tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3485626945255312332024-03-20T03:30:12.639-04:00MagdaleneJewels/KnitsMagdaleneJewels/Knits features Promotional Blogs featuring items from my Shops: MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com & MagdaleneKnits.etsy.com -as well as many talented ArtisansPamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-76012887033461164662018-05-28T18:10:00.001-04:002019-05-14T07:52:57.462-04:00June Bride - Week 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
“<span style="color: #7030a0;">June Bride</span>” Blog features “<span style="color: #7030a0;">Wedding Gift</span>” items from my some of my
Favorite Friends, and Team Members. With everyone "Cyber
Shopping" these days, there is still time for those looking for that
perfect gift!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Hopefully
this will help you find some great gift ideas for that</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Special Bride” to make help make her <span style="color: #7030a0;">Wedding
Day </span>a special remembrance!!!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Please
take a moment to help promote the other “artists” on your various <span style="color: #7030a0;">Social Media Sites!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-36855666354386908152018-05-25T11:07:00.000-04:002018-05-25T11:11:29.592-04:00June Bride - Video - Week 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-15361113134706955942018-05-21T12:53:00.000-04:002018-05-25T17:26:48.823-04:00The June Bride Week 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The June Bride</span></h2>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-45147261515082229852018-03-31T15:29:00.000-04:002018-03-31T21:17:59.230-04:00Mother's Day Gift Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Mother’s Day Countdown 2018 Week 4</span></h3>
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Each week Julie (BlueMorningExpressions) posts a Blog inviting various Handmade Artists from Etsy, Artfire, Indiemade to post our items of Gifts for Mother's Day. The Mother's Day Countdown is Week 4.</div>
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Stop by Julie's Blog for some wonderful<span style="color: magenta;"><b> "Mother's Day"</b></span> Gift suggestions!!!</div>
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<a href="https://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2018/03/mothers-day-countdown-2018-week-4.html">https://bmebluprint.blogspot.com/2018/03/mothers-day-countdown-2018-week-4.html</a></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-75211368866683915062016-10-07T09:57:00.000-04:002019-04-13T21:07:04.240-04:00The End of the Treasury<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And in the End – My Final Treasury.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On September 21, Etsy
Admin sent out this Memo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>We
wanted to let you know that as of October 5, members will no longer be able to
create new Treasuries or edit existing ones.</i></span></b><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Throughout the years, our community has curated
Treasuries that have showcased the diversity of the Etsy marketplace while
encouraging and collaborating with other sellers. However, our data shows that
few buyers view Treasuries, and even fewer purchase from them. Based, in part,
on this information, we are removing this feature. Read more about this in the
Site Update.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do think Etsy should
have done some research with Etsy Seller’s as to their view of doing
Treasury’s. They mention they based their decision on the fact that “few
Buyer’s” were not interested in viewing Treasury’s; yet I found in one of the
discussions a Buyer who mentioned they made many purchases from items they
found while going through various Treasury’s.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Goodbye
Baby and Amen! Treasury</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I was looking
through the Forums to see other Seller’s reactions to Etsy’s comment that as of
October 5 – there will be not more Treasury’s; I came across this comment from
Irina, whose Shop is: </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Pamela%20Baker/Documents/BloggingBusinessArtisans%20Team/www.etsy.com/shop/AnyoJewelry"><span lang="EN" style="color: blue; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.etsy.com/shop/AnyoJewelry</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Many will miss treasuries and I am one of them.
Treasuries were the way to find original true handmade artists, which were not
on the first pages in search. Today if I want to buy something that is
handmade, I have to go through pages and pages of manufactured/mass produced
things and just give up.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since I started
on Etsy in 2007, Treasury’s were such an important part of promoting! I don’t know how many you remember when there
were only 333 Treasury spots. One would
have to wait for an existing Treasury to expire, and a space would open. I can’t tell you how many nights I was up to
1 – 2 am waiting for that one spot as Etsy would give a count down by hours and
minutes of when a spot may open. Unfortunately,
half of the other Sellers’ on Etsy were sitting there also waiting for that
spot. So even if you may have missed getting that one Spot, it brought on so
much anticipation and excitement as to what was to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking back in
my Treasury Archives – I came across one of my first Treasury’s:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We Are All Artists – 5.18.08</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since that time,
of the many Treasury’s I have done, I have not only come across so many new
Shops I might not have seen before, but have made many friends through posting
their items on one of my Treasury’s, or being featured in one of theirs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So now that we
have come to the end of an “Etsy Era”; we are left to the option of Promoting
ourselves, and Team Members. I am one
who “never says never” – I hope to start doing my own version of Treasury’s on
my Blog promoting not only Team Member’s, but bringing to light many other
“handmade only” Sellers to your attention!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">See you all
then!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-3010851183033108812016-09-21T08:55:00.000-04:002016-09-21T08:55:44.380-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang=""><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: black;">"Improve your Shop on Etsy"</span></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: black;"></span><br /><i><u><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">The Importance of Taking Great Pictures</span></u></i></b></span></div>
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</span></u><span style="color: black;"></span></i><span style="color: black;"></span></b><span style="color: black;">One of the first things I learned when I joined Etsy, was the importance of how people view your Shop. I am not talking about how many "views" a certain item receives. I know many people value those "views"; but it is how you present your items that can make a big difference regarding the views and sales within your Shop. I took this picture of Roses from Easter, this is an example of when adjusting lighting and cropping your picture makes a big difference in your shot. Hopefully by the time you read this article, you will be very knowledgeable in working with your camera!</span><br />
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<span lang=""><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg3XWaIjnvDDcW5eg8444Ixco-zcnQVwogjEZv8YHc9FavDSOTxPxdQjMEaPu6mgRXVD6NFwkynnEcuCjsdcmh0cl28zDVGQUYOspEwpLLOQUuWsMqWTDxuWzWFZZ3sEiA_CEHffmUWpW/s1600/Flowers+for+Easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg3XWaIjnvDDcW5eg8444Ixco-zcnQVwogjEZv8YHc9FavDSOTxPxdQjMEaPu6mgRXVD6NFwkynnEcuCjsdcmh0cl28zDVGQUYOspEwpLLOQUuWsMqWTDxuWzWFZZ3sEiA_CEHffmUWpW/s1600/Flowers+for+Easter.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Of course we all learn from experience, or from "a little help from our friends". When I think back about my early days on Etsy, and how I had set up my Shop, and my early Shop photos; I don’t think I would even recognize what I call "my first phase" of life on Etsy. One of the first and most important thing I learned, was the importance of photographing my jewelry. <br />
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Through this article I hope to be able to offer some helpful suggestions, as well as sharing a few of my experiences along the way.<strong> Learning to take great photos is one of the most important thing you can do to improve your Etsy Shop</strong>. Unlike someone walking into a store and seeing a certain item; being able to pick it up, try it on, etc., this is an option not available to an Etsy Seller. <strong>A <i>great</i> photo the first thing a person will see when browsing through your Shop.</strong> So how we communicate to potential customers is through our photos. Through a great photo, one will be able to see an item’s beauty and importance qualities that you wish to portray.</span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">As I mentioned previously, it was through a little "help from my friends", I will share my own experience as a "newbie" to photographing my work. Since I primarily use Swarovski Crystals in my work, I thought of how a good jeweler shows a certain item; placing it on a piece of black velvet. To me it always seemed to enhance the brilliance of the stones or crystals. So yes, all my work was photographed on black velvet. Thankfully, a Shop owner that I became friendly with early on, who not only has the most beautiful jewelry, but are true "artisans" as they make their own metals for their work. Ev, Ilan and Odad, </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/artisanimpact"><u><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="" style="color: black;">https://www.etsy.com/shop/artisanimpact</span></span></span></u></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="" style="color: black;">, told me that using a white background would truly enhance the colors and brilliance of my jewelry. They even re-photographed a few pieces for me, which they used in their Worldwide Catalogue. I was truly amazed at the difference of how my work seemed to "pop" off the page, to capture the eye of someone viewing my Shop. I have never forgotten their reaching out with their suggestions to inspire me to in turn always help others on Etsy in any way I can. As you can see from these few photos, my original shots, compared to my photo’s now using a white background, really help to enhance their beauty.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOAuWJg5cM6YG1lSqJP0UIXmG_jeMb1nyQzqjDElQ0_Wt-D3msfQfd5BQHJ5Zdnc7IzASw2UGJK1PenSFZBsH4CI8YZ-7nW4rxc3a2iUf8pH3ID7Asvy1gR2185DAe8YZ4S0TscMn-YgU/s1600/2014-07-21+001+2014-07-21+005+(800x797)%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOAuWJg5cM6YG1lSqJP0UIXmG_jeMb1nyQzqjDElQ0_Wt-D3msfQfd5BQHJ5Zdnc7IzASw2UGJK1PenSFZBsH4CI8YZ-7nW4rxc3a2iUf8pH3ID7Asvy1gR2185DAe8YZ4S0TscMn-YgU/s1600/2014-07-21+001+2014-07-21+005+(800x797)%2B(2).jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Necklace using a White Background</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfqAMDMjocM74rjcJ8Rf4e_b7Ms6jEsvR5zgRXz8Ovqb3Q36ZWy0bPSqcnN_FaivVvxWlPuvF0FXscWHdkxpIh8poVeAAlMt3EC_GU6arbOV0TcLRHPS66igFTtNSQr8wxJSEUP2-o6vH/s1600/Necklace.Pink.Green+Clear+Swarov+Crystals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfqAMDMjocM74rjcJ8Rf4e_b7Ms6jEsvR5zgRXz8Ovqb3Q36ZWy0bPSqcnN_FaivVvxWlPuvF0FXscWHdkxpIh8poVeAAlMt3EC_GU6arbOV0TcLRHPS66igFTtNSQr8wxJSEUP2-o6vH/s1600/Necklace.Pink.Green+Clear+Swarov+Crystals.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Picture of Necklace on a Black Background</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">Regarding background, try to keep it as simple as possible. Don’t let it distract from what you are selling. Often I see an item getting lost on a too busy background. I realize using a white background does not work in some cases. For example if you are photographing a pair of White Pearls, a darker background would be necessary. Many craft stores now have great "scrapbooking" paper which can enhance a certain item. If you are photographing an antique piece of Jewelry or Vintage item, using a Vintage looking paper, would be a good asset to your item. I think you get the idea! Keep things as simple as possible. This beautiful Pearl Bracelet from the Shop of GemsandPearlsKC is an example of using White on White. Using the cream colored background helps to enhance the "white" of the Pearls. this is also example of when using the EV feature on your camera. I adjusted the brightness and contrast features in Photoshop, and cropped the card, which brings it more to the front, and would be more attractive to the viewer.</span><br />
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PrinceDesignsuk - Ceramic Angel Ornaments - perfect example of White on Darker Background<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/PrinceDesignUK">https://www.etsy.com/people/PrinceDesignUK</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120319369/womens-earrings-beaded-putty-gray">https://www.etsy.com/listing/120319369/womens-earrings-beaded-putty-gray</a>?<br />
example of too light background for clear earrings.- SevenGypsiesJewelry<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_RdzQhFJDI7U0xsXL69_mIYgqGAcFRcJTrfaW3ccTEk9Q7ur23bhFk1oUEN9zBR38FM1mO_a0xz5r00cx0A0xYtjpeLA44H8yq-ss-TIoVzyFC54u_GKzn-hYip-5_fd46pEcvOtT0ut/s1600/PJDesigns+-+FirstFallenSnowBracelet++10.9.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_RdzQhFJDI7U0xsXL69_mIYgqGAcFRcJTrfaW3ccTEk9Q7ur23bhFk1oUEN9zBR38FM1mO_a0xz5r00cx0A0xYtjpeLA44H8yq-ss-TIoVzyFC54u_GKzn-hYip-5_fd46pEcvOtT0ut/s1600/PJDesigns+-+FirstFallenSnowBracelet++10.9.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;"> GemsandPearlsKC White Pearl Bracelet</span><br />
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</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Now you are almost ready to take that important shot. <b>Lighting is the main key to your perfect picture</b>. When possible, take your photos using natural light. This means taking your pictures outside. Since we live in various places around the World, the timing of our "great shot" depends on the position of the Sun, this is important, so as not to get shadows in your photo. For myself, I know my time span is between 2 – 3pm, as I get full sun in the afternoon at that time. I am sure you are probably thinking that you can get the same effect by using the flash on your camera. Using a flash, will wash out the exact effect you may be trying to capture in your photo. If taking outside pictures is definitely not an option for you, try using a "Light Box". You can "google" many ways to make a light box. Two </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: medium;">perfect examples of great lighting, background, and cropping is this Flourite Pendant/Necklace from the Shop of RivendellRockJewelry; and this Amethyst Quilting Tool from the Shop of TJBDesigns, both Member of our <strong>STATTeam.</strong></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUkymJrqGENZWd5H9SUawfAIjkXtWjdDfcuQcMJplSCJM4_pVYLxECcb3dRCGVvNdTO1rGMxmsv6lBPKB6uqeSGjx6D-bSvx69WFRmMz88XkbJt5gdqQ7znINMZ6d7UPQpr94CPj1a2Vs/s1600/Rivendell.Blog.Flourite++Necklace++10.12.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUkymJrqGENZWd5H9SUawfAIjkXtWjdDfcuQcMJplSCJM4_pVYLxECcb3dRCGVvNdTO1rGMxmsv6lBPKB6uqeSGjx6D-bSvx69WFRmMz88XkbJt5gdqQ7znINMZ6d7UPQpr94CPj1a2Vs/s1600/Rivendell.Blog.Flourite++Necklace++10.12.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">RivendellRockJewelry. Flouroite Pendant w Gemstones Necklace</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yx6OZk2zEZEJ0_GkBlgouVYX5YZVp3ioUNPyvXiO4TvAL7FVMEIOeOSncem_nYSiSpct1tjerBe-TOjocTskkVXvyM8pvpO8HnMox6M1T_ORAdiNkYhrG3ZzDiZhPimF4VfLS2mNT66w/s1600/Blog.TJBDesigns.QuiltingTool.GreatPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yx6OZk2zEZEJ0_GkBlgouVYX5YZVp3ioUNPyvXiO4TvAL7FVMEIOeOSncem_nYSiSpct1tjerBe-TOjocTskkVXvyM8pvpO8HnMox6M1T_ORAdiNkYhrG3ZzDiZhPimF4VfLS2mNT66w/s1600/Blog.TJBDesigns.QuiltingTool.GreatPic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">TJBDesigns Amethyst Quilting Tool</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;">Since we unfortunately do not have Aston Kutcher to run around taking our photos, get to know your camera and its many features. For a clear, concise close-up shot, use your <i>"<b>macro</b>" </i>setting, this feature helps define the fine features of your item. Also learn to use the <b><i>EV balance</i></b> on your camera, which will enhance the lighting effect for your photo. After many years I am still continuing testing various shots changing the EV levels on various shots. I usually take at least 10 shots per item. Something I truly recommend. You may think that now you have the perfect light, background, EV levels set, only to find when uploading your photos to your computer, that one or two may be out of focus, the lighting (although looking perfect when shooting) may be a little off. So delete those photos of your item that you feel do not do your piece justice. Then save the photos you think look best.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Done??? Not quite yet! Your next step is "<b>cropping</b>". Using the editing features on your computer, once you feel you have your lighting perfect, you next need to CROP your photo. To me is one of the most important features in your key to helping your product stand out. When editing your photos, crop them the way you want them to appear in a square; this is how they will appear in your shop Crop your imagine by directly focusing on the image with as little background as possible, which is also distracting to someone viewing an item in your Shop. Cropping detailed shots of your images is an effective way to show off your product. You are now ready to move your "perfect" photo to your Shop! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeHFW4kztX4bLCPJtFoCInAbh-XC854O0mA9g264M9I5BmoItA5ZDwBgGZkhOQQLjkuaZF-5DitCZedjm1NYiR9Yd5nALhrtGAmBQEY-Vte8Aah6TRXU92htlj6kUsSlTmtTiKRZr_Sdp/s1600/Blog.SomsStudio.TanzaniteEarringsnotcropped.+10.24.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeHFW4kztX4bLCPJtFoCInAbh-XC854O0mA9g264M9I5BmoItA5ZDwBgGZkhOQQLjkuaZF-5DitCZedjm1NYiR9Yd5nALhrtGAmBQEY-Vte8Aah6TRXU92htlj6kUsSlTmtTiKRZr_Sdp/s1600/Blog.SomsStudio.TanzaniteEarringsnotcropped.+10.24.14.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"> SomsStudio Tanzanite Earrings (before/after Cropping)</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFycbXjsslbQU-iVITQP9wkh4heds9IYvdXDLwLoZP2QImDrnnA029OcTzz1XTUIsXjelPeVeEKtPhh67Gtuc1g7n5UHQBxaS2UJL9LuPdK81jMKpFDoUOeXRfjt1AvMUH09Q1a2B5o8A/s1600/Blog.SomsStudio.TanzaniteEarrings+10.24.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFycbXjsslbQU-iVITQP9wkh4heds9IYvdXDLwLoZP2QImDrnnA029OcTzz1XTUIsXjelPeVeEKtPhh67Gtuc1g7n5UHQBxaS2UJL9LuPdK81jMKpFDoUOeXRfjt1AvMUH09Q1a2B5o8A/s1600/Blog.SomsStudio.TanzaniteEarrings+10.24.14.jpg" width="193" /></span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="color: black;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsIRtEp4-YD6OnAa_BLqFMEQCNBpWPdYkfJ5ndeqjMAyhOdjyY6qeUjOHAJTZH7Wqdsjs0rSlMCq5QulVbtsei5hALo7dya5c4UCgddbABoLDz3Mqso3j_zdo7q69GKluuJTlbnrLjdvz/s1600/GemsandPearlKC.AngelEarrings++10.24.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsIRtEp4-YD6OnAa_BLqFMEQCNBpWPdYkfJ5ndeqjMAyhOdjyY6qeUjOHAJTZH7Wqdsjs0rSlMCq5QulVbtsei5hALo7dya5c4UCgddbABoLDz3Mqso3j_zdo7q69GKluuJTlbnrLjdvz/s1600/GemsandPearlKC.AngelEarrings++10.24.14.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillKzcQ0u4czYaD03sVwqcle1CEY3t5yUiVBdm_vc9aUnwmtZbNGnyxSSk1kaFAubRd-pYiDlCQTGsfPrw8Dbf9GJlQwKzcntFESh2Jn05Mi35QC8SKwOnZHFIHyXM4PTJVvY3Xfx62MZF/s1600/GemsandPearlKC.AngelEarrings.uncropped+10.24.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEillKzcQ0u4czYaD03sVwqcle1CEY3t5yUiVBdm_vc9aUnwmtZbNGnyxSSk1kaFAubRd-pYiDlCQTGsfPrw8Dbf9GJlQwKzcntFESh2Jn05Mi35QC8SKwOnZHFIHyXM4PTJVvY3Xfx62MZF/s1600/GemsandPearlKC.AngelEarrings.uncropped+10.24.14.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center">
<span style="color: black;"> GemsandPearlsKC. Crystal Angel Earrings (before /after cropping_</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ0kl-fMCMBdse86yLWzNUzKxo4pkLAzjZYdf1nzAdFyz6EmoS_6l1m_EjC-fOVunvXLOEsoqGw-GXXBBBxP427ppBOQ0a0oPl30hX2dvsVT6ODyVLbUdmz6Fe5yzs5sq_Liq1MCz5F68/s1600/StoneRealms.AmethystPendantNecklace.+NeedstobeCropped++10.24.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ0kl-fMCMBdse86yLWzNUzKxo4pkLAzjZYdf1nzAdFyz6EmoS_6l1m_EjC-fOVunvXLOEsoqGw-GXXBBBxP427ppBOQ0a0oPl30hX2dvsVT6ODyVLbUdmz6Fe5yzs5sq_Liq1MCz5F68/s1600/StoneRealms.AmethystPendantNecklace.+NeedstobeCropped++10.24.14.jpg" width="197" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuaHI597simxCoIC_mmZJVtyn4mkuP8KeWaw2zaZiWYo85aLoJyRFMObZidl-gp1-pWisrelPtJviGcjlC7RkY35B-XUablm7StYkp80TTqBFU3ZEe3945kEKtf4nbRplGcLd6qW3LB_3/s1600/StoneRealms.AmethystPendantNecklace.+NeedstobeCropped++10.24.14+(278x282).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuaHI597simxCoIC_mmZJVtyn4mkuP8KeWaw2zaZiWYo85aLoJyRFMObZidl-gp1-pWisrelPtJviGcjlC7RkY35B-XUablm7StYkp80TTqBFU3ZEe3945kEKtf4nbRplGcLd6qW3LB_3/s1600/StoneRealms.AmethystPendantNecklace.+NeedstobeCropped++10.24.14+(278x282).jpg" width="200" /></a> <br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> RealmStone: Amethyst Pendant Necklace (before/after cropping)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">**I have used a few examples of items from various Shops within our "<strong>STATTeam</strong>".</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"> I am not going to mention which shop I choose to use as examples, but will contact the Shop owner individually, and show them the difference of how important it is to get a perfect "shot" of your work. Some had very dark (poor lighting) so I tried to lighten the background as best as possible using the lighting balance offered in whichever Photo program your pictures upload to on your particular computer. I also cropped the item within the photo to enhance the detail of your product. As you can see from the few examples I have chosen, your item is now ready to "pop" off the page in your Etsy Shop and capture that Seller’s eye!</span><br />
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</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">*I will be more than happy to work with anyone of you, guiding you as you update your Shop with the "<b><i>perfect photo</i></b>"!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Stay tuned for more helpful features which will help to enhance your Etsy Shop and Sales.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUkymJrqGENZWd5H9SUawfAIjkXtWjdDfcuQcMJplSCJM4_pVYLxECcb3dRCGVvNdTO1rGMxmsv6lBPKB6uqeSGjx6D-bSvx69WFRmMz88XkbJt5gdqQ7znINMZ6d7UPQpr94CPj1a2Vs/s1600/Rivendell.Blog.Flourite++Necklace++10.12.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUkymJrqGENZWd5H9SUawfAIjkXtWjdDfcuQcMJplSCJM4_pVYLxECcb3dRCGVvNdTO1rGMxmsv6lBPKB6uqeSGjx6D-bSvx69WFRmMz88XkbJt5gdqQ7znINMZ6d7UPQpr94CPj1a2Vs/s1600/Rivendell.Blog.Flourite++Necklace++10.12.14.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-72161626269137137382016-08-17T13:53:00.002-04:002019-04-13T13:27:01.939-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Terrace Roses</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLvZilJd9sA-SWBefcTloRuwRfEHExNJr-RgQTt5O7gUTSQPEHhYddWJ0VuuWwt47_v3-jDmmAD_7vQ6SLdpeVb-Pb0LLyCXyE7cqufDSrO8BBkoN-Lfr0OcoxXG-svF0tFpsIKLn9Wy9/s1600/2014-06-03+001+2014-06-03+007+%2528800x724%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLvZilJd9sA-SWBefcTloRuwRfEHExNJr-RgQTt5O7gUTSQPEHhYddWJ0VuuWwt47_v3-jDmmAD_7vQ6SLdpeVb-Pb0LLyCXyE7cqufDSrO8BBkoN-Lfr0OcoxXG-svF0tFpsIKLn9Wy9/s400/2014-06-03+001+2014-06-03+007+%2528800x724%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-29212214699776394062016-07-20T10:06:00.000-04:002016-07-20T10:06:37.532-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Wordless Wednesday</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPcLkh_ADAb3L-0a4n0aGKJcroAE1xTb8iOA6MnAeywfLdI2snUnaC2VjqJ71H_AxGcLafHy37piJHIjGva1oQtTv9K_kFQ-JUXmnX57yeYpQlnTiKywKorM9TjQPXxjS1rNE_4K0G1NM/s1600/2015-09-07+001+2015-09-07+002+%2528800x755%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPcLkh_ADAb3L-0a4n0aGKJcroAE1xTb8iOA6MnAeywfLdI2snUnaC2VjqJ71H_AxGcLafHy37piJHIjGva1oQtTv9K_kFQ-JUXmnX57yeYpQlnTiKywKorM9TjQPXxjS1rNE_4K0G1NM/s320/2015-09-07+001+2015-09-07+002+%2528800x755%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belle watching Nancy Grace!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-33330193556413957862016-07-19T10:22:00.000-04:002016-07-24T09:55:15.619-04:00Promoting through Social Media<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Social
Media Sites<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Promoting
on Etsy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I first started on Etsy 9 years ago, life was
completely different. Doing a Treasury
was a sure guarantee that your items were being seen by many others promoting
on Etsy. As with everything, times have
changed. Two years ago Etsy announced
that Treasury’s were no longer a good way to Promote your items, indicating
that with so many outside sources (Social Media sites) that <b>the only way to promote your Shop and items
was through Social Media.</b> These
sites, outside of Etsy, are <b>Pinterest, Twitter,
Google+, Facebook, Wanelo</b> – just to name a few. I have found that posting your items on <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">Google+</span></b>
is the best source for promoting outside of Etsy (I will explain why and the
whole process in a bit).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before
you start any promotion on Social Media sites, you first need to make sure all
the titles of your items are listed by using “Key Words”.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For those of you not familiar with using <b>Key Words</b>, from experience I can tell
you that by changing my titles using the Key Words for a specific item has
greatly increased its views on many within my Shops.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">SEO, Search Engine</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">, is using best the possible words to describe your Shop
and your items, words that a Buyer would use when looking for a specific item. When retitling your item descriptions, think
like a shopper - what words would you use when looking for a specific item or
Shop? Keep these Keywords in mind when “Tagging” your item’s listings, helps
place your listing in the various “Browse” pages and “Categories” on Etsy, as
well as getting foun</span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 26px; text-align: center;">Kumihimo Beaded Bracelet Braided Bracelet Ruby Onyx Czech Glass </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 131%;">d through Etsy's on-site search function. I will be glad to help you finding the exact “keywords”
and explain in more detail how to retitle a specific item.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">Once this is done you are now
ready to start promoting your specific items on the various Social Media sites.
If you use Pinterest, consider making as many Boards as possible, so when
promoting your items or an item from another Shop, then can be easily found in
various topics. I have set up a specific Board for each Team I am on – posting my
Team’s items on these Boards, then repost them in other sections best
describing their item.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">Google+, </span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">as I mentioned is one of the best Social Media site you
can promote items from your Shops, as well as those of your Teammates. To see what I am referring to, this is my
Google+ site - <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PamelaBaker1116">https://plus.google.com/u/0/+PamelaBaker1116</a>. If you notice you have a home page, as well
as a profile page (which only shows items I have promoted) the home page shows
items that others you may be connected with have posted items. When you post an item you will see next to
the comments a small circle with a +1 in it.
Make sure you click that +1 – each time someone reclicks that +1 – it moves
your item higher up in the Google Search page.
As an example, I have taken one of Natasha’s items (MermaidsWhispers)
and posted on my Google+ home page (which shows up on my Profile page also) by
posting the URL of the item – right under the URL – *it is important to
#hashtag exactly the information in the URL – then #hashtag the Shop’s
name. Once posted I will click +1 and
leave a comment. Each person who goes in
clicks +1 on your item – it will move it up in a Google Search – hopefully to
p1!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">I chose this item from Natasha’s
site - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/269065517/mason-jar-wedding-sand-ceremony-set">https://www.etsy.com/listing/269065517/mason-jar-wedding-sand-ceremony-set</a> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIPj71r-ePfT8UV9MZcVaEdArFDO9fxKQWMEZEBFP47mc9E7YiDkAyLeJWu88OIXcfetS7w6yjL6Cn9plB6LTCzloaGpho8QP7QM6TvKBtgf0_-LaRRZG_TIU9V4boV6ceArPbZs7BLsJ/s1600/MermaidsWhispers.WeddingSandCandleCeremonySet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIPj71r-ePfT8UV9MZcVaEdArFDO9fxKQWMEZEBFP47mc9E7YiDkAyLeJWu88OIXcfetS7w6yjL6Cn9plB6LTCzloaGpho8QP7QM6TvKBtgf0_-LaRRZG_TIU9V4boV6ceArPbZs7BLsJ/s320/MermaidsWhispers.WeddingSandCandleCeremonySet.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h1 style="color: #333333; line-height: 26px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; text-shadow: white 0px 1px 0px; width: auto; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span itemprop="name" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: , "arial" , sans-serif; font-weight: 500;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mason Jar Wedding Sand Ceremony Set </span></span></span></h1>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;"> this
is item now posted on my Profile page and Home page – each person who goes in
and clicks +1 – helps move your item up to the first page of Google Search. By using the description of the item “Wedding
Sand Ceremony Jar Set” in Google Search – it now shows up on p.1 of Google
Search. You can do this as often as you
like for your items or a particular item you wish to Promote!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">I will continue each week to
explain more of other Social Media sites, such as Wanelo, Twitter, my
Promotional Blog site, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 131%;">Please feel free to contact me
via convo if through this Blog to ask any questions you may have. Hope this helps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-8014132695499056232016-07-17T20:25:00.003-04:002016-07-17T20:25:49.213-04:00A Day in the Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">MANOR
PARK<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Often we have those days when you just want to sit,
relax, dream, read, write, escape from cells phones, computers, etc. also known
as “alone time”. My favorite place to go
is Manor Park, in Larchmont, NY. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dating back to 1892, Manor Park is situated
along the Long Island Sound. Sitting on
the rocks over the water, one can look across the Sound and see the outline of
Long Island; looking to the right, you see the outline of lower Manhattan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As it is the quietest, but most beautiful place you
can image, it is no wonder I have spent many years coming here to just sit here
to daydream. Often I climb down the
cliff of rocks where the whole world disappears except the beauty in front of
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These are a few pictures I have taken at Manor Park,
where you can see and even feel the peacefulness of this hidden Park along the
water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This picture was taken of just a few of the many
sailboats one can sit and be mesmerized by as they quietly float by. If you look past the sailboats you can see
the outline of Long Island in the shadows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is one of the many spots I like to curl up in the
rocks and read or write in my journal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me enjoying the peacefulness</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Susan<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is one of the many spots I like to curl up in along the rocks and read or write in my journal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXWEFNk57wOOAy8kk7TZsS6zbdjTKtKrjLZqxwdBtlUbtMaLAsbz1kmpwhj9T1mMtdOzaoGEXaycYAficWps7YHhHllBWEB5QK3K62vEAqNLiIQ8ZEtNAzmqF-7SMXcItErA3g71WuwEi/s1600/ManorPark.along+the+rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXWEFNk57wOOAy8kk7TZsS6zbdjTKtKrjLZqxwdBtlUbtMaLAsbz1kmpwhj9T1mMtdOzaoGEXaycYAficWps7YHhHllBWEB5QK3K62vEAqNLiIQ8ZEtNAzmqF-7SMXcItErA3g71WuwEi/s320/ManorPark.along+the+rocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Manor Park is approximately 1 mi long, where one can
walk along the pathway. I took this
picture last Spring as the Cherry Blossoms were in full bloom, just one of the many beautiful scenes along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Blossoms in Manor Park</td></tr>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-1462169426324881832016-07-12T22:11:00.001-04:002016-07-12T22:11:36.282-04:00Memorial Day Tribute<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"In Flander's Fields"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A Memorial Day Tribute</i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Poppy Watercolor by "YankeeGirlArt"<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">“In Flander’s Fields” is a poem dedicated to the many fallen Soldier’s during World War I. The symbol of the “Poppy Flower” refers to the abundance of Poppy's that grew in "Flander's Fields", which is a cemetery used during World War I. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">"We are the Dead. Short days ago</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">Loved and were loved, and now we lie </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">In Flander's Fields."</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;"> .....</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: small; line-height: 18.4px;">an excerpt from the Poem "In Flander's Fields</span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21.4667px;">I had always wondered why when growing up I always saw Vet's wearing a Poppy flower in their lapel's on Veteran's Day, celebrated on November 11. Many times I have received a Poppy Flower from one of these Vet's, never knowing the symbolism of it's true meaning. I have always loved the vibrant color of the Poppy Flower, but now I have a different respect of the flower when I see a "Field of Poppy's".</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTI1MDI4NHwyNzIzNjYwMDAz" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">'In Flander's Fields - A Memorial Day Tribute' </a>by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagdaleneJewels" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" style="color: #333333; text-decoration: none;">MagdaleneJewels</a></h2>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-67874569937340011112014-11-06T17:37:00.000-05:002015-01-10T11:21:14.972-05:00Christmas Jewelry from MagdaleneJewels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas</span></em></strong></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-42855021626177877442014-09-30T08:22:00.000-04:002014-09-30T08:22:15.233-04:00Shop Features from MagdaleneJewels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-31166448356952074032014-07-17T07:49:00.001-04:002014-07-17T07:49:57.579-04:00Blog: Pamela Baker<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>For all Blogs and articles - please visit my current Blog:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Pamela Baker http://magdalenejewels.blogspot.com/</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">**</span>all articles and Blogs will now be posted on my current Blog: Pamela Baker.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Thanks!!!</i></span></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-73830245484025039762012-03-08T18:56:00.001-05:002012-03-08T18:56:42.958-05:00Treasury: Roses are Red<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Treasury</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Roses are Red</span></div>
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by delightfullycreated7.etsy.com</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">DAWG HOUSE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">a dining experience</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last night I had dinner with my boys (Keith & Ryan) they took me to a little place in Dobbs Ferry, NY – that opened a few weeks ago; I think they have eaten there almost every night since. I thought they were kidding when they told me this place had “hot dogs” with every kind of topping. They even had a “Smore’s Hotdog”! Yes, with chocolate sauce, marshmallows, and graham crackers – sounds weird, but my boys swear it is delicious. They tried to take me into trying that, I stuck with the easiest topping I could find – a chili dog with cheese. Loved it! One of my boys had a taco dog complete with salsa, Doritos, sour cream ,etc. My other son and his girlfriend, Samantha, are both vegetarians – well, they actually cater to the “vegan’s” in the family, serving, soy protein veggie dawgs! Another one of their unique “dawg’s” is the P&J dog: peanut butter, grape jelly & Cap’n Crunch cereal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Opened just a few weeks ago, they have been busy ever since. As they say in their bio: “We are three guys with a passion for hot dogs. We put a creative spin on a classic American food. Our specialty hot dogs are unique. You might be unsure and surprised with some of the combinations as you read them off the menu, but it will all make sense as you are finishing your last bite”. Definitely will go back, still unsure of trying the hotdog with chocolate sauce, but I know before long my boys will have me trying that too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is their very strange but delicious menu for those who want something just a little different! http://dobbsdawghouse.com/menu/.</span><br />
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</div>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-8747593927243406602012-02-08T09:30:00.001-05:002012-02-08T09:31:23.126-05:00A Future Etsy Artist!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Zachary's Valentine Painting!</strong></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEFNDHIs1hR2NN4Vi03ABb4ZUQ_mopIvOLzBm0TlWES4-W7cF9GEETiInEXfQ2ry9vjn51SOgiDvSl_fWS0r2GXA91DbfsfceMJOX11Eu4Kcr8SklyyWGq8RnB9TkMLzTVZT4jfcTJPOO/s1600/Zachary.Valentine+Painting+2.14.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEFNDHIs1hR2NN4Vi03ABb4ZUQ_mopIvOLzBm0TlWES4-W7cF9GEETiInEXfQ2ry9vjn51SOgiDvSl_fWS0r2GXA91DbfsfceMJOX11Eu4Kcr8SklyyWGq8RnB9TkMLzTVZT4jfcTJPOO/s400/Zachary.Valentine+Painting+2.14.12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-20824546195936313922012-01-10T13:11:00.000-05:002012-01-11T08:15:47.393-05:00The Creation of a Pattern!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <strong>The Creation of a Pattern </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For those of us who Crochet or Knit, we are dependent on the many patterns we may use. Often we may find these patterns in books sold in a Yarn shop; online searches; or we may purchase a pattern from one of the many talented Pattern designers on Etsy (a source of all handmade items). It wasn't until I read one of the many threads in the "CrochetOriginals Team" about all what is involved in creating a pattern - I was quite impressed and had no idea of all the creativity that goes into the process from start to finish, that I wanted to share all that goes into the creation of these very intriquite patterns, we so often take advantage of. The artistic talent of these designers are similar to any artist who is about to design a work of art such as painting, jewelry designing, glass work, etc. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40-H3rUCXmpouQ0c-TT2OMqZ48SwcNTGf5Pkte_NB-JBjAHUtMCWhYJGapIELyN_6UxnUF2Ga_uA2nI4l1Mn1vuXddO-phlvs28XMLjP5b1rZAEMzUcYiLMTfXZaWWa3cyDwhNtBaeEf-/s1600/Crochetgal.pattern.chevron+blanket+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40-H3rUCXmpouQ0c-TT2OMqZ48SwcNTGf5Pkte_NB-JBjAHUtMCWhYJGapIELyN_6UxnUF2Ga_uA2nI4l1Mn1vuXddO-phlvs28XMLjP5b1rZAEMzUcYiLMTfXZaWWa3cyDwhNtBaeEf-/s200/Crochetgal.pattern.chevron+blanket+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Crochetgal.Chevron Blanket Pattern</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is Crochetgal's thought process in just how she creates her patterns from start to finish: "Publishing patterns takes a lot of time and effort. First you have to come up with the idea. Then you start making the first prototype of the item, writing down each step along the way". Once the prototype is done, then its time to revise it and write those notes into a format that someone else can actually read. Scratches on paper really don't help at all. After Crochetgal has all the basics worked out; then its time for the pattern to be tested. This is done by "testers" (who she hires and pays extremely well), and in turn gets some very well tested patterns. After all the testing is done, and the final photo shots are done, the completed work is then assembled with everything, along with any diagrams that might be needed. At this point you can either self publish or send the pattern to various magazines for publication.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y3oCG-bmsFBUpJIOL1aKg-WW4D3ifDuvDJvGfhNr7DmsTbfH5bCIpC5rKJl4ocyxVDQCWWHgDjcrkWQLZu0byVaN65JJIlb4JZjwZ2wL0V_yU_hMvb8QGuoZmC1mhlY1_oCIF1rzW0gH/s1600/Crochetgal.pattern.wrap.shawl+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Y3oCG-bmsFBUpJIOL1aKg-WW4D3ifDuvDJvGfhNr7DmsTbfH5bCIpC5rKJl4ocyxVDQCWWHgDjcrkWQLZu0byVaN65JJIlb4JZjwZ2wL0V_yU_hMvb8QGuoZmC1mhlY1_oCIF1rzW0gH/s200/Crochetgal.pattern.wrap.shawl+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crochetgal. Shawl or Wrap Pattern</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of Crochetgal's goals for this year is to expand her shop, <a href="http://crochetgal.etsy.com/"><strong>http://crochetgal.etsy.com</strong></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> more hooks cand needles as well as at least one other line of yarn. I have chosen three patterns from her shop, which I know you will all find very intriquing and will want to try. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ikmtGT0Uk8-Z-CHVhlNG1lnkkI1-qjI27ihMTYYMGA9uIZQae0fEbfPkbbvUYkjUrLtz_8hbt2f-b9v5K35PG0Q9r0fNf9jhFG_6Ya4bUP_HT0_p4JzEXO_UBkQqyOEH1ZoPRbTJ3pec/s1600/Crochetgal.pattern.ruffled+scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ikmtGT0Uk8-Z-CHVhlNG1lnkkI1-qjI27ihMTYYMGA9uIZQae0fEbfPkbbvUYkjUrLtz_8hbt2f-b9v5K35PG0Q9r0fNf9jhFG_6Ya4bUP_HT0_p4JzEXO_UBkQqyOEH1ZoPRbTJ3pec/s200/Crochetgal.pattern.ruffled+scarf.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crochetgal.Ruffled Scarf Pattern</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With my curiosity brewing, I also asked Sandy whose shop is: <a href="http://sandyshcapecodoriginals.etsy.com/"><strong>http://SandyshCapeCodOriginals.etsy.com</strong></a><strong>,</strong> what process inspires her patterns. Her response was, "Sometimes an idea pops into my mind's eye, and sometimes I have customers and friends ask me to design something because they can't find the pattern anywhere. Once she has a specific idea in her mind, she then looks for various types of yarns and colors to help work out the design. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90-fdB_sqdCxP9QGdEjD3bfo-RyKZHM7GL0XdotdAiXfi7zLWVl-rrESEHw-Vt_7L7ocMnMV5wnChx3_-k-TPOddWS9eIKaoPchtMfVVmhsXvJy3JDR9esETDJ4jJxcD1gTWGrCC60pzG/s1600/SandysCapeCod.legwarmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90-fdB_sqdCxP9QGdEjD3bfo-RyKZHM7GL0XdotdAiXfi7zLWVl-rrESEHw-Vt_7L7ocMnMV5wnChx3_-k-TPOddWS9eIKaoPchtMfVVmhsXvJy3JDR9esETDJ4jJxcD1gTWGrCC60pzG/s200/SandysCapeCod.legwarmers.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">SandysCapeCodOriginal.Legwarmers.Hat Pattern</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">According to Sandy this is when she usually starts writing, trying to think how I want the finished item to look, then as I work on the actual stitches making various changes along the way. Once finished with the pattern, Sandy then trys to get product shots of the items. "I sometimes put the pattern aside and then in a few days go back and make it again and I catch a lot of the mistakes that way". Sometimes she will have people to test the patterns. Depending on what she is creating the pattern for; "if it is for my own website, then I might ask someone; but if it is for a publisher, then I don't ask anyone". Another part of the process is having people with.different skill levels to work a specific pattern so she could see how easy the pattern is to read; and sometime to see if a beginner can actually make the item.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5m_d9Azwr-kZL0LAEJd3cIdaItiTFwXwqnoE1RGFAjm2QWBYJxpi5EBq94NSe4alDKRQQM05tx9zGAOw0PXzD0SA1rMxrd8jflJ6ZVIjOr4Hm1FGRahcI9i6pY1iPZb10M67dTFJvvoB/s1600/SandysCapeCod.ornament+cocoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5m_d9Azwr-kZL0LAEJd3cIdaItiTFwXwqnoE1RGFAjm2QWBYJxpi5EBq94NSe4alDKRQQM05tx9zGAOw0PXzD0SA1rMxrd8jflJ6ZVIjOr4Hm1FGRahcI9i6pY1iPZb10M67dTFJvvoB/s200/SandysCapeCod.ornament+cocoon.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">SandysCapeCodOriginal.Christmas Ornament Cocoon Pattern</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am sure both Crochetgal and Sandy can attest that another hard part of designing a pattern is using wording so that people will understand and having them know what they want them to do in the way of stitches, assembling the finished pieces, etc. Sandy has included some videos with her patterns, as it is just easier to show a video rather than try to put some of the techniques into words. As she says, "Technology today has made pattern writing a lot easier". </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qebTGIZATVRmklAcGyQivudvDEqGxOJhjexoS7kujbtDpVm5yD1NLt4znmrOWmjIGLU-15CO6_yFQ8L12vgCUTyTkRnFr7_dZtGsAudRZMXOdEIWtv3V0yJarZFVG7SqVPPtbCiO252b/s1600/SandysCapeCod.crocheted+animalfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qebTGIZATVRmklAcGyQivudvDEqGxOJhjexoS7kujbtDpVm5yD1NLt4znmrOWmjIGLU-15CO6_yFQ8L12vgCUTyTkRnFr7_dZtGsAudRZMXOdEIWtv3V0yJarZFVG7SqVPPtbCiO252b/s200/SandysCapeCod.crocheted+animalfarm.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">SandysCapeCodOriginal.Crochet Animal Farm Pattern</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sandy is also in the process of opening another shop: <a href="http://sandyscapecodoriginals.com/"><strong>http://SandysCapeCodOriginals.com</strong></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You can purchase any of these (as well as other) patterns from these shops, or any shop online, they can be emailed to you in a Pdf format, or mailed directly to you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you are interested in trying to create a pattern of your own, one can find the (USA) industry standards for patterns at www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards.html along with the designer guidelines. I have chosen three patterns from each shop, which I know you will all find very intriquing and will want to try. I hope this helps you better understand the artistry that goes into each pattern that we often use. </span></div>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-27393097295478422802011-12-07T09:41:00.003-05:002011-12-07T11:57:25.598-05:00A Tribute to John Lennon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">ATribute to John Lennon </span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think in my lifetime there stands three moments in which time stood still; one of those moments that becomes indelible in our minds and our souls. I am sure we can all remember exactly what we were doing that exact second when we heard the words: “Our President, John F Kennedy has been shot”; “John Lennon has just been shot in front of the Dakota, and died on the way to the hospital”; and the incident that changed the world, hearing “A plane has just hit the Twin Towers” – the day of Sept 11. It is these three tragedies that caused within me a fear, heartbreak, numbness that I will always carry with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today, December 8th, marks the 30th Anniversary of that tragic evening when John Lennon, returning from a late night of recording, was gunned down in front of his home, The Dakota, with his bloodied glasses and a copy of his just released album Double Fantasy, which he had just signed for “a fan”, laying next to him. How ironic that all he ever wanted was Peace, as he sang “Give Peace a Chance”; or “Imagine” asking us to “Imagine there's no heaven, no hell below us, above us only sky, Imagine all the people living for today…” – it was all he ever asked for, only to be destroyed against all that he was asking us to believe in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Born in Liverpool, England, on October 9, 1940 during a German attack with air sirens all around, everything had grounded to a standstill almost destroying most of Liverpool that night. It wasn’t long after that that John took up the guitar to fill the void of loneliness in his life. Although we always think of John Lennon as the fighter and the rebel of the Beatles, within, he was truly shy and very self-conscious. Never really wanting the fame that brought him to us and which ultimately took him away from us. In New York he found the quietness he was seeking, and where he retired from writing and performing; living the sheltered, peaceful life he was always seeking. It was only 3 months before his death, that a renewal of life took over and he start recording his first album in years “Double Fantasy” – I always thought it ironical as I listened to that album over and over that day, that the main song was “Starting Over” singing… “Our life together is so precious, our love still special…it’s just like Starting Over again”. It is almost like he had a premonition of what was to come.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In an interview just weeks before his meeting with John Chapman, John Lennon spoke these words: “You know..give peace a chance, not shoot people for peace. All we need is love – it’s damned hard, but I really believe it. Were not the first to say “Imagine no countries, or give peace a chance, passing it on from generation to generation”…”I’ve never claimed divinity. I’ve never claimed purity of soul. I’ve never claimed to have the answer to life. I can only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can, but only as honestly as I can – no more – no less”.</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">“You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one – I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.” May he find the peace and tranquility in the heaven he was seeking all his life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">**I highly recommend anyone who is a true John Lennon fan, read Philip Norman’s book, <strong>“John Lennon, The Life”</strong> – you will learn the truth behind the man we all looked to for a peaceful world. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div></div>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-47198439689235428592011-11-20T07:04:00.003-05:002016-01-08T10:18:48.816-05:00Christmas Traditions and Sales<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9AJlgJLXyt07SgZLP_i3lz2zNX70kJbzqgVpjsaHHStssBtI3EBXAViOoOng6EuHY763kKqkidfkWcCeifi1iIxK6NB7XhuPtRAage1RA4Mi3tqfdyruEqSiM1LbAUcFWasdSWLXVtcK/s1600/MagdaleneJewels+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9AJlgJLXyt07SgZLP_i3lz2zNX70kJbzqgVpjsaHHStssBtI3EBXAViOoOng6EuHY763kKqkidfkWcCeifi1iIxK6NB7XhuPtRAage1RA4Mi3tqfdyruEqSiM1LbAUcFWasdSWLXVtcK/s640/MagdaleneJewels+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Traditions are always important especially during the Christmas/Holiday season!<br />
For as long as I can remember - Thanksgiving Day started my mother getting up at 6am to start cleaning the very large turkey; preparing it so it could get in the oven and cook for the next 8 hours! In the meantime my grandmother would be preparing the stuffing, which I always had to help myself to as she was making it. Of course, while the adults were in the kitchen - my sister and I could be found fixated on watching the Thanksgiving Day parade down Fifth Ave (NY) - but it wasn't until the finale when Santa appears in his sleigh to the delight of all the children, myself as well - that the Christmas season was officially started! The following Monday was the lighting of the 70' Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, that one would begin their shopping. Right across the street from Rockefeller Center (30 Rock to those watch the show) was Saks Fifth Ave. A trip to Christmas land in the City would not be complete without viewing the magical windows at Saks. In the 50+ years that I have been going down their - they have ceased to amaze me the creativity to detail in ; their "Storyland" windows. <br />
Once I started my own family - this tradition has continued. Waiting ever so patiently for the awaiting of Santa at the end of the Thanksgving Parade which meant - it is officially the "Christmas Season". And then of course a visit to view the tree at Rockefeller Center. <br />
Like I said at the beginning - Traditions are always important. I refuse to be taken in by the advertisements on TV, sales starting in Sept, and now the many ads and sales on the internet offering major sales (for the past few months) - I do not shop or take advantage of the consumer sales until Santa arrives at the end of the Parade and it is officially the Christmas season. For those that don't understand this yearly traditions from days past - I suggest you watch the "original" "Miracle on 34th St" which features Natalie Wood as the little girl who questions the miracles of Christmas. It has been showcased every year on Thanksgiving Day!<br />
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So in this Tradition, I will be offering sales in both shops (15% off any item) once Santa stands in his sleigh at the end of the Parade to announce the beginning of the Christmas season. Even with all the Sales, Music, Decorations, Christmas movies, etc- let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas.Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-16391981660424911272011-10-18T16:14:00.002-04:002016-07-16T19:12:44.047-04:00Something to Think About<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today a friend from Etsy wrote on her blog that many times things just seem to get to much. We tend to overload ourselves and then find it is time to clean house (so to speak).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These are my thoughts about life when things seem to overwhelm us:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are many times in our lives when we have days when we feel like we just don't fit in. Life seems to much - we revolve around in circles only to wind up where we left off. You are right - we are not computers where we can just push a "delete" button - we are people with feelings, a heart, a soul. People who have friends and family that will always be there for us are what is important. Often we discover that there are those who take too much of our time and space for their own . If cleaning house and remembering those who are important in our lives, and reach out to them, we will succeed in a more positive light.</span></div>
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Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-76157944048831580972011-08-15T11:17:00.003-04:002011-08-15T12:53:17.739-04:00Lamby make his Stage Debut!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_urmsta="126" style="text-align: center;"><div closure_uid_uvvq6x="107"><span closure_uid_uvvq6x="105" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf!</span></div></div><div closure_uid_urmsta="147"><br />
</div><div class="separator" closure_uid_urmsta="201" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxbW0ufP0ZXPRE7v1GgJoemEoG2CfhFzNycl8qDGtVPHM4x25dDGkMA3oGYbGYbZcfKfER9QvavWpbCDr6dtfw23LeXyw9Rd9o-gF2esseUYfKzMNo5rcaOFoHZUkZuWcOI1IKTmPS9jn/s1600/Lamby.BigBadWolfe.pic+crop++4.16.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxbW0ufP0ZXPRE7v1GgJoemEoG2CfhFzNycl8qDGtVPHM4x25dDGkMA3oGYbGYbZcfKfER9QvavWpbCDr6dtfw23LeXyw9Rd9o-gF2esseUYfKzMNo5rcaOFoHZUkZuWcOI1IKTmPS9jn/s400/Lamby.BigBadWolfe.pic+crop++4.16.11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div closure_uid_317tgm="107"><span closure_uid_kfku19="106" style="font-size: large;">My little Lamb from my shop : http://MagdaleneKnits.etsy.com , makes his first stage debut in the “Trial of the Big Bad Wolf”. Sponsored by the Montclair, NJ, Playhouse. In the play, the Wolf – for the first time in Nursery Rhyme history is put on trial for all his atrocities – that being, chasing Little Red Riding Hood through the woods and finally eating her grandmother; blowing down the houses of the Three Little Pigs in the hope of catching them for a good meal; the ‘Boy who Cried Wolf’; to his every waking moment of trying to capture the innocent little sheep in many of the Mother Goose’s tales. Well, enough is enough, and the various characters have decided to fight back and put “Mr. Wolf” on trial.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">There at the trial you can see many of his offended characters sitting in the Gallery waiting to testify! One of which is Mrs. Shepherd, played by my daughter Kelly, holding her Baby Lamb (in his debut role!) sitting in the Courtroom Gallery, while admonishing the little shepherd who should have been watching the Baby Lamb.</span></div>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-6033136538074491202011-01-14T21:24:00.001-05:002011-01-14T21:26:30.224-05:00The Christmas Pageant <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity Scene</td></tr>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although most of you know me through my Crochet and Jewelry shops here on Etsy; once December starts, and we are all thinking of what Christmas items to put in our shops, I am busy getting ready for our annual Christmas Pageant in our Parish. I started the Pageant about 20 years ago, and it is still something I truly look forward to each year. Although I get much joy out of participating in putting the Pageant together, it is the children that make each year just a little different and a lot more enjoyable. It is also rewarding to see my daughter, Kelly, who was still in elementary school when I started the Pageant, as our Director for the past few years.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1SknJ6eIcWCQDZBJn4qfXbnpWi-qLkNPkHOCmZ2TwAzmFfSEbVJ0jz6jxN4udnoupsPnaBa0Y23BwFKTBhiN6-MPdcCoTNjdxESunOd3GgHNLdtR4V_1fYtxKZAA9Qq_qke9GDVXwrvn/s1600/Baby+Jesus.+Oliver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1SknJ6eIcWCQDZBJn4qfXbnpWi-qLkNPkHOCmZ2TwAzmFfSEbVJ0jz6jxN4udnoupsPnaBa0Y23BwFKTBhiN6-MPdcCoTNjdxESunOd3GgHNLdtR4V_1fYtxKZAA9Qq_qke9GDVXwrvn/s200/Baby+Jesus.+Oliver.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Jesus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XBKUun-qybj2zY9ETXRrA108bhhX5DaFn_WJhkccCLH6YRfU25mEk7e8INK1nWneMwVNPffPKdMLADjTU675LZ7mAWi0sfga4K6X3jmiewLYp2PDd6CZl9c51GiWYJbWwksHaZLq1R9V/s1600/Mary.+Olivia+DeLeo.headshot++2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XBKUun-qybj2zY9ETXRrA108bhhX5DaFn_WJhkccCLH6YRfU25mEk7e8INK1nWneMwVNPffPKdMLADjTU675LZ7mAWi0sfga4K6X3jmiewLYp2PDd6CZl9c51GiWYJbWwksHaZLq1R9V/s200/Mary.+Olivia+DeLeo.headshot++2010.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We usually begin the planning in early December, and as always, every parent wants their child to be the star of the show! Once all the main characters are chosen (Mary, Joseph, The Wisemen, Angels, Shepherds, etc.), without any hurt feelings or comments from some parents; the practices begin. Once all the parts are assigned, I then have the job of making sure each child has their costume and that it fits. This year for the first time, our little angels were only 3 and 4 yrs of age, which meant a lot of alterations! Once all the costumes are given out, my daughter takes over as Director. Somehow she has a special way with these little children; and by the end of the first practice miraculously they all seem to know their parts and when to be on stage. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAPCvkYUafBGMxjOPFK4OyLhr5zVpL6kFk8pHp_S2imlzt4N4ZKkFQQVtLgmGw7iuNdoTr4_lI_R3In697Przi_Sbb16tJj2NV6mX2YF80FiLpx_eBgRfIiyWlSFQz6-nq0_E4vEDc4VH/s1600/Angels++2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAPCvkYUafBGMxjOPFK4OyLhr5zVpL6kFk8pHp_S2imlzt4N4ZKkFQQVtLgmGw7iuNdoTr4_lI_R3In697Przi_Sbb16tJj2NV6mX2YF80FiLpx_eBgRfIiyWlSFQz6-nq0_E4vEDc4VH/s320/Angels++2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little Angels</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The older children get the main parts, which gives the younger children an incentive to look forward to each year. In fact, little Zachary (my grandson) graduated from playing "Baby Jesus" last year to a little "toddling" Shepherd (while drinking his bottle)! I should mention that our youngest participant this year was not quite 4 weeks old, playing the "Infant Jesus." We also have a wonderful Children's Choir who do all the singing throughout the play. As with any play, once the children put on their various costumes, their whole demeanor changes. They suddenly assume the role they are portraying. A lot of credit goes not just to the Director, but to the small group of parents who dedicate themselves each year working on the Pageant. It is this team work that makes our Pageant so successful. The success is well noted as the Narrators (children from grades 5-7) begin to tell the story of the Nativity, and you look at the smiles on the faces of each parent. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NfkkWRG3TgvKjyN0adt-JWFJpYj9lO2_K2Xjqiz8aNNCt95gwL_TYhsJJ199ErXg1ZL8g05yY7poVFKV-FtXkzmHyjU-XQBFTZ9-ln9YbYRSor3I5KU08w0c1qSoj1WmWpYxis1DnvYL/s1600/Shepherds++2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NfkkWRG3TgvKjyN0adt-JWFJpYj9lO2_K2Xjqiz8aNNCt95gwL_TYhsJJ199ErXg1ZL8g05yY7poVFKV-FtXkzmHyjU-XQBFTZ9-ln9YbYRSor3I5KU08w0c1qSoj1WmWpYxis1DnvYL/s200/Shepherds++2010.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Shepherds</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaVv5PDXiy2kmuoTdJf0_XtRL2V0WmvCkH2idyjRptpLRzTt1jZ5UjTDBkqFt7zldDdbp2zECHw6K5MzJUB2VNy6AeBcBGhOhOWEeL0No-n_TMwo4bzCWOTDJJNsX9FoSQpQ6bozceznQ/s1600/Christmas.+Little+Shepherd++2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaVv5PDXiy2kmuoTdJf0_XtRL2V0WmvCkH2idyjRptpLRzTt1jZ5UjTDBkqFt7zldDdbp2zECHw6K5MzJUB2VNy6AeBcBGhOhOWEeL0No-n_TMwo4bzCWOTDJJNsX9FoSQpQ6bozceznQ/s200/Christmas.+Little+Shepherd++2010.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zachary, as the tiny Shepherd</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Although our little angels, who I said were only 3 and 4 years old, completely steal the show; the other children are so professional, while they kneel so reverently as they portray, Mary and Joseph, from the time they are approached by the Angel Gabriel, to the birth of Jesus, and the arrival of The Three Wisemen. The final scene is the little Drummer Boy’s who walk so very slowly down the center aisle playing their drums while the choir sings ‘The Little Drummer Boy,". The most adorable thing is not only watching them, but watching the little angels singing their hearts out – “pa rum pum pum pum”. I could continue talking about the beauty of our little children in the Pageant, but the pictures tell it all.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little Drummer Boy's</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-9708113210799108502010-12-07T21:29:00.002-05:002010-12-08T08:11:32.275-05:00A Tribute to John Lennon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ43u02pSmSok79lSTJcnCZngxZnLIOLuA3PMreFDU4aMCL9lRAOpjlD0giYfo4ePEJD0EpFJn_Dz6s-sFSG4iMEw9DWEjDNJW_rpSxF1KhpbSopIOnEcZUi3quag40P0QJbD5RCPRWP2N/s1600/JohnLennon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ43u02pSmSok79lSTJcnCZngxZnLIOLuA3PMreFDU4aMCL9lRAOpjlD0giYfo4ePEJD0EpFJn_Dz6s-sFSG4iMEw9DWEjDNJW_rpSxF1KhpbSopIOnEcZUi3quag40P0QJbD5RCPRWP2N/s200/JohnLennon.jpg" width="155" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think in my lifetime there stands three moments in which time stood still; one of those moments that becomes indelible in our minds and our souls. I am sure we can all remember exactly what we were doing that exact second when we heard the words: “Our President, John F Kennedy has been shot”; “John Lennon has just been shot in front of the Dakota, and died on the way to the hospital”; and the incident that changed the world, hearing “A plane has just hit the Twin Towers” – the day of Sept 11. It is these three tragedies that caused within me a fear, heartbreak, numbness that I will always carry with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today, December 8th, marks the 30th Anniversary of that tragic evening when John Lennon, returning from a late night of recording, was gunned down in front of his home, The Dakota, with his bloodied glasses and a copy of his just released album Double Fantasy, which he had just signed for “a fan”, laying next to him. How ironic that all he ever wanted was Peace, as he sang “Give Peace a Chance”; or “Imagine” asking us to <strong><em>“Imagine there's no heaven, no hell below us, above us only sky, Imagine all the people living for today…”</em></strong> – it was all he ever asked for, only to be destroyed against all that he was asking us to believe in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Born in Liverpool, England, on October 9, 1940 during a German attack with air sirens all around, everything had grounded to a standstill almost destroying most of Liverpool that night. It wasn’t long after that that John took up the guitar to fill the void of loneliness in his life. Although we always think of John Lennon as the fighter and the rebel of the Beatles, within, he was truly shy and very self-conscious. Never really wanting the fame that brought him to us and which ultimately took him away from us. In New York he found the quietness he was seeking, and where he retired from writing and performing; living the sheltered, peaceful life he was always seeking. It was only 3 months before his death, that a renewal of life took over and he start recording his first album in years “Double Fantasy” – I always thought it ironical as I listened to that album over and over that day, that the main song was “Starting Over” singing… <strong><em>“Our life together is so precious, our love still special…it’s just like</em></strong> <strong><em>Starting Over again”.</em></strong> It is almost like he had a premonition of what was to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In an interview just weeks before his meeting with John Chapman, John Lennon spoke these words: “You know..give peace a chance, not shoot people for peace. All we need is love – it’s damned hard, but I really believe it. Were not the first to say “Imagine no countries, or give peace a chance, passing it on from generation to generation”…”I’ve never claimed divinity. I’ve never claimed purity of soul. I’ve never claimed to have the answer to life. I can only put out songs and answer questions as honestly as I can, but only as honestly as I can – no more – no less”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>“You may say I’m a dreamer but I’m not the only one – I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”</em></strong> May he find the peace and tranquility in the heaven he was seeking all his life.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy Photo by YankeeGirl.etsy.com</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> **I highly recommend anyone who is a true John Lennon fan, read Philip Norman’s book, <strong>“John Lennon, The Life”</strong> – you will learn the truth behind the man we all looked to for a peaceful world. The book is one of my treasured Christmas gifts from my boys last Christmas.</span>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348562694525531233.post-70146000670306551622010-07-31T16:11:00.000-04:002010-07-31T16:11:26.826-04:00Create Crochet: What Music Inspires Me<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know I have mentioned in other blogs how music is such a big part of my life. Whatever the situation, I seem to find a song that fits what is going on at that time; but when asked what song inspires me most and has gotten me through a lot of conflicts, I would have to say “Let it Be”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At times I may be upset by something that someone said, or conflicted with one of life’s many paths that we may not always wish to travel. It seems that out of nowhere, in my head I often find the words not only just comforting, but a reminder of how short life can be. If I find myself facing a certain situation, instead of anger building or resentments, I remember that one particular line in the song, and keep repeating it to myself “Let it Be”. Maybe tomorrow I may not get a chance to say I am sorry, or even if I am hurt, I cannot hold that within me. I may shed some tears, but within my heart I know even just a little prayer can do a lot.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I find myself in times of trouble,<br />
Mother Mary comes to me<br />
Speaking words of Wisdom,<br />
“Let it Be” “Let it Be”<br />
There will be an answer, "Let it Be"</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is those little words of wisdom that have guided me through so much, given me the strength to look at things differently, and the courage to move on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ps. I even have “Let It Be” as the ringtone on my phone. So I am always reminded that there is always someone watching over me, and an answer for all that lies ahead.</span>Pamela Bakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12630008161555789983noreply@blogger.com5