The Painted Daisy

Sharing the Sweater Love to Support Breast Cancer Research & Recovery

2011-06-11T08:58:00.005-05:00

Recently a friend asked me if I would be interested in creating a sweater wrap to donate to a fundraiser silent auction. The event is By Women, For Women (http://www.bwfwgolf.com/) a local, annual women's golf event that raises money to assist in the battle against breast cancer. Of course I was thrilled to be asked and said YES!

The only request was it be a pink-themed sweater...so this past week I came up with the following creation:

I hope it gets lots of bids and the "winner" wears it proudly!

Patchwork is the Word

2011-06-06T10:12:00.006-05:00

I am currently obsessed with patchwork! I think it is carrying over from all the reconstructed sweaters, scarves and arm warmers I've spent the past 10 months creating!

Here's a new patchwork Frances Skirt (so dubbed "Patchwork Fran") that I just debuted in my Etsy shop last week:

And an ugly pic of me wearing a red...

These were born out of my inability to throw out scraps. I had 4 60 gallon garbage bags FULL of scraps. So I sorted them, trimmed and starting sewing together yardage in color families. Dark red, bright red and cinnamon brown are done. Next up, peach/orange, blues and dark brown, to be followed by greens, golds, pink, fuschia and blacks.

I also have a dozen pieces of patched together scraps of cotton fabric. My mom is a very talented quilter and I give her my bags of sorted cotton scraps and she pieces them together into pleasing yardage for totes and bags. Those will be coming soon, as well as some simpler twill totes with tattered ruffles!

So much for keeping up with the blog....starting over!

2011-05-25T12:52:00.013-05:00

So the first 5 months of 2011 have gone by in a blur. A blur of sweaters, sweater dust and upcycled sweater creations! Here's a very, very small sampling of what I've been up to:

A few weeks ago I finally pulled the plug on the sweater machine, in order to work on a few lighter weight, spring/summer creations. Since then I've been making skirts, vacuuming sweater dust and scheming new ideas and possibilities.

I've also been restocking all the neglected shops that have so graciously carried my handmade clothing for the past 18 months. So far, I've stocked/restocked Glitter Workshop, Wholly Craft and a new shop, D.I.Y. Studio & Gifts. Coming shortly will be stock for Anthology, and two additional new shops, Weathered Goods and Modern Mercantile. I added links (if available) to these cool shopping destinations in the sidebar to the right.

Other shop updates include the sad news that Jack 'N Jill in Helena, Montana is closing at the end of May because the owner's spouse has taken a job out of state, and recently Dainty Daisies in Oshkosh, Wisconsin has downsized to a smaller studio and is only taking consignment on a very limited basis. You will be able to find The Painted Daisy products there the month of October - I will be the guest gallery artist for that month!

Let's see...other news....2011 SHOW SCHEDULE!

July 9 - Contructor Fair, NW Chicago Suburbs (Fitzgeralds, Berwyn, IL 10-6)
http://www.constructorcraftfair.com/

July 24th - Summer Craftacular, Madison, WI (East Side Club 10-5)
www.glitterworkshop.com/craftacular

T.B.A. September - Annual Trunk Show, Lexington KY

October 1st - Gallery Walk, Dainty Daisies, Oshkosh, WI (6-9pm)
http://www.daintydaisies.com/

and hopefully...

November 19th - Handmade for the Holidays, Oshkosh, WI
www.daintydaisies.com/handmadefortheholidays.html

December 3rd - Holiday Craftacular, Madison, WI

Keep an eye on my blog for updates about my upcoming shows, new products, tidbits and non-sensical trivia about my sewing, family and life in-general!

Latest Special Projects - Week 4 2011 (a little late)

2011-01-31T08:43:00.012-06:00

So I'm still not caught up on posts yet, but I'm still only one week behind...so that's good, right?

Anyway...I've been very busy with special projects, in between getting ready for a great little Valentine Trunk Show (www.glitterworkshop.com/craftacular) on February 6. For all you Madison-area fans you can hit the show early (starts at 10:00am) and still have plenty of time to get your party on for the Packers later that day!

A lovely Holiday Craftacular customer placed a special order for a long, twirly, Katwise-esque sweater coat. She was gracious enough to wait until after the new year. We recently met a few times to measure, exchange ideas and she even provided a lot of the materials! Here are some pictures of the fabulous, decadent, wonderfully rich and unique results! (As always, I apologize in advance for my poor photography skills!)

I'm wrapping up a few more special projects this week, so more coming soon!

Favorite Wall Art - Week 3 2011

2011-01-23T11:59:00.014-06:00

So, I thought it might be fun to share a few of my favorite pieces of wall art. I picked a few this time and will do a follow up another time.

I am very eclectic when it comes to wall art - and I find worth in the piece based on how it speaks to me or makes me feel...or by what thoughts it evokes. A few of the photos are dim or a little grainy - some areas of my home are hard to photograph, but I did my best.

This first piece hangs in my second floor hallway. It is a photograph I took of my daughter Sofia in a field of daisies behind our cabin. She was 3 years old at the time. Two years ago for Valentine's Day my husband took it to Woodland Studios in Stoughton (http://www.woodland-studios.com/) and had the talented owners (Gary & Cindy) enlarge and digitally "paint" the photo.

The next three pieces hang in my sewing studio. The laser cut seamstress picture was a gift from my mom. The metal cut "Believe" sign is a reminder for me to believe in what I do in that room. A talented Poynette artist (http://www.ingesaccents.etsy.com/) is the creator. The last is a framed piece of ephemera - an advertisement for a sewing kit that I think is just adorable.

The next two pieces are found in my dining room....which sometimes doubles as the second sewing studio when I have big projects or need room to lay out scarf designs. The bird picture is actually one of a pair of vintage Mexican feather art that I purchased. All the details of the birds are actually made from little pieces of feathers. The flowering "branch" they sit on is painted on the canvas.

The second print is an old litho I found in a collection my mom had from her teaching days in the late 1960's-early 70's. I loved this one because it reminded me of a family tree.

This oil painting is one of those "paint by numbers" you can find on numerous beaches around the caribbean islands. I purchased this one from a street vendor on the outskirts of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. I loved the simple lines of the man in the cane.

These two gorgeous original oil paintings are by the talented Chicago-area artist Catherine Tilly (http://www.catherinetilly.com/). I love her work, especially some of the 3-D sculpteral art she creates and will share my favorite pieces another time. Catherine's brother is my neighbor and I have had the pleasure of participating in several small art shows that she has hosted. I saw these "ladies" at a show several years ago and knew I had to have them! They were a perfect pair for my downstairs bathroom - which is done in layers of aqua and white.

The painted plate of Bormio was the inspiration for that color palette. Dave and I purchased that plate at a souvenir shop in Bormio, Italy while visiting his Italian relatives in 2005.

I am very fond of pen and ink and charcoal or pencil art. This particular pencil drawing is a scene from my favorite place in New Orleans - Cafe du Monde. This pencil drawing, along with another New Orleans scene grace a wall in my living room.

This last piece is an abstract self-portrait my son painted when he was 8. I love this painting - it is one of my most treasured pieces of wall art. It hangs in the kids family room, along with my Dominican oil painting. Ian captured himself perfectly in this painting. His energy, his emotion and his passion...his hot moods and cold moods. I just love that I can see so many things when I look at it!

I'll pick up this thread again sometime in the future. I hope everyone's wall art is as special to them as mine is to me!

Special Project Fun! Week 2 2011

2011-01-17T15:23:00.012-06:00

Well, week 2 of 2011 ended on Saturday...and its now Monday, so I'm 2 days behind already! I think I'll have to get working on the post for this week (3) right away so this year doesn't get away from me!

Week 2 was spent working on several projects. I narrowed down my ideas for spring and summer skirts, created patterns and began sewing prototypes. I thought I would have them done by now and ready to photograph and solicit feedback. But....it wasn't meant to be. I got sidelined by several special requests for custom sweaters. Here are some glimpses of a few that I turned out last week.

The first is a super colorful compilation of aqua/teal, red, orange and some crazy color argyle with black. This was created for a new artists friend, Kim Geiser. I highly recommend you check out her blog at http://www.persimmonsgal54220.blogspot.com/ as well as her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/persimmonsgal . She wanted a bright, colorful, long, wrap cardigan...it goes out in the mail tomorrow. I hope she loves it!

The next two lovelies were created for a high school friend I recently got reaquainted with, via the products I sell at a great shop in Madison, WI http://anthology.typepad.com/. Alyssa wanted to "remake" a few of the sweaters she already owned, and these are the results! The Cowl Tunic on the left was a much plainer turtleneck sweater in its former life... I added the flow-y brown and multicolor bands at the neck for the cowl and spliced in some color at the midsection. The other is a great "katwise-esque" sweater coat made from two sweater dusters my friend already owned + some scraps of multi-color sweater knit I had leftover from another project. I left the neckline and sleeve cuffs alone because the fraggle trim was already super cool.

The last project was a custom creation for a repeat customer who is also a patron of an eclectic clothing/vintage/handmade shop in Appleton, WI http://www.daintydaisies.blogspot.com/. Kelly wanted a super colorful, bright, crazy color combo, long tie front cardigan. After emailing a palette of sweaters/scraps we came up with this rambunctious combination of bright orange bodice with splashes of yellow, kelly green, red, lavender, fuschia, black and that awesome argyle made its first appearance in this sweater. Kelly received her sweater last week and I'm hoping to receive some fan pics soon!

I'm working on several more special orders over the next few weeks and will keep posting the results. I love to collaborate with customers to create something unique and "just right" for them.

Happy snow storm to everyone in the upper midwest today. Kids were off school anyway for MLK Day and I'm going to head out and snowblow...then back to the sewing machine.

Looking Forward - Week 1 2011

2011-01-09T21:46:00.003-06:00

I missed my deadline for my weekly blog post by ONE day! Hopefully this is not a sign of my inability to stick to my new year resolutions!

The past week I spent time on post-holiday activities. De-decorating, cleaning, organizing, planning and began looking forward into 2011. It seems so strange that I must begin thinking about my spring and summer creations when it is 9 degrees outside. In trying to avoid the mass production world I still succumb to its cycles....

Soon I will be wrapping up my winter sewing activities. Sweaters, wraps, hoodies, arm warmers and scarves will be on their way out, making way for more lighter weight skirts, dresses, t-shirts and accessories made from lighter and brighter textiles. I'm looking forward to refreshing styles from last year, and debuting several new creations this spring!

I am also looking forward to a trunk show on February 6th, hosted by and held at The Glitter Workshop on Mineral Point Road in Madison, WI.

What are you looking forward to during these long, cold winter months?

Best Christmas Gift!

2010-12-28T15:04:00.003-06:00

First, let me start by saying I have been horrible at keeping up with blog posts. That is all going to change in 2011! My New Years resolution is to post something interesting about my sewing business, the upholstery shop, my life or anything EVERY week in 2011! I will even label the posts 1 - 52 for each week.

With that said, let me end 2010 with a post about the awesome Christmas gift I got from my husband. In 1997 my great grandmother passed away and I had the privilege to assist in cleaning out her home. I came home with MANY fabric treasures, and a few other, non-textile related treasures. One of those being her cuckoo clock, which unfortunately had experienced an accident and was in a couple pieces and not working. My grandfather had purchased this for her in 1952.

I have been hauling that broken cuckoo clock around for 13 years! It has lived in his box in Madison, Dayton, Ohio and 2 houses in Stoughton. Dave dug it out and took it in to a clock restorer to be refurbished! Unfortunately it was not done in time for me to have the working clock on Christmas morning, but I got a few of repaired pieces in my present, with the rest to be done in the near future.

Now, the big question....where will I hang this heirloom...and will I torture my family with the hourly "cuckoo" noise that I love? Hmmmm, I'll report on that after it is hung and working :)

Best wishes in 2011 to all my followers. I appreciate each and every one of you!

Happy New Year!

Jenny

My Other Sewing Job

2010-10-06T19:58:00.014-05:00

So I thought it would be interesting to post a little info about my p-t sewing job at a local upholstery shop - Depot Hill Furnishings. I've been employed there for more than 3 years! We are a small shop, but WOW do we (and by "we" I mostly mean the owner, Jason) do great work!

So here goes!

Here's my posse: (L to R in the photo below)

Brian - the guy who can fix a lot of stuff, haul a lot of stuff and help with just about anything, except the sewing machine

Me - Seamstress...occasionally help with ripping stuff apart, hauling stuff, cleaning up, or repairs when Brian isn't around

Jason - Owner, and master upholsterer, furniture frame builder and furniture repair guy! He can also sew pretty well...for a guy...LOL

Here's where I work! The sewing machine and cutting table are my space:

Check out a recent project: A customer was interested in having a sofa built, similar to one she saw in the Anthropologie catalog:

There were a few details she wanted changed, but similar color and styling.

Here's the work in progress...Note that Jason built the frame of this sofa from scratch, all hardwood maple and poplar. NO fiberboard, cardboard or flimsy, lightweight plywood.

This was a very challenging piece due to the fancy tufted style...Jason makes it look easy!

AND....the final result (sorry for grainy pics...)

Summer Recap & Other Interesting Stuff

2010-10-06T19:11:00.002-05:00

So...I can't believe I haven't posted on my blog since June! The past month I've been thinking about it, procrastinating, thinking more, putting it off, but now it's time.

Summer Recap

It was a CRAZY summer in my world! Lots of traveling, Kentucky, Tennessee, northern Wisconsin, Indiana, etc. Kids were involved in sports and other activities...but mostly *around* all the time which is great...but definitely cuts into my productive time. They make it very difficult for me to focus when it is 90 degrees outside and the pool or beach is calling their names! The flower beds were beautiful due to early heat and lots of rain and and my vegetable garden produced lots and lots of tomatoes, squash, lettuces, spinach, carrots and kohlrabi (Sofia's fav).

The Painted Daisy

Well, the above paragraph says a lot. I tried to keep up with shop inventory and my Etsy site...it was tough. Working on better planning for next summer! I am definitely scaling back on show participation as time moves forward. Being a one woman sweat shop only allows for so much production! The Summer Craftacular sponsored by Glitterworkshop was my only big summer show..and totally worth it! Great time, great shoppers and excellent venue. The Holiday Craftacular will also be held at the East Side Club, so watch for future posts with details.

Jenny, the Upholstery Seamstress

I realized recently that I rarely, if ever, talk about my other sewing *self*. I have been working at an upholstery shop (Depot Hill Furnishings) for more than 3 years! I sew lots and lots of pillows and cushions, as well as help with the cut and sewn parts of furniture re-uphostery or custom made pieces. My next post will focus on a great project we just completed at the shop, plus lots of fun pictures of me, my workspace and my posse!

Moving into Fall

I just returned from a great show in Kentucky the third weekend in September. My wonderful sister Janelle opened up her home once again to all her friends (and strangers that were garage sale-ing in the neighborhood) so I could have a very successful trunk show.

I will be participating in several shows this fall/holiday season:

Holiday Craftacular - December 11
www.glitterworkshop.com/craftacular

Handmade for the Holidays - November 20
www.daintydaisies.com/handmadefortheholidays

Holiday Open House - November 20
324 N. Monroe St, Stoughton, WI
9:00 - 4:00 pm
(I will not be there, but my wares will!)

AND I have pledged to keep my Etsy shop & stores that carry my products, stocked and selling through the busy holiday season. The many shows I attended last season kept me too busy and I really missed out!

Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather~!

Fan Pictures!

2010-06-11T13:59:00.003-05:00

Here a couple pics I recently received from a few of my favorite "little" fans! Aren't they all just the cutest?

Summer's here...Daisy Girl is busy!!

2010-06-09T20:17:00.003-05:00

I've been sewing up a storm the past few weeks. Lots of custom orders and trying to refill inventory in the wonderful shops that carry my designs.

Here are some pics of the skirts I shipped off to Michelle at Dainty Daisies today. Lots of 4 Panel skirts for little girls and a few for women too!

Thanks to all the Awesome Crafters...

2010-05-25T20:55:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone that participated and assisted with the wonderful Syttende Mai Trunk Show I hosted May 15th. Here's an (overdue) recap:

The morning dawned sunny and pleasant with a dew-soaked lawn! The crafters started rolling in around 8:00am and we were all set up and ready to go for our first shoppers at 9:00am. Business was fairly steady, with a few busier spurts and despite the slight humidity and overcast skies that rolled in later, most of the artists were pleased with their sales.

It was wonderful to welcome new and repeat customers! I especially appreciate all the positive comments on my home. It is still very much a work in progress, but has come a LONG way from the dumpy, decrepit, eye sore two flat with 2800+ beer cans stored in the cellar!

I had one major lapse in hostess duties...I forgot to snap photos! Luckily, several of the artists were on top of that duty...so here are some photos I have *borrowed* to share with your here... (I won't ever make that mistake again!)

Whimsy House

Glitter Workshop

May 15th Spring Open House Arts & Crafts All the Information is HERE!

2010-04-30T16:26:00.011-05:00

Visit historic Stoughton, WI during their famous Syttende Mai festivities, including this amazing showcase of handmade fine arts and crafts. More than a dozen different local artists will be represented!

Many other activities are happening in Stoughton (bring the family and stay for the day)...here's the link with the scoop: http://www.stoughtonwi.com/syttendemai.shtml

Unique, locally-made and eco-friendly items will include:
Jewelry
Metal Art
Bags/Totes
Clothing
Soaps
Geekery
Paintings
Fiber, Wood & Paper Art
Flower Planters...and MUCH MORE!

Artists:
Doghair Productions
Wisconsin Cowgirl
Leland Anderson Wood Products
Alyssa Henry Cigar Box Art
The Painted Daisy www.thepainteddaisy.etsy.com
Prettifications. by Cynthia www.prettifications.etsy.com
Whimsy House www.whimsyhouse.etsy.com
Space Oddities www.spaceoddities.etsy.com
Little Dandelion Studios www.littledande.etsy.com
The Glitter Workshop www.glitterworkshop.com
Storyline Design www.storylinedesign.etsy.com
The Little Red Ribbon www.thelittleredribbon.etsy.com
Inges Accents www.ingesaccents.etsy.com

Address & Map:

http://www.mapquest.com/mq/2-NuVGtNCrgFzLz2ps

702 Jackson Street-NW Corner of Jackson & Johnson Streets

We will have sandwich boards & signs directing you from Main Street!

Craftacular was great!

2010-04-25T19:57:00.004-05:00

Had a great time at the Spring Fling Craftacular yesterday. Naomi of Glitter Workshop put on a fabulous show. I sold a bunch of adorable skirts for girls and an assortment of handbags. Big thanks to all the shoppers and other vendors that were also shoppers!

Met lots of new and super nice peeps. Sent skirts off to Oshkosh to be showcased at Dainty Daisies, owned by Michelle. (http://www.daintydaisies.com) I'll add her link - and a couple others to my sidebar.

Hope the rain this weekend leads to more flowers blooming next week!

Cheers :)

Spring Fling Craftacular in ONE WEEK!!

2010-04-17T19:37:00.002-05:00

Yes, you see that correctly...The Painted Daisy is proud to be a sponsor of this very cool indie craft even!

Also, check out one of the other sponsors: Dainty Daisies...they will be the next fabulous shop to carry The Painted Daisy products. http://www.daintydaisies.com/

Lovely Lunch Sacks turned out.....well.....Lovely!

2010-04-06T21:17:00.003-05:00

I'm so pleased with how these special-order lunch sacks turned out! Much bigger than the prototype, ha ha! Lined in PUL (a washable, coated fabric that is water resistant and flexible) with a velcro top closure and sassy little handle...it's more like carrying a little purse than a lunch sack!

My daughter is begging for one and I tried to bribe my son to carry one (not that I thought he would, but it was fun to try, he he) and I want one too! Maybe this will have to be come a regular Painted Daisy item in the future?

Lovely link to share :)

2010-04-06T13:07:00.004-05:00

Anthology has a wonderful article about their new spring-y merchandise and feature another picture of my little skirts in their front window display!

Lovely store, lovely owners, lovely new items to inspire spring.

Check it out! Better yet, head downtown Madison to see the wonderfully whimsical store in person!

http://anthology.typepad.com/anthology/2010/04/the-flowers-that-bloom-in-the-spring.html

Spring Fling!

2010-03-31T16:47:00.002-05:00

The Painted Daisy is a proud sponsor of the Spring Fling Craftacular!

Lunch Sack Preview

2010-03-30T12:39:00.005-05:00

I've had a request for custom lunch sacks and finally had a chance to give it a go. Here's a little preview of the first prototype. It's tiny!! Will definitely be increasing the size (like double) for the next try. Overall I love the style and design. First time sewing with PUL (waterproof lining) and it didn't require a teflon foot, which was great!

I'll work on the larger, final version later today-it's always fun refining a new design!

77 Zippers!

2010-03-26T15:16:00.005-05:00

I LOVE thrift stores...even when you go with an idea of what you are looking for, some other treasure may present itself!

Today I delivered some handmade lovelies to the newest store that is carrying my work (Anthology-a wonderful paper goods and gift shop on State Street in Madison, WI. I have a link to their wonderful website over on my sidebar.) There are some pics at the top of this post. If you would like to see more, check out my photo album on my Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/thepainteddaisy72 Oh, and if you fan me you are eligible for a one time 25% off any purchase in my Etsy shop!

Back to the post... after my drop off I stopped at a few places and hit the jackpot! I got 77 zippers at one shop...I think the total bill was only $30!!! It was a score I just had to share!!!

Another Featured Favorite Seller

2010-03-23T21:49:00.011-05:00

I've been lax in keeping up with my featured seller posts! Here are some delightful ear decorations from a lovely woman named Cynthia. She is the creative force behind her Etsy shop www.prettifications.etsy.com. Her gorgeous earrings are deceptively light. I was wary about the large ones (named Jemma); but she was right, they are light as air!

Take a peak at her shop-she's working toward that elusive 100 sales mark!

Enjoy :)

Sneak Peak!

2010-03-23T10:07:00.006-05:00

Here's a sneak peak at what's going to be posted tonight! www.thepainteddaisy.etsy.com

Bags made from upcycled vintage table linens, aprons, men's sportcoats and there might even be some new textiles thrown in too!

The Creepy Crawlies are Out...Spring is Here!

2010-03-23T08:56:00.004-05:00

Spring is here...Sofia has started her bug quest. I'm not the biggest fan of creepy-crawlies, but I embrace the naturalist in her (must be that Batha blood). Yesterday she recruited her friend Mara to assist in the hunt. I think all they found were some odd looking beetle larvae, a few little red wormies and some roly polies.

I made the front page of Etsy TWICE this month...and didn't even know it

2010-03-17T20:23:00.005-05:00

Thanks so much to my friend Jess (www.littledande.etsy.com) , I am now aware that I made the front page of Etsy twice earlier this month! I knew I was in the treasuries...but not that they made the front page...

There is this wonderful site called *Craftcult* (http://www.craftcult.com/) That hosts an archive of all the treasury lists that have made the front page. You can also use the *Heartomatic* to see how many item hearts you have.

Here are screenshots of my brief moments of fame!

Recap...Cupcakes & Crafts

2010-03-15T21:53:00.002-05:00

Sending out a great big THANKS to everyone that attended Cupcakes & Crafts last evening at The Daisy Cafe on Atwood Ave in Madison, WI. A nice time was had by all...was too busy to grab a cupcake, but they looked delicious! I am planning a trip back during spring break with the kids.

Check out links to some of the other great crafters that were showcased at this event:

www.helenmarybeck.etsy.com
www.littledande.etsy.com
www.storylinedesign.com
www.prettifications.com
www.whimsyhouse.com
www.baretree.etsy.com
www.glitterworkshop.etsy.com
www.kimscraftyapple.etsy.com
www.theapple.etsy.com
www.madiesmommy.etsy.com
www.berniesgirl.etsy.com
www.haleyworkshop.com

The windows were open today and the fresh air felt great! Has spring sprung? I hope so!

Pinkalicious...YUM

2010-03-12T11:52:00.003-06:00

The Painted Daisy arm warmers are featured in this pinkalicious blog posting by Pink-That Crafty Bitch! Check it out!

http://www.pink-thatcraftybitch.blogspot.com/

I'm gonna have to keep an eye on this blog...very cool postings!

Lovely Spring Skirts for Girls...in my Etsy Shop NOW

2010-03-08T22:17:00.006-06:00

Special thanks to all my lovely models: Anna, Lydia, Natalie and Sofia!

Upcycled Sweaters for little girls

2010-03-08T11:49:00.005-06:00

I gave a *howdy* to Kat O'Sullivan of KATWISE last week...and gained blessing to replicate her awesome style of reconstructed sweaters--but for little girls! She doesn't do anything for kids, so I'm gonna fill that little niche (and give her credit!)

Here's one I whipped up Saturday for my little Sofia. She loves being the guinea pig for all my little girl styles. I made a Sweater Coat too...just haven't had a chance to take a pic yet.

The Life Cycle of a Sweater

2010-03-06T21:56:00.002-06:00

I love all the sweater creations I've come up with during the past 4 months. Most have been accidental inspiration, or morphed from something I've seen. The Mix Up Sweater started it all...then came the Sweater Flower Brooch (that no one on Etsy loved, but it was a hit at the fall/winter shows), followed closely by the Sweater Pillow...then I decided to give arm warmers/fingerless gloves a try because I knew my mom would love having a pair for cold evenings in the winter.

However one day a few weeks ago a nice customer that purchased several pairs of arm warmers asked for leg warmers...so I added leg warmers to my repetoire! Jill (the customer) was nice enough to share some pix of her wearing a pair of the legwarmers-along with her dogs Scooby and Hunter, who seem to love the camera! Take a peek:

Thanks for sharing Jill!

2010-03-04T15:29:00.002-06:00

Come browse my newest products and spring previews at Crafts & Cupcakes on March 14th. There will be cupcakes and other treats for sale in the Cafe and lots of local artists!

Time for another featured friend

2010-03-01T19:45:00.007-06:00

I think I missed doing my featured Etsy friend last week! I've been waiting for my friend Jess to finish adding items to her shop so I can brag about her awesome stuff...

Jess is a very talented crocheter. I love the hat she made my daughter (it's featured in an earlier post) and she recently made Sofia a matching scarf and she made me the loveliest cowl type scarf that is wide enough for me to pull up on my head as a hood. I love it!!! I will have to get some pics so everyone can see.

Anyway, her latest and greatest are these handy and beautiful little pretty clips on a line.

I also adore these cards and Easter baskets. She does the Sweet Tweet cards for every season, but the springs ones make me happiest. I think I'll be using them for all my Easter cards this year :)

When I met Jess, the first item I saw at her table (we had met via Etsy, then I got to shake her hand in person at a craft show) was The Snug Bug. Boy, do I wish I had found one of these when my kids were little babies. My son in particular would have LOVED it! The best I get to do now is buy them for friends that are having babies...and not too many of my friends are still having babies...guess I'm getting old :(

Candy, Oh Candy, Why do I love you so?

2010-02-19T14:03:00.011-06:00

That's not a famous quote from Shakespeare, or anyone else....just me :)

I'm not vegan, but I love the treats made by Sweet V Confections, which can be found at this etsy link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetVConfections om/shop/SweetVConfections (I'll add it to my links on the sidebar too!)

These yummy goodies are awesome! All natural, vegan (if that is important to you) and delicious! Goodies arrive packaged so sweetly, ready for gift giving, or as a special gift to yourself if that's what you need...wink wink!

Here are a few of my (and my kids') fav's:

Fudge Filled and Peppermint Patties (you get a bunch!)

Taxes Suck!

2010-02-19T13:58:00.003-06:00

Taxes are a necessary in life...but today I just feel like saying:

Taxes SUCK!!!

There, I said it.

To be or not to be, that is the question

2010-02-18T19:49:00.008-06:00

Today the famous opening phrase of act three, scene one of Shakespeare's famous Hamlet plagued me. I'm not saying I was considering "being" or "not being" literally...just that the opening phrase could be applied to many life scenarios.

To be an HR Manager or to be a Seamstress. That was an interesting question I was faced with a few years ago...luckily I chose to follow my crafty passion and become a full-time seamstress.

How many people choose "not to be" rather than "to be" and live to regret it? An interesting question.

Here's the soliloquy in it's entirety:

To be or not to be – that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And, by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep
No more – and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to – ‘tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep
To sleep, perchance to dream. Ay, there's the rub,
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come,
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause. There's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life.
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
Th’ oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office, and the spurns
That patient merit of th’ unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscovered country from whose bourn
No traveler returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all,
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.—Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remembered.

Oh, and I got two more orders from stores this week! One is a new shop, The Bradley Gallery here in Stoughton. I am going to be sewing like a mad woman the next few weeks! (Don't I always say that? LOL)

Rub a Dub Dub-get clean in the Tub!!

2010-02-16T21:00:00.000-06:00

I'm going to be featuring a great Etsy artist on my blog once a week or so. I'd like to focus on my fellow Wisconsin etsians, but there will be others thrown in here and there.

This week I'd like to share my love for the soaps, lip balms and laundry soaps created by Heather Rai of Beautiful Soaps (www.beautifulsoaps.etsy.com). I LOVE her soaps, especially during this long, long, dry winter! They last much longer than other handmade soaps I've tried and the earthy, yet light and natural scents are a delight to my sniffer! My husband even likes them too (but what guy wouldn't like soap made from his favorite Wisconsin - or other - beer!)

I ordered a sample pack of her laundry detergent last fall and fell in love with it! I love the scent, which Heather said wouldn't last through the dryer, but I think it does! If you have an HE washer and only need a few tablespoons of detergent for each load you should try this great, natural laundry soap!

I've never tried the candles or shampoo bars, but they are on my list to try!

If you want to know more about Heather Rai and her products, follow her on FB! Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/BeautifulSoaps#!/pages/Appleton-WI/Beautiful-Soaps/250124056652?ref=ts

Clean is good-get clean with Beautiful Soaps!

Leather Pics

2010-02-15T08:48:00.000-06:00

I finally got a chance to snap a pic of the little leather handbag I stitched up last week. I need to work on handle placement and I will use nicer zippers once I iron out all the kinks. This was just zipper on a roll that we use at the upholstery shop.

Let me know what you think! Leave a a comment here (I think you can do that...I'm such a dummy with this stuff) or feel free to check out my new FB Fan page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Painted-Daisy/305188933127?ref=mf

All new fans receive 25% off any item in my Etsy shop. Just type "new FB Fan" in the message to seller at checkout and I will refund your $ after payment is verified. Thanks!

2010-02-14T16:10:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

I spent most of this lovey day sitting by a pool watching a swim meet...and a few hours later at swim lessons!

We're having pizza for dinner and I'm going to spend the evening sewing, and maybe squeeze in a movie or Olympic viewing if I have enough hand sewing/finishing work built up.

Kids and their activities can really put a damper on the grown up Valentine's Day!

However, it was thrilling to watch Ian win his first heat and improve his times in his favorite events-back stroke and free style. He even gave mom a bite of the heart-shaped cookie he won as part of his prize for heat winner in freestyle (awwwwww).

I haven't forgotten about posting a pic of my new prototype leather purse...will get to that tomorrow, along with continuing to add photo albums to my FB fan page.

XOXOXO

Jenny

You GOTTA check out this stuff

2010-02-13T13:21:00.000-06:00

I took a break from sewing around lunch time today...plus I wanted to watch a fellow Etsian and her *posting parade*. Her name is Kat and she is the proud artist/creator of Katwise creations. Here are a few of my favorites that sold today. (I'm saving my penny's so I can acquire one of her lovely sweater coats!)

(Gotta love the crazy pixie ear headband, LOL.)

Kat takes sweater recycling/upcycling to a whole new funky, artsy level! Here are links to her Etsy shop and her website: www.katwise.etsy.com www.katwise.com

Saturday...ugh, still have a cold

2010-02-13T11:35:00.000-06:00

My cold is still plaguing me, so no skiing this afternoon with the kiddos (boooohoooo). However, I have gotten a lot of work done in the last 24 hours and am starting to feel caught up with store orders. No mail on Monday for President's Day, but I'll be mailing some big boxes on Tuesday. Hmmmm, maybe UPS works on Prez Day? I'll have to call and find out. I would prefer to mail on Monday...we'll see :-)

Anyway, I have to really kick the sewing into high gear. Final big remodel project for our 1880's hom will begin in late March or early April...all this is on our 2nd floor. My sewing studio and general cutting area and dumping ground for sewing stuff is on the second floor, as is my photo taking area. I have a feeling I will be living in serious chaos for a month or so! Plus trying to get ready for the big Moose Fest show and the big Syttende Mai show. (I'm assuming I'll get into Moose Fest with my friend Jess...fingers are crossed!)

Time to get back to work!

New things to come

2010-02-12T18:06:00.000-06:00

I've been sewing like crazy the past few weeks...actually I think that's going to be a regular thing (YEAH!). I'm continuing to plug away at orders from the stores who graciously offer my products as well as fill special orders and I'm desparately trying to build up my inventory for spring. I absolutely HAVE to start on spring/summer wear for girls next week.

On top of all that, I finally launched a Facebook Fan Page for The Painted Daisy (Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Painted-Daisy/305188933127?ref=mf I hope it works!) And I'm trying to add a lot of older inventory to my Etsy site so I can do weekly sales!

Pssst.... If you fan my FB page I'm offering 25% off any item in my Etsy store!!!

WOOT! I also (finally) got around to prototyping a leather bag with a zip top. I collect a lot of leather hide scraps from the upholstery shop and I'm pretty happy with the first try. I didn't make a pattern or anything, just free handed it. I'll get a pic posted soon. Need to tweak the zipper and handle attachments, but not too bad for a first shot!

Sewing machine is calling my name...Later peeps!

Quilt Pictures I promised to post!

2010-02-12T17:34:00.001-06:00

Here are a few of the beautiful quilts that my mom has given my family over the years. Some are handquilted, but most are not machine quilted by a lovely women in Missouri!

This one was made for my son Ian after he was born.

This was the one made for Sofia after she was born.

This is Ian's newest quilt...Very cool fish pattern!

This quilt graces Sofia's bed. It came with a matching throw pillow. Thanks Granny!!!

The last one shown is the wonderfully snuggly, warm quilt that Mom gave us for Christmas. This photo does NOT do it justice. It is a combo of cottons and chenille in a dark red/raspberry color and the back is a dark forest green FLANNEL. The kids argue about who's turn it is to snuggle under Granny's quilt!

Crazy January!

2010-01-28T16:03:00.000-06:00

I can't believe its been almost a month since I last posted! January has flown by... I've been busy replenishing inventory on my website and in the stores that are kind enough to carry my products!

A new store is carrying The Painted Daisy too! Diakonos Designs in lovely historic Stoughton, Wisconsin has my Mix Up Sweaters and arm warmers on display. I provided a selection of sizes and colors to complement Valentine's Day!

My friend Tam and I are already thinking ahead to our spring Open House Show. It's going to be at my house this time...and we are planning a big show for Syttende Mai weekend! There will be a huge crowd in town for the annual Norwegian extravaganza, so we are hoping to take advantage of the timing and advertise the heck out it!

I'm also investigating a few other spring show options, but probably on one or two. I want to be fully prepared for summer craziness! Might be swinging by the windy city again this summer, if I get accepted into a show there, otherwise there is a myriad of other shows around WI I can consider.

Lots of fun spring/summer products are in the works. I'm wrapping up the sweater sewing for this season, and moving on to lovely skirts, some peasant tops and of course, a lovely line of vintage mix clothing for little girls. I hope to have a defined line of items this season, instead of so many willy nilly things. Trying to focus (which is not easy for me!).

Oh, I've added a bunch of quilted purses to my website lately. My mom has been busy busy! Plus, she gave me the most beautiful quilt for Christmas (it's gracing the living room sofa!). I snapped some pics of a few of the quilts that are in use in my house and will post them soon.

Back to the sweatshop!

Post Holiday Update

2009-12-29T07:59:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone out there had a fun and relaxing holiday weekend. I have one more small family get together today and then I can thrust myself back into my crafty routine.

In between all the hustle and bustle last week I did have some down time and found the opportunity to mock up some Sweater Pillows! The latest in my obsession to use every little scrap of fabric from my Mix Up Sweaters. I have several done and will get them posted on my website (www.thepainteddaisy.etsy.com) at the end of the week. I am waiting breathlessly for my newest toy to arrive.....Photography Lights!!!

My children gave me a tripod for Christmas and my grandpa gave me the lights. I can't wait to put it all together and hopefully improve the photos I take of my wonderful creations. I've been reading up on eHow and Etsy how to take better photos and am all set to give it a try. Because, let's face it, 80% of the photos on my site right now suck. Despite my previous efforts, the lighting and wall color in my home have not lent themselves to good photo backdrops. I have an area in my upstairs that will soon be converted into my mini studio. Keep your fingers crossed that my photos improve!!

Kids are pleased with their Santa loot. Sofia got all the sporting equipment on her list and Ian is in heaven with his monster Nerf Vulcan and military history documentaries. Both are excited to hit the trails on their new Cross Country Skiis. Now the whole family is outfitted and no more trips to Madison to rent skiis for the kids when we want to take a little trek into the woods.

Quinn (the new dog) LOVED Christmas morning. All the smells! All the crinkly paper! All the candy hiding amongst the crinkly paper on the ground! All the rawhide bones in his stocking! He was super annoying and super cute. Kodiak chilled with her rawhide chips and kept watch over everything. I have cute photos to post when I finally get around to downloading the camara.

Happy Tuesday!

2009-12-20T19:54:00.000-06:00

Here's a pic of the new pooch, Quinn. He was quite comfy on the 2 person chair at Granny & Grandpa's! Can you tell Sofia is in love with him already?

As the last weekend before Christmas comes to a close I am happy to say all the cookies are made, presents purchased and only a few handmade items left to finish up. I have a large order from one of the stores that is kind enough to grace their racks with Painted Daisy merchandise and two other stores waiting patiently for me to ship some custom wool bags.

New items are continually in the works...but I can't share just yet because some of them are going to be gifts before they hit the public site here and Etsy!

Cheers to all!!

2009-12-17T21:38:00.000-06:00

Oh Hey! I almost forgot. Our family has grown by one recently!!! Please join me in welcoming Quinn. He's a middle-aged (somewhere between 3-5 yrs) Black Lab. Kodiak needed a companion and oooh la la, she's a cougar now, shacking up with a man less than half her mature 12 years! No, really, this was an impulse decision. We found out in passing that there was a super nice, older lab at a local county Human Society shelter. My heart went out to this poor baby that had been there for months and needed a nice family to give him a home. Seems no one wanted to take a chance on an 80 lb male that had a penchant for running and was stronger than an ox, ha ha ha.

Quinn's a lover and great family dog. I think he's going to be a good hunter too...he's got a great nose. So great that he's been caught stealing a little snack from the counter in the past week since he joined the household.

Kodi has adjusted to her new roomie and seems to take it in stride, like everything else, she is an easygoing old lady. One nice perk we didn't know would come from this addition...Kodi has stopped wandering down the block everytime we take her outside. She seems happy to circle the yard with Quinn and come back in with him when called.

I'll add a picture next time!

Whew! Shows are over :-)

2009-12-17T20:44:00.000-06:00

Well, I have learned many lessons in the past few months. First, 5 shows in 6 weeks (when you aren't already prepared) is TOO MUCH! Second, never under-estimate how fast your business might grow! Third, plan your work a bit more and stay ahead of the game!!

That last item is my New Year's Resolution. I have a plan in place to help me stay ahead of the curve (I hope) for 2010. I feel blessed that so many wonderful people have been purchasing my handmade goodies and new items are continually in the works. I really want to revisit the wool peacoats for little girls, I have a great idea for a coordinating line of girl's clothing for spring with vintage and new textiles, vintage inspired dresses for women and several new bags I want to prototype this winter. We'll see what makes the cut!

Here's a peek at my newest item...Upcycled sweaters made from two (or more) previous sweaters. I even went crazy with the leftover scraps and have been making bunches of sweater flowers. I'm crazy about the sweater flowers...they ROCK!

The sweater in this pic was made from two ultra soft cashmere sweaters. I made a sweater flower to match this sweater (sold together) because it (the sweater) was just screaming for a flower to decorate its lapel!

Here's more of the lovely sweater flowers that are for sale on my etsy site:

Happy Holidays to all!

New Skirts!!!

2009-11-20T14:40:00.000-06:00

Finally...I have all my stuff packed for DIY...everything at Tamara's for her Holiday open house and all that is left to do is pack my overnight bag. Whew!!! I even found time to vacuum my car today :-)

The new skirts will be previewed on Saturday at both DIY in Chicago and at Tamara's here in Stoughton. I love the style and have sold a few to friends already! Denim skirt, cut on the bias so its a nice a-line shape, soft padded elastic waist (by request from Tam :p...but it works!) and fun print fabric at the hemline to add pizazz. Here's a few of the little girl's skirts and a sample of hemline fabrics from the women's skirts. I would have taken more pix but it started to rain!

More Shops, More info, More FUN!

2009-11-11T17:13:00.000-06:00

As mentioned this morning, I am a loser when it comes to updating this blog thing! I'm trying to get better and have worked out kinks in sharing files between my PC and laptop to make photo upload easier!

Big news since my last substantial post. I am now in not 2, not 3, but 5 stores. Exciting, but stressful with all the upcoming shows. I'll get a list on here later tonight or tomorrow. For now, check out this great hat that my friend Jess made for Sofia. Her webstore address is: www.littledande.etsy.com awesome hats, snugbugs (which are great, snuggly buntings for babies), scarves, jewelry, baskets and magnetic pretty clips.

Peace-Out!

2009-11-11T07:17:00.000-06:00

I am a blog loser!!! LOL, no time to post much lately with all the crazy sewing. I promise to get some fly photos of my newest designs (and those of my fellow artists) up here soon!

Jack 'N Jill welcomes The Painted Daisy

2009-10-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

WOOHOO!

I am working like crazy to prepare for the upcoming shows, fill my Etsy orders, complete custom orders (including the ones I've promised to do for my darling little sis...yes I PROMISE to get them done in a reasonable time frame!)

Big news since I posted last...The Painted Daisy products are going to be added to the shelves of a great new specialty shop in Helena, Montana. Jack 'N Jill is quietly open for business and will have a big splash grand opening the weekend of October 24/25. So, if you're in Montana anytime soon...stop in a check out Jack 'N Jill.

Pretty cool, getting my products in two stores in a two week period!!

That's it for now...I'll be back with better stuff soon :-)

follow up to Lexington road trip

2009-10-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

I know its been a long time since I made a post. I'm still trying to figure out how to keep up with all this computer time when I'd rather be sewing!

I made a roadtrip to Lexington, Kentucky for my second trunk show, hosted by my baby sis. I took product from 4 other etsiers. It was a VERY FULL minivan barreling down the interstate!

Everyone had sales (yah!) and overall show was great. Biggest news was my appointment with a great store. I am officially selling product in a store! Street Scene on Regency in Lexington, KY is proudly selling my Frances Skirts for Women. They have 18 on the racks for now and hopefully they will fly out the door so I can send more :-)

I also had a nice surprise a few weeks ago. My alternate status for the DIY Trunk Show hosted by the Chicago Craft Mafia changed to active! I will be at the Pulaski Park Auditorium on W. Blackhawk in Chicago, IL on Nov 21st. This was very exciting news and I can't wait to sell my ware in the Windy City. My cousin and his wonderful wife are hosting me the night before and assisting me in finding the place (which is always a challenge for me in Chicago) and set up.

As for other shows...I will also be at St. Ann Catholic Church (Stoughton, WI) for their fall arts/craft show on Oct 17/18 and a Holiday Open House in Stoughton also on Nov 21st. I will be there in spirit with my products since my body will be in Chicago!

Happy Fall...or is it winter...I just read on the week forecast that rain mixed with snow is coming our way...already?

Labor Day weekend

2009-09-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

Fun Fun weekend at the cabin! Got back late tonight but had a great time hiking, fishing, canoeing and exploring with the kids and friends. Now back to reality...painting the house! Will this project never end?

Anyway, I spent the drive to and from our destination designing a great wrislet style bag!!! Can't wait to sew up the prototype tomorrow (after I get done painting). Hope its great! Also working on the little girl jackets I want to debut for fall. Looking good so far :-)

Welcome to my Blog!

2009-09-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome to The Painted Daisy! This is the first blog I've ever started. I am a seller on Etsy. Check out my store at www.thepainteddaisy.etsy.com