Blog Feature!

After the sad news yesterday about Jimmy I needed something to cheer me up, and it came in the form of being featured on a fellow Etsians blog! Yay!

The lovely Nancy from Lafes Hidden Treasures contacted me through Facebook a few days ago asking if I'd like to be interviewed for her new Spotlight feature on her blog, and of course I said yes! Questions were sent, answered, and today I got an email saying everything was written up and on the blog! You can read it here!

I'd just like to say a massive Thank you to Nancy for featuring my shop, it means alot!

-x-

RIP The Rev

I woke up this morning to the shocking news that James Sullivan, aka The Rev, the drummer from one of my fav bands - Avenged Sevenfold - has been found dead at his home in Huntington Beach, California. He was 28.


At first I didn't believe it - I can remember a few years ago hearing a rumour that Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters was dead, but, of course, he wasn't. Thank God. But I looked for myself on the official Avenged Sevenfold website and there it was - a statement from the band themselves. It read:

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Jimmy you are forever in our hearts.
We love you.

M Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance and Johnny Christ"

So sad. I can't imagine Avenged without Jimmy. He was such a character, and such a brilliant drummer. Seriously I'm not just saying it - he was amazing. Here's a video of him in action:



Amazing.

Last year, when I was learning to crochet, I decided to make an amigurumi version of A7x, and Jimmy was the first band member I made. I've never shown this before but here he is - one of my first ever amigurumi dolls- complete with lip piercing and belt!


Lol. My amigurumi have come along way since then - maybe I can make a new version of him.

I don't know where it's gonna leave the band - I can't see then continuing without him. They were in the middle of writing a new album - I think they were nearly finished with it. Maybe they'll release it in his honour, I don't know. I don't think they really care at the moment - they must be devastated.

All I can say is I'm gonna really miss him. I've seen the band live twice in London before and like I said he was an amazing drummer. We've lost a real star.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends :(

-x-

Birthday Weekend And Snow

Cold, isn't it lol!

We've had quiet alot of snow here in Basildon, which is wierd as the snow usually misses us all together. I like snow, but for once I really didn't want it to snow on Thursday night. The reason was I was going to London with my brother to see Paramore at Wembley Arena, and lots of snow would make it a nightmare on the trains and roads.



But it was all ok, it wasn't too bad in the end. We went to Wembley (after alot of messing about on the Underground...) and it was a fab evening! For probably the 1st time in my life I actually felt old at a gig lol. I'm 24 (25 on Monday) and my brother is 22, and we were surrounded by thousands of fan girlie lol! Screaming everywhere - it was manic! But it was a great show anyway, and the band themselves seemed to have a top time too.

Today I'm gonna be working on a Kokeshi Doll and my Nan's round. Tomorrow I'm off to London again with my brother to see The Horrors in Kentish Town. Again, I really hope it doen't snow too much! Then on Monday it's my birthday, yay! I haven't got anything planned as this weekend has kind of been my birthday treat, with my parents buying my tickets for me lol :D

I'm not gonna be doing 'Best Of'' or 'Etsy Friday' again this side of Christmas, I think I'm gonna be too busy. But I will update sometime before Friday.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend! :D

The Week Ahead

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

I've got an interesting week coming up, for once!

I've decided to re-vamp my Etsy shop. I've taken all new photos and am going to write new descriptions and stuff. I might have a price change too, but nothing drastic. I'm gonna be closing my shop from 23rd/24th December 'till new year so I can get everything sorted, so if you wanted any patterns, at the price they are now, you've got until next Wednesday/Thursday :) I'm also going to start selling ready made amigurumi too, and I'm busy this week making stock! If there's anything in particular you would like to see in my shop let me know!

Secondly I think I'm definitely gonna sign up to do the Brentwood Craft And Gift Show again! I've thought about it over the weekend and I'd had such a great time last Sunday that I thought why not?! So I've got to phone them up and sort it out some time this week.

On Friday I'm going with my brother to Wembley Arena, London, to see Paramore! Yay! We got tickets aaaages ago and the show has finally come around. Should be fun! Also on Sunday we're off to see The Horrors at Kentish Town, London! Yay again! All this is happening over what I'm calling my 'Birthday Weekend' as it is, obviously, my birthday lol! I'll be 25 on Monday 21st - I'm starting to feel old :( Shame...


So that's my week. I'll also be going into town probably to get the last of my Christmas pressies sorted. Hope everyone has a nice week!

Etsy Friday

This week's theme: Music!


I so want to make this! It's a fab crochet pattern for a grand piano! Aaaahhh! I play a bit myself, so would love this so I could sit it on my real piano! Looks tricky though, look at all the detail!

Listing: Crochet Pattern - PIANO - NEW - Toys - PDF
Shop: SkyMagenta

Photo (c)SkyMagenta


I love this sweet little silver guitar necklace by JL67! So tiny - it only measures 3cms by 1cm! Cuuuuute!

Listing: Guitar Hero
Shop: JL67

Photo (c) JL67


OMG, look at this hat! It's got pockets for headphones!! WANT! Made by Escaodesign in Milan, it's described as being for Winter weeknight bike rides! I'd love to own this hat!

Listing: Head phones hat. Lipstick red. Crochet
Shop: ESCAO

Photo (c) ESCAO

Best Of...

Craftster

I found this fab Star Stuffie by April Draven on Craftster! There's even a pattern, so you can make your own! I think this would look great at the top of a Christmas tree!

Photo (c) April Draven

Deviant Art


OMG, I SO want this Salvador the Kawaii Kuppycake! KAWAII! Made by Monster Kookies, she even has an Etsy shop where she sells all these fab polymer clay creations! Yay!

Photo (c) MonsterKookies

Flickr


I love this Amigurumi Christmas Tree by Ingolmo on Flickr! Check out the teeny tiny decorations!

Ravelry


Another week, another reason to learn how to knit from Ravelry! I adore these Cogette Lace Cuffs by Sarah Engelke! A beautiful green colour too, I think these are fab!

Photo (c) Sarah Engelke

Sell, Sell, Sell

I'm baaaaack! It went really well! I even made a profit, which is unbelievable as the stall cost me a small fortune to begin with!

We arrived at a dark, rainy Brentwood Leisure Centre at 8am, unloaded the stock, chairs and other bits and pieces and went to the hall. We found our table - a great space along the outer wall of the hall, which looked right down one of the inner aisles. Next to us on our left was a lovely man and lady selling homemade Christmas crackers, and on our right were another couple selling pretty jewellery.

This is how we set up the stall, that's my Mum in the background lol


I am ashamed to admit I got really stressed and moody whilst setting the stall up. I was like that at Laindon too. I don't know why. After I'd calmed down and everything was done we had to wait around for about an hour before the hall was opened to the public. So I took the opportunity to have a look round at the other vendors. There were some lovely crafts and gifts available.


When the hall opened at about 10:15am I was really nervous, and didn't think I'd sell anything. But I got my first sale after about 30mins; a lady bought a scarf and a pink Monstie (the pink Monstie that was guarding my money at the last fair!). After about an hour my Dad turned up to see how we were doing.


A fire alarm went off at about 1pm, and we all had to evacuate. It was bloody cold outside! My Mum and I spotted my Nan, cousin Clair and her daughter Katie standing round waiting to get in. We went and talked to them, and when the hall was opened up again they came over to my stall. They insisted on buying some stuff, although I said they didn't have to pay!


By the end of the day I'd sold 45 items, including 30 members of my Amigurumi Army! They have now been dispatched all around Essex, I hope they'll do me proud! I'd cleared over half of my stock, so I was well pleased with how the day had gone. I think the highlight was a little boy that bought a teddy bear ami. He was so sweet, and really seemed to love the bear! It makes all the time I spent making them ami's well worth it when you get reactions like that!


I'd love to do the show again next year. I may book it up soon, so I know I'll definitely get a place. It's been a great experience, and has kept me busy all year round. I'd definitely recommend doing a craft fair to anyone that makes their own items, it's great to see people's faces when they see your work. The money is a plus point, but not the main reason I did it.

Oh, and when I turned on my computer about 30mins ago I found an email from a lady offering me a shop of my own in Wickford! A SHOP! I was so stunned and happy that someone thought that much of my work that they'd offer me a whole shop! I'd so take her up on the offer, but unfortunately I can't afford the rent at the moment, and I couldn't make up and maintain a stock big enough for a shop. But it's so great to be asked!

This week I have some custom orders I need to work on - I'm really busy at the moment, it's great! I don't know if I'll get time to do Best Of tomorrow so I may do it Wednesday instead.

Preparation And Expectation

A busy Saturday lies ahead for me!

I have the big show at Brentwood tomorrow. I've got all my stock made - a whole suitcase of amigurumi and crocheted items, with a few sock monkeys too! It's taken me a year to prepare for this fair; I hope it's all been worth it!

I have to get up at 6;30 am, which for me is very early! We'll be traveling to Brentwood, which is about 30 mins away by car, and set up by 10am. My Nan is coming along with my cousin Clair and her daughter Katie. I think Clair is wanting to buy some crocheted flowers for her childrens teachers, so I know I'll be getting at least 1 customer!

In the past week I've got several requests for custom orders, and that's been taking up most of my time over the past few days. I've finished one order, he's all ready to be posted off. I have another order for 2 personalised Wekeshi Dolls that I plan to start tonight. Busy! I like it though - gives me something to do!

Oh, and yesterday the draw for the 2010 World Cup was made. England got drawn against Slovenia, Algeria and USA. It's a really good group, everyone's saying it's one of the easiest so it's great news! I have some American friends on the internet, and it's causing some discussion already! Let the taunting commence! :D

Ok, better get crocheting. Wish me luck for tomorrow, I'm nervous!

Etsy Friday

This weeks theme - Fairies!


I saw this cute little fairy doll last week on Etsy and thought it was so cute! I really like the hair and the little card you get with it!

Item Listing: Holiday Special (10 percent off) Fairy Doll- Miss Kate Pootsie
Etsy Shop: Pootsies

Photo (c) Pootsies


How great is this Tooth Fairy Frog by Flying Froggy Designs?! I really like it, I wish I'd had a Tooth Fairy Frog when I was little!

Item Listing: Belle the Tooth Fairy Frog
Shop: flyingfroggydesigns

Photo (c) FlyingFroggyDesigns


It's a little teacher fairy in a glass ornament! How sweet - I love it! Even though I'm not a teacher I'd love to get this as a present! There's more cute fairies in bottles in the shop - including a fab Goth Fairy! Yay!

Item Listing: Teacher Fairy Doll Floating Inside Hollow Glass Ornament
Shop: Petalbelles

Photo (c) petalbelles

Knitted Character Update

I was in the middle of making another Knitted Character using my own pattern today when I realised I'd left out the pattern for the ears lol! So I updated the original post, and I'll type it out here too.

Sorry for the confusion! :b

Ears
1. Ch 2, Sc 6 into 2nd Ch from hook, or Magic Ring 6 (6)
2. Inc around (12)
3-6. Sc around (12)
7. Dec around (6)
8- 10. Sc around (6)
*Bind off, Leave long tail*

Best Of...

Craftster


I really like this red 60's inspired dress by shesxautomatic on the clothing board on Craftster! I had a go at making my own clothes last year, it went ok, I made some t-shirts and skirts but I don't think I could ever make something like this!

Photo (c) shesxautomatic

Deviant Art


Aaawwww! This photo by moloko-yeah on DA is tooooo cute! I love hamsters and this one's so lovely!

Photo (c) moloko-yeah

Flickr


OMG, check out these Kiss Moon Buns by Moon's Creations! Amazing! I love Kiss, I was gonna get tickets to go see them at Wembley but they were £45/$90 :O Moon's Creations have an Etsy shop too where she sells these cute little bunnies, you can find it here. I only hope one day my Etsy shop will be as successful and full of great ami's as Moon's!

Photo (c) Moon's Creations

Ravelry


Yet another good reason to learn how to knit! I really like these wrist warmers by Jantje on Ravelry, the colours are great too, except I don't like wearing blue and green together as I think it's unlucky lol! I'm very superstitious!

Photo (c) Jantje