P.........IGs are the reason

I opened a shop on Etsy! Many Etsy Bloggers are writing about what caused them to open a shop on Etsy, and I had to tell the truth! But it's not what you're thinking! Pigs is an acronym for Projects in Grocery Sacks. The fact that I have Piggly Wiggly bags to put them in is just a happy coincidence. One of the most important reasons I opened an Etsy shop was because there were too many PIGs in my house. Here you can see two of them: a giant Eeyore peeps out of one, and some pine needle baskets nestle in the other. When you love to craft you rapidly accumulate so many FOs (finished objects) and UFOs (unfinished objects). And there are just as many acronyms in the crafting world as there are in any field. One of my favorites is my husband, the CEO of Peacox Creations, so dubbed because when we go to craft shows he "Carries Everything out"! Although I still go to a couple craft shows a year, it is somewhat easier physically for me to sell here on Etsy and I'm having a ball. So, go ahead, organize your own PIGs and join us here to buy and sell!

B.........utterfly kisses

As I'm hoping for an early spring in the middle of an ice storm, creating these cards cheered me considerably. On my more than occasional trips to the craft store, I love to rummage through the bargain racks, and in so doing recently, I came across these cheerful butterflies. So at an affordable price, these cards are now offered in my Etsy shop. I must admit, I made several for myself as well. With just the word "Celebrate" stamped on the front, they should be useful for any happy occasion and great to have on hand. Happy end of February to everyone!

T.........wenty five random facts about me.

Recently, several folks have "tagged" me suggesting I add to the 25 random facts about me lists that are popular now. My life is rather an open book, but in case there are any of you still curious, here goes:

My mother wanted to name me Penelope, but my dad rescued me. Thank you, Dad!

I spent every summer of my childhood at a lake in northern Wisconsin with my grandparents. Tough, wasn't it??

Winter is my least favorite season. I hate the cold and the snow. Perhaps I was mixed up with some Florida baby in heaven and shouldn't have been born in Wisconsin!

All my life, I've fought a weight problem and I crave sugar every day.

My greatest joys are my two daughters and I wish I lived closer to them!

I've been married three times and loved all three husbands dearly.

If I had my life to live over, I would do it the same way.

My mother is 94 and continues to inspire me.

I love to relax with a good mystery novel.

I hate housework but love to do dishes.

Crafting is my passion, and I craft every day.

My three favorite TV shows ever were The West Wing, Due South, and Keeping up Appearances.

Classical music can lower my blood pressure. Needless to say it's my favorite kind of music!

There is no way I could choose a favorite color; I love them all.

I love live theater. I've directed plays but have never acted in one.

My skirt once fell off in English class...and I was the teacher!

Some day I hope to be able to do the New York Times crossword puzzle in ink!

One of my favorite activities is playing mah jongg with a wonderful group of friends. We're also a Red Hat group called The Red Dragons.

I've travelled around most of the western United States in an RV.

Please don't offer me an alcoholic drink. I don't like the taste!

The name of my craft business in Peacox because for a long time my name was Patricia Cox (P. Cox) What else could I do with it?

I am a complete klutz. I can't skate, ride a bike, or walk a straight line!

It took until I was well into my fifties before I was really comfortable being myself.

When I was a child, we had a baby sitter who prefered to tell wonderful stories instead of just reading them. As a very young girl, I knew about King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Beowulf. I've been grateful to her since.

And speaking of gratitude...I am most grateful for the full rich life I contine to enjoy.

F.........un new idea

Since beginning on Etsy more than a year ago, I've been searching for a neat way to include my business card in a thank you note to customers. Then last Saturday at my local Stampin' Up dealer, I found these neat enclosures. They were originally designed to present store gift cards, but a business card fits in the slots just perfectly as well. The front reads "a little note of thanks" and the back. "handmade with love". They're available in my Etsy shop in packages of three, six, or nine in a cheery red, a soft green, and an elegant gray, measure about 4" x 2 1/2" and include envelopes. I intend to use these from now on to thank my customers. There's room for a short note inside. We frequently thank folks with a gift card, so I can use these also. If anyone is interested in a different quantity or a different design, please contact me. Of course, I don't include my business card or a gift card!

A.........present from Amy

This morning I received a surprise treat when I joined my usual group for a morning workout in the pool of the Kohler Sports Core. A lovely young girl has visited with us lately and has begun sharing her innovative and easy recipes with us. Amy has a food service career and is branching out into private catering as well. So far she has shared her recipes for spinach stuffed mushrooms, spaghetti pie, and now Cupid's Cookie Pops along with this sample! Her recipes are not for Internet publishing, but folks in our area may want to contact her at amy_present@hotmail.com for her wonderful ideas. Amy told me she began cooking with her grandmother and father and it is easy to tell she loves creating and preparing a wide variety of dishes. Thank you so much Amy!

H.........appy Valentine's Day!

Thanks to the leader of the Etsy Bloggers Team for this wonderful graphic. Have a "love"ly day!

D.........onna Pool

It only took a moment for me to select an item from http://donnapool.etsy.com to illustrate this month's etsy blogger! Although her eclectic shop has everything from buttons to cameras, her cat photos are are so appealing , and also have the Katy and Kirby seal of approval! I'm always intrigued with black and white photography and was happy to see it in abundance in her shop. This photo, of one of her previous cats, Sebastian,

actually shows him smiling! Please take a moment to visit her shop and her blog at http://ddpool.blogspot.com for greater insight into her creative process. Thank you, Donna, for introducing me to your work and your world.

H.........ow to publish your own book!

In the "information age", it's easier than ever to see yourself in print. Recently I compiled a small book with the help of Blurb, a free download of templates, and opportunities to have your work published. Mine is a 40 page, full color, 7"x 7" paper bound book that came off this "Vanity Press" for about $10.00 a copy. The many types of templates allow you to print your own photos, edit your own copy, a choose a variety of styles. Pages can be all pictures, all print, or a combination. It even has an ISBN number! Mine was just recently reviewed by a professor of creative writing on her blog. You can see her review at
http://thefearlessblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/confessions-from-crazed-crafter-by.html

To make your own, just log onto http://www.blurb.com/create/book/photobook and download the templates. Pictures can be slurped in from your own computer, flickr, or several other sources. You can write as little or as much as you want and super computer skills are not needed. My only advice to you is take your time, and have fun!! You can also make small books through Kodak or other photography sites.

Although this is more of an encouragement than a "how-to", I hope it will inspire many of you to take the plunge. Who knows? One of us may be famous some day!