The Lady Bugs Have Landed

I'm really not digging this fall weather, the temperature is warm (70's again).  Lady bugs have flown in as they do each fall when it warms up like today.  It's hard for the kids to play outside with lady bugs landing on them every second.  I'm ready for the cooler temps., sweaters, hot drinks, and the fireplace.  Here's a glimpse at what I got done today.  Look out for these in the shop in the next day or two.  I'm thinking they would make nice broaches.  What do you think?

Getting there

My table is over run with little pieces of fabric needing to be sewn together into balsam pillows,sachets,flower pillows,etc.  Good news is, I got the "home" ornaments done and they will be listed in the shop soon.  Hope I can get a little time to do a bit more sewing, but the warm weather is calling my name.  We're in the 70's today.

Shop Update

It's was a busy weekend here.  Halloween costumes were made and etsy orders were packed and sent out.   I am now trying to restock the shop and get ready for a craft fair that is in less than two weeks-yikes!  I've got so many ideas swirling in my head, I'm hoping to get to most of them.  Today I spent most of the day cutting out fabric, burlap and making flowers.  We'll see how much I'll get sewn tonight.  I'm planning on a shop update sometime tomorrow.  Until then, here's what my ironing board looks like.  I love all the scraps of fabric.  There will be a total of six 'home" ornament/door hangers in the update tomorrow along with a few other items.    

Corners in my home

We have a lot of solid pine and cherry walls in our home.  I really can't bring myself to paint them.  If I did, it would change the whole look of the house and what if I hated it?  It's not worth taking the chance so instead, color is added in other ways.  This wall came together the other day with very little money spent.  My kind of project.  Here's a run down:

Old church pew-free
Mirror-was in the family
Chair-$1, spray paint$1, fabric $4, batting $2.
Canvas-pack of 10 for $15 at Michaels (still have 3 left), acrylic paint $3.
Pillows-I made from fabric scraps, linen.
Baskets-Repurposed from another room, love that.

This wall makes me happy for so many reasons.  It only cost me $26 out of pocket.  The art work was done by two of my three daughters, this personalizes our space .  We store libray books and crocheting in the baskets under the pew.  What corner in your house makes you happy?

Open Shop

Toward the end of November, I will be inviting friends and family into my home for an "open shop".  Allisa over at http://www.quiltish.blogspot.com/ offers great tips on pulling off an otherwise nerve wracking event.  I love her idea of leaving a computer on with your etsy shop.  Since, I'm sure some of my guest won't be familiar to Etsy, this will be a great way to showcase what so many of us do.  November should be a busy month for me since I will be doing two craft fairs, an open shop, and keeping my etsy shop full for the holidays.  I hope to learn a lot from this experience and apply it next year so I'm better prepared.  So, if you have a chance, go take a peek at Allisa's blog and shop.  She has lovely items and business tips.

Waiting

Our new batch of chickens we got in June should start laying eggs any day now.  They arrived in the mail as day old chicks.  I remember it was a ninety degree day.  The kids were so excited to open that box up.  Thankfully all ten were fine.  Now they look full grown.  I keep checking every morning for that first egg.  We love raising chickens.  We got our very first batch over two years ago.  They roam our yard pecking for a bug or worm or sometimes scraps from the kitchen.  The yolks are orange in color.  Nothing beats a fresh egg.  Well maybe, chocolate.

Here

I'm finally here.  I have read so many blogs these past two years, that I have decided to go ahead and join in.  I have such a huge list of favorites that I try to read.  So many projects and tutorials in my home have come from blogs.  I should really make a banner that reads "I found it on a blog".  My family doesn't even ask anymore, they just know.  Hopefully, this will be a glimpse into my life that I share with my husband and three daughters.  So much crafting, sewing, gardening, chicken raising, and just simple living.  Let's get started....