Cherry's Creations

Are you ready for a YARD SALE?

2012-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

The weather this weekend is suppose to be gorgeous, high temperatures in the low 70's. What a great time to get out and about for some Yard Sale shopping. Hope you will come by and see us if you do.

Friday and Saturday, January 20 & 21 from 8:00am to 2:00pm at 55 Heron Bay Court, Sanger, Tx. Please call 940-458-3397 if you have any questions.

It is a multi family sale and we have lots of household items, clothing, swing set (components for building your own), ironing board, misc craft supplies, table, chess set, wrought iron chairs,
kids folding table with attached seats, propane burner (turkey fryer type), routers, Donald Duck Collectibles, Juicer, flat iron, suede leather women's size 18 coat, a few computer accessories and much much more. No reasonable offers refused.

CAST OFF!

2012-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Cast Off

Recently, Kandyce - my artist friend, and I stumbled upon this wonderful space for lease in the SCRAP building in Denton. It is a new resale/recycle shop for craft type items. We have kicked around the idea for awhile that we would like to have a place where we could work on the arts and crafts we make to sell and display our work. This spot was perfect, at just the right price and even though neither of us was quite prepared to cast off into this new (ad)venture, we consulted our very supportive husbands who also saw lots of potential in the space and location. So here we are casting off and getting ready to move our studios out of our homes and into Denton.
All of that being said, we would like to ask if you have any things in your home that you might like to cast off and donate to our adventure. If you have things in your home that are in your way, you no longer use or just don't need, we would love to give them a new home and new purpose.

Here is a wish list that we have compiled:

Mini Fridge
Small microwave
small bookshelves
pegboard
Clothes iron
Table top ironing board
Scrap fabrics, lace , twine & ribbon
Small trash can or waste paper baskets
Square or rectangle storage bins and baskets
Broken or unwanted costume jewelry
Buttons, keys, beads
Scrapbooking inks & rubber stamps
Mop & mop bucket
Broom & dust pan
Area rug in good condition, neutral colors aprox 8' x 10 or 12'
Decorative iron work
Sizzix dies or embossing folders
Postage scale
Any other miscellaneous art & craft supplies

We appreciate you keeping us in mind when deciding what to do with things you are ready to cast off.

Don't have anything to get rid of? We are having a yard sale of our own Friday & Saturday, the 20th & 21st from 8am to 2pm both days. The money raised that day will help us with our beginning operating expenses.

You will be able to visit us in our new studio & boutique, aka Cherry Kandy, at 215 W. Oak St, in the SCRAP building. We will be having a preview night on Friday , February 3rd from 7 to 9 pm.

Please contact Kandyce or me, we will be happy to make arrangements to pick up items you wish to donate to us or give you the address of the yard sale.

Thank you all so much!

One of THOSE Days!

2012-01-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

So this morning was one of THOSE mornings for some reason. I did get up on time, got the kiddos up on time but they were dragging. Not one of the four of them was ready on time. No amount of politely asking them seemed to do the trick so I moved on to being firm and logical about the benefits of good choices and the consequences of bad choices. I am sure by the way they responded all they heard was blah blah blah blah blah.

Completely frustrated (me that is) we finally walk out the door ten minutes late only to discover my van had a nice coat of frost over all the windows and my oldest two children fighting over whether or not you could scrape ice with a squeegee, one with the handle in their hand and the other with the actual squeegee part in their hand. ***Deep sigh***.

Hubby, who is also running behind, emerges from the house ready for work and begins to help me scrape ice, so very thankful for him, my visual example of sanity and peace in the midst of chaos. Okay, all done, we're finally pulling out of the driveway only 20 minutes behind schedule.

The children are all complaining they are going to be late now and when I remind them that none of them were ready on time, someone decides to snidely point out that if I had only started the van earlier so it could have warmed up, and then all I heard was blah blah blah blah blah.

Once all of them are safely at school and no one is tardy and no speeding tickets were involved, I begin to pray while am driving. I am praying for peace and for forgiveness for being so short tempered and for wisdom on how to make these mornings go more smoothly. (We have assigned them check off lists and charts and graphs galore with incentives to help them stay on track, all to no avail. )

So I am taking these few minutes of quiet to try to regroup when I notice a car that has gone of the road and into the ditch with a pretty steep embankment. With the rain that we have had, I know that car is not coming out of that ditch without a wrecker. Then out comes a young man who runs up the slope around to the driver side and opens the door for the young lady who was driving, she is visibly shaken. I roll down the window and ask if they are okay, and they are, grandparents have been called and on the way, young man is going to walk to school. I offer him a ride because it's cold and because I know if he walks he will be late.

As I turn around and take him to school I learn the driver is his sister, a junior in high school who has only had her license for a few months. I asked him again if he was okay, questions like did you hit your head on anything, are you feeling light headed or dizzy, you know the over protective mama kind of questions, I hope another woman would do the same if it were my child. He seemed to be calm, cool and collected, I encouraged him to call his grandparents or go to the nurse if he started feeling badly as I dropped at the door of the school.

On the way home again, thinking about how the morning has unfolded and all of the sudden I am deeply ashamed of how frustrated I had been about being so far behind schedule because I realize that God had me right where he needed me to be all along, on his schedule, to be able too offer a few comforting words to a couple of high school kids in a scary situation and to do my part, albeit little, to help out.

Lord, help me to rest in the knowledge that you hold my every moment in your hands, all have been ordained by you, and you have a plan for all of them.

Celebrating Christmas

2011-11-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of year again! We finished celebrating our Thanksgiving weekend by putting up our Christmas tree. It is the same tree my husband I have had since our first Christmas together. A little three foot shabby thing I got for $3 at a yard sale because we couldn't afford much. I didn't realize at the time my dear hubby was such a sentimentalist or I might have held out for a bigger tree to begin with. I spent several years wishing and dreaming of getting a bigger fancier tree but, this year especially, have come to love our little "Charlie Brown" tree. It's the simplicity of it really that appeals to me now. The simplicity of not having to stress over hours and hours of decorating it, the simplicity of being able to change how it is decorated each year without spending a fortune to do so. And this simplicity also helps us as a family to focus on why we are really celebrating Christmas at all.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83559876/christmas-tree-bowl-fillers-tucks-ornies

As we decorate, we talk to our children about the symbolism of all that we are doing. We explain to them that the evergreen tree symbolizes the everlasting life we receive by believing that Jesus is the son of God and died on the cross for our sins.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64623784/rustic-mission-cross

We always put the lights and the garland on first. My kiddos have this one down pat, when asked why we do this they remember "Because Jesus is the light of the world!" As we place ornaments on the tree, I like to think of them as symbolizing all the many blessings God bestows on us throughout the year.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57740760/christmas-kids-clip-on-earrings-blue

When we open our gifts, we revisit these reminders and talk a bit more about some other symbolism. We discuss why we exchange gifts. We do this to honor the gift of Christ given to us by God the Father. We remember that the Wise Men brought Jesus symbolic gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold. I am pretty proud of my children when they blurt out "Oh, they brought gold because Jesus was a king!" "and Frankincense because He was a priest!" "and Myrrh, the healing oil because Jesus came to heal our relationship with God and because He suffered for our sake."

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51387188/handmade-christmas-joy-gift-box

I like my little tree because it also reminds me of the humble beginnings of our Lord and Savior, and that He CHOSE to step out of heaven and on to this world to live among us and love us and heal us and relate to us.

I pray that your Christmas season is blessed beyond measure. I pray that you find beauty and meaning in all you do to celebrate Christ this season especially, but also throughout the year too.

Cherry's Creations

And the WINNER is

2011-09-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone who participated in my contest. You all are the BEST!!!!Hubby had the afternoon off today, so after creating 14 slips of paper numbered 1 to 14 and hoping the 5 wasn't pulled since that was a deleted comment, my dear husband swirled them around..............

Isn't he crazy??? Oh, I was about to reveal the winner wasn't I, pulled out the slip of paper numbered, drumroll please.****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Congratulations to *Christie*!!!!!!!!!!Thanks again to everyone who participated!!! Here is a coupon code for my Etsy shop Repeat 2011, this will get you 10% off anything you might like to purchase there. Until Next Time Cherry

And now at long last.......

2011-09-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

I arrive back on the blogging scene to discover that it's been 2 years since I last blogged??? How can that be possible? I don't remember playing ostrich with my head in the sand. So now what do I do to get back in the swing of things? Oh, I know................................................................................

Everyone loves a GIVEAWAY!!! Woo Hoo!!
I'm racking my brain to see what I can come up with,
thinking
thinking
thinking
thinking
thinking

still thinking......................................................................................................................................

How about one of these? Your choice of color.

Bread of Life Mosaic Cross

1. Visit one of my online shops

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cherryscreations
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/CherrysCreations
http://www.zazzle.com/cherryscreations

2. Pick a favorite item and share it in your favorite social networking arena, Twitter, Facebook, your blog, etc, etc

3. Come back to this blog post and comment with the link to your post. You may post on multiple sites and receive an entry for each unique site you post to, just remember to leave a comment with the link for each posting, do not include multiple links in one comment please.

Please check back for winning results Monday. If you are the winner, contact me with your email addy so we can work out the details. cherryscustomcreations@yahoo.com

Contest will end Sunday at midnight, I will choose a winner through a random drawing Monday and post the results by Monday evening.

Until Monday,
Cherry

SALE Time

2009-06-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

YART SALE TIMEWhat is a Yart Sale you ask? Well it's an artistic interpretation of a Yard Sale that many Etsy shops are participating in from June 10th until June 14th. In my shop you will get 25% off your purchase including already marked sale items. More details at www.cherryscreations.etsy.com

What a Lovely Surprise!

2009-06-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

LOVE WINS - Results

2009-05-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

First, I want to extended my deepest gratitude to all of you who participated in this challenge. Thank you so very much! I also appreciate your patience. I have had one report of a charm arriving broken. If this happened to anyone else, please let me know and will get it replaced for you. I apologize for any inconvience f this happened to you.

I sold a total of 38 charms and turned my $1 into $66 in the last 2 weeks. Yay, look at God go! Our church reported that out of the original $150, they passed out $108 total. The return Sunday morning was $746.22 . Some people sold cookies and other baked goods, some people did odd jobs and others just simply asked for donations. How awesome is that?

Finally, I was giving a $10 gift certificate to one lucky participant by means of a drawing. All of the names were written on pieces of paper and my precious little 5 year old girl drew Laura of CrochetRUs.etsy.com . Congratulations!

Thanks again to all those you added to God's kingdom, may you be richly and abundantly blessed!

Love Wins - Last Chance

2009-04-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone for all the prayers and thoughts as we traveled to be with family and pay our respects. I appreciate it so much.

And now it is time for me to get back to work on my challenge. Wow, I currently have orders for 28 charms, I will be a busy woman this week. I will continue to take orders for the Multiplication challenge (as mentioned in the previous blogs: http://cherryscreations.blogspot.com/2009/04/love-wins-multiplication.html) thru Friday. ALL of the profits from this charm after shipping and paypal expenses go to the church. So please, go check out the Love Wins posting and comment on your favorite charm including an email addy to I can send a donation request to through Paypal.

Remember, everyone who orders a charm will get their name in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to Cherry's Creations @ Etsy.

I will be makng the charms availible in my Etsy shop after the challenge is complete. At that time I will donate 50% of the sales price of the charms to the church.

Thanks again!

Love Wins -

2009-04-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

Love does WIN! I am overwhelmed by the wonderful response to the challenge I am participating in. Thank you to all who have already donated, may God bless you abundantly.

That said, I would like everyone to please be patient with me, I have MANY orders for the charms and I will work on filling them all as quickly as possible next week. I have to take a few days off to go out of town to a family funeral but will be back to work Tuesday. Thanks so much for your understanding and your patience.

I am considering adding the charms to my Etsy shop, I would have to list them for $2.50 to cover the additional fees but could give a discount for large orders, 20 charms or more ordered at the same time. I would love your comments and thoughts on the subject.

Please check out this delightful blog with lots of other great ideas for these charms: http://delightedheart.blogspot.com/

Love Wins Multiplication

2009-04-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been a little while since I blogged but a challenge from my pastor has me back here today. The theme of our church for awhile now has been "Love Wins" and we are currently in the middle of a year long campaign "Nothing is too difficult for God". We've learned about abouthow no illness is too difficult for God to heal and we are currently learning about how no financial need is too great for God. This past Sunday's sermon was based around how God takes what we have and multiplies it when we follow through with what he leads us to do. The Sermon was titled "What's in Your House" based on the story of the widow woman who only had just a little bit of oil but began pouring it into other jars and the oil didn't run out until there were no jars left. 2 Kings 4:1-7

So, for the challenge, the pastor handed out a $1 bill to everyone in the congregation, ($150 in all) and challeged us to use our creativity to multiply it. Combining that with "what's in your house" I came up with these cute little Love Wins charms. They can be worn as a pendant on a cord, added to keyring or zipper pull, or worn as a charm on your sneakers, etc. We will be bringing our dollars and the sum of their multiplication back to the church on Sunday May 3rd. I am making these charms availible for a $2 donation, a small portion of that (about .60 to .75 cents) will cover the cost of mailing the charm and the rest will be donated to Christian Center. I can't wait to see what God turns $150 dollars into. I will be sure to share the news here.

So, please consider helping me out! Choose your favorite charm, it will come with a jump ring, and leave me a comment with the charm you like and an email address, I will contact you with a paypal invoice for the donation amount so I can get your charm sent out to you.

Everyone who participates will be eligible for a drawing for a $10 gift certificate to http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com/ . The winner will be chosen and announced Tuesday May 5th with the results of the multiplication challenge.

Thanks so much and may God abundantly bless you!

Spring Craft Show Schedule

2009-03-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Find me at:

Guyer High School Arts & Crafts Show on Saturday April 4th from 9am to 4pm - 7501 Teasly Lane, Denton TX 76210. Booth C3.

Funky Finds Spring Fling on Saturday April 25th from 10am to 6pm at the Will Rogers Memorial Center Small Exhibits Building, 3409 Burnett Dr. Fort worth, TX

Mention that you are a Blogspot friend and receive 30% off any one item. Hope to see you there!
Please spread the word!

Find my work everyday at www.cherryscreations.etsy.com

Wordz of Life

2009-02-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, God really impressed upon me how important spoken words are. They are powerful, think about, God SPOKE the world and nearly everything in it , into existence. The Bible tells us as Christians, that through Christ we have His authority as well, so it would stand to reason that the words we speak also carry a certain amout of weight and power. I am not talking about a "name it and claim it" type philosophy, God's will still prevails, but I am speaking of carefully choosing to speak life and blessings instead of complaints and curses. So, when I found Jeanette's Wordz of Life Etsy Shop, I was both reminded of these things and thrilled with her use of words. Her little snippets are all about life and blessings. I just had to have one for a friend of mine and I was blessed to have received one for myself too.

Aren't they precious? Wouldn't they make a great gift item for just about anyone, Pastor, babysitter, friend, sibling, grandparent? I have had the opportunity to visit with Jeanette via an Etsy thread and she is such a blessing! She is sweet and encouraging and just an absolute joy to do business with. Stop by he Etsy shop and tell her Cherry sent you!

Leave a comment and share your favorite snippet from her shop!

Studio Space

2009-02-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

So my new studio spce is just about complete. It is so awesome to have everything I use frequently all in one spot. No more searching in closets and digging through boxes. It's all right here and I am already loving it!

So do you have any
tips for getting organized?
Please leave a comment and
share your ideas with others!

Just for FUN!!!

2009-01-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Rachel Kovaciny on her Hugermugger Blog to list 8 random things about myself. I have a few minutes so let's see what I can come up with.

1. I live about 3000 miles east of where I grew up but about 2000 miles west of where I was born.

2. My favorite anything (foods, colors, etc) changes with my mood. The only excepton is my favorite place to be and that is the Northern Cali Coast.

3. I am not working in the industry I went to school for.

4. I have the same number of children that my mother has.

5. I have the same number of brothers that my mother has.

6. Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is not my idea of fun.

7. I LOVE Etsy

8. I have moved about 20 times in in my life.

I duly tag these 8 bloggers:

1. http://amomentamemory28.blogspot.com/

2.http://la-alicia.blogspot.com/

3.http://sanctumds.blogspot.com/

4.http://maticstudio.blogspot.com/

5.http://suerunyondesigns.blogspot.com/

6.http://everydaylily.blogspot.com/

7.http://gypsyharte.blogspot.com/

8.http://wiresnpliers.blogspot.com/

And the WINNER of the Comment Contest is...

2009-01-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Kaycee who had this to say about customer service:

"One shop I bought something from included a very vibrant bookmark of their shop logo. I always use it when I read now, and check the store often!"

Congratulations to Kaycee who won a $15 store credit at http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com .

Keep your eyes open for a blog containing all the valuable tips that were shared with me here and at my page on Facebook.

Thanks so much to all those who participated!

Comment Contest

2009-01-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

As promised here it is! A little different this time though. If you are a business owner, please leave a comment including a business tip or technique that has worked well for you. If you are a customer, please leave a tip regarding what aspect of customer service you think is most important. All commentor's will have their name entered into a drawing. One name will be randomly drawn and that person will receive a $15 credit toward any purchase from Cherry's Creations. Please be sure to include contact info with your comment.

All tips may be compiled used in an upcoming blog article.

Have Fun, Comment away! Contest ends January 20th.

Thanks for participating.

Start the New Year SALE!!!!

2009-01-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back after having closed up shop for two weeks to regroup, reorganize and relax. I need a little more time for the re-organizing and relaxing though, lol ;0)

To celebrate the New Year and my return to work I'm starting off with a sale:

35% off all jewelry and 20% off all other gift items. Ends Thursday January 8th. Send me a message on Myspace at www.myspace.com/cherryscustomcreations or check it out at www.cherryscreations.etsy.com

Check back next week, I think it may be time to run another comment contest, working out the details now.

From my home to yours, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SALE! SALE! SALE!

2008-12-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

Cherry's Creations is having a last minute SALE, 30% off all jewelry. Ends Friday December 19th. Send me a message on Myspace at www.myspace.com/cherryscustomcreations or check it out at www.cherryscreations.etsy.com .This is your last chance, to get anything for Christmas, I will be vacationing from work December 20th thru Jan 5th. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Where to find me for your holiday shopping

2008-12-04T16:57:00.000-08:00

Denton High School, Denton Tx, - Saturday December 6th, 9am to 4pm
Sanger High School, Sanger, TX - Saturday December 13th, 9:30am to 4:30 pm
Hope to see you there!

Thanksgiving Sale

2008-11-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

EXTENDED THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SALE! FREE SHIPPING on all purchases PLUS 10% off Art and Gifts and 20% off all jewelry when your order total is $15 or more at Cherry's Creations.

SALE BEGINS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26th and runs through MONDAY DECEMBER 1st. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out the new items while you're there: Snowflake Ornaments and Cedar Air Fresheners.

Time to Cozy Up

2008-11-21T06:23:00.000-08:00

Well, it's getting to be that time of year where there is a need to bundle up. It's even been quite chilly here in Texas but I hear it gets very cold in Chicago which is where a good friend of mine is moving too very soon. I wanted her to have a little going away gift, something to fit her personality and would be useful. So off on an Etsy adventure I went and these are what I found:
A gorgeous neck warmer and a wonderfully fun coffee cozy from Matic Studio. My friend loved them both, how could someone not, the yarm was so soft and , yes COZY! The beautiful rhinestone accent on the neck warmer gives it that little extra pizazz! My friend will look quite stylish when she gets to Chicago! And if you are the itsyist bit envious, go see all the other gorgeous selections to choose from at www.maticstudio.etsy.com . Leah, the shop owner, does exceptional work and is a joy to do business with, she is very helpful and super quick too. (I've ordered from her before, more gifts that were enthusiastically received by some more friends of mine.) Tell her Cherry sent you!

Holiday Open House

2008-11-11T07:27:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 14, 2008
7 pm until 9 pm
Christian Center Assembly of God
112 Britton St, Krum TX
(corner of Britton and Jackson)

Come ONE…Come ALL!!!!
Featuring Holiday Favorites of:
Homemade Gourmet by Allison Barton,
Mary Kay by Tina Sebastian,
The Pampered Chef by Tharine Wells,
Jewels by Park Lane by Jeri Kane,
Avon by Barbara Reed,
Scentsy by Lisa Price,
Arbonne by Stephanie Walker,
Handmade Jewelry & Gifts by Cherry Fargo,

Join us for food, fun and fellowshipping…
& most of all HOLIDAY SHOPPING!!!!

Pamper Yourself with Pumpkin

2008-11-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure recently of doing business with Donna of CBEssentials , one of my fellow Etsians. She sent me the most wonderful sampling of her products and I just had to share. My favorite (so far) is the Pumpkin Patch Glow Body Scrub . It smells absolutely yummy and left my skin feeling polished and satiny. What a great way to prepare your self for the busy holiday season. Oh, and her body creams are fabulous too!

I hope you will check out her Etsy store and tell her Cherry sent you!

Cherry's Update

2008-10-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, 55 Items sold in my Etsy shop. A big thanks to all my awesome customers! Remember to pop on over to Funky Finds to participate in their big giveaway. My contribution this month is a gift certificate for one of the Bread of Life Crosses.

***************************************
Just about a week left of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please check out my THINK PINK items. Mention "blog" in the "message to Seller" Portion of checkout and receive a buy one get one half off discount on the lower priced item. Remember, I will be donating 50% of the sales of these items to Breast Cancer Awareness related charities.
***************************************

If you live in the DFW area you will find me at these upcoming craft shows:

Trinity High School, Euless, Tx - Saturday November 1st, 10am to 4pm
Denton High School, Denton Tx, - Saturday December 6th, 10am to 4pm
Sanger High School, Sanger, TX - Saturday December 13th, 10am to 4 pm

Hope to see you there!

SALE - SALE - SALE

2008-10-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 In honor of approaching my 50th sale here on Etsy, I am having a shop-wide Buy One Get One (of equal or lesser value) Half Off Sale at www.cherryscreations.etsy.com for the next 5 customers. This includes SALE items. Please type BOGO in the comments to seller portion of check out and wait for an adjusted invoice. Thanks so much!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
THINK PINK! I have several items availible in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 25% of the slaes price of these items will be donated to help promote research and awareness efforts.

I'm so glad you stopped by! You can also find more photos of my work at www.myspace.com/cherryscustomcreations . As always, I am happy to do custom orders for the holidays. Last day to place a custom order for Christmas is November 26th.

Giveaways

2008-10-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

Oh my! I let time slip away from me again. Thanks so much for all the comments. I posted the results of the giveaway at Myspace but apologize for not following up here. The lucky winner was WiresnPliers. Thanks so much!

Go check out the Monthly Giveaways at Funky Finds. Several businesses have items in the giveaway and it's easy easy easy to enter, not to mention tons of fun. The last week of each month visit the online shops participating in the giveaway and comment about your faves at Funky Finds. That's it, at the end of the giveaway every comment is entered to receive one of the dozens of items up for grabs including a Cherry's Creations Gift Certificates for October, November and December. So mark your calender and hurry over to Funky Finds (using the link above)!

Comment Contest

2008-08-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

Comment & Win

Ok, so here is what you do, between now and Thursday September 4th check out my Summer '08 album at www.myspace.com/cherryscustomcreations , pick a favorite and leave a comment saying WhY it is your fave. That's it, on Friday September 5th, I will put the name of everyone who left a comment into a drawing for a $20 gift certificate good towards anything in my Etsy shop. www.cherryscreations.etsy.com

You may comment on as many items as you like but each person will only have their name entered once. Winner's name will be posted in a bulletin on Friday.

Please feel free to forward this to your friends too. Appreciate your participation

Funky Finds

2008-08-26T06:20:00.000-07:00

Go check out the Monthly Giveaways at Funky Finds. Several businesses have items in the giveaway and it's easy easy easy to enter, not to mention tons of fun. Visit the online shops participating in the giveaway and comment about your faves. That's it, at the end of the giveaway every comment is entered to receive one of the dozens of items up for grabs including a Cherry's Creations Gift Certificate for Two Shabby Chic pendants or rings from my shop. So hurry over to Funky Finds (using the link above) before time runs out!

Summer time

2008-08-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

OH my, didn't realize the summer had gotten away from me. I have been busy busy with the kiddos and trying to squeeze some work time in too. I've been working on Jesus Holds the Key to My Heart necklaces and Crosses, some new wire rings, and then there are all these new ideas rolloing around in my head too. Take a peek:

THINK PINK

2008-06-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." James 1:27. In essence to take care of those who are weak and vulnerable. In today's world, I think we can apply this to helping with worthy causes as well. If we can do anything to help prevent women and children from becoming widows and orphans, I beleive this honors God.

Two of my friends,Tina & Priscilla, at my church have committed to participating in the 3 Day Walk in November and are raising funds for the Susan G. Komenfor the Cure Foundation. Here are some excerpts from a recent letter from Tina:

"I have taken on an incredible challenge. On November 7-9 I'll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days, camping out at night with thousands of other women and men taking this journey with me. It's for an event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Every advancement in breast cancer research, treatment, education and prevention in the last 25 years has been touched by a Komen for the Cure grant. They are working hard to build a future without breast cancer, and I plan on raising $2500 to help bring us closer to that goal.

About 8 yrs ago God took a great friend of mine home to be with him. Little did I know He would be giving me a great friend in return. I walk this year in memory of my friend Christy Autry and in Honor of my blessing He gave me Tami Deaton. Tami and I met through our kids. We both have boys going into 6th grade and girls going into 3rd grade. We cheer at sporting events together and cry on each others shoulder when needed, but most of all we pray for and with each other. So this year I have made a commitment to them. Help me honor Christi and support Tami. Tami and I will be walking together the weekend (Nov 7-9) before her 40th birthday. 2 Friends + 60 Miles = Hope for a Cure.

Without a cure, one in eight women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer. That's why I'm walking in the 3-Day. Because everyone deserves a lifetime."

I told the ladies I would do what I could to help out. I don't always have alot to give in the way of finances but God has given me the ability to take a few beads and supplies and a little time and turn it into something more. So I will be supporting Tina and Priscilla through my THINK PINK items at my Etsy shop. 50% of the sales of any of my THINK PINK items will be donated to them and their fund raising efforts. Most of the items are $10 or under so it is an easy way for everyone to participate.

You can also donate directly to Tina's personal fundraising page by clicking here. For more information about the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, visit http://www.the3day.org/ or call 800.996.3DAY.

Please take a few minutes to show your support for the cause by passing this along to a friend or two.

Thanks a Bunch & God Bless!

Memopause

2008-06-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

I wanted to feature my fellow Etsy Dallas Street Team member Kara from Memopause. I have had the priveledge of hanging out with her at a couple of crafting get togethers and she is so much fun! She makes the cutest little notebooks you wear like a necklace and you can carry around your to do list with you. What a crafty and clever idea. With four kiddos of my own, I am forever forgetting what I walked from one room to the next to do. With this pretty little reminder book hanging around one's neck maybe that wouldn't happen anymore. Kara has also put together a delightful little Treasury on Etsy, a collection of items she herself is fond of. Check it out and her shop too!

Jesus Holds The Key To My Heart

2008-06-05T18:55:00.001-07:00

I have been incredibly blessed to become good friends with Tamara of TPDesign. When I saw her Key Crosses (left), I was enthralled with them and came up with my own interpretation in my jewelry. Based on her artistic interpretation and the Bible verse

Mark 12:30, Jesus said"...you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart...", above and below are some examles of what I have come up with:

I love the idea of taking something old and re-purposing it to make something new. And I love having friends who inspire me! I hope that everyone has one.

If you are in the area, check out Tamara's work on Saturday, June 14, from 10-8, a the Historic Mansfield Arts Festival. I wish I could be there that weekend, it sounds like fun and I am sure their will be lots of great artists. I believe there is a list of artist from the Etsy Dallas Street Team that will be present that day. I hope you will have a chance to check out these creative wonders. Tell them Cherry sent you ;0)

May Promotions

2008-05-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

New Goodies at http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com/. If you see something you like, mention blogspot in the "notes to seller" portion of check out and you will receive FREE shipping. Offer ends May 31st, 2008.

Also check this out:

May Crafts & Hobbies Giveaway at http://www.funkyfinds.blogspot.com/ . I am one of the 30 businesses to donate items to be given away so go to Funky Finds for all the details and good luck!

Happy Memorial Day!

Etsy Dallas BBQ

2008-05-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

If you are in the DFW area you should check out the Etsy Dallas Street Team BBQ this Sunday, May 18th from 11am to 5pm. Free food, free drinks, free entertainment and fabulous shopping with some of the most awesome local artists around! Check out the blog at http://etsydallas.blogspot.com/ for all the pertinent info and have a great time!

Mother's Day

2008-05-08T20:51:00.001-07:00

Well, Mother's Day is almost upon us. It is hard to believe how quickly time goes by. For the first time in 11 years, there are no more diapers or pull ups to change. My yougest is getting big so fast, she is not a baby anymore. And while I am happy to be celebrating my first Mother's Day in which I don't have to worry about diaper duty, it's a little sad too. So many "firsts" are behind us and although I know there are so many more to come, there's just something about the discoveries children make as babies and toddlers, the innocence and awe and wonder. I hope some how I will be able to preserve a part of that. I pray that each day I will find a way to approach life with the wonder and awe and innocence it deserves and by doing so inspire my children to do the same.

May your Mother's Day hold abundant blessings for you, your mother and your children!

Where to find me

2008-05-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Oh my, another month has gotten away from me. But I must say that April was, by far, one of my best months ever. Praise God!

Well of course I have been working on new goodies and so has my hubby. He has cut out some Crosses for me to decorate, I will have a few candles and of course one of a kind jewelry pieces. I hope you will come out and see me Saturday May 10th at Trinity Valley Church in Carrollton for a Spring Craft Show. You will find my beside my good friend and awesome artist Tamara of TP Design, http://www.tpdesign.etsy.com/ or http://www.tpdesign01.blogspot.com/.

This could be the place where you find the perfect Mother's Day gift. So come on by and say hello. Mention this post I will give you 15% off your purchase that day.

You will find the church at 3114 Old Denton Rd, Carrollton, TX, 75007

Part 2

2008-04-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

Please check out this page:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37233

My entry is the Maynerd Says ACEO. Show me some love by clicking on it okay?

Appreciate you!

What Happened to March?

2008-04-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

Oh my! Where did the month go? Was it the usnusual amout of snow, the craft show, spring break or the trip to visit family that made it disappear so quickly??? I'm not sure what happened but hear we are in April, which is Autism Awareness Month.

One of the groups I belong to, Etsy for Autism, is having a little contest to help promote autism awareness and support autism related charities. Please help out by checking out the link below. Once there take a closer look at some of the great items availible by awesome Etsy artists.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37145

There will be another Treasury posted as soon as possible with even more great entries so please check back.

Autism Journeys

2008-03-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hello,

April is Autism Awareness month. I know we're only in March still but it is a busy month for me and I wanted to be sure I recognized the cause. This is in honor of my son and in memory of a friend's son, Dakota Martin, who passed away about 3 years ago. Below is something I wrote when I was invited to be a guest speaker for Friendship Group in Bedford, TX coordinated by my good friend Ellen Dibbler. It is a tale about some of my journeys with autism. I know it is a bit long but I hope you are touched by it in some way or another. Thanks for taking a look.

"When Ellen asked me to come, she asked me to share my testimony. As I thought about it, I realized that I don't have "A" testimony, but rather a life of testimonies because God has done so much for me in so many different aspects of my life. So then I had to ask myself, which testimony or testimonies did God want me share. I believe that he would have me share with you tonight one of the seasons of my ministry, and while it is my story it is also largely the story of two boys who God used to pull me into special needs ministry.
I never imagined how much work it would take to care for four children. They keep me going all the time. And, God definitely has a sense a sense of humor when he gives you children in which you can clearly see all of your own flaws. It challenges me each day to strive to continue growing myself and learning "What would Jesus DO?" if he had kids. I've been a stay at home mother for the majority of the time that I have been a parent and I have my own little business that I am able to do from home and include the kids in. I have also been very active in the ministries of our church over the past 7 years.
The ministry part was prefaced by receiving an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for our son Zachary when he was just 2 and a half. I immediately began to devour any reading material I could on the subject and attended a few support group meetings inFort worth. That was challenging since they were usually on a weeknight. My husband worked second shift at the time and it was almost an hour drive for me.
The fact that it wreaked havoc on the kids schedule with the nearly hour drive in each direction was another deterrent that was hard for me to get past. So when that support group asked for people to volunteer to be host homes in the more rural communities, I quickly stepped up to the plate and volunteered. At the first meeting we had a couple of service providers and one other parent show up. Well, Debbie was actually raising her grandson who had a diagnosis of moderate to severe autism.
Debbie was a great source of knowledge and direction for me. But also a great source of inspiration. See, Dakota was 6 at the time I met his grandmother Debbie. He was nonverbal, slept very little, was an accomplished escape artist with absolutely no understanding of danger and an insatiable need for deep impact type activities. I admired Debbie for her strength and courage for this task she had taken on. Her challenges far outweighed mine and I knew how tired I was. And God began to birth in me the idea for a Spa Day, where women who were care givers of someone with a disability or women who had a disability themselves could come and be refreshed through pampering and encouragement. My pastor did everything he could to support this project and over the course of 5 years and through 2 more pregnancies of my own, we ministered to well over 200 women, starting with 11 women the first year and ending with just over 100 women to last year. Debbie often worked as a volunteer during the planning process raising support from the community to make this happen and to be able to provide this service to the women who so needed it for no cost to them.
Early on, I also learned that because of Dakota's special needs, the family did not attend church. The church they had attended, didn't know what to do for Dakota. So off I went to pastor, and again he gave his approval and support and we found some volunteers, including Shannon and myself, and made a place for Dakota so Debbie and her husband Jerry and Dakota's younger brother could attend church. The family was so touched by this that they nominated the church for a Caring Church Award which we received.
I mentioned that Dakota was an escape artist, well on the Sunday morning that we were having a Disability Awareness Sunday, someone from Joni & Friends came to make the presentation, and just after that as the pastor was preparing to give his sermon, up the isle comes Dakota. He managed to get away from his teacher that day. He jumps right up on stage with pastor as if he belonged there. Without missing a beat, Pastor introduced him and said that this was why we did this type of outreach ministry.
My husband and I sat with Dakota on Sunday mornings for a couple of years until Jerry took a new job, out of necessity, at which he was required to work on Sundays. Debbie and I still talked every couple of months. Just over a year ago, I got a call from Debbie. Dakota was in the hospital on life support and not doing well, would I add him to the prayer list? I of course did, found a sitter for the baby and made my way to the hospital as quickly as I could. Over the next 2 days, I spent as much time there as I could, praying with the family, holding hands, talking about our times with Dakota. Debbie shared with me about Dakota's new school teacher who was wonderful. Dakota at the age of 11 was finally beginning to purposefully seek attention and communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, with his family members.
On the second day of Dakota's stay at the hospital, he was determined to be brain dead. Just 2 weeks after his 11th birthday, God called him home. I was blessed to be able to encourage Debbie and Jerry in the fact that Dakota was now in the presence of Jesus, singing the tune that he so loved to hum while he was here on earth, Jesus Loves Me, and running to his hearts content without anyone trying to stop him for fear he might hurt himself.
There's so much more I wish I could share in detail with you about the days that followed. But let me just say that I was honored and privileged to serve Dakota's family in his passing just as I'd served in his lifetime. The months to come even brought great restoration to the entire family and the rededication of Debbie's daughter, Amy, who was Dakota's mother. Amy then went on to get her life cleaned up through an intense discipleship program and last I heard was sharing the gospel with other women like herself.
I had often said over the years, that if even just one person was touched by God through all of the special needs ministries, it was well worth it. So with Dakota's passing and several years of ministry behind me, I found myself with 2 more of my own children than when I had started. The support group had fallen by the wayside. There weren't any plans for another Spa Day and there were no other special needs children at our church, besides my own son. I was exhausted and I discovered myself to be strangely out of balance. I had made the mistake of wrapping my identity up in the ministry that God had called me to instead of the God that had called me to ministry and my own family had suffered some along the way. I began to realize that Dakota was a season of ministry for me. I learned so much and was so blessed, never the less, that time was past.
The last year has been a difficult one for me. I'm learning to put everything back into balance, and while I believe that I am still called to special needs ministry, I believe that ministry will take on a different form for a time, perhaps through speaking, I'm not sure. But I do know that God is faithful and true and that as I allow myself to be defined in His presence, that He will lead me. He will be my strength and my source.
In closing, let me just share a little about the other boy, who was really the beginning of my ministry with those with special needs. Dakota was the other, but my own son was the first. I mentioned that he got his diagnosis early on. His diagnosis is now Asperger's and I am amazed at God's hand in his life. When he was very little, before his original diagnosis, as I prayed over his bed one night, I felt like God was speaking to me, that He would do great things through Zachary's life. I immediately began to envision him being some great leader, pastor or Godly politician, or a leader in the military. When the diagnosis came and I began to understand that autism affected language and social skills, I thought how can he do great things for God if he can't talk to people or interact with them in a way they understand.
Wow, our minds are so finite. Over the years God has shown me he can do exceedingly and abundantly more than I can ask or imagine. But sometimes that means we have to lay down all of our expectations and embrace what is right there in front of us. Sometimes we have to be like Abraham and lay our promise on the altar and trust God to do what we can not imagine that he can.
Zachary started out this journey of autism having lost a vocabulary of 40 words by 18 months old, moving on to occupational, sensory and speech therapies, starting school in the special education classroom at 3with no verbal skills and lots of meltdowns. By kindergarten he was in a regular education class, by this past December he had a speaking part in our church's Christmas play and he just finished playing basketball on an Upward league. He got out there every week and did his best. At the beginning, I thought what have I done? He was afraid of the ball, the other kids were all way better than he was. It was obvious that with all the busyness going on around him, that it was difficult for him to focus. But he never complained, he never quit and he's excited about doing it again next year. As a parent it's hard to give up those what if's, what if he doesn't do well, what if the other kids make fun of him, what if he gets hurt physically or emotionally but can I tell you that when you see your child experiencing a measure of success in something you at one time thought they would never be able to do, you are blessed beyond measure.
I know, I said I was closing, but let me leave you with these two things. First, Ec: 9:10 says "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might". Let me encourage you, to embrace ministry, whether it is to your own family or someone else's. Don't miss the season that God calls you too because it will pass soon enough. If you miss it, you miss the blessings and the lessons that go along with it. And in doing this, remember to allow yourself time to be defined in God's presence, by God himself. If you allow your identity to be wrapped up in what you are doing for Him, you will find yourself quite lost when that season has passed.
Second: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Lay down your expectations and allow God to do in your life, in your child's life, exceedingly and abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. Don't miss a blessing because it's wrapped in Christmas paper when you're expecting birthday paper."

If you've stuck with this post to the end I thank you!

March Madness

2008-03-02T19:45:00.000-08:00

Make it meaningful. Make it handmade.

Check out this giveaway!

From TP Design: One mirror (your choice of Faith, Hope or Love), a set of 5 blank notecards and from Cherry's Creations: a lovely wall cross and a necklace with matching earrings! Overall a $47 value!To enter: Visit both of our booths at the Guyer High March Madness Arts & Crafts Show. At the first booth (either TP Design's or Cherry's Creations') fill out an entry form, take it with you and drop it off at the other booth. It's that simple! We will be picking the winner at the end of the day and contact the winner that evening!

Do your Easter and Mother's Day Shopping

while supporting a local school.

March 8, 2008
9:00am – 4:00pm
Guyer High School Choir
Will host the
2008 March Madness
Arts & Crafts Show

Handcrafted Jewelry
Make it Take it Ceramics
Handmade Candles
Wood Crafts
Sewing Crafts
Quilts
Sculptured Clay
Kettlekorn
… And many more

Incredible, new school facility
Two gyms, a large cafeteria, and a wide hall
Local groups performing throughout the day
Visit our website for up to date details

http://www.guyerchoir.com/CraftShow.shtml

Guyer High School
7501 Teasley
Denton, TX 76210

Look for me at booth 99 in the main gym.

Several other Etsy Dallas Artisits will have their own booths as well, Rustique Art #119, Menagerie #81, TP Design #3, and Treasured Trinkets #35,

Organidog & The Altered Black Sheep #52.

Stop by and see all their wonderful work !

3 Day BOGO SAle!

2008-02-25T18:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Cherry's Creations' SALE!!!!!!!!

Buy One Get One HALF off Tuesday February 26th to Thursday February 28th. Make your purchase thru PayPal and I will refund thhe sales amount when I get your order OR convo me before completing checkout and I will make the adjustment for you.Half off discount will apply to the item with the lowest price.HAPPY SHOPPING!

Jewelry and Crosses make great Easter gifts!

Check it out at http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com/ and spread the word please!

Thank you & God Bless,Cherry

TURQUOISE, isn't it pretty?

2008-02-20T10:27:00.000-08:00

So here is one brand new piece. I just love this green turquoise, all the variations and textures in the stones make it so interesting. This piece is listed at http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com/ .

Etsy Dallas Street Team

2008-02-19T21:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I know I'm a little slow but it has been a crazy 2 weeks with getting ready for the fantabulous Trunk Show I participated in with the Etsy Dallas Street Team, (http://www.etsydallas.blogspot.com/).

The night before we had gotten the news that one of my dear hubby"s grandparents had passed away, and I was really wiped out so I was so appreciative of all my fellow ED'ers well wishes and sympathies. Thanks guys!

Jessica at Funky Finds was so sweet to come by and say hello. She is having a jewelry giveaway and I donated a very pretty pink vintage beaded bracelet. She has lots of other pretties donated by other artists as well. Stop by her blog spot to find out how to enter. http://funkyfinds.blogspot.com/ .

And a special thanks to my friend Tamara of TP Designs ( http://www.tpdesign01.blogspot.com/ ) for being such an encouragement and help!

I'm in the process of working on new goodies! YAY! My husband brought me back some yummy turquoise and chocolate pearls from one of his work business trips as well as some other awesome items to use in my jewelry making. Can't wait to get started!

I have put together a couple of new barbed wire crosses that I think came out well. You can find one here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9503362 . Just browse through my Etsy Shop to see the other.

Thanks for stoppin' by! "Ya'll come see me again sometime"

Getting Started

2008-02-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Whew! The past year has been crazy. We moved about an hour and a half from where I started my business and I'm just now getting it back on track. I've met some great people in and around our new hometown and my kiddos are finally settling in as well.

I'm so excited about recently becoming a memeber of Etsy Dallas and having my own Etsy Web Store for my goodies. Please check it out at http://www.cherryscreations.etsy.com/ .

If you are in the Dallas area on Saturday February 9th, come say hi. You will find me at the Etsy Dallas Trunk Show. See the info below for details.

On a more personal note, my family and I are excited about the Nascar season getting started back in the next couple of weeks. We all have our fave's and it's just a lot of fun for us to watch the races together. I have a couple fave's, one is Carl Edwards and the other is Jamie McMurray. Jamie does quite a bit to help support Autism Awareness and since this is an issue that touches our family directly, I gotta root for the guy and the cause. However, this is an older pic of a car that Hermie Sadler drove several years ago.

Well, although I am very creative, computers are still a bit of a mystery to me, so please bear with me in this endeavor. And to all my dear Etsy Dallas fellow members, when I figure out the link thing, I'll get you added. In the meantime check out Etsy Dallas Street Team and all the fabulous artists at http://www.etsydallas.blogspot.com/