Busy, But Good Busy.

Earlier this month, I submitted a few of my clips/bows for review in Nie's Homemade Christmas. (If you don't know Stephanie Nielson's story you should read it on her blog, it's truly moving.) Stephanie generously set aside 5 days from her blog to feature the work of crafters and handmade goods people like me. Stephanie mentioned a few times that she wouldn't be able to review and post all the items she received. I sent in my bows/clips thinking that they wouldn't make it on the blog.

As the days drew nearer to the event, I was sure my clips wouldn't be chosen. Stephanie mentioned she has received hundreds of items. My clips didn't make the blog on Monday, so I anxiously waited for Tuesday's post. And to my great surprise/joy/relief, Stephanie had included my items in her review (here)! She even called them "dang cute"!

She put up a link to my Etsy account for any who are interested. Or you can click on my "Mini Etsy" in the sidebar to the right. Tell me what you think if you do view my Etsy account (please, please). I need feedback so I can get the kinks out quicker.

Clip making, picture taking, and Etsy posting have been taking up a lot of my afternoons lately.
I have been having tons of fun though. It is an incredible feeling to make something with my own two hands and have someone else think it is special enough to purchase it. Hopefully, this new set up lasts for a long time.

I am also thinking up new products. Things made from re-purposed materials, jewelry sets, and Buckeye necklaces are just a few of the ideas in the works.

I'm Crafty.

Working hard on my projects for the craft show in November. I am making hair clips, pins, and accessories.

I hope they sell. I feel horrible asking Craig if we can spend money so that I can try to earn some.

I wonder how the Proverbs 31 woman got her start.

Exodus 14- God tells Moses to take the Israelites out of Egypt by going "the wrong way", the way that leads them directly to the Red Sea. This was meant to make Pharaoh think they were lost and confused, but we know God had Israel's salvation in mind. When Israel was trapped against the sea, God rescued them and destroyed Pharaoh. Tabletalk says "When things happen that we do not understand or God calls us to do what is perplexing to us, we can be sure it is for His glory." I need to remember that God has fought/is fighting/will fight (and has/will defeat!) my enemies (sin and the devil). I can not save myself. Only God can save me!

Coram Deo for today says: "Salvation is a gift wholly from the Lord from beginning to end. He accomplishes our redemption on the cross and gives us the faith to appropriate that redemption for ourselves. It can be easy to forget this truth, but we must always be clear that His work alone can redeem us."

Plans...

(my babies and me this summer)

Making plans for a project I want to do. It is a very long term project, something that I hope would last my whole life. It could be big, it could be small. It all depends on me. Hoping to making it kind of big though. Plans for international involvement. I need to give myself some training first, however. No money for classes right now. Guess books and Youtube will be my best friends for a while.

I read Exodus 1:8-14 yesterday. Egypt had a new pharaoh, one that did not know Joseph. He convinced his people through propaganda that the Israelites meant to harm them. There were too many of them he thought. And so began Israel's slavery in Egypt. But the more Egypt persecuted them, the more their numbers grew. What Pharaoh meant for evil, God used for Israel's good. Gives you a better perspective on your trials doesn't it?

My Gardens So Far...

"What's with the voodoo?", Craig asked. It isn't voodoo. They are egg shells, sprinkled around the plants slugs like best. I need more. Omelets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

The slugs have practically destroyed my pepper plant. I bought another one just in case. The zucchini plants need thinned out, but I am waiting to see which plants do the best first.

I was a dork and put my tomato plants in one of those hanging things to keep them away from the rabbits. They are doing well, but aren't getting as much sun as they need up on the porch. The plan was to move them to wherever the sun was throughout the day, but that thing is heavy!

Making Progress and Having Fun

To all those who have been giving me old clothes in order for me to make rugs/quilts/etc., I just wanted to show you I actually am using them. This pile I cut in just a few hours thanks to my new rotary cutter. I love it in so many ways they can't be counted. These past few days have been unproductive in the area of house cleaning. We have been busy being artsy and crafty and enjoying the sunshine. Here are some more pictures to prove it:

Calvin painting his train. He also had a snake and a boat to paint, thank you JoAnn's.


Evie looking cute before a trip to the park!


A boy and his dog digging in the dirt.

Braided Rag Rug

Taking advantage of the stillness in the house to get some work done. I am sewing strips of old clothes together to braid into a rug. Hopefully I will get it done within the year. It would most likely be done sooner, but I have other projects I am working on as well. And some that I should be starting...