Saturday, November 28, 2009

Mom's Thanksgiving Gift

I almost posted this on Thanksgiving, but my mom had said something to me that made me think twice in case she peeked in on this blog. So I am sharing it now. Well, I kind of shared it earlier while it was in the making. I am quite pleased with how it turned out. So was she. And bonus - she was not expecting anything. Makes it that much better :)

I designed the table runner myself...I can't call it original exactly since triangles are used like this lots. I decided to make some coaster/trivet/potholder thingies too. They were also a great way to "practice" mitering my corners before I tackled the runner. Quilt corners do not bother me too much since it is wrapped around you when in use. Whereas a runner is displayed for all to see. Although - I think most people look more closely at the yummies placed on the runner than the runner itself. At least at our family feasts :)


back side of coasters

I think I may make some winter/holiday themed runners as well. I also sketched out a tree skirt with a matching pattern. Whether or not I get to it, who knows. I have a messenger bag duo custom order, ornament swap and 6 bag order all due up in a couple weeks. Does not leave much time for the holiday sewing I had in mind for the shop. Maybe I will make them in January in preparation for next year.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Etsyblogger Sale


☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:
H a p p y H o l i d a y s ! ! H a p p y S h o p p i n g ! !
☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Accessories
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Visart
http://visart.etsy.com
Holiday sale - 20% off all product orders over $50.00 before shipping (not includes custom orders)
Hand made polymer clay accessories, beads and buttons.

Wild Goose Chase
http://www.WildGooseChase.etsy.com
15% off all items! Refund will be issued through PayPal after payment is received. Enter "Etsy Bloggers Sale" in the message to seller at checkout to receive cash back.
Low priced stocking stuffers including One-Of-A-Kind awesome mirrors.


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Art
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

tapestry316
http://www.tapestry316.etsy.com
Huge sale featuring my watercolor paintings, drawings, ACEOs, altered art book pages, and prints! Check out the SALE SECTION in my shop for great buys - some up to half off!


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Bags and Purses
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Tilt creations
http://tiltcreations.etsy.com
FREE Worldwide Shipping. Mention "Etsybloggers" when checking out and shipping costs will be refunded through Paypal after payment is received.
Handmade handbags and accessories


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Bath and Beauty
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*


Spotted Cow Soaps
http://spottedcowsoaps.etsy.com
20% off all product orders over $50.00 (before shipping & excludes Special Buys Section)
Special Buys throughout the Sale
We offer handcrafted soaps and toiletries all lovingly made with our own hands.

SweetSallysSoaps
http://sweetsallyssoaps.etsy.com
FREE SHIPPING on anything in my shop!
Fine Handcrafted Soaps and Bath Accessories

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Books and Zines
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*


UberArt
http://uberart.etsy.com
Many items will be discounted in my SALE section of my shop. All other items (excluding custom orders) will be 10% off. Write "etsybloggers" in the comment box at checkout and I will send your refund via PayPal.
Unique journals and guest books. Great for the holidays -- gifts for teacher, secret santa, hostess gifts, or holiday party guest books!


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Children
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*


Joey & Aleethea
http://joeyandaleethea.etsy.com
20% OFF EVERYTHING!!!
Super cool custom-made Monster Shirts, Monster Jeans, Monster Onesies, Monster Dresses, Ankle Biters Lounge Pants and more awesome goodness!! Joey & Aleethea™ is a super cutesie boutique for baby boys, baby girls and their peeps! Just say "EtsyBloggers" upon checkout, and I'll send your refund via Paypal!

Splendid Little Stars
http://SplendidLittleStars.etsy.com
30% off short sleeve T shirts (children and adults) in the HOLIDAY SALE section of my shop! This includes custom orders for all "traditional style" tie dye short sleeve T shirts. Some surprises may pop up in this section as well! 10% off all silk scarves! Prices already marked down!
Unique hand dyed and hand painted (with dye) clothing for children--T shirts, dresses, baby outfits, knotted hats. Some adult items as well! beautiful silk scarves!


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Crochet
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Beautiful Bridget Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautifulbridget
FREE Worldwide Shipping PLUS and additional 10% off of orders of $100 or more (10% refund to be given through Paypal at end of transaction).
Indie handmade knit, crochet & fabric scarves, cowls, hats, fingerless gloves, fashion accessories, jewelry, bags & purses.

DipYourToes
http://dipyourtoes.etsy.com
15% OFF Everything In Stock. Refund given through Paypal after payment is received.
Awesomely cute and practical gifts and accessories. Handbags, Hair Accessories, Keyfobs, Laptop/Ipod Sleeves, Spa Items, Mug Cozies, Ornaments..etc!
Dolls and Miniatures


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Everything Else
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Simply Digital Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyBannersnAds
10% off EVERYTHING in my shop (refund by paypal)

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Geekery
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

AthenaWorkman
Miss Millificent's World
http://www.athenaworkman.etsy.com
15% off all items! Refund will be issued through PayPal after payment is received.
Polymer clay miniature "bakery sweets", discarded dollie charms, 1:12 dollhouse miniatures, photography and associated jewelry.

Lostmitten
http://lostmitten.etsy.com
10% off everything! Just write "etsy bloggers" in comments box at checkout and I will send you a refund back via Paypal for 10% off all handmade goodies!


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Housewares
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*


Peacoxcreations
http://peacoxcreations.etsy.com
15% off every shop item
Exquisite original design pine needle baskets, each OOAK. Tons of scrubbies perfect for stocking stuffers.


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Jewelry
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*


A Keepers Jackpot
http://akeepersjackpot.etsy.com
*Handmade Pendant Sale: BOGO! Buy one full priced pendant, get another for HALF OFF!*
See "Handmade Pendants" section
Discount applied to the lesser priced items, you MAY mix and match, you will receive a complimentary ball chain with each pendant unless specified otherwise. Limit to three half off pendants per customer. Your refund will be sent via PayPal after payment is received.

Charitable Creations Jewelry
http://charitablecreations.etsy.com
15% off everything in my shop!!! Refund given after payment received.
Personalized Hand Stamped and Sterling Silver Hand Made Jewelry - 10% donated to charity of your choice!! Gifts for Everyone!

Fabulous Chic Designs
http://www.fabulouschic.etsy.com
Up to 30% off select items- see shop Sale section for great deals.
Stylish handcrafted jewelry!

Faerie Garden Fancies
http://bunnykissd.etsy.com
10% OFF EVERYTHING! Discount already applied...
Magical polymer clay jewelry and figurines, fanciful art, and more!

Jack & Ella Designs
http://jackandella.etsy.com
Handcrafted Jewelry and Custom Designs
ALL TWILIGHT AND TRUE BLOOD MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE - SEE SHOP'S SALE SECTION FOR DISCOUNTED ITEMS

Linda B's Beaded Jewelry
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindab142
Free shipping to US & Canada - please put EtsyBlog in Notes to Seller and I'll refund your money via PayPal or Convo me prior to payment.

Made By Melissa
http://www.etsy.com/shop/madebymelissa
FREE GIFT with every purchase
Beaded jewelry and crochet toys and accessories

MagdaleneJewels
http://www.etsy.com/shop/magdalenejewels
Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings all made with Swarovski Crystals - 15% off + free shipping during our Holiday Sale. Please convo me if you are interested in any item, so that I can adjust the price and Reserve it for you!

Mama's Magic Studio
http://mamasmagicstudio.etsy.com
Free shipping, free gift wrap for jewelry items (on request), and for orders over $50 buyer chooses a free gift! Mention "Etsybloggers" when checking out and shipping costs will be refunded to Paypal. See shop announcement for more details.
Unique jewelry, handcrafted knitting needles (as seen in Interweave Knits!), baubles, and bird's nest pendants customized for the Mama in your life.

Mystic Wynd
http://etsy.com/shop/mysticwynd
Up to 50% off selected items - see shop sale section for great buys! Pricing will be marked down, so no waiting for a Refund!
Great Jewelry and accessories - something for everyone!
Free standard shipping World wide too!

Punky Jane Jewelry
http://PunkyJane.etsy.com
FREE WORLDWIDE STANDARD SHIPPING on everything in my shop! Use 'EtsyBlogger' in the message to seller box and shipping will be refunded via PayPal.
Handcrafted and personalized jewelry perfect for everyone on your list!

Sparkly Park
http://SparklyPark.etsy.com
20% off all jewelry! Free shipping in USA for all shop orders over $50 (after discount)! Refund given after payment received.
Lovely hand crafted sterling silver and beaded jewelry makes great gifts and stocking stuffers! Paper products, too--cards, tags, die cuts.

storybeader
http://storybeader.etsy.com
15% off all necklaces and sets in the shop, refund sent after payment received.
Ethnic jewelry with a personal haiku!

Sumikoshop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sumikoshop
FREE SHIPPING WORLWIDE
on all items in my shop,
Shipping has been adjusted to zero already!
Handmade Jewelry and Accessories !!

SunshineDaydreamz
http://SunshineDaydreamz.etsy.com
Buy one get one of equal or lesser value 50% off! Your savings will be refunded via PayPal, or contact me before checking out for a revised invoice.
One of a kind hand crafted jewelry for men and women, with a California touch. Plus vintage and supplies. Store wide holiday sale!


Sykin's One Stop Twilight Shop
http://sykin.etsy.com
2 FREE 4x6 photos from La Push or Forks, Washington with every purchase!
Twilight inspired jewelry & fanfare

The Grand Design
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cjgrand
10% off all regular price items plus check out the Sale section for 20% off a variety of items.
Steampunk, Healing Stones and other unique handcrafted jewelry by CJGrand.

Tokyo Vogue Designs
http://tokyovogue.etsy.com
15% Off ALL ITEMS (refund by paypal)
Pretty Handmade Resin Items & Genuine Gemstone Jewelry

Tulips Treasure Box
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TulipsTreasureBox
$100 off everything over $300, fast refund through paypal after payment received. No prices have been raised to make this "sale". Beautiful artisan designed and created jewelry, most one-of-a-kind.


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Knitting
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

DizzyDragonflies
http://DizzyDragonflies.etsy.com
Hand Dyed Yarns
Free shipping! Refund will be sent via PayPal after payment is received.

foxygknits
http://foxygknits.etsy.com
10% off all items in shop (excluding shipping) including those items that are currently on sale. Refund will be sent via PayPal after payment is received.
Hand knit scarves, shawls and wraps for today's women

Miesmama
http://miesmama.etsy.com
Free Shipping to anywhere in the World!
Felted bags, bowls, garlands and goodies!

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Paper Goods
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

CHRISTINA STUDIO DESIGNS
http://chrissywatson.etsy.com
Everything in my shop is 10% off. Just write "etsy blogger" in comments box at checkout and I will send you a refund back via Paypal for 10% off all handmade goodies. PLUS : Order two of any card set and get FREE matching return address labels, Just send me the address you want on them in the convo.

CREATEaTHOUGHT
http://createathought.etsy.com
20% off!
Journals, Rings, Magnets, Things!

Memories for Life Scrapbooks
http://memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com
20% off everything in my S*A*L*E* section...prices will already be marked down...no need to wait for a revised invoice
Memories for Life Scrapbooks...Scrapbooks and More

OUR SCRAPBOOK MEMORIES
http://ourscrapbookmemories.etsy.com
20% off All Paper Piecings-Singles or Sets!
Paper Piecings, Mini Albums, Premade Pages & Cards


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Patterns
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

A Vision to Remember
http://avisiontoremember.etsy.com
bogo sale on all patterns Buy 1 Get 1 Free nov 25-30


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Pets
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

NanjoDogz
http://nanjodogz.etsy.com
10% off all items in shop excluding shipping. Mention Etsy Bloggers Sale in the Notes to Seller and the refund will be sent after payment is received.
Polymer Clay Dog Collectibles including ornaments, sculpture, beads and more.


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Vintage
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Indulge Your Shelf
http://indulgeyourshelf.etsy.com
25% OFF EVERYTHING EXCEPT BUTTONS! Write "ETSY BLOGGERS SALE" in the Notes to Seller and discount refund will be refunded to your PayPal account.
Fabulous and Funky Vintage and Antique Finds -- Decor, Linens, Artwork


*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Weddings
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Patch First Shop
http://patchfirstshop.etsy.com
10% OFF IN EVERY ITEMS + FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING via Registered Airmail
Please mark "EtsyBloggers Holiday Sale" with order comment, discount refund will be turned to your PayPal account.
Bridal Custom Jewelry and Handmade Swarovski Jewelry


The EtsyBloggers are the official Etsy team for those who love to blog about their craft,
the creative process, and other Etsians!

**********************************************
Got a blog?
Love Etsy?
Check us out! http://etsybloggers.com
**********************************************



☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:

H a p p y H o l i d a y s ! !

H a p p y S h o p p i n g ! !

☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:*¨¨*:★:*¨¨*:☆:

Friday, November 20, 2009

Etsybloggers: Favorite Holiday Movie


This month's carnival questions were either about Thanksgiving and your traditions or your favorite holiday movie or special. I just did a blurb on Thanksgiving, so I am going with holiday movie.

As a kid I adored all the claymation movies, the one with the Heat Miser being my fave. But then came A Christmas Story. Nothing can beat that... almost. I love when TBS (I think it's them) plays it for 24 hours straight. I have my own copy on DVD now, so I can pop that in anytime. It is what I trim the tree to :)

Why "almost"? Because of Elf. It does not beat out A Christmas Story as my fave, but it is a close second. So close it is almost a tie. One reason is Zooey, she is one of my fave actresses. It is also sweet, funny & heartwarming...which I only like during the holidays - the heartwarming part. I am not a heartwarming movie kind of gal. Notice the absence of It's a Wonderful Life on my list? I know it tops most people's I know, but not even on my radar.

And okay, I just realized another movie is so very close to the top for holiday movies that I need to give it an honorable mention. Scrooged. The Bill Murray one? Also funny, sweet & heartwarming. And I just love when he gets beaned with the toaster! She is so adorable :)

Which is your fave holiday movie?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Blogfire: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has always been a big family get together for me. When I was younger we went to my Dad's parents with all his siblings & my cousins. After my grandpa passed we began alternating whose house it was held at. Now we are older & have started families of our own so the big BIG get togethers are not as common. But even our small get togethers are about a dozen big. And I make the desserts. I love experimenting on my family *bwahahaha*. I am not sure what it will be this year, last year I made a cranberry upside down cake (thank you Becca!).

I recently started a new "tradition". Can you really call it a tradition if you just started? And how long until it can be called that? Oh well, I plan to keep going with it. Oh...what is it? I make stuff. Sewing stuff. Fabric stuff. I know, real specific huh? Let's see, so far I have made some stuffed heads for Christmas, a snowman and Santa.

Purses for gifts, of course. An Easter apron for mom.


Another Easter goodie for her were embroidered chickies. This year...MOM - WARNING : DO NOT CONTINUE READING IF YOU WANT TO STAY SURPRISED....I am making an Autumn table runner. I have the sketch and fabrics...I may "reuse" the pattern for other holidays.... assuming it goes well.

Wordless Wednesday

Monday, November 16, 2009

Mini Monday featuring Antieuclid




Hand Dyed Patchwork Quilt, Stained Glass - Rain
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=394243




Hand Dyed Shibori Messenger Bag
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=394065




Hand Dyed Patchwork Tote, green/brown
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=405238

Sunday, November 15, 2009

A 4 Year old's Version of Cleaning

I just love this kid. He cracks me up everyday. I asked him to clean up the toys he is done with before he moves onto the next. And he did. He wanted to have room to run & play with his blocks, so all the matchbox toys & the pirate ship (they were on an adventure together) had to be cleaned up. It took me a while to figure out why he put them away where he did. He finally told me "but Mommy, this is where you put stuff when you clean the floor and I need to clean the floor to play". He was referring to vacuuming. I did not try to explain the difference, I was having too much fun watching the process.


1st he stacked it all up on the couch

then it was time to run

and run some more


and to top it off...floor angels :)

Monday, November 9, 2009

Woo Hoo! Go Ferndale!


I am so giddy! My son's marching band took first place during the state finals at Ford Field this past weekend! I am so proud of him...of all of them. They put so much of themselves into it and it showed. They were phenomenal! Go Eagles!!!!!

This last pic was from the local newspaper....The Ferndale High School Golden Eagle Marching Band (Jolesch Photography)
The 1st pic was taken last year (same uniform) of my son....couldn't find a close up this year...

Monday, November 2, 2009

Mini Monday

If you follow my blog you know that I have been quite absent this past month. So much so that it is no longer "this" month. Hello November. And since I pretty much missed October, that means I missed my blog carnivals and Etsyblogger of the month. And while today's featured artist will not "count" towards my Etsyblogger goals, I am still going to introduce you to October's artist, Made by Melissa. She is a an engineer by day who started crafting as a way to express her creativity. I think many of us can relate to that. She makes wonderful crocheted items and jewelry. Here are some of my faves:

Snowflake Bracelet

Toddler/Baby Blanket

Phoebe the Pretty Little Piggy

This is also the 1st of my Mini Mondays - short little features of other artisans. And yes Etsybloggers, I pilfered the title from our team's blog :)

Friday, October 30, 2009

Where did October go?

Really, what happened to it? I have been totally MIA when it comes to my blogs. Scratch that, I managed a couple treasury posts on Tilt Treasures (creepy, spooky and devil), a create update on Tilt's Creations and some Wordless Wednesdays. Wooppeee.
I would love to say that I have had so many orders coming in that I just could not tear myself away from the sewing machine. But alas, that was not the case. Nor was it anything exciting.
The first weekend of October I was down near Nashville visiting my brother & his family. It was my new nephew's baptism. Ok, that is kind of a vacation. A vacation from my own family & home...I went with my parents while hubby stayed back with the kids who had school & stuff. It was great going down there - it was the 1st time since they moved last year. I brought my niece a little chef's hat I made...I didn't want her to feel left out.

It was nice to be home again though. Except being sick. Yes, I spent those first 2 weeks of the month under the weather. Nothing major, but enough to not want to do anything.
I did manage to make and list some new backpacks and handbags. I also have 3 out of 4 new purses finished. It has been so long since I've blogged I am not sure if I have showed off my newest batch of clutches either (in both my Artfire and Etsy shops).

I also went to the Bang to a Different Beat Fashion Show for breast cancer awareness in Flint one weekend. The models were sporting some really cool hairstyles by Summerset Salon. Crystal from Flint Handmade took some pics of my & my mom at my table & one of my fave hairdos...

I am hoping to get back into my normal blogging groove next week - or sooner. I have one more day to get my Etsyblogger of the month post up. I have been doing this at the end of the month anyway, so I don't feel too far behind there.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

September's Etsyblogger of the Month: Designs by Vanessa

The birds may be starting to head down south here, but you can still find some adorable ones over at Vanessa's shop.

And don't forget the jewelry...

...or the cupcakes...


Her blog is awesome. Not only fun to look at - she always has fabulous finds to show off - but there are giveaways and interviews going on all the time. It's a must see. And check out her font - I just love fun fonts! I know, I get excited over the little things - but it gives everything such a fun feel.

This is her blog badge....so fun :)

Designs by Vanessa

*not sure how to display the code without it turning into another badge - but if you are interested in displaying it on your blog, she has the code up on her sidebar*

Wordless Wednesday

Friday, September 25, 2009

Etsyblogger Carnival: Me

1) Show your face! I love to know the artist behind the work. Show us a picture of yourself and talk about your work, life...whatever. Interview yourself if you like. 2) Okay...so you don't want to show your face...show us your studio instead. Where do you create? Do you like it/want something different? What is your favorite part about where you create?

Originally I was going to do the show your studio, but I remember I had posted about that before... but I could not find it...so I popped in another pic I had instead.

So I chose to go with the show your face option. But I have no pictures of myself...barely. I really really, really really, really really dislike my picture being taken. So I took one myself. I have one with a flash so the colors appeared normal, but I liked this one better. Even with the squinty eye.

Now about me...is list format okay?
  • mom
  • wife
  • daughter
  • friend
  • artist wanna-be
  • sewer
  • master procrastinator
  • supreme WIP girl
  • book lover *just one peek at my book list on the left sidebar or my Shelfari at the bottom of the page will show you just how much....and backs up the next 2 things on this list*
  • fan of tv & movies...gimme some sci-fi, horror, Indy or comedy & I am one happy girl
  • sci-fi chick - even if they did change the channel to SyFy
  • urban supernatural follower - gimme vamps, supes, fae, witches, zombies & kick a$& chicks and once again - happy girl
  • tattooed - 5 times - and wanting more
...and much more, but don't wanna bore you :)

edit: btw - the pic was taken on the tub to look into the mirror over the sink...it's the only one :P

Thursday, September 24, 2009

BlogFire Carnival: Your Home


"Your Home" What do you love about your home, and why? If you don't necessarily like your home at the moment, what could you buy on ArtFire that would help make it more special, more comfortable, or cozier?

Well, this one is easy...and fun! I do not like my house very much. Don't get me wrong, it's not horrid, I just am here all day...every day...all day - did I say that already? Anyway, when you spend all day, every day, looking at the same things, you get tired of it quickly. Especially if you procrastinate the deep clean & fixing ups & rearranging to do other things, like oh, I don't know, sewing bags or raising kids.

So I am going to show you somethings I would live to put in my home to make it cozier. Keep in mind I am not "shopping" with an overall look in mind, so things may not match quite like they would if I were shopping for real. Just wanted to make sure we are all on the same page...and that you won't think I am a total weirdo design-wise.

Here goes...
The Family Room:

*Remember... by Country Workshop*


*Sweep IV Modern Steel Clock by All15designs*


*Ocean Rocker III Rocking Chair by ODE*


*Reflections lamp by Jesseleecreations*
...bonus with this is that I can see the kids around the corner if I placed it right :) ...

The Kitchen:

*Cherry cutting board by Ripperarts*


*Oversized stemless Spring glasses by Marywibis*

*Brains by withremote*

The "Office/Sewing Room/Mom's Room"
(of which we would need to put an addition onto the house first):

*I freaking heart handmade print by Geekdetails*
....to hang above sewing machine...


*Framed wall-mount magnet board by Moore Magnets*


*Post-it note stained glass holder by Blessings-Glassworks*


*Filing cabinet/bench by Wooditis*