Can't See Straight, So Why Not Have a Sale???

O.K., I've been a little AWOL all over the net the past week or so (did anyone notice? ;) ). The reason why is both annoying and frustrating. A blood vessel hemorrhaged in my left eye, leaving me unable to see clearly.
Oh, I can still putter around with my jewelry and, even better, my clay, but it takes me awhile to finish things and headaches come easier than usual (usually, I never get headaches...sigh...). It's also a bit difficult to look at a computer screen for too long, although that's getting a bit easier, thank goodness!
As a result, and in an effort to force myself to keep up some kind of online presence, I'm putting my entire Artfire studio on sale for 25% off until September 15. I chose that day because I'm having surgery on the eye in question on September 10 and, given that my eye sees its way clear to behave afterwards, I should have 100% of my vision restored by then.
This also gives me an excellent chance to, hopefully, clear out a few items from my studio and make way for new things that I'm itching to make (or, at this point, to finish). I've got lots of ideas for both Halloween and autumn and winter and Christmas and...well, you get the idea!
So, now's a good time to have a look and perhaps pick up a unique, one-of-a-kind gift for you or someone you care about.
Meanwhile, I'm hoping and praying for good outcomes (and trying to not think about the surgery too much)!
Visit my studio at http://suzannestevens.artfire.com and look for other unique, OOAK gifts and treasures at artfire.com.

'Nothing But String' is Talent and So Much More!

My paternal grandmother was a virtuoso with a needle. That's any kind of needle, from hand sewing to machine work (with a 1910 treadle Singer), to knitting, to tatting to award-winning, all hand-sewn quilts and, of course, crocheting.

As a result, I tend to look at needlework with something that's probably an overly critical eye. Stella Banks Wagner is a tough act to follow!

But grandma never made jewelry with her needlework; in fact, I don't think it ever entered her mind to try! That's why this week's Studio of the Week from Artfire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supply Sellers' Guild, Nothing But String http://nothingbutstring.artfire.com/ is so amazing! Consider:

Imagine...a crocheted ring! It's not only beautiful, it's also, well, comfortable. And like the lovely bracelet and pin, it's wonderfully wearable! A little extra care with cleaning (and kept out of reach of cats and other pets) and you've got a unique keepsake.

So do yourself a favor and take a peek at Nothing But String's Artfire studio. It's another testament to Artfire's reputation as the home of unique and handmade gifts and treasures.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=34490&op=new&body=1

www.artfire.com

Talented Liberty Doll, AJDJSS' Studio of the Week

From clothing, to paper crafts, to beads and jewelry, Liberty Doll is one multi-talented artisan!

Also known as Marissa, Liberty Doll uses her fabric magic to create cloth covered composition books, doll clothing, kids clothing and many other creations you won't find elsewhere. She's also talented creating unique and beautiful beaded jewelry--and even makes beads herself (check out the photos). On top of all that, she finds the time to design ione-of-a-kind banners for other artisans.

Visit Marissa's studio at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=97395. A simply brilliant place to find the perfect gift for the hardest-to-shop-for person on your list or...for yourself!

Note: Through September 7, Liberty Doll is offering free worldwide shipping for orders totaling $10 or more from her studio. Now's the time to get a jump on those holiday purchases!

Be Sure to Cast Your Vote for "In the Garden"

Sometimes, voting just sounds like an activity designed to have us choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, as they say. Not so over at Artfire, where casting your vote can be fun!

The Artfire Chainmaille Guild, The Artfire Jewelry Artisan Guild, and The Artfire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Shop Guild Presents the vote for the entry that you feel is the best representation of the theme "In the Garden"--

Help us out by voting: http://artfireguildchallenge.blogspot.com/

I've already voted and, let me tell you, it wasn't easy! Artfire artisans are, simply put, a wealth of talented people and choosing just one entry was as difficult as choosing between key lime pie or strawberry cheesecake for dessert. Sadly, you CAN eat both desserts, but can only vote for ONE entry.

So take a few minutes and enjoy a stroll in a very creative, very artistic garden.

And to all the artists involved: Well Done!

Ahhhh...the Sweet Smell of Ridin' the Crazy Train!

No doubt Artfire's Crazy Train will be smelling like heaven today and tomorrow. Jennuine Candles studio http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=193739, is taking its turn on the Crazy Train and bringing with it (well, them) the yummy smells and aromas of handmade candles! I'm a big fan of vanilla (photo 1) and just had to giggle at the name 'Barstucks' for Jennuine's fresh brewed cappucino scented candle and tine (photo 2). The pretty blue 'ocean breeze' candles are both a delight to the eyes AND the nose!

Just by looking at the items offered you can almost smell the fabulous aromas!

Visit Almondtree Studio for A Huge Selection of Artistic Gems

The Artfire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supplies Shops Guild Studio of the Week is Almondtree http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=521&op=new&body=1.

Here you'll find a tempting array of glass and wire pendants, beautiful handmade earrings and other jewels, beautiful watercolors, fun and eclectic jewelry supplies and other fun and fabulous items!

So...stop by and have a look. You're certain to find something you simply can't live without!