A Little Introduction-Brooke Miles

I have been asked by our gracious host, Rory, to do a small piece introducing myself and I agreed. It seemed only fitting. For the past six months I have been fortunate enough to call Rory a friend.  TAFWT is truly an important resource for showcasing designs in the link parties, connecting with friends, and finding information on crafting and tools. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I was given with my TAFWT giveaway.  It helped me build my blog by reaching many new readers and making new friends.
 

My name is Brooke Miles and Sunset & Vine Jewelry is my creation. I also have my blog Tidbits & Glitz, that chronicles the building of my business and all the little quips on my mind. Art has been a passion of mine since childhood and I have always loved jewelry and anything with a little sparkle but only in the last two years did I really focus that energy into creating jewelry. I joined Etsy in January of 2009, and it was a slow start with a total evolution of my store, and my designs. I really appreciate the time I have had to grow because I have cultivated my style and learned so much in the process.



My goal is to design jewelry that is stylish, classic and with a little edge and  I use a range of materials with prices that reflect that. I understand that our economy is shaky and I believe that women deserve a little luxury without emptying their bank accounts.




There is nothing I love more than creating beautiful jewelry with quality metals and gemstones, but I also love to use Czech glass, freshwater pearls, and Swarovoski crystal. I feel blessed that I actually get to send my pieces off to be loved by someone other than myself. It feels like a dream come true. When I am not designing I am thinking about designing or jumping out of bed in the middle of the night to sketch an idea that popped in my head.

I have lived in Ohio my entire life and graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in psychology. Besides designing jewelry and crafting, my other passion is helping people. Before becoming a SAHM I worked with children as a case manager at a mental health facility.  Someday I would like to focus on volunteering in that area.

I live outside Columbus, Ohio with my husband and three wonderful daughters. We are very active in our local church andwe volunteer in community outreach projects. Recently we adopted a stranded puppy and our girls are having a blast with their new brother. In the future I plan on taking metal classes and opening my own store. My dream is to have an entire day alone in my jewelry room.

Tools Are for Women Too is grateful to have Brooke be a part of the team.  If you would like to be a part of it too, just email Rory for the details.

toolsr4women2@gmail.com

In Support Of Our Troops - The Woodcraft Pen Project

I wanted to write a post today about a charitable event I participated in last weekend.  This one was a lot of fun and it was for a great cause, Our American soldiers overseas.  It was sponsored by Woodcraft, a company with  over 80 retail stores nationwide.

This event was all about making some handmade wooden pens as Christmas gifts for our troops.  Woodcraft supplied all the materials.  All the volunteers had to do was show up and donate a few hours.  Anyone that wanted to be a part of this was welcomed with open arms, regardless of their skill level.  There was plenty to do.  Not only did the wood have to be cut, it also had to be turned on the lathe, finished, assembled by hand, and then packaged.  The picture at the top right shows 2 wooden blanks being turned on a lathe.

  Several lathes were operating at the same time.  Below is a shot of some of the activity, with a local student doing some pen assembly in the foreground.

Here is a close-up of her using a "pen-press" to put one of the pens together.

Along with each pen someone made a hand-written note to say thank you to the soldier that was to receive it.

The store I volunteered at was Woodcraft Store #560, in Greenville, South Carolina.  All together our group made a total of 352 pens.  I do not know the count of pens made nationwide at all the stores but up to this year, Woodcraft has helped out to tune of over 62,000 of them.

Here is one I made.  I inlaid this particular one with tiny bits of turquoise gem stones.  I used turquoise because it is sometimes thought to be a symbol of protection from negative energy. 
 

I don't know how many of you have ever been in a Woodcraft store, but I would invite you to take a look.  This is not a "big box" store.  They are wood specialists who are friendly and willing to go out of their way to help you.  They are also incredibly knowledgeable.  Please stop by and thank them for the hard work they put into this pen project if you have time.  We need more businesses like them.

Do you have a blog or store that needs a little jump-start?  Just email me for ad rates and details.

toolsr4women2@gmail.com

Let me introduce myself! - Stacy Risenmay

Rory asked me to do a post introducing myself and it is probably about time! All of a sudden this person starts posting on Rory's blog and I am sure you are thinking "Who is she and why is she here?" I never know how much about myself to divulge. Too little and it is vague. Too much and well, its overwhelming! So I will try to find a happy medium.
I grew up in the country and we were poor, only I didn't know we were poor. My dad was a milk man and my mom stayed at home. We had horses and other animals and to a tom boy like me it was paradise. I have always preferred to be outside. I love to work hard and get dirty. I love fishing, hiking, camping, gardening, and pretty much anything outdoors. I also love to build and refinish furniture. It started when I was about 5. I would sit in my dad's wood pile and hammer and saw to my hearts content. I of course took the tools from my dad's shed with out asking. Who would let their 5 year old have a saw? But I loved it.
I grew up and went to college where I met my husband. I knew right away I wanted to marry him. Problem was, so did every other female student! But I got him in the end :) My husband is the best assistant and doesn't get offended when the kids call the tools "mommy's tools".
We have four beautiful children. All boys. And I love it.They are amazing and teach me some of life's greatest lessons (like PATIENCE!). I hope to teach them to be kind and accepting of others, to love learning, to love themselves, and to love God.

No. I can't get one single picture where they all look at the camera and smile "normal". But I love it.


My husband and I got married relatively young.  I was done with school but he had a few more years left to become an architect. We had kids right away so we were pretty poor. I loved being creative with decorating on a teeny, tiny, almost not there budget. This is when I started building furniture. I even sold some to help us in tough times.


When it comes to my projects, I almost always bite off more than I can chew. And I always think I can get it done sooner than I really can. At any given point I will have at least 3 projects in the works. My husband can't understand why I can't finish one before I start a new one and to be honest, I don't understand it either! I am not an expert by any means, in anything I do, but I am willing to share what I have learned with others because so many have been willing to teach me.
Here are some of the things I have built for our home.


This red cabinet has shelves and holds our movies on the top shelves and blankets are in the bottom. And it is "antiqued" because I love things that look worn and old. I also build another just like this but it is blue and in the boys' room. I didn't antique that one. I do show restraint SOMETIMES:)

This is actually the first thing I built and I didn't have any power tools. I wanted something that looked like an old shipping crate. It holds our board games.

I built shutters for this nook in our house and painted it to look like a window.

I built this clock to hide an ugly power box. It slid right over it. And yep. It's antiqued.

I have made lots of different shelves. I love "floating" shelves the best.

I love to paint. My baby's nursery is decorated in monkeys so I painted one on the wall.

After a trip to California Adventure's Bugs Life park, my boys wanted a room where they felt like a bug. I used the head and foot boards plus the ladder from an existing bunk bed and built the rest. The bottom has a piano hinge so that it lifts up and a trundle bed can be pulled out.

I also love to read.  "How to" articles, cheesy romance novels and everything in between.

 I love to try new things. Last year I even learned how to make cheese! Next on my list is welding.

 I am always up for trying new things and I love to challenge myself.

I started my blog 2 months ago. Actually I started 2 new blogs 2 months ago. Not JUST A Housewife and The Birthday Blog.  My husband was laid off due to the economy and I took advantage of this time with him home to do what I love. I will be opening up an ETSY store soon too.

Whew! I guess that this was a little on the "too much info" side. Like I said, I never know what to say and what to leave out. I hope you will visit and I can get to know a little about you! That has been my favorite part of blogging. I love the emails and comments. Thanks for letting me share!

Stacy is one of the new team members for TAFWT.  If you would also like to be a part of the fun, just email Rory for the details.

toolsr4women2@gmail.com

Introducing Stacy Risenmay - Contributing Author



 I would like to introduce everyone to our newest member of the Tools Are For Women Too team, Stacy Risenmay.  In addition to writing for TAFWT, she also is a wife, a mom of 4 boys, writes her own blog called Not JUST A Housewife, and somehow manages time to tackle more than her share of DIY projects. 

Stacy loves to refinish and build furniture, roam home improvement stores, and take on new DIY challenges.  I was pretty excited when Stacy agreed to come on board and be part of the team.  I think she is going to have a lot of expertise to share.  Her specialty here will be writing tutorials, product reviews, and some other fun stuff.  If you didn't get a chance to read Stacy's last post about Minwax Gel Stain, click here.  Gel type stains are still fairly new out there and she is a real pro at it. 

I have no doubt that Stacy is going to be a valuable new member of the "Tools" team.  Please welcome her by leaving a comment and visiting her site, Not JUST A Housewife.

Welcome Stacy!

I am still looking for a couple more team members.  Feel free to email me for details.

toolsr4women2@gmail.com

Feature Post: Introducing the Brina Babe Boutique

I would like to introduce you to Sabrina, from the Brina Babe Boutique. This is a woman with a story that I will think will mean a lot to all of you.....

Sabrina is a mother of 3, with a husband who serves our country in the United States Air Force. In December of 2009 she slipped and fell while trying to navigate some icy steps. She broke 3 vertebrae and ruptured her spleen. To make matters worse, she was carrying her baby at the time. Sabrina is still trying to recover.

Due to her accident, she was unable to move around very well for quite some time. Unwilling to give up, Sabrina decided to spend her down time building her own online business. She had always created hair accessories and crafts for her kids, but now it was time to take it to the next level. Brina Babe Boutique was born. How she has found time to raise 3 children, be a wife, and start a business, is beyond me. I really have to hand it to her. This is a very brave and resourceful lady, who just refused to give up.

Sabrina sells on Etsy and she has a website, as well. In looking around her sites, I found a ton of "eye candy". Everything has a real fresh and fun look to it. I love her Hot Pink Watch Set.

One of things that I think sets the Brina Babe Boutique apart from a lot other sites is the wonderful photography and the way she displays her products. The boy on the fire hydrant is showing off a Necktie she carries. Perfect hues and colors for the Autumnal season.


This Damask Wipe Clutch is pretty extraordinary. Sometimes a girl just doesn't want to carry around a plastic box of wipes. ( Is there a time when a woman does? ) Why not have something with a little bling? I was amazed at how inexpensive it was. Fabulous baby shower gift.





Here is a real beauty of a hair accessory. This gorgeous piece is an ivory magnolia made of silk, ostrich flutes and faux pearls. It comes from Flortini Designs. When looking at it, think in terms of bridal showers, glamour photo shoots, proms, and special events. Fun, elegant, and statement making.

Hand Stamped Rings are another item that Sabrina carries in her store. They are completely customizable. Pick out your size and let her know what you want the ring to say. I love the idea of a set of these for "him and her", "mother and daughter", or as wedding party gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Does it get any cuter? This Leopard Print Hat is too fun!

You are all going to love the Brina Babe Boutique and Etsy Store. Please give Sabrina a visit and say hello. She would love to hear from you.

Do you have a site or product you need a feature post for? Just email me for details.

toolsr4women2@gmail.com

Bridal Hangers by The Painted House and More

Bridal hangers. Yum! Gotta love 'em. These come to us from Amy over at The Painted House and More. She personalizes each one by hand.

I thought these were a pretty outstanding gift idea. I think back about all the time I have spent trying to find a gift for a bride that was fun, personal, and within some sort of a reasonable budget. I wish I would have met Amy a lot sooner.

Amy is an artist who has painted for nearly 17 years. She started by painting walls and doing stenciling, then eventually graduating into freehand work. Her artistic background really shows in her work.

I saw this powder blue version with two hearts and the name in the middle, and began to realize the possibilities that Amy provides. It is pretty amazing. Do you need a hanger in a specific color? Do you need a little wire artwork on the hanger to go along with a themed wedding? Do you want the wedding date on it?

Would you prefer something in a natural wood finish? No problem. Amy to the rescue! Just let her know what you want.

Here is an example of one she did with the wedding date engraved on the wooden part of the hanger. I think this is a terrific touch.

Did I mention to you that Amy is a painter and artist? Check out this cute little number! Wow! Why even wait for a wedding? Just spoil yourself a little bit and buy a couple of these for your own closet.

Does that man in your life like to raid your closet and steal your hangers? Let's see if he likes hanging his football fan shirt on one with flowers and a bow! Come to think of it, I bet Amy could even do "His and Hers" hangers. Hmmm. Okay, now I am excited! I happen to know an upcoming bride who just graduated from college. I wonder if a Clemson Tiger Orange version with a purple bow would be out of the question? Too fun!

Give Amy a visit over at The Painted House and More. I am sure this creative lady would love to hear ideas for one of your own great keepsake hangers. Be sure to tell her that you came over from "Tools".

Griselda - Friends And Paying It Forward

I am never sure how to thank people properly for their generosity except to just say thanks. It never seems enough for me, probably because it's not.

Since I started "paying it forward", I apparently touched a few lives out there, even if in a small way. Recently Griselda, from Original Art By Griselda, wrote a post about how I inspired her. It came to me completely unexpected. Posts like hers are a real gift to me. When I read the words she wrote, I was once again reminded that followers and analytics are not the true measure of success in the grand scheme of things. It's friends.

I know that some of you out there are struggling just a little bit. Sales are slow in a lot of the stores, and building followers can be a tough uphill battle. Some of you have tried seemingly everything to make your site a success, and are having trouble. It is a common scenario. This is incredibly unfortunate, because the great talent that so many of you have, never gets the attention it deserves.

I would like to urge a few of you who don't know what to try next to take some advice from me. Here it is.........

1.) Put the whole follower thing out of your mind for a week or so. Relax. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Chasing followers will only continue to drive you crazy anyway, so let's get that monkey off your back right now. No more worrying about followers for a while.

2.) Concentrate instead on making true friends with other sellers and bloggers. Pay it forward. Do a few favors. Expect nothing in return. It is not the followers that will make you successful, it is the number of friends you have.

For those of you who are into math, look at it his way....

Friends = Followers, Sales, Hearts, Links

If you put Friends on the back end of that equation, it just doesn't work. Friends first, then everything else falls into place.

As crazy as it might sound, worrying too much about your success will ultimately make you unsuccessful. So, stop worrying, have some fun, and meet a few people. I guarantee success........ as long as you don't expect it.

Thank you Griselda for your wonderful post about me. It reminded me again of what's important. It is a pleasure having you as a friend.

If you would like to read what Griselda wrote about me, go to her site Here, and scroll down to her post entitled " In The Flow Of Abundance And Creativity".

Thank You Brooke For Featuring Me On Tidbitz & Glitz

I am not sure what to say about all the attention I have received over the past few weeks. It has been something of a whirlwind of emails and activity. With all of the parties and hoopla, I have met some pretty wonderful people out there in blogland. One of them is Brooke from Tidbitz & Glitz. Brooke has a blog, an Etsy Store, and a terrific heart.

Brooke just notified me that her interview post about me was up on her site, so I went over to take a look. I am not sure that I am deserving of all the nice things she said about me, but it nearly brought this guy to tears. I am not sure what to say to her except, Thank You. For me, it was a very moving post.

I hope all of you will take the time to drop by her site and meet this remarkable lady, who in recent weeks, has become one of my special internet friends. Thank you again, Brooke. I am glad we crossed paths.

Click Here to read her post about me.

I've Been Featured! by Yesterday On Tuesday

Wow! Malia, has featured me on her site, Yesterday On Tuesday. I knew she was going to, because she interviewed me for the article. But I had no idea it was going to be such a terrific and flattering post. I am really beside myself right now. She wrote it as a " Behind The Blog " piece and I am really excited about it! Can you tell? Please take the time to go read it.

If you haven't been over to Malia's site yet, this is your opportunity to make a new friend. This is a woman who could not be nicer, and she goes the extra mile for people. It is my pleasure to know her. I would love it it all of you would pay her a visit, leave her a comment, and read about me in her post.

Here is the link to the article...Click Here.

Have fun!

Tools Are For Women Too! will be going through some remodeling soon. Exciting changes are on the way. This will probably take place this weekend. Stay tuned.

Feature Post - Introducing Jeanette Aragon from The Puzzled One

I would like to introduce everyone to a talented artist and craftswoman. Her name is Jeanette Aragon and her website is called The Puzzled One. Jeanette's preferred medium is working with wood. And if you haven't guessed it from the title of her website.....she loves to make puzzles.

Jeanette's puzzles are far from ordinary. They are made out of wood and she cuts each puzzle piece by hand, with a scroll saw. Then she uses her artistry to paint and finish them.

Here is a great example of Jeanette's work. She calls this puzzle....Wooden Tile Mosaic Tray Puzzle - Energy. I think this one is a genuine work of art. I would have no problem hanging it on the wall in a kids room.

To make this beauty, she started with a wood called poplar, which she cut into 80 pieces. She then rubbed the stain into the wood by hand, using non-toxic paint type stain. Then she coated the pieces with a triple thick glaze. The whole puzzle fits into a neat wooden tray. I cannot believe her prices. This fun, handmade and hand finished puzzle, is On Sale for only $25. Amazing. Click here for details.

Here is another fine puzzle. It is her .... Friends Forever Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle. Like many of her puzzles, the image has been wood burned permanently wood burned on. I think this is really a nice touch. This puzzle is Too Cute! What a great gift for your little one. It is another one that Jeanette has cut and finished by hand. Sale priced at only $15. Click Here for details on this one.



This is her Award Winning Alphabet Tree 3D Puzzle. Dr. Toy named it "best pick" of 2009. It is more than just a tree puzzle. Jeanette designed this one to teach a child shape recognition, logical thinking, alphabetical order, reading left to right, and oh yeah,...their Abc's. No wonder thi puzzle is an award winner. Do you have a little one starting his or her first day of school soon? This is a super keepsake to commemorate the big event. It is Sale Priced at Only $20.00. Click Here for it.



I really love this one. When I look at it I see Goldie Hawn dancing on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Does that give you an idea of how old I am? Jeanette calls this fun one.....Modern Abstract Art Tray Puzzle - Liquid Flowers. I am a nut for the retro throwback stuff. Only $30.00 Click Here.

How about another educational puzzle? This Lady Bug version is a 3D puzzle to help your child learn about numbers, counting, and left to right / top to bottom progression. It is handmade from solid poplar. The wings open and close and are actually trays that the puzzle pieces fint into. Your child can lift off the wings, dump out the pieces, and start having fun, while learning about numbers at the same time. This puzzle is a nice size measuring a full 16" wide with it's wings open. Gotta love it! Only $45.00. Click Here for more details.

How about a custom 3 Dimensional puzzle? How great would something like this be as a house warming gift. The family Jeanette made this puzzle for had a cabin and wanted something made especially for them. If you want a genuine, custom, handmade puzzle, you need to contact Jeanette in a big way.

Jeanette also has bunches of other puzzles and is running a Blowout Sale right now.

As a special offer to Tools Are For Women Too readers, Jeanette has decided to make her sale prices even better.....

Readers of Tools Are For Women Too will get an extra 10% off her already incredibly low sale prices. To get the discount you must enter the code "tools" (without the quotation marks) into the form field that reads "discount code" when checking out.

Please go visit The Puzzled One and tell Jeanette I sent you.

Do you have a blog, website, or online store that needs a helpful push? Would you like a feature post written about you?

Feel free to contact me for rates and details.

toolsr4women2@gmail.com