If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.

I was always taught, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. I get very upset when other people don't follow this rule. I understand that you have to defend yourself if someone is attacking you, verbally. I am not saying that you should just not say anything at all.

I am saying, for no reason whatsoever, for people to be rude, mean, and hurtful to other people. Whether it be in person, or over the internet which is much easier. People feel that since they are not face to face with someone, that their words will not hurt. That bothers me.

Recently, we were on WTNH News Channel 8 for our items going into The Oscars Swag Bags (yay! so excited!!). This was a big thing for us and we were super happy about it. And people are just plain rude. I will not say where on the internet these comments were left- but they were hurtful. People commenting being rude and mean for no reason. It's not like this was a story attacking anyone. Or even a story about politics, religion, etc- which people get passionate about very quickly. It is a small segment about a mother daughter company donating to organizations and gifting celebs at The Oscars Gift Lounge.

People need to realize that even though their comments are not face to face and you don't have to see the person you are attacking, it still hurts. I was talking with my mother last night about this and she was telling me to relax, calm down, everyone has a right to their own opinions. Which I get. And I support. But I was raised that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Why hurt someone else for no reason?

For anyone reading, thanks for listening to my rant LOL. Some things really bother me and this is one of them.Why can't everyone just be nice to other people? It would definitely make the world a much better place. <3

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The Oscars Gift Lounge is 1 Week Away!

As some of you may know, Jewels For Hope will have their items in The 2012 Oscars Gift Lounge on Feb 24th and 25th. We cannot believe how fast this time has gone by. It feels like yesterday we were sitting at our kitchen table making 100 bracelets and packaging them up all pretty for the big event.

We made tons (and tons) of different bracelets, all color coded to match the organizations we donate to.

 

We absolutely love making these bracelets and really hope that the *celebs* love them too! We packaged them in the weirdest way- that if you missed my last post about this- you're in luck.. I have some shots here!

We made them in little smiley faces. Hoping to bring smiles to all the receive them. And we hoped that the head of The Artisan Group had a smile on her face when she opened up the box and saw 100 little smiley faces looking back at her!

With The Gift Lounge next week I am starting to get anxious. I really want to see what celebs will pass through the lounge, and which celeb will pose with our necklace that will be on display!

I can't wait! Who do you think would look great posing with this piece? Do you watch The Oscars? If so- keep a look out- who knows.. maybe someone will have one of our designs on! *a girl can dream.......

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#Giveaway Worth Over $1,100 Starts Feb 16th! @TGBears

Yes, you all read that title correctly.

OVER $1,100 IN PRIZES.

TG Bears, as you all should know by now from reading the many posts I have done about these fabulous handmade teddy's, is having an extraordinary giveaway in honor of their big milestones that TG Bears has accomplished.

Over the past year alone, TG Bears has gifted specialty (cuddly and adorable) bears to Cari Cucksey, Hilary Duff, AND Jessica Alba!!

Well, Monica, the owner, for having such an amazing 2011, is doing an AMAZING giveaway. She recruited a TON of Artisan Group members and the package is over $1100!!!

Here is a little looksy at some of these fab products. For more information about all of the items in this package, visit TG Bears (also feel free to like their FB page for more updates on the giveaway!)

Monica of TG Bears

Personalized Daisy Bear with growl

Value: $57.00

Kellie of Printable Girl

Mix and Match Card and Gift Tag set

Value: $12.00

Emma of Sock Monkey Emporium UK

Medium Sock Monkey (color may vary)

Value: $14.00

Penny of Jewelry by Saniki Creations

Chainemaille Bracelet ~ "Fable Story"

Value: $50.00

Ana of Solhful Photography

Red Lily Bamboo Wood Mount Photograph 5x7

Value: $44.00

Laura of Simply Paperie

Pink and Grey Polka Dot Note Cards 
featured at the 2012 Golden Globes Gift Lounge

Value: $10.00

Citlalli of Sew Beastly

Small Zipped Pouch In Crimson & Creme

Value: $18.00

See how awesome these products are? I love handmade, and these are top of the line. Definitely go and check out this giveaway! It starts on February 16th!!!

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Front Page of The New Haven Register!

We are on the FRONT PAGE of

The New Haven Register Today!

Omg, we are so excited. We absolutely LOVE this interview and think it is just amazing. We couldn't be happier that this happened.

Please take a look at this article! We are just so grateful that we are getting this exposure. This small town mother/daughter company is going places! Woo Hoo!

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Love Etsy and Strange (Amazing) Gifts!

I’m super excited about this Valentine’s Day! I went a little outside the box on my gift to my soon to be hubby. I hope he finds these gifts as amazing as I think they are. Because really, I think they kick butt.

I ordered two things for him- along with the standard candy I plan on giving him.

I haven’t received either in yet, so I don’t have pictures. But don’t worry- I plan on taking a ton of pics and putting them up here, AFTER valentines day. Because I don’t want to ruin the surprise. (Not like he reads this blog, but still. You never know. Better safe than sorry).

I got him a Beer Soap Kit.

Yes. BEER. SOAP. I don’t know what man would not like this? (well, maybe one who doesn’t like beer… but that’s not the case here). I think that is perfect for the fiancé. It is a beer soap and a muscle healer… which is perfect because he is always in pain on his back (he was in a car accident before I met him and his back will always have pain).

Along with the beer soap, the only logical gift that fits with that is of course… A BACON SCENTED CANDLE.

HOW GREAT.

I am so excited about these gifts!! The bacon scented candle was ordered from one of my favorite candle makers of all time, Marcy- from PicsPetals & Scents. You should know about her by now since I continue to talk about her amazing creations. I was so happy she can do a bacon candle!! I emailed her last minute to whip up this candle for me! I cannot wait to get it in.
The best part about all of this amazing-ness……

Last night we were watching TV and I don’t know how it came up- but HE MENTIONED HOW COOL IT WOULD BE TO HAVE A BACON CANDLE.

Is that fate or what? It took all of my power not to start giggling and say “well, you’ll get one soon!”

What are you getting your special one for Valentine’s day? Anything weird amazing like a bacon scented candle? Tell me, tell me, tell me!

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LAs The Place- Featured The Artisan Group

LA's The Place, an online magazine, featured all of The Artisan Group's members who participated in The Golden Globes Gift Lounge!

How exciting! We have been waiting for this article to come out, since we think it is so great they offered to do a full piece on us handmade artists.

Well, the article is out!

It is AMAZING.

They put the fabulous Jennifer Love Hewitt on the main page, when she is wearing our necklace! Woo Hoo!

Please go check out the article! Is has a ton of different links included to specialty products gifted (we are under the jewelry category as well as on the first page!).

You'll find some amazing handmade products! Check it out!

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Help! Would love your support for this tragedy .

One of the leading ladies of The Artisan Group, Nikki Cutro, was in a horrible accident. Her house burned down, she lost everything (including her beloved pets) and she has no health insurance.

The Artisan Group has set up a fund for her to help her through this time. If you have any money to spare, we would appreciate your support. Every little bit counts- even if it is only $1.00. 

https://www.wepay.com/donations/nikkicutro

Please also send "good thoughts" out into the world for Nikki. I feel so bad, I just hope she pulls out of this okay. Thank you all <3

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Leading Moms In Business Competition

My mother signed up for a Leading Moms in Business Competition from StartUp Nation.

This would be great exposure for our company... and also I would just love for my mother to win. She deserves so much and I think it would give her a real ego boost.

She always thinks that since she didn't go to school for design- that some people feel she isn't a "real" jewelry designer. I think she is AMAZINNGGG at jewelry design and is such a great teacher! I would love for her to start really believing it.

My mother has done so much for so many that I think this would be wonderful if she won. She doesn't get any money, or any prizes- just some good ol'fashioned recognition. Which she deserves.

So please, feel free to read the description from my mother- and if you believe she deserves a shot- vote for her.

All you need to do is CLICK HERE and click the Vote Now Button. No sign up. No emails given. Just pressing a button.

Thank you all for voting- in advanced! 

Isn't my mom so cute!!! LOL 

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Hooked On Yarn CT's New Facebook!

My aunt, Hooked On Yarn CT just got a brand new Facebook page!

Show her some love <3

Thanks so much! xx

Support Handmade!

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#Fun #TwitterParty Tonight! @theartisangroup

There is a great, super duper, fun twitter party tonight in honor of The Oscars Nominees!

The Artisan Group is hosting this great twitter party where you can win a TON of great handmade prizes. I love these twitter parties- they are always so much fun!

I hope you all stop by and try to win some great swag!


Here's how you can win:

• Follow @theartisangroup on Twitter
• Follow the hashtag #theartisangroup on Twitter
• Answer trivia questions about your favorite shows, movies, actors, moments, what YOU think should be nominated for a Oscar this year (respond directly to @theartisangroup)
• Be sure you include #theartisangroup in all your responses during the Twitter Party.
• Win prizes, drawn at random based on correct answers to our trivia questions! Winners will be announced on Twitter, Facebook, and reposted here on The Artisan Groups blog on January 25th!

Twitter Party starts TONIGHT at 8PM

Eastern! Be there or be square!

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Such a #Sweet #Handmade #Valentine's Day

We know Valentine's Day is coming up soon.

Personally, I'm not big on Valentine's Day... It doesn't matter to me if I get anything from my fiance... he gives me cute little surprises throughout the year- so this one day doesn't really mean that much to me (yes, I know - he is adorable and that line I wrote probably makes you want to puke haha. Sorry!)

But even though I personally don't need/want anything on this day- I love to give my sisters little gifts to say I love them!

This may sound corny- I know... but I love to surprise them. They're my baby sisters. Last year, Krista, (the middle sister) was feeling a bit "down" that she didn't have anyone to spend the day with. I surprised her with some cute little stuffed animal I placed in her car - then some candy and other little stuff. It made her day. She still keeps that stuffed animal in her car.

This year, I want to support handmade for my "Sister Valentines Gifts". You know, just something small to make the smile.

One of the fabulous women in The Artisan Group made this fun pintrest board for valentines gifts. I think I'll start there and see where I end up! You should check it out! I love handmade (as you know)- so hopefully you'll find some gems here--- and who knows, maybe you'll shop handmade for valentine's day too?

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Would you want a coupon code?

I am starting to get ready my first ever email blast for Jewels For Hope (WooHoo!!) 

I would LOVE to be able to send all of you amazing followers our first newsletter- with
Coupon Code included!

Subscribe to our newsletter

www.jewelsforhope.net

Look Great & Donate!

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@TGBears is having a #Giveaway!

You all know TG Bears by now!

Well... I just wanted to give you all a quick update- there is going to be a HUGE giveaway going on there soon! Be sure to continue to check back on their blog and see what's going on! Right now the value is up to $406... AND COUNTING!

Monica, the owner, will continue to post about the giveaway! So definitely keep checking back on her blog.

You won't want to miss this one folks!

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Golden Globes Gift Lounge- Who Wore What! @JewelsForHopeCT

First off, I want to say Thank You to all of you special followers who have been with me on this journey through The Golden Globes Gift Lounge. It has been such a great experience for myself and my mother to be a part of something this big (and fun!)

Now, we have the good stuff to get to... WHO POSED WITH WHAT!

Yes, this is a big thing.... Huge thing! We are so excited, everyone who displayed a product at The Artisan Group's exhibit received at least 1 Celebrity Picture. What is really what we all hope and dream of. That one picture that will make your product stand out, look gorgeous..... to have a celebrity say yes to being photographed holding/wearing your item.

First... we'll start with our products! We were lucky enough to get 2 celebrity photos. My mom and I actually cried all morning because of this. This was our moment. We are so lucky- we can't stop smiling. My mother comes home from the hospital today (don't worry-she will be fine!!!) and she can't wait to see these pictures! She keeps calling me up to talk about them!

Jennifer Love Hewitt wearing Jewels For Hope!!!

Mirelle Enos posing with Jewels For Hope!!

Yes. We are still in shock over these photos.

Both ladies look so great in their pictures!

Now, I have been a HUGE Jennifer Love Hewitt fan ever since Can't Hardly Wait.... many many years ago. We actually think this necklace is made for her. It looks like it just fits. We want to get it to her somehow.... we'll definitely keep you posted on our progress on that LOL. What do you think? Don't you think it just goes with her perfectly??

And now that I bragged about our amazing pics, I would love to show off some of our fellow TAG members pictures... look how fun they are!

Candace Cameron with The Crimson Poppy

Amanda Rigehtti with SwirlyGarden Boutique Glasses

Sarah Drew wearing Blue Scarab Jewelry

Raphael Sbarge posing with note cards from The Beez Kneez

Reno Wilson with Simply Paperie Journal

Thomas Gibson with Dave Dilli Photography

We are so happy for everyone in the group!

If you want to see a TON more photos, please check out

 The Artisan Group's Facebook Page!

 It has been a great event and now we are looking forward to The Oscars Gift Lounge and MTV Movie Awards Gift Lounge! Oh, so exciting!

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The 2012 Golden Globes Gift Lounge- Excitement!

This past weekend was the Golden Globes Gift Lounge!!!!

We had our main necklace on display and 100 Swarovski Crystal & Pearl Necklaces distributed in the SwagBags at the event!

The event was a big success and The Artisan Group got a ton of press coverage! I am so happy for us all.

I still don't know who took photos with our piece-- we find that out some time this week- AH! Can you tell I'm nervous? haha. Once I find out I will post the pics up here (ASAP).

Until then, here are some celebs we know for sure passed through our Gift Lounge!!

Elizabeth McGovern, Dot Marie Jones, Chris Noth (Mr. Big!), Sasha Pierce (such a Pretty Little Liars Fan <3), Reno Wilson, Jennifer Love Hewitt (HUGE FAN!), Amanda Righetti, Cheryl Burke, Samantha Harris, Jeremy Irons, Sarah Drew, Chris McDonald, Morena Baccarin, and many many many more!

Actually, I'm pretty stoked- TWO of these fabulous celebrities tweeted me back about receiving the swag bags. Which I think was just so nice of them!!!.... Wanna know who? Okay I'll share!

Amanda Righetti from The Mentalist!

and...

Reno Wilson of Mike & Molly!

I got lucky! I watch both of these shows every week. I always sit down with my mom and dad to watch The Mentalist (and end up having to explain the entire show to my father) and then I watch Mike & Molly with the fiance every week--- I literally laugh for the whole show. 

I'm still jittery that both of these amazing people wrote me back. I feel very grateful for that. 

Now... I cant wait to see who took pics with our display! Oh, the suspense is torturing me! haha. 

Be sure to check back later in the week... hopefully I'll have some info by then!

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