My New Year's Resolution

Alright.. So with the new year fast approaching I have been looking back at all the things I have made and all the things I want to make next year. Sort of a New Year's Resolution for crafting!

This got me really excited!
So I made this made this mosaic of some of my favorite creations (I also added a pic of me and my husband).
To make your own mosaic visit www.bighugelabs.com

1. Pink Card Holder with Lining, 2. 083, 3. 014, 4. 007, 5. 012Hot Pink Facial scrubbies with washcloth, 6. baby loafers, 7. 002, 8. Outside on the deck, 9. Flower Beanie, 10. Alien Beanie, 11. tiny amigurumi friends, 12. recycled coasters, 13. ipod sock, 14. fish toy , 15. flower necklace, 16. Scrappy Bright Blanket

So after reviewing all the things I have made I have vowed these resolutions:

1. Make a garment of some kind
2. Learn how to knit... better
   
3. Tunisian crochet something (I just got an afghan hook!)
4. Go to more craft fairs
5. Always, Always, Always take pictures of everything I create!

What are your resolutions?

Almost over the Hill!

It is official. I am almost over the hill... in sales that is!

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

I am so close to 50 sales I can hardly bare it! My sales have been slowly creeping up over the last few months. My shop is starting to take off! I find myself having less time to create new things because I have orders to fill! A great thing I think.

To celebrate I am going to give a special surprise to my 50th sale! It will be a 20 dollar value! YAY!
(sorry I can't help but use exclamation points)

I am not sure what I will send yet, but you can't complain if its free right?

I am really excited!
I don't even know what I'll do when I hit 100 sales... oh dear...

We Have a Winner!

Thank you everyone for your entries in my giveaway. I wish I could give card holders to everyone, but I would go out of business.

I ran everyone through randomizer.org and picked a winner!
PS. If you haven't used randomizer.org you must! It is a great tool for giveaways, and has lots of other uses. (My husband and I use it to pick where we are going to when we eat out.)

Halfmagic won this one!

Congratulations to Halfmagic.

Thank you everyone else who didn't win. You can always try again next time!

What do you want the giveaway to be next time?

Rolled Flower Pattern

Alright.. I got tired of showing you hat after hat so I am going to show you a simple pattern for a rolled flower that makes a great addition to anything!

This pattern is not very specific mainly because you can make it as big or as small as you want. I recommend the 25-35 chains, but I have made one with 15-20.

Rolled Flower

1. Chain 25-35 chains, sc in the 2nd chain from hook and each chain down the line
2. ch 1 turn, *1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc in first stitch, 1 sc in next stitch* Repeat * across
3. Leave long tail, roll the petals to make a flower and stitch together. I recommend stitching as you roll.

Thats it! A great little flower that look fantastic! Add beads or a button in the center to dress it up!

Win a Card Holder!

I haven't given away anything in a while so here goes!

You can win a card holder similar to this one
But you will get to pick the colors! This is a 5 dollar value and will help you keep your purse organized.
This giveaway will be a short one. It will end on December 12th, 2009. The winner will be chosen shortly after that.
The winner will have 2 weeks to get in contact with me so leaving your email is always a good idea.
If I cannot contact the winner within 2 weeks I will be forced to pick another winner.

To Enter:
All methods give you 1 entry

1. Visit my shop and chose your favorite item. Comment to this post telling me what item you like. (only do this once)
   
2. Sign up for my newsletter! It will have discounts and free patterns each month. (only do this once)
   
3. Tweet this:
   

@craftytortoise join the giveaway and win a card holder! http://thecraftytortoise.blogspot.com #contest #giveaway #blog #free

You can Tweet as many times as you want as long as it is the above phrase.

Good Luck Everyone!

More than one comment on any one post will not count towards multiple entries, but is welcomed. (only 1 entry per blog post)
I am not responsible for unrecorded entries due to computer or internet problems.
More entries does not guarantee you will win, it only ups your chances. Winner/Winners will be chosen at random.
Winner must live in the United States of America to qualify for this contest.
Prize will be mailed to the Postal Address received after contacting the winner/winners. I am not responsible for prizes not received due to postal problems.
If you wish you can add your email address in your comment to make it easier for me to contact you in the chance you win.
Following the Blog is also advised. This will keep you in the loop and show you my latest posts.

Larrys Tin Signs Discount

December is the most expensive time of year, so to make it a little bit better I have teamed up with a fellow etsy seller: Larrystinsigns

He sells Vintage Tin Signs that are absolutely awesome!
These signs make great Christmas Gifts and he is giving you (my blog followers) a special discount!

10 dollar Signs!

That's right! That's a 2 dollar discount!
To cash in on this great offer just tell him in the message to seller that you were sent by The Crafty Tortoise Blog!

Here are just a few of my favorite signs from his shop.

Surfer Girl

This Surfer Girl Pin Up Tin Sign is one of my favs.. I just love pin up girls!
Originally 12 dollars, but for my blog followers it would be just 10 dollars!



Red Victorian Coca-Cola Sign
This great Victorian Coke sign is just beautiful!
A fantastic gift for the collector in your life and at 10 dollars its a steal!

Take a look at his shop and take advantage of this discount!
Only available until January 1st 2010!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Larrystinsigns

Card Holder

So I got invited to another Craft Fair... this one is in the spring. So after realizing that winter hats are probably not going to sell well I switched gears. I just started experimenting with some different patterns that may sell well at a spring time Craft Fair.

• Nesting Bowls
• Summer Jackets
• Toys
• Summer Hats
• Card Holders/Wallets

Just a few of the many things on my list.... So I searched the web to see if I could find any designs to run with and I found some great card holders. Most of which were just your basic crocheted holders with a closure of some kind.

I started making one (just a basic rectangle shape) and decided to add a fabric lining. I have tons of fabric just lying around from a previous project. So I added a great lining and a button closure and came up with an awesome card holder that was super simple to make, but makes a big impression!

Already have this one up on etsy. I have enough fabric and buttons to make about 4 more of these for the Craft Fair... if they don't sell before hand. Already planning on making a bigger clutch purse out of the same concept!

December Is Here

December is upon us which means the Holidays are here, and if you are like me it means spending more time with family, spending lots of money on family, and crocheting gifts!

I usually start right around now and crochet my butt off til Christmas Eve.
Here is what I am planning on crocheting for my family:

• Nesting bowls for mother in law
• Hat and scarf sets for sisters in law
• Slouchy Hat/Tam for sister (she follows the blog so thank goodness she already knows about it)
• Vikings themed hat for Dad

My sister is even jumping on the handmade wagon and making a Blanket for my mother.

Does anyone else make handmade gifts for their family, or is it just me?
What are you making?

Slouchy Hat

My sister being a trend setter as she is has been begging me to make her a "slouchy hat". After researching them, and searching to find a pattern that I can base her hat off of (she has very specific tastes). I finally realized that these "slouchy hats" are no more than old tams being worn in a different fashion.

Here is the one i made for my sister:
She doesn't like the cream color so I am making her one in grey that she can model for me.
(I told you she was picky)

This one will be in my etsy shop soon. I just need to take some better pics of it first.

Has anyone else tried to make a slouchy hat... all you do is keep increasing (more than you would if you were making a hat for a giant head) , then you sc around a few rows, and then decrease to make the brim.

A good pattern is on ravelry (if you are not on ravelry and you knit or crochet I encourage you to become a part of it). Just search Puff slouchy hat.
My hat does not follow this pattern exactly, but I have made that hat and it is awesome as well!

Craft Fair Aftermath

So after a very stressful, but fun 2 weeks I finally went to the craft fair!

We set up, got ready and waited for the people to show up!

And waited...

And waited...

So... It wasn't the most successful Craft Fair, but It did force me to crochet my butt off and now I have lots of new stuff to post on my etsy site.

There were lots of other vendors there... lots of jewelry... no one really got many sales. I think there may have been about 25 people that walked through, but It wasn't advertised well. I also think that the nice weather may have something to do with people not going shopping.

Overall I am really glad I went. I got a lot of positive comments from all that were there, and a few other vendors gave me some great advice (I am looking into farmers markets next).

I don't think I forgot anything.. Oh.. I would have brought a lint roller if I would have thought of it!
This is my table... I forgot to take a pic at the fair, but here is my sample table. Everything isn't there and its a terrible picture, but you can see what it looked like. I had about 2 times the amount of items at the actual Craft Fair.

Overall, I loved the experience, and cannot wait to do it again.

Also... I am starting a newsletter, email or snail mail. Please sign up at the bottom of my blog. I will be sending out free patterns that will not be available any where else, discounts for my etsy shop, and I will even be doing some giveaways!

Coupon!!!

So after crocheting my first slouchy hat (I will definitely put pics of it up after I get my sister to model it). I found another blogger that was talking about her craft fair (go figure).. anyways. She had a coupon available on her blog for people to print out and take to the show to encourage people to shop outside the internet (great idea right!). She inspired me, more like made me say "why didn't I think of that?", to make my own coupon. Now.. this coupon is only vaild at the MOPshop event (craft fair) in Holland Park in Fishers, Indiana. And only valid at my little table, but a discount is a discount!

Just print this coupon out and bring it with you on Nov 21st. 11-3pm.
(you can print it in black and white if you need to)



I know you are probably thinking: "But I don't live in Indiana." Sorry about that, but if you do it is GREAT news!
The Craft Fair is already booked, and will be held on Saturday Nov. 21st 11-3pm in Holland Park, in Fishers, Indiana... wow what a mouthful.
I am sure there will be signs, and the internet has great directions if you need help getting there. It is inside the first building you see when you enter Hollands Park.

I am currently working on a way for out of town folks to get discounts via email newsletter and mail newsletter.. but for now it is a work in progress. Once I have everything ready (probably shortly after this craft fair) I will post more about how you can get involved.

Thanks everyone and hope to see you there... If you are in Indiana of course!

And The WINNER is...

First of all, I want to thank everyone who participated and took time out of their day to visit the great shops that were featured during this giveaway.

I have sorted out the prizes into 4 giveaway baskets! They have some great stuff in them as well as business cards from all the sellers who were on my blog.

And the winners are....

Drum Roll Please


1. Mommy Tyme
2. Faerie Moon Creations
3. Nyssa
4. sibabe64

Silly me I picked 2 of the same people! So I picked another winner!
sibabe64 you are now one of the winners of my giveaway!

To claim your prize you have one week to email me at thecraftytortoise@comcast.net.

Once I get your mailing address I will mail your prize to you!
Congrats!

Craft Fair Here I Come

So... After some careful thought, and a very encouraging husband. I have decided to do the craft fair.

It is going to be tons of hard work... so sadly this will be my last post for the next 2 weeks!

Afterward, I will tell you all how it went, post some pics, and tell you all the things I learned. For now I am going to be crocheting my little butt off.

Feel free to still give me some advice on what not to forget to bring, or do for the craft fair. As it is my first one I am trying not to completely fail at it.

Advice Please!

Ok, So I am in need of some advice from both crafters and buyers. I just got invited to a craft fair in my area. I am both really excited, and really nervous.

I have never done anything close to a craft fair and am really worried that I will not have enough time to prepare. The craft fair is on Nov. 21st. I have some items worked up already, you can see from my shop, but I don't know how much I will need. It is a MOPS craft fair so if I go I will be focusing mostly on baby items and items for mom.

Here are my questions:

Fellow crafters:

• If you have gone to a craft fair before, what items did you bring, and how much merchandise did you bring?
• How much variety did you have? Did you bring lots of 1 design, or did you bring lots of different designs?

Buyers:

• What do you usually buy from craft fairs?
• Would you go to a seller's online site if you could not find what you wanted at their booth?

The craft fair is making me so nervous. I think it would be great for my business, but I may pass on this one, just cause it is coming up real fast.
I found this post on what to bring to a craft fair. It is helpful, but I still have questions.

Let me know what you think!

Where the wild things are

Go Wild!
I decided to really let my wild side out and create this Mohawk hat! Complete with ear flaps to keep you warm in the winter this hat is perfect for the wild ones out there. It is made in an adult size. (I keep trying to expand my selection)

I absolutely love how this hat came out! It was super easy to make, although it did take some time and patience.

It is available in my etsy shop HERE!

I am hoping to get my husband to model it for me so you can see it on someone.. take my word for now... its awesome!

Monkey Ear Flap Hat

I finished this monkey hat pattern a while ago, but with the crazy blog giveaway going on I really couldn't post it until now. This pattern was featured on favecrafts.com as well as a blog post I did for them HERE.
If you can't crochet don't worry. I also have this exact hat up in my etsy shop ready to be purchased and I take custom sizes as well.

It measures 16 inches around when measured, and does not stretch much. It is right on the edge of my chart between 3-6 months and 6-12 months. So it would be a great hat for a baby right in between. Always measure your baby's head to make sure the hat will fit!

Personal and Charity use only please.


Materials
H crochet hook
Large amount Tan Yarn Worsted weight
Small amount White yarn Worsted weight
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Size
3-6months/6-12 months

Things to know
Single Crochet
Increasing/Decreasing
Braiding

Designed by Melissa Wenn melunder8.etsy.com

Hat
Start with Tan Yarn

1. Make magic circle, sc 6 in circle (do not join)
2. Sc 2 in each stitch around (use stitch marker to mark your first stitch, and ever first stitch in each round)
3. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat what is in * around
4. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 2 stitches* around
5. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 3 stitches* around
6. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 4 stitches* around
7. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 5 stitches* around
8. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 6 stitches* around
9. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 7 stitches* around
10. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next 8 stitches* around
11-28. Sc around

Ear Flap (make 2) With Tan Yarn

when making earflps. start the 1st one right where your hat left off. Fasten off. Then start the second one on the opposite side of the hat.
1. sc 11, ch 1 turn
2. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 7 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
3. sc across, ch 1 turn
4. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 5 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
5. sc across, ch 1 turn
6. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 3 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
7. sc across, ch 1 turn
8. sc2tog, 1 sc in next 1 stitches, sc2tog, ch 1 turn
9. sc across, ch 1 turn
10. sc2tog, fasten off

Border

1. with white sc around entire hat, fasten off.

Ears (Make 2) With Tan Yarn

1. Make magic circle, sc 6 in circle (do not join)
2. Sc 2 in each stitch around (use stitch marker to mark your first stitch, and ever first stitch in each round)
3. *2 sc in next stitch, 1 sc in next* repeat what is in * around
4-5. Sc across
Fasten off

Join ears and finish off any loose ends. Attach 3 pieces of yarn to the ends of the earflaps and braid them. Enjoy your hat!

Oh.. And HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Time's Up!

Time's Up everyone. Pencils down.



Thank you everyone for participating in my giveaway. I am tallying up the entries and the winner/winners will be announced on November 7th! I know it is a long time to wait, but I may give you a sneak peek of the prize baskets as I get them all ready. In the meantime feel free to browse all of the etsy shops and stock up for Holiday gifts!


Tomorrow I will have another Free pattern up for you to try.

Thanks again for making this giveaway a huge success!

YellowBeatleBugg Giveaway

Yellow Beatle Bugg makes handmade greeting cards and custom invitations. Her greeting cards are not your typical handmade style though. These cards have a fresh modern look to them. They are beautifully put together and come with matching envelopes.

Yellow Beatle Bugg sent 6 Christmas Cards that (if you win) will arrive in plenty of time for you to choose the lucky people to receive these carefully made masterpieces. They are blank on the inside so that you can write your own holiday message.


You should also check out her other cards such as this adorable Animal Hello Card.Perfect for the times you just want to say Hello and make someone smile!

Make sure to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite card is and why. While you are there feel free to shop around. If you make a purchase, be sure to add your username in the message to seller box to receive your 1o additional giveaway entries!

This is the last featured seller. If you want to send me something to giveaway on my blog please just email me at thecraftytortoise@comcast.net. The winner will be annouced in November so Happy Halloween and stay tuned!

Trinkets By Lisa T Giveaway

Lisa had this to say about her business:

"Trinkets by Lisa T offers an affordable place to buy handmade jewelry for women and children, boutique-style giant wall letters for children's rooms, and adorable hair bows for girls. Each of my items are created with great care and attention to detail, and because i have two very young children of my own, I consider safety and functionality when creating items for children. I wear my own jewelry creations proudly and all wires are carefully hand-wrapped to assure strength and quality. Most of my creations are customizable, so feel free to contact me for more information.

After many years of wondering what I'm supposed to be when I grow up, I realized I'm supposed to be happy. And making things with my hands is what makes me happy! And, as the saying goes.. "If you're happy, I'm happy!""

She has sent a Gift Certificate for 1 Hand painted monogram necklace with free shipping!
There are some great items in her shop including my favorite, this Crystal Burst Necklace!


Talk about gorgeous!

Please visit her shop and take a look at her other jewelry and items. Leave a comment here telling me what your favorite item is. If you love something be sure to buy it and leave your username in the message to seller box to ear your extra 10 blog giveaway entries.

Next featured seller: YellowBeatleBug

Tiffzippy.etsy.com Giveaway

Tiffany Burks grew up in Iowa and moved out to southern California 5 years ago and hasn’t looked back.
She says:
"My favorite hobby is scrapbooking and I have been doing since college, 7 years now. I love to take a lot of photos so it lets me create a canvas to display those pictures (memories). Scrapbooking is a big stress reliever other than exercising. I can just be creative and have fun."

Her cut outs sure show it too! So creative and full of energy! Here is what she is donating for you to win!
If you think those critters are cute wait until you see her other creations. This is my favorite Halloween decoration of hers. The Pumpkin Patch!
She has many, many other great items for you to browse through!

Make sure to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While you are there feel free to shop around. If you make a purchase, be sure to add your username in the message to seller box to receive your 1o addition giveaway entries!

Next featured seller: Trinkets By Lisa T

TanyaW85's Craftiness Giveaway

Tanya Wheadon is the Crafter Extraordinaire behind TanyaW85's Craftiness. She is 24 years old and has her hand in a lot of different crafts. One of them being making bath salts.
She has donated 3 different samples of bath salts for you to win.
They all smell terrific. I really wish computers had smell-o vision.


Along with these great bath salts she also has some other great items. One being this great Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Necklace!
Show support and look cute... who knew it was possible! A great gift for anyone living with cancer or just wanting to show their support!

Visit her shop to see more of her great crafts. While you are there be sure to pick your favorite item and leave a comment telling me which you love. If you end up purchasing anything be sure to leave your username in the message to seller box to claim your extra 10 giveaway entries!

Next featured Seller: Tiffzippy.etsy.com

D-Jenn Giveaway

Funwear for those who dare is her motto and I could not agree more. She has fun and unique items for those who want to stand out.
Jenny is 29 years old and a great fashion designer. She is also a mother of three. She has sent a few of her creations, mostly jewelry, for me to give to you!

She also has some great Halloween items in her store. This is my favorite. A spider web looking knit top. I Love the way it looks!
She has something for every price range too. From clothes to jewelry and accessories. You could almost put a whole outfit together.

Make sure to check out her shop. While your there pick out your favorite item and leave me a comment telling me which one you love. If you really love something be sure to buy it before someone else does and leave your username in the message to seller to receive your 10 extra giveaway entries.

Next featured Seller: TanyaW85's Craftiness

Christi's Crochet N' Knit Giveaway

Christi's Crochet N' Knit is run by Christi Wood.
She has been knitting and crocheting for about 4 years. After perfecting a few stitches and patterns, she decided to list some things on etsy.com. Her favorite things to make are scarves. She uses Lion Brand Yarn for most of her projects.

She Donated a super soft washcloth made with Lion Brand cotton yarn.
She has lots of great items in her shop. Including this Hat made in Black and Gold Team colors.
This is Hand knit beautifully, and would look great on anyone this winter!

Make sure to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While you are there feel free to shop around. If you make a purchase, be sure to add your username in the message to seller box to receive your 1o addition giveaway entries!

Next Featured Seller: D Jenn

By Designs Giveaway

ByDesigns features personally created items from a wide spectrum of materials. Some are new materials and some are from post-useful items to help lighten the footprint left on this grand earth.
She has donated 4 lavender sachets perfect for socks and underwear drawers.These smell fantastic. If only you could smell over the internet.

This is what By Designs has to say about her craft:
It seems we all have favorite items we would like created or reproduced for nostalgia or "just because"...I would love to create those items for you by custom order. If you don't find it in my shop, just ask me and we can work together to design it for you.

Some of my most favorite work is along the kitchen line such as aprons, pot holders, microwave cooking bags, placemats, napkins, table runners, table cloths and eco friendly "green" shopping bags.

She has some great items in her shop. One of my favorite, mainly because I didn't know it could exist is her Microwave Baked Potato Bag!
This is a bag that you put potatoes in to microwave them. It basically makes them taste like they were baked in an oven! How cool!

Please visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While you are there feel free to purchase from her shop. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 extra entries.

Next Featured Seller: Christi's Crochet N' Knit

Blue Heart Cards Giveaway

Blue Heart Cards is the place to find Handmade Greeting Cards! The selection is fantastic and she is so great to work with anything you want she would be happy to do! Even her business cards are adorable! She sent 7 greeting cards (one was for me, how thoughtful!) for the giveaway.
They are all Valentine's Cards so you will get them in plenty of time to figure out who the special someone will be.
There are some great cards in her shop! This one is my favorite Halloween Card!Oh and did I mention they all come with their own cute little envelope too. So even the postal workers will be impressed!

Now visit her shop and leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite card is and why! While you there feel free to purchase one of her fabulous cards. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to make sure you get credit for the 10 extra entries.

Next Featured Seller: By Designs

Creative Minds Giveaway

Creative Minds is a great shop that has some great Jewelry for just about every occasion. Sara Wolfson is the name behind the shop and she can do anything. From Jewelry to scrapbooks, even crocheted items. She has donated a pair of beautiful earrings. I love the classic pearl paired with modern teal!

She has this to say about her work:
I greatly enjoy crafting and have been doing it on and off for the past 5 years, but now I am doing it full time and loving it.


Her shop has lots of great finds, especially this set. It has a necklace with matching bracelet. In a great color that would look great on anyone, and to top it off its on Sale! Hurry up and snatch it before someone else does!

Don't forget to visit her shop and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is and why. While your there feel free to shop around. If you decide to purchase something, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 extra entries!

Next Featured Seller: Blue Heart Cards

Serendipity Vintage Giveaway

Serendipity Vintage is the shop to find vintage sewing patterns and more. You will find a great variety and such great prices. She has donated 3 different patterns for you to win. Two of them are skirts and one is this great blouse!

She has this to say about her shop:
I have been collecting vintage...of many different kinds...for over 15 years. I collect vintage (meaning 1980s or earlier) beauty books, homemaking manuals, etiquette books, sheet music, clothes, purses, jewelry, fabric, notions, housewares, and of course, sewing and craft patterns. I love to go to estate sales, yard sales, and thrift stores and discover wonderful treasures that others did not want.

Right now my shop mainly holds vintage sewing patterns, because it takes a great deal of time to check each pattern for completeness and decide whether to sell it or donate it. It also takes a lot more time than I initially thought it would to write a detailed listing. I have a number of collectibles to add...housewares such as Pyrex, sheet music, and sewing notions.

It's my hope that the items I sell in my Etsy shop bring my customers as much pleasure as I have had in owning them. For me, part of the thrill has been the serendipitous finding of vintage treasures -- hence the name "Serendipity Vintage" and the tagline "fortunate finds!"


This is just one of the many patterns available in her shop. This one is from 1962 and is in great condition.

Visit her shop and leave a comment to this post telling me what your favorite pattern is and why. While your there feel free to purchase any one of her fabulous patterns. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 additional entries!

Next Featured Seller: Creative Minds: Handmade Custom Crafts

The Crafty Tortoise Shop

Thank you everyone for voting on what my personal contribution to this giveaway should be. After all your votes my donation is.....

Drum Roll Please

I will be donating a 10 dollar gift certificate to my etsy.com shop.

This Gift Certificate is just one of many prizes that you have the opportunity to win. You already know a lot about me and my shop so I won't bore you with a bio.

This is the first blog post that you can earn entries towards the big Giveaway. To earn 1 entry simply visit my shop and comment telling me what you would buy if you win the 10 dollar gift certificate.

While you are there feel free to purchase from my etsy shop. If you do, make sure to add your username in the message to seller box to earn 10 additional entries.


Remember that there are other ways to earn additional entries:
5 entries for tweeting about my blog giveaway
10 entries for blogging about my giveaway
10 entries for purchasing from this shop

Please read the Prize Time post for details about giveaway rules.

Next Featured Seller: Serendipity Vintage: Fortunate Finds

Prize Time

So as I said I am getting ready to host my First EVER Blog Give Away! Exciting I know. I have lined up some great products for you, from jewelry to greeting cards and I am even throwing in a mystery prize from my shop. If you want to win here is the deal:

The contest will begin October 1st and end October 29th. I will then pick the winner/s on November 7th and announce it on my blog with the title WINNER. You will then have until November 14th to contact me via email (thecraftytortoise@comcast.net) to claim your prize. If you do not claim your prize by November 14th, I will be forced to pick another winner who will then have one week to claim... and so on until the prize is claimed. (If you leave your email in one of your comments I will be able to contact you and ensure you receive your prize.)
The items will be pooled together to give to a few winners. You are not entering multiple contests. This is one big giveaway.

During the give away contest time period I will post a variety of things, feature the shops that donated and give you a sneak peek of the prizes.
To enter you will need to do one or more of the following:

• Comment to any blog post that is posted between the entry dates Oct. 1-29 = 1 entry
  
• Tweet about the give away with a link to my blog (must @craftytortoise your tweet) =5 entries
• Blog about the give away with a link to my blog and verify by sending me a link to your blog (thecraftytortoise@comcast.net) = 10 entries
• Purchase from the featured sellers (applies only to participating sellers*) = 10 entries
  

More than one comment on any one post will not count towards multiple entries, but is welcomed. (only 1 entry per blog post)
I am not responsible for unrecorded entries due to computer or internet problems.
More entries does not guarantee you will win, it only ups your chances. Winner/Winners will be chosen at random.
*Sellers whose featured blog post states that a purchase from their shop will count towards extra entries.
Winner must live in the United States of America to qualify for this contest.
Prize will be mailed to the Postal Address received after contacting the winner/winners. I am not responsible for prizes not received due to postal problems.
If you wish you can add your email address in your comment to make it easier for me to contact you in the chance you win.
Following the Blog is also advised. This will keep you in the loop and show you my latest posts.

Good Luck!

Promote Your Online Shop For Free

I recently discovered this free site. It really could be fantastic all it needs is some more crafters! The best thing about it is it's free advertising!
Here is some explanation:

Here is a FREE site to increase the sales of you specially crafted items. Marianne over at Family American Style has created this site knowing how important it is to honor small business that is committed to selling handmade products. It’s a site where you can Show off your Creations and I can help market and promote your arts and crafts related blog, website or etsy throughout the Internet. Once you site is displayed, all visitors will be able to link back to your site. Go to “Show off your Creations” Go to the Introduction to the Creations web site. You can enter one of the sites that best suites you. Example: Creations, Sweet Tooth Creations, Photo Creations, Kids Craft Ideas, Scrapbooking and Accessories. Please spread the word so many people can view the talents of these hard working people.

Homemade Diaper Cake

When my Mother in Law came to me and asked me to create a diaper cake for a baby shower I was hesitant. I had never heard of them let alone seen one, and really didn't know how difficult it would be to create on my own. I started looking into it. They can cost as much as 300 bucks to have someone else create them. I went looking for a tutorial and found a ton of them online (especially youtube.com). I decided to combine a few of the tutorials I found (mainly because I found things with each that I liked/didn't like) and went shopping for the ingredients.
My list was this:

Diapers (too many is better than not enough):

• 8 for the top layer
• 19 for the second layer
• 40 for the third layer
• 60 for the last layer (I added a 4th layer)
  

Ribbon:

• 2 different colors, 2 different widths

Rubber bands Assorted kind
Dowel rods (at least 2)

And a few things I already had:

Hot Glue Gun
Decorations
White Felt

Once I had everything I needed I started with the basics. I rolled all of my diapers into little jelly rolls (similar to when you roll cookie dough). I rubber banded them together with one rubber band on each in the center of the roll.

After that was done, I started standing them up and rubber banded them together in the center with a larger rubber band. I did this a little differently than the tutorials. They say (say for the top layer) to stand all eight up and then put the rubber band around them. I started with the rubber band around 2 or 3 and then pulled the band out to place the other diapers around the center.

I did this for all rows making the previous layer and then placing the next layer around that. (It is better to see it being done. A good tutorial is here)

I placed ribbon around it just like in the tutorial. I decided that I didn't like the color on the diapers showing (my diapers had a blue picture on the front) so I cut felt for the top (I cheated and it doesn't go all the way around. If yours does do not forget to cut a hole for your dowel rod to poke through). My felt also acted as a base for my decoration. I glued some silk flowers to the felt (you don't want to glue anything to the diapers) and added a bear.

I sewed the bear's arm to the second layer felt, and his leg to the third layer felt so he would stay on.
The bow on top is just something I stumbled upon while searching for ways to tie bows.

Right now it does not have the dowel rods in it to help it stay together and not fall over during the baby shower, because I am going to transport it in pieces.

I hope this helps anyone who is making one of these for someone you know. I cannot wait to show it at the baby shower.

Freebie Heaven

So I am working on this Give Away I keep talking about and finally have been gathering some prizes... some Great prizes. I have talked to numerous Etsy.com shop owners who are willing to donate their items for this big Give Away. I am not going to tell you what they are donating, but I will give you a sneak peek at their shops and maybe you can decide what they are giving.

D-Jenn funwear for those who dare
ByDesigns
Custom and Creative Die Cuts, Scrapbooks, Cards
Trinkets by Lisa T handmade creations to last a lifetime
BlueHeartCards
ChristisCrochetNKnit
By Susan Designs
YellowBeatleBugg Handmade Greeting Cards
Favor Care Organics
Creative Minds
TanyaW85's Craftiness


I am super excited about this Give Away and cannot wait for it to start, but sadly the postal service does not care as I have to wait for everything to arrive.

In the meantime.. I am working on a diaper cake. (diapers made to look like a cake, NOT a cake made out of diapers) It is so cute. I will post it after the baby shower (so that nobody cheats and looks) with instructions so you can make one too!
Remember to follow my blog so you can stay up to date about the Give Away!

Free Form Crochet : Take 1

I often get inspiration from others, and even though I have crocheted for years, I had yet to try to free form crochet. It was the best thing ever. I already love it.
Before I started I read up on some tips and techniques. This website is very helpful and even has a how to for a free form scarf.
Some of the ones I found helpful were:

• choose your color scheme ahead of time
• add different textures as well as beads or buttons
• crochet multiple layers as well
• have fun

I was scared to try free form crochet, but figured if I could make my own patterns then I am already free form crocheting, just in a different way.
So here are my first tries. Be nice... I know they are not perfect.
I am hoping to turn them into brooches, and maybe make a scarf or necklace soon. I figured to start I would make small pieces so I did not get overwhelmed.
If you are a crochet'er' (hooker) out there I deeply recommend trying it out. I just bought a little kit on etsy.com for about 10 dollars.. 15 if you include shipping. All you need are crochet hooks, yarn, maybe beads and creativity. Enjoy and let me know if you create something cool.

Organization.... What's that?

So I decided that I need to start getting organized after a small flood in my home made me realize how scattered all of my craft supplies are.

A small water emergency is all it took for me to take a big step back and realize that my craft supplies are WAY out of control. Since we moved here (April) we did not really have time to get settled, since we got married in June and I planned and made practically everything. We just sort of packed boxes into the spare rooms and called it a day. That is until water came rushing towards them. We stopped it just in time, but the fact is I had no idea that all my yarn and materials were just scattered about.

Now I am starting my brainstorming! I need a great ingenious plan to get all my craft supplies, mainly my tons of yarn to get out of the many duffel bags they are now living in and into organized somethings. I have some big totes, and a set of plastic drawers that they should be in, but my yarn is now a tangled mess. I need a way to keep them all separated, but together. I am thinking many Ziplocs, but I have a feeling that may just start to get on my nerves. Anyone else had this problem, and fixed it! I would love some help. Otherwise I will let you know when I have a stroke of genius.

Everythings better when its Free!

So here is the deal. I have been wanting to run a sale/discount for my etsy shop for some time and have decided to go a slightly different route. I am giving anyone who follows (you can start following by clicking the Follow button on the right) my blog free shipping on any one item in my shop, and 1 dollar shipping on each item after that.

To be qualified you have to choose Other as your payment option when you buy and mention this with your screen name in the message to buyer. This is only valid until Labor Day, or until my shop runs dry.

Hurry and buy before someone else does.

Hand Warmers

So it is starting to get cold in the mornings at my house. It wouldn't really bother me except that my hands get so cold I want to just curl up in a blanket, which makes it hard to crochet. I was so close to breaking down and buying one of those blanket backward robes... snuggie I think, when I decided to search for hand warmer patterns. I searched ravelry, crochet pattern central and found some, but none that really made me love them. Then I did what I do best, I made my pattern. This is what I came up with:
I really loved the look of ribbed knit work, but I hate to knit. Good thing I recently rented a book from the library that shows you all sorts of Stitches and Techniques. (the book is called The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches, by Reader's Digest) This book is awesome. I found the technique to make a fake rib in this book.
I really love how it turned out and cannot wait to make the matching one to finally be able to crochet, even when it is cold. I will be selling this pattern online once I iron out the kinks. Let me know what you think!

Giveaway??

I am thinking about hosting a giveaway closer to Holiday season and wanted to know what you all would like to see given away. I am thinking a nice scarf, or maybe a custom hat. Tell me what you think.
I would love to hear more from you all. I just finished an afghan that had been taking up all of my time, so now I am free to do more blogging and crafting. I also want to know what other free patterns you are interested in.

My Craft Corner Cricut Giveaway

Hey all you crafters,
There is a new site in town. My Craft Corner. I have already signed up. You can add pictures of your crafts, blog about anything, and chat with other crafters. Right now they are giving away a new circut expression by provo craft. You know we all want one of these. All you have to do to enter is join the site (you already want to) and comment in the forums. How easy is that! I want to win so bad. Oh... If you join... tell them I sent you (craftytortoise).
www.mycraftcorner.com

Knitting....

Oh how I hate it. I don't think it is too hard, or complicated. I really like all the patterns you can create I just hate knitting. I think my hate is stemmed from the knitting needles. They are so pointy and get in my way, and my stitches are always falling off.

I decided to give knitting another try last night. (I never learn) It went no where. I have been working on a bright pink gorgeous easy scarf for etsy, or myself (we will see when its done) for like 8 months. I just cannot knit more than ten rows, and this is a tiny scarf, without poking and screwing up. I just frustrate myself.

I think the reason I just keep trying is that my Great Grandmother was a fantastic knitter. When she died I got all her crafty stuff (mostly knitting and thread crochet). I really want to enjoy knitting and keep her tradition alive, I just get so darn frustrated. Maybe I am just a true crocheter at heart.

Another Treasury!

"I have no idea.... What to call this treasury" is where you can find my recycled magazine coasters! They were featured today in another treasury with some other great items! Make sure you check it out before it disappears!