Tuesday, November 20, 2012

sari silk rug

I am so incredibly proud of this rug. Not only because it is so pretty and colorful, but because I actually completed the project. On something this large, I usually set it aside to finish later, and then forget about it. This yarn was a joy to work with. It is recycled silk from India, collected from sari makers. I love the combination of colors and textures. I am going to make a few baskets to go with the rug. My sweet little Josephine and her buddy Bonita would not let me take the picture without them, so you get the pleasure of seeing their cute little faces, too!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

100th Sale Giveaway!

I'm so happy!!! I just made my 100th Sale in my Etsy shop! To celebrate, I will be giving away slippers! Use the rafflecopter entry system to enter. Share this with everyone you know! Giveaway will end November 30th. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Armadillo Dreams giveaway

The Magic Onion is hosting a giveaway from Armadillo Dreams.   I could spend $40 so fast over there!  My current favorite is the Farm Animals:

or maybe the fairy quintet

So hop on over to The Magic Onions and get your entry in!  Or don't, because I really would love to win these for Josephine.  Yeah, for Josephine.  I wouldn't play with them at all. 

Monday, October 29, 2012

Hungry kiddos! potato pancakes

What to do with leftover mashed potatoes and 2 hungry kiddos?    Make potato pancakes!  They are so simple, really. 

You need about 2 or 3 cups of leftover mashed potatoes.  I chopped up a red onion and some cheese and threw it in.  You can add anything you want at this point.  Here's a few suggestions to get you started:

diced apple or pear
bacon
leftover chicken or burger
peas
carrots
sour cream or cream cheese




Here's the important part:
once you get your mix-ins blended in, add about 1/4 cup flour and an egg.  That holds the whole mess together.

Then, place small scoops in hot oil and fry.  Flip after a couple of minutes. 


Then, serve them to hungry babies.  Josephine likes to eat hers picnic style, with sliced pears on the side.  (Actually, the picnic was out of necessity.  We are painting our dining room, and it's a mess.)

 
Enjoy!







Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Love my mixer!

I blinged out my Kitchen Aid.  I found the daisy decals here, chicken here.  Isn't it cute?  Yes, I am now painfully aware that she needs a good bath.  After this picture was taken, she received one.  I was too excited and could not wait to take pictures of her new embellishments. 

I've also been using up the little bits of yarn in my stash, in hopes of justifying the purchase of more yarn.  Here's the outcome:

SERENDIPITY SLIPPERS!!!

 



They are available in my slipper shop, HERE
More to come soon!
 
I love serendipity slippers.  I never know what the finished product will be, and they are always one of a kind, and very eclectic. 
 
 
 



Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Happy Dance!


I'm so happy!  I won the Fall giveaway over at My Shabby Roses!!  The bag is gorgeous, and I am in love with the beautiful magazine.  Plus, I received a Starbucks gift card!!!   How cool is that?

The bag is my new all time favorite.  It is big enough to put all my necessities in, plus a crochet project for downtime and waiting periods.  Love it!!!  And it's so incredibly sturdy.  It's perfect.

Check out her blog and Facebook page. 

Sunday, October 14, 2012





Here's a quick picture update of life in the Smith House. 

Josephine is obsessed with these little cloches I have on my window seat.  Inside I have placed a little bird in a nest.  She loves to open the cage and pretend to let the bird fly away.  It's quite cute!

I made a sister set for a lovely customer.  Sweaters, hats, and booties.  I loved that commission! 

My hooks have been busy with new slippers. 

That's my life lately.  What's going on in yours?

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Lately

Here's some pictures of my life lately.
 
 



I've been very absent from my blog.  I have not felt like I've had anything to share, but now looking back over the past month, I've had many sharing opportunities that I have passed up.  We moved into my dream house, I'll share much more about that later. 

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Squares everywhere!

Between working on orders, I have been looking at Pinterest and reading other blogs.  I am loving all the granny square inspired projects I've been seeing.

This scarf is very pretty.

You know I'm a sucker for a great vintage inspired pot holder!  These are fabulous, and I intend to make them for my kitchen.

This afghan is gorgeous!  I want it on the back of my couch!

Back to work for me.  I have a few more orders to finish up, and then I need to start crocheting like mad for the UnPlaza Art Fair and the 37th Annual Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts Fair.  As always, my hands are busy.  Just the way I like it!!!


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Moving!!

I'm sorry to admit that once again, I have been neglecting my poor little blog.  Here's a quick little life update:

1.  We're moving!!  We found a lovely house with raised garden beds and a sweet little chicken coop already in place!  And the house itself is beautiful.  And so much bigger than where we are now.  We will be moving in on August 1.  Looking forward to planting some broccoli, cauliflower, and radishes for fall harvesting! 

2.  Josephine's favorite words lately:  "I LOVE IT!!!"   She says it with such enthusiasm.  I love her!

3.  I am currently working on a huge rag rug, made from recycled sari silk.  Also, a dress for Josephine is in the works, from this pattern.  Pics coming soon!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Strawberry Pineapple Jam, and other goings-on


Today I put up some strawberry pineapple jam.  I loosely based it on this recipe, if you would like to make your own.  It is delicious and super easy, so even if you are a jam making virgin, try it out.

Jo spent the day playing with the dogs.  Or, taking away the dogs' toys and running away, squealing with delight.  Call it what you will.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

And Still More Pictures of Peculiar.....

so here's the best part of last weekend's art fair..... I was surrounded by some of the most talented artists I have ever met.  What struck me was their positivity.  It's true, a positive attitude makes all the difference, and these artists were proof of that!  Each and every one was awesomely successful in their own way, and an absolute joy to be around. 


Hubby was pleased as punch that we were right next to such a gifted wood turner.  His work was truly amazing.  And, he was one of the funniest people I have ever met!  The life of the party.  His wife was a lovely woman, and just as much fun as he was.



This creative jewelry display belonged to Swirly Girly, a mother and daughter team.  I am the lucky new owner of an ice cream cone necklace, made from chalk turquoise.  I'll post pics of my new favorite jewelry piece later.  Merredith kept us entertained all weekend with stories of her ducks and future chickens, and had me laughing so hard the entire time.  (Sorry if I spelled your name wrong, Girly!)





This was truly a memorable weekend, and I look forward to going back next year!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

More Pictures from Clara Brierly Art Festival

This was my baby and child display.  Booties were popular this weekend!



Yep, I ate that.  Looking back, I am a bit ashamed.  But it was tasty.  Oh well.  What happens at the art fair stays at the art fair!  lol


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Peculiar



You wouldn't think a little map-dot like Peculiar, Missouri would be an artsy place, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. 

If you ever find yourself nearby Peculiar, take a drive through this town.  It is definitely worth the time!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Home


We're home from the most amazing road trip ever!  I made some wonderful, hopefully life-long friends, and we laughed until we cried on more than one occasion.  I'll tell you all about it this week, but for now I need to love on the babies, both human and furry.  It's fun to travel, but it's nice to be home.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

A couple months ago
Me:  Josephine, how old are you?
Jo:  2!!!
Me:  You're not 2!
Josephine giggles and runs off

Now
Me:  Josephine, how old are you?
Jo:  NOT Two!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Luulla

As you all know, I am on Etsy. 

I am also on a site called Luula, which I am loving.

Here's a little information about the new handmade site:
What is Luulla?


Luulla is about your handmade story, it's about telling your story and showcasing your creation to the world.


We believe that behind every beautiful and creative item, there is a touching and beautiful handmade story. Every story is unique, and as we started our journey meeting different crafters months before Luulla even got started, we were so excited to hear about the experiences, the story and the passion from each handmade seller.


From that moment, we realize that we would love to build a special place for handmade lovers. A place that allow sellers to connect with people that share the same passion and love for all beautiful things created.


We grow to love everything handmade, and few weeks later Tommy and Maggie left their day job and started the journey founding Luulla.


Why the name Luulla?


The name Luulla comes from the Finnish language. It means to imagine and to believe. We believe that with the passion and determination, we can build a community that can bring happiness to both the buyers and the sellers. We would one day imagine building a site where all sellers are successful, a place where everyone help out each other, a place that is cheerful.


When we first started building the site, it was only with hope and dreams. We live on our savings and only hope that we could build something useful. Each of the seller that we approached shows their support, it was with the help and support from the sellers that eventually lead us to finish building the first version of the site.


Many sellers that we approached has a dream, that one day they will be able to live a life making the things they love and be able to earn a living doing so. We are on the mission to fulfill that, and we think that everything starts from having a bold imagination and a strong believe in the things you do.


And therefore, we choose the name Luulla.


How it got started?


The site was founded by Tommy and Maggie. Initially, we sat in a small kitchen coding ten hours a day living mostly on donuts and coffee.


Six months later, we launched the initial version of the site. The site was first rolled out to public at late November 2011. Nick and Ethan joined the team a month later. Our lovely designer Shin joined the team three months after Luulla was founded. Today, the team consists of eight people, and is split half into engineering and half community.


What's the greatest joy launching the site?


During the first day of launch, one of the seller got her first sale. The team jumped up with joy!! There is nothing that can describe this special feeling. For the whole six months of long hours coding, the moment a seller made her first sale, it was all worth it. It was very special.


And today we celebrate each seller's sale, especially when a new seller get her first sale!! It just keep the team moving and moving. And yes, we spend time browsing through all your beautiful creation and discussing about them. They are really beautiful!!


Where is Luulla located?


Luulla is located on the beautiful island of Penang, Malaysia. We are located in Asia. It's a place with beautiful beaches, rich in culture and also a place full of heritage and historical background.


We love working on this beautiful island, and enjoy everything from the rich variety of food, people, and also the warm and sunny weather.


We hope that by selecting a unique place to start Luulla, it will attract sellers from different countries, background and culture.


How do you promote the sellers?


Each day, five to ten stores are chosen and the community team promote your work at different places such as Pinterest, Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, WeHeartIt, and many more. Each of the seller's item is unique, and therefore depending on the items listed, the community team normally run different promotion for the sellers to introduce new buyers for your store.


It would be great if sellers can promote your new store at Facebook and Twitter too, so that more people will know about the site. Sellers that also promote her Luulla store generally also generates higher sales.


I am a crafter, how can I participate?


If you are a handmade artist, and if you wish to join us in this wonderful journey building a beautiful handmade marketplace, do write us an email at mail@luulla.com and we will send you an invitation.

check it out when you get a chance!  My luula shop is located at:  http://www.luulla.com/store/byStephanieSmith

Friday, June 1, 2012

It's officially art show rush time in the Smith household.  It's been nonstop crocheting, tagging, photographing, inventory-taking, list making, crazy fun!  I'm very excited, since it has been a while since I've participated in a show.  One week from today, I will be loading up the car with all my goodies and setting up at the Clara Brierly Festival of the Arts.  It should be lots of fun, and I will take a ton of pictures to share. 

The little hooligan has learned how to climb out of her playpen.  She's not very proficient at this skill, which has resulted in bumps on the head on a few occasions.  She is, however, determined.  She is also sneaky.  And fast.  She can whip that little leg up over the side of her playpen in the blink of an eye, and before you can stop her she is dangling over the edge.  Makes a mommy's heart stop.  I'm sure one day I will look back on this memory fondly, but for now I'm just tired. 





My crocheting is calling my name.  I have several shawls to finish up, and two more boxes of work to tag.  I can feel the judgement in Sally Cat's eyes.  She knows I have work to finish, as well as a deadline.  She knows that this sudden need to blog is fueled by procrastination.  Ok, Sally.  Back to work, I promise.