Big Fabric & Craft Supply Giveaway This Weekend!

Big Fabric & Craft Supply Giveaway This Weekend!

I'm Still Here!

Hi folks! Wow it's been a long time since my last post. There were some technical difficulties and health issues, but I'm back in business now and ready to fly! I've got brand new artwork and articles to share so I'm looking forward to getting back into the blogosphere.

See you again soon,
Christine

"Ohm" Mini Fiber Art 3" x 4"

September Giveaway Winners!

Rustic Leather Journal $35 by christinemarieford.etsy.com

Due to such an overwhelming response to my September Journal Giveaway, I decided to add a second prize!

Congratulations to our 2 winners!

Nathalie Brault from Quebec

and

Melody Johnson from Virginia

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. And just so no-one goes home empty handed, here's a special 10% discount just for my blog followers which can be used anytime in my Etsy shop: BLOGGER10

Journal Giveaway Ends September 15th!

Rustic Leather Journal $35USD by christinemarieford.etsy.com



Don't miss my September Giveaway for a chance to win one of my handmade leather journals (value $35)! One lucky winner will get to choose from any $35 journal in my Etsy shop! 

Click here to enter!

iPhones, eReaders & the Future of the Written Word

Hand-Stitched POP UP iPhone leather sleeve (Dark brown embossed-croco) $49 USD by zenokleather.etsy.com

I love technology, I really do. I think I'm part artist and part aspiring computer nerd. Just recently I upgraded my already outdated flip phone for an iPhone4. I was instantly hooked! I'm also new to blogging. With my laptop at the ready, my fingers fly across the keyboard with more ease and efficiency than I could ever achieve by hand.  My husband loves his new eReader which already contains a gazillion books! With so many resources at our fingertips, what's not to love?

Although I love technology, I also love the feel of a real, physical book in my hands. I like the feel of the paper as I turn the pages. I've also noticed that my handwriting has become pitiful over the years and is now barely legible. My fine motor skills for handwriting has diminished considerably because I don't do it much anymore.  This affects my ability to sketch too as I don't partake nearly as often as I'd like.

"Are we fated to lose the skill of beautiful handwriting that our forefathers achieved in exchange for text messages and emails?"

So what's the future of the written word? Are we fated to lose the skill of beautiful handwriting that our forefathers achieved in exchange for text messages and emails? And what about our books? What will happen to all those shelves of treasured tomes? Will they simply be discarded for one slender eReader? r u catching my drift? LOL



Fine Art Abstract Books Painting 24 x 36 x 1.5 Custom Spicy Large Wall Art  $325 USD by ContemporaryEarthArt.etsy.com


Personally, I'm not really all that worried about the future. I believe our most treasured books will remain and our harlequin romances will be on the e-reader. I'll text message "r u coming home 4 dinner?" and I'll handwrite a special "Thank You" card. There's nothing wrong with saving a little space and trees for that matter. As the old saying goes, "there's a time and place for everything".

"I'm not really all that worried about the future."

As for handwriting, there are more amazing handmade pens and journals available than ever before for those of us who still love to handwrite.

For my part, I intend to continue researching and learning ancient bookbinding techniques to preserve and share. I've decided to learn some calligraphy too to enhance the beauty of my handwriting and refine my motor skills. I intend to keep handwritten journals too.

The future is what we make of it and I expect we'll strike a beautiful balance in the long run.

On my quest to find the perfect handmade pen, I found many on Etsy and couldn't resist! I bought several and am joyfully anticipating what they will be like to write with when they arrive!  For example, I'd never seen a glass dip pen before and already I'm a collector! Just look a my new pen collection!




Purchased from jnagadhana.etsy.com




Purchased from jnagadhana.etsy.com

 ....plus I bought this chance vintage find...



Vintage Handmade Glass Pen from VintageNecessities.etsy.com


Aren't these handmade glass dip pens amazing? Click here to see how they work! And last but not least, I purchased a beginner's calligraphy book, some ink and this handmade treasure...



Twig dip pen set, Hobbit pen. Gift box set  by alternativeartsupply.etsy.com



What are you doing to balance technology with tradition in your life?  What do you think our future holds for the written word? Leave us your comments!

Creatively yours,
Christine


Visit me online!
Website: http://www.christinemarieford.com/
Shops: christinemarieford.etsy.com
            www.100milefinds.com/christinemarieford
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinemarieford

Back to School Sale and Giveaway Time!!!

It's time for a little fun, whaddya think? 

Just in time for back to school Christine Marie Ford is having a sale!  Use coupon code SCHOOL12 to save 12% off everything in store.  No better time to pick up hand bound journal as the perfect gift for a student heading off to university.

Medium Size Rustic Suede Journal $35 by christinemarieford.etsy.com

You can also enter to win one of your very own!!!
Up for grabs is one of my medium sized leather journals! One lucky winner will get to choose any medium sized journal in my Etsy shop.

Deadline to enter is Thursday September 15th, 2011.

Open to US and Canada
Use the rafflecopter form below to enter:

Good Luck!

Introducing: the Savvy Seller Café

"Autumn's Pride" Mini Fiber Art $30 by christinemarieford.etsy.com

In my last post I introduced you to TAFA. I'm pleased to say that I will be guest writing a new weekly blog series which I call the "Savvy Seller Café".  In this series, I'll be sharing as much information as I can on the marketing and selling side of things. A large portion of this series will focus on online selling for artists and craftspeople along with helpful links and resources to assist you on your quest.

Click here to read last week's article!
http://tafateam.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoy the  Savvy Seller Café on TAFA's blog and feel free to leave me your comments and suggestions about what you'd like to know. I'll do my best to find some real answers for you. :)

Creatively yours,
Christine