Brand Spanking New!

I found some hair combs at Hobby Lobby today for 15 cents and thought I would give them a try. I love them! I made Lolligoth and then a second one but it walked off on the head of a child and has not been seen since. I am having so much fun making these things. Its a nice change from the hats. I am sure between now and the fall, I will be inspired to bring the yarn out again.

I spent tonight making violet and lilac colored polymer clay flowers. I would love to try and make some other things with the clay, expand my horizons a bit. I poked around etsy today and was just blown away at all of the things folks do with this stuff.

I have absolutely nothing to read right now. I must have started 5 books and cannot get into any of them. I think I might head to the library tomorrow. Its actually painful not to have something to read.

What a night!

We went out for Xine's birthday last night. She picked me up in her pimped out 300 and we met some other friends at Wild Wing Cafe. It was a BLAST. I think we need to do that more often for our sanity. The wings were tasty, the beer was cold, the conversation was outrageous!

As spring approaches, its time to clear out the winter hats in the shop. I think I will start moving them all to the clearance section and marking them down to move them out. I will list a few headbands today. I can't wait to get my beads!

Shhhh......

I've been buying beads. Not for making jewelry, but to add to my crowns. I need more shiny, sparkling stuff. A little Paypal money is a dangerous thing....

I sold my first crown yesterday, and I have 2-3 custom requests. I am very excited! I think these will do well.

My friend Christine came over yesterday to get some pull tags. She is making the cutest shamrock pins! Check them out here: http://xinedurkin.blogspot.com. She is heading up a group at ravelry.com for extreme fiber. I am still waiting on my registration to go through so I can join.

I had this big idea that I was going to talk her into trying to crochet with chitlins. I mean, they are pig intestines right? Long strings = yarn-like? We could film and be youtube stars, drive traffic to our shops and get on Oprah. Me and my chitlin scarf would be famous!

Well, it turns out that chitlins aren't perfect long strings and Christine was not feeling the chitlin love. I will have to come up with something else.

New Items!

 

 

 

 

Rain all day here today so its a good thing I was able to get out and take some pictures of my new tiems yesterday. I found an excellent old fence post in the woods next to the creek and its perfect for hat pictures. I am still going crazy trying to get really really good pictures of the fairy crowns.

I've been buying vintage slips with plans to dye and embellish them. I have one that has a few spots and tears that I will use for a tester. I want to try and write on them so I will have to see what pens work best.

There will never ever be enough time to make all of the things I want to make. I have an idea for a t-shirt and a keychain wallet and altered clothing and on and on and on....

One thing I do need is a dress form. I think it will be critical to photographing clothing for my vintage shop and the slips.

In the meantime, laundry piles up...

Craft ADHD

After putting down crochet for a while, I have sort of picked it back up again - just a few hats here and there. I listed two and one sold already. Sales have been slow - the economy, the approach of spring, who knows.... I have so many ideas raging forth for hats but I think I will wait and list them after the summer. At some point, I will put all of the hats on sale to clear old old inventory.

I made a market bag last night in shades of light blue, lime, and brown. I am not happy with the straps and I am still working that out. I am wondering if perhaps some knitted i-cord might be the way to go. I've never knitted i-cord but it doesn't look like rocket science.

I was unusually productive with my housewifely duties today. I culled a bunch of the shoes from the baskets at the front door, saving some for Fern and putting others away for summer. After I swept, it looked much improved. I also cleaned the oven. Ok, it is self-cleaning but I had to clean out some grease so as not to burn down the house and then I had to wipe out the ash afterwards.

Tomorrow, I get to go have my massage that I got from Scott for Valentine's Day. I cannot wait. I think it involves hot stones...

I have nothing to read right now. I just finished No Reservations by Anthony Bourdain and it rocked but now I have nothing. I usually get books from paperbackswap.com but I haven't received anything lately. I might just have to break down and go to the library.

Going outside for a hike with the baby...

Another Toof Gone!

 

Lulu has 'lost' another tooth. I say 'lost' because it was actually pulled by the dentist. It had been loose for a while and sort of got stuck sticking out horizontally and on top of the other tooth because the new tooth was coming in behind it. We gave her two weeks but it never came out. It was not a happy scene in the dentist's office but its over with and she looks quite goofy.

 

 

 

 

These are new for 2008. I call them my Spider Web hats. I've sold one so far, which is a little disappointing as this is a completely original design that you will not see anywhere else - unless of course, someone decides to copy it.

I think that is something most folks don't know about my shop. Everything I come up with is original and not from any pattern. I have stuff you just will not see anywhere else. I know I would make more sales if I followed the crowd and made easy to sell stuff but its so much more fun trying to stand out and be original.

I am hitting the gym again today. I have two orders to mail as well. I am in charge of the snack for Lulu's class tomorrow. She asked for grapes and string cheese.

And this weekend, I will be enjoying an hour long hot stone massage courtesy of my darling husband. It was my gift for Valentine's Day. I cannot tell you how much I need it right now.

This morning, I finished up 6 more fairy tiaras. They are really fun to make. The hot glue is killing my fingers though.

If you are reading this:

Bonnie, email me A & L's sizes.

Tammy - I'd be happy to make something for ya!

PHONYTAIL Hat

 

 

 

 

This is called my Phonytail Hat. Is that cute or what? Oh, and a picture of Big D. It was so nice and warm here yesterday that we spent a lot of time outside.

 

 

 

 

My poor neglected blog. I knew it would happen. Sigh. Its been since October? Well, for now I will share loads of photos of all of the things I have been making.

I have been making spring and summer items since crocheted hats are sort of a winter item. I will have a table at the local Farmer's Market this summer. It will be full of tiaras, hair bows, art, altered vintage items, and maybe tutus.

Google Eyes and Hats Galore

So I have had this obsession with google eyes of late. It all started when I found a vintage google eye in a jar of vintage buttons I purchased at an estate sale. I used it to create my first Monster Eye Hat. I subsequently created a line of Monster Eye Hats using a really yummy chunky yarn and I named them after Greek female monsters and mermaids.

When I couldn't satisfy my google eye lust with Wal-Mart, I searched ebay and purchased 3 packs of 155 assorted google eyes each. Honestly, it wasn't as many as I thought it would be but it was enough to create the Spy Bag.


And so now I am on the prowl for my next google eye victim.

Sales on etsy have been a little slow of late. One can only hope that folks are gearing up for some big holiday shopping. I did have my first wholesale order. I shipped them off yesterday and I hope they are well-received.



I did take a couple of new paintings up to the gallery. They are not currently listed on etsy but they are based on an ACEO I did. One is on the canvas formally known as Chicken a la Larry King and the other is one a scrap of wood Scott found:

What is this wet stuff falling from the sky?

So it rained yesterday and its currently raining. We are in the middle of the worst drought in recent history so this is big news.

In other news, I painted another goat painting yesterday. Not quite as happy with it as goats go but I love love love the impressionistic style that I acheived. Its for sale in the shop if you are interested...

I am currently negotiating a wholesale deal for a dozen hats. I am beyond excited because a) this means a chunk of money, b) it means getting my name out there beyond etsy and to a funkier crowd, more of my target audience and c) I HAVE to go to Hobby Lobby today for yarn. Hahaha. Gotta love the day that going yarn shopping is part of your 'job'.

I also have 24 cupcakes to bake today for the Fall Festival at Lulu's school. She made cute little cupcake toppers for them.

Art from found materials...

So, a few weeks ago my friend Christine and I were riding down the road. While at a stoplight, I spotted a nice piece of plywood in the road. I warned her I was jumping out of the care to get it. She said, "What the hell are you going to do with that?" I replied that I didn't know but that it would be good to paint on for sure.

Yesterday, I painted a sign for her soap business. It turned out really well. I have quite happy with the goat but I wish I had done more of a stylized font for the lettering. I didn't want to take the chance on messing it up though. I hope she likes it! Its pretty big, about 20 inches tall and about 3 feet wide. I think I am going to paint the back in a darker blue and do "Handmade Soap" in a while stylized font.

We finished making the muscadine jelly last night. I had to add 2 cups of regular grape juice to the last batch to get a full 4 cups of juice. That is a lot of jelly! We'll give most of it away at Christmas to teaches, bus drivers, etc.

Etsy Commercial!

OMG This is wonderful! If only it was aired on TV!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=v2g31xjdfhQ

Just got home from my trip to Athens. I had a nice visit with my friend Sondra. She has a gorgeous new home in Madison County. What a wonderful house for her family! Her kids are so great. Lucy loved seeing Kyle and Kelly again, and Fern was quite smitten with Kelly as well.

I need to take etsy pictures but I am wiped out!

Fall is here!

I still don't have the hang of pictures on this thing but the Picasa program I downloaded from google makes it so much easier to upload a batch of pictures to my blog. I highly recommend this program!

I've added several pictures of the girls. I cannot believe how fast they are growing up. They are a couple of goofballs.

Scott and I processed the muscadines last night and with the exception of the exploding jelly bag that flung purple pulp all over the kitchen, it went well. We now have 16 cups of juice, which will make 32 small jars of jelly. I found a package of Certo in the box of canning supplies from Nana's house but its dated 1989 so I think I will splurge on some fresh.

Yesterday, I received my order from SugarLips (http://sugarlips.etsy.com). OMG how decadent. The Brown Sugar and Fig vegan deodorant smells good enough to eat. I also got some body butter samples and a couple perfumes. I think the Chinatown perfume is my favorite. It really smells 'right' on me. It has just enough patchouli to remind me of my youth but with some floral and citrus notes to update it. I love the Olive Blossom too. Hilary has the very best customer service and I am already planning my next order since I got a coupon for 10% off. It will probably include a Brown Sugar and Fig perfume and an Olive Blossom perfume for sure. The body butters are to die for and have made my skin sooo soft. I cannot recommend her stuff enough!

The other day I was, ummmm 'shopping' the trash heaps in town and came across 3 awesome pieces of wood from an old bed. I came home and painted them up with a Christmas theme. I hope to post pics this afternoon. They will be on sale at Aunt Faye's Attic - they are too odd to ship easily.

Festival Mania!

What a wonderful weekend! I shared a booth with two friends at the 2007 Turning and Burning Festival in Gillsville, Georgia. This festival celebrates the pottery of the Hewell Family. My friend Christine makes goat's milk soap (www.threesisters.ecrater.com) and my friend Tina is a spinner and knitter. I was sort of the wacky tagalong with the funky stuff. We had a blast! I sold some hats and scarves, a few dishcloths, some magnets and a painting. Our booth looked wonderful. It was fun talking to folks and people watching. Scott brought the girls up and they got to ride the ponies - always a hit.

Yesterday, we took the girls to Suches, Georgia for the Indian Summer Festival at the Woody Gap School. This is apparently the smallest public school in Georgia. Lulu got to hit a teenager in the face with a pie as part of a fundraiser. She also got to to the bungee jump. Lulu and I bought some homemade lip balms made with local beeswax and Scott bought 2 lbs of local sourwood honey. We had a great time.

I am working on some new stuff for the shop, mostly scarflettes. I need a neck (real or not) to photo them on. I am also working on a top secret project that is sure to be a big seller on etsy.

When 20 mo olds blog....

Fern hit the keyboard and got my entry posted before I was ready.

So I am in the process of listing 8 or so more Monster Eye hats my etsy shop (see linky-poo to the right). I have had a good response to them so far. I guess the google eyes are now my 'thing'.

Sales have been wonderful. I just missed my September goal of 10 sales by 1! I have set a goal of 15 for October.

I sold a painting last night - Little Miss Voltrina is heading to Colorado this morning. I am sort of sad to see her go, but I think she is going to a very good home. I have to get her from Susie's gallery this morning and ship her out! In fact, I need to pull all of my art.

I am going to be at the Turning & Burning Festival this weekend in Gillsville, Georgia. Its going to be a blast! I am setting up with two friends, Christine of Three Sisters Soap and Tina, a knitter and spinner. Susie from Aunt Faye's will be there as well. Its my first big festival and I am so excited. I hope to meet some other etsy artists. I hear 50,000+ folks are expected!

I am trying to talk my mom and dad into having an etsy shop. My mom is all about ATCs and ACEOs right now.

 

Just in time for fall...

I made this pumpkin hat, complete with stem! Its listed in my shop - go buy it quick!

I am pleased to report that I finally got my font downloaded. I have been able to print out some business cards and labels for tags. I just adore that font - its the same on that is on my blog header.

The weather here is just gorgeous. We've turned the AC off and opened the windows. Its sunny but not too hot. Its nice to be able to go outside without being sweaty the second you hit the hot air.

I am giving some thought to pattern writing. I would love to have some patterns published in some online craft zines. I have never tried it. I was making something the other day that I thought would be good to write down. As I was crocheting, I kept thinking, "I really need to write this down." And I never could make myself stop and get up.

Manic Monday Sale!

I am having a sale today! Its a beautiful Monday morning here in Gainesville, Georgia. The air is cold, the A/C is off, I can see my breath. Fall is HERE!

So for today, I am offering 10% off EVERYTHING in my shop! Go to www.electricbluebird.etsy.com and shop 'til you drop!

End of the Weekend

I am happy to report that it wasn't an ear infection at all, just fluid on my ear. After some Sudafed, I am feeling much better.

I am on the lookout for a king size bed frame. We found 4 vintage doors at a local house that is being renovated. Three will be used as the headboard and one will be a footboard. However, we currently have two twin beds and we cannot connect them to the frame.

I have some new things I am working on for the shop - some furry fingerless mittens, fabric cuffs, and some other surprises. I hope you'll click to the right and look through my shop.

I am currently reading Augusten Burroughs' Running with Scissors. What a messed up family.

Sick and tired but stillllllll crafting!

So I slept like crap last night and I woke up with a massive ear infection. I am treating it with hubby's ear drops and some leftover amoxicillan. I know, I know and I don't need a lecture. Right now, we don't have the money for the doctor.

So I did some experimenting and came up with this turtle hat. Its cute but its not there yet. I did list this little cutie last night - Cookie Monster Hat.

I can't figure this photo thing!

Sick and Sewing

So I seem to have caught Fern's cold. My head hurts and I am so stopped up and tired. It seems that intestinal issues also seem to be a part of this happy little virus. Yahoo! She has had diarrhea for the last day or so.

So, I have been tinkering with my sewing machine. I sewed a cute little cuff from some vintage fabric and trims. It turned out so well! But I have been having problems with my sewing machine, from the feed dogs to birdnesting. I was thisclose to chucking the whole machine out the window. (I have no idea where my manual is.) So I went to the Singer website and did some troubleshooting, and voila! Its singing along happy.

I need to take some pictures to get some stuff listed on ebay. Both of the girls are going to need fall clothes and I need about $300 to outfit them from Old Navy. Fern may have some handmedowns that fit but Lulu has nothing.

Still trying to get stuff listed on my etsy shop, at least 1-2 items a day. I have a ton of hearts and I am really, really hoping that cold weather brings some sales. I am going to have to look into some other items for my shop for the spring. I did get nice feedback on the red hat I sold.

Yoga is for wimps!

At least that is what I used to think. I mean serious, how hard can sitting on a mat and striking a pose be??? I had my first class at the Y yesterday. I can barely move this morning. 'Nuf said. I think I will do that once a week but no more. In happier news, I've lost 4 lbs. Woot!

Got a bunch more pictures yesterday of my new hats. I still think I could benefit from a live model. With Brenau University in town, I am sure I could find someone.

Fall is just around the corner! Woo hoo! The Clermont Days Festival is this weekend, which is pretty much the first festival of the season. And Helen, Georgia is having Oktoberfest!

Princess Pants and Dragon Boats

Here is a picture of the girls wearing their princess pants. Unfortch, Lulu is thugging and has her's slung down low. They are supposed to be right below the knee. She wanted to wear them to school this morning, but they are doing colors this week. Today is Blue Day and so she wore a blue dress. Thursday is Green Day and also my day for snacks. I am taking honeydew melon and green grapes in green cups.

We ended up going to the Dragon Boat Festival Saturday. We got to town and I remembered I left a candle burning (Blackberry Crumble - yum!) so Scott dropped me off and went back to blow it out. With all of the traffic around the rowing venue, we didn't have much time to get to Elachee. Anyways, we couldn't stay long at the Dragon Boat Festival as it was blazing hot and I wasn't prepared with sunscreen. We did get to see a couple races and some of the dancing, including the most adorable little girls.

I am off this morning to my first yoga class. Its "Christ-Centered Yoga" (bleh) so I'll just ignore those parts. Its 90 minutes - will I make it?

I am on a mission to lose 20 lbs by my birthday, which is November 13. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Another sale!

Someone snapped up Ophelia! She was gorgeous, so I am not shocked that she sold so quickly. I also made it into another etsy treasury with my painting Camille and Her Bluebird. I love that painting so much that I kind of hate to part with her.

We are headed to Elachee Nature Center today (www.elachee.org) for Snake Day! We will be packing a picnic so it should be fun. What sucks is that the 2007 Dragon Boat races are going on today too at the Clark's Bridge Olympic Rowing Venue. We went last year and it was such fun. They had beautiful dancers and martial arts demonstrations that was wonderful to watch.

I snuck in a teeny tiny bit of crochet last night. Shhhhh.....

CROCHET RESTRICTION! Argggh!

Yesterday I actually cried because my hands and wrists hurt so bad. So last night, I packed up my hooks and yarn and put myself on crochet restriction for a week. Typing on the computer also has to be limited. In the absence of crochet, I will me taking more photos of new stock and adding to my shop. My goal is to have 100 items listed by the end of September. I have 52 items right now and 116 hearts!

I am just about done with the girls' princess pants that I've been sewing. I need to tweak Lulu's elastic and do the elastic and hem the pants on Fern's. It was fun and I look forward to doing a little more sewing. We need a duvet cover for our bed, and I want one that goes to the floor. I have most of the fabric - old vintage sheets in shades of lime, orange, and brown.

I submitted some shop items for consignment at a store in Boston. They were accepted! I have to pull the items from my shop, sign the contract and ship them off! Weeeeeeeeee!

Another bunch of hats!

We went to the park today and I had a chance to take more photos. I will be listing one or two hats a day in the shop over the next week. Fall is in the air!

As promised - hat photos!

Both of these hats are now on sale in my etsy shop. As always, if I can ship it to the US or Canada via First Class, shipping is free!

Sneaking off to Hobby Lobby for stash enhancement

I have about 50 dishcloths done so I think I am good there. I was tucking ends on some hats and realized that I should probably make some flap hats. I whipped out two last night. I'll add pictures in a few.

I have been asked to participate in another show this fall. Julie Wingate, who owns Little Miss Priss & Co. on etsy asked my friend Christine (www.threesisters.ecrater.com) to join some other crafters in a holiday open house. They are renting a local facility for the day and we will all chip in with the rent. This will be via invitation only for holiday shopping. This could turn out to be very lucrative for me. Christine and I both very excited. We wanted to do some sort of trunk show for the holidays. This way, we don't have to organize it.

Hubby has some paperwork to catch up on today, so I think I am going to sneak down to Hobby Lobby, maybe get an oil change too. I need some small bags, some cotton yarn, and some pale blue card stock. I will probably come home with some fun yarn too for the flap hats. I just love putting together different combinations of color and texture to make fun designs.

Later, I need to photo some stuff for etsy. Lulu has agreed to model for me. I'll post new pics and my shop updates later!