I resolve to...

I'm making a resolution for 2014. I'm changing the way I approach life situations. I have a tendency to catastrophize things.  I fixate on the worst things that could happen.  This is really easy for me to do as an introvert who does not like to express my thoughts to many people. But what good is that?  It's completely irrational, and it just adds unnecessary stress and worry to my life, and I'm done with that.

So this year, I resolve to...

I will be brave.

     I will take chances.

     I will reach out.

     I will experience more.

     I will say yes.

     I will make a difference.

     I will have adventures.



Bring it 2014. 

52 Weeks of Felting - Week 52

Wow.  I can't believe it's my last installment of this series for 2013!! I'm a little surprised that I was able to keep it up.  I mean, some weeks were a little late, but who cares, right?  So, for the last project of the year, I decided to make a polar bear.  And with this polar bear, I think I've started a new obsession: realism.  I love all my cutesy animals, but I've grown as a needle felter, and with growth comes the need for challenge.  Don't worry, the cute critters will still be around.  But you should expect more realistic animals too. I'm pretty excited about this, folks.

Check out this guy....

 I'm feeling a major sense of accomplishment right now for creating 52 new needle felted pieces this year. Actually, I'm pretty sure this calls for some wine.  Cheers!!

52 Weeks of Felting - Week 51

Since I'm playing catch up, and I had no time to create something new for the shop the past couple weeks, I thought I'd share some custom orders with you. 

I created this Harry Potter for my Secret Santa recipient.

 

This Darth Maul is an addition to a friend's uncle's collection of Star Wars characters.  I made the Yoda and Darth Vader last year.

I did a LOT of pet portraits.  Here are some shots of a few of those...

I love doing custom orders.  Especially the pet portraits.  At first, they were a little daunting, because of course I want to get the pets just right.  But I've gotten a lot of great feedback on them, and I'm grateful to get to memorialize a beloved family member for my customers. 

Currently I'm working on five more custom orders.  A couple of them are more challenging than the others.  I'll be sure and share when I'm done. 

My first Stitch Fix

Have you heard of Stitchfix?  It's an online personal styling service that sends you a box of five clothing (or accessory) pieces.  You can get your fix as often as monthly or schedule your fixes farther apart.  This service costs $20, but you can apply that toward any piece that you want to keep.  Plus, you fill out a profile, detailing the kind of clothes you like and the kind you might want.

I was so excited to get my box in the mail.  I was immediately enamored with the colors, patterns and textures that I saw.  My stylist did a great job!

This is what I got.  I decided to keep the piece on the top right and the bottom middle. The bottom right piece was a little too long for my short body.  The button-down dress just did not work with my shape, and the skirt was a tad too narrow in the waist.  I liked every piece, though.  And really, these are not pieces that I would have picked for myself--especially the red top.

I had fun putting some outfits together. And kudos to my husband for taking a million pictures of me until we got the right ones. 

If you're thinking of trying it, you can use this referral link, you know, if you want to. It would help me earn some credit, because I'll definitely be getting some more stitchfix deliveries. ;)

Good Morning and Thank You

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday! We enjoyed a short trip back home to the in-laws' in Arkansas. 

I know I've been pretty absent around here lately, but that's because you guys are keeping my shop so incredibly busy, and for that I thank you.  I've been staying up until midnight and 1 a.m. nearly everynight since November working on orders. The crazy holiday shopping season is keeping me busy beyond Christmas--I *still* have orders to fill.  And if you are one of those people waiting on something wooly from me, don't worry, I'll pick the needles back up today.

Last night, we drove back into an incredibly hazy Springfield, and today, we woke up to a beautiful, frosty morning. 

Just thought I'd share these with you.

P.S. I've got some blog posts to catch you up on.  So, I'll be back sooner rather than later.

52 Weeks of Felting - Week 50

WEEK 50!!! 

52 Weeks of Felting - Week 49

So, I'm a little late for week 49, but these stockings are why!  I've been making patterns and cutting and felting and sewing and ironing my bum off to get all of these stockings done!  These are the series that I've finished for this year: 

I still have stockings left in my shop that are ready to ship out.  They are high quality, 100% wool felt and would make great gifts! Actually, you should probably check out my facebook page this week too, because I'll be running a special on the stockings (hint, hint.)

52 Weeks of Felting - Week 48

Oh my gosh, you guys.  I've been so busy with Etsy orders, orders from friends and family AND with prepping for my last two craft shows of the year.  Oh, and I'm trying to fill some consignment orders.
So, I'll be blogging a bit less from now until Christmas.  But don't worry, I've got lots of plans for the new year!

For now, though, have a look at this cute monkey!

Enjoy your week!

P.S.  Follow me on instagram (@begoodnatured) for fun updates. :)