Bags By Melanie

Front Page Glory

2010-07-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

So with the chaos that has controlled and swallowed up my life lately the last thing I have had time for is my blog. Or even for much of my business. However for one brief moment I teamed up with my 12 year old to design something new. Apparantly my drawings were not too impressive to him so I gave him the challenge of trying to do better then me. This is the bird that he drew. I then grabbed my favorite color floss and started stitching, and by days end I had a cute little pouch. Well apparantly I was able to catch someone's eye, fionadesigns to be exact who made a treasury of gorgeous "rusty" items. Well this treasury that I speak of made it to the front page yesterday!! Imgine my surprise when I got that email letting me know. I am still on such a high from it. I am certainly going to be doing more of this kind of thing :)

A HUGE Appology!

2010-06-10T03:55:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry to all my friends over at Creative Bloggers. Life has taken an unexpectedly and crazy turn and I have not been keeping up! So I can't say I am sorry enough, but I can certainly take a few moments to acknowledge those I have forgotten. First I have to talk about Valerie over at Additions Style. Her blog is beautiful, some of my favorite pieces are the one when she is inspired by something and creates a whole post around it. In one of my most favorites recently she talked about how she was inspired by another bloggers post and made one of her own called Sunny Summer Art. One of my favorite items she found happens to be the yellow poppy wall art she found at wiwicoco.

I also have to give a shout out to Totally Rawkin Designs (whose most recent post for the record has made me consider yet again that I need to scrapbook) and Heart On My Sleeve her post "Delta" has a great poem by Adrienne Rich.

Make sure you stop by these blogs and show them some love. I hope they can forgive me over at Creative Bloggers for being so stinkin' busy.

The Cross Stitching Bug

2010-05-07T04:00:00.000-07:00

Yes it has hit yet again. I pulled out some of my UFO's (unfinished objects, come on you know you have them too). In one bag I had the pictures of my kids that I had converted to stitching charts (some of my long time followers may remember this post HERE). As I was looking at Michael I realized that it had been so long since I touched it and I had changed the colors, oh and I HATED the background that I need to move on. I may at some point print another chart off and just stitch him with no background, but instead I decided to pick up the one of my daughter.

While I was feeling ambitious, I actually had a few more pictures converted such as this one as Michael and I. Or should I say Me and Mini Me? This is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us. I decided to convert it to black and white for stitching purposes because the original picture gave us a bluish tint :) If there is a fellow stitcher in the lot and you would like to have your picture turned into a chart be sure to contact Leah, she is fantastic. You can find her Etsy shop by clicking HERE

How do I find the time?

2010-05-06T11:00:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy as of late, and I don't know how I am getting it all done. It must be the Vitamin B giving me all this energy. I have been spending time getting ready for a craft fair, cleaning the yard and planting flowers. Most of my perennials are in full bloom, and FINALLY for the first year since I have lived in this house my lilac bush actually has lilac's!

Now I wish I could take credit for this lovely rose on my right, alas I can not, I took this picture from Annette's blog, Under the Loupe. Annette has been busy gardening and tackling a huge "knot" of weeds (which is something I am QUITE familiar with by the way).

I will have to come back later and post some pictures of some of my favorite flowers that I have so far. I did start doing that today until I had a dead camera battery.

One of my favorite Creative Bloggers

2010-04-27T03:36:00.001-07:00

Is being featured this week. That would be Dana from Dana's Jewelry Design. Every time I head over to her blog there is something to bring a smile to my face and a chuckle to my heart. This time it was her post about her wine tasting adventures (not that I am saying a broken toe is funny, but it was a great post). For the event she made everyone in her clan these adorable cozies. She was even able to make extra that she sold at the first two wine tastings. Be sure to have a visit over at Dana's blog by clicking HERE you certainly won't be sorry.

The American Cancer Society - Relay For Life

2010-04-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

This post isn't about crafting, it isn't about anything handmade, it is about the passion that one woman who is very important to me has in finding a cure for cancer. That woman is my paternal grandmother, whom not only do I get my smashing good looks from, or even where I get my love for all things crafty, but my giant heart that I am always wearing on my sleeve.

My grandmother will be walking in The American Cancer Societies Relay for Life shortly after her 77th birthday.

I am doing this post so each and every person that comes across my blog has the chance to help her not only reach her goal of a $100, but surpass it in ways she never would have thought possible. You can either donate directly by using a link that takes you right to her donation page by clicking HERE or you can make a purchase from either of my online shops BagsByMelanie or Blinky and a portion from all sales between now and June 1, 2010 will go towards her goal.

I want to take a second to thank each and every one of you who will help out, it means more to me then you will ever know.

Teacher Appreciation Week May 3rd - May 7th

2010-04-26T03:36:00.001-07:00

What better way to share your appreciation for all the teachers that help enrich your child's life every day then giving them an apple? This apple tissue cozy is from my shop, Erica over at FavorCakes did a wonderful little write up about all the wonderful handmade apple things she found over on Etsy, including my tissue cozy. Be sure to visit her blog by clicking HERE

I told you I was inspired........

2010-04-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

I couldn't get the image out of my head of the page that JulieChats did which can be seen in this post HERE. So as I was playing catch up on some crocheted flowers the inspiration hit me. What started off as what I call a "lazy daisy" which can be seen above (look familiar yet). Has morphed into something all together different. My little rendition of a regular ole' Gerbra Daisy (well I think it looks like that anyways).

I have not yet decided if I am going to list these in the supply shop or not. I figure I will spend a few more days having fun with them and see what happens. I would love to know what you all think!

Keeping with my little flower theme I was browsing this weeks creative blogger (Phersmay of Precious Willow) I saw this wonderful little necklace that can be seen HERE in her Etsy shop. Make sure you swing by her shop to see other wonderful things that she makes, also you can visit her over at her blog by clicking HERE

You know what they say about Murphy's Law

2010-04-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

I decided to reclaim some of my living room space by packing up my crocheting things that were overpowering the corner. No sooner did I do that and I started selling crocheted flower appliques like this one to the right --------------------------->

While I was enjoying my afternoon, sitting outside with my children, crochet hook in hand I had a little burst of inspiration. What was it your wondering, well I guess you have to stay posted.

I know I always say this.....

2010-04-18T05:44:00.001-07:00

But every time I see someone doing a craft that I can't do I am in total awe and amazement. For example I was browsing JulieChats blog and saw this wonderful layout. I can't imagine this ever being a simple piece of paper! This wonderful combination has triggered my creative juices, let's hope I can take them out on my sewing machine.

As I am typing this I remember a conversation I was having with my 12 year old just the other day. He was having a conversation with someone and they said something about how good I was at making things. Michael's response to them was "No, she's NOT good, she's AMAZING".

To visit Julie's blog and see what else she is up to click HERE

Adventures in Needle Felting

2010-04-05T03:29:00.001-07:00

I know it has been such a long time since I have been to my blog. Life has had me pulled in about 400 different directions lately. I haven't even been able to sew, GASP! I know, it's okay, I have come to terms with it, and my machine forgives me so it's okay.

I took a walk in downtown Keene on Saturday and stumbled upon a store that sells handmade items from New Hampshire (yes I dropped a business card, couldn't resist) and Matthew found this adorable kit for making felted chickens. So of course he asked if I could get it and make him some, because in his own words "Mom you can do anything" how could I resist. Well here is the finished products (minus the chick that decided it didn't want to play nice for the photo shoot).

Of course after making these I remember how much fun I could have with needle felting and the fast results that I can get. So I plopped myself in the sun on the back deck and started felting away. My daughter requested a pig and a bunny, neither of which would cooperate for a photo shoot. I also decided to make my son a stegosaurus, which in my opinion was pretty darn clever of me if I do say so myself.

So the felting bug is in my house for the time being, which I am sure it will be short lived as many of the bugs that settle in my house. I did order more roving in greys and blacks, I have a plan for a penguin or two.

The cutest little owls!!

2010-02-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

This weeks featured creative blogger is Marsha of Spinal Fusion. While browsing her Etsy Shop I saw these adorable little blue owls made of recycled felt. You can visit her shop and see her collection of items mostly made from recycled or vintage items by clicking HERE

It's hard to believe that January is almost over!

2010-01-26T05:01:00.000-08:00

It seems just like yesterday that I woke up to a new year and a new attitude!! Here it is that the month is almost over and I have yet to share with you what has brought about this "change" if you will.

To be honest I am not even sure what it is specifically that brought on the realization, but whatever it is, I am glad! I have decided that I need to move forward and get ahead of the ball, and not be behind it forever. 2009 was quite a learning experience for me in my business, I found what sells for me and how to make it work to my advantage. So this year is about focus, and constantly improving. Pictures is one thing that I can always, ALWAYS make better. So I have started just that, as a fob sells I re list it with a new fancy picture.

Of course I am still at the point of playing catch up and organizing to do too much of anything, but that is okay, it is all part of the plan. Once I get rolling again, I want to bring BagsByMelanie up to 200 listings, which I think should be fairly easy.....then off to 300! That a lot of stuff let me tell you. Blinky, also has a lot of work ahead too, to make that successful. I have lots of Sizzix stuff to list, which should easily put that shop over 100 listings. I crochet new flowers every night. Not all of them make it into the shop, some get stuffed in an envelope and shipped to my good friend Maggie in Louisiana to be put on her adorable hats.

So that is it for now, my coffee cup is empty, and now it is time to clean!!!

I've been keeping a secret, shhhhh

2010-01-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

I've been keeping a secret and it is time I share with you what it is.

When I had this grand idea to use up yarn and such I had around here and wanted to get into the business of making crocheted flowers, butterflies and all sorts of crocheted goodies but didn't want to flood my BagsByMelanie shop with them. A good friend of mine offered me the solution, to use her supply shop that was pretty much empty to not only list my appliques but any ribbon or fabric that we wanted to unload collectively. So there formed a lasting partnership that not only benefits me, but her as well.

Speaking of partnerships I must speak of another, my good friend CrochetMaggie and I were talking one day (as we do most days) and she mentioned that she had so much yarn that she wanted to use and she had wanted to start making hats to get through them. So I suggested maybe adding some of Blinky's flowers to her hat's.
As you can see the flowers make a stunning addition to an already adorable hat!

Now that my secret has been revealed there is nothing left for you to do then go shopping. You can visit the supply shop by clicking HERE or by using that handy link thing on the right of my blog. If you would also like to visit Maggie's shop and see our partnership in action, you can visit her shop by clicking HERE

Re-group, Re-organize, Re-ally work my butt off........

2010-01-14T05:10:00.000-08:00

A lot of people make a lot of resolutions for the New Year, I don't as a rule, but I use the time to sort of regroup and reorganize my life.

With this being the year of the bed (all my kids got new beds for Christmas) I figured what a better way to ring in the New Year by organizing all of their rooms. Of course that particular task is still a work in progress because no way in heck am I going to be able to do it all at once (unless I stop eating and sleeping). However, my oldest is in the process of getting a new quilt (the New Orleans Saints to be exact) and the littlest ones got new curtains in the room that they share. I recovered my couch, all of these things done with using fabrics that I have here. It felt so good to get rid of fabrics that I just don't use anymore.

So now that my house is in order I can refocus all this energy to my business, it is time to just go at this full strength, no more "just getting by" I need to be ahead of that rolling ball and not always trying to catch up to it. First and foremost I am not going to be buying any more supplies, I have enough fabric here to cover my entire house and by golly I am going to use it. I am no longer making larger bags as they just don't sell so my business is going to mainly be fobs, tissue cozies and wallets.

These are just my initial thoughts on the matter, and as I continue to think and prioritize today I will have a clearer picture of what is going to happen.

Dana's Jewelry Design

2009-12-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

Is this weeks featured Creative Blogger. I have to tell you, there are so many talented jewelry artists that I have come across thanks to being a member of Creative Bloggers. Each one has their own unique styles and products they make my head spin!!

In browsing Dana's blog I noticed that she had gotten a custom order for some gem trees. Being the curious sort of person I decided to dig a little deeper to see what these are. What I discovered is that she has a book so you can make your very own, which can be purchased HERE. I will have to decide if I really want to take on another project or if I should just have her make one for me. I am always looking for interesting items to join me in my home or to give as gifts for my friends and family.

If you would like to read more from Dana you can click HERE and it will take you to her blog.

OOPS!

2009-12-29T05:55:00.001-08:00

I sort of took a little break from blogging and promoting for Christmas. Now that it is over I can try to get back into the swing of things. First I have to blog about last weeks featured seller through creative bloggers, because well I didn't. When I visited Vintage Soap Shoppe's blog I saw this awesome cupcake tower.

This was for a little girl's first birthday party and her mother wanted to have something fun, well I think this hits the nail on the head! The cupcakes are vanilla filled with vanilla pastry cream, swiss buttercream and a chocolate candle on each cupcake. Can you say YUMMMMMMMMMM!

Besides baking delicious cupcakes Angela makes soaps and candles which she sells on Etsy. You can find her items by clicking HERE

It's the first snow day of the year

2009-12-09T04:44:00.001-08:00

The fire is going, I am sitting here drinking my coffee, listening to the kids mimic what they are hearing on the television and thinking of my to do list. Of course the first thing on that list is drink a couple cups of coffee and make my rounds on the "net", which of course has brought me here. Realizing that there was a new round on Creative Blogger's I decided today would be a good day to get that done. This week's featured artist is The Precious Willow, she makes one of a kind jewelry item's such as the beautiful earrings that you see here. You can go visit her site where she has her jewelry for sale by clicking HERE.

So, back to my to do list, I have decided that I need to yet again organize my closet in my sewing room. I kept it clean for about a year, but then I just had too many new things that needed homes that I shoved in there, so it is now a safety hazard yet again. I think the main problem in there is the book shelf. It houses fabric that I don't use, but yet can't get rid of. I am thinking of boxing those up, marking the boxes, and giving the shelf to my two small children that have a small library full of books that are scattered about.

Once I get a nice sunny day, I need to redo my pictures. I bought some very interesting pieces of scrapbook paper yesterday while I was finishing up my Christmas shopping. I figured I need to try something to make my shop look a little more interesting. I will post more about that later.

I haven't even decorated for Christmas yet, I am not really feeling it this year. On that note, my coffee cup is empty, and the day is not getting any younger, so off I go.........Hopefully I don't get swallowed up by my closet while I am in there, HAHA

So much to do, so little time!

2009-12-02T05:23:00.001-08:00

That's why I always like little projects, that work up in a night. For example this hat I crocheted my daughter was done in an hour's time! Made with super soft, bulky acrylic yarn (Angel Hair, at Joann Fabrics), and my all time favorite G hook, this couldn't be anything other then a spectacular hit. Miss thing hasn't taken it off since she got up this morning. I finally got around to finishing my middle sons knitted mittens as well. Now that it is finally getting cold in New Hampshire I figured I better get my butt moving. I even got a baby sweater started for my friend at work. Go me! Go me!

What teacher wouldn't want these apples?

2009-11-30T03:52:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for just the right gift to give to your child's teachers? Well what teacher wouldn't love to receive an apple?? What's great about this is it doesn't spoil!!

With all the flu's floating around more and more people are prone to be carrying those travel pack of tissues, this way they can carry them in style!

This of course is listed in my shop, along with some great apple items, be sure to check them out by clicking HERE

Whew!

2009-11-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Not only did I survive craft fair season, I survived Thanksgiving as well. It was a somewhat quiet day on the homefront, but man it is a lot of work!! I did get some strange requests this year from craft fair goers looking for eye glass case's and checkbook covers. So even though I have made both before, they never really took off. So maybe for next years fairs that is something I can have ready.

While my kids were relaxing watching Curious George I decided that I should play catch up on my blog. I joined another round of blogging with Creative Bloggers, and this weeks blog is Sandy over at Midnight Creations. As I was browsing her blog I noticed two things, one she is making a pine cone wreath, which is something I have always wanted to do. So maybe this year I will follow in her footsteps. It has been relatively warm here in New Hampshire, and it would be fun for me to take the kids out into the woods looking for some. The second thing I noticed is that she is a bag maker too!! I was quite envious of the way she was able to display her bags, having them all hanging on the wall, it is quite a sight.

Now that my blogging is done, I am going to my cutting table, and getting some work done!

It's Thanksgiving day....

2009-11-26T06:09:00.000-08:00

As I am smelling the turkey cooking in the oven, I am listening to my kids playing (and getting along, which is VERY important) I am sitting here thinking about the many things I am thankful for.

First and foremost, I am thankful for my three beautiful children. I am not sure what my life would be without them. I love them with all my heart, even though when I am being "mean" they don't think so.

Second, I am thankful for my family and friends, I wouldn't be who I am today without them. My family supports me in all my ventures, well almost, just not the slightly crazy ones, HAHA, and my friends keep me sane.

Third, I am thankful that I can sit here and type this to you, I have a roof over my head, heat, hot water and electricity.

Fourth, I am thankful for the abilities that I have to make some amazing things, and that I am able to stay home with my kids, working doing what I love.

Last but not least, I am thankful for the sale that I just had while I was sitting here typing this to you.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, may your lives be blessed every day, not just today!

Halloween has come and gone...

2009-11-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness!! I waited until the absolute last minute to get any costumes made. My oldest son was a dragon looking Pokemon, Tyranitaur to be exact, my middle child wanted to be a turtle, and my little peanut daughter wanted to be Wow Wow Wubbzy, which was so cute I must add. I ended up finding a free pattern online for a crocheted beanie hat. I modified it slightly as I was working with cotton yarns, added a couple ears and ended up with a Wow Wow Wubbzy hat :) We went trick or treating around my mom's house with my niece and nephew who were a couple of monkeys, which if you knew my brother was VERY appropriate :)

One finished tree skirt!

2009-10-26T08:29:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to finishing my mother's tree skirt (yippee!!!) and my daughter promptly stole it!

I have to wonder who is going to win the fight over it, my mother or my daughter, LOL

I sort of lost track on how many little squares and rectangles that I ended up using. I went with a red pin dot for the bias tape, and there is warm and natural quilted between the two layers. What I should have gotten was a shot of the back, maybe another time, you know before I actually give it to my mother.

I did have a lot of fun, but in all honestly, I really don't want to see another green and red scrap of fabric for quite some time!!

My first fair of the year.....

2009-10-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Ended up going fairly well. I certainly can't complain. There's a few things I discovered while doing it however.

1. Black and White Damask on Red doesn't sell in person, only online.

2. I need to listen to my 11 year old when he tells me to make wallets and wristlets because that is what people like.

3. MAKE MORE KID AND ANIMAL PRINTS! This means I need to find more "boyish" ones too!

I need to work on my display a little bit, the fobs ended up taking over (shocking as I only made a few hundred of them). My next fair isn't for a month (unless I change my mind and do another one) so I have time to play with it all.

My oldest son with me but he found someone to play his Nintendo DS with so he was pretty much gone for the day. Got to hang out with my mom, and my aunt stopped by for a little while too. Then I decided to take a drive down memory lane and visit some of the old places I used to spend LOT'S of time at in my youth. Brought back lots and lots of memories, I even got a little choked up.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

As many of you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In honor of that I have made three different key fobs with pink ribbons which can be purchased using PayPal. A portion of sales off of my blog will be donated to sponsor the "B Cups" for their annual walk.

If your in the area of Leominster, Massachusetts you can stop into Dodo's Phlowers and purchase fobs there as well, with portions of those sales going towards the walk as well.

Even if you don't know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should still make sure you having annual mammograms and doing self exams at home. Early detection is key.

My obsession with fall colors!

2009-10-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Has pretty much taken control. While I was browsing my friend Maggie's shop I stumbled across her newest listing, which absolutely took my breath away! A great combination of striking fall colors to certainly make it a lot more fun washing your face or scrubbing your dishes!!

To view the listing you can access it by clicking HERE

Craft fair season is in full swing!

2009-10-07T04:36:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my first show is only a week and a half away!!

I will be at the First Church in Sterling, Massachusetts from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on October 17, 2009.

As I am always the constant over preparer there will certainly be no shortage of great gift ideas. I thus far have made over 150 key fobs, 200 tissue cozies and lots and lots of wallets. If your going to be looking for my larger stuff, well I will only have a few things with me. Of course I will always take custom requests.

For directions to the First Church in Sterling, click HERE.

I hope to see you there!!!

I just love jewelry!

2009-10-06T07:05:00.001-07:00

I have long been an admirer of Annette's jewelry, this piece is certainly no exception!! It looks like Annette is going on a little trip, and taking her jewels with her. I certainly can't wait to see more from her. You too can follow Annette's blog by clicking HERE

My newest coordinating set.....

2009-10-02T08:58:00.001-07:00

Turquoise and brown damask, how could you go wrong?!?!

Inspired by falls in New Hampshire

2009-09-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say about this set, other then I love it!

Another busy week ahead.

2009-09-22T06:04:00.000-07:00

On top of gearing up for my two craft fairs this year I am re-organizing my sewing room yet AGAIN. Mike brought home a file cabinet and that is going to house all of my knitting/crocheting books. Right now it is such a pain to access them to make anything so I just go and buy a new book.

Once my room is back in shape I will be able to finish my tissue holders. I still have to get sewing on my mothers tree skirt and Matthew is asking for a Thomas blanket. Once I get those things caught up on I will be able to move on to my wallets.

On an up note, business has been fantastic both on and off line. My dear friend Shawna (and cousin by marriage) came and took some fobs and such to sell at the flower shop she works at Dodo's Phlowers, as of Friday I have already sold one key fob. Over the weekend I also got the email from NOA Gifts saying I have sold some pet themed items from there as well.

So off the computer I must go to clean and sew!

I am always amazed

2009-09-21T05:55:00.001-07:00

at the talent of some people. For example Elena of EP Designs takes old items that someone may discard and returns them into the gorgeous state that they once were.

I really enjoyed browsing Elena's before and after pictures, this one however has to be my favorite!!

Of course Elena has a blog too, you can read it by clicking HERE

As promissed...

2009-09-15T07:09:00.001-07:00

I would share the new webbing colors with you. Bubblegum pink and Sage green! I have forever been looking for a pink that was darker then light pink, but not as dark as the hot pink and finally I got what I have been so patiently waiting for!!

These two particular fobs are made with Carnival Bloom by Michael Miller fabrics and Corriander from Amy Butler. I am thinking that lots of Amy Butler fabrics may be making their way on to the sage webbing. I do have these listed in my etsy shop which you can access by clicking HERE

HOST is running a blog giveaway!!

2009-09-15T04:29:00.000-07:00

All you need to do is hop on over to the HOST Blog and follow the instructions on how to enter. There are five ways to enter, that means five chances for you to win.

Up for grab's is a HOST Sampler pack, a bag chock full o' goodies! Who doesn't like getting a little surprise in the mail.

The deadline for the give away is October 15th, which is right around the corner!! SO HURRY!!!

New webbing is here!

2009-09-10T16:33:00.001-07:00

New webbing is here!!!!!!!!

I am not too excited or anything. Stay tuned next week to see the two new colors of webbing that I just had to have and what comes out of it!

A crazy week!

2009-09-09T06:46:00.001-07:00

For the last two days I have been standing at my cutting table cutting and ironing strips of fabric for key fobs. Many are repeats of what I have already made, and some are new. Speaking of new, I have new webbing colors coming, and I can not wait for them to get here! While I was doing all this cutting and ironing I was also coming up with a game plan to get ready for my first fair which is quickly approaching. Since I didn't have enough work to do or anything I decided to go through the basket of fobs that were already put together and decided that almost all of them were "just not good enough" so I spent my television time popping off hardware and fixing fobs that were not up to snuff.

Just as a fun little stat (which this came from my craft fair prep), since April 1, 2009 I have sold 154 mini key fobs, can you imagine??!!?? My top seller, which wasn't really a surprise to me was my black and white damask on red with a total of 13.

With all the orders I have had as of recently I haven't had a chance to sew my mom's tree skirt yet, but it is coming.

Somehow I have managed in all this craziness I have kept up with my computer time of course. I found the cutest jewelry over at Michabella Creations. I think by far my favorite from her collection of beautiful jewels is this Ring of Autumn. To take a look at this ring, or even more beautiful pieces click HERE

My new wristlet.....

2009-09-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Of course because I have a wedding to go to I needed to make myself a new wristlet to match my outfit.

Black, cream and red, my favorite color combination. While I was at it I decided I needed a matching key fob.

Hippo Press is out!!

2009-09-03T05:35:00.001-07:00

In saving the readers of my blog a little hassle, I have cut and paste from the article where you can find information about lil ole me.

Etsian marketing

“I think that a lot of people expect when they open an Etsy site they’ll just have automatic sales,” said Holly Klump, 32, of Nashua. Not so, said these Etsians. You still have to promote yourself like a regular business. You can’t just expect people to come find you, Klump said.
Klump joined Etsy at its beginning, evident from her user number 173 (they are assigned in order), and sells hand-spun and -dyed yarn at www.misshawklet.etsy.com. She switched to spinning in 2004 by watching online demos and reading instruction books about it, after starting to learn to knit from her roommate.

Etsy offers ways to promote on the site. Etsians can pay to advertise on the site’s “Showcase.” Some promote themselves in Etsy chat rooms, or start “Convos,” Etsy’s e-mail system. Its “superblog,” The Storque, has links to such things as “The Etsy Seller Handbook: All Our How-To’s About Selling.” Stephanie Paulus, 34, of Nashua gained visibility by creating a “Treasury,” 12 items a member likes. “If they like your Treasury, that’s what’s on the front page,” Paulus said. Paulus went to photography school, and sells photographic jewelry on Etsy (ebonypaws.etsy.com).

A Google Analytics log is available, artist Glenna Normyle said. “You can tell the number of people who have looked at each of the items in my shop,” she said. It also shows how people find your Etsy page, Paulus said.

Originally, Klump got a lot of her business through keeping a blog. That and Flickr have been the “cheapest and most successful ways to promote my business,” she said.
Other New Hampshire Etsians rely on social media. Paulus started a Facebook fan page that helped her get feedback on a new item — pet i.d. tags she created with her graphic design skills and Shrinky Dinks. She had her friends become fans, so their friends would then see Paulus’ link.
Along with using a Facebook page, Terravechia recently started writing a blog to showcase Etsy sellers she thinks are unique. She can post Etsy links into the blog, and uses Google AdSense to sell advertising on www.aloucreations.blogspot.com. “So far I’ve only made two pennies. I get paid per click.... For every hundred dollars I make they’ll send me a check,” Terravechia said.
Handbag-maker Katy Brown, 34, of Concord, creator of the Concord Arts Market, is a “Facebook junkie.” She keeps up with some crafters through blogs (muchachak.blogspot.com); people in the online craft community cross-post to help promote each other, she said.

Brown was able to build a presence on Etsy early — she’s user 1,186. Now, it’s almost impossible to gain Etsy visibility for a jeweler studio-mate of hers. The primary way is to post regularly, she said. “I’ve heard crazy stories,” Brown said. People will relist over and over even though they are charged each time.

OfflineThese folks don’t leave promotion to the virtual world. Quilter Jessica Fredette, 26, of Concord started leaving business cards at local quilt shops (www.lovejessicaalways.etsy.com). Laura Langley includes business cards with orders for satisfied customers to pass on to friends.
Jeweler Erica Jeanes carries her business cards with her, and handbag-maker Melanie Chabre leaves hers everywhere.

Klump gained exposure by donating yarn for Tamie Snow to use in Tiny Yarn Animals. Klump was featured in Spin to Knit, by Shannon Okey, and the 2008 Stitch and Bitch Page-A-Day calendar.

Jeanes holds jewelry parties at friends’ homes, and her work is at shops on Newbury Street in Boston and in Newport, R.I.

Chabre said people have found her Etsy shop through boutiques that stock her bags. One in Groton, Mass., asked for pet-themed handbags to go with a pet-themed display. She’s also in shops in West Concord, Mass., Michigan, and Arizona.

Paulus’ pet i.d. tags will be at the Animal Rescue League of Bedford’s Sept. 19 Pet Step, and at Barktoberfest Sept. 20 in Westford, Mass.
Jeweler Lauren Boss sells in Maison de l’Art and Gallery One in Nashua, and Straight Ahead Hair Design in Salem. She planned to be at the Greeley Park art show in August. She usually sells at home shows in New York, where her sister lives, before Christmas, and sells at some local school craft fairs.

“The jewelry market is really, really competitive,” Boss said. On Etsy, she actually does better selling supplies (www.mermaidbeadbooty.etsy.com), she said.

Jeweler Becca Turcotte, 25, of Manchester also sells at school craft fairs and at the Concord Arts Market. “I love the Concord Arts Market,” Turcotte said.

Customizing

People also use Etsy to generate custom work. Carol Butler, 61, of Nashua, and her husband Lloyd have had a functional art business since 1991, and started using Etsy about a year ago. A current focus is custom pet memorial boxes — her husband makes a wooden box, and Butler paints a portrait of the pet on a disk affixed to it.

They also make custom pet treat jars, glass with a pet portrait painted on the lid. Pets have become a multi-billion dollar industry, she said. (The Butlers started making memorial boxes after receiving the ashes of their own pets in plastic containers.)

Etsy is “click and buy,” though, Butler said. People can contact them for custom work through www.hrt2hand.etsy.com, or their own Web site, www.hearttohandcreations.com. They’ve only had a few sales through Etsy, but the site led to some offline sales, Butler said. The Butlers also put some of their work on Flickr.

Glenna Normyle, 50, of Manchester, uses pressed flowers from an occasion along with other related items, like a wedding invitation, on canvas. She can create memorials using a person’s favorite flower, for example. Normyle joined Etsy as part of her recovery and mainly uses Etsy (www.gnormyle.etsy.com) to advertise for her gallery site, www.putiton.com/glennanormyle. “Being that I’m disabled, I find that Etsy is a really good way for me to get my name out,” Normyle said. She uses a blog, www.blogspot.com/glennasgarden and Twitter, twitter.com/gnormyle, in her marketing.

Going international

Someone in the U.K. may be wearing Turcotte’s jewelry. “I just find that really cool,” Turcotte said.

The worldwide factor of Etsy brought Langley, 49, of Hudson, free press in Greece. An editor found her eco-friendly sleep masks on Etsy and the two e-mailed back and forth, resulting in a spot in Glamour Magazine Greece. (Langley had a number of international orders in August, though none from Greece.)

Brown is starting to explore dawanda.com, which has mainly a European audience, she said. On her grad school budget, instead of buying, she does trades throughout the world, receiving things like olive oil from Greece.

Turcotte thinks how much she spends and makes on the site is about even.
When Boss needs a gift or other item, she visits New Hampshire Etsians’ shops first, but tries to sell more than she buys. Other Etsians spoke of buying supplies through Etsy.
Teravechia “Hearts” an item she likes, and if she still wants it a few days later, makes the purchase. Right now, selling through Etsy is pretty much covering the cost of supplies, advertising and listing, Terravechia said.

Making a livingEtsy features a blog on how to quit your day job, but Klump doesn’t know of anyone who makes a living from Etsy without support from another family member.
“I would love to live off my crafts, but I don’t really see that as viable option,” Klump, who works at a library, said. “My ultimate goal is to work for myself,” but maybe not through yarn, she said.
“I think it depends on what you call a living,” Langley said. She believes it’s possible, and feels more confident since a major magazine found her by searching Etsy, she said.

“For jewelry, it would be really hard,” Boss said. Fredette said the same of quilting.

Brown thinks she could support herself in theory, only because she currently doesn’t have a mortgage or car payment or kids. However, her student loan payments start soon.
Chabre said she’s met “two men” who use Etsy.

Chabre said many stay-at-home moms she knows are looking for a way to make money “and keep themselves sane.” About 96 percent of Etsy sellers were women in 2008, according to an Etsy “non-scientific poll,” Adam Brown of Etsy wrote in an e-mail.

The whole article was well written, and if you would like to read it you can do so by clicking HERE.

As I promised myself

2009-09-03T03:30:00.000-07:00

I was going to go back and buy some soap from SoapyPleasure. When I was browsing Susy's shop I didn't see any lavender soap so I sent her a convo asking if she could make some for me.

I did however notice she has since made it into a regular listing which you can see HERE. Susy was extremely accomodating and her soaps smell fantastic!!

I will deffinately be back, and I may even be strong enough to step out of my box and try one of her other many scents!

I've been so busy!

2009-09-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

Between back to school (with a son with a broken wrist) and orders left and right I have been surely keeping busy!

I have been continually cutting squares in various red and green prints, and think I am finally ready to begin sewing. This is going to be a patchwork tree skirt for my mother. People often wonder how it is that I do what I do, and to be honest, I really have no idea how to make a tree skirt. I am totally winging this one. I will certainly post a picture once it is completed.

The piecing however will have to take a temporary back seat as I have a rather large key fob order that I have to get completed.

Ahhh the joy's of shipping!

2009-08-27T04:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about what I do is seeing all the different places my items are going to. I have shipped all over the place from Washington, to North Dakota, even Iceland.

However this lovely little fob is on it's way to Juneau, Alaska! Alaska has been one of my top five places to visit for years. I wonder if the person that bought this would mind opening a box with me in it, hmmmm.

Creative Outlet

2009-08-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed when someone is able to take a simple item, such as a button and turn it into something stunning. For example would you look at this ring that Mezz has made from a button (that for the record is FAR from simple!!).

I really enjoyed browsing Mezz's blog and I think you will too, so stop by her Creative Outlet to make sure you can keep up with what she will be doing next. I can't wait to see more from this designer.

Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's that time of year again. Another year older, and I can only hope a little more wiser.

No big plans. My kids are baking a cake (which for sure will not look like this one), and Matthew wants to pick blueberries. As long as the temperature drops a little I certainly wouldn't mind spending my day in a sea of purplish blue yummy fruit!!

If I had only seen these when I pregnant....

2009-08-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

These are some of the cutest animal art prints I have come across in a long time. These would have made a great addition to Matthew's Nursery, and still may end up making a great addition even though he isn't a baby anymore.

I found them in chichiboulie's Etsy shop. Make sure you visit Gretchen and check out her amazing work. If you would like to read her blog you can see it by clicking HERE

The Button Box

2009-08-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

No I am not referring to that thing that we ALL have or had access too growing up. One of my favorite memories as a matter of fact was with my Great Grandmothers button box that was stored in an old Whitman's Sampler box.

Moving on however The Button Box that I am reffering to is a site dedicated to graphic design for your blogs!

For those of you that don't know what a button is if you scroll down the side of my blog and see all these little squares on the left that say "Creative Bloggers" for example, you have a button.

So if your looking to have your blog revamped, make sure you visit Rae Ann, and for a good laugh make sure you check out her other blog, Critical Mass.

Soap so delicious looking....

2009-08-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

that I almost don't want to use it!

Trying to play catch up with my Creative Bloggers group (so so so sorry) I went back to see what I missed and found this amazing shop, SoapyPleasure. Since my birthday is in a few days and that usually sends me a little bit of money I decided that I am going to get some of these for my very own!

While your in drooling over soap make sure you check out Susy's other shop EarthExpressions for some amazing jewelry.

Great gift ideas

2009-08-03T13:10:00.001-07:00

Not only was this a great shot of my key fobs but also a very very clever idea. These key fobs made it into gift sets for bridesmaids.

If you want to see what else was included click HERE and it will take you right to the article.

GASP! I know I know

2009-07-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month since I last blogged, what a slacker!

Actually been enjoying some sumertime fun hitting the beach and taking the kids to play in the river. It has been great but now I have to get back to work in a major way. I will be delivering some of my pet themed items to a local shop (more on this to follow).

For right now though I have to share this awesome shirt I got in the mail today, my friend Jennifer decided that labels weren't enough to keep her creative juices flowing and thought she would try a hand at screen printing.

I fell in love with this design and immediately knew I had to have it printed on a black tank top.

If you interested in seeing more of Jennifers degins click HERE and it will take you to her State Street shop.

My second pair of pretty socks...

2009-06-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

To match a blue dress with sunflowers for the fabulous Miss Megan (aka my daughter).

I am slightly addicted to making these (at the moment). Of course any of you that know me know that I will make a few more pair then never want to touch them ever again. I am bound and determined however to finish up the package of 1o socks before I give up. This way Megan will have a pair of socks to match every outfit.

I did get some beautiful socks from my friend Maggie, that I will have to post, her socks are a beautiful work of art that mine can't compare.

It doesn't happen often,

2009-06-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

but every now and again I break down and make something for myself.

In this case it was a new wristlet.

What also doesn't happen often is that I take a piece of discontinued fabric and cut into it, just in case you didn't know this about me I tend to be a fabric hoarder. In this case I used fabric from one of my favorite designers, Joel Dewberry in teal and brown.

I have decided from here on out that all my wristlets will have pockets on the inside. My least favorite feature of the last wristlet I used for myself was that it didn't have a pocket to place my credit cards in so I was constantly having to search through stacks of money and receipts (more so receipts then money unfortunately, LOL) to find the one card I was looking for.

My first pair of pretty socks...

2009-06-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Maggie made the cutest socks for Megan, but since having a baby or two she just doesn't have the time to make them anymore.

Since I got sick of looking at boring socks for my daughter I picked up my crochet hook, some buttons and pretty thread and this is what I ended up with :)

How perfect is this?

2009-06-15T04:07:00.001-07:00

Since Michael was a little boy trying to potty train I have used construction paper graphs to track progress and "oops". As I was browsing the website of the week for my Creative Bloggers group I found these adorable personalized charts. There are so many great gift ideas on this site that I couldn't possibly share them all with you. So make sure you go to The Polka Dot Press to see everything that she has to offer.

You can also access her website through her blog by clicking HERE

One of my favorite shops...

2009-06-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

For a long time now has been Woolies, so I decided to hop on over and see what my long time friend from the forums has been up to.

Not only does she still have her adorable knitted items in her Woolies shop, but I found out she has a second shop called BusterandBoo where she has some wonderful pendants. I do have to say my most favorite listing however was this set of earrings titled "Lily Of the Valley"

If you would like to keep up with what Sara has been up to follow her on her blog by clicking HERE

Featured Blog of the Week: ByCoco

2009-05-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

While I was browsing Coco's blog which you can read HERE I saw a link to her Etsy shop where I found some of the most amazing pieces of stained glass work!

The following information I took from her profile page:

My name is Coco Watkin. I grew up in New Orleans where the atmosphere is rich with culture and where imagination is celebrated through its architecture, its music, its food, its Mardi Gras and its other festivals. New Orleans is a large city with a small town flavor and a special love of the arts--visual, performing and culinary.

As a military wife of 30 years, I've experienced different cultures within the United States and abroad, each exuding their own indigenous artistic flair for transforming the ordinary in life into something extraordinary. Beauty abounds if we just take time to notice.

As the mother of five children, necessity has often been my inspiration and on a fairly regular basis has proven to be the mother of invention. Parenting has been a wild and unpredictable ride, and I would do it all over again, especially if I could do it over again with the same husband who is a fantastic father.

Among other endeavors, I am a part time artisan specializing in stained glass and decorative folk painting (European style stroke work). Over the years, I've also dabbled in carved candles, soap, clay, needlework, fountains, basic carpentry refinishing, caning, and various types of sewing, as well as candy and jelly making. Often while creating something in my studio I am tapping into my knowledge of and skill in more than just one artistic medium. My other passion is for transforming trash into treasure or giving new life to something old. Both the process of creating and the process of transforming objects are spiritual experiences for me--It's when I feel most alive.

I hope you enjoy reading about Coco as much as I have, please visit her Etsy shop by clicking HERE to see more of her amazing works.

Whew!!

2009-05-20T13:16:00.001-07:00

I was planning out a custom order that I was about to do, when I realized that the style she was originally asking for just wouldn't work. It was to be large and boxy, with short straps (24") with metal hardware.

As I was drawing out dimensions, etc on a piece of paper, I realized what the customer was asking for just wouldn't work. I emailed her to let her know that I was going to go with more of a hobo style that she also liked instead of the boxy.

I pulled out my muslin hobo pattern and stared at it, trying to figure out what it was about that bag that I never liked. I went back and looked at pictures of the other bags I made when it dawned on me that the bags were too stiff.

So I took my pattern, and drew one slightly larger, and cut the bag out of this adorable bird fabric by Henry Glass. I used the lightest weight interfacing that I had on hand and went to work. I inserted a zipper into the lining, which I sewed closed originally, and a magnetic snap. I used the same interfacing in the straps and attached rectangle metal rings.

I am still not sure if she likes it yet, if she does I will be making hers tomorrow.

When I am not sewing

2009-05-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

I love love love to read other crafter's blogs. This morning I sat down with my cup of coffee and started reading over at Creature of Craft.

As I was browsing her posts I stumbled upon a challenge that she had entered this gorgeous piece. Appropriately named Gladiator. I can't even begin to imagine how much work went into this beauty.

If you would like to see more of Jenny's work you can find her on Etsy at jmackgems

Here it is!!!

2009-05-15T04:33:00.000-07:00

I finally did it, I threw out all my anal retentive behaviour and made a patchwork bag!

I pulled out all my scraps and plopped down at my machine and just pulled out random scraps and made them into one large piece of fabric.

Each patchwork piece takes hours to construct. The patchwork is just the beginning.

I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure if I was going to like stepping out of my box and just going for it but I am in love with the way it came out. I love looking at the different shapes andtextures. Every time I look at the bag I see something that I didn't see before. It is like looking at an I Spy puzzle.

Just a teaser!

2009-05-14T15:41:00.001-07:00

Remember a little while ago when I left you all with something to ponder, I showed you a heap of fabric and wanted you to guess what it would be.

Well I am going to keep you hanging for a little while longer, as I don't have any natural sunlight thanks to the fact it is almost 7pm and it has been raining all day.

However if all goes well you will get to see the finished piece tomorrow, so for now, here is your teaser.

Just listed yesteterday.....

2009-05-13T04:24:00.001-07:00

and already my newest tissue cozies have made it into a treasury!

The new Tissue Cozies!

2009-05-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Five down, only about 300 more to go!

I really went crazy cutting these out last week, but it is part of my grand plan, so it really will make sense when I reveal it!

They do sell well in person at craft fairs and such, so why not get a jump start on my craft fair season! I also decided to list them in packs of five, and hopefully they will sell well that way on Etsy.

Mother's Day hasn't come yet

2009-05-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

and I have already reached my goal!

Yay!!!!!!!!! I have exactly 200 sales, and 114 listings.

I have almost 50 mini fobs listed in my shop, I can't believe it! They are so small and they don't take up much room thankfully!

In the picture are all the fobs I made out of three different colors of Tree Peony, by Amy Butler fabrics.

Sneak Peak of the new Fobs

2009-05-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Since my new webbing and my new hardware just came in yesterday afternoon, I figured I better spend my time prepping fabric for key fobs so when it got here I could just sew sew sew!

Now that they are done I am hoping that mother nature cooperates with me and gives me some natural lighting to take good pictures.

Once these are listed I will be well above my goal of 100 listings, YIPEE!!

A spotlight on crocheting

2009-05-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

More specifically, Debbie from debs1967.

I met Deb through Etsy HOST, and I fell in love right away with her turtle dish scrubbies, and even though I haven't bought any yet (only because my turtle obsessed three year old would steal them from me) I have bought several other things from her shop. Such as this cute little crocheted turtle.

I have also bought some of her hanging kitchen towels. Not only are all her item extremely well made they are at great prices too!

Being someone who crochets I can really appreciate the time and work that Deb puts into all her items.

I will deffinately be buying from her again and again.

Just in case you missed the link to Deb's shop at the top of the page, click HERE to go see what she has to offer.

Can you guess?

2009-05-04T06:50:00.001-07:00

What this is going to be?

I'm not going to tell you, all I will say is this is keep your eyes peeled!

Attention Cross Stitchers, guess what I did

2009-05-02T07:23:00.001-07:00

I broke down and decided it was time to destash some of my things that in my lifetime I will never complete.

So I started with all my little ornaments, and we will go from there.

If your interested and want to see what goodies I am parting with, use the following links.

Christmas: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24483527

Animals: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=24483661

It's almost Mother's Day

2009-05-01T05:12:00.000-07:00

and I am so close to reaching my goal!!

92 listings and 199 sales!!

My most recent listing was this really cute cupcake mini fob.

Today I have big plans to get some bags done, however with my kids not cooperating all week, we shall see what happens.

It's about time!

2009-04-22T15:02:00.000-07:00

Remember those really cute graphics I had made a while back? Well I finally got my butt in gear and used them!

I figured since I have a large variety of mini fobs listed that it was high time I started making sale listings!

To see the complete listing click HERE

I've been a listing fool!

2009-04-16T07:04:00.001-07:00

I am currently up to 87 listings, and had one sale yesterday which brings me up to 196! Four more to go and about a month left until the end of my goal, I think I will make it!

I spent the better part of yesterday taking better photographs of my items. I am trying to give my shop a more uniform look, meaning that I want all the pictures to look the "same" and having them on white backgrounds.

I found a method that works pretty good for the bigger stuff as well as the smaller stuff. Once I get that good first picture I can then take the bigger bags outside and hang them on trees, railings or whatever shot I can get that looks the best for the bag.

I want to make some more mini fobs, and get a head start on my cosmetic sets. However it is supposed to be really nice out so I may go clean my yard.

Update on my goals...

2009-04-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Since the sun has finally been shining I have been able to pull out the basket of mini key fobs that I have been hoarding since craft fair season. Since I sold three of them while I was on vacation, I figured what a better item to get me to my listing goal of 100 items.

I am up to 195 sales, well 197 if you count the two things that I removed from my shop so someone my mother works with could buy them.

Since allergies are kicking my butt right now I don't have much focus to sit at my machine. So I have been putting away all the new fabrics I have ordered recently contemplating what to do next.

I think after all the mini fobs are listed I need to make a few bigger bags. As much as I love making them I just have such a hard time with photographing them that I don't enjoy listing them. With mother natures help I can hopefully get a few nice days outside to take pictures of them.

My lovely sage green yarn came in the other day, so I think I am going to set the navy one aside, as I am not feeling the love and cracking the green out to crochet a bag out of it. I also have to finish a baby quilt for my oldest friend who had her baby in February. I did promise her I would have it done before he goes to college.

I'm back from vacation...

2009-04-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

I have been laying low for a little bit since I came home, trying to decide what I should work on next.

I have decided that since I sold three mini key fobs while I was away that the first sunny day I need to photograph the rest of what I have and get them listed.

I also need to spend some time cleaning my sewing room again, it goes from perfect to disastrous in a matter of moment's sometimes. I have a few random things to put away so it should be a quick fix.

Vacation was great, and I wish it was a little longer, but had a great time. Michael and I were able to feed a giraffe, and some stingrays (actually Michael chickened out but it was soooooooooo cool), and we got to take in a Spring Training baseball game between the Florida Marlins and the Saint Louis Cardinals.

This picture was taken by me on the Ferris Wheel at Lion Country Safari.

Gearing up for VACATION!!!

2009-03-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be going to Florida for the week to visit my father with my oldest son. Lots of sunshine and fun are in the forecast. Of course that certainly will put a cramp on pushing towards my goal. I spent the weekend cleaning and making a custom bag for an old friend of mine from the days of big hair, bad outfit choices, and just general embarrassing behavior.

Guess what I have been doing?

2009-03-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

Well I decided to take out my cotton yarn and crochet hook and make some more of my small flap bags. I finished the brown one last night, and started a navy one. I decided to stay away from the "weird" colors for a little bit and just make some out of "normal" colors.

As far as my goal, I am up to 79 listings, and I haven't had any new sales. Good thing mothers day is still a little way away.

The sun is shining which usually is good for my motivation, so I plan on getting some more wallets done today. I also want to make a few patchwork things.

If you would like to see more of my new crocheted bag, click HERE to go to the listing.

I've been featured!!

2009-03-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Want to read more about me, and what makes me tick, then click HERE

Dawn from MSFabrics asked me if I would like to be a featured seller, so of course I took that bull and grabbed it by the horns!

I hope you enjoy reading my interview, as I had a lot of fun doing it! If you would like to access the article from the home page, click on the following link: http://www.freecraftfair.com/

A goal for myself.....

2009-03-20T13:22:00.001-07:00

I feel every now and again that it is good to set healthy goals for yourself. Mine in this case is to get to 100 items in my Etsy shop (currently at 76), and to get up to 200 sales (currently at 192) by Mother's Day.

I am on a roll making new oversized coin pouches and wallets so I think to the first part of my goal will be a piece of cake.

If you would like to see more of what the picture above is click HERE!!

What do you get?

2009-03-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

When you have six 4" squares, linen blend fabric, a snap, an orange zipper, and a little creative juices flowing?

A really really cute matching wallet and coin case!!

Cupcakes anyone?

2009-03-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

This has got to be the cutest thing ever! I couldn't envision what it was going to be when it was finished, but I couldn't be more thrilled with the results!!

A Jennifer style bag, with Robert Kaufmans Sweet Tooth Cupcakes on pink, with a lightweight chocolate brown twill. There is a matching cosmetic set, pencil case and coin purse. This particular bag has an inside zippered pocket as well.

New Wallets Are Coming!!

2009-03-03T06:49:00.001-08:00

I was asked to design a great passport wallet for an old Etsy friend of mine, Tyann of LittleElephantCo and MarcinkDesigns, she has also asked for a matching coin purse. So I took the opportunity to try out using two different fabrics to create them, in this instance a linen blend and cotton print from Michael Miller's Ginger Blossom Collection.

Together the fabrics are just amazing together, and because I was so happy with the results I will be making more of these to sell either individually or in matching sets!

I've been blogged about.......

2009-02-26T04:06:00.001-08:00

I have been busy since I last blogged, sewing, cleaning, designing you name it I have been doing it.

Well I don't want to bore you with the details, I will just say this, I made a bag for my friend Maisy of MissMaisy and LittleNovelties and she decided to do a blog post about it, which can be seen here: http://missmaisyschatter.blogspot.com/

So make sure you have a look at Maisy's blog, and while your at it do a little shopping from her as well, you surely won't be dissappointed.

Fire and Ice Designs

2009-02-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

I met Michelle through HOST and was touched by her amazing story!

Michelle is trying to raise money for a missions trip to Queretaro, Mexico.

The orphange she is going to has 140 kids with 10 volunteer workers to take care of them. She is also doing outreach to two remote communities. There will be about 10 people going down to provide some relief to the hard working volunteers and to reach out to the communities; most of who don't get a lot of outreach.

Because of this I thought I would do my part and spread the word about this, with the hopes of helping her to raise the funds for her trip.

I myself have been coveting her bobby pins. If I did beading I certainly would be taking advantage of her Dichroic beads.

For more of Michelles fabulous items such as handmade beads or jewelry you can find her things here Fire and Ice Designs.

Yet another reason to support handmade:

2009-02-05T10:06:00.000-08:00

This is part of an email that I received today, and not only did it give me a good chuckle, but it rang so true.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China.
If you spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer it will go to India.
If you purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala (unless you buy organic).
If you buy a car it will go to Japan.
If you purchase useless crap it will go to Tawain.

And NONE of it will help the American economy.

We need to keep that money here in America. So if you really want to stimulate the economy think about where you going to spend it before you do. You buy something handmade not only are you helping THIS country, but the people that live in it too. Do you really need a new flat screen television for the bedroom? Probably not but I bet there is someone out there making their living on selling their handmade goods that could use the money to buy diapers and food for their children.

I can't believe I did it!

2009-02-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

I actually made something using oilcloth! EEP!

I was so afraid for such a long time, a good Hostie friend asked me to make her a bag using two different oilcloths. I said yes, and man oh man did I stress about it for quite some time! However my shipment of fabric came today, and in that shipment there was some samples so I decided to take my new item and use the oilcloth outside and a cotton polka dot fabric on the inside and I love the way it worked up.

I didn't even have to put my fancy roller foot I bought on the machine. Actually it worked better without it!

So enjoy the pictures, and I am so going shopping for more oilcloth as soon as I get some money.

New Banner, New Graphic, New Attitude!

2009-01-17T04:19:00.000-08:00

Well it has been some time since I posted anything in here, and I am truely sorry for being so boring.

The fact is that I haven't had too much to say, go figure!

However after having a crappy Christmas selling season thank's to the ice storm that left me electricity-less and phone/internet-less for almost 3 weeks, I had to do some major soul searching. Figure out exactly what I want to do with my business, and not only figure out what I wanted to do, but how to achieve that goal.

It took me quite a while, to not only snap out of my little funk, but to figure out what to do after I get out of it and how not to get back in it.

It is no secret that there are THOUSANDS of bags out there on Etsy, which it has always been that way, however thanks to the way things are on that site it is becoming increasingly hard to even become noticed on there. So the first step is to photograph EVERYTHING that I have here, even if I think it won't sell because I need to be seen (which is going to lead to the new graphic which I will explain in a minute), I need to make noise, I need to stay at the top of whatever list it is I need to stay at the top of by listing and renewing several times a day.

Secondly I really need to figure out a way to get my off Etsy site up and running so it is easy for people to purchase from me without having to go through Etsy to do so. I started to do that, but it takes a lot of time, and I just don't always have time to sit here and do it.

My shop needed a breath of fresh air, and I gave it that. I had Vanessa of bearcengic (which if you look at her banner those of you that know me will know why I was drawn to her shop, it wasn't purely that she could do what I wanted, HAHA). Within minutes I had a brand new polished up banner, and a new graphic for listings.

With that fresh air and a VERY motivational box that came from my friend Steph in Arizona, (her goods are sold on Etsy too at Blinky) of fun fabrics and I for the first time in MONTHS I felt the creative juices flowing again.

Plus some of you very close to me know something that is very special that I have been plotting since before Christmas that I am trying to launch soon, before Valentines Day (even though I think Mother's day will be a good time too), that will quite possibly be the burst of chaotic business I have been longing for.

I'm back!

2008-12-29T06:50:00.000-08:00

Finally after 2 1/2 weeks of having very little contact with the outside world, I am back!

As many of you may have heard, my area was hit with a devastating ice storm back on December 11th which left me without phone/cable and more importantly power for almost that whole time.

Everyone was safe and we made it through. I leave you with just a few pictures so you can see what I saw for so long. Many of the trees are still down, because of course we got hit with 16" of snow within a week, so my yard will look bad for quite some time.

Thought I would share....

2008-12-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

While browsing some of my favorite Etsy shops, I stumbled into LavenderDragonHerbs shop where I found this listing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18116117 which I had to share with all of you.

Those were the bags that I made for my good friend Lav for her products. I completely spaced on taking pictures so here you go!

Make sure you check out all her wonderful items, she is having a big sale right now!!

My to do list update

2008-12-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

I have been getting stuff done, honest.

If you read my previous post you saw that I finished my pouches for LavenderDragonHerbs.

I have also finished my wristlets, and I must say there were some stunning ones in that bunch! I even got paid and mailed them yesterday, BONUS!!

As far as everything else I think the only things I haven't done is excercise (because the machine isn't here yet) and get photo's done for my HOST donations.

My shop is looking bright and cheery because I found a great photo editing software that in a few clicks I can have the brightness that was missing before.

Now I need to start a new to do list, I haven't sewn all week because it takes me at least half the week to let my house recover from me working the weekends! I leave you with a few pics.

One down 5 to go....

2008-11-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

I finished and shipped the bags to LavenderDragonHerbs so when you order things like this lovely tea you very well may be getting it in a pouch that was sewn by me.

Looks great, doesn't it? If you would like to check out her shop follow this link and see all that she has to offer: LavenderDragonHerbs

My to do list...

2008-11-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

I am going to blog it because I am hoping that enough people will read this and crack the whip if they notice me slacking.

I had a less then lack luster craft fair, which was no fault of any one's but my own for not having the variety that I would have liked.

So I have lots and lots of fobs left over, so that will keep my shop current for a while!

1. Finish product bags for LavenderDragonHerbs

2. Make at least 6 new wristlets for a wholesale order (I have six left, but I want to offer her something new.

3. Take pictures of all the stuff that didn't sell (and get it listed) and revamp the stuff I have listed already.

4. Take pictures and get descriptions to the HOST shop for my donations.

5. Beef up descriptions to match the new pretty photos (well hopefully, my camera is broken so I don't know how it's all going to work out.)

6. I really need to start exercising more, I have a machine coming from the in-laws any day, and I need to use it NO MORE NAPS, I need to work out, and get it shape so I will stop being dreary and have the energy during the day to do what I have to do.

I think that is it for now, with that being said I leave you with a sneak peak picture of a yet to be listed wristlet.

This is why I shouldn't leave my sewing machine...

2008-11-20T08:41:00.001-08:00

So MONTHS and MONTHS ago I had asked a certain someone to build me a bag tree of sorts for my craft fairs. Well I am doing one this coming Saturday the 22nd and needless to say it never got made. I envision it to be white, with all my bags neatly hung. Makes the whole area look much more professional.

So I drove myself to Lowe's (even though I like Tony Stewart better but Home Depot is further down the road) to purchase the supplies I needed to make them myself. I was going to get a plain 4 x 4 but the shortest I could get was 6ft. I asked the kind gentleman at the counter if he could cut that for me and he said he couldn't because it didn't fit in the machine. So with a look of frustration on my face I am sure, the nice man says, why don't you try something like this. Brings me over to some railings for lack of a better word. He tells me to go get a 2 x 4 and he will cut it to what I need. I was so psyched that this might actually work that I bought two, one for each side of the table.

So I take it home, and bring it to the basement. Start by trying to put a screw into one of the longer pieces of the 2 x 4 to attach the feet. Well the drill won't push the screw through and I get it stuck. So I say to myself "okay, I guess we will use a hammer and nails". I started working from the other side of the same piece of wood, the nail goes halfway in and it gets all bent and mangled. So I walk away and try the other one. Low and behold this one went together smoothly.

I start drilling holes for dowels, and the drill dies. So now it is going to be hours before I can continue working, I decided at that point I will just wait until the next day when the kids are in for their nap.

I finish drilling the holes, go cut the dowels, and realize that when I hang the bags on the pegs where I put them I am not happy. So I say to myself "okay I can make it work I will just use this one for smaller pieces." I go outside scouring the woodpile for a piece of wood that will replace the one I messed up yesterday. Find the wood, and again have a hard time getting the nails in. So then the light bulb in my brain goes off and I drill pilot holes for the nails to go into. How easy did that make things. Oh my if I had only did that yesterday I wouldn't be having so much problems. I decided that I was going to put one of the dowel on the top finial piece of the post that way I have more room to play with.

Once they are both assembled I am getting ready to paint, feeling pretty good at this point too mind you. I open the paint, mix the paint, start painting the backside of one post. Yeah the paint doesn't coat the wood!

So instead of having elegant white looking bag trees, I have two posts with dowels sticking out and will have to cover the bottom with some fabric I have around here. This is why folks, I will never ever leave my sewing machine again.

Week two on Raja

2008-11-18T05:30:00.001-08:00

Well I haven't put as much time into it as I had wanted for the last week. We are now running the wood stove in my living room and we haven't quite figured out how not to make it a million degrees in there. I don't want to have to relocate my stitching spot but I may have to.

I am about halfway done with page 1. I was thrilled when I got to Raja's ear!

The Sports Fobs and Their Mini Counterparts.....

2008-11-17T07:41:00.000-08:00

I am hoping these key fobs will be as popular in person as I am hoping them to be. I have made at least 2o more in the last few days, and I can't seem to stop. Eventually I will run out of hardware and won't have a choice, but until then I will keep having fun.

I decided to open up to a broader range of people to make some sports related ones. I wanted to make New England Patriots ones, but I am not happy with the size of the print on the fabric and how it looks on the fob, so I gave up on that idea.

So I decided that generic sports balls would be best.

Key Fobs

2008-11-12T12:56:00.000-08:00

I have been spending all my time the last 2 days making key fobs for my upcoming craft fair in Derry.

I made two sizes a regular size one and a mini one for those who would just rather have a small "cute" keychain.

I probably have hundreds made between the two sizes, yet I feel like I don't have enough. They certainly don't look like much when they are neatly placed in a basket!

I've been busy...

2008-11-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Yikes, my craft fair in Derry is just 2 weeks away, and I am really trying hard to cram in a lot of little stuff right now. I think I have enough larger bags to hold me over, but falling short on the key fob's and wallets catagories.

So today I have been cutting out all my webbing in both sizes (regular and mini) for fobs. Right now I am ironing my 2" strips of fabric to attach to said webbing.

I figured I needed to take a break from that and do some blogging. I also made a new wristlet style this week with a detachable wrist strap. I had bought those clips thinking they were going to be something else. Well when they got here I was shocked that they were so big. After months of looking at them, and watching my 2 year old putting them in and out of their bag it hit me what I could do with them.

It's been one week........

2008-11-08T08:56:00.001-08:00

Since I started Raja, and this is my progress so far. Your looking at all of the first row on page one and then some :)

My Raja progress....

2008-11-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

It isn't a whole lot right now, after all it is only two days of stitching.

I started this on 18ct Aida cloth. I originally was going to do 22 ct but then I looked at those itty bitty squares and I figured for this project I better go to the 18ct.

This is a whole eight 1o x 10 squares.

BoInk as of 11/3/08

2008-11-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

Well I won't be posting updates on this for a little while as I am working on Raja.

The cross that I did was actually supposed to be in dark blue and green. However I decided as I started that the green is just too dark to go with the blue so I changed the green out for orange.

More Stitching

2008-11-01T16:08:00.001-07:00

Yes I am absolutely out of my mind. I joined another stitch along for Raja this beautiful tiger. I got it last night and got 4 10x10 squares done, I am on a roll!! I will post some progress as I get a little further into it as I just started it doesn't look like much just yet.

It's that time of year.....

2008-10-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yep, Halloween time. I had to make 3 costumes in 3 days this week, nothing like waiting until the last minute.

I made my son and his best friend Maddie Pokemon costumes. Maddie is a Piplup and Michael is the evolved form, Empoleon. My youngest son will be a turtle, that one I haven't exactly finished yet, but I will soon :)

I even added a picture of what they are supposed to be. Maddies is the one all the way to the left, and Michaels all the way to the right.

What a beautiful day.....

2008-10-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

It is a gorgeous day here in New Hampshire. The leaves are falling, the sun is shining, and the kids are sleeping. It is about 60 degrees out today. Since I have to take it easy I decided I was going to sneak in a little cross stitching. So I took my stuff outside and started stitching on my back deck. What a lovely feeling.

I am still working on my BoInk, and I am really enjoying the block I am on, it is working up fast and the colors are not driving me nuts. Don't pay attention to the fact that the stitches got a little funky on the side where I added the new fabric :)

BoINK Update as of 10/23/08

2008-10-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to taking updated pictures on my BoInk, I had a little scare when my fabric wasn't big enough, I took two pieces to my sewing machine and stitched them together. Even though I saved it from the scrap pile, there are a few stretched stitches, but other then that I think it is working out just fine :)