I've received quite a few emails about the knotted Figaro sterling silver charm bracelet shown in my charmed jewelry article. This is one of my original designs from a few years back and I don't know where similar ones are for sale.

So I've posted easy DIY instructions on how to it. I've added spider and snake charms to mine to make it a phobia charm bracelet! 

Image of Spider Charm Copyrighted by Maire Loughran

Every business owner should know how to write a press release.  How do you think many artists and crafters get free  magazine article or image space? 

Writing one is not hard, but like writing a resume or artist statement, it's somewhat of an art. The link above takes you to a free press release tutorial by Bill Stoller.

I was never a cat person but somehow ended up taking care of three cats over the years that 'adopted' me.  After my second stray cat, Mr. Boots, died a few years ago, I was determined to not get sucked in again. Famous last words as six months later I ended up with a feral cat that I TNR'd and have been feeding ever since.  Three years later, the cat still won't let me pet it although she trusts me enough to come inside to eat.  

If you have a soft spot for any animals, you'll probably want to participate in the The Pet Postcard Project, created by Nikki Moustaki, who started the project as a way to help raise awareness, funds and food for rescue animals.  One lucky winner will win a phonecall with Jackson Galaxy.

Mr. Boots - gone but not forgotten. Image of Mr. Boots copyrighted by Maire Loughran

If you are looking for vintage craft supplies in the New York area, check out CJS Sales vendor listing for vintage closeout bead, craft and jewelry part supplies.   They are open week days and are wholesale only.

For more info, visit the CJS Sales website. If you have an arts and crafts vendor (or are a vendor) that you would like to recommend - add them to the arts and crafts recommend a vendor page.