Why You Should Like Us On Facebook

I know, I know. There's been no new blog in a terribly long time. Can you say "blogger's block?"

Well this one is a quickie. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK :-)

Why?

We are posting links to our latest Etsy listings, previews, and maybe even discounts. We will also be offering BUY DIRECT. These are items that are not listed on Etsy. And you'll find specatcular prices!

See something on Etsy you want? You can buy direct if you prefer by posting on our Facebook page. It's also the place to ask about items you may be looking for, or custom work.

So come by, check out us, give us a like, and maybe come buy.

ChezChani on Facebook. For all things ChezChani AND ChezChanisupply.

Mother's Day Gifts Not Up To Par? Discount Enclosed

If Mother's Day gifts were a drag, get out there and get yourself a treat!

ChezChani is offering 15 percent off with this code: sadmommy13

Cya there!

Altered Nation For Awesome People

"Altered Nation offers alternative clothing, accessories, art & gifts for awesome people. All of the designs are unique because they are handmade, upcycled & handpicked vintage.

Altered Nation is an emerging collectable design line based in fabulous Las Vegas that also offers semi-custom orders and wholesale.

This unique design line has recently been featured on Fox News, ABC's Morning Blend, numerous print & online publications including the Las Vegas' Review Journal & Offbeat Bride. Altered Nation hosts avant garde fashion shows and photo shoots to showcase the emerging talent in Las Vegas."

This is from Altered Nation's shop announcement,and I couldn't say it better myself.

Handmade. Upcycled. Vintage. Only a blend of all the things I love.

Check out Altered Nation on Etsy, website, facebook, blog and Twitter.

Cupcake Princess Jewelry

kelbelskreationsKawaii Jewelry by Cupcake Princess Jewelry

Click on the above link and you will be treated to a deliciously colourful Etsy page.

Kelly is a fellow member of the Handmade in Vegas team, and she really does have a yummy cupcake of a shop. Check it out, you will DROOL!!

VIKSTER'S CRAFTS

I'd like to introduce you to Vikki, a fellow member of the Handmade In Vegas Etsy Team.




Vikki is a native Las Vegan who has been crafting most of her life. A retired grandmother, she now has lots of free time to flex her creative muscles. And you can see (and reap) the rewards of this time at her Etsy storefront, Vikster's Crafts.




Like most crafters, Vikki does not limit herself to one thing. She's got a wonderful collection of Christmas items, glass tile pendants, bottle caps and more.




Her shop is ever changing and worth visiting on a regular basis.

You may also follow Vikki on Twitter.

Las Vegas Crafters Guild Holiday Boutique & Craft Show

Inaugural Las Vegas Crafters Guild
Holiday Boutique & Craft Show

Lakes Lutheran Church

8200 West Sahara Avenue(at Cimarron, between Durango & Buffalo)

Friday, November 12, 9 a.m. –5 p.m.
Saturday, November 13, 9 a.m. –4 p.m.

Handmade artisan jewelry, baby accessories, custom clothing, aprons,gift items, home & holiday decor, paper crafts, polymer clay, hair bows, upcycledcreations, hand painted gourds, and much more!Free admission & parking.
Lakes Lutheran will sponsor a bake sale.
Bring a friend!

Henderson ArtWalk Third Thursday

Weather permitting, ChezChani will be at the Henderson ArtWalk craft show. This monthly show takes place the third Thursday of the month. What a great way to slip in a little fun during your week.

Info can be found here. Hope to see you (weather permitting weather permitting weather permitting please don't rain please don't rain please don't rain.)

Las Vegas Crafters Guild Fall Boutique

You're invited!! And bring a friend or 2 or 3...

Friday Oct. 1 10AM - 5:45PM
Saturday Oct 2 10AM - 4:00PM

Sahara West Library
9600 W. Sahara Ave (between S. Ft. Apache & S Hualapai Way)
Las Vegas NV 89117
702-507-3631

As you know, the LV Crafters Guild features some of the finest artists and craftspeople in Nevada.

It's not too early to think about the holidays.

We'll see you there!!

(I will not be there, but ChezChani will be represented, with a table manned by Roz. You'll find we have some really fun and affordable stuff.)

BETTY BOOP Scrabble Tile Pendant

Ms. Boop is now appearing in our Etsy shop!

Lucille Ball Postage Stamp Rummikub Pendant

Every once in awhile I'll be at the post office and see a sheet of stamps I can't resist. The one that started this a couple of years ago was the Chinese New Year stamps. I'd already been buying Chinese New Year casino chips so why not this? I display the sheet on the front of a cigar box (another one of my semi-collections.)

Now that I'm making resin jewelry, it seems a natural match with my stamps. So first up is my Lucille Ball 34 cent stamp on a Rummikub tile. Check it out in our Etsy store HERE.

Introducing Donna Pool

Have you ever spent time in one of those really eclectic gift shops, the kind where you're not surprised to find just about anything and yet everything you find is surprising? Well, featured Etsy Blogger Donna Pool's shop is just like that.

I wandered through, virtually picking up fun vintage buttons, adorable hand-stitched toys and oh, the most wonderful photographs!

Check out Donna's shop at Etsy and for more information on her creative endeavours, head on over to Donna's blog.

A good time is guaranteed for all.

S & T CREATIONS - PARTNERS IN SUBLIME

Bold. Vibrant. Eye-catching. Dynamic. All words that describe, but do not do justice to, the creations of S&T. S=Saundra Brown-Gordon, the flamboyant, outgoing and organized member of the team. T=Teri Baskett, an artist at the jeweler's bench and the keyboard. Their tastes are very much in sync, both preferring larger pieces (though Saundra tends to favour a little more bling.)



A visit to S&T Creations will dazzle the eye with gemstones, glass and crystal. But don't be fooled, they have something delicious for every budget, including custom orders in a wide price range.




For those of you in the area, their jewelry can be found at Gift Expressions, LaFollette Station, Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Don't despair out-of-towners - you're in luck too. S&T Creations can be found online at www.sandtcreations.com, S&T Creations Etsy Store,and the S&T blog. Teri can also be followed on Twitter as Teri_B.



So follow me now to the up-to-date, always style focused S&T Creations. See you there!! (I think I might have to have that darling hat pin, what do you think?)

The Art of the Gift

Obligifting (v) - Ob-li-gift-ing ... Giving a gift mostly because one feels one must. From the root word Obligift (n).

Now that we’ve survived another holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the art of gift giving.

Let me preface with this - I am an awful person to choose a gift for. There have been numerous times when, upon opening a gift, my first comment was, “Did you keep the receipt?” So now you know.

I may not always score, but I do feel the need to really spend time and thought on the person’s gift...what might he/she like/need/want, that is within my budget? I’m even a big fan of re-gifting, but only in that case that I truly believe that gift is something the person would really enjoy. Even when I buy greeting cards, it often takes me a long time (and several stores) to find the one that really suits that person.

Is it my imagination, or does it seem that many people just want to get the giving over with? (If this was Sex and the City, that would be the line that would show up on your TV.)


-I received a pair of Native American-style turquoise and red earrings. You only have to know me about 5 minutes to know that is so not my style (lovely though they may be.) And this did not come from an acquaintance but from one of my close friends.

-A good friend bought me candles. I am a candlemaker (or Chandler for those in the know.) Need I say more?

-A man I’ll call “Len” feels no cold. Seriously. It will be 30 degrees out and when I ask if he feels the chill he answers, “no.” He owns no jackets, no sweaters, not even a long sleeve shirt. He wears nothing but short sleeve cotton summer shirts all year long. This year someone gave him a leather jacket. This same man is severely diabetic. He also received a bag of candy.

-A good friend gave me a 12 cup self-cleaning coffee maker. His reasoning? Mine was dirty (yes, I’m a slob but that’s a blog for another day.) I live alone and make my coffee one cup at a time because I can only tolerate fresh coffee. (In his defense, he’s also given me 2 of the best gifts EVER so he probably shouldn’t be included here, but on the surface, this sounds like a fine example.)

In conclusion, they say “It’s the thought that counts.” But all too often it seems to me that the giver is only thinking of the obligation.

Either that or I’m an ungrateful b*tch.

Craft Show Dec. 7 & New Listing

Pictured is one my latest works, now available in our Etsy Shop. It's a bracelet inspired by the Leather Pride Flag. I'd never heard of this flag, but someone looking at my gay rainbow bracelet suggested it. We found pictures of it online and I had to give it a go. I think it came out very true to the actual flag. I'm not going to go into details about what the flag represents (partly because I'm not sure I'm clear on it.) I will say that while it's not for everybody, it sure is for somebody.

We are only doing one show this holiday season. It's this Sunday, Dec. 7 9AM-3PM at Temple Beth Sholom in Summerlin...Las Vegas NV (Town Center, 1 block north of Desert Inn. 10700 Havenwood Lane.) Given that our only show is at a Synagogue it's just as well I never got to my Christmas specific designs. Next year I'll have to plan earlier for that. I have no excuses for my lack of preparation, I'm pretty sure this season comes around the same time every year.

Hope all you Americans had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was fortunate in that it fell on my day off and nobody cooks a turkey like my mommy!!

Roz Is On Fire !!

Roz has been busy as a bee making some really special cabochons/pendants. The first one is now on Etsy and there will be more to follow.

Over at the Esmarts shop on Etsy, is the Chezchani Charlotte's Web Bracelet. At the Esmarts shop, you will have the opportunity to choose from a wonderfully diverse selection from many of the members. Treat yourself to a visit, and remember, all proceeds will be going to a good cause.

ChezChani @ Athena Magazine Weblog

Chezchani has been interviewed by Marjorie of Marjories Cracked Plate Jewelry. Check us out here!

Safe Haven For Donkeys In The Holy Land (SHADH)

I had to make this bracelet, a Barbara Ellis design, in honour of a very worthy charity. This is information from the SHADH website:

Donkeys have been used as beasts of burden in Israel for the past 5000 years. They can be bought there for as little as 100 shekels - that's about £15 - and because they are so inexpensive, very little value is attached to their well being. Absolutely no veterinary care is given to sick or injured donkeys, since in most cases it would be cheaper to buy a new animal. For this reason when they are sick, injured, too old or surplus to requirements they are turned out and left to fend for themselves - quite often tied to a post without food or water and left to die. Many stray donkeys suffer from direct abuse and torture.

A group of children found a stray donkey and for fun, they doused him with petrol and set fire to him. Another group of teenagers decided they could make use of a stray donkey for their summer holidays. Later the same day, they either got bored or decided they had nowhere to keep the donkey so they killed him by hammering nails into his head. Other donkeys are luckier, they are taken to landfill sites and left out like rubbish.

Founded by Miss Lucy Fensom, Safe Haven For Donkeys In The Holy Land (SHADH) is a UK-registered charity of dedicated people who are devoted to achieving a common goal; to provide help for the donkeys of Israel, to improve their status and promote their welfare through education.

Based at Moshav Gan Yoshiyya, near the towns of Netanya and Hadera in Israel ( Click Here to see map of area ), SHADH offers a new concept in the protection and welfare of donkeys and mules in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, with a structure managed on the strength of charity registration in the UK, and registered in Israel as a foreign charity. This Safe Haven for donkeys relies entirely on donations to continue this work.

Customer Disservice

I work in the Casino Industry in Las Vegas. Just got an email from a friend who works at a major strip property telling me about all the layoffs.

Businesses panic in times of recession but one has to ask oneself, is laying people off really for the greater, and long run, good? What will make one casino stand out from another in a time when there are less players to fight over? A. The company that has better deals and B, (and maybe B. should be A.) Customer service.

Granted smaller companies may not be able to make their payroll these days, and laying people off may be their only chance of survival.

I am an Embarq customer. Have been for some time. I also have dish network. Wondering if a switch to something else will save me money. Perhaps Cox Cable though I've never cared for their advertising practices. If I should switch my TV service, perhaps I could get the best deal by switching my high speed internet as well. But last week I had a problem with my DSL. It took just a phone call to get it resolved, Embarq made some changes, got me back online and promptly sent me a new modem. A small mention of this in my blog led to a comment by an Embarq customer service rep, letting me know to contact them if there is any problem. Then, an Embarq guy started following me on Twitter, also telling me to let them know if there is any problem. And you know what? As a result, I will not even consider leaving Embarq. Why? CUSTOMER SERVICE!

I was working in a large poker room of one of the largest casino companies. A customer was trying to get through on the phone, to the front desk to see if his room was ready. Not having any luck I offered to call the Diamond Lounge to see if they could find out (that is the lounge for higher limit players.) I could not get through either. The man said “this is ridiculous, I’m never staying here again, I’ll stay at the Wynn.” So this major company saved, say $8 an hour on an extra employee at the desk or lounge, but lost a big player. Now this company shoves the customer service concept down it’s employees throats like I’ve never seen anywhere else, but doesn’t provide the manpower to achieve it.

Eventually, things will get better, but the customer who did not receive the service they deserve, will already be gone and comfy in the place that treated them properly. And they will not come back.


And Now For Something Completely Different. The holidays are approaching faster than a speeding bullet. I'd like to make a suggestion for your gift giving this year. Buy from ChezChani. Well that's one idea. Here's another. Why not buy a gift that will surely make your friends/family happy as well as supporting a fine charity? Best Friends is an amazing animal sanctuary. Check out their store for some affordable fun gifts. You can really make a difference and at no extra cost to you. You're buying the gifts anyway, right?

!!!!SALE!!!!SALE!!!!SALE!!!!

The temperatures in Las Vegas are dropping and so are our prices. All glass work and necklaces are currently an amazing 30 percent off. So please come buy..I mean by our Etsy shop ChezChani

Check out our Etsy Site

Chezchani is the mother/daughter team of Roz and Elayne. Roz is currently into glass and wire wrapping. Elayne is mad about Peyote Stitch. But just how much of this stuff can one person wear? So it's time to offer our work to you. Please check out our site at http://www.chezchani.etsy.com/. And if the stuff gives you ideas, let us know. Custom work is welcome. Custom colours, designs, sizes. Elayne can design rings, bracelets, small pet necklaces with names or initials. And keep checking, we'll add our newest work as fast as we make it. Which isn't that fast because handmade pieces like ours take time as well as love. Wanna talk to us? chezchani02@aol.com.