Wanted: Judges for Future Udderly Amazing New Shop Contests

Remember to participate in our Link Party!

If you would like to be a judge for a future Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest or the New Shop Contests at Handmade Teddy Bears and Raggedies, please email me and let me know.

What I require is that you are willing to promote the contest. That means the following minimum amount of blog posts and/or tweets:
- during the week before the contest;
- within the first couple days of the start of the contest;
- during the second week of the contest;
- during the third week of the contest;
- and to announce and congratulate the winner.

The above will give the entrants, as well as the winners, some exposure on your blog. The whole point of these contests is to help newcomers to the scene with marketing and recognition. We all need a helping hand!

If you're too busy to do the above, then you're too busy to judge the contest, yet reap the exposure for being a judge. The entrants need to know that you're at least willing to support them by taking your duties seriously. Blogging about the contest shows that, and it also shows that you will take the time to seriously consider those entrants who make it to the judging round. Supporting the contest in this way is not only fair to them, but also to the other judges who take their duties seriously, as well as to the integrity of this contest.

If any of the judges cannot fulfill the above duties, they will immediately be replaced by an alternate judge (unless they previously notified me, and we can see if we can work something out).

I also require a small bio so I can spotlight you. If you want me to use the bio in your profile, just let me know, and I'll use that instead.

Just a Couple More Days Until the First Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest!

Remember to link up to the Link Party!

Just a couple more days until the first Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest. I need you to help spread the word so we can assist new shops in getting some much needed exposure. In turn, for those of you who blog about the contest or put the button banner on your blogs in a prominent location, I want to give back to you. If you're helping to promote this contest, please let me know via comment here or send me an email. Also include the link where you've done so. I'll be more than happy to include you in a "sponsor" list, linking back to your blog or website.

I want to give everyone who is involved in this contest and those who are in support of it some recognition. Link love all around!

Linking this up to Sassy Sites Free For All Friday!

Sunburnt Cow Link Party #3

Thanks so much for all the link ups last week! Let's see if we can outdo ourselves this week.

So, welcome to another Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop link party! It will run every Wednesday and go until Sunday. Unlike other link parties, you'll be able to link up to things you have for sale on your blog. No links to your actual Etsy, Ebay, or other storefront shops, though.

This will be a great way to see what handmade items people have for sale throughout this great world wide web. These photos that you'll be sharing will have to come from one of your blog posts. It doesn't matter how old or new the post is, though if you're trying to get people to notice the items you have currently for sale, it's best to link up something that's current.

If you haven't participated in link parties before, they're a great way for you to get some traffic to your blog. They're also very easy to participate in.

To participate, link up ONLY the blog post(s) you want to include on this link party. (You may link up to four posts). Do NOT link up to your actual blog, but to the post itself. If you don't know how to do this, simply click on the title of your blog posts, and that will give you the url address to that particular post up in the website address bar. Copy that, and then click on the "Add your link" button on this link party.

Up will pop three boxes, one for adding your url to that particular blog post, (which I just explained how to find it and copy it), what you want the title of the entry to be, and your email address. Click on "next step," which will bring you to another page that pulls up all the photos associated with that blog post. Select the one you want to represent the thumbnail in this link party, and there you have it! Easy peasy!

<div align="center"><a href="http://sunburntcowhandmadeshop.blogspot.com/" title="Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNhXVIe0yEseM3YB96QFuTGB7QDyk8cl3KyejtOBN4v08Bb-8ZDAmrglDgqlGCBef09MmAeSGeWMdcPhdMAzcZ5AdwNllGzaZoOc65dFklTID7ksmi0pZ335THAAuW-BHWMbXskuSpT8R/s220/sunburntcowlinkpartybtn.jpg" alt="Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Linking up to Sassy Sites Free For All Friday.

Exposure for the Contestants of the Udderly Amazing Contest

During the link party rounds, I would love to be able to write a little bio about each of the entrants. If you'd like to be featured, please email me a little bio and a link to your website/blog/shop. It's not required, but it will give you some extra exposure. (My email addy is in my profile).

For those who move on to the second round, I will give a shout out to all of the remaining participants on my other blogs All Thumbs Crafts and Prairie Patch. Additionally, the other judges will be posting about the contest on their blogs, so participants will get even more exposure on these other blogs!!

Such exposure is a great way to get a new shop a jump start on their way to a successful online presence!

Sunburnt Cow is Moving On Up!

Great News! The Sunburnt Cow is on Google's first and second page for the following search terms:

primitive bowl fillers
primitive bowl fillers for sale
primitive colonial decor
wooden bowl racks
wooden bowl racks for sale
bunny bowl fillers for sale
bunny bowl fillers
prim items for sale
handmade items for sale - YAY!

This is majorly awesome because this blog is only a couple months old. Whoot!

I want to thank every artisan who agreed to being part of the beginning of this seo experiment of mine. I truly appreciate it.

In order to stay up in the rankings, I'm going to be cleaning house, so to speak. With the new contest coming up (see the most recent posts), I need to make more room for new artisans. Plus, I also want to feature those who support the weekly link parties here and at the Prairie Patch. Therefore, those who have not actively promoted this site will be dropped from being featured. For those who have blogged about the Sunburnt Cow, I want to show my gratitude by still featuring you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support and all your kind words. You've kept me going, whether you realize it or not.

I don't think asking for reciprocal support is too much to ask, considering I posted and featured the artisans of the core group twice a day. It paid off in the google rankings, which I'm pleased as punch over. Therefore, those who haven't promoted thus far will no longer be in rotation from this day forward.

What the Judges Will be Looking for During the Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest

Here are what the judges will be looking for during the Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest - when it gets to the judges' voting round.

Marketability - 1 to 5 points (Are the items useable? I recently saw a waterfall of feathers that cascaded over a floor. While that shows a lot of creativity and artistic talent, that sort of thing just isn't marketable. I mean, how many people do you see buying such a thing? So while such a participant might be incredibly talented, s/he has got to be selling items that the average person would be willing to buy. That's what I mean by "marketability.")

Technical - 1 to 5 points (How clear are the person's pictures? If the pictures are mostly blurry, that doesn't bode well for the success of a shop. Additionally, how is the spelling and grammar on the listings? Like it or not, presentation and the technical aspects of a shop may be what clinches a sale).

Good craftsmanship - 1 to 5 points (How well the items are made).

Inventory - 1 to 5 points (Does the contestant have a good enough inventory built up? This is important in the success of a shop. If it comes down to choosing between two people who are equal in every other way, but Contestant A has 5 items, with a shop only 3 weeks old, whereas Contestant B has 3 items, with a shop 2.5 months old, I'd be much more impressed with Contestant A. If the shop is on something like Etsy or Ebay, we should be able to see if items have been sold due to feedback. A selling blog would probably have "SOLD" on posts where something was for sale and then sold).

Variety - 1 to 5 points (Does the person offer a nice variety of items, or does s/he just do one or two things - over and over again?)

Bonus points:
originality (product is own design) - 1 point
has already sold something and has good feedback - 1 point
already has a blog - 1 point
regularly updates blog - 1 point (shows willingness to try to market self)

More Info About Our First Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest

If you haven't read about our First Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest, please read the initial invitation .

Beginning April 1st, I will put up a link party wherein participants will link up only one handmade item they have for sale. (So choose wisely as this will represent you in the first round). The link party will be open for one full week. Then I'll set up the voting round, which will go for a week. The top half of the entrants will move on to the second round. There will also be an additional entrant who will move on to the next round. This will be considered a "wild card" participant in which the judges can vote. This is to discourage any sort of vote tampering.

Week 3 will be the second round in which the participants who were voted on to proceed (as well as the "wild card") will link up another product they have for sale during the link party. This round will also last a week.

Week 4 will consist of the judges getting together and voting.

Tomorrow I will talk about the guidelines we will use for the judges' round of voting.

Sweet Spring Bunny

Remember to link up to the Sunburnt Cow party and show us what you've made! Also, check out our Udderly Amazing New Shop contest!

Cindy from Art by Me Cindy shared with us her beautiful bunny creation.

Isn't she just adorable! I love how ready for spring she looks, her pretty eyes, and her pink nose.

Thanks, Cindy, for linking up to the Sunburnt Cow link party.

Another Link Party Feature: Handmade Signs

Remember to link up to the Sunburnt Cow party and show us what you've made! Also, check out our Udderly Amazing New Shop contest!

Dee from Ice House Crafts shared her sweet dog lovers signs. If you love dogs, you're going to love these signs!

Awwww...that's so true for me!

Another near universal love is chocolate!! Why not celebrate your love of chocolate in a handcrafted sign!

Thanks, Dee, for linking up to the party.

Spring Chicks for Sale

Remember to link up to the Sunburnt Cow party and show us what you've made! Also, check out our Udderly Amazing New Shop contest!

Brenda from the Rusty Thimble shared a very detailed creation - her Spring Chick.

Just look at those eyes! Very pretty and almost life like! And what a pretty dress lil Miss Chick is wearing.

Thanks, Brenda, for linking up to the party.

Handmade Spring Creations

Remember to link up to the Sunburnt Cow party and show us what you've made! Also, check out our Udderly Amazing New Shop contest!

One of my biggest supporters and good friend, Deb, from Paxton Valley Folk Art Shop shared a few of her latest creations on the link party.

There's Harrington Hare Nodder Make-do

So creative having the carrots dangling a bit down on that bed spring!

Then there's Avery the Owl shelf sitter.

He looks so wise, and I love the feathery effect on his eyes.

Here's a spring votive candle holder. I'm now a big fan of Terrye French, thanks to Deb's remarkable talent of painting in her style.

How can you not think spring and Easter with this Spring Chick Nodder Make-do

Thanks, Deb, for linking up your lovely spring creations.

Blackened Beeswax Ornies

Remember to link up to the Sunburnt Cow party and show us what you've made! Also, check out our Udderly Amazing New Shop contest!

Teresa from Teresa's Primitive Treasures linked up her Blackened Beeswax Ornies. One look at these dandies, and you'll be wanting to get into beeswax yourself.

Aren't they just adorable? I love the look of blackened beeswax, especially when they're cute little bunnies. And if that isn't enough, she shows so many other creations she made out beeswax.

Thanks, Teresa, for linking up.

Handcrafted Teddy Bear and Friend

Remember to link up to the Sunburnt Cow party and show us what you've made! Also, check out our Udderly Amazing New Shop contest!

Michelle from Michelle's Bears linked up her latest creation on the link party. As you can see, she's not only creative and talented, but she also loves to have fun and add a bit of whimsy to her handmade teddy bears she has for sale.

Presenting Good Golly Miss Molly!

Thanks, Michelle, for linking up one of your latest sweet teddy bears to the party.

Sunburnt Cow's Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest!

You're cordially invited to a really BIG event!

What: The inaugural Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest here at the Sunburnt Cow!

When: Beginning April 1st

Who: You!! If you have an online shop that's six months and under, you can enter to win this Udderly Amazing New Shop Contest. If your shop is over six months, come cheer the contestants on. Plus, we need YOU to help choose who will win!

How: Based on your voting, some contestants will move on to the next round. Our judges will then determine who will be that month's Udderly Amazing New Shop winner!

Once the contest goes into the judging phase, the criteria will be based on a point system involving marketability; technical (clear pictures, etc.); craftsmanship; inventory; variety; and bonus points.

The winner will receive some awesome exposure on all the participating judges' blogs, as well as being regularly featured on the Sunburnt Cow for at least four months. Additionally, if the winner has a button banner, that banner will remain on the Sunburnt Cow's sidebar for six months.

Along with yours truly, the following amazing artisans will be our first contest's judges:
Deb from Paxton Valley Folk Art Shop,
Teresa from Teresa's Prim Treasures,
Wendy from Ravenwood Whimzies, and
Brenda from The Rusty Thimble.

So come join the fun! And if you have a shop older than six months, please spread the word to those who are new online. Plus, as I mentioned above, we need you to help us choose who will be serious contenders for the final rounds!

In the interest of fairness, those whose handmade items have been featured on regular blog posts on Sunburnt Cow are not eligible to enter. Plus, those artisans have had plenty of opportunity to be a judge on these contests, so entering this contest would be too uncomfortable for my - and I'm sure others' - comfort levels. If I allowed those who were part of the Sunburnt Cow team to enter and if they won, it would be akin to Cedar Creek Primitives or The Rusty Thimble winning the recent PAFA giveaway. While a number generator would've been used and they had won fairly, it just would smack too much of favoritism.

Those who have participated in the link parties and I've featured them are eligible to enter since they weren't regularly blogged about.

Hope everyone understands. This is to be a fair contest - in spirit and in presentation. :)

Vintage Skye's Vintage Offerings

Remember to link up to the Sunburnt Cow party and show us what you've made!

Here are two more link ups to the Sunburnt Cow party.

You've all seen little hang tags that come in a variety of looks. But have you seen lovely vintage looking clay tags!?!

Aren't they so unique and so very classically elegant. Then there are her amazing vintage inspired whitewashed concrete eggs she has for sale.

How unique and how simply beautiful.

Thanks to K from Vintage Skye for linking up!

Pat's Sweet Raggedy Doll

Pat from All is Bright shared her latest raggedy doll creation on the Sunburnt Cow link party.

Now isn't that just the sweetest face!? I think she looks so adorable in purple. Read all about Pat's purple inspiration! It might take you down memory lane as it did me. :)

Thanks, Pat, for linking up!

Sunburnt Cow Party #2

Welcome another Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop link party! It will run every Wednesday and go until Sunday. Unlike other link parties, you'll be able to link up to things you have for sale on your blog. No links to your actual Etsy, Ebay, or other storefront shops, though.

This will be a great way to see what handmade items people have for sale throughout this great world wide web. These photos that you'll be sharing will have to come from one of your blog posts. It doesn't matter how old or new the post is, though if you're trying to get people to notice the items you have currently for sale, it's best to link up something that's current.

If you haven't participated in link parties before, they're a great way for you to get some traffic to your blog. They're also very easy to participate in.

To participate, link up ONLY the blog post(s) you want to include on this link party. (You may link up to four posts). Do NOT link up to your actual blog, but to the post itself. If you don't know how to do this, simply click on the title of your blog posts, and that will give you the url address to that particular post up in the website address bar. Copy that, and then click on the "Add your link" button on this link party.

Up will pop three boxes, one for adding your url to that particular blog post, (which I just explained how to find it and copy it), what you want the title of the entry to be, and your email address. Click on "next step," which will bring you to another page that pulls up all the photos associated with that blog post. Select the one you want to represent the thumbnail in this link party, and there you have it! Easy peasy!

<div align="center"><a href="http://sunburntcowhandmadeshop.blogspot.com/" title="Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNhXVIe0yEseM3YB96QFuTGB7QDyk8cl3KyejtOBN4v08Bb-8ZDAmrglDgqlGCBef09MmAeSGeWMdcPhdMAzcZ5AdwNllGzaZoOc65dFklTID7ksmi0pZ335THAAuW-BHWMbXskuSpT8R/s220/sunburntcowlinkpartybtn.jpg" alt="Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Mixed Media Goodies!

Another link party-goer was Melissa from Bursts of Creativity. She showed off one of her latest creative bursts by linking up her Mixed Media Journal for sale.

Isn't it pretty! I love mixed media stuff and am trying my hand at various projects.

She also shared with us various items she has for sale that you can use in any crafting project.

Thanks, Melissa, for linking up!

Baby Clothes and Burpies!

Another Sunburnt Cow link party participant is Rachael from The Little Birdie Blog. She shared with us some gorgeous Boutique Burpies for sale. I remember how drab the burp cloths were for my son. Plus, they showed all the icky stains, but with these multi-colored ones, those stains won't be so easily spotted. (Pardon the pun)!

She also shared with us some Boutique Onesies she has for sale. I tell ya, any baby who gets the pleasure of wearing one of these creations is going to be quite stylish indeed!

Thanks for linking up, Rachael!

Link Party Features

Originally I had mentioned on the first Sunburnt Cow link party that I'll use a random number generator and feature five participants in future blog posts. Well, since I feel so strongly about link parties, at this time I'm going to be featuring everyone who enters!

The first feature is Tam from A Primitive Place and the handmade items she has for sale. First up are these oh so prim blue ticking and calico fabric Colonial farmhouse stacking boxes she has for sale.

And how about some stacking boxes in a beautiful red print:

She also delighted us with various other prim decor items she has for sale.

Thanks, Tam, for linking up!

Primitive Spring Wreaths for Sale

If you love prim decor, why not add some "prim-ness" to your door by placing a handmade primitive wreath on it.

Particulars:
- Grapevine wreath designed by artist
- Details include a hand holding tulips; bunny, ladybug, butterfly, and "Spring" stitchery
- Measures about 18 inches in width

Price: $14.95, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Me 2 U Primitives' listing on Etsy.

Featured Interview of Artisan of Handmade Items: Teresa of Teresa's Prim Treasures

Meet Teresa of Teresa's Primitive Treasures - our featured artisan interview of quality handmade items.

Do you have any favorite medium? Is there anything you eventually want to get in to and master?
I work in so many mediums and love them all! In the winter months I really enjoy working with wool! Love creating penny rugs and other wool appliquéd items like my cell phone protectors. Rug hooking is a very relaxing time for me as well. In the warmer months my husband makes wooden items for me to paint like cupboards, shelves, things with drawers or what ever I ask of him! Just started working with beeswax that I blackened and create ornaments with and I’m really enjoying it. Have recently started making patterns of some of my “treasures” which I hope will prove successful!

What kinds of artistic projects do you like to work on?
Hand sewing is my most favorite relaxing thing to do!

What do you like to do in your spare time when you're not creating art?
I love a good movie and playing with my grandkids!

How long have you been crafting?
I began creating my wares back in 1989!

When did you first start selling your handmade items? What inspired you to do so?
I wanted to be a Stay at Home Mom but somehow make some spending money of my own! I began making Amish dolls and selling them at a local gift shop. Then came the craft shows! Nothing more exciting than to be able to display your creations and have others enjoy them enough to make a purchase! I still do 4 or 5 shows a year and this Fall hope to have my first home show! I think it was 1996 when I opened my small website and then on to Etsy in 2008. I now have several shops across the US that carry my “treasures” too.

What style do you decorate your home in?
Love the primitive look!

Were you artistic as a child?
I don’t really think I was...... I can’t free hand draw at all!!!

Did anyone inspire you as a child or when you were starting to become artistic?
I was in 4- H and Girl Scouts and always loved the sewing projects so I’m sure they inspired me.

Was there a point when you realized "Wow, I'm an artist/artisan!"
I’m not sure I feel that way about myself but there must be something there because I get many compliments on my work at my craft shows!

Confession time: What does your craft room/studio really look like?
A little bit cluttered!!!
Is it organized?
No way!!! Maybe once or twice a year when I take the time to regroup!!! I’m always trying to stay organized but it never happens!!!! Actually, when I clean up I can’t find anything when I need it! [Teresa, I'm the same way!!]

Please list the urls to your blog(s) and shop(s).
Teresa's Primitive Treasures website
Teresa's Prim Treasures Etsy Shop
Teresa's Prim Treasures Blog

Easter / Spring Floral Arrangments for Sale

What a lovely faux chocolate Easter bunny for sale! It's even lovelier sitting amongst a spring / Easter themed floral arrangement.

I've been the lucky recipient of one of Sheila's prim floral arrangements, and I must say, her talent is amazing!

Particulars:
- Details include eggs and pip berries; homespun bow on bunny; rusty tin can with prim label
- Measures about 12 inches in height by 8 inches around

Price: $22, plus s/h

For more info or to purchase, please see Country Impressions' blog listing.

Handmade Egg Shaped Pantry Cakes for Sale

If you love prim decor, I'm sure you've heard of pantry cakes, but have you heard of a large egg shaped pantry cake!

Particulars:
- Soy wax; cinnamon scented
- Covered in cinnamon for grubby texture; floral moss included
- Measures 4.5 x 3.75 inches; height of about 1.5 inches

Price: $7, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see A Primitive Place's listing on Etsy.

Handmade Primitive Cell Phone Wristlets for Sale

Here's an adorable primitive inspired sleeve wristlet that can hold your digital camera, iPod, or cell phone.

Particulars:
- 100% wool; lined with cotton fabric; buttonhole stitching
- Measures 5 inches by 3 inches

Price: $16, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Teresa's Prim Treasures' listing on Etsy.

Sunburnt Cow First Link Party!

Welcome to the first Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop link party! It will run every Wednesday and go until Sunday. Unlike other link parties, you'll be able to link up to things you have for sale on your blog. No links to your actual Etsy, Ebay, or other storefront shops, though.

This will be a great way to see what handmade items people have for sale throughout this great world wide web. These photos that you'll be sharing will have to come from one of your blog posts. It doesn't matter how old or new the post is, though if you're trying to get people to notice the items you have currently for sale, it's best to link up something that's current.

If you haven't participated in link parties before, they're a great way for you to get some traffic to your blog. They're also very easy to participate in.

To participate, link up ONLY the blog post(s) you want to include on this link party. (You may link up to four posts). Do NOT link up to your actual blog, but to the post itself. If you don't know how to do this, simply click on the title of your blog posts, and that will give you the url address to that particular post up in the website address bar. Copy that, and then click on the "Add your link" button on this link party.

Up will pop three boxes, one for adding your url to that particular blog post, (which I just explained how to find it and copy it), what you want the title of the entry to be, and your email address. Click on "next step," which will bring you to another page that pulls up all the photos associated with that blog post. Select the one you want to represent the thumbnail in this link party, and there you have it! Easy peasy!

<div align="center"><a href="http://sunburntcowhandmadeshop.blogspot.com/" title="Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNhXVIe0yEseM3YB96QFuTGB7QDyk8cl3KyejtOBN4v08Bb-8ZDAmrglDgqlGCBef09MmAeSGeWMdcPhdMAzcZ5AdwNllGzaZoOc65dFklTID7ksmi0pZ335THAAuW-BHWMbXskuSpT8R/s220/sunburntcowlinkpartybtn.jpg" alt="Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Primitive Cross Stitch Pillow

Hand stitched with care and blessings, this primitive "Dance Under the Harvest Moon" pillow makes a quaint impression, especially with its lightly aged look.

Particulars:
- 32 count linen; wool snippet and sweet annie buds for stuffing
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures about 4.5 inches x 11 inches

Price: $23.95

For more info or to purchase, please see Simple Thyme Prims' listing on Etsy.

Hand Crafted Shaker Reproduction Cat Head Baskets for Sale

Totally hand crafted, this Shaker reproduction cat head basket would make an impressive handmade basket to add to your collection.

Particulars:
- Shaped by hand; painted in Union Blue; "green" dye bath
- Measures approx. 11 inches diameter, 6.5 inches to top of basket, and 12 inches in height when including the handle

Price: $32, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Rabbit Bowl Fillers or Tucks for Sale

This trio of handmade primitive rabbit bowl tucks or fillers would be the perfect addition to your bowl of fixins right now!

Let me add that I received one of these sets from a Rusty Thimble giveaway, and the photos don't do them justice. :)

Particulars:
- Painted and sanded muslin; glass seed bead eyes; sisal twin whiskers
- Details include jute tie; hang tag
- Measures 6 inches in height

Price: $10, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Rusty Thimble's listing on Etsy.

Handmade Easter Bowl Fillers

These adorable handmade bunny and carrot bowl fillers will beautifully enhance any Easter decor you have - whether prim or otherwise!

Particulars:
- Upcycled wool; polyfil stuffing
- Measures 5 inches at widest point (bunnies)
Price: $22

For more info or to purchase, please see TolenTreasures' blog post listing.

Perfectly Prim Link Party

Remember to stop on over to the Prairie Patch Perfectly Prim Link Party. It goes on from Sunday to Wednesday and is a great way to get some traffic to your blog.

Additionally, for those of you who want to hook up items you have for sale on your blog, check back here on Wednesday for the Sunburnt Cow's very first link party!

Handmade Prim Wall Quilt

This prim inspired Easter Rabbit Wall Quilt will add a nice touch to your spring decor. Colorful, yet primitive at the same time, you'll want to keep it out long after the season has passed.

Particulars:
- Calico cotton; hand stitched wording using embroidery floss; button eyes
- Details include button flowers and hang tag; aged for prim look
- Measures about 12 inches by 9.5 inches (quilt); rabbit is approx. 10 inches

Price: approx. $16.51 USD, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Slow Lane Made's listing on Etsy.

Mixed Media Whimsical Creation

Spring will soon be here in the Northern Hemisphere, and this captivating creation wants to herald it in with you.

Particulars:
- Mixed media: paper clay; wooden spindle; dimensional spiral; paper, fiber, glitter, and glass leaves
- Signed and dated by artist
- Measures 8.75 inches high and 4 inches wide

Price: $32.99, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Dianie Mac Designs' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Primitive Wall Bookcase / Cabinet

This primitive tombstone hanging wall cabinet would be the ideal accent piece for your prim decor. Not only is it a decorative piece, but it's fully functional, allowing you to display old books or any of your other old fashioned or prim items.

Particulars:
- Custom made
- Made to look prim and old; sealed for protection
- Very sturdy construction; must be mounted to wall studs
- Measures 22.5 inches wide by 30.75 inches tall by 8 inches deep

Price: $72.25, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see the Firecracker Kid's listing on Etsy.

Handmade One of a Kind Bunny Rabbit

Dapper and dashing, this OOAK (one of a kind) handmade bunny would be ever so pleased to make your acquaintance. And since he's such a gentleman, you'll never have to worry about him eating too many of your carrots or making an unsightly mess!

Particulars:
- Cotton muslin; hand painted eyes; needle sculpted nose; embroidered mouth; hemp twine whiskers; acrylic painted suit
- Details include poseable ears; arms are button jointed; monocle; bow; walking stick; Tilley hat
- Signed and dated by the artist
- Measures 26 inches; body approx. 5 inches wide; 12 inch arm span

Price: $40, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Paxton Valley Folk Art's listing on Etsy.

Sunburnt Cow Monthly Contest: Discover New Online Stores

The Sunburnt Cow will be starting up a monthly contest to discover artisans who are new to selling online. Details are still being worked, but what will be considered "new" is someone who has been selling online for three months or less. It will be set up in link party format. This will allow the participants to link up a handmade item they've made that they're particularly proud of and that represents the quality of what they offer. The link party system allows people to vote, so to go on to the next round, the top twenty will move on. The number twenty isn't set in stone. For the first contest, we may not have that many participants until word gets out. We'll whittle it down to the top ten, then top five. Each round may have a "wild card" participant that the judges will vote on to move to the next round, along with those who received the top votes. This will discourage anyone who has the intention of rigging the system by multiple votes. I'd like this contest to be as fair as possible.

The final round will be the judges' decision.

If you have any questions, please post them here, so I can iron out the wrinkles, so to speak.

If you would like to be a judge, please email me and let me know. (My email addy is in my profile). You will receive exposure by being a judge on this blog. The participants will also have to have the contest button banner on their blogs, which will be more exposure for those involved.

Participation as a contestant is not open to anyone who has been featured on the Sunburnt Cow thus far.

The winner will receive exposure on this blog for three full months, as well as having their button banner displayed on the sidebar. (The winner will have to make the button. If s/he doesn't know how, I can always do a text link back to the winner's blog). The judges will also write about the winner on their blogs. Thus, the winner will receive some very good exposure to help get the word out about their new online shop.

For more info, please see Udderly Amazing New Shop post!

Sunburnt Cow Link Party

Starting next Wednesday, March 16th, I'll be hosting the first Sunburnt Cow Handmade Shop link party. It will run every Wednesday and go until probably Saturday or Sunday. Unlike other link parties, you'll be able to link up to things you have for sale on your blog. (No links to Etsy, Ebay, or other storefront shops).

This will be a great way to see what handmade items people have for sale throughout this great world wide web. So mark your calendars and get ready to link up your handmade items beginning next Wednesday!

Featured Interview of Handmade Treasures: Sheila of Country Impressions Floral and Decor

This week's featured interview of handmade treasures is Sheila of Country Impressions Floral and Decor.

Do you have a favorite medium? Is there anything you eventually want to get in to and master?
Working with dried and silk flowers, creating "one of a kind" arrangements and wreaths. I would really like to learn to tole paint. I've always admired those that have mastered this type of art.

What kinds of artistic projects do you like to work on?
Lately I've really taken to working on simple "stitchery" projects while relaxing in the evening.

How long have you been crafting?
Seems like I've been doing some kind of crafting forever!

When did you first start selling your handmade items? What inspired you to do so?
At least 20 years ago. Creating some kind of flower arrangement using "drieds" that I either grew and dried myself or had purchased the materials to work with. Then working in a floral shop (not as a designer at first) the owner saw me making something up for my daughter's 16th birthday and liked what I was doing. She then asked if I was interested in learning the art of floral designing, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Within a short time I was one of the top designers, grateful that I learned so much from her. I would create wreaths and other arrangements and give them as gifts and pretty soon by word of mouth I was getting calls from people wanting to place an order for the things I made and it all blossomed from there.

What style do you decorate your home in?
I have quite a mix of items. When I can afford them I like to purchase antiques and older pieces. I tend to lean towards country/primitive decor, blending in recycled and repurposed items.

Were you artistic as a child?
Honestly, nothing comes to mind, at least nothing like what my children were like when they were growing up. They were always drawing and creating something!

Did anyone inspire you as a child or when you were starting to become artistic?
No.

Was there a point when you realized "Wow, I'm an artist/artisan!"
Maybe it really only hit me a few years ago when I was able to stop working outside our home and focus on what I wanted to do. That's where I'm at right now in my life. Doing what I want to do, at the pace I can handle and being my own boss.

Confession time: What does your craft room/studio really look like? Is it organized?
I have two rooms that are devoted to my collection of supplies. I try VERY hard to be organized but I would say it's an "organized mess," as I know where things are! Working with all that I do, from fabric and sewing projects, painting this and that and the mess that comes with flowers and such, it's going to be a mess! Especially when I go "junkin" to find items I can incorporate into my creations. You just can't pass up a deal if you see something you may need down the road in another "season." I do clean it up and straighten out my work surface about once a week only to begin making a mess all over again.

Please list the urls to your blog(s) and shop(s).
Country Impressions Blog.

Primitive Peg Hanger or Diddy Bag?

Is this a primitive peg hanger or diddy bag? Whatever you choose it to be, you'll be delighted to display it, along with its set of five fabric wrapped wooden clothes pins.

Particulars:
- Bag made of antique pillow ticking
- Details include label; drawstring
- Measures about 8.5 inches in width and 7 inches in height

Price: $13.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see A Primitive Place's listing on Etsy .

Prim Crow Make-do Floral Arrangement

Perfectly prim is what this crow makedo floral arrangement is! Crow lovers and prim lovers will delight in adding it to their home.

Particulars:
- OOAK (one of a kind)
- Details include sweet Annie and berries in a rusted cone; rusty stars, rusty bell, and pin complete the look.
- Measures 17.5 inches by 8 inches around

Price: $20.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Country Impressions Floral's blog listing.

Handmade Primitive Wristlet Key Fob

Now here's something unique if you're a prim lover: a wristlet key fob! Now you can take your love of prim on the go.

Particulars:
- Made with reproduction Civil War fabrics; heavy webbing

Price: $5.00 each, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Teresa's Prim Treasures' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Personalized Heart Make Do

Personalize your very own handmade primitive heart make-do! Have it be a memorial heart, celebration heart, or just because heart!

Particulars:
- OOAK with your choice of short phrase and available fabrics
- Details include rusty bed spring; fabric stained for prim look
- Measures 9 inches

Price: $10.95, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Me 2 U Primitives' listing on Etsy.

What a sweet and "antique" primitive framed sampler to add to your prim decor!

Particulars:
- DMC threads on prairie cloth; aged with walnut crystal stain; black painted, sanded, and stained frame
- Measures 5 by 7 inches

Price: $18.95

For more info or to purchase, please see Simple Thyme Prim's listing on Etsy.

Handwoven Reproduction Shaker Cheese Basket

This handwoven reproduction Shaker cheese basket would make a delightful addition to your prim decor or basket collection!

Particulars:
- Hexagon pattern that was common in many Shaker crafted baskets; stained with a "green" (no chemical) black walnut dye
- Diameter measures about 12 inches and is 3 inches deep

Price: $22.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see 1803 Ohio Farm Baskets' listing on Etsy.

Handmade Prim Hippity Hop Rabbit for Sale

Made from the artisan's original design, Mr. Hippity Hop is ready to hop into your home and spruce it up with his perfectly prim touch!

Particulars:
- Muslin that's been stained; polyester filling stuffing; button eyes; stitched face
- Details include non-stuffed and tied arms and legs; "Hippity Hop" stitched across plaid jumper; painted carrot; Sweet Annie; hanging loop; buttons
- Measures 22 inches

Price: $15.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see KKL Primitives' blog listing.

Handmade Prim Bunny Rabbit

Sitting perfectly prim and pretty, this handmade rabbit would look perfect amongst your decor for Easter and any time!

Particulars:
- Painted and sanded muslin; old button eyes; handstitched mouth and nose
- Details include stained cheesecloth for collar; pantaloons; rabbit tag; rusty safety pin
- Not including the ears, she measures 14 inches

Price: $15.99, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see Rusty Thimble's listing on Etsy.

Handpainted Pineapple Bowl

Here's a beautifully handpainted pineapple bowl for sale from TolenTreasures. If you love saltboxes and pineapples, you'll love this unique prim decor beauty!

Particulars:
- Measures 10 inches by 4.5 inches

Price: $8.00, plus shipping

For more info or to purchase, please see TolenTreasures' blog listing.