Monday, December 22, 2008

and now for the last Christmas color: GREEN

I made my own treasury again since it is so hard to find room on etsy.It makes me remember the story of Jesus when He was born and their parents could not find room in a regular inn so they ended up in a manger.Sometimes we are so busy that He can't find room in our schedules either.
I put together my collection of favorites and best seller for you to enjoy in the color of today for organics and not so :Green.
Here featured are some products from the one a day challenge team( a group of ladies that formed to take on Bittersweets challenge to create on item a day. The challenge began in April for a month. After the challenge, we liked each other so much that we kept on) and daintycrochetbyaly. Enjoy!!

The Challengettes are :
Amy aka aclairejewelry
Athena aka AthenaCreates
Cara aka carapace
Celeste aka Cricket's Creations
Chrissy aka Bittersweets
Deborah aka TheGaudyGoddess
Elle aka downthestreet
Emily aka TinkerWare
Fen aka BeadFloraJewels
Funda aka DasheDesigns
Ginny aka ginpins
Heather aka BeadifulBaublesSC
Holly Anne aka PrettyBetty
Jennifer aka iWunder
Jessica aka OnceUponARock
Joanne aka jjmckillip
Julie aka JooolesDesign
Kara aka CoryellDesign
Karen aka yarrow1
Kila aka go2girl
Kristin aka kmaylward
Kylie aka EarlyBirdCreations
Linda aka lolabear
Lindi aka LinDesigns
Meagan aka KaedanKrafts
Melissa aka RainyDayArt
Nora aka norakaren
PegasusMaiden
Rachel aka themagpiesdaughter
Sarah aka AFineDistraction
Sue aka maddyandme
Teresa aka YarntoSpin









Wednesday, December 17, 2008

I wanted my own red treasury










For christmas time and this holiday season I wanted to create a new red treasury but it was hard to find room again.So I gather some great pics of my favorite moments during the year : my daughter holding Sebas, the red flowers my husband bought for me at thanksgiving,my son wearing his red pajamas in his small shelter under the cabinets, my sweet lovely Mano at the beach on 4th of July, my adorable son holding his little bro ,my brother in law and nephew who I miss so much, my red owl tee that I created and sold same day ,my friend Aly and son wearing the new tunic,my beautiful sister dancing for the Lord at the Christmas play at Church. This are truly treasuries. reds,burgungies,crimsons and the whole pantone.

Monday, December 15, 2008

GOLDEN YEARS...Remembering Heath Ledger when he was a good knight











I wanted to make a treasury in gold to remember the song of the movie,one of many good ones from A knight's tale,but it was impossible to find room. So I created one for myself and the ones who enjoy gold at this time of the year..I believe we are many....

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Green is the new black and old vs. new



All over the fashion world, people are saying, “green is the new black.”

On the streets of Toronto a new kind of It girlis in town - and you won’t find her in Holt Renfrew. She is the recessionista - the thrifty woman with a killer sense of style.

With the global movement to “go green” in full swing, with everything from Earth Hour, to organic produce, it was only a matter of time before the fashion industry followed suit.

Major brand names like, H&M, as well as designers like Katherine Hamnett, are taking a step into living harmoniously with the hip, tree-huggers of the world, with their snazzy, new, green threads.

According to Katherine Hamnett’s website, organic cotton – one aspect of eco-friendly clothing – is cotton grown without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers in soil that has been chemical-free for at least the last three years. Besides being pesticide-free, organic cotton can also help farmers get as much as a 50% increase in their income, as it costs less to produce than conventional cotton, which is responsible for using 25% of the world’s pesticides.

“The difference is ethical. By choosing organic cotton t-shirts you’ll feel how soft, stylish and luxurious they are. More importantly, you’ll help change thousands of lives for the better,” said Hamnett on her site.

“I will always try to pick the organic over the regular product, even though the price difference can sometimes be silly. I know no pesticides were used on it, and that helps me sleep better at night,” said Holly Jackson, who is in charge of a sustainability committee at the University of Maryland. “I think if people knew the bad effects of pesticides, they’d be a lot more inclined to pay the extra dollar for an organic item.”

The idea of ‘green living’ attached to organic clothing is supposed to be a key feature that should appeal to most fashion-conscious folks. However, with an average price of about $110.00 to let designers like Hamnett bring a little more ‘green’ to your closet, it’s no wonder the trend of the recessionista which is sweeping the city like your new, organic blush brush has come out to show us all how to look like a million bucks without actually spending that much. Amanda Reyes, a second-year arts and contemporary student at Ryerson Universityprefers the path of the recessionista over what she says is the sometimes, “expensive and sketchy,” ways of organic clothing in mainstream brands. Reyes uses the scandal surrounding Lululemon and their “seaweed t-shirts.”

In November, last year, a front-page expose in The New York Timesreported that its independent testing laboratory didn’t detect any seaweed in a randomly selected ‘VitaSea’ Lululemon T-shirt. “Personally, I would rather go to Value Village, CTS, or Black Market, and pay six bucks for a really cool, vintage-y blouse – as opposed to paying a ridiculous amount of money for a plain t-shirt,” said Reyes. “And besides, who wants seaweed in their clothing?”

At H&M, organic cotton t-shirts costs about twice as much as a regular t-shirts. This is why Brittany Schein from Oklahoma City, Okla. thinks that the ‘green movement’ is nothing more than a carefully-crafted marketing scheme. “Caring about the environment is the trend right now. They know that if people see a regular shirt versus an organic one, they will buy it – even if it is a little more expensive,” said Schein.

Nina B, a student from Boston, Mass. said, “I have one ‘organic cotton’ dress from H&M, but I would have bought it if it was regular cotton. The fact that it had a special tag didn’t influence my decision to buy it.”

Another online magazine that has set its sights on creating a greener closet for us all is treehugger.com, a website that “sympathizes with the fact that most people aren’t willing to compromise their current lifestyle in order to improve our shared environment,” and understands that by living green through “education and action … you don’t need to run off to live with the wolves to contribute to the betterment of Mother Nature.“

Though it may be true that most of us aren’t looking through Craigslistfor a new, howling roommate, it may just be a little unfair to say that we won’t budge to save our planet. The movement of the recessionista takes on a ‘Fashion without victim’ approach – one shared by Katherine Hamnett, only with a lower price tag.

“I do think that it’s [thrifting and buying vintage] exponentially more ‘green’ than ‘organic’ garments. Producing more clothing still uses more resources – even if some are ‘organic,’ still pollutes,” said Nina B. “To me, it just seems like a way for people to spend money and then pat themselves on the back for being ‘green.’”

Even some firm believers in the ‘green movement’ remain cautious when it comes to buying into ‘buying green.’ Jackson said, “A lot of brands ‘greenwash’ people now. By making an item seem environmentally friendly, when really, they only care about the profit.”

In the battle between seemingly eco-friendly corporations and savvy recessionistas, it is unclear which side is “greener” (pun most definitely intended). For one, buying more things – even if they are organic – isn’t necessarily ‘green,’ as valuable resources are still being used up. And, although it would appear that refraining from over-consumption of brand-new, fabulous threads is significantly greener, some used, vintage items like real fur and leather don’t exactly spread feelings of ‘eco-love’ to some of the Earth’s creatures.

So, just some friendly advice from one self-proclaimed ‘couture connoisseur’ to another – go ahead, shop new and organic, or shop vintage. Just remember to stay informed, stay thrifty, stay stylish, and try not to get caught up in all of the corporate hype. The choice is always yours.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Team members offering great deals for BLACK FRIDAY and CYBER MONDAY

Shop 'til your Fingers Drop!

WOW! The Fashion, Design and Lifestyle Team is on fire for the holiday weekend and Cyber Monday sales! You can get all of your holiday shopping completed from our team shops on Etsy! Buy truly unique and special gifts this holiday season - go handmade! Check out all of these sales ...



Thirdfloor has a 20% discount on all items, excluding shipping! And free domestic shipping (50% off international) for all orders over $50! Offers good 11/28 to 12/1.


Kristensteinfineart has great price reductions in effect that were recently made for the VAST art sale. All sale prices are good through 12/31. Free shipping on all items in her shop for a limited time.


Delightworthyn is offering free shipping until 12/1. She has also just added some great items to her Sale section!


CelesteCraft is offering 20% off all orders of $20 or more (excluding shipping).


Love2sew has a Christmas sale on doll clothes - 3 for $30, or $10 each. Check out the section in her shop!


Asianexpressions is offering free shipping for all items from 11/2 to 12/1.


Jinxydv8 has items in her Sale section at 50% off! Also, free shipping if you mention your blog!


Mylittleaura is offering free shipping from 11/28-12/1.


BarbaraLousBoutique is offering free shipping on 11/30.


Eikumpel is offering 15% off items in her shop from 11/28 to 12/1.


Daintycrochetbyaly is offering free domestic shipping and 50% off international shipping from 11/28 t 12/1.


Amysfunkyfibers is offering free shipping on items in her shop from 11/28 to 12/1. Please convo her before ordering.


Happiknits is offering free shipping with the purchase of 2 or more items; 50% off international shipping.


Rebeccasartcloset is offering free shipping on all orders over $50!


Norakaren has 15% off on any order $30 and over, and free shipping on orders of $150 or over. Please convo her so she can adjust the invoice.

Just click on the shop name to see all the wonderful items that our team members have to offer!

If you have any questions about these promotions, please contact the shop directly. Thank you.
Have a lovely holiday weekend!

Also Candice Hayden from http://madhatterspo ttery.etsy. com
offering a 20% discount on "black Friday" to whoever purchases on the day after Thanksgiving and types in Black Friday when they check out!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)¤´¨)¤´¨)¸.·´¸.·*´¨) Merry Christmas!!!!
(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤ (¸.·´ (¸.·`¤ ¤´¨)Happy New Year!!!!
(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤ (¸.·´ (¸.·`¤ ¤´¨)Happy Holidays!!!!!!
.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)¤´¨)¤´¨)¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)Feliz Navidad!!!
¸.·*¨)(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤ ¤´¨)¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)Feliz Año Nuevo!!!
(¸.·´ (¸.·`¤¤´¨)Felices Fiestas!!!!
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)¤´¨)¤´¨)
www.norakaren.etsy.com
Enjoy 15% off on any purchase over $30 on your christmas and holiday shopping. Visit my store from november 17th to december 17th and order online as much as you need! To receive your items before Christmas Day:Items should be purchased before december 18th for shipping in the United States. For international Shipping orders need to be placed before december 20th.
To receive your discount convo or e-mail me before transaction to modify amount of purchase.

TO GET FREE SHIPPING: Place $150 of qualifying norakaren items in your shopping bag (qualifying items are identified on the product description page).Offer applies to Standard Shipping to one location and may be applied to Premium or Overnight Shipping for an upgrade fee. Due to size and/or weight, certain items bear a shipping surcharge, which will still apply. When shipping to multiple addresses, only shipping to the first address will be free; Standard Shipping will apply to all other addresses. Free Shipping offer ends December 17, 2008. For any questions or concerns send me a convo or reply to this e-mail.

Monday, November 17, 2008

SITE OF THE DAY




Each day I'll be listing a "Site of the Day" as part of a promotoion from Neatostuff.com.

Here's Monday's....

Looking for great handmade jewelry? Check out the "site of the day" today.
www.zeba.etsy.com

Also check out last week's sites. There are some wonderful shops on Etsy.com!

Monday- www.paintingsbyjude.etsy.com
Tuesday- www.craftilycharms.etsy.com
Wednesday- www.norakaren.etsy.com
Thursday- www.purpledaisyjewelry.etsy.com
Friday- www.maryzoom.etsy.com
Saturday- www.threadedgoodness.etsy.com

Friday, November 14, 2008

We were at the Front Page of etsy today


Aly's creation was featured this morning about 11 am at the Frnt Page of etsy. This is how she describes the romantic and more than original collar:

This collar is a collaboration project with norakaren.etsy.com

The peacock has been handpainted by her on denim Fabric and I had designed the collar with denim and crocheted lace to be the perfect accesory to go with jeans and a simple top.

The colors are just exciting and striking... greens, and blues, the lace is royal blue.

Good job Aly and cheers! for more to come.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

oh Shoot! Election day is here


Today is not a big day for business news given the election. But one entrepreneurial innovation that people will be watching closely are the online prediction markets. So I took the chance and created a treasury for the artisans and designers who never stop working,using the creativity and imagination and dreaming with a better future. Choose today from our local and global crafters and refresh your mind with new items,good items,good news,like this ones.
All said.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Show me your feathers


The creative flow never ends. I woke up this gorgeous saturday morning to the fact that Aly projected her signature crochet on a hand painted piece of denim. Some people never stops. And that overwhelms me,but in a good way. She put together a painted denim patch showcasing my famous peacock with her stunning blue waves and threads to create a collar wearable over a tank top and make it shine!
Thanks Aly,you amaze me!

To find more of her creations go to www.daintycrochetbyaly.etsy.com

norakaren Bridal Collection

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.