Yet another way to use my tatting! I found these pretty little chains with a dainty lobster claw clasp on Etsy. My next item is a little tatted barrette. There is always something else to add tatting to, right?

Yesterday, I played catch the ball with my grandson. The weather is finally getting a little cooler for me so I can spend more time outside. I live in the south, and for 9 months out of the year, I love it--but those three hot months in the summer are killers! When I lived up north, it was the other way around. The summers were wonderful and the winters were hard. I think I'd rather be right where I am. Life is easier where it's warmer--unless the A/C goes out. I can't imagine getting stuck in the snow or sliding around on ice.

I like to do my tatting outside when there is a little breeze. It is just so relaxing and calming. Writing this makes me want to do that very thing. So, I think I'll get my things together and go outside and sit in my favorite chair and tat. See you later . . . . .

Busy, busy, busy!

Wow! My life is too busy! And, to make it worse, I just joined Twitter, along with a new internet shopping site called Make Mine Pink (www.makeminepink.com) This past weekend, I have been listing my product on there and it all takes a lot of time. Like I have extra time! Like today, I have to get ready, go exercise, work on my creations (like the one I have pictured here), and teach piano and voice this afternoon (plus work on my music for the group I sing with). When do I get my housework done? I need to do some of that, also (sometime). Sometimes I think I'm ADD--I run from one thing to another and then run out of time. Is anyone's life as chaotic as mine? I guess I am starting to feel overwhelmed by everything. I need to get my priorities in line--what is more important. Are you running around like crazy like I am?

HGTV's Website!

I am so excited! On Wednesday, I joined HGTV's website as a crafter and uploaded some of my tatting to my profile. They also rate different creations, and mine were rated. I don't know who rates them, but at least I get an idea of what they like and what they don't like. Well, they gave my tatted ornament a "4 out of 5" star rating and today, I found that they put a picture of my blue tatted ornament on the cover of their "Crafts" page. If you go to www.hgtv.com and then go to the Craft area, it is there. I don't know how long it will be there, but maybe that's a good sign that I should be making more of these little lacey things. My picture here is the picture that they put on their page. I'll take "free" advertising anytime I can get it.

My New Website

I have been working on my new website so I can have a way to sell what I make. It has been fun, but I am just starting on it and have a long way to go. If you have time to look at it and have any suggestions for me, please let me know. I have also created business cards so I can give them out to my friends and they can check out the website. All of this takes a lot of time, I know, but as I said in my previous post, I am trying to build up for the Holidays and not wait until the last minute. If any of you have websites where you sell your creations, please let me know. I would love to see them!

My website address is http://web.me.com/lllangel

New Designs

I don't know why, but I just can't do the same thing over and over. I have to change it up a little. So it is with my little ornaments. I'm trying to come up with new designs and I guess the sky is the limit for putting something in the middle of these tatted pieces. So, here are some ideas I have come up with and I'm sure they won't be my last changes. I'm really in the mode lately, thinking of all those craft shows I want to participate in. I always think big at first, then come down to reality. I guess I just run out of steam with everything that happens during the holidays. I need to get making angels again, too. And I also need to get to the gym because I am paying a monthly fee to get into shape. So, if it's not this, it's that, right? Anyway, just wanted to share these with you.

Have you started yet?

Well, I am getting ready for the Holidays already! I have received some orders for my tatted ornaments and angels and am trying to get them done as quickly as I can. I just finished the items pictured and it took me awhile to make them. The Holidays will be here before we know it, so that means we need to get busy hand crafting, whether it's for a show or just for giving gifts. I do both, and with this economy the way it is, I can save quite a lot of money if I make my own gifts. I am sure you all do this, too. I also like the reception I get from my friends and family when they open their gift. They know it is one-of-a-kind and uniquely made for them. And it took a lot more time than just going shopping and picking something out. Our handicrafts are getting harder and harder to find, with more items being manufactured--and coming from China! If you have any comments about your gift-giving, please let me know. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Happy creating!! Linda