I'm Almost Done!!

So, the holiday rush was a bit overwhelming for me this year but I find satisfaction in the fact that I only have 8 more items to make tonight until I am completely finished with my made-to-order Christmas rush! I decided to pull all items out of my shop that are made to order and only stock it with ready to ship items for a while (if not permanently). I love creating but have found with reproduction my creativity is being squished out of the whole process! Hopefully my new system will help me spend more time with my children and less time on the computer :)

Before I end this post I want to share this shop with you that I found today: JJCeramics. I love pottery and I am not sure why I haven't noticed this shop before because it is just the style that I am drawn to! I particularly like this Fern Tray With Scalloped Edge (which sold as I am writing this post) but could easily clean up her shop if I had the money to do so!

I'm Back!

Hello, again! It has been a long two weeks and there is still much more to do! We have finally finished getting all of our belongings out of the old house and, with some help from friends, into the new house. I can't help but continue to feel unsettled, unorganized and overwhelmed. I am working on it but am struggling to find a balance between family, unpacking, organizing, wholesale orders and keeping up with all of my wonderful customers on Etsy! Let's just say the house is last priority right now so I will have to accept the fact that some things may stay sitting in boxes for weeks or possibly a couple of months. I am taking it one box at a time!

I have found the time to put out another new holiday bib and onesie design aimed more towards the little guys out there! My last set was for the girls... I have so many fabrics I need to use up that I have picked up here and there. My goal is to get some other new designs out, I have some new animals in mind for the bibs and onesies and hope to expand more with the placemats.

Anyhow, I feel I am rambling now! This week I plan on sharing some new shops with you that have great items. Some are undiscovered and some have been around for a while so check back to see all of the goodies!

The ABCs of Me!

I found this questionnaire on Alyssa's blog so thought I would answer the questions myself to let everyone know a little more about me!

A - Age: Twenty-seven
B - Band listening to right now: I can't get enough of Fiona Apple, The Cranberries, and Jem
C - Career future: Hopefully I will have my own shop one day!
D - Dad’s name: Robert (Bob) Owens
E - Easiest person to talk to: Either my husband or my sister (depending on the situation)
F - Favorite type of shoe: Flats
G – Grapes or Grapefruit: Grapes
H – Hometown: Wheatland, WY
I – Instrumental talent: I tried several...the violin, sax and flute and never caught on to any of them.
J – Juice of choice: Definitely orange juice!
K – Koala Bear or Panda Bear: Koala Bear but the Panda is so cute too!
L - Longest car ride ever: 23 hours from Colorado to Oregon
M – Middle name: Elizabeth
N - Number of jobs you’ve had: I started working when I was 15 so have had too many to count!
O- OCD traits: My PB&Js always have to have more jelly than peanut butter! That's the only one I could think of but I am sure there are others.
P - Phobia[s]: Getting thrown up on by a complete stranger.
Q - Quote: "Sorry about your luck" - you can apply that quote to about any situation :)
R - Reason to smile: There are a lot of things that make me smile!
S - Song you sang last: "pee pee in the potty" - the kids started it!
T - Time you wake up: Around 6:15 on school days, and the weekends it is usually around 7 when the kids wake up.
U - Unknown fact about me: I can wiggle my nostrils.
V - Vegetable you hate: Eggplant.
W - Worst habit: Procrastination is definitely the worst!
X - X-rays you’ve had: Teeth
Y - Yummiest food my belly likes: Chocolate, chocolate, oh and ice cream!
Z - Zodiac sign: Aquarius

20% Off Sale

Just a heads up that I am having a Saturday Night Sale! 20% off of everything in my shop, excluding shipping (wait for a revised invoice). Shop early for Christmas - only two months away!! The sale runs from 5 p.m. EST, October 25th through 6 a.m. MST, October 26th.

Twiddlestix

This Birthday Cards in a Box, $40, by Twiddlestix is just what I need to remember to send cards when the occasion strikes! I am terrible at mailing items to my family and they have come to learn that my cards often come days, or even sometimes weeks late. Better late than never, right?

The altered tin lunch box holds 12 handmade birthday cards, 3 of each design! The tin lunch box can hold up to 40 cards if you want to add more or even include more dividers for cards that represent different holidays or special occasions.

Placemats!! Feedback please?

As I was sitting here playing Majong Tiles on Pogo (one of my favorite sites to play games) I thought to myself, "I could be using this time to make placemats..." So, I turned off my game and walked upstairs to my sewing area and put my pattern that I designed a while ago to use. It isn't a hard design, I just prefer oval placemats to rectangle placemats. I love Joel Dewberry's fabrics so put two of them to use and came up with this design. I would LOVE any feedback anyone is willing to give me!

Update: I've created another set in more feminine colors! I plan on making more to add to my shop :)

PetitCollage

I love this shop! PetitCollage offers originals, gocco prints, limited editions and mobiles. Based out of Sanfrancisco, Lorena Siminovich has a goal of offering affordable art for children and grownups with a modern feel! I could look at her creations all day and hope to own something of hers in the future!

The Green Daisy

I was checking out all of the new designs in Kimiko's shop this morning (TheGreenDaisy) and came across these awesome Owl Gift Tags, $2.25 for 5. These would be a perfect little extra touch on Christmas gifts or could also be easily used on everyday gifts! The paper is also handmade by PulpArt before the design is added by Kimiko! Love them!

At TheGreenDaisy you can also find cute pendants and magnets! I have a pendant that I always get compliments on and it stands up to my little guy's grabbing and pulling on the chain. I don't know how many times the magnets have been knocked off of the fridge and they still look brand new!

New Acorn Bib and Onesie Set

I ordered this wood grain fabric a while ago and had a wholesale order come in that requested a matching bib for my green polka dot acorn onesie. I figured acorns and wood kind of go together and came up with this bib design. I think it might be one of my favs! Little Sprout definitely needs a set to sport when we are out and about!

I think there definitely needs to be a pot holder (and possibly placemat) set spin-off from this design!!

The Battery is Dead...

Today started like any other day. The alarm woke me at 6:15 a.m., I took a shower, got dressed and then woke the kids up. They did what they were supposed to do, we ate breakfast and loaded into the car. I turned the ignition and....no sound...nothing....then realized we don't have jumper cables. The kids must've left a light on or a door open or something because my battery is completely dead. Funny part about this whole thing is it was the ONE morning this week that we were actually on time and I wasn't saying, "Hurry up! We're going to be late!" So, instead of stressing and running around like a crazy person I just decided they could stay home with me today and my husband can bring some cables home from work (he works at a car dealership). I am kind of looking forward to having a reason not to drive anywhere today and spending time with my kiddos...maybe a little sewing too :)

My First Holiday Design!

So, I finally got to it and designed my first holiday bib/onesie set! This one is for a girl but I have a blue and green polka dot fabric for the little boys! I am thinking that it might look pretty awesome as a pot holder too. I really like using non-conventional colors for the holidays...

Time

My gosh! I just realized it has been a whole week since I have posted. I can't believe how time has flown. The new house closing is just around two weeks away and the kids are going crazy with Halloween coming up. All of these things going on around me are making the time pass so quickly! As I look around me while I am sitting here there is so much more to be done. How to balance everything? I have yet to figure that one out!

I am thinking there needs to be another giveaway soon! What would everyone like to win? Shall I do another pot holder/kitchen towel set...or maybe a bib? Or...I could even let the winner choose between bibs and pot holders? A scarf? Any input? New suggestions are also welcome :)

Undiscovered: ToScarboroughFair

I was looking at undiscovered shops again when I came across ToScarboroughFair and this Blondie Witch Hat, $9. I wish that my cats would keep a hat on because this hat is too cute for words and perfect for Halloween!

Ninainvorm

Check out these awesome handpainted bowls by Ninainvorm! I love the modern designs and how she hides her signature in the leaves. I think they would look great on a coffee table or end table! She has several sizes and different designs, some of which are on sale right now!

Funky Chicken Design

One thing I noticed about the new house is that the light switch plates are rustic. Rustic is a neat look if the interior of the house matches but I prefer a modern mixed with vintage look. I decided to search Etsy to find some unique light switch plates and immediately found Funky Chicken Design! I love the variety of light switch plates and at $5 a piece, I can afford to get a few!! Also offered are frames, pillows, magnets and push pins - something for everyone!

Moving Time!!

Anyone remember this post expressing my excitement about a potential new home? We are getting it! My husband, Aaron, and I put in an offer yesterday, negotiated a price and signed the Contract today! I am too excited for words. We finally get a yard, a playset and the kids get their own rooms! Plus, we were able to negotiate the Sellers leaving their front loading washer and dryer set. I couldn't ask for more...now for the packing...the closing is scheduled for October 31st!

Hende

I have been eyeing this top, $44, from Hende for months now! I own a couple of her shirts already and love the comfort and style they have to offer. She also offers cute accessories, tunics, and dresses!

Vintage Find!

My husband is at Hooter's right now watching Monday Night Football with the boys, so what am I doing? Shopping on Etsy, of course! I just came across these Vintage 1970's Sneaker Wedges in GreyBrocket's shop! I LOVE them, they are kind of cute in an ugly way and I could see wearing them with jeans. How I wish I had $73 to blow on shoes right now....

Undiscovered: AmityJoy

I've been Pouncing again and found these cute Fingerless Mittens/Gloves, $30, by AmityJoy who happens to be undiscovered (0 sales)! I love the color of the yarn and the button accents, I am a button fanatic! I wish I could use more in my creations but they present a choking hazard for the little ones. Anyhow, give a newbie some love and check out her shop today!

Soooo Excited!!

Some of you may know that over the summer, we had our home listed for sale. Well, it didn't sell and I was pretty bummed thinking that we may have to stay in our cramped townhome for another year. Things kind of fell together recently where we found a renter so can get a new house! I am too excited! I have been a little overwhelmed thinking about moving quickly and have been browsing the homes on the market right now. I found this little gem today and, by chance, there was even an open house going on when we drove by! I will have to keep you posted on new developments....just look at the kitchen though! It has an adorable back yard with a little garden and even a wet bar in the basement. Oh, the best thing, what is the best thing you ask? My own office area! I will update you with developments as they come!!

Seedling Textiles

This bag ($39) by SeedlingTextiles is to die for and best of all - it is made from recycled fabric! It is large enough to carry all of your goodies and has an interior pocket for the little items you wish to keep separate. Sara has other things to offer like pouches, children's totes, placemats and pillows!

Sara is also running a sale right now - buy a bag and get a pouch free!

Toddler Bibs are here!

I had a customer, well a few customers, ask for toddler bibs. One, however, actually placed an order pushing me to finally modify my pattern to make it larger! Thank you to her! So far, I only have a Giraffe in the Polka Dots and a Owl in the Red Polka Dots made in the toddler size which I plan on trying to put up in my shop today! I thought I would post them here first...they measure 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall - extra large for extra coverage :) I have been super busy and apologize for my blog neglect but hope to post daily again starting now!

Only 6 Hours Left!!

Only six hours left until my free shipping sale ends!

lavieenrose

I bring you, from France, lavieenrose! She creates the most wonderful notebooks, notepads, journals and necklaces from felt (one of my favorite materials to work with). I love her clean lines and bright colors. You could be the envy of the grocery store when you pull this bad boy out to check off your list :)

Christopher and Tia

I keep telling myself that I will cook more and eat out less.  It is not so much that I don't like cooking, I don't like the mess cooking brings and I am the most unorganized person you have ever met.  I have to dig and dig through the pantry to find the spice I need and sometimes I even find that I am missing just one ingredient after mixing everything together.  Thank goodness for the grocery store that is only two blocks away!  The other problem I have is that I print off recipes from the computer and have them stuffed in drawers and cupboards in my kitchen.  Terrible, I know!

When I came across this Green on Green Hand Painted Recipe Box by Christopher and Tia, $44, I finally found the thing that made me want to organize my kitchen!  I just love the two shades of green and the box even comes with 12 matching Poppy recipe cards - perfect for transferring those recipes I have shoved in the drawers and cupboards!  

Sea Glass Designs

Mustard seems to be moving up on my list of favorite colors.  I spotted these gorgeous Maple Sea Glass and Sterling Silver Earrings, $20, by Sea Glass Designs on Etsy last night!  The sea glass is found on the beaches of Nova Scotia and turned into wonderful creations for all to wear.  Sea Glass Designs is also willing to turn your own favorite sea glass (if you have any) into something special.  Best of all - sea glass is eco-friendly!

Gretchens Creations

Everyone needs a bowl (or two) around the house to hold loose change, keys, and other miscellaneous items that seem to find their way into pockets! These felted bowls by GretchensCreations are just the thing to hold those odds and ends. She first knits the bowls up, machine felts them, shapes them and then needle felts a design on them. Gretchen also offers awesome cuffs, can coozies, pouches, purses, plushies and LOVES custom orders!

Free Shipping Sale!

I have decided to run a sale through midnight EST on Friday, September 19th! Free shipping on all purchases, even international customers qualify! Once you purchase wait for a revised invoice, or if you prefer, pay and I will refund the shipping cost to you.

It would be a great time to save money and stock up early for Christmas!

Aula46

Eva runs Aula46 is a student based out of Italy. She uses electronic devices from computers to fashion her jewelry. Her jewelry is so beautiful and colorful, I would've never known the pieces she used to make it came from a computer! I have many favorites from her shop but my absolute favorite are these Rectangle Earrings, $50! She also offers pendants so if you like unique, creative jewelry, please take time to look at her shop!

Sale - September 13, 2008

Well, it's Saturday again which means I will be holding another Saturday Night Sale!!  It starts at 5:00 p.m. EST and runs through 6:00 a.m. EST, September 14th!  I am going to be offering a 20% discount on all orders placed, wait for a revised invoice.  Or, if you prefer, pay and I will discount the refund amount.

My First Long Sleeved Onesie

I am so excited that I found some long sleeved onesies to put my appliques on.  They have been in high demand and I have had several requests for them.  The only problem is, I can only find them in size 0-3 months.  I have high hopes I will find larger sizes as Fall comes into full swing!  

Another Fabulous Undiscovered Shop: DebbieP

I am really into wall art right now as I try to make my home a little more interesting to the eye.  The walls are filling up fast but I am thinking I need to make space for some of these Screen Printed Plywood Boards designed by DebbieP, $50.  Just the art I need to compliment my new grey walls in my bedroom.  DebbieP is a freelance illustrator living in London who uses a variety of techniques to create her pieces.  She also offers coasters, pillows and more!

Kitten Britches

Check out these adorable and affordable pumpkins made by KittenBritches, $7!  I like how she has several different designs listed, each pumpkin has its own face and personality.  The other plush animals she has listed in her shop are just as adorable.  Each of my children have one and love them.  Not to mention they are eco-friendly and look just like new after *at least* three runs through the washing machine!

New Kitchen Towel Design

I am super excited because I found these fabulous kitchen towels in various colors and prints!  I can't wait to put birds and trees on them to offer them to everyone!  This is my first design and I hope to get more out tomorrow.

Random Thought...

I really wish I wouldn't have eaten the last ice cream bar last night....I could really use one right now!

Five Dot

This Sunflowers Card ($2.50) by Five Dot brings a smile to my face every time I look at it.  I really wish I were better at sending cards to people but, as ashamed as I am to say it, I am often late with Christmas cards!  I am going to try my best to get them out on time this year.  If you like the design of this card but are looking for a card for a different occasion, please take some time to look at the other designs she offers.  They are fantastic!

FiveDot is also the wonderful person that designed the banner for my Etsy shop.  She even went above and beyond by offering to do my son's as well!  

RedSonjaDesigns

These lamps made by RedSonjaDesigns are some of the neatest lamps I have come across.   An original image is taken, printed onto a transparent film and affixed to a glass lamp!  This Seller is also open to custom requests for lamps made with personal photos - this could be a really cool Christmas gift for a loved one!!  My favorite is this Water Lily Photo Lamp, $38.  It seems like it would be very calming to look at on my nightstand before bed.

Cork and Cotton

If you need a new, unique purse - check out Cork and Cotton!  My personal favorite is this Cork Sling Purse made out of real cork.  The purse is lined, has a zippered pocket and closes with a magnetic snap! 

Laundry and diapers...

I've heard about it happening and the mess it makes but never thought it would happen to me!  

I washed a disposable diaper in the washing machine today.  I hate laundry, it's never ending...you get the whole pile done to have everyone change into pajamas at the end of the night and WHAMMO - another load or two (we have a family of five).  

I thought I would get all of the laundry today done with a positive attitude.  When the dryer buzzed I told myself "go get it out and fold it, it will feel good once it is all done."  So, I did.  I put it on the bed for folding and then went to move the clothes in the washer into the dryer.  The top layer was fine but as I got deeper down I saw all of these little gel pieces.  I am thinking to myself "what could these be...".  As I get more and more out the gel pieces start falling off of the clothing onto the carpet...and then...the culprit!  A diaper!  How did it get in there?  Was it wrapped in one of the blankets I washed, how could I miss it?  Was it clean or dirty?  So many questions...so little answers.  

I ended up throwing what was left of the diaper in the trash, putting all of the wet clothes in a basket and shaking them out one by one.  Now, I am rewashing them to make sure I get it all out...not sure what would happen if it were to end up in the dryer.

Ahh...the joys of laundry.

Best Trade Ever!

 

I just traded a bib and a onesie for this awesome Autumn Sun Brooch made by WhimsyHouse and this Vintage Caramel Butterscotch Beaded Necklace!  I recently purchased a knitted tunic sweater from Target and can just imagine myself walking around with my new brooch pinned on it!  The necklace is the perfect color to go with just about anything and reminds me of Fall.  She has many other fabulous vintage pieces and handmade brooches so check her out if you like accessories as much as I do!

JodieFlowers

Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to decorate than with this handmade spider designed by JodieFlowers!  He is so cute!   You can attach him to any screen by putting his legs through or let him stand alone on a table as a decorative piece.  I think I might have to buy one - or two!

Painting....

I have been painting our bedroom a lovely shade of grey this afternoon.  Painting is so much work!  I haven't done it in so long that I forgot that the fun is when you get to look at it while it's finished.  Plus my two older kiddos want to help!  I gave them paint brushes, laid down some plastic and let them go at it.  Well...the problem with that is that I didn't notice the drips that were being created!  I have a section of the wall (very small) with insane drippage!  I think I can hide it with the headboard of the bed.  

The truth is, our bedroom has been neglected.  I have painted the living room, kitchen, hallway area, the kids rooms and the bathrooms.  Our bedroom has been the same shade of white since we moved in here in 2004.  You can imagine after 4 years the white is growing dingy and my bedroom wasn't feeling very cozy.  I am on a mission!  I will do it and I will post pictures when it is done so you can all see!   For now, all you get is a picture of what I hope the color will look like when I am done!  I hope to use a grey, brown, yellow and white color scheme with my bedding.

Back to painting - I just needed a rambling break!

Winner!!

Secaven is the winner of the pot holder giveaway! She gets the Multi-Colored Vintage Pot Holder!  Thank you to all who participated and please check back often.  I will be holding more giveaways in the future!!

It's Cold!!

It's cold out today...cold enough that I found it appropriate to wear my ugly Ugg Boots that I can't get enough of!  It puts me in the mood to cook soup, banana bread and drink hot cocoa under a blanket on the couch.  These Soup Bowls by khphillips on Etsy would be the perfect thing to hold a nice cup of chicken noodle soup.  He also has a set of Hot Cocoa Pots!

Last Day to Enter!

This is the last day to enter my pot holder giveaway.  If you haven't done so, please comment on this post for your chance to win the pot holder of your choice!!  All comments made until Midnight EST, September 5th, will be entered and the winner of the drawing will be announced tomorrow!

Introducing Pickle and the Bird Beanie

While I was sitting down watching Thumbelina with the kids tonight (love that movie) I decided to try crocheting a beanie cap. Pickle was my little model when I was done and she loved it!

I figured out a pattern and added my little bird on it! I am going to have to make more for my shop with the weather changing...I am sure plenty of hats are going to be needed! I think she's keeping this one ;)

Modest Maven

With three little children, I am terrified of wearing white.  I might just have to take a leap and try it again for this stunning "The Lone Poppy Top" by Modest Maven!  I must've clicked on it 5 times last night when I found it!   

Random Thought

I just ate two hot dogs for lunch and can't help but still be creeped out by them.  I have heard what they are made of but sometimes you just need a hot dog!   Anyone else have this love/hate relationship with hot dogs?