are July 12 - 22, but many shops, like my own are having an extended sale for the entire month!

Thanks for stopping by.  I would enjoy reading your comments and I always appreciate my followers!  Have a great day  :-)

Social Media : Pinterest

One of the teams I belong to on Etsy is the Promotional Frenzy Team.  There are a number of requirements for participation on this team - all of which are there to assist members in building their Etsy businesses.  Among the requirements is participation in various Social Media avenues, such as Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, etc.

At one time, there was some encouragement to start using Pinterest.  As I started using it, I found that this was one that I could really get into.  Pinterest can be very addictive,  I mean FUN!  Over time, some concerns were expressed about the Terms of Service on Pinterest.  Apparently, the Terms stated that Pinterest would have the right to sell any content posted there.  Finally, within the last week, Pinterest announced changes to their Terms, which go into effect on April 6, 2012.

In their announcement, they state -

Our original Terms stated that by posting content to

Pinterest you grant Pinterest the right for to sell your content.

Selling content was never our intention and

we removed this from our updated Terms.

This should address some of the concerns about using Pinterest.  Phew!  I wasn't terribly concerned about using it, since, although I am often posting photographs of my work, I am not a professional photographer, so it is doubtful that anyone would want to buy the pictures. 

Anyway, I hope that the changes in the Terms will make others more comfortable in using Pinterest.  This is where I have focused more of my efforts than any other Social Media.  While I currently have 772 followers following all of my boards, many of my boards have twice that.  My Jewelry Board has 1561 followers.  My Etsy Finds and Faves Board has 1529 followers and the Bath and Body Board has 1543 followers.  And it is always gratifying to get the string of emails notifying me of followers that have "liked" or "repinned" the things I have posted!

I hope you will join me on Pinterest.  You can find me at http://pinterest.com/sharonintexas/.  If you need an invitation to join, just leave a note in the comments.  I just need an email address so they can send you the invitation to join.  Hope to see you there.

Always Looking for a Deal

Today, I am just doing a quick post about something many of us do and some of us even enjoy - shopping!  A week or so ago, I got an email from my sister recommending that I check out a website that supposedly had great deals - new deals every day.  It took a while for me to get around to it, but it does look interesting, so I thought I would share it.  Here is the link:  NOMORERACK

Of course, when I first looked at the link, I couldn't imagine what on earth Nomo Rerack could possibly be.  I have since learned that it is actually No More Rack.  It appears that they have 8 or 10 deals every day on some high ticket items at up to 90% off.  Don't know how they do it, but I'll be checking it out on a regular basis.  I have seen some very tempting things.  For example, today they had the Kindle Touch 3G for $15.87, retail was $150.  Of course, they sold out before I got there.  Otherwise, I would have scooped up one of those!

Just thought I would share.

Have a great day!

Something New and Different

One of the dangers of Etsy is stumbling across something unexpected that you absolutely have to have! In the course of doing my daily tasks, I stumbled across such an item - some polymer clay flowers created by BeeTreebyMe .  I knew I could create something lovely with them that would fit well with my collection.  Yet, it would be something different, too.

It took a number of attempts to find just the right way to display the flower - putting something together, seeing if it works, and then taking it apart when I decided it isn't just the look I was wanting to create.  Finally, I woke up one morning with an idea of just the design that would work.  So, here I present to you my very first design using polymer beads...

You can find this creation in my shop at Blue Flower Necklace at RomanticThoughts on Etsy

Have a great day!

The Romance of Christmas

There is an old saying "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away".  Christmas is one of those times when we all long for those breath-taking moments, but all too often the planning and cleaning and decorating and shopping just don't leave time for those special moments with family and friends that we will always remember.  Still there is a romance about Christmas - you can just feel it in the air! 

I love the Christmas lights that I see on the houses around town and all the decorations at the stores...the decorations on the gazebo in the town square.  I can imagine the excitement of the shoppers at Macy's in Philadelphia in October 2010 when they were suddenly surrounded by the strains of the Hallelujah Chorus.  (If you haven't seen this, you can view it at Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah performed by the Opera Company of Philadelphia and area choruses.  It is inspiring!)

Around here, there is a small town called Cuero, where they have their Annual Christmas in the Park.  It started in 2000, with the lighting of the gazebo in the park and has grown to over 120 light displays.  If you live in small-town Texas anywhere near Victoria, it is worth the trip to head on over to Cuero with the family to make a Christmas memory. (You can find information on their Facebook page - Cuero Christmas in the Park ).

I hope you all will take the time this Christmas season to enjoy family and friends and to notice those special moments that are the real treasures.  And, take a moment during all the hustle and bustle to remember the real gift of Christmas.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to take a moment to thank Hippie Chic Jewelz for featuring one of my items on her blog.  If you get a chance, you can take a look here - hippiechicjewelz.wordpress.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also, I am having a special at my Etsy Shop, RomanticThoughts .  Through Christmas, just use the coupon code CHRISTMAS2011 for a 15% discount on purchases.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finally, I want to express my appreciation to some of the curators who have been kind enough to include one of my items in their recent treasuries:





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for stopping by!!!  Have a Wonderful Christmas Season!!!

Migraines / Holiday Shopping Event

Not a romantic topic, I know.  I have suffered from migraines most of my life and, from the Promo Frenzy Team threads, I have learned that there are several people on the team that suffer also.  So, I thought I would take the opportunity to share some information.

In recent months my migraines have increased again - to 4 to 5 days a week.  For those who are blessed NOT to suffer from migraines, you should know that this makes for a miserable life.  The pain can be so intense that all you know is pain, and any light or sound or smells only serve to intensify the pain.  My doctors have tried different medications to help prevent them - like Verapamil and Pamelor and Topamax.

Over the years, different treatment plans have included anti-depressants, blood pressure medications and the current theory is to use anti-seizure medications.  Several years ago, my Neurologist had me try Topamax.  I don't recall if it really had any effect on my migraines.  All I know is that, while I was on it, I lived in a deep zombie-like fog.  I don't think that is the answer either - and it definitely effected my work, not to mention my driving ( no accidents, I just couldn't recall how I got from place to place). 

On a recent doctor visit, my doctor gave me a prescription for a new anti-seizure medication, zosnisamide.  Zonisamide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants.  It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.  For the first several days, I was so drowsy I could barely get out of bed.  Now I am getting used to it and I can function - the drowsy feelings have subsided.  AND, I have gone almost a week without a full-fledged migraine!  Hallelujah!  Still in the early stages of trying it out, but I wanted to share the info with other migraine sufferers out there that there are lots of options, so don't give up hope.  There may be a solution that could provide at least some relief.

For relief of a migraine -
Triptans - Zomig, Maxalt, Imitrex, Axert, Amerge, Relpax

Some migraine triggers -
Alcohol (especially red wine and beer).  Allergies.  Bright lights.  Certain odors or perfumes.  Missed meals.  Food related triggers may be processed, fermented, pickled, or marinated foods, baked goods, chocolate, dairy, MSG, aged cheese, aspartame and foods containing tyramine.  Weather changes - especially pressure changes, such as when a cold front comes through.  Hormones, such as that time of the month.  Stress. Changes in sleep patterns - too much or too little sleep.  Overuse of caffeine.  Some medications.  Genetics.  (Sources: Mayo Clinic , migraine-triggers)

Some Resources:
Mayo Clinic
American Headache Society
National Headache Foundation
My Chronic Migraine
The National Migraine Association
Alliance for Headache Disorders

Finally, if you have recurring migraines, it is important to get treatment.  Talk to your primary care physician about a referral to a neurologist.  It may take several tries to find something that helps, but the odds are much better if you try - with the help of a neurologist or headache specialist.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With the holidays fast approaching, most folks are getting started on their holiday shopping.  With that in mind, the Promo Frenzy Team on Etsy is having a special promotion during the month of November.  You can find detailed information about the event here: https://promotionalfrenzy.wordpress.com/category/promotional-frenzy-team-events/
The gist of it is that participating team members have hidden a picture among the items in their shop.  When you find the picture, you will also find the information about the discount being offered by that shop for the month.  The picture you are looking for is:

This picture can be found among the pictures for one item in a participating shop, but it will not be the first picture.  The Participating Shops, including my own RomanticThoughts, are -

1. Trinkets N Whatnots - www.galla15.etsy.com
Handmade Button, Crystal and Pearl Jewelry

2. Sewinggranny - www.etsy.com/shop/sewinggranny
Sewn items - baby, kitchen, home decor, holiday

3. CalliopeAZCreations - www.calliopeazcreations.etsy.com
Handmade Jewelry, Medicine Stones, Decorated Feathers

4. jQ jewelry designs - www.jQjewelrydesigns.etsy.com
Gemstone Jewelry that is Classic ... with an Edge

5. KrystalsJewelry - www.krystalsjewelry.etsy.com
Intricate Handmade Jewelry of all styles for all tastes

6. rooee - www.rooee.etsy.com
Quilts & quilted things, cloth dolls, fabric postcards

7. PaintedMemoriesByRos.etsy.com
Fine Art Note Cards and Prints

8. Peelirohini.etsy.com
Colorful and Unique Sterling silver , Gold fill Jewelry with Genuine Gemstones and/or Polymer Clay

9. www.etsy.com/shop/SunnyCrystals
Crystal Tumblestones, Natural Gemtone Jewellery & Decoupage Cards plus a bit of Vintage Jewellery

10. Symbolic Imports - www.SymbolicImports.etsy.com
Handmade Bath & Body - Lip balms, Sugar Scrubs, Handmade Soaps, Perfumes & more!

11. Beautifulswagstore - www.etsy.com/shop/beautifulswagstore
hair accessories, dog toys, baby gift sets, home decor, gift wrapping

12. Bijibijoux- www.etsy.com/shop/bijibijoux
Handmade jewelry/ beads/ supplies -

13. Newcreationz - www.etsy.com/shop/NewCreatioNZ
Fine art and photography craft

14. BountyOfBeads - www.etsy.com/shop/bountyofbeads
Handmade Bead Dangle Drop Charm Sets and Trinity Brass Findings
Jewelry Making Supplies

15. Fair Lady Boutique - www.etsy.com/shop/fairladyboutique
A Beading Boutique with vintage beads + components, Czech glass, gemstones, and custom made bead mixes

16. HollysFollyGlass - www.etsy.com/shop/HollysFollyGlass
Fine and fun Lampwork Glass Beads by artist Holly Dare.

17. Glitterbird Glass - www.etsy.com/shop/GlitterbirdGlass
Home decor and jewelry made from beautiful fused glass.

18. CrochetedbyCharlene - www.etsy.com/shop/CrochetedbyCharlene
Beautiful crocheted afghans, accessories, and much more.

19. Camillescloset- www.etsy.com/shop/Camillescloset
Handmade jewelery items.

20. Prittify - www.etsy.com/shop/Prittyfy
Handmade Jewelry, Modern, Altered Art, Steampunk

21. Crystalphotography - www.etsy.com/shop/crystalphotography
Fine Art Photography Prints and Greeting Cards

22. iaFlowerPower - www.etsy.com/shop/iaFlowerPower
Whimsical Crocheted and Knitted Baby Hats and more

23. Gabby's Quilts - www.etsy.com/shop/GabbysQuilts
Handcrafted Quilts, Tablerunners, Wallhangings and Embroidered Gifts

24. CNJ Ceramics - www.etsy.com/shop/CNJCeramics
Contemporary Clay Jewelry and Home Decor

25. LostLemonade - www.etsy.com/shop/LostLemonade
Body Care Products made to cleanse, moisturize and soothe

26. RomanticThoughts - RomanticThoughts.etsy.com
Handcrafted Jewelry, PreMade Scrapbook Pages, Vintage Items and More

27. Ooh Leela! - isabelafelix.etsy.com
Handmade dish towels and trendy accessories

28. KatersAcres - katersacres.etsy.com
Polymer Clay Creations, Trinkets, & Treasures with a Whimsical Feel

29. Magda - magdamagdaFashion.etsy.com
custom clothing, accessories and supplies

30. Ugly Duckling Beads - www.etsy.com/shop/uglyducklingbeads
Handmade glass beads, digital collage sheets, tutorials, and jewelry

31. BellaTheBead - www.bellathebead.etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry and supplies with vintage soul

32.IdeasBloom - www.ideasbloom.etsy.com
Handcrafted decorative wreaths

33. Greenhouse Glassworks - www.greenhouseglassworks.etsy.com
Fused Glass Jewelry, Stained Glass Home Decor, and Handmade Cards and Tags

34. Five Supplies - Five0101.etsy.com
All the supplies you need to create

35. TheMayFlower Fashions - themayflower.etsy.com
Fun & Stylish Fashion Designs for Women

36. Something Wyrd- www.SomethingWyrd.Etsy.com
Handcrafted jewelry and beaded charms

37. iluvmarin - iluvmarin.etsy.com
Greeting cards, scrapbooks, cupcake toppers, & festive banners

38. Lexilouflowers - www.etsy.com/shop/LexiLouFlowers?ref=si_shop
Hair Accessories, Feather headbands, and Hair ties

39. Mt Baldy Glassworks www.mtbaldyglass.etsy.com
fused glass jewelry and home decore

40. LexiekinPrints - www.etsy.com/shop/LexiekinPrints
Personalized, customized and Printable Invitations, tags, cards and more!

41. Turtlexiii- www.turtlexiii.etsy.com
Sterling Silver Jewelry with Swarovski Crystals and Pearls, Gemstones & more.

42. IsabellesAttic- www.isabellesattic.etsy.com
aprons, accessories, baby items and more

43. AshlynDesign - www.ashlyndesign.etsy.com
Artisan handmade lampwork beads, metal charms, and finished jewelry

44. eveyinorbitshop - www.eveyinorbitshop.etsy.com
Mixed media art, original aceo and zines.

45. Suzie Tenzer - www.susietenzer.etsy.com
Original fine art paintings and prints

46. LindaB - www.lindab142.etsy.com
Artisan crafted beaded and wire wrapped jewelry, Jewish jewelry and accessories, wire beaded kippot

47. DellCoveSpices - dellcovespices.etsy.com
hand mixed spices, magnetic spice kits, cocktail sugars & margarita salts, organic popcorn, popcorn toppings & other treats

48. OverTheMoonGifts - overthemoongifts.etsy.com
personalized gifts, accessories, and home decor

49. craftycreations81 - www.etsy.com/shop/craftycreations81
Peacock feather items, wedding items and items for newborns/children

50. nan gates designs - www.nangatesdesigns.etsy.com
Fabric handbags, totes and accessories

51. ProdigyCrafts - www.prodigycrafts.etsy.com
Crocheted Clothing, Accessories and Gifts

52. Cigarboxbeads - www.cigarboxbeads.etsy.com
beadweaving, beadwork, jewelry

53. VintageByRachel - www.vintagebyrachel.etsy.com
Romantic,Vintage style handmade jewelry

54. potsdamelf - www.potsdamelf.etsy.com
crazy handmade ceramics, paintings, and jewlery

55. TrinketsByLeah - TrinketsByLeah.etsy.com
Hand sculpted whimsical Jewelry, wacky trinkets, miniatures and more
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enjoy some shopping and have a wonderful day!

New Products - Premade Scrapbook Pages

This week I want to introduce some new products that I am adding to my Etsy shop. I have done Scrapbooking for about a decade and have always received rave reviews. So, I thought I would take a break from Jewelry making to create some Premade Scrapbook pages. These are designed so that all you have to do is add your pictures.

So far, the themes I have are Christmas, Autumn, Thanksgiving, Winter and Halloween.






I can also do custom scrapbook pages. Just visit my Etsy shop at and convo me about what you need.

Thank you for visiting and have a great week!

Etsy Search Ads

As many of you may know, Etsy started a new promotion gimmick called Etsy Search Ads. The premise is that when someone performs a search on Etsy, items related to that search would show up at the top of the search results for those shops/items that purchased search ads. Sounds good, right? So, I thought I would give it a try for a week and see what happened.

The results are in - with 11 hours left on my week, I have received 3,209 "impressions". In other words, an ad for one of my items showed up 3,209 times. Out of that, I received only 6 views - no favorites and no orders. Conclusion - I don't think it is worth it, at least not for me. Perhaps, others found it more productive. If you have tried the search ads, I would love to hear about your results and conclusions!

At least I gave it a try!

Here are some lovely Treasuries from people who were kind enough to include items from my shop. Thank you so very much!





Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Time for Fall

Now that the high temperatures are consistently (knock on wood) below 100 degrees (Fahrenheit), I am beginning to have hope that Fall is just around the corner. With that in mind, it seems a good time to start working on adding jewelry in Autumn colors to my shop. So, I will take this opportunity to display some of the new items that will be added to my shop in the near future....

That's all I have for this week. Have a blessed week....and see you next week!

Fires / Shop Reorganization

The other night, Mom woke me up after taking the puppies outside for their 3am "duty".  She got me up to check around outside with her, because she smelled smoke.  So, there we go wandering around outside with flashlights in our nightgowns checking for fires.  The grass and the trees and the shrubs, well just about everything, are crispy.  We could see smoke drifting past the lights, but after thorough scanning of the surroundings and the roof, we concluded that the fire wasn't close.

Once inside, I did some scouting around on the internet and found that the smoke we were smelling, was coming from a fire over 75 miles away.  The website I referenced, www.wunderground.com,  showed that we were in the smoke field from the huge Bastrop fire that continues to expand unencumbered by the intense work of the firefighters working so hard to save homes, property and animals.  Unfortunately, the website also showed just how many and how widespread are the fires in Texas.  The best we can do at this point is pray for those losing their homes, pray for the firefighters, and pray for rain.

As far as the shop, I thought I would try re-organizing the jewelry by color.  My thought was that it might give it a more pleasant, cohesive look.  If you get a chance, please take a look at my shop and let me know what you think.

Here are a couple of Treasuries featuring items from my shop.  The first was created by LindaB and the second by midnightcoiler.  Thank you both for including me in your lovely Treasuries!!!  So, have a look, enjoy....and have a blessed week!

New Shop - Trying Out Yatimi

A week or so ago, I noticed on the daily threads for the Promo Frenzy Team on Etsy that a lot of folks were talking about a new site for Handmade and Vintage goods called "Yatimi".  Seems that within a day, lots of folks were opening shops there, so I thought it was worth investigating.

Flash forward, I now have a shop on Yatimi, which you can find at http://yatimi.com/shop/RomanticThoughts.  The timing was perfect as I was coming up to expiration dates on my first items on Etsy.  Now that some of my items have expired on Etsy, you can only find those items on my shop on Yatimi.  Never fear, Etsy still has a lot of features that are not available on Yatimi - such as the teams - so I can't abandon Etsy!  My Promo Frenzy Team has been very important in helping me to build my business.

Nevertheless, I hope you will stop by my Yatimi Shop, http://yatimi.com/shop/RomanticThoughts, when you have a chance.  I am curious as to which shop people like better (especially shoppers) and why?  Let me know what you think. 

Here is a Treasury that I created in the last couple of weeks to display the work of other artisans on Etsy.  If you see something you like, click on it and it will take you to that item on Etsy.

Also, I want to express my appreciation for those who include my items in their treasuries, so you will also find a treasury by Barnwood4U and JoolsToDroolOver.

Have a great week and BE BLESSED!

The Copperhead !!!

My Mom injured her foot killing a Copperhead Snake a few days ago.  Between her being her laid up and my back injury, I am exhausted - but ever so grateful that she got the snake before it got her!  We lost one of our dogs to a copperhead snake last year.  :-(

Anyway, I didn't want to miss posting something this week, so I will take this opportunity to show you some new items in my shop this week...

First is this Double-strand pearl Bracelet with Blue Crystals


Next is this Bracelet of Green Aventurine with Silver Accents


And, Saving the Best for Last is this Cross and Vine Pendant Necklace with Pearls, Carnelian and Amethyst

This very special pendant necklace features two pendant pieces - a cross and a vine, because Jesus said "I am the vine". The necklace is made of pearls and Carnelian and Amethyst. Carnelian was chosen for its red color to represent the Blood of Christ and Amethyst was chosen for its purple color to represent His Royalty.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remember, the Promo Frenzy Team is celebrating the MEGA PROMO FRENZY SPECIAL during the month of August.  At my Shop, RomanticThoughts, you can get a discount of 15% when you use the coupon code "FrenzySpecial".  A lot of other shops are having specials, too, during this event.  So be sure to drop by Etsy.com and search for "promofrenzyteam".

Have a GREAT Week!!!  ...and here is one of my recent treasuries -


...and here is a recent treasury created by a fellow Promo Frenzy team member, BellaTheBead, that includes one of my items -

Presenting Some New Shops / MEGA Promo Frenzy Special

This week I want to highlight some of the wonderful items in some of the newer shops that are members of the Promo Frenzy Team.


This lovely Primitive OOAK (One of a Kind) Handpainted Antique Woven Picnic Basket is from Countryside Cottage.





Norma's Bath presents this yummy handmade goats milk lavender glycerin soap...




Becca's Blend created these unique earrings featuring five individually handcrafted layers of a classic fleur-de-lis pattern—tied together by silver-plated findings for an elegant effect.




This lovely Custom Ivory Rose with Blue Ribbon and silver trimmings Glass Vase Centerpiece was created by SallyMarie81




I hope your enjoyed a brief look at some of the new shops on Etsy.  Be sure and visit these shops or any of the other Promo Frenzy Shops listed to the right. 

Remember, the Promo Frenzy Team is celebrating the MEGA PROMO FRENZY SPECIAL during the month of August. Unless otherwise stated, use the coupon code "FrenzySpecial". Here is a list of the specials you can find by going to Etsy.com and searching for "promofrenzyteam"...

1) jQjewelrydesigns.etsy.com - 15% off all items over $20
2) Galla15.etsy.com - 30% off all items over $20
3) SymbolicImports.etsy.com - 25% off orders over $10 (some exclusions apply)
4) CalliopeAZCreations.etsy.com - 20% off everything in the shop
5) KrystalsJewelry.etsy.com - 20% off orders over $20

6) SunnyCrystals.etsy.com - 'Summer Special Offer' section - items already reduced plus buy 2 or more of my 3D Decoupage Cards and receive 10% Discount (refunds via paypal)
7) CrochetedbyCharlene.etsy.com - 20% off all orders
8) NewCreationz.etsy.com - 20% off everything Plus free gift Plus entry in to a draw for a voucher to my shop
9) DellCoveSpices.etsy.com - 5% off everything in the shop
10) BountyofBeads.etsy.com - 20% to 25% off Lampwork Beads, Sterling Silver and Polymer Clay
Beads (no coupon coded needed, I am using etsyonsale)

11) PaintedMemoriesByRos.etsy.com - 15% off these sections - BLANK CARD SETS, MATTED CARDS and FRAMED CARDS (also using etsyonsale, no coupon)
12) Bijibijoux.etsy.com - Use coupon code frenzyspecial for 10% off any purchase $8 & UP PLEASE
13) TurtleXIII.etsy.com - 15% off entire purchase, NOT INCLUDING destash which is already super cheap
14) delightfulprints.etsy.com - 15% off everything in my shop, does not include custom orders
15) CrimsonHill.etsy.com - 15% off any order over $10, before shipping with team code.

16) nangatesdesigns.etsy.com - 15% off everything in shop
17) Sewinggranny.etsy.com - 15% off everything in my shop
18) MoanasUniqueDesigns.etsy.com - 10% discount on orders $20 and under, 15% discount on orders over $20
19) lindab142.etsy.com - 10% off of all combined purchases over $15 dollars (except destash and paper items)
20) prodigycrafts.etsy.com - 20% off everything in my shop

21) cigarboxbeads.etsy.com - 20% off everything over $30.
22) vervecolor.etsy.com - 20% off everything in shop before shipping
23) rabbitdogprints.etsy.com- 20% off everything in shop before shipping
24) bloomandbling.etsy.com - 15% off everything in shop before shipping
25) Prittyfy.etsy.com – 15% off any order $20 and up (excluding shipping)

26) iaFlowerPower.etsy.com – 20% off any order $20 and up (excluding shipping)
27) Camillescloset.etsy.com - 15% off any order.
28) TheMayFlower.etsy.com - 20% off on any item in shop (sale price already applied! no need for a coupon code!)
29) Five0101.etsy.com - 15% off on any item in shop.
30) PowersOfLove.etsy.com - 25% off your purchase.

31) BellaTheBead.etsy.com - 15% off purchase of $20 or more (excluding shipping)
32) IdeasBloom.etsy.com - 15% off purchase before shipping
33) KrisKraftnMore.etsy.com - 10% off photography prop orders (before shipping). Buy three patterns get one free.
34) CrystalPhotography.etsy.com - In stock section is 30% off. (Prices already reduced via etsyonsale).
35.) cindydidit.etsy.com - use FRENZYSPECIAL to enjoy 20% off

36.) RomanticThoughts.etsy.com - 15% OFF everything in shop, before shipping
37.) Impactjewelry.etsy.com - 15% off all purchases (before shipping)
38.) ToyStoryNutty.etsy.com (Kater's Acres) - 10% off store prices before shipping
39. justByou.etsy.com - 10% off everything in our shop
40.) desertshinejewelry.etsy.com - 15% off everything in our shop before shipping

41) TheCraftingPlace.etsy.com - 20% off everything in our shop OR Free shipping on orders $20 or more (order must still be $20 or more once coupon is applied)
42) Galla15whatnots.etsy.com - 15% off of all orders over $25 dollars!
43) AshlynDesign.etsy.com - up to 20% off all in-stock jewelry designs (coupon not needed, prices are already reduced)
44) GlitterbirdGlamour.etsy.com - 15% off of all orders
45) craftycreations81.etsy.com - 20% off all orders over $10

46) www.etsy.com/shop/TownandCountryVntage -25% off any item (before shipping and DOES NOT include clearance items).
47) kellyjsorenson.etsy.com ~Kelly Designs~ 20% off all PreMade Logo Designs! Prices already reduced, no coupon needed :)
48) babypenguincreations.etsy.com - 25% off any order $10 or more!
49) laugingpenguin.etsy.com - 25% off any order $10 or more!
50) magdamagda.etsy.com - 25% off anything in "ready to ship" section plus free gift

51) IsabellesAttic.etsy.com - 15% off everything!
52) uniquecozytreasures.etsy.com - 5% off everything over $25. All orders receive FREE my eBook, "Vintage Ice Creams".
53) EldoradoSoap.etsy.com - 20% off all orders of $15 or more (before shipping)
54) www.etsy.com/shop/uglyducklingbeads - 20% off selected items in "MegaPromoFrenzySpecials" section
55) www.etsy.com/shop/desertshinesupply - 15% off all orders over $20 (excluding shipping).


56) kristinskeepsakes.etsy.com - free shipping for the month of aug plus a free gift!
57) www.etsy.com/shop/lovelacedesigns - 15% OFF everything in the shop (except tax and shipping) :-) Use coupon code: Frenzyspecial at checkout **PLUS** All orders will be entered in a drawing for a *FREE* Wooden Letter of his/her choice!! Winner will be announced Sept 5th.
58) www.etsy.com/shop/pepindor - FREE shipping WORLDWIDE, FREE gift wrapping!!! Enter coupon code " frenzyaugust"
59) www.etsy.com/shop/GreenhouseGlassworks - 20% off items that are $20.00 or more. Free gift with all orders!! Use coupon Frenzyspecial at checkout.
60) Dreameryphotography.etsy.com - BOGO - Buy one print and get another free! No coupon necessary, name your free print at checkout!

61) www.etsy.com/shop/cynthiathornton1- 15% off all items with team promo code    

              

MEGA PromoFrenzy Special

Over 50 Shops are participating in the MEGA PromoFrenzy Special this month.  So stop by on Etsy and search for "promofrenzyteam" to find items from the Promo Frenzy Team - or - click on one of the shops listed to the right.  Each shop has their own special for the month of August, but all shops are using the same coupon code: frenzyspecial.  Each participating shop should have an announcement beneath their shop banner describing their discount or special for this event.

This week I will be adding some red items to my shop.  Here are some pictures of the new items that will be added in the next few days....

Have a great week and don't forget to check out the

MEGA Promo Frenzy Specials!!!

The Library

When I was a kid, we would go to the library at least once a week. Then, I got older and had an income, but less time to read, so I got in the habit of buying books.  Now, circumstance have changed and checking out the local library just seems to be a good way to enjoy a good read. 

I was totally amazed at how things have changed.  Oh, I haven't actually been to the library in town yet.  While looking on the town website for information about jury duty (which I have in a couple of weeks), I stumbled across the library's website. 

Wow!  The whole Library Catalog is online!  I can search for books online and find out if they are available.  If  a book has been checked out, it tells you when the book is expected to be available.  You can request a hold on a book and then they send an email when the book is available to check out.  You can even renew your checkout online if no one has requested a hold on that particular book.

Then there is the whole eBook thing.  Now, you can even "checkout" (download) a book to your computer or other reading device without even going to the library.  The checkout period is the same three weeks and then the download deletes itself.  Who knew? 

This whole library thing could become quite an addiction!  Well, I am off to get a Library Card!  Oh, in case you were wondering, I never did find any information online about jury duty.  Guess the courts around here just aren't quite as current on technology as the library.  Nevertheless, I will show up with my Jury Duty card and a good book!

Take care and have a great week!  Here is this week's Treasury:


Just in case you need more eye candy, here is another one:

Christmas in July

It's SO TERRIBLY HOT these days! A friend had posted this wonderful clip to facebook...



It seems the best remedy is to dream of those beautiful days of wintry chill (well, that and Air Conditioning!). A little nice music doesn't hurt either.

Anyway, as long as we are longing for cooler weather, I guess it's a good time to remember that Christmas is just around the corner! My goodness, this year is going by fast. I noticed last week that the local craft store (Hobby Lobby) is already putting their Christmas stuff out! So, I thought this might be a good time to start Christmas shopping. Here are some Etsy shops that are having sales right now...


RomanticThoughts - RomanticThoughts.etsy.com
- Offering a 15% Discount, just enter the coupon code BLOGJUNJUL11 when you check out.

MagdaMagda - MagdaMagda.etsy.com
 - Offering Free Shipping during the month of July.  No coupon code necessary.

Town and Country Vintage - TownandCountryVntage.etsy.com
- Offering a 20% Discount, just enter the code PROMOFRENZY when you check out.

Crystal Photography - CrystalPhotography.etsy.com
- All items tagged "Christmas in July", as well as bookmarks, individual greeting cards, and prints up to 5x7 in size are on for free shipping!
- Clearance Section: Buy one get one free of equal or lesser value. Please state the free item (from clearance section) in message to seller.

Powers of Love - PowersOfLove.etsy.com
- Christmas in July Sale. 20% Discount, just enter the coupon code JULYXMAS when you check out.

Bounty of Beads - BountyofBeads.etsy.com
- Clearing out  Polymer Clay Beads and Lampwork Beads sections.  "Make me an offer on the entire section sale"  - If anyone is interested in purchasing either of those ENTIRE sections at one time, I am entertaining ALL offers. 

Linda B's Jewelry - LindaB142.etsy.com
-  15% off any total purchases in the Christmas In July section of my shop over $12 (does not include shipping). Must use coupon code CAS711.



Here is this week's Treasury -

New Pictures

I have been working on new pictures, so I thought I would show off some of them this week.

First Set


Second Set


Third Set


Fourth Set


Reminder: For those following my Blog, I have a coupon code that can be used in my shop . It is good for 15% off your entire purchase. Just enter the code BLOGJUNJUL11 when you check out.

Treasuries

This week, I worked on building Treasuries. Treasuries offer Etsy members, whether they are buyers or sellers, the opportunity to put together groupings of items from various Etsy shops, displaying and promoting items that the Treasury curator appreciates.

Here are two of my Treasuries that made it close to the top of the Treasuries listing -


This one actually made it to the number two spot on the list of Treasuries...


Oh, I thought I would add just one more. Since the economy is not great, I thought that a Treasury of items on Clearance might be fun. There are some really nice items on Clearance. Here are just a few...


The creator of the spoon ring in the top row of this treaury sent me a message to pass on to readers of my blog. They are offering a 10% discount on anything in their shop. Just use the coupon code BLOGREADER10 when you check out. Their shop is called Revisions and can be found at Revisions.etsy.com.

Reminder: For those following my Blog, I have a coupon code that can be used in my shop . It is good for 15% off your entire purchase. Just enter the code BLOGJUNJUL11 when you check out.

Just have to throw this in - WE HAVE RAIN! It has been about 6 months since we have had rain! I am sure that there are many folks around here rejoicing this morning. God is GOOD! Have a blessed day!