I've moved my blog to WordPress

Hello everyone,
I've made some changes for the future of my blog.  I've been approached by Michael Sellick from the Crochet Crowd to be a guest blogger.  It's a great opportunity for me and building up my personal blog so, I've decided to combine all my trial blogs into one and move to WordPress permanently. 

So, please come visit my new blog address.  I hope you will like it!  Chit and Chats....about this and about that.

My Very First Crochet Challenge: Mad Hatter's Challenge by the Crochet Crowd

I happen to stumble upon a Facebook post that peeked my interest.  It was posted by The Crochet Crowd and it was titled, "Mad Hatter's Challenge".  I happen to love Mad Hatter Hats so I was excited to find out what this was all about.

The theme was anything Alice in Wonderland Fairytale including all new versions and it's sequels.  I must admit, Alice in Wonderland had never been a personal favorite of mine and I don't ever remember watching or reading the entire story in one sitting.  So, I didn't really have a clue as to the details of the story besides Alice, a rabbit and the Mad Hatter!  Yes, sadly that was the extent of my knowledge on this very popular story!  LOL

 I suddenly had the urgency to watch this movie and the other versions available to me.  I checked all my VHS movies that we had collected for my daughter to see if we had it.  No luck.  I then got on to HULU plus and search every possible movie with the title and would you believe it!?!  Not one movie!!!  (Well, besides the cheezy, cheap, rated R types...which I'm quite sure wouldn't be permitted)....Just my luck!  Ha Ha Ha.  My last resort was You Tube....and once again, no success!

I wasn't about to spend money to buy the movie that I hadn't particularly liked, so what was I to do???  I was at a quandary.

Low and behold...a few days later, I happened to turn the television on and flipped to a channel that actually had the movie on! Oh my goodness, how lucky was I???  I didn't get to see the movie from the beginning, but I did get to see a good amount of it to the end.  I truly think someone from above wanted me to enter this contest!  It was a sign and I wasn't about to ignore it.  I was meant to make this hat!!!!

After watching the movie, my creative juices were flowing.  I was on a mission and nothing was going to get in my way.  I doodled on every piece of paper within arms reach.  It was like a tornado of paper flying this way and that.  It felt great!

As most creatives will attest to, my final product came out different from my original sketch.  That's what I love about creativity.  You may start off with one design but you usually end up with a variation of the original when you're finally done with it.

At the beginning I wanted to portray the Cheshire Cat with his glowing yellow eyes on the front of the hat and his tail sticking out behind.  I was going to make the top of the hat as a tea cup with steam rising out of it. Then have the band of the hat have the playing cards all around and the brim with the numbers of the clock on the circumference.  The Mad Hatter's hair coming out of the bottom and the door knob on the back.

As you can see, only parts of that original sketch made it to the final product.  During the creation process, with numerous trials and errors, I came up with this in the end.

After about 2 weeks of "tweaking" I had my finished product.

This is the front view with the Cheshire Cat on top, the Queen's crown, the Door Knob, Alice's legs and the "Eat Me and Drink Me" tags.

And here's the back view with the playing cards.

I can only tell you that this creation process, from figuring out what parts of the movie I wanted to use to the actual construction of the piece, was invigorating, frustrating, exciting, hair pulling, inspiring, and exhausting experience in a long while!  LOL  I put my blood, sweat and tears into this creation and I grew very attached to it.  It was extremely difficult for me to send it off to Canada and knowing I would never hold it ever again!

The contest is being held at the Creativ Festival on April 25 & 26 2014 in Cananda.

"From Fashion Hats to Fashion Students…

• All hats submitted for The Crochet Crowd exhibit will be part of an all new fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards creating Educational Awards for Fashion Design Students in Ontario, Canada. Visit the Crochet Crowd Booth #153 on Saturday, April 26th between 2 pm and 5 pm and get inspired to place your bid.

The 5 Winning Hats will be released after being showcased again at the Creativ Festival, October 24, 25 & 26 at the Metro Toronto Conventional Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. Up to 30,000 Creativ Festival Guests to view once again.
You have a chance to win 1 of 5 - $500 prize packages, the opportunity to showcase your creativity and the added bonus that your hats are also giving students an opportunity to persue their educational dreams through The Crochet Crowd Scholarship Program."

With over 340 hat entries, it's truly awe inspiring and is a must see!  I wish I could be there to witness the level of excellence in a sea of mad hatters!  To check out all the wonderful hats entered for the contest: http://www.thecrochetcrowd.com/en/newchallenges/1451-madhatter1.html

Indie A-List Launch Party and Giveaway!

Indie A-List is having a launch party!!!  The A-List features Indie Businesses that have gone through a review process and must pass the test with several stages to have the honor of being an A-List Member.  This gives it's customers peace of mind knowing they will receive quality product with exceptional customer service from the time you order, packaging with care, and making sure each customer is more than satisfied with their purchase. 

The Indie A-List has a huge variety of shops from Eco-Friendly,

Christian owned,

Military/Spouse Owned,

Shops for a Cause

and so, so much more!

Come on over and enter the huge Giveaway with over $300 in prizes!!!

Please check out and support all the indie businesses on this site.  Here's the link to the giveaway: Indie A-List Launch Party.

Silver Dawn Jewelry Review

I received one of Silver Dawn Jewelry's handmade hair pins and I just love it so much that I have to write about it.  If you knew me, you would know that I am absolutely horrible at hair stuff!  Styling my hair, treating my hair, caring for my hair....I am just horrible at anything hair related.  I've always struggled and was certain that I would never find one that would work.

When I was young, I wore my hair with a very short bob that way I didn't have to worry about doing anything with it but blow dry it straight.  I've always dreamt of having long, flowing, shiny hair.  I finally had the nerve to grow my hair out for my wedding day.  Since then, I've had both short and long hair through out the years, but it was never how I'd imagined it.

I've spent my hard earned money and wasted too much time on hair styling products and tools hoping to find the one that would work for me.  Nothing held up besides the old '80's banana clip, one certain kind of  barrettes and ponytail rubber bands.  I've tried every gadget and gizmo invented and nothing worked!  So, I'd given up....

Until.....one faithful day when I met Elew, designer/creator of Silver Dawn Jewelry.  I was fortunate to write about her business and donating to the Red Cross on my other blog, Kindred Krafters.  I was in awe with the quality and beauty of her jewelry pieces.  That's really saying a lot, since I myself have a jewelry business.  Elew's metalwork is just incredible and flawless!  She truly is someone that a have grown to look up to in a very short amount of time.  Her workmanship is what I hope to someday achieve.

I completely fell in love with her hairpins, although I really do love all her pieces.  But with my hair obsession, I zeroed in on the hair pin almost instantly.  I had definitely added that to my wish list.  I didn't have to wait long for this wish to come true.  Elew was gracious enough to send me one.

When I received the hair pin, I'll be honest.  I had to look up "how to use a hairpin" on YouTube!  LOL  I hurriedly wrapped my hair in a bun and used the hairpin.  Hallelujah!!!!  It worked!  Not only did it work....it stayed on, and on, and on.  I have used the hairpin every single day since then!!! 

 I am in serious love with this hairpin!  ROFL!!!  Not only does it stay on, it's not uncomfortable to wear even when you're laying your head down!  Try doing that with a banana clip!  Not only does it work, stay on and is comfortable....it's beautiful to boot!  I seriously think I will rave about this hairpin until the day I die!  REALLY!

Okay, I took a picture of myself wearing it.  Now, this is a picture when I hadn't styled it in any way, so it's not exactly the best example but you'll get the idea. 

Here's another picture of someone else with her hair styled.  How gorgeous are these????

I am telling you, if you have medium to long hair....this is a must have!  She can customize the length and the color of the marble.  They are made of .080 nickel silver and will not tarnish even with wet hair! 

Silver Dawn Jewelry has so much more to offer than just hairpins so please stop by her online store to see her many wonderful, handmade creations.  She also has a Facebook Page and a Tumblr Page.

Holiday Gifts for the Pets in your family

I can't do holiday gift lists without including pets.  Our dogs have been our kids for almost 18 years now, so not including them would be a great injustice in my part.  So for all of you have love your pets as much as I do, here we go....

Steel Krazy

Steel Krazy does more than pet related products, so please make sure to take a look at their site.  For this gift list I am featuring products from their "Pet Collection".

This first one that caught my eye, gets me in a sentimental mood since I've loved and lost 5 loving and dedicated dogs in my lifetime.

I would really love to have these "memorials" for each one of my doggie angels.  So, if you have a loved one who's lost a pet or two, this would be a perfect gift.

This custom made memorial is approximately 12" W x 9" H.

All personalized Pet Memorials are available with optional charms (additional listing).
Your finish choices are either a painted textured black (pictured) or a sealed natural rust finish. Over time and exposure to the elements the natural rust finish will continue to patina.

Their pet memorials are cut from heavy 12 gauge steel with 12" stakes that have been welded on. They can also make them wall mountable. They would stand off from the wall 3/8" so charms can still be hung. Priced at $49.99

Steel Krazy also does cat and horse themed products.  They have a huge selection of products including clocks, address signs, welcome signs, crosses, etc.  So many to mention, you really must take a look at their site. 

Danielle's Doggie Delights

Danielle's Doggie Delights  is based out of Florida and offers delectable goodies for your four legged furry friends.  They offer donuts, biscuits and pupcakes in a variety of colors.  All gourmet dog treats are handmade with natural ingredients (no preservatives or additives). May contain any or all of the following ingredients: wheat-flour, sugar-free yogurt, honey, egg, organic peanut butter.

These treats look so good it's making my mouth water!  Can you just imagine your doggie receiving this in the mail?  Now the prices vary between in store pickup or delivery.  In store pickup is $10.00 for a dozen of your choice of donuts, biscuits or pupcakes or delivery is $18.00.  It comes automatically in blue, pink and white colors or you can message them for custom colors. 

Bags and More by Pam

Now this particular one took me by surprise as I have never seen anything quite like this before.  Bags and More by Pam has created something for the Chicken lover!

I don't know a whole lot about chickens, so when I saw this it really gave me a chuckle!  How great is this for the chicken who's molting!  With their backs bare during the cold weather months, this is a perfect ensemble!

Sweaters will be made with snaps at the bottom sides, making them easy to slip over the head and then snap under the wings. The front will be made one inch or so shorter than the back to provide more room for nature's call. Priced at $14.00, your chickens will truly love you!

Make sure to take a look at all the other crochet items available for the whole family...not just for chickens!

Original Catpods

Original Catpods are eco-friendly furniture designed for the feline minds and made to last for years and years.  Each bag of original Kitty Pucks contains 6 rolling cardboard toys marinated to perfection in catnip and ready for action. Whether your cat likes to bat 'em, bite 'em, pounce 'em or rip 'em, the Kitty Pucks are an all around non-toxic and totally safe toy for your kitty to play with. 

 Catpods™ products are all handcrafted with local Industrial Strength Corrugated Cardboard, Non-Toxic Water Soluble Adhesives, and are 100% Recyclable.  Proudly made in Tryon, North Carolina.

They offer these bags for $3.95.  They also have the Catpods and speed bumps available for purchase priced from $19.95 up to $109.95.

True Treats Pet Bakery

Here's True Treats Pet Bakery who offers a wide variety of treats for almost every pet out there!  Dog Treats, Cat Treats, Horse Treats, Bunny Treats and Rat & Guinea Pig Treats too! All-Natural Pet Biscuits made with Pure, Whole, Fresh Ingredients. I offer something for every pet: Whole Grain, No-Grain, No-Gluten, No-Wheat, and/or Vegan options. Vegetarian menu.

I am loving this pet bakery!  Why, you ask?  Because they also make Anti Fart Dog Cookies!!!  If you've ever had a dog, you would know just how much I am appreciating this special treat!  These treats come crunchy, but you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to make them little chewy treats!

There's so much variety available on their site...6 pages full!  Most of their items are under $10 and they offer a 3 point 100% guarantee.  You couldn't lose even if you tried!  LOL

AnnaBela Artistry

Okay, so I may be biased here, since this part of the list is from my online store.  He he he.  I just don't feel it would be right for me not to post my crochet pet sweaters on this holiday list.  You may find my pet sweaters at http://annabelaartistry.wix.com/annabela-artistry.

I love creating these cute sweaters for our doggies!  Not only is it for warmth during the cold weather months, but it's super stylish!  What pet wouldn't love to wear one of these when they're out for a walk?  I see my Dudley and Big Jet walking a little taller, heads raised up a little higher, prancing along proudly and my little Kylie, shaking her little behind just a wee bit extra when she's wearing her girly sweater.

I make these sweaters with 100% acrylic yarn that is machine washable and tumble dry low.  I am more than happy to customize any size, any color, any style of your choosing.  My prices range from $20 for extra small up to $60 for extra, extra large. 

Okay, that's it for my list.  Please make sure to visit all these stores and buy handmade from small businesses.  I truly appreciate each and every one's support.  Please follow and comment on my blog.  I would love to hear from you.  May Dog Bless You!

**Please note that I was NOT paid to post any of these products. 

Typhoon Haiyan affects a part of my family

Typhoon Haiyan killed so many people and damaged so many homes in the Philippines.  I can't even imagine witnessing that type of devastation.  It so happens that my 1st cousin's 89 year old grandmother, Lola Ning, was one of Typhoon Haiyan's victims.

 Lola Ning has lived in her home since her parents built it after World War II, in 1948.  She and the rest of her siblings grew up in that house and she was given the task of taking care of the compound after her parents died and her siblings had families of their own.  Her home is her pride and joy along with her orchid collection and flowering plants.

 It's extremely heart wrenching for the family to see their "ancestral" home destroyed along with their family memorabilia.  To so many, this place has been their haven all their lives.

 

I know that I can't help everyone that was affected by this devastating act of mother nature.  I know that I could donate to the Red Cross or some other organization to help the families out there.  And maybe there are many out there with worse situations, but I have this chance to directly make a difference in Lola Ning's life.  I know that the donation will help her get her pride and joy back to it's old glory and put that sweet smile back on her face. 

So now until Dec. 31, 2013 I am pledging to donate 20% of all sales to help Lola Ning re-build her home.  Please help me with my plight by sharing this story to as many people as you can. You may find my entire inventory at my main online site: AnnaBela Artistry

Many thanks to my cousin, Joe Tablante and my Aunt Jean, for the story, the information and the pictures.  God Bless Lola Ning and all the people in the Philippines that have had to endure so much.

Holiday gifts for the men in your life.

I find shopping for men the most difficult task especially during the holiday season.  It's hard to find something other than the common watch, wallet or tie!  I wanted to find something original, unusual and just plain cool for men.  So I went on a mission at 2 am, in search of some really cool gifts for men. I do believe it's mission accomplished! 

How awesome and unique are these?  Perfect for any man who has everything!  It's such a personal and original gift that would be great for a husband, your father, your son, your grandfather.  This would be great for someone who is away for long periods of time like someone in the Army, Navy, etc. Plus, it's not just for men.  It would be perfect for a woman as well.  Who wouldn't love a personalized token of affection that you can have for eternity?  Their priced from $15.00- $45.00.

Rame Works is a two-person team, Chris and Meghan. Collectively, the two have over 10 years experience selling handmade, personalized items. Working with materials like fabric, leather, and wire, and copper.
Each insert card is hand cut and hand stamped by Chris. Meghan finishes the cards by sanding, filing, painting, and polishing. Each card is then gift wrapped and packaged for shipping.
 

Teals Prairie and Co. offers a huge variety of engraving products. From tools to wood drawers, you name it...I do believe they've got it!  This particular one that caught my eye would be a perfect gift to any man who is handy and loves construction.  It screams Tim Allen's old tv show "Home Improvement".  What do you think?  Right?!

What's even greater than the huge selection that they offer is all products are personalized with initials, graphics or anything you want. There is no setup or engraving fee!  What?!  Yup, that's right...no setup or engraving fee!!!! Prices range from $3.99 on up to the $100's.

Okay, this one gave me a little chuckle!  I know my husband would love these!  I mean, who wouldn't?  Reclamation Candle Co  makes these very interesting candles named Mandles!  Man-Candles!!!  LOL  They feature scents that is all things manly!  Their signature scent is......drum roll please.....Bacon!!!  Yes, you read it right....Real Bacon!  They also offer a good variety of other man tested, man approved scents such as Monkey Farts (a fruity blend of what monkey's eat: bananas, kiwi), Pumpkin Lager, The Great Outdoors, Skinny Dip and a few more.  This is one of those times where I wish we had smell-e-vision. 

They use a 70% soy blend that burns clean and complete. Burn time approx. 40+ hours.  Priced from $9.99 to $15.00.

Here's an interesting one that would be great for a religious man.  Made of real horseshoe nails and colored wire and designed by Disciples Crosses.

All are 1-3/4" long and all are handmade. This unique cross comes with a 24 inch stainless steel chain, which is shiny, durable, and will not tarnish. They do recommend that you take it off when showering or swimming.  They come in a variety of colors and are priced at $9.00.

Okay, that's it!  There are so many unusual, original, handmade products for men these days.  Make sure to check them out.  I found these from Etsy and Storenvy.  I would love to hear what you think of my selections.  Please leave a comment and follow my blog.  More gift guides coming up.

**I was not paid in any form for posting these products.