Post-Holiday Goodness

I hope you had an amazing Christmas, are still enjoying Hanukkah, and are gearing up for celebrations to welcome 2012!  This particular week of the year is especially compelling because of a little something else: Post. Holiday. Sales.

If you managed to refrain from the craze of showing up at Macy's or Target at 6:00 a.m., you've had time to digest your Christmas feast and are now ready to hit the ground (or the Web) running (surfing) in your search for the most promising deals.  In honor of the amazing CCCOE team, here is a compilation of best places to start for your post-holiday savings!  Happy shopping!

Free shipping upgrades to ensure you get new calendars by January 1!

Adorable wristlets are 10% off at SahndaMarie, coupon code HOLIDAY11

GORGEOUS amazonite gemstone necklace from FineJewelryDesign, now on sale!

Super-cute prints from Amie at TheBarberShop are buy two, get the third for free!

Get 10% off goodies like this chevron cowl at FoothillFibersNPhoto!

Get gorgeous with LisamariesPiece plus 15% off (coupon code ONEDOUBLEZERO)

Lots of fun, fashionable vintage finds on sale at KMalinka!

Is your shop hosting a sale I forgot to mention?  Post your info below!

With best wishes for the new year from Emily Reiter.

Style Trend: Winter Whites

When I think of iconic symbols for winter, snow is probably one of the most automatic things that come to mind. This season, snow-inspired, winter whites are popping up on celebrities in both fancy and cozy-comfy ways:

*photos via googleimages*

Take a peek at these pretty winter whites, all made by CCCOE members:

For more general bloggy girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"

Holiday Gifting Trends: FELT

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be FELT with the heart."

Okay so I *may* have borrowed the above quote from Helen Keller.  It just seemed so fitting for one of the sweetest, most versatile fabric trends for the holiday season: FELT.  Some fuzzy, felted goodness is just what Santa ordered for the winter season.

I started browsing CCCOE artisans for their felted creations and was blown away by the talent we've got right here on our own team for all things FELT!  Below is just a small selection of the felt awesomeness I found among our members.  Enjoy and get that last minute shopping done now ... with FELT!

Loving these felted pebble magnets from delica!

Totally jonesin' for this awesome Kindle Fire case in my favorite color combo!

CUTEST little slippies for the little loved ones in your life!  From rusticpatriotgirl.

More captivating felted creatures: birdie hair clips by petals

Lovely blooms and greys come together for this checkbook cover from PineBlossoms

Prettiest autumn colors in this headband from MySweetieBean

A charming tote for your feline friend (OR for yourself!) from wagsandwiggles

I guess it's obvious from some of my selections that I have an appreciation of button details, too.  :)

There were way too many amazing felt goodies for me to cram all the relevant listings into a single blog post; hope you'll check out the links to CCCOE member shops below for all the felted excitement you can stand!

• Stitchy Impressions (home decor and household goods)
• Rynrina (TONS of adorable felt clutches and tote purses!)
• The Felted Pear (felt food toys for the little ones!)
• Flea Circus
• Puppy Love Stuff (heartFELT baglets!)
• La Tea Da Designs (felted art & supplies)
• Day of the Thread
• Whimsical Paper Dot (felties!)
• Felt Better Plushery (stuffed toys)
• Zizi Rho Designs (jewelry and electronics cozies)
• Grapevine Captive (goodies for baby)
• Oh Sew Tru
• Zazu Faure (plushie friends)

I hope you'll share YOUR favorite felt goodness for the holidays with us in your comments below, especially if I had the audacity to overlook the felted lovelies in your shop!  Please let us know.

Guest blog by Emily Reiter, wearing felted hairclips and repurposed felt scarves while lounging on a felt-applique wool pillow.  :)

PSST :: unrelated note: if you're NOT finished with holiday shopping <gasp>, you can still shop AND get free shipping from e-tailers via the FREE SHIPPING WEBSITE with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve!  You're welcome.  :)

Happy Brownie Day!

Yep, you read right. December 8th's little known holiday is National Brownie Day. And with that in mind, I thought I'd share my favorite brownie recipe along with some fun brownie-themed CCCOE goodies because, as you know, there aren't really a lot of sweets lying around the kitchen in December... Fudgy Brownies from Epicurious.com

• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cold large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup walnut or pecan pieces (optional)

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 325°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.

Combine the butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a medium heatproof bowl and set the bowl in a wide skillet of barely simmering water. Stir from time to time until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and hot enough that you want to remove your finger fairly quickly after dipping it in to test. Remove the bowl from the skillet and set aside briefly until the mixture is only warm, not hot.

Stir in the vanilla with a wooden spoon. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each one. When the batter looks thick, shiny, and well blended, add the flour and stir until you cannot see it any longer, then beat vigorously for 40 strokes with the wooden spoon or a rubber spatula. Stir in the nuts, if using. Spread evenly in the lined pan.

Bake until a toothpick plunged into the center emerges slightly moist with batter, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a rack.

Lift up the ends of the parchment or foil liner, and transfer the brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 16 or 25 squares.

And now for some brownie goodness from our talented CCCOE team:

Candy Cane Brownie Cookies by KECookies'

Brownie Clutch by SalvageShop

Letterpress Recipe Cards by HawkGerber

Treat Bags by ShannaMichelleDesigns

This post was hastily written during the Christmas rush by Janet of CustomSepia.

Checking Out the New Listings

Every month, the team posts a new thread in the discussions forum where everyone can post their new listings. It's nice to go through and see what's new...

Christmas is coming, and the first things I noticed were some Christmas-themed jewelry, which would be great for gift giving or as something fun to wear for the season.

(By Penrose Designs and Designs by Felisa.)

If you've been cold (I know I have) there are some new items to keep you warm.

(Crocheted hat by Bohemian Hollow and woven scarf by Lulu's Creations1.)

Then I noticed a couple different kinds of bracelets.

Depending on your style, you can go with the leather cuff by Misha Girl or the beaded bracelet from MaRIAHjules.

And back at Christmas stuff...  

...just in case you need Christmas cards (by Nthegroove) or gift tags (by HeartAndHandmade2).

I like to pop by the thread periodically. December's will be up until the end of the month. Check it out.

This post was contributed by Liz of Zizi Rho Designs. Happy Holidays.

Celebrating Cyber Monday

I hope y’all got your fill of delicious turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing – now it’s time for mental and physical recovery as you face the (sometimes daunting) holiday shopping season!  Woo hoo!

...and time to start shopping!

This is my first December in the handmade/small business community, and frankly, I’m thrilled.  It’s not just because I get to offer my own wares to holiday shoppers, either; I’ve already crossed off a good number of gifts on my list thanks to Etsy.  Most of it has been accomplished this weekend, too—Black Friday and Small Biz Saturday have proven excellent shopping opportunities for holiday gift-givers. 

Next up?  Cyber Monday.

Quite a few wonderful CCCOE members are offering some fantastic deals for Cyber Monday shoppers, so I’ve scoured our sweet little community to find some of the best bets for honing in on the gifts you still need to snatch before pesky shipping deadlines are upon us.

Free shipping from BrookeJewelry

For the Ladies

I’m a big believer that any modern, self-respecting, fashion-forward woman can really never have enough of three things: shoes, handbags, and jewelry.  I’ve always had a relatively easy time shopping for the women in my life (mom, cousins, aunts, friends) because I am crazy about jewelry and think that this has the potential to be unique and personalized gift with broad appeal.  Some of my favorite pieces include Sora Designs’ understated, timeless, and oh-so-lovely circle necklaces, Brooke’s gorgeous half-moon earrings,  Roscata’s almost-good-enough-to-eat 10% off baubles,  and Penumbra Images’ 20% off sale photo brooches.

20% off with coupon code "THANKS20"

For the One Who Has Everything

I’ll be so bold as to virtually guarantee that your hard-to-shop-for friend doesn’t have handmade bacon beverage wraps OR coasters resembling slabs of raw meat.  Enough said.  Also a great option for White Elephant fun at the office holiday party.

For the Bride-to-Be

My good friend got engaged a few months ago and is up to her eyeballs in wedding planning.  One of her favorite fashion and home décor themes is black-and-white damask, and these bridesmaid clutches from ocstylescreations would make her a super-happy bride-to-be!  Cross her off your list and let HER cross something off of her own wedding prep list!  Not that close a friend with said bride?  Buy the single version as a more personal (and affordable) gift.

Rad wallets for guys (and gals) for 15% off

For MEN.

Circle back to bacon beverage wraps and carnivore coasters mentioned above.  Other great options: rad art prints, wallets and money clips, like a super-sexy, 15% off Kansas City Chiefs wallet that would make my dad swoon, and stuff to make him smell good.

15% off at JPaveyDesigns

For your non-So-Cal friends

For those of us lucky enough to bask in the eternal sunshine of Southern California, scarves are really more of a fashion statement than a survival necessity.  But for our friends to the north (and east), these wonderful accessories are actually quite useful for battling the coldest winter days.  Show how thoughtful you really are with my top pick for one of the best no-brainer gifts for pretty much anyone and everyone in your life.  I recommend starting your search with this lovely number – a gorgeous hand-knitted, one-of-a-kind infinity scarf (wrap it twice and you’ve given the gift that doubles as a cowl) in a unique and completely obsession-worthy shade of wintry green.  Throw in a 15% off discount and you’re all set to share the gift of warmth in a way considerably more practical than treating your entire posse to a weekend in 80-degrees-in-November Los Angeles.

Great scarf option for dudes, too!

Okay, guys, I can’t be a TOTAL hand-holder, so you’ll have to get down to business with some creativity and determination to get that holiday shopping done – just make that list NOW so you can take advantage of ALL the great Cyber Monday deals that fellow CCCOE members have to offer.  Enjoy!

{sales + links} in order of CCCOE discount awesomeness :: add your shop promos in "comments" if you don't see them listed here!

• 50% off, coupon code HALFOFF :: Polka Dot Kreations
  
• 50% off, coupon code CYBERMONDAY50 :: Anna Delores Photography
• 30% off, everything already reduced :: Lorie Lynn Designs 
• 25% off, coupon code HOLIDAY25 :: Fuss & Feathers
• 25% off, coupon code STUFFMYGOBBLE :: Queen of Queens
  
• 20% off, coupon code THANKSGIVING :: PicPerfect
• 20% off, coupon code BLACKFRIDAY20 :: Nouveau-Tique
• 20% off orders of $40 or more, BLACKFRIDAY2011 :: Beegrl88
• 15% off, items already reduced :: JPaveyDesigns
• 15% off, coupon code TURKEYDAY2011 :: It's Me, Mary
• 10% off, coupon code CYBERMINKY :: Moonbeam Minky
• 10% off, coupon code HOLIDAYHOP :: Heart and Handmade
• 10% off, coupon code 10OFF :: Sferra Designs
• Free shipping, coupon code FREESHIPMG :: Misha Girl
• Free shipping, no coupon code required :: Wine Country Life
• Free shipping, coupon code CYBERMONDAY :: LisamariesPiece
• Free shipping, coupon code FREEUNATUNASHIP :: Unatuna
  

10% off at Heart and Handmade

Happy holiday shopping, everyone! ♥ CCCOE team member and contributor Emily Reiter lives in Los Angeles, California and has two shops on Etsy: Anna Delores Photography and Luccichio & Co. jewelry and paper crafts. I'll be back on the CCCOE blog on December 27 (hopefully for a showcase of amazing post-holiday sales!) but in the meantime you can also visit me on my own blog :: http://annadeloresphoto.blogspot.com.

Holiday Giftlets for Kidlets

Can you believe it's almost that time of year again? If you're looking for something sweet to tuck away into stockings and countdown calendars this year besides candy, take a peek at these delightful little giftlets, all of which are made by CCCOE members:

For more countdown calendar tips, & general bloggy girly-girl goodness, visit me at: PuppyLovePreschool "Land of Little, Lovely Delightfullish Things"

Treasury Challenge #3 Such A Great Turn Out

The theme: Woodland, Forest, Nature

The ending of October found the California Crafters Club of Etsy Team closing up Treasury Challenge #3 with the theme: Woodland, Forest, Nature with such a great turnout. There was such a wide arrange of gorgeous Treasuries submitted for the running, making it very difficult to decide on just one however Curator Lisa Carpenter, owner of NouveauTique should be proud to take the title as winner for this challenge with her Treasury entry called “They Got Lost Along the Way”.



Lisa comes to CCCOE as an artisan of Modern Vintage Jewelry, Art and Gifts creating unique, one of a kind pieces by deconstructing vintage jewelry and using parts to reconstruct her new creative pieces. Here are a few gorgeous tid bits of what she has to offer

An elegant Vintage Rose Locket Necklace

Classy vintage inspired Pearl and Crystal Bracelet


Runners up also entered some very nice Earthy and Bold Treasuries also. PuppyLovePrincess’s ”I Believe In Forest Fairies” features beautiful hues of blues and browns in a swirl of wonderful earthyness. Is that a word? Hahaha and OldeTymeNotions’ bold “Peacock jewel tones in my garden” features blasts of indigo, fushia and teals dancing and enticing you like natures peacock tail. What a great job everyone!

Now that October has come and gone “Let’s Welcome November” which by the way, is the theme for our newest challenge…Treasury Challenge #4! Check out the official entry thread to get all the juicy details and submit your creative fresh new treasuries to be in the running by noon Thursday November 10th and don’t forget to include your current Challenge #3 Winner NouveauTique along with 4 other CCCOE members, at least 1 new member and finally and most importantly entries must use the TAG “3coe4” so that we can all find your treasury when voting for the next winner.

Good luck to everyone and have a wonderfully creative week!

Ponchos and Wraps and Mittens (oh my!)

In this part of California (southern), the weather just turned chilly, and the forecast says it's going to be chilly for at least the next week. So, I started looking for stuff to keep me warm.

A poncho is perfect to throw over whatever you are wearing. There are so many different ones to choose from...

Like these by SECRETango, Murielle Knitwear, and Nasila's Knits. I'm partial to the orange one, but then again, I'm always partial to anything orange.

If a poncho is too much, a wrap is just as nice. You can get them loose or tight...

Like these by JPaveyDesigns and Naughty Monkeys. These'll help to keep the chill off.

Of course, ponchos and wraps don't cover your arms or hands, but there's a solution for that...  

Fingerless gloves and mittens from Nikifashion, EfiaFair, and Bluebirds and Blossoms. They have to be fingerless, or else you won't be able to text.

This post was contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs who actually might need to turn on the heat. And break out her ponchos and wraps and fingerless mittens. Reminder: all pictures link back to the item on Etsy. Keep warm.  

Happy Birthday Scorpio!

Born between October 23 and November 21, Scorpio is symbolized by the scorpion and are considered to be the most mysterious individuals in the Zodiac.

Fire Engine Red Scorpion on Black Bow Hair Clip by drellajones Scorpios have a burning passion about everything they do in life. They are extremely determined, ambitious and persistent. They are always quick in decision-making and tend to gather wealth. Scorpions are usually known for making money and hiding it. They are quite conservative about spending the money.

See a Penny Necklace by NinaGibsonDesigns Scorpios will remember every small gesture of kindness and love and repay it. On the other hand, they will never forget a misdoing and have a revengeful nature. One should note that a Scorpio never forgives and forgets!

Mad Bunnies Two Sided Mug by MaidofClay

An Elephant Never Forgets Card by cbsorci

A Scorpio can be a loving and passionate partner. They are extremely devoted and loyal however, they are also known for jealousy and possessiveness.

Cherry Blossoms Cute Couple by Nidhi Famous Scorpios include Leonardo DiCaprio, Goldie Hawn, Demi Moore, Ted Turner, Keith Urban and Mickey Mouse. This is our 10th post in a series of Astrological signs by SophienMe