Happy News: Lower Shipping Costs

Things are tight for people everywhere, and I've been looking for ways to cut back on my ongoing expenses. I've been able to lower the amount I spend on shipping (yippee!) so I've also lowered the amount I charge for shipping additional items from my Etsy shop. Effective today, most things will ship for only $0.30 each with an additional purchase, so it's perfect timing for holiday shopping.

I already ship commercial supplies and destash items at $0.00 for additional items, and that will remain as is (I can't get any lower than free!). My Temari are too heavy to discount the shipping costs, but all fused glass, Kumihimo, and pendant chains are included.

I've changed the amount in my shipping profile, but unfortunately it won't automatically update all the listings I have there already. I am so not motivated enough to individually edit nearly 500 items, so please send me a message if you're shopping and I can send you a corrected invoice before you check out, or a refund if you've already paid.

My Favorite Stretch

All those electric shocks last week must have loosened things up a bit, because today I was finally able to do my favorite stretching exercise! I haven't been able to do it for months, my right arm just wouldn't cooperate. This is a terrific and simple stretch for upper back muscles, and perfect for anyone who sits in a chair for any length of time.

Stand with your feet about hip-width apart and arms at your sides. Raise one arm straight up, bend it at the elbow and bring your hand down behind your neck and upper back. With your other arm straight down, bend it at the elbow and bring that hand up behind your back. Can you touch the fingers of one hand with the other? If not, put a little effort into bringing them closer together. If you can clasp the fingers of both hands together and hold for 10 seconds you've succeeded in doing a complete stretch! Now switch arm positions and stretch again.

Don't you feel better? I know I do!

Cow Pouches Are Just Plain Fun

Since I haven't been able to make much new stuff lately I've been busy restocking my eBay store. I love these cow pouches--they're just fun! They measure about 4" x 6" and are made with soft, furry, plushie fabric. The patterns vary a bit from pouch to pouch, but each one looks like the side of a cow. The heavy fabric and white drawstring closure make these perfect to hold a small gift or special surprise.

Got Tarnish?

I hate it when I'm rushing to get ready for something, dig through my jewelry box for the perfect piece of jewelry to wear, and discover it's tarnished. If it's tarnished badly enough no amount of rubbing with a polishing cloth will get it sparkling again, and the chemical silver cleaners smell horrible and can damage many pieces.

I've finally got around to restocking my supply of 3M anti-tarnish strips. This paper is treated with activated charcoal to protect silver, nickel, copper, bronze, brass, tin, and gold by absorbing sulfides and other pollutants that naturally occur in the air and thereby prevent tarnish from forming.

They won't clean something that's already become tarnished, but a piece in a jewelry box will keep jewelry tarnish-free for about 6 months. They're non-toxic, leave no stains or residue, and emit no gases or fumes. They work nicely for silverware chests, too.

$5 for a pack of 10 strips in my Etsy shop.