Wordless Wednesday

Lady in Red (8 Note Cards) by marilynnarrington

Member Artisan Profile: Charmies Online

Meet Tiffany of Charmies Online. She’s been creating jewelry for nearly five years. Tiffany has lived in New Orleans her entire life. “It is all I know,” she explains. “Even after losing everything in Hurricane Katrina, I have chosen to rebuild and start my life over again. I love New Orleans!”

It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s certainly true for Tiffany. Following Hurricane Katrina, she was laid off from her job in New Orleans and had to come up with other means of income. Hence the birth of Charmies Online.

“I love designing jewelry,” Tiffany explains. “It has always brought me pleasure in designing special keepsake pieces for people... I am inspired by things going on in my life. “ When asked which is her favorite piece, Tiffany names her Snowball Jewelry Collection.



Her biggest challenge is managing multiple online accounts. “I go from my website to Etsy to Facebook to Myspace to my blog to Twitter, etc. Too many!” she says with a laugh.

When asked her favorite piece of advice for other sellers, she responds, “Don't give up. Success doesn't happen overnight. I work full-time outside of the home, plus run my personal site and an Etsy site. It is a lot of work but I love every minute of it. If you love it, go for it.”



Tiffany’s oh-so-cool creations can be found online at:
http://www,charmiesonline.com/
www.facebook.com/keepsakejewelry
www.twitter.com/charmiesonline
http://www.charmiesonline.blogspot.com/

Local Musician Review: Marc Broussard

Full disclosure: I am a HUGE Marc Broussard fan. There, now on to business! :)

I first heard of Marc from my niece a few years ago. My first thought was, "who?". Then I listened to some tunes on his Myspace page...I was hooked! Such soul, such life, such a gorgeous voice..and he was HOW old?

Marc released his debut album, "Momentary Setback" in 2002 at the age of 20 but he is no stranger to music. Marc is the son of acclaimed Louisiana Hall of Fame Guitarist and former member of The Boogie Kings, Ted Broussard. Marc has been on and off the stage since age 5. It's obviously in his blood! Multiple albums have succeeded but my favorite is the "Must be the Water EP". It's only 5 songs but I feel they are some of the best 5 songs Marc has ever done. So New Orleans, so Louisiana, so US!

Marc is one of those artists who does actually talk to his fans, appreciates them and never forgets that fans are the reason he is where he is. Music may be his life but he'll tell you the bigger part of his life is his wife, Sonya and his three young children. Marc's family are important and that is just another example of his down home attitude. What is more important around here than family!??

The Broussards hail from Carencro, La (also the name of one of Marc's albums!) I would call Marc's music a blend of rock, soul, R&B, and definiately southern jazz. Seriously, whan a man busts out a washboard on stage, you KNOW it's going to be a good show!

Marc and his band put on one hell of a show and if you ever get the opportunity to see one, I HIGHLY Suggest you do so! His bandmates are equally talented and fabulous! I'll be the tall brunette in the front singing along and dancing!

I also respect Marc because he openly talks about his political beliefs on Twitter. He is a staunch conservative and proud of it. At a time when many in the public eye would hide their beliefs, Marc stands up for what he believes in. Be forewarned, if you instigate a twitter argument, he will come right back at you with facts, so be prepared!

You can learn more about Marc from his website. You can also keep up with him on Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.

Rock Steady Marc!!

Wordless Wednesday..almost

We're going ALL THE WAY BABY! Superbowl here we come!

Chloe Boutique

Camellia City Market Wants You to Know

Wordless Wednesday

Original angel watercolor ornament with heart by Black Dog Studio

Handmade Louisiana November Craft a Long Voting!

This month's theme was "Be Thankful!" And our fabulous artisans came up with some great work!! Please be sure to read the meaning behind each piece if one is provided and vote for the one you feel most fits the theme "Be Thankful." Vote for your favorite in the poll on the sidebar.

With Gratitude by Hurricane Pottery
The curves of this little pot remind me of cupped hands making an offering to give thanks.

In Memoriam by AmazingArtPhotos

Rustic Pumpkins by ChloeBoutique

Nutcracker Santa Stripe Bag by Splendiferous Fiber
I've made many friends over the years working backstage at the ballet company. After 10 years, my daughter moved on to dance at the college/ pro level, but I still go help out and hang out with the other parents and volunteers. We work ourselves half to death, but always have fun. It's so worthwhile to not only help the dancers have a performance venue, but to present the ballet to the public and school classes that come to watch. I love seeing the dancers grow and improve every year.

Fleur De Lis Pendant by Gaudet's Gems
Thankful that the Saints are thus far UNDEFEATED!

Andrew and Matthew's Beau Beau Bags by Mama's Little Monkeys
I am thankful to do this charity for Matthew Akin. Baby brother Andrew may be gone but will never be forgotten. I am thankful for healthy kids and that I can help this one family even a little.

Black Lotus Bracelet by Etco
Lotus flowers symbolize ….how people should live…with purity of speech, mind and body.

Crochet Child's Hat by Stitches in Cotton
I am thankful for the ability to crochet and 100% cotton yarn, without these my children's heads would be cold during the winter.

So be sure to get your votes in, check out these great shops and more from our lovely team members!! :)

~~Amy