I have been busy creating many crochet goodies, from hats to toys, and beyond, so much success, I nearly sold out of my rattles, and had to make stock continuously to no run out of my animal hats!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
New adventures
This year is not my first vending at a Saturday market. Yet it is the first year for my own business.
I have been busy creating many crochet goodies, from hats to toys, and beyond, so much success, I nearly sold out of my rattles, and had to make stock continuously to no run out of my animal hats!
This week, between school finals, and my baby shower this weekend, I will be coming up with new designs, from foxes to koala bears, maybe even a penguin and polar bear or two. my goal is to have the entire side of the tent (10ft) covered in hanging hats! More photos to come!
I have been busy creating many crochet goodies, from hats to toys, and beyond, so much success, I nearly sold out of my rattles, and had to make stock continuously to no run out of my animal hats!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Newest Adventure!
Everyone has seen them, some have even bought them....
The ever popular Owl hat.
I was asked to make one of these super cute hats as a photo prop for a 6 month old baby boy, but once that picture was posted, the orders can FLYING in! Everyone is unique, and I started doing sew on gOOgly eyes on some of them! Love the way they turn out! Since these, I have made 2 more custom owls, a frog and a cat. I'll be playing with some other animal ideas.
The ever popular Owl hat.
I was asked to make one of these super cute hats as a photo prop for a 6 month old baby boy, but once that picture was posted, the orders can FLYING in! Everyone is unique, and I started doing sew on gOOgly eyes on some of them! Love the way they turn out! Since these, I have made 2 more custom owls, a frog and a cat. I'll be playing with some other animal ideas.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Baby shower invites!
I am sending out 40 physical invites, and many Facebook invites, I have finished the design for them, and now I am just putting them together! I am using 8 different animals from the Create - a- critter Cricut Cartridge. I have chosen to use the Squirrel, Fox, Deer, Owl, Skunk, Hedgehog, Raccoon and Bird1, as well as the tree from the "bee" page.
The card is created from 2 pieces of cardstock, brown, and sky blue, both are from "Coredinations" found a Joanns. I used my Fiskars scallop boarder punch, and some green dotted brown ribbon from Offrey Ribbons (walmart). The card is cute to the following dimensions:
Back 6x4 inches scored at 5 inches
Front 5x4 inches
Tree 2 3/4 inches (in 4 different colors mixed from a DCWV MatchMakers 2 Neutrals stack
All animals 2 inches (Create-a-Critter)
Grass 1 inch (Plantin Schoolbook)
Stamp used is part of a 3 set I got at Joanns. This one says "you're invited". The set also includes "live,laugh,love" and "happy birthday" They are from Inkadinkadoo.
Use your scallop (or other boarder punch) to punch a boarder into the 1 inches section of the back, fold over, adhere ribbon, and then adhere card front. Put tree in place, layer grass over tree trunk, and place animal.
I am printing up a cute info panel and gluing it inside. Something along the lines of a catch phrase "Help Echo welcome a new addition into her neck of the woods!"
The card is created from 2 pieces of cardstock, brown, and sky blue, both are from "Coredinations" found a Joanns. I used my Fiskars scallop boarder punch, and some green dotted brown ribbon from Offrey Ribbons (walmart). The card is cute to the following dimensions:
Back 6x4 inches scored at 5 inches
Front 5x4 inches
Tree 2 3/4 inches (in 4 different colors mixed from a DCWV MatchMakers 2 Neutrals stack
All animals 2 inches (Create-a-Critter)
Grass 1 inch (Plantin Schoolbook)
Stamp used is part of a 3 set I got at Joanns. This one says "you're invited". The set also includes "live,laugh,love" and "happy birthday" They are from Inkadinkadoo.
Use your scallop (or other boarder punch) to punch a boarder into the 1 inches section of the back, fold over, adhere ribbon, and then adhere card front. Put tree in place, layer grass over tree trunk, and place animal.
I am printing up a cute info panel and gluing it inside. Something along the lines of a catch phrase "Help Echo welcome a new addition into her neck of the woods!"
Monday, April 23, 2012
Busy Busy Busy! BABY!
I have seriously not been updating! I have been busy! School, work, crafting and baby boy being a super dancer in my belly! Some serious YMCA going on in there... He's a dancer, loves when I play music! He also likes food, he gets all excited when I eat yummy goodness!
I have a craft show on the 28th of April, and will be posting some of my creations soon. Check out my facebook page to see some of the fun things I've been working on!
https://www.facebook.com/OwlsNestBoutique
That's all I have for now... so I'll leave you with a cute picture:
I have a craft show on the 28th of April, and will be posting some of my creations soon. Check out my facebook page to see some of the fun things I've been working on!
https://www.facebook.com/OwlsNestBoutique
That's all I have for now... so I'll leave you with a cute picture:
Sunday, March 18, 2012
IceCream! (Pattern)
I think these pregnancy cravings are very largely the power of suggestion. I am not an ice cream fan under normal circumstances, but I have been making ice cream cone rattles for Saturday Market, and I have been craving ice cream like there is no tomorrow...
Here is the culprit!
Pattern is improvised, and very popular!
Edit: 3-21-12
So popular, in fact, that I have written up the pattern.
This piece is made in 2 parts which are then single crocheted together. It is created using amigurumi basics, and is crochet in a spiral, so don't connect your rows.
Any yarn will do, just use 1 hooks size down from recommended for a tight material that won't leak the stuffing.
Cone: (bottom up)
Row 1
Option 1: 6sc into magic loop (link goes to "crochet me" tutorial) (6)
Option 2: ch2, 6sc into 2nd chain from hook (you will need to sew this gap closed in the end.) (6)
Row 2: sc in each of the next 6 sc (note: place marker in last st of this row)(6)
Row 3: 2 sc in each sc to marker, move marker (12)
Row 4-5: sc in each stitch to marker, move marker (12)
Row 6: *2sc in next sc, 1 sc in next* to marker, move marker (18)
Row 7-8: Sc in each sc to marker, move marker (18)
Row 9: *2sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sc* to marker, move marker (24)
Row 10-11: sc in each stitch to marker, move marker (24)
Repeat this process of increasing every 3rd row until you have 36 sc around, complete 2 more rounds of sc in every sc to marker, sl st in next, pull through, cut tail at approx. 3 inches.
Scoop:
Complete rows 1,3, 6, 9, etc until you reach 36 sc around. sc in each sc for 5-6 rounds (until it look the right size of scoop for you)
Note: if you want sprinkles or swirls, this is the time to do it.
Have stuffing and rattle insert (jingle bell) ready to go.
Finishing:
Insert hook through next stitch in scoop, AND through any stitch in cone, sc these together, repeat around, try to pick up and tuck in the strands from cone tail. when you are approx half way around, fill with stuffing and bell, then finish sc'ing around.
Embellish with scallops or picots to show dripping, or leave plain to look clean. tie off and weave in end.
Enjoy!
Less fattening than actual icecream!
Here is the culprit!
Edit: 3-21-12
So popular, in fact, that I have written up the pattern.
This piece is made in 2 parts which are then single crocheted together. It is created using amigurumi basics, and is crochet in a spiral, so don't connect your rows.
Any yarn will do, just use 1 hooks size down from recommended for a tight material that won't leak the stuffing.
Cone: (bottom up)
Row 1
Option 1: 6sc into magic loop (link goes to "crochet me" tutorial) (6)
Option 2: ch2, 6sc into 2nd chain from hook (you will need to sew this gap closed in the end.) (6)
Row 2: sc in each of the next 6 sc (note: place marker in last st of this row)(6)
Row 3: 2 sc in each sc to marker, move marker (12)
Row 4-5: sc in each stitch to marker, move marker (12)
Row 6: *2sc in next sc, 1 sc in next* to marker, move marker (18)
Row 7-8: Sc in each sc to marker, move marker (18)
Row 9: *2sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sc* to marker, move marker (24)
Row 10-11: sc in each stitch to marker, move marker (24)
Repeat this process of increasing every 3rd row until you have 36 sc around, complete 2 more rounds of sc in every sc to marker, sl st in next, pull through, cut tail at approx. 3 inches.
Scoop:
Complete rows 1,3, 6, 9, etc until you reach 36 sc around. sc in each sc for 5-6 rounds (until it look the right size of scoop for you)
Note: if you want sprinkles or swirls, this is the time to do it.
Have stuffing and rattle insert (jingle bell) ready to go.
Finishing:
Insert hook through next stitch in scoop, AND through any stitch in cone, sc these together, repeat around, try to pick up and tuck in the strands from cone tail. when you are approx half way around, fill with stuffing and bell, then finish sc'ing around.
Embellish with scallops or picots to show dripping, or leave plain to look clean. tie off and weave in end.
Enjoy!
Less fattening than actual icecream!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Tophatter
Over the last few weeks, I have been exploring every possible avenue to make a little extra cash. I took the remainder of term off, and will be starting fresh in the spring (April 2) and decided to take this extended spring break and get my business moving a bit more product... Well, good on me. I have gotten several custom orders, which is fine, except that I can't make enough orders to keep up...
So to sell some of my other crafty skills, a couple of crafty friends suggested Tophatter, an auction site that is similar to etsy and ebay, but faster than both. The only major problem is that Tophatter is only about 3 months old, and is still having some issues. Such as there being too many sellers, not enough buyers, or most of the buyers being sellers of another product.
One would think that being a maker of crafty goods, one would understand the time that goes into the work, but many seem to think that if their craft is fast, all crafts are fast... not so much!
It is still a great little program. You go on as a seller, list an item, schedule it into a category, and you are given an auction date and time in which to go talk to your buyers. You build an avatar, and you bid, as if you were out in that cold world at a real auction house. The only issue with this piece of the puzzle, is I am not 100% sure everyone understands that it's a real auction, it kinda looks like a FB game.
Once the auction is over, you use paypal to receive payment (or send it) and to print shipping, package up the goods you sold, and send them on their way.
Tophatter Pros:
*Quick(er)
*"Face-to-face" chat with customers/artists
*Faster payment (usually)
*Newer artists
*More variety (sometimes)
*Easy to use (most of the time)
Tophatter Cons:
*Still a bit glitchy (because its new)
*A lot of bickering from sellers who think they know how to run it better than the staff (try their job for a day, you'd be a lot nicer)
*Some of the features are intermitantly available on most browsers, but not all (speak with staff only sometimes shows up with Google Chrome)
*A few people still think it's a game, and you never get paid
*Shipping costs are OUTRAGEOUS
*Many international customers (read: Canadian) are discouraged from buying because of shipping
*Products are often not well represented because sellers are not present for auction, so you can not ask ????'s
All in all, great site. Needs some improvements
Also, check out my seller page, I have a ton of stuff ready to put into auctions!
One would think that being a maker of crafty goods, one would understand the time that goes into the work, but many seem to think that if their craft is fast, all crafts are fast... not so much!
It is still a great little program. You go on as a seller, list an item, schedule it into a category, and you are given an auction date and time in which to go talk to your buyers. You build an avatar, and you bid, as if you were out in that cold world at a real auction house. The only issue with this piece of the puzzle, is I am not 100% sure everyone understands that it's a real auction, it kinda looks like a FB game.
Once the auction is over, you use paypal to receive payment (or send it) and to print shipping, package up the goods you sold, and send them on their way.
Tophatter Pros:
*Quick(er)
*"Face-to-face" chat with customers/artists
*Faster payment (usually)
*Newer artists
*More variety (sometimes)
*Easy to use (most of the time)
Tophatter Cons:
*Still a bit glitchy (because its new)
*A lot of bickering from sellers who think they know how to run it better than the staff (try their job for a day, you'd be a lot nicer)
*Some of the features are intermitantly available on most browsers, but not all (speak with staff only sometimes shows up with Google Chrome)
*A few people still think it's a game, and you never get paid
*Shipping costs are OUTRAGEOUS
*Many international customers (read: Canadian) are discouraged from buying because of shipping
*Products are often not well represented because sellers are not present for auction, so you can not ask ????'s
All in all, great site. Needs some improvements
Also, check out my seller page, I have a ton of stuff ready to put into auctions!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
On Car Wrecks and Super Van!
Yesterday, I was in a car wreck. And for the 2nd time since I bought her, our 2000 Chrysler Grand Voyager saved my life. While they were small, seemingly insignificant wrecks, if they had happened in my previous Buick Regal, Dodge Neon, Honda Accord or Ford Escort, the damage, and injuries would have been much worse!
She has gained several nick names, DeathStar being the first, because she is big, and grey, and you can see her coming. The newest names are SuperVan, and Battle Van!
When we got rear-ended, the damage to the other drivers 2005 Toyota Corola was MUCH worse. Her crumple zones did just what they were supposed to do, which is to crumple.....her grill was even with or close to her dash board. Interestingly enough, she said she had JUST paid off the car.
I think I'm about to retire our old girl, she has been good to us, but with baby on the way, we need something a bit newer, and with all the parts still intact.
She has gained several nick names, DeathStar being the first, because she is big, and grey, and you can see her coming. The newest names are SuperVan, and Battle Van!
When we got rear-ended, the damage to the other drivers 2005 Toyota Corola was MUCH worse. Her crumple zones did just what they were supposed to do, which is to crumple.....her grill was even with or close to her dash board. Interestingly enough, she said she had JUST paid off the car.
I think I'm about to retire our old girl, she has been good to us, but with baby on the way, we need something a bit newer, and with all the parts still intact.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Trying to get Organized!
I nearly missed a client meeting today. Between school, and prego brain, I have been forgetting everything! From homework, to which classes I have on those days! It's become unbearable, and it's starting to re-trigger my anxiety disorder...
(Organizedmom.net)
I am hoping that by starting my week with a plan, and starting my month with a shadow of a plan, will help me stay on top of my responsibilities.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Hat Designs
Two trends I am seeing blow up ALL OVER the internet and local markets are Twin Set hats, and Hats that make your child's head look like something else. Such as Pumpkin hats, or Owl hats, or Flower blossom hats, or even sports related hats, like soccer balls, basket balls, foot balls, and baseballs. I am starting to work on a few designs for this trend, posting on my Etsy store, and on my Facebook, and planning on carrying them at our local Saturday Market.
What are you opinions on hats that make your child look like something else? Cool, or Cruel?
What are you opinions on hats that make your child look like something else? Cool, or Cruel?
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