Hi Everyone -
First, I’d like to say thanks for stopping in at my site. As you can see, I have created these pages to share – and maybe sell – a few things that my family and I make. I have discontinued the Etsy store (it’s just so huge!) – so if you are interested in purchasing something, contact me.
My problem is that everything posted here is not necessarily available because almost everything is a one-of-a-kind item.
Oh, sure, I might mass-produce the diapers if there is a need, and, of course, the photography is a moment in time.
But everything else… I could probably make something very similar on request for, say, the jewelry items – but even those are highly individualized. I collect, tumble, and polish stones from off local beaches – and of course, no two stones are alike. The wolves – well, I’m never sure exactly what kind of personality will come out on those when I start them. It’s taken some practice to get something really angry looking.
We sell quite a few things at Leppell’s Floral & Gifts, located in Forks – so if you are in that area, do drop in and browse. Charlene carries a lot of Twilight-inspired merchandise not found anywhere else and has been extremely supportive of regional crafters.
(And of course, you can always contact me personally.)
From time to time, I run across products that I think are cool. Truth be told, I am signed up for the Amazon affiliate program, so that’s why a lot of them link to Amazon — I will get a little kickback if you buy (so far, it hasn’t amounted to much, but what the heck. This will probably kill my sales, but if you decide to order from your local bookstore instead, I would be very supportive of that.) I’m not signed up for a lot of miscellaneous affiliate programs simply because I haven’t found things that I would promote on these pages – not that they aren’t out there. (So if you happen to be a vendor and think your product makes a good fit here, contact me! I am open to new things!)
Below are a few things that I personally endorse – either I’ve used them and like them or I am coveting them badly. I am trying to simplify my life, and we are in a recession after all, but somehow I have this deep-seated belief that you can never have too much crafty stuff. My husband is that way with tools and gadgets, an obsession I fully support.
I will keep adding to this list – so check back in – and thanks again!
–blythe
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BOOKS
(Temporarily lost this link on woodburning – will get back to this soon!)
I have this book. It has been extremely helpful. Using her designs is a great way to practice techniques, but eventually you’ll want to create your own. I think even more advanced burners can find good tips here. Sue Walters’ work is amazing.
TOOLS
On the Colwood system, you get a woodburner AND the pyrography book to get you started. Yes, I happened to get the Burnmaster Eagle from Mastercarver, but I have read good reviews on the Colwood and also on the company selling them (Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers Supply – through Amazon).
Of course, there are less expensive systems, and my little 1-heat-fits-all pen has served me well for years. I got it at a Rockler Woodworking and Hardware store in Seattle. They often put these tools on special, and they stand by their products (my husband and I are big fans of Rockler — we’re like kids in a candy store). I see similar models at our local hobby shop. And as for the one I recently received – the Burnmaster Eagle – it’s not listed on Amazon, so I’ll have to see where my husband ordered it from. Stay tuned. 
