Check out this treasury I just finished, featuring all INCrowdteam artists!!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c804a15d98e6d9161e80636/girls-night-out
Posts Tagged ‘handmade’
Art Photography Showcase on Etsy!
23
Aug
I have some work that is included in the Art Photography Showcase on Etsy today – be sure to stop by and check it out!!
INCrowdteam INterview w/Michelle @ Hi Mamma!
12
Apr
Good morning guys and gals! I am pleased to introduce you to our very own Michelle from Hi Mamma! With a unique shop name, and a real passion for her craft, Michelle shares some of her favorite goodies with us…
Name: Michelle Vackar
City of residence: Carmel, Indiana
Shop name: Hi Mamma
INCrowdteam: I love the name of your shop! What made you decide on it?
Hi Mamma: Hi Mamma actually is what my older daughter, now 5 years old, would say walking around the house, pretending she was talking on the telephone, playing with her dolls or to me. I always thought it was kind of a catchy name. When I learned more about Etsy, I thought, that might be a good name for my shop! The products that are offered are all something that have been a part of their lives (as well as mine). Now that we are getting older, we are going to be expanding our product line. My logo represents my two daughters and me. Both of my girls love monkeys! I just thought it was appropriate for the logo to have all three of us as monkeys.
INCrowdteam: Tell me about items for sale at your Etsy shop.
Hi Mamma: I love to sew and one of my favorite things has been to make baby/toddler changing pad covers! There are so many fun prints, as well as beautiful solid fabrics that make cute covers. Currently all changing pad covers are made out of soft flannel. That way the covers are soft and warm to the baby/toddlers back. I also sew a fair bit of customer orders where people will email me to see if I have fabric of this type of theme they are wanting to do for their nursery. It has been so much fun to help another family create something special area for their little one. My younger daughter (who is 2 years old) has had fun with various print changing pad covers. We have one changing pad cover that has owls, lady bugs, birds, etc., on it and she will just talk about them as I change her diaper. She also loves to pick which changing pad cover she would like to have in her room each week. In addition to changing pad covers, I make cloth diaper wipes, have embroidered baby bibs, burp cloths, baby/toddler car strap covers for in the car/strollers and make pumpkin seat covers for babies staying warm in the fall/winter months.
INCrowdteam: What’s your real-world job?
Hi Mamma: Freelance marketing/public relations, logo embroidery for companies, and working to on Hi Mamma items. I work from home so that I can be home with my daughters. I have a little bit of crazy hours after the girls go to sleep but it is worth it to me! I also volunteer my time for Modern Handmade Child online magazine (www.modernhandmadechild.com), where I serve as their public relations manager for the magazine.
INCrowdteam: How did you learn your Etsy craft?
Hi Mamma: My mom. When we were growing up we would always do some type of craft, sew, etc. It was not until I had my oldest daughter that I totally fell in love with it.
INCrowdteam: What’s your muse, or what turns that little creative light inside you on?
Hi Mamma: My daughters will sometimes come up with some ideas, I will be like hmmm that might be a good idea. After I have thought about the idea, I think try to create my own pattern.
INCrowdteam: What are your five favorite shops on Etsy?
Hi Mamma:
- The Cocoon Wrap Mama (this is my sisters website)
- Gudonyatoo
- My Beautiful Girl
- Paper and String
- Rabbit Stop
INCrowdteam: Which three of your own items for sale are your favorite? Why do you like them so much?
Hi Mamma:
Lady Bug and Bumble Bee Changing Pad Cover
Lady Bug and Bumble Bee Changing Pad Cover from Hi Mamma
Lilly Pad and Frog Changing Pad Cover
Lilly Pad and Frog Changing Pad Cover from Hi Mamma
Whimsy Doodle Car Strap Covers for Car Seats, Strollers, and More
Whimsy Doodle Car Strap Cover from Hi Mamma
INCrowdteam: What’s the best compliment you’ve received from a buyer?
Hi Mamma: I participated in the Etsy Kids Baby Shower. The mom that I had was just about to have her fourth baby. I made her a baby changing pad cover. She shared with me what colors she was going to have in the nursery, the theme, etc. I emailed her some swatches to see if she liked any of them. She wrote me a really nice note after the birth of her little girl.
INCrowdteam: Where else can we find you on the Internet?
Hi Mamma: I have a blog called Hi Mamma Designs.
Are you an INCrowdteam member who’d like to be featured in this Q&A? Or maybe you know a member who’d be perfect for it? If so, contact me at ThePeachMartini!
Happy Birthday to me!
30
Dec
Ok, not really…well, not yet any way…Friday is my birthday! 
I thought that it might be nice to put together a list of gift ideas, suitable for any occasion; I’ll be turning 28, so I guess this list would be good for any girl in their 20’s or even 30’s I imagine, and for any one who likes fun, funky, and functional items…
Pink Flowery Girly Ring – The Brass Hussy
Lucite Flower and Vintage Button Ring - The Brass Hussy
Pink Owl Note Cards – Keepsake Couture
Set of 8 Pink Owl Notecards - Keepsake Couture
$25 Gift Certificate – Felt Sew Good
$25 Gift Certificate from Felt Sew Good
All Season Anthro Little Irish sage Tam – Annie’s Wearable Art
All Season Irish Sage Tam from Annie's Wearable Art
Brown Stripes Wallet – Robins Flight
Brown Stripes Wallet from RobinsFlight
Love is The Answer Butterfly Origami Earrings – Funny Sky
Love is The Answer Butterfly Origami Earrings from Funny Sky
Blue Vintage Teacup Wall Art – Gilstrapdesigns
Vintage Blue Teacup Wall Art from Gilstrapdesigns
Starlight Stained Glass Pendant – Gathering Stars
Starlight Stained Glass Pendant
Odette Owl the Pink and Lime Awake/Asleep Owl – Hello Dollies
Odette Owl - Hello Dollies
Goat’s Milk Soap, Peppermint & Jojoba – BonMots Papeterie
Peppermint & Jojoba Goat's Milk Soap - BonMots
Signed Fine Art Giclee Print – BelliUccelli
Signed Fine Art Print - BelliUccelli
Brown & Turquoise Crochet Slippers – cari4jc1
Brown & Turquoise Crochet Slippers - cari4jc1
Craftster.org Vintage Christmas Swap – Part 2 (The Getting)
10
Dec
…and now I’ll share the vintage Christmas goodness that I received from my loverly partner, “ntrebleagain”…and as a special Christmassy tribute, I drafted it as a poem
‘Twas the night before Thursday and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, except for me and my mouth.
The pizza was warmed with the cheese nice and hot,
and all that was left was to rip open the box!
I grabbed for the knife, and I squeeled with delight,
as I saw the red tin peeking out in the night!
When what to my wandering eyes should appear,
a shiny red tin, adorned with a Santa so dear!
- A red shiny tin with a Santa so dear!
Not sure I could stand the suspense any longer,
I lifted the lid, heart beating a bit stronger.
The contents were nestled all snug in their bed,
While a cute ornament brought a smile to my head!
- The contents were nestled all snug in their bed…
Quickly forgetting the pizza I nuked,
Which, I assure you, is only a fluke!
I picked up the ornament so carefully,
The snowman depicted made my heart fill with glee!
- The snowman depicted made my heart fill with glee!
I turned it over in my small chubby hands,
To reveal a scene that was equally grand!
Side two of the ornament was quiet and calm,
So much so I almost dropped the f-bomb!
- Side two had a scene that was equally grand.
My eyes darted to a curious stack,
When I saw what it was, I was taken aback!
I’m really not that big of a boaster,
But I have a shiny new set of 4 coasters!
- But I have a shiny new set of 4 coasters!
This tin, might I mention, is equally grand!
I can see it was decorated by hand!
On the top and the sides are pictures of Santa!
So merry and cheery, and happy you see.
A bundle of toys was flung on his back,
There must be a thousand tucked in that sack!
His suit was red and trimmed in white fur,
His boots, black as night and quite warm, I am sure.
With a wink of the eye and a jovial smile,
He stared at me silently and for a while.
I noticed a finger was placed on his lips,
A signal to all so no secrets are dripped.
Enclosed was a card, so soft and serene
The picture reminded me of a dream.
It matched the coasters of four that I had;
Matching things always make me so glad!
I opened the card to read what it said,
Shortly before shuffling off to my bed.
A brief explanation of what I received,
Another quick read before it was sleeved.
The tin is dual-purpose – for cookies or cards,
Mod-Podge control is really quite card!
She did a great job at keeping it neat,
The papers and ribbons just can’t be beat!
I placed all the goodies back in the tin,
A great end to the night it really had been.
It’d be even better, though, I must confess
If the Blackhawks could win their hockey contest!
The swaps here on Craftster are a wonderful treat –
The hard work and talent just cannot be beat!
I’ll now close this poem with a wish that you might –
Have a Merry Christmas and a jolly good night!
Craftster.org Vintage Christmas Swap – Part 1 (The Giving)
10
Dec
Another successful swap to put in the books!
In this first post I’ll share pictures of the items I crafted, as well as a couple extra vintage goodies, for good measure. I also included some vintage wrapping paper from the late 40’s and 50’s, but didn’t get a picture of that!
The Whole She-Bang - Coasters, a sweater guard, kitchy frosted pine cone trees, a vintage Jewel-Brite ornament, and a vintage snowman cookie cutter.Vintage-inspired Coasters - I hope to have a tutorial for these in the next couple of weeks!
Deck your neck with a sweater guard!
Extra vintage goodies - a snowman cookie cutter, and vintage Jewel-Brite ornament.
Kitchy vintage-inspired pine cone trees, with ric-rack trimmed tree skirts.
Stay tuned for the next installment to see what lovely items I received!
New Listings Just in Time for the Holidays!
13
Nov
I just added these to my Etsy shop! They were so much fun to make, and I definitely plan on making more of them!
Evergreen Holiday Gift Tags
Happy Homemade Christmas Gift Tags
Christmas Traditions Holiday Gift Tags
Stay tuned for more!
What I’ve Been Up To…
22
Oct
So, once again I’ve been MIA…sorry about that!
I’ve been busy with crafty stuff, though, so that means new things to post! Yay!
I participated in a swap on Craftster with a Halloween theme – aptly enough, it was called the Easy-Peasy 3-Point Halloween Swap. I was paired up with a wonderful gal who spoiled me rotten! First, here are the things I sent:
A felt flower pin:
Felt Flower Pin
Harvest Wall Hanging
Flannel backing serves as a cozy home for these quaint pumpkins – all pieces were cut and sewn by hand. It hangs from black ribbon, which is attached to the wall hanging with little leaf buttons. My swap partner indicated she wanted a wall hanging…which worked out well, because I already had it in my head to make something like this!
Paper goodies featuring spooky vintage clip art.
And here is the whole package ready to be wrapped and boxed up!
The whole shebang!
And now for the lovely package that my partner sent me!
Hooray for wonderful Swap Partners!
I love scarves! I love Fall colors! Best of all, it matches my NIN t-shirt! Score!
Oh my goodness!
One rather unfortunate aspects of craft swaps is the possibility of having a flaker among the group. I hate to call this gal’s partner a flake, because we’re a little concerned about her well-being. I do hope some one is able to get in touch with her soon! At any rate, I volunteered to put a package together for the other swapper:
There’s Little Witchy-Poo, some Halloween socks (store bought – I’m not that talented!), some ghostie earrings that I made, some cute Halloween coasters I picked up at a shop in Nashville, IN…oh, and the little masked mystery lady…
I do hope her original partner turns up soon!
Here is a close up of the little witchy-poo…I think I might have to make a few more of these!
Little Witchy-Poo...
…and from the back…
...and work it, girlfriend!
I sure hope she likes it! Witchy-Poo is on her way to California – I hope she has a nice ride!
Up next: Vintage Christmas Swap on Craftster.org, Christmas Gift Tag Swap on Swap-Bot, and possibly a Handmade Christmas Ornament swap on Craftster…not sure if I’ll do that one though – as much as I’d love to, I know I might be biting off more than I can chew! I still have a Halloween costume to finish before next Friday! Eek!
What craftiness have you been up to lately?
I’ve Been Featured in an Etsy Treasury!
15
Oct
NorthernGirlJewelry was kind enough to feature my work in a treasury today!
You can view the items in detail here: Morning Frost Treasury
"Docile Hope" was featured in a treasury!
Just some stuff…
20
Sep
…because I’m a slacker. It’s true. I’m sorry.
I’ve been trying to work on a new theme for this wordpress blog o’mine and it’s driving me up the wall. I’m not patient, and I’m not a coding guru, so all the work I’ve done so far has been, frankly, a waste of time. In the mean time I know I have neglected posting anything over here, and I’m sorry!
So, to make up for that, here are a couple of projects on which I’ve been working…
These are both for a Craftster swap entitled “Easy-Peasy 3-Point Halloween Swap” which is perfect, because it is limited to 3-points total for the entire swap! For those not familiar with the Craftster swaps, they are based on a theme; you complete a short but thorough questionnaire about your interests, likes, and dislikes, then send it to the swap organizer. You’re then paired up with a partner who complements your tastes. Based on the amount of time established for the swap, you craft your little heart out, then mail the package of goodies to your swap partner by the deadline. Every one then posts pictures of the items they’ve received and rejoice for the thrill that is getting goodies in the mail. Then, the organizer leaves feedback based on your participation in the swap, which can help or hurt your chances for participating in another swap at a later date. Sounds like a lot of work, I know, but they’re very fun and rewarding, and a nice way to “meet” new internet friends.
Anyway, these two items have been completed already for the swap. I’ve not decided if I want to make another small item yet, so that may come later. My swap partner indicated she would really like to have some type of fabric wall hanging, and since the swap’s theme was Halloween, I thought this was a nice combination…everything was cut by hand (as opposed to using appliques) and hand-sewn by me, using scrap fabric and a nice black flannel.
Fall Harvest Wallhanging
Here is the detail in the “hanging” aspect of the piece…I used plain black 1/8″ ribbon for the actual “hanger” which is also hand-sewn to the piece. Then, I had a couple scraps of decorative ribbons that I added too, and attached with a leaf-shaped button…
Detail on the wallhanging...
And this is a flower brooch that is made from felt and some scrap fabric that I received from last year’s “I Love Fall!” swap and a cool hand-made button, that I got from an Etsy seller named Tessa Ann, sewn in the middle…all hand-sewn, too. The colors aren’t quite this obnoxious in real life, I just took a quickie picture with the point-and-shoot.
Fall Felt Flower Brooch
I would like to make one more smaller item, just because it’s so darn fun, but we’ll see how that goes.
In closing, I’d like to leave you with a small list of the things I’m thankful for – and I hope that you can think of a small list of your own, and remember that when things seem too overwhelming…
- the changing seasons
- the amazing family and friends that I have who encourage me in everything I do
- baking
- pumpkin spice everything
- making things
- sunshine and a cool breeze
- the crunching of fallen leaves under your feet
- my husband!
I hope you all had a GREAT weekend – make it a great week!
