Saturday, November 26, 2011

Black Friday PINK!

Black Friday weekend! 
Pink and Black!

It's the first shopping weekend of the Christmas Season!  Everything in my Design shop has Free shipping!  That saves you dollars on the bottom line totals! 


Anything bags!

Everything in my Pruitt Creations shop is 25% OFF thru Monday!  Coupon Code is on the first page in the info section just below the shop banner.    Here's another pink item:


Coffee Sleeves!  Enough for the office gang!
Coffee Sleeves in every color, not just PINK!  Check it out in this section. Remember to figure the 25% Discount when you are thinking about a purchase.  At check out, remember to put in the coupon code  and it  will  figure the correct price for you!  Happy Shopping!!!

And THANKS! for visiting my Etsy shops! 

This is for  Pink Saturday.   Click the side bar button to look at other participants entries for Today! 

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankfulness

More than anything, today, Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful to God for life, health, and family.  These verses in the Psalms express my heart on this day:


A psalm of David.


Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.


Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.


Know that the Lord is God.


It is he who made us, and we are his;  we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.



Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;


give thanks to him and praise his name.




 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

 His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Ps 100  NIV



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Got an Imagination?

I recently---last spring-- bought some decorator fabric to make a large floor pillow.  I never made it, and the fabric just sat on the shelf.  Anyone ever do that?  Anyway, I decided to use it for something else.  In the summer, I made myself a vest for the fall season, which I have worn several times this season.  Sorry, no picture.  But with the scraps, I made a couple of little zipper pouches.  One with a wristlet strap and one without.  I thought you might like to see them--they are available in my shop:


Zipper Pouch and Wristlet


inside fabric

Now can you imagine what my vest looks like?  The front sections of the vest are made from the green fabric and the back is made from this beautiful cinnamony mauve fabric, as seen in the inside of this pouch. Maybe I will take my picture, the next time I wear the vest!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Monday, November 14, 2011

T-Shirt Quilt in Progress


Colleen's Life T-Shirt Quilt
 I know, I know . . . . I did an "in Progress" post a few weeks ago . . . .and I never showed the finished project!  Well, I'm like most of you, I think, and I have several projects going at one time.  The quilted baby blanket that I spoke about earlier is not finished.  The quilting being done is taking quite some time, and is difficult on my old sewing machine.  I definitely want a walking foot for Christmas!!!
Interruptions of a craft show, my Design shop Birthday sale, house sitting for a friend, a giveaway, and choir dresses to hem--eight of them--have impeded my progress! I will get back to the quilt soon and show it to you!  I promise!! 

Anyway, I want to show another project that I am working on.  I know . . I know . . . I've featured my oldest granddaughter in several posts lately, but I want to follow-up on one that I wrote about her graduation present.  (You may have missed it, because it was also about the Last day of the Sale that I hosted--I think it got lost in all the sale hype!) I can finally show you the work in progress.  Her Life T-Shirt Quilt:

Mind you, it is not finished, I will finish it when I am house sitting again at my friends house over Thanksgiving. She has an awesome huge sewing room and I will finish the quilt there. My friend recommended using this 'quilt as you go method.'  The seams are cut in a fringe style and I really like it since t-shirt material tends not to fray and this makes a nice finish for the quilt. 

This quilt has several layers. When cutting a portion of the front of a t-shirt, I cut an identical piece from the back side and used it for a batting. The printed portion is re-enforced with a thin iron on interfacing to provide stability for each design, and besides, it's t-shirt material, very stretchy.  I needed to do something to limit the stretch.  Then the backing, not shown, is a flannel.  This quilt will be very soft and cuddly when it is finished!  I can't wait to see it finished!!

What are you working on that may have taken a back seat to another project?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Pink Experiences of the Week

Don't ya just love PINK? 
I met a lady, last weekend, that didn't like pink. She wanted a pair of earrings that I made, but she didn't want the pink bead that was on the top of the design. So . . . I re-did them for her with a little green bead.  Point being . . . . I do custom work. 

At the same craft show I had people ask if I had a particular item in "------- color". . .  or . . . "Do you have anything with flamingo pink fabric, I have a friend who loves flamingos." Of course, I didn't.

Then, my little granddaughter, LaRaya, wanted a dress in this pink fabric when I had already started sewing her dress in another fabric!


And my oldest Granddaughter made a face at the game, when . . . .#@!!##%@ . . .but her pink sweatshirt really looks cool!

I couldn't resist sharing this funny picture with you.  Of course, my GD will kill me!!!  Oh well.  We all have desires, preferences and choices.  We all have experiences, but I just thought I would share a few of this week's experiences in Pink! :-)
This is for Pink Saturday!
Don't forget to visit Pink Saturday on Beverly's blog and view some of the other submissions! Thanks!


Friday, November 11, 2011

The Square!

Recently I did a craft show, which I have done many times before, but this show I had a new 'gadget' to help with sales!!!  Square is a credit/debit card reader that plugs into your android or smart phone and allows you to take payments!  My son originally told me about this new device.  The best part about it: it's free!  Obviously you pay a fee each time you swipe for payment which amounts to 2.75 percent, which is less than most credit card processing companies charge.  But to order the device, there is no fee.  It arrives in just a few days; next you sign up for an account online; then you download the free app to your phone, sign in to your account, plug in your card reader and you are ready to go!

I used the device at my show, which worked fine and was a big hit with the customers.  People are always interested in new gadgets and I had people standing around my booth just to watch!!  The only problem seemed to be an older card that would not read, even though it was tried several times. But this is not unusual, since I have had this happen with one of my older cards at the supermarket! Anyway, my customer's daughter used her card and I still made the sale!

Another craft bazaar is coming up in a week and I plan to use it again.  People only carry so much cash to a craft show and  I am hoping that the ability to process credit card payments will enhance my sales, especially on larger items (like quilts).

Anyone else using the Square or planning to??? Love to know what you think.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Last Day of the Sale!

Today is the last day of my Birthday and EtsyAnniversary Sale in my Design Shop, but first, I wanted to tell you what I have been working on lately. 

My oldest granddaughter, Colleen, who recently graduated with her bachelors degree, asked me to make her a quilt.  She brought me a huge bag of her old t-shirts.  During her school years she participated in softball,volleyball,  & missions trips; she attended several schools and went to concerts, so she has lots of t-shirts for all of these activities.  I had never made a t-shirt quilt before, so I had to find a way to put my GD's life together in a pleasing design on her quilt. A friend of mine suggested a way to handle it, and I decided to try her way. I am not finished, but it is coming together nicely, I think.  I am house sitting right now, and don't have my camera, but I will try to show a picture in a couple of days on this blog.  I'm excited about it!



Colleen and her mother,Jackie, the birthday girl!
 
Now . . .for the final day of

CELEBRATING . . . . .    50% OFF SALE

Today is my oldest daughters birthday!   She thinks she's getting old, but what does that make me?????!!!Anyway, for the final day of the sale, I am offering anything, yes ANYTHING in my design shop for 50% OFF!  Use coupon code BDA11. 

Remember . . . . this is for today ONLY - November 8th!  Happy Shopping!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 6 Daily Special

It's Sunday and I am going to take the short route, just telling you about the Day 6 special in my design shop. 

Sunday, November 6th, Daily Special is a truly original set of earrings: One-of-a-Kind!  Jasper rounds, cat's eye rounds and Swarvoski bicones are offset with brass findings and steel earwires!!  Unique!!






Remember . . . these are 1/2 OFF Today ONLY.  Celebrating my Etsy Anniversary and my daughters' birthdays!  Also two of my DILs have birthdays in November too!  Last evening we went out to celebrate with the family girls--eight of us--celebrating with three of them:


D, D, DIL
I am blessed with a wonderful family!  Do you have an awesome family????  

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Day 5 and Pink Saturday!

It's turned off cold already in the middle of Autumn and . . .  I remember Spring . . . especially since it is PINK Saturday!!!!  **Smile**  Thought you might like to "see" Spring!  hee!  hee!


These were growing in my daughter-in-law's yard.  And I love the pink watering can, don't you!  I just love gardening!!!!

Also . . . . DAY 5 . . . . . Remember, I am


CELEBRATING! ¤¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)(¸.•´ (¸.•`¤~♥ . . . my November birthdays and my Etsy anniversary!

by running a daily special in my Design Shop each day for the first eight days of November. The sale item will be 1/2 OFF and will be offered on a first come first serve basis! When it's gone, it's gone!

November 5th DAILY SPECIAL:

Nov 5th Special - Elaine Necklace

If you want to follow me on twitter,
http://twitter.com/thepinkgrammy

I will tweet the daily item in the very early morning (between midnight and 6 AM) to let you know what is new! I'll also tweet it during the day a couple of times. Should be fun! --(Also, the daily item will appear in the featured section at the top of the page for ONE DAY ONLY!)

Don't forget to visit Pink Saturday on Beverly's blog and view some of the other submissions! Thanks!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Day 4 and Craft Show Prep


My daughter helping me at a past show

Today is my youngest daughter's birthday! She often helps me with craft shows.  Bless her! and Happy B-Day Suzanne!

It's Friday and I am busy! Big craft show, a new one for me, on Saturday.  I've been making sure that everything that I have is priced, so there will be no questions on my own part when several people are in my face and asking prices.  I don't mean that customers "in my face" is a negative thing, but when you are by yourself, helping customers, holding conversations and watching for anything amiss, it is hard to keep everything in your head.  I have made  mistakes quoting prices under pressure, in the past and have cut myself short!  Not this time! 

I store merchandise in water proof containers with tight fitting lids.  I don't always sort my items, AFTER a show, and so I spent time today sorting my merchandise, taking out those items that I do not want to display.  I am leaving several types of items at home.  It's kinda like "less is more."  I have also been guilty of 'taking everything I own'.  Not this time!

THIS TIME, I will be using a new item in my sales process.  I have ordered a Square card reader, which my son recommended.  He uses it when he does trade shows for his magazine.  The same day I saw a blog post on it.  When I did the research, I was sold.  I'll let you know how it performs.  I am hoping that it will give me the ability to make larger dollar sales, not just nickle and dime sales from customers on a strict cash budget.  We'll see!

Enough of that!  Today is also Day 4 of my 'Birthdays and Anniversary Sale' in my Design shop. Here's Friday's Daily Special:

Fancy velvet look evening pouch with long strap 

Hurry, this half price item will only be on sale on Friday--Friday ONLY!  When it's gone, it's gone!

Any tips for craft sales?

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Day 3 and Rug Hooking!

Anyone interested in Rug Hooking??? A friend of mine has just started a blog and website to sell her patterns for rug hook design!! Her shop is called Rug Hooking Designs. This  little rug hangs over her fireplace mantle in the living room and shows her love of the season and animals (she has 4 cats, one little doggie, and four birds!)


Sharon is also an awesome quilter.  She loves to quilt for her family: baby quilts, lap quilts and awesome wall quilts! And . . . she has shown me a new way to quilt  that I am using to finish a T-Shirt quilt for my granddaughter.  I'll be showing it to you soon . . .watch for it!

So, If you know someone who is interested in rug hooking, please let them know about Sharon's new shop!

NOW . . . Day Three . . . 

 
November 3rd Daily Special
 I love this necklace!  It's called Pebbles on the Beach.  It reminds me of the sound of the surf on the beach while looking for shells and other lovely finds!  It will be on Special for one day only---at half price---for my Daily Special on November 3rd!
Remember, I am
CELEBRATING¤¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)(¸.•´ (¸.•`¤~♥ . . . my November birthdays and my Etsy anniversary!

by running a daily special in my Design Shop each day for the first eight days of November.  The sale item will be 1/2 OFF and will be offered on a first come first serve basis!  When it's gone, it's gone for the day!
If you want to follow me on twitter,
http://twitter.com/thepinkgrammy
I will tweet the daily item in the very early morning (between midnight and 6 AM) to let you know what is new!  I'll also tweet it during the day a couple of times.  Should be fun! --(Also, the daily item will appear in the featured section at the top of the page for ONE DAY ONLY!)

Ever tried hooking a rug?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Day 2 - Daily Specials

Before I get to the Daily Special in my Design shop for today- November 2nd, I would like to discuss another subject for just a bit.

********************************************
S.E.O.
Since Etsy just changed their searches to a relevancy basis, I have been trying to learn more about searches.  For my customers to be better able to find me, I have been adjusting my tags. Thus,  I have seen a jump in my views. A second thing that I am working on is learning about SEO.  And a friend gave me some information that I am now devouring regarding Search Engine Optimization.
 F. Y. I.
One thing I have learned is that inbound links are more important  than outbound links to the search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing.  It is more valuable to have other websites be giving out your link, than the links that you are placing in your content.  Why?  Search engines rate web sites.  And if you are getting "references" from high rated web sites, you jump up in the ratings.  It's kinda like the old high school social system; it's who you know and who you are seen rubbing elbows with, not who you say that you know!!  Make sense?  I'm still chewing on that one!    Thought you might want to too!


Anyway--Day two November Birthday and Anniversary Sale--
(Sale info here.)
The daily special item of the day is:


Was $15 . . . . . . today only . . . . $7.50
 Sale  price is good only for Wednesday November 2nd!  When it's gone, it's gone!!!  Check it out!

OK, so do you have any tips for Search Engine Optimization?  

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Celebration!

It was three years ago in November, that I started my experience on Etsy!  I started with the jewelry that I had been making while hubby studied evenings for his bachelors degree.  I wanted to not bother him, and I wanted to keep busy with something creative, so I started making jewelry.  When I got enough of it for myself -- and everyone in the family too if they wanted it!--I decided to sell it.  My daughter-in-laws told me about Etsy and so that was it!  Three shops later, the rest is history! 

November is also two of my lovely daughter's birthday's --one on the 4th and one on the 8th! 

So, I have decided to . . . . .
CELEBRATE¤¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)(¸.•´ (¸.•`¤~♥ . . .
 
by running a daily special in my Design Shop each day for the first eight days of November.  The sale item will be 1/2 OFF and will be offered on a first come first serve basis!  When it's gone, it's gone for the day!
If you want to follow me on twitter,
http://twitter.com/thepinkgrammy
I will tweet the daily item in the very early morning (between midnight and 6 AM) to let you know what is new!  Should be fun! --(Also, the daily item will appear in the featured section at the top of the page for ONE DAY ONLY!) 

So join the fun--if only to see what is happenin'. 

Here's the item for the first day of November--Novermber 1st ONLY:


Necklace and Earrings set for Autumn

You have any birthdays in November that you are celebrating?