A Wonderful Day

Yesterday I took the day off from my computer as it was my husband and my third year wedding anniversary. It just happened that I didn't have to go into work and he ended up taking the day off. It was so nice getting to spend the day together. We agreed that we were not going to buy anything for each other (we are saving up to build our dream house hopefully within the year), but he made me a special dinner. He barbecued shrimp shish-kabobs - they were wonderful, and he is so sweet! It has been such a wonderful three years so far and we are looking forward to many more!

What's In a Name

Usually after I finish a wreath, I come up with a clever name for it. The names describe the wreaths and give them a sort of personality or individuality. Sometimes the names just pop into my head, but other times I really have to think of one. This time I was trying to think of a name for a completely different wreath and this name popped into my head - You Had Me At Yellow. This was the first time that I had actually come up with a name for a wreath that hadn't even been created yet. I knew that I had to make a yellow, cute springtime wreath to fit this clever name. Here is what I created; an oval shaped wreath filled with bright yellows and accented with cool blues.

Watermelon Delight

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. I just thought I would post one of my latest creations for your viewing pleasure!

One of my local customers contacted me and requested a custom design. She said she wanted a pink and green wreath and that she wanted it to look very "feminine". I told her that I had been wanting to make a pink and green wreath ever since I started on the spring designs for this year. Anyways, this is what I came up with.

She said that the door she wanted to hang it on was small so instead of my typical oval wreath, she wanted a smaller round one. I love this ribbon that I found. The pink, red and green polka dots match the flowers perfectly!

I always try to come up with clever names for each wreath that I make and this particular one reminded me of a watermelon with the various pinks and lime greens - hence the name Watermelon Delight. I know I say this about all of the wreaths, but this one might just be my favorite!

I'm International

I'm officially international! I made my first international sale last week (I sold a wreath to a customer in Ireland!) and I am super excited about it. If someone would have told me last year that I would be shipping my wreaths to a different country, I would have thought they were crazy.

I was sort of intimidated by the whole idea of selling and shipping internationally; unsure of what the cost would be and what customs forms needed to be filled out. Tuesday morning I took the package to the Post Office and was able to find the correct forms to fill out. I parked myself in the corner and began filling in all the specific details in the customs form. I finished the forms and made my way to the long line. It always seems like no matter what part of the day it is, there is always a long line at the Post Office. When I finally got to the desk, the clerk took the package, stamped it a couple of times, weighed it, asked if I wanted insurance (uh, yeah!) and that was it! I don't know what I was expecting, but I never thought it would be that easy!

It is just a shame that my wreaths have to be packaged in big boxes which drives the price of shipping up, especially shipping outside of the US. It ended up costing $50 to send it. But if customers are willing to pay for shipping costs, I am happy to ship wherever!

The Lemonade Award

Hooray! I won the Lemonade Award!

http://www.rusticcandles.blogspot.com/ has given me the Lemonade Award!

Thanks Rustic Candles!

Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 - 10 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.
3. Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Nominate your favorites and link to your post.

Here are my nominees:

1. http://mereslair.blogspot.com/

2. http://jacarandagal.blogspot.com/

3. http://acaciafigg.blogspot.com/

4. http://kauai-artist.blogspot.com/

5. http://diamondaj.blogspot.com/

6. http://aloquin.blogspot.com/

Time Well Spent

It was muggy and raining outside this morning - the perfect day for staying inside to craft! My Mom called me (she has been fighting a cold for about two weeks now and finally felt bad enough to stay home from work) and was wondering what I was doing for the day. I normally work Wednesdays, but I had the day off today. So I told her that I had bought all the supplies to make a wreath for a local customer yesterday, but I didn't have any time to make it, so that is what I planned on doing. I never get to spend time with her during the week, so I packed up all my tools and supplies and headed over to her house. I was excited to show her the flowers and ribbon I had purchased for this wreath. She is one of my biggest fans and she always loves seeing the new items. When I finally got to her house, I unloaded my car, which took three or four trips, and set up my area in the living room. We decided to watch The Bourne Ultimatum which she had never seen before (I know - I couldn't believe it either!). I started the wreath as soon as the movie started and finished it right around the end of the movie! It was great getting to visit with my Mom - just the two of us! And the wreath turned out gorgeous. I haven't taken pictures of it yet, but as soon as I do, I'll get them posted on here for everyone to see. Other than the fact that she was sick, today turned out to be a great day!

A Glimpse of the Artist

I always find it fascinating to see the artist behind the many different crafts that I come across. I think it makes it that much more special to get a glimpse of the actual person who creates those lovely pieces. So I have decided to dedicate a post to showing all of you (whoever reads this) who I am.

I never get tired of making my wreaths. I discover something different with each one. None of this would have been possible without the love and support from my husband. I have been married for three years (this month) to the most wonderful man in the world! It has gone by so fast but at the same time it feels as if I have known him forever. When I am near him, a smile or laugh is never very far away! He is truly my best friend and I am so thankful for him.

We have a yellow lab, Izzy, who is a year old and just as hyper as ever.

I own hundreds of books, but I feel like I don’t have enough time in the day to sit down and actually read. I am currently reading “The Historian” which is suspenseful and adventurous but I probably haven’t picked it up in weeks!

My favorite show on TV is Scrubs and since they play reruns of the older episodes I watch that show all the time – it is hilarious! And I can probably recite just about every episode from memory, but it never gets old!

I am a Texas girl through and through. I grew up on a farm (cows, horses, ducks, pigs, chickens - the whole shebang!) and then my family moved into the city when I was nine. My husband and I bought some land out in the country about a year ago and we are planning to move back hopefully within the next year. I love the peace and quiet that comes with living in the country and I am so very excited to be building our dream house!

I will now end this rant (if anyone is even still reading) with my favorite quote of all time by William Purkey:
Dance like no one is watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like no one is listening, Live like it's heaven on earth.

Happy Valentine's Day

I wanted to have a special Valentine's Day post so I asked some Etsians a few Valentine's questions and here's what they have to say.

HelenesDreams creates handcrafted jewelry including gorgeous necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

http://www.helenesdreams.etsy.com/

What is your favorite romantic movie?

Lately, I love Princess Diaries..#2 of course.

What is your favorite love quote/poem?

"True love is to be set free, it will come back if it is meant to be."

Do you prefer chocolates or roses?

chocolate

Do you have a special Valentine's Day memory?

Every Valentines Day we have a yummy breakfast, we make chocolate covered strawberries AND in the evening my husband go out to eat a very nice expensive dinner and go dancing or to a movie. The later seems to be what we do most of the time..as we have grown older!

What is the most romantic gift you have received for Valentine's Day?

He gave me a bracelet that says "Meet you at top..the clouds of high..pacific trail!"

CraftyCollegeGirls creates lovely handmade soaps, candles and knits.

http://www.craftycollegegirls.etsy.com/

What is your favorite romantic movie?

My favorite love movie is Love Actually.

What is your favorite love quote/poem?

Favorite quote is "All you need is love."

Do you prefer chocolates or roses?

Chocolate is awesome, but roses make me smile so...both.

Do you have a special Valentine's Day memory?

My best Valentines memory was when I was a little girl and my daddy gave me flowers :)

What is the most romantic gift you have received for Valentine's Day?

The most romantic gift I have received for valentines day is a cross necklace from Tiffanies.

Happy Valentine's Day

I wanted to have a special Valentine's Day post so I asked some Etsians a few Valentine's questions and here's what they have to say.

Fashiongreentbags uses different items from T-shirts to skirts to create fantastic totes, giftbags and handbags.

http://www.fashiongreentbags.etsy.com/

What is your favorite romantic movie?

Love Actually

What is your favorite love quote/poem?
Shall I compare thee to a Summer's Day?

Do you prefer chocolates or roses?
Chocolate

Do you have a special Valentine's Day memory?
My first Valentine's Day with my husband. I was so happy. He's the BEST Valentine's gift in the world!

Jodieflowers has a fun shop where she sells adorable colorful patches and bugs.

http://www.jodieflowers.etsy.com/

What is your favorite romantic movie?

Great Expectations & What Dreams May Come

What is your favorite love quote/poem?

I Remember You As You Were byPablo Neruda:

I remember you as you were in the last Autumn. You were the grey beret and the still heart. In your eyes the flames of the twilight fought on. And the leaves fell in the water of your soul. Clasping my arms like a climbing plant the leaves garnered your voice, that was slow and at peace. Bonfire of awe in which my thirst was burning. Sweet blue hyacinth twisted over my soul. I feel your eyes traveling, and the autumn is far off: grey beret, voice of a bird, heart like a house towards which my deep longings migrated and my kesses fell, happy as embers.Sky from a ship. Feild from the hills: Your membor is made of light, of smoke, of a still pond! Beyond your eyes, farther on, the envenings were blazing. Dry autumn leaves revolved in your soul.

Do you prefer chocolates or roses?

both!

Do you have a special Valentine's Day memory?

I loved making the Valentine mail boxes out of shoe boxes as a child. I loved getting and recieving little love notes!

What is the most romantic gift you have received for Valentine's Day?

Actually it was this Valentine's Day! I received a bunny vase from Felicia Nilson at maidofclay.etsy.com. My husband always buys me great art for Valentine's Day. All my Valentine's Day Art gifts have hearts on them, so I remember that they were for Valentine's Day.

ThePoint's Etsy shop is filled with beautiful needlecraft, fabric arts and recycled goodies.

http://www.thepoint.etsy.com/

My favorite romantic movie? Moulin Rogue (I love Ewan in this movie - his eyes are so twinkly)

My favorite love quote/poem?
I'm going to change this to a song (if that is ok), because i love the lyrics:
Crush, by the Dave Matthews Bandhere is an excerpt of the song:"Crush meCome on, oh yeah It's crazy I'm thinking Just knowing that the world is roundI'm Here I'm dancing on the ground Am I right side up or upside downIs this real or am I dreaming Lovely lady I will treat you sweetly Adore you I mean you crush me, oh It's times like these When my faith I feel And I know how I love you"it sounds much better and romantic when he is signing it, but I think you get the idea

Do you prefer chocolates or roses?
I love roses - they last longer! my fave flower is a gerbera daisy though!

What is the most romantic gift you have received for Valentine's Day?
My first Valentine's Day with my hubby. He drove 5 hours to visit me!



...more questions and answers to come!

Sassy Roosters

I have a special sale in my Etsy shop right now. I just listed these two fabulous wreaths this morning. I found these two sassy rooster signs in Hobby Lobby last week and ended up making two different oval "French Country" inspired wreaths with them.

Early to Rise - Rooster Wreath

Morning on the Farm - Rooster Wreath

If you buy them together, you get $10 off your total purchase price! I made them together; I think they look amazing together and they need a home together also! Please see the item descriptions for more information. And check out the rest of my shop while you're at it!

Birthday Gift for Mom

I found this artist - Caged Bird Sings - on Etsy last month and I have been eyeing her pieces ever since then, trying to come up with a valid excuse to purchase one! And then it hit me - my Mom's birthday is coming up! I know that she would love to hang this at her new house which isn't exactly finished yet, but will be pretty darn soon. Her birthday is in a couple of weeks, so I have not given it to her yet. And no I'm not afraid she will see it here because she does not have high-speed internet where they are right now and therefore she never gets online.

Wanna know what it is...

Ta-Dah!

Isn't it gorgeous! I just love all of the colors in this wind chime. It is made of stained glass and it sounds so pretty blowing in the wind. Check out her Etsy shop (www.CagedBirdSings.Etsy.com); she has so many chimes to choose from. It took me four days to decide on which one to buy because they are all so gorgeous! I am going to have to buy one to hang up at my new house also.

Pocketful of Posies

It's official I have spring FEVER! Here is my latest wreath. This one was created for a co-worker. She told me that she wanted something pink and yellow and "springy" for her Mom. I saw this cute wooden bird welcome sign in the store and built the wreath around it! I am very happy with the way this one turned out. Now I just need to get some spring wreaths made up to have in my Etsy shop!

Ready for Spring

I am totally ready for springtime! I was shopping at Hobby Lobby today buying supplies for two more wreath orders and noticed in the first few isles that they have Easter stuff! I absolutely love decorating Easter wreaths. I have so much fun using the pastel colors, the bunnies and the painted eggs. Unfortunately I was over my budget and did not pick up any Easter items yet. I try to limit myself each time I go to Hobby Lobby - otherwise I would go crazy!

I am in there so much I bet the employees practically know me by name. Today one of the ladies that works the floral counter was stocking some flowers. I passed by her with a basket overflowing with flowers, and she said "You're in here quite a bit." I replied with a sort of embarrassed "Yes ma'am." to which she replied "I bet you have a lot of flowers in your house." - you have NO idea!