Friendlyhands

Our kitchen project

2010-11-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

For our anniversary this year, my husband and I decided to tile a backsplash in the kitchen. We searched the internet for how to install tile and after watching many many videos and reading how to sites we finally decided to tackle it!!!!

A few cuts left, a 24 hour dry time before we can do the grouting! I am beat, lets order in a pizza:)

PAINTING CONTAINERS

2010-07-14T15:13:00.001-07:00

These are the containers that I am painting for the Cancer Society. I am on a team named Lois's Angels for The Relay For Life. This is our 2nd year and we are still learning what fund raisers work. The containers are donated and I paint on them and then the team sells them! Total profit for the Cancer Society so I love doing them but I am running out of ideas....
So far we sold 6 out of 8 at a church event! We were so pleased!! Then 7 more showed up at my door. Take a look and let me know what you think:)
And don't forget to donate to the Relay For Life / The American Cancer Society. It's a good cause!

The picture tells the story...

2009-05-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

47 isn't so bad?!

Donation for the American Cancer Society

2009-05-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

What a better donation than a basket full of fun happy sock monkeys!! I was asked to donate a craft basket for a Chinese Auction to help raise money for The Cancer Society and couldn't resist creating a basket with my favorite crafts, Sock Monkeys and Crochet!

What a find...the perfect basket with fun colors and balls around the edge. I used that as the theme dressing one monkey in a ball uniform and making a crocheted baseball and cap. One I just dressed in fun baby clothes and I crocheted two bananas for the cheerleaders to hold leaving the trouble making little boy....I crocheted him a miniature gecko with googly eyes.
I completed the basket with hanging three rubber balls from the handle and used fancy sport paper napkins as filler. Wrap it up and hope it takes in a bundle for a great cause!!!

Easter Rabbit Slippers

2009-03-04T12:05:00.001-08:00

OK I couldn't help myself...I just had to make a pair of rabbit slippers for my Easter sock monkey for sale in my shop!!!
http://annette1533.etsy.com
Don't forget to stop in:)

Spring forward???

2009-03-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am sooo ready!! After being confined to my daughter's room for over a week, I am ready for SPRING....
Poor thing, she was sick,sick,sick. First the doctor said an intestinal virus but when she didn't get any better but worst he decided to test for salmonella food poisoning! UGH! She lost a total of 8 pounds taking her down to 101. They just let it ride its long ugly course with lots of fluids.
I am happy to say she is much better in just a few days of solid foods. Back to school to make up lots of homework.
The doctor just called to tell me the results of the test WAS NOT salmonella!!!!! It was another type blah blah... THANK GOD!
Well at least I gave her room a good cleaning and went through all her clothes..WOW did I have bags and bags that don't fit or she just doesn't like. Some with tags I will try to sell on e-bay , some to a second hand store and most to the goodwill.
Now I can start working on my little bears that have been calling my name:)

Barely time

2009-02-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Playing with dolls

2009-02-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

Raggedy Ann will always be in my heart! I created this miniature using my own raggedy doll as a model.

Make me Laugh

2009-01-26T08:18:00.001-08:00

I love to laugh! They say laughter is the best medicine and sock monkeys always make me laugh....check out this blog, it's sure to make you laugh too
http://www.cutethingslaughing.com/
I also added it to my sites to see!
Laugh On

Sock Monkey Love

2009-01-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

My love for sock monkeys keeps growing! Recently I was asked to make three sock monkeys with embroidered names...I just couldn't resist making a few extras for them. It helps when they give you some info about who they are for!
Baby Boy Shower ZAYDEN

I had to make Baby Booties for him:)
Then there was LOGAN He likes baseball
and last we have Ayano
She lives in Japan and is turning 2 next month:) Happy Birthday!

Candy Hearts

2009-01-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

I crocheted these hearts using cotton thread then dipped them in fabric stiftener. Add some ribbon to hang them with ♥

I just love those candy hearts that come in a box and have those cute little sayings like...Kiss Me, Love me, Be mine. They are different colors. My favorite is the purple ones!
I just have to get me a box of them ♥

Everything small

2009-01-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

I have this new found interest in miniatures....a perfect solution for storage problems!!!
Miniature sock monkeys, frogs, pigs, cats, dogs. You name it! I even started a rug that I am embroidering on.
I have so much to learn about this world of miniatures and I am trying to find instructions on how to joint my creatures so their arms and legs can move...any ideas would be welcome ♥
Yes this year I will be crocheting everything small ♥

TRADITION

2008-12-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

Every year our family gets together Christmas Eve at my parents home to celebrate.
I am very thankful that my Father made it for another feast with the family.
After we over eat and exchange gifts we play some cards....
The miniature sock monkey that I made my sister joined in on some fun...what a gambler she turned out to be.
The kids just couldn't keep us with us old folks!
Hope Santa didn't scare off my daughter's boyfriend..lol
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year to All ♥

I did it !!!!

2008-12-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

This custom snow suit...

Button down or button legs...
I was contacted on my shop http://annette1533.etsy.com
to do this variation of a baby bunting I sell, but for a toddler. What a great idea to have it either button up for legs or just the traditional button front. She gave me all the measurments and I was pleased how it turned out. THANKS NANCY for the inspiration, the pleasure was mine ♥

Glad she sent a photo with it on her little girl...busy, busy, busy

Christmas giveaway

2008-12-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

Time for the Christmas Spirit and what better than a SOCK MONKEY giveaway!!!!!?????!!!!

This fellow is ready to sit under your Christmas tree with his santa hat and friendly smile...

visit my shop at http://annette1533.etsy.com/

Post a comment about what you would like to see more of to enter! It's that easy!

Don't forget to leave a way to contact you ♥

GIVEAWAY RUNS THROUGH DECEMBER 12TH.

Winner will be random drawing

AND THE WINNER IS....

2008-11-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Crocheted Boa Giveaway is.....MICAELA6955....Congratulations !!!!!!
This was my first giveaway and I am very pleased. I wish all could win so I decided to have another giveaway. I have something special in mind so check back to see what will be next.
Thank-you again, ALL OF YOU, for your support and encouragement ♥

Happy Holidays to all and stop back for your chance in my December Holiday Giveaway comming soon ♥

Micaela6955, your boa awaits!

♥ Thank-you ♥

2008-11-23T00:30:00.000-08:00

OMG these guys are sooo fun and seem to be a hit so far in my shop.
I bought these custom magnets from http://tagsandbuttons.etsy.com/. She put my little monkeys on them with my Etsy shop around the ring! Check her out, she has all kinds of promotional pins, buttons, magnets and the cutiest mini matchbook notepad sets!
What wonderful thank-you gifts. Perfect for my two sales I got Friday night for my
Mighty Monkeys ♥
off they go ....weeeeee
Don't forget to order yours today!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17606289

Let it Snow!

2008-11-22T06:55:00.001-08:00

My daughter and her boyfriend made this snowman!

We got even more snow

and it is still snowing.....

I Love Western PA

2008-11-21T05:33:00.000-08:00

And they are calling for more..... the schools are running on a two hour delay...ARE THEY NUTS!!!

Micro Fight

2008-11-13T03:51:00.000-08:00

The Challengers

The Riblet

Defending Champion.

Weighing in at 1/8th of an ounce.

The Ferule Feline:

Tipping the scale at ZERO !

5-0 record. Let the fight begin......

Post your comments on which is your favorite and make the decisioning vote!

VOTE NOW

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER MY GIVEAWAY! WINNER WILL BE DRAWN NOVEMBER 24TH

My First Micro Miniature

2008-11-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

TADA...here he is. I do amigurumi critters but this is soooooo tiny I could barely hold onto him! Of course the first one jumped into my daughters pocket and is off to school with her. I added one to my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17185141 and hope to get some feedback on the fellow:)

I don't have a pattern , I was just playing around...I was inspired by the new tree frog widget I got for my sidebar on my blog. You can feed him by clicking on the picture, TOO FUN!

Picture here is two of them fighting over the laptop!
Hope to get some feedback so let it rip........

Win this Crocheted Boa

2008-11-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Here it is...my first ETSY giveaway!

A $20.00 value.

Well over 120 inches long, this extra long boa was crocheted in fall colors.

I used Homespun Lion Band yarn so it's full and very soft!
http://annette1533.etsy.com/

Enter between November 3rd and November 23rd.

Drawing will be announced Nov.24th !

Winner will be a random entry.

This is what you have to do to enter:

1.) Visit my etsy store at: http://annette1533.etsy.com/ between Nov.3rd - Nov.23rd

2.) Come back here and comment about something you like about my Etsy shop

3.) Be sure to leave a way to contact you!!

Thanks and good luck to the happy winner ♥

Monkey Lineup

2008-11-01T08:19:00.001-07:00

I have been busy indeed...Since the ornament exchange , I thought some Christmas ornaments in my shop would be a good idea! What better than Christmas Monkeys ♥

Who would think they could be so much fun! I made outfits from fleece and felt, added some bells and whistles and this is what I came up with.

I can't wait to get them all posted on my ETSY SHOP http://annette1533.etsy.com/

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

The gangs' all here!

2008-10-31T05:49:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your laptop is at the doctors? A perfect time to make these custom order monkeys! I had so much fun with this project. A grateful shout out to Patrick with Marios in Seatle, WA for placing this order on my http://annette1533.etsy.com/ shop!
Be sure to check back for my giveaway! Almost done:)

Flickr Friends

2008-10-07T04:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29096609@N05/

Thanks to JennyTheArtist 2's for including my mint green baby blanket in this collage on Flickr!

THE COST OF LANDSCAPING

2008-10-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely weekend to work outside in the garden. Our project of thinning, rearranging and shoveling tons and tons and tons of river rocks is just about done, at least for this year.
We had several set backs!
* I am not suppose to be doing this kind of work at all but I had to protect my babies from the Big Footed Stomp Monster (my husband)
....after everyday we got the chance to work on the project my back would be out and I would be in severe pain for several days,
* my heart would race and I would get out of breath.....Failed a stress test and found a heart problem to add to my list of heath issues....
* my husband failed to latch the trailer on correctly and the trailer came off with a ton of rocks, swinging around and trashing the entire back of his new dually
and finally
* we ran out of fabric to put down to help prevent any weeds We have lots more to do but I think I will like it a lot when it is all done...I wonder how much it did actually cost?!!!!!!

Blog Tag?

2008-10-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

Well here I am, playing a game of "blog tag" which means I must reveal 6 secrets about myself then tag others to do the same. Thanks madboo....you can check her out at http://madboodesigns.etsy.com/ or read her secrets at http://madboodesigns.blogspot.com/
Here goes:
6. I am very unhealthy and overweight, that said I have a brown belt in martial arts from back in the day:)
5. I am a control freak...everything has a place, that said I am so organized that I am unorganized
4. I never loose a fight ...ask my husband, he always says "YES DEAR"
3. I don't know how to sew , ya I took a mandatory class in high school back in the day:) I used to watch my Mom lay patterns out all over the dinning room table and pray it wasn't for me!!!!!!!!
2. 95% of gift giving is homemade....my boss called me thrifty, my employees called me cheap!
1. Jack of all trades, master of none...I guess that isn't much of a secret

OK, then now, I have to find others to play along....
http://lazytcrochet.blogspot.com/
http://ainescannell.blogspot.com/
http://tulipstalking.blogspot.com/
http://hippiedippydesigns.blogspot.com/

Hope she likes it:)

2008-09-21T06:56:00.001-07:00

All done..I think I should make it a wall hanging. I will let Pat decide what she wants to do with it, after all her kitchen was recently remodeled and she is still accessorizing.

I will be sure to post a picture once it is given its home....Hope she likes it:)

Learning to Quilt?

2008-09-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Yeh, since I have nothing else to do, like making cookies for my nephews wedding or sitting with my Dad after his open heart surgery, I thought I would learn to quilt. I was embroidering this rooster and thought it would make a cool hot pad. So I went on line to find out how to quilt....

I used a fall fabric to make my "sandwich" and pinned it all up. I also thought I would make yoyos to frame it...now I have to read what kind of stitch to use and get at it...

I will be sure to let you know how it turns out:)

Waiting for the OK

2008-09-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

Every now and again you come across a pattern that you really like and this ghost is too fun. I did him with #20 crochet thread and I think he came out great!!! I e-mailed the designer Connie Folse and I am waiting for permission to sell. Sure hope she lets me:) but I bet I can find someone who would love him as a gift...lol

Just got word...I can sell it anywhere but on the web:( Looks like an October present it is!

Etsy Treasury

2008-09-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

I am so pleased that my crazy cat, scratch, was hand picked by by a fellow etsyhookers team member to put in her treasury!!!! Thanks hookedonthread...sell wishes to all:)
Please come check out her treasury:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=6243

10 LONG YEARS

2008-08-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, the weather will be changing here in Western PA soon and since I am slow moving I must start the Fall Gardening.

This year I have to down size my flower gardens even more:( It took me a few weeks of crying about it, after all it took 10 long years to get it where I wanted it!

It wasn't all about the landscaping...it was a hobby. A place I would go after work and loose my thoughts. Bury my stress amongst it.

It had become another reminder of what I can no longer do. It doesn't deserve to be ignored and choked with weeds! There has to be a way to save it.

I have given parts of it to friends and family. With the brawn of my husband, I have decided what will be boxed and set by the roadside marked "free to a good home". Babies from the original flowers.

I think I will like the new design I made for the landscaping. River rocks will pave the way to walk through easily and painted markers with the type will adorn the flowers. I came across a small rock water fountain and an antique bird bath that will fill the void. I even have a spot for the hummingbirds to play!

It should last another 10 long years..............................

Inspired by CHRISTIAN THE LION

2008-08-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

Watch the touching true story of Christian The Lion >>>>>above on this blog from you tube

Think Big

2008-07-13T11:34:00.001-07:00

Who says big is better?

Bird watching

2008-07-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

I have really been interested in the hummingbirds this year. I have always loved to watch them in my flower gardens and never maintained a feeder for them till this year. They arrived in early May but I didn't get my feader out until the middle. The male was the first to come. I put equal amounts of water and sugar to keep his interest. The male guards the feeders from my antenna and lookes from front yard to back yard to make sure no other male enters the picture. (My sister and I watched this as we floated in the pool for a couple days.) Feeding every 15 minutes.

Once the females arrives and eats till her hearts content, she notices the male as he makes himself noticed by making large sweeping flights in the sky. She just hangs out on the feeder out front like it was the beach, taking in the sites, leaving occasionally to swing with the wind on the branches of a nearby red plum tree. He would join her and they would buzz around the branches like it was the monkey bars at the playground. After a couple weeks I didn't see much of her and the quick visits by him made me think they found other places more attractive until they just appeared again with a baby. She was fuzzy and a little smaller if they could get any smaller. I couldn't keep track of how many or if there was just the one because they were always feeding and buzzing about. I had to change my THREE feeders twice in one week. I could see little bubbles float to the top of the feeder as they sucked it dry.

The mom and dad started their courtship again so they must be nesting close by. I have at least four different ones feeding now and they all look the same size. I can only hope that in a few more weeks I will get to see another baby! Till then I will crochet on the porch, watching them play and getting chirpped at when they need more food. Taking a photo now and again.

Be sure to look close, they are so small and they blend into the leaves so well:)

I am a HOOKER

2008-06-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

I joined a team called the etsyhookers team, hoping to get inspired. They have a challenge in progress: to make a crocheted item with the colors of the rainbow. You have to use at least 5. If I'm not crafting I'm probably in my flower garden, so I thought flowers fit me well. I finished up and got it posted to my etsy shop. This was really fun! It motivated me to create something that summed up my life completely. GO HOOKERS !! I posted their blogspot link as well as under sites to see. Enjoy, some real beautiful work there.

Father's Day

2008-06-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day

My Father is special to his three girls. We are all grown up but to Dad we are still his little girls. My sister took a pair of my Dad's "gold toe" dress socks and gave them to me to make a Father's Day Monkey. I made babies and gave them to my sisters on Mother's Day and was glad to put it all together on a special day for Dad. Can you guess which baby monkey I am?

I Love You Dad! Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

Motivation???

2008-05-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

What drives you everyday, to do the same routine, to just get into that happy place, to wash and clean and cook, to get out of bed and get dressed, to be yourself, to please everyone else? I need to know! Are you motivated by guilt? love? faith? money? pride? pleasure? Do others motivate you? are you a free spirit? I would love to read what makes everyone tick. The whats,whos and whens. If you would like to share a story or a thought................I need to be motivated!!!
I am in a rut of nothingness, pain is at my side everyday, guilt drives me to do what is expected of me, and pride eats at me. Money is a thing of the past for me, as is faith and pleasure. I am motionless. I am alone in a crown of people. I'm tired of being tired and sick of being sick. I need to be motivated!!!

My Spring Poem

2008-04-25T06:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long

but spring has sprung

and I'm not done!

Lots to do and lots that's new.

Lot's been happening, how about you?

A monkey tree , for my birthday you know.

I'll be 46 and I'm trying to sew.

A little of this and a lot of that,

no wonder that I've become so fat!

The doctor visits, the steroids and such,

have got me watching soap operas with lunch.

Time for a pill but my pool needs filled.

I wonder who's on today's Dr. Phil!

I've got ants and spiders and all that stuff

my daughter is freaking, she's not so tough!

So spring has sprung , I've got nothing to do

but kill the ants and a spider or two.

The grass needs cut, the garden needs tilled,

my husband will do it, I'm sure he'll be thrilled.

Clean the hot tub, fill the pool

start in the kitchen till quarter till 2

Time for a nap, the ants march on by

maybe tomorrow I'll give it a try.

Do I hear thunder? It started to rain.

That would definitely explain the pain!

Yes, spring has sprung and no one is done.

Let's make a monkey.

Now that sounds like fun!!!!!!!!!!!

Flickr?

2008-02-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

I decided to check out Flickr, since I heard about it so much in the Etsy forums. Pretty neat....I posted pictures of my other passion being Gardening. I really like to check out everyone elses pictures. It makes me want to take more photos of things you see and take for granted. Maybe it's a bug or a butterfly. Some people can make a crack even look cool. Like seeing the world through someone elses eyes....what do they notice, what are they interested in, is it the color? or are they focused on where they are going and what time they have to be there? If you have the time check out some of my pics. See you there.

Bananas

2008-02-11T05:58:00.000-08:00

This little fuzzy cutie doesn't eat much ...

then you have.......This guy who just can't get enough!!

He even had the nerve to get a tatoo, it doesn't help that it says MOM. If he comes home with an earing he's OUT OF HERE!

Let's Talk

2008-02-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

What will you be doing this Sunday?!
Maybe darning your husbands socks!!!
Maybe making deals with your daughter for socks!!!
This has got to stop at some point.

It was never me with the sock fetish!! My sister always had to have special cute socks to wear. Not me...I like to go barefoot! Yes sockless! Yeh they are cute and fun to play with when made into a monkey or something but when you have to turn them the right side out to wash and then FOLD them. Are you nuts? YUK !!!!

They are confinding and OMG the littlebaby ones are the worst...let the toes breath for goodness sakes. They have been crammed inside your body for 9 months. Let them be free! Powder them, play little piggies or popcorn shrimps with them.

Anything but wash them and sort them only to have one ESCAPE !

Where do they go? How long do you keep rewashing the same one in hopes that the other will appear, or is it the other one that came back and the one you had escaped. How would you know? When do you decide to get rid of it? You know the other one will come back and then it will take several washings to remember you threw the other one away weeks ago!!!

Yeh, I know what I'll be doing today, after doing a load of SOCKS............................

MAKING MORE SOCK MONKEYS!!!!!!!!!!

Just Monkeying Around

2008-01-24T04:58:00.000-08:00

When my daughter had to have knee surgery, I wanted to have something special for her when she came out of the operating room. An original sock monkey would do the trick. I had been looking around for the "socks" and finally came across them.

She was surprised and he sure came in handy since her knee was worse than expected and he had to reconstruct as well! That's a long terrible time of 24/7 care and needing something to do to keep from going over the edge....baby monkeys?!

Lots of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are everywhere......

And now they brought friends....

Somebody stop me!!

Visit my shop at:

http://annette1533.etsy.com

They call it PUPPY LOVE...

2008-01-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

It took some convincing but as you see
Michelle and best friend Zipper

sat still long enough

to capture these photos.

Christmas at the ZOO!

2008-01-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

The holidays were better than expected. I kept myself busy making all my gifts and had some sales and special orders and bought some items from my fellow etsy people. The best is that a friend of mine opened a shop in town and is selling my things on consignment. I hope she makes it so I can too!!!!!!

Here are some of the Christmas gifts I made....

The bone pillow was a special order from a friend for his wife who loves her dachshund named ZIPPER, thus the idea...he is a jokster and she is more conservative so I pleased both. She promissed me a picture of her, zipper and the pillow but we all know how that goes...no one wants their picture on the world wide web....

Especially my sister who I crocheted a huge sock money for....it was a bit overwelming for the both of them.lol My daughter would only take a photo in disguise....

Love you both! Sorry I couldn't help myself.lol

HOW ABOUT IT

2007-12-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

Letter from GeorgeCarlin:
His wife just passed away...Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very appropriate...and so very...well... George Carlin.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, b ut have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living , but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time whe n there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin

Yippie Skippie

2007-11-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

SOLD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What a surprise it was that someone bought my afghan. I have been selling my pillows mostly and knew I sold one to a young lady in Canada, but I really needed a confidence booster and that did it!
It's hard to figure what people would buy. I thought my craft bags were going to fly out of there and I haven't sold one yet. I use mine always, and all those crafters out there well they don't know what the are missing. Scarves? Everyone makes those!
I have to thank everyone who has supported me. It means a lot that you like my work.
Well, I'm working on another pillow so chop chop.

It's been awhile!

2007-11-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to keep myself busy with crafts because I can concentrate on one and only one thing at a time. Even then I have those days when I can't figure out how to do something I used to be able to do in my sleep. Needless to say it gets pretty frustrating around here. We make jokes about a lot of it, mostly because it's so stupid you can't help but laugh.

Like trying to fill a pan with water and grabbing the strainer instead, then stand there wondering why it isn't full yet.

Like never being able to find my coffee cup and aftering searching the house you give up and get a new cup, fill it with water, open the microwave to find your first cup was in there the whole time...I'd like to know who put it in there! They keep telling me to start looking in the microwave and save all that searching. Now why didn't I think of that? DA

Like going to take a pill and stop right before you pop it in to see it's a partially popped pop corn I had picked up to throw away. Where did that pill go anyway? After searching on hands and knees did I remember I already took it. Yeh, when I found my coffee cup in the microwave!

On a brighter note....I am going to be an Aunt. Yes, Preston is ready to explode from his mother Shannon any day. Now you know I love babies. I decided to do a baby cozy instead of a blanket. Never did one and I had bought these notical vintage brass buttons from ETSY with him in mind and had to use them somehow. I think it turned out pretty nice. You are suppose to sew the bottom closed too but I like the easiest access to baby toes. Sure hope it fits him, I think he is going to be a whopper!
I liked it so much I thought maybe I would make a few to put on Etsy.

Notice the nautical buttons...a bit unusual but I would use regular buttons.

Just got word: this Tuesday she will be induced so I'll be awaiting his arrival.......................

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

2007-10-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated our 10 year. That means he can't just fire me without a fight.lol

Not being able to work in the real world , I had to think of something to get my husband that he doesn't already have. Sooooo..................since he jokes about me trying to sell on ETSY, I decided I should create something that would make him go hummm.

I took one of his 10000 of car T-shirts, one worn so thin you can almost see through it, and cut it up...OK I took 2, but he'll never miss them.

My husband likes to dragrace, as I have posted before on our trips to the dragstrip...I like to go , but as a spectator once you see all the cars go down a couple of times is plenty for me! I suppose it would be different if you was behind the wheel....

I had to put webbing face down on the shirt to give it strength. Then I sewed it onto a TOTE. Something everyman wants.lol I thought at least he could use it for a garbage , or carry some of his magazines in it to read at the track....

It wasn't enough...I had to put something on the back

He is the biggest Mopar fan. The "posting tree" is from the other shirt. When I was well, I painted a very large dragracing tree on the wall of his shop in the garage. Look pretty cool.

To my surprise he Loved it ♥ !!! He said he would carry his union buisness in it. WOW

I was shocked! He said his buddies would probably want one. Bring on the T-shirts baby. Give a man a picture of a car or motor head magazine and he's in his glory. Go figure.

What you ask did I get?!!!!

My skill saw broke and he tried to fix it but it was so old, 1966 Dremel that was my Dad's, he couldn't get the part. I was sad and asked Santa for one but he said no because I would probably cut my fingers off because of my vision problems.

He ♥ me!

He even saved the sander off the old

machine and attatched it to my

table! Yeh baby....

I played with some scrap and can't wait to put that puppy to good

use. I missed the Halloween season but Christmas.

Now where will all that be stored?!

Hopefully I'll start selling some things soon.

I wanna go play.

Bye-bye for now.

What an idea

2007-09-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

My sister gave me the idea of a cat mat. I never heard of one of these and I searched on Etsy and there they are! Well I had to modify the idea so...............................................

I used scrap yarn to make a rug with some toys for her to play with. I made a sachet for the catnip that has a drawstring for easy removal so it is completely

MACHINE WASHABLE &

DRYABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The test, well see for yourself......

she loves it.

I will be making and posting these on etsy soon.

Busy, busy, busy

2007-09-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

I've not been feeling well so I have a lot to catch up with. I spent most of the morning checking out some links from my friends on googlepages. There are some talented people out there and I was inspired to get a move on.

My mother embroidered these little sachets with ribbon....
I put rose scented potpourri in them and the whole house smells like roses.

She finished a small skunk that I also have to post but the little skunk looks too cute with the big door stop skunk, one she had made me previously. I'll get over it eventually.

I decided to use up some cool yarn and take a shot at a purse or two or three..... found these magnetic closer and Bam....what do you think? I'm not sure how much I should charge for anything!

This one I used velcro and it works but the clutch I used the magntic closer...couldn't get the stupid picture on here. Having a dada moment, I'll have to ride it out.

WHAT TO DO WITH SCRAP YARN, VOLTIVE CANDLE HOLDERS AND GLASS BOWLS

Make snowmen that don't melt. Easy to do. A little enamel paint, clear glass glue and fiberfill!

TaDa....

ORANGE

2007-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

I always thought my favorite color was red but I guess its about your color personality. I was afraid to take it since my attitude , my lifestyle, my opinion of myself since being diagnosed with a frustrating disease with no cure or answers. MS has taken over my life, I fight daily to make some sense of it and to try to keep the humor that I guess some take as weird. Needless to say I have to say orange is my color personality. What is yours?!
I have to thank DANCINGMOONEY for this colorful outlook into myself.lol
Annette

Day two

2007-08-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

I posted two scarves and a baby blanket yesterday. Today I had someone interested in my wooden angel but a smaller version. I posted a smaller angel (I had made for Christmas time) but they want the other one smaller. UGH My saw broke, I'm out of work, my doctors appointment didn't go so good, I wasted the day away!

Somebody stop me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I was voted President, I would enforce NAP TIME!

No negative threads about things that don't really matter anyway!

Everyone would share laundry duty!

Every kitchen would come with a menu board!

Everyone would have to say hello to one and other!

I think I'm going to take a nap, have my daughter do a load of towels, have my husband cook on the grill and not look at a PC screen or TV the rest of the day!
Amen and Good night

Back to school

2007-08-27T04:56:00.000-07:00

WOW, I love my kid but I am sooooo glad today was the first day of school!!! I have done nothing but run her and her friends around! OMG we still have one more fair to go....I don't know if I could take it.
I am so looking forward to spend the entire day working on my crafts. I found the perfect glass deal yesterday and already have two special orders to do. Yippie!!! I get more sales from friends than on my site. Not feeling the love there lately. I will continue to do what I do and if I can talk myself into it I may do a craft show. Well, off to paint some glass while I'm not shaking too bad. Gotta do it when my body lets me, not when I want to. I can always crochet though , thank god.

WHATS THAT BUG

2007-08-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

In all my years gardening I have never seen anything repulsive!

The life and death of an ugly bug.

I noticed my bell peppers were being eaten by something and some of my tomatoes had bites in them. There was small black turds laying around . I proceeded to take off the suckers and tie them up some more and then I touched something spiky....my scream had to be heard for miles. Now my vision became blurred and no vision in the right eye ( a lovely MS pain ) so I am looking and then I wasn't sure if I was seeing it or it was the medication.lol

Can you see it? So I do a freeky freek, run into the house deciding if I should jump in the shower or call 911. I called my Dad instead. We went on ask.com and put in...what eats tomato plants. Another scream heard from miles around. I decided I had to wrestle the beast from my garden but better take a few photos for proof. It seems lately I see things that are wack and tell my husband and he goes to my medicine and shakes the containers. Proof I have.

Yes he has eyes and teeth...lots of teeth. After I convinced him I wasn't going to hurt him, he started chomp away happily....oh no he didn't just do that!
He must be captured till I can read about him and find out more information. But how? With my vision coming in and out of focus I turn to them. Yes the guys next door who I have hated for days for keeping my fat body out of my pool!

The job need done. I couldn't wait for Mike to get home for who knows if I could find the creature again or if he would have devoured my entire garden! I walk over and asked if one of them would be so kind to get a bug off my tomato plant, not that I was afraid but I was having vision problems ...hehehhehehehe "Sure said the worker" snickering under his breath. I explained I wanted it alive and in a mason jar to show my husband...hehehehehhehehe

Asking a man to remove a bug....embarrassing

Seeing the look on his face when he sees the "bug".....priceless!

The creature has been captured after much hessitation and clipping a large piece of the bush...which it still ate in the mason jar mind you.

TOMATO HORN WORM...THE CATIPILLAR OF THE FIVE-SPOTTED HAWKMOTH

you just have to look it up to believe it.YUK

Not much crafting was done yesterday...afraid of my own shadow...felt like they were on me...the video of it is awesome but I don't know how to get that on here YET.

Today I go in the pool.

The day after

2007-08-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

What a day for sales for me... I was asked to do 5 Rosary beads from one of our fellow etsy peeps...word out to Glamorosi! You can catch her site glamorosi from my sites to see section; she does absolutely beautiful jewelery. I'm not just saying that cause she likes my work!!!!

Then I checked back later before bed and someone bought my wooden angel! I am so pleased. I did complete a Halloween tote like I said I was and that was a challenge working with fabric paint , no do overs there!!! I had to figure out how to put straps on and wow that was work too. I think it came out well and it's on my shop now to check out.

On to more serious business....my daughter is at cheer leading camp in Ocean City and we invite a few friends over to see what this guitar hero is all about. Yes we are now closet guitar hero's. I know I will catch at least one of them at Walmart practicing!!! Now mind you not one of us is under 40, so reaction time has slowed with the gravity pull and global warming. I now am questioning why my husband gets up so early before work because he was jamming. My girlfriend Janice's husband Jack did pretty good too...but Mike, Dude you sucked, Don't give your carpal tunnel excuses. I have MS and vision problems are on the top of my list! He wanted to know how it worked and read the directions. You just have to feel it baby, and go with it. Mike's wife Katie and Janice just took it all in with a glass of wine.

The day after; I woke up with a smile , sore wrists and planning my daughters next sleep over!

Thanks everyone for rocking with us it was really a good time!

Annette

I DON'T WANT TO!!

2007-08-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

Did you ever feel like you just didn't want to ? No physical therapy, No pepper picking, No laundry, No pulling weeds, No calling doctors, No filling medications, No running all over town, No cooking, No getting out of my Sponge Bob PJ's, No Judge Judy, No phone calls, No PC.......
WHAT DID YOU SAY????? NO PC?
OK I guess I'll make crafts all day, put a load of laundry in, pick peppers, call the doc., fill the meds, put clothes on, watch Judge Judy, return phone calls, run all over town for my daughter, cook dinner, and update my blog...sorry lose who already signed my guest book, I changed it about and lost all my guests so you'll have to sign in again....have fun this time, some pictures would be nice RYAN!
Off to get a move on even though
I DON'T WANT TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe a tote, I've never done one...what the heck a Halloween Tote, yeah with a scary picture, to go trick or treating with, that's the picture.....see you when I'm done.

Wait for it to happen

2007-08-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

My mother's "foxy rock" sold today! You should have seen her face when I went over to package it up for it's trip to Delaware. Planning her next creation, what size, who bought it, what will she do with it, why did she buy that one....ugh! Parents! It sure was nice to see her happy, I thought maybe I shouldn't tell her so many of my MS problems. They bring her down, hell they bring me down.
To be happy for a moment again and then it happens. The butterfly you have been watching fly about ,catching the wind and seemingly with no flight plan. The one that knows every time you run in to get the camera just to come out to see her disappear over the house. The one that if you wait for it to happen upon the flowering butterfly bush, of the same color, you may be able to have that one moment in the day. To be so happy!
Maybe I won't complain to her anymore. Maybe if I wait long enough I can just stop feeling so lousy and enjoy her like I enjoyed the butterfly. Even for a moment.

A good run!

2007-07-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sales were going pretty good for a while then......nothing!
I did a couple more pillows since they are really fun to do and decided to add some older works like crocheted Rosary beads and book markers. I actually broke down and bought a couple patterns for crocheted animals! I thought if I take new pictures of my baby blankets and offer a cute little something something, it might boost sales in that area.
I'm working on a new show about my daughters birthday but she isn't liking it so we'll see. Ah the sweet age of 15. If I knew all that I knew back then now...or is it , never mind it's hopeless.
Back to the finishing touches on my pumpkins and a special request for a closet viewer. lol

Back from Michigan

2007-07-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

We made it back last night, a SIX hour drive; of course I crocheted the way up and back.lol I can't wait to add my things I did on my etsy but I had to get this show on the road so to speak. I put some photos from MI and some from Kentucky in April . Enjoy the show and don't forget to sign my guest book which no one is....????

Drag Race

2007-07-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

I finished up two more pillows and the white baby blanket. This weekend we'll be heading to the track in July 21-22Inaugural Chrysler Classic at US 131 US 131 Motorsports Park Martin, MI. Mike will drag race his Baby LilRed. It's a 6 hour ride but we need to get away. Can't wait to take videos at the track.....hope it's not too hot, I don't do well with heat. I'm taking the laptop so maybe I'll post a video or some pictures!!!!! Let's hope he wins. TTFN

Slide show and Guestbook

2007-07-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

I added a slide show and a guest book today! Enjoy and Please sign my guestbook. That took all morning. I did post a couple more pillows yesterday and now I have to some work around the house done. Have A Happy Day!

Peter Piper

2007-07-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

Holy cow, talk about peppers...I have more everyday. None to go to waste though. Here is a recipe given to me by a little old lady I used to wait on.

HOT OR MILD PEPPER RINGS

(1) PECK PEPPERS OR CUT AND ADD AS THEY RIPEN
(1) QUART VINEGAR (WINE OR CIDER)
(1) PINT OIL (CANOLA OR OLIVE)
24OZ. WISHBONE ITALIAN DRESSING
3/4 CUP WATER
1/2 CUP SALT
1/3 CUP OREGANO
4 WHOLE CLOVES OF GARLIC

STIR ALL INGREDIENTS TILL SALT IS DISSOLVED

ADD THE PEPPERS CUT INTO RINGS...LEAVE A FEW SEEDS

PUT INTO MASON JARS AND REFRIDGERATE

THEY KEEP A LONG TIME AND ARE REAL CRISPY

I USE THEM ON SANDWICHES AND IN COOKING AND THE NEAT THING IS YOU CAN MAKE THE JUICE UP, REFRIDGERATE AND ADD THE PEPPERS AS YOU GO!!!

Hope you enjoy the recipie now off to the store to by some ingredients. Chop, chop.

Happy,happy,joy,joy

2007-07-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

The fundraiser was a huge success! Everyone had a good time,all the food and bake goods went so clean-up was a breeze. My daughter even got to play a few games of bingo and won enough to pay for her text messaging for two months. I won one of the gifts ,which I admitt I put $15.00 in ticket in for, a handcarved wooden sconce. It had such detail and a mountain scene cut into it. I'll have to take a picture but it gets even better. The lady that won my afghan was just as excited and I handed out my buisness cards too.
Yippie

I SOLD A PILLOW ON ETSY!!!!!!! This is only my second sale and I can't wait till she gets it to see if she likes it.

Maybe today will be a good day after all.

2007-07-13T16:22:00.000-07:00

Say Cheese

2007-07-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

Just a regular day......helping my daughter bake for the bake sale tomorrow.....and all of the sudden my cat was freaking out at the window. When I looked there was this beautiful butterfly just hanging around till she spotted the planter. Ohhhh could I get outside quick enough and not have her fly away like they usually do? YES! Check her out. Just made my day.

Get-r-done

2007-07-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

I'm wandering if I need to do another afghan. I just donated one to the school cheerleaders to raise money to go to Ocean City for camp. Saturday is their fundraiser, lets hope they make lots of money.

Blah Day

2007-07-11T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today didn't go all so well. Physical therapy doesn't seem to be working out very well. Maybe I pushed it or maybe there is nothing that could be done to help cronic back pain. Complicated with a bad knee and MS, I'm thinking a muscle relaxer and a day in bed is in store for me today. After that I will work on my etsy shop. I am almost done with a decorative pillow and would like to get that posted tomorrow. Well out for a comma...........zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Gardning

2007-07-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was so hot I had to go out early to get my peppers. My tomatoes aren't getting red, probably because the lack of water.

Finally

2007-07-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I dicided this morning to create a blog....I have a lot of work to do with it. Some things I just can't figure out and have to read up on.
Just finished a rug this morning as well so I have to get some pictures and post it on etsy.
If anyone could tell me how to list links to other sites ??? It keeps saying Error...ugh.