tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92029477904907562522024-02-23T02:44:47.434-05:00madbirdA blog about madbird's creations, everyday fluff, and general musings.madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-41177098707443049612010-06-11T11:19:00.003-04:002010-06-11T11:21:19.975-04:00Wow - long overdue....I know it's been FOREVER since I blogged last, but I'm now blogging weekly for <a href="http://handmadetravels.blogspot.com/">Notes From the Handmade Highway</a>! You can read my latest post <a href="http://handmadetravels.blogspot.com/2010/06/going-little-greener.html">here</a>. So, come over and visit....and check out my posts every Tuesday! :)<br /><br />Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-78928707978940365282009-12-29T11:22:00.003-05:002009-12-29T11:35:06.754-05:00New products for the New Year!I hope everyone had a magical holiday - I know we did! All of the gifts I featured in my earlier blog post were very well received AND I got most of the wishes on my list too ;^) Now that the holiday rush has subsided, I'm working on some NEW ideas for the NEW year. First up is an improved zip pouch - longer, shorter...and s o f t e r .....lined with fleece interfacing, it's a little more substantial, and the size allows for pencils, crochet hooks, dpns, and any other notions you may need for your projects. Or...it fits nicely inside a larger purse to round up smaller items/cosmetics, etc. Pretty sweet! I like them a lot...here's a peak...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37489634">Underwater Sisters in gold</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnbbm5pFbYOgPO8l0q4aby5vhJTJ2cr-YyxCF3q0UW4SXRVFX1ZrdBGv4Wy02eeai8BIt5NFWcxs3jFC-X4C1ae9vqrEad2YZPhYQFlM9GqR-TBsgWwHnm0r8ZGvK06fDJ6xvzB48wcY/s1600-h/P1180121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnbbm5pFbYOgPO8l0q4aby5vhJTJ2cr-YyxCF3q0UW4SXRVFX1ZrdBGv4Wy02eeai8BIt5NFWcxs3jFC-X4C1ae9vqrEad2YZPhYQFlM9GqR-TBsgWwHnm0r8ZGvK06fDJ6xvzB48wcY/s200/P1180121.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420696117045510482" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37490338">Charmer</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujtGWcEvFjXEooWiio1XXBYVAhVj4JMAsUQ59HPzg7ey132YM6tOSQ7bwlhX_0lHtEoHBEPhuBkTQdRoppdlE9chyS79pUiay8z9AhqWFaF3q1elhDa84xTDcc4TjlC2mbN5yRNdLoMI/s1600-h/P1180137.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujtGWcEvFjXEooWiio1XXBYVAhVj4JMAsUQ59HPzg7ey132YM6tOSQ7bwlhX_0lHtEoHBEPhuBkTQdRoppdlE9chyS79pUiay8z9AhqWFaF3q1elhDa84xTDcc4TjlC2mbN5yRNdLoMI/s200/P1180137.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420696110407990610" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37490121">Kilo</a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0VWLLyfgR1ta1UhIrZBnMfk2-MK0gakI-xx-E7I5yLg072Clu3wL2JZn6IZCgQ3-eTXM0lPdczaDufIJub8Y1MfUwqHlDhw7SdVIBYiwbidgkUT8m-UPZZR-F22qkUkyeJSHyYhWd1A/s1600-h/P1180127.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0VWLLyfgR1ta1UhIrZBnMfk2-MK0gakI-xx-E7I5yLg072Clu3wL2JZn6IZCgQ3-eTXM0lPdczaDufIJub8Y1MfUwqHlDhw7SdVIBYiwbidgkUT8m-UPZZR-F22qkUkyeJSHyYhWd1A/s200/P1180127.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420696111828460082" /></a><br /><br />I'm also going to start offering LARGER project bags in my shop! With interior pockets ;^) Let me know what you think and Happy New Year!!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-25969594848675708982009-12-12T11:56:00.003-05:002009-12-12T11:59:14.069-05:00FREE shipping upgrade!***********Starting today - ending Dec 20th***********<br /><br />All orders over $10 (excluding standard shipping cost) will be automatically upgraded to Priority Mail for FREE! This does not include international orders, sorry, only orders shipped to US addresses. Take advantage of this offer for the rest of your holiday shopping - Priority mail only takes approximately 2-3 days to arrive!<br /><br />Happy Holidays!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-48789783408447463002009-12-10T08:52:00.008-05:002009-12-10T09:15:54.144-05:00Yes, please!I think it's time I list my own wishes for gifties! After all, I'm on etsy all day....I'm bound to have a wishlist of my own! Here are a few.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7nsvWrZPsuUeJlqoTn9fyVj_-L2PlHFK1RfokmEeCK0kIH-yjLdDiF5SeyXaExOPY9eNujN1PCVAQl7EP8_W9bFx8lycxFWFnxjdRhfZ0GyzdWifyOGVRYecnYHbgN2AiZe3nf0GJ-Q/s1600-h/thorn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7nsvWrZPsuUeJlqoTn9fyVj_-L2PlHFK1RfokmEeCK0kIH-yjLdDiF5SeyXaExOPY9eNujN1PCVAQl7EP8_W9bFx8lycxFWFnxjdRhfZ0GyzdWifyOGVRYecnYHbgN2AiZe3nf0GJ-Q/s200/thorn.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413605982211960178" /></a> Ahhh...black thorn earrings. From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/redheart13">redheart13</a> - where you'll find all sorts of curious jewelry. I like curious, and this shop doesn't disappoint. These particular earrings sold out fast *boo* , but Leila promised to make a pair just for me *yay* and a certain someone said he'd buy them. Now I'm happy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6boO7B7ZevJ6C5Jt2HWykoo6-9fd82Au35aTVDm8byZ3UlmyBvO0GWHA1hHl5TWMT16W1OhvRX6Q7flS08ieTqoBDEe-HvEQaJtXgiAqOMn1G2nQKxmM6BDAaQRQ2r4h02MzLetKuTBI/s1600-h/frank.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6boO7B7ZevJ6C5Jt2HWykoo6-9fd82Au35aTVDm8byZ3UlmyBvO0GWHA1hHl5TWMT16W1OhvRX6Q7flS08ieTqoBDEe-HvEQaJtXgiAqOMn1G2nQKxmM6BDAaQRQ2r4h02MzLetKuTBI/s200/frank.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413607092296504290" /></a>Frankincense soap from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisycakessoap">daisycakes soap</a>. You all know how obsessed I am with handmade soap - and I love to try all different shops. Why? Because all soapmakers have their very own methods & supplies that make their soaps unique. I don't buy from one in particular, but am always looking for a new vendor to try (I do admit to having a few faves though!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l0oOebBvJybVBqwysJPYYOiWGxrjUjo_e1s07MrorDcAkUu2JIXm_CFI7lW01WoFsIVuJ5P6R3RTzu3H4eO9B7s62vLK1DqkFW6nxt4lXOScVBcMYWR8BoH_mFKS-k7nkpq_LDAIlzQ/s1600-h/absinthe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2l0oOebBvJybVBqwysJPYYOiWGxrjUjo_e1s07MrorDcAkUu2JIXm_CFI7lW01WoFsIVuJ5P6R3RTzu3H4eO9B7s62vLK1DqkFW6nxt4lXOScVBcMYWR8BoH_mFKS-k7nkpq_LDAIlzQ/s200/absinthe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413608160158817218" /></a> Next in the line of my obsessions is lip balm. I'm not a lipstick wearer at all, but I love lip balm! I must have dozens of tubes. This particular flavor - absinthe!! - is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ForStrangeWomen">For Strange Women</a>. You've got to check out her shop. It's very very cool...I love the packaging too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t6K-7uZybQA7FCMkMArGx-oXgjZikgIeNzjCMJqRC-xfBSVpJcM946OC3mIy_Hh0GDdZCVJBCUDWx5lQQY2rmylWX44KVl8jlTDCpeLyg0Unpmw1WqJ-JV_PSjBnjQ2wdmp5zKhI_EE/s1600-h/purple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t6K-7uZybQA7FCMkMArGx-oXgjZikgIeNzjCMJqRC-xfBSVpJcM946OC3mIy_Hh0GDdZCVJBCUDWx5lQQY2rmylWX44KVl8jlTDCpeLyg0Unpmw1WqJ-JV_PSjBnjQ2wdmp5zKhI_EE/s200/purple.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413609294527818066" /></a> Remember the belt buckle I got for Rob? This is similar, except purple! Same shop -<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fosterweld"> fosterweld</a>. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEo9NXQZBChXy5Ct4lCcqYU5sXpHNecreULfBrCAHWHHdLnVfz2Zq5T-vIgntDB6S39zuR77h562zCPPLcr_p1rw6JL7kBo-s1nf0GEOXUZPPk0omT3u9UttQ8lss5RCULcWUWfom6Jk/s1600-h/bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEo9NXQZBChXy5Ct4lCcqYU5sXpHNecreULfBrCAHWHHdLnVfz2Zq5T-vIgntDB6S39zuR77h562zCPPLcr_p1rw6JL7kBo-s1nf0GEOXUZPPk0omT3u9UttQ8lss5RCULcWUWfom6Jk/s200/bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413610064716203634" /></a> I really want this! Another from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/minus">minus</a>, this bag is simple and practical. I really like his work, and after seeing Rob's new messenger with my own eyes....well I did say I had my eye on one of minus's bags for me! This one!<br /><br />Hope everyone is having a magical holiday season and that you get all of your wishes (within reason) ;^)madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-17554008000065166732009-12-03T10:24:00.009-05:002009-12-03T10:47:47.638-05:00For simple menI notice that a lot of gift guides for men are nice and all...but what about guys who don't wear cufflinks? Or ties? Or cowls for crying out loud? You know, simple guys who wear jeans and t-shirts and sneakers most days...guys like the one I'm married to. It's so incredibly hard to buy for him, and the gift guides simply don't cater to that breed of man. So, here's a sneak peak at what he'll find under the tree this holiday.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU31r08sVo6NXy-bXbvp9zUhgXR-trAkrp5vnBkB6G0_iRtXLcMFreo-ctXcQMHHatVvdzAZNryxnPNPHMagA0A2lMC2_zrCX3ryNhef1YSXQ9k9rkM_kzQiyoHfH73ltAjuM7b56F6s/s1600-h/sketchbook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU31r08sVo6NXy-bXbvp9zUhgXR-trAkrp5vnBkB6G0_iRtXLcMFreo-ctXcQMHHatVvdzAZNryxnPNPHMagA0A2lMC2_zrCX3ryNhef1YSXQ9k9rkM_kzQiyoHfH73ltAjuM7b56F6s/s200/sketchbook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411032265591555202" /></a> A high quality hard bound sketchbook by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/marquandeditions">marquandeditions</a>. The spine is green, the cover black. Very plain and simple goodness :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUGihO1xU_HpocX7Qlx8wfzulY94fXqNJWvNpxzCOa6j1uclAHuImlYisGUzZQi2PDCBpMwlnj-IBvOqOS_-ZdEBx8Zrd5hvDywrBIjv2FkHOUTjNQOQNpGLvC7bmTkfaXGoG_pChTaY/s1600-h/belt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUGihO1xU_HpocX7Qlx8wfzulY94fXqNJWvNpxzCOa6j1uclAHuImlYisGUzZQi2PDCBpMwlnj-IBvOqOS_-ZdEBx8Zrd5hvDywrBIjv2FkHOUTjNQOQNpGLvC7bmTkfaXGoG_pChTaY/s200/belt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411033004673143266" /></a> A belt buckle (hand cut leather belt included!!) by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fosterweld">fosterweld</a>. He uses only American metal to create his buckles. This particular buckle is smaller and very simple - perfect!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-yGx6zB8KcIhU3ZYaAN0FAwbU60FjCGVJ2pcsJNmGJUQri9tzkEehcHfITRKZQkLp4g6caLpFobUkl1-Z4im95FGAO1kJZK0VfW1PSxe8Wc3MR5jPjOrzOoaUgkjfYZpdVanUiCg9Y4/s1600-h/comb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-yGx6zB8KcIhU3ZYaAN0FAwbU60FjCGVJ2pcsJNmGJUQri9tzkEehcHfITRKZQkLp4g6caLpFobUkl1-Z4im95FGAO1kJZK0VfW1PSxe8Wc3MR5jPjOrzOoaUgkjfYZpdVanUiCg9Y4/s200/comb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411033822746095522" /></a> A wooden comb by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PieceofPeace">pieceofpeace</a>. Handcrafted in Montreal, this comb is a nice natural wood with a beeswax finish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahMJAkYLoX0vSmBBWCKPc2M-2jQqDqM3vPzskFQw6g49pkzElx6zUajonXJQOXmSd38YDGAh5w63bI573qsI-h8KTNdkfr7r9TN3bCsEoGnERB-xBgBVMGNcaaipYfSyv2kH5bMkneKE/s1600-h/beowulf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahMJAkYLoX0vSmBBWCKPc2M-2jQqDqM3vPzskFQw6g49pkzElx6zUajonXJQOXmSd38YDGAh5w63bI573qsI-h8KTNdkfr7r9TN3bCsEoGnERB-xBgBVMGNcaaipYfSyv2kH5bMkneKE/s200/beowulf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411034485877053954" /></a> Beowulf! This soap has a rich musky scent, with some dragon's blood (one of my fave's!!) Handcrafted by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeathensHearth">HeathensHearth</a>, this soap definitely smells like a tough guy, even on a 2 year old!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgy61T9vyYwAmrJpIPeLM5cgoOx1gKw4aLCL2lKGbMRoNQUEu6lk60Dl9MP8EsuYauWw-L814_LeSjtGAka2vYoDrCBt90THPSjOW80BxB_FJLev2M1U2bs8ddo5o12uxmqsKArSeO6w/s1600-h/glasses.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgy61T9vyYwAmrJpIPeLM5cgoOx1gKw4aLCL2lKGbMRoNQUEu6lk60Dl9MP8EsuYauWw-L814_LeSjtGAka2vYoDrCBt90THPSjOW80BxB_FJLev2M1U2bs8ddo5o12uxmqsKArSeO6w/s200/glasses.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411035484474015778" /></a> And, this isn't for Rob, but I bought these for his brother - he's single, and tough to buy for. He just moved into a new house, so I thought these, along with his own Beowulf soap, would make a nice gift. They're recycled soda bottles - made into super cool 8oz glasses by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/YAVAglass">YavaGlass</a>. <br /><br />Do you have any gift ideas for men? They are so much more difficult to buy for than women, so share your tips!<br />Happy Holidays :^)madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-59064779778183842482009-11-29T16:49:00.009-05:002009-11-29T17:10:36.549-05:00Some awesome etsy finds!Well, the holiday shopping season is well underway, and I'm almost done! YAY! Here are some fabulous gifts I got from etsy for my family members....<br /><br />For Rob, who desperately needed a new bag for work, I bought this super simple messenger from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/minus">minus</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35395661"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcA0MLP6u5tSFoGvS1qfZ2chIPjfDCTRG4jx3zAdPXAytfHpVi3LL910ccL0EAgaumCyOXD7T7oJPzNtxOTkHXYF5UV1lnG9hN4VcanEuPIRee_25GuoU6TM5OY2BCqVYAC8JX1CTTAA/s1600/messenger.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcA0MLP6u5tSFoGvS1qfZ2chIPjfDCTRG4jx3zAdPXAytfHpVi3LL910ccL0EAgaumCyOXD7T7oJPzNtxOTkHXYF5UV1lnG9hN4VcanEuPIRee_25GuoU6TM5OY2BCqVYAC8JX1CTTAA/s200/messenger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409646448255686978" /></a></a> His work is amazing - and since I sew myself, I can spot hack when I see it. This certainly is not that, but rather quality work with nice material. Ships pretty quick from the UK to the states too! I have my eye on a bag for me too, of course.<br /><br />For my niece, whose birthday is in February, I got these really pretty amethyst studs from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/phoebestreasure">phoebestreasure</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=35435217"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesE_3KEVqANqGKqwOCh9Hv4Edgv5dSRK4RwV6fezUUq4PObvhVtI8vWLRrgrSphbgxQLIXq_S4cRHRmNq3hGitIadHYYcN3yigSJad2XR53_qrUi9ftj5IxehlpjR79CdKKHXqyA13Z4/s1600/studs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesE_3KEVqANqGKqwOCh9Hv4Edgv5dSRK4RwV6fezUUq4PObvhVtI8vWLRrgrSphbgxQLIXq_S4cRHRmNq3hGitIadHYYcN3yigSJad2XR53_qrUi9ftj5IxehlpjR79CdKKHXqyA13Z4/s200/studs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409647370195765922" /></a></a> Those will be super cute on her - she's a tiny 10 yr old.<br /><br />For my mother-in-law (I hope she doesn't read this post!), I got this really awesome toad house from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneMariesPottery">Anne Marie's Pottery</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=21238858"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCzM79un2CkR7CBK1bUmugOQpS10Sj4psc4Y1RClcUUfHuEvFEl6YBhPfDAgh0V1h9BiPUHu0kyajHFzONwN6UUnZNxO2PSbMaYeWrKmzNF7d5ZTe3X7vQaTMU4tMufVQFYeBas4q888/s1600/toad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCzM79un2CkR7CBK1bUmugOQpS10Sj4psc4Y1RClcUUfHuEvFEl6YBhPfDAgh0V1h9BiPUHu0kyajHFzONwN6UUnZNxO2PSbMaYeWrKmzNF7d5ZTe3X7vQaTMU4tMufVQFYeBas4q888/s200/toad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409648023493674658" /></a></a> Yup, that's where I got my berry bowl! It's really nice and will go well in my mother-in-law's herb garden.<br /><br />One of the gifts I got for my boys - a night light for their room by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GeekGear">GeekGear</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=35448089"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGGwhSlsGBx6LgcenE-BZki7JOqADsinn1BklpGPwsRVxOZ-ipn7zwJ28u9LWHJQ-cmAZEb_hym-n-Ma7o7WC3MByjDnqLjf4zdUPdoqh1HcwPXFHcWRt_CHoZxQXl_90T59cjiBf5vU/s1600/jar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGGwhSlsGBx6LgcenE-BZki7JOqADsinn1BklpGPwsRVxOZ-ipn7zwJ28u9LWHJQ-cmAZEb_hym-n-Ma7o7WC3MByjDnqLjf4zdUPdoqh1HcwPXFHcWRt_CHoZxQXl_90T59cjiBf5vU/s200/jar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409648673026259458" /></a></a> This fancy ball jar changes color thanks to a tiny LED under the lid. I tried it out and it's very cool. Perfect for a boys' room - and boys can be tough to buy for as they get older! Check out his shop for all the geeks in your life ;^)<br /><br />And, for my babes - my fastest growing boy who I wish would stay two forever, I got him this really cuddly soft and super fun bath mitt from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecoleeko">ecoleeko</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vt_related_1&listing_id=34450528"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmClTE6NqEp4VEb4YBJ6x5xdOM1OMYpYZuK026LQN-X35yTeTjrxANE5aF8itO4E4uz-T89BEBZc5s8eeMy1csXPIXlzTY0LRz4TgMfQ5BUZ8QINAUYSuj-E6MmaBMK025VMnt8nARL8/s1600/mitt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmClTE6NqEp4VEb4YBJ6x5xdOM1OMYpYZuK026LQN-X35yTeTjrxANE5aF8itO4E4uz-T89BEBZc5s8eeMy1csXPIXlzTY0LRz4TgMfQ5BUZ8QINAUYSuj-E6MmaBMK025VMnt8nARL8/s200/mitt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409649467736684322" /></a></a> If you have a baby to buy for, you MUST check out her shop!! All organic materials and a fabulous price - seriously! I will certainly go back for more.<br /><br />I'm not quite done, so I may post more finds later! Friends, I can't stress it enough...this holiday season, buy handmade. Support local indie artists and small business owners. You won't get better customer service and personal attention, I guarantee it. And, have fun while you do it! Happy shopping!!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-23781229373675855772009-11-23T10:07:00.002-05:002009-11-23T10:08:53.408-05:00And the winner is.....Debbie Covart - ALineofHerOwn! Congratulations Debbie!! Come on over to my etsy shop and use your $10!!! <br /><br />Thank you everyone for participating!!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-6822577742117344702009-11-20T08:44:00.004-05:002009-11-20T08:57:39.253-05:00A little pre-holiday Giveaway!I haven't hosted a giveaway in a loooong time! Well, the holiday season is a perfect time to do that! You can either get something for you, or a gift - totally up to you :) Here's what I'm offering up this month - $10 toward anything in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/madbird">my shop</a>! That means YOU pick what you want, and get 10 bucks to use toward it! <br /><br />How to enter...you get 1 entry per:<br />Follow my blog <br />Follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/4madbird?ref=s">facebook</a><br />Tweet this giveaway and add @4madbird to your tweet<br />Post about this giveaway on your blog/facebook and link back here<br /><br />Please let me know in the comments what you've done.<br /><br />As a bonus entry....of course anyone who buys something from my shop and enters "giveaway" in notes to seller will get an additional five entries!!<br /><br />This giveaway ENDS Monday!! You only have this weekend to enter, so don't wait! The winner's name will be randomly pulled from a hat ;)<br /><br />Good luck!!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-7158660293189748672009-11-11T12:51:00.003-05:002009-11-11T13:00:21.439-05:00An early gift for meSometimes, I buy myself something. Big deal, I know....but it isn't very often that I just splurge a little and buy something really nice for no reason. I did this last week when I bought this super functional berry bowl.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_gSJbhlZjxRbo6hrUB1jRJ4CLjYwhW1C3OrHt-BIJ7-xHFzuDA0fbKUlGSi16t4AeBhgL5r7tXORKrEAgYOkhbzGTH7aDcjuJVwecWq4ZGd4nOTLG5qw8Cp_cS7WjAGxCSu5ATSuq5U/s1600-h/berrybowl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_gSJbhlZjxRbo6hrUB1jRJ4CLjYwhW1C3OrHt-BIJ7-xHFzuDA0fbKUlGSi16t4AeBhgL5r7tXORKrEAgYOkhbzGTH7aDcjuJVwecWq4ZGd4nOTLG5qw8Cp_cS7WjAGxCSu5ATSuq5U/s200/berrybowl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402905742919010914" /></a><br />I have a great love for pottery. Maybe it's because my high school clay teacher was really nice to me. But, I remember learning to throw on the wheel, and that, friends, is no easy task. When I taught art to middle schoolers, ceramics was my favorite unit. I always loved working with mud. <br />Anyway, about this bowl...it is extremely nice, high quality, and a really gorgeous blue. More of Anne Marie's work can be found in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnneMariesPottery">etsy shop</a>. She's very nice, and her customer service is tops! <br />What I reeeally need is a new mug, but both hand thrown mugs I've owned, Rob has dropped and thus, broke them both. His hand thrown mug, however, survives to this day....curious, isn't it? Maybe I can convince him that he owes me one.madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-33511086436831868042009-11-04T17:00:00.003-05:002009-11-04T17:03:52.035-05:00I just bought...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Sg-NWnvWi3VnZfHzNbK2-mzGuKA6aEtbbn3Xio3YX4Q3ptzE83xB4pQYp0iuGHITtMgkefFQ4hvSGi7Gl7Y1AKYzYU42sITL_HVesH2B4FRN2KUX2RpY00kB66M2VkK2CeO4Bb9gys0/s1600-h/sketchbook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Sg-NWnvWi3VnZfHzNbK2-mzGuKA6aEtbbn3Xio3YX4Q3ptzE83xB4pQYp0iuGHITtMgkefFQ4hvSGi7Gl7Y1AKYzYU42sITL_HVesH2B4FRN2KUX2RpY00kB66M2VkK2CeO4Bb9gys0/s200/sketchbook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400372269001532578" /></a><br />this super cool mini-journal/sketchbook (complete with the letter A) from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/UsefulBooks">Useful Books.</a> It is made using a 45 red record - how cool is that?! I cannot wait to get it! I also must start holiday shopping soon....yikes.madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-54399370730785527242009-10-28T11:40:00.005-04:002009-10-28T11:59:02.094-04:00My dream necklaceA week or so ago, I asked a fellow etsian - Mavis of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5342467">sparklegarden</a> - to craft me my very own "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32446948">story necklace</a>" . I was excited to see what she would create for me! And, she did not disappoint. I sent her a few things to incorporate into my necklace, including a couple charms from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5845218">hint</a> (who makes amazing silver, by the way). I asked Mavis to make my necklace mostly green, with some blue and orange. I also asked for custom stamping - here's a look:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3466KWvDYQBRJNWOL_upG30nSe7Y5YQR4QSE0Lrh0VCEJkCuCQXILA_T2J6BZW_5xvV3lZikBB666LrKExgvF7V6mVuwhe-0GTUfOX9FstWE4wFy3oIwlhRxD_yPq5GNbExUy5SbipTA/s1600-h/neck2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3466KWvDYQBRJNWOL_upG30nSe7Y5YQR4QSE0Lrh0VCEJkCuCQXILA_T2J6BZW_5xvV3lZikBB666LrKExgvF7V6mVuwhe-0GTUfOX9FstWE4wFy3oIwlhRxD_yPq5GNbExUy5SbipTA/s200/neck2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397678187042559730" /></a> Here, Mavis stamped my husband's name and a tree-ish design complete with a bird. And, look - a fish!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-K5TpeCcuAI2VBEmvwEAFErZlvxlXOUOFFAr0we1mldu2EvuXnaggfEtwo8yDFImtPS6OmyF6uf1AU0XaIVCBPwGnNAyJN618Hh6x2YCjwecOWyDVMwqHJxfeTX_NDNlyf_Zb0SrDoI/s1600-h/neck3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-K5TpeCcuAI2VBEmvwEAFErZlvxlXOUOFFAr0we1mldu2EvuXnaggfEtwo8yDFImtPS6OmyF6uf1AU0XaIVCBPwGnNAyJN618Hh6x2YCjwecOWyDVMwqHJxfeTX_NDNlyf_Zb0SrDoI/s200/neck3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397678190925066418" /></a>The stamp at the top includes my boys' initials and a lotus. You can also see one of the small charms by hint - a goddess.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviUtsKz5gpXSDKov6JNtSoLdJpWdE9p4JyA3PrxjMJcvU9SRM7gUpWqUdvKSam3SgxEvzQJ1aIeQdR42nZJwb6QDs2SNSNpyUx2Ifs5jz2SKvgMbUW43m4YozzebgBbDpTq4WHwzVPgo/s1600-h/neck1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviUtsKz5gpXSDKov6JNtSoLdJpWdE9p4JyA3PrxjMJcvU9SRM7gUpWqUdvKSam3SgxEvzQJ1aIeQdR42nZJwb6QDs2SNSNpyUx2Ifs5jz2SKvgMbUW43m4YozzebgBbDpTq4WHwzVPgo/s200/neck1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397678195845720050" /></a> The whole piece: the large olive jade pendant is from a necklace Rob bought me a long time ago. It was a nursing necklace, and since I don't nurse anymore, I never wear it (but it's still special!). The green cabochon was from a ring my grandmother gave me. Mavis took it off the ring and incorporated it into the necklace. She also added scissors, since I do sew an absolute ton! Overall, I was very excited about the necklace, and can't express how awesome it looks in person!<br /><br />Materials used: sterling, ceramic, carnelian, turquoise, jade, fluorite, lampworked glass, Hilltribe silver, Aventurine, green garnet, green tourmaline, ocean jasper, tree pendant, blue lace agate, freshwater pearls.madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-34001334115308498302009-10-20T10:17:00.005-04:002009-10-20T10:31:18.931-04:00Support Handmade - what's your favorite?Not only do I sell handmade, but I also buy handmade more often than ever. Why? For me it's for a couple reasons....first, I like the one-of-a-kind-ness that comes with handmade. Second, the customer service cannot be beat when you buy straight from the maker. <br /><br />Lots of people have a certain category of handmade goodness that they cannot live without. For me - it's soap. Just regular old bar soap. But, handmade soap is nothing like what you buy at Target. It's creamy and extra lathery - and the smell. You can get any smell from sandalwood (one of my most favorite) to fresh cut grass. From fruit to nuts. Flowers and leather. The possibilities are endless. I myself will never ever buy store bought soap again. I even use handmade soap on my youngest who is 2. His current bar is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32853217">orange sandalwood</a>. It is fabulous! My husband and boys are currently using "<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32798861">beowulf"</a>. Mine is a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=19938968">floral blend</a> this time, and of course we have our <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32739860">facial bars</a> too. <br /><br />Soap is my handmade obsession. What's yours??madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-79145514801522673872009-10-08T13:49:00.003-04:002009-10-08T13:53:17.628-04:00NEW Offerings!Due to many requests for dpn (double pointed needle) organizers, I've decided to make some up! Check them out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6747086§ion_id=6471901">HERE</a> , and let me know what you think! They can also be used as larger crochet organizers, or a combo of both!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsebiTn2uPSFtJWwugh1p_J5Iqu9TXSqeOJCNvtpU8tiNV_TJTOya0Odyzfx_WL8HpltQsbsxPezO1oJND9LCB4bu7b3FIzYJ3hiBOt0uRepLAn9OpmgzERnh5ZIWq8S5ccFMSPzbAyc/s1600-h/P1130555.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsebiTn2uPSFtJWwugh1p_J5Iqu9TXSqeOJCNvtpU8tiNV_TJTOya0Odyzfx_WL8HpltQsbsxPezO1oJND9LCB4bu7b3FIzYJ3hiBOt0uRepLAn9OpmgzERnh5ZIWq8S5ccFMSPzbAyc/s200/P1130555.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390288302434983858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytYdKXvcDlq9QHlwYx5UfzcWPwQ9wiYY_igH_2LtwOEJYUQBGenJ6s53e7Pd9rfAclpJWqutDe0LXwW5anjY8NS2XnPVmZoXIG3nAFhLoRgLXaKacA6E120NO0I5-mIlUYLavyUqGanc/s1600-h/P1130543.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytYdKXvcDlq9QHlwYx5UfzcWPwQ9wiYY_igH_2LtwOEJYUQBGenJ6s53e7Pd9rfAclpJWqutDe0LXwW5anjY8NS2XnPVmZoXIG3nAFhLoRgLXaKacA6E120NO0I5-mIlUYLavyUqGanc/s200/P1130543.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390288302920221538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKMhuQwnebLym9MqoIQ-xrWh9ZXdkabpHtbByow4bMPq4j6qBoOiCEhn5VYdl78jHkCnIkmioMnhd2zL_XWl5uJRE7XDQ3B7JeYsL-RSO0u8-TuijEg9JO8-nYwJLSNRfDYQ13hAeV3I/s1600-h/P1130567.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKMhuQwnebLym9MqoIQ-xrWh9ZXdkabpHtbByow4bMPq4j6qBoOiCEhn5VYdl78jHkCnIkmioMnhd2zL_XWl5uJRE7XDQ3B7JeYsL-RSO0u8-TuijEg9JO8-nYwJLSNRfDYQ13hAeV3I/s200/P1130567.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390288315353628530" /></a>madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-70398896069512039052009-10-04T10:28:00.003-04:002009-10-04T10:35:40.894-04:00A new findI love Tatsu fabric....the purpley orange dragon fabric from Alexander Henry, as seen <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=18451136">here</a>. I was pretty excited to get my hands on a black/red version of this fabric yesterday! I've already whipped up a couple of products with it....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryHriYVnNxmyZyYSGOofMtrwyCzUMNVR9MFUz0-UF14_p5aex7BfpxxIS2qEGBQB-4596zLU648O2ex6WdE8G816BGAVDUcUYn1BIi7TvIHIFtfmfppsa6iYV-XITPw9yw-qyaOGGj_k/s1600-h/P1130312.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryHriYVnNxmyZyYSGOofMtrwyCzUMNVR9MFUz0-UF14_p5aex7BfpxxIS2qEGBQB-4596zLU648O2ex6WdE8G816BGAVDUcUYn1BIi7TvIHIFtfmfppsa6iYV-XITPw9yw-qyaOGGj_k/s200/P1130312.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388752534933192626" /></a> A new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32011086">SUPER organizer</a>, for crochet hooks and knitting needles<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8l_-ppa2ah8gpf6o_rwOwfRFZNxbH_11zL2seDANFIdMIQDM3L7HOaoPI49Nwb7nJ1934G0jfa255ervE7HUKS97T8i-pvw-b_2g_7-tMvB7BTVdw_3MbjtpEOv0AHbMaTI3lKa_3nk/s1600-h/P1130360.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8l_-ppa2ah8gpf6o_rwOwfRFZNxbH_11zL2seDANFIdMIQDM3L7HOaoPI49Nwb7nJ1934G0jfa255ervE7HUKS97T8i-pvw-b_2g_7-tMvB7BTVdw_3MbjtpEOv0AHbMaTI3lKa_3nk/s200/P1130360.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388752528446082658" /></a> and a new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32011255">project bag</a> <br /><br />Both incorporate a really nice gray batik. I am definitely making a bag out of this for ME....I deserve it, right?? ;^)<br /><br />Also....my "weekend deals" sale ends today!!!! Take advantage while you still can!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-26116575384805203112009-10-02T08:11:00.002-04:002009-10-02T08:16:46.827-04:00WEEKEND DEALS!WEEKEND DEALS!!! Pre-Halloween sale! Save 10% off your entire order from Oct 2- Oct 4 only on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6747086">Etsy</a>! No codes to enter, no coupons....but hurry, sale ends midnight Oct 4!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlWRr6aUzFg89XemnALvYHiuRLNNpwKwqGcoJzt7N1o1LCLgqgvKBaKYZZy1u09WsHafCNNM1gRCy4hSd3r_1LyKbd14A6OGSlqHiGeHT2f24vNyZ1g1p_vUx48Pj5a5C-ncO0vBP1OI/s1600-h/P1130236.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlWRr6aUzFg89XemnALvYHiuRLNNpwKwqGcoJzt7N1o1LCLgqgvKBaKYZZy1u09WsHafCNNM1gRCy4hSd3r_1LyKbd14A6OGSlqHiGeHT2f24vNyZ1g1p_vUx48Pj5a5C-ncO0vBP1OI/s200/P1130236.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387974873092566850" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31905926">pumpkin skulls project bag</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTXHtfi7bSEJF-jV1gnexbCM-mT7058mWAdKDZ4aEmV61x_8TTZfgG1_1EYpdhBPxt1G5btKeX8JpjjjJIBPJo45dfseKp6pSDFi0uI5qzzQafHReEB4x6ywUVA_hFBCq3scHTncP9uE/s1600-h/P1130210.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBTXHtfi7bSEJF-jV1gnexbCM-mT7058mWAdKDZ4aEmV61x_8TTZfgG1_1EYpdhBPxt1G5btKeX8JpjjjJIBPJo45dfseKp6pSDFi0uI5qzzQafHReEB4x6ywUVA_hFBCq3scHTncP9uE/s200/P1130210.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387974864986616162" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31905995">disco blue crochet organizer</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6ThG5pK2a1Uc4Dh8dyv9KOmnd8OPW8-p3eq4wtufoDoYIR92PuJWcWPYiziw-13-OZS2w67Kr0EJfMSV4sWUDzpqGqwAPpjXORuSl3EU6q5YEfZhg98Ib2RYOFrXJcBlQMliZdSYbw8/s1600-h/P1130227.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6ThG5pK2a1Uc4Dh8dyv9KOmnd8OPW8-p3eq4wtufoDoYIR92PuJWcWPYiziw-13-OZS2w67Kr0EJfMSV4sWUDzpqGqwAPpjXORuSl3EU6q5YEfZhg98Ib2RYOFrXJcBlQMliZdSYbw8/s200/P1130227.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387974859266278802" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31905884">pumpkin skulls crochet organizer</a>madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-76013123048439099252009-10-01T15:50:00.002-04:002009-10-01T15:53:30.642-04:00the Paisley FrogThis pattern is really cute! I don't usually like "cute", but I like this. Check out the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31848007">project bag</a> and matching <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31847965">crochet organizer</a> made with this froggy fabric!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLeQkRIYsd-QTYFtFJP-TdEnRCxpgjCnJHF9Zs41UYV1ij4A9cziXbqTOVFeFLUjvsR8C5tBNxq1g3y3gsMb5oHSDzUgY3Tsn3oQglsCThAWS3MkwbK2yZDmw2R7_P4Hg9WagHSXD7gg/s1600-h/P1130178.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLeQkRIYsd-QTYFtFJP-TdEnRCxpgjCnJHF9Zs41UYV1ij4A9cziXbqTOVFeFLUjvsR8C5tBNxq1g3y3gsMb5oHSDzUgY3Tsn3oQglsCThAWS3MkwbK2yZDmw2R7_P4Hg9WagHSXD7gg/s200/P1130178.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387721903118125458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ42uWtT6rpgIdkYTZeOxK7fYKfMVnqt1hqJjBElEtsxlXTjUM1U1aQQ_gQvoG9rVMeYARsOexpmDHKECSStNRMluNh_m7gyk0McFaHJvgx5MX5hWEUIIYmWlGvRWKyxkG7PShjpMkLE/s1600-h/P1130168.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQ42uWtT6rpgIdkYTZeOxK7fYKfMVnqt1hqJjBElEtsxlXTjUM1U1aQQ_gQvoG9rVMeYARsOexpmDHKECSStNRMluNh_m7gyk0McFaHJvgx5MX5hWEUIIYmWlGvRWKyxkG7PShjpMkLE/s200/P1130168.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387721906108552482" /></a>madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-4142415627676928662009-09-24T12:18:00.003-04:002009-09-24T12:26:54.864-04:00a lock for love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxYPI2Isxfwcp25eiu1TnH1E9hC9oZ5pdIo9qkNZwDnHqdOCOKYL4d1G3ngOxSAWwx2pvflhdck1Y8PeWIBu0YFBjdzo25xGG8ue5R8Of6EOWIapEcnpLw259Sr4E07gsyULtIHyikWs/s1600-h/lock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:left;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxYPI2Isxfwcp25eiu1TnH1E9hC9oZ5pdIo9qkNZwDnHqdOCOKYL4d1G3ngOxSAWwx2pvflhdck1Y8PeWIBu0YFBjdzo25xGG8ue5R8Of6EOWIapEcnpLw259Sr4E07gsyULtIHyikWs/s200/lock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385069330410601762" /></a>I had been thinking about doing it for a long long time...and either scheduling got in the way, laziness, or I just wasn't sure about parting with so much hair, but this past Tuesday I FINALLY cut my hair off! I've had it long for years now, but being no stranger to short hair (or blonde hair, red hair, black hair, green hair, curly hair, straight hair), I wasn't that nervous. I haven't colored my hair in over a decade, so it was nice and healthy. I decided to donate it to <a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">Locks of Love</a>. They require 10" minimum, but I had 14" cut. It's pretty short now, but I don't miss it...and I'm hoping it will help to make a child somewhere happy :^) Got hair? Donate it!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-27722250144353589082009-09-18T10:46:00.004-04:002009-09-18T10:51:34.379-04:00Because it's almost Halloween!This is one of the most favorite times of year in our house. We love Halloween! So, in the spirit of the upcoming holiday, I've introduced some new "skully" products in my shop! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaaP-W6MGEuAaSlI1jTwU6s3VeiIVPUijJajVo70W87sWjdwkEyfBJr4QRQAaGeNBID7WE_f-ziuGx_yMJMcKUHhnSiDSzaW2yjjVaqKU5KtXdNfjuU7QoMCc_unF1R5PWFKT-IErTlY/s1600-h/P1120424.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFaaP-W6MGEuAaSlI1jTwU6s3VeiIVPUijJajVo70W87sWjdwkEyfBJr4QRQAaGeNBID7WE_f-ziuGx_yMJMcKUHhnSiDSzaW2yjjVaqKU5KtXdNfjuU7QoMCc_unF1R5PWFKT-IErTlY/s200/P1120424.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382819393742644338" /></a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31132569">purple skull crochet organizer</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW4K4OFwnXb8kJIMpOhZVbscALMBw9UEgYia86Ge3JwaK-hxcK2TxEU1RqEEQVybUSzFxUa-11QsanrM3oTM7T9hd86TE43UHCc4k6MrW8lFH-Rh_ZAYNPjKUTU77j8vV_FcEGHB-xG8/s1600-h/P1120397.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCW4K4OFwnXb8kJIMpOhZVbscALMBw9UEgYia86Ge3JwaK-hxcK2TxEU1RqEEQVybUSzFxUa-11QsanrM3oTM7T9hd86TE43UHCc4k6MrW8lFH-Rh_ZAYNPjKUTU77j8vV_FcEGHB-xG8/s200/P1120397.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382819388522456466" /></a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31132670">matching project bag</a>!<br /><br />Fun! I also have to get cracking on the Halloween costumes - I haven't even started. I did get the material, but I've got four costumes to sew and I'm running out of time!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-79969472152449196202009-09-11T08:13:00.003-04:002009-09-11T08:22:58.794-04:00New! Octopi, Birds and TattooI have a lot of new items in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6747086">my etsy shop</a>! I've been trying to stock up for holiday shoppers (I'm being quite optimistic about the holiday season!) and have added more organizers, more totes and will be adding more book covers and pouches soon too. Here are some of my newest!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYifzHLYR_bQ5qCCqWDn-fOda_TnZ4oFjZICy_jwRSivS7vsj-H5PHmDJrg09RknNeHHknutYluuPb5oGycRk0sdCiyXWzaqy8-pfGwb_olDKV89dQ9tIg3fydir29NpbDK8IGAKMkUfo/s1600-h/P1120074.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYifzHLYR_bQ5qCCqWDn-fOda_TnZ4oFjZICy_jwRSivS7vsj-H5PHmDJrg09RknNeHHknutYluuPb5oGycRk0sdCiyXWzaqy8-pfGwb_olDKV89dQ9tIg3fydir29NpbDK8IGAKMkUfo/s200/P1120074.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380182954283644626" /></a> For <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30636075">cephalopod</a> lovers!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPqhjwXqNzh1lfI0JyvuEeMrKK0GJlE7qXDoWBQ-PMDVdnpek3kYddDKDjrTu3vmGsSQyG4BkUnC90RqvrfwJphq9iNZE1S-4T72JwevKAJLMikQaky4CoYx2_Ky1Zg3NNZ4kA3DYmNU/s1600-h/P1120151.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPqhjwXqNzh1lfI0JyvuEeMrKK0GJlE7qXDoWBQ-PMDVdnpek3kYddDKDjrTu3vmGsSQyG4BkUnC90RqvrfwJphq9iNZE1S-4T72JwevKAJLMikQaky4CoYx2_Ky1Zg3NNZ4kA3DYmNU/s200/P1120151.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380182950846374306" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30748391"> Love Birds</a> ♥<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie396H_A4A0il7aceeBJw2IYO5b5CxjUYJ8fPDb_JboOkYyc4s40cklS6TGh-l8RufHrTBISZ_7fZYRajqiYv6ZNfUTIVsn2So-SuRZjp4hfpjqNAg8fIeLo7KP6pQ80M0cTPxlpW2NfY/s1600-h/P1120139.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie396H_A4A0il7aceeBJw2IYO5b5CxjUYJ8fPDb_JboOkYyc4s40cklS6TGh-l8RufHrTBISZ_7fZYRajqiYv6ZNfUTIVsn2So-SuRZjp4hfpjqNAg8fIeLo7KP6pQ80M0cTPxlpW2NfY/s200/P1120139.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380182943680428034" /></a> For anyone who loves <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30748321">ink</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6747086">Come on in</a>, and have a look around - I will be listing a LOT of new things in the next few weeks!madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-71402479196341329682009-08-31T15:34:00.002-04:002009-08-31T15:38:01.976-04:00Relisted and On Sale!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2LB5rXOSD5DaVenX1HfdwJ0Cq8Rdenkq48BUOzKu4cdZhYgA0N22Spzcv0ofMLaUAFj4n0L4_LMVXyx2iZFiLmXza4AvhRKASTgO_kBj6LFkHnKHzFzFRcO0vAyJIpWoPtt8gJmLVak/s1600-h/P1030862.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2LB5rXOSD5DaVenX1HfdwJ0Cq8Rdenkq48BUOzKu4cdZhYgA0N22Spzcv0ofMLaUAFj4n0L4_LMVXyx2iZFiLmXza4AvhRKASTgO_kBj6LFkHnKHzFzFRcO0vAyJIpWoPtt8gJmLVak/s200/P1030862.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376214339776326562" /></a><br />This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21102551">apron</a> is adorable, has 17 hearts, over 550 views, and yet there it sits. It is marked down from $17 to $14, because it really really needs a home! Come check it out! I have only two aprons left...this one, and also my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21104708">owl half apron</a> - which is my favorite! If only it fit me...madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-27886010616098431582009-08-26T15:43:00.004-04:002009-08-26T16:35:24.834-04:00Freshen up!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFZE1FgviJSfZ76nW2-CpSqYSNiTKdQ1kvaoB71IN6SI5Ak8JaxetdczkNV0bEyqhSpLc811HQ6irg9SOjWpGtu-CLaJJPja4ft-XtBJjxjPr1G24w4ajWKBprtSCLTWJchc3xnCaX_8/s1600-h/P1090304.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 162px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFZE1FgviJSfZ76nW2-CpSqYSNiTKdQ1kvaoB71IN6SI5Ak8JaxetdczkNV0bEyqhSpLc811HQ6irg9SOjWpGtu-CLaJJPja4ft-XtBJjxjPr1G24w4ajWKBprtSCLTWJchc3xnCaX_8/s200/P1090304.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374365834210685154" /></a>You know the smell - stale rug. Or, dog-smelling rug, cat-smelling rug, kid-smelling rug. In any case, your rug needs some freshening up. Of course, washing your rug is optimal for getting it squeaky clean, but when you don't need an all out wash, what do you do? There are tons and tons of pre-made carpet fresheners out there. Some are full of chemicals, and some claim to be "natural" (uh huh, sure). This past weekend - yes, while on vacation - I decided that I wanted my rug to smell good without the use of a can of powdery chemicals - so, remember these herbs I dried out? ------><br /><br />Here is what I did (and it worked!) :<br />Gather some dried out herbs...something you love the smell of. Crumble them up and sprinkle over your carpets. Now, if you live in a house with wall-to-wall in every room, this could take some time and a fair amount of herbs. We have hardwood, so I only had to treat a few area rugs. After covering your rug with said herbs, walk on them and grind them into the rug with your feet to release their scents and (hopefully) rub it into your rugs. Let them sit for a few, and vacuum. It works great (also makes your vacuum smell great!), and I imagine will last a while. The smell is so amazing, and so much more subtle than "gentle breeze" or "spring rain" or whatever nonsense scent they can come up with, that's for sure. Here's a list of herbs I tried:<br /><br />rosemary - love the smell, and if we're talking folklore - great for ridding your house of negativity and promoting health and well being<br /><br />jasmine flowers - eh, this was ok. not a strong enough smell, but I wanted to use them up.<br /><br />lavender - you can't go wrong with lavender, can you? <br /><br />yarrow - just like lavender, you can't go wrong with yarrow. Widely used in dried floral arrangements because it retains it's color (yellow works best) and smell.<br /><br />scented geranium - I think this worked the best because the scent is pretty powerful. I dry the leaves only.<br /><br />Other herbs/flowers that are worth trying....rose (if you're up for using them. I couldn't justify crumbling and vacuuming my dried rose), chamomile (I'm going to try that next, I love chamomile!), any mint, basil, lemon balm or verbena, or whatever herb you like the smell of. Give it a shot! And please do report back with what worked, and what didn't.<br /><br />**A word of caution** If you are pregnant or nursing, please be cautious. Some herbs are not suitable for pregnant or nursing mothers. Also, please consider if your dog/cat is a bottom feeder - as in, they'll eat ANYthing. If you own such an animal, good for you! Your floors are probably immaculate. But, some herbs aren't good for their digestive systems. And of course, if you have a toddler/crawler who also likes to clean your floors, please do not try this while he/she is up and about. Wait for nap time :^)madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-85303978159003627012009-08-21T09:48:00.004-04:002009-08-21T09:53:55.055-04:00a small break...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1HGsnFq0XoSN2My7ZlqEupYjViJKz3tjPXP1-OvPfqKDr2P05OvE1zVawznS8QpVm1m7PV2QrWS7D9O5vfC8_onrEwp9D2olDBXdSBKsDyia-okX3AVs_f1AtiO86n6nY7oprU3S4Dc/s1600-h/EastBeach2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1HGsnFq0XoSN2My7ZlqEupYjViJKz3tjPXP1-OvPfqKDr2P05OvE1zVawznS8QpVm1m7PV2QrWS7D9O5vfC8_onrEwp9D2olDBXdSBKsDyia-okX3AVs_f1AtiO86n6nY7oprU3S4Dc/s200/EastBeach2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372413990949646562" /></a>A vacation is in order! Starting today (ok, tonight) I will be on a mini-break from madbird. I need more sleep, more fun, and more time with my boys before school starts back up! We have plans to hit the beach, take the boys to <a href="http://www.piratescove.net/">Pirate's Cove</a> , sleep, watch movies, sleep, go on a picnic or two, sleep, go to the pool, and just have some fun! I will be back on Wednesday - but I'm not really "leaving". I will still be online, listing new creations, answering convos, etc. I just won't be sewing. Or shipping until Thursday morning. All info is in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6747086">shop announcement</a>. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! :^)madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-69603079336612858012009-08-14T22:36:00.014-04:002009-08-14T23:24:24.600-04:00Organize this!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6tKtb0EINypQkblZ4BuNTonyegbQHA6Dx7uNFBNQxRXcas2zXsPkPO7ejEU_bSX1jPMEg5v1nSENw8_vm42rgOjMkdzQxjkU1T7OKQiiM8qDFWEq2cabuSjt8GQXOjOpvMnt40XEwLE/s1600-h/P1100997.jpg"><img style="float:right; clear:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6tKtb0EINypQkblZ4BuNTonyegbQHA6Dx7uNFBNQxRXcas2zXsPkPO7ejEU_bSX1jPMEg5v1nSENw8_vm42rgOjMkdzQxjkU1T7OKQiiM8qDFWEq2cabuSjt8GQXOjOpvMnt40XEwLE/s200/P1100997.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370022194272175442" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHU7NpUMVPckckqTb8DKbaoVFwkghj6jJBxx-ZS2xoUIYDLorKgOgK2Eq1yH5vH-G0fj5ode9ALbPnB5gSED_YsWg92pnm19t1dHJWU98vC35SUlcQ7yzWaHgFNGe3DaLSBKGPxLNoGg/s1600-h/P1110025.jpg"><img style="float:right; clear:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHU7NpUMVPckckqTb8DKbaoVFwkghj6jJBxx-ZS2xoUIYDLorKgOgK2Eq1yH5vH-G0fj5ode9ALbPnB5gSED_YsWg92pnm19t1dHJWU98vC35SUlcQ7yzWaHgFNGe3DaLSBKGPxLNoGg/s200/P1110025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370022054142259858" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDSR7kISx2d6Ui7vqIpsJ3oqbQ6Q0vNTPgQucBg6AbJ8uibhahsdqkBkhpe_AyYXcW7XAxisIYOBh314lfD_A7B0_HP3PqxsfGMp32QHHr9O55pCfzQ1_IEvAC_Isc1xnO6m7dxWUSOU/s1600-h/P1110033.jpg"><img style="float:right; clear:right; margin:0 0 0 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDSR7kISx2d6Ui7vqIpsJ3oqbQ6Q0vNTPgQucBg6AbJ8uibhahsdqkBkhpe_AyYXcW7XAxisIYOBh314lfD_A7B0_HP3PqxsfGMp32QHHr9O55pCfzQ1_IEvAC_Isc1xnO6m7dxWUSOU/s200/P1110033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370022313078692850" /></a><p>New super cool organizers! A gorgeous Alexander Henry fabric, fleur de granville, makes a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29327852">really fun organizer</a>. Lime green & navy....I like that. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29309644">Tatsu</a>, one of my best sellers - and a personal favorite! Finally, Park Slope - which is not listed yet, so no link. Coming tomorrow! I love making crochet organizers. They are relatively small in scale, so I can piece together really cool remnants, making one of a kind organizers to tidy up a bunch of hooks!</p>madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-5185645722505785732009-08-12T09:49:00.004-04:002009-08-12T09:52:58.468-04:00More totes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECqlBn-6GbBOsSYKjas3xWDaFN_pJihuWGVZqiIZesBmINWGrS-HeB-YKXwiII7KjMv_7eRON5sOENZNrLXmd2PdM715w9bUWFH9BmMFuWemW0GMBHPaLsYXyG70ODwc3aDbbHJ1trDw/s1600-h/P1100946.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECqlBn-6GbBOsSYKjas3xWDaFN_pJihuWGVZqiIZesBmINWGrS-HeB-YKXwiII7KjMv_7eRON5sOENZNrLXmd2PdM715w9bUWFH9BmMFuWemW0GMBHPaLsYXyG70ODwc3aDbbHJ1trDw/s320/P1100946.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369074420960634226" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmKNhAYl1gS1vvTzt7x1YHxDcmnc9z-OysOmznPog6Pb-auNWe8py0kb8YTimy32DvHrTljVr8h6Rz0DBbMqo6fBrm-mgk5K8mJW0orRQ7r4UNbFmnlemH-uESCyTdjbmBz-C4ZM4iIo/s1600-h/P1100916.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmKNhAYl1gS1vvTzt7x1YHxDcmnc9z-OysOmznPog6Pb-auNWe8py0kb8YTimy32DvHrTljVr8h6Rz0DBbMqo6fBrm-mgk5K8mJW0orRQ7r4UNbFmnlemH-uESCyTdjbmBz-C4ZM4iIo/s320/P1100916.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369074418730379986" /></a><br />I added two more yesterday since two sold last week! I love them, they're so fun to make, and so functional. I will definitely be making more soon :^)madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9202947790490756252.post-18879552703730499712009-08-11T09:58:00.003-04:002009-08-11T10:38:14.614-04:00Taxes? Who, me?Yes, you. You are a self-employed business owner, are you not? Chances are....if your business makes a red cent, you have to at least file your taxes. That doesn't mean you'll owe, but you do need to file. You'll also be made aware of self-employment tax. Yeah, you'll probably have to pay that too. But, don't worry, the IRS is busy making it extraordinarily impossible to figure out on your own. Chances are good you'll seek some outside help. Whether an accountant friend, a tax preparer - and please folks, seek a reputable one - or the IRS itself, unless you love long and wordy forms, clicking multiple links, and following trails of breadcrumbs....ask for help. There is a great source of info in this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5423306&page=1">thread</a> , but WOWZA - see what I mean about all those links?? And, that's just the Federal stuff. <br /><br />Depending on the state you live in, you may have to pay not only sales tax you've collected (and you HAVE been collecting it, right?? If not, well...tsk tsk and run along to your state's .gov and set yourself up to collect it! No, really!!), but you'll also likely need to pay income tax too (unless you live in a state that has no income tax, of course). I live in MA - which is apparently a tax-loving state. I really pity the folks who work in MA, pay our income tax then skibble up to NH where they live, and pay their whopping real estate tax - but I truly digress. I just see so many of these people packing 93N every day to get to their highly taxed homes. <br /><br />Finally, please keep records of EVERYthing. I keep spreadsheets of all expenses and earnings as well as all receipts/invoices to back them up. I have it broken down and separated all pretty-like by tax quarters. You really don't need fancy accounting software - excel will do. It's especially helpful if you're a whiz at excel's math formulas! In any case - even if you use the ole' ledger and pencil - keep records. It'll save you one big fat headache. <br /><br />**Um, ok, judging by my post, I hope you can plainly see that I'm no tax expert. Please seek professional advice if you have questions!**madbirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00898696211217196628noreply@blogger.com0