Fruitful Week

I kept on asking myself, "Can I sell?". It was on and on and on. Finally, yesterday I scored big. I can sell. I sold two expensive and recent items at my Etsy shop. Patience paid off. Promotion and marketing are big saviors. I tried a marketing strategy and it worked. 

 

These are the homemade gel candles that were a hit yesterday. Mr. D couldn't believe it himself because one of the item was only in the market for 8 hours. Then an avid collector bought both straight away. She is such an angel too... no questions asked. For that I am giving away a free gift... something that we know she would love. 

Lesson learned is that you have to know your target. You have to know your customers because you will learn from them and you will be able to sell for sure. It's not about "what you want; what you like; what you prefer". It's about "what they need , want, collect, and love". Focus, focus, focus. 

Another beautiful thing that happened last week was the finished product I made for a little girl who just turned one weeks ago.

Finally, Bella's pillow is ready! Not yet ready to be shipped though because I still have one more project left to finish which is for her big sister. I can finish it this week. 

I used this lovely pillow as a sample for my MADE TO ORDER Personalized Fairy pillows. I posted it on the web and I got a lot of positive feedback. Crossing fingers for an order soon. I would love to see little girls cuddling this cutie. Sigh! If you could only see how Mr. D looks when he asked me if it can be squeezed. Hahaha! I love my husband so much. He is my battered pillow. 

I have a lot of orders lined-up for a consignment. They can be done easily because all I need is my sewing machine. 

Now I have to stay away from my notebook so that I can continue my laundry and ironing. 

Have a nice week days ahead of you!

Juggling Balls

I guess I can consider myself an intermediate now on needlecraft especially on cross stitching. Salute! Such an accomplishment. Been three years now since I taught myself to create a design from a cross stitch chart to a needle artwork. Thank you Lord! 

Now I'm juggling four balls. Whew! First ball is being a homemaker; second ball is pursuing my nursing career; third ball is my new local craft business; and fourth ball is finishing my Christmas gift projects. Being unemployed is not boring after all. Ugh! But I do enjoy every bit of it. To make it more fun and memorable Mr. D tags along.

I have mentioned a project on my June blog, One Down, about a gift I am working on. 

First Snow is coming out regally. I am so proud of my hard work. It will take more time because it's 18ct and the colors are scattered. Difficult to keep it neat and clean. I posted this on Cross Stitch Club on Facebook. Thanks to a great mentor and I am now a part of that club. It was fun and inspiring to read their comments and see their works too. I hope I can finish this before the end of August because I still have a lot of projects listed. Aw! 

Promotion and marketing are trying to pull me down. What with an inexperienced trying hard entrepreneur. I'm still learning the ropes. I think I'm tying it too tight! I need a breather. This month I'll find out if I get to have the booths in FW  and OK. Crossing fingers! If not, I always have a plan B... and C. 

I'm concentrating on "back-to-school" seasonal items. My latest item is a fridge magnet.

I chose this design because the colors are lovely and eye-catching. It is a must for every Moms to know the schedule of their kiddos. What with PTA meetings, soccer games.... and after holidays back-to-school days. Making it as a fridge magnet is useful, fab and personal.

It can be personalized using a picture of your apple-of-the-eye. Look at Mr. D. Isn't he  cute?! This is an old picture of my hubby. Don't ask me how old he was here. You can just use a scotch tape to secure the photo. This way it won't ruin the fabric and the cross stitch work itself. I hope you like it! There's two more back-to-school items I'm outlining right now. Next week one item will be ready. 

Last Wednesday, I launched a Facebook page for my biz. It's called ACG Dobbs Craft Plus. It's linked to my Etsy. Just click the name of my page or Etsy so you can check it out. My Etsy shop, Purple Needle Flies, is ready to welcome new customers and friends. 

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

 

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! 

Twit Pouch

God is so great that blessings kept on pouring... again. Thank you Lord!!! We are all so happy. Still waiting for another good news... My heart wants to explode! 

Because I feel so hyper this week, I turned to my mags again for a new project. After two days, I was able to make this.

After reading my new favorite mag, Mollie Makes, I made a list of "must do" projects. So I started with the easiest one which is the freebie. It was really easy because I love hand sewing. 

The freebies are some materials that I used. It includes 4 pieces of cut-out felts and a button. The first thing I did was to make the templates. I used a parchment paper to trace the template. Cut them out and pasted them on a card paper. Using the templates, I was able to cut the design pieces for the pouch. I changed the colors and didn't follow all the instructions.

I used running stitch to sew the designs together and to secure them on the front of the pouch. It was like cross stitching because my fingers were doing their magic and easing their freedom. I used a cotton thread.
 

As you can see, I sewed a black button to give the pink bird an eye. It was not in the instruction. I wanted to make it more colorful and cute. Just followed my instinct!  I used a blanket stitch to sew the corners of the felt to create a pouch. On this, I didn't use an ordinary cotton thread; I used a heavy duty thread so that it can hold the stitches well. 

My first handmade craft. So fulfilling! I called this "Twit pouch". This will be a sampler for my next pouch projects.  My husband is so supportive that he made some designs of his own.

I guess this what happens when your adrenaline is at it's peak.

Stitch a Card

We still don't have any idea where to go for our summer vacation. Think, think, think. Sigh! Honestly, I'd rather stay home because it is burning outside. We have to go shopping at night because sunblock isn't working. Tending and weeding in our yard garden need to be done at night too. Whew! Still, I'm in love with Texas! Because of all the craft projects I have minus the cross stitch ones, I think I choose to stay home (for now). 

I was longing to have a quick stitching project so I opted on starting my card collection. 

I got busy last Sunday. I finished "An Owl" design. Quick and nice... but not easy. There were a lot of fractional stitches plus back stitching. I call this kind of project a diversion from the big stuffs I am working on. Stitching little things puts me back on track on my goal which is... enjoying my work. There will be other small projects coming for my cards. I am really happy with the result. 

Happiness is ten-fold because of this magazine, Enjoy Cross Stitch. Not only are the designs beautiful but I also got a lot of freebies. I have used some of them for the owl card project including the needle. Of course I am planning to use all of them for the cards. 

I would like to show to you the progress of my First Snow cross stitch. 

In my previous blog (One Down ), I mentioned to you about this project. Lookie! This project is tedious but I know it will be worth it. So now I will be picking this up and enjoying my itch. Wish me luck!

Happy Stitching everyone! 

Er Crafty?

My new and unread magazines are piling up fast. And now I added a new collection, Mollie Makes. It caught my attention while reading Cross Stitcher mag. I am not disappointed. The mag was worth the wait. No wonder it went out-of-stock on it's debut. I am not yet done reading it because I got so engrossed reading my latest issue of The World of Cross Stitching that I totally forgot bedtime. 


I admire those crafters and stitchers I read about. They are so cool! I really want to make stuff by hand and collect stuff of interest. I am into collecting cross stitch books nowadays. It gives me motivation and inspiration to read them and ogle at the designs. I am not a serial starter. To feed my hungry eyes, I fill up my 5 year old mini notebook with wishful projects. Just by jotting them down and assuring myself that I'll make them, it makes me sleep well. Funny thing is after a few weeks, I will keep on adding new projects on the list... then old ones are completely forgotten. The trick worked for me. 

From my last blog One Down!, I stated that I was able to make a seasonal list. I did.... in one sitting. All I did was list down names and projects (not designs). That way I have ample time to choose a specific design for the project. For example, if the project is a journal for a friend, I need a design that will make my friend happy and make the gift sincere. Easy! No hassle for me and ample time to choose. This way I can track my progress too. 

What's bogging me right now though that makes me insomniac is the question... am I crafty enough to be able to make handmade things that can be useful, thrifty, environment-friendly, and nice? Dang!!! 

One Down!

Two days ago, I was able to formulate a prep list for my seasonal cross stitch projects. It was an amazing turnout. It means I need to start getting busy again. The list provides me inspiration and motivation. Yesterday, I started this project.

It's called "First Snow". I have chosen this design for my best friend who is a Veterinarian. Yes, she loves cats so much. I will never forget those times in college when we exchange snail mails. She would describe to me the hardship on bringing down a cow just to have good grades; while I will complain to her the smell of sinus secretions during an operation. After all these years we remain friends... even though we are still oceans apart. I am sure she will love this design.

Thanks to Pollyanna Pickering's paintings! I love her wildlife designs. It has full of spirit and warmth. I got the chart from her book, "Mother & Baby Animal Cross Stitch". I am using light blue Aida, 18ct and floss from DMC. The design needs attention in color details so I think this will be a slow progress. I hope not! 

I wanted to show to you the finished bib and booties I stitched for an old classmate's first born.

Nope! The teddy was just a model. It belongs to Travis. Anyway, I shipped the goodies last Friday and I hope the mother will feel the happiness I felt while stitching them. I saw the pictures of her son and he looks so adorable. Like me, she prayed for an angel and then he came. It showed that God listens to those who waits. 

I particularly love Cross Stitch Favourites  mag because every season they come up with a variety of beautiful designs and project ideas. I got the chart of the bib from this mag. I wanted to stitch more but I run out of time. The chart of the booties came from it's Charles Craft package. Convenient.  

I strongly suggest that you make an inventory on your floss or threads and clothes or fabrics because you can really save time and money. I used my stash of floss for these goodies. For my new project I only bought 5 new skeins and new fabric. I saved a lot! 

Wish me luck!!! Happy Stitching everyone!

 

Nature's Success!!!

Ask me what I had for brunch? I'm pigging on anything that's for sure even vegetables.

 

This is what I had. A serving of baby spinach and fresh strawberries topped with Ranch dressing. My favorite home made salad! Just don't ask me what I paired it with. As you can see the strawberries are kinda tiny. 

They were just picked from my potted plant. Amazing that everyday, I get to pick some for my salad. It has been weeks since we started harvesting our vegetable garden. And we have been boiling them in pots or frying them battered. 

Aside from the strawberries we got squash, green and yellow bell peppers, jalapeno pepper, huge tomatoes, and cucumber (not included in photos). And we have been making healthy dishes from them. Last week, when I was in the produce section of Wal-Mart, I noticed that the price of a paired squash and cucumber is $2.50. Wow! And here we are taking advantage mother nature's bliss. 

Travis is still eagerly waiting for his watermelons to produce. He and Tim have been working hard on the small garden. We take turns on watering them. My turn is at night. 

I harvested my herbs already and realized that I don't know how to prepare them for drying or packing. I used them on dishes and I still have some in the fridge. I noticed that it does not do well when planted on small pots because it becomes overcrowded. I learned my lesson. I need a huge herb seed box next time. Travis promised me one for next season. 

It's not complete without the flowers in the front and back porches, right?

From top to bottom: purple and yellow lantanas, pink hibiscus, red and purple verbenas, tickled pink, yellow and white moss rose, variety of purslane, pink petunias, and another red verbenas. I love them all and so are the humming birds and bees. We still have other flowers, like Travis' purple summer sky and my hardy orchid. Aren't they all beautiful? The lantanas are placed in our front yard. I hope they will scatter their blooms. The pink hibiscus is potted because I want to keep it for good. That way I can hide her from autumn and winter. The lovely verbenas are hanged in the front porch. But I still have some that are potted and placed at the back porch so that I can see them from the kitchen window. Tickled pink is my favorite! She is not that big of a plant but she blooms proudly and I saw a humming bird yesterday feeding from it's nectar. The moss roses are grandma's favorites. I call them cute roses. We have a variety of colors potted together in long pots. They are gracing the front porch too. Another family of moss rose is the purslane, even a staff from Wal-Mart doesn't recognize the difference. Their leaves are the same but the petals are different. Purslane is single-petaled while moss rose is petaled like a rose. I prefer the purslane because when the sun's rays kissed them, they bloom in a variety of colors.... like they are dancing! The pink petunias has the biggest pot but it blooms shyly. 

This is a heirloom flower plant. It was passed on by grandma's great grandmothers. Whew! She was so anxious when the seeds were sedentary for weeks after Travis planted them. I took over the watering because she got worried. Then after another week, I saw the first peek of a leaf. And now they are growing fast. Soon we will see their beautiful purple flowers. It's called "weeping tears" by grandma's ancestors. But in the dictionary it's called "magic flowers". Quite ironic! It was cried by it's owner because it was not growing; then magically they just come out from the soil.

I am no expert on growing, I just love the mystery of the soil. Earth gives back when you take care of it. 

Happy gardening everyone!!!