ColorfulCreations4u

The Secret Is Out!

2011-01-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Laura has guessed what's inside the crocheted basket - just in time for Valentines! I will be sending one to her soon.

In keeping with the spirit of the season of love, I've created these lil heart magnets. They are incredibly easy and fun to make. I do believe that I promised a free pattern, so consider that my lil gift to you this Heart Day. These lil ones may pop up in my Etsy shop, if you're interested. :)

Happy early Valentine's Day everyone!

Sending lots of love your way,
Vanessa

Crocheted Basket with Lid - Guess What's Inside!

2011-01-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

I made this last weekend. I just grabbed my needle and some thread and went at it. I didn't know what it would look like, or if it would turn out at all. When I was finished with the bottom and top, I thought that it needed another little something. I decided to add a flower and some beads to set it off a little. In my opinion, it added a little French flare to it. What do you think?

There is another reason I decided to share this with all of you. There is something in this little box. Actually, there are a lot of little somethings in this box. In a few days I will show you what's inside, and who knows there may also be a free pattern in it for you.

Just for fun, let's play the guessing game. If you can guess what's inside the box, you will get one free. These lil somethings may just appear in my shop soon, so keep an eye out for them. Leave comments! I can't wait to see some of your guesses. :)

Hint: They are crocheted, and we all have one.

New Pattern I'm working on...

2011-01-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

I'm working on this new pattern of a lil hootie. He's been a lot of fun to make. Owls are my favorite animal for the year. They symbolize wisdom in most cultures.

Wisdom - wis-dom [wizdem] - Good sense. The ability to make sensible decisions and judgements based on personal knowledge and experience.

We could all use a little wisdom in our lives. If I decide to put these in my shop, I will probably add a note that attaches to him that has the definition on it.

I still have to play with the pattern a little bit before its ready for take off, but all in all I think he's pretty cute.

I recently wrote a story on my other blog about seeing my first owl this winter and what a blessing it was. You can see the article, here. Tell me what you think about the pattern or the article - or both! Thanks and God bless friends! :)

Learning To Package

2010-04-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to figure out the best way to package my new lil addiction. :) I've come up with this. It's really simple, but then again... that's kind of me. Simple. It has my shop info and my shop e-mail address on it. On the back I will be having the price and name of the item. This works for now. It keeps them clean and dust free, which is my main concern.

Honey Dogs

2010-03-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

I have a beautiful Weenie dog, her name is Honey. She's such a mess, but I just love her to death. I started looking for weenie dog patterns online, and I was unhappy with most of the ones I found... so I've tried my hand at making up my own. And this is how they turned out.

A Lil Texan Flavor

2010-03-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a flowering prickly pear cactus that I see all the time living in Southwest Texas. I've always thought they were beautiful. They are just now starting to bud, and they will be blooming here in the next few months. This is my attempt to re-create my favorite lil cactus. This is my own pattern, and it took me a while to try and figure out how to make it look somewhat similar. Let me know what you think! :)

Free Amigurumi Froo Pattern

2010-03-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is a Froo. She is a creature of the lakes in Southwest Texas. She sometimes migrates upon shore, and basks in the sunshine. She's a cross between plant and animal, and today I met her in laying in one of my plants. Since I live only feet from the lake, I shouldn't be surprised... But very rarely do they make themselves visible to people. What a treat it was to meet her! I've taken it upon myself to name her Blue the Froo.

This is the first free pattern that I've offered on my blog, and it is untested. I tried very hard to write specific instructions, but if you have a problem or question please leave a comment. I'd like to revise it so that it works for everyone. This pattern is (c) Copyrighted by me, and you may only make these for personal use, charity use, or for gifts. Please respect my work and NOT sale these online in any form. Also, if you want to share this pattern, that is okay. Just please use a link to my page to offer me credit for my work. Thank you. :)

Materials Needed: Soft yarn (colors of your choice), 9mm safety eyes, size G needle, button/bead for flower, needle and thread to attach

Girly Froo Pattern

© Copyright 2010 by Vanessa K. Eccles

Eyes: (Make 2)

• Ch 2, 6sc in 2nd st from hook

• R1- 2sc in each st, FO

Body:

• Ch 2, 6sc in 2nd st from hook

• R1- 2sc in each st around, mm

• R2- 2sc in 1st st, 1sc in next st, repeat around, mm

• R3- 2sc in 1st st, 2sc in next 2 sts, repeat around, mm

• R4- 1sc in each st around, mm

• R5- 2sc in 1st st, 3sc in next 3 sts, repeat around, mm

• R6- R15- 1sc in each st around, mm

• R16- sc2tog in first st, 1sc in next 3 sts, repeat around, mm

• R17-1sc in each st around, mm

• R18- sc2tog in first st, 1sc in next 2 sts, repeat around, mm

• R19-R20- 1sc in each st around, mm

• R21- sc2tog in first st, 1sc in next 2 sts, repeat around, mm

Add Safety Eyes now, then pre-stuff.

• R22- 1sc in each st around, mm

• R23- sc2tog in first st, 1sc in next 2 sts, repeat around, mm

• R24- 1sc in each st around, mm

• R25- sc2tog until hole is closed. FO

Feet: (Make 2)

• Ch 2, 6sc in 2nd st from hook

• R1-R4 2sc in each st around, mm, FO

Flower:

• Ch 2, 5sc in 2nd st from hook

• R1- (1sc, Ch7, 1sc) in every st around, (5 pedals)

Leaves:

• Ch 2, 6sc in 2nd st from hook

• R1- 2sc in each st around, mm

• R2- Work Cluster (Ch4, wrap 2x, go through st, wrap then pull, pull through 2 (2x)), Repeat 3x, then chain 4 and sc in next st. Repeat around. (6 leaves) FO.

• Lightly brush with dog wire brush to obtain a slight furry look. Sew parts on. The feet should be placed close to the front, sewing only the middle and back of the foot to the body. Leave the front free so that you can curl/shape the feet to look wavy. Sew white part of eyes down, and sew the flower and leaves together. Sew a bead or button in the middle and attach the whole flower to the body.

Sanders the Snail

2010-03-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Sanders the Snail. :)

Kute Koala

2010-03-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, my name is KiKi the Koala.

Kiki is just another lil snuggly animal that I've made for fun. This was a free pattern that I found on Crochet Pattern Central. I'm using these free patterns in addition to some that I've purchased to get some good practice in, so that I can start writing more of my own patterns. These lil animals are too fun, and they make great lil gifts.

Taylor the Turtle

2010-03-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just for fun I crocheted this adorable lil turtle that I named Taylor. She's the cutest lil thing. I recieved the pattern from my new favorite place http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/ . I'm planning on making another one of these turtles for my mother-in-law who collects turtles. She would make a great gift. Can't wait to make another one! :)

Tweet, Tweet

2010-03-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

Tweet, tweet. These lil birdies are my newest invention. So fun. :)

Recycled

2010-03-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

I am totally new at these, but I'm so happy with the way they turned out. They are recyled and green! They are meant to be journals, art journals, or memory books. The insides are painted neutral colors, just to get you started, but the outside is left unfinished for you to decorate. Let me know what you think.

Accidents Happen...

2010-03-13T14:22:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Marley the Mushroom!

This is my first crochet stuffed pattern. He came about as a total accident. What started out a simple experiment, turned into this. I was just trying to play around with increasing and decreasing, and before I knew it I had his shroom finished. Then I had to figure out what I was going to do with it. After all, I didn't want to waste all that time... so I added a stem, some spots, and some eyes... and here he is. He kinda reminds me of the 1 UP on Super Mario Bros... or one of the Toadstools. I'm really pleased at how he turned out. I guess accidents aren't always bad things. :)

Pinky the Bunny

2010-03-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

Meet Pinky. He's cute and cuddly and perfect to get you in the Easter spirit! He is my FIRST crochet stuffed creation. This particular pattern I found on http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php .

I have Pinky sitting on my shelf, and I'm looking forward to looking at him during this Easter season. I'm going to try my hand at making my own patterns for some lil crochet stuffies. And who knows? Maybe some of them will pop up in my shop soon. :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColorfulCreations4u

Things For Spring...

2010-02-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

Flower Coasters

These coasters would fit perfectly in a home with a traditional or southern inspired decor. They are green in center, with cream pedals, with white around.

There are 4 in a set. These are already made and ready for purchase. If you are interested in the same design but different colors, please e-mail me to discuss it.

Butterfly Bookmark

This would be a perfect gift for a book worm, like me. :) This design comes in several different colors.
The Stem and Body Colors:
Black
Cream
White
The Wing Colors:
Black
White
Cream
Pink
Green
Blue
Red
Upon purchase, please send me an e-mail to let me know which colors you have chosen for your bookmark.
These is an On Demand item, so please allow me 2 days to complete it. I will do my best to make it the day of purchase, but be prepared for it to be 2 days, just in case.

Flower Hair Clips

These are absolutely adorable! I just got the idea to take these beautiful crochet flowers and put them on hair clips. They are perfect for Easter which is coming up, and they are great for the upcoming Spring.

The flowers come in all these different colors. They are $2.50 each. If you want more than one, let me know thru e-mail, and tell me which colors you want. I will reserve the items for you so that you can purchase them.

They come in these colors:
Blue
Pink
Red
White
Cream
The base of the flower is green.

Humpty Dumpty On Demand!

2010-02-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Humpty Dumpty and Egg Berta are now available ON DEMAND. You tell me what you want - colors - prints. And I will search thru my stash of fabric and try to find exactly what you're looking for. Just give me a few days, and you'll have the cutest baby shower/ birthday/ or just because gift!

Each pair comes with a laminated story about how Humpty was able to be put back together again. It also has their birthdate and birthplace on the certificate.

So much fun!

Finding Joy In The Simple Things...

2010-02-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to keep myself busy for the remainder of this wintery season. It's been difficult, I might add. I am more than ready for spring and summer.

I have recently been visiting a few local antique stores because I've been in search of blue and white "made in England" plates that feature people and landscaping. I've had some luck, but not as much as I have hoped for. BUT what I did find last week, has brought me a new interest. I found these three large spoons, which could are probably small serving spoons. They are absolutely beautiful! I had no idea what they were worth, if anything, when they caught my eye in the store. They were taped together and for sale for a dollar (for all three). Crazy, huh?

So, anyway... I started doing some research and what I found out was amazing. These spoons are stamped WM Rogers. They also have a stamp on the back "Pat 1900." How neat is that? They are the York pattern, which I assume was popular because I was able to find others online. They are worth approx. $7.50 each, and I paid a dollar for all three. I've attempted cleaning them up, and they look better than they did.

So that got me thinking... do I have any other old silverware? Yes! I do. And here it is to your right. This is an antique heirloom set that was given to me by my mother-in-law, and it was her mothers. It was in serious need of some polishing, so I spent hours last night polishing each piece, and this is what it looks like now. I wish that I would have taken a before picture, but coulda-shoulda-woulda, right? :) I started researching the brand of these, and I found out more neat information. The only marking on the back of the pieces is "Monarch Plate." I googled it, of course. And I found out that Monarch Plate was made by the National Silver Company, which was in prodution in the early 1900s until the 1950s. It took me hours to go through every known design to them to find out which design these were- they are the Mildred design circa 1936. They have a place for monograming, but they are not monogramed. Their worth, from what I research is about $150-175. They are in their origional box, from my knowledge, and they even have the original warranty certificate still with them. After doing all the reseach, it was thrilling to realize that there was value in something that I already had. I never would have guessed. I suppose, that goes to show you that Christmas can come at anytime during the year.

I'm considering searching and posting a few flatware pieces on my Etsy shop, but I don't really know if there is a good market out there. So, if you think I should... Let me know. Leave a comment. Thanks!

Have a Blessed Day!
Vanessa

Getting Back in The GrOoVe...

2010-02-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

Getting Back in The GrOoVe...
Hi everyone! It's a new year, and I'm starting to get back into my crafting. Spring is approaching, which always brings out the creative in me. I'm excited that there will be new stuff in my shop soon! I'm hoping that by the summer I'll have added to my collections.

What You Can Expect To See In The Next Few Months...

I've been having a great time antique and vintage shopping. I hope to bring some fresh ideas to some old things.

Expect some primitive and country themed objects to come available as apart of my Simply Southern collection.

Rag Quilting is something else that I hope to incorporate into my shop.
And much, much, more. Don't forget that as summer appraoches, to check my shop for some new stuff!

Much Love,
Vanessa

Look!

2009-07-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I now have a blog that is all about me and my recent writing adventure.

www.VanessaKEccles.blogspot.com

Also... I just opened a Twitter account and I desperately need some followers!

Check it out!

Much Love,
Vanessa

Summer Break!

2009-07-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hey folks and followers! I hope everyone is having an awesome summer! It's definately hot out here in South West Texas. I'm temporarily away from my home, so my internet access is limited. Please give me a few days to respond to convos, e-mails, or purchases. I apologize for the inconvenience. I appreciate your patience.

I've been working on other projects for the time being. You know me; I'm always changing it up. I've been writing a lot, so I think I may see where that takes me. I love my crafts, but sometimes you just need a break to further your inspiration.

I will catch up with everyone again, come fall. Have a Happy and Blessed Summer.

All About Vintage!

2009-05-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Now added to my collection is a Vintage Handbag section! I've always had a passion for awesome handbags/purses, now I've found a whole new obsession- Vintage! Be sure to check them out in my shop, I've got 7 of them! I have Walbeag, Bounty, and Mar-Shel. I'm having a great time increasing my shop, and expanding on my ideas. If there is something that you are looking for, please let me know... I will be sure to keep out on the look out for you. :)

Spring Collection-Purses

2009-05-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Spring is here!! Celebrate by buying yourself a brand new handbag that is colorful and cheery! They are made of cotton, enhanced with ribbon. They are medium in size, so they give you just enough room. They have an internal magnet closure. Perfect to add to your purse collection! :) All details about them can be found on my etsy shop. Thanks!

Nursery Rhymes Revisited-Pair of Humpty Dumptys

2009-04-29T15:43:00.001-07:00

***News Flash***
Remember the old nursery rhyme... "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a big fall...and all the King's horses and all the King's men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty back together again."
Well, they never told us the rest of the story. I caught up with Mr. Humpty a few days ago, and he wants to set the story straight.
There was a big fall that happened when he was just a wee lil egg, but he is upset that no one ever told what happened next.
When the King's men couldn't put Humpty together again, a fair maiden of the court decided she would take all the pieces and piece by piece, year by year... she put Humpty Dumpty together again.
Now, featured here is Humpty Dumpty (in one piece) with his new wife, Egg Berta.
Humpty Dumpty's mother, the late Henney Penney wanted his story told as her last wish.-Signing Out- Nursery Rhyme Lover
***This pair of Humpty's are 7 and a half inches tall and 3 and a half inches wide. Made of flanel and cotton. They have a hand painted face that is permanant and washable. They are stuffed with premium cotton. They are soft and completely adorable! They would be perfect for a child's room or just something cute to place in your house.
**Price included the both of them.

Prices!

2009-04-28T14:22:00.001-07:00

The LadyLongLeg dolls are priced $23 each or two for $40. We have been grouping them in pairs, so why not try to keep them together and save a little mu-lah. :)

More to the LadyLongLeg Doll Collection

2009-04-25T14:02:00.000-07:00

My Mom and I have now made a total of 4 dolls. I've made 2, and she's made 2. We are just having a blast with this. I just wanted to share them with all of you, and hopefully get some feedback! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Spring!

**Remember all items can be seen and purchased in my etsy shop!

Much Love!

LadyLongLeg Doll Collection

2009-04-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

These are two dolls that are absolutely adorable! They stand 30in tall, and their bodies are made of soft flannel and their clothes are made of cotton and polyester. They are stuffed with premium cluster cotton. Their faces are painted on with permanant, washable paint. Their hair is homespun yarn. They are incredibly soft and snuggly. They would make a perfect gift for your little girl or maybe even a woman who still is a kid at heart. :)

My mom and I started making these dolls together while she was visiting me here in Texas. We've really put our hearts into designing them and creating every pattern. We hope that they will be enjoyed for years to come!

Military and Government Employee Discount

2009-03-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

I am now offering a discount to all the great people who devote their lives to our country! Everyone in any branch of the military or is an employee of the Federal Government (including spouses) gets 10% off of every item in my shop. This is my lil way of trying to thank you and your families for all that you do. Please convo me before purchase.

VIP Contest Winner!

2009-03-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

My great friend, Kelly, won the VIP Contest that I was offering this past month. She got a bunch of goodies in addition to the custom orders that she made. Hope you enjoy!!!

ColorfulCreations4u and Laura Taylor Mark's booth at Just Us Chix

2009-03-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

My beautiful and talented friend, Laura and I have finally opened up our lil shops at a booth at Just Us Chix in downtown Del Rio. We are sooo excited! Now all the things that I have on my Etsy shop, can also be found in my booth. :) My shop is the left part of the booth, and Laura's is the right. When the picture was taken we were both in the process of putting things out, so there's more to come! I want to thank everyone from Etsy and all my friends and family for your encouragement. Little by little, I plan to expand ColorfulCreations4u. Much Love!

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-03-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Laura, just nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award... which was so nice of her. She has been such a great supporter for me and my crafts. Thank you so much, Laura. You're a great friend and artist!

Now I have to nominate 7 other bloggers and pass on the award... so here they are in no particular order:

1.)Patchfirstshop

2.)McEvilly Photography

3.)Marieisabella

4.)Amberae

5.)Jocelyn

6.)Paula

7.)MartinJon

Jury Duty- Trying to Help

2009-03-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

Today, I had jury duty. I was all bummed about having to go since my husband was off today, but then once I got there I started to realize how minimal of a duty is serving on a jury in comparison to what all our country does for us. We are really blessed to be here, apart of the greatest nations in the world. I did not end up getting chosen for the jury, but all this made me think... with the economy the way it is, things are hard for most people out there. And I want to do my part to help. From now until further notice, if you buy a tote, bag, or handbag from my shop I will give you a FREE pair of earrings. I know that right now every penny counts, so I want to help that penny go further. If you purchase something, just mention that you read this on my blog. Thanks!

Introducing...Hootie!

2009-02-28T15:16:00.000-08:00

I am now introducing my new lil friend, Hootie. He sits here perched upon the tree waiting for someone to come and take him home! He is soft and plush, made of cotton, and hand stitched by me. He has a large pocket on his back that is perfect for lil goodies. His eyes are made of quilt batting, stitched on there with embrodiery thread. He would be the perfect addition to a lil person's room, OR to a big person with a lil person's heart. :)

Granny Apples

2009-02-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

I re-vamped my shop last night with new pictues, new stuff, and a new banner. I hope that it looks at lot better; I have been taking the advice of a few other ladies who are pros at Etsy. Please let me know, if there is anything else you know of that can help me improve my shop to it's full potential.

My new theme is Granny Apples, don't ask me why! lol I just love the color of them, and I love their taste! And I guess something about them just reminds me of summer days in south Alabama. When you move away, there are always little pieces of home that follow you anywhere. Simple little reminders of a life that is changed... I suppose that's why I now, more than ever, I love Granny Apples. :)

VIP Contest

2009-02-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

Alright, here's the deal! From now until March 26th, I am having a contest to find the VIP/Preferred Customer of my shop! This is how it works... whoever makes the largest purchase in this next month will recieve: a tote, a pair of earrings, and a bracelet from my shop (you get to pick which tote, earrings, and bracelet you want). The sale must be of $20 or more. The tote, earrings, and bracelet will be put into a VIP bag and mailed to you for FREE. All because you're special! :) If you have any questions about this contest, please feel free to ask!

2009 Spring Collection!

2009-02-23T20:11:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly getting my Spring Collection up in my shop. The collection will have jewelry, totes, bags, and so much more! Please remember to periodically check my shop for new stuff. I'm always busy with something new. You never know what I will have next!

Going Green!

2009-02-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

I've been experimenting with bringing "green" to my crafts. This tote was made from an old sun dress that I no longer wore. The handles were actually the straps to the dress. Going green doesn't have to stop with recycling or using energy efficent light bulbs... it can easily be extended to our art.

Happiness-The Month of Love

2009-02-23T18:20:00.000-08:00

When I think about what makes me happy, I think about my wonderful husband. He has this loving nature that inspires me to be better, to love stronger, and live life in a more beautiful way. This month is the month of love... so I wanted to share what I love the most. My little family :)

Free Stuff!

2009-02-21T22:18:00.000-08:00

For a limited time only, there will be FREE shipping on all jewelry in my shop. Also to sweeten the pot, there will be a FREE lavendar sachet with any purchase of $10 or more! Each sachet is filled with lavendar scented beads that are sure to fill your drawers with a sweet scent! Enjoy!

Life Is Crazy!

2009-02-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

Since I've moved to Texas, I've been on this emotional rollercoaster. I'm okay with being here some moments, and then others I just wish I could be at home with my family. I have yet to find a happy medium. Is it always this way when people move away from home, or is this just me?

Welcome!

2009-01-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, welcome to my blog! Thanks for visiting. My name is Vanessa, and I'm new to blogging. I recently started a new shop on etsy. It has been helpful to keep me busy. I am an arts and crafter at heart. I enjoy sewing, crocheting, making jewelry, and photography. I'm a southern girl through and through. What I love about the south is that the people there enjoy the simple things in life. I love making classic, southern inspired crafts. Check out my etsy shop www.ColorfulCreations4u.etsy.com . Please contact me if yall have any questions!