Link Love!

I'm always bookmarking crafty things I love and thought I'd share some of my favourites.

I wish I had the skills necessary to make these! Thanks Sugar & Meringue for the inspiration!

Remember friendship bracelets? The Purl Bee is another fantastic blog everyone should follow. I'm thinking I should make a few of these soon.

I adore these free printable lists from Creative Mamma. I have to admit I rarely use a pen and paper to make lists anymore - but these inspire me to get writing!

I've recently started crocheting and am always looking for quick pretty projects to practice my limited skills. I was super thrilled to find these on The Yvestown Blog. I want to crochet them by the hundreds!

Happy Crafting!

Slow times...

Admittedly, I have been seriously neglecting my Etsy shop. There are a number of reasons such as a full time job (which is not longer an issue), lack of motivation, lack of interest.

I love the experience I've had on Etsy up until now - but there is just SO MUCH stuff on there that I have to renew an item every day just to get noticed (not even get a sale). I love numbers and stats (must be the librarian in me) so I've decided to compare the sales numbers and they definitely show the neglect and lack of interest/motivation.

2010                                         2011
January: 3 sales                      January: 9 sales
February: 1 sale                      February: 1 sale
March: 2 sales                        March: 4 sales
April: 5 sales                          April: 6 sales
May: 15 sales                         May: 0 sales
June: 9 sales                           June: 4 sales
July: 8 sales
August: 12 sales
September: 9 sales
October: 39 sales
November: 25 sales
December: 21 sales

I've been wanting to sew some cute dolls with a pattern I bought from Dolls and Daydreams. I've altered the face a bit and am just working on the first doll to see how the pattern works out. If I like the results then I am considering opening another Etsy shop to sell my dolls or opening a shop on another site entirely. So far I'm happy with what I've completed and I can't wait to see the finished product.

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at some bookmarks I started waaaay back in February. I finally dug them out of a box and will start stitching soon. Really, the most tedious part is already done (that being the hand cutting of all the circles) You'll understand why I don't make these as quickly or in as great a quantity as the cup cozies. All that cutting and stitching hurts when done in long sessions! These will be in the shop soon.

Just call me Granny

As I pack up my craft supplies, sewing supplies, knitting and crocheting supplies, and all the projects I have on the go, I can't help but feel some pride at my very first collection of granny squares. I taught myself how to crochet granny squares in March and I have to say they are a lot of fun to make - but figuring out what to do with them after and then actually sewing them all together is another story (one I don't think is as much fun). Once we get to the new place in Calgary I'm determined to get out my solo granny squares and sew them together to form a pillow (I don't have enough for a blanket yet).

So far I've mastered the traditional granny square as you can see here

I've also mastered this fantastic summer garden granny square pattern I found online

 

I get my many squares out every once in a while and try to figure out how I want to sew them together. I would make a mini afghan for Harriet but from experience I know she really only likes yarn in it's dangly form - and not in blanket form. 

We move to Calgary on Saturday - so my squares will be heading into a box to be revisited in a week or so. Eventually I hope to post a picture that resembles this - but with the squares actually sewn together. 

 

Big Plans

I've been in the process of getting things in order for an exciting new project. I pretty much have my business plan finished and I've contacted a Canadian distributor. I've found a website provider and most exciting of all, I've purchased a graphic for my logo. What is all of this planning for, you might ask? I'm going to open an online yarn shop! I've yet to register the name so I won't say what it is until I register it. I can show you my lovely sheep logo (above). Still deciding on the font but I've narrowed it down to a few. I'm getting all graphics and fonts through Veer - not only because my husband works for Veer, but because they have a great selection at affordable prices. Stay tuned as my business endeavor develops.

Spring Colour Blast

I've been on the lookout for a fun bright leather clutch and thought I'd share a few Etsy shops I've had my eye on. Now to decide which one to buy!

Love this green cutie from JennyDesign

Another one I love that probably won't last long from The Leather Store

These are also fabulous and come in so many colours it's a good thing they aren't very expensive as I may need to get a couple of them! Fantastic find from Bambina

To Grandmother's House We Go

My latest treasury was inspired by the fantastic artwork of Little Black Apple. I love their Etsy shop and their book is on my wish list!

'Through the woods' by SlitelyAskew

Little Red and Wolfboy ... theblackapple $14.00	Little Red Riding Hood ... papernoodle $20.00
Red riding hood - 6x8 c... atpalicis $10.00	Little Red Riding Hood. elsita $7.00
Little Red Riding Hood ... inkyeverafter $2.80	Print - Wolf & Little R... fashionfucsia $12.00
Mini Red and Tan Little... DayDreamerDoll... $15.00	Vintage Little Red Ridi... thevintagesupp... $50.00
Big, Bad Wolf Journal StoneburnerBoo... $20.00	Little Red Riding Hood ... malam $102.00
Small Zipper Pouch--Lit... mintlane $8.50	Vintage Red Riding Hood... TheRitzyMeow $14.00
Little Red Riding Hood ... CABfayre $25.00	Wooden Hair Stick - Hai... OutNumberedNov... $36.00
Werewolf Wolf cuff link... grigio $15.00	RESERVED for Dottie - M... EnlightenedPla... $588.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Celebrate National Craft Month

Get crafty this month! Start by visiting the Craft Place for inspiration and ideas for how to celebrate all month long.

Last month I decided to teach myself how to crochet granny squares and it has been going pretty well. So, I'm going to dedicate March to my granny square afghan endeavors! I'm also going to finally get around to sewing my first pattern and possibly start on the doll project I've been meaning to get going since January 1st!

What are you working on this month?