Back in the saddle...

Thank you all soooo much for your sweet comments on my last post regarding my malfunctioning online shopping hand. It pains me to hear that so many of you are experiencing or have experienced this in the past... it surely is crippling! Well, I haven't seen the doc yet, but I'm beginning to think that it may not have been CTS after all because after some much needed rest and a long break from the computer (darn Twitter!) it is feeling much better. Maybe my mom was right...

Anyhoo, today marks the end of the 1st week of the Andalucia eBay launch, which means that a lot of the auctions will be ending soon! Hurry up and check these out before they're gone. A few of my favorite ladies have recently listed some amazing outfits and I wanted to share these with you. Not only am I in total awe of the cool stuff they made with my fabric (still pinching myself!) but I am also a sucker for great photography and adorable models, so I just cannot stop staring at these...

smallsomething has 3 gorgeous Andalucia auctions up right now! Here's 1 of them:

gigglez-n-grinz combined Andalucia with Elsie in this adorable dress! LOVE IT!

Adorable appliqued jeans and jumper by liltumblebugs

Check out silly*jilly's amazing sets (there's 2 of them that you can mix & match!)

I adore all the details & trims used in Cree's newest creation:

You have to see this listing by mamigirlboutique. A fantastic 3-pc. set!

Adorable peasant top & apron skirt by my friend Amie of princess*picasso:

How cool is this jacket & stripwork skirt from simplee*weea!?

mmmmm... are these great or what? I'm just so thrilled to see how everyone was able to get inspired in such different ways by Andalucia. There's still 1 more week left on the launch and more items are listed daily so please keep checking! Support handmade!!!

***THIS JUST IN!***
Above All Fabric is celebrating their 1 year anniversary in a BIG way! They are having an awesome GIVEAWAY on their blog, including some Andalucia! Check out their blog to enter. (Above all Fabric carries the entire selection of Andalucia Fabrics and ribbons.)
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Heat therapy or retail therapy?

It didn't take me long to break my promise of featuring items from the Andalucia eBay launch every day. But see, I have an excuse. I'm suffering from what I can only describe as carpal tunnel syndrome... or at least that's what I think it might be. I haven't actually been to the doctor (and I'll explain why in a bit) but I have this shooting pain that starts in the area between my thumb and index finger and shoots all the way up my arm almost to my elbow. It aches badly even as I type this but I just felt like I needed to do something productive after spending an entire day slouching on the couch with my hand slathered in IcyHot, wrapped in gauze and stuffed under a heating pad (I don't even know if these are the correct things to do but they seem to help!)

I haven't used a computer mouse in months. Since I got my new Wacom Tablet I've used the stylus exclusively and I used to brag to others that this was more ergonomically friendly than a mouse because you hold it just like you would a pencil or pen. Well, I've had this pain now for 3 whole days and it's only getting worse. I even switched back to a mouse, after Jon's insistence, but it's not feeling any better. Mom thinks it's my body telling me I work too hard... whateva!

To add insult to injury, the frigid temperatures in this frozen tundra we live in aren't helping my physical (or mental) condition at all! My kids have been out of school for 3 days now and it's driving us all batty. We haven't left the house since Tuesday and I've been living in my PJs this whole time. You know, sometimes a girl just needs to put on a pretty outfit and some make-up to feel ... well... girly.

Today (3rd day in the bunker, a.k.a. home) the kids were fighting and screaming so I had the brilliant idea (NOT!) to go outside and make snow angels & stuff. It took us 20 minutes to get into our snow gear! We layered up big time. I made sure my bad hand was nicely wrapped up. Well, as soon as we walked out the back door our noses turned beet red. We didn't even last 3 minutes before Sydney started crying because she was too cold. We ran back inside and soaked our hands in lukewarm water. I checked the temps and it was 0° with a windchill factor of -14°. All you Minnesotans are probably thinking Wimps!, but this Florida mama and her Florida baby chicks think these are inhuman conditions to live in. brrrrrr...

So, if you're experiencing sub-zero temps like we are, the best cure in my book is some good ol' retail therapy of the online variety (well, unless your shopping fingers are malfunctioning at the moment like mine).

Check out these cool items for women & the home I found while browsing the Andalucia launch on eBay:

Easter baskets (or cute purse or home decor) by *ladesigns*

Ribbon Key Fobs (many styles to choose from) by girlygirl*bowtique:

Custom Camera Bag by priddy*creations:

Original painting by sweetimaginations:

Mommy & Me aprons by one*boy*one*girl*boutique:

Decoupage Mommy Jeans by surfermomkelly:

Sewing Machine Cover by nanabobana!:

Incognito wallet by grahamcrafters:

Oh, and yes, I did list a couple of pillows (didn't wanna miss out on all the fun):

WOW, that was painful! OK, now I really gotta go rest my hand. If any of you know of any home remedies for carpal tunnel syndrome, please share with me. I'm going back under the heat for now...

Rest your eyes on this...

Today's been an emotional rollercoaster for me. Been chatting with several businesses who have had to shut their doors due to the CPSIA... mostly because their buyers won't accept their products without proper certification and this certification costs more than the products themselves do. Sad, sad times.

Which is why I want to give the ladies over on eBay as much exposure as I can these days. I am crossing fingers, toes, and eyes that this ill-conceived law gets repealed before Feb. 10th, but if for some reason it doesn't, this might be your last chance to get yourself some adorable handmade goodies for your child. (not trying to be dramatic here, just realistic)

Check out my features of the day: (more to come, I promise!)

Sweet Tea Boutique:

emerson*rose:

surfermomkelly:

growing*up*with*rosy:

kandy*kisses*:

takeabowcreations:

gumdrop*shop:

I hope to showcase different designs each day, if time permits. Tomorrow, I'll share some designs for women & for the home!

If you haven't already done so, please hop on over to Change.org and vote to repeal the CPSIA. Your vote can make a difference!

SAVE HANDMADE!

Today's THE DAY!

Last week I mentioned that a group of über-talented designers were coming together to showcase pieces made from Andalucia fabric and/or ribbons on eBay. I've been chatting with these women for a few weeks now (all 121 of them! WHOA!) and I simply cannot believe the day is finally here. It feels like old times for me, as this is the industry I came from and how I got my feet wet in the textiles world.

So, without much further ado, I present to you:



Search "Boutique Andalucia" on eBay to find these fabulous pieces by some of the most talented designers I've ever come across. You will find everything from children's boutique clothing, to jewelry for mom & daughter, purses, camera accessories (bags, straps, lens cozies), Easter baskets, hairbows, headbands, aprons, wall decor... and even dog collars!

I will be featuring items here hopefully on a daily basis, although if I skip a day here & there, please don't shoot me... I'm a busy gal! ;)

Finally I'd like to thank the leaders and moderators of this eBay group, who worked tirelessly to make this launch a reality. Thanks so much, Erin, Karen, Kristen, Jen and Jamie! You girls ROCK!

Below's a little taste of what you'll see in the next few days...



Awesome, eh?

The launch will go on for 2 whole weeks so keep checking for more Andalucia goodies listed each day!

Urban Jungle

I am hanging out on the bay this week with LimeVine and Friends for our first EVER Guest launch!

To celebrate this event, I have listed this sweet 3-piece custom set. I have been holding on to this amazing Lycra for over a year and I finally found the perfect opportunity to use it! The swim-cover up is made with 100% Organic Bamboo... YUMMY!

Check it out:



Search Boutique LLB on eBay this week to find the other ensembles listed by this AMAZING group of friends!

This item is NOT available in my Etsy store, but if you'd rather shop Etsy than eBay, click HERE to check out what items I have on there. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Hanging out on the bay this week

No, I am not backing out on my word! LOL! I mentioned here and most recently, here, that I would return to eBay from time to time for special events or prior commitments. After all... the bay is such a hard habit to break and I haven't had much luck elsewhere thus far. ;) Well, this is both a "special event" and a "prior commitment." I am thrilled to be participating in Anthology,Inc's guest launch, titled "REFLECTION". For this event, I have created a couple of sweet sister sets that are a reflection of our styles... both mine and my girls'.

I wanted to create something that was fun and colorful, utilizing patchwork and Euro brights. Sophie & Sydney wanted something that "looked like candy" hmmmm... surprise, surprise! So, after a long creative session that involved crayons, paper and lots of candy, I present to you... "Sweet Tooth" ... a perfect marriage of our styles.



Both sets are ready-made and include 3-pieces each.

Click HERE to view the size 2T/3T listing.

And click HERE to view the size 5/6 listing.

To make it simple, I have listed both sets with NO RESERVE and even added a BIN price in case anyone wants them in a hurry, for Easter or Mother's Day or any other special event. :)

If you are interested in a custom-made version of this set, I do have enough fabric for just ONE more, so please contact me to discuss details and I'd be glad to set up a private auction for you at an agreed-upon price. :)

*UPDATE* (03-09-08) The custom is sold! :)

I am gettin' my eBay fix this week... just hope I don't get lured back in. ;)

Of course you can bring a bunny to the party!

Today, my dear friends at Ivylane (eBay boutique group) are celebrating their 2nd Anniversary in grand style! Each member was asked to invite two friends to help celebrate this joyous occasion, and the lovely Susan, of little*moonkey chose me (WOOHOO!) and Wendy of *bella*marie*boutique. I am just so thrilled to be able to work with Susan again and so honored to have been chosen to participate in this awesome launch! Thanks, Susan!

We were also asked to "bring something to the party" and we chose to bring... bunny rabbits! Of course, Sydney was thrilled! Anytime she gets to model with her favorite stuffed animal and a bunch of Easter eggs, she's game. And you can tell by the silly poses in this listing just how excited she was...

Anyway, in honor of this joyous event, I have created this fun, funky and versatile 3-piece semi-custom set, perfect for Easter and beyond (sorry, bunny rabbit not included, but I will include a little surprise)!

Click HERE to see this auction.

And the other sweet and talented Ivylane girls (and friends) have created some amazing designs... check them out!

Thanks for looking!

I *heart* my Oilily Fabric!

And if you do too, go check out my 2 new listings on eBay. I had a little bit left-over of this amazing Oilily reprint fabric, from Stenzo, in both colourways (pink & teal) and I decided to create a couple of semi-custom sets that would be perfect for transitioning into Spring. The decoupage top and crochetted hat will come "as is" but I will adjust the pants (waist & length) to your desired measurements for a perfect fit.


Click HERE to view this auction.


Click HERE to view this auction.

I have a low starting bid and a BIN option for those who would like to snatch them up right away, so go take a peek. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Ahhhh... Springtime in Venice

Such a nice visual to daydream about when it's 12 degrees outside and there's about 12 inches of snow covering everything visible. This was the theme for a guest launch with the lovely ladies of VendeMia boutique on eBay. They were gracious enough to invite me to guest with them and I was thrilled to participate... after all, who doesn't love girly sets inspired by springtime flowers and gelato?



For this launch I created Part 2 of the Tutti Frutti Collection (from my Spring 2008 Line) seen below...



Click HERE to view this auction. This particular auction is for the capri pants, shirred peasant blouse and appliqued apron top seen below...





These 3 pieces will be custom made in any size between 12M and 6X. The pieces mix and match beautifully with the other pieces from the collection... check it out:



Click HERE to view all MODKID auctions.
And click HERE to see the rest of the VendeMia listings. There are lots of fabulous designs... not to be missed. :)

Thank you, VendeMia for inviting me to participate. I had a blast!

Happy Birthday, LIMEVINE!

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of my eBay boutique group, LimeVine. Time sure flies when you're having fun! So, to celebrate this joyous occasion, and kick off the New Year with a bang, I have listed 3 sets on eBay!

First off, I have this adorable sister set that will be perfect for Valentines, Easter, birthday parties or a Spring/Summer wedding! :)



Click HERE to see this auction.

Secondly, I have decided to relist one of last year's most popular items... CORDOBA, a sweet Summer dress. Ready-Made in size 2T/3T...



Click HERE to see this auction.

And last, but certainly not least... a SPRING 2008 COLLECTION set (more coordinating pieces to come from this collection):


Click HERE to see this auction.

My fabulous and super talented group mates have some amazing things listed for this launch, so please hop on over to eBay and check out their listings...Click HERE to see all of LimeVine's JUBILEE listings.

Oh, and before I forget, my mom has listed a bunch of her purses again at some reduced prices, so if you need some Valentine's Day gifts or are shopping early for Mother's Day, here is your chance to own an original MARIELIZ Creations purse.

Click HERE to visit her purse auctions.

Thank you and... HAPPY SHOPPING! :)

Hedgehog FRIENDS

I had the absolute pleasure of collaborating with the amazing Susan of Little*Moonkey and Meli of Jam*Clothing*Co, both from Ivylane, on this sweet hedgehog-inspired launch. We purchased what seemed like the last bit of this very-hard-to-find Japanese import fabric about 6 weeks ago and went to town designing some very unique sets! It was a blast getting to know these ladies better.



My contribution to this mini-launch is this totally custom 3-piece set, complete with 3-D appliques, pockets, pouches and details galore...

Due to the fact that I only have 1 yard of this rare Japanese fabric -- and cannot find anymore ANYWHERE! -- this sweet set will only be recreated ONCE in you choice of sizes from 12M to 5T (sorry, I don't think I can get a larger size than 5 out of what's left of the fabric.)

Please check it out:



Click HERE to visit my auction.

If you'd like to visit little*moonkey's adorable auction, click HERE.
JAM's auction will be listed tomorrow. :)

Nocturnal

• Cats
• Bats
• Owls
• Hedgehogs
• Cockroaches
• ME

What do all those things have in common? They are all "Nocturnal Creatures." Oh, and PUNKS of course! Punks are nocturnal... and I outta know cuz I used to be one back in the day... PUNKS ALWAYS COME OUT AT NIGHT!

Nocturnal is the theme for LimeVine's new launch on eBay, and my contribution to this cool event is this awesome "My Punky Valentine" set which will be recreated only once at this time for punky sweeties aged 12 months - 7 years!



Click HERE to view this auction.

Oh, and if you're into PUNK (and who isn't? LOL!) and you have a BOY, you gotta check out my friend, Chrsistina's (abby*lane), PUNK set as part of this launch! It is way cool!!!

And one last thing... please stay tuned, because tomorrow I will be listing a super cute Hedgehog set as part of a sweet collaboration with some talented ladies from Ivylane. Oh, and Hedgehogs happen to be nocturnal too, so sa-weeeeeeeet! ;)

The Enchanted Forest

It's the name of my newest semi-custom listing on eBay and also, the title of LimeVine's mini-launch which starts TODAY!


What is a "semi-custom auction"? Well, in this case, the totally original and one-of-a -kind appliqued Anna wrap dress is pre-made and will fit sizes 2T - 5T, but I will custom make the 2-piece knit set in your sweetie's size. In the pictures, Sydney is almost 3 and wearing mostly 3Ts for size reference, but Sophia (who is almost 6) also tried it on and it fit well around the width but the length was more like a shirt... just below the belly button. It looks super cute as a dress or just as a top! :)


Click HERE to visit this auction! Oh, and don't forget to read through the sweet story! Jon wrote it for me. :)

Or click HERE to see all the Enchanted Forest listings by my super talented groupmates at LimeVine!

And click HERE to visit all my current auctions!

I have relisted Copenhagen as a ready-made, ready-to-ship set in size 2T/3T. Check the listing for measurements. :)




Oh, and I have received a few inquiries in the past couple of weeks about Halloween costumes. and I'm happy to announce that YES! I will have one this year. If your dd is as obsessed with MINNIE MOUSE as Sophie is, then this is the auction for you!! It is custom-sized (12M - 7) and will only be offered ONCE and it comes with some really unique Disney extras that will surely make your little princess stand out in the crowd! Look for that listing later on this week... it will probably only be a 3- or 5-day auction, to give myself enough time to recreate it for you before Halloween! :)