$1 Auction & Giveaway!

Win This Back to School Kit - From Magical Creations comes with notebook, 4 pencils, and a box that goes over a standard tissue box, and a school themed paper notebook. Visit Crafty Moms R' Us for more information. Winner will be chosen on Friday 8/30/13 at 4pm (central time).

Friday Feature ...

Shelby Ryan Boutique

When browsing through the photos of Shelby Ryan Boutique, it's easy to see why this shop has such a strong fan following!  The items are just adorable and so obviously high quality that it would be hard to resist buying everything they have to offer!  From legwarmers to hats, booties to cup cozies, this shop has something for everyone.  And if you're a photographer?  There are SO many adorable photography props that I dare you to choose just one!

I recently had the chance to chat with Tami, the owner of Shelby Ryan Boutique and I must say, she is sweet and kind and has a wonderful sense of humor.  She would be so easy to work with when placing an order.  When I asked her how she got started, she replied ... 

I opened up my Etsy shop in October of 2010. My sister is a photographer and she was showing me some of her props. I was inspired and taught myself to make tutus. Those were my big sellers for a while...which is kinda funny, because I rarely make them now. My Grandmother taught me how to knit when I was 8 and I picked it back up again after I opened shop. I then taught myself how to crochet. Now knit and crochet items are my "thing" . 

 Being a work at home mom myself, I know there is a fine line between balancing work and family time. While it is so very rewarding, it can also be difficult at times to keep it all together.  I asked Tami about her favorite and least favorite parts of owning a small business ... 

My favorite part of running my business is being able to express my creativity. I have two little monsters, I mean boys, at home that run me ragged, so it is nice to have a creative outlet just for me. My least favorite part...shipping. Printing labels/packaging/going to the Post Office/Post Office lines with monsters (oops, kids) in tow...ughhhh, lol. 

Oh, how I can relate to standing in line with little ones!  

Tami's work is so creative that I just had to ask what inspires her. 

What inspires me....hmmm. Coffee? Is that a valid answer? Really my work is inspired by a lot of things. I will spend hours in a yarn isle because I see potential in every skein of yarn and I have to limit myself (which I am not very good at...you should see my stash!)

Yarn and coffee!!??!!??  Does it get any better than that?  I don't think so.

Ok, ok.  Maybe if you add some chocolate!

Or cupcakes.  Yes, definitely cupcakes ...

 I asked Tami to tell us one thing about herself that might surprise us.  Turns out, she's not only funny, creative and kind, but she's SMART too!  

I think people would be surprised to know that I am a few classes away from a degree in Biochemistry. I am waiting until the mons....kiddos...are in school to go back and finish. What do I want to do with my expensive degree, you ask? Teach high school chemistry, lol. 

And when she's not busy creating?

I am spending time with the crazies. My boys are 2 and 4 and are amazingly intelligent, funny, challenging. Those two makes me laugh (and cry) on a daily basis. They are my crazy world. I also like reading, painting, taking long walks on the beach (just kidding on that last one- no beach around here).

Yep, these are her sweet little monsters! (Modeling more of her amazing work!)

And for fun, I asked Tami if she could have lunch with any 3 people who would they be?

Why is the just for fun question the hardest one??? Just for fun, if I could have lunch with any 3 people, it would have to be both of my grandfathers (they both passed before I was born and I know I would have adored both of them) and then lets go with Jesus Christ. That would definitely make for an interesting lunch. 

I must say, I found Tami to be witty and charming and an absolute sweetheart to talk to.  Her boutique is just full of her amazing creations and she even does custom orders (current turn around time is 3-4 weeks).  Check out her page, Shelby Ryan Boutique  or send an email to shelby_ryanboutique@hotmail.com to order.

Oh, and be sure to come back on Monday when we will announce the details for our first blog giveaway.  One lucky winner will receive a custom item from Shelby Ryan Boutique!  You don't want to miss it!

The 'New" CMRU Blog

The CMRU team is planning on some exciting new changes!  We are going to be offering prizes and giveaways on our blog, more recipes and tips, as well as some fabulous tutorials and craft how to's.  We'll have everything from quick and easy to more intricate and detailed, so if you're not super crafty or a master chef, no worries, we'll have something for everyone!  We want to have fun and share with all of YOU, our faithful fans.

We will also be featuring a shop each week.  When choosing a shop, we will be looking for the best of the best, so that we can keep you in the know of where to shop for those high quality, mom-made items.  We will share a bit about the owners so that you can get to know them a little better and hear about how they got started, why they do what they do and what they love about having a home based business.  If you'd like to be featured on our blog, please see the tab above for information.  We'd love to hear from you!

Finally, we do want to hear from all of YOU!  Let us know what you'd like to see more of and maybe even what you've seen enough of!  :)  While we aim to support and promote our mom-based businesses, our biggest goal is to bring you, the consumer exactly what you're looking for.  So don't be shy,  comment below with any thoughts or suggestions and we will do our best to bring your ideas to life!

So ...

Stay tuned ... this Friday will be our first feature and we will be announcing an exciting giveaway. 

Don't miss it, come back tomorrow for all the details!

Spring is Springing!

Feeling in a springy mood? Want to be in a springy mood? Head over to some of our shops to help you get there! 

High Maintenance Bowtique:

Need the perfect accessory to the that spring outfit you have? High Maintenance Bowtique has LOTS to choose from. They are so very helpful and would love to help make something for that perfect occasion! 

 These are perfect for just about anyone! Little tote bags for your lil miss! These are adorable and would make cute grab/treat/favor bags for birthdays and easter!

 Wouldn't This be the perfect addtion to your little princess outfit for a birthday and or Easter? I'm just in love with the blingy center and the gorgeous roses that make a bow!

 

This is Distressed military cadet hat with three hand rolled rosettes in black, white and red with a beautiful blingy rectangle would be perfect for that busy mama on the go that would love to spice up the 'normal' outfit!

Make sure you check out High Maintenance Bowtique and let them know you saw them on the CMRU blog! 

With over a 1000 likes Elizabeth Alta Jewelry has some amazing reviews and beautiful jewelry pieces! 

They have earrings, bracelets and necklaces, all customizable to your needs.. check out some of what they have: 

 A nice pair of springy colored earring to match that outfit you have been dying to find the perfect pair for?

 

Or check out this gorgeous necklace that would be PERFECT for Mothers day for your mommy or even grandma! Can be made with Swarovski Crystals to add that special little touch!

Have a favorite saying and want to express it in some awesome spring colors? Put your toes in the sand and head over to Elizabeth Alta Jewelry where you can do just that!

After Visiting Elizabeth Alta Jewelry Let them know CMRU sent you! 

From a small town? or from a big town? Either way you will look great with these awesome creations from: Small Town Crafts

 LOVE this beautiful Lilac Flower attached to a metal headband, that can go with that simple spring outfit or spice up a new one! This would be perfect for a run to the grocery store and a night out on the town!

Black and white is my new favorite thing. It can go with just about any outfit and goes perfect in the springtime!

Look at this gorgeous little princess and how this head bands pulls out the lovely colors in her eyes! So simple yet so perfect to add to that cute little Easter outfit or even a birthday outfit! 

Head over to Small Town Crafts to show some love from CMRU! 

Before or After you do your spring cleaning remember to head to the awesome shops from CMRU and help support these awesome mamas! 

I admit it! Im a Selfish Crafty Mama

Crazy- CHECK
Crafty- CHECK
Mama- CHECK
Selfish-????

I started REALLY Crafting after my 2nd Child was Born-  She was a GIRL and I just knew I could make those Bows I saw in the Boutiques!
But I think I always had it in me-  I taught Pre-school for years-  Have substitute taught for years-  and am a BIG KID!
The more bows I made the more people saw them and said "you should sell those",  But Honestly-  my first ones were U-G-L-Y looking back.  (Your friends will tell you anything lol)  But seriously, Non Crafty People Have no Clue what GOOD is sometimes.
So .......I found someone to let me put Items in their Hair Salon-  They went good at first and then it Happened!
The Dreaded  SPECIAL REQUEST!
The presure from a request like this is beyond fun.
"I want one like that but Blue- Purple- Yellow, and a little smaller" 
OMG!  What Shade of Blue- What Shade of Purple- Light Yellow?   How much smaller?  Will it be what they want?
These are all the questions that blew through my mind.  
I did several specials and still do for certain people who I think will appreciate my vision but
I AM A SELFISH CRAFTER.
I mostly Make and sell to Help me Afford my awful habit.
I would like to make money at it and count it as an income but its so up and down- $5 here $10 there its really hard to do.
So
I AM A SELFISH CRAFTER
When It becomes Work and No fun-  I dont want to do it-  Its supposed to be a hobby right?

Well... For me its a Hobby- and FUN-  because........
IM A SELFISH CRAFTER
For most of the Crafty Moms - Its Fun and a Hobby- and a JOB-
Thank Goodness for the rest of us that EVERY Crafter isnt as selfish as me lol!
I love to order this in a certain size and that in a certain color

I Often make Items out of items that inspire me-  Many times its items from the clearance rack at the local craft store-  and this is why I have to be A SELFISH CRAFTER. 
I make things I CANT remake!

An example:  I made this out of a bag of Felt Scraps I bought-  There was no plan-  I just put it together-  If someone wants another one - Guess What-  I cant make it-  It would cost too much for me to special order these colors again to make this one-  I could make it in different colors!  GREAT- Right?  But I am sure the order would be for colors I did not have!  So Once again - I AM A SELFISH CRAFTER-

This was a tester-  I tried to follow the instructions but it did not turn out -  but still cute RIGHT?

Well the chances of me making one just like this again is prob.  0%

This is why I just prefer to sell what I have already made up-  It makes it hard to make a profit- but I AM A SELFISH CRAFTER-  Creating one-of-a-kind creations is what makes it fun for me and worth the mess and time shooing the kids away from the Glue Gun and Needles- 

I decided to blog this because I feel really guilty for being a SELFISH CRAFTER but I am sure that I shouldnt-  I recently started an ETSY page and my first sale was..................................

Guess.............

Not the Item I posted but something- actually 2 things she saw on my facebook page she just had to have-  I am a sucker and usually quote way low prices when asked how much but because I am a SELFISH CRAFTER- I told her the regular top price- and told her those were old and I wasnt sure If I could recreate-  I didnt have any more of the fabric in this YOYO BAND-

But she still wanted if I could get close as Possible-  The other item was one of my hats-  It was made last summer so I was really nervous + I had to order items to duplicate-  But I did- because it was my first "SALE" from an ETSY Customer- 

So Maybe I am not so Selfish but I have to say It was not near as much fun trying to duplicate as making this piece out of scraps was-

But A Crafter has to do What a Crafter has to do to afford all the costly supplies- 
And this is why you should visit Crafty Moms'R'Us because we have over 100 Trusted Crafty Moms who are NOT SELFISH CRAFTERS!  yay!
Yes you will find one-of-a- kind pieces like these-

or This-

It makes it fun to know you will find items that once they are gone they are gone- and knowone will have one like it- 
But we also have so many Crafty Moms that will Remake- take custom orders- and work with you to get you just what you want-  PHEW!!!! I am so Glad that they are not like me- A SELFISH CRAFTY MOM! 

Funky, Hip, Functional! Legwarmers

Have you caught on to the NEW (well not so new) LegWarmer Trend?

Do you remember wearing Leg Warmers when your were a Kid?

THEY ARE BACK!  And they are COOLER than ever before. 

They run about $10 - $12 in your local boutiques but you can get them from $7-$12 from our Crafty Moms.  They make Diaper changes a breeze.  Just put your baby in a onesie and cover their legs with a great pair of Leg Warmers.  They will look Trendy and still be warm and cozy.  They are great for crawlers.  It keeps those knees from turning red when learning to crawl. 

These are the hottest new trend I believe because of their versatility and practical uses.

Check out these Crafty Moms and what kinds of Leg Warmers they offer!

In this photo we are using them to extend our Summer Wardrobe!  Add under a Skirt or dress to get more wear into Fall and even Winter.  This pair show is actually shared by my 1 year old and 3 year old. 

Teens and Tweens Love them Too!
You can wear them on your arms to just Jazz up a T-shirt or to actually keep their arms warm!

These are from Beez Kneez Boutique

They go all the way up to Adult sizes.

Check out her album to see many ways to wear these great Warmers

http://www.facebook.com/beezkneezboutique#!/media/set/?set=a.221366507874644.65393.153151924696103&type=1

They are not just for girls!  These would be great to keep that cute little fire fighter warm or to protect his knees when crawling.

You can find these at Baby Bug Wear

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.170080386365730.34824.159508527422916&type=1

At Nae's Creations she Make her own Leg Warmers out of Knee Socks.  This is great because you can find more selections of warmer patterns and they are more age appropriate for Teens and Tweens.
http://www.facebook.com/NaesCreations

Have a little Ballerina?  She would love to show up in dance class with these on!  You can find these at Silly Girl K Boutique.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.274176715932709.87096.253262528024128&type=1

 Many of our Crafty Moms Make Leg Warmers Even better with their Crafty Talents!  These are great for that Photo Session or Special Occasion.
You can find these at Tiny Hands Creations
http://www.facebook.com/TinyHandsCreations#!/photo.php?fbid=217101331657380&set=a.171553642878816.38287.131201380247376&type=1&theater

Uniquee Boutiquee is offering some sets for Football Season.  Find you Favorite Team color!  Show school Spirit !!

http://www.facebook.com/UniqueeBoutiquee#!/media/set/?set=a.202588876472327.54967.132198563511359&type=1

Last but certainly not LEAST is QT Crafts!  She Specializes in leg warmers!  You can expect to see the best selection on every holiday!  She has over 100 different styles to choose from and even offers wholesale pricing.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.452045369215.253671.185666064215

You can Trust that you will find the latest trends from our Crafty Moms at Crafty Moms'R'us

If you dont see what your Looking for JUST ASK?

Crafty Moms'R'us is Having A 102 item Giveaway SUNDAY!

Please shop our wall we want our NEW 800 fans to become Great Customers to Our Crafty Moms! Our Mission is to spread their products and get them sales! The Giveaways are a great bonus but SALES keep our page running! Thanks to all the Loyal Shoppers. ♫ REGISTER BY 25TH TO WIN 1 OR MORE OF THE 102 PRIZES

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY TO ME♥ to me! Have you Registered?
Why NOT!Crafty Moms'R'us on Facebook-Click to Find the Prizes!
0



2
1

32

FUN-RECYCLE-CRAFT! Do with the Kids or BAM! Kick it up a NOTCH Pocket Purses!

We all have Jeans or items with Pockets we have outgrown and are going to donate or throw our RIGHT?
Recycle them in a NEW **Crafty Way!
This will be fun even for the NOT SO CRAFTY MOMS out there and will be a good Summer activity for those kids home from school this summer.

So much you can do with these!  You can just make them FUN or you can get Really Crafty and Make them to Sell. Kids LOVE them.  This is really a Inexpensive Craft or Item to make and sell.
*Begin by cutting out a back pocket of an old (but not threadbare) pair of jeans, being careful to cut outside the seams so the pocket stays intact
*To hold the purse shut, sew strips of Velcro, buttons or snaps to the inside of the pocket.
*Decorate with iron-on transfers, fabric paint, beads, patches, or appliques. More ambitious kids might embroider their initials or other designs on the denim for an authentic seventies look

Google Denim Pocket purses to find lots of examples to upcycle those old Jeans

I found another great Denim Pocket Craft Here
How To Make A Denim Pocket Quilt
Would make a Great Birthday Gift
Have all guests use Fabric Markers to Sign a Pocket to keep a Special Momento from that special day!

Do you have any great Denim Ideas to Share?
We Want To KNOW!

Want To Create Some WOW for Your Center Pieces?

I recently discovered these Great Polymer Clay Pieces...

Bow Makers are using them as Unique Pieces for

Centers on their Bows.

They really add a great theme and you can get them

Custom made.

But of course all Polymer Clay Pieces are Not created Equal LOL.

Just like all Pillowcase Dresses are NOT created Equal(I have seen some U-G-L-Y ones in my days!

 I found a FB page making these(and they are AWESOME) but they are EXPENSIVE!

I could not afford to add a $3-$5 piece as a center piece for a bow (but I totally understand the cost)

 as in my area there is

NO WAY someone would pay the $10-$15 I would then have to charge for that bow to get

my cost for ribbon, center piece, clips, time, etc....back.

So hmmmmmm....Maybe to keep cost down we should Experiment with Polymer Clay Making

ourselves!  Come on We are Crafty Moms Right?

Well I decided to let my Crafty Son(11 year old)  help me out.

He made some wonderful Rainbow colored creations. (1st attempt)

It is Delicate to work with as you have to make these small and he prefers to make larger sculptures.

But NOT TO SHABBY I think.

Dont get me wrong- there is definate Artistry and Technique Required to make some of the Great Character pieces I have seen like Lalala Loopsey and more but Worth a try to save money and as a Crafter (in my opinion) It is so satisfying to know you MADE EVERY PIECE OF YOUR PRODUCT! Not just bought several pieces and put them together.

Let us know What you think!
We Want To Know!

Find FREE Polymer Clay Tutorials Here!

What Inspires YOU to be CRAFTY?

My 2nd Child

and First Daughter

Really Peeked my interest

in Making my Own

Hairbows and Tutus!

But I really have always had

a little CRAFTY in me.

Really it was my SON who was so SMART inspired

ME first Before the girls.

He had an Incredible appetite for Knowledge, I had to constantly think of new ways to present information. He just ATE it up and wanted more.

He was my Only child for 8 Years and he got the BEST of Mommy!

I was going to college to become a Teacher and Taught at a local

Montessori school, substitute taught, and Directed an after school

and Summer Program at a local Elementary School.

I used my son as my MUSE to get ideas for my "other kids"

I had to always think of a New way to approach a subject

he was interested in. We made sandpaper letters, use a lot of Playdoh,

painted, glued, trips to library, We did it all!

That is What Inspired Me To Be CRAFTY!

But the Bows and Tutus- and Sewing Machine Came after the Girls!

Just figured "Hey I can make that for way less than that Boutique is Selling it for"

and I Did.

We Want To Know: What Inspires YOU to Be CRAFTY?

Handmade NO NO!

So you Purchase an item that is Handcrafted. You pay the Price because you feel supporting a Crafting Mommy is worth it plus you know they put a lot of time into that 1 item.

Now you get it and you have found stitching to be so so.....crooked, strings hanging off, fit not right....

What do you do?

A lot of women and moms LOVE Boutique Style Hand Crafted Items but ONE rush job like this sent out can ruin it for ALL the WAHM Crafty Moms.

Customers-How does it make you feel when you receive an item like this?

Crafters- What are your inspection techniques you use before shipping out a handmade item?

If it fails inspection do you remake? If customer complains How do you know they are being Fair?

WE WANT TO KNOW!

Crafty Moms'R'us Free For Fans Giveaway on Facebook

WE have started registration for 2 Great items in our FreeForFans Giveaway on our

Facebook Promoting for Crafty Moms Page!

First item is from Sunshine Couture
Second item is from Super Stitchery

Find Registy Links at Crafty Moms'R'Us on Facebook

http://www.faceboo.com/pages/Crafty-MomsRus/132625396425

Time for the Crafty Momas and the Not So Crafty Moms to GET MESSY WITH THE KIDS!

♫Kids♪ are♫ Home♪ For ♫ SUMMER!♪
Time for Messy Crafts!
Or at least thats what we spend time doing when we are not Slip N' Sliding!
Its something I have always enjoyed doing and My 11 Year old who is going into Middle School
In the fall still enjoys participating in.
So Lets PAPER MACHE'
Get those old clothes on them and GET MESSY.
You can't go wrong.

• Use a Balloon(very inexpensive)


• Make a Paste(many recipes online)


• and Tear some Newspaper(KIDS especially the little ones LOVE THIS PART)

Getsome flour and some water

1 cup flour- 2 cups water(just keep it at 1 part flour and 2 parts water if you need more)
Mix it and add till you get a gluey consistancy but not too stiff. Try to get all lumps out.

Now Tear Tear Tear the newspaper into strips(about 1 to 2 inches wide works best)
Let the kids Dip Dip Dip(they are gonna love this part too).
Get the strip completely soaked and spread on balloon trying to get all the lumps out.
Keep covering and overlapping. The more layers the stronger the final form, So just let them go for it!
NOW LET DRY FOR 24 HOURS! When completely Dry Stick a Needle in and Pop the Inner Balloon. You should have a Strong Form.(of course you can use other items to form other shapes like bowls, Volcanos, etc...Just Web search it. A mask would be fun for the older kids! (use milk Jug for Form-See Pic)
So the next day is PAINT DAY!
Let them get messy again and paint their Creation!
2 Days of Messy Crafts ----Can you Handle it??

Add your tips....
Add your Summer Crafts for Kids ideas......
We want to know!