August Gift Swap

I participated in another Etsy Texas Crafters gift swap.  This month the theme was red.  I made my partner 5 crocheted roses and decorated a vase to put them in.  Here's how it turned out!

I got the idea for the vase from Heaven Baked Sweets from her post here.

The roses were super fun to make and I hope to make more soon for other items.

New Etsy Banner

I just made my new etsy banner, let me know what you think!

You can view the larger version here: ZandDArt

Some Etsy Rambling

I've been a member on Etsy for over a year now and think it is one of the coolest sites ever!  I listed a few items starting back in January/February and have been trying to learn more about the handmade market the online market.  So far I feel like I've learned a lot but still have a ways to go.  I've been working on a lot of new items lately and hope to revamp my shop throughout September and start listing all the things I've been working on.

I would love some advice though...

What's the best way to promote?
How did you turn your hobby into a working business?
Any tips or tricks?

Thanks and I hope to have lots to post in the coming weeks about my etsy shop!

Crochet Class

It's been awhile since I've blogged, lots of new stuff coming soon! 

I enrolled in a crocheting class at the community college here and the first class was last night.  I had a blast!  It's a very relaxed class so we get to work on whatever we want, there are only 3 other people so it makes it even easier.  Since I knew the basics I decided to get some help on a crochet rose I've been trying to make.  It was a success!

I was so proud of myself, I was able to make this without any mistakes or having to start over!  I'm making a bouquet of these for a gift swap I'm participating in so I made another one earlier today.  I don't know what I did different but it looks closer to a rose I think (and more like the pattern hahaha).  Either way, I'm super excited about my roses and can't wait to finish them all!

Here's the one I made this morning in a brighter shade of red.

Wordless Wednesday