Fun Project Videos

I ran across a long list of just wonderful video links while visiting Yona Couture today. I've posted a couple of examples but you really should pop in and take a look at some of them.

Oh What a Doll
Wine Glass Coaster

I had to remove the actual videos. They were causing problems on my blog. Sorry!!!!

Goodies in the Mail

Just a quick post to say THANK YOU to a few very kind and thoughtful ladies who brightened my day when I checked my mail yesterday.

1. Maureen C: for the wonderful Arty MeMe Challenge gift. This is my first fabric postcard and I just love it! In fact, until I held this one, I had never even seen on in person. A first for me---YIPPEE. The photo really does not do it justice. There is soooo much detail that I just could not capture. It's very dimensional, and colorful. It has a netting sort of cover over the top of the CQ , and then it is quilted and framed with rick-rack.

I was actually sort of surprised that it was able to be sent through the mail. And that it got here in excellent condition. WOW...shocker!!!!





2. Elizabet (and Judyth) for the baggie of fabrics, laces, buttons, beads, charms, and threads. This little surprise is a 'reward' for taking part in the Halloween Art Doll Contest that Elizabet hosted in October.

3. Ati for this sweet little heart with the fairy and butterfly on it. This was part of a swap on our Chains of Hearts (COH) group. I still owe a butterfly heart to Ati, which I hope to be mailing this weekend.

How To......

START THAT BUSINESS

Okay, I've gotten the fabric monster sorted out. I've even got a number of pieces cut. I'm in the process of putting together five 1/2 yard bundles. Like the photos below. I'm not sure of the arrangement yet but at least it's a start.

I've chosen to use 1/2 yard cuts because I really don't care for fat quarters. They always seem to leave me just a little bit short of what I need. I like to use a number of different colors and patterns together because I like to hand piece. Which adds up to a lot of cutting and altering anyway.

With 2 and 1/2 yards of fabric you can make a nice little quilt, wall hanging or other assorted project. And I'm not looking to include enough fabric for the backing piece. My back pieces seldom match the front. Coordinate, yes. But match....seldom.

Now, the scary part. I need to write up my template for ebay. At least I assume it will be ebay. I've looked around quite a bit at other sellers stores, listing, etc., and have tried to 'model' after that. Remembering not to leave out the important stuff, or the fine print. LOL. But what I've come up with is sort of "FLAT." I'll keep working on that too, I guess. Pricing is also a mystery for me. I always look for a bargain but I'm willing to pay a fair price. If it's something I REALLY WANT, I'm also apt to pay too much.

If any of you out there have experienced this same dilemma, I would really appreciate any suggestions that you might be willing to offer. This has always been a hobby for me. Turning it into a business (of sorts) is a very different experience. Well, back to the 'cutting' table. :-)

Cleaning Up 'The Studio'

My DH is away on a business trip for a few days and I decided to take advantage of that time to do some cleaning up. My studio is beyond a disaster. It's no wonder I don't have any motivation to work in there. I spend a lot of time at the computer with my back to most of it. And I actually avoid opening closet doors lately.

It's really pathetic when you has SO MUCH that you can't find anything to use. Odd as that sounds, I bet a lot of you know exactly what I'm talking about. You either can't remember what you did with it, you have too much to go through to even bother looking for it, or you simply cannot remember where the heck you put it.

Well, I've had enough of it the way it is. I'm going to get this mess straightened up so that I can get back to stitching. I'm falling terribly behind on my commitments. I have several group swap projects which are either coming due or are already due. And I hate being behind. I'm just not a 'late' person. Also, I would really like to be an active participant in Sharon's TSTC. The only way I see being able to do that is to have a work area that I can actually work in!

For your astonishment, I have posted the following photos of my 1st day of organizing. And also the 'mess' as it now stands. There are very few totes that I haven't emptied. And I'm just working with cottons. The fancies, flannels, etc., will come later on.

I joke about having 'tons' of fabric but I don't think the word 'stash' means the same thing to me as it does to some others. Addiction comes to mind, doesn't it? Go ahead and gasp, shake your heads, giggle under your breath. I live with it and I've been there.










This mess below is what equipment I currently have in my studio. It's wall to wall! Good thing I'm working in a 13 x 15 room with a deluxe walk-in closet. I don't have a lot of opions on rearranging the 'furniture' but I can certainly sort it, straighten it, and maybe even scale down. I have some really nice things to put up on the walls but I don't want to start putting holes in them until I'm sure, or fairly sure, that it's going to stay that way.

I would also like to get my 'stuff' all together in one area. Right now I have 2 other closets and one 'under the bed' storage places with craft supplies and STUFF taking up space.

OMG, what have I started????

Having My 15 Minutes of Fame!

I was so tickled this morning when I received an email from Linda at I Love Crafts & Craft Blogs, informing me that she had written an article about my blog. She was very complimentary. If you're interested, you can find the article HERE. (Just scroll down to the first article.)

I received an invitation to join/participate in the Top 100 Blogs By Crafters in early November. My blog is currently 'ranked' at #8. It's nice to have the exposure that comes with these types of postings/links to your blog. Especially, since I'm hoping to get a small business up and running this year.

However, I'm fairly certain that I'm just not as motivated as Linda is. The following is a list of her blogs and sites. When venturing 'there', I suggest that you begin at "Linda's Blog." From there you will also find links to her "Dear Linda" and "Tips From The Blogging Queen" Columns.

Linda's Blog
Linda Walsh Originals
Linda Walsh Original E-Patterns
Linda Walsh Originals Dolls
DOLLS Blog
Instant Download E-Patterns Blog
Top Blogs By Crafters Toplist
The Dollie & Crafts Plugboard
Crafting For All Plugboard
About Linda Walsh Originals
I Love Crafts & Crafts Blogs
Tips For Crafters On The Web
Twelve Months of Sewing Club
Testing The Blogs Series and Helpful Blog Tips
The Best FREE Craft Articles

And as you move down the sidebar, you'll be fascinated with the information, graphics, links, and other fun stuff. I just love sidebar content. Anyone taking a gander at my blog knows that. I don't know how she stays on top of them. I find it difficult just to keep up on what she does post. Is it any wonder that she has been dubbed, "The Blogging Queen?"

Kudos to you, Linda for your motivation and organizational skills! And Thanks SO MUCH for the write-up.

A Wonderful Surprise

A Gift From A Dear Friend

I received this little darling the other day from Susan. I must admit that it came as a total surprise. It was made and sent as a 'thank you' gift. Susan took a reservation for my timeshare in Lake Havasu off of my hands over Christmas. And she sends me a THANK YOU! Wow, I like how this worked out. LOL!!!!!! Would anyone else like to do me a favor?

I must also point out that the snowman is Susan's own design. And it's difficult to see but the little heart reads, "a friend listens with the heart."

Thank you very much, Susan

Enjoy your time on the OPEN ROAD.

Barefoot Wine

Flip-Flops for Wine Glasses!!!!

Only if you're drinking BAREFOOT wine. LOL. I just had to post these photos. I got this wine and flip-flops from a neighbor for Christmas. I'm going to have to find out where they got them. I mean, who doesn't need a flip-flop for their wine glass?!?!!?