Cotton Spice Blog

I’d like to introduce you to Amy Cavaness of Amy Designs and her Artfire Shop

     I’m Amy Cavaness of Amy Designs.  I live in (or just outside of) Marseilles, IL.  It’s like Mayberry RFD, but in Illinois on the Illinois River.  I’ve lived in lots of big towns and cities, and I’m loving the rural lifestyle now.  My husband and I live in a large house in the woods, overlooking a ravine.  Lots of wildlife–when our 4 dogs aren’t chasing them away!  Besides the dogs, we share our home with 2 of my 4 sons.  One just graduated from high school, the other will graduate next year.  Then both want to go off to college together.  I’ve also had 3 foreign exchange students who each stayed a year with us.  My older 2 sons share an apartment in a town about 20 min. away, and 1 of them spends weekends here.  So with the boys and all their friends coming and going, it’s a pretty busy household.
We have 2 horses boarded at a farm about a mile away.  My husband and I love trail riding and hope to start taking the horses and doing a little bit of primitive camping with them this summer.  (We just found out last summer how well they do overnight on the trail!)
My mom was extremely artistic and did all kinds of things from oil painting to making cards with pressed flowers under rice paper.  So creative adventures were supported at home.  I started sewing in about 6th grade, I’m 52 now….well, you can figure out how long that’s been!  I never liked math!
When my sons were very young I finally got a new sewing machine to replace the Kenmore I got when I was 14.  I loved doing machine embroidery and taking classes at my local Pfaff dealer.  She was extremely artistic and creative, too, so she really inspired me to explore.  I started doing silk ribbon embroidery by machine (she was writing a book) and all kinds of fun techniques.  I have a HUGE shelf of books that I peruse for ideas.  I also keep binders of things I tear out of magazines, and little journals of drawings and ideas.
Last year I started designing purses for a custom fabric handbag store–I really enjoyed doing that, but the economy has forced the recent closing of that store.  I have Wild Ginger Software (Pattern Master Boutique) that I use to design clothes that actually fit.
Occasionally over the years I’ve taught some classes, something I really love doing.  But with all the small fabric stores going out of business, it’s getting harder to find those opportunities.
My Artfire shop is my first really serious attempt to sell things and get a business going.  I’ve always wished I had more commissions, but not working outside the home, having no female relatives, and moving have all hindered me.  So this time I’m REALLY trying (picked a heck of a time to do so, tho, with the economy the way it is!!)  And starting next month I will be a vendor at a monthly French Country Market that’s starting up near here.  So I’m trying to increase my inventory, but haven’t gotten much of my new things posted in my studio yet.
If you actually read this all the way to the end, and post a comment, you could win a crazy patch handbag I created just for this tour! (Yes, it’s pink and green)  The 7th post wins it!  And thank all of you for visiting!

This is one of Amy’s quilts - just lovely! Amy’s blog has some great tutorials, check them out. And her Artfire Shop is just full of fun things for crafters.

See you tomorrow!

I’d like to introduce you to Susan Peterman, the creative mind behind The Quilting Attic and her Artfire Shop - Handmade with Love

 ”Hello, my name is Susan Peterman and I love to quilt.”

I’ve taken a few quilting classes over the years but am for the most part self-taught. There are advantages and disadvantages of both. However, working at a quilt store gives me the best of both worlds. I am fortunate in that I work with many very talented quilters and get to ask questions and have my work critiqued whenever needed.

I am the re-buyer at my local quilt store. When people ask me what a re-buyer does I like to say…”my boss PAYS me to spend their money!”  I shop on the Internet all day long! I love what I do.

I’ve owned my own brick and mortar store for about 5 years then decided it would be less expensive to have on online venue. After many attempts at different venues I finally discovered Etsy. When a friend told me about Art Fire I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve not given up my Etsy store. You can find me there at www.GrandpaGrandmasAttic.com.
I am a wife of 39 years…a mother of 5 (1 birth daughter, 3 adopted sons and 1 adopted daughter)…

a grandmother of 3 (2 grandaughter and 1 grandson).

FLORAL YO YO LOT WITH HAND STITCHING USING PERLE COTTON

Susan is having a giveaway on her blog, you could win this lovely apron -

Go check it out and maybe you could be the lucky winner! Susan’s Artfire Shop is full of fabric related things - vintage magazines and patterns, yo-yo’s and more aprons. If you love fabric - gotta go visit!

See you tomorrow!

I’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Miller - creator of Jazzy Jemz and her Artfire Shop

I’m a mom to a wonderful daughter. Army wife. Working on a fruitful business. My blog is about my life, giving tips for the handmade community and parenting.

Splat Mats are a stylish perfect way to prevent splatters, messes and flung food. Use under a high chair to prevent food splatter all over your floor. A must have for any mom with an infant or toddler.

This double layer fleece blanket has a satin trim lining. Perfect for blocking out the cold weather.
Generously sized to keep baby warm into his/her toddler years. Measures approx 36 x36 inches.

Jenn’s shop is full of trendy, pretty things for baby and Mom. Be sure and visit her!

See you tomorrow!

I’d like to introduce you to Karen, creator of Flamingo K’s! Your source for Customized Athletic wear. And her Artfire shop

 I was born and raised in central Ohio, and have been married for 32 years. We’ve lived in several places in the US through the years, and now we’re back “home”. My husband and I have four grown children; two are still in college. Since the kids have left high school, all the sports events have ended for us,and we have more time for traveling and hobbies. It was during a camping trip in June of 2008 I was diagnosed with Stage III Kidney Cancer. I was lucky to have found it before it metastasized too far. Please consider learning more about Kidney Cancer and supporting the good folks trying to find a cure.

Karen has the cutest Lil Spanks… for children. Her Spankies are great for workouts at the gym, and you can custom order a pair for yourself!

Lil Spanks

Karen has grown up Spanks too, but these Lil Spanks are just too cute not to show off!

See you tomorrow!

I’d like to introduce you to Christy, the creative mind behind Happy Handmades!  You can visit her blog “Sweet Tidings” and her Artfire Shop

  I’m a 30 something professional photographer, crafter and jill of all trades! I’ve always loved to craft ever since I was a little girl. I love sewing and fabric crafts and sometimes i love to dabble in scrapbooking and painting!

Look at this cute little package of lace and buttons!

FQ of Mushroom Garden Japanese Fabric - is this cute or what?

I just grabbed these 2 items from her shop to display here - but her shop is full of things like this. And her blog is just adorable. Already Pink and Green - and full of great pictures and links to FABULOUS  sites you don’t want to miss. I even saw some pictures of brownies…

See you tomorrow!

I’d like to introduce you to Terri Collins, the creator and owner of Callidora’s. Her blog, Callidora’s Closet and her Artfire shop are full of interesting and unique items.

I’m Terri Collins, owner of Callidora’s, and a homeschooling mother of 4.  I love to sew, knit, and read novels.  I learned how to sew as a teenager and before the onset of the internet, I had an alterations business, but mostly I sewed for myself, family and friends.  I made lots of baby clothes, curtains, and pillows!  When we moved from Arizona back to Virginia, sewing took a backseat and I was working full time as a Human Resources Manager.  When my children’s education became my primary focus, I turned back to sewing as a source of income - and voila!  Callidora’s was born.

 I specialize in women’s clothing and accessories.  I make handbags and hats, business wear, casual, and formals.  A lot of my business has been custom work - everything from steampunk laptop bags to coats to movie copies.  I most enjoy working on re-creations, either designer copy or copies of dresses, coats, or gowns seen on TV or in movies.  I also love to create Regency era gowns, and dresses from the 1930s and 1950s!  Some of my custom work can be viewed at my Gallery at www.callidoras.com/gallery.aspx My greatest joy is the email I get once a customer has received their custom piece and they are thrilled beyond all expectations

Terri is offering 2 prizes on her blog for this blog tour - the cute pink purse and this darling little apron! You better hurry on over there and leave a comment!

I’d like to introduce you to, Beth Hagemeyer of Be The Thread

and her Artfire Shop

Hi!  I’ve been around fabric since I was a baby on my mother’s lap, but didn’t claim sewing for myself until recently.  I began quilting about seven years ago, when a friend of ours was pregnant.  What’s more inspiring to the creative process than a new baby?!  A couple years ago, I got an embroidery machine and started making baby blankets for friends and family.  I have now expanded my business to include many other baby & child items.  I thrive on the creativity of custom orders.  I love playing with fabric, exploring colors, and making specialty items.  I have also recently started offering sewing classes in people’s homes.  It is fun to be teaching again! My business, be the thread, is not just about custom pieces - it’s about encouraging the creativity in my customers.  I want them to be a part of the process too! I look forward to “meeting” you!

How would you like to have one of these for your very own? Beth is holding a giveaway on her blog - hurry on over and sign up!

Her Artfire shop is full of the cutest baby things, appliqued onesie’s, bags, hats, little t-shirts - every single one of them is just darling. This is a good place to stock up on birthday presents for your nieces and  nephews, and your best friends little one.

See you tomorrow!

I’d like to introduce you to Betty, the creator of Pelecy Pods.

Her Artfire shop

One year at our local state fair I saw Georgia Bonesteel selling her first quilt book and of course I had to buy one. This was before she became famous and yes, I still have book. Georgia had a purse design in her book and I made one and took it to work and everyone wanted me to make them one. I started making these and sold purses for about a year.

One of my sister-in-law’s made beautiful quilts and wanted to teach me to make them. This was before the rotary cutter, we had to cut everything with scissors. What a job!

I made three baby quilts and that was it for me.

Then about a year later I went with her to a quilt shop and the owner showed her a new tool called a Rotary Cutter. My sister-in-law bought one and later that day she called me to come over to her house and try this new tool out.

I drove to her house and as soon as I cut fabric with this new tool I immediately drove back to the quilt shop and bought myself a Rotary Cutter.

I have been making quilts ever since.

Well, since Betty bought that first rotary cutter - she has been turning out some GORGEOUS quilts! My goodness, take a look at this woman’s blog! She also has pictures of a 9-Patch flower quilt that is totally hand sewn (no sewing machine) and quilted - just to see how our great grandmothers did it! Awesome!

And in her Artfire shop, she not only has quilts, but pillows, lavender sachets, and ACEO’s.

WHAT ON EARTH IS AN ACEO?
———————————————————————————————-
A - art
C - card
E - editions
O - originals
It’s a collectible, affordable piece of art that measures exactly 2.5 x 3.5 inches (like a hockey card)

WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH IT?
———————————————————————————————-
1. frame it and stick it on your favorite wall
2. trade it with your other cool friends
3. prop it up in a little tiny easel
4. use it as a bookmark, so that you can admire it every time you drift off while reading…
5. hide it away in a box until I get really famous
6. once I’m famous, haul it out and sell it on eBay

And Betty has some AWESOME cards - WOW!

See you tomorrow!

 I’d like to introduce you to Christie, from Stitch ‘n Love

and her Artfire shop

I am a National Guard wife and a mom to a total of six kids, four that I gave birth to and two that I did not, but my heart doesn’t see a difference. They range in ages of 19, 16, 14, 12, 3, and 1. Some are here all the time, some are here not so all the time, but we are a family no matter what. Having mostly boys, the house is bound to have a video game playing if we are at home. I started up Stitch N Love back in April of 2008 when it became apparent to me that working outside the home just wasn’t going to work for the family but I wanted to be able to contribute monetarily. My grandma suggested quilting after I made a few blankets for friends and I grew it into more. I quickly knew that online as the best place for me to start, so I created a website. I sell on several different sites, but Artfire is so far the one that I like the most. In my previous life, I was a kindergarten teacher and may go back when my baby is a bit older. I taught kindergarten for 5 years along with a year of 4th grade and a 4/5 multiage. I love working with children, it’s the politics of the public school system that burned me out. Right now, I am enjoying having my own small business and being home to watch ALL my kids grow up.

Christie’s  blog is full of darling pictures she has taken of her shop items - if you love baby things - HURRY! These are some the cutest I’ve seen! You know you always need baby things, for a shower, a new grandbaby - maybe your own! It doesn’t hurt to have a few little baby presents stashed away! You don’t always have time to go shopping - this is delivered to your door! Hurry… before they are all gone!

Christie also have a giveaway going on for the Blog Tour, and a sale….

See you tomorrow!

I’d like to introduce you to Amy, the New England Quilter

Her Artfire Studio

I’m 35, my name is Amy. I grew up in Maine and now live in New Hampshire. I have quilted on and off (when I have the time and inspiration) for over 10 years. I love making homemade quilts, sewing, and other crafty projects. I love making fabric coiled baskets and my latest craft has been crocheting rag rugs and baskets. I love these crafts, because, like quilting, you can be very creative to achieve a unique piece of art. One of my favorite items in my shop is the Smiles Around the world memory matching game.

Other interests include hiking, basketball, swimming, cooking, finding sea glass at the ocean, and spending time with friends and family. I also have an Etsy Shop. Follow me on Twitter  or Plurk

Amy and her son - what a cutie patootie!!!

Here’s a headband from her Artfire shop.

Amy’s blog is full of pictures of her cutie patootie little boy, and his new fire truck bed, her handmade goodies and links to some awesome blogs.

Her Artfire shop is full of things for baby - quilts, diaper & wipes travel cozy, fabric blocks and beach balls, fun baskets and more headbands… my goodness this girl is busy!!

Head on over to visit Amy - see you tomorrow!