Merry Christmas from us to you

My Boys :)

Fabric Gift bags

I still have lots of fabric gift bags in my etsy shop. Save paper, easy wrapping. I have all sizes. I even make jumbo bags. I offer really fast shipping. Order today!

LET'S DECORATE !!!

I just finished making this beautiful tree skirt. I have it for sale at my etsy shop, but I hate to part with it. I will have to make myself another.



Christmas tree skirt

http://mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com

New medium size tote gift bags in my shop. Remember 20% off all items til Monday.

BLACK FRIDAY TO CYBER MONDAY

Both my shops have 20% off all items sales.
No need to leave your house for some great bargains.

http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com
http://mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com

I accept RME, googlecheckout and Paypal.

In message to seller mention 20% revised invoice.

boys need tote bags too

Boys need to tote things also so I made a few that are boy-friendly

PIRATES
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6300972
BLACK GLOBE
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15476838
RACE CARS
http://en.dawanda.com/product/902038-Racing-Care-tote-bag-good-for-school

Bags and purses for Christmas

Tote bags are great items for gift giving. Teachers, babysitters, gym members often carry around lots of "stuff" and could always use a new bag.
Check out this showcase today for great bags.
also more at
craftsfromtheheart

New items for the holidays

Lots of new totes and gift bags in my etsy shop. Great inexpensive presents. Come see my shop at craftsfromtheheart

You can also visit my home decor shop at mustlovehomedecor



handmade tote bags

holiday shopping

Support your small business crafter this holiday season. Purchase a great handmade item made with care and made to last.
My fellow etsy sellers and I have an ad in this latest issue of Mary Engelbreit Home Companion. It is the Dec/Jan issue which may be the last issue of this magazine, sadly.

My Etsy shop is featured

Want to see a great blog? This one by an etsy seller is just beautiful. I had the honor of being chosen as one of the top 7 shops at 7 pm. It is part of a feature on this blog by Friago. She chose my aqua pillows in my etsy shop, http://mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com

The blog can be found at
http://blog.friago.com/post/And-the-top-shops-aredrum-roll-please!.aspx

Enjoy,
Linda

Holidays

Start your Christmas shopping with me on etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5987544
http://www.craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

How to get noticed on line

Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, flickr, kaboodle, stumbleupon, etc, etc, etc, and so on. How do I get my etsy shops noticed amongst all the advertising going on in these "social networking sites". I don't see much socializing. I see lots of come see my new product, I am having a sale, come check out my low prices.

Is this what I also have to do to be seen? Does the squeaky wheel get the business? I don't know. It just doesn't seem like the right thing to do. The problem is when I do keyword searches for my items in google and yahoo, they are never on the first few pages.

What to do?

Might as well start here

Come visit my shops, mention blogger and get 10% off all purchases. How's that?
http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com
http://mustlovehomedecor.etsy.com

Oatmeal is good for cholesterol.

Just wanted to share a recipe for baked oatmeal from Cooking Light Magazine 2003.
Let me start by saying I hate oatmeal. I knew it was good for me but I just couldn't swallow it. I hated the texture. I decided to try this recipe and now am in love with it. I have it every morning for breakfast. I have it for afternoon snack sometimes also. It is like having dessert but it is healthy. Try it once and let me know if you agree.
My husband makes me a batch Monday morning and it lasts me through Friday.

Yield

5 servings (serving size: 2/3 cup)

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups fat-free milk
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Cooking spray

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°.

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine the milk, applesauce, butter, and egg. Add milk mixture to oat mixture; stir well. Pour oat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Is it the economy stupid?

In order to move some inventory from my Etsy.com shop I decided to have a one day 50% off sale. Half price! But not one sale came of it. I know the prices are not to high and my items have several hearts, so do I chalk it up to the bad economy, columbus day weekend or poor advertising?
Once if figure it out, I will let you know.

My Handmade pillows with Crate and Barrel and Brookstone, who knew?

My handmade pillows with Crate and Barrel and Brookstone - Who knew?
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping


I was alerted to my handmade pillows being featured on:
http://www.greenyourdecor.com/2008/10/09/green-rooms-in-a-box-series-colorful-patio-under-2000/


Imagine my surprise when the other items in the article are from major retailers like Crate and Barrel and Brookstone!

Linda
http://mustlovehomedecor. etsy. com

The squeaky wheel gets the oil!

Last year, 2007, I decided to go for the Comcast Cable bundle package of internet, phone, and cable. The price was slightly higher than what I was paying with other providers but then I saw a chance for a $250 rebate if we went through buycomcast.com. So I though that would cover the increase for getting digital tv and a dvr.

I sent in the multitudes of originals and copies needed to comply with the rebate.

I called the company in June and was told my name was not on the "list" but that the rep. would add my name. Ok, one mistake, no big deal. I call back in July, well I am on the list but my name has not reached the top yet. I call back in August, oh it will probably be two more weeks. OK I am a patient person but I could see this was going nowhere. I started doing searches on the net and found many unhappy customers of this website. The website now actually points one to a real estate company.

So I decided to email my attorney general with a cc to my public utility control. Well the next day didn't I just get the sweetest call from my local cable provider apologizing profusely and telling me they would never use that website service again. They promised the credit would show up on my next bill. My public utility control rep. called to let me know when the credit arrives. If it is not on my next bill she will take it from here!

I love Connecticut. Thank you public servants.

Body Art

Isn't this amazing body art? See the giraffe


I just love this site!

Front page Exposure

My valance made it to the front page of etsy.com.
Oh happy day!!!

Roses are Red

As part of the etsybloggers we were asked to share our favorite colors and how we use them in our work.
My favorite color is red. The shade of red depends on; how it is being used. For clothing, I favor the more bluish reds but for home decor in my own home I prefer the orange reds. I find the color warm and soothing.
By visiting my ship at craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com you will find lots of red items.
When I walk into a fabric shop, I am drawn to red fabric like a moth to light. With my love of red you may think I am a bit showy and outrageous but I am actually quiet and introspective. It must be a wild side trying to show itself. :)

Need a Good Read? Cheap?

I am emptying book shelves and closets so I have listed many great books for adults and children. I would love to see these books go to good homes. If your kids are bored, get them some pokemon books or books on tape.

http://shops.half.ebay.com/craftlinda_W0QQmZbooks

underwhelmed by sales

Online selling, much like brick and mortar selling, has come to a screaming halt. I guess it is the lack of gift giving events in the summer. Because of this I propose August 1 to be give one person a gift day (preferably one from etsy.com). We craftspeople cannot spend our summers only to prepare for the Christmas season. I do not want to handle Christmas fabric in July. Give us a break.

There are fewer birthdays, graduations, weddings etc. in the heat of the summer. We need one gift giving holiday to get us through until Christmas.

I am looking for names for this new special day. Please comment with a good name for this new international holiday. :)

P.S.
Whichever Presidential Candidate supports this plan, Obama or McCain, gets my vote.

Http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com
http://mustlovehomedecor.com

Indoor Outdoor throw blanket - striped with bold colors

Indoor Outdoor throw blanket - striped with bold colors
Originally uploaded by crafts from the heart at etsy.com

It is just too hot too soon! Electricity is expensive to run air conditioners, gas is too expensive to drive to the movies where it is cool, the pool is not clear yet. What is a crafter to do. I go into my second floor craftroom to add a secret pocket to this beach blanket.

Why do I torture myself this way? Who knows? Maybe if I sell a few items soon, I can afford an air conditioner for my craft room and the electricity to run it. :)

The summer slowdown has begun in online selling. People don't spend much time in front of the computer as they do other times of the year. I am trying to take it in stride but do you think my bill issuers will take it in stride also? I think not.

Off to get more iced tea.
Linda

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Classy American Idol, David Cook.

Congratulations David Cook! You are one classy guy. I love the way you shared the stage with all the others. I love the way your family was there for you. I wish you tons of success and happiness.

Lost billy joel tickets!!!

If you were 6 very expensive Billy Joel Tickets that have been misplaced one week before the show, where would you be? I have looked everywhere, prayed to St. Anthony and even recruited my teenager (why bother?) I have a feeling they are either somewhere very safe or in the garbage.
So if you were my tickets, where would you be?
Desperate,
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Mother's Day

The day is fast approaching. The day we honor our moms. I know it sometimes seems ridiculous to just pick one day to honor mom for all they do all year, but you know if you don't it spells trouble.
I have a few gift ideas from my etsy shop. They are all reasonably priced and can be delivered to you by Mother's Day.

Cow Pillow Farm Scene Bolster Cushion with solid black back

Come check out all the new items in my etsy.com shop. I have great items for sprucing up your home, children's clothing, men's clothing and lots more fun stuff.

Busy Busy Busy

I had this week off from work and I have been busy sewing and creating. The weather has been beautiful in Connecticut so I feel kind of guilty being inside all day but I am addicted to getting these items out for sale. I don't have the storage space and the money wouldn't hurt :)

I have mostly been working on adding pillows but I also have some men's extra large shirts including a redneck shirt for dad on father's day.


Pretty pillows

Baby Blanket

Are you having a baby? Someone you know having a baby? Know someone who needs a new blankie? Visit my etsy.com shop to find some really cute, soft blankets and burp cloths.

my shop

Animal Print with Red Fringe Skirt for Girls

I just finished this great one of a kind skirt for a little girl. I think it is just precious. It has an animal print with a flirty little red fringe.
I love sewing items for girls because I have two grown boys and never had that chance to buy the pretty fabric and notions that girls adore.
I hope you take a look in my shop. If you would like me to make something for your little princess just let me know.

Window treatments

I have just added some great new valances to my etsy shop. I would love to make some in your color palette. Just visit my shop and click contact under my username and we can discuss details.
Linda

Oprah's Big Give

Do we really need another reality series which pits people against each other? Even though worthy people received lots of money, I found myself being embarrassed for them. The "players" became beggars for these people. Would it not be nicer to do this off air and just help these people some how? Does Oprah really need the income from this show to survive or is it an addition to an ego trip?
She and her fellow judges were on The Oprah Show and were gushing how inspiring this show was and it would help others realize how much we can all do to change lives. Well Oprah and fellow millionaires, believe it or not most of us do contribute to charities and volunteer in our communities. In fact, poor people are much more likely to give than are wealthy people. We do not need this type of exploitment to change the world.
I hope this show does not survive long.

My second most proudest sewing project

My second proudest sewing project
Current mood: artistic
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

I just finished a tapesty briefcase which I totally designed on my own and sewed with all the seams doubly reinforced and it really came out beautifully. It really reflects my style and was a pleasure to work on. I am finding it more and more important to design items I love, rather than what may sell on my online selling venues.

I call it my second proudest because my first was about 10 years ago when my son was in the third grade. I made him a total power ranger outfit from white flannel and gold and black lame. It was so difficult to work with but since it was a labor of love it came out great and lasted for years until he finally outgrew it.

I guess my point is do what you love and things will turn out for the best. It won't be such a struggle. I think we should tryto live our lives this wa

Handmade Boys Birthday Cards Set of 4

You will want to keep a set like this on hand for those birthdays that seem to crop up every month. They are boys favorite themes, sports and pirates. Actually only one card says Happy Birthday so the others can be used anytime.


For other boys' items visit my shop.
Oh , I have items for girls also. :)

The Race for the Presidency

The race for the presidency.
Current mood: contemplative

How closely do you watch these races? Do you really know the messages the candidates want us to understand? Does it really matter who the President of the United States is? These are items I have been pondering lately.
The United States does not seem to be the all-powerful supreme nation it used to be. Other countries are much more prosperous and our light years ahead of the United States when it comes to technology and health care for the elderly. Does the United States still influence the ways others live?
I don't see the big rush for Levis and Nikes we once had from tourists. I am not sure if it is because we are becoming homogeneous or because it is not that important anymore to emulate Americans.
I think 9/11 contributed to much of this. The United States is now seen as vulnerable as other countries. We are no longer the teflon country. We are more likely to kill ourselves with guns on the streets than worrying about violence elsewhere. How did we get to this point? I blame part of it on egos of politicians and how the media contributes to this ego. It is more important how a politician looks and speaks than if they are qualified for the most important position in our land.
There are so many brilliant men and women in our country but they want nothing to do with politics. They don't want the past to be scrutinized. Who cares what one did in high school? Does it really contribute to what one can do for the country when he or she is middle-aged?
The media contributes by repeatedly showing what are considered faux pas like Hillary laughing a bit too hard or one of the men wearing the wrong type of tie. Unfortunately with the advent of the internet these issues are played over and over again on sites such as you tube.
I feel the only way we can gain respect for the position of the President of the United States is too take seriously qualification, including experience, character, and leadership. Let's leave the four hundred dollar haircuts to the celebrities. Let us encourage the best and brightest to run not the one with fewest gray hairs or nicest suit.

Music to my eyes clothespin and gift card set

I thought it would be cute to honor those music lovers in our lives. Do you remember that special vocal coach that helped you or your child's first piano teacher? Would it not have been great to give them a special set like this? They can use the clips to hold their sheet music together or to mark a special song they are working on.
Show your child you appreciate the hours they put into practicing and every little squeak their instrument may make.
Surprise them with this on Valentine's day or just a whenever gift.

Landline vs. Cell Phones

So evidently today's youth do not realize that using a landline phone is not the same as a cell phone. Case in point, my average landline phone bill runs around $45. Since my son starting dating a girl who lives in another state my phone bill has been over $200. He says, "Don't we have free nights and weekends?" Um no! That is on cell phones where we already pay over $100 per month for service.

Now who should be responsible for this bill? My almost 20 year old for just not thinking or knowing such things or me for not educating him. Mind you, these calls are all placed after midnight and were over 3 hours long. If I had known this was happening I would have put an end to it immediately. I guess for this one time I will have to cover it but he better have learned from his mistakes.

Each generation is growing up with such different technology it is hard to keep up and make sure both the youth and the "elders" are educated on how each works and the finances involved.
I am now in the process of switching to a service that provides unlimited long distance calling. I hope this helps the pocketbook or as the younger generation would say the ATM card.