Fun, Free Word Art!

Ok, so maybe you've already heard of it, or even used it. But it's new to me, and really fun! It's Wordle! You can type in the words you want to use, or your can put in the web address of any blog, blog feed, or any page that has a RSS (or Atom) feed. It will take the words and create a work of art for you. Something like this:





You can customize the style, colors, font and more.

Check it out! You'll be glad you did!

Free Crochet Pattern: Thing 1 and Thing 2 Hat

I LOVE Dr. Seuss! And my favorite book of his has got to be that Famous classic, The Cat In The Hat. My favorite characters from the book? You guessed it! Thing One and Thing Two! They are so much fun.



If you are looking for a fun halloween costume for twins, siblings, or even best friends, the clothes are the easy part. But where can you get a hat? Well, if you can crochet, you can make this hat. It does take a little bit of time and hand strength to work with the fun fur, but it will be worth it!

What you need (for a set of 2 hats):
I hook
1 skein of turquoise worsted weight acrylic yarn
6 skeins of turquoise fun fur (available here)

Stitches used:
ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sl st tog = slip stitch together
join = sl st to 1st dc worked in that row (ch 2 does not count as a dc in this pattern)
dc2tog = double crochet 2 stitches together

Now to get started!
Hold one strand of acrylic yarn and one strand of the fun fur and work together throughout the entire pattern. The acrylic yarn gives it the bulk, and the fun fur creates the hair.
This pattern is written to fit (approximately) ages 5 - preteen. Work fewer rows of increases and skip row 8 for a smaller hat, or just skip row 8 for an adult size hat. Hat can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the number of rows worked after row 8.

Ch 5. sl st tog
Row 1: ch 2, 12 dc in ring. Join. (12 dc)
Row 2: ch 2, 2 dc in each st around. Join. (24 dc)
Row 3: ch 2, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join. (36 dc)
Row 4: ch 2, *dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)
Row 5: ch 2, *dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join (60 dc)
Row 6-7: ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (60 dc)
Row 8: ch 2, * dc in next 3 st, dc2tog. Repeat from * around. Join. (48 dc)
Row: 9-10: ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. (48 dc)
Row 11: ch 2, dc in each st around. Join. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Congratulations! You are done!

Sock Monkey Love!

I think I am in love....
with Sock Monkeys, of course! And I have found a fabulous shop that sells amazing, handmade sock monkey party accessories!
Oh My Gluestick (also owner of Sock Monkey Studio where you can get your party invitations) has...

Party Hats

Magnets

Cake and Cupcake Toppers

and more.

And, after the party, you can thank your guests in style with these adorable

Thank You Cards!

Who Loves a Giveaway?!

Well, I know I sure do!
You can enter to win a Silhouette machine from SugarDoodle.net!
With the Silhouette, you can make custom rhinestone transfers, heat transfers, vinyl wording for your wall, and much more.
Just hop on over and check it out.

Promo Video

A new promo video for Hats For Humanity...

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Feeling "Sassy"?

Then you will love the work Jen does at Sassy Graphics!
Jen offers amazing custom announcements at reasonable prices. Have a look at some her designs...




There's lots more to see, too! You can view other images on her facebook page.
If you like you see, let her know. And don't forget to tell her KeriAnne from Crafted By Design sent you!!

Tips From The Productive Mom

If you have your own Etsy shop, and are looking for ways to improve your visibility, then you need to check out The Productive Mom's (AKA Grace) blog!
The latest post is on 3 things you can do in about 30 minutes to update your shop that can improve your chance of being seen both within the Etsy community and out.
A brief rundown of what is included....
1. Tweak 5 Listing Titles (SEO Improvement)
2. Tweak Your Store Announcement (SEO Improvement)
and
3. Align to Etsy’s Merchandising Desk Series

So stop by, have a look at the details, and leave Grace a message!

Well, I guess it's time....

TO UPDATE THIS BLOG!!!!!

I know, about time, right?!? What have I been doing? Mostly just "life" stuff. No big events. No catastrophes. Just life.
I have, however, started up a new shop, Hats For Humanity. I'll be removing all hats from the Crafted By Deign shop, and putting them in the new one. Why? Well, because each hat sold at Hats For Humanity will equal one hat donated to charity. They will be a variety of sizes, colors and styles.
So, if you want to help, and need hats for fall, winter, or any time of year, come have a look. Custom orders are always welcome!
Here are a few examples of what is available....

Freedom! Monday Mentionables

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, Civil Rights Day, or whatever else you want to call it, I went in search of items for this Monday's mentionables. All items were found by using the search term, Freedom. I am grateful to all those who have, who do , and who will fight for freedom for all.

God Bless You!

This stunning photograph comes from WiseIdeaStudios.

Almost No Strings Attached comes from TheDreamyGiraffe

Another gorgeous photograph, this time from BetsyRuppert09

Biker Freedom is a piece of metal wall art from AdirondackMetal

And, last, but not least, this beautiful amethyst accented necklace is made by SandySimone


Why not stop over in the Etsy marketplace, and see what you can find?

Vaelntine's Day!

Valentine's day will be here before you know it, so I thought I'd do a quick post with some great, inexpensive gift ideas for your loved ones, from kids to teachers to girlfriends.

First, The kids. From mom2twogals, we have a beautiful tutu that any fairy princess would be proud to wear!




And for mom's little man, how about this tattoo style shirt from sweetlittleJack?




Having a Valentine's Day party at school? This banner from cbcreations would be a great addition to the teacher's decorations.




Looking for something for that special girl or guy in your life? How about a necklace that says "I love you" from SigaliotJewelry?



Or a customizable money clip from ajsoftail?



Hopefully, this will give some ideas, and a good starting point for your shopping.
Thanks for visiting us and supporting handmade!

Welcome to a Brand New Year!

Wow! It sure has been awhile since I've posted anything on here! The Christmas season is a busy, busy time. But, we're back, and wishing you all a

Happy New Year!

While things were a little crazy, I've still had a little time to work on some new projects. One thing that I find is lots of fun is creating T-shirt transfer designs. They require little more than a computer, and an image manipulating program.
For my latest, I purchased some clip art (for a very reasonable cost,no less) from Scrappin' Doodles that allows me, as a small craft business owner, to sell items created using those images. Here are some images creating using some of what I bought:




Now that thingsare back to their normal routine, be on the look out for more new products and designs coming soon!