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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Fun Stuff to Do - FOOD


Happy Thursday!  There are so many helpful blogs and posts about these days that I thought I would share some of my favorite ones about food this week.   But not just any food, fun foods!

Here goes:             

Remember, all photos are clickable links 

 

Homemade Pixie Sticks

Pixie Sticks were a staple of my childhood summer days.  We got them from the ice cream truck.....remember those?

This version is much healthier, it is freeze dried fruit, a bit of sugar and straws!  

I can't wait to make these.



Homemade Gummy Fruit Snacks 

Gummy fruit snacks have also become a favorite around here, but they are usually full of sugar and kinda expensive.

This version is healthy and a much more tasty version. of the overly sweet gummies of years past






 

 

lollies

I am all for having less sugar in my life, but every once in a while everyone needs a sugar fix.

Jolly Rancher hard candies have always been my favorite, especially watermelon and green apple.

I think these would make great stocking stuffers, and you could even put them in sucker molds!



I hope these few items give you some great ideas for fun food times!  I plan on trying all three of these.  Have a great rest of the week!




knitting yarns

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Mission; Small Business

Please take a moment of your time to help support my small business.  I am trying to win a grant from Chase and Living social.

   How?
Go to www.missionsmallbusiness.com and click “Support”
Find our business Lilee's Gram Knits in the local listings and vote for us


Tell your friends to vote


Every vote will get us closer to qualifying

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

 

 
 
 





knitting yarns

Knit Nite

My Mom always said that time goes by faster, the older you get.  I guess she was right again, cause the days seem to just fly by.

Today's Knit Nite Treasury seems to be inspired by my friend, Teresa.  Yes, her name is Teresa too...that way we can remember each others names!  Anyway, I must have been thinking of her when I pulled these things, cause they all reminded me of her.

So here you go:


I want one of these.....Hint Hint...to whoever, or someone tell my hubby!  lol

knitting yarns

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Lileesgramknits.com Shop Update

 I have been dyeing all weekend and I have a pretty good sized amount of new items in the shop.  I also started a group on Ravelry (Lilee's Gram Knits).  If you don't know about Ravelry, I highly suggest you go take a Welcome to Ravelry Tour  It is one of the greatest websites I have ever found.  There is everything from Free Patterns, to databases to keep track of your stash, needles, etc to forums full of really nice, helpful people.  I hope you take a minute to check it out and join my group if you like.  I will be happy to help you with any questions  or tech support for your knitting, etc.

 If there is something you are looking for that I don't have in my shop, please just drop be a line or a note and let me know, what you would like to see, what you think, or just to say hi.  I would love to hear from you.

Update Collage



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Talented Tuesday - Acires

I would like you to meet Acire and her Etsy shop:  Acires.


If you are looking for beautiful Aboriginal inspired paintings, painted mirrors, and frames. . Then you will love the items at Acires.

Let's get to know Acires and Acire :

What would you like us to know about you?
I am a wife and a mother of three children. I have dabbled in painting my whole life. I had the opportunity to live in Australia which is one of the most wonderful countries in the world and was inspired by the art there. I started painting again while living there and remembered how much I enjoyed it. I really hope to bring affordable original art to anyone who wants it.

What prompted you to open an Etsy Shop?
Honestly, unemployment! Also, it was a safe way to see what people thought of my art.


How did you come up with your shop name?
My shop name started as just my user name when I purchased my first item on Etsy and I just kept it when I started my shop.

How would you describe your shop?
I would describe my shop as a place to get affordable original art. I also think it is upbeat and fun.

What inspires you?
The act of painting really inspires me; I enjoy it so much and have such a fun time doing it.



Which item in your shop is your favorite to make/find?
My favorite item is Orange & Peach Aboriginal I just love the colors and the motion in it.
 
If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what are the 3 crafty must haves?
Fabric, needle, and thread (I also love to sew).

Where else can we find you?
I am on Facebook and twitter also.
www.facebook.com/pages/Acire22/307563649293821

twitter.com/#!/AcirePaints





Thanks so much Acire.  It has been great getting to know you and discovering your shop and your lovely items.

Now please show Acire some support and let us know which of her pieces are your favorite from her shop! Oh...and go ahead and heart a few of her items along with her shop :)

Have a great week!





knitting yarns

Monday, May 28, 2012

Color My Week Red

Red is not one of my favorite colors.  But, since I am trying to stretch my boundaries and not get stuck in a rut, I decided to see how many lovely red things I could find.  I wish every one a happy happy week!

(All treasuries and items within the treasuries are clickable.)



knitting yarns

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Things I Found this Week

I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend.  I have been working hard at dyeing new fibers for the shop and loving the warmer weather!  Spring/Summer is my favorite time of the year.  I have found quite a wide collection of stuff this week...here we go...


(All treasuries and items within the treasuries are clickable.)







knitting yarns

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Weekly Treasury Round Up 5/26/2012

Well, the past week and a half has gone by in a flash.  I haven't blogged much, life sometimes gets in the way.  But I am back now and have much to share!  For one thing, I have been included in some great treasuries and I want to say thanks to those that included me and to share all the great stuff that is out there!  Hope everyone is having a nice 3 day weekend, and remember to take a moment to remember all those that have and are serving our country to keep us safe.

(All photos, treasuries and items within the treasuries are clickable.)

 

Color Inspiration

Edi included my Fishy Stitch Markers in this collection. I love the combination of the bright color in this collection.   You should check out memoriesforlifesb , she has a lot of personalized One-of-a-Kind Gifts for you and your loved ones! including this cool Mother's Day Photo Album Scrapbook

 

 

 

Let's Get Together and Knit



PointedNeedle included my Knitting & Crochet Pattern Place Holders in this collection. I love the combination of knitting ideas in this collection.   You should check out PointedNeedle, she has a lot of hand knitted items in her shop including these cute kid socks Toddler Girls Socks



color, glorious color!


Margaret included my Tulips - Wool Roving in this collection. I love the pretty spring colors in this collection.   You should check out SplendidLittleStars , she has a lot of hand dyed clothing and accessories
in her shop including these wild and cool wash clothes WASH CLOTHS



Thank you to everyone that included me in their wonderful collections.  I will be back to my regular blogging schedule now and will get out there and find some more wonderful stuff to share!

Have a great weekend!


Friday, May 25, 2012

Featured Friday - Mirabilis Fashions

I would like you to meet Karen and her Etsy shop:  MirabilisFashions.


If you love Luxurious crocheted sweaters, plus size sweaters, wool quilt blankets and accessories, Then you will love the items at MirabilisFashions.

Let's get to know MirabilisFashions and Karen:

What would you like us to know about you?
I learned to crochet when I was about 5 so I’ve been doing it for over 45 years now. I get bored easily so I went through virtually every technique over the years and tried to master it before diving into the next one. I enjoyed all of it but my favorite thing of all is to work with luscious natural fibers and high end yarns in rich colors, patterns and textures. Now I’m supposedly retired but I work more hours on filling up and running my shop than I ever had to when I was still working professionally. I’ve done all sorts of things from being a computer programmer, and nonprofit executive director and an IT manager and loved all of it but working at home with gorgeous yarn and surrounded by my 6 pets and gardens (and my husband of course) is by far my favorite of all. I’m lucky enough to live in the beautiful coastal mountains overlooking the Monterey Bay in central California on a big rambling rural property and after growing up in the south Bronx in NYC every day here feels like a gift.
 
What prompted you to open an Etsy Shop?
I have a fairly successful local business and a shop that sells my work but we’ll be moving away once my husband retires and I’ll lose all of my local contacts and outlets. It seemed like a good idea to start to develop an online business as well so that I can keep making things that I love for as long as my old hands and eyes last. Etsy seemed like a great and inexpensive place to start out and learn the ropes before opening up my own shop and I’ve learned a tremendous amount there and met some really great people. Besides, if I didn’t sell my work I’d be gardening in cashmere because it’s such an addiction!

How did you come up with your shop name?
It’s a secret : ). Here’s a few definitions for “Mirabilis” and you can guess which one inspired me. It’s the Latin word for “astounding” or “amazing”, it’s also the name for a beautiful genus of plants that most of us call “four o’clocks”, and there is a Catholic saint named Christina Mirabilis. The church couldn’t decide if she was saintly or crazy so they made her the patron saint of mental health workers.

How would you describe your shop?
My focus these days is on making one of a kind high end plus size sweaters. I wore plus sizes for much of my life and it was always so hard to find nice clothes, especially luxury items so even though I don’t wear them now it’s all I want to do. It’s so much fun designing for a group that is almost always ignored by the fashion industry and I love talking to women about what kind of designs they find flattering or wish that they could find. My Etsy shop still has a few straight size sweaters and blankets that aren’t in my main plus size shop but I won’t be making any more of those other than for custom orders.

What inspires you?
When it comes to colors my gardens are my best source of inspiration but I see potential color and pattern combinations in almost everything that I look at. Soft, dreamy landscapes and impressionist art also bring to mind all sorts of luscious ideas. And of course, just the sight of gorgeous designer yarns sets my head spinning with all sorts of designs.

Which item in your shop is your favorite to make/find?
I think that I had the most fun making that floor length evening cape because it was so glamorous. The whole time that I was making it I daydreamed about the kind of life that includes evening clothes that aren’t pajamas. I could just see some gorgeous actress coming down the red carpet in it. It was also probably the most impractical thing that I ever made as well but I love how soft it is and how it glitters.

If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what are the 3 crafty must haves?
Yarn, yarn and a spinning wheel to practice on because there must be some sort of plant fiber or hairy beast on that island to use and I’ll have lots of time to kill. I could always whittle some hooks out of tree branches, cut yarn with my teeth and wind what I spin around some trees or something. The yarn could also double as a fishing line so that I don’t starve to death and I can always make nets too. If I was all alone and it was a warm island I’d probably yarn bomb the whole thing just for entertainment.

Where else can we find you?
www.mirabilisfashions.com
www.facebook.com/MirabilisFashions
and I share a blog with Steph at homecraftbiz.blogspot.com/

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I love to see crocheters really go for it and move beyond patterns so that they can use their imaginations to create new designs. So often I hear someone say “I could never do that” but all it takes is a whole lot of practice and the curiosity to try new things and push yourself beyond what you think of as your limitations. One of these days I might start selling little signs of a granny square with a red circle around it and a slash ;).
 

Thanks so much Karen.  It has been great getting to know you and discovering your shop and your lovely items.

Now please show Karensome support and let us know which of her pieces are your favorite from her shop! Oh...and go ahead and heart a few of her items along with her shop :)

Have a great weekend!







knitting yarns

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Talented Tuesday - The Hobo Train

I would like you to meet Renee and her Etsy shop:  Thehobotrain.


If you are looking for a great Crossbody Bags, Hobo Bags, Slouch Bags, Shoulder Bags or Up-cycled Hats Then you will love the items at Thehobotrain

Let's get to know Thehobotrain and Renee:

What would you like us to know about you?
I'm a free-spirited, music-loving Canadian girl. I love to connect with people through my hand-crafted creations.

What prompted you to open an Etsy Shop?
I sell my items at a lot of craft fairs and was always being asked if I had an online shop. Finally I decided to set one up. Etsy was the perfect place! ♥

How did you come up with your shop name?
Well, I originally started making hobo bags. And a hobo is historically someone who traveled from place to place riding the trains and working in exchange for food and shelter. I thought The Hobo Train was perfect because it combines the word hobo and the spirit of the adventure.


How would you describe your shop?
My shop is fun to look at. lol I use all kinds of different fabrics and textures. Kind of like a candy store for tactile enthusiasts.

What inspires you?
Music, life experience, and my loved ones.

Which item in your shop is your favorite to make/find?
I love making the up-cycled products.... so creative! ♥ I especially love thrifting, so it's a great excuse to hit up the thrift shops.



If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what are the 3 crafty must haves?
Some thrifted treasures, a sewing machine, and a pair of scissors. I would have the funkiest threads on that island. ♥

Where else can we find you?
Facebook -- www.facebook.com/thehobotrain.
Twitter -- www.twitter.com/thehobotrain.
Blog -- www.thehobotrain.blogspot.com.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
A big thank you to everyone out there who supports handmade artisans. It is truly a beautiful and sustainable way of doing business that brings people together and inspires true connection.

~ ~ ~

Thanks so much Renee.  It has been great getting to know you and discovering your shop and your lovely items.

Now please show Renee some support and let us know which of her pieces are your favorite from her shop! Oh...and go ahead and heart a few of her items along with her shop :)

Have a great week!





knitting yarns

Friday, May 18, 2012

Featured Friday - AngsDivineDesigns

I would like you to meet Angie and her Etsy shop:  AngsDivineDesigns.


 If you love affordable handmade fashion earrings and jewelry. Then you will love the jewelry at AngsDivineDesigns.  Also if you like jewelry that is nickel free...you are in luck..just let Angie know and she will make sure your items are nickel free.

Let's get to know AngsDivineDesigns and Angie:

What would you like us to know about you?
Well, I am happily married 21 years strong with two beautiful children ages 13 and 11. I am a very spiritual person and love to give back when I can.
 
 What prompted you to open an Etsy Shop?
I started making earrings several years ago when I found out that my daughter could not wear anything that was not nickel free. Any time metal is in contact with her skin, she'll break out in a rash and itch. At the time she wanted to start wearing jewelry we couldn't really find much she could wear; so I started making earrings for her with nickel free hooks. When I started making jewelry I knew I found my creative outlet! I loved it! I started showing people I worked with what I had made and started getting requests. I have enjoyed it ever since.


How did you come up with your shop name?
My shop name was an easy one to come up with. My family has always called me Ang so it just made  sense, Ang's Divine Designs. 

 
How would you describe your shop?
I would describe my shop as fun! You can find so much variety with affordable prices.

What inspires you?
My family and God always inspire me!

Which item in your shop is your favorite to make/find?
I love making the cluster earrings with sparkling beads. I love all that glitters!


 If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what are the 3 crafty must haves?
Well, I would have to have my jewelry making pliers, sparkling beads to work with and head pins and hooks.

Where else can we find you?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/AngsDivineDesigns
Facebook:www.facebook.com/AngsDivineDesigns
Pinterest: pinterest.com/AngDivineDesign/

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would love for everyone to check out the variety shops and artists on Etsy. I am in awe of all the talent there!

~~~~~~~

Thanks so much Angie.  It has been great getting to know you and discovering your shop and your lovely items.

Now please show Angie some support and let us know which of her pieces are your favorite from her shop! Oh...and go ahead and heart a few of her items along with her shop :)

Have a great weekend!





knitting yarns

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Knit Nite

Happy Wednesday!  I was thinking about my knitting group today and I realized, they are not just knitters any more, many of us spin now.  So,  this week I have found some stuff for spinning too.....


(All treasuries and items within the treasuries are clickable.)


And here is a new yarn from me.




knitting yarns

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Talented Tuesday - Simplee Designs

I would like you to meet  Lee Castle and her Etsy shop:  SimpleeDesigns.


If you are looking for OOAK handcrafted jewellery items for the lover of the unique, then you will love the items at SimpleeDesigns.
 
Let's get to know SimpleeDesigns and  Lee:

What would you like us to know about you?
My name is Lee Castle and I, with my long suffering husband and two amazing kids, live on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia. My family has always been a hands-on lot. I grew up with a seamstress mother and woodworking father. My husband has taken over the woodworking skills and I have dabbled in lots of different of different art and craft mediums. I always wanted to be an artist as I was growing up but a lack of the skills needed put paid to that notion until I discovered hand embroidery. I designed, taught and stitched my way along for years and found a talent in an unexpected place. Once, however, I discovered beads another passion was born. I still use my needles for stitching, but to create a different kind of art!
What prompted you to open an Etsy Shop?
I wear a lot of my own work and had sold a few pieces to friends and work mates. I had exhibited my embroidery in a few local shows and then my jewellery and had a really good response. After a while, I had way too many pieces to wear, so I had to look for other avenues to try to sell through. The owner of a shop I had been teaching at for many years told me about Etsy and showed me the shop her daughter had on the site. I went home and explored it for ages, decided that my work wasn’t good enough. After trying to sneak one too many parcels of beads into the house, my husband asked me if I really needed all of these beads and pieces of jewellery that were slowly taking over the house. I decided then that it couldn’t possibly hurt to give Etsy a try!
How did you come up with your shop name?
My husband’s name is SIMon Peter and mine is LEE. While I was thinking of a name, I kept saying that I wanted something simple and easy to remember, so SIMPLEE Designs it was!

How would you describe your shop?
My shop is full of one of a kind pieces for people who like to look individual and not be defined by fashion styles or the prevailing trends of the moment. My pieces stand out on their own and are securely hand stitched, bead by bead, to last for many years.

What inspires you?
I have always loved hand-blown glass and have collected a few beautiful pieces made by amazingly talented Australian artists. At an art show a few years ago I discovered lampwork beads and to use a quote...I was hooked! I love the way the beads are like little treasures in your hand, each one of them individual in their own way. The colours and textures in the beads inspire me to try to show them off to their best. Oddly enough, while I like to keep things simple in my life, I find it very hard to create simple pieces once the materials are in my hands. When I have a beautiful treasure in my hand, I often go all out to make it the star of the piece I am creating! A lovely simple idea almost always ends up a bit over the top. Most of all, I create what I love, I don’t really follow colour trends or pour over fashion magazines.


Which item in your shop is your favorite to make/find?
The piece that I am working on at any given moment is usually my favourite at the time. Most of my work is inspired by a handmade lamp work bead so each piece is individual and cannot be recreated. I have many favourite techniques and am always trying to find new ways to use them to create a new look.
 
If you were shipwrecked on a desert island, what are the 3 crafty must haves?
Seeing as how I would have more of the one thing that I don’t have enough of at the moment, time, that is a tricky one to answer!  I guess a never-ending bead stash, endless spool of thread and lifetime supply of needles might do the trick to begin with, I always seem to need the one thing I don’t have on hand at the moment!

Where else can we find you?
At the moment, I only have my shop on Etsy but plans of world domination are bubbling away!
Is there anything else you would like to share? 
I am always open to create custom pieces. I love to create something special for special people!
Thanks so much Lee.  It has been great getting to know you and discovering your shop and your lovely items.

Now please show Lee some support and let us know which of her pieces are your favorite from her shop! Oh...and go ahead and heart a few of her items along with her shop :)

Have a great week!




knitting yarns

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Things I found this week on Etsy

 I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day!  I did... I also found some really cool stuff this week on Etsy and as I always do on Sunday, though a bit late today, I wanted to share.


(All treasuries and items within the treasuries are clickable.)



Brian from RotaryRevival (the lime green phone in the treasury) just sent me a note about a coupon code to share with you.  If you use the code SecretSale at check out it is good for 30% a full priced phone!






knitting yarns

Treasury Round Up 5-13-2012

Thank you to everyone who included me in their treasuries this week!  I love looking at everyone's choices and the variety of things you can find always astounds me.  I love farmer's markets and craft shows and this makes me feel like I get to visit one every day!  Thanks Everyone!

(All photos, treasuries and items within the treasuries are clickable.)

 

Sometimes Wire....Sometimes Fiber


Sometimes Wire....Sometimes Fiber  Sharon included my Easter Cane Hand Spun Wool Yarn in this collection. I love the combination of the variety of Mother's day gifts.   You should check out AllToolsPrayerful, she has some very nice things there including this lovely Greeting Cards



the big question is: what to pack?  Deb included my Lady Bug Shaw Pins in this collection. I love the things she choose that she could use for a trip.   You should check out Storybeader, she has some very nice things there including this lovely Repurposed wildlife animal sketchbooks



Gift Guide for the Girls in Your Life

Gift Guide for the Girls in Your Life  Erika included my Purple Lace Weight Wool Yarn in this collection. I love the combination of the colors in this collection.   You should check out ArtfulRising , she has some very nice things there including this lovely Story Art Doll 


Flowers for Mom - Peaceful Love



Flowers for Mom - Peaceful Love  Michele included my Spring Flowers Stitch Markers in this collection. I love the all the different flower items in this collection.   You should check out Wild Rose Herb Shop , she has some very nice things there including this lovely Queen of Hearts - Hand-Blended Herbal Tea


vivid dawn


vivid dawn  Monica included my Fairy Blue Hand Spun Corridale Wool Yarn in this collection. I love the all the striking colors of the items in this collection.   You should check out Monicaj , she has some very nice things there including this lovely Crocheted Lace Stones



Salt & Pepper

Salt & Pepper  Heather included my Doggie Stitch Markers in this collection. I love the all the Black & White items in this collection.   You should check out iHartFelt , she has some very nice things there including this lovely HartFelt Monkey Softie









Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day.  This is a bittersweet day for me.  I love being a Mom and Gramma, but it also makes me miss my Mom something fierce.  This year she will have been gone 19 years....When you say or type that is sounds like a life time.  It is a lifetime.  Yet it still feels like just a little while ago to.  The one thing to be grateful for is that now I can just miss her and not have to deal with the intense grieving that was.


I really didn't mean for this to be a downer.  My Mom was funny, sweet, caring, stubborn, and loved me not matter what.  She showed me how much fun it was going to be a Gramma. She adored my son.  I really wish she was here to spend time with my Granddaughter...she would get such a kick out of her too!



 Since we live all over the place, Mother's Day is a day for cards & calls.  This year Josh was really sweet and send me a Message in a bottle.  It was such a suprise and very sweet.  There is a message from him written on parchment paper inside so I can read it whenever I miss him!

Speaking of Josh, I am so grateful to be his Mom.  As every Mom knows there are not really words to describe how you feel about your kid.  But he has brought me such joy.  He also brought me Lilee.  Who knew being a Gramma was suck a kick!   I love you Son!





Speaking of Grandaughters, I also want to say Happy Mother's Day to Brianna.  I have been lucky to have such a good relationship with my Daughter-in-Law.  She is funny and sweet and a great Mom to Lilee.
  

This year there are 2 new Moms in my family.  My Neice, Victoria is a Mom now, to Kylie Lynn.  She is such a beautiful baby...Tori is such as good Mom and I can't wait to get to spend some time with them.


Also, My Granddaughter's Auntie Kadi had Anthony Jayden this year.  He is such a handsome boy.  I haven't got to meet him yet, but I hope to kiss those cutie pie cheeks soon!  Welcome to the club Kadi!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's Day.  Hug your Mom if you can, call her if you can, or just talk to her no matter where she is...she will hear you!




knitting yarns