Etsy vs. ArtFire

They say that imitation is the best form of flattery and this is absolutely true with the latest in internet artisan selling sites. For some time I have been selling my aprons on Etsy with a margin of success. I have had some doubts about the whole Etsy selling process, so this is why I am glad to say, there is a new kid on the block! That's right, boys and girls, someone has taken the best of Etsy and created a new site: Artfire

What makes Artfire so much better: NO FEES!!! I know, it's really hard to believe, but there it is. You can list up to ten items in your store for free. Even better, you can join right now and only pay $7.00 per month forever. For this small amount you can list as many items as often as you want for only $7.00 per month. The monthly charge can even be deducted from your PayPal account.

My favorite feature, though, has to be the listing page. Just one page to list an item. It takes about 1 minute for me to do a listing. You can be typing in your description while all of your pictures are uploading. Yes, I said that correctly. No more waiting for each individual picture to upload; now just click on the upload pictures. Fill in the rest of your information while you wait. What could be easier!

Finally, another super-duper feature on ArtFire is this: EVERYONE GETS ON THE FRONT PAGE. Yep! When you upload your item to sell it goes directly to the front page. Right now, because the site is so new, it stays on the front page for a bit!

So head on over to my new store and see what the fuss is all about! If you want A FREE FIREART ACCOUNT, just click this phrase: Register on ArtFire.com

New Apron Contest

Those gals over at Lucy & Shawnee's Apron Swap are at it again. They are sending us to visit Mary Mulari . I love her fabulous website! Lots of apron and bag patterns - two of my favorites! There are also books on machine embroidery (which I need help with) and applique (which I love to do, but need help with). I wish I had known about Mary when I was making this converted sweatshirt for my grandson!
I think the thing that most intrigues me about Mary is the fact that she was once an English teacher who now teaches sewing seminars. Maybe there is hope for me, yet!

Cleaning Silver and other Antiques

Years of "professional homemaking" have taught me that there is always a way to salvage something. Recently, a friend needed a way to clean some antique linens which she planned to repurpose. This brought to mind a great recipe I have for just this purpose...

1 gallon distilled water
1/4 C. Snowy non-chlorine bleach (liquid or powder)
1/4 C. Lemon Joy liquid dishwashing soap*

Now for the final ingredient: Wisdom & Patience

Do not set valuable linens directly into this solution. I like to put my delicate fabrics between two towels and then place them in a large baking dish and let them soak for a while. Resist the urge to swish it around or agitate; just let it be for a bit and the stain should release. Rinse by running the layers through cold water. Repeat, if necessary.

*I'm not sure why the brand Lemon Joy, but it is essential to the mix.

Additionally, I had a pair of sterling silver earrings that were covered in tarnish. Since I eschew all forms of toxic chemicals next to my body AND I couldn't remove the tarnish by just rubbing, I needed another solution. Hence, the recipe below for removing tarnish from silver...

1. Line the bottom of a glass baking dish with aluminum foil
2. Set the tarnished item directly onto the foil (it must be touching)
3. Bring 1 qt. of water to a boil
4. Slowly add 1/4 C. baking soda to the water (do this over the sink since
it might spill over)
5. Pour the water and soda over the tarnished item. The tarnish should
disappear in a few minutes (depending on amount of tarnish)
6. Rinse with cool water and dry off any spots.

So, there you have it...