Our BIGGEST e-book ever!!!

Well, being snowed in for two weeks wasn’t entirely futile!  I managed to get another e-book written, and it’s our biggest ever!  I even had to edit it down a bit (and have the start of two more e-books thereby!) to ‘just’ 118 pages.

And launching it on New Years Eve couldn’t be more perfect.  After Christmas everyone seems to ‘purge’ their old stuff and get rid of a lot of it.   In our  ”Outdated / Updated” e-book you will discover ways to KEEP that old stuff, but make it LOOK NEW!

Here are BEFORE pictures of just a few of the items that you’ll see ‘updated’ in this e-book:

Just about everything that you (or someone else) thought had seen it’s better days, we’ve taken and updated to a wonderful cottage or primitive style.  “Outdated / Updated” contains 118 before and after pictures and simple how to’s in an easy to navigate Picturetrail photo album.

You can buy it via our blog or in our  Etsy shop for $29.95.

Simply send your $29.95 payment via PayPal to folkartoriginals@yahoo.com  and note that it is for the ‘Outdated / Updated e-book.

I will send you the Picturetrail link to the album within 48 hours. 

Please note:  Winter weather sometimes affects our internet connection ‘out here in the boonies’, and may delay the arrival of your book.  But I do check email every day and respond to purchases as soon as possible.

OUR WEBSITE : www.cscrafts.com/aj.html

 TO PURCHASE OUR ONE OF A KIND HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS, E-BOOKS AND CRAFT SUPPLIES; PLEASE VISIT OUR ETSY STORE : 

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876981

~ primitives ~ trash to treasure ~ shabby chic ~ cottage ~ Paris apartment ~ repurposed home goods ~ repaired ~ restyled home decor ~ reused ~ recycled art ~ handcrafted gifts ~ one of a kind ~ artist originals ~ second hand style ~ junk market style ~ flea market style ~ beautiful junk ~ beach cottage décor ~ unique home décor ~ vintage home décor ~ unique gifts ~ custom made gifts ~ custom made home décor ~ personalized signs ~ Sophie’s Cottage ~ grubby candles ~ how to craft books ~ Shabby Paris apartment ~ baby gifts ~ personalized gifts ~ AJ Finsand ~ upcycled ~ rebuilt ~ flea market chic ~ gift baskets ~ custom orders ~ vintage ~ collectibles ~

How to make your own grubby battery operated tea lights e-book

These battery operated tea lights are becoming quite popular. The ‘look’ of a candle without the worry of the flame. Not to mention you can tuck them into places like cupboards and shelves, where you could never put a ‘real’ candle.

I’ve seen the grubbied up battery operated tea lights around for YEARS. Those who have made them always described them as ‘dipped’. Now I consider myself a master grubby candle dipper. Been making them for YEARS! Could probably dip candles in my sleep even. But I could NOT for the life of me figure out how to DIP these darn little battery operated tea lights?!?!?!?

If you dip them ‘right side up’ you’re going to get wax on the bottom, which would prevent you from replacing the battery. I asked one gal who was selling them if the battery ‘door’ was accessible, and she said yes, because she dips them upside down. But then you are also covering the BULB with your wax??? I’m so confused! She said she just peels the wax off the bulb. (seems like a lot of work to me!) And besides. there is NOTHING to hold on to at the bottom to DIP them!

Well, I finally had my LIGHTBULB moment and figured out how to make them on my own!

I’ve put the instructions and pictures into an easy to follow e-book, available for purchase. I’ll be adding it to my offerings on Esty a bit later, along with my many other e-books.

But for now it is available to my blog readers to buy directly from me for just $1.00. Payment must be made via PayPal sent to folkartoriginals@yahoo.com Be sure to mention the blog special grubby tea light e-book.

This special price is valid until November 30, 2008 only.  After that, they will be available at full price in our etsy shop.  (link below)

These are really fast and easy to make. Not nearly as messy or time consuming as dipping candles. For the grubby dipped candles (a different e-book) I don’t recommend you make them yourself if you are only wanting to do a few of them. It would be cheaper to just buy them already done.

BUT, the battery tea lights are simple and inexpensive enough that you can easily do just a few. They make great little gifts and stocking stuffers. Really great for selling at craft shows.

Also included in the e-book is the source information for the tea light candle molds shown.

Please remember that I am away from my computer during the day when I am working at the store. I can only send emails in the mornings and evenings.

TO PURCHASE OUR ONE OF A KIND HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS, E-BOOKS AND CRAFT SUPPLIES; PLEASE VISIT OUR ETSY STORE :

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876981

~ primitives ~ trash to treasure ~ shabby chic ~ cottage ~ Paris apartment ~ repurposed home goods ~ repaired ~ restyled home decor ~ reused ~ recycled art ~ handcrafted gifts ~ one of a kind ~ artist originals ~ second hand style ~ junk market style ~ flea market style ~ beautiful junk ~ beach cottage décor ~ unique home décor ~ vintage home décor ~ unique gifts ~ custom made gifts ~ custom made home décor ~ personalized signs ~ Sophie’s Cottage ~ grubby candles ~ how to craft books ~ Shabby Paris apartment ~ baby gifts ~ personalized gifts ~ AJ Finsand ~ upcycled ~ rebuilt ~ flea market chic ~ gift baskets ~ custom orders ~ vintage ~ collectibles ~

New e-book! Create a designer look Christmas tree on a budget!

 

Would you LOVE to know how to create a designer look Crhistmas tree like this? 

Think it’s too complicated or too expensive?

I’ve put together a 29 page e-book with full color photos of the ’step by step’ how to’s.  It truly is easy enough that ANYONE can do it.  You just need to see it broken down, layer by layer. 

Once you’ve ‘watched how I did it’, you’ll be able to apply these design principles to your own tree of any color or style. 

I’ve listed the first twelve copies of the book for just $1.00 in our Etsy shop.  Get your copy now.  They’re gonna go fast at this introductory price!

OUR WEBSITE: www.cscrafts.com/aj.html

OUR BLUJAY:  http://www.blujay.com/folk_art_originals

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876981

~ primitives ~ trash to treasure ~ shabby chic ~ cottage ~ Paris apartment ~ repurposed home goods ~ repaired ~ restyled home decor ~ reused ~ recycled art ~ handcrafted gifts ~ one of a kind ~ artist originals ~ second hand style ~ junk market style ~ flea market style ~ beautiful junk ~ beach cottage décor ~ unique home décor ~ vintage home décor ~ unique gifts ~ custom made gifts ~ custom made home décor ~ personalized signs ~ Sophie’s Cottage ~ grubby candles ~ how to craft books ~ Shabby Paris apartment ~ baby gifts ~ personalized gifts ~ AJ Finsand ~

Have you heard about the new BLUJAY site?!?!?!

It’s a new on-line selling place.  Kind of a cross between Craigslist and feebay eBay.  And it’s TOTALLY FREE!  How cool is that?!?!?

Have you been toying with the idea of starting your own little website, but get overwhelmed at the thought of all the technical aspects and EXPENSES???  Why not give Blujay a try!  What have you got to lose?!?!

No, I am not a paid spokesperson or anything . . . I just like to pass along valuable information when I come across it.  I set up our Blujay page and listed our how to e-books on there is about an hour.  VERY easy to do, and you can accept payments through PayPal.  What more do you need?

Nothing fancy schmancy . . . no bells and whistles and outrageous listing fees!  Items can be listed for as long as SIX months.

Ya know, I TRULY believe that with the rising cost of imports, that there is going to be a real resurgence of demand for American Handcrafts, and locally made items.  This is a great time to get your foot in the door and open your own little web store!

You can peek at our Blujay shop via the link below. 

OUR WEBSITE: www.cscrafts.com/aj.html

OUR BLUJAY:  http://www.blujay.com/folk_art_originals

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876981

~ primitives ~ trash to treasure ~ shabby chic ~ cottage ~ Paris apartment ~ repurposed home goods ~ repaired ~ restyled home decor ~ reused ~ recycled art ~ handcrafted gifts ~ one of a kind ~ artist originals ~ second hand style ~ junk market style ~ flea market style ~ beautiful junk ~ beach cottage décor ~ unique home décor ~ vintage home décor ~ unique gifts ~ custom made gifts ~ custom made home décor ~ personalized signs ~ Sophie’s Cottage ~ grubby candles ~ how to craft books ~ Shabby Paris apartment ~ baby gifts ~ personalized gifts ~ AJ Finsand ~

NEW RELEASE! Frugal Holiday gifts and decor e-book in our Etsy shop

I’m thinking a lot of us are ‘looking forward to’ a very frugal Christmas this year. 

Some of my fondest childhood Christmas memories are of making gifts for my others.  And it’s not even the MAKING, or the GIFT, or even the GIVING of it that perpetuates the fond memories.  It REALLY IS the THOUGHT that counts!  What I remember the most is always THINKING ABOUT the person for whom I was making the gift, while I was making it.  Thinking about what made them special and selecting a gift project that truly suited them. 

If you are thinking about making some of your own gifts this Christmas, but need some creative “oomph’, my newest e-book is just what you need!  FORTY ONE pages of simple (VERY simple!) and very inexpensive Fall and Christmas decor and gift ideas. 

And to kick off the release of the new e-book, it is being offered, in limited quantities for just $1.00!  Seriously!  But once the first twelve of them have sold, that’s it on the special introductory price.  After that, the price will be $5.00

Please hop on over to our Etsy store and take a look at this great new e-book. 

I’ve also got several other how to e-books, which are especially great for small shop owners wanting to make some of their own merchandise, or for crafters wanting to earn some extra $$$ doing holiday craft shows. 

OUR WEBSITE: www.cscrafts.com/aj.html

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876981

~ primitives ~ trash to treasure ~ shabby chic ~ cottage ~ Paris apartment ~ repurposed home goods ~ repaired ~ restyled home decor ~ reused ~ recycled art ~ handcrafted gifts ~ one of a kind ~ artist originals ~ second hand style ~ junk market style ~ flea market style ~ beautiful junk ~ beach cottage décor ~ unique home décor ~ vintage home décor ~ unique gifts ~ custom made gifts ~ custom made home décor ~ personalized signs ~ Sophie’s Cottage ~ grubby candles ~ how to craft books ~ Shabby Paris apartment ~ baby gifts ~ personalized gifts ~ AJ Finsand ~

The witch is IN! e-book now in our Etsy shop

 

The witch herself is for sale at our Hillsboro store.  You can also buy the e-book in our Etsy shop (link below) and make your own!  Be the first on your block to have your very own unique witch!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14195436

OUR WEBSITE: www.cscrafts.com/aj.html

VISIT OUR ETSY STORE: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876981

~ primitives ~ trash to treasure ~ shabby chic ~ cottage ~ Paris apartment ~ repurposed home goods ~ repaired ~ restyled home decor ~ reused ~ recycled art ~ handcrafted gifts ~ one of a kind ~ artist originals ~ second hand style ~ junk market style ~ flea market style ~ beautiful junk ~ beach cottage décor ~ unique home décor ~ vintage home décor ~ unique gifts ~ custom made gifts ~ custom made home décor ~ personalized signs ~ Sophie’s Cottage ~ grubby candles ~ how to craft books ~ Shabby Paris apartment ~ baby gifts ~ personalized gifts ~ AJ Finsand ~

Taking the ETSY plunge!

Well, today was ’supposed to be’ my paint projects outside day!  HA!  June in Oregon can be a LOT like October in Oregon!  Cold!  Grey! And WET!  I actually had to finally turn on the HEAT!

Setting up an Etsy store was the next thing on my ‘inside’ to do list, so by default, today became the day to do that!  For now, I’ve just got my e-books on there.  Will be adding some supplies for sale next.  Then eventually some of our one of a kind creations.

Here’s the link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5876981

And it will also be listed in our categories on the right hand tool bar.

Congratulations to Barb, our free e-book winner!

Barb was the first one to get the right comment in the right spot and won a free copy of our newest e-book. “Second Hand Style”  Thanks for being one of our many (and much appreciated!) regular bloggies!  (that’s a blog groupie!  hehe)

Thanks Barb, for taking the time to write up a review for everyone wondering if it’s ‘worth it’ to buy the book.  Her review is posted in the comment section of the e-book post, but I am also going to copy and paste it here for easier reading. 

P.S. Be sure to read all the way to the end of you’ll miss a special offer!

I won the book!!! Yeah!!!!!! Thanks AJ!!

The book is just like her blog and store – full of great ideas!! AJ and Michael simply amaze me with their creativity. They take things that most people would throw away, and with a simple coat of paint, maybe an alteration here or there, a little ingenuity, (and some sandpaper) they create an updated new treasure for your home. In this day of “going green” they are the ultimate example for all of us to follow.

If you are into primitive, cottage or shabby chic decorating, this book will be an inspiration to you. If you are a shop-owner like I am, it will be even more. AJ is not shy about sharing display ideas, I have no doubt that you will get enough ideas to pay for the book many times over.

Anyone who is a crafter or do-it-yourselfer will appreciate the many pictures and simple tips she shares. I’m sure that you will be looking at something AJ has refurbished and realize that you have something laying around the house or shop that you can do in a similar manner. Think of the money you could save by refurbishing old junk you have laying around, or that you can find cheap at yard sales or flea markets! Save money and save the landfills, a win-win situation!

Even if you are a regular reader of her blog, you will appreciate being able to see all of these pictures in one place. There have been many times that I have thought of something that I had seen on the blog in the past, and wanted to see again. I would spend a good bit of time searching. Now, with this book, it will be much quicker. There are some pictures in the book that she has featured on the blog, but there are also many that are new to the book. You also will have access to some of her other photo albums, which again is very convenient. Be sure to check out the album on decorating a Christmas tree. Her simple, step by step instructions will give you many ideas for your own tree.

I really do think that this book will be a help to you whether you are an accomplished crafter, or even if you are a bit challenged in that department! I would also encourage you to buy some of her other ebooks. I have bought some in the past, and plan to buy more. AJ is very generous on her blog with free tips, and offers even more tips for a very reasonable price in her other books. They are very easy to understand, with helpful pictures.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In the case of this book, the pictures are worth a thousand ideas!!
                                        
I just wish I lived close enough to visit her shop!!

Barb Howard – owner
Country Lane Crafts  www.CountryLaneCraftsAndAntiques.com
Moundsville, WV

* SPECIAL OFFER * SPECIAL OFFER * SPECIAL OFFER *

Well having contests on the blog is fun because you get to really brighten someone’s day.  But I don’t like the part where I hear from those who are BUMMED OUT because they didn’t win!  Sooooooooo. . . . .  how about this:

Through the end of this month (April 2008 ) you can purchase our newest e-book, “Second Hand Style” at HALF PRICE for just $15.00!  Please allow a day or two for me to email you your book as we are getting ready to set up another show this weekend and I may not be able to get to the computer every day.  Just go the the e-book original post to see how to send your payment.

Cheerio!

JUST RELEASED! “Second Hand Style”

March 23, 2008 

Our newest e-book, “Second Hand Style” is now available for purchase!

$19.95

(ummmmmm, exactly what IS an “e-book”, you ask???  It’s an “e”lectronic book; which means it is only available via the internet.  It’s what poor-waiting-to-be-discovered-artists-and-designers like us use to market and share their ideas and fund further junquetiking ventures!)

I’ve chosen Easter day to launch the new book because Easter represents a new beginning. 

 Why would you want to BUY our e-book when you can get so many of our ideas for FREE here on our blog?  Well, the book is kind of a ‘condensed version’ of the blog.  Everything in one place for easier reference.  And many projects and ideas that are not in the blog.  (but some that are already in the blog) 

Some of the content of the e-book is just new ways to use old things; no painting of building involved.  But most of the projects are fairly simple make-overs of cast offs that you can easily update for your personal use OR great product ideas if you are a store owner.  Lots of good display ideas for store owners too. 

Inspiration.  Motivation.  Creative fuel.  And just plain FUN stuff to do and make!

“Second Hand Style” contains 65 full color pictures and sells for $29.95.

Available for purchase HERE, via our blog only.

PayPal payments only; email payment to folkartoriginals@yahoo.com

Your e-book will be emailed to you from our Picturetrail site as a password protected photo album.

Please see comments below for what those who have purchased the book have said.

 

How to make grubby rag balls e-book

This e-book contains full color pictures and complete instructions for making old fashioned SOLID rag balls, and ‘fast and easy’ rag balls in three sizes.  My recipes do NOT use styrofoam balls!  Styro is too expensive!

BONUS RECIPE:

How to make grubby stain (scented or unscented!) to stain your eggs and tags.

PLUS: grubby rag eggs.

To purchase this e-book, send your $4.00 payment via PayPal to folkartoriginals@yahoo.com

Your e-book will be emailed to you as a password protected PictureTrail album within 48 hours of receipt of your payment.