One for You and One for Me

Recently I have become obsessed with adorable creatures of the bunny, doll and cat kind on Etsy and I am beside myself with desires for these adorable works of art. I find it appropriate to use the word "beside myself" because I'm learning more and more about myself through the process of 'wanting'.

I suppose it began with Marjji's tabby cat, all cute and just pick me up and set me where I'll smile each time I see you cat. And Marjji's story about cats her grandmother would sew adds to their meaning. Then I cross paths with snollygosters' Babushka dolls and I find myself calling a sister, yes, yes, just like I'm going to win a million dollars, and asking if I can buy this doll. Not that I need to ask, but learning that I wanted permission...what's that about! snollygosters and Babushka are words that make me smile. My daughter and I loved the Babushka stories while she was growing up and the story this shop owner shares about the awake and sleeping side of each doll is memorable and draws me to them even more.

Well, here comes peter cottontail and wouldn't you know I'd accidentally (or was it on purpose) cross paths with the most adorable bunnies on the planet, ChenilleTreasures, and found myself making another phone call to encourage these be considered for friends. So can you imagine my panic when I noticed the two I favorited were sold... did that phone call make the sale? Did someone else grab them? These bunnies right now are helping out the shop owners for a good cause too!

Breathe in, breathe out... luckily these shops are here to stay with their amazing quality and talent. Don't tell anyone, but I am going to do what I have to do!

Card Addict

I admit it, I squirrel away cards. I buy them with the best of intentions. I really (usually) know who I am buying them for but I notice that I often cannot bear to give them up. It sometimes takes years. I began this closet (though I keep them in boxes) collecting back in the 70’s. Yes, yes . . . that was me spending hours in stores reading them all!

I’m that person that bothers you when you’re looking for a card… “did you read this one?” oh my gosh… it’s so good!

Then I got a grip and really stopped buying them, raised children, then began coming across original talent online and . . uh oh . . more cards at my convenience of point and click. So I’m sharing some of my finds, because it could be years before I send these ones.

(Note: I'm embellishing, I have sent some of these already. I did cry while writing a holiday note to my bf on this beautiful card by soldesign.)

Top left to right: My newest find TheHouseofMouse ..don't miss her VanGogh too (I handpicked myself a set, shhhh), then there's heartofnature that I'm sending for Valentine's Day, and their recyclable - chuckling already as these are frameable and I so adore them, can I part with them(?) - chanting to myself to send them send them, CoffeePotPeople did get to stay right here last Valentine's Day to my sweetie, and then bottom row left speaks to my own upbringing of mixed up sayings and I truly admit to not letting go yet - this designer even made up some from my own idioms - idiomsyncrasies is quite wonderful and she owns pulpficcion as well which is the last card there - read the inside. In between those two cards you'll find soldesign, I plan to get another of these to frame.

While I’m at it, I might as well admit that I’ve written to card creators and shared my adoration of their talent. Here are two more that I adore. Brian Andreas, he writes StoryPeople, careful . . . you could get lost there like I do. And I don't want to forget MJ Abell. Heck, imagine this . . MJ Abell creates a card called "The Feminine" using all the words that appeared on a pair of Jockey for Her underwear and it is amazingly moving. This gives me a chance to write her again and ask where I can send others to find her! Ha! I love it! Hope you do too.

Last note: there are more ....shhhhh....laters.

Eco Friendly Dryer Sheets from T-Shirts

Last year I made some of these for myself to see how long they'd last. Of course, tried them out with a select group of family and friends and wallah~I'm making them available because they are truly great! I've double secured the Washington home grown lavender buds and the fragrance is so calming and pleasing. Not going to tell you how long they'll last cuz you just won't believe me! Venture to say that, you'll be a happy camper.

Might I add...take them camping for a great sachet too!

Double the Fun

Recently I came across a great idea from CraftyChefGraphics

Business cards doubled up make 'cutable' tags. They are great! CraftyChef can take YOUR picture and make it into just what you need. Here's what I needed and results.

Tags for my zJayne recycled tshirt market bags.
Tags for zJayne pouches.
Tags for all recycled products from zJayne.
Tags for post consumer glass suncatchers.

That's FOUR tags on TWO business cards. Fronts and backs too...AND information on the back is geared to the appropriate item. Did I mention they are GREAT!

Working with CraftyChef on both my bookmarks (see blog post below) and these new tags was so economical and professional that I asked her if she did any website design. I'm pleased to have followed up with her sister K. Chayka for my basic website. Right now I just needed something basic and her company is also hosting for me, and I can see using her talents down the road for more too!

Hence, lots of double the fun in this endeavor!

They are here! Both Book & Bookmarks!

FEATURED on Page 99

The Vision Board:
The Secret to an Extraordinary Life
by Author Joyce Schwarz
Published by Collins Design (Harper Collins)

Artist zJayne

Jane Pierce

Innovative Vision Board Artist

Custom Art Heirlooms

The books are in and bookmarks arrived too! You can get your copy and signed bookmarks at my shop on the gorgeous 1000Markets. If you're local, just drop me a note via email at either Etsy or 1000Markets.

New website offers email options as well http://www.zjayne.com/

Many blessings to all . . . thank you for your unending love and warm wishes.
Warmly,
Jane aka zJayne xo

Fall, Halloween, Beach Glass, Lake Erie Rocks

My favorite time of year is fall in the Cleveland area. We've had the pleasure of traveling throughout Ohio this month and literally watching the leaves change from one day to the next.

How exciting to see Lake Erie Beach HEARTS OF OCTOBER Rare Genuine Sea Glass Pieces from Lebg (lakeeriebeachglass) . . . this talented artisan and her lovely family just returned from the North American Sea Glass Festival and has blogged some great pictures and finds. I hear she has more to share . . . I'll be taking a look often . . . you too?!

The Vision Board: The Secret to An Extraordinary Life

Something wonderful is happening. I sensed it as I woke up one morning, several months ago, and headed to a local

ClevelandTeam thread on the handmade artisan website called Etsy. Author Joyce Schwarz had left a note in the thread sharing that she was writing a book on vision boards. I could hardly contain my excitement when I knew exactly what she was talking about. I had recently collaged dozens of my art pieces into my own inspirational visions of life. I must admit to feeling like my wake up so early was to "see" this request for artisan boards. I am paying attention in my life to all the "signs" and "coincidences" and loving every minute of it too.

You'll find me zJayne, aka artzJayne, Jane Pierce, aka Jayne Pierce, inside the book as one of my original vision piece's named "BE" has been featured. "BE" is just one of many treasured heirloom pieces that have made such a difference in my life and others who enjoy meaningful artwork.

Fox News is just one of 10 interviews so far featuring author Joyce Schwarz . . . Envision your life ~ Literally! Joyce is originally from the Cleveland area and attended Ohio University undergrad and will come back to Cleveland to do TV, radio and newspaper interviews and everyone will be invited to the "OUR" book signing . It hit #8 on Amazon's ranking for top spirituality books and it's 6 weeks before publication date.

I'm so excited to be part of this upcoming book which can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com. The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life is the title and that's a clickable link too!

Sign up for a free newsletter and stay up to date and perhaps win some freebies on http://www.visionboard.info/

I know I'll want to share more soon.... but for now, thanks for all positive reinforcements. Thank you to my guy, Dan T. you inspire me. Thank you to my family and friends, artisans, acquaintances, neighbors, teachers, co-workers . . . anyone who has ever listened to me try to explain my art. Thank you for your encouragement and positive affirmations. You make a difference!

Plastic Bags - Yes, really!

It's true . . . there are creative "multiple" uses for the plastic bags that are already out there! Take a look at carataylor on Etsy. Cara shows us some of the amazing uses for those dang plastic bags and offers one of her "mini" coin purses as incentive. Read carataylor's profile to find out how to get a free mini change purse!

Cara, you rock and make a difference! Keep them coming! Search teamecoetsy for more eco friendly products on Etsy.