Twins!

Thanks to the snow day I have studio time! Today I made mobiles. These are for twins!

The last 2 years are filled with change. Here's to starting over, kinda. 

Moving forward, maybe. 

Stay tuned. We are entering the snowy season. I've stopped freelancing. Trying to settle into 1 job and a couple designs in the real world. Hopefully soon I'll be back in the studio daily. 

Enjoy your snow day!

FRONT PAGE!

For those who caught last week's Blog post:

GUESS WHAT!

I shared a treasury that happened to make the FRONT PAGE on ETSY!

Can you spot my mobile?  Full Link Below:









































https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTYwOTEzNDR8MjcyMzIxMjM2Nw/totally-rad?

This is the first time I have made it to the front page of Etsy.  I think it is just amazing!  Speechless!

Thanks!

February Flusters

So instead of writing a boring blog post about how I haven't been able to keep up with all of my 4+ jobs and the reasons why I haven't been as active in the shop as I had hoped....

I AM GOING TO BE ACTIVE.

So, no back story!

February is wrapping up nicely.  I have finally gotten all of my orders out this month.  Besides being sucked into working huge amounts of overtime this month there was also massive snowfall in Connecticut.  This snowfall  caused a huge leak in my studio and I had to shut down for about a week while the snow melted and rain beat down.  HOWEVER!  The snow is melting, the roof will be fixed, so back in I go!

I wanted to share an image of one of my favorite mobile orders from this month.  I think it was just right for the end of February.  Start with the idea of love and end with a touch of spring!

Also, I was featured in a few very lovely Etsy Treasuries:

CHECK THEM OUT!

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTYwOTEzNDR8MjcyMzIxMjM2Nw/totally-rad

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MzQyMTUxMjl8MjcyNTc2NzU5NA/brown-puppy

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODIzMTk4NnwyNzI1NzQ2MTA2/season

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTAxMDI3OTZ8MjcyNTY3NTI4OA/spring-pastels

Moving forward.  I have cut out a job or two to be able to focus on the shop more.  I am excited to be able to focus more on design in the next few months.  So, check back next week.  I'll hopefully have another post up!

Time to share again!

Where do the days go?

Once upon a time... there was enough time... Who am I kidding?
These days it seems there aren't enough hours in the day.  I've been trying to fill each day with as much as I can, but it never seems to be enough.  I guess it must be summertime.  They days are lighter longer but I still can't seem to get a blog post done.  I have started many, stopped, saved them for later, then deleted them.  I have never been one to go back and re-work things.  It used to drive my art teachers in college quite mad.  Well, at least I've been having fun!

After a brief trip to Maine with the family I jumped back into action!


1. Make cupcakes for my dear friend Katie's Mom's Retirement Party!  These were so much fun!  She had a couple of desserts but realized last minute that there weren't quite enough to go around.  So, knowing I always have a few cake mixes  and pie crusts around the house, I happily jumped in!  I really do love making cupcakes!  Last year for Mother's Day my husband bought me a cute frosting tip set and I absolutely love using them.  Katie even mentioned "that special janie frosting touch?" I feel so special to get requests for deserts; maybe someday I'll open a real shop and sell cupcakes along with other homemade goodies.

2. Orders! Orders! Orders!  No rest for the wicked I guess!  I am not complaining! I have had so many orders over the past two months that I have spent every extra minute of the day making lanterns, toys, or bedding sets that I haven't had a chance to make my neices birthday presents yet!  May seemed to soar by, 20 orders in one month.  I have to admit I got a bit behind so I didn't get a chance to blog at all.  I didn't even get a chance to clean up my messes.  As soon as I got one order boxed up another came in.  The workers at the post office think I'm hilarious.  I walk in carrying as many boxes as I can, then head back to get another load.  At least they know what to expect and we get things done as efficiently as possible.  One woman even said she appreciated me and that at least I know what I wanted, I think she was having a rough day.  I can relate, at least I love this job.  I am my own boss and I set my own rules and regulations.  I do have to admit that sometimes the boss is a bit much.  Someone should talk to her.

Now it's time to keep moving!  I have a few things to share and hopefully I will find the time to get to them.  I have some giveaways and reviews comming up as well as a few new designs!  I can't wait to share them with you!  As alwasy thanks for checking in, I'll try to work on getting back into the swing of things.

Happy Summer!

Fantastic Birthday Party Ideas!

Last weekend my son's friend, Jasper, turned 1!  We had a fantastic time celebrating his birthday with his family and friends.   I also was inspired by his mother's awesome decoration ideas!  So I thought I would share for anyone planning the next birthday party:  Enjoy!

My friend Jes is a wonderful lady, full of warmth and thoughtfulness.  She found a way to use her son's newborn clothing to make his welcome board special.  As we walked into the house we were all reminded just how far Jasper has come.

A few days before the party my friend called to say her oven had caught fire and might not be usable for the party.  My friend Jes is also very resourceful.  She would give Sandra Lee from the show Semi Homemade a run for her money.  With little time and very little oven use Jes whipped up these semi-homemade tarts from premade shells by simply adding a whipped tart frosting and fresh berries, as well as mini muffins from a brand new mini-muffin maker, tater-tots in a warming tray, and store bought mini-quiches.  I must say a one year old's brunch has never tasted better.  I have to admit I ate most of the mini-quiches and tater-tots.  I just couldn't help myself.

Now that we have moved back into town life has gotten much better for my family. We are now closer to friends, and these friends have become our family. So to help out I was able to supply a few decorations for the celebration.

  
I have been working on a few new mobile designs specifically for Birthday Parties.  Using the party theme colors I put together this Large Paper Lantern Mobile to hang over the table, as well as a custom Burlap Happy Birthday Banner for the living room. It was great to see all the kids play together under the banner.  As you walked into each room there was a sense of whimsy and family, just how a child's birthday should feel. 

I have to admit that I am inspired and grateful fr my firends and their familys.  The more we work together the better life gets.

Check back soon for more photos, ideas, and inspirations.  If you have any questions about recipes from the party, or anything you see please feel free to contact me or comment below.

Embracing a new idea and medium, way to go purple.

So may things have passed across my desk that I just couldn't wait to add this new item to the roster.  A few weeks ago I started working on a project trying to combine poms, lanterns, and ribbon into the same mobile. This item has been a work in progress, but here's a bit about it.

The biggest Paper Lantern Mobile Yet! This new mobile will measure approx. 24"x36" and include 10", 8", 6" lanterns as well as 8" pom- poms in coordinating colors. Tied with coordinating ribbon this mobile will be the statement piece for any toddler room. I'd love to hear what you think about these new items. Feel free to comment or shoot me an email if there's anything you might like to see next!  For months I've been asked by prospective buyers about combining paper lanterns with another popular trend, pom-poms.  I have to admit I was a little weary.  I like shipping my mobiles fully assembled, simply open the box and hang. I have been worried about how tissue poms would travel.  Well I'm putting those worries on hold.  Starting now, I will not include mobiles incorporating tissue pom-poms.  Check out this listing on my Etsy shop for more photos and information.

So January has brought new projects and more orders than expected.  I want to take a minute to say thanks to everyone who stops by this blog, and the shop.  Without you I would just be doing this for myself, and lets face it... doing things for others is always more fun.

Now that January is over it looks like purple is moving on as well.  I have a lot of new projects to share and I think a quick tutorial or two next month.  I wonder what will inspire me next?

Check back soon for new listings and more process photos!

No rest for the weary...

Once again this month I bring another Purple story.  I'm still not sure anyone is actually reads my little rants, this month about purple,  Oh well.  Here goes nothing...

So far your are aware that Purple has now entered my color pallette and that I have already learned so much about my business and myself this year.  Well, I have to admit a few new items poped into existance during the past few weeks that are sticking around as well.  They just happen to be purple.

  I have been approached by a few mothers who are holding birthday parties at venues with high ceilings. They have been interested in ordering mobiles but have no place to hang them, so here is my answer! Paper Lantern Flower Bouquets with coordinating Chair and Table Decorations.

Bright, Fun, and Whimsical Paper Lantern Flower Bouquets and Table decorations are great for any nursery, birthday party or special someone. These bouquets are a great addition to children's birthday party. If you have a venue with high ceilings these arrangements are a great way to add color, height, and whimsy without the need to hang. Spruce up the head table with one or two arrangements and add intant color. Bonus, give away each "flower" to a guest and they can use it like a wand or place it in a glass at home to remember the occasion. Use the ball jar for leftover candy or keepsakes from the party. Another mother was looking for a way to designate the head table, so adding a simple lantern in the birthday girls favorite color to the back of the chairs was a great response.

So I finally posted these additional items and so far the response is slight but positive.  It was funny the day I posted these items my husband came home from work, opened the door, took one look at the dinning room table and said, "Photoshoot?"  I guess he's beginning to understand, sometime I have to take a little bit of time and set up a shot.  But sometimes Max wakes us an hour early and I still need time to clean up.

Ain't learning grand?

Where Was I?

h yeah!  Purple. Well, I'll get to the purple...

This new year is bringing many surprises and lots of work.  I have been giving some friends a hand by watching the little ones a few days a week.  I have never been so tired; oh and I forgot to mention Max and I where sick the beginning of the week.  So we took a brief break from the shop and the blogging world in order to spend time playing and healing.

Now that the coughs are gone and the weather is turning colder for some reason this color purple has walked through my door, plopped down on the table, and has decided to stay. Purple has invaded the mobiles: and it looks like its here to stay.  I have started trying to include a few process photos.  Remembering to take pictures in the middle of a project should be easier. 

I tried setting up the tripod by the desk to remind and have everything "Instantly set up". That plan bombed. I guess I like to spread out while I work, I found that the tripod was really just in the way. 

I've really tried to keep in mind my process this year.  I have the type of personality that likes everything in it's place and I actually operate better when I allow myself a little bit of "set up time".    I lay everything out, all the parts and tools. I even made myself a jig a few months back to expedite my process a bit.  Then before I know it, my project is boxed up and ready for it's trip to the post office.

My office is always a disaster area when I've finished a project. I find that if I take the extra 15 minutes I take at the end of the project the easier it is to start the next one.  Sometimes circumstances, like Max or dinner, don't allow that time and I find myself playing catch up the next order that comes in.

So far, paper lantern mobiles are by far the most popular item in the shop. This month I have sold seven different mobiles, ranging from a lighted paper lantern mobile, pictured, to a simple set of set of replacement lanterns for a mobile sold a year ago.  This year has been busier than I could have imagined.  I'm not complaining, just realizing it's time to bring my A Game, kick the sniffles in the butt, and get down to business in business and real life.

If i find that I get an extra 15 minutes at the end of the project after clean up, I'll post a little bit more about what I've learned from that project.

I can't wait to see what bit of learning the next purple project in January will bring.  Oh yes, this month is now officially dedicated to the color purple.  Don't worry, there's only 10 more days in January, there can't be too much more... can there?

Speaking of Firsts!

All of the success from my paper lantern mobiles is all in thanks to my son, for inspiration.

When I was about 8 months pregnant the nesting bug hit me hard.  I wanted to make this safe little spot for my little boy.  I ordered a few paper lanterns and cables and threw together a lantern mobile.  There were some glitches, but it was unique, just like my little guy.  After a couple of months visitors would stop by and comment on my mobile.  When I said I had made it, their ears perked up.  It just so happens a friend of mine was expecting her own little boy.  So I made a custom mobile in just the right colors to match her nursery.  Low and behold I threw some pictures up on Etsy.  I had just started a store front selling knit cupcake hats.  Well, 3 months later I had my first mobile order, not to a friend, a complete stranger!

I decided to make up some new designs and add some colors, and the orders kept rolling in.  I now offer a variety of designs, colors, and options, ie lit or non-lit.  I am currently participating in my first lantern mobile giveaway and I have several new designs to reveal in the next few months.

All thanks to Max and his first bedroom:  This room became my sanctuary, we played and laughed, and he started to grow up.

Well, as many know, my family just moved, and Max got a new room.  I had so much fun finding ways to use his old things, and a few new ones.  It came time to hang his mobile over the chair and I realized it wasn't as nice as the mobiles I have been making for others.  So I remade it.  I ordered some new parts and did some tweaking.  It looks similar, but is so much better.  Max likes it too.  We sit in his chair and read our books, and sometimes I look down to see him just staring at the glowing lights. 

This new item is now available in my shop.

Lighted Double Paper Lantern Mobile

Thank you Max.  I love you!

Firsts!

This week I am celebrating!  I am participating in my very first GIVEAWAY! CLick on the link to check it out!  The more you enter the better your chances to win your very own Custom Mobile!

 A Few Of My Favorite Things Lantern Giveaway!

The experience has been fantastic so far!  I never imagined my little lantern mobiles would be so popular!

With Halloween around the corner I have been working on lots of new ideas for next year, and a few for November!

Check back soon!

I just had to share! it's been a busy week!

Finishing up my last costume orders for Halloween, 2011.

Today I finished this little number. I never realized how fun little girl costumes are. I will feature Tinkerbell, also available in a variety of fairy colors, next year along with Little Red Riding Hood. I have a few more ideas, but those will stay a surprise... until next year!

 

One more Pumpkin this week.  Oh and this is so cute, I made two little ghost costumes for twins this week.  I couldn't be happier with my original designs this year. They actually fared better than expected!

There was a little bit of the regular thrown in this week.  Both orders show a new take on some old ideas. 

First, I made my signature Lighted Paper Lantern Mobile only in a Mini Size!  This turned out so cute, and about 1/3 smaller than the original. 

The second order was such a delight.  I made 2 matching mobiles for twin birthday parties!  The new spin is using large colored center lanterns instead of the standard white.  I think this is such fun.  I never would have guessed, when I made Max a lantern mobile for his nursery that they would become so popular. 

I really have so much fun with these mobiles.  You would think doing the same design over and over would get boring.  So not true.  Every time I get an order it is filled with new hope, love and not to mention color!  I get a glimpse of a little ones new environment.  Sometimes I am lucky and get sneak peaks at bedding and decor. 

I am excited to announce that you can now get my standard Paper Lantern Mobile with a colored center lantern.  Check out my shop for all available colors!  http://www.etsy.com/listing/82241869/paper-lantern-mobiles

Make sure you check back soon for more exciting news, and new designs in November!

H.A.L.L.O.W.E.E.N. Spells Halloween!

I find that inspiration comes in the most unlikely places.  The pure mention of Halloween sends me into a tizzy.  It might just be my favorite holiday, next to Christmas that is.  Walking though the grocery store this week made me start thinking about ghouls, ghosts, fun, and childhood. 

This year Max will be one and we will have our first Trick or Treat in the new neighborhood.  Last year I made Max his very first costume, this Pumpkin Costume.  Let's just say it was way too big for my 2 month old son.  Well it fits just fine now, with the addition of a new, bigger, hat, click here for original post Max's First Halloween. Well, yesterday I made a new hat and then I just kept on going.  I had some leftover white fleece from a project about a year ago.  I just so happened to be channeling my ghoulish self.  So much that I made this new Ghost Costume.

Keeping with the the theme of Halloween.  Last week I started making a few new items. Those cute Monsters from the last blog, well I was making toys and I just kept on going.  Let's just say they were a huge hit with Max, who is teething like a banshee these days.  He was rotating between chewing, shaking(they are rattles), and kicking them.  When I took them away to photograph them he was not too happy about it.  They were soon returned with a new trick or treat bag to hold them all together.  I have a feeling these are going to go everywhere with us over the next 2 months. 

Well, I guess if we are working backwards today I should end with this item.  Last week's orders wiped me out of certain lantern colors, so I had to order more.  So I took a chance and ordered Black.  Not a usual choice for me, but I think it looks amazing in this Halloween Inspired Balloon Mobile.  All items listed in this blog post are available at my ETSY shop.  Click any link to start shopping.

Have I mentioned I love Halloween?  See you soon! Pleasant Nightmares....

Busy, Busy, Busy

The ball is still rolling... and rolling... and rolling...

I was lucky enough to have two more custom orders this week!  The first one was a lot of fun, designing a mobile set for a 1st grade class.  I worked with the teacher to create this one of a kind set.  She redesigned her room this year using a new theme, Dots on Turquoise, I was inspired by this new source and I love the idea that smiling faces will see this mobile everyday.  I hope it brings some imagination and whimsy to their day. 

While working on this design I had to rework my Paper Lantern Mobile.  She requested an odd set of lanterns on each mobile and she really liked the birch mount that I use.  I started working on a few new ideas and then I had the brainstorm.  The new Mini Paper Lantern Mobile has the same charm and ease as the original, just a new outlook.

My second order was a custom gift set for a new baby girl.  The woman who ordered mentioned this was for a "grandma party".  Apparently a woman at her office became a grandmother and everyone threw her a party for the essentials every grandma needs at their house.   I'd never heard of this before, how fun.  She picked out the polka dot fabric from my stock and said she wanted a blanket, burp cloth and wrist rattle.  It's fun to mix and match new fabrics.  Her coworker had a granddaughter, but the client wanted to keep thing gender neutral in case of more grandchildren.  I love using blues for girls designs, I find as long as I keep the pattern organic and free flowing it looks feminine and tough at the same time.

 

Then it was time for a little fun.  Felt Monster Toy Set   I've been thinking about these monsters for a long time.  Ever since I made my first toy, a large stuffed octopus.  Dot came next, then a few rattles and such.  This project has been in my head for as long as I have wanted to make items for kids.  I decided Max should have a Monster Mash birthday party this year.  He's turning one, he's my monster, and who knows if I'll ever get to pick another theme again.  So I'm running with it.  We will be celebrating next weekend, pictures of all of the festivities to come soon, well pictures of all the goodies anyway.  Thanks for stopping in. 

 

Check back soon. Halloween may be coming early to janiegirlcrafts.

What a day!

Some people may be aware that I was recently offered a part time job out of the house.  This morning I decided not to take this job and work from home instead.

I came to my decision last night and decided to sleep on it one more night and respond this morning.  As I was about to respond to the offer I received an order for a Custom Paper Lantern Balloon Mobile.

I jumped up and down with excitement, the order needed to be filled and mailed today.  A rush job.  Before starting I sent a response to my would be boss, in which he replied, "Bummer".  Then seconds later I received a second order Custom Lighted Paper Lantern Mobile.

It was like I had been sent an invisible letter saying, "If you respond to 7 people within the next 24 hours fortune will smile upon you."

Fortune smiled upon me today and I wanted to share with you.  Speaking of sharing here are my two new items.

Oh yeah, I was supposed to have something on my needles to share today.  Well, that's something that is still on my list.  My life almost changed this week; well I guess it kind of did.  I made the decision to stay at home with Max, and make my dreams.  I hope you like them.

Hooray for New Ideas!

Paper Lantern Balloon Mobiles

Today I worked on a new mobile design.  I really like it.  I've been thinking about this design for awhile now.  I made something similar when I was first working with lanterns about two years ago.  Mobiles like this one are available for custom order through my store.  Click on the link listed above the picture for this listing.  Or shop my store for more items from janiegirlcrafts.  My husband is off for the next 3 weeks.  So besides packing, I should have some time to start a few new projects before the big move.  Check back next week to see what I come up with.

New Lantern Colors Available!

Since I have had over 2200 hits on my Lighted Paper Lantern Mobiles in the past week I was inspired to add a few new colors!

janiegirlcrafts now features 16 colors!

White
Chocolate Brown

Ivory

Grey

Violet

Plum

Yellow

Orange
Pink
Pale Pink
Chartreuse
Grass Green

Spring Green

Teal

Turquoise

Robin Egg

This weekend was quite wonderful.  For those people who don't know my house has been on the market for the past few months.  This weekend we excepted an offer.  We plan to move during September.  I will keep everyone posted in case the shop closes for that time.

I also had a few custom item orders to fill this weekend.  A lovely Chartreuse and Chocolate Brown Light Paper Lantern and a Little Boy Gift Set.

While I was busy working on all of the new lantern colors I was inspired to make a few new mobiles to go with the Baby Bird Sets I have on my ETSY Page.

Check them out!

Baby Bird Essential Set

Robin Egg and Turquoise Mobile

Check back later for more exciting news and new listings!