What You Learn From a Dream ~

~Con't of PART THREE~

So you can see (left) that we had many tables with a constant rotation of family and friends.

If you couldn't paint, you could cut material for his little bow tie.

Here, you see two beautiful ladies, who are dear friends and fortunately for me, decided to marry some male family members!

Both volunteered to help and it was getting really crazy by the time they started working! I wonder what was in that blue glass?

From left to right ~ Boxes of finished ornaments waiting to be tagged and packed... then go to our glitter and packing department! Believe it or not, after all the basement work... the finished product was glittered too!! So the garage became the next place to work!

Nothing stopped these 70 year olds!

After they were boxed up, the finished boxes were stored in my living/dining room ~ thank goodness I didn't have any furniture in the house at the time!

All these photos were taken in a course of 3 months ~ during the summer of 2000.

I made absolutely NO money off this order; and if I had to pay for help, I would have lost money.

We all refer to this as the summer of the snowflake ~ no need to say anything else.

What I learned from this summer was:

1. my family & friends love me

2. get a lawyer to look over a contract prior to signing

3. we all have the strength to get through anything

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!

Velvet Makes It's Mark

Making Your Mark

Today's find came from a recent Twitter connection from CRAFTzine ~ to a lovely lady at

Oh So Crafty,

who recently posted a tutorial on these oh so romantic book marks!

I have to say, I just love the muted color palette ~ this comes from someone who uses the brightest of paint colors!

Velvet Bookmarks by Tricia...

Inspired by the cover of Somerset Studio (see photo above), Tricia came up with her own twist on this romantic way of marking a classic read or as shown above, a wonderful way of making a stack of vintage books just shine.

Above is Tricia's creation and it appears to look like a classic piece of jewelry ~ Jewelry for our library!

So stop by Oh So Crafty's blog and learn the simplest way of turning wonderful pieces of scraps and vintage jewelry into something spectacular!

Thanks so much to Tricia who allowed me to share with you her blog post!

Kids Costume Kits ~ Trees & Fairies, Oh My!

Halloween Costume Kits:

From my Favorite Shoppe ~ Purl Soho

As a part of my thinking of Fall Fling ~ I was checking at my favorite blogs and found this wonderful feature from PurlBee. Everyone must see this wonderful blog filled with amazing colors and designs!

Fairy Costumes & Trees

by Purl Bee

October is such an exciting time of year; the leaves are changing, school is really rolling and Halloween is right around the corner! Homemade Halloween costumes are so special to the little ones in our lives and they create great memories for everyone involved. So many of us remember going to the fabric store with our moms to pick out materials for what we were going to be that year, and most of us can even recall little details of certain costumes we wore, like a special pirate sword or pretty fairy wings

All four of these kits are made with our stunning 100% wool felt which is super easy to work with (and a huge time saver) because you don't need to hem the edges. Because they are made with such great materials these costumes will stand the test of time. They can be passed down to younger siblings or stashed in the dress up box for years of enjoyment.

The kits includes everything you will need to make the petaled skirt, the flower crown and the magic wand as well as a complete instru

ctions and full size templates for cutting out all of the different shapes.

These costumes include sizing instructions to fit most children from ages 3-8.

This is a great classic costume, it brings to mind lots of magical imagery, like the trees that throw the apples in The Wizard of Oz, and JRR Tolkein's tall, strong Ents.

The Tree King Costume Kits come in two versions, the verdant Spring Tree King, and the seasonally appropriate Fall Tree King. The kits include everything you will need to make the tree trunk, leaves, crown and wrist bands as well as a complete instructions and full size templates for cutting out all of the different shapes. These costumes will fit most children from ages 3-7.

If you're inspired by these kits but really just want to design something yourself, we have a complete spectrum of gorgeous, easy to use 100% wool felt by the yard.

We also have some free patterns for Halloween costumes from previous years, like last year's simple Daisy, and this cute Bunny Hat and Paws from 2 years ago.

Thanks Purlbee for inspiring us to bring color and handmade into our lives!

Team Tuesday: EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop

~ Happy Hound Creative ~

Brighten your Event with Creativity!

Every Tuesday, EtsyNJ Team sponsors a Blog Hop to showcase our wonderful team members; this week, I chose Happy Hound Creative.

Spring is here, flowers are blooming, and spring cleaning is completed (yeah!) ~ it's a perfect time to show off those blooms and your newly cleaned house. Why not invite a group of your friends for a small Tea Party?

So you get out your address book or start to text your invite ~ but wait, didn't you just read a blog post about this fabulous company on Etsy who creates personalized invites?

Start the party off right from the invitation! How much fun would it be receiving such a sweet invitation ~ Tea Cup Shaped Party Invitation - with Pocket for tea. Tea cup shaped invitation with a pocket to include a nice packet of tea for your guests. Tea packet is included and you can choose from a variety of flavors!

Happy Hound Creative also offers various choices of colors and patterns for your invitations ~ just let her know!

This is also a wonderful idea for your Bride to Be (see below invitation)...

I can see the party starting now...

Babies ~ The Moving Invitation ~

The Baby Onesy is a FAVORITE design of mine and I just adore what Happy Hound Creative did with this classic!

The image above is a Onesie Thank You Cards - Baseball; however, if you are looking for invitations, our creative shoppe owner will create whatever your heart desires!

I just love the photo below, with the terrific look of having the Onesies all lined up in a row... what a great look for a shower for seating assignments!! (Not that anyone actually stays in their seats ~ well, at least not in my family!)

Let's never forget our Littlest Princess either!

Here's a great SET of matching Baby Shower invitations and Thank You Cards - 25 in set.

Onesie shaped Baby Shower invitations with Cute Peach Butterfly and matching Thank You Cards! The butterfly on the front pops off the paper.

Just a few of the Sweet Designs from Happy Hound Creative ~

Find Happy Hound Creative on facebook and become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/Happyhoundcreative

Read Happy Hound Creative blog:

www.happyhoundcreative.blogspot.com

Follow Happy Hound Creative on Twitter:

www.twitter.com/HappyHoundEtsy

Team Tuesday: EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop

The Vintage Sister

I must admit, I haven't been paying too much attention to the outside world lately; so when this week's Etsy NJ Team Blog Hop came around I was unprepared, but it is a very good thing...

Because I found, The Vintage Sister!

Born and raised in a NJ town just outside of Philadelphia, she's been expressing herself through art since she was old enough to hold a crayon. With a degree in Art and two boys ~ she's brightening the world with her dynamic stylings.

Below are only a few of the wonderful items I found at her Etsy Shoppe ~ which you need to visit soon!

Oh, and I want to mention her blog as well ~ The Vintage Sister Studio!

Faithful Friends PRINT (above) ~ This is a print of an original mixed media painting using acrylics, pencil and collaged vintage papers.

On a String (above) ~ This is an print of an original mixed media painting using acrylics, pencil,vintage papers and bees wax. The canvas panel was covered with layers and layers of vintage sheet music and a coating of natural bees wax to give the piece lovely texture and depth.

A Quoi Bon archival print (above) ~ A Quoi Bon? Translation: What's The Use?

She's got birds in her hair and she just doesn't care!

This is a high quality print of an original painting. It was done in acrylics with craft papers, vintage french text and pencil detail.

Remember, every Tuesday is EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop ~ I would like to wish The Vintage Sister and everyone on the team a Happy Mother's Day!!

Team Tuesday: EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop

Beachchik

"I love simple, classic beach decor. Whites and neutrals fill a room so you can sit back and enjoy the brightest blue ocean view imaginable (I'm dreaming again, I don't live with an ocean view).

And as much as I love the beach, of course I love my little guy even more. He is constant inspiration to me. He is my lucky charm when searching for sea glass and he is my sunshine on rainy days." This is just a portion of the profile of our Tuesday Team Blog Shoppe: Beachchik.

And I have to say, "I love her and her designs!"

Beach Life- Canvas: 8 x 24 inch Hand Painted Canvas

Made to Order with your choice of colors to match your decor.

Kitchens, Bathrooms, living room and comfortable cottage shic cozy bedrooms...

(above & below)

Letter Canvases- Classic: Set of 3- 6x6 Inch Canvases, Handpainted and Sealed

Choose your Style, Choose your Colors, Choose your letters.

For the love of your life or to be given as gift...engagement, bridal shower, wedding, anniversary, birthday, just because, house warming.. (above)

Thank You Totes for your Hotel Guests: Having a Destination Wedding or do you have a handful of friends and family traveling to your Wedding?

Say Thank You and Welcome with these Custom Totes.

...To be left in each Guests hotel room, either rolled up or filled with some pretzels, bottles water, a map of the local area...your guests will have a Useable token of the appreciation you feel for their kindness in traveling to celebrate You!

(above & below)

Want to be the 1st to know when new designs are listed?

Subscribe to her RSS Feed:

http://www.etsy.com/rss_shop.php?user_id=5463677

She's also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/beachchikdesigns

Etsy Twitter Team ~ Great Mother's Day Items

Every week, the Etsy Twitter Team chooses a Shop of the Week ~ one of our wonderful members is showcased & interviewed, for all to get to know us!

As I checked out the SOTW's for the past month, I found a few items

to showcase here at From Nancy's Heart, for Mother's Day.

It is approaching and you don't want to be caught short for this most special day.

Current Shop of the Week ~ My Sassy Glass:

"One-of-a-kind fused glass jewelry created to help customers express their true personality. What ever your personalily type ... bold, sassy, modern, classic, sporty, edgy, daring, elegant, trendy, or unique. We have a beautiful pendant just for you."

Pink Accents - Fused glass drop earrings ~ Layers of pink accents are fused on a white glass base. Each piece measures approximately 1/2" square (1.3 cm) without bail.

Such a lovely pair of earrings and pair them with this terrific pendant...

Somebody Loves You - Fused glass pendant ~ A lovely white tear drop pendant with subtle pink accents.

Shop of the Week (April 5~11th) ~ Purple Lemon Designs:

Her custom products are designed to complement her customer's personality. Kelly says, "When using my products, I like for my customers to feel as if they are sending a stamp imprint or piece of stationery that reflects them." Customer satisfaction is what drives her: "When I create a stationery or stamp design that my client loves and feels is perfect for their everyday needs, wedding day or other special event, that makes all the hard work worth it."

Small Customized Flowery Bookplate Rubber Stamp ~ This 1" x 1" stamp is perfect for the avid reader. Be sure to get those books you lend back from friends by marking them with your own personalized rubber stamp.

To me, this is a Fabulously unique gift for any Mom, Sister, G-mom or Special Gal in your life; especially if she's the type of gal, like me, who's quickly building her own library!

Shop of the Week (March 29th ~ April 4th) ~ Pretty Cheap:

"I am the Frugal Artisan making many different kinds of beautiful bargains! Look in my shop for classic timeless jewelry designs in precious metal, natural stone, and pearls as well as richly colored original photo cards, pressed flower stationary, and embroidery and needlework cards (all very time honored classic crafts)."

Hard Cover Journal - Silk Stripe ~ Nicely proportioned slim blank journal suitable for sketches, notes, or diary. Silk upholstery fabric in two-toned stripe used on the front and back covers. Wonderful to hold and touch. An eco-choice.

I have to say, that I just love this item and if you have anyone in your life who either Journals, Sketches, Exercises or just likes jotting notes down... this is such a lovely gift.

Shop of the week (March 22 ~ 28th) ~ Mrs Kwitty's Cottage (Misseskwittys):

Her shop offers a variety of handmade cottage style items in fabric and paper, which she is delighted to ship domestically or internationally. Her attitude about her work shows clearly. "I just love to make things with my hands---pretty, colorful things. I love to get an idea in my head, go down to my studio and pick out some pretty fabrics or papers, and then allow that thought to become something you can actually hold in your hand!

Prettiful Purple Keychain Snap Wallet --a pretty little place to keep all your cards ~ These are the handiest little things!! It's a card wallet/keychain. The snap wallet is the perfect size for your driver's license, ID, bus card, your debit card, and maybe even a few bucks. There is a keyring attached to it--so you can keep your driver's license and keys in the same place! Don't leave home without it.

So many marvelous items from our Shops of the Week!!

From April 15-22, 2010, the Etsy Twitter authority for online and handmade products, will be offering a multitude of green handcrafted products, tips, and ideas at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com.

Members of the Etsy Twitter Team will offer giveaway prizes, discounts and eco-friendly tips on ways to reduce, reuse and recycle in creating handmade items and shipping them.

Orange you glad for days like this.

Sunny Days...

Today was such a lovely day... rarely do I wake with a happiness that makes me sing (especially that early in the morning!); yet, today, was that day.

So off I went to do my daily errands ~

First, go see my most favorite hair stylist, Tonia ~

What a lovely gal, Tonia, and I believe that she will have me on roller skates before the summertime ends ~ with a wonderful hair cut!

After a lovely cup of tea with my friend, off I went through the park, spotting some sweet dolls peeking out among the blooms. My favorite shoppe is just around the corner ~ where the dollies were pointing the way.

Mr. Angelo's grocery store...

All his veggies are so bright and fresh. I just love the smells of all the fruits and baked goods there! There are times, I just hang around chatting with Mr. Angelo just to soak in the cheery atmosphere of his grocery shoppe!

I was swept away by all the wonderful colors that I found in the grocery store. Thank goodness I had a great friend with me who had a camera phone! So many sunny colors on this sunny day! Perhaps one day I will purchase the "spiny melon", first, I have to stop laughing every time I say the name ~

So, I made my way back home...

while looking at the bounty I purchased today, I gathered together items in the craft room that would match all the wonderful colors I saw during my walk.

I recently did an interview, where I was asked where I found my inspiration ~ believe it, I really didn't have a clue; yet as I walked through the city, I found spots of vibrant colors that just made their mark in my brain!

Thanks Tonia & Mr. Angelo for making my day special!

Team Tuesday: EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop

Happiknits

"Armed with 2 sticks and some fashion sense I set out to create unique and different knitted items. I am a passionate about color, so I use many different colors in my work~~something for everyone~~ " This is a quote from our Team Blog Shoppe owner for this newest edition of Team Blog Hop Tuesday!

I have to say, these wonderful pieces aren't just "fashionable" they are wearable art work with fabulous details. The Bohemian Bride Upcycled shawl (pictured above) "This beautiful upcycled ivory bridal shawl was inspired by Happiknits love of Somerset magazines, Belle Armoire and Altered Couture. Her spring 2010 line is a collection of eco-friendly pieces. This shawl is made with 100% recycled materials. Collected and revived, found during many early morning weekend trips to the local markets."

The Beach House lariat-FREE US SHIP

"Growing up 5 minutes from the beach and having a grandmother who had a beach house, Happiknits spent most of her life either on sand or in the ocean. This piece was inspired by her grandmother's beach house which was in the family for several generations."

I, personally, adore all the special touches that are included with this lariat that sets it apart from anything store bought.

Double Dose of Seasons Lariat- FREE US shipping

"This piece includes 2 seperate lariats, they can be worn together for a true burst of gorgeous color or seperate for a focal piece. The first lariat is handknit in a super soft acrylic mix yarn in a stunning shade of orange. At each end of the lariat is a knit leaf. Handsewn onto each leaf is a felted leaf in a pale yellow shade."

Happiknits is have a wonderful SPRING SALE ~ so stop by and check out all her wonderful items! Stop by and see what inspires Happiknits at http://www.happiknits.blogspot