She's Batty Designs

Whacko Jacko Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:38:00 +0000

Whacko Jacko Necklace, originally uploaded by beatblack.

Isn't this necklace totally awesome?!?! It totally screams " NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS" to me ... which we all know is a scream I can't ignore! Do you want to know what else it totally rad about this amazing creation? It's made by a fellow Canadian - Sarah of "Beat Black" on Etsy. She was also one of the wicked vendors at the Bizaar of the Bizarre (that creepy craft show I took part in back in October - see the blog archives or my flickr account for info and pix). Anyways, I just had to share one of her ghoulish creations with you, because after all, you know I'm not one to keep creative creepy finds to myself. Be sure to check out her shop for more awesome pieces (brains, zombies, or spider webs anyone?).

Weekly Favs of This and That

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 06:15:00 +0000

Can you believe we're starting another week already? The weekends go by far too fast! ... what even more crazy is that Christmas is only 3 weeks away! It feels like Halloween was just last week! I thought I'd share some of the my fav finds from the past week (that haven't already been posted on the blog). There's not too many favs to share this week and I fear there will be even less over the next 2 weeks because I officially start studying (i.e. cramming) for exams today. What's worse, I have some problems to sort out with my courses/degree requirements now. I'm not pleased and totally stressed out over these "problems" hopefully they will get sorted out this week but I doubt it will be that quick of a fix. At least my craft shows are done for the year. I'm looking forward to working on new products after exams :)

Ok, enough rambling.. on with what you're here for - eye candy!

(above) What a perfect little pink house :)

(above) ... it's so true! Once you've been spoiled with handmade goods it's so hard not to support the handmade movement!

(above) Read the post on the "Frog on the Pumpkin" blog about these!

(above) such a pretty, sweet, and delicious looking tattoo :)

(above) I bet this will look awesome when it's done!

Aren't these awesome??? I LOVE them! There's a great tutorial here!

T-Bone Made the Front Page of the Woodstock Paper :)

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:25:00 +0000

City waiter saves tips for 'Big Brother' gifts

Posted By HUGO RODRIGUES, SENTINEL-REVIEW

Updated 5 hours ago

Elliot Ferguson photo/Sun Media Boston Pizza

waiter Tony Bloxsidge is donating his tips to buy

Christmas gifts for children involved in

Big Brothers and Big Sisters prgrams.

Sun Media photo Elliot Ferguson/

Woodstock Sentinel-Review/03/12/2009

Tony Bloxsidge is trying to reach an ambitious goal to help as many little brothers and sisters as he can.

Bloxsidge works part-time at Woodstock's Boston Pizza and has been saving all of his tips since Oct. 1. He is putting that money -- about half of his initial goal of $5,000 -- towards gifts for unmatched little brothers and little sisters who will attend a Christmas party at the restaurant on Dec. 20.

Today is the last shift he'll be putting aside tips, given his plans on shopping for the gifts over this weekend.

"I wanted to do something to help out some organization, and Big Brothers-Big Sisters came to mind," Bloxsidge said.

A former big brother whose schedule no longer allows the time to be part of a match, his previous experiences with the organization left him with a level of comfort with this organization. He explained he's helped an individual family with a similar tip-saving campaign in the past but wanted to go further this year.

Between 70 and 80 children are currently on the waiting list to be matched with a big sibling by Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Woodstock and District, executive director Diane Hatfield said. They are brought together on a regular basis to participate in activities with Big Brothers-Big Sisters staff and volunteers and the Boston Pizza party will be one of their holiday events this year.

"We are very fortunate Tony chose to help us this way," Hatfield said. "We will give him the wish lists tonight."

Bloxsidge said people at the restaurant have been supportive of his goal through tips, dress-down days for wait staff and donations. The restaurant will be closed to the public that Sunday morning so the kids can have their festivities, participate in some activities and also meet the big red elf himself.

Bloxsidge's last tip-collecting shift is afternoon to close today.

Lawrence House1960's - Sarnia, ON

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 06:02:00 +0000

Lawrence House1960's - Sarnia, ON, originally uploaded by snap-happy1.

"Erected in 1892 by Wm. Lawrence, the house was occupied until Mrs. Lawrence's death c1940. The house was then closed up with everything still inside, and sat that way until it was donated to the city in 1977. Tours were held to help raise funds for restoration and while restoration efforts were underway, c1984, it was set ablaze by an arsonist destroying the second floor and attic. The city considered demolition, but since the structure was sound, renewed efforts were made to restore the house. With a substancial boost from Suncor and volunteer craftsmen and workers, the Lawrence House Suncor Centre for the Arts was opened in June 1986. The audio/visual dept. of the Sarnia Library was housed here from 1986-1996. The house is now home to the Sarnia Arts Council. "

I'd love to see a picture of it today. Sarnia's not too far away, maybe we'll have to take a road trip down to see this beautiful building.

Fixer-upper in Coudersport, PA

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:28:00 +0000

Fixer-upper in Coudersport, PA, originally uploaded by Dempster Lane.

Another amazing house find on flickr! I want to save this house from it's state of decay! If only I had the money - it would be mine. I imagine it holds a lot of tales - perhaps some great ghost stories too! I bet it was amazing it it's prime - and still could be amazing with a lot of TLC! It's got great bones, just needs everything else restored :)

Shop Online Without Worrying About Shipping Fees!

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:09:00 +0000

Visit shesbattydesigns's Studio

Receive free shipping on during Nov and Dec 2009.

Use Coupon Code:

HOLIDAYS

during checkout.

Use the coupon code HOLIDAYS in my Artfire shop to receive free shipping on all orders place during November and December 2009! Yup, don't pay even a cent for shipping - this is my holiday gift to you :)

If you prefer to shop in my Etsy shop, no problem! You will also receive free shipping during the months of November and December! All the listings will be updated to reflect this free shipping, so you don't have to do anything! The shipping will already be free!

Ghost Ship appreciation photo

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:40:00 +0000

Ghost Ship appreciation photo, originally uploaded by She's Batty.

I participated in "Craft off the Lot 2009" last month and meet a lot of great artisans and crafters. One of those talent gals was Ky, the owner and multi-talented crafter behind "Ghost Ship" on etsy. Ky introduced me to "sea glass", something I had never heard of before. Yes, I'm thinking I might be sheltered lol. Either way, her works are beautiful and I LOVE the romantic feel to her pieces, her shop, and the mysteriously beautiful sea glass! The necklace I'm wearing above isn't sea glass but it's totally "me"!! I'm tough like a rock and am a sucker for anything with a skull and crossbones! By the end of the weekend she totally knew that I would love this piece and graciously handed to me while we were saying our goodbyes. I was equally delighted with the huge smile that came across her face when I gave her a card with a "Skeleton Captain" for her "Ghost Ship"! You can see a picture of this creepy, glow-in-the-card ghoul in my "paper creations" set on flickr.

I feel in love with handmade bath and beauty products

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:33:00 +0000

I feel in love with handmade bath and beauty products, originally uploaded by She's Batty.

I participated in "Craft off the Lot 2009" last month and meet a lot of great artisans and crafters. One of those talent gals was Becky who makes handmade jewelry, soaps and scrubs. I had never bought handmade bath products before but I was totally intrigued by her foot scrub! At the end of the weekend I got some from her (along with 2 bars of handmade soap). My shower time has never been the same since! I actually LOOK FORWARD to having a shower now LOL! Her shop on etsy for her bath products isn't up yet but her new jewelry shop, "Behind the Cellar Door" is really doing well! I can't thank her enough for introducing me to the world of handmade bath products! I know have a goal of trying out this craft in the new year and can't wait!

Tis' the Season to...

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:02:00 +0000

love, originally uploaded by open-arms.

... relax
... remember you're too blessed to be stressed
... set goals - not stressors
... take pride in what you've achieved this year
... look forward to a new year
... drink hot chocolate, lots of hot chocolate - with whip cream
... watch the muppets family Christmas
... find pleasure in the little things
... take pictures of the people, pets, and things you love

Not Your Typical Holiday Movie Guide

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:40:00 +0000

I found a real gem the other day. It's the "Not Your Typical Holiday Movie Guide" from the Good Housekeeping Magazine website. It includes some of my fav movies, Gremlins, Ghostbusters 2 and Edward Scissorhands. Of course they are missing the BEST Christmas (and Halloween) movie of all time, The Nightmare Before Christmas, but I'll forgive them for that. We can't all be perfect ;)

The Rescuer's Creed

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:10:00 +0000

A friend of mine, and her husband are in this video. They moved to Mexico a while ago and are now involved with the Peanut Pet Shelter. I'm so proud of her and all the people who are doing such amazing work for animals!

I'm Feeling the Love from Etsy!

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Check it out! I currently have 3 different items being featured on 3 different pages at Etsy's blog, "The Storque"! I'm so excited that my little shop is getting noticed by the big wigs at Etsy :) I've also had a steady rush of orders coming in that I'm so thankful for! It's like Christmas has come early to me :)

Hooray! shesbattydesigns has three items featured in The Storque!

Vote for Your Favorite Holiday Ornament

Published November 24 2009 in EtcArticle by VanessaItem Paper Christmas Ornaments PackItem Views 2764Item Hearts 7Read the Storque Article

Etsy Finds: The Gift of Free Shipping

Published November 28 2009 in SpotlightArticle by emilybidwellItem 5 Pack - Blue Christmas Holidays Pop ...Item Views 291Item Hearts 3Read the Storque Article

Etsy Finds: Deck the Halls With

Free Shipping an...

Published November 29 2009 in SpotlightArticle by IheartmoustachesItem 3 Holiday Snowman Christmas CardsItem Views 149Item Hearts 3Read the Storque Article

Saturday Spotlight: Best Sellers This Season

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:37:00 +0000

See even more best sellers in my Etsy shop :)

Being Restored?

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Being Restored?, originally uploaded by Clark Westfield.

Oh my gosh. I SOOOOO want this house! Please please PPPLLLEEEAAASE let me have it (and the money needed to restore it!). I promise I'll be good to it and make it feel like the special house it is!

Blog Finds - Batty's Picks

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:25:00 +0000

Happy Thursday everyone!

I've got a busy day a head of me but I wanted to share some great blog friends from this week so far! Hopefully they will delight you as you put off doing your homework, household cores, and general errands as much as they did for me :) hehe...

This awesome Halloween costume was posted on Leader of Man blog. LOL... i SOOO want all of my friends to join me in dressing up as lego people next Halloween!!!

This pictures was posted on The Dainty Squid and totally made me smile because I'm pretty sure our houndy hound Sassy would have looked a little bit like this puppy when she was little. Since we got her when she was just over 2 years old we'll never know BUT we does that exact "paw thing" all the time! lol. So darn cute!

The what to cereal flow chart is totally AWESOME! Click it for a bigger image. It comes to us from the Daily Fork. I will pretty must eat any cereal any time but for those of you that only eat cereal when the craving strikes, this flow chart should help you make the most of your craving. hehe.

This amazing picture comes from MoonBrains and is pretty much my dream house! Someone PLEASE buy me this place!!!... oh, and pay the utilities and taxes haha!

Now this is chocolate the way I like it - CREEPY! Yup, those are truffles and amazing Figs and BRI blog gives us a full tutorial on how to make them! This is a dream come true for me because I LOVE modeling and casting .. and if the final result is chocolate truffles - HELLO!!!! --- This is my pick of blog post of the YEAR.... maybe even the decade! This post as also reminded me that I really need to free up some time in my schedule so I'll have time to model and cast more.... and make awesome creations like this skull truffles! If only money grow on trees I would do a fun creation every day of the year, get lots of sleep, and finally watch the final season of Lost!

Related Items Exposure on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:55:00 +0000

I almost fell on the couch when I read the Storque (Ety's Blog) today and saw that my paper ornaments had made it into the related items for the "Vote for Your Favorite Holiday Ornament" article! Unfortunately, my paper ornaments didn't make it into the actual vote, but I'm happy with the extra Etsy exposure :)

Vote for Your Favorite Holiday Ornament
Published November 24 2009 in EtcArticle by VanessaItem Paper Christmas Ornaments PackItem Views 2719Item Hearts 7Read the Storque Article

My Dad is Totally Going to Get a Kick Out of This

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:33:00 +0000

..... and I think it's pretty darn awesome! haha

Enjoy:

Free Shipping for Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:04:00 +0000

Visit shesbattydesigns's Studio

Receive free shipping on during Nov and Dec 2009.

Use Coupon Code:

HOLIDAYS

during checkout.

Need a gift to give to someone that has everything

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:44:00 +0000

Need a gift to give to someone that has everything?

Have a bunch of people on your list that are hard to buy for?

May I suggest these cute paper ornaments?

They double as mini greeting cards so they are perfect for co-workers, extended family, or for your pal who has everything!

Write your own personal message inside of them and they are sure to be kept after Christmas!.. not just recycled like most greeting cards! They are sure to be displayed year after year on the holiday tree.

Get them in a pack or purchase them individually - your choice! You'll find the listings in my Etsy and Artfire shops.

Creative Marketing Perspective for Artists

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Marketing is sometimes looked at as a dull and painful process. There are facts to learn, strategies to put in place, and activities to track. While marketing may never shake its snooze factor for some, you can take a much different approach. You can actually thoroughly enjoy this “must do” process for your handmade business!

The key to making marketing more manageable is often the perspective you take. Handmade artisans have the upper hand on this one! All they need to do is harness their creative energy in a “marketing minded” direction.

To be successful at marketing two key components are needed, knowledge and creativity. Since knowledge about the latest marketing trends and strategies are readily available, the knowledge component can be obtained with a little bit of research. On the other hand, the creative component is much harder to obtain. Creativity is often a skill or characteristic that one is born with. Handmade artisans figured out somewhere along their journey that they process this valuable tool. The great thing about creativity is the variety it comes in. It can take any shape and be manipulated to work to the artisan's advantage, especially with marketing. After actively working on the knowledge component of marketing and getting a good handle on what goals the artist wants to achieve, they can start to use their creativity to make those goals a reality! The more creativity used the better because that’s what will stand out from the crowd.

When asking fellow artisans what creative marketing strategies they have tried, Jennifer of Simply Smiss, jokingly replied that she uses smoke signals. After having a good laugh, it became apparent what strong imagery this can be for an artist trying to make marketing work for them. Most artists are visual learners, and it helps them to have a visual metaphor to think of when it comes to what is perceived to be boring, dull or complicated concepts.

Instead of looking at marketing as something to dread, an artist could think of marketing as an epic TV series or movie trilogy. For example, the artist pictures a big cloud of smoke billowing up above the treetops off in the distance. Upon realizing something is going on in the distance, the main characters squint and try to get a closer look at what’s happening. The characters would now have to make a choice that would result in their immediate reaction to either get closer to the source of the smoke to find out about the mystery character behind the smoke signals, or an immediate retreat tactic.

In this example, the artist is the smoke signaler. Their target audience are the main characters in the story, who catch a glimpse at their creations. The smoke is the marketing strategy chosen.

Following this illustration, the artist's target audience has two options. They can either follow the “smoke signals” to get a better look at the artist's creations, or go for the immediate retreat option which lands them following someone else’s “smoke signal”, bread crumb trail, or whatever marketing strategy is more creative and alluring. Of course, each artist is battling to be the one that throws the plot twist into this epic tail and steal the show. The ultimate goal is to get the target audience allured (in a good way) to the artist's creations. Artists who use their creativity and research knowledge will ensure this happens. They will be sure to figure out what will make the “main characters follow the smoke signals” and what will send them “running for their lives!"

Making marketing a creative adventure is much more appealing and will help artists stick with it. They already have the power of creativity and know where they want their adventure to start and finish. Now all they need to do is a bit of “adventure research” so they can fill in the middle of the script. If Oreo cookies have taught us anything, it’s that the middle (of anything) is the best part.

Image Credits: D'Arcy Norman, flickr.com

Local Craft Bazaar: Dec 5th at C.C. Carrothers Public School in London, Ontario

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:23:00 +0000

As many of you noticed in the November update,

I'll be participating in a craft bazaar at

C.C. Carrothers Public School on December 5th.

The school hasn't had a playground for two years and this bazaar is being held to raise funds for it. This is such a great cause and I can't wait to participate.

The school is located at 360 Chippendale Crescent, London, ON and the bazaar will run from 10am to 2pm.

Stop by if you're in the area!

This will be a great chance to pick up your Christmas cards in person! Here's a few of the cards that I'll have on hand at the craft bazaar:

More Etsy Exposure!

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:49:00 +0000

I have to say that Etsy is being extremely good to be this holiday season! I don't need Santa to leave presents for me because Etsy is giving me all I need!

Besides steady sales, I made it into the Storque (Etsy's Blog) again!!! Check out the first time here. They put my red pop up card in the related items this time! SWEEEEET!

Thank you Etsy!

I love you :)

Here's the screen capture:

-----------------------------------

Hooray! shesbattydesigns has two items featured in The Storque!

Tracychong Wins the Holiday Card Vote

Published November 16 2009 in EtcArticle by VanessaItem Red Christmas Holidays Pop up CardItem Views 1676Item Hearts 51Read the Storque Article

Seller How-To: Get Involved With Black Friday an...

Published November 20 2009 in How-toArticle by marymaryItem Red Christmas Holidays Pop up CardItem Views 167Item Hearts 5Read the Storque Article

Saturday Spotlight: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:37:00 +0000

Murtle the Turtle

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Murtle the Turtle, originally uploaded by She's Batty.

Here's the little man of the house.
He's been with me for 7 years now! He was the size of a quarter when I got him. Now he's a real monster! In this picture he's looking out of his Halloween house.

Freaky Friday Feature: Halloween 2009 Pumpkin Videos

noreply@blogger.com (She's Batty Designs) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:18:00 +0000

Here's a look at our jack-o-lanterns from this year!

Oh, and don't forget about some home decor...this isn't "halloween decor", it's "all year around decor" ;)