Salutations Sunday with Josh and Teo and a GIVEAWAY

Please shout out your salutations for Jenny and her Etsy shop Josh and Teo for my Salutations Sunday feature!

Practical but stylish handmade creations for babies and mamas!

Jenny has also offered one of her creations for a giveaway...please see all of the details after the interview. Now let's discover her creative story...

Toy Leash Tether Strap in Rainbow Stripes

What is the first creative memory you have?

The first time I remember being called artistic was in Grade 1. I had just finished painting a picture of a tree and my teacher Mrs. Patterson asked me if she could keep it. I was so proud of myself! My Mom told me later on that my teacher was really impressed with my painting because it was so realistic – with lots of branches and leaves. There’s a bunch of other moments but this one was my first. My forte is sewing and I remember experimenting quite a bit with a needle and thread before my Mom would allow me to use her Singer. I tried to sew clothes for our dolls and even stitched up Barbie’s head! At the time, I didn’t think to use beige thread so we ended up with FrankenBarbie. Please don’t ask why she needed to be sewn up :) Let’s just say that 3 sisters and 1 Barbie equals trouble!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My second child was 7 months old when I opened up my ETSY shop. Prior to that, I was posting pictures on Facebook of all the stuff that I made. Like many here on ETSY, I kept hearing “you should sell your stuff!” I opened up my shop at the end of April 2011 and listed 5 items. After my first sale, my shop took off and I’ve had the opportunity to sell to customers worldwide. ETSY is known for handmade and that’s why I chose to sell on ETSY vs other websites. In fact, I got my first national magazine feature when an editor at Chatelaine magazine saw my toy leash on ETSY.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I kept bouncing ideas off of my husband but nothing stuck. One day, I thought about why I was doing this and who I was doing this for and decided to name my shop after my two boys. Both boys are such an inspiration to me so I decided to name my shop after them. As they start to grow, I’m sure my shop will evolve too. Everything I make is designed and tested for them. If it works, then I put it in my shop.

Toy Leash Tether Strap in Green, Brown, Yellow

Describe what creations you have in your shop

My shop mirrors what I was searching for when I was pregnant with my first son. I ended up sewing many items for my baby boy (now toddler) because I could not find stylish products for baby boys. Hence, all of my fabric choices are unisex so that moms with boys aren't left in the cold! I sell toy leashes, wrist wallets, mini coin wallets, toddler backpacks, tricycle bags, nursing covers, and slim stroller bags.

My most popular items are my toy leashes. I love them and still use them to hold snack cups and toys. I originally designed it to be used with Sophie the Giraffe but it can be used for so much more. I also sell a slim stroller bag which is invaluable to me. I designed it after I got tired of lugging around a clunky big bag. The stroller bag is one of my favourite designs and follows my motto of “practical but stylish”. Lately, I have been sewing toddler backpacks, which I love. Each backpack is custom made and discussed at length by myself and my customer. Throughout the process, I usually end up getting to know these customers very well and I love seeing the pictures they send of their little ones with their new backpacks. I am currently designing some new items and hope to share them soon!

What insprires you?

Every day things inspire me. I look to my children for a lot of my inspiration as well as my day to day life. I market my items as stylish and practical because I love things that are stylish and practical. If it’s not useful, I don’t care how pretty it is. Sewing for boys is a great opportunity to demonstrate some creativity. The marketplace doesn’t have enough “boy” themed items so the sky’s the limit!

Slim Stroller Diaper Bag

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I usually don’t like to listen to anything while creating as I find it distracting. However, I have started listening to audio books. That gives me the best of both worlds… crafting and reading. I like to sew when I’m at my happiest. If I am tired or not in a good mood, I do not sew. When I sew relaxed and happy, the outcome is always a good one!

Please share a favorite recipe

I have lots but a favorite recipe that I make for my kids is yogurt pops. I posted a tutorial on my blog : handmadebyjt.blogspot.ca/2011/10/tutorial-chocolate-and-yogurt-pops.html . I like to layer them with pudding, applesauce and yogurt. The trick for me is to make them in tiny ketchup cups so that the portion size is smaller. Little kids just can’t eat big popsicles and that’s just more mess for me.
I post my other fave recipes on my blog: handmadebyjt.blogspot.ca/p/recipes.html

Where else can we find you?
I love to blog about the stuff I make. My blog name isn’t my shop name because my blog is a mish mash of stuff I make, stuff I sell, time with the kiddies, and random musings!
Blog: handmadebyjt.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joshandteo
Pinterest: pinterest.com/joshandteo
Twitter: twitter.com/joshandteo


And now let's find out what creation Jenny is offering for her giveaway...

Toy Leash in Black and White

 

• 1 toy leash from Josh and Teo's Etsy shop of the winners choice (this black and white one shown is just one example...there are many to choose from in her shop)

***Shipping included for US & Canada entrants ONLY...all other international entrants will have to pay a $5.50 shipping fee

Now to enter...please keep in mind you do not need to do all of the entries, but the more you do the more chances you have at winning!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a999e69/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Salutations Sunday with The Recoverie

Please join me in saying howdy to Dani and her Etsy shop The Recoverie for my Salutations Sunday feature!

The printing process is quite extensive, and no two pieces will be exactly alike. I hand carve all my original designs, and custom mix all my inks. Now let's discover Dani's creative story...

Rose Linoleum Block Print Linen Pillow Case "Lotus"

What is your first creative memory?

Making daisy chain bracelets in a park with my mom while on a field trip in elementary school. Making sculptures out of wet sand, sticks,shells, and seaweed at the beach. Watching her sew my ballet rose petal skirt and crown for my big ballet debut. Too many to even name. I was lucky to come from good artistic genes and people constantly encouraging and supporting my creativity. I don't think I would have pursued the art field otherwise!


What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?
I found Etsy a few years ago shopping online. At first I just thought it was cool, but then began to realize how far it stretched, and what that could mean for me. After I moved to San Francisco and started selling at local shows, people kept asking if I had an Etsy shop I could direct them too. The next few months I stopped doing shows and set up my site, and now I'm up and running.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I wanted the name to reflect a general meaning for old things becoming new again, and given a new life. The name "Recoverie" also ended up lending itself well to the reupholstering aspect of my shop too. 

Teal and Coral Lime Burst Block Prints

Describe the creations in your shop

I started out selling 8 x 10 prints of my simple designs and small found home accessories. I have now expanded to soft home goods like pillow covers and dish towels printed with original patterns, and small furniture that I refinish and reupholster. I really enjoy creating the designs and applying them in a functional way.

What inspires you?

I am completely inspired by the architecture in San Francisco where I live. Most of my textile designs started after seeing a certain shape on a building and building off of that. I also love Art Deco and especially Art Nouveau shapes. 

Multi Color Block Print Napkins - Set of 4

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Any kind of music. TV and movies distract me, but if you plug me in at a coffee shop with headphones and a good chai tea, I'm a machine.

Please share a favorite recipe

Cheesecake Truffle Bombs

 24 -32 truffles

For the Cake-Truffles


* 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
 * 3/4 cup sugar
 * 3 large eggs
 * 2 teaspoons vanilla
 * 1/3 cup whipping cream
 * 1 pinch salt 

For the Dipping

 * 12 ounces milk chocolate, melted
 * 10 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted 



Directions



1. Preheat oven to 350. Line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper; spray with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.

2. In blender: mix the cake ingredients until smooth, pour into prepared pan.

3. Bake until set (about 30 minutes); cake should be firm, but not dried or curling around the edges; cool in fridge.

4. While the cake is chilling, line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

5. Cut cake into 24 or 32 small squares; place on lined baking sheet; freeze for 1-2 hours.

6. Near the end of the freezing time, melt dipping chocolates (SEPARATELY).


7. TO FINISH: Using a fork dip each square in the melted chocolate on all sides; set on parchment lined baking sheet until set. These can be dipped in another chocolate or drizzled with white chocolate (optional).

8. Freeze briefly to set.

9. Transfer to small confectionary paper cups (optional).

10. Seal truffles in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months.

11. Serve frozen or slightly thawed.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook

I'm hoping to get my site, www.recoverie.com up and running by the end of this year, otherwise I have been selling at a lot of local San Francisco shows such as the Indie Mart. Updates and information about my shows can be found in my Etsy shop announcements.

Framed Fabric - Brown Linoleum Print "King and Queen"

Salutations Sunday with Bundle of Joy Shop

Salutations Sunday time!!! Please prepare your eyes for some eye candy cuteness from Cheryl and her Etsy shop Bundle of Joy Shop

 

A variety of hand crocheted baby items that are sure to make you go "SKWEEEEEE" from pure adorableness! Let's meet Cheryl and discover her story...



Rainbow Baby Mittens & Hat Set

What is your first creative memory?

I would first like to thank Amy for giving not only me, but other shop owners this wonderful opportunity. ~You are very welcome Cheryl...thanks for sharing your creative story with us :)

My first creative memory is one of my earliest memories. My Mother, a very creative woman, introduced crafts to my siblings and me at a very young age. Besides the family Christmas tree, my siblings and I had our own tree, which we decorated ourselves. I remember making ornaments for our tree and for gifts. Glitter. We loved to use glitter on our ornaments and on anything else we could put glitter!


What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My oldest daughter has a shop on Etsy. From the moment she opened her shop, she told me how much fun she was having selling her items and being a part of the Etsy family. That is when I decided to sell crocheted items on Etsy.

How did you come up with your shop name?

Once I decided to focus on baby items, I wanted a baby related name. I thought about a name for weeks. For me a baby represents love and happiness, hence the name, "Bundle Of Joy Shop".

Baby Booties

Describe what creations you have in your shop

My shop sells baby items that I hand crocheted. Each crocheted item is made from premium yarn. Some of my items are: afghans, booties, diaper covers, sandals, hats and bottle covers. On a regular basis I am adding new items.

What inspires you?

I am inspiried by my family, especially my Mom. She shows me by example how having many passions in life is a wonderful way to live.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

That depends on what I am making or my mood. Sometimes I enjoy listening to the top 40, classical rock, the blues and other times I want it quite. I enjoy watching a variety of shows when I am making something. I'll watch a movie, a news show, a comedy and of course the Green Bay Packers!

Blue Baby Hat with Ears

Please share a favorite recipe

Chiffon Dessert

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

Filling: 1 package (3 ozs) gelatin (My family likes lemon)
1 cup boiling water
11 ozs cream cheese (softened)
1 cup white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
16 ozs whipped topping

Combine the first 3 ingredients-set aside 2 T for the topping. Press remaining crumbs onto the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2 baking dish. In a bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water-cool. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar. Add vanilla-mix well. Slowly add gelatin until combined. Fold in whipped topping-sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or until set.

Where else can we find you?

As of now the only place to find me is at my Etsy shop. Being new to owning a business, I am looking into other options.

Salutations Sunday with Acts of Craftiness

Well today I not only ask you to welcome my featured Etsy shop and artist Jen...I am asking you to also leave her HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes in the comments!!! Today is her birthday!!! Happy, happy birthday Jen!!! Let's discover her Etsy shop, Acts of Craftiness

What is the first creative memory you have?

I don’t know if this is my first creative memory, but it is definitely an early one. I was visiting my grandmother and I begged her to show me how to crochet. She handed me a ball of thick brown nylon yarn and a jumbo crochet hook and showed me how to do single crochet. I got started and eventually ended up with a lopsided, concave “thing.” I was so excited to give my parents my new creation! When I presented them with my gift, they asked what it was. I had no clue, but blurted out, “It’s a bread basket.” They loved it (of course!) and that bread basket was used for years. It has since mysteriously disappeared though.



Rainbow rain cloud embroidered hoop art

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I have always been a crafty person, and I viewed Etsy as a place where I could share my creations with others and possibly make enough money to keep up with my crafting habit. Like many other shop owners, I wanted to open an Etsy shop for a long before I finally did it. There never seemed to be enough time to work my day job, make products, and get a shop set up.

After I had my son, I quit my day job so I could stay home with him. During the first few (sleep-deprived) months, I started sketching up some designs, learned more about Etsy, and researched the market. In February of 2012, my shop was ready for its debut.

How did you come up with your shop name?

When I was working full time, I didn’t really craft very much. I was a teacher, so even when I got to go home at the end of the day or was lounging on the couch on the weekend, I was always working on new assignments or grading. So, when I decided to stay home with my son, I was really excited to have more time for crafting. My goal was to do something crafty every day, even if it was only a small project or a bit of a larger project. I thought of it as my “daily acts of craftiness.” When I was trying to come up with a name for my shop, I had this idea stuck in my head, so I took it and shortened to just Acts of Craftiness.

Describe what creations you have in your shop

My shop features cross stitch patterns, cross stitch kits, hand-embroidered hoop art, and hand-embroidered jewelry.

Custom conversation heart cross stitch pattern

What inspires you?

While all of my designs are of things I love, most of them are inspired by my family, friends, nerdiness, pop culture, and things I loved while growing up.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I love to read, but it’s hard to read and create at the same time since I need my hands for both! So, I often listen to audio books while I work. I love mysteries.

I am also a little addicted to TV. I will watch almost anything. I’ve been getting caught up on all the shows I didn’t have time to watch before staying home with my son (and the ones my husband would laugh at me for watching). Most recently, I got caught up on The Glades, and I just rewatched every episode of Psych.



Personalized QR code embroidery art hoop

Please share a favorite recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites With Spicy Sour Cream Dipping Sauce

For the potatoes:
1 lb small or medium red potatoes (one-bite sized potatoes would be even better)
1 1/2 tsp chopped, fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
12-16 oz bacon
toothpicks

For the dipping sauce:
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
1 tsp hot sauce - or to taste (Any brand you like will do. I've used Tabasco and an Asian chili garlic sauce, and both were great.)
salt and pepper

Directions:
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Wash and dry the potatoes. Chop them into 1-inch pieces, keeping the chunks roughly the same size. Put the potatoes in a medium pot, cover them with cold water, and salt the water.
• Bring the water to a boil. Let it boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, until you can stick a fork into the potatoes without too much resistance. You want the potatoes to be almost, but not fully, cooked so they don't fall apart while being wrapped.
• Drain the potatoes and put them in a large bowl. Add the rosemary, olive oil, salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Cut the bacon strips in half. Wrap each piece of potato in a half-strip of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
• Put the potatoes on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. You may need to cook the potatoes in two batches so the baking sheet isn't too crowded.
• Bake the potatoes for 15 minutes, and then flip each piece. Bake them for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the bacon is cooked through and crisp.
• Mix the sour cream and hot sauce in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Pile the potato bites on a plate and serve them alongside the dip
• Eat more than you probably should! :)

Where else can we find you?

Etsy: ActsofCraftiness.etsy.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ActsofCraftiness
Twitter: ActsofCraftines
Blog: ActsofCraftiness.blogspot.com

Tetris heart embroidery art hoop

Salutations Sunday with Mamma mia e Me and Mamma Mia Bridal

This is a first...a Salutations Shop featuring one woman with two shops!!! Let's meet Sevda from Instanbul, Turkey and discover her two shops Mamma mia e Me and Mamma Mia Bridal

Teal cocktail hat from Mamma mia e Me

What is the first creative memory you have?

When I was very little, 3-4 years old, I detached sparkling beads, embroidered on the evening gown of my mom. I was picking only 4-5 beads per day in order not let my mom take cognizance of the situation.

After a while I compiled a lot of beads and made a bracelet with them, then my mom realised that the lovely gown became “weeded”.

At the same ages, once, I “scraped” with a nail, a house drawing to our house entry wall (I became architect though!)



What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I saw Etsy, first in Facebook and fascinated with a huge variety of arts&crafts items. Then decided instantly to open my shop just for my already existing designs, to be able to show them woldwide.

Bridal fascinator headpiece from Mamma Mia Bridal

How did you come up with your shop name?

My first Etsy Shop’s name is “mammamiaeme” which means “my mom and me” in Italian. The first idea to open shop in Etsy come up to my mind with the traditional tatting laces that my mom used to do.

 I was thinking to combine modern and traditional by using these lovely laces in modern designs. Consequently “tatting laces from my mom and designs from me” gave birth the name “mammamiaeme”.

Then, when I opened my bridal shop, I wanted to conserve my previous brand name by adding “bridal” but since it was too long, it became to “MammaMiaBridal”

Describe what creations you have in your shop

For both of my shops, I rather prefer create upon my creative mind. I dont follow mot-a-mot current fashion. I like making unusual, unconventional accessories and jewelries. I like work with all kind of fabric but I also like to re-design, re-use all kind of materials. I make mostly unique items or limited editions such as 2-3 items per design.

What inspires you?

Mainly my inspirations come from the nature. I love nature, flowers, leaves etc. I think thet reflects to my creations, where there are lots of flowers, leaves patterns.

Ring bearer pillow from Mamma Mia Bridal

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

This is very strange for most of people I know but, I like to be alone and silent when creating. This is the time gap that I can listen my self, return in my.

Rarely some smooth classical music I listen but I mainly prefer not to listen someting.

Terracotta fabric flower necklace from Mamma mia e Me

Please share a favorite recipe

This is my “most loved” food. “Sarma”, which means “wrapped” in Turkish. It’s a general name given for some different kind of vegetable leaves such as “grape leaf, cabbage, chard, sorrel etc.”, stuffed with some ingredients with meat (to be served hot as main dish) or without meat (to be served cold as starter).

But I rather prefer one which is made with grape leaf and meat. Although we call this is as Turkish food but it can be found also in Greece.

Stuffing made of “rice, minced meat, chopped onion, spices, tomato or red paprica sauce, margarine or butter” is put on the boiled grape leaves and it’s wrapped as a finger, put in an casserole, put some water on it and cooked on a stove. It’s hot served. Yagourt souce or butter souce with tomato can be added on it also.

If you’d like to see some.

www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=etli+sarma&hl=tr&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=is...

www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=etli+sarma&hl=tr&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=is...


Where else can we find you?
I have shop only here on Etsy, nowhere else since I haven’t no more time to manage somewhere else.

Hand knit socks from Mamma mia e Me

Salutations Sunday with The Vica Girl

After a FUN week off from blogging.....let's jump right back in and shout out your salutations for VaLon and her Etsy shop The Vica Girl!

Upcycled or recycled creations from a former life into a beautiful piece of art for the modern eco - concerned; VaLon's unique creations would make the perfect one of a kind gift.

Enjoy 10% off your purchase from her Etsy shop with coupon code: 10FEATURE

What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember when I was younger I use to get nearly the whole month of December off of school. Every day my Mother and I would do a craft, anything from cooking, to painting decorations, to coloring, all in the spirit of Christmas. It was really fun and helped the Christmas season more meaningful.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I had been making jewelry out of hardware, a favorite thing I was familar with going to architecture school. I was enjoying it and had a couple of friends tell me I could sell them. I then made something for my best friend, and she told me I could sell on etsy. I checked it out and have loved it ever since.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I have a lot of other accounts that use the same name, and wanted to be consistant. But, when I first came up with it, I was in a club at school that I loved. They were going through a name change, it use to be VICA, but is now SkillsUSA. I was one of the most active member in school, so thought that theVICAgirl would be fun.

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I have lots of jewelry. I like to make it out of things that you would normally just throw away, such as a vaccum belt, or dead phones. My current passion is for outdated computer disks and other hardware. I also have, for those a little less adventurous the scarp pieces from architecture models that I edit in such a way as to make beautiful.

What insprires you?

Everything. I really enjoy building and architecture. Any sort of structural work. I am also inspired by my materials. Sometimes they just demand to be displayed in a certain way.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I can't watch anything, too distracting, but I do enjoy music. Any sort of music really, from pop to broadway to spiritual. I also will listen to books on CD sometimes.

Please share a favorite recipe 

Banana Dog. It works best on a hot dog bun, but I grew up just having it on bread. You take your bun, smother it with peanut butter, then cut up a banana so it fits nicely on a bun. Sometimes I make two at a time because of the size of the banana. You put the banana in the middle, like you would a hot dog, and then you eat. It goes nicely with potatoe chips.

Where else can we find you?

Twitter at twitter.com/thevicagirl
Blog at thevicagirl.blogspot.com

Salutations Sunday with i HartFelt and a GIVEAWAY

Please shout out your salutations for Heather and her Etsy shop i HartFelt

Full of whimsy and creativity...Heather offers unique gifts that are sure to charm your "hart."

Receive 10% off of your purchase by entering coupon code: SUMMER at checkout. HartFelt has also offered a great GIVEAWAY...please find all of the details at the end of the interview.

Now we are off to discover i HartFelt

What is the first creative memory you have?

My earliest memory would have to be my mom and I sitting in our craft shop preparing for a holiday bazaar one year. We had a garden where she grew tons of amazing flowers that she would dry in our shop and make gorgeous flower arrangements and I made birdhouses out of recycled cardboard from cereal boxes. I wish I had kept one of these treasures. I am a lucky girl in the fact that I have two very special crafty grandmas.

 One grandma (my dad’s mom) taught me to embroidery and knit! It has stuck with me to this day. I can still envision us sitting on the couch like it was yesterday, she patiently teaching me the ins and outs of embroidering and knitting. Embroidery is still my most favorite. My other grandma (my mom’s mom) had a wood shop and a craft room. I remember she had supplies galore that she collected from garage sales & she then stored everything so neatly and organized in her craft room. She had any supply in any color you could think of. In her wood shop I once used a piece of her scrap wood to make a cat ornament by painting, nailing, and wood gluing. I still have it to this day and use it on my tree at Christmas time.

I hope to provide my children and grandchildren creative memories too! I think it is too important not to share these artistic handmade qualities with the next generations.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

Lots of support from my husband who believed in me and is inspired by my driven, motivated personality to get things done! I first heard about Etsy from a dear friend who is like a sister to me, and the most creative lady I know. We met in Kindergarten but became friends around 4th grade, and still remain friends to this day even though we reside in different states. Check out her amazing art & coasters in her shop: Art by Julia: www.skerry.etsy.com

How did you come up with your shop name?

I knew right away I wanted to come up with something that meant ‘from the heart.’ I believe that anything handmade comes from the heart (&soul). My husband and I together late one night came up with HartFelt by iHart. HartFelt means ‘from the Hart’ and iHart means ‘I love.’ I also wanted to incorporate the word ‘Felt’ in my shop name because that is what all my softies are made from. Hart‘Felt’ it became. I shortened the name to ihartfelt for Etsy so it would be easier to remember and find. I also intentionally misspelled Hart to be as unique as possible.

All my original softies come with a handmade felt tag with an ‘i’ and a ‘hart’. This has become my most unique feature found consistently on all my softies. I have heard the most inspiring comments on how cute the tags are.





Describe what creations you have in your shop

I specialize in all things felt: ornaments, baby mobiles, softies, and party favors for special occasions and home decor.

My designs reflect originality, charm, special attention to detail, and creativity - my intention is to offer a great alternative to mass produced dime a dozen gifts.

I create everything by hand, the patterns, cutting out the felt, and stitching all the pieces by hand.

What insprires you?

My inspiration comes from my toddler son who is now three years old, my supportive husband, nature- birds are my favorite, seasons- I love the fall, holidays – Valentines, Halloween and Christmas being my favorites, & love. I am truly blessed!!


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I am almost always watching a movie with my husband in the evening while I do a lot of my sewing, cutting, and stuffing. I love action, drama, and comedy the most. I do like to listen to music too.

Please share a favorite recipe

Pear Nutella Muffins

2 C. stoneground whole wheat self-rising flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ C. brown sugar
1 egg
¾ C. reduced fat milk
2 T. canola oil
2 large pears, peeled and grated
¼ C. Nutella

1.Preheat oven to 375* and lightly grease 12 muffin tray

2.Sift flour and cinnamon into a large bowl and add in the husks. Add the sugar, combine, and make a well in the center.

3.Place the egg, milk, and oil in a jug or bowl and whisk with a fork until combined. Add to the dry ingredients and fold in with a large metal spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Do not over beat. Gently fold in the grated pear.

4.Spoon half the mixture into the bases of each muffin tin, then place 1 tsp. of Nutella in the center of each. Top with the remaining mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, until risen, golden and firm to a light touch. Leave in the tins for about 3 minutes, then lift out onto a wire rack to cool.

MAKES 12 – To freeze muffins, cool them completely then wrap individually in aluminum foil. Place them in a large airtight bag, and seal. Allow to thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Where else can we find you?

Blog
Facebook
Pinterest
E-mail: ihartfelt@yahoo.com


NOW LET'S SEE WHAT ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE!!!

 

HartFelt Fourth of July Stuffed Hanging Owl Party Favors by iHart - Set of 3

***SHIPPING IS INCLUDED TO ALL ENTRANTS

These sweet owls are a perfect touch to your baby shower or birthday party decorations, can be used as a party favor for your special party, or hung in your baby nursery or toddler room.

Party Favor Owl was designed with LOVE & careful attention to detail: hand drawn, hand cut, handstitched, some smaller pieces hot glued, & stuffed with 100% polyfil.

Mr. Party Favor Owl measures approx. 2" by 2" wide.

NOW TO ENTER...please remember you do not have to to do all of the entries...but keep in mind the more you do the more chance you have to win!!! Good luck

a'>http://www.rafflecopter.com">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Salutations Sunday with Top Stitch Design

Shout out your salutations for Anna and her Etsy shop Top Stitch Design



Filled with bright beads and floss, Anna has a great variety of creations to choose from for a special gift.

Please use coupon code: FAVORITE10STORE for 10% off your entire purchase

What is the first creative memory you have?

This may sound funny, but the first creative memory I have is from when I was about 5-7 years old. My mom worked in an after school program where the teachers taught many things: from sewing (that was my mom's niche) to cross-stitching, to embroidery, and even dance. Since my mom worked there, I was able to join one of the classes free of charge, and in which I learned to cross-stitch. Still remember and have my work from then: small coasters/napkins with different color variation. After that, in the same class, I completed a picture of a koi fish. Since then, my crafting and learning just blossomed.



What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

An old co-worker. When I was still a college student, and had my part-time job, every so often I would come in and "show off" my new sewing creations/clothes. Toward the end of my career at that job, a woman named Megan joined the group and I will give her the credit to even introducing me to Etsy. After that, I looked Etsy up, and saw many of beautiful made things and thought that I could do that too.

How did you come up with your shop name?

In short story - it just fit. But the long story is that I take pride in everything I make. If a stitch, no matter what kind, is not perfect - it will bother me until I fix it. In my work, it might take a few extra minutes/hours to get an item perfect, but I will be proud of what I made. This way the customer can be satisfied with the work I make for them as well.

Describe what creations you have in your shop

Currently I have mostly bracelets, and still in process of finishing several bags I have been working on as well. For the bags, they require quite a few of hand set grommets and rivets to be attached, so I haven't been able to get through many yet. Although I am hoping that in the very near future, I should have most if not all of them done.

What insprires you?

Nature. I especially love working with natural materials. Not is it great for the planet, but the end result is much more beautiful than some of the factory made textiles/products.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

For most of my bracelets, it is the sound of a train. I commute about 40-45 minutes by train to work, so given plenty of time to craft new an exciting items.

When I am home, I love to watch Komissar Rex. It is one of the shows that I remember from childhood that never got old - a police German Shepard named Rex saves everyone in every episode.



Please share a favorite recipe

There are too many, but one of the very easy ones and favorite that I have is chicken with cream cheese. For this recipe, get chicken tenders, or any thinly cut chicken, beat it with a tenderizer, on both sides. Then slather one side with chive and onion cream cheese, roll everything up in a tube, tie it with bakers thread and cook on medium heat until can see that the inside is done. Just before serving, remember to cut out the tread and it is ready for enjoying.

Where else can we find you?

Blog
Twitter

Please visit Top Stitch Design on Etsy and come back and share your favorite items from Anna!

Salutations Sunday with Charmingknits

Shout out your salutations for Samantha and her Etsy shop Charmingknits

A shop filled with creative and "charming" handmade knit items, Samantha offers wonderful gift ideas for cooler weather and cute hand knit stuffed toys for the children in your life!

Now let's discover Samantha and Charmingknits

What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creative memory has to be around the age seven and eight. The "easter bunny" had brought me a scane of yarn and a pair of wooden needles. Thats when I learned how to knit. I never did create anything of substance out of that scane, the needles long since broken and forgotten...but thats when I started imagining all the things I wished to knit one day.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My aunt mentioned to my mother about putting my creations on etsy. My family was up their ears in knitted items and I am sure my friends were tired of receiving them as gifts. So it seemed like a good outlet for me. Even if no one bought anything my projects had a place to go.

How did you come up with your shop name?

When I think of knitting images of comfort and warmth come to mind. I wrote a few names out with the synonms for comfort but none of them fit. Then I remembered what someone had called one of my items. They said that, "It was charming." Charmingknits was born from there.

Describe what creations you have in your shop?

90% of my shop is knitted items. Most of them are finished projects, but if someone has bought one of my projects I will relist is as a made to order item. This allows people to choose what to buy from a range of all things I can make. The other 10% of the items in my shop are random creative projects I make when I need a break from knitting.

What insprires you?

ALOT! Songs move me. Movies make my heartache. However, what inspires me the most are quotes. Because in a quote there is a whole range of emotions wrapped up in a small amount of sentences. It just leaves you awed.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I am addicted to watching HULU while I create. I catch up on my tv shows, watch oldies long since cancelled, and an odd movie here and there.

Please share a favorite recipe

Its so southern of me, but I love country gravy. Once you get the hang of it, making it from scratch is literally the easiest thing ever.

Take some grease (about 2 tablespoons) and put it in a skillet. (Now I prefer to use some butter and a little bit of olive oil. If you use grease make sure the meat was not burned in the pan otherwise your gravy will have a burnt taste to it.)
When the grease is heating up put in some flour. I eye ball it, but I believe its around two table spoons as well.
Once the flour has been absorbed by the grease add a cup of milk doesn't matter what kind (or half a cup of milk and half a cup of water if you are wanting to watch calories)
Bring to a boil
Then turn down to a simmer stirring the whole time.
The heat will activate the flour and within a few minutes the gravy should thicken up. Salt and pepper to taste.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook

Now please visit Charmingknits on Etsy and come back and tell us what your favorite item is!

Salutations Sunday with Creative Designs by DiReichertsArts

Shout out your salutations for Diann and her Etsy shop Creative Designs by DiReichertsArt

Original artwork to fill your home, Diann's creations are amazing in detail and skill and would also make great gifts!

Now let's discover Diann and her Creative Designs

What is your first creative memory?

My first creative memory is drawing horses as a pre-teen. I thought they were the most glorious creatures! The long, flowing manes, the graceful movements! I breezed though art classes without having to work hard, something that I struggled to change in my professional life, in college and in my designer's job.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I began on Etsy.com when 50% of the art galleries in Michigan closed due to the economy of the state. I thought this figure would change as things slowly improved, but this has not happened, Michigan is still 'dead in the water' and will be for a long time.

How did you come up with your shop name?

Shop name is Creative Designs, which describes what I do. DiReichertsArt is my business name. Creative ideas are what keeps me painting, inspiration is important to an artist, if nothing inspires you, if you admire nothing you cannot be creative.

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I paint in watercolors and oils. Birds have always been a favorite. A friend pointed out all the beautiful colors many years ago, he bought a bird feeder and began to name the birds and my eyes were opened. My mentor, artist Ken Freed, taught his class how to paint outdoors, how to take all the informantion and edit, focus, paint just one thing at a time. In this way others inspired me.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by light, the natural light from our sun that illuminates our planet. the artificial light that we human's have made, light that reflects and bounces back. It's awesome when eveything 'clicks' and I capture that light.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to nothing when I am working, I try to empty my brain completely and focus on the work. I ask myself questions constantly. Is it the right color? Is that line correct? Compare with model, measure, double-check.

Please share a favorite recipe

Mango Parfait: make mango puree out of ripe mangos, sugar to taste, one tablespoon of water. Blend and puree' til smooth. Keeps one week in refrig. To make parfait:2 T. mango puree, layer 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt, repeat layers and top with coconut.

Where else can we find you?

I go to art shows around West Michigan. These are held in museums and churches. I am currently exhibiting in a library, an art festival, and in a art co-op in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Twitter

Now please visit her Etsy shop to see all of her wonderful and beautiful creations...I had a hard time just picking a few for her feature!