Happy Earth Day!

I made a bunch of jewelry last night with earthy themes. I do try and reuse old broken jewelry parts when I can. There was definitely a color theme last night, blue and green and I didn't even realize today was Earth Day till this morning. I know I'm bad with dates. Today is my brother Nathan's birthday, wish I could see him he just recently moved all the way to the west coast! Happy birthday Nate!

On a side note I will be offering some eco-wallets and bags in my shop soon made by my lovely Mama. These are so cool and I've been using my wallet for about a year now and I still get compliments every where I go. Look for them soon!

These are my latest offerings and remember this is jewelry with a purpose of helping others in need.

Bet you didn't know ...

I started a new Etsy shop. Yes I know I said I would cut back but this shop isn't really for me, it's for others. This came out of me wanting to help my friends and family in need. I have a lot going on on both sides of my family at the moment, people needing help and in financial difficulty. Major life changes are happening and we're not all sure we're ready for these things to happen. My art has kind of taken a back burner lately and I think this is one of the reasons why. I never have my own money when it comes to wanting to help others so I came up with the idea to make and sell jewelry and if it profits (I am praying it does) then I can help my loved ones. Every little bit helps right? I'm faithfully making jewelry in the evenings and spending time with my kiddo during the day. Next day if I can I post them in the shop and on my FB Fanpage. Please check it out when you get a chance. I've had one sale the second day my shop was running, boy was that encouraging! Another idea I had was to put one piece of art in this shop and the money would go towards a missionary friend I have who needs financial support. (still working on this one)
I've named my shop Impress 2 Bless. Please spread the word for me. I may do a giveaway from time to time on here as well. If you would like to donate old beads or anything jewelry related I would gladly welcome it and turn it into something new! Just let me know. You can follow me on Twitter as well @impress2bless

Deuteronomy 16:17: "All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God."

Here are a few of my favorites in the shop now:

Can you hear the crickets?

You know the sound of those crickets in the summertime happily making their little noises after it's completely silent? Yeah kind of like my blog has been, silent and quiet. Not much has been going on my little art world. Life is rapidly changing all around me and I haven't been feeling inspired at all. Insert cricket sound here. Well after much thought I am taking an art hiatus, as if you didn't know that by the silence right? I was trying to balance mommyhood and my art "career" and just can't at the moment. My sweet daughter is taking up most of my time and we're having fun together and strengthening our relationship on a daily basis. I've gotten more hugs and kisses and random "I love you"s than I ever have gotten from her. She needs me and I cherish this time together. Sales have been way down and I have to admit I'm a little discouraged. I see all my cool artsy friends moving on with their careers, writing books, holding classes and selling a ton, I have to admit I'm a little jealous but I'm not at that point right now. I'm happy for them all but wish I could be a part of that world right now. The timing isn't right and I know it will be at another time just not right now.

Life at home has been nutso I've been a decluttering fool and that includes my art supplies and mixed media stuff galore! Last night I made 5 mixed media grab bags full of goodies! I'm selling them on Etsy and they are chock full of stuff! Check them out if you need a boost in your stash and little extras!


I've decided to have a little giveaway on here as well. I made this piece for Valentine's Day but will give it away to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment on here and I will pick a random winner using random.org next Monday.

Thanks for reading! As I write this I'm reminded of this scripture:

Job 1:21 (KJV)

"21... Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

Let's keep things simple!

Hey all.

Just thought I'd share a few things with you. I am considering closing my ArtFire shop to simplify things this year. The only sales I've had on there are from friends who I've directed there, nobody random. I LOVE ArtFire and the perks it has with the verified account but my hands are in too many pots so to speak. I have to update so many sites, blogs included. Why not make my life a teensy bit easier. I haven't decided yet but I know I need to simplify somehow. I've had more success on Etsy but I've been on there longer. I would love your thoughts.

Next I've added 12 new items to my Etsy shop and they're all originals!! These are not 40% off because they're new for 2010. Various price levels and perfect little gifts. Check them out in my new section here.

Nextly two of my very talented artsy friends are having a little workshop at the Purple Cottage. If I could I'd be there. If you live in FL it would be an easy class for you to get to. Check it out! I'll leave a link in my sidebar as well! This is the first of many I'm sure! I took Carmen's Spill It Class online and I LOVED it!



Feel free to share or post this link on your blog as well.

My oodles and oodles of supplies came from Dick Blick last week!! Ready to start on some new series just have to find the time. I hope this year I'll knock your socks off with new art. Trying to freshen things up!! Speaking of that, remember everything but my new section in my Etsy and ArtFire shops are 40% off! Yes everything, till it's all gone!

One last thing, my little newsletter I had started last year that I have 20 subscribers to now, yeah that's one of the things going bye bye since I can't remember to update that. So you heard it from me first, my blog will be my updating hub. If I have news I'll share it here and also on my FB fan page (link is on the right) If you're on FB that's updated often.

Ok so this is a PS - I am sooooo excited to share and show you my latest Bad Girl creation. It will go live next Monday 12AM PST. Be on the lookout for it, you won't want to miss it. Once that's posted it will be for sale as well. If you're interested when you see it let me know!

That's it! Hope you have a fantabulous week!!

MAZER!

Melange on Etsy Altered Bottle Challenge

I was finally able to participate in another challenge put on by the Melange Team on Etsy. I am a member of this mixed media group and most of the ladies in this group have been published in the awesome mags put out by Stampington & Co. as well as Cloth Paper Scissors. I'm lucky to have such fabulous team mates!! You don't have to be a member to participate in the challenge. Check out the details here.


This bottle was found buried in our yard a few years ago when our water line broke. It was used as "clean fill" in the 50's. Yeah right! It's either a beer or soda bottle, my guess is beer because the way some of the things in our house was built, you'd wonder! LOL Anyways I've upcycled it and really like how it turned out. Hope you do too!

Now go alter your own bottle!!! :)

Help for Haiti

The recent earthquake in Haiti has devastated children and families in the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck just ten miles from the heart of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, where people are left to search through rubble in hopes of finding loved ones.

Emergency supplies such as food, clean water and shelter are desperately needed.

Here is how I'm helping. Any sales this week on items that are 40% off (non originals) already will have 20% donated to the Red Cross. Any sales on full price items (originals) that I've listed here will have 50% donated to YWAM Haiti Relief. Click on my banner above to go to my Etsy shop.

So just so we're clear. All originals are now normal priced and will have 50% of the profits donated and all sales items will have 20% donated.

I've added some new items that haven't been listed in a long time because they were at a local shop.

Click here to go to my ArtFire Shop.

Please help me do my part for Haiti and get some cool art in the process!! Thank you for looking!

Priority changes = BIG SALES for you!

I am offering 40% OFF everything in my ArtFire and Etsy shop, even sales items. I just want it gone and need to start fresh! 40% OFF until it's all gone!

Below is a little blurb. If you'd like to read more about why I'm doing this you can visit my new blog: Lo Mama Adventures. Thank you!

Starting today I am going to only create art for Bad Girls Project 52 (I'm on the design team for a year) and create art for fun and with Lorelei. If I sell a piece of art because someone likes it, then great! I'm not going to mass promote it on Twitter, here and Facebook it's such a waste of time and takes up too much of my time with little or no response. Life is too short to live it online trying to make your life grand. Yeah there are critics who will say you need something for you, you need a hobby. Yes that's right but I have a responsibility to my girl and there is always time for hobbies in the future. I'm not quitting all together I'm just changing my focus. I feel like there will be a blessing for her and for me in this. She needs me and I need her. I'm going to start exploring hobbies with her and nurturing her the way I should be. Just typing this is freeing and I know I'm making the right decision. Follow us on this journey if you like. This blog is where I'm going to post our grand adventures and times together. Her and I. Because of that I need less online activities to maintain. Life is too short people!! I hope you understand!

Christmas is coming and so are the sales!!!

christmas lights, originally uploaded by matt-pearson.

I've cleaned up the inventory in my shops, marked some things down, added back some items and have decided to have a BIG sale! I want and NEED to get rid of the art that I have in stock, I'm running out of room to store new art. So I'm on an art break until I can make more room. Seriously I'm bursting at the seams!!! Sooooo here are my offers to you from now until Dec. 18th:

From now until Dec. 18th - BUY 2 GET ONE FREE ON ALL PRINTS!

I will refund the third print via Paypal. Also FREE shipping on the 3rd print which will also be refunded via Paypal. Most prints have been marked down from $15 to $10, need to freshen up the shop. May never print these again once they're gone.

***BLACK FRIDAY - CYBER MONDAY***

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORIGINALS!!
Black Friday - Cyber Monday only. Shipping will be refunded via Paypal.

Please take advantage of this sale, I need the room!!!! :) I think I have lots of great original gifts for your loved ones and hope you agree too! HAPPY SHOPPING!

Etsy

ArtFire

2nd Annual - It's my birthday but you get the gifts giveaway!!

Hi all!

As some of you know next Friday is my 36th birthday and I'm not dreading it like I was last year! I'm looking forward to it for some strange reason and you all can look forward to some fabulous gifts from some wonderful sponsors! YES that's right GIFTS! I'm giving away things, some are mine to give, others are donated from some wonderful Etsy shops and artist friends. You can start entering by midnight tonight and I will stop the comments on the morning of the 9th. Here's the list of the generous sponsors:

Becky Hilgendorf - 5 Original Art Cards

Amanda Makepeace - Original Frog ACEO

Mindy Murphy Lacefield - Tim's Sally - Acorna Pocket Mirror with bag

Erin Keck - EK Creations - "Love Within Our Reach" mixed media necklace

Shelli Dorfe - DazeyChic - Print of your choice & a journal!

Zuda Gay Pease - Handmade Beads & Pendants - Original Polymer Sunflower Brooch

Amy Kane Smith - Amy Smith Mixed Media -

Handpainted & Stitched Card wallet (OR) a pair of earrings.

Amy Kane Smith Glass - $10 Gift Certificate

Kelly Nelson Warren - Happy Shack Designs - Glass Tile Necklace

Kim Geiser - Persimmons Gal - Original ACEO & A Pair of Earrings

Julia Jewels White - Jewels Dolls - Handmade Christmas Doll

Jodi Marie Foster - 3 Art Dolls Kit
(plastic carry case included, 3 fabric doll forms with materials for embellishing (feathers, beads, face cabs, fibers)

EBSQ - Self Representing Artists - One FREE month of membership!

& Me! - MazerDesign - Original Little Whimsie of your Choice (I have 3 originals left!)

Please be sure to visit these wonderful artist's websites and say hi!

I will announce the 15 winners on my birthday (Oct. 9th)!!

Here's the rules:

1. Add a comment on my blog (this post) to enter (that's not hard right?)

2. Tell me what the best birthday gift you ever received was!

3. If you want bonus points add a link on your blog (tell me about it) about this giveaway and you'll get your name entered 2 more times!

Good luck to all who enter and thanks for playing!! Feel free to pass this along to others as well! OK now go do something nice for someone! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME AND YOU! :)

LABOR DAY SALE IN MY SHOPS!

One of my newest prints! The Original sold before I had a chance to list it! LOL
"Autumn"

Take an extra 15% off entire order now through Sept 7th
No codes needed. Refunds will be sent back to PayPal at time of shipping. Shop away peeps! I have lots of new items in my shops!

I also have free shipping on my little art sachets in my ArtFire shop!

My shops are filled with new goodies!! Art sachets, new prints and new originals! Check it out when you can!

ArtFire
Etsy

Christmas In My Mailbox

Can I just say I LOVE my iPhone? This video was brought to you by AT&T and my new toy!

Latest Offerings

IMG_0029, originally uploaded by creativeFlutter AKA MazerDesign.

Hi all!

Hope you're well, we're surviving here in broken leg land with Lo. Today starts week 3 of her being in a spica cast, not fun at all. We're finding new and fun things to stay busy. She and I did art together this morning but when she wanted to stop I wanted to keep going! :) She's going to have so much art from this 6 week period of being this cast, it's great!!

Anyways just wanted to let you know about a few new listings I have in my shops. I was recently challenged by my friend Christian to do more ethnic art. She told me that most of my art had white chics in them and I couldn't agree with her more. Never really thought about it. Didn't mean to offend by that just never crossed my mind. So I took her up on her challenged and decided to give it a shot! Well this first image was my first attempt! I like how she turned out!! What do you think? My friend Nancy Hunt-Bartek who some of you other artists might know helped me with a name because I was clueless! She came up with the name "She Is" which fits perfectly. I was thinking of calling it "Just Be" but that didn't fit as well. She exudes a quiet confidence and strength about her. I hope to do more paintings just like this! I have prints in both my ArtFire and Etsy shop and the original is listed here.

This next piece is more collagy (if that's a word) and also has an ethnic look to it. I called it "Embrace Your Dreams". I heavily layered it and it has lots of texture because of it. Also prints in both shops and original in my Etsy shop just listed today!

Here's another fun project I just did today. I ordered these adorable muslin bags on Etsy and they just came in yesterday! I already need more to play with!! I plan on selling them individually. They make great little sachet pouches, iPod holder, cell phone holder, candy holder you name it, anything that fits! My nice Canon Rebel just went kaput on me last night so I might just take photos with my iPhone and list them each. I was looking for something fun and quick to create that was different. I'm venturing into the world of sewing as well and may create some art pillows. We'll see. UPDATE: I have 5 bags listed right now!! Will list the other 5 later.

Last but not least is a painting I created for an upcoming show here next month called "For the birds". If this doesn't sell at the show then I am going to list it in one of my shops in October. I call it "Blackbird Paradise" the print is listed in both shops. "8 x 10".

Also wanted to let you know that I am now creating videos with my new phone and will upload them to youtube. My username is creativeflutter if you would like to subscribe. I may not always post the vids on here but they will be there.

Well that's about it! TTFN!!

Nature Buddies Giclee Print

Nature Buddies, originally uploaded by creativeFlutter AKA MazerDesign.

Newly listed last night in both of my shops! Going to sell the original locally to fill up the spot that is now empty from the Summer Bird painting that just sold. I promise I will list more originals online soon!!! I can't keep up!

Also just found out that my art will be on display for another month at the Great Adirondack Soup Co. so I will be switching out some art there as well. YAY!!

That's it for now!

Have a great day!

Latest listings

Summer Bird, originally uploaded by creativeFlutter AKA MazerDesign.

Just listed today is the "Summer Bird" I actually sold the original today locally so I decided to offer the print!! It's available in both my Etsy and ArtFire shops.

Also just listed is "Amethyst" which is a mixed media wall hanging. It's super vibrant with purple and lime green, would brighten up a dark corner or spot in your house. I used real amethyst beads from my Nana's old necklace from years back. It is available in my ArtFire shop.

I just did a large update on my art newsletter with even more new pieces to show you. PLEASE sign up if you would like to be on my mailing list. The subscribe box is on the right. I go into more details in that and will offer special discounts to my newsletter members.

Hope Summer is treating you well!

Le Cirque Series - Now Listed

All 5 paintings!!!, originally uploaded by creativeFlutter AKA MazerDesign.

Hi all,

I finally got my art back from the APW gallery today in the mail. I have since listed 4 of them. "The Costume" has already sold. Each are listed for $100 each and all are mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas and coated in beeswax.

ArtFire Listings

Etsy Listings

I'm so glad to finally have these back. I hope they find new homes quickly! If you have any questions feel free to email me!

Thanks!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mom's out there. I hope you have a special day. Free shipping for all mom's this weekend!!! Use code Mom09 in either shop.

2 More Little Ones

Out of the Blue - Mixed media, originally uploaded by creativeFlutter AKA MazerDesign.

Got busy last night creating and it felt good. I think my creativity is going to help get me through this rough time. I'm so thankful for this gift from God.

Out of the Blue (pictured above)
I made molds of these flowers out of vintage pins, buttons and beads so I can recreate them at any time!! I may do a series of these with limited color schemes. It was so much fun!! I melted UTEE in my melting pot and poured them into the molds!! So much fun and a whole new world to explore!!! This is a 5 x 5 piece and has water color crayons, acrylics, UTEE flowers, silver marker and oil marker. This is now listed on ArtFire.

A Little French
I started this piece a few weeks ago and never finished it until last night. I like how it turned out. I used a light molding pasted for the Fleur de Lis and stamped in the image from a foam stamp I have. It has lots of nice texture to it. It's now listed on Etsy.

Enjoy!

Off to get my daughter to her 2 year check up, fun fun!

Thank you to all who responded to my blog yesterday. Reading everyone's heartfelt comments made my day a bit easier. This is a rough time and I know she will no longer be in pain so that eases it a bit but I'm sure going to miss my Nana. I'm working on another tattoo in memory of her. It will probably include a cardinal, a strawberry and some lily of the valley flowers. All her favorites. I'll keep you posted on that.

:)

Aimée

Time to Clear Out!!!

Hi all!!

I've been cleaning out my studio the last few days and it's a disaster zone!!! I should have those yellow warning strips all over the place. Caution look out for falling art! The good thing is I have found things that have been missing for forever, things I have forgotten about and more. I am starting to see my desk which means more room for more art. I've put purchased art up on the wall where it should be finally and will post a photo when my studio becomes clean again.

Speaking of art, I have listed 4 originals on ArtFire and 4 originals on Etsy. We'll see which sells faster! I need to get rid of these pieces, I have no more room in my bulging studio. If you see something you like please TWEET it or pass it on to someone else I would like to clear things out.

Here's what was listed in my ArtFire Shop:

Swirlyville Flowers
Love
She Discovered What Was Inside
Stand Out In Your Field

Here's what was listed in my Etsy shop:

Everything A Girl Could Want
Among the Blossoms
Chocolate Chip Bouquet
In the Land of Good and Plenty

PHEW!! That was exhausting!

And ....

since some of you haven't seen her in awhile ... here's Miss Lorelei modeling for me! She's getting so big and so fun! Thought you might like to see her.



Thanks for stopping by!

Aimée

ART LIQUIDATION - MAKE ME AN OFFER!!!

Love & Dreams, originally uploaded by creativeFlutter AKA MazerDesign.

Hi there!!

I'm doing some Spring cleaning and need to get rid of these pieces! These are some of my earlier works. If you see something that catches your eye please make me an offer!! Seriously! What are you willing to pay for it? Thank you. Trying to simplify my studio and get rid of things that aren't selling on Etsy. Some of these items are still listed on Etsy so you can see more details there. If you have any questions feel free to email me, I just want these gone!!!

View the photos here!

***ALSO THRU SUNDAY NIGHT: $10 OFF any Little Whimsie Original in my Etsy shop with coupon code: Whimsie10 ***

Sold "Love and Dreams" and "Gum Drop Trees".

Lots of News!

Hi all,

It's a new year and already it's started out with a bang for me!!! I spent the end of last year frantically trying to diversify where I sell my art and that didn't do a thing. I started a Lollishop which I made new items especially for and have had no sales I am little down about that. I started an ArtFire shop also no sales. The only place I've been selling slowly but consistently has been Etsy. I'm thinking of waiting until my items expire on the first 2 sites then closing those shops. Makes life easier. I do promise I will do some new art this year. I have too!!! I am going to be in an art show in NYC in March and need to create for that!!!! Just have to have dedicated time and creative juices flowing to be able to do that. I currently am in an creative slump! Unfortunately my personal life affects my art and creativity and last year was a rough one for me. I'm praying this year is better and my creativity explodes!!!!! So all my artsy readers hang in there, I haven't neglected my art just need some creative juices to come my way. Does anyone sell Creative Juice???? I could use a case full!!!!

The other thing I started this year was becoming an Independent Silver Consultant for Inspiranza Designs. Let me say this ... I LOVE THIS STUFF!!! Yes I'm yelling!! The jewelry is high quality and affordable sterling and gemstones and some gold as well. I have had 3 parties since I've started and have made $500 for about 6 or 7 hours worth of work!!!!! This is the easiest "job" I've ever had. I wanted to share the join special this month for all of you because I would love to have you on my team (especially if you're creative, maybe that will rub off)!

So this is the deal:
New consultants can join for just $75 and they get a $75 credit to spend on jewelry! (If you're planning on spending $50 for a ring or a piece, why not spend an extra $25 and become a consultant with $75 in free jewelry and 50% off your first order!!!) This is a better deal then when I signed up last month!! Take advantage of getting 50% off jewelry now AND when the new line comes out!Have the opportunity to MAKE money on the side with their new business!
New consultants can build their teams quickly as well by inviting their friends to take advantage of this great offer! This is a great deal!!! If you'd like more info or want to do it you can view it on my site as well as the current catalog.

My brother Nate and his fiancée Petrie in Holland.

On another note, I'm soooo happy I did sign up for Inspiranza Designs, it's allowing me to go to my brothers wedding at the end of this month in Holland!! Yes, Holland in the Netherlands. I have made enough cash from ID and sales on eBay to buy my plane ticket cash! I was worried I wouldn't be able to go. I am one of 3 family members that will be there on my brother's side. I HAVE to go we're the closest in the fam and I wouldn't miss it for the world. He's also my last brother to get married!!!

So that's it for now. Life has been a whirlwind lately. I do miss my creative juices so send some my way artsy people!!! :)

Hope your year is off to a great start!

Aimée

Just relisted!

Finally a full on shot!, originally uploaded by creativeFlutter AKA MazerDesign.

Organica was displayed at the local arts council through the New Year but now she's hanging in my living room!! She has been relisted on Etsy for your buying pleasure!

Any questions feel free to shoot me an email.

Hope you're all having a great New Year so far!

On another note I'm having my Inspiranza Designs open house this Friday! I'm soooo nervous yet excited at the same time! Wish me lots of luck or blessings in this new venture! If anyone wants to join my team just contact me! I'd love to have you!

Aimée