My New Toy

I've been looking for a serger on craigslist for quite some time. I didn't want to buy one new 1) because I'm short on cash and 2) I've never used one and didn't want to break the bank on a starter machine. So I found this beauty on craigslist for $50! I bought it from a sewing machine repair man, so it was just serviced and *should* run like new. I say *should* because I haven't had the guts to start her up yet. I'm just a tad intimidated by all of the spools of thread, needles and threading sequence. I'll probably wait to tinker with her until after, yep you guessed it, the craft show! Hopefully then I will have a little more time on my hands. 

This purchase was a double bonus though, as after chatting with the seller for a bit, I discovered that he may be interested in trading me an embroidery machine for my 110 gal fish tank! What a happy day that would be! 

Mmmm, symmetry

Something about symmetry and straight lines just makes my heart smile. I think that's part of the reason that I enjoy making these crayon caddies so much. I'm very particular about making each line perfectly parallel and my stitching nice and straight. I just love the look of all of these crayon caddies all piled up in their symmetrical goodness. I'm sure all of the yummy fabric colors lend to my admiration a bit as well. These are just a few of the crayon caddies that I've been working on for the upcoming craft show. I'm hoping to have at least 30 of these beauties to display, as they are by far my best sellers.

Craft Show Flier

Yes, it's another craft show post! This show is consuming all of my free time right now, since it's less than a month away.  I just received the official flier for the show and thought I would show it off, because I think it's just so cute! 

This is the 26th annual year for this show, so it has a pretty good following. I'm super, super excited, and am actually starting to get a little nervous. This being only my third show, I'm wondering how I will measure up to the crafters who have been doing this for years. Luckily, my craft show buddy, Monica will be sitting at the booth right next to me so I won't be lonely. I'm hoping this show will be a huge success so I can purchase more fabric and some much needed shelving and supplies. 

Had to Share

I found the cutest shop on etsy a while back and just ran across it again today. StarShineGallery sells the most adorable sculptures and paintings, and I just had to share my new favorite! Below is her rendition of Mona Lisa, but instead of staying true to the original masterpiece, she decided to clobber her with a cream pie! Priceless! I'm hoping she will offer a print of the original in the near future!

A Quick, Fun Tute!

I started saving wine corks way back when Hubby and I moved into our first house, almost 5 years ago (wow!) I knew way back then that I wanted to make a message board or a trivet with them, and I finally got around to it! It's super simple, so I thought I'd add a few photos of how I did it. 

Materials needed:

- Enough wine corks to make a message board or 

trivet in desired size (I used 18.) If you like wine, maybe you will acquire them faster than I did. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure you can get them at a craft store.

- Glue gun

- Glue

I recommend laying out your corks ahead of time to make sure they all lay nicely together. I chose a basket weave design, but by all means, get creative!

Glue them together in sets of two with a small bead of glue

Then, glue all of your sets together and your done! See, I told you it was quick and easy. Now go drink some wine and start your stash! 

I've been featured!

I recently had the privilege of being featured on a fellow etsian's blog! Leigh, over at picsbyleigh.blogspot.com wrote up a fantastic post featuring my baby leg warmers and had some truly wonderful things to say about my shop. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Leigh! 

While I've got your attention, make sure to stop by her shop to check out her amazing original paintings, prints, photographs and other pieces of hand crafted art like the one below! 

The Flu Bug Bites Early

Earlier this week, much to my dismay, (and I'm sure hers too) my daughter's nose started running. I knew I was in trouble, because I get sick very easily, so I immediately started taking vitamins and drinking more tea. Unfortunately, my best attempts to ward off the evil flu bug that was coming out of my daughter's pores was unsuccessful.  I found myself sore and lethargic only one day after my daughter fell ill with this nasty bug. Another day later, Hubby followed suit. 

So what is a crafty mc-crafter to do? The thing she does best of course, sew something! To ease our aching bodies I whipped up a rice filled hot/cold pack. It took me all of 5 minutes to make and is definitely worth its weight in gold! Aside from lots of tylenol and sleep, this was a life saver when it came to soothing aching muscles. Here it is in all its glory, not perfect aesthetically, but it does the job and that's all that really matters when the flu bug bites.

Craft Show

As mentioned in my previous post, I'm preparing for an upcoming craft show in November. I've been sewing and crocheting my fingers to the bone trying to get ready for the show, and sometimes still think I don't have enough things to bring with me. 

I have one more month to build up what I think is sufficient inventory for the show, so I've given myself strict goals to meet each week. Since my Crayon Caddies have been selling like hot cakes lately, they are the first order of business. I have a goal of three per day (hopefully more granted Little Miss permits it) and once I've made enough of those I'll strive to make 2 hats per day. I'm also going to try to make a few headbands and blankets to sell along with everything else I already have. I guess I should get off my butt and start sewing! I just realized how much I have to do! Whew! 

Here's the info for the show. If you're in the area, stop by and show some love! 

When

Nov 8, 2008 (Saturday)

Where

1315 W. Lake Street (map)

Bartlett, IL 60103

New Crayon Caddies

Here are a few new crayon caddies that I've created in the past few days. I'm preparing for a craft show in November, so you'll be seeing a lot more of these in the coming months. These make perfect gifts for Christmas or any other occasion for a child who loves to color - and what child doesn't? I will be adding these to my shop over the next few days, so check back often! If you're interested in a particular one that isn't listed yet, feel free to contact me and I will make a reserved listing for you.