New Things Happening!

I am such terrible blogger!  Where is the time to do all this stuff?  Heavens.

Well, I am on my own again - crafting, that is.  My co-partner is off and away at her winter home in Yuma.  Sniff sniff.  Oh well, she loves it there and has such a good time, catching up with friends, going to her quilting group and experiencing many new adventures!  I am so happy for her.  But admittedly, I do miss her around.  We always laugh a lot together.

As for A2Sea Creations, we have a bunch of new items in the Newfoundland to Nanaimo store, as well as in the Parksville Tourist Centre.  We just sold one of our very popular Wedding Ring Bearer's Boxes again, and one of our beautiful Mermaid Lights.  So things are happening around here.  It always pays to check out our 'Sales' section in case you see something you like - we might be able to remake it for you!  We love to do customized work.

As for me personally, I just opened up a new Art Gallery where I am now able to offer canvas, metal and acrylic prints, greeting cards, framed prints and phone cases. (iPhone and Galaxy).  This is quite exciting for me!  And great timing for Christmas.  It's so nice to have a platform from which I can offer all of these options.  And I have arranged for my old link: thesingingphotographer.com to go to my new site.  Pretty slick, huh?  That way it's nice and easy to remember.   (Pretty tricky, Micki.)

Well, I'm off to do some much-needed cutting back and cleaning up of plants in my yard.  It's quite chilly so I better bundle up.  Cheryl, on the other hand, is enjoying nice, hot, 26c degree weather!  BRAT!!

Mermaid Light - Tealight Holder - Glass & Seashell

Ring Bearer's Box - Beach Wedding Ring Holder / Pillow

A Local Success Story

CLAUDETTE R. DODD
CREATOR/OWNER OF LATHERTONS NATURAL BODY PRODUCTS

Our online shop on Etsy sometimes gives us the opportunity to network with other crafters and artisans here on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC. We had the privilege of meeting a talented fellow Etsyian back in June, 2010. Her name is Claudette Dodd and she was the organizer and facilitator of our local Etsy craft party held in Nanaimo. BC. Besides being a very personable lady, Claudette created her own, successful home-based business called 'Lathertons Natural Body Products'. At the craft party, we were able to try out some of her wonderful products for ourselves and I was very impressed. Besides the fact that her concoctions felt wonderful and smelled delectable on my skin, I was interested in the fact that all of her products are completely natural, not mass-produced, and that she is committed to supporting local businesses when purchasing ingredients for her products.

Lathertons offers everything from handmade soaps to lip balms, foot soaks to bath teas... even hand stitched eye pillows to soothe away the cares of your day. And every sumptuous product is handmade with love by Claudette herself and packaged with professional flare, ready for gift-giving.

How did it all begin, you might ask? Claudette grew up as a farm girl in Alberta and consequently learned many homespun skills such as soap-making, knitting and needlework, to name a few. In 1999 she decided to make her first cold process soap bar and from there, continued to experiment. She created more products and now, 11 years later, Claudette has her own line. She sells them online on Etsy, at the local Farmer's Market in Nanaimo and she also hosts 'Make Your Own Body Products' classes and home spa parties. Book Lathertons for a fun, relaxing night and invite your girlfriends and neighbours!

Besides her Etsy shop, Claudette now has her own website - www.lathertons.com. Be sure to check it out.

You may also find her on Facebook and Twitter

I just read on Facebook that Claudette is busy making up gift baskets, so be sure to get your order in now for Christmas! They are selling quickly so don't be disappointed. It's wonderful to support local business and give unique, handcrafted gifts from our very own Vancouver Island.