Herbal Remedies, Aromatherapy, Bath and Body Products

Was it Halloween?

2009-11-05T08:57:00.006-05:00

well....thats it :-) My older one was a vampire, my younger a Native Indian and me....well, I was SUPPOSE to be a vampire, but my teeth just didnt work out. I think I look more like a witch...lol

See how you can win free Goats Milk Soap with Shea Butter Cream

2009-10-29T10:58:00.007-04:00

I am going to offer a free 3oz Goats Milk Soap, accompanied by a 2oz Shea Butter Cream - your choice of scent of course, for the 100th subscriber to my newsletter. If by any chance more people enter, I will do the same for the 150th and 200th and so on for every 50th person.

All you have to do is click on the blue box on the left and enter your name and email. If at any time you want to unsubscribe - thats very easy to do.

I just want to tell you that you can be at peace - I dont overwhelm the people with emails all the time. I start with

myself, knowing that I wouldnt like that.

The prize is worth 9.50$

Thank You.

I have over 115 different scents to choose from. You can see them here:

http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6254361

and here:

http://www.artfire.com/users/meaculpabodyandbath/blog/c/my-list-of-scents-available

Getting personal with soap...no, not THAT way!

2009-10-23T10:47:00.004-04:00

So, I started making soaps and my biggest challenge so far has been matching colors to the scent. Yeap - it takes some creativity to do that successfully.....and honestly, I dont think I have been all that successful with it.

One scent just sent a lightening bolt through my head and I had the colors pink-gray in my head. That scent was Very Sexy from Victorias Secret. I dont know why, it somehow reminded me of my days when I used to work as a customer service at a

n international phone company. It was elegant, sensual and sexy in such a subtle way - just like the ladies that worked at the office with me.

In a tribute to our inner sensuality - I matched Very Sexy with the soft look of pink shirt and gray pants :-)

Right now I am running specials on my soaps - all my 3oz soaps are marked down to 2.50$

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Sell Handmade

Some cute jewelery finds :-)

2009-10-22T16:06:00.002-04:00

I was browsing ArtFire and came up to M2bC's Studio - amazing pieces! Here I am sharing some that I liked a LOT!

Kumihimo Necklace with Aventurine

Necklace and Earring Set - Larvikite and Labradorite

Quartz Crystal Point Pendant

Pumpkin picking with a friend

2009-10-21T09:36:00.004-04:00

"But mommy, why do they hate Santa?"

2009-10-19T09:46:00.005-04:00

I just want to start by saying that I dont judge anyone by their spiritual beliefs - it if it works for you and makes you happy, go for it - who am I to criticize? I am a pagan and have a collection of beliefs from around the world and I hope nobody would judge me for it either - nor feel sorry for me.

I celebrate all holidays as the other kids in school do, because I don't want my child to feel left behind. I cant be happy forcing or forbidding things that other kids do. If my daughter is not happy - I am not either.

Now, on to the topic that I wanted to share :-)

My older daughter who is 7 years old now has gone to the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall with her auntie and grandma. I don't mind. To me, the backbone of any religion and belief is love. I have always told my daughter not to believe everything she hears. Question everything. Seek answers. And seek them everywhere - not just in one book or in one school of thought. She understands that and she always has something to say.

Yesterday she came back from a sleep over (and a Kingdom Hall outing) a little bit upset. I asked her to talk to me and tell me what is bothering her. She started talking and, oh boy, did I hear a lot!

"Mom, they told me that we shouldn't celebrate Christmas. Why not? They said that Santa is bad, that he is evil. Why do they hate Santa? They talk that we should love everyone and here they don't. They don't love everyone, mom. They HATE Santa...Santa is not evil - they are! How can they hate? Oh...oh...and you know what? They also said that Halloween is evil. That Halloween is from the Devil....how can it be from the Devil? The Devil doesn't exist! Momma, I told you I don't want to go to those churches, then I will have all these church stuff in my head!" (I don't know how to explain to her the difference between a Kingdom Hall and a Church).

And I just sat there and listened, listened, listened....it was not like she was asking me questions - she

was venting. Didn't know what to say. Finally I just uttered:

"Well, you know Mia, they have their own things they believe in. You don't have to if you don't like it, you know that

right? You don't have to worry, we will still celebrate Christmas and Halloween and Santa will be here for you.".

To me it was a pleasant shock to hear her think like that. I thought that at her age she would believe everything she hears as the truth. I just want to say how happy I was to see my daughter brainstorming.

I want to share the new product line in my store - goats mik soaps!!!

2009-10-15T09:09:00.008-04:00

I have been a busy bee lately. You know, its so awesome when you do something you love - you dont mind not knowing where your head is, you are actually happy!

Through this year since I have been selling online, people kept asking me if I do soaps.....at that time, I did not. I was a bit unsure if I ever wanted to offer soaps. That was out of my comfort zone.

Well, that changed! I finally plunged into it! My first dilemma (and it still is as I am still filling up the store) was wha

t scent should I make first? Would it be something for the season and the holiday or something that I actually enjoy smelling. I decided to mix them up and start with a small selection, while slowly adding more scent choices of soap.

The first one I made was a soap for my husband. He wanted something exfoliating so he would be able to use it as a scrubbing soap. I added some pumice stone and loofah and

voila! He loves it! This coming from a guy that is addicted to body wash and doesnt want to ever use a bar of soap. That actually gave me the encouragement to make more and add them to my store.

For now, I have these scents in my store:

Oakmoss Sandalwood, Iced Pumpkin, Birthday Cake, Lilac in Bloom, Nutcracker and a Cucumber Mint exfoliating Goats Milk Soap. I am in the process to add Pink Sugar, Violet Shea and Cupcake - for now.....way more to come in the upcoming days.

I really like having nice pictures of the products too and I have never in my life took a picture of soap - I am so used to photographing jars and bottles. I would really appreciate any input you got to share about my photos :-)

The ingredients are:

coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil, safflower oil, glycerin, water, goat milk, sorbitol, sorbitan oleate, fragrance oil, soybean protein, titanium dioxide

Castor oil adds moisturizing;

Safflower Oil is a highly moisturizing oil with an exceptionally high amount of Oleic acids, deeply soothing and one of the best choices for skin moisturizing;

Glycerin is a humectant, drawing moisture to your skin, allowing it to remain hydrated and soft. Beyond hydrating your skin, glycerin is also known to be a natural remedy for yeast and fungal infections, such as eczema and psoriasis. It is especially good for sensitive skin. Glycerin soap does not contain synthetic ingredients that will cause skin irritations. It keeps your skin looking AND feeling healthy and soft.

The low pH level of goat milk is close to our skin’s own pH. Goat milk also contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which are known for their restorative and rejuvenating qualities.

I love the way the Universe works!

2009-10-09T11:02:00.006-04:00

Do you want the nitty griddy details?

Ok. So, I dont know how many of you know that I came to USA from Macedonia. A

wesome country, but I have to say that the people are a little more closed minded. Just now they are starting to open up to tattoing and even that is more in the context of - macedonian pride (which I am fine with) or nice pictures of animals, flowers etc. They are not familiar with tribal tattoos and them being hard core orthodox - they have a picture in their head that henna tattoos are only for muslims.

That said, I had a henna design done on my hand and then up to my elbow, crowned with a Black Widow Spider (which all still have to be finished). My friend is still back home. I l

ove her, I grew up with her....but she has a different taste and world views than me.

She noticed the pictures of my tattoos on Facebook and let me know of her thoughts. Well....that was something....lol.....I was told that my tribal/henna tattoos look like a kid scribbled them and that I should fire my artist. And that my spider is creepy and so not tasteful. I have to express that I told her everyone has their own taste buds and all this is relative - nobody can find the same one thing attractive. And thats a good thing though. BUT she insisted that the artist is no good.....ok....

Today I receive a forwarded e-mail from her. You know, one of those that tell you to send them to xxxx people. This e-mail was about the Goddess Lakshmi and was asking to send to people for prosperity.....HA!!!!! I got ya now!!!! The same tattoos that she was trashing are a "prayer" to Lakshmi for luck and prosperity.....

I just love when the circle closes like this. I did make sure I e-mailed her back to let her know.

Yeah....I was too geeked about this and HAD to blog about it. Dont judge me!

Another gentle and all natural hair aid - Natural Hair Detangler

2009-10-08T09:35:00.003-04:00

Soooo, how did it start? My daughters always, ALWAYS woke up with some messed up hair, totally in knots and it was painful to brush that! I did use store bought sprays to detangle it, but the thing that I hated the most was that it left their hair soapy! Yeap, every single time I gave them a bath and got their hair wet - it already had slippery soapy like thing in it, way before I even applied shampoo.

Decided to play with what I had at home and get this done and over with. First thing that I thought was - jojoba oil. Its a wax, not an oil and its been known as a good hair aid - it gives shine, it nourishes it, it repairs it. Didnt want to put any essential oils - I was dealing with kid after all and I was not sure how their scalp and hair would take that, so I added just a tad bit of rosemary extract. That would help with the knots and add shine and silkiness. At last, I added phytokeratin (carrot product) which is THE best for hair detangling and making it manageable again. And then, I mixed this all with distilled water :-)

I have used this with my girls for few months now and I have given one to my sister. I am so happy with the results!!! No more soapy hair! Whats best, it leaves the locks shiny and silky and even takes care of the frizziness!

I just wanted to share my little discovery, my little all natural hair spray for tangles, knots and shine :-)

If you would like to purchase it, you can do it here (without even opening an acoount):

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Buy Handmade

So, it HAS been forver since I blogged, huh?

2009-10-08T08:45:00.002-04:00

Yeah.....everything was getting to me back in May. I didnt have any time for my family, I was way too busy working on my stores, promoting, visiting social networking sites, researching, blogging, visiting blogs etc.....I really, really burned out! I needed this break so much!

Now I'm back and I need to take things easy. I heard that Entrecard is not really working the way it used to, so I might use it only to browse blogs the easier way :-)

Talk later people!

:-)

Jasmina

Got myself a tattoo - finally!!!!

2009-05-20T10:00:00.003-04:00

I have been tempted to go get a tattoo every time I see my husband and every time I see someone having something nice and meaningful done....months back, when we searched for something for my husband - I came across a picture of a mandala that just took my breath away and since then it has been in my head and wouldnt leave me alone....so I decided to do it!

Because I was scared of the pain, I told my dear husband to find someone to do it for me - NOW...lol....Honestly, I could have changed my mind in no time.

Well...talking about a pain. It did hurt - but only when he was drawing the lines over my spine. I thought that I can bite through metal, thats how bad it was. Luckily, it didnt last long and the rest was a piece of cake!

Here is my tat, pic taken the same day when it was done:

I want to appologize to everyone

2009-05-08T09:19:00.001-04:00

From the last virus attack I wrote about earlier, I am not able to leave comments on blogs....weird, I know....I cant even open my own posts here - it shuts off my Mozilla right away.....so if you leave a comment in the shout box, I will be able to visit back

This sucks big time :-(

Four Ways to Sooth Your Eyes - Naturally

2009-05-05T09:40:00.006-04:00

CHAMOMILE EYE SOOTHER

1/8 Chamomile Tea Bags
1 cup Distilled Water

Heat the distilled water to a point of boiling and remove from heat after it comes to a full rolling boil. Add the tea bags and let them sit there until the water is lukewarm. Remove them and squeeze out the excess liquid. Place the tea bags on your closed eyes for 15 minutes. Remove and discard. The infusion can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and used as hair or facial rinse.

CALENDULA EYE SOOTHER

2 Tbsps dried calendula blossoms
1/3 cup distilled water

Add the calendula blossoms to the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain the blossoms and let the infusion to cool. Soak gauze squares or cotton pads in the infusion, squeeze out excess liquid and place on the eyes for about 15 minutes. The infusion can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and used as hair rinse.

FENNEL EYE SOOTHER

3 Tbsps crushed fennel seeds
1/3 cup distilled water

Follow instructions as with the calendula infusion. Leftovers can be stored in frudge for up to 3 days and used as skin rinse.

TIRED EYE RELIEF

1/2 cup dried lavender buds
1/2 cup distilled water

Follow instructions as with the Fennel infusion.

Viruses from visiting way too many blogs?

2009-04-22T08:49:00.003-04:00

Since I started using Entrecard a LOT and visiting every blog possible, my computer started acting funny and hubby found 45 funky little things.....this is making me re-think using this venue as means of traffic...

Has this happened to anyone?

Bags full with Bath and Body products from different sellers! Grab yours now!

2009-04-15T12:49:00.003-04:00

What IS EGCG Swag Bags?
The Swag bags are a collection of 18 generous sample-sized products from different Bath & Body shops - all members of EGCG ( Etsy Green & Clean Guild!) It's a great way to try different products from different shops at the same time. It's also a great Mother's Day gift idea!
Another awesome feature is that your EGCG Swag Bag is a special reusable, eco-friendly shopping bag! So make sure you put it to good use long after you use the products.

What's IN it?
This round, we have a variarity of handmade bath soaps, lip balms, lotions, facial soaps, laundry soap, candles, bath fizzy, body mist, sugar cube scrub....wonderful goodies!

Where to get them?
Swag Bags will be available on April 15th on EGCG Etsy's shop.

Participating shops:

Morgan Street.
Bunny Butt Apothecary.
Spa Therapy Works.
Right As Rain Creations.
The Bath Project
DressGreen
Jadewicks
You Stink Soap
Shower Treat Soap
Sweet Creek Herbs
Farnham Soaps
Kelle's Kitchen
Mea Culpa Body and Bath
Inseine Creations
Rachel Rene
Grumpy Girl
SudzNThings
Mirasolfarm

A big thanks to Shannon of The Bath Project who originally authored this post

Dyed my hair and I hate it! Now what?

2009-04-14T10:15:00.004-04:00

Well....first to say that I am a natural (very dark) redhead and I wanted change...usually I get some highlights and looks good, but I wanted something little darker.

Sooooo.....here I go at the store looking at the hair dyes and mulling over which one to get. My hair is not very good at accepting color.....I liked the look of the Medium Golden Brown and picked that.

Well....nope, it was not bad, but I couldnt SEE any change! It was darker just for a little tone and thats it!

Back at the store.....I picked the color that almost everyone (except 1) is putting an X on as a No-No for me - I get Soft Black.

Couple hours later and here I am, with black hair, white face and looking like something is sitting on top of my head - its sooooo not natural and sooo not fitting :-(

Can I go with a light brown now to lighten it up? Will it take the dye? I am desperate, I dont even wanna leave the house looking like this! My husband LOVES it because it gives him the whole "different person" outlook to me (you know what I mean), but IMO, its just way too dark

Here are some pix for some visual aid...lol.....I know they are of bad quality, but my bathroom lights are the worst lights to use! They would make ANYONE look like they just rose from the dead! Hate them! So, I didnt use them

More jewelery porn!!!

2009-04-12T11:23:00.006-04:00

Oh...how I wish I had all the money in the world!!!! I would buy all these precious pieces of gems, all the tribal chokers and cuffs and pendants and dream catchers and...and....and.....everything!!!!

Next find is Alisuns at ArtFire..yeah, yeah, ArtFire again! When I opened her store and took a look inside...wow.....my jaw dropped and my eyes jumped out of my eye sockets!!! Dont laugh at me for trying to fit in macedonian words translated in english and then fit into a sentence - I know it sounds silly, but it makes perfect sense to me.......lol

Today I present you with these few drooling worthy items (if you want, you can click on the picture to be taken straight to the listing):

Moss Agate, Jasper and Jade Choker!!!! It looks so perfect, soooo earthy and calm and peacefull....I gotta stop before I go and buy it ona whim!!!

Isnt it pretty? I havent seen a necklace like this

Agate freeform Arrow Shaped pendant on sterling ..............do I need utter a word? I like the cut and how I can see the gem just as if you are looking at the precious trunk of tree with all those....eh.....how do you call them? My loss of words is sometimes killing the magic I wanna make!!!!

Budha Resin silver plated necklace - nope, this is not a gem nor a crystal....but I picked it as a favorite becuase it feautures His Holyness Budha and I would loe to have this around to remind me to be patient, to love everyone and everything and to work on myself!!!!

I am a Queen of the Blog!!!! Imagine THAT!

2009-04-11T11:35:00.003-04:00

My awesome blog-friend Duni, from Lovely Purses has passed on yet another award for me! This time I am a Queen of the Blog! Thank you so much Duni! Make sure you visit her colorful blog! She makes the cutest little purses and pouches with nice, calming and vivid pastel colors and prints.....you WILL fall in love with them!

Now.....I have to pass this award to some other Queens:

A Pagan Tapestry

An Ultraviolet Wind

Confessions of a Kitchen Witch

Shi Jewels

What made me laugh yesterday......these magnets!

2009-04-10T09:12:00.006-04:00

PicardCreative at ArtFire has these magnets that every time I look at them, they crack me up! She is using recycled materials to create something planet friendly AND amusing!

Tell me what you think of these magnets of hers that made me crack a smile:

Ha ha!!! Domestically challenged! Just looking at her pose and sly smile then reading the words makes me say - hell yeah!!!

lol

lol.....aint this the truth?

Teeeee heeeeee!!!! LOL

Click on the pix so you an be taken straight in her store! You will have a blast!

The road leads to The Jewelery Shop!

2009-04-08T16:23:00.004-04:00

Oh, how I like this kind of jewelery! Love to wear those gems that actually have some energy to share with us!

The Jewelery Shop at ArtFire has these beautiful pieces that I want to steal from her so bad!

This is her Howlite and Sterling bracelet. Do you know the properties of howlite?

The stone of emotional expression, howlite can be used to facilitate awareness, encourage calm communication by combining reason with patience and observation. Howlite gently absorbs and uplifts stress, tension, anxiety and emotional intensity due to emotional imbalance. Howlite works by helping one to build decency of character. It shows us how to be less selfish, confrontational and less critical. This is a good stone to help eliminate rage and anger. Howlite increases action, dissolves hesitation as it encourages ambition towards one's goals. Although this stone in white in pure form, Howlite is most effective on the HeartChakra center, bringing greater gentleness, patience and tact. Howlite has been used in the past for astral traveling and accessing past lives. It has a strong spiritual connection to the past, as it can lead you to a stronger spiritual future. This can be done by placing the stone at the Third EyeChakra. It therefore makes for a wonderful meditation stone.

Folk Remedies: This crystal is a recommended stone for bones, teeth, and other calcium aspects of the body. It has been known to treat soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains and contusions, while helping with pain management. Use Howlite as an elixir or essence for insomnia. The stone can be placed under your pillow as well. Use howlite in a grid around your bed to also help with poor sleep issues, especially those caused by over thinking.

Feng Shui: Howlite is used primarily anywhere to help bring change. Used in the Southeast direction, in the Center for balance and spirituality and in the Northeast for wisdom.

http://www.peacefulmind.com/stones.htm#H

This is her Green Jadeite and Sterling Pendant. OMG, how I love these deep greens! It makes me feel calm and content with myself...huh....now that I think of it, I might have to start wearing mine again.

Wanna know a bit more about what green jade can do for you?

The ancient Chinese culture has revered Jade for centuries. Jade is considered the health, wealth and longevity stone. used also for courage, wisdom, justice, mercy, emotional balance, stamina, love, fidelity, humility, generosity, peace, harmony. Jade is known as androgynous, therefore it is considered having a gentle, steady pulse of healing energy. Jade is found in different colors and can be used on the appropriate Chakra based on its color. Properties common to all colors of Jade include its ability to mellow one's existence. Helps one rid themselves of negative thoughts and energy. Very beneficial to the heart in both physical and spiritual senses. It is a very protective stone and will keep its wearer out of harm's way. Jade bounds us to our earth energies and physical instincts. Jade is a humbling stone.

Folk Remedies: Jade works with the lungs, heart, thymus, immune, kidney and blood detoxification, nervous system. While all Jade has some healing influence, each color relates more specifically to certain ailments or organs. Strengthens the body's filtration and cleansing systems and assists in the removal of toxins.

Feng Shui: Jade is used in positive directions for longevity and a good life. Used in the Center area for harmony and balance, in the Northeast area for wisdom and in the Southwest area for love and partnership. (Be sure to use two stones together in this area, never one or three).

Green Jade: Most common. Very calming to the nervous system. The color green is representative of life or growth. Helps one channel passions in a constructive way, making expressions of love easier.

Inroducing new scents:

2009-04-08T08:20:00.009-04:00

I am so happy to announce the newest additions to my scent choices, look for them either in my etsy or artfire store:

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MeaCulpaBodyandBath

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Buy Handmade

JASMINE CASSIS - Cassis, Black Currant, Valencia, Jasmine, Muguet Petals, Peppermint, Rosewood, Amber, Musk

RAINFOREST - Jasmine, Florals, Citrus, Light Woods

RAINFLOWERS - Heliotrope, Rain, Cashmere Musk

PEACE AND LOVE - Valencia, Rice Flower, Star Jasmine, Oak Moss, Ylang-Ylang

COOKIE AND CREAM PIE - Brown Sugar, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Rum

CASHMERE AND COTTON - Pomelo, Bergamot, Light Milk, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli

PINK SUGAR - Blend of Cotton Candy, Musk, Jasmine
Compared to: Aqualina

GRAPEFRUIT PETITGRAIN - Grapefruit Nectar, Tangerine, Petitgrain, Lily, Citrus

GUAVA FIG - Apple, Cassis, Pear, Guava

GOJI BERRY BLISS - Blackberry, Goji Berry, Sweet Valencia, Pomegranate, Loganberry, Gooseberry, Vanilla Cream, Sugar Musk, Musk

ABALONE AND SEA - Daylily, Sea Shell Abalone, Lime, Ozonic, Sea Spray Accord, Rose, Jasmine, Freesia, Lily, Beach Daisy, Woods, Musk, Marine

MEDITERANIAN FIG Blend of Fig, Amber, Sandalwood, Lemon

LOLITA Blend of Lemon, Orange, Cashmere, Sandalwood

SENDERO for men - Yankee Midsummernight Type

CHERRY BLOSSOM - BBW Type

VANILLA HAZELNUT

GINGER PEACH - Pier1 Type

MOROCCAN SANDS Blend of Carnation, Sandalwood, and Musk

STRAWBERRY JAM

ACAI BERRY & SATIN Blend of Aci Berries, Lemon, Strawberry, Lily, Rose

BEACH Blend of Sand, Sea Spray, Salt, Jasmine, Mandrin

SEX ON MY MIND - Very Sexy for Men VS Type

SWEET PEAR

MARGARITA LIME

BENEATH THE STARS Grape, Peach, Citrus, Plum, Rose and Musk.

MANGO SORBET Blend of Mango, Raspberry, Lemon

POMEGRANATE BENDEL Blend of Pomegranate, Pineapple, Guava, Musk

BLUE RASPBERRY

PAPAYA

ROSE GARDEN

GREEN APPLE

CUCUMBER

DESERT ROSE Blend of roses and sandalwood

MIDNIGHT POMEGRANATE Blend of Pomegranate, Orange, Cinnamon, Vanilla

BETWEEN THE SHEETS Blend of Lily of the Valley, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Light Musk

RASPBERRY CREAM

BLACK RASPBERRY VANILLA Blend of Raspberry, Plum, Vanilla

JUNIPER BREEZE

We have a winner for the bi-monthly sweepstakes!!!

2009-04-07T13:09:00.004-04:00

So....two months worth of purchases and working my butt off....it was time to award some of the people that stopped by my store to shop!

I decided to give away a 2oz Body Icing scented with the unique scent of Pomegranate. This is truly one of kind, I have bought pomegranate from different people and this one just sticks out as the best one!

I hope I am going to hear from Brenda about this. I sure hope she is not gonna take my email as a spam and just delete it without reading or maybe she will read and think its a scam :-(

If this happens, I will just have to draw the names again

Who hides behind CaterpillarPeacock?

2009-04-05T11:39:00.006-04:00

Sooo....who is behind this cute shop on ArtFire? Her name is Lindsey and she is making these cute hats and needle felted jewelery - like Ivy and Calla Lilies.....she also does custom work, so whatver idea you have in your head, she can put it in material form!

Your name:

Lindsey

Where in the world are you?

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Your website/blog/shop link

http://caterpillarpeacock.artfire.com http://caterpillarpeacock.blogspot.com

Briefly describe yourself and what you make:

I'm a big weirdo, through and through. I like strange things that make me laugh. If you've ever seen the show Clone High, I like to think that it's my EXACT sense of humour. Funny and ironic, and kinda off kilter. This helps explain what I make, teeny tiny hats. I crochet them first and then felt them in my washing machine until they're just right and finally I block them to just the right shape. I make all sorts of hats: berets, fedoras, top hats, you name I can crochet it. Well, that's what I make to sell, mostly. I've been expanding out into other things as well, like jewelry, but not your run of the mill jewelry, it's soft and made of wool too. Right now because of spring I've been working on making plant inspired stuff, like ivy vines and calla lillies. It's been a lot of fun.

Who or what inspires you?

I'm inspired by so many things: colour, nature, my mom, funny things on the internet, old school games, comic books, anything from the 50's through the 70's, Alphonse Mucha... The list just goes on and on.

When / how did you learn?

I've been crafting for as long as I can remember. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 8. We made bracelets for my softball team in just chain stitches and it was awesome. I knew then that I would never put down a crochet hook.

Why do you 'bother' to make things by hand?

It's not that I bother, it's that I have to. It's just been a happy byproduct that I can make stuff and actually sell it. I make stuff because if I don't see all these crazy ideas in my head through I would be a sad, sad, panda.

What is your craft ”philosophy”?

It was said best in handmade nation: There are two types of people in this world, those who make stuff and those who don't.

Have you always made 'stuff'?

Yes! I used to make clothes for my dolls out of kleenex by tearing it into skirts and ponchos and the like. Then I took a fashion class in highschool and that's when I knew that I would forever and ever be making stuff. When I went to university for fashion I KNEW that I would one day be selling my wares somewhere or another.

Can you reveal a little about your creative process?

I don't really know what to say here, I get an idea somehow, they just sort of float by and I grab them...

How do you motivate yourself?

My boyfriend is my motivator. There are some days that I might not even be able to get out of bed without him.

How do you deal with crafty mistakes?

A lot of the time they get thrown into the WIPs pile. Sometimes they turn out to be better than what I started out with.

Favourite craftbook(s)?

Creative Hands. There's like 30 of 'em. From the 1970s. They are so amazing.

Do you have a designated craft space? What does it mean to you?

I have a CRAFT ROOM. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. I have a cutting table and a place for my FOUR sewing machines, all my wool/yarn stash. It's great. Life has been ever so much more productive since it happened.

Do you use a sketchbook or journal?

I have about a billion sketchbooks that also serve as journals. I tend to have two on the go at all times, a purse sketchbook and a house sketchbook. That way I always have something around for when a good idea strikes.

Which picture is an attention grabber?

2009-04-03T14:58:00.007-04:00

As every other person that takes their own pictures of the goods they sell - me too, I agonize over how my photos work....

Tell me know, work with me here (or you are here only to drop your entrecard?)....which one of these pix would grab you attention? Which one would make you want the item? If there is none, dont be shy - say so! Constructive criticism can only make one be better!

I am asking this, because - unlike soap - I dont have to make the product ahead of time to sell it. And honestly, I would rather make it fresh and when ordered. So, that means that I need a good stock photo.

a:)

b:)

c:)

d:)

ArtFire Find - Pirate Pixie Crew

2009-04-03T13:19:00.005-04:00

As you know, I have a shop on ArtFire too. Its a very young community of artists and crafters and they are all so nice and all about helping each other to succeed! Now thats what I call a team work!

One of the good things about ArtFire is that you dont have to open an account to buy! Nope, nope! You can securely purchase without one!

Today I have been looking at Prate Pixie Crews items. I LOVE a good hat, especially one that is not gonna have me scratching my forehead as if I had lice...lol. This scull hat that I saw has the prettiest blue color. Its just perfect for those spring chili mornings when you are headed to work:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=61211

To match this awesome hat, she has these fingerless gloves that have the most beautiful and vibrant blue color! I always have been a fan of fingerless gloves. Hey, I wont be as warm, but being beautiful sometimes means we have to suffer...lol

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=162621

And, wadda ya think of her Pirate Pixie Booty Pouch, huh? I think its sooooo cool!!!!!

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=61232