Thursday, November 26, 2009

Giveaway by Resweater

Resweater sells quality wool sweaters for for crafters to re-purpose into all kinds of things like slippers, purses, sweater dresses, and more.  Her sweaters are very affordable and the best part is not having to go thrifting all day for the finds. 

The two winners will get to pick their choice of sweater from her shop!  Deadline is November 29th at midnight.  Make sure to enter here  to win!



While you're at it, spread the love and good karma.  Maybe you can host a giveaway on your site and make someone's day.  Maybe you could buy coffee or pay a toll fee for the person behind you.  Or even just take a moment to tell someone you love how much you appreciate them.  Slip a little note into your husband or wife's coat pocket or lunch box just to say "I love you".  Paying it forward really does work. 

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - PACountryCrafts



Today's featured shop is PACountryCrafts.  The artist cut her teeth crafting with her dad, has a degree in chemistry, and is working full time as a momma to her four children.  Her ornaments, wood crafts, and baskets are especially adorable.  They'd make the perfect gift for everyone from your college roommate to your mom.  She will even personalize ornaments for free.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and happy shopping!



How did you get started crafting?
I have always been a little crafty- as long as I can remember. I learned to make baskets in 4H, my dad showed me how to work the scroll saw, and everything else is self-taught.

Why did you decide on PACountryCrafts for your business name?

The one I wanted was taken! I wanted to include "country" because I live in the country and my crafts generally have that theme. PA is for my home state, which is a beautiful place to live.

Do you have a muse?

Not really.



Do you take custom orders?
I do- and I like a challenge. I ALWAYS need a challenge- it is what I thrive upon.



What does a typical day look like for you?
Well, I have 4 young kids, and they wake up pretty early. Lately one or two wake me up, so we are real quiet so I can come downstairs to check my email and etsy shop. Then there is the rush for breakfast and the bus. Some days I have to go to work for a few hours, but if not there is plenty of work at home. If I am REAL lucky, I get both of the younger girls to take a nap at once and I can sneak out to the garage to cut some wood crafts out! I sneak in spare moments all day to get in some painting and sewing and internet time. Then the bus comes back and it is craziness until they go to bed and maybe I can get some more crafting done even if it is at the cost of sleep.

Where would you like to go with your business?

I am just going to see where it leads. For now, I just want some sense of accomplishment.



What is one strange or funny thing you'd like to share with us?

I have a BS in Chemistry- so this is a far cry from the lab. I have a teaching certificate so I will get back to that one day. Since Halloween is approaching- I will tell you that when my son was 1 1/2 I made his costume- a water molecule! Ok, I know... and yes, he hated it. Last time I got to pick!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - socksandmittens



Today's feature is a mother and daughter team, socksandmittens.  With Twilight fervor in full swing, fingerless gloves and warm mittens are all the rage!  I fell in love with their classic styles and wonderful colors.  Tanya from socksandmittens sat down to share her mom's vision and creative process with us.  Happy shopping!




How did you get started crafting?
I made this store for my mother who suffers from arthritis and that's why she moved in with us last summer. She loved her busy lifestyle (she retired right before her moving) but with her new life and merging with the family, she needed to find her own niche to feel useful. So, since she always had been an avid knitter, making wonderful things for everyday life for herself, us & our friends, I thought she might like the idea of knitting & selling the items she makes. So she did, and we have decided to give it a try. That's how our store was born.


Why did you decide on socksandmittens for your business name?
It was really hard to find a right name for the store, hundreds of papers with project ideas went into trash. But then we thought about the old good times, when life was simple and people were naming their businesses after their products. That's what we did and named our little shop after the majority of goods we are selling, socks and mittens.



Do you have a muse?
Our muse is a nature with all it's bright colors, changing of leaves & seasons. Isn't it funny, how quickly you are hiding your favorite summer outfit back in the closet as soon as temperature drops and the air is nippy. You instantly reach for the warmer comfort clothing! These warm & colorful gloves, mittens and socks are making our lives a bit more cozy and brightening the gray winter days.


Do you take custom orders?
Everybody's taste is different, and everyone does not like the same colors. So we do a custom orders in a material & color the client wants to fit their taste or outfit.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Our typical day is answering customer emails, doing advertising, discussing pricing on non-standard items, buying materials and shipping sold items.  We ship the same day we receive payment as we believe this to be very important to our customer. Then I am taking my mother shopping for a different materials for the custom orders. After that she knits during the day whenever she has available time.




Where would you like to go with your business?
Originally we thought about this store just as a source of income for my mother and also way to keep her active. She never get's tired or bored with it, she loves what she is doing. We are not sure right now where we taking it - the response was much greater than we thought it would be.

The more you are working, the more you are getting hooked.  Can't live without this little shop now! This is the window to the world for my mother.  :)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - Talies



Trendy Turquoise Pouch


Today we're featuring another great international Etsy shop, Talies.  Tali is a mother of two, high school teacher, and artisan.  Many of her items are eco friendly and made with recycled and re-purposed goods.  Her shop includes some great gift ideas including stylish bags, nursery paintings, cozy pillows, and Mezuzah cases.  Tali is based in Israel, so make sure to shop early enough to allow for shipping.  Hanukkah starts December 11th, so there is still time to shop!



Mezuzah case


How did you get started crafting?
Ever since I can remember, I have been crafting.  I graduated from HIT University with an Art & Design degree.  After my first daughter was born I started to do it more seriously, and after my second daughter I opened my business, Talies.

Why did you decide on Talies for your business name?

Tali is my first name and I decided to write it in plural form because I am making so many things in so many areas such as bags, nursery decorations, paintings, fashion jewelry and more.

Do you have a muse?
I find inspiration in the materials that are around me, such as my trendy pouch. People who are taking only keys and their cell phone and want their hands free from carrying them, because it's hooked on the trousers.



Sweet Creature Nursery Art


Do you take custom orders?
I love custom orders.  There is so much inspiration in doing them.  I have customers who always want custom orders and I like to do it!

What does a typical day look like for you?
I teach product and graphic subjects in a high school, where I also run an eco-design program. After the day in school I'm working at home midst taking care on my two adorable daughters. After they get to sleep I keep on until midnight.

Where would you like to go with your business?
I would like it to be a world-wide bags business.  That would be my main working subjects.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - Pink Sherbert




Today's featured artisan is Michelle of Pink Sherbert.  Michelle's fun and funky sock monkeys, pin cushions, and purses are so striking and beautiful.  Sock puppets?  Beautiful?  Yes!   Michelle resides in North Yorkshire, England.  Each one of her creations incorporates a bit of that European flair for style and gorgeous colors.   Make sure to shop early to allow for shipping and customs!




How did you get started crafting?
I’ve always enjoyed making things but I suppose the thing that started me crafting regularly was when my children grew up and I had all this spare time


Why did you decide on Pink Sherbert for your business name?
I thought the name “Pink Sherbert” sounded cute and suited my style exactly.

Do you have a muse?
Not really, I just love to make things!

Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I love a challenge. I’ve made Ninja, Karate, ballerina and even truck driver sock monkeys!



What does a typical day look like for you?
Busy!! I currently work in a doctors surgery 3 days a week, so if it’s a work day then I usually don’t get much crafting done. If it’s a day off then I’m usually still up early, two coffee’s and then breakfast while I check my shop and reply to any convo’s and emails. I then usually spend an hour or so cleaning the house. Then it’s time to craft! I never know what I’m going to make that day (unless it’s a custom order for a sock monkey) I will usually stop around 3pm to make a meal for the family who arrive home around 4:30pm. Take the dog out around 5pm then back to check my shop, messages etc., and maybe list/relist an item. I also spend far too long on the forums!


Where would you like to go with your business?
I would like to be successful enough to be able to quit my day job! As I only work part time so I don't think it's impossible to earn the same from my craft.

Holiday Mail for Heroes

While you're sending your Christmas or Hanukkah cards this year, why not put one or two to the side for a hero?  Just a few minutes of your time could make the day for a true hero. 

The postal service no longer accepts mail to 'Any Service Person' due to security concerns.  Seeing the need for our military service people to keep getting cards from the public, the Red Cross and Pitney Bowes joined forces to create Holiday Mail for Heroes.  Pitney Bowes will screen any incoming mail for safety, and then Red Cross volunteers will deliver the cards to service men and women. 

For more information, you can view the guidelines and information here.  Make sure to share this wonderful program with your family and friends!


Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Dirty Girl's Dirty Party



This isn't what it looks like.  I swear. No, seriously.  Mom brought home a few Barbies from Goodwill for the preschool class that she teaches, and they had some seriously frizzy hair.  My daughter talked Grandma into letting her take the dolls home, so the dolls got the spa treatment this afternoon.  That's Muscle Man and (there's something about) Mary above. 



Cindy couldn't take a bath with the rest of them because she plays music and for some reason, her feet light up.  She just got the shampoo and hot oil treatment.



Dirty Girl was so upset over her mass of knotted hair that she almost lost her head.  Well...actually her head is broken, so she's going to get the E-6000 glue treatment once that hair is all dry.  It is a little easier to get the knots out when the doll's head is connected, but she did okay.  No more straw hair for Dirty Girl.  Dirty Girl was also, well, dirty.  Even after a couple baths in soapy water, she was still pretty grimy.  I took a toothbrush and some rubbing alcohol to her face and was able to get almost all of the dirt off.  In the picture below, the right side of her face had been cleaned, and the left side was waiting to be cleaned.  What a difference!



After the rest of the bunch got a little taste of alcohol and a good scrubbing, the girls got a conditioning treatment and brush out.  Once I was satisfied with the brushing, I shampooed their hair and reapplied the conditioner.  They sat for a few minutes while my daughter pretended to scrub the guy doll.  I'm not really sure what he is, but he's got some sort of silver tattoo and a bracelet that reminds me of Buzz Light Year.  As you can see, Dirty Girl cleans up pretty well.  Cindy is well, as perfect as any Princess can be.  Mary still has suspiciously gravity-defying bangs, though. 





 


Yeah.  We'll have to work on those bangs later.  Dirty Girl and (there's something about) Mary got a little trim since their hair was still fried on the ends.  There's only so much a good conditioner can do, girls.  Their hair is still wet, so I'll have to wait until tomorrow to style it.  Before I could get the girls looking pretty again, my little monkey took off with them.  Speaking of dirty girls, this one has ketchup on her face.  Oh yeah, and a rubber band on her head.  I don't get the rubber band, but she insists it is pretty. 





Monday, November 16, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - Love Noir



Today's feature is a brand new shop, Love Noir.  They specialize in gorgeous fairy tale jewelry with a bit of a Gothic touch.  For those of you that love Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, and Bambi, you'll love her pieces.  They'd be great with every day outfits, but would also work for you Gothic lolitas and steam punk ladies, too.  Love Noir is based in Portugal, so make sure to shop early to allow for shipping time.  The first three buyers get free shipping, too!


How did you get started crafting?
I started crafting for myself and friends and just recently started selling online!

Why did you decide on Love Noir for your business name?
I chose this name because my items have two sides; a lovely one and a darker one...that happens a lot in fairy tales which are my main inspiration.



Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I'll add a new item to the shop soon that can be personalized with any photo sent by the client.

Where would you like to go with your business?
I'd like to keep it a small business as I enjoy having quality time to work on each piece, but I'd love to have more people know about my work. I'd also like to work on new and different ideas in the near future, like pouches and bags.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Bird Trouble Giveaway

Here is another awesome giveaway.  Bird Trouble is giving away an awesome set of coasters.  Make sure to visit the blog and enter while there is still time!


Thursday, November 12, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - Dyche Designs



Today's featured shop, Dyche Designs, has plenty to offer for everyone on your shopping list.  From quirky rubber ducky soaps, to cozy scarves, to skulls perfect for your friends that like home decor that you can't find at just any shop.  Born in Wales and raised in Oxfordshire, Kathryn of Dyche Designs made the move to Leesburg Virginia in 2004.  With the love and support from her family, she decided to leave her job as a Human Resources Officer to pursue her dream of creating for a living. 


Blue Skull With Metal Accents


How did you get started crafting?
I feel like a relative late comer to the crafting arena. My sister was always the artistic one in the family and I honestly didn’t think I had a creative bone in my body. That was until one Christmas when she had my brother and I do a decoupage project with her. Little did she know that she would be responsible for unleashing a creative beast and now there's no going back!

It was that, combined with a move from the UK to the US in 2004, that started me on my creative journey. I suddenly found myself with access to so many different crafting materials and I was like a kid in a candy store. I had great fun experimenting with different mediums and thought that over time I would find a particular area to specialize in. As it turns out I discovered that I just love variety way too much to focus on any one particular craft.

Why did you decide on Dyche Designs for your business name?

My father died of cancer almost seven years ago and it was important for me to find a way to carry on his name. ‘Dyche’ is my maiden name so it seemed fitting to call my shop ‘Dyche Designs’. The initials of my shop are also my mothers’ initials.




Do you have a muse?
My whole family acts as my muse. They make me laugh, smile, reflect, question things and I like to thing that each piece I create is inspired by them in some way.

My mother is an aromatherapist so my love of soaps, candles and all things scented can be attributed to her (I spent many an hour with my nose in her aromatherapy oil drawer basking in the wonderful scents that would emanate from there).

My brothers chosen art form is photography. His curiosity and inquiring mind encourage me to look at things from a different perspective. I love the way he is able to convey emotion and capture a moment in time through his lens and it's this that makes me strive to improve my own photography skills.

My sister is extremely talented and uses a wide variety of mediums. She has this wonderful ability to think outside the box and her imagination and creativity spark many new ideas.

Last but not least my husband. I love his unwavering support and his honesty. It’s all of these things combined that have encouraged me to change and grow and explore creative new outlets.

Do you take custom orders?
I try to offer a variety of items in my shop including a wide range of styles and colors. Where possible I am happy to work with someone to complete a custom order and have done so on a number of occasions.


Brown Bold Print Floral Bag With Wood Handles


What does a typical day look like for you?

I usually get up around 7 am, log onto the computer and check my Etsy shop. That’s followed by a morning cup of tea (I am British after all).

After that I really don’t have a typical day. I may knit, sew, do some beading or go crazy with a canvas. Other times I’ll read, research and brainstorm ideas. I also spend a lot of time on the computer editing photos, updating and promoting my shop. No two days are the same and that’s what I love about my work. It’s great to get up in a morning and have the freedom to choose what it is I want to do that day.

Where would you like to go with your business
To infinity and beyond . . . no seriously I would like to get to the point where sales are consistent yet manageable. Right now I love what I do and the flexibility I have to create. Ultimately I want to remain small enough that I can manage the business by myself while making a profit.

What is one strange or funny thing you'd like to share with us?
Ever since I was 4 years old I’ve had a love affair with chimpanzees and gorillas. Looking around my home you’ll find lots of ‘monkey’ items although it may not be obvious at first glance. I think what draws me to them is that they resemble us in so many ways.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - GladRaggz





If I owned my own brick and mortar boutique, it would be stocked full of items like those made by Pat from GladRaggz.  Her gorgeous handmade silk purse with ribbon embroidery is my absolute favorite.  Pat's shop includes everything from Christmas ornaments, to sparkling jewelry, to soft scarves and hats.  You can also visit her blog here.


Handmade silk handbag


How did you get started crafting?
I've been crafting ever since I can remember. I come from a creative family, in which they raised their own food and made clothes and household necessities. To this day my father does basic mending tasks and small sewing jobs on his clothing.

Why did you decide on GladRaggz for your business name?

Actually Gladraggz wasn't my first choice, because the name I wanted was already chosen.
I wanted a name that was cheerful and described my product, (womens' handbags, jewelry and accessories), and the name was a variant of "Glad Rags", which was not available.

Do you have a muse?
If you are asking what inspires me, I'd have to say anything that appeals to my sense of beauty. I love to create interesting combinations of practical and decadent. As a lover of antiques and vintage "anything", finding the right combination of decadent and practical is extremely satisfying, and often not as difficult as it might seem.


 
 
Do you take custom orders?

I have taken custom orders. Fortunately the customers have been very open and accepting of my judgment, and it's worked out well.

What does a typical day look like for you?
Unfortunately my typical days don't always go as I wish, as real life usually interferes with my creative life. My ideal day would be devoting the entire day to filling my shops with my creations, and of course filling orders for those who love them!





Where would you like to go with your business?
I'd be happy picking up the pace a bit - selling more and creating on a steady basis to meet the demand. I'm not out to conquer the world, just leave a bigger footprint in it...

What is one strange or funny thing you'd like to share with us?
I LOVE it when people love my creations! I've always had good luck selling to good people who pay promptly, and so forth. I make it a policy to stay in constant communication with my buyers during the transaction and shipping process until I know their order has arrived at their home. Sometimes I never hear a word back from them, even in the form of feedback, but I'd love to hear how they feel about their purchase one way or the other.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Be The Match - Part 2



Last week we got a letter from the bone marrow donor coordinator.  Unfortunately, the doctor decided that now is not the right time for a donation.  They can't tell us why exactly, but it could be for a number of reasons.  Sometimes the patient isn't ready for a transplant yet, sometimes they have gotten too sick, the treatment plan has changed, etc.  The coordinator added Adam back to the donor list, so that he can be matched with another patient.  Should things change with the original patient, they may call him back down the road for a donation.

I can't help but feel a connection to this patient on some level.  This person that we will never meet and never know.  In fact, we don't even know where this patient lives, be it local or in another country.  All that we do know is that the patient is 64 and a man.  This man is probably someone's husband, someone's father, someone's son.  I pray that the patient is still living.  I pray that he will still be able to get a donation at some point, and that we may be able to help.  So, we start down towards donation again.  It could be next month that Adam gets called to donate again, or it might be years.

I have a challenge for all of my friends and readers.  Please visit the Be the Match site and learn a little more about bone marrow donation.  If you are eligible to donate, please consider joining the registry.  If you can not afford the kit, please check back as they will from time to time receive donations that allow for free registration kits.  Many are surprised to learn that the actual procedure is painless, and most only have mild aches for a few days after the procedure.  Check out some myths and facts about bone marrow donation here. Some employers even will provide paid leave for the donation without you having to tap into your sick or vacation time.

You could be the one that saves the life of a child, a mother, a father, or a friend. 

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Nom nom nom...worm poo!

We had a little bit of a mishap with the worm bin last week after I overfed the worms.  There was a dinner party here for a couple family birthdays, and I had a ton of leftover salad and squash.  It was fine for a couple weeks until one day I walked into the house and almost died.  After we scooped out the bin where I put the salad, the stench cleared up in a few hours.

That is, until I opened the bottom tray to see if it was finished today.  I found one leftover piece of squash that was well avoided by the worms.  It smelled like it had been anaerobic and didn't look like the worms actually at any of it at all.  I'm still not sure why, but we made sure to bury that nasty piece deep in an empty pot to decompose.  The rest of the compost in the tray looked decent, so it was dug into our lime and lemon planters.  I'm interested to see how the plants respond.  I even found a few worms already in the planters, and I'm not sure how they got there.

I'm thinking about doing an experiment this spring with some seedlings.  I'd seen some articles about the effect worm castings have on the root growth of plants.  For some reason, seedlings grown in a medium of at least some worm castings have a more robust root structure.  The better root structure would probably translate into better tolerance to drought, something especially important on our sun-baked patio.  I'll make sure to post pictures if I do!  Up next, a worm bin for my daughter's preschool class.

Holiday Shopping Guide - 20Lime Design

Today's featured Etsy artisan is Jennie from 20Lime Design.  If you're looking for stationary that is both hip and classic looking, 20Lime is the place to look. 



How did you get started crafting? 

I've always loved stationery. There is something so classic and traditional about having stationery with your name or monogram on it to send thank you notes, condolences, etc. In the age of email, social networking, and cell phones, taking the time to sit down, write, and mail a personal note is a touching and significant act. I think that the paper the note is written on should be just as special as the person writing it. It's a chance to express your personal je ne sais quoi and send it along with your words.

I got started doing stationery while still in design school (a quarter-life career change, see below for more on that.) I wanted to make a special gift for a friend's 30th birthday and "voila!" my Tulay design was born (I named it after my friend.) She loved it! I went on and did another set for my Mom's 60th birthday (my Diamonds design.) And then I couldn't stop, I'd think of a friend and what made them unique and special to me and then I'd design stationery for them. I love the smaller realm of A2-sized cards (4.25x5.5) and transforming it into something that really reflects a personality.

Why did you decide on 20Lime Design for your business name?

20Lime Design is not a reference to popular cocktail garnish. It's actually an address...

I spent my twenties living in Beacon Hill, a very unique and historic neighborhood in the heart of Boston. I renewed my lease for seven years to rent a tiny one bedroom apartment at 20 Lime Street. It's right around the corner from the Charles River and the Advent Church, with it beautiful bells that gong-ed and chimed me every evening. The haunting echoes bounded off the brick sidewalks, and weaved in and out of gas lanterns lining each street (or maybe that was just me.)

The walls of that apartment witnessed all of the silly and profound adventures of young woman learning to stand up on her own two feet. While navigating the minefields of a fledgling corporate career, I embarked on the sometimes funny and often frustrating search for Mr. Right and blasted marinara sauce all of the ceiling during dramatic first attempts at cooking.

Looking for something extracurricular to do, I took an intro to graphic design class at the New England School of Art & Design, Suffolk University. I was hooked and enrolled into the program to pursue a degree. It took 6 years, mostly going part time, but I did it! Turns out I found my true calling and abandoned my business suits and cubicle for jeans and a mac.

So when I began to think about bringing my dream of a design studio to life, it seemed so obvious (and has a nice to ring to it.) 20Lime Design, from whence it all began, my niche, my nest, my fortress, my flophouse, my home.

Although I no longer live in Beacon Hill (I finally found Mr. Right, married him, and moved to Maine) the spirit of my days on Lime Street thrives. It has become a sanctuary for my design and my art. A place where I can create the medium for love letters, thank-you notes, announcements, and holiday wishes.


PETAL personalized stationery set


Do you have a muse?
I started designing stationery for friends, and they are often unsuspecting muses for me. I like the challenge of trying to capture each unique personality and turn it into a stationery design.

I'm also greatly inspired by interior design, believe it or not. I love House Beautiful magazine and ideas are often sparked by a wallpaper pattern, color scheme, rug, or hanging plate. The Tulay design was influenced by an embroidered pillow and Beads came from a hanging, beaded curtain. Diamonds was inspired by the ultimate preppy decorating on the east coast of Florida.

At the same time I don't limit myself at all. I try to keep my eyes open to ideas anywhere. aOK came from a classic hand gesture that I felt had a great energy and positivity to it that I wanted to bring to paper.

Do you take custom orders?
I do. In addition to personalized stationery, I also do announcements, invitations, save the dates, calling cards, and whatever else anyone can think of.

I also do business design work, including logos, brochures, advertising, signage, etc. I especially like working with small businesses that are getting started.

What does a typical day look like for you?
That's the beauty of being self-employed. Every day is different. Who knows what I'll wake up to every morning. It usually includes plenty of time in my home studio, with my siberian husky, Chewy, smooshed under my desk (he snores too!) I generally have a couple projects going at once so my desk and work table are strewn with watercolors, markers, paper stock, pages from magazines for my inspiration files, etc. It's cluttered, but that means I'm submerged in art all day and I love that. At the end of the day I like to unwind in the kitchen, cooking with my husband and playing backgammon.



Where would you like to go with your business?
World Stationery domination! In all seriousness, I'd just love to get my work out there in the universe and be a recognized player part of the vast and diverse stationery marketplace. I'm planning on adding a line of A7 (5x7) greeting cards to my Etsy shop very soon. So stay tuned...

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Holiday Shopping Guide - craftycrackpot



Caitlin of craftycrackpot creates affordable sweaters, adorable dresses, stuffed animals, quilts, booties, and more.  As part of a family with thirteen children, she's always on the go and helping around the house.  I absolutely love her little peasant dresses!



How did you get started crafting?

My mum was always into knitting and other hand sewing, so I guess it was just something that was passed on. As I mastered the simpler crafts, I wanted to move on. I tried many different crafts, but never really found my "thing" until I hit the sewing machine. I've loved it ever since. Whether I'm quilting, sewing clothes, sewing toys or anything else, it really is something I take great delight in!

Why did you decide on craftycrackpot for your business?
I was thinking about starting an Etsy store but couldn't think of a good name. My mum suggested "craftycrackpot" half in jest, I think, and it instantly stuck. It seemed to be something that would stick in people's minds, and it also described me - crazy about sewing!

Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I do. I would love to make something for someone that is "just" right.






What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me would involve homeschooling my 2 younger siblings, helping out with stuff around the house (I'm part of a large family), and fitting in sewing any opportunity I get. Oh, I also like to work out at the gym.

Where would you like to go with your business?
I'd like to actually turn it into a "business" rather than just a hobby. I'm thinking of starting up my own blog to try to engender more traffic. I'm also trying to list new items more often, so my name is out there more.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

dia de los muertos



The kiddies are gone, the candles in the pumpkins burnt out, and soon the copious amounts of fake spider webs outside will have to come down, too.  My husband is in the kitchen grinding up pumpkin innards to feed the worms in our worm bin.  Those worms churn out excellent, nutrient-rich fertilizer, but that is another post.  There's pumpkin in the oven roasting away so that I can put up some pumpkin puree for baking.  Next up are the seeds.  My little ghoul can't wait for 'yummy punkin seeds' and she said she 'likes to crack them with my teeth'. 



We live right across from a school, and were planning on going to Trunk or Treat.  Somehow we missed it this year, so we meandered through the neighborhood.  The little ghoul was terrified when the houses had any spiders, witches, or 'scarrrrrry' decorations.  She had insisted on wearing shoes that were too big and clip clopped on the sidewalk.  After a few tumbles because of the big shoes, we eventually took them off and let her walk around barefoot.  Here in California, it was still a warm 70* last night, so she was fine with bare tootsies.  I can hardly wait for next year!



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...