The Artful Mommy

A new blog!

2010-11-08T18:44:00.000-05:00

I've started a new blog: Lehigh Valley Family Fun

I joined on as an Examiner for Examiner.com but after they switched publishing tools I've had such a horrible time trying to log in and write for them. I emailed a few times over the last few days but haven't gotten any results so I'm taking my writing on the road...to a new place...my own blog.

Come check out what the Lehigh Valley has to offer!! :)

Help feed the puppies!

2010-08-18T23:24:00.000-04:00

The Artful Mommy wants to help Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter. Through the end of the month buy a necklace and The Artful Mommy will donate $5 to this local no kill shelter to help them out - someone stole 50 bags of dog food from their shed and that food would have fed dozens of their pooches. Currently the volunteers are pitching in for food but they're going to need help.

I've got a soft spot for pound pups since that's where we got our second pooch from and he is the sweetest and most loyal pup you've ever seen.

So.....

Check out the latest pendants at The Artful Mommy on Artfire or send a message if you see one on this page that you're interested in! (we're still working on getting better photography so please bear with us!) More pendants, with hopefully better photography, are coming!!

Here's the full story: Whitehall Township: animal shelter dog food theft

Thank you!

Fall Goodies

2010-08-13T20:51:00.000-04:00

Since designers are always working a season ahead I figured the Fall Collection needs to get some focus so in lieu of that I finished a few pendants today! :)

Presenting the End of Summer Collection

2010-08-07T18:18:00.000-04:00

As promised the End of Summer Collection is here! With some designs based on suggestions and others simply because they were 'cute' or 'unique' they're all 100% Artful Mommy. :)

Coming soon to my Artfire.com Shop! :)

Happy Baking Crafty Wii-day!

2010-08-05T14:53:00.000-04:00

Another one of my loves is baking. Today a friend passed along her breadmaker because she hasn't used it and she knew that I wanted one. I was honestly floored and amazed and wanted to do a happy dance (but I refrained from being too silly and hugged and thanked her).

So today I started work on 10 new pendants (I did the graphics and printed them out yesterday). They're going through the 1st phase of 'production' now so photos to come once they're finished. No sneak peeks but they're a mix of suggestions from friends. :)

While the bread's rising and the pendants are waiting for the next phase to start I'm enjoying some Wii with my little guy and ignoring the buzzing dryer because sometimes you just have to embrace your inner child. :)

The Fairy Collection

2010-08-04T14:29:00.001-04:00

One of my most favorite creatures is the butterfly and fairies seem to always be found near them. Both are so light in the air and seem so fragile though if you've seen the Disney movies you also know that they're quite the characters.

The fairies in these pendants are quick, light and peaceful creatures bringing a sense of calm and happiness. I apologize for the poor photos - I think it's time for a new camera...auto focus is not my friend. :)

More to come as the collection continues. . . Happy Crafting! :)

The Little Black Box

2010-08-03T16:30:00.000-04:00

If you have a handmade business, The Little Black Box, is the perfect outlet for you to advertise your items. It's a great idea - business owners send in samples of their items and buyers purchase each month's box. Inside the box is a sampling of items from at least 12 different crafters and the box itself - a 6"x6"x4" black box with turquoise tissue paper topped with a turquoise bow. HOW CUTE!

Each month you never know exactly what you'll get but it's always a welcome surprise (my last one had at least 5 pairs of earrings, a cell phone charm, coupons, discounts, a compact and more!).

I applied today to have my pendants included in November's box! How exciting is that?!

So check out The Little Black Box - August boxes go on sale August 20th!

You like me, you really like me!

2010-08-03T13:44:00.000-04:00

I'm just AMAZED at the number of fans The Artful Mommy has on Facebook. In such a short time we've gone from 38 to 74! I was amazed when we hit 50! Heck, I was happy with the first few friends who became fans and now. . . almost 75!

If you're not a fan please become one today so you can get in on give-aways and be in-the-know. If you already are - thank you!

I've gotten some great ideas from friends this past week and will be working on new designs and even worked on a few pendants today (pictures to come). A crafty mommy never sleeps. lol

New designs coming soon!

2010-08-03T12:28:00.000-04:00

It's so exciting when a new idea strikes - or when new supplies are ordered! :)

I found a great new supplier for my tiles and hope to have them by Thursday since they ship the same day you order if you order by 4pm! :) Happy Dance!!

And here's a hint to the next design theme. . .

The Artful Mommy's 1st Giveaway!

2010-07-29T11:24:00.000-04:00

If you're not already a fan of The Artful Mommy on Facebook, now's the time!

Just this week to celebrate having 38 amazing fans I decided to have a giveaway where the 11th comment on my status would get a free glass pendant necklace of their choice. Not only did a great friend win (who says she never wins anything) BUT now The Artful Mommy is up to almost 70 fans!

So, be sure to find The Artful Mommy on Facebook and be a be a fan!

For now, some plotting on burp cloths, bibs and new pendant designs!

Happy Crafting! :)

Bringing some nature into crafts

2010-07-20T19:02:00.000-04:00

I love that I can bring the idea of recycling into my crafts and after hanging out with some eco-crafty moms today I have a list of new ideas for recycling (including the coolest tote using magazines, packing tape and a belt!!!).

Now I have it in my head to bring nature into my pendants with pressed flowers from my yard. I currently have some awesome ones with bright yellow petals pressing. My first attempt using a pretty little flower with tiny white petals wasn't awful but the petals get lost, especially since the middle is this huge yellow poof. The graphics in the background were an afterthought. It originally was clear but I wasn't sure how the glue would work. If you wear it and sweat will the glue get sticky and thus stick to you? SO...I added the first thing I saw and here is the result:

Recycle, Reuse and Refashion

2010-07-19T21:29:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite parts of making my new pendants is looking for pictures in magazines and putting them together. Finally a use for my stash of old catalogs and such other than just giving my little man something to cut and paste. Thus far Traditional Home has been the best source for new ideas.

And without further adeu the newest creations:

Crafting the day away

2010-07-18T12:21:00.000-04:00

I am officially addicted to a new craft - glass pendant necklaces. My new supplies arrived yesterday and I was sitting at the dining room table at 6am this morning playing and planning. I was also up until midnight on the computer designing graphics for them. lol

Working out the 'kinks' and perfecting them slowly I hope to officially list them on artfire shortly and/or sell them in a local shop. I LOVED being able to sell my crafts in New Hope last year but sadly the economy didn't work well for such a shop and it closed.

Fingers crossed for happy crafting.

Inspirational Morning

2010-07-14T13:53:00.000-04:00

While enjoying my coffee this morning and crafting a bit (on pendants of course) I thought about how to make something unique that people would like, would be affordable and that I hadn't seen before...and then it came to me. Personalized pendants!

These two feature my precious little man as a baby and now. I've seen the ones where the child's image is on a piece of gold but I've never seen anything like this so HOPEFULLY I can make my mark in the world with these...or at least make some cool pendants for friends/family/anyone else interested in purchasing them.

$15 includes a 24" ball chain and shipping.

They're currently available on The Artful Mommy's Facebook but will soon be available on my Artfire page as well. I just ordered more supplies today so more fun to come with larger rectangle pendants (perfect for multiple kids/pets/the whole family) and round pendants!

A happy day indeed!

A New Idea or Two

2010-07-13T18:23:00.001-04:00

So while attempting to destash a bit I decided to finish up a few bibs...of course that didn't last long before I got it into my head - hmm, what else can I make. Of course rather than stay in the same crafting area I am now making jewelry. They're cute glass pendents utilizing fabric scraps and images recycled from magazines.

Mother Owned Eco-Business Mixer

2010-07-13T17:31:00.001-04:00

The Artful Mommy will be participating in the 1st Mother Owned Eco-Business Mixer this September at Milk and Honey Kids in Bethlehem PA!

Please join us for the biggest selection of eco-friendly products in one building! Local moms with businesses will have tables set up displaying their products and sharing their tips on balancing work and family as well as how to make your business more 'green'. :)

Date:	Thursday, September 9, 2010
Time:	7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:	Milk and Honey Kids
Street:	3303 Bath Pike
City/Town:	Bethlehem, PA

How you feelin'?

2010-07-05T14:34:00.002-04:00

Hot! HOt! HOT!

It's sadly too warm to paint because I honestly think my paints dry too fast in this heat.

Sooooo what to do?

I'm rearranging furniture/cleaning the house. Tomorrow I get to the spare room/craft room so once I start organizing that fun stuff I can plot some projects. I know I can come up with a few things to utilize the piles of fabric I have while making something people can use. . .I just need to sit and think.

For now it's time for more iced tea.

A painting a week worked out rather well

2010-06-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

This was my next creation and I was very happy with the results. :)

Nefferitti was my next creation but I had issues with her face

I love sunflowers and for some reason they came to mind for my next painting.

And for my final painting(s) more sunflower though I liked my previous week's painting more with the dull background as opposed to the bright sky. I'm not sure why but it just worked better.

So all in all I have to say my 'Painting A Week' for the month of June worked out rather well even with a vacation thrown in and a puppy who needed surgery (she's fine thankfully). I'm not sure if the easel will stay out or go back into hiding though. I love sitting and painting but I run out of ideas too easily. I could set-up outside or take pictures from when the little man and I are at parks I suppose. . .sounds like another challenge is coming.

In other creative news I posted more goodies on artfire.com. My Artfire shop has also been upgraded to 'pro' for the month of July so let's see if I can make this happen. I'm pondering adding some of my painting but are they good enough? My eternal question of my work's worth. I've seen better and worse on there so perhaps we'll give it a try - it can't hurt to try and I'm always willing to try things at least one. :)

Seeking crafty days to crafty nights.. .I bid you adieu.

Getting back to work

2010-05-11T13:37:00.000-04:00

I've said it once and I'll say it again - The Artful Mommy is back. There are never enough hours in the day and sadly I've been not only neglecting this blog but also my crafts! :( Very sad BUT that actually changed recently! I bought a nice selection of canvas boards from a woman on CraigsList and set my easel back up!

This is my current work in progress:

Hurray indeed! I also was asked to make a candybar wrapper for a graduate. I've made these almost every year and never put my information on them to see if I can get any more business SO this time I did. If you know of anyone graduating check out my samples below and let me know if you're interested! :)

VERY reasonable rates and they're great for birthdays, retiree parties, showers and more so if you're looking for something let me know!

So that's is what's new in the world of The Artful Mommy. . .crafting in my spare time. :)

At some point you have to stop and focus. . .

2010-01-15T13:57:00.000-05:00

When I first found out that I was pregnant I started sewing. I liked that baby clothes were small and I could finish a few pieces in a short amount of time. I also liked baby quilts for the same reason. As my little guy grew I branched out into other sewing projects such as wall hangings, purses, tote bags, coffee cup snuggies, coin purses, and then went back to more baby things such as burp cloths, changing pads and wash cloths. The CPSIA laws put a kink in my idea of making/selling baby items even though there's a stay on the testing I need to read up and see exactly what is allowed and expected at the moment before I go making and selling again. I 'think' that it's just a matter of using materials from the approved list and then tagging the items as per CPSIA and FTC regulations.

My history is full of art and my favorite courses were those taken to pursue a certificate from NCC in Computer Graphics. I LOVE Photoshop & Illustrator. I love fixing old photos and making holiday cards but there are so many people out there it's a saturated market much like baby items were before CPSIA changes last year. I still do some web design/updating and play around whenever possible though to keep my skills sharp.

My love of crafts was helpful when I got married since I was able to make my center pieces and favors which included candles poured by me. I've often thought that making favors and such would be an awesome job but dealing with Bridezillas concerned me. It's easy too and I'd feel silly charging someone for such easy work but at the same time some people can't boil water so heaven forbid they attempt to melt wax.

Candle making on the back burner (pun not intended) I most recently became interested in soaping since candle and soap makers tend to interact in the same crafting circles. I like soaping though patience is not a virtue of mine and waiting 6-8 weeks for a bar of soap to cure is agony. I do love the idea of homemade soap and love being able to give it to people and say, "Hey, I made that!". Now that the holidays are over with I can get back into soaping and I have pounds of lye and pounds of oils and butters so I'm good to go.

In the continued search for SAHM jobs I decided to do something that would actually save me a little money and became a mark. rep. I LOVE make-up and frequent Sephora's website daily to check out the latest trends and products. Mark. bases a lot of their products on higher-end cosmetics so it saves me money and may even eventually be a slight income for me if I actually take the time to try that. I am having my first party the end of the month to see what I can do with it.

And thus my dilemma...I have so many ideas on what to do to take advantage of my time at home in between doing mom and wife stuff but I bounce from craft to craft and project to project. It's also worth making each month dedicated to one thing so I can devote time to just one thing.

For today I'm spending my time on the couch while I drink tea and relax since there's something going around and it got me. . .but then again in my mind I'm thinking of projects at the sewing machine and the soap recipe I finalized that I'd love to test out.

CPSIA. . .

2010-01-12T18:04:00.000-05:00

The fun of crafting is seeing the final product. Even better than that is seeing the look on someone's face when you give it to them. The worst part is having the authorities come after you for making the quilt for your friend's baby and not having tested it according to the CPSIA's laws or tagging it as required by the FTC and CPSIA.

I stopped keeping up with the CPSIA laws because they aggravated me. It seems that some testing has been delayed another year but other testing the the tagging must be done presently in order to sell your products. With all of the dangerous items coming out of China they need to focus on imports rather than what Granny's making and giving her friend's daughter or selling at the craft fair.

I just needed to vent a sec because I REALLY wanted to focus on making children's items but there's no way I can keep up with the laws. I need to research because I 'think' my burp cloths may be okay since the individual pieces are okay but I thought quilts would be in the same boat and I've read differently. So confusing. . . I need a CPSIA for Dummies website.

I spent the afternoon crafting baby items and while it felt great it also saddened me because I don't know if I'll be able to sell them as originally planned. UGH

New Year & New Start

2010-01-12T13:03:00.000-05:00

So with a new year of possibilities and hopes I sat down at the sewing machine last week to organize. Everything cleaned up and in its place and ready to go. New ideas for burp cloths and soaping ingredients sitting and waiting to be used. It's a beautiful thing indeed!

My goal is to make something new every week...so what will this week's project be? Check back later to find out. :)

Slacker Slacker

2009-12-30T01:13:00.002-05:00

Can it really have been so long since last I posted? The holidays have sucked away my craft time and that saddens me. On the bright side - I have many supplies for soaping and my sewing room is nice and clean and ready for some action.

I resolve to post weekly with updates. . .no matter how pathetic they may be - I will keep in touch! :) Till then, adieu.

Artist of the Week

2009-10-14T15:55:00.001-04:00

I love how some blogs feature an artist/crafter every week. Not only do you help a fellow crafter but you also get more traffic yourself AND my favorite part - you 'meet' more talented people!!!

So...anyone interested in being my first feature?? I'm thinking of doing this on Thursday or Friday each week..depending upon how the first few weeks go.

Come on...you know you want to! :)

Getting the word out. . .

2009-10-14T08:19:00.002-04:00

So in an attempt to spread the word a little more about The Artful Mommy I've decided to join Art Fire. I only have one item listed so far but have a few new soaps that will be listed shortly.

I also decided to get into Twitter. I wasn't sure I wanted to get on there but it's so popular I think I HAVE to. Within seconds of joining I had 2 followers...not too shabby.

So what else is new? The latest soaps are skulls scented with blueberry (to be listed today). I also have 2oz bars scented with lilac (they're a cool purple/maroon swirl color). AND 2.5oz bars scented with blueberry that are blue/white swirl with a gray base. I felt creative - go figure.

The question is. . .where to list! I'm in the process of boxing up items that I'll be listing on Etsy, others on ArtFire, sending to New Hope and taking to a new shop that may be interested in my items. See, I HAVE to make lots and lots of soap so I have enough to go around! I also have a box of samples that's filling fast so be on the lookout for give-aways.

So where do YOU shop? Are you an Etsyian? Do you like Art Fire or do you prefer an actual shop?

Busy busy day!

2009-10-14T00:07:00.006-04:00

So today was a very productive day! Soaps have finally been uploaded to my Etsy shop!

Pumpkin & Brown Sugar

Oatmeal & Honey

Oatmeal, Honey & Almond

Strawberry Scented Skulls

Lye-ing around

2009-10-10T17:09:00.002-04:00

So after a week of melt & pour soaping a miracle occurred - lye! A wonderful fellow crafter on craftserver.com offered to share their supply. Amazing! I now have a bountiful supply of lye. I just need some oils and I'm back in business. She also shared her vast knowledge and now have a brain to pick when needed.

Another amazing moment - another wonderful shop to consign at! More details to follow.

It's been a terrific week and today's weather is beautiful further lifting my mood.

Productive Times

2009-10-08T11:39:00.008-04:00

I'm still soaping and still loving it. The cure time on my cold processed soaps is finally up and I've tested them. I have to admit - I'm proud.
Regular sized bars...samples are 1/3 this size

The oatmeal & honey is a nice bar of soap. Good lather, nice scent and it's pretty. The pumpkin is amazing. The brown sugar on top is a bit rough at first though it smells nice, using it on your body is a bit abrasive. It does rinse off easily though and the resulting bar is so yummy. It smells better after using it!!! I put samples together and have my list of samplers for my first batches. I used NO artificial colors or fragrances! The scents and colors come from the all natural ingredients of oatmeal, honey, pumpkin and brown sugar! Yummy huh?!
All packed up and ready to seal and ship! Thank you!

This week I'm on the hunt for more lye so I'm doing some melt & pour. I got a little creative.

I also made a loaf of oatmeal, honey & almond goat's milk soap!! I've never done a loaf with melt & pour. It's nice because there's no cure time but I miss the mixing of the chemicals and anticipation of what it will come out like.

If you'd like to sample the oatmeal, honey & almond goat's milk soap be one of the first people to comment on this post!

When I hear back from my samplers on the other oatmeal soap and the pumpkin I'll be making them available for sale through my Etsy shop so stay tuned!

Where has the time gone?

2009-09-09T23:10:00.002-04:00

Having a new house tends to take over one's life. Add onto that the fact that the summer's ending and you're trying to fit another few days of vacation in and your usual Mom/Wife stuff and you don't have much time left for crafting.

I've managed to get into another craft - soap making. Yes, soap. Not just melt and pour either. . .oh no we're talking lye and fats and all that fun stuff. The first two from scratch didn't come out too well. The next was okay but the scent didn't seem to stick (it's still curing so we'll see). The most recent was made today and so far seems great. It's an oatmeal & honey soap. It smells and looks amazing so we'll see. I also made a pumpkin spice melt and pour that I can test tomorrow.

Not much new with sewing. I need to focus on that tomorrow and get some more done for an ongoing project for someone. I also need to build up inventory to see at various events.

For now...it's late and I'm sleepy.

Oh what a beautiful morning...time to go back to bed.

2009-08-17T08:01:00.002-04:00

It's an amazing thing to be up at 8am and already have chores working so you can relax more during the 'active' part of your day. For some reason the hours before 10am to me seem early...too early to function at times. Oh the flip side after 10am seems late and staying in bed until 10 or later often puts me in a sour mood as I feel that I've slept my morning away.

So it's an early (before 10am) Monday morning and I'm waiting in anticipation for critique of my work for a job I did for a local company. It's great when you find something that is so 'you' it doesn't seem real. I feel that way now - upon conclusion of my critique I may feel quite the opposite and vow to never touch my sewing machine as well. No, I'm not that bad at taking criticism...I just don't like disappointing others as well as myself. I'm thinking positive. When you enjoy what you do and you have a sense of creativity it tends to show.

Today I need to get in touch with the New Hope shop and see what the latest is on my goods: what's sold, what hasn't and will I ever sell enough to result in a check to give me the warm fuzzies. I also need to contact another shop that was interested though I found them shortly after moving when I didn't even have access to my sewing machine. I'm slowing building inventory and need to just check this place out - nothing like a field trip.

Never take a day for granted - it's a gift not a right.

Butterflies and Lots of Smiles

2009-08-06T13:41:00.002-04:00

Every once in a while, and by that I mean once in a lifetime, an opportunity comes along that just screams 'perfection'. Okay, so once upon a time I DID have that happen and went with it and it was the best 7 years of my life and here it is again but this time it's true perfection. Details to come since nothing is in stone but I'm getting my things ready for tomorrow and will tell more then. What is it? You'll have to come back tomorrow and send happy good luck vibes to me until then. :)

What's going on in the shop. . .

2009-07-23T14:01:00.002-04:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
ArtfulMommy.etsy.com

Something new. . .but what can I do with it?

2009-07-22T15:32:00.003-04:00

Being a Mom I have a pretty good idea of things that a Mother could use, especially during the baby years. Sitting here the other day in the land of thread and needles I looked around and got to work on something new. Now, it's not a new idea and completely different but it's new for me and here it is:

A waterproof changing pad.

It's cute, all rolled up to fit in your diaper bag. When you need it simply unroll:

and you're ready to go.

This one features a soft flannel in an adorable animal print:

and as you can see:

the back is covered with vinyl so it truly is waterproof.

It's machine washable cold though you need to hang it to dry.

With the new CPSIA laws I don't believe the vinyl is allowed. I know oil cloth isn't which was my other choice but I have to research the vinyl issue and see where that gets me. With craft fairs on the calendar and shops I'd like to put some goodies in. . .I'm running out of ideas that will be legal! :(

I CAN make quilts provided I label them and the labeling laws have been eased up upon this week so that's feasible. I MAY also be able to continue burp cloths which is nice since that was a new item I liked even though it didn't seem to be as popular as anticipated.

For now to research my changing pads and see if there's enough interest to look at some options so I don't need to disobey the law and sell illegal items.

A Label a Day. . .

2009-07-15T08:29:00.003-04:00

"The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is a sweeping new law that impacts a broad spectrum of our economy. From manufacturers of toys to the kids that play with them, everyone is affected in some way -- even those who make and donate products to hospitals and charities.

There are new rules to be understood and adopted for everyone from the largest global manufacturer to the crafter working in the family workshop to the mom-and-pop shop on the corner. Indeed, all children’s products including toys, books, child care articles and clothing are covered in different ways by this law, and there are different rules for different products."

The CPSIA has been the equivalent of a dull sewing needle to creators of child's items over the last year or so. Seeking to keep children safe this law is slowing putting people out of business. The little people who are actually considered manufacturers according to the CPSIA website. I never considered myself a manufacturer. I considered myself a hobbiest - the equivelent of Grandma and her knitting needles but soon Grandmom could go to jail for selling her knit stuffed animals at a craft fair. Sad but true.

I can understand the need to crack down on harmful chemicals used in children's products. I actually read in a magazine not to led my son drink from the outside hose because it could contain lead! I grew up drinking from the hose and now I'm supposed to limit the time my son spends in his pool because of lead? Are we over-reacting or finally catching up to where our standards should have been years ago.

I do not understand how this attention to possible dangers has skipped over big companies and come down hard on the little guy. The testing required is expensive and already many shops on Etsy have closed. Come August when new laws come into effect others plan to close as well. It's not like these crafters are out to hurt your children! Handmade items have a special feeling to them and are handed down generation to generation - just don't try to sell Great-Grandmom's quilt to someone . . .you could go to jail. Don't sell any old children's books either.

A list of exempt items has come out and if you stick to it you're permitted to continue selling and donating your items. I've read about labels to show material content being required but that's fine by me . . .well it was until reading something else about what type of label to use because the wrong one could be on the 'illegal materials' list and land me in the slammer.

Slowly crafters everywhere are making sense of these laws and keeping up-to-date on the latest changes. One day you think you're safe and can continue and the next you read something and are ready to pack it all up.

Personally I'm continuing with some things here and there. I know my quilts are okay as long as I stick to that infamous list. My burp cloths. . .I would think the cloths I use in the start are okay since they're made by Gerber but maybe I can get a cert from them to show it. It's so frustrating because reading these laws is enough to make your head feel like it's going to explode.

For now it's back to my morning coffee.

A busy and creative week

2009-07-07T23:38:00.006-04:00

So what's new? Something else for the list of items I can say I make.

Key Fobs!

I'm hoping that a Mom Club I know of will be interested in these. I can put their logo on them and then they can sell them as a fundraiser.

I'm also hoping to make some for a craft show in October that I plan to be in. I got the application today and need to see if it's something I really want to do.

Yes, it is! :) I just wish I were more confident in myself but that will come in time. For now I'm am Artful Mommy on a mission!

It's a holiday so we'll try something NEW!

2009-07-05T23:44:00.002-04:00

So after chatting back and forth with a new friend I(and possibly new woman to work with in selling my creations) I have some new goodies to show off!

Kimono Baby Shoes!

My first attempt wasn't awful but the second and third as shown in the picture are cute. Yeah, go me! :)

Sadly it's almost midnight and after a very busy few days this holiday weekend I need to get to sleep. Even sadder is that I have to clean and such tomorrow so no 'fun' time until Tuesday night when I get home from work. Boo hiss BUT you never know - I may sneak in some time somewhere.

OPENED AGAIN! :)

2009-06-30T17:05:00.003-04:00

I'm am happy to announce that my Etsy shop is officially open again!

It's been WAY too long and I can't believe I haven't been seated at my sewing table for as long as its been...I'm almost embarrassed!

I also redirected www.TheArtfulMommy.com and www.ArtfulMommy.com to my Etsy shop.

Oh happy day! And as far as the shop in New Hope... $12! :) It's so nice to turn a hobby into an income...if only it could become a career. Fingers Crossed.

BACK!

2009-06-23T17:47:00.001-04:00

Finally after what seemed like forever AM is back in business! :) My sewing/spare room is set up for the most part. I need some shelves and such but my sewing area is all there and ready to go so...I'm off to sew! Happy Day!

The Time has Arrived!

2009-05-04T09:20:00.002-04:00

The sad day arrived last week - completely packing up the sewing area in the 'old' home. We'll be starting the official move next week so it's going to be a busy time which means no sewing BUT it also means that when I unpack my notions and such that it will be in the new house in my new sewing room! Oh joy!

On another happy note -I received an email that I have store credit at Simply S.O.T.A. which translates into - I had sale(s). :) Very VERY happy news. I need to stop down there this week to drop off my new burp cloths and cross my fingers on that project idea.

So for now - it's back to packing and painting on this rainy Monday but it doesn't get me down - it's a Happy Day. :)

Busy times ahead

2009-03-19T11:09:00.003-04:00

So the Grand Opening of Simply S.O.T.A. came and went. I of course had to drive down for my own curiosity's sake and was surprised to discover some of my items missing/sold! :) Happy Day. I didn't take pictures as planned since it was crowded and I thought it would be odd to take pictures of customers. Fingers crossed on this voyage. The owner is putting together a program so we, the crafters, can log in and see what sold and what is still in inventory.

I've started a new project because I can never keep on one thing - designer burp cloths.
Someone suggested I try it and it's a fun little project with lots of possibilities. I all ready ordered more fabric for this idea (some cool minky and some toile) and it's set to be delivered tomorrow! :)

Not much else doing - like that isn't enough. Still packing with a settlement date the end of April. Taking care of the men in my life as well as the furry kids. Good times.

Big Day

2009-03-06T00:15:00.003-05:00

So tomorrow is the big day - I meet with the owner of State of the Arts in New Hope about consigning my goodies! I'm excited, nervous and not sure what to expect since I've never done this before. I have my bag of goodies, an inventory list and business cards. I attempted to make a new bag tonight but my head wasn't there 100% and it didn't come out perfect so it's a 'dud' as far as I'm concerned. Good idea but bad conceptualization of the idea. It happens.

So here's to doing new things! And to not losing my voice which I fear may happen by then. :( Ugh, always something. Thankfully there's a Starbucks on Main Street as well. :) YUMS!

Misbehavin'

2009-03-01T22:00:00.003-05:00

I couldn't help myself; I just had to order fabric:

I got my hair done at an amazing salon in Eason, PA - Hair to Dye for. I've been in there a few times and love it! Everyone's amazing and the owner Gwen...she makes my hair very happy. Anyway, I was telling her about my purses and she said we could possibly work something out with me displaying the in her shop!! How amazing is that? So I HAD to get a little more fabric, right? Of course. :)

I've got my meeting at the shop in New Hope on Friday and would like to get a few more things made in time for that. We have a snow storm coming so it looks like tomorrow will be an excellent sit at the sewing table day. :) Whoo hoo.

AC next week makes me smile. I can not wait to get away for a few days. It'll be odd though - no computer. Will I survive? lol

And the big news - we got the house. Yes, I'll have my own sewing room. I can't wait for that one! How amazing will that be?!?

Until then I am exhausted and ready for sleep.

PA Proud

2009-02-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how much talent there is in this state and it's always uplifting to talk to other crafters which is why I joined Handmade in PA.net. The idea of networking with fellow crafters in the area is a great experience. Share ideas, help each other out and have people to chat with who understand your obsession with a full closet of fabric that you never use or a box of notions that you just HAD to buy because they were on sale and you just 'know' you'll use them...eventually.

So where to start? Well, just think of all of the amazing inventions that were PA born!

Bubble Gum
Walter E. Diemer was an accountant for the Fleer Chewing Gum Company who enjoyed experimenting in his spare time. In 1928, while attempting to find a new rubber product, he accidentally invented Bubble Gum. He was only 23 years old! Bubble gum is pink because that is the food coloring that just happened to be there when he was working. I have to admit - how did he realize you could chew it? And what did it originally taste like?

Bifocals
In 1784, Ben Franklin invented bifocals. Ben had poor vision and changing glasses constantly to see far or to read was annoying. So, he cut two pair of glasses in half and put half of each in one frame. This was a great time saver for him. After all, one of his famous sayings is “But dost thou love Life, then do not squander Time, for that’s the stuff life is made of.” I honestly recall learning about this event in school which being a school in Philadelphia we spend a lot of time on Ben and his inventions. I also spent many hours at the Franklin Institute. Oddly enough I also spent many hours at Franklin Mills Mall but never bought glasses, isn't that ironic.

Slinky
This amazing toy was invented in 1943 by Richard James. He got the idea for it while working on a spring that would keep a ship’s instruments steady. At first, it was made near Philadelphia but soon moved to Hollidaysburg, PA where it continues to be manufactured today. I think everyone's had a slinky at one time or another. I had a few, the first being the original metal one. After straightening that one my parents got me a plastic version...it just wasn't the same.

Pencil with Eraser
Hyman L. Lipman of Philadelphia gets credit for inventing the pencil with an attached eraser in 1858. Amazing that such an obvious thing was neglected for so many years after pencils were first made. I tried to get an exact date but it looks like the first pencils were made in the mid 1500's so think of those poor children doing math for 300 years without an eraser!

Crayola Crayons
Edward Binney and Harold Smith shared a long history of color related improvements to products before they improved industrial marking crayons for use by school children. The first box of eight Crayola Crayons came on the market in 1903. I personally LOVE the smell of a new box of crayons and visit The Crayola Factory monthly with my son. Upon our visit we always get a new box of crayons...just the small original box of 8 colors because there's nothing like a new box of crayons.

Soda Pop
Townsend Speakman was working as a druggist in Philadelphia in 1807. While many people liked drinking Priestly’s carbonated water because of the healthy benefits it claimed, most people did not like the taste. So, Speakman added a few ingredients like fruit flavors to make the drink tasty. The first soda was the Nephite Julep. Coca-Cola was invented in 1886 by the way...

Big Mac
The Big Mac became part of MacDonald’s menu in 1968. It was the creation of Jim Delligatti who operated a dozen stores in Pittsburgh in the late 1960s. Let all arteries rejoice over this one.

The Ferris Wheel
The Ferris wheel was one of the most incredible feats of engineering of the nineteenth century. George Ferris built it for the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 to be held in Chicago. This structure was meant to rival the Eiffel Tower, which was built four years earlier. The original structure weighed 2,079,884 pounds. It eventually was dismantled and moved to St Louis for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904. Unfortunately, the original Ferris wheel was destroyed in 1906, after no one took ownership of it.

How can you not be proud to know that bubble gum and ferris wheels come from Pennsylvania?!!? And as for Crayons...I've been to Crayola Factory many MANY times with my little guy and that was one of my favorite parts of living in the Lehigh Valley when I first relocated to this area. All of these people and all of these everyday items that just 'happened' to come about right here in PA.

Sometimes inspiration just happens; you're sitting at your machine, fabric in hand and a few hours later you're holding a purse (which is what happened with me this evening). Sometimes you sit and plan and draw and plot and come up with something incredible and amazing. Either way you never should doubt yourself or your ideas - just go with it. Just think if someone had laughed at Hyman Lipman!? Math class would have been a horrid experience without the aid of my pink pearl.

During the PA Proud promotion I'll be one of the Handmade in PA shops featuring FREE SHIPPING for any customers in North America! To those overseas interested. . .I have to see how much shipping will be. Just specify in the 'notes to the seller' - HANDMADE IN PA FREE SHIPPING so I can send you a revised invoice. Promotion ends MARCH 2nd so don't delay!

Please check out these other Handmade in PA blogs. On each of these blogs, you can find out other great reasons to be PA Proud. You can also find out how to get a great deal in each of their shops - now through Monday, March 2nd!

Tara from typOH - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Kristen from WatersGirls - Enjoy 30% off your purchase!

Melissa from SqrlBee - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Koco from MissKoco - Get a FREE lavender sachet with your purchase!

Lynn from UnaOdd - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Rosie from RosiesWhimsy - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Kerry from ALittleSparkle - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Marissa from MarissaJoannaRojas, MJRojasPhoto, and YayforFidgetArt - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Dana from WiredDesign - Get a single FREE "Never Enough" Sterling Silver stacking ring with your purchase!

Kimberly from ChezSucreChez- Enjoy 10% off all items in her shop!

Sarah from SweetSallysSoaps - Get 3 bars of handcrafted soap for $15!

Melanie from SpreadtheLove - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Erin from Ruju - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Hillary from Antebelle - Enjoy FREE Shipping!

Emily from disCARDS - Enjoy FREE Shipping on orders over $5!

Mommy's got a brand new bag. . .or two!

2009-02-27T21:12:00.006-05:00

It's been a busy 24 hours! I got two new bags done and I'm quite pleased with myself.

First is the Eliza Bag. I had My Fair Lady in my head for some reason and the swirls on the fabric reminded me of a dress she wore. I should post some interior pics. I've got an interior pockets for a cell/stuff and pens. I also added a magnetic closure.

I finished that one at 1am. I was determined to finish it.

Around 2pm today I decided I needed to use some of the fabulous new material I had gotten and got to work on something new. . .the Jenny Bag. I thought of a friend of mine with the skull pattern on this material though she has no clue I named it for her. I should probably let her know but I'll wait until she lets me know what she thinks of it first. (Update - she likes it :) )

And the interior:

I added an interior pocket and of course you can see my label! :)

So it's been a busy few days trying to keep my mind off of the house situation. We bid, the countered and we countered back...now we wait. Actually they countered our counter counter. UGH! I hate playing games.

Oh my, Oh me!

2009-02-26T21:15:00.002-05:00

So on March 6th I have an appointment with the owner of a shop in New Hope about consigning some of my crafts. I'm excited and nervous. I consider these 'crafts' just that - my little crafts, fun passings of time and the thought of them being in an actual shop. OH MY! How awesome and amazing is that? I have so many questions and no clue what to do but overall - I'm psyched.

I also need to get to work. I sat at the machine for an hour today not accomplishing anything. How sad....I need to play tonight. I need to play NOW!

I've been featured on a blog!!

2009-02-23T22:02:00.002-05:00

Many thanks out to WatersGirls on etsy!

I received an unexpected convo from her today that I was to be featured in her new series at her blog!

She's a fellow Handmade in PA Etsy Street Team member which is very cool. I've gotten a lot more involved in the PA Crafter groups lately in hopes of making myself a little more known - not a bad thing.

So check out Kristen's shop - WatersGirls and dont' forget to check out mine as well though I've been busy with packing and house hunting lately. I can not WAIT until we find one, bid, win, move and get settled because I'll have my own sewing room! :)

Until then . . . little by little and day by day we'll see what I can come up with.

Big things and change. . .

2009-02-06T10:49:00.003-05:00

I've been added to a handmade listing website!

Thank you to Dream Mist Crafts for including me on her website! More traffic is always a plus!

On another note: I started packaging products last night since I received my labels and bag toppers yesterday. HURRAY!

And finally the house hunting may be almost over. We found one we love and have a few more to check out today but if we don't find anything we'll be putting a bid in on the one from yesterday! It's not what I thought I wanted but it gives me warm fuzzys. Can't beat that warm fuzzy feeling.

Work work work

2009-02-05T06:17:00.005-05:00

So it's been a busy day - I managed to list the start of my destash supplies on the shop. I've gotten views and one person marking my post so we'll see. Sad part is that I all ready spent the money - I found someone selling some amazing fabrics.

I designed a new avatar:

and also this one:

But now, at almost 6:30am I think THIS is the new avatar:

I'm still waiting on my labels and such. I'm guessing tomorrow will be the day.

For now, it's after 6am and I should get to bed at some point.

Busy Busy as a Bee

2009-01-28T18:17:00.008-05:00

This is my new favorite print and why I LOVE Alexander Henry!
I've got new fabrics coming too!!!

AND. . .a new purse. You'll recognize the fabric, thus the reason I ordered more. . .I LOVE IT. I found it in a bin at the craft/fabric store and now I love this fabric manufacturer.

Isn't it sweet? I have just enough left for another purse like this or possibly a wallet which a friend requested that I make for her. I found a few patterns online so we'll see what I can do - either way I'll have more of this print next week! Fun stuff!

New Item!

2009-01-26T11:09:00.002-05:00

Business Card Holders! :) In a rather cool print by Alexander Henry.

More goodies

2009-01-24T15:56:00.003-05:00

Bag toppers!! :)
I'm on a roll!!!

Productive Day

2009-01-22T16:09:00.005-05:00

So I'm working on products and today my focus is coffee/tea cup holders. They're cute, you can insert a photo to personalize them. I think it's a nice touch. Not sure about anything else to pretty them up. I have one sewn and almost done, another pinned and another in pieces. I planned to make 4 but miscounted somewhere in my haste. Once I finish one I'll decide how many more to make. I need to order bags for them yet. UPDATE - I ordered bags! Not too expensive and they'll be delivered TOMORROW! The place is only a few hours away so they'll ship out today. Sweet. They were on sale so basically shipping was free. AND the bags will fit these AND the business card holders...good thing since they come in a box of 1000!!! OH MY.

I DID finalize a label too!

I like it and I'm ordering them today. I also wanted to get a smaller ribbon label with just AM on it but we'll see. One thing at a time.

Much done today and it's only a little after 4pm. I love days like this....oh and that laundry...um....I'll get to it eventually.

Break's over ~ Now Back to Work!

2009-01-22T13:41:00.003-05:00

So after a hiatus and thought period I finally have my sewing table setup and full of 'stuff'. I love it. I could sit for hours upon end creating. Thankfully I have a 3 year old who is fine with that. . .as well as a hubby who doesn't mind either. lol I AM getting laundry done and WILL take breaks to sweep/clean the house today.

I have my 'schedule' of production so we'll see how well that goes. I started all ready so I'm a few weeks ahead of schedule - not too shabby.

The recent uproar with the CPSIA changed a few product ideas but a recent letter from the Committee on Energy and Commerce may help us 'little people'. We shall see. Fingers and needles crossed. :)

For now....a laundry break.

There is hope for the 'little' people!

2009-01-21T14:23:00.002-05:00

THE letter that may help save the 'little' people. Click to read it. . .

Today's Craft ~ Tomorrow's Contraband

2009-01-15T17:24:00.001-05:00

As a crafter/artisan I'm worried about the future. I make purses, quilts, pillowcase dresses and other such little odds and ends. Come next month my quilts and any other items I create for those under the age of 12 will be considered contraband. WHAT? Yes, indeed. Come February new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will be enforced. Beginning February 10, 2009, children’s products cannot be sold if they contain more than 600 parts per million (ppm) total lead. Certain children’s products manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 cannot be sold if they contain more than 0.1% of certain specific phthalates or if they fail to meet new mandatory standards for toys.

Okay, you'd think that as a stay-at-home mom the little things I make would be safe. My sewing machine doesn't inject the crafts with lead as I sew the seams. There are no harmful chemicals in the thread I use.

The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children’s products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban. Sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.

The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties. It makes sense then, if you knowingly sell something toxic you'll be fined. No problem BUT.. .

What if you sell something unknowingly? Products made for children are tested. . .what if someone makes a pair of gloves for an adult. The yard need not be tested BUT if the adult wants a pair for their child then the yard DOES need to be tested. What if the parent puts their gloves on the child? Then there's apparently no problem. Huh? Yes, it's situations like that going through my mind causing migraines.

Inadvertently, this law was written too broadly and affects not only imported children's toys, but also handmade items, electronics and CDs, clothing, and accessories, as well as children's books and school textbooks that are made in the USA.

As the law currently stands, the libraries and schools would need to test all current inventory of books in the library and all textbooks. How much would that cost? Probably enough to cause the libraries to close off their children's sections. How sad is that?

As for the handmade items, crafters and small business owners would be required to test their finished products, even though the products have been made with already tested and safe materials. Is this possible? For many - no. If you make one of a kind creations EACH ONE would have to be tested. Who can afford that? The cost of the testing would make it no longer feasible to even sell an item, as so few are made, many being one-of-a-kind items. I would no longer be able to legally sell my handmade products for children. My pillowcase dresses would become hazardous materials!

Thankfully, the CPSC has exempted resale and thrift shops from having to test their inventory for lead. However, the exemption is still ambiguous and still puts the resale shops liable if they even unknowingly sell an item that does not fall within the safe lead limit. Other retailers, though, would have to pull all of their current children's inventory as of February 10th if the item has not been previously tested, certified, and labeled. What if I give my sister-in-law or a friend some of my son's old clothing? Nope, can't do that . . . we'll have to start an underground black market for children's items.

It's a frightening thing. I can understand doing the most to protect our future/our children BUT sometimes laws and regulations do not make much sense. This one, while it means well, is going to cause more harm that good. Many crafters on Etsy and Ebay will go out of business. Smaller children's boutiques will close. No more selling children's items (for children under 12 years of age) at garage sales!

I may have a table at a show next month and have the opportunity to sell my items at a shop in New Hope! Now, well...so much for children's items. The best part is that MANY people don't even know this is happening! If you're on a craft site it's all over the forums but the general public has no idea. Will there be a rash of arrests this summer when police do drive-by's at garage sales looking for illegal items?

If you're interested in knowing more about this check out the CPSC website.

Happy New Year

2009-01-13T19:02:00.003-05:00

So the holidays are over and it's back to work. I'm looking forward to it. I'm going to try new things and see what I can do. One is to see about selling my items at a shop in New Hope. March won't come soon enough. Currently my sewing area is still occupied by the Christmas Tree. I've asked Hubby to bring the boxes down from the attic but since he hasn't...the stuff is still up...or all sitting in the front room. Here's to 2009!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-19T16:56:00.002-05:00

So the holidays are upon us. My sewing cabinet is neatly put aside with the Christmas Tree in its usual spot in the front room. It's sad to have to take the holidays off but it's a break that is needed since things are always busy around this time of year. Once the holidays are over it's back to work. No birthdays and such to occupy my mind and since the weather's still cold we'll be indoors rather than out at the park and such.

I received my December Little Black Box today. I love it. It's a little box of surprises. . .a Christmas present to myself. Soaps, earrings, mirrors, trinkets, etc. . .cute little treats.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

Oh the wonderful world of a stay-at-home-mom

2008-12-01T13:00:00.002-05:00

People always think that a stay-at-home-mom has so SO much free-time. Between the little man's birthday and the holiday season starting I haven't had any time to do crafts for a while now! It's so sad! My sewing machine always gets packed away for Christmas since it's in the area where our tree goes. I think I may need to find a new spot though so I can 'play' throughout the holiday season. I've been looking for fast and fun projects I can complete in a day or two. We'll see. . .I DID manage to start a new patchwork quilt last week. I've spend the last few WEEKS cutting the squares so now the fun part begins. . . for now though I'm being requested - someone went pee pee on the potty. YEAH!!! :)

More more more

2008-10-08T21:57:00.001-04:00

So after the one was finished I went to work on more. I still need to stitch them but the hard part is over and I have quite a few cute cards to show for it. What do I do with them though? Add them to the shop? Use them as giveaways to promote the shop? A little of both? I'm waiting for feedback so we'll see if people even think they're cute. I do but I'm biased. :)

Something New!

2008-10-08T20:47:00.002-04:00

So I decided to try something new for the shop - cards.

I love to scrapbook (when I make the time) and I love to sew/quilt so I combined the two and ended up with this:

A Sunbonnet Sue applique card! I posted it on Etsy.com in the forums to see if I could get a little feedback. I think it's cute but you never know - I come up with some off things at times and this could be one of them. On the other hand I may have found my 'thing'. That would be cool.

I'm going to make more 'things'. :)

Getting your name out there

2008-10-01T12:30:00.005-04:00

Advertising is important - no kidding. You need to get your name and info out there so people know that you're around! There are SOOO many people out there it's very easy to get lost in it all. . .thus the reason why I have my shop on Etsy, this blog and my website domain The Artful Mommy.

Sometimes you can find good people to help you out. Jocelyn @ The Little Love Bug @ Etsy kindly offered to send out my cards with her packages! Thank you to her and I hope she likes the Halloween Business Card holder from my shop that I sent along for her troubles and kindness. Only 1 left in stock!

Another amazing crafter is actually offering free earrings from her shop for bloggers who blog about her. IF I can get 10 people to click on the link to her shop I get a pair of really cool earrings! Actually, if I don't I may just have to buy a pair because they're really nice. Distinction Jewelry also has jewelry for lawyers (and other professionals). I love that! What to get my cousin for Christmas? She's a lawyer so I'll be looking through this category in another few weeks. This is a very talented jeweler! Check out this mobius ring! AND FREE SHIPPING! I think I really need these earrings. HINT HINT :)

So we'll see how things go with getting my info out there a bit while helping others at the same time. Fingers crossed and sewing machine ready -

TheArtfulMommy.com is LIVE

2008-10-01T01:53:00.002-04:00

I just sat here for the last 4-5 hours working on the site. There's not much to it but I kept playing around with the layout and such and finally came up with something I like. . .until I change my mind. :)

Enjoy!
The Artful Mommy

Where HAVE I been?

2008-09-30T16:42:00.003-04:00

It's always a shame when life gets a little out of control and you don't have time for 'fun' stuff. Sadly I've been in that situation for a few weeks. BUT, I'm back and I DO have crafts to show for it. I need to upload pics/descriptions to Etsy tonight. AND tomorrow being Oct 1st I need to get my PINK on! That snuck up on me.

I've joined Indiepublic

So here's to Fall, new crafts and all good things that come along!

Keepin' Crafty

2008-09-12T21:48:00.003-04:00

I need to take some pictures of the new works from the machine but it's been a very productive few days. I've made a few quilted trivets. It's a cool folded fabric pattern. I also made another halloween tote bag but a smaller one for the little ones to carry. I used my fav glow-in-the-dark thread again and this time did a zig-zag stitch on the handles that looks really cool - I just wish I could get a decent photo of the glow.

Oh! It's official ~ I'm a member of the Etsymom Street Team! Whoo hoo

Mama's got a brand new bag!

2008-09-10T21:53:00.002-04:00

Actually it's a tote and technically it's for kids or the kids in all of us! :)

A new halloween tote is available in the shop! Complete with glow-in-the-dark thread along the top hem. It's pretty nifty if you ask me but then again, I'm biased. :)

It's a banner day!

2008-09-10T11:27:00.004-04:00

Well, it was - I created a new banner for the shop.

Out with the old:

And in with the new:

Now to work on that darn trivet and finish it today! And the Halloween Totes...with. . .GLOW IN THE DARK THREAD! How cool is that! Granted most chidren trick-or-treat during daylight hours (not where i grew up but where I am now it's only from 6-8 - boring!)...but it's a nifty feature to offer. We shall see.

Go Pink!

2008-09-09T11:39:00.002-04:00

I'm adding a new section to my Etsy shop ~ Check out Go Pink! coming soon). October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of this a half of all sales from Go Pink! will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization!

I'll also be adding a Halloween Go Green! section with fabric goodie bags! They're in the works as well - there's always something going on! :)

Today's rainy weather means an indoor movie day for myself and the little man - perfect for working on crafts together!

After the rain stops and the sun comes back shining. . .

2008-09-08T09:50:00.003-04:00

Weekends are always hectic for me - I hang out at a friend's restaurant helping where I can, hubby's home so we have 'family' time, and there's always mom/wife things to be done.

I stopped at a quilt shop yesterday and got some cute halloween fabrics for an idea I have - shhh, it's a secret. I also got into for the 6th Annual Shop Hop. 15 quilt shops in the area are hosting it and it starts in November. It sounds like fun and there will be a drawing for those who go to all 16 shops! I could win a new machine or even a $600 shopping spree! WHOO HOO! I'm so there! And there and there and everywhere.

In an attempt to get more traffic to my shop I signed up for Link Referral.com. I seem to have gotten more visitors and so far even one review - we'll see.

I have a few halloween ideas in mind as well as little crafts. I hope to finish something today so I can update the shop. I'd like to add new items every couple of days - I lucked out week one but having so much so quickly.

We'll see what today brings. I'm heading to the craft store with a coupon later so maybe I'll find more good stuff.

September is National Sewing Month ~ Get Your Stitch On!

2008-09-05T12:21:00.002-04:00

Well aren't we the crafty type. . .

2008-09-05T10:25:00.002-04:00

So last night I did it. . .finished a little zipper pouch to match the one bag as well as two little totes. They're rather cute and are all up on the shop now! HURRAY!!!

I have no patience

2008-09-04T20:37:00.005-04:00

I decided to start the listings for the two bags I've completed. I figured I could list and not publish them having forgotten that they automatically go up. . .oh well. So much for waiting until I have a decent inventory. I need to get to work.

And you need to look at my shop!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
ArtfulMommy.etsy.com

Finished!

2008-09-04T17:09:00.002-04:00

So my tote bag of evil is done. It literally almost cost me a finger! lol It's a nice size though I'm wondering if it needs a zipper or at least a snap on the top. Ehh, this one is DONE. There's always the next one.

Presenting my Luke Tote named after the ER I had to visit due to it. lol

I loved this fabric from the moment I saw it and actually made a dress though I never got it to fit right. . . I need to work on clothes more, watching Project Runway doesn't teach much as far as how-to. Speaking of PR. . .the blue gown and jacket that won - beautiful! That girl is good!! One day. . until then I'll make my bags. :)

New Project ~ New Adventure

2008-09-03T22:45:00.003-04:00

So I started my 2nd project ~ a tote bag! It's looking cute and I thought a piece of cardbord would be a nice touch to stabilize the bottom. . .well the rotary cutter blade didn't do great on the cardboard BUT it cut right threw my finger. OUCH! After trying to take care of it myself with liquid bandage and crazy glue. . .I told the hubby that I had a 'problem'.

So we took a trip to the ER and after almost 2 hours I walked out with 2 stitches.

So much for finishing it tonight. . .my finger's sore. :(

I literally put blood, sweat and tears into my work!!!

HURRAY! My first purse is done!

2008-09-03T10:27:00.003-04:00

So it's finished! :) My cute little pouch purse. Not too bad and a rather nice OOAK piece! :)

Now to get a few more pieces done before I put them on etsy. . .I'm so excited though! I want to post this one up NOW!!!

Blog, Store, and a Website. . .now we're getting somewhere!

2008-09-02T20:28:00.003-04:00

So last night I had the thought to start this blog.

Then I decided to start the store on etsy. http://artfulmommy.etsy.com/

Now I have a website also. http://www.artfulmommy.com/ and http://www.theartfulmommy.com/ . There's nothing on there yet but it's my new home on the net. :)

I also got business cards for another 'job' and decided to get some for this 'hobby' as well. May as well go all the way with it. I hate doing things half ahhh, you know what I mean.

I really have to finish that purse still.

Loop Turner. . .that's what it's called!

2008-09-02T17:21:00.004-04:00

So for my first craft I'm making a purse. Very simple pouch purse with a zipper on the back. I used various flannels in similiar prints and ended up with a rather cute little purse. The strap on the other hand was a PITA. For over an hour I sat trying to turn this strip of fabric right side out and finally after many Many MANY attempts I tossed it and went for a simple fold/sew strap. The result is a dainty little strap for a dainty little purse. I just need to sew it onto the rings and then sew the button on for some flair. :) Pictures to come. . .

And it's less than $5! http://www.createforless.com/Dritz+Loop+Turner+10+1/2/pid14053.aspx

Here we go. . .

2008-09-02T00:44:00.000-04:00

My sewing machine's been collecting dust lately and it's sad. I have a dress on the dressform waiting to be fitted and finished. I have patterns galore and I have fabric in BOXES hidden behind my sewing cabinet.

Arriving home from Lancaster (Amish Country) I'm inspired to get back into some seriously crafts & quilting. One woman told me that it took her 9 months to finish the most amazing quilt I've ever seen. I've been working on a patchwork quilt for over a year now. . .

So my plan is to get to work and my goal is to sell my pieces. The holidays are coming - we'll see.