To advertise my etsy shop holiday sale, I designed a matching banner and avatar this afternoon to capture a light, wintry atmosphere. They're nothing fancy, but picnik.com, a simple photo editing website, did a great job. Because I have a difficult time with gimp and photoshop, I really appreciate an easy, straightforward program and design. The main disadvantage is that the free version of picnik that I use doesn't have a lot of nice font choices, but I'm happy with it nonetheless and would recommend it for any quick photo touch-up or design task.
After all this, when you have a moment, would you take a look at my shop home page and let me know what you think? Do leave a comment with your thoughts! I would love to hear from you.
And now, after a cup of warm vanilla tea, I am off to write up the listings for several more items and work on a couple patterns I'm designing. What are you doing today?
Blessings and Joy,
Gabrielle
Friday, November 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
What I've Been Painting...
I've been painting some much larger projects than these which I'll share about on our family blog as soon as I get some pictures, but I made these as some birthday presents for three dear friends a few weeks ago. I just haven't posted these sooner because these are friends who also read this blog. :)
Unfortunately, the pictures didn't come out well so they don't do the ornaments full justice. These started out as plain white plaster ornaments that a neighbor who was cleaning out her crafting closet gave me. As our collection only had a few basic colors, I used regular acrylic craft paint from another neighbor's yard sale for the brown, shimmery blue, silver, and gold. Finally, after the paint had dried, I sprayed them with this clear paint finish to keep the paint from scratching off and to give them a glossy finish. The spray smells just awful, but the finished effect is well worth the momentary unpleasantness. :)
It's hard to tell in this one, but I painted the hearts in this shimmery blue paint that was really beautiful once dried. And with the spray on, the wreath looked like a rich chocolate wreath!
This wreath I painted with sterling silver craft paint and the spray helped highlight its glossy finish. The red ribbon was also done in the same red shimmery paint as the blue hearts above. I left the goose the plain, plaster white and just sprayed it so the white wouldn't look so flat.
This one was just a plain, heart wreath. I just painted it all gold, and then added purple "ribbons" in the same shimmery purple as the red and blue above. When the paint was dry, I glued on tiny light purple, lime green, and crystal white seed beads and sprayed the whole thing.
Unfortunately, the pictures didn't come out well so they don't do the ornaments full justice. These started out as plain white plaster ornaments that a neighbor who was cleaning out her crafting closet gave me. As our collection only had a few basic colors, I used regular acrylic craft paint from another neighbor's yard sale for the brown, shimmery blue, silver, and gold. Finally, after the paint had dried, I sprayed them with this clear paint finish to keep the paint from scratching off and to give them a glossy finish. The spray smells just awful, but the finished effect is well worth the momentary unpleasantness. :)
It's hard to tell in this one, but I painted the hearts in this shimmery blue paint that was really beautiful once dried. And with the spray on, the wreath looked like a rich chocolate wreath!
This wreath I painted with sterling silver craft paint and the spray helped highlight its glossy finish. The red ribbon was also done in the same red shimmery paint as the blue hearts above. I left the goose the plain, plaster white and just sprayed it so the white wouldn't look so flat.
Fun Tag
Ashley at Bramblewood Fashion tagged anyone who reads her blog, and as it looked fun and took only a couple minutes to type up (plus distractions from little brothers, cleaning up a living room that looked like a tornadoe just swept through, and preparing for Thanksgiving baking), I thought I'd participate.
It's easy. Just answer the seven questions at the bottom, come up with seven of your own, and tag seven other people. I love the number seven too; It seems to be one of God's favorite numbers in the Bible. :) When He emphasizes something like that, you know it's important!
1. What did you want to be growing up?
When I was much younger, I had this obsession with being a plumber when I grew up. Now, I just look back and laugh at it.
2. What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is definitely red.I love the deep, rich hues of crimson. I’m so glad God gave us colors!
3. What was/is your favorite subject in School?
Latin (or any foreign language) and writing always have been my favorite subjects in school. They probably always will be. I wish I could classify sewing and crafting as a school subject…
4. What is your favorite Christmas song/ album?
It would be hard for me to pick one particular favorite in this area, but a couple would probably be Handel’s Messiah and Josh Groban’s O Holy Night. I’ve never tired of listening to Handel’s Messiah. I also Enjoy Steve Green's Christmas Album, Joy to the World.
5. If you could live in any era for week, what era would it be?
Hmm…this one’s hard; I definitely appreciate living in the era I do. :)
6. What countries have you been too? And what are your dream countries to visit?
I’ve never traveled outside of the U.S., but I’ve always thought it would be beautiful to travel to Switzerland and the Alps after seeing the stunning mountains and plains in The Sound of Music. I think it would be lovely to visit there some day.
7. What was your favorite toy growing up?
My favorite toy growing up was definitely my stuffed lamb, Baba. I still have him and sleep with him some nights. :)
1. In light of Thanksgiving, what two things are you most thankful for this past year?
2. Do you prefer apples or oranges?
3. Which state have you traveled to the most?
4. What is your favorite song, hymn or otherwise?
5. What is your favorite aspect of autumn?
6. Which part/tradition of Christmas do you most look forward to?
7. What is your favorite part about having siblings, younger or otherwise?
And I tag:
Anyone who reads this blog and would like to participate. You can leave yours in a comment or post it on your blog. If you do post it on your blog, please do share a link as I would love to read it!
Blessings on your day!
It's easy. Just answer the seven questions at the bottom, come up with seven of your own, and tag seven other people. I love the number seven too; It seems to be one of God's favorite numbers in the Bible. :) When He emphasizes something like that, you know it's important!
1. What did you want to be growing up?
When I was much younger, I had this obsession with being a plumber when I grew up. Now, I just look back and laugh at it.
2. What is your favorite color?
My favorite color is definitely red.I love the deep, rich hues of crimson. I’m so glad God gave us colors!
3. What was/is your favorite subject in School?
Latin (or any foreign language) and writing always have been my favorite subjects in school. They probably always will be. I wish I could classify sewing and crafting as a school subject…
4. What is your favorite Christmas song/ album?
It would be hard for me to pick one particular favorite in this area, but a couple would probably be Handel’s Messiah and Josh Groban’s O Holy Night. I’ve never tired of listening to Handel’s Messiah. I also Enjoy Steve Green's Christmas Album, Joy to the World.
5. If you could live in any era for week, what era would it be?
Hmm…this one’s hard; I definitely appreciate living in the era I do. :)
6. What countries have you been too? And what are your dream countries to visit?
I’ve never traveled outside of the U.S., but I’ve always thought it would be beautiful to travel to Switzerland and the Alps after seeing the stunning mountains and plains in The Sound of Music. I think it would be lovely to visit there some day.
7. What was your favorite toy growing up?
My favorite toy growing up was definitely my stuffed lamb, Baba. I still have him and sleep with him some nights. :)
My Seven Questions:
2. Do you prefer apples or oranges?
3. Which state have you traveled to the most?
4. What is your favorite song, hymn or otherwise?
5. What is your favorite aspect of autumn?
6. Which part/tradition of Christmas do you most look forward to?
7. What is your favorite part about having siblings, younger or otherwise?
And I tag:
Anyone who reads this blog and would like to participate. You can leave yours in a comment or post it on your blog. If you do post it on your blog, please do share a link as I would love to read it!
Blessings on your day!
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Doll Dress E-Pattern Giveaway
I've just entered a giveaway for a vintage-inspired, 1930's doll dress pattern. As I'm sewing historical doll dresses for my etsy shop, I'm interested in collecting patterns and this one looks fun!
Check it out on the Hint of History website and do enter if you're interested! (scroll up to read about the pattern and giveaway if you end up at the bottom of the page; my blog is doing that when I open the link and I'm not sure how to fix it)
Friday, November 19, 2010
An Etsy Shop PDF Catalog Creator
While following the etsy forums the other day, I happened upon a website which one seller brought to our attention. I found it fascinating!
Etsy Catalog is an amazing website connects to your etsy shop and creates a free pdf catalog of all the items in your etsy shop. All you do is enter the name of your shop and hit 'Create Catalog'.
It took some fiddling around with the final product to get it to include all the items in my shop because it automatically includes only the first six, but it wasn't difficult, and I soon had the finished product! You can look at my finished catalog HERE.
If you have an etsy shop and decide to try it, let me know in the comments what you think!
Blessings on your day!
Etsy Catalog is an amazing website connects to your etsy shop and creates a free pdf catalog of all the items in your etsy shop. All you do is enter the name of your shop and hit 'Create Catalog'.
It took some fiddling around with the final product to get it to include all the items in my shop because it automatically includes only the first six, but it wasn't difficult, and I soon had the finished product! You can look at my finished catalog HERE.
If you have an etsy shop and decide to try it, let me know in the comments what you think!
Blessings on your day!
Monday, November 15, 2010
New Sewing Repetoire Page...
Hello All,
I'm currently working on a new page here, my sewing and crafting repertoire, which is basically a photograph album of the projects I've done. I would need it as my credentials for anyone who would like to see how 'qualified' I am to tackle a larger sewing job.
I have my sewing page up and I am working on getting that filled out. I'd appreciate it if you could take a look at it and let me know what you think, what needs to be added, and what could use some fixing. Please note that the descriptions under each pic are not done yet; I just have them up so you're not looking at a bunch of pictures. I'll be filling out the page over the next few weeks (I still have to get pictures of bridesmaid dresses and a medieval gown :)
I'd appreciate your thoughts...and yes, please be honest, and brutal! :) The page is on my sidebar...
(Yes, I know my blog name on that page is purple! Anne Shirley would have found that embarrassing, but I'm just regarding it as another technical 'kink' that needs to be fixed. :)
I'm currently working on a new page here, my sewing and crafting repertoire, which is basically a photograph album of the projects I've done. I would need it as my credentials for anyone who would like to see how 'qualified' I am to tackle a larger sewing job.
I have my sewing page up and I am working on getting that filled out. I'd appreciate it if you could take a look at it and let me know what you think, what needs to be added, and what could use some fixing. Please note that the descriptions under each pic are not done yet; I just have them up so you're not looking at a bunch of pictures. I'll be filling out the page over the next few weeks (I still have to get pictures of bridesmaid dresses and a medieval gown :)
I'd appreciate your thoughts...and yes, please be honest, and brutal! :) The page is on my sidebar...
(Yes, I know my blog name on that page is purple! Anne Shirley would have found that embarrassing, but I'm just regarding it as another technical 'kink' that needs to be fixed. :)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Some Recent Acqusitions...
Introducing...my first post! We're still working out some kinks with the design and template html, but for the most part I'm 'up and running.'
We made a trip to Mill Outlet Village recently. If you have never been to this delightful store, let me tell you that it is a veritable treasure-house of everything and anything sewing and crafting. They sell the going-out-of-stocks and leftovers from other fabric and crafting stores. Their prices can't be beat either. I could easily spend an afternoon browsing the fabrics alone.
While Mommy was choosing fabric to re-upholster several of our chairs, I went in search of some fabric for several new sewing ideas I have. And I simply couldn't resist their great price of $3.50/yd. for muslin and quilters cottons.
I pounced upon these bright and juicy hawaiian-batik styled prints. Remembering a simple but very customizable tote bag pattern we had purchased years ago, I thought these would make the cutest tote bags for my etsy shop.
I had this pattern in mind - perhaps one of the rightmost two with ruffled straps and hem and heart pockets? I love the versatility of a simple apron pattern!
These two prints were so sweet and I had to snatch them up, although I don't currently have anything to match them.
And, something I have been wanting to sew for a long time - darling little girl's dresses. I don't have a little sister and don't know anyone with little girls who needs dresses, so I haven't made any before now. But now, my etsy shop gives me an excuse to sew all those frilly, ruffly, girly things!
And my progress in turning these fabrics into goods? None currently.
I just finished a whirlwind round of sewing bridesmaid dresses for a delightful wedding at our church (which I will post in more detail about later) that took place on Saturday. And in the process of sewing said bridesmaid dresses, in the flurry of the last couple days of preparation before the wedding, I sewed my finger.
So, on Sunday evening, after a full weekend of being out of the house, I put the cover on the machine (which, by the way, has not been on in months) and made a resolution not to sew for a week. I have four more days to go, but I am less and less confident I'll be able to make it through the week without a little quality time with the sewing machine. After all, I've been on it nearly every day these past few weeks...
And in the meantime? Catching up on belated schoolwork, emailing, housework, and blogging, preparing some of my other sewing projects these past few months for photography and posting, and, of course, starting this blog!
Thanks for stopping by!
We made a trip to Mill Outlet Village recently. If you have never been to this delightful store, let me tell you that it is a veritable treasure-house of everything and anything sewing and crafting. They sell the going-out-of-stocks and leftovers from other fabric and crafting stores. Their prices can't be beat either. I could easily spend an afternoon browsing the fabrics alone.
While Mommy was choosing fabric to re-upholster several of our chairs, I went in search of some fabric for several new sewing ideas I have. And I simply couldn't resist their great price of $3.50/yd. for muslin and quilters cottons.
I pounced upon these bright and juicy hawaiian-batik styled prints. Remembering a simple but very customizable tote bag pattern we had purchased years ago, I thought these would make the cutest tote bags for my etsy shop.
They had several stacks of bolts of these fabrics. It made it so hard to choose just six!
These country prints caught my eye immediately as the cutest prints for a little girl's ruffled country apron.
These two prints were so sweet and I had to snatch them up, although I don't currently have anything to match them.
And, something I have been wanting to sew for a long time - darling little girl's dresses. I don't have a little sister and don't know anyone with little girls who needs dresses, so I haven't made any before now. But now, my etsy shop gives me an excuse to sew all those frilly, ruffly, girly things!
And my progress in turning these fabrics into goods? None currently.
I just finished a whirlwind round of sewing bridesmaid dresses for a delightful wedding at our church (which I will post in more detail about later) that took place on Saturday. And in the process of sewing said bridesmaid dresses, in the flurry of the last couple days of preparation before the wedding, I sewed my finger.
So, on Sunday evening, after a full weekend of being out of the house, I put the cover on the machine (which, by the way, has not been on in months) and made a resolution not to sew for a week. I have four more days to go, but I am less and less confident I'll be able to make it through the week without a little quality time with the sewing machine. After all, I've been on it nearly every day these past few weeks...
And in the meantime? Catching up on belated schoolwork, emailing, housework, and blogging, preparing some of my other sewing projects these past few months for photography and posting, and, of course, starting this blog!
Thanks for stopping by!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog, The Legend of a Seamstress. I blog at our Hellwig Family Blog, but I wanted a venue in which to blog in detail about my numerous crafty projects and sewing adventures. Yes, I mainly sew, but I also knit, crochet, scrapbook, and many other well known handcrafts. Proverbs 31 marks the virtuous woman as one who works with her hands in delight.
Thus, The Legend of a Seamstress was conceived; a place where I can share with you a glimpse of the delight I experience in working with my hands. I’ll be posting in detail about my sewing projects, forays in to the worlds of knitting and crocheting, and many other ‘crafty’ glimpses into my everyday life.
Please enjoy, and leave a comment or follow my blog if you like. I love to hear from you!
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