PinkPatrice Boutique

2012-01-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy sewing projects that are quick and bring me almost instant gratification.

L-o-n-g-e-r projects keep me entertained for a while......

but most of the time they get set aside and lost in the pile of other projects.

Some of my most favorite projects are from a website called:

Keyka Lou.

I have quite a few of her (Michelle) patterns and enjoy whipping them up lickity-split!

One great thing about her patterns is that she includes a few different sizes in the pattern.

For example, I bought this pattern and made all three sizes of pouches that were included in the pattern.

Here is the smallest sized pouch of the "Pleated Pouch" pattern.

(I made this pouch for my niece.)

I jazzed it up a bit by using three different fabrics on the front.

I also used a contrasting color of thread for the top stitching on the outside.I thought it turned out really cute!

You should check out Michelle's patterns at

Keyka Lou.

They are fabulous, inexpensive and quick to create! :)

Pinwheel Door Frame/Wreath

2012-01-26T15:58:00.007-07:00

A few posts ago I mentioned I was working on a project that had to do with pinwheels.

Here is the project I was talking about!

I think there was something similar to it on Pinterest. I just did my own thing with it though.

First I found a frame at a thrift store.

Then I took it out back and gave it a couple of coats of this

beautiful aqua colored spray paint.

Since this frame/wreath was for my front door during the summer I chose some really fun, bright colors to make the pinwheels.

Here are some of the pinwheels. My daughter helped me out a bit.

I used glue dots to attach the pinwheels to the frame.

I also cut some triangles out of the paper to make a bunting to hang across the middle of the frame. I sewed rickrack across the triangles.

There isn't a picture of this but I used some lettered stickers and attached them to the triangles.

They spelled out "Welcome".

Sorry I don't have a picture of the frame/wreath hanging on my front door. I KNOW I have a picture of it somewhere. When/if I find it I'll post it!

Feeling Summertime!

2011-07-13T09:00:00.004-06:00

Oh, I'm so enjoying the summertime right now. Flowers are blooming, weather is warm, kids taking swimming lessons and playing outside all. day. long.

Yummy cold watermelon. mmmm...

I wish it would never end!

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Nick on Pinterest

Source: lovely-little-things.blogspot.com via Robin on Pinterest

Source: None via Ara on Pinterest

Pinwheels

2011-07-12T18:18:00.003-06:00

I am currently loving pinwheels.

I have a project in the back of my mind

incorporating pinwheels.

Gonna be awesome. :)

Source: thewhitelibrary.com via Jenni on Pinterest

Source: cateredcrop.com via Lynn on Pinterest

Source: diaryofaquilter.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: peppermintplum.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Pantone Color of the Year (2011)

2011-03-13T17:04:00.004-06:00

SO glad the Pantone has chosen the 2011 color of the year as Honeysuckle PINK!

Mmmmmmmmm....love it.....

Treasury Time

2010-09-06T10:37:00.004-06:00

Love this treasury I was included in recently. It was created by Elchra. I really love the colors of all these amazing creations. So beautiful and easy on the eyes. )

YAY! 4thof July

2010-07-03T13:32:00.004-06:00

As I was just perusing some crafty blogs I came upon this creative (and tasty) idea! I love it!

Image from Sumo's Sweet Shop

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Birds in Spring

2010-04-21T19:34:00.003-06:00

I love seeing and hearing the birds when Spring has finally shown it's face.

And for some reason I love cutsie bird stuff. I don't know why--just 'cause! :)

I love the simplicity of these jewelry items by

polkadot magpie.

Love Bird Pendant with Enamel Heart

Romancing Love Bird Earrings

B.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.

Yeah...this Makes me Smile

2010-03-04T11:37:00.003-07:00

Saw this treasury on the front page today. Love it. :)

Love is in the Air

2010-02-08T13:22:00.004-07:00

Valentine's Day is almost here!

I'm excited this year because my daughter and I get to make Valentine's for her pre-school friends.

I found a cute project for us to make on another blog. Take a look!

What will your little one be giving out for Valentine's this year??

Christmas Fabric Banner

2009-12-11T09:00:00.003-07:00

I love fabric banners.
I have the cutest cupcake fabric banner in my:

home office/craft room/sewing room/Christmas present hiding place.
{I only wish I could remember what shop it's from. :( }

This ho-ho-holiday one caught my eye while perusing Etsy for ~~hours~~ a few minutes today.

Nestables has this and more eye-catching banners in her Etsy store. There are also many awesome pillow covers I'm totally wanting.....

Warm Baby Legs

2009-12-09T09:00:00.002-07:00

Baby/toddler leggings seem to be a big 'thing' right now.

And I love 'em!

I actually purchased a few pair for my daughter over 3 years ago from an online store (and subsequently used them for my son-under his pants of course. They are pink).

These leggings are just too cute with the added furriness!

The little girl who wears these will surely make a fashion statement!

Get some for the precious princess in your life at Posh Pipsqueak's Etsy store. There are lots of styles to choose from.

PINK Jewelry

2009-12-08T09:00:00.002-07:00

My oh my how I love the beautiful jewelry over at Katy Beads Etsy shop.

Especially this pink charm.

It's calling my name.

I don't care if this is October's birthstone and my birthday is in July.

I love it.

Find more beautiful baubles at Katybeads.

Which do I want more......

2009-12-07T14:04:00.004-07:00

I'll Be Yarned

Gotta love the cute little 'cocoons' in I'll Be Yarned's store.

This listing specifically states that it is ONLY for the cocoon*.

You mean that darling baby isn't included? Darn.

There are MORE darling items at I'll Be Yarned. It's just a click away!

(*She's really referring to the cute matching hat that can be purchased separately.)

Design Team Memeber

2009-11-21T13:44:00.004-07:00

Hi everyone! I've got some GREAT news. I am now officially a Design Team Member for

Fairy Land Dreams Designs

Yay!
For my first project I used the Christmas Reindeer digistamp and the Candy House digistamp.

Here is what I did:

Candy House:
This is a cute gift bag made out of an envelope!

I colored in the Candy House digistamp house using Copic Markers. I only have the basic 12 color set right now but I really think they are awesome markers.

I added glitter to look like snow on the ground and on the tops of the candy canes. I also used fine glitter on the smoke coming out of the chimney.

I used red and white polka dotted ribbon for the bow on the front and for the handle on the bag. To add the handles I attached grommets to the sides of the bags, threaded the ribbon through and tied a knot on the inside of the bag
I had a cute candy cane button that I used to embellish the bow. I thought I tied in nicely with the candy canes on the stamp!

Christmas Reindeer:
I made a cute gift tag using traditional and non-traditional colors!

I used Copic Markers to also color in the reindeer and fussy cut him out. If you look closely there is glitter on his antlers, chest and blanket. He's edged with ink (as well as the red tag). I attached him with pop-ups to give dimension.

Stitching and stickles glitter glue was added to the green and blue polka dotted paper under the reindeer to give some texture. Edges were inked.
I love flowers and I stacked teal and red together with a pewter brad and added it to the tag with a zots dot.
Finally a grosgrain brown stitched ribbon was added! Fun!

I'll be doing more fun projects in the upcoming months so keep a lookout!

Go check out Jenn Nilsson's Etsy shop Fairy Land Dreams to get some awesome digistamps for yourself!

Gorgeous Digital Paper

2009-11-11T09:03:00.005-07:00

If you're looking for some gorgeous digital paper head on over to

studio71design!

Jen has created some oh-so-wonderful paper packs you can purchase for just $5.00!

There are fourteen papers to a pack and you get to print them as many times as you want.

This "Mod Holiday" design is my favorite:

{Circles, stripes and..... PINK!}

So, run on over to her Etsy shop and tell her Patrice sent ya!
She'll treat you like a queen {or king}!

Speakin' of Minty....

2009-11-07T20:33:00.003-07:00

{Refer to blog post November 2, 2009 for more info on Minty}

So, remember how I said I often dream about my best friends? Yeah, had one last night about Minty. Read on....

We were both walking to a hospital or surgery center of some sort. She was going because there was something wrong with her chin and she needed to get it fixed. She didn't want to have the surgery because she thought it would mess up her lower lip and she liked the way her lower lip looked.

Me? I was going to have surgery on my knees. I had to bring some 'special' centipede-like bugs that were needed for the surgery{for their guts, if I remember right} and I was cupping them in my hands. The bugs were in cocoons or something at first but then they started coming out of the cocoons and escaping through my fingers.

They started flying and crawling away and I frantically tried to catch them. We made it to the receptionist area of the hospital/surgery center and I told the women behind the counter that the bugs needed for my surgery were escaping!

That's it.
End of Dream

Don't you hate it when:

You have a weird dream and
It just ends?

Me too.

Well, I'll just leave you with this:

Lovin'

2009-11-07T19:08:00.002-07:00

Oh my.

I'm lovin' this bag.

{Hobo Bag - Ally Bu's Shop}

Minty Monday

2009-11-02T16:00:00.006-07:00

Yes, it's MINTY MONDAY! What is that you ask? Let me explain.

Growing up I had two very best friends. One of them is Minty. Real name. Not a nickname. Not short for something. Her real name.

Here are some things about Minty:

she has red hair
everyone loves her.... EVERYONE
she has twins {boy/girl}
she can sightread music like no one else
we went to elementary, jr. high, high school and even college together.
i never talk to her {well, like once a year}

OH MY GOODNESS you say? Never talk to her? I know, I know. Life happens. BUT.... I often dream about her {and my other best friend}.

Anywho....long story short {pffft} I am doing a 'Minty Monday'. Just some items I found on Etsy that are 'minty' and cute. It's cool because you can do a search for 'minty' and come up with tons of stuff. Not so much with 'patrice'. Eh.

On with the show.

{1} Cute tags by Peek-A-Boo Productions

{2} Fun feather by Chrissy's Creations

{3} Whimsical lampwork beads by Crafted Gems

{4} Amazing acorn earrings by Red Heart 13

They all equal {Love} in my heart!

Fun Type Font

2009-10-28T16:30:00.003-06:00

on't you just love this cool Capital Letter 'D"?

You can get your own special Capital Letters at this website. How awesome is that?
{okay, maybe I'm just a geek.....}

Jessica Hische / CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

Winner, yet again!

2009-10-28T10:48:00.006-06:00

I love, love, love checking out others blogs. Once in awhile I'll even leave a comment! :)

Denise of Nisee Made was having a giveaway on her blog and the items were so incredibly cute I just HAD to leave a comment!

And....I won a darling set of postcards!

{ Photo from Nisee Made blog}

You can see the postcards in the picture above. So cute! I can't wait to receive them in the mail.

New Shop

2009-10-16T12:59:00.003-06:00

One of the Etsy Teams I belong to is the EART Team - Eclectic Artisans Team. We have just opened up our own shop on Etsy and made our FIRST SALE on opening day! Go team!

These are the cards I listed in the shop. They are OOAK and only offered in the EART Shop.

This one I made using Copic Markers. Really love those markers {not so much the price!}

This one is made out of an envelope! When you open the card the right side opens up for you to put a little note inside! Cute!

Go ahead and check out the New EART Shop. You just might find something you love!

{RIP Halloween Fun Treat}

2009-10-08T17:39:00.008-06:00

I saw this fun Halloween Treat and thought I might try it!
I love chocolate so it's sure to be delicious!
Try it out for yourself and see how you like it!
{Recipe from myrecipes}

Ingredients

14 ounces (about 3 cups) semisweet or bitter-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
2 large eggs, plus 2 yolks
2 1/2 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup coffee-flavored liqueur
1/2 cup chocolate wafer crumbs
Tombstone Cookies

Preparation

1. In a food processor or blender, whirl chocolate until finely chopped. Pour into a bowl. Put eggs and yolks in the processor or blender.

2. In a 4-cup glass measure, heat whipping cream in a microwave oven (see Notes) at full power (100%) until cream boils, 3 to 5 minutes.

3. With processor or blender on high speed, add boiling cream to egg. Check temperature of mixture with an instant-read thermometer; if below 160°, pour mixture back into glass measure and reheat in microwave oven at full power until it reaches 160°, stirring and checking at 15-second intervals.

4. Combine hot cream mixture, chopped chocolate, and liqueur in blender or processor (or whisk the ingredients together in a large bowl); whirl until smooth, about 1 minute.

5. Pour chocolate mixture into 8 ramekins or glasses (1/2-cup size). Chill until softly set, 30 to 45 minutes. If making ahead, cover and chill up to 1 day. For creamiest texture, let desserts stand at room temperature about 30 minutes before eating.

6. Spoon 1 tbsp. wafer crumbs onto each pot de crème. Insert a Tombstone Cookie into each serving.

{Note: This method uses a microwave to heat the cream until it's hot enough to cook and thicken the eggs, but you can always make it on the cooktop. Heat the cream over medium-high heat until it boils, about 6 minutes. Proceed with step 3, but heat the cream-egg mixture as needed in the saucepan until it reaches 160°. Then proceed with step 4.}

2009-10-01T20:34:00.005-06:00

Today's Featured Artist has a talent I wish I could develop. Melissa of Bella Expressions creates beautiful digital creations that warm my heart. Her items are ones that will last forever and bring joy to those who receive them!

AND she's looking for her FIRST sale on Etsy. Why don't you be the one to give her that feeling of elation?? :)

Bella Expressions

Name: Melissa McMullen

Location: Italy

Etsy Store Name and Address:
Bella Expressions - www.lissylee77.etsy.com
Bella Style Designs - www.BellaStyleDesigns.etsy.com

{Give Thanks Greeting}

Facebook, Twitter, etc. address:
FB Bella Expressions: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=22275182174&ref=ts
FB Bella Style: http://www.facebook.com/twitter/?redirect=89276417041#/pages/Bella-Style-Designs/89276417041
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lissylee77

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
European Street Team

{Daisy Wedding Thank You Card}

What is your craft?
Anything digital. I do digital custom photo cards and greetings, scrappages, digital scrap kits and collage pages for mixed media, etc.

How did you start doing what you do?
I'm a crafty person and used to be an avid paperscrapper until I moved to Italy. It was impossible for me to find archival items so I found a site on digiscrapping one day and that's how it began. One day a friend back home in Canada had a baby and I wanted to send a gift that was easy for me to pack... well, I ended up doing birth announcements and thank yous for her and from there it took off. I've done a lot of Christmas cards and wedding thank yous for people back home.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
Seeing the look on peoples' faces when they get their cards. They (usually) are in awe of how great they look and how crisp and clear the design is. I get a lot of comments like "I can't wait to send these to everyone!" I also love seeing when someone uses my scrap kits to make a scrap page, I like that a part of me is in their memory books.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Sometimes finding inspiration. Like most artistic people, I too sometimes get artists' block. Then I find myself hopping from blog to blog or website to website in search of something to boost my imagination.

{Butterflies Announcement}

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
The internet, pictures, posters, everything around me!

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

Right now I'm loving my

Halloween card

and my

Bella Holiday Cheer Card

What is the best advice you have received?
hmm.... just keep plugging along I guess. I know your shop won't be famous the first day but hopefully it won't take forever for me to make my first sale here.

Super DE-Duper!

2009-09-30T07:30:00.003-06:00

Who wouldn't want to shop at a store with 'Super Duper' in it??? And there are really some super duper things in this shop!

I love the originality and uniqueness of each item.

I love how Louise takes small items {she calls them 'bits and bobs- how cute is that?} and turns out a incredible piece of art.

I love how I can just hear her accent while I read her 'Shop Announcements'.

Now run along and read about Louise and then pop on over to her shop. Bye loves!

Super Duper Things

Name: Louise Evans

Location: Norwich, UK

Etsy Address: www.louloudo.etsy.com

Store name: Super Duper Things

Blogger: http://superduperthings.blogspot.com (I haven't taken the twitter plunge yet!)

What Etsy Teams do you belong to?
I don't currently belong to any Etsy groups, I'd love to join the UK street team as soon as I've got enough time to dedicate to them properly!

What is your craft?
I make jewelry, general accessories, bags and a few homewares - I'll try anything really! I use a mixture of vintage, recycled and new materials to make things with a new lease of life. I like my items to have a sense of humour, or lightheartedness.

{Sweet Ruffly Leather Pouch}

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I've always sort of made stuff, I've made my own jewelry for years, and then one day I realised that it had got to the point where I was making far more things than I or my friends had use for (after all, I've only got one neck!) so I booked a table at a great indie craft market in my home town, and it grew from there.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
I most enjoy having just got hold of a good collection of vintage bits'n'bobs, and sitting down with my stash to see what I can make of them.

{Fabric Covered Notebook}

The bit I find hardest is tearing myself away to do my university work when I just want to sew something pretty!
Where to you get/find your inspiration?
I find my inspiration all over the place - on my friends, fashion in general, the original items themselves...

What are the three most favorite items in your shop right now?

This little necklace:

{Tiny Leather Purse Necklace}

This one too:

{Trapeeze - Striped Ruffle Necklace}

And this ring:

{Sailor Jerry - Anchor Button Ring}

What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice I have received is to not keep thinking about 'what can I make that will people buy?' but to just create whatever you love yourself, whatever you'd wear, etc. That way your work is more creative and original.

Family Affair

2009-09-29T07:00:00.005-06:00

I just have to say that this trio of artist {mom & two daughters} sure have A LOT of talent! There's so many great things in their shop from purses to afghans to wall hangings! AND right now 3 Stitch Creations is having a

BOGO half off sale plus FREE shipping to USA residents!

How awesome is that? Go and see all those goodies!

{BTW love the Cotton Candy Pink Purse!!}

3 Stitch Creations

Your Name - Nancy Stout(Mom), Marci Parker(Big Sister) and Megan
Barley(Little Sister)

Location - Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Etsy Store Address - 3stitchcreations.etsy.com

Facebook, Twitter, etc. address - www.facebook.com/3stitchcreations

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
Quiltsy Team, have applied to TeamColumbus and CreateCrochet Team

{Spooky Halloween Hanging Quilt}

What is your craft?
Being a family effort we have many talents to bring. Nancy creates crocheted afghans, Marci contributes machine embroidery and Marci & Megan both bring quilting and sewing creations like quilts, bags and seasonal items to the mix.

How did you start doing what you do?
Mom passed on the love of sewing while the girls were young, then Marci and Megan both spread out on their own to expand their experience and passions.

{Cotton Candy Pink and Silver Purse}

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
Working with people we love.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Getting ideas from the head to reality and having it match.

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
Many places - nature, events, people, holidays...

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

{Happy Halloween Embroidery Wall Hanging}

{Pink Dream Grommet Tote Bag}

{Desert Oasis Flannel Rag Quilt}

What is the best advice you have received?

Take advice. We each are limited in what we think and how we see things, it takes others input sometimes to see the best possible solution or change that needs made. Always be open to criticism.

Eye Candy

2009-09-24T22:37:00.012-06:00

I don't know what happened but this Featured Artist was supposed to be featured Thursday AM. I just looked and this post was not there.

ERG!
Sorry Ana!

Anywho... I'm wishing I lived in the UK. I'd get FREE SHIPPING with any purchase! Actually, I think Ana's creations are worth the shipping fees no matter what! And if you like the jewelry in her shop but maybe want a different color than is listed go ahead and contact her and ask about it. She just may have it!

Did I mention her photos are A.MAY.ZING??? Just check them out.

Anacdesigns

Your Name: Ana

Location: London, UK

Etsy Store Address: http://www.anacdesigns.etsy.com
Facebook, Twitter, etc. address:
Facebook: http://www.tinyurl.com/anacdesigns
Twitter: http://twitter.com/anacdesigns

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
Etsy Artist Lounge, although I haven't been active for many months now. The time difference makes it difficult.

What is your craft?
I design and make unique colourful jewellery.

{Hot Pink Ring}

How did you start doing what you do?
Jewellery making started as a way of releasing my creativity while traveling about 7 years ago. Taking paint and canvases didn't seem practical. It started as a hobby and soon turned into an obsession. New and exciting beads find me everywhere I travel.

{Silver Rose Tourque Pendant}

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I love everything about the process of making jewellery but the moment just before I starting a new piece when everything starts coming together is very exciting. I only make my jewellery in the best of moods and I try to put good thoughts and love into every creation.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
I find it hardest to duplicate pieces. I get bored of it very quickly so most of my pieces are one of a kind.

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
I get inspired by nature, people, different shades of light, shapes, smells, conversations, the touch and colour of beads... The list is long! :)
What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

{Orange cube - urban agate necklace}

{Mermaids Cuff Pearl Bracelet}

{Red Heart Bracelet}

What is the best advice you have received?
Every contact counts! By the time the credit crunch is over people want to know where to shop.

RRRROOOOOOAAAAOOORRRRR!

2009-09-23T09:00:00.003-06:00

{Green Dinosaur Scarf}

D. Alexis Designs

Fall is here and the air is cool and crisp. It that time again. Get out your coats, hats, gloves and

SCARVES!

Oh, you haven't heard? Dinosaurs are all the rage. There's a new show on we've been watching called 'Dinosaur Train' and it's all about dinosaurs~ when they lived, what they ate, how tall they were. I'm afraid if I showed my daughter a picture of these scarves she will want one. NOW.

Did I mention D. Alexis Designs is the creator of these, the cutest kids scarves {and blankets} ever??

You're not going to have to beg your child to bundle up when they have a scarf from this shop! These are no ordinary scarves. These are one-of-a-kind folks.

These scarves and blankets look so soft and cuddly. Hmmm....wonder what my neighbor's would think if I sported that cute striped one??? :)

{And just because you only see a few in the shop I'm sure you could order one or two no problem! Just ask! Now....Go take a look!}

Name: Dorian Stewart

Location: Toledo,OH

Etsy Shop Address: www.dalexis.etsy.com

Facebook, Twitter, etc, accounts: I know it's crazy but I do not have a Facebook or a twitter. I do blog a little. Here's the address: www.dalexisdesigns.blogspot.com

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
I do not belong to any groups but I would eventually love to start a group in my home town.

What is your craft?
Right now my favorite craft is to design animal scarfs. I'm working on some new ones.

How did you start doing what you do?
I always have designed characters and graphics but I never thought to incorporate my designs into other things until last year. I saw a pattern for a bunny scarf in a book and I started to make and sell those.
One of my buyers asked me if I made a design for little boys. I designed my dinosaur scarf for her and she loved it. Now, I always try to make my designs into something functional.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I just love creating something in my head and actually being able to see it in front of my eyes after I make it. Every time I make something I always think that the design is just ok,but to have someone buy it and enjoy it in their life is quite fulfilling.

{Dinosaur Blanket}

What do you find the hardest about your work?
I'm a perfectionist so If I mess up sewing just a little bit, I have to start over. It's so annoying but my customers deserve quality work.

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
I know it's cheesy but my mother always inspires me because she has such great taste and she encourages me to design. I take my mothers style and my love for basically geeky stuff and make my own design. I call it chic but dorky.

What are your three most favorite items in your shop right now?
My favorite items in my shop are my dinosaur scarf and dino blanket, because they are the only things I have in my shop! :)

{Dinosaur Striped Scarf}

{Purple Dinosaur Scarf}

{Dinosaur Blanket}

What is the best advice you've received?
The best advice I have received regarding my Etsy shop is to improve my pictures. Your pictures should reflect the love and effort it takes to make your items.

Testing

2009-09-22T23:11:00.001-06:00

I'm writing this post from my cell phone. Do you think it will actually post to my blog? We'll soon find out!

Patrice

Halloween Time!

2009-09-19T15:38:00.003-06:00

Sadly, summer is over and the fall weather is starting to show it's face. This only means that I've got to get some holiday items into my store!

I just listed a few, cute Halloween tags/embellishments.

Check 'em out!

{Halloween Kitty Tag/Embellishment}

{Halloween Paper Posies}

Hand-Knitted Goodness

2009-09-18T10:00:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to mention that I've recently added some new items to my Etsy Shop. My mother {who is a recent cancer survivor-yay!}has been making knitted dishcloths for quite some time now. I told her she needed to try selling them on Etsy!

So, after some time {and dozens of dishcloths later!} she's allowing me to put them in my shop.

We sat down one afternoon and had fun coming up with the names and creating color combinations. I made a light box, took some pictures {some great and some not so great} and have posted a few listing in my shop.

These are great items for housewarming gifts, birthday presents and Chrismas {it's just around the corner!}

Go take a look and let me know what you think!

2009-09-18T06:00:00.001-06:00

Fun. Bright. Colorful. Those are the some words that describe the art that today's Feature Artists' create.

First there is Glademade who makes very colorful cards ( in more than one way, I might add :p ). They are very whimsical and creative. Go take a look!

Then we have a fantastic artist who makes things just as I like them.

miniature!
For some reason I go ga-ga over teeny, tiny replicas of real items. So cute! You must also check out Lilly Bug Boutique's one-of-a-kind pens as well!

Glademade

Name Glade Whitworth

Location Austin, TX

Etsy Store Address www.glademade.etsy.com

Facebook, Twitter, etc. address None

What Etsy groups do you belong to? Team Etsy Austin

{Bright Birthday Card}

What is your craft? I make handmade stitched greeting cards and fabric art and cut-paper art.

How did you start doing what you do?
I started by making holiday cards for my friends (valentine's and Christmas cards). I started the stitched fabric art when i graduated from college and didn't have any art for my bedroom. I wanted to fill the void.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I enjoy all of it, I love bright colors, sewing, running my own business, cutting paper, creating something that did not exist before I made it.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
The hardest part for me is staying organized. I'm a mess-maker!

{Get Well Please Card}

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
Going to art openings and finding beautiful things on the internet. I also am a member of a sketch club, where me and some friends get together and just draw all night. Talking to other artists, and seeing what they are up to is always inspiring. I just saw the documentary Handmade Nation, and that was inspiring also.

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?
My favorite items right now are my

"Kiss Me Now, You Fool" greeting card,

the "Bird says 'Wut Up?'" greeting card,

and the Octopus Gouache Painting.

What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice I have received for my etsy shop is to keep constantly adding new items to your shop. Shoppers want to see fresh goods!

***************************************************************

Lilly Bug Boutique

Name Christine Lehto

Location Wisconsin

Etsy Address http://lillybugboutique.etsy.com

Facebook, Twitter etc

Blog address http://lillybugblog.com
Facebook fan page http://facebook.com/lillybugboutique
Twitter http://twitter.com/lillybug_boutiq
byhand profile http://byhand.me/lilly_bug

What Etsy teams do you belong to?
Etsy WI team

What is your craft?
sculptures, pins, magnets, Petite Purses, Artful Pens

{Gumball Machine Magnet}

How did you start doing what you do?
I started doing sculptural work while in college although I did dabble in sculptng with Polymer clay during high school. Currently, most of my sculptural work is done in Apoxie Sculpt.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I love thinking of new ideas and painting my pieces, painting is so relaxing and enjoyable, I love color.

{Yellow Petite Purse}

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
The hardest part is knowing when to stop, sometimes I want to continue to work on something when I should just say, "stop!"

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
I often get inspiration from nature and from looking at a variety of images from photos to other artist's work.

What are the three most favorite items in your shop right now?
I like my

Recyc-a-lite penguin sculptures that I make using burned out light bulbs,

my Petite Purses

and my Artful Pens

(because the pens are unique and refillable, you can continue to use a "personalized" pen over and over again). I've always had a pen/writing instrument obsession, so I wanted to design my own unique pen for people to use to sign in my guest book at my senior art exhibit. I designed my pen to reflect my personality and love for ladybugs.

What is the best advice you've received?
Q-TIP = "Quit Taking It Personally"

I'm a WINNER!

2009-09-17T22:20:00.005-06:00

Just had to boast a little about the fantastic item I won just by leaving a comment on Spell It Out Design's blog.

Hello??!?!? How easy was that?

I love winning things {which is var, var, rare mind you}

It's a vinyl wall decal you stick right to your wall. Best of all it's a chalkboard so I can write little messages to myself so I don't forget things so much.... {Here's wishin'}

Anywho....yay for winners!

Featuring Fab Finds For You

2009-09-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

G'day mate!

Okay, do they really say that in Australia? I don't know, but maybe today's first Feature Artist can answer that questions! Sam(antha) is from Down Under aka Australia and makes one of my most favorite things! Pretend Food! It's even better than that! It's made from FELT!

I don't know what it is about felt food but I love it. It makes me happy. warm. fuzzy. My son would really have a hay day with it because he puts everything in his mouth and with this being food....I'm thinking it would be okay! Criky!

Okay, I'm done with the Australian 'lingo' which I don't know how to use correctly. Please fast forward....

Sam McLean Designs

Name: Samantha (Sam) McLean

Location: I'm in beautiful Sydney, Australia

Shop name:
Sam McLean Designs: http://mclean2612.etsy.com
Retrology, http://retrology.etsy.com

Facebook: as Samantha McLean,
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sammcleandesigns,
Blog: http://sammcleandesigns.blogspot.com

Etsy groups: DUST (Down Under Street Team) and Etsy Artists Lounge

What is your craft?
My background is in costume design and dressmaking so I have 2 shops on Etsy, one for felt food toys and one for handmade retro-inspired clothing.

How did you start doing what you do?
I began costume design and dressmaking for my dolls as a child. The felt foods came to be after I made some sets for my nieces a few Christmases ago and they loved them so much that I designed some more pieces and they found their way into the Etsy shop.

{Cookie Plate}

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I love the inspiration and the design process especially. I love looking at a 3-d shape and figuring out what shapes I need to cut from the felt to replicate it. I love researching and finding the right felt colors to make the foods too.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
I think I find making lots of the same thing the hardest, like for a market or if I'm stockpiling items for a rush. I do suffer from RSI so fiddly work takes a toll also.

{Play Fish Dinner}

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from exotic recipe books, little patisseries, home-cooked dinners and just general shopping in the supermarket. My children often suggest new ideas for felt foods to me and love seeing their suggestions materialize.

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?
My favorite items in the felt food shop are:

the Banana,

the Sushi Platter

and the Jammy Dodger Biscuits

What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice I have had in regard to Etsy is to keep it fresh - keep creating and listing, especially during slow times. I aim to list or re-list each day to keep in the first few pages of searches. Customer service is a top priority too. Make an effort to have great products, be accomodating, prompt and courteous and watch those customers come back again and again!

___________________________________________________________

Next up we have a lovely collection of jewlery made by Lola {LOVE that name} creator behind

Little Earrings

I love the delicate nature of her earrings and the beautiful colors. And they are priced so reasonably! I can't wait to see more of her wired wrapped earrings!

Name: Lola Cordova

Location: New Mexico, USA

Etsy Address: Little Earrings - http://www.littleearrings.etsy.com

Facebook, Twitter, etc: I need to catch up with all this web stuff

What Etsy teams do you beong to? None

What is your craft?
My craft is silversmithing, but my store currently only features earrings. I want to expand to include my wire wrapped rings (which I LOVE making) and more of my silver wire wrapped earring designs.

{Orange Crush Dangle Earrings}

How did you start doing what you do?
Around 4 years ago I took my first silver course at the University. I have taken several other courses and many courses outside school to expand on my knowledge, learn new techniques, to have fun. That's the best part of what I do. I get to shop for findings, silver, and beads, then I get to put it all together - it's my break from the real world.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I enjoy when something comes out "just right" and as planned. I also like combining colors. I must also admit I like when I get unsolicited compliments when I wear my own creations.

{Blue Round Swirls Earrings}

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Finding time for silver soldering. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do much of this because I have a 2 year old little girl who wants to "help" and it's just not safe around the fire and chemicals. I've been able to do a few items to submit to local galleries, but I wait for the day when I have an entire weekend to myself and my torch.

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
I find other Etsians very inspiring. I love looking at other people's creations and it makes me want to pull out all my supplies. I also love reading books and magazines, and I like to look to nature for some of my silver pieces.

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

Peruvian opals are some of my favs

I personally love cluster type earrings (these are also available in pink)

My husband is Irish, and these are inspired by him

What is the best advice you have received?
My husband is my biggest supporter, and it's not necessarily that he gives me advice, but he lends an ear and will always give an honest opinion. Oh, and advice I've never received but I want to give is: it's OK to take a break. For me, it's not about sales, it's about working on something I truly enjoy.

Thanks for stopping by and we'll see you in 'two and two'.... {name that show}

Playing With Beads and Dough

2009-09-16T07:00:00.017-06:00

Once again we have two fabulous artists from opposite sides of the United States--Washington state and Virginia.

I'm really digging the cute salt dough ornaments from Stylish Ornaments and Crafts! How fun to play with 'playdoh' and make stuff!

We also have anther Etsy artist who's Etsy address may confuse first comers to her site to what she creates. He shop name is Jewelry Wiz and she creates jewelry but her Etsy address is candlewiz.etsy.com. It's all good though because she's currently in the process of creating a NEW shop with jewelrywiz.etsy.com as the address so there will be no mistakes to what her shop's all about!

Enjoy!

Stylish Ornaments and Crafts

Name
Stylish Ornaments and Crafts

Location
Seattle Metro

Etsy address
http://www.stylishornaments.etsy.com/

Facebook, Twitter, etc address

Twitter
http://twitter.com/stylishornament
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/people/Stylishornaments-Crafts/100000185611281 Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41576866@N04/

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
None

What is your craft?
Our brand products are angels for every occasion. We also create tons of various seasonal products: witches, jack o'lanterns and the like for Halloween, Christmas ornaments, hearts for Mother Day and so on. Each item is hand-made and therefore unique in form, shape and style. We also use different materials, mostly salt dough, acrylic painting and varnish, but also wooden frames and raffia. And we constantly try new things and techniques, adding new collections to our repertoire.

{Sweet Blue Angel}

How did you start doing what you do?
We are best friends and we like to do lots of things together. Last winter we were looking for ways to have even more fun and to chill out during long winter evenings and we ended up with playing with salt dough. The results were so encouraging that we went on and started to make angel figures and Christmas ornaments. We liked them so much that we decided to share our creations with others and also to expand our range by making more items, both in terms of numbers and variety. We are very happy with what we have done so far and we really enjoy what we do. And we challenge ourselves to do completely new projects which you will be able to see soon.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
Exploring new possibilities of what we can do with materials and techniques. Satisfaction when what we created looks just like we imagined it. And, last but not least, we value time that we spend together talking about, well, everything: new ideas, new promotions, our children, local news, etc.

{Baby Boy's First Christmas}

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
The hardest part is painting process, especially when it comes to choosing the right color. It is amazing how the color can affect the final product.

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
Our inspiration comes from recognition of special occasions and events, like Christmas, Mother Day, etc. But we often catch ourselves at simply looking at a thing we have just seen and thinking how it would look like in a particular setting, for example, hung on a wall, or a Christmas tree. This usually brings good ideas not only how the product should look like, but what methods we need to improve in order to make it look better.

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

We love them all, but if we really, really, really need to choose three, they will be the following:

Original Witch Aletta

Beautiful Angel

Vampire Bats & Jack O'Lantern Ornaments

What is the best advice you have received?
Promote, Promote, Promote!!!

Earring Whiz
{Genius Design for your Ears}

Name
Jessica Cheek

Location
Blacksburg, Virginia

Etsy Address
www.candlewhiz.etsy.com

Facebook, Twitter, etc address
I don't have any

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
None actually I'm not even sure how to join any :(

What is your craft?
Contrary to my name I make jewelry.

{Hemitite and Swarovski Crystal Earrings}

How did you start doing what you do?

I started with earrings, I found some beautiful earrings I wanted but they were way out of my price range. I got online starting googling and hit up youtube and found they were easy to make (and for a fraction of the cost!). I fell in love with creating beautiful earrings and have just expanding from there. I hope I can continue to create amazing jewelry.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
Feedback from customers, I love to hear that they truely enjoyed what I made them, that it was exactly what they wanted or better :)

{Pearl & Burgundy Teardrop Earrings}

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Getting my name out there honestly. Since my shop name is "Candlewhiz" everyone assumes I know nothing about jewelry and I often get dismissed. I'm in the process of setting up a new shop (jewelrywhiz.etsy.com), but it's hard to get sales with zero feedback even if you refer them to your previous shop.

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
From everywhere, places I've been, pieces of jewelry I've seen before, the clothes I wear, the books I read; just....life :)

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

{Chained Down & Beaded}

{Beaded Fabric Black & White Necklace}

{Classy Pink & Clear Crystal Earrings}

*These are the jewelry items I have had the most fun creating, and have inspired several more pieces I'm in the progress of making as we speak :)

What is the best advice you have received?
To keep it up. You're going to have times when no one is viewing your shop and no one is interested in your bids, just don't get discouraged.

**********************************************************************************
I just want to link a few Etsy sites that might be helpful to some artists. I see that some of you do not belong to an Etsy group. I really believe joining and contributing to an Etsy group helps to keep you focused, positive and can help with the creative juices!

Here's a link on how to join or create a new Etsy team. And here is the link to the page with all the current Etsy teams. You can browse through and see what teams you might want to join and get all the pertinent info.

Also, here is the link to Twitter. It's fun to follow people and see what they are doing and creating. You can share your blog posts, recently posted shop items or just say whatever's on your mind! My Twitter name is pinkpatrice if you want to follow me! :)

Facebook can be a great place to start a fanpage for your shop. I have one that I don't keep up at all {shame on me} but at least it's there just in case someone happens to stumble across it!

That's all for now folks {until tomorrow}! Thanks for coming!

More Beauty for your Eyes!

2009-09-15T07:00:00.004-06:00

Today we meet two more fantastic Etsy Artists. They live on opposite sides of the United States but both produce fabulous items. Since I've already read their Spotlights, I'm off to go heart some lovely items in their stores!!! Meet you there shortly!

nenafaye
{bags, jewelry, handcrafted embellished cards}

Name Nena Scrambling

Location Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Etsy Address www.nenafaye.etsy.com

Facebook address nfscram

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
New to Etsy as of July 3 (first posting) have not joined any groups yet...work full time.

{Orange & Cream Little Bit Purse}

What is your craft?
I am a beader and a crochet artist and a lover of embellishments!

How did you start doing what you do?
When I was a young girl I would sit and watch my mother sew late into the night, when I became a mother, it came natural to continue on in the same fashion, and I have evolved over the years into what I do now.

{Mauve Pearl Earrings}

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I love working with color and texture. I find that the embellishments that I use bring so much to my art forms, I am loving cotton yarn, because of the texture of a completed piece, it is wonderful. I love working with the colors and textures of the beads, I guess to sum it up I love color, texture and natural cotton!

{Green Lampwork Bead Bookmark}

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
The hardest part of what I do is finding the time to do it in! I love what I do and really, once I am into it, there is nothing hard for me, just finding the time. I have to admit, I find the photography involved in listing items challenging!

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
I have gotten my inspiration from years of creating and seeing the results of something so amazing. For example taking a string of yarn and making something from it. From seeing the look on peoples faces as they purchase my stuff at craft fairs, knowing they love what they are purchasing. New Mexico is a state that is rich in colorful cultures; I have lived here my whole life and find it vital to have the richness of creating, of art, of making beautiful colorful items. It is part of my soul.

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

I love my Little Bit Purses,

{Bright & Beautiful Little Bit Purse}

my Everything Bags,

(Orange Everything Bag}

and my special clasp bracelets!

{Natural Red Jasper and Shell Heishi Bracelet}

What is the best advice you have received?
The best advice that I have received is to promote, be creative with photography and to be patient about sales, they will come to you!

************************************************************************************

Fiberfads!

When the owner of Fiberfads! contacted me about being a Featured Artist I immediately thought she was way cool! The reason is that she has quite an uncommon name (at least I think so) AND it just so happens to be my mom's name!

WAIT! That's not all.

She then tells me that her second daughter's middle name is Patrice. Can you start to hear to 'Twilight Zone' music??

WAIT! There's more....

Her daughter, whose middle name is Patrice, is her second daughter. I'm my mother's second daughter.....

Goodness!

So far, that's all the similarities I know of....other than the fact that I love felted stuff {like the stuff over at Fiberfads!} . I once attempted to needle felt a cupcake which turned out looking more like.... an ice-cream cone according to my husband.

Oh well. At least I can drool over the awesome goodies at Fiberfads!
{I really like saying Fiberfads! It's kinda like saying "Sha-zam!'}

Name Adele

Location Fredericksburg, VA

Etsy Address www.fiberfads.etsy.com

Facebook Address I don't do Facebook, Twitter, etc.

What Etsy groups do you belong to?
I haven't joined an Etsy group as of yet.

{Fiber Holiday Giftcard Holders}

What is your craft?
I hand knit, hand felt, and needle felt.

How did you start to do what you do?
My husband liked the idea of his wife knitting, I guess, because he bought me a huge encyclopedia of knitting book about 18 years ago and once I started, I never stopped.

{Three Knitted & Felted Acorns}

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I most enjoy the feel of the yarn and the rhythm that develops when I know the pattern I'm knitting by heart. Very relaxing!

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Actually, I am really drawn to the felted finish of a knitted item, but find the process of hand felting to be laborious.

{Scalloped Felted Bowl}

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from the two dimensional...decorating magazines, books, fabrics...once the third dimension is thrown in, I'm lost! I'm also inspired by the rich, warm colors of Fall.

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?
The three most favorite items in my store right now are my

Fall wine cozy,

my holiday bowl with holly berries,

and my felted vases.

What is the best advice you have received?
Best advice: "Do good and avoid evil." I try my best to create a lovely product that someone can enjoy, sell it at a fair price, and treat my customers with gratitude. Thankfully, I am then able to donate the net profits from Fiberfads! to a local woman's shelter that aids women facing a crisis pregnancy.

Until we meet again!

Featured Artist Spotlight!

2009-09-14T07:00:00.020-06:00

I'm happy to announce the first day of the

Featured Artist Spotlight!

{clap, clap, clap}

We have two special artists today--

Michelle, shop owner of
Michelle's Charm World

and
Diane, shop owner of
Crafty Crocheting

Michelle and I go waaaay back...Okay, not so far... but I've 'known' her for some time on Etsy. In fact, we belong to the same Etsy Team--Eclectic Artisans Team. (Shameless plug....but hey, it's my blog...heehee)

Michelle makes some fun and chunky jewelry. As she says ' If it ain't chunky, it ain't funky!' It's all very cute and I want to know how to make me some. Do you have any tutorials Michelle???

Oh, one other small fact about Michelle -- she was married at DISNEYLAND {aka Happiest Place on Earth}! Crazy, I know, but we are all envious of her!

Now, on to the show!

Name Michelle

Location Rockford, Illinois

Etsy Address http://michellescharmworld.etsy.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=569654595&ref=profile
Twitter twitter.com/MichellesCharmW

What Etsy Teams do you belong to?
Eclectic Artisans Street Team!

What is your craft?
Jewelry Design and Creation

{Trick or Treat Charm Bracelet}

How did you start doing what you do?
Wearing a Uniform in school stifled my individuality, on the weekends I would take old jewelry and combine it with new pieces and mix it up with garage sale finds and I would have funky, new-to-me Jewelry!

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
The colors! They brighten my day no matter what mood I am in!

{Retro Tray Necklace}

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Production. It's hard for me to churn out new pieces constantly while being a stay at home mom to 3 kids. Between school and after school activities and then family time and time with my husband, I feel like I am just barely doing enough.

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
My kids playrooms. They are bright, cheery and colorful!

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?{Penny Candy in a Jar}

{Lego Fun Bracelet}

{Dessert Tray Brooch}

What is the best advice you have received?
Relax. We sometimes get too uptight and worried about everything, that while worrying and spending time thinking things out we waste even more time. Just relax and enjoy everything.

Next up is Diane with Crafty Crocheting.

She can do some serious crocheting! I know because I've tried my hand at crocheting and can NEVER finish a project. I get so frustrated....Okay, I've made a few scarves but those are easy peasy. You've GOT to take a look at Diane's shop AFTER you've read her Spotlight!

Name Diane

Location Dyer, IN

Etsy Address www.craftycrocheting.etsy.com
Flicker http://www.flickr.com/photos/craftycrocheting
Artfire www.craftycrocheting.artfire.com

What Etsy Teams do you belong to?
Create Crochet Team
EtsyHookers Team
The INCrowd Team

What is your craft?
My craft is crocheting

{Princess Tea Party Dress}

How did you start doing what you do?
I learned to crochet from my mom. After many years of working, I had to quit.

I was not used to sitting around after cleaning the house and my mom was just sitting around not really watching t.v. So, I thought since we like to crochet but had no one to make something for, we could just make whatever we wanted and when we got enough we would do craft fairs.

That is how it started. We have been doing craft fairs for about 3 years and then we heard about Etsy. That is when online came into my life.

We would eventually like it if online was our main source of extra income so we would never have to sign up for another craft show. It is to hard on us to get all the displays and set up and take down.

{Bee Afghan}

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
Wow, there are actually a few, one crocheting it relaxes me, joining groups and having conversations with other crafters and I really love it when someone says they like your work, I think that is the most rewarding.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
Easy, promoting, takes alot of time and energy

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
I get my inspiration from my mom, she taught me everything I know. I also watch the market here a little, but basically I try to make different items because everyone is different, one person may like on type of product while another hates it.

What are the three most favorite items in your store right now?

I love the Luxurious Oversized Throw in Nutmeg. The pattern is beautiful.

My second would be the Reversible Cream and Green Lattice Throw
It is large and very pretty and is a great size for anyone. Plus, it would go with everything

And third the Unique Tulip Throw because:

My mom made it
It would not be my style but when I saw it finished I really thought it was pretty.

And it also is truly not a busy pattern in person. It is also great workmanship and took a long time to make it.

What is the best advice you have received?
To be patient. I never have been, I like to see results now, it may be from working outside the home for so long, but I need to relax, enjoy what I am doing and have patience.

Thanks for taking a look at a few of the amazing Etsy Artists! Stay tuned for more creative artists!

Get Ready!

2009-09-12T20:44:00.004-06:00

I know all you readers are patiently waiting for my 'Featured Artist' Spotlights to begin. You'll just have to wait until Monday the 14th! Make sure you come back to read all about a few fabulous Etsy artists--what makes them tick, why they create and more!

I Want YOU

2009-09-09T12:15:00.005-06:00

Featured Artist sign-ups are now
CLOSED!

Thanks so much for all of those who signed up! Please check back to read about these awesome artists and to get your chance to sign up to be a Featured Artist! Thanks!

********************************************************
I love, love, love browsing the many terrific Etsy stores and seeing the amazing creativity. I can spend hours browsing the site. Admit it. You do it too! :)

Soooo, I'd love to have shop owners volunteer to be featured on my blog. We all want to look at your wonderful creations!

Depending on how many responses I get, I will do one to two shop features per day until my little fingers wear out!

After volunteering I will contact you with a questionnaire you'll need to fill out and also let you know when you will be featured.

If interested, please leave me a comment with your shop name and a way to contact you! Thanks!

So come one and all and join in the fun!

Rearranging Shop Photos in Etsy

2009-09-04T13:53:00.004-06:00

Hey all!! You can now rearrange your photos in your Etsy shop!

I've already played around with it a bit and must say it's very nice.

Great Tankini!

2009-09-04T13:15:00.006-06:00

In July I was forced to put on a swimsuit for my daughter's swimming lessons because she was just crying and crying and crying and wouldn't do a thing. (Silly girl)

I figured if I got in with her things would be better. They were! She blew bubbles, went under the water, and made 'big circles' with her arms.

But back to the swimming suit issue. It's been years since I bought a swimsuit.

Now, I've always been thin but after having two babies in three years and turning 40...let's just say I'm not as happy with my figure as I used to be.

I search for two days for a one piece at every store.

Nothing.

Sure, I could put on a BIKINI since there seemed to be plenty of those left over....NOT!!

I was utterly distressed and confused. Growing up in Las Vegas I could go to the mall in December and find hundreds of suits!

Sigh. No such luck in northern Utah.

I turned to the Internet and found a wonderful site called Lime Ricki.

Can you say 'Hellooooo Darling Swimsuits'????
Love them!

This is the one I ended up purchasing and it got here lickity split! I actually ENJOY wearing it. It's comfy and modest and PINK!

(Tankini top and bottoms are purchased separately.
You can get whatever color bottoms you want!)

I only had to wear my old suit a couple of times before I showed up at the pool in this spiffy suit!

The great news is that Lime Ricki is having a Labor Day sale
(20% off your order) now through Monday the 7th. Just enter LABORDAY when you check out and you're good to go!

Help Me Decide

2009-09-03T17:51:00.011-06:00

So, my daughter really likes to color. A lot. And I love to buy crayons. It's incredibly satisfying to open up that 24-count Crayola box and see all those fabulous crayons lined up and unused.

And what about those fun names they have. I love crayon names.

Who has that job?

The one where ya get to make up crayon names? Let me know, 'cause I want to apply for the position. :)

So, the daughter and crayons. I want to get her a cute carrying case to store all those crayons -- like Apricot, Dandelion, and even Lemon Lime Zing .

Like this cute wallet from Bits n' Pieces, etc. shop.

Or this one at Sew Fantastic shop.

Or even this little fabric bucket at Mom N Mia Quilts shop.

I just need help deciding. They are all fun and my daughter's crayons would love to have a new home. (They aren't too keen on hanging out in the plastic baggie I keep them in.)

Decisions, decisions.

Any help????? Just leave me a comment and let me know which one ya love the best. :)

Off Topic

2009-09-02T16:56:00.013-06:00

So, moving away from the selling/creating/finding wonderful-things-I-want-to-buy aspect of this blog, I just wanted to share a few pictures of my niece's wedding. It.was.amazing. To say the least.

And so was her younger sister's wedding.

I can only wait (un)patiently for the youngest sister's wedding.

So, back to the oldest sister's wedding. This was actually the 'ring ceremony' that was held after the marriage/before the reception at a very chic country club. She was married earlier that day in the Las Vegas, NV LDS Temple.

We walked up a path that led to a canopy covered area where the ring ceremony was held.

Here is the view off to the left of the path. Nice, eh?

Here we are at the end of the path.

Of course my two youngest were not content to just sit and wait. They had to explore. So my husband is kindly watching them while me and my oldest sit in the shade and relax.

Here she is (with her dad, my brother) walking down the aisle.

Here's the Kiss.

Here's the Happy Couple. My niece asked her newly husband to help her find the loop to hold up her train. (By the way, she wore her mother's wedding dressed -altered a bit).

Bliss!

She's BACK!

2009-09-01T20:35:00.017-06:00

Well, it sure has been awhile since I've been here! I've taken a peek or two at this blog but summer was jam packed and took up a lot of my time. You can relate, right?

But, I'm gearing up to come back strong! So, I've searched Etsy and found some cutesome (made that one up) creations that I'd like to share with you all.
Just take a look!

Check out the fun felt trees from hitree. These cuties can stand up on your desk and bring greenness indoors every day!

And this is a darling pin you can pin to your shirt, purse or even your car's sun visor!

Hmmm.. speaking of trees, here's a little friend who loves trees! She's from the very special home of Church Mouse Studio.

I think my daughter would have a fabulous time playing with this delightful creation! It comes from the home of GreenManShop (all the way in Israel!) and is rightfully named 'Three Peas in a Pod"

Finally, some very beautiful Japanese babies. I.Heart.Their.Hair.
I think my favorite in this photo is the one on the far left. He facial expression makes me smile! And, yes, they all do have their own special smile. Find them at Tallulah Moon.

The amazing talent on Etsy never ceases to amaze me!
It's good to be back!

Twitter Mosaic

2009-04-27T20:51:00.001-06:00

Here is a mosaic of all my Twitter Followers! How fun!
{are YOU on here?}

Get your twitter mosaic here.

Favorite Quote of the Day

2009-04-17T18:59:00.006-06:00

Beauty is only skin deep.
It's really gross under that.

Mom's Day

2009-04-14T10:47:00.007-06:00

I've just listed a bunch of Mother's Day cards in my Etsy shop. The EtsyGreetings Team I belong to is having a special for Mother's Day and if you search for 'EGMOM' you'll find many shops who are participating.
In my shop if you purchase two(2) cards/card sets your items will be shipped FREE (US and Canada only)! (I'm not really being choosy--purchase any two items and I'll ship for free.)
Mother's Day is for moms of all sorts--

♥ your mom,
♥ mom-in-law
♥ grandma
♥ teacher
♥ neighbor
♥ friends.....

So take a look at the many cards available and give me a shout if you'd like a few! Thanks!

Scallops O' Fun

2009-04-06T15:35:00.004-06:00

I love making tags and embellishments with my 2" scallop punch and since I had tons of left over paper scraps I went "punching crazy". I made huge amounts of scallop circles. Tons.
You can use these pretties in so many different ways! {My daughter likes to tape them to our dog Dixie's eyes and pretend she's a pirate. ARRRGGHHH! -I so wish I had a picture for you all to see.}

Head on over the PinkPatrice Boutique and pick some up today. And if you have a certain color scheme in mind just give me a holler!

Tulips All Year Long

2009-04-02T15:40:00.006-06:00

I saw this cute tutorial on how to make paper tulips while reading one of the many blogs I stalk.

I love tulips.

In fact, I love them so much I didn't bother digging up the bulbs last fall when my husband and I laid landscaping fabric and shredding bark on all the beds in our yard. Then a few weeks ago I noticed the fabric bulging up and couldn't figure out why.

After a moment or two of stupor I realized my poor tulips {and daffodils and crocus} were diligently trying to break their way out of the fabric to see the sun. I was able to free them by cutting a hole in the landscaping fabric.

{Yeah, I do NOT have a green thumb, unlike my mother who can bring a plant back from the dead. I'm not even kidding}

Anyway- I thought the paper tulip flowers were so cute and simple to make I thought I'd post the link to the tutorial here. Go and have fun with some paper! {I've got more REAL flowers to save.}

Get a Cute Background

2009-03-31T13:08:00.007-06:00

Need to spruce up your desktop/laptop background? You can go here for a few ideas. Here are a few that grabbed my fancy.

As a previous teacher I really love this one because it looks like a bulletin board...

but I choose this one as my current background. It's titled,

"Where are the Babies?"

Cute, huh? :)

EART Spring Trunk Show

2009-03-24T12:25:00.001-06:00

One of the Etsy Teams I belong to, EART or The Eclectic Artisans Team, is hosting a Spring Trunk show tomorrow night. I plan on participating. You can get all the details on the blog!

http://theeclecticartisansteam.blogspot.com/

I'm in LOVE

2009-03-06T14:11:00.013-07:00

I'm sooo enamored with Plasterdoll but I think I've found a new love.

Or a least an additional one.

I absolutely love the designs and colors LaurenAlexander uses in her paintings!!

I'm no art critic but these painting speak to me.

I love the use of simple shapes

and rounded lines

and the COLORS..oh, the COLORS.

Just beautiful. And I love them.

I'm definately purchases several of her prints in the near future. Off to daydream.........

New Purchase

2009-03-05T14:30:00.004-07:00

So, even though I've entered the giveaway contest over at Vanilla Joy , I've been looking online at the products included in the Ultimate Crafter's Companion.

I saw the Enveloper on Amazon for under 14 dollars so I added it to my cart thinking I might purchase it sometime.

And then I clicked the "1 Click" button not thinking it would instantly send my order through. Well, Bada Bing Bada Boom.....I've got an Enveloper! (Eeek- I didn't see shipping costs -$7.89!)

Oh well, guess I'll be making lots of cute envelopes soon! Keep me bookmarked if you're in the market for envelopes of all sizes!

Pretty Darn Cool Giveaway

2009-03-04T10:12:00.004-07:00

For all you crafters who love to create with paper...head on over to the Vanilla Joy blog and enter to win the Ultimate Crafter’s Companion. (yeah...I've entered like 4 times)

It's a great tool that makes it easy to make all different sized cards, envelopes, and enveloboxes, trim, and embellish/emboss.

It looks pretty amazing and fun to use! Good Luck!

WINNER!!

2009-02-27T10:45:00.004-07:00

Thank you to all those who entered the Cupcake Giveaway. I used a random number generator to pick the winner and the lucky winner is...

Sassy Pink Boutique

Congratulations!

(I will email you to get your information so I can mail out your cupcake to you.)

Have a fabulous day!

As Promised.....

2009-02-23T17:56:00.010-07:00

...a GIVEAWAY!

Woohoo!! Yippee! Right on! Are ya excited yet? :)

So... this giveaway will be for one of my newest creations:

A One-of-Kind Faux Cupcake!

Ya can't eat this cupcake but it is oh, so good to look at!

Here's the specifics of this giveaway:

For one entry visit my Etsy shop, have a look around then come back to this blog and comment on your favorite item.
For a second entry leave a comment that you follow this blog.
For a third entry create a post on your blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post in the comments.
The winner will be picked Thursday evening.

Good luck and let the games begin!

EART TEAM GIVEAWAY

2009-02-18T10:17:00.002-07:00

Starting today the Eclectic Artisans Team (EART) is hosting a great giveaway. Each day will highlight a different artist and the item they are giving away. Check the EART blog each day and enter all the fabulous giveaways!

Swap-bot

2009-02-18T09:32:00.006-07:00

Have you heard of Swap-bot? I've just recently joined and it's a lot of fun. Here is an excerpt from the website:

Do you like sending and receiving snail mail? Do you like writing letters, making crafts, or putting together fun packages? You should try swapping! Swap-bot is a online service that organizes group swaps and a community of creative individuals. Swap-bot takes the hassle out of participating in group swaps by organizing all of the participant information and doing all of the partner assignments. On Swap-bot, you can host swaps, join swaps, and chat with other swappers from all over the world. Give it a try!

It's exciting to get packages or notes in the mail from all over the US or even the world. One swap partner I sent to lived in Sweden. I thought that was pretty cool.

You can swap anything from postcards to dotee dolls to themed items!

Of course one of the swaps I recently participated in was titled, "Pink, Pink, Pink!" I'm still patiently waiting for my wonderful pink items to arrive.

Go ahead and click on over to Swap-bot. Let me know if you become a swapper like me!

And More Cupcakes....

2009-02-17T13:35:00.009-07:00

Yep...more CUPCAKES! I just love how these little beauties turned out. Pictures do not do them justice! I just have too much fun creating different color combinations and I am amazed at what a little glitter can do! I really like coming up with names for them, too. (I always wanted to be the person who came up with names for nail polish or crayons-how fun would that be?)

The best part is I think I may have a little cupcake giveaway! Stay tuned!

(oh, BTW-you can find a few cupcakes in my Etsy store)

I'm Still Alive

2009-02-09T21:20:00.003-07:00

Hi friends! Yes, I'm still alive and kicking. This winter has me feeling blah...and I had to visit the doctor with chest/torso pains today, but it looks like it's just horrendous heartburn?!?!? Weird.

So here's what's new!

1. I'm now a member of the new Etsy Team called "Eclectic Artisans Team". I don't think it's on the Etsy Team page yet but it soon will be! Right now it's by invitation only to join. Click here to visit our blog

2. I've been adding a few things to my Etsy store and am toying with the idea of opening another one soon.

3. I was involved in two giveaways in the past week. One on Mammalicious Finds and the other on EtsyGreetings. The former was doing a giveaway that involved anything to do with cupcakes so I donated a set of my Cupcake Magnets to give away. The latter giveaway was through another group I belong to-EtsyGreetings. Ironically I donated a Cupcake Card Set!

4. My 15 year-old son just got his driver's permit, my two year-old daughter is potty trained (huge yippee!) and my 8 month old son started crawling on Saturday! What an exciting month!

Have a fabulous day!

~Patrice

Color Combo

2009-01-20T13:33:00.002-07:00

I absolutely love the color combination of red and aqua. I'm even thinking about decorating my living room using these colors.
I found these lovely red/aqua color combo examples on Lollishops and made this fun photo collage using Picasa3.
What are some of YOUR favorite color combinations?

Ambition

2009-01-19T16:03:00.003-07:00

Today = none

(just a little sick....needing to stay in bed)

Cupcake Magnets!

2009-01-12T14:23:00.006-07:00

I searched and searched for some cute digital cupcake images to make magnets with... (almost emailed a certain graphic artist to beg her to make some for me...you KNOW who you are!) and finally found these cuties! I really don't know what happened with my photos. My camera was acting very weird but I was able to take some half way decent pictures.

I've listed them on my ETSY store. Hopefully someone will love them as much as me!

Just some cute cards

2009-01-09T19:10:00.007-07:00

Here are a just afew cards that I've made and listed in my shops.

Pi nkPatrice Boutique on Etsy OR PinkPatrice on Lollishops

Here is one for Valentine's Day. I saw a card made with these colors in a magazine and although it doesn't have the usual colors of pink/red/white I really like it.

Everything is about owls these days so I included them in this fun "BFF" card. I also love the lined writing paper on this card. It's fun and unexpected. Maybe that's just the elementary teacher in me!

More birds! I love these cuties! This is a style of card I love to create; two different (yet coordinating) patterned papers with a strip of paper across the middle (usually with a sentiment on it). I also am in love with this brown flower. I made hundreds of them awhile back (in a variety of colors) so they eventually show up on my cards!
Of course I have to have some cards with PINK in them. I made some little cards similar to these awhile back. Sooo cute! Alas, I've run out of cute stickers though and can't remember when /where I bought them or the maker of them. :( Anyone have any ideas??

Happy Shopping!
~Patrice ♥

EtsyGreetings Promo

2009-01-05T10:38:00.002-07:00

Make sure you click on the pic at the top of the blog to see some amazing cards from many EtsyGreetings team members! And...from January 5th-15th you'll get free domestic shipping! Sweet!

Cupcake Goodness

2009-01-03T20:22:00.003-07:00

Lately, I've been obsessed with cupcakes. Not the ones you eat, but crafts that have images of cupcakes or look like real cupcakes. I even ordered a needle felting cupcake kit from here and make a felted cupcake!

Me: Honey, look! What is this? (Proudly holding up finished, needle felted cupcake)
Me: Honey!
Me: Randal!
Husband: oh, ummm..... an ice cream cone? (With one eye still on his computer screen)
Me: No......... it's supposed to be a cupcake.... see, look at the picture on the box. It looks EXACTLY like it. (Holding up box)
Husband: Oh....yeah...a cupcake.... (nodding with raised eyebrows)

Anywho.....I'm continuously seaching the internet for cupcake frillity (yeah, made that word up-I think). I've found a few lovely items but I want MORE. I know there is something or things out there of cupcake fashion that will just make me gasp with delight! So, on I search.

In the meantime, here are some lovelies I've found on my searching journey. Enjoy!

Heather at Heather Knitz at Lollishops.com makes a lot of cute buttons, magnets, bookmarks, etc. with cupcake fabric. Love 'em!

Check out this darling cupcake necklace and earrings! How precious! I want! Get them at Migoto Chou on Lollishops.com.

Ok, this next one isn't actually a FAVORITE of mine but I couldn't resist posting it here. It's a fabulous painting and costs....$600.00! Ouch! Yeah.... I'M not even in love with cupcakes THAT much. But still....it is pretty awesome and does look amazingly realistic. Find it at Thaneeya McArdle on Etsy.

And here is a amazing needle felted cupcake! (I definitely have to practice my felting techniques) This little beauty comes from Merry Moon's Sweets & Treats

I actually bought a onesie from Freckled Pink on Lollishops but I didn't go for this darling cupcake one. Not too sure my hubby would want me toting around our son with a cupcake on his shirt! :)

I am a woman who can never have enough purses. In fact, I recently bought myself a PINK one the other day. With turquoise interior. Darling. But look at these cuties!

From Purseona on Etsy. Love the red and white polka dots with the pink cupcake fabric on this one.

And from Adds To The Humor on Etsy.... more felt!

And finally this cute, little cupcake charm from Nina Gibson Designs on Etsy. Sorry the picture is so small. Visit her store for a larger view!

So...all I ask is that if you ever happen upon a charming cupcake creation drop me a line...er..email! Thanks!!!

~Patrice ♥

Laugh Out Loud

2009-01-01T21:19:00.002-07:00

When I saw this calendar I just laughed!! This is just a few of the witty saying of the 2009 year calendar but you can read all of them at Littlebrownpen's Shop .

New Listings

2008-12-31T10:01:00.003-07:00

I just listed a few more cards on Etsy and Lollishops. Check them out! I plan on making more cards and such for Valentine's Day so be on the look out!

PinkPatrice Boutique on Lollishops

PinkPatrice Boutique on Etsy

Thanks!
~Patrice

New Year

2008-12-31T00:22:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing everyone a great 2009!

♥ SALE!!-------50% Off ♥

2008-12-22T10:36:00.002-07:00

All my Christmas items in my Lollishop are discounted 50%! Grab some cute cards or tags for next year's holiday season!

Fun Find at Etsy

2008-12-05T10:27:00.002-07:00

Look at this darling handmade ornament! You can get one personalized just for your family (or as a gift!). I'm thinking I need to get few of these!!! So cute! You can find them at EmilyGraceArt .

TwO TiMeS

2008-12-03T20:13:00.006-07:00

Wow- I just happened to run through the Treasuries on Etsy today and saw that my JOY tags were featured not only ONCE but TWICE! And one of my items was also an "alternate" in one of the treasuries as well. (Doing happy dance.....) Click on the pictures to go directly to the treasury.

Tiny = CUTE

2008-11-21T09:40:00.009-07:00

I don't know what it is with me but anytime I see something tiny I just fall in love with it! Why do I bring this up? Well, I ordered some cute acorns from truLux e that are needle felted from wool ( I ordered "red apple", "squash" and "pumpkin" colors). She actually puts acorn caps on little felted balls and they look so realistic and did I mention tiny and CUTE? When I opened up my package and saw them I couldn't STOP saying "Ohhhhh, how cute...." :)

They start out like this:

And end up like this:

I think Terri is pretty amazing because:

1. She is a single mom (I KNOW from experience how hard that is!) and

2. She has found a way to create income by making beautiful items that make people smile and say "Ohhhhhh.....How cute!"

Magnets

2008-11-19T11:14:00.009-07:00

How original was the title to this post, huh??? I 'm just kinda tired... Anywho...made some nifty magnets with the FREE PDF graphics sheet I received from Jennifer at Studio71 Design. Just for following her blog! Amazing. Sooo here they are.....

I call them "Cranberries, Mistletoe and Snow"....

And some others I also made (obviously NOT from the free PDF) called "Baubles"...

So, there ya have it... :)

Cards

2008-11-16T17:45:00.008-07:00

Here are a few more cards I've added to my Etsy shop!

For Birthdays:

For Christmas:

For Weddings:

Switcharoo

2008-11-07T20:48:00.016-07:00

Ok- based on:

1. the uncertainty of my liking the "Green" background blog template and
2. the blog comments (esp. the "pea green soup" one lol)

I am now back to my original background-I think. I'm not sure if I got all the colors right but it'll do for now! :)

Other news....

Today I made a gazillion (well dozens) of tags for my Etsy shop. They are my current obsession. I pretty much had to stay in the kitchen all day today because I was working on the whole potty training thing with my 2 1/2 year old ( figured it's much easier to clean tile than carpet). So why not just set up shop on my kitchen table (okay, who am I kidding.... there is already LOTS of my scrapbooking stuff already on the kitchen table). Figured I should make myself useful while my daughter was trying to be a "big girl" and sit on the potty.

I haven't taken pictures of all of the tags but here are a few....

For the cat and dog lover.....

If I was a seller of dog paraphernalia (thank goodness for spell checker) I would want these tags so I could include them in my customer's package with a little "Thank You" written on the back.

The other tags I made are more cutsie and Christmasy. Pictures of them to come soon!

Thoughts about GREEN

2008-11-07T15:12:00.002-07:00

Hmmmmm.... I'm not so sure I like the GREEN color on this blog background. I think I'm gonna change it back to what it was..... What do you think? Leave me a comment!

Handmade Goodness

2008-11-05T21:02:00.010-07:00

I've been meaning to spotlight a few of the hundreds of talented Etsian on my blog for quite some time now. Well, the time has come. Get ready for some AmAzInG talent!

First off we have the most darling (in my honest opinion) prints ever!!

Meet "Plasterdoll".

Ummm...can you be in love with a drawing?!?!? Cause I love this cutie!!
Each print shows her wearing a famous designers outfit. I want one of each print!

This one is of Plasterdoll wearing DKNY. Fabulous isn't she? Don't you just love the band-aide? All of her prints show her with her signature band-aide. I guess she bumped her plaster head and got an owie.....

Next up we have Sparkle the Henryrabbit. These cute little rabbits are made with minky fabric and look soooo incredibly soft! I must have one...maybe this one? There are lots of other henryrabbits for sale. You know how rabbits are....multiply very quickly!

I'm definitely impressed with the soap makers on Etsy. Just look at these yummy soaps!
This first one is made by sudzandbubbles and looks like a real piece of pie! MMMmmmmm.. I'm thinking I would just want to look and admire this one instead of use it! :)

And these soaps are just great for Christmas! They are mistletoe and peppermint stick flavors and you can get them from sunbasilgarden . How festive!

Finally we have this darling little "Cutie Doll" made by yuyuart. She is made from Australia merino wool and stand just six inches tall. Just look at all the details. Soooo cute!

I am always amazed at the talented artist work I see on Etsy. I love it!

Leelou Giveaway!

2008-10-30T11:13:00.001-06:00

Go and check out Leelou's Lauch Party! Woohoo!

A Little Vintage

2008-10-29T09:28:00.004-06:00

Just for the record I worked in a school library for 7 years when I lived in Las Vegas and I LOVE to read. Yesterday I came across a couple of older school readers and I just had to buy them knowing I could make some fun paper crafts with their pages.

I ended up making some tags and flower embellishments. Love 'em!

FuNkY TiN

2008-10-26T16:47:00.004-06:00

I've had a bunch of tins tucked away just waiting to be altered so the other day I decided to get one out and have some fun. Here is the results! I thinks it's way cool and fun! Of course this one has PINK on it! I'll definitely be making more.