Saturday, November 22, 2008
Visit My eBay Store....
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
And The Winner Is....
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Join In The Etsy Greetings Blog Carnival
I am participating in the Etsy Greetings Blog Carnival. The EtsyGreetings team is hosting a carnival from November 17 - 21st. To participate in my giveaway all you need to do is visit my shops Art by Betty Refour and Noteworthy Crafts and leave a comment here telling me your favorite item from either shop and why. Sorry but you must live in the US to participate in my giveaway. The winner will receive your choice of a set of six of Holiday Tree Note Cards or a $10.00 voucher to be used in my shop so that you may select something of your choice. Be sure I have some way of contacting you in case you're the winner. Contest ends on Friday November 21st at Midnight CDT. The winner will be announced here on Saturday. To find great prizes from other members of EtsyGreetings visit the Etsy Greetings Blog.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Art For The Day
This painting was done using Acrylics on an 8 x 10 canvas panel. You can find it in my Etsy shop.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
I'm Having A Sale
Have a great evening, thanks for stopping by.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Happy Birthday Rose
Ok so today is my sisters birthday and with all the anxiety, she hasn't slept in about a week. About 3 am every morning she has come into my room to wake me up to give me a note or to tell me that Friday is her birthday. She made a list of about 100 items that she wanted. Earlier in the week we went out and did some shopping and yesterday our Aunt took us to the movies. When we tried to buy popcorn we were catapulted into a version of "Who's on First." My Aunt, "We would like one large and one xlarge popcorn." The concession attendant: "so that's two larges and one extra large." My Aunt: "uhhhhh no, one of each."Attendant: "so two extra larges and one large." Aunt: uhhhhh no. This went back and forth until I had a headache. When we finally got to the drinks, before my aunt could say anything, I jumped in and ordered 3 of the same so that it didn't take another twenty minutes, even though we had decided something different beforehand. I expected the credits to be rolling by the time we finished but luckily the pre show was lengthy.
When we got back to our house my Aunt gave Rose the presents that she and my Uncle bought. She received various nail polishes and lip glosses along with a few other items. This morning I gave her this bracelet I made for her along with a dvd, a cd and the cutest angels a friend had sent. She didn't get nearly all the items she had hoped for but all in all I think she is happy.
Being her caregiver still scares me but I pray for guidance and we go to the cemetery often to keep our mom updated on our progress. On our last visit, in addition to her flowers, she received a note reminding her of the significance of November 7th.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Awareness Angels
My name is Cathy O Lewis, I am a 51 year old single, stay at home mom. I am a self taught quilter/fiber artist/painter/photographer who also occasionally teaches fabric art and designs quilt patterns. I have 2 sons currently living with me, a 24 year old who has Down Syndrome and an 18 year old who has Asperger's. I have Epilepsy, my oldest brother has Diabetes, my sister in law has Fibromyalgia, my Mother has lung cancer and is not expected to last much longer, my grandmother died of Breast Cancer, my grandfather and father from heart disease, my youngest brother suffers from drug and alcohol addiction and is a homeless person in California, my daughter goes through bouts of depression, (as do myself and my youngest son) and has been diagnosed with Body Dismorphia.
I have always wished I could do something to help research, or fund free programs, to SOMEHOW help others who suffer from either conditions like my family's or others. I have never had the money because my boys and I live below poverty level and there is just no spare money. I have not been able to work for many years because I have been needed here to care for my boys, and so have been selling pieces of my art every once in awhile online. Then recently, because I love attempting new things, I decided to try making an angel to send my Mom for Christmas and while doing so, I had one of those *light bulb moments*. Why not make Angels in different awareness colors, sell them and send a percentage of each sale to the foundations they represent? A fully customized business. I made a few samples and showed them to people and started getting orders. Two for Breast Cancer, one for Prostate Cancer and a few non-awareness angels. It took me awhile, but I have finally found a way to contribute to many causes, while at the same time offering comfort to those who receive an Angel. All donations ($10 from each sale) are made in the name of either the person buying the Angel or the one receiving it, that is the customer's choice. I love using my sewing talents to help others, not only my customers, but possibly millions more with the donations I hope to generate through my Angels, and also at the same time, make life a little better for my own family. I love making the Angels, choosing the fabrics for the outfits, skin and hair, and this may sound strange, but I feel peaceful while making them. It is like the stress I usually feel is gone for awhile. I guess they are bringing me comfort too.
While I make each Angel to the customer's needs. I purposely will not use actual skin tones and their hair is pretty wild too! The reasoning behind this is because I don't want them seen as portraying any race. I guess the Angel's motto is "Disease, addiction, and hunger sees no race." I feel this is also an important part of what my Angels mean, not only are they meant to bring comfort, and donations for causes, but also to represent tolerance to others and diversity.
Thanks Cathy for sharing the story of Awareness Angels with me. To learn more about these angels visit the Awareness Angels blog.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Art For The Day
This is another painting that I did with a portion of the proceeds being donated to support Breast Cancer initiatives. You can find it in my Etsy shop.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Art For The Day
Most people wake up with coffee but for whatever reason coffee does not have that effect on me. I am the only person I know that coffee makes me sleepy. My mom teased me about it all the time especially when I moved back home during her illness. I would wake up and make coffee and she would say "Remember I have a Dr's. appointment, please don't drink any coffee." I like to drink it during the cooler months when I'm getting ready for bed or in the morning. It warms me up. I'm curious as to what effect coffee has on others. What has your experience been?
The original image was done using acrylics on canvas. It is available as an ATC in my Etsy shop. Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Art For The Day
I made these using 14kt gold plated findings and pink Swarovski beads. Use them to help promote Breast Cancer Awareness. They are about one inch total in length. You can find them in my Etsy shop.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Art For The Day
Here is another painting where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Breast Cancer Awareness. You can find it in my eBay store.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Art For The Day
Here is another painting that Rose did. It too was done on 3 x 4 inch canvas using acrylics.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Art For The Day
Our mother had reproductions of our work hanging in our house but only a few originals. I decided that I wanted to change that so Rose and I have been working on some paintings. This is a small painting that Rose did. It's acrylic on 3 x 4 inch canvas.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Art For The Day
This is another painting I did that is for sale with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Komen Foundation. You can find it in my eBay store.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Ovals - Autism Awareness Note Card
Rose drew the ovals and colored them with crayons. I added the background with oil pastels. You can find this card in my Etsy shop. Also check out our Zazzle shop for mugs and t-shirts with this image.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Art Of The Day
This is one of several paintings that will be on sale during the month of October with a portion of the proceeds being donated to support Breast Cancer initiatives. It is available in my eBay store.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Lamp - Autism Awareness Note Card
The image for this card was created by my sister Rose. She drew the lamp and colored it with crayons and I added the background with oil pastels. Rose has autism so a portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Autism initiatives. This card is available for sale in my Etsy shop.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Art For The Day
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Take A Look At This
eBay is once again featuring the article about us. Not sure how long it will be posted but take a look if you didn't see it the first time.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Art For The Day
©Rose Refour - 2008 - Stars and Stripes
Hope everyone had a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an ACEO that I did using acrylics on 240 Lb paper. Art Cards Editions and Originals are Trading Card size art - 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. You can find this one in my Etsy shop.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
And The Winners Are....
Thanks to everyone who entered. Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Bloggy Giveaway - Pick Your Own Prize
Contest will end Friday April 25th at Midnight CDT. Winner will be posted by Sunday April 27th at Midnight CDT.
I'm participating in the Bloggy Giveaway again! All you need to do is visit my website and select a set of cards that you would like to have or visit my Etsy shop and pick a set of cards or a Fine Art Reproduction and then leave a comment here telling me why you would like to have that particular item. Keep in mind when visiting Etsy that although the cards may not be listed as sets they are available in sets. This offer is open to US residents only and shipping will be free. Make sure your post allows me to contact you if you are the winner.
Be sure and visit the Bloggy Giveaway Blog to see all the other participants and enter some more great giveaways.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Please insure you follow the directions which ask that you not only tell me the item you would like to win but also the reason why.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Autism Awareness Item Of The Day
My name is Cherry and I am a SAHM of 4 kiddos. My son is the oldest and has an Asperger’s diagnosis. He was originally placed on the spectrum with a PDDNOS diagnosis at 2&1/2 and my husband and I were fortunate enough to just be able to dig in and get him a bunch of help. He is 11 now, main streamed at school and very creative. He was part of the inspiration for a craft business along with my passion for all things crafty and creative. Beading is my primary medium at the moment but I have fallen in love with the whole idea of Artist Trading Cards. My oldest daughter has tried her hand at a few which are very cute, find them at my Etsy shop, she has even gotten an order for a set of greeting cards of one of her designs. Through the Etsy for Autism Team, we were challenged to create an item for a contest and the idea for an Autism Awareness Artist Trading Card was born. The bunny on the card is my lifelong friend, Maynerd, I have doodled him as long as I can remember, and he seemed to me to be the perfect "spokesbunny" for the job. He encourages us all to aspire to be aware, understanding, teachable, interested, supportive and "my" friend, (a friend to anybody with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.) 20% of the sales of all my Autism Awareness items in March and April will be donated to The Autism Society of America. I chose this agency because at the time of my son’s diagnosis, it was one of the forerunners in the field, and offered a local support group that I was able to attend. I would have been lost without the guidance and support I received through it.
Thanks Cherry! Please visit her Etsy shop to find her unique creations.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Autism Awareness Item Of The Day
The artwork for this card was done by my sister Rose who has autism. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Autism Society of America.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Autism Awareness Item Of The Day
I am a 29 year old mother of 2. Ethan 6 was diagnosed with high functioning autism 5 months ago. Ryann, my daughter, is 4, and is a ray of sunshine. She is a constant companion for her brother. My husband is an Active Duty Navy Submariner, and we have been married for 9 years, and together since I was 16.
Up until mid February, I was a working career woman, and between the diagnosis and upcoming therapy appointments, my husbands vast deployments this year, and needing to give my daughter more hugs and kisses, I decided to leave my career as a retail inventory planner to stay home. I have always dreamt of growing my own craft business, but never had time. I knew by staying home, and dealing with our complex issues, I needed to keep something in my life for me. That is "Bubba & Rye", my craft business.
Thanks Deb! To visit her Etsy shop click here.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Art For The Day - Juli Krasinski
©Juli Krasinski - The Beat of My Heart
I’ve been on my own since I was 13 years old. I’m a self taught artist, grow my own herbs and veggies, practice yoga and take in stray cats. I’ve been a single Mom for the last 9 years and am blessed beyond measure to have my son.
Let’s see, what else ... Oh yes, I also happen to have aspergers.
I won’t pretend for a second that it’s easy but, when compared with many other things, I count myself lucky. I think it is impossible to explain to anyone who doesn’t live it but ... it’s kind of like trying to go up the UP escalator and there’s a huge crowd all scrambling to get down it and you’re in their way. You see, I’ve never thought there was anything "wrong" with me. I’m just different. Very different in many ways but still, just different.
Sometimes I lose my mojo and get depressed that I can’t fit in or be like everyone else but then I find it again and remember that different is a very good thing to be.
Thanks Juli! You can find this painting along with more of her work in her Etsy shop here.
Have a great day everybody thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April Is Autism Awareness Month
My name is Emily, and handmade greeting cards are my favorite hobby. I love to make one-of-a-kind cards for the special people in your life! I also make invitations, bookmarks, gift tags, and altered notebooks upon request. My etsy shop is Cards by Emily.
During April I will once again show items that support Autism Awareness. I hope that not only will you stop by but that you will do everything you can to spread awareness.
Thanks Emily for allowing me to show your cards. Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Etsy Artists of Color Scavenger Hunt
Visit each of the participating EAOC shops below and look through the pictures in their shop listings (recent sold items included). Some shops will contain one picture of a "letter" hiding in one of their shop listings. Search through the participating shops and jot down the "letter" and the name of the shop you have found the letter in.
After you have found all of the letters (15 total), then unscramble them to complete a word. When you think you have solved the puzzle, please convo Calidora at http://callidora.etsy.com/ with your entry and your name, if you are correct your name will go into a drawing to win the prize basket. (Only one entry per member.)
Contest ends at 12 midnight EST, March 31st. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing and the winner will be selected at random and announced on Tuesday, April 1st. The lucky winner will be contacted by ‘convo’ on Etsy and the results will be posted in the forums and on our team blog.
Good Luck!
List of participating shops:
http://mosaicsbyah.etsy.com/
http://brefour.etsy.com/
http://wsirarts.etsy.com/
http://ayanacreations.etsy.com/
http://theivorymagnolia.etsy.com/
http://satindollco.etsy.com/
http://jamilary.etsy.com/
http://lamarlynch.etsy.com/
http://marciapalmer.etsy.com/
http://springcartdesigns.etsy.com/
http://origamicentral.etsy.com/
http://bklynmomos.etsy.com/
http://callidora.etsy.com/
http://thehandoffatima.etsy.com/
http://tyramade.etsy.com/
http://reign.etsy.com/
http://urbanknit.etsy.com/
http://gingerlime.etsy.com/
http://feille.etsy.com/
http://stormeejean.etsy.com/
http://anaaya.etsy.com/
http://raghousenternational.etsy.com/
http://liviastreasures.etsy.com/
http://cassowaryjewelry.etsy.com/
http://africanfashions.etsy.com/
http://beadsinthebelfry.etsy.com/
http://ladiestheytalkabout.etsy.com/
http://precioust.etsy.com/
http://soleilrouge.etsy.com/
http://hilari.etsy.com/
http://takeyceart.etsy.com/
http://marcuskwame.etsy.com/
http://blossomingtree.etsy.com/
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Hope and Healing
This is an 8 x 10 Limited Edition Fine Art Reproduction of one of my paintings. It was printed on archival matte imaging paper using archival inks. There will only be 30 reproductions made. Each one will come signed and numbered on the back in an acid free sleeve.
Title: Stained Glass
Medium: Archival Acid Free Inks on Acid Free Archival Matte Imaging Paper
Price: $30.00
50% of the proceeds will be donated to the Hope and Healing project to raise awareness and funds for Rape Response Services. To learn more about this project as well as other artists that are participating in this effort visit this thread on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5423337&page=1
You can purchase this item on my blog or visit my Etsy shop to purchase it.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Art For The Day
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Are You An Artist?
Thanks in advance.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Art For The Day
Here is another painting by my sister Rose. It too is available on ebay.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Art For The Day
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Mad Monday
Stop by my Etsy shop today for Mad Monday. All paintings purchased today will be shipped Free Worldwide. Come and take a look.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Etsy Artists of Color Leap Day Promotion
Mention code "EAOC Leap" in the Message to Seller to receive your discount and wait for an adjusted invoice. This is a great way to stock up on favorites and or buy gifts for upcoming holidays and birthdays.
http://mosaicsbyah.etsy.com/ - 10% Off trivets and small votives
http://ayanacreations.etsy.com/ - 20% Off all flowers (sale items not included)
http://theivorymagnolia.etsy.com/ - 29% Off all orders. Free roll-on perfume oil with orders of $29 or more (after discounts and excluding shipping)
http://lamarlynch.etsy.com/ - Buy 4 blank floral cards set, get any card free
http://jamilary.etsy.com/ - 15% off any order
http://origamicentral.etsy.com/ -20% off any order
http://callidora.etsy.com/ - $2.29 Shipping on any first item, $.29 for each additional item
http://raghousenternational.etsy.com/ - 20% Off all scarves
http://satindollco.etsy.com/ - $5.00 Off all items before shipping
These savings are so fantastic, they only come around once every 4 years.
Happy Leap Day from the Etsy Artists of Color Team!
Even though the sale actually starts tomorrow stop by today and get in on the "Sneak Preview Sale". Be sure and mention code "EAOC Leap" in the Message to Sellers to take advantage of these discounts.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Art For The Day
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Art For The Day
This painting was done on a 5 x 7 canvas panel. It's available for sale on eBay.
Have a great day everybody. Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Mad Monday
Introducing "Mad Monday" where all paintings in my Etsy shop receive FREE Worldwide Shipping when purchased on Monday. Hurry in to take advantage of this Special Offer. Make your purchase and then wait for a revised invoice less any shipping charges.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Art For The Day
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an original painting done on wrapped canvas. It's available for sale on eBay.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Art For The Day
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an original painting done on wrapped canvas. Sides are painted red. Wired and ready to hang. It's available for sale on eBay with a very low starting bid.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Art For The Day
This is a contemporary original painting done on 2 inch wrapped canvas. It is signed and dated(2007) on the back, wired and ready to hang. Sides are painted red. It's available for sale on eBay.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an original abstract painting done on one inch wrapped canvas. It's available for sale on eBay.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Art For The Day
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an original contemporary abstract painting done on 8 x 10 inch gallery wrapped canvas. It's available for sale on eBay.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Art For The Day
This painting was done on 4 x 5 x 2 inch wrapped canvas. This would be great anywhere you wish to add a bit of color. Place it on a shelf, desk or window sill - the possibilities are endless. It's for sale in my etsy shop with a portion of the proceeds benefiting autism awareness.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Etsy for Autism
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an original 5 x7 inch painting done on a canvas panel. It's available for sale on ArtByUs.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Art For The Day
These are some earrings that I made. They're available for sale on eBay.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an original 24 x 36 inch painting done on one inch wrapped canvas. It's available for sale here.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Art For The Day
© Betty Refour - Dreamweaver - 2008 Acrylic on Canvas
This is an original painting done on a 7 x 9 inch canvas panel. It's available for sale on ArtByUs.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Art For The Day
© Betty Refour - Searching - Acrylics on 5 x 5 inch Wrapped Canvas - 2008
In life it seems that we are always searching for something. Parking spaces, work, happiness...the list goes on. And in those searches we find ourselves on many different paths.
For me it seems that I am always searching for, amongst other things, my keys. Do you remember those key chains that had the big lucite names on them? Some friends bought me one as a joke, I lost it of course.
When I look at this painting for some reason it makes me think of searching - thus the title. But I am curious, what are you searching for?
This painting is available for sale on ArtByUs. Have a great day everybody, thanks for stopping by.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Art For The Day
This is an original painting done on one inch wrapped canvas. It's available for sale in my ebay store.
Have a great day everybody, thanks for stoppping by.