BunnyBlogs

Projects

2010-08-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy few months and I've been slacking in both Blogland and Real Life...but I'm slowly working my way back into the creative world....all because I realized I had my store-bought red, white and blue Americana wreath still up...no, not just since the Fourth of July but since MEMORIAL DAY. Whoops!

You see, I'm an equal-opportunity neglecter. It's not just you, my dear blog. I have also overlooked my poor front door. That happy little wreath of tin stars needed replacing, STAT. It's August, after all! So it was off to A.C. Moore I went...(did you know they offer a military discount?? Cuz they do!)I took the easy way out and bought a premade wreath and silk flowers to wire on. Gotta start slow, y'know? Pretty pale pink roses and hydrangea with creamy yellows...so pretty! Brilliantly green hydrangea leaves added some pop, and then I finished with some awesome vintage lucite goodies The Beadin' Path...translucent ribbed baubles in watermelon and tiny carnation pink rounds. I wired them in with this great soft aluminum wire I bought there a couple years ago...not sure if there is any still in stock but it's fun to play with!

So, what next? Well, today I started a facebook fan page for my jewelry shop on Etsy, BunnyBeads. Would you like to like me? Go here. Would you like to like me even more? Check out the BunnyBaubles page here. I also started an encaustic painting today with supplies I bought from fellow Maine Teamer Jamie Ribisi-Braley. Check out her absolutely stunning artwork and supplies here in her Etsy shop! I promise (as always) an update about this new painting soon...<3

Hope

2010-05-24T10:08:00.001-07:00

I have some really awesome and exciting news to share! I've been busy for the past few months raising money for this year's Relay For Life, which is the American Cancer Society's #1 annual fundraiser. This is something I have done every year for 13 years...but this year is special. THIS year I have a force of awesome standing behind me in my efforts...and that force is Regretsy.com

April Winchell runs the website which is downright snarky and mean...which is why I love it. April is a snarky bitch with a heart of gold. She recently raised money through Regretsy to help an Etsy seller, HiBird, to get a new sewing machine, and when I saw how quickly the Regretsy community rallied for this cause I wanted to cry. She did something totally amazing and life-changing in a matter of hours. It gave me hope. I emailed April to tell her how amazing that was and how I really needed that to lift my spirits since my own fundraising had hit a roadblock...money is tight this year, and everyone's feeling it. Without being asked, April graciously donated $100 leftover from the sewing machine fund to my personal Relay Fund, and now she set up this, just for me:
http://www.regretsy.com/2010/05/24/new-alchemy-project-3/

I am so excited about this! Now there are so many ways to help!
-To donate directly to me, go HERE!
-You can also buy from my two Etsy shops, BunnyBeads and BunnyBaubles, because 25% of total sales through May and June are donated.
-You can also donate to me directly, HERE!
-You can bid on the Regretsy Ebay items.
-You can buy April's Regretsy book directly from Amazon.com where her royalties will go to my fund and Amazon.com will kick in an additional 5%.
-Did I mention you can donate directly HERE...?
-You can also donate items to go into one of two gift baskets that will be raffled off at the Relay on June 11. The first basket is going to be full of Regretsy-themed goodness, the second full of offerings from the Etsy Maine Team.

Big thanks to April and the Regretsy community, and to all my friends who have also generously donated to this cause! Thank you!!!

Neapolitan Dream

2010-04-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a good 7 weeks since my last blog post (and of course I probably promised in that post to update again soon...sorry!). In my defense, I was out of town (visiting home!). I am also lazy. =)

But here I am yet again, lovely readers, with a new piece for my small collection of Donna Necklaces, a collection named after my dearest mother. This pretty baby was started in late January and finished just yesterday (again, lazy)...

I started out with some of my Beadin' Path Design Partner beads (check out the stash I started out with here) and added to it with some BP favs. The carnation pink Czech glass pinch beads and the marbled pink Czech glass daggers were part of the bundle I received from Heather, the rest were pulled from my personal stash!

The teeny pink coral rounds were actually from a great Beads in the Mail Club set from about a year ago (are you a hoarder like me? I always save things for the right piece!). The matte cocoa seed beads were meticulously plucked from one of the fabulous seed bead mixes (don't want to pluck? Here's a tube of ALL the same bead...wonderful concept, really. Why didn't I think of that?) and the brown agate rounds were actually going to be part of a different necklace many many moons ago...but of course I changed my mind. 'Twas destiny! They were destined to be a part of this delicious Neapolitan Dream necklace!

The fabulous Bali cones I snagged from another Esty shop, MegaBeadStore. The hook clasp is a BP staple, you can find it here.

I hope it won't take me another 7 weeks to update again...I have some earrings to match this necklace I'd like to show off while still relevant!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

2010-03-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hear that? It's the sound of relaxation...oh, wait, my vacation is over. Then that must be the sound of the real world coming back to smack me in the face!

Well, life isn't too bad, in all honesty. I just got back from a week at Walt Disney World with my wonderful husband of three years.

We had a wonderful time!

But now it's back to the grind...work, home, work, home...luckily I have another trip to look forward to very soon! Back to my real HOME...to Massachusetts and Maine at the end of this month! Woohoo!

In the meantime, look for some new Funky Flowers to arrive at BunnyBaubles, and don't forget about the Etsy Maine Team Spring Cleaning Sale! Check out my sales here and here!

Until next time...

Spring Cleaning!

2010-02-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

I know it's February, but I've started my Spring Cleaning already! I decided to do some cleaning in my Etsy shops too, adding to my Sale/Clearance sections so I can make room for new things I have been working on! I have several new necklaces for BunnyBeads so the SALE section in that shop has grown significantly. I am also phasing out the "Candy" line of bobby pins and barrettes at BunnyBaubles to make way for my "Button Up" line, created with mis-matched vintage buttons. I love me some buttons! Above are my new Laura pins, below are the Kaylea pins. Love!

Several of my fellow Etsy Maine Team members have started to clean up their shops too! You can search Etsy for our SALE items, we're tagging them with "MaineSpringClean" so it's easy to find and shop! There are some really awesome items that are super-affordable! Go check it out!

Speaking of the Maine Team, I got some really awesome Valentine ideas from fellow teammate Shannon, who is an editor of the online magazine Modern Handmade Child. (Check out Shannon's Etsy shops here and here!)

I am a Nanny by day, so I am always looking for fun new things for the boys to do. Ben, in 3rd grade, is currently learning parts of speech in English class. So what's better than giving out super-funny MadLibs Valentines?? We took MHC's idea a step further by decorating paper hearts (as you can see, with loads of stickers!) and inserted the MadLibs scrolls at an angle to be the "arrow" through each heart.

For 1st grader Jake, we had a lot of fun peeling and breaking up crayons to make his Valentines. Here are our broken crayons going into the oven (in a silicone muffin pan I got at Jo-Anne's for $7.50!)

Check out the "After!" Jake was very impressed! His class loved the crayons too, win-win! I made these crayons again with my best friend's seven-year-old daughter, another success! She made a red, white, and blue heart crayon just for her daddy. Feel the love!

Reduce, reuse, restock!

2010-02-03T08:04:00.000-08:00

I've been adding new items to my BunnyBaubles shop this week...

...There are two new Lace Barrette colors...
(Coral Pink is already available, check back soon for the Chocolate Brown!)

...several new Funky Flowers...
(plus a couple old favorites and more to come!)

...and I've slowly been phasing the lucite "candy" collection out and adding in layered buttons.
I have a great pair of red button bobbies that should be available tomorrow...enjoy!

To top it all off I'm offering a bit of a Valentine's Day Promotion! Free US shipping on all orders from both of my Etsy shops. Happy shopping!
BunnyBeads
BunnyBaubles

Valentine's day is around the corner...

2010-01-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

...and whether you love or hate the day (I admit, I'm not sure how I feel about the so-called holiday myself) you know you're going to be surrounded by red and pink and hearts galore. So I thought it'd be a great idea to design some really fun and funky pieces for the day with beads from the Beadin' Path. Check out this blog entry from last month to see what I started out with.

My first creations were a bracelet and necklace set. I used a length of vintage chain for the necklace and hung big lucite ribbed rounds and a couple lucite bell flowers from it (using Czech glass baby bell flowers in the center of each lucite flower) and added a little sparkle with Swarovski bicones in fuchsia. I left the necklace long, which is unusual for me, but I ended up loving it.

I echoed the bright silver of the necklace's chain in the bracelet with metallic seed beads. This is a really simple design to make, and it's also great to give as a gift. Whenever I make bracelets for others I am always afraid they'll be too short or too long. But the looping seed beads of this crossweave bracelet give a bit of stretch, which is perfect for that situation. I used the same ribbed rounds and bell flowers and crystals as in the necklace.

Tada! A perfect match. I am in love with this set! I may not be able to wait until the 14th to wear them =)

This next bracelet, however, may have to wait...it is so girly and fun but also REALLY Valentine-y.

I used a vintage lucite opaque pink bangle bracelet I bought ages ago (I am SO sure that the BP still has them, too!) and epoxied these gorgeously glittery plastic leaf beads all around it. This adds not just the glitz but the texture I really wanted to mix in with my other plain bangle bracelets. I think I'll wear this one with a couple white bangles and a few in different shades of pink...very 80's!

I think that's it for tonight folks...I'll be back in soon with more pink-inspired designs (earrings galore!) and with some new pieces I'm adding to my shops this week...until then, happy creating!

Baubles, buttons, and beads

2010-01-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

As usual, I have been a busy bunny! Mr. Bunny has left for a monthlong trip to Japan which leaves me both lots of things to do and also lots of downtime...I know that doesn't make much sense, but you'll just have to take my word for it.

So to fill my downtime I have been working a small collection of vintage buttons I have been collecting (several from fellow Maine teamers Joy and Nancy) and using up the last of my vintage plastic flowers for my Funky Flowers collection....really, someone needs to recreate those because I friggin' love them!

I've also been working on my Beadin' Path Design Partner jewelry...I have a TON of pink goodies to share with you, and just in time for Valentine's Day! Hurrah! Some of those designs will be appearing tomorrow, right here =)

And my last project? Is a secret =) It's silly to even keep it a secret, because it's so simple and probably not a very good idea on my part...but I want to do it, so there! But shhh! Don't tell anybody...

Facebook, bra colors, and true breast cancer awareness.

2010-01-08T06:03:00.001-08:00

Have you seen a bunch of Facebook status updates that just say "black," "pink," "red," or some other colors? Do you know why?

I got this email on Facebook several times over yesterday:
"Some fun is going on.... just write the color of your bra in your status. Just the color, nothing else. And send email on to ONLY girls, no men .... It will be neat to see if this will spread the wings of cancer awareness. It will be fun to see how long it takes before the men will wonder why all the girls have a color in their status... Haha! pass this on"

I'm sorry, but Breast Cancer is not fun. Sure, it can't hurt to post these colors, but how many women are posting a color and forgetting about it? How many women are actually raising true awareness for the disease? And why can't men be involved?

If you want to truly step up and let your voice be heard, here's a better way. It takes a few moments of your time and is definitely worth passing around...

Dear Friends,
This is an opportunity to help the 20,000 people in the United States who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. If you're receiving this, it's because I believe you will take the 3 minutes to email your Senators and Representative to support Breast Cancer patients, and that you will recruit others to support to this cause.

The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2009 (S. 688/H.R.1691) will require Insurance Companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It will eliminate the 'drive-through mastectomy' where women are being sent home a few hours after surgery.

This legislation has been introduced in every Congressional session since 1997, but had always died in Committee, until last year. 2008 marked the FIRST time the bill made it to subcommittee discussions, and then passage by the House of Representatives! Progress! However, the Senate did not vote on the bill before the legislative session ended, so did the bill died again. Now that Congress is back from summer recess, it's again time to apply pressure to get the bills into discussions and passed.

Email is an efficient, effective way to reach a Senator or Representative. It doesn't need to go through the security check that a regular letter does.

Below are links to the Senate & House, instructions for those who might need them, and a short message you can copy and paste in.. The goal is to inundate Congressmen from EVERY state and get their attention.

Please take the time to contact your Congressman, and then forward this to all of your friends and relatives who will take action. I sincerely believe that last year’s August, 2008 email campaign that so many of you responded to led to the House passage on September 25, 2008.

This is a personal battle. My surgeon insisted I stay a full day after my mastectomy. I still went home with drains attached, but I was in better condition than I was the day before.

Cancer patients need our support, a mastectomy is only the first step of a long ordeal.
I truly appreciate your help.

Instructions (read through first)

Senator
1. Highlight and copy the letter below.

2. Click on the this Senate link to get to the Senate web page: http://www.senate.gov/
3. Click on your state name in the Find Your Senator box
in the upper right corner of the page, then click GO.
4. Click on the senator's "web form" address line

5. Fill in your personal information (name, address, etc)

6. Paste the letter in the Comment section & click submit/send

Representative

1. Highlight and copy the letter below.

2. Click on the Representative link to get to the Representative web page: http://www.house.gov/
3. Click on the picture of the pen in hand (upper left) that says Write Your Representative.
4. Select your state and fill in zip code, then click “Contact My Representative"
5. Fill in your personal information (name, address, city ), then click Continue to text

6. Paste the letter in the Comment section and click submit

Letter:

The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2009, H.R. 1691 and S. 688, provides
mastectomy patients with inpatient care NOT limited by insurers to less than 48 hours .

200,000 women in the United States will get diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
They need more than proclamations and pink ribbons each October. They need your
help and support. The bill has been referred to subcommittee on Health, Employment,
Labor and Pensions, but it needs to be voted on, passed, and signed into law.

The Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act has been waiting for passage since 1997.
The 2007 bill, HR 758, was voted on and passed by the House of Representatives
in 2008, but its companion bill, S 459, was never voted on in the Senate.

Please don't let another session go by without making this legislation law.

Thanks, friends. Please pass it along!
-Drea

Happy Holidaze

2009-12-30T06:08:00.000-08:00

What has the Bunny been up to? A LOT! Like a trip to the zoo with five kids under 12....

And decorating cookies with that same group the next day....

And having a very merry Christmas! There were loads of presents, but my favorites came from Etsy...here are a few goodies from my favorite group, the Etsy Maine Team!

Jack with his new bling! "Mama's Boy" tag from LoftedDesigns.

Me being a ham with my new sign from WordBoards!

And this one wasn't for me, but for my grandparents from all 19 of us grandkids, grandkids-in-law, and great-grandkid =) I wish I had been there to see them open it! All I got was a little bitty cell phone picture which was kind of lame. So here's the photo Melissa of Little Pink House took after she completed this masterpiece!

Well, what else has been going on? We added some new furniture and re-arranged the house a bit! Now my parents are visiting from Massachusetts and we've been having fun shopping and sightseeing with them. My favorite sight so far?

Oh yeah. That's a shrunken head.

Happy New Year, from the Bunny to you!

Designing Designs

2009-12-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here at the Bunny Abode it has been a LONG week. I have been sick for the past four days and there's only so much daytime TV I can handle. I made a few pairs of earrings for Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, and strung up the Gators bracelet I mentioned in my last post.

I made the earrings for a friend...I love these aqua blue glass beads. I use them here and there in a lot of designs, because they're so vibrant and fun! They're vintage lovelies from The Beadin' Path in Freeport, ME.

And speaking of the BP, on Tuesday I received a batch of pretty pink beads, after I badgered my former boss and owner of the shop to make me a Design Partner. I love that they sent me PINK, which is pretty much my favorite color in the NBA off-season (during the season it's green, because I'm superstitious and a Celtics fan).

I haven't played much yet...ohhhh but I will! Just wait til I get this fever down...

THESE babies are going to be perfect for my cousin Liz's Christmas gift...Liz is like me...a magpie and a lover of pink!

I hope you're ready to see lots of PINK this week! =) And I also hope you're ready for a story tomorrow...because tonight was an interesting night...to say the least! Let's just say I had an unexpected visitor in an unexpected place...

Good night Bloggers =)

Works in Progress

2009-12-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a few peeks at things that don't have anything to do with decorating Christmas trees...really!

There are a few new items up at BunnyBaubles, and a few to come at BunnyBeads, but I have been spending a lot of time working on gifts for my friends and family...and gifts from my friends and family.

Check out these bracelets my sister ordered. One for her Mother-In-Law and one for her Stepmother-In-Law (SMIL?)

This one is her MIL's two sons and one grandson's birthstones. This could have been disastrous...pink, purple, and red! I decided to use pearl for June instead of tanzanite and white opal for October instead of pink...imagine all boys and having the most girly-colored Valentine's-esque bracelet ever! Yuck.

And this is for the "classy crunchy granola" SMIL, hematite and turquoise...not my fav combo, but I don't have to wear it.

I found those great clasps from lilysoffering on Etsy...she donates 10% of her sales to Domestic Abuse Awareness, which is great! The money is used for counseling service, housing, and transition services for women and children affected by domestic violence. I got my beads and findings super-fast and I'm glad to have helped a good cause in some small way.

My Swarovski crystals and pearls I bought from 411Crystals, another Etsy shop. Her crystals aren't horrifically overpriced like so many other sellers' are, and they arrived quickly and in mint condition. It's a great shop to find just about any color you'd need in all the basic shapes. Fantastic!

The lovely stone beads came from my favorite B&M shop and former employer, The Beadin' Path. I'm happy to say I'll be one of their "Design Partners" soon and I can't friggin wait. The lovely Heather, a co-owner, will be sending me some bead-y lovelies and I'll get to play and show off the results right here...keep those eyes peeled! =) It'll be fun and awesome!

Speaking of the BP, does anyone remember the Tweet Your Studio contest the BP had with Dawno a few months ago? I won a lap-desk thingy for beading and it has been a GODSEND. With my non-studio space (the couch!) I needed some help! Thanks so much again, ladies!

That was a necklace in the works for my BFF Nelda's birthday...freshwater pearl, labradorite, and Swarovskis with a sterling cross. She put it on as soon as she opened the box! Hooray!

Tada!

Next up? A Florida Gators-themed bracelet. Again, glad I don't have to wear that one! Gimme Celtics Green and we'll be all set =)
Also coming soon...my Etsy Maine Team secret santa gift...I wish I could show it off now! But we're not opening gifts til the 18th...y'all gotta wait!! And so does my Secret Santa..>=) Whoever they are!

Happy creating!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-08T16:50:00.003-08:00

...I finally got to decorate my trees! We have been dogsitting a HUGE dog all week (See above!), so we didn't want to put out the trees til he was gone. Now I have FOUR trees in my house, woohoo!

There's Pants with our REAL tree...our first real one as a married couple, which is great! We picked out a really great one, I think. Here is it with my Crunchy Country Bumpkin ornaments...

You can see my hideous pink tree up there in the corner too =D I love that thing. And I love my tree! Here are some of my ornaments...I'm silly, I take pictures of everything!

Here is our old artificial tree. It's got my usual Peppermint Theme, which I am carrying over to the ugly light fixture. All red and silver and white and pretty in my front window.

And here is my fourth and final tree...this is the Pants Tree, because he doesn't really care for my white-lights-themed trees. So I gave him a two-foot colored-lights-themed tree. Yep...those are Yoda lights. And Star Wars ornaments.

What, don't you have Star Wars trees?

Decorating frenzy

2009-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

I got my huge Christmas ornaments! Target had every color but red, so from left to rght you can see blue, pink, green, silver, and orange. Look closely! I got a red one last night but it's been rainy and I haven't put it up yet!

There's just something so wrong about all the greenery here in Florida. I'm a New Englander, and I love winter. It's odd to have no snow or cold weather. I'm going to make a few hats and scarves for my pink friends, anyway...

I stole my patio lights to liven up my ugly fireplace! heehee! =)

And now I am off to work, where I am helping my boss decorate her three trees and hang garlands over the huge doorways leading to her patio, because of course this Saturday's holiday party is going to be an indoor and outdoor event! I wonder when I will ever get my own trees up??

Deck the halls with faux garlands

2009-12-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

I have been a busy bunny, between birthdays and making our own two-person mini-feast for Thanksgiving (above) and getting ready for Christmas! Christmas is one of those holidays I love and hate...I love the cheer and fun, I hate that it's the anniversary of a friend's death, which is a wound on my heart that's still quite open. The past few Christmases I have been relatively miserable, but this year I'm making the attempt to push past and enjoy myself and celebrate life (even a life lost) rather than death. So I'm going all-out with holiday cheer and decor...and trying to keep to a budget.

I bought some garlands and a wreath last night at AC Moore, I've already decorated my front door with them. I bought plain ones and decorated them myself with picks, which brought my total cost to $30 for 3 garlands and a wreath...pretty good considering that one pre-decorated (and unlit) wreath is around $30. I kept it simple and I like it! The picture was before I made a few minor tweaks, but it's still purty. And don't you just love my kitchen canisters?

I also got these really cute miniature lit trees from Bed Bath & Beyond (for $7!!) that are a set of three two-foot trees. They are adorable and line my front path. I may need to get more...and a shorter extension cord...

On today's agenda? Decorating the big tree in my front yard with HUGE Christmas ornaments ($5 each at Target!) the size of a soccer ball. I'm also garland-ing the mailbox and hopefully stringing some lights around the front bushes and trees...I may need the hubby's help with that, so that may not get done til the weekend.

I also just got in all my components for two bracelets I am making for my sister's Mother-in-Law and Step-Mother-in-Law (SMIL?), both are going to be three-stranded deals but they'll also be very different. Check back for progress on them =)

Happy Bunday to Us...

2009-11-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

We do things differently in the Bunny House. We have pink Birthday Trees, for instance. See how excited Pants is??

We bought that tree post-xmas at Big Lots for about $5! Love it! I also decorate it for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter. Why not?

So anyways, Pants and I have birthdays 2 days apart, but with our crazy schedules we didn't get to celebrate on either of our actual birthdays. We opened gifts a week early, then had cake 5 days late. Oh well! It was still fun (and delicious)!

Those crazy flames are actually little letter candles my mom sent to us, it spelled out "MATT N DREA" with the big "25" behind the "N." (You didn't really think our names were Pants ad Bunny, did you? Heehee)

Faith in Humanity

2009-11-17T07:30:00.000-08:00

It has been a very busy three weeks in BunnyLand! Just a few weeks ago one of my closest friends and fellow Navy Wife, Nelda, took in two young girls who needed a home. These girls, aged 10 and 11, and their eight-year-old brother were taken from Nelda's cousin's home due to their poor living conditions.
They came from Alabama to Jacksonville one weekend in October, bringing with them a few grimy toys a bundle of dirty, stained, holey, ill-fitting clothes thrown into trash bags. They didn't have pajamas or toothbruhes. They'd never been to a store that wasn't Wal*Mart or a Goodwill-type of store. They never had towels at their old home, so when they shower here they often don't dry off and will just throw on their dirty clothes from that day. It doesn't always occur to them to use clean dishes in the kitchen, because they rarely had clean dishes to use. It's heartbreaking.

The girls at a school carnival...blurry photo, sorry!

Sometimes they're troublemakers, but they weren't raised to be well-behaved. They weren't raised to know much joy, either.
Their little brother now lives in Tennessee with another cousin, who has mentioned the little boy is amazed that he can go to the grocery store whenever they need food, and just buy whatever they want. These kids have never been to a zoo, a movie theater, a swimming pool, a mall...they miss out on the things a lot of us have taken for granted.

As soon as I heard from Nelda about these girls I shot out e-mails, messages to my friends on Etsy, and Twitter messages. I set up a promotion in my shops that will last until Christmas to help get in some money for the girls. People from all over have bought from my shops in order to help, one woman who I don't even know spent over $200 in my shops. I have raised over $250 through that promotion so far. (You can get to my shops by going to my main blog page and clicking on them on the right)
Others have sent in checks, boxes of hand-me-down clothes, tons of hair accessories and goodies, gift cards to Target and other local stores...these girls are starting to see how life should be. In a few short weeks they have gone from having nothing to having almost a full wardrobe and a new chance for a good life.

The first day I met them, the girls tried on new t-shirts at Target, and one said "I feel like a princess!" Last week she told me, "when I grow up, I'm gonna be rich and I will buy things for others, after I get me a house."

It's nice to know that not only have I seen the magic of strangers helping strangers, but that these girls can recognize it too.
If you'd like to help, feel free to comment or send me a message. DreaCarbone(at)Yahoo(DOT)com

The Irrational Fear Challenge

2009-10-13T09:13:00.001-07:00

I challenge the members of the Etsy Maine Team (and heck, why not everyone else out there, too?) to create a piece based on an irrational fear they have. The piece can be anything...jewelry, painting, collage, clothing, edible art...anything! Just so long as it's handmade.

These items do not have to be listed on Etsy in your shop, and it doesn't have to be something you'd usually make (for example, if you usually make jewelry, you could make a painting, or still make jewelry. It's up to you!)

Post your submissions on your blog, and if you're on the Etsy Maine Team on our chat threads. Then shoot me a convo at DreaBunny so I'm sure to see it.
The Submission Deadline is November 13, 2009.
Those who submit will have their name put into a hat and get a little something from me =) I'll base the prize on the winner!

=) Have fun...and don't get too scared =)

And The Winners Are...

2009-10-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Congrats to all the winners from the Etsy Maine Team Halloween Scavenger Hunt! It was a lot of fun (and work) and with only a small hitch or two it really was a success! Here's a list of our winners!

AtlanticPuffin
Baggavond
BastilleBleu
CartBeforetheHorse
CheekyTreasures
ExtraMegan
FirstLightGlass
FiveSparrows
Flawed
InbalShapira
JCollander
KnittingandThings
Knittopotamus
MichelleRita
MRMBracelets
Orangitude
Nikid
RockyMtBeader
Strawberryona
Sockimals
SpiritThingStudio
TheCraftyCatCorner
vicki142

I've linked to the shops, so check them out and support Etsy and Handmade!!

It's time!

2009-09-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

It's time for the Etsy Maine Team Scavenger Hunt!

To play, you must have an Etsy account...and some free time! That's it! Go through the following list of 25 Etsy Maine Team shops and look for this ghost hidden in a listing*:

When you find the listing with Mr. Ghostie in it, copy and paste the link and keep a list of them. Get at least 15 ghosts correct then convo it to DreaBunny on Etsy, and if you get them all right you are entered to win one of 25 prizes! Find 20 ghosts and get THREE entries!

http://ajoyfullife.etsy.com
http://allsey.etsy.com
http://babbidgepatch.etsy.com
http://blueshoestudio.etsy.com
http://bunnybaubles.etsy.com
http://buymycrap.etsy.com
http://camelotstreasures.etsy.com
http://constantgalore.etsy.com
http://cozink.etsy.com
http://dreabunny.etsy.com
http://folkarttree.etsy.com
http://folkarttreefandangle.etsy.com
http://jamieribisi.etsy.com
http://jessejanes.etsy.com
http://karhumoon.etsy.com
http://knitster23.etsy.com
http://kristinamyerscrafts.etsy.com
http://laika6000.etsy.com
http://malloryalisabeth.etsy.com
http://psandqs.etsy.com
http://purplebeanbindery.etsy.com
http://saraholmesdesigns.etsy.com
http://thecleverkitty.etsy.com
http://vintageimagemadness.etsy.com
http://willowandme.etsy.com

*Here's a hint for you Hunters...the listing will be either Halloween-themed or Fall-themed! Happy Hunting!

Here's a sneak peek at some of our prizes...

A set of three hand-printed bookmarks from CozInk!

Earrings from Kintster23!

A keychain and wallet made by seven-year-old MalloryAlisabeth!

A necklace from KarhuMoon!

A set of lavender sachets from FolkArtTree!

A set of bobby pins from BunnyBaubles!

A set of hand crocheted wash cloths from BabbidgePatch!

Gorgeous earrings from WillowAndMe!

An Encaustic painting tutorial and paints from JamieRibisi!

And more!! Some shops are offering gift cards and your choice of some of their shop products! Be sure to get your completed lists convoed to DreaBunny by midnight on Saturday 10/3/09 to be entered to win a prize!!

More Scavenger Hunt!

2009-09-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

As I posted a few days ago, the Etsy Maine Team is having a super-fun Fall Scavenger Hunt! We've got at least 23 teams participating so that means 23 prizes to be won! Your objective? Find THIS ghost:

...23 times!

Here is a link to the Etsy Promotion Froum Thread...participating shops are in there posting now about the prizes they're giving away, if you want a sneak peek of what is there to be won!

The Hunt is easy...On Thursday morning (October 1st!) a list of the Maine Team shops that are participating will be posted on this blog and others, as well as in that Promo Thread above. All you need to do is have an Etsy account and some time to hunt! Look through the listings of each shop on the list until you find their ghost listing. Convo your list of shops and correct listings to DreaBunny to be entered to win a prize! Find 15 ghosts and be entered once, find 20 ghosts and get THREE entries! On Sunday, October 4th prizewinners will be notified and the prizes will be sent out to them Monday!

Tell your friends and your own Etsy Teams! The more Hunters the merrier!

The Bunny Studio

2009-09-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Maine Team has been blogging about member studios lately, and I also came across a contest on Twitter to Tweet Your Studio...so I decided to take a few photos.

This is where I take my photos...usually. It depend son the time of day! This is my grandmother's antique table along with some keepsakes and props I use in my photos. I also take photos on the kitchen table! It's dark in here now, but you can just barely make out the Swiffer Duster on the floor in the bottom left corner...gotta keep things clean!

This is my huge comfy chair where I sit back, relax, and create....yup, on tray tables. The desk on the left is mostly used just for storage, as is the ottoman that opens up in the bottom right.

That's right behind the couch. I keep my plastic divided containers of beads in there (which are organized by material...glass, crystal, plastic, stone, pearl/shell...) as well as my tools, findings, and random bits of whatever. The basket of clothespins? Those are for barrette-making. Very complicated process...really.

Another view...some works-in-progress on the tables...new funky flower parts drying, waiting to be glued to bobby pins...also the pumpkin charm bracelet I blogged about last week. As you can see, I do all my work right here, from making earrings and gluing bobbies to updating and chatting on Etsy. The desk is usually covered in things, too, but I just organized a week ago and it's not too cluttered yet. Inside are my tubes of seed beads, spools of softflex and other stringing materials, and on top are...

Some Beadin' Path goodies =) My most recent order, just a small one..some stones, vintage flowers, crystals...and a pumpkin doodled by Miss Ashley Bunting, lucite dyer extraordinaire.

This is where those flowers will end up...can you see it? Somewhere in this linen closet, on the other side of the house?? Between the cleaning supplies and living room decor I have yet to find a wall I like for! The purple drawers and the middle green drawers hold finished products. The green drawers on the right hold the plastic lace filigree, vintage daisy flowers, and barrette and bobby pin blanks. Next to that set of drawers is a box of business cards and a bunch of craft show props.
In case you were wondering, on the bottom there, those orange boxes are Wheaties boxes...and yes, they will be hung on the walls! I have a whole "Boston Sports Wall" that I put up every time we move...I just haven't gotten around to it yet!

Now, what aren't you seeing? The "mailing center" that's in the hallway...right next to the dog treats and cookbooks. Perfect place, right? I have a little mailbox that holds envelopes, business cards, pens, tape, tissue paper, and more. Down the hall and in the dining room? More mailing supplies, including a box foll of boxes made by Angie. =)
You're also missing out on the office, where the glues, papers (for photo backgrounds) and other crafting supplies are...like markers, scissors, stamps, tape, hole punches, and more. The Office is more my husband's turf...there's a lot of CDs, a bass guitar, his computer, his amp, his effects pedals...and a bunch of junk! Hence I didn't photograph that...it's a mess!

Did you like your tour? The Studio is ever-evolving, eventually I hope to have everything all in one room...that certainly WOULD be a lot easier. But until then...this is my setup! Thanks for checking it out!

The Etsy Maine Team Fall 2009 Scavenger Hunt!

2009-09-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Etsy Maine Team would like to challenge YOU to a Scavenger Hunt! On Wednesday, September 30th at midnight EST a list of Etsy Maine Team shops will be posted on the Maine Team blog, this blog, and others, as well as the Forums on Etsy. Here is a link to the Forum Thread.

Me, in all my Maine Team garb and glory!*

To participate, go through all the shops on the list, find a hidden ghost in one listing per shop, and keep track of those shops and listings! Send your list of shop names and the ghost listings to DreaBunny and you will be entered to win a prize from one of the shops you just searched through! You'll have from Thursday, October 1st until Saturday, October 3rd at midnight EST to send in your hunting list, and on Sunday winners will be announced!
Spread the word, the more the merrier!

*I'm wearing...
Maine Team tie-dyed t-shirt from Lizzyoos
Apron from TreasureScents
Necklaces from kelliejsk, junquerevival, littleputland, autumnequinox
Ring from quenchmetalworks

Carved wooden bunny from heroncovewoodcarving
Magnets also from littleputland
And an encaustic painting made by Dreabunny but taught by jamieribisi!

Work in progress

2009-09-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

I started working on a bauble bracelet for Fall today. It's not yet finished...What do you think?
It's a gold-plated vintage chain with polymer pumpkins made by Ashley Bunting, vintage glass Mardi Gras beads, mother of pearl, and Swarovski crystal. I know this photo isn't all that great, I took it just a moment ago with the flash on, but once it's completed I'll take decent daylight photos =)

I'm wondering if I want to keep this for myself or sell it?!

Busy as a Bunny

2009-09-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

I've been working on retaking photos for BunnyBeads, and revamping the shop itself. Coming soon, all new photos, a few new items, and a new banner and avatar =) Already there? A few new photos in some listings (Going for a more vintage/"shabby chic" look) and a new SALE section.

I've also just got a new batch of funky flowers for my BunnyBaubles floral line...can't wait to start creating and listing new items! The flowers are in extremely short supply so these are all limited!!

I'm a week late in discovering this, but BunnyBaubles has been featured in this Exceptional Etsians Blog: Click here to see!

Last new thing is entirely non-business-related...I got a new job! Super excited, I started last week. I'm a Nanny to two adorable and fun little boys. They're definitely a handful, but it's a lot of fun.

That's all for now! I'll post some new photos of my new flowers later in the week.

Cloud Nine

2009-09-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

I am having a super fabulous week and I wanted to share my happiness so I am having a little sale in the BunnyBaubles shop!

I am on my 29th sale today!! So my 30th, 31st, and 32nd sales get free shipping and a free gift, and my 33rd sale gets free shipping, free gift, and 33% off their total purchase. Sale ends Monday 9/7/09 at midnight EST.

Yay! Happy Labor Day to everyone! Have a great weekend!!

A New Bouquet

2009-08-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

I spent the afternoon making new barrettes and bobby pins. I tried out some new color combinations...what do you think?

I've also got some new items for Halloween and Autumn...but you'll just have to wait a few days to see those! Unless you're a Facebook fan! Keep an eye out at BunnyBaubles for these to be listed--as well as some other new goodies--over the next week or two!

Long Time Gone

2009-08-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being away so long, readers! My husband and I have just moved to Jacksonville, FL! It's exciting to be a new place but I certainly miss Maine already and I have a lot to do around the house trying to unpack and find places for things!

I'll be back to creating very soon, however! I have had a bunch of sales recently and need to restock my BunnyBaubles shop and have some ideas for new items for Halloween and the fall, both are right around the corner!

See you all soon! And thanks for hanging in there in my absence!

Megan? Megan.

2009-07-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

This is a quick blog to show off my cousin, Megan. Just because.

Moving Sale!

2009-07-21T13:39:00.001-07:00

I know I am a bad blogger....forgive me! I have been busy!!

I am having a MOVING SALE, now through Saturday 7/26/09!

I am adding to this sale every day! Here's a schedule of events...

TODAY (Tues) 25% off all earrings at http://dreabunny.etsy.com

WEDNESDAY! Free shipping on any necklace purchase from http://dreabunny.etsy.com

THURSDAY! 25% off everything at http://bunnybaubles.etsy.com

FRIDAY! Free pair of guitar pick bobby pins with any purchase from http://BunnyBaubles.etsy.com

Saturday at midnight EST these sales end!

Mention this blog in the Notes to Seller box at checkout to receive discount.

All discounts to be refunded through PayPal.

All offers can be combined...for example on Friday or Saturday you could buy two pairs of earrings at 25% off, a necklace (at full price) and a barrette and get a free pair of bobby pins AND free shipping for everything. Yaaaaay!

Etsy Maine Team members receive an additional discount, email or convo me for details, or see our chat thread =)

Spread the word if you please!

Sneak peek!

2009-06-03T18:57:00.001-07:00

Here's a sneak peek at some bobby pins I'll be listing in the coming days...got some matching barrettes, button bobbies, and shell barrettes and bobbies too! Keep an eye out =)

http://bunnybaubles.etsy.com

And here's a peek at tonight's sunset...this doesn't even capture it though. It was gorgeous!Until next time...=)

Etsy Maine Team's Craft Show!

2009-05-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, that was fun!! Yesterday in Freeport we held our first Maine Team Craft Fair, and as we Maine Teamers would say, it was a "Friggin Blast!"

Casie's Scrabble Tile Pendants http://littleputland.etsy.com

Here's my display...I spent a lot of time painting, covering, and gluing up those display frames!

And now I can list my freshly-made earrings that I didn't sell at the fair! Here we go...

Oops!

2009-05-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

New earrings:
Sterling silver-plated vintage connectors, stone and mother-of-pearl carved flowers, and Swarovski crystal.

OK, so it has been a few weeks...but life has been keeping this bunny busy! I am getting ready for the Etsy Maine Team's Craft Show on Saturday in Freeport...click here for more info! I have made some new earrings to get ready for it and have been working on creating displays and earring cards. I also ordered new business cards to reflect both my Etsy shops and have debuted my new banner and avatar for BunnyBaubles, so a big THANKS to my darling friend Eliot Lucas for making them for me! I've posted some of my new earrings throughout this entry, tell me what you think! I won't be putting them into my Etsy shop until after the show on Saturday (unless they sell!) so if you like 'em you'll just have to come visit us on Saturday...and bring your wallet! There is going to be a lot of great items you'll just HAVE to have!

New earrings:
Sterling silver chain with malachite teardrops,
sterling silver chain with faceted smokey quartz and garnet rounds,
and gold oval-link chain with pink chalcedony drops.

So what else has been happening? I was one of the winners of Jenna's photo contest, so I won a pair of her gorgeous silver blossom earrings. You can check out her blog and Etsy shops here!
http://AutumnEquinox.etsy.com
http://thefirstdayofautumn.blogspot.com
I also ordered a necklace from her shop...it was a present from Matt to me for Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 8th. We spent that weekend (Mother's Day) with my in-laws in Bufallo, NY and my beautiful necklace was waiting for me when we got back! Thanks, Jenna!

Well this beautiful breezy day is coming to an end, and so is this blog post...time to touch up my spray-painting on my displays! Saturday is coming up quick!

New earrings:
Sterling silver-plated vintage metal "wings" with Swarovski crystal,
Sterling silver-plated filigree drops with apatite rounds.

35% and climbing!

2009-05-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

The Relay For Life in Haverhill, MA is coming up FAST!! Thirty-six days and counting, and I am 35% of the way to my goal, and climbing! Thanks to some fabulous Etsy Maine Team folks and my wonderful friends I have now raised $175 for the American Cancer Society. I hope to reach my $500 goal soon!

Every little bit counts! If you can spare $5, we'd be grateful for it! If you can spare $50, we'd be equally grateful! Anything and everything counts BIG TIME. So thank you if you have already donated, and thanks in advance if you plan to! This means a lot to me, my family, and the ACS!

Here is the link to donate to me:
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/dreacarbone

Or you can find a Relay near you and donate to it, too (all the money goes to the same place!)
www.relayforlife.org

Colors, six year olds, deals and steals!

2009-04-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

I have been spending a lot of time with my neighbors and their kids lately. They are moving to Jacksonville (tomorrow!) and it's not fun to say goodbye (even though we'll be moving after them...three more months!). With all the stress of moving, I have been keeping six-year-old Adlen as occupied as I can, and she's teaching me a lot about life at six years...the swings are still fun, it's never a bad thing to sing out loud while walking around the block, and life should be colorful and fun. Love it!

Maybe that's why my BunnyBaubles shop has been getting a healthy dose of color lately? =) Between the rainbow of guitar pick pieces (stolen from my hubby's stash!) and the brand new colors of Lace Barrettes, Bunny Baubles is a bright and happy shop! Perfect timing for Spring, I think.

Before I run off, here are a couple deals I have running!
This weekend, Friday-Sunday (May 1-3) any purchase from BunnyBaubles gets a free pair of Guitar Pick Bobbies!
And from now until Mother's Day, May 10th, free first-class shipping in my BunnyBeads shop! Now there's no excuse to forget Mom!!

Playin' my gee-tar

2009-04-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Just a few fun "pics" of what I've been gluing up lately...=)

Guitar picks everywhere!!

A little more Spring...

2009-04-20T15:22:00.001-07:00

Here are my last couple photos I took for AutumnEquinox's photo challenge today...

I think my second photo here and either my little girl on the beach or by little bird that I pposted earlier will be my final entries. What do you think?

Busy Bee...Uh, I mean, Bunny!

2009-04-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

These next few months are shaping up to be busy ones! There has been a lot going on so far in April as well! But it's all exciting and fun, so bring it on!

Fellow Etsy Maine Team member AutumnEquinox has a photo challenge going on her blog for Etsy Maine Team members. She wants to see our Spring in Maine photos! My husband and I spent a day at Popham Beach last week and I took a lot of photos, it will be hard to narrow it down! Here are my favorites...I'll be taking a few more today. I have to hurry because the contest ends at 8PM tonight!!

Some sand erosion on the beach...the grasses are coming back to life, though!

A little birdie! He was hopping around Fort Popham.

This cute little girl was all bundled up...this is VERY "Spring in Maine" to me...we'll take any chance we can to get to the beach on a sunny day, even if we have to bring our winter coats! She was chasing seagulls, then running to her mother and sister to "wahm up!"

Purses with Purpose!

2009-04-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

At the Etsy MaineTeam group meeting a few weeks ago I volunteered to decorate a plain wooden purse for Ronald McDonald House of Portand's Purses With Purpose fundraiser. The Fundraiser is this June, so mark your calendars!

"On Jun 4, 2009 11:30 am, the Portland Ronald McDonald House will be hosting its fourth annual 'fun-raiser': Purses with Purpose, etc. at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth. Nearly 350 people will bid on donated purses and accessories during the much-anticipated silent and live auction."

Here are some photos of my plain purse being transformed into a duct-tape wonder!

The plain purse...untouched by my crafty hands (well, ok, I did touch it...and stare at it for weeks trying to figure out what to do with it!)

I finally had some inspiration last night while at Jo-Ann Fabrics with a friend (Hi, April!). She talked me out of the pink tape...I guess I'm ok with that.

Here's the front...I had it plain purple for a while and then decided to try cutting out a wee little cupcake. And then I glued a vintage red glass cabochon on it for a cherry! No, if you know me, you know I don't go for the cherr-on-the-cupcake look...but YOU try cutting sprinkles out of duct tape!
The inside is the same bright blue as the cupcake "outline."

All done! Hooray!

Missing something...?

2009-04-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well, you tell me. I made a few pairs of earrings last week while I was home with my parents, and I like how these turned out but I also am not sure if I should add to them or not. So...

I'm debating putting a small crystal or pearl into the center of the brass rose...or leaving it open.

On these...maybe I like 'em as is...or maybe they're too open. You tell me!

Leave me a comment!! =)

Hey, lookit that!

2009-04-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Easter is just around the corner...so I decided it was time to add some bunnies to my BunnyBeads shop =) Fitting, eh?

Check out the Etsy Maine Team's blog, where I am the featured artist of the month! Yaaaaaay!
http://etsymaineteam.blogspot.com/
So exciting! Thanks Maine Team loves!

Check back later in the week! I will be posting pictures of fellow Maine Teamers' work in a Newburyport, MA boutique, Sisters We Three. Bob of Heron Cove Wodcarving and Casie of Littleput Land each had a lovely display and I was so glad to be there for the grand opening of the shop!
I'm also going to be posting my progress on a project for the Ronald McDonald House of Portland, I'm decorating a small wooden purse for it. Fun!

Springtime!

2009-03-29T08:57:00.001-07:00

It may be gloomy and rainy outside, but Spring has sprung...at least in my mind.

Here's a sneak peek at some items coming soon to BunnyBaubles and BunnyBeads!

For your hair: vintage plastic daisies in fun colors? Yes please!

Check out the awesome misty greens! Vintage metal and seaweed quartz.

How fun! I've also got some bright blues and pinks making appearances this week...great stuff to take you from Spring through Summer and right into Fall. Lots of vintage metals mixed with crystal and stone, coming your way!

Whoops!

2009-03-18T11:58:00.001-07:00

It's been too long!

I have been in a mental and creative funk lately. Don't ask me why, I wish I knew! The hubby is off in Japan right now, so that definitely is a par of it...but the rest? I can't explain. I have been making a list, though, of things I want to start doing, or at least try to do! Why not?

I have four months left here in beautiful Maine and I plan to take full advantage of them. Spring's coming, which is inspiring in itself. The flowers are just itching to come out and once my world turns from white and brown to a multicolored wonderland I know it will be just a matter of time before the ideas come pouring out my my head.

Got any ideas for me? Let me know =)

Bad Blogger!

2009-02-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

OK, I haven't been keeping up with this as much as I should!! I just have been in a creative funk lately......and my husband just left for a month overseas so I'm a little bummed out!

He has our camera so I am shopping for a newer, nicer one to use for my shops. I have some new barrettes and bobbies made and I can't post them without taking some pictures!! Kristin from Burnt Meadow Beads and I went out on a camera hunt yesterday, but the two we liked best for the price were out of stock! Just my luck! If I ever get out of my PJs today I will go to my local Best Buy and hope they are in stock there...or maybe I will just stay in my PJs all day and shop online!

I got some new vintage parts yesterday...more earrings to come soon! Hoping to get the creative juices flowing again!

What's new?

2009-02-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

Hey Blogland! It's been a while and I'm sorry I haven't been around. I haven't been feeling too great, there has been a cold running around and also a nasty stomach virus everyone has been getting and I think I got a little of each. Yuck! I feel a lot better now, though.

I was also absent for a few days because of a mini-vacation to Florida! I flew with Matt and some guys from his squadron down to Jacksonville last week...it was a short but eventful trip. I got to see my darling friend Andrew for the first time since 2002! We went to high school together, and he was my first high school crush, even after I discovered he was gay and would never be interested in little teenaged me =) He's such a sweetheart.

Hugging outside my hotel =) Andrew lives in Daytona now, so he drove up to visit me and Matt. Hooray!

Here's another couple pics, me and Matt on the plane (A C-130 Hercules) and me fake-flying as "Co-Pilot"

What's new in the Etsy World? Well I'm currently making some new bobbies and barrettes for BunnyBaubles, and I just finished up some sweet new earrings for Bunny Beads. I used almost all vintage metals, they're really cool and elegant. Love!

Matt leaves for Japan next week, the day after our anniversary. We celebrate two years of wedded bliss on Mardi Gras...a triple-good excuse for a party night, I think! I'll be sad to see him leave and at the same time I can't wait for next Tuesday! Yikes!

Until next time...

Yikes!

2009-02-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Well I won't be around much this week! I'm making a last-minute trip to Jacksonville, FL, our future home! We are moving in August and we're trying to get there any chance we can to check out the area and find housing that's not terrible. We'll be in the last of about five or six shifts of folks moving down there this year as NAS Brunswick closes and relocates to Jax...so I feel like we are at a disadvantage for finding a home! Yikes!!

And one more YIKES! We just found out I can go about an hour ago...so I gotta pack! I gotta shave my legs! And I gotta RUN cuz we're leaving in less than twelve hours!!

See you Friday! <3

Jackdog

2009-02-07T13:16:00.001-08:00

I posted a little while back about my dog's new favorite place: the daybed. That's Jack up there, watching the neighbors walking to their homes, cars, wherever. He's completely entertained by it, and I'm like wise entertained by him.

Jack also likes to play Wii games with us. Well, mainly he likes to try to get the remote from us and mess up our scores. Such a sweet pup =)

Check out Kaholly's blog, where she shows off my Beach Barrette! Everyone up here is so tired of being COLD! Think Spring!

Off to play some Wii Billiards =) I'm not very good, but I blame it on Jack =)

Fresh start

2009-02-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I just finished reorganizing one-third of my crafting and Etsy things. Wahoo! The desk in the office is now 100% clean and clutter-free! This is my "shipping center," so to speak. Tissue, bubble wrap, mailers, boxes, tape, business cards, gift bags and gift boxes (my cool handmade ones from AngiesOthers!), pens, pencils, markers...yikes! It's now also home to all my finished pieces, from all shops...bobby pins and barrettes, earrings, necklaces, bracelets. All the wine charms and stoppers are here, too, stored in wine glasses =)

Everything's nice and tidy, within reach, and not buried under a pile of beads, fibers, and empty baggies. Yay!
Now, how long is it gonna stay this way?? ;)

Now that I have space to THINK, I have three things for y'all to check out!

1. Check out my pal Angie's blog, where BunnyBeads gets a nod: http://sudsnsuch.blogspot.com/

2. Check out ShanaLogic.com, where my Orange Creamsicle Bobbies have been redubbed Tangerine Dream =) 10% of proceeds from the sales of Shana's Fashion Fundraiser go to the ASPCA! I'm glad to have my product in that group!!

3. Check out my shop BunnyBaubles, where I have posted the coolest and craziest barrette and some rockin' guitar pick bobbies. So fun! (They sold!! Good thing I can make more, so I just relisted them! YAY!)

How do I love Etsy? Let me count the ways...A Valentine Gift Guide.

2009-02-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Etsy. I can sell my jewelry and hair accessories there, meet new friends there, buy some of the best items I have ever bought there...and it's time to pay tribute to the makers of those fabulous items. Need a great last-minute Valentine's Day gift? Well check out these shops for some great buys...They've got the Bunny Stamp of Awesome!

First and foremost I have to show some love to Peggy of ThreeBridgesSewingCo and Treasure Scents. I have bought more from her than anyone else, and she makes some spectacular things...I bought my adorable Berry Pleased To Meet You business card holder from her and have gotten so many compliments. Originally made in brown, I asked Peggy if she could make a pink one for me and she did...within a DAY. It is awesome! Kristin also ordered one, a custom-design with polka-dots to match her business cards. How cute?
Peggy is truly wonderful with her designs and custom creations. Her creativity is through the roof, her talent is exceptional, and her work is prize-worthy. On top of all that, Peggy is like a mother hen to us Maine Teamers on Etsy...always helpful, always sweet, always ready to lend a hand...she even sent me a secret family recipe! Shh! Don't tell... =)
My pick for a great Valentine's Gift? One of her pink heart-shaped lavender sachets:

I have one of this design, she also offers others!

Second on my list is the afore-mentioned Kristin, of BurntMeadowBeads. I am a jewelry seller so technically my darling friend Kristin would be competition...but there is just no matching her creativity, quality, and flair! Check out her adorable Fairy Flower line in her shop! Bracelets, earrings, pins...and really sweet magnet sets. Kristin definitely has an eye for color and fun!
My Valentine suggestion? A Fairy Flower Pin:

This beauty is called "Love Grows," and it's easily put on a chain to be worn as a pendant as well as a brooch! Perfect and pretty!

Moving along, here's to the real sweets! You all must know that I am a chocoholic, and I'm not ashamed of it! I recently ordered some chocolates from Denise's shop LittleSnowflakes for my husband's Valentine's gift...I hope they last til Valentine's Day! just looking through Denise's shop makes my mouth water...cookies, candies, fudge...PUMPKIN fudge at that! I need to taste all of these! Denise sent out some freebies to me, as a thank you with my order, and I cannot stop raving aboout these goodies! Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles...these have got to be the best invention ever! The three over-stuffed truffles I got were gone in a blink, and let me tell you that I have a cavity in one tooth that has been killing me but NOTHING could stop me from devouring all three! I want to rip open the chocolates I bought for Matt and have a taste now!
Order yours by February 6th to ensure delivery in time for Valentine's Day! And if you're a cookie-dough lover like me, let me suggest the delicious truffles:

Don't forget Denise's delectable choco-peanut butter hearts, too! Too cute to pass up for Valentine's day!

Do you also know that I am a soap-lover? Angie, who makes my gift boxes for my jewelry, also makes soaps. her two shops are Suds N Such and Angie's Others. Her soaps are fantastic. There's a selection of wonderful-to-smell bars and wonderful-for-your-skin bars and everything in-between! I have started using her facial bars, tomato at night and cucumber in the morning...my skin is definitely improved! Much less dry, much clearer, much better! The best cure for winter-dry skin? Her Calendula bars. Now, I started calling my sister Carolyn, AKA Cal, "Calendula" several years ago, and kind of bought the Calendula Bar of soap as a gag for her this Christmas. But when I got the sample from Angie, I was blown away. This bar does wonders for the skin! I went back for more, getting soaps for my friends and cousins. My cousin Caitlin and I love singing The Pina Colada Song, so what better than Pina Colada soap??
Well, what should you buy your Valentine? Pucker up and buy some of these sweet strawberry-scented "soap pops":

Check out her creative Soaps-To-Go, too! Angie's got a sale going on until Monday the 9th, so buy 'em up quick!

Now, what to get for the arteeeeest in your life? Check out Jamie Ribisi-Braley's shop for some great artwork and encaustic paints! I wish I had painting talent, then I would buy some paints for myself! Alas, I lack the ability to do much more than doodle stick figures.
Jamie's got a series she is working on, Ghosts of the Past. Here's one. She uses Civil War photos from the National Archives, layers wax and pigment over the images, and creates beautiful and haunting pieces. Got a Civil War buff who's also into art? Check 'em out! These are even more wonderful in person. I wonder if I could commission her to do a Civil War/Steelers painting for my Uncle Dan? hmmm...
My pick from her shop for your Valentine? This gorgeous painting:

I recently stayed with Jamie and her husband and her twin sister, Joy, at their soon-to-be artist's retreat B&B in Manchester, Maine. That painting hung over the bed I slept in and it was a pleasant sight to see upon waking up! On a budget? Check out the art necklace in Jamie's shop, featuring this painting.

Whew! That's a long post, so I'll stop for now! With Valentine's Day coming up I've just gotta show the love!

Busybunny

2009-02-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Just another quick post...

Last week I mentioned that I sold a bunch of bobby pins to ShanaLogic.com...

There they are! I shipped them off today, but not before taking a few photos...BOBBY PIN ARMY!! They'll attack you and fill you full of cute!

My office will forever smell like glue =) I love these guys, they are adorable. Kind of like Shana Logic! Where else can I find a bunch of cupcake and bunny items? (OK, Etsy...but a lot of Etsians are on her site too!)

BunnyBaubles now has all the bobbies and other assorted hair goodies brought over from BunnyBeads! I bought up some new cabs today so look for new bobbies and some barrettes soon (like tomorrow!)

America's Next Top Hand Model

2009-02-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

What did I accomplish at the Etsy Maine Team's Sweetland Retreat sleepover? Some new photos at BunnyBaubles and some hand modeling. Yup!

Check out my hands here: Helping Hands Pottery. Kim's new diorama rings are a collaboration of Kim's clay sculpture and Jenn of Quench Metal Works' silver rings, photographed by Joy of Constant Galore and RibsMalone, and modeled by me! =)

Lots of fun had by all! Hopefully get some photos up here soon =)

Snow Day

2009-01-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

It was a snowy one up here today! Cold and snowy! I went down to Freeport to buy some cookie cutters for the BunnyBakes gift baskets...I was out of breath walking out in that cold, uphill, sliding on ice under snow...yikes! I love the snow, but I don't love walking uphill in it! Huff, huff, huff!

I have some exciting news today! I'm soon to be shipping off some bobby pins to Shana Logic, one of my favorite Indie online stores. I have some items from there and loads of Etsians sell there as well. I'm really excited! Two of my bobby pin styles will be offered, the Pink Peppermint and Orange Creamsicle. Yay!

Another exciting thing today...I heard back from Stringing Magazine! I had sent them photos of three pairs of earrings and one necklace via email. If they like what they see in the email they'll write back asking you to send the items in so they can judge in person. So I made it to "Round 2," they want to see the necklace and one pair of earrings. This is all for the Fall 2009 issue, so it will be a while before I hear back from them or see anything published, but it would be great to get some exposure!

To add to my already excitement-filled day, I have officially opened my two new Etsy shops! Three "Bunny" shops, yikes!

BunnyBakes is my shop for all thing baking! My plan for this shop will eventually include actual baked goods and recipes...but for now I'm stocking it with gift baskets made with bakers in mind and blank handmade recipe cards. I really dislike recipe cards that have all that junk written on them..."from the kitchen of," "oven temp," "bake time," even the ones that just have a space for ingredients! What if I'm not baking something, or what if there is no set time? Wasted space, in my opinion. So my cards have some stamped-on decor and lots of blank lines!
I like 'em! I hand-draw the lines, no printing process for me! Time-consuming but a labor of love =) Plus I think they look cute this way!

And on to Shop Number Three! BunnyBaubles is where all the old hair accessories from BunnyBeads are going to live, as well as some new creations. I'm currently still in the process of moving items from one shop to the other, and it's time-consuming so I'm taking a break...until tomorrow! I have some new cabochons to glue onto bobby pin bases and also some ponytail enhancers coming soon! Anyone need some hair bling? =)

Last item on tonight's Blog Agenda...check out this apron I had custom-made for me! I can't wait til it arrives!! Too cute.

Happy snow, everyone!

Birthday gifts and gift baskets...

2009-01-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my parents came to visit and we celebrated my dad's birthday a bit early. We had a great afternoon...Mom and Matt played Abalone, an obscure game Matt had wanted for a while which my mother found online and gave to him for Christmas. Dad got some goodies, but I think his favorite was the "Maine Moose Cake" I made him. We had a late lunch at the Azure Cafe (my fav!) in Freeport and came home for cake. It was a pretty yummy day!

My parents brought my old daybed with them, so Matt and I re-arranged the office today and set up the bed. We got some new sheets, a quilt, pillows, and the softest throw blanket EVER. My big, green, stuffed sheep Sebastian fits nicely there.

The office doesn't look too bad with a bed in it! Crowded, but ok. I now have all my beading tables and supplies in the living room, and my paper goods and shipping/packaging supplies on the second desk in the office.
I am hoping this re-arrange will make things easier for managing multiple Etsy shops. The office/guest bedroom is home to our big desk with desktop computer, my small desk (seen below), Matt's bass/amp/effects pedals, my keyboard and its stand, Matt's CD collection (we're in need of new storage for them!!), a big bookcase, and the daybed.

Luckily the instruments fit under the bed for storage, but those CD shelves have got to go and the amp is crowded right up next to my desk, the bed is right next to the book shelf, and there is just enough room at the other end of the bed for the big desk chair for the computer area. Yikes!

I doubt this is very feng-shui...but I do hope to finish up the Valentine gift baskets and have them listed on BunnyBakes tomorrow. I have some supplies ready for other holidays and events, but not enough yet...so just Valentine for now. I got busy making recipe cards today, I drew the lines individually by hand and decorated with rubber stamps. Check 'em out and tell me what you think!I've also got some new jewelry made for BunnyBeads so keep an eye out, once pictures are taken later in the week they will be listed!

Excited

2009-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

It's been another wonderful week here in Bunnyland! I've been keeping busy, hence I haven't written in almost a week!

Monday's Etsy Maine Team meeting was a blast...we went art supply shopping and lunched at Pedro O'Hara's in Brunswick, and ended with gelato...mmmm. Kellie made us all awesome Maine team keychains and we got to meet the little mastermind behind MySpiderLegs, an 8-year-old arteest! Oh, and torrone gelato...devine!
Tuesday's inauguration made me cry happy tears, as a history buff the back-to-back MLK Day and Inauguration Day was almost too much to handle! The whole thing made me miss DC and I can't wait to take a trip down to Virgina again and see my family in Alexandria as well as show my husband around town--he's never been! We discussed it a bit over a celebratory dinner date Tuesday evening.
I went bowling just last night with some of my former co-workers and had a blast. An hour of bowling followed by three hours of chatter at Tim Horton's? Perfect in my book.

On the job front...I've got a possible gig as a Nanny coming up. NannyBunny! That would be fun. I also started applying at....dun dun DUNNNN...dry cleaners. My dad is a dry cleaner, I grew up at a dry cleaner's, I know how the business works. I need something to do with my time until we move in August, and I am not about to go back into retail just yet...I do love working retail...I like to help customers, set up a display, learn about new products...I'm good at it. I'm not good at dealing with the BS that comes with a poorly-managed shop, though. Anyone remember Sheena? Ugh.

On that note, it's time to get out of my house! Until next time...

Someone's having the BEST WEEK EVER!!

2009-01-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

Well, if you don't watch much VH1 you may not get the title reference =) But no matter, this has been a pretty great week! I already blogged about our fun visit with Nick, and the following day I did a little more Maine Team shopping and got this pretty sachet from Peggy at TreasureScents. I spent the evening with Kristin beading taking pictures of some new Valentine's Day items for my shop.

Matt and I had lunch with Lauren on Friday in Yarmouth, the same day I received my beautiful ring from QuenchMetalWorks as well as some goodies made from recycled Cherry Coke cans from another etsy user, FunkyRecycling. I won a contest that evening, thanks to etsy shop CupcakeTree. Check out her blog and what I won here. Super cute, right? =)

Today (well, Saturday) I got my Netflix movies, so Matt and I spent most of the day sleeping and watching movies (he is working 12-hour night shifts, so our sleep schedule is a mess) and after he left for work I got to work dismantling the Christmas tree and decor and re-arranging the living room. It's good to have space back! Soon the Valentine stuff will be going up =)

To end my week of fun, I found myself featured in two etsy Treasuries. Check them out here and here! And to start of this new week on a good note...well it's already Sunday! And Monday I have an Etsy Maine Team meet-up downtown for art supply shopping and lunch with some fellow team members. Good stuff in my book!

Old Friends and All-Nighters

2009-01-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

My husband's best friend in the Navy, Nick, came through town last night. Nick was Matt's best man when we got married (And Matt was Nick's, but that's a whole other story) They met in New Orleans and lived in neighboring barracks buildings, and we even lived next door to each other after we all were married off, in little duplexes off base. When Matt got orders to Maine and Nick got orders to Texas it was a little heartbreaking...but the boys have kept in touch as much as guys like them do, and all's well.
I wish it could have been under better circumstances that we got to see Nick, but he had a death in the family and had emergency leave to come home from Bahrain. He basically flight-hopped across Europe, making stops in Italy, Portugal, and Iceland on the way (Maybe Germany too...I forget). Nick finally ended up at NAS Brunswick, Maine, of all places, and we couldn't have been happier to see him. It had been almost two years!

Having never been to Maine before, this was not exactly an ideal time for Nick's visit. It was dark, freezing cold, and we had only twelve hours to spend together. So what could we do? Matt worked until midnight, so there was no place to go for a couple drinks or sightseeing after that...

Well, there was one place...

I absolutely love the fact that L.L. Bean is open 24 hours. There aren't even locks on the doors. Nick said he needed socks (in his rush to pack he packed one pair of socks, which he threw away at our house) so off we went to Bean's at 1AM! The place was, of course, deserted. We had the run of the store and tons of fun checking out the merchandise, the sales, and the shoes. Nick got his socks (and two pairs of shoes, a shirt, some postcards...) and I got my maple sugar candy and blueberry syrup. There was free coffee and an extremely friendly and helpful man who brought out dozens of pairs of shoes for Matt and Nick to test out. We found some trout swimming in the fish pond, tested out bison-hide boots, searched the after-holiday deals, and found some really cool alarm clocks. After the experience that is L.L. Bean ("wait, there are three floors in here?" "Nick, there are three other STORES in here!") we headed to the next 24-hour place...

We joined a New Jersey man studying several books, two Brunswick cops, and the two-person staff at Tim Horton's for a 3AM cup of coffee and sandwich. After an hour there, it really was time to head home. Nick had to repack his bags and leave by 6AM to catch a flight to Detroit, and then drive home to Ft. Worth, TX with his family. I fell asleep watching some true-life story of a man who crashed his small plane in the bush of Africa and broke his legs and nearly died 18 times. I think Matt and Nick shot the shit til it was time to catch Nick's flight. I very sleepily said goodbye, rolled over on the couch and slept until 2PM. And now it's time for pancakes with blueberry syrup and to get back to the ho-hum life. =)

Miss ya, Nick!

Nick and his twin kids, Austin and Abby =)

Jobsearch

2009-01-13T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been working a lot on my unemployment claims...having never done something like that (having never been laid off before) am totally lost. The state sent me a good twelve envelopes in one day and I immediately felt overwhelmed. Ugh! I got it all figured out, though. Hopefully I won;t need to keep filing weekly claims for much longer...

I applied for a job at Jo-Ann Fabric yesterday, which would be awesome if I could work there. They must have a decent employee discount...I spend so much money there on cupcake and baking items, holiday decorations, new hobbies and old...so I'm excited and hopeful. The woman i spoke with said they were looking to hire this week, so I nabbed an application and filled it out over dinner with Matt at Ruby Tuesday (thanks to cousin Caitlin for the birthday gift card, dinner cost twenty cents!) and I brought it right back. The two places are within walking distance at the Topsham Fair Mall. Keep your fingers crossed for me, Jo-Ann is at the top of my list!

In Etsy-news, I have commissioned a fellow seller to make me a rubber stamp for the recipe cards I'll be making. Their shop is really cute, I'll post a link after I get my stamps =)
I'm looking forward to getting some projects done for BunnyBakes! I can't wait to get it up and running. My first two projects are Valentine's themed, they'll be adorable and awesome. Yaaaay! So excited!

Happy Tuesday Evening to you all...

BunnyBakes

2009-01-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I am sitting here on my couch watching the Golden Globes and snacking on chocolates...KitKats, Ghirardelli squares, and these truffles from Starbucks. All holiday leftovers that I decided needed to be eaten. I am so healthy...not.

So! I have decided to start a second Etsy shop! I'm calling it BunnyBakes and I'll be selling cute handmade recipe cards to start, hopefully adding embellished albums to hold the recipe cards and maybe boxes as well. My mother gave me the idea to make gift baskets with actual cookie recipes, a cookie cutter, and maybe some kitchen gadgets that match. I could probably move my wine stoppers and wine charms into this shop at some point, and keep BunnyBeads as a shop for just jewelry and accessories--comment to let me know what you think of that, please!

Eventually I'd also like to sell several varieties of my biscotti and cookies from BunnyBakes. I think the licensing is a lot to go through now, though. We may be moving as soon as April or as late as August, so I think I will hold off until we're settled in Florida.

I already have the shop itself set up and I'm hoping to get started on making items for it this week! It should be fun! Let me know if you have any ideas, I would love to know what you think!

I'd like to point out rght now that I just re-read my first paragraph and had written the phrase "as well" five times. Editing now....and throwing out these Starbucks chocolates. They're really gross! Ugh, I need to go brush my teeth. Goodnight, Maine!

Snow and Ice

2009-01-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

There is a huge full moon tonight with a halo around it, caused by light going through ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. It's so pretty! I wish I could have gotten a better photo.

I absolutely love winter. Snow, ice, cozy nights on the couch with hot chocolate! Warm mittens and hats! The beauty of snowflakes! Clear, bright nights! It's one of my favorite seasons (ok, they're all my favorite). We're supposed to get up to six inches of snow tonight and it can't start soon enough. I'm hoping to get some snowshoeing in tomorrow while Matt is at work, and I saw an article today in the Patroller (a Navy newspaper for our base) that there are snowshoe rentals on the base...which means I am dragging Matt out with me on Monday!

I love those bobby pins. I wish I had more than one pair...but that's all that was left of those snowshoe charms! Lauren, my friend and these pins' namesake, was over to the apartment today for Ravioli Making. I have to capitalize that, because there is so much more to making these Ravs than to throwing some frozen ones in a pot of boiling water and adding some Prego from a jar. It's my family's recipe, I don't know who it originated with. We mainly eat these ravs for special occasions (Christmas, etc) but I love them too much to only have them once or twice a year! They are made with homemade pasta dough and a filling made of cheese, spinach, pork, and beef. Delicious!
Lauren had never made her own pasta, let alone a huge dish. So together we made homemade sauce and the Ravs (though hers were minus the meat) and had lots of fun doing it. Of course I overstuffed the Ravs and the leftovers are going to be Ravioli Muck (something poor Matt has enjoyed a few times too many...they still taste good! They just aren't so pretty...) Lauren also made a pie for her friend's birthday (I would LOVE a birthday pie, FYI) and a mini turnover for us to share (one bite each!)
It was a great afternoon, lots of laughing, smiles, and food. Hopefully we can get together later this week before she leaves for Spring Semester. Kristin at Burnt Meadow Beads is also due for a visit, so maybe we can get some beading in?? Look for more items in my shop soon...and check out some of those links throughout this post...you'll see some great items not only from my shop but from some of the Etsy Maine Team's wonderful shops as well!

=)

Waiting Game

2009-01-09T19:33:00.001-08:00

It seems like I've been doing a whole lot of waiting lately.
I was waiting for months for the new season of Psych to start (and I'm blogging while the premiere is on??)
I'm currently waiting for Matt to come home from work,
for the oven to preheat,
for the laundry to finish drying (and fold itself),
and for a job to magically fall into my lap.

Ohhh, a job. I have been checking Craigslist, but I haven't done much else. I've replied to a bunch of Nanny Wanted listings, but not much else. There are a lot more listings for stuff I can't do...like hang wallpaper and be a no-strings romantic companion for a man in South Portland...than for things I can do.
I found my last job on Craigslist, kind of quickly and out of the blue...so I had similar hopes for my next job. No such luck during Week One. I need to get out in town and start filling out massive amounts of applications...pronto. I'm getting cabin fever...I can only cook so much, make so many pairs of earrings, move the furniture so many times...ugh. I've had a couple Etsy sales this week and I've been working a lot on improving my shop. I've also been considering joining other selling sites...jury is still out on that one.

Well, the oven's preheated, one less thing to wait for...and one more. Frozen pizza, anyone? I like to think that by making dinner Matt will magically be released from work and come home. It doesn't usually work. Actually, it doesn't ever work. Waiting...

Blogging: Day Two

2009-01-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Honestly, not much has happened since last night's blog...but I did list some new wine charms on my etsy and I also figured out how to post pictures of the best ice cream ever...look how cute the choco bunny is!! (Yes, that's a bunny)

New year, new things...

2009-01-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Hello there! I guess 2009 is certainly underway and one of my resolutions this year was to start a blog. I'm a week late, but I'm here nonetheless!

So now that I'm here, I should introduce myself. I'm Drea, AKA Bunny. Nice to meet you! I'm a twenty-four-year-old living with my husband (Matt) and dog (Jack) and fish (Franklin) in Maine. Matt is in the US Navy, and I was recently laid off so I'm a full-time at-home beader, for now. I sell my beaded goodies in my etsy shop, BunnyBeads...lots of earrings, a few necklaces, hairpins, wine stoppers and wine charms...oh and a bracelet or two. It's fun and a good way to make a little income--my way =) I'm a member of the Etsy Maine Team, where I have met loads of lovely Maine artists and crafters who are all awesome!

Aside from beading, I love baking, cooking, reading, playing with Jackdog, playing MarioKart with Matt on our N64 (old school!), and drinking CherryCoke like it's a religion. It's a pretty good life! Right now it's cold and snowy up here in Vacationland, but I'm cozy in my sweatshirt and LL Bean slippers. Cozy enough to be eating ice cream! Can you believe they make BUNNY ICE CREAM?? Best flavor, ever! Once I learn how to put photos up on this blog-do-dad, I am posting a picture of my Bunny Dessert! (Yes, I broke out the camera for this)

Before I rattle on about nothing even more, I'm gonna run! More tomorrow (let's hope I keep this baby up!)

Until next time...
-Drea