Step Into My Office....

Happy Tuesday evening! I'm feeling rather pleased with myself right now as I just finished organizing all of my yarn and other various supplies, along with all of my finished product in my little coat closet! We recently moved and half of my stuff has been trapped in boxes for the past couple of months. I'm extremely happy because our new home has a pretty good sized coat closet off of our living room and my wonderful husband has allowed me to take it over as a makeshift supply closet/office. After getting all of my goodies unpacked, I've come to the conclusion that I just may have too much yarn! As if that were really possible. I've taken a few photographs of my organization project just to better share my yarn madness with the world...

I know, it's a little out of control. But at least now I can see everything easily which makes finding just the right color a breeze!!!! I doubt I'm the only person with limited storage space and an excess in supplies.

I've also finally completed the last of the few custom orders I had lately. This one was another in the theme of the skull but in solid black with a grey skull applique...



And finally, I had a moment to add a new item to my Etsy shop today as well. It's a little mustard yellow plush owl that is just the right size to be used for a stocking stuffer...

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/88047082/small-stuffed-plush-crochet-owl-stocking

Cute right???? You can pick him up for that special someone @ http://www.luvbuzz.etsy.com/ or by clicking on the direct product link http://www.etsy.com/listing/88047082/small-stuffed-plush-crochet-owl-stocking.
I plan on making more of these little guys in various colors over the next few days. I think they are just so adorable. And they make great desk buddies. I have a little brown one sitting here with me at my computer everyday. I will be posing more links and pictures as the week progresses. I hope to get several more completed before the Christmas shipping deadline of December 20th. And, don't forget, you can pick this guy up for 15% off if you order him before Dec. 20th with coupon code "XMAS2011".

Alright, I've got owls to make along with a pair of slippers for my nephew so I must be moving on for today!
Until next time, Happy Happy Crafting :)

Happy Holidays

Alright, so we all survived Thanksgiving and the Black Friday-Small Business Saturday-Cyber Monday rush.
Or should I say lack there of for my shop at least. Well, I can't say it was a total bust but I didn't do half as well as one would think. It seems that since the holiday season has officially begun, my views have plummeted to near nothing! During the four day discount shopping extravaganza I offered free shipping on all domestic orders in my Etsy shop. I made two sales and one was an international customer so they didn't even use free shipping. On a quick side note, this was my very first international order so I was pretty excited about that. They bought a sweet little purse all the way from Australia. I had my husband run it off to the Post Office for me, which turned out to be not such a great idea. He shipped it First Class with no insurance (the opposite of what I asked him to do) simply because he was not paying attention when I explained to him that the customer had paid $15 in shipping so cost was not an issue in this case. Anyhow, I ended up refunding most of the shipping to the buyer as a result. I'm hoping they get their package in time for Christmas. Lesson learned: never let someone other than myself ship my mail for me!
Needless to say, those two orders were the last my shop has seen every since! I just completed a custom order for a toddler hat that has been two weeks in the making! My supplier was out of the yarn I needed which meant I had to order it online, which caused a huge delay in the whole creative process. Luckily this customer has been a really good sport about it. I normally like to get custom items completed and shipped within 3-5 days of payment. I also aim to ship out all of my "ready to ship" items the day of or next day from the time payment is received.
I've also recently completed a custom order for three hats that I received through my facebook profile. I'll upload those photos later in this post. It's for a mother, father and baby matching color scheme set with skull appliques. I was REALLY excited about this order because I have been wanting to create my own crochet skull applique for quite some time and just hadn't had a moment to get to it. They came out even better than I envisioned. I will definitely be doing more hats like these...

 Mother's Hat

 Father's Hat

Infant's Hat

Okay now for my current promotional situation. I am offering 15% off on all orders placed in my shop www.luvbuzz.etsy.com by December 20th! The coupon code for this promotion is "XMAS15" or "XMAS2011". Just enter either code in the little box at checkout.

I'm hoping that all of my fellow small business owners and Etsy sellers are having much more luck with the holiday sales rush than I seem to be so far. And I'm still feeling optimistic that my traffic will pick up within the next couple of weeks.

Right now, I'm off to make some special items for a few family members and perhaps a little thank you gift for the kind and very patient customer who's been waiting two weeks for her toddler hat!

Until next time...Happy, Happy Crafting!!!

A Quick Little Word

Okay, I know...it's been FOREVER since I've posted once again. Well a lot has been happening. My husband got promoted which entailed a transfer soooooo we had to move from Olympia down to Vancouver which is about 2 hours away. We're finally getting all settled in from that mess. And man do I hate moving but we've upgraded from an apartment to a duplex so I can't complain. It's kind of wacky but in a good way, the stove and refrigerator are seriously from the 70's (the fridge is yellow, the stove is chrome)! Good thing I love vintage, it goes rather nicely with my retro 1950's table I've been lugging around for years.

Also, I recently found out that I'm pregnant with my second child. Hurray...yep about 10 weeks or so now. So I get to go through all of the lovely symptoms that go along with that such as nausea, exhaustion, fatigue, migraines, and constant hunger. To top it all off, my husband has decided to share the lovely winter cold-flu bug that he caught with me. What a nice guy huh? So now I'm dealing with extra headaches, nausea and exhaustion on top of what I already had. But I'm not complaining. My life is pretty blessed and I'm sure this bug will pass hopefully somewhat quickly.

In the midst of all of this chaos, I've still found some time to get a few new goodies created and posted so, I'll be sharing a couple few with you and then I'm off for some much needed rest. But one more thing before I get to that, I have finally broken down and started up a twitter account for luvbuzz so you can either click on the little widget at the top right of my blog home page or you can follow me here: twitter.com/luvbuzzhandmade.

Alright, now for the photos and product links before I shut down for the night....

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/82600092/crochet-plush-turtle-stuffed-animal-toy

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/82464011/large-stuffed-crochet-owl-in-pink-with

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/85972181/crochet-slouchy-tam-hat-with-bobbles-in

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/86141290/sophisticated-owl-crochet-earflap-hat

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86503910/convertible-crochet-fingerless-glove

Alright, there are a few I left out but there's always tomorrow or the next day. More colors in the convertible mittens are coming soon. Being sick has made me a little less productive than usual but I will get to it as I've already sold two previous pairs that I made in a relatively short amount of time. I think it's safe to say that gloves are the must have item right now!

Until next time, good night and happy happy crafting :)

OlyTeam Treasury Challenge #8 "Nesting"

Hello, what a fantastic day this is turning out to be. The sky is slightly grey and the slightest of breezes is gently dancing through my windows carrying with it the hint of a crisp fall chill! Man I love this time of year. I can't wait to dig out my Ugg's and get all bundled up in my winter gear!!!
Today I'm going to be sharing with you my latest treasury that I have put together for the team treasury challenge hosted by one of my Etsy groups. It is a local team for Olympia and surrounding areas and we have a treasury challenge up to 4 times a month. At the end of each challenge we vote for our favorite and the winner gets to be featured on the team blog! Then they get a mandatory feature in each treasury curated in the next team challenge. So the winner for last weeks challenge was our very own misschristiana @ http://www.misschristiana.etsy.com/ and www.facebook.com/olympiahandmade ... please feel free to stop by and give her a "like" and check out some of her handmade crochet lovelies. As last weeks winner, all treasuries for our current challenge must contain one item from her shop. The theme for this week is "Nesting" and this is my take on the theme with a fabulous crochet throw blanket from misschristiana herself, I hope you enjoy...




Please take a moment to stop by and show my treasury some love!!!!

Alright other than treasury lists and team discussions I have been busy gearing up for the coming Make Olympia market!!!! I can't believe it's in just a few more days! I have what seems like a million and one labels to sew into various hats and such. Next time I'll be smart enough to label as I create!

That's all for today, happy happy crafting!!!!!

New Etsy Group and a Treasury

Good afternoon and welcome! It's been quite a while since I've had a chance to get on here. I've been so very busy preparing for the coming marketplace I'll be participating in on the 17th of this month! For those in the state of Washington or the Pacific Northwest, the market is called Make Olympia and the direct site for this market is http://www.makeolympia.com/. I am so very excited and a little nervous to be a part of this. It is my very first market and has been one of my personal goals to get involved with public markets and local happenings!

Alright, on another note, I recently joined a new team on Etsy called The Etsians of Facebook Team! It is fairly new and already has hundreds of members. This team is really great because they provide a venue for free marketing advise and support for each others Etsy shops and facebook pages. In the few days I have been involved I have seen a 500% increase in traffic, shop hearts and item hearts for my shop. I've even sold a few items that I know would not have reached my customers if not for the exposure this team has generated! Anyone can join, and you don't even have to have a facebook account to become a member. If you are trying to make your way in the world of online sales through the wonderful site known as Etsy, I strongly recommend that you join this team! Here is the direct link to the team Etsy page....
http://www.etsy.com/teams/10355/etsians-of-facebook.

Okay, the next thing I would like to share with you today is this wonderful treasury list that a fellow EOF team member curated featuring my crochet rainbow purse as well as other team member items. Please take a moment to go to this link and click on the little heart next to the listing. The more love we can get the better!




And finally, I would like to share a few pictures of some of my most recent items....

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81279762/crochet-leg-warmers-with-stash-pockets

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/80676174/womens-crochet-newsboy-tam-cap-beanie

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79586663/crochet-pumpkin-hat-beanie-with-earflaps

Okay, that is all for today. As always, all items are available for sale through my Etsy shop @ http://www.luvbuzz.etsy.com/!!! Feel free to drop by to share some love. In the future, I am planning on going through all of my new member shops and featuring a few a week to help spread a little of the love and because there is just so much great stuff out there that we miss due to lack of time! Until then, happy happy crafting....

Cotton Purse...

Good morning and happy day after the 4th!!!! So I promised to post pictures of the purse I was working on but I just haven't had a chance to get on here until now! I am happy to say that the purse is complete and it turned out even better than I had hoped for.....

 Available for sale @ http://www.luvbuzz.etsy.com/

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/77070154/lavender-cotton-crochet-purse-with-rust

Pretty cute right? I love the finished product. I made a flat bottom with an insert to give it more structure and I used an alternative fiber for the strap which gives the look of a leather strap without the cost of leather cord :) I do plan on fashioning a strap with leather one of these days but it really is rather costly. I also lined the purse with a heavy textured fabric and finished it off with a snap closure! I think this is my favorite purse so far.

Okay, now for some really exciting news.....Luvbuzz is going to be participating in our very first public market in September and I cannot wait. I am elated and totally freaked out at the same time! One of my goals for Luvbuzz has been to get involved in the public market scene and now I'm finally diving in! The market is a one day affair so I figured it was a really great way to get started with vending. Now I just need to keep the creative juices flowing to create as many masterpieces as I can between now and then. Those of you in the Pacific Northwest should check it out, the event is called Make Olympia and they are holding markets on three separate days (one per month), July 16th, August 20th and September 17th! For more information you can go to their website @ http://www.makeolympia.com/. And for those of you who are interested in vending as well, they are still accepting applications! I just can't wait to see all of the creative things everyone else will be selling! I live right down the street from the market location and I plan on checking out the goods on the July and August dates as well. I really wanted to vend at all three but I decided not to get ahead of myself since I still have so much preparation to do!

Alright, that is all I have for you today! I must get back to work so that I have plenty of product in September! Have a great day and happy crafting!!!!!!

Hairclips and What-nots....

Good afternoon and a very happy Tuesday to you! So as I mentioned in my previous post I have become obsessed with making newsboy style hats lately and I've been able to crank out quite a few over the past couple of weeks. I am currently working on a variegated one in blues and purples that I think will be quite lovely if I ever finish it. Do you ever have a giant thunderbolt of inspiration just slap you over the head seemingly out of the clear blue nowhere? Well that is exactly how it always seems to happen for me and it happened again a few days ago. I was lounging on my couch, just staring at the wall when I had this wonderful vision of how to solve a purse strap dilemma I have been mulling over for some time. I've shared a few of my crochet purses in the past and they are an absolute joy to make. Of all my creations, I love the purses and hats the most. Anyhow, I have trying to think up new and exciting ways to do the straps out of materials other than yarn without losing the handmade integrity. You see, you can buy a large variety of ready made straps at Joann's or any other craft supply store but I didn't want a ready made product. So now I believe I've come up with a great plan and I can't wait to try it out! The only problem is, I'm in the middle of making this newsboy hat and I have to finish it before I can move on! That's just the way I am. So now it seems as though this hat is taking forever and a day to finish! Ho-hum, I'm about halfway there and if I'd stop sitting in front of the computer and get to work, I could be in the process of my next purse creation in no time! For now, I'm going to share with you the barrette/clips I mentioned in my previous post. I made them with cotton yarn because it tends to be a bit stiffer and has a cleaner, more crisp finish. I hope you love them as much as I do. I'm also going to share those pictures of my last two hats as well.....

 Lemon Meringue with turquoise

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/76696918/chunky-ribbed-crochet-newsboy-hat-in

 Pistachio with Pink Rose

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/76504295/chunky-ribbed-crochet-newsboy-hat-in



Both hats are available for sale in my etsy shop. For a limited time I am offering an exclusive coupon for my readers for 15% off your entire purchase at my etsy shop! Just use coupon code "BLOG15" at checkout! And now for the flowers.....

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/75895916/crochet-100-cotton-spiral-rose-hair-clip

These are currently available in sets of three! They are made to order in any color combo you'd like from the color choices shown. If a larger quantity is desired I am more than willing to accommodate with a special order!

Alright, that is all for today! Wish me luck on my almost completed hat and my new purse idea! I will of course be sharing the finished pictures of both. For now have a fabulous Tuesday and happy happy crafting!!!!


Today I'm participating in....
http://www.todayscreativeblog.net/

http://www.makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/

Hello, Hello...

Oh my, it has been a very long while! Things have been a little hectic around here but I have been creating plenty of fun stuff. My newest endeavor has been newsboy hats. And as usual, I just had to do them my own way. I taught myself a few new stitches and then I invented my own method for creating the brim. The first few that I tried didn't turn out so hot, but I was persistent and I finally found the formula that works for me. I'd share it but I am currently selling the hats on etsy and I'd like to keep the exact design all my own. So many people sell hats and beanies on etsy these days that I have to keep whatever edge I've got! I'm sure you understand. Alright, now to share my latest creations with whomever may be peeking in on me this time around......

 newsboy in mint and chip

 made to order in all sizes

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75718359/custom-chunky-ribbed-crochet-slouchy

 solid blue newsboy, ready to ship

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75830782/solid-blue-chunky-crochet-newsboy?ref=v1_other_1

I've also added a few more slouchy hats to my shop with variations of the same ribbing technique I used on the newsboy hats above and a cable stitch as well. I'll be posting more of my items in my next blog. It seems no matter what I do, I can't get away from the world of crochet. I love macrame and painting and so many other crafts but I've come to find that crochet is just my niche in life and I'm perfectly okay with that! I'm constantly in search of new methods and techniques to learn and I hope I never stop learning and growing in my craft! Tomorrow I'll be sharing some lovely flower barrettes that a fellow etsy seller inspired me to create as well as the slouchy's I mentioned and my latest newsboy featuring a large rose! The newsboy is complete and in the process of being listed in my shop but my camera died just as I was uploading the images I took of it, so I'll have to wait to share with you and to make it available for purchase. Alright, that's it for my this evening. Have a wonderful night/morning and happy, happy crafting!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Memorial Day!

Alright, so I'd like to start off by saying happy Memorial Day and happy Monday! Today only I'm having a 20% off sale at my etsy shop! You can get 20% off of your entire purchase by using coupon code "MEMO20" at checkout! If you don't know how to get to my shop, here's the link: http://www.luvbuzz.etsy.com/!!!
Okay, now for what I've been up to these past several days............well as I've stated before, I'm focusing my spare time on jewelry and purses for the summer season. That is when I'm not busy with custom orders. I recently did an order for a solid crochet cuff bracelet in natural hemp for a fellow etsy seller....

I have also recently received my shipment of colored hemp that I ordered so this bracelet order inspired me to do some more hemp crochet! It's such a fun alternative to macrame and creates a slightly more solid piece. I've been trying to create at least one new piece a day. Lately it's all been in the Rasta/Reggae theme. Here are my most recent crochet jewelry creations all of which are available at my etsy store.............

 Extra wide cuff with lace up tie closure...

                           http://www.etsy.com/listing/74937320/crochet-extra-wide-hemp-bracelet-in

 Cuff bracelet with Magnesite peace symbol and tie closure...

 http://www.etsy.com/listing/74991289/wide-crochet-hemp-rasta-cuff-bracelet

                                         Anklet with lace tie closure...................

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75036303/crocheted-hemp-anklet-with-tie-closure

I've also managed to get a few necklaces done as well. My husband also made one using a really cool pretzel knotting detail and Jade beads!!!!! It came out really cool!!! I don't want to overwhelm the reader with too many photos at once so I think I'll save the necklaces for another day. You can always check them out at my etsy shop if you just can't wait! Alright, I'm going to get back to my son and my much needed coffee! Have a wonderful and blessed Memorial Day and happy crafting!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greetings and Salutations....

Alright, it's been way too long since I've had a chance to get on here. I am happy to report that I have finished all of my custom orders for the moment. The last one was a pair of toddler hats I made for a very cute little girl. One was a sock monkey and the other an owl. Don't worry the pictures are going up in one moment! Both hats turned out so darn cute that I decided to add them as made to order items in my etsy store. Not to toot my own horn too much here but I seriously amaze myself with the things I can accomplish on my own without a pattern! It just goes to show that if we believe in ourselves, anything is possible. I've also purchased a few more beads since my last post, but I'm waiting on a shipment of hemp before I create anything else jewelry wise. And if you were wondering, my Cthulhu came out very nicely as well. What the hay, I'll post a pic of that too. I made the most charming paper mache box for it also, unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of that before I shipped it! Alright, I think I covered everything I've accomplished in the past few weeks! So here are my pictures and I hope you enjoy them!!!!!!!!!

Owl hat with flaps

made to order @ http://www.etsy.com/listing/74394419/custom-owl-hat-made-to-order

girl sock monkey @ http://www.etsy.com/listing/74394084/custom-sock-monkey-hat-made-to-order

boy sock monkey @ http://www.etsy.com/listing/74458651/custom-sock-monkey-hat-made-to-order

Alright, those are all of my etsy items! The girl sock monkey hat was just to cute, I had to make one for my son and post that one to my shop also!!!! And now for the Cthulhu..........

And that's all I've got for now. Pretty cute for a science fiction alien creature huh????? Happy Saturday and happy happy crafting :)