‘Twas the Weekend Before Christmas

Or should I say “It is the weekend before Christmas?” No matter, Hanukkah is over and Christmas is a couple of days away. At my place, that means my annual “Between the Holidays Party” (friends, neighbors, lots of food, and laughs), final touches to get ready for Christmas, and, most important….at least to me….watching holiday movies. I love watching old movies and wait every year to watch the holiday ones. One of my favorites is Miracle on 34th Street….the one with Natalie Wood, Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, and John Payne. This scene is sweet and touching but I like the one where John Payne is helping Maureen O’Hara clean up the kitchen after dinner. He had a kitchen towel around his waist while she wore an apron. One like this:

This is a hostess apron, though. She wore a work apron, not sheer, and full enough to cover those late 1940’s fashions. As for John Payne, I love seeing a man in the kitchen. Cooking, cleaning, especially cleaning.

Anyway, Have a happy holiday and take time to enjoy the moment. Have a hot chocolate, cup of coffee, or cup of tea with a friend. Remember what makes the holiday special. It’s not what goes under the tree that counts, it’s the people we spend time with. Create special moments in your life and in the lives of those you love.

Happy Holidays.

Hanukkah Gift Ideas

Let’s suppose you need to buy a gift but you don’t feel like getting out of your jammies and dealing with mall traffic. And, let’s suppose that the gift you need is for Hanukkah. Hmmmm……And you want something unique……something that will stand out….something memorable. Not too tall an order. You can go to the local box shop where everything looks like everything else, or you can check out these gift ideas from some artsy folks on Etsy.

 

Hanukkah Menorah with Buttons on Flames by Again Goods  These are too cool!! What a wonderful idea for children…and best of all….no flame! There are other colors in the shop, too.

Hanukkah Bow Tie by Gustys   Is this not too adorable? Just right for the Hanukkah party at the temple.

Stained Glass Hanukkah Menorah in Turquoise by Judaicuts    I don’t know if it is the color or the thought of the glass but I love this.

Sterling Silver Filigree Dreidel Pendant by Adia Art  This is so pretty and perfect for the person who collects dreidels….or just loves silver pendants.

Hanukkah Tutu Dress by Crafty Beever Is this not cute? The little Hanukkah princess would look wonderful in this. I bet she’d twirl a bunch just to show off when she wears it.

Making Latkes Chanukkah Apron by Shem Tov Arts  I don’t know about anyone else but I need an apron to keep me from getting messy when I make latkes. Restaurant size, too.

Hanukkah Menorah Earrings by LindaB142    Cute little menorah earrings with blue beads.

Hanukkah Dreidel Cookies by Katie Duran   Not sure what to get someone? Cookies like these are always a welcome sight.

Hanukkah wine bag from Winey Old Bags A bottle of wine needs to be appropriately dressed. Hey, I know this fabric…..and Winey Old Bags did a wonderful job with it.

So, there’s a few ideas to keep you in your jammies a little longer. Don’t wait too long, though. Hanukkah is only 2 weeks away.

Peace, love, and happy stitching!

Traditions

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

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

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

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

Crafty Sale at GoofingOff is Almost Over

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

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

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

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

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

 

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

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

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

  Retro Apples n Pears Child Apron by SweetApronzNCupcakes

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

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

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

        Christmas Star Mantle Hook by Design Sea Great cottage look.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water unusual, metal work

Beautiful Soaps from Hawaii: Shaka Soap

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

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

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

What are your favorite materials?

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

What is your favorite color combination?

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

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

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

What inspires you?

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

Where do your ideas come from?

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

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

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

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?

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

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?

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

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

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

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

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

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

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

What are the Web addresses for your work?

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

Are you offering any specials for my readers?

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

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

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

Gift Ideas

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

 

'let it be beach christmas!' by EJbutik

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

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

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