Glorious Hats

Where is the world has Jane gone?

2011-01-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

The husband has joined me in creating and making things - and we have combined to form "A Tranquil Nook" for marketing our wares. So I started up a new blog

Intended to keep up Glorious Hats, but only seem to be able to manage one blog. So if you would still like to keep track, tabs, or hopefully be inspired by my posts, you are very welcome to transfer over to A Tranquil Nook. Just as with this blog, the goal is not to push sales. The intent is to share creative adventures, some how tos and guides, as well as telling about some of the things we make and how we make them, where and how we live.

Thanks so much for having followed me here and for not leaving during the long silence.

With much appreciation, and hopes of seeing you and entertaining you at the new blog.

Kind regards,
Jane

Bemidji Natural Choice Farmer's Market - Aug 10

2010-08-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Aug 10 Market was capitol G Grand. If you were not there you missed:

Colorful produce, yummy baked goodies, Maple Syrup and Honey.

Turkish Meatballs using ground buffalo with a colorful tasty crunchy vegetable rich sauce demo by Chef Reed Olson of Wild Hare Bistro --deeeeeeeeLish!

Music throughout the day, first up Aaron Tank - songs from my heyday, happily sang along-- though think I was the only other one who knew all the words ..... no other ol 60s Hippies out yesterday:D

Next was Dennis Montgomery, he had me clapping my hands and tapping my toes, singing again; plus he had some great songs to delight the children in the crowd.

Late afternoon came Nicholas Jackson with an easy listening blend of folk to pop. So enjoyed when he turned troubadour and strolled throughout the market bringing his gift of song to each stall.

A mystery solved -- sitting in my stall, heard the lovely hum of a sewing maching, looked into the next stall and there is Larry O'Dell stitching away. NO electric cords running into his stall. Nope not a treadle machine. Come on out and see if you can spy how he does this. And while you are there, take a look at the awesome table rugs and runners he weaves after stitching fabric strips together.

Frank and I plan to participate as Vendors on Sat Aug 22 (8:30a to 3p); Sat Sep 11 (8:30a to 3p); Thurs Sep 16 (12n to 7pm); and Sat Oct 23 (8:30a to 3p). And of course whether or not we are there -

Bemidji's Natural Choice Farmers Market sets up 3 days a week through the end of October -

Tues:: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Thurs:: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat:: 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Enjoy,
Jane

Cucumbers and Onions - Just like Moms

2010-08-03T04:15:00.000-07:00

Do you find there are certain foods that must be fixed "just like Mom's" or they won't be eaten? While Frank is generally open to new food experiences, there are a couple of dishes that just won't do unless they meet the "just like Mom's" criteria.

Cucumbers are # 1

and are also one of the few foods for which she had not left a recipe. YIKES.

Simple, plain vinegary cucs and onions - how could that be so hard?
Somehow it was and took years.

Finding "A Little Scandinavian Cookbook" by Janet Laurence (ISBN 0877017433) brought success.

Thank you Janet! The ingredient I kept missing was SUGAR --- ah, ah, ah.. I should have known.

pages 18 & 19

Still - had to leave out the parsley, the pepper AND for sure cut off the rind, plus add onion rings, lots and lots of sweet onion.

The proportions of white vinegar, water and sugar however were absolutely on target for "the man."

Cucumber season is ON, so the first photo above shows the glass bowl of vinegared cucs and onions now going; stored in the refrigerator. Started with 3 cucs, peeled, sliced, brined for 12 hours; then two large sweet onions - 1 cup water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, aprox 1/2 c sugar. Keep adding brined cucs, fresh onion rings as each runs out. When the vinegar solution gets too weak - pour it out and refresh with a new solution.

A great summer salad alone or with other salads. I often add some sprigs of dill or basil to mine; Frank still prefers his plain so plain it stays. :D

Marketing Tips for the Etsy Seller - part 4 - Promotion off Etsy

2010-07-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

Even though a community site such as Etsy brings in traffic because it is a venue hub that draws those who wish to buy handmade items, most vendors will have more sales by working to bring new viewers and creating interest in a product outside of the selling venue.

These are some ways to begin doing that.

1. Send photos to relevant flickr groups. While you cannot use flickr to “sell” or “directly advertise” your item, you can put photos of your product on flickr. Link to your shop in your flickr profile. Post relevant photos into special interest groups such as the “Craft” magazine group. Your work may be noticed and discovered.

2. Blog routinely, put an Etsy Mini on your blog. Buyers often like to “know” the artist. A blog can be a way to talk about yourself and your work. Find the Etsy Mini feature on “your etsy” page, set it up and copy the code into you blog sidebar.

3. Use Social media such as Twitter and Facebook. These methods work very well for people who are chatty, can blend a bit of social skill, be interesting, and when people find you interesting, they will look at your work.

4. Consider Ads on Blogs or other sites where there is an audience for your product. Do you homework, don’t waste your money. Figure out your target audience, figure out if a particular blog or site has a large number of viewers you want to see your ad.

5. Join one of the cooperative or gallery/advertising sites. For example I buy space on Lovely Clusters -- to participate in group advertising to a particular audience. Find one that fits with your style and product.

Which of these you use, and how you use them will depend on your personal style and product. Remember, that the more people who know you, see your product, and recognize your product, the more likely you are to sell something.

Monitor your shop traffic

--Sign up for Google Analytics
-to filter out your own visits to your shop follow the instructions here http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6442438

--“Syndicate your shop” Syndication helps google search find your items
- the link to activate this is on “your Etsy” page in left hand column

--Watch views and hearts on Craftopolis This gives a picture overview of what people are viewing in you shop and what they are “hearting” (marking as a favorite item.) Also find if you are in any treasury collections.

--Another way to view visits, hearts; plus to see if you were on Front Page is at Craftcult

Set Goals, Monitor your Progress

--Work with intent: Plan it, do it, review it for effectiveness. Change, adapt, or keep on.

--A number of Etsy Sellers give free advice on their blogs. One who has generally useful tips is Absolutely Small
--Goal Spreadsheet
--The Etsy Marketing Tracker
--Make it Happen

General Marketing Info and Resources

Find who you can learn best from and work that program. There are many business consultants and marketing advisers, all vying for your attention and your money. We all learn and work differently so look over what is available. Sometimes paying for a program will jump you farther ahead, sometimes taking the time to scout out what is available and free will be more effective for you.

Just using the tips and sellers newsletter from Etsy may be enough for you.

If you want more help, look at these for a start, then google similar, see what other’s recommend in blogs or in Etsy forum.

1. Article “How to Make Money on Etsy” by Lindsay Silberman for INC. -- a useful overview article

2. Follow helpful blogs

Full time Etsy Crafters

Three Tips on “How to Make Money on Etsy” by Muyinmolly l

----- Ah yes there are so many things one can do; choosing which ones, where to begin, and how much time to commit to selling your craft can be overwhelming. Pick what seems best to you as a beginning and start somewhere. Work on one to three aspects at a time, develop it or let it go depending on what is best for you. Doing a few things well is likely more effective than doing many things poorly. Each artist/crafter/vendor needs to take the time to figure out what works for them, how they wish to brand and promote their goods.

I hope this series of articles has been useful to you in providing options, ideas, resources.

Earlier articles in this series on Glorious Hats Blog are:

Marketing Tips For the Etsy Seller -- Part 1
Know Your Selling Site

Marketing Tips For the Etsy Seller -- Part 2
Showing up in Searches

Marketing Tips For the Etsy Seller -- Part 3
Promotion on Etsy

As always, thanks so much for stopping by.
Jane

Hot and Cold Packs - Relieving aches and pains

2010-07-28T04:20:00.000-07:00

You have no doubt heard the expression "When it rains, it pours." Well that is true on several levels here at Tranquility Pastures Farm this month. Climate wise, it has been rare to have two sunny days in a row this summer. We only watered the garden 1 time and that was in late spring. Definitely not usual for northern Minnesota.

Secondly, July rained with gifts too. Won another giveaway. Epheriell Designs features online sellers, often with fabulous giveaways. Here is the migraine relief set I received from The Ferris Wheels

The migraine relief kit is awesome. While I coveted this for myself, I have passed it on to a friend who's father was recently diagnosed with aggressive cancer. Figured between he, my friend and her mother - the variety of comfort afforded by the eye pad, the neck pack and the foot warmers will help them all through some difficult days.

While Sally has specifically created the set to target migraine headache; it affords relief by cooling the head and warming the feet, each component from the eye pad, to neck roll, to sock warmers can be used alone and either as a cold or a warm pack. For cold therapy you cool the pack in the freezer, for warm therapy you heat it in the microwave. Each pack is well sewn, comfy, and well shaped for the intended body part.

Thank you Sally, for this very generous gift.

Enjoy!
Jane

Ralphie is Here! Along with a Chubby House

2010-07-24T12:25:00.001-07:00

Did you know Ralphie?

He lived with my online friend Debi Babcock for many years, he inspired many paintings in many media, on many items. Ralphie transitioned to feline heaven last year, his loss from this world was grieved by many, me being one and no one was more affected and heart-sore than his Debi. You can still catch glimses of Ralphie in Debi's Etsy shop Fishstikks

Now those who know me, know of my fondness for cats, and I always had a soft spot for Ralphie. He has appeared in many many treasuries I curated on Etsy. So this last week, when I WON a lovely giveaway on Fishstikks blog, imagine my suprise and delight when opening the package, there was a Ralphie mirror along with the fabulous Chubby house that was the official prize. Here are Ralphie and the Chubby House along with the wee doll collection they are joining.

Thank you, Thank YOU, THANK YOU!!! Debi, am so thrilled to have won the Chubby House, it not only looks pretty, it is nice to touch. Tactile things are important to me too. Ralphie has already taken control here and is demanding a reading of T. S. Elliot's "The Great Rumpus Cat." Off to read........

Wishing all a grand day, and hope yours includes a purr or two as well.

Enjoy!
Jane

Fashion Watch

2010-07-17T03:59:00.001-07:00

For a while now I've been seeing and enjoying romantic dreamy gracious collages on blogs such as Lovely Clusters, Rachel puts together mood boards like this one
most days after a visit to Lovely Clusters I am swooning and sighing with delight.

Every Tuesday it is a delight to visit La Marquise des Anges and take in her flickr mosaic like this one from July 13

This morning did a google search "romantic dreamy fashions for women and discovered a lovely review called Romantic 70s on Fashion Fame Oooh I like this trend.

With the hectic pace of life today, it is refreshing to achieve "that easy peaceful feeling" through fashion. Dressing, viewing, living in a romantic dreamy environment is one way to take the edge off the hustle and bustle; helps one to calm and remember to smell the roses.

What do you find to relax, to calm, to settle yourself and keep from going crazy in today's chaotic pace?

Thanks and Enjoy!
Jane

Christmas in July Sales on Etsy

2010-07-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

July is a prime time to begin making great things for Winter Holidays. With that in mind decided to treat those who plan ahead to free shipping for purchases in our Felt Sew Crafty Shop. Any order totaling $25 US or more will receive free shipping - which is a $5 to $7 savings.

On Page 1, Felts Sew Crafty currently has fun patterns to get going on Winter Holiday Wear and Gifts. Super Christmas morning jammies, joyful home decor, sweet softies. Some great vintage sewing books.

Plus hot styles and vintage to create a stunning party ensemble.

From page 2 on in Felt Sew Crafty, Adult Patterns are arranged by year
The later pages have children's patterns, home dec, vintage, then finished handcrafts.

I'll continue to add new patterns as usual. Some with Winter Holiday focus, other for year around enjoyment. The sale is not limited to Christmas items, it was simply the sewing for Christmas idea that stimulated the sale.

Enjoy,

Jane

Keep Cool during the Dog Days of Summer by Sewing Winter Holiday Wear

2010-07-10T03:01:00.000-07:00

Turn up the AC and sew sew sew for beautiful Winter Holiday celebration wear.....

For gorgeous Christmas Morning photos create some special nightgowns, pajamas, and caps.

Don't just imagine Papa in a nightshirt, robe, and cap - make 'em now

Picture this 1950s Simplicity Pattern in red, gray or blue stripe cotton or flannel

Top it with this 1950s classic manly robe in a soft corduroy or wool flannel

Nightcap patterns seem more difficult to find
Here is a nightcap I drafted my own self -- if there is interest comment below and I'll draw it out on a grid so you can make one too.

and a fancier appliqued version

Another style The Carew Pole Nightcap described at Extreme Costuming (site is under copyright so am unable to share the pictures, but well worth a look - for embroidered cap and rough pattern.)

Nightgowns and Robes for mama coming soon..... stay tuned.

In the meantime - if you really do wish to get started on Christmas sewing, am joining this years annual "Christmas in July" Sale on Etsy by offering free shipping on any order totaling $25 or more at our Felt Sew Crafty shop. Sale dates are July 15 to 25, 2010.

Thanks and Enjoy!
Jane

Celebrating Independence Day with Stars and Stripes Forever

2010-07-04T06:52:00.000-07:00

Last Chance to win Alchemy Meerkat

2010-07-04T04:31:00.000-07:00

If you have not yet entered the grand contest to win Alchemy Meerkat and the parcel of souvenirs collected on her world tour, now is the time to put in some entries.

***This giveaway will end on Monday, JULY 5th at 12Midnight PST and the winner will be announced on the Meerkat World Tour Page and on the ETTEAM Blog.

Each individual may enter up to 18 times. Yes, Yes, just two short of 20 entries allowed to each person. You must do a little work to get each entry and leave a way to contact you should you win. The work is more like play, as you need to visit host shops (Glorious Hats is one) and go back to the Etsy Treasury Team Blog to leave a comment stating your favorite item from the select shop. You may leave 1 comment per shop. So you can enter 1 time with one shop or 5 times by visiting and commenting on 5 shops, or if you really really want lots of chances, visit and comment on all 18 shops.

To enter visit the Etsy Treasury Team Blog and submit your comments there -- Alchemy World Tour Giveaway

Best wishes, believe me, Nifty's meerkats are beyond adorable. I sure do enjoy my own "Little Miss" and the souvenirs are top notch.

Enjoy!
Jane

Meerkat World Tour - Alchemy's trip complete - Now up for adoption to permenant home

2010-06-30T03:07:00.000-07:00

Alchemy Made it back to Nifty Knits in jolly ol England! Hip Hip Hurray. The giveaway starts now. To win the lovely prizes pictured below (approx. $175/£100), head over to the ETTEAM Blog.

The giveaway finishes on July 5th and the winner will be announced on the NiftyKnits Meerkat World Tour Facebook page.

Best wishes, this is one amazing haul.

Enjoy!
Jane

Remembering Alchemy's Visit and Introducing Little Miss the modeling Meerkat

2010-06-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Wonderful reminiscence this morning reading Nifty Knits Blog. It is almost time for the End of the Alchemy Meerkat World Tour and Grand Giveaway. we had such a great time with Alchemy, even dour ol Frank smiled over her love of Maple Syrup. Actually the man chuckled aloud when he came to breakfast that morning to find Alchemy hugging the Maple Syrup bottle. We all (humans and critters) fell in love with Alchemy during her visit here; realized that life is happier with a meerkat in the family.

We were so bereft after Alchemy left that we put in papers and adopted "Little Miss" one of Nifty Knits baby meerkats.

Photo by Nifty Knits

With permission of Meerkat Mom (pictured above)and Nifty Knits shown below, Little Miss and I have embarked on a mini-meerkat fascinator adventure.
Photo by Nifty Knits

.

Meerkats are the most fetching of models and how Little Miss loves to pose.

Only 7 inches tall Little Miss really rocks a photo shoot.

To coincide with the Wrap up of Alchemy's World Tour, Little Miss just launched the mini-fascinator line for Meerkats and dolls, and will be adding mini-fascinators every day this week to Glorious Hats on Etsy.

Now even on rainy days we have something to smile about. Thanks Nifty for creating such clever, inspiring knit creatures.

Enjoy!
Jane

Thanks Dad

2010-06-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

for sharing your joy of fishing and love of gardening.
pictured here Jack Roe with grandson Kyle circa 1986

A Challenge Met

2010-06-11T05:28:00.001-07:00

Bruce, one of the other vendors at "Grandma's Attic" set me a mission to clean a couple of cowboy hats that he wished to offer for sale in his booth. OK, mission accepted, especially as he also had some lovely lady hats he had acquired with me in mind. (Fellow vendors, and owners of Grandma's Attic are just the nicest group of antiquers - am so happy to be part of that scene.)

Here are the cowboy hats as they came to Bruce.

Was not sure if the grime and stains would lift out of either one, but hey, never know till one tackles it. The result

After cleaning, still not mint but much of the stains are gone. Both show their age and wear, though more mellow than before cleaning, and more wearable once again. And of course, hats are more special with a little history and a little patina.

Enjoy!
Jane

Mothers and Daughters of the Bovine Kind

2010-06-10T11:26:00.001-07:00

The front pasture cows. Our two oldest cows and their calves. The two old girls had the first and last calves of this year within our herd. The older heifer calf was born in Feb. the youngest in May. A very interesting grouping.

Run Rabbit Run

2010-06-09T05:44:00.001-07:00

run through this door

to show what you have become when you hopped on a white hat

and ran circles on a pink one

How did this happen?

Take some wool scraps -- dive into the scrap bin, score some non-ravely wool or other fabric, felt is tops.

Cut out lots of bunnies. -- these are die cut on my Accucut Grand Mark IV. No die cutter available - use a cookie cutter, coloring book or other rabbit shape as a pattern or hand draw on freezer paper.

Detail the ear, nose and eyes. Hand embroider with floss, french knots for nose and eye, backstitch for ear. If you are not into embroidery - use fabric paint.

Attach to a hat - These are hand stitched with a running stitch. One could also use fabric glue.

Wear and Enjoy.

Jane

Doning a Stunning Hat to Join a link party

2010-06-02T03:52:00.000-07:00

Do you hunt for tutorials? I do, especially look for cool projects to interest NowSeven (soon to be 8) found some very cool projects from Sachiko at Tea Rose Home Blog
..... and became a blog follower there. Which has now introduced me to "link Parties" -- so oh YES! sounds like fun, I want to play.

One grabs this button to share in a post.

and in the post, shares a project.

Well this week, have no in-progress photos, but will remedy that by next week's project.

On to the project to Share this week.

April and May brought sunshine and warmth and Kentucky Derby on May 1. Generating several commissions for Over the top Race Day Hats. Oh those were fun to make.

Race day and related local fetes have come and gone. Still, am in a feathery frivolous glamorous mode - but working a little smaller going fascinator style. Playing with feathers, velvet, ribbon, tulle and a headband and viola this happened

All sewn onto the headband, sometimes I do resort to glue, but not for this girly girl band.

Thanks Sachiko for the open party invite. A version of this headband maybe using glue would be really cool to pair with this tutu by Sachiko and be a fabulous project for IsSeven. Visions of twirling, swirling and dancing about are playing in my mind even now.

Enjoy! and Party Hearty!
Jane

Marketing Tips for the Etsy Seller - part 3 - Promotion on Etsy

2010-06-01T04:46:00.000-07:00

Don't hide in the back alleys, get involved and move about in the Etsy Community. When people see you, they are more likely to pop into your store.

1. List new items or renew listings several times a day. Space out listings/renewals -- avoid listing or renewing many items at one time.

You want the brief time a new listing/renewal photo scrolls across the Etsy Front page to hit different times of the day, different people. This also brings your items up faster in Etsy searches by buyers.

2. Be active in the forums on Etsy. Joining in discussions in the forum is one way some people get their name out to others. This is not something I do well. It is time consuming for me, but others with faster response times and smooth social skills can do really well by posting in forum.
People see your avatar, find your words interesting and visit your shop. If you are social, like BB, and are a good chatter. Head for the forum.

3. If you read an article in the Storque, take another moment to make a comment. Something relevant and positive; or a useful pertinent question or observation.

4. Nominate your own goods or goods of others when opportunities for a special voter, or to suggest items for particular "finds" arise." MaryMary, Etsy admin, says: To stay in the loop with upcoming voting topics and how to get involved:
* Check the admin announcements section of the forums
* Read the monthly merchandising series
* Sign up for Etsy Success emails
* Keep an eye on the Community Hub

5. Make Treasury Collections on Etsy. The Treasury is explained in the Etsy Seller’s Handbook. Any Etsy member can create a gallery collection of works by sellers. Others may select your items to show them off in a Treasury list. You may select items and create a list to show off items of others. It is a gallery style way for people to view products on Etsy. When you feature others, they often will take note and feature one of your items. Contact those whose items you feature with an upbeat positive message about their item being included in your treasury list and a link to the list, so they have the opportunity to view, comment, and promote if they choose.

6. Participate in shop critiques. Find times on the Virtal Lab schedule. Give and Get feedback on others shops and on your shop. There are live chats with Etsy Admin which I highly recommend. There are also teams who do critiques. Get feedback on your shop from someone other than yourself.

7. Join one or two Etsy Street Teams. There are regional, interest, and product focused teams of sellers. These groups are not administered by Etsy. They are sellers getting together to help each other promote. Etsy encourages teams. In Minnesota there are several teams, one that encompasses the entire state is Handmade MN Street Team.
Handmade MN Team Blog

If you have other ways of becoming visible on Etsy please do share that in the comments here, either with a write up or add a link. Sometimes things change rapidly on Etsy, so stay sharp and keep abreast of changes.

Also remember, all of the above are choices, potentials, pick what works best for you, try things, adapt what feels right to you, what brings in views and sales for YOU.

Enjoy!
Jane

Who Do You Remember on Memorial Day?

2010-05-31T05:45:00.001-07:00

IMG_7398.JPG
Originally uploaded by R.Friend

Today is a time for reflection, to honor and remember those who served, and those who are currently serving, to hope for peace and understanding, for all people to live together in this world and tolerate different ways, beliefs and styles.

My oldest memory of a soldier from our family is only through stories - Dad was a Civil War Buff, we spent a number of family vacations touring Washington DC and Civil War battlefields. (Looking back, I believe this helped him process his own traumatic stress disorder generated during his service in the Philippines in WWII.)---- Back to the original story. Several of Dad's stories included "Uncle Martin Elder" who served in a Federal Zuavie Regiment in the American Civil War. The specifics of the stories are lost somewhere in my head; at least the name of the man and Zuavie still sticks. Thanks to R.Friend on flickr for the opening photo of the Zuavie Memorial in Manassas Battlefield Park.

Frank recalls that either his grandfather Blesh or his grandfather's brother survived Andersonville.

WWI either took or disrupted the life of many young American men. My grandfather Edward J. Roe, thankfully never saw active fighting. He was on a ship to Europe when the war ended, the ship turned and came back home. The soldiers were mustered out only to find that the jobs they had before enlisting in the military were gone. Jobs were scarce, so many, such as Ed, were out of work. Those who had chosen to serve where not honored or welcomed on their return. Most of us don't realize that.
Edward Roe and me circa 1950

It only came to my awareness when spending time with Nellie (my grandmother, Ed's wife) in the mid-1990s. She was in her 90s as well, doing some reflection and processing. I had only know grandpa a few years - he died at age 56 in 1955 when I was 8 years old, remembering him so slightly asked many questions. I learned Ed had wanted to go into business, before enlisting he had acquired a bookkeeping position at the Railroad Roundhouse in Weston OH. He was devastated at being pushed aside and told there was no place for him since he left his job to go off to war. He looked for other business opportunities and found none. Being a farmer was not his first choice, indeed it seemed all that was open to him. He was intent on marrying Nellie and having a family. His father was willing to set him up with a farm, he accepted that offer, and moved there with Nellie about 1920.

There is more, remembering WWII - my Dad and many uncles, Onyx (Clarence Espen), Russell Haft, George Broughten served and made it back. Wilber whose last name I do not recall, a foster child raised by mother's parents was in the air force, killed on a flying mission over Germany. His picture hung in Grandma Chase's living room, a dapper dashing young man.

I do have more memories of stories about Dad and the Uncles. But will perhaps save those for next year.

In closing a shout out to cousin Alvin who served in Peacekeeping status in Korea in the 1970s. To cousin Ron Haft for service in Viet Nam. And to my own husband Frank who spent 3 years in Viet Nam in the late 1960s.

To those who have died - may you rest in peace.

To those still alive - may you live in peace.

Thank you all!
Jane

Freezing Asparagus

2010-05-28T11:40:00.001-07:00

From this

to this

in 28 fun filled gorgeous photographic steps.

The Asparagus is tame, but went wild taking photographs.

A friend ask how I freeze asparagus. Figured if a picture is worth 10,000 words then 28 photos must be worth a million. :D/>

The whole story spun out in this flickr album.

Enjoy!
Jane

Four Leaf Clover

2010-05-27T15:58:00.001-07:00

Found

On the path to Marlow Hill, while taking Ogee (our dog) on his afternoon stroll on pasture trails on our farm.

We hope it brings us good luck and that by trotting on home and sharing our find with you the good luck extends to you too. Best wishes for a lovely end of the week. For those of you in drawings we hope you win. :D

Enjoy!
Jane and Ogee too

*Marlow Hill is now pasture, long long ago it was the Marlow homestead, the old stone foundation is still there, almost hidden under dirt and grass.

Marketing Tips for the Etsy Seller - part 2 - Showing Up in Searches

2010-05-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Whoo Hoo, so perhaps you have already established a shop on Etsy, have the virtual shelves stocked and are waiting for those sales to happen. Oh oh, very few people are finding your shop; how do you let people know you are open for business, have great product, and some swell stuff that will make their lives happier, easier, prettier?

Position your shop and shop listings to be found by search engines.

Help people searching for goods online, especially through google search find YOUR goods on Etsy. The way you state the title, description, tags, when you write about your goods in each listing effects how well your items will be found by search engines. That means you need to Learn about and keep abreast of SEO --- search engine optimization. -- Read Etsy’s Guide to SEO

Follow Etsy forum threads on SEO, watch for articles in Storque and don't be bashful about finding information off Etsy about SEO. SEO is not static, as the internet grows, the community changes, the way search engines find, identify, and rank items that come up in searches changes. If you are using outdated methods, your items are less likely to be found and counted.

Position your shop and shop listings to be found by search on Etsy.

--Titles and Tags are the areas to focus upon for people to find your goods when they search using the search box on Etsy.

--Lots has been said on this on Etsy - here are a few resources to get started:
from Etsy Success Tips: Increasing Your Views on Etsy
in Guidelines & Tips: Tagging on Etsy published in Jan 09, but still relevant

Enough reading for one day. Next installment will be ways to Promote yourself and your goods on and off Etsy.

Enjoy!
Jane

Marketing Tips for the Etsy Seller - part 1 - Know your Selling Site

2010-05-25T03:29:00.000-07:00

The dream to often goes:
“put your art for sale online in an Etsy shop and sales will come”

-- but, you know, that rarely happens.

Just as most of us work to create our art, our product; we must work even harder to bring it to the attention of buyers; then even harder to get the buyer to part with their own hard earned cash.

So how does one get people aka buyers into an Etsy Shop?

And once there to purchase?

Work it, Work It, WORK IT. On Etsy, Off Etsy, most art will not sell itself. To sell, it must be seen, be available, be desired.

If you do not treat your Etsy Shop as a business, it is not likely to make money for you.

Know your selling site.

Keep a finger on the pulse of Etsy.

Etsy is a fluid ever changing community of administrators, sellers, and buyers.
Take time to learn how Etsy functions and then keep up with changes.

--Sign up for Etsy E-mail newsletters
Five different news letters are available. Each one helps the shop owner keep a finger on a different aspect of Etsy land. Depending on your situation. needs and interests you may only want to subscribe to one, to a few or to all. The same articles and information can also be found in “the Storque” Etsy's blog and/or the Etsy Forums. The newsletters are a nice way to get the information in a more summarized manner if one does not wish to spent time sifting through the blog and the forums.

--Start with at least the Etsy Success newsletter for tips from Etsy Labs and top sellers on how to help your shop bloom! arrives via e-mail on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

--Subscribe to the Etsy Labs newsletter or go to the Community Page to see what workshops, critiques, programs are available to sellers for the week.

Scroll down past the Community Updates to the Virtual Lab calendar for a by day, week, or month view of programs. You can then see what is available and get programs pertinent to you on your personal schedule.
for example here is a copy of today's schedule.

--Newbie chat and Shop Critiques in virtual lab are online group real-time workshops with an Etsy Admin who appears via live streaming in the center of the "lab room". You and other Etsy Sellers, will be seen as avatars and have the ability to type in questions and comments that scroll up on a chat board. These are info packed valuable sessions. They can be very helpful, you can ask questions; and you may be chosen to have your shop critiqued. Or you can just observe and take in the info.

--Use the Etsy Seller Handbook Yes, it is big, it is complex; it is helpful!

That is likely enough to explore for 1 day. Tomorrow will bring you information on things you can do once you have an Etsy shop to be found, to promote yourself and your goods.

Thanks for stopping by,
Jane

Fairing Well

2010-05-24T03:35:00.000-07:00

One wall area in the Fine Arts Section from Beltrami County Fair 2009

There is something exciting, something challenging, something wonderful about entering one's creative work in a County Fair. Putting one's precious creation up for inspection, judging, display, among similar work from other artists/craftspeople, takes gumption and guts. It is exciting to earn a ribbon; and can be sad when one's work does not place. Still, if one does not put it up, one never places.

Needlework entry by IsSix in 2009 Beltrami County Fair

This past week the fabulous newsletter writers at Nordic Needle wrote an extremely valuable article: "Whats the Judge Looking For" Whether you are a novice or an old hand at entering in County/community fairs, this article is well worth your time as you will come away with a good idea of specific criteria many judges use when examining and rating needlework.

When is your county fair? Do you have plans to enter work for exhibit?

Here in Beltrami County, Minnesota; the County Fair is July 28 through August 1, 2010. SoSeven, her Mom, baby sister, and I have dreams of entering again this year. Yikes, time is coming up fast, we had better get our entries in order.

Respite in New York Mills

2010-05-22T04:12:00.000-07:00

Went to assist with a workshop. Found a lovely respite staying in the artist house at New York Mills. A sweet little house of peace and calm in a warm and friendly town. Perfect for restoring equanimity.

The Town

The House

The Meditation Chair

The View from the Window

Starting an Etsy Shop

2010-05-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

The following information is part of a handout developed for a workshop I'm helping run tonight and tomorrow to assist artists in New York Mills, MN. Thank you Lynn Kasma, for inviting me to help with this program. Printed handouts have been prepared, still it seemed a good idea to get the info online where the links would be active. Then thought, oh maybe, the same info would help others too, so am publishing it on my blog.
------------- here it is:

A hands on step by step session to set up an Esty Shop

sponsored by New York Mills Regional Cultural Center
held at NYM Library

Lynn Kasma -- coordinator, set up workshop
Jane Carlstrom -- shop set up advisor - Etsy shop owner ( http://glorioushats.etsy.com and http://feltsewcrafty.com )

----------------------------------------------------------------

A series of workshops sponsored by New York Mills Cultural Center has taken place over the last 3 years -- sessions have covered?

--What is Etsy

--Building a small business, included financial aspects

--Building a small business plan

--Photography class at library, used picasso

--Photography class May 14 - introduction to Flickr and PicNic
(and to get 1 to 2 items with photos ready to list.)

All of that information will be useful and helpful to you in managing your Etsy Shop.

Going live with an Etsy shop is going into business.

*if you are not one of the New York Mills Artists, and are reading this for your own personal venture into online selling at Etsy, look at ways you can acquire the above information. Perhaps through your own local community education sources, small business groups, etc; much information is also available online.

------------------

Things you need to open an Etsy shop.

---need email address - every account must have a unique email address.

---need Credit Card for verification to set up shop and sell

---PayPal account helpful, for accepting online payments

---establish User Name and Shop name
User name is what is used for the site address - so you may want your user name to be the same as the name of your shop or your real name.

------------------------------------------
Getting started on Etsy

There are a variety of ways to enter the Etsy system to set up an Etsy Account/Shop. It does not really matter which path you choose, it may look a little different, but all lead to the same account/shop info and set up.

This is one way to begin:

Go to Etsy front page http://www.etsy.com/

click on “ sell “ in gray bar at top of page

if no credit card (cc) available right now, then just open an account, add cc info later and you will be able to sell after you have entered a cc number and been verified

If have cc can open a seller account, get verified, and list item/s for sale.

----need help to walk you through the set up?
Etsy’s Help section has many aids to help you in filling out the different areas of your account/shop.

It is often helpful to open a second browser window, in the second window go to Etsy and click on the blue “help” link in the top row (That way you have the help info available in one window and can jump back to it easily if you encounter questions while working on setting up your shop in another window.)

first go to How to register for an Etsy account

next for general info and suggestions from Etsy for setting up shop go in go to "How to Start Selling on Etsy"

-----------------------

Once you have registered with a cc, you can set up your shop

Begin setting up your account/shop

Etsy may ask you to begin by listing the types of payment you will accept from buyers.

If not just go to “your etsy” by clicking on the blue “your etsy” at the top of the screen

example of what you will see on the Etsy page

See the blue “Public Profile” in the side column? Click on "Public Profile" in your active account/shop window to open your Public Profile page. Fill it in---------

1. Public Profile -- Who are YOU, what do you DO.

Yes, You can leave this whole area blank. However most successful shops have at least an avatar and usually some info. This is your chance to sell yourself as an artist, and created interest in you and your work.

If you have other Etsy accounts you are suppose to identify them. The profile is a good place to declare them.

*avatar ---People like to know who they are buying from - use an avatar that represents you, your “brand”, one of your items - choose something your customers will relate to.

location--- Some people search by locale so you may find putting in location helpful, may wish to use: town, region, state

*Bio--Buyers also like to know a little about you, so share something in the bio. If you do not want to make it “personal” write about your art and why you do what you do.

Gender-- optional

BD -- optional, if you put in BD, Etsy has a birthday notice board

Favorite Materials-- optional, just gives buyers a sense of what you like to use

Favorite items--display or not ---- these are the items from other sellers that you “Heart” and put into your personal favorites. If you do not want buyers to see this on your profile page then do not display them.

-------------------------------

Anxious to add items to sell?

Whoa, not yet. First set up your shop. On your active "Your Etsy" window, scroll down the side column to Shop Set Up

Before listing any items for sale, one ought to fill in:

Appearance,
Policies,
and Payment Methods

Why? These set a tone for your shop, make customers aware of what you sell, and how you operate. Do you take returns? Do you accept checks or only take PayPal?---------------

So far everything we have done has not cost you any money. You start accruing fees as soon as you list an item for sale. Total fees accrued are assessed monthly. The Esty Bill comes to you by email on the 1st of the month. Payment is due by the 15th. You can pay by cc or by Paypal.

Before going any further think about what it costs to operate an active Etsy store.

Each listing that goes active costs 20 cents for 4 months. Whether you keep it live and active (shows up in your “shop” or if you mark it inactive, or delete it. Once it is listed even for 10 seconds, you pay the listing fee. If you edit a listing, mark it inactive or put your shop on vacation, the inactive/vacation time counts in the 4 month of “listing time. Within the 4 months you can activate the listing at no further charge. The expire date does not change. If you delete a listing, and then redo it and list it again, you are charged a 20 cent listing fee.

When you sell an item you incur a transaction fee. Etsy charges 3.5% of the price of the item. (shipping is not included in calculation of the selling fee (commission) charged by Etsy.)

If you accept Paypal, Paypal charges fees on the total amount the buyer pays at the time of payment - that is price of the item plus shipping.

When pricing your items, be aware of these fees, and account for these fees in your price.
------------------------------------------------------------

Listing an item for sale.

Click on “Create a listing” from the Etsy Help Page
(remember to get to Etsy’s Help page - click on the blue “Help” link which is at the top of every page)

Then to “How do I list an item?”

This has text and graphic step by step, explaining each portion of the listing process. Again, you may find it useful to have the help section open in one browser window while working on your first listing in another window.

One of the “tricks” in listing is to keep abreast of SEO (search engine optimization). The way you state your title and description effects how well the item will be picked up by search engines. You want to use keywords to help buyers find your product, you also want to place the words in the title and description in a search engine friendly way.

How you do your tags effects how well the item is picked up by the search within Etsy (when someone comes to etsy and uses the search bar on Etsy to shop.)

Another tip* There is not an official delayed listing method on Etsy. If you do not click finish once you have completed the listing, you loose the listing info.
=====Unless you have been tricky and saved the url address on the last page of the listing form. If you want to make a listing and activate it at a later time, copy and paste the url on the last page of the completed listing form into a word document. When you want to activate the listing, sign into your shop, then copy and past the listing from url into the address bar, hit enter and viola - there is your listing, now click finish and it becomes an active listing.

--------------

Not ready to stock your shop yet? That is OK. You can still open a shop account, you can still set up your store with profile, policies, banner, avatar, etc. Doing so reserves your shop space and user name, plus your shop is ready to stock whenever you are ready to take it live. Again, there are no charges to you until you begin listing items for sale. Setting up your shop space is free, it just takes a credit card for verification.

This information should help you get your shop started on Etsy. It is a learning process. Run into frustrations, get stuck? Go to the help section, still have questions, contact support or ask in the Etsy forum.

Shepherd's Harvest May 2010

2010-05-11T14:05:00.001-07:00

Angled view of our shared booth at Shepherd's Harvest May 2010
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

Denise of Wool Alchemy and I ( A Tranquil Nook) - shared a booth at Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival. These are some photos of our stall.

We were across from the music stage in Bldg A. The Porch Pickers played both days. People were dancing in our booth as they look at goods. What fun!

Most of these photos were taken during a brief lull. Lookers were pretty constant and sales were nice too. It was wonderful to see so many people trying on my hats, and looking so great plus enjoying themselves.

Die cut shapes were very popular, so glad I decided to do those for people who choose to DIY.

Denise's needle felt critters get more amazing each year. People were really delighted with those, and the great expressiveness of the faces on each of her critters. Her nuno felt scarves also much admired. A variety of her wonderful items went to new homes and will be much enjoyed.

This year we both entered items in the felting contests. Denise won a white ribbon for a needle felted Critter and I won a white ribbon for hand wet felted versatile vine - felt rope with flower and leaf.

Had intended to capture more photos of the whole SH experience, but did not manage that this time. There was such a wonderful variety of fiber vendors and finished goods too. It was a fabulous blend and so many choices.

My personal goals for next year are to get more general photos and to get items into the fashion show.

Many thanks to all the volunteer coordinators and to all the attendees. It was a fabulous time,.

Instalation of Felt Art by Elis Vermeulen

2010-04-27T04:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!
Jane

Comfort Sewing

2010-04-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh at long last, just for us (Frank and I) to use at home.

My speciality Rice Bags ----- made with channels that mold and fit over hands, shoulders, that curve and bend to encase the aching joint with warm soothing heat.

The Lonely Bull

2010-04-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sits by the gate, as close as he can get to the cows.
Mr Bull is the big red fellow. See how the fence and gate are in front of him. Spring is migration time for our cows, they move from the general herd area, to inner corral, to barn, to nursery corral.

The 16 ladies who have had their babies are now in the nursery corral on the other side of the barn. Three still preggers cows are enclosed in the inner corral near the barn, so they will handy to tend when calves arrive.

That leaves Mr Bull and two steers in the general herd area. Most mornings he can be found in this same spot, as close as he can get to the ladies.

*note: the original photo is large, so if you want a closer look at this impressive male specimen click the photo, and click again.

Refashioning, Reusing is old Hat

2010-04-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Some neat hat tricks from the World War II era. One of the mantra's back then was "Make and Mend" -- today we say "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" -- pretty similar.

FASHION HINTS (aka PATCHWORK & HATS) (issue title - S.O.S.)

Your browser does not support iframes.

Did you watch through to the end.... by golly that looks similar to some of our "new style" Fascinators. Oh MY!

Many thanks to La Bricoleuse for introducing me to one of the British Pathe archives.

Enjoy!
Jane

Things that make me Smile - Mayflowers in the brown woods

2010-04-19T06:48:00.001-07:00

2010's First Wildflower
Originally uploaded by EmotionalOasis

Dog and I are spying more and more of these lovely fragile tiny blooms as we take our afternoon hike through the trails in the wooded pasture. Thanks to Emotional Oasis for capturing this gorgeous breath of spring and sign of the awakening forest flora. Emo lives not far from me, am so glad to know her, and to share her photography with you.

Enjoy!
Jane

Yay Frank! Necklace on Etsy Front Page

2010-04-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

The first time for Frank. One of his hand braided cord, stone pendant necklaces was an alternate in a treasury list for Etsy Front Page. While I did not see it live, figure it got to front page because the shop and his necklace got a few hearts.

Thanks so much to Lindi of LinDesigns for taking the ol guy to front page.

And here is a little taste of the fabulous jewelry Lindi creates

Enjoy!
Jane

Made Wool Flowers, Two Hats and Welcomed a Meerkat

2010-04-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Was so captivated with Alchemy and so enjoyed making a tiny fascinator for her, bought a little meerkat companion for myself from Nifty Knits. She will monitor my weekly creative process, do a bit of modeling, and we'll see what else might come along to keep us both entertained. After a bit of consideration, she has chosen the moniker Eliza and will generally go by Za.

First off we set down and sewed up a couple of tiny fascinators. Za is happily wearing one, as you can see. And enjoying a seat among some of this week's work. The other two larger wool flowers here will either go to Grandma's Attic or get listed on Etsy -- as well as to Shepherd's Harvest. The blue tweed cloche is the start of the new hats for this fall. Am planning a range of cloches and caps.

In a different style am also working on more fancy hats for "Night at the Races" on April 30, a local fete to raise scholarship money. Here is one completed, with me modeling no less. This is one I really like. Though I think most of the ladies attending will want fancier, fluffier hats. One of those is in the works and should be ready to show you in the next few days.

Thanks for looking,

Jane

Celebrating Completion of Etta Meerkat's World Tour

2010-04-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Quincifer who won Etta and all the goodies collected during her world tour.

There were so many entrants in the contest to win Etta and only one winner of the big prize, as a member of the Etsy Treasury Team who with Nifty Knits sponsored the giveaway, I wanted to do something special to console the ones who did not win this time. So went visiting blogs and shops of those who entered. Some had no blog, or private blogs - but for those with active blogs and shops, I made a visit and found lots of beautiful articles and items. One thing I can do for people with Etsy shops is to feature them in a treasury list on Etsy. Here is a start.

Row 1: NiftyKnits - WHSKR - Stockanette

Row 2: Sleeks - LindenAvenueDesigns - tasifashion

Row 3: feltmeupdesigns - PatsPottery - CricketsCreations

Row 4: wiccked -Fyrecreek - DvoraSchleffer

There definitely are more shops, than will fit in one treasury list. So my plan is to create more treasury lists over this next month that mix Etsy Treasury Team Members and Meerkat World Tour Giveaway entrants.

Enjoy,

Jane

Homemade Maple Syrup, Bottled and cooling

2010-04-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

On the kitchen counter.

Just one of the Things that make me smile

Jane

Meerkat World Tour - Etta's trip complete - Now up for adoption to permenant home

2010-04-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

If you have been following the Meerkat World Tour, you know there are *3 baby meerkats, knitted by Heather of Nifty Knits who went out visiting Etsy Treasury Team members around the world.

Heather's Local Newspaper, recorded the initial send off of baby meerkats.

At the end of each Meerkat's tour, the baby returns to England to show Heather and Meerkat Mom the goods collected from around the world. Then another big excitement ensues. The meerkat baby, goes up for adoption, baby and all the goods collected on the tour. People like you and I can vie to become the "new" parent by entering the "giveaway" for the baby meerkat and goods on the Etsy Treasury Team Blog.

Etta is the first to complete her tour.

Here is Etta, shown with a painting she completed while staying with Mozo in Oregon.

Etta's adoption plan is in progress. It takes a little work to quality as the "new" family and to win Etta. Every person can earn up to 15 entries, definitely worth a try. So give it a whirl.... go here to enter. Competition will close on Monday 12th April. GOOD LUCK! Open to all, internationally!

* to clarify for those not intimately familiar with the tours. Two originals started out: Etta and Treasure. Etta has completed her tour. Treasure made lots of great stops and good friends, but alas went missing between Estonia and Turkey. Alchemy (the meerkat who visited with Frank and I a few weeks ago) stepped up to complete Treasure's visit schedule. Alchemy is currently in Arizona with a number of other stops yet to make.

There are lots of entries already, but hey, YOU won't win for sure if YOU do not enter.

Enjoy,
Jane

Back to Making Art Cards

2010-04-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, tried making some art cards, first the original sort to trade, then after opening an etsy shop made a few more to sell. Even joined the Acetsy Team, makers all of ACEOs.

But alas, though a few of the cards did sell, my ability to capture them in digital images was awful. For Example,
Royalty Series --- Oh Oh and this was the BEST from many, many, many attempts... it just became to embarrassing to keep these listed.

And so my membership in the Acetsy Team wained, indeed I thought I was no longer on "the team" until one day an email came..... knocking, knocking in the inbox. It seemed to stay on the team, I'd need to list at least 5 ACEOs. Well, well, maybe I thought, with the new camera, perhaps before waining out of sight and truely being off the Acetsy Team, it would be worth trying to capture ACEO images again.

Wee Haa ..... not Grrrrrrrrrrrreat photos, but so improved. For proof am offering this picture

Well, OK OK, still not fabulous, but at least not embarrassingly blue.

Buoyed with this success, proceeded to rephoto all my fabric/fiber art cards, got the 5 required listed and more....... joined The "7 card draw" and made some more.

My first new ACEO in years:

Running Bunny

And a second:

Raindrops keep Falling on my Head

Thanks, thanks to Pam of Always Artistic for rekindling the ACEO flame.

Everyday things that make me happy....

2010-04-04T06:33:00.001-07:00

Fruit
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

Looking at the fruit bowl on the kitchen counter and seeing art. The two oranges outside the bowl were intentional due to space. The banana over the edge, just happened. How cool.

Enjoy!
Jane

Whaaaaa, what happened to Wednesday, Thursday is here

2010-04-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

April Fools turned into a glorious day ---------

it is always fun to be included :{D

today you can find my mustaches all around the web

Mr and Ms are enjoying a visit to Magnolia Surprise

Victorian Gentleman aka Steampunk Rocker is frolicking with Annie Banana

The over-the-top beaded white extravaganze is stylin' at
Dear Art Love Renee

She is also strutting her stuff with Dear Emily on Etsy's Storque after kicking out a review with today's Etys Finds email.

and here I sit at home ROTFLOL..... gosh it has been fun, first to make these mustaches, wear one, and then to see how much fun other's have with them too. Look down with me and you will see....

Nephew Kyle to mention 1

Enjoy!
Jane

Tuesday's Treasures - Gentle

2010-03-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

Do you know about Lovely Clusters? A wonderful site for today's Gentle woman. When feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, harried, a visit to Lovely Clusters is better than aspirin for soothing the "busy fever."

This Tuesday's Treasures come mostly from shops with showcases on Lovely Clusters, find here a collection of grace and beauty:

Gentle

Row 1: Night Flowering by Valerie Galloway, ESPIEGLE by La Marquise Desanges, For the Love of Light by Lori 411

Row 2:Pillow by Moose and Bird, Woodland Variations by Gathering Sprigs, Vintage Key and Rhinstone Necklace by Loley

Row 3: Springtime Skirt by Sweet Gracies, Haeger Pottery by Satisfind, Pink Blouse by By the Way

Take a deep breath, inhale goodness, and relax a spell.

Enjoy!
Jane

PS. Just so you know, I am affiliated with Lovely Clusters, my Glorious Hats shop participates in Lovely Cluster's Shop Galleries; I submit clusters there too; and am active in the Lovely Clusters Blog. It is a lovely comfortable place for me and I appreciate the synergy and the gracefulness on the site. J

Lavender Bow Straw Hat

2010-03-29T04:05:00.001-07:00

Lavender Bow Straw Hat
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

A second commission for an early 20th Century Style Women's Hat for a "Race Day" Fete.

The really wonderful thing with this one it that it is a surprise gift. Can you imagine someone commissioning a hand crafted hat as a gift? Wow! I was so surprised, amazed and honored to be asked to do this. The person who commissioned it wishes to remain anonymous. I have been practicing presentation to the recipient, working to be smooth in not giving away the person who is paying.

More views of this hat here in my flickr album.

the robin is the one ...

2010-03-28T03:27:00.001-07:00

the robin is the one ...
Originally uploaded by jude

Who signifies for me that Spring has come.

Signs of spring have been appearing for weeks now. More sound in the forest when dog and I take our walks, Frank tapping Maple trees, Cows birthing calves, Eagles soaring, snow disappearing.

Yesterday, the "real" sign of spring appeared. A Robin a beautiful fat red breasted Robin was sitting in the yet leafless oak tree outside my studio window.

The Photo and Title are from Jude on flickr.

The Packing Challenge

2010-03-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

It is really neat to be able to offer goods online for sale around the world. One challenge in managing to do this well is to get the goods out in good time, nicely presented, and cushioned so the item arrives looking like it did when photographed. AND at a reasonable cost to the buyer too.

Recently in an Etsy Treasury Team forum, team members have been discussing packaging/shipping challenges and sharing how goods are packaged. It always helps to see photos, so I decided to show my wrapping method for Fascinators and some berets here.

The Clori Rose Fascinators with the Dior Rose center and wispy petals needs special care to keep the center fluffy and the petals unwrinkled.

For sure, this must go into a cardboard box with enough depth to protect the fluffy center and enough width and length to allow the petals to lay out fully.

To keep the single layer pointed petals from crumpling through contact with the edges of the shipping box. The fascinator hair clip is clipped to a wide ribbon strap on a single layer of cardboard, which has been covered with acid free tissue paper. (click here for more detail)

Next a protective tissue wreath to cushion the fluffy center.
A ring of rolled tissue sits on top of the leaves. The outer edges are lightly taped to the base board to keep the wreath from shifting. The tissue ring is as tall as the fascinator height.

Wrap it all over in a acid free tissue.

The tissue wrap makes it look nicer and gives just a wee bit more support for holding the tissue ring and fascinator in place during shipping.

A Certificate of Authencity goes out with each fascinator and large hat.

This is slipped into a clear plastic sleeve. The certificate contains much of the information from the listing description, plus a few tips on hat care. For people who love hats and have many of them it is nice to have photos of each hat to tape on the outside of a hat storage box so the new owner knows what is in the box.

All is sealed in a clear plastic bag with The Certificate of Authencity and a Packing slip with hand written thank you note placed under the cardboard base with the addresses showing. Just a bit of additional protection against moisture or damage to the shipping box.

Slipped into an addressed box, cushioned so there is no sliding about..... and off to the Post office she goes.

The berets with raised trim - wool flowers, feathers, etc. Are packaged in a similar fashion with a tissue wreath protecting the fluffy embellishment.

Questions, comments, suggestions for improvement welcome.

Thanks,
Jane

Telling and Sharing

2010-03-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

Who are you? Do tell, says Rachel, of Lovely Clusters and Lovely Clusters' Blog, then come and join us on the Lovely Bloggers List.

Because I really like Rachel, her site and her blog; plus participate happily in both; this is one List I'd like to make so.....

Here goes:

I am one half of a couple spending our retirement years farming and crafting. There was a time when we were young and lived in cities from San Antonio to Anchorage.

Now we are on an upNorth farm (in Minnesota, USA) full time to till and tend; AND oh yes, to make art and to craft.

Frank enjoys his farm equipment, managing crops, cattle, watching deer, and making maple syrup. Frank designs and creates stone necklaces, earrings; and weaves kumihimo cords.

I help out some with the animals and garden but spend lots of time sewing and felt making.

My joy is to create beautiful, wearable hats and accessories that let a person’s spirit sing.

Wool Flower Fascinator modeled by Carolin

Wearing a hat makes me comfortable and lifts my spirits; one goal is to share that comfort and joy with others.

Bubbles, a wool felt Hat and Scarf modeled by Kiana

My Inspirations: Past, present, future - the land, sky and water around me, people, animals, plants... Things I’ve read, things I’ve seen. Looking at and feeling fibers and fabrics, vintage patterns. These all roil and boil together ruminating in my mind until an urge to make something specific comes to the fore. And if energy comes with it a hat or other creation comes into being.

Sometimes even mustaches. :D

His and Her Moustache set

You can find me about the web in these places:
Etsy, Flickr, Lovely Clusters, Blog, Facebook

Bunny in the Flower Patch Fascinator

Thanks for stopping by today, and reading this to the end. A pleasure to meet you, and if you leave a comment, I'll make a return visit to your lovely blog too.

Cheers,
Jane

Saying Good-bye to Alchemy

2010-03-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

Today is "Town Day" -- Frank likes routine and town day is a set pattern. Every Wed morning we head to town for breakfast at Perkins Restaurant, then on to town tasks: shopping, etc. One of today's tasks is to send little Alchemy on to her next adventure.

So she gets a quick tour of Bemidji.

Everyone who is anyone who is everyone, must get a photo with the waterfront statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.... can you find Alchemy in this photo? She is there, right in the center of things. :D

A stop at Grandma's Attic to meet Pam, one of the owners. Check out the background too, our Vendor booth is "The Hatbox" seen in the background.

A fun nose rubbing with a flashy pink poodle.

Then off to the Post Office

Lona, one of Bemidji's great post office window team, helps Alchemy get a post card off to Tori. Tori is one of Melissa of HautTotes, lovely daughters and lots of HautTotes fans are sending cards to Tori to keep her engaged and distracted from pain when she undergoes major surgery on Mar 31. If you would like to participate- info at Postcards for Satori

After sending out her post card, Alchemy hopped into her cardboard traveling suite and is now on the way to her next destination.

We had a lovely time hosting Alchemy, and hope you enjoyed hearing and seeing a bit of her adventures here at Tranquility Pastures Farm.

**Alchemy is a knitted Meerkat, one of the World Traveling Meerkats created by Heather of Nifty Knits.

Alchemy Discovers ...

2010-03-23T13:49:00.001-07:00

Breakfast time at Tranquility Pastures

Alchemy admires the thick syrup stream as it flows down into the bowl of oatmeal...

One small taste and she is in love.

What is this sweet elixir she asks. Why it is home made Maple Syrup, Frank replies, liquid sugar distilled from Maple trees here on our farm.

What! show me how? Ah says, Frank, you came at just the right time to see how it is made.\

Come walk with me into the wooded side pastures, says Ogee.

Look close, see the bits of blue? those are bags hanging on metal taps, the sap from the tree drips out of the tap into the bag.

Then each afternoon, Frank, mounts his 4 wheeler with this "pig" strapped on the back and collects the sap.

Next he takes the watery sap out of the pig and into the Maple Shack.

Then boils and boils and boils it down to a rich thick brown syrup.

Next week after you are gone, he and Jane will bottle this year's batch.

And that my dear, Meerkat friend, is how Maple Syrup gets to the table at Tranquility Pastures Farm.

**Alchemy is the knitted Meerkat, one of the World Traveling Meerkats created by Heather of Nifty Knits. We are thrilled to have Alchemy as a house guest this week. Also note that when outdoors here on our farm, Alchemy wears a special clear plastic bubble coat.

Last Week -- things learned and completed

2010-03-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

On March 13, Frank and I took a second jewelry class from Christina Thorne: Wire work.

For sure, the ol boy manipulates wire nicely and precisely. Here is his work done during class
Jump rings, earring hooks, decorative curves, clasps - hooks and loops, coils, pounded ends, wire wrapped stone. The various wood rods were used to help with shaping the curves.

and mine

no where near as precise

Soooooo, now I'm working on manipulating Frank -- wanting him to do the stringing, wire work etc for the Felt bead necklaces. Got him working on one now. Yipee. Won't load him up with all of the ones I want done at once. But maybe bring out one a week or so.

Between the two classes we took from Christine, Frank, practiced making links.

Necklaces with glass beads on copper wire. He really made some lovely links.

As for me, continuing with felt flowers. Alchemy had arrived in time to help finish up a few. Plus she picked out on style to make for herself.

Alchemy helped design and sew the Tiny Pink Flower Fascinator she is wearing here. The other items include a Silk and Wool Brooch, A Bunny in the Flower Patch Fascinator, Two Plaid Flower brooches, and and two Crocheted Felt Flower broochs.

Alchemy is playing with the flowers now, while I do laundry.

**Alchemy is the knitted Meerkat, one of the World Traveling Meerkats created by Heather of Nifty Knits. We are thrilled to have Alchemy as a house guest this week.

Alchemy heads out to help with morning farm chores.

2010-03-21T08:19:00.001-07:00

Awakened while it was still dark. Alchemy joined Jane in a cuppa coffee and quick online email and store check. Helped feed the house cat and then

at first light dressed in a plastic raincoat, snuggled into Jane's pocket and off we went to do morning chores.

First stop, tour the inner corral, looking over pregnant cows, who might calf soon and looking for any calves born overnight.

Ramada is hanging out alone in the loafing shed... hmmm she is acting like she is getting ready to drop her calf, will put her on the watch closely list.

Then into the barn to feed and liberate the dog, Ogee, from his barn suite.
He stays here at night, then moves onto a big outdoor kennel during the day.

However, he also goes on 4 daily walks. This is the first one today.

Coming around the corner of the front pastures and field trail, Alchemy gets a good look at Tranquility Pastures.

A busy morning, time for breakfast. Ah yes, Frank is now up and has oatmeal cooking. Yum. Off to chow down.

Are you hungry for more meerkat on the farm photos? Click here to go to Alchemy's Flicker Albumn

:D

World Traveling Meerkat Arrives in Rural Minnesota

2010-03-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Many months ago Heather, originator of knitted meerkats and owner of Nifty Knits sent two intrepid meerkats off on world tours.

Today, one of those adventurous creatures showed up in our mail box. Unfortunately, this is mud season in Minnesota and our mail box is 3/4 mile from our house. A far and slippery road. Frank got out the tractor and made it to the mail box and found Alchemy.

Only to discover an unhappy little meerkat whose nose was a bit bent out of shape at being penned in a mail box for several hours.

However, she was quite happy to pop out of the box and ride the tractor back to the house.

A nose massage and getting her paws into making stuff, straightened the nose just fine.

Here she is directing which flower to sew up next, gazing out the window and catching some "March Madness" on TV. Alchemy is very adept at multitasking.

More adventures tomorrow.

And a Grand Day it 'tis

2010-03-17T12:36:00.001-07:00

Wonderful luck happened my way this day. Received an email from an "old" acquaintance from the now defunct Sewing World Bulletin Board. Rather surprising, as a few weeks ago the thought of how she was and if she still was popped into my head. Then today, hip hip hurray, news from her came my way.

Thanks, thanks to Ann-Mari for getting in touch again. My day is brighter and happier and am looking forward to those "extremely important words" you have to say to me, now that you have passed your 94th year.

Tuesday's Treasures - Designer Details

2010-03-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

Whether to wear or for the home, small fine details are a wonderful thing.

All of the above items were found on Etsy and/or Lovely Clusters.

First Row: AmyBrazil, TasiFashion, PaintedbyRenee
Middle Row: BagattellesAndCo, Tissage, CityChicCountryMouse
Bottom Row: LeavesAndFeathers, Tialys, LavenderField

This Week in my Studio

2010-03-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

The following is an overview of a few of the things completed or in progress this past week.

Repair/refashion

A fabulous local customer scores hats in various places, on occasion she brings a hat to me for refashioning. This was one. The now deep purple band was pale mauve, I've recovered it with a deeper richer colored silk dupioni fabric; reduced a stain spot on the side and re-attached the veil.

As soon as this rose is finished as a lapel pin, it will be ready for her to pick up. An Easter or Spring Hat and Brooch set.

Next, more casual wear, put some Wool flowers on acrylic caps.

Will take these into Grandma's Attic, as they are perfect for spring in Bemidji.

Preparing to lead a "put a wool coat on your soap' mom and daughter fun crafty class, made up a few samples

Last but not least, nearly late for St. Patrick's Day, a magnificent Green Mustache

Way to late to put it up on Etsy, so will take this one to Grandma's Attic.

Who knows what next week will bring.......

Thanks for following along.

A new challenge -- Race Day Hat

2010-03-12T05:37:00.001-08:00

Red and Black Hat -
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

fit for the early 20th century. A commission to create a hat for a woman attending a charity fete. This is the first trial. Will attempt a few more and see which she preferes. The others will go up for sale at Grandma's Attic or online -- just depends on my mood at the time. :D

Feeling Like a Star

2010-03-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Crystal of Bead Happily Ever After who has complimented me today in her "Interview with the Artist" series. If you would like to see the article just pop on over here.

While you are there, you may wish to sign up for her lovely giveaway for Athena Earrings.

Running off to grin and spin a bit, cause I be giddy with happiness! Thanks again, Crystal, for making this a beautiful day.

Jane

Tuesday's Treasures - Lace

2010-03-09T02:24:00.000-08:00

Romantic, charming enchanting.... getting in touch with my softer side.

All of these wonderful goods found on Etsy. Most of these shops also participate in Lovely Clusters. The links below will take you directly to the items shown above.

top row: SLGdesigns, MermaidTreasures, ToolisJewelry,
middle row: Frank's Necklace, LaMarquiseDesanges, MadameMortaliatas,
bottom row: MoonFlowers, VirginiaGeigerJewels, LeapingGazelle

Last Week --Focused on gifts and learning.

2010-03-07T04:07:00.000-08:00

Frank and I took a fabulous jewelry making class from Christina Thorne, jewelry artist and owner of "Bad Cat Creations Boutique" here in Bemidji. We learned to make nice loops, to strand, and other sound basics. Christina also includes information of safety and hand exercises. We are hoping the cows and calves co-operate so we both can attend the follow up advanced wire wrapping session next weekend. Above is a collection of the items we made along with a few other fiber items and a hat -- other work I managed to complete last week.

The Red Silk Rose on wool leaf is a new style rose, I was trying. Oh I like it. Planning to do more, this first one is a special gift to a friend for her mother to wear at the mom's 80th birthday party.

The Black Flower Fascinator is a gift for the young woman who so graciously modeled lots of my stuff and was so good natured about letting me take lots of photos to use to show off my stuff. Again, some new work on it, using a wider than usual elastic band, cutting it and covering the back of the flower/leaf with black flannel.

Then the Bowler Hat...... One of my nephews DJs for the Cincinnati Roller Girls. He has been coveting a Bowler Hat. Not just any Bowler Hat - a sensational one.... so this is my attempt at trimming a Bowler Hat. He called it "Brilliant" so am guessing I done OK on it. The feather cockade was crafted from feathers saved when a most gorgeous bird flew into one of our windows, broke it's neck and died. That was so sad. I harvested the birds feathers to honor the bird and keep it flying in other ways. (And oh yes, cleaned the feathers too.) The headband is a purple/brown silk dupioni, hand pleated with detachable bow. He can remove the purple, should he want a more plain, traditional, stately Bowler Hat. Some day a turn of the last century vest may be created to accompany the Hat.

The Luck of the Irish -- Hits Here

2010-03-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

The mustaches have sure been good to me; thanks to all the mustache affectioniados in this great and wide world. It has been so much fun to see the staches hit Etsy Front Page from time to time. The latest is by far the most eccentric......
yep Emerald Green.

Hope this brings you a smile too. What fun items there are on Etsy.

Plea for Votes

2010-02-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

Wow! Glorious Hats has an entry is this Week's Etsy Voter -
this Bear Headband

Each week, MaryMary, one of the Etsy administrators selects about 50 items from different Etsy shops to put in a themed contest call "The Voter" -- then the items go out in an email and an article in "The Storque" (Etsy's blog)
Then anyone who has an Etsy account can cast a vote for their favorite. One must be signed in to Etsy to vote.

So that is how it works. And thanks to this lovely model for showing off the headband beautifully, I know she made the difference in the headband being selected for the contest. It is very exciting for me to have an item in the voter. It means more people look at the listing and visit my store.

If the headband places in the top 5, then the photo/listing will be on the front page of Etsy on Feb 26.

Today is the last day to vote, so if you would like to cast a vote our way, hop on over to the Voter and plunk down a vote.

Thanks and Enjoy the Day.

Thursday's Treasures

2010-02-19T04:57:00.000-08:00

A few more wonderful goods found on Etsy, my favorite place to shop online.

Tuesday Finds

2010-02-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

A few of the lovely items found in Etsy Shops this week. Hope you Enjoy them too.

Sometimes Presents to Others are really for Me

2010-02-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

Or that is how this one feels--- it soothes my inner child

It will get passed on to NowSeven when she and her mom arrive here for our next crafting/sewing together day later this month. Want to see what is inside? Here it is:

Not just paper dolls, fabric "paper dolls" with clothes that cling - a great thing for those long car trips to visit her great grands in Iowa. Plus, Kim the "paper doll" maker was kind enough to sell me a grouping of "unfinished doll clothes." On craft day, NowSeven will get to do iron-on bonding of the clothes and back them with flannel, then cut them out.

When finished, she can pack all the clothes in the pocket -
How cool is this?

It is always challenging to find a balance in coming up with crafting projects -- to make something that delights the child and is within their skill level. Something that provides a challenge, yet is not too much, and can be finished in a few hours. NowSeven works awfully hard at her job of learning in school; when she and her mom come to craft, a light happy, yet still challenging project is the best. The bonding and cutting are great skills for her current level. A travel iron works well with a small rectangular ironing pad on a table for a pressing/bonding station.

Thanks to Kim of Kim's Crafty Apple for creating the quilted paper dolls. She has several variations available. Of course, you can buy them for a child or for yourself without turning them into a crafting project. It just worked well for me to do so; I was so thrilled that Kim was willing to work with me and customize the order to include the unfinished clothes.

And last but not least, here is me playing with the dolls. Well you know I had to do a shake test. :D

Thursday's Treasures

2010-02-11T04:28:00.000-08:00

Cabin by the Sea

All these beautiful things brought memories of childhood summer vacations at Burrough's Farms to my mind. My father worked for Burrough's and in those days workers could rent a cabin at the company resort for a week or two. Wonderful times of sand, sun and water; fabulous times of running, playing, hoping, dreaming with my brother and sisters.

A slightly different version of this collection was accepted on Lovely Clusters and can be found there among other beautiful Curated Clusters.

Making a Hat on a Ball

2010-01-18T03:06:00.001-08:00

Found this amazing video and thought you might enjoy it too.

Today on our Farm

2010-01-16T17:50:00.001-08:00

Farm and Sky Photo Day
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

Why One Ought to Turn on lights

2010-01-15T12:18:00.001-08:00

when coming down a stairway

In the dark you may not see the cat sleeping on the step, and to avoid squashing said cat, one twists, turns and falls; causing damage to the wall

Upon hearing thumps and a boom, I ran out of an upstairs room into a dark hallway, flipped the switch to find ol Frank picking himself up off the stair landing. After ascertaining he was not hurt, proceeded to lecture him on the value of light in a stairwell.

Especially when said cat is 15 years old and has slept on that step most of the nights of his life.

Arrrugh!

Keeping it Weird - guess that is me

2010-01-14T07:38:00.000-08:00

Thrilled to have been among these "weird" picks by Etsy Admin that hit the front page of Etsy yesterday. The mustaches have been such a joy, so much fun for me and others too.

Titled "Keeping it Weird"

Yesterday on the Farm Front

2010-01-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, a reprieve from the double digits below zero F weather, Farmer Frank took the opportunity to climb the ladder to the roof and do a little chimney sweeping. He looked amazing on top the roof; but drats, the camera batteries died..... and I cannot leave lookout and ladder holding duty while he is up there. Maybe next time.

Bone Soup

2010-01-13T03:18:00.000-08:00

-- oh them bones on Etsy come in all forms, shapes, sizes and media

Had way too much fun putting this one together, so sharing it here too. It will be active in Etsy's Treasury West until about noon on Fri Jan 15, 2010

Featured in this collection:
Adorn Me Jewelry, P J Lacasse, Judith's World, Charmed by Karen, Skeledog, Woodin You, Haut Totes, Kim's Crafty Apple, X less than 3, Funky Tie Tac, African Grey, Nifty Knits

Curated Treasury of Crafting Tools hits Etsy Front Page

2010-01-02T03:08:00.000-08:00

How thrilling is this? Tooling Along, a treasury list I curated on Etsy was featured on the front page late last night. Lookie, lookie---

How cool is that. The inspiration for the collection was to thank Michelle of Evie's Tool Emporium

If you too adore tools, there are lots of great finds in Michelle's shop. Michelle is an active member of the Handmade Minnesota Street Team.

Stepping up to the Plate of Life in 2010

2010-01-01T03:42:00.000-08:00

Our home early morning January 1, 2010

Just as many other do at year's end, I spent much of December 2009, looking back: reviewing, thinking, contemplating events, feelings, life during the year. Am pleased in many ways and noted areas/ways to more fully embrace life as 2010 unfolds. Smiled and felt good about the ups; recognized the downs - letting go of what I cannot control and developing strategy to decrease the slides, not dig the pit deeper; and to maximize the uplifting.

Calf Corral and "New Barn" early morning January 1, 2010

Some years ago I read a book titled something like: "You Can Have Anything you Want" ---- with the smaller add on "but not everything you want." It made a lot of sense to me then, the concept is still relevant today. It helps me focus and consider direction and choices. It is really easy for me to gaze about and want to try many things, unfortunately, by spreading time, energy, talent in many directions, there is a tend not to do any of them well or to finish many projects. That would be OK, if I did not feel guilty, unsettled, unfulfilled looking at a chaotic mess. On the other hand, exacting routine, rote repetition, replication is deadly for me. Each year this is a struggle, balancing to keep motivated and stimulated which drives creative initiative; yet not falling into a chaotic pit which leads to incapacitation and feeling overwhelmed.

Old Log Smithy - now Maple Sugar Shack - early morning January 1, 2010

Lately, have been pondering consistency versus repetition. How to do some basic things routinely yet avoid the boring life draining repetition. Looking at ways to keep my environment stimulating not overwhelming. Organizational and management strategies to set a solid base that allows, promotes flexibility, creativity, joy of doing.

My Studio, early morning January 1, 2010

Of Mustaches and Dashing Young Men

2009-12-27T04:52:00.000-08:00

If anyone had suggested at this time last year that I'd feel like a mustache Queen by this time this year. Why the laughter could have been heard around the globe.

None-the-less, that is exactly what has happened.

Meet a Happy recipient of a Luxurious Handlebar Mustache------

(photo used with permission)

Thanks to this dashing fellow's sister and other lovely people who purchased felt mustaches from ME. From ME.

Never dreamed I'd make so many, that the demand would be present, or that I'd enjoy making them so very much. But..... reality this past few months is: I did, there was, and I do.

Life can certainly have unexpected turns and twists. This has been a happy twirl for sure. It is a great kick to spread happiness to others through sewing faux facial hair. In the process, it has been a terrific joy to meet, if only online, delightful people such as the young woman who purchased a blonde mustache for her brother (above) and came back to buy a similar one in black because this one was so well received.

Many thanks to all the mustache disguise connoisseurs, trend setters, and neat people who have stopped in at Glorious Hats in 2009.

May Joy and Love Fill Your Heart

2009-12-25T04:02:00.001-08:00

Birth18
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

Wishing all a bright and beautiful day.

Jane, Frank, all the critters and flora
(tame, wild and inbetween)
of Tranquility Pastures Farm

Hand Cut felt Holly Napkin Rings

2009-12-18T02:31:00.000-08:00

from our Felt Sew Crafty Shop hit the Etsy Front Page early this morning,
Thanks to Strands of Light

Lovely way to Start the Day

2009-12-13T03:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to WaterRose, Both of my Etsy Shops hit the front page of Etsy early Sunday morning

The mustache and the shoe. Happiness from head to toe.

One Dream Realized

2009-10-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

One of the treasury collection I made was shown on the front page of Etsy tonight.

Time for Romance

A very exciting milestone. Something I have dreamed about and worked hard to achieve. This one took me there.

I curated this one to say thanks to Jamie of City Chic Country Mouse and to Rachel of Lovely Clusters. Jamie for working with me on the "This Etsyan Drives a Sewing Machine" series and Rachel for accepting the Glorious Hats shop into Lovely Clusters. (Which by the way, I learned about on Jamie's blog.)

Some days are good, this one turned out super duper.

This Etysian Drives a Sewing Machine - City Chic Country Mouse

2009-10-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

Making the ordinary extraordinary is what the mother-daughter team of City Chic Country Mouse does so well. They offer items to make some of your not-so-fun chores more enjoyable – like ironing! Work becomes easier when done with lovely tools in a beautiful space. I know this for true, two of their ironing board covers adorn vintage wooden ironing boards in my work space. Function is critical to me, to be able to obtain a well fitting, expertly sewn cover was paramount and combining that quality with beautiful fabric sealed the deal. The best of practicality and art. How neat to turn an ironing board into a pleasant piece of furniture.

How does the City Chic Country Mouse team function? It seems to be an exciting collaboration of ideas and skills.
They say:

Our collaboration of Jamie’s sense of style and Carmen’s sewing expertise make our creations seem to fall into place effortlessly (well, almost!). We have often started out by making an item out of muslin and reworking it several times before we’ve come up with something that we both love and feel that others will as well.

I must admit, I am a wee bit envious of Carmen, because I think Jamie also does the photography and listing and marketing tasks; and does them very well. It really takes a combination of not only designing and creating goods but also an ability to explain them and offer them in the right places in order for a handmade goods business to thrive.

As always, it is interesting to learn about the relationship of the craftsperson to their tools. Here are the answers to several sewing machine questions:

When did you first press the peddle on a sewing machine.
City Chic:

When I was a Senior in High School, but it didn’t stick with me and I didn’t sew much until about a year ago.

Country Mouse:

I first began learning to sew around the age of 5 or 6.

What kind of machine was it? Any special memories of using the machine or what you created with it?

City Chic:

It was a Singer Stylist zig-zag sewing machine free-arm model 834 from 1980.

I remember my mom (Country Mouse) making me sew my Halloween costume (Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz) for Senior Dress up day in High School.

I thought, why can’t you just do it for me?! I knew she secretly hoped I would enjoy it, but I was too interested in other things (like friends, boys, and horses) to be bothered with sewing things.

Now I am much older and wiser in my late twenties ;) and when my mom decided to get a new sewing machine, I thought why not give your old one to me? We visited an amazing fabric store in Minneapolis (Crafty Planet) and I got hooked on all of the fabulous fabric that was available.

Country Mouse: I learned to sew on a 1953 Singer Model 90.

Yes, it was electric! I started out sewing clothes for my Barbie and Skipper dolls. No Ken, tho. I guess men just weren’t of any interest to me at that age! I was lucky to grow up on a farm in a big 5 bedroom farmhouse and my grandmother lived in her mobile home in our yard so we kids were able to run over to grandmas’ anytime we wanted. Between her and my mom, they got me started on a life long love of sewing.

 What is the machine you use today?

City Chic:

I still use the trusty Singer, but when Country Mouse and I get together I get to use the new fancy machines.

Country Mouse:

Today I use a Husqvarna Scandinavia 300 and a Huskylock 901. In fact, I can’t believe I waited so long to purchase a serger! Having that machine has made so many things we make much less time consuming as well as having a much more finished look.

Why do you enjoy making the things you sew? 
City Chic:

I am inspired by all of the gorgeous fabric available and I love seeing the transformation from on the bolt to a finished product. In fact, I probably still like the designing part slightly more than the sewing part.

Country Mouse:

I simply love to sew! I especially love all of the wonderful designers that create such beautiful and fun fabrics. In the past I’ve tried stained glass, macramé (remember how popular it once was?), acrylic painting, etc, etc. I have always come back to my first love which is sewing.

Now some things to dream of owning --

Gorgeous aprons.

Sewing Machine covers Beautiful ways to keep the dust off your own machine. And yes, even though I could make a sewing machine cover, an ironing board cover; sometimes it is just better to go to a specialist and know you will be getting a well crafted, use tested item.

In both the apron and the sewing machine cover you can see how the binding creates a crisp weighted edge that provides a beautiful finishing touch to many of their creations. When asked what special tool they find most useful in completing their items they responded :

we were both awestruck with our handy dandy binder maker. It’s unbelievable how that little item has made our life much easier. We use binding on aprons, sewing machine covers, and towels and have ideas for many other uses.

This is especially joyful to me as it hearkens back to the fabulous use of binding pre-modern machine and serger era. There are so many widths and ways binding was used by the home seamstress to finish, to decorate, to enhance and complete items for the home and wear. My grandmother's treadle machine has a whole box of specialty binding feet. It simply cheers my heart and soul to know these skills of long ago have been adapted in new ways, are alive and being used to create modern work today.

City Chic Country Mouse is the cats pajamas! the bee's knees! an altogether swell crafty team who drive sewing machines.

Thanks so much to Jamie and Carmon for taking on being interviewed; it was so much fun to learn more about them, especially after enjoying their work so much. I hope you too have enjoyed this introduction to them and their work.

Oh me OH my - almost made Front Page

2009-10-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

On the Wild Side was in the alternates in an Etsy admin pic

Monday afternoon about 3:30pm EST, we had gone to the local high school junior varsity football game so were not around viewing Etsy at the time. Thankfully there is The Vault on Craft Cult. It is so great to be able to go to Craft Cult and see if one's shop and been on FP or featured in some other way. Thanks Craft Cult aka Heartomatic.

Brown Mustasche makes a Front Page Appearance

2009-10-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

In an Etsy Admin selected collection:

The needle felted androgynous head wearing a bowler hat and Brown Mustache disguise hit the front page of Etsy last night after I had gone to bed, thank you to FishStikks for letting me know it was up.

I have been meaning to get a shot of me wearing the blonde mustache I made for myself to use in the avatar for Glorious Hats here and on Etsy..... it is way fun to wear. Which is why I made more; hoping to spread the joy of mustache wearing. :D It started out as a joke. Then I found it was fun, fun, fun.

Have also been meaning to draw up a pattern for a yellow Vikings mustache, maybe this will spur me on to getting that done.

Weekend Deals

2009-09-25T04:41:00.000-07:00

A rare opportunity if you like my work, Frank's work or sewing patterns---

Have signed on for Etsy's Weekend Deals program September 25 through 27, hoping that something from Glorious Hats will be featured in a gift guide, or even get into this Etsy Weekend Deals email.

Glorious Hats

Tranquil Nook

Felt Sew Crafty

The sale spans all three shops so if you buy 2 items between the 3 shops, the Weekend Deal (20% discount ) will apply.

Here is how it looks in the shops:
______________________________

Weekend Deals - September 25 - 27

*********all 3 shops***********
_______________________________

Buy 2 or more items and receive 20% off entire purchase.

Enter coupon code: “Weekend Deals - 9/25-27” in notes to seller.

Either pay immediately and recieve a Paypal refund; or wait for revised invoice with discounted price. Whichever works best for you, works for me.

Thanks and have fun shopping.

More on Photo Progress - the difference a year makes

2009-09-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

Still working, still struggling, still not really happy with my photos....... but they are definitely improved. Midnight Terror is one of the more real art pieces in my body of work. It still recalls for me the reasons it was created, the raw emotion, the fear, the horror, the empathy for two friends and their families after nightmare awful traumatic experiences. Not sure any will want or will wear this "art to wear" scarf but it would likely not hold the same horror for them that it does for me; and may simply be a wonderfully scary item to someone else. So threw it up on the Glorious Hats Etsy shop last year, but because of the very poor quality photos never renewed it.

At long last, have garnered the strength to do another photo shoot of this piece. Still not capturing the power "Midnight Terror" has for me; but definitely closer than last year. Also, this time was able to add a bit more description of the horror/terror. An interesting personal journey for me.

At any rate look at the change ......

2008 listing

2009 listing

Nuno Felted Scarf

2009-09-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

Rejoice, rejoice Denise and Eileen! At long last here are some photos of the scarf I dyed with Denise's help and then the next day laid some wool on it and turned it into a nuno felt scarf.

This is my work from the class taught by Kris Post, that Denise, Eileen and I enjoyed so much last weekend.

A Happy Day

2009-09-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Featured in The Handmade's Tale series on Cinnamon and Honey Blog please visit comment and celebrate with me. Thanks so much!

Also in celebration am toasting Robin of Cinnamon and Honey Blog with this Treasury collection

active now through 11 am Sunday, September 20, 2009

At Grandma's Attic with Pam

2009-09-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Me with Pam, one of the co-owners of Grandma's Attic. This is in the booth I rent at Grandma's. Pam and Carol are both lovely people and it is such a pleasure to have a booth in their Antiques and Collectibles Mall.

Make a Hat Day - Hat is finished

2009-09-16T13:38:00.001-07:00

Me and Me Hat
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

And oh I am loving it. It came out rather turban like, fits beautifully, is very comfortable. Am so pleased with it. Wore it to town today for a wear trial.

Was surprised at how using the single layer of fine wool was so flexible and comfortable, folded the corners forward, then hand stitched them down yesterday afternoon.

Finished the rose while watching NCIS and another show after that which I do not recall. Did make the cabbage rose as a brooch so it can be removed.

The veining on the leaves is machine freemotion work, done before leaving the studio yesterday afternoon.

This turned out so well, am considering making others along this line, for light fall wear.

Thanks to everyone who followed my efforts yesterday on Make a Hat Day. I have never started and finished a hat in one day before this adventure.

Blowing kisses and Extending Big Hugs to you for the support and encouragement.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 000000000000000000000000

Hat in Progress

2009-09-15T14:26:00.001-07:00

Hmm, yep liking this, will take it off the poupee and hand stitch it down.
Originally uploaded by Glorious Hats

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Glorious Hats Pro User says:

It is now 4:20 pm here. This is the progress on the hat so far. Have decided it will be a turban style. It comes over the ears - I do like to have warm ears and also don't like wind blowing in my ears, so hats that cover ears are important to me. Adding a cabbage rose for dash.

The corners and the rose with leaves are just pinned in place. After walking the dog and fixing dinner will be back to hand stitch the folded design in place and also hand stitch the rose.

Have not decided yet if the rose will be hand sewn in place or made into a brooch to just be pinned in place.

What do you think?

Make a Hat Day

2009-09-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

Today is Make a Hat Day...... are you game? are you going to make a hat? wear a hat? do something hat related?

Am I going to do any of the above? Well of course, of course. To start a little story on Elsa Schiaparelli, sharing with you the hat I made a few year back as a Homage to Schiap, and hopefully as the day progresses creating another hat based on Schiap's MadCap concept.

If Schiaparelli is not a known name to you, this article from 2003; Making Serious Fashion From Visual Jokes, and Doing It Like an Artist By ROBERTA SMITH is well worth a read. If you feel inspired to learn more then find Schiap's autobiography "Shocking Life" -- my copy is well worn and treasured. It is also where I learned to refer to Elsa Schiaparelli as "Schiap" -- Schiap is the way she prefered to be addressed, and so that is how I refer to her.

To bring the focus today to hats...... and making a hat. One of the concepts Schiap came up with in the depression times of the 1930s was taking the scrap fabric left over after making a dress; sewing it into a simple rectangle- then shaping and manipulating it into fun fanciful forms. Start with a rectangle 22 to 24 inches long by 11 or so inches high. Sew the side and top, hem the bottom, put it on your head and fold and tuck and manipulate away.

Here is one of my take-offs: Cockscomb Cap in Red Wool

Enjoy!

If you are making a hat today, or blogging about this or celebrating in some other fashion, do comment and leave a link to your activity.

Stay tuned here too as I'll return through out the day with my progress on making another Schiap inspired mad cap.

Hat ON!

I Flew the Coop

2009-09-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

Headed down to New Hope to explore some fiberly adventures. Stayed with Denise and we met up with another friend, Eileen. We were all signed up for a Nuno felting class taught by Kris Post on Saturday. On Friday evening the goal was to dye silk scarves to use in Saturday's class.

Oh yes, I doubted we could do it so quickly, oh yes, I drug my feet. You see, none of us had set up dyes before that night. I still haven't. Thankfully, Denise figured out the mixtures and amounts, prepared concoctions and pastes then blended the powders and liquefied the dyes. Once she had the dyes made up, well hey OK, then I was able to get some dye on sponges and from there onto a scarf. Denise got dye onto 4 scarves and two small silk purses, while I went to bed. It was already well past my bedtime. You see Denise is a night worker so is used to late late nights. While I'm used to early nights and early awakenings.

This however worked out well, because the dye need to set in the scarves for at least 4 hours. I got up a 5am and rinsed the scarves, while Denise slept. When she got up at 8am we did a final synthropol wash and popped the scarves in the dryer. Out of her place by 9:15 and made it to class nicely before the 10am start time.

There we met Eileen, Kris Post the teacher, and two other students. The next 4 hours were spent laying out a design in wool on top of the silk scarf, then getting the wool to merge into the silk. Which meant much rolling the scarf wrapped up in bubble wrap. Roll and turn, roll and look.

Here are Eileen (in front) and Denise (in back) rocking and rolling their scarves.

Other than a few minutes to grab a little bit of lunch, my time was focused on rocking and rolling..... so have no other photos to share.

Eveyone in the class ended up with a beautiful scarf. Hopefully, I'll get a photo of mine tomorrow morning to share. And Eileen as well. Denise has her scarf and story posted on her blog already. Yay! Denise! Denise truly was the class Queen with the most unexpected and beautiful design, one totally unique, brilliant art to wear quality. Even the teacher was most impressed, with the colors, the design, and how far Denise took nuno felting in her first attempt.

We all had a marvelous time and learned so very much. If you ever have an opportunity to take a feltmaking class from Kris Post, grab it. She was friendly, spent individual time with every student, offered sound information and shared her enthusiasm for this wool silk medium.

A fabulous weekend with friends learning neat neat skills.

This Etysian Drives a Sewing Machine

2009-09-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

Meet Deb of looksSEWnice who drives her sewing machine in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where she creates classy and fun items for the home.

Deb fondly remembers her first sewing machine, the toy Sew Master.

Deb says "My first sewing machine was the toy Sew Master (shown above) which was given to me by my Uncle Roscoe for about my 8th birthday. It was the best present in the world and ran on a couple of D volt batteries. When those ran out, you simply turned the crank. I tried to sew beautiful Barbie clothes." What fun Deb must have had playing with and dressing her Barbies.

Deb graduated to using her mom's sewing machine but relates "when an older sister constantly said your sewing was no good and you had to rip, rip, rip out the seams" she stopped sewing. Deb didn't sew anymore until she was on her own and bought her first Singer at a garage sale. She says:

I quickly learned that I really hated to sew my clothes, but I loved sewing anything else. I bought some kits and sewed dolls, doll clothes and graduated to balloon valances. I had taken a Community Ed class on sewing curtains and valances and really enjoyed sewing home decor. Now I can go to Calico Curtains and places where they sell the nice stuff and if I stare at something long enough, I can usually go home and make it.

Finally, I bought my Elna after finding it at the Minnesota State Fair. I also got an Elna serger after my daughter was born so I could make stretchy things for her. I still enjoy making anything for the home and I believe that with a can of paint, a glue gun, a staple gun and my Elna machines, I can do pretty much anything around the house.

Oh Deb it is neat to learn how you found your own nitch, what gets you excited to put your foot to the pedal and make that Elna hum.

And here is a little of what Deb creates:

Table Runners with Beads on the Ends

This Rich Carmel Table Runner is one of Debs first designs in her table runner series. Deb really loves the rich carmel color, and the glass accent beads really pop the color. To sew closely to the strand of beads, Deb uses a zipper foot. Knowing her machine and choices in presser feet allows Deb to do very precise and accurate stitching.

Pillowcases

This is the same as the Nemo and Dory Pillowcase that was Deb's first pillowcase sale on Etsy. She serged all the seams and uses sewing machine stitching reinforce ends to ensure the pillowcases not only look great but wash well. I really like how she makes the borders with the small accent strip and a deep hem in a companion fabric to the print in the body of the pillowcase. I also see a Mom who knows her kids, sitting at the machine creating kid friendly goods, in these pillowcases.

Placemats

These are intentionally small placemats Deb has designed to fit well on a Bistro table, kitchenette, or in smaller surroundings. She plans to make more so stay tuned! Deb notes that she has clear plastic feet she uses on her sewing machine so she can topstitch nice and straight." That clearly works well!

I found lots of fun bright home decor in Deb's shop looksSEWnice and really enjoyed getting to know the woman at the machine. Hope you did too.

A very big thank you to Deb for taking time to chat with me and share her sewing story.
And especially to brave being the first interviewee in this series about "Etsyians who Drive a Sewing Machine.

Getting Ready for Sewing Machine Day - Sep 10

2009-09-09T03:31:00.000-07:00

so put together this Treasury collection on Etsy

A Woman can Never have...... too many Sewing Machines. (link will be active Sep 9 -Sep 10, 2009)

Had you ever heard of Sewing Machine Day? New to me. Found it in news about Etsy's merchandising plan. Was inspired to do a little celebrating. The goal was to celebrate the person behind the machine as well. Unfortunately, the though came to close to Sewing Machine Day to get enough people mobilized to take photos of them with their machines.

So far only Deb of looksSEWnice was able to come up with a photo. Doesn't she look great surrounded by all the sewing machine items? Next year hopefully, she will do another photo and I'll put out a call for photos early enough to get some more faces in the second annual Glorious Hats curated "Sewing Machine Day" treasury collection.

As we move toward that occasion, the plan is to do a series of articles on "Etsians who Drive Sewing Machines." It will commence tomorrow with Deb as the first to be featured.

Halloween Party - Planning a Spookapalozza

2009-09-04T09:49:00.001-07:00

One of my younger friends and her family host a fabulous Halloween Party each year. I'm one of the few adults (or is that addles who dress up in costume for it) Most of the children are babies up to age 7, they like to be scared, but not nightmare scary... so this collection is aimed at things for that sort of party group and age.

this treasury is active Through 11:30pm Sept 5, 2009 (you see the alternates in this copy - the lighter photos on the right)

Wonderful spiderweb plate, can you imagine serving severed finger cookies on that plate? Well, maybe for the target age group in this party, would make frosted pumkin and ghost shapes. :D

Glow in the dark Candy Corn Necklace , oh the Mom (my friend) would look so fab in this, and the kids would so enjoy seeing it glow in the dark

Halloween Mini Album, IsSix, enjoys scrap booking is so wonderfully crafty, and would love the album to journal and put in pics of this years party.

Handsome George Skeleton Pocket Mirror, what a great non-calorie, low sugar treat for young and old alike.

The Zombie Eyeballs are 2 1/2 inches in diameter so a great size for little hands. These just crack me up. And how fun to use for a child's game of ball toss.

Hope you had as much fun looking at all this and planning a party as I did.

From Garden to Freezer

2009-08-31T06:21:00.000-07:00

Garden harvest continues - peas are almost finished, perhaps one more picking left. Yesterday we did a batch of carrots: pulled, cleaned, blanched and placed on trays to freeze.

Today the frozen carrots went into bags.

These are the big carrots for putting in with pot roast. YUM!

Carrot coins next:

This is a nice way to do the veggies as they freeze fast and individually so they do not clump together in one big mass in the freezer bags.

Makes it easy to pour out half to cook, then reseal bag and pop it back in freezer if a whole bag is not needed.

Meet Mimi Kirchner

2009-08-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

If you like dolls, Mimi is a person to know. Enjoy!

A Sewing Day with "Is Six"

2009-08-28T02:53:00.000-07:00

No photos, a shame in a way, but have been keeping sewing days with "Is Six" and her mom camera free, so we all focus on the tasks at hand. It has been a fun summer, the times when we can get together a couple of weeks in a row work so well. Is Six now has some nice machine time in - and has even used the sewing machine at her home to finish the doll blanket we started last week.

The first machine time was random lines on acrylic felt - just to get a feel for stitching. Variegated thread on colorful felt made it fun for her. At home, with mom's guidance Is Six turned this sampler/practice piece into a doll house rug by sewing it onto a backing.

The second machine event was making a flannel doll blanket with narrow hems on all sides. I sewed one for the baby sister as a demo, Is Six got both long edges completed, and the two short edges turned 1x during our session. She completed the blanket at home, and even made a second blanket. This girl is turning into a sewest for sure!

This week the focus was on a pillow to match the blanket. Refresh narrow hem (short edge on back of pillow) then, seaming, corners; and topstitch to make a flanged pillow. Is Six had not slept well and was not in a place to focus for the machine work herself this time. However, she watched me complete a pillow for her lil' sis and brightened considerably to see it progress and was delighted at how topstitching a rectangle created a self flange and made the pillow fancier. She was able to pick felt colors, cut flowers with the die cut machine, and hand sew them in place. Thus we finished the pillow for her sis; and Is Six cut enough flowers to take home and put on her own pillow when she finishes it.

In between steps at the sewing machine, pressing, etc. we worked on a restoration project. Taking some dingy vintage doll clothes scored at an auction, she learned the Biz soak and rinse. It was fun to see the dirt lift off and the dingy slip and cape turn white and bright again.

While Is Six and I were going between sewing and cleaning; her mom was continuing with her own project - a sunshine yellow gingham sundress. She is coming along nicely. Getting back into sewing, in order to help her girls.

We just have such a good time, working, chatting, making neat stuff.

Hat Wearing and Caring...

2009-08-21T02:33:00.000-07:00

Vintage Angel: Hat Wearing and Caring Part 1: Vixen Vintage

Found this today, a concise enjoyable read and spot on. Enjoy.

Waiting for a Treasury - Quote from leaping gazille

2009-08-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh, her words so capture the feel of waiting to capture a treasury, needed to to record and share them:

leaping gazille, an applicant and sure to become a member of the Etsy Treasury Team says:

I did manage to get a main treasury today (call it beginner's luck!) It feels like waiting for the gates to open at a horse race! Then you get spooked when that box pops up!

Oh my, that hits the nail on the head so perfectly. Thanks leaping gazille!

Homage to Elders - National Senior Citizen's Day - Aug 21

2009-08-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

After curating "Homage to Elders" in Etsy's Treasury, began to think about Elders from my past. Then along came the idea to collect stories from others so we can share and rejoice in valued people. Am sharing a copy of the collection here and asking you to share a story in comments here or link to a story on your own blog or website.

to go to the active collection click here. The collection will be active until CST 6am Aug 17, 2009

The individual pieces above spoke to me in many ways - some showed the whimsey, the wrinkles, the elegance that can come with aging; some showed the challenges, the stuggles of growing older; some shared items created to facilitate daily activities as a body weakens; all showed reverence for elders.

Credits to individual artists by Etsy shop name:
line 1 - Michelle Red Elk, A Little Character, Serie Project
line 2 - Dandy Dwelling, Made by Mari, The Head Down Arts
line 3 - Robbi's Gallery, Addie Bugs, Plastic Squid
Line 4 - Matechuk, Japanesque Accents, Braided Light

George can be Yours if You Win

2009-08-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

the giveaway currently featured on the Handmade MN Blog. HandmadeMN is an team of Etsy store owners who live in or near Minnesota. People who get together online to support, help, encourage each other in creative efforts and business management skills.

HandmadeMN Blog is a way to share general information about Etsy, about Minnesota specific events, and to showcase Etsy artists and crafters from Minnesota and environs. The group has recently started doing giveaways. This month the winner of the giveaway will get to adopt George

If you would like to have George come to your place, there are several ways to get your name into the drawing pool. All explained here. George sprang from the hands of the fast flying needle of a felter known as Stars Apon Thars. You can meet her up close and personal and see her work develop on her blog Eyes of Time and her flickr photo pages.

As well as being a superb artist, Denise is a grand friend to me. We shared a booth at Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival this past May. And she has put me up the the night on several visit to the Cities. We have enjoyed some fun fiberly times together. I hope you too will enjoy meeting her, on-line and through her fiber art. If you happen to enter and win George you will be amazed at the character Denise imparts to matted wool. If you like some of the other sculptures she does and has posted on her blog or on flickr - do nudge her to list them in her Etsy store so you can purchase one. :D She is a fabulous maker, but a slow lister. :D

Time to Put Up Broccoli

2009-08-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

Ah the rain, has been good for fruit and vegtables this year, even though the temperatures have been unusually cool, the garden is producing large, luscious veggies.

We have enjoyed many radishes; and now broccoli has come to readiness. The first main heads are so tasty, we eat some raw and freeze most. Will contine to cut offshots for immediate eating and for freezing as long as the plants produce.

The dog now has 1/3 of the old garden space and the garden has been downsized - thankfully... more manageable and still produces enough for the husband and I.

Ogee wants to come over the fence and help, but he is still too young and brash. Here he is trying to claim he is calm and relaxed and ought to be allowed to enter the garden. Oh No!! do not be fooled, Ogee is young, smart and way too rambunctious to be among tender crops. We did go walkabout after I got the broccoli heads into the house.

And coming on strong is culiflower....... mmmmmmmmm yum!