Wordless Wednesday - Painted Desert

Culler Middle School Art Tile (6th Grade)

Valentine for Baby

It's Shameless Commerce Tuesday, and today I'm featuring two newly-listed boutique bibs from my Etsy shop, Pasque Flower Creations, perfect for baby's first Valentine's Day, but wearable all year round.

This happy, colorful, whimsical print from the Willow Bloom collection by Alexander Henry, was used in two new bibs -- one with a red and white Carolina gingham check reverse side, and the other with pink and white Carolina gingham.  The bibs are reversible, so it's like getting two bibs for the price of one.

This unisex bib features red and white chevron fabric by Riley Blake.  The reverse side is white on red polka dots, also by Riley Blake.

All my bibs are high quality 100% cotton fabric, with a layer of preshrunk cotton flannel sandwiched between the layers for extra absorbency.  I use capped metal snap closures -- no Velcro to attract gunk, or to catch in baby's fine hair.  My bibs are made using a Mod Tods pattern.   To see more boutique baby bibs, visit the Baby Bibs section of my Etsy shop.

Thank you for stopping by!

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower
http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower
http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

Treasury Thanks

Each week I try to thank the curators of treasuries who have featured items from my Etsy shop, Pasque Flower Creations.   With Valentine's Day fast approaching, it was no surprise that two of the treasuries had Valentine's Day themes.

Antiquity Travelers featured my hearts on black zip pouch in her treasury, Queen of Hearts.  Antiquity Travelers is a shop with "adventurous jewelry."  These beautiful  red rose lampwork earrings with jade would be perfect for a special dinner date with your favorite Valentine – SO pretty!

Linda B. of lindab142 featured my red chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Valentines Day Gift Ideas.  Linda B. is also a jewelry maker.  This red and silver heart necklace and earrings set would make a lovely gift for some lucky Valentine.

Deb Baroff of storybeader featured my aqua chevron oven mitt and my blue man pillow cover in her treasury, Geometric Blues.  One double feature deserves another!  This blue flowered journal is one of my favorite items from Deb's shop.

And these blue handmade paper beads are SO unique and pretty!

Fresh Greens, a wonderful treasury created by n2thewoods, featured my green chevron oven mitt.
This black mesh necklace with green leaf by n2thewoods is both earthy and edgy -- a beautiful piece!

Linda Pruitt of Pruitt Creations featured my green chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Nice Lime and Cool Turquoise.  This cute cup cozy from Linda's shop fits nicely into the cool turquoise category:

Thanks, again, to this week's creative curators!

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower
http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower
http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

And the Winner Is . . . ME!!!!

I won!  I won!

No.  Not the PowerBall jackpot, and not the Publisher's Clearinghouse $5,000.00 a Week for Life.

Something better.

FREE FABRIC!!  Beautiful fabric!  Silky soft premium cotton Art Gallery Fabrics designed by one of my very favorite fabric designers, Pat Bravo, and her creative cohort, Bari J.!

As The Count from Sesame Street might say.  TWELVE! Twelve fabulous fat quarters!! Ha.Ha.Ha.Ha.
(Okay -- so I'm a little giddy.)  But it was SUCH a treat coming home after a day at the tax office to find this package in my mail.  The fabrics are from the Lilly Belle collection designed by Bari J. and from Pat Bravo's beautiful boho assortment, Rock 'n Romance.

I am a faithful follower of  the Maureen Cracknell Handmade blog.  Seriously, it is on my daily MUST READ list.  Maureen is the queen of birthday crowns, and she recently began offering high quality wool felt in her Etsy shop.  Maureen is a creative powerhouse whose fabric and felt creations are a constant source of inspiration.

Maureen teamed up with Julie of The Intrepid Thread to sponsor this giveaway.  The Intrepid Thread is a fantastic online fabric store which offers an incredible selection of fabrics, reasonably priced, with exceptional customer service.  And Julie recently opened a brick-and-mortar fabric shop in San Jose, CA.

A huge THANK YOU to Maureen and Julie for this terrific giveaway.  I need to sign off now and pet my pretty new fabric.  I especially love the aqua and peach:

What to make?  What to make?  Bibs?  Zipper pouches?  E-reader covers?  The possibilities are endless!

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower
http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

Think Spring! Wordless Wednesday

Flora and Fawn

It's Shameless Commerce Tuesday again --already?!? How did that happen?   Time flies during tax season!

Today I'm featuring another new listing in the Baby Bibs section of my Etsy shop, Pasque Flower Creations.

The fabric is a Japanese linen and cotton blend from Echino fabrics, designed by Etsuko Furuya for Kokka.
The reverse side of this reversible bib is a gray on black medium polka dot print.   I always use capped metal snaps for my baby bibs -- no Velcro to catch in baby's fine hair.

I love the little fawn reaching up to smell the flowers!  And the idea of black and gray as baby colors is growing on me.  (Although I love the hint of pink around the neckline, too.)

Hoping you find some time to stop and smell the roses, too!

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower
http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower
http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

Treasury Thanks

It's that time again already!  (Time flies during Tax Season.)  Time to say a big THANK YOU to all the curators who featured items from my little Etsy shop, Pasque Flower Creations in treasuries during the past week.  

First up, Jamie Young of AestheticJourneys featured my yellow chevron oven mitt in her bright and cheery treasury, Sunshine Chevron,  Jamie's shop offers wedding invitation, home dec items and unique gifts.  I just love this adorable thank you card for a baby shower:

My aqua chevron oven mitt was featured in a fun treasury, Everyday Queen.  The curator was girlfromblueskies of JumpOffThePage, a shop that features original and print paper art on high quality card stock.  One of my favorite items from JumpOffThePage was this love will find a way Valentine art card.  The sentiment is heartfelt but not too mushy.

Sandy from SanmarnaStyle featured my red chevron oven mitt in her Red Valentine treasury.  Sandy is one of my Baby Boomers Team buddies.  I love Sandy's eclectic mix of items, like this wonderful vintage manual typewriter:

Jamie Ng of ShopOnALark featured my poppies on teal oven mitts in her colorful treasury, Poppy Love.

Jamie's shop features French, cottage and shabby chic vintage-inspired curiosities for home display or gift giving.  This pretty vintage pitcher caught my eye!

Rebecca of BetulCem BetulCem from BC STORE34 Istanbul, Turkey featured my green chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Green, Green.  Rebecca's shop has beautiful statement jewelry, knit shawls and Turkish lace.  turquoise necklace and bracelet set.  

Grace Cao of GraceGiftJewelry featured my red and white bird journal in her Valentine's Day themed treasury, February Delights.  This purple gold bracelet would make a lovely gift, don't you think?

My oven mitt for cat lovers was included in Start the Year with Bright Colors, a treasury by Blogging Business Artisans teammate, Rose of RandomCreative.  This brightly colored beaded bangle bracelet is a perfect accessory for a casual outfit.  I loved it so much I just had to Pin it!

Megbomeggins featured my chevron oven mitt in her front page worthy treasury, My Retro Kitchen.  I wanna bake in Meg's kitchen.  Meg is a buyer only, but she has an artist's eye!

Jan Whittle of JansArt featured featured my green chevron oven mitt in her Chevron -- the stripe with attitude treasury.  This earth tone chunky charm bracelet is one of the favorite jewelry items from Jan's shop.

Margaret from Splendid Little Stars featured my jungle print baby bib in her cute, cute, cute treasury, cozy (baby).  Margaret is another one of my Blogging Business Artisan Teammates.  her shop is full of wonderful hand-dyed wearables and accessories.  This dark velvet scrunchie looks so soft and pretty:

And on that soft and colorful note, I'll sign off.

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

Wordless Wednesday

My Maternal Grandmother - Genevieve

Sophisticated Bibs

It's Shameless Commerce Tuesday, and today I'm giving you a sneak preview of a custom order in progress.
My mission was to create "sophisticated bibs" using gray or black, and nothing pink or cutesy.  The mom-to-be is from Sweden, so I chose some beautiful Lotta Jansdotter fabrics with a Scandinavian flair:

And here is another bib featuring Lotta Jansdotter fabrics:

I've been making a big batch of boutique baby bibs (how's that for an alliterative phrase?)...so stay tuned for more unique baby bibs with barely a hint of pink or blue.   I hope to have some of them photographed and listed later this week.  (It IS tax season!!)

All bibs are made using a Mod Tods bib pattern, and they are reversible, so it is like getting 2 bibs for the price of one!   I use capped metal snaps -- no Velcro to catch in baby's fine hair.  A layer of preshrunk cotton flannel is sandwiched between the layers for extra absorbency.

To see more of my boutique baby bibs, visit the Baby Bibs section of my Etsy shop, Pasque Flower Creations.

Thanks for stopping by!

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower
http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower
http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

Treasury Thanks

Once again I want to offer a huge THANK YOU to the curators who featured items from my Etsy shop, Pasque Flower Creations in treasuries over the past week.

Rachel Nutt, an Etsy buyer, featured my red retro-inspired clutch in her treasury, Love Day, Retro-Style. Her treasury is full of fun finds for a hot date on Valentine's Day.  Rachel is a college student from Murfreesboro, TN.  Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day, Rachel!

Shawna Denison of SunDreamKnit featured my poppies on teal oven mitt in her treasury, Time for Fun with Orange and Teal.  Shawna makes wonderful handknit bags, scarves, hats and more.  I just love this chunky handknit bramble wool hat.  

Katie of ButtonsBloomsandBows featured my girls prairie sunbonnet in her treasury, Little House on the Prairie.  As some of my readers know, I am a huge Laura Ingalls Wilder fan.  It has been a joy to see my daughter and granddaughters enjoy the Little House books as much as I did.  I grew up in Lake County, South Dakota, and DeSmet, the "little town on the prairie", was in neighboring Kingsbury County.  I've enjoyed making prairie dresses and sunbonnets form my daughter and granddaughters.

Katie's shop features adorable hats.   This striped hat is one of my favorites.

Lori Fisher of Garters by Lori featured my green chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Bright Green Kitchen,

Lori’s shop specializes in flask garters – truly a niche market!   But she also makes some pretty

Keep and Toss garters – perfect for weddings.  

My Blogging Business Artisans Team buddy, Edi Royer of memoriesforlifesb featured my retro-inspired red clutch in her treasury, January Garnets.  Edi's shop features a host of unique gift ideas, from wooden wedding invitations to scrapbooks, photo frames, and laser etched glassware, but I chose to feature this Grandma's Brag Book.  With 9 grandchildren, I'd have no trouble filling those pages.  Love the classy wire ring binding.

Jaci from BytheBy featured my aqua chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Be Still and Know I Love You!

Jaci's shop has some gorgeous crocheted items.  I especially liked thisAqua Ombre Boucle' Cowl. So pretty!

Margaret of Splendid Little Stars, another BBA teammate, featured my red and white chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Sweet Hearts.  Speaking of sweet hearts –How about these cute hand-dyed washcloths from Margaret’s shop?

Mary Brady of JulsandMaude featured my aqua chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Because Blue.  Mary makes fun, totally wearable casual jewelry, like these toss on bracelets.

Trina of Trina's Clay Creations featured my aqua chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Pretty Pastels!  Trina makes adorable clay wedding cake toppers.  These cute pastel pink pigs are just the CUTEST:!  Oink!

That's it for this week.  As always, I am grateful to the makers of these treasuries, and I am so inspired by the incredible talent on Etsy.  Thanks for stopping by.

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

Wordless Wednesday - Simple Pleasures

Homemade Bread Cinnamon Toast

Seeing Red

It's Shameless Commerce Tuesday and I'm seeing red.
(But there's no need to sign me up for an Anger Management class.)
I'm seeing red GIFTS for Valentine's Day!  It's only four weeks away!

Here's my personal favorite -- a retro-inspired clutch.  This is a limited edition item.  I have permission to sell only 10 of these clutches per year using the High Tea pattern by Charlie's Aunt.

This cute little bib would be perfect for baby's first Valentine's Day.

Looking for something unique, yet practical?  This red chevron oven mitt may be just the ticket.

Or how about this red and white journal for your quiet, contemplative Valentine?

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower
http://pasqueflowerpondeirngs.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower
http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

Treasury Thanks

New Year!  New treasuries!  I want to take this opportunity to thank all the curators who included items from my Etsy shop, Pasque Flower Creations, in treasuries this week.

Edi Royer of Memories for Life Scrapbooks featured my red and white chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Shopping for the New Year.  It is SO hard to pick a favorite from Edi's shop, but I decided to toast the New Year with a bit of the bubbly in this lovely engraved champagne flute.  Our nephew was married this weekend -- a festive affair, and such fun to tag up with relatives--especially sister-in-law Kathy, mother of the groom.

Sharla from Beaded Tail featured my cat lover oven mitt in her treasury, Cats, Hearts, Friends -- What Could Be Better?  Sharla is a true animal lover.  I just love this hearts and paws journal from her shop:

Melanie of The Barretts, craftcrazy4u, featured my industrial gray pillow cover in her treasury, Countdown to 2013.  Melanie's shop features unique handmade gifts, like this Fire and Ice Mini-Stylus.  My fat fingers don't like those teeny tiny touchscreen keys!  This would be the perfect solution.

Stav Davidovitz of StavFineJewelry featured my ferris wheel fabric wall art in her treasury, Romantic Finds.
Stav's jewelry is so beautiful!  I just love this on trend emerald and yellow gold pendant:

Margaret of Splendid Little Stars featured my aqua chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Frosty World, a

beautiful treasury with shades of blue Margaret is one of my BBA teammates.  She makes wonderful hand dyed clothing and accessories, like this gorgeous purple silk velvet scrunchie:

Elena Rosenberg featured my green chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Kitchen Confidential. Elena’s shop features fine knit accessories, clothing and wearable fiber art, like this beautiful knit capelet:

Julianna Crowley of cardsbyjuj featured one of my fabric journals in her treasury, New Years Resolutions!

Julianna’s shop, which opened in 2012, features wonderful paper items, like these adorable baby congratulations cards. My favorite local card shop, Avant Card, closed last year, so it was fun to browse through cardsbyjuj to get a cute cards fix.

Duni from PeriDotbyDuni featured my aqua chevron oven mitt in her treasury, Handmade Goodness 100% BBA.  Duni is a new member of Blogging Business Artisans Team.  She sews beautiful shabby chic and oh so pretty fabric creations, like these adorable decorative hanging hearts – perfect for Valentine’s Day!

Stephanie Girard featured my poppies on teal oven mitts in her laid back treasury, Saturday.  Stephanie's shop, LarkRoadRhymes, specializes in personalized word wall art, like this cute nursery wall hanging for a little girl named Emma:

And there you have it!  

I hope you are enjoying 2013 so far.  

TTFN

LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pasqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com

I've Had an Epiphany

According to the Christmas carol, the Twelve Days of Christmas end with 12 drummers drumming.  But actually, in my church tradition, the twelve days of Christmas end with the Feast of Epiphany on January 6, also known as Three Kings Day.  The feast celebrates the arrival of the three kings or wise men or magi, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, at the birthplace of the Christ Child.  These three kings saw a bright star in the East and followed it to Bethlehem.  When they found the Baby Jesus they offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

I generally wait until Epiphany to take down our little Christmas tree.  It’s partly out of religious observance, but mostly because I like to see the brightly colored lights twinkling on the darkest days of mid-Winter.

But this Epiphany, I’ve also had another kind of “epiphany.”   The kind that is Webster’s third definition of that term:

3a (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure

3b : a revealing scene or moment.

I made an “illuminating realization” as I was reviewing my Etsy shop as part of the Blogging Business Artisans December Challenge.   Shipping costs and sales tax are severely cutting into my profit margin.  SO---I will no longer offer free shipping, except as part of special promotions, and I will begin collecting 7% sales tax up front (5.5% Nebraska state sales tax + 1.5% Lincoln city sales tax) on Etsy orders.   I’ve changed my policies and sales tax rates to reflect these changes, and I am in the process of editing all 107 of my Etsy listings, shop section by shop section.

I am also exploring the option of opening a shop on Handmadeology / Meylah’s new Handmade Marketplace (free listings) which would market only oven mitts.  My Etsy shop would remain an eclectic mix of fun and functional handmade items – including oven mitts.  

I’m struggling with whether to keep the same name, Pasque Flower Creations (brand identity) if I open a Meylah shop, or create a new name for the oven mitts shop—maybe something like:

          Mod Mitts or  

          I Mitts You or 

          Oven Mitts4You or 

          Not Your Granny's Oven Mitts 

Your"votes" and suggestions are welcome!

TTFN
LeAnn aka pasqueflower

http://www.etsy.com/shop/paqueflower

http://www.facebook.com/pasqueflower

http://pasqueflowerponderings.blogspot.com