Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Custom Orders and Cute Nieces

Well I have a couple things to report today...

First, I finished a custom order for a friend of my mom's - here is what she got:

The third picture is a new design, I bought the pattern from AliFoster on Etsy. I'll be adding these to my shop soon, so keep an eye out!

I also finished this custom pillow and a pair of pants for my niece (more pictures of her are below!):

(It's hard to tell from the picture, but the dark patches in the pants are brown corduroy.)

Also, our open house 2 weeks ago went very well, despite the snowy roads, and I think everyone had a good time. Here is a picture of Jared and I before it started:


And now onto the most important thing... my niece! I'm not sure if I've ever posted any pictures of her before, but I got a few good ones over Christmas that I thought I would share. She'll be turning 1 in February. She's really growing fast, every time we see her there are new things she's learned, and she is interacting with us so much more! She's so good at pulling herself up now, and I'm sure she will be walking on her own in no time. Considering that she was born 2 months early, she is way ahead of where she is expected to be (proud aunt talking).


Whew that was a long post. But if you made it this far, thanks for reading!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Etsy Favorite - White Serenade

The subtle beauty and stunning photography of WhiteSerenade's online store floored me from the first time I set eyes on her online shop. I love that everything is vintage inspired, delicate, and just downright pretty!

Please take a moment to pop over to WhiteSerenade's Etsy Shop and see what the fuss is all about! A few examples of her work are below:


Friday, December 4, 2009

Wordle

In her post here, my cousin had her wordle... so I thought I would share mine! Nothing too revealing... but I do love Lowe's! Hahaha!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Decorating

Well, now that it's officially past Thanksgiving, I can start decorating for Christmas! I scored some decent deals this weekend on things and was very anxious to get it all together.

First, we found this old table in my parents garage - they have no idea where it came from, but I love it. I cleaned it up, and added a set of three white mugs filled with succulents (all cost less than $10 - found the mugs at Ross, and the succulents were on clearance at Lowes!). We also got the 2 chairs from my parents, as well as a bench tucked behind the table, all of which I plan to paint white.


Second, I found poinsettias at Lowes on Black Friday for 99 cents each, so I got 10 :) I put 8 of them in a galvanized bucket that I also found at Lowes, and it's now sitting on our fireplace. I collect Santon from Provence, France, and I will be putting those out on our fireplace as well.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Another Etsy Favorite

As many of you know, my team on Etsy is holding a huge giveaway. Well, as the coordinator for this giveaway, everyone had to send me their donated items (oh, darn...!). This meant that I got to touch and hold every single item, which I loved! We really have some amazing shops on our team.

One of the items that absolutely blew me away were these lovely dolls from SewFaithful. She hand embroiders each one, and while I'm not sure what they are filled with, it's heavier than just normal poly-fil, giving it a sturdy but still soft feel.

They are so darling, and are about the size of your hand. Here is the one she sent for the giveaway:

Not only are the adorable, using designer fabric for the backing on each one, but they are also very reasonably priced, ranging from $10.99-$12.99.

SewFaithful also makes some small clutches and wallets, and other stuffed children's items like these animal and blanket sets, which cost $34.99.


Aren't they adorable? I just love them! I can just picture my little niece (she's almost 1!) curling up for her nap with this stuffed kitty.

Please, if you get a chance, stop by SewFaithful's shop and see what you think!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Sneak Peak!

I was just reading one of my friends blog's, and she is announcing a few sneak peaks for her upcoming craft show. Then I realized I should do a sneak peak of my own!

I'm going to be participating in the Mars Craft Show this coming Saturday, Nov. 21st. I'll be having a booth in the high school gym, and I would love it if you can stop by!

So, my sneak peak... I have started sewing some patchwork pillows in a crazy quilt style - they're fun to do, and I love them! Here is one example, but many more can be found at the craft show!

Monday, November 2, 2009

TeamCAC giveaway

Today is an exciting day! It's the official start of the teamCAC giveaway!

I am part of a lovely group of Christians of mostly women called team Christian Artists and Crafters (we have one brave male who ventures in once in a while, often in the midst of conversations about husbands, bras, and who knows what else). We are all sellers on Etsy, and have all come together to form our team because of our common bond in Christ. Our team is there to support each other through life, help each other with our shops, and most importantly to glorify God (ok ok ok, and the bonus of 'one stop shopping' doesn't hurt...)!

With the holiday season coming up, our team wanted to do something special. We decided that we would host a huge giveaway, and you could be a winner!

The giveaway will be going on for the entire month of November. We will be giving away small prizes on the 13th and 20th, one large box of goodies on Black Friday, and then 2 large boxes of goodies on Cyber Monday. There will be over 40 items being given away - this is a really huge event for our team.

Please, head on over to the giveaway and enter today! It's free, and very simple to do!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Yes, I Know What You're Thinking

You're thinking... what the heck IS that!?


Well, it's really the basis for my entire business. Believe it.

There's always been something very special about making things by hand. You have complete control over what you make; the design, the materials, the organization, the details... there's something incredibly wonderful about it. Since I was a young girl, I have loved making things, doing crafts, being creative. I got such joy out of cutting up old clothes to make them into something I could actually use, like a bag, or a "quilt". I never used a pattern, I never bought anything, that was what made it so fun! My mom had tons of fabric in her closet... I loved it, I could go in there and just dig through that fabric and find just what I wanted. To this day, my mom seems to always have exactly what I need in her house. It's just a matter of finding it. And if she doesn't have it, chances are that the very next Saturday morning, she will call with an exclamation of "you'll never guess what I found at a garage sale this morning".

So, back to the "what is that!?" question. Well, it's probably one of the first things I ever sewed. I obviously did it completely by hand, no machine needed. I have no idea how old I was. But you will be impressed to know that there is even a layer of batting in it. I believe it was supposed to be a quilt for a doll.


This was the beginning for me. One of the first times I got to feel the incredible satisfaction of having made something with my own two hands. I think for a while I even stopped sewing... but it stayed with me. And now, I'm sewing again, making things, being creative. Designing new pillows, thinking up new patterns. Wishing that everyone could understand the creative spirit that God blessed me with... wishing that everyone could experience it for themselves. And hoping that everyone will feel and see the love and passion that is put into every piece I make.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Tags for Selling

I decided that I liked making the tags for my products so much, that I would make a few sets for the upcoming craft show. Here's what I've come up with so far, but there are more in the works!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Haircut and Apples

Today I got a haircut. And yesterday I decorated a bit to get in the right season!

It's the first time I've gotten to use the fall tablecloth I got from my Auntie Bobo, and I love it. And to go with it, I found the white urn and apples for a pretty decent price at TJ Maxx. I never realized how much awesome stuff they have in their home department, if you're willing to do a little digging and put up with the mess! I was quite pleased to find what I did, so I just thought I'd show them off a little :) My plan for the table is to eventually put some of these sticking out from the apples, but we'll see if I have time to make my own version or not. Otherwise, I will leave it as it is, or possibly get some branches from outside to stick in there...

Monday, September 28, 2009

PREVIEW

Today I am giving everyone a sneak preview... here are a few items that I will be selling at the Mars Craft Show coming up in mid-November! Nothing here will be listed on Etsy until afterwards...





Friday, September 25, 2009

It's a sale!

SALE ALERT**SALE ALERT**SALE ALERT

We all love a good sale - but this weekend seems to be full of them!

In my shop I'm offering 15% off of EVERYTHING.

A couple other's I know are having sales as well, such as:
Anycards - wonderful handmade trinket boxes, jewelry dressers, and picture frames (see right sidebar)
One9Designs - beautiful handstamped silver jewelry - all customizable with names, letters, etc.
KasaCollection - a very talented shop owner - makes handmade clothing that is really adorable and trendy
BloomfieldBeads - your one stop shop for Christian jewelry and accessories
UniquelyYoursCrafter - lovely handknit items which would make perfect gifts

This would be a great chance to start shopping for Christmas gifts now! Take advantage of these sales... they're only lasting through Sunday!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Craft Show Tags

Last Saturday, as a girls day out for my mom's birthday, the two of us went to the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio where we had a lot of fun and got some great ideas! Coming up in November is the Mars Craft Show, which I am going to be a part of, so my mom and I came up with a ton of ideas this weekend for how to set up my booth and my crafts. One of the things that I came up with was how to tag my items, and with the endless amount of supplies I get from my mom (she always has exactly what I need), I managed to make these tags tonight - I got 2 finished completely, and about 12 more on the way. I'm pretty excited about them, so I just had to share! Maybe at some point I will take some pictures of my entire process, but for now, the final result will just have to do! The awesome logo you see is from my friend at CityOfDionne.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Dionne's Surprise

My wonderful friend at CityOfDionne was kind enough to do a swap with me - she made me some logos for my business, and told me to surprise her! I finished her surprise tonight, and just wanted to share it, I think it turned out well!! What do you think?


Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Desk Overhaul

My in-laws graciously gave me my MILs old sewing desk to use for all the sewing I've started to do recently... it was one of those great ones from the 70s that had the sewing machine built-in. So... long story short, I ended up overhauling it! The fabric badly needed to be changed, if for nothing other than the musty smell, and the piece just needed some love and updating. I took out the old sewing machine, painted it, and replaced the padding as well (anyone want an old sewing machine!?).

Here are the before and after pictures! I am REALLY excited with how it turned out!

If any of you are looking for a chuckle... check out the chairs legs... haha! Just adds to the character, right?














Friday, September 4, 2009

Labor Day Weekend Sale

Just wanted to alert all of you that my shop is having a labor day weekend sale! 15% off your entire order (before shipping), the sale goes through Monday! Feel free to come check it out, we have some new fall items for you!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Fabric Giveaway

Looking for some new fabric to inspire your sewing??

Check out this giveaway (no strings attached), from The Crafty Procrastinator. Alicia at Anycards alerted me to this giveaway, and I entered!

I never seem to do well in these things, but maybe this will be my turn! Or, maybe, it will be yours!

I also found an adorable quilted place mat pattern at A Quilting Life.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Featured Etsy Seller!

I would like to start featuring more of the wonderful sellers I've met on Etsy; there are some really quality products out there that I would like to share with anyone who will read it! There are just some wonderful people selling wonderful products, and I wish I could do more to help them out and get the word out about their site. So although I don't have many followers, I figure I'll give this a go anyway! It can't hurt :)

I am a member of a team on Etsy. For those of you who are unfamiliar, a team is basically a group of Etsy sellers with a common interest or location. The team I am a part of is team CAC (Christian Arts and Crafters), and I have had such a wonderful experience getting to know them! There are some lovely girls (and guys!) on the team.

So today I would like to start by featuring Anycards - I just love her shop, our styles are strikingly similar! Here are just a few of her items, and her shop can be found here.

Monday, August 17, 2009

It's felt! It's a tree!

I worked long and hard this weekend to introduce you to what I've termed the "tree of life" - this beautiful felt tree pillow cover! Please let me know what you think!

After this one, I think I'll be doing more, and maybe in some fall colors (thanks to my mom's suggestion).

Oh, and other news... I have some pieces at a local store in Mars, PA called "The Monkey's Trunk". My Aunt Linda told me about this place, and I'm so glad she did! Another boutique in Fox Chapel will be opening soon, called "So Me". I'll be consigning there come October as well! Exciting things are happening here at Creek Bed Threads.



Anyway, here's the pillow!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Introducing... the wristlet!

I just listed a new item for me on Etsy... a wristlet. It's like a mini purse that you can throw around your wrist, and is meant to carry small things like your chapstick, wallet, and keys. So... here it is!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Website

Not sure if anyone has heard of soopsee.com yet, but it's available to all Etsy users. It's basically a way to pull together all your different networking sites - users can shop through it (and end up buying through Etsy), read your blog, see where to buy your work, and it connects with twitter and facebook as well. I've started my site...

http://www.soopsee.com/profile/CreekBedThreads/

Hope you enjoy!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

New Pillows






I've added a few new pillows lately, so here they are! I've enjoyed making them so much!

The knitted ones (navy blue and lime green) are knitted by Cathy, Knit2getherInLove. Her store is great, and she was willing to work with me to make some panels I could use on pillows!

The "love" pillow is made out of scraps from my dear friend Anita, AMKreations. She was kind enough to send them to me with my recent order, and I was so happy to be able to make a pillow from them! Her bags are wonderful, well made, and well priced! Please check out her store!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Brand New Item for Etsy

Last night I listed my newest items... one of them being a spherical pillow! I got the inspiration from Joel Dewberry's site, but I haven't seen any of these pop up anywhere else! So I'm hoping I'm the first to sell them :) But anyway, here IT is!


Let me know what you think!

Monday, July 6, 2009

CraftGawker

Not sure if anyone has heard of this yet, but it's a pretty neat site - you can post any item you're selling and it has a direct link to your Etsy site, or any other site.

I'm not sure how it all works, but you can submit an image of your item, and it goes through a moderator... and I think some get rejected, and some accepted, because so far only 2/4 of mine have shown up. Here are the ones that have made it for me. Here is their main website.

Hope you find it as neat and as good of a promotional tool as I have!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Christie's Cottage

Just wanted to let you know that I've been featured in a blog by Christie's Cottage! http://christiecottage.blogspot.com/

Check out her shop as well :) ChristieCottage.etsy.com.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Byhand.me

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I found out about this great site, byhand.me, where you can post about your Etsy shop or any other shop you have at an online venue. It's a great way to get more exposure, thousands of people are on it at any given minute. It's free, and easy to set up, I've enjoyed it so far! Minimal upkeep, too... :)



Thursday, June 18, 2009

Pretty Pieces for your Place!

These home furnishings are inexpensive and quick ways to brighten up your home!



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