Make it Monday USA Tshirt and Fairy House

I am late, again, even later than last week. I did do these on Monday, just couldn't get time to post about it. The fairy house, is an upcycled plastic popcorn container. I bought that container on purpose because the plastic was so hard, and I knew I would make it into a fairy house, or a garden solar light. See my store for all the details.

 Second is a hand painted USA/patriotic God Bless the USA tshirt, youth size large. Great for back to school. Also see in my Etsy store for all the details.

 I am unsure what I will be doing for this next Monday, but it will probably be Art, lol.

Make it Monday- Wednesday Version

I actually did make this on Monday, lol, but due to having family in town didn't have time to post. The second bracelet is blue and white with a seahorse charm. That one is not shown because it is a birthday gift. The one shown is a leather wrap bracelet with pink glass pearls, and brown glass beads with a cute teddy bear button closure. Great gift for a teen or tween, friend gift, back to school, etc. Please note for ages 12 and older only. To see this bracelet, or shop any of my other items, visit my Etsy shop.

Time To Go Back to School and Halloween

This week, for my Team Support and Promote member feature, I am doing a double theme.  Since I don't want to forget about all the lucky kiddos going back to school, I decided to do that theme, and Halloween.  You can't ever start thinking about Halloween too early.  To visit each Etsy shop, simply click the highlighted link under each picture.  Come back again next week to see more beautiful handmade items.

Shelleyscrochetole offers this adorable pug tote bag, perfect for back to school. 

Next, from Conniesquiltfabrics, is this skull fabric sold by the yard.  Make something awesome for back to school, or Halloween. 

Missy69, offers this adorable wood burned Halloween picture frame.  Perfect for school picture, or baby's first Halloween.

Want to make some adorable back to school clothes, or bags?  Then check out this fat quarter fabric bundle from, FabricsandFrills

If you are a preschool, or elementary school teacher, then you need zoo animals in your classroom.  Check out this pdf pattern from MsPDesignsUSA, and make this for your classroom.

Last but not least, from SticksnStonesgifts, are these adorable skull Halloween napkins for school lunch box.  Awesome!

Picasso Painted Flip Flops Wear Your Art on Your Feet and A Painted Shower Curtain

This is the fourth pair of painted flip flops I have done. This pair, for whatever reason was the most difficult. I painted over the roses, didn't like them, painted over the pumpkins didn't like them, so then I decided to go for an abstract look. I love Picasso faces! They are so unique and interesting. So, I painted some Picasso inspired faces on these flip flops, and I love them. I will definitely have to do other sizes, and different face shapes. They are so interesting. These are a size small, and will be available in my Etsy shop on this Friday, August 13th.

 Also, today, I finally got to paint my shower curtain. If you follow this blog, then you know back in March I painted my whole bathroom, in reds and pinks, with white flowers. Even the shower walls got painted. So, of course I wanted a new shower curtain. Sorry, but I am not spending 40 dollars on a shower curtain. So, I painted my own. Now, I have to say this is not exactly what I wanted, but it will suffice for now. I had to spread it out on the front porch, which was incredibly hot even at 11 AM. Then I had to keep it stretched with my feet, while standing on it. My neighbors must have thought I was nuts, especially since I had my bathing suit on. That was on purpose, lol. I knew I would be hot and sweaty, so when finished I got in the pool. I used acrylic paint, and sealer, and it is hanging in the bathroom right now. I attempted some flowers, but eh I didn't like them at all on the rough wood surface of the porch. Next time I attempt this, I will lie it out on the old dining room table and go in sections. It did instantly brighten up the bathroom, and it looks quite lovely in there.

Etsy Christmas in July is Over

Well, the Etsy Christmas in July event is over.  I had three sales during the time period my coupon was running, about one month.  That is very good.  This is my first year participating in the Christmas in July event, and as long as I have the time I will do it next year too.  It is a lot of time, and work, and I didn't get to put in as much time as I would have liked to, but still a success.  Thank you to all the Etsy shops who participated, and supported each other.  I hope they all had some sales too.  Now, it is time to start getting my creative juices flowing for back to school, and Halloween.  Monday, is my day to paint, and wood burn, so I will be doing something new with those two mediums.  I also started an adorable Halloween baby bear costume for an infant boy, or girl.  I can not wait to see how it comes out.  I also have to get our homeschool portfolios together, that is a week project at least.  I guess I will be busy.  That is good, because it is too humid and icky to be outside.  You can always check out my shop by clicking the My Etsy Store widget, in the left hand column.  I offer free USA shipping, layaway, and of course custom requests.

Time For Some Changes

March has already proven to be an interesting month.  Some in a good way, and some not so good.  My 6 month experiment for Ebay vs Etsy is done.  I have made some observations and conclusions.  Yes, I did sell on Ebay. Not a ton, but more than I have on Etsy.  But, my fees were substantially higher, and though handmade items can be sold on Ebay, customers there are not willing to pay for what you think your hard work and effort is worth.  You don't really have to advertise your goods on Ebay, that is taken care of for you.  With Etsy self promotion is extremely important, and needed.  Etsy listings last three months, Ebay only 30 days for store listings.  So, with all that said my Ebay store will be closed as of April 1st.  My inventory will slowly be moved back to Etsy, and some will be saved for gifts and donations for the needy.  I have several items ready to be donated, I just have not had time to prepare them to be shipped.  I will use Ebay still, for an occasional awesome auction, and to sell used clothes and other items we no longer want or use. 

I will be going back to school, shortly.  That means I will have substantially less time for creating new items.  I have a huge inventory anyways, so that might not be a bad thing.  I will continue to paint when I can, but crocheting and jewelry making will probably go by the way side.  I will continue to blog, and add cool tutorials and info, so that won't change.  My Jewelry in Candles experiment also didn't work out, so that will be removed from the blog as well.  My Etsy store widget will be added once again. 

I think that is it for now.  Have an awesome weekend!

Team Support and Promote Blogs With Me

This is a new feature that I have started on the Team Support and Promote threads on Etsy.  If you would like to join the group, just click the link and apply to join.  This week I have three lovely, handmade products to share with you.  Great for gift giving, or treat yourself.  I will be doing this team thread, for bloggers, at least once a month, and will try to get in two a month.  The first item would be awesome for back to school, those who like to buy and donate to Operation Christmas Child or maybe your local schools.  The second item, is actually a painting done by me of a Monarch butterfly.  Give it to the butterfly lover in your circle.  Shelley's adorable hand towel with delicious citrus fruits would look lovely in any kitchen.  Click the links below each product to visit their stores, and purchase, or window shop.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/175737222/crabs-beach16-crayola-crayons-coloring?ref=teams_post

https://www.etsy.com/listing/158029022/original-monarch-butterfly-reflection?ref=teams_post

https://www.etsy.com/listing/194307180/kitchen-towel-summer-fruit-towel-crochet?ref=teams_post