etsy — Page 23

Working on Inventory for the Etsy Shop

January 14, 2012 at 11:24 am by Claudia

I’m crocheting some Obsession scarves for my soon-to-be Etsy shop. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about, last winter I was completely caught up in making these scarves, also known as the Queen Anne’s Lace pattern. I made several of them, including a few for fellow bloggers. I love crocheting these beauties. I’ve decided that the Etsy shop will carry vintage finds and handmade pieces, by the way.

My goal this next week is to get the Etsy shop up and running…or at least almost up and running! I have a big old learning curve to deal with so I will be researching and asking advice from my fellow Etsy sellers.

My sister is also contributing some of her exquisite handmade (on her loom) shawls and scarves. Here’s a peek at what she sent me the other day:

Let me tell you, they are soft and beautifully woven and gorgeous. I am honored to sell her creations. Check out her latest post in which she writes about how she weaves and creates on her loom.

The wind has died down, thank goodness. No damage to the trees. About 3:00 yesterday afternoon, I decided that if ever there was a hot chocolate kind of day, this was it, and made myself a cup. Then I settled in my chair and talked on the phone with my sister, Brenda and my dad.

Today might just be a hot chocolate kind of day, as well. Don’t you agree?

Presents for Your Loved Ones (or You!)

December 3, 2011 at 10:57 am by Claudia

Every once in a while, I treat myself to a little something. The challenge is to get something for a wee amount of money. Do you do that, as well?

Yesterday, my little treats arrived.

First up: This is both a personal and business-type treat.

My business cards from Moo. Have you visited Moo? They offer business cards, mini cards, Christmas cards…you name it. I ordered the mini cards about a year ago, and though they are lovely, they’re just too small for me. This time I went with a regular business card. The process couldn’t be easier. I uploaded a favorite blog header photo and the rest was a breeze. You can put what you like on the back. I included my blog URL and the URL of my future Etsy shop. The card stock is of a great quality; thick and durable. I ordered 50 cards for $21.90, but they have all sorts of quantities.

These would be a great stocking stuffer for you or someone you love. And Moo has no idea I’m writing about them, I’m just pleased as punch by the quality.

Next up: While reading one of my favorite blogs, Pretty By Hand (you should see the wonderful quilts and embroidery created by this blogger,) I came across this post. It was all about the pin toppers created by talented Gigi Minor of Pinks and Needles. I was instantly smitten. What’s a pin topper? Here’s the one I ordered:

A little bluebird. She makes these. You should see the amazingly scrumptious pin toppers in her Etsy Shop. They are so lovely, so whimsical that I dare you not to fall in love with them.

Little bluebird is flying right over the pincushion I bought from Betty. I can tell you right now: I will be ordering more of these. She has cupcakes, flowers, a little sewing machine….I want them all.

Oh drat, there’s a dog hair on the pincushion. But then, there are dog hairs everywhere here.

I’m thinking these would also make excellent stocking stuffers or gifts for someone who loves sewing and needlework. Or they could be a special treat for you.

Last, but not least: Many of you may already know of her blog, but for those of you who don’t…stop everything and read Susan Branch’s blog. Yes, that Susan Branch. Writer, illustrator, and nester. She writes the most wonderful posts – all about food and home and the seasons and pets and everything that makes a house a home. You really feel like you’re sitting by the fire in her home, chatting away.

I’ve known about Susan for a long time, but when I first discovered her blog, I did that thing you do when you are instantly entranced by someone. I went back and read every entry. I even bought 2 of her books because I now have a big old crush on her.

Give yourself a little present. Make a cup hot chocolate and settle in with her wonderful writing and illustrations. And make a cup for me!

Around the Cottage

November 30, 2011 at 9:49 am by Claudia

Well, the big news here at Mockingbird Hill Cottage is….hang on to your hats…the septic tank was emptied yesterday!

I know. Take a moment to collect yourself. If I had been a bit more on top of things, I would have taken pictures. I could have devoted a whole post to the process.

Let me tell you, the guy who drives that truck and empties the tank deserves to be paid very well.

I keep forgetting to share this little gem with you. I discovered it in a local shop and was planning to sell it in my future Etsy shop. But Don claimed it. It’s about 2 inches high and says:

I’ll hold your rings
For you;
While dishes or
Washing you do.

Souvenir of Lake George, NY

Lake George is quite a bit north of us, in the Adirondacks.

The little lid comes off and there is a little well with a piece of wood in the center, just like a ring holder. I used this on Thanksgiving when I took my wedding ring off in order to make biscuits. It lives on the window ledge by the sink. I love these little wooden souvenirs. They look handmade and are so gosh darned charming.

Can you find Scout in the background of the photo?

By the way, I’ve actually signed up for my Etsy shop! Someone already had the name Mockingbird Hill – I couldn’t add ‘Cottage’ because there were too many characters. So it will be under my user name of ScoutHarper. I have no idea when it will open, but I’m aiming for the first of the year. I will carry vintage finds and some handmade things, as well. I’m getting excited.

Playing with the Necco Candy Jar:

Filled with the fabric Easter eggs I made a couple of years ago. The pastel colors remind me of yummy candy.

I’ll eventually fill it with something Christmas-y but I refuse to start Christmas decorating this early. I’m adamant about the subject. Hey, I love Christmas decorations as much as anyone else, but for me, the season loses its sense of wonder if I rush into decorating the minute Thanksgiving has ended. We always get a real tree – usually around December 10th or so. Then the decorating will begin.

They’re in the jar temporarily. In fact, I’ve already removed them. The inside of the jar still smells musty. I’ve used coffee grounds in the past to remove mustiness. I have some ready to go. Any other suggestions?

I must thank you for the wonderful and moving comments on the “Blogging Etiquette: Mean Girls” post. Wow. I read them all more than once. I was touched and in some cases, moved to tears. This clearly resonates with all of us. Whether we’ve witnessed someone being bullied or suffered through the bullying of one of our children or have been bullied ourselves – this kind of behavior leaves lasting scars. I feel passionately about the subject and it’s clear that you do, too. Thank you.

Working on Inventory for the Etsy Shop

Presents for Your Loved Ones (or You!)

Around the Cottage

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

Archives