Jar Crazy: Mason Jar Luminaries

It's no longer a secret: I've gone jar crazy. It all started with the Redneck Wine Glasses. They're so simple yet so much fun! I've been making the glasses for a little while, and I've recently been thinking 'What ELSE can I do with these jars?'

Enter the internet and Pinterest. I'm also now addicted to Pinterest, but that's another blog post (coming soon!). I was browsing around and found that lots of crafty people have been making glass jar luminaries. Brilliant! Of course I had to try it. I'm trying to get a head start on holiday crafting, so I started with Halloween. The pic above is my result: Halloween Luminaries!

The process is very simple. All you need is a glass jar - I used quart size plain jars from Walmart, mod podge, tissue paper, and a foam brush. A lot of the tutorials I've seen out there say to cut the tissue paper into strips. That's a good way to do it, but I wasn't entirely happy with the way it came out. You can kind of see the strips on the Frankenstein luminary above. I decided to try one large piece of tissue paper applied to the jar all at once. I liked it much better, as it appears a little more seamless - that one was the orange jack o'lantern above. When I was finished and everything was completely dry, I just plopped a tea light in the jars to light them up, and voila!

I'll do a full tutorial soon, with pictures and everything, so stay tuned! In the meantime, I'll have to write down all of these luminary ideas I now have swirling around in my head.

Crayon Rolls, Key Fobs, and Lunch Totes, Oh My!

Wow. It’s December. Christmas time. The most wonderful time of the year. I seriously don’t know what happened to the last 3 months! Well, I shouldn’t really say that; I do know what happened to the last 3 months. I have been super-duper busy! And that’s definitely a good thing.
So, what have I been working on, you ask? First, lunch totes. Moms are discovering that personalized lunch bags make excellent party favors. I had two large orders of them that were used as favor bags, with lots of goodies stuffed inside for the party guests. Ages have ranged from 1 to 10, and then some! I introduce more designs whenever I can, and of course I’m always open to suggestions. The most popular designs have been the train (new!) for boys, and daisies for girls. I’ve started using a new kind of bag as well. They’re the same size as the bags I offered before, only now I have more colors (yay!) and there’s a pocket on the front of the bag. So cute!

What else have I been working on? Key fobs, key fobs, and more key fobs. I’m still working to complete a very, very large order (for me) of personalized key fobs, both wristlet size with a full name, and a mini-size with one initial. Key fobs are one of my favorite things; I just think they’re so much fun. Everyone should have one (hint hint). I was also very excited to make a new discovery when I was searching for a new webbing supplier. Glitter! I’m now offering Glitter Key Fobs, in either size, in pink, blue, silver, and gold. I haven’t even had time to get these up in the shop yet, but look for them soon. If you just can’t wait for them to appear in the shop, shoot me an email!

And last, but certainly not least, crayon rolls! I had a special order for Christmas crayon rolls, and we decided to use Riley Blake’s ‘Be Merry’ Fabrics. They are so freaking adorable! With it now being so close to Christmas and with me being so swamped, I don’t think we’ll see these in the shop. But you never know…

So that’s what’s been going on. The shop is looking kind of bare at the moment, since I’ve been so busy, but if you’re looking for something, just let me know!

DEADLINES: For custom/personalized items, the last day to order for guranteed Christmas delivery is this Friday, December 11. For non-personalized items, the last day to order for guaranteed Christmas delivery is Wednesday December 16. If you don’t have a deadline, order away!

CURRENT TURNAROUND TIME is 7-10 business days. Please be patient! I appreciate your business, and thanks for reading.

Rings & Things

Earlier this week I didn't have much going on for a few minutes, so I started thinking of all the crafty-type supplies I have in my stash. Some haven't seen the light of day in a while, so it was either destash them in my other etsy shop, or actually use them to make something. So, I produced some cute little button rings!

These are a lot of fun to make and to wear, so I'm going to be making some more of them, until I run out of rings. Anything in particular you'd like to see? Check my shop for more cute designs coming soon!

Since it's October, I feel like I have to mention that it's Breast Cancer awareness month. Last month I was trying to think of ways I could contribute to finding a cure by using my crafts. I heard a coworker talking about how is wife was going to be participating in the 3-Day, and was trying to come up with ways to raise money. He said they were doing some events such as a pancake breakfast to raise funds, and were looking for things to raffle. A ha! I thought. Fortunately I had one more pink market tote in my stash, and this tote is now going to be raffled off to raise money for the fight.

Please, whether or not you know someone with cancer, do what you can to help find the cure. There are many ways to help.


PS: I'm available for hand modeling. :-)

Feature: Etsy Treasury!

I love browsing through Etsy Treasuries, and today my little monogrammed keychains were featured! Check it out here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=86547

More updates to come!

Trick or Treat!

October is almost here, and that means it's time for Halloween! Autumn is my favorite season, and I love Halloween: the candy, the costumes, the smell of candy apples.. Halloween wouldn't be the same if it wasn't in the fall, in my opinion. I'm still trying to decide what costumes my kids should wear this year. This is the first year I'll have two little ones to dress up, so I want it to be good! I don't know yet if I'll be making something or not. Last year my daughter was Little Red Riding Hood in an outfit made by me, and the year before that she was a bumblee, also constructed by me. Do I have to keep making her costumes now that I've done it two years in a row? We'll see what we come up with...

I do know one thing, my daughter is set for a Trick or Treating bag! Every kid needs an awesome bag/bucket/receptacle for all of the goodies and treats they'll be getting! I personally think that all kids should have something with at least their initial on it, especially if they have siblings. I remember many fights with my brother when I was a kid over whose plastic pumpkin was whose. Of course I have a solution!

Avoid the fights, the bickering, the whining with these emboidered treat bags! Available with either just an initial, or the initial and name of your child as well as the super-cute ghost, and topped off with ribbon! These bags are really sturdy (think reusable grocery bags) so they'll last for Halloweens to come, and hold lots of loot. For more information, check them out in my shop.

October also means that my coworkers will be spending more time hanging out at my desk; every October I keep a treat basket on my desk stocked to the brim. Candy = happy workers.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Weekend Wrap-Up: Robots and Princesses Oh My!

I actually had a pretty productive weekend, and that makes me happy. A friend of mine is having a Wall-E birthday party for her soon-to-be 4 year old, and that got me to thinking about robots. I already have the adorable Michael Miller "Robots" fabric that turns into such cool crayon rolls, but what other robot-type things could I do? So I did a little research while Daddy had the kids on Sunday, and this is what I came up with:

Aren't they fun? I fell in love with them as soon as I saw the design (thanks Embroidery Library!). I only had a chance to make two of them, but there are 6 of them in the set. I can't wait to make a small army! They measure about 4 inches tall, so I'm thinking they would be awesome party favors. I promised a set to a friend of mine who is having a baby boy; the nursery theme is space and robots. Perfect! Anyway, I just had to gush a little bit. They'll be doing the robot into the shop soon!

I also decided that it was time for a new Princess bib design. Again, did a little research, and this is what I found:

I think it's way cuter than the previous design; a little more modern, maybe? This bib is in the shop now. Personalization is available!

So that's what I've been working on. I just had a large order for personalized lunch totes which I'm very excited about, so that will be keeping me busy over the next few weeks. But don't worry, I also have some other ideas I'll be working on. I'm also trying to get the super-cute monster pillows up in the shop soon, as well as the tissue cases. Maybe a few other things? Who knows!

New! Zippered Tissue Cases

If anyone has been keeping up, you'll know that I love "in-the-hoop" embroidery projects. "In-the-Hoop" projects, for those unfamiliar with machine embroidery, means that the design is sewn completely (or almost) by the machine. I love this. Anything that I can do quicker and easier I totally go for. So, when I saw this design by GG Designs Embroidery, I got it immediately. I finally had a chance to stitch it out this morning, and voila! Love!

I can see making tons of these things, they're so useful. Not only are they great for tissues, but you can put in makeup, cell phones (it's a bit snug for an iPhone), iPods, personal items....anything!

Guess what my kids' daycare teachers are getting for Christmas?

I only have one made up so far, but plan on doing many more and having them available in the shop. If you just can't wait and need one immediately, just let me know.

Things are a-changin'...

Look a little different around here? With the re-opening of the Sugar Plum Delights Etsy shop, I decided to do a little updating. I added a new background to the blog, changed a few things on the sidebar, added some things...just general mid-summer cleaning, I guess. I was going to add a widget for Twitter, but I can't seem to get anything to work for it. Suggestions?

I also made the decision today to close down my website. I haven't had time to work on it, and it wasn't getting much traffic anyway. So, I decided to stick with free(ish) things like Etsy, Blogger, Flickr, Twitter, and Facebook. My next project is to update my Flickr page, possibly by the end of the week.

Other than that, there hasn't been too much happening in Sugar Plum Land. I work on new crafty things to add to the shop when I have a chance, which doesn't happen often with an almost-three-year-old and a three-month old! But be sure to check back though, and see what might be new!

And, don't forget that I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on everything in the shop until July 31st! Don't wait!

Mini Market Totes!

Get them while they're hot! I'm taking orders for the mini version of the hugely popular Market Totes! They do not have lids so it's incredibly handy to just toss stuff in there. My daughter used one as an Easter basket this year, and she loved it. She still carries it around with toys and who knows what else in there. I'm sure there are goldfish crackers stuffed in the inside zipper pocket.

For Halloween this year, I'm going to personalize a black one for her to use while trick-or-treating. How cute would that be? I'll have to play with designs, but I'm thinking of adding a pumpkin or a witch along with her name.

This is a slightly different style than what's pictured above, but still basically the same. They collapse flat for easy storage when not in use.

Colors available are: Black, brown, light pink, hot pink, royal blue, red, yellow, Kelly green, purple, royal purple (think LSU purple), orange, turquoise, lime, and navy

Please let me know as soon as possible if you're interested! They're going fast!

The price on the mini's is $15. Personalization included! Larger totes are also available; just email me for more info!

Coming Soon!

We'll be back soon, I promise! The last 6 months have flown by and lots has happened, but we're gearing up to get the shop open again ASAP! There will be new crayon rolls, new totes, keychains, bibs and burps, and lots of other fun stuff! Something new that's a personal favorite is...Monster Pillows!

These are the cutest things, and kids just love them. They can even be personalized, if you wish! I'm also working on Crayon Roll Party Packs, Birthday Party Packs, and Craft Kits of various sorts.

So, stay tuned, and be on the lookout for our Grand Re-Opening, happening soon! There may even be a sale...you never know!

Here's what I have been working on while the shop has been closed:

My little man, born April 16. Gush!

Upcoming Shows

Well, we finally have a few things nailed down for the Holiday Season. Check out the 'Upcoming Events' section over to the right to see where you can find us live and in person! Our first market is this very Saturday, Nov. 8th at Mary Lin Elementary in Candler Park (intown Atlanta). Come out to see us! We would love to meet you and show off our latest goodies. Katie has been knitting up a storm and turning out super-cute baby hats and booties. I watched her knit a hat yesterday, and it was adorable! If I had thought about it, I would have snapped an action shot. Next time! As for me, I've been working on crayon rolls galore, and am hoping to actually get at least 2 tutus made for Saturday. No promises, but I'll do my best! If you're interested in a tutu, let me know, and I'll make one up especially for you.

I also have to show off Pookie's Halloween costume, since I'm proud to say it was made entirely by me. :-) I was happy with how it turned out...it was my first-ever attempt at clothing of any sort! Thank goodness for Google, is all I have to say.

Until next time...

Attack of the Fuzzy Green Monsters...And Twilight

If you can't handle incredible cuteness, you better stop reading now. I know I've mentioned my newfound love of "in-the-hoop" embroidery projects before, so this will be no surprise: Monsters! Made on my embroidery machine!


I can't decide if they're monsters or aliens, but either way, I think they're simply adorable. So far I've only made them in green, but I just bought some wonderfully purple fuzzy fleece and cannot wait until that fleece turns into monsters. There's also some hot pink faux fur monsters in the works, too. Ah, if I only had more time. The little green guys are up in the shop now.

Speaking of more time, I've recently been spending time doing something I used to do quite often: Reading books. Since marriage, baby, work, and small (tiny) business all came into my life, reading has been saved for vacation time. I almost feel guilty now, when I try and read a book...I feel like I should be doing something else. That was until I finally broke down and bought Twilight. I could not stop reading this book. Then, when I finished that one, I went out the next day and bought the next book in the series, New Moon. I just started this one, and I can't wait until I can pick it up again. I'm already plotting how I can get my work done AND read at the same time. How bad is that? I guess you can officially call me a Twilight Addict.



Oh, and Team Edward all the way. Seriously. How could you NOT fall in love with this fictional vampire?

Things I've Learned About Machine Embroidery

I have to admit I'm still new to machine embroidery. I have an awesome machine that I purchased back in February, but I still haven't figured out all of the ins and outs and what all it can do. I have a great program that I'm also still learning how to use. I absolutely love embroidering and creating things, it's such a great sense of accomplishment when something absolutely adorable comes out of my machine. In all of this, one thing I've learned is the most basic thing that we all learn in Kindergarten:

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

You would think that it would be a given, especially when you're using a machine that cost a pretty penny...even more so when that pretty penny was your very own.

So, when you're making a super-cute "in-the-hoop" project on your embroidery machine, follow the directions. Don't get ribbons caught in the presser foot. It could be ugly. :-)

They're Back!

When I first started making things, I made fun crayon rolls. A few of them anyway...I never really made very many, but I had planned to make at least a million. Funny how plans change and never really come to fruition! But, at long last, Crayon Rolls are back at Sugar Plum Delights!

I'm making them a little smaller now, because do you really need more than 8 crayons when you're on the go? The process has also been streamlined a bit, so I can crank them out a little quicker, and I love that. They're available with or without personalization, but why not go for it and add a name? These would be excellent party favors for your kids' birthday parties. Each child can have their very own, with their name on it! Have a party theme? Rolls can be made to match! If you have a special request, please email me, and I'll see what I can do.

These three rolls are available now in the shop! I also have another super-cool crayon keeper up my sleeve, but for girls only (sorry guys). I should have that one available within a week or so.

I've been very happily busy with Monogrammed Badge Reels lately, so I haven't had a chance to work on some other new stuff I'm planning, but don't worry, it'll be here soon!

Happy crafting!

Catching Up...

Wow, has it been a week since I've posted? Goodness gracious, sorry to leave you all hanging out there! I've been fairly busy with some custom orders and requests, and have finally finished up most all of it. I think I only have one more thing to complete, then I can take a breather. Whew! And did I take pictures of any of these things to show off to the masses? Of course not! Aside from orders, I've been working on Fall and Holiday craft shows, and figuring out what we might want to consider. I've never been good at planning, and have a tendency to forget things (who me?), so I figure if I get a jump on it and keep the list in the back of my mind, I might be okay.


Imagine this keychain multiplied by 20. That's what's been keeping me (happily) busy! RLAG stands for "Run Like A Girl", a book by Kathy Vick, to be released in 2009.


While I was in the middle of my pile of custom keychains (Thanks Kathy!), my sister-in-law/partner-in-crime Katie has opened up an Etsy shop of her very own, Happy 2 Knit. She's been knitting up a storm, and is really creating some super-cute knitted goodness! You'll find it hard to resist the things in her shop, but make sure you stop by. She will be more than happy to accept custom orders, too.

I think the finger puppets may be my favorite. They're just adorable.

I have a 3-day weekend this weekend, and that is making me very happy. I will, hopefully, finally be able to work on some things I've wanted to do for a while, but just haven't gotten around to yet. Or, I may just stay in my jammies all day and watch silly movies. You just never know what may happen at Sugar Plum Central...

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons...and Ribbon, too

I've gone crazy for covered buttons. Really. I dream about them. I think all day of things I could make with them when I get home. It's official, I'm Button Crazy. The good thing is, I have piles and piles of different size buttons, and I'm pretty sure even more are coming! Yay! So far, as you've seen, I've created the Super-Fun Covered Button Bracelets. I think that might have to be the official name for them. I'm currently waiting on more bracelets to arrive so I can make more of them and offer them at wholesale prices to local shops and boutiques. We're movin' up! I've also made a few Awesome Covered Button Ponytail Holders:Notice anything? This set is made to match the Chocolate and Cream Button Bracelet, also in the shop. These are so easy to make, I can watch TV while making them. What's next in Crazy Button-Land? Headbands, more badge reels, lots more pony-o's, a million more button bracelets, RINGS (that's right, I said rings), and Earrings! And whatever else I might think up.

Another obsession of mine seems to be ribbon. I have a ton of that as well, and collect it like some might collect stamps or matchbooks. I love using it, and have made lots of things with it, including Tag Blankets. Tag Blankets are one of the first things I started making when I first broke out my used sewing machine that I had bought 3 years before I actually used it. I made lots of Tag Blankets, out of adorable flannel fabrics, and they sold well for me, on Etsy and at local craft shows. Recently I received a note from Etsy Admin saying that they had removed my Tag Blanket listings, because they had been contacted by the Taggies company saying that anyone who was selling something similar to their product was in violation of their patent. Now, I love Etsy, and have respect for their policies, so I responded nicely saying I wouldn't post anything resembling a Taggies product again. However, I think Taggies is being ridiculous on this entire issue, and I will never buy any of their products. That's all I'm going to say about this, as it could get ugly. But, I wanted to let you all know why there are no longer Tag Blankets in my shop. If you're interested, please contact me.

Badge Reels, and More Badge Reels

I'm having fun with these, and they seem to be popular! I haven't even put them (aside from the PBR one) in the shop yet because I'm waiting on a large order of blanks. Here are a few I've done recently:

The bottle cap idea came while I was trying to figure out what to do with the TON of beer bottle caps my husband has saved for the past...oh I don't know, at least 5 years. I was working on embroidered badge reels at the time, and kind of had a lightbulb pop up over my head. So, I don't know if there will be much interest, but I think it's fun! It's currently listed in my alter-ego Etsy shop, MooreCrafty. Look for magnets to be making an appearance very soon!


Well we just have to have a UGA badge reel, right? This was a request not only from my friend Sara, but from another coworker as well.

This was a special order from yet another coworker. These girls are loving these things! And I love them. :-)

I know the badge reels don't really fit into the Babies and Kids theme of Sugar Plum Delights, but we're here for mommies and daddies, too. Plus I think they're a lot of fun!

I also had a special order for "Future (insert occupation) " bibs, and I really liked the way they turned out! These will be making an appearance in the shop very soon, just in case anyone else needs them!

So, these things should keep you happy for now. But just know that there are many many more fun things coming soon! I'm just waiting for some shipments to come in...and I can't wait!

Oh wait! I can't believe I almost forgot to mention this! Are you interested in making Embroidered Badge Reels on your own! I've recently published a How-To! "Make Your Own Embroidered Badge Reels", the tutorial, is now available in the shop! The instructions are very simple, there are lots of pictures, and even a source list! And it's cheap! I'll be putting together a "Starter Kit" to go with the tutorial very soon!

Update! Finally!

I decided earlier today that I really needed to update my blog, so this afternoon I started typing. All of a sudden I had written over 800 words, and decided that it was WAY too long to post here, when basically all I was trying to say was that I bought myself a Cuttlebug. It ended up sounding like a column in a magazine, so I thought, what the hay? I'll submit to a magazine or two, and see what happens. You never know.

So, I bought a Cuttlebug! Isn't it cute?

I was looking for a quick and easy way to make nice, professional-looking hangtags for my products when I spotted this little dealie. It can do a lot of things, so I'm very excited about it. I might even try my hand at making cards, I haven't fully decided yet.

Anyway, June has been busy at Sugar Plum Central! I had a lovely vacation that was much needed, and now am back to work. I've been working on a few new things that will be unveiled later this month, hopefully. I'm very excited about them! Orders are coming in left and right for my Monogrammed Initial Key Fobs, and I introduced a new color, Lime Green. Love this one! I think it looks great with the blue thread, but I can do whatever color thread a customer may want.

I've also had orders for my badge reels from people at work. I'm waiting on a shipment of them, so I haven't posted them in the Etsy Shop just yet. But if you're interested, just let me know! Here's a batch I did last week:

They turned out great, even though the picture didn't, and I was told that the recipients loved them! I love hearing that my things make people happy.. :-) In case you can't tell, the pink and blue letters are on a brown background, on black clips.

So that's all for now. I'll try to post a little more regularly, and try to keep things interesting!

Busy, Busy, Busy (again)

It seems like whenever I have a festival or market coming up, the week prior is super-hectic. I do this to myself, as I am an Extreme Procrastinator. Always have been, most likely always will be. There doesn't seeem to be anything I can do about it, and I've learned to live with it. I'm comfortable! So, in my mad rush to get more things finished for Saturday's Kirkwood Spring Fling, I've produced some cool stuff! Or at least I think it's cool. Of course, it is only Wednesday, so that means three more nights of production...more stuff to come!

Yesterday, since it was dead at the day job, I decided to take a half day to work on some goodies. I embroidered a nice pile of key fobs, and just have to add the hardware. Ever wonder what a stack of unfinished key fobs looks like? Here you go:

I was able to do 12 pieces per hooping, so I was super-impressed with myself. Those who do machine embroidery, you know what I'm talking about. :-)

Also did a couple of bibs last night with a new theme. Introducing...Miss Monkey!

Isn't she adorable? More designs featuring Miss Monkey are on the way, and personalization is avaiable on bibs and burps. I haven't mastered t-shirts yet, but I'm working on it. These designs will not be available in the Shop until afer this weekend, but if you simply cannot wait, just email me! And if you're in the Atlanta area, come out and see us at Kirkwood!

I'll try to update again before Saturday with more new stuff.