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!

2008...Here's a Stink Eye in Your Honor!

2007 was a rough year for sure, but I held out hope that 2008 had great things in store for me. Let me tell you, 2008 must hold a grudge for me bad-mouthing its' buddy '07. My computer, David Bowie, officially died on May 2nd and the hassle-free, (ahem...), fantastical extended warranty that was purchased through Circuit City has been anything but. It's June 10th and I still have no functioning computer or suitable replacement. Both cable boxes decided to take a vacation together leaving one TV unwatchable and the other with a naked DVR list (tragic, I know). My car, Ron Burgandy, aka. Ron the Tucson, decided he needed some medical attention. Problem is, I can't be without a car, so it involved procuring a rental. Enterprise Rent-A-Car was less than prepared to provide me the car I reserved, trying to get me to drive a Toyota Tundra. I am petite. I do not drive monstrous trucks! 2 hours later I was 20 miles down the road at the next closest Enterprise providing all my info again to be put into a lovely, (ahem...), Dodge Caliber. In the midst of the brutal heat-wave at an uncharacteristically early time of year, our trusty AC unit decided that it wanted to crap out at 1:30 in the morning. Of course, heating and cooling specialists have been inundated with calls and the earliest appointment we can get is a mere 4 days away. I just keep seeing precious dollars fly out the door at an alarming rate. Every time I think, "Now what?" I am sure to find out. I'm sorry 2007 and 2008. I love you both and hope that you will forgive me! And Friday the 13th...I love you too!

Old friends, Great Times

After 11 years, I finally met up with a great friend from high school this weekend. We spent countless hours on the phone, laughing and sharing stories of our teenage angst, traveled to far away places (Phoenix, AZ, and Montreal, Canada are far away when you're only 16 or 17 years old!) partaking in musical adventures, and went to senior prom together. Definitely times that are not easily forgotten. Even though we had talked sporadically throughout the years, we had, like many people, lost touch and really did not know much of what the other was doing in life. It's easy to talk about getting together and a whole other story to actually do so. I have to say that I was more than a little nervous to see this person that I felt I knew so well after all this time. I discovered that it only takes a few short moment to get over those "Oh my God, I haven't seen you in so long" jitters and merely hours to catch up on what is most important to each of us before we felt like we were right back where we had been all those years ago. Makes me wonder why we waited so long to meet up again. I know one thing for certain. I won't be waiting another 11 years to meet up with my friend again. It's really important to take a break from the everyday "stuff" we get caught up in and enjoy our friends and family.

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!

The Death Of David Bowie

One of the first shops I stumbled upon and hearted on Etsy was Whipped Creamations by seller pinkkrystals. I was drawn in initally by her "Say Cheeseburger" Purse, but once I entered the shop, I discovered that the cute factor was insane! In addition to specially made ice cream sundaes, there were food-inspired wristlet purses, and adorable crocheted play food for your little ones to enjoy. I seem to be fascinated with faux food and it seems that a lot of other Etsians are sharing that same fascination. I hope you enjoy perusing Whipped Creamations as much as I have!

On a personal note, my computer was pronounced dead last night by our repair tech. RIP David Bowie 2006-2008. Yeah, I'm weird. I named my computer. Anyway, today I call the warranty company to request replacement since they have been unable to repair it since the 2nd of May with 3 repair attempts. I could not believe my ears when they informed me that my computer had to be "down" 30 days (it's now been 27) in order for them to approve replacement. Now mind you, there is nothing else they can do to attempt to repair it, but they are making me wait an additional 3 days until they even start to consider replacing it. When I told them this was simply unacceptable, I was told in a courteous and professional manner that it didn't matter that I was unhappy, I just had to suck it! When I inquired how long it would take after my additional 3-day waiting period to be approved, they told me it usually takes 5 days to find a comparable replacement and then another 5 to arrange for shipping. So essentially, I'm out for at least another 2 weeks....6 weeks total since it fell ill. I am happy that I don't have to pay to buy a new computer, but very unhappy with the promptness of repair provided by the policy that I paid sweet, sweet dollars to purchase to protect myself! Aaarrrgh!

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!

Paisley Baby Quilt

Well, after not being able to find the appropriate materials to finish this last week in time for the gift I needed, I have finally finished my baby quilt. I decided to list it in my Etsy shop. It was my first adventure in machine quilting and took me a lot longer than it should have, but overall, I am happy with the way it turned out. I did the binding on the machine as well, which I know isn't the "proper" way to do it, but I kind of like the way it looks. I have come to appreciate things not looking perfect in every way. I think it lends personality and charm to the items that you create, makes them special.

On a side note, I am watching Rachel Ray on TV and Minnie Driver is the musical guest. Since when does Minnie Driver sing? I am so tired of people thinking that they are recording artists just because they are famous. Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Scarlett Johanssen, etc., etc., etc. They all end up sounding terrible, not selling albums, and then years from now they will be on a show on MTV or VH1 entitled, "What Were They Thinking?" ie. Bruce Willis. Okay, I'm getting off my high horse now. Have a great day!

Psychic Friends Network

Today I went to have my first ever reading by a psychic with my friend, Vicki, and her mother-in-law, Joanie. I was very excited and had been anticipating the visit since Vicki called to tell me she had scheduled us appointments over a week ago. I had heard from a trusted co-worker that she had had a reading done by the same lady and had been told some things that rang eerily true with her and very specific. She is a very level-headed person and admitted it was just for fun. She had been skeptical. As the time drew near though, I began to get a little nervous. What if she told me something that I really didn't want to hear?

Joanie, the biggest skeptic of our group, went first and after 40 minutes came up the stairs with a smile. She had been impressed with the woman's insight and ability to pinpoint some specific occurrences. Vicki and I followed after and both had good experiences. Neither of us were blown away by the information given, but agreed that she had said a few things that were specific enough to be a little creepy. I quickly realized that the better the reading was, that I probably wasn't going to want to discuss it freely. Truly you are talking about questions that you probably only ask yourself and can't or won't discuss with others. After all 3 of us had our readings completed, we got in the car to leave and I posed the question, "So, would you ever have a reading done again?" We all agreed that it wasn't something to be done on a regular basis, but that it might be fun to make it an annual tradition. Maybe in a year's time some of our predictions will have revealed themselves to be true! If any of my predictions come true, I'll be sure to let you know!

Amazing Cakes!

So we had a little going away/baby shower party at work today for one of my coworkers. My friend, Vicki, made the cake for us and everyone loved it! I keep telling her she could go into business, but for now it's just her hobby. I did have a few people ask for her contact info. in case they needed a cake. She did a beehive cake for the occasion, which was absolutely adorable. I just had to post a few pics here for all to see to share the cuteness.

Tonight is the season finale of The Office! I can't wait for Jim to propose to Pam....it's gonna be fantastic. I will probably cry, which I know is pretty stupid since it's a sitcom, but I couldn't help it when Jim first kissed her at the end of the 1st season. I got verklempt! I just wish every week was an hour long episode and that it was on year-round.

SARS Spurs Creativity

So I've been home for the past 2 days sick, the first of which I was truly "down and out" as evidenced by not being able to complete any fun/crafty tasks. Putting larger dents in the couch cushions was all I accomplished on day #1. Apparently, I have contracted SARS from my friend's baby that we visited last week. She has also given it to her father. If only I had worn my Peter Sarsgaard SARS guard, I would not be in this predicament.

Day #2 showed some improvement, and I continued working on a quilted baby blanket for a friend at work, as well as my first paper bag scrapbook. I really needed to complete the baby blanket for tomorrow which was a realistic goal, until I made the trip to Jo-Ann's only to find that they had no quilt binding in a color or quantity that I could use. I really wish there was more than one supplier for that type of stuff here. It's so frustrating that my craftiness depends on a Jo-Ann's store that is poorly stocked. So I'm not quite sure what will become of the baby blanket as this friend is moving out of town after finishing out this week at work. I guess I'll just be really prepared the next time a friend is having a baby. The paper bag scrapbook is coming along quite nicely. I plan on posting some pictures of it after I get some of the details finished.

Recently I have been finding really cool projects that I would like to try on other blogs, so I'm going to start posting links here to share with you and to keep a list for myself to remember too. The first project I found was through the Craft magazine website, but linked to DaciaRay.com and is a tutorial for Linen Pear Sachets.



Hope you enjoy the link!

Rock Band Victory Will Be Mine!

As if I don't have anything better to do on a Saturday (really I don't), I have just successfully completed the first set of Rock Bank on hard difficulty. To me, this is quite an accomplishment. In my career of Guitar Hero/Rock Band, I have been too uncoordinated to slide my fingers to be able to use that tricky orange button. Well, move over guitar rock gods, I've figured it out! While I am not proficient in the use of said orange button, I am certain that my speed and agility will be shooting off the charts in a very short period of time.

I know that my picture today has nothing to do with my post, but I thought my poor, fading tulips needed one last glorious moment to shine after today's rain. They are the last of my springtime flowers left in the yard.