Gift Set

Last weekend we celebrated my sister-in-law's (and good friend!) birthday! I gave her an (almost) entirely handmade gift.

I did purchase the scarf. They are a great deal at Walmart and there are a lot of colors.

However, I did make this flower pin. It was easy. Just do a basic straight stitch along the edge of a length of ribbon and pull until it ruffles the way you want it to. Then sew a button on for a center and add a pin to the back. It's that simple.

The bracelet is a little more involved but still not hard. I created this method myself. I might just make a tutorial on how to one of these days.

And last, I made this darling headband. The flower is made using the same method as the pin. There are a couple for sale in my shop. The tutorial on how to make the headbands can be found on Ucreate, made by Ruffles and Stuff.

I had a lot of fun making this gift so I hope she liked it!

My first card!

I have added my first card to my Etsy shop! I have been making cards for years and have finally added one to the inventory list. It is perfect for the upcoming Valentine's holiday, or can be used for a wedding, anniversary, new baby girl, etc.!

Click here to view it in my shop.



Would you like to make your own card? Click on this tutorial for step by step instructions on how to make the flowers.

Watch for my first headbands in Etsy coming later this week too. I also have a couple of other projects up my sleeve but they are birthday gifts so I can't post them until after the gifts have been given!

Flower Necklace

I did it! I finally created a large flower bib necklace. After scouring the Internet for tutorials I put a few of them together and added my own touch to create this necklace. I love it! Fake flowers found at the craft stores are sewn on to lace with faux pearls as the centers. Little tufts of shiny fabric are placed in between the flowers to fill in the gaps. There is a felt backing and you can see that I added a chain to finish it off. This one isn't perfect as a first attempt and won't be put in my shop.

What do you think about it? If I made another one (a better one) do you think it would sale? I would list it for around $25 or $30. I would make a white one because I have a lot of the white flowers left. It would be fun to make other colors and sizes sometime. think it matches the current trends pretty well yet is unique.

I would really like to know what you think. Please leave a comment with feedback and suggestions. Thanks!

Custom Heart Locket Necklace

I made this necklace for my friend Beth to give to her daughter for Christmas. She wanted me to make a necklace with three hearts to represent the daughter's three children. The hearts are all lockets. I love how it turned out!

Winner and another giveaway.

And the winner chosen by random.org was comment #20. Congratulations Sherry! I will be emailing you soon!

And now time for another giveaway! If you liked the gray, lime, and orange ruffle necklace better, you have a chance TODAY only to win one! Go to the Dandy Giveaway blog to sign up!

http://dandygiveaway.blogspot.com/

My first giveaway

I am pleased to announce Yellowblackbird's first giveaway! My new ruffle bib necklaces have arrived and to celebrate I am giving away one for free! (See post below for info and photos). They are super cute, fun, and fashionable. Would make a wonderful gift. There are three ways to enter (make a comment below for each one):

1- You can enter just because you want to win!
2...- Make a second comment if you facebook, blog, tweet, email, text, tell or somehow promote either my shop or this giveaway (and tell how you did it).
3- Make a 3rd comment if you have ever purchased something from Yellowblackbird or do purchase something during the time of the giveaway.

All entries must be received by 11:59 pm MST on Monday, November 30th. The winner will be chosen by random.org on Tuesday morning.

This giveaway was originally posted on Facebook- but I found out that it is now against the rules to hold giveaways on Facebook so it has been moved here. The first several comments are all from me just reentering those who had already entered the contest on Facebook.

Ruffle bib necklaces are here!

Introducing my newest product! Ruffle bib necklaces are here! Statement and bib necklaces are all the rage right now. My necklaces are a great way to be fashionable without being too extravagant. They are also a great way to add color to any outfit.



The necklaces come in just 4 colors right now, but more will be added soon. They vary in chain style and length. A few even have added beads. If you like one of the fabrics, but want a different chain, please contact me (either by commenting here or sending me a convo on Etsy) and we will see what we can do to make you the perfect necklace! I would also love to make you your own custom necklace by color or your fabric choice!


These necklaces are such a bargain too! My basic bib ruffle will be introduced at $12 for the 2009 holiday season. If you check the Internet for similar products, you will find very few; but those you do find can range from $40 to $250!

What a great gift idea! Even if the necklaces aren't your style, they are such great, unique gifts. I have worn a couple to the jr. high school where I teach and many girls there loved them!

These photos are just some of the necklaces that are avaible. (The pink one is Amy Butler fabric by the way!) Please check my shop for the full available selection! http://www.yellowblackbird.etsy.com/

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Butternut squash soup is one of my new favorite foods. I found a fabulous recipe on Better Homes and Gardens that I just had to share:

Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled, diced butternut squash (about 1 small squash)
• 2 cups thinly sliced carrot (4 medium)
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced leek or chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 2 14-ounce cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup half-and-half or light cream
• Crème fra��che or dairy sour cream (optional)
• Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
• Fresh tarragon sprigs (optional)

Directions

1. In a large covered saucepan cook squash, carrot, and leek in hot butter over medium heat about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 25 to 35 minutes or until vegetables are very tender. Cool slightly.

2. Place one-third of the squash mixture in a food processor or blender. Cover and process or blend until almost smooth. Repeat with remaining squash mixture. Return all of mixture to saucepan. Add white pepper and nutmeg; bring just to boiling. Add half-and-half; heat through. If desired, garnish each serving with crème fra��che, pumpkin seeds, and/or fresh tarragon.

3. Makes 6 servings (6 cups)

It's very healthy (only 80 calories and 3 grams of fat per serving). Here's the link: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/soups/butternut-squash-and-carrot-soup/

Updates!

I am featured here:
http://3of4clothing.wordpress.com/

Check out 3of4clothing!
http://3of4clothing.etsy.com


I am selling very well lately. I have two custom orders just in the past week. Please contact me if you would like something similar to a sold item, earrings to match a necklace, or anything else!

Upcoming Blog Features!

On Thursday November 12th I will be featured on http://3of4clothing.wordpress.com.

On Tuesday December 1st I will be featured on http://dandygiveaway.blogspot.com
This feature will include a special giveaway! You will have a chance to leave a comment on the blog and win a necklace from Yellowblackbird!

I am very excited!