Love is In the Air and the Air is Cold!

Hellllooo to Everyone!

I hope your winter is not too cold and that you have a warm corner to enjoy your favorite hot chocolate or hot tea. Our weather has been up and down, warm and cold, but this winter has been colder than most in the last few years. We are having winter weather advisories and we may get an ice storm ... all down here on the gulf coast in the USA. Wow! The air is cold and it makes it exciting but scary too, to think about getting out and about wi th all it can bring! Snow? Sleet? Ice? That are some of the predicitions, but we'll have to wait see if it actually happens.

The actual air may be cold but we have Valentine's Day coming soon to warm our hearts. We often think of our special someone around this time ... boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse--and we should. Valentine's is an awesome reminder of who we love and why. But it doesnt have to be just for boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses. You may have a special somone you can honor with a special phone call, gift, or flowers, a visit, lunch or dinner.

What I'd like to suggest for your special someone is a gift from Custom Coasters by Cindy. At Custom Coasters by Cindy you'll find a special creation for that special someone. You will find plenty to choose from--coasters, trivets and cards. Almost anything you see at the site can be customized in color and several can have a monogram added, all at no extra charge.

If you live locally (Houma, Thibodaux, and Morgan City, LA) you may place an order through Monday, February 10. If you live out of our area you may place your order through Friday, February 7, to have it for Valentine's Day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 985-381-3154.

Blessings,
Cindy

New Year: Peace, Joy and Success

Hello Friends,

I hope this new year is bringing you peace, joy, and success in all areas of your life. We have made it through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s all in one piece! LOL It can get hectic but it is all good when we remember The Reason we are thankful, celebrate Christmas and have hope for the new year.

Talking about the new year, many of us start planning out what we want to do, set goals, get organized and so on. I have set a goal to get my studio in order and have made a start on it. I have done some filing, shredding of old paperwork, boxing of paperwork for storage, and so on. Now to get closer to the finish line by clearing out some boxes and bags with assorted stuff in them and to clear off one of my work surfaces. There is always something to do!

While in my studio I will be doing some experimenting with some new inks, blenders, color combinations and creating some new designs. My hands are itching to get to the design table! As soon as I get some designs done I'll be posting them here.

Here is the latest design in trivets. Of course all colors can be customized. I could probably even sneak in a monogram if you wouldl like it personalized in that way.

I also am making plans for soupcoming craft shows. Two of the shows are a repeat appearanpce for me. We had a terrific experience and met me some really nice people. The first one is at Vision Christian Center. Last year it we experienced some late winter weather in March and we had to run our little portable heater for a while! Brrr. With the weather we’re having it makes me wonder if we’ll have a rerun of that weather. The cold weather did not keep people away though. I hope you’ll mark your calendar and come spend the day. You’ll find plenty of crafts, food, and entertainment.

Vision Christian Center
Saturday, March 8
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Booth # 18
Bourg, LA
http://www.vcc4square.org/craftshow.php

The other craft show I have been accepted at is Southdown. I was there last fall and had an awesome experience and met some terrific people. I hope you’ll come out and get some retail therapy buying crafts ... better than mall shopping any day! LOL

Southdown Marketplace
Saturday, April 12
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Booth # 55
Houma, LA
General Information: http://www.southdownmuseum.org/marketplace
Marketplace Map: http://www.southdownmuseum.org/Websites/southdownmuseum/files/Content/1852749/Marketplace%20Program%204.pdf

I hope you'll check out my website at www.customcoastersbycindy.com and my facebook page at www.facebook.com/customccoastersbycindy.

Toodles for now,
Cindy

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