Sock Completion!

Yay! I finally finished a pair of socks today that I have honestly been working on for over 3 years... :^\ I started them and got a good ways done on the 'leg' of the sock and realized my gauge was WAY off, so I had to order the right size needles in the right length [because I like doing two-at-a-time-socks] and once they finally got ordered and arrived I didn't start right away and once I did I did not work on them stedily at all...

 

But, they are done now! I finished the toe with the Kitchener Stitch which is a really neat way of grafting two sets of live stitches together and make it look like there is hardly even a seam. I followed the instructions for it in this handy video. But I only watched it for the first sock, doing it step by step with the video. By then I 'thought' I had it figured out so I did the second sock without watching the video... the result? I have a weird seam on that one. So, I was able to take it out and redo it.

 

I gave them to my Mom... She loves them! They fit her perfectly, too! I'm so pleased. :^)

 

 

Have a great week! Make time to create something!

Kerry

 

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"And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."

Psalm 90:17

Valentine

Yes, you read that right. Valentine. I set this as a draft one day when the pictures weren't cooperating and then completely forgot about it! Oh well, here it is now. My Valentines day project! A 'lovely' heart shaped pine cone wreath with a "Love" banner made from washi tape! Enjoy!

 

Happy Monday!

Kerry

 

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"And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

I Corinthians 13:13

New Designs for a New year

Happy New Year! Wanted to share what I've decided to start for this new year.

I am always very inspired by stories. I've thought of designing projects that reflect the stories that I read/see/hear. I wanted to start with a fictional seires that I've really enjoyed, but then I decided to start with True stories. Stories that should be told. If I were to wear something designed with at story, when someone asked me about it, I'd have the opportunity to share that story.

 

I'm reading a devotional book called "the Midnight Bride" by Richard Wurmbrand. It is a beautiful study of the Song of Solomon and a journey with the Persecuted Church, who is, the Bride of Christ. There are many stories of individuals who choose to stand for Christ with the possiblity of death than to deny the Truth that had bestowed upon them true love and freedom.

 

The story I came to, as I was thinking of designing patterns for Real Life Heros, was that of Mary Dyer. Have you heard of her? She was hung in what is now Massachusetts in the seventeenth century because of the calling Christ had placed on her life.

 

As it is stated in 'the Midnight Bride"; "... a law was passed declaring that all Quakers entering the British Colony should be whipped, imprisoned and put to forced labor. Every exiled Quaker who returned was to be hanged. The 'crime' of the Quakers was their belief in an inner illumination, a direct communion with God without the intermediary of clergy or ritual.

"Once such Quaker was Mary Dyer. Though she had been whipped and threatened with death, she repeatedly went to the colony from Rhode Island to visit her brethren in jail. Finally, Mary and two others were sentenced to hang. She attended the execution of the other two, then her hands were tied and black sack was put over her head. But at the last moment, she was reprieved and deported.

"She returned to Massachusetts. She was risking public flagellation and having her tongue pierced with a red hot iron. At her trial she declared: 'If you do not revoke your unjust laws, the Lord will send other witnesses of the truth after my death. Compared with liberty and truth, my life does not matter.' For this, she died. She was a valiant Christian."

 

 

After hearing this story, and searching for more info and seeing the memorial statues on this Christain American Hero, I began drafting a shawl pattern to remember her brave actions. From the statue, it kind of looks like she may be wearing a small shawl with some kind of belt to keep the ends in place. This is the basic structure I'm going with for my pattern.

 

I've chosen two types of cables; the first one, and the one that makes up the bulk of the garment is called Simple Chains. It is fitting; A Quaker is bound to a simple life, by the chains of their beliefs. Not that the beliefs of a Christian should ever be compared to chains, for it is by this that we are set free. But, we do serve a master, everyone. If we are not a slave to God then we are a slave to the devil and this world.

The second cable pattern is just called Double Twisted Cable which will go around the neckline of the shawl. This I choose to remember the fact that she was not once on the gallows but twice [double] and it was in this 'twist' of events that God allowed her more time to impact the world around her.

 

 

I hope to update again soon with my progress on this project.

 

Thanks for reading!

Kerry

 

Give that way

WINNERS CHOSIN

A fellow blogger is hosting a give-away and I've submitted an item from each of my shops to the prizes! Go to Valerie's blog to see all the great things you could win!

http://savoriesoflife.blogspot.com/2012/02/win-lots-of-prizes.html

 ^^ Thank you Dianna, hope this bag finds you enjoying life in Idaho! ^^

Dear Knitting, How I've Missed You!

I've been so busy this summer with school and a new job [not to mention Etsy, family, friends; but you know how that is] that I haven't had much time for making much of anything. Just whipping out a little bag here and there, and making a pair of feed bag shorts [inside joke; will clue you in later if your interested!]. But I have not had time to sit and enjoy the process of 'knit one purl one' and watch with wonder as 'something' emerges.

I recently bought a pattern for button down fingerless mitts from knitter, designer and fellow Etsyian, Lynette McPherson, of Fern Wood Wool Works. The pattern has been fun; not quite a beginners pattern, but no doubt easily understood and well explained. She also designs knit socks, leg warmers and even baby mitts and leg warmers!

All I have left to do for this right hand mitt is pick out some buttons to sew on, weave in the loose ends and ...

... finish the ribbing on the thumb.

Then, on the the left mitt! I can't wait to get started and have these this fall and winter to keep my hands cozy at the drafty feed store I work at. I'll post photos of the completed pair when I have had time to finish them. Thanks Lynette, for the beautiful design!

Have a terrific Tuesday.

Kerry

Oh Darling, Let's Be Adventurers...

  I always feel like an adventurer when I'm browsing the amazing Crafting 'Explorers' of Etsy!

Come Explore with me!

    

cutrag - Upcycled designs

  

ChaseLindberg - It's all in the details

Have you discovered any gems recently? Share about them! I can't wait to see what you've found...

Happy Thursday!

-Kerry

The Featured Seller - Christine's Jewelry

I've found another Etsy treasure! Her name is Christine and I'm so glad she was willing to share with you a glimpse into her work and passion...

 

 

Tell us about yourself and what you offer in your shop? 

How did you get started?

 I have a passion for making jewelry for other people! I have 3 beautiful children and I have been married to my wonderful husband Joel for 20 years. I am so blessed!

I have always loved art. I was always drawing, painting, sewing and making things as a girl. I love collecting pretty stones, beads and shells. I got started making jewelry over 10 years ago for gifts for people. It seemed like a more personal and appreciated gift to give, a wearable, handmade gift. It also cost me less than what I was able to buy. Recently people were asking the recipients where they got the jewelry and started requesting it.  I decided to open my shop on Etsy! I really love to make jewelry for other people. I love how it makes people feel special. Every time I get an idea and complete it and then see someone wearing it is such an awesome feeling!

 

How did you come up with your shop name?

Coming up with a shop name is a hard thing to do. I decided to just use my name so that when people ask others where they got their jewelry they can say, "It's Christine's Jewelry!"    

 

Describe your style in as few words as possible:

My style is romantic, elegant but also fun.  

 

What do you do when you’re not on Etsy or creating?

I am following my kids around on all of their many activities with music, school, sports, and encouraging them to follow their creative passions. We also take time to go on bike rides and walks with other friends and our chocolate lab. 

 

Red Long Glass Necklace

 

What is your favorite feature on Etsy? Why?

My Pink Blossom Rose Quartz Bracelet is one of my favorites because it is so sparkly and the pink is such a soft feminine color.

Pink Blossom Rose Quartz Bracelet

 

Where do you draw your inspiration?

I get my inspirations everywhere. I notice the colors in the sky, in sunsets, in nature, in art, architecture, books and magazines. I notice what kind of colors, clothes and jewelry people are wearing and I look at jewelry everywhere I go. 

 

What is your best/most successful marketing strategy?

  I think the best marketing strategy and way to promote yourself it to promote others because when people all work together, they can each get farther than if they work alone.  

 

Royal Purple Smokey and Black and Silver

 

What handmade possession do you cherish?

The handmade possession that I cherish the most is one of the many quilts that my mom so lovingly sewed for me.  She is always making things for us. 

 

Do you have any advice for those thinking of becoming Etsy sellers?

My advice to others who have their own business I found from http://studio11charms.blogspot.com/
1. Don't just talk about it, do it.
2. Be patient.
3. Have perseverance.
4. Be determined.
5. Be passionate about what you do.
6. Practice, practice, practice.
7. Put in the hours. Work hard.
8. Don't be lazy.
9. Market yourself like crazy.
10. NEVER GIVE UP.

 

What are the greatest challenges and greatest rewards to running your own business?

One of the greatest challenges to running the business is all of the many hours it takes to learn more about running a business. Another challenge is  trying to find the best ways to reach people that would be interested in my jewelry.  The greatest rewards are meeting all kinds of wonderful people who are creative and learning from them. Another reward is getting such wonderful comments from people who own some of my jewelry!

 

What does handmade mean to you?

To me handmade means a person is using one's own hands to create.

 

Double Clear Glass Crystal Drop Earrings

 

Any last words?

If a person can make money doing what they love, then they have found heaven on earth.  

 

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Don't forget to drop by and check out all of Christine's amazing hand-crafted pieces at her shop, ChristinesJewelry,  and go 'LIKE' her FB page.

 

I hope you have an amazing week!

 

Blessings - Kerry

 

 

- The Featured Seller -

Tell us about yourself and what you offer in your shop:

My name is Jennie and I am the face behind Duryea Place Designs.  I am 29 (and holding) and live in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband, Kyle, and our adorable Boston Terrier, Zoey.  I work in corporate HR by day, but creating is my passion!  My shop offers unique wedding details such as ring bearers pillows, card boxes, cake toppers and paper products.  I also love everything vintage and offer vintage items that can be used for weddings such as hankies, gloves, brooches or any other goodies I come across in my trips to estate sales and flea markets.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I met my now husband when I was in my last year of college.   The street Kyle lived on was Duryea Place and from the first time I heard it I just loved it for some reason.  And, since it's the place I fell in love with my hunny, it has a sentimental meaning to me to.  Too sappy?!  Sorry!  :)

How did you get started?

When Kyle and I got engaged I had a pretty specific idea of what I wanted our wedding to look like.  It wasn't until we started looking for invitations, that I realized there wasn't much out there in the style that we were hoping to achieve.  I've always been creative, so it didn't take long for me to decide to take on the projects and make everything I had been looking for.  Before I knew it, I had made the invitations, programs and other paper products as well as the ring bearer pillow, place card displays and pretty much every other detail for our big day!  There were a couple times during the planning process that I took projects with to the bridal shop to show my bridesmaids and I had everyone in the shop checking out my items.  I received so much positive feedback that I just had to give it a shot.  After our wedding, I opened my Etsy shop and have been busy ever since!

Custom Wedding Tree Guest Book

Where do you draw your inspiration?
I love vintage fabrics, wallpaper, jewelry, glasswear... pretty much anything vintage!  I definitely get a lot of my inspiration spending time at antique stores and estate sales.  I'm also a blog junkie!  I spend a lot of time looking at wedding inspiration blogs, wedding photographers, and other artists sites. 

Describe your style in as few words as possible:
Vintage, feminine, romantic and unique!

What do you do when your not on Etsy or creating?

Lately most of my free time has been spent working on my office/studio.  When I started this business I was working on projects at our dining room table, but it has grown so quickly that I need my own space.  We've painted the second bedroom of our house and right now I'm working on refinishing a old desk that I recently picked up at an estate sale.  Hopefully in the next month or so I'll be all set up in there and have my dining room back to normal!

Ring Bearer Pillow - Burlap and Lace

What is the greatest challenges and greatest rewards to running your own business?

For me the greatest challenge so far has been just not having enough time in a day!  I'm gone from 7:30a.m. until about 6:30p.m. for my "day job" and then come home to orders, new projects, packaging and shipping, etc. along with the daily chores of life; laundry, cooking, cleaning.  The other big part of lack of time is having so many great ideas for projects, but just not enough time to get them all into reality.  I've started carrying around a notebook so that I can make quick notes and at least have the idea to come back to.  I struggled for awhile to keep up with everything, but I think I have finally found a good approach that works for me. 

The greatest reward is hearing from a bride after they have received their order.  I love seeing how excited they are to get my products and how they are looking forward to using it on their big day.  It's pretty amazing to be a part of a couple's wedding!

Birdcage Wedding Cake Topper

What is your favorite feature on Etsy? Why?
There are so many things I love about Etsy.  I adore so many of the products and shop for myself and family constantly.  I like knowing that with each purchase I make I'm helping to support an artist like myself.  I also absolutely love treasuries!!  I enjoy creating them and could spend hours just perusing  through the treasury pages created by other sellers.  I've joined some teams whose main purpose it to feature and promote each other in treasuries and to network.  I have made some great connections with other Etsy sellers and really love seeing how creative people can get with this feature. 

What is your best/most successful marketing strategy?
Great photos make a huge difference!  I had a few items listed that didn't have particularly great photos and they weren't getting many views.  I took the time to re-photograph them a few weeks ago with better lighting and within 24 hours one of the items had sold.  Since adding better photos, the other items have had a lot more views.  I also try to list a new item each day to keep my shop at the top of searches.  The more frequently I list the more traffic my shop sees.

Do you have any advice for newbie sellers?
Have fun!  I know it sounds cliche, but if it's not fun, then why bother?  I do this because I truly enjoy it and it's a great outlet for me to be creative.  The only other suggestion I have is to be as active as possible; create and comment on treasuries, join teams, and network as much as possible.  The more active you are on Etsy, the more your shop will succeed! 

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I'm so glad Jennie was able to share about herself and her blooming business this week! I will be featuring more Etsy sellers in the near future so be on the look out! Until then, let me know how you like this idea, and show some love to Jennie by visiting her shop and FB page.

Happy Friday,

-Kerry

Hidden Treasures - SimplyNaturalDesigns Featured!

An Etsy seller, PickSomeFlowers, features three items every week from other Etsy sellers who have fewer then 50 sales. This week she chose me! Please check out the post and take a gander at the beautiful pieces I was included with, and leave a note to say how much you like them! [and don't forget to look at the beautiful items Dara makes and sells in her shop!]

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

-Kerry

PS - Spoiler-Alert! Be on the look out for a new kind of post here on my blog.... :suspense fills the air:

Are you ready to save?$?

I am now offering a sale coupon!! Are you excited? Would you like to save 35% on all Winter Merchindise? You can now! To recieve this great discount, simply use the coupon code SPRING11SALE during check out when you purchase any selected winter item. This sale will end come May, so stock up for next winter! :^)

And have a great day!

-Kerry

PS - Don't forget: SPRING11SALE

Weather or Not

I suppose winter just can't make up his mind of when he wants to leave...

The first day of spring was nearly a week ago now, and here in Missouri we had a 80* day on Wednesday, and then by Thrusday afternoon it was 35*. Since then it has rained and iced and snowed in my little blooming daffodils.

So much for spring!

I'm still hopeful though, and I'm working on more 'springy' designs that will be posted for sale on my little Etsy shop soon. So check back soon!

While you wait; check out this Etsy shop BossysFeltworks. They have the most adorable needle felted itmes!! So cute. One of these days I just may have to get one of the sweet lamb pin cushions. :^)

You know you want one. :^)

If you'd like to read more about the group of friends who live on an island off of Washington state and make up this home-grown company, you can check out the artical in which they were featured on the front page of Etsy!

How fun is that??

Here is wishing you a blessed day, and if any of you may have some warmer weather, would you mind sending it this way? I really hope my tulips and hostas aren't nipped too bad after this freak snow storm!

Blessings - Kerry

Oceanic Treasures

Arrrg! I've made a new treasury on Etsy. Go take a voyage over there, ye land lubbers, and get yer sea legs!

A Pirate Life For Me - Treasury

Let me know what ye think of me treasure, matey! Leave yer mark below...

And remember...  X always marks the spot

Your One-Of-A-Kind Items

When you order a unique item from my shop on Etsy, each item in your order comes in unique packaging.

I use scraps of material left over from other creative projects and create a simple, and reusable bag. It is made to fit each item only after you have purchased it from my shop.

So, not only do you receive a one of a kind item; but you also receive a handy little bag that you can reuse with all kinds of things.

Simple, natural, original.

How will you use your unique items? How will you use the unique bags they come in?

You can share your ideas here, or on the Simply Natural Designs Facebook page. You can post pictures and helpful tips for other friends on facebook.

Thank you for reading and supporting my business.
Have a blessed day,
Kerry

Treasury - Of Gray and Yellow

I've finally delved into the beautiful world of Treasurys on Etsy. What a wonderful way to share the amazing finds on this unique little website. I love to browse through the new Treasurys made by my fellow Etsyins and see what beauty can be found there.

Today, I actually made my own Treasury, inspired by the simple beauty of a cold gray winter day, penetrated by the clear brilliants of the cold sunshine.

These days are gray and yellow - My first Treasury

Please let me know what you think.

Snow

Out our front window, I can see the remains of the last 3 inch dusting of snow. This winter we have had more snow then we've had in years. But, being snowed in isn't all bad. I've been able to get some new items made. But I was also sick for a week, and now I'm recovering from a dental appointment. So, it is slow going this past two or three weeks for getting any real progress on new designs to share with you all on the shop.

I did get two new items on our store front, so please check them out and let me know what you think. I'd also be interested in hearing what kinds of things you would like to see more of at Simply Natural Designs. Do you have any ideas for useful creations, but don't know how to turn them into actual working items? Send me your ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and lets create something together.

Have a blessed day. I will, as I sip another cup of hot yarrow/chamomile tea and watch the snow melt a little.

-K