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.

Brothers and Sisters

How romantic was that wedding last night? When they were exchanging their vows, they just seemed so genuine the way they had tears in their eyes. And I love the way they left the wedding early. I just really enjoyed last night's episode and hope the quality continues throughout the season.

For your shopping needs
http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Happy Birthday Britney Spears and Me

Being that I turn 45 today, I thought it would be a good day to evaluate my life thus far. My childhood years were anxiety ridden due to my older brothers serious illness which caused his death at 18 and another brother with the same genetic illness's death at the age of 12. I always had this feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was next.
I lived a very 'safe' life. I did not take chances. I did not experiment. I stayed home when I was not in school because I just knew something terrible would happen if I ventured out in the 'real' world.
Because of this, I find it hard to meet new people and try new things but I do try to push myself to do just that. Luckily my husband recognizes my fear and encourages me all the time to try something new and to get out of the house.
Well my biggest challenge last year was to really get my small craft business going. I did some research and found etsy. With each item is made the anxiety rose. Those awful what ifs set in. What if someone buys it and hates it? What if it falls apart? What if I become a laughing stock? The idea of failure was just overwhelming.
Well this year I have to report my sales are up dramatically and my feedback is just so wonderful. With increased confidence comes the will to be better and to succeed. My skills have improved tenfold since I started and I feel I can be part of this 'real world.' Of course I will probably get a negative feedback once in a while and I will have to deal with that and move on. No one is perfect and we will all make mistakes.
I like to think I started this business for the money but it really is an extension of me and what I can do and who I can be once the fear is kept at bay.
I have come a long way. Happy Birthday to me and my fellow sagittarians.
Britney Spears is also celebrating a birthday today. Hopefully by the time she has reached my age, things will have settled down for her too!
Linda

Etsy on the Today Show

Etsy.com is a website filled to the brim with wonderful handmade creations by artists and craftspeople. It is a global site so you can buy items from around the world and have them delivered to your doorstep. What can be better?

The Today Show had a piece about buying from etsy.com on their show today and we couldn't be prouder! Etsy is an established site and is here for the long term. If you are a crafter you can buy your supplies here and there is even a vintage section for you collectors. So come shop today from the comfort of your own home.

While at Etsy.com visit my shop http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com and support a craftsperson rather than a large retailer that will not provide the quality and service that we can.
Linda
Crafts from the Heart.

Christmas Gift Guide

Let me help you with your Christmas Shopping. No lines, no fake deals, no pushing or shoving. Shop from home.

My ideas for a girl:

a blanket




a tee shirt




a princess pillow

For boys:

a baseball blanket



a new pirate sweatshirt







For Dad:

a fishing shirt






For Mom:

a denim linen jacket





a luxurious pillow set





And lots more waiting for you at my shop
http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com
and other great shops at etsy.com

Global warming and my Christmas shopping

It is the first week of November and our trees are still full of leaves. Usually by this timeof year, the yard would be full of leaves and we would have had our first few flurries. It is strange. I am not sure I believe in global warming being dire. I think it is probably part of the cycle of life but I do think something is happening.

Now, I think I know what if feels like for those that live in warm climates to celebrate Christmas. I used to get holiday cards from cousins in Florida that showed them dressed in Santa outfits but their outfits had short shorts. I could not understand how anyone could celebrate Christmas with green grass and green trees in their backyards.

Christmas for us in New England means snow, at least frost. I cannot begin my Christmas shopping unless we get a good hard freeze. It just would not seem right. How can I decorate my house if my hands are not freezing cold hanging wreaths and lights? The weatherman predicted snow for us tomorrow but has now reneged. It just is not fair I tell you.

I plan on buying handmade items for family and friends on the site on which I have a shop, etsy.com. but I need that little push of seeing a few flakes before I start.

How do those of you that do not see snow in the winter do it? How do you get the Christmas spirit? I need some inspiration. Help me. Send me your stories. Do you decorate your palm trees, do you use that fake snow on your windows?

I can't wait to see your comments. Help me!!
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

New online selling sites

I am expanding out and my items can now be found at:

expanding out and can now be found at:

http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

http://www.en.dawanda.com/shop/craftsfromtheheart

http://homegrownmarket.com/craftsfromtheheart

http://craftsfromtheheart.myshopify.com

View my portfolio at trunkt.com

Thank you for your support.

crafters and artists

Crafters and Artists

I am asking a favor but it can really help both of us.
If you are interested in selling your items to the wholesale or retail market and can take great pictures of your items, apply to be on trunkt.org. It is not a selling site. It is just a place where you keep your portfolio and send potential buyers. Wholesale buyers go there all the time looking for new items to buy.
If I refer 3 people, and they are accepted, I can upgrade my site there and those 3 people will have a free, juried site to show their items.
Thank you for looking.
Linda
www.trunkt.org

trunkt.org

trunkt.org

my trunkt portfolio

Please visit my portfolio on trunkt.org and rate my shop. You can also make a wishlist and win lots of money to spend on trunkt.org. It would be great if you added my items to your wishlist but it is certainly not required. Have fun and good luck.

http://trunkt.org

First craft show was a dud. :(

I wish I could tell you my first craft show was wonderful but I cannot. There were great things about it but overall I came home discouraged.
I met some great people. I met people who read my blog, see me in flickr and fellow etsy sellers. The organizer was a very accommodating wonderful woman who recruited the women in her family to help us anyway possible. The problem was we had no shoppers. I think maybe 20 people from the outside showed up. I sold a few inexpensive earrings and a way underpriced bracelet and that was it.
I had over 25 pillows and 24 shirts and many other items to sell that needed to be unpacked and then repacked for the 3 hour drive home. I was hoping to have sold some of these bulky items. My items seem well received but just not enough real shoppers there.
I hesitate to try again but I know I have to get out there and hit the right show with people ready to buy.
My husband kindly hinted that I make things that are not so difficult to carry and take up so much room. :) - gotta love him.

craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

FIRST CRAFT SHOW

Up to this point I had planning for my parents' 50th anniversary to keep my mind occupied. Well that happened on Sunday and it went off without a hitch. Now comes the anxiety about having my first craft show appearance.

I am taking part in the Creative Bazaar in Hyannis, Ma. on Oct 13. I made sure it was out of state so noone I knew would witness this inauguration. My husband is coming with me and is so excited about it! He hand carved a sign with my business name on it and he is planning how our booth will look. I, on the other hand, am consumed with making things in hopes that I will sell something.

I have been selling on etsy for a year and have done well. My items have excellent feedback ratings but there is still that nagging fear that I will come home with all the items I brought to sell.
I am sure this happens to many crafters at their first shows but it doesn't make it any easier.

If you have any advice for me it would be greatly appreciated! If you are in the area, stop by. It will be in the Four Points Sheraton in Hyannis. Maybe you can even buy a little something.
Linda
craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Desperate Housewives vs. Side Order of Life

Once again my husband and I are living in a house divided. What is causing this division? TV. My husband had to watch Desperate Housewives because of Eva Langoria (although he wouldn't admit that). I on the other wanted to watch a show with more substance, Side Order of Life.
At first glance Side Order seems it may be as trivial as DH but there is so much more there. They have all the pretty faces but the characters are so 3 dimensional that I can feel empathy with them and care which direction the show takes them.
How did we solve this dilemma? I watched in the bedroom, husband in the living room. As is turns out we both were flipping between the shows. Doing so strengthened my decision to watch Side order and he agreed it was the better show. Cool. maybe we won't be a house divided any more.
Back to creating.

http://Craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com

Fall is here

Time to start pulling out the pants and long sleeve shirts. Ain't fall grand. Football games, soccer games, basketball, fall has it all. Let us not forget Halloween which is becoming bigger than Christmas as far as decorating the home goes. People love to deck out their houses and will spend lots doing it.

The little ghosts and goblins will appear at our doors, with the occasional teenager - just dressed as themselves looking for candy.

I have some capes that I am selling in my etsy shop that have glow in the dark trim to help keep them safe on those dark halloween nights and some cute totes for them to carry.

Come take a peek

http://craftsfromtheheart.etsy.com