Galleria of Cigar Box Art

(ContentDesk) July 2, 2004 -- Artistic women and men across the country and around the world have discovered a new way to showcase their talents - the "Cigar Box Purse."
These one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art are considered by many, to be treasured finds and valuable collectibles.Many of these cigar box fashionistas are regular members of a Yahoo Group dedicated to the design and creation of cigar box purses.
The group consists of artists from across the US and other countries, who share their designs, resources, and ideas, so that each artisan can make the most of their unique talents, particularly in their own communities.The Galleria of Cigar Box Art is the brain-child of Marlene Wong-Doutaz, owner and principal designer of Mushu Treasures (http://mushutreasures.com) and was created to give independent artisans the opportunity to display their work, on both a local and national level.
If a customer is interested in buying one of the pieces or placing a special custom order, the independent artist's contact information is listed so that the buyer may contact them directly."There are so many unique talents out there when it comes to cigar box purses. I felt it was important to give artists a forum to showcase their works, who might otherwise go unnoticed," says Wong-Doutaz. "I think visitors to the Galleria will find there's something to suit everyone's tastes."At the Galleria (http://imageevent.com/publicgallery/artsandcrafts/galleria000), visitors can enjoy the many diverse talents of featured artisans.

Each month, the Galleria will feature artists whose hearts have found a home in this art form.This month's featured artists are:ELIZABETH DUNN (EDJY Designs)No stranger to the world of art, this North Hills, California collage artist became fascinated by cigar box purses a few years back after a visit from a college friend. Awed by the overall design and style of the cigar box purse her friend had designed she was determined to create a cigar box purse of her own. Her friend, an artist in her own right, graciously shared the basic materials and technique she used in creating her stunning purses. Dunn's initial efforts were used as samples for teaching classes at local art stores. "But with the support and enthusiasm of Cigar_Box_Purse egroup," says Dunn, "I have a renewed perspective of my unique style of box designs as well as the creative edge they offer, and I embrace those differences.

I enjoy the work I produce and the ability to share it with others."
Dunn's work can be found at local craft fairs, the Galleria of Cigar Box Art, or by email at e-mail protected from spam bots.BARBARA KAUFFMAN (Sunsettimes)Barbara Kauffman of Sunsettimes came upon the idea of designing cigar box purses because of her husband's (a devoted cigar smoker) rapidly expanding cigar box collection. Being an "I can do something with those" type of person she started dabbling with a variety of designs but was afraid to show them to anyone. That all changed after a visit to South Beach, FL with her sister. Barbara designed a purse for her sister as a thank you for the trip. "I mailed it to her and she went ballistic and wanted more," recalls Kauffman.

"Her travels take her to some great locations. She takes my purses with her and markets them wherever she goes."
Kauffman's designs include evening bags, motorcycle styles, sequin and bead designs and unusual scenes. Her purses can be found at the Tinder Box in New Bern, NC, on her website http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7ibf9/sunsettimes2/ and the Galleria of Cigar Box Art. PRU THOMPSON (Purse-a-nally Pru)Pru Thompson of Purse~a~nally Pru was bitten by the creativity bug as a child. "My mother still talks about me as a very little girl sitting on the kitchen floor for hours practicing how to make the perfect bow," says Thompson.

"I love beautiful things...fabrics, ribbons, trims, papers, wood, and beads!" This life-long love has led Thompson to crafting cigar box purses. "I had been looking for something that I could make and sell incorporating the things I love. I did an internet search to see what was out there and cigar box purses kept popping up...I was hooked."
Thompson's purses can be seen in the Galleria of Cigar Box Art and she will have an exhibit at the Creative Craft Fair at Pearkes Arena in her hometown of Victoria, BC on Nov 11-14, 2004. For further information or to purchase one of Thompson's creations, contact her directly at e-mail protected from spam bots.The Galleria of Cigar Box Art ? http://imageevent.com/publicgallery/artsandcrafts/galleria000The_Cigar_Box_Purse_Group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/the_cigar_box_purse_group/Mushu Treasures (Marlene Wong-Doutaz, Editor) - http://mushutreasures.comCigar Box Diva (Lisa Cody, Editor) ? http://cigarboxdiva.com.

Online eFashionHouse Almost Gives Authentic Hermes Designer Handbags Away

(ContentDesk) March 10, 2006 -- No more having to dream about owning a famed Hermes Designer Kelly Bag or Hermes Birkin Bag, eFashionHouse.com is currently running a sale this month to make your Hermes dreams a reality.
With prices on authentic New and Vintage Hermes designer handbags, 100% silk Hermes scarves, Hermes leather gloves and many other Hermes accessories already as much as 75% off retail, eFashionHouse.com sets a new record with automatically increasing savings to an additional 15% off.
To receive an additional 15% savings throughout March 2006, on all authentic Hermes brand merchandise, type in the coupon code 15HERMES at check out.
See why Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffanys) and many other Hollywood Legends have made Hermes their designer purse brand of choice. Hermes is a world reknown fashionista status symbol.

When surveyed recently on the well known Purse Blog, 80% of respondants said Hermes is the bag of choice...

Chainmaille Artists Maille Mystique Use Cyberspace to Build Friendship, Business

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (ContentDesk) June 22, 2006 - Debra Dale and Carol Branting stumbled into each other two years ago in an online message board for jewelry making enthusiasts and became fast friends. Now the two are business partners  but theyve never actually met in person. Despite the distance, the two have created a successful line of high-quality handcrafted chainmaille jewelry and purses using the internet.Dale relocated to Union, Kentucky after her husband was forced to transfer from his job at a plant in Illinois, where she had lived her whole life. "It's been a lonely experience at this stage of my life. Creating chainmaille is calming and therapeutic," says Dale.

Once Dale started experimenting with the technique, she found she had a talent for it.
Branting, of Marshall, Minnesota, is the Maille Mystique web guru and specializes in chainmaille necklaces. Does she ever wish that she could sit down with her partner over a cup of coffee to discuss strategy or share...

Duct Tape Crafts

Duct tapes have become an indispensable part of a tool kit. These strong, multi-purpose adhesive tapes are a popular means of fixing broken materials and equipments. However, the use of duct tapes is not limited to emergency patch-up measures. They are now used for creating a range of accessories and decorative items. Today, duct tape crafts are featured in many lifestyle books and magazines.

There are a growing number of fans and patrons for this art. Duct tape crafts have almost become a cult in the United States. A whole new breed of experts has emerged to cater to the rising demands of duct tape crafts.

Duct tape crafts are now a common feature in competitions held at various cultural events. Popular items created with duct tapes include wallets, belts, guitar straps, purses, bracelets, folders, visors and backpacks.

This craft is also applied in the fashion industry. Many retailers feature fashionable duct tape handbags sporting reputed brand names. Duck...

My Swag Bag Aims to Put Cash Back in Your Pocket

(ContentDesk) June 10, 2005 -- My Swag Bag launches its cashback service to the UK market. Offering members ?5 for simply signing up and the chance to win ?2,000 in cash. Mike Fitzgerald, Director of Bone Fish Limited said; "This is a very exciting product. Many other such sites have existed in the past but none have the experience we have. Dating-Central.com has been a successful product for 5 years and we intend to do the same with MySwagBag.com.

By Christmas we intend to have Swag Cards in the wallets and purses of every member on the service."This may seem like a bold statement but Dating-Central has over 1.5 million members, making it one of the biggest dating services in the UK. My Swag Bag will also offer other incentives such as ?5 per friend referred and free weekly offers.My Swag Bag is also actively seeking partners to come on board and offer members significant cashback.For more information, visit www.MySwagBag.com.Contact:Michael...

Celebrate Discount Designer Purses eFashionHouse.com Named 'Best of the Web' PEOPLE Magazine Plus 10% Off Shopping Spree

Santa Monica, CA (ContentDesk) August 15, 2006 -- eFashionhouse.com has been renowned by fashionistas worldwide as an online leader in providing designer handbags and accessories at a discount for over 10 years.
Now, PEOPLE magazine is recognizing eFashionhouse.com as "Best of the Web" in its Fall 2006 special edition of StyleWatch which hit the newsstands August 4, 2006. People StyleWatch page 40, Best of the Web, Clip & Click -- save page 40 for future reference.

Galleria of Cigar Box Art speakers Purses

Expert Wedding Planner and Designer Provides Stress-Free Tips For Planning The Perfect Day

Cape Coral, FL (ContentDesk) May 22, 2006 -- Wedding season is just around the corner, and brides everywhere are kicking their plans into high gear with last-minute details, fittings, bridesmaids discussions and meetings with musicians, caterers and florists. Although this time of the year is supposed to be the happiest time of your life, it also can be the most stressful.???There are so many details that come with planning a wedding, said Kelly McWilliams, wedding planner and founder of Weddings...

When less is more - Swimsuit Designer Can't Keep See-Through Styles in Stock

When it comes to swimwear, a growing number of women are becoming willing to bare all. Their interest in the skimpiest, see-through designs has helped one manufacturer find a niche market that appears to be gaining steam.Dangerous Curves Swimwear, a 4-year old Internet-based retailer in California has seen sales skyrocket over the last 2 years since the company began selling a line of totally see-through bikinis. With the most miniscule thong bottoms and tops that are often just a whisper of...