The End of June

Yes it is the end of June. Time sure flies by, doesn't it.

I've been busy this month making a birthday gift for one of my daughters. She requested placemats with the holiday theme on them. One side is for Thanksgiving, while the other is for Christmas. They are all quilted and came out beautiful. I've also make matching napkins that are not quilted. And presently am working on some coasters which are padded.

Next week I plan to start working on some new projects for the shop. So check Zzazz soon and see what I've added.

TTFN

Half Way Thru June

Half way thru June and the sales are slow. But I've taken some sewing classes to learn new techniques and just completed two pintuck pillow covers. They look so cool. Can't wait to try pintucking out on a roll pillow cover, maybe add some ruffle to it too. Didn't it come out really nice, and available on Artfire too.

This second one came out just as nice. I used blue thread to match the tiny blue dots. And the ruffle I stitched both fabrics together. Cool huh!

Imagine what I'll be able to do with a little more practice.

Right now I'll be spending most of my time making my daughters quilted placemats that she requested. One side will be for the Thanksgiving season, and the other for the Christmas season. How cool is that! When I've finished, I will be making matching napkins with rolled hems.

TTFN

Ahhh June

Half way thru the year. OMG that means Christmas isn't far away. I'm sure we're all thinking about those gifts to create.

I've been busy making placemats, napkins, and new pillow covers. I've even been learning new techniques and will soon be using them on my items as soon as I've mastered a few. Practice practice!! And I have been practicing. I can't wait to create something really astounding that everyone will love.

With sales being so slow these days, I'm hoping something will catch the eye of someone who really wants to give my items a home. I have so many things to choose from, as you can see from the top of my page. I've been slowly adding to my ArtFire site, and showing them off on Twitter too.

There are so many creative people out there. I just love looking through all of the items I see online. And playing in the fabric stores matching up great fabrics and getting ideas.

So stop on by for a look see. Either on Etsy.com or Artfire.com. Two wonderful places to see all those creative people and their items.

TTFN

Beautiful Day Today

Yes we had a beautiful weather day today! Very nice for a change. The tree outside my den window is budding and I heard Robins singing. Ahhh the first real sign of Spring!

On my Etsy site, I've started adding lounging shorts for children in different sizes. I've sold many in the past and the kids just love them. They're great for playing indoors, or outside (weather permitting). And many of them just like them for sleeping. They start at size 2 and go thru to size 8. So go check them out at http://arretsplace.etsy.com

Presently I'm working on a new placemat set for summer. The Rooster and Chicken Theme. They will be quilted on the main fabric side and plain on the other. Yes they are reversible. So you'll be able to use them in your kitchen or diningroom. And they come with matching napkins. I'm hoping to finish them up this week and list them after that.

TTFN

My First Taste of Spring

I believe today was the first sign of Spring! It's 51 degrees out and will be nice for the rest of the week. No snow in sight. All the geese and ducks are happily playing in the pond outside our balcony. Even the slight breeze feels wonderful. I'm hoping everyone is having such a beautiful day.

Winter was long and cold. And I am definately ready for Spring to arrive. Even my hubby is tired of the cold. I think he just anxious to BBQ again.

TTFN

Just A Note

I'm still listing some Holiday items in my ArtFire store for those of you who would like to get a head start. And I am offering a free crochet dishcloth with the first few purchases. My crochet dishcloths are great to have. They are about 8" square and are very durable. I've had many customers purchase them from my etsy site and they said they clean well and last a long time.

I will be adding new placemat sets on both my ZZAZZ shops (Etsy and Artfire) for a larger viewing. If you like my style, and would like a custom made set, just send me a convo and we'll talk business.

TTFN

Can Spring Be Far Away

Oh I am sooooo tired of winter. All the ice, wind, cold, and snow. I want Spring! Not that I'm looking forward to the hot weather Chicagoland brings, but the wonderful Springtime weather instead. Watching the flowers bloom and the trees blossom. To see the grass turn green again, what a concept. To be able to go outside without downing all the winter gear, but instead just wearing a light jacket. We've had such a frigid winter this year. And I'm sure there are many who'd agree with me.

My plan this Spring is to get out and walk. Something I haven't done in a long while. Why, you might ask. Well first of all for my health. But mostly because late last year, our apartment complex did major rennovations to the area. They actually built a new clubhouse (with pool) and put in a sidewalk that goes all the way around our pond. What a nice feature. Just enough for us novice walkers to use. So yes, I am looking forward to walking again. With the longer daylight hours, it will do my body good to get out there and move around. Hey, maybe I'll even loose some weight! That would be so cool.

The President's speech last night was inspiring. I pray that he'll be able to succeed and all those under him will give their all to making the programs succeed. As he said, IT'S TIME! And about time the 'little guy' received the help he needs too. Let's all do our part.

TTFN

It's Been Awhile

I can't believe I've forgotten about my blog. It's been so busy here trying to make Christmas gifts and getting ready for the Holidays. But now that the holidays are over, it's time to move forward.

I have joined a new site for crafters. Another wonderful place to purchase handmade. Artfire.com is the site and when you have the time, you must check it out. It's amazing how many crafted people there are out there.

I will be adding some of my items to that site under the name of ZZAZZ. So please stop by and check it out.

Have a great one.

November 3rd

Remember to vote tomorrow! It's important and your vote does count! I'm not going to say who I'll be voting for, but I am going to vote.

I have to put a plug in here for all the creativity on Etsy.com. There are some remarkable artists, woodworkers, quilters, knitters, crocheters, sewers, jewelry makers, and many more crafters than I could even begin to list here. There is everything from retro to antique. And expression is the main theme to all. I am in awe every time I visit the treasuries or the gift guides. Yet many more come in with their wonderful style and dazzle us all.

If you haven't had the chance to visit Etsy.com, please take the time just to look around. You don't have to be creative to look or to buy. And sign up is free. You can even select your favorites and go back to look at them later. Every day there are new listings, and even a way to check out all those new listings as well. And someone said Craftsmanship was dead in America ..... well I beg to differ with you! It's alive and thrilling on Etsy.

You may even make friends on Etsy and join our chats. We have a lot of fun there and view each other's shops. What a way to promote! Come take a look, don't take my word for it.

TTFN

My newest creation!

Hot off the sewing machine, here is my latest singleton's place setting - now available in my Zzazz store! A bit of fun for the holidays...

Just for you (and the snowman!) - single place table setting.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16795410

Isn't it cute?!

Make mine pink!

In honor of my recently celebrated Birthday (kind of a big one!), I am posting girly pink items only today! These are some of my favourites from my Zzazz shop - though I think girlies of any age would love them :)

Pretty ladies in shabby chic pink.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14843606

Pink jubilee pillow cover.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15133620

Whimsical 'retro' pink pillow cover.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15264998

Holiday items from Zzazz

I'm just so full of gift ideas that my fingers can barely keep up with what I have in my head! I am so pleased though that my Zzazz shop has so many items to tempt your festive shopping cart!

Beautiful Fall fabric coasters and holder set.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16751061

Reindeer pillow cover!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16112098

'Maisy daisy' pyjama bag - a great gift idea for kids or adults!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14378693

'Ho, ho, ho' napkins - fit for Santa's table!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16203791

Christmas at Arrets Place

I have been so busy creating items for the festive season! I wanted to show you some of the listings from my ArretsPlace store - all specially created as gifts or treats for you and your friends and family, for the Holidays...

Present your gift bottles in these - or use them to dress up your own Christmas table.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5013840

Dress your Christmas tree in style this year!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8187250

Baby blue Christmas gift stocking.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5013786

Add a little festive 'spruce' to your bathroom tissues!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8163733

The cold is coming...

...but you can keep the chills at bay with my range of 'snuggly' items available from ArretsPlace!

Cozy mint arm warmers.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16168200

Gorgeous buttercup yellow scarf.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16112887

Pretty in pink - tootsie warmers!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15132693

Contact me through ArretsPlace if you would like any of these items in another colour, or size!

For the grown-ups

As you know, I offer quite a range of baby and toddler clothing items in my ArretsPlace store... Well I am super excited to show off this new item because it is my first 'hoodie' in an adult size!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10585401

I crocheted this in a pure white yarn, with a wonderful silver thread all through to give it a pretty sparkle. It's just perfect for the holidays but will keep you snuggly whenever you need it. This one is in an XL size but I would be happy to take a custom order in your size too :)

Fall is officially here!

Fall is here! I have so many new items in both my shops. Both ArretsPlace and Zzazz are packed with items that would make super gifts for friends and family - or treats for yourself to spruce up your home decor.

In my Zzazz shop, I am making placemats with matching napkins. I am selling them separately in most cases because there are so many single people out there who would prefer to have something special just for them. If you'd like something special or custom made, just convo me via either if my shops and I'll be happy to work on something special for you!

Winter Holiday - party napkin set.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16316472

Just for me - single placemat setting.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16530530

In my ArretsPlace shop, I have all kinds of gift items to tempt you! Everything from toddler dresses to finger warmers for arthritis sufferers.

Arthritis finger covers in baby blue.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13962498

Darling little girl's Holiday dress.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8112980

These are just a sample of what you will find on offer in my stores! There are so many more gift ideas and stocking stuffers to choose from...

Zzazz update

My Zzazz shop now has 10 pillows to show - and two are pillows complete with stuffing. The rest of my listings are covers for your throw, or roll pillows; it's a nice way to change up your decor.

Very shabby chic!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13415529

You will 'lovel this pillow.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13477617

I am planning on making some 'Holiday' themed covers as well. These will be covers that you can put away and then re-use each year to decorate your home for the festive season. Right now I am working on a Fall roll pillow cover and hope to list it tomorrow...

This is another fun cover for a boy's room...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13308949

Pizzazz and inspiration

I am loving sewing all my new designs for roll pillow covers for my new Zzazz store! Mostly I am selling just the pillow covers but I will do a few with the pillows inside aswell. I have listed three more covers now and I'm really happy with how they have turned out!

I absolutely adore this fabric!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13142777

Much of my inspiration for my pillow covers comes from the fabric itself. I see a fabric that looks so great and then I find a contrasting one that will make the combination look fantastic. Alas, some fabric are more costly than others, which is why all of my covers are priced differently. I am trying to keep costs down though, so that decorating your home with these finishing touches will add style without hurting your pocket!

This neutral 'camouflage' effect fabric would be super in a teenage son's bedroom, or den.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13232023

This warm, bright cover will help to brighten any room!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13265223

Visit Zzazz to see the full range of my pillow covers!

July... half a year has gone!

July 4th has come and gone! What an exciting day it was. Everyone BBQing off their balconies - the smell was wonderful! Then later in the evening, the display of fireworks could be seen for surrounding townships from our balconies; and a wonderful display it was too. We had a lovely day for the 4th. Sunny, a little on the cool side, and a bit of a breeze. A great day to relax with or without family and friends. I do hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th.

I now have two Etsy stores! My original store is ArretsPlace; this is where I mostly offer my crocheted items, as well as childrens' clothing that I have machine sewn - there is something for everyone in this store!

Festive and pretty little girl's dress with matching headband!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8268841

Wrap your precious little bundle up in stylish red, white, and blue!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6275306

My second - and newest - store is Zzazz. This is where I will add my specialty items such as my roll pillow covers, throw pillow covers, and table settings. Of course I accept custom orders in both of these shops!

Toile meets Asian effect fabric.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13105226

I love this pretty Amy Butler fabric!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13123774

Come and visit my shops - and remember to heart them so you can visit again! I add new creations frequently.