Next stop, TheBroomCloset!

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Remember to stop into Green Wise and get ideas about our planet's health. I've got a new column about pesticide-free weed killing. Read about it here. Be sure to catch the spotlight on two West Coast Crafter guild members on my other blog, www.alisuns.blogspot.com. Stop by! LaDeDaCreations was the ArtFire Jewelry Designer and Supply Shop guild artisan of the week. Colorful, fun, and funky items from jewelry to household utensils in polymer clay. If you look hard enough, you just might find something that glows in the dark. I'll stop by tomorrow and let you know who is this week's artisan of the week.

The stop today on the crazy train is TheBroomCloset. This town's mayor is none other than Paula, our Crazy Train inventor! She also is the horoscope columnist for Handmade News. She has some interesting items for supply and ready use that she simply has had in the closet too long.

Paula says, "Welcome to my broom closet! You never know what you will find here!

Supplies, de-stash, vintage and assorted works of art that I have created over the years.






















I hope that my assortment of treasures will find a happy home!

My other shop here is picardcreative.artfire.com in which I sell my wicked fun magnets!"






























Paula likes things "easy peasy" as she says, so I'm not surprised by her artisan bio:

"I opened this shop, because I have way too much stuff!

Thanks for stopping by! "


Don't forget to leave a comment for Paula. You could be May's contest winner. Each month I randomly give away a set of earrings or sterling plated custom-length bracelet, winner's choice.

Next stop, ChantillyLace

....and a pretty face...Well, I've never liked Elvis (don't shoot!) but that song is perfect to dance to! Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Remember to stop into Green Wise and get ideas about our planet's health. Last night's unsub was Springtime. I bought some really cute finger puppets from her. She knits and sews and so cute! I've got a spotlight on two West Coast Crafter guild members on my other blog, www.alisuns.blogspot.com. Stop by! LaDeDaCreations is the ArtFire Jewelry Designer and Supply Shop guild artisan of the week. Colorful, fun, and funky items from jewelry to household utensils in polymer clay. If you look hard enough, you just might find something that glows in the dark.

ChantillyLace has been an AFA since New Year's Day and she has beautiful hair adornments and gorgeous jewelry for sale.























She says, "Thank you for checking out my shop!

"I'm a romantic at heart. My Wedding day, and the birth of my beautiful daughter were the best days of my life. Those special moments combined with my love for vintage is were most of my inspirations come from. I love working with pearls, lace and fabrics which inspire me. Vintage pieces are so special because they have such a unique story to share. I try to give them a new life recreating a piece so their journey can continue and someone else can enjoy the beauty.




















"I'm a stay at home mom and when I'm not busy with my daughter I'm creating accessories inspired by things I find beauty in. I would be honored if one of my creations I designed ends (up) in your heart. Please contact me if you have any special requests.
If you have a coupon code please enter it in the notes to seller, and I will refund you the discount. (Y)ou can contact me first and I will set up a custom listing. Thanks.
You can contact me by email also chantillylacedesigns@hotmail.com"


Take a stroll through her studio and see the wide variety of beautiful items (not just jewelry) she offers. Enjoy your Wednesday, and don't forget to leave a comment for our artisan. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun!

Crazy Train Stop

Before we board, I must apologize for neglecting this blog for so long. I have been both ill and very busy: I've become a columnist on HandMade News which requires that I do a lot of research before I put my name to the words. The links to our department columns have been added to this blog on the right. I hope you will use them to learn, as I am, about easy peasy (to quote our Crazy Train creator) ways to keep the earth from some of the damage our species engenders.




ArtFire has rolled out some changes to individual studios! You may see the upgraded product when you visit the next hamlet, Angelas_Adornments.

She has beautiful wire worked and strung jewelry and gorgeous watercolor images for sale.

Angela says, "I'm 40something....Married to my best friend for almost 27 years. We have two adult children and three beautiful grandchildren.

I create my Art in my studio in our home which we share with two cats, Oreo and Woo Kitty."























ArtFire seems to have hidden the word introductions to our studios, at least as far as my quick scan can reveal, so let me exerpt Angela's policies here, which is descriptive of her art as well: "My Art Jewelry is designed for normal and ordinary use,
and apart from a polish every now and then, should give you a lifetime of wear.
Please do not slseep in, bathe, or swim in your Art Jewelry.























"I want you to love your Art Jewelry piece as much as I love designing and creating them. If a piece is not what you had iin mind at the time of your order, let me know and we'll get you what you want."

Take a stroll through her studio and see the wide variety of beautiful items (not just jewelry) she offers. Enjoy your Sunday, and don't forget to leave a comment for our artisan. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun!

Next stop, debanvetdesigns!

Happy Sunday, everyone! I get to go see the nieces today, so I will quickly introduce you to debvanetdesigns.

I love the crazy train! I've not seen this artist on the forums, so the studio is new to me, too. Some unique and interesting items in it!

About the artist: "Mom to two, wife to one, artist, crafter, designer, gardener, volunteer, recycler, cat, chicken and worm owner, uninspired cook, amazing housekeeper. So many hats and only two hands, strong hands with nimble -always busy- fingers and trashed fingernails.
My experience in needlework, sewing, miniatures, doll-making, painting, paper arts, jewelry, mixed media collage allow me to use many different skills and techniques to hand-craft my items.

I have made art and craft all my life, studied art history, spent far too much time in school, and finally realized MAKING things, beautiful things to hold and wear and hopefully pass down is where I find my bliss."
































About the studio, "Welcome to debvandetdesigns! Handmade jewelry for you and artful adornments for you and your home. I use mixed media and a variety of techniques, new and recycled components to make my original designs. Whether your style is girly or goth, I might have something you'll love. If not... I would love to make it for you. Custom work and collaboration on a piece of jewelry that is personal and meaningful for you is a joy for me.
































Please visit me at www.debvandetdesigns.blogspot.com where I might chat about art, craft, chickens, kids, gardens, cats, and life in general. Thanks!"

Take a stroll through her studio and see the wide variety of beautiful items (not just jewelry) she offers. Enjoy your Sunday, and don't forget to leave a comment for our artisan. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun!

Next Stop, Creative Haven!

Creative Haven is a well-known name in the forums and the plurk world. She's willing to help anyone if she can and is always ready with a smart-al...um, clever remark. She is one of the first people I met in ArtFire, and I'm happy to know her.

Here's what she says in her studio intro: "Welcome to Creative Haven! This is where you will find all things created by me. I love to design jewelry among various other arts and crafts. I am always trying something new and different, so if that is what you are looking for you have come to the right place. You will find everything from jewelry to wood projects. I offer free shipping within the US and Canada on most items. I offer the lowest rates possible to all countries on all of my items. Have fun browsing and feel free to contact me with any questions or custom requests. Thanks for stopping by and if you are looking for great prices on various jewelry and/or arts and craft supplies, please visit my supply shop at http://www.creativesupplies.artfire.com
You can also find me on Etsy @ http://www.creativejewelhaven.etsy.com"





















Her bio reads, "I am a mother of two wonderful children, a homemaker, Fiance, and I am pretty creative. That is why I have opened creativehaven. It is named after my daughter 'Haven Skye'. I love handmade, unique, creative stuff of all sorts~(colors, shapes, and sizes)~So I have decided to share my favorite things with The world!"






























Creative is happy to work with you if you have a specific need for an item. Take a stroll through her studio and see the wide variety of splarklies she offers. Enjoy your Thursday, and don't forget to leave a comment for our artisan. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun!

Next Stop, MichiganMud!

Yes, mud! Wait until you see what this artisan does with it. Since we've been here for a whole day and I haven't detailed the sights, let's get right to it.

Michigan Mud works in polymer clay. Here's what the artisan has to say about the studio:
"Welcome! Please take a look around. If you'd like to request a custom piece, drop me a line!

In the White Lake area? Check out Gazelle's House of Handmades on Grass Lake Road!

Keep your eyes on my studio as I start getting ceramic pieces listed!"

























And her bio: "I am a young-ish momma, scientist and crafty person. I used to do pharmaceutical research. When the company closed the facility I was working in, I decided I wanted something that allowed me to stay home with my little guy. So, I started making stuff. I hope you like my stuff. I hope you want to buy my stuff! If you don't like my stuff, that's ok too-maybe I can make something you do like! Send me a note and I'll work with you to create something you can love for a long, long time"





















Enjoy your Thursday, and don't forget to leave a comment for our artisan. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun!

Next Stop, Absolutely Amy

First, I want to apologize to the Blog Train Readers for snoozing through the town of Suzbax. Computer problems (still not solved) occupied me all day yesterday when the Train was supposed to stop. Suz is a wonderful Artisan and we'll feature her in my blog as soon as I can.


Oh! We are here already! Amy is a frequent user of the forums and the Crazy Train Secretary. She is amazing in her ability to multitask! She also writes for Handmade.org, her first column is here.


"Welcome to Absolutely Amy, where you never know what you may find. Please enjoy browsing my shop.




























"I love to go out and search for interesting items to offer in my shop. I never know what will catch my eye, so you never know what you may find in my shop.

"I offer a variety of vintage and handcrafted items as well as the occassional supply item. If you are looking for something in particular, please feel free to contact me. I may have it available or I may know where to find it.
.
























"I hope you enjoy your visit to my shop. "

Enjoy your Tuesday, and don't forget to leave a comment for Jeanette. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun!

JewelrybyJanzia is our next stop!

Before we pull into the station, let me remind you that today is Sneaker Tuesday. I can't wait to see who the committee picks today! I love browsing new shops, as you may tell from my regular blog, and love that we can bring together the ArtFire community every week to share with one of our Artisans.

Ah, I see the train is slowing now....say hello to JewelrybyJanzia:

About the studio, "Thank you for stopping by my shop! At Jewelry by Janzia you will find an eclectic array of handcrafted jewelry designs from the simple to the sublime. Whether you are looking for some sparkle to wear with your favorite comfy jeans or something to add an extra special touch to that little black dress, Jewelry by Janzia has something to suit every style. So kick up your feet, browse around and indulge, adorn, and enjoy yourself."























About herself, "Hi, my name is Jeanette Krantz. I originally hail from West Virginia but now call Charlotte, NC home, which I love but will admit to missing the mountains from time to time. I'm a SAHM with two wonderful kids, two dogs, and a very supportive and loving husband.

I first became interested in making jewelry when I commented on liking a pair of my neighbors earrings and she told me that her daughter had made them. I was amazed by the idea that you could make your own earrings and a little seed was planted. The next time I went to my local library I checked out every book I could on jewelry making. I read everything I could on the subject but wasn't really spurred to action until I went to a jewelry party (not the handcrafted kind but a company sponsored one). I loved everything I saw but after reading so much about it I kept thinking to myself I could make that. I figured by this point it was time to stop thinking about it and start doing something. I went home and scoured all my books once again and then made my first piece which I gave to my mom for her birthday. After that there was no stopping me.

























Not one to ever do things halfway I went on a shopping spree and started making more than I could ever give away. I first got the thought to sell my jewelry when my neighbor asked if I had anything to sell because she was looking for a gift for her neice. I sold my first piece that day and at the urging of my family and friends decided to create Jewelry by Janzia and here I am."

Enjoy your Tuesday, and don't forget to leave a comment for Jeanette. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun!

Next Stop, Janelson Arts!

Today we pull in to the little town of JanelsonArts. This husband and wife team make amazing lampwork beads and do other upcycling and recycling.

Of her studio, Janell says, "I create beautiful lampwork beads and jewelry in my studio. I also feel we all need to recycle so I make clothing and other items from clean recycled paper, cloth whatever I find interesting."
























Of herself, Janell says, "I love creating and have all my life. I have a studio in my home where my husband and I both make lampwork beads on a oxygen propane torch. I also love sewing and create many beautiful items.
I feel strongly about saving the planet so im always looking for ways to use items that are normally thrown away.
My husband and I live in Ohio with our 2 dogs and 4 cats.
Thank you for stopping by.

...~~~Peace and Have Great Day~~~..."






























I have a set of her beads in my hotlist, so don't buy THOSE beads when you stroll through town. Enjoy your Sunday, and don't forget to leave a comment for Janell. You could be May's giveaway winner.

Every month I give away a pair of earrings or custom-length bracelet to a randomly picked commenter. Have fun this Sunday!

LaDeDaCreations: City of the 60s!

LaDeDaCreations is a friend of mine on ArtFire. She is almost the first person who helped me to find my way through the myriad aspects of ArtFire selling. I'm not completely comfortable with my studio yet, but she has helped me a lot! She also does poster art with her partner in crime, DeDe, and is always upbeat.

Here's to you, Laura!



























Glow-in-the dark incense burner of polymer clay.



Of her studio she says, "I SHIP ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!!!


If you're looking for items that are GROOVY, FUN, CRAZY, or just plain cute you've come to the right place! My creations are a lot like I am, very whimsical and sometimes a little weird.
If you live locally come check out Laura's Garden Spa. My husband Tony and I have had the spa for 5 1/2 years now and we have a lot of fun there! I also have more of my creations in our gift shop. www.laurasgardenspa.com

If you'd like to know more about me go to my myspace page. Just copy and paste this link in your browser...
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile

You can also see more of my creations at http://lalabug71.etsy.com

Be sure to check out this blog...
http://moonstone.tumblr.com/"



























Polymer clay pendant. You might beg her to make you one. This one is MINE!


Of herself, "My name is Laura, I'm 38 and have recently fell in love again with making jewelry and other clay and wire crafts.
My husband Tony and I own a day spa in Catoosa, Ok. named Laura's Garden Spa. I sell my crafts there but wanted to branch out more.
If you are ever traveling historic route 66 be sure to stop in and see us. Or you can visit our website laurasgardenspa.com "

Laura also hand knots hemp bracelets and anklets, makes earrings and necklaces, and spends an amazing amount of time boosting our morale! Enjoy your stroll through time in her studio and be sure to comment about what you like best. You could be the May Giveaway winner!