Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to everyone! The Best of Health, Wealth and Happiness for the New Year!

Thank you for all the support, love and laughs this year. I can't wait to see what great surprises are coming next year! ~Jen

Downtown Holiday Market

Join me and many other vendors of fine craft, food, imported goodies, music and merriment!

I'll be there through Tuesday, December 15th. Noon-8pm, Accessible to metro. Great fun, people and gifts. What more to say?!

December Artist of the Month~ Reinvented Elegance

Welcome to Winter! The air is getting much colder and holiday songs are all around.

Trying to find something different, eco friendly, beautiful and well made? Look no further than Reinvented Elegance, mosaic, pressed flower art and wire wrapped jewelry by Joyce Wagner.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Joyce for many years and she has been a constant inspiration of creativity and kindness. Her thoughtful nature shows through her artwork, with simple and yet intricate designs. As many things she makes are developed using natural materials, they are automatically one of kinds.

You might have seen some of her work on the $20 and Under Gift Guide. Read on to find out about this talented artist and mother of 5!

Q~ How did you get started?

A~ I’ve loved to make things since I was little. In fact, grouting mosaics reminds me of making mud pies many years ago in my side yard. To the complete horror of a few girly girls in my neighborhood, I then proceeded to decorate them with Dogwood berries and sun-bake them on my aluminum slide.

Q~ Why do you continue?

A~ Because I can’t stop myself! Seriously, because making stuff makes me happy, and I truly appreciate the opportunity of having my own business and the flexibility of working at home.



Q~ What is a great (or greatest) success story?

A~ So far, when something I create makes someone happy … and (better yet) when that person actually wants to buy it! Most of all, I want to make my family proud of me and to be a good role model for my kids.

Q~ What is one of your greatest failures?

A~ Not being able to add hours to my day!

Q~ Where do you get your inspiration?

A~ Literally everywhere. And I always joke that I get my best ideas in the shower.

Q~ Why do you make/create what you do?

A~ I love the opportunity to create with mosaics, pressed flowers, and wire jewelry; each is challenging and great fun and I never get bored.

In making mosaics, I get tremendous satisfaction from finding discarded or thrift store materials and trying to breathe new life into them, and I love the idea that an odd assemblage of materials can somehow be greater than its individual parts (or we would hope so, anyway!).



In creating with pressed flowers and leaves, I never cease to marvel at Nature’s beauty and what a wonderful gift it is to each of us.



And in making jewelry, I love to throw odd materials and colors together with pressed flowers and twists of wire and see what happens!

Q~ Where is your favorite place to sell? Or Favorite show?

A~ Wow, it’s hard to pick just one. But I can definitely say that one of my favorite markets is right around the corner: The Del Ray Artisans Fine Art and Craft Holiday Market 2009.

It’s a happy, friendly, artful, and cozy indoor show that opens on Friday night, December 4th, from 7 to 10 p.m. with a catered reception. This market continues on Saturday, December 5th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 6th, from noon to 4 p.m. and also features a terrific bake sale benefiting a local charity, Food for Others. Admission is free.

Q~ What is one thing you love about your business?

A~ The many, many fantastic opportunities it provides: to work at home where my family is (thanks, Derrick!); to love my job; to learn, grow in, and practice my art continuously; and the sheer pleasure of making new things every day.

Q~ What is one thing you loathe?

A~ The huge and sometimes opposing pulls, especially around holiday sale times, of trying to be a good wife/mother and a good artist/business owner. Also, the fits of nerves I have before markets … I confess I still get really bad stage fright.

Q~ What is your dream about your art?

A~ That someday I might have an agent (and perhaps a maid, too, but that’s another story – ha!).



Q~ What is your mission?

A~ To make things that will make people smile and bring them joy.

Q~ Where are you based?

A~ In beautiful Alexandria, VA, in the community of Rosemont.

Q~ Where would you live if you could live anywhere?

A~ Hmmmm, I’m happy where I am, but might have to do some more traveling (purely to research this, of course!) to provide a well-thought-out answer.



Q~ What would you be doing if not this?

A~ Writing children’s stories.

Q~What is next?

A~ I want to keep working, learning, and thinking up new creations.

Q~ What is your favorite question to ask people?

A~ “How are you?”

Q~What is your answer to that question?

A~ Usually, “Great!”



Reinvented Elegance can be found at these shows for your holiday shopping:

Friday, December 4
DRA Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, VA, 7pm to 10 pm.

Saturday, December 5
DRA Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, VA, 10 am to 6 pm

Santa’s Gift Show Ellicott City, MD, 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday, December 6
DRA Fine Art & Craft Holiday Market, Alexandria, VA noon to 4pm

Saturday, December 12 and Sunday December 13
National Harbor Holiday Market, Oxen Hill, MD, noon to 6 pm

Saturday, December 19 and Sunday December 20
National Harbor Holiday Market, Oxen Hill, MD, noon to 6 pm

A variety of Joyce's goods can also be bought at A Show of Hands in Del Ray, 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, 22301 703-683-2905, www.ashowofhands.biz.


In addition to Joyce, there will be many other great artists at the Del Ray Artistans Holiday Market this weekend. Ceramics, glass, wood and all artistic media will be available for all on your list. Treat yourself to a goodie from the bake sale and pick up a wreath for the door. We have it all!

See you this weekend~Jen

Green Tip~ Gift Wrap Smarter~

I know a lot of people love to tear open their gifts and toss the paper around. And, you don't have to be two years old to do it. However, then, the paper is thrown out and creates a lot of waste. So, start out smart and create less waste in the first place!

This year, I'll be offering re-usable fabric gift bags. Available in Christmas and non-holiday fabric and various sizes, they are great for little items like jewelry and gift cards. $3 each or 3 for $8, these are a wonderful add on for the tree hugger!

$20 and Under Gift Guide

Times are tough and the holidays are coming. Friends, family and co-workers all need to be bought for. What's an art lover to do? Browse the following gift guide to find great hand made items for a variety of folks. Designed with skill and handmade with pride, these gifts are all sure to strike the right cord with the right recipient.

ACCESSORIES

Fingerless gloves, $15 by Jen-A-Fusion Fashion Accessories


Fun polar fleecey fingerless gloves keep you warm while you text, drive, walk the dog or go to the farmers market. Available in a range of colors and designs.

To see more, go to jenafusion.etsy.com or visit Jen at any of her many December market days. Check at the schedule at left.


On The Go pouches, $15 by oblinaknit


Toss one in your tote and go - fill them with makeup, id, or even knitting notions ....the list is endless!

Find this and more at www.oblinaknit.etsy.com


Wire-wrapped Key Chains, $12 by Reinvented Elegance


Each key chain features a wide variety of wire-wrapped novelty beads, from dogs to chickens to mushrooms!

Joyce Wagner, of Reinvented Elegance, will be the featured December Artist of the Month, so there will be much more on her next week. For this week, you can find her at Santa’s Craft Show in Ellicott City, MD, November 28 and 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


ART


Holiday Portrait, $5 from Joanna Barnum Portraits & Illustration


On special until December 15, you get a 4" x 6" quick portrait sketch from your photo in graphite, ink, and marker on paper.

For more details about this special for ordering information:
joannabarnum.livejournal.com/49168.html
There is also information in the post about larger portrait options.
Visit www.joannabarnum.com or jbarnum.etsy.com to see a portfolio of other work available.


COLLAGE/DECOUPAGE

"FUKITOL" Box, $16 by BoxBoy Demented Decoupage


Wooden 3.5 x 2.25 x 2.25" Trinket Box ... BoxBoy's all-time best seller!

BoxBoy will be at Eastern Market on Sundays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and the Downtown Holiday Market, Dec. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19. More boxes can be seen at www.boxboyboxes.com or emailed to boxboypab@aol.com.



Robots Decoupage Piggy Bank, $20, by This Little Piggy


Hand-decoupaged robot-themed ceramic piggy bank

Jessica sells little piggies online at www.ThisLittlePiggyMarket.net & www.thispiggy.etsy.com and at A Show of Hands in Alexandria (Del Ray) & PetMac in Arlington (Virginia Square). She will also be around town doing the craft show circuit!



Pressed Flower Greeting Cards with Coordinating Envelopes, $4 each or 3/$10 by Reinvented Elegance


Happily designed with local flowers and leaves; no two are alike!



JEWELRY

Unique polymer clay pendants, Prices range $10-20, by Jennifer Judd Designs at Jen Judd Rocks!


These are handmade polymer clay pendants with one-of-a-kind patterns that'll work with just about any choker or chain you already have.

You can see more work at www.jenjuddrocks.com and you can shop for these pendants at www.jenjuddrocks.etsy.com.


From The September Artist of the Month~Red Tape Earrings, $17.95 by Jenny's Pretty Things


These earrings are handmade with a piece of the original red twill tape once used to bind U.S. Government documents.

They are available online on the National Archives eStore.


Crocheted Earrings, $15 by Reinvented Elegance


Whimsical, lightweight, and a treat to wear; no two pairs are exactly alike … and, yes, they really are crocheted!


Black and Gold Felt Cut-Out Bracelet, $18 by ShesSoCrafty Art & Design, the August Artist of the Month


Hand cut black felt cutouts, hand sewn and blanket stitched with metallic gold threads.

Find this and much much more at www.sunflowerexpress.etsy.com.


MOSAIC


Jumbo Pressed Flower Magnets, $6 by Reinvented Elegance


Bring the beauty of nature indoors to bloom on any magnetized surface; outstanding stocking stuffers!



Potomac River Orbs, $10 by Reinvented Elegance


Created featuring recycled river glass and shells happily collected from the shores of the Potomac River; equally great as desk accessories or unique holiday ornaments.


PHOTOGRAPHY

Various Photos, including cards $4-15, by Love to Create



Greeting Cards - $4.00 each, 3 for $10.00 or 5 for $15.00
5x7 matted prints - 1 for $6, 3 for $15.00
8x10 matted prints - 1 for $10.00

Love to Create will be selling at the Del Ray Artisans Holiday Market, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA Friday, December 4, 7-10pm, Saturday, December 5, 10-7pm, Sunday, December 6, 12-4pm. For more images, check out www.lovetocreate.net.


Thanks for taking a peak and supporting small business people and talented artist. Hope to see you at a show or two in the next month!~Jen

Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church Holiday Shop

Come for the whole day, for the whole family at the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church Holiday Shop. For the 48th year, this happening encompasses baked goods, handmade crafts from well know regional artists, hot lunch to buy, fair trade items, a quilt raffle and more.

A beautiful drive down the George Washington Parkway and a cute little setting create a great day out!

What: Mt Vernon Unitarian Church Holiday Shop

When: Saturday, November 21 9:30-am-4pm

Where: 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA

Website: www.mvuc.org

While driving there today to set up, yellow leaves sprinkled through the air and caught the light. They looked like glitter in the air. So beautiful! What a perfect idea to do some holiday shopping and go for a drive down to Mt. Vernon....~Jen

Trash to Treasure: A Green Craft Fair

I love when people have grand ideas, all encompassing and inspirational. Take a great theory and run with it. Add to it and round it out. And, go public with it.

This is my excitement for Trash to Treasure: A Green Craft Fair. A simple idea: have a market of artists and craftspeople who use recycled materials. Build it bigger: ask that visitors think of others and offer a clothing drop off for charity. Make it smarter: have a book exchange table to pass knowledge on. Create some fun: Throw this party at a nature center, where folks can also learn about animals and plants and how to live a life that doesn't harm them.

The Low Down~

What: Trash To Treasure: A Green Craft Fair

Where: Walkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro 20774

When: Saturday, November 14, 10am-4pm

Website: www.pgparks.com


This looks to be a wonderful, nature and earth filled day. Join in by bringing clothing to donate and books to trade in!

See you there~Jen

Top 3 Handbag Styles Always on the Fashion Trend

The style of a designer handbag is one of the main reasons why this particular fashion accessory is fun to shop for. There are so many different styles of handbags to choose from that is why it's so hard to choose just one handbag. Every outfit calls for different style of handbag so this gives women more reasons to buy a minimum of three handbag styles to match whatever their outfit is. To help you out which types of handbag to buy, this article covers the Top 3 Handbag Styles that never come out on the latest fashion trend.

1. Tote Handbag



Tote Handbags are very popular because they are casual yet very practical to use. These bags usually fall in the middle of the body, around the elbow. They are usually big that's why they provide a lot of space for women's essential things that are too large for a purse. They usually only have one or two compartments and are available with a number of images on them or a simple solid color.







2. Clutch Handbag

A clutch is a handbag which does not have handles and is meant to be carried in the hand. That said they are usually quite small and only provide enough space for the personal small belongings of women such as make up, cosmetic products and other girly things. These bags can be casual or dressy and are often worn to an evening gathering and other formal occasions because they are so small and convenient to carry.





3. Satchel Handbag

A handbag that has one, sometimes two, large straps that goes over one shoulder and across the body. This type of handbag is best appropriate in most women who are working in an office. They have to use this handbag because they need to carry their important files whenever they have a meeting or if they need to bring their paper works in their home. It is also often used by most students to help them carry their books and other school stuffs. Using satchel does not only help women to hold their bulky files and things in a more convenient way but also enhance their fashion outlook.

Watches as Essential Fashion Accessories

Watches are simply no longer a time piece and they are now used for many other important purposes as well. One of their most common uses is as essential fashion accessories for both men and women.



Watches have always been included on the latest fashion trend because of their several purposes in fashion. One of these uses is that they add style to everyone's outfit. No one can deny this fact, because watches are really important fashion accessories in defining everyone's style. No outfit can look complete without wearing a trendy and fashionable watch. So if you don't have at least one by now, you should have to buy your own watch to add style and complete your outfit.

Hot Celebrities with their Stylish Designer Handbags

Paris Hilton with her Chanel Flower Flap

Ashlee Simpson with her Louis Vuitton Designer Handbag

Lindsay Lohan with her Pauric Sweeney Designer Handbag

Photo Courtesy of their Respective sites

Beach Handbags: Here's Your Right Way to Choose

Summer is in and of course most women would love to go to beach as their main summer destination. When preparing to go to the beach, you'll surely have lots of necessary summer stuffs to bring including bathing suits, towels, flip flops, sunglasses, food and snacks and a lot more. And with these loads of stuffs, you need an extra large accessory that can accommodate all of them in a convenient way and that's a "Beach Handbag".



There are various styles and sizes of Beach Handbags to choose from depending on how much load of stuffs you'll be bringing. For choosing the right size of handbag, you need to base it according to how many days you'll be stayed on the beach resort. If your vacation will last up for several days, you have to choose an extra large beach handbag for you to bring more essential stuffs and can have a roomy space for souvenirs and other things that might be added when you're on your way back home. But if it's just a short trip and you're a type of person that only brings the most basic essentials, then you may only consider a smaller beach handbag that is more comfortable to carry.

In selecting beach handbag, you also need to consider its number of pockets. As much as possible, it's more useful if it has lots of pockets for you to manage and sort out your personal things in a more organized way which makes it easily for you to get them right away when you need them.

Fashion Accessories Guide, Its Top Fashion Articles

Celebrities with their Stylish Headbands

"Nowadays, headbands have become popular not just because of their practical purposes (to hold hair away from the face or eyes) but also because of their fashion purposes. In fact, they also become one of the most loved fashion accessories for women because they add style and glamour to their hairstyle making them look more fabulous and hot." Read more >>>

Guide on How to Spot Authentic or Replica Designer Handbags

"With so many varieties of handbags available in the market, it's really quite difficult to distinguish what is genuine or fake designer handbag. So you need to be smart enough in dealing with them. Here are some tips to help you easily spot an authentic or replica designer handbag." Read more >>>

Tips on Choosing the Right Tie for Men's Formal Attire

"A necktie or tie is one of the most loved fashion accessories for men. Although it’s only just a small piece of clothing in a man’s wardrobe, it takes a big part in making his business attire look complete and best. It also has a great impact on his character and personality because it signifies that he has a good taste in fashion if he chooses the right tie that works well with him." Read more >>>

Travel Handbag: A Must-Have Accessory for Your Trip

"We all love to travel in different places whether it might be a business or vacation trip. And since we have to bring large bulk of things necessary for our travel, we need an extra large accessory that has a greater storage capacity to hold and manage them together and that's a "Travel Handbag"." Read more >>>

Celebrities in Oscar Awards with their Fashion Accessories

"The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, is considered as the most prominent film awards because it's the special gathering of the most well-known and hottest celebrities in Hollywood. It's also the most awaited awards night because people can't wait to see their favorite actors and actresses walking on the red carpet with their elegant suits and evening gowns. People are also excited to see their fashion accessories they will use to make them more stylish and classy." Read more >>>

Add Extra Glamor with Red Fashion Accessories

"February is the month of love. And since red symbolizes love, passion and desire, it is definitely the most dominant color for this Valentine Season. That's why in this season, you can see most women wearing red clothes because they not just want to be in on the latest color trend but it is also their style to stay attractive and beautiful." Read more >>>

Best Evening Handbags For Valentine's Day

"Valentine's Day is just a few days away and until now some women have not yet decided in selecting an evening handbag which they will use for their special Valentine's date. Even the young girls or teenagers are still undecided on what handbags they will carry in their special prom night. That's because they are still confused whether their chosen evening handbag would perfectly complement their formal dresses or not." Read more >>>

Guide in Choosing Shoes Perfect for your Outfit

"Men and women always keep their eyes on the latest trend of shoes which are mostly launched by the top and famous shoe designers. Every time there are new styles of shoes coming out on the market, most of them can't wait to buy their own one. That's because they always love to wear the hottest and trendiest shoes without knowing whether these accessories would perfectly complement their outfit or not." Read more >>>

Top 3 Most Loved Fashion Accessories

"Everyone agrees that clothes can greatly enhance your looks and turn you out to be a fashionable individual most especially if they are perfectly fit to your figure. However, achieving such look doesn't mean that your search and desire to look best is over." Read more >>>

Fashion Jewelry, Spicing Up Women's Outfit

"Who doesn't love to wear jewelry? Probably most women have strong passion for this kind of accessory because of its beauty and charisma that draw and attract their attention. Especially for those fashion-conscious women who desire to make their outfit looks more stylish and classy, it's for sure that you'll find jewelry in their top list choice of of their most loved fashion accessory." Read more >>>

Guide in Choosing the Best Handbag for You

"Since most women always keep their eyes on hot styles and designs of handbags, they became more focused on following these latest fashion trends without considering if the handbags will suit their figure. Perhaps, this is one of the most common mistakes that they make. Instead of buying the right handbag that matches their body type, they go after with its brand, styles and designs just to be in step with the hottest trend in fashion." Read more >>>

Celebrities with Louis Vuitton Handbags

"Louis Vuitton is one of the biggest name in fashion industry that is recognized through out the world with its remarkable LV Monogram trademark. In fact, it is considered as one of the best brands for designer handbags because of its elegant and classic designs that never fade away in style and fashion." Read more >>>

Handbag Styles Fit to Women's Lifestyle

"Handbags have become one of the most well-known women's accessories available on the market. These are not just considered as functional items that help them carry their necessary belongings but also one of their significant preferences in succeeding the best fashion style they most desire." Read more >>>

Women’s Handbags, Perfect Gift this Christmas

"A new trend of handbag is what most women always catch their attention and interest. Since they have strong passion for different stylish handbags, they do love changing and matching them with their outfit all the time." Read more >>>

Louis Vuitton Unveils New Timepieces

Louis Vuitton has launched several new watch collections in a bid to impress customers with the depth of its technical prowess. The star of the new watches, which were unveiled in the company’s Manhattan headquarters on Tuesday, is the Tambour Mystérieuse.


Priced at about 200,000 euros, or $265,000 at current exchange, the watch has a round dial and is comprised of a mechanism that is encapsulated by two sapphire crystal discs, allowing the watch itself to float within the bezel framing it.

With an eight-day, eight-hour power reserve, the unisex watches are available for custom order with options such as monogramming the second hand with the wearer’s initials, selecting gemstones to place on the platinum, white, yellow or red gold case, and straps which come in any leather.

Read the full news here

Choosing the Right Sunglasses For Your Face Shape

Sunglasses are more than just functional; they are also fabulous and stylish fashion accessories for men and women. So when buying sunglassess, they should have not just offered an adequate eye-protection but also have to make a fashion statement. However, picking up the right sunglasses that best suits on you is quite hard to do because of so many different styles, colors, shapes and designs available on the market to choose from. So to help you out what style of sunglasses that flatters your face shape, style and matches your personality, here are some useful tips to consider before buying sunglasses.



Choosing the Right Sunglass that Fits on Your Face Shape

Still in doubt what's your face shape? It's so simple to determine it. Just take a photo of yourself and try to mark the outline edge of your face on the photo. Connect the dots and you'll get a visual idea of your face shape.

Now, that you know your face shape, see what styles of sunglasses that look best on you.

Round Face Shape

If you have a round face, it's necessary to add some balance to your face shape. So you have to look for frames which are slightly wider than the broadest part of your face. Wearing a rectangle-shaped sunglasses will help to make your face a little bit longer and thinner.

Oval Face Shape

You are definitely lucky if you have an oval face shape because almost any style or frame shape of sunglasses will work for you. But for best results, wearing square or wraparound sunglasses is recommended to complement your face shape.

Square Face Shape

If you have a square face, your face looks very strong and broad. So you need to make your face be soften. The best way to reduce strong curves is through wearing oval or round shape sunglasses.

Oblong Face Shape

For oblong face shape, you need to make your face a little bit wider. To achieve this, you have to look for sunglasses that are round or squared in shape.

Michelle Obama's Dress: A Bold Choice in Designer Isabel Toledo

First Lady Michelle Obama picked fashion insider Isabel Toledo, 47, to design her Inaugural ensemble. The glamorous, creamy yellow dress and matching overcoat were made of satin-backed wool guipure, a kind of lace used most often in French haute couture. Obama accessorized the look with a sparkling crystal necklace and green leather gloves and shoes. Although the First Lady's office repeatedly said that Obama would not decide on her outfit until this morning, the choice — including the color, fabric and accessories — shows a lot of confidence and planning on the wearer's part.

Cuban-born Toledo, who has been designing for 25 years and worked for a time at Anne Klein, is known in fashion circles as a "designer's designer" for her wit and whimsical sense of pattern, fit and fabric. The Manhattan-based designer also made the black tunic and palazzo pants that Obama wore to a fundraiser last June. But for her husband's swearing-in ceremony, Obama chose an elegantly sunny yellow, a color that for centuries has represented optimism.

Read the full story here
Author: Kate Bettes
Photo Credit: www.stuff.co.nz