Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Fiberluscious & Cynthia Crane Pottery- Grow Your Own Blog Party Giveaway!

hosted by 2 Bags Full

I can't believe that it has been a year since Vicki invited us all to her 1st Grow Your Blog Party. I have met so many great people from that event and I am so happy to be a part of the festivities this year as well! If you have been reading my posts, you have already met Cynthia Crane from CynthiaCranesPottery on Etsy.

She also has a shop where she features her artwork on CynthiaCranesArt. I feel like I met another kindred spirit in Cindy and it gives me great pleasure to team up with her this year in our Blog Party Giveaway Extravaganza! To find her very generous giveaways, yes, plural as in three, click on her blog here. But don't forget to come back here!

I also want to thank Vicki for hosting this fun little get together. Little? Oh my, there are hundreds of us now! Vicki and her beautiful blog Two Bags Full are one of the finest examples of what handmade and blogging handmade are all about. In fact, she represents a unique vision we all embrace, which includes sharing our joy in living a creative life.
Here she is in her coat of many colors. She's lovely inside and out!


Cindy contacted me a few months ago. She was working on her beautiful blog, Cynthia Cranes Art and Gardening. She was hoping to build her visitors and introduce all of her beautiful shop items. I fell in love with her work and ordered an adorable mug. From then on, we were buddies with a common cause. So I asked her if she would send me some buttons for a joint giveaway. I worked on a bunch of ideas and finally I ended up creating this pincushion. Best of all- YOU can Win it!


Here is my Giveaway!


The Rules
So how do you go about winning this pincushion? The rules are easy. Just leave a comment below. Be sure to include a way for me to contact you in case you are the big winner. You don't have to become a member of my blog, but I would love to have you. Its a pretty quiet membership. I'm not a social butterfly when it comes to all things Internet. If you leave a comment I sometimes send replies. I promise not to fill you inbox with stuff, (who needs an over flowing inbox?) If you sign up for my newsletter, I'll try to be better about writing them. I just want you to stop by everyone in a while and enjoy what's new here in fiberluscious land. Better yet, read quickly-then get back to creating!
All entries must be in by midnight on February 12th. The winner will be announced on February 15th!

If you are a part of the Grow Your Own Blog Party, please don't hesitate to leave a short shout out about your blog and invite others to visit. This whole party is really a party after all. Mix, mingle and chat and have a great time lifting someone else up!

This pincushion is exclusive for this giveaway. It is 5 1/2 inches square and 2 1/2 inches thick. It has an emery pocket inside to sharpen your pins and needles. The rest of this pincushion is stuffed to the max with new polyester fiberfill. It comes with two glass flower topped pins. It is made of quilting cottons, vintage and new trims, and a beautiful ceramic button by Cynthia Crane. You won't find this in my shop. I wanted to make something special just for this event. I don't know that I could price it for the amount of work that it involved. In fact, I don't even know if I could even do it again if I wanted to! Just too many things learned for this design. So you will have a true one of a kind! You will see these fabrics again in a few different forms, from patchwork to more flowers.

I was so inspired by Cynthia's work. How about that adorable button in the middle of all that happiness?! Too fun indeed.
I wanted to create something warm, fun and cheery to honor her generosity and kindness. I love how it turned out. I hope it becomes a precious collection to your collection and is used often and with much joy!
I think our work just works together-


Oh how nice it was to do something new! I've been so busy with custom orders I haven't had the time to play with all the new fabrics I've been adding to my stash. I love the bright colors, the pretty trims and the movement created by the new techniques I've learned. Here is the other button she sent. I already have ideas for this little beauty. I can't wait to play again soon.


I love how the button sits on top of that fun fabric flower. I got the pattern from a book called Floral Dimensions by Pauline Ineson. I love applique and want to do much more I have time for. This book features 20 different dimensional applique flowers to add to quilt projects. Well, if its good enough for a quilt, its even better on a pincushion! I used her chrysanthemum and primrose patterns. They are easy to do and so sweet! It just takes some pretty fabric cut on the bias, some machine gathering stitches and a bit of hand work to attach it to your foundation. I would share the pattern, but I am a stickler about copyrights so you'll have to pick up the book or see if it is at your local library. If you want to add something new to your work, I think you should take a look and give her techniques a try. (Click on the highlighted title to see this book and its contents)



I also polished up my patchwork skills. Thank you PBS for sharing Eleanor Burnes with us and Quilt in a Day. Oh I just love her "Mrs. Rogers" approach to teaching. Perhaps you may find her a bit syrupy, but I adore her quick tips for quilting. I created a 36 1" square patchwork block and all my seams matched! There is something to her magic.

I plan on using that block for ideas I found in 15 Minutes of Play by Victoria Findlay Wolfe. I recommend this book highly if you are looking for new ideas and a way to find your inner creative diva. Nothing sparkly, except for the feeling you will get in your brain when a world of new ideas open up to you. I can't wait to dig in. I do think it might be hard to take a rotary cutter to all that work, but I am looking forward to discovering something amazing. (Click on the highlighted title to see this book and its contents)




A Bit About Me and how I ended up here, doing this-
I have been making things for as long as I can remember. My mom taught craft classes at our home and she was also an artist and mother of 7 kids. Wow! How did she do it? She is my hero and I adore her. My grandma was equally wonderful. She had the softest hands and one of the warmest hearts on the planet. I spent so many days sitting at her knee as she mended our clothing and talked about family and love. She was an angel and a big inspiration in my work.

I've had my Etsy shop since November of 2009. I began with softies, you know, fun plush monsters and such. I really loved them but they weren't as popular as I had hoped. I did have 6 of them published in Stuffed, A Gathering of Softies by Stampinton and Co. It was thrilling.


I was an illustrator and fine artist for many years and my specialty was portraiture.

I painted landscapes, houses, flowers.....

had some fun.....

and I must admit that some of my work was a bit out there. I loved painting and often miss it.


I have health challenges which affect my eyesight. When it just got too darn frustrating to stand at the easel with coke bottle glasses I had to quit. That is when I began to sew pincushions. I love the size. I love that they are little works of art. Each one is a blank canvas for a plethora of materials and techniques. I may start at my sewing machine but eventually I end up on the couch, listening to the TV and embroidering for hours and hours.

To help my shop along, I started to blog about 3 years ago. I wish I had more time because I really love it. Its my way of talking about my passion and much to my surprise, people actually like to read what I say. I still am amazed by that. I think we all have so much in common. When you begin with something as amazing as creativity its so easy to connect on a deeper level with others.

If you are just starting a blog and/or a shop, I would like to give you a bit of advice. Start with something you love and the joy of working will feed the many hours of marketing and blogging required to be successful in this day and age. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, so what you can and do it well.
My next bit of advice is to reach out to kindred spirits. It will feed your soul and help you to grow. Even when I was little, I used to write to my heroes. Most people, no matter how talented are just people in the end. Most will be very helpful and encouraging. Some will become your friends and that is such a wonderful gift. When someone reaches out to you, grab their hand and you both will rise.
My last bit of advice is to be patient and be diligent. Building a blog, a brand and/or a shop all take time. You will get out what you put in. Its not about luck, its about making opportunities to get lucky. Work hard at what you do and always strive to get better. Believe in your work and stand by it. Spoil your customers rotten. Be kind. Be cheerful and be grateful for your success. In the end there is no better way to make a living. Its more like playing everyday with other people who all like the same sandbox.

I want to thank Vicki for her generous spirit in hosting us. I also would like to thank Bev from 44th Street Fabrics. One day she once reached out to pull me up, I grabbed on tight. She hosted my first giveaway and because of that my blog grew fast and I felt like I belonged. I am forever grateful for her lovely, kind and cheerful soul. Stop by her blog and take a look at her work. She is also incredibly talented!
Bev's Tabletop Farmer's Wife Blocks- aren't' they just so amazing!?!

Well, thank you for stopping by! Don't forget to leave a comment and contact information. If you don't want to leave your email on my blog, you can "convo" me via my Etsy shop Fiberluscious.


Good Luck to you all!

69 comments:

CYNTHIA CRANE said...

Well, Jill, I am nearly speechless! Once again your warm and cheerful spirit flows through your hands to create a stunning work of art. And the glimpse into your background, well that is simply priceless. Thank you so much for sharing your lovely self - and these wonderful resources - with us today!

Kate said...

Delightful read with lots of eye candy, and a beautiful giveaway that would be a pleasure to have!

Bev said...

Thanks so much Miss Jill for mentioning me! I am so in love with your work. You're right...every pincushion you do is a little work of art. I am so lucky to own one! I really love this one you did for your giveaway! Amazing! Love you and your sweet spirit! XOXO and Cheery wave!

Missy Shay said...

I love the flower and button on the pin cushion, both are gorgeous! Thank you for the chance to win!
missysaprons@gmail.com

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

That is one of the most beautiful pin cushions..ever!! Love all the wonderful details…it is a work of heart!!! Thank you for the sweet giveaway :)

Ruth B said...

I am in love with this pincushion! Your work is so amazing and this pincushion is a perfect example of the detail you put into each of your creations. I will keep my fingers crossed!!!

Gill said...

What a lovely post!
I've been following you for a while and it's lovely to learn more about you! I hope you get lots of new followers!
Thank you for a great giveaway!

Mary Ann Tate said...

I'm going to be in the Grow Your BLog Event but my big post isn't until the 25th. I hope you come over and visit. I love your work and I would love to win that beautiful pincushion:)

Anonymous said...

I love the pin cushion, it is full of colour and happiness, just a beautiful piece of work. Thank you for the chance to win.
housemousesue@hotmail.co.uk

Ashley cramp said...

Hello! and wow what lovely things I see here....
I am popping by as part of the 'grow your blog day' Its such a lovely way to find super new blogs to read...I am joining along with you too.
bestest weekend wishes
Daisy j

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Hi, I'm Andrea, one Vicki's volunteers for the GYB event, and I'm so excited to have found your blog! That pin cushion is wonderful.
Welcome to the party and I look forward to visiting again soon.
Andrea

myeverythingcorner.blogspot.ca

quilty stitches said...

Oh what a lovely pincushion!! I have followed you for awhile and want to Thank You...I found the GRB party through the button on your sidebar, for sharing your talent and your sweet inspirations. Fingers crossed xx's
sew4you57@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Jill! I just popped in from Vicki's GYB Party for a peak and all I can say is Wow! I love your blog and your art is fabulous. Needless to say you will be seeing me around again as I just had to become a follower :D
Hugs and enjoy the blog party and most of all have a great weekend!
Beth P
http://elisabetpollockstudio[dot]wordpress[dot]com

Peg said...

Gosh I know your blog wasn't on my list but Cindy mentioned you so I popped over to take a look. I'm so glad I did your blog is so pretty and your creations well you're very talented! My drawing of a matchstick man can turn out wrong, all my sisters are talented in drawing but not me:)

I look forward to popping in to see what you make next.

Enjoy your weekend
Peg x

renee said...

fun items. cheerful attitude,, great colors and designs..... thanks for blogging....

Jo said...

Wow!!! eye candy plus on your blo. I dont embroider, but i used to crochet and cross stitch and your blog has me wanting to stitch ... I am now your newest follower ... your blog is beautiful and friendly!

Pamela said...

I just signed up for your newsletter and put your blog on my Bloglovin feed. I came here through the Grow Your Blog hop and I feel like I've discovered a treasure. Your work is stunning - absolutely fiberlucious! I love the canvas of pincushions and have done a few and admired many more, but I have never seen any as intricate and artful as yours. Thanks so much for sharing. I look forward to visiting often!

Suze said...

Your pincushion is absolutely amazing. Last year I had to have surgery on both my eyes at the same time. When the neuro opthamologist told me he could not make glasses thick enough for me, I knew it was time for surgery. I was only able to complete one table runner the entire year. He gave me a new Rx for glasses and last week I had double vision again. So, I need to call him again this week to see what to do. Crud! I'm sure you do miss painting. You certainly have found a great niche now. I became a follower through Goggle Friends. Thanks for the great giveaway.

Wendy said...

what a fun blog! And I am in love with the pincushion! This would go great in my collection...thank you for such a great giveaway.

Sheryl said...

Beautiful work and such a pretty pincushion. Will be back to read more.

Anonymous said...

I fully understand your passion for pincushions...for me also it's been a progression from making larger things and having to downsize due to health issues. It seems you find it as satisfying as I do...can't wait to see more of your creations! I'm here this evening as a GYB visitor, but I'll be back often. Sara

Pookledo said...

You have matched the colours of your fabrics to the button perfectly. :)

pookledo at googlemail dot com

Shane Pollard said...

Hello Jill
How lovely to meet you!
This was the most delightful post - I've made a note of those two books!
I can't wait to get started on the 3D flowers - I think this is what has been missing from from life!!!
I adore fabrics... well textiles in general and I have toyed with making a quilt but nothing has really inspired me as you have today!

Your giveaway is divine and Cynthia's exquisite buttons are the perfect embellishment.

I'm now following you both and I invite you to come over and enter my giveaway too.

So lovely to meet you Jill - I'm inspired!
Hugs
Shane

Gilly Tee said...

What a great post. I love your pincushion and am about to have a look at your friends buttons as they look fun. Hope your enjoying the blog party. I'm in the same group as you just a couple above and was drawn to your blog name.
Gillx

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Jill you are a very talented lady. Your paintings are glorious and is your very creative Pincushion. I have enjoyed many talented people at the GYBP. I am already a follower. Have a lovely weekend. Hugs Judy

Denise said...

I'm one of Your new followers.Lovely work and fun blog.I would love to be included in Your fab.giveaway :) Denise

Sheila said...

Your work is amazing , I love the pincushion ! I am going to sign up to follow and I know I will enjoy your blog .

Deborah Weber said...

What a delightful post - so much deliciousness here! I'm so happy to have found my way here from the GYB party.

kathyinozarks said...

I love your blog-and I really love your beautiful pincushion-it is just so special.
I am retired now and live very rural in Missouri-I do allot of fiber crafts. Please stop by for a visit-my giveaway is my own hand dyed fabrics.
so nice to have met you Kathy

Cath said...

That is a simply gorgeous pincushion. I hope you get many visitors to your party and thank you for sharing a part of yourself with us.
Cath @ Bits 'n Bobs

Unknown said...

Wow such a beautiful layout! I am excited to follow you! The pincushion is lovely too!

Email: gypsy.rose.blossom@gmail.com

Patty Antle said...

I'm drooling over your pincushion and would love to have the chance to win it!

sew.darn.quilt said...

Oh my, this pincushion is so pretty. You are such a talented soul, Jill. Thank you for sharing your story.

liniecat said...

Gosh I love your pin cushions!
So cleverly designed and stitched.
Ive lusted after items in your Etsy shop before LOL

Thearica said...

Your pincushion is just darling! and the button on top is the creme da' le' creme! I am headed over to your Etsy site now to see what you have over there. I adore pincushions!

Debbie said...

So nice to meet you via the GYB party. You have a beautiful blog. The pin cushion is gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Your work is inspiring. So much I gave my closest friends your ring pincushions! Keep up the fun work.

Sarah and Dan said...

Seriously love the pincushion. Please pick my name out...please pick my name out....so love it! Totally my style too!

Anonymous said...

Hi from one Jill to another. I found your blog through GYB, I've enjoyed my visit and seeing your beautiful work so I'm following through Bloglovin to follow your progress
Jill

dcargill said...

I love your work. Thanks for the tips, I am contemplating starting my own blog.

Unknown said...

Hey Jill, I am in awe! I love your paintings and I've never seen anything like the 3D floral pillow you created, I absolutely love that. You have a lovely blog. It has been nice meeting you.

Hugs
Caroline

Thistle Cove Farm said...

OH WOW! The work of your hands and heart is overwhelming, totally gorgeous! Visiting via Vicki's GYBP and loving your blog.

Carole said...

So wonderful to meet you Jill, I have enjoyed visiting and my oh my, you certainly are a talented gal, beautiful work. I plan to follow via email. Until next time, I wish you a wonderful Sunday! Carole xox

overboardcreations said...

Hello Jill O Leary , my name is Dawn your my one stop on the blog party, Hope that I soon will be friends with all of you cyber neighbors. I just say that 600 plus bloggers that sign up to the Party and I am only up to 96 whew a lot of good read and great giveaways. Thanks for this opportunity to join friends with you and be apart of your giveaway. Can't wait to see more of your great projects in the making. My site overboardcreations.blogspot.com

Maggie said...

So glad I popped in to see your beautiful blog and become a follower! SO MUCH work and artistry went into that stunning pincushion!! Love your vivid paintings too, and your practical and helpful words of encouragement about blogging.

Ola Naimark said...

Love love love all the details
tomtoyhm@gmail.com

Cache-Mire said...

So nice to meet you at the GYB party! What a fun blog you have! I will be following.... Terri

okcamp said...

Very pretty. Thanks for the chance to win.

Tanya said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh - this blog is going to feed my creative soul, for sure - what a beautiful place!!! Dropping in from Vicki's Blog Party - SO happy to have landed here this afternoon. Your newest Follower - off to look around a bit more before heading off to finish my reading for the day...I WILL be back! Happy Tuesday - Tanya

Unknown said...

I love your beautiful pincushions! I also love vintage, especially laces, ribbons, buttons and embroidery! I have a sizeable collection of vintage linens, compliments of my mother who is a collector. I'd love to win your giveaway - choose me!

Unknown said...

I love all your work. I am a new follower and would love to win that pincushion. Jackie

deborah lyn said...

Hi Jill, I am very pleased to meet you on the GYB circuit! Wonderful Blog - thanks for your sharing! I am your new follower and I look forward to your posts! I am a watercolorist and textile artist. You can find me at: http://deborahstanleyinspirations.blogspot.com/ I hope you will visit my blog, find it fun and be my follower as well. best to you! deborah

Lija Broka said...

You post almost made me cry (don't ask why). I am doing the blogs in order (sort of) and went to yours via Cynthia Crane's ... her paintings are something!

Your pincushion looks great and I would love to win it ... but more importantly my poor library will have to deal with yet another request/order. I want that book!

I will head over to your Etsy shop to be curious (or essentially how my friend's call my uncanny like for blogging ... to stalk you). Thank you for your advise. It is very important to always remember to do what we like and not what other people want us to do. I probably need to sit down and have a proper think. A few years ago I used to paint a lot more than I do now ... and my pricing was well essentially what the painting/item was worth. If I hated it it went cheap, if I loved it price went up. Surprising no matter how many times I was told to lower the price my work sold (not all, but some). Now that I spend more time in crafting than painting and well it shocks me to see to what extent I underprice things (in some cases the price barely covers the materials ... let alone the days that went into its creation)... and yet there are those who still point and say 'maybe if you sold for less you'd make more profit from the quantity of sales'.

Anyhow, thank you for your post. Enjoy the party! and see you around.

Lija
http://stitchingincrossesandmore.blogspot.co.uk/

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Greetings from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Nice to meet you. Lots to read and see on your blog. Lovely giveaway! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I just found you, lovely work!! I'll be following you too.

christie said...

I am so in love with the whole package...colors,vintage fabric fibers, buttons, sweet embroidery, floral embellishment,beautiful!!!!! Thanks for your creativity!!

jeanieheath@charter.net

pippirose said...

Your artwork and craftwork is fabulous! I look forward to browsing through your site. :o)

Theresa said...

Hi Jill, I just met Cindy from her linking up at one of my weekly parties. I saw her post with your name and knew it had been a while since I visited. Oh my gosh your pin cushion is so pretty! And I didn't realized you used to do illustration. Any how, nice to catch up with you. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway too! xo Theresa @DearCreatives

Wendy said...

i was going to follow your blog as I like your work, but I feel that blogging is a two way street. It was your comment about "if you leave a comment I will sometimes reply" that got to me. Do you leave comments on other people's blogs?

anita said...

This is such a charming pincushion with its links to the past! I would love to have it gracing my sewing table - thank you for your inspirational blog, and the chance to be gifted with this fine work. ani_tawa@hotmail.com

macmillanmarie said...

You have an absolutely delightful blog. I really enjoyed reading it. Your comments are very insightful. Thanks you so much for sharing.

barbara woods said...

great blog, so glad i joined in and found you. click on my name, my main blog is want to be quilter

Tina said...

Your crafting skills are awsome!!!
I am visiting late with the GYB party and like what you do!
Tina in Germany

Patty Antle said...

Oh my gosh, I can't believe how beautiful the pincushion is. Your work is simply a delight to see. So nice to meet you. Will be following.

nicolesender said...

Awesome pincushion. The button is perfect on it. Enjoyed visiting your blog.

creations.1 said...

Hi Jill - visiting from the GYBP - hours of visiting done and hours to go!! I have enjoyed looking around your blog and am now a follower. I look forward to more of your posts and cheery ways! - Kerrie http://channelbankcreations.blogspot.com.au

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