Wednesday, February 24, 2010

LIFE IS BUT A CHAIR OF BOWLIES


Do you remember that saying? I believe it was one of the Mary Engelbreit phrases. I used to get "Home Companion" the magazine for Mary Engelbreit and suddenly they quit publishing it. I loved it and was saddened over its demise. *sigh*

Anyhoo, here is is nearing the end of February and I have not even begun my February Challenge, Purple. Shame on me. This month has had so much going on that I haven't even a clue of what I was planning to make! And, as I am not "at home" this week, was not home last week, was sick the previous week, I'm thinking I am not going to be entered in the contest at all!!

Speaking about challenges, I need your mailing address, Gretchen. You won the Jan. challenge and I'd like to send the prize to you. I haven't had a computer to use for awhile and if you sent it via the Groups, thank you, I'll find it and mail the prize whenever I get home.

My shops are "on vacation" right now, due to a family emergency after being gone a week at the beach. But how are the rest of you doing in the sales department? How are you faring in your challenge to use only items you already have?

I bought a Sew Beautiful magazine with ribbon roses all over the front of it. I am so excited to learn o make all different kinds of ribbon roses. I do know how to make some, but this will give me such a variety that I am beside myself. I have tons of ribbon at home but I don't know if it is the correct type and won't know until I am at home with the magazine in front of me in my workroom. Stay tuned...

So for now, happy sales and happy hoarding to you!

~Nancy~





Sunday, February 21, 2010

New Year’s Team Challenge - AlterDesigns

AlterDesigns (http://www.etsy.com/shop/alterdesigns) took up the new year’s team challenge by deciding to organize her craft work space. Wow! Wouldn’t you love to work in a room surrounded by such beautiful jewelry?

Here is Gretchen’s revamped space

It was so difficult to decide which items to feature from AlterDesigns, because every one is so wonderfully rich and beautiful. I particularly love Gretchen’s belt buckles.

This one-of-a-kind sterling silver belt buckle is crafted with four tear shaped black chalcedony stones as the centerpiece, surrounded by pink zircon and freshwater pearls. Oxidized silver background makes the stones pop. It is designed to accommodate a removable belt strap.





I think this is my favourite - a beautiful Victorian steampunk handcrafted cameo belt buckle lovingly created with pink suede, filigree, Swarovski crystal and a lovely porcelain cameo with a vintage transfer of a flower. It’s stunning both with jeans or dressed up.


This cuff is also almost impossible to resist. Hot off the runway, this aged brass cuff with Swarovski crystal centerpiece was modeled by America's Next Top Model, Whitney Thompson. The cuff is two inches wide, with shimmering pink crystal and pink aurora borealis. The centerpiece measures 1.75 inches.


Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine’s Day to the Hoarders’ Unite Team!

Crafts are here, crafts are there.
My craft supplies are everywhere.
I really should clean this mess,
But I like it, I must confess.
Floor is littered, chairs are piled,
Kitchen’s looking pretty wild.
On the table counter too,
Seems that any place will do.
Hall is stacked with cartons high,
Filled with things folks like to buy.
Garage is full, but so far …
There’s still room to park the car.
I never have an idle day,
New ideas come my way.
Don’t know yet what I’ll create,
But at least my imagination’s great.
My family smiles, they don’t complain,
Although at times I am a pain.
But when all is said and done,
I really am a crafty one !!

Source unknown



Thursday, February 11, 2010

WHAT'S NEW IN OUR SHOPS?


I like to look at the shops of fellow team members on Etsy now and then to see what is new. This week I'll look at items with the color red, or items that are for Valentine's Day, since it is only a few days away.

I really like these red hearts from Julieslittlebits. In fact, I like them so much, I'm going to buy them when I am finished with this post!

And look at this scarf by Climpiecraft. This is so pretty with the browns, tans and red. Very attractive! It is available in other colors and it is a generous 78" long, long enough to wrap around your neck three times!
Here's a knitted book purse by Blackbeancrafts. I like the idea of my book being protected. I'm always tossing it on the floor of the car, or stuffing it in my purse. Footprints and dog ears are so distracting! LOL! This cranberry knit purse would protect my book. I don't normally read books that would be an embarrassment to me, but if a person didn't want people to see the book, this purse would be like the "plain brown wrapper" only prettier! And, its fully washable!!


A spinner heart necklace by madameteasley. Kind of like the proverbial daisy, "loves me, loves me not" only this is a spinner on a heart pendant. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any day for that matter! Especially wonderful for those newly in love or questioning whether or not they are in love!!
 
It's often difficult to find something for a guy, especially something red. I have this little vintage advertising pocket knife in my shop which would be great for a guy. It's in my shop "Victorian Visions by Nanalee." You flip a lever which you then slide and a blade slides out. Perfect little pocket knife for your glove box or pocket. Handy.
 
Mamta has these lovely crocheted red hearts which you can use just about anywhere! Pop one in the lunch bag; pin one to your lapel; sew a few of them on your blue jeans. The possibilities are endless. Bright red hearts are always "in."
 
This heart frame by MyInnerPrincess is so pretty. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any other day. Show your love by presenting this lovely gift.
 
I found 36 pages of items by team members of Hoarders Unite today. There are all kinds of wonderful goodies for your perusal and possible purchase! Do a search of "All Items" and then type in "hoardersuniteteam" and you will be given a list of the items by all of the members, not just those I've featured here. And, Happy Valentine's Day!!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver, BC
The 2010 Olympics are about to begin! At the same time, if you’re lucky enough to be in Vancouver this month, there are a number of craft events and markets that will be showcasing the city’s very talented handmade community.

If you won’t be in the area, you can always check out the terrific handmade items on Etsy, made by Vancouverites. Here is a sampling of handmade in Vancouver from just a very few of my favourite local Etsy shops.


These bookmarks from Blissinateacup are made from wood veneer and images from a vintage children's alphabet.


So pretty! A crochet-trimmed pillowcase from Rosehip.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosehip










This kid’s passport cover from Noei has a little pocket for pen and paper. And it’s on sale right now!


This cute collage from divesin features, Daisy, an old fashioned girl in an old fashioned hat. It is composed of images found in vintage books. It's on a wooden panel and is ready to hang.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

FEBRUARY 2010 CHALLENGE

The February Challenge has been announced! It is NOT red, LOL! It is the color of the February birthstone, amethyst or purple. A photo album has been set up at our Yahoo Groups website for everyone to post their photos in, please don't start a new album! Thanks a bunch and let's have some fun!!



Wednesday, February 3, 2010

LA LA LA LA ... LIFE GOES ON


Okay, this Nana wants to share with you that we have a new baby grandchild. He was born on January 29th. His name is Koen and he is beautiful! We saw him for the first time on Sunday and then again today. *SIGH* If you read my blog you already know this, but I just had to share!! Our youngest daughter and her hubby adopted him. They have two older boys, Kameron is 6 and Kooper is 4. They are very happy to have a new baby brother.

We now have 16 grandchildren. I'm loving it! The eldest is 18 and the youngest is Koen, days old. We are very blessed.

Though this isn't about hoarding or using our supplies, it is a very important part of my life, this being a Nana. It's probably the best job I've ever had! There's just something about a little one whose face lights up the moment they see you and they yell, "NANA!! IT'S NANA!!" Be still my heart...

If you haven't experienced a grandchild yet, it will be one of the best things that happens to you in life!

Please meet Koen. (Pronounce it Coe n)