Over the last few months, the blogging came to a stop. My Dad has been in the hospital/rehab since the end of July. He is doing much better now.

The puppies are all gone except for Flake and Angel. Snow is their first name. I have had several large orders for aprons and other industrial items, so the pacifier holders are on the back burner. It was to hard to keep up with them and the other orders. I will start them back once I finish the large orders.

We have a baby shower this weekend. I have been looking for ideas for the baby shower cake. I haven't really came up with anything for sure. I hope to get back to blogging full time soon.

Potty Training the Pups

The puppies are learning to potty outside now. They are growing so fast and will soon be moving on to new families. They will be 7 weeks old on Friday, so we will start letting them go after they are 8 weeks old. I think we are keeping 2 now. Yeah!!!! Flake and Java (subject to change). I was calling her coffee girl and princess, both of which got rejected for names. She is a princess though. She is sweet and gentle which is the direct opposite of Flake. Flake is an ankle biter. Scott calls him Dennis the Menace. They are all changing so quickly and developing their own personalities.

I am selling 2 to 3 sets of binky holders a day. That doesn't sound like alot, but it keeps me busy. I working on belt and watch mutilation covers now. I have so many projects going on that I have to start finishing some of them up. I have several dresses cut out to finish. I'm also still working on the cupcake and ladybug barrettes. My ladybug diaper bag is now sold and gone. That was very exciting for it to sale. We are now looking for a new supplier for our suspender clips for the binky holders. We may have found one in Fayetteville. That will be great if it works out. They have alot of the supplies that I use.

We have had alot of company this summer. The puppies has prevented us from going back to Alabama, so we have had the opportunity of having family come over to visit us.

My smocking is coming along, just slow. Sewing is coming first. My orders are keeping me busy and bringing a little money in at the same time. I'm starting to save up for a commercial embroidery machine. This will help out alot and allow me to grow my product line.

Staying Busy

I'm staying very busy. They puppies are keeping me very busy. They are beautiful. They love to run and play. They can eat dry food not without softening it up. They can also eat the puppy dog treats. They are very happy dups and love to be loved on.

I'm also staying busy with my sewing and smocking. My binky holders are a hit. I'm starting to get repeat orders from customers. That is a very good thing. I'm up to around 150 different ribbon choices now.

Very Busy Week

Selling is coming in streaks. Pacifier holders are a steady selling item now. They had slowed down for the holiday weekend, but has already picked back up. The pillowcase dress come in waves. I sold 2 yesterday. They always seem to sale at the same time. I am in the process of looking for a fall/winter replacement for the pillowcase dresses. I really haven't found a pattern that excites me. I have been busy with the puppies and orders, so I haven't had a chance to sew up the other bibs to post. I think the blankets and quilts will pick up on sales in the fall and winter, so that will really keep me busy.

They puppies are running now. They ate alot today and drank some water for the first time. They didn't sleep very much last night, so hopefully they sleep tonight. They will be 5 weeks old on Friday.

My smocking is still coming along. I have to make an eye doctors appointment, because I'm having alot of trouble seeing the pleats. I do really good when I'm outside in the daylight, but I really don't like outside. I guess I could sit in the car with the AC on, but then again gas cost to much for that. Guess I'll just have to get better glasses. :(

Puppies

I'm staying busy with the puppies. They are all over the place now. They have out grown the swimming pool and are not in a pack and play. They were jumping over the top of the pool and running all over the place.

My smocking is coming along. I work alot on it the weekends when Scott is driving. I have to get a lamp for the living room so I can see better. I still plan to take the picture smocking class in the fall when they offer it again.

Business is continuing to pick up. I'm selling alot of binky holders on ebay. I am slowly starting to sell items from my web site. Hopefully, sales from the web site will continue to pick up so I will be making more from each item. The website is now showing up on Yahoo searches. I finished the nursing wrap and the bib with the binky holder built in last week. This week, I have several dress cut out to work on. I also bought an apron pattern to work on.

I also am going to make a princess dress for Emma's birthday. I bought the pattern at JoAnns last weekend for 99 cents. I found some of the material at Walmart today for 2 dollars a yard. I still have to find material for the sleeves. I think it will turn out cute.

Nursing Wrap and Playful Pups

This week, I have worked on a nursing wrap, an idea that I found while shopping last week. It turned out well. There was a few technical issues that I came across. I made the pattern from my subject piece. I cut out the fabric, but didn't note that the pieces had to be turned a certain way, so I had to go back and cut out an additional piece to make the rights side all be turned out. I wrote it off as a lesson learned and will not make that mistake again. I also worked on a baby bib with a built in binky holder. This idea came from my internet searches. I put ribbon around the edges of it, but I'm not completely satisfied with the finished product. I have a second one cut out, so I will try binding around the edges of it. Yesterday, I sorted, cleared and cleaned my sewing room. I sorted my fabric and got out the quilting pieces that I have been sticking back. This winter or fall, I intend to make a hodge podge quilt with those pieces. I'm thinking about expanding my sewing room out into the Alabama room. I already have the ironing board in there, so what is one more table. Scott had cleaned the garage when he was off, so I now have a table that I can use upstairs to cut out on. Since there really isn't room in the sewing room, either the exercise bike has to come out or the table has to be in the Alabama room. I'm thinking of doing a take over and expanding.

The puppies are hilarious. They are playing alot now. I bought them $1 rope toys from Target yesterday, but they don't really know what they are for yet. I may go back and get the stuffed toys to see if they understand them. Snowman didn't understand that they were not for him, so he took one of the ropes for himself. We haven't agreed on which one will be SnowFlake yet. I like Little Bit and Scott likes Laid Back. They all are developing distinct personalities. I told my Dad that I was giving him one for Father's Day, but I don't think he is very receptive to the idea. I think it would be good for both my Mom and Dad, plus it means that it is one less that I have to part from. They are so adorable. Fortunately, my brother in law will take one of them. He already has the runt from our first litter of puppies, Hope. She was bottle fed and was our little miracle puppy duppy, hence the name Hope. Kristi and I kept her in a box on a heating pad and fed her and wiped her butt to keep her alive. Fortunately, Hope stayed in the family, because she was a special baby. She is very protective of her daddy now, so I'm sure that their new addition will do great as well.

The Puppies are Growing.

The puppies are now playing with each other. It is amazing to watch them grow and do different stuff. I made them ribbon collars today so I can start to tell them apart better.

My smocking class on Tuesday was fun. I worked on hearts and diamonds. I am going to wait a few weeks before I take the picture smocking class so I can get in some practice on geometric smocking. She has several other classes that I plan to take.

Business is steady. I'm making alot of binky holders. The Hobby Lobby opened up in Newnan yesterday, so that will help with my ribbon supply.

The puppies eyes are open.

All of the puppies eyes are open. They are trying to stand up and walk instead of scooting around. It should be an interesting weekend with them.

I sewed most of the day. I'm working on a couple of new project. I traced out the pattern for one of them today. I have a several different pillowcases that are cute. One of them is a
paisley print. It will make an adorable pillowcase dress.

I sent out about 210 page suggestions for my Facebook DjsCreations page today. I have had several accept the request already. Hopefully more will accept. Any and all exposure is good for business.

Smocking Class and Grocery Shopping

Yesterday, I went to a smocking class. Sherree, my big sis for those that don't already know that, had started teaching me on her last visit. I enjoyed the class alot. She was able to correct what I was doing wrong, so my smocking is looking alot better. I'm only working on geometric smocking. She has a picture smocking class in two weeks, but I don't know it I will be ready to take it. I have another class next week to work on geometric.

Did the grocery shopping today. It was a blast. I had several coupons for free stuff thanks to Freebies4mom keeping us up to date. I saved $56.36 at Kroger and $54.56 at Walmart. Kroger had alot of 10 for $10 today. I stocked up on Angel Soft and Bounty. You can never have to much toilet paper. Angel Soft is a great buy, because it is septic safe which makes it user friendly for the 5th wheel septic system. They also had air freshener 10 for 10. I just happened to have two buy 2 get 2 free coupons, so I also stocked up on air freshener. Walmart had to get the supervisor to turn the key in the register, because she said I had used to may coupons. If they have some set limit, they should post it so everyone will know what the limit is. Then, I will just separate it and check out twice.

The puppies are growing fast. I love watching them crawl around. Their eyes are just starting to open a little and they are trying to stand. By weekend, they should have fully opened eyes and be walking around more.

I've had a busy week. I'm selling something almost everyday now. It may not be much, but every little bit adds up. Today, I made a super hero, hooded towel cape for a little boy and a pillowcase top for a woman. The cape is cute. I have to work on appliqueing. It is a technique that I will have to master. I also looked up quilting classes today. There is a class in Newnan that I am checking on. I think that would be a fun class and I would learn alot from it.

Found a Some New Gadgets

I was invited to a Pampered Chef party several weeks back. I love pineapple and saw their pineapple wedger. It was $18, so I started not to get it. I did anyway, because peeling pineapple is such an inconvience. I am so glad I did. Is used it for the first time last night and it works great. You simply cut the top and bottom off of the pineapple, place the cutter on the top of it and push down. You come out with 2 perfect halfs. The pineapple wedger is kind of pricey, but in the long run, I will save money by not buying the pineapple tidbits from the produce section that is already cut up.

My other gadget is the mini measure all cup. I made a cake for a birthday at Scott's work. The measure all works perfect for making a recipe of buttercreme icing. It was much easier than using a standard measuring cup and was also much easier to get the shortening out. It was only $6. I think everyone needs one. I will buy another one when I go back to another party.

As always, the bamboo spoons are great. I have had those for a while now. I added the bamboo specialty cooking set to my collection. I can see getting rid of alot of my others spoons and spatulas after having used them. I love wooden spoons, so the bamboo is a nice replacement for them.

I know this may sound like a sales pitch, but it isn't. When I went to the party, I thought what will I buy. I already have my bamboo spoons and other small items I had purchased over the years. I was truely surprised with their product line. I was also sceptical about the pineapple wedger, but now I am pleasantly surprised with it.

Sales are Picking Up

The adult size pillowcase dress has sold. I have also sold more binky holders. I have finished sewing the rag quilt, but I have to clip ALL of the seams.

The puppies had their tails docked today. It was uneventful except for one that has whined all afternoon. He is truely his daddy's son. Snow was crying when he came out also.

Rag Quilt

I'm almost finished with the pink rag quilt. I have to do the outer seam, clip the seams, wash and dry it to start the fraying process. I think I took out as many seams as I put in. It is hard to reverse the process of sewing to show the seams. My next project will be a safari quilt and then a blue rag quilt.

We are down to 7 puppies. We lost one early this morning. They were all doing fine and then she just took a turn the wrong direction. I'm not sure what was wrong with her, she just started slowing down. The other 7 are currently eating. They get their tails docked tomorrow morning. I'm off to cleaning the house.

We have fur babies!!!!

Zoe is the proud Mama of 8 beautiful puppy duppies. She had 9, but I of the beautiful babies didn't make it. I imagine that it's in heaven now being taken care of by Abigail. Diamond is looking at it saying, "Seriously!". She didn't like taking care of babies. They all seem to be perfectly healthy and squirm around alot. They didn't sleep alot last night. They wanted to eat. Which means I didn't sleep alot last night. This is perfectly alright. They are very small miracles of life. They look funny with their tails.

Before our birthing experience, I had finished up the quilt that matches the diaper bag. It is really cute and turned out really well. I had also started the butterfly rag quilt, but that got put on the back burner. I have three square completed on it. I think it will turn out good.

We are watching He's Just Not that In to You now. The little ones are asleep, so I have a couple of hours. Scott has pictures on Facebook.

I finished my cowboy diaper bag and changing pad last night. We took pictures, so it is now posted on my website. I started working late last night on the matching blanket. I'm about half way finished with it. I had to stop working on it because I thought we had babies on the way. No such luck. She had a very restless night. Hopefully today they will appear.

Still No Fur Babies

Scott has been on vacation this week, so it has been busy. Zoe still hasn't had the puppy duppies. She is big and miserable.

Today was my 3rd sewing class. I practiced on putting in a zipper. I think I may have it figured out. I did learn to practice on scrap material before I work on an actual project when I am starting something new. I started my second diaper bag last night. It is cowboy/rodeo material and will be cute when it is finished.

Scott had ordered me business cards. It was a surprise. They came in today. He got 4 pens also that has the logo and web address on them.

Hopefully Zoe will have the babies soon. I will get you updated on them. I can't wait.

Having a Great Weekend!

Sherree, my big sister, came over on Friday. We hit JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby on Friday looking for material for rocker cushions. We found the fabric at Hobby Lobby and picked up some odds and ends from JoAnns.

Friday night and Saturday, we worked on the rocker cushions and also made 3 throw pillows to match them. For my first try, they turned out good. As with all of my products, my first one isn't perfect, but I always learn from my mistakes. I am definitely not an expert seamstress. I'm a work in progress.

She also started teaching me to smock. I definitely a work in progress with that. I have a very long way to go before I can smock a dress.

Saturday night, we (me, Scott, and Sherree) went out to eat with friends that were in town. We went to Tulla's in Lagrange, Georgia. Normally, the food and service at this restaurant is very good. Last night, the food was good (what I actually got was good anyway). I'm use to my order not being right when we go out to eat. Somehow, it doesn't matter where or who we go out to eat with, my order is always the one that gets messed up. Anyway!! I never got my salad. It was a great salad with strawberries, feta cheese and a strawberry dressing. Sounds really good doesn't it. I'm sure I will try it when we go back, because I'm sure eventually we will go back. Coffee and cheesecake was ordered. Coffee was brought out, but apparently had been made most of the day. The cup wasn't even warm. The cheesecake was excellent when it was brought out.

I had a great visit with Sherree. She had to leave early this morning to pick Brandon up from Troy University this afternoon. He attended a leadership weekend there this weekend.

Today, Scott pulled the 5th wheel down to White Tail Ridge Camping Ground. It is beautiful here. We are camping here tonight and possibly tomorrow night. I brought my smocking to practice on while I'm relaxing.

Ladybug Diaper Bag

I just completed my ladybug diaper bag and changing pad. It turned out really well for my first one. I'm going to make a cowboy diaper bag next. I got matching fabric to make a blanket also. JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby had patterns on sale today, so I picked up some. I'm looking for items to expand my inventory. I'm also working on an adult pillowcase style dress. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Sewing Class

Sewing class today was very productive. I learned how to make my buttonholes line up better. It was a very enjoyable class. Next week, I hope to have my zipper project to the point of needing the zipper. I came home and wasted some time on the internet, then decided to be productive. I started on the diaper bag, but I have to go to Wal-Mart and get some heavy duty interfacing. I will do that tomorrow. Next project will be a rag quilt. Scott has it cut out already for me, so I just need to sew and sew.

Very Productive Craft Day

Today, I finished the eight key chains and got them shipped off to Canada. Then I ran my errands for the day. Had to run to Target to pick up my prescriptions for the month. I had a coupon for a $10 gift card with a new prescription, so I used it. I love to get free stuff when it's something that I have to get anyway.

After I got home, I finished the green ladybug dress. It turned out really well. I also cut out and finished a patriotic dress that is white with red, white and blue stars on it.

Tomorrow, I have sewing class. I hope to finish the pink outfit that I have started. I only like the button holes and hemming the shorts. The teacher is going to help me with the button holes. I can do them, but I'm not sure how to make them line up correctly. I cut out another dress to work on just in case I finish that project. It has a zipper in it, which is another one of my weaknesses.

Happy Memorial Day!

First and Fore most:

God Bless American and all of the Wonderful Men and Women of the all of the Armed Forces that has kept and continues to keep our great nation FREE and SAFE! Without them, we would not have the freedom to enjoy life as we do.

Along with this wonderful holiday, comes the wonderful sales. We went to the JoAnns in Fayetteville today and picked up a few more items on their notions wall that was 50% off and then used a 10% off our entire order coupon. Woo Hoo!!!! Michaels didn't have their ribbon on sale, but I had 2 40% off coupons. Scott bought a roll and I bought one to, so we made our own sale. Hobby Lobby had their ribbon 50% off, so we picked up some new colors for binky holders.

I have 10 keychains that have been ordered, so I worked this morning on getting them monogrammed so I can sew them together. Business is picking up, so that is exciting to me. I also cut out a green lady bug dress this morning. I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out. I think I will do red lined barettes with lady bugs on them to go with the dress. I think that will be cute.

Pillowcase Dress with Flowers

Today I have been busy sewing and hot gluing. I finished up all of the binky holders that I had started earlier in the week. Then, I finished the blue pillowcase dress that I had started and decorated it with the grass and flowers. It is so cute. Scott is listing them for me as I type. Check out his Facebook page for pictures.

Next week, I have sewing class on Wednesday. I will be working on my rag quilts and safari baby blankets the rest of the week. My big sis will be here Friday, so that gives me something to look forward too.

JoAnn's Sale

We cancelled our plans to go back to Alabama this weekend. Zoe is expecting fur babies any day now. A 5th wheel would not make a good birthing suite for her.

So, since we didn't make it back, I got to go to JoAnn's for the huge Memorial Day sell. Their sewing wall and buttons was all 50% off. I got some great buys. On top of the 50% off, I also got an additional 10% off the entire order with a coupon. Scott and I checked out separate so I could use a 40% off coupon on my pinking shears. I got a lot of sewing notions and buttons. I ended up saving $105 overall between both orders. We also went to Hobby Lobby. I picked up some fabric that was on sale for a dress and some ribbon that was on sale, so I couldn't use a coupon there.

Business is picking up. Sherree got two orders from the nice ladies at the bank. Then, I had a lady in Canada order 6 key chains this morning. This afternoon, I had a lady inquire about a very large order of Cool Ties. I hope she decides she wants them.

We didn't go to Hancock Fabrics after all. I had gotten such great deals at JoAnn's that I decided not to go. I had bought a few patterns at JoAnn's last weekend when they were on sale there. Scott said I need to finish some of the projects that I have started before I start anymore. (LOL)

Important note: Columbus has a Krispy Kreme doughnuts, so naturally we went by there. Krispy Kreme is something that when we lived in Alabama we rarely got unless we were going tailgating, so we took it for granted. Lesson learned, enjoy what you have while you have it. Unfortunately, they do not have a Taco Casa, but we did have Mexican for supper.

Busy Friday

Today was a very busy day. I finally transferred our insurance for Alabama to Georgia. Why does things like that have to be so time consuming. The insurance agent is very nice. I had alot of errands to run. The normal ones being Target and Walmart. I'm having a hard time finding boxes to ship the hummingbird feeders in. I think I may have finally found one that will work today. I bought more ribbon for the Binky holders. I found some really cute ribbon with yellow ducks on it at Michaels today. I'm heading upstairs now to make more Binky holders. I'm looking forward to the 3 day weekend.

I have already submitted for my free chocolate Friday. I love Freebies for Mom.

Busy Day

I had a very busy day today. I sewed most of the morning. I have almost finished the shorts and dress for my sewing class. Then, I sewed on my Binky holders. Tonight, we went on an outting that was hosted by Charter Bank. It was a blast. They gave away prizes at the end of the night. We won 2 rounds of golf, a cooler, and 2 nights in Opelika.

Where I'm selling my items

Now selling on:

www.etsy.com

www.artfire.com

www.djscreations.com


We still have some stuff on ebay, but I'm trying to get away from there.

Wednesday

Today I worked on my sewing project for class. I have almost completed it. Tomorrow I will finish the shorts that goes with it and work on Binky holders. I have alot of cute ribbon to make the Binky holders.

I couldn't believe the results from Dancing with the Stars last night. I think everyone was surprised, but I'm glad Shawn won. She's adorable. We are watching American Idol now. I wonder if there will be a big surprise tonight. I think both finalist are talented singers.

Tuesday's Sewing Class

I had my first sewing class today. I need to go to JoAnn's and buy a pair of pinking shears. Apparently this will save me alot of time and keep my fabric from fraying. It was nice to be around other people for a change. I am usually just at home with Snowman and Zoe (My Cocker Spaniels) during the day. I talk to them and they talk back (They don't know that they aren't human.), but it was nice to have adult companionship. My class will be on Wednesday morning next week. I'm going to try to get as much of the dress done as possible, because I need alot of help with button holes. I want to make as much of the class as possible and utilize it for things I actually need help with.

Starting a Sewing Class to Improve My Skills

Just got confirmation about a sewing class that I will start taking tomorrow. I didn't pay attention when I took the high school home economics class when it came to sewing. I put that under the lessons learned category. You should learn everything while you can, because you might need it in later life. To make up for it, I will be attending 3 classes to improve my skills. I hope to learn alot from it.

Some of My Craft Items

Various styles of our keychains

My korker bows: They take a while to make.

Burp Cloths that can grow into a security blankie.

A Pillow Case Dress for Emma!

I am inspired by my beautiful granddaughter, Emma Lei. She is such a joy to be around. I completed a white pillowcase dress last night for their upcoming beach pictures in June. I actually just came back from the post office mailing it to her. I hope she gets a kick out of getting mail. I did when I was little. I know she will look like an angle in it.

I'm Starting My Own Home Based Business

Life seems to continue to take turns that are unexpected. We have been in Georgia for almost a year now. With no job possibilities on the horizon for me, Scott and I have decided to start a home based business with my crafts and sewing projects. I seem to be selling atleast one or two items a day, so it is off to a slow start but steady start.

My current product line is kind of slim, but I will be expanding it as the weeks go on. I currently have pillowcase dresses, binky keepers, baby blankets, bows of various styles, and hummingbird feeders in my inventory. OK, I know the hummingbird feeders does not go with the rest of the items, but this is hubby's way of helping out and adding his touch to the business.

He has been a huge help with marketing all of the products. He has spent hours working on my web sites and listing items on Ebay, Etsy, and Facebook. I couldn't do this without his love and support.

If you have time, please check out the website he created: www.djscreations.com or www.craftsbydj.com. Both links go to our website. If you have any suggestions for future products, please leave your suggestions.