The {Purdy} Girl Story

Have you heard about the new Purdy girl in town? Everyone is talking about her.A little girl named Rose was always crafting. She needed a friend so she crafted a friend she named her Lilly. Lilly was her best friend she had cute little button eyes a perfect little smile that never turns into a frown. Soon everyone wanted a doll just like the one that Rose had and they said they would pay anything to have one. Rose made more of course but before she gave dolls to the people who wanted it the most she gave it to the ones that had nothing. She met orphan girls that had nothing and made a doll to match each of their personalities. She made each doll with love and care. Then of course there are the girls who had families and toys... and these girls wanted a Purdy Girl Doll too, because what girl doesn't want a doll that was made just for them, with love, and prayers?? So of course Rose went back to her cottage to make more of these special dolls and said special prayers for each of the girls who were going to receive these dolls.

She went home that night and thanked God for letting her put smiles on the girls faces and she hoped that they would never turn into a frown just like Lillys' never would, and wondered what names these new Purdy Girl Dolls would have?? Did you know you can even get your very own Purdy Girl Doll??? She will be made with lots of love and prayers just for you!

http://purdythings.com/item_125/Purdy-Girl-Doll.htm

 

{DIY} Crochet Bird Hair Clip

Tools

• G Hook
• H Hook
• I hook
• yarn needle
• hot glue gun
• hair clip of your choice (for this I prefer a pinch clip)
• 3 colors of cotton yarn (I prefer Lion Brand Cotton Ease)

Bird:
H Hook
  1: ch 2, 10sc in 1^st ch
  2: 2sc in the next sc, sc in next sc, hdc then dc in next sc, 2dc in next 2sc, 2sc in next sc, sc then dc in next sc, 2tr in next sc, 2 tc in the next sc,  2 tc in the last sc, tie off weave in ends 
BEAK
G hook
  1. Join beak color yarn in the 7th stitch of the second row. hdc in the same stitch. Tie off weave in ends
WING
I hook
1.  Chain 4.  Make all of the next stitches in the first chain. 3 trc, 3 dc, chain 1, 1 trc, chain 1, 3 dc, 3 trc, chain 2 slip stitch
Assembly of the BIrd:
Glue the wing on where you think it will look the best, and you can either embroider an eye, or use a small black brad, or small black button.  Then Glue your clip to the back and voila you have an ADORABLE little bird!!!
Please leave me a comment and let me know how you like it!!!  
oxo

Becky

For more patterns and a great community check out:
Purdy Things {Pattern} Circle 

What's in a name??? {giveaway}

What's in the name of a new shop??? 

I have been wrestling with the idea of opening a new shop on Etsy, 

one just for the necklaces and bracelets.

Can you help me name my new shop??? 

By entering your name will be put into the drawing for a $20 gift certificate!!! 

If we use the name for the new shop you will get a $25 gift certificate!!

I will do the drawing on Wednesday September 14th, 2011

Here is some inspiration to help you out!!!

 

 1. Carnival Of Color

2. Purple Butterflies

3. Walking on Sunshine 

4. Halloween Love

It's all about the Branding!!

When you see hear the term "Golden Arches" what do you think of???? McDonalds of course!!

Why is that??? Branding. They have that logo on EVERYTHING they do!! Even their McGriddles have the Arches in them!

If you hear about Target what image pops into your mind??? That red and white bulls eye!

You are probably thinking that it has NOTHING to do with your little Etsy shop... WRONG.

Etsy Seller EnchantedMemories has this to say about Branding:

"Branding is important for any business no matter the size. It helps create a professional appearance that creates buyer confidence. Branding can also be beneficial to your sales in it creating a recognizable brand for your products."

So when your business card matches your logo, and your return labels match your banner, and your blog ties it all together... when people see those images, they think of you!



Pre-Made Owl Banner By EnchantedMemories

Think of it this way...

You get a purchase... you nicely package it up, stick a few cards in it, and send it on to it's new home..

When they get it, do they see a card that matches your banner?? So when they come across it again they instantly remember your shop??

OR

Do they get it, come across the card later, and think.. what was that shop again?? I know I got an awesome product from it, but what else was there??

Branding is SO very important...I can't stress it enough... branding will bring repeat buyers!!

I really love Barbie at EnchantedMemories... she makes cute yet professional all in one branding sets, and she also does custom orders. I think I really like her because she is a mom like me!!

Here is a little bit about her in her own words:

"I am married with three small kids. I am always drawing, either sketching an idea I have, drawing something for my kids to color or doodling on the corners of paper while on the phone. I love that 99.9% of my orders are completely custom becuase I love being challenged to create new things that I have never drawn. I believe that art is a very important part of life and think that children should always be encouraged to be creative."

In short, branding to Etsy is to Location and Real Estate!!!
*post from http://handmadespark.com written by me

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer it sings because it has a song" Maya Angelou


Maya Angelou is one of my mentors in life. I've never met her, but I've read her books, all of them. Her life is an inspiration. She has been through it all, abuse, persecution, she was a big part of the Civil Rights movement, she's lived all over. She's a poet and author, if you have never read her books, I suggest you do!!

My love of bird cages comes from the book "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" The quote from the book "A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer it sings because it has a song" speaks VOLUMES to me.  I want to share what it means to me, please comment and share what means to you!

As a creative person, I always want to say something about me in my work. I don't make things because I can, I make things because I LOVE to! I want people to see the things I make, and see me in them. See my passion for the items I create, and see my love of color, yarn, paper, and buttons!!

As a human being, we all go through trials, and life lessons. We don't share these experiences with people because we have all the answers, we share them because it's our life, and our song. We are meant to go through these things to learn and share.  It's not an answer, it's life. Think about the times you are listening to the radio and a song just resonates with you. Then you find out that the singer wrote the song based on life experiences.... doesn't it just mean so much more to you??

I feel we all have a song, we all have something to share, and it's not the great answer to life, it's about making the bonds and connections in life.

I love to do a search on Etsy for Bird Cages here are just a few of the Purdy Things I found!!

Womens Bird Cage T-Shirt by CanteloupeCorner

50's Birdcage Pillow by Olive

Vinyl Wall Decal Hanging Bird Cage by HouseholdWords

I LOVE IT Monday!!! Things I LOVE!

I love purses, and totes, polka dots, and damask!!  I mean I am supernaturally DRAWN to them!

So here are some of the great things I found this morning!! Next post... chat room Monday! :)

Essence Tote by mhaden1

The CHLOE Vintage Inspired Red and White Polka Dot Full Apron by Boojiboo

Knitting Needle Crochet Hook Roll Padded Organizer Black and White Floral With Polka Dots by abellawear

Enjoy!!!

Shop Local Friday!!

I live in an area that is FLUSH with talent! So Fridays will be shop local Fridays!!!
I'm fortunate enough to be part of a great group Sacto Metro Etsy Team, check out the blog!

Here are 2 local designer artists that are awesome! So check them out!

GirlleeGoodz
I love this shop! There is so much vision in each piece!! Here is her self written bio:
I am a one woman shop creating cheeky and flirtatious, yet, sophisticated tanks, t-shirts, and jackets. Sewing and crafting runs deep in my bloodlines but it is through designing, embellishing, and hand embroidering that I have found my true passion. Promoting individuality while utilizing color, texture, and dimension. I want my customers to feel like a million bucks in my garments...exuding confidence!

Plum Dandy - by GirlleeGoodz




MrsTalbott
With great fabrics, and fun designs you will find things like this awesome crochet / knitting tool organizer, newsboy hats, aprons, and cute dollhouse furniture! Here is her self written bio: I've been hand-crafting most of my life in one form or another. I've been a living history docent at Sutter's Fort State Historic Park in California since 1980, and much of the crafts I do now are things that can be used at the Fort or that were popular in the mid-19th century. Give me natural fibers or materials to work with and I'm a happy camper!
Happy Planet Crochet / Knitting Tool Organizer by MrsTalbott


Happy shopping... more local to me sellers next Friday!

BUTTONS!! I LOVE BUTTONS!!

I am forever in love with buttons!! I love seeing the fun things people make with them!! These simple notions, have become the key to many styles! I Found a shop that has these awesome accessories with buttons, and of course MY favorite buttons also have polka dots!

PoorRobin - These button Bracelets are AWESOME!!

Featured Seller: Leakhena

One of my featured sellers DestinationDesign said that Leakhena was her favorite shop.. so in my Etsy Chat adventures I came across her... and told her that she was a favorite shop of someone featured on this blog. We got to chatting, and she's SUCH a great person, and her shop is AMAZING!!! I have one of her newest creations on my birthday wish list!! Not saying which one.. so it's still available for my hubby to get it for me... (hoping and praying) This is not only a talented artist, but a WONDERFUL person that I'm glad to call a friend now!

Artist Bio:
I’m 28 years old and originally from Sydney Australia. For the last 13 years or so I have been living in Northern California, mainly bay area. I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a big family. As a kid I was very fortunate to have two creative and loving parents who were extremely supportive of my artistic endeavours and enrolled each one of us in some sort of music or art classes. Probably, my fondest memories was crafting with my Grandma and my Mum.
In college, I worked several jobs to help pay for tuition since tuition was fairly high, especially for international students like myself attending UC Berkeley. One of the jobs I did beside being a waiter was making jewelry. I’ve also made jewelry for my family and friends and have received many great compliments.

In 2006, I lost someone very near and dear to my heart – the love of my life. I kept myself busy and contiued crafting. It was my way of dealing with grief and loss. Crafting has been very therapeutic for me.
I found Etsy last year in July and it has become my creative outlet . I don’t consider myself an artist. Maybe I’m still in the process of becoming one?? I do know that I am always learning something new and always improving. Aside from crafting I also enjoy cooking and baking ,working out and spending time with my friends. My shop is inspired by a mix of things.. cute and also elegance. Thank you for letting me share of part of my world with you.

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade Leakhena

Favorite Shops:
Http://DestinationDesign.etsy.com
Http://Purdythings.etsy.com
Http://birdzNbeez.etsy.com
Http://Seaunicorn.etsy.com
Http://fashionjunkie4life.etsy.com
Http://SweetMelodies.etsy.com

Featured Seller: The3Maries

I love this amazing shop!!! You will too!!

Artist Bio:
My name is Jennifer and I am from a small rural town in Northwest Louisiana. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 16 years and am the proud parent to a nine month old daughter. For as long as I can remember I've been an avid crafter and vintage collector. Etsy has enable me to use both of these loves as a business outlet. I love to sew, paint, and crochet. The3Maries carries more vintage now than handmade at present. I may have to open another shop for handmade!

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade The3Maries

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade The3Maries

Featured Seller: RollerScait

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vintage Glamour... Retro Clothes.. LOVE IT!!!
it's classic!!

Artist Bio:
I grew up in Iowa getting lots of vintage items from family members, garage sales, and other various thrifting venues. My passion and love for fashion has sprung from that influence and I decided I would like to spread it through communities surrounding me. I now run a 100% vintage and unique shop that I am very pleased with. I will soon be moving to Colorado, and hopefully pick up even more business there!

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade rollerscait

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade rollerscait

Featured Seller: DestinationDesign

This is again another Etsy Chat find... I saw her tea-cup ring, and I'm going to have to get one for my Mad Hatter Parties!!!

Artist Bio: I'm a teenage, stay at home mom who loves to make cute jewelry and accessories for young adults and the kids at heart. I've been trying to keep up with the Japanese fashion style, in order to bring them here to the US. It's so fun and cute! I hope to bring a little cuteness to someone's life, and inspire them to find all things adorable or something to light up their day. When I'm not crafting, I take care of my daughter, hang with friends and watch the food network channel.


Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade DestinationDesign

Favorite Store:
http://Leakhena.etsy.com

Featured Seller: LaurenKathryn

I have a SERIOUS button addiction... I LOVE them, they soothe me, make me smile, and are just wonderful!! SO while in an Etsy Chat I saw this seller.. and her AMAZING button purses! I knew RIGHT then I had to feature her, and share these buttons with you!!

Artist Bio:
Im LaurenKathryn, but to most, the 'Crazy Button Lady' because buttons make my heart beat, and my blood pump. I started making my purses for myself about six to seven years ago, around the age of 15, teaching myself how to sew a simple stitch, a zipper in, and a button on. Before I knew it, I couldnt stop. That brings me here, trying to send my loves around the world! They take a tremendous amount of time, and plenty of finger stabs, but I think its well worth it, and each and everyone is unique and bright.

Her Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade laurenkathryn

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade laurenkathryn