I've been busy

Even though I haven't been posting much, doesn't mean I'm not doing anything.  I just haven't had a chance to show you what I've been up to!  So here is a big post of things that I've been keeping busy with - getting ready for a busy holiday season with business and family :)

New holiday decorations, made by Theron and me :)

And soon to be in the shop, (and maybe even to my next show), E-reader covers.  Here's Robert's Kindle getting special treatment.

Of course, new doll outfits are coming up.  Here are 3 of the new outfits I've done, plus I have a stack of dresses cut and ready to be sewn later today :)

Of course with the holiday season coming up, it's only time to be a part of an awesome sale!  Check out Homefront Team's "Beat the Holiday Rush" Sale on November 13th for some super discounts and awesome handmade items.  You can even get your hands on the three outfits in my last post!

See I have been busy!  Hopefully SOON I'll be able to share with you more often.

Ciao for now!

Holiday Projects Looming

So every year I tell myself that I am going to make some holiday ornaments.  That I'm going to get the whole family involved.  That it's going to be memorable.  Then it never happens.

Well this year, I'm on a mission.  Today, as we went on a quick shopping trip to buy a planter bottom for my new house tree (I think it's a ficus?), I saw some awesome things that would be great for this holiday project.  I convinced the hubs to buy us some stuff, and he seemed to get a bit excited too!

Here's our goodies:

So anyway, I figure since I actually put it out there for the world to see I HAVE to complete this project.  At the moment, the kids are trying to figure out what they want theirs to look like.  And I figure I'll scour the web for some awesome ideas for my own.

If you have any suggestions comment here, or shoot me an email - guinivere17@gmail.com.  I'd love to see how you've tackled a similar project!

Wish us luck!

HFT November Sale & New Outfits

It's been madness in the my world!  Between football, custom orders, school work, family stuff, there were a lot of times that I didn't know which end was UP!  Plus, I've been working on maintaining my Etsy Team's blogs to help spread the love (you know, Homefront Team and Maine Team), that unfortunately I have left my own blog behind.  I'm super sorry, do you forgive?

Well because I know you all are such forgiving souls, I want to share with you a sale that I'm participating in next weekend.  It's the Homefront Team's November Sale, and several team members are offering some pretty awesome stuff at discounted prices!  The best thing, no pushing or shoving lines, you just have to be online between 7 and 10 pm (EST) to check out the deals.

Want to check out what Camelot's Treasures' will be offering?

$25.00, free shipping - SALE PRICE
$30.00, + shipping - REGULAR PRICE

$15.00, free shipping - SALE PRICE
$18.00, + shipping - REGULAR PRICE

$16.00, free shipping - SALE PRICE
$20.00, + shipping - REGULAR PRICE

 On top of this sweet deals on some new outfits, Camelot's Treasures will also be offering a special discount in the store 2 weeks AFTER the sale, for those of you who didn't get to snag this sweet deals!

So where are you going to be on November 13th?

What's New Wednesday - I'm B-aaaaaaa-ck!

So today, I put some finishing touches on some new outfits.  Then I took them out with all 7 of our dolls (Ruthie, Lanie, Delilah, Vivian, Felicity, Elizabeth, and Angelica) to do our photo shoot.  Two hours later, VIOLA, some new listings for the store!

Here's what's in store for Camelot's Treasures the next few days (I'm limiting myself to listing only 2 a day):

Mushrooms

Military Blues

Love Birds

Peasant Style

Summer Dresses

Trip to the Zoo

In other news....I finally bit the bullet and registered Camelot's Treasures as a domain name.  So it's official that Camelot's Treasures NOW has their very own website.  Check it out at here - it's a bit sparse right now, but give me some time and I'll have it just like a full-fledged website.

That's it for now, now to start cutting some outfits so I can keep up the productivity.  Oh and finish my school work so I can finally finish my semester of school.

Ciao Bellas!

Time Goes On...

I just looked at the calendar, and realized that it was August.  Wow.  2/3 of the summer is gone, and I have been absent still.  I'm trying to keep up with this blog, but it's been a bit of a struggle.  And my shop...well let's not talk about my shop....

But I'm here to say that I'm digging myself through the muckiness of life and getting closer to a point to actually get things completed and listed in my shop.  Seriously.  I have 3 dresses sitting on the table, just waiting for some finishing touches (I'm thinking accessories), and at the cutting table is some special material for the last installment of some more fun outfits...


Our Lanie had a bit of an adventure these past few weeks.  She was accidentally left somewhere, and she ended up sitting in the "Lost and Found" for 2 weeks...it was a bit reminiscent of Corduroy Bear.  Anyway, she is safe and sound now, BUT we were very sad and thought she might have been gone forever.  So Mallory Alisabeth was using 100% of her shop's earnings to go towards the purchase of a replacement doll.  OF COURSE, we knew we would never be able to replace Lanie (especially since she was GOTY 2010), however we found some other lovely girls we wanted to add to our collection.  You'll be seeing them soon....we are hoping in about 14 days.  BTW, we are totally squealing like little girls about meeting them!

Anyway, because of this, Mallory's been adding some new stuff to her shop.  Here's two of the latest listings :)

Powder Blue Mum Adjustable Ring

White Rose Earrings

Ok, well going to get back to the cutting board and finish up those promised outfits!

Ciao Bellas!

What's New Wednesday - Summer Vacation is here

I'm sorry friends that I have not really paid attention to the blog the past few months.  It's been a crazy time here, and here I was thinking that with summer vacation upon us I would be a bit more productive!  (I just need a vacation AFTER my vacation!)

But with all that being said, I have been working on bunches of stuff this week!  My friend, Cathy, from Cathy's Cakes asked me a while back if I could make her some aprons for her business.  Well I finally got around to actually making a pattern and doing a prototype of it.  She also asked me to make something special for a friend of hers, but that's still on the downlow, and I have to make the pattern for it too!  But still excited :)

She looks so happy modeling, huh?

And today, I just whipped up some totally cute AG doll dresses (which should be featured in the shop SOON, I promise!).  I really dig the Salina Dress pattern from Liberty Jane Patterns; it's super cute and with a few of my own modifications, I think there will be several up for grabs real soon!

Other than that, nothing really new going on in these parts.  I'm really hoping to be able to get back into the swing of things, adding more stock to the store for your delight!  The holiday season is just around the corner....

Ciao Bellas!

An Apology AND A Giveaway!

Ok.  Don't hate me.  I know it's been awhile (try 3 weeks) since my last post.  I've been busy.  Super busy.  And not with store stuff, unfortunately.  What this means is that the blog was neglected.  But don't feel bad, I neglected the Etsy Maine Team Blog too (which I submit stuff too).


Please forgive me?


Well if it's not that easy for you to forgive my neglectfulness I got a super special thing in store for you!  (And even if you do forgive me, you can get on it too!)


Tonight (Thursday, June 23rd) at 9 PM, a fellow Etsy Homefront Teamer, Misty from StorkBites Children's Boutique is hosting a Fan Celebration on her Facebook Page.  All you gotta do is show up on her page at 9 PM (Eastern Standard Time) and comment under the picture of what you would like to have!  No liking of pages necessary (although it's nice for people to like you....)!  Camelot's Treasures is offering up FOR FREE (REALLY?!) two $10 Gift Certificates good towards any purchase in the store.  For real, yo.


Here's the actual blurb of information Misty left on her FB page for all interested parties:

"Simple show up on our page the night of the celebration , be present for "ROLL CALL" and soak up the great giveaways, GC and Promotions. 

Throughout the hour , I will post items our quality vendors are offering free ( some require a small shipping charge). You simply make it know you are interestedin the particular item by entering your email under that pic/ or contacting me at misty@storkbites foryou.com
At the end of the night, I will use Rando.org to calculate a winner of each item. I will contact the winners via email and will also forward your info to the shoppe owner. The two of you will then arrange etiher shipping or pick up( whichever is needed).

Facebook is in no part assocciated with promotion/ giveaway/ celebration. You do not have to "like" any vendors page/pics to participate or qualify for promotion. Facebook has no legal liability associated with items offered or vendors participating. Please see FB frequently asked question for complete FB rules governing promotion and giveaways."

And lemme tell ya, there is some seriously awesome items to be had, if not for FREE but at crazy discounted prices.  So get your bootie over on StorkBites Children's Boutique Facebook Page at 9 PM and see what you can get your hands on!

BTW, I totally promise to be back in the saddle again with the blogging and the outfit making next week!  Cross my heart!

Ciao Bellas!

What's New Wednesday - Beachwear, Minnie Wear, Arm Wear, OH MY!

If you didn't notice...I missed last week's edition.  I'm sorry, I don't even know what happened, and I don't even want to think about it!  Ok, with that being said, on to today's features!


First off is...Beachwear!  I have had a few "beach" type items in the shop, but this past week I received a request to make some more.  So, I put my nose to the grindstone and VOILA!  Of course, these outfits are not suitable to actually "swim" in; and you shouldn't put American Girl Dolls in water, anyway.  But they are super cute and super ready for sunbathing next to the community pool!

Next up, this super cute dress that I'm working on for a friend of mine (remember Cathy from Cathy's Cakes).  After a mocking up a dress for her to meet the approval (refer to son abuse here), I got sidetracked with other goings-on and it got put on the side burner.  Well today, after deliberation from my Facebook friends on what to make today, I started the actual Minnie-inspired dress!  YAY!  This is not the completed dress, I still have to add the bottom ruffle/underskirt which will be the black and white polka dots, but I thought I would share it with you!  After this is done, I will then make a matching doll-size dress...will post pictures when I get to that point.

In July, the new shop will be opening, showcasing some of my non-doll items.  In a previous post I showed you some lunch "accessories" that will be there, but today I'm sharing one of the purses that will be included also.  This purse was made using a pattern from KeykaLou; isn't it super cute!

All right, I think that's enough for today...isn't it?  I just counted how many times I said "super cute" in this post, and I'm a bit nauseated - why didn't someone stop me?  Well off to study a thesaurus and finish up some other projects!  See you next wednesday!


Ciao Bellas!

What's New Wednesday - Before & After

A couple months ago, I purchased several clearance outfits that were super cute but too small or too big for my kids.  My husband looked at me like I was crazy!  But I knew, that I could take these home and make them into outfits for dolls.  In hindsight, all I was expecting was to use the fabric and make several items, not necessarily replicating the actual outfit.

2T 2 piece outfit - $2.50

 So last night, I actually sat down with one of the outfits, ripped it apart, and then rebuilt it into a cute doll outfit.  What do you think?

I have a few more outfits that I will also replicating, but I wanted to make sure I got one of them on here for the blog post today :)

Ok, I know that I don't usually make people clothes...but a friend of mine (remember Cathy who made my mom's birthday cake from Cathy's Cakes?) asked me well over a year ago to make her daughter and doll matching outfits.  Unfortunately, I kept forgetting about it, and it got put in the back of mind.  This past weekend, I got the bug to create a pattern and practice making one of the outfits for her daughter.  And it came out great!  Of course this is not the REAL one, hers is going to be minnie mouse-inspired, so I just picked out some extra fabric I had laying around. I'm so excited about it, that I might even consider actually doing more girl's clothing.  MAYBE.  Anyway here's a pic of the practice dress:  (BTW, I don't normally dress my son in drag...he was just the only person small enough around to help me with fitting issues)

Well that's all for now, kiddies.  Have a great day!

Ciao Bellas!

What's New Wednesday - Homework Calls

Sorry to disappoint everyone, but this week I'm taking a break from a creating frenzy, to focus a bit more on  my homework.  Accounting is REALLY kicking my BUTT, lemme tell ya!

However, I did take a small break from number crunching (and realizing again how much I REALLY hate accounting...) to make a pattern.  Started to sew a little too, so tomorrow I'll see what I have come up with.  I'll be so proud of myself if it's super cute!

So for now....

Ciao Bellas!

Tantalizing Thursday: A Slacker's What's New Wednesday

I've been on a roll the past few weeks, being able to keep up with the "demand" of my "What's New Wednesday" feature, but this week....Well this week I obviously dropped the ball.  In the midst of transformer woes, moving my sewing machine, finishing up some uniforms (which was more work than I thought it was going to be), I wasn't able to create what my plan was for this week's feature in time.  So I decided, after I finished my "beta" testing projects, I would go ahead and post them here today - it actually stems from the goal of mine to do an entire month of steady blog articles, which I'm on my way :)

Without further ado.......

Going Green Lunch Accessories - lunch bag, snack bags (with velcro), and sandwhich wrap perfect to throw in the wash when used instead of the heaping pile of trash on our Earth!  Theron and I took a "test drive" this beautiful afternoon with these new items, and he was thrilled to see some of the fun fabrics - his favorite were the rodeo frogs.  (Don't mind the lunch bag material...like I said this was my test run, so I grabbed some fabric I wouldn't mind messing up!)



I've been dabbling with the idea of making a new shop that would specialize in lifestyle accessories.  The last two contests/giveaways I participated in I donated some fabric bins/baskets, and really enjoyed doing it.  And I have LOADS of fabric sitting around that isn't the right style and/or size for doll clothing, but would be perfect for people-sized stuff.  Hoping for a summer opening of the store, if I feel that it would be a lucrative oppurtunity (feel free to comment and let me know what you think!).

Also this week, I've been listing new earrings for Mallory Alisabeth every day, and planning in a few days to start listing notepads.  She had a pretty successful showing at our first "craft fair" (which was actually a rummage sale, but we thought we would try), so she is gearing up for some future oppurtunities to sell and a summer full of creating!

That's it for today...Ciao, Bellas!

Monday Meet-Ups

It's Monday Meet-Up time again with the Homefront Team!  This time, I came up with the questions and I can't wait to see everyone's answers :)  And if you're following along be sure to check out the Homefront Team's blog and post your blog link in the comments!

1) What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession unfortunately is no longer in my possession, anymore, but it was my New Kids on the Block (before they were NKOTB, mind you) comforter.  I would never have a good night's sleep without it, from the ages of 9 to 19, seriously.  It met it's demise while I was in boot camp, my mom decided to go through my room and clean out what she deemed garbage.  I don't know WHAT made her believe my well-loved, seam-splitting comforter was trash, but let me tell you, it was a very sad day when I returned from boot camp without my Jon (oh yes, Jonathan was my favorite) to lull me to sleep.  Now I have other comforters, but they aren't quite the same...
2) What was the best gift that you gave to someone?
I could totally be crazy and tell you that the best gift I gave someone was the gift of laughter...which COULD be true because I aim to make ALL around me giddy as me.  Or I could lament about how I gave my children the gift of LIFE (I mean HELLO what could be better than that?!). 
But I think I will go with this: a year or two ago, a lady emailed me wanting to use a gift certificate she won in a contest of mine.  She wanted to know if she could use towards a purchase that she wanted to be sent to her friend's daughter.  All the gift certificate could afford was a skirt on the site (with like $3) leftover.  I asked her if she would like a shirt to go with it, to complete the outfit and to use all of the money on the GC, and she said she didn't want to trouble me making a shirt for the little amount.  Then she went on to explain to me about the little girl she was buying for - her parents had just gotten a divorce and she was living with her mom (the ladies' friend), who was barely able to make ends meet.  They had been living with friends for the past few months, couch hopping, but they had finally found an apartment they could afford to rent and moved in.  Not even a week later, the apartment complex had a huge fire (afterwards they found out it was due to poor electrical wiring), and EVERYTHING - even with what little they did have - that the mom and the little girl owned was literally up in flames.  So friends and family banded around and tried to help with what they could; the ladies' daughters were giving the little girl one of their American Girl Dolls so she could have a doll of her own and she wanted to give the little girl something special that was brand new for her birthday.  After hearing this story, I sent the little girl not only the skirt that the lady purchased, but a shirt, shoes, and hair clip and THEN a completey different jeans outfit.  It is a small reminder like this, that I'm doing this business not JUST to make money, but to help make girls all over the world a little happier and their dolls a little more fashionable.  (sorry that was a lengthy response)
3) If you are having a "crafter's block" and finding it hard to get your craft on, what helps you get out of that?
Most of the time for me to get out of a "crafter's block" I put my iPod on shuffle and let the music flow through me.  Other times, just watching some tv or reading a magazine and being able to see different things that people are wearing or using gives me inspiration.  I find myself constantly asking myself "Can I make that?" and then I try.  I will admit though, about 80% of the time I don't like the end results, but at least I can say I tried :)

And as always, for some GREAT handmade treasures made from USA military spouses across the world? Search "homefront team" at Etsy!

What's New Wednesday - Earrings Galore

After our trip to Florence, I just didn't have the mojo to bust my butt into gear and get some doll outfits done.  So this week's featured item is for Mallory's shop.  We haven't really listed any new stuff in her shop for the past few months, it's just been uber busy around here trying to keep up on everything.

So here is some eye candy and a sneak peek to some of this week's listing in Mallory Alisabeth:

We are super psyched about this week also; this Saturday will be our first "craft fair" since moving to Italy.  Hopefully the Naples military community will support our little endeavors!

And for some loyal followers, here's a snapshot from our trip to Florence.....

Ciao Bellas!

What's New Wednesday - European Vacation

A few years ago, I found this material that had a fun mesh look to it, without being tacky mesh.  I bought a yard of it, and brought it home, dreaming of outfits that I could make with it.  Unfortunately, I put it aside, and forgot about it.  The other day, I came across it again, and decided that I was finally going to put it to use.  Which then inspired me to go make another outfit that fit into a fun vacation-style ensemble - yes I too, will buy a new outfit JUST to go on vacation...

So here are today's new features:

These outfits will not be offered in the shop for at least another week.  They are both heading to Florence for a fun photo shoot - can't wait to see the pictures!  Of course you can always still check out Camelot's Treasures for other fun outfits for 18" dolls (including American Girl and BFC Ink Club)!

On a side note, today is my mom's birthday - Happy Birthday Ma!  However since I'm a million miles away from here, I unfortunately can not celebrate with her; this is a common occurrence since we are a military family.  But every year I try to make sure she gets something special, especially since my dad and brother's are exactly on the same page as I am.  This year I bartered with a friend of mine who is starting up a small business of her own.  What she came up with was COMPLETELY awesome, I bow down to her cake decorating greatness!  Here's the cake she made for my mom:

She even personalized it with the eye colors of my brother's and me (the big bunny is my mom, and the 4 smaller bunnies are my brothers).  How cute is this?!

So if you are in the Paducah area (West Kentucky for all you non locals) and in need of a awesome custom cake for any occasion be sure to check out Cathy's site at Cathy's Cakes!

Ciao Bellas!

Monday Meet-ups - a day late, but not a dollar short

So I don't know where I WAS yesterday, but I HAD to get on on this week's Monday's meet-ups.  Please forgive me for being a day late...better late than never!

Thanks to fellow Homefront Teamer Sarah from Florida Scarf for these week's questions!

1. Where is your favorite place to go for inspiration?
I guess it all depends on what form of inspiration I'm going for.  When I want to make a new outfit, the best place for me to go is anywhere where there are a lot of people - I love checking out the clothing that people are wearing and seeing what's "fashionable" and what's ... well not.  But if I need inspiration for writing a story (BTW, did you know that I like to write and working on my first novella?) I just go outside and soak up the sun FAR away from people.
2. What is your most embarrassing moment as an operator of a small business?
I think this experience was more dissappointing, but I was completely embarassed when someone sent me a convo telling me that the arm of a shirt completely fell off the shirt.  I, of course, remedied the situation apologizing profusely, but it does always make me wary of how well my items arrive at their destinations (although I'm confident that that was a one time fluke!).
3. What is one thing that you have to do everyday that you dislike?
Definitely waking up!  Well I suppose it's not really the waking up part, because there is something to be said when you wake up naturally, from a refreshing slumber.  But having to wake up before the sun does to get everyone ready for the day is a bit annoying.  But such is life as an adult...

Want to check out some GREAT handmade treasures made from USA military spouses across the world? Search "homefront team" at Etsy!

Mother's Day Giveaway with Homefront Team

Because there is NO such thing as TOO many giveaways, I have joined another one!  This time it's with Etsy Homefront Team for Mother's Day.  23 fellow homefronter's (a group of military spouses and loved ones) got together and donated $400 worth of awesome prizes to be awarded to ONE luck winner!

Anyone can participate (er, well except for me, which saddens me to no end!) and it's super easy to enter.  All you have to do is follow the Homefront Team blog and like them on Facebook (which I linked those for you here so you have NO excuses!); then you are entered!  Awesome right?!

Camelot's Treasures donated a lovely rose fabric basket, perfect to hold anything your heart desires.  What I like to use them for?  Holding fat quarters, CDs (what few I may still have), or the T-man's Super Hero Squad guys (Iron Man is partial to roses, while Thor prefers puppies I am told...).

(bows not included)

So check out the blog post here (just in case you didn't ALREADY click on the previous log) http://homefrontartistryteam.blogspot.com/2011/04/mothers-day-giveaway.html and get entering!  And be sure to search "homefront team" on your next venture on Etsy for some super awesome handmade items by military families all over the world!

And the winner is.....

The winner for the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt is.......

Michelle Josephson

She won this awesome prize basket, filled with the following Etsy Maine Team handmade goodies:

1) Hand crocheted drawstring bag from Louisiana 1966

2) Two cards with familiar Maine prints from Handprinted

3) Three vintage postcards from Maine from Prospero's Bookshelf

4) Fabric Easter Basket/Storage Bin from Camelot's Treasures

5) Handcrafted ring from Slid Viscous Jewelry

6) Citrus Harmony Body Lotion from Eden Body

7) Crochet Flower Scrapbooking Stickers from The Makings of Shanna Tice

8) Handknitted beverage cozy from Knit by Valerie

9) Blueberry Necklace from Emily's Original Beads

10) Merlot Flower Earrings from Mallory Alisabeth

11) Copper Star Bookmark from Rough Magic Creations

12) Set of Floral Notecards from Mbrace Studios

13) Gift Certificate for a FREE necklace from Moon Dog Farm

Thank you to all that participated in this fun challenge - I hope it wasn't too hard for you!

And as a special bonus, I'm offering a special discount of 15% off any order in Camelot's Treasures and Mallory Alisabeth now until Easter!  Just type in "EASTERHUNT11" during checkout to recieve this discount.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the next fun giveaway; it's going to be just around the corner :)

HINT Time! For the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt!

Are you having a hard time solving the puzzle?  Well here's a hint:

You can see the answer when driving into Maine on Interstate 95!

Still stumped?

Be sure to submit all your answers and shared links by 11:59 pm (EST) TONIGHT (Saturday, April 9th) for your chance to win some wicked awesome prizes!

You can find more information about this contest at

http://camelotstreasures.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-egg-scavenger-hunt-contest.html

GOOD LUCK!

Meet Your Egg Hiders - Kristin and Kim

This easter egg hunt has really given me a chance to learn a little more about some of my fellow Etsy Maine Teamers.  I'm amazed by the stories they have to share, and by their talents more and more each day.  Today is no different with the two featured Easter Egg hunt participants here.

First up is Kristin from Burnt Meadow Beads

 

Bluette Fairy Flower Pin



 When describing having a look around Burnt Meadow Beads the first word that comes to mind is: FRESH.  From the soft colors, to the floral-inspired jewelry, the feeling of spring fills my senses.  I just want to lay out in the grass, soaking in sun rays, and just...be.  I love when things give me that sense, and I know you will too once you take a look around her shop. 

 

What is your fondest memory of Easter?

My best memory of Easter is going on Easter Egg hunts with my sister Elizabeth and searching high and low for eggs that were really hidden well! Sometimes they were planted in bird houses, under our porch, in a pocket of a dress hanging on the clothesline and one time even in the mailbox. I think my parents loved watching us run around trying to frantically gather the most eggs.

 

Tweet Tweet Earrings


Do you and/or your family have special Easter? A Spring tradition in my family is starting our indoor gardens. My father and I are both avid gardeners and enjoy swapping seeds, starting them indoors. My favorite is our deep discussions about "this years tomato season" or "how to get bigger pumpkins this year" often times over coffee when there is still inches of snow left to melt!


How do you celebrate Easter?

Now that I have a home of my own I enjoy doing a Easter basket for my husband Josh who loves chocolate! We have a yellow lab named Sam and I always get him something special too :D

Next up is Kim from Winter Solstice Dreams

 

Tooth Fairy Pillow Blue Puppy

 Sometimes your battery needs to be recharged; a long day can be from chasing after a toddler all day or dealing with toddler-esque co-worker.  No matter what it comes from, or even if it's just because, finding some soothing scented items to help bring rest and relaxation is only a click away at Winter Solstice Dreams.  You can find eye pillows, draft blockers, sachets, bookmarks, etc all featuring scents straight from the natural surroundings of Maine.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Kim and I am mother to an adorable toddler named Veronica and wife to a very funny, High School chemistry teacher named Walter, I myself am a former English teacher who left the field to stay home with Veronica once she was born. Winter Solstice Dreams was born in the fall of 2009 when I decided to get back into creativity and crafting. I have always crafted in some way shape or form (even when I worked in Radio ) and decided to do what I love. I have been working with herbs and essential oils for over 15 years and wanted to share that love and knowledge with others; sachets and eye pillows were born.



Patchouli and Lavender Pudgy Sachet

We live in rural, Western Maine on 4 acres of land. We continually strive to find ways to create, reuse, and become more and more self-reliant wherever and whenever we can. I absolutely love Maine and everything about Maine. I am a transplant but can't imagine living anywhere else in the world. Am very proud of this great state that I now call HOME.

What is your best memory from Easter?
When I was 6, I received my first REALLY big Easter basket, filled with peeps and other yummy treats. I remember waking up to it in my bedroom and being so happily surprised.
Do you and/or your family have special Easter?
We don't as of yet but plan on doing something really fun this year as little Veronica is just about two and would love an Easter egg hunt!
Do you actually eat the eggs you dye for Easter?

Yes, of course!

What do you get for Easter?

A card and some peeps but this year is going to be MUCH different!!! :)

How does the Easter Bunny bring all the baskets to everyone?

 OH I think he is really a good friend to Santa Claus. Santa gives him a list of names and addresses. It's a way to keep tabs on the good boys and girls. ;)

Have you found all the eggs and submitted your answer, yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Check out the blog for details if you need a reminder! And search "easteregghunt" on Etsy for an easy way of finding the eggs! Good Luck!

What's New Wednesday - BFC Ink Bandeau-Style

I don't know what it's like on your side of the world, but here in Italy, Spring has sprung!  It was just three short weeks ago, that we were all complaining about how cold and rainy it was, I realized as Mallory came home today lamenting about how hot it was outside.  So what better way to introduce some new outfits for the BFC Ink Dolls then with some spring-inspired fashions?

This week's new items are:

These fun Bandeau tops and dresses are perfect for the warm weather, but could also be layered over some fun tanks and t-shirts.  They were made using patterns from Liberty Jane Clothing, which were inspired by fashion trends in real people clothing!

You can find these and other fun fashionable clothing for BFC Ink and American Girl Doll clothes as always at Camelot's Treasures!

Oh and before I forget: Have you entered the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt yet?  If not, what's stopping you?  Free gift basket full of handmade delights by Mainers is up for grabs - check out the blog for details!

Ciao Bellas!