Createitcottage

Sharing a giveaway

2011-03-19T20:27:00.003-04:00

I just found this blog called Pieces by Aideen and she is having a great giveaway for some cute fairy goodness. Hop on over and check it out!!

Bringing posts up to date

2011-03-14T21:43:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! It's been a long time since I have posted or created anything. I am getting back into creating and have had some new visitors, so I figured I'd better bring this blog up to date. I just did my first ATC swap and it was lots of fun. I will post a pic of what I made soon. Life got in the way of my creative endeavors, but I am trying my best to get back to it. Please keep checking back to see my new creations unfold!!

Artsy giveaway

2010-01-09T01:43:00.002-05:00

Well it looks like this is the week to share giveaways. One of my online art friends from Etsy is hosting yet another awesome giveaway for 250 custom business cards. She has the wonderful blog ArtSnark's Artifacts. Please take a hop on over and give it a look. She does some wonderful artwork!!

Another giveaway to share

2010-01-04T12:16:00.002-05:00

HI! I just found another giveaway to share with all of you. This one is on the blog Short 'n Chic. It has a ton of great stuff!!! Head on over and check it out!!!

THE LOOT:

1. Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition Nail Color in Opulent Cloud (to fulfill that hard-to-find lemming)

2. OPI Shorts Story (to brighten up your winter blues)

3. OPI Shim-merry Chic (in case you missed it in stores)

4. Sinful Colors San Francisco (a favey-fave of the drug store variety)

5. Lay It On Thick body lotion (distributed through Bath and Body Works, the perfect size for your purse!)

6. Avon Bubble Bath in Hot Apple Pie (a HUGE bottle that smells amazing)

7. A ridiculously cute nail file

Sharing a give away

2010-01-03T02:34:00.003-05:00

One of the nail blogs that I visit The Nail Nerd is having her first giveaway on some awesome polishes. Just click on the name and it will take you right there. She has a great blog go check it out!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-01T22:59:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope everyone has had a safe and happy start to the new year. Very rainy here which is supposed to be good luck.

Here's my New Year's mani. It reminds me of streamers and confetti. I used Sally Hansen Black Diamond as a base with silver paint squiggles, white dots, and silver glitter accents on top. Enjoy!!

Better late then never...

2009-12-27T02:06:00.005-05:00

I've decided to put my blogs together as I just don't have the time to give them both the attention thy need. So there will be a mixture of my nail polish endeavors as well as my creations. They are both creative outlets for me and that's what I like to share.

Here's my Christmas mani a little late. The base is China Glaze Paper Chasing.

I found this little blue tree last year after Christmas and thought it was so neat. I decided to take it easy and just hung some candy canes on it.

WOOHOO I finally got my Cricut!! It's been sitting in the living room since Thanksgiving teasing me and now I can finally play. I got the Cricut Create which is the size of the original with the features of the Expression. Big Lots had it on sale on Thanksgiving and I was there at 6:45 am waiting to get one of the 7 they had. YEAH!!!! I'll be letting you know how it goes.

Violet

2009-11-23T19:39:00.003-05:00

Meet Violet. She is the latest addition to my new fabric flower creations. I am having so much fun making these. This one is attached to two ribbons so she can be worn several ways, such as a headband, choker, or even a bracelet.

I've been doing some rearranging of my creative space and boy have I collected a lot of crafty stuff. More than I will probably ever use. Once I get things more organized I'm going to have to do some destashing. I dream of the day I can have a studio and have everything in one room. Right now it's all over the house and garage. AAAHHH someday!!!!

Bubble Gum

2009-11-21T22:44:00.002-05:00

So I don't know about everyone else, but I have the worst time thinking of cute names for my creations when I list them. I see most people give their items names on etsy rather than just pink flower for example, but it doesn't come as easily to me. Anyway I've decided to just go with whatever pops in my head when I look at the finished product. For this set of bobby pins Bubble Gum was the first thing so that is their name. The are made with several fabric layers in pink and white. They are available in my shop. Enjoy!!!

Flower brooches

2009-11-20T23:08:00.003-05:00

I know I've been away for quite awhile, but I have made some new creations and am going to try and get back in the swing of creating and sharing. It has been really tough for me to find a balance between work and play. My schedule can change at a moments notice and it just wears me out at times. Any how on to my latest creations.

I have been playing with lots of different types of sheer fabrics and layering them into flowers for various items. I love getting out a big pile of fabric and just putting all kinds of color combos together. My first two are brooches. The first is Gypsy a blend of purples, blues, and greens. The second is Apricot a blend of mint green and peach with silver glitter accents. They are both available in my shop.

Oldies but Goodies

2009-09-12T01:43:00.003-04:00

Well here's a few more of my faves. I just renewed them in my shop so please go take a look.
I'm getting lots of new ideas sketched out so should have some done soon.

Some favorites

2009-09-01T14:16:00.004-04:00

As you know, I have been in a slump for awhile as far as creating goes. I finally got my sewing table cleaned off and set up. YEAH!!! I'll share some pics of the new set up soon. It's not a good pic day here today. Rainy. Anyway I thought I'd show some pics of some faves. I'm really trying to get back in the swing of blogging and creating again. It's been way too long.

Looks like a couple of my critters jumped out at me so here is todays faves. My adorable little chameleon and my sweet little parakeet. These are both brooches. They are both available in my shop.

Have a great day!!!!

E

YEAH!!!!!!

2009-08-24T22:17:00.002-04:00

Just a quickie tonight. I've got to watch the season finale of The Closer! Well I got the job at Joanne's. Thank goodness!!! I am very happy there and hopefully I will be able to stay there for a long time!!!!

Apologies

2009-08-09T14:51:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone. Wow I didn't realize it had been so long since my last post. Unfortunately my online adventures have taken a back seat to life lately. As some of you have read earlier I was looking for a job for quite awhile and I found a great job that I loved, but they cut their payroll and did away with my position. I was heartbroken, but hopefully things are turning around.

I was working inside Joanne's Fabrics in the sewing machine dept. for Viking. Well I was able to get a position with Joanne's as long as everything goes thru. I am a worrier and am concerned about the credit check. I was denied employment at one place because of my credit which completely boggles my mind. How can I improve my credit if I can't get a job? I can understand if something came up in the background check, which there's nothing, but bad credit? Have any of you run across this? Well I start on Wednesday if everything is good. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. I love Joanne's and am in there all the time anyway, so this job is perfect for me.

Working for Viking has inspired me to dig out my sewing machine so hopefully I will have some new creations to show you soon. I was able to get an embellisher while I was working there so I can't wait to start playing with it. I have to clean up my sewing area before I open it or it won't get done.

Well that's it for now. Hope to have some definite good new to share later in the week.

New Blog

2009-05-31T23:25:00.002-04:00

I've decided to start a separate blog for my nail polish and make-up posts. It's called Nail Maiden. I hope you'll pop on over and take a peek.

I hope to be able to get back to creating soon. Things are settling down at work and I'm getting back into the swing of working. See you soon.

Glitter tips

2009-05-06T03:57:00.002-04:00

Well I was going through my collection and I came upon this very chunky glitter and decided to use it for a funky french over my Greenwich Village. It made it last longer at turned out pretty cute I think. It has light blue, grass green, and holographic glitter in it. It is from Old Navy and it's called Baubles, unfortunately my Old Navy closed up recently, but I bought this a long time ago.

Fun challenge

2009-05-05T21:57:00.002-04:00

Well I finally got off my butt and got something made. This is for my Etsy street team Melange. We have a challenge every Wednesday on the blog and this week the word was "FUN". I had to make something because it was my word that I suggested. I actually made this piece start to finish in one sitting. I think that is one of my problems that I over think everything. This one I just went with whatever popped into my head and did it. I had lots of fun with it and hopefully it has started me to get over my slump! Hope you enjoy it. It will be for sale in my shop as well.

Feeling green

2009-05-01T03:06:00.002-04:00

Just a quickie. I tried out my OPI Greenwich village today and I love it!!!!! It has a jelly finish which is one of the few I have like that. Green is my favorite color. This is two coats. It could have used a third to get bottle color, but I don't really like a third coat. It seems the more coats I have the easier the polish peels. It lasts longer on me with fewer coats. Well here you go.

Wal-mart haul

2009-04-29T04:32:00.004-04:00

Made a quick trip to Wal-mart tonight and picked up a few new pretties. It's been a long time since I've looked through Wal-mart's make-up section. I usually go in and out as quick as possible. I didn't get to look to long as hubby was with me and it was quite late. I'd been wondering where I could get Pure Ice nail polish and I found it there. Great colors and for only $2 bucks a bottle. I have to say I was looking at the other brands Maybelline, Revlon, etc. and for the same price or less I can get OPI, China Glaze, Misa, etc. online. Yes you can see the colors, but I would much rather get the other brands for the same price. Plus you can pretty much find most colors swatched online at some of the great polish blogs out there.

Back to my haul. From left to right. NYC Polyester Pink Creme. Hubby says it looks like Pepto Bismol, but I think it's pretty. Pure Ice First Time. Gorgeous light green crome. Pure Ice Peony. A pretty frosty medium pink. Pure Ice Scandal. A beautiful vampy dark red.

Spontaneous

2009-04-28T04:13:00.003-04:00

My color right now is China Glaze Spontaneous. I couldn't get a good pic of this. It's less grapey and more dusty in reality. I just couldn't capture it. I'm going on my third day and it has lasted really well. Maybe it's the Orly Bonder I got. Well just a quickie today.

New sparkles

2009-04-27T02:44:00.003-04:00

Just a quickie right now. I got some new polishes from Target, but haven't got a pic yet. I'll talk more about them once I get a pic. I did use one of them, Rimmel Out There to go over my Shower Together to get one more day wear out of it. It was starting to chip so I touched it up and jazzed it up with one coat. I'm trying to go as long as possible between polish changes so I don't dry out my nails with remover. Ok here's a pic.

I'm still in a bit of a creative funk and haven't finished any of my projects. I hope to snap out of it soon and have something new to share.

Field of flowers

2009-04-25T12:38:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Hope your weekend is off to a good start. Just wanted to put up a pic of a pincushion I just relisted in my etsy shop. I know I promised a new design, but I'm still finishing it up. I will have it up soon.

I have another new haul to share just need to get some pics. I'll be back later with those.

Have a great Saturday!!!!!!

New colors....

2009-04-23T02:40:00.005-04:00

I got my latest fingernail polish haul today. I ordered these from ebay and then found out I could have gotten them cheaper from here. Oh well, that's what impulse buying gets you. You should see my shopping cart from Head2toe. I keep adding to it now I just need to get some sales in my etsy shops to pay for it. For now here's these colors from left to right all China Glaze: Recycle, or Audrey, Paper Chasing, Spontaneous, and Breakin. They are gorgeous!!!!

Today I am wearing China Glaze Shower Together. I got this the other day in the haul I showed in my last post. I really like this polish. The first coat was streaky, but the second evened everything out. Please excuse any bubbles as I thinned my top coat and all the bubbles hadn't worked out before I used it. Plus the thinner turned my Out the Door purple. The thinner is clear, but I guess the don't agree with each other. Weird.

I'm still working on the new pincushion so be sure to check back for it.

Good news......

2009-04-20T19:42:00.005-04:00

Well I got the job working for Viking! YEAH!!!!! It will be nice to have some steady pay coming in. I've been getting myself used to the idea of being in the working world again. I start on May 11th so I have a little time to get ready.

I used to be quite the girlie girl with hair, make-up, and nails, but since I haven't been working I didn't bother. Well it's time to get back into the swing of things. I'm getting my nails back into shape and I've found a lot of groups online to share nails and make up pics, so I will also be sharing them here. I've ordered the 120 palette eye shadow from ebay which is loaded with tons of bright, cool colors. I've seen lots of talk about it on you tube. I'll share a pic when it comes. I guess if I'm not painting collages I'll be painting my face. Either way I love color!!!!

This is what I'm wearing right now it's Cabana Banana from OPI. I have been collecting many polishes over the years so I don't know if this is still available or not.

On the creative front I had another custom pincushion request. I put a wrist strap on one of my existing pincushions. I've had plans to make some wrist pincushions, but just haven't gotten around to it.
I've got a new style using circles in the works. It should be finished up tonight. I don't know what it is about circles, but I love them!

VOTE.....

2009-04-13T23:19:00.003-04:00

I just found out I am in the 2D artisan challenge on Blockhead radio. It is my girlie piece Apricot. I sure would appreciate any votes if you have time to hop over there.

I have some new toys I've been playing with. I'll post more once I get pics taken.........

I won...

2009-04-07T03:26:00.008-04:00

I can't believe it, but I won something from a blog giveaway. A set of clear alphabet stamps!! The wonderful peeps at Lohman Trading Company were hosting the giveaway on this blog The Idie Showcase Blog. YEAH!!!!!

I just had to share a pic of this sinful cake I had from Publix this week. Talk about chocolate overload. I ordered it with vanilla cake rather than chocolate and I think that was a good choice. It was yummy!!

I finished up my custom pincushion order plus she bought an extra one for a gift! YEAH! I also sold another of the spring chick ones today, so maybe things are gonna pic up.

I have a job interview for a Viking sewing machine sales team inside my Joannes store this Thursday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Oh to be surrounded by crafty goodness and get paid! It's actually the first interview I've gotten from all the jobs I've applied for. It's rough out there. I got denied a chance for a position at a sporting good store because my credit wasn't good enough. What's that? I'm still in shock and worried because most places I've applied to say they run a check. I never thought my credit would prevent me from getting a job. UGH!!!

Well enough of that. I'm just gonna believe in the Viking position and keep positive!!!

In progress....

2009-03-27T17:06:00.003-04:00

Here are the works in progress pics I mentioned in my last post. I had lots of messy fun creating these pieces so far. I'm going to use one of them for an entry in Mixed Media Monday. They have a new theme every Monday to create a piece of art from and next weeks theme is "Come fly with me". I'll post it when I'm done. I've recently discovered Picassa and was playing around with these pics using some of the features they offer. I think they turned out pretty cool.

La Femme

2009-03-25T22:06:00.002-04:00

My latest collage La Femme. She is available in my etsy shop. I've had her done for awhile, just needed to seal it. That's the stinky part.

I'm working on a custom order of pincushions in my other shop. They are acrylic versions of some of my pincushions. Allergy free. I'll post pics when I'm done. I got a new design idea while working on these. It's funny how ideas come to me. I had the pieces laid out working on a tree and the way they were looked great, so now after I'm done with the custom order, I've got plans for some new pieces.

I was able to work on some backgrounds today for new collages. I took some work in progress pics. I'll post them next time.

Well job hunting again today. Fill out the application and keep fingers crossed. So far not even a call back on any of the apps. They just have too many. Oh well! Trying to keep positive!! Gives me time to get more creating done which keeps me happy!

My sweetie

2009-03-21T01:25:00.004-04:00

I have some pics of my little ittle bittle to share. She has my heart. It's amazing how something so small can cause so much love. She is a whole 5 pounds. She is sleeping in both which is what she does most of the time. She has her favorite pillow and blankie in one and she's guarding the remote and making do with an afghan in the other while her blankie gets washed. She must know I'm talking about her because she just woke up.

I also listed a couple new pincushions in my felt shop. I really like this design and am working it up in several different color combos. I love working with circles.

Grande Dame

2009-03-20T01:21:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday!!!!!

I've listed a new collage "Grande Daam" in my shop. This one has a lot going on. It has a woman surrounded by sunflowers. I put a sunflower in the bottom corner. It is done on a 11" x 14" canvas panel. I attached a wire to the back so it is ready to hang. Enjoy!!

I'm waiting for some cheesecake brownies I baked to cool off. That's always the hardest part...waiting!!

Solemn Garden

2009-03-16T23:23:00.002-04:00

A new mixed media collage. This one is 10" x 8" on matboard. I'm so pleased with it, I almost kept it. I decided to let her go instead, so she is available in my etsy shop.

I've also got some pics of a couple journal pages that I promised. They aren't anything fancy and I'm sure I"ll go back and add to them. I have creating ADD and jump from one project to another.

I'm still job hunting, but hopefully I will find something soon. It's rough out there. Well that's it for now. Goodnight!

A First....

2009-03-12T18:02:00.003-04:00

I have a new mixed media piece in my art shop. It is my first attempt at painting a person. I'm so proud of how she turned out!!!

I also finished a custom wallet for my felt shop. I had a request for my spring tree on a long wallet. It turned out really well.

March challenge

2009-03-07T22:16:00.002-05:00

I created this collage for the March challenge at Mind Wide Open. They will be posted on the 8th and you can go over and vote. I like the image, but finishing this was like pulling teeth. Sometimes everything just flows together and other times nothing seems to work right. I'm not completely pleased with it, but entered it just because I spent so much effort on it. I do like the background, but the lettering I used can hardly be read. I used these fancy letter stamps and they just are hard to read. It says "Journey deep into my soul" Well I hope you like it.

Sale!!!!!!!

2009-03-05T21:13:00.002-05:00

I've marked down some of my older pieces in my art shop to make room for the new ones. All my ACEO's are on sale plus some 8 x 10's. This is one of my ACEO's. I've finished a few new pieces and will have them listed soon. I will also have some pics of my art journal. I love creating, but I'm not so fond of editing the pics and listing them. I just downloaded Picassa and am getting familiar with it. Takes me awhile. I normally use my Kodak software, which works pretty good, but I figured I'd try something with a few more options.

Finished....

2009-02-26T13:42:00.003-05:00

I finished my little house to donate to the OzBushFireAppeal shop. It isn't in the shop yet, but should be soon. You can check out all the other wonderful pieces my fellow Metsy artists made if you visit. The shop will remain open thru the end of March. All proceeds go to the Australian Red Cross.

I also listed a new pincushion in my shop. I love the color combo.

I'm having fun with my art journal and will share some pages with you on my next post. I usually work on it at night and have to get some pics during daylight.

Well that's it for now. I have to go do boring life things.

New endeavor

2009-02-19T12:03:00.005-05:00

Well after reading the issue of Somersets Art Journals I have been inspired to start one of my own. I've never been a journal person as I always felt silly writing down my thoughts. What if someone read it? Plus My life isn't all that interesting. Then I discovered art journals. You don't have to write anything or you can. You just do whatever you want. It is very freeing. Before whenever I would create a new piece I would hold back a little not wanting to mess it up. With the journal I can't mess it up. I will bring you with me on my journal process. The pics today are my journal before and in process. I am putting gesso on the pages for some extra support.

I am working on a 3D house for a wonderful shop on etsy which is donating all proceeds to help the victims of the wildfires in Australia. It is called the OzBushFireAppeal please take a moment to check it out. All the items for sale are donating by fellow etsians. They shipping is free and it is a wonderful cause. My friend Stacey from ArtSnark graciuosly donated all the houses for our Metsy group to make and donate to the shop. Here's some in process pics of it too.

Well I'm off to drink a cup of tea, vanilla caramel Yum-Yum! Then must get to work!!

Tattered Heart

2009-02-07T23:34:00.004-05:00

That is the name of my newest collage. I made it for the February challenge at Mind Wide Open. It will be on display starting tomorrow along with other artists versions of the image we were given. Please take a moment to visit over there and check them out. If you are so inclined I'd love a vote! It is listed in my shop if anyone decides they'd love to take it home.

So what do you think of the new banner? It just got put up today and I love it. Now I'm not a plain Jane anymore.

New listings...

2009-02-06T15:29:00.003-05:00

Well I've finally gotten around to listing some new items. One is a new pincushion and the other is a collage. I've had the collage for awhile, but wasn't sure whether I wanted to list it or not. I decided may as well and it is at a great price. I'm trying to clear out some of my older items to make way for new ones.

I haven't been doing much with my felt because my carpal tunnel is really rearing it's ugly head. Before it would act up occasionally, but now it is pretty steady. A couple nights ago it woke me up with the pain and stabbing. That was the first time that happened and it shook me up quite a bit. I need my hands for my craft. I have no insurance so there's not much I can do but rely on my home remedies. Anyone have any they'd like to share? I would appreciate it. I already take lots of vitamin supplements and have some cream I bought online. I'm really into natural healing especially since that's all I have.

Well enough about that. I have a new banner in my collage shop and put some items on sale if you'd like to check it out. Createitcottageart

Good news...

2009-01-31T00:34:00.001-05:00

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.

Well it looks like everyone's hard work has paid off at least temporarily. I'm glad to see that.

I'll be back with some new pics soon for some new listings. I've been cleaning out my studio and trying to get organized. Not easy with two pack rats in the house.

New law

2009-01-28T13:52:00.003-05:00

I'm taking part in a blog in today due to some changes to a law concerning children's products and lead testing. This law will basically shut down any handmade crafters who make children's products due to unfair testing requirements. Please take a moment to read about this.

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

I'm back......

2009-01-24T02:17:00.001-05:00

Wow! I had no idea it had been as long as it has since I posted. I fell in a bit of a funk towards the end of the year and am just working my way out of it. I have not been creating and just basically getting by. I'm trying to get back on track. I'm getting my studio set back up so I can get back to work. I have made a few sales here and there, but haven't made any new designs. I will be back with some new pics soon though. I never did get any hair pics up and have gotten another shorter cut since the first, but am not very happy with it. Can't wait til it grows out.

See ya soon!

Life......

2008-11-21T16:23:00.004-05:00

Sorry It has been so long since posting. Life gets in the way of things sometimes. I bought a new computer awhile back and it is going in for the third time to the repair center, so I keep switching between my old one which was having problems and the new one which keeps having the same problem. Becuase of that among other things I haven't been on the computer much.

I did get my hair cut, but haven't been able to get pics posted. I will as soon as I can. Of course it isn't quite what I wanted. Why is it that even armed with pictures the stylist alaways manages to talk me into something different? It's similar but with some layers that I did not want and should have stuck to my guns about. Now I'm considering going even shorter otherwise I have to wait for the layers to grow out to get the bob I wanted to start with. Oh well!!!

My show I did on the 9th was ok. The show was very well organized and I had fun, but didn't sell much. For some reason I don't do well at shows, but I keep trying.

Well I'm off for now and will try to get back soon with some pics.

Fall is in the air

2008-10-27T15:11:00.003-04:00

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. It is cooling down here for a couple days anyway. It feels great!!

I listed a new pincushion. The colors aren't very fall like, but it is pretty just the same. It is a new design for me. I called it "Field of Flowers" I have been making lots of new pincushions getting ready for a show I have on Nov. 9th, but haven't been listing them until now. I find it hard to make stuff for Etsy and shows and have enough for both. Unfortunately one must suffer and this month it was my Etsy shop. I've only had one custom sale so I figured I'd better list something new. I go back and forth on whether to list stuff before a show or not. I like to have alot of selection at the show, but might not make a sale and could lose an Etsy sole or vice verse. Oh well, one day I'll figure it all out!!

Well tomorrow is a big day for me. I've been letting my hair grow for 3 years and it is just above my waist. I always wanted long hair, but could never let it grow. This time I did it, but I'm ready for a change. It will get chopped tomorrow. I'll have some pics even though I hate pics of myself. I'm going to donate my ponytail, so it will do some good. More on this tomorrow!!!!

Eye Candy giveaway

2008-10-17T00:57:00.001-04:00

Hi! I just found this wonderful blog Retro Cafe Art. She is giving away a beautiful assortment of eyelets. Here's the link so go check it out http://krishubick.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-candy-giveaway-eyelet-candy.html.

I just got a bunch of vintage trim in today that I ordered and my mind is spinning. I've got lots of ideas for it. Some for collages and some for pincushions. Got to love pom-poms!!!!

New WIP

2008-10-15T23:21:00.002-04:00

I haven't had any new finished works to share with you, so I decided to start taking pics of my works in progress. Please keep in mind that I just took these in my living room not under my lights I use to take my final pics so the colors will be much better on my final pics. I've been working more on my collages than my felt lately. These first pics are glimpes of my Sunflowers collage which is almost finished. I put so many layers in that it takes awhile to get one done due to drying time. I also have pics of the custom logo pincushion I am making for a fellow etsian. It is almost done and turning out quite well. I played with my new charcoal pencils tonight and I love the effect they give. They aren't in these pics but, you'll see it in my final pics. You'll have to check back.

Season finale of Project Runway was tonight. Of course they never pick my fave, but I thought Kato should have gotten it. Oh Well!!

Voting has begun

2008-10-09T00:13:00.003-04:00

In my last post I told you about a challenge I entered, but I forgot to mention when the voting begins. Well it started on the 8th. Here's the link if you'd like to go and vote. There are alot of beautiful entries. http://www.mind-wideopen.blogspot.com/ Just leave your vote in the comment section.

I've been able to determine the colors for the custom logo pincushion I'm going to make so now I have to make the pattern and get started! This is a first. I have a few new collages in the works as well. Post some pics soon.

Taking a leap

2008-10-06T18:51:00.002-04:00

I found a new blog called Mind Wide Open through my mixed media group on etsy. Every month they do a challenge with a picture they choose. You have a week to create something with the image. I decided to take the plunge this month and am pretty darn proud of how it came out. I'm a bit nervous to enter it as there are so many talented artists participating, but I've got to take the plunge.

On the felt front, I received another custom pincushion request. A fellow etsian wants me to create a pincushion from their logo. I think this will be quite interesting. I've made a few new things, but haven't listed because I have a show on Nov. 9th and have to save some inventory for that. I've got to get busy. It will be here before I know it.

Been busy

2008-09-24T13:41:00.003-04:00

I've been a busy little beaver this week. I've had 2 custom orders plus two pincushion sales on top of my critter sales. YEAH!!! I think people are starting to Christmas shop!! I did a larger version of my fall tree in the colors my customer requested plus added three birds. My other custom is my fall tree on a coffee cozy. I'm working on that right now. I also sold my tree pincushion and my mod circles pincushion.
I just signed up for a show on Nov. 9th so I have to get some stock ready for that. Hopefully I do better than my last show or I made decide to give up on shows. I didn't even make my fee back on the last one. Oh well!! Off to do some work!!!

On the mends

2008-09-18T00:56:00.003-04:00

Feeling somewhat better. Not at 100% yet, but hopefully well on my way!! I made a sale yesterday. Another one of my little chameleon pins. Glad to know I'm not the only one that thinks he's adorable!

So do any of you watch America's Got Talent? I'm rooting for Neil Boyd. They are all really good, but he just stood out for me from the first time he sang. I'm glad the judges told him to go back to opera because that is what he does best. We'll know tonight if he's in the top 5.

Woo-Hoo

2008-09-15T05:41:00.003-04:00

I was on the front page of etsy last night at 7 pm. I missed it, but luckily a my fellow fester's let me know. Cool!! It was my fall tree pincushion. No sales, but tons of hearts and views. I have almost 900 views on it. Hopefully someone will come back to buy. I finalized all the colors on the custom tree and it's definitely going to be different from mine. Got to get to work on it today.

Beautiful blooms

2008-09-12T22:13:00.004-04:00

I got another collage moved to the new shop. This one is called Beautiful Blooms. It's a little different from the others. I built the background for this one out of many layers of various papers rather than using matboard.

I got my second custom order in the first shop. She wants a different version of my fall tree pincushion. Larger with custom colors and some birds. I really like the idea of the birds and think I'll have to make one with birds. I'll post a pic when it's all done.

Slowly...

2008-09-11T01:20:00.002-04:00

I'm slowly starting to come around and get things done. This cold/flu has really knocked me around. I think a bit of laziness has crept in as well. Got to get up and shake it off!!! The new tv season is starting and that hasn't helped either.

I found a new website that helps get traffic to your blog. It's called RSSHUGGER. You get your own page on the site free for 10 years if you review it on your blog or you can choose to purchase it for $20 if you don't want to do the review. I of course choose to do the review. Why not? You don't have anything to lose. This is a direct quote from their home page "rssHugger is a new website developed to help bloggers promote their blogs, and to help visitors discover new blogs that write about subjects that the readers are interested in." I just signed up, so I can't say a whole lot, but it looks good and for free it's worth taking a chance. I'm always looking for new ways to get more readers. Go check it out when you've got a minute.

Well I'm off for now. Be back soon with some new pics.

Another sale

2008-09-08T01:36:00.001-04:00

Yeah!! I made another sale today. It was one of my copper and pistachio pincushions like I posted about a few posts back. I'm still feeling quite drained from my cold and not quite back into the swing of things yet. Sleeping way too much, so nothing new done yet. I've got to get to work on the pincushion I sold since I sold the one I had made already. I'm still trying to get the energy up to clean up my crafting table to play with my clay. Soon hopefully. That's all for now.

Moved another one

2008-09-05T05:09:00.002-04:00

I haven't gotten anything new made yet. I'm almost finished with the pincushion I talked about awhile ago. I got another ACEO moved into the new shop this morning. This is one of my favorite ones. I love the black and white pic against the colored background.

I've got something new up my sleeve as soon as I make some space to work on it. Having to craft in several different places all over the house can get messy. I dream of the day I have one room to call my own studio. I can put everything in one place. Anyway back to reality I bought some polymer clay awhile back and I just picked up a convection oven at my local Salvation Army so I'm going to be playing with that soon. I love to work with my felt, but the items can be very time consuming. I'm looking to branch out into something I can get several items done at a time and offer lower prices to appeal to more customers. I can't really price my hand sewn items lower due to the time involved. I'll still be making my felt items as well. I like a little variety.

Well off for now. Hopefully I'll get my space cleared off today to play.

Doing Better

2008-09-04T02:50:00.002-04:00

I'm finally starting to feel better. Thankfully!! I managed to finally get my first custom order done. It is a card pouch and she loves it!! I also moved a collage and ACEO to the new shop. I'm coming back slowly and trying to get some new things made as well.

I did get distracted tonight by the premiere of America's Next Top Model. Love that show and also Top Design and of course Project Runway. Wednesday is a very busy tv night lately.

Still fighting

2008-09-01T00:18:00.003-04:00

I'm still fighting this nasty bug. It's winning so far. It's gone into my eyes so I haven't been doing much of anything but sleeping. I've never had this happen before. I've gotten some antibiotics so hopefully I'll be getting better soon.
On a happier note my Shells collage made it into a treasury. Hopefully it will make it to the front page.

Under the weather

2008-08-26T22:05:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted. I haven't been feeling very well. I haven't been on the computer much all week. On the upside I got a sale and a custom item request. Maybe I should stay away more HA-HA. Not that that's possible! I sold this pincushion. I'll be back with more once I feel better.

Another one moved

2008-08-22T00:30:00.002-04:00

I moved another collage to my new shop. This one is "Shells". It is another hanging 5x7 piece. I made another sale in my first shop. My fall tree pin. YEAH!!! Well short but sweet tonight. I've got to clean house for company. Bye!

A small break

2008-08-20T04:50:00.004-04:00

I've been a little under the weather this week which is why I haven't posted. I'm almost finished with a new pincushion, so I'll have the pics soon. In the meantime I think I'll share a couple of my collages that I put in my new shop Createitcottageart
These are some of my 5x7 hanging ones. Two are done on matboard and the other is done on wood.
My studio area I had set up in the garage to work on my collage got buried during a big cleanup of the inside of the house. Two big pack rats=lots of junk! I'm slowly cleaning it out so I can make some new ones.
I'm going to see the Smashing Pumpkins tonight! YEAH!!! I'll let you all know how it was.

Finally done...

2008-08-16T20:21:00.002-04:00

I finally finished the new project I told you about. It is a long wallet. I sewed it completely by hand and it took forever. I love the way it turned out though. I'm going to have to do some tweaking to the pattern and probably sew some on the machine to get the time down. I appliqued all the circles and rings and this is my first zipper for the coin pocket. It's in my shop.

I'm starting another pincushion next. It's a color combo I've had bouncing around in my head. Plus I'll be watching the Olympics. Got to see if Michael Phelps can get that eighth gold.

olympics

2008-08-15T02:53:00.002-04:00

I have to say I've been guilty of not getting too much done to post pics of. I've gotten sucked into watching the Olympics. I love the gymnastics especially. It amazes me what they can do and make it look easy. Well just wanted to let you know what I've been up to. I'm still moving things to the new shop. I have to take new pics of some of my collages before I can list them.

So sorry...

2008-08-13T17:12:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the break in posting. I've been working on a new item for the shop, creating it from scratch. That means I had to make a pattern and of course work out any kinks I come across. I should finish it today and hopefully have pics tomorrow. I'm still going to be doing some tweaking to it to try and cut down on the time it takes to make it. I'm probably going to have to break out the sewing machine and wrestle with it. UGH!

Well good news though. I made 3 sales today (two pincushions and my scotty dog pin). This is turning out to be my best month so far. I've been spending alot of time on the computer getting my name out there. which is good, but takes time away from my creating.

I've also decided to take the plunge and open a new shop for my collage work. I named it Createitcottageart. I wanted the name to be as close as possible so people can easily find either shop. There are only 3 items in it right now, but I'm slowly working on moving everything over. I put it off for a long time because I can't imagine promoting 2 shops, but I felt like my collage was getting lost amongst the felt and my shop was getting too full.

That's all for now!

Shroom gnome home

2008-08-10T23:46:00.002-04:00

Ok here is the new item I mentioned earlier. It's a mushroom gnome home or that's what I named it. I took a pattern from one of my new japanese craft books and tweeked it a little to my style. I think it turned out cute! I've got plans for different color schemes as well. If I had enough hands to keep up with my ideas I'd be doing alot better. I made this one into a pin, but could easily make it into a hanging ornament or keychain. Might try a bigger version for a pincushion, just have to figure out how to make it stand up.

Well I haven't been very creative today. Had to finish tying up the branches cut and put out for trash and the Olympics has held my attention all evening. I'm a night owl though so I'll be getting started on something new soon.

That's about it for today. Gnight!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!!!!

2008-08-09T01:28:00.002-04:00

I am having such a great week! My smile is from ear to ear and won't go away! I made another sale today of one of my chameleons. He's turning out quite popular. My retro squares pincushion is in the etsy faves on another wonderful blog How About Orange. That's two blogs this week. YEAH!!! It may not seem like much to some, but I'm on top of the world!

I finished the pincushion I was talking about before and got it in my shop. It's my second square one and very colorful. I got another japanese craft book in the mail and it's soo cool, so my next projects will be from there. Ok I'll give a hint-shroom. That's all I'm saying for now.

Now for the rest of life stuff. Well Joshua won So You Think You Can Dance. He had my vote. I thought he was great! Don't know if any of you watch wrestling, but I can't wait for the Undertaker to come back. I think I'll break down and order SummerSlam. My etsy sales can pay for it.YEAH!!

Don't know how much creating I'll get done tomorrow. We have to cut down a tree at our rental property as the neighborhood kids have been climbing it, so for safety reasons down it goes. Since it's been like a thousand degrees outside lately I'll probably be exhausted afterwards.

Well, off to make my chameleon. See ya later!

Happy Dance x 3

2008-08-07T02:06:00.002-04:00

I've done my happy dance 3 times since last night. As I said I sold my pincushion plus a set of felt beads I made and now my little chameleon pin I posted a few days back. It's the most sales I've had in one day plus I had my 50th sale. WOO-HOO!!!!! I know it doesn't seem like much, but I'm half way to 100. I'm getting all these together, so I haven't finished anything new, but will work on that later today.

Well the first half of the "so you think you can dance" finale was on tonight. It's going to be a tough choice. I really like Joshua and I put my votes in. We'll find out tomorrow.

Open circles

2008-08-06T00:03:00.004-04:00

I have another pincushion for you. This one is done in copper and pistachio. I love this color combo!! I have appliqued an open circle design all around the sides and put the inside circles all over the top.

Well I did my happy dance tonight because I had a sale. Another of my mod circles pincushion. Yeah!!! Now I have to go and make it.

First I have to rinse my conditioning concoction out of my hair though and probably go get milk. Oh the boring details of real life. Be back tomorrow.

Swirls

2008-08-04T12:29:00.004-04:00

Well I got a pic of my new pincushion and got it in my shop. This one had swirl ribbon on the sides and swirls on top. I've got another one finished, but have to take pics.

My retro squares pincushion was featured on another wonderful etsian's blog today. Her blog is onepartwhimsy. Cute! Check it out! Woo-Hoo!

Oh and just wanted to say I didn't do very well with my SNS sale, but might try again.

I'm having a Saturday night sale!!!!!

2008-08-02T17:52:00.002-04:00

It's my first Saturday night special sale!!!!! If you are unfamiliar with etsy the site i sell on they have SNS sales and I'm having my first one tonight. It will be from 5pm to 6am EST. 20% off every purchase not including shipping. Come by and check it out!!!!!

On other things I don't have any new pics today. I did finish a new pincushion, but am spending today doing some much needed house cleaning and straightening. I will get pics tomorrow. Well back to the grindstone!!!

Here Lizard Lizard

2008-08-01T23:21:00.002-04:00

I made another critter. I love this little guy. He is sooo cute. My own little chameleon. I made him into a pin, but am also thinking about attaching a hanger for a keychain or ornament. I offer that option on all my critters in my shop.

I finally got my sequins I ordered today from Turkey. They took awhile, but are worth it. I'll be using them to doll up my critters.

Any wrestling fans out there? I can't wait for the Underataker to come back. I might have to break down and order SummerSlam ppv just to see him kick the crap out of Edge!

checkin in

2008-08-01T02:19:00.003-04:00

Well no new pic today. It was rainy and overcast all day. I do have a new little chameleon pin to post once I get a pic and I'm starting on a new pincushion. It was a lazy day today. I'll blame the rain not me. I think I'm becoming nocturnal as I seem to want to do everything at night and sleep all day. Too many vampire movies I guess. Well nothing really interesting today.
Oh Another so you think you can dance night. I can't believe they got rid of Chelsea and I even voted. I'm hoping Joshua wins it. I think he is great especially with no formal training. we'll know next week. Night for now.

New critters

2008-07-30T17:34:00.002-04:00

I finally bought some of the japanese craft books I have been drooling over and am making little critters. They are so much fun. I love it! I have a dachshund,parakeet, and a scotty dog so far. I also made a swirly butterfly necklace. I know there's alot in this post, but I've been so busy I haven't had time to post. All my critters are available in my shop createitcottage.

It has been raining here all week. I guess being inside in the rain has gotten me crafting.

I watched Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay last night. Funny!!!!

a quickie!

2008-07-30T04:24:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted. I've been busy. I will have some pics of some new creations later tonight. please check back.

WOO-HOO!!!

2008-07-24T01:22:00.004-04:00

Well I made two sales today. I'm soo excited. I got to do a double happy dance. The buyer gave me some wonderful comments on my flickr and now made a purchase. If only this would happen more than every couple weeks, but I'm still thrilled when it does!!!!
I have a new pincushion to show today then I have to get to work on my order. I have all but one item made and I like to ship ASAP. Well that's it for tonight.

mod circles

2008-07-19T22:24:00.002-04:00

Well here's the pincushion I mentioned in my previous post. It is a large one. The top is done to coordinate with the ribbons around the sides. It is in my shop. I can also make it in some other color schemes. The pic shows the other colors of ribbon I have. Nothing else very interesting to share today. Oh I'm going to see Smashing Pumpkins next month. COOL!!!

needed to vent

2008-07-18T16:14:00.002-04:00

Well today I got some feelings off my chest about lack of sales in my etsy store. It's been hard lately to keep my chin up. I don't want to go on about it here too, but it's on the Create a Day blog I belong to if you'd like to check it out. The blog is a great bunch of creative people that strive to create everyday, hence the name. Check it out even if not to read my rant.
I have a new pincushion in the works, but probably won't have pics until tomorrow.

Do any of you watch "So you think you can dance?" Can you believe they sent Kerrington home last night? I thought for sure Comfort was gone again. I was shocked!

Bead blooms

2008-07-15T23:53:00.004-04:00

I just checked my emails and found out that my listing is featured on the talentdatabase craft portal page. WOO-HOO! A little brooch I came up with. I found these beads in my stash and I think they are carnelian. I used some of my rick rack as a frame between the layers of felt. I think I'll make some more with different colors and designs. I like how it turned out.
I took my little darling in to get her nails clipped tonight and I thought they were killing her. She does not like her nails done and she's not friendly outside of the family, so they had me leave the room to get her settled. I wasn't too happy with that. Then I heard her screaming and yelping and almost stopped it right then and there. They got it done, but from now on I'll take her to my vet instead. They are more gentle there. This was a local pet store that had grooming service. I think I was more traumatized than her.

Caffeine anyone?

2008-07-15T02:55:00.002-04:00

My newest addition to my pincushion collection. This one is for all the coffee lovers out there. I put a big steaming cup of coffee on top and covered the sides with coffee beans. I used a new creamy yellow felt for the background, which I love. I think the brown beans really pop off the background.createitcottage

Tied up a bunch of the branches yesterday to put out in the trash and boy are my legs sore today. I'm way out of shape.

Didn't get any crafting done today it was my father-in-law's 81st birthday, so we went out to dinner and had a cake then I zoned on the couch. Oh well!

Trimming trees

2008-07-12T23:47:00.003-04:00

Well I've been busy the last couple of days trimming trees at my house and my father-in-laws. Boy do they grow up fast. Now after all the work trimming they still have to be cut and bundled for trash. That's the worst part. It is pouring here again so they'll be nice and wet tomorrow to bundle. So much for sunny Florida. I have managed to get some crafting done in between, but don't have pics yet. The rain makes me sleepy. I do have a new pic of my little darling sound asleep in her blanky with a pillow. She loves her comfort. Well storm's getting worse, so I'll sign off for now.

Getting fancy

2008-07-10T17:16:00.003-04:00

I am really proud of my newest pincushion. I went a little fancier than usual. I had an oriental dragon and decided to put lanterns all around the sides. I used sequins, beads, and metallic thread. This one was time consuming, but well worth it. I have so many new ideas bouncing around in my head. I got my new wool felt order yesterday. Gorgeous! Well here's my latest and I'll post a pic of the new felt I just haven't taken it yet. createitcottage

Good News!

2008-07-05T13:48:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a good 4th. I sure did. I've been rather down lately due to lack of sales so I've been trying to list more and get off my butt. I guess it payed off because I listed a new pincushion and it sold later that day. WOO-HOO! Also, while I was checking out that sold item I sold one of my cozies too. COOL! I got to do my happy dance twice and yes I really do a happy dance with every sale. It helped me to be able to order some wool felt I've been wanting. I may have mentioned this before, but I'm trying to switch over to using wool felt from acrylic due to the much better quality. The only problem is I love colors and my local store only carries basic colors, so I have to order online for the good colors. I've been waiting until I was able to order some of every color I want well almost every the order got a little too high, so I had to go back and take a few away. Oh well next time. The website is having a 20% off sale on there wool right now so I took full advantage. Well here is the pincushion I mentioned and the cozy is in another post.createitcottage

Sorry so long...

2008-07-02T23:10:00.002-04:00

Wow! I't's been almost a month since I posted. Time flies. Well, still no job. Apparently I'm just one of hundreds if not thousands out there looking. I haven't applied for a job in 12 years, boy have times changed. I'm used to going in and filling out an application and maybe getting to talk to the person. Now most everyone has you fill out your application online and you have to hope it doesn't get lost in cyberspace. I have been busy making some new creations. I'm in the process of switching over to wool felt from acrylic. It's nicer to work with and I think makes a better finished product. I'm hoping that might help with my lack of sales. I get lots of compliments, which I appreciate very much, sometimes I just wish someone would buy it as well. I guess with all going on I've been a little down. I'll get over it. Well here's a couple of my new items a stars and stripes pincushion and my cute little Mr. & Mrs, robot pins. I think they turned out so great! Of course they are all available in my etsy store createitcottage

Comfy Cozy

2008-06-05T23:12:00.002-04:00

Well, I haven't posted for awhile, but I've been checking out everyone else's great items. I had a show last weekend, so I was busy trying to get some things done for that. I also have been looking for a real job (BLAH) without much luck. I've been wrestling with my sewing machine again and this time I won for now. I've made some new coffee cozies and here's the first two I've gotten pics of. createitcottage

Sad news

2008-05-18T15:28:00.002-04:00

Well unfortunately I have sad news to report. My darling dog Ginger whom I spoke about in my last post has gone to a better place. She was about 13 years old and took a turn for the worse so we had to make a choice. She's had arthritis in her back end for several years and it finally got the best of her. In the end the vet said it looked like she was bleeding into her belly and she was so bloated she just couldn't pick herself up. She lived a good long life and went peacefully.

busy week

2008-03-29T23:32:00.004-04:00

Well it looks like this week has been all about pincushions. I made up a new design with circles and made it in several colors. I made a spring chick one that also has circles. I guess I've been in a circle frame of mind lately. They are all listed in my etsy shop createitcottage

I went to my local native american festival tonight and won a goldfish by throwing balls into little bowls. We won five so we traded for one large goldfish. We go every year and win some new fish for our tank.

Last night was an adventure. My little chihuahua(ittlebittle) was coming in from outside and right before she came in the door she went after something. I thought it might have been a frog, but then my big dog(Ginger) went out sniffing and I got the flashlight and there was a opossum staring at me from the screen door. It is twice the size of my chihuahua. I thought I scared if off, but when Ginger went outside the opossum came running up and attacked her. I chased it away and it climbed the closest tree and sat there staring at me. Bold! I sprayed it with the hose. Now we have a big utility light out back so we can let the dogs out until we can catch the opossum. I've never had a run in with one before. I figure it must be a mama. I'll never forget that possum staring at me.

Rainy Day

2008-03-23T00:51:00.003-04:00

It rained all day here in the sunshine state. No sunshine today. I did get alot of things made today though because I didn't feel like going out. I did have to make a run to Joanne's due to the last day of the sale. I couldn't take any pics of todays creations, but I have a pic of a bracelet I listed today. createitcottage

Diva

2008-03-21T03:58:00.002-04:00

My latest creation is a diva brooch. I turned one of my girl sketches into an embroidered pin. I love the wild red hair. That's about all that happened lately. I'm still nursing my swollen foot from the table incident at my show. I made a new flower brooch, but haven't got a pic yet. Next post I'll have a pic. Stay tuned. www.createitcottage.etsy.com

Hippity Hoppity

2008-03-18T22:37:00.004-04:00

Well I had my fest (my etsy street team) show on Sunday at Dinosaur World in Plant City Fl. I did quite well. I sold several items. I'm so happy. It was only my second craft show, but I hope to do many more. It was a beautiful day. The only problem was that my table fell over on to my foot when I was setting up and now it is all swollen and purple. Oh well I know what not to do next time. Here's a pic of my little bunny plushie I made in front of my orchids I'm so proud of. They are doing so well and they don't take much work. I've always heard that orchids are hard to grow, but mine sure aren't. I don't have a green thumb at all. www.createitcottage.etsy.com

It's been awhile

2008-03-14T03:02:00.004-04:00

Well I was in a bit of a creative slump for awhile and didn't create or post. I'm getting back in the groove now. I've got some new items in the shop. I have a show this Sunday. Feels good to be back on track. Here's some of the new items. Enjoy! The first is a card case keychain with a bird needlefelted on. The second two are brooches hand sewn from felt. www.createitcottage.etsy.com

Circles wildflower brooch

2008-02-02T00:04:00.000-05:00

Well this is my newest creation. It is a felt brooch with circles appliqued in the center for flowers. I am working on several different colors schemes. It can also be made into a hair clip.

Valentine's Creations

2008-01-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Well I've been working on some ideas for Valentine's Day which is also my birthday. I have been running to many Dr appts with my DH so I haven't gotten alot done, but Here's my latest. The grouping of three are brooches or hairclips which ever is preferred, the middle two are pincushions, and last but not least is a bookmark.
www.createitcottage.etsy.com

New creation

2008-01-10T02:42:00.000-05:00

I came up with this idea while using a pad I have on my fridge, but it's not refillable, so I thought I'd make one that is. I am so proud of this idea. It holds a small notepad and pen and it has magnets on the back. Well here it is and it is for sale in my etsy shop if anyone is interested. I can make it with a different design also this is just my first one.

latest

2007-12-30T02:25:00.000-05:00

Here's my newest pincushions. they are so much fun.

more pincushions

2007-12-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

I've been making more pincushions. Haven't been as busy as I should. Guess it's the holidays. Came home from Christmas shopping tonight to find my latest cushion destroyed by my little chihuahua. Boy is she in trouble. Well here's some new ones.

latest creations

2007-12-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

Well I'm really into making pincushions right now. They're so much fun. Here's a couple of my latest. They are all available in my shop at www.createitcottage.etsy.com

new items

2007-11-30T21:52:00.001-05:00

I listed some new items and wanted to share so here they are!

first craft show

2007-11-28T00:35:00.000-05:00

Well I had my first show on black Friday. While I didn't sell anything I did meet alot of nice people and got my feet wet. I hope to be able to do more shows in the future. I am having trouble finding out about them before it's too late to enter. Thanksgiving went well. I think I'm going to turn into a turkey soon from all the leftovers. Well that's all for now I'll be back soon.

new items

2007-11-12T22:03:00.000-05:00

Well the sewing bug has bit again. I had forgotten how much I love felt. I've been making some cute little accessories, such as coin purses, brooches, pin cushions. I'll be trying out my new sewing machine soon and making some purses. I'll let you know how that goes. For now here's some of my new creations and they are all available thru my etsy store http://www.createitcottage.etsy.com/.

2007-10-13T02:35:00.000-04:00

Well I'm figuring things out here, These are some samples of my work. Some of them are 8 x 10 collages and others are ACEO's. I hope you enjoy them. They are all for sale in my etsy shop at http://www.createitcottage.etsy.comalong with several others.

Want to introduce myself

2007-10-13T01:41:00.000-04:00

I am a mixed media artist and will be showing some of my work here once I figure it out. If you are interested now you can visit my shop at www.createitcottage.etsy.com. Please check back again in a week or so to see how I'm progressing.