July Progress

Yesterday it rained. I call that nature's progress. The coming of the next season is already knocking. I'm glad. Everything went up because of the overbearing heat around us... and I meant the electric bills. Sigh! Thanks to rain! 

Last week, I launched my on-line shop at Etsy. I call that personal progress.

Shop is called Purple Needle Flies. And this is the banner. It was  designed by my husband. It means my needle can fly and progress anytime and anywhere because I love to try new things using my needle and thread. 

This is my shop's signature. Specially made needlecraft or handmade items are attached with this signature. I love uniqueness so that it will be remembered. Yes, Travis designed this too.

This tiny image is the shop's avatar. I can't upload a large pixel size so Travis made it so small. Ugh! I still love it though. 

It took me two months with the planning and implementation for this new business I jumped into. I never thought that promoting and marketing are more time-consuming. The only teacher I have is my mother. Problem is hers is pure retail, shops, and import and export. So I'm practically learning this by myself. 

My local business is not running mainly on-line. By fall I will be venturing on craft shows and fairs. I already applied for two out-of-town craft shows for November. Crossing-fingers. I am still looking forward for the local craft fairs. If all is well as planned, I will be needing stitchers for the mass production because my hands are tied for my state board review and I planned to work part-time for hospital exposure. Talk about superwoman! Ha! In God's will I will not stop. I already begun. 

I want to show you some of the items I am selling at  the present.

I am so proud of my items. I know it will take time before I will see profit but I'm not in dire need at the moment. I just want to enjoy every bit of the new experience and learn... share. To my readers you can check my shop at this link.... Purple Needle Flies. Just click that link! I will love to hear comments or suggestions. You will be teaching a newbie! 

Before I go back on outlining my 4th project, I would love to show you the flowery progress of my beautiful Purslane.

Even my tropical hibiscus got tired of blooming but this tiny purslane kept on cheering me up outside the kitchen window.... as I go about complaining about the heat and chores. Same goes to the family I have in three different countries. All is well! 

 

Busy Biz!

Wow! It has been a long time since I checked on-line. Sorry readers and friends. Travis and I have been very busy... not as a couple but as crafty partners. I can't contain this excitement dwelling on me for two weeks now. I promised to myself not to spill the beans early. What I can do though is to give you guys some hint. I know. Sometimes I just can't keep a secret.... when it's a positive announcement! Don't worry girl friends your secrets are safe with me. 

It's not a hobby anymore. I'm opening  a business of my own. I can't tell you more. Sorry. Don't be like me... be patient! My husband has always been my inspiration on everything I do. His love and support are unlimited. Lucky me! With that said, I want to show you one of his passions. 

What do you see? Uh, uh! This can't be eaten. Which means those colorful stuffs are not gelatin. If your eyes caught the wick, you got it right then. This is a homemade scented candle. Not just an ordinary wax was used. He is more into gels. Sorry can't tell you how he cooked it. Anyway, Travis is so passionate with candles. He doesn't like some of the commercial ones so he is making his own.

Because I love thinking about money (who doesn't?), I always find ways to earn some (got it from my Mom). Some may think I love to spend a lot but nope! When it comes to groceries, I love coupons! When it comes to clothes and shoes, I love SALE and of course my Mom. When it comes to magazines, I love subscriptions. And when it comes to hobbies, I love Amazon and eBay! In fact, now that Travis has a wife like me, his toys are maintained but not added. Believe it or not we both have "no credit" because we depend on debit cards and checks.

Much said.... I convinced my husband to sell his candles. 

We sold this one yesterday at home. His buddy bought it for only $10. A scented geisha! Nice. I am so proud of my crafty hubby. Hey guys! If you want to buy some of his candles, just let me know. Next week, I can give you his new eBay account so that you can see the unique candles he made. 

Enough of candles for now. Let me show you the new finished cross stitch project I did for the sister of Bella. From my previous blog, Fairy Alphabet, I showed you the project for baby Bella. 

This is for Cambria. Just a small design because I'm going to make something with this. Something that a toddler can use. I only have a week left to finish two projects using cross stitch works. Sigh! I used the same book, Cross Stitch Fairies from David & Charles. But I made a lot of changes from the original design. I used some buttons for embellishments and personalized it. Whew! I hope their mother will love these. 

Now off to do some house chores for a change. Have a happy weekdays ahead!

Fairy Alphabet

I didn't realize that my July calendar is as busy as February and May. Come August if our plans run smoothly it will be December in August for me. That's why travel will need to be sacrificed for now. I so love what I am doing at the present. Best part is Travis is such a big help!

Last week, I noticed that a relative of Travis has been appreciating my cross stitch works. She is so sweet and though I haven't met her yet, I know I'll like her. So I decided to make something for her daughters. The youngest one is having her first birthday soon so now is just the right time. 

 

Letter A is one of my favorite letters in the alphabet. I'm glad that I got to stitch it for the design. Isn't the fairy so cute?

 

After reading Cross Stitch Fairies by David & Charles, I promised to myself that I am going to stitch all the designs in this book. And I already started! All the designs are precious and enchanting and so quick to stitch. Good for presents for little girls. I got the design for little Bella on this book. It's called Fairy Alphabet. 

Here comes Bella! This is just a small cross stitch work. Per letter the design size is only 3 3/4 x 3 1/2 in. I am not yet done with my project. I have to stitch another design for the eldest sister too. You don't want sibling rivalry when it comes to presents. So when hers is done, I can start finishing off both projects before the birthday. 

I learned to master french knots on this project. Lookie! I am so proud and happy that the worst stitching method I've known is finally a history. I learned some tricks too! Oh yeah, I used a gold needle on this. It was kinda rough on the fingers but when you get used to it, it makes stitching more comfortable because it doesn't slip from your fingers easily. The needle and threads used are all DMC. Aida (antique white) is from Charles Craft. 

Currently, I picked up my "First Snow" again. 

Happy Stitching everyone!