Blue Mountain Handcrafts

 March 9, 2010

Wow! I didn't realize it had been so long since I last posted..........yep, super busy at my house! Well I don't have time for a real post so here's a quick run down of the madness going on here:

• we still have 12" of snow on the ground.....will this crap ever go away!
• I've signed up for the April Phat Fiber box....keeping my fingers crossed I can get my samples out on time.
• Started a Random Beauty Batt club in the esty shop....we'll see how that goes
• Just got 3 more fleeces that need to be washed. Where do you dry 11lbs of fleece in the winter?
• Our cat has a friend that is an opposum....no kidding!
• NO Interweave Crochet Spring 2010 mag yet.........I'm climbing out of my skin waiting for it
• Eric is working on more fiber tools for the shop.......the noise is phenomenal
• Katie got all A's and B's and a C in math (I hate fractions too) on her interim report.......she got an A+ on her book report!!
• Alex got an A in Algebra on his interim report.......haven't gotten the others yet, he's so smart it's scary
• I'm still short despite how hard I try to grow
• I've been dyeing bamboo.......lovely stuff!
• Need to dye Mulberry Silk top........heavenly stuff
• Cedar (1 of our cats) keeps leaving his favorite toy in the kitchen.......I know, I trip over it every time
• I need to get back to work but would rather take a nap........nothing new there

February 25, 2010

Eric and I are still working our hindquarters off and super busy but at least it's in a mostly good way. Still no word from Interweave Crochet and I haven't gotten my magazine yet........I'm almost bald from pulling my hair out! The kids are totally sick of snow and winter but are doing well. I got some new "special listings" up in the shop....I had to share this pictured, it's one of my favorites! Okay, back to the grindstone.

 

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Fun Mail!

I got fun mail yesterday!! I love getting stuff in the mail....well, except for bills but who likes getting bills? Anyhow, I got my Greener Shades dye order (finally) and managed to get it up in the Etsy shop and on the Website. I just dyed a batch of Ruby Red with a bunch of different fibers....product testing, right! Next I'm doing purple. Basically, I'm going to try out all 9 colors and then geez what am I going to do with 36oz of gorgeous dyed fiber.......guess I'll be carding some awesome batts that's what!!! I felt like a mad scientist testing the ph of the water and actually keeping track of the temperature. Eric suggested I follow the directions for at least the 1st batch of each color. I know, super boring but he's right.......I can do my "granny style" thing after I get the test batches done.

My super duper fun package was from Anita aka yarndemon from our Fancy Kitty Ravelry group swap. There was alot of squealing and ooohhing and aaaahhing going on as I unwrapped each fantastic item. I got some beautiful batts that I'm in the process of spinning, a super cute tape measure that Katie tried to steal, some of Anita's awesome fimo clay stitch markers (she's got lots more at www.yarndemon.etsy.com ), incredibly soft faux angora, dyed firestar, lotion, a beautiful soap bag with some almond and oatmeal soap, lots of edible treats, and Poo Poo Paper. It's absolutely hysterical...........it is actually made from recycled elephant poop. Apparently, they only digest 60% of the vegetable matter they eat so there's alot of fiber in their poop and this company recycles it into paper. Don't worry, it doesn't smell like poop. I love the company's tag line "We're Number One At Number Two!" You can get your own poo poo paper at www.poopoopaper.com   I've got it bookmarked ;)

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

HOLY CRAP!

We have gotten a ton of snow here on the mountain. Over 3 feet, no kidding. It took 2 days to shovel the driveway and they finally plowed our road yesterday. This, however, does not mean we can get down the mountain. The main road on the mountain is, well, treacherously covered with snow and ice. The lady at the post office told me when I called that if we didn't have 4 wheel drive and chains not to even attempt it.....she said even with 4 wheel drive and chains it was dicey. So, we're still stuck and everyone here is sick of snow and wants to move to Mexico.

I have managed to get alot of sewing done when we have electricity......it was intermittent for 2 days and no internet access for 2 1/2 days. Have you ever tried to heat your house with candles? It can be done......it's times like this that make me glad I'm a pack rat. I don't really mind being stuck since I never go anywhere anyway but I REALLY don't like not being able to get the mail and mail my packages. Right now we have blizzard like conditions with wind and blowing snow so I'm waiting for the power to go out again. Thank the gods for manual fiber tools......I would have gone absolutely bonkers days ago if not for my spinning wheels and drum carder. I still haven't heard from Interweave so now I'm waiting (not very patiently) for the magazine to come out and keeping my fingers crossed. I guess I better go sew and take pictures in case we loose power again. I hope everyone is warm and safe and not getting this damned snow!!

Friday, February 5, 2010

My Carding Katie

I had to share this. Katie wanted to card some batts while I was working on the computer so I gave her a tub full of wool and lots of sparkly add ins and told her to have at it. Rest assured, she has been trained in the proper and safe use of the drum carder.....I would not let just any child use a drum carder unsupervised. Anyhow, Katie carded up 3 gorgeous batts with a total weight of 5 oz.  I was thrilled and was looking forward to spinning them tonight. So, what does the little bugger do.....she wraps them up and packs them in a box so she can give them to me for my birthday in 2 weeks. Cripes!! I think she just likes torturing me............

 February 2, 2010

Well, we've gotten more snow and there's lots more expected this week and weekend. Joy. Everyone here is sick of snow. I've been sewing, carding, and spinning like there's no tomorrow to keep the shop stocked and I must say I am very pleased with the batts I'm getting! I've totally rearranged my "area" where I do my crafting. It's gone from a cluttered mess to a well organized work space........wonder how long that will last. I was approved to be a dealer for Greener Shades dye which I'm thrilled about!! I've added a page to order the dyes to the new Store on the website. Oh, Eric's fiber tools are about 10% less expensive if you get them through the website versus Etsy. I'm about to crawl out of my skin waiting for the Interweave Crochet magazine to come out........still not sure if my bag will be in it or not since I haven't gotten any responses to emails sent. I know they're busy and I should just be patient but it's killing me.

Eric is somewhat incapacitated at the moment. He managed to get bitten by spiders and poison ivy at the same time both of which is he very allergic to. So, to say the least this past week was more fun that humans should be allowed. This week will be just as much fun because he can't drive with the "incapacitated foot" and our roads are snowy and icy. I hate driving in that junk and I can't get the chains on the van which makes for a hair raising ride. Somebody shoot me now. The kids are hanging in there and Katie is making super cute clay animals and Alex usually has his nose stuck in the computer only coming up for air when there's food involved. I think I may have to hide that thing for awhile before he forgets there are other people living in the house with him. Teenagers, you've got to love 'em because it's against the law to shoot them.

Oh! I'm having a big sale in the jewelry shop....35% off your item total feb. 2 thru feb 14th. I'd like to close it down and totally concentrate on the fiber shop so I'm getting rid of as much as I can . If you want a good deal on vintage costume and fine jewelry check it out....lots of designer pieces. Beth1818 Vintage Costume & Fine Jewelry