tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81749245465573209592024-03-08T04:24:38.192-05:00MyHobbyShopWAT Blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01838931430622376269noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-72640154200485968262020-06-17T13:16:00.013-04:002020-07-23T14:45:16.952-04:00MHS Designs Pattern Tester<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OChjlrI6guyQUuyhzu3EGNglVW0OybMxiHHTJ4BvhYJN-uKYLsQDhzEX8rHvKlKCKlM5n7xC6DJ-5l2DveLnSt_3LL_8cyKqew5fpt3keP5rQSreY1Wsxk-D0_rlY18J4JZ-d30W0U8n/s5760/496B5062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OChjlrI6guyQUuyhzu3EGNglVW0OybMxiHHTJ4BvhYJN-uKYLsQDhzEX8rHvKlKCKlM5n7xC6DJ-5l2DveLnSt_3LL_8cyKqew5fpt3keP5rQSreY1Wsxk-D0_rlY18J4JZ-d30W0U8n/s320/496B5062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pattern Testing Application</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I have spent many years testing pattern for other designers. It has been the best experience. I have gotten to meet so many wonderful artisans. I know how important it is to have a second or third pair of eyes on a pattern. I am truly honored that you are interested in being a pattern tester for <a href="http://www.mhsdesigns.net/" target="_blank">MHS Designs</a>! I appreciate your time and effort in making my patterns user-friendly. Below is some need-to-know info on my pattern testing process. If all this sounds good to you, submit your testing application through the link below! </div><div><br /></div><div>Please read thoroughly before applying.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">What is a pattern tester?</font></b></div><div>Pattern testing is when a crocheter agrees to follow and try out an unreleased pattern that is still in the beta stages of development. Testers typically agree to note issues and discrepancies found in the pattern as well as note completed measurements, material usage and final thoughts of the pattern. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Perks of Testing</font></b></div><div>Whether you’re new to testing patterns or you’re practically a professional, the process of testing can be a really great experience. There is the obvious perk of getting first look at new patterns! It is also an interesting challenge making items that may or may not be perfected yet and getting to work with me on making great finished items. In my personal experience, testing patterns is a great way to learn new techniques, styles, and stitches by getting the chance to implement them right away. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Requirements</font></b></div><div>I require a few things from my testers:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Must know basic crochet stitches and have experience reading patterns.</li><li>SIZE: You need to be able to model the item you are making. Please only apply for sizes that you or someone you can readily photograph can wear. </li><li>PHOTOS: I cannot stress how important QUALITY photos are. You must provide 2-3 quality photos of the completed project with at least one of it modeled.</li><li>SOCIAL MEDIA: You must post to social media at least at least one well-lit photo of your finished project and one progress photo. Additional photos are appreciated, but not required.</li><li>FEEDBACK: You must finish and submit required notes and photos on the provided form by the deadline date.</li><li>You agree to protect my intellectual property by not copying, reproducing or distributing my pattern.</li></ol></div><div>Here are a few other things that I appreciate greatly, but don’t require at this time:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Adding your project to Ravelry</li><li>Posting extra progress photos or additional project shots</li><li>Promoting pattern releases on social media</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Deadlines</font></b></div><div>Deadlines are so very important. Often pattern notes are crucial to releasing patterns on time, so it is important that notes are submitted by the required deadlines. Failure to do so will result in an invoice for the pattern and removal from further testing opportunities. Please only apply for patterns that you can finish in the allotted time frame.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Your Skills</font></b></div><div>I like to use testers that have some experience with crochet, however, this does not mean that beginners should not apply. If you are a beginner, the expectation is for you to learn the stitches required to complete the pattern on your own. If you need resources and videos to accomplish this, please do not be afraid to ask in the group chat. I will be happy to provide links for you to learn stitches and techniques you are unfamiliar with.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Patterns</font></b></div><div>Patterns that are in the testing phase are unfinished. They may be missing photos or tutorial links. They may also have typos and errors. By agreeing to be a pattern tester, it is important to recognize that the patterns are not in finished condition. I simply ask for your help and patience with errors.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot choose everyone. As much as I would like to accommodate everyone that applies, I only have a limited number of tester slots for each pattern. To increase your chances of being chosen, be sure that you have quality photos on your Instagram page. I’m looking for photos in natural light.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Materials</font></b></div><div>Testers are responsible for purchasing the materials needed to complete the test pattern (including a yarn similar in composition, weight and style as suggested for a pattern). Testers will be contacted prior to any testing with a list of materials needed to confirm availability to test that pattern. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Compensation</font></b></div><div>Pattern testers will be provided with a finished copy of the PDF of the pattern they are testing. They will also be featured on social media, either via stories or main feed, and credited for their work and photo in such posts.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><font size="5">Are You Ready?</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I am accepting applications for testers for my upcoming Winter Berries Crochet Hat Pattern. Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckDYDRdiUq1TMkiEfF4sgdMknBraI7nRtcu_oG1zYiMundKQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">here</a> to apply.<br /><br /></div><div><font color="#3367d6"><font color="#3367d6"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/73b2b907aa18/pattern-test-notification" target="_blank">SIGN UP</a></font> </font>to receive my newsletter and be the first one to hear about pattern tester opportunities.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00558120786832618607noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-52739151354719478122017-04-02T16:55:00.003-04:002020-01-03T19:53:37.155-05:00FREE CROCHET PATTERN: BRICK STITCH BABY BLANKET<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">I found this amazing stitch and instantly fell
in love. Its simple and creates a wonderful texture. I have a baby shower
coming up and of course a lot of yarn laying around so I thought I'd give it a
try. It turned out great and worked up rather quickly. I am looking forward to
using this stitch for cowls and hats! Below is the free pattern. Give it a try
and let me know what you think. As always share your photos</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">BRICK STITCH BABY BLANKET</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Skill
Level: </b>Easy<span style="background: white; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Materials Needed</span></strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">: <br />
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yarn: worsted
weight yarn.<br />
Hook(s): Size H-8 (5.0 mm) <br />
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Abbreviations</span></strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">: <br />
ch = chain <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.anniescatalog.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=55&type_id=S&scat_id=368"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">dc =
double crochet</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.anniescatalog.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=68&type_id=S&scat_id=368"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">sc =
single crochet</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.anniescatalog.com/crochet/content.html?content_id=754&type_id=S&scat_id=61"></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">sk =
skip<br />
sp = space<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">st(s) = stitch(es) <strong><u><span style="color: blue; font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></strong></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Pattern:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.4067px;">Foundation Row: chain 100 loosely to measure approximately 26 inches. Sc in stitch across, turn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.4067px;">Row 1: ch 3, 3dc in 1<sup>st</sup> stitch, *skip 3st, [1sc, ch 3, 3dc] in next stitch* repeat across, end with 1sc in last stitch, turn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.4067px;">Row 2. ch 3, work 3dc in the sc of the previous row. *[1sc in the space made by ch 3 of previous row, ch3, 3dc] in same ch 3 of previous row* repeat across, end with 1sc in last stitch, turn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 17.6333px;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 16.4067px;">Repeat Row 2 throughout. Continue until the blanket is 26 inches long.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Help/Tutorials:</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
If you need help figuring out how to do a specific crochet stitch, I would
recommend going to <span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.anniescatalog.com/pages/stitchguide/index.html?cid=3" target="_blank">Annie’s Catalog</a>.</span> They have a huge selection of videos and
picture tutorials that will walk you through the process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I would love to see pictures of your finished work. Share
them on my Facebook: </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/myhobbyshopfanpage">www.facebook.com/myhobbyshopfanpage</a></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">You are welcome to sell any finished
products made from my patterns. If you sell items from this pattern, you must
mention my Etsy store name and website in your listing. Both my patterns and my
images are copyright protected and you may not use my images to sell your
finished items.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">You do NOT have permission to recopy,
rewrite, or redistribute this pattern in any form as your own or otherwise. You
may NOT resell my patterns.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-43305300195150966332013-07-29T14:23:00.001-04:002020-01-03T19:53:55.572-05:00August Gallery Hop<div>
Next weekend I have the opportunity to display some of my items at Amy Clark Studios during the monthly gallery hop.</div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HJ_q5eOGNsU/UfazGocdB0I/AAAAAAAAAi0/2wA21GaJym8/s640/blogger-image-511960679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HJ_q5eOGNsU/UfazGocdB0I/AAAAAAAAAi0/2wA21GaJym8/s640/blogger-image-511960679.jpg" /></a></div>
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I <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">have been very fortunate to work with the lovely photographers at Amy Clark Studios. I just love working with such talented people and they make my items look so lovely!</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">If you are in the neighborhood feel free to stop by, visit and shop!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-85169530321662721342012-07-04T10:19:00.000-04:002020-01-03T19:54:02.068-05:00Little Girl's Shell Crochet Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103527488/toddler-girls-hat-children-clothing?ref=blog" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBlYlvLHHSE/T_RNMAht6iI/AAAAAAAAAhM/OL9Pi5Xd4R0/s640/purple+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is one of a few little girl hats I made a couple of weeks ago. They are crocheted using Caron Simply Soft acrylic yarn. The simple shell stitch makes this a very nice hat to wear all season. The way this hat is made it can fit a girl from age 3 to 10 years old. I just love the way it turned out. Of course, great photos make any item look like a thousand bucks!<br />
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I worked with Kayla from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/CBK-Photography-Cincinnati-Northern-KY-/100373746733522" target="_blank">CBK Photography</a>. She did an awesome job with a great turn around time. Go "like" her facebook page to see her amazing photos. I will be posting new pictures as I get items listed. I can't wait to show you the wonderful pictures I have!<br />
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Of course this and a few other items are available in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyHobbyShop?ref=blog" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop. If you want a color I don't have listed let me know. I would love to do a custom order for you.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103527488/toddler-girls-hat-children-clothing?ref=blog" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e1xwE5xEDUM/T_RNQtWp-kI/AAAAAAAAAhU/LfUz0tt5fw4/s320/purple+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-37634638027560068732012-06-28T21:07:00.000-04:002020-01-03T19:54:08.341-05:00Thrift Store Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLH60BAY8W4/T-z7vG2qNHI/AAAAAAAAAgg/KaSjVVULHaw/s1600/DSC00018+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rLH60BAY8W4/T-z7vG2qNHI/AAAAAAAAAgg/KaSjVVULHaw/s320/DSC00018+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The last Wednesday of every month is 50% off at all Ohio Thrift stores. As if you needed another reason to go shopping to find lovely hidden treasures!<br />
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I love going to see what goodies I can find. I find myself a little heartbroken when I run across a hand crocheted item. How could someone have such disregard for something that was made especially for them. When I can I purchase those forgotten crochet beauties and recycle their yarn.<br />
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My trip this time was to look for baskets. I will be attending a craft show in the next month and thought presenting my items in baskets would make for a good look. I was thrilled to find two baskets that met my needs. Although they weren't part of the 50% off sale I did get them at the low, low price of $0.99 each. Who could argue with that!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjQ2twrgUos/T-z-V0HTQBI/AAAAAAAAAgs/2IaOdkiKU6c/s1600/DSC00066+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SjQ2twrgUos/T-z-V0HTQBI/AAAAAAAAAgs/2IaOdkiKU6c/s320/DSC00066+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So now I have two pretty little baskets to store some of my inventory in and use during craft show. I am very excited to get more.<br />
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What goodies have you gotten from the thrift store lately? Or am I the only one who love thrifting?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-43304967855717511522012-06-26T22:59:00.001-04:002012-06-26T22:59:53.595-04:00Self Striping YarnSaw this patriotic yarn and just had to have it. I didn't know what self striping yarn was. I am very thrilled with the way it looks. I will spend the evening making washcloths. Have you made anything using self striping yarn? Would love to see your projects.<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a6LYOELbmCk/T-p3KLk394I/AAAAAAAAAgU/MjzghnY0_v4/s640/blogger-image--1910312686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a6LYOELbmCk/T-p3KLk394I/AAAAAAAAAgU/MjzghnY0_v4/s640/blogger-image--1910312686.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-20030927689760027052012-03-25T08:00:00.008-04:002012-03-25T08:00:05.492-04:00Where Is The End??<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There are some days that too much crocheting can be stressful!</span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Time to put the yarn and hook down. Slowly step away. Poor a glass of wine and relax!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-28620719038087654602012-03-23T09:00:00.027-04:002020-01-03T19:54:42.505-05:00Spring Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95398012/crochet-cotton-washcloths-bath-scrubbies" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml_jqyE-mG0/T2qJtwqxrFI/AAAAAAAAAek/On69kX_C9Y0/s320/il_fullxfull.320843394.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Spring is just around the corner. For many people it means its time to do some spring cleaning. Get into your closets and start pulling out stuff you haven't touched since you've moved in! Its also the perfect time to get your windows, pantries and basement cleaned. Sounds like fun doesn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I think of spring, I think of bright and pastel colors. This past weekend I made a bunch of washcloths in some amazing colors that get me excited for spring. These washcloths can also be used as dishcloths so you can be eco friendly while you do your spring cleaning!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95396863/cotton-washcloths-orange-handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbZq84e2cvg/T2qKWsc1oYI/AAAAAAAAAew/5uqYOsF3SMk/s200/il_fullxfull.320839154.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95606208/yellow-handmade-washcloths-crochet-soft" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HO0feoaCGY4/T2qKdaLAbEI/AAAAAAAAAe8/u4XYFfARfwU/s200/il_fullxfull.321626870.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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Feel free to check out my Etsy shop if you are interested in looking at my other washcloth.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-53824160095500860032012-03-21T09:00:00.002-04:002020-01-03T19:54:49.672-05:00Blankets For Foster Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mvob.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZEYBuuEI7c/T16pvU6wrRI/AAAAAAAAAeU/iei4SkamP30/s320/6a01053581707e970b0120a6acc431970c-400wi.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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I love making items and there is nothing more satisfying than creating something that you know someone is going to love and appreciate. That’s why when I heard of <a href="http://www.mvob.org/"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">My Very Own Blanket</span></a> I just knew I had to share it with you.</div>
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<i>“My Very Own Blanket is an organization of volunteers dedicated to helping children in foster care feel valued and comforted.”</i> They do this by delivering personalized handmade blankets to foster children. Imagine my surprise when I found out that they are a local organization, right here in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ohio</st1:place></st1:state>!<br />
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I love that they make sure every blanket is personalized with the child’s name. How awesome. I know that most of these kids don’t get to take much with them when they leave home, so to have something handmade with love especially for them has to be amazing!</div>
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They accept blankets no smaller than 36 x 36 and no larger than 42 x 60. Don’t crochet? Don’t sew? Well, no worries, just visit their <a href="http://mvob.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=18"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">website</span></a> to get instructions on how to make a No Sew Blanket! </div>
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This gives me so many ideas. One of them … Wouldn’t it be great to have a group of people make crocheted or knitted squares and put them together to make a blanket to donate? You can do this with your church group, Girl Scout troops, or just as a special project. </div>
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I am going to use this as motivation to finish my granny square blanket that has been sitting on my night stand for over a year!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-78945887496531909412012-03-19T09:00:00.003-04:002020-07-23T14:45:29.945-04:00FREE Crochet Pattern How to make a basic beanie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62290169/unisex-skullcap-beanie-olive-green-mens" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_j_nR2BVsmQ/T16mLGMNWjI/AAAAAAAAAeM/fXebfnWNsn0/s320/il_fullxfull.304407869.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A week ago I wrote about a charity that provides our service members handmade beanies. So I thought I’d post a really simple crochet beanie pattern for those of you who would like to try to crochet your very own beanie to donate… or wear yourself!</div>
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Yarn: Worsted Yarn<br />
Hook: I - Hook</div>
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Ch 4, join with sl st to first ch to form ring.</div>
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Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), 9 dc in ring. Join with sl st to top of beginning dc (10 dc).</div>
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Round 2: Ch 2, dc in same st (2 dc in next st) around. Join (20 dc).</div>
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Round 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in next st (dc in next st 2 dc in next st) around. Join (30 dc).</div>
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Round 4: Ch 2, dc in next st 2 dc in next st (dc in next 2 st 2 dc in next st) around. Join (40 dc).</div>
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Round 5: Ch 2, dc in next 2 st 2 dc in next st (dc in next 3 st 2 dc in next st) around. Join (50 dc).</div>
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Round 6: Ch 2, dc in next 3 st 2 dc in next st (dc in next 4 st 2 dc in next st) around. Join (60 dc).<br />
Round 7: Ch 2, dc in each st around. Join (60 dc).<br />
Round 8 – 14: Repeat Round 7 (or until reached desire length)</div>
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Would love to see what you make! Come back and share your pictures!</div>
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Happy Crocheting ♥</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-81124886688321889242012-03-15T09:00:00.003-04:002020-01-03T19:55:05.950-05:00Leaving It To The Professionals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/etchedintimellc" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuVdL_dRWYE/T16hSeEDmxI/AAAAAAAAAeE/3sFx2VShQW4/s320/MusicCutOuts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As crafters/artists many of us have that “oh, I can do that” mentality. That’s exactly what was going through my mind when I decided that I wanted to add musical shapes to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyHobbyShop?section_id=7428934">iPod sleeves</a>. So I went to the craft store, bought different color felt and went home to start the process. After a couple of hours of searching the internet for just the right shapes, I gave up! I posted a plea on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/myhobbyshopfanpage">Facebook</a> page, hoping someone would save me from myself.<br />
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While I love crafting, sometimes I need to know my limitations. I have all these great ideas floating around in my head but obviously not enough time to crank them all out. With my felt musical shapes, sure I could have did them myself, but it would have taken me forever and that’s after I found some shapes I liked!</div>
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So Linda from <a href="http://etchedintimellc.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etched InTime</a> came to my rescue. Not only did she send me mock ups, she was kind enough to tweak them just a little bit to fit my needs. After a couple of days of communications, she had 100 of them done and in the mail to me in a matter of a day. One day! Yep sometimes you just need to leave things to the professionals. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-40134019021421471722012-03-13T08:00:00.004-04:002020-07-23T14:45:53.229-04:00Beanies for our Service Members<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.operationbeanies.org/home_page0.aspx" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xq2nlt4gdGE/T16dB0EwFoI/AAAAAAAAAd8/lLbQDiJFaTA/s320/87459060.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a while now I have wanted to do something to “give back”. I have been very blessed with my family, my job and my business. I feel as if I need to share this blessing with others. Time never seems to be on my side. Many of you can relate, with family, work, school, etc it’s hard to find time to sleep, let alone time to volunteer. But let’s face it that’s not really a good excuse. Each of us can find time to do something, even if it’s from our home.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So how excited was I when I was doing my morning reading and came across this website: <a href="http://www.operationbeanies.org/">Operation Beanies</a>. This is an organization founded by Miki Sessle to honor her late husband Bertram Sessler. Her goal is <i>“to provide one million (1,000,000) beanies for our service members in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> Armed Forces and Veterans in hospitals and convalescent facilities.”</i> How wonderful is that!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is my plan… make beanies to donate! My goal is to make at least two beanies a month. Not a bad goal! I will ship beanies on a monthly basis and keep you updated on how many I’ve completed. If you crochet or knit you should join me in this goal/challenge!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am so excited to get started on this!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-19605430836253180572012-02-22T21:09:00.002-05:002020-07-23T14:46:20.106-04:00Crochet Chicago Flag Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt4UfS8rvM0/T0Wbjm1a6UI/AAAAAAAAAdA/JMf_g1dyubs/s1600/720px-Municipal_Flag_of_Chicago.svg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt4UfS8rvM0/T0Wbjm1a6UI/AAAAAAAAAdA/JMf_g1dyubs/s400/720px-Municipal_Flag_of_Chicago.svg.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My customers always come up with the most amazing ideas. That is why I was thrilled when a customer emailed me about having a scarf made to look similar to the Chicago flag. She was very specific in her directions, which was great. The easiest part was getting the scarf itself made.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br />
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Now all I had to do was add the stars. Easier said than done. I literally crocheted a dozen different stars using several different types of yarn. None of them met my satisfaction. Then I decided to use red felt. While it was easy to cut, it’s not so easy to sew onto crochet! But the end results is definitely worth all the work!<br />
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I am hopeful that there will be many more creative challenges ahead!!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-3439847673270775542012-01-31T17:50:00.001-05:002020-07-23T14:46:45.740-04:00Looks Good Enough To Eat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0cRu0q0T8M/TyXZYa7Z3vI/AAAAAAAAAck/T_HCqIadeuA/s1600/pasterries.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0cRu0q0T8M/TyXZYa7Z3vI/AAAAAAAAAck/T_HCqIadeuA/s400/pasterries.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When most people hear crochet they automatically think of granny squares and afghans. But there is so much more to crochet.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br />
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I want to share with you the work of Kate Jenkins. With a degree in Fashion & Textile, Kate has sold her <i>"designs to fashion labels Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Sonia Rykiel and Donna Karan before establishing her own label <a href="http://www.cardigan.ltd.uk/index.php"><span style="color: black;">Cardigan</span></a> in 2003 which produces gorgeous fashion and homewares</i>."<br />
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In 2010 she did an art exhibit "<a href="http://www.r-h-g.co.uk/exhibitions/view/kate_jenkins_come_dine_with_kate/124,4219.html"><span style="color: black;">Come Dine With Kate</span></a>". I just love her creativity and all the wonderful pieces of art she was able to create with yarn!<br />
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I love finding amazing talented artist like her. Especially when it comes to the art of crochet!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8otLxRIsHo/TyXbrtsf3rI/AAAAAAAAAcw/3MU_nIJIK0Y/s1600/sushi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8otLxRIsHo/TyXbrtsf3rI/AAAAAAAAAcw/3MU_nIJIK0Y/s400/sushi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-14686296914209114872012-01-29T18:20:00.002-05:002020-07-23T14:47:06.624-04:00Grateful<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV8tblyrtz8/TyXOLe1isgI/AAAAAAAAAcA/qC9cWr-cBAo/s1600/yarn2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UV8tblyrtz8/TyXOLe1isgI/AAAAAAAAAcA/qC9cWr-cBAo/s400/yarn2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://littlegoddess27.tumblr.com/">http://littlegoddess27.tumblr.com/ </a> </td></tr>
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It's Sunday evening, my kids are spread out across the house entertaining themselves. I am sitting in our dining room surrounded by bags from Hobby Lobby, full of yarn. My table has patterns, invoices, crochet hooks, scissors and of course my trusty energy drink. As I sit here and crochet a cowl that is on its way to Colorado, it came to me, I am truly blessed.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br />
I love to crochet and I am so grateful that my online store has started to take off. I am by no means a business major so this whole thing has been learn as I go. But the bottom line is I love to crochet. I love the idea that there are people all over the country (mainly the US & Australia) that have my handmade items. How cool is that! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNsJoHPMwRY/TyXOQ2nwCiI/AAAAAAAAAcM/2rrhwurTwP0/s1600/yarn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNsJoHPMwRY/TyXOQ2nwCiI/AAAAAAAAAcM/2rrhwurTwP0/s400/yarn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.knitculture.com/">http://www.knitculture.com </a> </td></tr>
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I honestly couldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for my supportive husband and our amazing kids. Juggling a full time job, while being a wife and a mom is hard in itself. But then trying to squeeze a business into every other waking second I got, can be challenging. They have cheered me on and helped make adjustments around the house so I can do what I love and for that I couldn't be more grateful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWne-nIA5Z8/TyXTMF-Hi1I/AAAAAAAAAcY/QQZULNepp_Q/s1600/love.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWne-nIA5Z8/TyXTMF-Hi1I/AAAAAAAAAcY/QQZULNepp_Q/s400/love.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <a href="http://all%20things%20bright/">All Things Bright</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></td></tr>
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</strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-41516751617335210762011-10-12T09:00:00.008-04:002020-07-23T14:47:39.824-04:00Wholly Craft<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Nope its not a line out of an old school Batman episode! Its a small fun shop in the Clintonville neighborhood featuring hip, handmade goods from crafters and artists. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">About a month ago I got a convo from the wonderful owner Olivera expressing her interest in having my cowls in her shop. I was so excited. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My cousin and daughter joined me on a little shopping expedition to check this place out. All I can say is that I was in heaven. This is a small little shop that holds the best of handmade items. A wall full of jewelry is just the beginning of the crafty goodness this store offers. Everything from earrings made from recycled tires to necklace with charms the shape of Ohio. What a wonderful way to show Ohio pride!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whollycraft.com/"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUk2Muasni0/TpTxOX09haI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/7ab-0-wsnkg/s400/earring_wall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After a couple of weeks of crocheting I finally dropped off my first set of items to be sold in this amazing consignment shop. I am hoping that if you are in the Columbus area that you will take time to stop by this amazing shop and help support handmade.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-82584396193666244792011-10-11T20:12:00.001-04:002020-07-23T14:48:08.249-04:00Tag-o-liciousI have been tweaking my shop slowly over the last couple of months. I have redone my banner and have been working on my photos and new items. Feel free to check out my progress! I am optimistic that all my hard work will pay off and I will have some orders for the holiday season.<br />
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Looking ahead to my potential sales I decided it was time to get some garment tags. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXbcnp_5I-A/TpTGj3KAw7I/AAAAAAAAAZk/N84zjxd880c/s1600/DSC00063.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sXbcnp_5I-A/TpTGj3KAw7I/AAAAAAAAAZk/N84zjxd880c/s320/DSC00063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I ordered these lovely satin foldable tags from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennifersJewels">JennifersJewels</a>. She was able to match the font I use on my banner so my labels match. I am disappointed at myself for not being creative enough to come up with some type of logo to fit in at the top of the labels. So I am brainstorming for next time. All in all I love the way my new tags look and can't wait to use them! Yes I am being optimistic about my upcoming sales!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-10270856996039535262011-09-27T08:00:00.018-04:002020-07-23T14:49:37.376-04:00Interview with BozenaWojtaszek @ Etsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74124383/art-quilt-yummy-landscape"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hebh3rbLAxo/Tm1SxkGZZgI/AAAAAAAAAYM/tS5IXgq0mYI/s400/il_fullxfull.256830539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>When did you become interested in quilting/sewing?</b><br />
<i>I was taught to sew by one of my grandmas when I was 9. I loved sewing at an early age, so it was just the matter to get the knowhow. But the talent and love for sewing I inherited from my other grandma. Of course I sewed my own clothes; I also knit, crochet and embroider.</i> <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><b>How did it evolve to the artwork you are doing now?</b><br />
<i>I love all crafts but sewing was always my biggest love. And I mean sewing by machine. I like to embellish my works with beads or embroidery but it is just an addition, the main fun is done by machine. And I was trying to make art quilts not even knowing they are quilts.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64531290/embroidered-quilted-tree-ornament-purple"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcUvawYuijg/Tm1Tj5-OeLI/AAAAAAAAAYc/VzB7KB6FEDE/s400/il_fullxfull.254186608.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Where do your ideas come from? Care you share your creative process?</b><br />
<i>Nature (as seen in plants and their fruit), culture (art and history but also material culture) and emotions (personal and social). Some years ago I "discovered" that kitchen and food related themes cover everything. Since then I stayed focused on those topics with small excursions into the woods (my trees) and medieval art. I love to discover connections and relations between everyday small things and big ideas.<br />
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My creative process isn't a secret - I have a blog where I share it and it turned out that it depends on many factors. Sometimes I just like the color combination of some veggies and I want to translate it into fabric. Sometimes there's an idea, the mood and I have to find the elements to carry it into my art. But one thing is constant (and it always surprises my viewers) - I don't start with drawing. I can't draw. I can sketch some idea, a plan but to execute it I have to go through tons of pictures and drawings of others to choose the most interesting for my elements. And then I pull up my fabrics and they tell me what to do next!</i><div><i><br /></i><div><b>What is your favorite item? Tell us why?</b><br />
<i>As of today my piece "They see" (image below) made in 2009. Why? I don't really know - it was very nice to sew but it is even more interesting to hear what the viewers see in it. It turned out that this piece is very meaningful and evokes so many interesting associations that it is hard to put your eyes off of it.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdnRp3GCv9U/Tm1TCPGLvTI/AAAAAAAAAYU/FKmxNVcp4is/s1600/they%2Bsee1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdnRp3GCv9U/Tm1TCPGLvTI/AAAAAAAAAYU/FKmxNVcp4is/s640/they%2Bsee1.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br />
<b>How did you find Etsy, and what made you decide to start selling your work?</b><br />
<i>I always wanted to sell my works. But I know it is difficult to sell fiber art online. On the screen it looks just like a colorful picture, you can't see the main part of textile - softness, texture, warmth. So when I discovered Etsy (through the fellow artists) I decided to give it a try. What I like the best in it, it is that's rather easy. I'm not a computer geek but it is easy even for me :) I can change the picture or the description of a piece to make it viewer friendly.</i><br />
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<b>What challenges have you found in your work/business?</b><br />
<i>The hardest part is marketing. I'm rather shy person and I don't like to talk about my art. I can answer questions if the arise or if someone is interested in something. But I can't stand and say "people, come here, what a beautiful work I do". All the SEO matters are a real pain for me.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75666855/quilted-personal-placemat-herbal-tea"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6RKYNUMnKts/Tm1UGmSF2cI/AAAAAAAAAYk/CluOSbmno1o/s400/il_fullxfull.252099522.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Do you do this fulltime? If not please tell us about your “day” job.</b><br />
<i>Yes, I'm full time artist, although now I'm full time etsian :-)</i><br />
<br />
<b>What handmade possession do you most cherish?</b><br />
<i>Textiles from my grandmas - kitchen towels, doilies, tablecloth.</i><br />
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<b>If you had to use only one word to describe yourself, what would it be?</b><br />
<i>Curiosity.</i><br />
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<b>Find Me:</b><br />
Etsy shop: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BozenaWojtaszek">http://www.etsy.com/shop/BozenaWojtaszek</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://textilecuisine.blogspot.com/">http://textilecuisine.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Flickr: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bozenawojtaszek">http://www.flickr.com/photos/bozenawojtaszek</a></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-22617454664499609642011-09-24T13:16:00.001-04:002020-07-23T14:50:06.192-04:00Crochet Mama<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myhobbyshopblog.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20day%20challenge">September ~ 30 Day Blog Challenge</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do your parents do for a living?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBQaqE5Aggs/Tn4MsxviwKI/AAAAAAAAAY8/vOvPFDlT_Ws/s1600/n1311201306_496505_7003695.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBQaqE5Aggs/Tn4MsxviwKI/AAAAAAAAAY8/vOvPFDlT_Ws/s320/n1311201306_496505_7003695.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is a picture of my family. My brothers, sister and my mom, standing in her white dress glowing on her wedding day. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div>My mom has always been an artist. For as long as I can remember she was always painting, crocheting or just decorating. She lives, eats and breathes art. In 2009 she married a man that supports her in every way possible with her passion. It helps that he's an artist as well. He's a wonderful painter & musician. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6Gx8f2_HkI/Tn4PVxQ5e-I/AAAAAAAAAZE/_sapGrpApTs/s1600/182481_1823748762368_1499723825_31950691_3219939_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6Gx8f2_HkI/Tn4PVxQ5e-I/AAAAAAAAAZE/_sapGrpApTs/s320/182481_1823748762368_1499723825_31950691_3219939_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I have to admit her crocheting skills are amazing. She works without patterns. All her designs are originals. She works from home and travels to various places doing craft shows. She is constantly getting compliments on her work. <br />
<br />
I developed my passion for crocheting from her but I still have a long way before I can do anything remotely as beautiful as the clothing that she makes.<br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=80070&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-32410708361452811372011-09-20T08:00:00.001-04:002020-07-23T14:50:19.028-04:00Interview with Misscongeniality @ Etsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/misscongeniality"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wGlhDoEFdc/TmTf6yDELdI/AAAAAAAAAXg/j4SfeKyfrSI/s400/il_fullxfull.256875102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Tell us a little about yourself?</b><br />
<i>I'm a quirky, former teacher, stay-at-home mom, who loves to sew. I detest chick flicks and heels; but, I love pink, polkadots--and given the opportunity, I would live in flip flops and dresses. I can't pick up a book, because once I do, I can't put it down (that's probably why I was an english teacher :). And if given the choice between a vacation at Disney World or a secluded beach, I'd pick the later.</i><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><b>Is there a story behind your store name?</b><br />
<i>My store name is my daughter's nickname. Sice she was a toddler, I've called her that, but always sarcastically. I love her dearly, but she's a grumpy old soul. Over time, the name seems to have fit the business. I've moved into making aprons and dish carriers, both are items associated with being congenial.</i> <br />
<br />
<b>How did you get started with your craft?</b><br />
<i>When I was 8, my parents gave me a sewing machine. At the time, I thought it was the worst present ever. Now, not so much. For 20 years, I sewed on and off. It's been in the last 5 years that I've started to become serious about sewing as an art. I take various technique classes and plan to eventually get a Master and Design Certification from the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals.</i><br />
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<b>How did it evolve to the artwork you are doing now?</b><br />
<i>I started sewing small things like doll clothes, pillows, decor items, etc. I would sew just to make things, not paying attention to details or precision. I began teaching high school, and sewing fell to the wayside. I had kids, stopped teaching and returned to sewing. Perhaps it was motherhood, who knows, but I looked at sewing in a different way. I began reading about techniques, stiches, thread tension, etc. I started taking classes and really began to see sewing as a handmade art, not just a "craft." My friends saw this in my gifts, that they suggested that I start selling them.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72947936/funky-pink-and-turquoise-full-length"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXiG4hWy0vo/TmTgCiXZNJI/AAAAAAAAAXo/enQXmGjTmWI/s400/il_fullxfull.239267113.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<b>Where do your ideas come from? Care you share your creative process?</b><br />
<i>I love to browse magazines (i.e. Threads, Sew News) and books. I also LOVE small quilt stores (there are some in Shipshewana, Indiana that i frequent a lot.) The small stores tend to carry fabric from designers like Amy Butler and MODA lines. My ideas always start with the fabric. I look at the fabric and think until an idea just "feels right" for apron ties, or an apron lining, a dish carrier flower, etc.</i><br />
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<b>What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created? Why</b>?<br />
<i>My favorite creation is my large casserole/dish carrier. All the carriers I had seen, only carried 1 dish or rectangular pans. I wanted to create something that could carry a variety of items from large bowls to cupcake trays. Plus I wanted something that was unique and pretty. I spent several months, and more than several mistakes, creating a casserole carrier that is truly one-of-a-kind.</i><br />
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<b>How did you find Etsy, and what made you decide to start selling your work?</b><br />
<i>My college age cousin pointed out the site to me several years ago. I like the simplicity and user friendliness of it. I also love that the customers understand and appreciate a handmade item. They shop etsy for the craftsmanship, rather than just a bargain.<i></i></i><br />
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<b>What challenges have you found in your work/business?</b><br />
<i>My biggest challenge has been a "production vs promotion" dilema. So much of small business succes depends on promotion in blogs, posts, facebook, art shows, etc. But at the same time, you have to devote time to producing a product that you can promote. It's a blancing act that i'm still learning how to do.</i> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76726622/casserole-dish-carrier-large-with"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-achOfIne5nU/TmTgMEZr1TI/AAAAAAAAAXw/bumo3oOmgGE/s400/il_fullxfull.256656797.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Do you do this fulltime? If not please tell us about your “day” job.</b><br />
<i>For the past two years, I have done this part time. Actually, you probably couldn't even say that. For the past four months, I have been preparing to promote and produce for my business full time. All my kids are now in school, so now I have time to fully devote to it.</i><br />
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<b>What handmade possession do you most cherish?</b><br />
<i>It has to be a toss up. It could be the stuffed animals I made for my kids from their baby clothes. They adore the animals, and I love that. Or my favorite could be my daughter's first communion dress that I'm making. I've taken my wedding dress and deconstructed it and am using the material for her dress.</i><br />
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<b>Your top 5 most played songs on playlist?</b><br />
Matt Kearney: Hey Mama<br />
Josh Wilson: Savior, Please<br />
B.o.B featuring Bruno Mars: Nothin On You<br />
Lee Ann Womack: Last Call<br />
Jason Chain: You Got Me<br />
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<b>Find Me:</b><br />
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/misscongeniality<br />
Other Site: www.shopmissc.com <br />
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmissc <br />
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<b>Coupon Code:</b><br />
20% discount using the code HOBBYSHOP</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-34284421486155699332011-09-13T08:00:00.006-04:002020-07-23T14:50:30.975-04:00Interview with Yury4465 @ Etsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74012705/venice-jester-mask-decorative-plate"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zYA670HWafc/TmPGe9gDSlI/AAAAAAAAAXI/6zwtSkQx8WE/s400/il_fullxfull.243720745.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Tell us a little bit about yourself.</b><br />
<i>I was born in Leningrad, USSR. I was studying in school affiliated wit Academy of Fine art. After that I was admitted to the Academy of Fine Art on department of architecture. I came to the USA in 1989 and started to work as sculptor and artist. Later, I was working as an architect for many years, mostly in “entertainment architecture”- casinos, theme restaurants in different cities of the USA. Lately return to Fine Art and classical portraiture. I reside in New York for more than 20 years.</i><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><b>Is there a story behind your store name?</b> <br />
<i>No story behind store name, just make it catchy</i><br />
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<b>When did you become interested in art?</b> <br />
<i>In my childhood. I was drawing and painting as I can remember myself. I was studying art and architecture in Academy of Art in Leningrad. Since 1989 I live in USA.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73939557/saltsburg-tea-set-original-decorative"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iZoXi9XIgzU/TmPGlKYy8FI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/Sp1ZDSBl99w/s400/il_fullxfull.243717529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>How did it evolve to the artwork you are doing now? </b><br />
<i>I always considered different styles, different options.</i><br />
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<b>Who or what has been most influential in your art?</b> <br />
<i>Italian old masters.</i><br />
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<b>How would you describe your creative process?</b> <br />
<i>Simple, just paint what on your mind, like take a dictation, and with fewer mistakes as possible.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72507092/new-york-policeman-clocks"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLzG7EBrI5U/TmPGsgGqEkI/AAAAAAAAAXY/-UOX1oHeBI8/s400/il_fullxfull.237629562.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>How did you get started in your handmade business?</b> <br />
<i>I decided to find new and broader market for exposure.</i><br />
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<b>What are your plans for the future?</b><br />
<i>To get known as an artist to more people.</i><br />
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<b>If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and what would be served?</b><br />
<i>Indefinitely, Hieronymus Bosch and Peter Brueghel. Serving raw steaks.</i><br />
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Find me:<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yury4465">www.etsy.com/shop/yury4465</a><br />
<a href="http://www.modernartonline.com/">www.ModernArtOnLine.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.artbytarler.com/">www.ArtByTarler.com</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-79269048498558454602011-09-06T08:00:00.042-04:002020-07-23T14:51:15.483-04:00Interview with Jpgphotography @ Etsy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WUV75_0vS2U/TmOx2HsxE4I/AAAAAAAAAWo/71PpWhGYzv0/s400/il_fullxfull.253086434.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wait For Me by <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">jpgphotography</span></span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Tell us a little bit about yourself.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Hi, I'm Julie and I currently I work as a full time graphic designer in northern San Diego. I grew up in many places due to my father’s military job, so I had the pleasure of living in Seattle, San Francisco, Virginia Beach, and an unbelievable 5 years in Japan as a teenager. But San Diego has always been my home town. I also have a Japanese bobtail cat that I adopted while in Japan, and he continues to be my photographic muse. (although usually unwillingly!)</i><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><b>What made you get into photography?</b><br />
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<i>I have always been artistic, drawing and art being my main form of expression. When I was a child, when anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I immediately piped up ‘Artist!’ While photography always seemed fun, it wasn’t until 3 years ago that I got a taste of what photography was really like. My boyfriend would often bring his Canon DSLR on our outings, and told me that I could use the camera at any point to take some shots… well, needless to say, he could never get the camera back! He had to basically pry it from my snap happy fingers. After that, we were practically shooting every weekend. I was completely addicted. Every photographer always wants to evoke emotion and capture a moment in a photograph, but for me if goes deeper than that. To me, it seems like people often go about their daily life in a hazy state, unaware of all the beauty around them, many times in unexpected places. I'm guilty of that too. Photography has taught me to slow down, observe the world around me, and be patient. I suppose I’m trying in the best way I humbly and humanly can to show in my photos what God has intended us to see, and what is always there, if we just take the time to absorb our surroundings. At least that’s my goal every time I hit the shutter button</i>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74774646/face-palm-8x10-photograph-of-a-seal-on" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NZ4R0xViRg/TmO1_thtHLI/AAAAAAAAAWw/Hh_vjMj9bPs/s400/il_fullxfull.246838610.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Face Palm by<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">jpgphotography</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Where does your passion for your art come from?</b><br />
<br />
<i>I think as humans we all have this desire to create something beautiful, whether it be visual art, music, or literature. My mother has always been artistic, and we would often draw or color together. It was times like those that fueled my creativity when I was younger. Art class was always my favorite in school. As I got older, I found it was something I never lost interest in. I suppose it’s that fulfillment and excitement of the artistic journey you take when you are creating. With photography, I get a natural high from the whole process. I can be on a chilly beach cliff in the winter, tripod set up, the wind biting at my back, and shivering fingers hovering over the shutter button, waiting for the perfect moment… and I am having the time of my life. Plus, creating in general just feels good.</i><br />
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<b>What made you decide to sell your photographs?</b><br />
<br />
<i>One night a few months ago as I was editing my images, probably listening to the Labyrinth soundtrack for the umpteenth time, in my total 'happy place' of sorting and editing images from my various photo excursions, and my mouse clicking feverishly with various Photoshop tinkering, I suddenly felt a strange pang that I couldn't explain. Here I was, doing what was my idea of a fun time, detached from the world for a few hours, and absorbed by warm glowing pixels. This is when my mind started to wander. What would people think of my images? Would anyone love or buy my images? Then the bigger question: Would anyone even ever see them? I create photographs because I relish the entire process, from picking the time of day to shoot, to hunting down a particular subject, to picking just the right lens and fiddling with the camera settings, to composing the shot, and finally, editing the image to tell a story. It is all very self-fulfilling, and just plain fun, and yet here I was, with that nagging pang that would not go away, and gigs of photos burning a hole in my hard drive, hidden from the world.<br />
<br />
I decided that night that I wanted to share my love of photography with others and seek an avenue to not only display it, but sell it. To be honest, I was curious if anyone would invite my work into their home, and maybe selling some shots could help me afford some photography gear I had my heart set on. After much thought, I remembered a site called Etsy, where I had bought a vintage Brownie camera once. The thought that someone loves my work enough to buy it, and display it in their home or give as a gift… it’s just an unbelievably good feeling. I had made a brave and conscience decision to get my work out there into the universe, and I have no regrets. And just last week I set up a photo display in a new shop in my town, The Rustic Sparrow, where they are selling my prints now. It was very exciting. It's like a snow ball effect!</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73059312/second-star-to-the-right-8x8-photograph" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9mXZnaTP-o/TmO3GkY53JI/AAAAAAAAAW4/ykSBCWDy-Nc/s400/il_fullxfull.239906697.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Second Star to the Right by<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">jpgphotography</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Which is your favorite photograph and why?</b><br />
<br />
<i>When I first read this, I thought ‘What a hard question!’ Then I realized I had the answer all along on my Etsy profile page:<br />
‘I can't say my favorite photo is in this collection... because I'm fairly certain that photo is going to be taken tomorrow.’<br />
It’s so true! As I evolve and grow, I like to think that the next great photo is just around the bend, almost within reach and waiting to be taken.<br />
I can tell you one of my most memorable was ‘<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74774646/face-palm-8x10-photograph-of-a-seal-on">Face Palm</a>’, a photo of a seal I shot in Kauai, Hawaii. I almost stumbled onto him as I was walking the secluded beach... I made sure I got a safe distance away, got my zoom lens out, laid down on my stomach, with my chin in the sand, and snapped away. Every time I see that shot I smile.</i><br />
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<b>What memorable responses have you had to your work?</b><br />
<br />
<i>One that comes to mind was a feedback on Etsy that stated ‘Thank You for taking such a beautiful photograph and offering it up for sale. Having this image to look at every day will inspire me to create beautiful work...’ I can’t tell you how great that made me feel, that I could be inspiring to a fellow artist… no words can describe how awesome that is.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW6eYEd8Mn0/TmO6s7_EbaI/AAAAAAAAAXA/j6MWM3y2f5s/s1600/il_fullxfull.244765004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW6eYEd8Mn0/TmO6s7_EbaI/AAAAAAAAAXA/j6MWM3y2f5s/s400/il_fullxfull.244765004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?</b><br />
<br />
<i>I would tell them to not get discouraged. Sales do not always happen overnight. Love what you do, believe in you work, and believe in yourself. My boyfriend once told me: There is only success and success waiting to happen. I’ve always remembered that.</i><br />
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<b>What is the biggest mistake you have ever made (business or personal)?</b><br />
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<i>I would say doubting myself and my abilities as an artist. An artist can be their own worst enemy, and see flaw in anything they do. I try my best to remain positive and believe in my work.</i><br />
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<b>Apart from creating, what do you do?</b><br />
<br />
<i>Outside of photography, I enjoy baking sweet calorie laden confections for my family, boyfriend, coworkers, or anyone else who will eat them. I also love roaming bookstores alone for hours, and daydreaming/researching future travel destinations. Right now it’s all about some sort of California road trip! Or maybe the Caribbean… or Europe... a girl can dream, right?<br />
</i><br />
<br />
<b>What would people be surprised to learn about you?</b><br />
<br />
<i>I know more about coffee than anyone should know. I became a coffee master at Starbucks when I worked there during graphic design school, I have toured a coffee farm in Kauai, gave a PowerPoint presentation about coffee in college, lead a coffee tasting seminar, and have tasted dozens of varieties. Ironically, I actually prefer tea! Earl Grey. Hot. Straight up. Or maybe a milky spicy chai.</i> ^_^<br />
<br />
<br />
Find me:<br />
Etsy shop: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jpgphotography">http://www.etsy.com/shop/jpgphotography</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://jpgphotography.typepad.com/blog/">http://jpgphotography.typepad.com/blog/</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jpgphotography.etsy">http://www.facebook.com/jpgphotography.etsy</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/_jpgphotography">http://twitter.com/_jpgphotography</a><br />
<br />
Select Prints Available at Gallery & Shop: The Rustic Sparrow<br />
128 E. Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rustic-Sparrow/250280608317335">http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Rustic-Sparrow/250280608317335</a><br />
<br />
20% entire purchase in my store, use the code: JPGPHOTOGRAPHY<br />
Expires Oct. 31, 2011</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-26656820060381467372011-09-02T08:00:00.004-04:002020-07-23T14:51:30.537-04:00Fluent In One And A Half Languages<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://myhobbyshopblog.blogspot.com/search/label/30%20day%20challenge"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">September 30 Day Blog Challenge</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">How many languages can you speak?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76448980/house-rules-13x19-goldenrod-yellow"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4ynE73T11A/TmBVE3HIBzI/AAAAAAAAAWc/8ZYMmBSX6X4/s400/il_fullxfull.252593659.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I was born in South Bronx, New York to Puerto Rican parents. When I was growing up everyone around me spoke Spanish: our family, friends, people in the neighborhood, everyone. It was normal for us.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div>Then when I was nine years old we moved to Ohio. Well lets just say it was a big culture shock. I can honestly say I can count on one hand the number of Hispanics I went to school with growing up, not counting family. Our family fell out of the habit of speaking Spanish on an everyday basis. By the time I reached high school I could barely scrap a few words together to form an understandable sentence. This is even after three years of Spanish class. Unbelievable right?!<br />
<br />
So to the answer the question I would say I am fluent in one and a half language. Weird I know. I speak English fluently and I can understand Spanish almost completely. But for the life of me I cannot get my mouth to speak the words that form in my head. I'm not sure what my problem is. So at the most I speak Spanglish. I start with some Spanish words and throw in a few English ones to complete my sentence! My husband is amazed at how I could sit and have a long conversations with my Abuela. She will talk to me in Spanish and I will respond in English. Hey it works. <br />
<br />
I do feel as if I am losing a bit of my heritage/culture since I don't speak fluent Spanish and I didn't teach it to my kids. I have told my husband that I want us as a family to work on learning Spanish next year - as part of our New Years goals. I think it would be good for us as a family. So we'll see how it will all work out.<br />
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How about you? How many languages do you speak?<br />
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I love blogging. Or at least love the idea of blogging. I gather my laptop, get comfy at my desk, go to blogger, click new post... and nothing. When this happens I go searching the internet for motivation. I end up killing hours of my time looking at pictures, shopping or just stumbling!<span><a name='more'></a></span><div>I decided its time to get focused and blog more consistently. My biggest obstacle is deciding on a topic. So I spent some time compiling a long list of random topics. Some are personal and some are business related - either way they are a way to break writer's block and get use to writing.<br />
<br />
I thought it would be fun to share this challenge with you! At the end of this blog I will post the first 30 topics/questions. While some of them seem as if they could be answered in one or two words this is where you can be creative, tell a story, post a picture or video. Now I know life gets in the way so we won't beat ourselves up if we don't make it everyday but the goal is to try! If you are interested sign up below and leave a comment.<br />
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Be sure to come back and see my daily post. I will include a place for you to submit your daily blog entries to share with me and my readers!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">SEPTEMBER 30 DAY CHALLENGE TOPICS</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 How many languages can you speak?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 Top 5 favorite Board Games</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 Do you believe in soul mates?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5 What is the best piece of advice you've received?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6 Were you ever a boy/girl scout?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7 Summer or Winter? </div><div style="text-align: justify;">8 Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9 What would you do if you only had 24 hours left to live?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10 What is the first thing you notice about people?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">11 Top 5 favorite bloggers you like to read</div><div style="text-align: justify;">12 What is your favorite food?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">13 Tattoos. If you have one, post it and it’s story. If not, what do you want?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">14 What type of music do you like to listen to?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">15 Top 5 favorite Sports players (male or female)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">16 What is the first think you notice about a guy or girl?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">17 What was the last movie you've seen?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">18 What was your most recent trip of more than 50 miles?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">19 What is your favorite pizza topping?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">20 What is the worst thing that happened to you during the past week?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">21 What's your favorite Broadway musical?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">22 If you only had 24 hours to live, what would you want to do?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">23 Who's your favorite Care Bear?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">24 What do your parents do for a living?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">25 Computer or television? </div><div style="text-align: justify;">26 If you could go to Disney World with any celebrity alive today, who would it be?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">27 Post one confession/secret</div><div style="text-align: justify;">28 Mountain hideaway or beach house? </div><div style="text-align: justify;">29 What is on your mouse pad?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">30 Hugs or Kisses?</div><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174924546557320959.post-75026568045567936422011-08-23T08:00:00.014-04:002020-07-23T14:52:06.228-04:00Interview with FrozenTimePhoto @ Etsy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59988443/along-the-dune-8x10-fine-art-photography"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neW6eD_GhsY/Tk7hc5Y0lqI/AAAAAAAAAVo/_jktXwb0oEQ/s400/il_fullxfull.186728794.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Tell us a little bit about yourself:</b><br />
<br />
<i>My name is Brandon Addis, and I am a native to a small town in northeast Georgia, named Tiger. My town has a four-way stop and around 1800 inhabitants. Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot about knowing those around you and building strong and meaningful relationships. After college I relocated an hour south to Gainesville, Georgia. I reside in the downtown area with my partner and enjoy in partaking in locally held events in the downtown area and learning my local area with its history.</i><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><b>What made you get into photography?</b><br />
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<i>Early on, really even before I realized what I was getting into, I thoroughly enjoyed capturing prints of beautiful structures, as architecture has always fascinated me. I started capturing prints for ideas of my dream home, and then it spread into the joy of appreciating the beauty that mankind has created with their own hands. I began capturing shots of historic districts in the downtown area of Augusta, Georgia. The intrinsic and awe inspiring detail of the arts and crafts era amazed me, and I felt a sense of recording and archiving our beautiful history with my own camera, saving it for future generations to come. It later evolved into capturing the beauty in which we all at times miss with the busy hustle and bustle of life.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78012642/definition-of-love-8x10-fine-art"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dwAgBuuOQso/Tk7hzYLVAYI/AAAAAAAAAV4/CdDLdORANRw/s400/il_fullxfull.257823110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Where does your passion for art come from?</b><br />
<br />
<i>Growing up in a small town, I remember the members of my community that took the time to speak and educate the public on who’s who of the community, and how we arrived to who we are today. Those individuals inspired me to preserve our present and our past through photography. In any town or city you travel through, one can observe the past being erased for a new big-box store or the next “big thing”. It saddens and scares me that future generations may not know what made their home town what it is today. Capturing a print freezes time in a way that one can visualize and reflect where they came from. </i><br />
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<b>What made you decide to sell your photographs?</b><br />
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<i>Over the years my friends have told me that my work was great, but the moment that I wanted to share my work came from a different source. I was visiting my partner’s family, and his mother started discussing my work and the amazing talent that I had. She told me that it would be sad to see my work not to reach others and be an inspiration to them. She also mentioned how rewarding it would be to have my work available to others for inspiration and to reflect on positive memories. One of my major drivers in life is to know that I have impacted others, in a positive way. I want to know that when I am long gone that I have left a positive mark on other’s lives. One of my recent sales is to an individual that recalled spending time with a friend on the very location that I captured a shot. The fulfillment that I received from being able to send a print to that customer was very amazing and empowering. That opportunity drives me to have my work available.</i><br />
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<b>What’s your favorite piece of work that you have created? Why?</b><br />
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<i>My absolute and all-time favorite is “Connector”. I made a trip to beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee and was in awe by the amazing historical pedestrian bridge connecting the downtown area of Chattanooga. I was dealing with a few things in my life, and the moment that I saw the bridged it signified a sense of connection and strength for me. Capturing that shot has impacted my life in more ways than one. It came to me at a crossroad in my life, and gazing into the print drove me the way that I needed to go to do better for myself and others. Seeing that print, which is hanging in my workspace, is always a reminder of strength, prosperity, and a reminder that patience always makes the ride of life worthwhile and promising a reality in my life. The bridge was doomed for demolition and abandonment for quite a while and simply hung on until someone saw the potential behind it, and now it’s a treasure to the community.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59591798/connector-8x10-fine-art-photography"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cplj89i9fn8/Tk7hmG1MFrI/AAAAAAAAAVw/xg1Kv-FU2QU/s400/il_fullxfull.185394382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?</b><br />
<br />
<i>When I first registered with Etsy, I put a few prints in my shop, and wasn’t really taking it seriously. After a couple of weeks, a customer contacted me in regards to a piece that I had available. Her best friend was moving, and that very print captured their special place to hang out and spend time together. She was thrilled to have found it, and needed the print very quickly... her friend was leaving the state in less than a week. It was a very emotional time for her, and I was able to upsize the print for her and have the print delivered to her in enough time for her to give it to her best friend. The process touched my heart and I know that my piece is one that will forever be treasured with them. From that moment on, I was inspired and driven to get my work “out there” in hopes of enriching other’s lives.</i><br />
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<b>What are your goals for the future, both work wise and life?</b><br />
<br />
<i>My vision is to be available for others and provide meaningful works of art that enriches lives. As far as work, I want to find a job one day that is a little less demanding and frees up time for my art, family, and friends. I envision an old farmhouse with a garden with plenty of space to invite friends and family to wind down and enjoy the simple things in life, which are most important. </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77358215/dreams-8x10-fine-art-photography-walt"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRthFHS2AKE/Tk7h_IGgpDI/AAAAAAAAAWA/EcGHqVMDz14/s400/il_fullxfull.255622122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<b>Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?</b><br />
<br />
<i>Be patient. It is simply the hardest thing to do, but the most rewarding in the end. I know that when the right customer comes along, the print that they select has a meaning to it for them, and that alone is the most rewarding accomplishment for me. Simply knowing that someone found a treasure with yourself is one of life’s greatest blessings. </i><br />
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<b>Do you admire and artists/Photographers? (famous or not!)</b><br />
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<i>I am inspired by the local artists. I believe that some of the most beautiful work created comes from everyday people, even someone down the street.</i><br />
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<b>What is your favorite...</b><br />
<br />
<b>Color:</b> Blue<br />
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<b>Animal:</b> Freshwater Angelfish<br />
<br />
<b>Season:</b> Spring<br />
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<b>Movie:</b> Working Girl<br />
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<b>Book:</b> Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People<br />
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<b>Visit Brandon</b><br />
Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrozenTimePhoto">http://www.etsy.com/shop/FrozenTimePhoto</a><br />
**Readers use coupon code - 30offsale - for 30% off of anything in the shop<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1