My Coolest Handmade Gift Evah!

This year I did not take a whole lot of time to devote to cross stitching, my very first crafting love. So when we went on vacation at the end of September, I treated myself to the cutest little pattern ever by magpienight on Etsy. If you read my blog with any regularity, you know that I love all things Golden Girls. It would stand to reason that a few of my friends do as well. My friend Stacie and I can equate any situation in real life to an episode of the Golden Girls. (Drives our husbands cRaZy!) It made sense that she would be the recipient of this fab handmade Christmas gift. Now don't worry...I've already given her the gift so I'm not ruining any surprises!


The pic above shows magpienight's Little Golden Girls as charted stitched on 28ct. linen over 2 threads and framed in a 5-inch wooden hoop backed with cardboard.
I had to put a personal inscription on the back with one of Stacie's favorite quotes. For all the fans out there, this was actually Dorothy speaking for God.The companion pieces was a creation of my own. I found a fat quarter of a matching fabric, cut a small pieces and backed it with a fusible lightweight interfacing. I then wrote out my phrase on a plain piece of paper in my own handwriting. I taped the plain paper with the phrase to a bright window and taped the fabric over top, tracing the phrase with a water soluble fabric pen. I then used embroidery thread to stitch the phrase and framed it in a 4-inch wooden hoop as well.

Thanks for reading!
Angie

Bad Blogger in 2010

Yes, I will admit I have been a terrible blogger this year. On the flipside, I really put a lot of time and effort into my business, 15 Pieces of Flair. Not only did I list a ton of awesome things in my online shop at Etsy, I did my first 2 craft shows. Both were outdoors and both were longer than 1 day. That was one of my biggest goals for 2010 and both shows were a great success!
In addition to my crafting victories, there were some personal victories and sadly, some losses. And I also made a job change after 6 years at my old job. Granted my new job is doing the exact same thing as my old job, but I think any kind of job change can be stressful.

Ramona, our toothless dog that my husband has deemed a zombie-dog afflicted with the condition permafart (this is where her weakened B.H. constantly leaks smelly dog gas), is still plugging along.....barely. Charlie Murphy is becoming quite the distinguished gentleman with a bit of graying around his snout at the ripe old age of three. We also added a new member to our family this year in the form of a silver Subaru Outback that my husbands drives named "Big Sexy". If you haven't figured it out already, my husband can be a bit full of himself at times. ;) Love you honey!

Anyway, I am confined to home for these last few weeks of 2010 and have been looking around the web for "blogspiration" for my upcoming crafting season of 2011. I plan to post links to some of these fantabulous blogs as well as some great tutorials here in the next couple of weeks. There may also be some Christmas pictures sprinkled in for good measure!

Jubilee at Jackson's Mill

I have been noticeably absent from the blogging world lately, but I do have good reason. I have been busy working away in my studio (aka. spare bedroom in the basement with no windows and butt-ass ugly wallpaper) preparing to do a huge craft show on Labor Day weekend. After the smashing success of my first show in May, I decided that I was insane enough to go for another round this year. If I didn't have to work full time, I would really like to do more of this type of thing, but 2 weekend-long shows this year while working full time has proven challenging enough. My husband loses his wife for at least the last four weeks before the event for the final push to get everything done. He's been very supportive through it all. He thinks that I will bring him fame and fortune someday....ummmmm....is he serious?! So for anyone that will be in the Weston, WV area anytime during Fri, Sat, Sun of Labor Day weekend, please stop by The Jubilee at Jackson's Mill to do some shopping, eat some great food, and see some awesome demonstrations (the bee beard guy freaks me out every time we've visited!)

Challenging Custom Order

One of my coworkers' children requested a sock monkey after seeing one of my previous orders. He decided that a drawing would be the best way to show me exactly how he imagined his monkey would look. I have included the drawing and what I came up with based on that. I think I came pretty close. I just hope it meets his expectations. I hear a 10-year-old can be hard to please! ;)

2009 The Year of the Monkey

Last year around this time, I was embarking on a journey to craft two sock monkeys for a coworker by request. Little did I know that one year later, I would have made 21 monkeys for various people at work. Here are some of the monkeys that have been adopted this year!

My first embroidery project

I recently finished my first embroidery project. The pattern was a Sublime Stitching pattern. It turned out really cute and was a lot of fun! I guess I can't really say that I'm new to embroidery, but it was my first time trying an iron-on pattern like this one. I can see that there will be many more projects like this one in my future. I've been spying on some really cute patterns on Etsy.

July Design Challenge Results

So I finally have the results of the design challenge that I did with Hillary, of Happy Hippy Jewelry on Etsy. It was our July design challenge (a little belated), and my first design challenge ever. Basically, we gave each other a theme and then let our imaginations run wild. Typically, this type of challenge is done in a large group with everyone using the same theme and then a winner is announced, but we modified a bit for just the 2 of us!

Hillary's theme that I chose was "Summer Romance," and this is what she came up with. I have to say that I love that the "couple" are in my 2 favorite colors....Let's Gooooo Mountaineers!

Here's what she had to say about it: "I really tried to represent the coming together and intertwining of two separate souls with the blue and yellow wire wrapped pendant. I added the pink and floral accents to emphasize the idea of romanticism and to add a little bit more of a "summery" feel." She elaborated more on her design process by saying this, "I made the pendant first and really wanted to represent two unique persons entangling themselves and falling in love. I couldn't decide if it was finished and even asked for advice from other crafters, who gave me some great suggestions. I discovered how well the pink went with the bright blue and yellow just playing around with different things. I played with several things and ultimately went with it because it helped soften the overall impact of the high contrast colors without making them "disappear". Pink is also a great color for romance and the floral beads looked appropriately "summery" to me. Ultimately, I think I ended up with something very romantic but unusual and unique, which is what i always strive for."

The theme Hillary assigned to me was "weather." Here is what I came up with!
This is a 3-piece bath towel set that includes a full sized bath towel, a hand towel, and a washcloth. I first thought of using a cloud, sun, and raindrop. Those just didn't work well together. They weren't very much fun. Almost a little sad. So I picked the cutest of the three, the raindrop, and created around that. The umbrella and boots gave me the ability to add some color and interest into the project while still sticking to the theme. I have to say that the rain boots, I thought, were going to be a bit out of my comfort zone as far as getting them to look normal. It didn't take me too long to figure out how I wanted to attack them, and I think they turned out pretty stinkin' cute! This item is listed at my shop on Etsy, 15 Pieces of Flair.

There are 3 of us lined up to do another mini-challenge for August with a September 8th deadline. It will feature Hillary of Happy Hippy Jewelry, Liz of LiDDesigns, and me, Angie, of 15 Pieces of Flair. Our theme this time around will be the same for all 3 and will be....drumroll.......Hollywood Glam! I'm very excited about the prospect and will keep you all posted.

My First Ever Design Challenge

On Etsy, they encourage you to become part of one of their teams. Each team has different requirements and functions differently. I chose, about a year ago, to become a member of the Retro Handmade team. It is designed for those who do throwbacks to retro-feel designs/items or even possibly use vintage items within their creations. There must be a handmade aspect to your shop, not just vintage or retro items.

A few months ago, we decided to start doing a monthly design challenge. I didn't participate in the first few, but was feeling plucky this month. Only one other person was feeling up to the challenge, so we decided to do our own mini challenge. My co-conspirator this month is Hillary from Hippybeads. She chose the theme "weather" for me to use. I chose "summer romance" as her theme. Our deadline is fast approaching, August 8th. I've created a design and have put the wheels into motion this evening. I'm very excited about my design. The item will be for sale in my shop upon completion.

Stay tuned to see what my partner and I have come up with!

Chickity China the Chocolate Bunny

Here is my latest tasty, yet non-edible creation. This was fashioned from a pair of "magic gloves" into an adorable chocolate bunny. He is my newest listing in my shop. I'm very ready for nicer weather; a chance to get outside and do some digging in the ground. I can only tolerate rain, wind, sleet, and snow for so long!

A First

I had a bit of a shock today when I arrived home in my email. After a weekend of creativity, I had posted my 3 newest towel designs on Etsy with 2 of them featuring designs of something that resembled a beloved Easter treat made of white squishy fluff covered in colored sugar in the shape of a woodland creature (see pic in post below). This email stated that Etsy had been contacted by an individual regarding these 2 aforementioned items and due to copyright infringement, they were removed from the site. I searched for other similar items on Etsy the night I listed, and there were a few items that featured these yummy treats, but all of those listings were gone today! How rude! I never in a million years would have thought that something that has been around for so long would cause such a stir. I guess I thought wrong!

A Spring in My Step

Valentine's day has flown past! I hope everyone had a great day with their sweetie. Mine got me a gorgeous onyx-tipped crucifix on a silver chain. It definitely was quite the surprise. I got him a rockin' tie from Cyberoptix Tie Lab on Etsy. Their tag line is "Ties That Don't Suck" and I'll tell you that that is certainly true. With Jeff's new job at the university, he has cause to look dashing each and every day, but I felt this would remind people that he is still a young 30something. I spent part of the day working on some new creations for the spring/Easter season. Marshmallow peeps are for most people a love/hate relationship. I personally don't like to eat them, but they are quite adorable, which is why they are featured on 2 of my newest towels. I also had a need to make some little chickees with funky hair-dos. I think I have accomplished that with this towel, but I'm thinking that each and every one that I do is going to have to have different coifs. I'm thinking an Elvis hair, bald on top with hair on the sides...you get the idea.

All This Talky Talky!

Valentine's Day is only a few short weeks away. I decided that I needed something fun and frou frou for my Etsy shop, so I came up with an idea for 3 sets of custom conversation hearts. The first set I did was the Flirty set. But what if you want something a little more risque than just flirty? Hence my Naughty set. Lastly, for those who may be faint of heart and not able to handle the Naughty or even the Flirty, the Romance set. I do believe that these will be the last of my Valentine ventures. Now onto spring and Easter! They are just around the corner.

Christmas is A-comin'!

I arrived home from work today to find that my lovely beer mug stocking had sold. I absolutely adored the idea of it, and loved the finished product even more. I held off on making multiples because who needs 10 beer mug stockings? Actually, who DOESN'T need 10 beer mug stockings? But I digress, the first one has finally sold. As soon as I finish up my first wholesale order for a shop in NY state, I will set off to make many more mugs of beer for your walls, or mantel, or wherever you may want a mug of icy cold deliciousness!

It's Official!

After having my Etsy shop open since April, I have finally moved into the real world and fashioned myself an actual business card! I have not really promoted much amongst my friends and family due to the fact that I didn't feel professional enough. Well, watch out baby because here I come. I also just recently had my first request for a large order based on merchandise I had listed in my shop. And I've sold a few items within the past month. Things are definitely looking up for me. When I started out, I decided it was just for fun and if it ever turned into anything more that would be fabulous. I'm still a long way off from it turning into anything more, but it's still an exciting prospect. It'd be nice to have enough income from my craftiness to cut back my hours at my day job by one day a week. That is my ultimate goal at this time.

My New Monster Friends!

I've finished up some original designs for a couple of Halloween cuties this week for my Etsy shop. I'm really pleased with the way they turned out....so I'd like to introduce to you Grace the Goofy Spider and Frankie the Frightful Bat. They've both had a rough start in life and are hoping to find their way to stardom. More Halloween is being planned...how I just have to get crackin'!

Candy Corn Crazy!!!

Once again I have started to be creative. I never really stopped, just took about a 6-week vacation from it. Now I have so many cool ideas, I can't keep up with myself! My 3 latest creations were all candy corn themed. Now here's the weird part...I hate candy corn! Love the look of it, hate the taste of it. But alas, I know that it is a well-loved Halloween tradition and that was enough to inspire me. I know that someone out there who is in love with candy corn will also love these adorable little creations!

Inspiring Projects

In a continued effort to get inspired for creating more items for my etsy shop, I have been perusing the internet to find fantastic projects. These aren't really things that I plan to make and sell, just things that I think may put a little spark back underneath me. Hopefully you will find something exciting and useful as well. The first are these fantastic Mason Jar Lights from a Design*Sponge reader Whitney Gaylord. Against my husband's desire for a super modern decor, I just can't help myself from being enamored with the primitive style. These simple lights fit the bill perfectly. It is a project that is a bit more geared for someone who has some handy-man skills, but as nice as these look, it will definitely be worth the effort.



Next, is this very cute Tape Measure Pouch that Jodie of ricracsews has created. The instructions look a bit daunting at first, but after reading through them it appears that anyone that is slightly more advanced than just a beginning seamstress should be able to figure it out as they go. I don't consider myself much further than maybe slightly more than beginner when it comes to machine sewing. I have found that pattern instructions always look like Greek until you actually start putting the project together. Having the pieces in front of you and being able to play with them makes all the difference in making heads or tails of the instructions.

Etsy Eye Candy

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade 15PiecesofFlair.etsy.com

I could not think of anything profound to post today, and I really need to start feeling my creative side again, so I thought posting some prettys from Etsy might help. These are just some of the things I had saved in my favorites or items from my favorite sellers. I really want to buy the pink dress, but alas, it is too small and would not fit at any point in the near future. I hope that someone loves it and buys it soon, to take away the torture of knowing that it will never be mine. I did actually get out some fabric and start planning my next "from scratch" project. I seem to like those the best, but they take a lot of planning. I find it easy to dream things up and difficult to make them come to life. I'm sure I'm not alone in that habit. I always seem to find that once I get started it doesn't end up being as hard as I had imagined it to be. That initial step is just a doozy!

New and Cute Towels

Good morning and happy June everyone! Hard to believe that much of the year has flown by already. I was actually crafty yesterday and got a few items ready for my shop. I wanted to share them. I think I am done doing the towels for now until some start selling. Today I will be working on a custom order for some cool, funky bandanas, and I'd like to get started on my aprons. I have material picked out to do 2, so hopefully I'll have those done in the next week or so to get them up. I had an idea for a really cute bunny toy this week, but it's going to take a lot of work to plan and actually get a pattern done. I'm starting to see holiday fabric in all the fabric shops I frequent online. I think they're trying to give me that nudge to start planning some of my holiday items. I know that it's necessary. It just doesn't feel right to be thinking about Christmas on June 1st! I am still anxiously awaiting my first sale in my shop. I've had 1 trade and 2 orders through Alchemy that I bid on and won, but none that truly came from people browsing my shop. I'm getting a little antsy since it's been about 6 weeks now. I feel that it's coming soon though with the addition of more items. I'm hoping by the end of June to have enough to be over onto page 2 of my shop. Okay, enough shop talk. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Homes Sweet Homes

I haven't had anything tremendously exciting to blog about in my personal life, so I decided it was time to start featuring some of the things I love about Etsy. Today, I have chosen polkadot studio by user mdemag. These little mini polka dot houses made out of polymer clay and painted are absolutely adorable! The shop features original brightly colored prints, a funky house collage, and multiple designs of wood block houses similar to these clay ones. All are very original and different and could surely lend a little flair to any decor. Because it is all about the flair!