I do, I do.....
Enjoy a 10% Discount for Cyber Monday in my ETSY shop (www.etsy.com/shop/PaperRaisins) on November 26, 2012 by entering the coupon code "CYBERMON2012" at the time of checkout. Orders must be placed on Monday, November 26, 2012 to obtain the discount. Please note: shipping charges will not be discounted.
Happy Shopping :)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Crochet Hook Catharsis
ca·thar·sis - release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit.
I've gotta say....anyone that knows me, knows how tightly wound I am! ...I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing...it just IS. I also happen to be an exercise in contradiction.... for every "rule" I have for myself there's likely an exception... think food.... I hate mushrooms, but love mushroom soup.... I hate sour cream but love beef stroganoff, in which you will find sour cream.... that's just me, one giant oxymoron.
I love to create... I LOVE creativity... but for me, creating usually looks more like a mathematical equation. When I use a patternmaker's design, I take notes, lots of notes... and I can never just make things the way I'm supposed to...I adjust things...sometimes little things, sometimes big things. I almost always re-write purchased patterns in a way that is more user friendly for me, incorporating my "improvements"... I'm a bit of a perfectionist (not surprised are you??)... some days I wonder if I could make a business just re-writing other people's patterns for those out there who are equally as anal as me!
When I design, I begin with an idea, sometimes I've sketched it out, sometimes it's in my head.... then I choose a yarn (although sometimes the yarn comes first...then the idea), I make test swatches, figure out what yarn & needles or hooks are best for the job.... I write notes, I change what I've done, I erase notes, I cross out notes with large slashes ....I make & remake, I make more notes.... very, detailed, notes... I rip things out a lot... and start over... when I'm done, I type up the pattern ...it's a process....
I've got this friend... she happily makes many things with creative abandon, I often see pictures of her happy accidents... or items that didn't quite turn out right but she's soooo happy anyway... yeah, that is not me... I wish I could be more relaxed but I'm not... except.....
I had a moment.... 2 balls of beautiful yarn with nothing but a vision.... there were NO notes, NO ripping out... and pure & utter happiness as I put together this cowl! ...I can't explain in words the elation as it all came together, standing on a stool, making the final crocheted joins with it draped on my dress form... It was creating with full abandon...and let me tell you...it felt AMAZING!!! I'm so tempted to keep this for myself...but alas, I shall probably post it in my ETSY shop ....here's the result...
I've gotta say....anyone that knows me, knows how tightly wound I am! ...I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing...it just IS. I also happen to be an exercise in contradiction.... for every "rule" I have for myself there's likely an exception... think food.... I hate mushrooms, but love mushroom soup.... I hate sour cream but love beef stroganoff, in which you will find sour cream.... that's just me, one giant oxymoron.
I love to create... I LOVE creativity... but for me, creating usually looks more like a mathematical equation. When I use a patternmaker's design, I take notes, lots of notes... and I can never just make things the way I'm supposed to...I adjust things...sometimes little things, sometimes big things. I almost always re-write purchased patterns in a way that is more user friendly for me, incorporating my "improvements"... I'm a bit of a perfectionist (not surprised are you??)... some days I wonder if I could make a business just re-writing other people's patterns for those out there who are equally as anal as me!
When I design, I begin with an idea, sometimes I've sketched it out, sometimes it's in my head.... then I choose a yarn (although sometimes the yarn comes first...then the idea), I make test swatches, figure out what yarn & needles or hooks are best for the job.... I write notes, I change what I've done, I erase notes, I cross out notes with large slashes ....I make & remake, I make more notes.... very, detailed, notes... I rip things out a lot... and start over... when I'm done, I type up the pattern ...it's a process....
I've got this friend... she happily makes many things with creative abandon, I often see pictures of her happy accidents... or items that didn't quite turn out right but she's soooo happy anyway... yeah, that is not me... I wish I could be more relaxed but I'm not... except.....
I had a moment.... 2 balls of beautiful yarn with nothing but a vision.... there were NO notes, NO ripping out... and pure & utter happiness as I put together this cowl! ...I can't explain in words the elation as it all came together, standing on a stool, making the final crocheted joins with it draped on my dress form... It was creating with full abandon...and let me tell you...it felt AMAZING!!! I'm so tempted to keep this for myself...but alas, I shall probably post it in my ETSY shop ....here's the result...
Monday, October 29, 2012
i have a sssnaking sssuspicion...
that you're gonna love this guy.... he's verry sssweet!
I got this fantasitc pattern from bee's knees knitting on ETSY. I've found some awesome pattern-makers on ETSY and this is one of them. Their animal scarves are soooo cute...I bought several patterns and this sssweet sssnake is the first one I've tried! I LOVE it!!!!
I'm sure you won't mind at all if this sweet boy wraps himself around you... his face is so innocent... he just wants to keep you warm. He won't squeeze, he promises!!! :)
I love this snake so much that I'm working on some sssnake mittens... they are so fun! :)
The Sssnake Ssscarf is listed in my ETSY shop! ....there are a couple color options... check out my ETSY shop @ www.etsy.com/shop/PaperRaisins
I got this fantasitc pattern from bee's knees knitting on ETSY. I've found some awesome pattern-makers on ETSY and this is one of them. Their animal scarves are soooo cute...I bought several patterns and this sssweet sssnake is the first one I've tried! I LOVE it!!!!
I'm sure you won't mind at all if this sweet boy wraps himself around you... his face is so innocent... he just wants to keep you warm. He won't squeeze, he promises!!! :)
I love this snake so much that I'm working on some sssnake mittens... they are so fun! :)
The Sssnake Ssscarf is listed in my ETSY shop! ....there are a couple color options... check out my ETSY shop @ www.etsy.com/shop/PaperRaisins
Thursday, October 18, 2012
...back into the groove
It's been a while, a LOOOOOONG time, too long..... but I've got some great news! I've re-opened Paper Raisins!!! Some things have changed so please bear with me while I work out some of the kinks. I'm directing sales through my ETSY site now, it's much more straightforward than sales through my website were in the past, so easier to use for you & streamlines some of the processes for me too so it's a win-win as far as I'm concerned!
My website will still be around for viewing access for a limited time only (which sounds so infomertial). So soak in the sights while you can!!
I'm working in a bot of a limited capacity, many of my supplies are still in storage and can't some out just yet. Remember that obscecely large stash of yarn I told you about...well, most of it is boxed up and inaccessablle along with my sewing machine, buttons, ribbons, fabric etc ...but I've stashed some of my favorites on site & I'm posting new items to my ETSY shop every few days!!!
I've got a couple great new scarves that I'm offering, they're super veratile! ...and since there's been a bit of a chill in the air the timing is perfect - great as a gift for mom, wife, friend, sister, girlfriend....yourself.... there's some great colors in fantastic yarn, you'll have to check them out! Oh, and I got new patterns for adorable animal scarves.... working on the Ssssnake right now, he's soooooo cute! I'll post some pics as soon as I have them!
As always, if you don't see what you're looking for, would like a different color, size etc, let me know. I try my best to accomodate special requests! ...if you're ordering locally (Winnipeg, MB) please shoot me a message before making a purhcase through ETSY so I can set up a special listing for you in Canadian funds & with a reduced or eliminated shipping/delivery charge (free Winnipeg delivery for orders over $50).
It feels great to be back behind the hook/needles again! ....hope you enjoy the ride with me!
Shop - www.etsy.com/shop/PaperRaisins
Email - info.paperraisins@gmail.com
Ps... I suppose I should proabaly share a picture... what's a post without a picture?? ...here is the new Window Pane Scarf.... it can be worn at least 6 different ways, comes in this delightful yarn (many colors) and another yarn type which is equally delightful!!!!
My website will still be around for viewing access for a limited time only (which sounds so infomertial). So soak in the sights while you can!!
I'm working in a bot of a limited capacity, many of my supplies are still in storage and can't some out just yet. Remember that obscecely large stash of yarn I told you about...well, most of it is boxed up and inaccessablle along with my sewing machine, buttons, ribbons, fabric etc ...but I've stashed some of my favorites on site & I'm posting new items to my ETSY shop every few days!!!
I've got a couple great new scarves that I'm offering, they're super veratile! ...and since there's been a bit of a chill in the air the timing is perfect - great as a gift for mom, wife, friend, sister, girlfriend....yourself.... there's some great colors in fantastic yarn, you'll have to check them out! Oh, and I got new patterns for adorable animal scarves.... working on the Ssssnake right now, he's soooooo cute! I'll post some pics as soon as I have them!
As always, if you don't see what you're looking for, would like a different color, size etc, let me know. I try my best to accomodate special requests! ...if you're ordering locally (Winnipeg, MB) please shoot me a message before making a purhcase through ETSY so I can set up a special listing for you in Canadian funds & with a reduced or eliminated shipping/delivery charge (free Winnipeg delivery for orders over $50).
It feels great to be back behind the hook/needles again! ....hope you enjoy the ride with me!
Shop - www.etsy.com/shop/PaperRaisins
Email - info.paperraisins@gmail.com
Ps... I suppose I should proabaly share a picture... what's a post without a picture?? ...here is the new Window Pane Scarf.... it can be worn at least 6 different ways, comes in this delightful yarn (many colors) and another yarn type which is equally delightful!!!!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Closure
Paper Raisins is going to be closed until further notice. I do plan to re-open, I'm just unsure of the time frame. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Friday, October 29, 2010
For the love of...
...The Manitoba Children's Museum!!!
As you probably know, the Manitoba Children's Museum is undergoing a huge renovation project. They'll be closed for quite some time... sniff...sniff... but will be re-opening with new galleries and experiences for our children... I think I may be more sad than P about the huge tree slide being removed...
Well... Paper Raisins has donated a hat, scarf & mitty set for their fundraising efforts! ...the set will be auctioned off to the highest bidder - check it out here! There are many great items there to bid on and the auctions will be up until November 24, 2010.
Go now... check it out and support this great facility!!! Go....
As you probably know, the Manitoba Children's Museum is undergoing a huge renovation project. They'll be closed for quite some time... sniff...sniff... but will be re-opening with new galleries and experiences for our children... I think I may be more sad than P about the huge tree slide being removed...
Well... Paper Raisins has donated a hat, scarf & mitty set for their fundraising efforts! ...the set will be auctioned off to the highest bidder - check it out here! There are many great items there to bid on and the auctions will be up until November 24, 2010.
Go now... check it out and support this great facility!!! Go....
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
the thing about Annie...
Hey guys! ...a tiny bit of down-time ...a moment to breathe and a little time for a new post! :)
So it's been insane in my world. I had a retirement party for a co-worker to plan and execute...which took place today... whew... despite being stressed about making it a success it went off without a hitch! yay! ...I like a good theme for a party so this one was a Country-fair, Farmer's Market type feel, complete with straw bails, a scarecrow, big bunches of balloons, 1/2 barrel full of flowers and veggies (I even got carrots with leafy tops!!) and a red and white gingham table runner! ...not to mention all the "in theme" signage...
Watering hole for the drink table... bake sale for the dainty table... farmer's market banners for the banquet table... photo op with the scarecrow... kissin' booth (goodbye hugs - free) by the honored retiree! ...and it was all named Annieville...
So my personal gift to our dear Annie was the gift of memories. I took pictures of each of the staff in our department and a few extras, retirees and others who asked to be included. About 30-35 staff in total. I also asked for a writing submission beginning with "The thing about Annie..." from each person participating. Once the pics were done and edited and writing submissions collected and proofed I did some fancy digital scrapbooking and had the whole project printed into an 8x8 hard-cover book! I am so in love with the finished project.... although I had to part with it rather quickly and didn't even get a chance to photograph the final result.
I'm sure you can image the "man" hours that went into this labor of love! But it was all worth it! ...I know she will treasure it for a lifetime!
Wanna see a couple sample pages??
So it's been insane in my world. I had a retirement party for a co-worker to plan and execute...which took place today... whew... despite being stressed about making it a success it went off without a hitch! yay! ...I like a good theme for a party so this one was a Country-fair, Farmer's Market type feel, complete with straw bails, a scarecrow, big bunches of balloons, 1/2 barrel full of flowers and veggies (I even got carrots with leafy tops!!) and a red and white gingham table runner! ...not to mention all the "in theme" signage...
Watering hole for the drink table... bake sale for the dainty table... farmer's market banners for the banquet table... photo op with the scarecrow... kissin' booth (goodbye hugs - free) by the honored retiree! ...and it was all named Annieville...
So my personal gift to our dear Annie was the gift of memories. I took pictures of each of the staff in our department and a few extras, retirees and others who asked to be included. About 30-35 staff in total. I also asked for a writing submission beginning with "The thing about Annie..." from each person participating. Once the pics were done and edited and writing submissions collected and proofed I did some fancy digital scrapbooking and had the whole project printed into an 8x8 hard-cover book! I am so in love with the finished project.... although I had to part with it rather quickly and didn't even get a chance to photograph the final result.I'm sure you can image the "man" hours that went into this labor of love! But it was all worth it! ...I know she will treasure it for a lifetime!
Wanna see a couple sample pages??
And me - incidentally I hate pictures of myself... this one I didn't mind so much though!
Hope you enjoyed! I'm off to put up my feet for a few minutes... watch some Biggest Loser!
Stay tuned for my next post... I will have some new hats to share! ...and they are modeled by the sweetest little one, she's the gorgeous daughter of a co-worker...I got to play with her a couple weeks ago! :)
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