Tagged!

I was tagged by crazytimescandles (you have to try their flowerpot candle in blue with strawberries and cream scent!) with Seven Random Facts so here goes! Here are the rules:

1. Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

OK... seven random facts.... here goes:

1. I also can't eat breakfast.

2. I've been drinking coffee since I was twelve.

3. When I grew up I wanted to be a famous novelist.

4. I prefer the rain over sunny days.

5. I don't know how to swim.

6. My cat's name is Princess.

7. I am known to screw something up every time I bake.


I have tagged the following people in return:

ShaynaMaidel

Onthescenicroute

Elephantine

Luckyfinddesigns

Morrganscreatures

gush4plush

catirinabonetdesigns

Enjoy!

Another Treasury!

AMSX05 was kind enough to feature me in her bnr treasury today! The purpose of bnr treasuries and threads as far as I know is to purchase an item from someone and someone purchases something from you, and it goes on and on resulting in sales for all involved.

My angel and cross charm can be found on the bottom right corner. The picture just doesn't do it any justice. I'll have to update it soon.

It makes for a great gift or card accent. You can even include her as apart of a placeholder for your holiday get-togethers!

---In other news

I still have a couple of surprises up my sleeve. I'll be adding new, non-jewelry related items to my shop soon...I'm so excited. Keep checking back for more updates regarding this surprise. :) It's worth the wait!

Thank you for reading!

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

He inspires me...

We're celebrating our two year anniversary this upcoming Thursday and Friday. We met at a small local grocery store. He taught me how to clean up after the butcher and stock the dairy/beer cooler.

His obsession for monkeys, dragons, and manticores and my obsession for coffee, beads, and cute things doesn't get in the way of our obsession for each other.

He helped me start my business because he believes in me, and he is there every step of the way. He isn't afraid to tell me what I can improve on, and he tells me when he likes something. Really likes it.

He is a continuous inspiration, and he even encourages me to spend some time on the forums to promote!

We were on our way to the local restaurant for breakfast, and on that car ride we founded the name 1337 Art and the motto Elite Art for the elite at heart. It was then that he also suggested that I do business under CM Designs because not everyone will understand what 1337 is.

He came with my friend and I to our first show. If it weren't for him, I would have missed out on a few sales. He was helpful and critical and so loving.

I dragged him to a bead store one day. I said I would only be in there for 10 minutes. I actually was ready to go in about 15 until he started showing me different ideas for color matching and focal pieces. I looked through the entire store at least twice more after that. He is a great designer himself...he just doesn't know it yet. :)

Thursday and Friday we are going to go stay at a nearby island. We'll have great views, many photo opportunities, and no thoughts whatsoever about beads and things that are 1337. It will be just him and I with our past, present, and future.

Thank you for taking the time to read. In spirit of our anniversary, I will offer you free shipping on any order you place from my Etsy shop now until March 31st, 2008. Just don't forget to put in the comments section "freelove," and I will refund your shipping charges via PayPal.

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Protection Charm

I found myself inspired by the simple rune charm that I stumbled upon one day. From there I came across some rough cute Amythest nuggets, and the design progressed further.

We all need protection. This one of a kind (ooak) protection charm has everything you need to ward off evil and negativity.

The charms include:

1 Dagger (measures ~ 35mm)
1 Rough Cut Amythest Nugget (measures ~ 20mm)
1 Rune Protection Tablet (measures ~ 30mm)

The gemstones include Amythest (known to protect against evil, to ensure a safe trip, and protection against illness and bad luck) and Blackstone (serves as a reminder to ones beliefs).

Perfect for your cell phone or keys!

The Rune is made of pewter and has a "worn" look to it. It adds charm and character. It is how the pendant is made.

You can find it for sale at my Etsy shop.

Thank you so much for looking! I hope you enjoy this piece!

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Etsy Artist Feature 11: thisisit

It is important to show the world the charm of handmade items. I plan to do this one Etsy artist at a time. Today I feature thisisit, a husband and wife team from California. They make lovely journals, jewelry, cards, and photo albums!

Looking for a gift idea? Come visit their Etsy shop for a variety of ideas for everyone.

Below you will find their interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I would have to say making cards—I’ve been doing that all of my life for every family member for every occasion! :)

2. What do you specialize in?

We make jewelry and ecofriendly journals, photo albums, and cards.

3. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

A friend of mine told me about it, and it sounded so wonderful! We were a wholesale-only company prior to Etsy, and it’s been just great to hear first-hand what people think of our products! When we first started This Is It! Creations, we participated in local craft fairs—so we’ve come full circle now!

4. What are your hopes for the future?

We would love to keep growing steadily. We currently donate 5% of our profits to animal-welfare groups, and I would love to increase that percentage eventually.

5. What are some of your favorite past times?

I love hanging out with my husband and our furry babies. I love to sing, and as of yesterday, I am learning to play the guitar. :) I am currently obsessed with the democratic primaries. It’s almost like another job.

6. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

A complete mess! I keep meaning to organize it, but it gets messy so easily!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just love being a part of Etsy! It’s so much fun to check out the treasuries and the forums – to feel such a great sense of community!

I also wanted to say that I have a blog where each week I feature an artist who gives back in some way. Come check it out! :) http://www.thisisitcreations.blogspot.com

How do you feel about custom orders?

Love them! If we don’t have to change the design, just a word or a color—we’ll even do it for free!


And to the left is a picture of one of the artists!

You can reach thisisit by sending them an email at jodianddan@thisisitcreations.com or through their etsy shop: http://thisisit.etsy.com

Thank you so much for reading! it is very much appreciated.

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Destash #1

I started to organize all of my components last week, and I came across some items that I wanted to share with you!

They are currently available in my Etsy shop.

There are:

1 Zebra Jasper Pendant
1 Faceted Pink Quartz Heart Pendant
(2pk) Glass Giraffe Beads
(5pk) Mother of Pearl Eagle Pendants

This is the first destash that I have offered. I hope to keep adding to this new section in my shop quite often. Please keep checking back for more offers.

Thank you for reading!

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Contact __1337 Art

If you have any product questions, general inquiries, custom order requests, product suggestions, or comments please feel free to contact __1337 Art via:

Email:
support@1337art.net

Mail:
__1337 Art
P.O. Box 291
Vaughn, WA 98394-0291

Or simply fill out the contact form below:

1337 Art is planning new items!

I am in the process of adding a few new lines to my Etsy shop. I am so excited to get everything prepared it's almost overwhelming! I also have new designs for my current products.

You have a sneak peek in the picture of a smidgen of what it coming...it doesn't even scratch the surface! I have so many beads and pendants and crystals and gemstones and bookmarks and shells that I don't have a place for them yet!

One of the new items I am going to be listing very soon are watches in many colors and styles. I have a couple of awareness watches in mind as well as designs both elegant and oh so stylish. You might even expect to find some brooches...

I am also going to expand my selection of men's jewelry. I currently have two necklaces listed, but I want more for you to choose from.

I have collected some interesting focal components as well as some very exciting pieces. One example of what is coming are real rose petals.

There are a few more things that are still in the works, so please keep checking back for updates.
I have definite plans to add some new items that are not jewelry related. I expect these to become available in the upcoming weeks. If you have any suggestions for new products that you would like to see me add to my shop, please feel free to leave a comment here or send me an email at 1337art@gmail.com

Thank you so much for reading. I appreciate your time.

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Celtic Bookmark Commission

I made this Celtic bookmark for a lady's husband. It was fun to work with her, and they both ended up liking it a lot.

It is made with a Pewter bookmark, Sterling silver, Czech Glass, and Snowflake Obsidian.

Red is his favorite color, and I chose to use glass instead of crystal because the glass has a different cut to it, and the sharpness of color is more masculine to me.

I always relate Snowflake Obsidian with Celtic designs because it is the Purity Stone, which is the balance to body, mind, and spirit, the detoxifier of negativity.

If you are interested in this bookmark, or if you are interested in a custom design, I would be happy to assist you. Please feel free to send me an email at 1337art@gmail.com to see what I can create for you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read. I appreciate you stopping by.

Christina
CM Designs d.b.a. 1337 Art
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Etsy Artist Feature 10: blurose

It is important to show the world the charm of handmade items. I plan to do this one Etsy artist at a time. Today I feature blurose from Central Pennsylvania. Her beautiful candles look good enough to eat! She offers a variety of bakery inspired candles as well as soaps/scrubs and other candles.

Below you will find her interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?
When I was a young girl (8 or 9) I would go to my grandmothers house and hand weave pot holders. (nothing to do with candles)

2. What do you specialize in?
I make candles...specialty and bakery as well as regular candles.


3. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?
I am currently renting a store front and can no longer afford the overhead.

4. What are your hopes for the future?
To purchase my own building and reopen my store front.

5. What are some of your favorite past times?
Love to watch football, walking and spending time with my family.

6. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.
Currently my basement is my space.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I love creating candles and I think I do a pretty good job. Cannot bake but I can sure make a candle pie or dessert!

How do you feel about custom orders?

Custom orders are always welcome...most of the time scent and wax are white. So any
scent can be made any color.


Her lovely handcrafted candles are making me hungry!

Looking for a unique gift idea? Well look no further!

You can reach blurose through her
Etsy shop: http://blurose.etsy.com
Email: blurose@atlanticbb.net
Phone: +1 (814) 768-0800
Personal Website: http://www.bluerosecandles.com

Thank you so much for taking the time to read. We all truly appreciate it!

Enjoy your weekend!

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Office Products!

I have found some great office products for your work or home office! The first thing I want to show you is a very fun pencil/pen holder made out of floppy disks!!

You can find it for sale by GeekGear.

It's very affordable, trendy, and fun!




The next item is a beautiful stained glass business card holder.

This handmade beauty is currently for sale at Designedwithglass.

They also make business cards in other colors. These would make a great gift for anyone...your boss? A friend? Someone who is starting their own business?



This wonderful necktie sachet is the perfect gift for men. it has a masculine friendly scent.

They can hang it on a door knob or in their closet. It's very stylish and very practical.

You can find this for sale as well as some with other patterns at knittykittie.

A very clever idea, I think.














Lastly I found these very cute and very creepy little paperclip bugs! They're perfect to use as bookmarks or to keep your papers organized!

Handmade out of polymer clay, these would be a cute corporate gift!

Available for sale at jodieflowers.




Thank you for taking the time to read...I hope you find great pleasure in these items. Make work a happy place!

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Coffee Inspiration. <3

I've been wanting to add some more coffee related items to my Etsy shop, and I have 3 more to start with!

The first is a cell charm that can also be made into a key chain. Very cool...it's something that your cell phone is begging for.

It features glass coffee bean beads and a pewter coffee cup.

You can also use it as a zipper pull. And a purse charm.

You can find it for sale here.

Next I have a lovely pair of earrings that remind me of mochas and creme...how yummy!

They feature light brown cat's eye beads and creamy and dark brown glass beads.

Hoop earrings are an inexpensive and stylish trend. They'd be perfect for your coffee date.

Are you going to be sending a coffee invitation to a friend you don't see very often? Why not slip these in with it!

You can find them for sale here.




Lastly I have a coffee bookmark that matched the cell charm.

Bookmarks are starting to become a trend of their own. Some people collect them, others use them to accessorize their favorite books.

This adorable little guy is in a convenient 3.5 inch size. Perfect for reading on the go!

You can purchase it here.

Look forward to more coffee inspired items in the time to come. I plan to add a great variety of items having everything to do with that lovely thing called coffee.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read. If you have any suggestions or feedback, you may leave a comment here, or you may send me an email at 1337art@gmail.com

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.

Kitties!

I thought I'd come here today to show you some lovely cats for all occasions! Our first cats are perfect for the business purrson. These business card holders are not only adorable, but they can also be used to hold rings and other trinkets. These would make for a great gift idea too!

You can find these kitties for sale at

http://bogshaunproductions.etsy.com



Next we have a set of lovely kitty coasters perfect for the entertainer! Whether you are throwing a small birthday get-together for your daughter, or if you are having some friends over for a drink, these kitties are a must-have!

The proceeds of these kitties go towards helping rescued horses. You can find these coasters for sale at

http://coramarieboutique.etsy.com




Next I want to show you something for the people who enjoy giving and receiving cards.

This beautiful card is perfect for all occasions. An invitation to a slumber party? A coffee date? A simple "hello?" A get well soon?

No matter what it is that you want to say, this card is a fitting match...who doesn't like kitties and books?

This card can be found at

http://vicsoriginalart.etsy.com

Thank you so much for taking the time to read. I hope all of these items find a lovely home very soon.

Is there a particular subject that you would like to see my "blog" about? Feel free to send me an email at 1337art@gmail.com with the subject line "Blog Idea."

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Christina
CM Designs
http://1337art.etsy.com
Elite Art for the elite at heart.