Two of the many things I love, 1. The people of Portland 2. The Portland Bead Society. Spent the weekend most pleasantly at the Portland Bead Society Bead Bazaar. Sales were decent. The locals turned out and spent by and large on local artists…. Since there was a national bead show here in September I was a little worried about that. But no, these people are loyal to those they see selling year after year. Thank you.

Now the goal is to have some online sales in the holiday season. If you would like to weigh in… I love Etsy, but sales have been sparse lately… It’s been a while for Ebay also. If you care to vote, which of these venues is more attractive to you as a Christmas buyer and why…. Leave a message here and tell me… I’d love to know. I ‘ll be selling on both places.

Etsy http://www.catldy99.etsy.com
Ebay http://stores.ebay.com/Cats-Paw-Artifacts

It amazes me that movies can be remade so many times, but this one is a winner for all that. John Travolta, Denzel Washington the Great, an updated great story and what do you have, a Winner! I was not bored for a second and I am not a real fan of action/adventure. Great acting…. Rent it….

Still selling my work on the internet http://www.catldy99.etsy.com

Not being a professional book reviewer, I do this with caution. I’m also prejudiced. I really enjoy Mr. Laurie’s work as an actor. I’ve just finished his first book. I did indeed like it. There is a lot of wit and sarcasm in this book. It is an enjoyable read. There is also quite a bit of thought in every sentence. The funny aspects of pretty violent, James Bondian type action/adventure terrorism is there, an interesting blend of wit and unpredictability. The main character is somehow in the action but removed from it also. The folly of the human condition is there also.

In a way I am amazed at how multi talented Mr. Laurie is. (There I go dangling participles). It was his idea about the boa constrictor promotion and the logo on the t shirts with the cane and caduceus. Pretty good graphic design head too….

Oh, lets face it, I’m just a die hard fan…..

New and colorful and on etsy.com.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33594197

Everything is coming up hearts! Here’s a new one. Hangs about 50mm with sterling silver bail. Handmade lampwork by me. If interested leave a message here with email. I may list somewhere soon. Subtle stripes in the encased heart.

Also check out the etsy shop! http://www.catldy99.etsy.com

Hot off the macrame board….. with my handmade lampwork beads…. lively and colorful and somehow classy with steam punk details in the fringe…. If interested, leave a message here with email and I will contact you with the details.

Macrame with beads, even painting – all with a natural feel.

In their own words:
We consist of two New England women who are inspired by and incorporate nature in our designs.

Courtney: I handle all of the jewelry you see throughout our store. Each piece I create is completely handcrafted by me. I also paint abstracts. I love the feeling of paint all over my hands and as such use only my hands to create my paintings. My ideas are usually drawn from or involve some form of nature. Check out my blog at thecloudlady.blogspot.com

Stacey: I’m the artist behind half of the original paintings and all of the pottery in the store. These two mediums really are my favorites because of the different emotions that come with each of them. Painting always involves strong emotions for me as the canvas can take whatever I dish out. Pottery, on the other hand, relaxes me and, while sometimes mindless, is actually quite time-consuming if the goal is perfection.

Their etsy shop is: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31366042

Here’s are some pictures:

These items and others are available :
http://www.catldy99.etsy.com
http://stores.ebay.com/Cats-Paw-Artifacts

These and many more available on etsy.com
http://www.catldy99.etsy.com