The hard sell.

Do you know why I started this blog?  To sell stuff.
I had been a blog reader for years before I decided I wanted to write my own.  For me, it all started when I found Angry Chicken.  I was HOOKED!  When I started my blog, of course the whole thing coincided with me becoming at SAHM and having the time (ha!) to do some crafting and try and sell it.  My dream since high school has been to make a small living selling things I make. 

I have really, truly, been amazed at what has happened since I started blogging.  My reasons are totally reversed now!  I blog now, just because I love doing it.  I love being a part of the wee community we have going here, and being in touch with other crafty ladies and mamas.  I love the sharing of ideas, and the encouragement that goes on in these spaces.  Feeling like you're not just sitting at home with the babe, these words help me get through the days.  I've made friends!  Emailed people, become friends on face book!  This seems really funny to me because for years I thought that people who made friends via the Internet were a bit...weird.   Couldn't they find their own friends, in real life!?  Little did I know...

Anyway back to the makin' stuff.  I've decided I far prefer selling in person to online.  I want people to be able to touch the things I've made, look at the real colours and really see what they are getting.  I guess this is because I still can't believe that people want to buy stuff from me and I want them to be 100% sure of what they are getting!!  That said, I've always been happy with the quality of items I've bought online.  I think when you buy from small, independent crafters you can be assured of quality - their reputation depends on it. 
I've thought a bit lately about closing the old felt shop up.  But I think I'll keep it open, just ticking away quietly.  But whatever happens with the selling, I think I'm going to be blogging, in one place or another, for a long time to come. 

PS.  the pics are of a project I hope to show you later in the week!

Craft-it-round

I just realised I have sent out all my Craft-it-round parcels (a couple of weeks ago!) so I can finally show off what I made!

In typical me-style, I haven't made one for myself or any for the market!  Kinda got a bit sick of them after making 9!  But I do love them and I'm sure I'll be making some more soon.  The goodies I've been receiving from the other craft-it-round ladies can be seen here.

this sunday I love...

.:  Seeds all tucked into their little beds.  In a big cardboard tray so they can come in at night so they don't get cold toes :.

Swap?

Just throwing an idea out there for anyone who might be interested...
If you see anything on the blog, in my shop or up in the I made it tab that you'd like to swap for something you've made, please get in touch!  I've come to the harsh realisation (sarcasm here) that I'm not going to make my millions through 'ye olde felt shoppe' any time soon!  I'd still love to get some goods out there in the world, but instead of just running another giveaway I was wondering if anyone was interested in a wee swap.
Feel free to comment or flick me an email if you're keen...

.: The room in a mess.  Again. :.

Frozen delicious-ness.

Partner-in-crime

"So, what do you do all day?"  Can you really believe people ask us this, as stay-home-mama's?
 "Yeah, you know, I laze around in my velour tracksuit, watching Oprah and eating chips.  On alternate days I lunch at the local cafe with all the other mamas.  The babies?  No, really they just seem to take care of themselves...it's pretty sweet really..."

.: Delicious crochet booties :.

 

Are you kidding me?  I've never wished harder for more hours in the day than since I became a mama.  "What do I do all day?"   I cuddle, I feed, I change naps, I make food, I do washing, I do dishes, I feed and change again, I blog, I craft, I feed and change again, I cuddle, I play, I read stories, I walk, I run errands, I cook, I clean, I bath, I feed and change and soothe, I do dishes, I craft, I sleep.  Usually in that order.  You know, not much really.

.: Snuggly baby mittens :.

 

Thus, to prepare enough stock for this coming market, while still getting enough sleep and not going crazy, let me introduce you to the work of my partner-in-crime.  It's made by my uber-talented, taught me everything I know about crafting, Mama!  I feel very relieved that she is happy to contribute some of her gorgeous, skillfully made knits and crochets to bulk up my 'green valley crafts' stalls this summer.  I'm also going to list a few of her items in the green valley crafts shop here!  All work you see here on the blog is mine, just in case you're interested.  I'll credit partner-in-crime when any of her work appears!  Thanks Mama, you're a gem x

 .: Flower and leaf detail on baby hat :.

PS.  Thanks to all who took part in Wardrobe Wednesday yesterday!!  Remember - it's all just for FUN, totally voluntary, you don't have to play every week, and I don't want you STRESSING about it!!   xo

Wardrobe Wednesday

I feel like I am way too old to be wearing this outfit. 
 But there I am.  Wearing it.

(Note to self:  Must try to look like I am enjoying this next week...and try not to look like I'm about 3 months pregnant.)

PS.  Speaking of Wardrobes, you must check out the GORGEOUS bag being given-away over at The Wardrobe!

messy crafter.

I'm such a messy crafter.  What a tangle.  Are you messy or organised?

Before

.

The back vege garden.  This patch contains a pear tree, raspberry bush and apple tree.  Compost bin up the back by the fence.

 

This is the main plot.  Lots of hedge clippings piled up in the middle, waiting for a trip to the dump.

 Not much happening at the moment.  Some kale, silver beet, rhubarb coming away again, thyme, rosemary, parsley and chives.  I'm looking forward to putting up some pics once it's a bit tidier!  And full of delicious veges!
PS. those lemon muffins from last week?  Highly recommended!!

this sunday I love...

.: Day trip with my little family :.

.: Seeing this guy still going strong at the Motueka Market.  Candy floss still $1 :.

'Window' shopping...

Late last night I was browsing etsy.  Oh the things I'd buy if I had the cash...
I don't currently sell on etsy, but some fantastic people do.


But you probably knew that already.

Quickly, there is much to do!

• Busy day today, hence the bullet points!
• Ella created this beautiful button for us to use for Wardrobe Wednesdays!  (You should have seen the monstrosity that it took me two hours to make last night before I called in Ella's help!)  Feel free to pinch it for your blog.  Don't ask me how to get the html code cause I don't know!!  I just saved it to my desktop, and added a 'picture' gadget to my sidebar with a link to this post.  Skills.

• I'm about to be descended upon by babies this morning, as our antenatal group is visiting for lunch.  I'm going to make Alison Holst's Crunchy Lemon Muffins (googled and found recipe here).  
• I'm going to make some homemade ice blocks and will report back next week.
• Hoping for some fine weather in the weekend as I plan to water blast the paths, lay some weed mat and plant out some baby seeds for the challenge.
• Next week I've got someone to introduce you to (or rather some one's work)
• For some reason I always have to listen to this song as spring approaches.  It reminds me of great summers past, and that another one is on the way.  Do you have any great music recommendations for me?  I'm always keen for more. 
• Right, must go brush hair before it drys crazy, and get these muffins going.  Have a great weekend! xo

Some coleslaw and a thank you

WOWEEEE!  You guys really came to the party!  Thank you!
I hope you all found a bit of inspiration and had some fun.  I can't wait till next week already!  I have been thinking into the future and imagining we could do some themes...("what you would wear if the queen came for tea", "Christmas", "I let my kids dress me this morning"...hmmn...JUST KIDDING!  Sometimes I feel like I'm just blogging for some friends and I forget that we're all in internet land where the whole world can see us...
On a completely different note, here are some pictures of some coleslaw I made.

Coleslaw is good for many reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

• it lasts 2-3 days in the fridge*, so when you go to make dinner part of it is already done.
• it is a good low-fat food and fills you up
• it is full of good veges and if you add raisins and toasted seeds it's even better
• it is nice and colourful on your plate
• it can go in your husband's sandwiches with the ham

Yup.  I do like me some coleslaw.
Can't wait for next Wednesday!!  x


*Coleslaw lasts better in the fridge covered tightly with gladwrap and without dressing.  Also, only add seeds to the serving on the plate, as these can get a bit soggy if stored in the fridge.

Wardrobe Wednesday

Arrghhh!  So do I look suitably nervous?
This is my 'safe' tidy outfit.  I wear it a lot when I want to look tidy.  I don't mind it, but I don't love it.  The dress is from Max - about 5 years ago (when I was working fulltime - I can't afford to shop there now!).  I do love the style, wrap dresses can be very forgiving when made from the right fabric.  I really don't love the print anymore, but I can't do much about that.  Yes, it is winter, but it was a warm day!  Usually wear a (boring) black cardi with this.
So that's me!  Welcome and I really do hope you'll join me for a bit of fun with this little series.
xo

The challenge has been set.

I've joined a wee seed swap.  A challenge has been set.  And I've decided I'm gonna make a prize for the winner.  Watch out you two.  I'm off to the garden centre this weekend for some supplies, and then it's a working bee for me.  I'm taking this thing awful seriously you know...

so lets talk about this dress up thing...

 Well, you all really came to the party over here!  Thanks to Rhiannon's genius idea please allow me to introduce the idea of 'Wardrobe Wednesday'!

There are more than a few of us out there suffering what I called this post-baby, pre-summer, *insert age here* personal style funk.  Stuck in a rut of yoga pants, saggy jeans and new found belly bulges.

 The idea is that every Wednesday you post a pic of an outfit you have worn sometime in the week prior.  Doesn't have to be what you wore on a Wednesday!  So come on all you NZ bloggy mama's.  We know you are out there on the other side of the screen dying to share and find some inspiration from others!  Together we can reclaim our sense of style.

 Or at least have a laugh eh?!

So let's start this thing.  Wednesday.  This week.  Don't be shy!  I'll post mine early and add your link in the comments so we can find you.

 Remember, this is all just a bit of fun, encouraging each other to remember that once we were those beautiful pre-baby ladies and we can find that style/self-confidence again!

PS.  Come on, you know we want to see the outfit on YOU right?  Not on the hanger.
PPS.  You don't have to be in nz or be a mama, the more the merrier!
PPPS.  You can 'credit' your clothes (where you bought them/thrifted/homemade) if you want - it's up to you.

this sunday I love...

  .: Winning the fight with the 'auto-button hole' feature on my sewing machine :.

on personal style...

Basically, I wish I had some.
I'm suffering a post-baby, pre-summer, nearly 30 personal style crisis.  It's really that bad.
I've decided I suit best:  A-line skirts/dresses, tops that aren't too long (i.e. not hanging over my hips and making my bum look big), tops with a bit of shape and not too clingy...and sadly that's as far as I've got.  I have decided I am not going to buy anymore black items.  This will be tough!  But black makes me look washed out and its boring.
Would it be interesting to post an outfit once a week or so...you guys can help me to work out the good from the bad...I don't really relish the idea of posting pics of myself up here though, so I'll have to think about it.
No relevant photo for this post, so here's some blatant self promotion in the form of a 'green valley' felt showcase.  Go buy something so I can buy some new clothes.  Please.

Robot Pegs

greenvalley

$6.00

Birdy Bib - Yellow, ...

greenvalley

$9.50

Gift Tags - Children...

greenvalley

$5.00

Fabric Balls

greenvalley

$18.00

Alphabet Bib

greenvalley

$9.50

Birdy Bib - Purple, ...

greenvalley

$9.50

Gift Tags - Lace And...

greenvalley

$6.00

Beautiful Bunting Card

greenvalley

$5.00

Gift Tags - Sunny Day!

greenvalley

$6.00