Nothing for Granted

It’s Halloween and we’ve already had a small “trick” played on us: we lost power about two o’clock this morning. Electricity didn’t return until almost five. Although I slept during most of the outage, it was odd not being able to check the time, or even see where I was going once I did get out of bed! It’s dark out here in the country! Low level lighting throughout the house and outside normally lights my path, but not today!

As I slowly woke ~ knowing there was no power ~ I thought, what could I do to continue with projects I’ve started and really need to get finished? I briefly put myself back in the day when there wasn’t electricity, but stopped my wandering mind knowing the women of yesteryear were already set up with lanterns, pedal sewing machines, etc.

Ah! A part of me would love to go back in time, to capture that experience (without knowing what I would be missing)!

Losing electricity, if for a little while, reminds me not to take anything for granted. And, I don’t have time to daydream. Thankfully ~ as I’m always grateful for the technology age I live in now ~ power is back on and I can get things done!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Creating Special Custom Orders

Really, it’s a simple process. At least, for Lanetta’s Creations it’s simple. I’m sure other handcrafters would agree. Making the just right apron, or a handbag/tote, or a doll dress ~ whatever the case may be ~ for the customer is my main goal/purpose/reason I create items here in Texas. When someone’s looking for an apron… they may like a design/style that I’ve already handmade and listed in my ArtFire Shop or shared on my Facebook page, but would prefer a different color scheme. That’s not a problem, simply ask!

I love email! Communicating via email helps to make the process simple, and fast! I’ll explain what usually happens when someone requests a special custom order––

I receive an email asking: “Do you do custom orders?”

I respond, “YES!” and ask, “What do you have in mind?”

It’s then the getting-down-to-details conversation begins, either via email, sometimes by telephone!

For example, recently a customer said she was getting her Christmas shopping done early and wanted an apron designed like my "Signature Collection" and three aprons designed like the one I entered (and won First Place!) at the 2011 State Fair of Texas Creative Arts Competition. (She had seen the picture I posted on my Facebook page.) She didn’t want the elaborate detail I did for the fair’s apron. She simply wanted the halter style for the top with a gathered skirt and any embellishments were up to me. She also told me she wanted them in traditional Christmas colors/prints.

I looked through my inventory of fabrics and combined pieces I thought would work well together, took snapshots, and emailed the pictures to her. I also explained she wasn’t limited to what I had on hand, that I would be willing to find other selections whenever I could get to Joann’s. She wrote back immediately, loving what I had shared, listing the ones she would want and for which person a particular color combination would work nicely.

A few pictures with suggested fabrics I emailed for her consideration:

After she selected who would get what fabrics, the next bit of information I needed: height and dress size for each lucky person she’s giving a Handmade in Texas apron for Christmas! Heights ranged from 5'3" to 5'6" in a variety of dress sizes.

Wondering how I would trim/embellish the aprons, I asked, “Do any of them like fu-fu things?” With this last answer of "NO, not at all!" in mind, I began the actual cutting out and sewing process!

After completing each apron, I would take a picture and send to my client for her approval. She would respond with, “Perfect!” Once she wrote, “These aprons ACTUALLY look like **** & ****!!”

Since I don't know the eventual recipient, it’s wonderful when a plan comes together!

Based on a bit of communication and pictures via email,

the result of three "Fair Designs" and one from my "Signature Collection"

all are Special Custom Orders:

I've done this same process with others... sometimes a client knows EXACTLY what they want it to look like... this one was an easy concept for my mind to wrap around:

See, it’s simple ~ and easy ~ to have a custom special order for someone special in your life! Try it! Make this Christmas, or birthday, or a just because, gift extra special with a custom made, item that’s Handmade in Texas by Lanetta’s Creations!

Hope to hear from you!

Ramblings of a Designer

I need to design an apron to wear during art/craft vendor shows that displays my new logo.

A “special” apron was created for the show that got rained out a few weeks ago. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not thrilled over the way it fit me. I didn’t feel “good” wearing it. The plan simply didn’t come together like I’d envisioned with the much too heavy fabric I used. I ran out of time to create another one but I have time now before the next show.

The original apron will be perfect as a waist apron, one to wear while gathering okra or beans or whatever harvest from the garden! The bib part will be refashioned into a bag/tote I’ll use for carrying supplies! I’ll post pictures later!

I have a couple of ideas I’m tossing around for the new logo apron, and have found better, lighter weight fabric in the perfect color. Neither design idea, however, do I have a pattern to use!

I'm leaning toward reproducing the apron worn by Shirley Temple in a classic movie, I think it was Bright Eyes.

Or, one I saw worn by the nanny in the 2003 movie, Alex & Emma:

Okay, I’ve decided… I’m off to create a pattern… Wish me luck!

I'll post the result when it's done!



Back Up and Catch Up

On Friday, September 30th, I did a first! As it worked out, if I was going to attend the State Fair of Texas this year, I had to go it alone. No problem. Rather than driving a vehicle, I rode the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Rail (transferring once) out to the fairgrounds and back. Fabulous! Only way to go in my opinion! While at the fair, I saw my ~ first time ever to enter ~ award winning entries! It was beyond thrilling. I stopped a lady and asked if she’d take a picture of me with my apron… she was almost as excited as I was!

Saturday evening was my 40th High School Class reunion… another event I had to go it alone. It turned out beautifully and I had a great time catching up with my fellow classmates.

Sunday, after a post-class reunion brunch event, I headed back to the country, to my family, and studio. It was great to be home.

The week flew by, preparing for the 17th Annual Herb & Art Fest on Saturday 10/8 in Lampasas, Texas. Well, that didn’t pan out like I’d hoped! Something unusual happened: it RAINED! I quickly (within the first hour!) realized that Aprons, Doll Clothes, Bags, and Books don’t mix well with rain and wind! But, we haven’t received any measureable amount of rain since May and parts of Texas had had horrible wildfires that destroyed almost 2,000 homes during the summer. So the blessed rain (almost 5” worth!) was much more important than any arts/craft show!

After everything thoroughly dried out, I packed away items for the next (indoor) arts/craft show coming up in November! I then created a coupon for my online ArtFire Studio… 15% off total purchase until the end of October! Coupon code is: RAIN (of course)!

Yesterday, I began working on a book I started back on 11/1/2009. I hadn’t touched it, not one word, in over a year. A romance, The Next Time Around, is about a woman whose husband has been missing for years – how she’s coped, what she’s done to help others with missing loved ones. Her sister convinces her to finally have him declared dead and move on with her life, persuading her the next time around will be forever.

This is the working cover (subject to change):

I hope to finish the book by the end of this year and get the story out to my beta readers before turning it in to my editor! It’s doable, if I stay focused! Some have said my writing style is an “easy read” and I like that description. Many have shared they couldn’t the book down once they started reading it! I always love hearing that from readers, too! Anyway... signed copies of my current books, Where Forever Begins (Historical Romance) and Finding Closure (Contemporary Fiction), are available here.

Click on the book covers to read a snippet!

I’m still sewing, too! I have several custom apron orders to create for Christmas! I’m always ready to accept more orders! Just send me an email!

Time certainly flies by quickly when you’re having fun!

The Reunion

A wonderful brisk cool morning begins the day I thought would never arrive! Tonight is my High School’s 40th class reunion celebration. Goodness, does that indicate my age, or what?!? I don’t feel like it’s been 40 years, but I know – several lifetimes later ­– it’s the reality. The saying applies: Time Flies When You’re Having Fun!

I’m so excited to see everyone again, many not since we walked across that intimidating (for me anyway) stage at SMU and received the scroll in our inexperienced, naive hands! Numerous others have been greatly involved in pulling this event together and we’ve visited over the past year, gotten to know each other again, and many for the first time ever! Even with the small role I played, it’s been a wonderful experience working on the reunion.

Whenever it's your turn for a High School reunion, I would encourage you to participate in the planning, whatever you can do from wherever you are! Thank goodness for the Internet, it helps tremendously in finding classmates! And, it doesn't matter that you might not know anyone or "didn't run around" with the folks starting to gather plans together, High School is OVER. Not one single person on my reunion committee did I "run around with" during high school! I am So blessed to have finally had the opportunity to get to know these lovely people!

After tomorrow morning’s post-reunion brunch, I’ll head back home, to the country – to my studio – and hit the ground running. Next Saturday (October 8) is the first of several upcoming art/craft shows I plan to participate in to sell my wares! Thank goodness I’ve already started different pre-planning lists to keep me focused!

But for today and tomorrow morning ….. the focus is on the reunion!

I hope everyone enjoys today, wherever you are, whatever you're doing!

Summer of 2011

Someday I’ll look back and the summer of 2011 will be a blur. Although not seemingly at the time, it’s amazing how quickly it blew by, leaving me breathless most of the hours that collected into days. The various upheavals appear to be settling now. I hope and pray everyone continues to get better. Through all the trials and tribulations, I have an unending gratefulness for all the blessings God has given me.

Today marks the end of 2011’s National Sewing Month.

During the month of September, I created a smidgen of items compared to last year and I didn’t write as often, but I’ve enjoyed reading other’s articles, learning new sewing techniques, and – thanks to my sister – vicariously experiencing the First Annual Texas Statewide Quilt Shop Hop!  Mid summer we had talked about visiting some of the shops together during the Quilt Across Texas event, but it didn’t work out for me. She gave me the next best thing!

If you haven’t heard about this First Annual event, let me share a little bit… The state was divided into 8 regions and included over 90 shops. Depending on how many shops you visited (and received the appropriate stamp) within all regions, or some of the regions, you had different opportunities to win some great prizes! Not to mention, of course, to purchase beautiful fabrics and supplies! Which my sister did, often!!!

I loved hearing her almost daily report of which shops were FABULOUS, and would make the trip back, or probably not see again (until next year). Sometimes she’d call and I was able to give her better directions (thank you Google maps!) than what the shop owner provided, or the GPS showed. I loved helping her and her friends get to where they needed to go!

Next year I hope to participate! Note to self: Start saving $$$ now!

The way I plan to spend this last day of National Sewing Month: Attend OPENING DAY of our State Fair of Texas! I can hardly wait to see my 1st and two 2nd place ribbons! What will you do?

New Word for the Dictionary

Here is a word that should be in the dictionary: sewist! According to dictionary.com the word SEWIST does not exist. It shows: “No results”. Maybe it’s time to update the dictionary! It’s perfect to refer to myself – and anyone else who sews – as a sewist! Why did I even bring this up? What started this questioning? How did I come up with the word? I didn’t! It’s from a fabulous packed-full-of-information email newsletter I receive through the All Free Sewing website. Their newsletter begins: “Hello Sewists”. Love it!

Don’t hesitate to register on the All Free Sewing website. Their by-line reads: “Free Patterns To Keep You In Stitches”! And, it’s so true! It contains so much information, a huge selection of free patterns, basic sewing techniques (refreshers we can use from time to time) and tutorials. I highly recommend (and I don't receive any money from them!). Check the site out when you have time, a question, or you’re searching for a quick gift project you need!

I’m a sewist! Are you?

This is the last Sunday in the 2011 National Sewing Month celebration! What will you sew, you Sewist, you?!?

Pre-Planning Lists

What do you do to ready yourself, and your products, for an art and craft show? I’ve done several outdoor shows, but I’m no expert and it’s exactly why I’m asking you! In the meantime, I’m searching the Internet for virtual feedback already provided – I just have to find it!

Life experiences have taught me to do several things to help myself organize. I’ll share with you, please share with me…

A couple of weeks out, I start making a list of (non-sale) items I want to have available in my booth, not just for me personally, but some items for visitors, too. At the top of this list are a trash bag (hopefully to remain bee-free, unlike what you’ll find around the town square!), box of tissues (little boys love tissues!), hand sanitizer, and an extra, quickly available chair.

I remember vividly my last show…

It was in the spring. My sister came from Dallas to help/share the booth. It got extremely warm that afternoon – not an unexpected occurrence in Texas. I now realize it was a precursor to our miserably hot summer! Anyway, I’ve always arranged my tables/items where a few folks at a time can “enter” and get underneath the shade of the canopy. I’m so glad I had shade to offer a particular seasoned citizen that walked in, leaning precariously on her cane. Her pasty skin and dazed expression greatly concerned us that she was on the verge of blacking out. My sister immediately offered her a chair. I ran and got water from another vendor. (My mother would have told this lady she should be wearing a hat!) After a while, she recovered nicely and left the booth with a wide smile and a pink complexion! I’m so glad we were there for her.

Another list I create is simply a category of items/products I plan to offer. This is just a general list of things I’ll have within the booth such as aprons, card holders, tissue holders, books, doll clothes, bags, bookmarks, prayer beads, and anything else I may have by then. (I have several new products to add, if I have the time to get them done!) Having this category list helps me in coming up with the various displays I will need.

A running to-do list also begins a couple of weeks out. Putting a price tag on each apron, etc. is on the top of this list. I’m really bad about not attaching tags as I go. If I did, it would make the last weeks before a little easier! But, I just want to create!

Making name/price “signs” for categories is second on the to-do. Like the tissue holders (for those small plastic wrapped individual size tissue packages that get torn to shreds down inside a purse or a backpack or a diaper bag)... I don’t put a price tag on each one. Instead, the display holder itself will have some sort of sign with the price.

Next I create an inventory list. This list shows each item and its price, and any notes of a free item that may go with the purchase. It’s a good thing to have this inventory list within a notebook in case a price tag gets lost or if on a bathroom break a helper needs price verification!

And, finally, a priority list of things I would love to get done for the show! If I don’t, that’s okay. I've got to draw the line somewhere, and simply wait until the next show!

Speaking of which, I have several shows coming up! Check out the Events page and try to come by! I love meeting new people, and always enjoy the warm familiar friends who stop by my booth to say hello!

Anyway... the main reason for all my lists … so I can better focus. Especially when life gets in the way, I can go back and check my lists and not fret over the little things because I wrote them down in between the clouds.

Now, to figure out how to make the booth attractive & showy with all my pretty ;) handmade items!

Don’t forget … please share how you prep, organize, and ready for your arts/craft shows!

P.S. For addition information, check out Tips For a Successful Art Show written by Pepi's Musings!!!

Recent Discoveries

Clever ideas are all over the Internet! I know it takes a while to read through the different blogs and sites, but it’s so worth the time! For me, I spend my early morning quiet time in this exploration, in pursuit of new discoveries. I love always learning, dreaming to do it all. Although I need to be sewing or crafting, creating and applying techniques I’ve already discovered, it takes a while for my eyes and hands to fully wake. During this body waking process, my mind is racing at full speed! Okay, so I “feed” my mind!

When writing an article such as this, listing my discoveries, it serves a two-fold purpose. First, and foremost, I’m sharing the inspiration with others of what I’ve found interesting and what I believe is worth trying. And, secondly, it’s the perfect place to house my “favorites” so I know where the links are when I want to come back & review how to do something!

1. I’ve never heard of “Felted Soap” before today’s discovery! Jenny, at The Southern Institute, has a great tutorial full of nice pictures! As I’m always looking for projects to do (besides spinning) with my stash of roving, I will be trying this!

2. I’ve been searching for a machine that will cut fabric shapes, especially circles. I stumbled upon the Sizzix Big Shot Machine and it might just be the perfect, versatile machine I need! It also cuts cardstock! Oh, my goodness! My mind is racing with possibilities! Wonder if anyone reading this has ever used this machine?

3. See Kate Sew has a fabulous tutorial on Make Better Ruffles. http://seekatesew.blogspot.com/2011/04/make-better-ruffles.html I never heard of sewing 3 rows of basting, or cutting out the ruffle on the bias! It does make a difference! She also shares a ruffle ratio guide!

With losing Internet for several hours this morning, then an unexpected medical emergency (that’s a misnomer - are medical “emergencies” ever expected?), I didn’t reach my full ten new discoveries for the day. While waiting for hubby & our 2+ yr old Dobie, to return with news with what's wrong now, I focused on finishing some projects, started others, and had a photo shoot! Things are settling down around here now (dare I say) and at least I can get the three discoveries posted! The plan tomorrow morning - list the new items in my ArtFire shop!

I hope "life" distractions don't prevent you from creating something!

State Fair of Texas

It had been many years since I’d visited the State Fair of Texas, just to visit and not work on a special event (a past life) then run quickly to the special places I hold close to my heart. Last year, my husband & I decided to go, just because. I’m so glad we did on several levels! We rode the DART rail, transferred once, then got off right at an entry into the fairgrounds. It was fabulous and the ONLY way we’ll go to the fair ever again!

While at the fair, my favorite place to visit is the Creative Arts building. It’s there one can view all the fabulous handmade creations people submitted for competition. You only see the best of the best – First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention – ribbon winners.

Several decades ago, the items were housed in what was called the Woman Building. During that era, my mother competed and won several ribbons over the years. Back then, entrants modeled their designs during the judging segment, and winners also modeled their wares during the fair! One design she created stands out vividly in my memory bank. During the fair, I remember sitting with my daddy as we watched her model a mauve colored satin “petal” dress. At the last questioning, I learned she still has the "after five" dress safely tucked away in their cedar chest.

Between the wonderful memories my mother gave me and seeing all the lovely items on display last year, I became inspired to enter the competition for this year’s fair.

I learned 2011 would mark the fair’s 125^th birthday! I knew their “theme” would focus on the celebration in some form or fashion. For this reason, the red, white, & blue apron I created and entered had 124 x’s cross-stitched and 1 large 5-pointed star on the bodice and waistband to represent the past and present years that people have enjoyed the State Fair of Texas!

I also wanted to create a bag using a pair of repurposed Dickies jeans. Big Tex wears Dickies! I couldn’t believe the specific bandana fabric I’d pictured in my mind would be difficult to find, but I finally did at Hobby Lobby! Of course, I had to add some rhinestones and Texas Star shaped brads I found at Michaels!

The doll dress – I really didn’t make a “Texas” or “Fair” specific theme – is a print with the saying “winter quilts and warm friends” scrolled around different common quilt blocks. Because people usually attend the fair with friends and so many beautiful quilts are on display, I guess the primary fabric used is “fairish” after all!!!

Well, on Tuesday, I FINALLY received notification in the mail as to the decision! And, I won! All three entries placed! Their website now has the results posted. I'm on page 7 & 8 !!!

The apron won 1^st place!

The bag won 2^nd place!

The doll dress won 2^nd place!

When I shared the fabulous news on my Facebook page, a friend asked me, “What did you win besides bragging rights forever?”

My response: “RIBBONS!!! The honor of being displayed during the Fair! And, the quality of my work was recognized by the judges!!!”

Thanks again to Mother for the inspiration to try and follow in her footsteps.

Thanks again to Sister, who encouraged me to continue when “life” got in the way.

Thanks again to Daddy, who instilled in me the excitement and appreciation for the fair.

Thanks again to Bud, for the never-failing support for me to do the things I love to do!

The State Fair of Texas is from September 30, 2011 through October 23, 2011!

I hope everyone will attend this year!

I'll leave you with a great quote to remember, that applies to anything and everything...

"Goals. There's no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There's no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There's no telling what will happen when you act upon them." - Jim Rohn