TTC - April Showers/Easter Voting

Good morning all! Well, we had several participants for this TTC and now I have 4 lovely treasuries ready for you to vote on. :) Here's how this works: Look at each lovely treasury below, decide which one is your favorite, and then cast your vote using the voting poll to the right --->

April Showers of Blessing - hARTjewelry

April Showers - SpiceGroveDesigns

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on it's way!! - craftycreations81

April Showers - TeamCAC Treasury Challenge - ShiloHome

Good luck to all the participants!

TTC - April Showers/Easter

Hello everyone! Welcome to the April Edition of our Team Treasury Challenge (TTC). If this is your first time joining in the fun of TTC, no worries!!! It's LOADS of fun and if you aren't sure how to make a treasury just click HERE for instructions. And moving on...

Well, I don't know about where you are, but here in west Texas it is WAY too dry. We haven't had some good rain in so long and the fire danger is extremely high! In fact, we were getting text messages from kids in our youth group last night who were in danger of having to evacuate their home because of a wildfire! April is supposed to be the month of April Showers and I'm definitely praying that we get some April Showers this month. Besides, I love the rain. You get to wear golashes, it cleans the air, you don't have to pay to water your lawn, and... with April showers comes May flowers! Sounds wonderful right? :) I think so. Anyway, in honor of April Showers, our theme for the TTC this month is... that's right, you guessed it: April Showers. And here's a little inspiration for you:

image via http://www.eloiserenouf.etsy.com/

But that's not it... there's MORE! This month, because we also have the wonderful holiday of EASTER, we actually have TWO themes. I mean, how was I supposed to NOT include Easter as a theme, right??? Sooo... the second theme is Easter. And for some Easter inspiration:

image via http://www.creationsbymarie.etsy.com/

RULES OF THE TTC:

1. All team members are allowed to participate.

2. To participate, you must make a Treasury that is your interpretation of the Challenge Theme. In this case, the Challenge Theme is April Showers or EASTER

3. You must include at least 10 items from TeamCAC members. I cannot stress this enough, this is the #1 reason beautiful treasuries aren't included in the voting. They just didn't have enough team members present. This isn't to be mean, but the point of the TTC is to get more TeamCAC exposure and that doesn't work if you don't have enough team members in your treasury. :)

4. You must tag your Treasury with "teamcac", "challenge", "april", in order for your Treasury to be counted as an entry. You can use any other tags you want, but to be counted as an entry, it must include those three tags.

5. The top 10 (TEN) Treasuries with the most COMMENTS (not views, not clicks but COMMENTS) will be entered among the "Finals". The "Finals" will then be posted to the Team Blog where we all get to go vote for our favorites.

6. There is no limit to the number of Treasuries you can make, but you are only allowed ONE Treasury (per shop) in the Finals.

7. I haven't asked this before, but it would be AWESOME if you could post your treasuries in the Team Treasury Challenge thread of our team forum. This will help me to find them more easily so hopefully I can check them beforehand and any adjustments can be made prior to the deadline. :) Here's the link to the thread. CLICK HERE!

The TTC will be open until Sunday, April 17th Then I will start sifting through the Treasuries to determine the Finals and they will be posted on the team blog next week. So have fun and of course...

...if you have any additional questions regarding this TTC, please email me at vivatreginacrafts@yahoo.com or convo me on Etsy. ♥

(If you are interested in sponsoring a prize for the TTC, please email/convo me.)

OH... and I suppose you would like to know what the prize is. Well, this might just be your lucky day! The winner of TTC - April Showers/Easter will get to select one item for Angela's Facebook Page Hampton House. Awesome huh? THANKS ANGELA for sponsoring this month's TTC.

Alright, now go, make your beautiful treasuries and be sure you follow the rules of the TTC. ♥

TTC - Spring Transition - Voting

Hi everyone! Sorry this is late, I just didn't have the time this week to go through all these lovely treasuries! But here they are finally, in no particular order:

Hi Ho Daffodilio!

First Blush

Spring Springs

Mrs Spring and her Flower Girls

Some GORGEOUS treasuries huh?

Check out the poll to the right and be sure to cast a vote for your favorite!

♥

And now, a little note on the TTC:

If you made a Treasury and weren't included in the Voting, I'm sorry, but you must not have followed all of the rules of the TTC. I really hate sticking to the rules like this, but, I've done this to other members so I can't offer any special treatment now. The biggest killer of a nomination is not including enough TeamCAC members in the Treasury. For some of you, some of your items were removed from your Treasury for one reason or another and the empty spaces I counted as TeamCAC members to give you credit.

A few things to remember when participating, you must include AT LEAST 10 TeamCAC members. Double check the "Members" list on our team page to make sure you have enough included.

Next time, I will go through the entries and check them in regards to the TTC rules before I get ready to post the Voting. Sorry, I just didn't have time to do that this go around. BUT... no worries... because there's always next time AND next time we have a FABULOUS person sponsoring the prizes. OOOooohhhh the suspense, who could it be???

Again, so sorry for those who didn't get in, thanks to all who participated and a special thank you to hARTjewelry for sponsoring the prizes.

Good night all!

TTC - Spring Transition

Hi all! Well, I actually tried to post this yesterday but for some reason, Blogger (or the blogger) was having issues. I couldn't change the font colors, couldn't save a draft, nothing, nada. So I gave up (after losing everything I wrote) and decided to get away from the computer before it took flight. ;) haha. BUT, anyway, here we go... take 2.

As some of you know, right now, I'm loving all things spring. Daffodils, tulips, johnny-jump-ups, cherry blossoms, chilly nights, cool mornings, warm afternoons. Of course, this is the romanticized side of spring. Right now, we won't talk about tax season, allergies and muddy yards. Let's just focus on the good stuff, shall we? haha! In honor of the romanticized side of spring, allow me to introduce this month's TTC: Spring Transition.

Whether you are still getting snow, or already wearing flipflops, embrace the loveliness of your dream spring and get creative while you're curating. It could be spring colors, spring accessories, whatever your interpretation may be. Just get caught up in a spring breeze, and go with it. I'm excited to see all the lovely Treasuries you are going to create.

Now, for the good stuff: hARTjewelry has so graciously offered to provide a SURPRIZE (that's a surpise prize) for our top two winners and of course, you'll still get a free ad on the team blog. And of course, here are the rules:

RULES OF THE TTC:

1. All team members are allowed to participate.

2. To participate, you must make a Treasury that is your interpretation of the Challenge Theme. In this case, the Challenge Theme is Spring Transition.

3. You must include at least 10 items from TeamCAC members.

4. You must tag your Treasury with "teamcac", "challenge", "spring", in order for your Treasury to be counted as an entry. You can use any other tags you want, but to be counted as an entry, it must include those three tags.

5. The top 10 (TEN) Treasuries with the most COMMENTS (not views, not clicks but COMMENTS) will be entered among the "Finals". The "Finals" will then be posted to the Team Blog where we all get to go vote for our favorites.

6. There is no limit to the number of Treasuries you can make, but you are only allowed ONE Treasury (per shop) in the Finals.

The TTC will be open until Sunday, March 13th Then I will start sifting through the Treasuries to determine the Finals and they will be posted on the team blog next week. So have fun and of course...

...if you have any additional questions regarding this TTC, please email me at vivatreginacrafts@yahoo.com or convo me on Etsy. ♥

(If you are interested in sponsoring a prize for the TTC, please email/convo me.)

via marthastewart.com

TTC Winter - WINNERS

Happy Monday everyone! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I was sick for most of it so I did a lot of sleeping and even had to miss the big Super Bowl party. Luckily, the hubby brought home a care package for me full of goodies from the party so I didn't miss out on too much I suppose. Did your team win? Did you have any favorite commercials? Do you even care? haha. Personally, I didn't care much about who won although I preferred the Packers over the Steelers. And the little kid as Darth Vader was probably one of my favorite commercials of the night. But enough Super Bowl talk... let's get on with the good stuff!

We had a record high number of votes this TTC so good job to everyone for participating and for spreading the word about the voting. We had 76 votes and the winners account for 50 of those votes! CONGRATULATIONS to NewCreationNZ and providencevintage!!! You are the winners of TTC - Winter! FABULOUS!!! Now, you will need to contact me and give me your name and address so I can send you your earrings. OR, if you are planning to give them to someone else as a special gift, I can wrap them up all pretty and send them directly there... just whatever you want. :) Contact me via email at vivatreginacrafts@yahoo.com OR via an Etsy convo at http://www.vivatregina.etsy.com/. Either one works for me, just make sure you do it soon. :)

If anyone would like to sponsor a small gift to the top two winners of the next TTC, please contact me (either via email or convo, see above) and let me know. We don't have to have a prize for the TTCs, but I think it's a rather fun. Just let me know!

Well, again, congrats to the winners... and be looking for the new TTC coming soon!!!

Team Treasury Challenge - Winter

Hi everyone! We've had a short hiatus of the TTC due to my complete change in lifestlye. [Apologies to anyone who has missed this desperately.] But, now that everyone seems to be settling in to a routine, I now have time to bring the TTC back out of hibernation! AND, as a special bonus, I'm throwing in a pair of earrings (handmade by me, of course) to the top two winners. And if you've forgotten how all of this works, keep reading...

Here are the Rules:

1. All team members are allowed to participate.

2. To participate, you must make a Treasury that is your interpretation of the Challenge Theme. In this case, the Challenge Theme is Winter could be things that you might wear in Winter, Winter accessories, colors that remind you of Winter, WHATEVER YOU WANT!

3. You must include at least 10 items from TeamCAC members.

4. You must tag your Treasury with "teamcac", "challenge", "winter", in order for your Treasury to be counted as an entry. You can use any other tags you want, but to be counted as an entry, it must include those three tags.

5. The top 10 (TEN) Treasuries with the most COMMENTS (not views, not clicks but COMMENTS) will be entered among the "Finals". The "Finals" will then be posted to the Team Blog where we all get to go vote for our favorites.

6. The top 2 (TWO) Finals with the highest number of votes will get a free ad on our Team Blog and a special feature on the team blog which will include items from their shop (or custom items they may do per request) and so on. The ads will stay up until the next winners are announced and then they will be switched out. They will also receive a pair of earrings by yours truly. :)

7. There is no limit to the number of Treasuries you can make, but you are only allowed ONE Treasury (per shop) in the Finals.

 

The TTC will be open until Sunday, .January 30th Then I will start sifting through the Treasuries to determine the Finals and they will be posted on the team blog next week. So have fun and of course...

...if you have any additional questions regarding this TTC, please email me at vivatreginacrafts@yahoo.com or convo me on Etsy. ♥

 

(If you are interested in sponsoring a prize for the TTC, please contact/convo me.)

 

And here's a few pics to get your mind set on all things wintery (I know for those of us here in the Southern states, we sometimes need a little extra inspiration since Mother Nature doesn't provide us with much).

 

 

~Regina~

Team Treasury Challenge - Christmas

Hi everyone! I've been looking forward to this TTC since we first started doing them! YAY FOR CHRISTMAS!! I'm looking forward to seeing all the lovely Treasuries and maybe making one or two myself... ;)

Here are the Rules:

1. All team members are allowed to participate.

2. To participate, you must make a Treasury that is your interpretation of the Challenge Theme. In this case, the Challenge Theme is Christmas. This could be things you are want for Christmas, Christmas decor, Christmas colors... WHATEVER YOU WANT!

3. You must include at least 10 items from TeamCAC members.

4. You must tag your Treasury with "teamcac", "challenge", "christmas", in order for your Treasury to be counted as an entry. You can use any other tags you want, but to be counted as an entry, it must include those three tags.

5. The top 10 (TEN) Treasuries with the most COMMENTS (not views, not clicks but COMMENTS) will be entered among the "Finals". The "Finals" will then be posted to the Team Blog where we all get to go vote for our favorites.

6. The top 2 (TWO) Finals with the highest number of votes will get a free ad on our Team Blog and a special feature on the team blog which will include items from their shop (or custom items they may do per request) and so on. The ads will stay up until the next winners are announced and then they will be switched out.

7. There is no limit to the number of Treasuries you can make, but you are only allowed ONE Treasury (per shop) in the Finals.

 

The TTC will be open until Sunday, December 15th. Then I will start sifting through the Treasuries to determine the Finals and they will be posted on the team blog next week. So have fun and of course...

...if you have any additional questions regarding this TTC, please email me at vivatreginacrafts@yahoo.com or convo me on Etsy. ♥

 

(If you are interested in sponsoring a prize for the TTC, please contact/convo me.)

~Regina~

TTC Thanksgiving Winners

Hi everyone! Many apologies for not getting this up before I left for Thanksgiving with my family in Oklahoma, but I just did not have the time to get everything done. But it's up now and I'm also including a revised TTC schedule below. But first.... the winners!!!

Let's see, I did tally things up before I left so although there were some late voters, I didn't count them. But it didn't make any difference anyway, there weren't enough late votes to change the winners so no big deal. We had a total of 44 votes (47 if you count the late votes). The votes were spread out pretty well amongst the Finalists, which just further proves that it was indeed a very difficult decision to make.

But, with 11 votes, our first winner is SpunkyDiva with her Treasury, "I am thankful for..."

And with 8 votes, our second winner, for the second TTC in a row (WOW, this lady must create some awesome Treasuries!!!) is PACountryCrafts with her Treasury, "Pumpkin Pie and Cranberry Sauce."

CONGRATULATIONS to both our winners! You guys did awesome!!! :)

And now, for an updated schedule for the TTC. We're just going to do one in December because I know how busy Christmas time is. The theme is going to be "Christmas" so start selecting favorites from the team now that you want to include.

December 5th/6th - "Christmas" TTC opens (you can start gathering ideas, but I will not accept any Treasuries made before December 5th).

December 12th/13th - The Finalists will be posted and voting will begin.

December 19th/20th - Voting closes. New ads will go up this week. :)

So again, CONGRATS to the winners, I'll get your ads up on the team blog this week. And for everyone else, start picking out your favorites and coming up wiht ideas for Treasuries to be made next week. :)

~Regina~

Team Treasury Challenge FINALS - Thanksgiving

Sorry that I didn't get this up yesterday. It was a busy day. And today looks like it will be just as busy but at least I didn't have a meeting this morning so I could work on this real quick. :) Anyway, we had some LOVELY treasuries made for this challenge. Not quite as many entries as the last challenge, but it's okay, I know this is a BUSY time for everyone. That being said, remember we will be taking next week off from the TTC. There will be no Treasury-making or Treasury-voting to worry about. Well, of course you can still make treasuries, but you don't have to worry about the TTC. :) In fact, here's a recap of the TTC schedule for the next few weeks:

TTC SCHEDULE:

November 8th - Autumn/Fall TTC winners are announced. Thanksgiving TTC theme is revealed and the Treasury making can begin!

November 14th - Thanksgiving TTC is closed, voting begins.

November 21st - Thanksgiving TTC voting closes. Winners are announced.

*We're going to take the week of Thanksgiving off from TTC since people will likely be travelling and/or spending time with family.*

November 29th - New TTC theme will be revealed and Treasury making can re-commence.

Sound good to everyone? Okay, here are the Finalists from the Thanksgiving TTC.

How to vote:

1)Review the finalists below.

2)Vote using the poll on the right side of the page.

3)Pass the word on to others, let them see our awesome Treasuries and see items made by Christian friends.

4)Please note: YOU CAN ONLY VOTE ONCE! Make sure you select the Treasury you want to vote for. You cannot change your vote. Voting ends November 21st.

THANKSGIVING - It's (not) all about the food!

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Thinking of Thanksgiving

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Pumpkin Pie and Cranberry Sauce

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Things I'm Thankful For...

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Give Thanks

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I am thankful for...

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Thanksgiving Trimmings

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Cozy Thanksgiving

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So Thankful - TeamCAC

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Please vote and pass this post on to EVERYONE! (You don't have to be a member of TeamCAC to vote, you have to be a member to enter.) :)

~Regina~

Feature: Bobbie of inspiredbymarie

As many of you know, or you would if you had read the earlier blogs, Bobbie was the other of the two winners for TTC that we had. And as promised, here is her Feature including some wonderful items from her shop! Perhaps you'll be able to check just about everyone of your wishlist just by visiting her shop. And remember, when you purchase from members of TeamCAC, you are purchasing items handmade by Christians.

Step inside her SHOP.

For the person/family who's life revolves around their four-legged children. A nice little leash holder. :)

Give that man in your life a place to keep all his "treasures".

Planning a wedding? Are you in a wedding? Or maybe you'll just be attending? Either way, this is the perfect gift item.

I bet you know at least ONE person who needs help with their organization skills...

Perfect for that rustic chic decor OR for a man cave.

What a BEAUTIFUL wedding guest book!!

And for someone with a new addition to the family or who needs a place to proudly display their children.

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You'll find even MORE lovely wedding ideas, or gift items by browsing through Bobbie's shop. And remember, if you want to be featured on our team blog, you have to enter the TTC and come in first or second place. But you can't win if you don't even enter. :)

Go HERE for details.

Feature: Lindsay of PACountryCrafts

As many of you know, or you would if you had read the earlier blogs, Lindsay was one of the two winners for TTC that we had. And as promised, here is her Feature including some wonderful items from her shop! Perhaps you'll be able to check just about everyone of your wishlist just by visiting her shop. And remember, when you purchase from members of TeamCAC, you are purchasing items handmade by Christians.

Step inside her SHOP.

Handmade baskets that you can fill with goodies. Perhaps cookies, brownies, jams, muffins, or boxed goods that you can give to an elderly person in your neighborhood or local congregation.

How about some personalized apples for your kid's teachers?

Facial scrubs would make GREAT stocking stuffers!

Handmade and originally designed decorative pumpkins for that over the top holiday decorator. Or maybe just pick them up for yourself... ;)

For the couple who is expecting or who had a child this year.

A stocking stuffer for a family.

This wooden ornament would be a great stocking stuffer for that newlywed couple you know.

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But that's not all. Be sure to stop over at Lindsay's shop to see who else you can shop for and cross off your list. After all, you don't have to drive anywhere, stand in line, fight the crowds, look for parking just to buy some mass-produced item. Now you can guarantee that there won't be duplicate gifts for Aunt Suzie... :)

Getting a Treasury 101 by KelliRene

Getting a Treasury 101


1) Check the status of both the main treasury and treasury west here:

http://craftopolis.com/index.php?com=tc

(This is a nifty tool that lets you know how much time remains on both

treasuries)

2) Choose your treasury "Title" and "Theme"


3) Prepare your treasury ahead of time using your Poster Sketch tool:

http://www.etsy.com/poster_sketch.php

This is where it is SO useful for members to have their "teamcac" tag in place on their items. So, when you search, add the key word you are looking for and add "teamcac" to your search. All members with that key word and tag will show up.

When you find an item you would like to add to your sketch, highlight and copy (control 'c') the listing number found towards the bottom just above the price. Then click in the item number box on your sketch and
paste (control 'v').

(You can shift your items around simply by clicking and dragging.)

*NOTE: Even though the actual treasury only shows the first 3 rows to the left (twelve items), you are highly encouraged to fill all spaces with workable items. Even the items that are on hold (to the right) are considered by the Etsy staff when choosing which treasury goes on
the front page.

**NOTE: It is now okay to add ONE of your own pieces to the treasury.

Just ONE.


OKAY! So, you now have your title and your treasury all ready to go!


The Clock is getting closer on one of the treasuries opening up. (Say, 10 to 15 minutes) Go to that treasury on Etsy:

Main Treasury:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury.php?ref=fp_nav_treasury

Treasury West:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_west.php

Once that treasury page opens up:

1) Click on the last number (page) of the treasury.
2) Click "expiration date" a couple times until the lowest (soonest) expiring treasuries are listed on that last page.

Now you can see not only how many treasuries need to expire before it opens up, but you can also count back on the list to see the remaining minutes.

Here's a trick I do:

1) Write your title in the search bar above.
2) Highlight and copy your title (control C)

SO, when the treasury opens up and you are asked for your title, all you have to do is put the cursor in the box, and 'paste' (control v), then hit the submit button.


****HERE'S the important part*****
When the treasury is down to the last few before opening up, DO NOT HIT REFRESH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

~again~

DO NOT HIT REFRESH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know it's tempting, but you can easily lose your treasury by doing this. Just sit back, try to be calm, and wait for that box to open up.

There IS A DELAY after the last treasury expires. Sometimes that delay can feel like forever. But, even so, do NOT hit refresh. It WILL open up. And when it does, calmly click your cursor in the box and paste and hit the submit button.


And there you go! You now have a new treasury!


Okay, now the fun part! Open up your Poster Sketch in another window. Then, one by one, copy and paste your item numbers into the new treasury's boxes. (I'm not sure if there is a more efficient way to do this or not) Or, if you have not built your poster sketch, you can do your searching and pasting at this time.


Once it's all set up, PROMOTE PROMOTE PROMOTE!

It is good sportsmanship to visit other treasuries and leave positive feedback. It is also encouraged to click on each item in a treasury to increase it's chances of being noticed by the Etsy Staff.


That's about it. Hope I didn't forget anything!
Good luck and Happy Treasury Making!
Kelli.

Featured Team CAC Seller

Sorry about not having a featured seller for awhile there, but now that I’m back up and running, I’m hoping this won’t be an issue again. So without further ado, here’s this week’s featured seller, Glen of Sneath.

To start, please tell us a bit about yourself. What's your story?
My name is Glen and I'm an unmotivated community college student from the San Francisco Bay Area. I got my Associates degree in Electronics > PC Technical Support. My only source of income right now is what I make from chainmaille. But I would much rather be working again, but when I tried to 6 months ago, I came up pretty much dry. I'm a computer geek who used to work as a merchandiser for the late CompUSA *sniff*, and I'm a musician who works with my church's high school youth group as a staff member and as one of the worship leaders. Either as the drummer, guitar, or singing (in that order).

While I am currently going to school as a mechanical engineering major with a manufacturing focus, I've been recently pulling away from that and looking for work in logistics. I started down the engineering path because my schools manufacturing program shut down for budget reasons, and at the time there weren't many other options to continue learning the subject. But, since then I've found options aside from spending another 4 years of college getting a bachelor's to learn manufacturing processes. All I really wanted to do is work with my hands, and/or make things.

The current life path I'm pursuing is a career in logistics (shipping/receiving and inventory is SO fun!). But, if that doesn't pan out in the next year, I'm considering joining the Coast Guard for the resume boost, and the on-the-job training. And heck, I'm too comfortable where I am. I don't like traveling and I've lived in the same spot all my life, but I think it would be a good stretch for me. After all that, if nothing works out (or maybe sooner, who knows), I've been toying with the idea of the mission's field. Preferably somewhere cold. I hear theres a lot of work to be done in Poland for the Roma people.
O ya, and I'm an Eagle Scout of Troop 71, 2006.

What is your favorite quote?
Proverbs 4:7
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.”
and the wisdom I've gathered seems to say that I should “... seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33), so that's what I'll do.

What is your favorite movie?
Don't really have one.

What is your favorite TV show?
An anime called One Piece. Currently about 400 episodes long and counting!
Oh, and I guess Smallville since its the only “TV show” that I keep up with.

What is your favorite song at the moment?
I Need You by Relient K

What kinds of music do you listen to?
Worship. I love listening to people who are passionate about praising God. Sometimes its praise music like Chris Tomlin, Shane & Shane and Jars of Clay, or Christian rock like Kutless, Skillet and Relient K. But, a lot of times it's the hard-rock/screamo stuff that really gets me, when I can find a good screaming worship band. Not too common, but things like Dead Poetic, Thrice, Underoath, and Spoken have really hit home.

How long have you been creating?
Since I was a little kid when I would play with K'Nex. I used to build forts, and other relatively large structures out of the stuff. I started doing chainmaille a couple summers ago after our worship team watched a Lord of The Rings marathon. I decided to look it up online and soon after bought 100 bright aluminum 16awg 1/4” rings. The first thing I made with those rings was a pouch/holster for my cell-phone, which has since been decommissioned... It will be missed.

What inspires you?
Seeing other people doing what they love doing, or watching them discover something that they love doing. More specifically, people who have found their niche in the body of Christ, and totally all-out about it. Even the lowest janitor is a great inspiration if he finds a way to bring glory to God doing what he does.

Please describe your creative process (the how, the when, materials, etc.).
I bring my rings with me wherever I go, so I sometimes maille when I'm out and about, but usually its at my desk between classes. If its a weave and color pattern I'm familiar with it goes pretty quickly. But many times its a custom order in a color pattern, ring type, or weave that I'm not very comfortable with. With those I start with one combination of colors, or ring types, and see if what I make turns out looking nice. About an inch or two into the weave I make the decision either to keep going with it, or to scrap it, and take it apart so I can use the rings for another attempt at the current project, or for a future one. Sometimes it comes together right away with no hassle, while other times I have to take it apart many times because I can't get it quite right.

Is there any kind of music you listen to when you create?
I either let my computer shuffle through everything I have, or I listen to an online Christian radio station. Every once in a while I'll listen to a theological CD. Greg Koukl from Stand To Reason has been what I've listened to most in that category recently.

What's your biggest artistic disaster to date? How did it help you progress?
My armor! It turned out fine in its own way, but the design was completely off the top of my head. No drawings, blueprints, or exact measurements. I made it in a blacksmithing class I took, and I did the majority of the shell with a swage block and any oxy-acetylene torch, for the most part all free-form. The biggest problem with it is that its held together with 4 bolts... 2 of which are on the back, meaning I need help to get into it. I did learn quite a bit about shaping metal though... because the hoops under the arms are doubled over and then channeled, and then bent... which is all kinds of stupid, and very difficult to make well with a hammer...

What's your favorite piece that you've done?
My favorites come and go, so for now I'd have to go with something I made very recently. It's a trackball from an old mouse I found, wrapped in chainmaille (go figure). I'm particularly proud of this one because it marks a landmark in discovering what I can wrap. I figured out a new way to cinch the sides up with rubber rings that allow for ANY size of ball. Granted, it might not work too well on anything but spheres, but I'll figure that out later.

What's the best advice you were given when starting out?
Hmmm... The best one I can think is from a bunch of fellow Etsy members. Something along the lines of “Don't panic because you're not getting many sales at first. Be patient.”

Do you have any advice to give others?
Seek God constantly and make glorifying Him the focus of your business (and your whole life for that matter). If your shop is just for getting bank, then you're wasting an awesome opportunity to be a light to the world.

What's coming up for you; any big plans artistically?
I'm selling at my first convention at the end of May, so I need to stock up on more marbles and findings, as well as mass producing all sorts of bracelets and key chains. Very excited about that... But as far as what I'm making, I've been swamped enough with finishing off the semester, working with the youth group, ordering supplies, and running my Etsy to have thought seriously about any big plans right now. Although, a while ago I was making candles by melting the excess, throw-out candles from my church's candle-light service (so much wasted wax). I made a chainmaille hanging thing for the candles, but never made the stand to hold it up. I guess I could work on that next.

Where can we find you? Both online and in stores.
www.Sneath.etsy.com
GESlagle [!at] gmail.com
www.myspace.com/holygorge Very old screen name which I converted into a big ad banner for my Etsy...
I'm also on facebook: Glen Slagle

Featured Team CAC Seller

Sorry about not having a featured seller last week, the time flew by me so fast that it wasn’t until it was too late that I realized I didn’t have anyone.   No, you’re not getting two this week to make up for it.  Just one, Simplypuresoycandles.

 

What is your favorite quote?

All things are possible if you believe! Mark 9:23

What is your favorite movie?

Titanic, but a close second is Dumbo (I know but we have kids!)

What is your favorite TV show?

House

What is your favorite song at the moment?

Dead or Gone, by TI and Justin Timberlake

What kinds of music do you listen to?

A little bit of everything, I enjoy all kind of music just depends on my mood! From instrumental to alternative!

How long have you been creating?

3.5 years

What inspires you?

Everything around me, things I want to use, things that i think are pretty, my kids and family.

Please describe your creative process (the how, the when, materials, etc.).

Is there any kind of music you listen to when you create?

No I like to concentrate!

What's your biggest artistic disaster to date? How did it help you progress?

Well I am bad at putting the wrong color in my wax!! Like if I am making lemon, of course it needs to be yellow well sometimes it doesn't get yellow, but maybe blue or green! LOL but after about 3 times of that... I pay very close attention to what i lay on my work table!

What's your favorite piece that you've done?

My favorite things that I make are my candles, I made a rustic pillar for Christmas that was black and red and it was my fav! Scented in Apple Jack.

What's the best advice you were given when starting out?

Take it slow and make sure your product is worth buying!

Do you have any advice to give others?

Just because others make items/products doesn't mean that everyone can. It is not as easy as you think! Everything gets better with practice!

What's coming up for you; any big plans artistically?

Well every April there is a store that lets me place my items there and we do very well until November! So I am very excited about that.

Where can we find you? Both online and in stores.

You can find me online at www.simplypuresoycandles.com on etsy www.simplypuresoycandles.etsy.com and in Ashe county stores Sally Mae's, The NorthWest Trading Post and in the surranding area in Boone at Green Mother Goods. We also do around 9 festivals a year so always out and about!

Featured Team CAC Seller….

We've continuing our feature in the team blog, to coincide with Self Portrait Thursday. Each week we'll feature another team member. We're continuing things with Sharon of javachip.etsy.com.

To start, please tell us a bit about yourself. What's your story?
I am a college student at UC Irvine, majoring in Studio Art and hoping to get a degree in Physical Therapy in grad school. I am half Filipino and half (Caucasian) American, and I have lived in the Philippines for my whole life up until college because my parents are missionaries there. I have two passports, I love dogs, I love cats, I love sports, I played rugby and soccer in high school, I played soccer for the Philippine national team when I was a senior in high school and I played for one year for my college team but now I am just playing club soccer and loving it! I love playing the piano, singing, ceramics, finger painting, running around barefoot in mud, playing soccer on the beach, jumping in puddles, drinking hot chocolate or english tea with a hoodie on in my jammies, surfing, baking cookies, eating cookie dough, and just plain eating.

I love to travel and I have been to Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar, Japan, China, Mexico, the U.S., Guam, the Philippines, and I will be adding England and the Czech Republic to the list this summer. I love taking pictures when I travel, and my greatest dream would be to become a photographer for National Geographic. Imagine the opportunities! My favorite things to paint and photograph are people, because I love the idea that you can capture a person or an aspect of a person in an image. I love God and I adore the fact that He is the ultimate Creator and has instilled in each of us a love for creating.

What is your favorite quote?
Anything by Victor Hugo from Les Miserables. These are some good ones:
“Laughter is sunshine; it chases winter from the human face.”
“Love is the foolishness of men, and the wisdom of God.”
“All those places that we no longer see, which perhaps we shall never see again, but whose image we have preserved, assume a painful charm, return to us with the sadness of a ghost.”
“This lowly sand which you trample beneath your feet, if you cast it into the furnace, and let it melt and seethe, shall become resplendent crystal, and by means of such as it a Galileo and a Newton shall discover stars.”

What is your favorite movie?
I’m indecisive! I love Batman: The Dark Knight, Bolt, The Incredibles, Pirates Of The Caribbean, The Princess Bride, Transformers The Movie, V For Vendetta, and the first X-men movie. I love action and superheroes and animated films, and I’m a sucker for movies made on ridiculous premises.

What is your favorite TV show?
Heroes! And the Office is a close runner-up. :)

What is your favorite song at the moment?
(*fin) by Anberlin

What kinds of music do you listen to?
A lot of rock and indie music. My favourite bands are Anberlin, Eisley, Emery, Ingrid Michaelson, Iron And Wine, Skillet and Sufjan Stevens. I really enjoy crossover artists/bands that are made up of Christians but not necessarily sold in the “Christian” section of the store. My all time favorite band is Anberlin, and I feel like they really get a good message across.

How long have you been creating?
Since I was teeny tiny.

What inspires you?
Beauty. I enjoy finding it in the strangest places. One of my friends told me that she liked how I make the mundane seem beautiful. That’s how I feel that God transforms us, he beautifies the ordinary.
“Beauty itself is but the sensible image of the Infinite.”
- Sir Francis Bacon
Beauty, of whatever kind, invariably excites the human soul to tears.
- Edgar Allen Poe
Please describe your creative process (the how, the when, materials, etc.).
I get crazy ideas all of a sudden and I drop everything and make it. It usually involves paintbrushes, watercolours, acrylics, India ink, or just pencils. It’s either that or my camera jumps into my hand and make me take fifty billion pictures.
Is there any kind of music you listen to when you create?
I like soft music, Indie folk usually, like Iron and Wine or Sufjan Stevens. But I also have this weird thing where I really like watching House when I paint.

What's your biggest artistic disaster to date? How did it help you progress?
When I was working on my portfolio for AP art, my first piece was not looking at all how I wanted it to, and I was very disappointed. My art teacher just told me to stick with it and keep reworking it. He told me something I never forgot: “If you get it right away you will end up with a boring piece of art. It is the struggle that adds character, the layers and layers that build up to make a complex piece of art that has so much more value than a piece that took no time at all.” It is so true! Now one of my signatures in my art is how I just go for it and slap on that dark brushstroke with confidence, because I know that I can rework it and build on top of it. It was always something I did with drawing, but it took me a while to find myself as a painter.

What's your favorite piece that you've done?
This is great, because it is that piece that I was just talking about, the one I didn’t like at all. It took me forever to keep tweaking it and reworking it but not I absolutely love it.

What's the best advice you were given when starting out?
From my art teacher again, it was to be willing to use anything. You have materials all around you that are much less expensive than things you can buy in an art store and work just the same. Be creative even when it comes to tools!

Do you have any advice to give others?
When you get your great ideas, just sit down and work on them, it always works best when you are excited about something. Then take a step back and look at what you’ve done. If you look at your creation with fresh eyes it allows you to see things you may have missed or come up with new ideas. Look at it in a mirror, upside down, from 20 feet away. And this goes for everything, not just painting! :)

What's coming up for you; any big plans artistically?
Well, artistically as in painting? Not really, just passing my classes I guess. But artistically as in musically, I’m starting a band! I’m the lead vocalist, haha, it’s really chill and not a big deal, but it’s still going to be a lot of fun.

Where can we find you? Both online and in stores.
www.javachip.etsy.com
www.starlike.etsy.com
http://support-a-starving-artist.blogspot.com/ (I haven’t blogged in forever though!)
www.zoshalucyna.deviantart.com
or search for Sharon Lynn Whelchel on facebook and add me as a friend. :)