Dandelions ~Lions Tooth~ Day 2

Do you have a post, craft, art, or something on your blog about Dandelions?

Make a post before Friday and I will link to it!

Bugs are immensely blessed to have a view as bright and beautiful as this.

To the Dandelion

James Russell Lowell

"Dear common flower, that grow'st beside the way, Fringing the dusty road with harmless gold, First pledge of blithesome May, Which children pluck, and, full of pride, uphold, High-hearted buccaneers, o'erjoyed that they An Eldorado in the grass have found, Which not the rich earth's ample round May match in wealth, thou art more dear to me Than all the prouder summer-blooms may be."

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We spent a while today picking dandelions for all of our projects, it was quite a bit of fun. Lilly enjoys the dead seedy dandelions the most. She gets really upset when the wind blows all the seeds away, haha.

I tell her that she just needs to make her wishes quicker!

We collected about a quart of the yellow beauties! Not enough for all the crafts we want to do, but it'll do for now. We placed them in the freezer so they will still be good to use when we have a nice warm day out. That stash is going to dye something!

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Remember my list of Fun and Dandy Activities ?

We chose to do this one today

~Use the flower head to color a bright yellow picture.~

Just pop the head off and rub it on the paper, a natural crayon!

~Lilly was utterly amazed that a flower could be used in this way~

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The official name of the Dandelion suggests its value, coming from the the Greek taraxos (disorder), and akos (remedy).

~Dandelion Recipes~

Dandelion Wine

Dandelion Green Fettuccine

Dandelion Fritters

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*Check out this blog post by TeddyStartedIt to learn how to make Dandelion infused oil!
Great for a "great home made gift for an exercise buff or an arthritic grandma"

*~Soap Deli has a wonderful post with dandelion art~

Dishing Up A Little Dandelion

My Crochet Addictions

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

I'm just too addicted to crochet, I may need an intervention!

I have been spending money on patterns..hmm.. Okay, this isn't really a bad thing, it's just that there are so many free patterns on the Internet that I should be practicing on first.

I'm not the greatest at following a crochet pattern, not even close...

Here is one of the tops that I'm working on right now. I'm not even half way done because this kind of top takes forever for me. lol I didn't have the right size hook and couldn't find it at the store, so my hook is two sizes too large and I'm not even sure if my yarn is the correct gauge.. But it seems to be coming out the right size (I hope!) I can't wait to finish it...

This pattern and many like it can be found Here.

I've made some really cute tank tops for both of my girls, but I just made them up as I went.

Lilly had been jumping on my bed for a while, so her hair is a bit crazy.. This is a long halter top that I made to be worn with shorts. Shaylynne's top can also be worn with shorts, but I plan on crocheting some matching soakers for her.

The Pattern for the Little Birds and the flower appliques can be found Here.

The Pattern for the Flower on Shay's dress can be found Here.

Check out Crochet Pattern Central for lots of great free patterns!

Featured Etsian Artist~piccoladonna2006

Click Here To Go Straight To My Giveaway

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piccoladonna2006

Visit her blog

I'm a 26 y.o. busy mom of 2 wonderful kids and I have this big passion for crochet that I'm trying to use to raise some money selling my "crocheted little things" as I like to call my works. I do not consider this like a job simply because I really enjoy crochet each and every piece!

I learned how to crochet when I was 9-10 from my mom who is a "doilie maker". It was something I liked to do during summer breaks, but never thought I could use it like I'm doing now!

I started crocheting during my second pregnancy, I got sick and I had to rest a lot for my little girl's sake so I needed something to keep my hand and mind busy while resting. Most of the works I did during that time are now for sale in my etsy shop. But so far never thought about selling anything, I was just having a lot of fun!

Last year my hubby was out of job and we needed to buy clothes for my children...somehow I had a couple of skeins of yarn and I created warm sweaters for them (I think I have a pic of my daughter wearing it). When we went out everybody was asking me where I found those sweaters....and orders came to me. I used to crochet gifts for family and friends and other orders arrived....then I tried to crochet some jewelry pieces and decided to try a craft show....it went pretty good and that's why I finally decided to seriously sell my works, even on line.

My inspiration comes from little daily things....the necessity of a warm garment, the willing of embellish my house...and so on.

Featured Etsian Artist~thelulubird

Click Here To Go Straight To The Giveaway

thelulubird

BLOG

I am a full time grad student studying Art Therapy. I go to the Art Institute of Chicago, and while that takes up most of my time, I still try to be at least a part time maker of arty and crafty things.

I feel the most like myself when I'm making things.

More about me: I am a fan of hardwood floors and bowtie pasta, I could listen to Joni Mitchell all day long, and I'm infinitely amused by llamas.

I Joined Etsy in 2007, but didn't become a seller until about a year ago. My favorite things in the shop right now are the clothespin dolls and the "seated girl" woodcut print.

Also, I have recently started blogging . I blog about lots of different things, from art and craft to social issues and sustainability - just snipits of the world that are inspiring and thought provoking

Featured Etsian~roses7184

CLICK HERE TO GO STRAIGHT TO MY GIVEAWAY

roses7184
Visit her Blog!

My real name is Jessica and I am 24 years old. I work for the YMCA After School program with a group of 5th graders and I just love it! They are my heart and soul, and keep me young.

Most of my creative juices I think come from their perpetual optimism! I live in Long Beach, CA with my boyfriend Brandon of 7 years. I have a BA and a teaching credential, and am just waiting patiently until the time I can have a real teaching job!






I started creating and actually selling it last October. Before that I had been creating for years, and it finally got to the point that my friends convinced me to sell. Since then I have made 51 sales and am pretty happy about it!

My favorite pieces would have to be my new Bright Fashion Belt and my old but still very much loved Sunflower Garden Scarf.

Etsian Artists featuring knit and crochet

I'm in love with our new hats! 100% cotton= so soft (I think my girls like them too) I'm such a mom,haha, I am always trying to make my girls match. I wonder if they'll hate me for it... oh well! I will have to show these off more later. I ordered matching boots for Shaylynne (The little one)! They have a little flower on the toe, you'll see!

You've got to stop by this artist's store, she's SO affordable and friendly! I believe she is becoming my "Go To" Crochet artist!

amandascrochet

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6928349

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yarnlovertn
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6112367

"When I was little, I wanted to crochet because both my mother and grandmother crocheted.

I was about 7 when I started crocheting. All I really knew how to do was a chain stitch, and my sisters and I would compete to see who could make the longest chains. I remember them stretching throughout the house, up stairs, down hallways, through rooms..great fun! Then, when I was about 10, I learned how to make granny squares. I'd often end up with granny squares of enormous sizes because that's all I really knew how to do, and my mom let me use all her scrap yarn. :D

Then, in college, I seriously got into it. I picked up a couple of crochet books, and taught myself other things besides grannys. The rest is history. :D

I started selling them halfheartedly shortly after I got married in a little out of the way shop that featured my items, and I sold a couple of things that way. Then, about 6 months ago, I discovered Etsy. Wow! I was "hooked". lol. I love Etsy! It's so great for both buyers and sellers. I haven't discovered any other site that even comes close to being so awesome!

My favorite item to crochet.. That has to be hats. :D I love hats. And it only takes me a couple of hours to complete a piece. That's just perfect for my attention span.I think that's about it. "

My blog: http://www.shanasmusic.blogspot.com/

Threadmill

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6922231

"I've always been interested in making things... Whether on paper, or 3-d. I'm an artist and art teacher, and I truly view crochet as "sculpture in yarn".

I was about 7 years old. My grandmother must have been a lot like me, because she was always working on something beautiful in yarn. One day she got tired of me watching over her shoulder and asking questions, so she gave me a hook, and yarn and hours and hours of her precious time, and taught me the basics. I have crocheted on and off all my life. Crochet had taken a back seat for many years... then I picked up hook and yarn again 2 summers ago when I broke my wrist. I thought it would be good physical therapy to keep my hands moving by crocheting. My love of crochet took off from there and flourished into the compulsion it is for me now. Now it seems I never tire of making things in yarn. I even dream of yarn in my sleep.

I started my first shop with crocheted items -- CreativeHook.etsy.com -- a little over a year ago. I was so excited at finding a venue for selling, thus supplementing my massive yarn addiction! My new shop, Threadmill.etsy.com is an offshoot of CreativeHook. I thought it would be fun... and clearer... to start a crochet shop specializing in all cotton yarns with specifically all summertime items and colors. I'm having great fun with it.

What is your favorite kind of item to crochet? For now it's beach hats. I love making hats, whether for wintertime or summertime.

I am a hard-core perfectionist. I have an excellent eye for design, lines and color, thanks to my college years studying art. I think it helps me in my crochet creations. I feel blessed to have found Etsy. It keeps me creative, busy, and optimistic as I dream of yet more projects yet to come.

Crochet and Knit Etsian Artists!

Yay! I found a place here in Casper, WY~All That Yarn~ who has classes for crocheting! I'm as excited as a child in a candy store! I don't get to start the classes till March 10th though :( I'm so impatient, I want to crochet Now!

The classes begin at 7PM, that's a strange time, don't ya think? I mean, I put my kids to bed at 8PM... I don't like that one bit... But still, I can't wait!

So in the spirit of all that is crochet and knit, here are some awesome artists with beautiful items! (More tomorrow)

KnitzAndFeltz

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6205222

"I was first introduced to knitting by my mom and my grandma who were both knitters.

However, it was in the last 2-3 years that I really self-taught myself and fell in love with the art. I poured over books, magazines, the internet and I played around with yarns, patterns, textures. It started as handmade gifts for my family and friends but I found I simply couldn't get enough of it.

Simply said... I love yarn! I love the feel of it and the feeling of accomplishment when I take it and make something both beautiful and useful.

And, I love to knit! I enjoy playing with textures and patterns and creating unique items that are both functional and fun! I wear my scarves and I use my handbags and I am both humbled and honored when others do the same.

KnitzAndFeltzWarm... Comfy... Trendy... Fun... "

MFcrafts

MFcrafts.etsy.com

"My mom taught me to knit and crochet back in middle school. In high school, in the 1970s, she and I used to make things and sell them at a consignment gift shop in a local town. She was knitting the Christmas stockings and selling them, even then. I remember that I sold lots of crocheted belts in the 70s.

I love to crochet granny squares and make afghans. I knit more than crochet at the present. I love to knit fingerless gloves. Those are one of my current favorites. I've been knitting felted purses recently, but they are usually sold quickly at my school (I'm and Elementary School Library Teacher). I'll list felted purses in my shop if I ever get any made ahead.

I often crochet a flower to add to knitted hats. My school knitting club knits baby hats, baby afghans, baby booties, and regular sized afghans and hats to donate to charity. We have lots of fun learning to knit and seeing our finished items. The students are in grades 4-5 at my school.

Although I have sold items on consignment and in craft shows for many years (since the 1970s), I opened my crafts shop here on etsy in 2006. Just recently opend my vintage shop. My daughter has a shop also on etsy, and talked me into it."

Today's Featured Etsian Artist is LisitaGlamita!

Don't Forget To Take The Poll And Leave A Comment For The Reusable Pad Giveaway, Below!
Both Giveaways End Monday the 16th!

FREE BLOG GIVEAWAY!

Winner recieves this yummy Heart Pin!

I will be hosting TWO Giveaways at once!

LisitaGlamita was kind enough to put her own adorable item into a drawing for a give away! ~This GIveaway Ends Monday, Feb.16th~

Please visit her store and choose your favorite item, come back here and leave a comment telling us what your favorite item is!

My Almost 3 yr. old daughter will randomly select a winner by drawing a name from a box.

To get your name into the box more than once, you can:

-refer a friend and make sure your friend mentions your name!

-Follow me! (If you're already following me, Thankyou!)

-Post about my Give Away in your Blog!

-Tweet about this Giveaway on Twitter!

Please make sure to tell me if you have posted this in your blog!

Today I'm featuring Etsian Artist LisitaGlamita~http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6647393

LisitaGlamita makes and sells cute and fun accessories and ornaments!

1 How did you first hear about Etsy?I actually stumbled upon it while looking for stickers on the net. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven!

2 When did you first start selling on Etsy?I converted my buyer account to a shop in early December, then after a few sales I decided to go ahead and create an account specifically for selling (and with a nicer name, I might add).

3 What made you decide to make what you make?I’d seen polymer clay items being made on Etsy, especially candies and cookies and all number of yumminess. I was able to get ahold of some Japanese clay crafting books, and was completely awed...thus was born a new obsession with clay.

4 Where do you get your passion/motivation?I’m motivated by the spirit of diy and the anyone-can-do-it mentality of the international craft community!

5 Do you have a day job?I’m currently an unemployed victim of the economy, like so many other sellers on etsy, but I’m living with my mom and attending school full time, so I can’t complain. I’m a vet assistant by trade.

6 Where do you invent your items? i.e. do you have an office or do you work in your house?I work on two desks crowded into my bedroom. I like living amongst creative chaos!

7 Do you belong to any Etsy Teams?Not yet, but I’d like to someday.

8 How long does it take you to create a piece?Oh, anywhere from an hour to two hours for the clay pieces. Sewing items takes more time, I have impatient fingers!

9 When do you get most creative?Usually after a catnap.

10 What is your most popular item in your store?So far, the Super Cookies are the most popular.

11 Any advice you could give to other new sellers on Etsy?To other new sellers I would say, get yourself out there as much as possible! Meet other sellers on the forums and make friends. Try joining promotional sites like CraftJuice and Twitter or Flickr. And don’t ever give up! I guarantee anybody who tries will become successful on Etsy.

12 What do you do to promote your shop?I participate in a lot of forums, Critiques especially (mostly because it’s fun, but I do get hearts that way!). I’m also registered on Twitter and CraftJuice. I also send out promotional material like stickers with my orders.

13 How do you balance your creative work with home life and family?Oh man….it’s a constant juggling act to balance all my silly creative energy with the rest of my life! As my family will tell you, I am always working on something, be it homework or clay or felt or any little thing I can come up with. Fortunately, they’re very supportive of my shop.

14 Are you trade friendly with fellow Etsians?Totally! I haven’t had the chance to do a trade yet, but it looks fun and rather addicting, I’m sure.

15 Do you have your own blog?Not yet. I’d like to, though.