I have been on a crochet frenzy this week. Well, let me correct that . . . for some time. I think it drives my husband crazy. I crochet morning, noon and night. I wake up thinking about a new crochet design and go to be visualizing a new dress, skirt or baby item. My brain is in overload!!!

While on vacation I completed a sundress that I recently added to my etsy website. To my surprise and delight I have a potential client that is considering placing an order for that dress in a longer version! So. . . . here goes my creative wheels again. . . . they are turning!!!

I have noticed that alot of shops on Etsy have patterns for their work. I create the items on my shop out of my head but NEVER actually write them down. So, when I begin to create this item I will write out a pattern and sell them on my shop. I believe that there is more than one way to capitalize on my God-given creative talent.

Writing patterns will be a new venture and require multi-tasking. But, I have needed to write out these patterns for some time now. I am excited and ready to try this and see if it is lucrative or not. Even if it isnt, I still need the patterns for my reference when making an item for my clients. This will help me to be more efficient and timely.

Stay tuned, I am thinking of occasionally posting a FREE pattern for one of my creations. I may also tape crocheting tutorials. I am willing to come out of my shell and comfort zone to realize my dream of designing and creating beautiful crochet clothing and accessories.

Im excited! Have a great day, Smooches!

Vacation Time!

I recently returned from visiting my family in Oklahoma City, Ok. I havent been there in seven (7) years! It was just as I remembered it! As we were driving down the street I could recall different places I had been and homes that various family members lived in. That was crazy!!!

It was great to spend time with my Mom and Sister. I also got to visit my Aunt, Uncles, and my late brothers Mom. I hate that I didnt get to attend the funeral services for my Grandma and Aunty. It was weird visiting and not seeing them. Im surprised that I was able to handle it as well as I did.

My mother now lives in my grandparents house. It will take alot of time to restore it to a "NEW" glory. It is great to have memories, but I am sure that they would want her to make her own memories and live in a safe and sanitary environment. You see, my grandmother was a chain smoker and the house, carpet and walls are filled with smoke. She had the windows nailed shut and covered with paper, tape and furniture. I guess she was kinda parinoid as she got older.

The outside didnt look that bad, but I remember it looking better. I remember the weekend we had to go outside and prune flowers, cut grass, sweep the sidewalks, etc. These are things I love to do now, but hated with a passion when I was younger.

My sister's house was beautiful! My favorite part was her craft room!!! Im soo jealous!!! Between my sister and my friend Gayle, I dont know who I am more jealous of. Their craft rooms are the best!!! I guess I can identify with my sister's craft room the most . . she sews, crochets, is trying to learn to knit, scrapbooks and a few other things. She has accumilated so many supplies and has them so well organized. My dream is to have a room dedicated just to my crafts. Then, and only then, will I not repurchase items that I already have!!! Hint! Hint! (that's for my husband if he is reading this!!!)

I didnt want to go away. I have never taken a trip without my husband or children! EVER! And, I was really missing my new grandaughter, Katie! But, I must say that it was the best time Ive had in a long time! I didnt have anyone I was responsible for. My sister and I stayed up late crocheting, sewing, and learning. She taught me some new tricks for making the linings for my crochet purses, and we remade a fabric sundress that I love! I taught her some crochet stitches, how to make the purses Ive designed, and how to read crochet patterns.

My suggestion to you is . . . . take some time to get away! Even if it is just a weekend. Everyone cant afford to stay away for an entire week. I am thankful that I was able to do it. It was a long time coming and I promise I wont deprive myself like that again! I hope you get a chance to take a vacation. . . if you cant, read a book and imagine that you are in a far-away land. It will revive you and give you inspiration to create, crochet and learn a new trade. Can you see my smile over the internet?!!! Lol!

Better to Give . . . .

I am sooo excited! Today was my first Lovepetals Crochet Giveaway! The winner was Tamiko Jackson. She has been given the choice of three (3) different bags/purses to choose from. She hasnt decided but when she does I will post the decision and maybe a picture of her holding the bag!

I have been reading alot of blogs and sites on Etsy regarding boosting sales and getting more traffic to your website. I am very interested in doing that but I would like to also have fun along the way! I love to crochet and I dont want to lose that love getting caught up in sales and the lack thereof. I believe that when the time is right I will get the sales/recognition that I deserve (or at least believe that I deserve)!

This has been a week of change, discovery, surrender and cheer! I have implemented some changes in my lifestyle, thinking and daily practices. They have freed me, brought me happiness, made me realize that change is good and holding on to anger, self doubt, bitterness and things do not bring you happiness or success. So, my suggestion to those who may read my blog is to open your heart, forgive, give to others, make a needed change, surrender to God and see things change for the better.

"But see first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" Matthew 6:33

Thanks for stopping by and if you dont have anything to give . . . share a smile! Love ya.

Back @ School Treasury on Etsy

#linkshttp://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjA1MjE2NXw2NTQxNjczMjg/back-2-school?index=0

Back 2 School!

Hey Guys, Sorry I havent posted in a few days. Ive been busy and feeling a little down in the weather. But, the good news is that the raffle is still in effect and the winner will be chosen tomorrow!! Yoo Hoo!
This is my last year with a child in High School. My son graduates in June 2012! But, I see all of the parents bustling around purchasing school supplies and preparing their children for the new school year. My oldest daughter and my grandson attended a meet and greet with his new 1st grade teacher. The torch will be passed to her and she will now be purchasing supplies in bulk and helping with homework, going to open house, etc. I will definately miss those days as the P.T.F. President and attending my daughter's trach meets, but we are all now moving on to a new phase in our lives.
Change is good but it definately takes some getting used to. I kinda miss my school days. One day in particular that I remember was in kindergarten on rainy days. I loved being able to stay in class and play games most of the day. I remember feeling really loved and cozy for some reason. The colors and lights reminded me of a warm fireplace. I know that is silly, but it did. :)
As a tribute to school days past and present I have created a treasury on Etsy. Treasuries are groups of beautiful items made by the creative people that have pages on Etsy. There are so many and they are sooo creative. This treasury is an ode to Back to school. Hope you enjoy it and check out some of the pages included. Share the love!
http://http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjA1MjE2NXw2NTQxNjczMjg/back-2-school?index=0
Have a great day and dont spend too much money on new school clothes and back to school items! Oh, and good luck on the raffle and please tell a friend. You have less than 24 hours! Smooches!

Grannies Gone Wild!!!

If you wouldve asked me last year if I would make something with granny squares I wouldve thought you were crazy. Now . . . it seems that most of the items I make are with granny squares. I think of things in my head while I am sleeping, driving, cooking, etc. It seems that I eat, sleep and drink crochet and most of it is granny!

I was given a photo of a granny square skirt that was in Vogue magazine, created by a major designer and it sold for $1,300! Amazing!!! I made my take on it with a cute frilly ruffle on the bottom. Since then I have seen so many different dresses, skirts, and recently a jacket in the Vogue Knitting magazine September 2011 issue. It seems that being a granny is the new in thing!! Well, I am a granny and have recently become a new granny! My grandaughter, Katie, was born on June 26th and is the cutest thing ever!!! I have one child left and then my job will be complete!!! Yeah right!

I am in the process of switching my thinking from Summer to Fall and Winter. I need inspiration. I guess I need to walk around, go to the mall and hit a few craft fairs. I get my inspiration around creative, crafty people. There are sooo many of them!

Beginning on Monday I will have a raffle for a bag of your choice (hobo or messenger) for anyone who signs up and follows my blog page. I will post the pics of each bag. The raffle will be held on Friday September 2nd. The winner will be notified via email so please be sure to comment with your name and email address.

Give your Granny a call, hug or take her out to lunch. I wish my Granny was still here! Have a great day and Good Luck on the raffle!

Joy and Pain!

I have been going through alot of different emotions during the last two (2) months. I have lost several relatives and close friends and celebrated life through award ceremonies, grad nites, baby showers and upcoming graduations. Im not sure exactly what to feel or what I feel.

On Mother's Day I was awaken by phone call which alerted me that my brother (Ronald Maurice Spears, 47yrs) died very unexpectedly. To this very day I feel the pain in my chest as if it happened yesterday. On May 28th my godmother/surrogate mother (

Georgia Loud, 54 yrs) died of stage four (4) brain cancer. On June 7th my grandmother (Eula B. Sheffield, 87yrs) and on Wednesday, June 8th my aunt (Greshon Baker, 78yrs) died. On each of these dates my middle daughter was either going to prom or having an award ceremony! So . . . I cried for a couple of minutes, sucked it up and put on a happy face.

This past Saturday my oldest daughter had a Baby Shower celebrating my upcoming granddaughter. That same day I attended the funeral of my godmother and missed the funeral (it was out of town) of my aunt. This coming Thursday will be the funeral of my grandmother, which I will miss because I must attend my daughters High School graduation the next day. Whew! Im tired just typing it!!

So. . . I have put my Etsy shop on vacation until I can get past all of the celebrating and grieving and get inspiration to create new and beautiful items for my shop. But, the best thing that I have experience through all of this is the meeting of two new friend on Etsy. I met one Tess @ www.bannerpaperscissors.etsy.com) because I added one of her items to my treasury. We started talking and bonded. She felt compassion for my grief and mailed me a free banner to bring my happy back and make me smile! (which I did). The second person saw my crocheted items and extended an invitation for me to participate in a craft fair. I told her that I was just thinking of giving up and she shared a sermon excerpt with me that spoke about gifts from God and being patient and not giving up. This inspired me because people dont usually share their faith with friends and family let alone a stranger! I have had a few friends throughout the years but these two ladies have encouraged me in ways they will NEVER know! I am sooo grateful.

So I say to you . . . There will always be a ray of sunshine in the midst of a storm. Look to the hills from whence cometh your help, your help comes from the Lord. He will always give you a rainbow at the end of the storm and you will experience JOY while going through PAIN. Be encouraged and look our for new items in my shop in the coming weeks. Also, dont forget to check out my friend Tess' shop on Etsy. (I have included a picture of one of the banners she sent me). If she was sweet enough to be a blessing to me . . . her gifts are heaven sent and she is gifted beyond measure. Share the Love!