Homespun from the Heart

Working again

2012-01-11T03:46:00.000-08:00

Between the shows ending, deadlines for orders and then trying to get ready for our holidays, I feel like the last month flew by! I started working again last week but keep getting sidetracked ;) I have been playing alot of dress up and Toy Story Memory the last 2 weeks - that's been much more fun than sewing.

Yesterday, my daughter asked me to measure her with my tape measure (I was measuring my dolls to list online); so I said "Wow you grew overnight in your sleep!" and she replied "Now that means you can teach me how to sew". I had just told her that she could learn when she was bigger - so, I better figure out a way to get her involved. I love that she wants to learn!

OK so new dolls coming soon - I am taking photo's off the camera now as I type. I have a few more to finish today; new faces help me get my creativity moving again.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

Only 10 days left until Christmas, the time is flying by! I have been getting ready here - still finishing decorating, need to bake and wrap gifts but trying to enjoy the little moments. I am taking my daughter to see Santa for the first time next week :)

Before the time sneaks by I wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I had this holiday card designed by my friend Kelli of http://digiscrapsandprintables.com/store/ I think it came out so cute! I hope you like it :)

I have some new plans for 2012 and look forward to sharing them with you soon!

New Christmas added

2011-12-09T11:37:00.001-08:00

I added quite a few new Christmas dolls and mice... sneak peek :) They are over on my website right now! I am offering free shipping to those on my mailing list - if you want free shipping (within the US) email me to find out how!

New Pattern - Nativity and Advent Celebration

2011-11-28T03:54:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share my newest pattern with you! I have been wanting to do more spiritual patterns and this is the first of many more to come. A good friend was over one night and we were talking about Advent, she completely inspired me to get this one out of my head :) We both love it and I hope you do too!

You can create it with just Mary, Joseph & Baby Jesus or add the optional manger, straw and printout about doing good deeds throughout advent for a soft bed for baby Jesus. A great tradition to start with your children or to use by yourself as a gentle reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

The pattern is on my website, here as a download (far left column) and over on Patternmart. Enjoy! and the finished set is on my website!

Oh and I will be adding more holiday items this week to my website. I've been working a bit since the last craft show and will have last minute gifts/dolls for sale shortly.

Craft show tomorrow - First Baptist Church

2011-11-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to let you know I will be at First Baptist church, 3235 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA tomorrow from 9am-4pm. It's their annual Holiday Boutique; I have some new items not listed online yet :)

Heading over to set up in an hour, i'll be sure to share pictures.

Also please check the new items listed on my website - i've been adding all week!

Craft show pictures

2011-10-31T04:39:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of my booth - i have so much stuff?! I think next year I will just buy 2 tables. I want to thank all of my customers who came out on Saturday - what a messy day it ended up being!!! I left at 6:45am and it was just raining.
Snuck away from my booth and peeked out the door at 11am to this:

At 1pm, the lights started flickering (LOTS of power outages still today!); and the director came by and said it was OK to pack up so we all did. And thank goodness for the kindness of a stranger - he helped me get alot of my stuff out through the slushy, snowy, wet parking lot and into my car. I was soaked and cold by the time I got in! And prayed the whole way home because the roads were a mess. Lots of tree branches down, the roads were very slippery.

By the time I got there at about 3pm, it looked like this out our back door:

A Few hours later, this was the view out the front. My daughter's swing was touching the ground within an hour of this picture! We lost at least one tree on our property, just split right in half from the weight of the snow. Yesterday morning, i saw red leaves floating by on top of the snow, what a weird sight :)

Anyway, so this week I will be adding some new things to my website. Here's a peek of 2 bigger things that will be listed by Friday:

Psssst - I did add a bunch of dolls yesterday, go peek if you want to grab them now!

Craft show today

2011-10-29T03:26:00.000-07:00

I guess it would have been helpful to post this a few days ago??
Today is the annual Holiday craft show at Northampton Community College, 9-3 in the Sparta Gym. I am against the far right wall, same spot as the Spring show if you came. I set up mostly last night but am heading in shortly to finish a few things, get pictures and go do a little shopping. I never get to browse so I'm hoping to do that this morning :)

OH and if you are coming, be sure to bring your snow brush as it seems we are getting a big storm today! I'll take pictures :)

Back from Letchworth Show

2011-10-12T03:56:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend!! I can't say how LUCKY we were with the most beautiful, picture-perfect weather this weekend. The leaves in the park seemed to change colors before our eyes, and the customers were out to shop and have fun. I had good sales, I am still smiling from all the nice comments on my work.

I didn't even finish setting up Saturday morning when I was mobbed with a big crowd (yay!), so I never got good pictures of my booth - I think I have one or two on my phone but not sure how they came out. I will check later and post if I have some.

I wanted to share info on some of the other vendors that were inside the building with me - we are a very interesting group, I saw most of them last year (which was my first year). We are all different as far as what we sell but a nice group of artists to share space with for 3 days!

One guy is an author - Mark Holdren: http://www.spiritwolf.info/AboutTheAuthor.htm. He writes about his adventures in nature (something my dad writes about too) so I enjoyed talking with him.
My neighbors are awesome; they are just so nice - we have alot in common and I have enjoyed their company 2 yrs. now. I am looking into doing some more shows they do in NY - check out this website: http://www.americandollboutique.com/americangirl.html Sandie really has a niche market and she is an excellent example of how to market your business.

There is another interesting author who writes about Ghosts; you walk into the building and he has a big sign "Got Ghosts?" he draws a huge crowd -we get to hear very intersting stories all weekend. http://www.amazon.com/David-J.-Pitkin/e/B001JS1TV6/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

This artist won for his category - congrats! http://www.elephantearstudio.com/home.htm He had some neat pottery, one thing called a yarn keeper for when you knit/crochet.

These folks have been doing the show a long time: DePonceau's Aluminum trays and House of Leather.

Well, Gabrielle & I got home late yesterday afternoon - she helped me unload a little bit. Now I have about 14 orders to fill between the show & website. And 4 more craft shows left this season. I will be starting work tomorrow - if you are waiting for me, I promise to work quickly but send lots of love with my dollies :)

THANK you to all of you who visited me. I am still smiling :)

Craft show "crazies"!

2011-09-15T19:11:00.001-07:00

Oy! I keep asking myself, do I really want to do that many craft shows/open houses? As I said yes to another today :) I really LOVE being around my customers and meeting new people, working on new projects. I LOVE it, it gets my creative juices flowing. I am just working like crazy and feeling the craft show crazies are taking over ;)

So I wanted to let you know some updates/changes to my schedule for local folks especially:
*Oct 8-10 - Letchworth in Mt. Morris, NY - GREAT 3 day outdoor show, I am inside (whew!) in a shelter.

*Oct 22 - Local home show in Easton, PA - if you want to come, email for more info!
*Oct 29 - Northampton Community College, Bethlehem PA
*Nov 5 - First Baptist Church, Bethlehem PA
* Nov 12 - conrad Weiser HS PA

If you are local and want any details on these shows to come, just email me!

In the meantime, if you don't hear from me for a few days, yes I am in craft-show-crazies!!

Reflection time today

2011-09-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

Wow the last few weeks have just been a mess around here with flooding from 2 storms 2 weeks in a row. I've had to relocate my office/work area upstairs - thankfully we didn't have too much damage the 2nd time; first time was worse but we were able to get the water out fast with a pump. So glad my husband was home to deal with alot of that, it would have been so much worse! I was feeling aggravated/annoyed with the whole thing (clean up is a pain, moving our furniture around, drying out the flooring, etc.).

Then, I saw these pictures today and realized how lucky we were the 2nd storm. If you have time to check these out:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/flooding-slideshow_2011-09-08?role=
I have to point out the one of the Gander Mtn. store - on my way to upstate NY I usually stop in Johnson City to eat lunch, there's a babies R us and a few great stores there that we go to, breaking up the trip. Binghamton NY is where I was born and I drive right through it to get to my family. And that is where I am heading in 3 weeks for my big show - Mt. Morris, NY.

There are many more photos I have seen on facebook, so much devastation in northeast PA. My heart breaks for those people who have lost their homes, businesses, family, pets, etc. it's REALLY bad in some areas.

I know today is a day of remembering for those who were lost 10 years ago; Believe me, my heart is heavy remembering exactly where I was when I heard the news. I lived in NJ at the time and I will never forget driving through neighborhoods with yellow ribbons around trees up and down the streets of those who were lost that day.

I am also remembering and praying today for those who are dealing with devastation from the recent weather, please join me for a moment today to send prayers and good thoughts to those dealing with this mess.

More dolls added!

2011-08-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

I finished adding most of what I had from the craft show - I am not done creating for the Halloween season though! I will be adding more as the weeks go by, this is my favorite time of year to create.

If you are on my email list, you got a special notice - free shipping to US customers. If you aren't on the list, go sign up and let me know so I can send you the code. I also give international customers a $5 credit towards shipping.

All orders will be processed I hope on Monday - we are waiting on hurricane Irene to arrive and have to make alot of preparations for flooding here. I am dreading it and praying we all are safe and sound when it gets out of here! If you are in the path, be safe!

Lots of new faces over on Homespun from the Heart

2011-08-17T14:53:00.001-07:00

I am adding new Halloween and regular dolls as fast as I can this week! My kiddo is in dance camp so I've been racing home to take photo's and upload to the website :)

Here's a little sneek peek of just a few face that you will see:

AND if you see something you like and want, please sign up for my mailing list! I will be offering free shipping only to my mailing list customers after I get everything in - I hope on Friday!

Back from Lititz

2011-08-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

I had a great day at Lititz again this year! I am still smiling from all of the talk and people loving my dolls :) It keeps me going on the days when I am here by myself talking to those dolls, wondering if anyone will like them. Thank you to my customers who visited me!

I am showing a few booth pictures. I never had a moment without a customer inside my booth - starting by about 6:30am. Which is good because.......

We did have some icky weather - around noon, it started sprinkling a little; doesn't sound bad but I use all the tent sides to hang things up so my dolls were exposed and everyone grabbed some and ran for cover! A little water will ruin them. UGH that was stressful! Then, at about 3ish the wind started picking up, we were looking at the dark gloomy sky and I called "DONE" haha. We packed up - I had 4 helpers, so it was in record time. I got the truck (got yelled at too for coming in early) and loaded FAST. We were in our cars when the sky opened up and dumped. I am so grateful I had so much help that we were able to get out before anything was damaged.

This is the awesome banner my friend Joanne made me - she's so talented! I actually got it hung up on time this year, YAY!!!!

This beautiful sign is something my friend Ree made, I had to put it in my booth, show our pride!

Something new this year, I had alot of different "theme" trees; suprisingly I sold Easter stuff! I will be sure to bring some next year too.

This is my Halloween tree, I love it - it's black, hard to see with the picture.

All the Halloween ornies I had for sale!

This little girl will be on my website VERY soon :)

Last week of epattern giveaway!

2011-08-07T03:28:00.000-07:00

Well, since I am in the last week of getting ready for the show and working ALL hours of the day starting early in the morning ;) I want to keep this week's drawing simple too. All you have to do to enter is be a follower of this blog - then, if you are interested in winning, just post a simple comment. Hi, I'd love to win a pattern; that's enough for me. If you have your own blog and would like to add a link to it in your comment for me and others to see, you can do that too. (but don't have to for entry, just a little promotion for you!)

This week's winner will be picked on Thursday night, so have your replies in by 5pm EST on Thursday. We will be crazy busy on Friday packing up.

I want to show pictures of some things I have for the show, maybe later in the week when Gramma gets here. Happy Sunday!

Winner for this week

2011-08-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Is Dawn aka AuntDeeDee :) Congrats Dawn, go pick your pattern & email me!

I will post the last week of free giveaway contest on Sunday. Enjoy your weekend!

This week's entry

2011-07-31T03:46:00.000-07:00

In case you are just tuning in, I am doing one free epattern giveaway each week leading up to my big craft show on August 13th. Each week, I am posting how to enter to win - so for this week, simply post a comment and tell me what your favorite movie is. Easy, right?

I will draw a name on Friday morning and notify the winner - winner gets her choice of any epattern of mine.

Good luck :)

OH and I am working on a quick and fun new pattern too! It may be ready for next week?! Let's hope so!

Today's winner!

2011-07-29T07:37:00.001-07:00

Is Kavetta, a long time loyal customer of mine! Congrats Kavetta, pick your pattern and email me :)

I will post the next contest entry on Sunday - I'm a busy bee today working; 15 days left til the big show, so alot of sewing to do. Enjoy the weekend!

Week 2 entry

2011-07-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed the entry info, it was part of the last post with the winner in it:

OK so week #2 - entry is simple again. What is your favorite Homespun From the Heart pattern? it can be one you have and made or just one that you like. I'll pick another epattern winner next Friday - everyone is eligible to enter (except the winners of this contest)!

I only saw a handful of comments, so I thought I'd repost. Drawing will be Friday morning :)

First week's winner!

2011-07-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

................. is Jessica! Just emailed you :)

Thanks for playing and I loved reading your comments - sounds like we are all balancing work and play this summer. Sometimes that's so hard to do, but I know for my own soul I need a little of each :)

OK so week #2 - entry is simple again. What is your favorite Homespun From the Heart pattern? it can be one you have and made or just one that you like. I'll pick another epattern winner next Friday - everyone is eligible to enter (except the winners of this contest)!

One month of FUN!!

2011-07-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

Since I have one month left until my biggest craft show, i thought I would have a little fun during that time :) I am going to give away one free e-pattern a week for the next month - leading right up til my craft show. I know I am not the only one crafting like crazy this time of year so why not share some of my designs with you?!

OK each week I will post the winner and how to enter for the upcoming week... VERY simple! This week, just reply and post a comment - how is your summer so far? Doing anything fun? Vacations? Swimming in the pool or just working? I will pick the first winner on Friday - July 22nd. Then announce the next week's question. SIMPLE and fun. Let's have some fun during our crazy time, I do love your comments so post away.

Oh yeah, you can pick ANY e-pattern I have - new or old. It's up to you :)

Awesome fun in Lancaster!!!

2011-07-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Just about every year, a whole group of us get together (whoever can make it that year) -- we've been to MO, IN and PA so far. Twice in Lancaster and we just got back from there again last weekend! We've met online through a community and most of us have online businesses or did at some point, remaining friends for a long time!

Here we are at In Grandma's Attic in Kinzers, PA - a must-stop on our list. Patti has lots of antiques, handmades, primitives, furniture and now a made-in-the-USA handmade wholesale room. We started here on Sat. morning and went on to lots of great places!

There's so much shopping to do in Lancaster, I never feel like we have enough time but I sure put a dent in my credit card ;)

I have more pictures to share when we get home from the beach. We left right for a family vacation!

Anyone working on Halloween yet?

2011-06-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

I have been working on Halloween and Fall for a while now getting ready for Lititz. I had this idea in my sketch book for at least a year now, well I finally put it to the test and am happy to say it's my newest pattern!

Meet Salem and Little Spook - thanks to my friends Cedara of Thru the Attic Door and Sherry of Annie's Cupboards for helping me name them :) So glad I have creative friends - I actually am surrounded by creativity and love it!! They inspire me!

Available today as an epattern from my website or over on Pattern Mart for instant download. I'll have the printed pattern available June 14th.

I'm working on several more patterns too - I forgot how much fun this is!

Have a great weekend!

I'm still here!

2011-05-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

I know I've been MIA - been so busy filling orders, stocking In Grandma's Attic in Lancaster.... and getting the sad news that my favorite local country/prim shop is closing. I've been selling at Country Roots for almost 5 years and last year, they were going to close and decided to give it another shot. Well I went back in January, and then they made the announcement in March. I am so sad, not just to lose an avenue for selling, but I will MISS the folks that work there and make me smile each time I drop off my items. I will keep in touch I know, but just feeling a bit blue.

I am also working on stockpiling for the BIG LITITZ show, I have a countdown on my phone for it... lol 85 days left. EEEK! I am revving it up a bit, since I haven't been putting stuff away for it.

Anyway, I wanted you to know I am around - you can always email me to see what is new! I hope to have a fun July promotion this year :) Some new plans are in the works for Homespun from the Heart!

TWO new patterns, not an April Fool's joke ;)

2011-04-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've released a pattern so I can joke about it right?! OK for my crafters who like to make Bunnies these 2 patterns are for you!

First is "Easter Tree" which includes a new bunny tree topper AND the ornies patterns to decorate your tree! I took this with me to a craft show and it was a big hit, most of those ornies are gone ;) This is fun for personal creation, a gift or to stock up for spring shows.

These two girls are Bunny Buddies - one in brown Chocolate and one in White Chocolate. So cute, I thought of at least 2 new outfits for the next set I make! They are 13" not including ears (which are poseable, so fun to create that way!).

You can find them on my website under Patterns or on Pattern Mart if you want instant download.

Now I am getting in the groove, let's see what comes out of my mess of a studio next week! Happy April 1st everyone!

Winners!!

2011-03-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

OK I made my hubby draw the winners. There are 2 winners - one from my mailing list that is Donna and the other from here and that is Mary. Congratulations to both of you! I emailed you for more information just in case you see this post first, check your email!

THANK you to all of you who signed up to follow my blog and for playing along with the contest.

Last few days to enter to win!

2011-03-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed it! You can still enter to win - only a few days left tho ;) Read this post to get full details on what I am talking about.

Also I've gotten a few emails asking when I will have new patterns and some more new dolls available. Well.... the best laid plans just never work out right?

Last week, while my husband was traveling (of course!), my daughter got really sick. Then my main computer where I do all my design work, have my software for creating patterns and editing photo's, etc. - the monitor blew. UGH! I haven't been able to figure out what was wrong with it in between taking care of the little one. So he is home now and promises to look at it this week. I do have a pattern in the making, one in my head, and a few Easter items to add. Soon I hope, soon!

I am desparately trying to get myself in the mood for spring, it's awful hard when you wake up to temps of 18* and a HIGH of 34? YUK! I will keep making bunnies and other spring things, hoping one day our weather will change (soon right??).

March is National Craft Month - giveaway!!!

2011-03-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

In honor of National Craft month, I am giving away one of my shabby pin keeps. It is made from hand-dyed wool and is very large, mounted on top of a candlestick base. You will love how many pins and needles you can keep organized in one place!

All you need to do to enter the drawing is sign up to follow my blog and then post a comment to this post. I will randomly draw one name on March 31st - the winner will receive their pinkeep in the mail shortly after that. I am including international friends too so please post away!

Happy Craft Month!

Craft show!!!

2011-03-07T16:45:00.001-08:00

This Saturday, March 12, I will be at Northampton Community College for their annual Spring Craft show. The show is from 9am - 3pm and held in the big gym - they have signs up on campus to direct you for parking & to the show. If you need directions or more info, click here:
http://northampton.edu/

I have bunnies galore :) And some dressed up mice, bowl fillers like egg bunnies, chicks, and bunny shelf sitters. A few egg sets and 2 trees with tree toppers, ornaments and lots of fun goodies! Most of my items are $15 and under; a few dolls a bit higher but mostly in a good price range to pick up some gifts or add to your spring decor.

PLEASE make sure you find me if you do come to the show! I don't know where I am yet but you will know my work when you find me :)

New Pattern release - Raggedy Ann & Ellie

2011-02-06T04:57:00.000-08:00

First design of 2011 is ready! Raggedy Ann and Ellie - just added to my website and patternmart. I hope you like her - so many possibilities with colors and finishes too. Right now, Joann's is carrying some Debbie Mumm elephant fabric that I used for dresses that works real well with this set. So have fun creating this one!

Adding free tutorials

2011-02-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

I get alot of questions on how to do things that are in most of my patterns; I thought I'd add some tutorials I have to my blog for you. They will be listed on the left side of my blog and each one is detailed with pictures. Some are mine and some are done by a friend or two :)

Sometimes seeing something visually helps everything 'click' into place for me, so I hope it will help you on your doll-making journey too!

Cabin fever plans

2011-02-01T04:48:00.000-08:00

We are getting another big storm today and tomorrow in the NorthEast - the funny thing is, when you watch the news pretty much everyone is affected (or was/will be) by this storm. Wow! It is huge and Mother Nature is unleashing it across the U.S. and into Canada!

I thought I'd try to beat some 'cabin fever' by making some new dolls over the next few days. My website is bare, it's embarrassing! I have neglected it - I want new dolls, new patterns, and I may have a new supply or two. I will get to work, I promise!!

Meanwhile, this is how the little one beat cabin fever during one of our last storms - playing with the kitty! That is how both of them stare at me while I work - wanting me to come play with them, which I do too :) Which is probably how nothing new is done! haha!

If you are experiencing this storm, I hope you are safe, warm and with power and loved ones for it!

Themed tree fun!

2011-01-18T07:35:00.001-08:00

I have been meaning to post these pictures since November, but thankfully I was too busy working :) I am always thankful for that!!

In case you didn't know, I sell my work at In Grandma's Attic in Lancaster, PA. Patti, the shop owner, is very talented in setting up beautiful displays. The shop has multiple buildings and she makes the best use out of every nook and cranny. This past season, she set up themed trees - lots of my ornies and tree toppers were used! Along with other crafters handmade items, these are my favorite prim trees around.

Gingerbread tree:
Snowmen tree: (I love the sitting snowman on the chair!)

And, of course my favorite - the Annie tree! Look at all those smiley faces :)

Patti is keeping some of these up all year round so if you are in the area, be sure to stop in and visit!

I sell alot of the ornies, dolls and tree toppers on my website: www.HomespunFromTheHeart.com and if you don't see it listed email me!

Great news!

2011-01-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

For all of my local customers, I am very excited to share that I am selling again through Country Roots in Brodheadsville, PA. You can visit them on the web: http://www.countryrootsinc.com/store/Default.asp if you are planning to be in the Poconos area of PA this is a wonderful country and primitive shop.

I sold with this store for almost 5 years; they decided last year to close all 3 of their shops. Then, thankfully the owners changed their minds and decided to just close 2 and keep this one open. I have been wanting to build enough inventory to get back in the store and yesterday I dropped off some new dollies :)

I look forward to great year with them!

January Pattern Sale

2011-01-04T03:59:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, safe travels if you visited and are getting back into the swing of routines again. I know we are! The holidays always seem to fly by even tho I try to sit back and relax, do things I want to do. So here it is January and I'm working on my business goals for 2011.

I am having an Epattern sale for January while I work on paperwork and setting my goals. All ePatterns are buy one, get one FREE. To order, add ONE to the shopping cart and proceed to checkout; in the comments section write the one you want for free (or email me afterwards). It's that easy! No limit - buy 2 get 2 free; buy 10 get 10 free.

This is for ePatterns only (sorry, there is a set cost for printing and mailing); if you order from Pattern Mart instant downloads, please email me your freebees. Thanks and HAPPY new year!

www.homespunfromtheheart.com - click on "Patterns"

Last week for shipping in time for Christmas!

2010-12-06T04:31:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let you know I am going to visit some family for a week, YAY! We leave Friday and will be gone for a week, so if you have anything you are wanting in time for Christmas be sure to place your order by Thurs. Dec 9th.

I will do free gift wrapping plus a card with a note inside (if you wish) to send to someone else on your Christmas list. Just let me know at checkout.

Anyone on my mailing list gets free shipping through Friday on all U.S. Orders! If you join the mailing list, send me an email to get the special code to use it for your order.

I do have lots of Christmas items left to choose from. Here is a sweet Holiday Bear set (all details on size, etc. are on my website):

A little boy Andy with his sweet puppy dog!

Someone has treats for Santa:

If you love dogs, this sweetie is in Scotty theme:

And this year, I have quite a few tree toppers! These are great for themed trees or little primitive trees to keep up year round. Each of these are custom made with your colors for the dress, so place these orders by Tuesday (12/7) to ensure they will be finished on time.

Upcoming craft shows

2010-10-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

For my local customers in Northeast PA and anyone in the surrounding area that wants to travel... here are details on my 2 shows coming up:

**Sat. October 30th from 9am - 3pm - Northampton Community College in Bethlehem PA (http://www.northampton.edu/ for directions). I will be in a hallway location, they filled up the gym spots so quickly - be sure to follow the signs for "more vendors" to find me.

**Sat. November 6th from 9am - 4pm First Baptist Church in Bethlehem PA (http://www.fbcchristmasboutique.org/ for directions). This is my first year at this very popular, juried craft show. I am very excited to be at this one!

Hope to see some of you there!

Pictures from Letchworth State Park craft show

2010-10-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

What a great craft show, I am looking forward to going back again next year! I was inside the shelter and was so glad - I had a great next door neighbor that I will blog more on later. The dollies & I were safe and sound inside too ;)

Beautiful view leaving my parents house in the morning - so peaceful and calm!

A quaint little church in their town:

Beautiful view of the gorge at the state park:

Heading out to a craft show

2010-10-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

I wish I took a before and after picture of my sewing room to show you the 'disaster' I live in getting ready for a show :) I'm sure you can relate if you do craft shows right?!

Our babysitter was here so I worked yesterday from 1pm (naptime :) until 8pm last night! I cleaned my room, finished all but 8 dolls I am hoping to finish today. I am almost ready to head out to the show.

If you live in upstate NY, I will be at the Letchworth State Park show in Mt. Morris NY - South shelter. The show is Sat, Sun and Monday and the weather is supposed to be beautiful. This time i will bring my camera and get some great pictures of everything.

I'll be listed Christmas items when I return next week, OR maybe I will sell out?! I can wish right!

Laundry Day at Homespun from the Heart

2010-09-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

It was 90* outside today in Northeast PA! We had the most beautiful fall weather for weeks so I am just glad we got a heat wave instead of a snow storm ;) I am prepping for my next show (Letchworth State Park, Mt. Morris, NY) in 2 weeks so I thought I'd take advantage of the hot weather to do some "laundry".

Not mine tho!

Teeeny weeny dolly clothes that is!!! And dunked in tea stain (no clorox here). The funny part is take a closer look at the prints I was staining:

Yup, all Christmas :) And it was SO HOT out, I kept dreaming of snow to try and cool me down. But it didn't work. The clothes dried qickly tho!

So that's what I've been up to for the last few weeks, getting ready for the next show :)

Over 100 new products listed!

2010-08-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Wow I have been so busy doing this... I've listed over 100 new items on my website in the last couple of weeks! http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/

Also, I listed several one of a kind items in my Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/CupcakeDolls

I decided for a limited time to take orders on items, just give me a couple of weeks to get them made for you but this way if something is sold or you don't get to the website often, you can still purchase a doll you may be wanting.

I am already working on Christmas - for the shop I sell in, In Grandma's Attic http://ingrandmasattic.blogspot.com/ and I have 2 more shows coming up so I had to get started! I will be sneaking in some Christmas items on the website in the coming weeks.

Hope you have a great weekend, we are off to a hot sunny start and I am looking forward to a nice hot end to summer :)

Lots of new items listed

2010-08-25T04:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick sneak peek at what's been listed over at Homespun from the Heart! I'm still working as fast as I can to add the rest.

Full descriptions, pricing, listing info can be found at http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/

I've also been listing a few one of a kind items on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CupcakeDolls

Back from Lititz!

2010-08-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

And exhausted ~ WHEW!

I wanted to show some pictures of course :) here is the van packed and ready to leave Friday afternoon. It was SO JAMMED haha, we didn't even fit our chairs in there!

What a GREAT show we had - the weather was perfect and we had so many repeat and new customers; I think the best part for me is hearing the wonderful comments on how many people loved my dolls. How they were given as a gift, how one sits on a bench and 'smiles' to greet everyone, how much joy they bring to my customers. I think I smiled for 3 days straight just from the talk!! I really am blessed to have such wonderful customers!

Here's a couple of shots of the booth - which I didn't get to take until after 2pm! we were swamped from 6am all the way to 2pm.

I do have some left over inventory and will be adding some every day until it's all listed! I have a sweet little helper :)

Please check back often, http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/ AND some other items in my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CupcakeDolls I'm listing things in both places. Thank you!

New line of printables

2010-07-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

My friend Ree has been designing some awesome Halloween printables and I am now selling them on my website. Here is a sample of one of the downloads as a finished product:

She used old beer bottles & even the carry case for them - spray painted black. Pretty neat and what a great way to re-use and recycle something!

There are 9 different printables to choose from right now - and only at $2.50 each it's a bargain!
You can do so many different things with her designs, she's been recycling all kinds of things - jars, bottles, books, etc.

To find the printables, click here:
http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=Printables

Lititz craft show reminder and information

2010-07-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! In 3 weeks I will be packing up and heading to my huge craft show in Lititz, PA. I wanted to post info on it for anyone who wants to come!

If you are somewhat local (I've had folks from as far away as CA and as near as NJ, PA, MD, CT) to Lititz Pennsylvania, I thought I'd share info on the craft show if you are interested in attending. This is by far one of the best craft shows; there are probably close to 1,000 vendors - everything you can imagine to see. I have a new spot this year, in front of Wilbur Chocolate Factory (YUMMM!). In fact, I have 2 spots this year which is why I keep saying YIKES to myself :)

The show is in the heart of Lititz, Lancaster County on Sat. August 14th from 8am - 4pm.

I've had shoppers as early as 6am; you can just use mapquest to find Lititz and it will take you to the center of town. THat's where we will be - they close the town for the day and you can just shop til you drop! If you do think you will be going, send me an email so I will know to look for you :) I LOVE meeting customers and other crafters so it would be alot of fun!

http://www.lititzrotary.com/craft.htm

http://lititzrotary.blogspot.com/

Some fun links to check out photo's of the crazy show. It's so much FUN!

Just a quick personal note

2010-07-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

Whew what a busy summer! I wanted to share a couple of fun personal photo's from our summer. I needed a work-break today :)

My baby girl turned TWO earlier this month, I can hardly believe it?! We had a birthday party for her and she was just so adorable all dressed up! Her dress was a gift from her Aunt Kathy and my friend Melanie of http://www.littleemsdivinehats.com/ made the hair bows to match. SO cute.

My favorite photo from the day... as all the kids were opening up her presents, she got her bug magnifying glass and was peeking at me saying "HiiiiYO Mommy" haha!

Her and Aunt Kathy eating YUMMY cake:
We went to VA to visit my good friend Megan & her 3 kids. It was a fun couple of days but my daughter kept the other kids up by chattering til 10pm - she's used to sleeping alone I guess!

We visited our cousins in VA too. I went to the biggest Wegman's ever :)

AND we got visits from Gramma and Grampa and Aunt Diana; and our usual huge 4th of July party brought lots of family over for a fun day ending with fireworks. We had friends from VA here too, celebrated Hubby, Gabrielle and RIck's birthdays out at Shula's restaurant.

So we've been enjoying our days quite a bit. And to spend a rainy day inside, with red Tutu and kitty cat is also a great time!

Fall E-pattern special!

2010-07-09T03:11:00.000-07:00

Are you getting ready for your fall craft shows and/or just building inventory for your website? Well I sure am :) My biggest craft show (Lititz, PA Aug 14) is fast approaching and all I can think is YIKES I cannot sew/stuff/work fast enough!

I thought it would be a good time to offer a discount special on fall and Halloween Epatterns. My special is buy any 3 for $10 (savings of $6.50) and any 4 for $12 (savings of $10). I've set up a special product for you where you can view the patterns included in the special:

http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=2062

NEW pattern release, "Witch in Training" - such a fun set to create!

I also wanted to let you know I have a really fun new Halloween pattern coming out soon - I hope to have it done next week! I have been looking for 'new' this year and decided to work on something that's been in the ole sketch book for a while now.

HAPPY creating!

Halloween Pattern release - Witch in Training

2010-06-20T03:43:00.000-07:00

Finally - it's here! I've got my new pattern, Witch in Training, up and ready at www.homespunfromtheheart.com and also at www.patternmart.com - for those who would like instant download. My friend Ree has designed me a sweet tag and spell book included when you buy the epattern. If you prefer a paper-pattern, you'll get one of each printed with your pattern.

I've been working on this for a while in between life :) You know how summer seems to whiz right by? Well it's happening again this year and I'm trying to slow down a bit.

We are getting ready for my 'baby's' second birthday party! ALREADY! And then our annual family picnic/party on the 3rd, can't wait to see everyone! We've got alot to do to get ready at home so I will be around on and off-line quite a bit.

New pattern and kit - Santa Raggedy Ann

2010-05-22T07:31:00.001-07:00

*NEW pattern release - Santa Raggedy Ann! She is a little cutie, about 14" when finished. I've also made a few kits for her as I know finding fabrics, etc. are getting harder lately. I've got a few accessories for sale too.

I'm working on another one but finding the time to finish has been a challenge this week :) Soon!

I posted a quick note on my website too; I know I don't have much for sale or new on the website lately and I really don't like that. But, I am working on 2 new shows and in the meantime have added a shop to my selling venues.

If you happen to see something 'sold' or would like a special doll for a gift, just contact me.

Thanks!

Some news and updates

2010-05-11T04:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since I blogged last? I am always suprised at how fast the time went by :) I guess it's because I've been super busy with a new project that most of you know about by now.

My friend and I opened up a new website, called Save Our Hooters. We are creating and selling pink ribbon themed items; with a slant on Owls (hence the 'hooters' :). We have been having so much fun, loving what we create and working together. I hope you will check us out!

Also, you can order our printables or patterns to create items to sell - fundraisers, gifts, or just to sell on your own website. We will be setting up wholesale terms and agreements soon.

We are having a drawing every week to new mailing list subscribers so click on this blog: http://saveourhooters-cindy.blogspot.com/ to find out more.

At Homespun from the Heart, we are getting ready to list some new patterns - hopefully this week. A few accessories to go with the patterns will be available too.

New spring patterns

2010-04-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

I know it's been feeling like JULY around here with this weird heat wave but I worked on 2 new spring patterns and finally have them ready to sell :)

First is Lady Bug Kisses, she has her very own 'antennae' and she's 12" tall when finished.

And I did this for In Grandma's Attic this year, I am selling lots of lady bugs and bees in ornies. I made them from woolfelt, they are super fast and easy to create so I thought why not make this into a fun pattern to share?

As always, they can be found on my website under patterns or over on Pattern Mart.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Craft show pictures

2010-04-01T10:38:00.001-07:00

I wanted to show some pictures from my craft show I did a few weeks ago. I really liked my set up this time, it's hard to fit everything onto one six foot table :) Here's a booth picture:

I did alot of smaller priced items, printables using www.raggedyscrappin.com goodies and some from www.countrycharmgraphics.com and also www.ewe-n-meprintables.com GREAT stuff! Got lots of sales too!
LOVE Krista's 'souper' cans :)

What craft show could I do without some sewing items? heehee! Bunnies, chicks OH my! (and all gone!)

One of my newest products is scrabble tile and domino pendants. They have been around a while online but not at our shows; so I had a blast making these in all kinds of themes. I'll be doing more for my website very soon!

Thanks for peeking!

Celebrate National Craft Month!

2010-03-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

March is National Craft month and I want to celebrate, so how?

I am pushing myself to create NEW and different things this year and so why not start this month? (okay, good excuse to just 'do it' :) I decided to test the waters with a few new type of products at Homespun from the Heart. If you want to know more... I will be releasing some of those the week of March 15th.

I also want my readers to work on new creative endeavors this month too! It's a great excuse to try something else, spice up the creative juices. I am having a special sale on my website but you need to be on the mailing list to get the coupon code. just hop over to my site www.homespunfromtheheart.com and sign up for the list. I'll be emailing today with a code :)

And if you are celebrating National craft month, write and let me know how?

New Pattern release - Mouse for all Seasons

2010-02-21T13:03:00.001-08:00

I just finished up a pattern that has been in the works for quite a while!! I've named it A Mouse for All Seasons. It's a pocket pattern - everything is made from wool or woolfelt. I've been working more with this fabric and just love the results. The mice are really nicely finished in the grey woolfelt - I'll be making more of those definitely!

I've got it on my website: http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=1999

And also over on Pattern Mart: http://www.patternmart.com/pattern/10518/A+Mouse+for+All+Seasons+PM

Peek a boo

2010-02-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

The other morning i was making my coffee and getting the cat fed and getting juice, etc. ready. I was definitely still half asleep too :)

I looked up from the kitchen sink and about jumped out of my skin when I saw a pair of eyes looking back at me! I have no idea who's cat this is but he jumped up on our grill outside and was peering in to see what I was up to.

Sure is a beautiful cat! hope the owner finds him/her.

Upcoming Spring Craft Show

2010-02-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

I am still around, just working on a craft show and I wanted to blog on it in case anyone is close by and would like to attend.

Sat. March 13th 9am - 4pm at Northampton Community College (sparta gym but you will see signs for it). I am not sure of my spot yet I should get my notification soon.

My table will be $15 and under! Yep I am challenging myself to create smaller items, some very different things too. I'll have some small dolls but some brand new things too! I'll post some pictures soon to show you.

Happy Valentine's weekend!

2010-02-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

Wow we have had so much going on here! My poor daughter caught some stomach thing and has been sick all week. I keep trying to do a little sewing here and there but I am so tired with being up at night with her too. SOON i should have some new fun things to show off.

Checkout our snowstorm pictures from Weds! We got about 18" up here and that was on top of 6" from Saturday; EEK they are talking about another storm coming thru Monday night. Wow! Parts of PA and NJ have close to 4 FEET of snow right now, can you imagine?

This is the view from our deck - now, at this point it was still snowing and we got an additional 6 inches AFTER this!
That would be my car. By the time I went out to get it, the snow was covering my tires and doors!!!

Our neighbor's barn - still snowing!

Looked so pretty as it was happening but I hope we don't get anymore like that.

I hope you all enjoy a love-filled Valentine's day weekend!

Working on a few new things

2010-02-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

It's been way to long since I blogged! I have been busy working on new things for a local craft show I am doing next month. If you are in the area, it's on March 13th at Northampton Community College; it's $2 to get in but the funds are used for the Alumni Association. Doors open at 9am and I will have a table with everything $15 and under.

I decided to work on smaller items, printables and gifts and also primitives (what a combination? I hope it'll come together as I picture in my mind :) - more on the lower end of price range. I've noticed that those are the things that are selling for me right now.

I'm also in process of 2 new patterns and PAGES of ideas! haha! Can't wait to share with you all.

We had a snowstorm Friday/Sat. and it was nice altho we only got 4" of snow. Our daughter, Kimberly, got 2 feet down in VA! That's the 2nd time this year too :)

I'll be back soon - happy Sunday!

New Pattern!!!

2010-01-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

A Mother's Love is my newest pattern release - I had it ready last year but... WHEW! Finding the time to get everything ready is another story :)

I gave the finished dolls to my sister - she has a little boy and a little girl, so I made the set for her. I made another set for my friend in the mom's club who has 3 kids - the pattern is so versatile, you can make boys/girls/as many or little as needed. I used blond hair but you can do ... well whatever you like :) I have lots of colors of doll hair to choose from too!

The pattern is READY, yay!!! You can find it here: http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/store/WsDefault.asp?One=1994

Or on pattern mart:
http://www.patternmart.com/pattern/10164/A+Mothers+Love+Pattern++PM

This pattern was inspired by all of the beautiful moms in my life!! I have *many* mommy friends and customers that I know work HARD every single day. I found this poem to share with you:

"A mother's love" by Helen Steiner Rice:

A Mother's love is something that no on can explain,

It is made of deep devotionand of sacrifice and pain,

It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may

For nothing can destroy it or take that love away . . .

It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,

And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking . . .It believes beyond believing when the world around condemns,

And it glows with all the beautyof the rarest, brightest gems . . .

It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation,

And it still remains a secret like the mysteries of creation . . . A many splendoured miracleman cannot understand

And another wondrous evidenceof God's tender guiding hand.

Dollar Sale on patterns

2010-01-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

I am having a huge clean-out sale on pre-printed patterns. I had printed them up a while ago for different stores I sell to and for craft shows but I have a ton leftover. Also, since I updated my logo and pattern cover I have leftovers from there too :)

My loss is YOUR gain!! I never sell printed patterns this cheap, it's below cost but I need to make room for new things this year. **I have big plans**

I have one listing for just $1/pattern (on select ones) and then 9 listings of groupings at an even lower cost per printing. You can find them all here: http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/store/WsDefault.asp?iNew=New

And I am SO SLOW but yes, I'm working on Valentine's Day stuff, new patterns, new ideas - Hmmm? wonder if that's why I'm slow - need to just do ONE thing at a time.

Who does that anyway? heehee!

Finished project! Recycled wool sweater bag

2010-01-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my project I started last week :) We've all been sick with a nasty cold that just isn't going away. So I keep starting then stopping my sewing.

Anyway, this is a project from the Betz White book I mentioned in my last post - it's a messenger type of bag. I bought the sweater at a thrift store for $2 and knew that's what I wanted it for. i love this bag, it's really not hard to make - I was worried since I have tried purse/ bags before without alot of success.

Anyway here it is:
I am going to play with wool alot this year - there are so many possibilites!

Creating today ...

2009-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today will be a PJ day for me! I have already decided, isn't that great as it's just 9am?

This is where I am creating from:

I think I talked about this book last year? I bought it for myself as soon as it came out. I am a huge fan of Betz White and love her green ideas with crafting/sewing with felted wool. So I am going to make a project in this book. I have a stash of felted wool sweaters, blankets. and other scraps. I'll show my finished project :)

How many more hours til nap time?

After Christmas Sales anyone?

2009-12-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

Well, we are still fighting colds/ear infection/sinus infection around here but I did go out yesterday afternoon for a little post-Christmas sales shopping. Where'd I go?

JOANN's :) haha! That's the only place I felt like digging around in.

I was so suprised, there was hardly anything left!! The sales girls told me that they've had things on clearance already for so long that they were pretty much cleaned out by the 24th. That's OK. I did grab a few things on sale.

And fabric!!! Wanna see what I got?

These are from a newer line they are carrying called Heidi Kline. I like the fun/funky colors and designs. So I want to play - i have a pattern idea too!

Anyone hit those great after-Christmas sales at other craft stores? Any good finds? Share!!!

Merry Christmas everyone

2009-12-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy the time with your friends, family and loved ones.

See you next week sometime :)

My little helper!

2009-12-23T05:56:00.000-08:00

As a stay at home mom, I am finding I have to either wait until nap time to create or ... just try to do a few things here and there while my toddler is 'helping' me. I decided to do a little of both, somedays it is more challenging than others :)

We live in a ranch, so I can close all the doors and Gabrielle will play right in the hallway or the spare room where we have this fun toy:

Remember my contest a while ago on the vintage Strawberry Shortcake house and dolls/pets? well this is alot of fun for her little hands. Many days, we will play in there for a good hour - giving the dollies baths, letting them sit on the potty, doing night-night, etc.

The other day, I was in my sewing room which is gated. And this way, I can hear what she is doing and she is only a few steps (over the gate) away. Well I kept hearing alot of giggling and 'talking' to Daise (Daisey, the cat who was laying on the bed, watching everything). Suddenly, I saw this sight:She loaded up her little dolly stroller with lots of furniture and dolls from the house and pushed the stroller down the hall. Hmmm, OK. A few seconds later, she came back and I look up to see her coming straight to the gate where she threw about everything in that stroller over the gate into my sewing room.

This game continued for quite a while, until I'd say most of what was in the house was now on the floor in my sewing room.

In the meantime... I ironed 4 big pieces of tea stained muslin, traced 6 dolls, and organized my worktable and desk.

I'd call that progress!!!! :)

Snowman Soup - crafting for fun

2009-12-22T06:43:00.000-08:00

I know it's just a few days before Christmas - you may be completely done with shopping, gift giving, etc. or maybe you are looking for a last minute idea. I made these up for the moms in my Mom's Club for our holiday party last week. Snowman Soup - it's a great idea that is quick and easy to make up that is just a little extra something for teachers, friends, etc.

I put them all in a basket with a little sign - as moms, we are so busy with doing everything ALL the time, but even more so this time of year. so I asked them to take one and find 5 minutes to sit and relax in front of the Christmas tree and drink their snowman soup.

Snowman soup is something that's been around for a while and there are many poems available on the internet (just google snowman soup poem and you will find lots!). I used graphics by Cheryl of Raggedy Scrappin. Just because I like hers the best! And you use a packet of hot cocoa, a candy cane and a pack of marshmellows. So easy and fun!

Crafting a bit for fun

2009-12-16T11:44:00.001-08:00

We are going to the Mom's Club holiday party this afternoon, I can't wait! We meet up in a church and it's all kinds of mahem with kids running around and mom's chatting, lots of food, holiday music, games, and crafts. Sounds crazy doesn't it? It kind of is, but in a real nice and comforting sort of way for me. It's a total different pace from our normal routine of just the 2 of us at home too.

So I did a little crafting for fun for the mom's - I will show pic's later!

While I am in charge of crafts for the kids, I am also kind of a cheater! I haven't made a kid's craft since I was about 12 (for myself!). One day I thought I'd start researching kid's crafts to come up with some fabulous ideas. HA! Two hours later, I was lost on clicking, clicking and clicking away - everything looked fun and easy but I forgot where I started.

So I ordered kits from Oriental Trading; the kids seem to like them (all those little shapes are pre-cut! nice!) and moms can take them home if we run out of time.

Seems funny but I have to admit it. Oh well! I did bake chocolate chip cookies. June Cleaver, I am not that is for sure :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

Isn't that a beautiful and peaceful picture of snow? Looks alot like Christmas!! That was taken at my parent's house before we left to come home last Friday. That little blue house is the kids' playhouse :) FUN! My dad built it!!

I thought i'd share some of my Christmas decorating pictures. I won this beautiful penny rug at convention last year; it was handmade by Nancy. If I can find her business card, I'll post the website. The snowman make-do is by my friend Kim Lance of Primitives by Kim - we sell our wares in a local shop and see each other at shows sometimes. She's soooo talented!

This is my little Annie tree; lots of Annie's on there from great talented friends! All of them are handmade!

This is a terrible picture - I think it's the red walls in the dining room; this is my handmade only prim tree. I always buy a few new ornies each year to add to it. I think it's full :)

I bought this from Maureen of Sweet Meadows Farm at the Knoebles craft show a couple years ago. I love him! he's on top of the piano so little hands don't get him.

Another one of my favorites - little Lily from Nicole of Raggedy Old Annies. I have the pattern but I wanted one from her (it's my 2nd doll from Nicole actually!).

PEEK a boo! Goofy little girl is trying to get me to take her pic :) I couldn't resist.

2 of my favorites from my good friend Robin of Button Eyed Annie. We did a swap and I just love these 2 pieces.

I hope you liked them!!!

Happy birthday to ....

2009-12-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

My stepmom Carol, today is her birthday! This picture was taken when we went to visit last week. She will probably not like the picture that much or that I put it on my blog but I think it's such a cute and fun picture!! AND the reason I wanted to share this with you is to talk about creativity and inspiration.

I've been thinking on this topic alot lately. If you are a crafter who creates for a hobby or to sell, you've probably experienced the 'dry spell' at some point right? I know I have!! Lately, more than ever with having to chase around a toddler all day. (who me??????)

I have come to know that for my own 'dry spell' time, it always passes and inspiration will strike again. It's the waiting it out time that makes me crazy! :)

So what to do when you are stuck waiting it out or trying to strike the creative embers again? When we go visit my parents, my stepmom and I will always end up in her craft/sewing room (and ditto when they come see us!). Sometimes with a project in mind to work on together, sometimes just to look at books, think of ideas, play with fabric or show each other some neat things we have picked up or found along the way.

I love when we put our heads together, I always come home with lots of new ideas and projects I want to tackle (you should see the pile of things here!). It gives me a little 'break' from staring at the 4 walls of my sewing room. And when I am stuck, that can be such a relief to get away for a few days and look at new things. That always seems to help me!

I also really love that we share our creativity. It helps to have someone else to share ideas with and someone who thinks differently than I do. We have been having so much fun lately with crafting that we decided to do a craft show together next year, the Letchworth State Park show in NY (it's only a few minutes from their house). I am really excited about that!

I'm going to keep blogging on the topic of inspiration/creativity. I hope to get some of your thoughts on it too!

In the meantime, it's time to 'rest' a bit :)

Great article on copyright

2009-12-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

Usually I find that copyright is such a touchy subject among the crafting world; I have a hard time understanding certain aspects of it myself.

I subscribe to this great newsletter by James Dillehay, Craft Marketer. This issue had an excellent topic, 12 Copyright Myths as well as basics on copyright. Here is a link to the article:
http://www.craftmarketer.com/Copyright-Myths.pdf

I would highly recommend subscribing to the newsletter; I've learned quite a bit over the last year from tips to selling at craft shows, online, pricing crafts and even just some basic but very helpful business tips. If you are a crafter who is considering turning your hobby into a business, this is a 'must' on your reading list!

Our first snow!

2009-12-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

We had our first snow storm this weekend and it was so beautiful. Don't you think it just 'sets the mood' for Christmas? That picture above was the view from our driveway as the morning sun was coming up.

This is the view from our deck:

I love how quiet and calm the morning was; just so tranquil. And I got in the mood for wrapping presents, finishing decorating and just signing Christmas songs!!!

Of course I had to take my little one outside to play in it; this was the afternoon it started, out on our deck. All she did was sit down right in the snow. Haha!

I hope you all are enjoying your tranquility and peacefulness. Take a moment to breathe it all in!!! In the midst of holiday 'stuff' we can easily forget to relax and enjoy.

Free Prim Turkey Pattern

2009-11-11T05:24:00.000-08:00

Hot off the presses! I am offering a free turkey pattern for you just in time to create for Thanksgiving. You can download it by clicking this link:

http://freepdfhosting.com/7def5f0d98.pdf

Enjoy!!!!

New pattern

2009-11-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

I have a new pattern ready for the holidays - it's called Baked with Love. This pattern features 2 gingers that are from a Cheryl Seslar design, http://www.cherylseslar.com/

This pattern can be purchased at pattern mart by clicking this link:

http://www.patternmart.com/pattern/9677/Primitive+Raggedy+with+Gingerbread+PM

A freebee for you!

2009-10-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

Last year I was out in a flea market and found a vintage paper doll set - it was in great condition and something I thought I'd have alot of fun with. Well, I decided to share it with all of you!!

I scanned it in high resolution color and made it a pdf file - so you can print it on cardstock, make tags, etc. from the set. It was a really long paper so there are 3 pages to it to make sure i got all the pieces of the set. You will see some parts in there more than once.

To download it, click on this link:
http://freepdfhosting.com/4ed4850ede.pdf

Enjoy!!

My new dolls

2009-10-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Last week I was 'double dog dared' by my friend Tracy, aka Cedara, of http://thrutheatticdoor2.blogspot.com/ to create 2 new dolls or something by Monday. I have been in such a creative 'slump' or funk or whatever you want to call it. They come and go and usually I can snap myself out of it but this time has been different.

My husband has been working out of state (in NH); he leaves Sunday and doesn't get back til very late Friday - leaving us a few short hours on Saturday and Sunday together. He is my best friend and my solid 'rock'. And, having a little one and a house, let's just say it's been exhausting and depressing!!! So my creative slump turned into a funk and I have not felt like doing much on the sewing machine.

Tracy double dog dared me :) And here's what I ended up creating:

Winter Wishes angel on a vintage textile bobbin; she was so much fun, I really love how she came out. I am debating on listing her anywhere or just maybe holding on to her for a bit.
This Santa is a Sweet Meadows farm pattern that I've had for 2 years I think; I have been wanting to make one and just never did and so this got me to do it.

Thanks Tracy for being a great friend and co-inspirer (is that a word? made it up!)!

If anyone reading this gets in a slump, ask a friend to do the same thing with you - give yourselves a deadline to create something new and post it on your blog, website, etsy, etc. It worked for me!

Winner of the Magazine

2009-10-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

We have a winner of the Create & Decorate magazine - Piroska of Ontario! CONGRATS!!!

Thank you to everyone who left comments.

Today's winner... for the sewers contest!

2009-10-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

Is Mel :) YIPPPPEEEE! I'll email you for details on your prize. Congrats!!

And Mike picked the number for me this morning since he's home this week. Let's see who will be lucky winner #2 for tomorrow's drawing for the magazine.

I'm almost ready to show you all my newest creations!

Create and Decorate Magazine Giveaway

2009-10-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have an extra copy of this wonderful magazine from the fall issue. This is where my dolly was! Here she is in case you missed her:

So I am giving away a copy of this wonderful magazine, there are TONS of great projects in there. You get all the projects :)

All you have to do is leave a comment here and I will pick a winner next Wesd. the 28th.

Giveaway for Sewers!

2009-10-23T09:50:00.001-07:00

I am in the mood to give away something, I haven't done anything 'fun' like this in sooo long :)

So what am I giving away? Well this giveaway is for you sewers out there! First you will receive a light blue woolfelt cupcake pin cushion (pictured on the far right):

AND also one of my notions/storage craft jars.

AND your choice of any pattern - e or printed!

What do you have to do? what's the Catch you want to know?

Just leave me a comment here on my blog, that's all :) Easy-peasy right? I will draw the name on Tuesday Oct. 27th.

Some new faces listed on my site

2009-08-13T13:23:00.001-07:00

OK this first face is not for sale :) Teehee, but we hung her swing on the deck so I can take pic's while she's swinging away ... it takes forever to get photo's, measurements, etc. of my inventory so this is a good distraction for my little one. Like the feet up and chilling out???

I called this one... who needs a broom when you have a wagon? haha!
Ohhh I have mice coming! This is one of a few more going up this week.

A little Lily and Licorice anyone?

How about some GREEN hair?

Those are just a few of my newest faces showing on www.homespunfromtheheart.com as of today! I'll be listing more for at least another 2 weeks.

Post-Lititz Report

2009-08-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'm back and i'm still pooped :) We had a great show, the weather was perfect - they were scaring us all week with saying it was going to rain or thunderstorm but we did our rain dance and it held off. It was a beautiful day!

I have pictures of my booth and some other things but I will have to post those later. I can't find the USB cable for hubby's camera he lent me and he's traveling. Hopefully tomorrow? I'll talk to him tonight and get to work on that.

THANK YOU my wonderful customers, I am still giddy and smiling from YOUR praise, compliments and just chatting with you all. You really may not realize this but you keep me going!!! I spent months prepping and wondering, Will anyone really like this??? That day was full of compliments for my work and you do keep me going.

Okay so to know what happens post-Lititz... understand what does NOT happen pre-Lititz first :) I stopped cleaning a good month before the show. Um, what playdates? OH that full in-box of personal emails to reply to?? So that's what my goal is this week. Play catchup!

And I've been busy listing new dolls - I'll save that for a new post.

I wanted to drop by and give a little report. I'll be back with pictures from the show :)

Lititz, PA Craft show 2009

2009-07-30T18:23:00.000-07:00

If anyone is in the area next Saturday, this is such a great craft show! it's my 4th year as a vendor and my good pal Megan is coming up from NC to do it too. My sister is coming down from NY to stay with me and help with the show - it's a great weekend all around :)

The show is put on by the Lititz Rotary Club, here's a link to their site with some info on parking/directions/etc. http://www.lititzrotary.com/craft.htm

OH and yes I am on Main St. still, my usual spot. Megan is next to me and I have some more prim friends along the way.

Oh yeah those are some dollies up there that are new. Just a few. I've got LOTS and lots and LOTS of dolls; NEW stuff too. I'll have doll hair, patterns, and a couple kits too.

So mark your calendars, Aug 8th :) I hope to see some of you again!

4 new patterns and new dolls too!

2009-07-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Just a post to let you know that I have 4 new patterns out! 3 are for the fall and one is a dolly. This one, Black Hat Society Reject was an inspiration from some of my own 'rejects' ! I had been making different pumpkins for another project for my Lititz show and I kept messing them up. So one night I was in the 'zone' and thinking what can I do with my rejects? Heehee. I had the idea! My friend Ree made the tag for me, how fun!

Witch Dress with Mouse:
Glinda the Good witch: (i'm also selling those pink brooms too!)

Lulu And her Lollipop: I've also added LOTS of new and funky doll hair to my website and at the online craft show. I'm participating in the Christmas in July show, here's my booth:

http://www.ezcraftshow.com/shoppe/?sid=HomespunFromTheHeart

You'll see some new faces there :) And free shipping within the US on orders $25 or more.

I've got more patterns planned but they will have to wait until after Aug. 9th when I get back from Lititz and catch my breath a bit.

Little Em's Divine Hats

2009-07-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

My friend Melanie just started a super sweet website Little Em's Divine Hats. She named it after her sweet little girl. If you are looking for cute little gifts for a girl, go check her out:

http://www.littleemsdivinehats.com/

has it really been 2 weeks since I blogged?

2009-07-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

YIKES it has.

Okay I really had the best of intentions. But we had a huge family picnic/party and whewwwww. I am still recovering - it takes alot out of me now to clean and prep and then clean up all over again. I finally finished cleaning today! Really!

Do you ever feel like the summer just whizzes right by you? I sure do! i spend most of the winter wishing for spring and then the weather turns warmer and bam... it's almost gone before you realize it.

Most of my moments are spent either sewing like a mad-woman (Lititz is HOW MANY WEEKS AWAY???!) or chasing my little one. yes that is what I see most of the day, the back of her - no, don't eat the cat food; stop pulling the cat's tail (she's a really good cat, thank goodness); heehee. We do have lots of fun tho!

My goal for this week is to relax and enjoy the MOMENT. We've had some moements. But to sit and actually watch them happen? SO PRECIOUS! Here are some I've had just in the last 2 days.
Soaking in our little pool tonight at sunset. there was such calm and peace in the whole neighborhood.

Enjoying the beautiful weather we've had! It feels awesome!

Sitting with Gabrielle in the grass at a friend's house tonight for a picnic... watching her eat the grass (ugh) but soooo loving herself for doing it; she was so proud of it.

Watching my kitty catch a bug in the house, it's so cute how she does it!

Having lunch with a long time friend and her children; her eldest son was the first baby I ever held - at one day old! I soooooooo fell in love with him that day and to see him at 9 yrs old, a little man was precious.

Having a conversation with an old friend :) so rare!

Now we have gramma & grampa coming tomorrow... so many moments ready to happen. What will your moments be this week? Don't let time fly by! Enjoy the little things!

Happy first Birthday to my baby! And to my husband too!

2009-07-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

What a great morning - I am awake and excited today. I have been thinking of my baby turning ONE today all week (well okay maybe for 2 weeks? ). Today is my husband's birthday too- I really LOVE that my 2 favorite people share this birthday!

I have been so sentimental, reliving the day and experience of her arrival into the world; coming home with her - check this picture out! This is her 'coming home' outfit that we dressed her in the day we brought her home from the hospital:

Such tiny little hands and feet and little tiny button nose!! Oh here I go again!!!! I thought it would be fun to relive each month of her life just a little :) I am so amazed mostly at this MIRACLE of life - the changes that happened over the last year! The things she can do. Yes this is how sentimental I've been ALL week!

And now here we are in July 2009 and she is one year old. I am really amazed at life today, how things happen and how much she has grown. Life is good :)

Happy Birthday Gabrielle! And Mike too!

A new mousie!

2009-06-30T03:43:00.000-07:00

Well I had to show this mouse off a little... whew! She was so very time consuming but I think came out cute in the end. I made her using a Soft in the Head pattern, Penelope the Mouse. She's a pin cushion but I ended up not wanting to put pins in there :) I used a baby shoe for the base (as per the pattern) and the mouse has lots of details you can't see, like a pink polka dot body suit under the tutu. So cute!

I have a couple of patterns by Soft in the Head, another mouse one I've been using alot called Duffy the Mouse. She has some terrific patterns if you get a chance to go visit her site you will be happy you did!

Create & Decorate is out!

2009-06-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

If you subscribe to the magazine, you should have it already! I heard that my pattern is on page 10, but my copies aren't here yet. (poor mail carrier, I about charge her every day, IS THERE A MAGAZINE FOR ME IN THERE??? heehee)

If you don't subscribe, it should hit the newsstands on June 23rd. Here's a link to the previews, my doll is the 2nd on the top Liberty Angel Doll.

http://www.createanddecorate.com/issues/2009/august/stitch.shtml

I hope you like her, I am so pleased with how she looks in the photo's!!! I have kits for a limited time on my website too just for this project.

Vacation notice

2009-06-14T03:55:00.001-07:00

In case you didn't see the note on my website, I will be away on vacation - we're leaving today and won't be back until next Sunday. For once, Gabrielle & I are going to tag along with Mike on one of his trips for work - lucky us, this one is to VA beach! whoo hoo!

Boy, packing for myself and a little one is always such a challenge. Talk about needing lots of extra 'stuff'. I'm an over-packer to begin with so that doesn't help either. I am hoping we have good weather because I can't imagine being cooped up in the hotel all week while Mike works (and has the car!). We shall see.

Before I go, I wanted to let you know I added a couple of new dolls to my website - I hope you can take a peek! Even if you place an order while I'm on vacation... the order is still valid, I just won't get to shipping it out until we get home.

And I'm still working towards the Lititz show - I sewed up 10 more dolls on Friday to be worked on when we get home.

Have a great week everyone!

A couple of new faces

2009-06-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

I finally have some new faces to share :) I know it's been a while, but I have been diligently working towards building my Lititz inventory.

If you don't know about that craft show - WOW! it's an amazng show here in Lancaster county, PA. Just a one-day show and I've been doing it for a couple of years, and shopping it for more years than that. There are TONS of vendors and literally something for everyone!

Well one day I looked at a calendar and realized I had 10 weeks left and less than HALF of what I had for inventory in previous years. I will never get as much done as usual but it's OK with me as long as I have alot of selection. So I set some goals for myself and have been doing a pretty good job of keeping them. I've done as many as 20 dolls in one week to put away for the craft show... along with taking care of my now-crawling baby, the house, etc. YIKES!

So I decided that I would list a few of those dolls on my website - after all, if you don't live near by and would like a new dolly, well I wanted to have something for you :) I made a little "Happy Birthday Annie" here with a little cupcake in a vintage tin:

And I love this one, I always get inspired by neat 'finds' like this Raggedy Ann and Andy at the circus book.

I had a couple of others but they sold already. I have 4 new ones just for my website that I should have ready in the next day or so :) I'll post when I do!

Epattern sale!!

2009-06-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

I just marked my line of e-patterns to just $4 each for a special sale! There is no limit to the number you can purchase :) The only one I didn't mark down is the Pink Ribbon Dolls because I'm still fundraising for my friends for their walk on that one.

http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/

I am working on new ideas, patterns, dolls, and hope to share some new things very soon! Only a few more weeks til the Create & Decorate magazine comes out with my design in it. I'm burning the midnight oil here to get ready :)

Hope everyone has a great day!

Kewl my graphics now match my site!

2009-06-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

It's the little things that make me happy :)
Kim (www.craftisangraphics.com) helped me again with how to get my background here to match my website. She's a lifesaver!

I love how everything matches, isn't that funny?

So I've been SUPER busy sewing. I have dolls everywhere. Today is going to be a good day for tea staining so I plan to work during nap time and get some stuff done. I have my big craft show in Lititz in just 2 months (EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK). And I'm not ready, I wonder why??? So the next few weeks I will be working really hard on that.

I do have a couple new dollies to add to my website too :) I'll sneak a few in as often as I can.

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful spring weekend and weather. I did some gardening YAY - okay some weeding mostly ;)

More time for blogging, hold me to it!

2009-05-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

I made a business goal while at convention this year that I would make more time for blogging here. I plan to add more free patterns, do some linking up with my friends, and some other fun things. I'll definitely include a little more about me and my family too. I hope you will come back more to visit and leave comments for me :)

So if you happen by and there's nothing new, HOLD me to it - send me an email, leave a comment! I might need a little push now and then but I find this to be a great venue to 'talking' to you more on a personal level.

Happy creating!

Teaching her early!

2009-05-26T14:35:00.001-07:00

in light of what I do for a living ;) I thought it would be fun to show what I've taught my daughter and that new trick is waving to the dollies. Heehee!

Gabrielle got her first cold and she was miserable so one day I started walking her around the house and waving to the dollies. She just took it in for a while; then she started wavin back. She also will not look at or wave to any of the 'creepy' ones as my husband calls them... the more extreme prim dolls. Haha, she is her father's daughter for sure!

She has one in her room, the one I made the pattern for (My Raggedy Girl). And you can see her peeking at the dolly and then she waves... we had to add a little message to Gramma and Grampa at the end too.

So I thought I would share with you that I am teaching her early how to love dollies. I would love one day to see her take over Homespun from the Heart! Wouldn't that be so much fun?

Weekend Winners

2009-04-05T05:54:00.001-07:00

And the rest of the names have been selected for my pattern a day giveaway!

Congrats to: Verla, Monica, Sue, Teresa, and Bonnie!

That was a fun way to celebrate my anniversary :)

More winners!

2009-04-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

My GRAND prize winner of the Cupcake Doll is Kathy - congrats Kathy!!!!

And yesterday's epattern winner is Cheryl.

Today's winner is Crissy!

Thanks everyone for celebrating with me!

I'm picking a winner a day!

2009-03-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

This is the week I'm picking a name a day to win a free epattern.

So far my winners are:
Monday - Colette
Tuesday - Pam

Thanks ladies for your quick replies :)

Tomorrow evening (I HOPE) I will pick my winner for the cupcake doll plus Weds. free pattern. I'm spending the day shopping in Lancaster and then back to the dentist so if I forget it'll be Thursday for sure!

Exciting news to share!

2009-03-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

I have been dying to share this really exciting and FUN news with you all!

I am sooooo excited!

Guess who's scheduled for the August and October issues of Create and Decorate magazine???

ME! *pinching myself* yes, me! Homespun from the Heart will have 2 published patterns in a National Magazine this year. LIFE is good :)

I want to say a special thank you to Susan Burd, she kept encouraging me to just submit some ideas. Susan owns www.countrycrocksbysusan.com and has been a tremendous support and inspiration to me!! XOXO!

Anniversary contest begins!

2009-03-20T15:10:00.001-07:00

April will mark my 5th year online, since Homespun from the Heart opened. So I am celebrating with a few fun prizes to give away!

For the subscribers on my Homespun from the Heart products list, I am giving away a Cupcake Doll :) The original doll, Cupcakes - complete with her cupcake and scent. I'll pay shipping to wherever the winner is so make sure you on my mailing list! I will draw one lucky winner on/about April 1st and notify you by email. You have 3 days to respond or I will pick another winner.

For the subscribers on my patterns mailing list, I'm giving away an e-pattern a day from March 30th until April 5th. You get to pick the pattern. Each day, I will randomly select a name and email that person... you have to email me back tho within 48 hours, so make sure you check every day!

If you are not yet on my mailing list (either one), be sure to go sign up - there's time to join and be entered to win. To sign up on my mailing list, go on over to my website and go to the section, Are you a member of the mailing list yet?

Good luck to everyone!

Cupcake Dolls are ready!

2009-03-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

I just finished listing the #2's for the Cupcake Dolls :)
http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=TheCupcakeDolls™

Hope you like them! I'll be posting on Friday for my first anniversary contest so please check back.

Come and see my new LOOK!

2009-03-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to show off my new look at http://www.homespunfromtheheart.com
Kim of www.craftisangraphics.com made me a new webset along with some set up changes. I love how it looks! It's like she went right in my head and made it real :)

I hope you like it too!

I'll be working on some new things this week, including announcing my anniversary contests - yes contests as in more than one. I'm going to be giving away quite a few prizes!!

Please be sure to visit me this week!