Buttons and Blisters

August 2, 2008
Hello! I am so happy today because I was featured on a fellow Etsian's blog today! It feels pretty good :)
So I was able to squeeze out a few pictures from my battery power sucking vampire of a camera to take pictures of my latest projects.

I made these tissue cozies using this tutorial. They're so stinkin easy and I love the instant gratification that comes with one.

Now these button barrettes I love, but I had to sacrifice two fingers and an ankle to make them. I am typing very slowwwly.

First of all my hot glue gun (which I somehow got from my mother) is huge and on the side says that the metal tip heats up to 380 degrees! Who in the craft world needs their glue gun THAT hot? When I apply a dot of glue to the back of a button there is actually smoke...honest. Long story short I have blisters and bandaids holding me together right now.

This is the barrette that caused my injuries. Was it worth it? Not sure about that yet...

On a more lighter and less blistery note I added a new "feature" to my blog. I listed all my favorite Etsy shops. This way they're all right there and I can also share what I like with all of you! You're very welcome :) If you like my shop and want to link to it I wouldn't mind at all! I am still interested in link and affiliates exchanges if anyone is interested.
It is now past due that I put my little munchkin to bed. She's sending me cues that she's ready by laying on the couch with her blankie. I'm so lucky she doesn't put up a fight. Great now I have to knock on wood...
Here is my little Emi Belle acting cute and knowing it.

Fabric Buttons and...Link Exchange Anyone?

July 17, 2008
I just found about this wonderful idea called a link exchange. Yes I know I'm Jessica Come Lately, but I love the idea. So if you come across my blog and think Hey! I would like to have my link on her page and maybe she might like to have one on mine? Well you would be right! Just send me an email with the text and link you want and I will add it to my blog list.
I would also like to add more affiliates to my page as well. So if you have a banner for your online shop send it to me and we can exchange banners!
I am looking for new ways to market my shop and blog and this way it's a win/win situation for everyone!

I can't leave this blog without mentioning my new favorite love...fabric covered buttons. Wal-Mart was having a clearance on these things so I picked up a few. They are so easy to make and come out looking for neat! I already made some into bobby pins and as a center to my new pin cushions. Yes I'm making pin cushions now!

My First Etsy Sale! And Other Stuff

July 1, 2008
So I made my first Etsy.com sale today! Of course it was my cousin, but hey a sale is a sale right? and she bought two items! I am so excited :D It just gets me revved up to make more things and keep going with promoting and marketing my site. So thanks Xiara! Love ya babe ;)

In other etsy news I have been busy joining all kinds of sites and groups and trying to get my link out there. You can see some of the sites I've joined to the left. I also joined some Flickr groups which let you post your photos for members to see and they have forums where you can get alot of advice on selling and stuff so that's pretty cool.I've also been busy making more yoyos and putting them together. The picture above is actually an older picture to give an idea of what they look like before I decide which backing they will have. Hair ties, clips, bobby pins? Who knows? But, lately the fabrics I am using are brighter and cuter and more modern so I'm looking forward to seeing how they look when they're all done. I'll post them up soon. Right now I have a bunch in a box just pinned together so my next step is to sew it all together.
Oh! And I am also going to be getting a sewing machine this weekend! I am super excited about that! My mother has one and is paranoid about me using it...with good reason lol. Plus I want my own to learn with and then I can make the ideas that are floating around in my head like bags, purses, wallets, pillows, and oh so much more!

Some Inspiration

June 17, 2008
I am still in love with my dear yo yos, but I am looking around for another new project to spark my interest just as much as these yoyos have. And I may even be able to incorporate those yo yos into whatever I do. Who knows?
So I was thinking of making either bags, pillows or something else . I've been looking all over etsy.com, flickr and google images for inspiration.
I found two things on Etsy that I love. Which, on that site, isn't very hard to do.

I found these bag at madebymolly.etsy.com.
I even added her blog to my blog to the right...
She has many designs to choose from and even lets you choose which fabric you want!

I found this pillow on Etsy as well. It is from a talented crafter names Guadalupe. I love the design and the simplicity of it. And you know I love my circles!

I have many other ideas, but I can't seem to focus on just one. I can possibly do quilts, pincushions, paper crafts...its endless! What do you think I should start out doing?