A Bit of From Nancy's Heart History II

PART TWO: the doll years

Hello again! So last time I left you with the promise of seeing some photos of the dolls

I made years ago.

A few of them were tucked away, poor babies, but this doll (seen below) is

sitting in my newly painted sitting room. You know, I forgot to check her out to see what year I made her, ( I would date them) but I know it was before 2000.

Well for a dolly that's over 10 years old, she's aging pretty well!

Her body is soft but the trick to give her some weight ~ split peas!

Yes! A part of her bum is filled with split peas.

Back in the 90's, my mom was in charge of making the bodies; she had a bag of dried split peas on hand and thought, "this may work"~ it did!

She, the dolly, not my mom, has a wooden head and a hand made wig that I finally figured out how to make after a year of gluing strands of hair piece by piece onto their heads!

I believe I was the one at the time who also had a wooden head. :D

Her dress is made of Calico and Corduroy; but what always caught a customer's eye ~ her shoes!

I ADORE shoes, so of course why wouldn't I put them on my dollies?!

I have to tell you about this great pair of red patent Mary Jane's I .... oh, I'm sorry, the dolls, yes. I had, just had, to put lacy socks on her too. It would be a sin not to have lacy socks with a nice pair of Mary Jane's

Below, are photos of dolls that were named: Halo Dolls.

And for the life of me, I can't remember now why I gave them that name!

At the time, especially when making dolls, I needed to have several different sizes and price points. Back then, they always had a problem standing.

I think they drank too much while I had them stored away... I know I would always hear music while in the workroom! ; D

I must say, thinking back to the times making these wonderful dolls, I did have fun and it gave me a bit of diversity; plus when I got bored painting... I just moved onto sewing!

The doll (above) is made of a combination of wood and of course her hand sewn dress.

So, there you have it in a quick nutshell ~ my dolls.

The dolls you see in this post were my samples and I've had offers to give them new homes; but I just can not bear to separate myself from them. That means something, right?

Well, I think 2011 may be the year of the dolly comeback!!

Are you happy to hear that Mom? I know that you are!

Tomorrow: My Greatest Dream Realized; but was it a Nightmare?

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week is ME!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week!

*For the week of October 18 ~ October 24th*

From Nancy's Heart

I must say, that I have been very blessed to be a part of a wonderful Etsy Team:

The Etsy Twitter Team; and this week, I will be SOTW (shop of the week).

This means that I was lucky enough to be interviewed by one of my lovely team members; this article can be seen on our Team Blog (just click on the link).

Along with previous Shops of the Week! (so check those out too).

But for this week, I am attempting to open myself up a bit online on my blog and let everyone see how, From Nancy's Heart, originated.

I'm going to share some treasured secrets, along with original ornaments; drawing & sketches; items that have been put to rest along with those designs coming for 2010.

So I hope you enjoy this trip into the history of From Nancy's Heart and please stop by my shoppe and drop a line to say, "HI"!

PART ONE: a new beginning

So it's 1992, I find myself laid off from a job I had for 5 years.

I had been doing crafts for some time prior to this, doing various craft shows.

Primarily, I made dolls. I love dolls, have I ever mentioned that? Possibly not.

Well, back to the dolls- I'll post a photo of them tomorrow; they (the dolls) were a major part of my "line" as it were. I was known as the girl who sold dolls.

All the dolls either had wooden heads or wooden legs & bodies... there even was a year that I only made spool dolls; but, no matter what I made ~ I would always make it out of wood!

Now, finding myself laid off ~ which is exactly the time you take chances ~ I decided to go into wholesale! I had NO idea how to go about it & how to display a booth, I think you have the picture... but I did it anyway.

Above is my very first business card! I was dating a fellow who is a natural artist and came up with this "Dolly" design. That Little Girl logo has been with me for over 17 years!

My sister even had a sign commissioned, believing that I would one day

open a brick n mortar shop! I'll show you all that tomorrow as well!

Oh, and my very first wholesale experience? Well, although I stuck out like a sore thumb with my booth design (there really wasn't one); but with my Mom at my side,

we wrote up enough orders to continue for another year.

By the way, that boyfriend, now my husband, designed my new business logo

(below) when I decided to open up my Etsy Shoppe!

Stop by tomorrow and see more from the workshop!

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week

DeeJay Photography

Behind, both the camera and computer are two terrific people, that combine make up DeeJay Photography. Meet Mom ~ Denise and Son ~ Nicholas and for this wonderful team the pictures are perfect.

While browsing through their Etsy Shop, I could see talent just runs in the family ~ not only do they create wonderful photographs that carries the onlooker to tranquil, serene places; they also create items that brings this beauty to our everyday living.

Serenity 8x10 Fine Art Print Photograph Canoe and Sunset Reflection on Lake (above) is available in their shop and one of my favorites. Once I saw this photo, I thought of all those "take a moment" pictures in the Oprah magazines. Just a wonderful moment captured in time by Denise ~

“The world around me inspires me to create. I love looking at textures, shapes, colors, and nature and I usually regret the days I leave my house without my camera!”

You can read so much more on this dynamic duo by visiting The Etsy Twitter Team's Blog of DeeJay Photography; also, check out previous articles on other team members, as well. You'll find we are a diverse group of artists who just love both tweeting and creating.

Rhododendron Bush Photo Bookmark (above)

What a simple pleasure... having a cup of tea, reading a wonderful book while being able to experience the beautiful colors of nature.

Set of 6 Purple ECO Friendly Photo Greeting/Note Cards and Envelopes (above)

This is a set 6 color images of different purple flora attached to 100% recycled cards with 100% recycled envelopes. The cards measure approximately 4 1/2 x 6 1/4 inches with a 3 1/2 by 5 inch photograph attached. The inside has been left blank so you can add your own personal message.

See these and so much more at their Etsy Shop ~ DeeJay Photography.

Follow Denise on:

TWITTER ADDRESS : http://twitter.com/D_J_Photography

FB PAGE http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dee-Jay-Photography/133391096559?ref=ts

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week

Glitzy Events

As I prepared to write this week's Etsy Twitter Team's Shop of the Week, I found myself just mesmerized by all the items that our Shop, Glitzy Events has available.

Shop owner, Kim Williams, specializes in Custom Invitations for Weddings - and the choices are just so amazing; if I were a bride I wouldn't know where to start!!

But you will see, as you browse Kim's shop - she has offers so much MORE than just invitations.

Of course, women and NOW the men who want to please them, all recognize this wonderful aqua color use for "Tiffany's" and here's just a wonderful use of that combination of Aqua/Silver/and White joined together to have your own affordable "Tiffany" style affair, with Kim's creation, The Charming 7x5 Layered Wedding Invitation.

Kim says, "Glitzy Events was created to give brides a creative and affordable alternative for wedding invitations. We specialize in pocketfold invitations, but we can create just about any invitation that you'd like!" Well Kim, I have to say, I'm sold on this one already!!

You know, I'm a girl of BLING and I went DIRECTLY to this wonderful invitation!

Just check out the detail (photo below) of the affordable, classy touch of charm.

This and so much more is featured on Etsy Twitter Team's Blog of Glitzy Events; where you can learn so much more about this creative shoppe owner. Also, check out previous articles on other team members, as well. You'll find we are a diverse group of artists who just love both tweeting and creating.

Kim also has created these fabulous Custom Note Cards that are just such a Special Item in my own heart. Not only are these Custom Cards a wonderful gift for the Bride & Groom to be, they are just a terrific idea for the young lady turning Sweet 16. I know she's texting you right now to borrow the car tonight; but one day, she'll see these cards tucked away and remember the days she was young.

The Kara Custom Set of 15 Flat (Fifteen) Note Cards (above), are just as sweet as they can be and can fit any occasion; Babysitter Birthday Gift, Graduation, or even just a wonderful item to send off to a favorite friend.

One year, I was searching for a gift to give my neighbor who was graduating medical school, and I decided to purchase for her personalized stationary with her new medical title - she became a doctor of obstetrics. She loved the gift and used them in sending notes out to fellow doctors and patients. So you never know how such a simple gift will impact a person...

especially something that is created and made with love.

The Allison Custom Set of 10 Flat (Ten) Note Cards (photo, above) is just the perfect gift for your sweetheart or best pal this Valentine's Day!

So remember to check out the full story at Etsy Twitter Team's Blog and to learn more about Kim, use these links as well:

twitter is http://twitter.com/glitzyevents

blog is http://blog.glitzyevents.com/

From February 8-14, GlitzyEvents is offering Free Shipping on all Invitation Samples

Just mention EtsyTwitter @ check-out for a refund on shipping,

or convo her ahead of time for an updated listing.

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week

Shop of the Week: Scrap with Style

Each week the Etsy Twitter Team picks one of it's wonderful members to showcase their terrific Etsy Shoppes... this week it's Scrap with Style!

Here's just a brief bit of info of Scrap with Style - with her style and flair -

The whole article can be found at The Etsy Twitter Team's Blog.

Check out previous articles on other team members, as well. You'll find we are a diverse group of artists who just love both tweeting and creating.

Here's one of Scrap with Style's fare: Rub-on's for Valentine's day or Any day you want to share your heart!!

I don't know what's better... Owls or PINK Owls!! I'm in love with this ribbon...

Girlie Pink Owls would be GREAT scrapin' with that special fridge pic you're daughter brought home from art class!! She'd LOVE it! I think, dare I say, better than Hello Kitty!!

Oh, yes I did!!

Oh, and here's the ENTIRE Rub on sheet, that Scrap with Style offers in her Etsy Shoppe!

This is just a terrific gal with such a terrific sense of business...

So, read the entire article about Scrap with Style and of course, stop by her shoppe and see what's Scrappin!

A Tweet Etsy Team Shoppe - Herban Lifestyle!

Last week, I was one of the limited group that was chosen to be a Team Member of 

Etsy Twitter Team and what a warm, wonderful group they are, too!

Today, I want to introduce you to Mary of HerbanLifestyle!

Here's a woman after my own heart!  She walks the walk and to me that reflects a spirit that is as fluid as water!  Mary, a wellness consultant and Reiki practitioner, has developed her own line of new herbal bath and body products - with that FABULOUS name, Herban Lifestyle!

What first struck me about Herban Lifestyle, is Mary's dedication to using high quality, organic ingredients; along with her earth friendly packaging... it has such a clean and fresh look that I just adore.

Secondly, her prices are WONDERFUL!  

The Soak on it Bath Salts (above) contains yummy smelling bath salts along with lavender, to give your soak that calm that we all need at the end of our busy days.

Tell me, where else can you get smooth, moist lips while indulging yourself with the scent of Chocolate Peppermint?  Well at Herbal Lifestyle!  Check out this CALORIE FREE way of having your Chocolate Mint, while having your lips as kissable as Angelina - and get this... the price is ONLY $5.00!

Herban Lifestyle also has gift packs and check out this wonderful grouping (above) - It's the Herban Lifestyle Organic Baby Gift Set!  

What a terrific way to Welcome that new little person into the world than with some oils, talc free powder and of course some diaper rash cream!!  We call know that one!! :D

Wonderful way to tell that New Mommy that we care both about her and her little one!

Let me say just one more thing about that Mary!  She wanted me to promote my Onsey of a Kind Ornament/Personalized tag along with her baby grouping.

But she's right!  They do look great together, and won't everyone at the shower be jealous of you when you show up with this gift combo!!  :D

Please, Check out Herban Lifestyle at her Etsy Shoppe.  But don't stop there... She has an informative Blog where you can learn the in's and out's of great care for both our bodies and souls.

Find Mary at the following:

www.herbanlifestyle.etsy.com

www.herbanlifestyle.wordpress.com

or Tweet her at:

Twitter.com/herbanlifestyle