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. 

Summer projects

It's hot... it's humid... I'm melting away! So what does one do when it's hot, humid and every time you step outside you sweat away 3 pounds?! Why, indoor projects!

I'm working on some little things here and there. I do have a large sewing project I want to tackle but haven't had the room or time for it yet. You want to know why?

Izzy the dog

The reason I can't pull out my huge table to cut fabric on is because - I'm pet sitting! Above is a picture of Izzy, a terrier mix. I am also watching a big ole boy named Willie, along with my own dog (and two cats). My cats out weigh the smaller dog, and they aren't afraid to let her know this (with various forms of hissing). So basically I can't do much with a full house here. 

But I have done a few little projects I'd been wanting to do. I love to put a decoration on our front door each season or holiday. So for summer, I wanted something rustic and a little farm-ish in style. I found these lovely chicken wire, metal letters at JoAnn Fabrics on sale two weeks ago. I picked one out, picked some ribbon and faux flowers and went to town. It made for a nice afternoon project while stuck indoors avoiding the heat outside. 

Don't be intimidated by the above finished piece! You honestly can pick up supplies for under $15 and play around to get something you love. I sometimes use reference photos I see online, otherwise I just let my creativity flow. To hold everything on the wired letter, I used old bread twist ties (since I have a surplus of them). 

I'm also making things for my shop on Etsy. Check it out for what I have up for sale, because these will be listed shortly. I figured with extra doggies around, I could make dog bandannas! Here is the small sized, which I have 2 finished now (different fabrics). The bandanna slips onto the dogs own collar, so no need to tie it on. I use dog bandannas on my own dog all the time. I use it for visibility, since he is medium sized and almost complete tan in color. I also use it for spraying bug spray onto the fabric, instead of the dogs skin. 

my model Izzy, in the fashionable heart print bandanna 

So for summer, it's little things and projects. I'm also already playing with yarn for future winter things. Because... reasons. Because we are all secretly longing for a break from the heat (am I right?!)

What I'm working on

Sorry I haven't shared anything for a while! I get busy, start new things and have twice weekly stuff to attend. Somehow in all this I manage to start some new work for my crafty shop.

Felt charms, in the works!

I made a charm for my purse, ever since I get compliments and questions. So I decided to make a few charms that I will sell in my etsy shop. They are inspired by some favorite animated films ~ I hope you recognize them! 

Can you guess who it is?

We are also getting ready for some Halloween fun-time! Each year there is plenty to do where we live, like corn mazes or haunted houses. There is a pretty cool jack o lantern event that - people, get this - is an hour long line to get in! But it's worth it, it's so much fun to go view. But until I have some neat photos of those, here is my cat in his dinosaur costume.

Roar, I'm a vicious snuggling kitty! 

Etsy shop on Vacation

My Etsy shop is on vacation mode until about early October. I have new things to photograph and list. I am also moving my crafty office around. I even have new patterns I'd love to make some items of and list before the holidays.

So stay tuned for when I re-open! Support local artisans, support handmade ~

Coming soon & DIY pocket warmers!

The days are colder with some icy wind chill here. But I can't complain too much, we only have a dusting of snow. Where as the Northern states have been hit again and again with some big North Eastern storms - some piling as much as 30"s in one night!

dusting of snow

I've made a very 'handy' project already for placing in your mittens of gloves before going outdoors. You might know them as pocket warmers or hand warmers, either way - they are a smart way to stay warm! I found a lovely blog post with instructions for you to enjoy, so please visit RaeannKelly in this handy link {see what I did there?}. When I made my own I used lentil beans instead of rice, but it seems either will work fine. When I heat mine up to warm them, I heated them at 15 seconds in the microwave. Be sure to heat them in short intervals because these can get very HOT and you could accidentally get burnt! For those with small children, please test the pocket/hand warmers yourself first.

my cotton fabric, lentil bean, hand warmers

And I have decided to start selling some new items in my shop. I have an abundant supply of cute, adorable ribbons. I honestly do ~ I find them and buy them, then they just never get used (but oh, do they look cute!). I will be selling them by the 1/2 yard, which is 18 inches length or 45 centimeters (well 45.72 to be exact). I have so many to sell with a various array of brightly colored prints on them. 

I have: mini taxi cabs, mini trucks, loopy hearts, cupcakes, Sakura blossoms, red cardinals and an "I love bacon" one and more. Needless to say, today I am photographing what I plan to list and sell shortly. I am using natural sunlight since I feel it captures the true colors ribbon. 

my selection of ribbons

I hope all is well for my readers. I know how tough winter can be on everyone. From colds to feeling fatigued, it can take a lot out of us. But it won't be long now, Spring is on it's way! Keep crafting and see you again soon enough.