So I may have inadvertently made a mistake. I changed the name of my blog and I'm not sure that anyone that follows me will know. I don't have a ton of followers, so maybe it's not a big deal. I can start fresh, but I will feel bad that the followers that I do have may not be able to continue to follow me now that the blog name and the address has changed.
One of my high school friends posted on Facebook that a friend of hers created a mobile for my friend's daughter. Along with that she posted info about her friend's etsy shop and her website. Of course I looked and this just re-invigorated my desire for my own etsy shop, well that and the fact that one of my friends said I should have an etsy shop. I decided that I would come up with a shop name and change the name of my blog to the name of my planned etsy shop.
So, here we are! My etsy shop/"business" name is Amy Fratto Studios. Not very creative, but simple and to the point. Also it doesn't limit me to what I "specialize" in. That could be good and bad. I should probably have a specialty, and I guess I do: small, special gifts just made out of multiple different type of craft media.
Now, I just need to take the plunge and post something on etsy to sell. I have a few personal projects that I need to work on. I then need to take the plunge and start to market myself. Maybe I will get to move forward with my dreams and passions!
Amy
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
A Little Embroidery
In the past, I've dabble in different needle arts, mostly cross stitch and embroidery. Recently, I helped out a fellow blogger by testing out an embroidery pattern. This made me catch the embroidery bug again. Recently, I moved my daughter into her own room and we need to get both the boys' and her room decorated. The boys room is going to be an outer space theme and I want her room to be somewhat shabby chic and very girly.
I decided that, since I've been bitten by the embroidery bug, I would embroider some things for both the boys' room and for my daughter's room. I found some planets online that I can embroider as well as spaceships and other outer space themed pictures! For my daughter's room, I found some fairies that I plan to embroider. For the boys' room, I plan to put the embroidered pictures into painted picture frames. For my daughter's room, I plan to make distressed frames to put the fairies in. It's pretty exciting to start decorating. After getting these embroidery projects competed, I will start working on quilts (as long as my back is better and I can sit at a sewing machine). Then I need to decide if I am going to make a twin quilt or just a crib size or a little bigger that they can lay over the top of their bed. I'm leaning towards the twin size, but I'm not sure yet.
This is the first fairy I am working on for my daughter's room. All three fairies are going to be completed in single color variegated embroidery floss.
I am also going to embroider initials to hand in their rooms too. The boys's letters will be very masculine while my daughter's will be very feminine, just like the kids are.
Amy
I decided that, since I've been bitten by the embroidery bug, I would embroider some things for both the boys' room and for my daughter's room. I found some planets online that I can embroider as well as spaceships and other outer space themed pictures! For my daughter's room, I found some fairies that I plan to embroider. For the boys' room, I plan to put the embroidered pictures into painted picture frames. For my daughter's room, I plan to make distressed frames to put the fairies in. It's pretty exciting to start decorating. After getting these embroidery projects competed, I will start working on quilts (as long as my back is better and I can sit at a sewing machine). Then I need to decide if I am going to make a twin quilt or just a crib size or a little bigger that they can lay over the top of their bed. I'm leaning towards the twin size, but I'm not sure yet.
This is the first fairy I am working on for my daughter's room. All three fairies are going to be completed in single color variegated embroidery floss.
Fairy in yellow variegated embroidery floss!
Amy
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Dreaming
Sometimes, I feel like a broken record. Sometimes, I hope that if I repeat myself enough, maybe I'll actually follow through with my dreams. Sometimes, I think if I repeat myself, my fear of failure, my fear of people making fun of me, my fear of anything negative will go away. Sometimes, I think that I should just give up and just keep going as a hobby crafter. Sometimes I feel like if I remain a hobby crafter, I will not be being true to myself.
I keep having this dream of, one day, making some money off my love of crafting. If it a pipe dream, maybe. Do I realize that I will probably need to continue being a social worker, yup! Do I realize that the likelihood that it will be a success, may be slim to none, yup. Do I realize with that statement, I am being very negative, yup! Do I realize that there may be some truth in it though, absolutely.
What I keep dreaming about, is owning a studio and gallery where people can create, learn, and exhibit their work. I would love for there to be a cafe with healthy food too. I love to create and I would love to share that passion with others. I would love to offer a place to create for people who can't afford to go to a regular studio as well as for those that can. I would love for it to be a place where anyone can feel like an artist or that they are creative! I would love for them to feel comfortable and mot judged. I would love for children to have a place to come and create. I would love to offer a place for those with mental health issues. I would love to offer a place where people can come and create and leave a legacy for those they leave behind (that's the social worker in me). I actually did a major paper in grad school on scrapbooking and social work. I would love for this to be a way to have my career and my dreams meld together.
Maybe if I keep talking about it, it will happen. I should am going to stop saying maybe and I am going to start saying, "When I have my own gallery and studio, it will be a place where both young and old and everyone in between can come and create. It will be a place where people can come and create something, that can be given to those they love, wether it be a scrapbook of photos or an object that they have created. It will be a place where I can share my love of creativity and my social work career. I will love my job and be able to make a living at it. I will use my education and my passion to create the life I love."
From this point on, I will continue to pursue my dreams. I will continue to create and I will continue to try to make some money by creating. I will continue to be positive and not focus on the negative. I will stop feeling like I'm going to feel or be laughed at. I will remain positive!
Amy
I keep having this dream of, one day, making some money off my love of crafting. If it a pipe dream, maybe. Do I realize that I will probably need to continue being a social worker, yup! Do I realize that the likelihood that it will be a success, may be slim to none, yup. Do I realize with that statement, I am being very negative, yup! Do I realize that there may be some truth in it though, absolutely.
What I keep dreaming about, is owning a studio and gallery where people can create, learn, and exhibit their work. I would love for there to be a cafe with healthy food too. I love to create and I would love to share that passion with others. I would love to offer a place to create for people who can't afford to go to a regular studio as well as for those that can. I would love for it to be a place where anyone can feel like an artist or that they are creative! I would love for them to feel comfortable and mot judged. I would love for children to have a place to come and create. I would love to offer a place for those with mental health issues. I would love to offer a place where people can come and create and leave a legacy for those they leave behind (that's the social worker in me). I actually did a major paper in grad school on scrapbooking and social work. I would love for this to be a way to have my career and my dreams meld together.
From this point on, I will continue to pursue my dreams. I will continue to create and I will continue to try to make some money by creating. I will continue to be positive and not focus on the negative. I will stop feeling like I'm going to feel or be laughed at. I will remain positive!
Amy
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish for 2013?
It's been a while, but I decided to join in with Jamie Ridler at http://www.jamieridlerstudios.ca, for Wishcasting Wednesday. This week Jamie asks, "Wishcasting Wednesday: What do you wish for 2013?" This year, I wish to follow through with my dreams and beliefs longer than I usually do. I start off doing well, then I lose it. I don't want to make resolutions for the New Year, but I want to make changes that stay.
This year, I want to:
- eat a more plant based diet to be healthy (hopefully lose weight in the process as this will be healthier)
- get back to running once my back is better. I really liked it, but the hot weather killed me and then my back started acting up. I'll probably have to start walking since I have sciatica right now and I don't know when it will get better.
- spend more time sewing and doing other creative activities that I love.
- do more homeschooling activities with my twins while my older one is in school.
- get organized and stay that way. In the process, get rid of things that I don't need or use.
- maybe, finally start that easy shop or do some craft fairs like I have wanted to in the past.
Amy
Monday, December 17, 2012
Holiday Crafting
This year, I had wanted to have a handmade Christmas. I have some what managed this goal, but not as much as I would have liked. As usual, I didn't plan well and I am so far behind! I am getting there, but I need to spend some more time actually finishing up certain things.
I have 1 of 2 stockings completed. I have 2 mostly finished, but I need to embroider names on the cuffs, and then sew on the cuffs. Not too much to complete, but enough that I really need to get it finished.
I have 1 of 2 stockings completed. I have 2 mostly finished, but I need to embroider names on the cuffs, and then sew on the cuffs. Not too much to complete, but enough that I really need to get it finished.
I made one new felt ornament, but I still need to finish sewing 2 more. I have them all cut out, I just need to finish hand sewing.
I finished 2 pillow cases, and have 1 more to finish sewing. They came together so easy and I really like how the boys came out. I can't wait to pull out my sewing machine and finish my daughter's pillow case!
We made a Santa plate to leave cookies for Santa Christmas Eve. I used a project that I found on pinterest, only I used Bic markers, not sharpies. I read that Sharpies didn't work as well as the reports said they did. I have to admit, I just now remembered, I didn't cure it in the oven (though I did read that the oven curing didn't matter). I guess I should through the plate in the oven just in case it makes a difference.
I still have some pj bottoms to make. I didn't even want to attempt the tops. I know I have a limited time to finish everything, so I have to do what I can. I have a bunch of soap that I made and plan on giving for gifts. I am going to try to see what else I can easily make so that I can give out handmade gifts like I want, but not things that people don't want.
I'm loving my new sewing machine. My Sofia2 sews wonderful and is so light. It is so easy to take it out and put it away. I can even do the simple embroidery on the cuff of the stocking on my Sofia. As much as I shouldn't have really spent the money and I should have gotten a less expensive machine, I am so happy that I have this one. I love it and I love using using it. I have been thrilled with Babylock products. Totally recommend getting one!
Have a great Holiday,
Amy
Monday, December 10, 2012
Re-Evaluating
Sometimes I feel like a big fake! I spout off all these beliefs that I have, yet I don't always follow through with them. It seems like I'm all talk and no action sometimes. Yet, I guess since the name of this blog is "The Balance of Living a Handmade and Natural Life", I should focus more on the balance piece of things, something I don't always do well at.
A lot of time, I find myself thinking I need to do things in an all or nothing manner. I forget that I don't have to follow things 100% of the time, I just need to follow my beliefs most of the time. Balance is something that I really need to work on!
I was trying to live a lifestyle that is mostly free from animal products thinking that it was a more healthy way to live. It probably is a better way to live, but then again, it's all about balance! The problem is, a) I think I really do like meat, and b) my kids really, I mean really like meat. I am trying to lose weight, but I need to make a lifestyle change not just a diet. I want and need to start making more of my own food vs buying prepared foods just because it is easier. I need to plan better, then it won't be an issue and i will be living that handmade and natural life with my food choices for me and my family.
I need to start making sure that I take time to create. I know that I feel so much better when I do. I have a bunch of WIP's (works in progress), but my latest project that I need to finish are family Christmas stocking! I have finished my daughter's and am almost finished with my sons', then I need to start on mine and my husband's. We all have some, but mine is from when I was a kid and my husband's and my kids' all need to have better made stockings! I have a lot to work on and maybe some day I'll even be able to sell some things that I make. That is one goal that I have and hopefully I'll be able to actually meet it.
Balance is the key to having a happy life. For me, I need to remember that it is not an all or nothing thing when it comes to my beliefs. I don't have to always make things from scratch, wether it is food or anything else, but it is important for me to try to make things as often as possible. I will try to remember that I can buy things from the store already made, but I need to follow through with my belief that I want to make things for me and my friends and family. Maybe my next posts will be more about projects that I have completed or projects that I am trying to complete!
A lot of time, I find myself thinking I need to do things in an all or nothing manner. I forget that I don't have to follow things 100% of the time, I just need to follow my beliefs most of the time. Balance is something that I really need to work on!
I was trying to live a lifestyle that is mostly free from animal products thinking that it was a more healthy way to live. It probably is a better way to live, but then again, it's all about balance! The problem is, a) I think I really do like meat, and b) my kids really, I mean really like meat. I am trying to lose weight, but I need to make a lifestyle change not just a diet. I want and need to start making more of my own food vs buying prepared foods just because it is easier. I need to plan better, then it won't be an issue and i will be living that handmade and natural life with my food choices for me and my family.
I need to start making sure that I take time to create. I know that I feel so much better when I do. I have a bunch of WIP's (works in progress), but my latest project that I need to finish are family Christmas stocking! I have finished my daughter's and am almost finished with my sons', then I need to start on mine and my husband's. We all have some, but mine is from when I was a kid and my husband's and my kids' all need to have better made stockings! I have a lot to work on and maybe some day I'll even be able to sell some things that I make. That is one goal that I have and hopefully I'll be able to actually meet it.
Balance is the key to having a happy life. For me, I need to remember that it is not an all or nothing thing when it comes to my beliefs. I don't have to always make things from scratch, wether it is food or anything else, but it is important for me to try to make things as often as possible. I will try to remember that I can buy things from the store already made, but I need to follow through with my belief that I want to make things for me and my friends and family. Maybe my next posts will be more about projects that I have completed or projects that I am trying to complete!
My daughter's new Christmas stocking!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Trying To Be Productive
It's amazing how little time you have when your kids get to be preschool age. When they were babies, I had the luxury of naps. Now, naps are few and far between and I never have all 3 kids occupied where I can spend time and create. Of course, as usual, there are also good points to the kids getting older. Now that they no longer nap, life is a little easier to plan or not plan and just go and do. We can do so much more with them now. We may have less free time on our hands, but I wouldn't change a thing.
That being said, I still try to find time to be creative and maybe even blog about my creative projects. It may not be as often as I want or as complex as I want. My blog posts may not be as intellectually stimulating as I would like. But, I am finding time to create and some how, some way, journal about it; and that is what is really important to me.
Since my last post, I have done a decent amount of projects. I have also treated myself to a new sewing machine. I decided that my cheap $100 Joann Fabrics Singer, was just too frustrating for me to actually use. I loved having a more portable machine than my Baby Lock Ellageo embroidery machine, but the Singer was just not a good quality machine. At first I didn't understand the negative comments, but then After just a couple of uses, I realized how right all those reviews were. I love my Ellageo, it's just not really portable. I was looking at a Janome QDC3160 and a Baby Lock Grace. I ended up at "Nashua Sewing and Vac" on Black Friday and ended up getting a Baby Lock Sofia2 for what I was quoted the Grace to be at another store. I had heard really good things about Nashua Sewing and Vac and felt really good about trying out sewing machine and buying there. There is nothing wrong with the Janome. I know a few people who love the Janome and they all have different Janome machines. One of them is not a Baby Lock fan. I decided that it must be ike buying a Nikon vs a Canon. I have always used a Canon, but I know that Nikon is just as good, just personal preference. I wish I had more time to devote to my sewing!
What I've been up to:
That being said, I still try to find time to be creative and maybe even blog about my creative projects. It may not be as often as I want or as complex as I want. My blog posts may not be as intellectually stimulating as I would like. But, I am finding time to create and some how, some way, journal about it; and that is what is really important to me.
Since my last post, I have done a decent amount of projects. I have also treated myself to a new sewing machine. I decided that my cheap $100 Joann Fabrics Singer, was just too frustrating for me to actually use. I loved having a more portable machine than my Baby Lock Ellageo embroidery machine, but the Singer was just not a good quality machine. At first I didn't understand the negative comments, but then After just a couple of uses, I realized how right all those reviews were. I love my Ellageo, it's just not really portable. I was looking at a Janome QDC3160 and a Baby Lock Grace. I ended up at "Nashua Sewing and Vac" on Black Friday and ended up getting a Baby Lock Sofia2 for what I was quoted the Grace to be at another store. I had heard really good things about Nashua Sewing and Vac and felt really good about trying out sewing machine and buying there. There is nothing wrong with the Janome. I know a few people who love the Janome and they all have different Janome machines. One of them is not a Baby Lock fan. I decided that it must be ike buying a Nikon vs a Canon. I have always used a Canon, but I know that Nikon is just as good, just personal preference. I wish I had more time to devote to my sewing!
What I've been up to:
English Paper Piecing Diamonds
Ballet Slipper Ornaments
Thanksgiving Skirt
Matching Thanksgiving Tie
My New Sofia2!
Embroidery On My Sofia2
Embroidery On My Sofia2
Embroidery On My Sofia2
Sewing On My Sofia2 With A Stitch Sampler
Cookie Plate for Santa
Cinnamon Ornaments
Now if I could just make sure that I continue to be creative both by myself and with the kids, I would be a very happyMommy! I can't wait to sew more often. We are in the process of decorating for Christmas and then cleaning up after that! Right now, Creativity is going to be limited. I am trying to make sure that I ambling creative with the kids so that they get to be creative as well as me. Some days are better than others, but often as things are with kids, they don't go as planned, but we are still making memories and that is what is most important!
Happy Holidays to All!
Amy
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