Yup, I'm still here...

I've been SO busy with my family's holiday preparations, making gifts, family birthdays (my husband and two boys all have December birthdays...my youngest turns 3 today!)that I haven't been listing much in the shops this week! But a couple of days ago I did get around to listing this cowl... it is made of a fun stripey wool! After the holidays, I'm hoping to "clean house" in the shops a little bit, which means there will be some serious sales going on! Stay tuned...

But for now, I've got Christmas presents to finish! I'm going to go knit and knit and knit and knit.....

Rachael Ray *hearts* Etsy!

Let me start by saying that I don't watch TV... so this is probably old news to many of you... but apparently Rachael Ray promoted Etsy on her show yesterday! AND I was given a link to her website, where she also recommends Etsy for holiday shopping!

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/cool-online-holiday-shopping-ideas/

Yay! Thanks Rachael Ray!

I've also heard rumor that Martha Stewart is a fan of Etsy and has talked about it on her show, as well. How cool is that? When I first opened my Pink Kitty shop on Etsy, over a year ago, the response from most people was "Etsy?? What's that??" Now we're getting plugged on national television, and recently there was an article on Etsy in the NY Times. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to know that word is getting out about all the Handmade Goodness out there! Let's keeps spreading the word! There are alternatives to Mall Shopping!

And Martha and Rachael... stop by www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com and www.renegadestitches.etsy.com... I'll take good care of you!

Yes, there is still time!

Today I'm offering FREE upgrade to Priority Shipping for all of you last minute shoppers out there! That goes for both my shops:

http://www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com
http://www.renegadestitches.etsy.com

And speaking of last-minute shoppers... turns out I fall into that category, myself, this year! As usual, I'm making lots of gifts, but I'm also doing some shopping... handmade stuff from Etsy, of course!

One of the shops I will be shopping from today:

www.stumppondtoy.etsy.com

Beautiful, handcrafted wood toys... I highly recommend!

Time to shop!

MORE busy!

Well, the scarflette from the last post sold! As did my banana silk scarf, unisex mitts, blue button scarflette and wool hooded scarf! I listed a new scarflette yesterday, and I'm hoping to get more listed by Monday.

I've had some questions about getting things in time for Christmas. I generally ship USPS first class or Priority, and most customers do receive their orders in 2-3 days. However, as we get closer to the Big Day, postal service may slow a bit. So, to make sure you get your stuff in time, I would recommend ordering by the 17th at the latest.

And now, since posting here seems to help things sell ;) I'll show off my latest scarflette:


This is the "One Love" Scarflette... lots of different colors and textures all living happily in one little scarflette. Available at http://www.renegadestitches.etsy.com

busy busy busy!

Wow! Busy weekend! The Pink Kitty Designs shop has been fairly quiet, but boy things have been moving over at Renegade Stitches! Three pieces sold in the past two days, and more stuff being listed today, and lots of questions in my inbox about sizes, colors, etc!
I just listed something I've been working on for awhile... a delicate, asymetrical scarflette done in superfine gray alpaca yarn. So luxurious!

She had made her choice...

"She had made her choice... she could never go back"
Mixed media collage on canvas board, 8 x 10.

"Time Does Not Change Us" and other ramblings...

A new collage... "Time does not change us, It just unfolds us..." 5x7 mixed media collage on canvas board.
Later I will be posting a photo of my latest, on which the last of the glue is currently drying! I've been on a little bit of a creative bender lately. It seems that whenever my "regular life" gets crazy and I feel out of control and stressed, one of two things happens... either I make NOTHING, because I get so wrapped up in whatever crazy is going on, or I bury myself in paint and paper and Mod Podge, in an effort to escape my troubles. Neither is particularly healthy, I'm sure (especially when I'm making stuff when I should be doing things like laundry, paying bills, etc!) but at least with the "creative bender" mode of coping, I end up with concrete "stuff" in front of me in the end, which makes me feel like I'm doing something productive. Plus, the creative process is just soothing to me. I'm happiest when my fingers are covered in paint and glue, or when I'm curled up next to my kids with a big ball of yarn and a nice cup of tea.
And speaking of yarn... I've got several projects going at the moment, both knitting and crocheting! I've listed a new scarflette on Etsy a few days ago, and I've got a few more things which I hope will be finished and listed later this week. I'm also attempting to get some Holiday Gifts finished! The clock is ticking, on that one :)

Holiday Cards...buy one get one FREE sale!!

I got a little ambitious when I had my holiday cards printed... so I'm having a BIG SALE at http://www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com !
Buy one box of holiday cards and I'll send you another set FREE! Buy two, you'll get 4... etc. All original designs, created by me. 8 cards per box, with envelopes. Get 'em while they're goin' cheap! This sale is in effect through Sunday, December 2nd. These designs and more available... check out my shop http://www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com for the full selection.

Retro Kitsch for the Kitchen!

Just finished this FUN decoupaged recipe box! It's decoupaged with all sorts of yummy looking foods clipped from cookbooks and recipe cards dating from the 1940's to the 1970's, along with little phrases like "Home Cookin'", "Mmmm....Good!" and "Just like Mom used to make" This delightful addition to the kitchen is one-of-a-kind! Get it for yourself or your favorite Happy Homemaker before it's gone!

Banana Silk

Have you ever experienced banana silk yarn? Yes, it really is made from the fibers of the banana tree. I've just completed a scarf from this beautifully textured yarn, and I'm very happy with it! This yarn was hand-dyed and hand-spun by a women's cooperative in Nepal. As a result, it has wonderful variations in color and texture and the occasional knot which only adds to the charm of this gorgeous golden yarn. It has a beautiful silky sheen, and is softer than you'd think it would be. It is heavier in weight than most yarns, giving it a very nice drape.

This scarf is one-of-a-kind, and available now in my Renegade Stiches Etsy Shop. It is approx. 56 inches long, about 10 or so inches wide (it is narrower in the middle and flares out slightly on the ends). It is not only a wonderful accessory, it's also a great conversation piece ("that's made of BANANA FIBER?!?! Really!?!") Perfect gift for yourself or a loved one!

Ready for "Black Friday"

Well... here we are, the day before Thanksgiving! I'm trying desperately to balance giving as much of my attention as possible to this Day of Thanks,(a much under-appreciated holiday, in my opinion) AND to preparing for the official start of the holiday shopping season!

So tomorrow I will spend the day with Family, feeling grateful (as I do every day) for all the wonderful things Life has thrown my way... beautiful children, a lovely home and family and friends...) enjoying a wonderful meal prepared by many loving hands, which I will be able to relax and enjoy, secure in the knowledge that I am READY for Black Friday!

Yes, both my shops are stocked up with all sorts of goodies, ready to be put under the tree! And I've allotted some time for custom orders (though I am a one-woman operation, so if you'd like a custom order, don't delay or I may be booked!) I've also got more items in stock, ready to be listed in the coming week.

So Happy Thanksgiving to all...

Bamboo Yarn... Yes, Really!

If you've never felt bamboo yarn, you're missing out! Yes, it is really made from Bamboo... and when spun into yarn, bamboo has a gorgeous, silky feel and a most beautiful drape. It also has a slight sheen to it, much like silk. Bamboo yarn is now one of my favorite fibers to work with. This fashion scarf is crocheted in a subtle stripe of 100% bamboo yarn. Look for it at www.renegadestitches.etsy.com
I've been working with a lot of different fibers lately... stay tuned to see my newest creations in alpaca, cashmere, hemp and banana silk. (c'mon, you KNOW you're curious about banana silk!)

journals, scrapbooks, blankbooks... Oh my!

Handmade blank books... These books are all made completely by hand, and are bound so that they lay flat when open for easier writing. check out my Pink Kitty Etsy shop for full details and more selection (link at right... can't for the life of me figure out how to put a link into a post on this thing! Not much of a computer-type) And as always, I LOVE custom orders! Is there a particular design you have in mind but just can't find anywhere? Let me know! I'd love to make your "journal/blank book/scrapbook" dreams come true!

Nekkid Ladies at the Library?!?

I featured these once before on this here blog, but it was one of my first posts, when almost no one was actually reading it... so I thought I'd feature them again!

I LOVE bookmarks! It's so much nicer to mark your place in your book with a pretty bookmark than a scrap of paper or... God Forbid! dog-earring the page (a serious crime, in my opinion... remember this if you borrow books from me **wink**) ANYWAY... Each of these sassy vintage nude lady bookmarks is a one-of-a-kind collage! Tuck one into a gift book or with a bookstore giftcard or into a stocking... the perfect little something for the sexy reader in your life!

These and other bookmarks are available in my Pink Kitty Designs Etsy shop:

http://www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com

in the section called, umm... "bookmarks"

My First Completed Knitting Project...

As a life-long crocheter, knitting did NOT come easily to me, and now that I've finally gotten enough of a handle on knitting to actually finish an actual, usable object, I just wanted to show it off! This one's not for sale... I'm keeping it! :)

Elsa and Gus, a Love Story...

"And thus she would always remember that day, when they first locked eyes across the crowded room.
Their love was so deep that neither time nor distance could dilute the passion they felt for one another. In spite of the miles between them, their love grew deeper with each passing moment, and Elsa longed for the day when they could be together at last. She ached to feel his lips upon hers, her body enveloped in his strong embrace.
She was brought back to the present by the sound of Julia’s footsteps entering the room… “A postcard for you, Madame…”"

Poor Elsa and Gus... Lovers kept apart due to circumstances beyond their control... what ever became of them?

Mixed media collage on canvas board, 8x10.

Do you believe in Fairies?

"She kept watch over the garden..."

If you are very still and you truly believe, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the fairies that watch over the garden.

5x7 mixed media collage of paint, paper, glitter, ink, etc on canvas board. Hangs from a pretty beaded wire. Available at www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com

Revelations...

I always wanted to be an artist. I've been making stuff since I was old enough to hold a crayon. Throughout my life I've explored all kinds of creative expression... drawing, painting, fiber arts, performing, writing, etc etc. But I never went to art school and I always had a "real job" so I never called myself an "Artist". I created things for me, because it was something I needed to do and I did eventually start selling my stuff at craft fairs. When I had my children, I gave up working "real jobs" and I started listing my occupation on various forms as "homemaker", which always made me cringe just a bit. Now, PLEASE don't email me about how being a homemaker is a real and valid job, and it's the hardest job in the world, blah blah blah. I know all this. I've been a stay-at-home Mom for almost 8 years, and although I LOVE the job of being a mom (I even homeschool my kids, so they're with me 24/7!) there was that little piece inside of me that said, "But I wanted to be an ARTIST when I grew up!" So, yeah, listing my occupation as "homemaker" always felt a little weird to me. Over the past 8 years I've still kept "making stuff" and I've been selling at craft fairs. I eventually went all official by starting Pink Kitty Designs. I began selling through boutiques as well as fairs, and for a little over a year now I've been selling my work directly online. So I had a little revelation recently, when asked my occupation. I make stuff, and people buy it, hence I am being paid to make stuff. Ones occupation is what one is paid to do. I am paid to create art. What is my occupation? I am an ARTIST.

I achieved my childhood dream, but it took me a while to realize it!

I am an artist.

My "Nanny"

When I was a little girl, I spent lots and lots of time at my beloved grandmother's house. I called her Nanny, and she was one of the most special people in the world to me. One of my favorite childhood memories is of her giving me bits of stale bread, and sending me out into the yard to feed the birds. She had a lovely fenced-in yard, with nothing but woods behind it. I loved being out there, amongst the flowers and grass and trees, and I loved the way the birds would flock around to snip up the bread. Before coming back inside, I would always gather up as many dandelions as I could hold and bring them inside for Nanny. She would smile her big smile, and thank me and find one of her prettiest little vases to put them in, and then place the vase carefully on the kitchen windowsill.




This collage was inspired by my wonderful Nanny. It was created from paint, paper, vintage fabric and stickers on canvas board. The vintage floral fabric in this piece was from my grandmother's own fabric stash, which I inherited after she passed away.

A Better Way to give Gift Cards...

Every once in a while, there is a person on your gift list for whom it is simply impossible to choose a gift. Whether they are the type of person who has everything, or the type of person who just hates everything... we ALL have been there! The solution for those hard-to-buy-for types is usually a gift card to a favorite store or restaurant... but then the dilemma is, how to personalize such a gift? Here is the answer... handcrafted holiday GIFT CARD HOLDERS! Each one is lovingly handcrafted by me out of fancy card stock (the red has a lovely linen texture!) metallic inks and pretty organza ribbon. Just slip the gift card into the little glassine pocket, write a little message, tie it up and it's ready to give! These are currently available in red linen cardstock with gold stars or in blue with silver snowflakes. As always, custom order are more than welcome!

Holiday Cards, now listed!

I'm the kind of person who hates to think about the winter holidays until after Thanksgiving, but in order to stay competitive in the retail market, it's sort of necessary to start early! So.... Today I finally got started listing some Holiday Cards on Etsy! Just 4 designs, so far... more to come soon!

Wish...

New Collage! It's now up for sale on Etsy! **wink**
Funny Story about this one... (I wrote about this on my personal blog already... so if you read that one, forgive me for repeating myself!) As I was working on this one, my five-year-old son came in to chat. He looked at what I was doing and said, "MOM... the moon is REALLY much bigger than that... and besides... you CANNOT go on the moon ALMOST COMPLETELY NAKED! That would be impossible!!"


My son, the art critic.

In other news, I'm working on a set of notecards from my collages, and I'm STILL working on getting my Holiday stuff together to put up on Etsy. Busy Busy!

Stitchin' news...

I've FINALLY learned to knit! I tried before, last year, but I gave up. then my sister and I took a knitting class together, and this time I've gotten the hang of it! As a lifelong crocheter, I found it hard to adapt to knitting at first, but now I'm really getting into it! I've been knitting like a fiend (in between crocheting and painting and cutting and gluing!) Perhaps one of these days Renegade Stitches will feature some kind of lovely knitted something...


And speaking of Renegade Stitches... This week I listed a NEW item! It's a hooded scarf, made from a beautifully textured handspun hand-dyed Peruvian wool. The color is hard to make out in the photos, but it is a gorgeous purplish brownish burgundy sort of color, with the subtle color variations throughout that are characteristic of hand-dyed yarn. The design is simple and I left it without any kind of fancy edging, to further show off the glorious texture of this yarn.

Handmade Gifts are the BEST gifts!

So... the holiday season is stealthily creeping up on us! Time to start thinking about the gifts which we'll all be giving to our loved ones! This season, let us remember the true spirit of giving... it's not about running to the mall last minute to grab whatever you can find to put under the tree... it's about giving gifts from the heart, which you know the recipient will truly love and enjoy. I am definitely a "handmade gifts" sort of person, and virtually all the gifts I give are either made with LOVE by me, or are purchased gifts made by another artist or craftsperson. I do lots of shopping on Etsy, at local art and craft shows and at boutiques which carry things made by local artists. I love supporting other artists, and I love knowing that the special gift I am giving was made with loving care by someone's own two hands.

I recently discovered this website... check it out:

http://www.buyhandmade.org


So... This year, will YOU pledge to give Handmade?

Busy Busy!

It's been a very busy week week over here! Lots of sales, and lots of NEW creations! I sometimes find it a challenge to juggle the "business" stuff and the creative stuff, but for this week, anyway, it seems to all be blending together nicely!
Sooo.... I've got a new canvas which is calling to me, and several crochet projects in the works! I'm also planning on getting my Holiday stuff up onto Etsy by sometime next week... can you believe it's almost November already?

Two new collages...

Two new ones! Both 5x7 on matte board.

When art finds a new home...

To solve the problem of where to store some of my larger collage canvases while they are waiting to be bought, I sometimes hang them on my own walls until someone decides to give them a new home. It keeps them safe, and serves as a little at-home gallery of my work. There is a downside to this arrangement, however...

Today I sold this piece, my "I Feel Pretty" collage. I'm very happy to have sold it, but my daughter is sad, because it turns out that she really liked it, and said she is going to miss seeing it hanging in it's place on our family room wall. So we said goodbye to our pretty bride, and we hope that she will be as loved in her new home as she was here :)

New Catalogue!

Up until now, my Renegade Stitches stuff has only been available online in my Etsy shop, or directly through me... But with any luck, that will soon change! The past few days I've been putting together a Renegade Stitches wholesale catalogue, so that boutique and shop owners can spread the Renegade Love in their very own shops!

In other news, I've been making stuff like crazy, gearing up for what I HOPE will be a nice, busy holiday season! I hate having to think about The Holidays when it's only October, but I do love having an excuse to spend way too much time playing with my art supplies and yarn!

functional art

Looking for a unique, one of a kind gift for a wedding, birthday or other special occasion? How about a Collaged Photo Frame... pretty AND functional!


Here are a couple of mine, which are available at www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com

I also welcome custom orders... creating a special frame that reflects your loved one interests or to commemorate a special occasion!

Autumn Love

"It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life." --P.D. James

Mixed media shadowbox collage, 15 inches square, made of wood, paint, fabric, paper, twigs, faux leaves, colored pencil, button, charm and ink.

Elegance

For the elegant lady in you... A purple chenille Victorian/Gothic choker...
This was fun to make... I'm sure I'll be seeking out other big beautiful buttons and making more! You'll find it (and more, soon!) at http://www.renegadestitches.etsy.com

TAG!

I just finished listing a new batch of tags on Etsy! I love making tags! Each one is created individually, and so no two are ever exactly alike! I also love hearing what people do with them once they buy them... some people use them as gift tags, or for scrapbooks, altered art... one customer even used them as price tags for her handmade bags. It's neat to think that something I've made has gone on to be featured in another person's art, the tag I thought was complete being given new life. Take a look at these tags, and get inspired! These tags, and more, are available for sale in my Pink Kitty Designs Etsy Shop (link over on the right)

Yarn Addict!

I just returned from my THIRD visit in less than two weeks to my favorite little local yarn shop (Butterfly Yarns in Wakefield, MA... check them out if you live in the area!) Like a squirrel hordes acorns, I find that Autumn makes me want to gather up as much yarn as possible to take me through the winter months! I've been collecting some really lovely yarns! Last trip I bought some beautiful green wool and a gorgeous pumpkin-colored hemp yarn. Today I found some breathtaking hand-dyed cotton and some silky soft bamboo fiber yarn. Keep your eye on the Luxe section of my Renegade Stitches shop ... these extra special yarns are being turned into extra special accessories to keep you and your loved ones cozy and stylish!

the French Poodle scarf...

...new at http://www.renegadestitches.etsy.com



Something about this cute little scarf reminds me of French poodles, the kind that are dyed pink and given fancy haircuts and rhinestone collars. You know what I'm talking about. This scarf is crocheted in an unbelievably fleecy soft yarn in that ever-popular color scheme of pale pink and black. This is the perfect scarf to wear whilst sipping a drink at a sidewalk cafe in Paris. Or if you want to look like the kind of person who sips drinks at Parisian cafes.

Prints Now on Etsy!

After much research on the best way to create affordable high-quality prints of my work, I've finally found something I'm happy with! I've just received my first order of prints, and I've just listed a few on Etsy. These are beautiful giclee prints on gorgeously textured Somerset Velvet paper. I only order a few to start (I wanted to make sure they were good quality) so if there is something you'd like in a print which is not listed, or if you'd like a print in a different size, let me know, and we can work something out.

Naked Ladies!!!

"READING IS SO SEXY"

Keep your place in your book with a miniature piece of affordable art! Each of these bookmarks is an original one of a kind collage featuring a sexy vintage nude lady,signed and dated on the back. Because reading is SOOO sexy!

available at

http://www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com

I **heart** collage

Here are some of mine...








The originals of these are available to purchase at www.pinkkittydesigns.etsy.com and prints of these collages are currently available through www.jenneyc.deviantart.com
Soon, I will be offering prints of my artwork through Etsy, as well.

Custom collage commissions are also very much welcome! Custom-made original artwork featuring photos of your child or photos of your wedding are a wonderful way to commemorate the special moments in your life!

One of my favorites...

This scarf is one of my favorite pieces! It's the "Raspberries and Plums Curly Scarf"... and it was SO much fun to make! I thought I'd post a photo here and show it off! It's still available in my Renegade Stitches shop, but it's a One-of-a-kind... so if you love it and want to make it yours, don't wait too long or it may be gone.
Also... still working on the "Button" collection... I hope to start listing those pieces this weekend!

Little Pussy Note Cards...

I sold another set of "little pussy note cards" These cute little cards have become one of my most popular items. In honor of another set making it's way to the home of another happy buyer, I'm going to share a little story about the day the little pussies made their debut on Etsy... I listed the very first set of these cards the same day I listed two other cards. The next day, I logged into Etsy and noticed something rather curious with the "view counts" for these items. The other two cards had 11 and 17 views each. But the "Little Pussy Note Cards"? 46 views. Could the slightly cheeky name have something to do with this? Perhaps... But whatever the reason, people seem to love the little pussies!