This 'n' That

You may have noticed that I've been working on the link list on my blog. The list was just getting way too long and it needed splitting up a bit. So, I've now made new link categories, like "Sparkly Beads & Shiny Jewelry", "Digital Scrapbooking", "Oh! The Funny Pages!" and "Crafty Rubber Stamper Blogs". But how do you decide in which category the link should go?? Oh my head just hurts thinking I have to put some kind of label on a certain blog. Where would you put my blog link? Under Rubber Stampers? Jewelry? Or should it be the "Yarns, Fabrics & Patterns" section? Most people I know do more than just one crafty thing, so yeah, these decisions are very difficult for me. I keep plugging away at shortening the list in "My favorite web stops", but I just might need a few more categories. Like "Mixed Media", "Scrapbooking", etc. I fear that just "Papercrafts" or "Cardmaking" would be too general. But then, so was the original list... and it got out of hand. Real bad and real fast. LOL
For those who are just wondering if they should start a blog or not, why don't you check out the links under "Help & Info Sites" in the middle column. You might just find the push you need right there. heheh. And don't forget to tell me if you did start a blog!! Okay? Okay. :-))

To get you a little more confused on where to categorize MY blog, I have some scrapbook pages to show you. ;-))
Some friends of mine will be traveling to this region in the south of France, so I thought I'd give them something to look forward to. They might be interested to know there's an english pub in Valbonne too, not just the good restaurants. haha!! Enjoy the trip!!

Valbonne

 

Biot

 

St Paul de Vence

Mougins

 

I hope you all will let me know what they think of these!
Most materials used are from Club Scrap.

Don't forget, today is CYBER MONDAY! That means the sales aren't over yet! Check out my store, as I've added more items into the sale. :-))
And, I've not only been working on my blog, but also added some new items to the store.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on these new pairs of earrings!

Hugs,
Wezz

't is the season...

...for Shopping!!! Yep, that's right, people! Time to get the best deals and start your Christmas shopping!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I wish my US friends (and anyone else who celebrates this) a happy day and hope you can spend it with your loved ones.
But Thanksgiving, man, it really has become a surreal shopping experience over the past few years. First, all we heard about that over here in Belgium, was the -to us at least- strange "Black Friday" term and we got news flashes on TV about it. It totally amazed us. With the internet, everyone wanted to be part of it, so along came CyberMonday. But that's not enough, oh no! Now we have Black Wednesday too! You can get the best deals on the internet if you shop on Wednesday already, have Thanksgiving dinner with your family, then hit the brick & mortar stores on Black Friday to get the good deals there too! It's a win-win situation of course. :-))
Read all about the newest shopping experience in the full article on this page!

I am joining in this amazing blog roll too, and have put a few items in my store at half price. Whààààt??? Half price??? Why on earth did I do that?? Well, to give you a chance to shop at a reduction. Hmm, okay. Soo, what's in it for me? Happy customers will spread the word!!!! See?? Win-win situation. :-))
Check for the notion "Black Friday SALE" in my etsy store for the items at half price, and lots of other items have free worldwide shipping!! Yay!! I know a good deal when I see it. Do you??






All these above earrings are now in my etsy store at Half Price from Black Wednesday til CyberMonday! That's from November 25 (today!) and will end on Monday November 30 at midnight.

***Edit November 26: The following items are now taking part in the Black Friday Sale at my store too! :-))

There is also the video preview of what you can win in the Treasure Hunt! Okay, first time ever I embed a slide show into my blog so I hope everything will go well. Here goes nothing!!

Full pictures of all the handmade gifties in the basket can be seen here on this blog! Aren't they just gorgeous??

Enjoy the holidays and whatever you do, stay safe! Let me know the good deals you find too! heheh... ;-))

Hugs,
Wezz

Arrived!

Yay!! My snow white seed bead item made it to its destination and now I can reveal that it will definitely be in the Big Prize Gift Basket of the Treasure Hunt! That's right, folks, you can win my mystery item!! Here's a few more teaser pics! I sure hope you'll like it, and that you'll come along and play in the Hunt! Go read here for the rules! It's easy to participate but you gotta play to win! Remember there's a special clue here to make it even easier to play the Hunt Game.... ;-))



Here's a picture to give you an idea on the other items that are already in this Gift Basket, and it could be more! Everything has been lovingly handmade be our eSmarts Team members, who are artisans from all over the globe. Imagine finding this under the Christmas tree!


Now, isn't that worth a little Hunt??? Find the Hidden Santa images and you can win this!! :-))

For a dear friend of mine who can use a pick-me-up right about now, I made this very simple and easy card. This really is what you'd call a "Take Ten" card. I hope she likes it.

Text is from Inkerbell. The rest is just a wide ribbon, cardstock and two domed stickers. Easy peasy. :-))

Hugs,
Wezz

Socks? Slippers?

Just a short post for today, as I'm still working on the fringe on my very very large shawl. :-))
Oh, and of course, I couldn't just work on that, oh no, I needed to start the matching socks too. LOL
Trust me to start a new project before the other one is finished. They're not knitted socks though, I'm making crocheted socks. Or would they rather be called slippers? I always have cold feet, so these should keep me warm the coming winter. Imagine me, sitting cuddled up on the couch with my shawl and the matching socks. It may very well be a funny sight to see, but at least I'll be very very warm! Haha!! :-))
Here's a picture and the instructions on how to make them. The instructions are in dutch, but I'm sure that experienced crocheters might be able to make these just by seeing the picture. Okay, let's hope so. Tell me please if you start a set of your own! Would love to hear your crochet adventures! ;-))

I just found an article on our eSMarts Christmas Treasure Hunt. It's really well written, and all the participating members are mentioned with the links. You *need* the links to go find that Santa image. Just a little reminder, this is the image you need to track down... so you don't overlook him by accident... and spoil your chances! We don't want that, now do we???


Remember? You can win the big prize! But, ya gotta play first... heheh... But, participating is really not difficult at all, so go on and have fun! :-))

Hugs,
Wezz

Take your pick

...and you decide whether this is a hint or a clue! But it's somewhere in my post... heheheh.... ;-))
Remember, you have to play to win the big jackpot! Make it a family game to go hunting for the Treasure and find the hidden Santa images. Santa needs to come out of hiding to bring gifts this year, won't he? Give him a hand!

I'm still working on my crochet shawl and I have to tell you, it's BIIIIG! I mean, way way big. LOL
I never anticipated it would end up this big, but I just liked the crocheting so much that I just kept going. And going... and going... And now it's really really big. But, I don't care, I actually like how it turned out and am sure I will enjoy cuddling up on the couch on cold winter evenings with this newest addition. :-))

I enjoy the bare works of knitting and crocheting, but the finishing touches... not so much. Anyone else have that problem? I mean, it really is a problem here. I wanted to crochet a bonnet and what do I find in the bag with the yarn? The bonnet I crocheted last winter! The crocheting part is finished, but I never bothered to actually work the end tails in. How stupid of me! I should have been wearing this!
Did you know there's a hidden Santa in my etsy store? Find him, copy the url, find 2 more of these Santas and there's your first chance of winning the big prize! How's that for a clue? ;-))
The newly discovered bonnet is duo toned, in purple, so it's completely in line with all the current fashions. But nooo, I'm the one that keeps things like this unfinished in her bag. Another one of my endless supply of UFOs. I really have to finish this one. And I'd prefer it done before winter starts. Ha!

But I'm working on that. I mean, I'm working on actually finishing what I started. The crochet part of the big shawl is done, I have worked in all the tail ends already (wow!) and now I'm in the process of adding the fringes. Tell me, how does it look so far??

Hugs,
Wezz

Another hint... or is it a clue?

Hey all, have you been on the Hunt yet?? The Secret Santa Treasure Hunt is on!! Go go go!!
Did you know you can enter as many times as you can find 3 different links with Santa in them? Just follow the rules and increase your chances of winning this fabulous Treasure!

Oh and I just thought of something too! (surprised, huh?? LOL) Now why don't you make this a family thing? Yeah! Wouldn't your kids just *love* to go hunting for Santa images?? Get everyone involved, even your hubby! He could win beautiful gifts for the woman he loves, or the kids could win some really cool gifts for mommy! Enjoy the family time together while going on a Treasure Hunt! Think of it as playing a game with the whole family! The kids will love it! :-))

I have another "teaser picture" for you today! Here's a little detail of my beadwork with the matte and shiny snow white beads.
Let me know how the teasing is working please! Would love to hear about it.... ;-))

Hugs,
Wezz

Something of everything

Recently, I colored some stamped images with my Derwent pencils, and this is one of them. I thought the card's theme would be rather fitting for my sister-in-law's birthday and the party we threw her. ;-))


I used pattern paper that came as an extra with a british cardmaking magazine. Some of those papers are actually not so bad. Really. LOL
The text stamp is from Stampin' Up! and the dancing old lady with bunny slippers (love those slippers!!) is from StampFrancisco.

Okay, so I'm gonna tease you some more about those snow white beads. I usually do my beadwork in the kitchen at the big table there. Sometimes, errrr... it happens that I spill some on the floor... and if you see two different types of snow white beads spilled on the floor, matte and shiny.... it's a real sorting nightmare!! I tell ya!! You do not wanna have to go through this, believe me...

Suffice it to say that this "tease piece" went through a lot of trouble to get to where it is now! ;-))
But, I must admit, the result is worth getting my eyes completely crossed while making it. You just wait and see....

Oh, and don't forget the contest!!! Did you know that can enter more than once, so you can increase your chances of winning??? The Treasure Hunt starts tomorrow!

On your mark, get set... and see you tomorrow! :-))

Hugs,
Wezz

Santa Claus is coming to town....

...and he's bringing lots and lots of prezzies!! :-))
Okay, so Christmas comes a little early this year, Santa is an old guy and he needs the extra time. Let him, will ya? (grin)

You all know by now that I'm part of the online group eSmarts and we've teamed up to bring you the best! We've organised a Treasure Hunt, and believe me, the treasure is definitely worth it!!
You have to play to win though, but the big prize could be yours! Wouldn't that be fun???? Mark your calendars for the start of the Hunt on November 14th! Go go go, what are you waiting for???

Our great eSMArts team is sharing the love with a handmade bundle to warm your holidays! And YOU can win this! Isn't that just sooo cool?? huh??? :-))

Enter our Hidden Santa Treasure Hunt to WIN a Christmas Gift Bundle of unique handmade creations.

The complete prize package, item photos and detailed descriptions will be announced here shortly.

Our contest begins November 14th so check back here for the full list of Sponsor Shops.

How to Play:

• Check this blog for contest details and a list of participating eSMArts Sponsor Shops.
• Visit each participating shop to find images of our santa.
• Make note of the url where you find our santa pictured!
• HINT: santa images are not embedded yet. They won't be online until the contest start date of November 14, 2009.
• Here's how to complete each entry: ~find 3 Santa images that you haven't previously submitted. ~Email the urls along with your name & address to esmartspromos [at] yahoo.ca to be entered. ~Find new/unsubmitted Santa image urls and enter as many times as you like! ~Entries will be validated to ensure that contestants are submitting fresh Santa spottings. ~Remember that 3 new Santa image urls equals ONE additional contest entry.
• Contest runs November 14-28, 2009 (close is November 28/09 at midnight eastern).
• Drawing takes place November 29th
• Winner will be announced here November 30th
• Prize package ships December 1st, 2009.

check back for hunting hints and tips! The package IS worth it, mark my words! You'll be in for a big big surprise! I know, coz I've seen some of what's in there.... I'll post more about the Treasure as we come closer to the start of the Hunt and the final draw... heheh... Patience, my dears, patience! And keep your eye on this blog!
Happy Hunting everyone! :-))

Hugs,
Wezz

You want another one??

Do you want another one?? What?? Another sneak peek of my new beadwork?? hmmm... let me think for a while....
Okay, you twisted my arm! (good grief, can you believe how easy that was??? LOL!)
Here is another view of the beads I have been working with. Snow white, in both matte and shiny.
Sooo, are you curious yet to know what exactly it is I'm teasing you all about???
Stay tuned, the answer will come to you soon!! Keep an eye on this blog for a surprise! heheh... ;-))

Hugs,
Wezz

Heartfelt Blog Award and a sneak peek

This is the Heartfelt Blog Award, and it was given to me by Mary Ann from Starlight Blog. Thanks so much!! It means a lot to me, coz this is a very special award given to blogs that give you a nice warm homey feel, full of heart. I'm so happy that my blog feels like a homey place on the web. That was the intent all along and I'm glad it all worked out that way. :-))

Many many thanks to Mary Ann for this wonderful award! It is truly an honor!

Mary Ann is a writer and loves to read, but has many interests beyond that. Check her post of Oct 31st and take a look at those pictures! For some reason I can't link directly to this post, but please scroll down, it's worth it. She's also a beader, and a member of the infamous eSmarts Team. (grin)

Now as for the people I'm going to pass this on to... Their blogs are all chock full of heart. You feel like they're old friends even if they write about something of little interest to you. You can feel their passion and the heart they pour into their blogs. Sometimes, they'll give you a peek into their real life, but even their online life is interesting. Give yourself a little gift today and go spend some time with them.

Here are the rules:

1. Display the logo.
2. Nominate up to 9 blogs that make you feel comfy or warm inside.

3. Link to your nominees.
4. Let them know they have been nominated by commenting.
5. Link to the person from whom you received the award.

OK...Here are the 9 new nominees:

1. Catherine from StampFrancisco, a rubber stamp company, is one of my dearest friends that I've come to know in the past 8 years or so. Generally, we see each other 2 weekends a year when I help her out at shows here in Europe. Her blog shows her love for animals, and for France. She takes wonderful pictures too and doesn't hesitate to share them with all of us!
2. Vanessa from Scrapness is an accomplished scrapbooker, and especially since she turned to digital scrapbooking. I hope to learn lots from her! Her blog gives you a peek into her life with pictures of her family. She loves to create, so anything that will grab her fancy will be tried. Like crochet. Did you see her pear?? I'm also gonna take a closer look at her dare list... Maybe that will be my next blog post... :-))
3. Godelieve from StampingMathilda doesn't need much introduction in the rubber stamping world. She's belgian, and she's famous. She shows a lot of her artistic work, but always with a witty sense of humor. She also has a section of blog help on her site, she knows what she's doing!
4. Mandy called her blog "The Diaries of a craftaholic and demented housewife". Now I ask you, that name alone calls for investigation, no?? She's funny, and I love what she makes and the stories she shares with us.
5. Anna Lee from Ga'hoolTree Designs is passionate about making jewelry (check it out!) but also shares her travel stories and how she feels about our world today. Always interesting to read.
6. Lois from A Beaded Affair also doesn't hesitate to share her feelings about today's world on her blog now and then. She does great wire work, it's just amazing what she does with copper. Both Lois and Anna Lee are a few of the driving forces behind the eSmarts Team which I also belong to. I'm thankful to be a part of that, and that I know these ladies through the internet. I love technology, even though I sometimes fight with it. LOL
7. Jennifer from Life Is Not A Cereal shares a lot about her life, sometimes with blog posts that make you ponder and think about things you never thought about before. She makes you stop and think about your next step. I love her digiscrap stuff too of course, whether it's her layouts or her freebies that she put up for grabs.
8. I love people who have more than one hobby, just like me. And that are not afraid to admit it, and share a lot with the outside world about their life. So I really want to give this award to Joan from the Stamping-Cooking-Knitting-My Life blog too. When I read her blog, she makes me feel like I'm right there with her. That in itself is an art.
9. Elly from My Everyday Things takes you on a tour through her life, her house and her creations. Just by looking at the blog, this is a place that feels like home. The pictures are wonderful to look at and give plenty of inspiration.

Thank you all for making the world wide web a place that feels like an online home! Don't know what I would do without you all.

Have you read this far?? Or just skipped til you reached the part about a sneak peek???? huh??? Tsk tsk, you should visit all the above mentioned blogs. Really, they're worth it.
But without further ado, here it is. The teaser for today. (grin)


Soooo, you were thinking I wasn't beading anymore???? No way!! I love it too much! And as you can see I have been working on something in winter colors. Snow white. Come back soon to see more teasers!! Bwahahahaaa!! ;-))

Hugs,
Wezz

Dance!

Yesterday we had a surprise dance party for my sister in law who turns 50 in a couple of days. Her daughter Karen, Jan's niece, who we visited in Galesburg on our trip through the USA (you can read about that here and here), organised it all. Including a surprise act, in appropriate costumes no less, that was based on a dance from a musical. It was an absolutely fantastic dance act, the costumes were gorgeous and very fitting, and everything was kept secret until sister in law walked through the doors! One of Jan's nephews filmed the whole thing but we promised not to put it on YouTube or anything. Too bad, I think it would get a lot of hits!! LOL ;-))
As usual with family get togethers, I was in charge of taking the pictures. I will also be in charge of the digital scrapbook that will tell the story. Hmm, don't have too much time for this, the album is a Christmas present! :-))
And eeeek!! I've never ever done a whole digital album before! This will be a serious and fast learning curve I'm sure.
Two months of devious planning and rehearsing went into this party but it was sooo worth it! Yep, I did do some dancing in the end too, even with my bad and hurt back, but I had sooo much fun, nobody can take that away from me now!
Gotta go now, but don't forget to check back soon! There's a huge surprise coming on this blog very soon!! ;-))

Hugs,
Wezz

WOW!!

I just realized something. The World of Wezz. In short, that's "the WOW"! haha!
I can't believe I never noticed this before!
"Welcome to the WOW."
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Wezz from the WOW."
"Did you get that from the WOW etsy store?"
"WOW!"
Ooooh, I just know I'm gonna have so much fun with this!! LOL ;-))

Yesterday I was hopping from blog to blog and found this link on several of them... and this quote got my attention the most...
"Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone."
Okay, I have a weird sense of humor, but to me, this is funny! I will never feel guilty about not blogging again! Maybe I should say sorry for blogging so much lately, huh? Well, blame it on my back. LOL

That's it for today. Oh yeah. Coz I gotta think about that "WOW!" thingie some more. heheh....

Hugs,
Wezz