Tunisian Crochet Basketweave Wristwarmers

On my YouTube channel I've posted videos on Tunisian Crochet (you can view the playlist here). I guess after doing those videos I was inspired because that's when I decided to create these lovely Tunisian Crochet Basketweave Wristwarmers! I wanted to make sure they weren't too complicated, but full of texture and warmth!

These crochet wristwarmers are perfect for a man or woman so the pattern is a great "go-to" when you need a quick gift for a special occasion. Once you get the hang of the Tunisian crochet stitches you'll breeze through this pattern with no problems.

The pattern for these lovely Tunisian crochet wristwarmers is currently available in my Etsy Shop!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Making yourself Relevant on Etsy - In 3 Easy Steps

Thank you for your interest in the topic of "Making Yourself Relevant on Etsy - In 3 Easy Steps". This post has been moved to Yarn Obsession's new home on the web. Please click the link below to be taken to the post at it's new location.

Making Yourself Relevant on Etsy - In 3 Easy Steps

Behind the scenes of my new photos

For the past few days I've been working on "re-shooting" all my pieces with a white background. I've fought against the same background for a long time, but I'm finally giving in because I think it will get more exposure for the items. So I read a few articles, looked at a few photos, studied my camera and found the best place in the house to "create" my studio.

At first I wasn't sure I could pull it off with two kids around needing my attention. However, I soon realized that my son could entertain himself most of the time, and my daughter could sit in her high-chair and watch me while working to grab, hold and put her pacifier in her mouth, essentially entertaining herself as well.

Setting up was the hardest part of the photo shoot because I had to find items to help reflect light as well as create a backdrop high enough to shoot from various angles creating an illusion of calm within the image.

Here are some "set shots":

I needed to put up a white board to reflect the light back onto the subject.

I pushed the table as close to the window as possible still leaving space for me to maneuver

The boxes aligned in the back needed to give enough height for a good backdrop

Of course, an ironed white sheet created the base and reflective surface to work on.

Here are the resulting photos:

Not too bad, huh?

I'm happy with them, but as with everything I can see where they can be improved. . . all in due time! In case you're wondering, I got some great information from Handmadeology, Etsy Blog, and by looking at a lot of photos!

Coming next. . . new items and patterns!!!

A few of my favorite items from Etsy!

Why not go shopping this weekend...?

Some of my favorite things on Etsy!

Happy Friday all! I have a few items in the works, but I need to catch up on the contest as well as getting some things photographed and put into the shop! New stuff is always on it's way. . . in the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite items on Etsy! Eye candy to start your weekend off right. Enjoy!

A few of my favorite items from Etsy!

It's Friday! That means I get to share a new handmade shop with you. . . problem is, I had a hard time picking just one shop this week, so I decided to share a few of my favorites!

Aren't these items lovely??

Click on the images to be taken directly to each shop. . . no doubt you'll find something wonderful for yourself or as a gift that will be unforgettable!

Have fun shopping!

Yarn Obsession is on sale!

With no time to maintain an Etsy shop and my real estate career, I've put everything in my store on sale! You won't find a single item in the shop on sale for more than $29.99!! That means lots of the great items you've been looking at and coveting at higher price points are not just $29.99 or less! Hurry! Once an item is sold, I won't be re-listing and once everything is gone, the shop will close! It's a winning situation all around!!!

Etsy Buy Handmade sedruola

Etsy Furniture!

We're in the process of purchasing our first home. With the financing and the interviewing of a buyers agent, and scouring listings for homes we'd like to visit, it's a long and crazy ride.

One of the things that really gets me excited is looking at the furniture listings on Etsy and dreaming of the day we'll be able to have art pieces in our home!

Here are a few of my favorites

This amazing piece of art is made by Michael Arras. I love the combined simplicity and complexity of this piece. I love the coloring and the creativity. . . ahhhhhh

This fabulous end table is created by Farzan Nemat of MSTRF on Etsy. Again, the complexity, and yet the simplicity of this piece is what drew my attention. It is very modern, which isn't usually our style, but I can see it in our country/modern style surrounded by softer items and fitting in just perfectly! Such amazing work.

Last but certainly not least, is this vintage telephone table lovingly restored and artistically presented by Alicia and Tony of Chromalab. I look at this table and think how sweet it would be to have it in our sitting room with a beautiful old fashioned phone, dating back to the same era sitting on it's top. . . .

Oh, I'm now ready to tackle the home purchase cause I've so many inspiring ideas to work on after the move!

Spring cleaning!

No matter how cool the weather may get from here on out, I'm going to stick to the idea that it's Spring and time to do some cleaning! However, it's Spring cleaning in my Etsy Shop so you're the ultimate winner!

Here is a quick preview of some items currently for sale until April 15th in my shop! If you've been watching, now is the time to pounce, because once these items are gone. . . .

Stash Busting!!

Those of us who have a yarn obsession tend to purchase yarn with the intention of either purchasing a pattern to complete with the yarn or with the intention of making a pattern we already have. Whatever the reason we end up purchasing yarn, most of the time, the yarn ends up in our "stash" the plastic bins, drawers, closets etc. that we use to hold our yarny good intentions.

For the next few months (I'll put an actual date on it soon) I've decided it's a good idea to decrease my stash prior to purchasing more yarn. It's proving to be a challenge, and I'll let you know how it goes as it goes, but for now, here are two projects I enjoyed making from some of the left-over yarn from other projects, because that makes up part of your stash as well!

These belts are very "bohemian" and I just love them to death. I'm planning on making one just for me to wear with my t-shirts and shorts this summer! These two can be found in my 1000 Markets Shop right now!!

New FO's!

My absence has not been in vain! I have been busily at work on new patterns and items. Now, I get to show you what I've been working on!

This is the crochet version of my knit collar/hood/shrug. Do you love it? I do! I love the texture and it holds so well. This pattern will soon be available as part of a grouping I'm working on so stay tuned!

These hats are specifically for the warm weather coming soon! When I showed my husband these hats the first thing he said was "are those going to be warm?". The answer is no! They are not meant to be warm, they are meant to be "cute"! I think they do their job pretty well, don't you? They're for those days when your hair is not responding due to the moisture in the air and you'd still like to salvage a "look".

The black one will be offered as a set in my Etsy shop later this week. The others are going to be on their own. I'm working on more items in an effort to "bust my stash". . . if you're a crocheter or knitter you know what I mean. I just don't have the space to keep hoarding yarn, so I want to process some out before re-purposing or purchasing more!

So far, I'm having a blast!

FO's

Spring is almost here so I've been thinking about inventory for the coming warm months. I came up with these sets for the spring, but summer eludes me in a way. No one wears gloves in the summer. . . maybe hats, and light scarves, but what to make? Anyway, I've decided not to stress myself too much about it and make any item that comes to mind. After all, it's Fall Down Under and they're looking for Winter wear!

These two sets can be found in my Etsy Shop right now! It's a great deal to purchase a set of items because you get an ensemble for coordinating.

The pink set is made of fluffy, super soft acrylic and nylon yarn. The Neckwarmer has two vintage buttons and hooks on the end for easy adjustment as needed. The wristwarmers are just feather light and soft!

The yellow set is made from baby acrylic yarn with specks of color. They are perfect for Spring and Summer because the yarn is lightweight and perfect for warmer weather. Whichever set you choose, you'll fall in love!

Kalicat

If you're looking for beautiful designer jewelry, I think you'll find it at Catherine's shop Kalicat. Before last week I wasn't familiar with her shop, but fate connected us on the We Love Etsy network and here we are. Her pieces vary in style and weight giving you many options when it comes to rings, earrings, bracelets etc. Get to know her here and make sure to visit her at the many places she hangs out online.


Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Catherine, I am from Paris (France) and grew up internationally. I now live and work in London where I give satisfaction to my passion of making jewelry, when my 2 little boys allow me to have some ME time.

I design and hand make limited edition and bespoke jewelery that is characterized by its chic and elegance, with a hint of French playfulness. My pieces are made in high carat golds (18K and 22K) or sterling silver, playing with the rich colors of precious and semi precious gemstones and lustrous pearls. My collections include engagement and wedding rings, rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I believe that everyone deserves to look stunning and spoilt with beautiful and playful pieces that will enhance their inner beauty and be a statement or the mood of the moment. I love to do custom orders, as I get to work with someone's ideas but more so someone's feelings. I am inspired by colors, sun, words, poesie (poetry), music and movement, by my upbringing and my travels. I also love to create something taking the gemstone(s) as an inspiration.

How do you promote your items?
I participate in etsy and dawanda forums, I blog, I Tweet and add new products regularly. I also take part in exhibitions and send press releases and newsletters to announce new shows. And of course, I carry business cards, and postcards of my work, to give out to the people I meet :)

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
It helps to have a business plan or a vision. Keep working, evolving and do enjoy what you do. If you are unsure about something, ask people with more experience for their advice.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
I still see myself designing jewelry in many years to come. I would love my brand to be well known and be a synonym of style, elegance, quality and enjoyment. I will probably have a production team.

What are some of your favorite things?
I love Chocolate, music, traveling to discover new cities, countries, cultures and people. On of my favorite books is "the little Prince" by Antoine de St Exupery, a beautiful story of friendship between a little boy and a fox with lovely illustrations made by the author. I adored the latest Chanel fashion show backdrop with white floral scape. And also like dance in all its forms.

What is your favorite quote?
Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.

You can find Catherine at these various places:
Esty
Dawanda
Folksy

Catherine also enjoys painting and illustrating:
Catherine Marche Designs Her latest commissioned illustration was featured in DIVA magazine.

Gemstrings

Gemstrings is a new shop on Etsy that I'd like to introduce to you because I have a feeling you'll be glad I did. Melanie makes beautiful pieces for men and women with lovely stones.

Get to know her a little here then visit her shop! I'm sure she'd welcome you with open arms.

Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Melanie Marvin and I am a true Floridian. My family has owned the property I currently live on since 1938. In 2005, I began buying gemstones and gemstone jewelry as a hobby and realized I loved to be around my stones. I hadn't worn jewelry for many years and suddenly I wanted to wear several different gemstone pendants, earring, and could not leave my house without my rings.

I walked into a new age store for the first time and a class about crystal healings was offered, I signed up and began my journey. By Christmas 2006, I had created "The Gemstring" and the concept of the wearer choosing the stones in advance of the necklace being created. Many of my friends and family received a "Gemstring" as a gift. Through the actual experiences of my friends, family and myself it became apparent that different stones whether tumbled or of faceted gem quality do have an effect on one's physical, mental, and emotional being. This effect as explained in my shop announcement, is a retuning of one's natural rhythm, through the principal of Resonance.


What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
My inspiration is that of wanting to bring the healing vibration of stones to everyone through beautiful and easy to wear jewelry. I believe that some of today's dis-eases may be healed through wearing the appropriate stones.

How do you promote your items?
As far as promoting my work, I'm new at selling. I decided to go from gifts to sales this fall and ETSY is my first try. However last weekend I attended my first Art Festival and decided "I can do that" and maybe I'm not charging enough for my things based on what I saw. I want to tell everyone price does not equate to quality. I am now assembling enough inventory to do a show.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
My advice for people newer at this than myself, take yourself as a serious artist from the beginning, you manifest what you believe. I have to remember when I buy a new tool it is a tool not a toy. Don't despair if you haven't sold anything continue to create. I feel creating is life's best therapy.

How do you see yourself evolving in the next 5-10 years?
My dream is to have a brick and mortar store. In addition to selling beautiful healing jewelry, I want to make available to my clients massage, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine.

What are some of your favorite things?
Living in paradise my hobby is assisting nature in butterfly production. We have nectar plants for the butterflies, host plants for the caterpillars to eat, and a cage in which we keep the caterpillars and their host plants to protect them from predators

What is your favorite quote?
My favorite is the Serenity Prayer.

Owlpark

Owlpark is a new shop on Etsy and I'm so excited to have an interview here with Harold Jones, the artist! When I spotted his item on the front page I instantly went to mark his shop as a favorite, then I sent a request for an interviw because I was so impressed with what I saw. I think you will be too. Enjoy this interview and make sure to visit Harold's shop and website.

Tell us a little about yourself
I am Harold Jones; I live in High Point North Carolina. I was born and lived in Alabama until moving to North Carolina in 2006.

What inspires you to your craft/artistry?
I spent my working life as a patternmaker for the foundry industry. Working mostly with wood in making patterns for everything from automotive parts to fire hydrants and large valves. I came to respect the beauty of wood. I began to experiment with different shapes and forms to show the grain figure of wood that was unsuitable for foundry patterns. Then I began turning natural edge pieces with bark inclusions and worm holes and other defects. I found that nature would create the beauty if I could find ways to bring it out.

How do you promote your items?
I sell pieces that I make in several galleries, at arts and craft shows and on the web at my website and my Etsy shop.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to new artists?
I would advise anyone starting in the arts and crafts to learn everything that you can about the field that you are in. Find a mentor and learn from them the things that they are accomplished in. Attend all study courses, groups and classes pertaining to your interest that you can. Above all have a passion for what you are doing and practice, practice, practice while developing your own style and techniques.

What are some of your favorite things?
My favorite thing to do is to turn wood. When I am not turning I enjoy cycling, hiking and looking for unusual wood to turn. I enjoy nature and the beauty of creation.

What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is “don’t do anything today that you can put off until tomorrow if you have wood to turn”

Etsy Buy Handmade owlpark

Friendly Friday

It's Friday which means I'm either profiling a fab shop, or I'm showing some of my favorites on Etsy. Today, I didn't have an interview lined up, so I'm going to introduce you to some of my favorite items.

These cute little books are made from a fellow Boston Handmade member, Bexx. Her books are not only the cutest things ever, they are easy to carry with you as reference when you have a question. If you're Vegan or Vegetarian, carrying these books can be a quick help in a tight spot.


This lovely little felted purse is made by Lusitania. I think it's perfect for almost anytime and anywhere. Purse is made from beige felt, lined with a beautiful japanese cotton fabric and has a black velcro for the closure and the button is only for decoration. I'm sure it's lovely to the touch.


Finally, but never least, this high fashion photo by Popular is the perfect thing to punch up a sleepy room. Everything works to make it a cohesive lovely photo. All prints are signed by the artist.



Stop by, say hi and tell them I sent you!

Valentine's Sale

(This set originally $45 now $38.70!)

Valentine's Day is fast approaching! It's always a great idea to give something on Valentine's Day that shows thoughtfulness for the recipient. That's why from now until February 8, 2009 everything in my Etsy Store is 14% off!!

(These wristwarmers originally $20 now $17.20)

It's really very easy, all you have to do is go to my shop, select your item, purchase and go, because all the prices have been marked down to reflect the discount. You don't have to wait for a new invoice.

(These washcloths originally $8.79 now $7.55)

Giving the gift of a handmade item, or even better, a "custom" handmade item is probably going to win you some brownie points! But you better hurry because this offer ends at midnight on February 8, 2009, so that there's plenty of time to ship everything out before Valentine's Day.

Valentine's day is about showing the people you love how special they are, so get something extra special this year.

February Scarf Giveaway!

Win a FREE CUSTOM Chunky Scarf from my shop!
That's right, On February 16, 2009, I'll be giving away a second FREE CUSTOM chunky scarf (a $70 value) to another lucky reader!

To be eligible, you need to go the top right hand corner of my blog and enter your name and email address. If you have already entered your information, you are already entered in the contest and do not need to enter again!!!

The winner will be notified on February 16, 2009 via email, and have the opportunity to select their color of choice and have a scarf made especially for them. Winner announcement will be made on the blog on February 17th!

Child's Hat & Scarf

I often feel bad that all my talent goes to making items to sell and not to my baby boy. I also hate that I can never think of something quick and dirty to make for him when I do want to make him something. This time, I got inspired. I made him a scarf and hat set that emulates the chunky knit scarf I make for adults and added a hat to make it complete.

I completed the set before we went to North Dakota for the holidays, and it sure came in handy in the -30 wind chill weather. Of course, my boy didn't really enjoy being outside in such cold weather, so we really didn't spend time outside when it was that cold, but even when it warmed up to 5 degrees the set worked.

I'm wondering if I should make this a part of my offerings on Etsy? Well whatever happens, at least my son is warm for now.

Sometimes, It's personal.

It's been an interesting few days to say the least. Starting on Wednesday night when we, as a family attended a holiday party for on of the schools my husband works for. We had a fantastic time with a magician, caricature artist and a "build-a-bear" style vendor. All paid for by the school, and all lots of fun for the kids. The food was wonderful as well. But, the highlight of the evening came when it was time to "boogie" on the dancefloor. My boy loves bands and he was the first one out there. However, upon reaching the dance floor, he promptly ran into a young lady who wouldn't let him go. . . literally. This is not just a proud momma talking, I have video to prove it.

On Thursday, I spent a the bulk of my day working on this blog. Updating it, moving things around and just tweaking along. I don't often get the opportunity so I took it, and am I glad I did. Thursday was a rainy cold day. The temps never rose above freezing and the rain never stopped. . . so by Thursday night, when the temps began to fall, and it was still raining we were ripe for some mayhem. Nature delivered and we were covered in ice.

It was beautiful, especially when the light hit just right, but it was not good for "business as usual". We awoke to a dark house, no heat, no stove, no computer etc. Many would have had a meltdown early in the day, but we went most of the day sitting in front of a fire. Me with my project, my hubby with his student papers and my son with his superhero action figures. When the sun began to go down at about 4pm, that's when we decided we needed to do something in order to be able to function for the evening. . . so we packed up books, shower goods, etc. and headed to my brother's place for food, heat and showers!

My fireside project was crochet. I spent the day working on a project I thought I'd never be able to finish before Christmas, but am now confident I can. There is always a bright side.

We spent both Friday evening and Saturday evening at my brother's house, but on Saturday night, when we came home ready to build a fire for the night, we found the power had returned! What a relief since we'll be hitting the road on Thursday morning and there is lots to be done before then.

In my tradition, here are a few Treasuries that I was priviledged to be a part of last week.

This treasury was curated by Sixx Jewelry



This treasury was curated by Nancy Rosetta



This treasury was curated by Treasury Town



Anyway, alls well that ends well and we survived the first "storm" of the season.