My Creative Space

Making a variety of pacifier clips for our shop:

• Assorted Ribbons
• Knit flowers
• Plastic clips
• Threaded needle
• Measuring tape
• Pacifiers
• Cup of Republic of Tea Ginger Peach

Or, on the other side of the room, working on quilting at the machine.

• Floragraphix III windmill quilt
• Sewing machine
• Thread

For more creative spaces visit kootoyoo... and maybe find some inspiration too!

Mother's Day Ideas

Here are a few of our ideas for Mother's Day Gifts, enjoy!

Mama Bird and her Little One - Modern Bird $48

Family Tree Necklace (original) - Natalie Gentilo $120

I LOVE YOU tiny text bowl - Paloma's Nest $18

Custom Address Family Established Rubber Stamp - Sweet Paperie $23.95

Family Name Wood Word Blocks - A Sign of the Times $32

Feel free to leave a comment with your Mother's Day suggestions as well!

Baby Shower Vol. 2

Baby Business Man Tie Onesie - isabellaboo $15

Soft Blue Twist Snuggly Knit Hat - Clover & Violet $26
Visor Beanie - pdxbeanies $26
Chocolate Brown with Aqua Dot Pacifier Clip - KAHCouture $5

Spring!

Spring is finally here. It may be the end of April, but I have finally put the winter coats in the spare closet and have broken out the skirts and t-shirts. This weekend, for the first time this year, I got to wear a pair of shorts, t-shirt, and even a skirt! I just love to feel the warm sun on my face, arms, and legs, and not to be bundled under several layers of warm clothing. But even better than feeling the sun, is finally seeing leaves begin to grow on the bare branches. Winter in northern NY can be so long, harsh, and dead feeling. Skeletons of trees are all around, and the life is hiding away. Now, it is finally creeping back. The lawns that were once covered with snow are green, plants are poking up everywhere, and soon the trees will have leaves. Anyway, I just thought I'd share a little bit of my excitement, but now I'm heading outdoors to soak up some more sun and enjoy the beauty of spring!

For the Guys: weapon enthusiast

bullets and secrets - Silverfalls Designs

$19

30-30 Winchester Brass Twist Pen - A Well Dressed Bullet

$26

Magazine Rack: American Patchwork & Quilting

American Patchwork & Quilting

Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) is a lot more than a single magazine these days.  They offer a variety of specialty magazines on variety of subjects from simple home makeovers to quilting.  The June 2009 edition of American Patchwork & Quilting is becoming a fast favorite for both of us.  We've both looked through it several times, found inspiration, and are planning projects.  There are a wide variety of quilt patterns, from beginner to advanced (each is also labled with a skill level) and some great tips, suggestions, and techniques as well.  There is an inspiring interview with Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs along with photos of her beautiful studio, home, and quilts.  Visit All People Quilt for a preview of this and other BHG quilting magazines, as well as online projects, instructions, tips, and much more.

Our Stash on Flickr

We thought we'd give a peek into our stash on Flickr.  If you like what's in our shop and are curious what may be coming in the future, you'll be able to see what kinds of fabrics and yarn we've found and are planning to use.  In addition, if you see something that you like and would like to have made into a crib quilt, lap quilt, stroller quilt, table scarf, or almost anything else.  Just send an e-mail or convo on Etsy and we'd be happy to work with you.  Here's a look at what you'll find:

Shopaholic: Lines & Designs

Adult Felted Slipper PDF Pattern

These slippers are just too cute.  In a search for a pair of handmade slippers to replace my raggy ones, I stumbled upon Lines & Designs.  Because I love to knit, and because I live in such a cold place with a house full of hardwood floors I go through lots of slippers, I ordered the pattern.  It was easy to follow and the product turned out perfectly.  However, honestly, for $32, you cannot go wrong with buying the slippers already knit.  For the cost of materials and time it takes to knit them, this is a steal! Especially since she'll knit them to your size and use your color choices.  I'm so pleased with mine, they're cosy, a great fit, and so cute.  Everyone who visits my house compliments them (because I'm always wearing them).  What a find!

Behind the Scenes: Work at Home Designs

In our first Behind the Scenes column we'd like to introduce Maree of Work at Home Designs. Maree actually worked as our graphic designer, creating the amazing logo, Etsy Banner, Blog Header, and all the other Clover & Violet graphics you see on our sites. So, as you can imagine, we were thrilled when she agreed to be our first interviewee.

Basic Graphic Package $30

1. When did you start doing graphic design? I have been dabbling in graphic design since I was about 18 years old. The first thing I ever created on the computer was a haunted house using MSPaint. How funny. lol

2. Are you self-taught or did you attend school? I'm completely self taught. It's been a lot of online reading/reasearch, tutorials, frustration and trial and error but it's what I LOVE doing and it's been so worth it.

3. How did you find etsy? Actually...one of my online friends started selling her crafts on Etsy and when I visited her shop I just fell in LOVE with the whole concept! Etsy is an amazing place! After awhile...I decided to give it a go myself (mainly because I could NOT make myself go back to my 9-5 job after my third child was born..but we needed a second income to survive). I started out with hopes of being able to sell my handmade illustrated cards but when I discovered that Etsy allowed the sale of graphic design...I jumped at the chance! I KNEW that was certainly something I could do (I'd been doing feelance work on and off for several years).

Premade Etsy Set $20

4. What does your daily routine look like? Oh my. Hmm. Well, I wake up...and check my Etsy convos and email first thing. I then make plans about what orders I'll work on that day and answer any inquiries I may have. Thankfully I have a great husband (who happens to be a stay at home daddy right now due to a lay off from work several months ago) to help out with the kids or I'd be lost! lol Then I play with my youngest little guy (18 months) for awhile...then it's time to go to work. I usually have a decent workload so I work most of the day (on and off) like I would with any regular job. After the older kids get home from school I usually try to stay away from the computer so I can make dinner and help with homework or play games and so on. Then once everyone's is fed, bathed and cuddled a bit...it's back off to work for awhile (on most nights) then a shower and bedtime. Wow, not very exciting huh? lol

5. When is your most creative time of day? I'm a total night owl. I LOVE to work at night when everyone is asleep. I can actually hear myself think. lol

6. What has created the biggest challenge for you? My biggest challenge has certainly been finding a balance between work and my normal family life. When I first opened my Etsy shop I knew I'd have to spend a lot of time working and promoting if I wanted to have any chance of being successful. So...I worked 7 days a week and sometimes up to 15 hours a day (and paid myself a LOT less back then by the way lol). It got old...quick. I finally realized that if I didn't slow down my kids were going to forget who I was. lol Not to mention the housework was falling way behind. I finally decided to set shop hours and take weekends off. The balance still isn't perfect...but we're getting there for sure!

7. What do you do when you're not being a mom or a designer? I love to craft! I love to make cards and scrapbook, create unique decorations for my kid's rooms and um...*blushes* browse Etsy. I LOVE looking at all of the wonderful handmade items. I can lose hours searching through Etsy and not even realize it. I also adore a good Stephen King book from time to time.

Custom Character $50

8. What do you do when you've had a bad day? If I've had a REALLY bad day I'll just send my husband out to get dinner and then we'll watch a movie together with the kids. The fact that I don't have to cook and do dishes (even though my hubby helps a LOT) is a real comfort to me and watching a movie helps me forget whatever has happened that day to upset/annoy me. Oh, and bubble baths and chocolate are good too!!!

9. What kinds of things do you shop for on Etsy? I am a handmade soap ADDICT! I absolutely love it and can't get enough of it. I seriously have a ton of handmade soap in my bathroom just waiting to be used. I also love to shop for unique children's toys. I've gotten my little ones some of THE custest little treasures from Etsy.

10. Do you have a favorite purchase? I actually have two favorite purchases. I can't choose just one.I LOVE my Family blocks from A Sign of the times. Then there's this fabulous illustration from Marisa at Elegant Snobbery. I actually bought three different prints for the baby's room but this is my favorite. Not only is Marisa incredibly talented...she is the sweetest, down to Earth gal EVER. I just adore her.

Premade 2 Inch Printable Sticker $3

We could not be more pleased with the work Maree has done for us, I imagine anyone else would say the same.  Even if you don't have an Etsy shop, if you like to blog Maree does custom blog headers and cutsom blogger templates as well.

The Giveaway:

Maree is graciously giving away not 1, but two free premade 2 inch printable sticker designs.  These would be great not only for an Etsy shop, but also for a birthday party, baby shower, other event, and even address labels.  To enter, visit Maree's shop or banner portfolio and come back here to leave a comment with a favorite item.

To earn extra entries (make sure to let us know in your comment):

• Follow our blog
• Follow Maree's blog
• Tell a friend and have them leave a comment

You have until 7am on Monday, May 3, to enter, and the winner will be announced later that morning.  We hoped you enjoyed getting to know Maree as much as we have.

Baby Shower Vol. 1

Every other week we'll feature some cute baby shower gift ideas under $30.  Happy shopping!

Large Felt Flower Headband - littlemissmoon $10

Organic Cotton Little Button Loafers - HeathersHobbies $12

All Cotton Ella Dress - e2designs $25

Par Avion Ruffle Pants - BettsyKingston $20

We have a winner!

Thanks to all who entered our Grand Opening Giveaway.  This morning we randomly drew the luck winner from this little ice cream bowl:

and the winner is:

Molly!

So, congratulations to Molly of Whimsy House!  Molly choose one of our self-binding flannel blankets for her daughter, "who has recently taken to loving blankets,"  we hope she loves this one.

Also, check out Molly's Etsy Shop for some unique, fun, affordable goodies.  Congratulations again!

Travels: Patchwork Plus Quilt Shop

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that one of Better Homes and Gardens Quilt Sampler Featured Shops of 2009 is in my neck of the woods!  Sometimes living in upstate New York can be dreary and disappointing, the winters are long and harsh, and I've never seen so many seasonal shops/restaurants/parks anywhere else.  However, a short road trip this weekend brought me right to this amazing quilt shop in Marcellus, NY - Patchwork Plus Quilt Shop.  It was a quilter's heaven, and they carry yarn too!  Needless to say, I was in complete awe and enjoyed every moment.  However, it was a little overwhelming, since I didn't show up with a plan for what I wanted.  So, instead, I picked up some lovely fat quarters from the Stone Cottage line by Renee Nanneman of Need'l Love, some Sirdar Snuggly Double Knitting yarn in creamy neutrals and a soft blue, and a couple sets of needles I'd been looking for these last couple months.

Not only did I immensely enjoy the quilt shop, but the weather was beautiful and the was drive lovely.  Spring is slow to arrive in the northeast, but every spring-like day is a blessing, especially when fabric and yarn are involved!

P.S. I also knit a baby hat out of lovely violet yarn while Josiah was driving, and have almost finished one out of the new yarn since getting home, they will be listed later today!

Magazine Rack: Debbie Bliss Knitting

We really enjoy magazines and pattern/idea books. Whether they are quilting, knitting, home decor, or something else entirely, there are often great projects, ideas, and other inspiration to be found. Sometimes we just enjoy looking at the pictures too. Each week we will feature a different magazine or book from the bookshelf that we've actually bought, looked at, and enjoy. Why feature magazines and books on Saturdays, you ask? Well, our families spend a good portion of our Saturdays out enjoying new historic sites or other places we haven't been, and magazines and books are a great thing to bring along in the car on such a trip.

 Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine

This is probably one of Jennie's favorite magazines. Not only is it filled with beautiful Debbie Bliss patterns, but the magazine itself is just beautiful to look at. This particular issue is full of soft colors, beautiful textures, spring knitting patterns, and a great interview with Louisa Harding. It is one of those magazines that one could just skim through repeatedly, and still enjoy. The only negative is that it is only published once a quarter, so it will be a couple months before the next issue arrives.

Sneak Peek No. 6

Jennie's been working on a new quilt featuring the Floragraphix III by Jason Yenter. Here is an example of the pattern and some of the fabrics, but each windmill will be a single print.

Shopaholic: Leafgreen Handmade

In addition to making things, we love to shop for handmade items as well. This column will be devoted to some of our handmade finds! It will run once a week on different days, so check back often for our lastest finds!

Leafgreen Handmade - Sewing Roll

This little sewing roll is a treasure.  It is beautifully made, many of the details are hand stitched, and the fabric is just lovely.  It has spots for a seam ripper, scissors, needles, pins, mini rotary cutter, bone folder/turner, pens, and more.  Workmanship and design were impressive, and it arrived so quickly, considering it was sent from the UK to the USA.  Leafgreen Handmade is full of treasures, and all are affordable too.  Check it out!

First Treasury!

We got a treasury spot! What better to fill it with than cute baby items? Enjoy!

For the Guys: the writer

While shopping for handmade items of all sorts we've noticed that there seems to be a vast assortment of items for women and children, but only a handful for men. Since most of us have dads, brothers, husbands, and other men we care about, this column is devoted to finding items for the men in our lives.

Here you will find two coordinating items for the men in your life. Both items will total under $75, so the pair is still affordable. Check back every other Tuesday for more guy finds!

For the writer:

If you know a guy who takes notes, carries a notepad, or is always searching for a great pen, here are a couple of items that caught my eye.  Even a guy who doesn't do much writing would enjoy the quality of these products.

Natural Tan Basic Leather Journal - Julie Boyles Books

$24

Olivewood Americana Wood Pen - Woodcrafts & Candles $25

Grand Opening & Giveaway

After many hours in front of the sewing machine, serger, and ironing board, we finally have some items for sale in our shop. We are still working on adding to our inventory and we would appreciate your feedback, please vote on our poll to the right.

Now, here are a few photos from our shop: 

Cozy Flannel Blanket - $26

Lilac Quilted Diaper Bag - $38

Paisley and Poppy Mini Quilt - $40

The Giveaway:

To celebrate our Grand Opening we're going to give a lucky winner their choice of either a cozy flannel blanket or 20% off an item in our shop. To enter visit our Etsy shop and then come back here and leave a comment with either a favorite item or something you would like to see in our shop in the near future.

To earn extra entries you can:

1. follow our blog
2. blog about this giveaway
3. follow us on Twitter
4. tweet this giveaway
5. become a fan of our Facebook Page
6. tell a friend and have them comment

Be sure to let us know if you have earned any extras and leave a link too. Also, please leave either your Etsy username or e-mail address in your comment so we can reach you if you win.

The giveaway closes Monday, April 20 at 7am, the winner will be drawn at random and announced later that morning. Good luck and thank you for visiting!

 

Grand Opening

Our shop is open! Check back tomorrow for the official grand opening and giveaway!

Sneak Peek No. 5

A mini quilt (perfect for a car seat) in red paisley and poppies:

Sneak Peek No. 4

Diaper Bag in the works:

Sneak Peek No. 3

Clara has been working on this adorable baby bedding set complete with quilted blanket, bumbers, and crib skirt:

Sneak Peek No. 2

Knitted baby hats:

Sneak Peek No. 1

We're busy working away, finishing up a variety of products for our grand opening in the next week or two, but in the meantime, here is a sneak peek of a quilt Jennie's been working on: