Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Sweet swap and newest creations

I hope you are all ready for Christmas---only two days left! My husband went out last night with the kids in tote. What a crazy man---two days from Christmas, shopping with two kids who love to pull things off the shelves, not to mention it's like 10 degrees here. And, he said he's going out again. Yes, I'd say he's a procrastinator. But, who am I to talk?


Are you asking why he was taking the kids with him? I went to a "sweet swap" last night with the ladies from my mommy and me aerobics group---you know the instructor, Christa, from motivating mommies. Anyways, we had to bring about 5 dozen of one kind of sweet (depending on the number of people swapping)---whatever you wanted to bring. You of course have a tasting throughout the night, then, before you go home, you get to make a beautiful tray of assorted cookies, fudge, and candies. Plus, it makes you look like an amazing baker---if you don't want to tell otherwise ;-) It was so much fun with good food, drinks, and fellowship with an amazing group of women. You should try one next year!





Anyways, I wanted to share with you my latest projects. I've been on a beading kick the past few days---and I've made a bunch of new bookmarks. I think they are really colorful and pretty. I have them here on my desk all hanging over a crystal glass and I just love looking at them---a bouquet of bookmarks. Maybe I'll end up keeping one---I've made one for myself several times over and of course, given it away. But, I can always make more, right?









And, here are a few bracelets and necklaces I've come up with for my Etsy shop. Now I just have to take the time to list them. My favorite new project that I made I can't share yet because it's a gift for my Aunt who reads my blog, so I'll have to share that one after Christmas.













Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and I hope santa is good to you!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Christmas Card


Hi Everyone!! Did anyone miss me? Sorry I've had such a lack of posts over the past week and a half. The time has really just slipped away.....that ALWAYS happens this time of year. Rush, Rush, Rush. I have been so busy wrapping up orders, both the kids had birthdays, and we hosted a large Christmas party. Blogging has definitely taken a back seat....the last thing on the list, and it never got checked off....until Today.


I was able to get up early, real early...before the kids...like 4:30a.m. I love to get up that early. You can just get soooo much done. I made three tooth fairy bracelets for a customer, designed 2 other ones, and made two necklaces. A very productive morning for me! I'll post those pics tomorrow, but for this one, I wanted to share my Christmas card with you.


Every year since the kids have been born, we've done a family photo for our card----and it's always in front of a roaring fire with our stockings hanging over our head. Well, this year, time again slipped away from us and we decided to use one of our pics from St. George Island. I think it turned out really cute.




My friend also asked me to design a Christmas bracelet for her boss...this is what I came up with. More pics to share tomorrow!! Hope you have a great day today!!







Monday, December 8, 2008

Custom Striped Hat






Who doesn't love a kid in a cute striped hat? They are so fun and colorful and I don't really make enough of them! I recently had a customer contact me to make her three striped hats. I won't tell you how many times she changed her mind on the striped pattern, but the results are really cute!! I hope she likes them. I only messed up on one of them, so my friend Christa, from Motivating Mommies got a freebie this week.




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Friday, December 5, 2008

With much hesitation, I decided to officially close my Ebay and Etsy shops this a.m. I really hated to do that this early, but I'm still backed up from Thanksgiving and I have several of my own personal projects I would like to get done for Christmas gifts. I really do feel guilty about closing this early and without any warning, but I feel as if things are starting to really creep up on me and I don't want to get all stressed out during the holidays ;-) What a thing to get stressed about too----too many orders! I NEVER thought it would be like this when I opened my Ebay store two and a half years ago followed by Etsy a year after that.

I am wanting to finish that pair of socks for my husband---remember the ones from the beach? Well, I've done about an inch more on them and that's it. So, a LONG way to go. Also, I've promised my husband I'd make him this certain sweater he's been wanting for years now and I actually started on it this summer and well, haven't touched it since. So, I'd love to finish that up for him as a Christmas gift.

So, I'd just like to thank everyone again for ALL their support over this past year---it's been a very busy and fun year!!

Gotta go, the kids are calling me---and ALWAYS when I get on the computer (or the phone) Why is that?!?



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Wednesday, December 3, 2008

My blog has a whole new look!

Ok....notice anything different about my blog today?? Yes, it received a whole new make-over. Don't you just love it?? I do!! My friend Andrea from And then there were three mentioned that she wanted to start designing blogs. She is just getting started and has redesigned hers several times now. She is completely self-taught and I loved her work that I've seen on her own blog. I eagerly offered to be her first customer. And, I just love the results.

Andrea was a dream to work with. I just picked a package design that I like---it had the colors that I was looking for and let her creativity do the rest. She was so open to any changes that I had---and there were just a few----and the whole experience was wonderful. Not to mention she was so quick!!

So, are you wanting a new look for your blog? Well, you can find here here. I'll let you know when she is "officially" open for business, which I think will be really soon.


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Monday, December 1, 2008

A bracelet to remember



About two weeks ago, a friend had told us that she had just lost her baby---she was about 13 weeks along. She was shocked as she had no clue anything was wrong. She contacted me and asked me if I could make a little bracelet with footprints on it as a little remembrance of the pregnancy. I was delighted to do this for her and so happy that she had thought of me to make this special bracelet for her. Her only request was that it had crystals and pearls on it. Since she was only 13 weeks, they couldn't tell if that baby was a boy or girl yet, so I chose clear crystals. And, I absolutely love freshwater coin pearls. I put a butterfly toggle on it and I just love the footprint charm I found on Ebay. I'm going to show it to her today---I hope she likes it. Have a great day today!!




Tuesday, November 25, 2008

something for myself

Sorry for the lack of posts here lately. I cannot tell you how busy I've been making my little hats---the holiday rush is in full force---until the middle of December. So, only a few weeks to go, so, I shouldn't complain ;-)


I also had some out of town company---my Aunt Robin and Grandma drove up from Arkansas for a long visit. When we see each other, you'd think it were Christmas time---literally. We shower each other with the best "girly" gifts---it is sooo much fun!!


My aunt had got me this new yarn she found at a yarn shop in Arkansas. It's called Ozark Handspun and it's just about the neatest yarn ever. It's 65% mohair and 35% wool and it is hand dyed and hand spun in the ozarks. You can find it here. What makes it so neat is that is is ever changing---there are long pieces of curly mohair next to "matted" pieces of wool and it is just the best color combinations: moss green to plum with a cranberry shimmer throughout.




I loved knitting this scarf and it made up easily in two nights. She also provided me with these really cool needles topped with handmade polymer clay beads---just lovely! They really made the whole project fun--having new needles ;-) I never make anything for myself and on the rare occasion that I do, I end up giving the items away, but this is one project that is all mine!












The finished product---I think I'm going to add fringe with ribbon in it for each end.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Luna Award




Today I was honored to receive this Luna Award from my friend Sharon at Mana Moon Studios---did you vote for her yet?? Anyways, she stated in her blog that this award is passed onto blogs that inspire you. I'm just tickled to think that I actually inspire people---maybe to do a knit project, bead something, spend time with your kids, cook something for your family, take a really cool picture. Whatever it is, I'm truely honored to receive this award and I'd like to pass it on to a few blogs that really inspire me and are so truely creative! Drum roll please:




Hope you have a wonderful day today!!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Vote for Sharon!





My friend Sharon, from Mana Moon Studios, created this absolutely amazing necklace and just entered it in a contest for Stringing Magazine. Her's really is the best entry and if you'd like, you can vote for her here----go ahead----it just takes a second--her's is number 42 (on the last page---page 5). If she wins, she'll be featured in the magazine. Good Luck Sharon!!
P.S. Your hat went into the mail today ;-)

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Micro Preemie Hat



So, this is a special little hat I've been working on this morning. A customer contacted me the other day asking if I could make micro preemie hats. She said her friend was getting ready to have her baby at 25 weeks and she'd love to have a few little hats for her. I had no clue what the size of a micro preemie would be, just really teeny tiny. She said the hat should fit a small plum. Can you even imagine? This is the sample I came up with. I'm going to mail it to her today and see what adjustments I'll need to make, if any. Isn't it just precious? I don't know exactly what hats she wants to order, but I'm thinking an apple is a must, don't you ;-)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

My little angel



Ok...I know I already posted for today, but I just came across this picture of my little flower girl in her cousin's wedding last month. She looks like a little angel ;-) Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday!




I just have to share this little pumpkin with you---isn't she just precious?? And, would you believe her mom is justarika---yes, she's the one who was the original winner of my contest and never responded so I had to pick another winner. She wrote and told me who she was I just chuckled ;-)
I also want to share these few pics of the kids really quickly this a.m. I have hundreds and I'll post a really nice family one maybe next time. I just love outdoor pictures of the kids. The lighting is just perfect and I love to catch them when they are not looking.
Hope you have a great day today! I'm going to finally get started on my ever growing "to-make" list of knitty bitty orders. Last night someone ordered three Christmas hats---isn't that crazy---Christmas is right around the corner!!


Tuesday, November 11, 2008

I'm back from vacation!


Thanks to Sharon from Mana Moon, I figured out my picture upload problem. Really simple to fix, but I won't have been able to fix it myself---so thanks again Sharon.

We spent an entire week on St. George Island, Florida in a beach front beach house. It was beautiful---the house, the beach, the ocean, and a really good time was had by all! I was able to get in a few creative days making some beaded items for Christmas gifts---I'll post them later and I'm working on a pair of socks for my husband using the magic loop. It's super easy and a lot of fun. Usually a pair of socks takes 4 needles all in use at once, but with the magic loop, you only need one ;-) I was hoping to finish one sock while I was there, but only got about this far. When you had an ocean view and the kids playing in the sand, it was hard to keep focused on a sock. More to come soon.......

HELP!!

Can anyone help me? I'm trying to upload pictures and for some reason, it's showing the html (I guess that's what you'd call it) It's only showing the letter configurations instead of the actual pictures. It's never done that before. Does anyone know what I can do to fix it?????????? Thank you!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The sweet pea winner!


Finally.....the winner did respond!! CONGRATULATIONS to you andrea!!!! And this is the hat of her choice---sorry Sharon---and yes, the donkey scene is very fitting---and for all your posts and persistence, I'm going to give YOU Sharon any item of your choice (excluding baskets ;-). I'm just thrilled for a winner to finally claim their prize!! So, Sharon, just leave me a comment and let me know what you would like as well. I'm getting ready to go out of town this weekend, so, your item won't arrive for about two weeks, but it will be worth the wait!!
P.S. Andrea, I just need to know what size you would like. And, this is the hat you wanted, right?

Third time's the charm!

Well, when I decided to do a birthday giveaway, I had no idea it was so hard to actually give things away!! After two winners of not responding, I just went to random.org and it calculated yet another "winning" number for me. Drum roll please.......................................... and the next winner is comment number four-----Andrea. So please, Andrea, if you are out there, please, contact me so I can finally just give something away! Is this pathetic or what. If she doesn't respond within 3 days I'm going to pick someone myself and maybe have better luck!

I've been crazy busy with orders this week. Literally 27 items over the past week so I'm having a hard time just sitting down to post. Hope you all have a great day today!!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Sandy?

Ok Sandy, where are you? Please respond today so I don't have to pick another winner. I had no idea this give away stuff was so hard!!

Friday, October 24, 2008

and the NEW winner is....

Well, since I didn't hear from Justerika yet, and it's after noon, I went ahead and picked a new winner---sorry Justerika. And, would you believe the random number chosen again from random.org was Justerika. So, I went ahead and calculated ANOTHER number and the NEW winner is.....Sandy. So, CONGRATULATIONS you Sandy! Now, you just have to e-mail me within the next three days to claim your prize----PLEASE respond so I don't have to pick another winner ;-)

Winner???

Ok....the winner has until noon today to contact me for her prize. If I don't hear from her, I'm going to select a new winner......

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

And the winner is......

(I used the website random.org to find my winner).


Ok.....and the winner is.....comment number 10!!!

Congratulations to justerika!!! I just need you to tell me which item you would like and the address to mail it to. My e-mail is merkelstacey@hotmail.com and you must respond within the next 3 days!!!

Thank you all so much again for all your wonderful comments---I LOVED reading them all and had so much fun with this contest. I'll be sure to let you know what justerkia choose as her free item. Now, back to work....I've had a TON of orders over the past few days ;-)

Final Birthday post



Well, after being "upset" with hubby for most of the day, he did redeem himself---with a little help from my friend, Christa. She just couldn't help herself and she had to call him at work to remind him of my big day. He played it off and said he didn't forget and that he usually brings me a card and treat after he gets home from work---he said "don't worry, she'll be taken care of" Christa was lead to believe he knew all along. Needless to say, he left work early to purchase a card, flowers, and a BEAUTIFUL ruby necklace---so of course, I was totally overwhelmed--I LOVE jewelry, and he's the kind of man who doesn't think it is "necessary" Then, we did go have my birthday dinner at the mexican restraunt with our good friends--from motivating mommies---and they even treated! So, what a wonderful birthday after all!! I Love you Joe!! And, thank you Christa!




I also did receive a beautiful birthday bouquet and balloons (for the kids) from my wonderful Aunt---who I often post about---thank you again!






And, thanks to everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes---I sooo appreciated ALL of them---and later this afternoon, I'll post the winner to the giveaway, so if you haven't entered yet, you still have time!!!




P.S. My husband doesn't EVER read my blog, but Christa told him that I blogged about his rather large goof, and he was a good sport about it ;-) although he wasn't so happy that "people in New Zealand" knew of it--ha ha ha

Monday, October 20, 2008

Birthday update!

Ok---so it's now 3:00 and he still hasn't said a word...I did talk to him twice today. Once he called and asked me if it would be ok if he could go to his Uncles house to help him with putting in some insulation--which is really legit AND he called back to ask what was for dinner (I'm laughing now about that one) He said, "let's have something with pasta in it". I guess I'll leave out a box of mac and cheese and the kids and I are going out to eat Mexican (where I go every year for my b-day) after Josie's swim lesson at the Y. Too funny!!

Happy Birthday Give Away





In honor of my 30 something birthday today, I'd like to give YOU a gift. Want to know how? Well....just leave me a happy birthday comment and you'll be entered into a drawing to win one free knitty bitty apparel item of your choice (excludes baskets---sorry). If you post about my birthday give away on your blog and send me the link, I'll give you an extra chance to win. Contest will run until I post the winner tomorrow. So, browse my Etsy shop because the winner could be YOU!


Ok, just one more thing I have to mention. My husband actually forgot my birthday today---he's left for work and not said a word. Now honestly, I'm NOT upset at all....we usually don't make a big deal about birthdays, but I think he'll realize when he gets to work what the date is. I think it's kinda funny and I wonder how long it will take him to realize it. I'll keep you posted.


Friday, October 17, 2008

I'm finally back!

I'm finally going to post again. Did you miss me? I've been back from the wedding, and I don't know why, but I just didn't sit down to post over the past week. Maybe a lack of things to say, I don't know. And, believe it or not, I didn't ready anyone else's blog either---sorry!!! I know, that's bad...and I'm going to try really hard to get caught up on everyone. I'm sure I missed a ton over the past week.


The wedding did go really well and her is a pic of my little flower girl. She is quite the professional now---this was her fourth one---and she's not even four yet. My husband and I joke that we can rent her out ;-)


And, last night, we made a Halloween house with the kids. Have you ever seen them in the stores? They tease you with these amazing looking houses decorated with icing and candies and I know they are done by professionals who have probably made at least 20 of them and have skills beyond the normal person so yours will not look remotely like the picture of the box, but the kids love them!






Thursday, October 9, 2008

I'm on vacation.....again!




I'm getting ready to go out of town for another wedding this weekend---and yes, Josie is going to be a flower girl again! I have to make her basket tonight and we'll head out in the morning. I'm just so excited to see all my family from out of town!
And, look what arrived today.....YES....it's my new bracelet from Mana Moon Treasures and it is absolutely gorgeous!! Not only is the bracelet amazing, but the packaging made it such a treat to open. The handmade cards were so cute and all the tags were just so....so professional. This really belongs in a high end boutique...you know the kind I'm talking about...with the REALLY good stuff in it---that you don't dare take your kids into ;-)
I put it on immediately and went out to lunch with a friend today and she loved it too. It is truly going to be an heirloom piece. It's just stunning....really....you have to see it to appreciate it! Thank you a million times Sharon----I LOVE it!!!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Custom hat Part 2

Hot off the needles is the custom hat requested by Susan---see post below. I love the way it turned out----I only wish I had a 6 month old to try it on. I'm dying to see what it actually looks like on!! Maybe she'll send me a picture (hint hint)


And, did you all notice my new blogger banner? It's in my Etsy shop too. I just love it---very festive. I bet you want on too? Want to know where to buy one....well, just click here. Sharon is absolutely amazing with her designs, and she loves custom orders as well.

Just one more thing---I've been tagged AGAIN!! I'm embarrassed to say, I have yet to respond to my first tag, sorry Sharon, and now Rosie of agapanthas and goldsworthy has tagged me again. So....I really need to get on the ball....and I will.......

Friday, October 3, 2008

Custom hat AND contest winner!


Isn't this just the cutest looking baby---and hat! A former customer (Susan) recently contacted me to see if I could make this hat for her....sure I said! Well, we scoured the internet and craft stores in search of the most similar yarn we could find....and Susan actually found it. I've never seen a yarn like this before. It is sooo much fun to work with---it stripes and patterns all by itself---no patterns or yarn changes needed---it's MAGIC! Here is is below.






And, here is what I've come up with so far. She wanted the brim and ear flaps to be orange and blue. So, I still have to add the ear flaps and ties and the pom pom on top....but so far so good.... I just hope Susan like it :-)





Of course, I did have to get some for myself for Josie and Quentin.






Also, remember that contest from a few days ago from Mana Moon Studios---the one I hope you all checked out...well, she announced the winner last night, and guess who it was.....drum roll please.....ME!!! Can you believe it? I really had to read the post twice----I was shocked! I never win anything, and to receive such a gift, I'm just thrilled to say the least. Plus, getting my package from Australia this week too---I'll tell you, I'm just on cloud nine!! Whatever did I do to deserve such treasurers this week?

Here is the bracelet I chose from her shop. Don't you just love it? Do you want one too? Here's her etsy store....get shopping!Thank you again---my friend Sharon!










Thursday, October 2, 2008

Sweet Baby Girl


I'd say this has to be the sweetest set I've sent out so far. A customer requested this set and I created the bracelet to go with it. It's for a newborn little girl, and I think it is going to be so cute on her. I'd love to see a picture --hint hint ;-)

I love this little bracelet too. What could be more girly than pink crystals, pearls, and a little flower charm. I think I'm going to add it to my Etsy shop---are you interested?




Wednesday, October 1, 2008

My Special Delivery from Down Under


I was sooo surprised today with a very special package from Australia!! It was from my new friend Rosey from agapanthas and goldsworthy How sweet is that---a "just because package". I have never received such a package and just love the idea! It included lots of goodies: a special note and drawing from her girls, a wonderful hand written note from Rosey, little painted rocks for myself and both the kids, a treat for both kids, a sweet little pressed lavender flower---(which smelled really good), a new crafters magazine, and two lovely hand stitched softies. I just LOVE it all---so very thoughtful and personal---I can't thank you enough---I'm so very touched! Kisses to you ALL---Rosey, Lili, Mia, and Claudia!!

Here are all our new treasurers!

Here are the handstitched softies---soo sweet!

The picture doesn't do it justice---it is full of little details.

I'll hang them somewhere special to remind me of you ;-)

Josie absolutely LOVES her new barbie fairy which she named Melissa and has worn her new ring all day today!

And, finally, here is Quen with his new batman---he says thank you too ;-)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you again!!!