Sunny Days

2011-07-05T10:00:00.001-04:00

Jo and I have been friends for about 18 years, she says 17, whatever its a long time. We met in a Prodigy chat room for quilters. She taught me most of what I know about quilting online and in the mail, sending me blocks to see how things are done. She has alot of patience this woman. She didn't only teach me about quilting she taught me about friendship, how to be a good mom and hopefully someday how to be a wonderful grandma like she is to her 3 boys.

Jo always amazes me with the quilts she makes, and how many she can make a year. Its amazing.

This slide show snitched off her blog shows some of her quilts and the hand stitching she puts into them.

I was always kind of jealous of her kids she is always doing something for someone and well I havent ever had anything anyone made for me, my mom knitted and crocheted and I guess she thought since I made lots of things myself if I wanted it for me or my kids I could make it myself. I am rambling back to the reason for this post.

I got a box in the mail from Jo about a week or so after my 50th birthday, with the most wonderful surprise in it.

A QUILT just for me, made by the best friend in the world. Hand quilted by Jo. What an amazing piece of love she made me. (just so you know the quilt holder upper wasn't very cooperative. I will get a better picture another time.)

Thank you Jo for my quilt and for being my best friend.

Changes in the garden

2011-07-02T20:06:00.008-04:00

This was the garden 6 months after moving in. lots of work and I never really paid attention to it till this year.
A couple months ago...

but i kept on changing and adding...

and taking out and adding...

this was last week.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T10:50:00.001-04:00

Baby quilt, when will it happen??

2011-05-30T18:15:00.004-04:00

About a year ago Cindy of Sew Happy Designs asked me to make some embroidered blocks for her to turn into a baby quilt. I said yes then bought the designs she asked for.

She chose the Ocean Creatures from Smart Needle Embroidery

Cute HUH?? Well this week she finally mailed me the fabrics she wants me to use for the blocks.

The question is HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FRANNI TO ACTUALLY DO THE BLOCKS??
Are we taking bets?? Someone should :D You all know me, the queen of procrastination.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T09:13:00.001-05:00

Time to start posting again now that things have calmed down.

Today is all about puppy love.

Holiday Handmade Shopping

2010-11-27T05:53:00.007-05:00

If you are looking to get really good quality items this Christmas, then you really should look into handmade items. When you have someone spend their time, energy and money on making an item, to me it is so worth it. It has been a very long time since I have bought items from retail stores. Handmade items are so much more special to give then store bought manufactured items. These are some of the best handmade shops to shop in. Stop by and take a look and I hope you decide to buy handmade this Christmas.

Auntifranni – ArtFire Artisan Studio

aislinnseroticjewels – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Badgereels -Artfire Artisan Studio

Butterfly-Crafts -Website

C Newcomb Woodworking – Artfire Artisan Studio

ColtPixy – ArtFire Artisan Studio

CWinspirations – ArtFire Artisan Studio

CatsWire – ArtFire Artisan Studio

CharSpirit – ArtFire Artisan Studio

CrysallisCreations – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Cymberrain - Artfire Artisan Studio

DerondaDesigns – ArtFire Artisan Studio

DsignsofAvalon – ArtFire Artisan Studio

EmilyClaireCreations – ArtFire Artisan Studio

FantasyClay – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Glasstastic Treasures - Artfire Artisan Studio

GypsyGoods – ArtFire Artisan Studio

HaffinaCreations -Artfire Artisan Studio

JewelledTrellis – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Merigreenleaf – ArtFire Artisan Studio

MamasLittleMonkeys -Artfire Artisan Studio

MicroMops - Artfire Artisan Studio

MothersLove – ArtFire Artisan Studio

MzzThang – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Nightmaiden – ArtFire Artisan Studio

ManyHorsesJewelrySupply – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Pegasus Soaps- Artfire Artisan Studio

SassyClayCreations – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Sewhappydesigns – ArtFire Artisan Studio

ShinyAdornments – ArtFire Artisan Studio

SilverRiverJewelry – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Simply Smiss – ArtFire Artisan Studio

StudioDTQ – ArtFire Artisan Studio

TheBeadedBranch – ArtFire Artisan Studio

WillowWalkerDesigns – ArtFire Artisan Studio

Wooleycreek – ArtFire Artisan Studio

RainbowFingers - Artfire Artisan Studio

Ignisfatuus - Artfire Artisan Studio

Madelines Wardrobe - Artfire Artisan Studio

3 artfire collections

2010-11-02T06:03:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I was lucky enough to have my items put into 3 artfire collections, too bad I was feeling so bad I didnt look until today. Stop by give them a little love.

Curated By: CrochetKiosk

ArtFire.com

Fine Art Paintings

Red & Green Stock...

Curated By: kathisewnsew

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

Spiders and Snakes

2010-10-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

Spiders and Snakes

Curated By: WindysDesigns

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

Plurk Friends Collections

2010-10-13T10:01:00.002-04:00

2 Great Collections my work is featured in today :) Thanks Deb and Chris

Are you Plurky en...

Curated By: CrysallisCrea...

Change in Setup

2010-10-11T18:22:00.005-04:00

So those of you who are my craft buds know about a year ago I was shopping at the liquidators for cabinets to do my craft room in, base kitchen cabinets and countertops.
This is what I was starting with...

While doing all my shopping a friend called and said I have this for you....

That shelf thing got moved to the one empty wall left....

Only to be replaced by this yard sale find.....

Gotta love a good yard sale, organization for 25.00. Only thing left is to get a corner wall shelf for my little tv and I am all set.

Snakes and spiders

2010-10-09T20:07:00.001-04:00

Gazing at the Moon

2010-10-07T08:43:00.000-04:00

Lets play pretend

2010-10-05T08:49:00.000-04:00

Lets play pretend

Curated By: skylinecandle...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Toasty

2010-10-04T08:51:00.000-04:00

Collaboration

2010-04-02T10:42:00.004-04:00

Yeah yeah I know its been forever.... blame it on being sick the holidays no ambition pick one or all 3 feel free to choose your own.

So back about a month ago one of my customers Erin from Wrapstar baby carriers contacted me to see if I would do some embroidery for her on her fabric to turn into her amazing baby carriers.

I told her I would do it but I was so nervous about it, I am always afraid of screwing up other peoples items.

Well I shouldnt have been all the embroidery turned out really well and once it was turned into a baby carrier well it was amazing.

Chat sales days

2009-11-23T19:58:00.013-05:00

Was chatting with some friends thinking we need to get our sales out there.
How can people find our amazing hand made items???

First make a list of everyones sales.

My sale at Sunny Days Embroidery buy 5 candy cane holders in any combination get one free. Please put your choice of free candycane holder in notes to seller no coupon code needed. You will find them in the ORNAMENTS section of my shop.

20% off the entire shop Black Friday thru Cyber Monday use coupon code CYBER09 You can combine this with the coupon for the candycane holders.

Merigreenleaf is offering free shipping to the US and Canada until the end of December with coupon code HOLIDAY09.

At 28 Sides Designs & Crafts you can find some awesome medieval clothing and embroidery at 25% off until the end of November: coupon code: ERLIDAY09

Avalon Studios is having a 25% off everything sale from now until December 17th, which is the last day to order to be sure your item arrives in time for Christmas. Discount is already taken off.

At Pegasus Soaps Nov 24-30th save 20% off every item with coupon code ANNIVERSARY

Char over at her artfire shop Char Spirit has 33% off use the coupon code CHARSPIRIT good thru Dec. 15. Shhhhh check out her paperback book covers they are awesome. I have one made up in my own fabric that I sent to her its the animal print below

Cindy at Sew Happy Designs is having 15% off Coupon sale with code THANKSGIVSEW from now until Saturday, November 28!

Added to the sales is Teri from The Beaded Branch Her special is FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING until Friday, December 4.

Nightmaiden is having in her artfire shop, is free shipping on everything and theres a coupon code, gobble09, for 20% off.

Over at Fo-Shizzle Design Studios you can get a free gift with every purchase over $30.00 Coupon Code: HOLIDAY-09

Simply Smiss says Get 20% Off Black Friday Thru Cyber Monday coupon Get 20
OR
Buy 2 items get FREE US Shipping Coupon Code 2ITEMSFREESHIP, Half Off International Shipping given through paypal refunds.

April has 2 shops with sales :
First at Creative Haven, you have your choice of sales each is good for a one time use and is good for a year.

CH-20% ~ 20% off all items
CH-30%~ 30% off all items
FBFANS for 25% off entire purchase

At Creative Supplies

FREE SHIPPING
20% OFF ~ for entire purchase use code 20% off

Get yourself over to EmilyClaireCreations to find 30% off your entire order, using coupon code HAPPYHOLIDAYS

At Blue Almonds, Anna has free shipping on all items and two collections reduced by 10% - Polish Gold and Pure Luxury.

If you have any problems with any of these codes dont be afraid to contact the shop owners they will be more than happy to help you out.

Second blog it all and third have everyone post it on their facebooks and twitters!!
Have fun holiday shopping with my friends!

Quilt show

2009-10-26T07:56:00.003-04:00

Normally on the weekends that Rob works I dont go out. Nothing to do no place to go except the food store.

Well this weekend there was a local quilt show. I talked to my friend Karen and asked if she wanted to go. She did.

We figured since it was local it was going to be tiny and we would be in and out in about a half hour. NOOOOOOOOO it was really nice. A couple vendors and over 120 quilts.

Here are a couple of the ones I really liked I didnt get names off them so I cant give the makers credit but they were all beautiful.

2009-10-09T12:14:00.001-04:00

Visit auntifranni's Studio

SAVE 15.00 % On Select Studio Categories

Use Coupon Code:

WEEKENDER

during checkout.

Handmade Accessories

Smelly Rhino Studio

2009-10-02T08:46:00.002-04:00

Its been a while since I have felt like blogging. Last week I was talking to a friend and looking thru her shop and fell in love with her work. How come sometimes you just dont see things the first hundred times you go thru the shops?

Rebecca Salcedo of Smelly Rhino Studio is a folksy artist who does pet portraits, aceos, prints and giclees.

Want something special made up, just ask she has no problem doing custom work for anyone of anything any time.

You can find her work at http://www.artfire.com/users/smellyrhinostudio

Follow her work on her blog

Read a funny interview that Christy DeKoning did with her.

If nothing else, enjoy her work, its pretty amazing!

Quick craft room redo

2009-09-16T11:58:00.001-04:00

Well Rob came home with this huge desk that came out of a model home and suggested using it for my sewing room. soooooooooooo down my table and ironing board came

and up went the desk

Now to find a place for everything :-(

Front Page

2009-09-10T12:58:00.002-04:00

Hey after 4 1/2 years at Etsy I finally got on the front page!!!!!!!!!
4 sales from it and 5 hearts.

Happy Birthday Nicole Elan!

2009-08-23T12:18:00.006-04:00

Birthday cake for Nicoles 21st.

I was featured!!

2009-07-30T10:21:00.004-04:00

I got an email over at Artfire this morning saying that one of my items was featured in an online magazine article.

Its a little tiny patch but it does get alot of attention.

Thank you Rouxbee

48 for Larry!!! 48 for Larry!!!! 48 For Larry!!!!! 48 For Larry!!!!!! 48 for Larry!!!!!!!

2009-07-22T13:40:00.002-04:00

Yep that's right 48 for Larry is happening this WEEK!!! Go on over to www.blockheadradiolive.com and check it out!!!
As of today 11 pages of goodies are up for the silent auction!!!
Rod at Blockhead Radio has been working like a mad man to get the auction pages, so go on over and thank him!
Don't forget to give DeDe a HUGE thanks for getting this whole thing started and planning everything!!! Thank you DeDe and everyone else that's been a part of this HUGE event!!!

Copied with permission of Skyline Candle Company

48 for Larry

2009-07-10T13:21:00.002-04:00

Larry Hamm over at Chelsea Lynn Designs on Artfire is a friend of many in the world of handmade, he is also the voice of The Crazy Train on Blockhead Radio. Larry has a fantastic wife Janet, and an 8 year old son Jacob who live with him in Lansing, NC deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Larry is a friend to everyone and just an all around swell guy. He is most definitely the "shirt off your back" kind of friend. Right now, all of Larry´s friends and Blockhead Radio are teaming up to help him out in a tough time.
The Hamm's

Larry is a disabled diabetic who currently has lost his health insurance. His medication alone monthly is over $2,000. Larry is not receiving disability, he has not been approved yet. His wife is the only source of income and she doesn´t make enough to cover his medications. Larry´s doctors have given him an outlook of only 18 months to live if he doesn´t receive a $17,000 gastric bypass surgery as soon as possible. Larry and his family need all the help from their family and friends they can get! Jacob and Janet need Larry to hang around here with them as long as he possibly can! All of his friends surely want Larry to stick around too!
Larry

All of us at Blockhead Radio are gearing up for the biggest Radiothon you´ll ever be a part of! July 24th at 6pm until July 26th at 6pm, Blockhead Rod will be live on the radio for 48 hours straight raising money for our friend Larry. A silent auction of donated handmade goods will also be going up on the home page of Blockhead Radio with 100% of the proceeds going to Larry.

If you would like to be a part of this wonderful event, please email DeDe Sorensen at: 48forlarry@blockheadradio.com Please donate any handmade items you can for the silent auction have your emails in with your donations by July 22nd. If you would like to donate cash for Larry’s prescriptions and surgery please visit Blockhead Radio July 24th through July 26th. There will be plenty of ways to get your donations in.

Keep listening to Blockhead Radio for fantastic indie music, and how you can help Larry Hamm of Chelsea Lynn Designs.

Copied with permission from Blockheadradio.

Artfire contest

2009-07-02T15:08:00.003-04:00

Well the contest is over. I didn't win. Sorta. I came in second place. Sorta.

I was in Blockheadradio chat listening to the Inside Handmade radio show with John and Tony from Artfire, learning about SMO (social media optimization) and minding my own business.

WHEN Kevin from Artfire private messaged me.

He wanted to let me know that Cher , the winner of the contest had wanted to give me the third shopping spree as a runner up in the contest. How cool is that?? What a sweet person she is.

So everyone get over to her shop JewelryByCher , check her out, tell your friends about her beautiful handmade items.

So because of Cher, I ended up a winner. Thank you Cher!

Thank you to all of my friends who voted up my comment! You are all the best!

Artfire is having a contest

2009-06-26T21:54:00.002-04:00

Artfire is having a contest. Win a 100.00 shopping spree for you and 2 friends.
There are 4 days left and I think I can do this.

I need my friends to go to this facebook link and become a fan of Artfires facebook page, then go to my comment and click LIKE under it.

Teresa from Elegancebymode has been helping me get lots of votes so she is getting one of the shopping sprees if I win.

The other shopping spree I am going to put everyone that voted for me into a random number generator and let Random pick the winner of the other shopping spree.

Leave a comment along with your like and I will enter your name twice.

Thanks for everyones help.

The One Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-10T02:53:00.006-04:00

I have never before recieved an award for blogging, so it amazed me when I found out I was nominated not once but TWICE for this award.
First by Shelley the NCTeddyBearLady
Second by Jenn of Haffina Creations
It is really amazing to me that I recieved this as I am not really a great blogger!

The rules you have to follow:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.

3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

So for my nominees:
1. Pastry Stitches
2. Great Ride Across America Pedaling Steady
3. CharSpirit's Blog
4. Ignis Fatuus
5. Rainwolf Studios
6. The Blue Daisy Designs
7. Jenny Karlsson Designs
8. Yours Truli
9. A Punkin Card Company
10. Skyline Candle Company
11. Wunderments
12. WeeKnit
13. Polymer Clay Smooshers
14. The Chain Maille Lady
15. My Doggie And Me

Dont forget to take some time to visit all these great blogs. Leave a comment and let them know you were there!

ArtFire.com is excited to announce our new Facebook contest!

2009-06-05T11:43:00.001-04:00

A Shopping Spree for Three!

Playing is easy, and winning is even easier! Here’s what to do:

1. Go to the main Artfire.com fan page wall on FaceBook and tell the world why you love Artfire.com. It could be your favorite function, feature, or the community in general, just let the world know!

2. Invite all your friends to join and “like” and “comment” on your post, go ahead and “like” your friends’ posts too.

3. The post with the most "likes" on June 30th at 11:59PM PDT will be this month’s winner and receive a $100 shopping spree at Artfire.com!

4. The winner will get to pick two friends who will each receive a $100 shopping spree at Artfire.com as well.

Head on over to the Artfire.com fan page wall and tell us what you love!

ArtFire.com Facebook Fan Page.

LEgal Stuff

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Items shipped to winners must comply with all local laws and regulations. Shopping spree has no substitution and no cash value. All awards and decisions by Artfire.com are final. Identity verification of winners may be required to ensure shopping sprees are not awarded to the same person.

In the event of a tie the number of comments on a post will be used as a tie breaker.

Shopping sprees are $100 USD total which includes item costs and all associated shipping fees.

A shopping spree may not be broken up into multiple shopping trips. Artfire.com will pay for each winner’s shopping cart up to $100 inclusive of shipping.

Artfire.com can randomly select two of the friends who liked the winning post at the request of the winner.

Update from JoAnn - Some good news - some not so good news about open heart surgery

2009-06-04T17:21:00.004-04:00

I havent been very good about updating all my friends about what is going on with my best friend JoAnn and her dear husband Donald. Here is her latest post.

First I guess we start with the good news - that is always best I guess. I am just overwhelmed right now. So many have written emails asking how things are going - and we appreciate that - so here are the updates.

Well, you remember that horrid co-pay for Don's open heart surgery - and our feelings of helplessness - we've had a bit of a reprieve. A very dear friend talked to us about the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance. She said to check again with the insurance company and see what our total would be. Out of pocket expenses are what you are expected to pay, up to a certain amount, and then insurance takes over and pays 100% after that. So instead of 25,000.00 we were originally told, we are responsible for only 2,000.00 - still a hefty sum - but with the quilt raffle, quite doable. It was such a relief when we found this out - like we could breath again. The big question is - why didn't the financial people at the hospital know about this - surely they've dealt with other people in similar situations. Well, it is past now - and we are so relieved. But the quilt raffle is still on - and if we go over our total needed we will donate it to someone else in a tight financial situation because of illness or surgery. So you still have time to get in and get your chances to win the quilt - and the other lovely prizes donated by good friends and good blogger-friends. There are some new prizes being offered also - and I'll update those soon.

So - now for the rest of the news. Most of you have read that there is no bypass surgery needed at the same time as the open heart surgery to repair the mitral valve - which is very good news - the less time they have to spend in there - the better. Then yesterday we saw the surgeon and he set up the surgery for June 19 - a Friday. Then things got a bit crazy.

There was some edema in Don's feet and ankles yesterday . . .

Edema was worse by evening . . .

Edema still the same this morning. . .

Called surgeon on emergency number this morning - he said to get to the cardiologist to have this checked - and to reschedule the surgery sooner . . .

Visit to cardiologist - nothing is urgent or dangerous so they will be watching and gave Don a presciption to control the edema . . .

Surgery rescheduled for June 12 - next Friday. . .

So that's it - and I think that is about all I can deal with right now - we are delighted with the insurance results - a little frightened about having to move the surgery up so soon - but we will get through this - with the help of family and friends.

Artfires New Front Page

2009-06-04T14:57:00.002-04:00

Artfire launched their new look today. I think it looks great!!!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Refer Your Friends and get your Upgraded Verified Account FREE For Life!

2009-05-28T17:22:00.012-04:00

The FREERIDE is back at Artfire. Sign up 12 friends and you AND a friend of your choosing get a free account for life.

Since I already have my free ride, I am trying to help my friends.
Sign up under one of my friends links and as soon as they verify that you joined under them I will add your name to my list of friends to help.

Register on ArtFire.com smiss00
Register on ArtFire.com Wooleycreek
Register on ArtFire.com Baciscreations
Register on ArtFire.com TheBeadedBranch
Register on ArtFire.com ElegancebyMode
Register on ArtFire.com Lovetostamp
Register on ArtFire.com LaDeDaCreations
Register on ArtFire.com WhimsybyMari
Register on ArtFire.com CreativeCoveJewelryDesigns
Register on ArtFire.com HuckleberryArts
Register on ArtFire.com ChelseaLynnDesigns
Register on ArtFire.com ShadeJewelry
Register on ArtFire.com BirdysKnits
Register on ArtFire.com LiberTeas
Register on ArtFire.com inkwear99
Register on ArtFire.com BeadbugJewelry
Register on ArtFire.com dreamweaversculpts
Register on ArtFire.com Wilmothfarms
Register on ArtFire.com LiciaBeads
Register on ArtFire.com soopajdelux
Register on ArtFire.com Blockheadradio
Register on ArtFire.com AllAboutTheBeads
Register on ArtFire.com handarbeitskram
Register on ArtFire.com DortheaKing
Register on ArtFire.com VintageRain
Register on ArtFire.com Curiosities808
Register on ArtFire.com jennuinecandles
Register on ArtFire.com DontKnowPub
Register on ArtFire.com TheBlueDaisy
Register on ArtFire.com LadyBands

* Social Media Promotion Tool
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* Rapid Cart

Sale at Elegancebymode

2009-05-25T08:00:00.005-04:00

Teresa at Elegancebymode is having a Memorial Day Sale. 25% off her entire shop. Its already marked down just go in browse and buy some of her great jewelry items.

I personally have one of these, if you need it larger or smaller let her know she is so easy to work with.

I also own one of her bracelets thanks to a giveaway at Blockhead Radio

So go over to Elegancebymode say hi, check out and purchase some of her awesome work.

Happy Anniversary to us!

2009-05-23T12:07:00.017-04:00

May 15 was our 27th wedding anniversary. We had never ever had a vacation by ourselves, so we decided this was our year.

Always wanting to go to the Florida Keys thats what we did. We stayed at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key.
What a nice place!!!! Rooms there start at 149.00 a nite so how can you go wrong for a resort?

We drive up and wow its pretty. Lots of flowers and foliage, well maintained.
Get to our room and again WOW

The bed

The bathroom

The view from the balcony

The week we went seems to be the start of rainy season but thats ok, the temps were down and we got to do most everything we wanted except for a keys sunset.

This was the sunset we caught on our last night while having a spectacular dinner at Alma on the patio of the hotel. The sunset may not have been what we were wanting but oh that food was beyond!! It was also the most expensive meal for 2 we had ever had!

For a great beach (we were told the keys had no good beaches) go to Bahia Honda State Park. 6.00 for 2 to get in.

haha me at the beach unheard of!!

Rob loves the beach

We did go fishing which was the one thing Rob wanted to do. It was a nasty rainy morning which turned into a bright sunny morning. We caught a bunch of grunt, snapper, trigger fish. Nothing really worth keeping for us to take back and have someone cook so we gave them away.

Many more pictures are on my flickr if you would like to look.

As always the best part of vacationing is getting home to your own bed!

Visitors this week

2009-05-14T05:47:00.006-04:00

This week has been a busy one in the neighborhood. While out watering the flowers these are the creatures I saw

Ok so the picture isnt very clear best I can do with my cheapie camera and a moving bird.

This guy was sooooooo noisy, or I wouldnt have seen him up there.

This frog was plastered to the door last night as I went to let the dog out. Needless to say the dog had to wait till the frog was gone.

Finally finished!

2009-05-04T05:38:00.006-04:00

Well it took me nearly 5 months but the baby quilt I made for my nephews new baby is finally in the mail.
I hung it on the wall to take pix and then well, it was hard to take that down it came out so great.

Of course and as usual I found a mess up while looking at my pix, I guess I was thinking about when he was born and not when I completed the quilt for my quilt label.

I need to thank my friend Karen for machine quilting this for me. Check out her fine quilting at her etsy shop

What a great week.

2009-05-01T21:44:00.007-04:00

My week started out pretty good by finding out I won a prize in the giveaway at PIGATOPIA STUDIO'S
I won this awesome little finger puppet donated by weeknit

Then Nicole called me and was all excited because she put one of her pieces up for sale in a gallery.

Just a quick cell phone pic but you can get the idea.

Theeeeeeeeeen Blockheadradio was having one of their Stinkin' Awesome giveaways and I was the first caller in and won a Stinkin' Awesome bracelet from Elegance by Mode Check out her blog http://elegancebymode.blogspot.com/

I am a very happy mama!!!
Thank you everyone for making my week great.

20% off Emergency Sale By Chelsea Lynn Designs

2009-05-01T16:55:00.002-04:00

This clock is handmade by Larry at ChelseaLynn Designs He can make just about any breed and customize each clock with a pet name if you like.

His entire shop is marked 20% off for this weekend.
Check out his awesome work at ChelseaLynn Designs

Have a Heart Fund Raiser Quilt

2009-04-22T12:41:00.006-04:00

My best friend Jo at Pieceful Afternoon is in need of a little help from her friends. Her husband is scheduled for open heart surgery which will be performed in September. Their co-pay amounts to $25,000!!!! In an effort to raise funds she is offering to give away a beautiful hand pieced/machine quilted Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. You can just leave a comment and be entered into the drawing or to increase your changes, a free will donation would be accepted. You could also put a blurb on your blog for additional chances.

Click on the title above to read all the details on this wonderful quilt.

A bit about my friend Jo. She is one of the most giving and caring people I know.
Teaching me to quilt online and by long distance mail. We met in the prodigy chat rooms probably 15 years ago.
She has been there for me more than my mother ever was, she was willing to fly out and help me when I was sick and in the hospital always calling to check on me. I love her like a big sister.
So anything I can do to help her get this together help her and her darling husband I will.
Thanks for everyones help.
hugs
Franni

Found out what it is

2009-04-17T15:00:00.003-04:00

The bug I have in the yard finally has a name. I really appreciate the people who have tried to help us find out. The Tampa bay news paper had an article on it.

Its called a Jadera Bug

Totally harmless little critter. It feeds on the seeds of the Golden Rain Tree.

Box tops for education

2009-03-04T13:37:00.002-05:00

My best friend JoAnn blogged about her grandsons class having a contest and I thought I would help them out.

They collect these boxtops all year long but are having a contest thru the end of March to see whose class can get the most.

So if you have any you would like to share with this cuties class, please email me at robnfran@tampabay.rr.com or go over to JoAnns blog and let her know that you have some to mail to her. Please let her know you found the post here so she knows whats going on.

Thank you
hugs
Fran

Etsyversary!!!

2009-02-13T20:26:00.003-05:00

Hey I forgot to post.
Its my 3 year etsyversary!!!!
At my etsy shop until Feb 15th at midnight eastern time I will take 20% off all orders not including the shipping. Just wait for a revised invoice or if you cant wait for one I will refund the 20% thru paypal.

BUT it gets better!!!! I am trying to move my business to artfire
Sooooooooooo at my artfire shop I will be giving a 25% discount for the same time frame, excluding the shipping of course.

See something in one shop that isnt in the other just let me know I will move it for you. Want more than one of some thing same goes. What about diff colors?? Just let me know.

I know it doesnt really fit into this post but what do you think of my placemats. I found them at Kohls on sale and had to have them!!!

The door...

2009-02-13T20:20:00.006-05:00

Well the door is finally in. Took some work but it makes everything look so much nicer.

What a huge difference to the inside of the house!!!

Outside looks so much better also , will look alot better after some gardening is done!!!

Baby Quilt

2009-01-28T17:39:00.007-05:00

I finally am getting started on the baby quilt for the new grandnephew born in December.
Here are the embroidered blocks so far

Bugs

2009-01-25T11:43:00.003-05:00

Hey does anyone know what kind of bug this is?
Its really bothering Rob they are all over the outside of the house.

Its mighty cold!

2009-01-22T09:34:00.003-05:00

Well its mighty cold here in west central Florida. Went to bed it was 25 degrees woke up to 22 and now its 21.

The only one that seems to like it is mister fuzzy butt he wont come in the house.

Yarrrrrn

2009-01-17T23:09:00.004-05:00

Well this week Niamh at Urban threads out did herself again.
So many wonderful designs so little time!

My fav this week was the yarn skully patch. Guess I have a thing for skullies...
I did one up in lavendar and put it in my artfire shop.

With in an hour I had sold a custom order for 4 of them. Red, lavendar, neon green and neon pink. Will post pix as soon as I can take them.

2009-01-10T23:38:00.006-05:00

So now that I have a bit of time I will show you the before and after pix for the kitchen, remember this was a forclosure not in terrible shape but eh! The vinyl flooring was ripped pretty bad in some places.

Here is a pic of the floor in front of the stove before

After is 18 inch ceramic tile, love it love it!!! Along with my new nifty stove that Rob picked out himself. Lots of bells and whistles on this baby!!!

2009-01-09T19:51:00.005-05:00

Well all I have to say is thank goodness 2008 is gone!!!
It wasn't a very good year, it did end good enough tho we moved into a new house 2 days before Christmas.

It looks kinda yucky now grass does die back for the winter in Florida you know.
Its a 3 bedroom 2 bath with a 2 car garage. Nice fenced yard for the rocketman.

More pix of the house as I edit them. The house was a forclosure so it needed some work before we could move in. Lots of changes happened in the couple days between closing and moving, tile and carpet were installed. A wall was torn down and put back up. Painting and appliance delivery.

My new years resolution this year is to blog more often , haha more than every 6 weeks anyhow, going to try and make it a weekly thing. If I shoot for daily I know I will crash and burn.

Hope everyone had a good holiday!!!

Hugs for now!

2008-11-28T12:16:00.003-05:00

Now is the time to shop at two Etsy shops - my friend JoAnn and I are offering free shipping from Black Friday to Cyber Monday - on all purchases. That is Nov. 28-Dec. 1

JoAnn has got a got a great selection of pincushions, angels (just right for packages or ornaments), mesh zipper bags and more - happy shopping - and FREE SHIPPING at both shops.

Thanks for stopping by - we really appreciate it!!!

2008-11-27T20:39:00.002-05:00

Well artfire has a new promotion. 7 a month for life no other fees, once you are signed up you get 10 people to sign up for a verified account under you and your account is free. Here is my link so you can sign up under me, once I have my 10 I will help anyone who wants out with getting theirs

Register on ArtFire.com

2008-11-20T11:49:00.003-05:00

Well I added another place to sell in addition to etsy.
Its called artfire.com 7.00 a month listing fees no other fees for life if you are one of the first 5000 to sign up.

2008-11-17T12:00:00.004-05:00

My daughter is trying to win a scholarship for her artwork
You can vote up to 3 times daily. The voting goes till dec 29 and then if she is in the top 20 she can go on to the next round

Artist's Choice - Round 1
Brickfish

2008-09-23T13:52:00.003-04:00

Well I found a new way to sell around the web its called cartfly. Lets see if it works here. If it does like it should I can update daily.
wuhoo lucky you all!

Woot!! It does seem to work. This is an extention of my etsy shop so if you have any questions or feel better about shopping thru etsy.... I do like etsy better because of the ability to change shipping prices. I put shipping here at a flat rate of 1.00 but that doesnt really work for everything.

What I do like about this is the ability to use the same paypal as always.

Let me know what you all think!!

2008-09-02T14:32:00.002-04:00

Last week when Jen from Made by Moms posted on her blog about all her new items she had gotten, I got really excited as I had also bought a custom coaster from Nothinglikeit.

Well my glow in the dark Sadie the Cow is awesome, the only problem being is its daytime so checking out the glow in the darkness has to wait till tonite. Along with Sadie, Robin put in Lazy Lemon, one of her Atomic Veggies. How flipping cute!!!

I say get to her shop http://nothinglikeit.etsy.com and order yours soon because come the holidays I think she will be way too busy to accomodate everyone!!

2008-08-27T13:14:00.005-04:00

Well its been forever since I have posted. We are in our rental, looking for a new to us smaller than we had mortgage on a decent house.

I have been doing lots of stitching check out my flickr

2008-07-18T13:53:00.002-04:00

well we found a house to rent. its nearly the size of this one, 3 bedrooms 2 baths living room, family room, 2 car garage, half acre lot, only thing missing is a pool.

so now the big crush comes to pack and move in by next week. we set the move in date for july 25th. we will start moving items into the pod we rented and have thta delivered probably the monday after we move in. closing on the house here is july 31.

my embroidery items will be moved by me in my truck i am not packing them up. have to get the cable turned on and electric in our name. they will prolly want a deposit because we will have electric in 2 places at one time.

cable and internet oh yeah i need that on fast!!! cant live without lol.

2008-07-16T13:59:00.004-04:00

well its 2 1/2 months since i have felt like blogging.
dh started his new job as a corrections assistant and this week he started in the academy to become a corrections officer. Its a 4 month school where at this point it feels to him like boot came from when he was in the marine corps, but at 52 its much tougher.
Monday was the first day, pulled calf muscle. Tuesday was sore knees with a planned trip to the store to get some bengay or something the next morning. The hours really suck its from 1pm to 10pm so that really gives you no time to do a thing, since its about a 45 min drive.

OH HEY DID I MENTION WE SOLD THE HOUSE??? Guess who gets to do all the packing and looking for a new house while the man is going to school. I think we are both too old for this. I think we will rent for a couple months so that we can take our time looking for a new house to buy.

Doing embroidery is getting pushed to the side I have taken the most time consuming items out if my shop until we are moved. I did happen to purchase a new christmas ornament from Criswell.

Its available in 2 color ways as shown on this page on Criswells site if anyone would like any of the other designs done they can contact me at my shop and I will see about purchasing the other designs and making them up for you.

2008-05-02T10:17:00.003-04:00

Well i want to thank everyone for their good thoughts and wishes. Rob starts a new job Monday so keep all your collective fingers crossed that it goes well. Crappy pay but no gas costs really as its about 4 miles away thats gotta count for something right?

We also changed his shop its now RobsDoodles too many people were asking for graphic design work which he doesnt do.

Some of his new work.

2008-04-14T10:51:00.002-04:00

well its almost 2 months since dh lost his job. we may have something in the works keep your fingers crossed for us!! thank you all for your kind wishes!!!!!!!!

back to blogging about some of my favorite etsy sellers

today is mzkitchen her shop is devoted to mainly vendor aprons with pockets and zippers to keep your money in. some have a hook on them to hold your keys. she and i could work together if you would like to put some embroidery on the apron for you. (shop name?)

2008-03-28T10:17:00.003-04:00

well its been a crappy month since i posted last.
rob lost his job and well just havent felt like posting or doing much of anything at all.
the house has been for sale since oct no nibbles but then it is florida......

on the plus side dh being home i bullied him into drawing again soon i will get the paints out. he really is a great artist just has no motivation....

i put a couple of the aceos up in my shop hopefully he will do more for me to list.
then maybe i can start his shop up.

2008-02-26T11:04:00.002-05:00

for beaded native american items you should look at beadedart
the man does wonderful things with beads... earrings, sun catchers, cellphone charms, pendants.

he also does custom work so if you want something different just convo him.

2008-02-20T09:14:00.003-05:00

who doesnt love pancakes??? i know i love them. if you love them too you will love the yummy goodness that is plushoff of course you cant eat them cuz they are fleece but plushoff is making it fun to play with food!!

2008-02-16T12:59:00.005-05:00

Those who love fantasy art will love the etsy shop of natalyasots There isnt one piece in the shop that I can say i wouldnt want that in my house. Teacups, teapots, bowls, plates and bells to name a few items.

Ummm my favorite??? It would have to be this whole shop!!!

2008-02-12T10:25:00.000-05:00

have i ever said how much i like glass, art glass , hand blown items, pendants.
i just wish i could afford some of it. so instead i will sit and drool and show off another of my favorite art glass sellers on etsy.

todays seller is HLHglass
her nite sky pendant was one i had seen in chat(gotta love the red room)

looking thru the shop i found jelly the fish looooooooook at this pendant

art glass body jewelry whoda thunk it

2008-02-11T13:40:00.000-05:00

Chat on etsy is an awful lot of fun. Meet new people see lots of new items you wouldnt have otherwise seen. Todays item is from Shade Jewelry

His one of a kind titanium jewelery is like nothing I have ever seen before. Wedding sets , engagement rings just beautiful workmanship.

One of my favorites is the Titanium Ring Band Blue and Purple Pinstripe Design pictured below

2008-02-07T11:23:00.001-05:00

For awesome felt and fleece hand made food for play or show check out GoBuggy

My favorite item of GoBuggys is the gyoza in a steamer, mmmm how i do love gyoza!!

2008-01-27T21:28:00.000-05:00

have fun with the members of fest

2008-01-03T21:01:00.000-05:00

if there is one thing i love its art glass , all kinds all shapes. here is a new to me etsy seller all i can say is wow his pendants are great. the shop is hagstromartglass
i think the one i like best is the jelly fish pendant

p.s. happy new year!!

2007-12-29T10:15:00.000-05:00

Well here is an item I ordered on etsy for my son, made by tinaseamonster
my son saw her shirts and had wanted one to wear when he deejays, now he can.
I ordered late and thanks to Tinas fast shipping it was here for christmas!
She also packed some extra goodies in my package, what fun it was to see her items up close and personal!!
Thanks Tina!!!
Another Excellent Etsy Seller!!!

2007-12-26T19:02:00.000-05:00

Todays highlight is hand painted goodies by JuJu Designs Her hand painted baby items are original and adorable, almost makes me want to find a baby to put these items on!!!

Baby shoes of all types.

Clothing for boys and girls.

2007-12-23T23:16:00.000-05:00

Todays item of the day is hand dipped incense by mizombie With 70 different scents and sample packs you can always find what you want in this shop. If you dont see it in the shop send a convo.

2007-12-20T21:36:00.000-05:00

Todays item of the day is something that I have personally used.By Pegasus Handmade Soaps, its her Shea Butter Vegan Lip Balms. They dont melt coming thru the mail to Florida.
They taste yummylicious!!! My favorites are the chocolate and the banana!!
Michelle is a great seller to deal with and she ships very fast!

2007-12-17T09:56:00.000-05:00

who needs a rocking horse when you can have a ROCKING DRAGON!! for the child with fanciful dreams! The adult who wishes they could live in another time and place?
this one of a kind is hand made by Procyonidae

2007-12-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

well today i couldnt find just one item from the shop i picked. i would like to have it all, i am sure you would also!!
the shop i am talking about is magickalrealism

Magickal Realism Natural Perfumery: the Temple of Fumes

You have your choice of 62 samplers like the creativity sampler

aromatherapy such as Rub Me All Over Massage Oil

there are many fine products in this shop.
hope you enjoy browsing and shopping with magickalrealism

2007-12-14T16:38:00.000-05:00

Item of the day today is by covertocover
He makes journals out of album covers and sleeves for the journals out of the actual album. My personal fav is the one made out of the poison album.

Take a look thru the shop. Heart things you like, buy what you love!

2007-12-13T11:30:00.000-05:00

Todays item of the day comes from fioretta designs I think of her shop as simple elegance. Simple, clear, elegant.

She makes custom birth announcements as well as holiday cards. I am sure she would be up to any custom card task you could find for her.

2007-12-12T10:04:00.001-05:00

Hmmm seems I already missed a day on my item of the day. slacking I suppose.

Todays item comes from artisanimpact
these guys have awesome hand crafted jewelry in their shop. I am not a fan of trendy jewelry sparkly bling costume jewelry, you wont find any of that in this shop. It was hard for me to pick just one item from this shop.

I love rose gold , I loooooooooove opals.

This one is on my wish list for sure!!
Get yourself a cup of tea and browse this shop you will be amazed at the workmanship of the items.

2007-12-10T15:39:00.000-05:00

Item of the day december 10 is from PhriendlyK8 Its her Magical Mermaid Dress
Who doesnt want to live in a fantasy world for a bit. If this one isnt your size you can convo her to see if she can make one custom for you.

2007-12-09T14:11:00.000-05:00

There is so much to love on etsy. There are so many great artisans and crafters there that never get seen.

So I have decided to do an item of the day. Every day show off an item from one persons shop that has given me permission to use their images and link to their shop.

Todays item of the day is from ascrappydesign
I think her sleigh ride card is adorable as is the rest of her shop. Who doesnt like handmade cards.

How?

2007-11-30T14:07:00.001-05:00

How will santa get in the house????

With a magic key of course.
I dont usually get too excited about embroidery designs but....
I saw this design at embroidery garden and had to have it. It stitches out really well. Doesnt take forever to do the 2 pieces.
The item is sold using embroidery gardens permission to sell the finished product.
Thread colors can be changed to your choice of color.
All items I put here in my blog are available at my etsy shop. www.auntifranni.etsy.com

2007-11-28T19:40:00.000-05:00

Well its been a month since I last posted. Its been getting busy between craft fairs (2 failures) leaving items at the quilt shop and etsy.
Today I finally got around to making something different, well not totally they are still candycane holders but different shapes. A cat, pig and monkey. I think the piggy is the cutest.

Rob came in tonite and asked do you really make money selling those things????
Would I be wasting my time making them if I didnt?????????? MEN!!

craft fair

2007-10-30T20:14:00.000-04:00

the craft fair was a bust. average age of the people that came in was about 70. i think they came in for the churches cheap lunch!! i sold a golf towel and an eyeglass case and that was it so after paying for lunch and my table i came away with 0.00!
here are a couple items that i had taken with me. will post pix of onesies that i did for the fair later.

well

2007-10-26T08:36:00.000-04:00

it has been quite a week or so.
my machine started shredding thread as i am getting ready for a craft fair.
so while in the quilt shop the owners husband says he does tuneups. so i said ok
and brought it in on thursday last week.

get it home friday no time to stitch, saturday we go house hunting, sunday we clean up get ready for the week and i do a little stitching and the tension is off. shut it down thinking maybe its me and monday its doing the same thing and the more i try to do things on it the worse it gets. so back to the quilt shop with the machine and samples of whats going on.

we decide to call randy the local repair guy and that is the last i have heard about my machine. today is friday.... tomorrow is craft fair.....

what i did was go to walmart and buy their cheesy brother embroidery machine, its way slower and only does a small size but it got out of a jam. 2 days steady sewing and i am nearly ready for the craft fair. not all the items i wanted to take but some.

today after my drs appt i will stitch a couple waterbottle can and coffee koozies for samples and then finish pricing everything.

wish me luck for tomorrow and for getting my machine back!!!

its over

2007-09-11T22:47:00.000-04:00

Well the wait is finally over. For those of you who have asked for a strap for your water bottle I have finally made them. They can be made in the ribbon of your choice, or poly webbing which is much stronger, that comes in dark green ,navy, white and black. 3.00 plus shipping.

sale

2007-08-30T12:23:00.000-04:00

I just saw that i have 300 hearts this week so i am going to have a 10% off sale Now thru friday the 31st at midnite 10% off every thing in my shop. please put 300 hearts in notes to buyer and wait for a revised invoice

sale

2007-08-26T09:10:00.001-04:00

I went to the quilt shop to check what was on sale ..... everything 30% off!
while there i spoke to colleen the owner. she really liked the water bottle koozies and said i could put my items in there as she doesnt have much in the way of gifts.. anyone have any ideas for quilty themes to put on the koozies???

Coffee koozies

2007-08-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

Go green, buy a reusable coffee sleeve for your go cup!! lol

Colors available now are 1 each of neon blue , fuschia, crimson , light pink, yellow, brown and neon green. Other colors can be ordered off the color the color chart , it does take an extra week for delivery on the ones i have to order.

order done

2007-08-14T19:03:00.000-04:00

took 2 days hard work , 2 trips to joanns and michaels but its finally done. never again will i take big order like this so close to the date it has to be shipped.

my order

2007-08-13T20:59:00.000-04:00

showed up today, yahooooooooooooooo

so in 3 hours i monogrammed 22 can koozies and one coffee koozie.

what a relief. tomorrow i can put the ribbon on and stitch up the sides and have this order hopefully shipped tomorrow afternoon.

nic of course isnt packing ... why would you want to pack? you are only moving out in 2 days and have to work tomorrow. makes sense to me.

some new koozie pix from over the weekend, yeah of course i need better pix on some of them . i cant sell licensed designs they are only for personal use. sorry.

well

2007-08-12T10:36:00.001-04:00

saturday came and went no koozies , i am gonna be sick if they dont show up on monday. i hate last minute rush jobs!

today

2007-08-09T16:33:00.000-04:00

Today I got an order for 22 custom drink koozies. Have to wait for the blanks to come in so that I can get started. Bought some ribbon for them today just to be ready. Hopefully they will be here Saturday or Monday. Sure hope so the order has to go out by Thursday the latest because she needs them by the 20th. Dont have any time to work on it on Wednesday because Nicole is moving into her new apartment that day. More on that another time!

august heat

2007-08-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

well the heat right now is a killer 90 plus degrees every day.
doesnt leave much room for motivation at all, stitching or blogging.

I did an order for someone for 2 chapstick cases and another order for a purse flap with the persons etsy name on it.
need something new to make for the shop but not really feeling it. dont know what to make.

the koozie order has taken a week now, way too long. but then there will be new things to make, got some long neck beer bottle koozies and coffee cup koozies.

blah

2007-08-01T21:16:00.000-04:00

well today was a wipe out.

went with nicole to get her hair dyed , took almost 3 hours.
her hair was a mess, it turned red and brassy from the last dye.
so a color remover, color , 2 toners and she is now more strawberry
blonde than blonde but she will live, at least she isnt brass!!

then was the deli for lunch meat cuz they are cheaper than the food store.

then the food store for bread to go with the lunch meat.

home to make dinner and then walgreens to get my ink cartridge refilled. it works so if anyone is wondering if its worth it go for it. 10.00 for black refill.

came home and printed directions for rob for his job interview tomorrow. wish us luck!!

monday

2007-07-30T19:11:00.000-04:00

Well up till this past weekend I had been a major slacker.

I did get busy tho and post new items to my shop.

I also finally did hand towels for my nephews.

A couple of the new keychains.

Remember to convo or email me for any ideas for items you may have that arent in my shop.

Its saturday

2007-07-14T18:16:00.000-04:00

Well I never got back here yesterday I was so busy.... I did get to make 3 candycane holder mice. They came out so cute.

Today my parents are here mom needs a baby gift so I am working on a baby blanket for her. Pix to come.

tgif

2007-07-13T06:43:00.000-04:00

ok feeling better today will post anything i make later.

today

2007-07-11T12:05:00.000-04:00

today i feel crummy. trying to get up energy to do some stitching.
think i will go out and read for a bit. bbl