Tuesday's Top Ten:Etsy Fabric Shops

My Top Ten Fabric Shops on Etsy:)

I got a lot of positive feedback from last week's Top Ten list...so here is another! I have a major fabric addiction-I have it all over my house(in my craft room/dining room, my bedroom, and various closets in my house). I love finding unique fabric. Don't get me wrong...chain fabric stores have a great selection-but I tend to get a little bored with them. I am very fond of linen and I LOVE Japanese prints! 

Etsy is a great place to find fabric. There is a huge selection there. Here are 10 of my favorite fabric shops:

1. Embellish By Andrea-Andrea carries a great variety of designer fabric as well as out of print fabrics.
2. Vilenda Linen-look here for great prices on eco-friendly fabric!
3. Stefaniexu/Stefanie Style-This shop carries tons of unique Japanese fabrics, as well as buttons, sewing tape, appliques and more.
4. Apples and Eggs-More Japanese fabrics here! As well as other sewing supplies.
5. Japan Lovely Crafts-Japanese prints, craft supplies, patterns, and more!
6. Son Su-Yep-even more Japanese fabric:)
7. Retro Mama-carries a gorgeous selection of wool blend felt as well as super cute PDF patterns.
8. Irisfelt-more beautiful felt! You can't find felt like this in the stores!
9. Land of Oh-tons of gorgeous fabric to choose from-linen, cotton, minky and more!
10. Imagine Fabrics-look here for your favorite designer fabrics!

I hope you find this list helpful. I know everyone has different taste in fabric designs...but there is a little bit of everything here. ENJOY!

-Kelly

Time To "Ring" It In....

Its THAT time of year again. Time to start fresh, make changes....

Usually, on New Year's Eve, I come up with a few "Resolutions".  As I started to do that this morning (in haste, as usual) I stopped to think about the changes I was considering. I then realized that my resolutions had more to do with others, than they did myself. 

After reflecting on the past year, I realized maybe my resolution SHOULD have a little more to do with me.  Several things happened this year that led my thinking in this direction.

Early in 2012 I was diagnosed with Lupus(SLE). The diagnosis wasn't a huge surprise, as I had been noticing signs of it for some time and I know its very common to develop Lupus when you have Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it adds a whole new set of doctor appointments, some new symptoms, more bloodwork, and more to worry about in general.

During the summer of 2012, I found out I needed surgery on my right elbow to repair some damage caused by RA. After finding out, I decided to close my Etsy shop(Shelby's Enchanted Bowtique) so I could start preparing for surgery. I had a partial elbow replacement in September, 2012(yes, at age 33 the joint replacements have already begun). Here is a picture of my new elbow:

The day after my surgery, my English Bulldog, Bubba, passed away suddenly(he was 7 years old). Those who know me well know how much I loved him. He was like a child to me.

One week later, my cousin's 18 year old son died in a horrible car accident. Over the last few months several members of my family have been diagnosed with cancer as well.

Taking all of this into consideration, I realize now how much I need to cherish every moment of every day. I need to cherish my children who are growing up way too fast! I need to take better care of MYSELF and my health(and not feel guilty about it). And I only need to worry about those people who are supportive of all these things.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope it wasn't too depressing;) What are your plans/goals for the New Year??

Stay tuned...I will start a new blogging "schedule" next week. Hopefully that will get me "here" more often:)

Best Wishes! 

Kelly

 

Introducing....Flowertown Originals!

Since the Holiday Season is quickly approaching, I have decided to share some of my favorite Etsy shops with you over the next few weeks. I love to "shop small" (small businesses) when I'm looking for gifts. There is SO much variety on Etsy! Handmade products are better made, better quality and many are one-of-a-kind. Etsy is a great place to look when you are shopping for that person who has everything!

The first shop I would like to introduce you to is Flowertown Originals. I came across this shop when I first started selling my products on Etsy. The owner-Kathy Porter Koontz makes beautiful products out of polymer clay. She also does some work with hemp(macrame and beading). After I ordered my first set of handmade buttons from her, I was hooked! Here is a set of hair pins I made using the buttons:

One of my favorite items from her shop are her polymer clay pens! I have rheumatoid arthritis...so writting can be difficult at times. By covering the pens in polymer clay, they are more ergonomic and much easier for me to hold on to. You can view her pens here.

I conducted a short interview with Kathy to help you get to know her better:)

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.A: I am married and a Mom of 2 teenagers. I have loved crafting ever since I was a little girl. I have always had craft supplies at home that included paints and markers, embroidery thread and cross stitch patterns, beads and wire, sea shells and lots, lots more.

Q: What drew you to working with Polymer Clay?A: I came across polymer clay in 1995. I was actually looking for beads at the time. I saw the packages of polymer clay and decided I would make my own beads. I love it because of it's endless colors and uses. It's hard to become bored with it, there's always a new technique to learn.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?A: I love looking at other art work; mosaics, tapestries, paintings and even fabric. Anything bright and colorful and full of patterns.

Q: Which of the items in your shop do you most enjoy making?A: I enjoy it all! But what I get the most satisfaction from is upcycling. I love taking something that most people would throw away and giving it a new purpose. ***I LOVE this answer****

Q: What do you enjoy to do when you aren't creating?A:When I'm not creating I enjoy reading, working in my yard and baking. I also like going to antique shops and visiting historical landmarks and graveyards. And I can spend a lot of time in a library or bookstore!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you will keep checking back for more about FlowertownOriginals as well as some other shops I will introduce over the next few weeks.

-Kelly

My Etsy Shop: S&G Inspirations

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We're Back!!

To all of my previous followers....this is the shop formerly know as "ShelbysEnchantedBowtique". I took a long hiatus, due to some health issues and a surgery. But now I'm back, and I have teamed up with my husband, Craig. 

We have made some changes, including the name of the shop.We have a lot of new and exciting products to share with you. I'm so glad to be back.

Check out our new shop here: S&GInspirations