Rio Oso Designs

Advertising On The Downtown Boutique Blog

2009-01-19T18:26:00.001-08:00

You've always loved working with your hands. As a child you delved into Play-do like it was the clay of a master crafter. Your dolls had their own special wardrobes, designed by you. Even the sandbox was a medium for imaginitive and masterful creations. You would have wire-wrapped and bejeweled the family pets if they had let you. Everything you touched needed to be "crafted". If this sounds like you, and you are now selling your creations, then The Downtown Boutique is the place for you.

The Downtown Boutique is a unique community, comprised of an eclectic smorgasbord of handmade arts, crafts, gifts, etc. You can find toys, jewelry, accessories, artwork, pottery, clothing, baby items, bath and body products, handbags, and much more at The Downtown Boutique.

Look for our "Friday Features" and our "Toys on Tuesdays" posts. Those feature a particular crafter or artisan, and will even include a fabulous giveaway! We currently have TWO giveaways going right now!

If you are interested in being featured, please leave a comment here, and we will take it into consideration. We ask that our featured artists and crafters be willing to do a giveaway, that is open to anyone in the world (meaning that you would ship anywhere in the world).

If you are in a spot where you want to advertise, we can help you there too. You don't have to be a crafter to advertise with us. You just need to have a family-friendly shop or website. We have three different advertising possibilities for you. In just 5 weeks, we have had over 2300 visitors to our blog, from over 25 different countries in the world. We average about 50-80 visitors a day, give or take. We have the ability to track when someone clicks out to your shop or site.

#1: Small Banner Sponsor Listing -- This spot goes for $7 per month or $18 for three months, and is for a 125x125 banner, linking to your site. We have 10 spots available at a time for this ad space.

#2: Large Banner Sponsor Listing -- This spot goes for $10 per month or $27 for three months, and is for a 125x250 banner, linking to your site. We have 5 spots available at a time for this ad space.

#3: EtsyMini Ad Spot -- This spot goes for $10 per month or $27 for three months. Shows up to six items from your shop...you arrange which ones are shown!

If you need to have a banner made, please contact me through my Rio Oso Designs Etsy shop, and I will be glad to create a banner for you for $10.

***All advertising is subject to our approval. We reserve the right to refuse service to any shop or website that contains vulgar, offensive, or pornographic items in it. The Downtown Boutique is a family-friendly environment, and we would like to keep it that way.

To check out The Downtown Boutique for your yourself, just click now.

Have a great day!
Angie

Getting Geared Up For Valentine's Day

2009-01-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Click on each photo to find out where you can purchase each item.

What are Your Holiday Plans This Year?

2008-11-24T17:45:00.000-08:00

I normally wouldn't post something like this on my "handmade showcase" blog, but how can I help but share? I must warn you, that I will not paint a pretty picture here, and some of the information that you are about to read, will be graphic and full of awful, unthinkable scenes, that are not scenes out of Hollywood, but scenes out of the lives of people a world away.

Please allow me to set the stage: Our family lives in a fairly affluent area of the SF Bay Area of California, although we are not considered "well-off" by the standards of the demographics here. We live very happily in a small apartment that is only 5 minutes from my husband's place of work. Things are pretty tight for us financially right now, and the other day, we were lamenting about the fact that we wouldn't be able to buy the kinds of, and quantities of Christmas gifts for our family members like we have in the past years. We hear every day about what the "best Christmas present" is, and how if only we had "THIS CAR", we would be full of joy. "There's nothing that will bring your family together this holiday season like ___________." People are concerned with the big game, or the gas prices, or if their 401K is going to survive. While I realize that some of the fears we face in this economy are legit, I don't think we're really feeling the squeeze quite yet.

But compared to the MAJORITY of the world, our little family is RICH! Comparatively speaking, we are millionaires! My husband has been praying lately that God will "break his heart" for the things that break God's heart. And God has been answering that prayer. Lately, we have heard only small snippets of news stories, or read small clippings about the things that are going on in Africa: Congo, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and other African nations. There is war going on that is devastating the lives of many. 30,000 rapes have been reported each year for the past four years, just in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone, and the actual number is thought to be four times that high. Children are going without food and good drinking water. Schools are being raided and young boys are being kidnapped and are forced to train as soldiers. Yes, you might have seen this on "24" the other night, in a "make-believe" country, but this is REAL. "Increased violence has created massive new population displacement in North Kivu. The fighting and insecurity has made it difficult for humanitarian organisations to deliver assistance. Large areas of the region are inaccessible, as many roads have been cut off." (Quoted from HERE.)

My husband showed me a video today that had me in tears, with my heart just breaking over what is going on in the DRC. I hope that you will watch this video, and that your heart will break enough for you to want to take action.

I know that, if you are like me, you are probably thinking, "But what can I do?". It seems so hopeless. We're so far away, and what we send might not even arrive there in time to help, or even arrive there at all. But there is one thing that you can do. You can pray. God hears immediately, and will intervene. We may never hear of it...we may never see a result...but He is sovereign, and He will intervene. I hope that you will think about this over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and general holiday season. I hope that your mind has been filled with turmoil over the pain and suffering that these people are enduring. I hope that it is enough to make you want to get on your knees and cry out for these people. I know that we will be interceding at the throne for these people.

While we are definitely moved by what is going on in the DRC, and the rest of Africa, and we as a family will be giving what we can to help give aid to these people, it is not our intent to solicit donations to any specific charity. However, if your heart has been moved by what is going on over there, and you would LIKE to be able to help financially, there are several relief organizations with "A" or "A+" ratings (via CharityWatch.org or CharityNavigator.org), that are providing relief by way of clean water, food, medicines, shelter, etc., such as Doctors Without Borders, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, and Save the Children. Each of these sites have ways for you to donate directly to ongoing relief efforts in the Congo.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas, and remember to praise God that you are alive and that you are so richly blessed with all that you have. Please don't forget to pray without ceasing.

Angie

Adoption Process

2008-11-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, we are in the process of adopting a little boy who is now 2 years old. He came to us six months ago tomorrow! As far as we know, the adoption finalization process will begin in the early part of December, which means that the adoption will most likely be finalized in mid to late January! We are SO excited!

We are trying to raise money for the adoption fees, and so we are offering an adoption special in our Rio Oso Designs shop right now. From now, through the end of December, you can receive 20% off on anything in the shop. Your discount will come in the way of a Paypal refund after you have completed your payment.

Your dicount code is ADOPT20. Please mention this code in your "Notes to Seller", when you are checking out.

Here are some of the things we currently have for sale in our shop:

Photo Greeting Card Designs

(You can print them ANYWHERE you get your photos printed! Even at home!)

Birth Announcements and Adoption Announcements

Custom and Premade Etsy Banners and Blog Banners Custom Business Cards
PRINT YOUR OWN Christmas Gift Tag Sheets
Have a wonderful weekend and a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Angie

Fall Harvest

2008-10-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

I love Fall...it's one of my favorite times of the year. I love the Fall colors and the wonderful smells, and the way the sunlight changes the view of sometimes the most ordinary thing. Here are some items from Etsy.com that speak volumes about Fall Harvest. Click on each picture to take you to the Etsy listing.

New Items in My Etsy Shop

2008-10-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-09-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Gotcha! Nope, it's not Halloween...it's not even October...for that matter, it's not even fall, well at least not until Monday the 22nd!

But we have some very cute Halloween Photo Greeting Cards for sale in our Etsy shop. I hope you will take a peek.

Who, What, Where, When, Why, How, ETSY????

2008-09-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mrs. Kwitty for sharing this video. This should explain a LOT about why I created The Downtown Boutique. I hope that you will add this to your blog, and help spread the word about Etsy. Who knows, you might have an awesome Christmas season!

Mini Monday

2008-09-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

New Items in Our Rio Oso Designs Etsy Shop

2008-08-31T14:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've noticed, but we have some new items in our Rio Oso Designs Etsy Shop. We now have digital scrapbook pages that you can order, and I will insert your pictures for you. You can also convo me to find out about custom pages.

We also now have birth announcement designs and adoption announcement design. We will also be adding birthday invitation designs, as well as relocation card designs, for when you move and you want to share with people your new address.

I'd love to know what you think!

Have a great day!
Angie

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card from Robyn's Online World

2008-08-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know anyone who couldn't use a $50 gift certificate from Amazon.com! I know I could! I want to get some Sign Language DVDs for my 21 month old!

So head on over to Robyn's Online World, and enter to win the Amazon.com gift card. Be sure to read the rules.

Thursday Thumbnails

2008-08-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Win an Ultimate Sun Protection Zone Giveaway!

2008-08-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

I am blogging about sun protection for a couple of reasons. I come from a family of very fair-skinned people, and I myself have had TWO second degree sunburns. I do not want to die from skin cancer, nor do I want any of my loved ones to die from skin cancer. I now own a rashguard (sun shirt) from UVSkinz.com, and so does our 20 month old. We also purchased one from Land's End for my 14 year old. We used them at the lake this past week, where we were in the water for hours at a time. NO sunburns! Woo hoo! We didn't have to use nearly as much sunscreen either!

The second reason that I'm blogging about sun protection, is because I can earn an extra entry to win the Ultimate Sun Protection Zone Giveaway, being held by A Daycare Life. Be sure to head over there and check it out! You can enter to win too. The deadline is August 7th.

Have a great rest of your summer!
Angie

Robyn's Online World is Giving Away a $50 Amazon Gift Card.

2008-07-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging about this giveaway, so that I can earn an extra entry. Go and check out Robyn's Online World, where you can enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card. I mean, who CAN'T find something they would love to have from Amazon? Right?

Have a great day!

Angie

Some Great Etsy Shops

2008-07-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday July 2nd, 2008

2008-07-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday June 25th, 2008

2008-06-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

We're Closing Shop!

2008-06-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

No, we're not shutting down the blog. But, we are closing one of our shops on Etsy...Ambrosia Delights. With a new 19 month old in our home, our lives have gotten a little more busy, so we need to simplify. We will still be keeping our Rio Oso Designs shop, and we will still do the blog.

We need to make room in our little guy's closet, so we need to sell the things from our shop. We have gotten SOOO many wonderful gifts for him, that there is no room to put everything. We are getting rid of jewelry, clothing, and baby items.

We are offering 10% off on everything in our shop until our official close date of August 1st. EVERYTHING IS ALREADY MARKED DOWN, so you don't have to do anything but buy, buy, buy!!! :-)

We are also offering FREE shipping within the USA, on any purchases over $50.

Come on over and check us out at Ambrosia Delights.

Bringing Up Somewhat Buried Memories

2008-06-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, let me start by saying this: I subscribe to Laura William's Musings blog, where she has daily editions of contests that she finds all over the web, and shares them with everyone on her blog. So today, I see a contest where you can enter to win a Wii game. I think we may be one of a select few families who do NOT have a major video game system. We have some old-school type, hand-held, bought at Target this past year, plug and play video games, but even those do not get played with very often.

But the Wii......ah the Wii! We have found the Wii to be fairly fascinating. My 7 year old nephew has one, and we have been able to play it on occasion. It can be really fun, and really addicting at the same time. Hubby said that if we ever do get a video game system, it would probably be the Wii. So now I have a chance to win one. Well, it's a very VERY slight chance, but a chance nonetheless. I mean, when I commented, there were already over 400 comments/entries, so that's what I mean by a VERY slight chance.

Anyway, Metropolitan Mama is the blog hosting the giveaway. Her post is pretty interesting, talking about childhood memories, about growing up in a home where imagination ran rampant. Her story sounded so much like my own childhood! To enter to win the Wii, you have to comment about 3 childhood memories that involved imaginative play. I love thinking about those days, because despite the fact that we were the ONLY family in the WORLD (or so we thought at that time), who didn't own a TV, we had a fun childhood. Looking back, I can really see the wisdom in my mom, when it came to saying NO TV! She would always say there was way too much garbage on TV. And that was in the 70's! Today it's SO much worse!

So here is my comment on my childhood play (Sorry, but I only had one photo to match the memories. I think I need to take a trip to Mom and Dad's and haul out the photo albums and get a scanner!):

I have 4 brothers and one sister...so we had 4 boys/2 girls. We grew up with no TV...EVER! We certainly grew up with imaginations and a love for reading!
A few of our favorite childhood games:
We too acted like superheroes. My mom had made one of the boys a Superman costume, and a few of them ended up wearing it eventually. I had a leotard and some tights and a knitted shawl, so we all became an imaginary superhero, zooming around the house. I think I was about 10 when I quit doing that.

Another thing that we loved doing, was to play Star Wars with Dad. He would put the Star Wars soundtrack record (yes, vinyl!) on the record player (remember those?), and then he would be Darth Vader. I was always Princess Leia of course, and my brothers were Luke and Han. They would use their invisible but highly sound-effective light sabers against the evil Darth Vader, and they would "rescue" me.

When we were a little younger, and there were only three of us, mom and dad would go to Officers' parties (we're Air Force brats). They would leave a babysitter with us. If it was a sitter we didn't like, we would pretend we could speak a different language, because "our dad was stationed in ....." (which we didn't, and he wasn't). We would carry on a "conversation" and giggle all over the place, because it would make our sitter mad! If it was a sitter we liked, then we would line up the dining room chairs, and put a sheet over them like we were flying on an airplane. Our sitter was our stewardess.

It's really pretty fun to think about those memories. I can think of about a kajillion more if I really sit down and think. And when I get together with my siblings, the memories come flooding back.

I'd love to hear what your favorite childhood memory is!

Have a beautiful weekend,
Angie

Like Shrinky Dinks?

2008-06-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

Then you'll love this great DIY project! I think I want to give it a try myself. I think our 14 year old son would get a kick out of doing this. I found this tutorial on a site called "Poopscape Projects". Weird name, but cool DIY projects! Click on either of the photos, and they will take you to the tutorial.

This is all you need:

This is what you end up with:

Featuring Some Favorites

2008-06-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

I know it's not Monday or Thursday, but I haven't posted in a long time, so I wanted to share some favorites. It has been a SUPER busy past month for us. We just got a little 18 month old boy, whom we will be adopting, so our lives have really REALLY changed! It's good though. We just love him already.

Please enjoy our featured faves:

Monday Minis

2008-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Sweet Saturday

2008-05-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today I want to feature shops from Etsy that I think are "sweet".

Three Thursday Thumbnails

2008-05-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

We're a Finalist in the Photo Contest!!!!!!

2008-05-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

My photo of my son was chosen as one of the 15 finalists in the 5 Minutes for Mom Photo Contest! Please help us out by going and voting for the Rio Oso Designs Photo of my son! Scroll down below the photos, and click to vote for us!

Thank you!
Angie

I Would Really Love to Win This Caboose Trailer Bike for our Son!

2008-05-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

You might have read the previous post. You might have found out that our son had 5 strokes before the age of three. You might have found out that he has weakness (hemi-paresis) on the right side of his body. These things all add up to the fact that it is very difficult for him to ride a bicycle. He has a hard time getting his right foot and leg to work right, and it's very difficult for him to steer or use the brakes correctly with his right hand.

When I saw this Caboose Trailer Bike being given away on the 5 Minutes For Mom blog, I thought "Oh, my goodness! This would be awesome for C!" I knew I had to enter. So here I am posting about it, and I will head back over to the blog and enter to win. Keep your fingers crossed for us!!

Angie

This Picture Could Be Worth $1000!!!

2008-05-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am entering a photo contest on the 5 Minutes For Mom blog. This contest is put on by Egg Beaters, who will be giving away a $1000 American Express Gift Card that can be used any way we want!

I have chosen this photo of my son for a few reasons. First of all, he is a gift from God, and is a miracle. He was born with half of a heart, and had 5 strokes before the age of three. The scar you see on his chest is from the two heart surgeries that he had before he was three years old. The scars on his face, including on the eyebrow, are from when a dog bit him across the face. And what you can't see, is that he walks with a limp and has a weak right side because of one of the strokes. He also takes medication that keeps him from having seizures. Our son is so full of life, and love for others. He will be entering public high school this fall, which will be his first time in public school, after being homeschooled all of his life. His interests are varied, loving to do things like fishing, playing his guitar, drawing (he's a VERY good artist!), camping, playing soccer, and spending time with his family.

This young man is now 14 years old, and is such a blessing to me and to his dad. He is the reason I am a mom. I'm so glad that God chose me to be his mom, and that He brought us through all that He has brought us through. I know that He has an amazing purpose for our son, and I am SO blessed to be a part of that.

To add to how blessed I am, we have just found out that we are going to get a little boy, whom we pray we will be adopting, by the end of May. He is 17 months old, and so our 14 year old will get to be a BIG BROTHER! I get to be doubly blessed, and I am SOOOOO excited!

If my photograph is chosen as one of the top 15 finalists, I will be asking you to go and vote for it, so be ready! :-)

God bless,
Angie

And the Winners Are....

2008-04-27T22:40:00.001-07:00

Ok, now I'm ready! Thanks so much for your patience.

Congratulations to the following people whose names were randomly drawn by my 14 year old son:

Jennifer (tigerjennv) won the two burp cloths from Ambrosia Delights.

Bethany won the custom banner from Rio Oso Designs.

Ney Strokes of Magic won the free advertising spot from The Downtown Boutique.

Thanks so much for commenting, and for visiting the blog!

Angie

Five Piece Fourth of July Minnie Outfit in Size 4/5

2008-04-26T11:33:00.001-07:00

Want this adorable outfit? You can buy it here.

STITCH with the Embroiderers' Guild

2008-04-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this great site that shows you how to create a lot of different stitches! How cool is that?! Here are just a few examples:

Blog Banners and Etsy

2008-04-23T14:01:00.000-07:00

So this morning, I was reading in the forums, and there is a discussion about what it right and what is wrong to sell, if you are selling graphic designs. I sell banners that I create, as well as business card designs, avatars, and other promotional material.

I saw in the discussion that we are not allowed to sell blog banners. I have had a lot of customers who want a banner for their blog, so instead of getting in trouble for selling blog banners through Etsy, I have decided to sell them here.

If you want a custom blog banner, you can now buy one from me here. Please note that the banners you see in this post are only examples of banners that I have made for other people's Etsy shops. I will not ever duplicate a banner exactly, although there may be some similarities. If you click on each picture, you will see a larger image of each banner.

$15.00*

*This will get you up to one hour of custom work for your blog banner. Anything beyond one hour will have added charges.

Bloggy Carnival Giveaways

2008-04-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've heard of Bloggy Carnival Giveaways or not, but they are a fantastic way to get some new traffic to your blog, not to mention give away some awesome products!!

I just happened to find out that there is another Bloggy Carnival Giveaway going on right now, so I wanted in on the action (of course!!).

What am I going to give away this time? Well, a few things....

***#1: I will give away a month of free advertising on our other blog, The Downtown Boutique, for a 125x250 size banner spot. This is a value of $18. Note: We will not link to a site that has vulgar, obscene or otherwise inappropriate material.

***#2: I will give away one custom banner for your website or blog, any size you need, from our Rio Oso Designs Etsy shop. This is a value of $15.

***#3: I will give away 2 OsoBaby flannel burp cloths from our Ambrosia Delights Etsy shop. This is a value of $10.00.

All you need to do to enter, is to let me know which item you would like to win, and why. Please leave only one comment per person, with an easy way to get ahold of you. This contest is open worldwide. Deadline to enter is Saturday, April 26th at midnight PST. We will announce our winners on Sunday afternoon or evening.

Please be sure to visit our shops to see what else we sell! And check out The Downtown Boutique blog to see some amazing and wonderful handmade items. Also be sure to visit the Bloggy Carnival for a BOATLOAD of other great giveaways being held!

Happy Bloggy Carnival!

Angie

Monday Minis

2008-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Thinking Green?

2008-04-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

These days, it seems the most used buzzword around our area of the country is "green". We're talking "green cars", "green/re-usable energy", "green grocery bags", etc. They're even beginning a plastic bag ban in the Bay Area. I'm kind of liking that idea, because then you can carry some fun and funky cloth bags!

I Stumbled Upon this great site that showcases "Great Green Goods". Check out some of the items they're featuring:

Win a $30 Gift Certificate from Sher's Wares

2008-04-18T10:55:00.001-07:00

I subscribe to a blog called "Seven Dogs and a Baby". In my email today, I got her update, saying that Sher's Wares is giving away a $30 gift certificate. I had to check it out, because in the email, I saw this gorgeous baby bracelet:

So to enter to win, you have to check out the Sher's Wares website, and go back and comment on Seven Dogs and a Baby, about what you would buy if you won the gift certificate. I don't have a little girl, but I do have a 7 month old niece for whom the bracelet would be just perfect!

If I win the gift certificate, here is a sampling of what I would buy:

Three Thursday Thumbnails

2008-04-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

A Cool Find That I Stumbled Upon...

2008-04-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

I love the "Stumble Upon" button on my computer. It brings me to some really cool sites where things are handmade. Check out this site that I stumbled upon today:

Win This!

2008-04-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just click on the image to find out how to win!

Monday Minis

2008-04-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Three Thursday Thumbnails

2008-04-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

I've Been Featured on Another Blog!

2008-04-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Normally I am the one doing the featuring of other fabulous artists. Well, now I've been featured by a wonderful Etsian, JLC Studio. Jennifer has an amazing blog where she has a segment called "Weekly Win It!", and I am the featured artist this week.

And guess what?!! I'm giving something away! What is it? Well, of course it's a custom banner for your Etsy shop, blog, or website! Go check out Jennifer's blog and let me know what you think. Oh yeah! And don't forget to enter to win the custom banner!

Here's a sampling of some of the banners I've created:

Thank you so much for checking us out! Have a great day!

Angie

Show and Tell

2008-04-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

I just bought two gorgeous pairs of earrings from two different Etsy shops. I have to say that I am an earring fanatic. Seriously. I think I probably have close to 50 pairs of earrings. Well, for me, that's a lot. So it couldn't hurt to add two more pairs, and especially two pairs that are SO pretty! Check 'em out:

From Hazel Designs

From lildid Creations

Now go buy some earrings! You'll be glad you did!

Angie

Monday Minis -- Featuring Etsy Shops from Italy, Brazil, and Japan

2008-04-07T11:10:00.000-07:00

Need a blog banner?

2008-04-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

Are you bored with your blog banner? Do you even have a blog banner? Do you want one? I would love to make one for you! I charge $15 for custom blog banners. If you're interested, please visit Rio Oso Designs or email me.

On another note, we are wanting to start a new feature for Mondays, here on the Rio Oso Designs blog. We're looking for an alliterative title. We have "Thursday Thumbnails" here. On our other blog, The Downtown Boutique, we have "Tots on Tuesdays", "Wordless Wednesdays", and "Friday Features". So please help me come up with a great feature name!

Have a great day!
Angie

Why Not Make it Three Thursday Thumbnails?

2008-04-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Another Thursday Thumbnail

2008-04-03T17:23:00.000-07:00

New Feature!! Thursday Thumbnails

2008-04-03T09:27:00.000-07:00

We're giving away free advertising!

2008-03-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Update: These have all been given away. Congratulations to all of our winners. Be sure to check The Downtown Boutique on a weekly basis, because we have at least 2 giveaways a week, not to mention some other great features!

Yes, it's true. We are giving away two free advertising spots on The Downtown Boutique. You can find out more about it here: We've Hit 5000!!!

You can also try to win this zippered coin purse from Ramsden Designs.

And, you can try to win this magnet set and notecards from Dirty Pretty Things.

So head on over to The Downtown Boutique and check it out!

Have a great day!

Angie

How to Get Featured on The Downtown Boutique

2008-03-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Maybe you've heard of The Downtown Boutique, and maybe you haven't. The Downtown Boutique is a blog that I created in order to help promote crafters and artists, by showcasing their handmade products, and letting others know a little about them.

We began The Downtown Boutique on January 21, 2008, and have since had almost 5000 hits from over 40 different countries across the globe. We averaging about 100-140 hits a day right now.

We have two different features that we post about on a regular basis:

Tots on Tuesdays--featuring handmade items especially for kids

Friday Features--featuring handmade products and gifts for all ages.

If you're interested in being featured, we only ask a few things of you: We ask that you would be willing to do a giveaway. The retail value for the Tots on Tuesdays giveaways must be at least $10. The retail value of the Friday Features giveaways must be at least $15. The reason for the difference in price, is because we are doing a full interview feature on the Friday Features. The Tots on Tuesdays features is not a full interview, so we ask a little less of you. Giveaways run for one week. We also ask that you be willing to ship overseas, as we have a LOT of overseas visitors who frequent our blog on a regular basis.

Sound like something you'd like to do? We'd love to get you on the calendar. Please know that we choose our featured artists and crafters very carefully, based on quality of item, quality of photos we use, and what we think our readers will be interested in. We will not accept anything that is not family friendly. No vulgar, obscene or inappropriate material please.

Drop us a line, and we'll get you on the calendar!

Don't forget, you can advertise with us too!

Have a great day!

Angie

A Little About Angie

2008-03-07T11:04:00.001-08:00

Ok, I guess it's time for me to introduce myself a little better, and give you a wee glimpse into my crazy hectic life. Life really isn't that crazy and hectic, but it sure does feel that way sometimes!

I am a 37 year old Christian stay at home wife and mom. I met my hubby on eHarmony, and the rest is history. God really orchestrated our meeting, because my husband is everything I have always prayed for, and MORE! He has become a wonderful father to my 14 year old son, stepping into the role like it was especially created for him...and it was! My husband is a Godly man, and a wonderful husband and father. He never raises his voice unless he's really excited about something. He has lovingly taught our son and me to fish, and has sat back in the shadows while I have outfished him for the past three years! He is an elder in our church, and is involved in a Men's Prayer Ministry, he teaches Sunday School, and helps out in the Junior High youth group. He's an awesome son to his wonderful parents, and he's a great brother and uncle too.

Speaking of my son, he is a heart and stroke patient, having been born with only 1/2 of his heart. Before he was 3 years old, he had had two major surgeries on his heart, and then proceeded to have FIVE strokes! He is such a blessing and a miracle, but my heart aches that he has to deal with all of this. We have always homeschooled him, but next year he will be going to public school for the first time in his life! We're a little scared (well, I am anyways), but we really think this is going to be a great time for him. He is currently involved in jujitsu, and doing very well, in spite of his disabilities. He loves to help out at church, helping us teach Sunday School, hanging out in the Junior High youth group, and helping babysit the little one I watch.

Oh, you want to hear more about ME? Drats! Ok, I am the second oldest of 7 children (the youngest was adopted), born to an Oklahoma Air Force man, and an Ohio teacher. I have lived overseas...in Okinawa. I love to travel and see different areas of the country. One of my favorite places to visit is Branson, Missouri. Some day I would love to visit the East Coast and all the amazing historical places. I love US History, and this would be a fun trip! I am even hoping to travel with my family to Ireland, where one of our pastors from our church is going with his wife to be a missionary and plant a church!

I do many many things, including sewing, making jewelry, making greeting cards, scrapbooking (paper and digital), cross stitch (but not in quite awhile), baking, blogging, and making banners, business cards and more for fellow Etsians. I enjoy reading historical Christian fiction, and Christian mysteries (particularly from Dee Henderson). I love to go fishing with my family, and even enjoy our week-long extended family camping trip at a northern California lake.

I love children, and currently babysit a 2 year old who has been with us since he was 5 months old. My husband and I are wanting more children, and feel that the Lord is leading us to adopt. We are licensed foster parents, hoping to adopt soon. It's been a long road, but we know God is with us the entire way.

I have three blogs, and two Etsy shops, because I think I have ADD when it comes to doing the things I do. And yes, it keeps me pretty busy! You can check them out here, and let me know what you think:

This blog of course.

Ambrosia Delights Blog

The Downtown Boutique Blog

Ambrosia Delights Etsy Shop

Rio Oso Designs Etsy Shop

I sing on our church's worship team, and really enjoy it. I am also involved in a once a month "Girls' Night Out" with some very close friends from church. This is a time where we are able to get together at one of our homes for about 5-6 hours and just chat and laugh and eat. I would highly encourage you to get involved in something like this, if you aren't already. It's such a blessing to have these ladies as close friends, and be able to just visit with them for so long! It's really a treat for me.

Well, I think that's enough about me. Thanks for taking the time to read about my life, and thanks for indulging me by allowing all the photos.

Have a blessed day and don't forget to head over to my other blog, The Downtown Boutique, to enter for the giveaways during the Ultimate Blog Party.

Angie

Gearing Up for the Ultimate Blog Party

2008-03-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

Hi there. I'm Angie, the owner of this blog, as well as two other blogs, and two Etsy shops (Ambrosia Delights and Rio Oso Designs). You might have heard of me through any of these venues, but especially through The Downtown Boutique blog. I tend to stay really busy between all of these online adventures; not to mention my homeschooling, babysitting, church participation, and last, but definitely not least, being a wife and mom.

Well, we're fixin' to get just a little busier for the next week, and believe it or not, I'm REALLY excited about it! Let me just tell you a bit about The Downtown Boutique. We wanted to help promote other artists, crafters, entrepreneurs, mompreneurs, etc.

With all the warnings out these days about lead, and other toxins in products made in China, we wanted to offer a safe and beautiful place to purchase handmade products. And so The Downtown Boutique was born.

Since the conception of The Downtown Boutique, we have had over 3000 hits! I'm so excited, because yesterday, we had the most hits ever in one day: 230! And we're well on our way to that today. We are averaging anywhere between 60 and 90 hits a day, and we have had visitors from over 35 different countries across the globe!

We offer so many ways to be featured on The Downtown Boutique, including being a sponsor, by advertising, and being chosen for "My Faves". Of course, we can't forget the "Friday Features", where we introduce you to an artist or crafter, and give away one (or more) of their products.

And then there's the "Tots on Tuesdays" feature, where we feature SAFE, handmade gifts, clothing, toys and just basic gear for babies and children; featuring one specific artist/crafter. We give something away on Tuesdays too!

Starting tomorrow, we're going to shake things up a bit and throw a great BIG party! You can read more about the Ultimate Blog Party on your own. Let's get to the GOOD stuff! We have EIGHT different giveaways going on from March 7th through the 14th! These items will be listed tomorrow...the 7th.

You can enter to win one of these great items, by commenting on which one you would like to win. Be sure to leave a VALID email address so that we can get ahold of you when you win! If we don't have any way of getting ahold of you, we will choose another winner. You can enter your email address like this (for safety):

myemailaddress (at) yahoo (dot) com

We will not share any of your information with ANY other company, so you can feel confident in entering these giveaways.

Here is the list of people who will be giving something away:

So put on your party hat, and we'll get this party started in just under 24 hours!! See you there!!

Have a great day!

Angie

CUTE Easter Greeting/Photo Cards

2008-02-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

Look at this DARLING Easter Greeting Card from Cottonwood Creek on Etsy.com! What fun this would be to send out Easter greeting/photo cards like this. This comes from my good friend Rachel, with whom I attend church. She also has some very sweet birth announcements, birthday invitations, and more.

Check out some of her products:

Advertise on The Downtown Boutique

2008-02-19T17:41:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! We have a Banner Giveaway Winner!

2008-02-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Veronica of Sleepless Nights. She is the winner of our FREE Banner Giveaway!

Thank you to all of you who left such wonderful comments, and entered to win the giveaway. This has gone so well, that I just might do another drawing for another free banner next month! Please keep us bookmarked to find out.

Also, go and check out the fabulous giveaway from Veronica Willingham Jewelry on our other blog, The Downtown Boutique.

Have a great day!
Angie

Bloggy Giveaway!!!

2008-01-30T12:14:00.001-08:00

It's been such a long time since I've posted (except for about the new blog)! Sorry about that. I was trying to be so good at it, and hopefully I will again. I need to go prowling through Etsy to see what wondrous treasures I can post.

But in the meantime, I found the Bloggy Giveaways post over at Rocks in My Dryer. I'm doing a giveaway over at The Downtown Boutique during the month of February (and every month!), so I thought I'd do one here too.

What's my giveaway you ask? Well, I will be giving a CUSTOM banner for your Etsy shop, your blog, or whatever site you would use a banner for. The banners shown are only examples of banners I have made. I do not duplicate any banner 100%. Some may be similar, but they will never be exactly the same. To see some of my banner designs, please check out my Flickr Set of banners, or check us out on Etsy.

Please leave only one comment per person. Please make sure I have a way to contact you. A random drawing will be held on February 16th.

Have fun!

Angie

Want to Get Published?

2008-01-21T22:05:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to announce my new blog: The Downtown Boutique. This new blog is an exclusive "downtown" feeling place to find some fantastic handmade gifts online. I will be offering advertising in a couple of different levels for those who are interested: 10 "Featured Article" spots with a banner linking to your shop, per month; 15 banner (125x60) spots per month; and 30 "Link Listings" per month.

If you love to shop, this will be a wonderful place for you to grab a cup of hot chocolate, your fuzzy slippers and your jammies, and find gifts for everyone in your family.

If you are an artist or crafter, this could be a great venue for you to get seen. If you are interested in finding out more about advertising, please email us at rioosodesigns@sbcglobal.net.

Have an awesome day!

Angie

WOW! Time flies when you're not having fun!

2008-01-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

My goodness! It's already a new year, and I have not posted on my blog since December 17th. Shame on me! But I have a great excuse...I've had this wicked little mutating cold that keeps coming back. It's kind of like the little mucous guy on the Mucinex commercial...he's come to live in my chest! I have had sniffles, a cough, a sore throat, more sniffles, a worse cough, and finally we found out last week that I have bronchitis. URG!!! What a bad time to be sick...over Christmas...but then I was in some GOOD company there! My hubby and son were/are sick, and so were my two sisters-in-law, my niece, my nephew, and my mother and father-in-law. Goodness gracious! Can we be done with this please?

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We sure did! My hubby and I both got each other brand new thin-line ESV Bibles. Cool! He also got me a comfy, cozy, fuzzy green blanket; a very cool Zyliss mandolin for slicing veggies and other things (which yes, I already cut myself on!), and the DVD of The Nativity Story movie. He got me some other nice gifts as well. I also got a brand new red Cuisinart teakettle, a gift certificate from one of my favorite clothing stores, a new cookbook, two new chips for my karaoke machine, and a wonderful Chinese teacup that has a strainer and a lid! And my precious 14 year old, who knows that I LOVE snowpeople, got me a darling soap dispenser that is shaped like two cute snowpeople standing together. I LOVE it! My parents sent money for us to be able to fly out there and visit soon. YAY!

God has really blessed us this past year, and I pray that we will be able to be a huge blessing to others. After all, everything that we have is His, is from Him, and is for His service.

Thanks for reading, and have a blessed day!

Angie

PS...I will begin to feature more Etsy products here pretty soon...when I'm feeling a little better.

I Just Bought Myself Some Great Items From Etsy.com!

2007-12-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

My Christmas stocking is a beautiful and precious stocking. It was made 37 years ago by my mom's Great Aunt Eva, who is no longer with us. It was for my first Christmas, and is pink and white with a "toy mobile" on it...done in felt and sequins and embroidery floss and beads, and braids. I LOVE it! But alas, it has gotten more fragile with each passing year, so I decided to retire it, so that it wouldn't completely disintegrate.

So what did I do? I purchased a gorgeous handmade stocking from BarbarasCrafts on Etsy.com. What do you think?

While I was on Etsy.com last night, I also was flipping through the cool new device on Etsy, called "Pounce". I was having WAY too much fun looking at things! I found these fun magnets that I can use on my overcrowded and outdated refrigerator. I need to spice things up a little. After all, we live in a small apartment with an even smaller and very crowded kitchen. Our cabinets are just Colonial White. We can't paint them. Our refrigerator is...you guessed it...Colonial White, or at least some color close to that...maybe it's Almond or Eggshell, or Colonial Almond Eggshell! Anyways, I wanted some new fridge magnets, and when I found these from MissChief, and at such a great price, I just HAD to get them!!!

Well, thanks for looking and God bless!

Angie

Merry Christmas to All of our Dear Friends, Family, and Customers!

2007-12-14T18:17:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take this time (before I forget!!!) to wish each and every one of you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year! This year has definitely had its ups and downs, and the scale has proven that to be all too true!

We have been so blessed by God this year!

He allowed us to take a wonderful week long trip to Hawaii with our 14 year old son, and my hubby's brother and his wife.

We were able to attend one of my husband's best friend's wedding, where my husband actually officiated the wedding. I was a pastor's wife for a day!

We went to Scott's Flat Lake in northern California for a wonderful 5 day "vacation" with my inlaws. Is camping ever truly a vacation??? I think NOT!

We became licensed foster parents and are still waiting for our precious little one to come into our home.

We celebrated our first Etsy sale (Ambrosia Delights Shop) in April, after waiting 6 months and forgetting that we even had an Etsy shop!

We opened our second Etsy shop, Rio Oso Designs in late May, selling banners, business card design, and other digital design products, and have FAR exceeded our first shop in sales!

My husband and his dad got to go on not just one, but THREE hunting trips this year. They didn't bring anything back, but some of the other guys they always hunt with, got bucks, so we got some yummy deer meat!

Our son was promoted in his jujitsu class and should be getting his third belt any time now.

My husband and I were both able to go to our church's Men's retreat and Women's retreat (in that order of course), on God. He totally paid the way for both of us to attend our retreats!!

Our church ordained a brand new worship pastor, who we are really excited about. He and his family have such a passion for God, and I am thrilled to be able to be a part of our worship team.

My brother-in-law and his wife had a precious baby girl in August!! Yay! Finally a girl in the family!

God has really worked in our hearts and taught us so many things about Himself, and about ourselves. He has given us a stronger love for one another, even though we had to go through some rocky spots to get there. I am learning that God really wants to shape me and mold me, but I have to be willing. I have fought that process, and He has gently and lovingly carried me through, once I was willing to allow Him to work.

I just am so thankful for God's love, for the love of my husband, and the love of my son.

I am thankful for the once a month Friday Night Girls' Night Out with some of the most wonderful friends in the world. I can be myself and you still love me!!

I am thankful for the wonderful relationship I have with my inlaws and with my own family. I miss my family in New Mexico, but I thank God for the wonderful mom and dad I have here!!

I thank God for my CUSTOMERS! You have helped our family make it through some tough financial times after we dropped down to only babysitting one child, from having been watching 2-3 kiddos! Without God, and my fantastic customers, we would've had some REALLY lean months!!

Speaking of kiddos, I am grateful for the family whose little boy I watch. He turns two tomorrow, and he is SUCH a bundle of energy and of joy right now. He so fun and has this hilarious little personality. We are so grateful to have you as friends, Donna and Andrew. Thank you for entrusting us with your precious cargo!!

I guess I had better end this soon. Thank you to all of my readers. It's been a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to all that next year will bring.

GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU!

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his command I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:

You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock--the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.

Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.

You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.

Deuteronomy 28:1-6

I just found my new favorite website! Wrapables.com!

2007-12-14T12:42:00.001-08:00

As usual, I was surfing through some blogs today, and I found what looked like a Flickr photo montage, but when I clicked on it, it showed items from this very cool website...Wrapables.com. I am in love! Well, not really. But there are SOOOO many things that I would LOVE to get from here. Santa, is it too late?

I know they're not handmade, but they're so very neato! I signed the "BUY HANDMADE" pledge for Christmas shopping, so I can't buy them for myself. Drats! Maybe for Valentine's! But if you're wanting to surprise me, and buy me something for Christmas or New Years, feel free! :-)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Angie

What Puddle Hoppers is Giving Away...

2007-12-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

I have been spending SOOOOO much time on other blogs, and just loving everything that I see. I stumbled upon such a sweet blog called Sweet Cottage Dreams, and I have loved reading and drooling over her gorgeous photographs of her home all decked out for Christmas. I have also been checking out some of her favorite bloggers. I found one of her favorites called Contest Addict, where I found out about Puddle Hopper's giveaway.

So this is where it gets really fun. Puddle Hopper's author is a Christian, which is very exciting to me, as I am also a Christian, and I LOVE finding out about other Christians on the web. Anyways, Puddle Hopper's is giving away a beautiful TUTU! Now granted, I only have a handsome 14 year old prince, but I do have a beautiful little princess sister, and a brand new little princess neice. (We are still waiting for our little princess--or another prince.) This could be a lot of fun. Now I just have to figure out who to give this little tutu to when I win! :-)

Thanks for looking and God bless,

Angie

UPDATE: I WON!!! I'm so excited! I am getting the tutu for my brand new little niece for when she is older. Thank you Puddle Hopper!

Great Gifts for the Fun Kiddos in Your Life!

2007-12-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

There's only 12 more days until Christmas,

but birthdays happen all year long,

so why not do some birthday shopping on Etsy.com?

Can you BELIEVE how many cool things there are out there for kids, that aren't commercialized and that hopefully DON'T contain lead?

Indian Headdress-The Matosapa from World of Whimm

Set of 7 Buzzlewic Coloring Books from Tricia Courtney.

Stock Car Race Car Step Stool from Tots Only.

Two Bite Cake Playtime Bake Set from Puka Shell.

"Benedict" from Little Red Pear.

Wooden Chicken Puzzle from Dsthings.

Puzzle Piece Shaped Soaps from Victoria's SudsnSoaps.

Thanks for looking and God bless!
Angie

I've GOT to get things done today!

2007-12-12T09:45:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm a little behind on things, what with being sick and all. So today, I will only feature one item...something new I found on Etsy.com. This is a cute, cute, cute roll-up nap pad (they call it Nap and Roll) from Zany Baby, that your little one can just carry with them, wherever they go! Isn't it just the funnest thing???!!!

Thanks for looking, and God bless!

Angie

I'm So Sick of Being Sick!

2007-12-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

I know I said that I would post something every day until Christmas, featuring various Etsy artists and crafters. But I have been sick! I am really tired of coughing and having a stuffy nose and congestion. I have been taking quite a bit of medicine each night in order to just sleep. I still wake up coughing in the middle of the night. But I have been off for four days now, so it has helped to be able to sleep in a little...ok, a LOT!

That being said, let me get back to the task at hand...featuring some wonderful handmade items from Etsy:

Run, Daisy Run Hair Flair from Daisy Chains on Etsy.com.

Looby Lou Obi Belt in Sakur/Cherry Blossom Design from Looby Lou Crafts on Etsy.com.

Faux Very Cherry Pink Cupcake from Jenni B Originals on Etsy.com. Did you know Jenni B was featured on the Martha Stewart Show? Cool, huh?!

Eighth Note Earth and Water - Sterling Earrings from Girl Gone Mod on Etsy.com.

Thanks for looking and God bless!

Angie

Gifting Isn't Just for Christmas

2007-12-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas is only 16 days away. Are you finished shopping? I'm not! But that's ok, because that's not what Christmas is all about, right?

Here are some more wonderful items from some very talented crafters and artists at Etsy.com.

Bubbletree-Original Handcut Art from Bitty Starr on Etsy.com.

Sleek Narrow Blue Dichroic Pendant from TN Glass Stains on Etsy.com.

Orange Fall Scarf from Bacon Pecan Pie on Etsy.com.

Theater Bag from Armstrong Industry on Etsy.com.

Thanks for looking and God bless,

Angie

Want to Know the History Behind Some Great Christmas Traditions?

2007-12-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

If you do, then check out my other blog:

Ambrosia Delights

Thanks for looking, and God bless!
Angie

Were You in the Running?

2007-12-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

I posted a thread in Etsy to find people who would like an item from their shop featured on my blog. Some of them made it into my Favorites. You can see them in the EtsyMini to the right of the page here. Others will be featured as I am able to get to them.

Here are some now. If you click on the picture, it will take you to that person's Etsy shop.

I know it's only four, but I got such a huge response, that I will be doing more, a little at a time.

Do You Want Your Item to be Featured?

2007-12-07T09:14:00.000-08:00

I am looking for some GREAT handmade items to feature today. If you comment on any of the previous four posts on my blog, I will put you in the running to have an item from your Etsy shop featured.

Be sure to mention "in the running" in your comment! And comment on this post so I know you commented somewhere! :-) Hope that all makes sense!

Also, please make sure I know where to find you on Etsy!

Some Beautiful Winter and Christmas Items from Etsy

2007-12-06T10:50:00.001-08:00

Softie Snowman Ornament from Urban Paisley.

Winter Bungalow--a Stitched Home from Stephanie Dos Reis.

Blue Poinsettia Glove Wreath from Little Bit Crafts.

Sweet and Sugary Aqua Glittered Snowflake Box from LeesieBella.

Polka Dot Christmas Stockings from Jump Up and Down.

In the Meadow We Can Build a Snowman Primitive Winter Christmas Wood Sign

from Penn Street Primitives.

Adoption Fundraising

2007-12-04T10:55:00.001-08:00

Hello to all of my readers. Once again, I am posting something that is not a plug for Etsy. This one is much more important to me, and closer to my heart, than Etsy. Sorry! I really like Etsy, but I LOVE babies.

We have been put in the running as a family waiting to adopt a precious little baby. The baby is due to be born in February, and we have spoken to the birth mom twice now. We will be meeting with her sometime this week so that she can get to know our little family and see if we will be a great family for her precious little gift.

One of the things that comes with having children is the added financial need, and with adoption, it is no different; sometimes it is even more costly. This birth mom is going through an established adoption agency/attorney. She will not have to pay for anything while going through this process. We, however, will be responsible for roughly 1/3 of the costs involved. As some of you may know adoption costs, including lawyer fees can really stack up.

We are trying to put aside some money for our part of things, regardless of whether this particular birth mom chooses us or not. You may have noticed the advertisements on the bottom right of this blog. We are able to make a little commission when you click through to these shops and purchase something from them. We will be adding a few more as we are able. We will be taking all commissions made from these shops and putting them in our "Adoption Fund". Thank you so much for helping us out! We really appreciate your generosity!

Have a blessed day!

Angie

Challies.com December Giveaway--Modern Parables

2007-12-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it's not about Etsy this time. But my husband reads a blog called Challies.com all the time, and they have this really great giveaway right now.

Tim Challies is the author of the blog, which is a full-time job for him. He does live blogs while at Christian conferences throughout the year, all across the nation. He does book reviews on an almost daily basis. He is currently a brand new author, of his first book, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment. He also does giveaways each month from some of his sponsors.

This month, the giveaway is for a fantastic DVD set called Modern Parables. "Modern Parables is “an original Bible study curriculum designed for people who like movies. It is the first in a planned series of film-driven studies on the parables. The films are uniquely designed to parallel the original parable and thereby drive the viewer back toward the Biblical text. The 12-lesson study (with 6 additional lessons on cinema and theology) uses short dramatic films that explain Jesus’ parables using the particular strength of the cinematic medium. In other words, just watching the films helps teach the historical, grammatical, contextual and interpretive elements in the parables.”

You can read Tim Challies' review of this DVD set here. If you enter to win this DVD set, please use our referral ID # which is 40928. This will allow us to have more chances to win.

Thank you for reading this, and allowing me to digress from the Etsy promotional content you are used to in this blog.

Have a great day and God bless!

Angie

Only 22 Days Until Christmas...Are You Done Shopping?

2007-12-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

If you're still looking for some great gifts for Christmas, check out these gorgeous items I found on Etsy.com!

"I Wish I Might" limited edition print from Stephanie Fizer at Etsy.com.

Pink Shabby Chic Christmas Tree from RicRacSally at Etsy.com. Black Filigree Long Sleeved Tee from Stevester on Etsy.com.

Queen Dragonfly Zipper Pouch from Murwati at Etsy.com.

Christmas Gifts for Girls from Etsy!

2007-12-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Green Apples Outfit in Size 4T from Ambrosia Delights.

Modern Monogram Sparkling Stool from Ellie Cates.

Dressup Petal Tutu Skirt from Junebug Dressup.

Baby's First Birthday Bracelet from MiniBelle.

Is Miss Ladybug Made Out of Poppies?

2007-11-30T11:50:00.000-08:00

Isn't this just the most darling piece of artwork? This little boy with his freckles, his slouched sock and the hole in his sweater sleeve, is just intently studying Little Miss Ladybug. I love this! This is a from a new artist at Etsy.com--HidenSeek.

Etsy Finds!

2007-11-30T10:50:00.001-08:00

You can find this gorgeous necklace at Broken Teepee Designs on Etsy.com.

Going, Going, Gone at Etsy.com!

2007-11-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Have you been to Etsy lately? Have you seen the Time Machine 2 feature called "Expiring Soon"? Well, I'm pretty proud of that feature, because it was my idea! YAY! Jared saw the idea listed in the forums, and ran with it. So, I took a little trip through the Time Machine to see if I could find some cool stuff that is expiring soon. If you haven't taken that trip yet, you should! There are some really great finds there! I couldn't limit myself to just one for this post, so thank you for indulging me, while I share some of my favorites from the Expiring Soon Time Machine!

by Ambrosia Delights (yes, that's my other shop!)

by Meeting Street Designs (Mary Marsh)

by Little Pig Studio

by Montezuma Mudd

by La Loma Studios

by CLJ Designs

NOW GO do some shopping!!! Thanks for looking!

Angie

Guys Need Pampering Too!

2007-11-28T10:42:00.001-08:00

This men's Spa Set can be purchased from Spa Therapy at Etsy.com

Mama's Little Helper Needs Her Own Apron

2007-11-28T10:26:00.001-08:00

You can purchase this apron from Sugar Chic Baby on Etsy.

Lay This Blanket Under Your Tree...

2007-11-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

...for the little baby boy in your life.

This OsoBaby blanket can be found at AmbrosiaDelights.etsy.com

This Belongs Around Your Wrist!

2007-11-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

This GORgeous bracelet can be found at Ophelia's Jewels on Etsy.com

Oh! I Would LOVE For This to Show up Under the Tree!!!

2007-11-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

From Burst of Happiness in Albuquerque, NM.

What I Would Love For Christmas

2007-11-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

A baby girl that could wear this outfit:

from Fussy Couture.

Etsy Artist Feature No. 2 -- Paperhill Studios

2007-11-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over. There are turkey leftovers in the refrigerator and freezer. Christmas music is playing on the radio. Many have already put up their Christmas decorations, and others still, have put up their Christmas trees. That must mean that Christmas is getting closer! In fact, there are only 30 days until Christmas. Have you begun your shopping, or is it all done? I've barely started, but I have an idea that I'll be doing some shopping on Etsy.com. A great place to start is Paperhill Studios; where you can find unique gifts with vintage flair.

Grab a mug of hot cocoa, get your comfy slippers on, settle back, and meet Susan who is the creative force behind Paperhill.

Susan, please tell us a little about yourself.

Hello, my name is Susan. I am married to Peter and have three beautiful children. A daughter and two sons, they are 8, 6 & 2. I'm a stay home mother. We live in the same town I was born & raised. Eight years ago we bought my dream home, a lovely old farmhouse built in 1890. I grew up around the corner and admired the home all my life. I love crafting, I've tried everything! I love to cook. We enjoy having our friends & family over. Oh, I'll be 40 soon! I am so truly blessed.

Wow! Your home sounds lovely! One of these days....

So, Susan, how did you get started in your crafting?

My crafting has evolved over the years. I have always enjoyed making things from the time I was little. Once I was home and having my children my need to create really took hold. I bought a sewing machine and taught myself to sew. I knit a little, easy things like scarves & mittens. I love to scrapbook! I've got albums filled with precious memories. For awhile I sold rubber stamps and made tons of cards! I was a permanant fixture on split coast stampers. I love papers. Then came the estate sales. I was always thinking what I could make from these lovely things I find. I actually went to a class and they made frames covered with scrapbook paper. When I came home I took out the left over wallpaper from my dining room and made a frame with it. Then I tried it with the vintage wallpaper and it all kind of took off from there. I'm always thinking of ways to use my wallpaper. So came the journals, pens, notecards, etc. The possibilities are endless! Vintage is so popular and so fitting for my home & taste, it just seemed like the perfect fit!

Well, how did you find Etsy.com, and how long have you been selling there?

I found out about Etsy thru Ali Edwards blog. For those of you who might not know her she is big in the scrapbooking world and Creating Keepsakes Magazine. I opened my account with Etsy in June but did not open shop until the middle of August.

And we're so glad that you're here! What are your favorite items to create?

I think my favorite item to make is my picture frames, no two are exactly alike. I don't like to make the same thing over & over so embellishing them is the best part!

Susan, now that you've been around Etsy for a little while, can you share with us who your favorite Etsy seller is?

I have alot of favorites on Etsy but if I have to pick just one, then it's Fringe. I just purchased one of her gorgeous scarves as a gift to myself!

Thank you so much Susan, for taking the time out of your Thanksgiving holiday, to share with us a little peek into your life. We hope and pray that your shop does very well.

Be sure to check out Susan's wonderful and unique products at Paperhill Studios.

Thanks for looking and God bless!

Angie

Etsy Artist Feature No. 1 -- Cavendish Soapworks

2007-11-20T09:08:00.000-08:00

I have been featuring various groups of Etsy artists and crafters since I started this blog in October. I now would love to feature individual artists. Don't worry, I will still have my "Group" features too.

I found this great little shop on Etsy that has some really amazing looking bath and body products. I haven't purchased any as of yet, because I don't exactly have the money right now. But I do plan to be a customer of Cavendish Soapworks when I am able.

Here's a little about Kathleen and Cavendish Soapworks:

I'm a 36 yr old mother of 3 little girls, married for 11 years. I live in Prince Edward Island which is Canada's smallest province and on the east coast. I work from home here in a little community called Cavendish which is home to writer Lucy Maude Montgomery, famed author of Anne of Green Gables. You may or may not have heard of it but it's a big deal in these parts and Anne is known around the world. Especially popular with Japanese girls. We run a seasonal tourism business which includes accommodations, a restaurant and giftshop/gallery. My interests include cooking, painting and swimming but my children keep me pretty busy for the most part. That's pretty much me in a nutshell, nothing too exciting!

How did you get started with your craft?

I got started making soap by accident. I have had psoriasis all my life and while my case is pretty minor it's always been something that's bothered me. I have never liked taking any of the traditional remedies available which include steroids, coal tar creams (yuck!), sunlight therapy (skin cancer anyone?) and various other drugs. I stumbled upon a forum late one night while searching for some more natural remedies and someone had mentioned that handmade soap is so much milder and gentler than any mass produced store bought soap. I love making anything with my hands so I decided to give it a try. I started reading and researching and finally made some for myself. Now I'm not saying that my soap will cure ANY condition but for myself I saw a marked improvement in my skin . It was less dry and itchy and it just looked better. I started selling my wares here locally several years ago but made the leap to Etsy just recently.

How did you find out about Etsy, and how long have you been selling on Etsy?

I honestly don't remember how I learned of Etsy. I'm sure it was from one of the forums I belong to but I can't say for certain. I poked around for most of last winter and finally joined this Fall and started listing in October. So far the response has been great! It's a lot more work than I expected but it's been a good exercise.

What are your favorite items to create?

By far the thing I most enjoy creating is soap. I do make a few other items including candles but soap is my first love. I lay awake at night sometimes thinking about what my next batch should be, what colour fits and deciding on the perfect fragrance to use. I'm sure we all do the same no matter what art/craft we make.

Name one of your favorite Etsy sellers/shops.

This last question is not fair! I've had my eye on the laptop sleeves from JanineKing (I hope that's right) lately, they look lovely. I don't even own a laptop yet but when I do I know where I'm getting the bag to put it in! I'm not much of a jewelry wearer so I just enjoy window shopping for those items. Honestly there is so much great stuff here how could I choose?

Well, there you have it. Kathleen, thanks so much for sharing about yourself and your business. By the way, I LOVE Anne of Green Gables!!!

Be sure to check out Cavendish Soapworks on Etsy.com.

Thanks for looking and God bless,

Angie

Brrrr! Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2007-11-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

Across the northern hemisphere, winter is coming! Temperatures are dropping, noses are getting cold, frost is found on the windowpanes. It's COLD outside! Even here in the Bay Area of California, it's getting chilly! My hands and feet stay cold once the temperature drops with the leaves!

Here are some GORGEOUS ways to keep warm this winter. Click on the picture, and you can see each Etsy shop name under the image of their neckwarmer.

Have a wonderful day and God bless!

PS...only 41 more days until Christmas!

Angie

Jewelry Makes a Fantastic Stocking Stuffer!

2007-11-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

Guys! Check it out! We've done all the work for you....picked out some gorgeous jewelry pieces that would tuck nicely into your wife's Christmas stocking. This jewelry is all handmade by some amazing jewelry artisans at Etsy.com. Just click on the image, and you will be able to see a larger image and see which shops to visit.

Remember....Christmas is only 45 days away!

God bless, and have a wonderful day!

Angie

Baby's First Christmas Part 2

2007-11-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

Only 52 days until Christmas, and here are some great ideas for Baby's First Christmas. Check them out! Their Etsy shop URL's are right on each picture.

Thanks for looking and have a blessed day!

Angie

Only 60 Days Until Baby's First Christmas Part 1

2007-10-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Christmas is only 60 days away! It seems like it should be longer, just because I have SOOOO much to do, and just not enough money or time to do it. I'm sure you can relate, right?

Well, I want to help you with your Christmas shopping for Baby's First Christmas. I have selected several crafters from Etsy to "showcase" their items that would be perfect for Baby's First Christmas. Check them out here:

Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2 of Baby's First Christmas!

Thanks for looking and have a blessed day!

Angie

Welcome to Rio Oso Designs

2007-10-24T10:11:00.001-07:00

Hello, and welcome to the Rio Oso Designs blog. This blog is designed to help promote one of my favorite places on the web: Etsy.com. Etsy is your place to buy and sell handmade. I plan on showing up every now and then with some of my own personal favorites from Etsy shops. Be sure to check back to see if your item will be one of them!

If you would like to be featured on this blog, please convo us at our shop, Rio Oso Designs. We are looking to feature a great many crafters and artists from all over the world.

Do you have the perfect Christmas gift for Baby's First Christmas? My next blog entry will be focusing on this very theme, so if you have the perfect gift, please tell us about it!

In the meantime, take a look at some of our brand new Christmas and holiday banners that we have for sale at Rio Oso Designs.

Thanks for looking and have a blessed day!

Angie