Tuesday, March 30, 2010

New Promotional Design and a Sweet Sale!



My darling sister, Andrea, just created a promotional flier on this lovely card stock for me to include in all of my orders...and I LOVE them! They are beautiful, eye-catching, and say just the right thing. ;-) Thank you Andy!

Here is a picture of the back of them:



My stunningly gorgeous sister, Andrea, in Las Vegas (ha ha, yes she is my twin!):



You can find out more about my nutritionally enlightened sister, Andrea, on her fun and informative blog:

http://naturallyconscious.blogspot.com/

On these custom-made promotional fliers my canister Lady Liberty Weeps for Peace is featured...This is the latest art piece of my collection that I have sold (this Sunday)! I got the sale through the Mod Podge Rocks blog feature over the weekend! :-D

Monday, March 29, 2010

A Sneak Peek of My Work Space!



"My living room has the perfect ambiance for me to be comfortable and inspired to be creative. I have a desk here that Joe and I share which is where I open a window and paint glossy Mod Podge on my canisters; this is also where I do my online marketing and update my Etsy shop and blog. Also in the living room, I have a comfy blue chair where I sort through my magazine clippings box, glue on images, and paint the tiny white freckles." - Eco-Friendly Freckles' Jessica Woody (excerpt from the feature on Etsy Studios)



I love having the big, enchanting picture of Joe and I on our wedding day hanging on our desk where I can glance at it while creating my little creations and marketing online...it is such an uplifting embellishment and reminds me of how happy and lucky I am to have my sweet, loving, supportive husband Joe in my life!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Mod Podge ROCKS!



Rock on! Today I was featured on the awesome blog Mod Podge Rocks! This fun and creative blog has 2090 followers...thank you Mod Podge Amy for the great exposure!

You can check out my blog feature here:

http://modpodgerocks.blogspot.com/2010/03/eco-friendly-freckles-and-two-more.html


I also made my first art piece sale in my Etsy shop today! Maybe I got this sale through the Mod Podge Rocks feature (we will find out)! I have sold my art locally, and I have sold organic, probiotic kefir grains in my Etsy shop, and I have also made etsy trades for my art...but this is my for "real sale" of my art on Etsy! Today I sold "Breakfast at Tiffany's"!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Winner of Beauty!



My blog poll has ended and we have a winner...the favorite canister among voters and crown of beauty goes to "Lady Liberty Weeps For Peace"!



Even though only nine people voted, I still have a winner...I would LOVE to have more opinions though! If you did not vote in my poll, please leave a comment below telling me your favorite hand-painted, upcycled decoupage canister by Eco-Friendly Freckles. Here are the choices one more time:


Woo Woo, Is Sew In Love

Arousing Roses

Traveling Lady

Tea House Moon


Paulie's Confession

Lady Liberty Weeps For Peace


Lullaby of Angels' Enlightenment


Baby Inspiration

The following canisters in this poll will be for sale and displayed at The Gift Emporium in Kingston, Rhode Island: "Woo Woo, Is Sew In Love", "Tea House Moon", "Paulie's Confession", and "Baby Inspiration".

The rest of the canisters in this poll are currently being sold in my etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles


Which include...

Arousing Roses

Traveling Lady

Lady Liberty Weeps For Peace


Lullaby of Angels' Enlightenment

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Time to Celebrate!



Hurray! Thank you to everyone for following my Eco-Friendly Freckles blog and spreading the word to get me to 100 followers! I really appreciate all of your support.

To celebrate reaching 100 followers, I am sharing a recipe on how to make a home-brewed, fermented red wine spritzer using organic, probiotic kefir grains that I sell in my Etsy shop!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42030245


This refreshing and stimulating cocktail is slightly carbonated and "bubbly" and has a delicious taste...although, this recipe has many variations of flavor depending on the type of juice you choose to use. This time my husband, Joe, and I selected Old Orchard's 100% juice Blueberry Pomegranate with no added sugar, since the natural fruit juices themselves contain enough sugar for us and for the kefir grains to consume and convert into vitamins.

This is how you can easily transform the milk kefir grains I sale in my Etsy shop into kefir grains that you can use to make fermented herbal and fruit beverages, as well as the recipe for a no-alcohol red wine kefir fermented spritzer!



Red Wine Kefir Spritzer (a.k.a. "Kefir D'Uva")

1 large Mason jar with lid (any desirable size)
1 bottle of blueberry, pomegranate, acai, grape, cherry, aronia berry, raspberry, cranberry juice (single fruit juice or juice blends can be used in any desirable size)
Organic, Probiotic Milk Kefir Grains

Remove the milk kefir grains from the milk kefir and lightly rinse them off will cool water. It is okay if you rinse off the kefiran (nutritious slime) because much of the kefiran is from within the kefir grains and it will reproduce once it consumes more sugar. After lightly rinsing off the kefir grains, add them to a Mason jar (size of your choice) that is filled up ½ - 2/3 of the way full of juice. Now it is time to put on the lid…DO NOT SCREW THE LID ON TIGHT! Since a fermented kefir beverage is carbonated and bubbly, it will build up pressure over time and if there is no place for the pressure to escape then the glass Mason jar will explode…Joe and I have learned this lesson the hard way. So when you screw on the lid, screw it on loosely: not to tight, but also not too loose; just enough for some of the pressure to escape. Let the fermenting kefir juice sit on the counter for 1-2 days, depending on how fermented you would like the spritzer to be. I like to go 2 days, but if this is your first time, you might want to do a taste test after day one to see how you like it…the longer you ferment your beverage, the less sweet and more carbonated it will be. Also after you have made one batch of Kefir Spritzer, if you leave a little residual fermented kefir juice in the bottom of the Mason jar along with the kefir grains, the next batch of kefir spritzer that you make will ferment faster and can be ready to drink in one day!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A Chance to Get Your Art Featured on Cable TV for FREE!!!



I have a chance of getting my art and Etsy shop featured on cable TV for FREE...and you can too!

I was reading some of the Etsy forums yesterday in the Business Topics section and I came across a great, free marketing idea suggested by Berry Blue Creations; she said:

"If you have REALLY good pics of your work, upload them to http://ovationtv.com
If the community there likes it and the pics get high enough ratings, you and your items can get a few seconds of glory on cable tv in between programs in a segment called "My Art". It doesn't cost anything and they have forums and other great features for ALL genres of art.. not just performance arts or Fine Arts. You can receive some good advice from other artists and loads of inspiration."

I have set up a profile on ovation tv's website and I have already received 21 views without advertising it! Here is a link to my Ovation TV Profile:

http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=21435407&as=16878

Good luck with your FREE marketing ventures!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Brilliant Baby





This one-of-a-kind hand-made item is newly listed in my etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles

Brilliant Baby:

An adorable baby boy is immersed in a book titled, "What Would Socrates Say?" as he finds himself pondering over life's meaningful thoughts and yearning for wisdom. This brilliant baby is surrounded by his books and wooden baby blocks that read, "how smart is your baby", as these thought provoking messages appear before him: "If you see good, learn something. If you see bad, learn what not to be.", "Wisdom becomes knowledge when it is personal experience." "You are unlimited.", "To learn, read. To know, write. To master, teach.", "Live in your strength.", "When ego is lost, limit is lost.", "Be proud of who you are", "Truth is everlasting.", and others.





You can display this eye-catching piece as a candle votive, pen or pencil holder, trinket container, or as a stunning work of art...this particular canister would look wonderful in a baby nursery! This also makes a great gift (maybe even for a baby shower) for holding baked goods, candies, soaps, bath salts, teas, baby items, etc. Also in my shop are some beautiful "cello" bags made of 1.2 mil crystal clear polypropylene that are decorated in elegant white lace and are used as candy bags, food bags, soap bags, or for any small item. These are great for using in this size tin when giving as a gift to contain other presents.





In these pictures, the shine on the canister is from the glossy Mod Podge finish. I applied two coats of Mod Podge to this canister so the images are protected, yet you can still feel the fun texture of the freckles!

The eco-friendly recycled materials used in this item are: a tin can, magazine clippings, and yogi tea tags. This piece measures 6 inches tall and 3 inches wide. The interior of this tin is painted a gorgeous golden yellow. Canisters like this one were opened with a special can opener that cuts with a very smooth edge, so you can touch the top of the canister and be completely safe!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

A comforting ray of sunshine...



A comforting ray of sunshine brings a warm glow and smile to my face! Thank you The Art of Zen Crochet for kindly presenting me with the sunshine award! With snow all around here in Bixby, Oklahoma, sunshine is very treasured. ;-)

Here are the rules for accepting the Sunshine award:
1. Place the logo within your blog or post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within the post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received the award by commenting on their blogs.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.



My 12 nominees (in no particular order) are:
Etsy Studios
Many Moons
Moonangelnay
Little Dickens Designs
Linor Store Jewelry Designs
Babbidge Patch
Holly E Photography
Etsy Food Snob
Cuff Mate
Lisa Roy
My Way To Say
Lady Bird Sews Her Nest


Thank you The Art of Zen Crochet for awarding me with this pleasant ray of sunshine! I love these Hemp Shower Puffs from the etsy shop of Art of Zen Crochet! They remind me of soft balls of sunshine! :-D

Behind The Red Door!


Step behind the Red Door and see Eco-Friendly Freckles' latest blog feature! Kerry from The Red Door has graciously posted an interview about me, my art, work space, and more! You can check it out on her blog: Etsy Studios.



Ever wondered about the history behind painting your front door red? I have always been curious about this topic and remember talking to my grandmother and sister about it. My grandmother said that it was inviting and "good chi". In case you are a little intrigued...here is a little history behind the red door.

In China, it's tradition to paint the front door red before the New Year, to invite good luck and happiness. In Feng Shui, a red front door means “welcome.” Feng Shui is a Chinese philosophy in which the arrangement and color of objects in a room relates to the flow of energy. The front door is known as the “Mouth of Chi” where energy enters (sounds like my grandmother was right). If you believe in or follow Feng Shui, painting your front door red would create welcoming energy.

In Catholocism, the red door on a chapel symbolized the blood of christ, and other martyrs, to signify that the ground beyond the door (inside the church) was holy, and a sanctuary from physical and spiritual evils.

In Ireland, front doors are painted red to ward-off ghosts and evil spirits.

In Scotland, homeowners would paint their front door red to signify that they had paid off their mortgage

A red door means “welcome” in an old early American tradition. If a family had a red front door tired travelers traveling by horse and buggy would know that a home was a welcoming place to rest. They would be able to spend the night there.

Well now my curiosity is satisfied...I hope you have learned something new that has peaked your interest!

Please check out my latest blog post presented by The Red Door on Etsy Studios.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Natural Solutions for Preventing Breast Cancer



Recently, there have been news reports of parabens (a type of chemical preservative commonly found in many beauty preparations) showing up in the tumors of breast cancer patients. These parabens are speculated to be linked to the common underarm deodorants that most people use daily. Aluminum is another common ingredient found in most deodorants that has also been linked to contributing to breast cancer.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/01/28/deodorant-cancer.aspx

http://www.naturalnews.com/009969.html




However, have no fear there are natural deodorant alternatives! Many safe, natural deodorant solutions are available, yet here is an easy recipe that you may find pleasingly helpful.



"An infusion of White Willow bark mixed with borax acts as a deodorant wash for offensive-smelling perspiration. Mix a few drops of oil of Patchouli with the infusion." - Herbs & Things by Jeanne Rose (1972)



"A deodorizing washing liquid can be made from a solution of willow bark mixed with borax." – The Herb Book by John Lust (1974)



In my etsy shop, I have some white willow bark in stock so you can create this simple and effective natural deodorant. Also, keep in mind that wearing cotton garments is helpful as well as a diet as natural as possible.

Friday, March 19, 2010

In the Spotlight!



On March 27th Eco-Friendly Freckles will be featured on the absolutely magnificent "Mod Podge Rocks" blog! Behind the luxurious red show curtain awaits a captivating column graciously written by the marvelous Mod Podge Amy...so be sure to stay tuned!



I am so excited for this fantastic feature and awesome exposure, since the Eco-Friendly Freckles Etsy Shop will be presented in the spot light for many crafty ladies to see! I am very happy to be promoted on a site that highlights my favorite art medium: Mod Podge (Gloss Lustre to be exact). I will keep you all posted!


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Eco-Friendly Freckles Review and Coffee Cake Recipe!



My first review on my Organic Probiotic Kefir Grain Cultures!

"Thank you! I just received the package last night and am already in the process of making my first batch of yummy kefir. :) (I can't wait to try the banana bread recipe from your site)" - Iszlette



This scrumptious, moist, and soft coffee cake is spectacular! The homebrewed kefir used in this recipe provides the perfect texture and moisture for this very comforting coffee cake! This is one of my favorite recipes...it is simply divine! ;-)

Comforting Kefir Coffee Cake

Topping:
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cake:
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder (with no aluminum)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup of kefir

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour the desired baking pan or pans.

For the topping: stir together the pecans, sugar, flour, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla in a medium bowl.

For the cake: sift the flour, baking powder (with no aluminum), and salt into a medium bowl; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, until blended. With the mixer on low speed, beat in the dry ingredients, alternating with the kefir. Spoon half of the batter into the desired pan (or pans) and sprinkle with half of the topping; repeat. Bake for 55-65 minutes.

Now sit back and savor a delicious piece of coffee cake!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Crafty Dream Feature!



My lovely hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Lullaby of Angels' Enlightenment" is featured on the "Crafty Dream" blog in this evening's latest post: "Daily Beautiful Picks".



Here is my etsy link to this heavenly work of art:

Lullaby of Angels' Enlightenment

Find your place of tranquility and happiness within your mind



This is an image of a breathtaking painting called "Green Goddess" from the talented Emily Balivet! If you click on her name you can view her etsy shop!

Eco-Friendly Freckles is now selling a peaceful and comforting medicinal herb known as "kratom".



Kratom is a tropical tree that is used for its aromatherapy and medicinal properties. It is an extraordinary plant that has been used for a long time; this plant is easy to grow and it is unregulated in the United States. Kratom has a long history in the East, and it has been used for its therapeutic properties by many people. Kratom is a tropical tree growing from 15-50 feet tall that is native to Thailand and Malaysia.



Kratom can be burned as incense and it combines well with other incense blends for a pleasant natural aroma. For centuries, Kratom has been very useful for its uplifting and medicinal qualities in its native cultures; it has helped with depression, pain, sexual enhancement, and diarrhea to name a few; it also is found to be a creativity booster and mood lifter. “Kratom also contains alkaloids that are thought to play a beneficial role on the immune system and lower blood pressure, as well as epicatechin, a powerful antioxidant also found in dark chocolate and closely related to the EGCG that gives green tea its beneficial effects” (posted from the Wikipedia link listed below). To find out more about this beneficial and historic herb you can visit the link at the bottom of this listing. However, this Bali Kratom herb is sold as exotic incense only.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kratom



This listing is for one small Ziploc bag containing 20 grams (approximately 3/4 of an ounce) of dried powdered high quality Bali Kratom herb.

Friday, March 12, 2010

I WANT YOUR VOTE!!!



I want to hear what you think! Please vote in my poll on my blog's sidebar. Here is poll question as well as pictures and information on each piece of art:

Which one of Eco-Friendly Freckles' hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters is your favorite?!

Woo Woo, Is Sew In Love

Arousing Roses

Traveling Lady

Tea House Moon

Paulie's Confession

Lady Liberty Weeps For Peace

Lullaby of Angels' Enlightenment

Baby Inspiration

The following canisters in this poll will be for sale and displayed at The Gift Emporium in Kingston, Rhode Island: "Woo Woo, Is Sew In Love", "Tea House Moon", "Paulie's Confession", and "Baby Inspiration".

The rest of the canisters in this poll are currently being sold in my etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles


Which include...

Arousing Roses

Traveling Lady

Lady Liberty Weeps For Peace

Lullaby of Angels' Enlightenment

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

True Love - Princess Bride





This Princess Bride themed canister features Princess Buttercup and her dear farm boy Wesley as they peer into each other's eyes with deep affection and passion...for they both have found their TRUE LOVE! The white horse that they ride off into the sunset with together at the end of this charming film is also displayed on this tin. The complementary yogi tea tags that are featured say: "Truth is everlasting", "There is no love without compassion", "Where there is love, there is no question", and "Love is unchanging and limitless".

You can display this delightful piece as a candle votive, pen or pencil holder, trinket container, or as a stunning work of art. This also makes a great gift for holding baked goods, candies, soaps, bath salts, teas, etc. Also in my shop are some beautiful satin pouches that fit perfectly in this canister and can contain candies, cookies, soap, teas, etc.





In these pictures, the shine on the canister is from the glossy Mod Podge finish. I applied two coats of Mod Podge to this canister so the images are protected, yet you can still feel the fun texture of the freckles!

The eco-friendly recycled materials used in this item are: a tin can, magazine clippings, yogi tea tags, and recycled paper. This piece measures 2 1/4 inches tall and 2 1/2 inches wide. The interior of this tin is painted a gorgeous golden yellow.