My 1st Wreath Craft...& new Etsy item Listing

I previously posted about this afghan in my new series "What's on my needles...(or hook)". It was commissioned by etsy seller Nikki of Bond Girl Creations 26, and she loved it. Here's what she said in her feedback...

"Such a pleasure to work with...she bent over backwards to make me exactly what I wanted and the blanket is simply gorgeous and such high quality! The packaging was exceptional too! :)"

What wonderful compliments! Thank you Nikki.

I've decided to offer it for sale in my etsy shop, the new listing is here. It will be a CUSTOM order, which means I will make it to suit the buyer after they purchase it. I'm also writing up the pattern for possible sale too, (haven't yet decided if I want to do that).

I call it Nature's Gradation as I made it using all Earth Tones and it graduates from the darkest color at the bottom to the lighest at the top. I also made it out of organic cotton yarn in a very open design crochet so that it can be used all year round. One of the best things about using cotton is that it just gets softer and softer with use.

And here is my very first door wreath!!!! I was so excited when I finished it, that I just had to share.

I've never considered myself a "crafty" person, to me knitting and crocheting are skills that I've learned, but when I was watching Martha Stewart a few weeks ago, they made the cutest little oval wreath and I had a very strong urge to give it a try (they made it look sooooo easy, and it really is).


I really liked the little one they made but I wanted a big one for my front door, and I wanted it decorated more for easter. So, first thing I had to do was take to a trip to Hobby Lobby (all their wreath making supplies and flowers were 50% off, yay). So now I have what I need to make more in the future (cause, yeah, I enjoyed it so much I'll probably be making one for every season)...

But for this one I purchased a large round grapevine wreath

some dried eucalyptus

light pink gerbera daisies, hot pink gerbera daisies

chartreuse hydrangeas

a very small bag of dried moss that had a nice variety

a bag of plastic easter eggs in assorted sizes (all the easter decorations was 50% off as well, double yay)

thin gauge wire

pins

and wide green and white stripe roll of ribbon (also 50% off, yayyayyay)

And my mom (who is one of those people that can do anything she sets her mind to) came for a quick visit, so I roped her into helping me...THANK YOU MOM!!!!

First step was to soak the grapevine wreath in water, I did mine in the tub with a bath towel on top of it to keep it submerged, overnight. To make the wreath oval, I just used my hands and squeezed the top until it was the shape I wanted.

Next I used some shears to cut away some of the grapevine along the small end of the oval (which was going to be the top of my wreath) along the outside edge just to get a more oval shape.

I started adding the dried eucalyptus by just sticking it into the wreath where I wanted it, then started adding the flowers the same way.

I left space at the bottom to attach the moss which we had soaked to rehydrate (because I wanted living moss not dried)...and WOW, that teeny tiny bag of dried moss completely covered my center kitchen island once it plumped up! I attached it using the floral pins just shoved down into the grapevine.

Next job was to attach the easter eggs using my hot glun gun.

Last, we made the bow (going to have to get some bow-making lessons from my sister-in-law Kelly), but I think we managed to make it presentable.

To keep the moss alive, all I have to do is keep it spritzed with water! I LOVE it! And mom and I had so much fun making it. I'm already thinking about the ones I want to try for the other 3 seasons...

I would recommend going to http://www.marthastewart.com/ for the full tutorial, I'm sure it's much more detailed.

Can you see who's peeking out at the bottom of the door, and I don't mean my reflection taking the pic???

Linked to: BetweenNapsOnThePorch check it out for other before and after ideas AND Swing Into Spring Party at DIY by Design Blog

What's on my needles...

In my newest series, What's on my needles..., or "hook" as the case may be...this is my 2nd post. In the 1st post I talked about a round lap blanket I'm working on, which had to be put on hold for this one. (Not quite finished in this pic)

Nikki, of militarywifestampinspot.blogspot.com and BondGirlCreations26 etsy shop contacted me about a custom order. The idea for this lap blanket had been in the back of my mind, so when she mentioned that she wanted neutral colors in the brown family, I knew this one would be perfect. She also mentioned that she liked my Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Baby Blanket, she remarked "I love how cozy it looks".

Since I made that pattern up as I went, and didn't write it down (bad me), I had to go back and look at it, write it out, then try to adjust for the size difference. As I am NOT one to EVER use a "guage swatch" (very very important when size is an issue in knitting...so BAD ME), this was more difficult than I imagined.

For the colors for her custom blanket, I knew I wanted it to graduate from the darkest to the lightest. I planned to do this by using two stands of yarn of the same color together for the first stripe, then for the next stripe, 1 strand of that color and 1 strand of what would be the next lighter color. The 3rd stripe would be two stands of that lighter color. (example: 2 strands of "charcoal"--1st stripe

1 strand of "charcoal, 1 strand of "dark chocolate" --2nd stripe

2 strands of "dark chocolate" --3rd stripe), this would have made the graduation less noticeable, more gradual.

I chose an organic cotton yarn for the ease of care AND so that she could use it year round. I was half way finished when I realized it wasn't going to be long enough AND it was way too heavy...ugh. NOT what I had in mind! Sooooo, I spent 2 days, yes 2 whole days, taking it apart...the reason it took so long was that I had to rewrap each ball of yarn as I went (10 BALLS)!!!!!! Having to use more yarn to make it longer was not only going to mess up my color design, but it was going to make it toooooo costly for what Nikki & I had agreed on. And did I mention the "heaviness"? Who wants a lap blanket the weighs you done and is like a ton of bricks to carry?!

Replanning my design, I realized that the only way to use 2 strands of yarn together to get my original look is to use a much lighter weight yarn (and I'm sure I will in the future) as I have Nikki's permission to make more of them to sell, and I'm also going to sell the pattern on etsy (as I wrote the pattern down as I went this time and plan to do so from now on).

I am extremely happy with the end result (which is now laying flat to dry after washing it)...I hope to have it ready for finished pics and listing on etsy for Nikki within the next couple of days. I'll be sure to post a finished pic.

Sage and Mage Etsy Store Special Offer

The beautiful Gennifer, proprietress of sage and mage Etsy store, has generously offered any of my followers and viewers, a 20% discount! Just go to her etsy store, and when checking out, type MYBLUEPEACOCK into the coupon code to receive your discount.

Gennifer was my Guest Interview yesterday, only my 2nd interview in this new series, (so I'm learning as I go)...and I never even thought to ask her about offering any special deals to my viewers and followers (I'll know to ask from now on...). So sorry that Nikki, my (1st guest interview), and I didn't think to do this as well. (Maybe I'll talk her into doing a "giveaway" in the future, fingers crossed).

So GO FORTH, and reap the rewards...haha...of being lucky....more haha...to have found my blog!!!

Liebster Blog Award

I just received my very first Blog Award!!!! YAY! You can't see me, but right now I am bouncing in my chair....

Nikki of Bond Girl Creations nominated my blog for the award. (Thank you Nikki)

The Liebster Blog award is given to bring new blogs to light. It's a great way to share blogs that might not otherwise be seen or ones you want to share with others.

I am so honored that you thought of me Nikki and I am truly enjoying our new online friendship.

As a recipient of this award I must share the love and pay it forward by:
1-Creating a post where you blog about the Liebster award & reveal your 3-5 blog picks
2-Let them know you chose them
3-Copy & paste the blog award on your blog
4-Have faith that your followers will rally & show their crafty love back out to those you awarded
5-Have fun!

This is a HUGE, STUPENDOUS, GARGANTUAN honor for me and I hope you will check out the blogs that I've nominated and personally love to browse everyday.

There are so many truly awesome blogs out there, that it was really difficult for me to choose which ones to recommend...but here they are:

1) Jennifer at Keswick and Country has beautiful photography of inspirational decorating ideas (she's awful pretty herself), and she offers a few tutorials (I always love those). Truly magazine worthy.

2) I found Dreamy Whites while watching The Nate Show...she lives on a horse ranch, has 5 kids AND WHITE SLIPCOVERS!!! She was sharing her tips about how to live with white furniture. I PROMISE you'll love her blog.

3) Thrifty Decor Chick has so many diy (do-it-yourself) projects on her blog, that I have yet to view them all, but have really learned a lot from her.

4) I loveeeeeeeee Rosemary at The Summer Porch her blog is all about what she does with herbs from herbal soaps and teas to decorating with herbs.

To be honest, ALL these blogs have gorgeous photography and they are worth looking at just for the pics, but I have no doubt you'll find more than you could have imagined if you just take a moment and go browse!!! Then be sure and come back to let me know what you think of them...

Interview with BondGirlCreations26

I would like to introduce Nikki Bond of BondGirlCreations26

http://www.bondgirlcreations26.etsy.com/

I invited Nikki to be my very first blog interview (questions and answers below), to help her customers get to know her better, and to help my followers find another great etsy shop!

In her etsy shop, Nikki offers a wide selection of truly beautiful handmade greetings cards (she also takes special requests!)...She offers a superior quality product at a very reasonable price. I personally ordered my Thank You cards from her along with a few birthday cards, and was thrilled with her craftsmanship when they arrived. I will definitely be one of her many repeat customers.

1) what is life like at your house? (husband, pets, children)

My household can be somewhat chaotic at times....I have three children ages 13, 11 and 8 who keep me on my toes and right now I’m doing it alone while my husband serves over in Afghanistan. They are older now though, so respect my “me time'” while I’m in my craft room. I do enjoy quiet afternoons during the week days while my children are at school. That definitely helps me focus on my stamping. As for pets....I have 2 loveable Boston Terriers who love to keep me company in my craft room while I create.

2) what is your morning routine?

I usually wake at 6 a.m. and get my children off to school. Afterwards, I head to the gym, then it’s home to create. (and sometimes clean) I take the weekends off from the gym and find that the mornings are my most creative time of the day for me! Once I get going, sometimes I find it’s well after lunchtime before I come up for air!

3) what hobbies do you enjoy?

I love stamping and scrapbooking (although I don’t scrapbook nearly enough) but I also really enjoy reading and bird watching.

4) How did you become a designer?

I started out scrapbooking, about 11 years ago as a way to preserve my children's photographs. About 4 years later I progressed into stamping. I was literally dragged to a Stampin’ Up! workshop, thinking it was a huge waste of time, and ended up loving it! Embossing got me hooked and now I rarely create a card without some sort of embossing incorporated into it.

5) How did you become involved with Etsy?

I first started selling my cards, with a lot of persuasion from my husband, at a little consignment shop in Ft Benning GA. I was so surprised when they did so well. I had a hard time keeping them in stock sometimes! When we moved to Ft Campbell, KY I soon discovered that there was no such shop here so I decided to start up an Etsy shop and hope for the best! It’s been a slow start but business does seem to be picking up for me.

6) How does your creative process work...(where do you find inspiration)

I find inspiration from many different things. I absolutely love sketches (patterns to follow to make cards and scrapbook pages)....they really make a card go together quickly and I tend to use a lot of them. Thank goodness for all the fabulous blogs out there that always have some sort of sketch challenge going on. I also use designer paper as a starting point. Sometimes I find inspirations from pictures in magazines or even clothing patterns. I love it when someone has a special request, and describes what they want....I really can get creative with just an idea.

7) What one thing do you keep close to you at all times?

If I’m out and about, hands down that would be my cell phone. If I’m at my craft desk, then definitely my laptop, craft ink and embossing powder. Those are a must!

8) Since starting your Etsy store, what one thing are you most proud of?

Honestly....it would have to be my return customers. I love knowing that they were satisfied enough with their purchases that they are coming back for more!

9) What is one thing you would do differently (in your Etsy business)

I’m not sure if it’s is something I would do differently....but I’d love to take more special request! I love to build off of other’s ideas and create something truly unique to the individual.

10)Is there anything new you have an idea for or are currently working on that you are planning to add to your store in the future?

I have recently done a few scrapbooks that I was so happy to post but I’m also thinking of creating single 12x12 pages in the future. I would also love to create more 3-D projects with intentions of being great for gifts or party favors.

11) Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny? (why)

Hands down Bugs Bunny. I have such fond memories of watching Bugs Bunny growing up with my father. The cartoon always made him laugh and I love to hear my Dad laugh. Besides...who wouldn’t love a smart alecky bunny who always gets his way?!

12) Handmade vs Manufactured? (your thoughts)

This one is a tough one....I love handmade when it comes to cards, albums, blankets, gifts (especially from my children) ....but there are some manufactured items that make my life easier. For instance...embellishments, designer paper ect....

13) what is one piece of advice you would give to women who are fortunate not to have to work outside the home?

Confidence is a must...I’m still trying to sap into mine sometimes....and definitely try to limit your distractions! The computer can be a big distraction for me and a real time zapper! Overall though, just enjoy yourself. If you don’t love what your doing, then what is the point?

I do know that before I started selling my cards, I used to say (when people asked what I did)....most proudly, and trying to portray confidence...I’m a domestic engineer....LOL I always stressed how important it was for me to be home for the kids so they grow up to be responsible adults....and I do really feel that way. I also have the utmost respect for working Moms so I stress this is just my opinion and I’m so lucky that I was able to stay home.

Seriously, is she adorable or what?! Wouldn't you just love to be her friend!!!!

Be sure to browse around her shop (I promise you'll love it)

http://www.bondgirlcreations26.etsy.com/

and check out her blog as well (she's won tons of blogging awards)

http://www.militarywifestampinspot.blogspot.com/

Then, come on back here and let everyone know what you think of her cards!

New Things A Comin'

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67692553/romantic-chained-love-cowl-neckwarmer

This is my newest creation! I've made my own patterns in knitting and crochet, but usually pretty basic stitches. This was my first time just adding and changing as I went, so I was practically jumping up and down as I was finishing it....it turned waaaayyyyy better than I had imagined. I'm learning that the creative process works two ways for me...

1) like pushing a boulder uphill...the ideas don't flow very well, and every one that I come up with just does not work and I end up ripping out lots of started projects.

or

2) rolling down a mountain...the ideas bombard me continueously, coming one right after the other, and they won't leave me alone until I write them down or start a project with one.

As you can imagine, I prefer #2. The Romantic Cowl started as #1 that turned into #2, (for some reason these numbers have reminded to get rid of some of my morning dr. pepper)

About the cowl: It's made of a fluffy, super duper soft alpaca blend yarn, very chunky, in the softest pastel true pink...I started with rows of chains, then just started attaching them willy-nilly until I saw the design starting to form, then I just went with it. Just when I thought I was finished, I realized, it needed something else, so I started adding the fringe which is a combination of the same yarn and creamy white merino wool strands....still needs something...ah, a flower (I plan to do more flowers!)....okay, it's almost there, but still needs something....(snapping fingers) a BUTTON! I started digging through my grandmother's button tin that I had just recently borrowed from my mom, and wouldn't you know it, a PERFECT button. Creamy white, with touches of silver and a rhinestone in the center. The size was just PERFECT.

Oh, I'll definitely be making more, but as the pattern is in my head, no two will ever be the same, the ideas are already churning in my head, they are... light-weight in spring colors, with spring flowers attached or maybe a shawl instead...we'll see what comes.

Another thing I'm really excited about is the new series I'm planning to start soon...I'll be interviewing and spotlighting my absolute FAVORITE etsy sellers and their shops. The best things about buying handmade items are the high quality AND supporting our neighbors! So I thought it would help to get to know more about them.



http://www.etsy.com/shop/BondGirlCreations26

BondGirlCreations26 etsy shop

I ordered my shop Thank You cards from Nikki at BondGirlCreations26 and the quality is simply the best I've ever seen in greeting cards, not to mention, her prices are cheaper than what I would spend at Wal-Mart, so not only did I order the thank you's, I also purchased a few birthday cards for gifts. I loved everything and Nikki was the first person I approached about interviewing, I really think you are going to want to get to know her!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sageandmage
sage and mage etsy shop

After reading the feedback from sage and mage etsy shop, I contacted Gennifer (shop owner) about some problem spots I've developed with my skin this winter (periomenopause?) who knows, anywho, she is mixing up something specifically for what I'm dealing with and just from what I've read in her feedback, I really think I'm going to like it....I'll keep you posted.

Still not sure whether this will be a weekly posting or bi-weekly, or just when I find someone special to feature...we'll just have to see. One thing I do know, I will only feature artists that I PERSONALLY have purchased from or tried their items and have a deep appreciation for what they are creating!