Great start for 2019

for the Cotton Quilter's Guild, anyway! We had our first meeting of 2019 on Monday and started out right. For this meeting I asked (and reminded) everyone to bring in her favorite tool--only one or two. It was a rousing success! 

Not everyone felt comfortable talking in front of the audience, which turned out to be a good thing since I was rushing to wrap up the meeting. We had a round-robin with each person explaining why she likes her particular tool. They wanted to hear everything. A few people asked questions and took notes in the hopes that they can find the tools online. There were audible sounds of disappointment when a favorite tool was said to be too old to know where to find it. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PamelaAnneCreations

Over the Christmas holiday I invited a friend who has a small business selling monogrammed clothing items, draperies, and items with vinyl decals. She specializes in local and Christian items. She came to talk about her business and some of the items she sells.

Wow! she has a sense for business! She brought in many samples and talked about her business and generally entertained the guild members. They loved her, to say the least, and already she's told me that a member contacted her for an order. 

Pam Shire presents "an easy
Cathedral Window block."

We started a new BOM quilt, this time we have two or three blocks per month, each presented by a different member. Everyone's been assigned a month, and the only suggestion is that no two people present the same block. Oh, but no one knows what is coming before her, so there's that challenge.

Mary Coco presents a quadruple churn dash.

Then, of course, we had a show and share. I'll leave you with a few photos of some of the amazing work my guild sisters do.

Winners all around!

I won!  Dusti won, actually.  A few weeks ago, I entered a giveaway at The Knotted Chain, an Etsy shop that specializes in hand-stamped personalized jewelry.  When Shellie contacted me to say that I'd won, I immediately thanked her and requested a chain for Dusti.  At thirteen, she loves pretties and what is prettier than this?  Not much, so it's perfect for our darling granddaughter.  

Although it was difficult, I managed to snap a photo of the piece.   It's sterling silver, which means it's very shiny and reflects the camera flash.  Oh yes, included in the little bag is a small piece of cleaning cloth so she can shine it if it should tarnish a bit.

Dusti's necklace has her initials (DM), her birthstone, and a cute little heart.  Each piece is separate on the chain and attached with it's own jump ring.  Talk about impressed!  Shellie has a fine taste for the pieces that work together and her hand stamping is exquisite.

Originally I was going to wait to give it to Dusti but, you know, I took one look at all that loveliness and just couldn't put it off: after all, Christmas is rather far away, and her birthday is even farther.  So, for no special reason, except to say we love you, we gave it to her yesterday.  She says she loves it.

It's been such a long time since my last shop profile, and because Shellie was so sweet about the whole process, I thought I'd do her a favor in return and tell you a bit about  The Knotted Chain and it's owner.  

Here's her interview:

Where/when did you learn to make such beautiful jewelry?

I wanted a mommy necklace after I had my first baby 7 years ago....So I got some supplies and taught myself.

What are some of your favorite designs to make? I really love the pieces that have a heart-warming story behind them. Some times they make me laugh and some make me cry.

Describe your creative process.

Well I have to wait till the boys are out of the house and it is quiet. haha 
Then I just sit down and start putting things together. I like to search for some great sayings on the computer. 

Who has influenced your art the most?  In what way(s) did this person influence you?  I think my kids and my husband. I was the girl that never wanted a family.  I went to art school and was going to move far away from everything.  Then I met my hubby about 10 years ago.  Everything changed.  He has always believed in me. 

What does "handmade" mean to you?  I think it comes from within, you have to feel it in your heart and care for it. 

Mary again: If you haven't visited The Knotted Chain, do so now and pick out a few pretties for someone to whom you would like to say "I love you."  They wil make darling Christmas gifts, bridesmaids gifts, birthday gifts or just "I love you" surprises.  I'll have to wait just a little longer to place my order since I'm not able to wait till the event to give away the prize!  

I admitted that I'm a little obsessed with Pinterest a few weeks ago, remember?  I thought I'd try to get a handle on that.  It's not so difficult, getting a handle on something.  I figured it was just a matter of not going to the Pinterest site.  Of course, the real problem is that I can't avoid the computer altogether.  That would make it much easier.



I've done fairly well, it turns out.  I'm down to pinning only once or twice a week.... visiting the site less often than I visit my Facebook page.  Of course, I admit that I keep up with family on FB, so there's a really good reason to check it at least daily.  

Then there's Etsy, I do have to check on my shop, which I reopened only a few days ago.  I also need to add a few more items in the shop.  I won't even mention all the things I need to get onto the computer for just to keep up with schoolwork.  In fact, I have a couple of new programs to learn just to keep up.

So apparently I can't live without a computer.  I need it for several good reasons and I like playing on it--not games, that's for the kids as far as I'm concerned.  No I play on Electric Quilt and Pinterest.  Ah well, there's fun to be had in all manner of places and things.  

I may not let my fun control me, but I do enjoy find photos of beautiful antique linens and laces, ancient gold-trimmed costumes, the china that I love, the newest fabrics, quilt inspiration, yummy-looking foods (especially desserts) and various other collections.  

Happy pinning....uhm, I mean quilting,
Mary

Etsy Shop Profile: Averylee Designs

I'm beginning to feel human again.  It's amazing how much a good night of rest will do for the body.  Since I am up to an interview today, say "hello" to Sheryl and Peggy, two grandmothers from Oregon who just happen to create some of the prettiest needlecrafts for their Etsy shop Averylee Designs.  They happen to be great friends who met in one of my favorite places....a quilt class!


1. Explain your business partnership.  Our business partnership was birthed from a long term friendship. One that is seasoned with the joy's and challenges that life delivers. All it took for us to begin crafting together was taking a beginning quilt class. Since taking that class we have delighted in each other’s developing artistic skills and started Averylee Designs a year ago with the desire to help others grow in creativity and teach the skills we had to share. Recently we opened an Etsy shop to sell our creations.

2. Where/when did you learn to make such beautiful cross-stitch and needlework? Peggy was introduced to needlework while thumbing through a magazine about twenty five years ago and was inspired to learn the craft. Through trial and error it began to blossom in design and intricacy. Sheryl was first introduced to needlework as a young school girl. In the fifth grade her teacher had each student create an embroidered piece on burlap. She remembers very vividly the owl in the tree she stitched. The other wonderful gift of needlework is that it allows us to relax and have a peaceful moment.

3. What are some of your favorite designs to make?  Peggy chooses design by color. She is always drawn by the seasons and her favorite season is autumn. Sheryl really enjoys the French Country designs with the "hidden treasures", such as suddenly you see a squirrel in the center of the design. 

4. How would you describe your creative process?  The creative process is like an adventure, a discovery process. You cannot be overtly perfectionist when you are being creative. Auditioning each medium or project and then committing to starting and finishing fulfils the intrinsic desire in each of us to be creative.

5. Who has influenced your art the most? In what way(s) did this person influence you?   Both of us believe that creation itself speaks volumes and cries out to be duplicated in likeness. Sheryl also gives credit to her mom who allowed and encouraged her creativity as a child.

6. What does "handmade" mean to you?   Handmade is equal to a personal touch. When we hand stitch a piece we not only spend a lengthy amount of time creating, but we also find ourselves emotionally investing in the piece, curiously wondering who will be the recipient of this lovingly created artwork. 

Is there anything else you'd like others to know about yourself or your shop?   Our greatest treasure are our grandchildren of which our business name is created from. Avery is one of six grandsons that Sheryl has been blessed with and Rylee is Peggy’s granddaughter. If you put the two names together it forms the name AveRYlee.


To visit Sheryl and Peggy, go to their shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/AveryleeDesigns.

This post is my 198th.  Since Fleur de Lis Quilts blog is about to see it's 200th post, I think there's cause for a celebration.  What do you think?  What should I consider in the way of prizes?  

Some of my ideas for prizes: 

• die cut fabric blocks
• fleur de lis applique
• gift certificate from my Etsy shop
• fat quarters

I'll use rafflecopter.com again because it's a fabulous way to hold a giveaway.  It just makes so much sense to go the easy route!

Leave a comment letting me know what you think!  If you have an idea for something different, please make the recommendation.....I'll consider it!

Happy Quilting,

Mary

Etsy Shop Profile: Shazzabeth

1. Explain how the name of your Etsy store came about.  My name is Sharon with middle name Elizabeth, so Shazzabeth is a play on amalgamating these two names.


2. Where/when did you learn to make such beautiful jewelry?  I am primarily self taught. I started with a couple of classes at the local craft shop to learn the basics, and everything learnt since then has been through tutorials, in books, magazines and online. Once I have learnt a technique I like to play around and experiment with it. I don't follow tutorials as they are because I'm not interested in repeating someone else's design. I may use them to learn a new technique but then I come up with my own design.

3. Do you have any favorite techniques?  I love both chainmaille and wirework. I decided fairly on to focus on these two areas of jewellery making, the theory being that I would prefer this to being "a jack of all trades, master of none" in terms of jewellery making techniques. Thats not to say I am a master of either of these techniques yet. Having said that I have recently started working with pmc too as I think this is a good fit with both the chainmaille and the wirework.

4. What are some of your favorite designs?  That's a difficult question to answer because my favourite part of jewellery making is in coming up with new designs. I love the process of coming up with ideas and thoughts and then seeing those ideas grow and evolve into a completed piece of jewellery. For this reason most of my designs are one offs. Of my current pieces I would have to say my favourite designs are my Blue Kyanite Flower Necklace and my Oceania Necklace.

5. How would you describe your creative process?  My creative process can vary so much from piece to piece. Sometimes I have a very clear picture in my head of a design and it is then just a process of trying different things until I make my idea work. At other times I might have a slight idea of what I am aiming for but the piece and the design actually evolves as I am working it. I'm not afraid to discard along the way as I am not the sort of person who will settle for 'that will do'.6. Who has influenced your art the most? In what way(s) did this person influence you?  There hasn't been any single person. I think what has helped the most has been being part of a beading forum. This has challenged me to push myself, to not be afraid of trying new things, and to think outside the box. It has also helped to receive constructive criticism along the way.What does handmade" mean to you?  To me handmade means, original, quality, and made with love.Visit Sharon and see more of her beautiful jewelry at http://www.etsy.com/shop/shazzabeth.  Can you pick out a favorite?  I would definitely struggle to choose just  one piece, after all, there are so many to choose from!

Etsy Shop Profile: Black Cat Hill

Today we get to say hello to Delaney of Black Cat Hill an Etsy shop that sells vintage items.  Since I'm so into vintage right now, I've been enjoying browsing through her beautiful shop.  It would be difficult to choose one favorite item, so I chose five!  Check out these photos!

1. What kind of items do you carry in your etsy shop?   I'm instantly drawn to tarnished silver, chippy paint and rusty wrought iron. I love things that really show their history, scratches, chips, and all. When things are not only beautiful and unique, but also useful everyday, I have a hard time letting it go. We hunt for things like farmhouse decor, old books, and tarnished silver. My father and I also make rustic style furniture and signs from reclaimed wood. 

2. What are some of your favorite designs or items?   Sometimes, when I find something I really love, I keep it for myself. I'm sure every vintage seller does this. I'm currently collecting white dishes and pretty much anything to do with birds. But I go through phases, so who knows what I'll be after in a few months. ;) 

3. How would you describe your creative process?  Vintage selling doesn't allow for much creativity, but I also work in photography and multi media artwork. I love that I can find unique old things and use them as props for a shoot. 

4. Who has influenced your art the most? In what way(s) did this person influence you?   I was raised by artists, and I grew up around artists so the influences are probably endless. Growing up, my dad used to give me cash for birthdays and a ride to the local thrift shops, so that's probably where my love/obsession for all things vintage comes from. But it was my mom and grandmother who taught me how to spot an estate sale from a mile away. ;)

5. What does "handmade" mean to you?  In a word, unique. Even if an artist tries to duplicate an item, it will never be just as the original. Handmade means you can see the craftsmanship and design that goes into something. It means that my handmade item is the only one in the world. 

6. Is there anything else you'd like others to know about yourself or your shop?   Mostly that Black Cat Hill isn't my only shop, and that I'm constantly delving into new things. I also love vintage clothing (AnotherSeason.etsy.com), and art is a huge part of myself. I started with photography (DelaneyLaFae.etsy.com), but I also can't help but explore early styles of art (WolfPackTribal.etsy.com). And just because I haven't totally worked myself crazy, I'm opening a soap shop later this year (SylvaPagana.etsy.com). 


Leave a comment to say hello to Delaney and click here to visit Black Cat Hill.

Etsy Shop Profile: Kouture Crochet

Today we have the opportunity to meet Karia of Kouture Crochet an Etsy shop that carries handmade crocheted items.  Karia is quite an inspiration.  Read her feature and visit her shop where you'll find some beautiful crochet items for Christmas gift. Ten percent of sales go to the Clifton (NJ) Animal Shelter to help care for abandoned animals.

Where/when did you learn to crochet?    I learned when i was 14. My mother taught me at home.  

What are some of your favorite designs and yarns?   I really prefer simple designs. Simplicity in design is also part of what creates a luxury product. The challenge with working with simple patterns is that any faults, errors and imperfections stand out like a soar thumb. As a result of this, much care must be taken to maintain even tension and stitches. A simple well fitting tailored suit will indeed cost much more than an off the rack trendy outfit. The challenge is the same for crocheted works. In order to meet this challenge I had custom wood crochet hooks made that are perfect for my own hands that help me maintain even stitches throughout. The result, I think is well worth the effort. I love the art of the design challenge and the production challenge. It is why designs are simple.

You use only natural yarns and strive to make luxurious items. Explain the difference between natural and other yarns.  Synthetic yarns are great for a number of uses. There are usually far less expensive than natural yarns. Acrylic yarns are made from petroleum based plastics, so they are very hard wearing. Caring for synthetics is often a simple matter of which setting to use on your washer/dryer at home. Natural fibers require more attention and careful maintenance. Careless maintenance of natural fibers can cause felting, shrinking or worse. However, even the softest “Baby” acrylics lack the softness of some of my favorite natural fibers. Every natural fiber has different qualities, but in general there are more breathable, are better at retaining heat, are lighter in weight than synthetics. Alpaca is lighter and offers amazing warmth at a faction of the price of other natural fibers while still being wonderfully soft. Alpaca is also immensely strong. I use the scarps from my retail projects to make cat toys that don't fall apart. Cashmere is lighter still but offers as much warmth as alpaca. Notably cashmere is slightly softer than alpaca and has a drape that makes it perfect for luxury sweaters. There are many more fibers wool, silk, camel, quvot and many more. 

How would you describe your creative process?   I design every pattern myself. I do not use templates or store bought patterns. My process is at once a free flowing process and a historical and intellectual process. In designing my ties, I studied ties and cravats. I believe that if I want to create something that is timeless i need to know the styles that have passed the test of time. I take that information and then begin the design process. 

What does "handmade" mean to you? Is there anything else you'd like others to know about yourself or your shop?  I have Dandy Walker Hydrocephalus, a congenital brain malformation. Even though this prevents me from driving or having a regular 9-5 job, I started this shop in hopes of both following my passion as an artist and as a means to support myself without depending on outside or government aid. 

I have been crocheting for 17 years. Often crochet is seen as a source of work with products far removed from luxury. My goal is to create exceptional crocheted items that are luxurious yet subtle, simple and refined. I use only the finest 100% natural fibers. The result is a marriage of the wonderful and unique texture of crochet with the refined quality of the couture houses of Paris high fashion.   I am always looking for new and exciting fibers to make luxury products. Today I scored some wonderful hand dyed 50% alpaca/50% merino wool that I am going to use for some ties! 
Also I have been donating 10% of the proceeds to a number of charities. Currently 10% of proceeds are donated to the Friends of  Clifton Animal Shelter where I adopted my two lovely cats.


Say hello to Karia here or visit her Etsy shop Kouture Crochet.  Her beautiful crocheted items are already marked at a great price but knowing that part of the money also helps a wonderful charity just adds to the spirit of giving, don't you agree.

Etsy Shop Profile: Synergy Art

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to meet Malti, the beautiful girl behind Synergy Art, an Etsy shop that sells handmade jewelry.  I chatted with Malti via email then promptly forgot to follow up on that conversation.

Thank goodness she's such a sweet, patient person.  Rather than give up on me, she graciously held up her end and today we all get to know more about such a creative lady.  Please check out her shop, Synergy Art.

1. Where/when did you learn to make such beautiful jewelry?  I started creating metal jewelry two years ago after I dropped into a bead store and the owner was offering a metal foldform class. I took the class and now all I do is metal and wire work. 


2.  What are some of your favorite designs to make? I don't have a favorite design really. I just love designing, hammering, using a torch and working with metal in general. I love copper. The color is beautiful on black. It is probably my favorite metal although I am happy to work with silver, brass and aluminum also. 

3. How would you describe your creative process?  My creative process is called synergy. Thus the name Synergy Art. Basically, I try and allow my personality to get out of the way and let spirit create. Not having a set idea about how something is to come out, but to allow it to unfold. My website www.Synergyartshop.com explains this in more detail. 

4.  What inspires your art and jewelry making?  I'm inspired by organic, earthy colors and materials. I love metal, wood, stones and all like that. I like contemporary to edgy looks, simple but beautiful. I prefer bigger rather than smaller. 

5. Do you use only your own handmade and found objects or do you incorporate purchased beads and other jewelry items?   I use handmade, found objects and purchased beads and stones. I am open to anything that works so the end result is something nice. 
6. What does "handmade" mean to you?   Handmade is something that isn't necessarily perfect and uniform. Handmade items should reflect that it is handmade and not cut from a perfect pattern or mass produced from a mold. Little imperfections or subtle differences are part of the beauty that it was created from someone's hands. 

7. Is there anything else you'd like others to know about yourself or your shop?  I show my jewelry at art shows throughout Florida and am new to Etsy. I want to improve my photos so they better reflect a piece. I hope for a stronger presence on Etsy one day and am open to any suggestions from your readers.

Isn't her jewelry just stunning?  I had a difficult time choosing just a few pieces to show.  I can barely wait to begin Christmas shopping since my daughters-in-law love jewelry!  Don't you think her shop will be a great place to do some Christmas (or other holiday) shopping?

Don't forget to enter for the National Sewing Month giveaway I'm hosting.  You can find it by clicking here.  All the info you need is there.