It has been a very long month and a half since my last post. Scott had injured his arm while working at his Mom's clearing trees. We went to an orthopedic doctor in Columbus, GA on May 11th to have it checked out. After a few test, they determined that it was a blood clot in his arm. My Dad also went into the hospital on the 11th with pneumonia. My Dad was a lot more sick that any of us knew. He coded in the early morning hours of the 12th and was unresponsive. We headed back to Alabama on the morning of the 12th.



The doctor wanted to do a follow up with Scott on Thursday, so we did the follow up in Tuscaloosa. They found another blood clot in his arm which had the vein occluded. They sent him to the emergency room and admitted him in to the hospital. So I had my Dad on one floor and Scott on another floor. Scott was discharged from the hospital on the morning of the 14th. My Dad went to Heaven the night of the 14th. He never regained consciousness, but we continued to talk to him throughout. We were very blessed to be surrounded by my Dad's family, my Mom's family, and lifelong friends.



Due to the blood clots, Scott was unable to lift, drive, or ride for long periods of time. We had to go for blood work a couple of times after he was released to check the consistency of his blood. Through his hospitalization, they found out that he had severely thick blood, so they did a round of blood work and then placed him on blood thinner to help dissolve the clots. They had to adjust his blood to a safe level so that we could travel back home. They also would not release him until he had a doctor back in Georgia. We found out this week that he also has a condition called Factor 5 which is a blood clotting disorder. Our daughter Kristi also has Factor 5. She was diagnosed in 2009. With that being said, if a family member is diagnosed with a genetic condition that you could have, go an be checked out. It could save your life.


My Dad's funeral was on the 17th of May. He wore a beautiful red shirt that my Aunt Vanessa had bought for my Uncle Faron or Faron Earl as my Daddy would have called him. As far as funeral goes, it was a great one. Bro. Burns told stories about my Dad.

July 5, 2011

We have finally decided on our store front. We will be opening up a store front in Hogansville, GA sometime the first part of August. It will be in their old jail building, so I guess that makes me a jailbird. Looks like the name as of now will be Embellishments by Dj's Creations. There is alot to do between now and then. I have to learn the laser engraver and need to learn the vinyl cutter. All of this and I'm feeling the need to go to the beach. Only time will tell. Wish me luck!

Looking for a Store Front

It has been a long couple of weeks. We have been busy with orders, which is great. Business is really picking up. We are looking for different locations to potentially open up a store front. This will allow us to open up to many different brands that requires a store front to sell. Hopefully, we will find the perfect location soon.

We enjoyed a few days off together Easter weekend. Scott had taken a few days off for us to spend together for my birthday. They were really great. Then, on April 27th, our home state was devastated by tornadoes. Alabama was hit extremely hard by tornadoes, not once but twice that day. My Mother In Laws house was severely damaged by the tornadoes that went through early that morning. The rest of Tuscaloosa was devastated by the tornadoes that went through that night.

It is heart breaking to see all of the missing houses that use to be there. Businesses have been destroyed and thousands of people have been displaced. The recovery efforts are underway. Rebuilding will be a slow process, but Tuscaloosa will be back stronger than ever.

Promoting Website to Search Engines

My new website has been up for about a month now. Scott has taken alot of time getting it promoted to the many search engines that are now online. I am very happy to say that all of his hard work has started to pay off over the last two weeks. I now selling items on my website, Ebay and Artfire. Making money is what it is all about in the end. I love to check my email and see that I have a new order. It is also fun to see what my customers come up with for the font and color combinations. Today, I learned that I should check my software website regularly. They had added 4 new mofit sets and a new font set. I would have never thought to do this, but I had a request for * to be added to the front and end of the name. I never realized that my software wouldn't normally allow for this. After a brief panic, I started doing searches to see what I could find. To my surprise, I found the updates. Crisis averted! The laser engraver is up an running. We have a wide variety of engravable products on the website now. I still have a lot to learn about it, but it is a great addition to the product line. It gives additional options for personalized gifts.

Lots of New Items and a Laser Engraver

We have tons of new items that have came in recently. A lot of diaper bags, but we have also added totes, cosmetic cases and lunch boxes to the collection. Looks like this is going to be a weekend for organization. My work studio is getting a little crowded with product. What was once a man cave is definitely now the newest addition to my business. There was some denial for a while.



The laser engraver came in on Tuesday. We are waiting until the weekend to get it unpacked and upstairs. We are going to get a table for it and shelves for the bags this weekend. I can't wait to try it out. This will add a lot of product of the line.



Thanks to my wonderful husband, Scott, my website has been totally redone. It looks great if I do say so myself. He has spent a lot of time and effort into getting the website up and running as well as helping my get the business up and running. He is also A LOT cheaper than getting someone else to do it. I am very fortunate and blessed. So, when you have time, go and check out the website. We would love to hear your feedback on the site and our newest products.

Doctors, Doctors, and more Doctors

It seems that all I do lately is go from one doctor to another. I had an ultra sound of my leg today. Tomorrow is surgery day for my left leg. It is outpatient and isn't suppose to take long. I also had an Allergy and Asthma appointment today. I am suppose to start my allergy shots in two weeks if all my symptoms clear up before then. My newest doctor will be a new GI doctor. Apparently alot of my A and A symptoms are irritated by my reflux. It would be nice if when you moved all of your doctors could pack up and come with you. It would save a whole lot of time and explaining.

My new sewing machine is now up and running. I also got my old machine repaired and tuned up. It sews better than new now. My digitizing classes start Thursday. I am really looking forward to them. I can't wait to be able to use my Christmas present. Sergers are going with me to class to get tuned up too.

Life is good and Business is busy!

I was able to pick up my software and bobbins on Saturday. I got my machine on Tuesday. I'm loving it all. I am still trying to figure to my new digitizing software, but they are having classes Feb. 3 and 4 in Atlanta. I haven't had alot of time to sew on my new machine. I took the car to get the oil changed on Wednesday and ended up being there for 4 hours. The oil got changed, but they didn't get anything else fixed that they were suppose to on it. Thursday and Friday was tied up with errands.

Our Friday night was very eventful. We went out to eat at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. After being at home for about 20 minutes, I ended up at the hospital for 5 hours. I lost track of time, so it may have been longer. I still am not feeling that well, but at least I can breathe. It will be a very, very long time before we eat Mexican again with the exception of Taco Casa. I'm back at the Asthma and Allergy doctor on Tuesday, but I doubt that I get to start my allergy shots then.

I got several large orders in last week, so I will be busy with them over the next few weeks. I think my new sewing machine will speed these up. I am also planning to try making some iron on appliques and an eye patch or two. I really enjoy doing the different little projects. The little project is what keeps my mind working.

Life is good and Business is busy! Can't ask for much more.

Snow/Sleet and Asthma and Allergy

Sunday/Monday, we had a very nasty wintery mix of snow/sleet. It pretty much shut down the hole area where we live for a couple of days. Transfer trucks have been stuck on the interstates around Atlanta, so delivers have been delayed all over the area. UPS is suppose to be making a deliver here today, so hopefully it does not get delayed due to the weather.

I had a follow-up visit today with the asthma and allergy specialist. I was hoping to start my allergy shots. To my disappointment, I got yet another antibiotic and more lab work instead. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but I had already taken the Benadryl that I am suppose to take on the day of my allergy shot. To make a possible very long story short, I am not very groggy from the Benadryl. So instead of working like I need to be, I want to take a nap which can't happen.

I called yesterday to see if my new sewing machine had came in. As of Friday, it still had not arrived. They were closed on Monday and Tuesday due to the weather. I am looking forward to getting my new machine and software. Hoepfully I will be able to pick it up Saturday morning. Also, I have added a favorite links section to my blog. Check them out when you get time.

In with the New!

Since my last post, there have been major changes. We have a beautiful new granddaughter, Krimson Faith, who without a doubt has stolen her Mimi's heart. She is totally different from her big sister Emma. It is amazing to see and watch how they are different. They are truly a gift from God. My Dad is a miracle from God. He still has a sore on his leg, but we are trusting in God to continue to heal his body and keep him in his hands. My Mom had open heart surgery. She is a miracle also. She is much stronger than she gives herself credit for.

I have been super busy with my sewing. My business has gotten off to a great start. I have expanded with a sublimation printer, vinyl cutter, and a Babylock 6 needle embroidery machine. For Christmas, Scott ordered me a new Singer 20U109 commercial sewing machine, Monogram Wizard Plus Extended Features, bobbins for my embroidery machine, and digitizing software (Ethos Artisan Plus). My new equipment and software should be in at the beginning of next week. I am super excited about getting it. With training, the digitizing software will open up a new aspect of my business which should turn out to be very profitable. The commercial sewing machine will make my sewing faster, which will also add to my profitability. After all, the whole point in having a home based business is to make money. I am excited about the Monogram Wizard Plus Extended Features to see exactly what all it does and is capable of.

The plans for the next big purchases are a laser cutter and trailer. The trailer will allow me to start doing festivals. The laser cutter will allow me to add to my product line. Both will be excellent investments in our future.

The first few days of 2011 have been great. I'm looking forward to the rest of a great new year. Hoping for a productive and prosperous New Year.

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.