Treasures, Treasuries, and Thoughts

I swore I would never do a blog! So much for swearing. I didn't think that I would have much to say or share. I was wrong! I have been so blessed with a wonderful family, loyal friends, sharing colleagues, and the support from so many that I will never run out of topics to write about.

I have opened an on-line store at a place called Etsy (rhymes with Betsy). The items on the left are available for purchase there. These will change from week to week to show you my latest creations. The link to the store is in the upper left corner of this page.

I also have items for sale listed on Art Fire. The link to my Art Fire Studio is http://www.jstinson.artfire.com/

I hope you will visit this blog, my Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstinson/2500402289/) and my Etsy and/or Art Fire stores often. (http://www.jstinson.etsy.com/ http://www.jstinson.artfire.com


So come along on my Trail of Treasures! It will be a Spirit Journey for me and I invite you to join me on the trip.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

We Shall Remain


Have you heard about the upcoming PBS series on Native Americans? It is series to be aired during April. This is what the PBS promo has to say about it:


"At the heart of the project is a five-part television series that shows how Native peoples valiantly resisted expulsion from their lands and fought the extinction of their culture -- from the Wampanoags of New England in the 1600s who used their alliance with the English to weaken rival tribes, to the bold new leaders of the 1970s who harnessed the momentum of the civil rights movement to forge a pan-Indian identity. We Shall Remain represents an unprecedented collaboration between Native and non-Native filmmakers and involves Native advisors and scholars at all levels of the project."


If you have interest in learning more about the project or signing up for e-mail reminders of airing dates, you can go to this web site:

You can also order a pre-publication copy of the DVD if you are unable to watch the series or prefer to watch it on your own schedule.
I am excited and can hardly wait for the first episode.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Found On Found Handmade!




Found Handmade is a fun web site for promoting handmade, vintage, and supply items.

They select sellers for a "Freeblock" on their blog. They had notified me that I had an item on Freeblock but I wasn’t able to find it as I’m technically challenged. I received an e-mail from them that the Freeblocks are on the blog portion of the sight. Then I found it. The last item in the photo above is of my Feather Duster Earrings.

Found Handmade helps shoppers who are looking for Handmade, Vintage or supplies. They sell space to sellers who wish to promote their shops by advertising on the site. They also have a fun game called Play and Win. You can win great prizes that are donated by their members.

The blog has gorgeous items that are added daily. If you would like to visit, go to:
www.foundhandmade.com

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) Found Handmade for promoting my Earrings and doing a feature on American Indian inspired items.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Here's To New Friends


I am blessed with a new friend who is making new friends! As some of you may know, Kokopelli is one of my favorite Native American characters. I don't think it has much to do with the various legends and I'm certainly way past the need or desire for fertility symbols, it is the simple design of this little whimsical muscian that has always intrigued me.

I was surfing around on Etsy and found this shirt. I thought it would ideal to wear while vending at Pow Wows. The only problem is that most of Pow Wows are in the summer months and I would die in long sleeved black clothing! I contacted Toni. She and her husband, Mark, are new to Etsy. Their store is named RCTees.

I have learned that Mark does the art work and screen printing while Toni attends to the business side of life. They live in Decatur, Alabama and collaborate on ideas.

After a few convo's, they have agreed to make this shirt for me in "Earth Moss" and with short sleeves. As often happens in the Etsy community, we have become fast friends.

This morning, Toni made a treasury as a tribute to her new friends on Etsy and included the print "Native American Painted Ponies" by Donel Keeler, a member of my collective. You can see it here. It is the first item in the third row.

The title is Here's To New Friends. Toni added....and you can't have too many of them! I agree and wish Toni and Mark great success on Etsy. I can't wait to get my RCTee! There may be just the one you need in their shop. Check it out at http://www.rctee.etsy.com/




Monday, March 9, 2009

I Am Elinor Dashwood. Who Are You?

I am Elinor Dashwood!


Take the Quiz here!



This morning I was notified that the designer of my new banner, avatar, letterhead and business card had featured me on her blog. If you would like to see the feature, please go to: http://swiekysiggies.blogspot.com/

While viewing her blog, I noticed this fun quiz. If you are fan of Jane Austen, you may like to see how you relate to one of her wonderful characters. Take the quiz and leave your character's name in the comments. We will be curious to see who you are!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

My Store's New Look!

My New Banner

My New Avatar

My Beautiful Cousin



For months I went without a banner in my Etsy store and used a photo of myself as an avatar. Then my Bbest Etsy friend, Brett, took pity on me and developed the banner I have used and loved for the past year. I have kept it on file and will continue to use it again in the future. Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) Brett.

While surfing on the net, I saw a banner and avatar in a shop on Etsy owned by Erin. One look and I knew that with minor alterations that I had to have it! You see, I was almost certain that my wonderful cousin, pictured above, could have posed for it back in the days of our youth.

I will not use her name as she is a private person and I wouldn't identify her without her permission. She has been undergoing rigorous chemo for the past year. Just this week she had a wonderful report from her oncologist. I found this artwork about the same time that I received this good news. I knew it was more than coincidence! I had to act on it!

Erin was wonderful to work with and I am so very pleased with her graphic designs. She made the changes requested and went the extra mile to be sure I was pleased. Should you need a new look for your store as well, I highly recommend her. Here is her site: www.swiekysiggies.etsy.com

Also check out Brett's wonderful art at www.vanfleetstreetdesign.etsy.com. She does wonderful nicho's, ACEO's, and great artwork with a Southwest flair.

I do hope you like the "New Look" as well as I do! And to you, dear cousin, may the news continue to be so glorius! I HAVE FAITH!