Latest News before the year ends.

Before this wonderful 2009 leaves us and gives place to the exciting 2010 I wanted to share some of the latest features and sites, recommendable to also keep in mind.
I was featured at http://www.avsevent.blogspot.com/. At Á Votre Service Events they are “at your service”. Whether it’s a wedding of 500 guests or a small tea party for a circle of friends, they your single source for all of your event planning needs. From their free initial consultation all the way to waving goodbye to the last of your beaming guests,they will be with you stride for stride throughout the entire process.They are a proud member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-CJ) and International Wedding Planning Professional (IWPP).

I reached my 300 fans (actually 301) at my facebook fan page and I encourage you to follow me. On my page I give information and news about fashion events,new products and handmade creations and also promote many artists and artisans from www.etsy.com
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/norakaren/58934055934?ref=ts

With the end of this year comes the end of the FREE Statement Necklace blog giveaway.
So,don't wait ,add your comment about wich item you like the most in my store
and participate in your chance to win

I watched the movie AVATAR on a wonderful movie theater on a trip to Anna Maria Island,when visiting a new customer willing to sell my handpainted t-shirts and tanks,named The Hive. The owners were awesome people,art lovers and very friendly.
If you go to the Island please stop by,you won't regreat it.

I was so inspired by the movie that I handpainted a new tunic,t-shirt lead toned.
And the people from the area told me about real peacocks strutting around...you are guessing right,I found them and took pictures too!

I visited on my trip there the Brandenton Art Center ,gorgeous city in the west coast of Florida.

Got my " sweets Christmas gift" from my Bittersweets team mate Heather and I loved it so much that I wore it on Christmas Eve...take a look and visit her shop,great jewelry at # beadifulbaublesSC

I was featured in many gorgeous treasuries from ETTEAM and the best friends in the virtual world,Vicki Diane and Iris Loringher,please visit their shops,amazing new creations ,completely handmade from artists,friends ,creatives artists and actress respectively.

Finally I was amazed to find one of my peacock shoes in this winged blog,and I was so happy and flattered....
http://www.idreamedisaw.com/2009/12/21/plucking-out-feathers/

My last color moodboard

And the final days to add a comment and participate in a Fiber art statement necklace.

I'm creating a color moodboard to inspire the senses and give us direction for shopping.I don't consider the Holidays a particular time for shopping since anytime is a good time to get that one of a kind creation you always wanted. Even more Christmas is the time to celebrate what we believe as people,individual,friends and family members. I encourage you to post your favorite items linked to the moodboard today,Visit my website for this promotional sale.



Feel free to add your own creations.I can't wait to see them.I will pick a comment or link to a member for a December Giveaway,right before Christmas.



Ps. The winner gets the Black and White statement necklace from my collection.

I was on the Front Page

Today,while I was at Church enjoying the Christmas play I was on the Front Page of etsy.
It was funny,my phone started to ring many times,everytime that I had a reminder ,a conversation or an e-mail from a fellow friend,team mate or another etsian.
Thanks everybody,you were very kind.
Don't forget....There is still time to participate in the Giveaway.
Visit my store,add a comment and win!
Nora

Red moodboard,Christmas and a Giveaway

I'm creating a color moodboard to inspire the senses and give us direction for shopping.I don't consider the Holidays a particular time for shopping since anytime is a good time to get that one of a kind creation you always wanted. Even more Christmas is the time to celebrate what we believe as people,individual,friends and family members. I encourage you to post your favorite items linked to the moodboard today,Visit my website for this promotional sale.



Feel free to add your own creations.I can't wait to see them.I will pick a comment or link to a member for a December Giveaway,right before Christmas.



Ps. The winner gets the Black and White statement necklace from my collection.

Go Green and get something FREE

I'm creating a color moodboard to inspire the senses and give us direction for shopping.I don't consider the Holidays a particular time for shopping since anytime is a good time to get that one of a kind creation you always wanted. Even more Christmas is the time to celebrate what we believe as people,individual,friends and family members. I encourage you to post your favorite items linked to the moodboard today,Visit my website for this promotional sale.



Feel free to add your own creations.I can't wait to see them.I will pick a comment or link to a member for a December Giveaway,right before Christmas.



Ps. The winner gets the Black and White statement necklace from my collection.

Black and White moodboard and a Giveaway

I'm creating a color moodboard to inspire the senses and give us direction for shopping.I don't consider the Holidays a particular time for shopping since anytime is a good time to get that one of a kind creation you always wanted. Even more Christmas is the time to celebrate what we believe as people,individual,friends and family members. I encourage you to post your favorite items linked to the moodboard today,Visit my website for this promotional sale.



Feel free to add your own creations.I can't wait to see them.I will pick a comment or link to a member for a December Giveaway,right before Christmas.



Ps. The winner gets the Black and White statement necklace from my collection.

Buying in a mood (or color moodboard)and a giveaway

I'm creating a color moodboard to inspire the senses and give us direction for shopping.I don't consider the Holidays a particular time for shopping since anytime is a good time to get that one of a kind creation you always wanted. Even more Christmas is the time to celebrate what we believe as people,individual,friends and family members. I encourage you to post your favorite items linked to the moodboard today,Visit my website for this promotional sale.

Feel free to add your own creations.I can't wait to see them.I will pick a comment or link to a member for a December Giveaway,right before Christmas.And I'm not feeling blue.



Ps. The winner gets the Black and White statement necklace from my collection.

FREE SHIPPING FOREVER

I decided to go ahead and have a promo out of control!
I'm offering FREE SHIPPING in all USA and in all items(Custom orders are not included).
Wanted to know about more shops offering discounts for the Holidays? Check out etsy.
Skip the mall madness this holiday season and shop the best of Black Friday through Cyber Monday from the comfort of your home. Each of the items below comes with exclusive holiday promotions for Black Friday, November 27, 2009 through Cyber Monday, November 30, 2009. Looking for all the deals? This is just the start; discover a host of weekend discounts by shopping the search term "EtsyHolidaySale" and find even more exclusive free shipping promotions when you shop the search term "Etsyfreeshipping." Simply check out the item description and shop announcement for sale details.
I encourage you to check the many wonderful shops listed under those tags and I give you right now some hints and ideas for the loved ones and yourself.
This shops are great and unique:

* Athena aka http://athenacreates.etsy.com
*Bridget aka http://littlepinksugarshop.etsy.com
* Cara aka http://carapace.etsy.com
* Celeste aka http://CricketsCreations.etsy.com
* Chrissy aka http://Bittersweeets.etsy.com
* Deborah aka http://opheliasapothecary.etsy.com
* Elle aka http://jennabelledesigns.etsy.com
* Fen aka http://BeadFloraJewels.etsy.com
* Funda aka http://DasheDesigns.etsy.com
* Gayathri aka http://jubilantwares.etsy.com
* Ginny aka http://ginpins.etsy.com
* Gwynie aka http://GardenGwyn.etsy.com
* Heather aka http://BeadifulBaublesSC.etsy.com
* Holly Anne aka http://PrettyBetty.etsy.com
* Jennifer aka http://iWunder.etsy.com
* Jeanne aka http://ThreeWishesStudio.etsy.com
* Joanne aka http://jjmckillip.etsy.com
* Kara aka http://CoryellDesign.etsy.com
* Karen aka http://yarrow1.etsy.com
* Kathie aka http://KTiques.etsy.com
* Kila aka http://go2girl.etsy.com
* Kim aka http://ChloeANDMaddie.etsy.com
* Kristin aka http://kmaylward.etsy.com
* Kylie aka http://EarlyBirdCreations.etsy.com
* Melissa aka http://RainyDayArt.etsy.com
* Nora Karina aka http://norakaren.etsy.com
* Lisa aka http://pandawithcookie.etsy.com
* Rachel aka http://themagpiesdaughter.etsy.com
* Ruthie aka http://roseworksjewelry.etsy
* Sarah aka http://AFineDistraction.etsy.com
* Sue aka http://maddyandme.etsy.com
*Wendy aka http://SweetwaterGifts.etsy.com

ETSY FREE SHIPPING USA

Dear friends and followers,I'm hosting an ETSY FREE SHIPPING USA for all of you.
Etsy ,Your place to buy and sell all things handmade,has a promotional Sale.
Black Friday through Cyber Monday is a recognized shopping weekend that has quickly gained a reputation as the best time of year to find promotional sales on gifts for the holidays. They want to get the word out about shopping on Etsy for unique handmade and vintage gifts — instead of waiting in lines at the mall!
And I'm one of the fortunate sellers to offer this promotion.
You don't need to do anything,no mailing list,no compromise.
Just add your favorite item to your cart and your discount will be applied,just there,right there!
Enjoy the long weekend with friends and family,be blessed!

I love a good challenge

Now that PR has finished,all my energies are set on creating new designs for shoes.
It seems to be like a common situation for me,that a new concept appears based on a custom order.And this week is not an exception. A very good customer contacted me about some shoes that needed a "makeover".Actually they were brand new but boring. So,
the options given were,first: Cameo shoes with strands of pearls in pink and peach tones.The girl on the Cameo,she wanted wearing a ponytail.
The second pair,featuring her beloved Boston Terriers is still part of my hard work on handpainting but I can't wait so see and show the finished product.
I love being challenge for something totally new and custom orders are always a good start.

Statement Necklaces Collection

I'm so ready to watch the next episode of Project Runway tonight.For what I know this surprising event involves a great super top model named Cindy Crawford (they posted it on the fanpage on facebook)
In the meantime I started a BOGO promo for all my statement necklaces,in the fiber art section of my shop,until black friday weekend(included)

Buy one,get the second one at half price on the same or lesser value or chose free shipping on any of the pieces shown on the video above.

Enjoy!
Questions? Feel free to contact me at norakaren2002@yahoo.com
Visit my website for this promotional sale.

Christina Aguilera was a paper doll.

I remember when we were younger,that was one of my favorite games.Playing dress up with someone else is even funnier that for oneself. And for an imaginary human being made out of paper,super easy. The last episode of Project Runaway had Mrs Christina Aguilera as the paper doll model for whom everybody was creating the new challenge.
This week the designers will be given a chance to shine. But this time they won’t get immunity. Bob Mackie, the sultan of sequins, is there. The challenge is to create an extravagant stage look. Will it be her schoolgirl “Genie In a Bottle” moment? Her sensual chaps period? Her “I’m a 50s waitress” look? Inspired by her but creating a new look that unveils something else,meaning a complete wardrobe that can display in some form a new alternative for the same piece. Some designs were stunning,some real and some mediocre.And I tough,why not use her as our own doll.Why if we give her the chance to unveil a handcrafted,created,sewn and painted new outfit from the etsians community that we proudly belong to: the FDL team: Fashion,Design and Lifestyle.
Have some fun!
Featured shops from Fashion,Design and Lifestyle team
http://www.eikumpel.etsy.com/
http://www.daintycrochetbyaly.etsy.com/
http://www.amysfunkyfibers.etsy.com/
http://www.love2sew.etsy.com/
http://www.thirdfloor.etsy.com/
http://www.stargazer29609.etsy.com/
http://www.seasidestudio.etsy.com/
http://www.octopedalarts.etsy.com/
http://www.norakaren.etsy.com/
http://www.mylittleaura.etsy.com/
http://www.missbubbles.etsy.com/
http://www.laurabailliedesigns.etsy.com/
http://www.karma711.etsy.com/
http://www.jinxydv8.etsy.com/
http://www.happiknits.etsy.com/
http://www.gracenapoleon.etsy.com/
http://www.erintokuuke.etsy.com/

Black and white always a classic.

Ruffles,metallics,layered pieces and prints.Another must for the fall.From the printed background to the painted feather it is all handmade,handpainted and designed by me.
The criss-cross pattern simulates a raging string of metallic tones in silver,charcoal and black at front and back of the ruflled tunic.
Ravishing ruffles from side to side of the tunic.Wide and deep round horseshoe neck ends in a Y back style. With leggings or not, don't even get me started.

I finished my last designs for Statement Necklaces

Today was very exciting.After watching last night the Rachel Zoe project until very late hours(everything last night was out of control: from Channel,to Ungaro,LACROIX and of course Galliano) I woke up to a message from my friend and colleague Jenn of my "dailychallenge"team who informed me that the purple tunic made it to the front page as you can see in the left side of this story.
By the way ,take the chance and visit her awesome shops :
http://www.iWunder.etsy.com
http://www.iWunderSews.etsy.com
http://www.iWunderVintage.etsy.com
Next,adding comments and post to my daily thread of team mates that you can visit too:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6305547. After that, mail got me good news: the battery packs for my digital camera that helped me as usual to take new pics of my creations.And now a description for all of you interested on them:

Give life to your dress with a statement necklace that it really is one of a kind!
My latest creations,a handpainted peacock on a half moon necklace made form different fabrics:from silks to denim and rustics like tapestry.

Half haute coture,half boho,completely handmade,handpainted and handsewn
I added different beads and tear shaped stones, round swaroski crystals and feather.
My new addition is the painted feather matching the colorful palette.

Ties into a sheer ribbon or a couple of lacy strings or an ivory big strap at the back so you can adjust the length according to your needs.

The necklace is 10" wide and drops 8" on the front.
Colors for fall : wild peacock blue in all the classic tone:, teal,gold royal blue.
Purples and magentas:a must for fall. Harvest dominion: copper,bronze,rust and finally just on time: candycorn themed: orange,yellow,gold.

Wraped as gift in a handpainted white box.
One of a kind design.
On sale tomorrow morning at norakaren

If you needed to match you outfit in any other color please contact me and we will work on the perfect accesory together: your ideas,my art.

Fall New Looks!

Colors for Fall 2009 take on more sophisticated, less traditional hues, with timeless new neutrals and some robust reds, pinks, blues and purples.
My new collection of tunics,perfect for layering,on another long tee or turtle necks.
It has a great design:round collar, features a wide hem -bandeau at the hips,to adapt at your body shape.Beautiful no stitch chinese short sleeves that you can wear off the shoulder or not.The submissive Albino Peacock on a gorgeous tunic displays his wonderful posse, shows the amazing structure of its feathers on this unique tunic,to making you feel in touch with nature and at the same time in a glamorous mood. Adorable to wear with jeans or dress it up for a night out.
It is one of a kind and my original design.Chic,comfortable and casual transforms easily in a Night out look,extravagant and dressy.

Great treasuries and the Sapphire month.

This month we celebrate the hues of sapphire, September's stone.
Buying a sapphire-inspired item is a thoughtful gift for new babies and September birthdays, or a vibrant jolt of color for your fall wardrobe. A symbol of loyalty, sapphire's velvety blue epitomizes tranquility in the midst of changing seasons.
Please visit our shops at:

One a Day Challenge Members
* Athena aka http://athenacreates.etsy.com
* Bonnie aka http://thejewelryhutch.etsy.com
* Cara aka http://carapace.etsy.com
* Celeste aka http://CricketsCreations.etsy.com
* Chrissy aka http://Bittersweeets.etsy.com
* Deborah aka http://opheliasapothecary.etsy.com
* Elle aka http://downthestreet.etsy.com
* Fen aka http://BeadFloraJewels.etsy.com
* Funda aka http://DasheDesigns.etsy.com
* Ginny aka http://ginpins.etsy.com
* Heather aka http://BeadifulBaublesSC.etsy.com
* Heather aka http://OrderedChaos.etsy.com
* Holly Anne aka http://PrettyBetty.etsy.com
* Jennifer aka http://iWunder.etsy.com
* Jessica aka http://OnceUponARock.etsy.com
* Jeanne aka http://ThreeWishesStudio.etsy.com
* Joanne aka http://jjmckillip.etsy.com
* Kara aka http://CoryellDesign.etsy.com
* Karen aka http://yarrow1.etsy.com
* Kila aka http://go2girl.etsy.com
* Kim aka http://ChloeANDMaddie.etsy.com
* Kim aka http://AmongtheRuins.etsy.com
* Kristin aka http://kmaylward.etsy.com
* Kylie aka http://EarlyBirdCreations.etsy.com
* Linda aka http://lolabear.etsy.com
* Meagan aka http://KaedanKrafts.etsy.com
* Melissa aka http://RainyDayArt.etsy.com
* Nora Karina aka http://norakaren.etsy.com
* Lisa aka http://pandawithcookie.etsy.com
* Rachel aka http://themagpiesdaughter.etsy.com
* Sarah aka http://AFineDistraction.etsy.com
* Sue aka http://maddyandme.etsy.com
* Teresa aka http://YarntoSpin.etsy.com
* Theresa aka http://michiganhemp.etsy.com
*Wendy aka http://SweetwaterGifts.etsy.com
* Yvonne aka http://Karramandi.etsy.com







This month we celebrate the hues of sapphire, September's stone.
Buying a sapphire-inspired item is a thoughtful gift for new babies and September birthdays, or a vibrant jolt of color for your fall wardrobe. A symbol of loyalty, sapphire's velvety blue epitomizes tranquility in the midst of changing seasons.








Thanks for including me!

Drapey against Structured( The second chapter of PR)

Tonight show was something special.If you have been pregnant you know what I'm talking about.
I was 38 years old when I knew for the last time that a baby was on the way.Shocker!
But I'm not Rebecca Romjin and I wasn't there either. The supermodel-actress was the center of the stage with her twin belly shaped body that was in some other time one of my favorites.
I still get the picture of her monstruosity alien styled teal/peacock blue/teal again Xman character,transforming into many possibilities for a mutant.
And the look tonight was created for her or why not any other stylish pregnant lady who wants to be fashion forward even when you look or weight like a whale.
The designs traveled a runway from drapes in about 5 designs,to structured,another 5.
And many weird ones in between. 15 contestants,9 were safe. Christopher from last week had inmunity and from the safe ones I consider a couple of them no too stunning or wearable or even likables.
Logan went for a ready-to-wear,simple black and white ,very similar to anything you can find in the store with the same name mixed with Pea in the Pod.
Prince charming hair cut guy called Nicholas was too boastful and I'm afraid that kind of people has not humility...Tim Gunn would say " it scares me".

Bottom three:
Ra'mon started with a good plan that ended in a Bowling Ball Dress,even the colors were very sporty.Not good.
Mitchel created an overall look for the urban-chic mother to be,not bad idea,awful excecusion.
And Malvin,oh please,too many concepts in a wrong way. I bet he was never pregant,or a woman or even having a pregnant mother,sister or friend,because when you are in that stage you don't want to be "mother Hen".Ugh. He went too far and too literal.He added feathers(see,when something is not right...I love feathers but the way he used them was not appropiate)
The model looked fat, and like carrying a sling,something that she will do but give her time!

Judges were Nina Garcia,as usual,Monique Luhillier filling for Michael Kors, Rebecca and Heidi.

Top Three:
Althea with a gorgeous navy long gown with silver detail,very flattering.
Louise created a lingerie dress in burgundy tafetan. Very cute,tons of detailing.
Sharin constructed a set of a wine colored dress in silk with plies on the top of the "waist" and a superwearble Coat. She was the winner. Good. Nothing surprised me today,everything was safe.

Malvin went home sad,believing his concepts were not understood and they really weren't.

Let's see what next week brings. It seems like a bit of drama. It always starts in the 3rd episode for some reason.

The wait was over,Project Runway was finally out in the open

Season six opened as usual with the designers arriving at their flats and letign us know a bit of everybody's life and style. Interesting,Christopher story and style caught my eye from the begining.I didn 't know he was gonna be the winner.I just said it ...awwwwww!!

We met right there different people,youngsters and not too young.
Qrystal the lady with the "sexy plus"side is 41 years old. I guess the oldest and I liked her even when her taste was not the best.
Sixteen designers total: guys,gals,guys with problems,girls from other countries,the American dream,the usual.

Tim Gunn,always charming,tells the designers that they have $200 and to spend at Mood in fabric and stuff, the winning designer gets immunity at the next challenge. (like always)

Little bit of drama with the guy who was a drug addict before,that almost made me cry and made me think in second chances.Interesting. Tim Gunn was there to comfort him,didn't look real but he is so cute.

Ari seemed weird to me from the start and I remembered right there ,this other girl,kind of hispanic and I'm not mistaken from Miami,who had the same crazy ideas in a prior season. No sketching,body involved in creating,just weird. Well ,my knowledge was right and she was off the page .And I'm glad because they always keep a weirdo to add some more "reality"to the reality show.
Tim comments are always the same: "carry on" ," make it work" ," go,go,go" !

Heidi looked awesome.I'm still fantasizing on getting her hair do. Michael Kors, Nina Spanish Garcia and special guest judge Lindsay Lohan who was polite and , she can even talk about fashion and made good remarks!

Top fashion designers were Christopher, Ra'mon and Johnny. Bottom three were Qristyl, Ari and Mitchell.

Can't wait for the next one.In the meantime I watched the same episode again at 1 am followed by "the models on the runaway".Well,only for 10 minutes.It was too much for a day.

Fourth moodboard:artistic expression.

In the age of networking, mixing cultures,styles and trends is as usual as your facebook page.
Friends and contacts you don't even know from other countries and eras. Looks like this fourth trend: a sampling of folk, hippie,boho,marie antoinette,altered couture, and arty worlds flow into each other.Multicolored backgrounds make the color series lives from powerful impulses.
Constrasts like cold/warm tones produce tension and new dimension appears in scene.
Tartans, tweeds,plaids and colorful checks provide a new rhythm. Recycled clothing generate random effects. Folk and neo-hippie prints show their colors in the tye dye pattern and ultra-lightweight technics and colored denims stand for a girl next door look.

Featured shops from the dailychallenge team.

Third Fall moadboard: Enchanted Forest

The enchanted forest palette is filled with the color tones of its surprising creatures.
Birds feathers and furry beasts play with a pantone of worm browns and vegetal green tones.
Expressive casual spirit. Organic cotton and eco-friendly fabrics have a high level in this fall scale. Structured Cottons and knits and casual denim provide a contrast.
Checks and Tartan celebrate a real comeback to the 80's fashionable plad.
Animal Prints redefine classy motives in complex pattern.


Items for this collection belong to:

norakaren

ginpins

iWunder

kmaylward

go2girl

earlybirdcreations

BeadFloraJewels

Second moodboard: Sensitivity

Nature inspired. Lots of furs, high-quality fabric volumes create a cozy feel. Brightl warm tones and dusty shades provide the basis for this second trend with strong surface contrasts. Pastel-like accents stand for femininity. Light flannels to semi-transparent crepes. A strong focus is put on melange optics and color shadings. Velvets sensitively translate soft pastels. lace and devores stage seductive fancies.

kmaylward

go2girl

norakaren

CoryellDesign

RainyDayArt

iWunder

kaedankrafts

beadifulbaublesSC

Carapace

opheliasapothecary

Fall moodboard palette ready

The first one nominated "Realistic " features purples,lilacs,red,wines,dark teal,petroleoum,black.
The everyday colors on the Fashion runway.The Urban rationality and the perfect look leave their stamp on a cool and realistic atmosphere. Neutrals reflect mineral structures.Metallic reflexes provide a modern shine without being flashy. Fabrics: fine threaded and compact.
Graphic patterns with a softer look and larger repeats. Silk and Jersey,not my favorites but the "must haves: provide a feminine contrast. Crystals,yes,my favorites, shimmering metal and varnish ornaments provide spectacular deco effects.
Featured shops:

kmaylward

go2girl

norakaren

HerenciaVintage

CoryellDesign

arden B

I'm Overwhelmed!

Since yesterday I have been featured in my favorite places online.I was so looking forward for this moment that I had to share.Last night at 10 pm I was at the etsy front page,and in the afternoon at indiespotting,today I wake up to a convo from sweet little lady Vicki Diane who added me to her Artsit Upfront. Take a look and Celebrate with me!
Love
Nora