Some of you have probably noticed a new look here at www.bitsofivory.com, and others have been looking forward to the big announcement that I’ve been promising.  We have closed the doors to our Bits of Ivory clipart shop to make way for a thrilling new opportunity!  I’m so excited to be offering my artwork now through www.CuddlyBuddly.com - a fantastic online shop that offers everything crafters might want from digital artwork to rubber stamps and inks and papers and all kinds of tools.  Flat rate shipping from the UK makes it easy to order no matter where you live, but as always, digital products require no shipping at all.  Kim’s artwork is adorable and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it as I have.

This opportunity to work with my friend, Kim MacFarlane, and to put the technical side of things into the more capable hands of her webmaster has given me a renewed enthusasm for creating.  Over the next week or so my current art sets will be added to the shop, and some will be repackaged.  I will also be able to work more on the new set for this summer and make it available even earlier!

Bramble & Vine will continue to be my venue for handcrafted books, cards, tags and such.  You’re always welcome to come and browse around for inspiration, fun or even to shop!  This new situation will also free up more creative time for my hands-on projects.

My Blog will stay right here, making me easy to find whenever you’re in the mood to check in and see what I’m rambling on about lately.  I’ll keep adding announcements for new sets here as well as project ideas and other news.

Thank you so much for your continued support for my artwork, and I trust that this change will mean good things for ALL of us!

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

Digital artwork is another great way to go green, starting with the REDUCE leg of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle triangle.  Digital artwork gives you flexibility in your projects and allows you to print over and over again for different projects while still only printing exactly what you need, reducing waste.  There is some fantastic digital artwork out there for your use, and many actually have an angel policy that allows professional crafters to make handmade projects for sale with their artwork (Bits of Ivory is also an angel company).  We highly recommend www.CuddlyBuddly.com and www.Art4Crafts.com if you’re looking for something a bit different from our artwork!  Kim and Helena are both immensely talented and very kind and helpful.  There are also many, many digital scrapbook artists who sell quality digital images online.

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

I’ve said it before.  One of my very favorite things to recycle is old books.  I was raised the daughter of a librarian.  Some of my very favorite childhood memories include books.  Many of my most treasured posessions are also books.  I adore old books - the scent of the old paper, the beauty of aged paper and ink, and the feeling of history.

When I find an old book that is falling apart I love to find a way to use it again.  It lends its own essence of timelessness and beauty to any project it’s used on.  Many of my very favorite projects include the pages from books that might otherwise end up discarded.

If you don’t happen to have any old books of your own to create with, try library sales, used book stores, thrift stores and estate sales!

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

I mentioned in my last post that both of my grandmothers were great at reusing and repurposing things.  They were brilliant at it.  But sometimes when people see that something has been “upcycled” or made from recycled parts they get a vision in their heads of things that look. . . well. . . useful but not particularly pretty.  Or maybe too funky for a traditional home.

I’ve mentioned before on this blog, I believe, that I’m fond of using the chipboard from old boxes in my projects.  They make fantastic book covers, etc.  I am even more font of repurposing old books to give them new life.  I adore books, and tossing them away is painful.  If I can preserve a few of the beautiful old pages, verses, quotations, etc. - and use them to make a card, notebook or other item that will make someone smile again I’m a very happy person.  I think that old things are beautiful.  They’re beautiful at face value, but even more so when the richness and meaning of their long history is apparent.

You’ve seen my work though, and today I wanted to point out a few more shops where you’ll find some amazingly gorgeous things that used to be something else.  I’m a member of the Cottage Style Street Team at Etsy, and am always awed and inspired by the ingenuity and talent there.  It was a very difficult task to narrow it down to three to present here today.  These are some of my favorite places both to shop and window shop, and I hope you’ll love them too!

First up is SoSoRosey.etsy.com, who upcycles old sheets into gorgeous bowls, rugs, etc.  She has an amazing eye for colors that will work well together and look new and fresh.

 The rug in this particular photo is a half moon shape, so ideal for placing in front of floors and against walls (if you can bear to step on the gorgeous thing).  Her little bowls and containers are perfect to set on a countertop or desk to hold little odds and ends keep things neat and tidy.  Some even have lids, which are simply beautiful.

SimpleJoysPaperie.etsy.com is another of my very favorites.  Like me, she loves to use the pages of old books in her artwork.  She makes some incredibly beautiful things with them.  Her rolled paper wreaths are perhaps my favorite thing in her shop to look at - they’re so lovely.

Her other shop, HoneysuckleLane.etsy.com is another fun place to visit.  Ah, lavendar eye pillows made from vintage damask!

CottageInTheSun.etsy.com creates banners and hangings from antique ceiling tin from the late 1800s and early 1900s.  I love the look of ceiling tin but unfortunately it will never look right in my house.  My only hope is one of these amazing creations, which would fit right in with any room in my house.  I love that while she makes something completely new and lovely with the old tins, she keeps that feeling of aged dignity and history.  They look equally at home indoors or out as well!  Don’t miss her wedding hearts while you’re visiting either - they’re just so lovely.

As I mentioned before, there are so many others that I know you’d love.  A quick little search through The Cottage Style Street Team is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon.  You’ll fall in love and be inspired, and it’s far more fun than folding laundry!

____________________

I’m still looking for a few more people to participate in “Scrap My Scraps” - for details see the previous blog post, and then sign up and have fun!

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

I know we like to think that we invented everything cool and “green” in the last generation or so - but recycling has been around a very long time.  I think I first realized this when I took a pair of my husband’s worn-out Carharts out of the dryer one day and realized that they couldn’t ever be mended enough to make them wearable again.  I remember the sad feeling as I picked them up and looked at all of the heavy, durable fabric around the many holes and thought there must be something it could be used for.  It struck me in an instant.  I had become my grandmother.

Before there were recycle bins, both of my grandmothers cut old milk or bleach jugs “just so” and hung them from the laundry line to hold clothes pins.  Old tin cans were the perfect place to start seedlings for the garden.  An old washtub, a few boards and a wheel made a perfect makeshift wheelbarrow.  Things were used until they could be used no more.  It was a beautiful thing.

Starting next week I’ll be posting some fun different ideas for good old fashioned recycling in the craft room and studio.  From project ideas to organizational tools there’s sure to be something to spark your own ideas for reinventing some of the things you have lying around the house.

And now for the really fun part, I hope.  I need some help!  I have been reorganizing my craft room (more on that next week) and have a few boxes of things to go to a local thrift store.  I also have some lovely paper scraps, tags, stickers, etc. that really aren’t useful for the thrift store, but are too lovely to just toss away.  I no longer have the manufacturer’s information on many of them, making it impossible to use for items I’ll be selling at Bramble & Vine. 

To give these beautiful ribbons and buttons and papers and things a chance to become something wonderful, I’d like to invite everyone to participate in the first annual Bits of Ivory Blog Scrap My Scraps Celebration.  Each participant will receive an envelope full of lovely things to create with, all coordinating.  You’re welcome to make scrapbook pages, cards, albums, tags, ATC cards or whatever else comes to mind!  Just for fun I’ll even include a couple of template ideas for cards that you can use if you’re stuck for ideas.  The only requirement is that each participant take a photo for me of what they created so that I can post it here on the blog.

If you’re interested, please send me an email or post here with your 3 favorite color combinations to work with (I’ll try very hard to give everyone something they’ll enjoy).  I’ll deliver or mail the packages out by next Thursday - and then you have until May 15th to email me a photo of something you made.  Use whatever you like, and there’s certainly no obligation to use everything in the package!  I can’t wait to see what beautiful things you all come up with!

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

Happy Thought Indeed Bookmarks at BrambleAndVine.Etsy.com

The end of February is drawing near, and it’s time to start planning for Spring.  I’ve already started being drawn toward the seed packets in the grocery stores - so many pretty colors and textures!  I can hardly wait.  Of course, I’ll have to.  There’s still snow covering most of the flowerbeds and almost all of the lawn.  It’s not likely that it will melt off soon, and we’re sure to get another snowfall or two before planting time.  But I think that anticipation is half of the fun and so I’m not going to be shy about getting excited over the possibilities.  Mmmm. . . garden fresh tomatoes!

Of course, dreaming of flower and vegetable gardens is fun, but if you need something a bit more hands-on and productive to fill the icy winter days remaining, you should definitely head on over to SomedayCrafts.blogspot.com and check out the fantastic projects that Michelle has collected for you.  I’m being featured there this week too, with a little giveaway, so on your way through to the wreaths and tents and other projects and patterns feel free to leave a comment or two to enter!  It’s definitely a blog you’re going to want to bookmark.

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

Brrrr - It’s COLD outside!  I don’t love slipping and sliding all the way along my morning walks.  I really don’t like slipping and sliding and falling on those walks.  But there’s something so magical and beautiful about a world all white with snow, and tree branch tips covered in shimmering ice.  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to warmer spring temperatures and clear sidewalks, but in the meantime it’s so nice to snuggle up next to the fire, or stay warm in my studio creating little books and tags with warm Spring themes.

There are new little things and Bramble And Vine to look at, and by early summer I hope to have a new art set ready at Bits of Ivory!  Although I’m not able to release new art sets as often as I like at the moment, I’m really looking forward to this larger set and hope that you’ll love it as much as I do.  I’ll have sneak peeks and previews as time draws closer!

Just for today we’re being featured at www.mygiveawaytoday.com as the second giveaway!  Friends, Family and Fans are invited to enter to win one of two gift certificates for Bramble & Vine.  The giveaway ends tonight, so if you’re interested in a $15.00 shopping spree just in time for Valentine’s Day rush over and enter!

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

I know, I know. . . you’ve all got Christmas completely covered and don’t need any help.  The stockings are hung, the mice aren’t stirring, neighbors have been gifted, and everything is wrapped under the tree.  That’s okay, just file this idea away for next year - or adapt it to your wedding, birthday or other holiday celebrations by changing out the artwork.

I’m not calling anyone out - really I’m not.  I’m sure you’re all far past needing a last minute teacher gift, hostess gift, or table decoration for your Christmas dinner.  I’m sure I’m the only one still remembering to add things to my “to do” list, let alone crossing them off (see my previous blog post about lists if you don’t believe me).

But, just in case there’s a reader or two who does need something quick and lovely to put together for their Christmas celebrations, I present this beautiful gift or decor idea that can be put together in under 30 minutes!  The step-by-step instructions are available at www.ScrapbookDimensionsMagazine.com in the member’s area (remember that registration is free now) - and as a special bonus you’ll find one of these bell images to download and use on your own bell project!*

It couldn’t be easier, and you’ll definitely look like you spent far more time on the project than it really takes - which is my very favorite sort of project.  It’s something just a little bit different and special.

Don’t be afraid to adapt this or any other project to meet your own needs.  The lovely clanky noise of this bell is perfect for teachers trying to get the attention of their students.  It’s a great way to call the family to dinner as well - or maybe for a sick little one to call mom from bed when they need something.  Strike that last idea - it’s perfect for a sick mom to call her children to bring her things when she’s ill in bed.  It’s also a fun alternative to the traditional bells at wedding dinners that guests ring for a kiss, and can easily be personalized with the happy couple’s photo, monogram or other details making a lovely keepsake for those same guests.

Cow Bells - they’re not just for cows anymore.

On another note, while you’re at www.ScrapbookDimensionsMagazine.com check out the new classes that they’re offering!  There will be new classes added very soon as well, and it’s a great way to learn new skills while creating something fun and useful at the same time.

*Artwork for these bells came from the Bits of Ivory Nativity art set.

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

Another true confession - I’m a list person who never really learned how to use lists.  I make them.  They’re everywhere.  Sometimes I amuse myself by imagining Seinfeld paraphrasing himself “See, you know how to make the list, you just don’t know how to *use* the list and that’s really the most important part of the list, the using.  Anybody can just make them.”

I’ve tried lots of things to get more organized.  When I’m organized I’m happy and productive.  In those rare, elusive moments of bliss I realize that THIS is what I was meant to be, if only I could figure out how to stay that way!  I’ve tried a few different planners but nothing seemed to work for me.  They were either far too bulky with insane amounts of space for information that doesn’t apply to me, or too simple and uninspiring to hold my fickle interest for more than a month or so.

And then I saw these planners and had a glimmer of hope.  It seemed as if someone had looked into my mind and pulled out the perfect organizer - the one that I would have designed myself if only I’d known myself well enough to know what I needed.  I ordered the first quarter of 2010 to see if it was the perfect fit for me that it seemed to be, and was absolutely thrilled when it arrived.  It really is everything I had hoped for and more.  It’s spiral bound so that it lies flat when I want to write in it, or leave it open on the desk while I organize.  Each quarter of the year comes in a separate planner so that they’re small and easy to slip into a bag to carry with me.   The covers can be wiped clean.  There are tools for easy goal planning, reminders for things that need to be done around the house (and a space to delegate them - hooray!), spaces for my own to do lists and monthly calendars for the whole year so I can plan ahead even if I only have one quarter planner with me.  Oh, and did I mention the goal planning tools?  All with an emphasis on balance.  I could use some balance.

The weekly planner pages have space for each day’s appointments, and then lots of space for tasks, errands and even a health tracker to make sure I’m getting my fruits and veggies.   And water.  And exercise.  Oh, happy day!  All of my elusive lists gathered together in a sensible, organized way - all in one spiral-bound spot so that I can pick them up and take them with me wherever I need to go!  This planner is very visual, separating the to do list into separate lists that make it easy to view at a glance.  And then for the gold-star-on-the-forehead girls like me, a happy little place to check those items off so that I can see my progress.  I love check boxes on my lists that are all bound together in my handy, dandy planner.

And as if that weren’t enough - every week has a menu planner and shopping list.  Two more lists that I’ve always loved but never quite managed to pull off effectively.  No more lost shopping list on a scrap of paper somewhere - It too is conveniently bound into my planner.  Right next to the menu.  And then, to top it all off, spaces to note blessings, and ideas for improving in the future, and even journal notes or quotations or mileage and expenditures.  I’ve wanted to be a journal person almost as long as I’ve been a dysfunctional list person!  I love having a place to make my notes and journal about my week in this little planner which already has important things that happened calendared and checked off.  It’s the ideal journal, really, for me anyway!  I wish I had one of these from my grandmother - her insights and blessings noted conveniently in the same little book as her menus for feeding her family, her social calendar and especially her goals.  What a treasure that would be.  I like the idea that I can leave that kind of treasure behind for the future, even if I never do quite manage to journal properly.

I know this is much ado about a planner, but when I find something that I’ve been looking for so long I always naturally want to share with all of you.  And when I contacted Pamela at www.TheSuccessChoice.com for permission to use her images for my blog she was so very generous.  She offered readers of this blog a discount of 15% at her store!  All you have to do is enter the code IVORY at checkout to recieve the discount.  I know I’ll be using it to purchase the rest of the planners for 2010.  Thanks Pamela!

If you’re skimming because I’ve been going on and on for way too long about a planner, here’s the vital information:

www.TheSuccessChoice.com
15% off of your order
Code: IVORY (at checkout)

Wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas,
Barbara

_________________________________________
Barbara Anne Williams
Bits of Ivory
Bramble & Vine @Etsy and @1000Markets

We were on the Front Page of Etsy again!  What a great treasury by SecondHandNews.Etsy.Com.