Custom Sewing Orders

I love my etsy shop. I've sold online for a thousand years, I was there when Ebay started.

I love all the options etsy allows me in building a business. I can communicate directly with customers. I can direct customers to my blog/store/website without etsy getting their panties in a twist. I can set my prices to reflect what I am worth and more importantly, etsy has the buyership to support handmade.

I think the fees are fair (unlike Ebay's 15%) because I certainly could not sell my sewing  locally for two bucks. I helped run a Christmas bazaar with some friends and I had to source my materials very carefully - that's where I learned to buy from garage sales and estate sales and to make do from my stash.

Etsy has been instrumental in me dreaming the dream.

Customers have an easy option of requesting customization's and this was one I actually made money on for once. A little while ago, another customer contacted me about making something in LSU colors.  I probably made enough to cover my cost in buying fabric as Oregon is no where near Louisiana. This second customer seridipitiously also wanted something for LSU and all the materials were in my stash. Love it.
I made her a bonus tissue holder because it just takes scraps and they are super easy as an add-on.
Customers are the best part of Etsy. You want to wrap it pretty and add little bonuses.

A CD Holder for the car visor plus a Tissue Holder in coordinating LSU colors.

Niece Graduating

 My youngest niece is graduating high school this year.
I mean really! Where does the time go?

 She's off to Westmont College in California next fall so I looked up her school colors and discovered I have next to nothing in Maroon & White.
I definitely have a problem with turquoise colors.

 I made her a zipper Key Fob with emergency money inside and a Zippered pouch. These YKK zips are from my estate sale find a week ago. Got the big ring pull. These retail for over $4 a pop and I get to use them at less than 10 cents a project.

 I filled the pouch with some Oregon State (OSU) Socks - just in case she changes her mind about schools, the key fob, an alligator critter card with the all-important auntie gift (check).

And most importantly, Creative Girl? I ended up not squirreling that pretty ribbon into one of my corners and I actually wrapped niece's gift and tied a bow with the pretty ribbon. I'm so proud of myself.

And look - the strawberries are turning red.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

June.     Oregon.     Hood Strawberries.

Because I couldn't resist.


My second child is graduating college tomorrow.
We're having a tailgate party prior to the pat-downs and the looks-like-it-might-take-awhile graduation ceremony.
First Lady Michelle Obama is speaking.

My son is graduating.
Both my children have earned college degrees. I am unbelievably proud.
This was my hope.
To have it realized brings me to tears.


I am bringing Strawberry Shortcake. The Hood Strawberries are cut and sugared. The chocolate covered strawberries have their beautiful coats on. I still need to make the shortcakes. It's all coming together.

Graduation Milestones

A big congratulatory hug goes to my amazing, smart, and gorgeous daughter.
She is now a Portland State University Alumnus.

Afterwords, we hosted the family at the City State Diner which is my favorite restaurant this year.
Food cooked with flavor, the wait staff is beyond fantastic, and it's only a few blocks from where my Mom grew up.