Merry Craftmas Everyone!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas filled with friends, family, fun, and perhaps a little bit of creative play time! Sending much love for the holiday...

Michelle
xoxo

Cyber Monday Sale!

After an incredible discount-focused weekend at these big box stores, I have to ask myself, "How can a small art business compete with such low prices on mass-produced goods?" This is how — I don't. I have to look at it like this... they can't compete with me! I'm unique, friendly, real, approachable, honest, flexible... and everything in my shop was made by me... with Love!

So I invite you to shop this Cyber Monday, but also to shop hand made. Shop my shop. Hey, I'm not afraid of shameless self promotion! And, just because I like you... I'm offering 25% everything in my Yesterday's Trash Etsy Shop — now through Friday, December 2nd at 5pm EST. Just enter the code CYBERMONDAY when you check out. You'll find lots of unique items made from vintage, found and everyday items including...

Rag Dolls! Like these fun and whimsical 3-tiered cakes!

Uncommon Jewelry! Made from vintage items, interesting finds, and antique pieces and parts... like this Carousel Necklace using an upcycled pin, vintage bracelets and 1960's Asbury Park boardwalk tickets!

Tons of Carnival & Circus Fun stuff! Including arcade-inspired Knock-Down Dolls and Assemblages.

Mixed Media Art! Including shadowbox-framed collages and some really weird and interesting stuff too!

Prints! The newest addition to my shop... prints of my original art. Lots of fun and whimsical pieces to choose from. 

And then there's the token holiday stuff like Kitschy Ornaments for your wacky relatives and some Holiday Home Décor items too.

So skip the malls, don't fuss over parking, avoid the crowds... and be a Cyber Shopper. Shop loud. Shop proud. Shop in your underwear if you like, because I can't see you! And... Thanks!

Visit my Etsy Shop!

~Michelle
    xoxo

Random Acts of Kindness...

Last week, a friend of mine, Kecia Deveney, did a blog post about Random Acts of Kindness. She pointed out that the holidays were a perfect time to give the gift of kindness, and shared her own personal Christmas story. Kecia also asked us to share our own stories — which made me think of my absolute favorite — and so I thought I'd share it with you...
 
About 6 years ago, I was in Atlantic City attending the Artiology retreat and staying in a hotel about a block from the boardwalk. It was dinner time when I arrived so shortly after, I went to the boardwalk to get a bite to eat. On my way I found a red rose boutonniere that someone had dropped. Of course being someone who picks random objects up off the ground, a beautiful red rose with a hint of baby's breath was no exception. I had no idea what I would do with it, but my the palm of my hand was a better place for this lone flower than the sidewalk. 

Just a few moments later I was about to pass by a homeless person sitting on the boardwalk. He asked me for some money... but I had another idea. I cupped my hands over his hands (hiding the rose) — and then waved them over his like a magic trick — revealing the rose. He went, "oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!" and was just awestruck. He was so appreciative of the gesture, he couldn't stop smiling and thanking me. He blessed me and I continued on my way. Smiling. 

Sometimes when I need an instant smile, I think of that moment. To be able to lift someone's mood with only the tiniest of gestures is a gift we all have. So why not give the gift of a Random Act of Kindness? What a great way to get into the holiday spirit!

I'd love to hear about Random Acts of Kindness that you've done, or that have been done for you!

New In The Shop... Kitschy Holiday Ornaments!

For all your dysfunctional family and friends, these fun and funky collaged ornaments have the perfect sayings! Doesn't everyone have that one... well... slightly older relative that still insists on dressing up like an elf?

And for all your fans of A Christmas Story... can't you just hear them whining now, "But you said that I could have a bb gun!"

And for those who understand that, "sometimes the holidays hurt a little"! This "ouch!" ornament says it all!

Choose from 7 different versions (some a little nicer than others — ha!), and you can find them here in my Etsy shop. They're a great gift for friends, family, co-workers, secret santas, holiday party hostesses (hang one from your bottle of "whine"!) and anyone else who loves backhanded humor!