Hooray for the Red, White and Blue! - Wednesday Wanderings and the Shops Found Along the Way

With the Fourth of July coming up, I'm in the proper mood for patriotic themes. So today I'm hunting down the red, white and blue on Etsy...

My daughter made a flag garland (or bunting) for Noli's 2nd birthday and I have loved them ever since! This one is perfect for your celebration on the Fourth and can be used afterwards to decorate an Americana or nautical room. Or any room, just to happy it up!  Fabric Bunting Patriotic by Spring Chick.

I love the prim look -- can't you just see this pillow in a rocking chair out on the front porch? Great for any summer day, not just July 4th!  Primitive Style American Flag Pillow by Uneek Pillows.

When I came across this doily, I just stopped in my tracks! Based on those old-fashioned crinoline ladies with the huge skirts, and surrounding a center doily, this is truly a work of art. I crochet (although not thread crochet like this) and so can appreciate the time it takes to complete a design like this one. Circle of Victory Ladies by Mishap's Odds and Ends.

Wearing this beautiful beaded necklace would certainly make you feel all patriotic -- and there's also a bracelet to match in the shop! Old Glory Necklace by Suellen's Creations.

Any little girl would be so very sweet in this cute patriotic dress -- and it's made out of Dad's shirt! I love the simplicity of it, and the star buttons and red rick rack just set it off perfectly.  Sew Sentimental Dad's Dress Shirt Peasant Dress by Foot Loose Boutique. The pattern for this dress is also available in her Foot Loose and Fancy Free pattern shop.

I loved these the moment I set my eyes on them -- Oh for a baby to put them on (well, maybe someone else's baby...) So cute, they are great for July 4th but can be worn anytime, particularly during the summer. Think a playdate at the park or at your mom's group. Cute, cute, cute! Patriotic Red White and Blue Diaper Cover and Hat by Sheila Harden. (A friend from the Create Crochet Etsy Team)

You know you gotta have beer (oh, all right, a soda will do, too) for your Fourth of July barbeque -- and you've gotta be able to tell which one is yours, right? So dress your long-neck in this cozy and mark it as yours! I love the girly ruffles -- but she makes one for the guys too! Red White and Blue Beer Bottle Cozy by Clarissa at All Things Crafty. (A friend from the Create Crochet Etsy Team)

When I saw this painting, I thought it would be the perfect end to this patriotic theme, and just right for Independence Day.

The really amazing thing about it is that it is painted with spray paint! I once saw an artist using this technique and just couldn't believe how quickly the painting was done. The flag, fireworks and Statue of Liberty all say Hooray for the Red, White and Blue! Liberty Flag Spray Paint Art by Schulz Artist.

 ★ ☆ ★ ★ ☆ ★ ★ ☆ ★ ★ ☆ ★ ★ ☆ ★

 Well, I hope you enjoyed our little stroll through Etsy's Fourth of July fun, and that you'll be back next week to join me on my Wednesday Wanderings...

Delicious

I had to share this! My Red Delicious Apple Coasters are included in an Etsy treasury entitled "Delicious." It was made by Skyejuice -- she has a weekly blog feature using random words suggested by friends and commenters. Then she searches that word on Etsy and creates a treasury. How fun is that!!

Here's the treasury:

Hop on over and leave a comment -- lots of really delicious apples and strawberries!! Delicious Treasury Link

Check out Skyejuice on Etsy, too -- she has some really pretty jewelry. And I even saw her own "delicious" apples!

Now I'm hungry...

Noli, Oliver and a Certain Cowgirl Hat...

On a recent garage sale hunt with Noli, she found this awesome cowgirl hat headband and just HAD to have it!! She wore it the rest of the day! Are we lovin' the braids, or what!!

Last night she was playing with it and, of course, Oliver got to model...

"I refuse to look at that camera -- that not-a-cat-girl is always sticking something on my head! And that one who feeds me is always taking pictures....."

"Well, I'm going to sleep now -- I can't abide this embarrassment any longer..."

"I'll have to say, this is a nice comfy bed my mommy got me. See the paw print? That means it's only mine and nobody else can sleep here. I guess I'll forgive the cowgirl hat stuff..."

"Yes, I definitely deserve a medal for putting up with all this silliness."

♥ Love from Oliver ♥

Today is National Pink Day! - Wednesday Wanderings and the Shops Found Along the Way

National Pink Day ???   Who knew!!

So, you know what I'm looking for on Etsy today.......why, I do believe,  Pink !!!!!

Go and change your clothes 'cause you gotta wear pink...

I'm a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal and I fell in love as soon as I saw this! It's perfect for strolling around Etsy all day... Mulberry V-gan Organic V-Neck Funky Sakura by Sealmaiden.

These boots were made for walking... or for the rodeo here in Texas! How about a little country-western dancin' at Billy Bob's? Pink Cowboy Boots by Hot Vintage.

Snacks for the kids...

Now you know, if you're truly celebrating Pink Day, you've gotta have some pink cookies for the kids.  Aw, go on, give 'em bling with the princess crown -- you can deal with the sugar high later :)  And tell the boys to get over themselves, there's sure to be a National Baseball Day or Playing in the Mud Day, or something later on. (In fact she's got some baseball cookies in her shop!)
Itty Bitty Princess Crown Sugar Cookies by Sugar & Flour.

Kibble 'n Bits for the puppy...

Don't forget Wags! (My brother had three different dogs, all named Wags. Not at the same time, of course...) Or I guess it should be Wags-ette. A guy Wags wouldn't stand for a pink bowl, now would he? Pair of Dog Food and Water Bowls by Country Daughters.

Now you know you can find some pink dessert...

After shopping all day, you deserve a little yummy indulgence! Doesn't this cake look delicious? Maybe some pink strawberry ice cream to go with? Vanilla Butter Cake by The Tiny Kitchen.

And at the end of the day...

The kids are still jumping after eating all those cookies, the dog is wanting more kibbles in her bowl, and you're full of cake and ice cream and feeling pretty smug... So take off those boots and hang up the shirt and get ready to relax in the tub. Ahhh....  Wildberry Whipped Cream Soap by Starlet Glam Bath & Body.

What a neat bunch of shops we found today!! Please come back next week to see where we're headed next!

Wedding Challenge!

In my Create Crochet Etsy team, we were challenged to crochet a wedding item -- this was a bit out of the realm of my usual crochet so I really had to put my thinking cap on! I started with a Juliet cap which turned out pretty good, but didn't fit anybody but my little granddaughter, and she's much too young to get married!

So...thinking cap back on...

Next, I was going to do a bridal spa set -- but didn't like the way things were turning out.  Oh, man, what was I going to make?? Time was running out!!

I finally settled on this Bridal Keepsake Pouch and got the photos made yesterday and listed it today!

The plate behind it was my parents' wedding plate.

If you'd like to see the other wedding challenge submissions, go to the Facebook Album here. Lots of wedding lovelies to look at!

Garage Sale Goodies!!

Don't you just love garage sales? I do!! (When I see a garage sale sign, my car just turns in by itself!!) Sometimes I drag my husband along -- he always gripes but ususally finds something to look at, or chat with the sellers. Sometimes Noli and I go if she gets here early enough or we go to thrift shops which are almost as fun. Slow going with a 4 year old, but fun!! She, of course, is dazzled by the toys but knows we're not buying everything in sight!

I've really just gotten back in the groove of garage-sale-going, since I've opened my Etsy vintage shop. I have lots of vintage things myself that I'm listing, but I'm always on the lookout for more!!! Plus, did I mention this already, I LOVE THE HUNT!!!!

I thought I'd share some recent finds with you -- they'll end up in Magnolia's Attic soon!

Isn't this the cutest ever? Reminds me of Betsy McCall, way back when. For all you youngsters, Betsy McCall was a paper doll that appeared in McCall's magazine. I'd always grab my mom's copy to cut out Betsy and her cute clothes!

And this one!! Those kids are so adorable and I love the simplicity of the design. I can imagine these on toddlers of today -- so sweet...

I thought this vase was so pretty with its lillies. It was made in Japan -- I don't know the age, but after doing some research, I know it's a vintage piece.

These two cameras were at one garage sale -- I haven't done any research on them yet, but aren't they super cool?  They'd be a great photo prop  -- maybe they'll wind up in a movie one day!! 

And, drum roll please, for the piece de resistance:

"Near as I can tell, we're somewhere behind Mt. Rushmore"  Is that hysterical or what?? Guess I'd better go read Etsy's "mature content" rules....

Real Gifts for Real (Man Cave) Guys - Wednesday Wanderings and the Shops Found Along the Way

Got a Dad, husband, son, nephew, guy cousin, guy friend, some guy on your street with a man cave?  Or maybe there's a certain somebody in your very own house with a man cave...  Well, Dad's Day is coming up so today I'm wandering around Etsy shopping for unique, off the wall, crazy gifts for one of those guys!

There must be a sign so that everyone will know just where this man cave is -- this one tells it like it is!

Manly Man Cave Sign by From My Heart Prims

So what do these manly men do in their man caves?

Well, they work on their motorcycles.

Triumph Bobber Burnout by LiL NiCk

They play poker with their buddies.

Lucky Night Canvas Print by Ilona Art

They build stuff.

Wooden Toy Toolbox Set by Grampa Bill's

They drink beer and watch the big game.

Beer Ad from 1950s Mouse Pad by Seaconnet Loft

So, now you know -- their secret has been revealed!!

Thanks a lot for wandering around Etsy with me today. Hope you got some ideas for your manly man!!!

Join me again next week -- you never know what I'll find in the Etsy marketplace!

Flip Flop, Flip Flop - Wednesday Wanderings and the Shops Found Along the Way

Ah, the sounds of summer - flip flop, flip flop...  (did you ever think about why they are called Flip Flops? They are telling you why with every step!)  Flip flops mark the beginning of summer! I thought I'd flip flop my way around Etsy today and see what crazy kinds of, ummm, flip flops I can find.

Don't you have days like this? Just throw your flip flops on, go to the beach, flip those flops off and get your toes in the sand ....  This sign would be perfect in your beach house (like one of those cool houses on stilts right on the water). No beach house?  That's OK, you'll think you are there just by looking at these cute blocks sitting on your shelf!  It's a Flip Flop Kinda Day Shelf Sitter Sign by Country Workshop

These are so totally cute - I love the chubby toes!!  Her shop section with these tiny charms is like looking at a flip flop shoe store. You can make them into earrings, a necklace, a charm for your bracelet or best of all -- an anklet to wear with your ..... flip flops!! Tiny feet with Sandals/Flip Flops by Barbies Best

Do you have a friend who ALWAYS wears flip flops? Even in the winter...  Send them a little greeting with this postcard! It'd be a cute birthday card -- along with a new pair of flip flops, of course...
Blue Flip Flop Quilted Fabric Postcard by Postcard Lady

Ouch! Pins in your feet! Put them instead in this cute pin cushion -- or just keep it around because it's such an adorable plushie!  The foot even comes out for extra whimsey. This is a brand new shop -- show her some love! Foot and Flip Flop Pin Cushion by 4 Your Inner Child

Whose Granny wouldn't love these!! Of course, they can also be worn by someone a tad younger...  :)  Do you have one of those Granny Square afghans to cuddle in during the winter? Well, these keep the Granny theme going in the summertime too! There are also some really cute flower flip flops you'll love too.
Granny's Small Adult Flipflops by Hobbymakers

Keep your wee one's toes cool in these adorable baby flip flops! They're made for non-walkers and would look so cute sticking out from the stroller as you walk through the mall. Be sure to wear your matching ones!
Baby Crochet Flip Flops by Embe

... and guess what! They match this cute little number....

Precious! Your sweet little miss would feel so flip floppy summery in these little bloomers -- and the burp cloth? Well, it will just keep baby's little indiscretions wiped away!! And they can be personalized! What could be better? Lots of cute designs in this shop...
Flip Flops Personalized Diaper Cover and Burp Cloth Set by Biliana Baby Boutique

Thanks for flip flopping around Etsy with me -- please come back next week to see where I'll end up on my Wednesday Wanderings!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

And for your test today, how many times does the word (drum roll, please) FLIP FLOP and its variations appear?  :D

Honing My Hooking :) Question of the Week

This week's question from my Etsy team, Create Crochet, asks "How do you continue to hone your craft (crochet) and what do you do to learn more?"

Noli, "needling" while I crochet

This is an easy one! I use a combination of crochet books and the internet. I have a pretty good collection of books and pattern pamphlets and also get them from the library. I can turn to these when I'm trying to decide on something to make - they are great for inspiration!

My favorite "how-to" book is "200 Crochet Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets" by Jan Eaton. I waited until I had a 50% off coupon from JoAnn's and bought it then!! :) It's an excellent source book and I have learned a lot of "trade secrets" from it.

I'm never without a book to read (usually fiction) and so go to the library pretty often. I always look to see if there are any new releases in the crochet/craft/cross-stitch area, plus I have some favorites that I check out from time to time. I am fortunate to live where there are several towns close by (it's like they are all one town) and so have three libraries that I use all the time, and have cards for a couple more if I want to go a little farther. (Here's something neat: one of them lets you renew up to 100 times! Can you believe that!! Very handy when it's 11:30pm and you just remembered that your books are due that day!! Jump up and run to the computer to renew!!)

Of course, the internet is a treasure trove of information and I'm always googling something! I have a number of crochet sites that I like to peruse: Crochet Pattern Central and Crochet & Craft Links Index are two that are good ones -- there's a lot to see, and a lot of ideas! Yarn companies are a good source also.

And, last but certainly not least, Etsy!  I could spend weeks just browsing through it! I love to look at what's out there in crochet, and also in other crafts. There is so much amazing talent!

I have thought about joining Ravelry but haven't yet. If any of you have, let me know what you think!!

Celebrate With Me!! FREE SHIPPING in my shop!!

It's my birthday! (No, you don't need to know my age! A lady has to keep some things private).

To celebrate, I'm offering free U.S. shipping in my Etsy shop through the end of the month. And this offer will be good on anything new I list during the month! So if you've had your eye on something, or you're looking for a gift for someone, come on by and see what you can find.

Here are a few pictures to give you some ideas.

Citrus Splash Washcloths

Flower Facial Scrubbies in Brites (note how they go with the washcloths!!)

Flower Coasters

Sunshine and Flowers Baby Bibs, set of two 

Apple Coasters

Thanks for taking a look! Any questions about anything? Feel free to contact me through my shop. 

M&M's!!!

Look what I got in the mail!!

My favorite candy snack in a pouch! Maybe I'll have to sneak my M&M's stash in it!!

It's a cute pouch from Beadlove2211 who make these really neat pouches from various snack/candy/cookie bags. They are covered in vinyl, lined with fabric, and zippered. She also makes bigger ones out of chip and cookie bags. Absolutely clever!

I am really lovin' mine! I'm going to use it for a little pouch to carry all my Very Important Coupons and Notes in -- I'm forever having to dig for them, or I leave them in the car, or I leave them on my dresser... Now I can put them in one place and they'll be there when I need them!!

And it's just so cute!!

Thank you, Carla!!