Happy Holidays!

Hope you have a Happy Holiday!

I'll be enjoying a small break and will return to blogging the first week of 2010!!

Thank you for such a wonderful, busy year...

**And that funky new hat is in the shop!**

Something For Me

I have been itching to make myself a skirt to match Isa's Christmas dress that I sewed for her. Finally this past weekend, I found some time. I really wanted a bubble skirt. Honestly, I don't know why. They aren't especially flattering on my hourglass shape, but I just *wanted* one!

I used Vogue's - Very Easy Pattern.

I love what some "easy" is defined as..

It took me just over 2 hours. It is fully lined

(I used this scrumptious red silky lining.. why not it's the holidays, right?!)

My only word of caution is checking the measurements against what you actually are. I did 2 sizes up from what my jeans are, and it's still snug.. granted there has been a fair amount cookie nibbling and eggnog drinking..

And alas it turned out I didn't have enough fabric. I improvised and I think it makes for a fabulous change. I had enough fabric for 1 full skirt side. For the other, I just folded up the pattern till it fit the amount of fabric I had left. This worked in this situation because there is a serious amount of fullness and lots of leeway for less fabric.

When putting the dress together, I simply added a faux seam an equal amount of room away from where the 2 sides joined. The only other changed that followed was that I moved the zipper from the side to now the back. Thus, there is a visible seam on the yoke in the middle of my belly, but I honestly think it looks awesome and fully intended...which it partly was..

New Pictures!

Although I love taking photographs, I learned a long time ago that my Etsy listings that sell the best are the ones with photographs taken by professionals.

Here are some new shots & I will be creating listings later tonight!

Triana Ord Photography

Utah County

http://blog.trianaordphotography.com

Andrea Loftin

http://www.tummies2tots.net

Ginger Lover

Yes, I love Gingers! What can I say, my pops was a red headed freckled faced Ginger....

I also love *Gingerbread* (which surprisingly, my Ginger pops hates..lol) We took Isabelle to a fabulous Gingerbread village display at the Grand American in downtown SLC. This hotel is swank with a capital S! And of course our angel in her fur coat stomped around the joint like she was a Hilton heir. You can see the pics of our outing on my personal blog later this evening.

In honor of the this tasty holiday treat, here are a few of my favorite Etsy ginger items..

Gingerbread Man (Multicolor Felted Soap) by SoFino

Gingerbread Man Bowl by Thebrickkiln

Gingerbread Fudge by VintageConfections

***Pictures are owned by their respective Etsy shop owner and they retain their copyright***

Time Out For Cookies

I take my Holiday cookies seriously.. very seriously. I have all this coming Saturday blocked out to bake and watch my favorite holiday flicks: "A Christmas Story", "It's A Wonderful Life", and "Elf".

My daughter is still a little too young to make sugar cookies with, she's barely 21 months. I really wanted to find a way to include her in one of my favorite holiday activities. As if Twitter read my mind, I came across this posting about pie crusts cookies. And in my freezer I have an obscene amount of pie crusts, why I do not know..but I do!

This is the *perfect* baking activity for a toddler! It's low mess, quick, and a great way to introduce your littlest baker into the kitchen.

(recipe courtesy of Rachel Hobson over at Craftzine)

1. Leave pie crusts out till the are room temperature. Roll out very thinly on a lightly floured

surface. Pre heat oven to 350.

2. Cut out fun holiday shapes with cookie cutters.

3. Brush cookies with melted butter.

4. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

5. Bake for about 17 minutes & enjoy!

** 10% All Etsy orders till 12/15 - enter code "Cookies" in the notes to seller. **

The Very Next Sale..

My next sale will be my 300th!

To thank all my awesome clients, the 300th sale will receive

* Free Stork Pouch

*Free International Shipping

What are you reading this for?

Go be the lucky 300!!

Holiday Rush

I remember those days that I was able to ship a client's item out within 48 hours from purchase. Then about 4 months ago the universe granted me some major business, and my lead time has been 2 weeks for a loooong time now. I used to do "rush" orders for free as long as I could finagle around it. Unfortunately, for the month of December, I can not in shape or form honor a "rush". I'm sooo bummed.

However, I will be trying to list some "ready 2 ship" items in the store each week.. And here's a look at what I have now...

Small 12" Evergreen & Snow Striped Hat

Small 12" Sonoran Desert Pom Pom Hat

OOAK (one a kind) Newborn 13.5" Candy Cane Pom Pom Hat

* Knit with incredible yummy handspun & dyed wool

Chocolate Damask Taffeta For Isabelle

Isabelle has 2 meetings with Santa this week and I'm hoping to get "THE" Christmas card photo from one of them. Tomorrow is the Tree Festival and on Thursday she'll be in her jammies heading up to the North Pole on "Polar Express". I sewed Isabelle a holiday dress with some gorgeous chocolate brown damask taffeta (I will be creating a bubble skirt for myself later so that we match this holiday season!)

This was supposed to be an "Easy" pattern. It took me about 3 hours, and I still have to hem it. It's close to midnight, and I'm not waking the

baby to see where it falls. Also the pattern included hand slip stitching as well as a zipper. Not the hardest things in the book,but I think for a new seamstress it would have been aggravating. I did make some changes to how I

placed the yoke on the skirt,but that can be a tad dry reading.. so if you make it and want to know what I did, feel free to drop me a line.

All in all,I'm pretty happy with it.

I will probably add a hook & eye

above the zipper later. Just a thing that is bugging me, but no biggie. And if I made it again, I

would definitely use my serger.. for first time

around projects I only use my sewing machine (don't want unwanted cuts to the fabric!)

If You Sew, You Need To Buy This Book!

I would estimate that I pull off my book shelf, More Fabric Savvy by Sandra Betzina for at least 70% of my sewing projects and almost always for a new item prototype. Not to be blasphemous, but it truly is my sewing Bible. She explains how to prep the fabric, what needle to use, and other important tidbits. From corduroy to taffeta, it's covered.

So before you start a new project,buy this book! It will save you money in the long run because you will avoid disaster - I promise! And no, I'm not making anything from this endorsement, I just feel that strongly about it :o)

** P.S. Tune into tonight around 11pm Mtn to see a preview of *one* of Isa's holiday dress. It was kinda of holiday photo shoot 911 situation..

New Item - Perfect Stocking Stuffer

I love those rare days when I create a new item for the store.

Just in time for the holidays, I'm offering these awesome expandable mug cozies. They are a perfect stocking stuffer or small gift for that special someone on your list.

I love custom orders and can do just about any color you can imagine.

Don't drink coffee? How about hot cocoa, hot cider, tea, or a bunch of other yummy warm drinks!

These are under $10 and free international shipping! Happy Holidays!

Last Deal for This Weekend

I hope you've all enjoyed the holiday!

To top it off, I'll be offering:

* A FREE cocoon with any additional purchase.

You can choose from oatmeal, raspberry, baby's got the blues, or sweet pea.

Code : COCOON

Happy Holidays!

Ode to Alice Cullen Loom -a- Long

I love contests! And when I saw one of my favorite knitters, Vickie Howell Twitter about her Loom -A -Long contest, I knew I had to enter!

Here are my supplies: Provo Craft Flower Loom & Bernat Soft Chunky Yarn

It is a super easy pattern, and I was able to finish the set in less than an hour.

And here are my end results: a pair of super cute arm warmers!

I'm going to make another with a fiber that is even chunkier.

Living here in Utah, arm warmers are not accessories they are necessary.

Thanks Vickie!

I'll keep my fingers crossed I win...

Cost of Creativity

Lots of orders + little time = super unattractive fingers

Before I met my husband, I was on a first date with a guy(who actually introduced me to my future husband later that night..but that's for another blog post) And he was shocked, dismayed and I think down right disgusted that I didn't have a fresh manicure. Ya'll, if you work with your hands you are not going to be doing Palmolive commercials anytime soon.

I've accepted that I'll never have beautiful hands. It's hilarious when we spend time with someone with painted fingers or toes, Isabelle goes nuts over it. It truly is something out of the ordinary for her to see.

That's okay.. Keep those holiday orders coming, I have a haircut next week that will rock my husband's socks!

Warm me up, Buttercup!

In 2010 I will be condensing all my businesses onto the All Things Belle Etsy store.

Everything from my cupcake wrappers originally on Busy Izzy Bakery

to my scented wall vinyl cling I started on Scented Living.

And of course I'm going to be branching out in the knitted & crocheted realm.

For today, with any purchase I will be including a *free* crocheted coffee mug warmer!

Don't drink coffee? It's great for those mugs full of hot chocolate or cider.

Or now you have a perfect stocking stuffer!

Code - Latte

Live & Learn

Alrighty folks, apparently running sales will visiting a town with little WiFi is not going to work..

So I'm home!

And at this late hour I will be offering an awesome deal for those loyal sale watchers..

*Free Shipping ANYWHERE

* 20% off EVERYTHING!

Code - WiFi

I am happy to create a new listing for you or refund via Paypal.

My many apologies for the sketchy internet service.

I'm home and eagerly at your beckon call!

Black Friday

Alas, it is Black Friday and my credit cards are cold to the touch.

We're visiting my husband's family and there is no mall to be found

within reasonable driving distance..

But here's an awesome deal for you!

With any purchase,

your second item (of equal or lesser value)

will be 50% off!!

Code - Black Friday

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Turns out not only does my hubby's hometown not have my fav Black Friday shops,

WiFi is hard to come by too!

I apologize for the delay in today's deal...

So!

I'll give you 2 deals today

*FREE International Shipping. Whatever, wherever.

Please convo me your wish list and I'll create a custom listing for you.

As I mentioned I may not have Internet access, so if I can do it today

I will of course honor the deal and create the listing for you tomorrow

AND

* 20% off stork pouches.

Refund will be made via Paypal.

Enjoy the day and the post turkey nap!

Secret Sale Starting Early

Now till the 30th I will be posting a secret sale code.

A new sale only good for 24 hours!

Starting the sale off early!

From right now till midnight 11/25/09

Any and All cocoons are $20 w/ ANY purchase

** Refunds will be made via Paypal**

Please reference code - YAMS

in the notes to seller

My Little Turkey

As my business has grown over the last year, I've felt myself putting projects for family & friends on the back burner so I can get a little more work done. This was heartbreaking for me. The point of running my own business was so that I would be at home with Isabelle (and future kids), and give more to those I love. So each weekend I "try" to set aside all work, and only do projects for those I love. It's not a perfect system, and this weekend I slipped. A lot of the photographers I had orders from HAD to have items this coming week, that meant I HAD to work overtime and then some. With all that said, I was bound and determined to create a dress for Isabelle for Thanksgiving. My original hope had been to sew 2 ties that matched for her cousins; had great visions of the family photos. Sorry Brycen and Bailey, the ties are probably not going to get done in the next 48 hours. I'm sure they'll forgive me.. Well after some Wii and pumpkin pie..

The pattern I used was Olive Ann Designs : Jump-N . Purchased it at one of my favorite local fabric stores, Material Girls over in South Jordan.

And I'm still on my corduroy kick; using a heavy wide wale green cord and small wale chocolate brown w/ matching green polka dot .

I made some changes, and honestly now that I'm done I will make more changes to the next one. I am not a flamingo fan, so that appliqué got axed. Also..

* Isa is skin & bones, so her body measurements put her at size 1. However, I didn't take into consideration that she has my head. Big heads means big ideas! It is super hard to get it over her head and tears usually erupt. For the next dress I will either push the sleeves out more or increase the width of the neck.

* It is supposed to be reversible, but honestly with 2 cords it makes it very bulky. With the next one I'd either use only 1 heavy fabric or not intend to make it reversible.

* Your bobbin thread color is important!! For this reason I will probably not use the polka dot side as wearable option. The bobbin thread color is distracting to me though I'm sure Isa is unaware :o)

* I added a machine embroidered turkey on the bottom for a little added holiday decoration. The original had that flamingo.. I bought the embroidery pattern at SWAK Embroidery

If I had more time to spend on the dress I think I'd be slightly happier with it. It really only should have took around 2 hours to sew, but with a toddler yelling "Go Diego, Go!" and deadlines looming over my shoulder.. I said this Turkey is done, stick a fork in it!

Insane Goodness

While surfing the Internet today for new ideas,

I came across this recipe/tutorial that could only be defined as a gift from the Gods!

Pie in a jar

Go to their site.. right now.. Did you go?

Do you have buckets of drool on your keyboard now?!

This is my primo family project for December. I'm thinking some kind of apple cobbler for the weekend we drag out the Christmas decorations and set up the first fire.

Hope you enjoy - now go wipe your mouth!

Preview of Prototype

In the handcrafted world, in the past items for men have been neglected.

My husband has made it clear that while he appreciates the effort,

any hand knit scarves, sweaters, etc would only gather dust bunnies.

What's a girl to do?

Well.. this month I will be rolling out a line of ties for toddlers through grandpas.

Some will be embroidered

(think more tatoo style rather than bunnies..of course unless you custom order bunnies)

Here is my a pic of my prototype.

Of course I choose to work with one of the thickest materials out there.. sighs..

Alas, I love corduroy, so I'm ironing the kinks..

(pun fully intended)

These will be perfect for photography shoots, church, and

everyday for the fancy pants boys!

Finally It's About The Ladies!

In 2010, I will be condensing all my items into "All Things Belle".

Right now the store's focus is on baby photography props, but there is so much more

that I create and have interest it.

I'm starting early and am creating a line of fine items for the ladies.

The items will be of the best fiber I can find.

To start it off, I've just added this Golden Mohair Scarf

I'm waiting on shipment from Rowan yarns;

once it is in my hands I'll be creating a limited line

of Tunisian Crocheted shawls.

The ultimate holiday gift!

Late Addition

Just in!!

Check out this yummy "Spiced Cranberry" Pom Pom Hat fresh off the hook!

It's created with a super sweet self striping yarn

(how do they do that??)

Lots of cranberries and pinks..

I think it's perfect for this Holiday.

I just might have to make a matching set for Isabelle and I!

Shake Your Pom Poms!

I adore my new pom pom hats!

I just think that they are so fun and cozy.

I of course will take custom orders all the time, but I have added some new colors for

clients to enjoy.

English Garden

Melted Crayons

Birthday Cake

And I've been toying with the idea of making some pom pom scarves

to match for the older children.

For those looking for some Holiday gifts and or photography props,

I'll be adding some peppermint & evergreen inspired hats later this month.

Learning a New Trick

A couple months ago at my LYS (local yarn shop),

I was coveting this gorgeous green afghan.

It wasn't quite crochet and it wasn't knit, but it was 100% yummy!

Turns out it is Tunisian Crochet!

And there is a fabulous book to learn it written by Sharon Silverman.

Granted I know both how to knit & crochet, but I have to tell you

that I picked this technique up in about the 10 minutes it took my hubby to get ready for bed.

I bet you will pick it up quickly too!

Go try it!!

Go ahead, I'll wait for you..

I decided to use some of my birthday money to

buy a full Tunisian crochet hook set at Stitch Diva .

But there are quite a few learning projects you can do try on just your regular hooks.

This is so much fun, and I just love learning new skills!

WIP for Isa

What is a WIP for a Hooker?

Got your attention there didn't I?

Well I'm a crocheter and we work with hooks.. So, just slap the label Hooker on me.

It's okay, I'm comfortable with my title.

And WIPS..

Works In Progress

<---- this is where I am at in making

this------>

for my cutie pie Isabelle!

It is from "Easy to Crochet. Cute Clothes for Kids" by Sue Whitling

It is such a fun shell stitch. Unfortunately when I work crochet from other people's patterns, I tend to do it very tight and tiny..

As skinny as my little girl is, this maybe one tight sweater..

Back to Blogging

It is almost 2010, but I will start my New Year's Resolution early!

Bloggin' baby!!

"All Things Belle" on Etsy has really taken off in the last 4 months. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to work from home and stay close to our daughter. I have the most amazing clients, and it is a dream come true to be able to do what you love.

With the rise in business, I've decided to condense all my business affairs

into All Things Belle on Etsy.

This means that will be my only point of sale store.

I will however be offering all my other items there in 2010.

Such as cupcake wrappers from "Busy Izzy Bakery"

and custom designed cards from "Belle Paperie" and oh so much more..

Ironically with the rise in business, I felt it necessary to block out my weekends for just family projects. It is easy for me to spend limitless hours on the computer creating listings and working on projects for clients, that I forget the real purpose.

The real purpose was to be able to stay home with our daughter

and be the kind of mother to her that I had.

This means homemade cookies and hand knitted sweaters!

On this blog I will let you know what is going on with ATB,

but I will also fill you in on the craftiness that is done just out of love.

And isn't that what should inspire us... love.

The Studio 5 Clip!

http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=71&sid=5620864

Studio 5

Woohoo! You can check out the Busy Izzy Bakery St. Patrick's Day collection debut

on Studio 5, this coming Wednesday at 11am Mtn Std channel 5!

Items will be up in the Etsy shop this week!

There will be shamrock cupcake wrappers,

shamrock cookies,

and Irish Creme Krispie Treats!

Come on, everyone loves an Irish Gal!!

Orders Everywhere

When it rains, it pours! As soon as I opened up the Busy Izzy Bakery, Arizona Bride emailed a request for samples and forecast for this season's wedding invitations. And the photographers were in a shopping mood; I think I had a bundler purchase each day this past week. Can anyone say time for a nap?

I'm so excited also to report that some of my bakery items will be featured on Utah's Studio 5 in March! Woohoo!!

And I'm starting on a new line of crocheted wool diaper covers - perfect for newborn photographers or the eco friendly mom!

Another Business

I just opened up my new business, the Busy Izzy Bakery!

I found a resturant that will let me use their kitchen and sell my items there as well!

I'm also putting my paper cutter to good use,

and have added super cute cupcake wrappers for sale!

Thomas and I are getting slightly bigger from all the bakery test runs :o)