Greetings everyone!
The Christmas holiday is now fast approaching and in 12 days, families here will be cheerfully opening packages. I'm getting a late start on my planning and shopping, but once my husband begins his vacation, we'll be adding to the economy!
For those who have ordered Memory Bears as gifts, they are all on their way. I have several orders that will be completed after the holidays, but once these are completed, I won't be making Memory Bears except for charitable donations, such as the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots. This is one cause that is near and dear to my heart.
The great news is I'll be devoting a lot more time to digitizing designs from all the art work I've purchased over the past year. I really miss digitizing new designs and I'm looking forward to it again. I've even created my new Yahoo group for machine embroiderers to promote my designs.
I'll also have some extra time to work on some of the gourd art I love to do. There are several started gourds on my shelf that are waiting to be completed, so I'm looking forward to that as well.
And of course, I'll be adding new gift ideas to the various pages for shoppers who are looking for something unique. They will feature in-stock designs as well as my new designs as they become available.
I'd like to take this time to wish all of you a very happy Holiday season! May you enjoy good health and happiness throughout the season and all the best of everything in 2010!
Shari
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Memory Bears and Site Updates
Greetings everyone,
I haven't posted to the blog for a while because I've been so busy, but I hadn't realized how much time had passed since my last post. Lots of things have been happening and with the holidays fast approaching, the next 6+ weeks will be equally as busy.
One thing you will notice when you visit the site is that the Memory Bears page has been removed. I've been making Memory Bears for 16 years and have enjoyed creating these for families very much. I have orders that will take me through February, but once those bears are all sent home to their families, I won't be taking new orders for a while. This was a difficult decision to make because so many families I have made bears for continue to refer others to me. My bears have always been very special to me, and I am humbled by all the wonderful letters and emails of praise from families who have received them. Unfortunately, because of all the time I spend on orders, other things have had to be pushed to the "back burner". I need to take a bit of a break for now and work on some of these other things I love so I can re-energize myself.
Two pages have been updated with items and I hope you'll take a look when you have some time. The Holidays page has been updated with a cute gift item for those who like to bring a bottle of wine or champagne as a hostess gift, or even as a "Secret Santa" gift. The apron set features an embroidered wine bottle apron and chef hat. The apron can be embroidered with a holiday or other occasion design, or a monogram. The set is priced affordably for even the modest of budgets.
The Kitchen Decor page has also been updated with a new set of towels in a theme for those who like Southwestern pottery. Also, a fun apron design has been added based on a Jimmy Buffet and Alan Jackson song "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere". The displayed design illustrates the text in a variegated thread color, but the color can be any you prefer. My husband really liked this one and he doesn't normally get too excited about aprons!
My plans in the Spring were to finish off a design set I was working on and have it ready by June. Unfortunately, due to my schedule of orders, that set hasn't been completed yet. I am hopeful that I'll be able to get back to them shortly after the holidays.
We will be out of town for a brief get-away between November 13 and 22, so if you contact me through email, I'll reply as soon as we return. In the meantime, I'd like to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday. I know I have a great many things to be thankful for and I feel very blessed.
Take care and God bless you,
Shari
I haven't posted to the blog for a while because I've been so busy, but I hadn't realized how much time had passed since my last post. Lots of things have been happening and with the holidays fast approaching, the next 6+ weeks will be equally as busy.
One thing you will notice when you visit the site is that the Memory Bears page has been removed. I've been making Memory Bears for 16 years and have enjoyed creating these for families very much. I have orders that will take me through February, but once those bears are all sent home to their families, I won't be taking new orders for a while. This was a difficult decision to make because so many families I have made bears for continue to refer others to me. My bears have always been very special to me, and I am humbled by all the wonderful letters and emails of praise from families who have received them. Unfortunately, because of all the time I spend on orders, other things have had to be pushed to the "back burner". I need to take a bit of a break for now and work on some of these other things I love so I can re-energize myself.
Two pages have been updated with items and I hope you'll take a look when you have some time. The Holidays page has been updated with a cute gift item for those who like to bring a bottle of wine or champagne as a hostess gift, or even as a "Secret Santa" gift. The apron set features an embroidered wine bottle apron and chef hat. The apron can be embroidered with a holiday or other occasion design, or a monogram. The set is priced affordably for even the modest of budgets.
The Kitchen Decor page has also been updated with a new set of towels in a theme for those who like Southwestern pottery. Also, a fun apron design has been added based on a Jimmy Buffet and Alan Jackson song "It's 5 o'clock Somewhere". The displayed design illustrates the text in a variegated thread color, but the color can be any you prefer. My husband really liked this one and he doesn't normally get too excited about aprons!
My plans in the Spring were to finish off a design set I was working on and have it ready by June. Unfortunately, due to my schedule of orders, that set hasn't been completed yet. I am hopeful that I'll be able to get back to them shortly after the holidays.
We will be out of town for a brief get-away between November 13 and 22, so if you contact me through email, I'll reply as soon as we return. In the meantime, I'd like to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving holiday. I know I have a great many things to be thankful for and I feel very blessed.
Take care and God bless you,
Shari
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
New Home Decor and Gifts Updates
Is summer really nearly over? It seems to have gone by so quickly. I hope your summer has been enjoyable and that warm sunny weather continues for a while so you can enjoy the outdoors a while longer.
August has been a pretty busy month. We have events that we participate in during August, so I've been busy creating some additional gift items to tempt those that shop in our booth. And of course, there have been new Memory Bears for families added to the site.
I love baskets and am always in the hunt to find new patterns to weave. Two new baskets have been added to the Baskets & Gourds page - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/baskets-gourds.html - the Smokey Mountain Storage Basket and the Black and Natural Curly Basket. A couple more new baskets are in the works right now and I'll be adding those when they're completed. Scroll down the page to see something else I'm working on - a moose antler I'm carving that will be incorporated with a pine needle basket. This one will take a little while to complete as carving isn't a process that can be rushed, especially with moose antler!
Also added on the Kitchen Decor page - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/kitchen-decor.html are some new towel sets. These make wonderful additions to your kitchen or great holiday gifts. We use good quality cotton that is laundered to reduce further shrinking, then cut and machine finish the edges and embroider. Most towels measure 26" long and 14" wide and really do a great job soaking up the water when hand drying dishes.
Did you know that Christmas is only 3 months away? We are already receiving inquiries for gift items for the holidays, so if you have something in mind, don't wait too long! Machine lace ornaments are wonderful for creating new traditions during the holidays and are the perfect touch to any holiday decor. Maybe you know someone who has just moved into their first home or apartment and is in need of holiday decorations. Why not give them a special gift that can't be found in the same stores everyone else shops? You'll find the lace ornaments on the Holidays page - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/holidays.html .
Wishing you a great ending to your summer!
Shari
August has been a pretty busy month. We have events that we participate in during August, so I've been busy creating some additional gift items to tempt those that shop in our booth. And of course, there have been new Memory Bears for families added to the site.
I love baskets and am always in the hunt to find new patterns to weave. Two new baskets have been added to the Baskets & Gourds page - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/baskets-gourds.html - the Smokey Mountain Storage Basket and the Black and Natural Curly Basket. A couple more new baskets are in the works right now and I'll be adding those when they're completed. Scroll down the page to see something else I'm working on - a moose antler I'm carving that will be incorporated with a pine needle basket. This one will take a little while to complete as carving isn't a process that can be rushed, especially with moose antler!
Also added on the Kitchen Decor page - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/kitchen-decor.html are some new towel sets. These make wonderful additions to your kitchen or great holiday gifts. We use good quality cotton that is laundered to reduce further shrinking, then cut and machine finish the edges and embroider. Most towels measure 26" long and 14" wide and really do a great job soaking up the water when hand drying dishes.
Did you know that Christmas is only 3 months away? We are already receiving inquiries for gift items for the holidays, so if you have something in mind, don't wait too long! Machine lace ornaments are wonderful for creating new traditions during the holidays and are the perfect touch to any holiday decor. Maybe you know someone who has just moved into their first home or apartment and is in need of holiday decorations. Why not give them a special gift that can't be found in the same stores everyone else shops? You'll find the lace ornaments on the Holidays page - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/holidays.html .
Wishing you a great ending to your summer!
Shari
Friday, July 24, 2009
New Updates for Memory Bears and Home Decor Pages
Greetings!
It's been so busy around our shop lately that I haven't had a chance to update the web site with some new photos or even post to the blog. I hope your summer finds you enjoying time with your families and taking in the splendor of the great outdoors. It seems that the summer goes by so quickly, especially when our winters seem to extend well into abbreviated spring seasons.
I've uploaded some photos of new Memory Bears I've created for some really terrific families. It's sad to talk with families who've lost someone, but I truly enjoy getting to know these wonderful people and learning about the loved one they've put to rest. My heart and prayers go out to each and every one of you.
There are times, even when it's very busy, that I just need to escape into another hobby or activity I enjoy. Sometimes we need that diversion so we can feel re-energized. A couple of weekends ago, I decided I needed such a diversion and went hunting for my carving tools and the moose antler I had tucked away for a special project. You might say it was calling to me for some attention. And yes, you read that correctly...a moose antler!
For several hours, I enjoyed the hum of my carving tools while the mild breeze helped blow away the dust created from carving on this incredible gift of nature. I have always been fascinated by antler carvings and although I never dreamed I would become a professional, I do love to watch as etchings in the bone become distinguishable objects. Although I do have my heart set on an elaborate carving of some sort someday, for now I'm happy with the realistic feathers and animal tracks I carve into antler.
This particular antler is eventually going to be part of a free form pine needle basket that I've already started. The base of the basket has an inlaid agate in the most beautiful shade of sea/ocean green. Once I got to a certain point with the basket, I needed to set it aside until the antler was completed so that I could determine the continued shaping for the basket. I have no idea how this basket will end up taking shape, but that's the beauty of this craft.
If you'd like to see my progress with the antler, check out the images on the lower part of the page here - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/baskets-gourds.html . As I get further along with the carving, I'll take new pictures and upload them.
In the meantime, take care of yourself and those you love!
Shari
It's been so busy around our shop lately that I haven't had a chance to update the web site with some new photos or even post to the blog. I hope your summer finds you enjoying time with your families and taking in the splendor of the great outdoors. It seems that the summer goes by so quickly, especially when our winters seem to extend well into abbreviated spring seasons.
I've uploaded some photos of new Memory Bears I've created for some really terrific families. It's sad to talk with families who've lost someone, but I truly enjoy getting to know these wonderful people and learning about the loved one they've put to rest. My heart and prayers go out to each and every one of you.
There are times, even when it's very busy, that I just need to escape into another hobby or activity I enjoy. Sometimes we need that diversion so we can feel re-energized. A couple of weekends ago, I decided I needed such a diversion and went hunting for my carving tools and the moose antler I had tucked away for a special project. You might say it was calling to me for some attention. And yes, you read that correctly...a moose antler!
For several hours, I enjoyed the hum of my carving tools while the mild breeze helped blow away the dust created from carving on this incredible gift of nature. I have always been fascinated by antler carvings and although I never dreamed I would become a professional, I do love to watch as etchings in the bone become distinguishable objects. Although I do have my heart set on an elaborate carving of some sort someday, for now I'm happy with the realistic feathers and animal tracks I carve into antler.
This particular antler is eventually going to be part of a free form pine needle basket that I've already started. The base of the basket has an inlaid agate in the most beautiful shade of sea/ocean green. Once I got to a certain point with the basket, I needed to set it aside until the antler was completed so that I could determine the continued shaping for the basket. I have no idea how this basket will end up taking shape, but that's the beauty of this craft.
If you'd like to see my progress with the antler, check out the images on the lower part of the page here - http://www.sharianndesigns.com/baskets-gourds.html . As I get further along with the carving, I'll take new pictures and upload them.
In the meantime, take care of yourself and those you love!
Shari
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Special Designing Requests
Every once in a while, I'll get a fun request from someone visiting the site. A few weeks ago, a gentleman from The Netherlands contacted me about creating a patch for the back of his vest with a design he saw while visiting my old web site.
Not only did this project outcome thrill my customer, but it gave us a chance to exchange information about our interests and travels with each other. One of the great things about offering design services on my web site is that it gives me a chance to learn about people and their lives in other parts of the world. Hopefully someday soon, my husband and I can visit the beautiful country of the The Netherlands and meet with Ron and his wife.
A patch isn't so unique, but designing offers a way to create items for others that aren't always obtainable locally, or even just one of a kind objects based on an idea. Many people write to me about designing clothing or home decor items using embroidery designs in unique ways, and this is something I have enjoyed doing since I became interested in machine embroidery back in 1998.
So, if you have an idea, let me know so it can become a reality!
Shari
Below is the image of the patch that was created and also a picture Ron K. sent me after putting the patch on his vest. The patch was slightly larger than the 10" we were originally striving for, but because the design itself was rather large, a little extra spacing was created for the placement of the design. Because I don't have access to a merrowing machine, which creates a solid commercial style satin border, I used piping to give the patch a nice, finished look.
Not only did this project outcome thrill my customer, but it gave us a chance to exchange information about our interests and travels with each other. One of the great things about offering design services on my web site is that it gives me a chance to learn about people and their lives in other parts of the world. Hopefully someday soon, my husband and I can visit the beautiful country of the The Netherlands and meet with Ron and his wife.
A patch isn't so unique, but designing offers a way to create items for others that aren't always obtainable locally, or even just one of a kind objects based on an idea. Many people write to me about designing clothing or home decor items using embroidery designs in unique ways, and this is something I have enjoyed doing since I became interested in machine embroidery back in 1998.
So, if you have an idea, let me know so it can become a reality!
Shari
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tips for Quilters
Although I don't create quilts for sale, I do love to spend the breaks in my schedule working on quilts for our home and family members. Right now I'm busy with two nearly identical quilts (almost simultaneously!) for two of my Grand-daughters. The quilts are a machine embroidered applique version of the hand appliqued wonder that was created by Natalie Bird of Australia, the Fairyland Quilt.
If you'd like to learn more about this quilt and her other projects, you can visit Natalie's web site http://www.thebirdhouse.com.au/index.htm. To see a larger view of the quilt, this link will take you there - http://www.thebirdhouse.com.au/Fairyland/Quilt.htm
As I would love to complete the entire quilts myself, rather than sending them out for the quilting (a long arm quilting machine is on my wish list), I was undecided about hand or machine stitching. Since I'd love to gift these to my GD's before they are too old to enjoy them, I am planning to machine stitch them. And since I don't normally machine stitch my quilts, but opt to send them out to professionals, I needed to find some information.
There are lots of books written on the subject of machine quilting (and other tips), but there are also some great web sites which can provide just the right amount of information for free. I found such a source and wanted to share it with my quilting friends. The web page has a number of tips and tricks to help the beginning quilter and help refresh skills for those who haven't quilted in a while. http://www.battsintheattic.com/PrimaryPages/tips.html
I hope you enjoy these tips and tricks as much as I did! And once my quilts are completed, I'll share a photo with you.
Have a sensational day!
Shari
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Memorable Gifts
The summer season is almost upon us and we're all busy attending graduations, weddings, outdoor birthday parties...and the list goes on! Maybe you have a housewarming party to go to or your close friends just shared their wonderful dream vacation photos with you. Did someone you know just add an adorable new member to their family? Are you ready with that ideal gift?
Even in this economy, personalized gifts don't have to cost you a second mortgage and are the perfect way to show you really care. Did you know that we have a variety of ideas for that unique personalized gift that would cost you so much more in the store?
How about that first-rate friend of yours who is master of his new state of the art barbeque grill? Think how much merriment and fond remembrances you'll create by gifting your friend with an apron that tells the world he's (or she's) the master of BBQ!
And, it's never too early to think about the holidays. They always sneak up on us when we aren't thinking about them :) We have helped families create wonderful new holiday traditions with our machine embroidered lace ornaments or you can get someone else's collection off to a beautiful new start.
Here's a link to the Gifts & Decor page of our site. Browse around and give us a call to order that special gift that is sure to be remembered fondly with every use.
http://www.sharianndesigns.com/home-decor.html
For the exceptional gift for someone who has lost a family member, someone who served their country or even for someone who loves to collect bears, our Memory Bears are the ultimate gift! These are one of the most extraordinary items I've been creating for families for 16 years. Each bear is as special as the person the bear is made in memory of. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our Memory Bears page to read about how I got started and then check out the small sampling of the over 1,300 bears I've made over the years.
http://www.sharianndesigns.com/memory-bears.html
If you are someone who has purchased a Memory Bear from us, I welcome you to post your comments.
Wishing you a happy day,
Shari
Even in this economy, personalized gifts don't have to cost you a second mortgage and are the perfect way to show you really care. Did you know that we have a variety of ideas for that unique personalized gift that would cost you so much more in the store?
How about that first-rate friend of yours who is master of his new state of the art barbeque grill? Think how much merriment and fond remembrances you'll create by gifting your friend with an apron that tells the world he's (or she's) the master of BBQ!
And, it's never too early to think about the holidays. They always sneak up on us when we aren't thinking about them :) We have helped families create wonderful new holiday traditions with our machine embroidered lace ornaments or you can get someone else's collection off to a beautiful new start.
Here's a link to the Gifts & Decor page of our site. Browse around and give us a call to order that special gift that is sure to be remembered fondly with every use.
http://www.sharianndesigns.com/home-decor.html
For the exceptional gift for someone who has lost a family member, someone who served their country or even for someone who loves to collect bears, our Memory Bears are the ultimate gift! These are one of the most extraordinary items I've been creating for families for 16 years. Each bear is as special as the person the bear is made in memory of. If you'd like to learn more, please visit our Memory Bears page to read about how I got started and then check out the small sampling of the over 1,300 bears I've made over the years.
http://www.sharianndesigns.com/memory-bears.html
If you are someone who has purchased a Memory Bear from us, I welcome you to post your comments.
Wishing you a happy day,
Shari
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Great Tip for Home Embroiderers
Whenever I have something fun and new to share with home embroiderers, I'm going to post that information here along with any links.
Although I've been doing this for about 8 years, I found this great video for embroiderers to watch at Nancy's Notions online. So many times, embroiderers want to embroider on the pocket, but aren't sure how to remove it or, even more important, get it back on the shirt in the same spot. Now you won't have to embroider the pocket through the shirt, losing the pocket's functionality :) This method is the same one I've used repeatedly and it's so easy.
The link to the video is below. When you get to the page, look just slightly below the Bear Days of Summer designs information and you'll see the link to click to play the video. Make sure you turn up the volume so you won't miss a single word. The embroidery designs creator not only chats with Nancy about how the Bear Days of Summer designs came to be digitized, but this is where you'll learn the tips for embroidering on a pocket. And while you're at Nancy's Notions, check out all the great projects she has available and new notions you just can't live without. Enjoy the video!
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/code/adp-66j.do?extid=090521T
Happy stitching,
Shari
Although I've been doing this for about 8 years, I found this great video for embroiderers to watch at Nancy's Notions online. So many times, embroiderers want to embroider on the pocket, but aren't sure how to remove it or, even more important, get it back on the shirt in the same spot. Now you won't have to embroider the pocket through the shirt, losing the pocket's functionality :) This method is the same one I've used repeatedly and it's so easy.
The link to the video is below. When you get to the page, look just slightly below the Bear Days of Summer designs information and you'll see the link to click to play the video. Make sure you turn up the volume so you won't miss a single word. The embroidery designs creator not only chats with Nancy about how the Bear Days of Summer designs came to be digitized, but this is where you'll learn the tips for embroidering on a pocket. And while you're at Nancy's Notions, check out all the great projects she has available and new notions you just can't live without. Enjoy the video!
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/code/adp-66j.do?extid=090521T
Happy stitching,
Shari
New Page of Gift Ideas
I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend and remembered to shake the hand of a veteran and thank them for their service. If it weren't for their sacrifices, we couldn't enjoy the freedoms we have.
Something new has been in the works! I've been working on a new page of gift ideas for home decor. Have you noticed that aprons have become the rage again? They're everywhere and I have a special fondness for them myself. And I'm not talking plain aprons...no way. I'm talking easy care cotton aprons with embroidered designs. Do you have a special chef in your family? Or maybe you know someone who is a "king" of his grill. Well, come on over and visit the new Kitchen Decor page!
Plus, I'm working on my newest set of embroidery designs, Funny Gingerbread Men. They are taking a little longer than I first anticipated because I want them to be so unique. These should be ready in early June, so please check back. It's never too early to start planning for the holidays!
Have a great day :)
Monday, May 11, 2009
New Site is Online!
This is a very happy day for me as the new web site has gone public. It took a long time in coming, 6 months to be exact :) I learned a lot from my web designer, Maureen, who has the patience of a saint! It's not easy learning all the ins and outs of html, css and the many quirks you run into along the way. So, thanks Maureen, I couldn't have gotten this far without you.
Hopefully I'll be able to post to my blog on an every other day basis, but definitely whenever there is something new to tell you about on the site. I'll be able to channel some of the time I've gained back from working on getting the site ready to digitizing more design sets for the home embroidery market, plus creating new gift and home decor items for the site.
I'll also be posting some tips for the home embroiderers since we love using machine embroidered designs on anything that doesn't move, and even on those items too when possible :)
So welcome again to my blog and I hope you find something useful here that you can take with you! If you'd like to follow this blog, just click on the link at the top of the blog to become a follower. I'd love to read your comments and ideas.
Hopefully I'll be able to post to my blog on an every other day basis, but definitely whenever there is something new to tell you about on the site. I'll be able to channel some of the time I've gained back from working on getting the site ready to digitizing more design sets for the home embroidery market, plus creating new gift and home decor items for the site.
I'll also be posting some tips for the home embroiderers since we love using machine embroidered designs on anything that doesn't move, and even on those items too when possible :)
So welcome again to my blog and I hope you find something useful here that you can take with you! If you'd like to follow this blog, just click on the link at the top of the blog to become a follower. I'd love to read your comments and ideas.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
One Day Closer
Well, the new web site is nearly ready. Possibly tomorrow will be the day the switch from the old site to the new will happen. I'm very excited. This was a long time coming! I hope you enjoy the new site and will bookmark it to visit again.
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