Getting ready for Christmas on Artfire

Here are a few items I've recently listed in both my Etsy and Artfire stores. I think both are perfect for the holidays. I have so much more to make, but the summer is almost gone! I'm sure it will be another hectic season, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Little Changes Make Big Differences

The world we share:

I want to be greener because I love the environment. Well, most of the time anyway. I don’t love it when pollen blankets my town, which sadly is more often than not. I’m one of the unlucky ones. Every season is allergy season.

Still, I can’t help but marvel at what is outside my windows. The world around me is beautiful and I believe in taking care of it, not just for me or my children. I want to save it for their children’s children, so I’m making little changes.

I recycle all my plastic, glass, and cans. I never, ever litter. I’ve switched from aerosol sprays to pumps and my bad hair days prove it. I try to buy organic when it’s locally produced and understand that buying organic from afar is bad. After all, the truck that hauls the organic bananas is leaving quite a smoggy footprint.

I wash in cold water—most of the time. I don’t use the dishwasher until it’s fully loaded and I faithfully turn off or unplug anything not in use. I do all of this to help my grandchildren’s inheritance, their grandchildren’s inheritance. I don’t know what kind of world they will end up with. I can only hope it’s at least as beautiful as the one I wake up to now.

Recently, I was told a newer version of an old story about making small changes. It’s about doing little things to make big differences. The latest version was about a little girl walking along a beach just as hundreds of newly hatched baby turtles struggled to reach the sea. As they made their way, crabs darted from sandy holes, dragging the turtles beneath the surface. Those who made it to the water’s edge were often pushed back by the incoming waves. The girl watched in sadness as the turtles faced one obstacle after another, knowing that even in the water they faced danger. She couldn’t protect them there, but she could do something.

Two by two, she gently picked up the turtles and tossed them as far as she could into the ocean … two by two … two by two. An old woman sat watching. Shaking her head she said, “You know, it doesn’t matter what you do here. You won’t make much difference. Most of these turtles are gonna die anyway.”

The little girl threw two more turtles into the sea and said, “I just made a difference to those two.”

When things seem overwhelming, try to remember that little changes can make big differences. You can’t stop global warming on your own, nor can you clean the earth’s water. What you can do is join the millions of others doing little things to make big changes.

Christmas In July Sale CIJS

Recently, I added two Holiday Necklaces to my Artfire Store to celebrate my Christmas In July Sale. The Snowman Necklace is my most popular Holiday Necklace. I do have matching earrings, but they are not currently listed yet. This necklace never disappoints. I sell a lot of them simply because they make perfect stocking gifts, party gifts, and teacher gifts. Last year, I sold ten to a woman who had twins in Middle School. She bought one for each of her daughter's teachers.

The Ruby Christmas Tree, however, is my favorite. One reason is that I love Rubies, but I love the simple clean lines of the Tree. This is my last Christmas Tree necklace Charm. I don't plan to order more unless I get a request for them. Previously, I put other colors on top. Some people preferred green while others wanted a Citrine or Crystal. All of them were lovely!

I have these and more at my Artfire Store: http://www.Maggiemcmanedesigns.artfire.com

Christmas In July Sale On Artfire! Maggie McMane Designs

"CIJS"

It’s Christmas in July on Artfire, where many sellers are having special sales all in order to help you save time and money! If you are like me, you like to get a handle on Christmas as early as possible. For me, the season is one of great faith and joy. It is also a busy time filling jewelry orders, decorating, traveling to Charleston for a weekend, making Christmas cookies for friends, and taking care of sick kids.

So why wait? Why not start now? Make a list of family members and friends you give gifts to. Figure out at least three items for each person. Three things they would really like to have. Three things you would like to give them. If you need to save money now is not too late to start a Christmas account at your local bank or labeling a money jar for under your bed. Whatever works.

If you have the money now, start your search at Artfire.com from the comfort of your home or work if it’s allowed. Maggie McMane Designs is now having a store wide 20% off sale. Shipping is free for purchases over $100, so please visit if jewelry is on your list. http://www.maggiemcmanedesigns.artfire.com/

Don’t stop there. You can find a huge selection of soaps, candles, make up, clothing, scarves, dog outfits, photographs, paintings and more. You will find the Christmas In July Sale by searching for “CIJS” at www.artfire.com!