Crystal Creates

Something Personal for the Pets

2010-06-26T21:45:00.002-04:00

Just listed these cute personalized placemats in my Etsy Shop. The make perfect gifts for any cat or dog owner. I had fun making the denim bone one for Cody. He actually thinks it's his new toy.

Travel Time Pillowcases

2010-06-21T12:06:00.004-04:00

I had so much fun making these travel size pillowcases for a custom order. I think they turned out really cute. I especially like the one for little boys as I don't have much in my Etsy shop for boys. At least now I have this travel pillowcase and hopefully more to come for the little guys.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I didn't forget the girls. This apples and pears fabric was just begging to be made into something cute. Check each of them out in my shop today.

Still Creating, More to Come

2010-05-07T20:23:00.005-04:00

It has been a VERY long time since my last post. Hopefully, I'll get back on track and post more about my creative ventures.

Here is one of the items I have been making for a lot of my customer for Mother's Day.

These embroidered kitchen towels are available on my website. Thanks for looking and stay tuned for move.

Regards,
Crystal

My Friends at the Park

2009-09-18T07:47:00.008-04:00

While we were out at the park this summer, we were able to make some new friends.

Sitting peacefully and enjoying the view was our lovely friend, Duck. She was not very active today but oh so beautiful. I think she (he) was watching us as much as we were watching it.

Squirrel was on the prowl for something. Now what could it be???

Oh, yes!!! A few tasty french fries. They do look de-lish. Yummy!!!

Now, how did you get up there so quickly? And, why can't I do that? Squirrel, you are a show off and quite friendly, too.

Up, up and away! We were on our way out of the park when this passed by. I wanted to see if I could zoom in and at least capture the words on the side. Hey, I can even see people in there. Hello, People!

Summer's Ending

2009-09-09T21:57:00.006-04:00

Wow!!! I can't believe that summer is coming to an end. School is back in session. And, I haven't posted in over two months. Time flies when you have a lot on your plate. Boy did I have a lot on my plate this summer thanks to my wonderful customers.

Although I have been in my studio filling orders, I still had time to work on a few new items for the Etsy Shoppe. The weather here in Georgia has been unseasonably cool. It is a nice, unexpected change. It feels good to drink that hot cup of coffee on a cool morning. And now, that cup needs a buddy.

Check out the new coaster section and take a look at these beautiful quilted coasters. These would make great hostess or housewarming gifts.

I really had fun making them and it allowed me to use some of my lovely fabric stash. All coaster sets should be available by the end of the week. See the red and white cherries set above? I made that one using these fabrics. Wow! I promised to share a creation with you using that fabric over a year ago. See what I mean by time flies?

Until next time...Keep crafting.

Cute and Whimiscal

2009-06-19T18:00:00.003-04:00

Well, I've been in the craft studio playing around with scrap pieces of fabric and ribbon. You know how you always have those bits and bobs that you just don't want to throw away but there isn't enough for a major project? Well, with a little thought and a lots of thread, I was able to come up with these cute little keychains. If got a few of them listed over in my Etsy shop.

Off to find more fabric to play with.

Short and Sweet

2009-05-27T07:59:00.002-04:00

I know I've been out of touch for a while, but April and May have been very busy. Thank you to my loyal customers and readers; you've been keeping me on my toes.

Just wanted to let you all know about a giveaway in my Etsy Shop. Please check out Jess' blog and see how you can win one of the personalized corset pencil cups for your desk. Hurry! You only have until Friday, June 5th to enter the giveaway.

Enjoy.

Crystal

After the Rain

2009-04-04T17:28:00.005-04:00

Wow, we've had so much rain during the last two weeks. I am so glad that we are now able to get outside and enjoy the sun and the blooming flowers.

Flowers growing along a fence in the backyard.

Our cute little garden gnome.

Cody taking a break by the pool area.

A little lizzard hanging out in a bush catching some rays.
Don't you just love Spring?

More Cupcake Pincushions

2009-03-06T17:41:00.003-05:00

I have been crocheting away at making more lovely cupcakes for my Etsy shop. I think these came out cute. I love how they look on the cupcake stand. I know I listed these as pincushions, but they can also be used as play food. Why didn't I have such things to play with as a child. Oh, well, the mud pies were fun, too.

The best thing about these cupcakes, you can have as many as you want...they have no calories.

YUMMY!!!

Curb Appeal for Your Desk

2009-03-03T11:14:00.006-05:00

Ok, so I am still on the "Keep Organized Kick". I had so much fun making this corset pencil cup. I thought it was so cute. I love hour it laces up the back. This one is for my Aunt Shirley in Michigan. But, I did list them in my Etsy shop as well. Take a peek.

Snow Falls in the South

2009-03-02T21:20:00.003-05:00

Snow began to fall Sunday afternoon and continued to fall for nine hours. Cody really didn't know what to think of the snow. This was his second experience in snow. This picture of him is two hours after the snow started falling. Unfortunately, we didn't take pictures of the 7 inches we ended up with. However, it was a beautiful winter scene in Atlanta.

A Walk in the Park

2009-02-03T08:13:00.008-05:00

Sunday, was a beautiful day here in the Atlanta area. We, decided to take a trip to Stone Mountain Park which is about a 20 minute drive for us. The park was full of people and dogs walking the trails and breathing the fresh air. It was like a beautiful spring day with happiness in the air.

Cody certainly had a wonderful time. I can't believe how much he as grown in a year. Look how little he was. They sure do grow up fast. He's still a very sweet pup and everyone wanted to meet him.

This is the other side of the big ole rock. Well, I should say another side of it. I think we ended up walking about 5 miles which was great for my legs.

A view down the lake. The waters were very clear. Hmmmm, where is Cody? See if you can find him. I didn't even realize he was in this picture until I was editing it.

One of many engraved trees we saw along the trails. It is carved with lots of initials and I love yous.

Well, since Cody was tired, we decided to take a rest and then head home. We plan to come back each week to see the different events they have to offer. Most of the park activities were closed for the season but the scenery was just beautiful.

Whimsical Real Estate

2009-01-17T23:41:00.009-05:00

Keeping on track with my ability to stay organized, I've created some new and cute pincushions. This is whimsical real estate for your pins and needles. Or, if you prefer, just a cute little toadstool for your crafting area.

These little houses are all crocheted except for the felt windows and rooftop dots. Oh, and the button doorknob. The grass is even crocheted but I must confess, I think the Realtor may need to hire a different gardener.

If you would like to own one of these cute, whimsical real estate properties, I've listed them in my Etsy Shop.

Time to Keep Organized

2009-01-13T08:04:00.005-05:00

Wow!!!! January is well underway and I haven't updated my blog in two months. Amazing how time flies. I hope every one's year has gotten off to a great start and you are still on track with your resolutions. For me, I didn't make any resolutions; however, I have set goals that I would like to achieve this year.

One of my goals is to stay organized. To help with that, I've create these cute and very functional needle books.

I'm always taking projects in the car with me and one of the things that I always seem to lose in my bag of projects is the tiny plastic tube to keep needles in. Well, with my new needle book, I am sure to keep every thing in its place.

I've updated the Etsy shop with these little cuties. So, feel free to stop by and take a look. I plan to make many updates to the Etsy shop and website this year. That is another goal.

Have Mug, Will Travel

2008-11-11T07:38:00.004-05:00

Well, I've been in the studio working on some much needed gifts for some dear friends and family members who always seem to be on the go. I figured, why not a personalized travel mug to help them get on their way? So, here they are; three beautifully embroidered mugs for three beautiful ladies. You know, these would make wonderful gifts for teachers as well.

I thought these turned out really well. With the variety of fabrics out there and the unlimited supply of embroidery threads, the options are pretty much limitless. Excuse the glare on the cups; the dang flash from ye ole camera wanted to make it shining appearance. Oh well, gotta figure out a good way to get rid of that in the days to come. Looks like I'll be heading outside to garner more natural light and elminitate the flash.

I hope you like these as much as I do. I've alreay updated the Etsy Shoppe with them. Of course, the website will have them too. Soon.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2008-10-28T16:21:00.007-04:00

The weather has really changed in the last few days. brrrrr.... I needed to make more jackets for those cups of coffee and hot chocolate. This one is for the knitter in me.

This one is for some scrapping friends.

And, I made this one because because I love this chocolate diamond fabric with the beautiful blue script font.

Ok, I really like making these so there are several new additions to the ol' Etsy shop. I've even got something for the soccer moms. Now, that I have my cup all dressed up, I think I'll have me a cuppa coffee. mmmmmmmm

Keeping the Ears Warm

2008-10-07T20:22:00.004-04:00

For some reason, this change in the weather has me knitting away. I love the feel of the yarn running through my fingers and my knitting needles click away producing row after row of beautiful stitches.

This knitted earflap hat was so fun to knit and work up the pattern. I just love how all the colors just come together with this stripe yarn. I added this this hat to my Etsy shop today. You can hop over there and see the more pictures. I hope you enjoy view it as much as I enjoyed making it.

Knit Happens!

2008-09-17T11:16:00.006-04:00

The entire month of August flew by in a flash. Now, here we are in September with school in session and the season changing. Like the seasons, people change too. I, for example, have changed my crafting interest. I have not abandoned my love for crocheting, sewing and embroidery; however, I am now obsessed with my knitting.

I guess with any craft that you are passionate about you tend to dive in head first and then it is full steam ahead. No? Well, at least that is how I am.

I have been working on several scarves and this is a favorite of mine. I love the texture, the yarn color and the fringe. I have several scarves to show you but I will save those for a later date. I'll be adding this scarf to my online store and my Etsy Shop this week.

Well, I hear my yarn and knitting needles calling me. I have the need to dig through my stash and find more wonderful fibers to knit up a new item. Until next time....Knit Happens.

My Fruity Friends

2008-07-28T07:06:00.005-04:00

Meet my newest craft room buddies, Apple and Pear. OK, these little guys make me smile every time I see them as they just look so happy. Not a care in the world. My love for fruit and "trying" to eat healthy urged me to create these little guys. Although they are the size of the actual fruit, they are not edible and they will always be around. Oh, how I love their cute little faces.

The soft stuffed plushies can be used as cute whimsical shelf sitters. Or, if you like to sew, these can also be used as pincushions. Don't worry, the pins won't harm these guys.

I've listed these guys in my Etsy Shop. So, when you have time, take a peek and see what's going on. I'll be updating and adding new product throughout the next couple of weeks. I'll also be updating Crystal's Creations & Gifts with new items soon too. Stay tuned, some things are finally coming "off" the cutting table.

Just Ducky

2008-07-01T07:37:00.004-04:00

Wow, can you believe it is July? Where does the time go? Am I really having that much fun? Of course I am. The sun is shining. The weather is oh-so-right. And... I am feeling just ducky. So much so that I had to create this little item.

When I saw this vintage style embroidery design, I just had to stitch it. I think this little guy is too cute. And, at the moment, expresses how I feel most days. I stitched this design on a heavy linen fabric. I thought it added just enough texture and adds to the vintage feel. I have a few other vintage inspired designs too. Maybe, one day down the road I'll get inspired to put these on a cute little quilt. Note to self... Go Fabric Shopping!

Can Someone Please Pass the Tissue?

2008-06-09T10:32:00.004-04:00

I’ve added a couple of new items to the shop since I’ve been away. I know I said I had a few things on the cutting table, but I haven’t found just the right project. So, I wait until the inspiration hits me.
However, I did find time to personalize some toilet paper. These embroidered roll of toilet paper have been a big hit in my shop so I decided to share them with you and also in my Etsy shop. I do need to update my website with the new designs.

Thank you to everyone who has been requesting these. You’ve been keeping me busy with your creative ideas. Keep them coming. I love this fleur-de-lis design. I think it is so elegant. This design was digitized by my good friend Gail at Gail’s Embroidery Spot. If you pop over there you can see many of her creative and fun designs. I’ve tested quite a few for her. Thanks Gail.

Hopefully, I’ll get back in the studio and start sewing soon; however, do not be surprised if you see another crocheted/knitted project pop up in the next few days.

Vacation and a New Addition

2008-06-09T10:17:00.000-04:00

Wow!!! I cannot believe how times flies when you have a lot on your plate. I do apologize for not keep up to date with you guys, but I plan to do better in the coming days…months.

So, what has been going on? Well, V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N and a much needed one. We visited St. Augustine, FL the mid part of May and stayed for a little over a week. We did not do anything to exciting, just a relaxing vacation.

Well, the new addition in my life is my Grand Daughter Maggie. She arrived on 6/7/08 and is so precious. She is a beautiful baby with perfect round cheeks. My step son told me I was too young to be a grandmother. Hmmm, I think he is right; 38 is young, but not too young to run around and spoil the little one.

Welcome to the world Maggie.

Coffee, Anyone?

2008-05-12T09:24:00.006-04:00

I just love the taste of a good cup of coffee. I can't say that I am a coffee addict, but I do love the smell of it brewing and the rich flavor when I take the first sip. I had a nice delicious cup this weekend and it got me to thinking.... I don't have an appropriate coffee cup sleeve for the spring/summer. Well, you know me, off to my creative studio I go.

Digging through my stash of fabrics, I found some very cute and colorful pieces that I felt would do the trick. What do you think? Do these say spring? Summer? Ah, pretty daisy flowers everywhere.

These make me want to visit one of my favorite coffee shops and get the best drink every. Can we say Turtle Mocha??? Now, is it really a drink or is it a dessert???? By the calorie content, I have concluded it is a dessert conveniently disguised as a drink. Yummy!!!

I did make five (5) new coffee cup snugglers over the weekend. You can find them in my Etsy Shop. Hmmm, I'll get them over to my online store as well. Maybe next week.

On the Cutting Table

2008-04-29T09:00:00.005-04:00

I went to my local fabric shop the other day and I was taken by the beautiful array of spring fabrics on display. The silkiness of the the soft cottons. The adorable designs on the novelty fabrics. And, the enticing collection of the floral prints. Wow, if I could have a house big enough to store it all in, I would snap it up in a heart beat.

Well, I was fortunate enough to snag a few cuties for new projects I'm working on. I just love this cherries on the cotton fabric. Oh so cute!!! Don't you just hate cutting into cute and pretty fabrics??? Or, is it just me?

Well, let's see.... What is on my cutting table?

Cherries and red and white polka dot fabric
My rotary cutter - can't live without it
Gingher Dressmaker Sheers - I love these scissors.
A scallop-edged template
Cake pincushion - Yes, I actually do use the things I make.

Hmmm, something is missing. Where the heck is my ruler? Can't start without that. Well, stay tuned to see if i find the ruler. Until then, the fabric is safe for now.

;)

Spool Sitter Pincushions

2008-04-18T17:18:00.008-04:00

Looking outside and the beautiful colors spring produces, I wanted to bring a little bit of the that spring into my craftroom. So, I decided to make more pincushions. Not cakes or pastries this time, but flowers.

These little rays of sunshine are crocheted using mercerized cotton thread. The bright color tees just add and additional punch of spring. They fit perfectly on top of any standard sized spool of thread.

Aren't these guess the perfect gifter for that crafter on your list? I've got these up in my Etsy Shop.

Well, Hello Dolly

2008-04-12T00:36:00.006-04:00

Wow. I had so much fun creating these little girls. I was inspired by these little creations. I just thought these were the cutest things made by Alicia. This is my interpretation of the little dolls. I love to crochet, among other things, and decided to crochet each one a little dress using thread. I forgot how tiny thread was, but I so love the outcome. It was worth the time and effort put into each doll. I have more in the works but I was so excited to share these with you that I just had to upload them.

I currently have them listed in my Etsy shop but will also add to my store as well. So, pop over to the etsy shop and see them individually. I'll get them on my website soon, too. Just not today.

Grandma's Old Fashion Strawberry Preserves

2008-04-05T00:47:00.007-04:00

I so love strawberries from the sweet smell to the soft flesh. This year I plan to grow strawberries in my little garden but I decided to make some using felt as well. I thought these turned out really cute. The best part of all, they are scented and smell just like strawberry preserves.

I thought using a mason jar decorated with a strawberry tag and Grandma's label was just the added touch these little berried needed.

I think these will make great play food item and a sweet smelling gift for a sweet little strawberry loving little girl. These strawberries will be in season all year long. You can find them in my Etsy Shop. Pick yourself some today.

Hello, My Name is Bennie.

2008-03-30T04:19:00.007-04:00

Well meet Bennie. He is the latest addition to my turtle creations. I just think he is so cute. I really enjoy making these little guys and they a very popular with my customers. Thank you. You can't help but smile each time you look at the turtles.

See... he even smiles back. As with all of my turtles, Bennie will make a great pet for anyone. The best part is, he doesn't eat much and takes up very little space. If you would like one, feel free to pop over to my store or my Etsy Shop .

The End!!!

;)

I've Been Tagged

2008-03-21T10:27:00.006-04:00

OMGosh, my blog has been tagged by one of my crafty, blogging friends. Thanks to Debbie of Teddy Bear Gifts, I get to play along. It is a fun game played by some of the most creative people who blog. Basically, if you get tagged, you are to post 5 unknown things about yourself on your blog and then tag 5 more.

What you didn't know about me...

1. I love watching forensic type shows on T.V. I secretly would love to be a homicide detective or have the opportunity to solve cold case files.

2. I taught undergraduate computer course for a college. I really miss this as I loved working with the kids of all ages.

3. In my free time when I am not working on business, I love to bake and cook. I collect cook books of all kind.

4. My husband and I have been married for 4 years and there is a 14 year difference in our ages. In May, I will be a 38 year old grandmother. I don't have any biological children of my own, but have two loving stepson's who I love as though they were mine.

5. Along with my husband, my crafty friends inspire, encourage and support my creativity. They all are a true blessing.

Now....Tag! You're it.

Little Ladybug Designs
Kristen's Personalized Gifts
Mel's Smells Blog
The Ultimate Mall
Lollipostitches

Nothing but Cupcakes

2008-03-19T11:13:00.008-04:00

Colorful glass beads make wonderful sprinkles for a crocheted cupcake. I was asked by a customer to create a cupcake for her upcoming wedding. She wants to use it as the ring pillow. Wow, I had never thought of using my cupcakes in a wedding. I was honored to create the cupcake using her wedding colors. I not only made one, but several for her to choose from. The one above was made using a bright orange yarn. I think it is pretty.

This one is made using a soft peach color yarn. It is one of the ones she picked. All the glass beads on this one are peach as well.

Another one she picked is this dark orange, almost pumpkin orange, cupcake. As I said, I really enjoyed working with this customer. Maybe she will send pictures of her wedding. I don't have these cupcakes on my website for sale, however, you can find them in my Etsy Shop . I so love doing custom work and seeing the end results.

Letting Go

2008-03-11T09:23:00.003-04:00

Wow, time flies when life gets in the way and everything else around you comes to a screeching halt. My 2008 challenge of 52 new items was put on hold for a few weeks. This time was spent saying goodbye to my dear, dear grandmother. It is so hard to let go of someone so dear and near to my heart. However, until we meet again, I will miss you "Mother Bug".

The Challenge of 2008

2008-01-07T11:11:00.000-05:00

Wow, can you believe it. 2008!!!! Where did 2007 go? Does this mean that we are too busy, even for ourselves, to realize how time flies? Or, am I really having fun and time does fly??? It must be that latter. How can you not have fun when you are creating something?

Well, this year, instead of making a New Year's Resolution, I vowed to challenge myself to create a new item each week. Hmmm, can 52 items be too daunting of a task? Heck, no!!! It's fun so I am guessing time will fly.

On to this weeks challenge:

It dawned on me one day while drinking a cup of coffee, that the paper sleeve on the cup was not trendy, snazzy nor did it represent my personality. So, why not create your own. So, I did. My very own cup snuggler.

Of course I could not just stop at one. I had to make one for my Aunt Shirley who loves hot Tea:

Do you think she will like it? I sure hope so. I really think this one is so trendy and Aunt Shirley is a hip and happenin' kinda gal. I can't wait for her to get it.

I had fun making this cute little item. It is not only trendy, attractive and useful; it is also eco-friendly. Use it over and over again. Would you like to have one of your own, pop on over to the shop and design your cup snuggler today.

Puppy Feet

2007-12-11T11:18:00.000-05:00

Amazing how time flies when you get a new puppy. Our little family has grown by four paws. Cody, a long-haired Chihuahua, is just a joy to have around and so much fun to play with. We've had Cody since he was 7 weeks old (he is now 14 weeks).

I never imagined that a happy-go-lucky, little ball of fur could steal my heart. The unconditional love you receive from a puppy is just just gives me the warm fuzzies. The pitter-patter of puppy feet running through the house is enough to make you want to join in on the fun. Go, Cody! Go!

Go Dawgs!!!

2007-10-08T23:17:00.001-04:00

I live in bulldog country and a friend of my husband recently had a baby. What a fitting gift to give to the little guy. I had so much fun stitching out this cute little bulldog created by a wonderful friend of mine, Gail. She did an awesome job. She had shown me an embroidery design of a sweet little tiger she had digitized and I told her she must do a bulldog for me. She said yes but there was a catch. I had to test the design for her. I did with pleasure and the results are here before you. Isn't it the cutest design for a baby's onesie, burp cloth and hat? I think so and the recipients did as well. Thanks Gail for all your hard work. To see more of Gail's designs, check out her website at Gail's Embroidery Spot. I can't wait to see what other designs she comes up with. Hmmm, I hope she let's me test them too. ;)

The Gingerbread Man

2007-09-30T17:12:00.000-04:00

With the holidays just around the corner and decorations already hitting the stores, I was so inspired to crochet this skull cap / beanie. These reds, chocolate browns and soft white yarns give me that cozy feeling that the crisp fall weather and holiday season are just around the corner.

The picture below shows the hat without the gingerbread clips. I think it cute either way but more whimsical with the smiling clips.

The gingerbread faces can be removed and worn in the hair or clothing. I love the googlie eyes on the gingerbread and their sweet smiling faces gives them character. I have listed this skull cap on my etsy shop and other crocheted hats can be found on my site.

As you can see, one is a girl and the other a boy. I so enjoyed making these little clips. They made me laugh and think of Christmas past. I long to be a kid again...sigh. I so love the holidays, not for the commercialism of it all but the togetherness that it brings among family, friends and gingerbread.

Good Enough to Eat

2007-09-16T22:50:00.001-04:00

Yes, more eye candy. I've created yet another delicious pincushion for my pincushion loving friends. Can you say YUMMY? I loved making this pincushion. It is entirely hand stitched and a bit time consuming, but it was oh so therapeutic. Creating this piece of loveliness helped me relax and clear my mind of the day's ordeals. I just love taking fabric, needle and thread then turn them into something unexpected. I loved making this project so much, I just had to make two.

Now I am faced with the dilemma of "Which to I like best?" Hm mm, why choose when I can have both. Best of all, they are calorie and fat free. Want to get one for yourself? Visit my cake pincushion page and indulge.

Quack Quack - Cute and Cuddly

2007-08-19T18:36:00.000-04:00

I love crocheting cute toys. This little ducky was one of many on my list of things to create. I seem to have a very long list but not a lot of time. Take note that this ducky is all crocheted except for the ribbon. No worries of parts coming off like some toys that are currently in the news. The bow is easy to remove, just untie and little ducky is ready to play with smaller kids.

Hmm, I wish the picture was a little bright. Need to work on my photography a little more. Another task to add to my to-do list. I am currently working on more items to add to my blog. I am hoping to have these up for you to view in the next few days. Will it be crochet? Knitting? Embroidery? Hmmm, stay tuned for the next adventure of Crystal Creates.

Yummy Crocheted Tart/Pastries

2007-08-06T00:43:00.000-04:00

Well, one of my loves is baking and another is crocheting. Hmmm, what can one do to combine the two? Well, since it is too hot to bake today, I whipped up a batch of crocheted tarts. I had so much fun making these and they look oh so yummy. I may have to get in there and really bake up a batch. NOT!!!

So, what do I do with these crocheted yummies? Well, they are still on the cake plate and add a splash of color and eye candy. Friends have said these actually make them hungry just looking at them. I have to agree. My husband even likes them. I made up another chocolate one just to use as a pincushion. It brings a little whimsy to my craft room and sewing table.

The best thing about these crocheted tarts, there are no calories and you can have all you want without the guilt. What more can a girl ask for? Well, diamonds would be nice.

These can be found on my website under pincushions . Drop by and check them out. If you would like to make your own, the pattern can be found in my esty shop.

Well, I am off to the kitchen, errr, craft-room, to whip up another batch of crocheted goodies. Stay tuned to Crystal Creates.

Hello World!!!

2007-07-30T11:44:00.000-04:00

Well Hello. Thank you for stopping by and checking out my blog. Since this is my first post, I'll make it brief. I am a creative person; so my blog will be about my adventures (good and bad) in the creative world of Crystal's Creations & Gifts. Tag along with me. It could get exciting.