Busy as a Bee

I have been so busy lately! Finally today I got sort of caught up! The last of my regular orders went to the post office today! I only have 2 custom orders to finish...but they are on the large side. The first one is a Mom and Me set in the Retro Ruffle pattern (like the apron above).... a Mom and 2 kids. The Mom is almost finished...just working on the kids. The other is 10 BBQ aprons for a wedding....Bridesmaids! Those I still have to cut out which will happen tomorrow or the next day...maybe!

I have also been trying to add to the shop. The apron above is so pretty..I finished it today. It had been half done for a week or two and finally this morning I had time to finish it before going to the post office. I would have got more done this weekend but Skippy was spending the weekend while his parents went out of town. So I got distracted....which was okay, I needed a break.

I have so many ideas for new aprons swimming in my brain! I have a great idea for a new BBQ style and also a lovely half apron! The days aren't long enough!! Here are some pics of the latest additions that I have finished!

This one reminds me of Savannah...That's why it is called Savannah Crabs...clever right?! Actually it reminds me of crabbing with my grandfather in Moon River...yes there is one! Then we would take all the crabs home to my grandmother and she would boil them on the stove. My sister and I would stand on the kitchen chairs in her tiny kitchen and watch her put them in the pot of boiling water. Of course many escaped and my grandfather would chase them down and throw them back in! I could never eat crabs...I always think of those poor crabs trying to escape...the red ones... Still can't bring myself to eat them...maybe a crab-cake...but those crabs aren't from around here...right? But it was fun catching them on the river and time spent with my grandfather and grandmother, who are no longer with us!

This one Sweet Mama named Enchanted Forest! I love all the colors! It turned out so pretty don't cha think?!

I will post pictures of the newer aprons I am creating soon! Keep watching!

Sad Beau

I took Beau back to the vet today. He seemed to be losing weight and I was afraid he might be diabetic from his meds. He is still taking the Prozac for his marking problem and it makes him so sad. He doesn't want to play or eat...he just lays around all day. He used to be a very energetic boy with a big mouth. Now he hardly says a thing...Bella even shares the blankie with him but that doesn't really cheer him up.

Sweet Mama wants him taken off the Prozac....she wants our sweet kitty back. She found, in a cat magazine, an article about Cyproheptadine which someone put their cat on and it worked! She thought it might work for Beau. So we are trying it with the Prozac...the vet said that it was an antihistamine but it wouldn't hurt to try it. So we will see... If this doesn't work Sweet Mama said we will just have to go back to cleaning up pee.

In the meantime...he is just holding on....

My Cousin Michael

Please take a minute, if you will, and say a little prayer for my cousin Michael. He is very ill. He, his wife and 3 year old son live in Birmingham, AL. They came to Georgia to visit his Mom and Dad and sister's family the weekend after Christmas. While there he became ill and was taken to the hospital. Long story short, he has been in the hospital almost a month now in ICU. He had low sodium levels, pneumonia and breathing problems. He was in and out of drug-induced comas, on ventilators and has had a tracheotomy. Yesterday he was diagnosed with Centre Pontine Myelinolysis, a rare neurological disorder...he will require 3-6 of intensive therapy in a Long Term Acute Care Rehabilitation Hospital. He and his family need your prayers!

My extended family has always been very close...all of us cousins are just a few years apart. We lived in the same town for some years and spent many vacations together! We moved, they stayed as did my grandparents. This is a picture of us before my brother was born...and yes, I am the unhappy one! My balloon popped just before the picture...we must have gone to Shoney's for lunch and got those stand-up Big Boy balloons. I'm betting money that Michael some how popped mine...but I can't remember... He has a smug look on his face. Red sure is holding on her her balloon tight! (Love my Grandmother's purse!)

Anyway the bonds are tight. He was there for me 2 years ago when I moved up to Birmingham for 7 mos. He is the kindest, sweetest man. It is just so sad. I am praying that he recovers and can return to the kind and thoughtful person he was before all this. Please keep him in your prayers!

New Additions

I've been busy the past few days! I have lots of new fabrics and have been inspired to sew new combinations! Plus use up some of the fabric I have been collecting! Now that it has stopped raining I can add them to the shop! I have been watching "Hoarders" on TV lately... feeling the need to purge...I don't think that me... BUT... I do have ALOT of fabric...

OK aren't we all hoarders to some extent?!

Anyway, here are a few of the latest! What do you think? Check out my Etsy shop http://www.apronsandmore.etsy.com/ for all the details!

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Another Etsy shop for Haiti!

http://www.heartsforhaiti.com is a another shop donating all its money to Doctors Without Borders! Check it out...there are some very cute things! I bought some great valentine's fabric! I have an idea for a new apron!
Also check out their blog http://www.etsyforhaiti.blogspot.com/ This blog will give all the details. They have currently raised $10,037.37!

Haiti Relief

Please check out this new Etsy shop www.crafthope.etsy.com Crafthope is an Etsy shop which is selling items donated by other Etsians with all the money going to Drs Without Borders for Haiti Relief. In 24 hours it raised $4,00! The shop has lots of cute things with new items being added all the time! This is a great way to get something you love, with you money going to help those in need! You can find more information at their website www.crafthope.com There is also information on how you can donate an item from your Etsy shop to be sold. It's a great way to help!

SALE SALE SALE

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It's my ONE YEAR anniversary at Etsy! And to celebrate I am having a sale! 15% off everything AND Free Shipping! The sale runs through Jan 17!

I can't believe it has been a year. Alot has happened this year with Sweet Mama's surgery and recovery. And inspite of all the hospitals and doctor visits, I managed to sell almost 400 aprons! I am so grateful that Etsy has given me the opportunity to take care of my mom and have a job that pays my bills! I have learned so much about e-commerce and the computer. The last job I had that required a computer was in the early 1990's...a lot has changed since then believe me!

It has been worth it to be a "working artist" and finally use all the skills I learned in college! I am continuing to grow my business and my knowledge. Hopefully this year will be even better!

So check out my sale and take advantage of all the bargains!

And watch for all the new stuff!!