Sew Simply Handmade

WTF WED Oops, Thursday Again

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:16:00 +0000

Here's the latest "totally WEIRD" item I have found on etsy! It's called reargear for your dogs and cats to hide the "brown eye"!It's the name of - and the only item in their store. They have sold 12 so far at $5 each................Bizarre Huh?

If this attractive young lady becomes famous and appears on "The Tonight Show" - this picture will haunt her!

Handmade Ying Ylang Soap Giveaway!

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:19:00 +0000

Halloween was great fun and I can easily resist the candy.But,Major Holiday food is on the horizon and I'm a slave to pies and cookies!!!
I'm already eating and guilting.

Weight control begins with owning your problem and confessions.........
I ate a whole pumpkin pie in 16hrs! A whole normal piece, another tiny piece, a few more bites, just another taste......yada, yada, GONE.
Discard the box and pan quickly!

So I joined "Curves" to attack my weight, laziness, cardiac arrest waiting to happen, problem. It seemed easy at my trial class. It's cheap. I swear I'm going to stick with it!( a public promise is more effective- let's hope)

I chose my blog giveaway winner, with a random number generator, and I'm planning the next one - a Christmas Pendant. Found some adorable Christmas print fabric to use and Gingerbread Man charms.

There's a lovely giveaway on the FEST blog of some delicious handmade soap, "Ying Ylang" with some cedar wood essential oil- sounds yummy! Our FEST members, Florida Etsy Street Team, have amazing skills for homemade arts and crafts. Check out all the shop links on the left hand side of the blog while you are there.

Kate and Octomom Meet and Dish

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:25:00 +0000

This "happily married" couple held their annual "Halloween Bash" and I couldn't wait to go and PARTY!!!

Kate was ready to go !

The D_ _ nanny cancelled and I had to take the kids!

And I ran into Nadia, "OctoMom" We dished for hours about the stress of raising multiples!
I can't resist any costume fun!!!

The EtsyHandmade Moment Video Promo Winner

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:56:00 +0000

Etsy has been hosting a 30 second video contest to promote the site.
Have you been following the contest and watching all the entries?
Well, they are fantastic and adorable.

Here's the winner and following it are all the runner-ups.
I really loved the "Mr. Squid's Handmade Moment" it came in 3rd :(
All film makers won $ and fame as these are going to be used to promote etsy and they are so interesting and cute and well done, I know they will do the job!

Monthly Handmade Pendant Giveaway!!!

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:50:00 +0000

The random winner was "VA" - Lucky Lady!!!!

Ooooooooo!

A Giveaway!!! "Crystal Saffron Bloom Pendant"

Hangs any length you want thanks to an adjustable sliding bead closure!

So how do you win this cute trinket?

Go to my shop "QuirkyDolls", browse around, come back and list your favorite item in a comment below.

For a second chance to win sign up on the right to recieve

"Etsy Sales Alerts". Get notice of etsy bargains and BOGOs!

It's WTF? WED -Homemade Halloween Costumes!

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:06:00 +0000

My baby sister is a "Baby Ghoul"!

Did Aunt Jemima do this to her kids too?

I am missing MY Dear Sweet Shaq Kitty

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:27:00 +0000

Oh I love my pets too much I guess. This sweet boy died suddenly of a heart problem and I'm quite sad. He was a rescue from a shelter 7 years ago. Came to me that size and a diet didn't work. I'll always treasure all the snuggles we shared and his chirpy meow.

How To Make Inexpensive Domino Pendants Part Two

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:58:00 +0000

I made it on to the "Cuteable" blog with my little witch,
Candy,SO FUN to see my crafts recognized elsewhere!

(She's right below the octopus)

http://cuteable.com/find-my-cute-goodies/6590

Continuing on from yesterdays project...

So how did I suspend my handmade domino pendants without the expense of bails?

A second layer of ribbon, large jump rings and E6000 glue.

I love that stuff!

It dries rock hard like the first biscuits I ever made! LOL

Now how did I skip the expense of a clasp?

I used a wood bead to create a sliding closure that allows you to hang the pendant ANY length you choose from a snug choker to 14 inches long!

I love this feature because depending on your shirt neckline you can display the pendant whereever you want! High -Midneck - Long

Sometimes I surprise myself with my genius! ( cough-cough)!

The tough part was getting two "chubby" cords through the "tiny" bead hole- going in opposite directions. It has to be very snug so the adjustment is stable and not"sloooowly" slipping while your wearing it.

Put one cord through the bead about 4inches. Glue the other cord to the first cord "side by side" (positioning the cut ends opposite each other).for about one inch, very close to the bead. Let dry throughly. Pull the cord back through the bead. Clip the cords apart and trim off the sticky ends. Tie knots in the ends and voila!

Pictures are needed here - coming soon

So a full size 1 by 2 inch brightly printed domino, with "quirky"beads and a dangling charm for $13! What a Deal!

How To Make Inexpensive Domino Pendants Part One

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:49:00 +0000

Here's my thought process. I want to make something "fun" that I can use everyday and share with friends AND that's low cost.

What's the main "mad" seller on etsy,....jewelry!
Can it be done inexpensively????? Yet cute and trendy?????

Ah!!!..... but you say, " there are thousands of jewelry sellers."
I know, but I'm going to make something a little different, or Quirky!

Fabric covered domino pendants WITH charms.
I like the scrabble tiles jewelry but it seems too small to me. So I opted for the 1x2 inch dominos and chose my favorite prints and Halloween decor.

I glued them and trimmed the edges really close but left enough to wrap around the edge.

I adore these bright prints!

Added ribbon trim that didn't match but coordinated.....

Love the polka dots with the paisley-ish design!

Now,...Hmm what did I do next? I want to avoid buying bails at $1 each and clasps ...which again make the cost go up. How to suspend them very securely??? And I really don't care for the ball chain. It seems like kid jewelry and reminds me of the lucky old rabbits foot things we had as kids. How gruesome were they? Tune in tomorrow to see how I did it. Or go to my shop I already listed a few.

Where have I been, you ask?

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:15:00 +0000

OMG, remember how many times I complained about my eyes?

Well they finally had enough and I had to stay off the computer for 8 whole days - Dr.s orders!!!

It was tough since I am a total addict for the "browsing". The first few days I was angry and did a little drinking to drown my sorrows and unfortunately acquired a Jack Daniels "buddy". I call her

Jacqueline, Potion Connoisseur

Every potion she prepares has a nip of Jack in it.

Hey sounds good to me!

The good news is I can see clearly again BUT, I must take my "browsing" and in small doses.

It's WTF? Wednesday .....So Funny

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:40:00 +0000

She's an early learner of how a woman takes "control"

Halloween? Handmade "Easy" Unicorn Costume

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:17:00 +0000

Halloween is coming and I LOVE making costumes. Here is an old video of me demonstrating a simple to make

Unicorn Costume

for a child. My dd wore a version of this and won a contest so It's a "proven top-notch" costume!

Quirky Handmade Dolls are on Craft Gossip.com

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 08:45:00 +0000

I'm so excited! My handmade pincushion girl, Julia has made an appearance on the CraftGossip Website! Plus a mention of my doll crafting and link and Ooooo maybe a boost of traffic to my shop.

A Girl can dream can't she?

I Won, I Won, I Won ( I never win) I WON!

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:14:00 +0000

I won a half yard of ten different ADORABLE ribbons!
They are so beautiful -brighter and cuter that the photo shows! I can't wait to use then on a photo frame or a pincushion doll.
The Button Caterpillar is my absolute Favorite!

They are from "I Love That Fabric" a store with gorgeous designer fabrics , ribbons and MORE! Link

I never win anything !

But then I did.................. and now I'm at risk to spend hours and hours entering giveaways until I win again 12 years from now. I'm so easily convinced that I now have a streak of luck going. Good thing I'm not in Vegas with my debit card!
Don't forget to enter my Teddy Bear giveaway going on now until September 20th! HERE

Handmade Dance Party Photo Frame

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:56:00 +0000

So I like to make "little dolls" too. I like miniature anything especially handmade dollhouses and toys. I make these little dolls from tongue depressors (out of my nurse supply stash) and muslin. The arms are a piece of chenille stem or pipe cleaner (old fashioned name), which allows them to be bendable and pose.

I'll do a tutorial on how to make these...soon.

Yesterday I made a dancing party girl in a glittery skirt and silver starred top. Then I added the over sized plaid charm I found in a "sale" pile of charms! I thought she would go great on a black photo frame.

Not sure what the skull thing is all about but they are everywhere!

Tshirts, purses, undies, jewelry, tattoos, hair clips etc ...

Even on baby clothes! I think it's just a trend like owls or mushrooms which are fads for awhile and then get replaced by something else.

I found this package of 8 skull fabric stickers -all pink and glittery so I thought they would coordinate with some funky colored ribbon and silver charms and chain. Similar to my rocker girl pin. I think it's pretty cute!

I think a teen or tween "Party" picture would go great in this frame!

Maybe a shot of the dance floor activities or just kids posing "weird" like we know they do!

Snuggliest Giveaway -Mr. Calico T. Bear

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:25:00 +0000

I rescued this adorable bear from my mothers sewing room.....
It's True!
She abandoned him at the half way point because she said his color combo was too crazy and ugly. I calmly, because inside I wanted him badly, said very matter of fact,"Oh,....(pause).... I'll take him and see how he turns out."

Then I raced home and finished him.
Stuffed and fluffed and "Fell In Love" with
Mr. Calico T. Bear
But, alas.... I have a room full of dolls and stuffies and toys that I can't part with so before I got too attached I decided he would be a great giveaway for some Mom or Grandma to have for a Christmas gift.
He's about 18" tall and is baby safe. No buttons. The eyes are glued on felt. He has the cutest squishy snout.

Looks like he was hit with paint balls all over his arms......(giggling)

Don't you LOVE his Swirly Ears?

This giveaway will run from today until September 20th.
On September 21st a random winner will be chosen and notified.

Enter by :

1- Signing up to receive Etsy Sales Alerts - Click the blue button on the right side of my blog.Very simple sign-up I promise.This option must be completed first to qualify for the giveaway.

Doesn't everyone want help finding the best deals on etsy?

For a second chance to win Mr. Calico T. Bear:

2- Become a fan of QuirkyDolls on Facebook - Here

And for a third chance to win Mr. Calico T. Bear:

3- Visit QuirkyPincushion Dolls and come back and tell me Which Witch is your favorite Witch?

Good Luck!

Hmmm maybe no one will sign up and I can keep him..

Fat chance he's way too cute,.....(sigh)

Which Witch Is The Witchiest?

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:05:00 +0000

My girlfriends loved my witches last year so I thought why not try them on etsy. These are the first two I've made so far. Not pincushions but so much fun for the holiday season. What do you like best?

Cutie types like "Candy" or Snarky like "Errmirah"?

Sew Simply Handmade"Stylin" Hanger Cover Tutorial

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 06:18:00 +0000

Do you have a sloppy closet where slinky skinny straps are hanging onto slick hangers "for dear life"...............

and then giving up and falling into........."a hideous pile of shame" !

(sneered the evil MIL)

Well, you can live "shame free" by making some

Sew Simple "Stylin" Handmade Hanger Covers

These will prevent all that slippage and wrinkling of your silky blouses, tanks and nighties. Choose any size or type hangers and some favorite fabrics and you won't believe how simple this project is!

It only takes a Fat Quarter or 1/4 yard and most sewers have scraps that size just lying around begging to be made into some crafty cuteness.

Fold the fabric in half, right sides together.Using the hanger to make the pattern, simply trace around it on the fabric. You are tracing on the wrong side of the fabric, one inch away from the hanger on the top and two inches away across the bottom.

At the top draw a 3 sided tab directly centered above the middle of the hanger top ( where I made a pink dot on the hanger). Ignore the curve of the hook. No real precision needed here as you can see by my messy lines.

Cut out the two pieces of fabric. I am making three styles so I cut out two of each fabric.

On the wrong side of the fabric, fold down the tab, pin to hold and stitch. Sew this on both pieces of the cover. Sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Along the bottom of each cover piece, fold up 1 inch and iron it. No sewing needed here.

On my yellow cover I chose to use the ragged selvage edge for the bottom, to create a hippie "frayed" look. So I didn't need to fold it.

Next pin the two cover pieces, right sides together and sew the top of the cover. (Again 1/2 inch seam allowance. That's my standard)

Do not sew the ironed edge closed.

Only sew up to the previously stitched tab and stop. Do not sew over the tab, or you will close the small opening where the hanger protrudes through the top of the cover. Next sew down the other half of the top by beginning after the tab.

Stop just before the tab stitching as the above photo shows.

Always clip the curved stitched areas so they will lay flat and not bunch and pucker. Now, turn the cover "right side out"and iron it.

Next, slip the hanger up inside the cover and put the hook of the hanger through the hole at the top. You will have to twist and turn the hanger a little, but once it is through the hole the cover will fit flat over the bottom of the hanger. Use a glue gun to seal the two bottom edges together. Just a thin line of glue will do the trick.

Add trims and embellishments with the glue gun.............and

........Voila!..Handmade Decorator Hangers!!!

The roses with chainette fringe is my FAV! Go clean up the closet floor and enjoy the loveliness

No slippy No slidey onto floory.........

AND the closet is now "stylin"! Make matching sets of 3, 5,...10 and give as gifts! You could even tuck some fresh lavender inside before sealing the bottom and Ooooo how nice would the closet and clothes smell!

WTF Wednesday is Here Again

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:54:00 +0000

Hmmmmm

Life Explained

Classy Metal Art

Or,.... One "Hot" couple

A Giveaway Winner & a Never Giveaway

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:36:00 +0000

The winner is "TickleWorm"!

Yes, my very first giveaway is over and the winner is Rachel Herzog who's etsy shop is tickleworm.

She does felting of small pouches and purses. Really cute stuff!

So Cutie Patootie Pincushion is off to Georgia!

NEXT.......

Cutie Patootie Puppy Never Giveaway, "Snickers"

She has taken over the abandomed cat house!
This little Doxie is my miracle doggy!

Snickers has had two back injuries with complete paralysis of her hind legs and recovered twice, to run and play again. Her posture is quite wonky and she's loose in the caboose when she runs. My friend Jackie calls her "Sidewinder" because she runs really fast but can't put the rear brakes on to stop, so she kind of does a jack knife when the front end stops.

We love her dearly.

ATTENTION SHOPPERS Get Your Etsy Sales Alert

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:55:00 +0000

Got a new "Thang Goin On" here at the blog!

An ETSY SHOP SALES ALERT!

Containing:

Super Sales
Special Discounts
BOGOs
Opening specials
Closeouts

Every Friday morning I'm going to search the etsy site for the SHOPS with the best sales and deals of the weekend, put together a link list and notify YOU of the best savings on the site.
We all love sales and deals and I will save you tons of time by hunting for them for you each week. I'm nice like that :). Plus I love to surf etsy and I'm off from my nursing job on Fridays and that's the day most sales begin.
When you sign up for the Sales Alert , you can specify which category you are the most interested in. Which items are your shopping passions.

Jewelry........Bath&Body........Clothes......Art.........Kids.........?
I love jewelry and dolls.

How can you receive this Sales Alert ? Just Sign up!
Click the Blue Button on the right side of my blog!
Very quick sign up - just your name and email - Easy Peasy!

How fun to receive a link list to Etsy shops
with the best deals and sales of the weekend.........COOL RIGHT?

WTF? Wednesday - FREE Giggles

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:41:00 +0000

Freaky..

Very Funny,...Dog

Finally!

Don't miss my "Cutie Patootie Pincushion" Giveaway here

Only ONE WEEK left!

My Baby is a Treasury Star!

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I was featured in a treasury!
Actually my Little "baby" was in the treasury. My pregger pin.

There she is...just above HERE in the middle............So Proud!

Thanks to Sue of Fragiacomoglassart who made the treasury. What a Sweetie.

She's a fellow FEST member. That's Florida Etsy Street Team, a friendly group of artsy ladies that chat and help each other promo our shops.

She Made My Day!

Mega Giveaway Starts Today

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 09:42:00 +0000

The Etsybloggers Team on etsy is having a huge giveaway with over 20 winners

Beautiful body soaps and scrubs, adorable cards and stationary, jewelry and MORE jewelry!

Don't miss it! ..................

AND there are numerous ways to get up to ten entries.

Have Fun!

Oh and don't forget to comment to enter my Cutie Patootie Pincushion giveaway here :D

Weekend BOGO at Quirky Pincushion Dolls on Etsy

3candees@bellsouth.net (QuirkyDolls) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:55:00 +0000

It's a BOGO Sale ... August 7-9 Weekend Special!

Buy any Quirky Pincushion Doll and receive any brooch of your choice for free!

Can you believe the year is half over. Time to pick up a Christmas gift or two each month so December shopping doesn't clobber you. That's what I do to I enjoy the holidays, instead of freaking out over the gift list. Any sewer would enjoy a pincushion doll to keep her company in the craft room. Seven adorable little personalities to choose from at QuirkyDolls! :D