End of Year Sale, Part II

Hi Everyone,

I have decided to include my in-stock trivets in the 20% off sale. I have several and will list them here. Each style has only one. Get one, or more, while they last. The regularly sell for $25.00 each and now are on sale for $20.00 each. This sale price is good only on in-stock items. To receive this special price, you must call me with your order. Orders placed on my website will be charged the regular price. Shipping applies to any order that must be shipped and is in addition to the cost of the coaster or trive.

All are 8"x8" tumbled travertine. They have four (4) rubber feet on bottom to protect furniture. They are pretty but practical. They can be used as a decorative item on a plate hanger or an easel. They can also be for hot pots or casseroles in the kitchen. Color may vary slightly from photo. View my trivets at my website at www.customcoastersbycindy.com.

If you can't find quite what youre looking for, I am taking orders for Christmas. Christmas orders are due by Tuesday, December 10.

T-1003
T-1008
T-1009
T-1015
T-1017
T-1018
T-1019
T-1025
T-1026
T-1027
T-1028
T-1030
T-1031
T-1032
T-1033

Please feel free to contact me at 985-381-3154 or customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

End of Year Sale

Hi Everyone!

It is finally ready!! I have a master list of my stock and what is listed is 20% off! No need to wait till Black Friday! This Christmas you can give a gift that is handmade. I apply all the designs and my family helps with many other aspects of our business. As much as possible we buy our supplies local. We prefer purchasing from local mom and pop stores to generate our local economy. We are a family owned and run business that is run on Christian principles.

I have some information for you and then you’ll find a list of my current stock.

General Information
Only items that are listed below are 20% off while supplies last. There is no limit to how many sets of coasters you may purchase from this list. However, quantities are limited. Most styles have 1-2 sets. A few will have more, up to about 4 sets. Color may vary from what is shown. Most of the sets are on tumbled travertine. If the design is on tumbled marble, that is noted. This the last markdown of this year. ALL ORDERS MUST BE CALLED IN TO ME TO RECIEVE THE SALE PRICE. Any orders placed through my website will be charged the regular price and will be automatically charged shipping. 985-381-3154

Travertine Marble
Regular Price, $20.00 Regular Price, $24.00
Sale Price, $16.00 Sale Price, $19.00

First come, first served. I cannot hold items without payment in full. Deposits are not acceptable to hold items.

Each set of coasters has 4 coasters. All coasters in each set are identical with the exception of 2 styles ... 2801-Sweet Seashells, 2303-Keep Calm & Carry On.

2801 has a different seashell on each coaster. 2303 has 2 coasters that read “Keep Calm & Carry On” and the other 2 have a crown on them.

You may view photos of my work at my website at www.customcoastersbycindy.com.
I am working to get 2-3 sets uploaded to my website. If you don’t see a style yet, just email me at customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net and I can send you a photo.

Forms of Payment
I accept cash, checks, debit card and credit cards. If you see a design you like and want me to hold it for you, please call me with a debit or credit card number to secure your purchase until you can pick it up.

Christmas Orders
If for some reason you cannot find what you are looking for in my stock I am taking orders for Christmas. The deadline for Christmas orders is Tuesday, December. 10.

Shipping
I am happy to ship your purchase to you or someone who will receive the coasters as a gift. Actual shipping charges apply. Our preferred shipper is UPS. UPS requires a physical address. Free shipment tracking is available.

Here is my list. If you have any questions, please contact me at 985-381-3154 or customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net.

1000-Monogram--T
1004, Irish Blessing
1005-Monogram--B, M, N, R, P, S, T
1101-Mr. Rooster
1103-Butterfly Flourish
1105-Beautiful Bird
1106-Dragonfly Whimsey
1108-Friendly Bird
1109-Fishy Fishy
1110-Distressed Mr. Rooster
1111-Flourish with the Birds
1113-Gobbler
1114-Dear Deer
1115-Love Who? (marble)
1116-Little Bird
1120-Duck in Flight
1121-Frog Leap
1150-Caged Bird
1201-Weathered Cowboy Hat
1202-Kickin’ Cowboy
1301-Christmas Manger
1302-Santa Baby
1303-Nativity (marble & travertine)
1501-Fleur de lis
1502-Filled Fleur de li
1504-Believe and Hop
1506-XLG Fleur de lis
1511-Beauty
1601-I Love the USA
1701-Modern Cross
1703-Jesus’ Name
1705-Faith, Hope, Love
1706-Jesus Peace Giver
1707-Jesus Heart Lifte
1708-Faith Flourish
1712-Faithful Bird
1714-Cross Flourish
1716-Straight Paths
1717-Trust
1801-Eiffel Tower
1802-Lighthouse
1803-Old World Map
1804-Je T’aime
1805-Lead Me Home
1806-Painted Lighthouse
1901-Heartfelt Flowers
1906-My Song
1907-My Heart
2101-LSU Football
2102-Saints & Fleur de lis
2103-Black and Gold
2203-Leaf the Bumblebee
2204-Spring Flowers
2205-Dandy Dandelions
2207-Flower Scriptures
2301-Its Good to Queen
2302-Royal Crown
2303-Keep Calm & Carry On
2401-Patrick’s Luck
2402-Happy St. Patrick’s Day
2403-Make a Wish
2601-Light Me Up
2602-Tick Tock
2603-Pure Joy (marble and travertine)
2604-Flower Medallion
2607-Tea Time
2609-Castello Blanc (marble)
2610-Assorted Keys
2611-Tea Pot
2612-Free Bird
2613-Ephemera
2614-Keyhole Flourish
2701-Simple Flourish
2704-Simplicity
2706-Postal Flourish
2708-Dragon-Flying Flourish
2801-Sweet Seashells
2901-Cherish the Little Things
3000-Golden Fall
3100-Tractor
3101-Motorcycle

Happy Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

Toodles for now,
Cindy

You are Always on My Mind

Hi Everyone,

Hum, from my title it seems I have Willie Nelson on my mind. Good ol' Willie. Gotta love him. No, I am not writing about Willie Nelson today. Sorry if that disappoints you!

I am so excited to be writing to you today. I am taking a break from some creating this morning and writing to you to just share a few things on my mind. I just love creating coasters and trivets and getting my hands dirty. Those who have read my previous posts know that already. I think I love it so much because I didn't really like getting dirty as a kid, even as a young adult, and now I am making up for lost time! LOL Anyone else out there like that? Now, I still don't like getting sweaty but dirty hands are okay.

First, I want to tell you that YOU, my family, friends, and customers are always on my mind. If I am not talking to you, I am thinking about talking to you, meeting up somewhere or making something for you. I love people and getting meet you and to know you.

It seems the fall craft season is winding down, I have one more on Saturday in Baton Rouge and you can read more about that at my fb page at www.facebook.com/customcoastersbycindy. If you are in that area I hope you'll come out and meet us. If you know someone in the area, give 'em a little nudge to come out and meet everyone. There is supposed to be some great food out that day.

Although the fall craft season is winding down, and I am truly sad about that, I do look forward to the Thanksgiving and Christmas. And we know Who Christmas is all about, right? And His initial are not SC. It's all about Jesus our Savior. Part of the reason we share gifts at Christmas is based on the fact that 3 wise men brought gifts to Jesus. Also Jesus gave the greatest gift of all, His life, on the cross. Fortunately He did not stay in the grave but rose again to live for all eternity.

In our home when we decorate for Christmas we have several nativity sets to decorate with. Most are on the smaller side and can even fit on a mantle or shelf. I guess you could say it is one of our traditions. I will be writing another blog on Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions we have so be looking for that in a day or two.

Now we have a new way to decorate with a nativity. I have a nativity coaster set. Here is a photo of it in tumbled marble ....

If you like to decorate with nativity sets I hope you'll consider a set of coasters with this design on them. It is pictured on tumbled marble in stone gray but can be done on tumbled travertine and it would look good in black as well.

Remember that all Christmas orders are due by Tuesday, December 10. You can view my work at www.customcoastersbycindy.com.

Those from the Houma, Thibodaux, and Morgan City area can contact me about ordering and local pick up. (If you order directly on my site, you will pay shipping.) Contact me first before ordering to get local prices and no shipping ... 985-381-3154 or customcoasterbycindy@comcast.net.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Thibodeauville, RCA & Springtime

I am excitedly awaiting a fun event this Saturday, November 9. That event is Thibodeauville Fall Festival in downtown Thibodaux, LA. This event features crafts, a duck race, & plenty of cars to look at. I understand there will be old cars and also corvettes. You know in south Louisiana we cannot have an event without fabulous food and music. Thibodeauville also features a 5K race. The festival runs from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. Thibodeauville is my last local event of the fall craft season in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.

On Friday, November 8, I'll have an ad in the Houma Courier for 10% off any purchase or pre-paid order! Saturday I'll be in Booth #2 on 2nd Street, near band stage #2. How easy is that to remember. Thibodeauville is an awesome time to get started on your Christmas shopping. Get started now and beat the rush. See more on my Christmas deadline below.

Next Saturday, November 16, I’ll be in Baton Rouge, LA at Riverdale Christian Academy for a school fundraiser. There will be plenty of crafts, that fabulous food I mentioned earlier, and more. You can find out more at their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RCACraftFair. I hope those in the Baton Rouge area will come out to support this event. I am taking pre-orders for this event. Call today to place your order. Pre-orders made by Wednesday, November 13 are guaranteed ready for the event.



In the meantime, I’ll be taking orders and of course you can view my coasters and trivets at my website, www.customcoastersbycindy.com. To arrange local delivery and to get pricing without shipping, please give me call (985-381-3154) or email at customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net.

The deadline for Christmas orders is December 10. If you order by this date I guarantee your order for Christmas. After this date, I will still take orders. However, "Christmas ready" is a case by case basis.

I am beginning to look at the spring events and have two booked already. If you are planning an event or if you know of any events I should check out, I would love to hear from you. I love attending them and I am sure some of you do too. Just send me the info at customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net.

Here’s to hoping we meet up at a craft show or a fall or spring festival.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Recuperate and Replenish

Hi Friends,

You know, I love what I am doing. It is the right mix--for me--of working alone at home in my studio and working with the public, getting to see friends I’ve known a long time and meeting new friends at craft fairs, festivals, and so on. I get just enough alone time and just the right amount of “group” time. LOL I hope you can find that right balance in your work and leisure time.

I have recuperated from Southdown and have started regrouping for Thibodeauxville. I went to church Sunday and must admit that I spent time watching my favorite football team, the New Orleans Saints, lose yesterday in such an awful way. That took up part of my day. I spent time on facebook and online updating some things. I also got 2 special orders done that were placed at Southdown. Now is time to move on to the next event. The Saints give themselves 24 hours to reflect on a game and I have done the same. Now it’s time to get moving!

Today I spent time getting supplies and organizing the coasters that are left. Our daughter, who is a huge help with our coaster business had a great idea to get better organized. This idea meant reboxing some items so I have had to unbox and lay out a good bit of them. However, the idea she had will make unpacking and repacking at events much easier. I am excited to give her idea a try at a big event like Thibodeauxville. I want to see if it helps us repack faster to get home a little sooner.

Right now I not only making use of the dining table and an extra 6 foot table to work between shows. I also have a 2nd six foot table in the den. Hopefully by this time tomorrow the table in the den will be put away.

I plan on replenishing my stock tomorrow and Wednesday, if needed. It is a fun thing to get my hands dirty and work on coasters and trivets. I will get new designs posted this week at my website. I hope you’ll check out my website at www.customcoastersbycindy.com and keep up with updates at www.facebook.com/customcoastersbycindy.

I sold two of this design yesterday in tumbled marble ....

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Thanks and Thibodeauxville

Hi Everyone,

I want to thank everyone again who came out to Southdown Marketplace. We had an awesome time ... dh, dd and myself on set up. Dd and myself on sales during the day with occasional help from dh who had some commitments away from our booth part of the day. All three of us on tear down. We had a fun time seeing old friends, meeting new friends and had plenty of sales. I have officially turned in my paperwork to attend Southdown in the Spring of 2013.

As I said we had brisk sales yesterday. I know quite a few of our shoppers were purchasing Christmas gifts. I know some of you have friends and relatives who are hard to buy for. A custom gift is something anyone can appreciate. Tum You can view my work at . If you are local to the Houma, Thibodaux and Morgan City areas, we can arrange local pick up. Just call me with your order. Here are the prices for local pick up:

Tumbled travertine coasters ...... $20.00
Tumbled marble coasters .......... $24.00
Tumbled travertine trivets ....... $25.00

The deadline for Christmas orders is Tuesday, December 10. Call me at 985-381-3154 with your order and to arrange local pick up.

Upcoming Event

Thibodeauxville Fall Festival
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9
Time: 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Thibodaux, LA
Link: http://www.visitlafourche.com/events/fairs-and-festivals

You're officially invited! Please come out and enjoy all the festivities. There is something for everyone ... shopping for the gals, cars for the guys, 5k run for the athletically inclined, duck races for the kids, several music stages, and lots of food. I will be on West 2nd Street at Booth #2. Our booth is near band stage number 2.

I am taking pre-orders for Thibodeauxville. The deadline for Thibodeauxville orders is Wednesday, November 6.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at Thibodeauxville.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Southdown Countdown

It is the fall 2013 Southdown Marketplace eve. I must admit I am feeling a mixture of emotions ....
❦ excited to attend the first time as a vendor
❦ nervous that I won’t have enough stuff and sell out early. Hey that could be a good problem I guess.
❦ nervous I will have too much stuff. Hey, at least I’ll be ahead on my stock for Thibodeauville.

Dh and I have talked about a goal of what we’d like to sell tomorrow. It will be a bang up day if we do sell this particular amount and it’s our ‘bang up’ goal. I have also set a ‘fall out and faint’ goal. I will post more on those goals after show. Let’s just say that the ‘bang up’ goal will be bigger than any single day we’ve had thus far.

Be sure to look for my coupon in today' (Friday) Houoma Courier for 10% off your order. The ad is also posted on my facebook page. Click here to go to my facebook page.

We saw a lot of activity out at Southdown when we went over to get a head start on setting up. There was lots of activity and even met a couple down the way from us who were setting up their booth. It was mesmerizing to me ... I wanted to just stop and watch all the people setting up around us ... It is fun, and can be funny, to people watch, watch their actions and reactions, decision making process, and working on getting things ‘just right.’ I am sure we looked funny too, to those around us at our first set up ever for Southdown.

(Taken at Grace Lutheran, Houma, LA)

We got our tent set up this afternoon and the weather was gorgeous while we were there doing it. We also got our walls up and got the tables up. It seems we spent way too much time figuring and re-figuring how they ought to be arranged. Oh, and our sign is up as well. We’ll be back over there birght and early tomorrow to finish the set up and will be ready to greet our friends–old and new– and meet some other vendors.

I hope you’ll come see what it’s all about. Look for us in booth number 55, near admission gate number 4 that allows entry from Hwy. 311.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Small Biz Shoppers

I have been doing a particular thing more and more and I am wondering if you have done the same. I do notice it is increasing in frequency though. It is not a deep dark secret or bad behavior! LOL What have I been doing, and secretly hope you’re doing the same? I have been buying more often at locally owned and run stores. There. That is it. Not profound but it’s a simple gesture.

I have noticed I have been doing it more now that I am making coasters. I say on my website, and it’s true, that I buy as many of my supplies as I can through locally owned and run stores. Where I buy my supplies offers friendly help from knowledgeable employees. They are very dependent on repeat business from local people with no props from a large corporation or a monstrous web presence like some companies. One place I shop has an awesome lady working there, Jill. Any time I have a question and Jill does not know the answer, she is quick to pick up the phone--while I am sitting right there--in an effort to get to the bottom of it, whatever “it” is at the moment. LOL I love it! I have never asked her to get it done “right now” but she is that kind of person. I appreciate her dedication. I wish all encounters with employees in any store were this way.

One day while I was eating lunch at our store I was surfing the news sites and came across an article on shopping for Christmas. It made reference in the title to shopping at small businesses so I decided to take a read. It was quite interesting. I am wondering what you think about the article? Will you take a few minutes to read the article and post your thoughts in the comment section or email them to me at customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net?

Here is a link to the article ....

Holiday Shoppers Plan Small Biz Shopping Spree

How does this relate to crafts and local events like craft shows, fall festivals, Christmas bazaars, holiday open houses, and so on? Many crafters reside and make their crafts right in your town, maybe in your neighborhood, and possibly even on your street. They depend on locals like yourself to buy their products. Of course there are crafters who sell online at Etsy and ebay, but I don’t know of any crafters who would turn away local buyers. It benefits everyone. The crafter gets his product out in his own town, increasing awareness of local craftsmen. The customer is promoting local products by buying a locally made item. The craftsman puts the money he earned right back in to his locally owned business, thus supporting his community.

I was talking yesterday to a craftsman, actually a lady who makes purses and wallets. She loves doing it and I believe she would love to go full time with it. The hang up is that people turn up their nose at paying a fair price for the item she makes. I have seen an example of her work and it’s just lovely. Some people have the attitude that they can just go get “_______” at the big box store down the street at one half the price or less. What they don’t understand is the craftsmanship that many crafts people put into their work. What you’re getting for that craftsman’s price oftentimes is quality work that you don’t find in department stores.

You are also buying their time, knowledge and skill . Some shoppers would say, “Oh, I can just make that.” What I have found is that many “just won’t make it”. They won’t take the time to assemble the necessary supplies, set aside the time to learn how to make it and then actually make it & do it repeatedly to build their skill level. Sometimes a craft looks easy till we actually try to do it ourselves. What we have forgotten is that it has taken time for a craftsman to develop the skills to get to where he or she is now.

We can't all be crafters and none of us crafters can do it all. It takes us all doing what we have a passion for. Somewhere along the way if we keep doing what we're passionate about, we will make our community a better place and offer items that can be used and loved for years to come.

So, will you read the article on shopping that I previously mentioned (link above) and send me your comments?

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Coupon for You

Hi Everyone,

I am posting my ad for my next two craft shows here. It will b ein Friday's edition of the Houma Courier. Bring the ad to (or mention it at) Southdown or Thibodeauville for 10% off your purchase or pre-paid order. One coupon per person.

This Saturday, Nov. 2, Southdown Museum in Houma, La will be having it's Fall Marketplace. I hope you'll come out and take part in the craft show. Southdown has certainly figured out how to do a craft show right. There are plenty of crafft booths, a ton of food to eat, music, tours of the museum and more. There is enough to keep everyone busy for hours. If you make it to Southdown, please come visit with me at booth number 55. I will be located near admissino gate number 4, found on Hwy. 311. Here is a link to help you find my booth ...
Click here for Marketplace map.

Here is a link to general information about the Marketplace.
Click here for Marketplace information.

Next Saturday, Nov. 9, I'll be at Thibodeauxville in downtown Thibodaux, La. The Chamber of Commerce of Thibodaux puts this on and it has grown every year. They know how to put on a festival! Make plans to be there. Here is a link with some more information.

Click here for information on Tthibodeauxville Fall Festival.

Remember, the 10% off ad is good at both locations. I hope you'll come out and meet us and spend the day having fun.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Getting Around

Hi Everyone,

Let me begin by saying we have been really busy around here. We are well into craft show season. We have 2 down and 3 to go.

My first show was at Temple of Praise in Houma, La. TOP is relatively new to the craft show circuit and this was their 2nd one this year. They are still growing and trying to get the word out about their craft show. It is a benefit for their ladies’ ministry at the church. When I get more information on their next one I’ll pass the word here.

My second show was at Grace Lutheran Church, again it was in Houma. Grace has held this event for about 14 years now. It is more than just crafts. They also have a face painter, music, a rummage sale, food booths, bounce houses, etc. The money they raise goes to several charities in town. The church does not keep any of the proceeds. It is a family friendly event with something for all ages. The weather cooperated fully and we had a beautiful day for an outdoor event such as this.

My next two shows are biggest two I ‘ve signed up to do, Southdown Museum Marketplace and also Thibodeauville.

Southdown Marketplace is in Houma, LA is a fundraiser for Southdown Museum. The marketplace is held twice a year and has a over 300 booths of crafters and also has food and music. This event is held the first Saturday of November and the weekend before Easter (on Saturday).

This Saturday, November 2, is the next Southdown Marketplace and I am going for the first time! I will be in booth number 55. I hope those within driving distance will take time to come out that day. Admission is $5 for those 12 and over, kids under 12 are free. This is a first class craft show and has been going on for years. There are also food booths galore, music, and tours of the museum. Here is a link with all the information you will need. Hours are 8:00-4:00. http://www.southdownmuseum.org/marketplace

The following Saturday, November 9, I will be at Thibodauville in Thibodaux, La. Thibodauxville is more like a fall festival. It has so much going on, it is hard to imagine doing it all ... crafters, Corvette car show, duck races, food booths, a 5-K race and more. Hours are 8:30-5:00.

On another note, I have been trying to get a handle on the whole Pinterest thing. I had set up an accout a while back but did not fool with it much. I spent some more time there today and added some coasters. I hope you’ll check it out. The thing I am still sketchy on is how to find me. Just do a search for Custom Coasters by Cindy. If you find me I hope you’ll repin some of my stuff. Also, I would love to hear from you about what you’ve repinned.

Please visit me on Facebook and keep up with things that are going on .... www.facebook.com/customcoastersbycindy.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Calling All Christmas Orders

It is time to start placing orders for Christmas. Each item is made by hand for you and that takes time. I do not sub out my work, everything you see on my website is done personally by me. The deadline for Christmas orders is December 10, 2013.

I can personalize many of my designs. Here's how:
• Add a monogram
• Change the color(s)
• Add or delete a design element
• Add a burnished edge or leave it off if it usually comes with it
• We can also make up something new

Local customers (Houma, Thibodaux, Morgan City) should call to place an order to avoid shipping charges. Customers in these areas can arrange FREE local pick up. You get to chose from tumbled travertine or tumbled marble for coasters.

Those not in my trade area who want to personalize their coaster or trivet order should call me before placing an order online. Some items on my website already allow a monogram to be added but it can be added to others. You also get to chose whether you want tumbled travertine or tumbled marble on all selections for coasters.

If you need to mail your gift, it is especially important to get it early to beat the last minute rush at the Post Office or UPS.

All orders will have my company stamp and the style number on the back of the item ordered. Please do not ask for these items to be left off.

I have been in my studio this morning and I have made up some Who Dat! trivets. Here is a photo ...

These make a great gift for someone in the Who Dat Nation whether they live in Louisiana or are exiled to another state. Specs: 8"x8" travertine, 4 rubber feet on bottom to protect furntiure finishes. Can be used in kitchen, hung on the wall, or use a plate easel.

www.customcoastersbycindy.com
www.facebook.com/customcoastersbycindy

Toodles for now,
Cindy

From Craft Shows to Christmas

The fall craft show season and fall festival season is now upon us here in south Louisiana. I don’t know if you make it to any of the craft shows or fall festivals but they can be a fun way to spend a day with family or friends. Many have free or low cost admission for the whole day. Even if I don’t purchase anything I love getting out in the cooler weather and meeting new people. It is also good just to get out and see what others are creating. Sometimes you see some really interesting items where you take a step back, cock your head to one side and say, “What the heck is that?!”

One of the things that happens at craft shows and fairs this time of year is Christmas shopping. I know, it seems that Christmas themed decorations and music pop up earlier and earlier every year. I was at Hobby Lobby earlier this week and I asked one of the employees if they get sick of Christmas by the time it gets here. She said YES, especially since Christmas decorations start going up in late May or early June in Hobby Lobby. She said that often she just throws a tree in the corner at the last minute at her home. It is sad that we are worn out with Christmas before November even arrives.

So how do we get past this? I believe it is remembering what Christmas is truly about. It is about Jesus coming as a babe in a manger. He wasn’t just any babe, He is our Savior who chose to come as a baby and experience what we experience as humans so He can truly understand what we go through. Then He lived 33 years and some say His life was taken from him. However, that is not exactly what happened. What happened is He voluntarily gave His life for us so we can gain entrance to heaven.

We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. That’s why we must give our lives for each other. 1 John 3:16

This verse reminds us why He gave His life for us and also, what we must do in return ... love each other.

But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35

We can keep the true meaning of Christmas in our hearts by first, love Jesus. Then, because Jesus has done a new work in us we can love each other. Maybe if we are focusing on loving Jesus and each other we can help combat the commercialism of Christmas. We may not win the battle as one person but we change our own little world one act of love at a time.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Lofty Goals and Blessings

Hello Everyone,

This weekend started out with a hefty goal, 56 sets of coasters by this evening. I started about 11:15 on Saturday morning. Through in a New Orleans Saints game this afternoon that turned out to be a heartbreaker, and time was short this weekend. I did try to work during the game but there came times that I just had to stop and watch while biting my nails. It turned out the game was a true last second loss for the Saints but no loss for me. I have completed my goal! Yeah!

I still have a lot to do to get ready. I am moving on to my next goal of 12 trivets by Wednesday. Oh, I made a mistake in my last post. I did not do 37 trivets last weekend. That was actually supposed read that I did 37 coasters last weekend.

Tomorrow dd and I will be boxing up coasters and the trivets that I have previously completed. Having dd help will help the time pass faster and get the work done more quickly as well. She has spent time today cutting more ribbon for me to tie coaster sets.

After all the work, I must say I am tired but it is a good tired. You know it’s the tired after hard work and feeling accomplished. It is the kind of tired that gives you a good sleep at night. I look forward to a good sleep tonight and a productive day tomorrow.

I must add that I was reminded today that my I am blessed to have this business. And I am blessed to have people in my life that are friends and loved ones. The most important blessing in my life is Jesus, as a Friend and Savior. I want to honor Him in my business and in all areas of my life. If there ever comes a time that I cannot do this business and honor Him, I’ll give it all up ... because then it has stopped being a blessing. :)

I look forward to seeing some old friends and meeting some new ones at the craft show this weekend at Temple of Praise in Houma. Go here for more information .... https://www.facebook.com/CustomCoastersByCindy#!/events/396453537135511/

Oh, here are some pics of some of my deisngs I made up tor the craft shows ...

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Ambitious Goals & Pre-orders

Hi Everyone,

This is my last weekend before a string of fall craft shows start up next weekend.
I so need to get more coasters and trivets done and have decided to do just that. :)

I am setting 2 goals, an immediate one for this weekend and one to complete by Wednesday. Here they are ...
1) For this weekend I am setting an ambitious goal of 56 sets of coasters. My goal is to have them done by Sunday evening.
2) By Wednesday evening I have a goal of 12 trivets. I will be making up several of the following trivet for the craft shows that are coming up. (Last weekend I did 37 sets.)

This is by far the most ambitious goals I have set. Meeting these goals may actually generate so much heat from my work table that it spontaneously combusts! LOL I will let you know if it goes up in flames, and take pictures of it if I can! If I get them done I will definitely do a happy dance. I will report in each evening how close I am to meeting my goal. Check back each day to see how close I am.

I am taking pre-orders of any of my coasters and trivets for pick up at any of the upcoming shows. Remember, I can customize colors and put your monogram on many of my designs. Please feel free to call me or email me about your pre-orders and to arrange pick up at a show.

Toodles for now,
Cindy
985-381-3154
customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net
www.customcoastersbycindy.com

Has This Ever Happened to You?

Hello Everyone,

Have you ever worked and worked on something and then ZAP, all your work was undone in one fell swoop? You spend time saving your work as you go and then a simple “click” and it’s all gone. Yeah, you know this frustration? Well, that happened to me last night. I was working on building an inventory list for my coasters and trivets in Excell and everything was going SPLENDIDLY. Then I got mixed up and in a click, or maybe a click or two, I had wiped out all I had done. I wanted to cry! I still want to cry! Now I have to start over–unless I can get my tech support, who happens to be dh, to help me figure out a way to export all my style numbers from my website to Excell. My plan is to ask him about it when he walks in the door this evening. Well, I might let him eat supper first. You know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Maybe the way to his brain is through the same route? KWIM? LOL

In the meantime I plan on sorting my coaster sets and trivets that are already made up. Then I’ll get them boxed up and label the boxes. After that, which I hope gets accomplished this afternoon, I’ll start on more designs.

So what is going on with all this activity? Well, it looks like I have 5 Saturdays in a row of craft shows. Three are in Houma, one is in Thibodaux, and one is in Baton Rouge. I am so excited to be approaching craft show season. I love working in my studio but there comes a time I like to get out and meet new people. When you are looking for something to do that is family friendly, I hope you’ll come out to a local craft show or festival. I hope to see you at one the upcoming shows. I have a list of the upcoming shows pinned to the top at my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CustomCoastersByCindy.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

What Just Happened Here?

Have you ever had one of those days where you stop and say to yourself, or maybe your special someone, what just happened here? And it was NOT a bad thing?

Today has been all over the place, nothing like a typical Monday for me. I like having my routines and knowing what is going to happen. Mostly I have a weekly routine--Monday for this, Tuesday for that, Wednesday I do this, etc. You get the idea. However, I don't plan out each to the minute or even to the hour. Today though, I kinda felt like my head was spinning but in a good way.

It started off with our employees at our store (Joe's Boots of Houma) surprising our daughter with a birthday cake. Tomorrow, Oct. 8, is really her birthday so she didn't have a clue it would happen today! LOL Dd was really surprised and we had a cool time relishing the fact that we "got" her.

Then I got to meet 2 new friends this morning, from the newspaper. They came to talk to us about our upcoming ads. Then a lady, Connie, who sells beautiful custom jewelry came by the store to restock her display. We got to catch up and talk about crafts and craft shows and more. While we were talking with her a couple came over and bought some of her pieces. That was awesome for Connie! Yeah!

We worked in between all this and answered phones and helped customers. It was busy busy, but in a good way. Then I left there to run a whole slew of errands before coming home. Then! Then while we were trying to get supper on the table, a combination of stuff I picked up and a little I prepared at home, the phone rang. More new friends needing to see us. Dh had a meeting he had to go to so he did what he could and then finally had to leave. Poor dh never got to eat supper. Poor guy. I don't imagine he starved though. I figure he picked up a burger on the way. In the middle of all this one of our new friends saw some trivets out on the table in the dining room ... stored there for now till I get them boxed for the craft shows .... and we got to talking about coasters, craft shows, etc. One of our new friends, who just happens to live a few blocks away, ended up buying a set of coasters on the spot! They did their business here, and left. Finally I sat down to supper all alone .... dd had eaten earlier, dh left, and now I was almost too tired to eat.

So we know what has actually happened and how does it compare to what I thought would happen? I thought I'd go work 2-3 hours at the store, run 1-2 errands on the way home and then work on coasters all afternoon and evening! Pretty simple and straightforward. LOL

I'll tell you though, that today was one of the best days I've had in a long time. I believe it goes back to one thing ... meeting new people and getting to know them a little. I believe it also goes back to being open to what unfolds for the day. I could have planted myself in my chair at the desk at work and never poked my head out of the office ... I would have had a typical day at work but I would have missed meeting 2 new peoople and catching up with another.

When the phone rang at supper I could have ignored it. We would have eaten as usual and I'd be about to crash in the recliner or I'd be slumped over my work table about to fall asleep by now. LOL But, instead, I met 2 new people who I could help and they helped us too.

We have to have connections with others. It keeps us planted and grounded in life. Whether we admit it or not, we all need each other. We never know what that short conversation or that burst of laughter will mean to someone later. Just locking eyes for a few seconds in a meaningful conversation can say volumes that words could never do justice. Did I get any coasters done today? No. Did I get any trivets done? No. Any work done at all at the work table? No, but I did some more imporant things that involved building relationships with people.

In all that happened today, I was reminded that the most important relationshp I have is that of my Savior, Jesus. I was reminded that He is there when I meet someone new, or rekindle a friendship, or when my day does not go like I expect it to. I hope you have the same hope and reassurance. If not, you can have it. You can learn more here .... http://www.sbc.net/knowjesus/theplan.asp 

I will go to bed tonight feeling better about my life than when I got up this morning. Can't get any better than that, can it?

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Boss's Day and A Little More

Hi Everyone,

I am writing to let you in on some upcoming holidays and more. I was reminded today that Boss's Day is coming up quickly. Boss's Day is Wednesday, October 16. If you are looking for a gift to honor your boss, look no further. I have plenty of coasters and trivets in stock from which you may pick the perfect gift for your boss. There are plenty of designs for men or women. Call now to ensure your order will be ready for the big day.

Also, I have several shows coming up and that will make my schedule busy. If you want to place an order for November, the sooner the better. I will be busy replenishing stock for craft shows but will make time for orders from my customers! My contact information is at the bottom of this post.

Here are the prices for local orders in the Houma, Thibodaux, and Morgan City, Louisiana area. Shoppers in these local areas have the opportunity for free local pick up. See website for prices, shipping and ordering for out of towners. Custom Coasters by Cindy

4"x4" tumbled travertine coasters:
$20.00 per set of 4
$37.00 for 2 sets

4"x4" tumbled marble coasters:
$24.00 per set of 4
$45.00 for 2 sets

All coaster sets tied with beautiful orgaza ribbon or twine. All coasters have felt pads on the bottom to prevent scratching your furniture.

Travertine Trivets (8"x8"), $25.00

Travertine trivets have four(4) rubber feet on the bottom to protect you furniture.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Toodles for now,
Cindy

985-381-3154
customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net

A Little Storm & A Big Challenge

You know, down here in south Louisiana we never let a little storm keep us from doing what we really want to do--or need to do. That is the case this weekend. We have had a little tropical storm, Karen, hanging out in the Gulf of Mexico. It has really become a non-storm. At our home we got a short rain storm ealier but but now we have some clouds and sun. Whether we had rain, wind, or nothing, I planned a weekend of making some coasters. Fortunately this is something I can do rain, shine, wind, or stillness. :D

I have some craft shows starting up in a couple of weeks and I need to add to my stock. This morning I worked specifically on some monograms. I've done 9 sets done, 2 each of S, T, N and R and one of P. It has a watermark script on the background with the monogram and a flourish in the corner. The color can be changed at your request. Here it is shown on black. I have doen this in a dark brown, about the color of Dutch chocolate ice cream and it looks very good. This style of monogram is simply elegant and will make an excellent gift for yourself or others for Christmas, a housewarming, anniversay, birthday, wedding, etc. Look below the photos for my challenge for the rest of the day! :D

So with nine sets behind me, I have a goal to make 11 more sets today. That will be a big challenge but I am going to work hard to get it done. Check in on my facebook page to see updates later on what I've gotten done. www.facebook.com/CustomCoastersByCindy

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Window Dressing & Events

Hello on this beautiful Sunday afternoon. This day has been awesome. It all started with a pancake breakfast cooked by dh, followed by awesome worship at church. The dd had a Subway gift card she wanted to use up so she sprung for lunch. Dh and dd have spent the last couple of hours bonding over hand guns at a friends home! LOL Well, the pastor did talk about building memories, he just didn't say how, though I think he'd approve!!

So what I have been doing while they are gone having fun? I have been adding items to my shop, adding products to dress the windows. I made about 8 or 9 trivets last weekend and now I have them posted to my site and hope you'll take a look around. Here are a few for you to look at. The first one is "Bella". Of course, yours will come personalized with your monogram all at no extra charge to you.

This trivet is "Happy" and has such a free spirited design.

This trivet is Vintage Possibilities. Sentiment reads: Every possiblity begins with the courage to imagine.

Now, on to some upcoming events. I have posted my upcoming craft shows to my facebook page at Custom Coasters by Cindy. I will be posting my schedule here today so you can check back later to see it. You may want to sign up for RSS so you can get my posts with ease and stay up to day.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Cleaning My Studio?

It has been a week today since I last posted. A lot has happened since then, most of it pretty tedious and boring. However, one thing is that dd and I got home Sunday from a little excursion. We went to The Cropper's Cottage in New Iberia, La. It is a neat little hang out for scrapbookers and crafters in general. The Cottage, as I usually refer to it, is quite comfortable and homey. Yet the owner, Franny, offers lots in the way of crafting tools. She has it all well organized and plenty of space to work. It is enough to make any crafter jealous! LOL

So, when I am getting ready to leave for a trip like this, or coming home and unpacking, I have this love hate relationship with my studio. It is quite an awesome space ... I mean plenty of space. The issue is that all the supplies for scrapbooking and making coasters can get quite out of hand, and rather quickly. I have bettered my situation by getting some built in storage. It gives me a place to store most of my stuff with out it having to be stored on the dining room table, under a side table in the dining room, in a closet in the den and scattered about my studio. Usually it takes me a week or two to get things back in some sort of order after my crafting trips. However, this last trip, it only took a couple of days. I'd say that is progress.

My problem with started on a clean up in my studio is letting it get to the point where I am overwhelmed. I don't know where to start or what to clear off first I have a place to put things. Ever felt that way? I am trying to learn that I just have to start somewhere. This evening I was going through some of my favorites and came across a website, Crafts Report. I ventured into reading an article and thought ... this lady has been in my studio and is reading my mind!! LOL Here is a link to the article and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, especially if you've ever dealt with a black hole .... Cleaning My Studio by Luann Udell.

I hope when I have to pack again for a trip, that I am better organized and can get on the road quickly. But we all know the best part of trips is coming home again. :)

Happy crafting.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

Friday Update

Yesterday I posted some photos of coasters I posted to my website. Yesterday, all told, I posted over 30 designs to my site in several categories. I hope you enjoy looking at them and maybe want to purchase some for yourself or for gifts. Here are just three of the coaster designs I posted yesterday. www.customcoastersbycindy.com

My daughter and I are enjoying a little time away for a couple of days while hubby holds down the fort at home. Not sure how much crafting she's actually doing and all I've done is get caught up on posting stuff to my website! Today I hope to get some trivet designs done. I am seriously needing some inspiration. What do you do to get inspired? Leave your best ideas in the comment section!

Toodles for now,
Cindy

From the Work Table: Thursday

Hello everyone! I have spent this afternoon trying to get caught up on uploading some coasters to my website. It is not hard work, just tedious work. Adding new items is exciting though because it give everyone more to look at and to choose from when purchasing. I will show you some of the things I posted to my website but look for more news below.





















I have also posted new items to the following categories: wedding, religious, St. Patrick's Day, Christmas, sports, and travel. Here is a link to my website for easy navigation .... www.customcoastersbycindy.com. I am still trying to learn this blog thing and am not sure how to make that a hot link. I am sorry but you'll have to copy and paste it.

Now for the big news. I have changed prices on my website. Before you go to grumbling, the prices have not really changed. The posted prices now include shipping. You can look at your shopping cart and know exactly what your costs will be. No need to try to figure out the extra costs of shipping. Actual costs are the same either the old way or the new. This way is just easier for YOU, our customer ... the most important person in the transaction. Please contact me if you have any questions about what is going on at customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net or 985-381-3154.

Toddles for now,
Cindy

From the Work Table: Monday

I hope this evening is finding you well. I started out slow today (too much antihistamine last night) but got busy later in the day and actually got several things designed and photographed. Today's designs are featured in this post. I hope you like them!

This first post is of an 8"x8" travertine trivet. It has a distressed finish with plenty of vintage charm. It has four rubber feet on the bottom. This trivet is eye pleasing and practical at the same time.

This next post is of a coaster set that can be for anyone. It will look good in a den, office, study, library or man cave. It features a compass on a script background with a distress finish. Each coaster has felt pads to protect your furniture. Coasters are 4"x4" and this one is shown in travertine. Also available in tumbled marble.

This next set of coasters reminds us to lean on the Lord for understanding and wisdom, featuring Proverbs 3:5-6 and a cross.

This next set features a teapot with a colored background this is mostly blue with a little beige. It is feminine and pretty, looking good in a dining room or a living room.

The last set of coasters featured from the work table this evening is another design that remindes us to trust in the Lord's understanding. It has a colored background giving it a unique finish.

As with any product that starts with stone, no 2 stones are exactly alike. The designs are all done by hand, not a machine. Please expect variations in the stone, color, and design. It is not a manufacturer's defect when this occurs.

I will be adding these desigsn to my website this week. I hope you'll stop by my website at www.customcoastersbycindy.com to see all my work. Have a blessed week.

Toodles for now,
Cindy
customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net

From the Work Table

Hi Everyone,

I have decided that I am going to make a regular posting of creations "From the Work Table". I'll highlight what's been made since my last post "From the Work Table." I am not sure how often this will be posted but at least once a week. Each posting will have a mixture of coasters and trivets.

Today I am posting a new monogram coaster set I did. A customer who orders regularly called yesterday and wanted an R monogram. I just love this font and I hope you like it as well. It is actually the same font that I've used for all the other monograms I've posted, just a new letter. By next week I hope to post some monograms with a different font because I know not everyone likes the same thing. However, this is a pretty classic font to use for a monogram, don't you think? BTW, this is done on travertine.

I also delivered a sample of the following coaster. This is a custom design for a young lady who is getting married. The last name can be customized for you or your recipent too. It the place of Mr. and Mrs. ____ I can do a monogram. This design is done on tumbled marble. These make awesome wedding favors, gifts for the wedding party, or the happy couple.

This last set is purely fun. It is a touch of whimsy in a world that has a lot of seriousness going on right now. Why not have fun and order a set now to remind you to have a little fun in life? This is shown on travertine.

Almost all designs can be done on either marble or travertine. To place an order, go to my website at www.customcoastersbycindy.com.

I hope you have a good Thursay evening and take time to do something fun and creative as a stress reliever. I think we all need it, don't you?

Toodles for now,
Cindy