Doctor Appts all day and window replacement

Hubby has lots of doctor appts today. Bone thereapy; then CT Scan, MRI to see what is going on in his back, again.

We are having the living room window replaced this morning while we are gone. The wind storm that took the greenhouse propelled something into the window. Thankfully it only went through the first pane of the dual panes....replacement to the tune of $178 and some change.

Going to take a doily I am working on with and Charlie is going to take some school work and drawing materials.

The house is a mess, dirty dishes are stacked in the sink, the floor needs vaccuuming....oh well, they wanted a free day yesterday and I am beat. I am going to try to not worry about it.

Free US Shipping at my Etsy Shoppe!

I was in a discussion this morning about Mother's Day promotions, offers, discounts, sales, etc. and the general consensus was free shipping or 25% off.

Me being the lazy bug I am, decided to go with the free US shipping. Wasn't quite sure how to do the 25% thing. Then there was the talk about not wanting to use the word "free" in the shoppes and how Google finds these things. Didn't quite understand all that (haven't had my first cup of coffee yet this morning!), but thought I should just play follow the leader on this.
http://sweetwatercreations.etsy.com/

Would love to hear others' sales ideas! What are you doing special in your shoppes/websites/blogs? Plans for Mother's Day? They better not take me fishing!

Hugs,
Holly

The Greenhouse

First assembly was a failure. The greenhouse lasted a whole 21 hours. Strong (70mph) winds demolished the aluminum framework.

We recycled all the panels and the roof structure, re-building the frame with 2x4's. Just experienced another bout of strong winds and it held it's ground!

The seedlings are all doing well. I put a small space heater in just to keep things above freezing. The tomatoes wilt over night but perk up by 9am. Snow peas are growing by leaps and bounds, broccoli and cauliflower are doing ok, not great. Peppers haven't sprouted yet. I will plant some more and keep them in the house until they sprout.

Rooster Counted Cross Stitch Project

I bought this about 2 years ago. Never could get the hang of this, but... well.... I loved this rooster. I struggled and struggled for nearly a year. Then I discovered a great cross stitch forum where I learned a lot of hints and tips and was instructed on adding a thread grid to the fabric. Doh! It works wonderfully! I still have little free "quiet" time to work, but I am working on it daily for at least 10 minutes.

Doily Finished

Recently finished this doily.

From the "Absolutely Gorgeous Doilies" book of patterns designed by Patricia Kristoffersen.

Pattern #1 - "Park Avenue"

Easy pattern to follow. I am daunted by some of the more difficult patterns, but have just started working on #16 - "Majestic", on round 8 of 33.

Other news, the greenhouse is withstanding 70mph winds again. We got a dusting of snow last night, don't think the heater kept the greenhouse warm enough though, the tomato plants look droopy.

Swimming is going great. We go 3 days a week. Indoor pool and hot tub!

Will post progress pix of the Rooster counted cross stitch project (2 years and counting!!).

DinkyBabies

After looking at these adorable dolls for weeks and weeks, I finally broke down and bought a pattern. I am so thrilled with these babies!

The instructions are easy to follow.

Just completed baby #3....dressing her today and will be sending her out (can't discuss details, it's a surprise!).

Here is baby #2, "Bella".

I happily accept custom orders. Custom eye color, clothing, etc.

Busy painting the horses. Doing a bay leopard Appaloosa for a customer, then will practice a bit

on a couple of others. I need to dig through the

shed to find the two Classic Sagr molds I would

like to work on.

visit my gallery at : http://www.sweetwatercreations.com/

American Girl Knitted Poncho

Finally getting pix taken of some finished items. I am so awful at not finishing things completely. Weaving in ends.... I don't wanna. I've spent the last several days weaving in ends and sewing on buttons.

This is a knitted poncho for 18" dolls like American Girl dolls. My model is a Madame Alexander, Mia Bella doll. I like her smile. This one is named Sonya. The poncho is headed for either eBay (seller hollyg) or Etsy (sweetwatercreations), haven't decided which yet.

I also hope to get a few more finished items pix up here this weekend.

Holly