Trees.Hides.

Etsy Finds :: Spring Greens

2012-02-24T14:01:00.000-05:00

With all the rain we've been getting, spring seems to have arrived. And it's not even March yet! I'm sure that we will get a few more snow-dumpings, but today feels like spring to me. Hence my finds for the day:

{1..2..3..4..5..6}

Family Friday

2012-02-24T08:54:00.000-05:00

This week was nothing incredibly new. Just a bunch of learning and fooling around...

Alexander and Isabel really love playing with that sheer curtain in the kitchen. They are constantly hiding behind it, and then running towards each other, so the curtain drags across their face while they are running (or walking, in Isabel's case). With the curtain being sheer, they can still see where they are going, which is why they like it so much.

And I LOVE hearing them laughing at each other. Alexander goes out of his way to make Isabel laugh, and he's giggling the whole time too. It always puts a smile on my face.

I wish Isabel would keep her pookies in her hair, but she is constantly pulling them out and throwing them on the floor. So most days I just give up and keep them out.

Today Alexander, Isabel and I are going over to Heather's place, where there will be Emma and Evan to play with! Alexander is really excited about it; it's awesome to see him come out of his shell.

At school earlier this week, there was a tiny tent put up in the classroom, and when we got there, a couple of kids were playing in it. Alexander played with Isabel and me for a while, keeping their progress in the corner of his eye; then he suddenly went up to them and started playing with them at the door to the tent! He had never played with those kids before, so this is unheard of! It was very exciting for me to see.

Anyhoo. That's all for this week! Cheerios. lol

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-23T09:42:00.000-05:00

If you don't know about this fan-TAB-ulous course, you can find more information here.
If you want to take it, you can find a class near you here.

What I Made Wednesday - LINK UP!

2012-02-22T08:14:00.000-05:00

This past week has found me looking for craft sales to attend this year, so honestly, I haven't made a whole lot.

But I will show you something that I have received recently:

I got this bills calendar from REDSTARink, and I LOVE IT!!! It allows me to keep all my monthly bills in one place, and keep track of what has been paid and what has yet to be paid; it's pretty awesome!!! I will be writing a review of this item in the near future, so look out for that!

Anyhoo. Last week's most viewed link-up was a Peacock Kindle Fire Case by redmorningstudios:

Now, I would LOVE to see what you have been working on lately! Link away!

Want to Advertise on Trees.Hides.?

2012-02-21T12:22:00.002-05:00

March is coming very soon, and now is a good time to be looking at advertising options.

Trees.Hides. is a low-cost way for you to get more exposure for your blog and/or shop.

Trees.Hides. has over 1,250 followers via

Google Friend Connect, Twitter, Facebook, g+, Bloglovin, Linky Followers, and the monthly newsletter.

Pageviews have grown by 158% since December 2011.

For the details, you can go here.

Treasury Tuesday

2012-02-21T08:23:00.000-05:00

'Chocolate Grey Poupon' by ChelseaGirlDesigns

wool blend charcoal gre... crochetconcept... $32.00	Pincushion Ring - Wacky... OneRedButtonCr... $5.50	Chocolate brown with do... summittdesigns $9.50	Smores Cake Truffles wi... lapetitepartie $23.95
Leather Journal Gift Se... TheOrangeWindm... $49.95	White Russian cocktail ... dellcovespices $4.25	Crow Wall Art Black Bir... AldariArt $18.00	Persian Lamb Coat 1960s... BlytheHopesVin... $350.00
Twisted Wire Necklace i... FiveLittleGems $49.00	shallow wool bowl or di... thefuzzymonkey $18.00	Clock art Print 5x7 Pr... michelemaule $8.00	Vintage Postage Stamp S... 42things $4.00
Beads Ceramic Charms 25... midnightcoiler $23.00	2 Brown and Copper Rust... oenopia $22.00	Nougat Brown Crochet He... graceandfavour... $7.50	Acorn Decorations - 3 B... LavaGifts $9.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'beautiful hue of vintage blue' by LoungeAboutPillows

Modern Tree Branches Wa... AldariArt $45.00	Gift Tags, Wedding, Bri... TheCroppingBlo... $9.00	You Rang - Vintage Aqua... becaruns $38.50	Personalized Hang Tags ... 42things $5.00
Charm Bracelet, Nautica... waterwaif $44.00	Large Leather Journal, ... TheOrangeWindm... $49.95	Surreal Landscape Water... michelemaule $25.00	vanity table apetrolia $2950.00
Tiny Silver Lizard Neck... mentalembellis... $38.00	Picture Frames Shabby C... MountainCoveAn... $36.00	wool blend charcoal gre... crochetconcept... $32.00	Powder Blue Plaid- Vin... threadoverheel... $69.00
SALE Small Pin Cushion ... OneRedButtonCr... $3.85	Iolite Briolette Water ... somsstudiosupp... $18.00	Printed clothespins, 24... ClementineWedd... $20.00	Vintage Footed Silverpl... ahindle78 $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Red-dy For Some Shopping' by BeedazzledDesigns

Vintage Cover Journal -... TheOrangeWindm... $27.95	Vintage CRANBERRY Round... OliverandAlexa $48.00	Red Heart Eco Felt Orna... SweetPB $12.50	Children Valentine, Val... eleanorestreas... $22.00
Quilted Table Runner --... nhquiltarts $60.00	Mini Note Cards Valenti... PinkiesPalace $4.50	Vintage Parka Coat Jack... vintagecurve $98.00	cup cozy, coffee cup sl... ChocolateDogSt... $8.00
Sunday Coral Brass Brac... brasslady $7.50	Scarlet Red Soft and Co... januaryspearl $15.00	MOCK BABY CROCS crochet... georgiabeckman $20.00	Christmas Place Tags, P... ForAnyOccasion... $7.50
Red Corduroy Bag/Tote w... Exleather $89.00	Valentine Hearts, Artis... SilverWishes $65.00	Red cotton with white s... PALEOLOCHIC $20.00	Piggy Bank Red Ceramic ... ClayfulStudio $28.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Beyond the Ordinary' by biologyrose

Unique Horsehair Basket... bazketmakr $90.00	Elk Antler Hair Fork Co... JCMcCairnsCott... $92.00	Felted wool slippers-bo... ulga $95.00	Handpainted Stones - Wo... RiverLuna $50.00
Infinity - Dark Brown L... MesaBlue $28.00	Patterned Hand Knit Woo... milleta $28.00	Amethyst Feather Neckla... grimmandgrete $30.00	Grey woolen asymmetric ... LeMuse $110.00
Hand Embroidered Felt N... lovemaude $28.00	The Rocking Green Horse... StilNovoDesign $875.00	The Fairy Beanie 8fantasie8 $20.00	Mens Leather Cuff Pisce... TheRavensDaugh... $35.00
Mini Leather Journal, C... TheOrangeWindm... $9.95	Brown sweater pink ruff... SwooshbyScroll... $45.00	Vintage Lenox Hartwell ... jacquierae $22.00	Not all love letters wr... Simag $59.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Featured Artist :: Adria Diane

2012-02-20T08:10:00.000-05:00

Etsy Shop

You know, I'm not much of a bracelet girl. I only have one bracelet, and that is one that I won in a giveaway. But I LOVE that bracelet. It is a similar style to these, with the beads wrapped around the leather cord. And once I saw Addy's shop, I KNEW I had to feature her work! Just take a look at these masterpieces!

I am really in love with that turquoise one on the top. I really love the colour turquoise - it goes so well with orange! And although it's sold, there are some single and double wrapped bracelets with the same/similar beads.Take a look at AdriaDiane again, and try to hold in the drool, I dare you! :)

Etsy Shop

Etsy Finds :: Vintage Whites

2012-02-19T07:42:00.000-05:00

I have had a fondness for vintage items for a while now, and here are just a few of the ones I love:

1. Vintage Handmade Doilies from old school farm
2. Vintage Shoes from la boheme
3. Vintage Phone from Phat Dog
4. Vintage Shelf from Make Your Nest
5. Vintage Alarm Clock from Soviet Era
6. Vintage Buttons from Cat Tales

February Photo-a-Day Challenge

2012-02-18T11:40:00.000-05:00

Here are this week's photos for the February Photo-a-Day Challenge:

Day 12. inside your closet
Day 13. blue
Day 14. heart
Day 15. phone
Day 16. something new
Day 17. time
Day 18. drink

If you would prefer to keep up with my entries for this challenge daily instead of weekly, you can see them on my Twitter.

Family Friday

2012-02-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been bad again and have not taken very many pictures. Boo-hiss to me.

Alexander has not been going down for a nap the past week or so because whenever I put him in bed, he just gets out again and throws toys into sleeping Isabel's crib and wakes her up, which leaves a grumpy Isabel and a grumpy me. So Jeff and I have been wanting to put dividers in the middle of the kids' bedroom (since it's really two rooms made into a large one). And I had been racking my brain to think of ways to be able to separate their rooms with a $0 budget.

So I took the advice of my mom (thanks, mom!) and I moved their dressers into the middle of the room, which blocks Alexander from going to Isabel's side of the room. YAY! It doesn't look that great, but I don't really care; it will do for now.

Isabel has been staying up WAY too late the past few nights. She goes to sleep at 7:00 p.m. like normal, but around 10:00 p.m. or so, she wakes up and is awake until around 2:00 a.m. And if I'm not with her, she is SCREAMING. So I'm up with her.

February 4 was the worst, when she decided she wanted to be awake until 4:30 a.m. Needless to say, we did not go to church the next day. Wednesday night she stayed awake until 2:00 a.m. And last night, she stayed up until 12:00 a.m. So at least it's going down. Hopefully, tonight Isabel will not wake up at all!

Early Words (speech therapy) called this morning, and they want to bring Alexander in for a reassessment, since the waiting list is much longer than they had anticipated, so they are just going to do a quick review to see if he needs to be brought up the list or not. He probably will need to be, although he is growing in leaps and bounds in his words; thanks to Jeff - he has really been helping Alexander learn more words; and Alexander responds really well to Jeff, so that's great! But he still has a LONG way to go.

That's all for now, folks!

Featured Sponsor :: Bridget Fainne

2012-02-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

Etsy Shop | Facebook | Twitter

Inspired by her Celtic heritage, and fascination of Celtic history and mythology, Kate creates Irish and Celtic items. You can easily see the love that Kate puts into each of her pieces.

The interesting part of Kate's story is that she shares the same birthday as her great-grandmother, separated by exactly 100 years! This is what had initially inspired Kate to delve into her Celtic roots.

Her brand, Bridget Fainne, comes from her great-grandmother (who was named Bridget), and fainne is the loosely translated Gaelic word for 'jewelry' or 'bauble'.

Here is just a tidbit of what you can find in Kate's shop:

Copper Celtic Knot Earrings

Mad Men Cuff Links - Irish Coin 6 Pence

Birth Year Necklace

My plan is to purchase one of the birth year coins for my mother-in-law, who is very proud of her part-Irish background.

Any of these items would make a great gift for the Irish, Irish-lover, or even St Patrick's Day!

Take a peek at BridgetFainne to see what you will discover!

Etsy Shop | Facebook | Twitter

What I Made Wednesday - LINK UP!

2012-02-15T08:30:00.001-05:00

I bound a few journals this past week, but my favourite is this journal:

I LOVE how the cover shines in the light, and the gold embossed border is also gorgeous! And the inside of the covers is a stunning floral print, which also has gold accents, which matches the border on the front cover! I really hope this journal goes to a loving home - I know I certainly can't keep it - I have kept two journals already, and I have to fill those up before I steal another one!

Anyway, enough about me.

Last week's most viewed link was to Junque Gypsy, who sells really cool vintage stuff:

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T22:53:00.000-05:00

This was the Valentine's Day gift I made for Jeffery.

epic, right?

Treasury Tuesday

2012-02-14T08:34:00.000-05:00

'Hurry Up, Spring!' by TheOrangeWindmill

Shabby Chic Home Decor ... Raceytay $25.00	Tourmaline Briolette Ge... somsstudiosupp... $58.00	Nature Photography, spr... CarolynCochran... $30.00	25% Off Pastel Flower D... Maddenphotogra... $18.75
1960s Mod Dress Green S... BlytheHopesVin... $28.00	Small Customisable Soft... littlemisslool... $88.00	giant felted wool bowl-... thefuzzymonkey $60.00	Baby Girl Hat - Spring,... Amarmi $35.00
Original painting Water... LouisestArt $60.00	Pink tulips spring flow... bomobob $25.00	Gold plated Butterfly B... MeshuMaSH $45.00	Nursing necklace Mallow... FrejaToys $25.00
Sage green cocktail sug... dellcovespices $3.95	Spring Green Obi belt w... MysteriousMann... $32.00	Blue Forget Me Nots Nec... SoundsLikeRain $17.00	Adorable Spring SNOWDR... MimiLaCreation... $35.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Winter Blue Hue' by michelemaule

fuzzy felted dark teal ... thefuzzymonkey $17.00	Aqua and Gold Heart Rin... theTriangleOfB... $6.00	Mystic Green Onyx Briol... somsstudiosupp... $32.00	Vintage Cover Journal -... TheOrangeWindm... $29.95
Choker Necklace London ... livjewellery $49.00	Polar Bear - romantic g... YuliyaArt $26.00	beth bracelet - vintage... cookoorikoo $34.00	blue swiss dot mini dre... brownbagvintag... $36.00
Original abstract art t... JessicaTorrant $150.00	The Public Life of Jere... vladmaster $20.00	Coconut Lime Verbena So... AndersonSoapCo... $5.50	Mexican Piggy Lantern a... fruitflypie $49.99
Teal Fringe Moccasins darlingtonia $119.00	Gemini - antique brass ... edor $21.00	SALE 24x36 In The Depth... kikiandpolly $225.00	Book: Vintage Photo YourSecretAdmi... $35.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Red Finds' by VibrantShadows

red cowl, cherry red cr... crochetconcept... $40.00	Red Button Earrings Sim... ButtonBeloved $8.00	Red sanding sugar - Val... dellcovespices $3.95	Orchid Art Print Red Fl... AldariArt $18.00
FREE SHIPPING - Valenti... frenchonion $175.00	The Red Bow BOTTOM MimiHammer $36.00	Handmade, crocheted red... pippart $150.00	RESERVED LISTING Red an... Abbyzero $250.00
Earrings - Shrink Plast... theTriangleOfB... $6.00	Holiday Sale, Red Chand... waterwaif $24.00	Funny Adult Love Card f... NeatThings $4.50	20 cm Red Enamelware Fr... noJOisaverage $20.00
Leather Journal Gift Se... TheOrangeWindm... $29.95	Sterling Silver Band Ri... Nafsika $65.00	Red Bow Headband Snow W... snowbella $14.00	Candy Stripes snowflake... 42things $15.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'MonocromÃ¡tico!' by fivelittlegems

alexandrite brass sterl... littlebugjewel... $86.00	70s campus boots / 1970... RustBeltThread... $68.00	Brass and Silver Bullet... InkandRoses13 $9.99	Egg Glass - Birds Eggs ... AvolieGlass $50.00
Spun Cotton Bunny Rabbi... oldworldprimit... $28.00	Chocolate Chip Cookies,... cploch $14.00	Leather Journal, Light ... TheOrangeWindm... $29.95	Vintage American Potter... bonnbonn $14.00
Stained glass mosaic th... threesistersca... $20.00	Wrist Warmers Crochet C... BlytheHopesVin... $20.00	Kraft Gift Tags Map Tag... 42things $4.00	Gourmet popcorn spice k... dellcovespices $16.95
Freshwater Pearl Champa... somsstudiosupp... $9.00	Woman case Bag made of ... MeshuMaSH $30.00	Guinness Salted Caramel... alaskandermish $2.75	Geode Pendant, Druzy Ag... GlimmeringGems $34.99

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Featured Artist :: Ileana Hunter

2012-02-13T09:05:00.001-05:00

Etsy Shop | Deviant Art

What a remarkable talent Ileana has! Just look at her drawings! They are realistic and yet they show minimalism, whimsy and elegance. I absolutely am in AWE of her supreme talent!

Here are a few of my favourites from her shop:

Custom Portrait

Judy Garland (print)

Penelope Cruz (original)

Don't forget: Ileana is having a HUGE sale on her original pieces right now!

February Sponsor Awesomeness

2012-02-11T11:35:00.000-05:00

Just look at the awesomeness of this month's sponsors!

{1..2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10..11..12..13..14..15}

You can click on the corresponding numbers for more information about the item.

Photo-A-Day Challenge

2012-02-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

So here are my photos from the February photo-a-day challenge:

Day 5. 10:00 a.m.

My handsome boys.

Day 6. Dinner.

Jeff really does make the best chili.

Day 7. Button.
One of my favourite buttons.

Day 8. Sun.
Well, this is the effect of the sun - my shadow

Day 9. Front door.

Day 10. Self Portrait.

Day 11. Makes you happy.
This picture would make anybody smile, I think.

Family Friday

2012-02-10T22:20:00.001-05:00

Here are a few of the great pictures from this week:

Alexander with one of his favourite friends, Naomi

Isabel trying a cheese puff thing for the first time

Excited much?

Isabel won't keep her pookies in her hair, so this is the result.

Etsy Finds

2012-02-10T22:08:00.000-05:00

Here are just a few of my new favourites, found on Etsy!

1. Stitch Markers from The Raveler's Roost
2. Felt Heart Pebbles from SweetPB
3. Octopus Shirt from lesleyhornbeck
4. Wool Coin Purse from oktak
5. Baby Snake Ring from michellechangjewelry
6. A New Find Photograph from stephanierenee

Upcycled Hanging Lamp Tutorial

2012-02-09T09:27:00.000-05:00

This is my first attempt at writing a tutorial, so forgive my horrible pictures.

I have been needing extra task lighting for my craft closet, since well, it's in a closet. Closets don't usually have lights in them, not closets where I come from, anyway. So I knew I had to hunker down and make a lamp. And here is what I came up with:

Yes, dear readers, I made a mason jar into a lamp. I know you've probably seen these around, and I have too. And I wanted to make one. Now, I have to tell you now, my husband did help me. But that's only because he doesn't trust me with his power tools. But after this process, maybe I shouldn't trust him with power tools, either (just kidding).

For this lamp, I used only items that we had in the house - I didn't have to go get anything! I started with a lamp I got from Ikea that had broken and a clean mason jar.

1. Unscrew the thing you put the light bulb in out from the lamp.
2. Trace the size of the hole onto the mason jar lid.
3. Drill a hole in the mason jar lid. (as you can see, it didn't turn out so well. But this was the only lid of that size that we had, so I just had to go with it.) This is the part that Jeff did. It was really difficult to do this part, since the lid would just spin with the circle drill thing. So we used clamps to hold it down, so it wouldn't move. That's why the lid is not flat anymore.

4. Put the mason jar lid parts together. Be careful that you don't cut your finger! I had to re-flatten the lid a bit, since it was sort of mangled once Jeff was done with drilling a hole into it. Stick the thing you put the light into through the hole of the mason jar lid.
5. In my case, I had something else to screw onto the first thing from the other side - to keep it secure.
6. Put the light bulb into the thing - fluorescent all the way, baby!

7. Put the light thing into the mason jar and close the lid.
8. Presto! You have made your lamp!
9. Hang in on the wall. I won't tell you how I hung mine up, you'll only laugh at me. (I used a stapler gun.)

The end!

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I hope this inspires you to try to make your own lamp!

Google+ Button

2012-02-08T23:44:00.006-05:00

With Google Friend Connect being discontinued, I have been scrambling to find new ways for people to follow this blog. So far I have added Bloglovin' and Linky Followers. But I also wanted to get Google+ as well.

I had been trying to get the Google+ "Add me to your circle" button for about 45 minutes. The best I was able to do is get the +1 button, which was not what I wanted. I went through the Google+ help section and got all the information I needed; it just was NOT working for me.

Granted, I don't know HTML very well. But I was getting pretty annoyed. So I googled it.

I went to this site, and it was SO EASY!!!! Just plug in your Google+ code (which you can find in the URL of your profile; it's a 21 digit number), and the size you want it, and BOOM! your code is generated! Just plug it in the HTML widget and there you have it! You can see mine on the left column, under the GFC widget.

What I Made Wednesday - LINK UP!

2012-02-08T10:10:00.000-05:00

For me, it was a whole lot of NOTHING!! Well, nothing for my shop. I received the mini moo cards I ordered in January, and I have been busy using them - I'm using them as tags for my journals when I sell them; to emphasize my branding.

Anyhoo. Enough about me.

The person with the most views from last week's link-up is Chantal from Dragonfly Expression with her paper flower place card holders.

What about you? Show me what you've made recently!

Meet My February Sponsors!

2012-02-07T22:21:00.001-05:00

Each of these sponsors are wonderfully creative women, with their own unique talents.

Say hello to...

herself and her Irish lassies

Etsy Shop | Facebook | Twitter | Vintage Etsy Shop | Vintage Facebook

Tell us about yourself. Since discovering that my great-grandmother shares the exact same birth date as myself by 100 years, I have been inspired to explore my Celtic roots. My brand's identity is Bridget Fainne; the name comes from my great grandmother, Bridget, and the term "fainne", which loosely means "jewelry" or "bauble". Piece of fainne were often worn by Irish folk to let other Irish folk know they had something in common.

My practice lies in bringing together old and new, and nursing vintage, discarded (and in many a sense, homely) jewelry back to life in order to recycle these items into little pieces of Celtic heaven. Bridget Fainne's slogan is "All things Irish and dandy!"

What is your favourite Valentine memory? I've had so many wonderful Valentines, but one of the sweetest memories is receiving a soft Koala Bear that was flat and you were supposed to put your pj's in... When it was given to me, I didn't know what it was. But it was explained to me and he said he knew how much his five sisters loved theirs, and he wanted me to have one. I thought it was so sweet he actually knew his sisters so well!

Are you running any promotions right now? Yes! Receive a free fabric Celtic bookmark with your purchase when you put TREE HIDE in the Note to Buyer section during checkout. Receive RETRO Lucky Chenille 3-leaf clover pin with purchase through March 17, 2012.

Ileana Hunter

Etsy Shop | Deviant Art

Tell us about yourself. I'm a self taught artist, originally from Romania, now living and working in Norwich, UK, with my husband, brand new baby boy and white foxy dog. Perhaps in complete opposition to my day to day self, the artist in me is all about simplicity. Monochrome, clean, crisp, no frills.

What is your favourite Valentine's Day memory? I'll have to admit I'm not the most romantic person in the world, so I wouldn't normally pour forth Valentine's Day effusions, but the truth is I am - and feel - so very loved every day of my life that special days such as this are not as extraordinary as they would be in normal circumstances.

Are you running any promotions right now? I'm currently having a massive original drawing sale, which you can see here.

Irina Lemeshinsky

Tell us about yourself. My name is Irina Lemeshinsky. I am mother to a little boy and wife to a great man. Also, I'm the creator of TutseeToy. What is TutseeToy?

I suddenly started crocheting four years ago, in 2007, simultaneously with pregnancy, and I can't stop now. I have created crowds for crochet elephants, donkeys, bears, giraffes, mice, rabbits and birds during these four years. I do not use any patterns at all. TutseeToy animals are invented while crocheting, they are entire improvisation with unique design.

What is your favourite Valentine's Day memory? I was 13 when I got my first Valentine letter. (I didn't like that boy at all, but that was the day I realized that I'm a woman.)

Are you running any promotions right now? February will be hot month. I'm working on new projects. I want to run entirely unique OOAK line of toys with their own stories.

Lesha

Tell us about yourself. Hello, my name is Lesha and I knit and paint. I have two shops - LeshasWorkshop and LeshasArtShop. My knit wear is a collection of accessories, and my most popular are my basic neckwarmer and any variety of legwarmer. In my art shop, I can't seem to pin down what's popular. It's a young shop and still feeling its way.
I have a couple of disabilities, but I have turned them in my favor as they almost dictate I work from home right now. So instead of being curtailed, I feel free to work on my handmade efforts. It's harder than it would be for some, but easier in that the nature of my medical problems often lead to bouts of productivity.

What is your favourite Valentine's Day memory? Oh no! I'm married, how can I answer this without horribly incriminating myself? Let's just say it involved hand cut tissue paper hearts... and I wasn't the one who cut the hearts for once.

Are you running any promotions right now? YES! Until I run out of a certain percentage of yarn, I cut prices deeply across the board in both shops!

Addy

Etsy Shop

Tell us about yourself. I am the wife to a wonderful, loving, and super supportive husband, and the mom to my two furry 4-legged 'kids'. I live in a small town about an hour northwest of the Twin Cities, MN. We live on a little bit of acreage that backs up to a small lake that attracts all sorts of wildlife. I have a degree in horticulture, but currently I am able to work full-time as an artist. I own a small stained-glass studio, and I dabble in all sorts of things in my spare time.
I started making bracelets after I saw one that someone else had, and fell in love with it. I borrowed it, and taught myself how to make them. It's a great way to keep my hands busy while watching TV at night. I find all the natural beauty that surrounds me to be very inspiring, so I love to use simplistic designs, and try to reflect nature back through my work.
What is your favourite Valentine's Day memory? I have been really trying to think of my favorite memory, and I'm sorry to say that I can't really come up with a standout. Since the restaurants around us are very limited, and usually very crowded on Valentine's day, we usually just have a special meal at home, and just take time to enjoy each other's company.
Are you running any promotions right now? I have been working on quite a few new designs to my shop, so this is actually really great timing. :) I would be happy to offer your readers 20% off their total purchase from my shop when they use the code WINDMILL.

Sabina

Etsy Shop | Twitter | Facebook

Tell us about yourself. Hi! My name is Sabina Harnage. I live to create! I knit and crochet scarves, cowls, hats, etc. All items in my shop are my own design, except for traditional table covers. I follow fashion and made items that are in style, but with my own spin on it. My items are unique and well made. I always use the best and softest materials.

What is your favourite Valentine's Day memory? Hmmm... don't really have one... yet. :)

Are you running any promotions right now? I will give this item for FREE (in the colour of your choice) with any purchase of $100 or more.

Jennifer

Etsy Shop | Twitter

Tell us about yourself. I love to create! It's my passion, it's my life. Creating, for me, is a lifestyle. My mind never shuts off from an artistic mode. New ideas are always brewing and I have to force myself to concentrate on one thing at a time, or I'd be all over the place!
I love that Etsy has grown into such a large market place online for crafters, artists, vintage sellers and suppliers. This allows everyone like me to take what they love doing, utilize their talent and chase a dream.
What is your favourite Valentine's Day memory? This is a tricky question. I cannot think of one particular event, but I can tell you that I miss my children being young and small and having to design Valentine's Day boxes for them to take to school, picking out their Valentine's Day cards to give out to their classmates and sitting with them filling them out.

Treasury Tuesday

2012-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

'Pull up a Chair' by ChelseaGirlDesigns

Chair Art Print 8x10 - ... michelemaule $18.00	wood doily uncommon $14.75	Damask Button Earrings ... ButtonBeloved $8.00	Hand Knitted Table Runn... crochetgallery $45.00
Turquoise Earrings, Bir... waterwaif $30.00	Gift Tag for Guys, Elec... TheCroppingBlo... $3.00	Sisters - Fine Art Prin... LouisestArt $30.00	Camila - Felt Camel. ... TwoSadDonkeys $54.00
Bow Wrist Sling Paracor... InsideTheBlind $15.00	Mini Leather Journal, L... TheOrangeWindm... $9.95	Scarf.Felted scarf.Nuno... OlgaAlmond $139.00	TURQUOISE ROX .. Picass... ArteBellaSurpl... $3.45
Beige Enamel Necklace -... happyment $34.00	32x24 Beach I Art Print... donnageissler $140.00	CLOCK cube dirty vintag... ArtmaStudio $49.00	Boho Vintage Crochet La... urbanheirlooms $26.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Leap.' by NouveauTique

Daylight Savings Time W... Mmim $11.00	Leather Journal, Green ... TheOrangeWindm... $29.95	Flight - 5x5 Fine Art P... 5ft3photograph... $15.00	100 Punched Leaf Fronds CatchSomeRaes $1.50
Avocado Green And Gray ... SarahRobinL $33.00	Risk More Take More Ris... 26MileStones $6.75	Flying Leap, 8x10 Photo ElizabethZusev $24.00	Green Glass Beads Czech... RiverSongBeads $4.29
100 winter wedding favo... karoArt $300.00	Sir Hopsalot -bunny rab... forestblue $58.00	vintage 80s pleated ski... hemlines $30.00	LEAP and the Net WIll A... CobwebCorner $22.95
Rustic Winter Photograp... ErinBphoto $15.00	Paper earrings - Forest... Relydesign $18.00	Wren ART Painting Bird... Splodgepodge $15.00	To Soar hopeimages $35.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Ice and Spice' by TheCroppingBlock

Photography - Winter wh... sparksoffire $30.00	Vintage Bohemian Tunic ... jessjamesjake $32.00	Larimar cocktail ring s... LarimarAndSilv... $125.00	Orange Floral Lantern a... michelemaule $8.00
Deluxe Carrot Cookies, ... cploch $15.00	Crystal Necklace, Ice B... waterwaif $20.00	Handmade confetti- flow... CraftyClementi... $25.00	Orange Seashell Photo- ... Maddenphotogra... $25.00
Vintage Library Check O... writtennerd $5.00	Stained glass mosaic va... threesistersca... $30.00	Polar Bear - romantic g... YuliyaArt $26.00	Large Leather Journal, ... TheOrangeWindm... $47.95
Triangle post earrings ... jibbyandjuna $14.00	Ice Blue Flower Large S... mojospastyle $38.00	Handmade wallet ivory ... PatrisCorner $40.00	60s Party Dress / Ice B... SmallEarthVint... $58.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Lime & Blues Galoure' by TerrificCards

Green Beaded Flower Hai... ndnchick $15.00	Felted bowls - True blu... theYarnKitchen $20.00	Pleated shoulder bag, b... Shanionie $40.00	Green Polka Dot Shirt-V... TheTravelingOw... $15.00
Hoop Art Little Bird Fl... MyCreativePeac... $5.00	Blue and Pink Pansy Rib... SunisSerendipi... $45.00	Bracelet Made From Vint... MissOllieWares $15.00	Green Hip Bag Over the ... Wellofcreation... $10.00
Jewelry Display in Lime... BlackForestCot... $61.00	Estate Style Earrings, ... GoingHoLLyWood $17.00	Large Leather Journal, ... TheOrangeWindm... $59.95	Ceramic Brooch in Blue ... RossLab $18.00
Lime Green Bracelet Kaz... CinLynnBoutiqu... $23.00	Little Blue Bird Pill B... Mmim $4.50	Bright Blue Beaded Leat... JudeandIslaDes... $15.00	Michael Miller - Yule C... simplystylishd... $6.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Two are better than one' by SovereignSea

Two Chairs art Print 8x... michelemaule $18.00	Coffee Cup Set - Fella ... CyanideStitche... $18.00	His and Hers Crochet Sl... WhiteNoiseMake... $50.00	Valentines cake banner,... CraftyClementi... $20.00
Two Bee Rings - His n H... mentalembellis... $61.00	1960's Vintage Knit... vintageknitcro... $4.00	Peace Sign Fingers Hand... VibrantShadows $30.00	Sisters - Fine Art Prin... LouisestArt $30.00
Leather Journal Gift Se... TheOrangeWindm... $34.95	Pair of Mod Glass Lamps BirdWingProduc... $128.00	Chalkboard Pair Country... SummerRoad $45.00	His and Hers Pillows, C... uVinyl $32.99
Green and White Striped... HandsomeAndLac... $57.25	ON SALE Reusable Sandwi... thehighfiberco $14.03	Gracie Necktie Badge-ha... HandsomeAndLac... $37.50	pear pair in aqua blue ... pillowhappy $22.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

'Alive' by 42things

Ginkgo Fruit - whimsica... GoldenSection $26.00	Original painting water... LouisestArt $20.00	Handmade quilted kettle... BozenaWojtasze... $25.00	Spring Photography, woo... Raceytay $25.00
Long Green Earrings Dan... Alterdelenda $17.00	Keychain Coin Holder (W... WilliamsGiftsh... $7.50	Fabric Button Earrings ... ButtonBeloved $8.00	Green Table Lighter Han... GeekGirlVintag... $18.00
Green and Yellow Sprout... SovereignSea $15.00	1960s Mod Dress Green S... BlytheHopesVin... $28.00	Hippopotamus Safari Nur... wishdaisy $28.00	Handknited Earth Tones ... boutiqueseragu... $25.00
Wedding cake toppers sp... claylicious $45.00	Lime Turquoise Teardrop... JennyMJewels $5.00	1, CLOCK Plane pendant ... TheThinVeil $7.25	Large Leather Journal, ... TheOrangeWindm... $59.95

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

There were so many awesome treasuries this past week; I couldn't possibly share them all. The other great ones will just have to wait until next week.

iPad 2 Giveaway

2012-02-06T22:52:00.003-05:00

You can fill in your entries below to win an iPad 2 from Rafflecopter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Featured Artist :: Tutsee Toy

2012-02-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

What I admire most about Irina from Tutsee Toy is that each of her Tutsees are crocheted with NO pattern! A woman after my own heart! I certainly can't follow a pattern, and it's so refreshing to see an artist who makes her items with no pattern too.

Take a look at some of my favourites from Tutsee Toy:

Gray Little Worm

White Rabbit in Blue Underpants

Scarf with Bear

You can find different ways of wearing the scarf in the listing photos, just click on the title to see!

There are many other adorable items in Irina's shop, just pop on over and take a look!

And if you want to come back to Tutsee Toy throughout the month, you can just click on the button on the left column, under "sponsors". That button will direct you straight to Tutsee Toy!

February Photo-a-Day Challenge

2012-02-04T13:15:00.000-05:00

You may remember a little while ago when I posted about participating in a Photo-a-Day challenge (here). Well, I've been posting the photos every day on Twitter, but I will do a weekly summary here on my blog. So here is what I've done so far:

your view today.

this is outside Isabel's bedroom window, overlooking our street.

words.

what better words than on an Altoid tin?

hands.

well, in my case, it's just one hand. I had to use the other to take the picture.

my hand is doing one of its favourite things - wearing fingerless gloves from SewEcological.

a stranger.
This man I met at a birthday party today. Technically, he's not a stranger anymore.
But I did feel funny taking his picture. That's why he's not facing the camera.

Say What?!?

2012-02-03T11:52:00.001-05:00

We have been loving life and enjoying each other's company this week. Having fun together. We know that this time of both of us not working will not last, so we are trying to make the most of it.

Alexander has just recently begun to sing along with songs! His favourite is the alphabet song. He doesn't sing all the letters, but he mouths them, so we know that he knows it. I've also been singing simple songs as well, like 'Jesus Loves Me'. Isabel also loves to hear me singing, and she sways to the music.

Isabel is beginning to understand that when I say, "Not in your mouth, please," I mean that she shouldn't put whatever she is holding in her mouth! lol She is also beginning to say words as well! She can say "uh oh", "cookie" and "thank you". She is beginning to repeat what we say, or trying to, at least.

Last week we went swimming, so I think we will be doing that again during the winter. Both kids really enjoyed it, and although the water was as warm as their bath water, they still had fun.

Our stove is going to go kaput soon. Yesterday it took over 30 minutes to heat up to 350 F, when it used to take maybe 10 minutes. So we're on the look out for a free stove. Do you know of any?

Until next week!

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

This One Couldn't Wait!

2012-02-01T11:43:00.003-05:00

'Two are better than one' by SovereignSea

Two Chairs art Print 8x... michelemaule $18.00	Coffee Cup Set - Fella ... CyanideStitche... $18.00	His and Hers Crochet Sl... WhiteNoiseMake... $50.00	Valentines cake banner,... CraftyClementi... $20.00
Two Bee Rings - His n H... mentalembellis... $61.00	1960's Vintage Knit... vintageknitcro... $4.00	Peace Sign Fingers Hand... VibrantShadows $30.00	Sisters - Fine Art Prin... LouisestArt $30.00
Leather Journal Gift Se... TheOrangeWindm... $34.95	Pair of Mod Glass Lamps BirdWingProduc... $128.00	Chalkboard Pair Country... SummerRoad $45.00	His and Hers Pillows, C... uVinyl $32.99
Green and White Striped... HandsomeAndLac... $57.25	ON SALE Reusable Sandwi... thehighfiberco $14.03	Gracie Necktie Badge-ha... HandsomeAndLac... $37.50	pear pair in aqua blue ... pillowhappy $22.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

As you can see, this treasury is just too awesome to wait until Tuesday to share with you. It just reeks of fabulous-ness!