Give the Gift of Gratitude

If you haven't lost your job yet, be thankful. Heard on the television this morning. "No one is immune from this terrible economy. You can still do something to help someone else out."

Totally!

All the packages are wrapped and under the tree. This afternoon we pick up our out of town children, then we are in for almost two weeks of family and friends. So, you won't hear much from us for the next week for sure.

Be mindful to give yourself and the ones you love the gifts of gratitude, joy, peace, laughter, conversation and good cheer.

Our love to all!

buyoutsidethebox.com

Above: I'm sharing the beautiful picture artist Ildikó Kalapács sent to me. It was taken in Slocam Valley, Canada.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Craft Emergency Relief Fund Reminder

Sake Sets made by Andrew Pollack, A CERF recipient, who was a victim of hurricane Katrina

Craft Emergency Relief Fund is committed to supporting the careers of craft artists throughout the United States. Through business and career-strengthening programs, emergency relief support, advocacy and research CERF helps professional craft artists strengthen and sustain their careers so that they can thrive and, thus, contribute to the quality of life in our communities. We urge you to think of artists in need this holiday season. If you are considering a contribution to a charity and you love art, click here! Supporting CERF is a great way to support the arts.--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Don't let this 12 Hour Sale Get Away From You

For the Fisherman on your List
"The One that Got Away"
Ellen Hobgood

My daughter called me from Target yesterday afternoon. "This is a little overwhelming," she said. "I'm standing in front of the wii section and there must be a hundred little kids in front of me looking at the same thing.

While Target is one of my favorite big boxes, and wii certainly has a more healthy approach to interaction than any other video system I've been exposed to, it seems to me total madness that after six weeks of meeting a deadline, working 24/7 my daughter felt compelled to drive an hour to the suburbs to shop for her family.

"I have to do some touchy feely shopping," she explained. This I do understand, but in a half hour I had wrapped up all my holiday shopping online. I didn't use any gas. I didn't get high-blood pressure or gridlocked into traffic for hours.

Today is the 15th of December. It's almost too late to order for this holiday season from us, unless you do it today. As a little surprise for our ardent blog readers, we are offering 10 percent discount off anything on our website for the next 12 hours. Starting at 10 a.m. this morning.

We have so many things to offer you this year, not just art, but handmade toys, a few fun gadgets and a plethora of incredible art. We guarantee your satisfaction and offer you a full refund policy if you are not absolutely pleased. Our site is absolutely secure. But most of all your gifts will be made with the soul and passion of an artist.

May all your days be filled with family and fun. --Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Collecting Art Glass

Vase by Eric Dandurand

Click this link to read an excellent article about collecting art glass that recently appeared in the Houston Chronicle.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Ellen Hobgood Santa Surprise Christmas 2008

Long anticipated is the new release of Ellen Hobgood's 2008 "Christmas Surprise." If you love Santa, you'll love collecting Hobgood's expressive renditions. We offer these giclees to you at very affordable prices. Ellen has a strong following and many collectors purchase one of her Santas each year. Now you can have this affordable treasure in a giclee format that is almost like owning an original. At such reasonable prices you can start a collection for someone you love or they make a great tradition for newlyweds too.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Amazing New Digital Photo Frame Will Change Your Life

How would you like to be sitting in your living room, when new photos of the grandkids started appearing on your 8" digital photo frame? It can happen now, and you don't even have to be computer literate with this amazing new digital technology available through Our Home Spaces. Now, by owning this amazing "smart" photo frame, you can enjoy the freshest images of your loved ones via email or RSS feed. The prices is comparable to digital photo frames that don't offer this amazing feature. Also, what makes this digital frame TOTALLY unique is that you can directly email from your phone to the picture frame - No facebook, picasso, flickr, etc. There is not another frame out there that does this. Just in time for Christmas, we bring this great "gift" to you in our 2008 Gift Guide Technology Section.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Cool New Art Glass Wine Bottle Stoppers

We are so pleased to announce--just in time for Christmas no less-- new work by Eric Dandurand. We have two new vases, but for those thinking Creative Consumerism™ style, you'll want to stock up on his rainbow of colors, wine bottle stoppers. They make a great present under the tree or as a stocking stuffer. When ordering, please specify your color preference. Don't wait around, this offer doesn't last forever!--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved