Larger Bags Listed and a Video to go With!

By popular request, I've finally gotten around to adding larger zipper bags to the shops. There will be more to come. I've been super busy in the studio stitching and designing new embroidery designs. I've also added a video to help with making the larger bags since they are slightly different than the smaller ones to make. Also, you won't find the "mom" bag in any of the shops yet. It's hiding to make it's appearance as a weekend freebie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yH7L7Snags&ab_channel=IntheHoopBySher

Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

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I Love Color!

While shopping for fabric lately I've noticed an area where I've change in my old age. Although there have been many changes in my tastes, one of my biggest changes is my use of color. I used to be a soft, muted tone kind of girl. Lately, while fabric shopping and designing, I've noticed that I've become a "Big Bold Color" kind of girl. And I like it!

Above is just a small representation of the fabrics that I've purchased recently. I went crazy at JoAnn's 99 cent fat quarter sale a couple months ago as you can see in the photo above. Yesterday I came home with the four fabrics also shown. I was so drawn to them. I bought two yards of each. I think I'm going to make some little zipper bags out of them. I love making quick little projects and I plan on making some things to put away for Christmas, as well as designing some new patterns.

My question to you is.....what kind of things would you make from fun and colorful fabrics?

Palette and floss images in the photo above are from my "Crafting Fun" and "Painting Party" Graphic and Clipart Kits which can be found at my Etsy Shop, Clipart Shop, and Website.

Baby Raccoons

Are these little guys too cute for words or what? A few days ago we got in a turkey vulture that was injured. Whenever we get something in that I've not seen before, I grab my camera and get some pictures. I thought, I'd share the picture of the vulture with you, and I will, at another time. But when I went back there to get it's picture, the baby raccoons were in the cage above. Anyone who has ever rehabbed baby raccoons will tell you, they want your attention and they want it now! So I took their picture too, and that is the picture I'm sharing with you today, even though I have quite a few pictures of baby raccoons.

These guys are too funny. We keep the younger ones in large crates in the back. If you are standing too close, they will try to grab your pant leg. As you walk past them you see all these little arms poking through trying to reach everything and anything. It appears as though they are crowded in a small space, but not to worry, the space is huge, they like to crowd together. God forbid, one should get more attention than another!

The guys in the picture are almost ready to release back to nature. Our mommy jobs will be over.

As for the turkey vulture, I'll show you that one a little later. The post also involves an abandoned water park.

The owl and branch in the scrap page below are from my Owls Rule Clipart/Graphic Set which is available at my Etsy Shop, or by instant download at my Website.

The Datebook Wins!

Everyone who knows me, knows that I love my electronics. I have a laptop, smartphone, and tablet PC. My digital camera lives in my purse and I never leave home without it, even when I take Bubba for a walk. You never know what you're going to see.

However, when it comes to my calendar and my To Do list, I want to see it on paper. I've been using the Lang pocket calendar for as far back as I can remember and that's where I put all my appointments and special events. Wouldn't want to be without it. As for the To Do list, I like to see my list, and I like to cross off my tasks after they are completed.

I gave the electronic calendars and To Do lists a try, but they just didn't work for me.

So how much do you depend on electronics?

Blue frames in photo are from my Frames Templates Set and the teapot is from my Tea Time Set. Both can be found at my Etsy Shop.

Top Sellers & Top Secret

 Since I haven't been blogging so much that must mean I'm locked away in my new craft room creating. That's exactly what I've been doing! As you can see in the photo above, Punkie is supervising the situation just as she always does.

 I'm excited to announce two new patterns. My most recent is this sewing machine cover. It's a cute way hide the sewing machine when not in use. It's available on Etsy, but it's also available on my website and at Craftsy they have instant downloads. No waiting for the files to be emailed.

 Another exciting thing is that my Hanging File Folder Organizer has been on Craftsy's 20 Top Seller List for sewing patterns the past two weeks. The past few days it's been fluctuating between number 9 and number 11. I think people really like the instant downloads there.

Now on to the "Top Secret" part of my post. It was so fun to spend today in my craft room doing personal things. I made a few little surprises for some special people in my life. They all read my blog daily so I can't share right now. I'll post some pics later.

Next "Top Secret" item are two new patterns I've recently completed. I can't show them because the photos and manuscripts have been submitted to magazines. Until (and if) they are published, I must keep them under tight wraps. 

So that's what I've been up to. What about you?

Bubba Won a Giveaway!

Bubba is so excited because he just got two new sweaters for the upcoming Indiana winter! He won a blog giveaway. Doesn't he look super cute in his new duds?

You can find other crocheted items and cute sweaters just like this at Jenya2 Handknit Fashions. Like me, I'm sure you will love her use of color! I wanted to get to know the person behind the fashions so I asked her to send me a little information about herself and this is what I found out:

Last September, 2010, she started knitting little dog sweaters for her local Humane Society and for friends and family for the holidays.  By November she had so many sweaters and such a  humongous stash of yarn that she began formulating a plan to open a shop on Etsy where she had been a buyer for many years.  On Nov 7th Jenya2 was launched.  To her surprise and delight she had a very good holiday season and met many people who she now considers friends.

All her sweaters, including the hand knit necklaces and ladies shrugs, are one of a kind original designs. That is the challenge that keeps her interested and excited to create. 

You can find her Etsy Shop HERE where you will find so many cute things!

For those who don't know Bubba's special story of survival, you can read about it on her blog HERE

Below are a few of her new designs, dog sweater vests, and dog jackets:

Summer Fun Quick Page Freebie

First off...Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

I was in the creative mood and created a quick page. I figured I'd share it with you! All you have to do is import it into your photo program and put your photo behind. I left space on the "sand" so you even have room to add your own text if you wish.

The photo in my page is of our cousin's dog Rusty.

You can download yours HERE.

I used my Thoughts of Summer kit to create this page which can be found at my Etsy Store.

The Day You Were Born

*NEW IN MY SHOP*

OK, I'm uber excited about this! While Brian and I were in Florida a few weeks ago visiting my parents we went to this little tourist spot called Tarpon Springs. It's a Greek community where they are known for their sponge docks. They also have these cute little gift shops and restaurants. While I was in one of the gift shops I came across some little paperback books that were all about the year you were born. I thought, "What a brilliant idea for some greeting cards or photo gifts" I went home and began working on these.

They are available in my Etsy Shop & Artfire Shop. Although, there is a better selection at the Etsy shop at the time of this posting. I have several different styles to choose from.

All I need is a high quality digital photo, along with the person's name and birthday. I put it together and send it off in a high quality (5 x 7) JPEG that simply needs printed on home printer or uploaded to a photo processing center. I know what I'll be putting in birthday cards or Christmas cards this year!

Sorry about not getting an exciting model.

What Timing!

Since my flight to Florida last weekend was so late I had 6 1/2 hours to sit in the airport. I used that time wisely. I got out the laptop and put the finishing touches on my latest kit. It's called Health and Fitness and it is a two part set. And this could not have come at a better time because it was when I returned home from my trip that I had a very RUDE wake up call on my weight issues. Not only did I have to buy new summer clothes but the needle on the scale is going in the wrong direction! At first I thought my scale must be broken. It must be! But it did cross my mind that perhaps my diet isn't working very well. So, I turned that into a positive and got my butt on that elliptical we have in the hobby room. My husband uses it 4 to 5 times a week. Now, so will I! I will report back here with my progress. And yes, there WILL be progress!

So enough time about me. Here are my two newest kits that are available in my Etsy shop here and here. I think I can see some use for these images in my future.

More Howard!

Howard snuck back up front this week while they were cleaning his "man cave" and I got him on a little video. He's so cute! We love it when he visits us but we have a problem with him pooping on the carpet so we try to discourage it.

Scroll all the way down to the bottom of my blog to see his latest video.

PS...If anyone knows how to house train an owl, I'm taking advice!

The images in the graphic are from my "Owls Rule" clipart/graphic sets and can be found in my ETSY Shop.

Sher Hastings Designs

Sher Hastings Designs is now open for business!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SherHastingsDesigns