Exciting News

JMark Afghans, etc. has partnered with several exciting companies to bring amazing products to our customers. Over the last few weeks, some of these organizations have made some changes, so JMark Afghans has made some changes, as well. I am thrilled to be able to tell you about two (2) of our newest partners.

First, welcome FragranceNet.com! Personally, I have been doing business with them for years. In fact, it's the only place I purchase my favorite scents. You just can't beat the amazing prices, huge selection, and exquisite quality of the perfumes, colognes, and bath sets.




Our newest partner, has me really excited - Diabetic Living Diet! Ever since Mark started having problems with his blood sugar, I've been looking for effective, reasonably-priced dietary help. Today, we partnered with this amazing organization that has everything I was looking for - and much, much more. They have healthy recipes, and tips and information for living with diabetes.




Please stop by our newest Shopping Friends and explore the wonderful products they have to help you feel fantastic - outside and inside!






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

My Latest Afghan Project

I have been crocheting all sorts of things lately - placemats, purses, scarves, hats, and shawls. It's always a great deal of fun coming up with new color combinations and patterns. Every time I get a new skein of yarn, something different comes out.

But this week, I have a project that is especially fun. I'm making a pink and white crib blanket. You would not believe how long it's been since I made a baby blanket - of any size. The first one I made was over 30 years ago and it was really, really uneven. Thank heaven I've had a little practice since then.

This blanket was a special order, designed to recreate a 6-year-old gift, so you won't see anything like it on my site. Of course, all of our styles are available as crib blankets, so you could always pick some colors and order a 36"x48" afghan of your very own.






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Christmas Shopping

In order to keep the insanity to a bare minimum, Mark and I have started our Christmas shopping early this year. Rather than worry about availability and cash flow, we decided to pick up a gift here and a gift there. That way I don't have everything to wrap at once, either.

If you'd like to de-stress your shopping, here are a few of my favorite Partners-In-Shopping and some great ideas to get you started:

Need Stocking Stuffers?




For all of the little ones on your list:





Don't arrive empty-handed. Choose the perfect hostess gift:






Stop by our other Affiliate Partners for more holiday help. I know you'll find something you love.






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Blogger Breakdown

November 6, 2007 2:12PM Just to let everyone know - if you suddenly see 50 new posts on here, Blogger finally loves me/us again. Starting Sunday, all of the blogs that are hosted on their own site - like mine on www.jmarkafghans.com - stopped posting. Apparently, according to the staff at Blogger, there is a server problem.

Personally, I'm going nuts! I can't take any posts at PPP until this mess is fixed. I can't publish anything to this - or any other blog - right now. It's a bit like having laryngitis - the vocal cords are there, you just can't make any sounds. Those of you who know me well know that shutting me up is a virtual impossibility - so you can imagine my stress level right now! ARGHHHH!!

Oh, well. There's a Blogger outage planned for tonight, so hopefully it'll be a short-lived silence.







Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Crocheted Whatchamacallit

A couple of months ago, I was watching a sell-my-house show on (probably) HGTV and just fell in love with the sweater that the host was wearing. Although, it wasn't really what I would call a sweater. It had really long sleeves, reaching down past the palms of her hands, but the body of the jacket didn't meet in front (no buttons or ties) and barely reached her waist in back. There was an edging at the wrists that circled the body - around the back, up the front, and around the neck.

It reminded me, a bit, of a crocheted bolero jacket; like this beautiful leather jacket from Lew Magram, only knitted or crocheted. (I just stumbled across Lew Magram's site, looking for a good example of a bolero jacket, but I think I'll be heading back. Gorgeous clothes! Great prices!)

Okay, back to the sweater / jacket / whatever that I was madly in love with. My first and most pressing problem was finding a pattern or rough guideline. How are you supposed to find a pattern for something when you don't even know what it's called?! Kinda tough, huh?

Well, I finally found out that it's called a Shrug - I guess because you just shrug into and out of it. Who knows? And it's dead easy to make! My favorite kind of pattern. So, as you're wandering the pages of JMark Afghans' Other Products, keep your eyes open! You may just see a shrug or two for sale.






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Brand New Business Card

Years ago, I bought software to help me design business cards. It's even possible that I designed something - years ago - and, through several laptop restarts and replacements, managed to lose the file. So, I decided, last month, that it was time to get serious about it.

This is the standard front that will appear on each card.

(Unless I decide to redesign it. You know how I get.)

And this is the standard back of each card.

I have designed other 'backs' for different uses, but this is the one that most people will see.

They were designed in 'PrintShop' and, unfortunately, aren't quite as clear when saved as a photo. But you get the idea.

Let me know what you think -






Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

JMark Afghans' Updates

I have been incredibly busy the last few days, making sure that the images of our new products are uploaded and the order forms are in place. Not only have I (finally) put together some of the Etcetera in JMark Afghans, etc., there is a brand new page of Variegated Yarn colors from Red Heart Yarns. Since it's been so much fun changing everything around, I thought I'd have a go at a new navigational menu format, too. (Definitely gonna need another pot of coffee for that one!)

And, while I'm at it . . . I think I'll put together an extra Newsletter - so everybody knows about all these new goodies. (Oops! That one may take a pot of coffee AND a vitamin!)

Keep watching! The pages they are a changin'!

By the way ~ if you aren't on our Mailing List - why not sign up now!? You wouldn't want to miss all the fun, now would you?!

Mailing List Subscription

Name:  

Email:  

Subscribe  Unsubscribe

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Great Shopping from JMark Afghans & Zazzle

2008 Arizona Scenery Calendar
by JMarkAfghans

Get this custom calendar at Zazzle

Each month has one of our favorite Arizona photographs. Why not spend a year in Arizona?!










I don't have to choose paper or plastic.

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom bag at Zazzle

Living Green? Use these recyclable bags, instead of adding more trash to your local landfill.








Of all the things I've lost . . .
I miss my mind the most!

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom mug at Zazzle

This morphing mug is a nondescript black when cold. The magic happens when you add a hot beverage and the image appears.






Relax Like A Cat

by JMarkAfghans
Get this custom card at Zazzle

Front: "If Humans could relax like this. . ."
Inside Top: "There would be no wars and no need for anti-depressants.
Of course, the price of catnip would skyrocket!"
Inside Bottom: "Wishing you Peace and Relaxation!
(You'll have to get your own catnip!)"











Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Be sure to Vote For JMark Afghans, etc.
at Independent Designers

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Guess What's New at JMark Afghans, etc.

Well, I've finally gotten pictures taken of some of my newest products - placemats, which can also be used as doilies on tables and nightstands. In fact, I made one out of the yarn remnants from my queen-sized afghan, so it matches perfectly and is just beautiful on my nightstand. But, there's no reason you can't put them anywhere you want, for any purpose under the sun.

Many of my afghan designs were created with variegated or single color yarns. Since those seem to be the most popular orders, we've changed the order forms so that each is only available in single colors or variegated yarns. There are several designs that still offer multiple colors.

Be sure to stop by our affiliate partners. Limoges Jewelry has a program for the month of October, supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. Shop their Breast Cancer Awareness Collection; 5% of all proceeds goes to BreastCancer.org. What better way to show your support?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans.

Come by My Gallery at Zazzle and see all of the new products.

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.

Now you can, Vote For JMark Afghans, etc. at Independent Designers


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Your Guide to the Perfect Afghan

Our lens on Squidoo is growing and changing every day and we're very proud of the changes. We've gone from being barely noticed to being placed in the top 100 Shopping sites - can't beat that with a stick!

Won't you please stop by and see the baby toys, books, chocolates, and afghans that we have to offer? While you're there, please rate the lens and leave a comment. We love to hear from everyone who visits.

Not to mention, you just might find a great JMark Afghans offer for Squidoo readers - only!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Invited to Contribute to Book

Forgive my dancing up and down - but I received a fantastic offer this week! I have been asked to contribute pictures of and information about my afghans to a publisher in Great Britain. The book is to be published in the UK and the US next year. And. . . if they really like my afghans, I could end up with images on the cover of the book!!

I was stuck for a minute, not sure which images to send. Then, I really started thinking about the afghans of which I am most proud and it became seriously easy to decide.

My First AZ Afghan

My First Lapghan

My First Commission

Please stay tuned - Once I hear from the publisher, I'll let everyone know what's happening.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Get Ready for Cool Weather

Believe it or not, the kids are starting school in a couple of weeks. The weather has already cooled a bit, here in Arizona; although the humidity went up, so we're just as miserable as we were at 120 degrees. It won't be long and, around the country, leaves will be changing colors and nights will be cooling down.

Remember last winter - curled up on the sofa in sweatshirt, sweatpants, heavy socks, and a sweater - trying to keep warm? You could always turn up the furnace and pay that huge heating bill. Not exactly an earth-friendly, fiscally responsible idea, is it?

What if I told you there is a simple, far less expensive solution? You'd jump at the chance, right? Well, here it is - a cozy, cuddly, comfy afghan from JMark Afghans, etc. in your favorite colors and a perfect size for snuggling on a cool winter's evening.

Stop by and order one today - it doesn't have to be freezing outside to appreciate the comfort and warmth of an afghan!

Don't forget to visit My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

T-Shirts! Getcher T-Shirts!

As you can see, I've been busy designing T-shirts; lately, they've gotten rather political. For example:

• "Don't Vote? Then, don't Complain! One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being ruled by your inferiors ~ Plato"
  
  
• "When Buying and Selling are controlled by Legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are Legislators ~ P.J. O'Rourke"
  
  
• "The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men ~ Plato"
  
  

Amazing how basic truths never age, isn't it?

Of course, I also have some fun shirts:

• "Never be afraid to try something new. Remember ... the Ark was built by one amateur; the Titanic took thousands of trained professionals!"
  
  
• on a baby shirt "If you looked this cute and smelled this good, Everyone'd wanna hug you, too!"
  
  
• on a sleep-shirt "There is no problem that chocolate can't solve!"

Stop by and pick out your favorite!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

JMark Afghans on Squidoo

You may have noticed the link we've added to JMark Afghans on Squidoo both in the sidebar and in 'our' signatures. If you haven't stopped by lately, please come say "HI"!

Not only do we feature some of the afghans that Jules has created, you can find her Zazzle creations and, new to Squidoo, special items to compliment any purchase.

Have you found a great new mug, but the coffee maker died? Not a problem. We offer links to some great coffee and tea makers. You've ordered that special lady an elegant Lacy Afghan, but you'd like to even do more? Terrific! Add a luxurious home spa basket and let her escape without ever leaving home. Been doing battle with your computer lately? Trust me! We understand - check out our Computer Humor Mousepads. They won't fix your computer, but they might just make the battle a little more amusing.

Remember our lens at Squidoo supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

Featured on AboutUs.org

I am thrilled to report that JMark Afghans, etc. is a featured WikiPage today on AboutUs.org.

Please stop by and share in our good news. Heck, you can even leave a comment, if you like! It is a Wiki, after all!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

What's So Special About JMark Afghans?

I hate to admit - there are more than a few websites that offer hand-crocheted afghans. Shockingly {insert sarcastic laugh here} - we are not the only one. What makes JMark Afghans, etc. different?


We don't limit your choices!


Most sites offer what they have in stock - afghan styles in colors that the site owner chose to create. Several sites also offer what they call special orders. We've gone beyond that.


JMark Afghans, etc. has redefined "Special Orders".


All of our Afghans are what other sites consider special orders - you pick the size, the style, and the color(s). We offer you the ultimate flexibility in ordering the perfect afghan for you or for a gift.


If you can't find what you need within our 7 styles, 6 sizes, and 20+ colors, we offer a truly "Special Order" option. Pick a basic style (that helps us determine what design works best for you), select your favorite colors (up to three), and tell us what size you need. Within 48-72 hours, we will provide a quote for your perfect afghan. Upon approval, we will send an invoice that must be paid before we create your afghan.


Because your unique, one-of-a-kind afghan is not crocheted until you place your order, there is a 2-4 week wait until it ships to you. If you are purchasing a gift, we strongly recommend that you order well in advance of the important date.


If you want to settle for what you can find, we have nothing to offer you. If you want to create the perfect afghan for your needs - come see JMark Afghans, etc.

Don't forget to visit My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

New Information Page on AboutUs.org

Just when I thought that JMark Afghans was everywhere ~ from the website, to the blogs, to MySpace, to Zazzle and Squidoo, to DMOZ, to who-knows-where-next ~ I found out that we have a page on AboutUs.org, a wiki that is dedicated to collecting information from and about the worldwide web. If you don't know what a wiki is, check out this site.

I don't know if I'm suffering from sleep deprivation, temporary insanity, or Internet addiction,   ;-)  but I decided that since we have a listing, it might as well reflect who and what we are.  So, I've been busily updating our page and even set up a user page for me.

Be sure to stop by and take a look ~ Jules' Page and JMark Afghans' Page.

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans, etc. and My Gallery at Zazzle

We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.


We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

JMark Afghans Zazzle Award

For those of you who have checked out the Links on "Random Musings" and visited JMark Afghans Zazzle Gallery or JMark Afghans MySpace Page, you know that I've developed a new product line that isn't crocheted.

I have been designing mugs, posters, t-shirts, cards and postcards, aprons, and totes (to name just a few) for a few weeks now. And having a great deal of fun, I might add!

Last night I was designing items that feature one of my favorite quotes:
"Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity!"

When I got up today and logged in (I had created a Father's Day card for a contest), I was absolutely stunned to find that one of my designs had won "Today's Best".

So I am here to brag, just a bit, and ask you to Check It Out!

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle

You just never know what you'll find!

We look forward to seeing you online.

God Bless!

Jules

New JMark Afghans Products

I recently found a great site - Zazzle.com - and have been busy creating new products

So far, you can find

JMark Afghans Logo:
• Mugs

Arizona Pictures:
• Mousepads,
• Postcards, and
• Aprons

Please visit JMark Afghans @ Zazzle or view our current items on JMark Afghans' MySpace.

As always, we look forward to seeing you online.

Jules

Isn't Life Strange?

With thanks to the Moody Blues - Life is definitely strange!! (Check out the lyrics! I just love 'em.)


We recently had a knock on our door ( 1 of 76 apartments in the complex, BTW), asking for a person with the name of our wireless network. ??!!

Yup!! - and it went something like this:

(knock, knock)
Frankie: Someone's at the door.
Me: (opening the door) Yes?
Him: Are you ******* ? (name of our network, not listed for obvious reasons)
Me: What? (Shocked, to say the least that he knows this name)
Him: Are you ******* ?
Me: No.
Him: Do you know ******* ?
Me: That's the name of our password-protected wireless network. (Yes, I actually do say such things.)
Him: Yeah. How do I get on it?
Me: You Can't! It's private and password protected. Don't EVEN try to get on it. (I've been known to be rather rude. I know - it's shocking!!)
(door closes somewhat loudly)

Now, one would think that my first thought would have been: "How in the name of all that is holy did you end up at my door?" But I didn't think of that until after I closed the door in his rather befuddled face.

Mark, who was in the middle of cooking dinner, came out of the kitchen to find out who I was talking to, since he hadn't heard the knock at the door. I explained the conversation, shook my head in amazement, and (pretty much) wrote it off as another oddity in life. (This, BTW, was the point in time where I started wondering where he'd gotten the idea to ask us about the wireless network.)

Fast forward through dinner.

We are relaxing, watching television or on computers, when . . .

(knock, knock)
(Mark answers door)
Her: We live in apt. ***.
(Mark looks unimpressed)
Her: My boyfriend has a computer. Can he get on your network?

. . . the rest of the conversation involves Mark explaining that "to get internet access, one must pay for internet access" and me, in the background, barking about staying off our network! (For those of you familiar with 'CATS' - yes, you can hear me all over the park.)


I kid you not - this actually happened. Apparently, it made enough of an impression that I'm still marvelling at the stupidity of both conversations.

And I still don't know how they found us.


So, Yes!! Life is Strange!! or, if you live in my universe, Where did all of the IDIOTS come from and how do we send them back!!!??? Starting with the one that currently occupies the White House! (oooh, did I say that out loud?)



Have a terrific day and don't forget to visit us at http://www.jmarkafghans.com - we have made a slew of changes this month.

We've been known to have contests, offering amazing prizes, for those who can find the most changes in a given month. If you don't visit, how will you know what changed?

God Bless.

Jules

JMark Afghans, etc. - October, 2006

Well, we are finally adding the 'etc.' to JMark Afghans, etc.

I've been creating scarves and hats, for the upcoming cold weather in North America, and just having a blast! It's times like these that I wish I was back in Colorado, so that I could actually wear some of the fun things that I'm finding in the yarn. But that hasn't stopped me from creating something wonderful for You!

It will be a few days, pending arrival of a new digital camera, until the pictures and order forms are posted, so please bear with us.

---

We've added a new Affiliate Partner StrawberryNET.com, the world's largest provider of discounted skincare, make-up, cosmetics, and fragrance. Be sure to stop by and see the wonderful items they have to offer. Imagine the joy when your loved one finds a bottle of their favorite scent, tucked into a soft, cuddly afghan from JMark Afghans, etc. How can you miss with such a combination?

Unfortunately, we've also lost a Partner this month. LiveItUp.com has discontinued their program. We'll miss them; they offer terrific vacation and entertainment packages.

For those of you who remember shopping at Montgomery Ward ~ keep watching our Affiliates page.

---

On a more personal note: Frankie broke his leg about a month ago. The upper cut wasn't stretching quite as well as the lower and the pressure on the bone kept building. One night he moved his leg to the side and the upper area snapped. The doctors took off the stretching mechanism at that point, and gave him a month to heal. So, now, we're waiting to see how well things are healing and we'll find out on the 2nd when the doctors will (surgically) remove the rest of the hardware. Then, Frankie has the cast to deal with, before beginning physical therapy.

The saddest part, to me, is that his leg broke before he reached the goal of 7cm. So, his right leg is still shorter than the left, and they can't do any more surgeries to help him. Hopefully, we can get an insert for his shoe to make up the difference and he won't have to have specialized shoes anymore. We'll see.

Paka is still growing like a weed - and developing a rather grumpy personality. I don't know if he didn't get enough roughhousing as a kitten, or too much. But he seems to want to scratch and bite a bit more than is really a good thing.

We're having him neutered next month, so perhaps that will calm him down a tad.

I hope that you're having wonderful fall weather. We're still having triple-digit temps off and on in Arizona, so it's not exactly 'fall' here, yet. The weatherman keeps saying that we're cooling down - then, of course, it hits 105 the next day! I think I'd hate to have a job where nature can embarrass me on a regular basis.

And on that note, I must run. There are skeins and skeins of yarn waiting for me to release their 'inner design'. Keep stopping by JMark Afghans, etc. to see what the yarn is sharing now - Don't miss the surprises!

Be Well, Be Happy, and Be Safe!

God Bless

Jules

JMark Afghans, etc - May, 2006

Wow! Things have definitely been 'happening'! JMark Afghans, etc. website has won a Bronze Award from Astral Awards and been deemed a TrustWorthy site! Please visit our 'Trophy Case' for a look!

Not to mention, we've got new Affiliate Partners!!

Most recently: DomesticBin.com, with an amazing selection of kids' and adult bedding, pillows, window treatments, and kitchen products, and, also this month, Wicks' End, featuring incredible candles, gift sets, oil lamps, and aromatherapy products.

On A More Personal Note:
Paka is growing like a weed! I don't think he's simply a tabby; I think he's a Maine Coon mixed breed. If you're not into cats, all that means is that the boys will be able to ride him to school in August. I made a HUGE mistake with him, though - I introduced canned cat food into his diet! WOW has he got a big voice! And, he's not afraid to use it!

I hurt my back in April, clowning around with Mark and Michael. Didn't think much of it at the time, but after 6 weeks, the pain is really becoming a PAIN! (Pun intended!)

Not to mention the temperatures are officially in the 100s until - I don't know - January! So I'm sore, cranky, and sweaty! ~whine, whine, whine~

Okay enough of that!

Stay Cool! Stay Safe! Happy May!!

Jules

Wandering in a Sea of Blogs

I've been playing with blogs in myspace.com and MSN Spaces. But wanted something that I could publish without sending visitors off my site. Soooo, we're now trying blogger.com.

Be sure to stop by JMark Afghans, etc. to see what's new.

Til next time!

Jules