tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9150477892330742312024-02-20T23:54:35.266-08:00Figgy PuddingBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-84957289234037627572011-07-15T15:15:00.000-07:002011-07-15T15:15:43.420-07:00Craft Show<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1abjMY-YZ2suPDCNwbTbTuwtQvgLabnUaxgS55BFbaB826PS31VR_TrIzzfOdWa4lXjKVnO24zn_APupdHmOYNQ0lgueTtLfiFSCesYYfnXvlfL0_ZBx3QK1GME14B9VqWVUYG7UTsX0/s1600/230932_222642064429597_123542584339546_922491_3035323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1abjMY-YZ2suPDCNwbTbTuwtQvgLabnUaxgS55BFbaB826PS31VR_TrIzzfOdWa4lXjKVnO24zn_APupdHmOYNQ0lgueTtLfiFSCesYYfnXvlfL0_ZBx3QK1GME14B9VqWVUYG7UTsX0/s320/230932_222642064429597_123542584339546_922491_3035323_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">This weekend in Portland is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149939291736482">Super RAD PDX Craft Show</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"> Its this Sunday, the 17th, at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portlandnursery.com%2F&h=lAQDLywhw">Portland Nursery</a> at 9000 SE Division Street from 1 to 7. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">This is Urban Creatures's first time to be a part of the summer soiree and we are sure it's going to be a fun one. Not only will there be a number of talented artisans there will also be food carts, live music, and free beer. Yes I said it, free beer! There will also be a silent auction with proceeds benefiting <a href="http://www.snowcap.org/">Snowcap</a>, an organization that provides food, clothing and advocacy to people in need.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Sunday is supposed to be a beautiful day here in Portland so come by and say hey!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Bianca aka Figgy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-87474905601318340102011-07-14T09:56:00.000-07:002011-07-14T09:56:40.290-07:00The Best Birthday Part 1I have to share the glorious birthday I just had and boy was I a lucky girl.<div><br />
</div><div>I started celebrating the night before with dinner at <a href="http://www.montageportland.com/">Montage</a>. <a href="http://www.montageportland.com/">Montage</a> is a Portland institution. It's located underneath the Morrison Bridge and the atmosphere is loud and energetic. I would call the cuisine New Orleans-inspired, with their alligator bites, crawfish hushpuppies, and jambalaya. But, the best thing on the menu has to be their mac-and-cheese. The mac-and-cheese comes in many ways. There's old fashioned, spicy, spold (half old fashioned and half spicy), pesto, or cheddar mac. I always get the cheddar mac and then add sausage. Their sausage is pretty spicy so it complements the cheddar mac beautifully. Along with the mac I like to start off with my cocktail of choice, cucumber gin limeade. Yummy!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now, here's my favorite part of the Montage experience - their talented staff will take your leftovers and create aluminum foil works of art. You never know what you are going to get and it's always a nice surprise.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrKmskHbv3FYwMj1CFVPGAm2qynk56zYl-Y0UvZ2d8uIqt9w7G8YclRv-EbuZAtUYLA5qOdS9jV1BN5VBNXT9PzynnzCEisZ34WsdbAQAErmmFaK4QQ_t3o7vJy61oaWvWT-DmTVuFLs/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcrKmskHbv3FYwMj1CFVPGAm2qynk56zYl-Y0UvZ2d8uIqt9w7G8YclRv-EbuZAtUYLA5qOdS9jV1BN5VBNXT9PzynnzCEisZ34WsdbAQAErmmFaK4QQ_t3o7vJy61oaWvWT-DmTVuFLs/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That night I got a chipmunk and my husband got a scorpion. Its always fun to check out what others around you have received. I've seen swords, roses, swans, and even lap dogs with a leash.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a fun night and that was only the beginning. Soon, I will share the next half of my special day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a teaser, it involves a magical wardrobe, pong, and a quiz.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-25698996343710630972011-06-25T09:59:00.000-07:002011-06-25T09:59:02.061-07:00End of Week Recap<div style="text-align: center;">Gosh, where did the week go? It just flew by. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My projects this week included making a birthday present for a special, little someone (picture to come)...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">completing another <a href="http://www.urbancreatures.etsy.com/">Urban Creatures</a> pillow along with other necklaces.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO7l0TB8ylpE9bvFhfx4guybjvoQuTmt1gHTVVLUJBzreEU_cYecN6enVFJyskPuCnbxii-1fbcbWywIEUEpGgoQa4qOwgb22799z16a4FCShdLqGgMN6aynFvieawsGwvZ7vP3Pg2es/s1600/DSCF7028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOO7l0TB8ylpE9bvFhfx4guybjvoQuTmt1gHTVVLUJBzreEU_cYecN6enVFJyskPuCnbxii-1fbcbWywIEUEpGgoQa4qOwgb22799z16a4FCShdLqGgMN6aynFvieawsGwvZ7vP3Pg2es/s320/DSCF7028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sOL3OPpFfPGs3Fos9AI1QOkh8Dx1Ayaq7jYhtqac8UANWVjG05ZRlrJ-SEVRuCdRvlYW-gAIaxeeqjw-v8mqnI7hV1UKoQUtf7R4Aq3_FU6Y_W6sgipWz_ZmWjW2wkVdqGczWZ_BWQM/s1600/DSCF6994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sOL3OPpFfPGs3Fos9AI1QOkh8Dx1Ayaq7jYhtqac8UANWVjG05ZRlrJ-SEVRuCdRvlYW-gAIaxeeqjw-v8mqnI7hV1UKoQUtf7R4Aq3_FU6Y_W6sgipWz_ZmWjW2wkVdqGczWZ_BWQM/s320/DSCF6994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> lining up another wholesale account with a store in Saskatchewan, <a href="http://www.ACORNecoboutique.ca/">Acorn Eco-Store</a>....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and making yummy cheesecake sopapillas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIWi0fZ4TCh7HcRU1E8isGrKNBJeXdsQYro_uMBB1g3XwRR2YuNudQpqUdtHQXKd_K1f3x3a2i_YMSuUS7qUm_jYx7tyZDylklA1xjBUfTTdJBlRbiaJhpHrUmYaJMqbvnplnfXtZiHU/s1600/sopapilla_cheesecake3_450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIWi0fZ4TCh7HcRU1E8isGrKNBJeXdsQYro_uMBB1g3XwRR2YuNudQpqUdtHQXKd_K1f3x3a2i_YMSuUS7qUm_jYx7tyZDylklA1xjBUfTTdJBlRbiaJhpHrUmYaJMqbvnplnfXtZiHU/s320/sopapilla_cheesecake3_450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Click <a href="http://myellowumbrella.blogspot.com/2010/10/sopapilla-cheesecake.html">here</a> for the recipe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What have you been working on?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Figgy</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-50017343328221719202011-06-17T09:05:00.000-07:002011-06-17T09:05:10.022-07:00Win an Urban Creatures Bracelet<div style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love a contest?!?! <a href="http://www.turnmagonline.com/">TURN Magazine</a> is giving away an <a href="http://www.urbancreatures.etsy.com/">Urban Creatures</a> braided, chunky bracelet. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5ABSnnm4kkyX1Zu90wnnDq81zhaiKr0Gxvn9jhj_m1x0PQj7f7uHZd1OSevlmvsQOmwu4mY-WoOdExq7CZ1BhDmKD-dcauYpeAyS2xQcW0xS1ck5tMiXi4gc5hfjXSAVA9imxw-Hh9o/s1600/DSCF6799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5ABSnnm4kkyX1Zu90wnnDq81zhaiKr0Gxvn9jhj_m1x0PQj7f7uHZd1OSevlmvsQOmwu4mY-WoOdExq7CZ1BhDmKD-dcauYpeAyS2xQcW0xS1ck5tMiXi4gc5hfjXSAVA9imxw-Hh9o/s320/DSCF6799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Click <a href="http://www.turnmagonline.com/post/6620148245/a-few-weeks-ago-we-featured-this-super-cute">here</a> for details.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Figgy</div><div><br />
</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-31151206875050428332011-06-16T17:08:00.000-07:002011-06-16T21:57:57.164-07:00What's the New Buzz in Town?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It's summertime, so I thought it would be fun to focus on something a little different with this post.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">With the recent rise of "urban farming" in cities across the country, there's been a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">lot more talk about bees and beekeeping. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">It so happens that a friend of mine, <a href="http://bug-bot.blogspot.com/">Sacha Matheos</a>, is a beekeeper, and I thought I would do a little Q&A with her about the subject that has many people buzzing:)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Question: What inspired you to become a beekeeper? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Answer: WHEN I WAS AROUND 4 YEARS OLD, I WAS CONVINCED THAT HONEY BEES WERE MY FRIENDS. I WOULD SIT IN THE GRASS AND “PLAY” WITH THEM UNTIL ONE STUNG MY FINGER, BUT I WASN'T MAD. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED BEES. I ALWAYS KNEW THEY WERE GOING TO BE IN MY LIFE, I JUST DIDN’T KNOW WHEN OR HOW. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q:Where did you learn the craft? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: I TOOK A SIX-WEEK BEEKEEPING CLASS PUT ON BY MY LOCAL BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: Do you have to become licensed to become a beekeeper?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: NOT IN THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">(Interested people should check with their local city and state laws)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q:,What kind of supplies did you have to buy or make? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: PART OF THE COURSE WAS TO BUILD YOUR OWN HIVE BY HAND SO THAT YOU KNOW WHAT GOES INTO YOUR HIVE. I BUILT THE HIVE BODIES, SUPERS AND FRAMES. I ALSO BOUGHT A HIVE TOOL, WHICH IS IS LIKE A SMALL CROW BAR, A BEE BRUSH, SMOKER, GLOVES AND HAT WITH NETTING.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q:What about the suit - do you have one? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: I DON’T HAVE A SUIT. I WEAR MY HAT WITH THE NETTING, MY GLOVES, ALONG WITH A LONG-SLEEVED SHIRT.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: Are there certain rules in your city regarding having a hive within city limits? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: YES. THE AMOUNT OF HIVES A PERSON CAN HAVE IS DETERMINED BY HOW MUCH LAND YOU HAVE. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SIX-FOOT FENCE IN FRONT OF THE HIVES TO PROMOTE UPWARD FLYING, AND YOU HAVE TO ALSO KEEP RECORDS OF YOUR BEEHIVES.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: How do you get your bees? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: YOU CAN EITHER GET A "NUC" (NUCLEUS) OR A PACKAGE. SOME PEOPLE THINK NUCS ARE BETTER BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE A RELATED QUEEN. A PACKAGED QUEEN IS IFFY, AS THE BEES MIGHT NOT ACCEPT HER. IF THEY DON’T ACCEPT HER, YOU HAVE TO BUY A NEW QUEEN AND THEY ARE PRICEY.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: How often do you check on them? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: NOT VERY OFTEN. SINCE I AM NEW, I CHECK ON THEM EVERY COUPLE WEEKS. A SEASONED BEEKEEPER MIGHT CHECK ON THEM ONCE A MONTH, IF THAT. EVERY TIME YOU OPEN THE HIVE YOU SET THEM BACK THREE DAYS, SO YOU WANT TO BE CAREFUL.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: Can you estimate how many bees you have? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: BETWEEN 60,000-80,000 BEES IN THE SUMMER PER HIVE.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: When do you expect to have your first honey harvest? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: NEXT YEAR!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: What will you use the honey for - personal use or commercial sales? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: JUST LIKE THE EGGS MY CHICKENS LAY I WILL BE USING OUR HONEY FOR OUR PERSONAL USE, AS WELL AS TO GIVE TO NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: Are you an organic beekeeper?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: I DON’T KNOW IF ANYONE IS TRULY AN ORGANIC BEEKEEPER. OUR YARD IS KEPT NATURAL, BUT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WHO USE CHEMICALS. I CANNOT CONTROL WHAT FLOWERS MY BEES LAND ON - NO ONE CAN! BEES FLY UP TO FIVE MILES IN SEARCH OF NECTAR, SO THERE IS NO TELLING THEM WHERE TO GO.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: Have you been stung yet? Are you worried about getting stung? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: MY BEES HAVE NOT STUNG ME YET. I AM NOT WORRIED AT ALL IF I GET STUNG. I WOULD BE MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE LITTLE BEE THAT JUST DIED STINGING ME.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Q: Do you have any fun facts about bees or beekeeping? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">A: IT TAKES TWO BEE STINGS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO BEES. EACH HIVE HAS A DISTINCT SMELL - THAT LETS BEES KNOW WHICH HIVE IS THEIRS. ANCIENT EGYPTIANS WERE KNOWN TO BE BEEKEEPERS AND BURIED THEIR LOVED ONES WITH HONEY, AND THAT HONEY IS STILL GOOD TO EAT! BEE STINGS ARE USED AS TREATMENT FOR AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Thank you, Sacha! I loved reading your answers. Hopefully, other readers will find beekeeping and other "urban farming" methods are interesting and worthwhile. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">As a thank you to Sacha, I will be sending her this "bee"-utiful necklace from <a href="http://www.urbancreatures.etsy.com/">Urban Creatures</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovSke9bb07lFcccjMCEW6lrl2MW1T7XlUA3JDWLB-BSqPgC3oPMLW9J_Tvd37P2zlauuAaqkMSquNIBOlodprQDs4gnLRPZmB8cTWylzQUWYcl5TeRrVb3R3V-uPuU4An5S1mySq8Rv8/s1600/DSCF6883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovSke9bb07lFcccjMCEW6lrl2MW1T7XlUA3JDWLB-BSqPgC3oPMLW9J_Tvd37P2zlauuAaqkMSquNIBOlodprQDs4gnLRPZmB8cTWylzQUWYcl5TeRrVb3R3V-uPuU4An5S1mySq8Rv8/s320/DSCF6883.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br />
</span></div></span></span></div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-25977672047482099542011-06-09T11:40:00.000-07:002011-06-09T11:40:32.619-07:00Baby Boy Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello! I thought it was time to share a quilt I finished recently. This quilt was made for our neighbors who have just had an adorable baby boy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For this quilt, I used a pattern called "Batch of Brownies," which comes from the book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Patchwork-Basics-Quiltmaker/dp/1607050080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272992031&sr=8-1">The Practical Guide to Patchwork</a> </i>by Portlander <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/">Elizabeth Hartman</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo10aM7nJHRPhnT1H7BayTQKwLYrqfRvktlcxxyu0hN-fXIV19JLT3KKEjr76-iFlq_FdXjtMnCRb9UXe31Pcu7iLFCKQES7Wl2gYdqVL-NOAc6zYV2fMU4-Dg0ZqS6hyphenhyphenEmUA0bhyj17A/s320/DSCF6837.JPG" width="256" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The idea was to take four colors and match them with coordinating patterns. I wanted to have a general theme, so I picked types of transportation and used primary colors. The fabrics have images of bicycles, cars, dump trucks, and even campers - very boyish!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeeL-K6bDjh1spJYynDfkFOfYlCRM4E1irmp4Jr7-LJQbeL07MgbHfURxNAwevc7GxLGX7XpxnFCtpJqWcgqal3o9yKJOi7Fa6Vssht387l1XrvmAKn40Du6luWuIg2Fe9uY7G1eFeJQ/s1600/DSCF6735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeeL-K6bDjh1spJYynDfkFOfYlCRM4E1irmp4Jr7-LJQbeL07MgbHfURxNAwevc7GxLGX7XpxnFCtpJqWcgqal3o9yKJOi7Fa6Vssht387l1XrvmAKn40Du6luWuIg2Fe9uY7G1eFeJQ/s320/DSCF6735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found putting the blocks together to be fairly easy, and felt that this was one of Elizabeth's simpler projects. It was when I started adding the blocks to the sashing where I ran into some minor problems and things became a little wonky. I'm pretty sure my cutting was not as precise as it needed to be, so I need to work on that. Every day I learn something new about quilting.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ghaNDO-EUEo2mj0wpM9DyAM5ycpsd2uSTtjShqDM8eZQXSUNt7sTRWQoCnUXyCP1mgErzfrPyucs8m4ExT_I6ghc5fUpC289pAlRerNq4R1JxHqSlW9MNdxefU1W22TY-lShsAv4Tbo/s1600/DSCF6731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ghaNDO-EUEo2mj0wpM9DyAM5ycpsd2uSTtjShqDM8eZQXSUNt7sTRWQoCnUXyCP1mgErzfrPyucs8m4ExT_I6ghc5fUpC289pAlRerNq4R1JxHqSlW9MNdxefU1W22TY-lShsAv4Tbo/s320/DSCF6731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the back, I did something different than what the pattern suggested. At first I was going to keep it simple and find a great pattern or two and just sew those together to keep a nice clean look (as directed by the pattern). I chose a different route when I found a cool, modern fabric that was two shades of chocolate brown. I had to incorporate it into this quilt, but I didn't want too much of it because it was so dark. So, I thought I would do a little patchwork with it and pair it back to the sky blue. Sky blue and chocolate brown are great complements. Plus, I was able to go through my scraps and as Portlanders like to say, "put a bird on it"!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-Zi3fahU8reJ7J2Ps41x_Zc9_bIH6zim45le5xMxN4D-ukMuuBKrf9JjR9A5Sncn6d4CjwsurdTaPL7ailHUblOjJh2MADkUCNuJmrY6oFV8C544tLVplLnRoSutMaz1LSsCpYX_SBo/s1600/DSCF6723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-Zi3fahU8reJ7J2Ps41x_Zc9_bIH6zim45le5xMxN4D-ukMuuBKrf9JjR9A5Sncn6d4CjwsurdTaPL7ailHUblOjJh2MADkUCNuJmrY6oFV8C544tLVplLnRoSutMaz1LSsCpYX_SBo/s320/DSCF6723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUuAurRClnhGbcZNmlqDrVmnVlNTUnWPa5Ne7Oxw-iIQzGLcqQGCCO-1AGdm3OpI1WBaq3h9q7VnOELGhuBVMvkeVacJcnUOv1ZkZCXGoaTh-J_dp6tZZr0HicccikNgcoGSrH2MXh6o/s1600/DSCF6724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUuAurRClnhGbcZNmlqDrVmnVlNTUnWPa5Ne7Oxw-iIQzGLcqQGCCO-1AGdm3OpI1WBaq3h9q7VnOELGhuBVMvkeVacJcnUOv1ZkZCXGoaTh-J_dp6tZZr0HicccikNgcoGSrH2MXh6o/s320/DSCF6724.JPG" width="288" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gave this quilt to our neighbors this past weekend and they were truly touched that I made this quilt for their new little guy. Their words were so flattering:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a beginner quilter, so when I complete a quilting project I feel very proud. I just had to share my accomplishment!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-81098907665147802522011-06-06T21:06:00.000-07:002011-06-06T21:06:14.060-07:00Summer Must Haves - Swimwear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Summer is just now beginning here in the Pacific Northwest I thought I would start a little series about Summer Must Haves. I chose swimwear as my first subject because nothing says Summer like a swimsuit. Also, being an Etsy seller I thought I would only feature items found on Etsy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Searching for swimwear on Etsy was quite fun. I found all sorts of items. Suits that were crocheted, knotted, ruffled, and even fishnet, oh my!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to say that my favorite styles were those that were vintage and vintage-inspired. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a few of my faves....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_UXO6avWge22uGwT4MqQKFapnKwQBAKCjGLLeei0h7ffZWLWByQmE8NK1zluGWloQICIKN23AhupSmU_lOozBcYF1nNXLQWMQ5KkLvdFy1ZZrGycbgl_jgnLocQzNc0h9a9NNDnKTbc/s1600/il_fullxfull.243205764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_UXO6avWge22uGwT4MqQKFapnKwQBAKCjGLLeei0h7ffZWLWByQmE8NK1zluGWloQICIKN23AhupSmU_lOozBcYF1nNXLQWMQ5KkLvdFy1ZZrGycbgl_jgnLocQzNc0h9a9NNDnKTbc/s320/il_fullxfull.243205764.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sailor girl one-piece, $106</div><div style="text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FablesbyBarrie">Fables by Barrie</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1vhYJr2g03Jgh_8DJ2xUhdHOpQlvbVGHpvVM5NHkODUSe2VMqKkX8ZyKfBK9_DHYkJJxql_mNztdlJJeX-WU1XHrGDUs5iC4HOuvyQYXqRC0UqdWlLzEmCF3HpkKguFcZyZ9whMhb00/s1600/il_fullxfull.232843352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1vhYJr2g03Jgh_8DJ2xUhdHOpQlvbVGHpvVM5NHkODUSe2VMqKkX8ZyKfBK9_DHYkJJxql_mNztdlJJeX-WU1XHrGDUs5iC4HOuvyQYXqRC0UqdWlLzEmCF3HpkKguFcZyZ9whMhb00/s320/il_fullxfull.232843352.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun, Barbie inspired one-piece, $100</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThomThomVintage">Thom Thom Vintage</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHi7DWh8m5uAUWVdMJOFt1P85fLIA3bW1Kp18o_X05pgA_r_N19IDCQH7A-kHsGi2P5S2Txyp2fqRgHhjSl_jQoSV3BF9Wb3lHmTt_-X5YT7GPjWeAhLp5tNML-3lO_V_0zFgu4zpJ44/s1600/il_fullxfull.131802349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHi7DWh8m5uAUWVdMJOFt1P85fLIA3bW1Kp18o_X05pgA_r_N19IDCQH7A-kHsGi2P5S2Txyp2fqRgHhjSl_jQoSV3BF9Wb3lHmTt_-X5YT7GPjWeAhLp5tNML-3lO_V_0zFgu4zpJ44/s320/il_fullxfull.131802349.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheetah print two-piece, approximately $109</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/missfancypantspinup">Miss Fancypants</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuNfJ3XdfUigPapS9UZ5eYPwl1JP5f3l-9TuQT-xIkb_1ayF5OCQlBq9pLbuntSc4dBHx63RWXvt4IvpC9KgixPiXBxlrP4r_Pj2GU5zEDC6BWdCRBc1RvC9Bd_3LGG4aX8SulOCtrkk/s1600/il_fullxfull.243168137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPuNfJ3XdfUigPapS9UZ5eYPwl1JP5f3l-9TuQT-xIkb_1ayF5OCQlBq9pLbuntSc4dBHx63RWXvt4IvpC9KgixPiXBxlrP4r_Pj2GU5zEDC6BWdCRBc1RvC9Bd_3LGG4aX8SulOCtrkk/s320/il_fullxfull.243168137.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Polka-dot bikini, $124.95</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/avabelldesigns">Ava Bell Designs</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOLdu-ptUMEiysoUZ7yeLgtWQLSNp3jwjAWb3tL1DVhAQTSpIQ78r2mZ150Wn5begDa9XOu1UsvEOX7CZJWg_UDGAbTWBnPzve-_Mh8_kT4XWdi444vwxbjAx_rxBXxKwmrn2Hkg9tFE/s1600/il_fullxfull.245973521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOLdu-ptUMEiysoUZ7yeLgtWQLSNp3jwjAWb3tL1DVhAQTSpIQ78r2mZ150Wn5begDa9XOu1UsvEOX7CZJWg_UDGAbTWBnPzve-_Mh8_kT4XWdi444vwxbjAx_rxBXxKwmrn2Hkg9tFE/s320/il_fullxfull.245973521.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1950s yellow two piece, S, $68</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/maefairvintage">maefair vintage</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUA9KT-N1RiIrDYBGIs13Ag22wqFSlvXg9Z5NJKzhjc9m1tM_Jye2STppfSXKVh-dJSI2TbvMtDOgymyOLN-nu08DqIsm8fzhcwWyDRYjp-Ko9UI5sfCKqeEBAHm3Y8JGpnaP-t-TusM/s1600/il_fullxfull.244832264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUA9KT-N1RiIrDYBGIs13Ag22wqFSlvXg9Z5NJKzhjc9m1tM_Jye2STppfSXKVh-dJSI2TbvMtDOgymyOLN-nu08DqIsm8fzhcwWyDRYjp-Ko9UI5sfCKqeEBAHm3Y8JGpnaP-t-TusM/s320/il_fullxfull.244832264.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1960s mod one piece, S, $64</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/oldgoldvintage?ref=seller_info">old gold vintage</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kbBo42F01t2CtXksZcu1RiOC79U_Jr8O7YtcmGVrwJNPGxuOl8OyfVlzkVei8mNIX8_xO3J_NT3Y03u2ikCRINV2Vt4WW6NKq5eieyUXB7fguDOp0OS0Z4MJ8gobVfb7veTRhY42tWA/s1600/il_fullxfull.247945269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kbBo42F01t2CtXksZcu1RiOC79U_Jr8O7YtcmGVrwJNPGxuOl8OyfVlzkVei8mNIX8_xO3J_NT3Y03u2ikCRINV2Vt4WW6NKq5eieyUXB7fguDOp0OS0Z4MJ8gobVfb7veTRhY42tWA/s320/il_fullxfull.247945269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1970s abstract tribal print halter, $46</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopREiNViNTAGE">REiNViNTAGE</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I, myself, have worn a vintage suit in the past. It was a bright, electric blue terry cloth two-piece. The top was a halter and the bottom were hiphuggers. I loved it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I have something fun to share. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb0I2xwjMcPNXkI1cOoeCEah_ZAio-YT1ocFmJ5OvI6dFY-wlM_HNVzozlOA3akNe8h8hDEn252M94tgBFYR3OvstFjVazqj_BslhXTuItg_W0PwGCyxeSDdX3nWkX8BhAXJrReyW0Wk/s1600/il_fullxfull.68921472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNb0I2xwjMcPNXkI1cOoeCEah_ZAio-YT1ocFmJ5OvI6dFY-wlM_HNVzozlOA3akNe8h8hDEn252M94tgBFYR3OvstFjVazqj_BslhXTuItg_W0PwGCyxeSDdX3nWkX8BhAXJrReyW0Wk/s320/il_fullxfull.68921472.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-jHyWY_gu-KMoEgm-CG7Nqd3s6Ce6JJqOdfkPe9LBfI6xjKIO1N_4YjPhlDTox7x_179P5uv-Tp3MDhsRVBa0wOVCxLPYHpjG-i3dp_m1uYgTSzQgTzOHVcv3Kn1Pw78nRitGNdZITA/s1600/il_fullxfull.107823832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-jHyWY_gu-KMoEgm-CG7Nqd3s6Ce6JJqOdfkPe9LBfI6xjKIO1N_4YjPhlDTox7x_179P5uv-Tp3MDhsRVBa0wOVCxLPYHpjG-i3dp_m1uYgTSzQgTzOHVcv3Kn1Pw78nRitGNdZITA/s320/il_fullxfull.107823832.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">both from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlytheKingdom">Blythe Kingdom</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">As I was searching Etsy for swimwear I found these cool and adorable swimsuits for your Blythe doll. I just couldn't resist sharing them with you.</div><div><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Being a Portlander means I rarely, if ever, get to wear a swimsuit so this was fun looking at all the possibilities out there. It was like I was sitting in a cabana drinking pina coladas. Well, not really but still a good time:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-52147607816401179982011-06-03T11:02:00.000-07:002011-06-03T17:17:56.595-07:00Log Cabin Pillow...Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As promised, here is my finished log cabin pillow for <a href="http://www.urbancreatures.etsy.com/">Urban Creatures</a>. I love how it turned out. I couldn't be happier. I think my favorite detail is the pink zipper in the back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2WmUILfDEMzrfyCSxBBeTyx-rwBggSOpDoEw512Hz1fOwQYGH1ZTlyKuwDVxj2yxeDOhIllOv6NdAg_C3CpsIBBWOgL75Pi2Y6DSWYmM42Gl9yu-AmPyZTtjD0KznN4xMBv8Jm_AupM/s320/DSCF6711.JPG" width="320" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lenAmnj-_BcBk3dGDp6GH4nyJPa_UsKPnC-9m-w-WSCYad9vfE2vTSS2b_cAPddnbOftyruMqacKPRLhlCs0iZO9zHFhcdkPHPaVTazs5YBNHn9S4ipviI-bmwpMcs0JUqCUbhU0QEU/s1600/DSCF6714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lenAmnj-_BcBk3dGDp6GH4nyJPa_UsKPnC-9m-w-WSCYad9vfE2vTSS2b_cAPddnbOftyruMqacKPRLhlCs0iZO9zHFhcdkPHPaVTazs5YBNHn9S4ipviI-bmwpMcs0JUqCUbhU0QEU/s320/DSCF6714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-fPeDwHAhCTxyRj7e0hrJYpXfV9SsKNwaAIE02rSxnpM9U7_g8Fw-JzdJw0KLCm9epVwJj5zWD6XD-WxJBFyGl5fPUv7MfwBw0IQSnpVJ1GbNWJrxm7RrxZFwhbKQWz-BheI16hycyc/s1600/DSCF6716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-fPeDwHAhCTxyRj7e0hrJYpXfV9SsKNwaAIE02rSxnpM9U7_g8Fw-JzdJw0KLCm9epVwJj5zWD6XD-WxJBFyGl5fPUv7MfwBw0IQSnpVJ1GbNWJrxm7RrxZFwhbKQWz-BheI16hycyc/s320/DSCF6716.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was a little debate on whether I would keep this one for myself or list it on our Etsy store. Listing it won! I recently added it to our store. If interested <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75326507/log-cabin-t-shirt-pillow-14x14">click here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-61659449373306817642011-06-01T17:44:00.000-07:002011-06-01T17:44:45.469-07:00Summer Jewelry Trends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we are getting ready for Summer I thought I would do something a little different. This post is all about Summer jewelry trends. Since I'm a big supporter of the Etsy community I figured that was the perfect place to do my research and gather my examples.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, here we go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trend #1: Antique Inspired</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's old is new again! Watch for delicate carvings and antiqued metals. I really like antique brass. This trend can be found in all types of jewelry and accessories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwsfsoHODVpIVW5dshgO4kO6iveiS1q_2utpicNILV8wtelh_rwboRGwfhQKsMoO-VZyw2vAwjtbxX3ecfOwD_W2FcBEgXbvvs3GART7I4UXnAg-u7sJ0BTaWV2txHDjFEI-TMOwPXNI/s1600/il_fullxfull.234663216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwsfsoHODVpIVW5dshgO4kO6iveiS1q_2utpicNILV8wtelh_rwboRGwfhQKsMoO-VZyw2vAwjtbxX3ecfOwD_W2FcBEgXbvvs3GART7I4UXnAg-u7sJ0BTaWV2txHDjFEI-TMOwPXNI/s320/il_fullxfull.234663216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">pink flower and brass necklace by My Lavaliere</div><div style="text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/mylavaliere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAttUqGXyx57u_jZIGg1Iqzxvw9QfExkEmUjEgjVHPhm1UO-3nR-fqkPR8VR4EOVcZbwNmxxYCH3yAMItxC61EaxVz1Yy0moMCpKXME-eqM0yYuYVH9Fp_qliCe49Ta-sr2zffv5Lh3Fo/s1600/il_570xN.248338692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAttUqGXyx57u_jZIGg1Iqzxvw9QfExkEmUjEgjVHPhm1UO-3nR-fqkPR8VR4EOVcZbwNmxxYCH3yAMItxC61EaxVz1Yy0moMCpKXME-eqM0yYuYVH9Fp_qliCe49Ta-sr2zffv5Lh3Fo/s320/il_570xN.248338692.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">camera locket necklace by The Cranberry Cricket</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecranberrycricket</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trend #2: Stacked Jewelry</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether rings, necklaces, or bracelets, its all about stacking them. It's even fun to stack totally unrelated items. Especially with bracelets. Try stacking a wood bracelet with a metal or even a pretty lacquered colored one. Me, I would stack all three!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDbhKwyqoNnFvB4ES7BGRX93RFtEax_ACncrE2zuPf68Ufj5xKqxdoNJb__GmzPO1OYwuteC6P8QUMnezzSIF3iMeP-8KSApEfHbRC62RmnPY-Y1UJmovPTEOBigdtwdUDF1GgLgMbso/s1600/il_570xN.246335634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDbhKwyqoNnFvB4ES7BGRX93RFtEax_ACncrE2zuPf68Ufj5xKqxdoNJb__GmzPO1OYwuteC6P8QUMnezzSIF3iMeP-8KSApEfHbRC62RmnPY-Y1UJmovPTEOBigdtwdUDF1GgLgMbso/s320/il_570xN.246335634.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stacked bubble rings by Studio METHODE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/StudioMETHODE</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYf2hYQbOqSb2nVA_F8z20lt6nbl-OR0wpcXYuJBnXwiFTZrZqUQgqubHS5MMzTE7VPiHmRARg0Z8XmXCx_uQBMglALotbugyS4fP9UyVanUl-Lin3i2y0HDFuHH3TvdYq_shL3U1iIM/s1600/il_fullxfull.247757327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYf2hYQbOqSb2nVA_F8z20lt6nbl-OR0wpcXYuJBnXwiFTZrZqUQgqubHS5MMzTE7VPiHmRARg0Z8XmXCx_uQBMglALotbugyS4fP9UyVanUl-Lin3i2y0HDFuHH3TvdYq_shL3U1iIM/s320/il_fullxfull.247757327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">vintage beads bangle bracelets by persnickety vintage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/persnicketyvintage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trend #3: Feathers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Feathers are everywhere! Inspiration for a lot of these pieces come from Native American style and culture. I like how many designers have then added modern elements like gold or leather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8zuO7_XNmFKS3WWvRC-7W1IP_jEwvdQHR5AxuCjUFq-FBp4IqMbEoMXBobySH-5txSkAwx8LjpKMrfzzzMJBjSwIsVC6RNKqO5Zgq3eV9mZcFJ_Ulk46sQkqKYm6coeZZJ3LdSuK0uY/s1600/il_fullxfull.248259079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8zuO7_XNmFKS3WWvRC-7W1IP_jEwvdQHR5AxuCjUFq-FBp4IqMbEoMXBobySH-5txSkAwx8LjpKMrfzzzMJBjSwIsVC6RNKqO5Zgq3eV9mZcFJ_Ulk46sQkqKYm6coeZZJ3LdSuK0uY/s320/il_fullxfull.248259079.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">gold feather necklace by euthenia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/euthenia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPhUoyI7bppp2AZwTTmCL-J7mOJnYh6tmtRI6lvFUiwc5O3NKjZm8CWEaAxweSg95yT4EPXmMXG5Laqo4loMNbhhvpwFd-5CRhyphenhyphenytBDhSAn5oEhjBET1-kaye80mnlvOyO_O0Qng0wGo/s1600/il_fullxfull.239487056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPhUoyI7bppp2AZwTTmCL-J7mOJnYh6tmtRI6lvFUiwc5O3NKjZm8CWEaAxweSg95yT4EPXmMXG5Laqo4loMNbhhvpwFd-5CRhyphenhyphenytBDhSAn5oEhjBET1-kaye80mnlvOyO_O0Qng0wGo/s320/il_fullxfull.239487056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">leather feather earrings by Linda Lu Designs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindalu</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Trend #4: Oversized Statement Pieces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The idea of these pieces is that you only need one piece of jewelry to accessorize your entire outfit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_neyP4rr_YopkIB9dh2p6t0ouK1_CjQMhTYRnuGgunU8hWnUEAB0nW-b5V5Db6_r8Jb7OJa0czRhgyqVxvRAkmQSfnAM9e6KwiL_1FKW9SWClaTpXnbRk3JxCT55HAYq09fFE5fINVV8/s1600/DSCF6675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_neyP4rr_YopkIB9dh2p6t0ouK1_CjQMhTYRnuGgunU8hWnUEAB0nW-b5V5Db6_r8Jb7OJa0czRhgyqVxvRAkmQSfnAM9e6KwiL_1FKW9SWClaTpXnbRk3JxCT55HAYq09fFE5fINVV8/s320/DSCF6675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> chunky rainbow bracelet from yours truly:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">www.urbancreatures.etsy.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj-9yKCGbeQQ2dz-y8DlS-g0u8uEM0lma0cYTEGAb16yqTP39h-GC1mPap6yMuD8U4K0Kg_yFaIJDpr9FC9kmT8_uQLjWyPqDO_zzo16P3U_PvYbInSc2Xdb44A-0N8UwDxZoQtj5JVA/s1600/il_fullxfull.154559199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj-9yKCGbeQQ2dz-y8DlS-g0u8uEM0lma0cYTEGAb16yqTP39h-GC1mPap6yMuD8U4K0Kg_yFaIJDpr9FC9kmT8_uQLjWyPqDO_zzo16P3U_PvYbInSc2Xdb44A-0N8UwDxZoQtj5JVA/s320/il_fullxfull.154559199.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">dandelion yellow oversized cluster ring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by Forty Four Oranges</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/FortyfourOranges</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you enjoyed my little trend report. I think I may do more. I always have fun browsing all the great Etsy shops and it gives me a chance to promote other great handmade items. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-30039103364776916342011-05-29T16:51:00.000-07:002011-05-29T16:51:05.892-07:00Latest TreasuryJust had to share my latest Etsy treasury. <a href="http://www.urbancreatures.etsy.com/">Urban Creatures</a> is part of <a href="http://ecoetsy.com/">Team EcoEtsy</a> and they have a weekly treasury contest. The winner gets their treasury posted on Team EcoEtsy's blog. <br />
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My inspiration was summer and my favorite color at the moment yellow!<br />
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Here's the link:<br />
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http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4de074b3d61f6d91d3a6aef2/sunshine-is-the-color-of-summer?index=0<br />
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Wish me luck!!!<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-6189513113529573452011-05-28T12:17:00.000-07:002011-05-28T12:17:23.697-07:00Braided Beauties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week, <a href="http://www.urbancreatures.etsy.com/">Urban Creatures</a> was very fortunate to be included in one of Etsy's daily email blasts. Featured was one of our chunky, braided bracelets. It was quite an honor to be shown and the response was more than we could have hoped for. Thank you Etsy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the high of this excitement we got the bug to make more. Here are few newbies that we added to our store over the last couple of days. Our bracelets are quite a statement piece and an easy way to dress up any Summer outfit. They have anywhere from 15 to 24 of our t-shirt strands and measure approximately 1 inch wide. Because they are made from t-shirts, they are stretchy so they are one size fits all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gJUTRH_KIBtlXZ1R6r2nXu9FLEx0AKgS5_6QOf7UIEp-fObHm6f_rC0hmN36z3fZSMe8haUjPQ23Vq583nrn2nAvx6GHZJz1M8Q3izhL7rPyv7-i3N4KXQR50VqPCgjCrQqNuhl1_4A/s1600/DSCF6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gJUTRH_KIBtlXZ1R6r2nXu9FLEx0AKgS5_6QOf7UIEp-fObHm6f_rC0hmN36z3fZSMe8haUjPQ23Vq583nrn2nAvx6GHZJz1M8Q3izhL7rPyv7-i3N4KXQR50VqPCgjCrQqNuhl1_4A/s320/DSCF6651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/74976503/white-and-red-chunky-braided-bracelet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP05x3P6NJsS9AOrrCd5s471ux4JDlKajTm5kOOIqWz4Uh8M9c5aY7267vaLXJW9uAqqrReTGMj7-TFyGAyZx-BMe6WLykIyn2aEhAbl_XQQM0ODHR4F8kVspJOYbep_NTR3tuTmQK9A8/s1600/DSCF6638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP05x3P6NJsS9AOrrCd5s471ux4JDlKajTm5kOOIqWz4Uh8M9c5aY7267vaLXJW9uAqqrReTGMj7-TFyGAyZx-BMe6WLykIyn2aEhAbl_XQQM0ODHR4F8kVspJOYbep_NTR3tuTmQK9A8/s320/DSCF6638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/74926733/taupe-and-blue-chunky-braided-bracelet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaTWEaDD9fQ7j_ez-4533T56U97Q_9-qHXYT7Qm2XrQ2h4y4SkkJtGnJCv_d2NFEEoRUvbjvxVyLg-YfJXJjwtq14sZNYqjZo8Ocha-VR9GDSbLvCJWEOcFJ-ruA1PPRAfYiqO6IrVig/s1600/DSCF6621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaTWEaDD9fQ7j_ez-4533T56U97Q_9-qHXYT7Qm2XrQ2h4y4SkkJtGnJCv_d2NFEEoRUvbjvxVyLg-YfJXJjwtq14sZNYqjZo8Ocha-VR9GDSbLvCJWEOcFJ-ruA1PPRAfYiqO6IrVig/s320/DSCF6621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">http://www.etsy.com/listing/74815646/aqua-taupe-pink-and-orange-chunky</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-22283941404458272782011-05-27T15:57:00.000-07:002011-05-27T15:57:01.628-07:00New Urban Creature DesignWe at <a href="http://www.urbancreatures.etsy.com/">Urban Creatures</a> are always trying to come up with nifty, little ideas for products we can make with our left over t-shirt scraps. Recently, we have created some hair clips, ponytail holders, and even baby headbands.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURhwDvLtWZ6w8ihqksB4rvHC8kR2SfRtYwK_EleF805YRcJqouUrp2u3gQJr1DIyca5w3hQQoJak-UrmN7oGS1z_FE9T0sESkU-k3nNkQu68whm3ZeFA3ipZv9IpZ054F2TqfFQH2CC8/s1600/DSCF6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURhwDvLtWZ6w8ihqksB4rvHC8kR2SfRtYwK_EleF805YRcJqouUrp2u3gQJr1DIyca5w3hQQoJak-UrmN7oGS1z_FE9T0sESkU-k3nNkQu68whm3ZeFA3ipZv9IpZ054F2TqfFQH2CC8/s320/DSCF6521.JPG" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9fE-v_LovPzxU2yIN7J4GZw6m41TtF1-Pjh6aqKUzwtyIo6Fg8IQHpYYzeZ-kAAcXUdhg_GJ4a4qSSrdnT0JqJhhFQL7lOldxdE_90A6vt39kHcqnh-VVl7k4yUhWGnVRey4gRxTHaU/s1600/DSCF6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9fE-v_LovPzxU2yIN7J4GZw6m41TtF1-Pjh6aqKUzwtyIo6Fg8IQHpYYzeZ-kAAcXUdhg_GJ4a4qSSrdnT0JqJhhFQL7lOldxdE_90A6vt39kHcqnh-VVl7k4yUhWGnVRey4gRxTHaU/s320/DSCF6208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h6G-OoVZOzvn-sWdtfNJackZgjE_vdqRrsLoq2Sy3u6jSlDRN3kvchNgzHv-i13sLzyjEXEv6yRtWY2jEXA-LL9Z8DcVKnHt-tzQEsF-xvcSsJey1PCA_icT_UbzwOgRzQ0D4Mra9mQ/s1600/DSCF6542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6h6G-OoVZOzvn-sWdtfNJackZgjE_vdqRrsLoq2Sy3u6jSlDRN3kvchNgzHv-i13sLzyjEXEv6yRtWY2jEXA-LL9Z8DcVKnHt-tzQEsF-xvcSsJey1PCA_icT_UbzwOgRzQ0D4Mra9mQ/s320/DSCF6542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Now I have a new pillow idea that I am pretty excited about. The front is from a log cabin quilt design. All of the pieces are our repurposed t-shirt scraps. I fused some interfacing to the strips so once the pillow is completed and functional it will not loose its shape. It is entirely made from cotton jersey.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sQmRdOFxKy_uW7vPvngYeYZS0oXpTOpD-tCKtG2WTcz3BUJIWgmg10Wem8QUH8giZeEl0JBvCSOPlNxGdDIMtJk2X7cMmuqs3mrZTTfbmtIfJDPed2UjIGRfvgKH_bCb4AMGb_vwk1g/s1600/DSCF6648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sQmRdOFxKy_uW7vPvngYeYZS0oXpTOpD-tCKtG2WTcz3BUJIWgmg10Wem8QUH8giZeEl0JBvCSOPlNxGdDIMtJk2X7cMmuqs3mrZTTfbmtIfJDPed2UjIGRfvgKH_bCb4AMGb_vwk1g/s320/DSCF6648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Of course, this is just the front. I think I will complete the pillow by adding a light, heather gray to the border and the back. This pillow will have a 14x14 pillow insert and I will use a coordinating zipper for the back. Maybe in the pink, orange, or blue. I want it to be fun and vibrant!<br />
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I'm hoping to finish this soon and will definitely post pics of the finished product.<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
Figgy<br />
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P.S. I'm playing with the layout and design of my blog. I definitely need a better heading. If anybody can suggest some sites that could be useful for designing a blog please let me know;)Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-24885922127901659202011-05-23T09:50:00.000-07:002011-05-23T09:50:14.002-07:00Monday MorningI'm having the most unexpected, lovely Monday morning. Upon checking the blogs I follow I noticed it is <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/05/giveaway-day-handcrafted-items-suppliesmaterials-4/">Sew Mama Sew</a> giveaway day. Follow the link and you will see a list of all the blogs that are participating in this fun event. Each blog is giving something special away. Some are giving away fabric, some patterns, and some are giving away handcrafted creations.<br />
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I do have to warn you, the list is quite long. So, grab a cup of coffee and start browsing. The contests are open until Wednesday, May 25th so you should be able to tackle most if not all of them.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-26514968863551697962011-01-30T10:23:00.000-08:002011-01-31T09:00:37.450-08:00Baby Craft FunThis weekend a few of us had the honor of putting on a baby "sprinkle" for one of my best friends Mariah. We called it a sprinkle because this is her second child so this time she got a sprinkle of gifts instead of a shower of gifts.<br />
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</div><div>I had the honor, along with my lovely partner Carla, of putting the diaper cake together. There are many ways to construct these. I prefer the fanned version. It is quicker to put together and when the time comes for the diapers to be used it is very easy for the mother to take it apart. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaHyvrg8S5Bmd-CsKdW689Rq3H8vtEkQUAvWTOevXQ6amfUahAUQ5Gj-7mML2JxEAXkw4zi-yLYaQ91C9V3X197KcfGOCkkZSDj9g4ERzs7xJmreu3jqtMp5FxTMboFg-Z9rvIi5qAkg/s1600/DSCF5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaHyvrg8S5Bmd-CsKdW689Rq3H8vtEkQUAvWTOevXQ6amfUahAUQ5Gj-7mML2JxEAXkw4zi-yLYaQ91C9V3X197KcfGOCkkZSDj9g4ERzs7xJmreu3jqtMp5FxTMboFg-Z9rvIi5qAkg/s320/DSCF5097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The ribbons were very easy to find. I knew I wanted my base color to be purple so I started with a solid purple ribbon. I then needed a print. Once I found my print I then needed a few accent ribbons to pull it all together. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Now I couldn't just have ribbons on the cake. I needed something else. I roamed both Joann's and Michael's looking for the that finishing touch. I found nothing! So, it was all left up to me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I had received a link to a blog from a crafty girl who makes pom poms out of t-shirts. Given that I have a ton of tees because of Urban Creatures I thought that would be perfect. Luckily, I had a tee for every color on the cake. I was set. I had my idea.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I started making my pom pom and to my dismay it just did not work. I needed smaller pom poms and because I tried to reduce the size they kept falling apart. Oh no! What to do. So, I played with it a little and then started to see that from these pieces I could make flowers.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi293mDZGjNQ3JkzQHBCtXGsJVo8rsoOWAhvdiX1pXIpb5mTOow2e6VBf3AuuwiZC04DRL_6KtkLsb52itIhDFN8RvZnK5HCVGt839MgS3SFjEsiETu2SGmrIx6LrJy_X2-2B2a8EPUy6I/s1600/DSCF5095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi293mDZGjNQ3JkzQHBCtXGsJVo8rsoOWAhvdiX1pXIpb5mTOow2e6VBf3AuuwiZC04DRL_6KtkLsb52itIhDFN8RvZnK5HCVGt839MgS3SFjEsiETu2SGmrIx6LrJy_X2-2B2a8EPUy6I/s320/DSCF5095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>As Carla and I were making these cool little flowers for the cake we thought these would be a great accessory for Urban Creatures. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9ESCIwD5_-BfboKthCGC8JXPmTp4Kpje18BT52B_1N8tyqLf-M4yItqQCsS0HSzvLkqAXrsAlQgU6WtrUF2_fFz-NoC2T1fFpW0P2mlCyAJeBIJE29nzlVKKS1Buw6-Wv6GP_Ht2rys/s1600/DSCF5109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9ESCIwD5_-BfboKthCGC8JXPmTp4Kpje18BT52B_1N8tyqLf-M4yItqQCsS0HSzvLkqAXrsAlQgU6WtrUF2_fFz-NoC2T1fFpW0P2mlCyAJeBIJE29nzlVKKS1Buw6-Wv6GP_Ht2rys/s320/DSCF5109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>After a little tweaking we have come up with the perfect flower accessory. Still, all made from old t-shirts. These are all brooches and will be debuted in our Etsy store this week. Aren't they cool?!?!</div><div>We will also use these flowers to make hair clips. Stay tuned;)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well, after all this rambling I still haven't gotten the chance to talk about what I made for Mariah's gift. So, my next post will be all about the gift.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ciao for now,</div><div>Figgy</div><div><br />
</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-59866390847449791312011-01-23T22:11:00.000-08:002011-01-23T22:11:05.857-08:00TreasuriesThis weekend I have been having some fun with Etsy treasury lists. Have you ever put one together? I've been curious about them for sometime. Urban Creatures is has been featured in a number of them so I thought it was time I put one, or two, together.<br />
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An Etsy treasury list is a collection of items from Etsy that you create. It is usually based around a central theme. The two I created were centered around color. They are Ballet Pink and Winter Blues.<br />
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Here are the links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3b92e00be46d91afc8583c/winter-blues?index=1">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3b92e00be46d91afc8583c/winter-blues?index=1</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3cdef185e28eefe206ea97/ballet-pink?index=0">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d3cdef185e28eefe206ea97/ballet-pink?index=0</a><br />
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Check them out!<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-47156136556813989072011-01-20T16:10:00.000-08:002011-01-20T16:10:54.483-08:00Introducing Urban Creatures Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you know, our accessories from Urban Creatures are all made from recycled t-shirts. If its the right type of knit, it will curl when pulled. That's how we are able to keep our necklaces and bracelets from fraying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, what do we do with a t-shirt when it does not fray? That is something we have been trying to work out for some time. We do not want to waste any fabric so here is what we have come up with...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV1xXGLIF-7VXW_UpE26JpPFQmku5kTHlpZDRtRIR-sWYHMaA9Pw_hAVJFjVZsFc5NZZELze-AFNNNL2Kbb7YYfVUIjQ_DaI9Qnt3jQpFgbP34g9XM0PeFzhP5Hi_Y4pp-cWUGN4tas4/s1600/DSCF5045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV1xXGLIF-7VXW_UpE26JpPFQmku5kTHlpZDRtRIR-sWYHMaA9Pw_hAVJFjVZsFc5NZZELze-AFNNNL2Kbb7YYfVUIjQ_DaI9Qnt3jQpFgbP34g9XM0PeFzhP5Hi_Y4pp-cWUGN4tas4/s320/DSCF5045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">T-shirt pillows decorated with scraps left over from our accessories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1iiupiVMMCphnNFGb_pgJ3-NMZArEg07eclrSvaX8bUtUSxW0hJjvFKcj1EAutwjRnWMj-vXti7NNl9ZbqyJzlmtF9LuML22R4sTw8A9SuajyednDHtHUsQGth6CUzGyzc2xsUtqE8w/s1600/DSCF5053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1iiupiVMMCphnNFGb_pgJ3-NMZArEg07eclrSvaX8bUtUSxW0hJjvFKcj1EAutwjRnWMj-vXti7NNl9ZbqyJzlmtF9LuML22R4sTw8A9SuajyednDHtHUsQGth6CUzGyzc2xsUtqE8w/s320/DSCF5053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is our first and we look forward to making many more in lots of colors and different designs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We applied an interfacing to the t-shirt so it will keep its shape and make it sturdy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, we are on the look out for an eco-friendly stuffing. So, if anybody out there has a suggestion please pass it along.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you like as much as we do!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-12852862096014760452011-01-14T16:20:00.000-08:002011-01-14T16:20:20.118-08:00Paper FoldingJust had to pass along a fascinating documentary I watched on Independent Lens this week called Between The Folds by director Vanessa Gould. It is about modern origami. I have to say I was a bit shocked that I enjoyed this film so much. I was blown away by what these current origami artists are doing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqMUF_i9bnSlw6sQU9Fl0FLeIpmhyphenhyphenYheIF_CpEpbyyGQracjAo6TNdl_50JQmgKtbhX6u_HrjiAbzsg_zrLzFOTx3UKORJmfY6z-LbFnCVtuLAzYlzDE2i34cP-sSObd9yn3HIao7cCc/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqMUF_i9bnSlw6sQU9Fl0FLeIpmhyphenhyphenYheIF_CpEpbyyGQracjAo6TNdl_50JQmgKtbhX6u_HrjiAbzsg_zrLzFOTx3UKORJmfY6z-LbFnCVtuLAzYlzDE2i34cP-sSObd9yn3HIao7cCc/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Works by Eric Joisel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgZcrfDiCtDvmsdSRyNu-1L3XTMRRzkkI_A7rUDwiuJnGGblTTzO88PG5fMZwUJqRp5uIs2ja1Vw5QsQFYkwIMGnhmXfFq46S6OZ3EbFTdAKJa99X5d2RUNTLxPGy5Hq70SugUhCcvoQ/s1600/VFloderer-Champignon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgZcrfDiCtDvmsdSRyNu-1L3XTMRRzkkI_A7rUDwiuJnGGblTTzO88PG5fMZwUJqRp5uIs2ja1Vw5QsQFYkwIMGnhmXfFq46S6OZ3EbFTdAKJa99X5d2RUNTLxPGy5Hq70SugUhCcvoQ/s320/VFloderer-Champignon.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Vincent Floderer</span></div><br />
When the artists were asked about who they looked to for inspiration they all spoke of Akira Yoshizawa. He seemed to be the grandaddy of modern origami. His work that was published in the 1950s is said to have spread the word about origami on a global level. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbajP7h4UwDLmoJ_SWPRSQi0tDaThx4iEkXWRG4l7dM_svFxCM6cBaMErs9HxoWHbROA2PzCsSJStuIoVEECyN6fzr7H1cJhVwtBoknd10MdEzODyCXs_s5fy2kVz0lcPcEqIMF6OVoQ/s1600/Gorilla-Akira-Yoshizawa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbajP7h4UwDLmoJ_SWPRSQi0tDaThx4iEkXWRG4l7dM_svFxCM6cBaMErs9HxoWHbROA2PzCsSJStuIoVEECyN6fzr7H1cJhVwtBoknd10MdEzODyCXs_s5fy2kVz0lcPcEqIMF6OVoQ/s1600/Gorilla-Akira-Yoshizawa.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"Gorilla" by Akira Yoshizawa</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've never tried origami myself. I've thought about it several times though. The main appeal to me is the pretty papers that come in the kits. In the film they even touch on an artist who makes special origami paper. This was very cool to watch.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Besides all the cool paper, it was just amazing how these artists could fold a piece of paper, sometimes 1000s of times, and come up with these beautiful pieces. It was well beyond the basic butterfly or frog. However, let's not discredit the simple origami designs either. Some of my faves from this program were the pieces that would have fewer folds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>For more information on this program and to check your local listing check out visit www.pbs.org/independentlens/between-the-folds/history.html.<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-65671147808933436522011-01-02T11:04:00.000-08:002011-01-02T11:04:12.467-08:00Happy New Year!This is the time of year for resolutions and new beginnings. While 2010 was a good year, I'm always excited about starting fresh and getting my life organized.<br />
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My goals for the new year are the usual: to eat healthier and to exercise more frequently. This is always a given for this food loving girl. However, at this top of my list this year is getting my craft room/dining room organized.<br />
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When crafts overtake your life and you live in a small space it is inevitable that your dining room becomes your craft room. It is the one room that is rarely used and it comes with an automatic work space table. Well, mine is out of control. Our dining room has basically been eliminated. I need it to function as both a craft room and a dining room.<br />
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So, that will be my focus for the new year.<br />
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What are your New Year's resolutions?<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-59648830337880823992010-12-27T17:33:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:42:41.055-08:00We Meet Again!I'm back after a long break. These last two months have been filled with European travels, Thanksgiving at home in Tulsa, much success at Crafty Wonderland here in Portland, and celebrating Christmas festivities.<br />
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</div><div>Now things have calmed down and its back to blogging!</div><div><br />
</div><div><div>These last couple of months have been great for Urban Creatures. In October we were asked to be a part of a local craft fair called Crafty Wonderland. If you read this blog or are a friend of mine on Facebook I know you know what I'm talking about. This was a big deal for us.<br />
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</div></div><div>The craft fair was such fun! We really could not have asked for a better response.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, as a thank you to all of our family and friends who have been a huge support we are having a little After Christmas Sale. Use coupon code URBAN15 and enjoy a 15% discount on any of our products at www.urbancreatures.etsy.com. Several new necklaces were added yesterday and today. Check it out!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqujBPjtOkUbtVLxvhqHPQWnxu230lnZzdjVENj1nmih1Dky8tiVrs1bJvnWgdpdlkcQagWn12A7YTd1WlWiq6Lo_96rk_ngOdn0HEu4PCLITlJa0yNrR0myoTPttOnrgJazxa1zsJGQM/s1600/DSCF4852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqujBPjtOkUbtVLxvhqHPQWnxu230lnZzdjVENj1nmih1Dky8tiVrs1bJvnWgdpdlkcQagWn12A7YTd1WlWiq6Lo_96rk_ngOdn0HEu4PCLITlJa0yNrR0myoTPttOnrgJazxa1zsJGQM/s320/DSCF4852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH5-uCYV6nE9NXKlLZNxEo67dskvxdixVYrw0LfZe6JmsK1iI5OAzodRnAh10twvflhW49YzgivIFYj9BI0juXyAvNETbiJXUfqeWZ6AOR__i7I2t19NyqZqUptQB2TMnD3MJ6JBENqE/s1600/DSCF4826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH5-uCYV6nE9NXKlLZNxEo67dskvxdixVYrw0LfZe6JmsK1iI5OAzodRnAh10twvflhW49YzgivIFYj9BI0juXyAvNETbiJXUfqeWZ6AOR__i7I2t19NyqZqUptQB2TMnD3MJ6JBENqE/s320/DSCF4826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcwN77diRaw3lqYPLW_VAKMiS7_s1TK355JG3sdUDQl5pDrc5_YazGhUUJ2dmewZL4c9PeOEqbaUL4wkOH4kFmX20gVYI7ltloGHM23ErEj-c5ywzU6V55DIydpIlkN6FHkues3XYCBM/s1600/DSCF4872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcwN77diRaw3lqYPLW_VAKMiS7_s1TK355JG3sdUDQl5pDrc5_YazGhUUJ2dmewZL4c9PeOEqbaUL4wkOH4kFmX20gVYI7ltloGHM23ErEj-c5ywzU6V55DIydpIlkN6FHkues3XYCBM/s320/DSCF4872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
Figgy</div><div><br />
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</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-57731842417008860402010-10-25T10:19:00.000-07:002010-10-25T10:19:50.552-07:00Exciting News!!!!We received wonderful news last night....Urban Creatures will be a part of Crafty Wonderland on December 11 & 12. Crafty Wonderland is a colossal, bi-annual sale that features arts and crafts from around 200 handmade vendors. To be a part of this event is truly an honor.<br />
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Also, as an added bonus, UC will be featured in a holiday pop-up shop put on by the lovely ladies of Crafty Wonderland. This shop will be in downtown Portland from November 9th - December 30th. Isn't that cool! For you Portlanders, its going to be at the corner of 10th and Yamhill and open everyday.<br />
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If you would like more info check out www.craftywonderland.com.<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-33577300506836537532010-10-08T17:41:00.000-07:002010-10-10T14:10:39.107-07:00Columbus Day SaleToday I went to Joann Fabrics and to my surprise they were having an awesome sale. My purpose for the trip was to get my fabric and pattern for my Halloween costume. Lucky for me, Simplicity patterns were only .99! So, if you are in need of any patterns get yourself down to Joann.<br />
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I noticed that a lot of the fabrics were on sale too. I had some great coupons from a past mailer that gave me 50% of my fabric. I needed a lot of yardage for my project so these coupons really came in handy. If you have not signed up to receive the Joann mailers, do it! In the mailers there is always a 40% off coupon that can be used on anything.<br />
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I also needed buttons and elastic and you guessed it, they were on sale. Buttons and elastic were both buy one get one free.<br />
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My total savings were $104. I ended up saving more than I spent. I love a great deal!<br />
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With Halloween around the corner this is a sale you can't miss. It ends on Monday.<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-5723269883049881442010-09-29T21:02:00.000-07:002010-09-29T21:02:59.007-07:00Fun designs for cool kids!For those who have a "special little girl" in your life, you must look at these fun dresses for babies and toddlers. They are darn cute!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX60vfSu_GLszFMTmmmqiC7vP7STI-pO_MafS5nq0i8ZhNLLvDGIBZFjzej47pOr85b2BVkmgkL-38Vc62DnRS6l14elrAySJw_EPf9i4XDXUesX7orWTvpHYLKcB9DogD-zCwk7DyfQs/s1600/DSCF4074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX60vfSu_GLszFMTmmmqiC7vP7STI-pO_MafS5nq0i8ZhNLLvDGIBZFjzej47pOr85b2BVkmgkL-38Vc62DnRS6l14elrAySJw_EPf9i4XDXUesX7orWTvpHYLKcB9DogD-zCwk7DyfQs/s320/DSCF4074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These little dresses consist of a skirt sewn onto a onesie. They are a simple way to add some character to a plain onesie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A fun part about making these dresses comes right at the start - picking out the fabric!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shown above and below are a very sweet deer print and a Halloween print that I bought from my neighborhood fabric store. I also have some vintage prints in my fabric piles and will be experimenting with some of those very soon.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6ebsM9-sZRPkynjOaT23EM-yNcTgdd8VyGTay03aa4PN42tW8L7iWtVRLW3TplOzr4hBCk9SsVWVraWKfBqv9phIduzcEkjpQxEacp-koBFBUmfWFIWbC0jTlrexpV_-wjOfw0Lj4_4/s1600/DSCF3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6ebsM9-sZRPkynjOaT23EM-yNcTgdd8VyGTay03aa4PN42tW8L7iWtVRLW3TplOzr4hBCk9SsVWVraWKfBqv9phIduzcEkjpQxEacp-koBFBUmfWFIWbC0jTlrexpV_-wjOfw0Lj4_4/s320/DSCF3994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can find these and other designs at my new Etsy store at www.figgypuddingandpie.etsy.com.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have lots of great ideas for little girls, but am currently lacking fun designs for little boys. Does anybody out there have any suggestions? I'm on the look out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ciao for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Figgy</div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-62534875363630202832010-09-24T16:25:00.000-07:002010-09-24T16:25:53.824-07:00Fall Is Here!My favorite crafty season is here, Fall! The time has come to get cracking on some Halloween crafts. So get ready, I can be a bit ridiculous during Halloween and especially during the holidays.<br />
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For the past week or so my brain has been working overtime trying to come up with some great Halloween items for Urban Creatures and my up and coming project Figgy Pudding. For Urban Creatures we decided to create some Halloween-themed bracelets.<br />
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Below we have incorporated some felted beads with our strands of recycled knit fabrics.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iq-QhsPltaDNqW39X3xLJouoyjM03meHolqkU0yg5ZW8P3knDpCnWMo-PSUa5JUs7nKAQ8w4j3W51Vikwn6xMaXRI6dXogr6jguwjAqBgL09_QwtrsrUubB_jle8rXa8c9kptOPfiVU/s1600/DSCF3949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iq-QhsPltaDNqW39X3xLJouoyjM03meHolqkU0yg5ZW8P3knDpCnWMo-PSUa5JUs7nKAQ8w4j3W51Vikwn6xMaXRI6dXogr6jguwjAqBgL09_QwtrsrUubB_jle8rXa8c9kptOPfiVU/s320/DSCF3949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We found these great bat charms sometime ago. Until now we haven't been able to come up with a way to add them to our mix. With the recent vampire craze this bracelet can definitely be worn after Halloween as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaiwJic9frqItMYEcC0t_vCydHLm_cYHGi1fDaP4XeTQWDL30leQMygn9lE62oDy1i9D6aj02_b1ZJ8GiiXR9hbfSgqiy06-j1cYk8hiCpcGNLe5Sz8lreciYggWmPnn4acSyIgXXA7Y/s1600/DSCF3943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaiwJic9frqItMYEcC0t_vCydHLm_cYHGi1fDaP4XeTQWDL30leQMygn9lE62oDy1i9D6aj02_b1ZJ8GiiXR9hbfSgqiy06-j1cYk8hiCpcGNLe5Sz8lreciYggWmPnn4acSyIgXXA7Y/s320/DSCF3943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Today I went out to Fabric Depot. For those of you that do not live here in PDX, Fabric Depot is an awesome warehouse full of fabrics usually at discounted prices. Lucky for me, today was 30% off everything!!<br />
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My mission at the Fabric Depot was Halloween fabric for some baby clothes and accessories for Figgy Pudding. What do you think of my choices? I love 'em.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2nhGPGHCMSfaxefniF3jz932Dxk82dHy9-0RNeWldzWhFynI7kXVQWek2-Z5wMsIVDsMOb_hEFt8rKNLqUifZ5Te5W2FGNrUKfUhNPvr_2z9hlmijumG6irRkW1TKHcltX9mhHkp2PQ/s1600/DSCF3918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2nhGPGHCMSfaxefniF3jz932Dxk82dHy9-0RNeWldzWhFynI7kXVQWek2-Z5wMsIVDsMOb_hEFt8rKNLqUifZ5Te5W2FGNrUKfUhNPvr_2z9hlmijumG6irRkW1TKHcltX9mhHkp2PQ/s320/DSCF3918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Once I got home I went to work on my pumpkin pin cushions. I was inspired by heirloom tomatoes and then realized if I do these in orange they make the perfect little pumpkin. Who doesn't need a seasonal pin cushion! This will be my first item added to my Figgy Pudding Etsy store.<br />
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Check it out at www.figgypuddingandpie.etsy.com!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGNVDhRgcJsQRXRR2fGoicSjdpES7TB75Gaj8oujDhy5YmRbeRBCzW8x4NBnNF7O7KHTRPp7KHRgtPc9sZQrczfXslQztoa4vXaUlB3Ugf99KVLFJknBsnprnYYaUkhA_ZpWlYOJc71E/s1600/DSCF3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGNVDhRgcJsQRXRR2fGoicSjdpES7TB75Gaj8oujDhy5YmRbeRBCzW8x4NBnNF7O7KHTRPp7KHRgtPc9sZQrczfXslQztoa4vXaUlB3Ugf99KVLFJknBsnprnYYaUkhA_ZpWlYOJc71E/s320/DSCF3930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-58659757077643785202010-09-16T13:23:00.000-07:002010-09-16T13:23:46.656-07:00ReportSo, I tried my new felting tool and I wasn't too impressed. After two stabs, all three needles broke! I wonder if they skimp on the quality of needles that come with the tool. I replaced the needles with ones I already owned. They did just fine. <br />
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After all of this I am still using my one needle sans tool. By holding the needle on its own I have more control and the force of stabbing is much greater. <br />
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Oh well! Lesson learned.<br />
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Ciao for now,<br />
FiggyBiancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-915047789233074231.post-25301734557226766742010-09-15T21:58:00.000-07:002010-09-15T21:58:03.532-07:00New Crafting ToolI'm so excited! Today I found a new needle-felting tool. As shown below, it is a pen style. I really think this will come in handy for my needle-felted jewelry. <div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WD3tBrXi4oGXQZuge43QGjtK-4uXOa5oZ3gd-Vr7UnSYsHGiBhRQ4d3HYfS2MWt9WG4arq3PEiXiKip0ci1rqUTYCGUUzoe6bQWnYSIVntsPmkXoOoRurhrlysvf_-SAL6R9lCyQ9Ps/s1600/DSCF3883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WD3tBrXi4oGXQZuge43QGjtK-4uXOa5oZ3gd-Vr7UnSYsHGiBhRQ4d3HYfS2MWt9WG4arq3PEiXiKip0ci1rqUTYCGUUzoe6bQWnYSIVntsPmkXoOoRurhrlysvf_-SAL6R9lCyQ9Ps/s320/DSCF3883.JPG" /></a></div><div><div><br />
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</div><div>Usually, for a small project, I use just one needle. What's special about this tool is that it has 3 needles in a small amount of space. The felted beads should become firmer in a shorter amount of time because of its triple power. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Now, I must go try it out.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ciao for now,</div><div>Figgy</div><div><br />
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</div></div></div>Biancahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18125051135166492201noreply@blogger.com0