Etsy Christmas in July 2016 Starts on July 1st

I almost forgot about the Etsy Christmas in July Event.  I participated last year, for the first time.  I will be having a store wide sale, with 10% off.  You can use EtsyCIJ2016 at cash out, or if you forget it should automatically deduct it for you.  But, don't worry if it doesn't for some reason, I will be contacting customers with the good news about the extra savings.  This year I am trying to create all new Christmas theme items, for this event.  You don't have to do a Christmas theme, but what fun.  I have already finished a baby blanket, and working on some more items, including jewelry, some painted table decor, and maybe a few more tidbits. 

Christmas in July runs from July 1st through July 10th.  Start your Christmas shopping early.  I will be sharing my items, as well as items from the team.  You can always find my shop by clicking the My Etsy Shop banner, on the left hand side of this blog.  I do custom orders as well, and I am pretty sure I can have them done by Christmas, especially if you order now, lol. 

Stay tuned~  My 30 day art challenge will start after the Christmas in July event is over. 

Slippers Are Done and New Art Jars and Gift Bag

I finished all the slippers, finally. You would think slippers were easy. No, not so much. But, now that I think I have the pattern memorized I can do them lickity split. The ones for my son are camo, mine are a varigated yarn, and my daughter's are pink, though they don't look pink in the picture. My regular camera is not behaving, so I have been using my cell. Sometimes it takes awesome shots, and other times not so much. I will take more once I get it figured out. These will be listed in my Etsy store as custom orders. You can pick any color and size you would like me to do them in. They are extremely warm, but a little slippery so I wouldn't recommend them for the elderly or very young. I have not painted on bottles, in a very very long time. I came across these two jars, and instead of throwing them away, I decided to add some art to them. They both were painted with a base coat of two layers of black paint. Then the tall jar got three snowmen, and the saying Most of My Friends are Flaky written on it. I thought that was so cute. I wanted to put lights in this and give it as a gift. When I added the lights the snowmen just looked scarey, so I will be keeping this one for something, or if I can find a top to fit it I can add wine to it. The second one is titled New Years in Florida.  As you can see Mr Snowman is enjoying the fireworks on the beach under a palm tree.  How cute!  I am going to fill this one with M&M's and give it as a gift.  Last, but not least, is my first New Years, painted gift bag.  Now these, even though dated 2014 will be prototypes in my store for future years, if they don't sell out this year.  This one was not exactly as I visioned, paint numbers smaller, just take my word for it.  I used glitter glue to add some beauty to it.  I like it. 

My Very First Painting Done on Canvas White Peacock

All right I finally broke down, and did my first painting on canvas. I am not sure I like canvas. It is smoother, and the paint flows much easier and nicer. So the texture is great. However, as I am painting this, I am thinking, how do I keep it clean. At least when I paint on Acrylic paper, and then frame it, the glass and frame protect the painting from dust and dirt. How do you keep a canvas painting clean? I have paintings on canvas, that I have purchased. They are always dirty and I hate it. You can't really clean them very easily. Also, I noticed that canvas is not all that sturdy. I had two canvases, and accidentally put a small tear in the second one. I didn't even apply hardly any pressure or strain on it to cause the tear. So, no I am not thinking I like canvas better. It is not more affordable, but it is somewhat more convenient because it is ready to hang, where as my others have to wait until I choose and purchase a frame. Now, back to the painting. This is the second of this painting. The first was a practice, and was quite lovely too.  It is a White Peacock with black background.  The first one was done on acrylic paper, and will be in my Etsy store soon. This one is on 8x10 canvas and I used a little bit of a different technique to enhance the feathers a little bit more. I really like it. This canvas one is a Christmas gift for a very special friend of mine. Tell me what you think.

Steelers Colors Blanket

I feel like I have been neglecting this blog. Not because I haven't been being crafty, that is not true. I continue to paint, crochet and make jewelry. I just don't have time to blog, LOL! I am glad Christmas is over. One of my painted ornaments sold and I was very excited about that. I also sold one of my painted spray bottles, but somehow I misplaced it. So, instead of continuing to try and find it, I have refunded the money to the buyer. I can't imagine where it is. It is a small spray bottle, so I suppose it could have accidentally been put somewhere it shouldn't have. I have someone interested in a custom order, if I can find what she needs. I love custom orders, they are always a fun challenge. I just finished, tonight, this yellow and black crochet blanket, the colors of the Steelers, for my husband. It was supposed to be a Christmas gift. Oh well, I am only four days late. I had no idea how long a blanket big enough for a full grown man would take. It is real warm, and if you would like one, visit my Etsy store and click on the item to order yours to be custom made. Now, back to some baby cocoons. I love them, they are so cute! I will share some of my other creations soon. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!