Last weekend I participated in the Valentine Craftacular at the High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI. It was SPECTACULAR – as a seller and as a shopper. Just before everyone started picking up I managed to make a quick run to snag a few items I’d been eyeing the entire day – one of those being two really big, and really adorable pigs! I thought they’d be the perfect Valentine Gift for the girls and keep them happy as I was picking up my booth. These adorable pigs were made by Christina Ward Creatures. They are super cute and super durable! The perfect prop for PIG RACES!

Before we get to the pictures of my adorable girls racing, I would like to share with you some more fun information that I’ve learned about ChristinaWard:

Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.

I'm a product of the early 1980's Milwaukee. It was a strange time. Factories were closing, we lived with a real fear that the world was going to end in nuclear annihilation! I was lucky to have my Gramma living on her farm between Black River Falls and Osseo, Wisconsin. (This is the area made famous by Micheal Lesy's 'Wisconsin Death Trips'!) I spent most of my summers with her.

We had an outdoor privy. There was electricity, but no phone and the heat was from a wood burning furnace in the basement. The house itself was a three room with an attic structure constructed from old dynamite boxes left over from when the railroads were being put through.

My grampa had died in 1974, so we didn't keep the pigs and Black Angus anymore, but we had loads of chickens and a full 2 acre garden. In those days, you either did it yourself or worked with your neighbors to barter what was needed.

Gramma made rag rugs on her loom, stitched quilts, tatted, canned, crocheted and did loads of other home skills now enjoying resurgence. Childhood itself was different during that time and place. Kids worked! The TV was black and white and only got in a weak signal from Eau Claire. Enough to watch the news and Johnny Carson.

As I got older I became more and more interested in what she was doing. How do you string a loom? How do you stretch a quilt using dining room chairs? What are the signs that blueberry bushes are nearby? She began to teach me the basics. Nothing formal, I just became another set of hands for her. So we would work together with me asking questions and taking mental pictures of how it should be done.

When did you first start creating things?

I was always a tinkerer as a kid. Making Barbie clothes from scraps. Nailing boards together to make boats. Experimenting with my easy bake oven. My first conscious success was a version of the Cabbage Patch dolls in 1983. My gramma had taught me an old way of making dolls using old stockings...I was using gramma's stash of silk stockings!

I brought the doll I made to my Home Economics teacher and she was really surprised. She had me make her two more for her friends. I think that was the start.

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?

This kinda continues from the last questions.....I moved on from the old stocking dolls to making a full size person! It was a prank for school. She hung by a noose in a classroom window; it was very effective!

I then would make animals for friends as presents. It wasn't until many years later that my husband encouraged me to try to sell them.
Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?

I'm one of those people that cannot sit still! I can't even watch TV without having a book or sewing in my hands. (me too!) My other current projects/work/obsessions are:

1. Milwaukee Beersoap. My friend is a brewmaster at Sprecher Brewery here in Milwaukee. We make soap from the beer and sell it to small boutiques and stores in the midwest.

2. Making my stuffed animals! I have so many ideas for designs in my head and never enough time to work on them. I'm thrilled this year to have the opportunity to attend Maker Faire in San Francisco in May 2010 and do some teaching of creature design.

3. Baking! I love baking. Every holiday season I bake around 25,000 cookies that get packaged and bagged and sent all over to our friends and family. I also do some baking throughout the year. My goal for this year is to master some traditional Polish pastries, as enjoyed by my husband's family.

4. Gardening. I volunteer at Pinehold Gardens CSA throughout the season as a farm laborer. My youthful farm experience pays off! I also work at our urban backyard garden during the season.

5. Wine making & food preservation. I'm big on canning and all types of preservation. I make jellies, jams, pickles, wine, whatever else we can think of.

6. WMSE 91.7fm. This radio station is a small community radio station in Milwaukee. I volunteer as a grant writer, development developer and all around helper. This radio station is the ONLY outlet for local music of all types and genres.

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?

My brain is always ten steps ahead of me! Animal wise, I have patterns I'm working out for 4 new animals. I've got a series of quilts reflecting the year 1979 in Middle Eastern Politics that I hoped to have finished in 2009...but am still working on.
My big pipe dream project is a still. Yup, moonshine. I've been reading about how to do it. I've got a set of plans. Someday soon, you may see the smoke in the backyard and know that we got the applejack a cookin' and keep the revenuers away!

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name is the antithesis of creative! It's just my name. I couldn't think of anything clever and remembered what my dad always said, "All we really own in this world is our own good name." I thought, well, good enough!

What are your favorite shops on etsy? Why do you like them?

I have an odd and a bit rarefied sensibility, so my taste is what could be called a bit "off". I love looking at the shops of my compadres on the Plush Team. Collectively and individually, they are mighty inspiring. What I find myself drawn towards buying are items that are wonderfully unique and expertly crafted.
Here are some of my favorite places on etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/people/MiR1

MiR1 does sillkscreen designs of Russian Criminal Tattoos. A subculture from the Soviet era that spawned a whole new type of art.

http://www.etsy.com/people/Barneston

Dave creates a magical universe where heroes are mild mannered and the most desired commodity is cookies.

http://www.etsy.com/people/AtelierKanawa

This marvelous lady creates kanzashi, traditional Japanese hair ornaments, from recycled kimonos. They are breathtakingly beautiful.

How did you hear about Etsy?

I heard about etsy from a little soap maker in Crivitz, Wisconsin in the summer of 2006. I didn't get my shop up and running until 2007. I still struggle keeping it stocked...my biggest challenge is that I'm not a very good photographer!

Any words of advice to others?

I have a few bits of advice to pass along.

First I would say, be true to yourself. It's easy to caught up in trends or worry about who is selling a thousand widgets. Don't fall into that trap. There will be very few people who make millions of dollars selling handmade. Think of every piece you create as another way to create your Community. Just like my old farm days, I'd much rather have folks think highly of me and my work than any amount of dollars.

Secondly, Join a team! On etsy, there are hundreds of teams that focus on region, city, type of craft and even professed beliefs. Joining a Team provides camaraderie, challenge, fun and inspiration. And again, you get to create your community. My membership in the Plush Team has brought me boundless good. You can even check us out at www.plushteam.com!

And now that we’ve met the artist and heard her fabulous story and past, let’s see the PIG RACE!

Here the girls are getting there pigs to the starting line. Capri has a few issues… …but don’t worry…she figures it out… Here they are. Waiting for the start. don’t worry…the outlet has child proof covers on it… And they’re off! Capri has a bit of rocky start. Still trying to figure out exactly how to sit on the pig and move at the same time. Cedi kept wanting her picture taken and then to ‘see’ it (she’s figured out you can preview on the camera). I had to assure her that I would show her once the race was over. Capri has figured out a new strategy for riding her pig… Cedi has found her rhythm (she literally jumps up to move forward each time – oh and I know – her hair rocks!) and is moving quickly around the track.Capri loses her balance…Cedi has taken a clear lead. Capri has switched strategies all together. She has abandoned her pig and has decided to run the rest of the way.

And we have our winner… a proud Mercedi Rose Lapacek!

The girls LOVE their pigs. They have raced with them everyday since we’ve brought them home. And even though the last thing we needed were more stuffed animals – these were definitely worth it.

If you’ve decided you need one of these pigs, or your child does, or someone you know child’s does…check out http://christinawardcreatures.com/.

And her etsy shop is: www.christinaward.etsy.com

She has a HUGE selection of SUPER CUTE animals to choose from!

Thanks Christina for the great interview and the FABULOUS PIGS!

Okay, I admit it...I haven't been super inspired to blog lately so I'm copping out and sharing with you something I filled out on facebook a few months ago.

So if you're interested keep reading, if not check back for a new blog later!

25 Things that you may or may not know about me!

1. I have been trying to avoid doing this but people keep tagging me so I'm giving in.
2. I have a beautiful, active, articulate, amazing 2 1/2 year old Cedi who never ceases to amaze me with the things she says (I want boobies for my birthday!)
3. I have a beautiful, active, amazing 15 month old who has such a huge, stunning smile that it's almost as if her face isn't big enough for it.
4. I am a part owner/operator of an apple orchard and I can't even keep a cactus alive (good thing I'm able to sell things).
5. I would say I'm pretty good at selling things...I've sold bracelets' of my wrist and the sweatshirt off my back!
6. I was able to retire from engineering at 25.
7. I'm addicted to making things...if I don't make things for awhile my husband sends me to my workshop because I'm too crabby.
8. I have an amazing, understanding husband...I never thought I would find someone who would put up with my crap but I did!
9. I'm really bad at 'searching' for things on the internet.
10. It's difficult for me to do one thing at a time (right now I have six windows open).
11. I love helping people find there "favorite" apple...the looks on there faces when they bight into an amazing one is just priceless.
12. I run five blogs.
13. I LOVE getting my haircut and the only direction I give my haircutter is that I want it shorter.
14. I watch Days of Lives if I'm home at Noon.
15. When I read I go into my own little world...I can tune everything out around me (my husband hates this).
16. I like to shop on oldnavy.com and then exit before I actually buy anything...it makes me feel like I'm shopping without spending all that money.
17. I like to buy hats, my head shape works with them, but I rarely wear them. (headbands too)18. I have lost 60lbs since last March.
19. I love to cook but I hate taking the time to do it.
20. My favorite professor in college was actually my Calculus II professor...Professor Nagel.
21. I don't have an adventurous bone in my body.
22. I like going on trips but I absolutely LOVE when I get home.
23. I have REALLY bad eyesight.
24. My toes only have one joint in them...they're quite short.
25. My favorite game is SCRABBLE!

wow...that was difficult..

I have been a very unmotivated blogger recently and I even have a list of things to write about!

I'll just tell you about my last few days...maybe some will be interested.

So, Capri is STILL sick. She had gooky eyes last Friday and I took her in to get them looked at...if they turned pink they would be pink eye and I would have to start her on antibiotics...they never turned pink but continued to gook. I called again today and they said to start the antibiotics (even though they are NOT pink) but I shouldn't bring her in unless she has a 101^ fever or symptoms continue for FOURTEEN days! Doesn't that seem like a ridiculously long time to make a baby girl suffer. I think so...

I joined a gym (the Prairie Athletic Club in Sun Prairie) on Monday (the girls were with Diane). It was sort of a bad time to join since Capri is sick...can't bring her to the childcare...so now I can only go when the girls are with Diane until Capri gets healthy again. Oh well...I'll have to work into it slowly. I LOVE love love the machines...they all have TV's right on them. I went around the noon hour and watched days of our lives as I ran/walked. It was fabulous! Once I get comfortable there and figure out the timing involved in checking the girls into the child care I plan on trying out some of the MANY classes they offer. There is also an AMAZING water park that I plan on taking the girls to LOTS this summer.

When I joined the gym that asked to see my driver's license...which then reminded me that...oops, my license would be expiring on Wednesday (tomorrow). Must go to the DMV. Frank and Diane (my inlaws) had a meeting this morning so I packed the girls up (including miserable Capri), drove to Madison, put them in the double stroller and got in line. Amazingly, it ended up taking me less than a half hour to get my licensed renewed! And, I was able to change the weight since it has dropped drastically since my last renewal! That was definately exciting.

Today, I just heard from Scott of the Poynette Press (my local newspaper) and they put a story about etsy on the budget for next weeks paper! More exciting news! He's coming by to talk to me and take some pictures of me working on Thurdsay. Boy, do I have A LOT of cleaning up to do!

So, that's the latest adventures in my life (oh and tomorrow's my birthday!). I'll write some more exciting crafty stories later this week...hopefully :)

I know! I can’t believe it either! My baby girl is one today! In remembrance of that special day I’m going to take a little look back…

February 24th, 2008

I woke up that morning extremely uncomfortable because I was ridiculously pregnant and baby girl was hanging out with her feet jammed under my ribs. Also, today was my due date and baby had not dropped…I was NEVER going to have her. Jared knew I was not in a good mood so he said he would watch Cedi while I went and sewed a bit…sewing relaxed me.

My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and I had decided to make a quilt for Katrina’s wedding (Barb’s daughter). Karma had just gotten me her blocks the day before and I decided I would try to get my portion done since I knew that once baby did decide to come I wouldn’t have much time for sewing. I ended up finishing my part in the quilt that morning.

I think Karma called me around 1:00 to wish me “Happy Due-Date.” I responded with, “Shut Up, this baby is never coming.” Around 2ish I felt something weird…but wasn’t quite sure what it was (I was induced with Cedi and once I started contracting I pretty much had my baby-so I wasn’t really sure what contractions felt like). Cedi was napping so I told Jared that we should do the bills while she was down.

I decided to take a shower. When I got out I realized that my contractions were really close together. I told Jared he should call his parents…we needed to go to the hospital.

I think we arrived at the hospital around 4 or 4:30. Jared said that the roads were the best they had been all winter. (thank goodness!) I felt like I was in Triage forever before they finally got me my own room. All I wanted was an epidural.

My doctor got to the hospital pretty quickly…it was her first anniversary and I tore her away from their dinner (sorry but thanks!). All I wanted was an epidural. My doctor ordered one for me as soon as she got there but she knew my labor would probably be short. They called to say the epidural would be there in fifteen minutes. I made Jared tell me the time so I could try to keep track. Thirty minutes later and 8 cm I had given up all hope. I even looked at my doctor and said, “This is going to be you in three months!” (she was pregnant too…)

But, miracles upon miracles, the anesthesiologist arrived right then. Stuck an insanely large needle in my back while I was having contractions (I had to sit absolutely still, but it really helped me deal with the pain by having something to focus on). It started to work pretty much right away. I had them put the Oscars on. They told me that a lot of women like to wait and rest before they start pushing. I said, “Let’s just get her out.” Fifteen minutes later (at 8:16pm), my beautiful baby girl, Capri, joined us. She was 8lbs 1oz and 21-inches of absolute perfection!

Happy Birthday my beautiful and sweet baby girl!

Cedi (at 15 mo) meets her baby sis for the first time!

Here are a few things she would have loved to get for her birthday!

River by ImogensGarden a perfect baby doll for my baby doll…

If only Capri had some hair…this would be adorable!

Posh Peacock Wool Felt Hair Clip or Pin Brooch by pammydawn

and of course Capri needs one of these! She does live on an apple orchard!

delicious GREEN APPLE leaf printed onesie by sweet3leafprint

and for my elephant loving little girl…Eli the Elephant from Zadyball! How fun!

And here we both are…exactly ONE year later! Happy Birthday Capri!

I saw this on RoshBushDesign's blog a few weeks ago and thought it would be fun :) I hope you enjoy learning a few things about me!

· Things I’ve done in bold
· Things I haven’t done but would like to do in italics
· Things I haven’t done and never, ever want to do in plain text.

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band — or musical.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning. Pretty sure that’s what it was!
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitchhiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a Marathon.
28. Ridden a Gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud. (Nothing better than playing soccer in the mud)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.

For the past week or so I've been doing interviews with shops that are going to be affected by the CPSIA Law starting on February 10th, 2009. Turns out...my shop is also going to be affected so I thought I would do an interview with myself so you can see what will be missing from my shop in a few short weeks...