HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Make Your Own Adorable Christmas Ornaments with this Tutorial

I found this tutorial on a crafty mamas forum, and I just fell in love with it!! She's got step by step directions with pictures included. This îs a great tutorial for beginners. Make them as fun and inexpensive gifts, or for  your own tree. I will be making a few of these for my tree today. ;) Enjoy!!

http://sweetvonpeapod.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-ornament-tutorial.html

A Handmade Christmas Present Idea

I actually found these last year, and just loved them!!! They are called chenille ornaments, made with chenille rods, and tons of cool embelishments. This link will give you full instructions start to finish http://www.vintageimagecraft.com/christmas-chenille-doll.html  it looks so fun and easy I will definetly be giving this a try. I recently made a digital collage sheet for someone making these ornaments, and here is the link to that to get an idea of what either you can make on your own or purchase to get you started. http://www.etsy.com/listing/56134894/vintage-faces-digital-collage-sheet I borrowed this picture of the finished product from http://www.etsy.com/shop/scfq with her permission. If you are not so much of a DIYer you can purchase these adorable ornaments from her shop she's got some cute ones. I hope you can find some time for crafting during your holidays handmade items weather made by you or someone else are always special., and make great gifts :)

Recycle your T-Shirts!!!! Make a Hat and Pair of Pants (Babies and Toddlers)

I have been looking for more ways to recycle mine and my hubbys old tshirts, and I found these 2 super great tutorials one for a baby beanie, and one for a pair of pants either for a baby or toddler. Genius!!! I am so excited to try these!!! Both tutorials are super easy and only require minimal sewing. The pants come with video instructions which make them even easier!! And the baby beanie tutorial can be found here. http://www.rookiemoms.com/sew-a-quick-newborn-hat-from-a-t-shirt/
 

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Enjoy your familes, and yummy food!!!!

A fun Handmade Christmas Decoration Idea

I love decorating for Christmas, and I thought this tutorial looked fun and was well done. Enjoy!!!

2 New Items For Christmas Crafts

I know it's not even Thanks giving yet, but we crafters have to start our Christmas Crafts early.  I have put in my shop two super great vintage collage sheets 1 of Angels, and one of Santa Clauses these are great for so many paper crafts, including making your own christmas cards. Not only is making your own cards less expensive they are more personel and special than store bought. Each collage is only $2 and you can print them as many times as you need. If you're interested in having a look, here is the link. http://www.simplybannersnads.etsy.com/ Hope to see you there!!

Vote for Me or Not....

This months etsykids challenge was woodland animals. I have submitted my No Sew Iron on Birdie Applique. If you want to vote for me I am number 36, or if not just go check out all of the adorable creations submitted for this challenge. Here is the link http://etsykids.blogspot.com/2010/10/etsykids-design-challenge-its-time-to.html

A few Halloween Faves

I have compiled a list of a few of my favorite handmade halloween items for you to enjoy and learn about!! :)
1) Instant pumpkin head costume (so funny) http://www.etsy.com/listing/59451820/instant-pumpkinhead-costume-pull-your
2) Halloween Apron (very cute) http://www.etsy.com/listing/59453569/halloween-apron-reversible?ref=sr_list_6&ga_search_query=halloween&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title
3)Halloween Painting http://www.etsy.com/listing/59453568/you-spook-me?ref=sr_list_21&ga_search_query=halloween&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title
4)Pirate Hat for dogs and cats http://www.etsy.com/listing/59452863/pirate-hat-for-dogs-and-cats?ref=sr_list_2&ga_search_query=halloween&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title
5)Kintted Kitty http://www.etsy.com/listing/32523484/knitted-kitty?ref=sr_list_38&ga_search_query=halloween&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=3&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title
6)Mini ghost Soap Set http://www.etsy.com/listing/59107538/mini-ghost-soap-set
7)Pregnant skeleton maternity shirt http://www.etsy.com/listing/59406529/pregnant-skeleton-maternity-shirt

There are many many more awesome handmade halloween items out there, so keep looking!! :)

Etsy Kids Magazine

The Autumn 2010 issue of the Modern Handmade Child online magazine is out and ready to read. It's got alot of great fall activites, as well as fun and easy tutorials. If you would like to have a look you can click here. http://modernhandmadechild.com/

A little Halloween Fun

I know it's early, but halloween is my favorite holiday, and this song always gets me in the spirit. :)

A fun and Easy Costume Idea EASY TUTORIAL

I know halloween is not for a little while, but my daughter needed a costume for a parade she was in last week. Theme??? Little House on the Prairie. YIKES!!!!! But I had an idea for a long full skirt and a button up shirt which we already had (store bought, I am no good with sleeves lol) Anyways I found some great looking fabric, old style plad, on sale. YAY!!! So how did I do it?

Materials Needed:

 2 meters of fabric washed and dried. (2 meters is right around the same as 2 yards) and 1 package of 3/4 " to 1" wide elastic. Make sure you have matching thread, 1 spool is plenty for this project. I am offering an optinal belt tut at the bottom so have some extra pieces of the same or coordinating fabric on hand.

1) I measured  my daughter length wise and around. Then I took the full meter and folded in half, RIGHT sides together. To get the full, billowy affect we need to make it really wide, & I mean really wide!!!!

2) I used the whole length of the fabric becuase my daughter is tall, not that tall but I like to have extra length that I can just cut down later. Better too much than not enough. The width of the skirt should be around double the size of the waist if not a little more.  So on the fold I drew a line about 24" long my daughter is 22" around. (up to you how wide you want it, and how much fabric you have, the wider it is the fuller your skirt) starting at the fold and going across the top. Then going as long as you want (I used the whole length) make a diagonal line down, (think half of  a triangle).

3) Cut on the lines you just made, You should have a very wide kind of triangle shape. Don'z let the width scare you, it will be easily taken care of.

4) Do the exact same thing with your other piece of fabric so you have 2 matching pieces.

5) Now you will hem the bottom of both pieces by folding about half an inch up toward the inside of your fabric twice ironing each time, and stitch.

6) You are now ready to sew your pieces together, you're almost finished!! Put your pieces RIGHT sides together, and sew along each side, I usually go over each side at least twice, but up to you.

7) Now you are ready to make your casing for the elastic waist. Do it the same way you made your hem only bigger, size it according to your elastic size. Now fold down outside with skirt inside out and iron the raw edges, and repeat making about an inch to inch and a half fold, and iron again.  You may want to pin your casing in place to make it easier to sew.

9) Sew all the way around the fold leaving about 2 inches open at the end  so you can put your elastic in.

10) Take 2 big safety pins and attach one to each side of your elastic. Your elastic should be about an inch bigger than your measurement.  Now feed the safety pin through your casing. I usually pin the end safety pin the hole where I started so I don't lose it in the casing, otherwise you will have to start the process all over.

11) Take both ends of the elastic and sew them together being careful not to twist them. Go over the ends a few times so they don't come apart. Now sew your entry hole shut, and VOILA!!! your skirt is finished. You should now have a full billowy skirt ready for halloween or dress up.

You can also make a shorter version of this skirt for a beautiful twirly skirt perfect for any girly girl.

OPTIONAL BELT TUTORIAL WAY EASY!!!!
To make my skirt look more authentic by covering up the elatic waistband, I made a super simple belt. All you need is 2 rectangular pieces of the same or coordinating fabric, and matching velcro.
1) Make 2 pieces as wide and as long as you need, put RIGHT sides together and sew leaving about a 2" opening.
2) push the fabric through the hole, to get the fabric right side out. Stitch the opening shut.

3) sew a piece of velcro on each side, and VOILA your belt is finished!!

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and it was easy to follow. I am a self taught sewer and hate tutorials. I never understand them, so hopefully this was understanble for you. As always if you've made something with anyone of my tuts feel free to email me a picture, I would love to post it here. My email address is bellesmademoiselles@yahoo.com

YAY!!!!!

So I just had to mention my shop Simply Digital Designs http://www.simplybannersnads.etsy.com/ Has made 100 sales!!! Hooray!! I am so excited that I had to share. Feel free to have a look, I am constanly adding new items. My most popular are my vintage collage sheets, and pinup girl banner sets, I hope to see you there!!

And The Winner Is

Ok so I am a little late in choosing the winner. Blush.... :) But that dosen't make the prize any less awesome!!
The winner of the Blue Cameo Button ring chosen by random.org is comment number 10 Melissa!!! Congrats Melissa, be sure to get all your info to me so I can get it to the seller!!! Thank you to all who participated!!

A few Back to School Tutorials

I buy handmade whenever I can, and when I can't I try to make it myself. So if you are a DIYer here is a list of fun and free tuts to help with some of those back to school items.

Back to school notebooks (downloadable) http://jchandmade.typepad.com/jc_handmade/2010/03/march_fabric_focus.html#tp
Binder Pouch (such a great idea!!) http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=10124
Art Smock http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=9566
Bean Bag Chair (for the college student :) http://www.finecraftguild.com/back-to-school-dorm-bean-bag-free-video-tutorials/
School Bags http://www.make-it-do.com/make-it/sewing-school-bags/
Pencil Case http://gluegunannie.com/?p=227
Nap Mat (for the preschooler) http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/08/diy-nap-matbed-roll.html
These are a few of the essential items back to school, and many of them can be done with scraps. So good luck with back to school, and enjoy!! :)

A Shop Worth Stopping by....

I recently did a banner avatar, and ad set  for a new shop on Etsy called Sexy Bread. She makes all knids of different cakes and breads which look absoulutley scrumptious. I have not had the pleasure of buying any because she does not ship outside the US, but will defintley purchase for my loved ones around the holidays as they would make fantastic inexpensive gifts.  Here is her shop link if you have a big sweet tooth like me.
http://sexybread.com//

Some favorite Handmade Back to school Items

School Is starting again soon, and I can't believe it!! I have been doing a little shopping around for some of my fave back to school items, and am compiling a list of my top ten for you all.

1) Personalized Lunch Box (love it!!) http://www.etsy.com/listing/53654337
2)Handpainted canvas Book bag http://www.etsy.com/listing/482286113
3)Minky Blanket (great for the Preschool crowd) http://www.etsy.com/listing/53606399
4)Cool Messanger Bag http://www.etsy.com/listing/53437918
5)iPad Case (a must for any back to schooler LOL) http://www.etsy.com/listing/53601619
6)Personalized Notepad (soooo cute!!) http://www.etsy.com/listing/53565271
7) Insulated Lunch Bag http://www.etsy.com/listing/53428123
8) Reusable snack bags (saves on plastic baggies) http://www.etsy.com/listing/53641465
9)School Rocks T-shirt http://www.etsy.com/listing/53639635
10) Fold over Sack http://www.etsy.com/listing/27281231/fold-over-flap-sack-book-bag

This Weeks Featured Seller Toastory

Toastory offers exclusive handmade fashion accessories. Every single piece is one of a kind, high quality and in limited quantity. From here, you can find a unique style of accessories that bring you a new, stylish look. I try my best to create accessory that is not existed. And hope customers would find something unique and represent them. For my brand image, my mission is to create an adorable but stylish accessory that you would adore. I named it “toastory” because that is from my initial concept for this business. I was trying to come up a word together with “tote” and “accessory”. And finally, I chose this spelling: “toastory”. My inspiration came from everywhere of my life, such as visual objects, garment components. I love deconstructed pieces, and apply to accessories, then try to make them wearable. I would love to be reached by etsy convo or my email: toastory.studio@gmail.com

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

http://www.flickr.com/photos/Toastory/

Fun Kids Project Tutorial

I came across this tutorial project idea for holigraphic Bingo. I will be doing this with my girls!! It's a 2 fold activity once it's made then you can play it. :) ENJOY!!
http://kidscraftsblog.hyglossproducts.com/?p=75

Giveaway Month of August Baby Blue Cameo Button Ring

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!! NO MORE COMMENTS PLEASE.

I love all the giveaway items featured here, but this one is so cool and unique. It's a cameo button ring provided by RingaLing by Beth. This giveaway is starting today the 31st of July, and going until the 31st of August. You can enter up to 4 times by following these rules.

1) Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/ringalingbybeth?ref=seller_info Pick one of fave items and post it with your comment. (REQUIRED)

2) Become my blog follower and post in another comment.

3) Retweet this post, and make another comment.

4) Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and post the link.

Here is the sellers descrption of the giveaway item.

This is a sweet baby blue cameo button ring. It can go with jeans or dress it up with your fancy, resort wear. It is attached to a solid silver adjustable band that will fit all finger types. It attaches in the front so no pinch in the back....Enjoy this simple, classic ring! It is 3/4 of an inch wide and approximately an inch long......Thanks for looking!

This Weeks Featured Shop Knotty n Nice

I started selling accessories when I was in elementary school. My mother was my main customer. I did have a loyal group of girlfriends who gave up their quarters to support what I was sure would be a future in the fashion industry. Instead, my life path led me to work with children, and I am currently in my 10th year as a special education teacher. My work can be as demanding as it is rewarding, so my creative outlets balance my life.

I incorporate ladder trellis yarn into most of my scarves and necklaces. This ribbon yarn is made with small, brilliant panels of color suspended between 2 and 3 rows of black or like-colored yarn. The feel against your skin is fantastically lightweight and silky. Accessories made with ladder ribbon are great for travel, daily wear and storage in small areas, as they retain their shape.

My designs have found their way out into the world through friends, craft shows, and even an opera house gift shop. Selling on Etsy is my first venture into online marketing. In early July, I started filling my shop with my crocheted and tassel necklaces. I am so excited to add my scarflettes and full length scarves as we move into autumn!

You can find me at

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

Peace,

Janine

Knotty 'n Nice

Simply Digital Designs Is 1 year old!!!

Yay my newest shop Simply Digital Designs was 1 year old on Friday. So from now until the end of August mention my blog That Girls Crafty when you purchase anything, and I will give you 10% off your purchase!!! I have added so many new items, I now also make digital scrapbook pages, digital collages (I have tons!!), custom and premade banner sets, tons of stuff to set up your online shop or blog. I hope to see you there!!

http://www.simplybannersnads.etsy.com/

Handmade Project Idea For Kids

My Kids are in need of a project today, so I had a look at youtube, and this is what I found. This will be our afternoon craft project. Enjoy

AND THE WINNER IS.....

Ok so I said I would choose a winner yesterday, but I was having technical difficulties. Sooooo I am choosing the winner this morning. And the winner is comment number 32 Chantel. Please get me your info ASAP so I can get it to the seller. CONGRATS!!! Thank you to all who participated. Be sure to come back soon, I have a new giveaway going up, and the prize is fantastic!! Bye for now!!

Hurry and Get your Comments In!!!!

I just got back from vacation, and I am extending the giveaway. This is the last day to enter to win the felted morning glory pin. Scroll Down for contest page. Good Luck!!! Winner will be chosen tomorrow morning my time, and posted here!!

This Weeks Featured Shop Ringaling By Beth

For Next week and the week after I am on Vacation, so This fantastic shop we be the Featured shop for 2 weeks. She is also the host of next months giveaway. Please have a look at all the wonderfully cool things she makes. I really enjoyed looking around her shop.

I started my ring endeavor in the Fall of 2009. I always knew I wanted to do something creative. I had seen an article in a magazine years ago about vintage buttons made into rings. I thought it was the coolest idea,


so I decided to start a business creating rings and hairpins for young and old with buttons, vintage materials, seaglass or anything else that strikes me. I love the idea of repurposing items.

This fascination started with my home. I love to furnish and decorate with things not everyone else would have. I love all things vintage, nostaligic and a little bit different. I feel the same way about my accessories.

It is fun to be unique and since my rings are affordable, it is something that you can buy for yourself and not feel guilty. You can buy a hot pink ring to match that special shirt, even of you are only going to wear it

with that one shirt. I like the fact that there is a story behind each item, that is the whole beauty of handmade items that are also vintage.



The fun part of the business is finding the buttons and vintage materials. My favorite hobby is going to flea markets, which are my greatest source of inspiration. You just never know where you are going to find

your next ring. I have received buttons from friends and family that have been some of my favorite rings......everyone always has a miscellaneous tin of buttons. Out of every 100 buttons I come across, just a

small percentage are actually what I call "ring worthy". Occasionally I make a ring that is not my particular style, but I think someone will love it. That is what is so great, the diversity. Everyobody has different

styles......petite, chunky, silver, gold......there is sure to be something for everyone!



You can find me at:

http://ringalingbybeth.etsy.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/ringalingbybeth/270288775138?ref=ts#!/pages/ringalingbybeth/270288775138?ref=ts

or email me at:

ringalingbybeth@yahoo.com

And The Winners Of My Blogaversary Are......

The winner of the 3 digital collages is comment # 1 Yanni Creations, and the winner of the 3 iron on appliques is comment # 16 Laurie!! Congrats Ladies, please get your info to me ASAP so I can get your items to you. Thank you to all of you for participating, I feel special!!! :)

All comments chosen by http://www.random.org/

Last Day To Enter!!

Today is the last day to ener my blogaversary giveaway. Two winners will be chosen tomorrow and annouced here on my blog. 1 winner will recieve 3 appliques of their choice from my store. The other winner will recieve 3 of their choice digital collage sheets from my other shop!! Here is the link get your comments in now!!! http://thatgirlscrafty.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-my-blogaversery-giveaway.html

Giveaway Month Of June Felted Morning Glory Pin

Giveaway madness on That Girls Crafty this month!! Fibrous is giving away an adorable felted morning glory (love these flowers) pin to one lucky winner! Winner will be chosen 1 month from today (date at the top of post) and will be posted. You can enter up to 3 times, and  Rules are the same as always,

1) Visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/fibrous and choose your fave item and post in a comment

2) Become a blog follower and post in another comment

3) retweet this post or blog about it and put that in another comment don't forget the link.

Here is Fibrous' description of her item

This simple wet-felted morning glory is made from merino wool. It's dark purple with red in the middle and radiating out.

It has a fluffy leaf and is attached to a brooch pin.

It would bring a lovely bit of color to a light outfit.
It measures 3" x 3" (7.60 cm)


.

Summer Fun Activities For Kids

Summer is almost upon us, and every season calls for new activities to keep our kids busy. We just bought a new trampoline for our girls so that will keep them somewhat occupied. :) Here is a list links of fun avtivities for kids of all ages. I hope you enjoy, and please feel free to comment with your own ideas, I am always up for new ideas, hence the list. :)

1) Free ideas for outdoor fun http://knol.google.com/k/anthony-kane/summer-activities-for-children/ry9a78g8ijx5/12#
2)Art Projects http://www.makeandtakes.com/keeping-the-kids-busy-this-summer
3) More Arts n Crafts http://www.pioneerthinking.com/ara-kidscrafts.html
4)Outdoor Free Fun http://www.keeparticles.com/how-to-keep-your-kids-busy-and-active-this-summer_a8851.htm
5)Summer Themed Crafts http://crafts.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Category:Kids_Crafts
6)More outdoor activities http://www.helium.com/items/1841999-outdoor-summer-craft-ideas-for-kids

I hope you enjoy the links, and find some fun ideas for the summer, and may you never hear "I'm bored Mommy"

Blog Under Construction

Hi all, I am changing templates, please pardon my virtual dust.

This Weeks Featured Seller Fibrous

My fibrous leanings began when I was ten, when my great-aunt taught me how to crochet during a short trip to visit her. When I returned home all I could remember what to do was little circles, so I made all my troll dolls little hats and rugs. 20 years later I not only can crochet more than just little circles, but I’ve added knitting, wet felting and needle felting to my fibrous pursuits.

My idea to start an etsy shop came about recently, after my mother requested that I make her a hedgehog after seeing one that I had knitted on my blog. I ended up needle felting one for her. It was so adorable that I decided to make more, and those were the first things I posted on my etsy shop. I love the medium of wool, and my shop contains my creations.

Please be sure to check out all the wonderful items in her shop!!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/fibrous

Fibrous is also hosting our next giveaway starting next week, be sure to come back to see which item she is offering to one lucky winner.

ITS MY BLOGAVERSERY!!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!

That Girls Crafty is 1 year old!!! YAY!!! So that Means I will be giving away winners choice of 3 Iron On Appliques from my Shop http://www.bellesmademoiselles.etsy.com/ . I am also giving away winners choice of 3 digital collages from my shop
http://www.simplybannersnads.etsy.com/ . The items pictured are just examples of my newest additions. As stated it's the winners choice, and there will be 2 winners.

You can enter up to 3 times here are the rules:
1) visit EITHER shop and pick your favorite item and put it in your comment.
2) Retweet this post and in another comment say you did.
3) Become a blog follower, and put that in another comment.

This Giveaway will go from today until Mon. June 21st. The winners will be annouced here that day!! Good luck and thank you for participating!!

This Weeks Featured Shop Katie Cat Creations

The perfect gift can be a challenging find. You want it to be personal, thoughtful and something that doesn’t necessarily break the bank. If you've ever been stumped by the gift-giving dilemma, I’ve got a great idea for you! You can create a custom sign using pictures that capture letters from nature, architecture and everyday life. First name, last name, a special saying – it’s up to you.

Katie Cat Creations has an array of letters to choose from … and the best part, they are affordable! It’s an out-of-the-ordinary gift that’s bound to wow that special someone. Your 4x6 prints will be mailed within 24 hours – then all you need to do is find a frame for your custom creation. Big impact + small investment = the perfect gift! Check them out today and let us know what you think.

www.etsy.com/shop/mkmclark

How cool is the picture she made for my blog you def need to check her out!! Her link is above.

Modern Handmade Child

The summer issue of the Etsy Kids magazine is out. It's full of great ideas, fun activites, and downloads, check it out here.

http://modernhandmadechild.com/

A fun You Tube Tutorial

I love those little kawaii clay charms they are so cute, and popular right now. So I decided to look for a tut so I could do some with my daughter. This was one I found easy to follow, so thought I would share it here. Enjoy!!

This Weeks Featured Shop Acute Designs

Regina, owner of Acute Designs, is an artisan, avid cook, and writer. In addition to making chic accessories (hair and jewelry and a few pet items) for her Etsy shop, she also maintains two blogs. Useless Endeavor is all about her business, fashion, design, and reality TV. And the second blog, Taste, is about her other passion – food, cooking, and eating!

Regina is self-taught and finds inspiration in all things shabby-chic (with more of an emphasis on the chic), vintage, and a little Victorian.

She is constantly experimenting with new materials and techniques. She attempts to make her work current with the trends, creating pieces that are right now while simultaneously timeless.

Acute Designs’ accessories are made utilizing a mix of materials (satin, chiffon, voile, cotton, silk), feathers, buttons, vintage jewelry that has been deconstructed, vintage buttons, and quality artificial flowers.

Regina practices her craft, cooks and writes in hopes of leaving a beautiful touch on someone, inspiring people (or at least making them smile), and escaping the monotony that is her cubicle. The dream to work on what she loves and be her own boss is something she hopes to realize soon.

Shop: http://www.acutedesigns.etsy.com/

Blogs: http://uselessendeavor.blogspot.com/ (all about Etsy, fashion, design, etc)
http://gina-taste.blogspot.com/ (all about food, cooking, and recipes)

Facebook Fanpage: www.facebook.com/acutedesigns

Vote for Me Or Not.... :)

This months etsy kids challenge is May Flowers. So I picked my one of a kind girls purse called flowers and France. It's a small bag made of 100% cotton fabric, with an appliqued vintage eiffel tower on the bottom. I found the Eiffel Tower on another leftover piece of fabric I had. I absolutley adore the Eiffel Tower, and was in awe when I visited Paris in 05. I find it a big inspiration for some of my designs. Anyway here is the link, voting opens tomorrow, my entry is pictured. There are many fantastic items featured definetly worth a peek.
http://etsykids.blogspot.com/2010/05/etsykids-design-challenge-for-may.html

Fantastic Eco Friendly Tutorial

I found this great tut for reusable snack bags. I was going to purchase a few of these becuase my girls bring snacks to school, and I hate hate hate plastic baggies. I already have 2 reusable bags, but I would like a few more. I happened to find this tutorial on the etsy kids website, and I am happy to be able to make these on my own now. I just need to find the materials, which can be challenging in Switzerland LOL. Anyways for all you DIYers out there here is the link!

http://etsykids.blogspot.com/2010/05/tutorial-tuesday.html

Giveaway Month of MAY!! Columbian Coffee Scented Handmade Soap

This giveaway is now closed, and the winner has been contacted by email. Thank you for participating!!


YUM YUM!!! This months giveaway is hosted by Turtle Bug Love, and she has agreed to giveaway to 1 lucky winner, a handmade coffee scented exfoliating bar of soap. You can enter up to 4 times, here's what you need to do.

1) Visit her shop http://www.turtlebuglove.etsy.com/ and pick your favorite item. (This Is Required to Enter)
2) Become a blog Follower, and put that in another comment.
3) Retweet This post, and put that on another comment.
5) Put the link to this giveaway on your blog, and post the link in another comment.





Here is Turtle Bug Love's description of her giveaway item.
Our handmade soap is made using the cold process method. This is the old fashioned way, it creates and retains glycerin, which helps to moisturize your skin. You don't get that dry itchy feeling you get from using commercial soaps. During commercial process soap making the glycerin is removed.

This bar is 3.5 oz or larger. It is scented columbian coffee and has fresh ground coffee inside, this provides a great natural exfoliant. Great for all over or just use it in kitchen for your hands! Recent studies show that caffeine reduces the risk of skin cancer! Another possible benefit of caffeine is cellulite reduction.

This soap contains no petroleum or animal products.

Manufacturers of commercial soaps add some chemicals, detergents, and artificial dyes to their products. It might be true that some of their ingredients have good effects on the skin such as moisturizers, vitamins, and other minerals. However, the presence of artificial and chemical ingredients cancels out the benefits of these good ingredients, which makes commercial soaps useless, if not harmful.

Since handmade soaps only use natural ingredients, they are also environment-friendly. Commercial soaps have detergents, and detergents are not natural. When you take a shower and use a commerical soap, it might seem harmless but actually it has a great impact on the environment, especially since millions of other people use the same artificial products.

Ingredients:
Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Distilled Water, Jojoba oil, Shea Butter, columbian coffee grounds, Fragrance Oil

And The Winner Is!!!!......

After a fantastic 141 comments, the winner was comment number 31 Heather!! The comment number is always chosen by random.org. YAY!! Congrats. Be sure to get all your info to me asap so I can give it to the seller, and you can recieve your earings!! Thank you to all of you who participated, and come back in a few days because I have another great giveaway lined up for you!!

A fun Mothers Day Idea

I was researchng some handmde ideas for mothers day gifts. I love making things obviously. :) But not only do I love it, it's much more cost effective, and you are almost always recycling something, so it's good for the environment too, not too mention more than likely a one of a kind gift. Enjoy!!

ONLY 5 MORE DAYS TO ENTER

This months giveaway for a super great handmade pair of earings!! The link is at the top of the side bar, get your comments in now. Winner will be chosen on the 7th of May!!

This Weeks Challenge

Every week Inspirational Ave (one of my creative teams) has a weekly theme. This week it's Fairy tales. So I decided to enter my digital collage sheet of whimsical fairies. Here is the link to the contest post if you would like to look at some of the other creations entered. http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2010/04/weekly-challenge-fairy-tales.html

This weeks Featured Shop For Birds

Forbirds is really an experiment for me, a shop that with growth will give me the confidence in running a small business. I come from a very business oriented family, but the difference really was my interest in art so I'm hoping that this synergy of both my loves will prove successful along with the addition of my very talented friend, Teagan White.I sought to create an identity with forbirds that sold artwork and other handmade products. A few days after I began listing items, my friend Teagan White decided she wanted to join forces with me and sell her work under this identity as well. We both go to the Minneapolis College of Art + Design and have been friends since the first day we met here on campus. This shop features both our artworks which I love because it shows off our very different aesthetics. We are still a new shop and very busy with college work, so although we do not have many listings yet, we hope we can widen our inventory and bring more art to the public.

Click here to have a look at her amazing shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/Forbirds

Some fun Spring Time Activities Links for Kids

I am always looking for new and fun ways to keep my girls busy. Now the weather is warming up YAY outdoor play is at the top of the list for them, but it's still important to me to give them something to do outside so they don't try to kill eachother :). Here are few links I came across, which will also include some activities for rainy days.

1) Homemade sidewalk chalk. I loved this one because my girls love to draw. http://fun.familyeducation.com/childrens-art-activities/crafts/29578.html
2) Clothesline artshow
http://fun.familyeducation.com/childrens-art-activities/outdoor-games/29586.html
3)Spring themed worksheets, and printables (my 7 year old loves these) great for indoors time
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/spring/printables/
4)Pretty Pressed blossom bookmarks
http://www.education.com/activity/article/pressed-flower-bookmarks/
5)Spring Bingo
http://www.education.com/activity/article/play-spring-bingo/
6)Flower pot music This one looks like fun!!
http://www.education.com/activity/article/flower-pot-music/
7)Homemade bubbles and wands.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/spring-activities-kids.html

Hope you enjoy these links!! Happy Spring!!

This weeks Featured shop, Designs By Kali

I found this shop because on March 1st I learned that my baby's heart had stopped beating at 10 weeks. I was really down for a while, and decided that I needed a tangible item to keep with me to remind me that he/she was gone but not forgotten. So I started searching for miscarriage memorial items, and I came accross designs by Kali. She has some beatiful items in her shop. The angel pin (pictured) is what I found in my search. I thought it was perfect.

Here is a little more info about her.

KCKay is a company focused on many different areas of creativity and design. Designs By Kali is the first line to be produced, focused on handmade jewelry, purses and accessories. It was created by Kalista, who has been creating and making things her whole life. She started making jewelry by learning to make beaded earrings and has continued learning and creating new pieces for 25 years. She also paints, makes cards, and assembles furniture, but one of her favorite activities is beading pictures on the loom.This is the link to visit our company web site. http://kckay.wordpress.com/If there is more information you would like to have please ask. Like I said I am new to this blog stuff so I am not sure what all you would like.Thank you again for your interest in my shop. I will be putting up some new earrings in the next couple of days so be sure to visit often to see what's new.

Be sure to check out all the wonderful items in her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsbyKali

Handmade Hairclips

I just recieved 2 adorable clips in the mail. It was a think you from the shop Chomel, http://www.etsy.com/shop/chomelchomel for featuring her shop on my blog. http://thatgirlscrafty.blogspot.com/2010/03/this-weeks-featured-shop-chomel.html I have to say these hair clips she makes are fantastic!! The detail is amazing, and my daughters abolutley loved them. If you're in the market for some very high quality hair clips please visit her shop, you won't be sorry.

Giveaway Month of April Petite Wire Wrapped Briolette Earings

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!!!! NO MORE COMMENTS PLEASE!!

This months Giveaway is so great, a super gorgeous pair of earings, by Julie Ellyn Designs. This giveaway will go from today April 7th, for 1 month to May 7th. The winner will be posted on my blog. Here is what you need to do.

You can enter up to 4 times
1) As always visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/JulieEllynDesigns , choose your favorite item, and put it in with your post. Required
2) Retweet and put in another post
3) Become a follower of my blog and post in another comment
4) Blog about this giveaway, and put the link in with another post

Here is the sellers descrpition of the item.
So sweet and petite! The Maria Earrings are tiny sterling silver wire wrapped smooth glass briolettes. A perfect earrings for Spring and Summer.The Maria Earrings measure under 1" from top of gold filled earwire.Thank you for shopping Julie Ellyn Designs

Happy Easter!!!

Hello to all of my loyal readers, and a very happy easter and looooong weekend to you!!

And The Winner Is !!!!.....

The winner if Marchs giveaway for the beaded fringe bracelet is comment number 4 user name Bison61. Congrats, be sure to email me all your mailing info so I can get it to the seller of the breacelet. Congrats!!! and Thank you all of you who paticipated, and support handmade. Be sure to come back in a few days when I post another giveaway for April.

This Weeks Featured Shop Chomel

My name is Fira, I am a mother of two (a boy 6 yrs and a girl 3 yrs), live in Belgium, Brussels. I am originally from Malaysia (South East Asia) and moved to Belgium 10 years ago (my husband is Belgian). I love sewing, crafting and baking (normal stuffs that mommies always do!). My story about Chomel probably too cliché, but this is what happened, I started sewing applique T-shirts for my kids, and from applique t-shirts, I made a matching skirts, and from matching skirts I made a matching hairclips for my daughter....so it lead from one thing to another, without realising it I'm making loads of them, and it is too many for my kids to wear, so what I did was to put them on Ebay. I received a good feedback from my customers about my work, and that sort of giving me an encouragement to create more items and in different range. Chomel comes from a Malay word which means “cute” or “adorable”. In my design I try to create uniqueness that stands out from the crowd [ it is pretty hard to do when there are thousands of creative and talented people on ETSY! :-) ] Chomel is about, fun, cute, colourful, vibrant and cheerful. My products signature are handstitched applique T-shirts, handsticthed hairclips and other fabrics accessories they are 100% handcut and handstitched by me. I'm trying to positioning my products as value for money, not only pretty to look at but also durable and wearable

She has such wonderful items she's definelty worth a look!! Here is her shop link if you're interested. http://www.etsy.com/shop/chomelchomel

Only a few more days to enter the March Giveaway!!!!!!

March is almost over, and it has flown by!!! That means their are only a few days left to enter this months awesome giveaway of a beaded fringe bracelet. Get your comments in NOW!!!!! :) here is the link http://thatgirlscrafty.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway-month-of-march-fringe-bracelet.html You can have a look in the sidebar for a picture of the item.

This weeks Featured Seller Cozy Little Cave

Tess started drawing pretty much as soon as her mom gave her crayons.As she grew up, she expanded her love of the arts into painting and dance as well- what painter wouldn't love dance? Movement, color, line, expression, emotion, and striking images- a perfect fit! Eventually, some grown up made her pick a 'career path,' and for a brief stint she considered the very practical 'petroleum engineer.' Five minutes later, she realized she'd rather be poor and happy and settled on Environmental Design & Visual Studies at the Texas A&M College of Architecture. A minor in dance and one Master's in Art Education later, she found herself married and with the perfect opportunity for following a love of creating beauty and sharing her vibrant view of the world with others. Her work is expressive, bold, colorful, and figurative- directly swayed by her love of painting, dance, and empowered women. She opened a little shop where she sells mostly fun, mod little paintings- helping make original art just a little more affordable!♥ BLOG: http://www.cozylittlecave.com/♥ PAINTINGS & PRINTS: http://cozylittlecave.etsy.com/♥ TEXTILES: http://www.envelop.eu/shop/designers/p/detail/cozylittlecave

Vote For Me!!! Or not..... :)

I have entered the design challenge for the month of march, on the the etsykids blog. The theme was nature and I entered my flight of fancy wide leg pants. I am #37 BellesMademoiselles if you want to vote for me. If not go and check out all the adorable childrens items entered in the challenge they are impressive!! http://etsykids.blogspot.com/2010/03/etsykids-design-challenge-its-time-to.html

Just for fun!!

I love love love this top, and I will be pinching some of my hubbys tshirts to try this one out. :)

This weeks Featured Seller Bonjour Pierre

Hi! My name is Kellie and I live in Santa Barbara 1/4 mile away from the beach. I started making jewelry when I was 10. I made hideous looking necklaces and bracelets which I sold to my mom's coworkers. Of course as I grew up, my taste changed. I took a break from jewelry making until a few years ago. It's always been a dream of mine to make a full time living off of my creations. So then I heard about etsy and opened up http://www.bonjourpierre.etsy.com/. Everyday I'm either making new things, taking photos, or posting new items. It's like an addiction. When I see charms or beads I like, I have to buy them! My etsy shops keep me pretty busy because I have a lot of art and craft related interests from sewing, drawing, and photography. I have http://www.girlytwoshoes.etsy.com/ to sell my digitally colored drawings and I just opened up http://www.khuiephotography.etsy.com/ yesterday to start selling my photos. I plan on sewing clothes and accessories again, but I think I might have too much on my plate right now, hahaa. In addition to all of those hobbies I listed, I'm a blogger too. Since I love handmade, art, fashion, and life, I blog about it at http://www.kelliehuie.blogspot.com/. I do occasional giveaways of my jewelry, so come follow me!

Handmade Auction For Charity

The handmade team that I am a part of (Inspiration Avenue) is holding an auction of some of their handmade items for charity. It's definelty worth a look as there is many cool things up for the bidding. Here is the link for all the info and items for auction. http://inspiration-avenue-team.blogspot.com/2010/03/official-auction-table-of-contents_07.html

This weeks Featured Seller Able Mable

The products found in able mabel's shop are the workings of two sisters, Jen and Leann.

We bring you quality and originality in the treasures we fashion. Mixing our father’s dry sense of humor with our mother’s artistic abilities, we come up with imaginative makings.

As artists, we are inspiried by everyday things around us...family, nature, colors, emotions, moods, etc. Give us a fun piece of fabric or paper and it's off to the races! We love finding the "unusual" and making it into something functional!

able mabel can be found at

http://mabelisable.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/ablemabel

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

Giveaway Month of March Fringe Bracelet

It's been a while since I have done a giveaway. But I have great new item presented by Moon Beads on etsy She is Giving away a beaded fringe bracelet valued at $20, so cool!! This giveaway will go from today March 5th through April 1 st. Here's what you need to do to enter. You can enter up to 4 times
1) As always vistithttp://www.etsy.com/shop/Moonbeads choose your favorite item, and put it in with your post. Required
2) Retweet and put in another post
3) Become a follower of my blog and post in another comment
4) Blog about this giveaway, and put the link in with another post

Next weeks Featured Seller Enlighted Artisan

Since I will be leaving for vacation tomorrow (most swiss get one week off during Feb. for skiing, so cool) Anyways, next week I will be in the alps, and not near my computer, so I would like to share next weeks featured shop/seller who makes some super amazing stuff. I hope you enjoy!!

I am a relatively new seller on etsy (this is my fourth week). I'm slowly building up my inventory as I design and finish new pieces. I've been painting stones for a few years, but mostly just for fun or to give them away, although I have done a few small craft fairs. I taught myself origami last year, again just for fun.I've known about etsy for a few years, but never really considered becoming a seller myself until a couple of months ago. I plan to broaden my offerings over the coming weeks and months to include altered art, a wider array of painted stones, maybe some origami box sets (marketed for storage of jewelry, keepsakes, etc), decoupaged origami boxes, and cigar box art and accessories. I actually listed my first cigar box purse last night.I've always loved to make things, but I don't think I've ever taken a class. It's not that I'm opposed to them, but rather that I've always been one to kind of just figure stuff out. I see something I want to do, so I go buy a couple of books (or in today's Jetsonian age, hop on the Internet), deconstruct it and try to figure out how it's done, or just get a general idea and wing it. It is for this reason, I'm proud to say, that I never produce a "perfect" product. If I wanted something perfect, I'd commission Martha Stewart...I prefer personality!I get ideas all the time, and often in odd places. For this reason, I always carry my blue graph-paper notebook with me. I have a lot of drive time to work and back every day, which counts as primo idea time for me.I love talking to people and making new friends. I also love to do custom pieces. I love convos and welcome them at any time...whether it's to ask a question, make a suggestion, request a custom piece or just to say hi.Here are all of my links:etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/EnlightenedArtisanblog: http://enlightenedartisan.blogspot.com/twitter: http://twitter.com/NlitenedArtisanfacebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/EnlightenedArtisan

Please visit her shop to see all her super fun items, or become her fan on FB, or follow her blog.

Eco Friendly Diapers!!!

Ok sorry to go all baby on you, but I have have been searching for some eco friendly diapers. I have found a few that I like, but I really like these that I found on etsy. These diapers are awesome!! Not only are they washable, but they are also size adjustable! How great is that? They work from newborn up to size 2 years. I will be getting some of these. The other diapers I have found come in different sizes requiring you to purchase at every size change which for babies happens fast, so not exactly what I was looking for. The afterjoy diapers are also quite a bit cheaper than others I have seen at around $8 per diaper.

I read somewhere that it takes 1,000 years for a diaper to breakdown. Since this will be my 3rd baby I really don't want to contribute more diapers to our landfils. Anyways should you be interested in eco friendly size adjustable diapers check out this site.

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