Happy Halloween

Thrify Thursday

Today's score is just right for this time of year. In late October and early November our weather is cold in the mornings and evenings but a bit more tolerable during the mid-day. So layering is the key to comfort. Today at a local thrift shop I found a camel colored cable knit cardigan sweater by Ralph Lauren. In mint condition. For $2.95. If I didn't want it for myself I'd have bought it just to put on eBay! I think I'll wear it tomorrow. At least until we go to the Halloween parade...
What treasures have you uncovered recently?

Wednesday Welcome: Bella Gia

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's Wednesday Welcome goes out to BellaGia of Tampa, FL. The detail on these mosaics and paintings is wonderful! Take a look:

I'm in awe that she can get this done while caring for two little ones at home. Makes me feel like a bit of a slacker. Time to go sew!

When I Win the Lottery

If a bag of money suddenly fell into my lap I'd take care of all of our practical needs and then I'd buy myself this gorgeous ring made by Firefall Studios of Colorado Springs, CO. I found it while doing a search for peridot and amethyst; these are my children's birthstones.


What would you do with a windfall?

Meet CREST

The Capital Region Etsy Street Team, CREST, is holding its first group sale this week, starting today, Monday, October 27, 2008. All of us live and create in the Washington, DC area. We have many talented artists and crafters offering you special deals to get your holiday shopping started right.

Please visit the following etsy shops and read their shop announcements for further sale details. You can also run a search on etsy for the tag "etsycrestsale" to view just some of the items being offered.

If you have any questions, please contact the individual shops.

Happy shopping!

AlmondWorks
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all items in my shop and a Thank you gift will be sent with each order. Attn Buyer: please mention "Crest" or "EtsyCrestSale" in "note to seller" and please wait for a revised invoice.


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anaramon
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Most items will reflect 20-50% discounts!
Free pair of hair pins on orders over $25 when you write "CREST" in the notes to seller section!


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AngiesOthers
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all week, wait for invoice.


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atelierdesigns
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off all Holiday Cards, Tags, and Stickers


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babus
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off all items


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bodil0331
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all items. Sale prices are already marked in each listing.


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BrigaBauble
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off select items. Free shipping on two or more items.


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DebbyAremDesigns
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
In honor of my 1st year anniversary in DebbyAremDesigns (October 30th) I'll be giving away 1 free bookmark for all orders $15 and above (one offer only per customer).
10% off total sale -not including shipping.
Please leave "etsycrestsale" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice as prices in shop do not reflect the discount.


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donnapool
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
25% off all puzzle balls and photographs in my shop. Buyer's should wait for a revised invoice before paying.


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dottyral
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off Cotton Emery Pincushions and Pincushion Rings.
Sale prices are not marked. Please put "CREST" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice.


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DragonRags
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off everything. Refund or wait for adjusted invoice.


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erzulimojo
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off plus free shipping for two or more items.


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EurekaEureka
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off total sale -not including shipping.
Please leave "etsycrestsale" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice as prices in shop do not reflect the discount.


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frenchroast
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off items in a special Sale section.


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generationsmomnbaby
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off everything.


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GenerationsTieDye
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off everything.


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GlowNGlass
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
In addition to a 15% discount for purchases over $20, I will throw in a set of "wine glass jewelry" for any purchase over $50.00. The wine glass tags are a set of fused-glass baubles to help your guests keep track of their wine stem at your party.
Please put "CREST" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice.


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herbanlifestyle
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off everything


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JellybugArtworks
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all week. Revised invoices will be sent.


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katiejean
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off all items. Please leave "crestsale" in note to seller.
Items are not discounted, please wait for an updated invoice.


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laurenmc18
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off all purchases for the entire week! To redeem the discount, just add your LMNOProducts purchase(s) to your cart, begin the checkout process, and choose "Other" as your payment method. In the Buyer's Note box, mention that you would like to take advantage of the EtsyCREST Sale discount. I will then send a revised PayPal invoice reflecting the 15% discount.


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LincolnParkStudio
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
During the sale period, FREE additional painting! With every custom painting order receive an additional painting at no additional charge ($90 value)


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maggiesuedesigns
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
25% off all items.
Type "CREST" in the message to seller section and wait for a revised invoice.


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MagpieCollections
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off all items(free shipping on purchase of more than $50)!!!
Please leave note to seller on message box.


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maryellendoran
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Enjoy 20% off my entire collection of hand crafted sterling silver chain and gemstone jewelry.


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NovemberAir
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off sale on everything.
Prices will be adjusted in the listings, so there will be no waiting.


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Organidog
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Purchase any variety our our organic dog treats through our Etsy shop and receive a dozen Fleas Navidad treats free. Just mention "CREST" in the "message to seller" section.


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OhSewUnique
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off select items. Free shipping on two or more items.


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penelopedesign
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all items. Prices already adjusted in the listings, so no need to wait for a revised invoice.


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sararosetutus
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off of most items. Items will be tagged EtsycrestSale. The item prices reflect the sale prices for the duration of the sale. Sale items labeled EtsyCrest Sale.


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SudsNSuch
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off. Wait for a revised invoice.


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tarabu
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% any purchase and free shipping on two or more items, including custom orders.


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undefinedvillage
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off entire inventory. ATC free gift with the purchase of a photographic print.


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UnusualFelineObjects
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Along with 20% off everything, I offer the following to those who mention etsycrestsale in notes to seller:
- Above the $10 level, *International customers* will be given an additional 5% off. Please wait for a revised invoice and request shipping to your location before you pay and I will revise the listing for you.
- *U.S. customers* will be offered a choice of free items from my shop starting at the $10 level.
- Above the $20 level my U.S. vintage buyers will be given free insurance and delivery confirmation to go with my actual shipping. Overages will be refunded.


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WildHoneysuckle
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10-15% off of most items. Items will be tagged EtsycrestSale. The item prices refelct the sale prices for the duration of the sale. Item descriptions also indicate price reduction.


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It All Starts Tomorrow

Get Ready, It All Starts Tomorrow

Yes, the CREST sale will run from 10/27 through 11/3. Each participating shop is offering their own sale, so be sure to go to Etsy.com and search for the term "etsycrestsale" to find all of the goodies we have on sale. My shop special will be listed in the morning~ c'mon back and check it out!!


In the meantime, here is my latest treasury list for your enjoyment:

Why I Love The Library

Because I love to read. Because it is free. Because it is close to home. Because I can use the Internet there if mine is down. Because I can take out an unlimited number of books for the kids when they are being picky. Because I can borrow CD's, DVD's and books on tape. Because they show free kids movies in the summer. Because librarians are great resources. Because I can read the current issues of my favorite magazines without subscribing. Because I can preview new craft books before buying.

Yesterday I picked up Amy Karol's current book. We crafty types know of her through her blog, Angry Chicken.

There are a ton of cute ideas in this book! Like a stuffed corduroy turtle that I might make for my nephew. She has included some great sewing tips for beginners and those with experience as well. I'm all about bending the rules whenever possible; and not just for sewing. I've always believed that cooking rules were made to be bent, although that might explain why some of the things I make are not really that enjoyable. As in barely edible. But I can bake pretty well!

If you have a recommendation for a great craft book, post it here!

BIG SALE

On Etsy, I'm a member of two "street teams", one of which is EtsyKids.
I want to let you know about a big sale the team is having today and tomorrow. Here is a blurb taken from the Storque:

The EtsyKids Team is one of Etsy's largest teams, with about 500 members! The EtsyKids Team is having a BOGO (Buy One Get One) sale, which will be Friday, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th, 2008. With over 175 EtsyKids shops participating, there's sure to be tons of great deals! For a list of all participating shops, see the EtsyKids blog. Each participating shop will have its own BOGO offer, so be sure to check individual shop announcements for the details. Check it out!

FYI, I'm not participating in the EtsyKids sale, but do watch for the CREST (Capital Region Etsy Street Team) sale starting on the 27th of October. I'll have a BIG SALE along with many other street team members that week.
Now go buy you kid some stuff!

New Arrival

New Arrival: The Cup Cozy

They have finally been photographed and are ready to find new homes. I am slowly listing them in my etsy shop, check back often to see new designs.
These environmentally friendly coffee cup sleeves provide a reusable alternative to cardboard sleeves. Plus you'll never have to worry which cup is yours since using an attractive cup cozy is the perfect way to personalize your cup! Made to fit standard 12 to 20 ounce coffee cups.
Each cup cozy folds up flat to be carried easily in a backpack, purse, or pocket. Made of 100% cotton fabric and lined with fleece. For best results machine or hand wash in cold water, air dry.
I have many other colors and themes available so if you're interested in seeing something else, just ask!

I've been using this one around town and have gotten some nice comments. Now I just need to channel my inner pushy salesperson and hand out business cards when people comment on my work. Sounds like an excellent excuse to have another Pumpkin Spice Latte or Caramel Apple Cider, Mmmmm!

Wednesday Welcome: Leatherwood Studio Arts

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states.This week's Wednesday Welcome goes out to Leatherwood Studio Arts of Stafford, VA. This leaf plate is decorative and food safe~ plus it would look great in my dining room!

For summertime decorating I'd enjoy showing off this blue ruffled Seashell Bowl:

Makes me wish I was heading to the beach right now!

Well, I didn't get those photos done that I had hoped to tackle. Along with the usual day to day stuff we all do; I worked on some more sewing projects AND I got a flu shot. As usual, it was a quick and easy process that is so important. Now two of the four of us in the family are done and my husband plans to get his at work in early November. That just leaves our 6 yr old, I'll have to get her an appointment at the pediatrician in the next few weeks. She is being worked up for possible asthma which makes her ineligible for the flu-mist. So injection it will be. Just don't tell her yet! Please consider getting vaccinated~ it is good for you and good for others!

I'm having a lazy day. Well, maybe a lazy couple of days. I did get a little bit of sewing done while the kids were at school, but I have a lot completed projects I need to photograph and I just haven't made it happen yet. I love the designing and creating part of my business, but not the marketing and selling parts. If I could just choose fabric and sew things without the rest of the work, I'd be a little happier.
I do enjoy meeting people face to face at craft shows~ it is a great thrill when someone stops by to tell me how much their best friend or their Aunt so-and-so loved the bag she bought from me last year. Repeat customers are good for the ego! Of course, meeting new people and new customers is also a very good thing :)
Maybe tomorrow will be a more productive day. It will be if I make it one!

More Treasury Goodness:

Friday Favorites

I'm not a big fan of cold weather. Today was a breezy day in the mid 60's, and I had to put the heat on here at home. Once I feel chilled I stay that way for hours. I wander around the house in layers upon layers of clothes while everyone else in the family is comfortable in their t-shirts. Last December I made a smart purchase: fingerless gloves! Now my hands can stay warm while I type. I bought mine (on Etsy of course) from Cofygirl. They are charcoal gray with pretty flower and button embellishments. They are felted from an up-cycled merino wool sweater! Here's a peek:

Here are two others for your consideration: hand knit pink and white wool fingerless gloves by Secondseed of Rochester and handmade purple laced fingerless gloves made of wool and bamboo by Ohmay of San Francisco.

What will you do to keep warm as the temperatures drop? I'm looking forward to drinking hot chocolate in front of the fireplace in a month or two!

My Latest Treasury:

Wednesday Welcome: Southern Crafts

Today I discovered a brand new card shop on Etsy. If you check out Melanie's blog you'll see she is much more than a greeting card maker. I don't know if "scrapbooking wiz" is the correct title she has earned, but she has won awards, been published, and is a talened designer. Here is a small sample of her shop offerings:

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Happy Columbus Day

The kids were home from school for the holiday today. Our son had a friend sleep over last night so he was tired and cranky today. Plus I had scheduled his yearly check-up at the doctor where it turned out he needed a booster shot that we were not expecting. Then to add insult to injury, I forced him to go to the Hair Cuttery for a long overdue trim. Once those errands were done, we collected his sister from her play date, went home, rounded up our 2 cats and hauled them to the vet for their annual check-ups. They both cried in their carriers for the entire 15 minute drive to the office. Two exams, four shots, and $224 later we were on our way home.
I am grateful that we can afford medical care for our kids and pets while so many people today are struggling to provide the basics.

"No longer forward nor behind
I look in hope or fear;
But, grateful, take the good I find,
The best of now and here."
--John Greenleaf Whittier

Truth or Rumor?

I have heard that there is such a thing as a person who actually enjoys cleaning. Must be an urban legend. I mean really, what could be enjoyable about scrubbing toilets or vacuuming stairs? I don't know who to give credit to for the image below, but it really sums up the concept from my point of view. Hopefully your weekend was filled with real fun!

I just joined Twitter. Does that make me a twit? You "follow" other people to read their comments, sort of like tons of tiny blogs showing up at once. Every time I click "follow" on someone's profile, I feel like a stalker. Hmm... maybe if I give it a little more time I'll figure out how to use the site to my advantage. Word of mouth advertising usually works pretty well :)
http://twitter.com/maggiesuedesign

Friday Favorites

Everyone has a few things they like to collect, right? I'm not talking about baseball cards or stamps (although I do have my childhood stamp collection packed up around here somewhere, I saw it when we moved. In 2004.). One of the things I enjoy collecting, in addition to fabric of course, is buttons. Old, new, big, little, colorful or plain, they're all welcome here. My collection of buttons looks really nice in a pretty glass jar on a shelf in my sewing room.

Here are some examples of what other people are making with buttons: bouquets! No, I didn't just figure that out, I've admired them for a while. That is why I've chosen button bouquets as my "Friday Favorite" this week. Top photo credited to KreatedbyKelly of Indianapolis, IN. Center photo credited to efgunited of Jacksonville, FL. Bottom photo credited to butterflymosaics of Southgate, MI.

Thrifty Thursday

Today, on my way home from taking a Jazzercise class, I stopped in at a thrift store to see if I could find a small witch hat to go with my daughter's Halloween costume. No luck with the hat, but I did get myself a sweater for $2.99. Normally I wouldn't spend that much in a thrift store for one article of clothing, but this sweater has never been worn and still has the price tag attached (it was originally $54!). If I had better photography skills; you'd be able to see the wonderful eggplant color of the sweater. It also has a pretty chenille fringe around the neck and at the bottom. Here is a peek:

Wednesday Welcome: The Little Mushroom

Wednesday Welcome: A new feature

So I mentioned that this is a new blog. I want to have regular features so I am starting with "A Wednesday Welcome". Each week I'll use the Pounce feature on Etsy in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states.

This week I'm sending out a welcome to thelittlemushroom. Here are some of the goodies from their shop: You can also check out their blog here.

I like curating treasury lists on Etsy. It is a great way for me to discover shops I might not have seen otherwise. Today I did a search for blue, brown, and red. This is what I came up with:

Hope you like it too. But the neat thing is that when I was trying to remember how to get a screenshot of it, I found out about thumbalizr. It has some cool features that I have not even explored yet. Of course it is free or I probably wouldn't have tried it out. Maybe you'll give it a try some day?

BEWARE: Newbie Blogger On The Loose!

I've been putting it off. I don't know why. I love to read other people's blogs. So maybe they'll enjoy reading mine? We'll see...

Here's a little about me:
My name is NOT Maggie Sue, it is Meredith! Maggie Sue is an old nickname.
I'm a former RN who left the workforce to be at home with our kids. I'm a mother of two and a wife of one.
I am self-taught at sewing and have developed quite a fabric addiction. One day a few years ago, around this time of year, I was preparing to buy Halloween costumes for the kids. I knew that if I could just sew a straight line like a hem at the bottom of some fabric, I could make at least part of a costume. Well, needless to say time got away from me and we bought costumes. But soon after that I did buy a cheap Singer sewing machine (under $100) and that is when it all started. A few months later, after getting a few compliments on a particular handbag that I had made for myself, I got started thinking about selling bags. And that is the basic story of how my shop came to exist in the fall of 2005. I joined Etsy.com in the Spring of 2006. I do occasionally have a booth at local shows, I'll be sure to blog about any upcoming events!

Hi! Thanks for stopping by. This brand new blog is "under construction" so please check back in the near future to see what shows up!