Yarn Obsession

Moving to new site!

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:17:00 +0000

I'm so excited to share with you that Yarn Obsession has moved to its new home at http://yarnobsession.com. We still have all the great patterns, crochet information, new pattern information (free and paid) you've come to expect, but we're also offering help with your crochet business and helping you grow! Happy hooking!

Yarn Obsession

Infinity Crochet Chains Scarf Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:22:00 +0000

I had a few requests so here it is! The Infinity Crochet Chains Pattern now available in the Etsy Shop and on Craftsy. Should be available on Ravelry soon!

Learn to Crochet - The Crochet Pike Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I did a video on the woven stitch in crochet which gave a lovely texture to your piece. This lesson is on how to do the Pike Stitch in crochet which is very similar to the woven stitch but using the Extended Single Crochet stitch. Both stitches can be used to create pieces that offer full coverage and beautiful texture.

If you enjoy this video, please come by my YouTube channel and subscribe. There are many more videos planned for the year I'd hate for you to miss out.

Let me know if you have a stitch that you'd like to see demonstrated and I'll see what I can do.

Workout Wednesday's - Tweaking the Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Image borrowed from Adria Richards' Flckr

Every Wednesday I adjust my routine according to what my needs may be. If you've been keeping up you know that I'm walking, doing jumping jacks, crunches and sit-ups. This morning as I was walking (after adding a minute to my walk) and thinking about my goals I realized I needed to change a few things. I'm already at my goal weight, it's a matter of staying within my range. I'm also very comfortable with not reducing my hip size since it would entail trying to be my 20 year old self and I'm pretty happy now. My problem area is my middle. I want to strengthen my core and in so doing lose my pouch.

Therefore this morning I made a few changes that I think are going to help me continue on my health path, and also really target my "problem area" the abs. I've taken away the jumping jacks because my shape ups are doing wonders for my legs, buttocks and thighs as I walk so I'm not sure I need the jumping jacks. I've added push-ups, and scissor legs to my crunches and sit-ups as well as a Pilates plank style position that really works the core.

One thing that re-assessing and tweaking does is it re-ignites the excitement for the routine. When a routine becomes just "routine" it looses it's lustre. I'm really looking forward to the new exercises and seeing their effects. I'm starting with 20 push-ups, 20 scissor legs, 20 seconds of the plank hold, 30 crunches and 16 sit ups. . . let's see how it goes.

I'm also about incorporating easy activities throughout my day so I take the stairs, park so I can walk an extra few steps and now I've decided to get myself an exercise ball (as seen in the photo) to use as my "chair" at my desk at work. Every little bit counts and it helps to keep me poised and hopefully with a strong core.

Oh Yeah, and here's my shoe! I purchase and wore them over the weekend and loved it!

If you're just joining this journey, click here to see all previous Workout Wednesday posts. I'd love to hear about the progress you've made in your health journey!

Pinterest Project Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:19:00 +0000

This past weekend, besides being Easter, was also the weekend we celebrated my baby girl turning 1 year old! So, both Saturday and Sunday were filled with family fun and activity. Prior to the weekend I took on Pinterest to see if there were any projects I could effectively pull off and found that with a bit of help there was plenty I could do.

Found on Pinterest from Budget Bytes

First, on Saturday we were haveing family over after church to celebrate our little girl's dedication. I wanted to feed everyone, but I didn't want to fuss over a stove for a long time since I also had to entertain and do plenty of other things. So my sister and I made these lovely lasagna roll-ups and my sister-in-law make an amazing salad and we got rave reviews! Making these roll ups was one of the best ideas ever! We went out to purchase the ingredients and it took us about 2 hrs to get them all made and ready.

We put a lot more filling in each roll so they looked a bit "fatter" than these and they were yummy. So after having been throughly impressed with myself, I was very confident I could pull off the next two projects which were to take place the following day.

Idea on Pinterest recipe at Betty Crocker

On Easter Sunday we celebrated our baby girl so for her cake I had no desire, or time to bake a full cake and frost it. So I found images of these on Pinterest and decided they would be perfect. . . they were! It was so easy for my little girl to hold and eat her cake without making a huge mess and without having to stay in her "seat" she walked around with it and ate without getting it all over everything. All the kids (and the adults) loved the idea.

Idea found on Pinterest via Martha Stewart

Finally for decorating, I found these daffodil cutouts and thought it would be great so I downloaded the template, printed it and cut them out. They turned out really cute for a spring birthday party.

So there you go! My weekend brought to you by Pinterest. If you haven't joined yet, let me know and I'll send you an invitation (the easiest way to get on), then follow me and share what you love!

Treasury Re-Cap

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:44:00 +0000

It's been a long week of treasury fun! Just wanted to share a few of my favorite treasuries that featured Yarn Obsession this week!

"Spring is Coming" created by Arlene of "This and That Crafter"

"Somber Monday" created by Glenda of "Deco Hearts"

"Neutrals" created by "Annaart72"

"I Love to Play with Pink & Grey" created by Alexia of "Alexia Viola Napa Valley"

"The Calming Factor" created by Theresa of "Krafty Granny's Home"

"Blue" created by Eva of "Miss Ollie Wares"

Ring of Wire Ring Photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Last week Ring of Wire was having a contest on her Facebook page to celebrate the milestone of 200 fans (whoo hoo)! I was very excited for her, but when I noticed what the prize was on a certain day, I had to express not only my excitement for her, but for the lovely item I could win just by leaving a comment. So I left a comment and put it out of my mind.

Imagine my surprise when I got an email the next day saying I won! I did the happy dance and proceeded to tell everyone about my new ring. I promised to showcase it, but life got in the way (you know how that happens) and I didn't get to photograph and show it off last week. So, I decided to write a whole blog post and showcase it here. Isn't it lovely?!

Melissa of Ring of Wire does lovely work and I can't wait to have an excuse to get another ring from her. Go show her some love and let her know you saw her lovely work on Yarn Obsession!

Workout Wednesday - Progress Report #3

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:06:00 +0000

It's that time again. Time when I let you know how things are going with my health journey and hopefully inspire you to get one or progress on your own journey. Last week was a crazy week for me so I had to postpone this post until today, but I'm happy to report, progress is being made.

I find it exciting to get up in the morning and start on my walk because I know I'll get amazing ideas and I'll feel energized once I'm done. I've progressed my workout routine gradually in order to let my body catch up then I've pushed forward. It's so nice to feel comfortable doing things at my pace knowing that it all works together and that this is my pace.

So what's been my progress recently?

Progress

Exercise: Walking 1.5 miles per day, 70 jumping jacks, 35 crunches, 15 sit ups
Water: 2.5 bottles per day (more than 6 glasses of additional liquids throughout the day)
Vitamins: 1 every day

Goal Measurements

Waist - 28.5 (down from 29 last month) goal - 25

Hips - 37.5 (steady from last month) goal - to remain steady

Weight - 117 (down from 119 last month, within goal range)

As you can see, I am making progress. I'm also being smart and assessing if my goals are working for me and if not I adjust them accordingly. Not to where I don't have to work, but to where I listen to what my body is telling me and go with that. I've got more energy to do more and keep up with my children, so it's going well.

I've decided that my progress prize is going to be these lovely non-practical sandals! This will be the first time I've gone out and purchased a pair of shoes just because I wanted. I'm not a shoe horse by any means, but I find pleasure in these. Besides, my progress treats are about want, not need so I'm thrilled! Can't wait to show you in person!

How have you done on your goals this month? I'd love to hear.

Click here to catch up on previous Workout Wednesday posts.

Happy 1st birthday baby girl!

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

One year ago today I was in the hospital having our second (and last) child. As anyone who's had a child will tell you, it's hard to believe a year has already passed since she entered the world. We have no idea how life was before her and we don't really care. She's completed our family and we are all three better with her here.

Happy birthday lovely Anastasia, mommy, daddy and big brother love you lots!

60% Clearance at Yarn Obsession

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Spring is here and I need to make room for a few things. New Spring yarn. New Spring samples and new books and magazines. In order to make the space, I need to find many of my items new homes. So I've decided to run a Clearance Sale until the last piece is sold!

Starting today use code "CLEAR2012" in the Etsy Shop and receive 60% off your order. Offer is good on ANYTHING currently listed in the shop so that includes individual patterns and pattern booklets!

What are you waiting for, this is your personal invitation!

Five ways to Get Better Exposure for Your Handmade Store or Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:04:00 +0000

For some time our lives have revolved around making everything more mainstream, buying the same things, and conforming as much as possible. This trend has shifted in the past few years, with more emphasis falling on purchasing handmade, crafty items for our homes, apparel, and gifts. As this movement continues to grow, sellers are trying to find as many ways as possible to promote their crafts. Luckily the Internet and social media have made this easier than ever! If you’re looking for ways to gain more exposure, here are five different tactics you should be using:

1. Facebook
If you haven’t created a Facebook business page you are missing out. Facebook reaches billions of people every day and with the new Timeline layout the site has become even more business-friendly. It’s the perfect way to promote your business and have your friends and customers share their success with your handmade goods with their friends.

2. Craftsyble
Craftsyble is dedicated to anything and everything that has to do with crafting. By contacting the site owners you can inquire about being featured on their site; getting featured on popular sites like this is a great way to drive traffic to your own! Plus by browsing around the site you might be able to pick up on a few new tips for your business.

3. Pinterest
Pinterest has suddenly become a staple when it comes to crafty ideas and handmade goodies, so start pinning your crafts immediately. It’s incredible how quickly your crafts can get repinned and people get directed to your website; you’ll have new customers in no time by adding in a “pin it” button.

4. Host a giveaway or offer a promotion
You can maximize on this in one of two ways: you can either promote via your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, your blog, etc.) that you’re hosting a giveaway or offering a promotional code (think: buy one, get one, or a certain percentage off), or you can contact a popular blogger and offer to send one of your products for a review on their website and then include a promotional code or even an extra item that the blogger can giveaway to their readers.

5. Guest post
Following on the blogging theme, reach out to bloggers and see if they’ll allow you to guest post on their blog. At the end of the post you should be able to include a link back to your site, which will direct their readers over to your own website or blog.

Utilizing the Internet and social media is the best way to gain more exposure to your handmade craft store or blog, and there are a variety of different social media outlets that you can use. By using a combination of these sites regularly and networking with people in your niche you’ll be reeling in more traffic in no time.

Author Bio:
This is a guest post from Laura Backes, she enjoys writing about all kinds of subjects and also topics related to internet service in my area. You can reach her at: laurabackes8 @ gmail.com.

Workout Wednesday - Inspiration #1

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Borrowed from i can read

I hope this is the message I've been sending you from the very beginning of this journey! We need to move. How fast or how slow does not matter. It's not a race, it's a journey and we're all on our own path. What matters is that you get up, and take that first step.

Catch up on the Workout Wednesday series.

Free Pattern - Sugar Cubes Knit Scarflette

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:19:00 +0000

This was one of my debut patterns. It's a beginner knit scarf pattern which incorporates an optional crochet edging. Anyone with basic knitting skills, you can make this scarf. It a perfect pattern for that quick gift because it can easily be made in one weekend. The gentle pattern gives a beautiful texture to any yarn.

Pattern Level
- Beginner

Materials
- Worsted Weight yarn color of your choosing (demo made from 85% wool, 15% mohair). Approximately 190yds.
- US #9 needles (5.5 mm)
- Crochet hook H (5.0)

Size
- Will vary

Pattern stitches used
- k- knit
- p- purl

Instructions:
Cast on 33 sts.
Rows 1 and 5 (RS): Knit
Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8: K the knit sts and P the purl sts
Row 3: k1, *p2, k6; rep from * to end
Row 7: k5, *p2, k6; rep from * to last 4 sts, end p2, k2
Rep rows 1-8 twenty one (21) times (or as many times as your desired length requires)
Bind off all sts, and insert crochet hook in last loop

Edging:
3 sc in corner
sc evenly across to corner, 3 sc in corner 3 times
Sc evenly across, sl st in first sc, bind off
Weave in ends, block & wear

Feel free to contact me if anything is unclear or doesn't work. I am available via email, and or leave a comment here on the blog (with a way to contact you).

Wool-Eater Blanket Progress Report

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:38:00 +0000

This weekend was beautiful so I got out and enjoyed the weather as much as possible. I didn't do much hooking, which put be behind schedule a little bit, but I did get to do this video to show you my Wool-Eater Blanket progress.

You too can join the Crochet-along, just go to Sarahlondon.com

Workout Wednesday - Motivation

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:45:00 +0000

When I started on the road to better health in January I didn't know where it would lead. I wasn't sure I was ready to keep it up and to grow. But, as I have said all along, I'm taking one small step at a time, working The Kaizen Way. I read a lot of articles that say you need to do ___ for ___ minutes for ____ days every week for success. Then I turn away and say to myself "I need to do what I can, where I am, with what I have today." That has made a huge difference for me.

There are always external things we think will motivate us, but when it comes right down to it, we motivate ourselves. My internal dialogue is what keeps me waking up every day to exercise. The dialogue that says "you can't complain about your belly, if you're not willing to do anything about it" or the one that says "today is a good day to keep moving". Waking in the morning has become easier, dare I say a habit, that I now can't not do every weekday. However, results also help keep me moving. The old saying goes "if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten", as I see, feel and experience changes I'm motivated to keep moving in the direction of those changes. As long as I continue to see positive results, there is no reason to stop pushing forward. Has my routine gotten harder? Yes. Do I want to stop sometimes or skip a step? Yes. Have I skipped, stopped or reduced? No. Why? Because I think to myself, "after these next few minutes I'm going to feel great that I got through it and my day will go well".

If you haven't started yet, what are you waiting for? Every day is a good day to start. However, the motivation must come from you and your internal dialogue with yourself. That is a huge lesson I learned in this journey. Today is today. It's your chance. If you don't take it, you are to be held accountable, no one else.

What motivates you to keep going along your journey?

If you're just joining our conversation, Click Here to see all other Workout Wednesday posts.

Learn to Crochet - The Woven Crochet Stitch

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:39:00 +0000

Getting into a little fun crochet now, this video demonstrates the Woven Crochet Stitch which is a very easy crochet stitch using the single crochet. If you know how to chain and single crochet, this stitch will prove to be a quick study. Then, once you've go the stitch down, you can make all sorts of lovely crochet items that have a beautiful simple texture.

This video, along with many others, can be found on my YouTube Channel. I'd love to hear your feedback, questions, comments! If you have a stitch you'd like to see demonstrated, let me know, I'll see how soon I can get it up for you.

The woven crochet stitch is used in this pattern found in my Etsy shop.

Comment to Win - Etsy Treasury

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Click "here" to be taken to the treasury to comment to win!

Today I'm doing something a little different. This week I've been completely off my game because of various reasons so I was not able to get a shop profile together. However, I did have the presence of mind to join in this "Comment to Win" treasury game by the Avid Treasury team. So, today you can go to this treasury, leave a comment for a chance to win all the items in the treasury! How's that for a great start to Spring?!

BTW - This weekend we lose an hour with Daylight Savings Time, so don't forget to turn your clocks forward one hour before going to bed on Saturday!

Workout Wednesday - Snacking

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:10:00 +0000

I am not a big snacker. I do like to have snacks once in awhile especially while watching a movie at home. However, snacking is not something I do on a regular basis. I also know that many people are snacker and that they love it. Since starting my whole workout routine, I have become more conscious of when I snack and what I snack on since there is no good from one change if you're just doing the same old "other" things you were doing before. I know that it's the salt and sugar in the snacks that keep me coming back, but as I reduce both in my diet, I find I don't crave the snacks as much.

Because I know I usually snack while watching a movie, I've decided to only allow myself two nights a week when I can snack on the Doritos and Soda I love, Friday and Saturday. All other days I'm only allowed dried fruits, nuts and vegetables. I know that may not sound like fun, but you'd be surprised at how yummy dried mango or apple can be as well as how much better you feel after drinking water instead of soda. I'm a firm believer in all things in moderation. I am not a big advocate of anything to the extreme, however, I do recognize that I can't work out, snack and expect to get the results I want. So I've made my choices.

Do you have a snack you can't do without? How do you deal with it?

Click here to read other Workout Wednesday posts you may have missed.

Next Week: Keeping Motivated

Learn to Crochet - How to read a yarn wrap / label

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:04:00 +0000

When I started crocheting, I was completely oblivious to the fact that the yarn wrap told me anything more than what color yarn I was using. This video is to help you navigate the yarn label so you won't make some of the same mistakes I made early on.

Was this video helpful? All my videos can be found at my YouTube Channel, come by and say hello!

March National Craft Month Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to National Craft Month! I love crafts of all types, I just had to pick my poison due to limited time. However, that hasn't kept me from wanting to venture into new crafts every time I visit the craft store.

To celebrate I'm running a contest all month long emphasizing crafting and it's benefits. Here's how it's going to work. The main thing is to leave a comment on this post telling me a few things:
1) What is your craft?
2) How did you get started with your craft?
3) Where do you sell, promote your craft online (feel free to leave your links so others can find you)?
4) How can I get in touch with you if you're a winner?

Spread the word, spread the love! Happy Craft Month!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Knit Chunky Scarf - Free Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:30:00 +0000

This was one of the first patterns I ventured to write. This knit chunky scarf is also a staple in my closet. I love it! I made myself one a few years back and it still gets tons of compliments simply because it is very impressive. I've sold several copies of this pattern, but now I'm retiring it from my shop(s) and giving it to you here for free! Why? Well a couple of reasons: 1) I want to focus my shop and efforts on crochet so I'm slowly retiring all knitting patterns. I love to knit, but I can't get as much done in that medium as I can in the limited time I have to crochet; 2) I love the supportive handmade community and sometimes you gotta give something back to show your love.

So here is the Knit Chunky Scarf Pattern for your enjoyment! You can also download a free copy if you're on Ravelry.

Materials:

- Size 11 needles

- Size I9 crochet hook

- 2 Balls Wool Ease Thick & Quick® or comparable yarn

Pattern Level:

- Beginner

Pattern Stitches:

K = Knit

P = Purl

Finished Length:

6 ft. or more

Instructions:

Cast on 16 sts

Cut 32 14’ pieces of yarn for fringe

Row 1: k across

Row 2: p across

Row 3: k across

Repeat rows 1-3 for pattern until 25” of yarn remain

Bind off

Weave Ends

Finishing:

Use two pieces of the previously cut yarn and loop through every other stitch along the edges using I9 crochet hook.

Note:

For men, the fringe may be excluded and the overall body made longer by repeating until yarn is exhausted and weaving in the ends.

Workout Wednesday - Progress Report #2

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:13:00 +0000

It's that time again! Time to get excited about the progress being made every day! Yes, I'm still working toward my goals. Yes, I'm still excited. Yes, it's going well and yes, it isn't always easy...

I think one of the main reasons I keep going is because I know that at the end of each month I have to give you a progress report. I can't give you a progress report, if I'm not progressing. Another major reason I keep going, and I'm still excited is that I am seeing real results! I feel great and I'm seeing improvements in the way I fit into my clothes. Those two reasons keep me getting up earlier in the morning and doing what needs to be done. What about you? What's kept you going on your goals?

Progress

Exercise: Walking 1 mile per day, 53 jumping jacks, 35 crunches
Water: 2.5 bottles per day (more than 6 glasses of additional liquids throughout the day)
Vitamins: 1 every day

Goal Measurements

Waist - 29 (down from 29.5 last month) goal - 25

Hips - 37.5 (steady from last month) goal - 35 (I'm reassessing this goal because as I work out, I notice I'm getting more muscle, less fat, and staying steady, this may be my new normal)

Weight - 119 (steady from last month, within goal range)

As you can see things are progressing nicely. So far so good. My incentive gift was to go get my hair done at a salon! I went on February 17th to Diva Salon in Leominster, MA and got my hair blown straight and a badly needed trim. My hair is looking great (not straight anymore) and feeling good. Next month I'm not sure what the incentive will be, but I'm liking this "treating" myself thing...

I'd love to hear about what you're doing. Remember, every new day is a chance to start new! It's not about how much you do to keep healthy, it's about taking small steps toward your goal. If you do one squat with the intention of getting to 20 squats, you're doing great!

Click here to be taken to the previous Workout Wednesday posts.

Hooking the Wool-Eater Blanket CAL

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:07:00 +0000

I love to crochet. I love to work on my own designs. However, sometimes working on my own designs gets overwhelming, and yes staid, so I like to break up the monotony with other projects that keep me close to yarn and yet not struggling with math. There is something so great about working on a project that I can just follow directions for rather than design.

So, in light of that, last night I started the Wool Eater CAL 2012 going on at Sarah London's blog and on Ravelry. I decided that I had enough yarn in my stash that I could devote to this project along with some scrap yarn (which is going to make it interesting) that would also be appropriate so I started last night.

First, if you've never been to Sarah London's blog, please do go, her items are so vibrant and beautiful it will be worth the eye candy impact alone. However, she also has some really cool patterns and it's just a fun place to gather. The Wool eater blanket is one that really does eat up a lot of yarn! It's an amazingly fun pattern that I literally had to pull myself away from. . . now I'm concerned about my designing...

Here's a peek at what I started last night . . . I'm so excited about the possibilities! I'm not sure if this is going to stay in our home or be donated, but whatever the case, it's going to be amazing.

If you'd like to get in on the Wool Eater CAL 2012 just click on the link and you'll be taken to Sarah's Blog where there will be all the info you need along with a link to the pattern! I'll give you updates as it grows and as colors are added, but until then, take a look at what Sarah's been doing with hers here, and here.

Learn to Crochet - Crochet the 5-Petal Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:18:00 +0000

There are so many variations on flowers in crochet but I wanted to start somewhere so this video tutorial is on how to creat a large center hole 5-petal flower.

This flower can be used as an applique for whatever project you'd like to embellish with a flower. I hope you enjoy this 5-petal crochet flower tutorial.

If you have a project you'd like to see in video, leave me a comment, you may see it as the next video on the YouTube Channel!

Kelly Smith Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Sedruola Maruska) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0000

I always get so excited when I can bring you a new shop owner and today is no exception. Kelly Smith takes amazing photographs and, simply put, I just had to have her here!

Kelly Smith Photos on Etsy is filled with images of nature and landscapes that will take your breath away. Kelly took some time out to answer a few questions, so take a read and visit her shop. I'm sure you'll find something there to make you go "ahhhh".

Who are you, where are you from and what makes that place unique?
My name is Kelly and I'm a Chicago transplant currently living in Portland, Oregon. I grew up in a small town in the far suburbs of Chicago called McHenry - small town, good people and a great place to grow up. It's close to the city but far enough away to not be all hustle and bustle. Portland, OR where I am now is like another world. It has the feel of my hometown but much larger and the nature is absolutely breathtaking. There are places here that just don't seem real.

What was the first item you ever made for your shop?

"Out of Reality" the first item for the shop

Most of my photos have been taken over the last year, but this is the one that made me want to pursue it more and put my shop together.

How long have you been independently selling your items?
I started my photography shop in August 2011 just as a test to see if others thought my photos were good enough. I still have a lot to learn but hope to continue to improve my craft this year.

If you were on a desert isle, and you could only have one book or cd with you (besides your creative tools) which book or cd would that be?
I'm going to have to go with book cause batteries eventually die. I'd bring Little Women

Where is the most interesting place you have traveled, what made it so interesting?
My husband and I took a road trip in the fall of 2010 that was the best experience I've had. We flew to Seattle, WA and drove all the way down the coast back to Los Angeles (where we were currently living). We saw so much nature and beauty that it was the best 10 days we ever spent. It was the inspiration for my wanting to dive into photography more (and many of my photos are from that trip). 6 months later we were moving to Portland so we could be engulfed in this natural beauty every day and now we love it here!

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?
I would quit my day job tomorrow and focus on my creative endeavors. I currently split myself between work and 3 Etsy shops, it's hard to keep up and succeed!

Go visit Kelly online at her Etsy shop and use coupon code YOBLOG20 to save 20% on your order!

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