Wool: Sustainable, Warm + Breathable

I like wool. I really do. In fact, I'm pretty much in love with wool.

I love that it comes from wooly sheep in the form of a haircut. I love that the sheep locks are what're washed, combed and dyed for making into wool yarn, or wool roving. How can you resist this curly face?! (Lola looks like this right before she gets a haircut :o)

When I order a batch of dyed locks, they come with bits of the barnyard in them. (Love that too) First the cutie pies... then a hair trim... and the wool can end up like this...

I love the fact that you can change a wool sweater into felt by washing and drying it. And I love the fact that wool is sustainable. It is warm and cozy to wear. And it breathes, making it a wonderful all weather clothing choice. Wool is one of the most natural resources available to us.

Wooly Baby made these adorable bootlets. Ooh, I wish Wooly Baby would make some for ME! They looks so cute and cozy.

Here's one of my latest wooly creations. Made from recycled wool and cashmere sweater scraps, they are cozy lovables. I'm making lots of these "Wooly Baby Stuffs" to sell at Artisans' Alley.

Have a warm and wooly fall day!

Altered Couture; I'm In It!

It's so very exciting; all the publishing that's been happening!

I've barely recovered from the thrill of Haute Handbags, and now we have the Altered Couture article. It's another lovely spread, in a beautiful, high quality coffee table style magazine. I really feel blessed to have this opportunity come my way. Thank you all for your support, and good wishes, and for helping me find my way to where I am today. I'm sure it wouldn't have happened without THAT!

Have yourself a woolie-wonderful day!

PS. I tried to link the pages so you could click on them and they'd get big enough to read. My skills in this department are sorely lacking, so you will just need to put on your most powerful readers. ;o) Oh, just go buy the copy, and then you can show it to all your friends!

A Reason Not To Sleep

Two reasons actually. A dress and a necklace. Both good reasons, right?!

Here's the dress. It's one I saw while blog surfing. I check in at A Diary of a Sewing Fanatic's blog every so often. I just love people who are sewing fanatics! (I guess I'm one too) Carolyn was also inspired by this dress from Banana Republic. It's so interesting to see how my inspiration pans out compared to Carolyn's inspiration. You can't see mine yet, because, well, it's still in my HEAD, but I think it might begin popping out sometime today. I was about to put the women's vests on the back shelf for a while, but now that I've seen this dress, a new vest style is in the works. I'll post my progress here, so, if you're even a wee sewing fanatic, check back soon to see the progress. Also, if this dress inspires you, or keeps you up at night, well, I hope you'll have something to show for that too!

And this is the necklace. Marcia again. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Now you rob my sleep at night. Oh, what have you done to me, Marcia? The beads... it's the beads. I struggle and try to stop. Try to stay away, but the beads keep calling me back. The colors, the combinations, the possibilities galore. Okay, I'm about ready to throw in the towel and admit to the fact that I have become a beader. Yesterday, I was at, yet again, Lost Cities, and a woman came up to me to remark on my amazing earrings. Yes, I answered, I made them from a MARCIA design. But the good thing was that I made them also a little bit "Val". They are about 2/3 Marcia and 1/3 Val. So, that counts, right? I am proud of my beautiful earrings. I am making them by the bundle now. I can't stop. I'm figuring out how to put the bead colors together so they "pop" and "sing". It's not easy. It's involved making several designs, and cutting them up the minute they are done. Hate them. Pressing on, I'm learning what works. And soon, I will have a new photo to post. "Singing" earrings... has a nice ring to it, no?

Welcome New Friends

You are always welcome over here at our house!

I met so many new wonderful people yesterday at the Mission Hills Preschool Craft Fair. I appreciate all your comments and support for all things handmade (and wool), and I look forward to hopefully seeing you again very soon!

As promised, a mention of Artisans' Alley, which is a wonderful holiday Craft Fair that takes place on the first Saturday in December each year. The fair lasts from 9am until 3pm. I will hopefully be situated where I was last year, in the booth across from the entrance to the food area. In any case, let me know if you have questions that I can help answer. And, in the meantime, put the date on your calendar. You'll not want to miss Artisan's Alley. It's great fun, with great shopping, and will get you right into the holiday spirit. See you then!

Falling Into Fall

Hope this finds you in fine form, and enjoying a few leaves crunching under your feet.

Even though it seems unlikely in Southern California, we do have Fall. Like everywhere else, our days get shorter, and the nights get cooler. We enjoy lovely "Indian Summer" weather, which makes visitors ooh and ahh for days after arriving in our coastal town. It's the nicest time of the year here, and we love it very much.

Fresh for fall, a few Falling Leaves for you to enjoy in the form of scarves and wrist warmers, all made from refashioned felted wool, and adorned with lovely needle felted falling leaves.

Happy Fall :o)

Hamish and the L.F.

That would be the Lady Friend...

Her name is Penelope, or Penny for short. She and Hamish have been thick as thieves.

They jetted off to Paris on Monday...

Later, I see that they are in Egypt!

Then today, I get this photo. They are in the desert visiting a Graveyard.

Will the fun never cease? All I know is they'd better be back in time for the Mission Hills Craft Fair on Saturday morning. Did you both hear that, Hamish and Penelope? No kidding around now. People want to meet you, so you'd better show up. Or ELSE!

Meet Hamish, My New Love

Hamish is as Hamish does. And whatever Hamish does is all-righty-right with me!

Hamish, and a few of his friends, have made their sudden appearance in my studio this weekend. Hamish is pretty much full of attitude. He's come right out and stated that he's planning on being an Architect. And, he is planning to design a famous monument as grand as the Tour Eiffel (just wait and see). I have no control over Hamish. Once he appeared, he's quite taken over. Wow, no telling what the rest of this week will bring...

So, in my last post, I said I'd been taken over by aliens. (Um, well, that's what the beading was like!) It's taken me exactly 4 days, 3 hours and 26 minutes to feel like a human again. That is one sort of back pain I cannot possibly endure on an ongoing basis. Marcia, just how do you do it? I loved it, but I definitely do not like it. The side effects, that is.

In the interest of regaining my back's sanity, I moved in an entirely different direction. That's how things go 'round here. One day it's one thing and the next it's entirely something new. I can barely keep up... The sewing, needle felting, and stuffing have all come about because of Saturday's Mission Hills Community Preschool Craft Fair , which lasts from 9am til 12 noon. This is the 2nd annual Pumpkin Patch (yea!!)/ Fine Crafts fair, with a performance by Classics For Kids (love, love, LOVE them), a puppet show, and a kids area. How cute is that?!

I took one look at my overflowing sweater scrap bag, and out popped the 'Stuffs': Hamish, along with Toasty, and Little Miss Mommy Sassy-Pants. Like I said before; Wow, no telling what's in store for the rest of the week. So, the deal is, we invite you to come and meet Hamish and his friends this Saturday morning. Better get there early, cause one of those little kiddies might just have to sashay him home. And I hope they do, because I'd rather Hamish boss somebody else besides me... he's mightly bossy 'round here!

I Blame It On Beading

... my pain, that is. It's my shoulders, my neck, and my poor, poor fingers; stiff and swollen after two entire days of beading. I also blame it on me for not stopping myself, but mostly on Marcia, aka Beading Guru and Friend-who's-teaching-me-beading. It started with our recent Girl's Weekend Retreat where we were to be knitting and beading both. Both. That means switching off. Well, did it happen? No, it did not. Not really. There were a few token knitting attempts. But it was the beading that stole the show. That's when the hurt began to set in.

Marcia just shows up with these INCREDIBLE IRRESISTIBLE beaded items she makes. That's when the ogling and eye-popping begin. Then we move into the questioning phase; Can WE make THAT? and, WE HAVE to have THAT! and finally, Will YOU show US how? (How can she resist us?!) What she has, we all want. It's that simple. She's our Guru. Our Beading Guru, and she's taking us places we never dreamed we'd ever go.

We are making Under The Mast. Guess what? It's new, not even in her brand new book. We were guinea pigs for Marcia that weekend, so she could work out the kinks of teaching this project for an upcoming class. I am so happy to say that I am NEARLY DONE with this gorgeous necklace. I can't wait to wear it. Besides that, I have been making a modified project from the book, Teracita Earrings. These are the items that have stiffened my poor fingers, because I'm making them in every colorway from my stash possible. I cannot stop myself, I'm possessed by the beads... sigh.

Lastly, along with everything else, I am beading felt. The felt is being shaped, and embellished with beads. Did I mention that felting is my one true love (practically!). Well, the beads are making a stand, and it's not pretty...

Okay, well, yes it is. Very pretty, and I like it. Come see me at the Mission Hills Preschool Craft Fair on Saturday morning, Oct. 17 from 9am -12 noon. I will have these lovelies for show and sale. If you like them, do get them now. I have promised myself I WILL NOT be a beader, and I WILL NOT be a jewelry maker. However, as a Felter, I will sometimes allow myself a foray into the jewelry world, but I promise you, it's NOT FOR LONG!

Happy beading! And as far as for me... wish me happy kneading out the kinks from my shoulders and back...

Felted Ball Tutorial(s)

I will forewarn you that I don't understand a thing she says. But the pictures and idea come across really well. So, if you are "dyeing" to know how to make a felt ball for jewelry or for anything else, turn down your sound and watch the video. About the "dyeing" part, well, that's a whole different tutorial, and will have to be addressed on a different day. :o)

Okay, if you need translation, go on to this next video. Warning: you will notice the woman lets the water run for more than 6 minutes. Since we are in drought conditions, I don't recommend letting your water run the entire time you are working on the ball. Try to get a bowl of hot and cold water, and move between hot and cold in this fashion. Sheesh, I guess there's no such thing as a water shortages in Europe (or wherever she's from)...

I was going to add a third video. It's in Japanese with an English translator, but there are bathroom activities happening in the background which could gross some people out. I'll spare you that one, but can let you know where to find it if you're curious!

Happy felting!

Thanks to Trish

So, are you getting excited, curious, jealous (just kidding!), or maybe a little of all three!?!

The newness you are seeing around here is due to none other than Tricia Shiel of StreetDesigns and StreetCards. Trish is an oh-so-talented graphic designer, and she really shines in the World of Whimsy department. Trish is from London, but she used to live here in San Diego, and that is when she met my husband, Greg, and quickly got mixed up with our lot of friends. It was a sad day one May when she packed up her bits and bags, and her 1967 right-hand-drive cherry Porsche, and returned to her homeland. We still see Trish regularly, as she can't stay away, and joins our group whenever there's something too fun to pass up. She's a true gem, and we miss Trishie so much over here!

So, when Miss Heartless Etsy Designer closed up her shop and delivered her dose of negativity my way, I found a way to remedy the situation by hiring Trish. And, look at me now! An entirely new logo package, with a brand spankin' NEW Website that's so professional, yet whimsical too. Trish managed to capture my business model perfectly, and the nice thing is that she told me she had so much fun while she was at it. I couldn't be happier! And, really, you have to admit the site is full of whimsy and fun. It is actually still a work in progress, so if you keep checking back, you'll see small changes taking place here and there. And, guess what?! The site is going to be animated by Flash! (Okay, I don't really know what that's all about, but it sure sounds fun!)

So, if you're in the market for a web designer, give Trish a holler. Don't let the fact that she's in London scare you off. We managed to iChat and email every day, so the time difference didn't matter a bit. Don't worry about phone calls, because iChatting doesn't cost a dime. You simply must heed my advice, and forego cheap labor. Remember; pay peanuts, get monkeys. Pay a bit more, and get the best quality that you never knew would come your way.

So, thanks Trish. It just couldn't be any better! :o)

A Preview of Cuteness to Come

Yep, here's a glimpse! Oooh, it's very exciting...

So, do you remember the "Etsy, I'm Not On Sale" post? The one where I spilled my guts about the etsy designer who refused to sell me rights to my logo design? Well, doesn't every bad situation have a silver lining.... because now I have a brand new logo, and all sorts of goodies to go along with it!

Wow, it's just like Halloween night 'round here with a fresh new batch of sweets!!

Now, I'm supposed to keep part of my excitement a secret, but it's OH SO HARD TO DO! But, for now, you can see my new banner on my blog, and there's a new banner in my etsy shop too. And, stay tuned for the next part of the Big Unveil, coming very soon!

And as for these cutie pillows, well, they are in my etsy shop too. But they are in my BM (that's Brick + Mortar) shops as well... that's shopS, did you notice? For one is at Austin's Gallery in Coronado, and the other is at Hello Bluebird,

way out in Pennsylvania. I'm bi-coastal, and

that's kinda cool...

All righty, so there's my excitement for the day. Now I must get on with the truly important stuff, and that's bodywork. For today's the day for that. The chiropractor and the massage therapist will nudge, knead, and beat the knots from my over needlefelted shoulders and upper back. Then it's on to teacher conferences, and kid duty. These cutes here are what keep me sane, I tell you :o)

My FIRST Publication!

Guess what?! It's out, and I'm in it!! Haute Handbags,

that is. I can't tell you how excited I am about this; the very first ever publication of my handmade creations.

I just feel like things are taking a new path now. Kind of like I've been following along a straight and strong road with juts and potholes here and there. Now, all the sudden, a paved road has appeared, and I'm on it! It's filled with rolling hills and curves, there's lovely landscaping and scenery now, and it's definitely taking me towards a new direction. How exciting!

The other truly wonderful thing is that Deb Hodge's beautiful purses are on the cover of the magazine. Deb is a friend and the mom of my older son's best friend. I knew Deb's son for a year before I ever met Deb. I used to ask my son what his friend's parents did, and he'd reply "She's just like you, she makes stuff" Hmmm, I thought. What kid has a mom like me, who sits at home and sews and crafts the day away? Well, he sure did, and now I'm friends with this amazing and talented woman. We have SO much in common! So, Deb, you rock! And I couldn't be happier sharing my accomplishment with anyone other than YOU! :ox (kisses to Deb)

I will sell the magazines at Austin's Gallery, so you can find them locally if you live in Coronado. I know they will be for sale at Paper Tales over in Pt. Loma too. You can order them directly off the Stampington & Company's website, or by calling their toll free number; 877-782-6737. You won't be disappointed by this wonderful issue. It's filled with creativity, wonderful ideas, love, and especially, Deb's and my purses.

**Notes worth noting:

~ Those cutest ever pillows will be posted next. The publication excitement overrode the posting of the pillows... sorry!

~ I only write novels here because I try to fill up the space around the pictures. It's my Virgo need for order and feelings of symmetry... sorry!

~ Stay tuned for the launching of my NEW website. It's the biggest deal in the history of Val's Art Studio. This is going to be BIG, I tell you. BIG!!!

Some Days Are Duckier Than Others

...And some days we need to hold on and go along for the ride. Other days we are at the front of the group, ready to tow the line. (Just don't lose anyone in the process!)

I've had my share of busy days lately where I've have been TOWING THE LINE- big time, and they are not looking to ease up anytime soon. Probably not until... oh, say, around Jan 1 of 2010. Best not think about it, as I'm liable to let go of the line and coast (and daydream) for a bit. One thing about this business of being in business for myself is that the more things get going, and the more people are buying, the crazy busier I get. How does that happen, when

I thought I was already plenty busy yesterday?

Well, Judy of JudiPatudi and I had our vendor show and sale on Saturday, and we did not sell ONE thing! Can you believe it?! We quickly figured out it wasn't the right venue, and the buyers were bargain shoppers who didn't seem to want to pay the 'big' bucks for handmade. (Believe me, for the work we do, we hardly make more than pennies!) I swear, people even asked me if the items were "made in Peru"! I didn't know whether to laugh out loud or stare at them with my mouth wide open. But no, I didn't do either. I calmly explained that these special one of a kind sweaters were handmade by Judy and myself, from the finest recycled sweaters one can find, with artistic needle felting, ending up with a completely unique piece of wearable art. The explanation was good, but it didn't help get us any sales!

So, I hauled everything back to Austin's Gallery, and my display area looked better than it ever has. New sweaters, new friends (like Duckies!), new skirts... everything all fresh and happy. Then, today, a shopper buys two entire outfits, plus accessories, and is coming back on Thursday to maybe buy more. What say? Huh? Those shows... are they even worth it?? Well, I guess I'm figuring that out, right?

Along that line, I have signed on with one more craft fair. I'm promising you, me, my mother, my chiropractor, massage therapist, and swearing on a Bible that this is the last "add-on" for the fall/winter. This craft fair is in Mission Hills, at Mission Hills Preschool on West Lewis Street. The fair is in it's "infancy", just the second year they've held this show. Since they cater to the wee ones, I thought it might be a good one to try out. Also, I'm interested in branching out from Coronado a bit. And, frankly, if it's not Pennsylvania, Mission Hills will suite me just fine! This show will be on October 17th, and I'll be sure to remind you to stop by when the time creeps closer.

Okay, the cat's out of the bag now about Pennsylvania! You may or may not know that I signed on with The HodgePodgery when they opened up in July. Since their store was new, and they weren't sure of their direction, I gave it a try there over the summer, but made the decision to have them return my sweaters when I saw the direction they were taking the store. It's a fine direction for them, just not a great match for ME! Well, about that time, I heard from another gallery I'd contacted last spring, and she is very interested in showing and hopefully selling my work. This shop is called Hello Bluebird, and is a much better match for me. So, I am packing up a box of whimsy and will ship it off ASAP. Also, get this: The HodgePodgery and Hello Bluebird are only about an hour apart from each other, and the owners know each other. Now, how crazy are them apples?! Here, I throw fishing lines out into the universe, and I get bites from two folks who know each other...

Okay, I'm signing off now, but I want to you to check back soon because I made three pillows today, and they are the CUTEST THINGS I HAVE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE. I am going to take pictures of them tomorrow and will post the pic here so you can see them too. Oooh, did you hear me? The cutest things ever!!!

My Best Model

Um, that would be me. Yep; Me, Myself, and I. But, as my mom so generously put it last week, "Well, Val, most women aren't as 'hippy' as you are, and most women are a little bigger 'up top.'" Uh, yeah, thanks Mom, I know. (See that look on my face? that's the 'thanks, I know' look)

So, I'm needing to buy myself a dummy. One of those dressmaker's dummies. One that's more a 'regular' woman's shape. I think I'm going to need one that's adjustable, so I can make up size 6s and size 10s and size 12s. I just think my friends are getting tired of me measuring them in all the private places, boob wise and all. The biggest dilemma is where to store such a dummy. When one works out of their dining room in their small beachside house, it's awfully hard to disguise an adjustable dummy. When one also lives in a house of boys, it's even tougher still. I can hear it now; "Mommm, don't even think of putting that thing in HERE." *sigh*

So, speaking of dressmaking, that's what I've been up to. Not exactly dresses though. More like vests. They are slow and pretty painful at this point. One, because I don't have the dang dummy. And two, because I'm designing them as I go. No patterns, just images out of my head. I love how they are turning out though, so that's a good omen. These vests are my answer to the dilemma of felted sweaters for women. Women of many sizes, because the vests are adjustable, and can be sized like this: "One size fits many". That works, doesn't it? I like the sounds of that!

So, one day finished, the next day, gone. Cause that's what's going on tomorrow. Beth from Somerset Publications wants to meet me and my vests in person. So, off we go to Laguna Niguel, and we are presenting ourselves, and hopefully will make a positive impression on the people of Somerset. They are keeping my vests for a spring publication, BUT they only get them for one month. Then the vests are going into the Chargers Fashion

Show that's happening in November. But more about this later...

These vests are a combination of felted wool or cashmere, fashion fabric that I haven't been able to resist by the likes of Heather Bailey or Tina Givens, and needle felted irresistibles by yours truly. (Uh, that would be me.) The true art is definitely in the needle felting, but also in the craftsmanship, and especially the sewing. I take a huge amount of pride in my sewing skills, stemming from learning from my mom at aged 7, to spending babysitting money on patterns and fabric in my teens, to being a poor fashion-aholic in my 20s, and learning to copy fashions (sans patterns) from Vogue Magazine. Needless to say, these vests are beautifully made, top to bottom.

So, take a gander, as I am. I need to look at them, photograph them, touch them (so soft!), and talk about

them. I've put alot into them, and so I will miss them. Things like this are normal for me. Probably by next week, I'll be over them and onto the next item. In fact, a new birdy painting came to me today. Can't wait to get the sweaters and fluff off the dining room table so the painting and stitching can begin! It's pretty much a whirlwind around here, don't you know it!!

Lastly, this weekend (Sunday) is my Felted Book Cover Class at Paper Tales. The class is limited to 10 people, and last I checked, 6 people had signed up. Call over to Paper Tales 619-222-2510 to get yourself signed right UP so you can make yourself that cutie pie book cover!

And, very much, the final item, this Saturday is the Strut For Sobriety Fashion Show, a Jeff and Jer event! I have been invited to participate as a vendor along with my friend Judy Thacker of JudiPatudi. We will be showing a myriad of items, but mostly our sweet recycled lines of needle felted children's clothing. So, if you're there, stop by and say Hi!

Now, do I have time to get to that birdy painting?...

Pattern Perfected

**Update: Here is the link to be able to purchase this pattern: click here. I couldn't figure out how to rework the link on my Ravelry page, so I'm sorry but you will just have to keep clicking links. I promise, you are almost there!

The pattern for Cathy's Chemo Cap has been reworked and I am excited that it is now good to go! I like this version much better than the first one. This cap is so lovely that I will be making one for me to wear when I'm having a bad hair day. It's comfortable, cool, easily adjustable with the cotton tie band, fashionable, and well, I think it's quite pretty too!

The other thing that I was considering is if you do not knit. The band could be modified, and made from any stretchy fabric. You could buy two stretchy headbands, and sew them together, or you could buy a knit fabric from the fabric store, and make it using that.

In any case, this pattern is now available for purchase in my etsy shop for a very affordable price of $8.00, and will come as an immediate download once you purchase the pattern. The link is here: pattern  The pattern is for sale, but if anyone wants the pattern for free because they can't afford buying the pattern to make for themselves, then I will give it to them (or you) for free. ***PLEASE NOTE: The free pattern offer is available ONLY for a single use option, for the person suffering from hair loss. Requests for multiple use/making the pattern for groups, etc. does not qualify for a free pattern request. Please leave me a message here, or email me at valsart@me.com. Though I'd like to be paid for my efforts to design this pattern, it's important to me to help people in need. To especially help anyone who is faced with all that goes along with cancer treatments, and the angst of loosing one's hair. I am here to help in whatever manner I can. Thanks to you, too, for caring…

Please note: this pattern is intended for one time use, meaning I ask you make it for yourself and/or a friend, but you do not make it to sell or intend to distribute. The pattern is copyrighted, and all rights remain with Val's Art Studio. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!

Time For A Cup of Cute

Pretty soon the weather will be cool enough for a cup of tea, so for now, a cup of cute will have to do.About the cutest thing I've seen. Studio Violet made these sweet porcelain pieces, but it appears that they have already all sold out. Seems that lots of people are smitten by "cutes". That's good :o)This Tea and Owl print by MarmeeCraft can be purchased in her etsy shop. What lovely and imaginative illustrations. I fell in love with her beautiful felted owls as well. Click on the link and take a lOOk. Woot!

I couldn't resist adding a sweet birdy in his cozy cup of a nest... Enjoy your day!

Stylin'

Just how do they become so stylish minded the minute they turn 13? First, they are just a big kid, and then, a few days/hours/moments later, it's all about the "look". Things their mother wouldn't dare them to wear have all the sudden become the cat's meow!

I suppose this can be said about boys as much as for girls. I thought I got off scott free being the mom of two boys. It was always "time to get dressed, and here's what to wear", as they dutifully stepped into the suggested outfit. My friends who have daughters complained about scuffles over the clothing issue, and mountains

of cash spent at stores like Abercrombie. Well, I spoke too soon. Now, all the sudden, with the teenage years upon us, my oldest son has stepping into the realm of "Fashionista". Or, would that be "Fashionistor"?!

Here is Drew modeling his summer stylin' beach day look. I really couldn't believe he was going out like this, but he was proud of it... so, okay. At least I got him to pose for a picture! This past week, the temp has been in the high 90s and 100s, (so hot for our San Diego beachside town). Drew and Kyle are back in school. The outfit of choice? Skinny cords. Yes, corduroy jeans, skinny style. Hot x 10... Ask me about back to school shopping for clothes. Abercrombie? He wouldn't be caught dead. No, it's a half hour drive to a special skate shop in Rancho Penesquitas called Willie's Workshop. I said try on everything and I'll buy you anything you promise you'll wear. Well, about $400 later, I'm sympathizing with the Abercrombie moms and wondering if I can find Willie's Workshop slightly used clothing on ebay... Okay, I'm eating my words here. I'm eating my "so glad I have boys" attitude. I guess it must be a teenage thing... Well, here we go. Strap in and enjoy the ride!

Honesty Counts

Thank you, Mari, from Mis Amores, who sent me this thoughtful gift. I love being honored with the tag "Honest", because I hold honesty and truthfulness in very high regard.

Here's how this tag works:

1. Make a link to whomever sent you the tag.

Mari has a beautiful family, filled with love. When I read Mari's blog, I feel the most jealous about not having a daughter to share my love of craft. Mari and her daughter do so much together. I can only imagine their special time spent beading, working clay, and learning new crafts. My heart is warm with love after a visit to Mari's blog. Thank you Mari!

2. Disclose ten truths about yourself, known or unknown. (I'm not sure how you can list a truth you don't know about!)

- I have a wonderful husband and two sons, aged 11 and 13

- I have a Portuguese Water Dog named Lola, who is my sweetie girl and all around best friend :o)

- I have a 22 year old cockatiel, named Birdita, who is a boy, but I gave him a girl name before I learned his sex. He's had gender confusion for 22 years!

- I am a Virgo, semi organized, but a lover of all things orderly.

- I think I drive some people crazy with my persistence. (I really don't mean to!)

- I teach craft classes, and I really love doing so.

- I am 100% girly and a lover of all things cute, especially if it involves a birdy or two.

- I worked in the art field for 20 years, and quit to start my business two years ago. I am loving every minute of it, except for waiting to hear back from the proposals I've sent out :-# urrrgh!

- My birthday is on Monday, August 31st!

- I'm a loyal, supportive and true friend, and I believe I was a healer in my last life...

3. List ten blogs you feel deserve this honor and announce it to them in an email.

Here are ten blogs I love to visit. I hope you enjoy checking them out too!

- A soulmate breathingbesideus.blogspot.com

- About my favorite store (and person:o) swellsknits.blogspot.com

- Another irresistible stop with the best people EVER around there papertales.typepad.com

- She always makes me laugh tutumonkey.blogspot.com

- Filled with creativity alittleofthisthatandtheother.blogspot.com

- I can't get enough of her beadwork maddesignsbeads.blogspot.com

- I love to visit their blog AND their local shop theatticgirls.blogspot.com

- A breath of fresh air littlebrownpen.blogspot.com

- I love both Abby's blogs abbytrysagain.typepad.com

- Filled with inspiration sweetbeadstudio.com

For An Ocean Loving Girly Girl

This one's for Flor...

When she was selected as the winner of the Girly Giveaway, I wanted to make something, well- girly, and something that reflected the winner (Flor), and what she loves. Reading her blog is a big treat. Flor is very a versatile artist with all the things she creates. And I do mean things! She is a very busy girl over there, that Flor! Well, reading all about her loves and passions showed that one thing in particular stood out. Her love for the ocean, the sand and the waves, and her glimpses of the mermaids that reside in that special place. So, a mermaid it is! This lovely mermaid needle felted wall hanging is for you, Flor. I'm packing it up and off it goes in tomorrow's mail, hoping to arrive quickly and bring a peaceful wave of the sea... to you from me.

Etsy, I'm Not On Sale!

As some of you know, I've had a Love-Hate relationship with Etsy. The things I love about etsy are the ease with which you can open an online shop, the assistant tools etsy offers to help you get started, and the encouragement and love shown to etsy sellers on a regular basis. What I don't like about etsy is that so many sellers sell their wares so DANG cheap. I think this practice only serves to cheapen etsy's reputation as a whole. I lose faith in etsy sellers on a regular basis when I see something I know takes an hour or more to make, and the seller is charging $10.00. Now that makes no sense to me.

As an artist and craftsperson, I work hard to price my items according to the time I spend making them. I quit my job working for someone else where I was paid handsomely for my time. In order to make ends meet by working from my home studio, I've had to think long and hard about what I'm worth, about what to pay ME! Believe me, when I take into consideration the materials I've bought and the time spent shopping, the label that goes onto the finished product, the business card hangtag, the marketing, let alone the actual time in making the product, AND the time it takes to take a few reasonable photos and then list the product on Etsy... How in the world could that ever be done for a $10.00 sales price, and, more importantly, how could I ever feel good about what I'm doing, that I'm even making what I'm worth???

This lesson was brought home to me this week when the etsy designer I "hired" to design my logo, business card, product tag and labels suddenly closed up shop, and hung a closed sign on her etsy shop door. No forewarning, and no concession to the fact I'm in need of a few more designs. Just a response of "Closed, and no more using your design because it's my 'art' and to do so would be copyright infringement". No reasonable response to my offer of buying the rights to my design. Okay, I know... pay peanuts, get monkeys. I guess I'm guilty of my own foolish pleasure here. I was so thrilled to get my design for such a deal... now I'm really paying for it because I lose out on something I love.

So, the moral here is to spend a little more and get the quality you deserve. If you pay bargain basement prices, expect to be treated like a bargain basement shopper. Pay for quality and get quality. Let me tell you that if you spend the money for one of my products, you will get something that's completely unique, beautifully made, with exquisite attention to detail. And, if I were to ever close up shop, I'd never shut the door in your face. My integrity is more important to me than that...