Thursday, October 30, 2008

Indiepublic

Indiepublic is a social networking site similar to Facebook or Myspace. Indiepublic describes itself as "an independent art and design community." They advertise that, "if you're an artist, designer, retailer, blogger, or just someone who gets giddy when they buy indie" then you will feel at home at Indiepublic.

Like my Facebook promotion, you can sign up to be my friend on my profile page. I will contact my friends from time to time with special discounts and promotions!

I'm a member of a couple of groups so far at Indiepublic that you might enjoy looking at, which include the Western New York Etsy Team, Carvers United, and the Land of Etsy.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Become a Fan on Facebook

I am a member of Facebook, and if you are also on Facebook (because lets face it, it isn't EVIL like some people think, its fun and very useful to contact others) you can become a fan of Jackbear Stamps!


On my fan page, you can connect to by blog, see listing for upcoming special event, see my photos, and this is key...I will be contacting my fans through Facebook with special discounts and promotions!

Don't wait...become a fan TODAY! Yeah!!!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Holiday Orders

I am now taking pre-orders for custom hand carved rubber stamps for the Holidays!

My favorite gifts are those that I knew required some thought and effort. Sure, it probably is easier to walk into Walmart, pick up some plastic foreign made trinket, and stick it in a box, and call it a gift. However, when I get a gift that was handmade with love, I know that someone cares for me. I also know that there was an artist or craftsman who was not only compensated for their trade, but who felt good about selling a piece of their hard work.

There has been a lot in the news lately about sustainability. Which simply means supporting the things that we can replace as easy as we used it. Supporting artisans and craftspeople who do their work on a small scale, supports sustainability. I don't have to mass produce a lot of junk that will never sell. This way I don't waste resources, and don't make more trash. The environment is important to me, so I use recycled mailers for shipping as well.

But back to my point, why not this Holiday season, buy something handmade? I like this website where folks pledge to buy Handmade.

Also, I think when you give an item customized for the recipient, you know it will be a big hit! I can create a custom bookplate, a custom portrait, or anything else you can come up with, and carve it into a rubber stamp.

Things will be getting busy real soon, and custom orders take a little longer to produce, so contact me now so we can get your order going, and to you in time for the Holiday rush!

I do ship Internationally!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Geothermal Challenge!

The Mad Scientists of Etsy have a monthly challenge that revolves around a theme. The theme for October 2008 was "Geothermal." Each artisan creates an item that is inspired by the theme. Some create soap, jewelry, plush creatures, you name it! Above is my contribution!

As you know, I'm a rubber stamp carver. I carved a rubber stamp of the image of Old Faithful, taken from an old Parks Service poster that is available in the public domain. I stamped it in black, blue, and then "photoshopped" the four color version in the middle. I can't decide which one I like best? Which one do you like?

This is a little sneak preview for my readers, this stamp will be offered for sale in the coming week in my Etsy shop.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Splitcoaststampers

Why would you use a rubber stamp? At the mundane office, you might use it to save time, by stamping something instead of writing it. If you are a business owner, you might use a stamp to mark your packaging or merchandise.

The folks who participate at Splitcoaststampers take the art of rubber stamping to a whole new level! The folks here come up with AMAZING ways to use a rubber stamp, from cards, to scrapbooks, and everything else you can think of! This community of craftspeople has a very active forum, and galleries that they post examples of their work through. If you have never checked out this site, and you are into rubber stamps, this is the Nirvana of Rubber Stamps artwork. It is rated #1 in rubber stamp websites!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Carving Like Crazy!

Wow! I have had a great day today! I have had multiple requests today for custom made stamps. I am working on three small portraits, a shop name logo stamp, and a cute little avatar. I also put a logo stamp in the mail today to Canada!

I have to give a shout out to the leather artisans of Etsy because I'm working on my third stamp that has come from that community, and they are so talented, you should check out their fine leather wares, namely RADCOW, sewlutionsbyamo, and leatherfromtheabyss.

I also got a couple more science stamps in the shop. The one pictured here, a cool little pair of vintage binoculars (because I'm an avid birder, and you need to have good optics for birding), and a cool old microscope!

Anyway, better go get carving!!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

WNY Etsy Team


I have joined another team as well, but this time with a team that is local to me, the Western New York Etsy Team. This team is made up of artisans and crafts people from all towns west of Syracuse in New York State.

Lots of the sellers in this group are located in Buffalo, and participate in an interesting arts and crafts show each month called the Buffalo Indie Market. Buffalo Indie Market is open every second Sunday of the month from 12PM to 5PM. I hope to be able to attend one of these in the future, it sounds awesome! It takes place at the Pearle Street Grille and Brewery and it's indoors (smart move for Buffalo, right!)