Ah, took a little blog vacation there…

Thanks to Llum for stopping by!  I’m a big fan of your clothes.  Infact, we love *this outfit* so much, I’ll probably buy the next size up when baby M outgrows the one she has now.  : )

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We’re having nicer weather here in Seattle (though you wouldn’t know it this morning…), alot more sunshine – good weather for an impromptu stroll once or twice a day.

This is a funny time of year for my shop.  Things slow down as folks go outside and get away from their computers.  I use this time to make more things, in preparation for the fall and holidays.  And for some reason, I usually get a wave of custom order requests this time of year.  Right now I have requests for custom bookmarks, a needlebook and a project tote.

And as soon as the baby lays down for a nap, I’ve been picking up my embroidery and working on these critters:

Dog

Bunny

Mouse

Hedgie

Kitty and..

Bird.

These embroideries will be part of a new line of items for my shop: iPhone cases!

Now that the embroidery is finished, I’ll sew up the cases, photograph them and then add them to my shop.

Thank goodness babies take naps!  ; )

Jenn : )

I recently purchased this cute little stamp

from Kawaii Things on Etsy.

I’m going to use it when I write my thank you notes to my great Etsy customers.

I may also stamp everything in my house with this!

(To learn more about “kawaii” – click *here*)

Jenn : )

Woolfelt dots for decorating my next round of pincushions.

And more dotty goodness:

Key Lime Dot Scarf made by Mountainavenbaby

Elephant Stuffed Toy made by SewnNatural

Stuck On You Card made by Michellenstamps

Jenn : )

Here is another wip that I have on the list:

getting this little bunny framed.

I bought this little guy from Brightcolorart on Etsy.

Brightcolorart has sold more than one of these brooches, but each is an original illustration, slightly different and one-of-a-kind.

This whimsical little bunny will go very well with some of my other recent Etsy bunny purchases, like this felted piece, from TheMoonGoat:

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Why all the bunny love?

Why start a major home renovation just as the economy is taking a nose dive?

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Because, I have one more wip, Dear Readers.

No idea if it will be a boy or girl.

It’s going to be a surprise!

The best surprise ever.

: D

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Jenn : )

I love to go to other people’s blogs and see what they are working on, right now, at the moment.  And since my blog has been sadly neglected lately, I thought I’d commit to sharing a full week of WIPs to show what I’ve got going on over here.

Notice that it’s Tuesday?  Yeah…. well, doing the WIP post turned into a wip yesterday – Ha!  So today I’ll post two wips to make up for Monday.

(That’s me for ya.)

So anyway, here are my wips for Monday and Tuesday:

A flurry of hand embroidered snowmen!

These will eventually become Christmas ornaments, that I will sell in my Etsy shop.

And here is a whole wardrobe full of little embroidered coats (or blouses if you like).  These will become needlebooks, also destined for my shop.  I hope to have alot of these done in time for the holiday shopping rush.

Wish me luck!

Fly busy little hands!

There’s still so much to finish!

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Also on the list:

Visiting and commenting on my fav blogs,

writing letters to family back home,

and returning long overdue emails.

Check back tomorrow to see my next WIP!

Best,

Jenn : )

My latest Etsy find:

This beautiful bag from Sinem Inugur.

I just love this fabric print and the gorgeous pop of orange inside.

This bag came to Seattle all the way from Istanbul, Turkey and the craftsmanship is superb.

Sinem has a degree in textile design.

She handpaints some of the fabrics that she uses for her bags.

Like this tote bag:

I also like this shoulder bag:

This messenger bag:

And this lovely grey everyday bag (just in time for Fall!):

Feel like adding something pretty and sophisticated to your look?

Check out *Sinem’s Shop* on Etsy!

Jenn : )

….and where am I now?

Renovation on the upstairs of our house has begun.  Josh and I have spent the last few weeks packing up everything from three bedrooms and a bathroom and carting the boxes downstairs into the basement.

In an effort to save some $$, Josh is demo-ing everything himself (with the occassional help of wonderful friends – thanks, guys!)

My once pretty, cheerful studio space, filled with knick-knacks and crafting supplies, will soon look something like this:

Yeah.  Gone.

Actually, the room will be rebuilt, with new drywall and paint.  But ultimately, my studio space will be moved to what used to be the guest bedroom – which is evolving into a loft.  I’m looking forward to my new digs – it should be very sunny and open.  And we’ve had a bit of good fortune, when we discovered that underneath the filthy carpeting exists beautiful fir floors that (so far) look to be in good shape.

In the meantime, I’m steering clear of all the dust and dirt up there.  I’ve set up temporary sewing space and I’m working hard to complete some custom orders: including four needlebooks for my mom and a ring pillow for friends who’ll be getting married this summer (I’ll be sure to get some photos to show you how that comes out).

I owe you a Two Spoonfuls post.  I’ve got all my ingredients to try out this inviting new baking pan, and I hope to have that finished soon.

‘Cause when all of your worldly goods are boxed up and stacked in a basement,

Girlfriend could sure use some chocolate.

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On another note: A few months ago I purchased the most adorable needle felted tapestry from TheMoonGoat on Etsy.  Unfortunately, I forgot that there is a deadline for leaving feedback on Etsy, and by the time I had this framed, I was too late.

I am so upset with myself for neglecting to publically rave about this wonderful item.  So I’m sharing it with you here.  This photo doesn’t begin to do this piece justice – when I took it to the frame shop, all the employees commented on how adorable it is.  It was wonderfully packaged and shipped quickly, too.  I hope you’ll take a moment to check out TheMoonGoat’s shop – if for no other reason, then to see *THIS* before someone snatches it up! : )

Jenn : )

I recently did some shopping at JapanKawaiiYa on Etsy.

I’ve purchased from this shop before and *loved* what I received.

Everything arrives quickly, nicely packaged, and with a handwritten note of thanks.

Want to see my little treasures?

A memo pad and three little clippies.

A super cute letter set.

Very thought provoking!

A bit of flannel fabric – complete with tiny bunnies and squirrels.

And another memo pad that I couldn’t resist.

Why?……

…Because “I Am Rabbit, Love It”!

I imagine the rabbit is saying that with ALOT of attitude.

I like a rabbit with attitude.

Peace out!

Jenn : )

Wow – this week seems to be flying by.  It’s already half over, tonight is a new Lost episode, and somebody will be leaving American Idol.  Whew!

Josh and I took a trip over to Bainbridge Island Wa this past weekend.  We lucked out and had a very sunny day.  We took the car over on the ferry and visited new friends at their beautiful home.  It was such a nice day trip – I’d like to go back again soon and visit all the little shops there.

I was so preoccupied with the gorgeous weather and our new friends that I forgot to take any photos while we were there.  But I did get this one of Josh on the ferry.  Can you tell we were having a great day? : )

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I want to send out a big thank you to Liz over at LavenderLizard for including my little orange needlebook in her latest blog post.  Thank you, Liz!  If you love great Etsy finds like I do – I hope you’ll take a gander at Liz’s fun collection.

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This morning I did a big shop update…well, big for me anyway. : )

I’ve got a brand new Project Tote.

And a matching needlebook.

And something a little different…

The other day I made up this tasket prototype.  This one is quite a bit bigger than my usual taskets.  I used linen (reinforced with fusible fleece) and this new Japanese canvas I just got from Superbuzzy.  Over all I’m very happy with how this new design turned out.  I think there’ll be some larger taskets in the shop soon.

This one does have some slight puckering of the lining at the back, but all-in-all it’s sturdy, roomy and cute.

Since it’s a prototype, I’m offering it at the same price as the smaller version, even though it’s quite a bit bigger.

So if you like a good sale and need a cute place to store some fabric bundles, knitting supplies etc… I hope you’ll give this tasket a home!

Sold – and on it’s way to NV.

Have a great day, everybody!

Jenn : )

We’ve gathered together a group of fabulous Etsy sellers who make some of the loveliest and well made hand crafts around. We’re bringing our very best creations from our homes to yours in this unique two day online shopping experience. Plus, we’re giving away door prizes so don’t forget to leave a comment on each blog to enter. It’s not too early to think about shopping for those special folks on your Christmas list so please keep them in mind as you browse these fabulous offerings:

Notebooks
Sue Bleiweiss

Gadget Cozies
Ginny Harvey

Toys
Felicia Haywood

Felted Items
Lisa Jordan

Needlebooks & Sewing
Jenn Maruska

Pottery
Julie Thomas

Gift Tags
Karen Wittkop

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Welcome!

I’ve just been doing some embroidery. Come on in!

My name is Jenn and I am the creator of Jenn Maruska Design. I’m an artist and seamstress and I make cute and useful items for your workspace and home. About 10 years ago I made my first simple needlebook out of woolfelt. I’ve since modified the design and incorporated my own unique, hand embroidery as decoration. And I now use luxurious high-quality wools for the covers. My needlebooks, pincushions and taskets are well made and meant to last for years to come. I’m inspired by natural colors and Japanese design.

My needlebooks are perfect for anyone who quilts, beads, embroiders or sews.

You can use a tasket to hold your small supplies and tools.

I hand embroidered a spool of thread as decoration for this crafty pincushion.

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Don’t forget about the door prize!

Leave me a comment to be entered into a drawing to win the pincushion below.

The winner will be announced here on Wednesday, Nov 5th.

Thank you so much for attending this Virtual Etsy Home Show!

I’d like to invite you to the next stop on your tour:

Pottery
Julie Thomas

Jenn : )