Too hot

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we seldom get several hot days in a row. Generally speaking, temps hit 90+ degrees for a day or two, but also drop into the low 60's at night, with a breeze that comes along about the time the sun goes down.

Not this week.

It's been hot - too hot for the computers in the living room.

Blogging will continue when it cools off.

Sorry!

In light of all the recent changes, I decided to take a vacation last week. Thus why there have been no new posts.

Regular posting will resume tomorrow.

Quick Announcement

Well, in a short period of time, many changes in my life has occurred. The biggest, is that I am no longer going to be actively involved in The American Legion. This has occurred due to personal reasons, and is in NO WAY a denouncement of the wonderful organization.

That said, I now have a LOT more time for crafts and our Etsy store. Watch for many new products to come soon.

Little things

When I head to my American Legion Post, I carry a lot with me. I have a huge binder-turned-planner, paperwork, my cover bag which holds my cap, tie, medals, etc, then my normal stuff like a wallet, lip gloss, mints for the meeting and so forth.

The problem I always have is that with big tote bags, that means big, deep pockets. These pockets are not good to carry small cell phones in - you cannot find them quickly!

So, I started making small cell phone cases on clips. Any time I have to take a big tote, I clip the case onto the outside. Problem solved.

My kids liked the idea so much they wanted their own so that they could clip it to their pants or backpack.

I decided the other day to make a few and put them in our Etsy store and see what happens. They are approx. 3" x 4", stretchy, and fit most cell phones and mp3 players. So far I have listed two:

This one is done in shades of grey and blue.

And this one in bright colors.

Come check our Etsy store for more information, and watch for more colors soon!

http://www.fullhousecrafts.etsy.com

A day at the beach

Yesterday I went with my father to the coast to keep him company while he did some work. This means I was not around to post yesterday - or really get hardly any work done at all.

However, I was able to tkae some pictures of the ocean to be used for future paintings. The morning was cloudy, foggy and rough waves. By lunch time, the sun had started to come out.

Enjoy the ocean break!

Undiscovered stores for today

It's that time again. Time for me to promote Undiscovered Etsy Shops.To qualify for my personal list, stores must have no sales, more than 10 items for sale, have all their information filled out, include pics with the items, and catch my eye for being different, interesting, pretty, funny... you get the picture.

WearMyColors http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5895446 Fun & unique jewelry and accessories

Bee Trendy Floral http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6004173 silk flower swags and wreaths

Taylor's Eclectic Jewelry Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6018802 Very interesting jewelry items

almondtreeframes http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5932638 Innovative framing design solutions

JustaGirl http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5612909 Wedding and Jewelry

Bella Beads Originals http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5917602 handcrafted one-of-a-kind jewelry

Creakit http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5926475 DIY baby shoes kits

Come take a look at these new shops before they become famous and raise their prices! lol

Make their day and be their first sale. So many great items to choose from.

Plarn Plus

I have discussed Plarn before, but in case you missed it, Plarn = PLastic yARN. It is made from grocery and produce bags.



Plarn Plus is when you twist other materials with the plarn as you are working. To the Left is a close-up of what it can look like. In this case, it's strands of black and white scrap yarn twisted with plarn that is white with black lettering.


Pros and cons to Plarn Plus:

Pros

*By adding recycled or scrap yarn, you keep it from looking so plastic-y, and have many more options with colors,

*While the plarn itself is pretty spongy, adding yarn also adds a softness,

*Adding yarn adds additional strength

Cons

*While is still can be rinsed and air dried, it takes more time,

*Yarn does add more weight, so it is heavier when empty,

So, do the pros outweight the cons? It all depends on what you want to use it for. As a general purpose bag, Plarn Plus works better. But for groceries, where you want to insure that it is clean, regular plarn may be the better option.

(This black and white Plarn Plus Tote is currently available at our Etsy store. Comet ake a look. http://www.fullhousecrafts.etsy.com)