crafts from the heart

Dare to be different

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Fri, 23 Aug 2013 17:07:00 +0000

When I get a custom order, I am excited first, but then I panic. Oh no, what if he/she does not like it? What if I do not fulfill their wishes. We all know how shopping on the internet can be touch and go. Some shops are great, others, not so much. Although I try to do a great job on all my items, my custom orders get even more special treatment. Seams are doubled, sometimes, tripled. I often charge less for custom work. I am not sure why. I suppose it is because I feel like I have more of a connection with someone requesting a custom order vs. a random shopper.

This last order I filled involved sewing replacement cushion covers for a customer. After the last set of covers I made, I swore I would not make anymore. They are time consuming, supply consuming and worry about them fitting just so. Because I have not had a regular, paying job for over a year - I am getting my teaching certificate - I felt I had no choice but to accept the job. What I learned was that custom work can actually be fun, especially when the buyer allows you to play around with color and fabric. So many times in my shop, I make the same pillows over and over again because a certain pattern sells or I got a good deal on the fabric. With custom orders, I am able to really be creative. Not all customers want input, but others appreciate it. This last customer even taught me to use different size pillows on the same couch. I am always matchy matchy thinking that all cushions are between 16 - 20 inches and they are all the same size on the same piece of furniture.

In closing, I will now look at custom orders in a new way. No more panic, but more excitement. Hey I get to play with other people's money. How great is that? And in the end, the customer is happy and I grow my wings a bit longer and reach for the stars.

Fiskars giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:54:00 +0000

Fiskars Border Punch
Gifted by Fiskars
www.fiskars.com
Reviewed by Melissa Conner

Adding a border to your paper projects can be a bit of a hassle, especially when borders come out uneven or unaligned.

But with the help of the Fiskars Border Punch, you can create elegant and fun borders in a variety of styles for anything from scrapbook pages to wedding invitations.

Read the full product review here.

The giveaway begins February 15, 2013 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern Time and the deadline to enter is March 1, 2013, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time. We’ll send an email to the winners so please check to make sure your email address is entered correctly.

Teaching so students will want to learn

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:42:00 +0000

To Students,

You forfeit your chance for life at its fullest when you withhold your best effort in learning. When you give only the minimum to learning, you receive only the minimum in return. Even with your parents' best example and your teachers' best efforts, in the end it is your work that determines how much and how well you learn. When you work to your full capacity, you can hope to attain the knowledge and skills that will enable you to create your future and control your destiny. If you do not, you will have your future thrust upon you by others. Take hold of your life, apply your gifts and talents, work with dedication and self-discipline. Have high expectations for yourself and convert every challenge into an opportunity.
From: Nation at Risk report

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:59:00 +0000

My outdoor pillow covers are featured in this wonderful treasury

Treasury from: Ikea

Modern Style

Ceiling Pendant Mood Lamp Modern Art Light
From: Ikea
$39.48

North Canyon Parsons Dining Chair (Set of 2)
From: Overstock
$129.99

Bottle - Sky Blue
From: bombayjewel
$46.53

Chevron Zigzag - Pillow Cover
From: Finesse Pillows
$20.00

Shiny Yellow Donut Teapot / Wheel Thrown Stoneware Pottery
From: Pat Parker"s Stoneware Pottery
$89.00

Retro-classic White Accent Chairs
From: Overstock
$150.02

8x8 Cycle
From: F2images
$25.00

Escaping Diamonds Lap Quilt
From: Patchwork Flamingo Quilt Designs
$170.00

Morrocan 22-inch Embroidered Blue Decorative Pillows (Set of 2)
From: Overstock
$87.99

"Crop Managment # 6"
From: Elizabeth OHara
$75.00

Ceramic Mini Table Lamp with Linen Shade
From: Beautiful Home
$26.10

Outdoor Pillow Slipcovers Set of 2
From: Crafts from the Heart
$34.00

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Treasury from: bombayjewel

Tropical Colors

Outdoor pillows with Kaufmann fabric Set of 2
From: Crafts from the Heart
$38.00

Bottle - Sky Blue
From: bombayjewel
$46.53

Modern Damask Turquoise Blue Upholstered Armless Chair
From: Overstock
$144.99

Orange Creamsicle Pillow Cover 20x20"
From: Chloe & Olive
$27.00

Retro Owl Coasters
From: My Little Chickadee Creations
$18.00

Aviary Crib Set
From: hush baby co
$170.00

A Giant Lobelia Plant
From: Art
$39.99

Lotsa Hosta II
From: Laurie Balla, Artist
$25.00

Aloe polyphylla- SPIRAL ALOE
From: Horticopia
$22.00

Retro-classic White Accent Chairs
From: Overstock
$150.02

Ceiling Pendant Mood Lamp Modern Art Light
From: Ikea
$39.48

Translucence - 8x10 Fine Art Photograph
From: Flanders Field Photography
$20.00

Fifty Shades of Grey

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:19:00 +0000

You know.. the book no one will admit to be reading. Well I am on the 3rd book of the trilogy and enjoying every moment. In recognition of the book, I have added this lovely pillowcase to my etsy shop. It may be my one and only.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99698644/fifty-shades-of-embroidered-pillowcase

It is that time of year, yeah!

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:40:00 +0000

Summer is quickly approaching. Time to spruce up your outdoor living areas. I have some wonderful new outdoor fabric which is very low maintenance. If you do a google search for indoor/outdoor fabric and see some you would like made into pillow, placemats, runners, etc. just let me know. You can email me at lppare@snet.net or visit my various selling venues online. Go to lindapare.com to see where you can find my items.

Pierre Deux designer fabric tablecloth 52 by mustlovehomedecor

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Pierre Deux designer fabric tablecloth 52 by mustlovehomedecor

I made this!!

Vampy Vampire Woman

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:08:00 +0000

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82599157/vampire-woman-towel

Sexy vampire woman, perfect for your halloween decorating. Soft, cotton towel.

Black kitchen dish towel with stunning by mustlovehomedecor

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:13:00 +0000

Black kitchen dish towel with stunning by mustlovehomedecor

Cute purse tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:57:00 +0000

http://www.sewtogether.com.au/1/post/2011/03/a-tutorial-how-to-draft-a-pattern-and-make-a-zippered-purse-with-a-flat-bottom.html

Green Tropical Print Indoor Outdoor PIllow by mustlovehomedecor

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Green Tropical Print Indoor Outdoor PIllow by mustlovehomedecor

Wonderful easy care indoor/outdoor fabric makes this a great choice. Use it outdoors or indoors in a sun room or casual area.

This designer pillow is made with the finest fabrics and poly fill. The main body of the pillow is made of Diversitex, indoor/outdoor fabric, which is stain and water resistant. It is perfect for outdoor settings and indoors in sunny rooms as it is fade resistant.

Many shades of green with pink, red and tan accents. Hibiscus and other tropical plants are on the fabric.

Premium polyfill is special ordered and is quick drying and made to last.

Spot clean or dry clean as needed but really low maintenance.

Size
approximately 18 x 18"

Outdoor Pillow in beautiful turquoise blue by mustlovehomedecor

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Outdoor Pillow in beautiful turquoise blue by mustlovehomedecor

Happy Easter

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 12:04:00 +0000

I wish you all a happy and Blessed Easter weekend. I hope families can set aside differences and enjoy each others company, life is too short.

The New England Patriots rout the New York Jets

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:41:00 +0000

I know it was a tough night to be a Jets fan. I actually like both teams (I know, not allowed) so I don't like to see them play against each other.
I have a crying towel for each team. Or is one a victory towel?

New York Yankees embroidered towel

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 16:55:00 +0000

Kohls Black Friday Sale

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:49:00 +0000

Yes I do have shops online on which I sell my handmade items, but some items are just available in stores so I may just find myself among the crowds at Kohls on Friday. Hope I make it out alive. :)

Preview of Kohls Black friday http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/ourbrands/ListBuilder.jsp?cid=10holidayhp7&prtID=pfx&src=k237263&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliate-_-TheBlackFriday.com-_-Primary#/?page=2

20% off sale in my Etsy Shop

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:40:00 +0000

Shop early, shop often! My prices have been marked down 20% this week. Can't say how long it will last.
Most items are one or two of a kind. See something you want? Buy it now before it is gone.

Pay by paypal, google checkout, RME or credit card. Enjoy!

Fantastic Five: Nature Inspired Housewares

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:54:00 +0000

Fantastic Five: Nature Inspired Housewares

Elephants Village Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Elephants Village Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy

Halloween beagle posing as ghost Kitchen by mustlovehomedecor

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:26:00 +0000

Halloween beagle posing as ghost Kitchen by mustlovehomedecor

Pumpkin August Harvest Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:57:00 +0000

Pumpkin August Harvest Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy

Notes From the Handmade Highway: A Functional Fall

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:34:00 +0000

Notes From the Handmade Highway: A Functional Fall

My beautiful embroidered pillow is featured in the Handmade Highway blog today. I am so excited! It is one of my favorite pieces.

Pumpkin August Harvest Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:06:00 +0000

Pumpkin August Harvest Throw Pillow by mustlovehomedecor on Etsy
Ok so we are in the middle of another heat wave in CT. and my mind is on fall decorating. I love fall colors and like to use them in my designs. This one is very special to me. I have this one for sale in my online shop but I will definitely be making one for my own living room. Before you know it we will be waking up to frost on the pumpkin.

Transition from 2 sons home to one son at home.

noreply@blogger.com (CRAFTS FROM THE HEART) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Transition from 2 sons home to one son at home.