SublimeHues

Dalai Lama audio and video | The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama

Birthday Wishes for the Dalai Lama!

2011-07-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Wishing a Happy Birthday and Long Life to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 76th birthday today! May he succeed all expectations with his Kalachakra for World Peace over the next 10 days!

Dalai Lama Kalachakra Festival for World Peace

2011-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Pennsylvania Thunderstorm

2011-06-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

Serenaded By a Robin

2011-06-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Moth Photograph, Hadena Capsularis

2011-06-13T04:32:00.000-07:00

The Moth, Hadena Capsularis, is Endangered in the U.S. Photographed June 11, 2011 in Harrisburg, PA.

Craft Tip for Crochet and Knitting

2011-05-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

Namaste! I Love to Crochet and Knit. I used to get into a tough of war with my yarn, until my ball of yarn ended up looking like a pile of spaghetti. Here's a little Tip I came up with after a long meditation session and afterwards gathering together my recycling for the curb. Eureka! Instead of recycling those Paper Towel rolls and TP rolls put them to good use. Wrap your yarn around them. It will never get tangled or knotted again.

Oil Painting Technique, Art Lesson

2011-05-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Namaste! I'm an Artist who Loves working with Oils! I'm always looking for new techniques and tips or tricks to stretch the medium. If you're sketching with your brush, blocking in a base coat, or creating a Plein Painting try this...

Before applying Paint cover your canvas with a coat of Artist Oil for Oil Paints first. There are several different types on the market for you to choose from. Then go on an Art Adventure and explore this technique. Have Fun!

Fall Tree Art Print, Fall Grove, Autumn Trees, Art Prints by Wanda Edwards - Shop Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints at Imagekind.com

2011-05-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Fall Tree Art Print, Fall Grove, Autumn Trees, Art Prints by Wanda Edwards - Shop Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints at Imagekind.com

Dharma Necklace Pendants from Zazzle.com

2011-04-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

Dharma Necklace Pendants from Zazzle.com

Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Earth Day!

...Go Hug a Tree

... Plant a Tree

...begin Recycling today

...Plant Heirloom quality Seeds in your Garden

I'm sure that you can think of 100 other ways to celebrate Earth Day. Make an Earth Day Resolution to incorporate Earth Friendly habits into your life. Try adding to your Resolution list each year.

Happy Day!

“Save Earth Now!” | Krishna.com

2011-04-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

“Save Earth Now!” Krishna.com

Mother Earth Day | Krishna.com

2011-04-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

Mother Earth Day Krishna.com

Spring notes from the Sketch Pad

2011-04-21T02:01:00.000-07:00

Namaste! Springtime is here at last! The length of daylight is ever increasing and my perennial plants are coming out of their dormant stage. The Song Birds are back serenading us with their beautiful chirps which is music to my ears. What an exciting time of year! Inspiration for my Art is flowing like a river from every cell in my body and spilling out onto my sketch pad.

Lots of New Art to share with you...coming soon! Stay Tuned :)

Spring Gardening Tips

2011-03-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

So its Spring. Hopfully you were a Good Gardener and put at least 6 inches of compost material onto your Vegetable Garden bed at the end of last Fall. If not thats a big Ooops! QUICK...run to your nearest Garden Center and purchase as much as you can! Incorporate it into your soil before planting.

In some parts of the country you've Already planted. But for those of us who live in regions that seem more like the Artic Tundra...its time to plant your cold hardy greens. Yep, thats right...SpINaCH, Kale, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Collard Greens, Asian Greens, etc... No need to water your seeds during Spring if you planted in the ground. Mother Nature is a better gardener than you are. You can reserve your water usage for Summer.

Be sure to check out my previous Blog Post about Butterflies, "Plight of the Butterfly." It contains tips and tricks about how to invite Butterflies into your vegetable garden.

Little Bird Necklace from Zazzle.com

2011-02-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Little Bird Necklace from Zazzle.com

Gardening Tips part 3, Art Project

2011-02-19T14:25:00.000-08:00

This Gardening Project is for persons 18 years or older!

Something to think about while planning your Spring Garden. Pumpkins are fun to grow! Did you know that you can create designs on them even before they are harvested? Here's an Art Project for you...

Yes, you can turn your Pumpkins into works of ART! After your pumpkin vines produce fruit you can draw on them with a permanent magic marker. Keep in mind that the fruit will come off of the vine super easily :(

So I don't recommend trying to pick up the fruit to draw on it. Where it lays you can carefully draw on the exposed side. Its fun to write your name, create a design, etc... As the pumpkin grows the area with the magic marker writing produces scar tissue that grows over your writing/drawing. It essentially becomes apart of the pumpkin itself.

The Pumpkins are for decorative use only! I don't recommend eating them!

If you try this....Contact Me and I'll tell you how to send Photo's of your Pumpkins to me...photo's of your pumpkins after they are fully grown and have been harvested!!! I would Love to see them, and add them to my Blog!

Have Fun!

My Shop:

Song Bird Necklace, Folk Art Bird from Zazzle.com

Song Bird Necklace, Folk Art Bird from Zazzle.com

2011-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

Studio Beat, New Folk Art Bird Necklaces

2011-02-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

Unique Bird Jewelry. New Product Line Launched Today! My Folk Art Bird Jewelry is now available in my Zazzle Shop as Sterling Silver Necklaces. I've listed 3 of them so far. More on the way! Have a PEEK and tell me what you think....Post Here!
My Shop:

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/fogliadolce

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T04:25:00.000-08:00

Our Cat Jack

2011-02-15T01:14:00.000-08:00

January 6th marks one year since I lost my beloved cat, Mr. Kitty to Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). Mr. Kitty (whose other names included: Kitty Poo, Kitty-fish, Kitty-bird, K-licious, Kitty Cup and Kitty Boy Floyd) was my best friend and constant companion for nearly two decades. He stuck with me through my often wild twenties and several moves from one Hollywood apartment to another (not to mention some rather strange roommates!) He slept on my lap on two separate round trip flights from Los Angeles to Miami when I went home for Christmas. He loved everyone - people and animals alike. No matter who walked through the door, Mr. Kitty would plop down on their lap and begin purring loudly. When Mr. Kitty was two years old, my fiance and I moved in together and he decided to get a pit-bull puppy. This of course, worried me a great deal and I wasn't sure if my cat would be safe or if the two would get along. Nothing phased my big, fluffy, tan and white tabby - he took everything in stride - and over the next sixteen years, they were inseparable.

When Mr. Kitty was diagnosed with CRF in December 2010 - I was confused - I knew very little about the condition or what to expect. Sadly, in spite of a week long stay at the vet's office, a blood transfusion, pills, meds, Sub-Q fluids, a lot of prayers (and money) - Mr. Kitty, who had put up a brave fight, was losing his battle with CRF. My once plump 22 lb cat, was now only 8 lbs and barely clinging to life. Taking him to the vet that dreaded morning was one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life. Saying goodbye to my sweet boy was more difficult than I could ever have imagined. The grief was intense and seemed never-ending. I sobbed uncontrollably every waking moment and when I slept, he filled my dreams.

People handle the loss of a favorite pet in different ways. Some, unable to bear the thought of losing another one, choose not to adopt another animal. Others need a certain amount of time between pets. I, on the other hand, felt that welcoming a new cat or kitten into our home was the only way out of the dark pit of anguish in which I was drowning. So, while still deeply mourning the loss of my dearest friend, I began my search. I went online, combed newspaper ads, went to pet adoption events and called several local rescues in an effort to find "the right one". The problem is that I had my heart set on a kitten. This wouldn't have been an issue, except that it was the middle of January - a time when kittens are not exactly abundant. I was up early every morning, to look on Craig's List and Pet Finder but there were very few kittens available. I would call to inquire about a kitten and find out that it had already been adopted. As each day passed, I was becoming discouraged and feeling even more depressed without Mr. Kitty. I missed him so much and losing him had left such a void in my life. Then one evening, I decided to check Craig's List one more time before going to bed - and there it was - an ad for two 2 year old male Ragdoll cats who needed a home. ( I had always wanted a Ragdoll but felt that purchasing animals from a breeder was somehow wrong when there are so many animals in shelters.) But here were two that could soon become homeless and my chance to save one.

There was a picture of both - one seal point and one blue bi-color - both were beautiful but I knew in an instant which cat was "the one". I sent an email to the owner. expressing my interest in adopting one of the cats. I was so excited, it was hard to sleep that night - I was awakened by a phone call early the next morning from the owner of the cats. She explained that they had belonged to her mother who had recently passed away. I told her that I had fallen in love with the blue bi-color in the photo. We spoke briefly and afterward she told me that there had been replies from several other people but that she knew in her heart that I was "the right one". And it was a good thing I didn't choose the seal point, as she had decided to keep him.

The following day, I made the one hour drive to Seal Beach to meet my new cat and take him home. His name was Jack - and I decided not to change it. The first thing I noticed about him was the size of his head! It was huge - with a broad pink nose and eyes like sapphires. He was gorgeous - 26 lbs of silky blue-gray and white fur and giant paws. It has been one year since Jack came to live with us and we love him more each day! He is sweet, gentle and very well behaved - He brings us so much joy with his funny little quirks. He is an absolute delight. We recently adopted a new kitten and we weren't sure how Jack would react. It is normal for the bigger and/or older cat to be a little aggressive to establish himself as the alpha - but instead Jack took the little guy under his wing. Cuddled up together, Jack will lick the kitten's face until he falls asleep and during the day, they wrestle and play, chasing each other back and forth.

No one will ever replace Mr. Kitty - he was one of a kind and when he died - a part of me died along with him. But I am so grateful to Jack for giving me a reason to smile again.

My Bonanza Booth:

Painting a Day, Cat Art, Butterfly Garden Cat 6

2011-02-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

Cat Art. Painting a Day, Day 18 in my series.

Cat watching a Butterfly flutter by. And the Cat says..."How can I catch it? A Trophy for my Humans? Not much meat on it."

My Shop:

Painting a Day, Butterfly Garden Cat 5

2011-02-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

Painting a Day. Cat Art. Titled, "Butterfly Garden Cat 5." Day 17 of my Painting a Day series.

My New Cat Art Drawing depicts a Cute Little Kitty frolicking about in a Butterfly Garden. I Am the CAAAAAT! Worship Me! A Proud Regal Kitty sitting Tall expecting your obedience. The World is throwing Gifts at his Paws. Flowers and Butterflies to amuse and favor him. Tail twitches contently as he surveys all that he owns...everything in his gaze. Life in this moment is Good.

Coming to My Shop soon:

Cute Cat and Mouse Art Canvas Print from Zazzle.com

Cute Cat and Mouse Art Canvas Print from Zazzle.com

2011-02-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

How We Respond to Snow in Texas

2011-02-11T04:32:00.000-08:00

Texas humor.. picture taken somewhere between Austin and San Antonio….

My Booth:

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/fairdeals4u

Weekend Blog Hop

2011-02-11T04:21:00.000-08:00

It's Weekend Blog Hop! Come to the Hop...

This is your Official Invitation to post YOUR Blog URL here. Meet and Greet Folks....Post Comments on Other Blogs, and maybe even gain New Followers. You don't even have to have a Poodle on your Skirt to get in on this Hop. This Blog Hop is Open All Weekend! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

So Go To The Hop every Weekend...right here. Look to the Right of my Blog...my Right Side Bar...Scroll down to "My Favorite Blog Posts." See "Weekend Blog Hop." And Join in on the Fun!

The Weekend Blog Hop Page URL:

http://SublimeHues.blogspot.com/

Weekend Blog Hop Page

http://sublimehues.blogspot.com/p/weekend-blog-hop.html

Cat Lovers

2011-02-10T01:05:00.000-08:00

Cat Lovers come see my New Page about...Cat Lovers. Its called, "Who Loves Cats and Why part 2"

here is the Link to the page:

http://sublimehues.blogspot.com/p/who-loves-cats-and-why-part-2.html

OR see the Right Sidebar of my Blog under "My Favorite Blog Posts" to find the article.

Hope to see you there...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

Greeting Cards, Art Cards

2011-02-08T00:06:00.000-08:00

I create Greeting Cards using my Original Art, and Heart Felt Verses. My Art Cards are collectible. Put them in a Scrapbook, Frame them as Art, or place them out on display.

I wrote the Verses so that my Art Cards can be used for every ocassion under the Sun, to include:

-Valentine's Day

-Anniversaries

-Thinking of You

-Birthdays

-Give to Wife or Girlfriend

-Give to Husband or Boyfriend

Maybe you can think of another special ocassion or a certain someone to give these to...

Here They Are:

Miles Away

http://www.zazzle.com/miles_away_greeting_card-137393558887939353

You're in My Heart

http://www.zazzle.com/youre_in_my_heart_greeting_card-137824419684055702

Beautiful

http://www.zazzle.com/beautiful_greeting_card-137118425870765972

Eternal Love

http://www.zazzle.com/eternal_love_greeting_card-137539508013777868

Love

http://www.zazzle.com/love_greeting_card_bird_art_card-137421590221446386

Sketchbook Doodles

2011-02-07T04:52:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to opening up my sketchbook today and letting myself go. My pages are layer upon layer of smudged charcoal and graphite renderings. Rough sketches, scribbles, and completed drawings have spilled out onto the pages. Maybe I'll give you a tour someday.

Blog Hop

2011-02-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Come to the Hop...

Read about it here...

Weekend Blog Hop Page

http://sublimehues.blogspot.com/p/weekend-blog-hop.html

Robins form Posse, "We're Gonna Lynch That Groundhog"

2011-02-05T09:05:00.000-08:00

We have a whole flock of ROBINS in our yard! This is Illinois where there’s almost 2 feet of snow on the ground and the temperatures are in the teens! I don’t think I ever remember robins coming back this early (in February), especially with it still being so cold.

Hmmmm. Maybe they know something we don’t!

The interesting thing too is, when they do come in the spring, usually there’s a few of them. I don’t remember ever seeing so many at once like this; there were about 30 or 40 of them out there.

My Bonanza Booth:
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/CALsBookInn

Editors Note: Maybe the Groundhog fooled the Robins too?

Is anyone else seeing signs of an Early Spring??? Or is the Groundhog wrong again?
Post YOUR signs of Spring, WE'D sure like to see some!

Meet Hogwild the Pet Pig

2011-02-03T04:29:00.000-08:00

That little girl was a cull piglet from a large facility. She was given to me the day she was to be culled…She was a runt, pretty beat up and had pnemonia. We almost lost her twice. She was so loveable when she was little and was raised with a new liter of puppies we had. She still thinks she’s a dog. She’d cuddle up with the mother and sleep with the pups. She used to jump right into my lap.
One night a couple weeks after we’d gotten her pnemonia came back. My husband was trying to prepare me that she wouldn’t be around in the morning. Well my husband admits to this now, but he said a prayer and asked the big guy if he spared her, we’d never butcher her….
Well she was still around in the morning, and by afternoon, her old self. 6 months later, she is my best pal. She walks with me every day, jumps trees, barks, and chases cars. She’s 200 pounds. She is so funny and loveable she has visitors in the barn to see her all the time
No matter where we are, if a yell “hogwild” she’ll run like crazy back to her barn. She is hilarious when she runs and remarkably fast
She big enough to breed, so hopefully ( i’m new at this) we can get her bred soon and she’ll have her own piglets in late spring!

My Bonanza Booth:
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/hogwildsales

GroundHog Day

2011-02-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

Today's February 2nd. GroundHog Day, and you've probably all heard about that prima donna out in the western part of the state, with everybody going all ga-ga over "Did he see his shadow?" Yeah, I'm sure you have...

Well, here in this part of Pennsyltucky we have our own groundhog, and he ain't NOTHIN' like the pampered pet out west. Let me introduce you to Punks, the scrawny fool!

And you ask, "So what's he say?" Boy...plenty!

"Are you people DAFT or something? There's ice out there!"

"Really hate to disappoint youn'se, but you've got 6 weeks of winter, no matter WHAT you know who sez! Don't expect me to lie just to make you feel good! Mother Nature doesn't speed up just to bring Spring early. So you can kiss my furry tail!

"And none of this "I'm disappointed" stuff either! Expecting a big fat groundhog. I haven't had a bite to eat in weeks! And I don't smell none too good either. You try hibernatin' sometime! "So quit trying to get me to look for no darn shadow. If anything, I'll be looking for some GRUB. So now, if you don't mind..."

And he dives back into his burrow, leaving us cold and feeling silly up there on Lebkickler Hill.

"Bunch of yay-hoos..."

The Duck Lover

2011-02-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Are you a Duck lover? Had any Duck encounters? I'd love to hear about it! Post here...

I know of few people who don't like to see a mother duck and her brood. There's something sweet about the protective mother chaperoning her chicks through a field, in a stream, even in a city. I had the opportunity to watch this little family happily swimming about.

I created this watercolor painting of a Duck in flight.

Photograph of the Day, Old Oak

2011-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

Gardening Tips, Growing Corn

2011-01-31T04:44:00.000-08:00

Thinking of Spring?

So you want to plant corn. Corn requires a lot of space to grow. Here's a way that you can better utilize your space while detering Raccoons from feasting on your harvest.

Keep in mind that corn must be planted in rows of atleast 10 plants per row, with atleast 6 rows of plants that are spaced about 2 feet apart....these are minimum requirements and it doesn't guarantee that you will produce corn...you may need more plants and more rows. Gardening is done by trial and error.

After you have planted your corn, and it has grown to about 3-6 inches tall...you can plant pole beans and squash/pumpkins too :)

Very C A R E F U L L Y plant your pole bean seeds in a circle around each corn stalk. The corn stalk will act as a trellis for your beans. As they grow train your beans to grow up the corn stalks.

AND

then plant your squash/pumpkin seeds in a circle around your pole bean seeds. As the squash grows you will have to train it to grow in a circle around your corn stalk. When the plants produce flowers and later fruit you must be Super C A R E F U L when moving the vines...OR your flower/fruit will fall off of the vine :(

Raccoons little padded paws are sensitive. They don't like stepping on the pricklies that grow on squash vines. So this helps to keep them from feasting on your corn. Its a better way that you can co-exist with these cute little critters :) After all we have moved into their Front Yard!

Raccoons and Skunks also like squash/pumpkins :) Sprinkle Cayenne pepper around the fruit to help deter them. This will need to be refreshed often. You can also try spraying Fox pee near the fruit...but NOT directly on your plants!

Happy Gardening!

The Crow: Ole Sneaky Beak

2011-01-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day...Ode to the Crow. Why the Crow? BeCAWs... Crows are the only Birds that I know of who actually know how to make Tools and use tools. They know how to solve complex problems. They have a broad vocabulary. And they are oh so sneaky...

I was in a car once waiting for someone when I saw a murder (an appropriate name!) of crows in a tree watching something. After a while, I saw a squirrel on the ground, looking about furtively... but never UP, the direction he should have been looking. After a while, feeling safe, it dug a hole and hid a little morsel of food in it, carefully burying it before running off with visions of savory treats in its head. Not a chance!

For here comes old Black-Eyed Pete as sneaky as one gets, with his posse of black-hearts (and feathers) keeping lookout for him. He lands a few yards away, looking around to see if that buffoon's going to come back. Nope, coast is clear! He saunters nonchalantly over to the squirrel's treasure and unceremoniously flings dirt all over the landscape as he retrieves lunch, then flies off with it towards his cohorts to a fiendishly fresh feast.

You could hear them cawing delightedly, mocking that poor squirrel. Imagine his surprise later. "You know, I could SWEAR I buried it right here!"

As a well-fed sparkling black eye looks on.

Sea Shell Jewelry, Aquatic Life Necklace from Zazzle.com

2011-01-29T09:08:00.000-08:00

Sea Shell Jewelry, Aquatic Life Necklace from Zazzle.com

Photograph of the Day, Mountain Top

2011-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day. A clearing in the Forest on a Mountain top. Fall is almost over and Winter is beginning.

Photograph of the Day, Summer Flowers

2011-01-27T04:08:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day is of Beautiful Spring Flowers.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T04:21:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day Cards, Valentines Day Gifts

2011-01-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day! Valentines Day Cards are in! I've created New Valentines Day Cards which feature my Original Watercolor Paintings. They contain Beautiful Heart Felt Verses. Also be sure to check out my New Sterling Silver Necklaces with Pendants. The Pendants feature my Original Paintings, Drawings, and Photographs.

My Shop:

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/CritterCreekRanch

Abstract Art Project, Art Lesson

2011-01-25T04:42:00.000-08:00

This Project is for persons 18 yrs or older!

Supplies needed:
8" x 10" or 9" x 12" Cardboard (or smaller)
crayons
metal spoon
black water based craft paint

First completely cover your cardboard with crayon. Think of an Abstract Design and lay the color on thick. Add a Rainbow of colors. Next, paint the entire work in black. Allow the paint several hours to dry. Next, using your spoon scrap off areas of the black paint. Careful not to remove your crayon color....we want that to show through. Think of an Abstract Design while scraping the black paint off......careful to not remove to much of the paint. ENJOY!

Bobcat in my Backyard

2011-01-24T04:11:00.000-08:00

We have spotted him several times this past summer, and he has been after the chickens finally got a picture of him Thurs night on our deer cam lol oh the country life lol.

The bobcat is a medium-sized, reddish brown cat about the
size of a chow dog. Length of the adult is about 3 feet, 6 inches.
Weight is 12 to 20 pounds, occasionally up to 36 pounds in old,
fat males. Bobcats are highly adaptable felines and throughout
most of their range in Texas have shown a marked ability to
cope with the inroads of human settlement.
The bobcat’s food consists mainly of small mammals and
birds. Among the mammals found in bobcat stomachs, wood
rats, ground squirrels, mice and rabbits supply the bulk of the
diet. Occasionally deer are killed and eaten, but most of the
deer meat found in bobcat stomachs has been carrion. The
bobcat also preys upon domestic sheep, goats and poultry. The
predatory damage is not great, except in rare instances.
The bobcat is the only native Texas cat which is
important as a fur animal.

My Bonanza Booth:

My Twitter:
www.twitter.com/CritterCreekR
My Facebook
www.facebook.com/JohnnyandDigger

Butterfly Necklace Art Jewelry from Zazzle.com

2011-01-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

Butterfly Necklace Art Jewelry from Zazzle.com

Photograph of the Day, Ancestral Homestead

2011-01-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

Photograph of the Day. Ruins from an Ancestral Homestead of ours.

Cat Art Jewelry by SublimeHues Wearable Art from Zazzle.com

2011-01-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

Cat Art Jewelry by SublimeHues Wearable Art from Zazzle.com

Photograph of the Day, My ScotsIrish

2011-01-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Photograph of the Day. Ruins from one of our Ancestral Homesteads.

Studio Beat

2011-01-21T04:30:00.000-08:00

Zazzle Shop New items listed! To include Jewelry, Necklaces, Pendants, Tote Bags, Ladies Tops, Canvas Art Prints, and more! More New items on the way...

My Zazzle Shop:

http://www.bonanza.com/hand_picked_lists/62603

Photograph of the Day, ScotsIrish Homestead

2011-01-21T04:20:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day is from an Ancestral Homestead of ours.

bizarreness of strangers

2011-01-20T04:41:00.000-08:00

hi! I’m new here, joined a couple months back, but I admit I have been lagging in really digging in and revamping my store, which was salvaged from the ruins of that other site which shall remain nameless despite its cloven feet.
But I just have to say that so far I have only had 3 or 4 customers just off the old transferred listings, 2 of them canceled, and other than the one I brought here from said other site, the ones I found here have been off-the-wall bizarre.
I’m sure it’s not a site-wide thing. I’m sure it’s just me and my quasi-dysfunctional relationship with Murphy’s Law (is that good or bad? quasi… hmmm….)
Just this evening someone contacted me about this chair, which I nearly gave up on & sent to auction, after pulling it out of consignment of another shop whose owner turned out to be strange and manipulative. Gee, now that I say all of this, maybe there’s some kind of karmic crud that spilled down between the cushions of this particular chair at some point. You folks know what I’m talkin about right? did you ever have that one item that just seemed to attract all of the worst luck strangeness in the business? that one white elephant that trips you when you’re not looking every time? the unexpected fly-paper type of oddity-breeding no-sale stock that just hangs around forever just for the odd ducks to flock over to your little corner? does anyone want a peanut?
(just checking, good you’re still awake)
So this guy e-mails me, wants to know if I will reduce the price by nearly half- about 45% off. So like I said, bad feelings attached, long time no sale, history, headin to auction to rid myself of this albatross anyhow. Of course I said, sure that price would be acceptable, and to please let me know the most comfortable way to proceed and where to ship.
He e-mails me back wanting to know about shipping options and cost. I send him all the possible options, including the least expensive, the most convenient, as well as combined options that save cost if he wants to buy multiple pieces. He’s not that far away- only a couple hours, which is superb when dealing furniture! So here I think I’m golden, it’s in the bag, but of course I’m sayin to myself no whammy no whammy no whammy….
So you know there’s a whammy in this story somewhere, right?
Dang, I think I gave too much away just there…. he e-mails back and says he doesn’t understand the price since he shipped a 60-inch TV to Texas for $35. (yes, this is the bizarre part, it just started, where are you going? you don’t need popcorn, it’s too short for that it’s a miniseries, sit back down it’s finally getting good…)
So this threw me for a loop. I didn’t want to make him feel dumb for comparing a wingchair to a television, or a shipment between PA-MD to one from MD-TX, and with the nearly-half price reduction in the back of my mind. So I politely suggested that maybe that had to do with another seller, or if not I wasn’t sure what the connection was since I don’t sell TVs, and it’s obviously quite different from a wingchair, but that I had given him the best and most economical rates possible, explaining why and how, but that if he wanted to ship it the same way as his television he’s more than welcome to, but to keep in mind that his shipping company will charge much more than what I quoted him.
I put all of this slightly in a joking and friendly light, figuring I was being personable while using the humor to get to the point lightly but quickly. That makes sense, doesn’t it? Like for example, if you’re selling a vase & I say, how much is it to ship a goose?
and then to be kind you ignore my stupid faux pa about ignoring the fact that you actually sell pottery, figuring there’s some crock-pot connection in there somewhere, and you say well that depends on whether or not your goose is cooked! no seriously, the feathers must add a couple lbs, and fedex just increased the rates. You realize a cooked goose has no head or guts or feet, but then you have the water displacement of the broth, and anyhow you’d be much more financially secure sticking to a bouillabaisse. And we still don’t know if the delivery address is residential or commercial. Of course you follow all of this up with a nice little well-punctuated smiley :)
so everyone knows you’re making light of the situation.
I don’t know, it made sense to me. I mean, I didn’t actually bring up dead foul with him- that’s just an example- but to joke with a smiley :) At least this is a more light-hearted way to approach a strange response to a shipping quote without seeming overbearing and correcting someone in a demeaning manner, and it tends to reinforce your surprise and good faith nature at their question after having given them so many great pricing incentives already. Are you with me rubber chicks?
I’ve done very well with this approach in the past. But this chair… oh excuse me, I mean ‘this time’ the guy got all bent out of shape. See I thought I was more or less commiserating with him by agreeing that 35 bucks was so extremely cheap and such a great price, so I congratulated him on his shipment, of course assuming that he must have some kind of corporate sponsorship account with a massive discount to be able to ship something 5-feet long across 3/4 of the country for 300 bucks less than UPS’s list price. I mean after all, that IS super duper fantastic. What does that have to do with delivering a wingchair from PA to MD? I kept thinking. Silly shipper, Trix are for kids!
And then I got to the meat of it- I used my own 27 inch TV as an example and used the UPS rate calculator to see what in fact the rates are from MD to TX, and I quoted it back to him- not to challenge him in any way, but rather to say, wow, do you realize how much you saved? that’s really amazing! Good for you! Rock on! Twilight forever! or whatever the kids say these days… I really meant it that way, but you can imagine by now that’s not how it went down.
So he e-mails me back this one-paragraph note about how he just could not fathom how I could bring this up and ‘question his honesty’. When did I question his honesty? I assumed what he told me was right, and out of sheer shock (and my knowledge of the shipping industry) showed him the enormity of his unwitting frugality. Maybe that sounds snarky here, but in context I was genuinely excited for him and diplomatic about it, and plus I figured it would reinforce what he should have expected the rates to be. I mean, who can argue with copy & paste from the website of the same shipping company he’s quoting for his TV? and using my own smaller TV as an example? I don’t think that speaks to dishonesty. I was on his side. To get a 3-day shipment from east coast to Texas of a huge piece of fragile electronics for 35 bucks? Heck, I was routin for him!! go bears! that’s probably the wrong state, but I’m not much of a sports fan as you may have guessed.
so now what?! I rationalize. I apologize for offending him, first, but then I explain that I was actually being supportive of his fine and extraordinary luck, so much so that I had to actually show him how much luck, approximately $300 worth of fantasy-island-landing delivery luck. A 27 inch TV from Baltimore to Houston quotes for 3-day service at around $370 (ground service was $163). he says he got it for 35 bucks tops at a UPS counter. What do you say to that? I’m not going to bark back at him that’s bull. So I figure instead, tell him Rock the Price narly!!
After clarifying this to him comes the next rationalization- that maybe he’s actually feeling guilty. It got so weird I stopped believing he ever had any interest in the chair to begin with. Maybe this person is looking for frames of reference. In context of my experience with that chair, that notion fits quite comfy. Why not call a spade a spade?
I think he knew about the shipping of the TV, but I wasn’t going to say anything about that. But since he brought it up, it seems like he’s trying to convince himself of his own honesty. Why would that be? Probably because he knows at least subconsciously the UPS store undercharged him by 300 bucks, and maybe instead of shopping for old ratty wingchairs at midnight on a Monday, he should take the reason he can’t sleep back to the UPS store tomorrow and let them know he feels terrible for not saying anything when they took his 300-dollar shipment for 35 bucks, and to please rehire that poor freshman, if not for his/her job skills (or lack thereof), not for his/her [questionable] future in higher education, but as a showing of solidarity for all that is just and right in this fly-by-overnight-parcel world! yeah! rock on! who’s tearin’ up about now? i know i am…
So that’s how crazy this biz makes me, and if you actually got to the bottom of this thing, I applaud you. Now in the words of Ms. Ullman, Go home! Go home! Go home! oh wait, you probably are home…
well then… just go to bed. and stop hoggin’ the bouillabaisse.

Written by Dan Elman
http://leapingoutofwater.blogspot.com/
http://www.kitsch-n-kaboodle.com
http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/Kitsch_n_Kaboodle
http://kitschnkaboodle.photoshop.com

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T05:12:00.000-08:00

The Latest BUZZzzzzz

2011-01-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

WOW! My Hand Picked List on Bonanza made the Front Page! YIPPEE!

(((((Happy Dance)))))

here it is:

Collectors Paradise

Congrats to all of the Great Sellers who carry Fabulous Finds!

Crimson Mutt Pet Story

2011-01-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

The story of Copper can not be told without the story of his Princess Shelby.
It all came about through an arranged Marriage. We had purchased our most special girl Shelby in May of 2003.
It was too hot in Arizona for the animals to fly in by plane, so we had her sent to California where we could take a plane and rent a car to bring her back to our house in Arizona.
    Shelby was the most Beautiful, Lovable, Well Mannered Newfoundland puppy you could ever meet.
She of course for her actions got nothing but the best. The best Dog Food, Treats and Toys. Toys so many you could have made a vehicle payment with the amount we spent on her. We loved Shelby so much that her bed was a King Sized Feather Blanket. She would circle and pull it in just the right way and sleep and sleep and snore!
    Shelby went just about everywhere with us, weather permitting. My son would play wrestle with her and chase each other around the house. They were both about the same size. Shelby would take his hand in her mouth and lead him around. Boy how he would laugh. They would dance together, play and sleep together, on the blanket or on the couch it made no difference.

    Now myself being such a lover of puppies got the best idea ever. Let's get a boy!!

   We made the call to find the right one that was compatible well papered and was BLACK.  Copper was who our lady suggested and he was Bronze, 4 months old and could be flown to Arizona at that time of year. O K !! I sent the money and we made the plans for an evening flight and in came Copper. As pretty as a shiny penney.

   We picked him up and brought him home and ......He was Scared and Shy and was not at all House Trained.

   The work that we put into him!! Well of course we loved Copper. He was special, He was ours!!!

We came home one afternoon to snow in our back yard!! Pushing 100 degrees that would have been better than Shelby's most beloved King Sized Feather Blanket!!!! Copper looked GUILTY!!!

   We waited 2 years to breed them, made sure they were of breeding quality (HIPS, Heart, Etc...). Keeping the two of them apart was at times heartbreaking. They would howl and cry. They had such a Love for each other, inseparable. The first litter finally arrived with 11 puppies!!! Copper stayed close by in case he was needed. As it turned out they all came out BLACK with a little white on each of their chest. 1 1/4 pounds to 1 1/2 pounds each. It was a 14 hour Delivery.

   We did not breed Copper and Shelby too much as we just owned expensive pets. Four litters was wonderful each with there own story.

   The best story that I can remember is when our neighborhood was having some kind of a problem. The Cops were everywhere and
the Helicopter was searching. It was about 2:30 in the morning. Our dogs were going crazy!!!! Jumping up against the 6 foot wood fence.
They were trying to get after something!! Then we saw the cops running with their guns in hand. I told one of them that there was someone in the neighbors back yard. The Cop went around to see and then all of the sudden some guy was going to climb the fence into our yard. Copper and Shelby just were not going to let that happen without someone getting hurt! The guy took one look at what he was up against and put his hands in the air and gave himself up to the Police.

Today we live in New Mexico and our Little Village is very quiet!!! Shelby and Copper are still inseparable. She washes his face and they sleep together in the same dog house. I do not know how he puts up with her SNORING, you can hear it all through the house at night.
They are almost 8 years old now and they haven't had any children since they last batch almost killed Shelby a couple of years ago.
The Little Black Newfoundland is a Picture of the one we had to Bottle Feed. We named him SEVEN because of the white 7 on his chest.

I still cook for them and make them special dog treats. I worry about the time I have left with them. But I worry more about what will happen when there is only one left. I don't know who will be the most heart broke.

My Bonanza Booth:
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/crimsonmutt

Photograph of the Day, Wild Pig

2011-01-18T06:14:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day. A Wild Boar caught on a Critter CAM in the backyard of:
http://www.bonanza.com/booths/CritterCreekRanch

My Twitter:
www.twitter.com/CritterCreekR
My Facebook
www.facebook.com/JohnnyandDigger

Rescued Cat here is SOPHIE’S STORY

2011-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

At a garage sale in a box meowing, came the call. First it was ignored and later acknowledged. One look into her eyes and I just melted. That is how I felt when I saw this sweet God-Created creature in a box bigger than what she could climb out of. But I was afraid to take her, as nine months before, I lost my beautiful “Paulie Paw-Paw” cat that occupied my time and attention and I didn’t want another cat. He died on my deck resting in the sun by two roaming Pit-Bull mixture dogs, as I tried to help him and couldn’t for fear of being attacked myself. So the guilt lay for me and I was not in the mental state for any other animal, as his memory still lingered painfully in my mind.

Then these sweet children showed up with a surprise; in the knowing of my horrific loss of my Paulie, and seeing my compassion for this precious kitty that I had so much admired in the large box where all you could see were her big yellow-golden eyes. “She is for you,” the small boy said. “No one wanted her at the garage sale, and they were going to throw her away since you didn’t take her.” I trembled at that wicked thought of disposing an animal just because no one wanted it, and it was too much trouble for them to keep.

She was so tiny. I guessed her age at 5 weeks, weighing less than 2 pounds. I picked her up and felt every little bone in her frail and undernourished body. She meowed and snuggled under my armpit for warmth and fell asleep in the comfort of being held. So I rescued her from her garage sale box dilemma and thanked the children for bringing her to me. The children asked if they could return to see her, as they too, felt it wrong how she had been treated. I praised them for their concern and told them that they were welcomed anytime to visit her.

Sophie is her name. She came to me from an uncaring situation, only wanting to be needed and cared for and loved. She had horrible ear mites and fleas, but nothing serious. She got her yearly exam and is having the time of her life in pursuing every nook and cranny. She’s grown into a very smart and beautiful cat. She enjoys her toys and especially her catnip. She has a playmate now and they are the best of friends, McIntosh is his name. His situation was nothing like hers and the both of them together can really bring a strange thing to ones face, it’s called a “SMILE.” I love my Sophie!

My Bonanza Booth:

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/MistyDeeDee

Using The Batch Editor on Bonanza to Change HTML

2011-01-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

I have been a member on Bonanza.com (formerly Bonanzle.com) for almost a year now. I like it more all the time, especially when I discover how to do something that makes things easier!

When I had an eBay store, I named it Indizona's Variety Mall and this storefront is in my template that I use on eBay for all of my listings.

When I came to Bonanza, I needed to have an avatar and a banner for my new booth. I wanted to use this same storefront, but could not make it work because you can't see it well enough when it is small enough to fit in the space for the banner or the avatar. Therefore, I had to come up with something new.

Seeing how that I have a booth on Bonanza instead of a store, Variety Mall didn't seem to fit any more. I decided to just simply name it "Indizona's Booth". After making my avatar and booth banner, I set out to get a listing template made. I made my graphics and then paid VirtualDesigns on Bonanza to put it together for me.

I felt the need to tie the banner and avatar together into this welcome badge in my listings.

I have been thinking on my name, Indizona's Booth, for some time now and comparing it to my name I was using on eBay, Indizona's Variety Mall. Knowing that I can't make my storefront image work, I still don't want to use the word "mall" in my name. So, I decided to change the name from Indizona's Booth to Indizona Variety. Changing the booth banner was easy. One click, one upload, done. But, changing my welcome badge in my listing template to this one was not going to be an easy task. I was looking at having to edit every listing, one at a time to make the change and then I thought to check out the batch editor to see if I could use it to get it done.

I have known that Bonanza has a batch editor, but I had only used it a few times to do simple things like put items in reserve, make them active again, add item traits and insurance to the shipping. Now I needed a way to replace the HTML for my welcome badge to change all of my listings at once instead of one at a time. So I went to the batch editor to see if it was possible. I discovered that I can replace the HTML in my listings too!! WooHoo!!!

First, I opened 2 browser windows to work from. One window had the batch editor open and the other window had the edit items page open. From my edit items page, I chose the first listing and clicked edit and brought up the HTML editor. The screen shot shows my new image because I have already made the change. I will now explain how.

Click on the image button at the top of the editing box. I circled it in the screen shot for you.

A little box pops up as seen in the next screen shot. Copy the web address for the image that you need to change from the source line in the box. I circled the source line for you.

On the batch editor page, click on Text Editing from the list of options on the left. Click the circle where it says "Replace this text in selected items' descriptions" and paste the web address that you copied in the top box. Next, get the web address for your new image that you are going to put in place of the old image and paste it in the next box where it says "With this text:". If you are using Photobucket to host your images, it gives you several options for linking to the image. You need the one that says it is a direct link.

After you have selected the listings that you are going to change, click the submit button. I did one first to be sure that I did it correctly and that it would work. When I saw that it worked, I did the rest of my listings.

I then used the top box, "Add text to end of items' descriptions" to put the HTML code in for my Facebook and Twitter buttons that I added to the end of all of my listings.

Do you want to change the font in all of your listings at once? Get the HTML for it and use the batch editor. Change the color of the font? Get the HTML and use the batch editor. From your edit item window, highlight a word or two and click the source button.

After you click the view/edit source button, pointed out for you in the screen shot just above, it will bring up the source editor for you and the words that you highlighted will be highlighted, along with the HTML code for the font and the font color and the font size. The HTML for the font is written like this: FONT-FAMILY: Freehand591 BT and the HTML for the font color looks like this:
COLOR: rgb(238,204,101). The font size is written like this: FONT-SIZE: 14pt and so on. See the next screen shots.

When changing the font you simply replace the name of the font you don't want with the name of the font you do want. In my illustration, the font name is Freehand591 BT and that is the only thing you need to replace with say, Times New Roman. Leave the FONT-FAMILY: alone and just change the name of the font. In order to change the color, you change the rgb and what's in the parenthesis and leave the command,COLOR: alone. To get the code for your new color, change the color in your item editor and bring up the source editor to see the code for your new color.

So, if your font is Arial and you want it to be Verdana, you would put FONT-FAMILY: Arial in the "Replace this text" box in the batch editor and put FONT-FAMILY: Verdana in the "with this text" box in the batch editor. Choose the listings that need to be changed and click submit.

I am so glad to know that when I need to change one piece of my template I can just find the HTML for that which I need to change and put in the HTML to replace the old with. It makes things so much easier and I can choose to make the changes in every listing, or only ones I have checked. How cool is that? I am also glad that Bonanza makes it easy so that I don't have to know a whole lot about HTML in order to find what I need to replace. I hope that you will find it as easy to work with.

Please be sure to visit me at Indizona Variety.

written by Indizona.

View the Original Article here:

http://indizona.blogspot.com/2011/01/using-batch-editor-on-bonanza-to-change.html

My Bonanza Booth:

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/Indizona
Here’s my Facebook fan page:
http://www.facebook.com/Indizona.Fanpage
Here’s my Twitter:
http://api.twitter.com/IndizonaVariety

Photograph of the Day, Daisies

2011-01-16T10:45:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day is one of my favorite flowers...the Daisy :)

Photograph of the Day,Raccoon

2011-01-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day. Can you find the little rascal?

The Latest BUZZzzzzz

2011-01-14T05:02:00.000-08:00

Bonanza Folks...my Hand Picked List made the front page of Bonanza! YIPPEE! I created it to help showcase some of the Talented Artists and Artisans on Bonanza who create Handmade items. Here it is:
Hip Handmade

http://www.bonanza.com/hand_picked_lists/62575

Folk Art, Handmade Bird Brooches

2011-01-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

Folk Art Shop Grand Opening. I create Original Hand Embroidered Folk Art Jewelry using my own designs. Each piece is a work of Art and is signed and dated on the back. I consider each piece of Jewelry to be Heirloom Quality.

Birds are a favorite subject matter of mine. But I will also be offering Flowers, Cats, Insects, and other Animals. I will be adding new Folk Art Jewelry on a regular basis, so be sure to check back often. These make Great Gifts for the Lady who has everything!

***********

************

Update:

My Hand Embroidered jewelry is now available as Necklaces here:

http://www.zazzle.com/SublimeHues

Valentine's Day Cards, Valentine's Day Wishes

2011-01-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

My Greeting Card:

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Valentines+Day,+Watercolor+Painting+Tulip+Art,+Valentines+Day+Wishes-greeting+card-745992?pid=745992&aid=137207&ref=cb_card_title

My Greeting Card:

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Valentines+Day,+Watercolor+Painting+Floral+Art,+Valentines+Day+Wishes-greeting+card-745991?pid=745991&aid=137207&ref=cb_card_title

My Valentine's Day Cards are available! They contain heart felt Valentine's Day Wishes for the one you Love.

The images are of Original Watercolor Paintings of mine. I Love Painting Flowers and Tulips are a favorite subject matter of mine. You can choose to have the Card drop shipped to the person of your choice. I have a wide variety of Fonts available for you to choose from, so that you can type in your message and sign the card. OR have the card shipped to your home and write in it freehand.

My Cards are collectible. Collect them and Frame them as Art, or place them in a Scrapbook or Basket.

My Greeting Card Shop:

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Happy+Birthday+Card,+Watercolor+Painting,+Birthday+Wishes,+Flowers-greeting+card-745997?pid=745997&aid=137207&ref=cb_card_title

Birthday Cards, Birthday Greeting Cards

2011-01-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

My NEW Birthday Card is available! Its contains a heart felt Birthday Wish for the one you Love.

The image is of an Original Watercolor Painting of mine. I Love Painting Flowers and Orchids are a favorite subject matter of mine. You can choose to have the Card drop shipped to the person of your choice. I have a wide variety of Fonts available for you to choose from, so that you can type in your message and sign the card. OR have the card shipped to your home and write in it freehand.

My Cards are collectible. Collect them and Frame them as Art, or place them in a Scrapbook or Basket.

This Birthday Card:

My Greeting Card Shop:

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T04:42:00.000-08:00

Strange Patterns in the Snow

2011-01-11T05:22:00.000-08:00

Upon waking up on Sunday, Jan 9, 2011, my hubby and I looked out our living room window only to notice very strange patterns in the front lawn’s snow-coverd ground. (See Pics) They were around 6 to 8 inches high and ran in a curvy pattern across the snow, where, mind you no underground gas, water, electric, nor any underground sprinkler system, nor underground dog fence are located there, plus there are no overhead lines or trees of any kind, either.
After much chatter, fun conclusions or debate within a forum about what could have created these strange patterns, we are pretty much sticking to the theory that perhaps a small twig, a cardboard box, or a bag with something heavy in it blew across our lawn leaving these unusual markings on the snow top. Notice there are places where the snow indents, and places where it seems also to rise up, also notice many of the markings are very similar in shape. We have no actual proof as to what happened, but in a Bonanza Forum people guessed everything from Alien writings to Angel messages to mole markings, I suppose we’ll never know, as today it snowed last night, and those same markings are very slightly visible now. So, what do you, the reader think they are? Well, dear reader, I end on a note that’s a quote from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: “Curiouser and Curiouser!”
Dee of http://www.bonanza.com/divinefabricsnmore

Photograph of the Day,Forest Floor

2011-01-11T04:53:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day is of a Beautiful Forest.

Meet Pig Newton a Lovable Pot Belly Pig

2011-01-10T04:56:00.000-08:00

What can I say about my big bundle of love Pig Newton? Well Newton came to our home when he was about 6 weeks old and he weighed about 2 pounds. He was so scared the first day he jumped out of the car and tried to run away my husband and I had to chase him for at least 20 min he was so fast. Once we caught him I did not want to let him go so I held him that entire day. Now Mr. Newton is close to 200 pounds I’m sure (I haven’t been able to weigh him in some time) and he is still the love of my life. When we get home and after he is fed (that is first order of business for Newton ) he follows me around and lies on his side for me to rub his tummy. The hubby takes him outside for exercise he smacks him on the bum and runs after him the two of them chase one another till they both fall down tired then they lay on the grass hubby’s head on Newton’s belly it is the cutest thing. My husband and I are not able to have children so we have our pet and it is nice to be able to fill our home with all the love, noise and chaos that children bring. As a child I never expected to have a pig as a pet and now as an adult I can’t imagine not having one. Newton is so smart and all he wants it to be loved and I feel honored to be able to give him that love.

My Booth: http://www.bonanza.com/booths/MACMadness

Photograph of the Day, Ostrich

2011-01-10T04:18:00.000-08:00

Today's Photograph of the Day. For the Early Birds in the Crowd. Judging by his face, I'd say he's already gottten his worm.

Painting a Day, Mountains

2011-01-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Artist Blog! I'm a Pennsylvania Artist who Paints Daily. I will be documenting my Art Journey in this blog. My Paintings will vary in size, style, genre, and medium. I hope to improve my skills and share what I have learned. My Travels will be documented, as well as, weather phenomenon, my living environment, my Pets, the Wildlife that I encounter, and whatever else inspires me. Eventually the originals will all be posted for sale...check back for updates.

Day Sixteen:

Another work in progress. A Landscape Nature Scene is the inspiration for this work. I'm hoping to have this painting completed in the next 1-2 months.

My Shop:

http://www.bonanzle.com/booths/SuzqsShop

Better Photography

2011-01-07T04:38:00.000-08:00

Photography of your item is key to a sale. When browsing through booths on Bonanzle, I have noticed washout caused by flash and brownish photos due to too much red. I have been taking photos since I was a child and have been told I have a “good eye”. However, learning how to use a digital camera and getting the right shot for internet selling takes time and practice.
You should set up an area in your home specific for photographing your merchandise. Through trial and error I have found that a white poster board works very well. I can set up three items at a time, take one photo, and then cut & paste to save time.
If the item is light colored I use a dark colored background so it shows up better. Also, I have noticed that some people stage items around the item they are selling, this can actually be distracting or misleading. A nice clean photo that is crisp makes an item sell faster.
If you go to my booth, you can see I still have a problem with reflection. When I took a photo of my silverplate items, I wore a pink top. Wrong thing to do as it reflected into my photo. Good example of what not to do.
Also, you have to learn how your flash works. Many times I actually turn off the flash to prevent the washout.
Regarding the redish or yellowish tint to your photo is caused by too much color in the room reflecting back into the photo. That is why I suggest using the white poster board. However, you can use your digital camera editing program to adjust the contrast, brightness, and color to remove the unwanted tints.
A photo that is out of focus has to be retaken. Adjust the distance from the item you are photographing. My worse photos are of jewelry because I have not mastered the distance I should be at yet. Sometimes taking a group shot from a distant and then cropping the photo actually works better for me.
Just remember the old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” and enjoy selling on Bonanzle.

My Bonanzle Booth:

My Etsy Shop:

http://www.Suzq48.etsy.com

My Twitter:

www.twitter.com/Suzq48

Photograph of the Day, Iris

2011-01-07T04:31:00.000-08:00

Our Photograph of the Day is an Abstract image of a Pretty Spring Flower.

Cat Art, Cat Art Print, Whimsical Cat Art, Cats, Art Prints by Wanda Edwards - Shop Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints at Imagekind.com

2011-01-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

Cat Art, Cat Art Print, Whimsical Cat Art, Cats, Art Prints by Wanda Edwards - Shop Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints at Imagekind.com

Discouraged

2011-01-06T04:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, first let me say this. It may seem funny to read what I'm posting when you see I have only one sale. BUT, just because I only have one sale here doesn't mean I haven't sold my art before.

Now, to the heart of this post! I see so many people posting about being discouraged, low views, lack of sales, etc. I'd like to step in and say to stop feeling so down! Step back for a moment. Take a deep breath. Let me tell you a little story about me and my photography.

I've always loved taking photographs, I NEVER thought I'd ever make any money from it. It was my passion, my ultimate favorite hobby. I dreamed of being some National Geographic type photographer, but since I am self taught, never imagined anyone other than family would ever hang one of my photos on a wall, much less give me money for them.

A few years ago, I just couldn't help myself-I just had to upgrade my point and shoot to a DSLR. We didn't have a lot of cash, so I made a scary promise to my husband. We buy the camera and I'll find a way to sell enough photographs to pay it back (it was bought on a 6 months no interest credit card). Now I had six months to figure out not only how to use the camera, but also to get good enough photos to sell-and how to sell them!

I remembered a website I saw that sold prints and calendars and stuff-a club we belonged to used them to make t-shirts. I went there, created an account, and uploaded some photos. I knew NOTHING about how to do it. It took me days to get them sized right. I found the forums there, and in those forums were a lot of great folks that helped me learn a lot about not only how to use that website, but to run my business. It took a while, but I made a few sales. I learned more, upgraded things and finally, I paid back the camera. And then I kept making sales! I actually was earning money on my photographs!! People were paying money for my art, and it was hanging on their walls!

Think it was some little, cozy place like Etsy? Think you have a lot of competiton here? It's much, much bigger. It doesn't matter where it is, but for instance, a search on that site for "sunset photograph" brings nearly 2,000 results.

What I am telling you is that if I can do this, you can too. Find your niche. Find what makes you different than the others in it. Play it up to your customers. Get your OWN site. Promote it. Market it. Learn what SEO is. Learn about running your business. Absorb knowledge shared freely like a sponge. Even if you don't agree with someone, read their opinion, there might be a little something you can take from it. Don't get stuck in a rut and stay there. Learn from each mistake. The single most important thing I learned from my past few years is this-it's your business, not "abc company's". Own it. Don't let anyone tell you you can't, and don't believe that you can't. Believe in yourself, your craft and your business. YOU CAN DO THIS.

Now go create! Go work on tags and descriptions and things Google likes! OWN YOUR BUSINESS!!

My Online Shop:

http://www.scenicnewyork.etsy.com

Photograph of the Day, Evening Sky

2011-01-06T04:25:00.000-08:00

Abstract Skyscape.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-05T05:26:00.000-08:00

Painting a Day, Interior Still Life Painting

2011-01-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Day Fifteen:

Available. Finished Original Oil Painting.The edges are still drying after having been painted black. 24" x 30" on stretched canvas.

Better Photography

2011-01-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

These are all great tips for photography. I do a lot of photos of Rosaries, which are a great deal like jewelry to photograph. I have tried several different types of lighting, backgrounds and settings on the camera. I recently got a new digital camera. I am still learning it, but have found some interesting things to do with it that have helped.
My additional tips:
1. Learn your camera. Even if you can’t access the on-line instructions, play with it. Take photos in different lighting, different backgrounds and different settings. You may take a lot of photos, but it is worth it. I have seen a lot of very bad jewelry photos. I have seen a lot of very bad rosary photos (those are all mine)!
2. Lighting. Very important, but you may be able to work with what you have. All the digital cameras I have had allow you to choose your lighting settings… fluorescent, incandescent, etc. However, after playing with all of my settings, I found leaving it on the incandescent (or it’s original settings) worked best because I could adjust in photo software.
3. Background or backdrop. I recently purchased several pieces of different colors of satin fabric. After trying photos with various pieces on various colors, white STILL works best. I still have difficulty with photographing white, but I have a royal blue piece that helps a little. Gold and silver tones are also difficult, as sometimes what works for the color of beads does not work with the color of the metal.
4. Flash. With jewelry-type items, I have found setting the camera to flash ALL THE TIME is better than allowing it to decide which is better (the auto setting). It is VERY difficult to fix lighting issues with jewelry-type items. They either become too bright or you can never get the color proper.
Some colors almost never photograph true to color. Purple is a big issue. I try to just make sure if I cannot get the color accurate or close to accurate that I list that in a listing. I also try to get several different photos. Most of my listings here and on other sites have multiple photos. Y’all are more than welcome to check out some of my photos of my rosaries. If you go to the item’s page, you can see how I list several photos for better “look see’s”.
Another tip for photos of jewelry-type items. Make use of your Macro setting. Some cameras will use it automatically. Mine does. I just learned that recently. Macro allows you to take really close up photos.
Tips for taking photos without a flash (sometimes it’s necessary) USE A TRIPOD! I don’t always do this and they come out blurry. I have one item with an additional photo (pink miracle bead cat rosary) that was taken without a flash. I have it listed as the photo is for color reference only, as miracle beads (also known as fiber optic beads) give a halo effect when a photo is taken.
I use Corel Paint Shop Pro, and it allows you to brighten photos, as well as adjust the color balance. It helps with lighting, as sometimes lighting can change the color of metal. I rarely adjust the gold-tones with the color balancing because it washes out the gold.
When worse comes to worse, I paste a photo in Word and adjust the contrast and brightness with the picture toolbar. Then, I copy and paste into Paint and save as a “.jpg”. It’s a last resort I don’t do often.
Hope this helps for all you jewelry-type photo takers. If anyone needs any additional help, contact me and I’ll try to help.
One thing I have noticed here with photos is the lack of using the editor in Bonanzle to adjust the cropping. Seeing only a partial photo is annoying. My suggestion to all those who have photos that are only partially there because the photo is too big, go in to the editor and adjust the cropping.
Another tip…
I noticed I do when I took another photo tonight. I use it when I take photos of enameled pieces or items in plastic sheets or glossy finishes.
If you have a problem with glare or shiny spots…
_~ Try to take the photo at an angle. _~
When the flash hits a glossy or enameled finish head-on, it usually creates a shiny spot or “white spot”. I’m sure all those selling sports cards in the plastic protective sheets know what I am talking about. You may have to take the photo several times to make sure you get a “good” shot.
A tip I learned a long while back with any photography… ALWAYS TAKE MORE THAN ONE PHOTO!
I ALWAYS take more than one shot just in case. I hate to have to go back and set everything up again.
Several shots will help if…
1. one is blurry
2. one cuts off something you didn’t realize while taking the photo, one glares
3. one’s too dark
4. one’s too bright
Take your shots…
1. with the flash
2. without the flash
3. from several angles
4. with different backdrops – change colors to enhance colors without washing them out (here’s a tip I learned… just because a white porcelain item is trimmed in gold does not mean it will photograph well on a gold backdrop. I found the gold backdrop is rather distracting and washes out the trim)
It may seem time consuming to take so many photos, but you will be much happier with your photos in the end.
From so many photos, you will learn…
1. how your camera works with the lighting
2. how specific items photograph
3. what angle works best
4. how to make adjustments for certain colors
5. how certain metals photograph
If photographing jewelry-type items, keep this in mind…
once you find a spot – lighting, backdrops, etc. – that works well and produces great photos for your items, ALWAYS start off photographing in that spot. But, don’t limit yourself. There will always be that one piece that doesn’t work and you have to find out the best way to photograph it.
If I think of anything else that may help the jewelry-type photographers, I’ll let y’all know!
Have fun with your photos & God bless!
Sacred Heart Blessings Handmade Catholic Rosaries & Chaplets
Sacred Heart Rosaries
St Francis Paws4Critters Rosaries
~ Hand-crafted by Robyn, Hand-guided by God ~
My Online Shop: http://www.sacredheartblessings.com
My Bonanzle Booths: www.bonanzle.com/booths/sacredheartrosaries
www.bonanzle.com/booths/paws4critters
My Blog:
http://sacredheartblessingsrosaries.blogspot.com

Photograph of the Day, Toad

2011-01-03T22:27:00.000-08:00

See if you can find the Toad in his abode on the Forest Floor.

Painting a Day, Eagle Painting

2011-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Day Fourteen:

This Painting is a work in progress. Today I've just managed to get it started, by developing my idea and drawing on the canvas. Its going to be a Bird Oil painting when completed. I've decided to create a Bird of Prey this time. We'll see what it looks like in a couple of months.

My Shop:

Bird Painting, Abstract Bird Art Print Art Prints by Wanda Edwards - Shop Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints at Imagekind.com

Shipping Tips

2011-01-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

I printed my label for a 2 bulky ounce item in a 5 by 7 inch bubble wrap envelope through Paypal. Dropped it off at the post office and got it back the next day with a label saying that the price paid for shipping had to be shown on 1st class mail (I had paid for 1st class parcel). After going through 2 different phone services with USPS they admitted I had paid the correct amount, but put the blame on Paypal and said that they wouldn’t issue a refund because it had gone through Paypal. Fortunately, a very nice man with Paypal did. He also informed me that the post office online or in person will never refund a Paypal shipping fee if it has been scanned into the system and then returned.

So I took the new re-labeled and repackaged envelope back to the post office with the ruined one and asked them why they had returned it. It seems that if it is under 3 ounces they can’t tell by the Paypal shipping label whether it is going 1st class mail or 1st class parcel and unless the price is shown it will be returned if it fits the 1st class parcel criteria. So a lesson learned – if you are shipping a 1st class parcel envelope under 3 ounces print the amount paid on the shipping label. By the way, if you forget to print the postage paid on the label it can simply be handwritten under the NO SURCHARGE and it will be processed that way.

My Booth: http://www.bonanza.com/booths/katzcar

Photograph of the Day, Goat

2011-01-02T21:40:00.000-08:00

This cute little Goat appears to be in the lap of luxury while lounging around in the tall grass.

Painting a Day, ACEO

2011-01-02T12:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Artist Blog! I'm a Pennsylvania Artist who Paints Daily. I will be documenting my journey in this blog. My Paintings will vary in size, style, genre, and medium. I hope to improve my skills and share what I have learned. My Travels will be documented, as well as, weather phenomenon, my living environment, my Pets, the Wildlife that I encounter, and whatever else inspires me. Eventually the originals will all be posted for sale...check back for updates. I will also be posting reproduction products of the images on my various web sites.

Day Thirteen:

Just like sports fans collect baseball cards of their favorite players, art fans collect art cards of their favorite artists or artwork. An art card is a small pocket-sized piece of art. They are commonly know as ACEO (Art Cards, Editions & Originals). They can be original artwork or prints/reproductions of original artwork. These cards are bought, sold and traded all over the world. The official standard size of an art card is 2.5" x 3.5" (64 x 89 mm).
This is my ACEO which I created in 20 minutes. I read somewhere that a group of Artists are challenging themselves to create a painting in 20 minutes. So I thought I would give it a whirl. By practicing speed painting I'm hoping to improve my Plein Air skills. Plein Air Painting is wonderful...I love the results...but this time of year its nearly impossible to spend much time outside creating a painting. I'm hoping that by practicing to increase my painting brush stroke speed, I will be able to accomplish more Plein Air Paintings during the Winter months.

My Shop: http://www.zazzle.com/SublimeHues

Photography Tips

2011-01-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

I just ‘discovered’ something that might help others. I saw a few mentions of it in a search but here is my slant on it.
I have been using my camera for ALL photos for quite some time now. I sold many vinyl LP’s and tons of CD’s that way. But, the photos were always a little skewed one way or the other due to parallax errors. I decided once to try scanning in a book. What a difference! Not only was it straight but the colors were much better, too. And SHARP. So, now I am changing my listings to use scanned photos wherever possible. It just looks a whole more professional. Yeah, it’s kind of time consuming, but I think the overall results are just much better. I scan them in to a folder that I call Scanned Online Items, and I can use the same images in other venues, as well. Unfortunately I could not have used this method for my vinyl LP’s as they were just too big. Years ago there was software to knit two scans together but I haven’t seen it in a long time.
I hope this helps someone else.
My Booth: http://www.bonanza.com/booths/PC_Bob

Photograph of the Day, Snowy Owl

2011-01-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

Birdwatching. Birdwatchers. Birding. This Beautiful Snowy Owl is perched high on top of a utility pole over seeing its territory. The rodent population in the Arctic, Alaska, and Canada is decreasing. This forces Owls like the Snowy Owl, Grey Owls, and others to travel farther South in the lower 48 states to try to find food.

Happy New Years Day!

2011-01-01T06:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years Eve!

2010-12-30T22:25:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a great time with family and friends. We hope you enjoy and cherish special moments.

Painting a Day, ACEO Squirrel

2010-12-30T15:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Artist Blog! I'm a Pennsylvania Artist who has decided to challenge myself to A Painting A Day 100 Day Challenge. Yes that's right, I'm challenging myself to create one painting everyday for the next 100 days. I will be documenting my journey in this blog. My Paintings will vary in size, style, genre, and medium. I hope to improve my skills and share what I have learned. My Travels will be documented, as well as, weather phenomenon, my living environment, my Pets, the Wildlife that I encounter, and whatever else inspires me. Eventually the originals will all be posted for sale...check back for updates. I will also be posting reproduction products of the images on my various web sites.

Day Twelve:

Bird Painting, Abstract Bird Art Print Art Prints by Wanda Edwards - Shop Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints at Imagekind.com

2010-12-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

The Latest BUZZzzzzzzzzzzzz

2010-12-30T09:41:00.000-08:00

I just published several pages! Check out my Blogs Right Sidebar, and look for "My Favorite Blog Posts."

They are stand alone pages with their own URL. I will be adding 5 more, so be sure to check back.

Photograph of the Day, Deer

2010-12-30T08:40:00.000-08:00

This Photograph of the Day is of a Deer Deer couple; a Buck and his Doe sharing Supper.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-29T04:32:00.000-08:00

Painting a Day, Figure

2010-12-28T14:26:00.000-08:00

Day Eleven:

This Painting has taken much longer than one day to get to this completed stage. I just need to finish painting the edges black and it will be available. I edited the image for my blog, since it is a partial nude.

I added lots of textural elements to this Oil Painting, and I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.

My Shops:

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Song+Bird+Watercolor+Painting,+Blue+Bird+Art,+blank+note+card-greeting+card-736283?pid=736283&cid=7692&ref=cb_card_title

Studio Beat

2010-12-28T07:23:00.000-08:00

I made the Front Page of Greeting Card Universe!

These two as well as the one listed above are on the front page of Birds........

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Song+Bird+Watercolor+Painting,+Bird+in+flight,+blank+note+card-greeting+card-736285?pid=736285&cid=7692&ref=cb_card_title

http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/-Duck+Watercolor+Painting,+blank+note+card-greeting+card-736282?pid=736282&cid=7692&ref=cb_card_title

(((((Happy Dance))))) ZippidyDoodah!!!! YIPPEE!!!

WOW! There are so many Talented Artists on that site. I'm very Happy to be apart of such a Great Community. Its a big honor for me to actually be selected. I've been trying to explore different styles of Art and push myself in new directions. My Abstract Watercolor Birds are new for me. I'm so thrilled that I can consider them to be a success. In the coming Year I hope to explore even more new styles of Art, genres, and mediums; as well as, striving to improve my Art Skills.

My Shop:

http://artist.greetingcarduniverse.com/GrantGreetings

Do Dogs Remember Their Own Family Members

2010-12-28T05:45:00.000-08:00

This is based on a true story of a Pomeranian named “Muffy” who has the gift of memory. She can remember her litter-mate, “Precious” and favors her over all other Pomeranians.

Are dogs smart enough to know who their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents are? The answer to that question is yes, believe it or not. Some actually do remember them.

Some dogs are smart enough to remember their family members. Of course there are those who do not, as well. As most dogs will breed with one another even if related to each other. It’s not that they have no morals, they just don’t have memory.
Some dogs are very smart and can dig a hole, place a bone in it, then come back six months later and know exactly where they left that bone, even if the grass is all grown up. People have thought for years that a dog’s nose leads them to that same exact spot. Well, this is not exactly entirely true. These dogs have memory as well as a sense of smell.
We all have heard a story at sometime or another, about some dog who got lost while on vacation and ended up back at home. He found his own way. This is another prime example of a dog’s memory.
I myself know of a Pomeranian named “Muffy”, short for (Muffin). She has the ability of memory herself. She and her sister were bought at the same exact time by me. I gave her to my mother and I took her sister, “Precious”. I own other Pomeranians as well, seeing how I am a Pomeranian breeder.
Every time my mother brings “Muffy” over to my house she runs straight for my daughter’s room where her sister, “Precious” stays. She lies right beside her crate until we let her out.
Now, out of all the Pomeranians that I own, why else would she pick this one particular one to want something to do with? She of course has memory.

When I let “Precious” out of her crate along with my other Pomeranians, “Muffy” always plays with “Precious” and never the others. So, no one can tell me that dogs don’t remember their own family. I have proof that they do, “Muffy” and “Precious”.

My Shop:

Womens Hoodie Bird Art from Zazzle.com

2010-12-28T05:20:00.000-08:00

Womens Hoodie Bird Art from Zazzle.com
Bird Top. Long Sleeve Bird Top. Hooded Sweat Shirt. Long Sleeve Top. Birds.

Painting a Day, Fall Leaf

2010-12-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

Day Ten:

Another work in progress. This Painting has taken much longer than one day to get to the stage that its at.

Fall Leaves are the inspiration for this work. I'm hoping to have this painting completed in the next 1-2 months.

My Shop:

Painting a Day, Cardboard Bird Art

2010-12-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

Day Nine:

Birds. Birds are a favorite subject matter of mine. This Painting is a work in progress. My first experiment using Cardboard as my painting surface. I built up the painting surface with cardboard as well to give it a 2D effect. The ground that I chose to use didn't work out very well, because it kept lifting up as I was applying paint. The image that you see is just a base coat of oil paint. However I was pleased to discover that oil paints dry very quickly on this surface. Now that this is dry I'm going to try and go back into it again. With any luck it will be easier to paint on. And my experimentation continues....

My Shop: