What's New...'tis the Season!

'Tis the season for gift-giving. I've been busy creating custom designs on Etsy, as well as preparing for the many local shows that I've signed up for.
Custom orders are great, but it can be tricky scheduling time between shows to finish items on time. My tip would be to not take on more than you can handle. You still need to have time for yourself (and to finish all those handmade gifts that you've been planning to make)!Here's a recent design I made for a client. She wanted something to wear to Dicken's Fair. Apparently there are a lot of different Dicken's Festivals around the world. They take their attire very seriously! Here's the capelet I made, plus a matching pair of arm warmers (although they probably aren't true "period" attire). I thought it was a nice Victorian-style cape.
In keeping with the theme, I have plans to make more Victorian-inspired capes, hats, and a muff or hand-warmer. Something wooly and warm.

Staying true to my funky side, I have these new designs as well. Busy busy busy!

(See more Fiber Friday posts at http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com.

...and Everything Nice

Repost from July, but I wanted to share this recipe with you again.
These are my favorite cookies from my Grandmother's recipe box!

SUGAR AND SPICE COOKIES

Cream together 3/4 cup Crisco shortening and 1 cup sugar. Add 1 egg and mix well. Add 1/4 cup molasses. Mix together then add to egg mixture: 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Mix well and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Form dough into balls and place on baking sheet. Dip the bottom of a flat glass in sugar then gently press the cookie to flatten slightly. (Double dip for a little extra sugar.) Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until brown on the edges.

Having a cookie exchange this season? Visit my friend's blog and see these sweet invites!
http://www.boulieblog.com/2009/10/c-is-for.html

I've decided to post lots of cookie recipes this holiday! I plan to include some other family favorite feasts as well. Stay tuned! Looking for a recipe? I'm a recipe hound. Have a favorite you'd like to share? I'd love to hear about it.

Autumn Images

Spooky

Fabulous Felted Headband

Cleveland Handmade is hosting a giveaway to thank all our wonderful supporters and customers, as well as give you the opportunity to check out the high-quality handmade art in member shops. We’re giving you the chance to win this Carmen headband in red generously donated by Cleveland Handmade member la petite libellule.

Visit ClevelandHandmade.com to enter. Check out the rules HERE. It's easy to enter! (Currently open to U.S. residents only.) Enter by Wednesday, October 21st at noon (EST).

October's Featured EtsyBlogger is....

MadeByMelissa!
And, in keeping with the spirit, I thought I'd show a few of the Halloween-themed items from her shop. I love this star-shaped baby blanket, and to make it in orange and black is just perfect for Halloween! How creative!
There are earrings and necklaces and some great vintage finds. And there are some fun amigurumi toys in her shop, like this sneaky snake named Gary!
Congratulations to MadeByMelissa for being the EtsyBloggers Team Featured Blogger for October! Stop by her shop at www.MadeByMelissa.Etsy.com and be sure to visit her blog at http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com/.

The Spirit Continues...

I mentioned my brother's art work in my previous post. He sent me some pictures from the many pieces that adorn his walls. Mixed with the monster collection, horror movie posters, Pabst Blue Ribbon and rock 'n roll ephemera and the hundreds of guitars, lie drawings, paintings and ceramic pieces like these. I picked my favorites to show you here. Chris is also designing and building handmade guitars in his spare time.