tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53104241208648340702023-04-26T10:05:11.809-04:00Yard By Yard KnitsYard By Yard Knits is an online shop that sells hand-knit treasures. I currently feature baby/toddler items, scarves, and dog sweaters. Feel free to visit my shop at: http://YardByYardKnits.etsy.com.Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-11168063876990217772010-10-11T13:50:00.000-04:002010-10-11T13:50:22.847-04:00Blog breakHi everyone!<br />
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I have been considering taking a break from my blog for a while now but kept pushing through! I do enjoy searching through other shops and writing my spotlights, but that's all my blog has become recently. I want to do more with it, but I'm just isn't happening at the present moment. Therefore, I have made the decision to take a break from blogging for right now. :( This doesn't mean I won't stop by with an occasional posting at times, and who knows when I might just start back up again! You can still find me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/YardByYardKnits">Facebook </a>and in my stores:<br />
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<a href="http://www.yardbyyardknits.etsy.com/">Etsy</a><br />
<a href="http://yardbyyardknits.artfire.com/">Artfire</a><br />
<a href="http://www.zibbet.com/YardByYardKnits">Zibbet</a><br />
<a href="http://yardbyyardknits.craftisart.com/">Craft is Art</a><br />
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Happy shopping!Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-71235673495041833932010-09-27T19:27:00.000-04:002010-09-27T19:27:14.320-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Chicken Lips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnQ107uJI/AAAAAAAAAok/4wb5SHAAFxY/s1600/rolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnQ107uJI/AAAAAAAAAok/4wb5SHAAFxY/s320/rolly.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>Fall has hit New England; the leaves are starting to change, and I'm enjoying some cooler temperatures after a really hot summer! Although I hate the fact that winter comes after fall, I love the colors and scents of autumn in New England. It's hard to beat this time of year! However, browsing around Etsy today left me uninspired. I searched "autumn" and "harvest" without much luck. Granted, I found some great items and shops but nothing quite up for a spotlight. I then searched "pumpkin" and happily came across a truly unique shop!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnP_kPhQI/AAAAAAAAAog/DZCxaQz4BKk/s1600/devil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnP_kPhQI/AAAAAAAAAog/DZCxaQz4BKk/s320/devil.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>David is the artist behind <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/chickenlipsfolkart">Chicken Lips</a>, my new favorite store. He creates unique and whimsical folk art using Papier-Mache and Paperclay. David admits that he has had a creative streak since he was a young child. Play-doh and finger paints were favorites, and he made his first art doll using dried apple heads at the age of 10. Before tonight, I wasn't entirely sure what a dried apple head art doll is. A quick google search will answer most questions, so check out this <a href="http://www.appledolls.org/page2.html">website </a>for more details. I'm even more impressed that David was making these art dolls at the age of 10 once I saw what it was! I'll admit that I was still a pretty big fan of dolls when I was 10, but I certainly wasn't making my own. However, David kept perfecting his art, and today Chicken Lips is a successful business with its own flair.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnRtBdd3I/AAAAAAAAAoo/s2QueoHoS3A/s1600/sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnRtBdd3I/AAAAAAAAAoo/s2QueoHoS3A/s320/sam.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>David makes all of his creations completely by hand. He uses his skills as a graphic designer to shape his Chicken Lips creations. He does not use moulds to design any of his work and all items are one of a kind. As stated above, his art is made from Papier-Mache and Paperclay. Hand made wooden bases and legs give extra support. After the Papier-Mache is shaped and detailed, he applies a coat of Gesso before painting. Each piece is also coated with a sealer before it is ready for sale! David has a great video of this entire process on his <a href="http://www.chickenlips.biz/">website</a>. Click on "About the artist", and you will find the video at the bottom. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnPL7VnQI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Icf3HcF_0bk/s1600/crow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnPL7VnQI/AAAAAAAAAoc/Icf3HcF_0bk/s320/crow.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>I love the list David gives of what inspires him: his goats, chickens, and goose, and all things vintage. I admit it's an interesting combination, but it seems to work because the finished product is great! If you want to know more about Chicken Lips, you can also visit David's <a href="http://www.chickenlipsfolkart.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. And anyone in the Bloomington, California area should check his website for a list of craft shows in which he will be participating this fall! His store is ready for Halloween - shop early, so you can enjoy your Chicken Lips Folk Art all season!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnSd87nHI/AAAAAAAAAos/gGj6LlDGoTo/s1600/zippo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TKEnSd87nHI/AAAAAAAAAos/gGj6LlDGoTo/s320/zippo.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-58033585198174588952010-09-20T19:34:00.000-04:002010-09-20T19:34:16.617-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Bear Paw Rustics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfufvSO2sI/AAAAAAAAAoU/5mV9lNJgE1Y/s1600/birdhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfufvSO2sI/AAAAAAAAAoU/5mV9lNJgE1Y/s320/birdhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I typically feature shops with a lot of information in their profiles to help guide my spotlight. But I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bearpawrustics">Bear Paw Rustics</a> and decided to break tradition. In preparing for fall, I recently searched "autumn" in Etsy. One of the first items that showed up was a handmade birdhouse. My father, who sadly passed away two years ago, loved all of our backyard critters. His favorite birthday or father's day gift was a 25 lb bag of sunflower seeds. We never had many bir houses, but there was an endless supply of bird and squirrel feeders. I think we are the one family that doesn't mind if the squirrel manages to climb up the "squirrel-proof" bird feeder because there's always enough to go around! So Bear Paw Rustics hits a special chord in me. I also hold a special place for fellow Mainers! Although I've transplanted myself to Boston, I'm still a Mainer at heart.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuPqHTqXI/AAAAAAAAAoM/DQBh3MUgGyY/s1600/wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuPqHTqXI/AAAAAAAAAoM/DQBh3MUgGyY/s320/wheel.jpg" /></a></div>This store owner does much more than create bird houses. Bear Paw Rustics also sells various types of art, stools, coat/key racks and walking sticks. All of the coat/key racks are made of salvaged items. Everything else starts in nature. Birdhouses are made with jute, hemp, pine needs, moss, sticks, deer antlers, pine cones, and other great forest finds. Each birdhouse has its own unique character to make it one of a kind! The owner includes a great picture of a bird nesting in a birdhouse in his own backyard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuOpT3-tI/AAAAAAAAAoE/yda0yV9PZJE/s1600/tree+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuOpT3-tI/AAAAAAAAAoE/yda0yV9PZJE/s320/tree+ring.jpg" /></a></div>I am equally impressed with Bear Paw Rustics' assemblage and salvage art. I particularly like the way he paints wood disks into flowers and trees and then incorporates them with sticks and other objects found in nature. It's such an interesting combination and creative way to turn nature into art! The shop owner uses antique and vintage hardware to make intriguing coat/key rack. And of course, each rack starts wood to bring each piece back to nature. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuNIE6VEI/AAAAAAAAAn8/30w_0mctL94/s1600/stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuNIE6VEI/AAAAAAAAAn8/30w_0mctL94/s320/stick.jpg" /></a></div>Also be sure to check out the hiking/walking sticks. Most are made from rock maple, but this store owner has turned a few weathered pool cue into hiking sticks. Each hiking stick has a wrist strap for easier travel. The store owner hopes that his line of hiking sticks will encourage everyone to get outside, exercise, and enjoy nature!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuLYDuxzI/AAAAAAAAAn0/DaekNmEjTWg/s1600/caot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuLYDuxzI/AAAAAAAAAn0/DaekNmEjTWg/s320/caot.jpg" /></a></div>What is most impressive is that this shop owner carries his personality throughout his store. Each piece is one of a kind and has its own mark, but looking through the shop, you can see patterns and trends emerge. The shop owner does a great job keeping a consistent style. Bear Paw Rustics is approaching 300 sales, so we know he's doing something right! Be sure to show this great shop some love!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuKshe2NI/AAAAAAAAAns/Brpgxq-jcUQ/s1600/bird+in+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TJfuKshe2NI/AAAAAAAAAns/Brpgxq-jcUQ/s320/bird+in+house.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peek a boo! </div>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-11986480588766389402010-09-13T17:47:00.000-04:002010-09-13T17:47:18.359-04:00I'm back, and I'm spotlighting myself!After a long break, I'm finally back to my blog. It took a while to get back in the swing of things after my wedding a couple weeks ago! Someone at work didn't get the memo about easing back into things because last week was absolutely crazy! But I promised a spotlight today, and I'm going to be a little selfish! Cooler weather is quickly approaching, which means it's time to stock up on hand-knit goodies!<br />
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I am having another giveaway, this time sponsored by The Funky Monkey. One lucky winner will win a $25 gift certificate to my store! Start shopping now!! I'm pretty excited about another great opportunity. The contest ends on September 20. And if anyone has just been dying to know more about me, Susannah has included a great biography of how I came to learn to knit.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thefunky-monkey.com/2010/09/yard-by-yard-knits-handknit-baby-hats.html">http://www.thefunky-monkey.com/2010/09/yard-by-yard-knits-handknit-baby-hats.html</a>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-75752698549625667622010-08-16T20:06:00.001-04:002010-08-16T20:06:37.787-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - SunshineBakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQdVVVfoI/AAAAAAAAAnU/K5Js-5pnXso/s1600/sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQdVVVfoI/AAAAAAAAAnU/K5Js-5pnXso/s320/sea.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>As this will be my last Spotlight before my wedding, I thought it was appropriate to spotlight another store that has helped me with my wedding plans! I have ordered my favors from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunshineBakes">SunshineBakes</a>, a great bakery on Etsy. You want it, Beth makes it! As she says in her shop, she has tons of cookie cutters just waiting to be used! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQZU4yDkI/AAAAAAAAAm0/cKVykO2Iq-U/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQZU4yDkI/AAAAAAAAAm0/cKVykO2Iq-U/s320/baby.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Beth entered the working world after college but then realized her true passion is cooking and baking. So she entered culinary school and worked with a pastry chef to help her perfect her skills. She had worked in the field of catering for quite some time but enjoyed learning the craft behind the food. After becoming a mom, Beth decided to turn this passion into a career in order to spend time with her son while working. If only it could work out that well for everyone!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQcL2xR6I/AAAAAAAAAnM/wkFwjdy1jKk/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQcL2xR6I/AAAAAAAAAnM/wkFwjdy1jKk/s320/hearts.jpg" /></a></div>Beth hand crafts and decorates her cookies. She uses mostly organic ingredients to ensure the highest quality product. What I love most about SunshineBakes is that what Beth likes best is creating custom orders for all events - weddings, birthdays, showers, corporate events, holidays, any special day. She can add photographs and logos to cookies for an extra touch! Or she can match frosting to wedding/party colors. For example, my cookies will only be decorated in white, pink, and dark pink - no red for me! The cookies from SunshineBakes come in four different flavors: vanilla bean, cardamom orange, lemon, and almond. She mixes her frosting to match the cookie flavor for just the perfect treat! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQ0XNNdSI/AAAAAAAAAnc/CrFHzit0QDg/s1600/round.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQ0XNNdSI/AAAAAAAAAnc/CrFHzit0QDg/s320/round.jpg" /></a></div>I can tell you from first hand experience that Beth is very easy to work with. She responded to my questions very promptly.Additionally, I found her prices to be excellent in comparison to other bakeries on Etsy. She helped me work out numbers and even sold me cellophane bags to help me package my cookies for the big event!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQbIMBC9I/AAAAAAAAAnE/23gsbn7GG0s/s1600/firetruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TGnQbIMBC9I/AAAAAAAAAnE/23gsbn7GG0s/s320/firetruck.jpg" /></a></div>I can't yet tell you how delicious the cookies taste, but I can say I'm glad my final head count went down so that I have plenty of extra cookies to eat during the honeymoon!<br />
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**Please note, there will be no spotlight until I return from vacation. I plan to resume my spotlights on 9/13/10.Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-7693901523932633062010-08-09T19:11:00.000-04:002010-08-09T19:11:58.104-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Secret Cat Lounge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8GAmAAObI/AAAAAAAAAmc/Nhd80_8qmtA/s1600/collar+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8GAmAAObI/AAAAAAAAAmc/Nhd80_8qmtA/s320/collar+1.jpg" /></a></div>I don't hide my love for my cat (and all others in the feline family). I recently searched for cat toys to find a store to spotlight, but I couldn't find any that focused exclusively on cat toys. This past week, I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SecretCatLounge">Secret Cat Lounge</a> and immediately fell in love! This shop owner is a woman after my own heart! She currently specializes in kitty collars but does offer a few cat toys as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8F_8wonLI/AAAAAAAAAmU/L_vVLBd5p30/s1600/cat+toy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8F_8wonLI/AAAAAAAAAmU/L_vVLBd5p30/s320/cat+toy+2.jpg" /></a></div>This shop owner fell in love with cats after rescuing her cat, Keena, several years ago. She was inspired to develop her own line of cat collars and toys after being dissatisfied with store purchased products. Keena seemed much happier to wear collars made for him by his mom, so a new line of cat products was born!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8GBbPYv0I/AAAAAAAAAmk/EOhUDfOR-xU/s1600/collar+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8GBbPYv0I/AAAAAAAAAmk/EOhUDfOR-xU/s320/collar+2.jpg" /></a>Secret Cat Lounge just opened on Etsy this past April. The shop owner wants to make something special for other cats and their owners. I remember shopping recently at a local pet store for collars I could use to model my pet bandanas and collar cozies. I was disappointed by the selection of cat collars. There were many "fashion" collars, but nothing that I could picture my sweet Pheoda wearing. Secret Cat Lounge offers truly fashionable collars that any cat would feel special to wear.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8F9QsYOsI/AAAAAAAAAmE/82K81mxyzuU/s1600/bells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8F9QsYOsI/AAAAAAAAAmE/82K81mxyzuU/s320/bells.jpg" /></a></div>The shop owner uses 100% organic cotton to line the collars. She says that organic cotton is often used in baby clothing which is designed for sensitive skin. Using organic cotton helps the collar to be more comfortable, and less itchy, on the cat's neck. These collars are also specially designed for active cats. Safety buckles are included to prevent choking. And if you have an outdoor kitty, you can purchase a matching bell to warn birds and other backyard critters of your cat's presence. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8F-rdryHI/AAAAAAAAAmM/rM5NUxh7Uq0/s1600/cat+toy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8F-rdryHI/AAAAAAAAAmM/rM5NUxh7Uq0/s320/cat+toy.jpg" /></a></div>The toys in Secret Cat Lounge are filled with catnip and wool and covered by felt fabric which is very safe for cats. The owner states that the felt adheres to the following guidelines:<br />
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·treatments free of formaldehyde<br />
·no azo dyes which could release the carcinogenic substances<br />
·no heavy metal combinations used in production <br />
·no dying acceleration / carrier<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8GB3IvflI/AAAAAAAAAms/CdzdSrAN7zI/s1600/pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TF8GB3IvflI/AAAAAAAAAms/CdzdSrAN7zI/s320/pouch.jpg" /></a></div>Be sure to show this new store some love! Your cat will thank you!!Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-75117213324996945682010-08-02T18:46:00.000-04:002010-08-02T18:46:10.971-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Dessert!In addition to knitting and my dear feline friend (whose new home is a pile of towels on the guest bed), one of my other favorite loves is dessert! I have a fairly large sweet tooth and high tolerance for sweets. So, what can be better than a dessert potluck tomorrow during lunch? :) I love to bake desserts but don't have much opportunity with just two of us in the household. After one or two nights of the same dessert, Dan gets bored, and I'm left with a lot of cookies, cake, or pie to finish on my own! Any time we have a potluck at work, I'm happy to satisfy my sweet tooth and bring in the finishing course. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TFdJjTZ4p3I/AAAAAAAAAl8/LDgBeDrLGPE/s1600/Raspberry-Lemonade-Pie-56812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TFdJjTZ4p3I/AAAAAAAAAl8/LDgBeDrLGPE/s320/Raspberry-Lemonade-Pie-56812.jpg" /></a></div>Because of said potluck, I get to start whipping up a Raspberry Lemonade pie in a few minutes. And I'm very excited because I get to use my new KitchenAid mixer for the second time - thanks to my mom for a wonderful bridal shower gift!! My baking extravaganza certainly takes away from my time to write a full spotlight, but I figured I'd write a mini spotlight on this great looking pie! I'm a big fan of Kraft Foods online, where I find the best recipes. I've had a few duds on some chicken recipes, but I've never gone wrong with their desserts. I will admit that I often say, "hmmm... mine doesn't quite look like the picture", but they're still pretty yummy nonetheless!<br />
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This particular pie looks pretty easy to make. I don't even need to turn the over on, which is nice in this summer weather. I'm just waiting for my cool whip to thaw and cream cheese to soften before I start putting it all together. The best part is this recipe makes two pies - there's nothing I hate more than going to a potluck and coming home with no leftovers!<br />
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Now if only I could figure out a way to have the cat sit on my shoulders, knit with one hand, and bake with the other. That would be pretty impressive.Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-44424140718027012162010-07-26T18:31:00.000-04:002010-07-26T18:31:05.388-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Storyknit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQCZJ3-WI/AAAAAAAAAlM/QJOU0Bxb9C8/s1600/headbands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQCZJ3-WI/AAAAAAAAAlM/QJOU0Bxb9C8/s320/headbands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I very happily received the newest issue of Interweave Knits on Thursday. In it, I came across a short article on Tom Hohmann, owner of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/storyknit">Storyknit</a>. I found his story very interesting and decided I would share it here. Because all of Tom's work is custom-made, I only have a couple photographs to show off some headbands that Tom has designed. However, anyone who wants to see more can check out page 14 of Interweave Knits. You will certainly not be disappointed! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQd8CIbvI/AAAAAAAAAlk/kvEV7oaKvZc/s1600/headbands+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQd8CIbvI/AAAAAAAAAlk/kvEV7oaKvZc/s320/headbands+2.jpg" /></a></div>What I find most interesting about Tom's work is that he truly tells a story with each piece he creates. He learned to crochet for a school project in the third grade and started knitting many years later at the age of 24. He found knitting kept him busy during long tours with his band. He says that he found music and knitting to go very well together and will carry themes across both art forms.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQDEL3IbI/AAAAAAAAAlU/aGxYVG-Fzbo/s1600/headbands+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQDEL3IbI/AAAAAAAAAlU/aGxYVG-Fzbo/s320/headbands+1.jpg" /></a>Tom then took a great leap from knitting to designing his own, very unique and complex, patterns. He sat down to design his first sweater with graph paper and colored pencils. He admits that while the sweater looked great from the outside, it left a little to be desired on the inside with numerous color changes!<br />
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What Tom creates is truly personalized to the customer. He is influenced by Native American art, culture, and history. However, Tom will design whatever the customer asks of him. He calls his clothing "wearable artwork." While I consider myself to be a knitter, Tom is truly an artist. He says it averages about 4 weeks to design sweaters for customers. He also creates headbands and hoods, which take a shorter amount of time to design and create. <br />
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Below is a photograph of the design process in action. I can assure you that none of my knitting patterns look this intricate!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQBfta1eI/AAAAAAAAAlE/si4V9Yh7YOU/s1600/design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TEzQBfta1eI/AAAAAAAAAlE/si4V9Yh7YOU/s640/design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-7145465821629560192010-07-26T09:21:00.000-04:002010-07-26T09:21:33.319-04:00Giveaway!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TE2KkB2zWcI/AAAAAAAAAls/4z4BkLBXcEI/s1600/scarves+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TE2KkB2zWcI/AAAAAAAAAls/4z4BkLBXcEI/s320/scarves+1.jpg" /></a></div>I need to thank <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AudreysCountryCrafts">Audrey's Country Crafts</a>, who organizes giveaways for other Etsy shop owners. I was planning to organize a giveaway this summer and was just starting to look through other giveaways to get all the details organized. Then I came across Audrey's post in the forums offering to do all of this for me! So, of course I said yes! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TE2KpijEL7I/AAAAAAAAAl0/zrVRUF2BYVY/s1600/scarves+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TE2KpijEL7I/AAAAAAAAAl0/zrVRUF2BYVY/s320/scarves+2.jpg" /></a></div>Starting today, you can enter for a chance to win one of my Angel Hair Zig-Zag Scarves. After purchasing several skeins of yarn, I spent the last week and half knitting 8 scarves to have ready. Be sure to visit Audrey's blog to read the full article. <a href="http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/07/yardbyyard.html">http://audreysgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/07/yardbyyard.html</a>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-58409913696702187742010-07-19T16:30:00.000-04:002010-07-19T16:30:30.625-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - ZenzPhotography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESywEFby6I/AAAAAAAAAkE/OjXYie1JBmM/s1600/dandelion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESywEFby6I/AAAAAAAAAkE/OjXYie1JBmM/s320/dandelion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was browsing around Etsy earlier today while renewing some of my items and came across this great photograph of a dandelion. Of course, I had to check out the shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZenzPhotography">ZenzPhotography</a>, and was instantly impressed with the variety of fine art photography. Tine Eelman is the woman behind ZenzPhotography. She is a professional photographer but new to selling her work on Etsy. She opened her shop exactly one month ago today. Congrats! Tine does have a second shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dutchcraftwork">Dutch Craft Work</a>, which has been open for over one year. In this spotlight, I focus on the photography shop. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESzDg2xVAI/AAAAAAAAAkU/9p0hhVSwnM0/s1600/letters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESzDg2xVAI/AAAAAAAAAkU/9p0hhVSwnM0/s320/letters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tine is a native of the Netherlands. In addition to being a photographer, she is also a visual artist and an independent filmmaker. I have to say that all sounds so much more interesting than social worker! What I find really interesting is that Tine worked as an assistant in an agricultural project in Guatemala. She went back to school to pursue this career path but ended up back in photography. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESzV1Ot-RI/AAAAAAAAAk8/zHzA-eCc5x0/s1600/wires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESzV1Ot-RI/AAAAAAAAAk8/zHzA-eCc5x0/s320/wires.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What I find most impressive is how Tine can take an ordinary object, such as a golf ball or the above mentioned dandelion, and turn it into a piece of art through her camera. Tine says that she is inspired by landscapes – not only their beauty but also their exploitation and degradation. Her photographs “Watch Tower” and “Electricity” certainly depict these elements. She strives to make a documentary of life through her photography. Tine hopes that through this documentary, we, the viewers, are able to see how we stand in relation to the world. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESzJIEo_4I/AAAAAAAAAkk/zr16TrefSwk/s1600/ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESzJIEo_4I/AAAAAAAAAkk/zr16TrefSwk/s320/ride.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tine also talks about her interest in different cultures. This stands out in her photography. To capture the 34 photographs in her store, she has traveled to the Caribbean, Asia, Florida, Greece, Mexico, as well as in her native Netherlands. <br />
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Tine has participated in exhibitions worldwide. Additionally, her photographs have been used in magazines and books. To say she is accomplished at what she does appears to be an understatement! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESyiN88opI/AAAAAAAAAj8/9KekhqG-xLc/s1600/asia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TESyiN88opI/AAAAAAAAAj8/9KekhqG-xLc/s320/asia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tine is a member of the Etsy Dutch Handmade, Photographers on Etsy, and the Europeanstreetteam on Etsy teams. <br />
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Be sure to visit her <a href="http://www.zenazero.com/">website</a> for additional information!Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-57455516941721385912010-07-13T19:53:00.002-04:002010-07-13T19:54:34.507-04:00Christmas in July sale!!Instead of writing a spotlight this week, I've been busily preparing my stores for my Christmas in July sale! Enjoy free shipping on all items now through the end of the month. Here are how the shops are set up:<br />
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<a href="http://yardbyyardknits.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> and <a href="http://www.craftisart.com/YardByYardKnits">Craft is Art</a>: shipping costs will be refunded via paypal or contact me before making a purchase, and I will set up a custom order for you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/yardbyyardknits">Artfire</a> and <a href="http://www.zibbet.com/YardByYardKnits">Zibbet</a>: shipping has been changed to reflect free shipping<br />
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Please don't ask me why it varies from shop to shop - each set up page is different, so it's a matter of how many steps it takes to make all the changes! (And how much time I have on August 1 to put my shipping charges back in place!)<br />
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Be sure to search "Christmas in July" at all these sights for some other great finds.<br />
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For another bit of self-promotion, here are some pictures of my newest scarves:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz7owowF8I/AAAAAAAAAiU/SfE3NhKv3g4/s1600/Red+ladder+Scarf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz7owowF8I/AAAAAAAAAiU/SfE3NhKv3g4/s200/Red+ladder+Scarf+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz7u1rWCsI/AAAAAAAAAic/PLbf0iW_wao/s1600/Red+ladder+Scarf+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz7u1rWCsI/AAAAAAAAAic/PLbf0iW_wao/s200/Red+ladder+Scarf+5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz7iVsJCII/AAAAAAAAAiM/9UFPKRviUjE/s1600/Red+ladder+Scarf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz7iVsJCII/AAAAAAAAAiM/9UFPKRviUjE/s200/Red+ladder+Scarf+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz77K5aWwI/AAAAAAAAAis/ATYQsh_skNs/s1600/Purple+Ladder+Scarf+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz77K5aWwI/AAAAAAAAAis/ATYQsh_skNs/s200/Purple+Ladder+Scarf+2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz8BYuFUQI/AAAAAAAAAi0/cysXH8upBc0/s1600/Purple+Ladder+Scarf+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz8BYuFUQI/AAAAAAAAAi0/cysXH8upBc0/s200/Purple+Ladder+Scarf+6.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz71UlEr5I/AAAAAAAAAik/TO-0SIO0lC0/s1600/Purple+Ladder+Scarf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDz71UlEr5I/AAAAAAAAAik/TO-0SIO0lC0/s200/Purple+Ladder+Scarf+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-62096101230155453412010-07-05T11:55:00.000-04:002010-07-05T11:55:27.794-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - My Little Chickadee Creations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH-81sYOPI/AAAAAAAAAh0/4ogAFppfLK4/s1600/owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH-81sYOPI/AAAAAAAAAh0/4ogAFppfLK4/s320/owls.jpg" /></a></div>In addition to knitting, I also hand stamp birthday and holiday cards. I consider this to be my first craft, as a friend introduced me to the world of stamping a few years before I started knitting. I've come to learn that I much prefer knitting since I have a start and an end to a pattern. Sitting on the floor with all my paper and stamps in front of me can be a little overwhelming! Once I have a design created, the rest of the process is much easier, but I feel I have to be much more creative when I'm stamping. However, I love hand-stamped cards and other goods. Indeed, my wedding invitations were stamped by LamaWorks. Today, I came across <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/stampgarden">My Little Chickadee Creations</a> on ArtFire and immediately fell in love with her stamped tiles.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH_HyRgAMI/AAAAAAAAAiE/jMoPs7-2Wa4/s1600/savethedate1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH_HyRgAMI/AAAAAAAAAiE/jMoPs7-2Wa4/s320/savethedate1.jpg" /></a></div>Ellie, the woman behind My Little Chickadee Creations, started stamping over 10 years ago. Like me, she started first with cards. Unlike me, Ellie started experimenting with stamping on different surfaces. She came across Travertine tiles, and her product line was born! These tiles come in assorted sizes which she uses to make coasters, trivets, magnets, ornaments, worry stones, and more. Ellie offers a large selection of baby announcements and save the date magnets.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH-8FwhtyI/AAAAAAAAAhs/j5_aMJ3QO2Y/s1600/magnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH-8FwhtyI/AAAAAAAAAhs/j5_aMJ3QO2Y/s320/magnets.jpg" /></a></div>As I browsed through Ellie's shop, I found myself wondering just how exactly her creations come to be. Luckily for me, and all of you, Ellie answered that very question recently on her <a href="http://www.mylittlechickadeeblog.com/">blog</a>. I try to give a quick summary here, but be sure to stop by her blog for all the details.<br />
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Ellie uses travertine tiles because they are absorbent and therefore make great coasters. This type of tile holds up well in heat and humidity, so sweaty drinks do not get your table and counter tops wet. Ellie notes that ceramic tiles are sealed and will therefore not absorb moisture. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH-7NF5yfI/AAAAAAAAAhk/3-eI6PBCmdQ/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TDH-7NF5yfI/AAAAAAAAAhk/3-eI6PBCmdQ/s320/baby.jpg" /></a></div>Since these tiles are so great at absorbing moisture, how is it that the ink/paint from the stamps doesn't come off? I know a little drop of water can ruin a card! The answer is quite simple. Ellie bakes her tiles after stamping and painting them. While I usually only use pictures of items for sale in the shops I feature, I really liked this picture from Ellie's blog of her tiles cooking in her toaster oven. All coasters, tiles, and trivets come with padded feet on the bottom to keep them from scratching surfaces. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z8rnChgY8vw/TC5fhvmhyOI/AAAAAAAABlQ/oTkI4XXMeGQ/s1600/IMG_4765.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489430029129599202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Z8rnChgY8vw/TC5fhvmhyOI/AAAAAAAABlQ/oTkI4XXMeGQ/s320/IMG_4765.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="color: #ff9900; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>Ellie has such a large variety of stamps and uses such great colors on all of her products! If I had come across her store when I was first planning my wedding, I would have had to seriously consider her save the date magnets! Be sure to also visit her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelEllie">Etsy</a> shop and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mylittlechickadeecreations">Facebook</a> page.Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-24564650844738662882010-07-03T15:49:00.000-04:002010-07-03T15:49:35.076-04:00Max at Play!Kristen purchased her Cabled Catnip Mat for Max and Izzy! Max was quick to pounce right on in and start playing! Izzy wasn't quite in the mood, but she has checked it out a little bit. Kristen sent me some great pictures of Max at play. He is now modeling the mat in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50247712/cabled-catnip-mat">store</a>. Here are some pictures:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-T9M02e2I/AAAAAAAAAhE/wy7z9tRcl3U/s1600/Catnip+Mat+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-T9M02e2I/AAAAAAAAAhE/wy7z9tRcl3U/s320/Catnip+Mat+7.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-T-XC_4kI/AAAAAAAAAhM/3hZgFH2ErrM/s1600/Catnip+Mat+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-T-XC_4kI/AAAAAAAAAhM/3hZgFH2ErrM/s320/Catnip+Mat+8.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-T_d-8sKI/AAAAAAAAAhU/GcaPqydGSF4/s1600/Catnip+Mat+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-T_d-8sKI/AAAAAAAAAhU/GcaPqydGSF4/s320/Catnip+Mat+9.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-UB3FhV-I/AAAAAAAAAhc/Ng8opGzTfn8/s1600/Catnip+Mat+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TC-UB3FhV-I/AAAAAAAAAhc/Ng8opGzTfn8/s320/Catnip+Mat+10.jpg" /></a></div>What a cutie!! He usually tears apart his catnip toys, and this one is holding up well to his claws!Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-33153599083468770482010-06-28T20:07:00.000-04:002010-06-28T20:07:42.022-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - BeachyRustica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3sUiiTxI/AAAAAAAAAg0/Tti_WB6yIQA/s1600/towel+hooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3sUiiTxI/AAAAAAAAAg0/Tti_WB6yIQA/s320/towel+hooks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Who isn't ready for summer? And what's better than a trip to the beach on a warm summer day? I know I would have certainly preferred that to work today! Sometimes though you just can't get to the ocean. We all know how that goes. Luckily for us, <a href="http://www.craftisart.com/BeachyRustica">BeachyRustica</a> offers the next best thing - bring a bit of the beach to you! I happened to be browsing through different sections of Craft Is Art tonight for my spotlight. The beautiful colors found in this store drew me right in! I happen to love sea glass as well and am really intrigued by how this shop owner turns it into cabinet knobs. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3o0lGpdI/AAAAAAAAAgU/_0WGCQuJRXE/s1600/drawer+pull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3o0lGpdI/AAAAAAAAAgU/_0WGCQuJRXE/s320/drawer+pull.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>The largest variety of items in this shop are the cabinet knobs, but the owner also offers drawer pulls, wall hooks, magnets, and tiles. In addition to sea glass, the owner offers fused glass knobs which are also quite unique. There is such a large variety of colors to choose from! I look at one cabinet knob listing and keep checking out the others to see different color combinations! You can visit the owner's personal website at <a href="http://www.beachyrustica.com/">http://www.beachyrustica.com</a> to view different colors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk4GZB_UKI/AAAAAAAAAg8/VH4EdYBfp-s/s1600/magnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk4GZB_UKI/AAAAAAAAAg8/VH4EdYBfp-s/s320/magnet.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As mentioned before, BeachyRustica also offers ceramic tiles. These tiles knobs, hooks, and magnets are created from tiles handmade by Emily Ulm. While this shop mostly features beach-themed tiles (starfish, mermaid, and seahorse among others), the personal website shows a larger selection including an acorn, tree, and rabbit. Since I already raved about this shop's wonderful color selection, it should also be noted that these hooks are also available in several different glazes to match your personal taste.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3qqS7glI/AAAAAAAAAgk/O21iyst_12M/s1600/knobs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3qqS7glI/AAAAAAAAAgk/O21iyst_12M/s320/knobs1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have to admit that I don't necessarily give much thought to cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and wall hooks. Maybe I've lived in too many apartments, where I don't have much say in these things! But I love how light and summery the cabinets are in BeachyRustica's pictures! It does inspire me to redecorate, although I'm not sure my landlord would approve! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3pkQNS6I/AAAAAAAAAgc/26Fm_hzFf8Q/s1600/fused+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCk3pkQNS6I/AAAAAAAAAgc/26Fm_hzFf8Q/s320/fused+glass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>BeachyRustica also has a shop on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/beachyrustica">Etsy</a>.<br />
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You can friend BeachyRustica on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/profile.php?id=1660232651">Facebook</a>.Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-12383358921355564592010-06-25T20:13:00.001-04:002010-06-25T20:27:43.781-04:00It's play time for the cats!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Introducing my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50211358/catnip-mat">Catnip Mat</a>! Here are photos of my newest item! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCVCdrduZBI/AAAAAAAAAgM/GCnwqK2wxLc/s1600/Catnip+Mat+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCVCdrduZBI/AAAAAAAAAgM/GCnwqK2wxLc/s320/Catnip+Mat+5.jpg" /></a></div>I love the way it turned out! I admit it was a pain working through all the cabling, but I think this will hold up well to Max and Izzy's claws - at least I'm hoping! If I had all wool yarn in my stash, I would felt one, but I think I'm out right now. That might be a future project.<br />
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These catnip mats are made at the time of purchase to keep the catnip super fresh!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCVCX_yMWtI/AAAAAAAAAgE/JCyR2BuO4a4/s1600/Catnip+Mat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCVCX_yMWtI/AAAAAAAAAgE/JCyR2BuO4a4/s320/Catnip+Mat+3.jpg" /></a></div>Pheoda was happily sleeping until I took out the catnip for this mat. The poor thing drugged herself up, so she wasn't really in the mood for a photo shoot later!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCVCMPjUH0I/AAAAAAAAAf0/yOiCNf5efcQ/s1600/Catnip+Mat+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TCVCMPjUH0I/AAAAAAAAAf0/yOiCNf5efcQ/s320/Catnip+Mat+1.jpg" /></a></div>She leaned right over the sniff the mat, but she wasn't quite in the mood to play. I think she got mad at me poking her with the mat to get a good picture! She eventually ran away. I found her later on the ironing board, and she was very close to playing then. She still looks a little dazed in those pictures. Poor girl. I think she might have recovered by now.Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-10505521869086939972010-06-21T19:45:00.000-04:002010-06-21T19:45:19.543-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Purple Sparkle Crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_44Tcmu6I/AAAAAAAAAfM/6V6OBJkHz6o/s1600/cupcake+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_44Tcmu6I/AAAAAAAAAfM/6V6OBJkHz6o/s320/cupcake+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Finally! A new spotlight! This one better be good to make up for such a long break... I browsed through many stores the last few days looking for the right one to spotlight. Then, I came across <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/purplesparkle">Purple Sparkle Crafts</a> and knew I was back in business! The shop owner, Becky, joined the Etsy community way back in 2007, when Etsy was still fairly young and unknown. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_47hF-BtI/AAAAAAAAAfs/VjiaQ4LxKLI/s1600/wax+melts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_47hF-BtI/AAAAAAAAAfs/VjiaQ4LxKLI/s320/wax+melts.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>What I find impressive is that Becky says she started making candles, wax melts, and bath and body products only in 2006. She comes from a completely different background having worked in the world of Insurance. After being laid off from her place of employment, Becky spent several months looking for new work before deciding to open her shop. At one time, she also had a "real" store in Bath, United Kingdom, but now she sells exclusively on Etsy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_45A03CRI/AAAAAAAAAfU/WKx_O6CJ8a8/s1600/cupcake+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_45A03CRI/AAAAAAAAAfU/WKx_O6CJ8a8/s320/cupcake+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What really drew me to Purple Sparkle Crafts are Becky's beautiful cupcake candles! I'm sure I've mentioned before that I have a bit of a sweet tooth. I grew up in a household where ice cream was a nightly dessert, and Lucky Charms and Frosted Flakes were not uncommon for breakfast. Ask any of my coworkers - they will tell you that I seek out sweets at work. Becky's candles look yummy enough to eat! She says that she was drawn to bakery fragrances when she started making her candles. Shaping them to look like cupcakes is her way of standing out in a crowd!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_46nUvtHI/AAAAAAAAAfk/DtUOCuAegco/s1600/tea+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_46nUvtHI/AAAAAAAAAfk/DtUOCuAegco/s320/tea+cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In addition to her candles, Becky also offers wax melts, jarred candles, soaps, and even one quite impressive teacup candle. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of items. With scents like birthday cake, cinnamon bun, pink sugar, rocky road, and sweet summer pie, I know I'm ready for dessert. There are a few non-sugary scents such as freesia and rose for those who don't want cavities!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_453s5y1I/AAAAAAAAAfc/rKjOz1iL_-k/s1600/soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/TB_453s5y1I/AAAAAAAAAfc/rKjOz1iL_-k/s320/soap.jpg" /></a></div>Becky also has a second Etsy shop, Amy May, where she sells handmade accessories, craft supplies, and vintage items. This shop is currently in vacation mode, but be sure to check back!<br />
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You can also find Becky at:<br />
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Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/purplesparkle">http://twitter.com/purplesparkle</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://maysparkles.etsy.com/" target="_blank">http://purplesparklecrafts.blogspot.com</a>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-45302152070028268322010-06-20T00:12:00.000-04:002010-06-20T00:12:34.389-04:00Poor Neglected BlogI realize that I had no spotlight this week after giving 6/14 as a return date from vacation. Sigh... I was so excited to upload, organize, and label my pictures from vacation, that I couldn't seem to get back into this whole blogging thing. But then my sister told me today that I had not posted anything to my blog in quite some time, so my neglect has not gone unnoticed. It's now midnight, my fiance might still be out fishing if he's not on his way back home, I overspent at the outlets today, and I should be in bed. But, here I am!<br />
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What's new with <a href="http://yardbyyardknits.etsy.com/">Yard By Yard Knits</a>? I posted my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49731492/hooded-dog-sweater-large-and-extra-large">Topaz Dog Sweater</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49033586/orange-and-yellow-baby-hat-0-to-6-months">Orange and Yellow Baby Hat</a> to my store this past week. I did struggle with the price for my dog sweater. I have the same sweater listed in a smaller size for $25. This sweater is a large, and I can also make it in extra-large. I had already decided to charge a little extra for it, but I wasn't sure how much. I debated between $28 and $30, but decided to go with the more even $30. Is $5 too much of a price increase for the extra time and yarn that the bigger sweater uses? I'm still deciding...<br />
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My current knitting project is a small catnip mat. I am making a rectangle to fill with fluff and catnip for my kitty friends. My sister emailed me and said here's a great idea for your shop. I've made some cat toys in the past but nothing for the shop yet. It's on my endless to do list. So I have dropped all other knitting to make sweet Izzy a catnip mat! This one will be long enough for her to hold in her front paws and kick with her back feet, allowing for maximum play and fun! One problem with knit cat toys is that their claws sometimes get stuck in the yarn while playing. I decided to go with a multiple cable pattern to keep the stitches a little tighter with the hopes that claws won't get stuck as easily. It looks great, but working 5 cables every 4th row certainly does slow down my progress! What could be an afternoon project will likely take me a couple days. Oh well, it will look beautiful when it's done! <br />
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I'm also looking forward to being featured in an upcoming blog by Audrey's Country Crafts. Her Etsy shop is currently closed while she is working on some home renovations. But she features other Etsy shops on her blog. I will also be participating in my first giveaway through her blog! Yea! I'm pretty excited about this. I've been wanting to do one without being able to organize it in my head. If someone else can do it for me, I won't complain!<br />
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It really is time for bed now. I will return with a spotlight this week! Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-40677097837367137992010-05-23T15:06:00.000-04:002010-05-23T15:06:11.803-04:00Sneak Peek!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I am happily getting ready for vacation in a couple of days. I fly to Tampa on Thursday afternoon for my cousin's wedding over Memorial Day weekend. Then, my mom, sister, and I have planned a small road trip to New Orleans where my sister lives. I've never been there before, so I'm very excited to visit her!<br />
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While I'm getting ready for vacation, I have also been busy knitting away. Since last weekend, I knit a dog sweater, baby hat, and collar cozy! I feel so productive! I won't be listing my new items until I return from vacation, but I want to show off my hard work!<br />
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Topaz Hooded Dog Sweater:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l68sA3zjI/AAAAAAAAAeE/08mbbC8QTdg/s1600/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l68sA3zjI/AAAAAAAAAeE/08mbbC8QTdg/s320/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l7Jus6VyI/AAAAAAAAAeU/DKrp6W7jbAs/s1600/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l7Jus6VyI/AAAAAAAAAeU/DKrp6W7jbAs/s320/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+4.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l7DO8zmlI/AAAAAAAAAeM/xG8MLXzvy_c/s1600/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l7DO8zmlI/AAAAAAAAAeM/xG8MLXzvy_c/s320/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+3.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l7PeOSBUI/AAAAAAAAAec/gv-aU_vAXfY/s1600/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_l7PeOSBUI/AAAAAAAAAec/gv-aU_vAXfY/s320/Topaz+hooded+dog+sweater+5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Yellow and Orange Roll Brim Baby Hat:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_Hfi1Wzi6I/AAAAAAAAAds/ltIt8NZSJqU/s1600/mitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_Hfi1Wzi6I/AAAAAAAAAds/ltIt8NZSJqU/s320/mitten.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Laura is certainly a multi-talented crafter. She offers hand knit hats, scarves, shawls, socks, mittens, and brooches. Additionally, she creates stationary, greeting cards, and all sorts of wedding decor! In addition to my beautiful wedding invitations, she also made bud vases/place card holdings for my tables. I would include pictures of my actual purchases, but I don't want my family to see the invitations before they arrive in the mail! And I know one lovely sister who likes to check in frequently to see what I have to say! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_HfhlkzKjI/AAAAAAAAAdk/HMAvIEugaiY/s1600/heart+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_HfhlkzKjI/AAAAAAAAAdk/HMAvIEugaiY/s320/heart+box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But, if you're looking for table numbers, place cards, thank you cards, save the date cards, engagement cards, or anything other stationary for your wedding, then Lama Works is the place to start. She has also added some really cute animal themed pull-out note cards as well, so there really is something for everyone in this store. Laura says that she loves to craft and design. She admits that her interests vary widely, and while she may focus on knitting one month, she might go back to cards the next. In one email, Laura said the only hard part of her job is that not everyone realizes that "working from home" really does mean "working"!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_HfnXd4gzI/AAAAAAAAAd8/crKX2OGqVbc/s1600/socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_HfnXd4gzI/AAAAAAAAAd8/crKX2OGqVbc/s320/socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've spotlighted several artists who donate a portion of their proceeds to charity, and Laura is no different. A full 10% of every sale is donated to the American Cancer Society through the Carry On Campaign. She started this challenge in March 2009 and raised $552! I'm glad to know that a portion of my purchases will be going to a good cause. <br />
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You can also visit Laura at:<br />
Blog: <a href="http://www.lamaworks.blogspot.com/">http://www.lamaworks.blogspot.com</a><br />
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lamaworks">http://www.facebook.com/lamaworks</a><br />
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Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/lamaworksdesign">http://twitter.com/lamaworksdesign</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_Hfg8PGhTI/AAAAAAAAAdc/NOmjXmPjx8U/s1600/cat+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S_Hfg8PGhTI/AAAAAAAAAdc/NOmjXmPjx8U/s320/cat+card.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Please note: Due to an upcoming vacation, this will be my last spotlight for the next 3 weeks. I plan to resume on June 14. I will hopefully not completely neglect my blog during that time! :)Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-28824564448611870522010-05-11T19:24:00.001-04:002010-05-11T19:25:41.356-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Tindle Bears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl6FtQKtI/AAAAAAAAAcY/f2Uk4JHfCIg/s1600/bear+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl6FtQKtI/AAAAAAAAAcY/f2Uk4JHfCIg/s320/bear+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My mother loves teddy bears. I think she's banned us from buying any more for her since her collection is overflowing. I have to say I think she was more than impressed when my sister gave her four bears at once. We found them in the clearance bin, and I convinced my sister that she really should buy all four instead of only one or two. So in this spirit, I decided to celebrate a late mother's day by spotlighting <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/tindlebears">Tindle Bears</a>, a store that features handmade teddy bears! These cuties will certainly never find their way into a clearance bin at Hallmark! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl9dW3LyI/AAAAAAAAAco/oGif1mrw_gM/s1600/bear+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl9dW3LyI/AAAAAAAAAco/oGif1mrw_gM/s320/bear+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Karen is the artist behind Tindle Bears. My mom always looks for the one bear who has that "take me home with you" face. Unfortunately for my wallet, I think all of Karen's bears are just begging to come home to my apartment! The cat may not approve though... Karen designs all of her bears from start to finish. She says that her inspiration often starts with the fur. She then designs the perfect bear to fit that particular fur. It can take several prototypes to reach the finished product. Looking through her store, it looks like most bears take an average of 10-15 hours to create, although the lovable Aurora took 32 hours! That makes some of my scarves seem quick!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl-Lcq9JI/AAAAAAAAAcw/56r0IDv82rg/s1600/bear+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl-Lcq9JI/AAAAAAAAAcw/56r0IDv82rg/s320/bear+4.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Scrap fur becomes mini bears, so nothing is wasted. Many of Karen's larger bears are one of a kind, so if you fall in love with it, you need to buy it right away! Each bear comes with a certificate of authenticity and a tag with its name, company name, and the Karen's signature. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl63NmJfI/AAAAAAAAAcg/YLjHnuKXY0U/s1600/bear+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl63NmJfI/AAAAAAAAAcg/YLjHnuKXY0U/s320/bear+2.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>I am impressed with Karen's honesty in her profile. She talks about the social pressures of holding a "real" job and meeting societal norms and expectations. It sounds like she has wonderful family support that has allowed her to follow her passion and have a job that she loves creating art. I imagine many full-time shop owners have similar stories. In addition to Tindle Bears, Karen has a second Artfire Shop, <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/renstudio">Ren Studio</a>, where she features hand-printed cards, photography, and even handbags.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl_J2cpII/AAAAAAAAAc4/e7cCVGznWuo/s1600/bear+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S-nl_J2cpII/AAAAAAAAAc4/e7cCVGznWuo/s320/bear+5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Everyone needs to check out these adorable bears! Karen offers such a great selection of colors, styles, and faces. In many of her pictures, she gives the bears very human-like poses which adds a lot of personality to each bear. It should be noted that Tindle Bears are meant to be collector's items and not meant for children due to small parts.<br />
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You can also find Karen at:<br />
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<a href="http://tindlebears.blogspot.com/">http://Tindlebears.blogspot.com</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ren-Studio-by-artist-Karen-Searls/134912052326">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ren-Studio-by-artist-Karen-Searls/134912052326</a>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-47907621710951422502010-05-08T14:36:00.001-04:002010-05-08T14:38:34.162-04:00Craft is ArtI am always trying to find new ways to get more shoppers to my store. Over recent weeks, I have been learning about other sites like Etsy where you can build your own shops. Many of these sites offer a basic set up for no fee, or you can pay for all the bells and whistles. Although it's more work for me, I've decided to take the plunge and set up some new shops. I told everyone about my new <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/yardbyyardknits">Artfire</a> Studio a couple weeks ago. It took a while to upload everything from Etsy into my new store, and I've only been minimally happy with the results thus far. What I like about Artfire is that they show you if someone has linked to your item from google search which is interesting. But the item views cannot compare to Etsy. However, if someone purchases an item from there, then I will not complain! :) You can upload as many items as you want, and there are no listing or selling fees.<br />
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Next I learned about <a href="http://www.zibbet.com/YardByYardKnits">Zibbet</a>. A basic seller can upload 25 items at no cost, so I decided to give that a try. That store is still a work in progress, as I only have 11 of my 25 items uploaded. It takes a while to upload all the pictures and copy and paste my text from Etsy, so I have been a little neglectful. I have not yet figured out if there is a way to see how many views an item has or link this shop to google analytics. I have some more to do here that's for sure!<br />
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Finally, I heard about Craft is Art. A basic seller here can also upload 25 items at no cost. However, here, you can import your items (with images!) from Etsy. It still took some time to go through each item afterward and set all the labels and tags, but I started this project today around 12:30 and am already finished! You can check out my newest store here: <a href="http://www.craftisart.com/YardByYardKnits">http://www.craftisart.com/YardByYardKnits</a>. I already have analytics set up for this shop, so I'm curious to see how it compares to Artfire. <br />
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I have no idea how these smaller sites compare to Etsy. But I think each has a following of its own, so now I have to see if a cheapo like me will be found amongst all the pro shops that can do more with their stores!Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-11899211387453245662010-05-03T18:12:00.000-04:002010-05-03T18:12:43.032-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - R. Schneider Art Studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZE-7aEdI/AAAAAAAAAcA/cvIfrDRzrP8/s1600/cats+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZE-7aEdI/AAAAAAAAAcA/cvIfrDRzrP8/s320/cats+2.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>Today I decided to search "Painting" on Artfire to see what new stores I came across. The first few pages were filled with some great paintings but nothing quite my style. Then I came across <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/rschneiderartstudio">R. Schneider Art Studio</a>. This place is great! Anyone who has followed my blog knows how much I love animals, especially cats. Ms. Schneider speaks right to my heart with her art! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZFlDW7UI/AAAAAAAAAcI/ysrQFJ4JncE/s1600/cats+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZFlDW7UI/AAAAAAAAAcI/ysrQFJ4JncE/s320/cats+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ms. Schneider is a self-taught artist. I am always slightly jealous of artists. My mother is a graphic designer and majored in fine arts in college. She always says she'd rather draw the tomato than cook it. I picked up absolutely none of her artistic skills. Stick figures are about as creative as I get! So I'm slightly in awe of people who can pick up a pencil, crayons, pastels, or paint and make something beautiful out of it. Ms. Schneider is certainly a well rounded artist. In addition to painting, she talents include ceramics, knitting, cross-stitch, photography, poetry, and most impressively composing music for piano. That's a talent I have not yet come across in these spotlights! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZD4ftPTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/zRR3LO_dKEo/s1600/cats+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZD4ftPTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/zRR3LO_dKEo/s320/cats+1.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>Ms. Schneider currently has three main series of painting: Meditations on the Maine Coon, Socrates, and Red Collar Dogs. My family has often had part-Maine Coon cats, and I love these gentle giants! Okay, our first cat was not so gentle, but she was pretty big! The cat in this series is named Atlas, and he strikes new poses on different colored backgrounds to form great collages. A true cat lover can never have too many cats, and these paintings are a true testament to that statement. <br />
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Socrates is another cat series. This single cat painting captures the true essence of the cat's will. You cannot tell a cat to do something. The cat must decide on his/her own to do something.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZGhDMvII/AAAAAAAAAcQ/NtEVY6FdvMA/s1600/dogs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZGhDMvII/AAAAAAAAAcQ/NtEVY6FdvMA/s320/dogs+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Red Collar Dogs have polka-dot legs and striped tails. And of course, they all have red collars. Ms. Schneider writes that she loves "Van Gogh red" and used that to inspire this series, which includes some single dogs, some pairs, and some collages. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZC-edZyI/AAAAAAAAAbw/IwRPzFOTNds/s1600/birds+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZC-edZyI/AAAAAAAAAbw/IwRPzFOTNds/s320/birds+1.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>In addition to these main series, Ms. Schneider also has a Little Bird Series, abstract paintings, and some adorable cat-themed art cards. I love all of her work - her animals are too adorable! What's also impressive is that each piece not only comes framed but that the frame is part of the artwork. Many of her frames are also painted to expand the print. If only my walls had some extra space that needed to be filled...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZBxMuDQI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6ptR7V6NDmY/s1600/abstract.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S93ZBxMuDQI/AAAAAAAAAbo/6ptR7V6NDmY/s200/abstract.jpg" width="120" /></a></div><br />
Ms. Schneider also has an Etsy shop: <a href="http://www.rschneiderartstudio.etsy.com/">http://www.rschneiderartstudio.etsy.com</a>Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-29930098973944302102010-05-02T16:18:00.000-04:002010-05-02T16:18:59.873-04:00It's been a great week for Etsy Knitters!I've probably said this already, but I love being a part of the Etsy Knitters Team. The email communication between artists is excellent. I know I can contact the team with any question and receive tons of helpful information. The amount of talent and wisdom in the group really is quite incredible. Two knitters, Zoe from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeasideKnitting">Seaside Knitting Patterns</a> and Elaine from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/grannyknits">Granny Knits</a>, had really great press!<br />
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Zoe had her first pattern published in this month's edition of Interweave Knits. She submitted a pattern for her Nautilus Mitts last August and finally saw it published this week! You can check them out here: <a href="http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/summer-knits-2010.asp#Nautilus_mitts">http://www.interweaveknits.com/preview/summer-knits-2010.asp#Nautilus_mitts</a>. On her facebook page, she talks about the process from beginning to end. After having her pattern accepted, she had two months to knit the pattern in yarn chosen by the magazine. Interweave Knits is one of the most popular knitting magazines, so hopefully this is the beginning of very good things for her!<br />
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Elaine had her biography published on the Etsy blog. She has a very inspirational story, where she took in her two-year-old grandson, Jordan, who is diagnosed with Autism after her daughter was in a fatal car accident. She loved to knit for Jordan and her younger grandson, Damion, and eventually turned this love into her own store on Etsy. You can read the full story here: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/working-overtime-grannysknits-8004/">http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/working-overtime-grannysknits-8004/</a>. <br />
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On a bit of self-promotion (although it's not quite as exciting as the above news), my Carnival Criss-Cross Scarf is featured in a great mother's day gift guide put together by <a href="http://www.jenjie.etsy.com/">Jenjie's Crafty Stuff</a>. Be sure to check out the full gift guide: <a href="http://www.jenjiescraftystuff.blogspot.com/">http://www.jenjiescraftystuff.blogspot.com/</a>. Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-65302212110415719622010-04-26T19:36:00.001-04:002010-04-26T19:37:08.313-04:00Sarah's Spotlight - Merkaba Jewelry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YitcsbNtI/AAAAAAAAAbI/4m3BA_UDjgw/s1600/bracelet+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YitcsbNtI/AAAAAAAAAbI/4m3BA_UDjgw/s320/bracelet+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a break last week, I'm refreshed and ready to write up a great spotlight today! I have been having fun looking through some Artfire stores and happily came across <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/MerkabaJewelry">Merkaba Jewelry</a>. This shop owner, Jennifer, features some great hand-knit scarves and scarflettes along with some handmade jewelry. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YiwJeSxdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/kx17jiypuWQ/s1600/scarflette+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YiwJeSxdI/AAAAAAAAAbg/kx17jiypuWQ/s320/scarflette+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What first drew me to this store is how cozy her scarves and scaflettes look! Once I opened an item, I learned that she uses Lion Brand Homespun to make these great pieces. I personally LOVE Homespun yarn. It is so soft and fun to knit with. If you remember my pictures of Max and Izzy on their striped blanket, that was knit with Homespun. Because of its texture, it is incredibly forgiving if you make a small mistake. However, if you need to find said mistake, it can take a while because of that same great texture! But back to the store... I was surprised to find such great hand-knit items in a store with jewelry in its name, but these do look great! The buttons she uses on those scarflettes really make them pop!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YisnMcN3I/AAAAAAAAAbA/L6p_UPP6LVQ/s1600/bracelet+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YisnMcN3I/AAAAAAAAAbA/L6p_UPP6LVQ/s320/bracelet+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Equally as impressive is the jewelry in this store. There is currently a small selection of earrings and bracelets. I really feel each piece's elegance comes from its understated simplicity. Jennifer states that her jewelry is for every day women. Her pieces are certainly affordable and can dress up any outfit. She encourages every woman to feel pretty and hopes her jewelry (and scarves) can help you do just that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YiuHtt-xI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/CTa3HAX6dMQ/s1600/earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YiuHtt-xI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/CTa3HAX6dMQ/s320/earrings.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>I think Jennifer writes it best when she says, "Because each day is special, you deserve to feel like a queen even if all you did today was walk to the mailbox." I don't think I even made it as far as the mailbox yesterday, but sometimes those are the best days. Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom, so she certainly understands the need to feel special on those not so special feeling days. She never leaves her house without earrings! That's a rule I need to start living by. If I don't pack jewelry in my gym bag, I'm out of luck since I shower at the gym after 6am class! I always wonder why I don't keep more earrings in a pocket somewhere.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YivI30_iI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Hh3BpULdRp0/s1600/scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RMzV7RIAXMs/S9YivI30_iI/AAAAAAAAAbY/Hh3BpULdRp0/s320/scarf.jpg" /></a></div>Jennifer also has an Etsy store and a blog. Her Etsy shop has a larger variety of her work. I chose to feature only items currently offered on Artfire.<br />
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Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/merkabajewelry<br />
Blog: http://merkabajewelry.blogspot.com<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I certainly look forward to meeting other Artfire artists - I hope you do too!Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5310424120864834070.post-45868436656688623882010-04-19T20:55:00.000-04:002010-04-19T20:55:31.922-04:00Happy Patriot's Day!I enjoyed a nice three-day weekend in Maine for Patriot's Day. I do love minor holidays! :) But settling in and food shopping tonight didn't leave time to write up a spotlight. I have just enough going on this week that I don't think I'll be able to fit it in. My plan to write it up in advance yesterday was hampered by too many hours of outlet shopping in Freeport with my mom! <br />
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But my spotlight will be back up next week, possibly my first artfire shop!Yard By Yard Knitshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00753290132731581599noreply@blogger.com0