Thursday, May 14, 2009

WE HAVE OUR FIRST WINNER!!

Yes, we have our first winner of our monthly "Treasure Hunt" giveaway.

This morning I changed the price on one of our listed items to 20 cents. (I could not be lowered any further unfortunately)
At 11:39 a.m. Michael Wu became our first winner by purchasing this item.
It will be sent to him free of charge - shipping included.

Congratulations Michael!!


Thank you again to all that participated in this giveaway and I look forward to our next hunt in June. _\00/


Anne and John

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Taking Her Life Back

Just when I thought she couldn't do anything more to floor me she did.
On April 17th I wrote a blog about my older sister, Susan. She had surprised the world and myself by participating in AND completing the CN Tower stair climb. She made it to the top - successfully climbing 1776 steps, 144 flights after suffering a debilitating stroke on May 20, 2008.

Well apparently her journey to a healthier and longer life didn't end there.

I received an email from her once again just a few days before May 9th. She shocked me with the news that she was going to run a 5 kilometer marathon. *gulp* She wanted me to pray for her because the effects of the stair climb were still very fresh in her mind and body.


And if I to am quote the famous writer, Lord Alfred Tennyson, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."

John, Paul (her husband) and Jennifer all very athletic

Susan had immersed herself in the company of some very talented individuals and aspired to finish the 5 Kilometer (3.1 miles) marathon with their coaching and reassurance. I have never know Susan NOT to accomplish something she had set her mind on and this was one of those times.

Personally, I was skeptical but hopeful. I wanted her to finish this more than the stair climb.

In a word - Leather Wristband

I recall walking around on pins and needles that morning thinking that she might push herself too hard and collapse or worse. But between the flashes of lightning and thunder claps I said little prayers for her to finish.
True to her undying nature, she finished. I cheered quietly when I heard the news. All I remember reading was...,

"Hi Anne, I finished the marathon.., Paul stayed with me all the way. I'm so proud of John and Jenny".


I realize this may not may seem like a huge feat to some but to me.... it was monumental. I lost one sister three years ago and I almost lost another last year to a stroke. So to me...., this was is miracle.

Way to go Susan for taking your life back and making the most of it. There is no stopping you now!!!

All my love - forever and always... your baby sister... Annie ^i^



~~~~> Don't forget to check our shop for the "Treasure Hunt". It could be listed anytime. \00/_

Friday, May 8, 2009

Decisions - decisions...,what to choose?.

I have been faced with a dilemma. I have to decided which item in our etsy shop to pick for the "treasure hunt" giveaway this month. I solicited some ideas from my family and this is what I came up with.
Renee, my youngest daughter, choose a very stylish pair of white deerskin earrings from our sister shop. Not surprised - she has acquired all of my jewelry and make-up that wasn't nailed down or hidden. *palm to cheek*



Amanda thought that the "ahhh-dorable baby moccasins" would be a nice choice for a new mom to win.

When I asked Chris his response was, "pick something for a guy." He choose the very masculine and rugged chap leather mystery braid wristband. Actually, the wristband is unisex and can be worn by both guys and ladies. But we won't tell him. *finger to lip*

Johns choice was a more practical one. He thought that since father's day was the 3rd Sunday in June - why not the magnetic money clip?
Hummm. All very good choices..., but I still wasn't sure.

Alligator Embossed Magnetic Money Clip

I thought a pair of my Spatz would make a nice prize for our winner - considering our etsy community is top heavy with female members.

But after a great deal of consideration I came up with this idea.

SPATZ - Boot Jewelry Royal Blue Water Mark Set


I will let the readers have the opportunity to submit their choice of prize via commenting to this blog.
If you have your eyes on one of our treasures drop a comment and I'll add it to the list of possible winners. Keeping checking though, you never know when I will list the free item in our shop. *raised eyebrows*

Have a great weekend! _\00/

Anne ^i^











Thursday, May 7, 2009

The Ring is the Thing

It was about 2 weeks ago and I was working on a project when I looked down at the table and noticed a concho laying next to a strip of leather I had cut. *light bulb* The powers that be presented me with a very neat idea..., not an original one..., but a neat one non-the-less. I dug into my supply drawer and pulled out a ton of things. *big smile* I made my first ring. I showed it to my oldest daughter, whom I might add doesn't care for leather products AT all - *sigh*. She loved it. She put it on her finger said, "cool" and walked out of the room. I had to chase her to retrieve it or it would have disappeared into the abyss - her bedroom - never to be found again. 0_o!!

Wow, I thought! She liked something I made without coaching for a positive reaction. I was feeling pretty good about myself actually. I had stepped out of the box for a moment and was pleasantly surprised.

Well, needless to say I went ring crazy. I pulled out all my best fasteners, rivets and rhinestones and went to town. I was looking at everything thinking - this will work.... *whew*

I was on a roll. By the end of the day I had created four rings and....yes I was very pleased with myself. *pat on back* Amanda would walk through the room periodically and smirk at me...., "Very nice, mom", she said, patting me on the head like a well deserving child of praise. Yes, But I had succeeded in creating a teen "cool" item. ah-huh.. that's right!! You know it :D


The best idea came later from John. He said, "You how people sometimes tie a string on their finger to remind themself to do a task. Why don't you make a ring like that but with leather cord instead." I thought it was hilarious..., but perfect..., and so novel. Why "knot" ?
And that is how I started making leather rings. Funny though, I was never one to wear leather jewelry when I was younger ...., times have changed and so did I... sounds like a song. :D

If you have an idea you want me to try out for you, drop by my shop and leave me a convo.

Smiles,

Anne ^i^

Sunday, May 3, 2009

TREASURE HUNT - PIF

A super nice friend of mine, Delina, who owns a jewelry shop in New York, had a giveaway on her site yesterday. I thought it was a wonderful idea eventhough I didn't win. LOL

The concept of a giveaway is a great idea. I get to do something nice by PIF (passing it forward) and the recipient gets a free gift for participating. It's a win - win situation!!

But my nature dictates that it was too easy. Hehehe! Where's the sport in that? Lets make it interesting.

So here's my plan. Sometime during the month I will change the price on one of my listings in my shop Leather Made Nice to $0.00. (Normally there is a monetary value of no less than a dollar but since it was already listed I should be able to change the value to $0.) In the event that it does not accept the $0.00 value, I will change the cost to $1.00 and the buyer will need only to complete the transaction stopping at PayPal.

Shipping included.

I will post the winner and the item won.

Happy hunting!!! :D

Anne ^i^

Saturday, May 2, 2009

A Walk In The Park

AWWW! look at that face! Yes you have seen him before but I can't help it. Isn't he adorable. This is Toby and his owner is my friend, Michelle . Am I bad? I miss my Friday, so now Toby is my...., surrogate doggie. :D

Now that spring is officially here it's time to get our quadruped friends all prettied up and outside for some fresh air and exercise. It wouldn't hurt me any either ;D

Toby is wearing his personalized and very fashionable mahogany collar. My most favorite style and color.

When I jogged. Yes I used to jog..., once-upon-a-time...., I hear snickering back there!!! I would take my dog, Friday with me - for company mostly. Funny though, I always knew that she would take off to parts unknown the second I unclasped her leash. Subsequently, I designed and created this stylish Shake-A-Paw ID bands (and pendant set) just in case she lost her way back to me. One buyer suggested a phone number instead of a name ..., great idea!

With bigger dogs like Friday, she needed a 6 foot leash. We cut ours from a continuous strip of premium "Live Oat" sole grade leather. Trust me even the big dogs can't break this one. :D


It's always nice to get a new piece of jewelry. So why wouldn't you think about your pooch. Whether it's one piece at a time or all together - they deserve it too?

Any and all of our products can be customized to suit your needs. We can add rhinestones, grommets, eyelets, studs.... whatever you want we can create it for you. So give us a try.
It's sunny out in my neck of the woods so I think I will take advantage of this gorgeous weather and work in my garden. :D
Thanks, Michelle for helping me set up my gadgets. It worked!!! You rock !! _\00/

Anne ^i^










Monday, April 27, 2009

Our One Year Anniversary Celebration with Etsy

John and I are thrilled to announce that we have crossed a major milestone as Internet sellers in the Etsy community.

Our road was a slow and unsure one but with perseverance and some wonderful buyers we did it. We want to share our good fortune with the community and listed many of our items for sale at greatly reduced prices.

Below are just a few of the items that are listed on sale.

John is very fussy about incomplete edges. So, as you can see from the passport folder he made below, it was finished, in what I now consider, his signature double laced edge.
This is one of my mini shoulder bag designs and very much my personal favourite. This style of bag was designed to be hands free and spacious enough to carry all your essentials without the clutter. I prefer the thicker leathers like this one for its durability.

John and I started out in this business handcrafting belts. The pattern on the belt pictured below has been our most popular selling designs for both men and women.
We invite you to visit our site and take advantage of the sales. Feel free to convo us with any questions you might have.
Our sister sites are:
We look forward to working with you for another great year.
Thank you so much for your support and a wonderful beginning!
Anne & John