A new season

 Why hello again✨️ Yes, I've been on hiatus for over a year. The reason why will be explained, but I do ask people be respectful. I'm not doing blogs or crafts for profit. This is a hobby of mine. If you don't enjoy s hobby, don't do it - simple as that.

I had a busy, overwhelming and unpredictable past 2 years. The first issue that arose was: I was diagnosed with chronic migraines. I'm as surprised as you are! A new physician she'd light on that fact what I was experiencing was not normal. Over a year with a specialist and it's a whole new world for me! You can not cure migraines but you can find what helps reduce them. 

Howl & Sophie

We also experienced loss over the past few years. We said goodbye to our first pet we ever adopted, Sophie. A year later, our first dog went. And then in 2023, in the comfort of our home, we said goodbye to Howl. Our beloved trio, whom we grew up with, went one after another. To honor them we continue to donate to shelters and pet rescues in our area.

Sam & Ruby

We have adopted two more rescue kitties!💗 When Howl was still active, we adopted Sam. And orange tabby brought to a shelter by a good samaritan. He arrived with both eyes but the clinic felt one eye was too unhealthy. I met Sam when he had a shaved face and stitches. But that didn't dull his sweet and friendly personality. Before Howl passed, we adopted Ruby. She was a kitten with very long whiskers and a shy personality. They are now a bonded pair and nap, play and explore together.

In the coming new year I plan to post more often. I'd like to share my projects and passions! So you will see more of my costume photos, dress up seasonal photos, projects I've completed or are in progress and just daily life. 

You can find me on Ibstagram and Facebook, both are: CraftinessbyB 

🐝See you again soon!

 

A new look, new passion

Hello everyone! After yet another year of 'ye olde plague' I thought we'd perhaps get back to what we love: crafting, sewing & all things enjoyable! 🌟 I really sat down and mulled over what I wanted to do with my blog, my Etsy shop and my Instagram. I've decided to combine a few things I genuinely enjoy and love into one. So it's going to be fun, magical, a bit seasonal (such as celebrating solstice's) and some fun wizard/witchy themed crafts!

To celebrate a new look on what I want to offer here, I have designed a new logo and banner. These are my own photos as I do have a photography page in Instagram as well (see my side bar for link). I share all things pets, love of nature and dressing up. I think we deserve to make each day a little magical in whatever way we can. So stay tuned for not only crafting DIY but so much more (including collabs) 🔮

My old images and my new images (2022)

Goodbye dumpster fire, hello 2021!

 Let us forge ahead into this new year! We will never forget you, oh 'Year of the Dumpster Fire' (2020)

look at this cute little dumpster fire (from boxlunch.com)

It was a year of struggles, unknowns and so much more. As this year has begun and spring is arriving, most people feel a fresh start is in order. I will be adding and selling much more vintage items in my Etsy shop (you can visit my Etsy HERE). Many authentic items such as hats, scarves, soon to be listed clothing and much more! I have gathered these wonderful items over the past 3 years and am happy to offer them in my online shop. 

scarves bundle already listed!

red wool hat

real mink fur hat

Also now in my Etsy shop are N E W bundles! To make buying prices affordable for some items I have simply put a few in bundles. Bundles let you buy multiples at a discount and reduce shipping costs for you, the customer. I will be offering more bundles as the years goes forward ~ so visit my shop to stay up to date!

hearts wooden lollipops bundles

My newest sewing ventures have been a mix of several things. I am finishing a handmade kimono coat for my spouse. It was meant to be a gift but it's taken sometime to complete. I have made a lining and the outer coat along with a separate collar. It's been a little tricky as I used cotton for the outer coat and a jersey knit for the lining. I have been in the mood to sew some items I've just never made before. From aprons to new dresses, I have patterns galore to pick from! If you visit my Instagram (follow me HERE) you can see videos and updates on crafty projects. 

All in all 2021 is certainly feeling more leveled and less stressful. I hope everyone has been taking care of themselves, their health and reducing stress. Go for walks, enjoy quiet time reading, put on a funny show ~ do whatever helps you feel happy! Be sure to pop on over to my Etsy shop to make purchases or request custom orders. And if you want to interact try my Instagram page where I am on every few days each week. 

A FREE face mask pattern, Vintage, Ramadan greetings

Spring has arrived... sort of. The weather going from winter to spring was a real roller coaster this year. We had days of very warm weather and then it would snow over night! Flowers often felt so much stress fro this they didn't do so well. Some trees (like my weeping cherry blossom) bloomed very early. I still will decorate my tree for May Day coming up in the next week, even if the blossoms have already fallen off.

my Ostara decor this year was in egg shells 

daffodils in my yard

my cherry blossom tree (and my BerthaBee Photography) 

As we all have found, this year did not start smoothly. The global pandemic that is COVID-19 has taken hold of the entire nation. Places have had to close their doors for service temporarily to keep with state laws being enacted. I closed my online Etsy shop before Ostara (Easter) because our state began a stay-at-home order. I wasn't entirely sure if I'd be able to sell items during this time but it seems we can safely do so. I think in May I will re-open my shop because I have new items to offer. But for now to pass the time and help communities ~ I have a FREE face mask pattern for you!

just print this image OR draw it on paper for a pattern!

I have been sewing 2 styles of face masks: the above curved shape face mask and the folded (I call it accordion) face mask. The above pattern is fairly easy to copy by hand and cut out. The angled middle of the mask covers your nose. You can use just 2 cut pieces of fabric for it and I showed how to add the ear loops. If you can not fold under the edges to sew, you can use what is called bias tape. It is fabric and is pre-folded to cover raw edges and is very simple to work with and sew on. I did not feel it was right to sew and sell masks during such a health crisis. And many people can not spare the extra money to buy a mask, pay for shipping and wait for it's arrival. That's why I offer the above pattern, which - you can easily find similar and more variety of free patterns online too!

some folded style masks for family

As for my shop online, I will be offering a new section soon. It will include authentic, true vintage items for sale. I have several hats, some beautiful hand embroiderer aprons, some sewing patterns from the 1970s and 1980s and more! Here are just some of the hats (one being real fur) that I will be listing. All items will include shipping cost to make it easier for buyers & as always, they come from a smoke-free home.

a red wool hat that will be for sale

a stack of vintage hats!

And I also wanted to wish my many friends & followers who observe it, may you have a Happy Ramadan 🌙 Each year I love making greeting cards for some of my friends for Ramadan, so I hope to again send some out this year!

Ramadan Kareem! 

New look, new year!

Hello and welcome back to my blog! Notice anything new? It's the new and improved image and designs.

old logo

new logo

I felt since last year I wasn't up for writing much, I could resume it this year. I also plan on sharing more details about items for sale in my Etsy shop. I am expanding what is offered in my shop to include more upcycled clothing, customized orders and vintage finds. I have found beautiful vintage patterns over the past year and plan to sell several of them. I also happened upon some wonderful vintage clothing I'd like to sell. 

So while I get things set up and new listings available, be sure to visit what I currently offer in my shop. And if you enjoy social media come find me online with my Facebook page and Instagram pages!