Saturday, April 30, 2011

Big Mothers’ Day Weekend Pattern Sale

Mom like to sew? Do you? Looking at some awesome patterns but don’t know which ones to buy? This is a sale for you. All Vogue patterns will be on sale next weekend in my Etsy and Artfire Goofing Off shops. The sale starts Friday night at 8 PM and goes on until Sunday at 11:58 PM EST.  That’s all Vogue patterns will be 50% off. Even the cool ones, like these:

 

Vogue 1826 Misses Jacket Skirt Blouse Designer Michael Kors Size 6-10

Vogue 1826 Misses Jacket Skirt Blouse Designer Michael Kors Size 6-10

 

Vintage Vogue 2034 Career Wardrobe Tamotsu Design Size 8-12 complete

Vintage Vogue 2034 Career Wardrobe Tamotsu Design Size 8-12

Vintage Vogue 1960s Basic Jacket Pattern V3007 Complete

Vintage Vogue 1960s Basic Jacket Pattern V3007

Vogue 8075 Misses' Evening Dress Bridal Gown Pattern Size 12-16

Vogue 8075 Misses' Evening Dress Bridal Gown Pattern Size 12-16

No coupon code is available (I am still not happy about that) just pick out the pattern and the money will be refunded through PayPal.

Easy Peasy way to get great deals on some beautiful Vogue patterns.

Friday, April 29, 2011

4/29/11 Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks of the Week

 

It’s Friday, time to announce my Etsy picks of the week. With so many awesome things on Etsy it can be a challenge. I hope you like this week’s. I tried to mix it up a bit.

Before I forget, congratulations to last week’s winner, Jean Abbott, with her yellow and green chick.

Industrial Pipe Bookshelf with Antique Knob

Industrial Pipe Bookshelf with Antique Knob by DirtyBits

Cool Recycled License Plate Belt Buckle New York Handmade

Cool Recycled License Plate Belt Buckle New York Handmade by HalfMoonRoad

One Piece Playsuit Romper

One Piece Playsuit Romper by Persine

Risk Large Size Sketch Journal

Risk Large Size Sketch Journal by 2CheekyMonkeys

Cody mixed metal pet i.d tag- free shipping

Cody mixed metal pet i.d tag by DoggoneTags

 

Lime Green striped Capelet with removable Sunflower brooch

Lime Green striped Capelet with removable Sunflower brooch by BenaBasilsDesigns

Edible Cake Toppers - Safari Animals

Edible Cake Toppers - Safari Animals by SugarDoughDesigns

New York Beauty Quilt Top in Rusts and Tans 110428Q1

New York Beauty Quilt Top in Rusts and Tans by Patchmaker

Did you pick your favorites? Don’t forget to vote. The winner gets an interview on this blog. I think all of the items are fantastic.

When you get a chance stop by my Etsy shops, MissEileen, GoofingOff.Etsy, GoofingOff.Artfire, and MetalWoodsnWater (the hubby’s). Have a cup of coffee, chat a while. Coffee’s always on, just bring your cup. :)

Do you have a shop or a favorite item that you would like to see featured in the blog. Drop me a line in comments. I love hearing from y’all.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Wedding Watch

Well the big wedding is coming up. Tomorrow’s Etsy picks will be wedding related so if you are planning a wedding, stop by and check out the picks. You might find the right piece of jewelry or stationery or who knows what.

Is anyone planning to watch the wedding? I don’t know if I will. I have a graduation to attend. My boss is getting her doctorate tomorrow and I have a ticket to attend. I am so excited for her, proud, too. She has mentored and encouraged so many people to reach for goals that sometimes seemed unattainable and now it is her turn. Hooray for her. I feel like I should make a sign like they do on American Idol. OK, maybe not. I’ll still be hooping and hollering for her.

Got a big event coming up? Making a sign? Do tell.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Vintage Style Organizing

I seem to live in a state of disorganization. It doesn't seem to matter what I do or how hard I try I am still disorganized. Well, thinking about my state of continuous disorganization led me to start looking for ways to get organinzed. Here's a few ideas I've found on the web and some of my very own.

Steamer Trunk
 A steamer trunk has such character, especially if they have a little bit of age. I found one when I first moved on my own and it became my coffee table for a few years. Mine is long gone but check this one from Freestyle Fashion. The trunk looks good and has added storage. Good stash for a blanket or throw.
I inherited this old treasure. I use it for vintage linens.

Cedar Chests
I sort of collect them. I love them. I love the smell, the look, and the feel of them. Good for old quilts or anything else that needs protecting.
Vintage Suitcases
I love my old suitcases. I use them for blankets, fabrics, just about anything. They have the added benefit of under-the-bed storage. I find them pretty low cost, too, at the Goodwill or Salvation Army.
For real cool-looking vintage suitcases, check out these ideas.

 Check out Ashley Poskin's Vintage Suitcase Coffee Table. It is on Design Sponge's DIY page. Cute little legs give this suitcase a whole new life.

 Don't want to put legs on the suitcase? Stack them up like Abigail did. Click here to check out what she did. Nice, neat, and a great way to show off some beautiful luggage.

Metal File Boxes
I had one of these when I was young. I used it to stash all my special stuff, love letters, little special goodies frm old boyfriends, autograph books, stuff like that. They have an industrial look to them, so cool. Good for stashing skeins of yarn and tall enough for knitting needles, too.
Vintage Metal File Box Industrial
Vintage Train Cases
I love vintage train cases. There is a mystique that goes with them, an aura that surrounds each one. I think of the old movies and chic women carrying their cases as they get on trains or planes. I think of mink stoles, cute hats, and pumps whenever I see one. What a wonderful way to stash anything and everything. Here's a gorgeous Taperlite traincase in caramel.

Vintage Taperlite Traincase Caramel
Vintage Taperlite Train Case
So, how do you stay organized?  I am always looking for new ideas. Got a photo? Share it. I'd love to see it.
The next MissEileen's Top Etsy Pics will be devoted to wedding finds. If you got ideas, let me know. There's some great ones out there.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com, GoofingOff.Artfire.com, and MissEileen.etsy.com

Friday, April 22, 2011

Miss Eileen's Etsy Picks 4.23.11

Sorry I am late with this week's picks but I had the good fortune to spend a little bit of the Passover holiday with friends on the beach. I might live in Florida but I live in the part with woods and river so a chance to play in the sand is a treat. It also gets me all full of creative ideas. Can't wait until I get started on some.

Anyway, speaking of creativity. Let's take a peek at the fab finds on Etsy this week.

Baby/Chldren's Journal
Baby/Children's Journal by Cutest Creations by Jo

Obi Cosmetic Bag
Obi Cosmetic Bag by Grace Designs


I Love Vanilla Ice Cream Scented Bath Salts 8oz Jar
I Love Vanilla Ice Cream Scented Bath Salts by Deep South Soap

Transparent Orange and Yellow recycled jars and Driftwood Windchime
Transparent Orange and Yellow Recycled Jars and Driftwood Wind Chimes by 2 Glassy Broads


Urban Farmers Dreams Come True with  this Green and Yellow Chick
Urban Farmers Dreams Come True with this Green and Yellow Chick by Jean Abbott

hand printed sea brooch
Hand Printed Sea Brooch by Zamsoe1



Floral and Diamond CZ Leather Anklet
Floral and Diamond CZ Leather Anklet by InDeeDesigns

Natural Wood Flower Home Decor
Natural Wood Flower Home Decor by SouthernWood
OK, that's my picks for the week, all influenced by sun, sand, ocean breezes, and getting back to home sweet home. Don't forget to vote. The poll will be in the Upper Left Corner of the blog. Winner gets an interview with yours truly.


Monday, April 18, 2011

Happy Passover, Y’all

Tonight is the first night of Passover. Passover is a special holiday, a festival where we celebrate our freedom from slavery. Today’s Seder is much like the Seder I attended as a child. The prayers are the same. We still drink wine and eat matzoh. The youngest child (or at least the one who goes to Hebrew school) says the Four Questions and gets lots of praise for saying them so well. The excitement of searching for the Afikomen and wondering what the prize will be (it was a dollar when I was little and that was a treasure). Singing Dayenu at the table didn’t make sense to me then, and come to think of it, still doesn’t, but that’s OK, it’s traditional.

To my friends and family who celebrate, Chag Sameach and don’t eat too much matzoh. Have a Joyva gel for me, the chocolate covered ones, of course. Think of freedom and how, “with a strong hand and an outstretched arm” the Lord brought us forth from Egypt.

L’Chayim!

Clay Beads and More: An Interview with Beauty and Inspiration in Polymer Clay

Last week’s winner of the blog interview is Penny Stern of Clay Beads and More. Her beautiful barrette and work with polymer clay won the hearts of many. Her story won my admiration. Here’s her inspiring story.
Polymer Clay Flowers  and Butterfly Hair Barrette
Polymer Clay Flowers and Butterfly Hair Barrette
Tell us a bit about yourself
  My name is Penny Stern and I am from Ra'anana, Israel. Originally from London,UK. After marrying I moved to New York, Moscow and the last 13 years, Israel. I am a youthful 45! I have 2 kids - daughter,19 in the army, and son 17. 4 cats. Trained and worked as a dentist in the UK, but with all the moving countries I retired and concentrated on my creative side. Fortunately I have a supportive husband.
I have been enduring/suffering (don't like the word 'battling'!)breast cancer for the last 10 years, which 3.5 years ago spread to my bones. I have been having regular chemotherapy since then. Fortunately it seems to be working and I feel relatively good, but since it has been working the doctor wants to continue indefinitely with the chemo. One side effect is that it has made my fingertips numb, which can be a challenge when making things. But I am so happy that I have my Etsy business, as it gives me a real sense of satisfaction and purpose, knowing that I am creating things that people want, despite my illness. 
What are your favorite materials? Being quite girly I love anything that sparkles. So you will find glitter, faceted semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystal in my work. I also love polymer clay for its beautiful colors and versatility, and quality knitting yarns - especially angora and mohair.
Burgundy Bubbles Bobble Pompom Scarf
Burgundy Bubbles Bobble Pom Pom Scarf
What is your favorite color combination? The colors that I tend to gravitate toward are mostly turquoise and purple - but not together! So I would have to say for combinations it would be something bright like turquoise and coral red, or lime green and fuchsia pink.
Sterling Silver Polymer Clay Flower Bracelet
Sterling Silver Polymer Clay Flower Bracelet
What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
I was lucky enough to have a very creative mother. She was a textile designer,so we were always making things. I think one of my earliest memories was of us spread out on the dining room table with a whole lot of cereal boxes,toilet roll insides, paint, glue and glitter, building a fantasy turreted princess castle . It was magnificent! My mother definitely nurtured my love of creating.
What inspires you?
I am always inspired by people who achieve greatness, especially if they have overcome great hardship to get there. If they can do it, so can I!
Sea Glass, Pearl and Labradorite Sterling Silver Necklace
Sea Glass Pearl and Labradorite Sterling Silver Necklace
Where do your ideas come from?
Ideas come from everywhere! I have a lot of books and magazines on polymer clay and jewelry. I reread them constantly, and suddenly something that did not inspire previously will give me an idea which will then spark a new piece of jewelry. I also look at what is out there on the internet. I don't really follow trends, as I do not produce my items fast or in great quantity, and the trend might be over by the time I have completed the item! Every year I say that I will produce something relevant to the season, eg Valentine's Day, Mother's Day etc, but this does not seem to happen either!
Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
I love to go into South Tel Aviv where all the supply shops are. Just seeing and touching all the gorgeous strings of beads and semi-precious stones gets me wanting to rush home and start making something!
I don't think that I have any one thing or person that inspires me. It is just an urge inside me that wants to create things. To know that perhaps, some of the things that I have made will be around after I have gone. I just love the whole creative process, and also learning new techniques. I have been learning silversmithing for the last 3 years, which has helped me to expand and take my work in a different direction. I also attend the Israeli Polymer Clay Forums workshops regularly. Every 6 months famous artists in the polymer clay world, are invited to come and teach us. We have enjoyed learning from Sarah Shriver, Donna Kato, Dan Cormier, Lynn Ann Schwarzenberg,Julie Picarello, Louise Fischer Cozzi, and Laurie Mika.
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
My favorite thing to do with my creativity is to have something that I have been mulling over in my mind, actually work out when I try to create it. I assure you that this doesn't always happen!
Sterling Silver and Amethyst  Dangle Earrings
Sterling Silver and Amethyst Dangle Earrings
Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?
People should definitely buy handmade! As then you will be getting something that is often completely original, unusual and made with love.
To sell handmade items, you have to be assertive! I show everyone around me what I make, and as a result , I have a loyal group of friends who come to me whenever they need a gift.
Polymer Clay Floral Hamsa
Polymer Clay Floral Hamsa
What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
I realize that to actually be properly successful at selling online you have to find a niche. I have a friend, Marcia, who opened her etsy shop at the same time as I did and has had thousands of sales! www.marsdesign.etsy.com She only sells polymer clay canes and a little bit of jewelry, but she is the best at what she does.
Since I am not interested in concentrating on producing one type of item, I try to get my name out there by networking with my Facebook Fan Page, Twitter and the Etsy Forums, making sure my listings are Google search friendly and listing or renewing at least 1 item a day.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Apart from creating, I enjoy sport and have participated 5 times in the local annual women's Triathlon. I love to travel, read and spend time with my friends and family.
What are the Web addresses for your work?
My web addresses are:
  • Etsy Shop: www.claybeadsandmore.etsy.com
  • Artfire Shop: www.penelope.artfire.com
  • Facebook Fan Page www.facebook.com/PenelopeStern
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/PenelopeStern
Are you offering my readers any specials?
I am offering your readers free international shipping on all items when they use the coupon GOOFING1 at checkout.
Thanks very much for this opportunity.
Best wishes,
Penny

Saturday, April 16, 2011

4.16.11 New Listings in GoofingOff

If a person were to look for a pattern in today’s store he or she would be surprised to learn of the changes that have taken place over the years. Sizes are very different for one thing. Some companies are gone, completely vanished from the marketplace, while others have taken their place. Patterns from the early 50’s and before were unprinted. Very different from today.

One company that is no longer is Advance.  The Advance Pattern Company was the house brand of J.C. Penney and sold exclusively by J.C.Penney from 1933 until it was sold to Puritan Fashions in 1966.

Vintage 50s Advance Misses' Pajamas Sewing Pattern Size 18 Bust 36 Complete  

Advance 5876 Size 18 Bust 36

 

Another pattern group that only exists in antique shops and vintage sewing supply shops is Mail Order patterns. Several companies produced mail order patterns, such as Anne Adams, Marian Martin, and Patt-o-Rama. These could be found in magazines and newspapers and were a big hit with people living in rural areas.

100_6497

Patt-O-Rama 8197 Size 14 bust 34

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy, GoofingOff.artfire, and MissEileen.etsy.com

Friday, April 15, 2011

4.15.11 MissEileen's Top Etsy Picks for the Week

Only a few days before Passover and I am swamped with things to do. Good things, though, so I am counting my blessings. I have two dear friends getting married and having bridal showers on the same day (the showers, not the weddings.  That’s what I made the fabric rose bouquets for). Our friends came down from up north and are staying with us (someone to stay up late and talk with. Good reason to open a bottle of wine). And one more thing, a blog to tell the world about the fantastic things I found this week on Etsy.



Oh, before I forget, the winner of last week’s contest is ClayBeadsandMore with the Clay Flowers and Butterfly Barrette. Check out her shop and congratulate her. Don’t forget to look for her interview.



Skull & Crossbones Pirate Jingle Anklet



Skull & Crossbones Pirate Jingle Anklet by Angelyques









Wine Mezzuzah Case

Wine Mezzuzah Case by ReneesNeedle





EARTHDAY SALE:  Set of 4 Bibs, Upcycled vintage embroidered bread-basket kerchief Cream and Green, Infant/toddler size

Set of 4 Bibs, Upcycled Vintage Embroidered Bread-Basket Kerchief Cream and Green, Infant/toddler size by UrsulaGlassGoddess




Large Round Muffin Basket


Large Round Muffin Basket By BasketsbyEmily





Reproduction 1920's Cloak


Reproduction 1920's Cloak by BlueMoonLighting





Hippy Summer Cotton Beach hat Custom made to your size and fabric on request

Hippy Summer Cotton Beach Hat by OriginalSample







Silver Muti Textured Link Bracelet

Silver Multi Textured Link Bracelet by ManicSilver











If Only



If Only ring by JenHough



Each pick is beautiful. The poll will be in the Left Corner of the blog. Polls will close Wednesday night.



Good luck to all.



Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff.etsy.com, GoofingOff.Artfire.com, and MissEileen.etsy.com

Etsy Picks Winner 4/1/11 Dawnorama

The Etsy Picks for April 1 yielded 2 winners, LemonLizard and Dawnorama….yup, we had a tie. LemonLizard’s creation was her incredible Bluebird Note Cards and Dawnorama’s creation was the Funky Pin Cushion. Here is Dawnorama’s interview.

funky, felt pincushion Funky Felt Pin Cushion

Tell us a bit about yourself  My name is Dawn Parizek... I live in Des Moines ( Clive) IA... I am a stay at home mom/artist/photographer/new crafter...


What are your favorite materials?   My favorite material, right now, is felt. But that is ever-changing...


What is your favorite color combination?  My favorite color combination, as of now, would have to be... navy blue and a light yellow...

Funky, felt Pincushion  Funky, Felt Pincushion

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?  The first thing I ever remember making by hand... hmmmm... I remember making an Easter Bunny, with my grandma, out of a dish soap bottle... We made it together, for an Easter decoration... I don't really remember how we did it... or all of the materials we used... just kind of remember sitting with her...


What inspires you? Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?   The more I think about what inspires me, the more I realize that it truly is my grandma. She died when I was 15... but she was always making stuff... sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafting... I think she was the head of her local Homemaker's of America group... or some such thing. She saved EVERYTHING... and then actually used it for something. I used to think I was verging on pack-rat status... because I would save things, to use for future projects... so I think I inherited her creativity and inventiveness...

feathers - 8x12 Photograph 

Feathers 8x12 Photograph

Where do your ideas come from?  Where do my ideas come from... that's a good question... they kind of just happen...


What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity? My favorite thing to do with my creativity... again, it's ever changing. At this moment, I'm loving sewing pincushions. I was making yo-yos out of felt, and somehow stumbled onto making a pincushion... now it's a borderline obsession for me.


funky, felt pincushion Funky, Felt Pin Cushion

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?  I think people should buy handmade for many reasons... I think it's nice to know who created and crafted something your purchasing, on an personal level. There's a connection with the crafter that you don't get when you buy from the mass-produced market. Handmade items are one-of -a-kind, which is very satisfying... it's a great feeling to look at something, in your home, and think, " No one else in the world has one exactly like this"... makes you feel special... Handmade is awesome for the environment... buying something that was made with recycled materials... buying something that wasn't manufactured in a big, old factory...
I'm really new to the whole handmade world... so I'm still learning... I would LOVE some tips myself...

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?  I have quite a few friends that are artists/crafters... Just watching them do what they do has been inspiring to me. My biggest take-away from them would have to be... Get yourself out there. Get on Etsy... get your butt into some craft shows... find some unique shops in your area that would be willing to sell your awesome creations... Facebook your stuff...


Apart from creating things, what do you do?   Aside from creating and crafting, I am a mom to 2 wild and crazy boys... so life is full of volunteering at school... sporting events... doing housework is not my forte', so I'm trying to get better at that... and I am married to the best guy in the world... who coaches our boys... plays drums in an awesome band... and takes care of me like no one else could... among many other things...
What are the Web addresses for your work?  You can find me on Etsy at : www.etsy.com/shop/Dawnorama ...and I am working on a website... www.dawnparizek.com ...


Are you offering my readers any specials?  I'd love to give your readers 10% off any orders... just have them mention your blog ...

Thank you, Dawnorama, for this wonderful interview. Your creations are wonderful.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Fabric Roses

What’s the chance of two bridal showers on the same day from the same work area, in this case, unit? I guess pretty darned good. One at work during lunch and the other at a friend’s house. I volunteered to make fabric rose bouquets for the showers so the pressure was on. Not only did they have to be done at the same time and look good but I never made them before. Here’s how they came out.
100_8863
100_8861 100_8864
100_8866
The fabric used is vintage. The yellow fabric is dotted Swiss, the purple is reclaimed from a thrift shop dress. The little white roses are from tee shirts. Over all I think they came out OK. I still have work to do to refine the process but I think they’ll do. At least I hope so.
I want to thank Karmadesign for her tutorial. Her instructions were pretty easy to follow. Mine were a little different but I don't think I could have done them without her tute.
Here’s a little goody I listed in my MissEileen shop.
100_8841
This is a vintage straw clutch made in the Bahamas. Beautiful.
Catch y’all later! Don’t forget to vote!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Miss Eileen's Featured Artist: LemonLizard

 The winner of MissEileen's Etsy Picks for 4/1/11 is LemonLizard with her amazing Blue Bird Note Cards. Here is her interview.
Blue Bird note cards by lemon lizard on Etsy
Blue Bird Note Cards

Tell us a bit about yourself

Hi, My name is Dee Dee Ebert and Lemon Lizard is located in Franklin,TN. I have designed my own line of invitations, prints, note cards, and notepads for the last six years. I have had my own website for six years and have had an Etsy shop since 2008.

What are your favorite materials?

I love to work with watercolor and markers. I have dabbled in screenprinting and hope to do more in the future and move my designs to fabric.

What is your favorite color combination?

I love all colors! The more color the better! If I had to pick a favorite combination it would probably be turquoise and navy recently.

Free Range Whimsical Chicken note cards
Free Range Whimsical Chicken Note Cards

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

I can remember when I was little painting wooden Christmas decorations with my mom! I just loved painting them and thought they were beautiful!

What inspires you?

Definitely my family! They are always encouraging me to go for it!


Where do your ideas come from?

I love nature and I am always inspired by what I see outside. Old and vintage things also inspire me. I think I was born in the wrong era sometimes! I like to come up with a new twist on a old idea!
Small white fold over Easter Brown Rabbit note cards
Small White Fold Over Easter Brown Rabbit Note Cards


Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?

My son is my greatest inspiration.  He teaches me new things everyday and always makes me smile!

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?

I love to do custom work. I like to try and take someone else's vision and turn it into
something they love.


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

I think we have all gotten so high tech these days that it is refreshing to see and buy items that someone actually made with their hands and their time. I like products that are not the same cookie cutter items. As far as selling handmade, I think if you just stick with what you love and not get swayed by what is hot or selling right now you will be successful. Just stay with your vision, dare to be different!

Scuba Girl Invitation
Scuba Girl Invitations

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

I have learned so much from kind artists on Etsy. There are so many wonderful people willing to share what they know. The forums are a treasure chest of help. So many people always say be true to your vision. I believe it!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am also a Special Education Teacher's Assistant by day. I learn so much everyday at work! I love to garden and cook!


What are the Web addresses for your work?
My website is http://www.lemonlizard.com/
My Etsy shop is http://www.lemonlizard.etsy.com/
My blog is http://www.lemonlizard.blogspot.com/


Are you offering my readers any specials?
I would love to offer free shipping to your readers, just enter code freeship at checkout or in the message section on Etsy.