Check out my new craft room!

My new craft room in the spare bedroom is really starting to take shape.  That used to be my brother's bedroom and had been used for storage for quite a few years, so there was a lot of cleaning to be done before I could even start bringing in my craft stuff.  For my clay area I used a desk that I got at a garage sale for a few dollars.  This one has more storage than my old craft table.  I'm able to fit most of the supplies I need on the desk, and I have a three drawer plastic cart next to it for things that won't fit, or that I don't use as often.

I'm hoping to be able to keep things more organized.  I'll have more storage space in the new area, so that should help.  I should be able to keep the clay things separate from the fabric and yarn things as well.  Although many projects do contain clay, fabric, yarn, and more, it's easier to keep them separate.  Of course I had plenty of help organizing my supplies!  Calcifer was with me every step of the way, poking his little nose into every box, and stealing the occasional tool or jingle bell (which I let him keep because he enjoyed it so much- LOL).  He's taken on Ozzy's role as chief supervisor in everything I do.  I even had to put another chair next to mine so he watch while I sculpt!


I've nearly filled the bookshelf that was in the bedroom already.  I haven't moved ALL my craft books yet, but I managed to get the bulk of them set up, and am in the process of organizing them on the shelves.  I have books on everything from polymer clay sculptures, to jewelry, to knitting, sewing, doll making, stuffed animals, anatomy, fantasy artwork, and more.  I have many interests, and as I've found books that cover those interests, I've added to my collection.

This room has a really good feel to it.  I love the color, and it's the brightest room in the house. I even moved Gramma's plant (which has been around since before I was born) into the room. Plants always make a room happier.  After spending the last several years working in the basement, I really appreciate a bright and airy work space.  I feel good in this room.  I've already created my first piece in my new space.  My mask for the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild Masquerade Clay Ball was a lot of fun to make, and I enjoyed working in a much more organized space.  My work area will never be completely uncluttered, but I hope to keep things a bit more organized this time around.

I like that I can now go into my own craft room and shut out the rest of the world for a while.  Before I was sort of in the middle of everything, and was constantly being distracted.  I was actually able to complete this mask in two sittings, which would have been done in many short sessions between interruptions before.  I'd be a happy lady if I could create all I wanted (which is pretty much all the time)!  Stay tuned to see what other creations come out of my new studio! Thanks for spending a little time in the world of CreativeCritters!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

ArtFire Stimulus Sale- Participating Shops

A big THANK YOU to CCTexan for compiling this handy list of shops participating in the ArtFire Stimulus Sale during the month of August!  Since the temps are in the 90's, now is a great time to shop handmade online and get in on the savings!  I know for many shops, myself included, these are the biggest sales and discounts they've ever offered.  We're trying to bring people in to our shops and move some of our items, and hopefully customers will spend a little time browsing.  I know I've found myself spending quite a bit of time in these shops.  They all have so much to offer!  Just click on the shop name and enjoy some deep discount shopping!
If you ever wanted to try hand made vs the cookie cutter life in the conformist world...now is the time:

http://www.2goodclaymates.artfire.com/ bright colorful jewelry, doodads


http://www.ajewelgift.artfire.com/ jewelry, dog themes, fused glass

http://www.acadienne.artfire.com/   crochet, knit , shawls, donate to charity

http://www.akimberlydesign.artfire.com/ fine art

http://www.alisuns.artfire.com/                            jewelry

http://www.andreatjewelry.artfire.com/                     jewelry

http://www.angelas_adornments.artfire.com/                     jewelry

http://www.badinkclothing.artfire.com/                       clothing

http://www.bakidagain.artfire.com/                       ornaments

http://www.beadlady5.artfire.com/                         jewelry ( duh! LOL)

http://www.bitspeaces.artfire.com/                            fabric epherma quilts

http://www.brilliancefound.artfire.com/ jewelry

http://www.calliopecreations.artfire.com/             jewelry

http://www.cctexan3.artfire.com/                        jewelry

http://www.customizedjust4you.artfire.com/                supplies/fabric crafts/vintage

http://www.ckirkseyblue.artfire.com/                  supplies
http://www.chamoritaessentials.artfire.com/               make up/cosmetics

http://www.christinehansen.artfire.com/               mixed media art, glass, lampwork

http://www.creativecritters.artfire.com/                     fine art sculptures

http://www.dancingwinddesigns.artfire.com/                    jewelry

http://www.danilavdesigns.artfire.com/

http://www.donnasdesignssc.artfire.com/            fleece artist,  clothes, accessories

http://www.eclecticoddities.artfire.com/        jewelry, hair adornments,purses, clothes

http://www.exquisitestudios.artfire.com/               jewelry

http://www.firstlightglass.artfire.com/            fused glass, jewelry, plates

http://www.flameflycreations.artfire.com/                 art jewelry

http://www.harmonyinmetal.artfire.com/           Jewelry, intense metalist!

http://www.heatherdesigns.artfire.com/             lampwork beads, jewelry

http://.www.hope45942.artfire.com/                        jewelry

http://www.jinx1764.artfire.com/             feathered Jewelry, fine art

http://www.julies_jewels.artfire.com/                       jewelry

http://www.jumpingdog.artfire.com/

http://www.jewelrybyandrea.artfire.com/                         Jewelry

http://www.jewelrybyannmarie.artfire.com/                       jewelry

http://www.katsallthat.artfire.com/                       Jewelry

http://www.kraftouchtreasures.artfire.com/

http://www.katiejeansjewelry.artfire.com/             jewelry

http://www.lamatadesigns.artfire.com/                  glazed paper beads, jewelry

http://www.lifesanexpedition.artfire.com/           Everything! journals, books, ephemera

http://www.lilbritknits.artfire.com/                knift crafts, keychains, doodads

http://www.motherslove.artfire.com/                    j ewelry

http://www.nanations.artfire.com/                     American Indian Jewelry

http://www.noton.artfire.com/                           Mixed media, jewelry, portuguese artist

http://www.pinkcloudsandangels.artfire.com/                jewelry

http://www.popnicute.artfire.com/                  wire wrap jewelry  intense  ( singapore style)

http://www.rockycreekgems.artfire.com/          beaded cabochons, jewelry etc

http://www.rockbug.artfire.com/

http://www.rougeriverbeads.artfire.com/        bead supplies

http://www.spiritreflections.artfire.com/                      spiritual items, jewelry, bookmarks

http://www.spiral.artfire.com/                      Wire wrap jewelry, bamboo items Singapore artist

http://www.spunsisterdesigns.artfire.com/              Jewelry

http://www.sunshineandwhimsy.artfire.com/                      fine art

http://www.soyscentual.artfire.com/                                  soy candles

http://www.swank.artfire.com/                jewelry, funky boot bracelets, trends

http://www.tooaquarius.artfire.com/                     cell charms, Neat Polymer beads

http://www.thetwelfthdimension.artfire.com/                          epherma, toys, vintage

http://www.uniquebykarlee.artfire.com/                                   jewelry

http://www.valmade.artfire.com/                          knit toys, goodies, cards stitchery

http://www.zhanga.artfire.com/                                 purses
Get in on the deals before they're gone!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Hummingbirdtak Unique Jewelry Designs

The Studio Announcement for Hummingbirdtak on ArtFire.com reads: "Welcome to my studio! ***20% OFF SALE GOING ON NOW!*** EVERYTHING IS MARKED DOWN 20% FOR A LIMITED TIME!
I use genuine gemstones, sterling silver, glass, tierracast, copper, gold and silver plated beads and findings in my jewelry. It will always state in the item description what each piece is composed of. Each piece I make is unique - I never make exactly the same piece twice! Handmade items are unique, and that is part of the allure for me - I like things that are different!  I know you will find something that you just can't live without!  I am always happy to alter length, size or create custom designs. Just let me know! Thanks for stopping by!"

You can also check Hummingbirdtak out at http://takuniquejewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/, Facebook, and Twitter.  Below is a sample of some of the lovely items available from this very talented jewelry artist.  Be sure to stop in and see all she has to offer!

And there's a LOT more where these came from!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Utterly Eclectic- handcrafted and vintage jewelry and supplies

Utterly Eclectic opened her shop on ArtFire.com 12-9-08.  She offers beuatiful vintage and handcrafted jewelry as well as jewelry supplies.  She grew up in maine in a very creative family. Her father was an engineer who could fix or create anything and her mother was a seamstress who sewed, knit , crocheted and quilted. She lived in a very creative family and had developed many interests, with jewelry making and collecting being just one of many. Below is a sample of some of the wonderful items you can find in her shop.

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

The Joyful Gem on ArtFire

You can find beautiful jewelry and jewelry making supplies at The Joyful Gem on ArtFire.com.  Below is just a sample of what can be found in this great shop.  You can also find The Joyful Gem on Flickr, IndiePublic, Twitter, her blog, and ByHand.me.  Be sure to stop by her shop and see all she has to offer!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

The SupplyCloset on ArtFire.com- jewelry makers heaven!

The SupplyCloset opened on ArtFire.com 1-1-09 and offers a huge variety of beads and jewelry making supplies.  Their Studio Announcement reads: ".> Beading is addictive... the bug hit me several years ago and has taken over a significant area of my life :-) This shop allows me to share the addiction, and some great finds...

I'm working to load my current inventory and expect to expand the inventory further at the tail end of February. So please come back to see the new stuff :-)".  The many categories on this shop include Beads: Animals, Beads: Base Metal, Beads: Copper, Beads: Glass, Beads: Holiday, Beads: Millefiori, Beads: Semi-Precious, Beads: Sports/Games, Beads: Seed Beads, Beads: Other, Beads: Sterling Silver, Findings: Base Metal, Findings: Copper, Findings: Gold-Filled, Findings: Sterling Silver, Findings: Vermeil, Focal Beads/Pieces, Ceramic Decals, Packing and Shipping Materials, and Vessels.  Just about anything you could need!

Artisan Biography for supplycloset:

"I've been crafting since I was a child... both sides of grandparents and parents were crafters... over the years I've tried many things, most recently have been drawn to jewelry and glasswork. This shop is an outgrowth of my crafting passion... an opportunity to share uniqe finds to fuel the passion in others."

Below is only the smallest sample of the goodies that can be found in the SupplyCloset. I know I've got this shop bookmarked!  Stop by and browse all there is to see!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

The Broom Closet on Artfire.com

Paula Picard, of Maryville, Illinois, opened The Broom Closet on Artfire March 17, 2009.  This is her second Artfire shop (the first being Picard Creative).  The Broom Closet is full of supplies, vintage pieces, de-stash, and assorted works of art that Paula has created over the years.  I really like Paula- she has a great sense of humor, and this really comes through in her artwork.  She has a very interesting blog at PicardCreative.blogspot.com that is fun to read.  Below are a few of my favorite items from The Broom Closet.  I love the pewter charms, which are very reasonably priced.  Stop in and see for yourself- just click one of the pictures, or the links above!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters