Weird Tag

Thanks Briley for tagging me....am I weird or do others just think I am???

check out his great blog on knitting and patterns!!!

BTW...this is not me in the picture...giggle...it was taken while camping.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about yourself. People who get tagged need to write on their own blog their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.
Wierd things about me:

1. I don't like bones...meat on bones, watching a dog eat a bone...but I will sew a felt bone for an accessory...duh

2. I hoard...enough said...i craft...I hoard craft stuff...therefore i sell on etsy to purge...doesn't seem weird to me.

3. I love my kids but sometimes I just can't stand them touching me!!! I love my kids and don't understand why they won't just let me hold them the way I want to...grrr...like at 5:30 am it would be nice to just hold the baby and not be poked in the nose with a 14 month old finger....up the nostril I might add.

4. I could eat Kraft Macaroni and cheese everyday of my life.

5. I prefer to be sweating before I swim...I don't swim often.

6. I still care what others think of me...really, I'm working on shedding this...I need to let things go more. Maybe by my 40Th birthday...i will just say WTF! Oh my gosh...did I just write that? What will folks think?!?!?

Here are the people I have tagged:
Pandy's

joeyandaleethea

greenbean

Georganne

Fabulous threads

I hope they play but no pressure...post a comment if you are weird too. ;P

First Annual Crafty Flotation Device Brook Race

Well the challenge was upon us to make something of recycled materials that would float and race down the brook at the camp ground. The kids had a blast making items and hoarding supplies...I mean sharing supplies!

then we went to the brook with boats in hand...the excitement was thick!

There they go... There they went...but who got past trouble falls???

ahhh one lonely sea worthy vessel!

other boats needed a bit of coaxing but they all got through the falls...

well...most made it out alive...others were not so fortunate.

One day to go then off to camp!

Oh so excited to go camping with the family! This will be the 3rd year in a row for us to go to Jacob's Brook camp ground here in NH! The first year we went with 2 other families and last year we managed with the kids (baby was 8 weeks old) alone. But this year we will be honored to join a few different families...at least 3 that I know of, maybe 4. Oh so excited. Hubby has been working 7 days a week and really needs the 5 days off to rejuvenate his spirit! And we certainly need the family time too!

I'll take some pictures with the digital camera this time as I can't find any on my computer to share...sorry! It's awesome and Daisy the most amazing dog gets to come too! She loves to swim in the brook with us...oh so excited!!!

Rumor has it there is going to be a friendly competition with Deedaloos and HappyHouseQuilts involving handmade (of course!) floatation devices....can't forget to pack the duct tape!!!

Enjoy the weekend...and wish us well...tenting with 3 kids shoud be an adventure!

ALaine Designs - Featured Artist of the Week

Featured Artist is a post I do weekly on Sundays...come back each Sunday to see more amazing talent or search this blog for past featured artists.

Who are you?
I am Jessica. Stay at home mom to my beautiful baby girl and inspiration, Arden Laine. Formerly a higher education administrator, I took the plunge into motherhood and left that career behind for a new one.

What is your Etsy Shop Name?

A Laine Designs

What EtsyKids items do you specialize in?

Onesies, Toddler T's and Tote Bags. I have a large variety of stock designs but I love custom designs!

What do you like about Etsy?

I like the Etsy community. I like that it puts a high value on all things handmade.

What do you like about creating?

I used to be in a pretty fast paced environment that I had to use a lot of structured creativity in. I like now, that if I have a vision, I can just move forward with it. I like the outcome of the item. If I think it's especially cute or if I get good feedback on it.

What do you love about your business?
I love selling. I have always been a sales person. I remember going door to door at about 8 years old selling things I had made. Once, I went door to door selling these little pom pom things. They were 50 cents each. What a deal! I took orders for sizes and colors and delivered them a couple weeks later.

What is your favorite product right now?

The Twosie Tin is my favorite. Two onesies of any designs (stock or custom) in a cute windowed tin, tied up with ribbon. I think they are VERY cute

What makes you unique at Etsy?

I think there are a lot of people who do the same type of thing I do at Etsy. Looking into their shops, I see a distinct style from each of them. I think my designs have a style as well and that style is what makes me unique.

What makes you unique as a woman?

What makes me unique is my ability to identify with people on many levels. My experience in business, education, and as a stay at home mom have rounded me into a person that can see through many sets of eyes.

What do you love about Kids?

Well, I'm new to kids as mine is less than a year old. But there's something magical that happens when a kid learns something new or sees something he/she has never seen before. I love how kids explore their world.

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?

I am exclusively at Etsy!!

*I* was pleased to learn more about ALaine's Designs and so happy to share...love the Chocolate brown onsie! Cute, Cute, Cute!

Find more Amazing artists from past posts!

I heart handmade too!

Do you ETSY?

"When an object is made with care by loving hands, it becomes more than merely a thing. Call it magic or something else, but I think it takes on a bit of spirit from the artist who made it. It has a story, a snippet of soul."

This was written by an amazing Etsian, Jen...a virtual Friend of mine...It is what I truely feel!

Definitely go check out more of her post!

Or her shop

Baby Friendly Beads

Oh the Summertime inspiration never ends...preparing for the Season of Fairs!

See MORE pictures from my garden

Works for me Wednesday - Vinegar for Ants!

I love to use vinegar for wiping down counter tops and it stops the ant's pheremones...so more friends don't follow the leader! I use it on the baby's highchair too...and did you know that Vinegar has the good housekeeping's seal for killing 99% of bacteria??? I swear it's the truth!!! I saw Helpful Hints from Heloise do it on Good Morning America!!! Good luck to all trying to keep your house clean! It's a struggle for me with 3 kids.

Did you like reading this post and want to read more like this here at the HHQ Blog? Find more WFMW posts from past weeks here. Find more WFMW tips/participants / info at RocksInMyDryer! Thanks for reading!

Now if only I can get some more sewing done!!! See my latest creations at HappyHouseQuilts.com at etsy.com...the best place to find superior handcrafted items!!! If you like to shop from other moms with small kids...well, cuz you just like to partake in mommy sisterhood? Check out EtsyMom.com here you will find many moms (we are over 300 members and growing everyday!!!) who juggle it all kids, home, work, and handcrafted items...get what you want and support another mom along the way!

New magazine...is HHQ on the cutting edge?

I got a new magazine/book this weekend. The Best of Stampington & Company HandCrafted, Vol 3. (Wish I could post a picture but it has a registered trademark. No part of the publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.) I don't always spend this much money but I had a gift certificate and I was going away for the weekend and wanted something to read while lounging around the pool with my friends. It's called Handcrafted...(of course)! I LOVE IT!!! This is a magazine that will be forbidden for the kids to touch...or at least the baby...i will go through it over and over (already have!) as it is so full of inspiration! I got it at my local Michael's Craft Store.

How surprised was I when I turned the page and found an article about clothes pins!!! Could *I* be on the cutting edge with my Quilt Clamps for organization...my cute little magnetized clips, my Fridge Flowers (my girl friends called them that!) that I have embellished and put much thought and care into???? Well there they were, somebody else's creations using the same raw materials, on a 4 page spread starting on page 83 - maybe I'm onto something...I guess nothing is ever truly original...although the idea is the same but the end product is totally different! I love mine...But in another home theirs would look smashing too!

Now imagine the 4 of us...all on lounge chairs with our magazines by the pool...I found it quite interesting that my friends had Fitness, Self, People, InStyle...and I had my wonderful crafty Handcrafted book, chock full of inspiration!!! I had no desire to read theirs and they had no desire to read mine...too funny!

I'm hoping to get some pictures from the weekend...yes...i forgot my camera, darn! We had a blast just reconnecting and bonding with each other...no kids. I love my friends! I always feel so rejuvenated after spending time with them! So much more centered!

They actually did some product development for me too...we are in the process of renaming the Quilt Clamps(TM) to maybe Fridge Flowers(?) or something else...not sure yet...but they don't hold up quilts and the old name is misleading.

The Coffee Quilt(TM) got a new nickname too! Cocktail Quilt! It snugged up so nice on my hostesses glasses as we drank margaritas...and my hand didn't freeze off, nor did anyone think my cup was theirs!!!

Hey do you like the idea of these Quilt Clamps(TM)? A Threadibilities Clamp Kit is in the works!!! Soon you will be able to get them for your child to make and decorate your fridge too! Can't wait? Well then check out the Threadibilities Clip Kit(TM)! Or read more about it here at the blog!

Coffee EtsyMom Style

Thanks to AllSweet for putting this coffee treasury together!

M Original Desgins - Featured Artist of the Week

Weekly Featured Artist is a post that I do weekly at my blog.
(click to see more) Who are you?

My name is Madeline and first and foremost I am a mom and wife. My beautiful daughter, Piper, is 8 weeks old. My other obsession is sewing. I am an absolute fabric junkie! I buy fabric and then hoard it because it hurts too much to actually cut it!

What is your Etsy Shop Name/link?

http://www.moriginaldesigns.etsy.com/

What tag categories do you specialize in?

Bags and purses, accessories

Do you create for children or adults, women or men?

Mostly women but I’m thinking about expanding tochildren. I embroidered and dyed the most darlingonesies for my baby girl and I’m thinking of sellingthose as well.

What do you like about Etsy?

The community. I started out selling my stuff in Spa’sand Boutiques and really wanted to sell online. Ebay just wasn’t friendly enough for me. When I stumbledupon Etsy I fell in love. The support they offer isamazing and it feels like a family.

What do you like about creating?

I have to be doing something with my hands. Knittingand sewing started as way for me to “do” something while I watched TV. Now I Netflix every TV show I’ve never seen and watch while I sew. The whir of thesewing machine drives my husband crazy! He alwaysturns the volume up so loud!

What do you love about your business?

The fun of it. If this ever stops being fun I willstop. I will never allow this to be my livelihoodbecause I always want to love sewing. I never want to think of it as a job.

What is your favorite product right now?

Eww. My Fleur Pins. I am obsessed.

What makes you unique at Etsy?

Oh, I don’t know. Lots of girls make headbands and handbags. But I think I have excellent taste. I’m very picky. If I wouldn’t wear it I won’t make it!

What makes you unique as a woman?

My faith. I have absolute faith in my Heavenly Father.

What do you love about Kids?

Right now their smiles. My daughter just started smiling. And I love it!

Check out more posts about featured artists.

Coming HOME to Henniker, NH!

I had an amazing day today...I brought my kids (all 3 of them) to my mother's and left them to take a great drive up to Henniker, by myself!!!...

the only Henniker on earth BTW! I love this town. I first visited in 1984 as a senior in High School on my admissions interview. I just felt the energy and knew this is where I needed to live and go to college!

I finished up in 1989 after 4 amazing years and over the past 18 years (yikes, i still can't believe it's been that long) I have worn many hats. Today's hat is the Happy House Quilts one and I wear it with pride. How awesome for me to come full circle and have my Coffee Quilts(TM) and Threadibilities Craft Kits(TM) be available at a store in the downtown area?!?!?!? It's truly beyond words...I got teary on my drive home!

New Hampshire All Natural is a new shop but it's already making a mark with River Tube rentals and amazing all natural products. I just felt at home there sitting with Marcy, the store's owner. The college students will be back soon and I am hoping they all want Coffee Quilts(TM) to protect their hands and the environment as they will save about 4-6 pounds of trash a year!

There is something to be said about coming home again...that's how i feel every time I step foot in Henniker, NH!

WFMW - House smelling fresh!

Well how many of us have seen essential oils sold in a lovely store and just walked on by thinking, what would I do with that? Well, I have some, cuz, well...um...er....I'm a CRAFT ADDICT! and it seemed like the thing to buy at the time. So I have some lavender oil in my pantry and I was in an all natural shop today and a lovely customer was talking to the shop keeper saying that she takes some essential oil and puts one or two drops onto a tissue and then shreds it...throws it all around her living room...well whole house really. Now, for those of you that know me, I'm an Art Therapist with a master's degree and I am definitely into the whole express your ANGER thing and can rip and shred with the best of them...I get really into it and visualize something negative or some obstacle in my path and then go nuts...most of the time it's construction paper and then i take all those beautiful mosaic pieces and glue them back onto a new piece of paper to contain the feeling and turn it into a positive, whole image again, rather than leaving it all fragmented, and in pieces.

...getting too deep for everyone yet? Still with me?

Well to my surprise the customer was telling the shop owner to throw it all over the house...at which point I said, "My one year old could do that for me!" Well that caused a giggle but then she shared the SECRET! She then VACUUMS it all up...she swore it keeps the rug and house smelling great and even lingers in vacuum! Wow...I've got to try that!!!

To see the original blog to Works for me Wednesday (WFMW) check out Rocksinmydryer

To find other posts related to the WFMW theme check out this.

Make Etsy one of the top 50 sites! Vote for Etsy!

Please vote for Etsy!

@ Dazed Digital here

AND

@ Time Magazine!

See original post at etsy's blog here.

I love sharing the inside scoop about etsy.com...check out the rest of my blog for more!

Cafemom Treasury by Rockerchic

Thanks Rockerchic for putting all these great items together!

Christmas in July Treasury by OneGirlieGirl

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet??? I have...scroll down to see what I've bought already...but Card making still needs to be done! Thanks Onegirliegirl for choosing my Threadibilities Clip Kit(tm) to be in your treasury!

link to the treasury here but only till Monday night...

BaublesAndBliss - Featured Etsy Artist

Featured Artist is a post I do weekly to highlight other artists that I share interests and inspiration with. Find more posts like this here.

Who are you?

My name is Meg. Im the mastermind/artist behind Baubles & Bliss.

What do you craft?

I make hand-beaded silver jewelry and rosaries featuring Swarovski crystals and other glass beads.

Why do you do this?

I do this because I can! 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and never thought I would be able to do much with my hands, but here I am! Each piece I make is a testimony of my remission.

What do you love about your craft?

I love that the pieces I design and create - are all original and beautiful. I live in a very diverse city. Keep Austin Weird is our city motto! My pieces also reflect that. Some may be ostentatious while others are simple. Each reflects my mood and personality at the time.

What is your favorite item(s) to make? Why?

I like to make bracelets best of all. I love to lay the beads out when Im designing. Its so exciting to see how a piece will end up. I work for a little while and then have a fabulous piece on my wrist. It's instant gratification.

What makes you stand out from everyone else?

My jewelry can be for either your fun, fashionable side or for your spiritual side. I make both to suit both sides of a woman.

Tell me something interesting about yourself...

Im an avid Bonnie & Clyde historian and collector. Weird little hobby, perhaps. My husband and I even were married at actual site of their ambush! Pictures are even in a book!

Where can I find you? (myspace, blogs, etc)

http://baublesandbliss.blogspot.com/

http://www.baublesandbliss.com/

What is your etsy address?

http://baublesandbliss.etsy.com/

Thanks so much Meg!!! I have to say that *I* love your Rosaries for the rear mirror! Did you like reading about this artist? Come and find more artists as I feature a new one each week.