Goofing Off

Easy to Sew Patterns

2012-01-28T03:08:00.000-08:00

Have you decided to learn to sew? Do you already sew but want to brush up on a few things and don’t have time to go to a class? Looking for some beginner, easy to sew patterns? A few things to think about when you are pattern shopping for easy to sew patterns.

Look for are patterns that have “Learn to Sew” or “How to Sew” written on the envelope.

The less pattern pieces, the less complicated the pattern usually is.

Fast and easy patterns are usually that, fast cutting, fast layout, and easy sewing.

Here’s a few patterns to help you hone your skills while creating some wonderful items.

Simplicity 9476 Vest Learn to Sew Size 6 to 12 Bust 30 to 34 Complete

Vintage 60s Butterick 3001 Personal A-line Fitting

Simplicity 5546 Craft Apron

Vintage Simplicity 8060 How to Sew Sheath Dress

Vintage 70s Butterick 4291 Fast and Easy Tops

Happy sewing to all. Keep those machines humming!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks: Red for Women’s Heart Health 1.27.12

2012-01-27T03:06:00.000-08:00

Roses are red, violets are blue, red is for Valentine’s, and Women’s Heart Health, too!

Didn’t know I was a poet? Me either, but I am a nurse and women’s health is important. Very important. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? Yup, it is. It is important to be heart smart, especially as we age. As we age the risk of being afflicted with heart disease rises dramatically. Eating healthy, exercising, watching your weight can reduce that risk (makes you look good in those jeans you were checking out, too). During the month of February, wear something red on Fridays to support Women’s heart health. Learn about the signs of heart attacks and strokes because they don’t only happen to men. Be heart smart.

Here’s some wonderful red ideas from Etsy to show support for women’s heart health.

Valentine Red Heart Enamel Earrings by Jechory Designs

Red Chunky Loop Scarf by MoonSun

Red & White Polka Dot Leather Heels size 7 1/2 leather by MelsVanity

Valentine Crochet Rose Bib Necklace by Paleodeux

Vintage Leather 70's Bright Red Little Bag by Cvetinka

Vintage 1950s Red & Blue Brocade Full Circle Dress by Wear Are They Now

Crochet Flower Scarf by Knitting Fashion

Big Red Cuff Turquoise Magnesite Red Riverstone Cuff Bracelet by Ropes of Pearls

Well, those are my picks. What do you think? Beautiful ways to show support for women’s heart health. The poll is up for voting. Winner gets an interview. Good luck to all.

To learn more about the signs of heart attacks and strokes, click HERE.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Flower Power at Miss Eileen’s

2012-01-23T03:39:00.000-08:00

Late January is as far into winter as you can get. Whether or not you have snow and ice, the sky is gray and drab, days are short, and it is so easy to get bummed. Here’s a little pick me up from the Miss Eileen’s vintage shop.

I love the handbag. I think I had one like it when I was in school. The towel is hand embroidered….and the Pyrex, what more can I say.

Posted by Miss Eileen aka Goofing Off

Post Holiday Sales Slump

2012-01-22T03:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it had to happen. The holidays are over and sales slow down. It doesn’t just happen to Macy’s and JC Penny’s, it happens to most businesses after the holiday frenzy. So now the question is, “What do you do?” Since I am among the forever disorganized people of the planet, I always (really, always) plan to organize some part of my life. I usually get one drawer sorted out and I am spent. Pitiful! Should be ashamed of myself. I end up working on other projects, some new, some unfinished, just trying to stay busy.

One of my projects I am finishing up (finally, hooray) is a driftwood mezuzah case. I love driftwood and the rustic look that goes with it. Seemed like a natural. I have sanded, routed, whittled, and drilled and I am finally to the sealing stage. Only 5 or 6 more stages to go. Ugh! The ideas come much faster than the item.

Another project I am working on is with vintage jewelry. Little rose bobbies. Very cute. Very spring and summer.

Sometimes the slump is good. Not much money coming in but the slow down allows me to get things done and look at everything in a new light. Traveling is no fun if you can’t enjoy the journey.

Happy trails, y’all!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Local club stitches together friendships | SeacoastOnline.com

2012-01-21T04:20:00.000-08:00

Local club stitches together friendships | SeacoastOnline.com

This post is from SeacoastOnline.com

In November of 1913, a group of 12 Exeter girls — all between the ages of 7 and 9 — got together to form a sewing club. A copy of their record book, written in clumsy school-girl script, was donated to the Exeter Historical Society in 1991 by the family of Faith Kenniston, one of the girls in the group. In a very grown-up way, they elected officers, decided on the purpose of the club (to learn to sew), set meeting dates as Saturdays at 3 p.m. and collected dues of 1 cent per meeting. Faith's mother, Inez, would serve as their adult advisor. It was all very business-like until the final entry: "After the business was over, the members danced for half an hour. Helen E. Redman, Secretary."

In 1913 clubs of all kinds were popular with all ages. It was an era with little outside entertainment. Men joined fraternal organizations like the Masons, Odd-Fellows, Foresters or Improved Order of Red Men. Women sometimes joined the auxiliary branches of the men's groups or they formed their own reading clubs, church organizations, social welfare groups or current event clubs. The girls of Exeter had plenty of examples of how to run a proper club.

They named their group after a character in Charles Dickens' "Our Mutual Friend." Jenny Wren was a sympathetic care-taker of her alcoholic father, who supported herself by making doll clothes.

The girls may have heard of this character, but it was more likely that they had not. "Our Mutual Friend" was not one of Dickens best known or easiest novels — certainly not the choice reading material for girls barely out of second grade. The Jenny Wren Club of Exeter was part of a larger program to encourage home sewing by one of the nation's largest makers of sewing patterns — the Butterick Corporation.

Butterick sales were lagging due to the expansion of ready-made clothes. It was simply no longer necessary for women to spend hours and hours hand sewing clothing for the family. It was just as easy (and sometimes just as inexpensive) to purchase clothes off the rack. To keep their sewing patterns selling, Butterick had to figure out a way to convince women that homemade clothes were somehow better than their more convenient store-bought counterparts.

The company began by publishing a fashion magazine called The Delineator — so named for the master dressmaker patterns that professional tailors and seamstresses used to individually fit a garment to a customer. The Delineator became wildly popular, setting fashion standards in a way that earlier women's magazines, such as Godey's Ladies Book, had done in the mid-19th century. But rather than encouraging women to purchase the new styles in the magazine, The Delineator reminded them that home sewing patterns, particularly those made by Butterick, were fully adaptable and would produce a garment that would conform better to any size woman. And, it would be better made, because you made it yourself. Home sewing was no longer seen as a necessity, it was a question of quality and womanhood.

But what about the new generation of girls who would not necessarily have to be taught to sew by overworked mothers? How could home sewing skills be encouraged in the next generation? To tackle these problems The Delineator created a national movement of girls' sewing groups called Jenny Wren Clubs. The Exeter girls were part of a much larger movement.

It was probably Mrs. Kenniston who suggested to the girls that they form a club, and they met at the Kenniston home for most of the first meetings. The club was duly registered with The Delineator and received a club certificate, membership pins and frequent letters of encouragement.

Even with the help of a national magazine, Mrs. Kenniston had her work cut out for her. School-aged girls 100 years ago were no more demure than girls of the same age today. And anyone who presumes that girls are quiet and happy to sit still sewing for an hour hasn't hung around with any of them. Once the girls met, took attendance, collected dues and settled into their project of the day, Mrs. Kenniston kept them amused by reading or telling stories — she once spent nearly the entire hour telling them about the girlhood of Helen Keller. The club eventually rotated meetings between the member's homes, inviting one another's mothers to host the group.

They would sew for a while, have a snack and then do something more active before the meeting adjourned. Sometimes they danced, ("with the phonograph for music, and Mrs. Kenniston for teacher, the members danced the Virginia Reel") or played in the snow or "played at magic writing." Who knows how much actual sewing the girls learned, but the club certainly provided them with companionship and an initiation into the world of club life.

And Butterick still makes home sewing patterns today, so the experiment proved to be a success for all involved.

Barbara Rimkunas is the curator of the Exeter Historical Society. Her column appears every other Friday and she can be reached at info@exeterhistory.org.

A Tree Grows on Etsy…Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 1.20.12

2012-01-20T05:19:00.001-08:00

While most of the north shivers from the cold, this is the right time to plant trees in the south. Check out these trees on Etsy!

Wooden Cupcake Tree by Joshua Butler

Welded Metal Tree Sculpture by Stevens Garage

Handmade Wooden Cabinet with Carved Oak Tree Doors by Honeys Treasures

Elm Leaf Mobile from Reclaimed Amber Beer Bottle Glass by Western Art Glass

Tree Branch Candle Holders by Worleys

Aquamarine and Sterling Silver Tree of Life Pendant by Evolutionary Beauty

Wire Tree of Life Spirit Sculpture by Crows Feathers

Nature Photography Tree Rings Black and White 11x14 Fine Art Photograph

Aren’t these wonderful trees? Voting starts now.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

We' Have A Winner!

2012-01-19T18:14:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Yafit Glass the winner of last week’s Etsy Picks. Here’s another look at the winning item.

Love Forever Home Blessing by Yafit Glass

Can’t wait for the interview!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Words of Love: Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 1.13.12

2012-01-12T20:07:00.001-08:00

The holidays are over and for those of us in the northern hemisphere winter has set in. This is the time for cuddling together, you know, staying warm. All that cuddling makes me think of Valentine’s Day and romance.

Inspirational Word LOVE Metal Wall Hanging by Schares Metal Works

Love Forever Home Blessing by Yafit Glass

Concrete Decorative Word Stone “Love” by Whimsical Details

4 Turquoise Ceramic Tile Coasters by Damson Tree Pottery

Love Chinese Writing Bamboo Bead Bracelet by My Studio 5150

Ich Liebe Dich Hand Stamped Hand Stamped Romantic Necklace by Janelley Beads

Te amo silver necklace by Sarah

Always Kiss Me Goodnight Embroidered Flour Sack Hand Towel by Embroidery Everywhere

So, what do you think? Pretty ways to say “I love you” no matter what language you say it in. Remember, the shop with the most votes gets interviewed here.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Don’t forget the children’s sewing pattern sale in the GoofingOff Shops. Get 40% off children’s sewing patterns. Sale starts at midnight 1/1 through the 15th.

Creating Traditions

2012-01-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well, the holidays are over and life starts to normalize, at least for me. The decorations get stashed, work gets back on schedule....you know, normal. This year, though, I did something I hadn't done in years. I had a dinner party. We invited friends and family over and celebrated. Everyone brought something, pies, cake, wine and I cooked, then I cooked some more. We even ran out of chairs. So much fun. I even made these cute little coasters to give out as gifts to everyone and they loved them.
The success of the holiday dinner got me thinking I need to make this a tradition. Now I know there are a lot of folks who have family get-togethers every week. When I was growing up we had them for all occasions. If Grandma wasn't cooking we were going out to eat.
Living far from family makes it hard to keep those traditions. You have to fight to keep them. The success of that one dinner inspired me to have another and it was successful, too.
As the older generation dies off, some of us have to push to keep these all important traditions alive. So here it is. Put down the cell phone. Come to the table and eat there, not in front of the TV. In fact, turn off the TV. Nothing on the tube or on the phone is more important than the family. Use your manners. Remember to say "Thank you" and "Wow, dinner's tastes great" and mean it.
Simple things but very important to do. After a while it will be a habit and soon it will be a tradition.
I'm already planning next year's Chanukkah party.

Traditions

2012-01-02T07:15:00.001-08:00

During the holidays the traditions we hold dear are evident. Whether the tradition is baking cookies, creating handmade ornaments, or spending Christmas Day at Grandma’s, we remember the importance of the tradition. The cookies don’t have to be perfect, the ornaments might have a little too much glue (or lack stitch or two), and that grumpy uncle might show up at Grandma’s but that’s OK. It’s the jokes, laughs, and love we share that make these traditions special.

After a long period of not holding family get-togethers, this year I held one and it was wonderful. The dinner was perfect, the cranberry sauce jelled (home made), and the company was fun. I’m already planning next year’s Chanukkah party.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Don’t forget the children’s sewing pattern sale in the GoofingOff Shops. Get 40% off children’s sewing patterns. Sale starts at midnight 1/1 through the 15th.

Pressure Cookery and Family Cookbook: Collectible Cookbooks in Miss Eileen’s Vintage Shop

2011-12-31T03:06:00.000-08:00

I just listed two fantastic cookbooks in my vintage shop, MissEileen.

The first one is Parents’ Magazine Family Cookbook published in 1953 by Parents’ Magazine. Lots of family friendly recipes.

The other cookbook is Pressure Cookery by Leone Rutledge Carroll, illustrated by Jan Freeman, and published by M.Barrows and Company, INC, New York, 1947. The book is a hardcover with spiral binding that shows a little wear on the outside. The inside of the book is in very good condition, although yellowed a bit with age. Written in the early days of pressure cooking. As stated in the book, “Pressure pan cooking is here to stay.”

Enjoy the glimpse into the post war years.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Don’t forget the children’s sewing pattern sale in the GoofingOff Shops. Get 40% off children’s sewing patterns. Sale starts at midnight 1/1 through the 15th.

Happy New Year, y’all!

Wreath Inc Gifting on Etsy: The Winner of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks December 11, 2011

2011-12-24T03:49:00.000-08:00

The winner of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks December 11 was WreathIncGifting and her beautiful White Yarn Wrapped Wreath with Plum, Cranberry and Cream Felt Flowers. Here is her interview:

White Yarn Wrapped Wreath with Plum, Cranberry, and cream felt flowers

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
My name is Andretta Ross and I live in Groton, Connecticut. My husband and I are high school sweethearts. We have a 5 month old son, Parker, who keeps us laughing every day. I can't leave out our sweet Siberian Husky, Nanook, who loves long walks and even longer naps!

Large Vintage Button Magnets
What are your favorite materials?
My absolute favorite materials are vintage buttons. I love everything about them - their uniqueness, wondering where their lives have taken them, and most importantly: the way they smell! It reminds me of my Nana. I have a collection of probably thousands of buttons that I continue to gather from everywhere I can (despite my husband's often but loving reminders that I have enough). I love them so much that I sometimes hate using them for my crafts! Thousands of buttons, and all I want to do is look at them! I also love working with yarn and felt.

Cloth Wreath with Book Page and Felt Flowers

What is your favorite color combination?
I am currently in love with the combination of a cranberry red, deep plum purple, and a warm cream - the colors on the wreath that was shown! They are wonderful winter colors without screaming snowflakes and Christmas.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was probably around seven years old. I kept myself busy for hours. The only problem was that she never taught me how to start a second row! I must have made a twenty foot chain!

Felt Flower Headband with Vintage Button Center

What inspires you?

I am inspired by people's reactions to the work I create. I love the look on their face when I tell them that I made it myself. That is the look that makes me want to surprise others the same way.

Where do your ideas come from?
I find myself often saying,"I could make that." Whether I am at a store or at a friend's house, I love to look at decorations and think of what I would change about it to make it perfect for me, and then I start from scratch and do it myself.

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?
My greatest challenge is that I have a son who only takes twenty minute naps. He has always been a power napper, which turns out to be tricky when you have three wreaths you need to ship out the next day!

White Yarn Wreath with Blue Felt Flowers and Buttons

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
My mother and my grandmother have always been my greatest inspiration. If I were stuck on a deserted island I would want them there with me. They could survive any situation and could make by hand everything they would ever need.

Pair of Vintage Button Stud Earrings
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
I love gift giving with things that I have made myself. I love thinking of the perfect gift to make for someone and I love how they always know that I spent the time to make it just for them! I think that a handmade gift is so much more special than a store bought gift - no matter the price.

Red Yarn Wrapped Wreath with Cream Felt Flowers and Cranberry Accents

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?
People should buy handmade because they are always getting a one of a kind product. Even if two people buy the same wreath from me, each flower is rolled and cut differently. There will never be two that are the same. Also, handmade means that so much love, thought, and time went into creating it - and what is more wonderful than that? Selling handmade items can be trickier than you think. Just because you love something doesn't mean that someone else will, and that hurts when you just put so much time into creating it. You have to be ready for a couple of the downsides to selling handmade. There will always be someone who thinks your product is ugly, you will probably leave at least one craft fair having sold absolutely nothing, and there will ALWAYS be someone who thinks that what you made is overpriced. Don't be discouraged!

Large Felt Flower Pin with vintage button center

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
The most important thing I have learned is to never sell something you are not proud of. Once, I made a wreath that didn't come out as beautiful as it was supposed to be. The buyer needed a rush delivery so I was just going to send it out the next day and hope that they still loved it. I ended up tossing and turning all night at the thought of sending someone a product that I did not love myself. The next morning I was waiting at the door of the craft store when they opened and I got what I needed to fix the wreath. That day I shipped off a wreath that I loved and I know I will do that for every order ever placed from now on. With a 5 month old I can't afford to be tossing and turning all night!!

Purple and White Yarn Wreath with felt flower
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I am a stay at home mom to baby Parker. We spend our days playing and taking trips to the craft store!

What are the Web addresses for your work?
www.etsy.com/wreathincgifting

Are you offering my readers any specials?
Readers can use Coupon Code: Goofingoff and receive 20% off of their entire order!
Thank you again so much!
-Andretta

Andretta’s wreaths are truly amazing. Check out her shop and don’t forget to use the coupon code. Happy Holidays, Y’all!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Are all of the gifts wrapped and the cookies baked? Got the cookies done but I am swamped with holiday cheer. No Etsy picks today, just a wish for everyone to have a happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas filled with joy, love, and happiness.

Crafty Sale at GoofingOff is Almost Over

2011-12-21T03:56:00.000-08:00

Yep, it is almost over. The 40% discount on all bags, toys, and decorating sewing patterns and the kits will get put away until next year. The sale ends December 31st. If you didn’t get the crafty things you wanted this year, now’s the time to get it at a great price. Just go to the Toys, Bags, Kits section to see the patterns and kits on sale.

The next 40% discount sale will be on Children’s patterns. All those cute summer outfits, the Easter and Passover dresses, the adorable flower girl sewing patterns will be 40% off with the coupon code 4KIDS. The sale starts January 1st. Remember, many of these patterns are out of print and hard to find. I’ll be loading more to give everyone a good selection.

Well, got last minute shopping to do and a trip to the post office (ugh!!) so I got to go. Have a Happy Hanukkah, light the menorah, and don’t eat too many latkes.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

The Volunteer Garden

2011-12-20T05:13:00.000-08:00

Now matter how hard I try, a lot of my life is a bit haphazard. Maybe it’s because I have a “let the chips fall where they will” kind of attitude. Maybe it’s because at work I have to be so exact that I am in a continuous state of rebellion (mild, though, as I’ve aged….like wine and cheese). Maybe it’s because I am too tired to make everything just right. I don’t know, however, this laissez-faire (not lazy fair….thank you very much) attitude extends to most areas of my life. I make stews and soups (throw it in the crock pot with a few seasonings…easy, just act like it took forever and everyone thinks you are a genius), color outside the lines (those lines are suggestions), and garden volunteer style. What’s volunteer style? It is the lazy girl’s way of composting. No barrel, no pile, no turning, just bury the scraps, add water and presto! like magic, plants appear. For those of us who are OCD in the garden, this will not work but I choose to be OCD in other areas and let the garden do almost what it wants to. Besides, the last time I tried to compost the local critters and varmints thought it was a smorgasbord made just for them. Almost scared me out of my….never mind, that’s another story. Back to the volunteer garden.

The volunteer garden is a reflection of your eating habits, and sometimes your didn’t eat it habits. Tomatoes do pretty good. What variety? The “I didn’t pay extra for seeds” variety. Watermelon, squash, and cantaloupe do OK as long as they get enough water. The onions are growing because they look good (and didn’t get chopped up in time). We have cucumbers growing, too, a few peppers, and even sweet potatoes.

The sweet potatoes are my favorites. I got very lucky with these. I planned to plant some but by the time I got around to it I was a month late. I bought some pretty sweet taters at the store and put them in the pantry with plans to cook them….and promptly forgot they were there.

One day, while getting something out of the freezer, I felt something rub against my arm. After I calmed down I noticed it was a sweet potato vine, one of about a dozen. We planted the vines and let them grow.

Sweet potatoes have some of the prettiest flowers in the garden.

A few months later we harvest the sweet potatoes. Here’s the harvest.

Not a lot, about 1/2 of a 5 gallon bucket. Imagine if I’d of planted them sooner.

Post by Eileen Patterson.

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 12.16.11 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-16T08:24:00.001-08:00

Well, we are officially getting down to the wire. Less than 10 days until Christmas. Get all your shopping done? Me neither. Let’s see what wonderful items are available from the wonderful Etsy shops for ideas. There’s still a few days left. The items featured are US only (sorry) and ready to ship. After all, there’s less than 10 days left (my hair just curled at the thought).

Little Teapot Short and Stout with Cups by Agru As a tea drinker, I find something soothing and magical about tea brewed in a teapot. The warmth and aroma give me a good feeling that is almost indescribable. This is a beautiful set that would be loved and appreciated for years to come.

3 robot crayons - in cello bag tied with Posh Paper Creations Robots and crayons, that’s a perfect pair! All you need is a coloring book or sketch pad.

Retro Apples n Pears Child Apron by SweetApronzNCupcakes

The little one who loves to be in the kitchen needs an apron of her own.

Kindle Case by Brit Gall Designs Dramatic colors and design while protecting the Kindle.

Celestial Wand Stained Glass Kaleidoscope by Hank Barnes 1234 Kaleidoscopes are so magical and always impress the receiver. A wonderful gift!

Ceramic Soap Dish with Handcrafted Rosemary and Mint Soap by Cindys Suds The soap dish makes this soap so special, just right for gifting. Lovely stocking stuffer.

Two Shoji Candle Lanterns by Earth Steps Great hostess gift or something special for the candle person in your life.

Mini Air Plant in Gift Box by Plantology I love plants. These are so sweet, perfect to send to the plant lover or put in a stocking.

Well, those are my picks. What do you think? Which one, or ones give as a gift? Voting starts right away and winner gets interviewed.

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

2011-12-13T05:45:00.000-08:00

'Happy Howl-a-day!' by misseileen

Holiday gifts for the dogs in our lives, and the people who love them.

Wiener Dog Plush Dachshund O... FriendsOfSockt... $26.00	12 Days of Christmas delicio... woofybubbles $9.00	Red and Green Plaid Dog Bow ... BigpawCollars $15.00
Note Cards - Christmas Stati... fionadesigns $20.00	925 Sterling Silver Scottie ... DeusFilia $15.99	Dog Breed Christmas Cards - ... houndandthistl... $9.00
Dog Tail Leash Holder - Min... AplombDesigns $14.95	XL 38x50 Dog Bed Duvet Cover... BowWowBeds $40.00	Dog Steampunk Hat - Steampup Hundchen $28.00
Made To Order Ceramic Dog Tr... symmetricalpot... $65.00	Olive Green Dog Lover Czech ... kangalulu $15.00	Barbeque the Dachshund Weine... Cuore $26.00
Bone Dog Garden Art Sculptur... EarthStudioMet... $39.00	Orange Dog Backpack / Custom... mailo $23.00	Dog Leash Hook Holder Person... vermontbranchc... $7.00
Personalized Dog Bowl janfell $18.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Taking Pictures During Cold Weather

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Snow Clad Tress ‹ Nevada, 2001 http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/exposing_snow.shtml

I love taking pictures. My dad was a photographer and he must have passed the camera bug down to me. I especially love taking pics with my new camera, an early Chanukkah present from the hubby. Well, taking pictures in winter weather, especially very cold winter weather is tricky. I don’t have too many problems in Florida (we rarely get into the teens much less have snow) but people up North do. Here’s a great post from the New York Institute about picture taking during winter.

http://www.ritzcamera.com/static/articles/tips/winter-photo.html

Beautiful Wedding Ideas

2011-12-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

Karina Lanting from Project K included my Vintage Pearls in her beautiful collection:
Vintage Bridal Jewelry Pearls and Crystals

Check out the treasury. It's beautiful!

Deck the Halls: Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 12/11/11

2011-12-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

I know, I’m late. I went to a party the other night and drank some punch. The usual get up before the crack of dawn could barely get up hours after dawn. I have to face the fact I am no longer the party animal I once was. Oh, well. I was totally inspired by the home of the folks who held the party. The house was so beautiful and l thought, I wonder what cool things there is on Etsy to decorate the house, you know, give it that little edge. Well, here’s what I found on Etsy to get the your house ready for the holidays.

Christmas Star Mantle Hook by Design Sea Great cottage look.

Retro Rudolph Cute Wool Christmas Stocking by Allenbrite Studio This is so cute!

Primitive Folk Art Christmas Winter Princess by Pie Cake Primitives Amazing dolls. Imagine one on the top of the tree.

White Yarn Wrapped Wreath with Plum Cranberry by Wreath, Inc. Gifting Love the colors, so rich, breathtakingly beautiful!

3 Fused Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments by Fleeting Stillness These are so sweet!

Happy Hanukkah Glass Block Light by Vinyl Signs 4 Him I love, love, love this! I’m thinking on the porch, lighting the way for visitors.

Retro Holiday Ornament Tea Towel in Red, Hand Screen Printed by Tiny Peepers So cute and retro! Good in the kitchen or wrapped around a homemade loaf of banana bread.

Tiny Friendly Village Hanukkah Menorah by Ooty Sweet menorah. Cute little faces.

Well, those are my picks. What do you think? Which one, or ones, would you put up in your house or give as a gift? Voting starts right away and winner gets interviewed.

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual, metal work

We Have a Winner. Drum Roll, Please

2011-12-10T19:24:00.001-08:00

NYC has so many awesome artists but last week one of the artists features won our hearts. Congratulations to Luis Fernando Quintero of Fernando Jewelry. I am looking forward to the interview. I love his work!

Pink Pearl Glamour Ring

Remember to check out the GoofingOff Shops on Etsy and Artfire to get 40% off all toy, handbag, and crafty patterns and kits. Just use the coupon code CRAFTY during checkout to get the discount. I still have lots of patterns but they’re selling so check them out before all the good ones are gone.

MV Treasures: Handmade Treasures from Martha’s Vineyard

2011-12-06T01:15:00.000-08:00

The winner of the blog interview from 11/18 was Laura Hearn Caruso of MV Treasures. Her beautiful Howlite and Silver Button Cuff Bracelet the stole hearts of many. Here is her story.

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

My name is Laura Hearn Caruso and I split my time between Billerica, Massachusetts and Martha's Vineyard Island (hence the name MV Treasures). I am a busy mom to a wonderful, energetic, spontaneous 4 year old daughter. I am also a professional dog trainer and columnist for our local paper. "All About Pets" is also featured on Galtime.com .

Chan luu inspired double wrapped pearl bracelet

What are your favorite materials?

My favorite materials are made by or altered by nature; wampum, leather, turquoise, hemp and sea glass. Howlite and Silver Button Cuff Bracelet

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite color combination is the beautiful bright blue of turquoise and the hard steely gray of hematite. Gorgeous!

Sea foam green wrap bracelet

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

My favorite memory of crafting was making Christmas ornaments with my Dad and sister. We used round, flat, white shells we had collected and painted holiday scenes on them. Dad drilled holes in the top and we strung ribbon through to hang on the trees. I still have one that I hang on our tree each year.

Vivid Ocean Blue Beaded Wrap Bracelet

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the colors of nature, sky, ocean, sand, shells and of course the antics of my daughter.

Chan luu inspired double wrap bracelet

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas are often inspired by my daughter’s sense of "style." We make jewelry together to give to her friends and our family. Sometimes seeing what she does sparks my creative side. I am also inspired by other jewelry designers; I love to see their new creations as well.

23" Hand knotted triple strand hemp necklace

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?

My greatest challenge is time management. Fortunately my daughter is in school a few hours each week and still naps most days ;)

Clear glassworks beads with swirling navy blue throughout

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?

People should purchase handmade goods to support small local businesses. One of the greatest American dreams is to own your own small business and be able to support yourself by doing so. In the tough economic times we are currently facing, it is nice for our dollars to stay close to home. As far as wisdom, create what you love, begin by what you are good at, think out of the box and do not sell yourself short.

Triple wrapped leather bracelet-Chan luu style

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

As for things I enjoy, exploring the great outdoors with my daughter, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and gardening are top of the list.

What are the Web addresses for your work? Are you offering my readers any specials?

My site is www.mvtreasures.etsy.com and your fabulous readers can enjoy 15% off with coupon code MissEileen15 (Good through 12/31/11)
Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Laura Hearn Caruso
MV Treasures

Thank you, Laura, for your beautiful creations.

Post by Eileen Patterson

MissEileen Vintage fun

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabric, sewing patterns, sewing supplies

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, lots of plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water Scrap metal art, oddities

NY on My Mind Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks from NYC

2011-12-02T03:40:00.000-08:00

I’m up in NYC visiting family, checking out the shows, and eating good eats. You just can’t find bagels as good as the ones up here. Lots of good food but there’s a lot more to NY than food. Art and fashion live strong up here, too. Lets check out some talented Etsians from the NYC area.

Cozy Tote Bag with Flowers by WhyNot Love the easy-going look of this handmade bag.

Echino Bonbon Black Wristlet by 144 Collection Cute little bag with colors that pop!

Scarlet Silk Hand Gathered Bustier Gown by Red Doll Glamorous red gown, great for that special night.

Collection of 3 Brooklyn NY Subway Sign Prints by Flying Junction The subway’s the way to get around up here.

Pink Pearl Glamour Ring by Fernando Jewelry This ring is simply divine! Rose gold and pink pearl, fantastic!

Baby Headband Red and Zebra Print with Rhinestones by Whisper Bug Boutique The little one will look gorgeous in the family holidays photos. Simply marvelous, dahling!

Felt Ball Christmas Tree Ornament by Kitty Jones Cute and colorful, won’t break when they hit the floor.

Scrap Metal No. 53 Fringe by Fort Edgy, unusual, attention getting.

OK, those are my picks. Got a favorite? Vote for the item you like the most. Winning shop gets an interview with me, Miss Eileen.

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks are dedicated to new and upcoming shops. I receive no gifts or money in exchange for inclusion on the “Picks.” If you know of a shop that you think is overlooked and has awesome finds, leave me a comment and I will take a look.

Post by Eileen Patterson

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual, metal work

Beautiful Soaps from Hawaii: Shaka Soap

2011-11-30T02:44:00.000-08:00

Beautiful soaps make a wonderful gift anytime. They look good, smell good, and make a guest feel special. Here’s Jessica and her shop Shaka Soap, the winner of the 11/11 blog contest.

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

Mahalo for even choosing me in your list!
My name is Jessica and I am a stay at home mom of two little girls who are 1 and 3. We live on the Big Island in Hawaii and love every minute of it, even when it is rainy and windy. I recently started making soaps in August of this year and haven't been able to stop! It is a blast to create such a unique and functional product that it is always exciting for me.

What are your favorite materials?

My favorite materials are natural oils and natural colorants. I find that knowing what is going on my body and my family's body, makes me feel great! Especially knowing that I made it as well.

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite color combination is dark tan, ice blue, and ivory white. It reminds me of the sea so that is the color scheme for my company, Shaka Soap, as well.

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

The first thing I remember making by hand was a Valentine for my mom. I was very young, so the details are fuzzy, but I do remember that she said her favorite color was pink, so it must've been pink.

What inspires you?

Many things inspire me: sunsets, emotions, other people, and items of nature. Lately I have been inspired by the colors of an abalone shell and would love to try to capture that in a soap!

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas come from soaping communities I am involved in online and from my family. I am finding that soap is a very versatile medium.

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?

My greatest challenges are when I have a particular idea in my mind, but I can't quite bring it to fruition. It can be very frustrating, especially being a perfectionist! ;) I overcome them by constantly reminding myself that there is little perfection to handmade items and that is what makes them unique and special.

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration is my very supportive husband. He is very helpful with ideas and designs, and is my 'assistant' when I am making a recipe that requires help.

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?

My favorite thing to do with my creativity is to express myself artistically. I also am finding that I need to research more deeply so that I may create even further.

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?

People should buy handmade for many reasons: they know who is making their product, they know what went into the product, they are able to ask questions directly, and they are supporting a community rather than a corporation. I am pretty new at selling handmade items, but one tip I can give is to put your whole passion into what you do. If you aren't passionate about what you create, no one else will be either.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?

I have learned from other artists that every experience is a learning one, whether good or bad. Not only is this true when creating a handmade product, but in life as well.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I am not creating things, I am rounding up my girls or doing laundry! ;)

What are the Web addresses for your work?

My shop can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/shakasoap. I have a blog I update periodically with my new creations www.shakasoap.blogspot.com.

Are you offering any specials for my readers?

I am offering your readers 10% off their purchase at my Etsy store. Use code MISSEILEEN on Etsy to receive it. Mahalo for this interview. I have enjoyed your questions. HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Jessica Taylor
Shaka Soap
"Created Simply"

Have a happy holiday, too, Jessica. Readers, check out her shop and don’t forget to use the code for your discount.

Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.Etsy (sewing supplies), GoofingOff.Artfire (more sewing supplies) and MissEileen (vintage fun)

Gift Ideas

2011-11-29T17:13:00.000-08:00

There are some people ready for the holidays. They have all their gift shopping done, cookies baked, and home decorated. Then there are people like me. Shopping, not a clue. Cookies, not yet. Decorate? I made a couple of stockings and the wreath is half done. So, if you are like me, you need a few ideas, a list, and a nudge. OK, a push. Here's a few ideas from my friends at Etsy. My Snowflake Pyrex casserole dish is in this one. Beautiful collection.

'let it be beach christmas!' by EJbutik

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Winter Photo-Christmas photo... Maddenphotogra... $15.00	Crochet snowflake - Christma... maricatimonsin... $12.00	Santa dreams of a blue Chris... KClarkPhotogra... $7.00
RESERVED FOR LM Last One Chr... CaptainCat $28.00	Porcelain Sea Urchin Bud Vas... blueroompotter... $28.00	CARD "Ho Ho Ho" Or... PhotographyByA... $6.50
Unique Christmas Gift - Canv... MedBeachStones $24.00	Turquoise Stoneware Bell Wit... MyClayDay $20.00	CARD "Starfish Christma... PhotographyByA... $6.50
RESERVED for Sonia - Friends... winkcreations $30.00	Leather medium size cross b... rinarts $36.00	At the Beach Tissue Paper Po... PrettywithSpri... $25.00
CARD "Christmas Breeze&... PhotographyByA... $6.50	Large Beach hut doorstop martinasmith $40.00	Vintage Pyrex Snowflake Turq... misseileen $18.00
Light Sand Color Adjustable ... beliz82 $35.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.Etsy (sewing supplies), GoofingOff.Artfire (more sewing supplies) and MissEileen (vintage fun)

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks: Count Down to Christmas

2011-11-25T03:03:00.000-08:00

Looking for gifts for the guys in your life? Let me give you a virtual hand.
Well, Thanksgiving was yesterday and that means the official start of the Christmas season. It doesn’t matter that the stores have been putting Christmas items on the shelves back in September, this is the REAL start of the season. From now until the 25th, I can watch Christmas movies, like “Miracle on 34th Street” (the original with Natalie Wood) and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as much as I want without feeling weird. It also means the pressure is on to find the right gifts for the people on your list. Ugh, the stress! So much to do! Like you need one more thing to worry about, right? So, let me give you a hand, a virtual one. How about gifts for the guys in your life?


       Luxury Steampunk Cufflinks by Time In Fantasy


          Vintage Chevy Cadillac Photo by Lisa Russo Photography

Unisex Crochet Scarf - Neutral Stripes, Earth Tones, Holiday Gift for Him or Her by Bees House

Man Cave Sign by Knotty Notions

Black and White Horn Necklace by Eclectic Elements for U

                   Circuit Board Geek Tie by Scatterbrain Ties

                Walnut Leather iPhone Case by Eight Seasons


                      Stainless Steel Wide Cuff by Mark Kalen Designs

Hope that helps a bit. So, what do you think? Which one, or ones, won your heart? Voting starts today for your pick (I don’t vote, totally unethical). Winner gets interviewed.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Etsy, GoofingOff Artfire, and…………… MissEileen.

Shaka Soap Won!!!

2011-11-24T19:32:00.001-08:00

Yes, I am late with this announcement. Sorry, I am red-faced and hanging my head in shame. Ok, that’s enough. I am too happy for Shaka Soap to hang my head too long. Gorgeous soaps. Can’t wait for the interview.

Wonder who will be the winner of last week’s contest. Contest is almost over. There’s still a few minutes left to get your vote in.

Giving Thanks and Feeling Blessed

2011-11-24T19:08:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving dinner is over and instead of the turkey being stuffed, I am. I ate until I couldn’t stand it anymore and grounded myself right out of the kitchen. Darn, my hubby’s a good cook. I am destined to be a little round bubbe (that Yiddish for grandma, y’all) as long as he keeps cooking the way he does…..and I’m not going to tell him to stop, neither. Some things you just have to accept.

Did you take a moment to think about what you are grateful for? Health, family, friends? Another day? Freedom? Love? Children? So many blessings to say “Thank you” for.

I am thankful I have a loving family, health, a job (good one, too), a roof over my head, and food on my table. My husband and I have good, caring friends. I am thankful to live in a free society that I may practice my religion and speak my mind without threat of arrest or worse. So many things to be thankful for.

I am thankful for my readers who take the time to read my words.

I am blessed.

Black Friday Sales on Etsy: Miss Eileen’s Picks 11.18.11

2011-11-18T07:42:00.001-08:00

Black Friday Sales gearing up throughout the country. The news, print, cyber, and the airwaves are full of Black Friday advertising (what did you think I was going to say?). There’s a number of shops planning Black Friday sales on Etsy, too. Oh, you’ll probably miss a few things, like standing in line in the cold or buying something everyone else has or buying something mass produced. You’ll spend a little more, too, like more time with family and more time hearing oohs and ahhs over a gift that was handmade. No missing turkey dinner and the good feeling of giving a hand crafted gift. I think I like that a whole lot so this week’s Etsy Picks is dedicated to shops with Black Friday Sales on Etsy. Let’s see what’s there:

Pine Cone Garland by Kzannoart For a little rustic feel.

Black Wooden Filigree Earrings by Expressions by Cheree I can’t get over the fine detail done in these wooden earrings.

Howlite and Silver Button Cuff Bracelet by MV Treasures Big, bold, and chunky. Destined to make a statement!

Zebra Stripes and Dots Crayon Roll by Mrs Crafty RVing With so much going on, the little ones need something to do. This fits the bill. Make a good little stocking stuffer?, too.

Small Seafood Spice Kit by Cook Outside the Box For the foodie.

Cassette Tape Night Light Lamp by Break the Record Unusual and good looking!

Large Hoop Handmade Silver and Burgundy Paper Quilled Earrings by Honey’s Hive Amazing work. Beautiful, too.

Aqua Fingerless Mittens by Knit Wit Boutique Love the color.

OK, those are my picks. Got a favorite? Vote for the item you like the most. Winning shop gets an interview with me, Miss Eileen.

Congrats to last week’s winner, Shaka Soap and their amazing Handmade Glycerin Soap Fresh Snow.

Post by Miss Eileen

Fat Quarter Challenge: What Do You Do With a Fat Quarter?

2011-11-14T10:54:00.001-08:00

Just the other day a friend was looking through GoofingOff and asked me “What can you do with a fat quarter?” Hmmm, I thought, what can you do with a fat quarter? Because I quilt a little, I am familiar with fat quarters. They provide me with just the right amount of color that might be lacking in a block. A fat quarter is a good way to buy a little bit of fabric, more than a sample but less than a yard, especially if the fabric is a budget breaker.

Here’s the challenge: what do you do with a fat quarter? Here’s a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

If you have ideas or just want to show off, post a link in the comments and I will add them, too.

Bibs and Burp Cloths

Bib & Burp Cloth Set - Polka Dots and Swirls by Sew Knot Expected

Mug Rugs

Quilted Mug Rugs by Crafty Stitches

Crafty Stitches also makes these beautiful jewelry rolls using 2 fat quarters.

Camera Strap Cover

I made this (blush). Not perfect but I love the colors. It feels like my hubby’s giving me a hug every time I use it (he just bought me the camera. Woo Hoo!).

Pot Holders

I made these, too. Love the pattern. Looks like leaves. Ok, I am not the greater sewist around but you get the point. Sewist, I always wondered what we were called. Sewer didn’t sound right.

Yarmulke or Kippah

Disney Toy Story Kippah by Maybe Sew

Wallets

Butterfly Fabric Bifold Wallet by Tracey Lipman

Post by Eileen

MissEileen

Goofingoff Etsy

GoofingOff Artfire

Metal Woods N Water

Sewing for the Grandbaby

2011-11-13T07:59:00.001-08:00

Our children live a little bit of a distance so when they have chance to visit it causes a bit of excitement around here. All my hubby’s been talking about is the granddaughter coming. For me, it means making something special for her visit, maybe a cute outfit she can go home with.

Here’s a cute idea to try that won’t break the bank and looks fairly easy to do. Click on the pictures for the link just in case you want to try it yourself.

These ruffled pants are so adorable I just have to try them. Thank you to Stephanie Japel and Craftsy for the tutorial.

Anyone else have an idea or two for me to try or post? Send me a picture with the link.

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks November 11, 2011 Inexpensive Gift Giving Guide

2011-11-11T00:59:00.000-08:00

The holidays are upon us. Whether we celebrate in a big way with lots of lights, music, and the like or in a quiet, hushed manner most of us will be involved in some sort of holiday celebrations with family and friends. Finding gifts that won’t break the bank, look good, and be appreciated takes a bit of thought. Things like ornaments, soaps,candles, and lotions fit the bill. Here’s a few ideas in this week’s Etsy Picks.

Stained Glass Holiday Lights by Blue Fish Studios

I love these. You don’t need a tree to hang them, a window will do.

Handmade Glycerin Soap Fresh Snow by Shaka Soap

Beautiful to look at. Gift them like the picture. Oh so pretty.

Wooden Snowflake Ornaments by Urban Timber Woodworks

Imagine opening a box of these ornaments. Wow! How about using them to decorate a gift?

Antique Mercury Glass Ornament Mid Century by Hindsvik

An elegant look for the vintage lover.

Winter White Snow Bunny Rabbit Ornament by Blue Ridge Mercantile

This bunny is too adorable for words.

Cinnamon Buns Scented 8 oz Soy Tin Candle by Country Blossom

Yummy smells from the kitchen.

Gingerbread Latte Body Lotion by Southern Twisted Soaps

Umm, this lotion sounds luscious.

Snow Flakes Guest Soap by Sebastian's Nook

Beautiful with it’s own gift box.

Well, what do you think? A few good picks to get your shopping started or at least thinking about your list. Take the time to vote for your favorite and visit the shops. I am amazed at the other work in each one, far more than I have room for in one week’s edition of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks. Oh, yeah, the vote. Winner gets an interview with me, Miss Eileen.
Post by Eileen Patterson
Shops: GoofingOff Etsy, GoofingOff Artfire, Miss Eileen vintage, and Metal, Woods n Water.

Ummm Caramel & Chocolate Covered Apples: Congratulations Sweets Fairy Bake Shop Winner of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks

2011-11-08T03:11:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Jeana Byrd of the Sweets Fairy Bake Shop and her incredibly delish looking caramel and chocolate covered apples. I think I gained 5 pounds looking at those scrumptious apples. Watch for her interview!

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? I’ll be making my list of incredible Etsy finds to help you with your holiday shopping. I’ll be searching for new and overlooked shops with very cool things you’ll be proud to give.

Stop by my Etsy shop, MissEileen, for my vintage finds, like beautiful Pyrex and sexy nylons. Lots of sewing patterns at the GoofingOff shop and maybe even a sewing machine or two.

At MetalWoodsnWater you’ll find vintage fishing lure key chains for the folks who love the water.

Making Kaps for Kendall

2011-11-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

After passing on the word about Kaps for Kendall I thought I should make a few caps, too. After all, I have a HUGE pile of fabric and I’m sure there is a piece or two of fleece that would make a few hats to help the cause. Here’s the fleece I picked out, bright and colorful enough to brighten anyone’s spirits. I used the measurements and guide from Cheri’s “I Am Momma- Hear Me Roar: Upcycled Boy Hats”

After finishing the hat, it sort of reminded me of a kippah. Have to perfect this one for my use. Cute, though.

Made a couple more hats using a pattern I’ve played with before. Here’s the final result.

Too Cute!

Post by Miss Eileen.

Stockings, Garter Belts, and Girdles: The Days Before Pantyhose

2011-11-03T03:36:00.000-07:00

On one of my estate-sale excursions, I came upon a stash of nylon stockings. All were beautifully kept, most in the original packages, some in the original box seals still unbroken. As a teen who had to wear nylons I was amazed. Amazed they stood the test of time and made me start thinking of the days before pantyhose. For those of you born in the mid-70’s or later, stockings are the things seen on Mad Men or Pan Am, or in an old movie with attached at the mid thigh oh-so-seductively by garters. Stockings were a required part of a woman’s wardrobe. Dresses were commonplace (the pantsuit didn’t become truly accepted until the late 60’s or early 70’s) and pantyhose weren’t invented yet.

There were a few rules to keep when it came to stockings, such as nail polish, never throw out one if another is torn (you’ll probably need it later), and always wash stockings by hand.

Here are a few I found at the estate sale:

Vintage Lorette Cantrece stockings from Kline’s Department store. These are in the original box, seal never broken.

Vintage Hanes Walking Sheer Stockings

To see more about the history of stockings with lots of pictures, click HERE. Thanks to Glamour Daze and the amazing blog.

Thrifty Crockpot Cooking: Taters N Beans with Ham

2011-11-01T04:42:00.000-07:00

I always look for ways to save a buck but still create good tasting meals and, because I am usually busy doing something, I try to use the crock pot as much as possible. This recipe is easy to make, cooks in the crock pot without tending to it, and tastes good.

One year I saved the ham bone after a celebration and, instead of making a pot of beans or split pea soup, I decided to try something a little different. I heard a friend talking about eating Taters n beans when he was a boy and it made me wonder what if I used green beans. Too easy. A few potatoes, ummm, and one ham bone. Not bad. Since then, I monkeyed around with the recipe. It is still as simple as before but you don’t have to wait for Christmas or Easter dinner to make it.

To feed a family of four, you need:

2 cans of green beans (15 ounce cans)

3 or 4 pounds of new potatoes, scrubbed and cut in chunks (you can use other potatoes but little red new potatoes are pretty. Yukon Gold is good, too)

2 1/2 pounds of ham (buy a ham when it is on sale and have the butcher cut it in four big, thick slices with the bone. You can use a picnic, too)

Black Pepper to taste

Rinse the ham and place in the crock pot. Set the crock pot on low.

Place the potatoes in the pot with the ham. Add the green beans. Sprinkle with about 1/4 tsp black pepper and let it cook.

You can add more potatoes if you have hearty eaters. Corn bread, corn muffins, or biscuits go well with this dish.

Drop Biscuits (you can use canned)

Pretty easy. Good alternative to split pea soup (I love split pea but I need variety) after Christmas or Easter dinner.

Cost: The ham was on sale at $1.48 per pound. I bought the smallest one, $14.34, and had it cut into four pieces. $14.34/4 = $3.58 each. Two cans of green beans $0.60 each. 2 x 0.60 = $1.20. New potatoes were $0.40 per pound at the green grocer. I bought 2 pounds. $0.40 x 2 = $0.80.

Total: 5.58 or $1.39 per serving.

Enjoy!

“New” Vintage Listings in MissEileen’s Shop

2011-10-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

Vintage Nylon Stockings….Lorette Exclusive with Kline’s

These stockings were made from Cantrece by DuPont, 400 needle, 15 denier. Cantrece was a new type of Nylon that was developed by Dupont to give perfect fit. It has stretch but is sheer as regular nylon stockings with no looseness and were made to fit every contour of the ankle, calf & knee, all important to the fashionable woman of the 60’s.

Vintage Mid Century Black Rotary Dial Telephone

A little scuffed from use but still in incredible vintage condition. From the days when you had to call the phone company (there was only one) to hook up (install) your phone because jacks weren’t invented yet. Don’t even think or wireless or hand held. Those were imaginary things only seen in the movies or cartoons. Still works. These phones were built solid and heavy, meant to last a long time.

Vintage Chenille Bedspread Yellow with Blue Basket and Pink Roses

This bedspread is gorgeous and in very good vintage condition. Absolutely beautiful. Tufting is all intact. It has been stored away for a long time. Full size, from the days when people were a little smaller in stature and money was tight. But then smaller beds meant snuggling a little closer. Hmmm….

Vintage Hand Held Mirror by Avon

This cutie was made in the Wedgewood Jasper style with 3 Grecian Ladies. I used to think hand mirrors were oh-so-feminine. Bring to mind pictures of Victorian ladies admiring their long tresses.

All of these wonderful finds are in my MissEileen’s Etsy shop.

Thanks for stopping by!

Keep a Kid Warm This Winter

2011-10-30T08:19:00.001-07:00

Found this in my mail box today. Craftsy teamed up with Project Linus and Kaps for Kendall and the “Keep a Kid Warm This Winter Campaign.” The goal is to collect 1000 blankets (Project Linus) and 1000 hats (Kaps for Kendall) by December 15, 2011. Knitted, crocheted, sewn, it’s all good. Here’s the link:

http://blog.craftsy.com/2011/09/help-craftsy-keep-a-kid-warm-this-winter/

And, here are a few hat patterns to get you started.

Knitted Hat and Scarf. Traditional is always in style.

Color Blocks, totally crocheted. Comes with the cardigan pattern, too.

This one is sewn from fleece remnants. Vintage styling and very cute!

Post by Miss Eileen of GoofingOff and MissEileen on Etsy and Artfire.

Original Handmade Felted Designs, WoollySomething

2011-10-30T00:26:00.000-07:00

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for October 14 was WoollySomething. Here is the interview.

Harvest Pumpkin Knitting Pattern
Tell us a bit about yourself My name is Marie Mayhew. I was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I am pretty much a city girl. The big open black sky at night frightens me a bit. I love the streetlights and noise. I am married for 27 years to my dearest friend and husband, John. We have two teenagers, Hannah (13) and Isaac (16). I have been designing knitting patterns for about 10 years now. I learned to knit when I was 35 years old and Isaac was 6 months old. Thus, I am fairly new to knitting and I absolutely love it! It relaxes me and I consider it my recreation as well as my business mode of operation.

What are your favorite materials? Wool, colorful wool. My patterns are knitting and felting designs. I give the instructions on how to knit something really big and loose, and then throw it into the washing machine to shrink it down to the perfect size. Playing with wool, whether in yarns or roving, is really like playing with play dough. I love clay too, I guess. Play dough smells better than wet wool does, that’s for sure.

Wool Owl Knitting Pattern
What are your favorite color combinations? I really love robin’s egg blue and brown together. I never tire of it. It truly is the perfect combination. It is hard to find the right yarns in my favorite colors sometimes. I also love anything green, every shade of green. And if you add a little pink to that, then I probably will like that too.
        Robin’s Egg Blue Roving Pack
What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?
How and why did you make it? It probably had to do with drawing. As a kid, I drew all the time. I loved to draw and write. My favorite item was my handmade Benji book stories. My mom gave me a ready-made book with blank white pages. I filled it with my made-up stories about Benji the bear and his friends. I illustrated it with simple drawings of bears, owls, rabbits and others. I loved bears as a kid. I remember having a lot of fun writing and illustrating that book. Two books actually. But I probably threw them away in one of my cleaning phases. My goal is to create a few felted characters that recreate some of those old ideas, like Benji Bear, for instance.

Wool Holiday Ornaments Knitting Pattern
What inspires you? Whimsical items and colorful medium combinations will often inspire me. Walking through a specialty store can inspire me to go home and start creating. Nature inspires me too.

Where do your ideas come from? Again, I get so many of my ideas from nature itself. I love the color combinations of leaves, grasses, bird’s eggs . . . They are all absolutely perfect in and of themselves. And the detailing found in nature can take your breath away. You need to slow down enough to notice it though most times. I truly love detail. The more the better! God is an amazing detail Artist, my true inspiration!

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them? Not having enough time in the day! I have so many ideas and so little time. Working out of your home can be hard too. When do you ever punch out for the day? I found a fun saying by Mary Kurtz. She said, “The only time needlework comes before housework is in the dictionary.” I love that! Yes, I would rather knit than clean the house. And running your own business can be a challenge too, the paperwork, etc. Knowing people that are good at what they do helps me a lot. Thus, I hire a bookkeeper and so forth. It is worth every penny I spend on these services. It frees me up then to do what I love the most. And I am finding it is really all about balance. Work and play. I definitely need to play more. The early creating stages of a new pattern can be really playful though in so many ways.
     Wool Tooth Bear with Pocket for First Lost Tooth

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration? Two people come to mind: Alexander Stoddard and Martha Stewart, believe it or not. Alexander Stoddard, early on taught me to start living in the moment, to make ordinary things an experience and to pay attention to the little things and to my senses. Martha Stewart really pushes things to a 15 for me. Details, details, details. But, she can really frustrate me if I follow her instructions exactly. If I make her project my own, listening to myself as I make it then I am a lot happier. She leaves out too much information in her instructions. Thus, I have become a bit wordy in my pattern writing over the years. My customers are appreciative, I have been told.
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity? Knit things, of course. Make gifts for my kids and friends. I used to love to host my kid’s birthday parties. Having a theme and carrying it through. Making a cake to match. I love to cook and bake, as well. I used to decorate cookies, but now there doesn’t seem to be enough time. Plus, my eyesight isn’t what it used to be. Overall, I would say my favorite thing to do with my creativity is to decorate, no matter what the medium.

   Wool Birds Knitting Pattern

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade? Handmade is unique, one-of-a-kind. Special. And in this day of processed everything, it is really refreshing to buy something handmade. It supports someone you can put an actual face to. My bit of wisdom on selling handmade is to listen to you. Let whatever is inside you come out. Don’t be shy. Surprisingly, people are waiting to hear what your art has to say. We need you and your art.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists? The biggest one is ‘just do it’. I need to stop thinking about it, worrying about it and obsessing about it. Just do it. Worry about the details later. I have found that once I start, then the details start to flow. I have also found that when I am really stuck on something, and I am striving too much to make something work, then if I stop and rest from it for a while, the idea will play out in your mind perfectly.

Apart from creating things, what do you do? I garden in the warmer months. I love to weed the best. Trimming back the dead head. I also love picking vegetables right off the vine. I always wanted to be a pioneer as a kid. But now I love luxury hotels best. Not that I get to use them too often. I am going to a lot of my kid’s soccer and baseball games and school concerts. My husband was laid off a while ago, so spending lots of time with him and getting to know him in new ways has been fun. He is helping me grow my business right now. And finally, I am learning to sit more, and be a bit more still. I am amazed how learning to be still can really help your creativity a great deal.
    Wool Candy Corn Knitting/Felting Pattern
What are the web addresses for your work? My business website, ‘That’s Woolly Something’ is www.woollysomething.com and my Etsy Shoppe’s address, in which I sell my patterns and sculptures, is www.etsy.com/shop/woollysomething.
Are you offering my readers any specials? Sure. If your customers purchase my Harvest Pumpkin pattern, featured in last week’s Miss Eileen’s Etsy picks, then they will receive another pattern, Woolly Candy Corn, for FREE, a $5.00 savings.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I really appreciate it and all you do. Take care
I love these patterns. They are adorable. Check them out. I think you’ll love them, too.
Post by Eileen
MissEileen (vintage and vintage inspired)
GoofingOff (sewing supplies on Etsy and Artfire)
MetalWoodsnWater (unique and sometimes downright weird)

And the Envelope Please……

2011-10-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Woolly Something, the winner of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks, 10.14.11. Watch for the interview.

A Bagful of Etsy, Picking Out the Good Ones MissEileen’s Etsy Picks October 28, 2011

2011-10-28T06:01:00.001-07:00

Halloween weekend is upon us with the cute little trick or treaters out in their adorable costumes, mom and dad trailing behind. By the time the kids make it back to the house they are all sugared and caffeined up, jabbering about the loot in their bags and the fun they had. I remember going through the candy with my sisters. We would dump the candy in piles on the kitchen table so Mom and Dad could check it out, then pick out our favorites. My favorites were anything chocolate. Anything, just had to be chocolate. That was long before I tragically became allergic to chocolate. I didn’t know other flavors existed. I didn’t understand why Baskin & Robbins had 32 flavors of ice cream; they just needed to make one as far as I was concerned.

Sorry, got carried away. Today is Friday and time for Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks. Like a bagful of Halloween goodies, I’m picking out the good ones and I’m in the mood for my forbidden treat, chocolate. Here’s what I’ve found this week:

Vanilla and Chocolate Wreath by Charisma Gift

Baby booties little loafers cream and chocolate with gift box by Cath94170

Coffee Liqueur Chocolate Metallic Gold Circle Necklace by Roe Design

6 Caramel or Chocolate Covered Apples by Sweets Fairy Bakeshop

Friendship Bracelet - Chocolate Brown Leather Woven with Swarovski Turquoise Crystals by Kes T Designs

Chocolate Brown Knit Fingerless Gloves by Woolmint

Klimt and Starry Night Gold Pendant by Creative Art Center

Chocolate Linen Rayon Pleated Jacket by Carey Dion

OK, those are my picks. What do you think? I love the colors in each item. They all look so rich and yummy. Voting starts today and ends next Thursday. Shop with the most votes wins a feature interview with me, Miss Eileen.

Shameless plug…..new fabrics in the GoofingOff shop, new and vintage patterns, too. I found some amazing Pyrex and other fantastic vintage, too. I’ll be listing those in the Miss Eileen shop. Stop by when you get a chance. Coffee’s always on, served in vintage cups, of course.

Congrats to WoollySomething; CRAFTY Pattern Sale

2011-10-22T05:46:00.000-07:00

Harvest Pumpkin Knitting Pattern

Congrats to WoollySomething, the winner of last week's MissEileen's Etsy Picks. I am looking forward to her interview.

October 1 started the big 40% off sale at GoofingOff shops on Etsy and Artfire. All toy, decorating, handbag, craft patterns, and kits in the TOYS, BAGS, KITS section are 40% off with the coupon code CRAFTY. Make sure you use the code.

Some of the most unique, totally cool patterns have already left the shop. I don't know if I will ever uncover patterns like those again so if you see something you like, let me know. I can hold it for you. Some patterns, like the junk food and smocked pillow patterns, are pretty rare. They're gone but there's still some pretty cool ones in the shop, like these:

Vintage 1970s Looney Tunes Stuffed Animals

Simplicity 5778 Stuffed Dolphin, Hippos, & Gators

Dog Coat, Hat, Bed, and Toys pattern

Canopy Designs Baby Bassinette

Oh Baby, Mine! Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 10.21.11

2011-10-20T23:24:00.000-07:00

Sing along with Bing!
One of the guys at work and his wife are having a baby so I went to a baby shower the other day. Maybe not a momentous day in someone’s life, that is, unless you are the new mom or dad. Having a baby is such a major occasion in one’s life. Not only is it the start of a new life, it makes a couple a family. A shower gives friends and family the opportunity to share the excitement. Then I remembered seeing a news article about how October 5, my birthday, is the most popular birthday, which made me think September and October are big baby months. What better way to celebrate babies than looking for fabulous handmade baby things on Etsy? So, look what I found!

Baby Clothing Bouquet 6 items Dakota by ChristieCreations

Organic Coffee Heirloom Aran Bunting by BroodBaby

Mini Diaper Cakes Centerpieces by BeyondDiaperCakes

Personalized Owl Burp Cloths and Bib Gift Set by WeeWoolieKnitz

Baby Crib Mobile Owl Family by Hingmade

Baby Crib Mobile Rock A bye Baby Elephant by DropsofColorShop

Personalized Hooded Towel with Rubber Ducky by Pecanieregirl

Cotton & Minky Baby Blanket Green Giraffes by DandelionBabyBlanket

So, what do you think? Any one of these items would make a wonderful baby shower gift but which one is your favorite? Vote for your favorite, or favorites. Winner gets an interview with me, Miss Eileen.

Shameless Plug Time:
There’s a big sale going on at GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire on all toy, decorating, handbag, craft patterns, and kits. A big 40% off with the coupon code CRAFTY.

New Listings in GoofingOff

2011-10-18T01:27:00.000-07:00

Here’s some of the patterns and fabrics listed recently in GoofingOff etsy:

Fabrics:

Skiing Penguins Fat Quarters

Strawberry Shortcake Fat Quarters

Mah Jong Tiles on Red Fat Quarters

Alexander Henry Historical Spin Blue and Gold Dreidels on white Fat Quarters

Chanukkah Dreidels Fat Quarters

The Wall Fat Quarters

Ancient City Fat Quarters

Patterns:

Vintage 1941 Sewing Pattern Simplicity 3828 Misses' Robe Bust 38 Complete

Vintage 60s Sewing Pattern Misses' Blouses Butterick 3286 Size 14 Bust 34 Complete

Vintage 1970s Looney Tunes Stuffed Animals Sewing Pattern Butterick 6347

Vintage 1970s Misses' Sundress Sewing Pattern Simplicity 8512 Size 10-12

Vintage 1950s Sewing Pattern Coat Jacket Vest Straight Skirt Butterick 2849 Size 16 Bust 36

Vintage 70s Girls' Dress Sewing Pattern Simplicity 8864 Size 4 Breast 23 inches

Don’t forget the big 40% off sale going on now in the GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire shops. Get 40% off all toy, handbag, and decorating patterns and kits. Just use the coupon code CRAFTY during checkout for the discount.

Let’s Go to the Pumpkin Patch Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks October 14, 2011

2011-10-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Autumn finally came to north Florida. Finally. Sure, it comes every year but our fall season is usually short, very short. I’m loving it. The temps are a little cooler and the trees are changing color…a little. We don’t have a New England landscape but it’s still nice. Fun stuff, like harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and mazes, are showing up everywhere. Taking my daughter to a pumpkin patch or apple picking are two of my favorite memories. Not too many apple trees here, though. Here we have Japanese persimmons. Not apples but still good for a fall day in the country.

Like always, one thought led to another and I ended up looking at pumpkins on Etsy. Here’s my pumpkin “picks” for the week. Hope you like them.

Hand Blown Glass Pumpkins by MontanaHotGlass

Fall Outfit Pumpkin Shirt and Ruffle Pants by Laatandstitches

Wool Felt Flower Headband Autumn Pumpkin by SnuggleBugBowtique

Fingerless Gloves Pumpkin Orange and Black by HollynSage

Pumpkin Coasters and Miniature Gift Orange Drink by MariMartin

Pumpkins Set of 4 Polymer Clay Buttons by Ayarina

Mason Jar Container Fall Candle Bundle by RedbarnCandle

Harvest Pumpkin Knitting Pattern by WoollySomething

Hoped you liked the picks. Which one is your favorite? Maybe you have more than one? Vote for your favorites. This week’s winner wins a feature interview.

There’s a big, crafty sale going on at GoofingOff’s Etsy and Artfire shops. All toy, decorating, handbag, craft patterns, and kits in the Toys, Bags, Kits sections are 40% off with the coupon code CRAFTY. Some of these patterns are vintage and hard-to-find so shop early to get the ones you want. Remember to use the coupon code CRAFTY during checkout to get the discount.

Goldsmith Glass: Beautiful Stained Glass

2011-10-11T05:59:00.001-07:00

Chai Judaism Multi Color Stained Glass

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
My name is Zachary Goldsmith and I currently live with my family in historic New Castle, Alabama near Birmingham. I am a student at the University of Alabama in Birmingham where I am seeking an undergraduate degree in chemistry. My ultimate goal after I earn my bachelor's degree is to attend medical school and then go into family practice medicine. Out of the five children my parents had, I am the second oldest and the only boy which made for an interesting childhood. I learned at an early age to either play Barbies with my sisters or I would be stuck playing by myself. My family is Jewish and since we live in a not so Jewish area, it can be weird at times. Unlike most of the guys my age I have waist length hair and a full beard. I have learned in life to march out of time to my own drum.

Original Design Stained Glass Star of David

What are your favorite materials?
As you can probably guess from looking at my shop, I love working with stained glass. My favorite glass to work with is water-glass which is made by Spectrum. As the name suggests water-glass has nice soft waves that looks like water. When it comes to solder I like to use 60/40, it melts well and it is easy to get a good bead with it. I use lead-free solder in some of my work like boxes, pendants or
anything else that will be touched a lot. But other than things like that, I don't like the lead-free solder as it has a higher melting point than 60/40. On top of that, it causes my soldering iron tip to oxidize which means I have to keep dipping my soldering iron tip into some flux.

What is your favorite color combination?
I like a lot of bright color in my work, but if I had to chose my favorite combo, amber and cobalt rough-roll glass are my favorites.

Nerd Hanging Dorm Art Stained Glass Derivative OOAK

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why
did you make it?
Before my parents got married my mom made a lot of things for art and craft shows. She homeschooled us so arts and craft were a big part of my childhood. When I was a kid I used to make my own birthday cards for my family members. On the back of each card I made I would write “Zachmark”, a spoof on Hallmark.

Victorian Hanging Window Glass Art Original Design OOAK

What inspires you?
The biggest inspiration for me is a blank sheet of paper. That's where all of my work begins. I just start looking at the paper and ideas start flowing.

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?
The greatest challenge for me is finding the right color of glass locally for my work. To overcome this I have bought sample sets of glass from different glass making companies. This allows me to buy the exact colors I need from the internet.

Where do your ideas come from?
Most of my ideas come from things in my life like Mickey Mouse, math, video games,Victorian art and Judaism.

Victorian Based Stained Glass Suncatcher with Red Glass Gems and a Blue Roundel

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
I think it is impossible to pick out one person who has been the greatest inspiration to me. Each person I have met and each person's whose ideas I have been exposed to have at least in some small way added something to my life and by extension, to my work.

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
I like to create sun catchers, boxes, pendants and lanterns out of stained glass. I also like to play any musical instrument I can get my hands on. Everyone in my family except for my dad does wet-plate collodion photography. Most of you know the products of this process as tintype and ambrotype photographs. The difference between a tintype and an ambrotypes is that the tintype is done on japanned steel (not tin) and the ambrotypes are done on glass. Just like back then we take our pictures on japanned steel and dark colored stained glass. Unlike some of the modern practitioners we use the exact same chemicals they used back then. The most notable of these chemicals are potassium cyanide and silver nitrate. We mix the potassium cyanide in water and use it to fix our photographs. It is safe just as long as we don't drink our fixer or mix our developer in it. The developer contains glacial acetic acid which will liberate the cyanide from the fixer as hydrogen cyanide gas. Yeah, that's the chemistry major in me coming out! Most other wet-plate photographers are afraid to use potassium cyanide to fix their images, but you can't beat the clarity that the cyanide gives the photograph. A few of the photographs that we have taken have been published in national Civil War magazines, including one back cover were I was in the photograph dressed as a mid-nineteenth century civilian. My profile picture in my Etsy shop is actually a tintype of me dressed as a Union soldier. I plan in the near future to incorporate tintypes into to my stained glass artwork.

Handmade Stained Glass CSA Table Lantern

Why should people buy handmade?
Buying handmade gives you the freedom to discover new and unique items. When you buy handmade your supporting the production of new and innovative ideas

Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade item?
One of the biggest tips I can give is to enjoy your work, don't let it become a chore. Keep creating new things and feel free to incorporate old ideas into new ones. Charge what your work is worth. Too many artists think the key to sells in the price. The key is finding the right people for your work.

Iconic Mouse Hanging Window Glass Art

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
The woman who gave me my first lesson in stained glass making told me to make sure that all the glass in my work is running the right direction before I solder it together. Another important thing I
learned was that it's about impossible to darken zinc with patina.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Aside for making things out of stained glass, I spend my days playing the piano, studying, going to classes and if I have some free time, I'll play Halo with my sisters. I volunteer sometimes as an usher at the Alabama theater. The Alabama theater is a restored movie palace built in 1927 and has been an inspiration for some of my work. I'm also an nineteenth century living historian. I portray a Jewish Union soldier. Living in Alabama, I'm one of the few who wear will the blue uniform. My family on both sides fought for the South, but someone has to put on that Yankee uniform so the Confederates will have someone to shoot at. I also love math, for me math is analogous to crossword puzzles. I am hoping to become a volunteer at our local children's hospital and I would like to tutor hospitalized children in math so they don't fall behind.

Civil War 58 Caliber Minnie Ball Necklace

What are the Web addresses for your work?
Currently I'm selling my work on Etsy.com. My shop is Goldsmith Glass.

Are you offering my readers any specials?
I am offering 15% off any item your readers purchase from me. (This doesn't include shipping.) All they have to do is add a message when they purchase something stating they are readers of your blog and I will refund 15% of the item amount. If they prefer, they can also convo me in advance of purchasing and I will set it up on the listing. Whatever is easiest!

Thank you, Zach, for taking the time for this interview. Your work is amazing. Good luck with your studies.

To check out more of Zach’s work, click the link to Goldsmith Glass. It is well worth the click.

Remember the big Crafty sale going on Now at GoofingOff.etsy and GoofingOff.Artfire. All decorating, doll, toys, handbags, and kits in the TOYS, BAGS, KITS sections are 40% off with the coupon code CRAFTY. Just use the coupon code during checkout to get the discount.

Post by Eileen of GoofingOff.etsy.com and MissEileen.etsy.com

Halloween Tote Bags

2011-10-03T05:53:00.001-07:00

Let me start this story by saying I have a lot of fabric. Almost too much fabric for the amount of time I have to sew. Almost. Lucky for me I have lots of ideas, almost too many compared to the time in a day I can devote to creating. Almost. Just need focus, or so I say.

Well, I sat down to sew and make some things for the Heart of the Hammock Humane Society to sell when I saw some fabric I’ve had for a while. Nice, heavy weight fabric. I’ve used most of the fabric for other projects and kind of was tapped out of ideas except for now. I remember something I heard on the news about lead in the paints used to decorate those shopping bags they sell at the store. Love the bags (hate plastic, go green) but don’t like the idea of lead, even if I am not going to eat the bag, so I thought I would make my own totes. Here’s how they came out:

The fabric is orange and white, perfect for a harvest, fall bag. The little black cat faces add a touch of whimsy.

Post by Miss Eileen who’s just Goofing Off.

Congrats to Goldsmith Glass; CRAFTY Pattern Sale

2011-10-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Stained Glass Chai by GoldsmithGlass
Congratulations to Goldsmith Glass and the gorgeous Stained Glass Chai. The Chai won the hearts of many. Can't wait for the interview.

Sorry I didn't do my picks this week but it was Rosh Hashanah. Time for faith and family. Hope you had a good week. MissEileen's Etsy Picks will be back in full swing next Friday. Be sure to watch and vote for your favorite.
If you know of a shop that should be featured, drop me a line in the comments. I will check it out.

October 1 started the big 40% off sale at GoofingOff shops on Etsy and Artfire. All toy, decorating, handbag, craft patterns, and kits in the TOYS, BAGS, KITS section are 40% off with the coupon code CRAFTY. Make sure you use the code. Here's a few of the patterns in the shop:

Simplicity 5244 Smocked Pillows

McCall's 4993 Christmas Stockings

Simplicity 4532 Canopies for Twin or Full Size Beds

That's just a small sample so be sure to check it out.

Have a good week. Love y'all!

GeekkiBoutikki: Making Beautiful Jewelry from Computer Parts

2011-09-27T00:53:00.000-07:00

GeekkiBoutikki was the Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for 9/9. The Blue Inductor Earrings won the hearts of many. Here is her interview.

Blue Inductor Earrings

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

Hi there, I am Roxanne Gibson from Monterey, California. I am a math student hoping to make the leap into engineering this spring. I like to garden, cook, listen to books on tape, and climb. I am a long time crafter, well for 23. My mom gave me paints, possibly before she should have, and I painted everything in the yard. We used to go dumpster diving when I was little and it was more or less legal; people were not so protective of their trash then. I made things from scrap wood, old door knobs, and window frames. I made things of mud and used overly ripe olives to make purple paints for the sidewalk.

Crystal and Electronic Earrings

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

My mom’s creativity, my dad’s teachings of skills, my grandmother’s love of art, and my family’s constant support allows me to continue creating and going to school. My mathematics and biology background inspires me and gives me ideas for shapes, materials, and colors. Many of my pieces come from recycled items and the new ones are made in organic shapes and or mathematically structured.

Resistor and Inductor Necklace

Then as now, I try to make all of the gifts I give and sometimes even the boxes I give them in. That has got to be my favorite part; the “oh my gosh where in the world did you find this?!” and to be able to say “I made it for you’” feeling is fantastic. Whether the receiver of the gift wanted what you made or not they always cherish it because as soon as they have it they need it just because it was made by you. I also believe that I should have a story about everything I own, or at least that is one of my goals in life. I want everything to have a story or contain one in it.

What are your favorite materials?

Hand-made furniture, silverware, and stoneware are my current projects.
Lately, I have been working with and creating recycled, or up-cycled items. I like the juxtaposition of the new and the old, the useless and the useful. I never liked plastic until recently, it is cheap, feels unnatural, but its plastic attributes are oh so useful. Plastic is not a substance of poets, it is not precious, but should be, it resists nothing and can be everything. So I celebrate plastic as long as it is already around. Most of my products up at the moment are floppy disk. However, I mostly work with small electronic components but most of them go to craft fairs and swap meets. I have not seen many people take apart a computer and go “oh how gorgeous!” but I would like them to do just that; the pieces and parts just need the proper presentation.

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite things to work with are little neon blue almost glass looking polystyrene capacitors. Its just about my favorite color and size to work with at the moment though I very much like purples just because of how difficult it is to find the resistors in any such shade.

Green and Black Jelly Resistor Earrings

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I live in a thriving artist community; Monterey is full of them and each one has a different take on art. Whether I talk to a down-home crafter or the pretentious yellow-streak-of-paint-on- white-canvas artist I always come away with something.

Floppy Disk Bag Red Orange and Blue

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?

My greatest challenge is my shop. Before this year I never thought I would sell any art. I am shy in person and have a tough time trying to sell my things; I do much better just making them. I have asked friends and family to help with these sorts of things.

I would like to give 20% off for your readers. Use the coupon code GKBTK1 for the discount.

Thank you GeekkiBoutikki for your interview. My readers and I will continue to watch your art grow.

Congrats to MosaicArtGirl

2011-09-23T09:47:00.001-07:00

We have a winner! The envelope please…….It’s MosaicArtGirl and her beautiful Bottle Cap Mosaic

Watch for her interview.

L’Shana Tovah Happy New Year Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 9.23.11

2011-09-23T09:36:00.001-07:00

Morning all! Welcome to Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for September 23, 2011. Next week starts the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days starting with Rosh Hashanah. Please join me in welcoming in the new year.
Traditionally we welcome in the new year by blowing the shofar, or ram’s horn, eat apples and honey for a sweet start to the new year, pray at a body of water, and pray some more. My family would get together at Grandma’s. She would serve chicken soup, followed by a salad, then roast chicken. She always served in courses with lots of bread on the table. She said it filled people up that way and stretched out the food. For some of us, especially my sister, the bread was the best part. She would serve Challah, bread made with so many eggs it was yellow, and then braided before going into the oven. For Rosh Hashanah, the challah would be round, and sometimes there would be raisins in it to make it that much sweeter.

L’Shana Tovah Tie Dye Rosh Hashanah Greeting Card by AnjaliCreations

Apple green Peridot with medium purple Amethyst dangle earrings in 14k gold filled August birthstone by TatianaG

Honey Bee Earrings by JOsephines

                          Jewish High Holidays theme silver charm necklace Judaic jewelry by RachelTreasures

                                                                            Large Lace Fruit Bowl/Bread Bowl by NingsWonderWorld
                                South Texas Mesquite Serving Platter- Cutting Board – Bread Board by Jennifer and John

                       Timber Post on the Dunes at Peregian Beach by Philltography

                               Chai Judaism Multi Color Stained Glass Hanging by Goldsmith Glass

OK, there’s my picks. What do you think? Got a favorite or two? Now it’s your turn to vote for the one you think is the best.
Voting starts as soon as this post goes up, winner gets a feature interview by me, Miss Eileen.

Children's Costume Pattern - Simplicity J0786 sizes 3-8

Don’t forget the Halloween sewing pattern sale going on NOW in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops…..40% off all costume patterns but you must use the coupon code HALLOWEEN to get the discount. The patterns are going out the door so if you see one you like it might just be a good idea to grab it while you can.
Also, I still have skulls, bones, and all that weird stuff at MetalWoodsNWater. Think of the awesome Halloween decorating you can do. Nothing like scaring the little ones, just a little bit.

Etsy Shops
GoofingOff
MissEileen
MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire
Post by Eileen

First Day of Autumn

2011-09-22T06:53:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is the first day of autumn and with it comes traditions that I love.

Apples

I love the smell of fresh apples in the fall. Cool, crisp air seems to make the fragrance that much stronger. Apple pie or apple cake is a tradition in my home.

Try a new craft like this Mason Jar Candle Holder from Final Clothes Out.

I don’t can vegetables as much as I used to and have lots of jars. Good idea! Could even do this with some of those jars that can’t be used for canning.

Make a wreath

A new wreath ….maybe like this one for now

and this one for later

bhg.com

Make scarves and bow ties for the dogs for Halloween from these fabrics from GoofingOff.etsy.com

Spring All Over Pumpkins

Robert Kaufman’s Bad to the Bone

Guess I have my work cut out for me. How about you?

Simplicity J0789 Toddlers' Witch Dracula Costume Pattern Sizes 6 months to 4

Don’t forget the Halloween sewing pattern sale going on NOW in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops…..40% off all costume patterns but you must use the coupon code HALLOWEEN to get the discount. The patterns are going out the door so if you see one you like it might just be a good idea to grab it while you can.
Also, I still have skulls, bones, and all that weird stuff at MetalWoodsNWater. Think of the awesome Halloween decorating you can do.

Post by Miss Eileen

Keep the Garden Growing: Miss Eileen's Etsy Picks 9.16.11

2011-09-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Congrats to GeekkiBoutikki and their winning Blue Inductor Earrings, the winner of last week’s Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks.

So, how was your week? Were you dazzled by the fashions shown off in NY during Fashion Week or were you too busy with real life to stop and look? That was my week, too busy to stop and look. Still, the few pics I did get to see were interesting. Got to get up the courage to wear 7 inch heels and slink around in a skimpy dress, though. Maybe not. Oh well, I guess I will stick to doing what I do best, picking fabulous Etsy finds and Goofing Off.

This is the last weekend of summer in the northern hemisphere. The weather is lovely with cool nights and warm days but those cool nights remind me that winter isn’t too far off. I love my garden, the flowers, veggies, fruit, in all its colorful glory and try to extend the season the best I can. I thought this year I would look to Etsy for some beautiful ways to dress up the garden so even when it is at its bleakest there will still be some color. Some of the items are for the garden; some can come in the house during the winter and dress up the table or a window, and still others are to wear and keep the garden close to your heart. Here’s my picks:

One Hand Blown Glass Garden Art Plant Stake (20 inches to 24 inches tall ) by Oberini
These stakes would be amazing even with snow on the ground. Stunning!

Gate to my Secret Garden by Pollini Design
Sweet look. Just lets the imagination run wild.

Rustic Copper OWLS Garden Wall Hanging-1980s by Vincent Drives
These owls are too cute! Hang them on a wall inside or out.

Bottle cap Mosaic Art Tile Garden Wall Decor by MosaicartGirl
I love the way Mosaic Art Girl takes bottle caps and uses them so creatively.

Flower Garden Baby/Knee Blanket by IsisOgololo
I love the colors in this blanket, so bright and cheery it could brighten up the drab winter days ahead.

Full Queen Quilt and Shams Earth Tones by LaShonneAbelDesigns
This quilt is absolutely gorgeous. The colors are fabulous! Imagine curling up on the sofa with this and a good book in front of the fireplace.

Fabric Leaf Potted Plant - Garden Green Linen by JaneJoss
Not all of us have a green thumb. I’d still be able to bring the plants in without bumping them off. Genius!

Bird Feeder Recycle Tire by KPDreams
Fantastic idea; recycle the mountains of old tires into bird feeders. Cute, useful, and recycled. A good way to feed the birds in the winter months ahead.

Well, what do you think of my picks? Not bad? There are some very talented folks on Etsy, this is just 8 of them. Voting starts as soon as this post goes up, winner gets a feature interview by me, MissEileen.

Simplicity J0789 Toddlers' Witch Dracula Costume Pattern Sizes 6 months to 4

Don’t forget the Halloween sewing pattern sale going on NOW in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops…..40% off all costume patterns but you must use the coupon code HALLOWEEN to get the discount. The patterns are going out the door so if you see one you like it might just be a good idea to grab it while you can.

Also, I still have skulls, bones, and all that weird stuff at MetalWoodsNWater. Think of the awesome Halloween decorating you can do. Nothing like scaring the Bejesus out of the kids….all in fun.

Etsy Shops

GoofingOff

MissEileen

MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Post by Eileen

Sew Crafty Ideas: Fat Quarter Challenge and Pattern Giveaway

2011-09-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at the ideas that come from a simple piece of fabric. Even fabric too small to many is just the start of a project to another. What’s your favorite? If you were given one fat quarter, a piece of fabric 18” x 22”, what would you make? Coasters? A napkin? A clutch? A keychain? What would it be?

Add your picture of your creation in comments to win a pack of three vintage sewing patterns from the GoofingOff Etsy shop.

Here’s the patterns up for grabs:

Simplicity 9736 Girls’ skirt, blouse, and vest in size 10 from 1980. Uncut, complete, original factory folds.

McCall’s 7438 Girls’ dresses, size 12, from 1981. Uncut, complete, original factory folds.

Simplicity 4753 Toddlers’ pants, top, and smock with transfers from the 1960’s. Uncut, complete, original factory folds.

These patterns have been stashed away for years. They are not in my shop so I won’t make the mistake of selling them by accident. You might find them in other shops, though. These are all in good vintage condition.

Giveaway ends September 30th. Good Luck.

Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff

MissEileen

MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now and remember to use the coupon code HALLOWEEN for 40% off all costume sewing patterns!

We Have a Winner! The Envelope Please…..

2011-09-09T07:44:00.001-07:00

Chopard and her wonderful Felted Olive Green Woman’s Scarf was the winner of the September Song, last week’s edition of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks. Congratulations. Can’t wait for the interview to find out where she gets her ideas. I just love that scarf.

Thanks to everyone in last weeks picks. All of the items are amazing….I wouldn’t have picked them if they weren’t.

Fashion Week: Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 9.9.11

2011-09-09T07:23:00.001-07:00

September is such an important month. Not only is it National Sewing Month but the autumnal equinox occurs, school begins, the Jewish High Holidays are during September, and last, but in no way least, Fashion Week just started. For someone like me, not quite the fashionista, Fashion Week is something that happens in NY and will filter down to my local Wally World eventually, but to a fashionista like my beloved daughter, it is a downright cause for celebration. Lucky her, this year she is going to be in NY for fashion week. Nice. Hope she sends me pictures. I would like to know what I might be wearing (or most likely NOT wearing) next year.
In any case, I’ve been looking around Etsy again for some of the coolest shops with the most wonderful items. I learned a long time ago that cool designs will be copied and mass produced too soon by folks in other lands. Often you will find the coolest on sites like Etsy and Artfire.
Here’s what I found.

Black Leather with Metallic Blue Bow Tie Necklace 14 inch Length Beautiful Repurposed Leather Silver Chain Accessory by A Little Leather

Bows are classic but I like the use of leather. A little different but still traditional. Cute and understated.

Blue Inductor Earrings by GeekkiBoutikki

I still can’t get over the idea these beautiful earrings were once electronic parts. Recycled is always chic.

Swirly Pop Felt Bag by YUMMI by CraftasticParties Love the use of color in this bag. Brings a smile to my face whenever I see it.

Cranberry Small Pleasures Mini Shoulder Bag by LBArtworks

Love the design and the use of natural wood for buttons and hardware.

Paisley Ink Iku Dress Baby Doll Style by ThreeLittleDucksAust

A style from the 60’s updated. Love it!

Stepping Out Black Faux Fur and Leather Spats by KimKatBags

Good way to change the look of shoes and these are cool!

Bolero Jacket Shrug In Black Trimmed with Elegant Black Chinese Silk Long Sleeved by PixiePocket

Beautiful shrug that graces any dress it is worn with.

Empress Style Dream Coat by Enlightened Platypus Amazing coat!

OK, those are my picks. What do you think?
Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff

MissEileen

MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now and remember to use the coupon code HALLOWEEN for 40% off all costume sewing patterns!

Kiss My Mutt

2011-09-04T03:26:00.000-07:00

Medium Dog Bed Eco Friendly Green Knot Garden

The winner of August 19 Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks is Jennifer Beinke of KissMyMutt and her wonderful Medium Dog Bed, Green Knot Garden. Here is her interview.

Hi Eileen!
Thanks so much for this amazing opportunity! I'm really excited!
Here are my answers below:

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
My name is Jennifer Beinke and I'm from Santa Barbara, California. I began making pet products because of my two passions, dogs and design! I love designing products, homes, rooms, and pretty much anything I can. I also love dogs (I have two of my own) and volunteer at my local animal shelter as often as possible.

Sea Anchor Dog T-Shirt

What are your favorite materials?
I love love love fabrics. I love different textures, colors, patterns. I could spend hours upon hours inside a fabric store. I love water resistant fabrics, I think this is probably one of the best things around! Water resistant fabrics work so well for dog beds; they're durable, stain resistant, and really maintain their colors! I also love soft linens, but we all know that if you're a pet owner you must keep these special pieces far far away from them! :)

What is your favorite color combination?
Ooh, I love soft greys and light pinks together, and I'm also loving green and blue combos right now.

Please Walk the Dog Reused Barn Wood Floor Door Sign

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
The first thing I ever made by hand was a doggie t-shirt. I made it for a friends' dog who had surgery and needed to cover up. It took me a very long time, but it ended up being well worth it!

extra large dog bed - Water Resistant - Eco-Friendly - Southern Palms

What inspires you?
If I had to pick two places I really go to to find inspiration, I would say I find myself in nature and in fashion. Maybe these are opposites, but I am a nature girl at heart and I love fashion and design mags.
Including eco-friendly fillers in my dog bedding comes from my love for nature, and my designs come from the inspiration I find in the fashion and design world.

Where do your ideas come from?
My pet product concepts really come from my own dogs. I want to make sure my products are quality, durable pieces that I know I would want to have in my own home.

medium - as seen in OK magazine - reversible bandana - pink poppies

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
While I have a few designers I truly love and find inspiration from, I would say my greatest inspiration comes from both of my parents. They have always taught me to strive for my dreams and to do something that I truly love, and for this I will be forever thankful to them.

Wipe Your Paws Reused Barn Wood Floor Door Sign

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
I love designing products. I'm always drawing, sewing, or working on new concepts I hope to create for the future. Finding materials, especially fabrics, and working them into a product is so rewarding to me.

small - as seen in OK magazine - reversible dog bandana - love for daisies

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?
People should buy handmade and from small businesses because it truly is quality over quantity. I have had a number of customers that have bought a Kiss My Mutt bed from me tell me that in the time their friend bought 3 dog beds from a mass retail chain, they still had their 1 Kiss My Mutt bed in great condition. The people making handmade products are creating these products with passion in mind, not just dollar signs. Handmade sellers are meant to be personable and care about their products, so be kind to your customers and always be open to helping them out.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
I used to want to try to please everyone, but realized that is almost impossible. If you are a good artist and have a good eye, customers will come and you will gain a following. It takes time, but remain patient, be yourself, and others will love you for being you.

medium dog bed - Water Resistant - Eco-Friendly - Sugar Maple

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I am currently working on developing a line of dog toys that will be manufactured in the United States.

What are the Web addresses for your work?
www.KissMyMutt.com
www.Etsy.com/KissMyMutt

Are you offering my readers any specials?
Readers can receive 15% off on www.etsy.com/kissmymutt with coupon code: DogLove

You can find KissMyMutt products/creations at her Etsy store and at KissMyMutt.com, too.

Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff

MissEileen

MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now and remember to use the coupon code HALLOWEEN for 40% off all costume sewing patterns!

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 9.2.11 September Song

2011-09-02T08:38:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to last week’s Etsy Picks winner J Davis Squared and the adorable Personalized Piggy Bank College Fund. Be sure to watch for the interview.

Labor Day Weekend is here, the last the three big summer holidays, and our last chance to say good bye to summer. Labor Day also marks putting away the white shoes and getting out the fall wardrobe (or at least shopping for fall clothes).

Picking Pumpkins Vintage Print Caftan Dress by Crazy Hot Clothes Beautiful fall colors updated. Lovely.

Felted Olive Green Wool Woman Scarf by Chopard Breathtaking.

Brown Wool Women’s Knit Shawl Shrug New Fall 2011 by Chicca Style Love this. Great for those cool autumn nights.

Brown Jasper and Carnelian Gemstone Bracelet by LindaB142 Fantastic colors.

Scarf Accessory in Fall Colors by Fiber Artsy Need to dress up a simple dress? Here’s how you do it!

Flower Clips made from Recycled T-Shirts - 1 flower by Urban Eco Beauty When you want to add just a little something.

Romantic Eco Hot Southern Mess Denim and Lace Skirt by Dress Me Love Lee So cute!

Crocheted Shawl/Poncho by Larrie2121 I love orange!

Well, those are my picks. What do you think? Hard to pick just one? I know, they are all incredible. Each one is a winner. Pick one, pick two, that’s up to you. Poll is on the upper right corner and you have 6 days to vote. Winner gets a feature interview.

Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff

MissEileen

MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now and remember to use the coupon code HALLOWEEN for 40% off all costume sewing patterns!

Vintage Wednesday Etsy Picks

2011-08-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you need something to get you over the hump of the work week. And, if you are like me, you love vintage. OK, maybe not as obsessed with vintage as me (I’m not totally obsessed, mind you, I do love it, though), but maybe you like to look. Every time I see some awesome vintage thing, be it clothes, jewelry, furniture, or even a dish, I feel like I am transported to another time, another era (preferably the 30’s or 40’s). I’m wearing a slinky dress like Carole Lombard in My Man Godfrey, and my hair’s curly (really it, too, at least it was til it grew out), and I have on red lipstick for a pouty look when my picture’s taken. OK, so a little over the top. One can dream.

Oh, yeah, back to Wednesday. I am so easily distracted (that’s a problem I’ve learned to live with. I heard that one of the symptoms of adult ADHD is difficulty staying focused. That’s me. And people like that do well in hospitals, multi-tasking and all. That’s me, too! Oh shit, maybe……). Oh, back to Wednesday. There is such wonderful vintage on Etsy that I thought I would devote Wednesdays to vintage. Here goes:

Vintage is such an enormous category. Here’s some gorgeous vintage jewelry:

Rhinestone Flower Brooch from Midnight Magnolia I love this brooch. The stones are clear and sparkling. Stunning!

Siam Niello Horse Pin by Trick 5 This is amazing! The detail is incredible. Niello is an age-old process of jewelry ornamentation that uses a black mixture of copper, silver , and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal.

Vintage home decor is so open to interpretation. There’s shabby, country, boho, Hollywood, plus a million other ways to describe old but beautiful. How you do it is up to you. Here’s some ideas to help you out:

Pair of Vintage Fenton White Opalescent by Eclectic Revival

Vintage French Country Nesting Hen Ceramic Planter by Ace Finds This is so cute. Why use it only as a planter? How about on the dinner or breakfast table holding muffins or rolls?

Ten Lovely Little Lacy Crochet Vintage Doilies by ChameleonCMC

Kachina Silver Spoon Fork Baby Keepsake Native American Vintage Set Spoon Fork with Blue Turquoise by Aztec Art

Well, that’s a small sample. What’d ya think? Like em? Let me know. Got a fave? Leave a comment.

Post by Miss Eileen aka Goofing Off

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now at the GoofingOff Etsy and GoofingOff Artfire shops. 40% off on all costume patterns!

Etsy shops:
GoofingOff
MissEileen
MetalWoodsnWater
GoofingOff Artfire

Congress: You Need a Budget!

2011-08-30T06:33:00.001-07:00

I just read the most incredible news post, “Are Members of Congress Paid Enough” by Chris Moody. In it, he cites several members of congress who are having a difficult time getting by on their congressional salaries of $174,000 a year. He implied that a couple of those cited live paycheck to paycheck. While most people in the US do not have a salary close to this amount and are told to get by on what they make, I find it very difficult to feel sorry for someone who can’t make it on $174 per. Most Americans are learning to live on a budget, cut coupons, and just do without while these folks ask for more. Congress has the lowest approval ratings EVER and they are looking for sympathy and a handout? How about a drop in pay, a budget, and learn to live the Dave Ramsey way?

The Ticket, Yahoo News Blog, August 30, 2011 http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/members-congress-paid-enough-165641960.html