Salina's Home Journal

New Blog - Moon Flower

2010-12-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hello,
I have started a new blog called Moon Flower. This is were I will be at mostly. You are welcome to have a look and possibly even follow.:)
~Salina

Springtime Fun with the Kiddos

2010-05-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

The 6 year old
wresling.
Spring Cleaning.

The 4 year old working hard.

Boys being boys:)

(boy in the middle is the neighbor boy)

The 15 year old

Showing off.

The 12 year old

Being silly...

...and beautiful.:)

I will be adding a few more pictures of the kiddos when we were on our visit to Arizona as soon as I get some of the vacation photos downloaded on this computer.

A Quick Note

2010-04-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Visit my Moon Flower Creations Blog to find out what's up with me.;)

Our 15th Wedding Anniversary

2010-03-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

For our 15th wedding anniversary, which is today, my hubby surprised me with a lovely card, a dozen pink roses and the perfume, Beyonce Heat which smells just delightful.:)

Thankyou honey.:)

Spring Gift Giving

2010-03-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Here are just some of the items that I will be giving to a few family members in Arizona, plus kids teachers and bus drivers to celebrate the lovely season, Spring.:)

I do hope and pray that this Spring season will be filled many good things to come for everyone.:)

Time for a Show and Tell

2010-03-20T23:49:00.001-07:00

I purchased this lovely necklace for someone very special to me from a very sweet gal who has an etsy shop called Ganesh Emporium with some really pretty pieces in it like this one.

I got some really great deals when I bought from her store. I got free shipping, plus 10% off my order that I didn't even know about and the best of all...for being her 15th sale... she gave me a free gift which was these very lovely earrings.

What an awesome deal I got.
Thank you Ramya!:)

A Gift from my Dad

2010-03-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, my dad called me up in the morning and asked me if I was going to be home because he was going to stop in for a visit. I was very pleasantly surprised because it's not every day that I get a visit from my dad who lives 2 hours away. He said he had was going to look at a tool someone had on craig's list in a nearby town. Of course I said I'd be home.:) If I had plans I probobly would have changed them because of my dad coming to visit.:)

Anyway, he also mentioned that he had something for me too. So I was like, "Wow!" My dad is coming to visit me plus he is bringing me something. How awesome.

Not long after he arrives, he has me go outside with him to "help him carry it in." I'm like, what in the world is it?

We get out there and he presents to me this gorgeous wooden chest. He built it himself just for me. He even gave it a rounded top which is really cool. Took alot of work for him to do this too. He said he used pine and some other wood with pretty marks through it made by bugs. Sounds weird I know but it is really pretty. He put cedar in the bottom of it to give it that good cedar smell.

I guess he had been working on it for me for quite some time and finally got it finished and wanted to get it to me soon.:)

This will always be very special to me just like my wooden rocking horse is that he handcarved and built for me when I was only two.

Thankyou dad.:)

Goin' for a run with Daddy

2010-02-23T13:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, after Aaron went for his run, the boys said that they wanted to go for a run too. So...being the good daddy that he is, Aaron said he'd run with them for a bit down the street and come back. Of course the boys had to make a race out of it and Gabe shot off way ahead of them with Conlan in hot pursuit behind him. I didn't get my camera out quick enough for to capture Gabe.:)

Gabe ended up going farther than he was supposed to so Conlan got back quicker. Guess they both won.:)Daddy coming back with Gabe.

February Giveaway over at Moon Flower Creations

2010-02-15T21:34:00.000-08:00

That's right. Head on over to my blogshop, Moon Flower Creations to enter to win this:

One of my nestlike felted bowls with 3 felted eggs plus a hand stamped manilla tag with well over 2 ft each of 3 different tea dyed laces I dyed myself for you to use in your own crafty endeavors.:)

Salina Nature Journal Update and Thoughts of a Giveaway

2010-02-15T11:43:00.000-08:00

I've also made some changes to my nature blog as well. My latest post there was a video of Michael Jackson's Earth Song. I love that song.:)
I am so enjoying the Scrap-e-blog blog.:)Thanks Cori!

Also have plans of doing a giveaway soon. I will announce it over at my blogshop, Moon Flower Creations so stay tuned!

A Little Change

2010-02-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

I was getting bored with the way my blog looked so I added a neato background. Whadaya think?:)
I think it's pretty cute but not sure if It's what I'll stick with. I also did my blogshop, http://www.moonflowercreations.blogspot.com/. Hope ya like it.:)

'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free...

2010-01-31T00:02:00.000-08:00

...'Tis the gift to come down

where we ought to be,

and when we find ourselves

in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley

of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend

we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our deligt,

Till by turning, turning

we come out right."

~Joseph Brackett, 1948

My Little Critters

2010-01-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything about my kids in a while so thought I would now.

Also, I'm happy to say that we now have high speed Internet. I think it is sooooo wonderful!:)

Ok...the kids.

So here is Liam, my oldest who will soon by 15.

He is our wrestler and away at a meet as I type this. He called me about 45 mins ago actually to say that he won a match.:) Good job Liam.

Liam is our stubborn one but he has without even realizing it, made me learn alot about my own self in life.

Then there is my beautiful socialite 12 year old daughter, Loraina. She is at a friends house right now, which is not so unusual for her on the weekend.:) She is such a joy and has such a kind heart. She sings beautifully, looks beautiful, has lots of friends and still loves to give me hugs.:) She love the camera whether she is taking the pictures or the pictures are being taken of her.

She is now getting into jewelry making and even has a set of earrings listed in my etsy shop.:)

Our 6 year old Gabriel is a bit like his sister when it comes to having a kind heart and knowing how to be a good friend to others. He is also our little future engineer. He absolutely loves taking his toys apart to see how things work and so that he can get parts for when he makes his 'robot' someday.:) He is a little character and absolutely loves to make people laugh with his goofiness.

Conlan here is our usually sweet boy with a bit of a moody side too. He likes to please his Daddy who he really looks up to and is very affectionate. I really enjoy his little hugs.:) It's funny watching him try to keep up with his big brother Gabe. He is 4 years old but could probably handle being in kindergarten right now with his brother. Whenever Gabe brings home extra work papers from his class, Conlan will want to do them, and does really well. I told them that if he isn't quite old enough to attend kindergarten the next school year that I would home school him. Not that he hasn't been home schooled unintentionally already.:)

As hard as it is to raise kids sometimes, I wouldn't trade it for the world. They are truly gifts from God, even the not so easy to train ones because they help you to see things about your own self that you may never have realized before.

New Yarn and A Gift for Mom

2009-12-18T18:16:00.001-08:00

I bought this beautiful yarn awhile back and I just love it. I'm making something for my mom but won't show what it is untill i've finished it and after she has received it.:)
It was a little more expensive that I am used to but so worth it because it is fun to work with and it will be used for my mom.

The First Snow

2009-12-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

These were taken yesterday after the first snow of the season.

While Gabe is shoveling or something that looks like shoveling...

...Loraina shakes a tree branch to get some snow to fall on little brother Conlan's head. He thinks that's pretty funny.

What?

Ok mom, we'll pose for the picure.;)

It snowed last night too and it is officially a winter wonderland right now.:)

My Babe

2009-12-07T19:26:00.002-08:00

The sun was so glorious earlier today that I just had to let me beardy, Babe, get some of that good vitamin D.

I don't think that she really appreciated the ice cold air though, so that didn't last long.She was very glad I think to be placed back in her glass home.:)

Actually, I really just wanted to show her off.;) Isn't she just sweet?:)

Earth Friendly December Giveaway

2009-12-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

Doing a Giveaway over at my blogs shop, Moon Flower Creations. Head on over to enter.:)

I will announce the winner on Fri. December 11th, around 10:00pm Pacific Standard Time.

15% off Sale

2009-11-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

That's right, 15% off your order at my Etsy shop till the 27th. Happy shopping.:)

I really should have mentioned that earlier here but as we all know, I am horrible at posting at my blog anymore. I have been trying to post at my blog shop more though lately.

Ever Heard of Mutton Bustin'?

2009-09-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

...well, I hadn't until last week. The local fair was going on then, so my hubby took the kiddos to it. They came across this mutton bustin' contest where little kids ride sheep and see who stays on the longest.

Anyway, my husband asked my almost 4 year old and almost 6 year old if they'd like to do it the next day. They both say yes. The next day comes and only my youngest, Conlan, goes through with it. Gabe was like, 'I change my mind.' Short for 'No way!'

Now Conlan hasn't even rode a horse yet(well maybe sat on one once) and he's definitely never ridden a sheep. I'm happy to say that in his age group ranging from 3 to 6 year olds, he made 1st place! I couldn't believe it.:)

He will be receiving a Mutton Bustin World Champion belt buckle too.:) He's pretty excited about getting that. He loves his cowboy boots and shirts already.:)

He was invited to come back the follow day to compete with all the 1st place winners. He didn't place that time but would have got 4th place if it placed that far.:)

He was also invited to compete in a big mutton bustin' competition going on in California! Man, they take this stuff seriously. Guess they are preparing them for the rodeo or something.

Just so ya know, the kids often fall off pretty hard so they all wore helmets and chest pads. Glad I wasn't there to see my baby go tumblin'. But I'm pretty happy with how well he did though.:)

I'm A Winner!

2009-08-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Theresa, over at Faery Moon Creations says so. ;)

Yup, I was one of the winners of one of her beautiful pendants that she sells here.

Here's the one I won...

Thank you so much Theresa! I can't wait to wear it.:)

Little Super Heroes

2009-08-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

My little guys have found another use for plastic grocery bags......super hero capes.:)

Note: They are never left unattended with these by the way.:)

Winner of July Giveaway!

2009-07-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

Between the comments and emails I've recieved, there was not many participants but that's a good thing for all of you!:) The odds that you will be the winner are very high then.;)

So...the winner of this lovely journal...

is BEVERLY!!!!

I first met Beverly over at Plurk and she is a very sweet lady.:) You can also visit her at her blog.

You can send me your mailing address here Bev: shireen1@peoplepc.com

Cardboard Cover Journal for July Giveaway

2009-07-21T19:01:00.000-07:00

OK. So here it is. The item I will be awarding in the July Giveaway. I've decided to give one of my handmade, hand bound cardboard cover journals. This one has 64 sheets(128 pages), a speckled 100% recycled paper inside, cardboard covers with pretty paper on the front and inside that has been deckle edged and chalk inked. It is bound together with a pretty gray and silver crochet thread. The front of it even has a little space where you can personalize it.

Leave me a comment on this post and I will add you to the drawing.

On July 31 at about Noon, Pacific Standard time, I will announce the winner. I'll give you till midnight, the night before, for you to leave your comments.

Set of 4 Handmade Mini Notecards with Envelopes in the Shop

2009-07-14T23:53:00.000-07:00

Got these sweet set of four 2-2/8"X1-3/4" mini note cards and walnut ink dyed and handmade envelopes in my Artfire shop.

The note cards have a scalloped edge and then glittered a bit. They each have a piece of my tea dyed lace glued to it. The paper I made them from is up cycled writing paper from an old journal of mine.

The envelopes I made from 100% recycled paper. I dyed it with some walnut ink that I made from a powder of ground up walnut shells(not ground by me.)

These would look great on a gift package to give it that extra special touch.:)

Kids love to help

2009-07-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

...especially if it was their idea.

I didn't have to ask them to husk this corn for me. They wanted to do it as soon as they saw their daddy bring it home.

They seem to love to do things like this especially when they are as young as they are. The older kids get the harder it is it seems to get them to do anything. At least in my case.:)

Feeding the Chickens Journal

2009-06-26T00:09:00.003-07:00

Here is my latest cardboard cover journal creation.:)I think that it is my absolute favorite of all my journals that I've made so far. I like it so much I may keep it. I have so many though, I don't know that I should.:)

It has cardboard covers, 100% recycled paper inside, is bound with burlap string, and adorned with a cutout of an old illustrations of a girl feeding chickens that I printed out a couple years ago, an old twig with litchen still attached to it from a camping trip last year, and I even did the drawing myself in pen in the background.

I simply adore this journal!!:)

In a way, the picture on the cover reminds me of me when I was younger, when I had to go out to feed our chickens. I loved that time in my life. Hated cleaning out the coop but I found great enjoyment in going out to see and listen to them, hold them, collecting their eggs, and laugh at their funny chicken dance head shake whenever I whistled or sung a song. But the whistling really got 'em going. That always amazed me when they did that. :)

Small Cardboard Journal in the Shop

2009-06-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

This sweet little cardboard Journal of only 2 1/8"X 2 3/4" in size is finally in the shop.

Perfect for an 18"doll or for just anyone who likes things in miniature.:)

Need a Good Book

2009-06-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

I was thinkin' that I haven't read a good book in a while. To help give me some ideas, what was the last book you read? Would you recommend it to anyone? You can leave a brief summary if ya like.:)

1st Sale at my Artfire Shop!

2009-06-22T13:36:00.001-07:00

Wow. That was quick.

I finally made my first sale at Artfire today! It was the Handmade Blank Book w/Japanese Illustration of Birds.

I'm so excited because I joined Artfire in Dec. of 2008 and not one sale till now. Maybe I need to start doing more sale prices like I did to get this sale.:)

The person who bought this declined the refund but I will be sending him/her a couple freebies anyway. :)

Thankyou so much Tony!

First person to buy from my Artfire shop gets 50% off highest priced item they order!!!

2009-06-21T16:22:00.001-07:00

I have not sold one thing at my Artfire shop and I'm not really sure why. I have been there for half a year now and nothin'. Not sure if I'm not promoting right or if maybe my stuff is simply not good enough. I Choose to believe the first theory.:)
I have decided to give the first person to buy from me there 50% off one item. If you buy more than one thing, I will give you the 50% off the highest price item.:)
Please come check it out cause it's really good stuff.:)

MoonFlowerCreations

Buy Handmade

Campout Sleepover

2009-06-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I let Loraina invite her close friends to a Camp out Sleepover in the backyard.

Little did I know that she had so many friends. Some of them weren't able to make it either.

I have to say that I will never again have so many at one time over for a sleepover.

Wow, 12 year olds in a big group(in this case 9) do NOT listen very well and they do alot of screeching too.

But, regardless of all that, I still enjoyed then most of the time.:)

They got to sleep in a big tent of ours and we had a little fire in our camp pit so that they could roast marshmallows and make s'mores.

Most of the girls in the picture are long time friends of Loraina. One of them, Robin, she has been friends with since they were about 1 1/2 years old.

Well I hope ya had fun Loraina cuz that's the last time I'll ever let that happen again. Now time for me to take a nap. :)

Glittered Floral Cardboard Journal

2009-06-20T00:30:00.000-07:00

New journal in my Etsy shop. :)

Cardboard Covered Journals

2009-06-19T00:42:00.000-07:00

Yeah! I finally got one my cardboard covered journals up for sale at my Esty store. I have been working on these for a few days now. The one I have up for sale has a speckled cream or off-white colored, 70#, 100% recycled paper. I love this beautiful paper.

When I have more time I will try to get the others in the shop too.

Mommy's Little Artists

2009-06-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here is one of Gabe's latest pieces.

I'm not quite sure what it is, but I guess he did say they were aliens. Been watching too much TV I think.:)

I think that so far, this is one of my favorites. :)

Conlan likes to do arts and crafts as much as Gabe does only the piece I have of his on the refrigerator consists of mostly scribbles. He is three after all.:)

Motorcycle for Gabe

2009-06-11T23:37:00.000-07:00

That's right. My husband thought it was time to get our five year old a motorcycle. Couldn't he have waited a few more years?

I wasn't happy about the whole thing but I must admit that he did such a fine job riding it.

Don't worry. I know he's not wearing a helmet here but it isn't going that fast, really.

He even gave his little brother a ride on it. Believe me, I was terrified too but I got used to it as I watched how well he did. Looking at Conlan's face there, I think that he mighta been a little unsure too.:)

Of course, there's daddy in the background with the camcorder. Just look at the smile on his face. He sure loves his little guys.

Salina's Moonlit Creations

2009-06-03T23:22:00.001-07:00

I made a banner for my Winkelf store. I named my store Salina's Moonlit Creations. I had wanted to name my Artfire store Moonlit Creations but they wouldn't let me because I guess that name had been taken there. I didn't even think to add my name to it then. So I went with Moonflower Creations. When I decided to go ahead and open a shop at Winkelf I was able to use Moonlit Creations. I thought since someone else had a store by that name somewhere that I'd go ahead and add my name to it too.

Unfortunately though, I can't seem to download my banner at my store. Something else I need to look into and figure out. Oh well, guess it keeps my thinker thinkin'.:)

This is my latest item I've added to my store there.

A pretty little blank book to jot down anything worth jotting down.:)

I've even glued in a handmade envelope on the inside of the back cover to store little tid bits of whatever.

Please do come and visit my new store. There's not much in there yet but I hope to add more soon.:)

Treasures from a Friend

2009-06-03T14:28:00.003-07:00

A good friend of mine and her family will be moving to a new home in the near future, and so, she has been going through alot of her things to throw away or give away. Happily, she gave me a bunch of really nice clothes that she decided to get rid of.

She also gave me a few items for my garden area but I've decided to use one of them as a kitchen dish towel holder and I just love it.

This other thingy she had painted a pretty antique colored pink. Not sure where I'll put this or what I'll put in it but for now it looks good on our old fence in the back yard.

I even got a few of her hens and chicks and put them by our old fence as well.

Thanks again Nancy! You're truly a great friend.:)

Oh to be eleven again

2009-06-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

If my daughter isn't with her friends, then this is how one would often times find her. All snuggled up on the living room couch with a big book in hand, surrounded by lots of pillows and a drink nearby. Looks good to me.

Memories

2009-05-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about how great our family vacation was last year in Oregon. We loved the place we stayed in on Moolock beach. I was thinking that I would like to do some drawings ATC size of some of the pictures I took while there. I posted about it today also at my ATC blog.

I can't remember if I've shown this picture on here before but It is one of my favorites of our time on the beach. I think that it would make a great watercolor.

My Morning So Far

2009-05-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's a bit chilly today but the sun is out, so that makes the cool breeze not so bad. One thing I love about the colder months is snuggling up so sometimes it's nice to do that even when it's supposed to be a bit warmer.

I'm sitting here with a cup of hot coffee as I look out my dining room window at how beautiful it is outside. I love mornings like this when it's more quiet and I have time to contemplate the day. At the same time I'm downloading my new Internet security pack on my computer given out by my Internet provider. Multitasking here.;)

The older kids are in school and the little ones are watching some morning cartoons on PBS. After they are done with the cartoons they will no doubt head outside to play as little boys should and I will follow them out with a magazine or a book of some sort whether it be a novel or the Bible and notebook to prepare for my bible study today. Love my bible studies with Debbie.

Oops, I spoke too soon. My Gabe is whining that he is still hungry now after already having a bowl of cereal and a banana/strawberry smoothie. What do I give him now? I wonder. Oh good, he sat down again to watch Sesame Street.:) Will give me a bit more time here. Then I'll need to go hunting for something else for my growing boy to feel more full I guess.:)

Check out my new Winkelf shop. Only has a few things in it right now. I've been signed up there for quite some time and sort or forgot about it. Came across it again and decided to give it a try. So far I have four different places I'm trying out online to sell my handmade stuff. They are Etsy, Lov.li, Artfire, and Winkelf. I've sold things at Lov.li and Esty but sadly, I haven't sold a thing at Artfire. It's such a nice site too and it has upgraded alittle as well recently so I guess we'll see how it goes. Also don't forget to visit my other shops as well. You can find links to them all here as well as my sidebar where it reads Moonflower Creations.

Well, gotta say goodbye for now and I hope that everyone has a super day.:)

~Salina

Note:

Also, if you would like to be notified of new items I add to my shops,sales or other updates, please leave me a message here at shireen1@peoplepc.com that you would like me to add you to the list or you can just simply put "add to mailing list" in the subject of the email. :)

Treasures

2009-05-16T09:56:00.001-07:00

Here's another little thing I did about a month or so ago.

It was originally a cute little mint tin. I have a couple more I will probobly do something with as well cause it's so much fun.

I may put this up for sale in one of my shops or just keep it for a future giveaway or somethin'.

Getting Crafty With a Vegetable

2009-05-16T09:28:00.002-07:00

I did this awhile back with the kiddos but I think that I had more fun with it than they did.:) I was simply going to cut the celery for the kids and I to snack on and noticed after giving it one good chop toward the bottom of the celery bunch that the leftover part looked just like a rose. So of course I had to try something with it and made it into a stamp.

I also tried a darker paint on lighter paper and it turned out so much better than the example I gave you.

Before adding any ink or paint to it however you should dab off any excess water from the celery.

Give it a try, it's fun!

Life Happens

2009-05-04T08:41:00.001-07:00

Thankyou blog friends for your sweet comments.

How I miss getting on here to write, leave comments at my favorite blogs, show pictures of my crafts and life, promote my shops , etc.

I am pretty busy I guess but not really all that busy. Things are just different is all.

By the way Sharon, our company is not just company, they live here, for that last five weeks or so now:) Hasn't been too bad but like I said things are just different. Not sure how long my brother-in-law and his son will be living here. He just needs time to get back on his feet again.

I stay busy with my bible study, theocratic ministry school, fixin' meals for everyone, barely keeping up with the laundry, dishes and the like, and trying to keep everyone happy. Unfortunately there are those who are just never quite satistified it seems but I do know that is not any fault of mine although in that persons mind they may think it is.;)

I do miss my crafts and yearn to be stitching a stitch, gluing or cutting paper, or crocheting a pretty somethin' or other.

As I read over what I have just wrote it sounds as if i'm complaining a bit. Well, there may be a hint of truth in that but overall, I am happy. I am enjoying the weather, rain and all , for there is always sunshine that follows. I made myself a compost bin finally, planted some yellow and red sweet peppers, a jalapeno plant, enjoying my forget -me-nots that have just started to bloom and watching all the other flowers, raspberry bushes and rhubarb that are coming up quite nicely.

So dear friends, do visit when you can. Take care!

~Salina

To my blog friends and family

2009-04-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!
I have not been here for quite some time I know. I don’t have my desktop computer hooked up right now and this new lap top of ours is sooooo slow. I check my emails every 3 or more days and don’t really have the time or even the patience to blog anything.

We do have some family staying here for a time again. They are using our basement which is usually my sanctuary and craft/computer area so I’m not down there as much as I would like to be. Things are going well with them staying here though so that is good.

My hubby got me the WII Fit about a week ago. I have been using it faithfully almost everyday since. It is so much fun! Really it is. I’ve heard great things about it and have even seen people lose weight with it. It is such a great tool for staying in shape and having fun at the same time.

~No Giveaway this month ~
That's right. I will not be doing a giveaway this month but plan on continuing with it again once I get my faster computer hooked up again and have more time in general.:)

I miss visiting my favorite blogs too. Please still stop by on occasions and say hello if you can.:)
Have a great day everyone!
~Salina

Hoping for another lovely day

2009-03-21T07:12:00.001-07:00

I hardly know what to write these days anymore. Just been busy with family life and working on my crafts to sell or give away. Some people have all kinds of things to write on their blogs everyday, but me, I find that very hard to do.

Yesterday was an absolutely awesome day. Sun was out, and it was actually nice being outside. Early in the morning, I noticed the birds singing like mad. Was a welcome sound but a bit annoying at the same time. It reminded me that things are warming up though and that is definitely a good thing.

Tomorrow, my husband and I will have been married for 14 years! Seems longer somehow. I have a gift for him that I had a lovely lady custom make for me. Hoping that it will arrive today. I made the order a bit late but she worked hard to try to get it here before the 22nd. It will probably show up today sometime. If not, oh well.

Here is the link to her shop for you to browse. She does really nice work.

She sent me a picture of the finished product to view. I think I'll go ahead and show it since I know that my husband will more than likely not look at my blog anytime soon.

I love how it turned out. Hope my husband will too.:)

March Giveaway Winner!

2009-03-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Here it is at last. The winner to my March giveaway is Bob!
See bob, I told you if ya kept trying you'd win one of these day.;) You can thank my five year old Gabe for that for he is the one who drew your name. :)
Now since I have a three year old who likes to do everything his brother does he drew a name as well so I decided to have two winners. The second winner will get something a bit different of course but just as special. Who is winner number two? Well the lucky winner is lilbabypug! Cute user name by the way.:)
Thanks for participating in this months giveaway guys and I hope you winners will enjoy your handmade gifts.:)
I seem to be having troubles again posting pictures on here at the moment so I will try later to post the pictures of the 2nd giveaway.

Here's the photos of the items that will be going to winner #2!

One mini gift bag made of 100% recycled paper. Didn't tea dye this one though. The lace that is on it is tea dyed along with all the lace on the tags and the recycled cotton yarn and handmade stationery. Even the seam binding around the stationery is tea dyed.:)

The paper I used for the stationery looks like handmade paper but it is actually just a print. Looks real though especially after I tea dyed it.

Handmade, Tea Dyed Mini Gift Bag, Notes and Envelope Plus Stationery Set for March Giveaway!

2009-03-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

I have already decided what I want to put in this months giveaway! It is one of my latest creations. Originally I had made a couple of these sets kept plain to put in my Etsy or Artfire shops.

You can find the other set here.

Anyway, the sets are made completely from 100% recycled papers, including the kraft paper I made the envelopes from.

The ivory colored speckled paper I made the gift bag and cards with is so pretty too.

So...I took one of these sets that I had made and decided to have some fun with it.

I was already dying some pink and blue lace one day and thought how cool it would be to dye the the gift bag and little notes that I had made too.

I did that and I loved the results. Unfortunately these pictures don't show the paper very well. Looks alot better in 'real life.'

Then after letting them dry a bit on their own and then ironing them down more flat again, I thought I'd use some of the pretty lace I dyed to adorn the cards with. For the bag, I sort of sponged it with a wet tea bag rather than submerge it in the tea water. It turned out better than I thought it would.
The lovely cypress or grayish colored handles on the gift bag I crocheted using a 100%organic yarn. So...I hope to see many of you leave me a comment here as your entry into the drawing. This time I thought I'd start sooner to let there be lots of time for people to get a chance to enter. I will do the drawing the middle of this month on the 18th. Later I will put a button on my sidebar to lead you right to this post for entrance into the drawing. You are welcome to take that button as well and put it somewhere at your blog to let others know.:)

~Have a great day everyone!

*UPDATE*

I've added a bit more to the giveaway! Check it out!

I made up some cute little tags touched up with some chalk ink and a gold glitter glue star on each one.

Then made some cute stationery out of that recycled paper. Two sheets per envelope. Of the two sheets, one of them I stamped the word 'hello.' Three sets.

So this is all that you will get if you're the winner!:)

Crepe Paper Fun

2009-02-27T15:34:00.000-08:00

I love crepe paper. Its texture is awesome and so fun to make things with. I have rolls of the stuff. Not only is it fun to decorate with for a party but it's also fun to use in craft projects too.

Here is some crepe paper flowers that I made up a while ago.

In the shop.

Also in the shop.

Not in the shop.:)

I thought that I'd add more craft supplies to my Etsy store for people to make some of their own. On a tag I wrapped 56" each(4ft8in.) of two different colored crepe papers but first I cut their edges to give it a pretty scalloped look.

What pretty flowers these will make.:)
I haven't added them yet to my store but will soon.:)

*Update! They are in my Etsy shop if interested:)

So Many Washcloths and Dishrags!

2009-02-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I got a bunch of 'em. Sold a few this week but would like to see more of them go.:)
Making more for some family member right now to match the color of the decor in their bathrooms. I love the buttercup color of these ones.

Love that cottony softness too.:)

I have been selling them at 5 and 6 dollars for a pair. If interested in making a purchase you will find them at my Etsy shop.

The February Giveaway Winner

2009-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

I’m happy to say is…Unfurling Flower!

There really was not that many participants to draw the name from which was a bit surprising. It seems like the harder I try to get the word out the less people I get that respond. The first giveaway I did got way more without me even trying. Maybe that is how I will do it next time. Or one thing that could be the case is that my things really aren’t that interesting maybe? Anyway, it doesn’t really matter. At least for the ones who did participate, the odds for them to win was much greater!J

I’d like to leave links and talk a bit about the winner and even some of the participants.

Unfurling Flower is a lovely person who probably leaves a sweet comment on about every post I do. She has an inspirational blog called ~Melange~ that you really must go see.

Allison B. is a gal I first met over at Lov.li. She is such a great jewelry and ceramics artist. Her work is really so good that I encourage you to please go check out her beautiful creations at her website.

La Tea Dah has one of the first blogs that I started visiting from the beginning. She is such a sweet lady and has so many great things to read and see at her blog

Ukbob has another blog that I started following early on. He is one hard working gardener let me tell ya.J His wife does the prettiest floral arrangements too.

Spell It Out Designs is a place I only just discovered. Check her place out here.

Jenn thinks she entered too late but really she didn’t.:) She still had a whole day to go. Go visit her site and her online shops

I’d like to thank my family members who participated as well. GrandmaO., my lovely grandmother who I do not visit nearly enough. Darlene, my beautiful Aunt who I think the world of, and Jamie, another lovely person who is so creative that she should start her own blog to show it all off or maybe even open her own shop!

Another handmade journal and crocheted nesting bowls

2009-02-20T21:50:00.001-08:00

A pretty little blank journal in my Artfire shop.

Nesting bowls in my Etsy shop.

Chalkboard Giveaway!!!

2009-02-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

A blog giveaway at Spell It Out Designs. The winner of the giveaway will win one vinyl decal chalkboard.

Winner will have the choice of a medium sized "Maude", "Victorian" or "Ivy" styled chalkboard.

These look really cool. Go enter!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let us not forget about my little giveaway as well!!!:)

Crepe Paper Flower Embelishments

2009-02-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

These are made from vintage crepe paper. Can use them to embellish a journal, scrapbook, cards or whatever you heart desires.

These are two-toned with pink coral and orange with some glitter at each center.

I didn't fully glam these ones up with glitter and such. I did add a black center to each for you to leave as is or at to if you like.

The green ones are two-toned as well with a lighter and darker shade of green.

Finally!

2009-02-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

I am soooo sorry everyone for not getting this posted much earlier. I had church and then after church there was a few other things I had to do. But it's here at last.:)

Here is what it will look like when the winner first opens up their package.

Now to what's inside...

It's not big things, only sweet little things.

A crocheted bowl made by me out of 75% recycled cotton and 25% acrylic yarn with the thin strip of blue being 100% organic cotton. The knotted seam binding necklace in the bowl is one I had up for sale once. Lesley(The Bower) and I did a swap once and this is something she had her heart set on to be part of our swap, well come to find out, I couldn't find the necklace anywhere! I was so glad that someone hadn't bought it before that and then me having to tell them that I couldn't find it! Well of course I would have tried to make another one as close to it as possible and that is exactly what I did. Anyway, during my craft room clean up, behind a shelf, there it was!I was so happy to see after not knowing for so long where it was. So, I thought it would be perfect for this giveaway. The little flower picture in the pendant is a cutting from a bigger illustration from a fallen apart Little House on the Prairie book. I have used that paper in lots of my crafts now. I used a pretty caramel colored seam binding for the necklace part and a cute little acorn charm as part of the clasp.

A tiny handmade book that is only 3"X4" made with 100%recycled paper. I call it a Petite Blank Book.:) I also made the glittered star. Has only 12 sheets of paper(24 pages). I made a little envelope for it out of Kraft paper too.A french fold card and envelope I made with 100%recycled paper and an old bird illustration on the card that I enhanced a bit on my computer. More of those glittered stars glued to it. Added some pretty lace to the back of the envelope.

A book mark I made with some of that Little House on the Prairie paper with a neat illustration of the wagon and horses. I wrapped it with yards of two different yarns, maybe a yard of caramel colored seam binding and a couple yards of that pretty blue lace that I adorned that envelope with.

So there you have it. My giveaway for February. Hope that I get many participants. All you have to do is leave me a comment on this post and any post after this or email me with a request to be entered in the drawing. I will draw the winning name on the 22nd. :)

It's all ready!

2009-02-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

That's right. I have the February Giveaway all ready to give away.:) Like I said before, it has a Little House on the Prairie theme to it. I can't wait to show you what's inside tomorrow!

A sweet gift...

2009-02-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

...from my honey.:)

A Saphire, Diamond Bee Pendant Necklace

I love it! Thank you dear.:)

Moonflower Creations-my blog shop

2009-02-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

Well, I've got my blog shop pretty much done I think. Haven't added all my items too it yet at least there is shop windows to my Etsy, Artfire and Lov.li shops on there. I will be playing around on there from time to time until I get it the way I like it. Feel free to give me any ideas or input on how I could make it better. Please! :)

Update*

Decided to change my blog shops name to Salina's Moonlit Creations.:)

Pretty Crocheted Lady's Gloves

2009-02-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

As I was going through my box of lace and other areas of my craft room I came across these lovely gloves. I actually made them not long after I had my daughter 11 years ago. They have a sweet old look to them not only in style but because of parts of it is yellowing as if really old. Well there is good reason for that. I had used some very very old crochet thread when I had made them. I was just learning how to do thread crochet then and my mother in law and I would buy it up whenever there was some to be had in any garage sale of thrift store. I was in doily makin' heaven:)
I had also attempted to make a smaller set for my daughter with some very small 50 count thread If I remember right. I only got around to doing the one but it fit her tiny little hand just perfectly.:) I may even have a picture around here somewhere that I took with her wearing it. I will have to go look for that. I also used some vintage thread with this as well.

I tend to not work with the crochet thread as much anymore due to the fact that my hand will go numb. It's annoying because it will do that on occasion when I work with the bigger yarns too. I guess that is what happens when one uses their hands alot like I do huh?

Anyway, hope you all liked my little show and tell today. I've also been working on my giveaway and I'll tell ya right now that it has a Little House on the Prairie theme. So if you like Little House as much as I do than I suggest that you do not forget to enter in the drawing that I will start on the 15Th. Don't forget!!:) I will announce the winner on the 22nd so you will have a whole week to enter.

Simple, Cheap,and Useful!

2009-02-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

I just got these cute little boxes in the mail today. I ordered them from a sweet gal on Etsy. Pixei is the name of her shop. She made them from magazine paper. What a great way to reuse something.:) Very smart.:)
Note: You can find those earrings in my Etsy shop.:)

Future Giveaways

2009-02-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about doing a monthly giveaway.

I plan to do another this month and post the winner on Sunday the 22nd. I haven't gotten it together yet but when I do I shall post it on here come Sunday the 15th. That would give everyone a week to enter after that.

So...since I plan on doing this monthly, the next one will be on the 22nd of March, which by the way, is my husband and my 14th wedding anniverary! It feels like a lifetime. :)

It's fun for me to give and it's even better to give to someone who really likes what they are getting.:)

I am looking forward to these giveaways and putting them together.

My you all have a great Monday!

My Handmade Journal/Scrapbook

2009-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

So here it is. I finally got it added to my Artfire shop. I really love how it turned out.

What's been going on around here?

2009-02-07T20:26:00.001-08:00

I can't seem to post pictures on here again so I won't be showing my latest handmade journal/scrapbook. It's so very pretty too. So...I'll be talking a bit about what has been going on in my life.

Not really too much going on except normal everyday things. Cleaning the house, keeping up with Conlan and Gabes messes, preparing meals, laundry(so much of it too, I mean everyday!), crocheting during any spare moment that I actually must create myself because lets be honest, is there ever a spare moment?

Then most Friday and Saturday evenings I stay up pretty late sometimes creating something like my journal that I couldn't show you today unless I get it added to my store Moonflower Creations. I don't have much in there right now and I was thinking that maybe that would be the place where I would put my more unique type late night creations, hence the name Moonflower Creations.:)

Every Tuesdays and Thursdays I have bible study at my house with some friends including an evening bible school at the congregation on Thursdays as well. Of course, there is Sunday worship at the congregation that I have actually made it to for 3 Sundays in a row! Tomorrow will be my fourth.:)

I am so glad that I have brought God back into my life. I can't believe I went for so long trying to make myself believe that he didn't exist at all! It feels good to know that no matter what happens in my life that my heavenly father is always there to listen to my puny 'Whoa is Me's':) I never knew just how good it would feel to place everything in His hands. It has been good for the boys to get dressed up and to learn that there is some places where one must be more calm and polite and not be noisy.:) They are doing very good with that but of course they do have their moments. Loraina looks so pretty in her dresses too. She never wears them usually but she sure hasn't complained once about wearing them on Sundays. She loves it.:) I must admit, I too enjoy dressing up again. Sometimes us stay at home mom's can forget to pretty ourselves up once in awhile. How nice it feels to look your best.

Aaron has been working on the pipes in the basement today. He found a leak under the bathroom sink(actually I found it, he just got stuck doing the dirty work:) and also under the sink in my laundry room. He always manages to keep himself busy as well. He definitely does not have idle hands. He will be leaving on Monday to San Fransisco for about 4 days on a business trip. So glad he doesn't have to take trips like that all the time. Too hard with little ones.

Well, that's about it. Will be going to my shop to put my new journal/scrapbook up for sale now I think. Don't forget to check it out when ya can.:)

Take care everyone and please visit me often.:)

Granny Square Dish Cloths

2009-02-04T21:06:00.001-08:00

I've been on a dish cloth kick lately, I know. These latest ones I've made are my favorite so far. They are made from a 50%cotton 50%acrylic yarn that is so soft and thick and very absorbent.
Will be putting them in the shop soon.

Seeing Green in the Kitchen

2009-02-04T09:39:00.002-08:00

Yup! We have painted the interior of our kitchen and dining room doors green! I love them. My husband painted one and I painted the other. We both love it which is amazing because we can be so opposite about most things most of the time.:)

I plan on making some curtains to go with my pretty new doors and want to incorporate more reds, corals, and yellows into my kitchen. It's amazing how just changing the color of the doors seemed to change the whole atmosphere of the area. It really gave it a whole different feel.

Snail Mail

2009-01-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

How I do enjoy a good letter. Especially ones where the handwriting is so pretty(unlike mine) and is full of kind words to brighten my day.

Thank you Evie!!!

Owl and Bird Figurines

2009-01-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

I did a tiny bit of thifting yesterday and found these cute little items. Me, being a bird lover had to have them. I especially love the owls. There is no way I could have passed them by.

Kitchen and Bath Accessories

2009-01-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peak of some kitchen and bath cloths, facial mitts(dish scrubbers), and soap covers that I will be putting in my shop soon.

Not sure yet what I'll price everything at yet. Will be thinking on that today before I put them up for sale.

Nesting Bowls

2009-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

I just finished up an order of lavender and sage nesting bowls for my Aunt. I love her color choice.

If anyone else is interesting in having some of these in those colors or some other color or colors, I will do custom orders. All you have to do is email me or contact me through one of my store sites to let me know.

I don't usually make 4 bowls but I did for my Aunt because well...she's my aunt. :)

I charge $13.00 plus $2.00(USA $3.00 anywhere else) for 3 bowls and will do 4 for $15.00

Another little blank book

2009-01-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest little blank book. I know, I do use that stamp quite a bit.:) It is just such a pretty image though. I will have this up for sale in my Etsy shop soon.:)

All the crochet work is done by me. The stitch work on the front I did on my sewing machine. I also sewed the book together with it. The pretty paper I bought from French Paper is a Speckletone 100%recycled paper that is pretty light blue color called Starch Rain. It is a #70 weight paper so nice and thick. Which is why it only has 28 sheets.

And the winner is...

2009-01-23T11:31:00.000-08:00

Selima!!!!

She is the owner of the blog 'Hannah in Our Hearts!' The blog is about her as a Christian wife and a soon to be mom.;)

Congratulations Selima. I hope that you will enjoy your new things.:)

I did do a runner up too just in case the winner does not respond.

The runner up is....

Jamie!
Jamie is my beautiful sister-in-law that lives too many miles away from us in my opinion. I would love to have someone like her around more.:)She is one crafty lady.

I would like to thank all of you who participated in this. There were not many of you but that's ok. The majority of you who did enter where ones who visit me regularly and you are the ones that I would want to give to the most anyway.:)

Note: Basket is not included.

It's A Giveaway!

2009-01-20T16:12:00.001-08:00

Finally, I have gotten together the giveaway that I have been planning for this month. Wanted to start it yesterday but had some unforseen business to take care of instead and wasn't able to get around to it then.

I am doing this just for the fun of giving and because I am bored. :)

Here is all that is in the giveaway:

1. A 100%recycled brown envelope stuffed with 4 of my handmade cards all with enhanced old illustrations.Two of the cards and envelopes are done up on pre-made tan speckle colored paper and cardstock. The other two have pretty cream colored and speckled envelopes that are 100% recycled and the cards that these will hold are made from a thick stock of 100%recycled paper as well in a very light blue color that I made into what I believe to be called a french fold. I finished the envelope off with a pretty tan ribbon tied around it.
2. I added this sweet little blank book I made that I had up for sale in my Lov.li store for awhile. It is filled with a pretty cream colored recycled paper too. The wording I added to the illustrations is part of a Wardsworth quote that reads 'Let nature be your teacher.'

3. I made up these pretty brown toned crocheted items just for this giveaway. They can be used for either the kitchen or bath. The bigger wash cloth is made of a wonderfully soft yarn that is 50% cotton and 50% acrylic. Is best for the bath I think. The tan colored dish cloth and the facial mitt I call it is made from my favorite yarn that is 75% recycled cotton and 25% acrylic. The facial mitt works great for a good dish srubber too.:) I have made more of the these and plan to put some up for sale as well.

So there you have it. I love all the brown tones in this giveaway. I hope that whoever gets it will enjoy all of it.
The details:

Anyone who has commented on the previous post about this giveaway and anyone who comments on this post even if its just to say that you want to be entered will be added to the drawing. Like the last giveaway I did, I will be writing down each and every name to put in a basket(last time it was a hat) and draw from it one name. Of course that person would be the winner!:)

I will anounce the winner by noon(pacific time) on Friday.

Kids Grow Up

2009-01-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish they wouldn't though.:Conlan

I was looking at pictures on my computer from a couple years ago of my two youngest and I am just amazed really at how much they have grown and changed. I just wanted to share some of those pictures that I love so.

Arrr...Gabsters me name.

Oh, my sweet whittle baby!

Now look at them. The little rascals that they are.:) Especially Gabe. He is a real life Denise the Menace. Conlan has his moments too, especially when he's trying to keep us with big brother.:) While they are busy being little rascals they are also at other times the most loving creatures I have ever met. They may like to say 'No!' to mama on occasion and misbehave from time to time(and then some;) but they can say the sweetest things that every mother just loves to hear.

My adventurous Gabster.

and my often times brooding and watchful Con-man.

These are some of my favorites things that they probably say to me at least 10 times a day, seriously.

'I love you mom', 'You're gorgeous!!'(in a real good Brooklyn accent-must be from the TV. Gabe stared that now Conlan says it all the time.:)', and 'You're so beautiful', Conlan just started saying this, 'Mom, yer perdy.' I just eat it up too.:) I know that it won't last forever.

Thoughts on Giving

2009-01-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

I know my title sounds like i'm going to speak deeply on the goodness of giving but really all i'm about to say is that a couple posts ago, I said something of doing a giveaway. Still not sure what it is I want to give away just yet but wanted you all to know that I haven't forgotten.

To help me out a bit, I was hoping that you could let me know what some of your favorite items that you've seen on my blog or shops are. Feel free to look around a bit. Give me some ideas.:)

Also, since you will be commenting or emailing about what you'd like to see in my giveaway, I thought it would be cool for you to give me some good ideas on things I could possibly make in the future that I could put in my shop. Maybe even things that you've been looking for but have a hard time finding or something. Throw 'em at me K? I need some inspiration to get me going.:)

All your ideas will help me out too in the planning of my future website.:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

UPDATE!!!

Just so you all know, I will also be adding to the drawing, the names from the commentors to this post as well. Looking forward to hearing from you.:)

A Book of Days and Blue Flower Earrings

2009-01-12T15:50:00.003-08:00

I received two different things in the mail today that I had ordered a while back. Oh how I love to get things in the mail, especially prettily packaged ones.:)

This Book of Days that I ordered from Sparrow's Cottage was definitely sent to me in a sweet way. I will show pictures of it for you to see. At Sparrow's Cottage you will find stationery boxes, ladye theatres, dolls and large art work with 18th century papers, woodcuts and mezzo tints. Very beautiful stuff.:)

The dainty blue flower earrings come from a lovely Etsy shop called Mia Beads. What a sweet gal Mia is. I even got a 10% off discount card for my next order there.;) Thanks Mia. I highly recommend that you go there if you are need of some pretty jewelry.:)

More Pretties to Sell

2009-01-11T22:25:00.001-08:00

Here is a sneak peak at some of the things I will be adding to my shops soon.

It seems I've chosen alot of autumny colors for these last creations I've made. I think they remind me of when I was warm. I am so looking forward to spring. What a long wait I shall have to wait huh?:)

I can't take it anymore!

2009-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

It's true. I cannot stay away any longer.:)

I miss it too much. I miss visiting my favorite blogs when I can. I feel the need to blog! Well at least I did take care of most of what needed taken care of around here. Still have things to do but can do that with a little computer time on the side.:)

Yesterday I opened my shops up again. During all my cleaning, I also made a few more things to add to them while also trying to work on other projects that really need finishing up. I will add those finished items to my shops as soon as possible.

As I've mentioned before, I have also been dreaming of having my own shop, apart from Etsy or Artfire type places. Something all my own. I have been thinking how I would love to maybe take some online courses through our college here on web design.

Here is one item I still need to add to my shop that I actually had finished a couple weeks ago. It's another one of my knotted seam binding necklaces with a cutout from an illustration from an old fallen apart Little House on the Prairie book that I have. So far, all the necklaces I have made like this have a little part of that book within each little frame. I really could not bear to throw those illustrations away on those perfectly aged and yellowing book pages.

I think that this one is so sweet with the the little deer standing in a clearing just outside of the woods in the background.

I think that I shall cut this short and go visiting some blogs that I would like to catch up on. Take care all and once again, thank you everyone who stopped by to leave me a sweet comment or email and for those of you who prayed with me to help me get my stuff done around here.:)

2009-01-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

I thank all of you who have left me your sweet comments and emails.

I have got alot done in my house but have more to get done in other areas of my life. I think I shall just take a break from the computer completely. I will also not be checking emails for awhile.

So, with that being said, I have also put my stores in vacation mode. Hope to be back soon but not sure when.

Take care everyone and please don't forget about me.;) I will miss stopping by to see how you are all doing. I will try to keep my time away short.

Sincerely,

~Salina

Taking a break

2009-01-03T09:25:00.002-08:00

Hello all. I decided that I would take a break from the computer for awhile. Which means no blogging, visiting favorite forums, websites or blogs, but I will check my emails everyday in the evenings to keep in touch with others and to see if I make any sales.

I have so much stuff to do around here and the computer only steals away my precious time even if it's in small increments of time throughout the day. It all adds up. My house is still in a shambles and I just really need order around here for me to function properly. Then once I get my house cleaned I can focus better on my crafts which I can't do much of right now because of everything around me being so untidy and very uninspiring to me. I really shouldn't be doing any crafts of any sort anyway until my home is in order.

My little break may only be as much as 5 days to a week. That should give me plenty of time I think to get things right again. Could be longer though, don't really know.

I was also thinking that after I get finished with everything that it would be fun to do another giveaway when I return. Not sure what it will be but it will be something cool and of good quality(at least by my standards anyway.:)

I have such a hard time when it comes to keeping my house in order. I sometimes don't know where to start first. One room at a time is what I got to do I suppose. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that some prayers coming my way would be nice.:) You would understand why I ask this if your were as scatterbrained and unfocused as I seem to be. Thanks in advance.:)

Take care everyone.:)

Goodbye 2008

2009-01-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here thinking about the year 2008 with all it's ups and downs just like every other year.
This year has been an ok year. I started studying the bible again and think that I've started to feel like there really is a God. For so long I didn't even give him a thought.
The last part of the year I discovered the joy of having an online shop and experimenting with the various places in which you can sell. I'm now working on my own shop not connected to Etsy or Artfire or Lov.li. I suppose you could call it a blog shop. Just started working on it so don't know when I'll be finished with it. I'm having fun thinking up how I want it to look.
I hope that this next year will be a year of lots more to learn and see and do for myself as well as for all of you.
Ya, so January 1st is just another day to some but it's a good starting point to start fresh and set goals for yourself. I guess those would be called 'new year's resolutions'.:)
My goals right now it to focus more on my home and family, learn more about having a more productive online business, and to try to get myself exercising more to lose this unwanted weight that I carry around.
I hope to accomplish everything I set out to do.
I love hearing from you all because it helps to encourage me to keep going with all my endeavors.:) So please visit often and leave me with a friendly hello to help keep me inspired!:)
Happy New Year!!!

Large Altered Composition Book with a Sewing Theme

2008-12-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

Great for someone who loves to sew. I would like it even if I didn't sew I think.:)

For sale over at my Etsy shop.

House is a Mess!

2008-12-30T09:50:00.000-08:00

To start the new year off right, one thing that I really need to do is unclutter. I mean every room in the house needs it. I'm not looking forward to it but it has to be done. Sometimes I find it all so overwhelming. Where to start first. One place I think would be good is the laundry room.

I was visiting The Inspired Room today where she was showing her new laundry room among others from the Better Homes and Gardens site. Boy did seeing all those lovely laundry rooms leave me feeling envious and shameful.

So I went to the BHG site and came upon this section of it. I plan on visiting it from time to time to help inspire me even more.

Here you can see all those lovely laundry rooms that I saw a bit of at the Inspired Room. Sadly, I will never have the beautiful sunny window to look out while I wash and fold the laundry with my laundry room in the basement but I do know that I can make it so much prettier and nicer to be in.

I found this lovely cabinet that is just so me I think. Would love to do something like this in my laundry room even though it was intended for a kitchen I think over at BHG. OH well.:)

Another cool spot over at BHG is here in the Living Green section. I always love to see things done in a more earth friendly / human friendly way.:)

Well I guess I better bust a move and get this house in order! :)

Blue is up for sale!

2008-12-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

I added Blue to my Artfire shop.

All Gussied Up

2008-12-21T11:39:00.000-08:00

That's right, our living room is all gussied up.
Once again, sorry for the blurry photos.

I decided Lesley's Pinecone Garland looked much better here than it did here.

Another Snow Day

2008-12-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Well the kids are sure happy about all the snow. Not only did they not have to go to school yesterday, they also got a snow day today. So they get an extended Christmas break. I always loved a snow day too when I was a kid. Only it didn't seem like we got too many of those then.

So now mama here has got to think of ways to keep these guys busy. Kids tend to get a little bored and sometimes argumentative if cooped up for too long doing not much of anything. At least mine do anyway. It's actually really cold here right now, so it's not even an option for them to go outside to play either. They tried to yesterday but just couldn't handle the the cool in the teens temperature. Maybe I'll get them in the kitchen helping me bake sugar cookies or something. They will enjoy frosting them and such. But that only lasts for so long.

So, I will need to come up with more fun things for them to do. Does anybody out there have any good ideas for kids cooped up on a snow day? Please let me know if you do.:)

The picture above is from a couple winters ago of the kids. Quite alot of snow then too.

The Weather Outside is Frightful...

2008-12-18T16:03:00.001-08:00

...and the snow is so delightful. (or is it?)

Here's the pictures I promised.

This is what we saw early this morning. It had snowed most the day yesterday and all night long.

Wishbone could barely make it through the snow and our little Sophie who is a miniature doberman decided that she wouldn't even try.:)

The back deck. Liam and mostly Loraina cleared that off today.Aaron shoveled this among other places including helping out a neighbor during the late morning,early afternoon. He says he thinks he may have overdid it cause he can feel it.:) We are blessed with some good neighbors too because one plowed us out so that we didn't have to shovel that by hand and another with a four wheeler and a plow attached to that plowed some smaller areas. So kind of them to do.It is still snowing and I guess it supposed to keep snowing. That's alot of snow.

Owl Necklace Sold

2008-12-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

I sold my knotted seam binding owl pendant necklace. Yay!:) I love it when I make a sale.:)Hope it's all that you hoped it to be Selene!:)Thankyou!!!!!

I will be posting some major snow pictures later on today. So check back then, it's amazing all the snow we have here!

Blue the Monkey

2008-12-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

I finally finished up this little guy and he turned out so sweet. The pictures I took really do not do him justice. Of course the boys think they gotta have him too but I almost think that they have quite enough of the things I've made already.:)Will either give as a gift of put in the shop. I almost want to see if I can get better pictures of him if I put him up for sale cause really these photos here just do not do it for him. I put a lot of love in this little guy too and I want it to show.

By the way, he is very kid friendly too. I purposely didn't add button for the eyes. They are embroidered on. The yarn I used is 75% recycled cotton and 25% acrylic so has a really nice feel to him. He is stuffed with an amazingly soft and silky textured bamboo fiber that is naturally 100% antibacterial. And last but not least, me being a lover of seam binding, I has to make a little tie for him out of it as a finishing touch.

Tell me what you think of this little guy and whether you think he would sell or not. :)

Dickie-birds

2008-12-16T12:09:00.001-08:00

The rising sun was shortening all the shadows. Hundreds of meadow larks were rising from the prairie, singing higher and higher in the air. Their songs came down from the great, clear sky like a rain of music. And all over the land, where the grasses waved and murmured under the wind, thousands of little dickie-birds clung with their tiny claws to the blossoming weeds and sang their thousands of little songs.

Chapter 9- A Fire on the Hearth from Little House on the Prairie

Necklace is in the shop.:)

Green Elephant

2008-12-14T00:39:00.000-08:00

I finished up this little green elephant early this morning. I say this morning but I guess I should say yesterday morning since I'm writing this past midnight right now. Anyway...I had all the parts finished awhile back except that I hadn't stuffed it or sewn it together. I love its little tuff of blue hair atop his head. :)He has a cute little blue tail too that I didn't get a shot of. He's made entirely of 100%organic cotton and is filled with a most luxuriously soft bamboo fiber. It is 100% naturally antibacterial and an eco-friendly fiber. I may make more of these if anyone expresses to me any interest in them or makes requests.

My Conlan fell asleep early this morning in his dad's chair while watching some cartoons so I placed it next too him so that I would have a good backdrop for taking its picture. Turns out that Gabe seems to be the one who really loves it though.:) He asked me if he could keep it forever and I said yes.

I still have a blue monkey I'm working on too. Head and body are stuffed but have to finish crocheting the arms and legs. Will post that too when I get it done, who know when.:)

Sorry for all the blurry pictures i've been posting lately. You can blame it on my camera. It fell on my daughters head awhile back from a high shelf. Didn't hurt her head much but it did crack the digital screen so that I have to take picutures the old fashioned way, by looking through the eye hole thingy.

Goodies in the Mail

2008-12-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

A while back, I had made a small order from Lesley at her online shop Small Meadow Press. I have been ordering things from there for a couple or so years now. I love her stuff. She discovered my Lov.li shop and contacted me later wondering if I would also be interested in doing a trade; some of her things for some of my things. I was like, yes! What fun. So we got it all set up and just today, it arrived in the mail. :) I was so happy to see it arrive.

I thought that I would show and tell today what I got.

It arrived in a sweetly adorned box as usual.

The first thing I take out is the Pine cone Garland and hang it on the stair banister. Can't see it real well in theses photos so be sure to click on the link to Lesley's photos.

Then there's the beautiful Christmas cards that I will be using this year.
You can view the closeups of these and others here. My pictures were not turning out the way I would have liked.

By the way, Lesley closed up her shop the 7th of December during the Christmas season. Not sure when she reopens. Probably the early part of January. Will look to find out. (I looked but didn't see anything in her shop that says when)

This next thing is a favorite of mine. It is her By Post :A Paper Valise. Such a treat to open . She actually placed a stamp on each envelope too!:)

My original order before the trade was these custom made calling cards which kinda became part of the trade because she had to do them special for all my stuff to fit. I adore them! She did such a beautiful job on them too.

This amazing calendar is the other thing that I had ordered before the trade. I got the one she did last year as well. I missed out on the one the year before. Was too late getting to her shop before she ran out.

Next on my list is to get some of her new Envelope Files.:)

If you hadn't seen my post that shows all the thing that I sent her then click here.

Craft Area a Mess

2008-12-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, my craft room is a complete and utter mess!

I really need to clean it up so that I even feel like making anything down there.

Once things get cleaned up I will once again feel inspired to create anew.:)

My last project I did is these cards.

They are up for sale at my esty store.

Well, I guess I'll be cleaning like mad today down in my craft room. Will probobly do a bit more seasonal decorating too. My husband is so into that. The tree is up as of yesterday. While I was in town yesterday my husband and daughter had it all decorated.:) It' s funny, cause I'm usually the crafty one but Aaron seems to love decorating for the holidays far more than I do. I do like seasonal decorating though, nature girl that I am.:)

Have a truly lovely day everyone!

I Love These

2008-12-05T23:31:00.000-08:00

Aren't these just the coolest? I finished these ones up just today. Sweet little nesting bowls for wherever you wish. I put mine in my bathroom.

I made these from one of my favorite types of yarn which is a Lion Brand Yarn called Nature's Choice Organic Cotton. It is made from a 100% organically grown cotton and it is wonderfully soft. The colors where named most creatively too. It's not just brown, light blue and green, no, they were named pecan, blueberry and pistachio.:) I never would have come up with that on my own.

Of course I got them in the shop.:)

A Little Bible Time

2008-12-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

I was reading in John today of the bible. Jesus is teaching Necodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to him with questions. They talked of what it meant to be born again. Jesus talks about how no one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven-the Son of Man.
So then do we not go to heaven when we die, but just sleep and wait till the resurrection? Doesn't sound bad. I would like to hear what others think about this.

Then the well known scripture starting at Matthew 6:9, you know...'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Well what is that all about? So just like when the heavens were cleansed after casting out the devil (Rev. 12:9) down to earth to be controlled by the devil (John 5:19)that someday our earth would then be cleansed too? That would be the resurrection then right?

So then when people think that when we die, if we were good, that we go to heaven, then wouldn't they be wrong to think that? In Psalm 146:3,4 It says 'Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When thier spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day, their plans come to nothing.
'It was weird for me when I first read these things and still is.
I still don't know what to think about it all. But I enjoy learning more of the bible and trying to fit the puzzle pieces to gether.
I would love to hear your interpretation of the things I talked about in this post. I may learn something more that way.

Check out my Etsy store, I've got new things there.:)

Coffee Brown Scarf with Seam Binding Fringe

2008-12-02T01:09:00.001-08:00

I'm in love with these scarves with the seam binding ribbon fringe. Seam binding is my favorite type of ribbon to work with. The colors of the seam binding in this one is just absolutely beautiful to me and the yarn I used is almost cashmere-like to the touch. This one is now in the shop.

Yeah!!!

2008-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

I figured out how to get my pictures posted on my Etsy shop! All it was is that they have to be resized a bit smaller than I typically resize them for posting on my blog. So please, go check out my shop now!:)
Have a great day all!

What I've Been Up To

2008-12-01T09:26:00.001-08:00

Well I've finished up the last of my custom orders for now, until I get more anyway, hopefully.:)

I have also finished all the things that are for a trade with Lesley. It was her idea and am very excited about it for I love her things.I had just ordered her new calendar before we decided to do the trade.

Will ship her package out soon. Here is a glimpse of what she will be getting.

Even though I have no more orders to fill at the moment, I do have projects that need finishing up. So I will be whiling my morning and evening hours away on those. There is one in particular that will be doing which will go to my aunt Darlene. :)

I also have some things that I need to add to my store.

Have finished a few scarves, and made another pair of acorn earrings.

Here are some "mini-books for your thoughts".:) Hand stamped by me with a pigment ink by Dew Drop called Brilliance in a coffee bean color on a gray card stock with 24 fine quality, acid and lignin free papers inside in a granite gray color. Added a touch of white glitter to the wording 'Thoughts' and to the girls eyelids and lips(can't see very well in these photos).

Here are the acorn earrings.

~SOLD~

I don't really feel like showing all the scarves right now. Will have to wait to see them after I get them in my store.

I have been having a bit of trouble loading pictures to the Lov.li store but now to my Etsy shop too. I have to figure out the settings on my camera to see what the problem is. Arg.

Take care all and hope to be hearing from some of you soon.:)

Rearranging

2008-11-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Yup, doing a little rearranging at my Lov.li shop. Plan on keeping things that have sold there up for people to view and maybe do a little business through there from time to time but still can't download photos for the items I post so will put new stuff I make at my Etsy shop. Did take a couple things from the lov.li shop and stuck it over at Etsy. Also finished up a beautiful pale blue scarf last night and it too is in the shop.

~SOLD~

This is so much prettier in 'real life.' Will have my daughter put it on for me and will go outdoors for a really nice photo of it soon.

Have a great day everyone!

This Afternoon's Sun

2008-11-22T18:12:00.001-08:00

Photos taken from our front porch.

Opened an ETSY shop

2008-11-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

Well I finally did it and opened myself an ETSY shop. I've been buying on there for a few years now but have now decided to start selling there too. I'm hoping that I will get more traffic there than I do at Lov.li.
I don't have anything in my ETSY shop at the moment but will let it be known when I do.:) I named my shop Salina's Craft Room.

A Slow Kinda Day

2008-11-22T10:54:00.000-08:00

So far, at about 11:00am, I have got nothing done. I mean nothing. Feel like taking it slow I guess. Don't even feel like crocheting anything at the moment. Probobly will later. I don't feel bad or anything, actually , I just feel quiet and peaceful. I'm sure later I'll get in the mood to go, go, go again. Yesterday, I was feeling a bit erked by the fact that I can't download pictures to my Lov.li shop but today I guess I've resigned myself to the fact that everything cant' always go the way I want it to go. I leave it in the hands of the Lov.li owners. Just wish they'd let me know what's happening. Uh oh, better not go there again.

Well, I will just post photos of anything I may put in the store here and in the item description of new store items I will refer them back to my blog where the pictures are.

Hope everyone is having a great day thus far and will stop by to leave me a comment, or email. Love hearing from you.:)