CRAFTER EXTROIDENAIRE

CRAFTER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Believing that the HANDMADE Crafting Community is so extra ordinary I've decided to help promote others as well as myself.

If we don't "TOOT" one anothers' gifts and abilities who will.

So the first featured artist is Crochet by Momma J.

Momma was my very first follower here in THE QUILTING ATTIC so I thought it was fitting to feature her shop first.

What is your name?

Marianne Jackson

Tell us a bit about yourself. Are you married? Children?

I am married to my husband of 15 years and have 3 beautiful daughters-ages 3, 7 and 13.

What sort of items do you have in your shop?

My shop has a variety of crochet items - from afghans to baby booties to scarves and much more.

How long have you been doing your craft?

I started when I was pregnant with my now 7 year old. A co-worker taught me during our lunch breaks, and I just fell in love with it.

How long have you had your Etsy shop and what made you decide to take that step to open it?

I opened my shop just this past August. I've always wanted to have a little shop of my own and one day my 13 year old told me about Etsy. I checked out Etsy and just went for it, so I guess I owe it all to my daughter!

Do you have any upcoming projects that you want to share with us?

Yes I do have a little secret that I've told a few folks about . . . I have decided to open up a second shop - this one will be for jewelry. I've reserved my Etsy shop name but am going to build up inventory before "going public" with it. Keep a watch for it soon!

You can also find Momma J at the following links:

www.crochetbymommaj.etsy.com www.crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com www.jewelrybymommaj.etsy.com (nothing listed yet in this one)

THANK YOU for sharing Marianne and good luck in your new venture....remember ladies and gentlemen we may have been the first to hear about Jewelry by Momma J right here on The Quilting Attic!!

PLEASE NOTE: ALL PHOTOS ARE OF CROCHETBYMOMMAJ SHOP.

In and Because of HIM,
Susan aka Grandma
www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
www.GrandpaGrandmasAttic.etsy.com

SATURDAY MORNINGS

I love Saturday mornings. Not just b/c I get to stay in bed longer but because my favorite crafting shows come on our local PBS station.

*Beads Bobbles and Jewels

*Fons & Porters' Love of Quilting

*Sewing with Nancy

*Martha Pulin

These are just a few of the inspirational shows that get my creative juices going.


Then, I get to spend the day with DH (Rick) and DD (Ashley).
Tonight will be a special treat we get to spend time with our oldest DD (Angi) and her family. Rick's sister and her DH will be there also. It will be so much fun...I'm so looking forward to the visit. Any time I can spend with my family is always an added blessing to my day.

Taking the lead from fellow Blogger and Etsy shop extraordinaire Crochet by Momma J's
(http://crochetbymommaj.blogspot.com/)I will be adding a new section to my blog very soon:

***Interviews with fellow artisans on Etsy. Look for an invitation in your email box if you are one of my favorites. Since there are many more of you than of me...it will take a while.


In and Because of HIM,
Susan aka Grandma
www.GrandpaGrandmasAttic.etsy.com
www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com

Sunday

Today my plans include playing with my grandchildren for a bit, church, picking up a new sofa and love seat, blogging (which I haven't' done in FOREVER), and working on both my websites www.GrandpaGrandmasAttic.etsy.com and www.HandmadeWithLove.ArtFire.com Oh and if I have time LOL I want to finish up the pair of PJ bottoms I made for my dear hubby.

Think I'll make it? Even if I get a small portion of that done I'll be so tickled. I can at least mark this off my list.

My current MUST DO is my Art Fire website. No sales yet but with my Google Analytic site I'm able to "see" who, what, how many, and where people are that are finding my shop. It is only a matter of time...After all I've been fairly successful on Etsy! Why not Art Fire.

Still considering a craft sale in May. Not much success in location yet...but the projects are coming in daily. Thought I might do one in Baytown, Texas where my mother lives. That way she wouldn't have to "tote" all her stuff here to Spring. A very good possibility that is what I'll do.

Well,got to get off here and start getting ready for church.

See y'all later.

In and Because of HIM,

Susan
http://www.HandmadeWithLoveArtFire.blogspot.com/
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

THIS MORNING

Saturday January 10, 2009 is proving to be an interesting day already. We woke to 70ish temperatures. Before the day even starts we will be in the 40's. So I guess we have a cold front coming in. OK for all you people northof us that is far from cold but for us here in southeast Texas that is cold and if the wind blows well....we feel as if we are in a deep freeze.

Anyway, my boss gave me some escape room game web sites to look at and I am already frustrated. I've not been able to escape any room regardless of how EASY they say they are to solve. SO, I won't be on those to often.

Today before we go to our friends house tonight to play our usual Mexican Train dominoe game (where Janace or Rick)will win as usual...sorry got off on a tangent there. I hope to reorganize my sewing room once again. One of these days I will get it right....I just know it.

My thoughts on that is that if I rearrange enough times I'll come up with a very workable room. Yesterday I had a brain storm which I will try out today. If I arrange it as if I were teaching quilting classes again then it would work for me. Sounds like a real plan anyway...I think!

Well not much else going on...here are a few Etsy views for you:


Until next time.

In and Because of HIM,

Susan

http://www.HandmadeWithLoveArtFire.blogspot.com/
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

JANUARY 7, 2009

Okay, I know that it has not been a week since we were in 2008! I am aware that "they" had to add a "some sort of second" to the clock because the earth is moving slower...."They" need to live in my life...because time is flying by. How about yours?

It's A Stitch news from yesterday...I checked in Jelly Rolls and 5" Charm Pack" from Moda. "9" by Sanae in Japan. Go to www.itsastitchonline.com to view. Just ordered new notions and books day before; I'm hoping they come in today. Keep an eye out for those to show up on the web fairly quickly. I ordered Fabulous Fabric Beads for myself last week. Can't wait to get it. Saw it at the Houston International Quilt show in November...Started to buy it and decided against it. Never mind that I've been wanting the book for a while! (Go figure.) Anyway I will own it soon.

At church on Sunday our sermon was exciting.
The title was Brand New Year...Same Old You?
Pastor Bobby challenged us with Scripture from Micha 6:6a.
Life application question: On December 21, 2009 what kind of life will I bring to God?
Questions from the people in Scripture can be found in Micah 6:6-7
Life application questions for us:

Life change is NOT about doing.
Life change IS about being...Micha6:8

Act Justly= being fair/how can I be fair in all my life aspects, I.E. work, family, finances, etc

Love Mercy= being compassionate/unexpected kindnesses/loving/mercy

Walk Humbly with God= being authentic/no pretending or wearing a mask

Ending with Romans 12:1 "So here is what I want you to do. God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering."

I Bring An Offering of Worship to My KING....

In and Because of HIM,
Susan

New in my ArtFire store today

HAPPY NEW YEAR

What will 2009 bring?
Since none of us really know we must make the most of every moment we get.
We really do get "NO DO OVERS" in life. I resolve to get the most mileage (so to speak)out of moment by moment living.

I am planning a local CRAFT SHOW for the week before Mothers' Day. If you are local and would like to participate email me and I'll get you set up.


In and Because of HIM,

Susan
http://www.HandmadeWithLoveArtFire.blogspot.com/
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

Newest ArtFire Additions

Store not available

CHECK IT OUT!



In and Because of HIM,

Susan
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

WHAT A MAD MORNING

As our new year ends and the new one begins I am once again reminded that we are NOT in contol.

GOD controls all and this morning He seems to be controling my GOOGLE accounts. Can't seem to log in to any site including my newly formed gmail.

I finally got into this blog this morning...been trying since last night and today, while looking for my NEW blog...I got my OLD blog....YEAH and UGHHHHH!

Does anyone know how to integrate them into one? Or can that be done? Or do I have to keep them both, ditch one, HELP. Any suggestions????

In and Because of HIM,
Susan

WHAT A YEAR!

Looking forward to a NEW YEAR!

How about y'all?

Many new plans for me this comming year. I am asking God to be IN everything I do. Well, actually I plan on asking HIM WHAT he wants me to do and I will (hopefully) join HIM in HIS plans for me.

My goals are to be a better Christian for HIM. To be a better "MeeMaw" for my grandchildren. A better mother to my 2 daughters. A better wife for my dear hubby of almost 39 years. A better employee for It's A Stitch. AND to take better care of myself.

My prayer is that God will lead me in everything I do and that I will listen!

In the works for my websites: http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com and http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991 is more items up for sale. Which means getting busy with more projects. Finishing up those that are UFO's (unfinished objects); to start new ones; and to help Rick, my dear hubby, pay off my new Bernina sewing machine.

Rick bought me a laptop for Christmas so I am now very "portable". I'll be able to take my work with me no matter where I go.

So be on the look out for all sorts of projects to come. There are many quilt tops ready for finishing, aprons that are also unfinished and I want to start on embroidery projects that are just waiting to "get out of my brain" and into real projects.

Well, goodnight all.
In and Because of HIM,

Susan
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

Photos from Christmas Day at Angi's

 

Ashley got her first cookbook from her sister.
The conversation went something like this:
Ashley: "Oh cool, I love to cook."
Angi: "Good, I put some of my favorite ones in there and hope you like them."
Mom: "Yea, since I didn't teach Angi to cook; she is going to make sure you know how."
Angi: "All I knew how to cook when Jace and I got married was mac and cheese, grilled cheese and boil water for tea!"
Jason (the son-in-law): "Yea, what a menu...thanks mom in law for teaching her all the "tricks".
Mom: "Oh well it made her a better cook! :)

Until next time.

In and Because of HIM,

Susan
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.
Tonight is our Office Party for It's A Stitch.
You might want to check out our on sale items at www.itsastitchonline.com
Also don't forget to check out my new online store at www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com NEW items daily.
Etsy is going great...a lot of sales last week.

Check us out at the first of the year....we WILL be having a clearance sale the first 2 weeks of the new year. Clearing out inventory to make way for the new! :)

Don't forget the REASON for the SEASON. Jesus.

In and Because of HIM,

Susan
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

New Items on Art FIre!!

Store not available

CHECK IT OUT

While you check out ART FIRE go to my shop and tell me what you think?

www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com

TODAY IS A REAL BUMMER

I have sold a few items this last week in my Etsy store!!http://www.etsy.com/search_results_seller.php?search_type=seller_usernames&search_query=grandpagrandmasattic YEAH!

Today I sold an apron and....well, I had it listed twice. AND yes, I only had one like it and no more of that particular fabric. SO, if the customer doesn't want to chose another fabric then I will refund her money. I can't believe I did that nor can I believe how incredible stupid and incompetent that makes me feel.

I have had a small bright spot in my day though. I have been working on a pink themed crazy quilt. It really is going to be very cute. And yes, I've been piecing it with my new Bernina. I've also been practicing using the BSR feature. It is lots of fun...just wish I was better at it. But then I know "practice makes perfect".

Tomorrow I'm back to It's A Stitch and buying all that stuff we sell. I love it.

Have a happy day and MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone.

GrandmaSusanQuilts
http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

MERRY CHRISTMAS

So many times a year I wish I could just sit down and do "whatever it is I want to do". Today I have that opportunity and have I taken advantage of it.

I've read email from Port Mansfield and a friend I've not seen for almost a year. I have actively searched for an online friend from Florida who is Anthony's Gramma. I have not found her :( Suppose I will though. I've lost her email address and well....anyway, I've sewn on my new 200 Bernina sewing/embroidery machine. I'm doing some crazy quilt blocks in pink. I'll post a photo when I'm done.

I've also gone with my family to try and find just the right tree for the small spot we have for one. This will be our first live tree in years. We went to our favorite store (Wal-Mart) and well....just goofed off.

Tonight we go see our church program called Uncle Matt's Diner. This will be our second weekend to see it. It was really a lot of fun! Our friends Janace and L.C. are going with us this time. Last weekend it was Melissa and Cameron.

This year we are celebrating our Christmas party at It's A Stitch at a local restaurant called Damian's Cucina Italiana. YUMMMMMMMMMY We also have 3 full days off Dec. 24, 25, 26 YEAH!

Before we know it we will all be in a brand new year 2009. Wonder what that will bring. I really don't want to know.

Well, my Bernina is calling me...beconning me...."COME BACK and sew Susan". Guess I'd best listen.

See ya later.

In and Because of HIM,

Susan

http://www.HandmadeWithLove.artfire.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82991
http://quiltingsavvy.blogspot.com/
http://www.baypirates.net
http://www.abundantlifechiro.com/

MY LATEST FIND

I signed up today!
You might want to check this out. I really liked it. Added the link to my home page on my side bar.

My official DBA has been Handmade With Love since 2000. Since that name was taken on Etsy I chose GrandpaGrandmasAttic. They are both actually the same business.

If you like ArtFire and want to sign up please (???) pretty please...use me as a referral.

I've listed a lot of black eyelash yo-yo's for Christine. What a blast these were to make. Check out the photo at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18573514Pretty cool. But boy what a mess....eyelashes were "flying" everywhere.

See y'all soon.
Grandma Quilts
Susan

IT'S A STITCH

The quilt store, It's A Stitch, where I work is having a big sale today. Not only is it an in store sale but also an online sale...check it out....www.itsastitchonline.com I didn't have to work today...

So many projects to complete by Christmas and so little time.

Night before last we went to our middle grandchild's Christmas play at school. She was "Warmth in your heart". What a sweet part for a sweet little girl. And I do mean little. She just turned 11 in October; but she, like her mother, is very small. She doesn't like that now but I am sure that before long she will realize what a blessing that is with shhh (the boys). Anyway she was precious.
Don't you agree?

Tonight we'll go to our church program "Uncle Matt's Diner". Our daughter, the mother of the precious little one in the school play is in it. Not a major role but one that will not be missed by her father and me! We go to The Church At Creeks End..so if you're in the mood to see a great Christmas play and you live in the Spring, Texas area hope on over.

Well, my quilting projects are calling my name and time is short. So until next time...happy quilting, crocheting, painting, or what ever makes you happy.

See you soon.
GrandmaSusanQuilts

New Items in My Etsy Shop

Etsy Buy Handmade grandpagrandmasattic

While you're online also check out http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17336105&ref=em What a cute scarf MommaJ!

GrandmaSusanQuilts