Large Coffee Can Organizer

Large Coffee Can Organizer

Read all about it on the website :-)  Made in a 5x7 hoop with multiple hoopings

Special pricing through Nov. 15.



Halloween Card

I made several of these this week.  Downside, I can't remember where I got the files at. :-(  They were free on blogs or sites but I forgot to bookmark them so I could share where they came from.

They were really fun to make!  The webs were so delicate and intricute.  My husband was in awe of how well the cricut cut them out!  The spiders just looked too plain for me- so I painted glue on them and sprinkled a fine glitter on them.  I used a white pen to write the Happy Halloween!  The inside I used a little crystal ghost.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Large Poinsettia

Hey! How is everyone doing? I hope this finds you all well! I have been hard at work around here Ü From stitching, to sewing, to cricuting, to painting the outside of my house! Always something going on around here!

Come on over and check out my latest creation! Beautiful Large Poinsettia for 5x7 hoops. This is completely finished in the hoop! No other sewing is required! It measures around 13.5 x 11.5 inches.

 How great is that??!!!!!! It is hard to believe that the holidays are so near already! Special pricing through Nov. 1

Here is another great Poinsettia project! (Also on special pricing through Nov. 1) Poinsettia Mat

Ginger Ornaments! Special Pricing Through Oct. 26

Hope you can stop by and have a look around!

Ice Cream Recipe Book

Hi Everyone!!!!!!  Gotta tell you I have been having a blast this week!  I got this fabulous ice cream maker for Mother's Day this year and ... WOW.  We are so loving it and so is everyone else that gets to eat the ice cream.  I'm going to give an ice cream maker as a gift for Christmas this year and thought what better way to personalize this gift, than by adding a recipe book to go with it!

I ran this idea by a SCAL group called ScalHints.  One of the members leaped to my rescue and created fantastic files for me to create an Ice cream recipe book!  Thank you Sher. It is just perfect! Click here to see Sher's Blog.  She also gave me a great tip to use gift boxes from the dollar store for my book.  It cut with ease on the cricut with the regular housing!

 Along the way, they led me to how was I going to keep this book together.  They told me about 'The Cinch"  After much debate and thinking of more ways to use it, I did indeed purchase it!  I've only used it once but I do love it!  And plan on using it much more.

Ok Ok LOL here are the pics!  This is my first ever book that I've made.  I've always bought scrapbooks till now!

I put a single recipe on each page till I got to the last couple of pages and then was able to put 2 on those pages.  The last page is a Hints and Tips page and is also the back cover.  The front and back cover has cardboard sandwiched between the cardstocks. The rest of the pages are cardstock. I couldn't find and really didn't have room for any further embellishments other than the ice cream cones.  I used pen detailing and chalk on those.

I was going to laminate the whole book before I added the binding but had severe problems with that.  It didn't like the thickness of the pages.  I ruined 2 pages and had to redo them.  I guess I should have done better homework on the laminator's.  But I will find uses for it too!

Special thanks to everyone for helping this project come alive!

Thanks for stopping by!

Shelly

Ginger Ornaments and a Halloween Sale

Hi Everyone!

Here is some more cute little ornaments :-)  Special pricing through Oct. 26

Ginger Ornaments

Also a Halloween Sale going on!  40% off!  Through Nov 2

Have a fabulous Week!

Shelly

Where have I been?????

Hi Everyone,

Honestly, I can't tell you where I've been.  I guess just busy with life.  I've been working on some new surprises for the website.  I also have been working on Christmas gifts.  I would love to show them to you, but since my family reads this, probably not a good idea! LOL  I would ruin their surprises.  But I will take pictures and after Christmas will post them.

I'm missing the pool already.  We closed it a few weekends ago.  We hadn't been able to swim for a while anyway but still not liking it at all.  The weather has turned cool and beautiful!  Loving having the window's open and a breeze flowing in.  I could do without the sneezes, however! :-)

My baby boy turned 21 this past Sunday.  Talk about making ya feel old! :-)  He was out of state, so didn't spend his birthday with him.  I think this is the first time we have ever been apart- literally on his bday.  Makes it hard on a mom.  But all grown up and making his own path! :-)

I've got a "To Make List" a mile long for the upcoming holidays, b-days, and even a baby shower gift.  I really really should start things much earlier.  But I'm hoping to have everything done by Thanksgiving.  Been thinking about what I want to do for Christmas cards this year.  I haven't come up with anything I like yet, so will look around and get some more idea's and something will pop out at me!

That's a bout it!
Huggles
Shelly

Labor Day Sale

Labor Day Sale

through Sept. 7!

40% off everything!!!!!

Shopping cart already reflects your savings!  Stock up now!!!

SH Designs Embroidery

Have a fabulous week and a safe Holiday!

Shelly

Back Your Computer up Reminder!

Friendly reminder! Back up your Embroidery designs frequently! Do it once per week and if that isn't possible, try for the first of each month!

Some little tid bits I have learned! :-)

I use external hard drives to back up not only designs but everything related to my computer. Kind of sounds like over kill, but I have one that I back up my entire computer to. A second, that only embroidery designs get backed up to. A third that pictures get backed up to. End of each year, I back up designs to a dvd. My pictures, I back up the current year to dvd and label it. This way I have hard copies too!

I have also found to never leave my hard drives plugged in to the computer or wall outlet. They get hot quickly! So I only plug them in when I'm using them. This will extend the life of those external hard drives!

Have a great day!

Shelly

Butterfly House

We went to the Butterfly House yesterday!  Very Pretty!  But it sure was a hot day! It was 100 degrees and who knows what the heat index was! :-)

The butteflies are everywhere and flying all over!  They kept landing on my backside on my shirt!  LOL  Kind of hard to get really good pictures because they only perch for a second or two.

This is the entrance to the Butterfly House

This is one of the prettiest ones we saw yesterday

and of course, I had to get a picture of Brittani!

I took a lot more pictures than this, but thought I would just share a few with all of you!

Botanical Gardens

Yesterday we went to the Botanical Gardens!  I have to admit I hadn't been there in years!  But my husband and I made a promise to my daughter to go this summer.  She is getting into photography and wanted pictures.  I took some too and thought I would show you a few!

Enjoy

"Flashback" Messenger Bag

Well... I've been sewing again!  This time a project for my daughter Brittani, but also utilizing some new designs that will be on my website in the next few days called "Flashback"

When I started digitizing and testing these designs, I was stumped as to what kind of project I wanted to make.  My daughter needed a bigger bag for school this year and she just loves peace signs, guitars, hippie flower, the whole works!  So off we went shopping! She picked out all the fabrics for this project!  Yep!  They are bold and wild! All the fabrics were purchased at Joanns Fabrics.  I used craft fuse interfacing through out the entire project!

I let her pick the designs from the set that she wanted to use and pick out the thread colors for each of the designs!  Once again very bold colors!  All were stitched on this limey green kind of splotchy fabric.  That was the easy part! :-)

I had made a messenger bag before but couldn't find the pattern I used.  So created a pattern from scratch.  I also asked for Brittani's input as to how big it should be and the types of pockets etc.  So this is a really big bag!  I also looked online for help as to pockets.  I really wanted to use some zippers and found a great tutorial for zipper pockets.  Zipper Pocket Tutorial  I also found a messenger bag Tutorial  Awesome Messenger Bag Tutorial .  I kind of combined bits and pieces to create this one.

I used the designs on the flap and the back pocket.  Was kind of like creating mini quilts.  I had more designs from the set I would have liked to incorporate but just couldn't figure out where to put them! :-)

I added a zipper pocket to the inside of the bag and the outside of the bag!  I found the perfect colored zippers in my stash!

This was a first for me!  I had never done this before!  But now that I know how, I will be adding them to all the tote bags and purses I make.

I also added elastic topped pockets on either end of the bag.  They work perfect for bulky items, such as water bottles, hair brushes etc.

I also covered a piece of elastic with fabric and sewed to the inside of the bag on one end, to slide pencils and pens in.  I also added ribbon tabs to the inside that can be used to attach keys or coin purses etc. too.

There is one large pocket on the back of the bag and two pockets on the front of the bag (under the flap)

I slid some plastic canvas inbetween lining and outter bag to make a stable bottom/base of the bag.  I created the handle out of the fabric.  She wanted a longer handle, so I did as she requested!

While I can't give you the exact pattern, you can make this easily by using some of the above links and your imagination!

Shelly

Quilt Top

Been so hot here, that I've been working on a project inside!

I had bought a 'kit' to make this adorable Holly Jolly Snowman quilt a few years back.  Decided it was time to get it out and get the top done! :-)  And I thought that looking at snowmen might just cool me off! LOLOL

The kit contained the pattern and all the fabrics needed to complete the top.  This was my first ever kit.  I was really disappointed to find that some of the prints had been swapped out (not all from the same line of fabric), so wouldn't look exactly like the picture on the pattern and that even some of the yardages had been changed to less than the pattern called for.  I was a little miffed.  I thought buying the kit was the easy way out, but would have all the holly jolly fabrics needed.  This was a splurge-spur of the moment purchase, which I rarely do and was quite pricey.  Some of the swapped fabrics I didn't like, so I took them out and used a few of my own!

This was also my first time ever using a purchased pattern.  It actually went really well and I learned so much!  So was a really awesome project in the end for me!

I have the batting and backing to complete, but will wait a bit before I tackle that!  I have some projects for my website to complete (hint the title of the next set is Flashback!)

Have a great day everyone

6th Anniversary Sale

6th Anniversary Sale

through August 3!!

Thank you to all my customers, testers, friends and family!  I love what I do!

You can read all about the sale at

SH Designs Embroidery

Have a fabulous week!

**NEW** Sayings

Hi Everyone!

I have been enjoying my summer!  But I thought you all might like something new!

Sooooooooooo Here is two new sayings for you to stitch!  One fun one and one that has more meaning behind it.  On Sale through July 15

Issues

Life

Enjoy!

Shelly

My Kids

I had a chance to take some pictures of my kids!  Josh is always on the move so hard to get pictures of him :-(  But now I have a some new pictures and am thrilled.

So here is my pride and joys!

Josh and Brittani

Fun $3 Quickie Sale

Fun $3 Special Quickie Sale

This is not an entire site sale! These are Specials. You will find 4 things on special for only $3!!!! They will stay on special for 2 days only!!

You can read more about it on the home page of the website!

Thank You

Shelly

New to me Sewing Cabinet

Hi Everyone!
Hope you had a great Mother's Day!!!!!!!

I'm sooooooooo excited to show you all this!  We found this cabinet on our local freecycle group (you can check on yahoo groups for one near you) in the winter.  It had been stripped but not refinished.  Donnie has worked really hard on it!  I love it! and of course Love him and he did such a beautiful job!  There is nothing he can't do!  Thank you honey!

He modified this by making it fit my sewing machine and adding the drawers!  :-))  Just Awesome!!!!!  Then he painted it the same color as the rest of my cabinets with the leftover paint we had.

Yessssss LOL my dog has a polo shirt on! :-)

Isn't that too cool?

Have a great day!

Shelly

Simple Pleasures

Hi Everyone!

We have been having storms and tornadoes all around us the last several days.  Yesterday was Sunny and beautiful outside.  While waiting in line yesterday, (picking up Brittani from school) I noticed beautiful puffy gorgeous clouds in the sky.  I wasn't happy that I didn't have my camera.  Brittani got in the car and the first thing she said is I want to jump in those clouds! :-)))  So we raced home and got our camera's and went back to savor the beautiful clouds forever. 

One of the few places left that you can see for what seems like forever!  Can't you just see playing in the Fluff?  or as Brittani says turning them pink and into cotton candy?

Simple Pleasures!  What's more I think it is so very special that Brittani recognizes and enjoys those simple pleasures!

Have a great day!

Shelly

 

Skipped a day

Happy Wednesday!

I skipped a day of writing yesterday.  I started digitizing some fairies and became totally engrossed in them!  So far they are digitizing beautifully but will still have to be tested and hopefully some projects made too so you can get an idea of what you can use them for!  Once I'm done I will put them on the site with a special price but will also put up previously released sets too so you can mix and match for your own projects :-))

We put in an above ground pool last summer and just now had it inspected.  And We Passed!!!!!  Yeah so now that part is over!  I can't wait till it gets warm enough to swim!!!  We are hoping to open it up soon so the water can start warming up!  I, however won't be getting in it till that water gets atleast 80 degree's!

It's also time to put in the garden.  Last year was the first time I had real one in years!  I planted way to many cucumbers and we ended up with a gazillion jars of pickles!  I love pickles but still have way to many! LOL  So this year thinking about doing zuchini and shredding and freezing it!  Love zuchini bread!!

So, if I don't get to write for a day or two, I'm most likely engrossed in the fairies or working outside (if the rain stays at bay!) 
Have a fabulous day everyone!
Shelly

FSL Elegance 2 for 8x8 hoops

Beautiful lace to make a variety of projects!

Elegance 2 for 8x8 hoops

These are on special pricing through May 9!  Be Sure to check out all the Specials

Also a sale ending soon on Single Designs!

Have a great day!

Shelly

Mini Clover Iron holder

Well it is a rainy dreary day here! Great day to sew! So I thought I'd share with you a little project!

Mini Clover Iron holder-  (not completely finished, and I will tell you why in a little bit!

It is basically 2 rectangles of fabric with batting sandwiched between, then folded and sewn!  Yeah, there is a bit more to it than that!  But I think you get the idea! I started with 14 inch by 31 inch rectangles and that gave me room for 3 pockets.  I used binding on the edges to finish it off.  Why isn't it done?  I want to add some grommets to hang it on the wall next to my cutting table so I have easy access to it. 

 I'm really excited as I got to use a few tools that I haven't used much! I used my simplicity rotary machine and the bias machine to make the binding!  The machines were a Christmas gift from my husband.  Watch the sales at Joanns for them.  You can find them much cheaper than the links I have provided!  I also used a bias binder foot attachment on my sewing machine- it is adjustable and really helps me to get the binding on correctly!

As I've been writing this, I have been thinking, this could also be used to store a heat embossing tool, or curling irons, hair straighteners etc.  I will store my extra iron parts in mine as well as my embossing tool.  Now, if I had been thinking ahead, I would have embroidered the names of the tools on the pockets, but a little late to do that now since it is already assembled.

So this was my project for today!

Have a great day!

Shelly

Cleaning up and Organizing

Well, I really wanted to stitch or sew something today, but looking at my cutting- everything table, decided I needed to do some clean up.  Found all kinds of things I didn't even realize were there LOL and I'm still not done yet. I have a really terrible habit of not putting away something before I get something out.  I just get too excited!  And I got a little sidetracked while putting some stuff away.

I found a box of premade card pieces..... everything is in the box to make quite a few cards... so instead of leaving it where it was, I got it out and assembled all the cards.  Threw some of the box parts out (had a tray with the little pieces in it)- so I could store the cards in it.  Then I went to yet another place in the room where I keep my premade cards and put them all in this same box so they are all together...But what I really need is a bigger box! LOL    Do you all have something you can store handmade premade cards in that you can categorize?

I love making cards!  Sometimes I may embroider a design on fabric and put it in an 'open window' type card, another great thing is to embroider freestanding lace ornaments and let them dangle in the card window.  I also have a Cricut machine.  I found software that works with it called Sure Cuts Alot  (SCAL) and it allows me to be more creative and not limited to just the cartridges that cricut makes.  I found lots of wonderful groups on the web!  Lots of tutorials on the software and even files that I can cut.  Some are free and some are for pay.  SCAL has really opened  up my cricut use.  So many possibilities!  I need to chill on making cards for a bit and get some scrapbooking done too!  

I got some new fabric last week for some upcoming projects I'm planning and even some Christmas presents.  I usually prewash and iron everything as it comes into the house, but I'm gonna cheat this time around.  I'm just gonna add a post it note on the fabric that it needs to be washed before use and put it away! LOLOL

Well back to finding the top of my cutting table!  If I have time I think I'm going to precut some of my water soluble stabilizer to fit specific hoops.  Easier for me to grab it and start stitching than have to take the time to cut before I start stitching.  Then maybe tomorrow I can pick something from my to do list and get going on it!

There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day for everything I want to do.

Have a great day!
Shelly

Smells of Spring

I've been taking pictures all along this spring as the flowers bloom in my yard.  I'm sooooooooooo excited today!  My lilacs are finally starting to bloom and I can smell them through the windows! Ü  This is one of about 6 of these bushes in my front yard

You can see my snowball bush peeking behind it!  It is loaded with snowballs... they aren't quite white just yet!  I know these bushes look kind of small in the pictures, but they are really big! LOL

Here is my snowball bush! 

We planted a honeysuckle bush a long time ago and it has always bloomed but never had that sweet smell till this year!  And WOWWWWWWWWW it is huge. Here is a couple to show you just how big it really is.  And yes it is taller than than the basket ball hoop!

While I was walking around, taking in all the sweet smells, I looked up and caught a bird perched on the birdhouse.

Boy do those birds make a mess!  They even tried to tear our soffets apart!

Can't wait to see what all blooms next!

Shelly

Been working on my website

Well, I decided it was time to edit my website this morning.  It's been a long time since I added or changed pages- other than putting new designs for sale.  Honestly this was driving me a little crazy!  I should have been more on top of things!  But now it is done!

So now there is a link to this blog! :-)))  I also changed and added to my Craftroom page.  My husband I remodeled the family room a few years ago.  Well.......... I shouldn't say 'we'  He did most of the work!  I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He is a fabulous craftsman!  Thank you honey!  Anyway, this was done a while back but I hadn't changed my site to reflect it.  For the most part everything is the same, just little odds and ends have been changed since then!  But a truly wonderful place to work!  All the special little touches are just wonderful to see and work in everyday!

Last but not least, I did some altering of the FAQ page.  No matter where you are visiting online, if you have questions take a look at the FAQ pages!  They are full of need to know information!  More often than not, it will answer any question you have.  If the answer to your question isn't there, you can always email for more information!

Enjoy!
Shelly

Welcome- My Plan

Wow!  What a beautiful day here today!  I haven't gotten a lot done because I have been trying to figure out the settings on here and I think I have some of it figured out now!!

I hope to be able to write on my blog each day or at the very least a few times a week!  I think it will be a great way for all of you to get to know me as more than just an embroidery digitizer and website owner.  You will get to see what I'm doing or not doing as the case may be.  I won't be limiting this blog to embroidery only.  I will share my love for my family, sewing, scrapbooking, card making, photograpghy and whatever else I find myself getting addicted too!  So you will find a little bit of everything here!

I will also post links to my own embroidery site when something new goes up and any sales! (maybe a special coupon once in a while)  But I'm not going to limit it to just that!  There are so many great sites and information on all the things I love to do that I will share those as well when I find great things.

So prepare yourself to see pictures of my AWESOME family!  I love to take pictures!  See that is where scrapbooking comes in!  I also love to make greeting cards using my cricut and SCAL software.  I love to sew and dabble in quilting from time to time....

If you have hung in there this far in reading, then you understand that I have many interests and hobbies!  I hope you will follow along and enjoy the ride.

Huggles
Shelly

Just starting

I'm still trying to figure all this out.  But will eventually get there!  So with this post, I'm just testing the waters!  Here is a picture my dd took yesterday of a baby bunny.  There were 5 or 6 of them where are garden will be!