Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Heart of Autumn

Please welcome Amy and her Etsy shop Heart of Autumn


Where magic and fiber intertwine...Heart of Autumn offers a variety of beautiful art quilt gifts. Her shop is filled with many seasonal creations.

Now let's meet Amy and discover her Etsy shop, Heart of Autumn


What is your first creative memory?

My first creative memory is of my Gram crocheting. I never could pick it up from her as she was right handed and I'm left, but I got my crafting bug from her. She would make quilts the traditional way - patchwork from scraps and a heavy blanket instead of the batting we use today. No wonder I started quilting.





What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?



I knew of Etsy for a couple of months and would just linger around the wonderful shops, dreaming of the time when I would have my own. I joined in order to purchase a print from Nudes and Shoes. A couple months after that I found the courage to open my own shop.






How did you come up with your shop name?

Heart of Autumn stems from being born on the fall equinox, and my Dad wanting to name me Autumn. It became my creative alter ego, and I sign all of my work with a heart and Autumn.





Describe what creations you have in your shop.

I love art quilts and creating pictures with fabric. I'm expanding to include media holders, and adding different styles of bags too.



What inspires you?



My inspiration has to do with magic, fantasy, and nature, and you'll see all of those elements reflected in my work.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I love to listen to Celtic music when I create, and Lorena McKennit is a favorite.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Pinterest
Blog

Please check out Heart of Autumn on Etsy...favorite her shop...love a few of her items...like her on facebook...follow her blog. Tell her fAveritte creations sent you! Share with us which of her items you love!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Mommy Monday with Lace

I love lace...whether it is on pillows, scarves, clothing, curtains...where ever, when ever or what ever it is on...I LOVE LACE! There is something so beautiful in the patterns. Something a little bit sexy with the peek a boo holes in the patterns. Something soft in the scalloped edges. Something vintage looking in the patterns.

Here are a few AWEmazing finds with lace...

A simple lace belt added to a fabulous linen dress from Bayou Salvage on Etsy adds a lovely finish to a beautiful dress. Lace belts...so simple. We all could make our own!


I am loving this backpack! It helps create such a tender and girly feel.


And holy moly spicy guacomole...these are ADORABLE and a little bit sexy too! Every girl that loves wearing heels needs these lace socks!


Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo lace graffiti! AWESOME! Apartment Therapy has a wonderful article for many lace doily projects...check it out!


I love the elegant look of these pumpkins using lace stencils from Better Homes and Gardens!


I could go on and on and on and on and on and on with cute lace pics...but this will be my final one. Add an elegant look by spray painting lamp shades, using lace as a stencil from Add Some Paint!


I would love to hear if you have any favorite lace items or crafts!




Friday, February 24, 2012

Fun Friday with a Little Sunshine

Yesterday was so nice and sunny here in middle Tennessee...my son and I enjoyed our afternoon in just long sleeved shirts drawing with chalk on the driveway, kicking a football and digging in the rocks with shovels and dump trucks. The sunshine and warm weather made me a little excited for spring and playing outside with the kids...here are a few activities I have found that make me think of spring :)

Make a teeter totter! I love this tire tetter totter from Ripe Green Ideas...would go great with your tire swing. Plus I really love that you could reuse an old tire.


Why not start an indoor garden? Love this idea from Desperate Gardener reusing old soda bottles.


I have to say this is all I could find from my list on Pinterest...I am extremely busy with custom orders with my Etsy shop. I hope you all can enjoy a little bit of the sunshine this weekend :)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Bow Peeps And More

Please welcome Paisley and her Etsy shop Bow Peeps And More


What little girl doesn’t want to be a princess or ballerina and twirl around the house?! Bow Peeps And More will provide you with a cute assortment of girly accessories for any occasion...birthdays, holidays or just a fun and adorable ensemble for everyday dress up!

Currently she is running a promotion for 10% off or your purchase with coupon code PRINCESS10

Now let's meet Paisley and discover her Etsy shop, Bow Peeps And More!

What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember very vaguely making my dad a “lucky fishing hat” for father’s day when I was about 5. Looking at it now, it was the most horrific thing! But my dad still wore it and still has it to this day!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I wanted this headband so badly that I saw in Claire’s. Instead of over paying for something I could easily make myself, I gave it a try. Once I started making bows and headbands, I couldn’t stop! I was receiving lots of compliments and people told me I should start selling them!


How did you come up with your shop name?

I thought about my shop name for a long time. It’s so hard to come up with something that defines what you do! I asked my family for suggestions, and my dad came up with Bow Peeps. I added the And More because of the tutus I make.




Describe what creations you have in your shop?
I make tutus, hair bows, and headbands that are EXTRA girly ;]

What inspires you?

The birth of my newest cousin and best friend’s baby definitely inspires me. Seeing all of the cute little outfits they have, I want to make accessories for all of them! The tutus I make just make me smile when I finish one...they are so pretty! I love to see pictures of the girls wearing them.


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I’m a big movie fan, so I usually watch a movie while working on my inventory. My guilty pleasure is the 100 Years of Disney boxed set; so many times it’s a Disney movie!


Please share a favorite recipe.
Crab dip! This is so delicious

Where else can we find you?
Facebook

Please show Paisley some love and visit her Etsy shop , heart her shop and favorite a few of her items. Leave us a blog post of some of your favorite items from her shop so we can check them out too :) Don't forget to like her on facebook also...tell her fAveritte creations sent you!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Mommy Monday with Mason Jars

Mason jars...we all have them. Or even empty pickle or jelly jars. What do you do with them when they are empty? Recycle? Reuse? Here are a few ideas I love...and will be trying.

I absolutely adore this craft idea from Annaboo's House! Simple. Wrap your empty jars with lace, garden twine, old doilies...and light. So classy and beautiful.


These cute glitter mason jars from tatertots & jello are perfect for holidays - make a themed one for each holiday!


And who would have know painted mason jars could look so cute?! Great home or wedding decor...Oh Lovely Day provides you with a great tutorial.


Ooooooooooooooooo...Mason Jar Meals!!!! from katearends.com


And finally...a mason jar soap dispenser from Blissfully Content!


There are so many fabulous mason jar ideas out there...what are a few of your favorites?









Friday, February 17, 2012

Fun Friday with Movie Munchies

At our house, every Saturday night is what we like to call "Movie Munchies." A night when we choose a kid appropriate movie, pop the popcorn, gobble the M & M's, fill bowls with chips, lick ice cream cones, dip cookies in milk and pour pixie sticks in our mouths. I have found a few cute and fun "Movie Munchies" ideas and crafts to share with you so you can begin your own tradition or "Movie Munchies" night.

Make it a drive in movie...I found this cute craft idea from Dollar Store Crafts. I have plans to have the kids make their own car over spring break.


This would be such a cute idea I found from familyfun.go.com...take their ticket at the door before the show starts! The site has a printable PDF or it would be a fun activity to create your own. You could also put family members names on them and draw them out of a box. The winner could choose the movie for the night.


I love this idea also found on Dollar Store Crafts site...make a cute concession stand for the kids!


Love this recipe for colored popcorn with using Jello from Dixie Delights...think of all of the colors you could make!


Now go on and enjoy your own "Movie Munchies" night! I would love to hear any activities or recipes you have for our next one :)





Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Mylana and a Giveaway

Please welcome Clare and her Etsy shop, Mylana


Ecclectic, bright, and unusual are the key words she uses to describe her shop filled with soaps, candles and jewelry. I love her use of recycled materials for her packaging and shipping. Most of her soaps are vegan, with her most popular recipe containing olive oil and coconut oil, for a simple, but luxurious soap.

Currently, she is running a promotion with the code "TEAMBORO" for 15 % off.

Mylana has also offered two of her items from her shop for a giveaway...please see the details at the end of this post or check it out under the "Giveaways" tab under my blog header. One lucky winner will win both!

Let's meet Clare and discover her Etsy shop, Mylana.

What is the first creative memory you have?

The first memory I have relating to something creative is when I was maybe 4 or 5, I was looking at the wood knots and patterns in our garage door and I remember later trying to replicate the swirls and lines in a drawing.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?
After my husband died in 2010 of cancer, my sister contacted the site Regretsy (features the worst things on etsy) about having an urn donated for his ashes, because we couldn't afford one, or his funeral. When they said yes and donated the urn, I looked at the

site and then thought about Etsy and wondered if I should set up a shop for some extra money.

How did you come up with your shop name?
I like to play the video game World of Warcraft and it was the name of my first character- a troll priestess.


Describe what creations you have in your shop?
Mainly, I make soap, candles, and jewelry. I do have some odds and ends like magnet and incense, but those are items I only make occasionally.

What insprires you?
I try to be inspired to make things out of what I have versus planning on what to make and ordering ingredients. I want to use up materials I have first. My biggest inspiration is nature and foods. Lately, I have been on a big green tea kick- I love that scent!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?
I usually listen to the itunes radio. I like new age music and some electronica/dance. I also like Tori Amos.



Please share a favorite recipe
I love to cook and usually don't use recipes, just add a pinch of this and a handfull of that, but this is th e basic version of an easy vegetarian chili I make:
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can red beans
1 12oz package frozen corn
2 pouches of Chili Seasoning
1/2 Onion, Diced
Salt and Spices to taste (garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin)

I mix everything together in a stockpot and simmer it for about 30 minutes, adding water if it gets too thick. This freezes up really well.

Where else can we find you?
Facebook
Twitter
I only sell on Etsy right now, but I do blog for our regional Tennessee Etsy Team:
borocrafters.blogspot.com/

Now see what you can win!


Winner will get BOTH pairs of earrings!!!
***You do not have to do all of the entry options...but keep in mind, the more you do the higher your chances are of winning!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Friday, February 10, 2012

Fun Friday - Fun With Plastic Containers

Todays Fun Friday will include some great activities and crafts using plastic bottles...have a great weekend!


How To: Make a Mini-Marshmallow Popper from Real Simple

Once you’ve cut off the bottoms of these paper cups and slipped on balloons, you’ve got a springy surface for launching spongy sweets into the air. Host a contest to see who can pop marshmallows the farthest or get the most into a bowl that’s a few feet away.

What You Need
Scissors and utility knife, markers, ruler, rubber bands, glue, tape (transparent, duct, masking, or colored), gift wrap or decorative paper, kraft paper, balloon, uninflated, paper cup, bottom cut off, mini marshmallows

Total time: 10 minutes
1
Knot the end of the balloon, then snip off 1⁄2 inch from the top.
2
Stretch the balloon over the cutoff end of the cup so that the knot is in the center. (You’ll need to hold the balloon in place when you “pop,” or secure it with a rubber band for little hands.)
3
Place a mini marshmallow into the cup so it fits snugly in the knotted center of the balloon. While aiming the cup away from you (and others), pull the knot back, release, and see how far you can send the marshmallow soaring.

DISCOVERY BOTTLES from Pre-school Play


I am only showing you a few...check out all of the "discovery bottles" Pre-school Play has created...so, so cool!


Marbles in Shampoo




Animals hidden in shredded paper


Cut up pipe cleaners. Use magnetic wands to draw the pipe cleaners up the side of the bottle.

There are so many more amazing "discovery bottles" on their blog...really great to help your little ones explore!


IT'S NOT A GLITTER WAND by Pink Pistachio



Pink Pistachio is an amazing site and I love her

personality...definitely worth checking out her page and following!






PATIO LIGHT COVER by About.com Family Crafts


Start collecting small, plastic water or soda pop bottles and make your patio or backyard festive with strings of light and these colorful little covers.

•Age Guideline: 8 Years and Up
•Time Required: 60+ minutes (Does not include drying time)

The above age and time guidelines are estimates. This project can be modified to suit other ages and may take more or less time depending on your circumstances.

Materials Needed:

•String of Lights
•Small Plastic Bottles (One for Every 2 Lights on the String)
•Transparent Glass Paint
•Craft Wire
•Scissors and/or Utility Knife
•Paint Brush
•Wire Cutters

Instructions:
Using the scissors or utility knife, cut the bottles in half. You will use both halves to make different shaped patio light covers. If you want all your covers to be the same shape, use just one half. You can simply leave the cut edge straight, or you can cut edge into a scalloped design or any other design you like.

Paint each light cover using the transparent paint. You can paint the entire light cover or simply paint abstract or other designs. Let the paint dry.

Use the tip of the scissors or the craft knife to make a small hole in the center of what would have been the bottom of the bottle. You should be able to slip the light cover over the bulb so that the light covers look like little lamp shades.

For what was once th top half of the bottle. use the tip of the scissors or a utility knife to make a small hole near the top of the bottle. If you bottle are very thick, this hole may have to be down below where the top of the bottle screwed on. To attach the light, cut a small piece of craft wire and poke one end of the craft wire into the hole. Stick the light into the drinking hole in the top of the bottle and wrap the wire around the wire of the light. Twist the two ends of the wire together to hold the light in place.

You should now be able to hang your patio lights up and enjoy!


















Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with KnitClickGo and a Giveaway

Please welcome Lauri and her Etsy shop, KnitClickGo


All knit items for sale are Lauri's own patterns created and made by her. Completely exclusive to Knit Click Go!
**FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY**
To celebrate Valentine's Day and her Anniversary, use Coupon Code LOVE2U at checkout to enjoy 10% off of your purchase.

KnitClickGo has also offered one of her items from her shop for a giveaway...please see the details at the end of this post or check it out under the "Giveaways" tab under my blog header.

Let's meet Lauri and discover her Etsy shop, KnitClickGo

What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember writing oddly enough as a kid (maybe 5th grade). I got really into a project where we had to write a story. I had chapters, characters, everything. Probably a little overboard for the project but I remember thinking I had made a masterpiece!






What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?
Knitting. When I learned to knit, I learned with a whole group of women at my church. I started making scarves and everyone would "ooh" and "ahh" over them and I thought it was crazy. Just the knit stitch, nothing fancy but my friend Kim Thomas said, "yes, but it's your creative eye and how you choose the yarns and colors and put them together". Just got me thinking, I suppose.



How did you come up with your shop name?
That's a crazy one. I had a shop before and after a bit I got bored with the name and felt it sounded like an Interior Design company or something, so I decided to change it. At the time, my merchandise was knit items and photo cards mostly. So, I thought of "knit" for my items "click" for the photos and "go" because my main knit seller were my sipper sweaters which you take on the go. Cheesy, yes. But, I thought it gave me versatility to make pretty much whatever.

Describe what creations you have in your shop?

I have knit coffee cup cozies (sipper sweaters), knit monsters (toy or pillow) and I knit scarves and other accessories. I've started making phone cozies and iPad cozies (coming soon). I also make cute hair clips (thanks to my 2 year old) and sometimes cards. I love my cards but they don't seem to sell online very well.



What insprires you?
So much! Color, texture, outdoors, lights, laughter. Beautiful photography,

cinematography and movies. Sky, my daughter, my family, God and life. A bit of everything.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?
Well, most of the time I'm in front of the tv while my daughter is sleeping. So, sadly, Parks and Recreation and 30 Rock? Netflix? That's awful, right? Sometimes, it's just nothing and I'm quiet upstairs.

Please share a favorite recipe
Fave recipe? I love this question. I have so many. But, I just finished making some brownies. It's a recipe from Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook. Fudgy Brownies.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan or heatproof glass dish. Line pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on 2 sides. Set aside. Place butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water; stir frequently until chocolate and butter are melted, about 7 minutes. Remove bowl from heat; let cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes.
Stir sugar into cooled chocolate mixture until combined. Whisk in eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in vanilla. Gently fold in flour and salt.
Pour batter into prepared pan, and smooth top with an offset spatula. Bake until cake tester inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Run a knife or offset spatula around the edges of the pan. Using parchment, lift brownies out of pan and onto the rack. Transfer to a cutting board; cut into 2-inch squares.

Where else can we find you?
Well, I'm everywhere. Ha. Almost.
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Blog: retromodmomma.blogspot.com
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/KnitClickGo
Flickr

Now see what you can win!


I Heart You Pink Valentine Hand Knit Sipper Sweater, Coffee Cup Cozy, Sleeve
***You do not have to do all of the entry options...but keep in mind, the more you do the higher your chances are of winning!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Share this code on your pages too so your friends, family, followers, fans etc...have a chance to enter as well!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/M2E5OTllNTI3ZTgxM2YxN2MyNGExODJjZGU0ZDc1OjE=/





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