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!

A Wondeful Solution

I just had to share this 5 minute project that has change my life!  Not to mention my son loves it too.  I was looking for a solution to the pile of books that has taken over my son's room.  Every night we read about a dozen books, sometimes just the same book over and over and over.  By the time my son falls asleep I can't get out of the chair the pile of books is so big.  We go thru this process: 

Me: "This one?"
Max: "No."
Me: "This one?"
Max: "No."
 Me: "This one?"
Max: "Okay."

 So, I scoured Pinterest.  I found some great options and some great activities and storage solutions, along with some future projects.  Check out more ideas on my board:  Well, I was originally going to get some rubber gutters from Home Depot, then walking thru Ikea the other day I found these Ribba shelves:  Word of warning they aren't in the shelf area when you go to look at them.  You can find them over by the picture frames, we purchased the 45" option, they also come in 21".  They were absolutely perfect.  Now my son can see exactly what he wants to read and he has even started bringing them to me when we are upstairs.  I have to say this might be my new favorite spot in the house.  Since it has been so hot, after our morning walk we turn the air on in Max's room and hang out to cool off.  His room has the best light in the house anyway and with this new corner I can sit and read my book while he runs around the room picking out  new books and "reading them" too.

In Memory

A Dr. Seuss inspired Alphabet Art.

Think and Wonder,
Wonder and Think.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss.

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!

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!

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.

Where did last week go?

Before I knew it, today was Tuesday.  I try to post a new blog every Friday, looks like I missed last week.  Things have been busy around here.  We have an offer on our house and an offer in on the next.  If everything keeps moving it looks like we will be moving September 16th!  

Here's the short of it:

Last week consisted of house hunting, inspections, cooking, cleaning, packing, playing with Max, and spending summer time with my currently at home husband.

And I made a quilt!

Etsy Link for Custom Quilt Order

A friend and former student of my husband's placed and order with me last week.  There is a new addition to her family and she and her father decided to order a personalized infant quilt.

 

Apparently they really enjoyed two blankets I made for my son, Max. We worked together and came up with their special blanket. I really like it! If it looks a little familiar that is probably because some of the fabric was used in my first quilt ever! 

I still have the handmade quilt my paternal grandmother made for me. Sadly I have already packed it, so I am unable to share it at the moment. Almost 30 years later, I still love it. Once we get into the new house I will unpack and find it all over again.  Since I had never made a quilt before I used my grandmothers quilt as a guide, that and some useful Internet sites. I must also say proudly that I used my maternal grandmother's sewing machine to make Max's quilt.  I still have the machine too, I still use it for special projects or going thru a tough pair of denim. 

The other blanket which inspired my friend was the simple knit blanket I made for Max after he was born, free pattern.  We used the vibrancy and pallet of this blanket combined with the pattern of the first.  Overall I was very happy with this project and I really enjoyed making a quilt again.

Now, on to Knitting...  All of the windows in the house are open, the rain has stopped and I sense the leaves about to change.  September is almost here... Hat Weather!

Check back at the end of the week to see what ends up on my needles!

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!

Pink Gift Sets Now Available!

Hot Pink & Polka Dot Sets!
I had so much fun last week making new Pink Lantern Mobiles that I was inspired to make some matching Gift Sets.
The Set Pictured here is the Hot Pink & Polka Dot Essential Set listed on my ETSY Page. 
Set Includes:

4-14”x20” 3 Ply Tri-fold Cotton Burp Cloths

1-14”x26” Cotton & Fleece Changing Pad

1-30”x30” Cotton & Fleece Travel Blanket  

1-30”x36” Cotton & Flannel Receiving Blanket

1-6” Cotton, Flannel, & Ribbon Tag Blanket

1-Infant Wrist Rattle

Stop by next week to see what inspires me next!

PS.  I just got a new inventory of lanters in: Including New Colors! 

Well May has been busy

 I have been so busy this month that I haven't had a chance to share all of my projects this month.  I had three Etsy Sales this month along with two orders from co-workers and 2 gifts.  Life is getting busy here at janiegirlcrafts.  I'm having a great time figureing out all these new projects.  It's a challenge balancing working part time in an office, janiegirlcrafts, and my family.

Things will slow down next month as I jump into working outside the home for June.  Make sure to check back!

I've been Busy!

Boy oh Boy has janiegirlcrafts been busy this month! I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted.  Here's to playing catch  up!  It's funny, last month I was able to catch up with family.  Max and I flew to Iowa.  Then Charlie, Max and I drove to Florida.  It was wonderful to catch up with family and get recharged for spring and orders!

My Mother commissioned these soft blocks for my Niece.  They are 3"x3" and super chewable. My brother and I had a set when we were little. I think these are a great addition to an Easter basket.

Since Easter is coming up I decided to make these Egg Rattles.  They are soft and squishy and great for little hands.

Lighted Paper Lantern Mobile



Alphabet Art

 I was very excited to have two requests from some good friends.  They decided to add Lighted Paper Lantern Mobiles and Alphabet Art to their little boy's room.  I had some fabric left over from a quilt set I made for their baby shower. So Fun!




The Mobiles and Alphabet Art are Available on my ETSY site.  Hopefully I'll get some more items up soon.  Thanks for checking in!  I just received another order for a Paper Lantern Mobile and I need to make another Block set... off I go!

I Love Making Baby Sets

I had so much fun last week making a gift for a baby shower. Friends of ours are expecting their first child in just a few weeks and besides giving them whatever Max's outgrown, ie diapers, clothes, pacifiers etc, I decided to make them this little set.

The set Includes:

1- 30" x 36" cuddle quilt- cotton, flannel, chenille, and satin.

1- 30" x 36" oversized recieving Blanket

2- 12" x 18" Burp Cloths

I even had enough scrap left to make a tag blanket for the little one. Max just loves his; I like to make them out of high contrasting materials so that they have visual interest for the Little Ones. They also have a variety of textures, I have found that Max plays with his when we are in the car, it's a little treasure fro him to focus on.

I really love making these little sets. I think I have enough fabric to make 4-5 sets, hopefully I'll get started on those this week and I'll be abel to add them to my Etsy site.... COMING SOON.

I'm so excited!