3 Months and Counting

Good afternoon!

I just looked at the calendar on my computer and realized something big .... Christmas is 3 months from today!  Yikes!  Better get busy with Christmas gifts!  Be sure to read to the end about a wish list and layaway opportunity.

The painted pieces in my shop are all one of a kind pieces.  Sooooo, this means when they are gone, they are gone.  Even if I found the exact same piece to paint again, it won't look the same as the previous one.  It is very hard to duplicate a piece for a few reasons.  I don’t always remember what I’ve done to a piece to get the look.  I don’t usually keep records of it either.  I suppose I should keep records for those occasional pieces I could attempt to duplicate like mason jars and so on.

Now when it comes to the designs on my tumbled travertine coasters, I can duplicate those with no trouble.  Same goes for my cup holder (car) coasters.  If you see something you like and want to change a color or two, we can discuss that option.

Some of the popular options for gifting coasters are my monogram designs.  This design is great for the person who has everything.  I can change the color of the design but most people go with black.  It is hard to match someone’s décor without a swatch, which is what I’d need to get as close as possible to their color scheme.  A good second choice for color is Timber Brown, which is a dark brown similar to chocolate ice cream.

Other popular designs include sports-themed coasters for LSU and the Saints.  I also have fleur de lis coasters with no reference to football and no wording on them.  This keeps them neutral enough that almost anyone will enjoy them.  If you or your recipient favor inspirational or religious themes, I have coasters with inspirational phrases and scriptures on them as well.

Even at this date in September, we must remember to allow time for processing orders and shipping.  I ship via Priority Mail through the USPS for most items, including any of my coasters.  The USPS has three holidays between now and the end of November than can impact shipping.  They are observed as Federal Holidays follows:

Monday, October 9--Columbus Day

Friday, November 10--Veterans Day

Thursday, November 23--Thanksgiving

If you are local to my area and want to avoid shipping charges, please contact me prior to ordering and I’ll contact you about free local pick up.  I live in Houma, LA and have an arrangement for pick up at a local retail business during normal business hours.  This provides safety for you, the customer, and myself.

Christmas Wish List

I would love to help you with your Christmas gift purchases.  I will even work with you to make up a Christmas Wish List of items you’d like to receive for you to give your family members.  Remember spending time looking at the Wish Books as kids?  I know my brother and I could generate quite a list from those Sear’s Wish Books.  This list would be from items currently available in my online shop.  Remember, some pieces are one of a kind and cannot be duplicated so it’s important to list more than one item.  There is no charge for this service.

Check out my website by clicking here.

Layaway Service

I also offer layaway.  Here is how it works.  Choose the item you want to put on layaway and ….

Date of Layaway:  50% or more due to hold it

November 1-10:  ½ of Balance Due

December 1-10:  Balance Due and pick up layaway

Accepted Forms of Payment

·         All major credit or debit cards

Payments with credit/debit cards may be taken over the phone.

·         Cash

I hope you’ll consider shopping with me for your Christmas gifts.  Please share this post so others can shop smart:  shop small, shop local.

Cynthia Welch Designs

God bless!

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

Gettin' and Givin'

This afternoon I have been doing a little creating in my studio. It is time to get serious about the craft shows I'll be in, which will be upon me more quickly than I realize! LOL That is part of "gettin'", as in I am getting ready. I figure if I design 2-3 things a day I'll be ready for the show in time. Of course, from time to time there will be a day I simply cannot be "gettin'" ready 'cause life will get in the way.

Speaking of gettin' ready, I have gotten a new tent for shows. It is sturdier than the one I have been using. This tent will hold up better in the event of simply a windy day or in the event of inclement weather. Most shows go on rain or shine so this is important! It is also a true 10'x10' tent--it's poles go straight up instead of tilting in a little. I lose some space with the design of the old one since the poles are completely straight and vertical.

Okay, do you want to see what i am featuring today from my work table? Oh, you do? Okay, here is the first set of coasters. (Oh, by the way, both sets are shown in travertine.) This makes an awesome gift the person, in particular the man, who has everything. I can customize the colors to your preference, or that of the recipient. Truly this can go in a study, office, man cave, or living room. This is a gettin' or a givin' thing, depending on who you are ... get it as a gift or give it as a gift. {vbg}

The next set of coasters will help get you in the mood for Christmas. They feature Santa front and center. The edges of two of the coasters are burnished in red, the other two are burnished in green ... two tradtional seasonal colors. If you want to make all four burnished in the same color or want to change Santa's colors, let me know before ordering. This set can go out the day after Thanksgiving, giving you at least a month of use from them. These are so nice you'll want to give a set as an early Christmas gift.

If you have any special requests for the coming craft show season, or the holidays, please let me know. I will do my best to fulfill your request.

Keep coming back to see what I am working on. My goal is to post photos and update you on what is going on at least three times a week.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

www.customcoastersbycindy.com
www.facebook.com/customcoastersbycindy
customcoastersbycindy@comcast.net
985-381-3154

You know I really dislike when stores have Christmas stuff for sale at 4th of July. I feel it's still early for all that so I must ask forgiveness for what I am posting today. Please forgive me for what I am about to do.

I officially getting ready for some fall craft shows and what do people want to buy at fall craft shows? Stuff for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Today I made a coordinating trivet ...

and coaster set ....

You can purchase them together or separately. The colors may be personalized as well. Please contact me before ordering if you want to change the colors.

Toodles for now,
Cindy