Happy Handmade

I buy and sell handmade goods - with a passion!  Etsy, Zibbet, Ebay to name a few.  Our fine art prints are available on FAA, Zazzle and Society 6.  We've sold in local markets since 1974, so I feel qualified to share my opinion on the current state of the "handmade" marketplace.  It's not a very happy place these days, and I hope that is due to change!

Recent turmoil on Etsy has spilled over to other venues, most recently showing it's ugly head at Zibbet. Folks are angry, hurt and upset.  Name calling, finger pointing and pure hatred fill the social media sites that once promoted our wares.  While I'm distressed and sad that my friends and colleagues are hurting, I view this event as a good thing - a long overdue cleansing of the field.  Consider the stock market and the inflated prices that created a bubble.  That bubble burst because the underlying value of the stocks could not support the inflated pricing.  I believe the handmade market has just experienced a bubble bursting, and am hopeful for a real recovery.

As both a buyer and seller, I've experienced this recent flurry of anger.  I've encountered many vendors with hateful attitudes and unreasonable shop policies.  I've dealt with overly demanding buyers.  It puzzled me for some time until I realized that most of these sellers were more interested in profit than in their craft.  They bought into the advertising and promotion telling them they could "quit their day job" and make a living selling arts and crafts.  Many of these new shop owners  had never sold their wares before.  They hopped on the Ebay and Etsy wagons and were dragged to some success by a tidal wave of "handmade" passion.  Etsy became a designer label, and substandard goods sold with ease.  Buyers were confused and unable to count on high quality workmanship. Sellers were cautioned to raise their prices and promote their "brand".  But like every trend, the "handmade" movement has passed it's heyday.  That does not mean that high quality, well-priced goods are out of style.  Far from it!  What I see is the end of the love affair with the label, with ANYTHING sold on Etsy being considered a prize.  What I envision is the survival of the fittest - the artists and crafters who value their work beyond it's monetary value.  Those are the people that created the frenzy and will continue to create their wares whether they sell them or not.  Those sellers with a primary interest in earning a living wage will cry out in anger and eventually find other sources of income.  Those of us with a passion for creating will continue making and sharing our wares.

Now, I'm not saying that art and financial success are mutually incompatible.  I've known several lucky artists who have done very well.  But I've also seen many who thrive with a popular product then crash and burn when the trend subsides.  Think about it…how can 1 person alone create enough quality product each week to financially sustain a household?  The very definition of true handmade goods makes profitability almost impossible.  History tells us that most artists are not valued until their death!  Where do you think the term "starving artist" was born?  Chasing a profit is like a dog chasing it's own tail!  It doesn't make one very happy!

Folks like me make things because we must!  Creating is a way of life, a true passion that has nothing to do with profit.  Now, profit is wonderful and there is nothing more thrilling than receiving that email saying "a sales has been made on your account"!  But it's the validation, the knowledge that someone, somewhere liked your work enough to want it!  That is even more thrilling than the monetary gain.  That's what keeps us selling!  If you are lucky enough to love your work AND make a profit, you are truly blessed!

Learning things like SEO and product photography, not to mention keywords and descriptions are challenging.  They are a necessary "evil" in marketing our work.  Some have made money simply because they excel at the marketing end of the business.  But, most of the happy artists I know struggle with the marketing.  Again, it is not the REASON they create, it is simply a necessity.

In conclusion, I wish all my fellow artisans continued success.  But most of all, I wish them happiness!  That, to me, is the difference in a vendor and a true handmade artist.  Here's to Happy Handmade Artists and Crafters!

With a Little Help from my Friends no. 2

This week's featured artists are very near and dear to my heart..as well as talented!  Please meet my good friends, and fellow Texas artists, Gwen and Pat Knieff.

Gwen is a woman of many talents, which she currently showcases in her BaiBai Emporium shop on Zibbet.  She creates adorable little fairies, just bubbling with personality.  The tiny details that she paints on their faces are amazing!  She pours the molds, paints and fires them, then dresses each fairy and gives it a home and a personality!   This is Fairy Joan

                                        and this is Geraldine Showing off her Crystal

Gwen's equally talented husband, Pat, is a photographer who sells his art on Fine Art America.  You can find him at Pat Knieff Art.  
His works range in subject from stunning beauty to downright funny!
Here are a couple of favorites:

                                                                    Delicate Flowers

Beautiful Fowl




                        




               And this fine piece to make you laugh:

                                         Unique Hair Piece









Gwen and Pat are new to the online world of arts and crafts.  Stop by their shops and show them some love!  Tell them Texas Eagle sent you!

With a Little Help from my Friends no. 1

Have you missed me yet? 
This poor old blog has been sadly neglected for many months.  I'm hopeful that my plans for a new weekly feature will get me back doing what I truly enjoy - sharing beauty and inspiration through this site.
First, as an excuse, I'll explain that our house burned down last November and has been a constant drain of time and energy for 6 long months.  But, as usual, the blessings outnumber the hardships:  1)nobody was injured;  2)we already had a new home under construction;  3)the rebuild has created a fresh new space; 4) the kindness of friends and neighbors has been overwhelming;  and on and on. 

 

With this major task behind me, I'm pleased to announce my plans for a weekly post featuring one or more of my amazing artisan friends.  I take much pleasure (and find sanity) in creative endeavors.  These folks inspire me, advise me, and promote our works.  I'm pleased to start this first edition by featuring the wonderful and varied works of my friend Becky West!

  Rockers III 

Refreshment

Lighthouse VIIII 

Sample Bag

Build your Own Necklace components

So grab a cuppa tea, sit and enjoy the wonderful creations that Becky has available.   You can find her at Body & Soul by RWest Designs, Rebeccas Jewelry, and at Rebecca West Art on FAA.

 She's one amazing gal, I can vouch for that!

 

Finding Christmas

Words can't begin to explain the Joy and Peace we've been given this year for Christmas.  You see, we have FRIENDS all over the world, and Friends are the BEST Presents!

2012 has been an unbelievably hard year for our family.  Our son Chris (born on Christmas day many years ago) lost his battle with diabetes in March.  We spent our last few weeks with him while also dealing with a house that had been flooded by a backed up sewer line.  Nine days after he left us, as the house was beginning to take shape again, a second flood was forced upon us and we had to start over again.  Another son took over the refurbishment, and we continued our quest to build our dream home in the piney woods of East Texas.  Building a home is stressful under the finest of circumstances, but progress was made with my hubby's endless energy and persistence.  Then came that dreaded call in the night telling us the family home (yes, the one with 2 floods already) was on fire!  Praise God - our son, a friend and the pets were able to escape.  Morning brought visions of charred rafters and ceilings now covering the floors.  Thankful, but tired, we began the dreaded business of insurance claims, clean up and rebuild.   And so it continued.....but then it hit me - the fire had stolen what little Christmas the year had left us!  Forty years worth of decorations had been in that attic!  All the handmade projects - the thumbprint mice on wooden spoons, the painted and glittering pine cones, the salt dough treasures lovingly crafted with tiny hands.  They were gone, or totally covered with smoke and soot!  So it was decided - NO CHRISTMAS this year!  No tree, no lights, maybe not even any presents. 

But then our family and friends stepped in.  An enormous second-hand tree was supplied by our daughter, along with thousands of lights.  My fellow shop-owners at Zibbet.com began shipping ornaments on a daily basis. Other online friends read my joyful posts and soon joined the effort.  The postmaster declared the good news of more boxes arriving to a crowded lobby, so soon my neighbors joined in the giving.  The outpouring of love is beyond amazing!  It has rekindled our spirits, awakened a lost hope, and brought unknown joy.  And now we have the most amazingly beautiful "Friendship Tree" to remind us forever of our blessings.

We have always given to others - it's just "what you do".  Our kids were raised giving blankets and singing carols at the nursing home; going with Papa to deliver baskets to the poor; selecting an angel and buying gifts from their own allowances; dropping every bit of change in that red kettle.  Giving and Christmas were one and the same.  Now we've experienced the joy of being on the receiving end, and what a blessing this has been!  My friends have given up beloved treasures, crafted one of a kind delights, and most importantly - shared their hearts.  We are blessed beyond measure.  Our cup runneth over.  Thank you dear friends!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Joy to the World!

These are just a few of the many gifts of love we've received.  You can see the whole album on my FaceBook page here.

Ireland, a Land of Beauty

Howdy!  It's been a long while since we've posted here, but I think the wait was worthwhile!  Dear Hubby and I took a nice long trip across the pond during the month of September.  We shared good food and good times with dear friends, and came home with another 20,000 photos of the lovely Emerald Isle!  Many of them are in a charming watercolor or illustration style.  As you can imagine, it will take some time to get the best of them edited and listed for sale, but here's a preview!  Hope you enjoy them as much as we loved taking them!

Available for sale in the Wee Irish Gallery section of our Zibbet shop!

 

We're adding new pics daily, so stop on by for a look...and a virtual cuppa!  Slan!

A new Twist - Turn Peace Around

I was recently introduced to the concept of Turn Peace Around - a wonderful new twist to an old idea.  As a child of the 60s, I grew up in the groovy world of peace signs.  This new take on the classic peace sign took me back to my youth, then lifted me up with an inspiring new message!  The original symbol, which was actually drawn as a man in despair, with arms down and out, has been turned upside down!  The new version, with arms upward, is a much more positive symbol for peace.  For most of us, this means we are PRO-peace, not anti-war.

Texas Eagle Gallery has joined forces with a collective group of new age "Peace- niks" to share our wares on Zibbet.  You can find dozens of items in the Turn Peace Around shop.  Hope you'll stop by and take a look.

For more information about the Turn Peace Around movement, to connect with others that believe in a positive peace sign, and to keep up with new projects and specials, please check us out at:
~ Facebook page [http://www.facebook.com/turnpeacearound]
~ G+ page [http://gplus.to/turnpeacearound]
~ the blog [http://turnpeacearound.blogpost.com]

Have you ever asked for a Sign?

Have you ever been troubled, overwhelmed or just uncertain?  Have you ever asked for a Sign?  Well, I certainly have.  This past year has handed us unimaginable troubles:  the death of a son and a father; the flooding of our "For Sale" home (TWICE) with sanitary sewage; extreme drought and forest fires - just to name a few!  As a Christian, I find comfort in God's care, and try to start each day thankful and positive.  But some days it's just hard.....

Like the bleary-eyed morning I saw this magnet by Monk Mama on Zibbet.

Jesus KNOWS Me, This I LOVE!   That play on words says it all to me!  It changed my perspective for the day and has continued to enrich me on a daily basis.  I've shared the magnet with my Mom and I know it blessed her too. 

Think about it!  Have you ever known someone famous?  It's not that you know them....everyone does!  It's that they know YOU!  I'm lucky enough to have received many smiles and winks from famous friends on the stage.  It's thrilling.  I love just applying that feeling to the fact that JESUS recognizes and acknowledges me from on high too!  Wow!  I don't feel small or helpless at all knowing this!  Jesus Loves Me, Jesus KNOWS me!  And I am truly blessed!

I hope this saying blesses you too. 

Homemade Halloween Fun

Some of my fondest memories are of the "just for fun" holiday - Halloween! It was the one day of the year that I could stay out late roaming the streets with my friends - boys & girls! As we became teens, we papered a few houses and rang doorbells and ran. But mostly we just dressed up in homemade costumes, gathered candy, cupcakes, popcorn balls, and apples. Yes, I grew up before we were enlightened about all the evils that folks can do, so homemade treats from the neighborhood were totally acceptable. What a wonderful, naive time in which to grow up!

Sweeter still are the memories of Halloweens with my children. We spent weeks before the big day creating costumes. Of course they were handcrafted! We never even considered "store-bought"! We made huge messes in the kitchen too - Carmel apples, Popcorn Balls, and Krispy Kritters were the treats we enjoyed for weeks before and after October 31st. Everyone created and cooked and enjoyed weeks of fun in the name of Halloween.

Now the grandchildren are the only trick-or-treaters in the family. I so miss the bedlam of the good ole days! No sticky carmel, no rice krispies on the sofa....no face paint on the lavatory and mirror! But I still take time to create some handmade fun each fall.

My new passion is creating beautiful new items from re-purposed materials. I've revived the art of making pumpkins from vent hoses.

 Another favorite craft is garlands from "JunkMail Jewels" - my folded paper stars. These were made from leftover Halloween bags.

So while times have changed, my passion for Halloween fun has not! I'm finishing up my "kitty" costume and headed into town to take my 2 little munchkins trick-or-treating! They are just 9 months and 3 years old, so it should be a "treat" to see their faces as they discover the age-old fun. Hope you and yours make this time of year special too! Memories are forever!

Wordless Wednesday again

Golden Gate - Purple Sky

Wordless Wednesday - You'll Never Walk Alone

You'll Never Walk Alone

Wordless Wednesday

available at Texas Eagle Gallery

ZBox - a Super Sampler!

Whether you're a Zibbet buyer or seller, you need to know about ZBox!  As a buyer, you'll be able to sample dozens of products for one tiny price and easily find your favorite shops. 

As a seller, you'll find a fantastic marketing tool in the ZBox!  This very successful sample program features and promotes both our shops and Zibbet as a whole.  We have a nice following and have received positive feedback and reviews from those outside the Zibbet community, including the Little Black Box and Beauty Pirate.  We have no quotas or monthly requirements to join our group.  Zibbet sellers just send samples or coupons when you wish.  You'll receive promos all over the internet (FB, YouTube, Blogs, Giveaway pages, etc)  in addition to having your samples in the hands of eager buyers.
CHECK us out here:
http://www.facebook.com/samplezbox
http://www.youtube.com/ZBoxTV
http://www.zibbeters.blogspot.com
http://www.zibbet.com/samplezbox
JOIN US HERE AT: http://community.zibbet.com/group/zboxpromotionteam
Check us out!

Junk Mail!

Just look at this photo!  This is what's left behind after opening and sorting a typical day's mail!

I've shredded almost this much, and I've even removed the brightly colored and interesting bits that I'll recycle!  What an unbelievable waste of resources!  While I'm not a "tree hugger", I do believe strongly in managing our resources, and I hate waste!  Almost daily I receive several 9x12 flat envelopes that contain only 1 sheet of paper!  Often they contain a commission check worth less than the cost of postage!   And there are always duplicate envelopes from the same company.   Whatever happened to a system that gathered correspondence from all departments and combined it before shipping?  Could it really cost more than all the added postage and supplies?  It makes me very sad.

However, this waste is my inspiration for our JunkMail Jewels.  While they don't actually save many trees, they are symbolic of the problem and inspire me to do more.  I use them as magnets, garlands, ornaments, jewelry and hair clips.  They remind me to recycle, to be creative, and they often invite others to share the mission.  Please take a look at our creations.  Maybe you'll find a piece you love or an idea you could share.  We'd love to hear your ideas for creative ways to use all this wasted paper!

Hot in Texas

Did I mention it was HOT in Texas? Seriously hot, as in 105 to 108 for the last few days. The doggies won't even head outdoors to do their business without a shove out the door. The birdbath needs refilling 2 times per day, and the birds are flying holding patterns round the lawn waiting their turn at the fountain.

So, I'm indoors, sweltering as the air conditioner tries it's darnedest to keep up....singing carols and making Christmas ornaments! This is actually very wise (she says in her sage grandmotherly voice). It allows me to "think" cool. It allows me to prepare my crafts for the upcoming rush. And, last but not least, it means I'm way too busy to do any errands or chores outside!

I'm excited about my new line of JunkMail Jewels ornaments. Can't unveil them just yet, but soon....very soon. Now I'm off to water the garden plants - it's dark and the air can finally be breathed without scorching your lungs. And still I'm "dreaming of a white Christmas".

My husband thinks I'm "Blooming" Crazy!

Yep, my dear husband's an engineer, and a very fine photographer too.  Everything he makes is done with a precision that is agonizing for me to watch.  His work is fantastic, and was the origin of our online gallery. 

...and then, there's ME!  His polar opposite!  He just shakes his head when he enters my workshop.  Take my flame fashioned organza flowers for instance.  I like to purchase fabric because it "calls me", not because I have a project in mind.  It sits and ages until we get to know each other well enough to become creative partners.  This beautiful rainbow organza decided to take on a new life as beautiful blossoms. 

I assisted by cutting and applying the heat.  I allow each petal to mold itself, holding it gently near the flame as it twists and curls into a petal or leaf.  Then I mix and match the petals until we are all happy with each other and I have a bouquet! 

I'll add beads or button centers as they come into full bloom.  I'll sew or glue each blossom into a pin, hairclip, pillow accent, or bookmark so that it can find it's useful place in society.  After all this interaction, I'm sad each time one of my babies leaves me for it's new home. .... and once again, Dear Husband just shakes his head.

Christmas Shopping!

Just did a bit of Christmas shopping and it's not even the middle of July yet!  But the deals I've found were just too good to pass up!  We've joined the elves and are hard at work adding goodies to our shops.  The Zibbet sale is in full swing.  Shop early for best discounts & selection.

Join our Christmas in July celebration! We're offering 20% off for one week, 15% off 2nd week, then 10% off to finish out the month....so SHOP NOW 

No coupons required.
Find tons of sales on zibbet by searching "xmasjuly"

Gulf Coast Charity Series Art Prints

We've spent most of our lives vacationing along America's southern Gulf Coast, anywhere from Texas to Florida.   Unfortunately, we've only recently come to the full realization of the unique and wonderful beauty that is the US Gulf Coast. For us, the wonder of childhood was replaced by the wanderlust of youth and we longed for unfamiliar horizons.  Travel and longevity have brought us back home in our hearts, and replaced our territorial pride with knowledge certain.....from the Mexican border in Texas to the Florida keys, this is one fantastic national treasure!

Now this entire region is threatened, along with a time honored way of life that can never be replaced.  The family heritage of fishermen and shopkeepers will come to an end if action isn't taken soon.  Surely politics and greed won't keep our countrymen from actually stopping this flow of oil.  Hopefully fear and fanaticism won't stop the drilling that feeds families and fuels our nation.  Common ground and common sense must win.  We grow up tough here in the south, and we will survive.  All together, and One step at a time.

We've added a shop section featuring gulf coast images.  A generous portion of the profits from all sales will be donated to Ducks Unlimited.  We like their history and charity ratings, with over 86%  of donations used in programs, not administration.  Their stated mission:  "to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North Americas waterfowl".    Please shop with us today, or contact Ducks Unlimited to make your own donation.

And the Winner is.........

Thanks to all that entered our "Shoppers Prefer" contest.  We have chosen our winner via Random.org, so......drumroll, please.....the winner is VKT (Veteran Kindergarten Teacher)!  Congratulations on your $25 gift certificate. 

In addition, we would like to thank all who voted in our comparison poll.  The results were consistent, with Zibbet maintaining a lead from the beginning.  The final results were: Zibbet at 58.5% preferred to Etsy at 41.2%.  We love all our shops and know that life would be boring if we all had the same tastes, so please don't take offense if you are an Etsy fanatic.  We love Etsy too!  

CPSIA: An open letter to my Congressman

The CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) is killing business for many of us.  We can make a difference if we make our voices heard.  Following is my letter to the Honorable Kenny Marchant.  Please feel free to copy any part of it in your own message to your representative.  You can look up and contact your representative at Write Your Representative by entering your address and complete zip code.

My letter:
I recently lost my full time job and I supplement my part time income selling handmade arts and crafts, including children's items.  I produce high quality clothing and toys that I use with my own grandchildren.  CPSIA compliance has made it nearly impossible for me to comply and  will put me out of business when fully implemented in 2011.

I am joining many in the handmade community asking for you to bring relief to thousands of small batch children's product makers.  A law intended to stop  the import of shoddy and dangerous products into the US is now threatening the small business owners within our borders.  It also hurts parents by limiting the goods they can buy for their children, my local fabric store by lowering their sales, charity and thrift stores by cutting off their supply...and on and on.

Thanks to the collective voices of American small business and citizens, we were heard by the media and our representatives, and a bill was introduced by the Department of Energy and Commerce, to amend the CPSIA, offering important relief to thousands of small batch business owners.  This relief would prevent many of us from closing our doors.  We need Democrats and  Republicans in Washingon to work together to help American small business owners.

Please take a stand and show your commitment to keeping our businesses alive.  We are  asking the House Commerce Committee that the CPSIA draft bill go to mark up and become open for discussion.  Please help me, and thousands of others, to keep our shops alive.  Please work to pass this important legislation.

Sincerely,
Norma Brock
Texas Eagle Gallery
www.texaseaglegallery.com

p.s.  You will notice my shop has almost no children's items.  They were my biggest sellers up until 2/10/10 when I had to remove them to comply with CPSIA.

Shoppers Prefer.......Etsy or Zibbet????

Which online shopping site do you prefer...Etsy or Zibbet?  Before you answer, please take time to visit each shop and see it with an open mind, as if it were your first online shopping experience.  We aren't playing favorites here; we LOVE all three of our shops.  They are like 3 children to us -- each different but loved for it's own special characteristics.
 http://www.texaseagle.etsy.com

http://www.weeirish.etsy.com

http://www.zibbet.com/texaseagle

So, please check them out, then take our poll located at the side of this page.  And we'd love to hear your thoughts too. Tell us WHY you prefer Etsy or Zibbet.  Tell us what you'd like to see.  Anyone leaving a comment is automatically entered to win a $25 gift certificate to any of our shops.  Winner will be announced on Monday, June 1st, and will be chosen randomly from all entries.

We really need your input!  Please read this, check out our sites, then respond to our poll.