All Natural & Organic Gifts By Diana

Organic Gifts By Diana now uses ecrater as my main online store

2011-07-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

I have refused to be held virtual hostage by the constant raising of prices (and "upgrades" that they want to charge for even if I do not want them) by my last webhost.
So, OrganicGiftsByDiana will mainly be found on eCrater
Main Website: http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/

I also have a little Vintage and Gift Shop in Hubbard, Ohio at 6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road.

Looking for Organic Gifts by Diana ?

2011-06-28T04:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to all of my great customers on my store's website http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/

I am writing to let you know that I also have a store here: http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/ as well and have been moving many of my items over because my webhost is doubling/tripling the cost of having a store at BiSi/highwire.
http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/ will be my main online store now.

I do want to try to set up PayPal buttons on my informational/educational website eventually as well http://dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com/

Please continue using my BiSi store as you do now, but if it is gone in the future, I wanted you to know how to find me.

Thank you so much and please keep on thinking and living as naturally as you can :)

Organically Yours,
Diana

http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/

All Natural handmade soaps, lip balms, perfumed cremes and other Gifts featuring herbs and flowers from my own organic gardens.
Pamper your skin, scent your home, awaken your senses, and be kind to the earth too.

My most requested Organic Garden Recipes + Great Kitchen items:
http://secretsofgreatchefs.com/

My Pet Stuff Deals
http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/category.php?cid=1055123

Some of my writing and teachings... http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural

Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop now has electronics booth

2011-05-15T04:36:00.000-07:00

Diana's Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop - "Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop" on facebook - has a new vendor who just set up her electronics... booth.
You can read more about it here on my web page for the gift shop: http://www.squidoo.com/Gifts-and-Collectibles-Business#module150204494

Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop gets a new look

2011-04-03T04:02:00.000-07:00

I have been cleaning and moving things in and moving other things around...
We have a new display of make-up and nail polish - most of which is only priced at $1.00 each !
Have you seen the book room since I decorated it to look all comfy and cozy ?
The vintage jewelry lady's booth and the Crafter's Corner (full of craft supplies at a discount) are being re-done to give it a fresh look too.
There are also some Spring floral arrangements that just came in this week.
And then there is the ceramics booth where there are cute Spring items - both in bisque to paint yourself or you can buy already painted items. She also has been bringing in some beautiful hand crocheted doilies, dish clothes, pot holders, soap bags, can and bottle cozies, and bookmarks... too !
We have many new greeting cards, vintage home decor items, gift baskets already made up and you can order specially made gift baskets by leaving a small non-returnable deposit.
Oh, and don't forget to pick up your copy of The News of Hubbard every week - we are a drop-off spot each Wednesday.

Organically Yours,
Diana

Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop
http://www.squidoo.com/Gifts-and-Collectibles-Business
*Featuring Diana's all natural and handmade items + several other vendors...
6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road
Hubbard, Ohio 44425
closed Monday and Tuesday
Open noon-5 on Wednesday and Sunday
Open 10-5 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop has growing pains

2011-02-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

The Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop needs a little help from our friends.
Here's a post I made about the situation on my facebook fan page for the Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop
http://www.facebook.com/Organic.Gifts.By.Diana#!/notes/diana-burrell-shipton/hubbard-ohio-gift-shop-needs-a-little-help-from-its-friends/500562730667
Please "like" it and comment if you like and help us to get the word out.

For those who not on facebook, here is the quote so you know how to help:
I need extra help to get the word out about my Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop now as apparently the township has a rule forbidding the putting up of any streamers, signs or banners...

I had been putting a banner up on the fence next to the Gift Shop - with the neighbor's permission of course- and taking it down every night when I got a visit from the township about it.

The man was very nice about it and felt bad, but as he said "Rules are rules..." and I don't have the money to have the issue put on the docket to ask for a variance which could be denied and then I would still be out the money for nothing.

Sooooooooooo,

Please tell your friends and neighbors about us.

Thanks everyone !

Tell them to look for the building, the address - 6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road, and the signs/information on my windows... and any sidewalk sale items... since I cannot put anything out away from the building that they can see while driving by.

The banner I had on the fence was about 15-20 feet or so from the road so it could be seen for anyone who was looking for my Gift Shop yet not be a danger, but the township says they are not allowed because they are a distraction to drivers - LOL - Isn't that what a sign or banner is supposed to do, get attention ?

It makes no sense. Towns all over, including Hubbard, are crying about the economy and their tax base shrinking and the lack of businesses but they make it hard for a new business to get started - let alone to expand, grow and thrive !

Organically Yours,

Diana

If you are local or near the area, please help to get the word out about our little gift shop.

Choir fundraiser - please help if you can

2010-10-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

The chorus in Hubbard, Ohio is having a fundraiser and selling a bunch of goodies that will be delivered (on November 15th) directly to the address that you submit on your order.
If anyone wants anything, my youngest and the entire chorus would really appreciate it.

Thank you so much !
...Here is her direct link to order:
Hubbard choir fundraiser - direct link - Thank you !

Organically Yours,
Diana

Diana's Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop - photos

2010-10-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Diana's Hubbard Ohio Gift shop
6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road
Hubbard,Ohio 44425
We now have 10 vendors, with room for 1 or 2 more !
These are just a few of the things available:
Here are some photos of my Hubbard Ohio Gift Shop that were posted on facebook
There's something for just about everyone - we even make gift baskets to order with a day or 2 notice.

vendor booth openings in Hubbard Ohio store

2010-07-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

We have a couple of vendor booth openings in Hubbard Ohio at our store at 6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard, Ohio starting this week !
So, if you or someone you know wants to start a booth or expand a business into the Hubbard, Ohio area - let me know and we can set up an appointment.

* We will only take one vendor of each type of items - a little overlap is fine, but I want to be fair to all vendors.

Here is a page I made a
while back (I will be making changes to it as the Petzie's booth is leaving - and I will add the new vendors info when it is appropriate) with some photos:
http://www.squidoo.com/Gifts-and-Collectibles-Business
Please let me know if you are someone you know is thinking about setting up so we can make an
appointment to stop by to talk to me for a tour and to get the details.

I do not have my papers in front of me, but if I remember
correctly it is something like this:
We will have room for one or two small booths (about 6x8) at about $100 a month) and 2 large ones (about 8x12) at about $200 a month.
*Again, I'm not positive about sizes or the $ amount, (AND the first person to join us will get a small discount) but this gives you an idea to go by.
When the person watches her/his own booth then they just pay the booth rent.
Whenever the person is not there watching their booth for whatever reason (illness, vacation, left early...) and he/she makes a sale, then the store charges a 10% (of the sale) fee. 5% goes to whichever
partner Mom, me or Amanda) made the sale for their time and the other 5% goes
into an advertising/marketing/supplies... kitty for the whole store.
We also have a sidewalk sale about every 5-6 weeks to help us clear out inventory and to bring extra attention to the store.

I did/do a ton of online advertising and we have all put up flyers and passed out
business cards... and one of the vendors has put an ad in the Youngstown, Ohio area's Metro Monthly for the last 4-5 months.
We will have an article in the Warren Tribune in about a month or so as well.
I want to put ads in the local Hubbard papers too.
We have a pretty good clientele for our half of the store with the vintage jewelry, gifts, books, and videos... so far and we have new customers finding us often so we want to stay - we just
need a few vendors to take the place of the person who is leaving who had the
other half of the store.
There are quite a few regular customers and we are getting new folks too regularly too.

Almost everything in the place is ours as far as the fridge, microwave, chairs... so the kitchen area is good to go and vendors get to use it for free. They would just need to take
turns/or chip in to the coffee/napkins/tea/etcetera fund if they wanted to share
our supplies. Of course, they can use the microwave and put a lunch in our
fridge for free :)

Although we spread the news about the store, EACH booth needs to do their own word-of-mouth... marketing (and is encouraged to have their own business cards if they like) as well because they may see folks that we never would.

Spare my nose and lungs please !

2010-06-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

I was just reading another perfumer's blog about the difference between a real natural perfume and the mainstream scented items that saturate today's world.

I wrote this comment about one of her wonderfully written posts:
"I so wish more folks would read this post of yours !

We are so bombarded with fake scents everywhere that even I (who is in my 40's and had never had an allergy or anything) have developed in these last 6 months or so a strong sensitivity to so many of the fake scents out there.
I have to be very careful when I go in public.
I have to watch where I sit and make sure I am not too close to someone who is wearing scented deodorant or some fake perfume.
I even have to be careful about walking into empty rooms !
I walked into an empty bathroom a few months ago and out of nowhere the automatic "air freshener" went off and I had to run out of the bathroom. Even getting out of there quickly was not enough as it got on ME and in my hair...
I had a headache and difficulty breathing for a few hours until I could air out.
It is getting to be unsafe to be out in public these days :(

Organically Yours,
Diana"

Here is that great post by Maggie that inspired my comment - it is a must-read:
http://architectureofperfume.blogspot.com/2009/12/public-or-private.html

Diana's products can be found in Hubbard Ohio

2010-06-16T05:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the wonderful New York Times article last Thursday - see my last blog post - I have had so much interest in my all natural and handmade products.

My website has become very popular:
http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/

For the local folks:
I have a display set up at Fabulous Interiors on the Square in Hubbard Ohio and a small display set up at Petzie's Gift Shop at 6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard.
If you go to either, please tell them I sent you.

I do not "sell" from the house/shop, but I sometimes allow appointments to visit and if you happen to see something you like, well...
Right now though everything is a mess because I was right in the middle of drying a bunch of of my herbs and flowers (which are spread out all over) and was/am infusing several batches of my scented oils for the perfumes and soaps...
So, I am not taking visitors for a while until I start to get caught up a little ;)
AND, I have been inundated with emails and orders because of the article so I am even more behind in my work, but it is a nice problem to have in this economy - LOL

Organically Yours,
Diana

My New York Times write up

2010-06-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed by The New York Times about how I make my all natural perfumed products and other products like my body balms and hand-sewn items... from my organic garden.

I am just a small fry in the world of Natural Perfumery, but was still included among the others because he really liked how I live and that I try to teach others about natural living too in my Squidoo lenses/pages... .
It pays to Squidoo folks, so if you are not there already, go to my Squidoo page called Natural Perfumed body creams and click the link to make your own page.

My part is on page 2 of the article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/10/garden/10perfume.html?pagewanted=1&ref=garden

Organically Yours,
Diana

earn free items - take surveys and record purchases

2010-05-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

Earn free gifts by answering surveys and recording your purchases.
I have earned a free booster seat when my youngest was a baby, 2 cordless weedwackers, solar lanterns, and the triple tray food warmers that I used at my parents' party + many other free items.
Sign up here:
http://www.ncpsignup.com/start
It is fun making your opinion count and as a bonus, you get free stuff !

A wonderful author

2010-05-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

My friend and awesome childens' books & mysteries author has written a new childrens' book and had it published @maryrussel
Read a short bio about her and excerpts from some of her books here:
Mary Russel: A self portrait
http://www.squidoo.com/maryrussel

My Recipe site was voted the BEST

2010-05-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

My Squidoo Lens won The Best Site for May, 2010 at The Selling Lounge !
http://www.squidoo.com/Organic_Garden_Recipes
:)

Most Popular Items

2010-04-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

My most popular (and best selling) items:

http://natural-gifts-by-diana.health.officelive.com/popular.aspx

Tips and products to de-stress Naturally

2010-04-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

STRESSED out ?
See my Squidoo page: Natural Relaxation tips & products to Relax, Naturally !
http://www.squidoo.com/Relax-Naturally

Register for Wedding Gifts for free

2010-04-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

Wedding plans ?
Sign up for my free gift registry for my one-of-a-kind handmade wedding gifts and choose your favorite things.
You can also get your invitations, wedding binder, gift ideas + some GREEN ideas here:
http://www.squidoo.com/Old-Fashioned-and-Green-Wedding

2010-04-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

I spent all day Saturday cleaning the counters, the kitchen, the bathroom... and my oldest helped out by sweeping and dusting the display areas and the living room.

I'm trying to get ready to restock my soaps, lip balms, perfumes, body balms...
I do have several of my hand-sewn items done as I worked on them while I was relaxing in the evenings and during the slow times when I was helping out at the family store this past Winter, but I have been way too busy doing everything else to be able to sit down and measure/photograph/list these though.

I do have some soaps already done from this past Autumn. They still need weighed, labeled and photographed so I can list them. I'll try to get to it soon, but they will probably have to wait until after my parents' party in May.

I will be collecting the Spring flowers soon to dry them and make my scented oils for perfumes and balms.
I'm trying to get this all done in between planning my parents' 50th party - so much to do and it's pretty much just me doing it.
I see a ton of cooking... in my near future ;)

Organically Yours,
Diana

Read the article about my handmade items

2010-03-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

A local Hubbard, Ohio store owner LOVES my stuff and has a display of them in her store !
Here's what she wrote about my handmade items:
http://fabulousinteriorsllc.wordpress.com/2010/03/07/in-store-vendor-spotlight-organic-gifts-by-diana/

Have an Old Fashioned yet Green Wedding - or any event

2010-02-27T05:59:00.000-08:00

Planning a wedding (or any event) and want to make GREENer choices ?

Not everything can easily be 100% GREEN and not everyone wants to be either, but how about taking just a few steps toward being more environmentally friendly.

Here I give several options for GREENer choices - pick one or use them all depending on what you want to do and you can do.
http://www.squidoo.com/Old-Fashioned-and-Green-Wedding

my latest designs

2010-02-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Look at this cute dog shirt. It is one of my newest designs:
http://www.zazzle.com/old_fashioned_lilacs_go_ahead_call_me_old_dog_shirt-155492057342921129

Be sure to hit the enlarge button to be able to read it.

Pet Stuff for sale - Update

2010-02-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

Do you know anyone who needs dog collars, dog leashes, dog harnesses, Titan training collar extra links, dog outfits for small dogs ?
Please send them my way ;)

I bought out a small pet store.
This pet stuff is all new, but because it was hanging/sitting in a store, some of
it got a little dusty or a little dinged up, and some of the packages
have sun fade... .
So I'm listing... these things for less than they were supposed to be.
These are scans as I don't have my camera.
I do combine for shipping IF you email me after you are finished buying - please see the FAQ for the rest of the details.

I have just started listing them, so please check back often as there will be more:

http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/category.php?cid=1055123

Pet Stuff for sale :) in Hubbard Ohio and beyond

2010-02-03T05:23:00.000-08:00

I just got a whole box of dog stuff in because I couldn't pass it up for the price.
I needed some new harnesses, leashes, and new toys... for my 2 Beagles and went searching the web. I found someone who was closing their pet store and I got this whole box of dog harnesses, dog collars, dog leashes, dog toys, dog outfits and dog coats for small dogs, and other dog stuff !
There was some cat collars and cat leashes too.
I am going to see if my cousin's girlfriend who runs the new store on Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard, Ohio called "Petzie's - Pet Stuff - Gift Shop - Books and So Much More" wants to put my extras in her store on consignment.
If not, I will start a little online store for them.

My new phone and a Verizon review

2010-01-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

Here's my review:
http://www.squidoo.com/NEOhio-Western-Pa-product-and-service-reviews

My 1820's House and all natural products

2010-01-22T05:11:00.000-08:00

Diana's 1820's House - Homestead, family memories, and All Natural products...

http://www.squidoo.com/1825-house-old-homestead

My house & all natural products were even on WFMJ TV before :)

My interview with Small Business Reports

2010-01-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed by an online business resource called Small Business Reports
Here is the interview:
http://www.smallbusinessreports.info/interview-with-owner-of-orgainc-gifts-by-diana.html

Time to Relax

2010-01-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

Do you need to Relax, Naturally ?
Here are some Natural Relaxation step-by-step tips and some natural products
http://www.squidoo.com/Relax-Naturally

Fabulous Interiors store in Hubbard Ohio

2010-01-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

I told you in two previous posts about the local store owner asking me to bring in some of my things for the owner to see so she could decide if she wanted to display/sell some of them in her store...
- see what happened here:
http://www.squidoo.com/44425/hubbard-ohio

How to have an Old Fashioned yet Green Wedding

2009-12-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here's my newest writing:

How to have an Old Fashioned yet Green Wedding
http://www.squidoo.com/Old-Fashioned-and-Green-Wedding

Show your own style and be environmentally friendly at the same time !

How are YOU trying to be Green ?

2009-12-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

Trying to be Green can be so tough
Just finding the materials to make my items - that are both organic AND as local as possible to avoid using so much transportation and fossil fuels... is impossible for some things.

I use my own homegrown (in my organic gardens) herbs and flowers and buy organic fabrics whenever possible for my items.
Finding local organic fabric is tough, so I use quite a bit of vintage fabrics to make my hand-sewn items - at least it is keeping it out of a landfill and I am not buying any new non-organic fabrics.
I also use vintage buttons, trims, lace...

To me, using vintage fabrics and notions is not only being Green, but it also gives handmade items an extra special something too.

Handmade AND Vintage = Beautiful, Useful, and Green too !

Organically Yours,
Diana

My little reporter

2009-12-24T03:46:00.000-08:00

My 11 year old has an interview at The Winner a big store in a neighboring town that sells designer women's clothes at a discount.
She is doing a backyard history project for the Quest program at her school on the store as it has been around for quite a few years.
I hate going into town on busy days, but she has to get her school work done.

I helped her a little to refine her introduction and the questions that she will be asking in the interview.
She did a great job and didn't need very much refining at all.

She called on Tuesday to introduce herself and set up this appointment.
She did great on the phone introduction and explanation of the assignment.

That's my girl :)

More local success for Hubbard Ohio business

2009-12-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Diana's Hand-Sewn and All Natural Products are getting even more popular !

Diana's Hand-Sewn and All Natural Products are getting more local recognition.
Another local Hubbard, Ohio store has asked me to bring in a display of my All Natural handmade products and some of my hand sewn items to sell them in her downtown store right in the center of town.

This lady has a store in town with furniture and other things - she also does interior design...
She found my website and emailed me last week about putting some of my things in her store !
I emailed her back and will go to meet with her next week or so to talk about it.
I hope she knows that it is JUST me and not a whole crew that makes my things and that my hand-sewn items take time and are one-of-a-kind.

I am putting together a nice display of a little bit of everything so she can see them up close and then we will talk percentages and we will go from there.

This is so exciting !

The only problem is that I have been so busy helping my Mom and oldest daughter & helping a friend get her business going that I am way behind in my own work.

I have several folks waiting for my soap to be ready and others are waiting for the herbs for my newest body balm "Baby My Skin" to finish infusing so I can get a batch done.

My perfumes are mostly sold out too and they also take many months to make.

Are you marketing locally too ?

2009-12-11T08:27:00.000-08:00

My local marketing efforts are starting to pay off...

There is a lady who has a store in town with furniture and other things - she also does interior design...
She found my website and emailed me to put some of my things in her store !
I emailed her back and will go to meet with her next week or so to talk about it.
I hope she knows that it is JUST me and not a whole crew that makes my things and that my hand-sewn items take time and are one-of-a-kind.
We'll see what happens.

How to start your OWN online store

2009-12-04T05:34:00.000-08:00

Get your OWN online store !

Have you thought about starting your own online business ?

If so, what's stopping you from going for it ?

Maybe I can help you to make up your mind and get over your fears.

Here are a few tips and some good sources to help you build your business, keep improving it, and even gain more followers as well as loyal customers too =
http://www.squidoo.com/start-an-online-store

Stevenson's Inn and Restaurant in Masury Ohio

2009-11-28T04:15:00.000-08:00

A new local favorite !
We stopped at http://StevensonRestaurant.com in Masury, Ohio on Friday for lunch and it was SO GOOD !

We had the fried fish sandwich and the grilled chicken sandwich.
The family loved them both and the price was right too.

I had a nice sized bowl of their slightly spicy homemade clam chowder - a little unusual, but so rich and so tasty !

I highly recommend Stevenson Restaurant in Masury Ohio and I am quite sure that we will be going back - often :)

Northeast-Ohio's newest gem !
~Stevenson's Inn and Restaurant~ in Masury Ohio
* a local place - good food, good prices and good service too
The perfect combination ;)

Organically Yours,
Diana

We still miss you David - after 14 years

2009-11-27T03:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, it was 14 years that my brother, my only sibling, died.
He was 30 and supposedly perfectly healthy.

I miss you :(

Thank you from Jack's family

2009-11-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you who took the time to go over and write a little note on Jack's page http://www.squidoo.com/a-puppy-tale so that my daughter could see it :)

She really appreciates knowing that there are so many kind folks out there who thought Jack was special !

A sad ending to Jack's story...

2009-11-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

To all of Jack's friends and supporters,

Our sweet Jack died in his bed on November 21st.
His Momma (My oldest daughter) found him when she went in to feed him.

He did not come running so she went to see what he was doing and she saw him 'sleeping' in his bed.
We love you and will miss you Jack - Your Momma and the rest of us are broken-hearted.

Please send your condolences here http://www.squidoo.com/a-puppy-tale

The best place to buy Books and Videos

2009-11-16T05:28:00.000-08:00

Gypsy Queen Media has both an online store and a Backroom Bookroom in Hubbard, Ohio.
If you're local, send her an email for directions to the Hubbard, Ohio store and Gift Shop.

For most folks though, here's her online store:
http://gypsyqueenmedia.ecrater.com/

Have your gift wishes come true for any event

2009-11-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Have you filled out your WishList ?

Want items from my store http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/ and your friends and family have been asking "What would you like ?"

Then, go to my store and click on the WishList link - fill out a Gift Registry (Wish List) for yourself - and send them to my store so they will know what you want ?

Make sure to fill out all of the boxes as fully as possible to avoid any mistakes.

How to get your OWN online store

2009-11-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

I just finished this page where I show you how to get an on-line store and where to look for help in building your business.

http://www.squidoo.com/start-an-online-store

Learn how to Squidoo

2009-11-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

Want to Squidoo, but don't know how ?

Part 2 of my workshop on Monday at 11:30 am EST

Sign-up here http://sellinglounge.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=2395

Don't worry if you missed my first workshop because my step-by-step lesson for Part 1 is still there so you can catch up with the group in only 15 minutes.
Here it is (with the comments and questions from the group that you can ignore) - so just follow my step-by-step posts (OrganicGiftsByDiana) and you will have your own Squidoo lens in no time at all !
http://sellinglounge.com/viewtopic.php?f=103&t=2507

Organically Yours,
Diana

500 videos

2009-10-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

Gypsy Queen Media just got in over 500 more videos !

She is looking them over to make sure the correct video in is each box and to ensure that none seem to be damaged.

Then,

She will be listing many of them in her online store: http://GypsyQueenMedia.ecrater.com/

Some of them will be taken to the new local Hubbard Ohio store called Petzie's at 6177 Youngstown-Hubbard Road to be sold in her Backroom Bookroom along with her other books and videos.

Today is Opening Day for the newest Gift Shop in Hubbard, Ohio

2009-10-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

You can read all about it here !

http://www.americantowns.com/oh/hubbard/venues/hubbard-s-gifts-and-collectibles

Or here:
http://www.squidoo.com/44425/hubbard-ohio

New and Old Books and Videos at Gypsy Queen Media

2009-10-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

I've been helping my daughter by scanning the old books and videos she is listing at http://GypsyQueenMedia.ecrater.com/

Wow, she has some really old books !
She also has some new books and videos, some scary videos that some folks will be looking for this time of year, some cookbooks, and lots of family videos and kids books too...

Relax or Travel in Style with a one of a kind Luxury set

2009-09-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Froggie loves you eye mask, neck pillow, and sachet set

See the rest of Diana's hand sewn luxury relaxation and travel items - all are designed by me and are one-of-a-kind items.

hand-sewn designer one-of-a-kind Apron - coming together

2009-09-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Here is more of my first hand-sewn designer one-of-a-kind Apron - Spring Flowers in peacock blue Apron - showing both sides.

It is being assembled little by little as it takes a while to sew the parts together by hand.
I now have the main body done which is reversible.
I also have the ties sewn and am now starting to attach the waist band.

I will also add more decorative embroidery stitching I think.
Perhaps more along the ties and maybe the waist band.
I have embroidered by hand the ends of the ties with French knots using 3 colors of thread at once to get a variegated color effect.

Soon, these parts will become a whole...

2009-09-04T04:10:00.000-07:00

As some of you already know, my newest projects are Aprons.
These will be designed and entirely sewn by hand by me using mainly vintage fabrics.

The first one = Spring Flowers in peacock blue Apron, has all of the parts cut out, ironed and some of them have been sewn.

I will finish sewing the parts and then I will put them all together.

Here are some of the parts:

Here you can see some of the main body of the apron which is already done, the waist band is sewn on 3 sides and now needs to be turned right side out and then pressed and hemmed and attached to the body of the apron - you can also see the ties which are pressed, but still need to be sewn and attached to the waistband.
The waistband and ties were made from a vintage white cotton fabric.
I may embellish the ties with some of the floral fabric - we'll see.

This apron (as likely most will be) is reversible with coordinating vintage fabrics.
On this apron, I used a vintage cotton fabric with spring floral print on a peacock blue background for one side and a Swiss dot vintage fabric in peacock blue for the other side.

Here is an assortment of pockets that I am making to go on either this apron or another one that I will make with the last bit of the same 2 peacock blue vintage fabrics.
These two aprons might have the same fabrics(because they go so well together), but they will be 2 different aprons.

All of my hand sewn items will be one-of-a-kind items.
I may use some of the same fabrics because I do not believe in waste and will use every scrap in some way, but each finished item will be a unique designer item suitable for a wedding gift or for any other occasion for which ONLY a one-of-a-kind gift will do.

Satin-crushed velvet Neck or Travel Pillow

2009-08-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Cream colored Satin (double thickness) and crushed velvet (in a chocolate brown color) Travel Pillow.
There is also a matching eye mask.
These are great for travel or just to relax at home.
Both have real lavender buds inside for a soothing scent.

Vintage Pillowcases embroidered and crocheted by hand

2009-08-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

I have several different Beautiful Vintage pillowcases with hand embroidered flowers, ribbons, birds, butterflies... and hand crocheted trim on the edges.

Most are unused, but have had the starch go yellow over time.
It should come out with a good soaking in my Grandmother's favorite - Biz.
But, even if it doesn't come out, the designs and the hand crocheted trims are well worth the price and can be used as part of a quilt, to add to a new set of pillowcases, or framed as art...

Latest auction finds and how I learned to be Green

2009-08-14T04:54:00.000-07:00

Read about my latest auction finds here:
http://www.squidoo.com/auctions-and-flea-markets

Read about how I learned to be "Green" as my Grandpa's apprentice here:
http://www.squidoo.com/YOU-can-be-Green

Beautiful scarf in 3 colors - huge at 36" square

2009-08-08T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have listed on ebay 3 different scarves.

A red one with golden and yellow flowers:
Scarves are worn in many ways.
Besides the typical fashion, they can be worn as a halter top, a turban, a shawl, as a wrap around your waist to dress up a pair of pants or a skirt...

I have 3-6 of each type of scarf, so if you want more than one, let me know so I can combine the shipping to save you some money.

I also have other silky scarves.

A Navy Blue one with the same floral design as the chocolate brown scarf below.

A deep brown one with the same floral design as the navy blue scarf above:

Secrets of Great Chefs

2009-08-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

I have a brand new website called Secrets of Great Chefs.

It features cookware, and small appliances... that are new - vintage and handmade kitchen items, cookbooks and decor - vintage and handmade aprons and kitchen linens...

I also give some of my favorite recipes too.

I still have much more to list, but you can still stop by for a visit:
http://secretsofgreatchefs.com/

My new mini website

2009-07-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

I made a mini website to complement my other websites.
Natural Gifts By Diana

What do you think ?

Organically Yours,
Diana

Need readers for your blog ?

2009-07-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well, one new customer found me through this Really Smart Deals - What about you ?

Are you looking for extra exposure for your blog... ?
It is fun seeing what others have done with their blogs and I have even joined some that I would not have seen otherwise.

You can have 10 links, 5 text ads, and 5 banner ads and all you have to do is surf at least 10 sites a week !

+ She is always giving us chances to win extra hits.

hand-sewn liners for my eye masks

2009-07-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

I am making washable liners for my eye masks.
I happened to think of it the other day when someone asked how they should wash the eye mask.
Well, they are not washable, but can be spot treated.

So, I am now sewing by hand some liners out of white cotton vintage fabric so folks can keep their eye masks it new condition in case they want to wear them while they have eye makeup on or they are sweating from a fever...

These things are almost as much work as my eye masks are - LOL

I think I will offer them separately to keep the cost of the eye masks down AND then they can buy extras of the liners too if they want them.
They will be around $7 or $8 - should be more, but I'm trying to keep prices down wherever I can.

I also think that if someone buys a set or spends over say $60 or $65 with an eye mask included in that purchase, I'll throw in a liner for their free bonus instead of something else.

What do you think ?

6 little zucchini

2009-07-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hubby brought in 6 little zucchini from our organic garden.
They will be so yummy grilled outside.

I will sprinkle a little black pepper and olive oil on them and then grill them over medium-high heat until they're nicely browned and softened on both sides.
Yummy !

Tomatoes and peppers and pumpkins - oh my !

2009-07-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

My organic gardens are growing like crazy !
That's what feeding your soil every Fall/Winter by covering the sleeping garden with a blanket of leaves and grass will do.

My happy soil thanks me the following Spring and Summer by welcoming the organic seedlings that we grew ourselves.
Then, I give my plants a good bit of compost when they are first planted and while they grow.

Right now my tomatoes are starting to get fruits, my pepper plants are getting big and we have a pumpkin that is the size of a bowling ball already.

I can taste the yummy food we will have soon from our own organic garden ;)

Organically Yours,
Diana

another of my hand sewn eye masks

2009-07-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here's another of my handsewn creations.

This was designed, cut, sewn, stuffed and finished by me.

One side is a vintage cotton fabric with cherries and the other side is a vintage faux fur fabric.

Lavender buds are inside for a lovely scent too.

My newest eCRATER listings

2009-07-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hand Sewn eye mask in Mottled Moss Green and faux fur
http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4824801

Hand Sewn Neck Pillow in Mottled Moss Green that will match the eye mask
http://organicgiftsbydiana.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=4824590

How to Be an Auction Hero | eHow.com

2009-07-08T08:41:00.001-07:00

Learn some good tips for shopping at flea markets and for attending auctions How to Be an Auction Hero | eHow.com how-to article

Shared via AddThis

Peacock blue and floral Hand-Sewn Luxury Relaxation Gifts

2009-07-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is another of my hand-cut and hand-sewn eye masks and neck pillow - travel pillow.
These are made from vintage fabrics and have real lavender buds inside for a soothing scent.
I list most of my hand-sewn items separately as they are different sizes - so you can mix and match items for a perfect fit.

Lavender and Roses and Mints, Oh my !

2009-07-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

My daughters have been helping me to gather some of the herbs and flowers that I use for my all natural products.

I use the lavender and roses in my body balms and I make a perfume with each one too.
I have used some dried roses in some of my hand-sewn eye masks, sachets and neck pillows, but the most requested scent in these is my lavender.

I use the mints in herbal teas for us to drink - Yummy !
I also use them in some of my all natural products too - like my peppermint in the shoe sachets that I make.
I use some of my peppermint and some of my spearmint in a lovely bath salt tea.

I have lots more harvesting and drying to do.

See you in the Organic Garden !

Looking for Natural Gifts ?

2009-06-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/
Here are a few examples of what you can find there:

The first photo is of a Neck pillow that was hand-cut and hand-sewn from a vintage cotton fabric.

The second photo is of a matching eye mask/eye pillow that was also hand cut and hand sewn by me.

Both are stuffed with real lavender buds (dried lavender flowers) and some fiberfill for a soft and gently scented unique handmade gift.

All of my neck pillows and eye masks are handmade by me and although there may be a few that were made using the same fabric, each one is purposefully unique and designed to be a one-of-a-kind gift.

What do you think - would you rather have a set put together for you or do you want to mix and match your own ?

2009-06-09T04:45:00.000-07:00

I sell on BiSi and eCRATER as well as at my shop (by appointment only) and I have a little display set up at the flea market in my Mom and daughter's booth.
So, I am keeping everything that is listed in boxes that are marked with what and where they are listed so when something sells - it is easy to get the orders together and keep my inventory straight.

I added a bunch of products to my eCRATER store too.
Many of the products like my handmade perfumes, body balms and lip balms... will be the same as listed in my BiSi store.

However, My hand-sewn items are all one-of-a-kind.
I do make similar pieces (sometimes of various sizes) so my customers can mix and match to make a set if they like.
I will put a few of my one-of-a-kind hand-sewn items in my eCRATER store.
Right now, I have a "Froggie loves you !" eye mask and neck pillow set in my eCRATER store.

It is the first time I have listed something like this as a set.
I like listing these separately so folks can make their own sets, but I thought I'd try listing one as a set to see how it goes.

What do you think about listing as sets or mix-and-match ???

Here's my BiSi store where you can find the eye masks and neck pillows separately so you can choose your own colors and sizes... :
http://OrganicGiftsByDiana.mybisi.com/

Here is my eCRATER store with a set already together and listed at a small discount :
http://OrganicGiftsByDiana.ecrater.com/

Diana's newest writings

2009-06-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here are my three newest Squidoo lenses (writings/pages)

Please stop by and let me know what you think.

http://www.squidoo.com/Being-Natural

http://www.squidoo.com/Sensitive-skin

http://www.squidoo.com/natural-product-showcase

I'm still here...

2009-06-04T04:31:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you all think I must have left the country or something, but I'm still here - LOL

I am still working on cleaning and organizing my whole shop area and my oldest daughter is helping me to rearrange my product sections to serve as a walk-in shop when someone makes an appointment and as a storage area for my 2 online store listings.

It is taking some doing, but we are making progress.

Are there EVER enough shelves ???

show was good...

2009-05-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

The show was nice !
Made a few decent sized sales, had fun and made several good contacts too.

Folks loved my all natural body balms, lip balms, bath salt teas and soaps... and they really couldn't believe that I sewed all of the eye masks and neck pillows by hand and that they had real lavender or other herbs inside them.
They were pleasantly surprised.

We had a nice time, but are Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo tired - I do not look forward to having to put everything away and restocking my online store.
Why couldn't everything have sold so I wouldn't have to put it away - LOL

Getting ready for the show...

2009-05-25T04:23:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter is coming over for a little while today to help me start packing things up for the show.
She is the one who will be helping me that day too.
I made inventory sheets listing everything that I will be taking because I want to make sure it is all organized so I don't forget anything.

I also have a list of other items to take like my business cards, signs, displays...

I finally finished up the chocolate nut fudge lip balms and the honey lip balms.
I got the Pina Colada lip balms poured, but still need to label and wrap them.

I wont have very many soaps ready to take.
All of this damp weather wouldn't allow them to dry properly so I can't wrap them yet.

I sure wish I had another month, I'd have everything ready for sure ;)

Girl's Night Out at Fellow's Riverside Gardens - fundraiser for the Youngstown Ohio botanical garden in Mill Creek Park

2009-05-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

4th Annual Girls Night Out At The Gardens, hosted by the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 28, 2009.

This is an exclusive shopping event limited to 425 women in the Youngstown area.

It is an evening where women sip cocktails and dine on specially prepared hors d’oeurves, as they shop trunk shows.

This year we are opening up our trunk show to exclusive vendors that will intrigue these women with the new, up and coming trends.

These women will shop from 5:30-9 pm that evening, with a guest lecture by Dr. Shayesteh on Health and Nutrition beginning in the auditorium at 7:30 pm. Those not wanting to attend may continue to shop.

The Girls Night out at the Gardens evening will have a fashion show and demonstrations, lasting no more that 45 minutes. Concluding the demonstration, there will be a grand raffle, which will benefit the Gardens.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fellows_Riverside_Gardens

I think the tickets are $20.00 if you know anyone who wants to go.

Organically Yours,
Diana

http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume

I'm been busy...

2009-05-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

I made more of my Red Roses exfoliating all natural lip balm yesterday - over 200 of them.
Today, I made the labels for them and will get as many put on Wednesday as I can.
The labeling and shrink-wrapping take longer that the making of them - LOL

I also made the signs to use on my display table at the show at the end of the month.

I have so much more to do, but that's all for today as I can't see straight anymore.

Refills for some products now available

2009-05-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have been working on adding refills to my product line and finally have a few ready.
So, save your containers from your first purchase (or use one that you have that will fit) and buy the refills from now on.

This is so important to me because I cannot stand waste and I am very much into being "Green" and practicing the 3 R's of Reduce/Reuse/Recycle whenever possible.

Love Perfume, but not the chemicals ? - Find All Natural Perfumes at Diana's

2009-04-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Try one of my Handmade All Natural perfumes featuring the flowers and herbs from my own organic gardens.

All Natural Perfumes by Diana

Here is just some of what you will find :

As soon as my lilacs are harvested and dried, I will be working on an All Natural Lilac Perfume as well.

I'm not sure if I will make it a straight Lilac perfume or if I will mix another of my wonderful flowers in with it.

So far, I think I want it to be just Lilac, but we'll see.

Love my products, but can't buy everything you want ?

2009-04-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

I now have a Wish List - Gift Registry on my store website.

Now, you can have your friends and family get you exactly what you want for your bridal shower, baby shower, wedding, anniversary, or any other special day/holiday.

I do suggest that you make a first and second choice for my one-of-a-kind items in case someone else gets to it before your friends and family do.

Also, make sure that you fill out all of the boxes as completely as you can to minimize any mistakes.

Fresh new look for my store !

2009-04-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

My online store has a whole new look.

I am working very hard this Spring to get all of my ducks in a row and allow my business to take off the way it clearly wants to do.

I am getting more and more people from all over who appreciate my handmade and All natural products and the tips that I give them about Organic and Natural Living.

It was about time that my store looked as good as people thought it was.

Stop in to see for yourself.

http://OrganicGiftsByDiana.mybisi.com/

I will showcase my All Natural products at our local Botanical garden afterall

2009-04-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

I will be doing the show at Fellow's Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek park this May.
It is too big of an opportunity to miss.

My daughter will share the booth with me and we are splitting the cost.

I have been busy making up extra products to make sure I have enough for the show.

Diana's was invited to set up at our Botanical Gardens

2009-02-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

I was given such a wonderful honor the other day.
Our local Botanical Gardens - Fellow's Riverside Gardens at Mill Creek Park - is holding a fundraising event in May and asked me to set up a booth because they want to especially focus on Health and Wellness this year.
My shop would be a perfect addition as I am an organic gardener and use my own herbs and flowers... to make my All Natural products.
I also help others to learn about organic gardening and natural living too which was a big plus.

However, with hubby just losing his job, there is no way I can afford to pay the entry fee.

What a bummer !
I am finally getting local recognition and I cannot take advantage of it.

I asked her to keep me informed just in case something should come up and I can get the entry fee.
There is always next year I suppose.

I guess my "hobby" days are over

2009-02-08T15:40:00.001-08:00

Hubby's last day of work was January 31, 2009.
He is laidoff for good.

So, I need to really get my business into full gear.
If you know anyone who appreciates the Organic way of life and the All Natural products that I make, please send them my way.

I have been working on a new balm for very dry skin. It will be in the testing phase soon.

I am also mulling around an idea for a Tribute Perfume for my Grandparents.

Diana's blogs and lenses...

2008-12-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

I have many places where you can learn to garden organically, live naturally, make perfume, learn about what all natural means and see what I make and have for sale too.

My old blogger blog = http://dianasorganicgarden.blogspot.com/

My informational and educational website's blog = http://www.dianascraft-antiqueshop.4t.com/cgi-bin/blog

Some of My Squidoo lenses = http://www.squidoo.com/AllNaturalPerfume

http://www.squidoo.com/OrganicandNatural

http://www.squidoo.com/Organic_Garden_Recipes

http://www.squidoo.com/NaturalProductsbyDiana

http://www.squidoo.com/Natural_Perfumery

http://www.squidoo.com/handmade-perfumes-soaps-and-etcetera-by-Diana

My Facebook page is = http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1017287400&ref=profile#/profile.php?id=1017287400&v=info&viewas=1017287400

My Facebook store page (stop in and become a Fan) = http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1017287400&ref=profile#/pages/Hubbard-OH/Dianas-Gift-Shop-Experience-Luxury-Naturally-/19570954979

My Twitter page is = http://twitter.com/Relax_Naturally

My Gather pages = http://myorganicgifts.gather.com/Invite.action

My MySpace page is = http://www.myspace.com/dianas_gift_shop

My online store = http://organicgiftsbydiana.mybisi.com/