I decided to add to my handmade glass tile pendant necklaces.  I love these little glass tile magnets.  They make great stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, grab bag gifts, etc.  There is a world of cuteness out there and believe me we need it.  A smile goes such a long way.  I would love to hear what you think of my little gems.

Tag Sales & Flea Markets

Tag sales are absolutely the best.  The anticipation of finding that one item that you really don't need but must have.  Many moons ago, I use to consign in a few antique stores.  Oh I had my collectibles that I was on the hunt for but I would also look for items to put in the shops.  Those days were so much fun!  Driving like a maniac to beat all the dealers to the sales.  Once there, you had to have eyes in the back of your head so you didn't miss a thing.  Prices were great too.  I found many beautiful things that I still have to this day.

Flea markets are great too.  We have one that can accommodate up to 500 vendors.  You literally can spend the whole day there.  We would be there at 7:00am and wait anxiously for them to let us in.  Then you would walk for hours on end looking at every little tidbit the vendors had to offer.  Loved the haggling!  They thought they had gold but you knew you could get it cheaper.  One time I bought a bee pin in a pile of junk for $2.00.  When I got it home, I found out it was a Tiffany pin from the 60's worth $2,000.  Never had another find like that one and probably never will again.  That was an awesome day!

The whole atmosphere is so exciting and fun.  There are also food vendors so you could sit under a tree and enjoy your food and socialize with other shoppers.  It's amazing the things people bring to the market.  It's extraordinary how some of the collectibles have survived for so many years.

Tag sales and flea markets have changed today though.  Everyone thinks they have that million dollar item and have priced them that way.  Everyone thinks they have that valuable antique but what they don't realize is that it's only valuable if someone wants it.  There are still people who are willing to pay for what they want.  One time on Ebay, I saw a 3" resin figurine sell for $1800.00.  Why?  Oh well who can understand the die hard collector.

All I know is I need to have a tag sale.  My collectibles are trickling down the stairs.  My kids have threatened to sell everything for a nickel and they would too.  Wonder if that million dollar item is in my house??

Handmade Is From The Heart

I would like to introduce you to a few of the many shops on www.zibbet.com.  Zibbet is a handmade marketplace of special people who have a passion for what they make.  The proof is in the end product.  Please take the time to click on their banner which will take you away to the wonder of handmade.  You never know what amazing item you might find.  So kick back and spend some time marveling at the shops on Zibbet.

A husband and wife team of lifelong crafters. Our first studio opened in 1978 and we've been trying to find a favorite medium ever since! We just love them all, and you never know what you will find at Texas Eagle Gallery! We did find our favorite place-Ireland! So, in addition to Texas items, we will feature many of our favorite bits of Eire! We're PASSIONATE about what we do and DETERMINED to please!
From our Texas home to our Irish passion - we have an eclectic mix of arts, accessories and collectibles. Stop by for a visit!

Take your time, shop, browse, and even soak in the peace and tranquility here. In this hour we live, bring some true joy into your life or share some items (greeting cards or postcards) with others and pass it on. If we all would share good and not the ugly, oh how more free and even healthier (I believe) we would truly be!

Ribbons of prisms created using Swarovski crystals magically brighten any room or window. My Sun Catchers are a beautiful way to brighten someone's world and make them feel special.

 

Nature's ever changing beauty is captured in my blank photo cards. I have many different photos to choose from...something for everyone. Let someone know how much you care.

Christmas in July

The artisans at http://www.zibbet.com/ will be holding a Christmas in July.  Please take a peek at all the goodies being offered.  They are an amazing group of people that's why I like to hang out with them.  Here's a sampling of what I'm offering.  See you there!

                        

Also don't forget to take a look at Zbox.  It contains a sampling of what the artisans of Zibbet offer.  It's a fabulous buy for the cost and you get a hands on take of what is available.

Extreme Couponing

Oh how I love to watch certain reality shows.  When I first came across the show, Extreme Couponing, I got so excited.  These people were going to change my life!  I sat down with snacks in hand to find out how much money I was gonna save.

I love coupons.  If I can save a penny, I'm a happy camper.  I do sit down with the paper and maybe I find one or two coupons for products I use.  No fear, I'll go to Couponsuzy.  She says I can save up to $40.00 off my shopping list.  Went thru all the products and I saved only about $3.00.  What am I doing wrong?  Am I eating the wrong food or using the wrong products all together?

All right, let's see how the pros do it.  My first impression was that these poor souls have no life.  They have thousands of dollars of merchandise though.  Look at those notebooks full of coupons.  Hours spent on not one, but up to 3 - 5 computers scouting store circulars to find sales that match your coupons.  I'm fortunate to be able to handle one computer.  Dumpster diving for newspapers?  Not in my lifetime.  I guess this is a high I will never experience.  And why is it that my coupons are only good for a few months?  Do they go out weekly to load up so many carriages?

Another thought comes to mind, storage.  I can see putting shelving in a garage for the thousands of items they get free or for pennies.  My concern is the people who store in their homes and it's trickling down the stairs.  Don't you worry you may forget where you have put your family!

On a serious note, I commend the shoppers who donate to their church, food bank and neighbors who are struggling.  For that reason I applaud their energy and commitment.  Now is the time for all of us to reach out and help each other.  To all the extreme couponers who donate, God Bless You!!!

Getting Started

Yes I do ramble.  Sometimes I feel I have so much to say and not enough time to say it.  I also like to zone out in my thoughts.  At least that's what my kids keep telling me. 

As you may have guessed, I am a Grandma and I love it.  I have also recently retired and I am loving that too!  Now you may be thinking, is she crazy to retire with this economy?  Yes I am but you only live once and I plan on enjoying myself.  I live on the tightest budget you could ever imagine but I don't want for anything.  Since I retired, it has been the opinion of many people that I would be bored.  Yeah right! 

I do love to make handmade.  I have two shops on line.  One is glass tile pendants and one is knitting and crocheting.  If you would like to take a peek I would be thrilled and if you don't want to take a peek, I am still thrilled that you stayed here with me.

Knitting is my passion.  I knit or crochet every day of the year.  There is something about the feel of the yarn and the magnificent colors.  It so relaxes me.  It never ceases to amaze me how something so beautiful can be made from a ball of yarn. 

I stumbled upon making glass tile pendants.  My goodness is it addicting.  I am having so much fun with this craft.  Just finding the right pictures and sayings is a hoot.  I sell at craft fairs and by word of mouth.  I find people still like to touch and see in person an item before they buy it.  Between the 2 shops, I keep pretty busy. 

I also have a passion for yard sales and flea markets.  I just love digging thru stuff and finding that one treasure that I can't live without.  Years ago my garage was full to the brim.  (I could have been on Extreme Hoarders).  I use to rent space in shops but not any more.   I have since gotten rid of most of my treasures and the car is now safely tucked away in the garage.  I usually purchase things that I need for myself now.

I do hope you stop by again.  I would love to chat about extreme couponing or lack thereof next time.