Let us give thanks

Now that the turkey has been purchased, the menu planned and the family and friends invited for Thanksgiving dinner, it is time for you to sit back and relax a little.
So grab a glass of wine, paper and pen and head off to the computer for some early gift giving ideas. After making your list, checking it twice (you don't want to leaave anyone off) head over to www.Artfire.com and check out the vast array of items from some examplary artisans.
Artfire is an online community of diverse artisans executing various forms of their trade. Some work in metal while others prefer wood. We also have glassmakers, sign makers,  photographers and soap makers just to name a few.  Some shops sell vintage items while others sell sewing supplies. So you see you can find just about anything for anyone. Best of all, this weekend the artisans of Artfire will be having
our annual "Thanksgiving/ Black Friday/ Cyber Monday" sale.
It all starts Thursday November 22,2012 12AM EST.  We will be offering either 20% off items OR free shipping. Sometimes the artisans give both. But like any good deal it has to end--and it does Monday at 1159:59PM PST.
Just our way of saying "Thanks for shopping with us. Have a great holiday season."
Catherine

Support those who are proud to say "Made In America"

These days it is getting harder and harder to find anything that is made in America. That is why today I want to let you know of a website that is not only featuring "Made In America" artisans and crafts but also helping in the relief efforts of Stormin Hurricane Sandy. This little known venue has taken it upon themselves to spread the word about what trully should be what we all should aim for. Buying American made products and KEEPING our money here. Not sending it to China, Taiwon, or anywhere else that they have outsourced OUR jobs to.
It is here: www.uripeoplesinitiative.org. Then on the right click the Made In America initiative.
Why is this so important? Because for every item that has one of those darn little stickers that read "made in" wherever, that's money, America's money, going to a foreign land. Now I am all for helping out third world countries but lets face it. China and the like aren't third world countries anymore. Not only that I am a frim believer that charity begins at home! Let us start by helping one another-HERE FIRST.
Buy from a small business, a mom and pop store, a craft fair, flea market. anywhere you can see that YOUR money is NOT going to a LARGE corporation. Why you might ask, when they are not hiring a lot of people? No that is true. But they are your neighbors, your school teachers with a hobby, your sisters friend making extra cash to finish her schooling. And then they are spending that money LOCALLY. Now do you see the big picture. We have to help ourselves. Noone is going to come bail out the United States of America. WE bail everyone else out. It's time we bail ourselves out first.
Another great website is where I list my craft. www.artfire.com
Visit me or any of the other great artisans over there.