Pumpkins Abound!

These and other pumpkins made by me can be found on my ETSY shop.

If you would like duplicates of these shown, please contact me for availability (depends on availability of material).  If you would like a pumpkin made for you in a specific color or theme, do not hesitate to contact me:  I will take all requests into consideration, which really depends on whether material is obtainable or on my time restraints.

The Pumpkin Patch Is Overflowing

Visit my Etsy shop for these pumpkins.

      Click the image above for closer view.

NOTE:  I am in the process of making at least 5 more pumpkins -- Pics of

 these will be posted and will be listed for sale ASAP.

Harvesting My Pumpkins

I am in the process of listing, on my Etsy shop, the pumpkins that I completed during the past few days.  I aim to get all posted by late Sunday.  I also have some cloth napkins and a set of Christmas place mats that will go up for sale.

This pumpkin is on an Etsy Treasury! What a compliment!

Getting Back on Track & Free Artwork

After a schedule of 6 visits to hospitals and doctors, mainly for my father, within 8 days, I find that I may have time for doing some sewing and creating today.  I have a long list of projects to complete and need to get to it.  But, I am taking time out to publish this and let all, who are interested, know that I am back on track.  The artwork to the left is for your use if you wish to use it... All that I ask is that you give me credit for the artwork as that it is my creation.  It is a variation of one released last year (check out Art to Share tab at top of this page).  Have fun with it!

Another Item Inspired by Gift for Granddaughter

My eight-year-old granddaughter needed a pencil case to clip into a 3-ring-binder for the start of the school year.  Okay, but this item was hard to find, or the ones found, were of poor quality.  So, of course, Grandma was asked to make one.  Hers was made of a more elementary school themed print.

I liked hers so well that I made another of a bi-wing plane printed cotton fabric that is appropriate for a boy, or an adult.  I added outside pockets for easy access to pencils or pens, and a pleated pocket roomy enough to store and access easily, a pencil sharpener, erasers, small sticky notes, etc.

Metal grommets were placed to allow the case to be clipped inside a binder, as seen in the photo here.  The zippered pocket allows for storage of many pencils, etc., and/or a small notebook or journal/planner.

The lining is of a polka dot printed cotton fabric and made as so that there are no exposed seams.  This case is washable and made to be used for a long time.  At this writing, I have one available on my ETSY shop.

SIAMMIE on Etsy Treasury!

My SIAMMIE, one of the JellyBean Critters, has been featured on an Etsy Treasury!  I take this as a compliment.

~:~ Marvelous Monday ~:~

It is raining! Just that fact makes my day so wonderful.  


What am I doing? I am listening to music by Annie Lennox and working on a new embroidery design.  I am also in the process of getting together a case for iPhones, etc., as suggested by a follower. I do not have an iPhone, but sure can use a new case for my cell phone.  In fact, I am thinking of making a new purse with matching zippered pouch and cell phone case for myself!!!  


What is with the photo?  This is a shot of one of the magnolia blooms on one of the five magnolia trees in my yard.  I love magnolias and they are in bloom now.  It is a good thing I love them as that the leaves keep us busy at a couple times of the year.  I may go out and cut a few to put in a vase in the house - they smell so good!

Recuperating from the Weekend

I am not referring to a Monday "hangover."  I had a really busy weekend and enjoyed it:  Seeing my son receive his Masters degree on Mother's Day and eating dinner with him and my husband.  We stayed overnight and then returned home today.  I am just tired.  But it is a good tired.

Before the weekend, I managed to squeeze in digitizing a peace symbol design [this brings back some memories] and then applied it to some upcycled denim, which was made into another sunglasses / large eyeglass case.  This was digitized to be stitched over mylar which makes the design iridescent - click on the image for a closer look.  I like it so much, that I am contemplating making some more in different colors on the same denim.  Comments, anyone?

Flip-Flops Sunglasses Case GIVEAWAY!

This eyeglass case is excellent for large sunglasses.  The exterior is denim and the interior is of quality flannel to help protect the lenses of your glasses.

It is almost summer, therefore the flip-flops design, which is of my creation, not from a design purchased from elsewhere.

All you have to do is make a comment about any posting on this blog, or become a follower.  All current followers need to make a comment to be eligible.  That's it!  No more hoops to jump to enter.
However, tweeting about this would be most appreciated.  ~~~  GO FOR IT! ~~~

Deadline to enter is May 31, 2010.  The winner will be announced on June 1st.

Giveaway

I am squeezing this announcement in as that severe thunderstorms are approaching and I am shutting down my electronics.  


I have decided to give away a denim sunglass case with a cute embroidery design of flip flops that I personally digitized.  This photo does not show the embroidery.  Embroidery and finished case will be posted tomorrow.


I monitor my elderly father who lives alone and I had to tend to matters for him today.  Please understand that I am not in a full time business with my handmade items.  I do this as an outlet for my sewing, etc.  Back to the point:  I had planned to create the case and place a photo on my blog - but life goes on and detours have to be taken.


I was requested to offer a sunglass case, and also to offer one of my JellyBean Critters.  I decided to offer the case first, and then a JellyBean next month.  Please check back and follow what you need to do to enter for a chance in the giveaway.  The winner will be announced on June 1st.  

NEW KITTIES

NEW KITTIES

All of my kitties are at a gallery for an FIBER ARTISTS EXHIBIT. If you would like to have one made such as pictured, please go to my ETSY SHOP and convo me. Prices range from $12.50 to $17.50 plus shipping.

Artisan of the Week: Missus D

I have decided to slow down in producing eyeglass cases, etc., and focus on making gifts, etc., for family and close friends. I also am taking a break from "blowing my own horn" and, instead, will stop to look at other blogs, shops, etc. and show case one on a periodic basis.

I started with looking at my blog followers, and blogs that I follow, and it was hard to select one for this entry. However, I decided to start with Missus D. I adore her quirky amigurumi creations as did my 7-year-old granddaughter as she happened to see the photos of Missus D's amigurumi on my laptop's screen.

This talented artisan can be located on her blog, http://craftymissusd.blogspot.com/, which has leads to her shops on Etsy and Dawanda. I am really impressed with her digital card graphics that she is offering as PDF's which are ready to download and print. Go to her blog and click on Crafty Giveaways and find her Christmas Card Freebie which you can print for personal use. Kudos to Missus D!

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December 16, 2009 update: It was brought to my attention that labeling of all products, "Made in USA," does not always mean that it is made in the United States. I did a little research and found the following information. It seems that in 1999, moves were made to close in the loophole of labeling, but our legislators in Congress failed to do so.

IS IT REALLY MADE IN USA?

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands benefits from substantial subsidies and development assistance from the federal government of the United States. The economy also relies heavily on tourism, especially from Japan, and the rapidly dwindling garment manufacturingsector. The tourism industry has also been dwindling since late 2005. Since late 2006, tourist arrivals fell 15.23 percent (73,000 potential visitors) from the eleven months prior.

The Northern Mariana Islands had successfully used its position as a free trade area with the U.S., while at the same time not being subject to the same labor laws. For example, the $3.05 per hour minimum wage in the Commonwealth, which lasted from 1997 to 2007, was lower than in the U.S. and some other worker protections are weaker, leading to lower production costs. That allowed garments to be labeled "Made in USA" without having to comply with all U.S. labor laws. However, the U.S. minimum wage law signed by President Bush on May 25, 2007, will result in stepped increases in the Northern Marianas' minimum wage to reach U.S. level by 2015. The first step (to $3.55) became effective July 25, 2007, and a yearly increase of $0.50 will take effect every May thereafter until the CNMI minimum wage equals the nationwide minimum wage.

In the extreme, the island's exemption from U.S. labor laws had led to many alleged exploitations including recent claims of sweatshops, child labor, child prostitution and even forced abortions.

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/northern-mariana-islands

Chickens Have Come to Roost

This Chicken Pot Holder is featured on my shop with Etsy. . It was found in a box of treasures that I opened lately. I almost forgot about making it many years ago. Presently, I am making several copies for sale.