My Table Monday - Mini Owls

The last couple of days I have been working on these adorable owl orders. One is for someones rear view mirror, one is a Mother's day gift for a special momma in Tennessee, and the last will be taking a long trip to the UK once we announce the 'circle of love,' giveaway winner in a few short weeks. (May 13th to be exact)
What are you working on these days? I love hearing from you!

European "Circle of Love Giveaway"

Calling all European fans...you sure are in for a treat!!! This Circle of Love Giveaway is now on!

To all my U.S.A. fans and readers please understand that this giveaway is limited to the UK and EU Europe only.  Due to the difficulty UK crafters are currently experiencing getting insurance to distribute to the USA this giveaway is not open to the USA. Please stay tuned for a giveaway that I am working on that will include the USA.

 

I and a group of fellow blogging crafters, have come together to collaborate a wonderful collection of handcrafted prizes.


Beginning now through 12 noon GMT on Sunday the 13th of May you may enter in the chance to win this complete charming collection of handmade prizes (as shown below).


[Want to be a participating blogger? there's still time! Email Natalie by Sunday the 6th of May free.spiritdesigns@rocketmail.com]

The great news is that there are lots of ways to increase the number of times you are entered into the draw (please note that the giveaway is only open to residents of the UK and EU Europe):

So listen up!
Here are the ways to enter:

1 entry for each blog you follow from the list of participating blogs.

1 entry for fulfilling each of the additional entrance opportunities offered by the participating blogs (e.g. 'liking' their facebook page or following them on twitter)

2 entries for blogging about the competition

IMPORTANT! MAKE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE CIRCLE OF LOVE GIVEAWAY POST OF EACH BLOG YOU'VE ENTERED THROUGH SAYING WHAT YOU HAVE DONE e.g "i've followed your blog and liked your facebook page" - IF YOU DON'T DO THIS YOU WON'T BE ENTERED INTO THE PRIZE DRAW!! PLEASE ALSO LEAVE A KIND AND POSITIVE MESSAGE IN THE COMMENT BOX - THIS IS THE CIRCLE OF L♥VE AFTER ALL!! :)

What are the prizes, you say? 

Drum roll please......

HartFelt Mini owl by HartFelt by iHart
You may have noticed that this mini owl is my contribution. 
Mr. Mini Owl is a cute felt stuffed softie ornament. 
Mini owl was designed with LOVE: hand drawn, hand cut, hand stitched, some smaller pieces hot glued, & stuffed with 100% polyfil. 
He would be a delightful addition to any room decor.
He measures approx 3.5" tall by approx 3" wide.

Long Linen Heart Garland by Free Spirit Designs

Handmade pinups for shawls or scarves by Lilee's Gram Knits

Knitted Wire Brooch by Fiddly Fingers

Loveheart Tattoo Needle Felted Brooch by Mythillogical

One lucky person is going to win ALL of these lovely goodies!!! To increase your chances make sure to visit all the participating blogs (click on The Circle of Love Handcrafted Giveaway badge in their sidebars to find the giveaway post).

Participating Blogs

HartFelt by Heather (me) Amazing owl cuteness plus lots more adorable plushies) 

Free Spirit Designs (home decor from the heart & all things cozy)

Lilees Gram Knits (knitting fans must see her wonderful hand dyed yarn!)

Fiddly Fingers (crochet expert extraordinaire!)

Mythillogical (Multi-talented crafter and maker of exquisite model dolls)

How To Enter The Prize Draw On This Blog

1 entry for 'liking' my Facebook page

1 entry for 'sharing' this cirle of love post on your facebook page

1 entry for 'liking' one of my Etsy listings

1 entry for 'favoriting' my Etsy shop

1 entry for 'following' this Blog

2 entries for blogging about this competition

Terms and Conditions

The Competition is only open to residents of the UK and EU Europe. Items won in the prize draw are non-returnable and are distributed according to UK law. To be entered into the prize draw entrants must leave a comment on the giveaway posts of the blogs that they've entered through saying what they have done. If the chosen winner is found to have contravened any of these terms and conditions the participating bloggers reserve the right to select a new winner.This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook or Twitter. We hereby release Facebook and Twitter of any liability. Winners will be contacted by email within 24 hours of the end of the giveaway.If you have any questions email free.spiritdesigns@rocketmail.com

We are soooooooo looking forward to announcing the lucky winner (the good news) on the 13th! We hope that everyone who participates feels like a winner too :) you're sure to discover some wonderful crafting talent and fun blogs to follow!!

Thanks for stopping by, Good luck, and Best wishes!!!

Heather

Friday Five ---- Feathers

How did another week fly by so fast?  I guess as the saying goes, "Time flies by when you are having fun!" I must be having way too much fun then!  What fun did you have this week?  I hosted a Spring Boutique last night and I had a blast chatting with a few other creative mommas. Besides the boutique, I am always having fun playing with my three year old son, and of course I always have fun with my felt plushie creations...

It seems like feathers are all the rage these days, hence today's Friday Five collection: Feathers! You might just find the perfect gift in this collection for your mother.  Mother's Day is right around the corner...MAY 13 this year! Don't forget. ENJOY!

Screen Printed Jersey Scarf in Athletic Gray with Burgundy Feathers

Michelle Brusegaard ~ a painter and fiber artist originally from North Dakota.  

Painting, photography, screen-printing, batik and sometimes a little mixed media are her specialties!

Looking for her?

Website

Blog

Join her mailing list here (discounts!)

Facebook

Twitter!

Adult feather headband with a vintage lace flower

California Owner, Jill, from Be Something New, has a shop full of unique hair accessories. 

She has been designing and manufacturing Bridal veils and headpieces for over 25 years.

Be Something New is a new line created by a mother daughter team.

They have something for every occasion, your wedding, your prom, or just for everyday.

Some pieces are one of a kind, made from vintage supplies, and some are made to order.

Just send them a message if you want to custom order something.
If you want to know more visit their website

Feather of Guineafowl - Organic Pillow

Cozy organic baby blankets and clothing are the goodies you will find at All Wild Co.

in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Great care is taken in producing each item - a process including hand-dye, hand-print and appliqué

to create original designs.
Only high quality organic fabrics are used, which are free from pesticides,

water-based inks for printing and low-impact dyes for dyeing. 
All items are made with great care and high emphasis on quality.

Spring blue bird feather ceramic tray / plate, spoon rest, soap dish

Catherine Reece's fun and whimsical pottery for everyday use is sure to catch your eye!

  Each design is individually hand drawn featuring bright colors and whimsy by Catherine. 

 All her work is done in her Californian home studio with her husband Scott while thier two small children, Jackson and Kennedy play with clay too.

It's a family affair. 

 (Hearing that just warmed my heart!)  

Find her on Facebook. 

Burnt Orange Feather Cards - Blank Notecards - Set of 10 - With Antique White Linen Envelopes

Feisty Fashion the shop where "self expression is stylish," 

only has original and one of a kind design listings.

Screen printed by hand with low impact enviro-friendly water based ink.

"Feisty Fashion is a hip statement for every day wear."

Check out her shop to read her inspiring story on how her shop was created.

Treasury Crazy.

A day filled with treasury creation...mommy inspired:

Work in Progress ::: Hoot & Hop Hop

Hey Friends: I have lots I am working on this week! What have you been up to?  Any fun projects?

Here is my newest "Hoot" the owl.  He is a custom order for my mom's friend's first grandbaby!  I'm loving the color combo they have chosen for their nursery! Light green, cream and bright blue.  I can't wait to see what he looks like all stitched and stuffed!

Also, a couple more owl and bunny party favors, and a bunny softie.

Here is a shot of all together.  You can see the perspective really well on the different sizes in this picture.  Hoot is actually quite a bit bigger than the others cuties.  Keep in mind they do shrink down a bit after being stuffed.

Hope you all have a good rest of your week.... I would love to hear about your crafting projects that you are working on this week.



These Days Big Ears Are All the Rage

Queenie from Dunny Galleger in Portland, Oregon likes to rescue wool remnants from a famous oregon woolen mill that's near her - she takes the wool remnants and stitches them into charming things to sell.  Her owl bags caught my eye and I had to share them with you! She also has a unique story behind her shop name.  Visit her shop to find out where her shop name comes from...and to discover more of her creations.

bookish bag with mismatch charm and pink ear tufts

Queenie put together this fun treasury "These Days Big Ears Are All the Rage," and so kindly chose to feature my bunny rabbit!  Thanks Queenie!

Shop Feature ::: Meredith Dada

A few Friday's ago while searching for cherry blossoms for a Friday Five post I came across and featured Meredith's >>>amazing<<< cherry blossom beaded box.  I am in awe of her talent and patience that she puts into her designs.  She has agreed - and was so kind to take precious time out of her day and do a shop interview for us...yippeee! So - friends, please welcome Meredith Dada from Meredith Dada on Etsy.




Name 3 random things about yourself:
1. I am a terrible gardener; my home is where plants come to die.
2. I make an awesome butternut squash lasagna.
3. I have a very real and irrational fear of clowns.

Where are you from?
I am lucky enough to live in beautiful Ojai, California. Nature is a big inspiration for me and it shows in my work. Thankfully I don’t have to go very far to find it!

 Red Breasted Robin Beaded Ornament

Name the first word or image that comes to mind:
Orange Blossoms. My orange tree is right outside, it has just started to bloom right now and the sweet smell is wafting through my window. Ojai is full of orange orchards, during April and May all of the orchards around my house are covered in blossoms. Soon the whole town will smell heavenly, it’s my favorite time of year here. Last year I made a couple of beaded bowls with orange blossoms on them, and I am thinking it is time to make some more!

Decorative Bowl Orange Blossom Beaded Jewelry Keeper Trinket Ring Dish, Sold.

What's your favorite part of running an Etsy shop?
I love the personal interaction I have with my customers. I love that I can work one on one with a bride and design a wedding cake topper for her most special day. Knowing that I am making a lasting keepsake for someone is just such an honor. I get to hear personal stories about why they want a particular bird ornament and the special meanings behind their purchase. Sometimes I even get to see pictures of my work in their homes or read glowing feedback about how happy they are with one of my little beaded items. Etsy gives customers that direct access to the artist that they just don’t get when buying from a gallery or boutique.

Bird Cake Topper Beaded Love Doves in Rustic Twig Nest with Beaded Flowers

What made you fall in love with Etsy?
I fell in love with the community on Etsy. When you first open a shop it can be a scary and overwhelming thing. I had no idea what I was doing when I started, but I reached out to the community of other shop owners. I was blown away by the kindness and advice I received from some of these wonderfully talented folks. To my surprise I have also gained lasting friendships with people I’ve never even met from all over the world.

What comes easiest for you pertaining to your shop?
Creating new items is the easiest for me. I have so many ideas there isn’t enough time to make everything I want to. The mentors at Etsy recommend adding new items to your shop on a regular basis to gain more views and ultimately more sales. That has never been a problem for me; I just wish I had a few more hours in the day!

Owl Ornament Snowy Owl Beaded Clip on Figurine

Do you prefer to create or 'run the business'?
I prefer to create, hands down! That is my passion, creating something new out of beads, glue and clay is what excites me. Running the business is something I am still getting used to. In order to create I must buy supplies, beads, glue, clay etc. The business end of things is necessary, and it's a tricky balance to maintain. This is kind of silly but when I am feeling particularly bogged down by the businessy part I remember this quote from Harry Connick Jr in the movie “Hope Floats”:
"You find something you love and you twist it and torture it and try to make money at it.
And at the end, you can't find a trace of what you started out loving."
My goal is to NOT let that happen!

via Amazon

Are you super neat and organized in your craft room?
Oh I wish I could say yes! I wish I could tell you that I am uber organized and my studio looks like Martha Stewart designed it…but it doesn’t. I keep it clean and most importantly I try to organize my beads or it would be total chaos. When I am in the middle of a project I am so focused on what I am creating that I just go for it and clean up the mess later. What is your favorite material to work with? Beads, beads and more beads! I mainly use size 11/0 seed beads, they are my favorite and they come in an endless amount of colors. My little jars of beads are like jars of paint to me and my tweezers are my brush!

What is your favorite listing in your shop?
My favorite item is my beaded box. It was a labor of love and took over three months to complete. I was inspired by a trip I took to Japantown, San Francisco, the cherry blossom art there was so beautiful I started designing this pieces as soon as I was back in the studio.

Cherry Blossoms and Bird Jewelry Box Beaded Trinket Box

What are your favorite flowers to receive?
I love dahlias; they are so big and colorful. They seem like such happy flowers.

via Heather King Art

What is your favorite sweet snack?
Trader Joe’s makes this “Dark Chocolate Covered Powerberries” mix that I just love a little too much!

via ZOMG, Candy!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years with your business? I hope in five years I am still creating everyday and growing my business. My son would be about 8 years old (yikes that’s kind of scary!) and as he grows and goes to school on a more full time basis, I will have more time to devote to my work. I would like to see my own website grow and be sucessful along with my Etsy shop. In five years maybe I can hire an assistant for some of the not so fun business stuff… a girl can dream can’t she?

If you are looking for Meredith elsewhere you fan find her here:
Facebook
Blog
Twitter

My Table Monday - Pregnancy Expo

I had so much fun having a booth at the Pregnancy and Baby Kids Expo at Bloedel Donovan Park this year! Thank you Yara and Gino at Northwest Spectacular Events for all your hard work putting the expo together. I really enjoyed meeting so many new >excited< expecting couples, and hearing about all the nursery decor plans (colors and themes). It is such a joyous time in life to welcome a new baby into a family. The room was filled with so much JOY & LOVE! I love being able to share my creativity and create something from the heart - and customize to each individual baby's nursery decor! Also great job to all the exhibitors...what a talented group of people!

via pregnancy baby kids expo

Here is my HartFelt display:

Here is our the full table shot.  Jennifer Gehrke - Mary Kay Cosmetic Consultant & I shared a table.  If you are ever interested in purchasing Mary Kay products she is your girl. 

She is full of energy and spunk! Perfect lady to share a table with...it was so much fun!

NoraBel Photography had a table next to us.  Marlene is an amazing and talented local photographer you can check out her portfolio on her website, or like her on Facebook.

My friend Jen was also an exhibitor with her Norwex products.  Amazing stuff  I tell ya! 

Clean faster, clean cheaper, clean with water alone!! To find out more information go like Jen's page here: http://www.facebook.com/safecleanwithjen or follow her on her blog at www.bemorewithless.blogspot.com
 

Here is a brand new "Hoot" the owl left over from the Expo. 

Charcoal gray and green. 

For sale now on Etsy.

Friday Five - Gnomes

I found some lovable gnomes to share with you today!!!  Make sure you stop by the featured shops when you have a few moments over the weekend and check them out!  Tell me what you think! 

Boston terrier Gnome dog art print

Dog Artist Brian Rubenacker from Michigan has a unique style.

His shop is most certainly a favorite shop of mine.  If you are a dog owner you will love his shop too. 

I am a proud Boston Terrier owner, so I am drawn to his art, & I love all the bright colors he chooses. 

Rubenacker has an amazing ability to capture the Boston Terriers childlike, stubborn personality.

"His dogs are naughty and knowing. They are childlike with their toys, and as cool as Rat Packers with their martinis and highballs. They are up to no good, smoking cigarettes and getting into the cookie jar, but they are certainly not primitive in the naïve tradition, or terror-filled, hopeless, nihilistic and gruesome in the pop surrealist one. 

They are simply precocious."

His work is found in private collections all around the world.

You must check out his work. A must. Simply amazing!

      

Gnome & Lady Gnome Counted Cross Stitch Pattern Download, sent by email

Tina from Florida, & owner of Sewingseed, 

loves to create fun and fresh cross stitch patterns that are easy to stitch. 
You can find cute and easy cross stitch patterns and kits in her shop. 

If your mom loves to sew these kits are just for her this Mother's Day! 

For shop news, updates, and freebies visit Tina on her blog: http://sewingseed.blogspot.com/ 

or follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Sewingseed        

Pocket Gnome

 In Wisconsin, Feltasaurus owner Lisa...

designs and creates natural, felted wool art-toys, accessories, and all sorts of fuzzy cuteness.
        Many of her creations are inspired by her children. 

She loves to create to inspire imagination (no batteries required). 

I had to share her "Guide to Owning a Pocket Gnome:"

1.You must give him a name.
2.You must tell him lots of secrets.
3.You must never call him a troll.
4.You must protect him from cats and other creatures that may try to eat him.

Follow her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Feltasaurus   

Fairytale Forest Plush Gnome Doll

Residing in Missouri, April, comes from a long line of artists, builders, and makers.

In fact, her handmade toy business is named after her family's construction company,

Riley Construction. She designs happy plush for happy people.  

Handcrafted from a combination of recycled/vintage materials and modern materials.
Looking for her elswhere? You are in luck:  

 Facebook - www.facebook.com/rileyconstruction 

Twitter - www.twitter.com/rileycoplush

Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/craftomatic
Blog - www.rileycoplush.blogspot.com
Go to her charming shop to find out where to buy her happy plushies in person...

Nostalgic limited edition clothing and housewares for vintage and handmade enthusiasts...gnomes, sewing machines, and cuteness galore is what you get at Moxie Madness

Owner Priscilla is inspired by any and everything nostalgic or just plain old eccentric.

Check out her blog: http://moxiesmadness.blogspot.com/

Happy Weekend everyone.  I will be busy at the:

Pregnancy Baby Kids Expo tomarrow 9-4 if anyone wants to stop by and say hey!

I am also working on a huge "Circle of Love Giveaway."  Over at Free Spirit Designs. 
So please check back soon! xo

Summer Colors on the Way

Please meet      >>>Wendy<<<

Card Notions owner, living in beautiful Bend, Oregon

Are you looking for a unique Mother's Day card or gift for your mom?









Wendy may have what you are looking for...

She makes unique 3D popup cards, intricately cut cards, and wooden ornaments.





Her designs are original and handmade.

Contact her and she will happily customize a card just for you!

You can also find Wendy on Facebook, you should follow her - I do! Or find more information on her website here: www.cardnotions.com















Aren't these spring bunnies so darn cute!

Wendy curated this beautiful treasury "Summer Colors on the Way."

She picked my Mr. Carrot to be in her treasury and I am so honored! Thanks Wendy.  There are a lot of lovely choices in this collection!  I especially love the flowers.  I'm off to dream about summer now...

Work in Progress - Color Wheel & Banner

I now have a color wheel that will soon be posted on all my etsy listings to help you decide the perfect color combination for your party favors, plushies, ornaments, and baby mobiles. 

36 colors to choose from!!!

I whipped up a sweet felt banner last night to add to my booth display for the

Pregnancy Baby Kids Expo this coming Saturday! 

If you would like to order a customized banner ...

Just email me: ihartfelt@yahoo.com  I will set something up for you !

My Table Monday - Party Favors

Happy Monday! Wishing you all a fabulous week!  I'm prepping the rest of the week for the Pregnancy Baby Kids Expo, coming up this Saturday.  I have several discount tickets to get into the Expo.  Let me know if you are interested & I will set aside some tickets with your name!

Reserved party favors for Stephanie! Shipping out to Texas today!

Ultimate Blog Party 2012

Have you heard about the Ultimate Blog Party?

If so - I am so thrilled you stopped by - 

and if not, stop by 5MinutesforMom.com to find the directions to the party! 

Its a party to find new blogs to join and a way for new followers to find your blog.

For all my new guests - here is a little about yours truly...

My name is Heather, I'm about to turn 30 this summer. 

I am a wife to my wonderful husband of almost 9 years. 

We have a busy three year old named Asher. 

I am a property manager by day.

Sewing fanatic by night! 

I love all things infant and toddler.

I am the girl behind HartFelt by iHart on Etsy.

I create charming felt plushies, baby mobiles, and party favors for special occasions and home decor.  

 I love custom orders!! 

Anything in my shop can be made in any color combination you can think of to match your decor.

Just convo me on Etsy or email me directly at ihartfelt@yahoo.com so I can set up a listing for you!

My felt business is what I blog about most.  I often do monthly giveaways,

and weekly updates in "My Table Monday," and "Work in Progress," posts. 

I have a special place in my heart for other artists...

So you will find that I promote other artists a lot on posts like:

"Shop features," "Treasury features," and "Friday Five." 

Shoot me a message if you would like me to promote something of yours!

You can also find me on Facebook for giveaways, sneek peeks, and updates: www.facebook.com/ihartfelt

Speaking of parties!!

Themed parties.

What themed parties are you planning this summer? 

<I got you covered!>

I design party favors & party prizes that go along with your party theme!

:::::Thanks for stopping by::::: 

I hope you stick around, and stop by often! 

I look forward to chatting with you in the future!

I appreciate your feedback. In fact it makes my day. 

Best Wishes, & Happy Crafting,

Heather

Friday Five - Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms in honor of Spring - is this weeks topic! I noticed that there are a lot of birds in these choices as well.  I love birds and they go with spring - so its a win-win!

I found some really talented, amazing artists this week:  Check out thier creativity, and stop by thier shops to see what else they have to offer.  So impressive!!!

Cherry Blossom Tissue Paper Pom-Poms via Pretty With Sprinkles
Emmahlyn owner of "Pretty with Sprinkles,"
offers decorative creations that add that special element to any occasion or room.
 Like her on www.Facebook.com/PrettywithSprinkles
Be sure to stop by often, as items are always being added in her shop!
If you'd like to place a custom order, she will happily create the perfect decor for your special event!



      

Abstract Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees with Bird - Vinyl Wall Art Sticker Decal via Original Walls
"Original Walls," in Florida,is now offering the latest in home decor - Vinyl Wall Sayings.
Need a new look for the home or office? You can say a lot with wall art!
Original Walls is striving to help you the customer make your home or office the place you want it to be!
If you have something special you would like to say, they LOVE to do CUSTOM WORK !
All decals are made of a high quality, self-adhesive vinyl.
Check out this shop to see the list of other stores "Oigianal Walls" owns on Etsy!

Cherry Blossoms and Bird Jewelry Box Beaded Trinket Box via Meredith Dada
Meredith resides in California, she is a mixed media artist, a mama, and a bead-a-holic ~ Offering one of a kind handmade, beaded art, home décor, and gifts in her Etsy shop.
Also find her here:
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MeredithDadaBeadArt
Follow her on twitter : http://twitter.com/meredithdada
Check out her blog: http://www.meredithdada.blogspot.com/

Set of four chickadee prints via Karin Grow
Karin a native to San diego is a full time artist that is inspired by the world around her. 
Favorite subjects being birds, the sea and all things vintage. 
A second shop to fuel her love for all things vintage.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhereSourGrassGrows
Visit her blog at http://karingrow.blogspot.com

Cherry Blossoms and Bluebirds collage with handpainted papers via IKandyArt
Kandy is living in Idaho.  She is a self taught mixed media art and acrylic paintings artist.
She welcomes customer contact and comments, so don't hesitate to convo her with any suggestions or questions.
All her items are one of a kind, but if you like something and want it in different colors etc...
depending on the piece - she can!