Friday, August 23, 2013

Dare to be different

When I get a custom order, I am excited first, but then I panic. Oh no, what if he/she does not like it?  What if I do not fulfill their wishes.  We all know how shopping on the internet can be touch and go.  Some shops are great, others, not so much.  Although I try to do a great job on all my items, my custom orders get even more special treatment. Seams are doubled, sometimes, tripled.  I often charge less for custom work. I am not sure why. I suppose it is because I feel like I have more of a connection with someone requesting a custom order vs. a random shopper.

This last order I filled involved sewing replacement cushion covers for a customer. After the last set of covers I made, I swore I would not make anymore.  They are time consuming, supply consuming and worry about them fitting just so.  Because I have not had a regular, paying job for over a year - I am getting my teaching certificate - I felt I had no choice but to accept the job.  What I learned was that custom work can actually be fun, especially when the buyer allows you to play around with color and fabric.  So many times in my shop, I make the same pillows over and over again because a certain pattern sells or I got a good deal on the fabric. With custom orders, I am able to really be creative. Not all customers want input, but others appreciate it.  This last customer even taught me to use different size pillows on the same couch.  I am always matchy matchy thinking that all cushions are between 16 - 20 inches and they are all the same size on the same piece of furniture.

In closing, I will now look at custom orders in a new way. No more panic, but more excitement. Hey I get to play with other people's money. How great is that?  And in the end, the customer is happy and I grow my wings a bit longer and reach for the stars.



Stumble Upon Toolbar

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Fiskars giveaway

Fiskars Border Punch
Gifted by Fiskars
www.fiskars.com
Reviewed by Melissa Conner

Adding a border to your paper projects can be a bit of a hassle, especially when borders come out uneven or unaligned.

But with the help of the Fiskars Border Punch, you can create elegant and fun borders in a variety of styles for anything from scrapbook pages to wedding invitations.

The giveaway begins February 15, 2013 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time and the deadline to enter is March 1, 2013, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. We’ll send an email to the winners so please check to make sure your email address is entered correctly.

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Teaching so students will want to learn



To Students,

You forfeit your chance for life at its fullest when you withhold your best effort in learning. When you give only the minimum to learning, you receive only the minimum in return. Even with your parents' best example and your teachers' best efforts, in the end it is your  work that determines how much and how well you learn. When you work to your full capacity, you can hope to attain the knowledge and skills that will enable you to create your future and control your destiny. If you do not, you will have your future thrust upon you by others. Take hold of your life, apply your gifts and talents, work with dedication and self-discipline. Have high expectations for yourself and convert every challenge into an opportunity.
From:  Nation at Risk report

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Saturday, May 26, 2012

My outdoor pillow covers are featured in this wonderful treasury

Treasury from: Ikea
Modern Style
Ceiling Pendant Mood Lamp Modern Art Light
From: Ikea
$39.48
North Canyon Parsons Dining Chair (Set of 2)
From: Overstock
$129.99
Bottle - Sky Blue
From: bombayjewel
$46.53
Chevron Zigzag - Pillow Cover
From: Finesse Pillows
$20.00
Shiny Yellow Donut Teapot / Wheel Thrown Stoneware Pottery
From: Pat Parker"s Stoneware Pottery
$89.00
Retro-classic White Accent Chairs
From: Overstock
$150.02
8x8 Cycle
From: F2images
$25.00
Escaping Diamonds Lap Quilt
From: Patchwork Flamingo Quilt Designs
$170.00
Morrocan 22-inch Embroidered Blue Decorative Pillows (Set of 2)
From: Overstock
$87.99
"Crop Managment # 6"
From: Elizabeth OHara
$75.00
Ceramic Mini Table Lamp with Linen Shade
From: Beautiful Home
$26.10
Outdoor Pillow Slipcovers Set of 2
From: Crafts from the Heart
$34.00

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Monday, May 21, 2012

Treasury from: bombayjewel
Tropical Colors
Outdoor pillows with Kaufmann fabric Set of 2
From: Crafts from the Heart
$38.00
Bottle - Sky Blue
From: bombayjewel
$46.53
Modern Damask Turquoise Blue Upholstered Armless Chair
From: Overstock
$144.99
Orange Creamsicle Pillow Cover 20x20"
From: Chloe & Olive
$27.00
Retro Owl Coasters
From: My Little Chickadee Creations
$18.00
Aviary Crib Set
From: hush baby co
$170.00
A Giant Lobelia Plant
From: Art
$39.99
Lotsa Hosta II
From: Laurie Balla, Artist
$25.00
Aloe polyphylla- SPIRAL ALOE
From: Horticopia
$22.00
Retro-classic White Accent Chairs
From: Overstock
$150.02
Ceiling Pendant Mood Lamp Modern Art Light
From: Ikea
$39.48
Translucence - 8x10 Fine Art Photograph
From: Flanders Field Photography
$20.00

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Fifty Shades of Grey

You know.. the book no one will admit to be reading.  Well I am on the 3rd book of the trilogy and enjoying every moment. In recognition of the book, I have added this lovely pillowcase to my etsy shop. It may be my one and only.

 

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Thursday, May 10, 2012

It is that time of year, yeah!


Summer is quickly approaching. Time to spruce up your outdoor living areas.  I have some wonderful new outdoor fabric which is very low maintenance.  If you do a google search for indoor/outdoor fabric and see some you would like made into pillow, placemats, runners, etc. just let me know.  You can email me at lppare@snet.net or visit my various selling venues online. Go to lindapare.com to see where you can find my items.  


Stumble Upon Toolbar

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Pierre Deux designer fabric tablecloth 52 by mustlovehomedecor

Pierre Deux designer fabric tablecloth 52 by mustlovehomedecor

I made this!!

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Monday, September 26, 2011

Vampy Vampire Woman

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82599157/vampire-woman-towel

Sexy vampire woman, perfect for your halloween decorating. Soft, cotton towel.

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Monday, August 22, 2011

Black kitchen dish towel with stunning by mustlovehomedecor

Black kitchen dish towel with stunning by mustlovehomedecor

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Cute purse tutorial

http://www.sewtogether.com.au/1/post/2011/03/a-tutorial-how-to-draft-a-pattern-and-make-a-zippered-purse-with-a-flat-bottom.html

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Monday, June 27, 2011

Green Tropical Print Indoor Outdoor PIllow by mustlovehomedecor

Green Tropical Print Indoor Outdoor PIllow by mustlovehomedecor

Wonderful easy care indoor/outdoor fabric makes this a great choice. Use it outdoors or indoors in a sun room or casual area.

This designer pillow is made with the finest fabrics and poly fill. The main body of the pillow is made of Diversitex, indoor/outdoor fabric, which is stain and water resistant. It is perfect for outdoor settings and indoors in sunny rooms as it is fade resistant.

Many shades of green with pink, red and tan accents. Hibiscus and other tropical plants are on the fabric.

Premium polyfill is special ordered and is quick drying and made to last.

Spot clean or dry clean as needed but really low maintenance.

Size
approximately 18 x 18" 

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Monday, May 16, 2011

Outdoor Pillow in beautiful turquoise blue by mustlovehomedecor

Outdoor Pillow in beautiful turquoise blue by mustlovehomedecor

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Happy Easter

I wish you all a happy and Blessed Easter weekend.  I hope families can set aside differences and enjoy each others company, life is too short.

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The New England Patriots rout the New York Jets

I know it was a tough night to be a Jets fan. I actually like both teams (I know, not allowed) so I don't like to see them play against each other.
I have a crying towel for each team. Or is one a victory towel? 





 

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Sunday, November 28, 2010

New York Yankees embroidered towel

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Kohls Black Friday Sale

Yes I do have shops online on which I sell my handmade items, but some items are just available in stores so I may just find myself among the crowds at Kohls on Friday. Hope I make it out alive.  :)


Preview of  Kohls Black friday    http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/ourbrands/ListBuilder.jsp?cid=10holidayhp7&prtID=pfx&src=k237263&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliate-_-TheBlackFriday.com-_-Primary#/?page=2

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Monday, November 22, 2010

20% off sale in my Etsy Shop

Shop early, shop often!  My prices have been marked down 20% this week. Can't say how long it will last.
Most items are one or two of a kind. See something you want?  Buy it now before it is gone.

Pay by paypal, google checkout, RME or credit card.  Enjoy!

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Monday, November 1, 2010

Fantastic Five: Nature Inspired Housewares

Fantastic Five: Nature Inspired Housewares

Stumble Upon Toolbar

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Elephants Village Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy



Elephants Village Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy

Stumble Upon Toolbar