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. 

Baby shower gifts, YouTube & Thank You!

This snow.... it's March, where is this "Spring" they speak of? It's probably under the foot of snow we had last night. Observe, my back deck.....

go away winter!

At least this weather came after the baby shower I attended. As always, it was a lot of fun to see my friends and spend time with them. There was dancing (our party had kids & teenagers) wonderful homemade food and conversations. I think I ate enough sweet treats to attract humming birds for a week.

two friends expecting boys

I asked each friend what colors or prints they would like. I lucked out that they each are having boys! So solid blue fleece with different flannel prints. I had enough time and leftover fabric to make each a simply teddy bear. I embroidered the faces on since these were gifts for infants. 

two teddy bears, ready to go!

I had a good time preparing and sewing the gifts. If I can make it handmade as a gift, I will. It's not just any day you can find a small local shop that sells such items. Even if you can only knit a scarf, it's a gift made by you with your hands and it's very meaningful. The recipient will be delighted by something you made special just for them.

In other news, I've decided to try my hand at YouTube. I need to set up my channel and figure out the fine art of editing videos. The first video will be showing how I mange to add ears to a felted kitty project. My methods are self-taught and work for me, so I figured I'd share them. 

I have also started on Twitter and Google+ under my shop name, CraftinessbyB. So please stop on by if you frequent those social media spots. I'd enjoy having some new followers and meeting new people. 

Where to find me online:

~ my shop on Etsy as CraftinessbyB

~ my account on Twitter as CraftinessbyB

~ my page on Google+ as CraftinessbyB

~ my page on Pinterest as CraftinessbyB

I will not have a page on Facebook as of this time. In the past I found too many 'trolls' frequented my page and harassed me. I'm a single shop owner in a vast sea of shop owners. I make quality, handmade, all done by my hands, items to sell. I do this because I have a passion for it, skills (I've learned from 3 generations of family, I have my college degree in graphic design) and a desire to offer handmade items at affordable prices. 

I also do this because I am often home bound due to a medical condition. In fact, my medical condition (known as Fibromyalgia, aka Fibro) has inspired me to began making and selling re-heatable body wraps for the neck and back. If I can make them unique, attractive and useful for those who need them ~ I will. I will try my best to offer them soon in 2015! 

So please be patient with me as I start to be on social media more, get my YouTube channel started and offer more unique, handmade items in my shop. My page has had over 11,400 views thus far ~ knowing people enjoy my blog and visit my pages inspires me to keep moving forward in my crafting pursuits. Thank you everyone! 

image from torontowlhd.ca