Cool Tricks

Cool Tricks is a wonderful Etsy shop that features potholders, quilts, ornaments and much more! Toni uses some amazing fabrics! She has had her shop on Etsy since August. She also has a wonderful blog:
One Minute's Worth. I actually found Toni through her blog and a give away she did for some amazing potholders that are now in my kitchen! LOL (yes - I won) I love them and they are made so well, the fabric is gorgeous, and the are the perfect size and thickness!


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
This is not my first shop on Etsy, it's actually my fourth functioning one. I change my mind a lot when it comes to names. I am Cool Tricks because of my granddaughter Emma. She is almost 2 and once in a while she will say, "Cool tricks, cool tricks!" in her little baby voice while trying to do somersaults and cartwheels. I just thought it was adorable. Then I learned it comes from some popular kid show. That almost ruined it for me as I do not like that sort of T.V. as a rule.

When did you start sewing? Who taught you?
I started sewing when I was about 7 I think. My mom would let me play with her sewing machine, an old Singer she got when she and my dad were married. I wouldn't use the foot pedal, just turned the wheel manually and sewed little squares of fabric and stuffed them. Of course the fabrics in the mid 60's were not very cool by today's standards. She also taught me to embroider which I did for years, decorating my clothes in High School and beyond.

Where do you sew? Do you have a picture? If not, what does it look like?
I share a sewing space with my back porch/laundry room. It connects to the garage as well and is the runway for my dog to get to his yard. It is a busy place to say the least. I do have grand plans for a larger space when all my kids move out. Maybe I will reclaim the upstairs and have the spare bedroom in the back porch instead.

What would you love to add to your sewing space?
I would love to add an ironing board that folds up to the wall. Mine is in the way all the time. Also a table that doesn't have to be in the corner. That way both my Pfaff and Juki would be accessible for those moments when I need to switch off.

Do you have a day job?
I have a sort of day job, I watch one little girl, the daughter of a friend of my daughter. She is three, the same age as my other granddaughter Kate.

What's your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you can't pass up?
My supply addiction is cute fabric. Sometimes I can't pass by something ridiculously expensive because I love it too much. For example I got some Out Of Print Gnome fabric for way to much but am not begrudging it at all as it is just too charming.

Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I enjoyed making the Popsicles quilt. It is bright and lovely and has so many memories tied up in it. I was going through the grieving process after my mom died and it helped me think of good memories of Mom.

Amazing Quilted Give Away!!

I had told myself I wasn't going to post today - have to get ready for the Open House that starts tomorrow. But my friend Jeanette left a comment on one of my posts letting me know about her new give away. I went to check it out. WELL!!! I just have to tell you about it!! IT'S AMAZING!!! Jeanette is Giving Away this amazing Christmas quilted Throw/wall hanging (50 x 60 inches) PLUS a wonderful Tote Bag! You can win BOTH!!! It's easy as pie to enter. Please head on over - You Just Might WIN!!

GO HERE to enter!! PLEASE!

Shop Swap & Blog Part 1

The first of my partners packages arrived on Monday all the way from Australia! WOOHOO!! Before I show you the amazing items Rachelle sent me, here is more about Rachelle and her amazing shop.

About Rachelle:
I am married with two children, Mia (14) and Henry (8), we live in Ocean Shores at the moment, but we are moving back to Sydney in about 3 weeks.

Craft wise I have done many things, all sewing stuff. I started out making aprons, went on to cushions, the blankets and now I am on to dolls. Over the past year I have realized that i need to do my craft on a project type basis, so I do one thing for a few months and then move on. That way I don't get bored. I think I just want to try so many things!

Business Plan:
At the moment I am in the beginning stages of Project Dolls. I have made my own pattern and plan to do a small series of six dolls each from a different decade so that should be heaps of fun. I can't wait to design the outfits for them! I have two future projects in mind. Project Digital Prints and Project Recipe Book. I don't know how all this fits in to making a living but that is not really a priority for me. My hubby and I also have another business, byronbay.com and that keeps food on the table, thank goodness!

Blog:
And then there is blogging. I love blogging, it's such a wonderful thing don't you think, that we can all share so much and express ourselves. I think it can be so empowering. I have "met" some wonderful women through blogging.

Motivation:
Finally, my motivation for doing any of this is firstly to show my children that you can be self-supporting, you can follow your dream and be independent. Secondly is to raise money for other women and children in the world who don't have the opportunity to live this way. I have been able to raise about $500 in the past 6 months or so. With the money I have been able to sponsor a woman, Xhemile from Kosovo, through the Women for Women Sponsorship Program and I am currently having a give away/donation type thing on my blog to raise money to send children in Sudan to school. So all is ticking along nicely!

Favorite Online Shop:
One of them anyway! I just got two great prints from Berkley Illustrations on Etsy.

Having said all this we are actually taking a 5 week holiday to visit family in the US in December so I will be taking a long break from everything! W will keep blogging to stay in touch but won't have a chance to make anything until next year. Plenty of time to design those outfits!

Places to Find Rachelle!
Online Shop: http://miahenry.etsy.com
Blog: http://miahenry.typepad.com


Now for the Package I received from Rachelle! It felt like Christmas!!
First - it came in a large white envelope, and this is what I pulled out. (love the raffia ribbon - will have to remember that!)


Directly under the ribbon was a plastic envelope with two blank cards and two blank tags. Aren't they wonderful? It's going to be hard to use them :). There was also a card with a lovely Thank-you Note.


Wrapped in the pink tissue paper was this wonderful apron! Red is one of my favorite colors! Now I have no excuse to be full of flour after making pies. LOL


In the blue tissue paper was this wonderful pillow! It's the perfect size for using while I'm reclining on the couch watching TV!! Can you say "Nap Time"! :)


Thank-you so much to Rachelle for the amazing swap! It was a lot of fun learning about you and your shop. Love that you have named your shop after your children! And a huge thank-you to Ladi at Structured Chaos for putting on the Shop Swap & Blog! She did an amazing job of coordinating everyone and I would strongly recommend that everyone join the next one if they can!

The Craft & Gift Shop

Ok - Here are the pictures from our store. The lighting isn't the greatest, but the pictures aren't to bad. Also remember we aren't a retail store, more like a semi-permanent craft show/sale. The banner was purchased at Vista Print. It turned out really well. We actually sold just over $300 the first 4 days which is big considering we are in a small community. The B&B products and candles are new for us this year. If you happen to see something you would like a closer look at - just let me know! I'll have to take more pictures after we have decorated for Christmas.

















Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!! No school here today - so it's a long weekend for me!! WOOHOO!

Lil Bit Sassy

Lil' Bit Sassy is a wonderful shop on Etsy. I have actually purchased some items from this shop!! After receiving them, I knew I had to feature Rhonda and her shop! Rhonda has had her shop on Etsy since December 2007. She lives in Meadville, PA. You can find her blog HERE. She posts what new things she is working on, what's going on in her life and she also has give aways!! (that's how I found her, but I didn't win that one)


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I decided to name my store Lil' Bit Sassy because so many people have called me lilbit (I'm only 4'9")and I tend to be a bit on the sassy side, so Lil' Bit Sassy seemed to be a perfect name!

When did you start sewing? Who taught you to sew?
I actually haven't been sewing for very long compared to some. I started sewing about three years ago because I was looking for another craft I could sink my teeth into. As if I needed another! I had already been cross stitching, doing plastic canvas, and paper crafting for quite some time, and thought sewing would be a new and fun craft. So many things I could make! I basically taught myself how to sew just by buying simple patterns and trying them out. I started out making purses and still enjoy that very much.

Where do you create? What would you love to add to your sewing space?
Unfortunately, I don't have an extra room that I can use for a craft room, so I have a small sewing table under the dining room window. I also a cutting table that folds up that I tuck under the stairs when not in use. I would LOVE to have a sewing room! Maybe when I win the lottery lol. I do have a spare room upstairs I use for storing all my fabric and other craft supplies but it has very low ceilings so not much wall space for me to be able to use for a sewing room.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I love everything I make, but my favorite things to make are baby items and purses. I like the baby items because I can use the cutest fabrics! And also bright, bold colors which I LOVE! I like making purses because I can make so many different styles and sizes.

What's my supply addiction?
FABRIC! No matter how much fabric I buy, there is always one I absolutely HAVE to have lol. I could open my own store with all the fabric I've acquired, but it is nice to have so much because when I want to start a new project, I don't have to go to the fabric store. I can just pick something out of my stash instead lol.

The Beaded Pillow

The Beaded Pillow has the most amazing handmade/beaded items I've ever seen! Karen has ornaments, sachets, hangers and of course - Pillows! They are just beautiful!


How did you decide on your shop name?
I certainly was stressing out over a shop name and then realized it was such a simple thing. What is it I do? Bead pillows. Ta Da! The Beaded Pillow.

When did you start crafting?
Since I spent a good portion of my adult life as a broadcaster and writer, I guess you could say I have been crafting for a good portion of my adult life. I actually started beading pillows a couple of years ago when I looked around my craft room at all the beads I had left over from my jewelry-making days, which didn’t last all that long.

Where do you craft?
I converted one of the guest bedrooms in my house to my craft room. What does your space look like? It looks like a craft room/guest bedroom. I have a work table, sewing table, comfortable chair, uncomfortable chair, ironing board, cutting table….and a single bed with a nightstand. What would you love to add to it? I’d love to have more storage shelves in the closet.

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
Nothing at the moment; I enjoy coming up with new angles to sewing and beading my pillows.

What or who inspires you?
I think flowers inspire me; a pretty garden, the birds, nature….and of course, sometimes I see fabric that just screams, “Make me into a pillow with beads!”

Do you have a day job?
Yes, I am married.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I enjoyed making everything you see in my shop…but maybe I am partial to Princess Elephant because she turned out so darn cute.

Where are you from?
It is funny that, after so many years of moving around, I happen to live in the very same town where I was born; I currently reside in beautiful Minnesota.

Icky Dog Creations

I've been trying to find unique shops to feature - and I found one with Icky Dog Creations on Etsy. What a great shop! Cami has creepy & cute plush creations and also watch sculptures. She is from Falcon Colorado (just east of Colorado Springs). Cami also has a wonderful BLOG that is update on a regular basis.


How did you decide on your shop name?
My shop is named after my icky dog Zan. Had her since she was a pup and my hubby and I have always called her 'icky'. She smells like doritos and had extra toes when she was a pup.

When did you start crafting?
I actually didn't start 'crafting' until pretty recently. I've always drawn and painted, but never considered myself an artist. I started sewing last November and fell in love with it!

Where do you craft?What would you love to add to your crafting space?
I now have my own studio! Yay! My hubby converted his office into my studio for my birthday!I really need to get more artwork for the walls though.

What or who inspires you?
Everything inspires me. I have a pretty vivid imagination. I can be staring at the plaster on my walls whilst sitting on the john and be inspired to paint something!



Do you have a day job?
I'm lucky enough to have a day job that I love! I'm an RN at a busy Birth Center here in Colorado Springs. I work both post-partum (mom/baby) and in the nursery (where I attend deliveries).

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I don't have a specific favorite. I really love making my rats! I have a soft spot in my heart for rats, and each one I make is unique and has it's own personality.

Megs Bags

Meg's Bags has been on Etsy since last October. What an amazing shop!! Megan has the most wonderful bags, sandwich/snack bags, goodie bags, kitchen items and much more!! Megan is from Saint Leonard Maryland, its' in Calvert County. She also has a great BLOG that is updated on a regular basis. Please check out Megan's blog and shop!


How did you decide on your shop name?
Me and my mom decided on my shop's name. She wanted to bring my bags to her work to help me sell them and we needed a name. She came up with Megs Bags and it just stuck.

When did you start sewing?
I have been sewing ever since I was a little girl. My Nana taught me to sew when I was very little. While I must admit I wasn't allowed behind a machine until I was around 8 or 9. Most of my skill came from her or my mother... and other skills I just figured out as I went along.

Where do you craft?What would you love to add to your crafting space?
At the moment I have a studio set up in the upstairs of my parents garage. But that will soon have to be moved to my college apartment... I honestly don't know how well that is going to work... So the one thing I would add- Space.

What does your sewing space look like?
Its a mess... I like to have all my material out in front of me so I can see what I have... so it tends to be messy. It really gets on my moms nerves.

Why did you start your business?
I started my business just as a hobby. I just had a google site and sold them to friends and family. Then I realized it could be more. I opened and Etsy shop and created a blog, with higher hopes. I hope to earn money for college thru this. If not enough for tuition at least some for food and books :0)

What or who inspires you?
Anything inspires me. Sometimes I see someone walking around with a cute bag, then I'll go home and try to make my own version. Sometimes I just start making a bag and whatever happens happens.

Do you have a day job?
Nope, no day job... (I planned on getting a summer job but I was away to much and no one would hire me for the month i was home!) Although as soon as I get to school I have to get one.




What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I like making all my items. But if I had to pick one it would be my tooth fairy pillows. To me they are just adorable! And there fun to make because you can get really creative because they are for children.

Elenora Marchi

Ele0nora Marchi is a wonderful shop that offers clothing, jewelry and bags. What a great shop!! Elenora is from Florence Italy, and has had her shop on Etsy since November. She is offering FREE SHIPPING if you mention "BLOG FEATURE" at checkout. Please check out this amazing shop!!


How did you decide on your shop name?
It's just my name..^_^,,but i'm thinking to open my second one,,in this case I'll chose a more inspiring name!

When did you start crafting?
I was a baby and I loved to sew for my dolls, for me and to make every manual art,,,I remember that i tried to make even some hat and some shoes..anyway my first approach with art was oil painting that is always an important part of my life... then I've studied at University for becoming a costume designer..now i can say that i'm completly involved with art!

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I'm always searching for some new ideas and project, I love to learn more and more,,in this period i'm creating fascinators, testing new materials,,
I'm also wondering in the toy camera's world ^_^,,I'll put new items in my shop very soon.

What or who inspires you?
Everything around me,,people, places, situations, colors..'cause everything leave something in my mind and all of these things come back when i'm creating :D

Do you have a day job?
Not yet but i'm having half of my days following stages.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Everything in the shop have a story and leave something special in me, I always start to create something but many times i really don't know how it will end..ideas come making..:D

Kreated by Karen Give Away

After receiving 258 entries
THE WINNER IS:
Vicki!!
Congratulations!

Kreated by Karen is an amazing bag shop on Etsy. Karen is from Indiana and has had her shop on Etsy for almost 1 year now. I love bags, and there are some really beautiful ones in this shop!! Karen also has a really great blog that she updates on a regular basis: Chat Bug Karen at Winding Threads. Why don't we learn a little about Karen before we announce the Give Away Prize.


I began sewing as a teenager. I made those simple peasant style tops that had elastic around the neckline and sleeves. From there I have gone on to make quilts. My mom has made quilts since the days before rotary cutters. I have always admired her quilts and one day decided to make one myself. Little did I know, I chose the hardest pattern possible. It had teeny tiny squares! Thank goodness, it was a small table runner and not a bed quilt or I may have thrown in the towel right then and there.

My husband and I have owned a floor covering store in Indiana for over 30 years. I run the store which is connected to our home. I am lucky that I can walk out my kitchen door into our business. Since our two children no longer live at home, I spend my free time sewing.

My two sisters live in other states, Kentucky and Texas, and we all like to sew. We decided to make purses and bags and get together at flea markets and craft shows when possible and sell our creations. We have only managed one show! Needing a venue to sell my bags, I turned to Etsy. I have not settled on one type of bag and each one I make turns out to be a favorite until I make the next one!

Now for the Give Away!!

Karen is giving one lucky winner this beautiful bag!!
The fabric chosen for this bag makes it the perfect bag for all seasons. Two fully lined pockets on the outside are lined with extra heavy interfacing and have Velcro closures. (Keeps your cell phone handy and keeps it from falling out.) Two pockets on the inside also have Velcro closures and are also fully lined with medium weight interfacing. Made of heavy cotton fabric and decorated with floral stitching, this bag will get many compliments. The bottom fabric is upholstery weight fabric. A strong Magnetic Snap secures the bag. Purse measures:
14" wide x 10" tall and is 3" from front to back.

Here are the Rules to enter the Give Away.
Please fill out a SEPARATE form for each Entry!

* For the first entry - Go to: Kreated by Karen
Pick your favorite item and come back here with the link.


* 1 extra entry - blog about the give away, and leave a link.
* 1 extra entry - grab my button on the sidebar and add it to your blog, let me know
* 1 extra entry - twitter about this contest with a link, let me know where You can twitter this:

@audreyscrafts Win a Beautiful Bag from Kreated by Karen:
http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/2009/09/kreated-by-karen-give-away.html

*1 extra entry for each of my other give aways you enter - just comment telling me which one you entered.
* 5 extra entries - purchase something from the shop - leave me a comment telling me what you purchased and a link to the invoice. (fill out the form 5 times)

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED!!

***********************************************

Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 3 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded to Emma.
Thank-you for entering!!