Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The World's Best Pot Scrubbers!



A few years ago my mother in law asked if I could make some potscrubbers for her. I was sure I could do this, but needed a pattern. I found one at this link: http://www.knitwits-heaven.com/pat.htm and got busy crocheting! She liked these so well that she asked me to make some for a friend of hers, too. About a month ago a friend of mine asked if I knew how to crochet and if so did I know how to make Pot Scrubbers. Her grandmother used to make these, and like my mother in law, my friend said these were the BEST pot scrubbers ever. She said she would buy some from me if I would make them. So I did, and she did!

I'm making these to have handy for sale whenever anyone would like to buy one. They are $2.00 a piece. If you'd like to buy some, just let me know. I have several colors of netting and would be glad to make them in the colors of your choice (if that color net is available).

If you crochet, check out the link!

*Disclaimer* I cannot vouch for these being the BEST Pot Scrubber Ever because I have the BEST POTS ever! I have Pampered Chef nonstick cookware and I never have to scrub anything off of them (except for those little metal rivets where the handles are secured onto the pan forever)! Next time I use my PC Stainless Pan, I will let you know how well the scrubber does! If you'd like more information the BEST POTS ever, leave a comment with your e-mail address & I'll get my PC website to you!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Dolly & Me

As I'm forging my way into the business of crafting (which is different from crafting strictly for pleasure I've found!), I'm doing a lot of research to see what is out there that people like. For doll clothes for the 18" dolls (such as American Girl, Life of Faith, Springfield, My Generation, etc.), I would love to create "Dolly & Me" clothes: Matching doll and child outfits. Also, rather than making up some outfits hoping people will want them, I want to know what people want and THEN make the outfits. I hope to get some samples made up before an Open House I'll be doing with some friends. Primarily, I'll have my Pampered Chef, but will add some crafting goods as well.

So, as a way of getting input, I thought I'd post pictures of some of the patterns I have. I'll let you know which pattern company each one is (in case there is some kind of copyright on sharing this info). The first one is a HORSE pattern! Yes, a pattern for a stuffed horse for your doll! I have a riding outfit pattern that is very similar to the one on this package. This is a Vogue pattern.


Another fun pattern is for an apron and outfit for your doll to help you make goodies for the holidays, or any time of year. This would be an IDEAL outfit to have made for a child and her doll. Pattern by Simplicity.


How about a special occasion outfit for your doll and her "Mommy?" Another Simplicity pattern.


How much fun is this? A sleepover set complete with a bag for your little girl to carry her doll or dolls in! This is a McCall's pattern.

These are just a few of the styles I can design for your doll and your darling girl. I can adapt any of these to fit the style you like. I have historical patterns as well as contemporary ones. If your daughter has an outfit she loves and you'd like her doll to match, I can do that. Or, if you want me to create an outfit for your girl and her doll from a style she likes, I can do that, too.

To find any of the patterns I've listed, you can visit these three websites:
McCall Patterns
Simplicity Patterns
Vogue Patterns

Thursday, November 13, 2008

I won a stamp set!

I am just over the top excited! I love doing crafts, as you know, but the budget for buying any materials has to be replenished by what I sell first. Tonight, Gina K. Designs is having a "Release Party" where they show new stamp sets and supplies that are going to be added to their product line tonight. Prior to the Release Party, they have several nights of "Sneak Peeks" where you can see projects made with the new sets. Each night, Gina K., the owner and main stamp designer at Gina K. Designs, gives away free stamp sets. As I was looking through some of the posts she sent tonight, I thought I'd see who the winners were of the different sets. I have already won sets from her in the past (about 1 & 2 years ago), so assumed I wouldn't be picked. Guess what?!!! My post was the random number generator's pick! Woo-hoo!

Here is a link to the blog with this stamp set: Cookie Set

If you know me, you know that I LOVE cookies. At least in my "former life" (pre-Celiac diagnosis) I did. Phil, my husband, and I would much prefer eating freshly baked cookies to pies or cakes. This set is so great for me to use in my Pampered Chef business, too! Hmmm, now I am more determined than ever to make some GOOD chocolate chip Gluten-Free cookies! Until then, I can't wait to make some GOOD cookie cards!

Be sure to check out Gina's entire stamp line. She has some great designs!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

I've noticed that some shopping centers have Christmas lights up already! I am thrilled as I LOVE this time of year. I love sending hand crafted cards with Christmas images. I have typically used images with Jesus birth or relating to that glorious event in cards for the past years, but there are just so many other WONDERFUL images that celebrate all that He has given us to celebrate at Christmastime. I am expanding my horizons on card images, but the heart of making these cards is in celebrating our Lord.

If you are looking for unique creative cards this year, I would love to help you check that off of your wish list!



This card is one we made at a stamp night and I've had 2 friends send me cards similar to this, yet different in their own ways.
This card uses Stampin' Up images, plus those from Lizzie Anne and Studio G. The Baby and the words are in copper.
One of my all time favorites, this card was stamped in a deep green. It has shimmery spray all over it and mounted on gold cardstock. My parents had their 50th anniversary the year I made this card, so I found several ways to use the gold cardstock! My favorite "joy" stamp is at the top of this image.
Snowmen....what could be more fun? Especially for those of us where snow is something we get in a cone, in the summer! The JOY cad is embossed in gold, and the wise men card has a vellum overlay with words embossed in copper.

Look for Christmas gift ideas coming soon!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Phew, my first Sewn Card!

I decided to try my hand at sewing a card. It was quite fun! Well, it was fun once I figured out I needed to loosen the tension as my gold thread kept breaking. I have a very basic machine right now. I can do a straight stitch in 3 lengths, a zigzag in 3 variations, a stretch zigzag, hem stitch, or buttonholes. There are NO bells & whistles, but there is a light and there is a plug, so I'm happy!

I first stamped this image in Black Brilliance ink, then embossed with kaleidoscope embossing powder. It's colored with markers, then glitter added. The leaves and flower on the main image were stamped a 2nd time, cut out, and raised on dimensional squares to give it a 3-D look. The pumpkin on the front bottom is stamped and embossed with gold embossing powder. It is also raised on dimensionals. The inside images were just stamped, then sewn around the edges.

I've listed this one on ebay. If you are still looking for fall/Thanksgiving cards, I have several images waiting to make cards, but will not be listing anymore on ebay. Feel free to contact me to ask for prices and types of cards!

I got the CUTEST Thanksgiving Stamp set today that I do plan to use for cards for my family if I can get them done in time. I'll share those when I get them done.

Thanks for looking!