Monday, December 13, 2010

Thursday, November 11, 2010

New for AKrauseStudio






For more information, visit
AKrauseStudio

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

How to Sign up for Etsy (Revisited)

Last year I blogged about how someone can make an account for Etsy, an online marketplace to buy and sell handmade goods. I know it can seem intimidating to sign up for an online account for any website. Something about it just seems so permanent and you always have to be aware of scams and such. I can tell you with confidence that Etsy is a very reputable site. Not only do I sell my art and jewelry through their website, I also buy quite a bit from other Etsians. I thought I would re-post the information on how to sign up.

How to Sign up for Etsy

First thing's first, you must create an Etsy user account. It is a very quick and simple process and the best part is that it's FREE to sign up. Click here to follow the step by step process.

Even if you don't plan to sell or buy anything right away it is helpful to create an account to bookmark your favorite items and to participate in online workshops and forums. There is definitely a lot to do and see on Etsy and it is not solely limited to buying or selling.

Still confused, timid or unsure about creating an account? Then just read Etsy's FAQ. It's packed with loads of useful information and there is also a contact feature for other questions not addressed in their help pages. I have had to use this feature myself and was pleasantly surprised by the timely and friendly response.

If you have any other questions or reservations, please don't hesitate to ask.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Arts & Crafts Project - Key Holder/Jewelry Keeper





Awhile back I blogged about a key hook/wall organizer that I revamped. Since then, I have been on a key holder kick. Here are a couple examples of simple wall hooks that I created from wood plaques, hooks, and decoupaged craft paper. I like to think of them as functional art. They would be great for hanging small towels, keys, bags, jewelry and much more. They are fun and simple to make. If you've never decoupaged before, I urge you to try it. You'll get hooked! No pun intended. =)

New for AKrauseStudio

AKrauseStudio has some newly listed items! Please take a peek.

Photo of the Month - November


Monday, October 4, 2010

AKrauseStudio Update

I am happy to announce that as of October 1st, original art from AKrauseStudio will be available to purchase at the Coulee Arts Marketplace, a handmade art and craft cooperative located in La Crosse, Wi. If you are in the area, please stop by and take a peek at the store. You will not be disappointed. There is a wide variety of quality and unique handmade goods. Find the Coulee Arts Marketplace on Facebook for more information.


Photo of the Month: September & October

Friday, July 30, 2010

Monday, July 12, 2010

And the Winner is......

Congratulations to Jenn, my earring giveaway winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered my contest! And for all my new followers, please check back for updates on my Etsy shop, my tutorials & other giveaways!

Have a great week everyone!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

100th Facebook Fan Giveaway!




AKrauseStudio has finally reached 100 fans on Facebook!! So I'm hosting a giveaway to celebrate! Thank you to all my blog followers and Facebook fans. I truly appreciate your support. Now, on to the giveaway...

There are several ways you can enter to win my contest and receive a FREE pair of earrings (pictured above).

How to Enter to Win:

~ Go to my Etsy shop, pick out your favorite item and post it here in the comment box.

You will receive an extra entry for each of the following:

~ Follow my blog
~ Become a fan of my Facebook page
~ Post my contest on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter and post the link here
~ If you are currently a follower/fan, then you just need to make a comment stating so and it counts as an entry!

You will receive 2 extra entries for the following:

~ Make a purchase from my Etsy shop


Please leave a comment here with all of the ways you have entered and make sure you leave a way for me to contact you. The last day to enter this contest is Sunday, July 11th at midnight eastern standard time. I will announce the winner on Monday, July 12th.

Good Luck!

Photo of the Month - July


Monday, June 28, 2010

Lady Katherine



Love Victorian era jewelry? Then check out this necklace! It features an ivory cameo with the portrait of a Victorian lady against a moss green backdrop. Very charming and elegant!

Don't forget to check out AKrauseStudio's clearance section at www.akrausestudio.etsy.com!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Thrift Store Revamp

I love going to thrift stores or rummage sales to see what kinds of new things you can make out of "old" things. I really needed a way to organize our mail and various papers that seem to pile up as well as a key holder (because my husband likes to place his on the kitchen table which drives me crazy). Lo and behold I found a paper organizer/key holder at a local thrift store. Now that's killing two birds with one stone.



As you can see it was in really good condition when I purchased it. And it was only $1.99! I wanted to spice it up a bit with some color and a design of some sort.



It already had a sort of glossy finish to it so I primed the surface to get it paint ready. To achieve this I covered the surface with a tiny bit brown pigment and some white gesso. I wasn't digging the color of the hooks so I thought I might as well paint those too.



I put about 3 coats of a softer version of a dark umber on the entire surface of the piece. You can already see a huge difference by simply painting over the natural wood color. I ended up putting on another coat to even out the color in some areas after this picture was taken.




My next step is to add a design. I love birds so I wanted to incorporate a bird theme. I used what I like to call a nice "woody green" color. It's just a nice earthy green that is subtle and a nice compliment to the brown hue.



I painted in some brown and green foliage and voilĂ ! Now I have a stylish new paper organizer/key hook. I love it! =)


Before




Revamped!


Friday, June 18, 2010

Huge Summer Clearance Sale!

Hello, friends! AKrauseStudio is having a huge summer clearance sale to make room for some new creations. Please stop by my Etsy shop and take a peek. Have a great summer!


Monday, June 14, 2010

Photo of the Month (May & June)


Sandhill Crane
Irvine Park - Chippewa Falls, WI
(click to enlarge)

Saturday, April 10, 2010

AKrauseStudio News

Just a quick update from AKrauseStudio:

Hello all!! I am in the midst of packing up my life and moving. With all the chaos I will not be adding new jewelry or art to my Etsy shop until this summer. There are a few pieces available in my shop at this moment. Feel free to browse. This summer starting mid-June I will be having a HUGE clearance sale on necklaces and rings! Check back for more details.

Photo of the Month - March & April

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Valentine's Day SALE!

Check out AKrauseStudio for great Valentine's Day sale prices on all jewelry. Find the perfect little something for your sweetie!

100th Facebook Fan Special

My little AKrauseStudio Facebook fan page has only been up and running for about 8 months now and I have already gained 94 fans. I am so blessed and honored to have a great group of supporters. I would love to have 100 fans by March 31st of this year. In celebration of my 100th fan, I will offer 10% off any order (now through March 31st) in my Etsy shop to all of my FB fans. Just type in FAN in the memo when you check out and I will send you a revised PayPal invoice.

If you are a follower of this blog but have not yet fanned my FB page, please do! I'd love to let you in on the opportunity to save $$. And please tell other art lovers about my fan page. I know I can reach 100 with your help!

Photo of the Month - January & February

Well, January seems to have flown right by and it passed so quickly I didn't even post a January photo. That is why this Photo of the Month is marked January and February.



Here is a cute picture of my youngest in the sled. It always surprises me that regardless of how cold it is outside, kids still love playing in the snow! I love seeing them walk into the house with rosy cheeks!

New Art!





Stop by AKrauseStudio to see my new paintings. More to come this month. Thanks for taking a peek!