a needle in the haystack

Saturday, April 02, 2011

ArtFire Collection made by Christiecottage

Media Mixing on Artfire

Curated By: ChristieCottage

ArtFire.com

Unique Gifts

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Twitter Tree Thursday

The Twitter Tree© will be hosted by a different shop each business day.

Monday: http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/
Tuesday: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/
Wednesday: http://elunajewelry-nc.blogspot.com/
Thursday: http://aneedleinthehaystack-debbie.blogspot.com/
Friday: http://sweetybird09.blogspot.com/2010/

Be sure and stop by and be a part of the twitter tree each day.
Instructions:
You tweet the item(s) for me and all the posts above yours, along with your twitter account so we can follow you, and list 1-3 items (clickable links) from any of your online shops that you would like for all those posting here to tweet for you. ( No "mature" items, please). Be sure the item is twitter ready. (See below) Check back throughout the day and tweet all the new items posted from other online shops. Etsy, ArtFire, Zibbet, Bonanzle, ebay, your own website, etc..
Please add this tag to your tweets. " #BlueBird"

This way we can Retweet later in the day, simply by searching the tag.
Thanks!
By reaching out thru blogger and blog follower's twitter accounts, we will reach a new audience of viewers and hopefully land some sales. After all, we all have our online shops to make sales.

Please remember that your post can only be so long for Twitter or it will say the post is to long and then words have to be removed.

Please keep your post to 3 listings and thank you for coming by to the Twitter Tree

Set of 12 black and rainbow digital sheets
http://bit.ly/ia35GQ #Bluebird #crochet18purple @Artfire

The Bumble Bee and The Flower photo print http://bit.ly/doSSCP
#Bluebird #Crochet18purple @Artfire

Set of 9 what to wear assorted dresses on a
by crochet18purple http://etsy.me/gh9OIM
#Bluebird #Etsybot

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Twitter Tree Thursday

Michael Kors Gold leather handbag with free shipping
http://tinyurl.com/4hjqp3e
#Bluebird #crochet18purple@Bonanza

Crochet hippy bag pdf pattern http://bit.ly/gNO2Gc
#Bluebird #crochet18purple@ArtFire

Tommy Hilfiger Teal handbag
http://tinyurl.com/4tnygkf
#Bluebird#crochet18purple@Bonanza

Check out this great ArtFire collection from
Curated by TRocheWoodDesigns Just click on the picture

to rate and show some love and perhaps a tweet

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Happy Sunday and I have some free digitals to share

These are for the snagging. Just right click on them and save to your pictures. You can use them in your crafting fun. The butterflies are 450*450

The wings are 300*300 I hope you enjoy

Saturday, March 19, 2011

I just have to ask why?

Yesterday Gavyn and I had some running to do so since T J Max was across the street from Fresh Market I wanted to go in there for a bit and look around. So I get out of my car and go around to get Gavyn. We started to walk and when I went to step off the medium I fell and I fell hard, I landed on my left knee, skinning and bruising it and apparently twisted my right ankle. It was such a shock and the pain was bad that I almost passed out, but I still had gavyn by the hand. I told him we needed to set there for a moment to let me get my self together. He looked at me and said "grandma you scared me" well scared grandma too.

Now the thing that concerned me the most is NO ONE came to help. And there was a woman setting in her car right next to my car and people on the side walk but no one came to see if I was ok. Now if it had been just me that wouldn't have bugged me so much but the fact that I had a 5 year old with me has really concerned me.

What is wrong with people? I would have went to someone to make sure they were ok. Isn't that the humane thing to do? Especially when you see that they have a young child with them

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Twitter Tree Thursday

The Twitter Tree© will be hosted by a different shop each business day.

Monday: http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/
Tuesday: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/
Wednesday: http://elunajewelry-nc.blogspot.com/
Thursday: http://aneedleinthehaystack-debbie.blogspot.com/
Friday: http://sweetybird09.blogspot.com/2010/

Be sure and stop by and be a part of the twitter tree each day.
Instructions:
You tweet the item(s) for me and all the posts above yours, along with your twitter account so we can follow you, and list 1-3 items (clickable links) from any of your online shops that you would like for all those posting here to tweet for you. ( No "mature" items, please). Be sure the item is twitter ready. (See below) Check back throughout the day and tweet all the new items posted from other online shops. Etsy, ArtFire, Zibbet, Bonanzle, ebay, your own website, etc..
Please add this tag to your tweets. " #BlueBird"

This way we can Retweet later in the day, simply by searching the tag.
Thanks!
By reaching out thru blogger and blog follower's twitter accounts, we will reach a new audience of viewers and hopefully land some sales. After all, we all have our online shops to make sales.

Please remember that your post can only be so long for Twitter or it will say the post is to long and then words have to be removed.

Please keep your post to 3 listings and thank you for coming by to the Twitter Tree

Digital Ladybug scrapbooking paper collection you print #ArtFire
http://bit.ly/gp2Oob
#Bluebird

Retro Diva scrapbooking paper collection
by crochet18purple http://etsy.me/ebfGDF
#Etsybot #Bluebird

If you find the man of your dreams digital
by crochet18purple http://etsy.me/hPIAs4
#Bluebird #Etsybot

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Today is my mom's birthday

So I have a cake to bake and take to her and I made her a rooster/chicken coaster. For years every time you ask her what would you like for your birthday, Mother's day or any time it was time for a gift she will joke and say she wants a chicken. So I try to some how incorporate a chicken into the gift. I also bought her a pretty navy blue pocketbook that I think she is going to love.

I finally got my next paper collection finished and listed. Got to LOVE some lady bugs. Just click on the picture and go to ArtFire

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Decoupageing with my digital's

Doing digital's I learn something new all the time. Just because it is a 300*300 doesn't necessarily mean that that is the only way you can print it. With some of the sample I did the bug was done as a 300*300 and the lady was done as a 500*500, just printed in 2 different sizes. I figured I better get some samples done to show some if the ways these digital images can be used. This is just the beginning of what these can be used for. I used 3 coats of gloss Mod Podge, letting the dry thoroughly between each coat. Then I waited 24 hours and sprayed with a high gloss sealer

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Twitter Tree Thursday

Little Retro Diva digital Easter card you print
http://bit.ly/hS0ahh #Bluebird #crochet18purple@ArtFire

Retro Diva scrapbooking paper collection by crochet18purple http://etsy.me/gph0sz

#Bluebird #Etsybot

Set of 9 bugs digital sheet you print
by crochet18purple on @Etsy
http://etsy.me/eix2qr #Bluebird #Etsybot

Monday, March 07, 2011

Well the votes aren't looking to good for Etsy

I recieved an email last night from Zibbet and they were asking me to vote for them, so I went in and checked it out and went ahead and voted and was suprised at what I seen. Out of 72772 votes ArtFire 45% and Zibbet 41% were kicking then I seen that Etsy was at 3% Wow that was kinda shocking. All of these votes and they were only 3%, Voting closes at 11:59 P.M. EST on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, right here, on the About.com DIY Fashion GuideSite.

http://diyfashion.about.com/b/2011/02/11/2011-about-com-readers-choice-awards-diy-fashion-finalists-vote-now.htm

Todays twitter tree is hosted by...... http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 04, 2011

ahhh the start of my retro diva collection

After many hours that turned into weeks of preparing for the diva's I have a listing up on Etsy. It is a 5 paper and picture scrap booking collection and I couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome. I will get this in my ArtFire shop as well, because due to all the little fees on Etsy I have made the decision to list only one one Etsy and once sold will not be re listed but will be available on ArtFire since there I pay only one fee a month.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Twitter Tree Thursday

Saint Patricks Day assorted set of 9 digital sheet http://bit.ly/f8AEgM

#Bluebird #crochet18purple @ArtFire

The Bumble Bee and The Flower photo print http://bit.ly/doSSCP #Bluebird

#Crochet18purple @Artfire

Set of 9 what to wear assorted dresses on a by crochet18purple http://etsy.me/gh9OIM

#Bluebird #Etsybot

I started a thread on ArtFire for the Twitter tree take a moment and show it some love

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=forums&op=view_topic&page_no=1&topic_src=1&tid=29761

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Ideas for fall already

So I am watching the Michael Kors fall fashion show and here is what I seen. The colors were gray, beige, a mauve color and a beautiful purple almost a grape color. The accessories were big chokers wide cuff bracelets and platform heels. Now 2 things that really caught my eye was an over the shoulder faux fur pocketbook that looked very similar to one I crocheted a few years ago ( time to bring out the hook and furry yarn) The second was a beautiful wide scarf with the pockets on each end. Just throwing out some ideas here.

Now about more digital's I have been working hard preparing some retro and vintage divas for some up coming projects here are some completed ones that will soon make an appearance in my shops . I took lot's of patterns that I purchased at the thrift shops and scanned and started erasing, editing, repairing some to get this group together.

I have put in a freebie today. It is 500*500 in size and 300 dpi's just right click and save

Sunday, February 27, 2011

My newest ArtFire listing

Well I spent a lot of time yesterday working on some digital's for Saint Patricks day. I figured since my Etsy bill is getting to high I should post them only on ArtFire. I hope you will click on the picture and go and check them out.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Before and after photo

So yesterday I am in a bnr on Etsy and seen where a seller was selling vintage knit and crochet patterns with some great pictures. Now even though I knit and crochet I was more excited about the pictures so I could play with them. I think the end results are pretty cool.

Now just a little something to describe how I do some of my digital's. I work in Paint Shop Pro X2. I know how to create my own tube's, mask and paint brushes. I know how to get rid of backgrounds and add to or take away from pictures. I can change colors or looks of a photo and I taught myself. With lot's of time and mistakes and some great items. My digital's don't happen in a few minutes some can take days to produce and some can take a couple of hours depending on the complexity of the project. It is something I love and am very passionate about.

Now here are my before and afters from a black and white photo that I added color to.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Welcome to the Twitter Tree!

Welcome to the Twitter Tree!

Instructions:
Here is a list of three items (clickable links) that I would like for you to tweet for me.

You tweet one or all of them.

You post the item(s) you tweeted for me along with your twitter account so I can follow you, and list 1-3 items (clickable links) from any of your online shops that you would like for me to tweet for you. ( No "mature" items, please). Be sure the item is twitter ready. (See below

I will post what I tweeted for you.
By reaching out thru blogger and blog follower's twitter accounts, we will reach a new audience of viewers and hopefully land some sales. Afterall, we all have our online shops to make money.

The Twitter Tree will be hosted by a different shop each business day.

Monday: http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/

Tuesday: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/
Wednesday: http://elunajewelry-nc.blogspot.com/

Thursday: http://aneedleinthehaystack-debbie.blogspot.com/

Friday: http://sweetybird09.blogspot.com/2010/

Be sure and stop by and be a part of the twitter tree each day.

She walks like beauty in the night vintage look
by crochet18purple http://etsy.me/hFcUiX
#Bluebird #Etsybot

If you find the man of your dreams digital

by crochet18purple http://etsy.me/hPIAs4

#Bluebird #Etsybot

Set of 56 assorted small digital print sheet

http://bit.ly/gvhRXf
#Bluebird #ArtFire #Digital

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Our Health care system is a shamble

Last night I was bothered by what I seen at the Emergency room.

As we walked in the place was full almost no where to set, and as the night went on

the waiting room thinned out and the stay went into hours as they ran test on my granny to make sure she was ok

I watched and listened to people who had been waiting for hours to see a doctor.

There was a young couple setting close to us who had brought their young daughter
to the er in desperate need for her to see a doctor, she was maybe 8 months old
they waited over 6 hours before they were finally called back.

Another young woman who had been trying desperately to see a doc for 2 days waiting hours
because she was possibly on the verge of miscarrying her baby finally gave up and left
because she had been there so long she was tired and drained.

I then saw 2 young men come in one with a head wound that was bleeding, they had
to set down and wait and wait.

By the time we were leaving the young man with the head wound was still waiting to be
seen. Now all of this was happening after the er had thinned down

It was 4 in the morning and some people had admitted to having been there since as
early as 5 the afternoon before.

So as I am walking back to where my granny was I see them at the nurses station just to me what
appeared to be hanging out, I passed rooms of empty beds that should have had some off
these patients in them.

Then I start to think, is it because that alot of people who have to come to the
er don't have insurance. Does the hospital think that if they make you wait long enough
you will get fed up and leave? Is it all about money?

I think so, what do you think I would really love to hear some opinions

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Today is all about ArtFire

I think there are alot of us that have ArtFire shops so today http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/ is lighing a fire for ArtFire. We want to start on Saturdays promoting our ArtFire shops, and getting some sales going on there

Here are some ArtFire shops to check out and go to http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/ to have your shop possibly featured next Saturday

http://www.artfire.com/users/ChristieCottage
http://www.artfire.com/users/trochewooddesigns
http://www.artfire.com/users/Kaleida_Eclectics
http://www.artfire.com/users/audreyscountrycrafts
http://www.artfire.com/users/elunajewelry

and of course mine

http://www.artfire.com/users/crochet18purple

Do you have an ArtFire shop

post a link or go to christies blog and post your link

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Twitter Tree Thursday

Welcome to the Twitter Tree!

Instructions:
Here is a list of three items (clickable links) that I would like for you to tweet for me.

And then there were more frogs digital sheet 2
http://bit.ly/eSaKFD #ArtFire #Bluebird #Digital

Set of 56 assorted small digital print sheet
http://bit.ly/gvhRXf #Bluebird #ArtFire #Digital

Retro Diva digital post cards you print
by crochet18purple on @Etsy http://etsy.me/guK1ax
#Bluebird #Etsybot #Digital

You tweet one or all of them.

You post the item(s) you tweeted for me along with your twitter account so I can follow you, and list 1-3 items (clickable links) from any of your online shops that you would like for me to tweet for you. ( No "mature" items, please). Be sure the item is twitter ready. (See below
I will post what I tweeted for you.
By reaching out thru blogger and blog follower's twitter accounts, we will reach a new audience of viewers and hopefully land some sales. Afterall, we all have our online shops to make money.

The Twitter Tree will be hosted by a different shop each business day.
Monday: http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/
Tuesday: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/
Wednesday: http://elunajewelry-nc.blogspot.com/
Thursday: http://aneedleinthehaystack-debbie.blogspot.com/
Friday: http://sweetybird09.blogspot.com/2010/

Be sure and stop by and be a part of the twitter tree each day.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

So should we give Etsy a rest and go crazy with ArtFire

I mean there are still some good about Etsy as I am 3 away from 300 sales, but Etsy is making money off of me and everyone else. Every time you list and every time you sell. What I like about ArtFire is I pay one price a month and can list like crazy, but promoting is a little confusing, their forums are way different than Etsy's oh wait that's right Etsy took those away from us. Now it has to be a team, well what if I don't want to be on all these teams. Anyway I got side tracked, back to ArtFire, Seems as if I am paying them a set price every month and Etsy double that if I list the same amount of items it would seem as if ArtFire should be the one to hang with, although I have been with Etsy so long that I will not just walk away from it.

Here are a couple of my listings on ArtFire and I will say being a premium seller has it's good there, like 3 different size banners and links to you social networking.

Friday, February 11, 2011

I am just wondering about something

Making and selling digitals, I have no problem at all with people who purchase reselling what they make with them, I figure I make money you make money I mean isn't that what it's all about. I have not made many purchases due to the fact that you are not allowed to use what you purchased for commercial us.

An example of this was like the other day I was doing a shop banner and needed a certain design for the bottom half, well looked like a trip to Michael's unless I could find some to purchase on line, so I found some and there it was not to be used in digital graphics and such, so what did I do got dressed and went to Michael's and had a blast in the scrapbooking dept.

Now the other day I was working on another shop banner and I this seller wanted me to incorporate her vintage patterns and dryer balls into the banner, well the first thought was to take one of the models from the pattern and make her a center point to the banner, well then a whole idea was born, she graciously told me I could use the model I had worked on and that stared a new thing for me, I then pulled out my vintage patterns and looked for models to use and the retro cards were born

So a big thank you to Pixieval.etsy.com for allowing me to use the model , now if you are in need of some vintage patterns or some of her wool dryer balls click on her banner and go shopping

A new card is born

Todays twitter tree is hosted by...... http://sweetybird09.blogspot.com/