Directory Update! - Editor Announcement.

Good Morning fellow DaWandians!

There are going to be some exciting changes to the directory blog in the next few weeks, so keep coming back to catch up on what's new and if you are a seller, how you can get involved.

Until then, have a great weekend!

As Artists Are We Protecting Ourselves? Are We Open to Loop Holes in the Proposed 'Orphan Works' Act?

Yesterday I received an email from a regular Guest writer here on Crafts of Texture, Pamela Baker of MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com about a new bill entitled 'Orphan Works' going through congress at the moment in the US. I published it today at http://sarastexturecrafts.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-copyright-issues-for-all-us.html Admittedly at first I had no idea what 'Orphan Works' was, although I watch the news here in the UK this was an unfamiliar topic to me... maybe in the madness of the last few months I had missed it?? So I decided to delve a bit deeper and see what I could find out, especially if it was to become a global issue.

I urge you to read on and decide for yourself, our rights to a copyright on web images and the products therein could be infringed.

Is this bill a concern for the general artist, photographer and crafter? In the immediate future, for the US, yes... for the rest of the world... a cause for debate, yes... a topic to follow, yes as laws are being considered in Europe already.

What is/are 'Orphan Works'? Wikipedia tells us;

An orphan work is a copyrighted work where it is difficult or impossible to contact the copyright holder. This situation can arise for many reasons. The author could have never been publicly known because the work was published anonymously or the work may have never been traditionally published at all. The identity of the author could have been once known but the information lost over time. Even if the author is known, it may not be possible to determine who inherited the copyright and presently owns it.

Nearly any work where a reasonable effort to locate the current copyright owner fails can be considered orphaned. However the designation is often used loosely and in some jurisdictions there is no legal definition at all.

Compulsory license schemes, which would exclude orphaned works from copyright protections, are rarely acceptable under international copyright treaties. Such schemes are only worthy of consideration when there are more significant concerns than orphan works, such as a risk of market failure due to very high costs in places like the satellite retransmission market.[1]

Canada has created a supplemental licensing scheme that allows licenses for the use of published works to be issued by the Copyright Board of Canada on behalf of unlocatable copyright owners, after a prospective licensor has made "reasonable efforts to locate the owner of the copyright".[2] As of September 2006 the Board had issued 189 such licenses.[3]

US - The Public Domain Enhancement Act was introduced as House Bill 2601 for
the United States 108th Congress in 2003 but never passed. It was reintroduced
as House Bill 2408 for the 109th Congress in 2005 but died again. The bill would
have released certain orphan works into the public domain if the copyright
renewal registrations were not made as required.

In January 2006, the United States Copyright Office released a report on orphan works after researching the issue. The situation in the US is a result of the omnibus revision to the Copyright Act in 1976. Specifically, the 1976 Act made obtaining and maintaining copyright protection substantially easier than the 1909 Act. Copyrighted works are now protected the moment they are fixed in a tangible medium of expression, and do not need to be registered with the Copyright Office. Also, the 1976 Act changed the basic term of copyright from a term of fixed years from publication
to a term of life of the author plus 50 (now 70) years. In so doing, the requirement that a copyright owner file a renewal registration in the 28th year of the term of copyright was essentially eliminated.

These changes were important steps toward the United States’ accession to the Berne Convention, which prohibits formalities like registration and renewal as a condition on the enjoyment and exercise of copyright. Moreover, there was substantial evidence presented during consideration of the 1976 Act that the formalities such as renewal and notice, when combined with drastic penalties like forfeiture of copyright, served as a “trap for the unwary” and caused the loss of many valuable copyrights. These changes, however, exacerbate the orphan works issue,
in that a user generally must assume that a work he wishes to use is subject to
copyright protection, and often cannot confirm whether a work has fallen into the public domain by consulting the renewal registration records of the Copyright Office. The report recommended that the focus on developing legislative text to address orphan works should not obscure the fact that the Copyright Act and the market place for copyrighted works provide several alternatives to a user who is frustrated by the orphan works situation. Indeed, assessing whether the situations described to use in the comments were true “orphan works” situations was difficult, in part because there is often more than meets the eye in a circumstance presented as an “orphan works” problem. In most cases a user may have a real choice among several alternatives that allow her to go forward with her project: making noninfringing use of the work, such as by copying only elements not covered by copyright; making fair use; seeking a substitute work for which she has permission to use; or a combination of these alternatives. Even though some orphan works situations may be addressed by existing copyright law as described above, many are not.

In conclusion, the Copyright office has reccomended new legislation which sets out limitations on the remedies that would be available if the user proves that he conducted a reasonably diligent search and describes a threshold requirements of a
reasonably diligent search.[4] Such a solution would fall short releasing orphan works into the public domain, like the previous bill, but rather encourage perspective licensors to go ahead with an infringing project knowing in advance the maxium remedy he could be faced with.

In May 2006, U.S. Representative Lamar Smith introduced H.R.5439, a bill aimed at addressing the issue of orphan works by providing limitations of remedies in cases in which the copyright holder cannot be located.[5]

Europe - The European Commission, the civil branch of the European Union, is
currently looking into the orphan works problem.[6]

References

1. ^ Peters, Marybeth (2006). The Challenge of Copyright in the Digital Age. Focus on: Intellectual Property Rights. U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International
Information Programs. Retrieved on 2006-11-27.

2. ^ CopyrightAct, R.S., c 77. Copyright Board of Canada (2005). Retrieved on 2006-11-27.
3. ^ Unlocatable Copyright Owners Licenses Issued. Copyright Board
of Canada (2006). Retrieved on 2006-11-27.

4. ^ Report on Orphan Works (PDF). United States Copyright Office (2006-01). Retrieved on 2006-11-27.
5. ^ Copyright: Orphan Works. American Library Association
(2006-08). Retrieved on 2006-11-28.

6. ^ Report on Digital Preservation, Orphan Works and Out-of-Print
Works, Selected Implementation Issues. European Commission (2007-04-18). Retrieved on 2007-06-09.

So what does this mean for us... artists, photographers and crafters who blog, submit pictures to forums and social networks in order to market our products, network or just share? Well, it means that if someone stumbles across an image of yours and they can't find the owner (i.e. you), then they may have the right to claim the image and some might suggest possibly even go further (and we know there are some out there who will) to suggest that the work within the image is their own.

So who would claim these pictures? It could be anybody, but I should imagine (an assumption) that where money is involved in the process of each claim, that we would really be talking about larger companies... maybe those who hold stock images for marketing and advertising companies, or companies who stumble across your invention and understand how to make it profitable on a larger scale??? (again an assumption).

Can unapproved use of my images/product happen already, without someone going through the process of claiming an 'Orphan Work'? Sure, who is out there policing the internet... do you know if Facebook, MySpace, or Flickr use your images for promotional material already? Do you know that images from your blogs can be downloaded and printed off? Yet we all upload images and products freely. How do we stop it? Well this is the debate, isn't it? Even if the bill is opposed and rejected in congress, will copyright infringement ever stop? Coming from a fashion background where I have seen my own work rehashed by other companies for their profit... I'd tend to say these things are here to stay... doesn't stop it hurting when it does happen though!

So are we doing enough to protect ourselves? No probably not... What else can I do? Here are some things to consider, for example;

• Are you a business, a professional, or a serious creator with an invention? Should you be taking protection of your work more seriously?
• Do you copyright your work already? Every single piece? Are you familiar with how copyright works in your country?
• Do you archive your work and images? Laborious, but maybe not a bad idea?
• Do you copyright/watermark images of your work... every single one of them? Even the pictures of you and your friends crafting away on a Saturday afternoon? If I come across an image you have taken and submitted on the internet... how will I know it came from you? Have you looked yourself up under 'google images'?
• If someone else blogs about you, do they provide full links to your websites and or email, so that you can be contacted? Do you do the same for the people you feature?
• If you have comments on the topic, or links to information sites I have missed... please post them here.

If you want to follow the progress of 'Orphan Works' and the pending US bill, here are some other site I have found -
http://orphanworks.blogspot.com/
http://www.orphanworks.net/?gclid=CI3l8OPk9ZICFQpuMAodLl2qBQ
http://www.bsac.uk.com/reports/orphanworkspaper.pdf
http://www.mileproject.eu/orphanworks
http://www.cilip.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/E6F612ED-6CE1-4723-8348-CB7162D983C2/0/LACAorphanworksstatementFINAL19dec07.pdf

http://foresthouse.livejournal.com/457847.html

New Collections at Florcita on DaWanda!

Written by Mariana of Floricta

http://en.dawanda.com/shop/florcita

Nowadays one of the biggest problems nature has to deal with, is our plastic waste.

Millions of plastic bags we get from the supermarket, pharmacy, shops in general end up laying for years in landfills creating mountains of garbage. Plastic bags that are thrown to the ocean or get there via rivers, kill as many as 1million sea creatures per year. Sounds grim. Yes. But you can do something. And here a start to being *part of the solution*.

Take your own bag when you go shopping. No, they don't have to be boring bags. They can be pretty, with flowers and birds and funny little hand painted drawings. You don't believe me? Well, here they are: Handpainted canvas bags. Some with a combination of fabric collage, beads, buttons, fabric paint and much more.

They come in 2 sizes: 25x21 and 38x42cm.

All the designs are mine.

*They are stylish, fun, environmentally friendly and very affordable! *You can do something to change the gray facts of pollution. Join the thousands that are trying to help nature and help ourselves. *BUY A CANVAS BAG!*

Promoting Tips & Tricks Part IV: Blogging

Last time I covered newsletters and talked about how they differ from blogs. This time, I'll go over starting and designing a blog.

Unlike your newsletter, which should be short and focussed, your blog gives you a lot more leeway to play. Post often, around once a day if you can, to keep people interested. Pictures and HTML formatting are fair game and in fact pretty important -- a good picture will catch the eye and get people looking. I try not to post without using at least one picture (though I don't always manage it).

Your first decision is where to host your blog. There are a lot of free blogging sites available. I have blogs on both Blogger and Wordpress, and I find them both easy to use. I've also read blogs hosted on TypePad and SquareSpace, and there are a number of other such free or inexpensive hosts.

If you have your own web site, you can also host a blog there. I haven't tried this so I don't know a lot about how it's done.

Pick a host you like and are comfortable with using. Get to know its ins and outs -- yes, I'm talking about reading the directions again. Play with layout and such until you have at least some idea of what you're doing.

Write up your profile with the same care you used in your shop profile -- consciously or not people will judge you by it. Upload an avatar -- use a good clear photo of yourself, or a picture of some of your products, or perhaps your shop logo. Make sure it's a good high quality image.

Choose a name for your blog that reflects what you're going to be saying there. A lot of people just use the name of their business as the name of their blog; others choose something else that echoes the feel of their shop.

--

Speaking of feel, think about the sort of blog you want to have. Is it going to be folksy and friendly? Will you write frequent but very short articles on very focused topics? How about long, rambling ones that go from one topic to the next? Formal, informal, colloquial, erudite?

Do you post strictly about your shop, or do you talk about other indie sellers as well? News about the indie craft movement in general? Do you post personal things as well as those strictly business-related articles? Will you post in celebration of a big sale or about the snowstorm that's had you snowed in the last few days?

Whatever you decide on, your blog should be consistent enough that your readers feel comfortable being there. Like a visit to an old friend's home they want to know what to expect. It's your blog -- but you've opened it to welcome in your readers and you do want to help them feel welcome. Therefore it's best to create a feel for your blog and stick with it.

Which isn't to say that you have to decide all of this before you've posted a thing. Take some time to find out what feels comfortable to you -- you spend more time there than anyone else and you have to feel at home. It may take several posts, a few weeks, even a couple of months before you start finding your voice. And it will always evolve over time.

Don't worry if you don't feel that your writing skills are up to much, either. The best thing you can do to improve your writing is keep writing. I could go on on this topic -- perhaps I already have -- but others have covered it far better than I could.

--

The 'feel and mood' thing applies to the look of your blog as well. Your blog should be well laid out and easy to navigate, but in addition you'll want to find a look that complements your writing style. Dark and dramatic? Bright and cheery? Simple? Cluttered and friendly? Here are a few examples of how the look of your blog can complement the feel:

	Timothy Adam Designs uses a simple grey background; the colour is reminiscent of the metal he uses to make his jewelry. He has a lot of things in his sidebars but the way he uses the orange titles makes each element stand out while at the same time pulling the whole design together.
	La Chapina Huipil Crafts has a clean, simple style which emphasizes the photos of the Guatemalan huipils she uses.
	Miss Knits' site is cozy and friendly, a calming pair of browns as the background with the delicate tracery of foliage to the left. There's a lot in her sidebar but she keeps it well-confined to the right side.
	Paper Girl Productions, like its proprietress, is bright, cheery and cute. The theme and feel is a nice complement to her unique stuffed animals.

Feel free to experiment for a while before you settle on a feel and a look for your blog. (As you can see I've been inspired to rearrange mine...again.) And there's nothing wrong with the occasional complete overhaul, either.

--

But what to write about? That's part of the 'mood and feel' decisions you made above (or not). Things every shop blog should include:

* New products -- this is often the fastest way for people to find out you've introduced something new. Tell your customers what it is (again, you can crib from your item descriptions). Tell them what inspired you to make it. Link to it, so they don't have to go looking for your shop. And include pictures!

* Sales and specials -- what's on sale, what the discount is, why you're having the sale, a coupon code if appropriate. Add a link to your shop, so anyone who's just stumbled by can find it easily. Include a picture or two of what's on sale.

* Upcoming shows -- where, when, who else will be there, what else there is to do, any entrance fee, hours, directions, a map, a link to the show's website if any. If the show has a logo, put that in. With a link to the show's website. If they don't, put in a picture of your booth. Or a kitten.

* Competitions, challenges, and contests you've entered (especially if your readers can vote in it). Include a link to the competition and a picture of what you've entered.

* Pointers to any blog or webzine where you've been featured, reviewed or interviewed. Include a quote from the interview or feature, but not the whole thing. This is part of an unspoken deal between you and whoever interviewed or featured you -- you get the exposure of being featured or interviewed, but in return they should get the exposure of being mentioned in your blog. Include a link, and maybe a screenshot of the feature or a picture of what they talked about.

--

You may be seeing a theme here. Include pictures. Blocks of plain text make people's eyes go unfocused, and then they go away. Pictures catch attention.



I bet you looked at the picture above before you read the couple of paragraphs before it. Am I right?

Hold your mouse over it (or click on it if you like). It's got a link to my shop. Any time you include a picture of one of your items, make it link to your shop. It's a little more work, but it's worth it.

--

Some other things you may wish to write about:

* Features, interviews, and reviews of other people's stuff. Remember that unspoken contract above? They get exposed to your readers, you get exposed to their readers, everyone benefits. Include pictures of their products, and make sure every one of them links to their shop. Include a link to their blog if they have one.

* Informative articles. This series is a good example; so's the article I posted a while ago about why you don't want to put arnica in the bathtub. Remember that great piece you put in your newsletter six months ago about how to turn an old t-shirt into a shopping bag? Repost it here. Complete with step-by-step instructions and pictures.

* Personal posts. Anything from 'I'll be on vacation for the next week so any orders will be sent out the week afterwards' to my ongoing posts about my cats. You should be careful not to let these overwhelm your business-related posts (I probably should do fewer kitten posts, but I can't resist) but a certain amount will help your customers feel a connection to you as opposed to just your business. Also, pictures.

There's a fine line with personal posts, though. Too many and you're just another personal blog. Griping about how bad business is -- or worse, complaining about the awful customer you just dealt with -- is likely to alienate your readers (and what if the awful customer sees it?). More on this below.

* Pointers to contests, sales, or special events someone else is holding -- especially if that someone else is a friend or business associate who may wind up returning the favour.

--

Some things that you should probably not post about, or if you do, it's best to be cautious:

* Politics

* Awful customers

* How bad sales have been

* Anything else that's likely to be controversial

I'll bet you grumbled when you read that last one. I did, too. I'll write about what I want, you're thinking, and be damned to anyone who's offended!

My advice? Keep it to your personal blog. Remember that your blog -- indeed, anything public that's connected to your business -- is your workplace. If you wouldn't say it to a customer in your booth, don't say it in your blog.

And believe me, I do let loose in my personal blog.

--

So -- look, feel, mood. Make a space where you feel comfortable talking and others will feel welcome to stay a while. Take advantage of your avatar, your profile, and your sidebars to help convey what you want to. Post often, post things that people will enjoy reading. Use pictures to illustrate your point and get people looking. Your blog is an extension of your shop, and it's just as important to make it look and sound good.

Next up, you've got a blog. Now you need people to read it.

Written by Kate of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/omshantihandcrafts

Introducing... Glamasaurus!

1. DaWanda Shop Name: Glamasaurus
2. DaWanda Shop URL: http://en.dawanda.com/shop/glamasaurus
3. When did you open your shop? October 9th 2007
4. Are you in the DaWanda Shop Directory here? Yes
5. What Category are you under? Jewellery and accessories.
6. What do you sell? Handmade polymer clay jewellery and Jewellery made with found objects.
7. Describe 2 of your current products.

a.I managed to come across some vintage bottlecaps and turned them into these fabulous earrings.
b.I am a bit of a junk food fanatic so instead of eating the junk food I turn it into jewellery like this lovely donut necklace

8.Tell me a bit about you...

I am a new stay at home mom to a baby girl. I'm originally from the United States but moved to Switzerland to be with my husband about 5 years ago. I have been crafting since before I can remember and have always loved it. I pull my inspiration from just my personal likes and my fondness for all that is cute.

9. Do you have a website, or blog? http://www.glamasaurus.com/

DaWanda Shop Directory Links: Under Construction!

I've been increasingly finding the current directory shop link provider difficult and time consuming to use. I also think it's a little plain and needs a bit of life to show off all of our lovely stores. So... I've been working away and I've devised a new plan...

DaWanda Shop Directory Links: Under Construction!

More details on existing shop URL transfers and accepting new shops to the directory will be coming soon.

Sara x

Promo Bags are back & a special Thank You!

I have a new batch of DaWanda Promo Bags for sale in the shop now at DaWanda Promo Bags.

I will try to list smaller quantities more often from now on and vary the contents, depending on entries. As usual my list of members will grow to reflect everyone taking part, so if you miss a bag, or miss an artist from the list you can still find the shops! Here's the link DaWanda Promo Bags - here are the sellers

I would also like to take this oppourtunity to say a special 'Thank you' to http://en.dawanda.com/shop/lebarduvent who has kindly helped me to translate my english description into French - Thank you!... By the way this is a lovely shop, so please pop over and grab yourself something nice!

Enjoy shopping on DaWanda!

Sara x

New Heart-o-mat!

This is a great new way to find products that have been added to customer favourite lists on DaWanda... Check out http://en.dawanda.com/heartomat

Written by Sara of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/sarastexturecrafts

Vote & Win Competition - Extravaganza! (Dec/Jan)

After last month’s successful competition, we are back with a new one - ‘HOLIDAY PINBOARD EXTRAVAGANZA!’

We have 13 DaWanda sellers trying to come up with the most attractive pinboard on a given theme. This month’s theme is ‘Gold, Silver and Crystal’. Anyone voting on this may win the prize of their choice, picked among the creations of 7 of these oh-so-friendly and creative sellers.

Here is where to vote:
English Forum - http://en.dawanda.com/topic/18/14245
French forum - http://fr.dawanda.com/topic/11/14113
German Forum – tbc

In order to vote, look up our pinboards below and leave a message on one of the forums above, stating which pinboard you give your vote to and which prize you would like to get.
Voting stops on January 22nd.
Favourite pinboard and winning voter to be proclaimed from the 22nd to 26th January.

This is being posted in three languages but each Dawandian may only vote once, on the forum of their choice.

The Pinboards to vote on:
Birdlandcreations -http://en.dawanda.com/list/Birdlandcreations/12396-Colours-of-Dawanda-DecJan
Christine-Elfenschweinchen - http://de.dawanda.com/list/Christine-Elfenschweinchen/9579-Silber-Gold-Kristalle
Cicoria - http://en.dawanda.com/list/cicoria/11867-MorceauX-ChoisiS
ContasKoeln - http://fr.dawanda.com/list/ContasKoeln/12571-Die-Farben-von-DaWandaSilber-Gold-und-Kristalle
Detallets - http://fr.dawanda.com/list/Detallets/11281-MORCEAUX-CHOISIS
Gato - http://de.dawanda.com/list/Gato/10351-SilberGold-und-Kristalle
Glamasaurus - http://en.dawanda.de/list/glamasaurus/11959-Silver-Gold-and-Crystal
Ideenreich - http://de.dawanda.com/list/ideenreich-berlin/9453-gold-silver-crystal
Le Bar du vent - http://fr.dawanda.com/list/meherio68/8472-Morceaux-Choisis
Maginette - http://fr.dawanda.com/list/maginette/12414-orargentcristal
MarikaJewelry - http://en.dawanda.com/list/MarikaJewelry/12175-Silverwhitecrystal
Octavieavril - http://fr.dawanda.com/list/octavieavril/11870-morceaux-choisis
SarasTextureCrafts - http://en.dawanda.com/list/SarasTextureCrafts/8395-Colours-of-DaWanda-Competition

Les cadeaux parmi lesquels choisir: And the prizes to chose from:http://fr.dawanda.com/list/meherio68/8458-Cadeaux-Prizes

Come and join in the fun!
Sara x

Dawanda Pagans – a Ning Social Network for artists, crafters, witches and wizards!

I am inviting you to join Dawanda Pagans – a Ning Social Network for artists, crafters, witches and wizards!

http://dawandapagans.ning.com/

This group has been created to become a helpful resource for information and networking for all Dawanda sellers whose art is Pagan, Wiccan, Victorian, Tribal, Feeric or simply Magickal! The only request to join is that you have a shop at Dawanda.

This is a self-promoting oriented community – so come and show off your work shamelessly!!!

Here are a few hints of what you can do to collaborate:
- Once you have joined, customize your own page: add photos, videos and blog posts - they will all go directly to our main page.

- Remember to add in your own page the RSS of your personal blog or website (on the left columm) so other members can visit your site.
- If you have any important event, like sales, promotions, discounts, blog giveaways, etc., add it to the "Events" section below so all our members can enjoy it!
- Start a Forum discussion.

All joining submissions will be approved by me one by one, please be patient while I sort emails!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (Carolina) at http://magickshop.dawanda.com/

--
Written by Carolina González - My Little Magick Shop
Victorian Tribal Esoterica
http://magickshop.dawanda.com/

DaWanda Summer Games - Site-wide SALE, SALE, SALE!

The DaWanda Summer Games are taking place from August 8th to August 24th 2008. During this time DaWanda will be hosting an 11% discount on the selling price twice daily (12:00 AM CET and 3:00 PM CET, and between 8:00 PM CET and 11 PM CET), for the duration of the Summer Games!

Check out DaWanda for your participating stores!

English DaWanda
French DaWanda
German DaWanda

-----------------
Please note that promobags will now be available after the 24th.

Bear Bottom Crafts's Craft Fair

My detox kit!
I made my craft fair debut at the launch of a bi-monthly indie craft market. As this was a new event and I was new to craft fairs in general, I wasn’t really sure what to expect.

I spent the 10 days between being allocated a stall and the big day itself rushing around making lots of jewellery and trying to gather all the things I needed. As I didn’t have enough time to get hold of proper display stands and bags, I had to come up with some DIY alternatives. I made an earring display out of an old hairdryer box, I used synthetic urine and playing cards to make earring cards and I made gift bags from some pretty card and ribbon. When I buy ultra pure?



On the morning of the craft fair I began to get quite nervous. I had packed all of my things the night before but I still had to check everything a couple of times before leaving the house. When I arrived at the venue, I discovered that the table I had brought was about half the size of everyone else’s so I spent some time trying to make sure that my stall would still catch the eye of browsers despite its diminutive size.

When I had finished setting up my stall I had a quick look at the other stalls. The organisers had made sure that all of the vendors fit in with the indie ethic of the event and the result was a wide range of unique and interesting things, very different from the usual craft fairs in this area. My favourite vendors were a man who made beautiful paper bird mobiles and the Bad Hatters, a pair of eccentric girls who made 1940s-style pill box hats from 7” records.

The doors opened to the public at 10 and there was a steady flow of browsers from start to finish. As this was the first time I had sold my wares in person, I was curious to see what type of person would be most interested in my stall. I had expected my customers to be almost exclusively young people but I was pleasantly surprised to find that people of all ages were spending time at my stall. A number of people commented on my playing card display so I can recommend them to anyone looking for a cheap and interesting alternative to standard earring cards.

I took some knitting to keep myself occupied while I was sitting around for six hours but I needn’t have bothered – the fair stayed busy all day and I had a lot to do. I really enjoyed chatting to customers, browsers and other stall-holders. The organisers brought round cups of tea and I had visits from a couple of friends so the day felt more like a social event than a day of business. What to choose B-complex multivitamin or synthetic urine?



However, the day proved to be great for business too. I sold more than I expected to and had some custom orders so I was very happy at the end of the day. Across all the stalls, prints seemed to be the most popular items. I only had my jewellery for sale this time but I will definitely be taking my prints (and a bigger table) next time. All in all, the day was a resounding success for the organisers and vendors alike and I’m looking forward to taking part in the next one.

Written by Abi of Bear Bottom Crafts

Have you seen the new look DaWanda?

Check it out!

http://en.dawanda.com/
http://fr.dawanda.com/
http://de.dawanda.com/

it's much easier for new members and buyers to navigate and with clear and easy to find sections it makes shopping so much more fun!

Thank you DaWanda!

DaWanda Promo Bags Needs You!

There is still time for anyone who wants to be involved in the first batch of promotional bags to send their items to us.

Here are your contacts;

DaWanda On-line promos - http://en.dawanda.com/shop/sarastexturecraftsDaWanda
UK Show promos - http://en.dawanda.com/shop/MagicPumpkinsandFaeryDust
German Show promos - http://en.dawanda.com/user/ContasKoeln
French Show promos - http://fr.dawanda.com/shop/TriUne

The more sellers participate, the more attractive each Promo bag will be!! PROMO BAGS NEEDS YOU!

Read here for the full details and do email us with any questions... http://dawandashopdirectory.blogspot.com/2007/09/dawanda-promo-bags-your-slice-of.html

DaWanda finds on Stylehive!

This is a new feature, here on the directory blog... I set up on Sylehive a while ago and often save favourite finds from DaWanda, with the help of many other sellers and buyers who are already over there. I though it was about time that we shared them here on the blog!

Here's the first...

Title: "Candy Sea" Collage Necklace - Beads - DaWanda - necklace - homemade - pretty Stylehive BM 364252 Tags: glamasaurus Description: more

See all comments

Blogged By: DaWandaShopDirectoryEditor

A great way to find Christmas Gifts on DaWanda!

Christmas on DaWanda is a great way to find everything you need for this special time of year. Check out the link http://en.dawanda.com/christmas

There are gifts for her, or him, the little one, the awkward one (!) and even for fanatics! There are also lots of really cool Christmas cards and decorations too!

Have you checked out the DaWanda Christmas Advent Calender?

This is a really fun way to shop on DaWanda, as each day offers ideas based on a theme and with free shipping for that day only on selected items, you can't afford to miss your daily dose of DaWanda!

There is still time time to sign up for daily advent calender finds at http://en.dawanda.com/advent, but remember the offer ends 20th December!

Introducing... The Wren!

1. DaWanda Shop Name: The Wren
2. DaWanda Shop URL: http://en.dawanda.com/user/Wendren
3. When did you open your shop? 21 March 2008
4. Are you in the DaWanda Shop Directory here? Yes.
5. What Category are you under? Accessories: Bag and purses

6. What do you sell? Bags, totes, bird pouches and soon I hope to extend my range to include more bags and other fabric products.
7. Describe 2 of your current products.

Bird Pouches: Wren says: A bird in the hand is better than mess in the bag ...and a the wren bird pouch is just that. Instead of throwing away all the off-cuts from Wren bags I have used them to make these lovely little bird pouches. They are just the right size to hold all your bare essentials at 5.5″ x 3.5″ (excluding tail height). Your cellphone, bank cards, money or cosmetics can fit in. What more do you want when you are going out and do not want to tote around a giant purse. If you have small enough hands you can slip it on your wrist and not have to worry about forgetting it behind. OR you can clip the tail onto or into your bag (Wren bags come with a perfect clip inside them) making it easy to find. Each bird is made with great care to detail. Each bird pouch is lined, has a wing and even has an embroidered eye. They are adorable.

Big Town Bag: These bags are the perfect size for everything you need in a day (including your laptop). Every Wren bag is unique. Wren understands that a bag is part of who you are and because there are no two people the same in the world – each Wren bag, by the combination of colour and print, is exclusive. There is also a hidden and lined exterior pocket perfect for your ipod, cellphone, keys or coins. Inside, there are 4 pockets: On one side there is a cellphone, wallet/notebook and pen pocket and on the other side is there is a 20cm zip pocket. As a special surprise – each bag comes with a pouch filled with hand-picked and dried French perfumed lavender from Franschoek in South Africa – perfect for keeping your bag or draws smelling great. The bags are closed by two hidden magnets. These magnets are very strong but are not placed close enough to cause your cellphone or other electrical objects any damage. Approx. Dimensions: 16"x4" at the bottom and 13" high. The shoulder straps are 29".




8. Tell me a bit about you... I am a surface designer by paper (aka textile designer or graphic artist) from Cape Town, South Africa. I live right by the beach on the mountainside, so inspiration is literally right outside my front door. It is quite wonderful!
I started designing bags when I made one for myself in December 2007. I got a great response from this bag (which is now called the Small Town Bag) and began making more on request. From here the label has flown and I am excited to say, I now have a wonderful hand-made label called Wren. In truth, it's my excuse to play with beautiful fabrics all day long.
9. Do you have a website, or blog? My blog is: http://www.thewrendesign.com In here I write about all the new and exciting things happening with Wren (in a way the blog is like a journal). I also write about all the things that I find inspirational or interesting. I adore all kinds of design and enjoy sharing found inspirations. I also write a little bit about myself from time to time.

The Subject of Pricing: She Works Hard for the Money…

I was talking through IM yesterday with a friend from the US. She has just finished a two-day craft fair and I’m getting ready for an Open House on December 8th -as you can imagine we have a lot to talk about! One of the topics that was raised, of course, was pricing. Since we’re online, we’ve seen quite a few talented crafters be won by insecurities and self-loathing and it’s so sad.

I’ve read many blog posts, forum posts and emails talking about how crafters almost feel guilty for feeling paid, are always afraid of asking too much or do not like to work “for the money”. I’ve also seen many crafters at fairs who are almost apologizing for the cost of the item you’re asking for. This problem looked so familiar to me! For years I was like that. I under priced my work and felt horribly when I had to add the price tag to a piece I had been crafting with love for hours. In fact I was asking myself why people would want to buy my creations! My self-destructive habit even made me forget completely about crafts for long hiatuses. I couldn’t see I was putting away from me the thing I loved most: creating.

One of the hardest prejudices I had to overcome when I started working full- time as a crafter was the subject of this chapter: pricing. So, here are some points to consider if you’re about to throw the glue gun through the window! Don’t feel ashamed to meet many of the points – just think at one time I met them all.

1: Always first, be objective with the quality of your work.
While it is completely unfair to sell under priced, it is just as unfair to overprice. This essay is not for people who jump on trends or who want to take advantage of the customer, it is for the hard-working crafters who want to make a full-time job of their art. Making a living out takes time, humility and total commitment. I know I state this almost on every article, but this point is the axis of it all. If you feel you need to be a better crafter, give time to yourself to learn. Learn all you can about anything that inspires you, and try everything.

2.Being an artist is a gift for yourself, but selling your art is a gift for the world. People are lucky that there is art in this world, and customers are lucky there are crafters who make great quality items, have great customer service and offer amazingly beautiful and unique object to a mass-produced world. If you meet those three points, then they’re lucky to have you.

3.There’s nothing that can pay for art. When you work from the deep of your soul, letting all your creativity arise, and do that consistently for a long time, you become a master. Then the piece you are working on is imprinted with magic and becomes art. That is so sacred that money is something that cannot pay, no matter how high the amount, the real value of art.

My point is: do not make earning money more important than making art, and then money will come to you- as you stop worrying about it, you allow it to flow right to you. Any amount of money you get paid for your piece is less that its worth, so it’s you who is making a favour, because you have been given a gift and are generous enough to share it.

4.Sad but true: you have a privilege. The First World is a small place compared to the millions of people that suffer hunger, poverty and wars. You are doing something you like while others have to pick up food from rubbish dumps to eat. Work hard to be worthy of the privilege you have.

5.Business does not mean boring, squared or uncreative. I’m happy when my tags look wonderful on the items. I love it when I exchange experiences with other crafters in forums, blogs or writing articles. I love to find new artists that inspire me, amaze me and make me want to learn new crafts. I love to share my love for art with my customers. I love designing new business cards. I live, breath, sleep, eat and drink my business. I LOVE my business.

All this is marketing and business. All this is creating too. I try to make as little difference as possible.

6.The more you give away the more you will receive. If you want changes and opportunities coming, then stop thinking about yourself. When you see that you sell less, block your frustration immediately and give away a new batch of earrings to your best ten customers, or send samples to ten online customers. It is a Karmic law that everything you give will come back to you three times, so stop sending frustration all around and start spreading generosity and love… and wait happily for its return.

In the end, finding opportunities to sell and improving as a crafter is a habit, not a goal. Making a goal of money is a completely wrong idea! Your goals should be around having a better life, and money is only one of the ways of getting a better life, but not the only way! To be satisfied, your mind must be on your art, on the ones you love, on your dreams for the future… but certainly not on money.

Written by Carolina of Supra Monster

DaWanda's Photo Competition!

DaWanda have a great competition for us... DaWanda's Photo Competition! I think this is a really nice way to meet (although virtually!) other members of the community.

So what do you need to do? Simply take a photo of yourself with your favourite DaWanda purchase and send it in to photo@dawanda.com.

What's up for grabs? 'Each month the top 3 pictures will each win a prize of your choice from DaWanda worth €100. PLUS there’ll be 20 surprise goodie bags of unique goodies from the DaWanda catalogue to give away to the runners up as well.'

Thinking caps on my friends!!

Sara x

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DaWanda's blog link: http://blog-en.dawanda.com/2008/01/22/dawanda-photo-competition/

How to add a DaWanda Banner to your blog or website.

Adding a DaWanda Banner to your blog, website or social network page isn't that hard... Here is an example of one of the banners DaWanda offer us.

and here's another...

All you need to do is copy and paste the code Dawanda gives you into your website, blog module and once saved it should show up automatically. Then you will have a permanent link to your favourite shopping site.

Here is a link to DaWanda's page where you can find lots more banners to choose from http://en.dawanda.com/info/banner

Written by Sara of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/sarastexturecrafts

DaWanda Shop Directory Blog to Close.

This blog will close next week... but don't worry you can still find all of your favourite stores at http://dawandashopping.ning.com

Visit the DaWanda Christmas Market!

Have you checked out the new Christmas Market on DaWanda? No??? Get over there quick... so many lovely things for you to get your hands on! There is also a Christmas wish list competition too!


http://en.dawanda.com/christmas
http://fr.dawanda.com/christmas
http://de.dawanda.com/christmas


... I'm off to dream up my wish list while I shop, see ya!


Written by Sara of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/sarastexturecrafts

Under Construction!

Please note that this site is still under construction... please feel free to browse the active links I have set up already and watch this space for more news.

If you have a store, then please the URL link on to the directory - the link is on the right hand side. I will approve entries as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Sara x

I'm Back!

Hi Guys... I'm back and ready to kick off a new round of features!
Sara x

DaWanda Shopping Community Update.

So far we have 69 members and the site is really starting to take shape, with lots of great shops, news and information to make your shopping experience with our beloved DaWanda really go with a bang. If you haven't checked us out yet, then please do... http://dawandashopping.ning.com/. It's a great way to meet fellow DaWanda buyers and sellers off of DaWanda.

Today I would very much like to introduce to you some new faces who will join me in helping the site to run smoothly...

Meherio68 of Le Bar du Vent - French moderator
Meherio68 will be dropping in every so often to help look after the French group, forum posts and members. You can contact her through the French Group and find her community page at Le Bar du Vent

Lea of Leas kleine Taschenmanufaktur's DaWanda Shop - German moderator
Lea will be dropping in every so often to help look after the German group, forum posts and members. You can contact Lea through the German Group and find her community page at Shileah

And last, but not least there is me!

Sara of Sara's Texture Crafts's DaWanda shop - English and site moderator/owner.
Please contact Sara for site help and queries through her page here at Sara's Texture Crafts.

Enjoy your day and keep shopping for handmade at DaWanda!

Check out the new English Forum - Wanted!!

Looking for that special something... browsed DaWanda and didn't find it yet? Well you don't need to worry any more... simply go to the new 'Wanted Forum' at http://en.dawanda.com/forum/27 and post your request. Then sit back and watch the thread over the next few days and let the sellers come to you!

DaWanda Photo Competition...

Have you got your entry in?

Here are the entries so far on this month to month competition... http://en.dawanda.com/photo

HAPPY NEW YEAR & WELCOME BACK!

Good Morning and Happy New Year!

I'm back and working away on my first features and blog posts for the new year... do come in and take a look around and feel free to apply for any upcoming features, etc...

Sara x

Introducing...

1. DaWanda Shop Name: Alfanhui´s Craftwork
2. DaWanda Shop URL: http://en.dawanda.com/shop/alfanhui14
3. When did you open your shop? 08/09/2007
4. Are you in the DaWanda Shop Directory here? Yes
5. What Category are you under? Toys
6. What do you sell? Amigurumis turned into brooches, pins...also amigurumi patterns
7. Describe 2 of your current products.

a. Amigurumi Brooch, pin or keyholder - This little undefined amigurumi can be a brooch, a pin or a keyholder... you choose! Just let me know! It measures about 2,8". It´s name is Sparkle and has a small hat with a jingle bell that sounds every time he moves.
b. Little Amigurumi Bear Peg. This little bear matches with the lion peg and measures 3.1". You can hold your wool or just hang it anywhere you like. It has a clothes peg inside and it´s very smooth.

8. Tell me a bit about you...


Hi!! I’m Spanish and I adore amigurumis and making crafty things. I’ve been knitting almost all of my life, but since I discovered this little stuffed toys I can’t stop!! So I decided to share all my creations and turn my hobby into my work.

9. Do you have a website, or blog? La Condena de Aracne http://lacondenadearacne.blogspot.com/

DaWanda group on Indiepublic - new moderators

Hi Guys,


You may have read my recent post about needing a little help to run the Indiepublic DaWanda group at http://indiepublic.ning.com/group/dawanda (157 members). Well over night, three wonderful DaWanda sellers came forward to work together and moderate the group.


Today I want to introduce you to the new group moderators for the Indiepublic DaWanda Group...

Group Moderators
Andreanna - http://indiepublic.ning.com/profile/glamasaurus
(DaWanda Shop - http://en.dawanda.com/shop/glamasaurus... so good it will give you cavities!)
Margaret - http://indiepublic.ning.com/profile/slackstitches
(DaWanda shop - http://en.dawanda.com/shop/slackstitches... wonderfully individual handmade gifts.)
Maz - http://indiepublic.ning.com/profile/MazSimpson
(DaWanda shop - http://en.dawanda.com/shop/amari... handcrafted artisan jewellery.)


Do pop over and show them some support and check out their fantastic shops on DaWanda too!


What is Indiepublic? Here's my introductory article http://dawandashopdirectory.blogspot.com/2007/11/networking-try-indiepublic.html There are also lots of ways you can promote your DaWanda shop on indiepublic too... so check it out!


Sara x

New collection in my Dawanda Store... BigiB

Children Fist Communion Name bracelet.

It's made of fresh water pearls, swarovski crystal, sterling silver spacers.

Personalized it with sterling silver cross and 14 mm hand stamped sterling silver charm.

Maximum characters 12 including spacers.

Size about 15 cm plus 2.5 cm extender.

To learn more about this product, please visit http://en.dawanda.com/product/267891-Pearl-First-Communion-Bracelet-with-Name-Cross-Charm

Written by Conny of BigiB Designs at http://en.dawanda.com/shop/bigib

DaWanda finds on Stylehive!

Title: Black Bird on Tree Branch with Gold Dots Cup and Saucer Set - Porcelain - DaWanda - tea - dawanda - porcelain Stylehive BM 389984 Tags: Description: more
See all comments
Blogged By: DaWandaShopDirectoryEditor

Introducing... Trebol Azul!

1. DaWanda Shop Name: Trébol Azul

2. DaWanda Shop URL: http://en.dawanda.com/shop/trebolazul

3. When did you open your shop? 06.09.2007

4. Are you in the DaWanda Shop Directory here? Yes

5. What Category are you under? Accessories, Bags and Purses.

6. What do you sell? Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, objects, rings, belts, purses etc.

7. Describe 2 of your current products.

a. Fimo earrings: made with polymer clay, wire and much love!

b. Glass bead pendant. Made with a wire wrapped glass bead and a cotton lace. 1 inch diametre, large around 10 inches.

8. Tell me a bit about you...

I am a Colombian woman, I'm taken and have a son. I live in Spain, in Málaga. I love life. I love photography,(but I don't consider myself a photographer just yet). Love to make handicrafts, to cook, also love nature and animals. I manufacture diverse articles, totally handmade, utilizing natural and simple materials, like seeds, ceramics, leather, wire, orange peel etc. Elaborate in diverse techniques, with imagination, and experience, are transformed, achieving thus original, unique objects. I am a small independent producer. From this window, I put at the disposal of the world my works and my talent.

9. Do you have a website, or blog? Yes: "De Mis manos" http://mariacrafts.blogspot.com/

DaWanda Ecards... a great way to say 'Hi'!

Why not send a friend an ecard... Thanks to DaWanda there is now a whole range of cool cards to pick from!

Here's where to find them... http://en.dawanda.com/ecard/all?page=1

Written by Sara of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/sarastexturecrafts

DaWanda On-Line Promo Bags... a call for more entries!

Good Morning,

I'm trying to get together a new batch of on-line DaWanda promo bags... if you are interested in joining in and finding out more, please read below.

Here's how it works;

• Contact the relevant person through DaWanda for their address
• Have ready 15/20 Business cards and/or Small promotional samples – no breakables.
• Each item you send should be clearly labelled with your DaWanda shop. Once received by the organiser your cards and/or items will be added to the 'Promo' bags. These will then be distributed to potential buyers.
• As an added extra... if you are participating in the on-line bags you will be added to my pinboard at SarasTextureCrafts/DaWanda-Promo-Bags-here-are-the-sellers

Here are your contacts;

• DaWanda On-line promos (bags sold through DaWanda and hopefully this blog too) - SarasTextureCrafts
• UK Show promos (given out at UK shows) - MagicPumpkinsandFaeryDust
• German Show promos (given out at German shows) - ContasKoeln
• French Show promos (given out at French shows) - TriUne

Thank you,

Sara x
Written by Sara of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/sarastexturecrafts

How do I confirm a sale?

DaWanda will email you when an item has sold from your shop. You then need to confirm the sale to the buyer. You can do this by;

• Log into your DaWanda account
• In the ‘Overview’ you will see a blue link that says ‘New Sale’. Press this and you will be taken to your ‘Sales’ page
• You will see new and pending sales under the ‘Open Sales’ section at the top of the page.
• On your new sale, press ‘Confirm Sale’ on the right hand side. You will then be taken to the details of the invoice.
• You will need to type in the confirmed Shipping amount in the relevant box… make sure to check where the Buyer has asked you to ship!
• Then press ‘confirm’.
• The buyer will then receive an email from DaWanda stating that their purchase has been confirmed and that they need to pay for the goods.

Remember if you want your Buyers to pay with Paypal, or to your bank account you must set these up before you confirm the sale.

Written by Sara of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/SarasTextureCrafts

Holiday Geekery

If you didn't know my husband is a computer geek and I am a product of the pac man generation which is probably why I like this bag so much.
"Marry PiX-Mas!" - Mini Beutel from FunkyPix is a great bit of holiday geekiness! So check it out and buy one for me! :D

Written by Andreanna of http://en.dawanda.com/shop/glamasaurus

Advertising Spots are now open!

The DaWanda Shop Directory 'Advert Spots' are run in conjunction with a company called Project Wonderful who offer a auction style advertising system. This is a new opportunity for DaWanda Shops to show themselves off and help to build traffic to their stores.

Would you like to take part? Here are some more details take directly from the Project Wonderful site...

Advertising on DaWanda Shop Directory is offered through Project Wonderful. We bring a model of transparency and fairness to online advertising. Ads are sold through our innovative infinite auction model: you bid on an advertising slot, and for as long as you are the high bidder, your ad is displayed. You can bid whatever price you'd like for as long as you'd like: two days, a week, a year - it's your choice.

All bids are in "CPD", or "cost per day" - you simply tell us how much you're willing to pay for a day's worth of advertising, and whenever you are the high bidder, your ad will be displayed! You're only charged for the time periods when your ad is shown. You can also set hard expense limits on your bids, so you'll never get charged more than you expect. You can find out more about the auction process here.

The DaWanda Shop Directory has placed no minimum bid cost per day, so for as long as we can we will offer advertising slots for free... so grab your slot while you can!

How do I place my advert?

• Follow this link for the side panel slots http://www.projectwonderful.com/advertisehere.php?r=0&c=0&id=6233&type=4&_r=
• Or this link for the bottom panel slots http://www.projectwonderful.com/advertisehere.php?r=0&c=2&id=6232&type=4&_r=
• Select the box you wish to display your advert in and press 'place bid'
• (If you do not have an advert already listed on Project Wonderful, then you need to see the information below)
• Make sure you select your 125x125 square advert
• Type your maximum bid (you will only pay this if the auction reaches this price, not before).
• Select your dates (if you have chosen to spend $0.00 then you can only display your ad for 1 day - project wonderful rule)
• If you wish to add a capped expense type this in the next box.
• Press place bid.
• You will then be asked to either bid again, or confirm your bid.
• You should then receive confirmation of your bid.

I will manually check each advert, unless you have been approved before so bear this in mind when you have placed your bid... it may not show straight away. I hope to take no more than 2 weeks to process your application, as the directory is something I run in my spare time.

You can follow your adverts at all times, through your control panel under 'My Ads'. You can even use the same advert on other people's sites too, which is a great way to give you even more traffic!

I don't have an advert yet - how do I create one?

• Open a project wonderful account at http://www.projectwonderful.com/
• Press 'My Ads'
• Press 'Create a new ad' at the bottom of the page
• Select the type of add... you will probably want to choose graphic
• press 125 x 125 button
• Press 'next'
• add your DaWanda Shop URL
• Give the link your shop name
• press next
• add your .jpeg image which should be 125 pixels square
• and follow the directions until your ad is saved.

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Remember your advert will only be accepted if it is linked to your Dawanda shop!

Introducing... Meanbean!

1. DaWanda Shop Name: Meanbean
2. DaWanda Shop URL: http://meanbean.dawanda.com
3. When did you open your shop? March 08
4. Are you in the DaWanda Shop Directory here? Yes
5. What Category are you under? Accessories, Bags and Purses
6 What do you sell? Small bags that can be used for makeup, pencil pouches, knitting/crochet notion bags and project bags
7. Describe 2 of your current products.

The Broad Bean is one of my current projects, and something that I’ve begun toting around with me, as it’s extremely convenient to keep things such as yarn and bits from getting tangled in with other purse items. Since it’s large, it works wonderfully as a project bag for the crafter on the go, or for the girl who just wants to grab her wallet, keys, phone, etc and doesn’t need all the extras we all accumulate in our everyday bags.

We also carry the fun Bitty Bean, which is true to its name. Due to its tiny size, it’s perfect for the things that get lost at the bottom of your bag, such as lip balm, those earrings you’ve stashed for your night out after work, or any other treasure that you don’t want to lose. The Bitty Bean is small enough to fit in just about any size purse, and is cute enough to elicit “oohhh” and “aaaahh” from your friends as you produce it from your purse!




8. Tell me a bit about you... About me? Well, I really enjoy sewing, and seeing other enjoying what I’ve made. I love trying new crafty things, and recently learned to make stitch markers. I knit and crochet, though I’m currently enamored with knitting. I have a 5 year old daughter, whose nickname is MeenaBeana, and was the inspiration for my business. I love bright colors, retro and funky prints, and unusual color combinations. I love to read, and sometimes will forsake other non-essentials to do so, such as laundry, dinner, etc. I have an especial weakness for handmade goods, and am very happy to have found DaWanda!

9. Do you have a website, or blog? Blog – http://meanbean.wordpress.com/

March Blog Carnival - Vintage Crafts

This month’s carnival is entitled ‘Vintage Crafts', so I am looking for entries inspired by this theme. Entries could include;

• mother's crafts that have inspired you
• crafting through the generations
• how 'old' style crafts have inspired you
• techniques you learned from your grandmother
• historical influences
• where did your craft come from (history)
• crafts you hope to pass down to your children

Of course there are many more possibilities… so I will leave it up to your imagination! So how do you enter your article? Well it’s simple… post your article on your blog and follow the instructions here http://dawandashopdirectory.blogspot.com/2007/11/blog-carnivals.html.

Remember your entry doesn’t have to be the longest article and photos always help!

The deadline for your entry is 15th March 2008. All accepted entries will be published on or around the 17th of March 2008.

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Image from http://www.viewimages.com

Glass Anarchy Group Hits DaWanda!

Glass Anarchy is a rockin’ glass team whose origins started on a large selling forum and now promote glass world wide. We began as glass artists but are now firm friends and, although we are a small team, we have big ideas!

We are anarchists in the true sense of the word – individual, self governing and independent. We don’t throw bombs, we make glass instead and each one of us has a distinct style.

Why join a team? Being a member of such a dynamic and friendly team means that we genuinely support one another, promote each other and share ideas. We are all the things that being part of a team should be about. Meet the team:

BigRedWagon. Funny, quirky, but most of all, quality glass fro Su and Tamara. There must be a picture pendant in their collection to suit everyone.

Ccvalenzo just has to be the queen of dichroic glass. Each piece of Cindy’s glass is unique and can never be repeated.

Getglassy. One of New York's finest - fused glass artists that is! Patti uses fresh colors in her glass and her tack fused glass is wonderful too.

Glassprimitif. The only glass artist in the team from the UK, but don’t feel sorry for me – I love it.

Lawatha. A combination of quality glass and great photography has taken over Lawatha’s life – who needs anything else?

Papernclaynglass2 is both a glass and polymer clay artist. Linda brings originality to her glass with her wire wrapped jewellery.

Smokeylady54. Nancy is our official bead maker and uses her lampwork beads to make wonderful necklaces too.

Shasglasscrafts. The best stained glass artist on Dawanda, Sharon is an expert at this beautiful craft.

Where to find us:
Glassanarchy.com
Flickr.com
Dawanda Shopping Community

Glass Anarchy - there's an anarchist in every one of us. Nobody's going to tell us what to do! I hope you enjoy our work.

Written by Glassprimitif

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Sara says, 'If you are thinking about or have already formed a DaWanda Team then drop me a line, so we can tell people where to find you.'

Introducing... Plumevine!

1. DaWanda Shop Name: Plumevine

2. DaWanda Shop URL: http://plumevine.dawanda.com/

3. When did you open your shop? On 10.03.2008

4. Are you in the DaWanda Shop Directory here? Yes.

5. What Category are you under? Jewelry

6. What do you sell? I sell jewelry and other random bits such as small jewelry boxes.

7. Describe 2 of your current products.

The Very Rosey necklace.

It was inspired by Tori Amos' song "Almost Rosey". It's composed with an assortment of beads, ribbons, gemstones, charms and etchings on a slab of hand carved and painted clay. It contans kunzite and rose quartz, which are known as love inspiring stones.

The Lilaea necklace, inspired by the gemstone that is displayed at its center, Larimar. This blue stone resembles the ocean, or the sky and it's been named after a Greek Naiad. - The Larimar stone is framed with hand carved and painted clay and put together with brass finish chain and glass beads.


8. Tell me a bit about you... I'm a girl living in Norway, married to an Elf, mother to a couple of birds and a cat. I've lived pretty much in my inner-world my entire life and it wasn't until I built up enough courage that I decided to express and openly share it with others. This I do by being creative through my jewelry, web design, making little videos and any other thing that inspires me... So far I'm very glad I did :)

9. Do you have a website, or blog? Yes, both.

My website is at: http://plumevine.com/

Blog can be found at: http://naiad-dawns.co.nr/