We have a winner!!

So this is how we did it:
I assigned everyone a number then printed out numbers on paper, popped them in a bowl and asked hubby to get numbers out the bowl.
First was number 12...

Congratulations to:

Designs by Isis

who has won the first prize in our Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway!!





And the next number he picked out was number 29:
Congratulations to:

East of the Sun Art

who has won the second prize (plus the added bonus of a bracelet by Designs by Isis)!


**Please could you both pm me through Misi with your postal address and I'll post out your fantastic goodies next week.




Thank you so much to all the generous Misi Crafters ~ I'm sure both winners will love their packages of goodies.
xxx

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Pauline's Passions

Please welcome Pauline from Pauline's Passions to the Misi Blog. Let's ask her a few questions and get to know her...





How did you get started and how long have you been doing it?

I've always been crafty as a child I loved nothing better than colouring in and doodling.
I learned to knit and loved knitting dolls clohes,toys,most of my childrens baby clothes and jumpers until they were old enough to think picture knits werent cool. Eventually athritis set in and I couldnt knit any more I watched t.v one day and saw alan and barry on create and craft demonstrating card making and I thought I could do that so I got some supplies and made cards for freinds and family but soon I couldn't stop I had boxes of them so I gave a lot to local charities to sell. People started asking me to make them for them and were offering to pay me.
When my brother got married he asked me to do some stationary for his wedding people commented on how nice they were and said I should start selling them so about 3years ago I started selling on Ebay and registered as a small business.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and how do you work round them?

I love it so much it's hard to be negative although I dont have time for housework and I have so many supplies it's taking over the house and I am forever buying things I dont really need I can't help it I just love to craft.

What tips would you give anyone starting your craft?

Always make sure you use good quality card etc and allocate yourself some space. dont be afraid to play around there's an artist in allof us get inspiration from things around you and most of all enjoy it.

How did you find Misi?

I found it on google I had been trying to set up a website but couldn't find one I could understand I'm not very good with computers and couldn't beleive how easy Misi was to use it was everything I had been looking for and much cheaper than ebay.

What is your favourite item in your shop?

I think my favourite item would have to be the grandfather clock I added recently I have just started working with templates and I think the 3d cards are so much more than just a card.I will be adding many more soon.

What is your favourite shop on Misi?

There are so many fabulous shops on misi it is almost impossible to choose but for me it would be Paulines candles her candles are lovely and smell absolutely georgous the chocolate ones are fabulous.and cirens call for the lovely jewellery I have some of her pieces on my wish list.



Random Facts about you...

Favourite colour---ice blue
Favourite food------anything hot and spicy but I'll eat anything.
Favourite season---winter when the snow is falling it's magical.
Favourite time of day------really early morning with a coffee in the peace and quiet before any one is up.
Favourite website that is not Misi-----www.create and craft.
Favourite Television programme----has to be big brother although I watch a lot of create and craft during the day.



Thank you Pauline. Take a wander over to Pauline's Passions to see some beautiful craftmanship.

Helen
xxx

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Pennydog

This week's crafter is Kerry and her shop is Pennydog. Kerry works with resin and the effects that she creates in her work are just so unique, well worth a second look.



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I've been making jewellery in general for over 10 years since I was 12, but specialising in resin for just over a year now. I've always wanted to do more than just string beads so I tried beadweaving (much more intricate- and too time consuming!), polymer and silver clay and finally settled on resin. I like making pendants from scratch!


Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Yes! I used to have Asthma and it seemed to go away during my teenage years. Within the last month the toxic styrene fumes have brought it back with added lung pain too. It can also make you dizzy and nauseous. I really should look after myself and wear a mask more often!


What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Apart from read the mixing instructions thoroughly, ventilation is key- don't run the risk of giving yourself lung cancer. Also it will not come out of your clothes, carpets, etc so it can be quite expensive in that respect! It is very fun though.


How did you find Misi?

I joined very early on so I struggle to remember! I think I joined when other people in the crafting community were talking about it on the Etsy forums and also Crafteroo. Emma also came onto Crafteroo and introduced herself a short time later.


What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

I like the coasters I've started to make. They're not cheap, they use a lot of resin but I do like the end result and the fact that they can be matched to your own decor and tastes.


What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Soapy Chica's shop! We've worked together on soap and soap dish gift sets.




Random Facts about you:


What is your favourite colour? Orange


What is your favourite food? Curry- any kind but not too coconutty


What is your favourite season? Autumn


What is your favourite time of day? Early evening when I've come home from work and the real work begins!


What is your favourite website (besides Misi)? Crafteroo forums: www.crafteroo.co.uk


What is your favourite TV programme? I like comedies, so probably would say The Big Bang Theory at a push though there are so many other great shows (Mock the Week, Argumental, etc anything that makes me laugh)!



Thank you for chatting to us Kerry. You can see more of Kerry's gorgeous items at Pennydog on Misi.

Helen
xxx

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Don't forget...

... to enter the Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway...

Some fantastic handcrafted prizes including; bags, charms, earrings, bracelets...

Enter here.


xxx

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Carolyn's Creations

This week's Misi Crafter is Carolyn from Carolyn's Creations... or Sewembroidernut as she's known on the forums :-)

Carolyn is amazing with custom orders ~ she creates exactly what you have asked for and it turns out 100 times better than you could imagine yourself.



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started sewing at school when I was 11 years old and have been sewing ever since. I made all my children's clothing until they were teenagers and they decided that home sewing was no longer "cool". I might add that they are now asking me to sew for their children because everything is so expensive!! Precisely the reason why I did it in the first place! I knit, crochet and dabble in all things "crafty"! I own 7 sewing machines which is a bit over the top I have to admit, BUT I use them all!! I started with machine embroidery in 2003 when we were commuting between Holland and London, spending more time in UK than Holland. I could not manage without a sewing machine in London and had always wanted an embroidery machine so bought one that could be used for either normal sewing as well as machine embroidery. Machine embroidery is addictive, fun and very rewarding. Every project I undertake is so different and I love the challenges MISI members throw my way.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The only negative thing about my craft is not being able to get to places to get supplies so I rely heavily upon the internet. I always research places we visit to make sure I get to see the fabric and craft shops in the area. My OH is very supportive and encourages me in my hobbies. I am not happy unless I am creating something, and that does lead to a surplus stock and the problem then is, how to move it on. No matter how big my stash is I NEVER have the right piece of fabric when I want it!! AND there are never enough hours in a day!


What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Start with small projects and then slowly get into bigger things. I started my granddaughters off with sacking, doing cross stitch and then I made them into oven cloths for them. Machine embroidery is an expensive hobby as there are so many hidden extras that are required,so if you are contemplating buying an embroidery machine I would suggest you do what I did and get a combination machine and then you have not wasted your money if the embroidery side does not work out. The internet is an amazing place for resources and it pays to check out all the tips and free designs available. If at first you don't succeed - Don't give up - try again and again. You will win in the end.

How did you find MISI?

I saw a link on "The Sewing Forum" and decided that MISI looked very encouraging. I joined right at the beginning and it has been good for me.

What is your favourite item in your own MISI shop?

These little trinket bowls are lovely on dressing tables. I have one in my spare room which I fill with chocolates for guests. Whatever colour they are done in, they all look so different.

What is your favourite shop on MISI (besides your own)?

That is a really hard question but I have to say I love Jane's jewellery and the choker at suzidoo has also taken my eye . There are so many talented people using MISI, that it is difficult to choose, just ONE! Overspill for supplies too! There are a lot of shops I have not even had a chance to look at so there could well be others I have missed.



Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? Bright Pink

What is your favourite food? Apples - fresh - straight from the tree!

What is your favourite season? Summer

What is your favourite time of day? Uninterrupted crafting time!!

What is your favourite website (besides MISI)? www.thesewingforum.co.uk , www.virginiaquilter.com

What is your favourite TV programme? Holby City & Casualty - sorry cannot choose between the two!

Thank you so much for chatting to us Carolyn. Take a look at Carolyn's Creations to see more of her talented designs...

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The Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway!!

Yipeee! Autumn is here! Ok not so much, yipee, as ~ oh where did summer go?
But never mind, it gives me an excuse to name the giveaway ~ The Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway.
And why is it amazing?
Because some of the wonderful, generous crafters at Misi have donated some AMAZING prizes!!



In no particular order we have the following prizes donated by lovely Misi people...

*A beautiful bracelet from Designs by Isis

*An adorable angel charm from Jolicious

*Stunning earrings from MornieG Jewellery

*A pretty bookmark from Talking Beads

*A delicious candle from The Pink Fairy Cake

(uh oh, I'm going to run out of AMAZING adjectives)

*A fabulously fluffy bag from Peggy's Knits

*A lovely lavender heart from Neate Crafts

*A heartwarming scarf from Pickled Pumpkins

*A helpful first aid kit and scissor holder from Carolyn's Creations

* A gorgeous Hair accessory from Julies Booties

* A funky flower keyring from FairlyGirly

* A pair of useful magnetic pegs from Made by Val

* A beautiful Hair accessory from Fairyqueen Jewels

* A fun fridge magnet from Kelso Kreations

* A cute little bunny from My Funny Bunny

* An adorable little bag from Mad about Bags

* A branded, very rare Misi bag from MISI

* A lovely shopping bag from Cutie Pie

* A beautiful bracelet from Delicate Sparkles

* Plush Purple Wristwarmers from Knitwits

* Very special Birthday Gift tags from Stitching for You

* A gorgeous little parcel of goodies from Looby Crafts

All these amazing (do you think I've said Amazing enough times yet?) prizes will be packaged into one big parcel for one lucky winner.


I have also held back a few small items for a second prize.



*An lovely snowflake charm from Jolicious

*A helpful notebook from Carolyn's Creations

*A cute mobile charm from The Beading Lady

* Beautiful Hair Accessories from SprinklesSparkles



Right, all you have to do to enter our little giveaway is either:

1) Visit one of the stores above and find a favourite item from one of them ~ now copy the link and post it on this blog's comments.

OR

2) Go over to Misi and take a look at the Handmade Spots ~ this brings up a different page everytime you click it ~ take a look through a few pages and find something that really captures your interest or imagination ~ now copy the link and post it on this blog's comments.

Please add your username to your comment too. If you aren't already registered on Misi, please join ~ it's free and very easy. And Misi promises not to spam you!

If the winner happens to be one of the Amazing people who donated a prize then you will not receive your own prize back ~ it will be substituted with one of the second prize items.

Competition closes at 12 noon on Saturday the 26th September 2009, when I will throw everyone's names in a hat and get my hubby to pick the lucky winner.

Good luck
xxx

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Little Scruffs

This week's crafter is Jean from Little Scruffs ~ those gorgeous miniature bears that we all have on our wishlists...



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I think it was about 2001 that I went on a weekend bearmaking course and haven't stopped since!!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

I love everything about bearmaking but because it takes a long time to create a miniature bear- probably about 8 hours not including designing, website upkeep, queuing in post office etc etc , I will never be a millionaire!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Bearmakers come and go but I think if you are going to get anywhere you really have to stick at it. Also loving bears is a great help!!!

How did you find Misi?

Misi found me and I am so glad, there are the nicest bunch of creators you could ever wish to meet on here!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

Alfie is my favourite bear still for sale in the shop at the moment. It still amazes me that people have such different favourites!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

How could you ask that!!!??? There are far too many wonderful shops to have a favourite. Some marvellous card shops, knitting, jewelry, Carolyns sewembroidery..... oh gosh I could be on all night!




Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? It changes/ Perhaps purple

What is your favourite food? Anything that is edible - maybe Chinese

What is your favourite season? Spring

What is your favourite time of day? Anytime

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)? one that is called www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk !

What is your favourite TV programme? Loose Women!

Where have you lived? On a little Island in the Orkneys with only 400 people on where both my daughters were born. Spain and England *I just added that!!!



Thank you for chatting to us Jean (and ad-libbing extra questions, lol). Go to Little Scruffs shop to see the most adorable miniature bears ever.


Helen
xxx

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