A New Year!

 

My Daughter and me during our vist to see hubby in Germany this year

Hi everyone! I am privileged to take on the role of blog leader for 2011.  I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Etsy Homefront Team since 2009 and have been looking for a way to stay more connected to all that is going on with this team.  And There is A LOT of goings on let me tell you! 

I have a loose agenda for the things that we will begin to experience within this blog space together as a team and with the outside world which I hope will help to educate people about the unique lives that military families experience - both the fun times and the most difficult times.  I admit that I am new to this military life and I guess I see this place as a lifeline that I definitely needed to reach out to (I will share more in one of our NEW features which I hope you will all want to engage in as well).

Ok so all this to say THANK YOU for the year that we will experience together. 

Fall/Breast Cancer Awareness Team Challenge

The team challenge has been underway for most of October, so we wanted to make sure to really challenge ourselves to come up with some fun ideas by combining the theme of fall and breast cancer awareness month. Each entry had to have elements of both breast cancer awareness as well as fall elements. I think our team pulled together some really amazing and inspiring pieces, so please take a moment and vote for your favorite!
-Jennifer Harruff

Prayer shawl by Joanna King of DivineBeautification 
A few months ago I received a letter from my Great Aunt Diana. She was an experienced knitter and through the years she had saved the crochet patterns that she acquired. She had recently learned that I was starting up my shop and thought I would find some use out of her patterns. She recently passed away so I thought that I would make one of her patterns in honor of her and all the other amazing women that I’ve known who have suffered from breast cancer. My hope is that my prayer shawl would bring peace and serenity to anyone suffering from this disease or anyone mourning the loss of a loved one.

Women's prayer shawl

 
BABS bear by Camilla Mecham of camillam
"BABS is my Breast Cancer Awareness Bear for our Homefront Team Challenge. For the cooler fall weather, she is sporting some fun awareness pink mittens, boots, a hat and scarf, all made of fleece. The fleece is also coordinated with the accent pieces on the bear. The white chenille of the bear could easily bring to mind the frost we start to see on the grass, leaves, and windows as the temperatures drop from Summer heat to Autumn coolness."

                                                                             BABS  
 
Hoodie Hat by Sarah C. Geraci of scgeraci
This is my entry for our challenge. It is a hoodie hat. The outside is wool. The inside is a patchwork of every piece of pink-ish fabric I could find. There is also a pink wool patch on the outside, as well as pink buttons and beads. I wanted to use as many different pink items as I could find to represent the diversity of people that are affected by this disease. I call it the Pink Patchwork Wool Hoodie Hat.

                                                                          hoodie hat

Love conquers all postcard by Rebecca Litton of SubmarineParade
"Amor Vinct Omina"... Love Conquers All. The art for this postcard was inspired by Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Love helps us through the hard times, and for those that are gone, love remains. Love keeps us strong.

                                                           Love conquers all postcard

Tatted pink pumpkin necklace by Sue Runyon of SueRunyonDesigns
The theme of fall pumpkins blends beautifully with the color pink, for the pink ribbons of breast cancer awareness. The pendant was hand tatted and is added to a pretty pink ribbon necklace. This is something completely different for Sue, so it is good to see her step out of the box a little.

Faux fur mink capelet by Jennifer Harruff of jenharruff
I love the look and feel of vintage clothing. My grandmother was a very glamourous lady back in the 1960s, so I was inspired by her survival of breast cancer. I wanted to make a mink capelet because it was the epitomy of luxury back then, but I am a full believer in faux fur rather than actual fur. I lined the inside with soft pink satin, and the front is complimented beautifully with pink satin ribbon tied in a pretty bow. It is perfect for fall because it is warm, and goes great with chilly days. I also really like the brown fur with the pink ribbon and lining.

Feature Friday

It's that time again, Feature Friday! I apologize for the lack of a Feature Friday last week (Sept. 17).   Today's shop is Creative Dragonfly.  This shop offers crocheted items for children and adults.  Here are just a few items from the shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56404453/newborn-christmas-red-elf-hat-and-diaper

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55188567/light-pink-and-light-blue-diaper-cover

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54245786/textured-cream-pom-pom-hat

Feature Friday

Today's featured shop is Nikid.  This shop offers yummy, mouthwatering treats.   There's no shortage of chocolate here.   She offers quality treats made with the best ingredients and also uses recycled packaging to get your treats to you.  Here are a few items from Nikid :

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53901563/peanut-butter-truffle-cups-1-lb

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40158112/belgian-milk-chocolate-dried-organic

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40095852/chocolate-overload-1-lb-get-your-sugar

Welcome Silver Button to the Homefront Team!

Our newest member is Silver Button.  She is an Army wife living in GA.  She went to college at Auburn University (as did I).
I found this part of her profile to be so very heartwarming, ans a great incentive to buy her incredible items:
"I started The Silver Button (derived from "Miss Mary Mack") initially as a way to continue selling without having to find a baby sitter every weekend but have recently commited my shop and 100% of its profits to help raise funds for my family's adoption to China! With every purchase from The Silver Button, you are helping to give a little girl a forever family!"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52096315/victorian-lace-earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52265778/little-peasant-dress

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41185780/flower-power-bobby-yellow

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49834434/boutique-style-fabric-wallet-amy-butler

Feature Friday

It's that time again, Feature Friday.  Today's featured shop is Beautifully Created.  This shop offers environmentally responsible items for women and babies.  Below are a few items from Beautifully Created

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55066183/mei-tai-style-babytoddler-carrier

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49271957/one-size-diaper-for-girls

http://www.etsy.com/listing/32521922/minki-dot-baby-boots-0-3-mo

Feature Friday

Today's featured shop is 1MaddieAndMe.  This shop specializes in custom girls clothing and accessories.  1MaddieAndMe offers everything from girls dresses to boo boo bags.  Here are a few items from this shop:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54777595/ice-cream-sundae-skirt

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51512333/pink-and-green-hair-flower-clip

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51330904/size-45-fall-a-line-dress-with-big-bow

Check out this shop for deals through our Homefront Team Back to School sale. 

Feature Friday

It's that time again!  This week our featured shop is LilacAve.  This wonderful shop specializes in handmade soy candles but also offers soap, lotions and lip balms.  The owner strives for quality and eco-friendliness in her packaging and her products.  All products are thoroughly tested before being listed.  The owner of LilacAve is also Co-Admin of the Homefront Team, a Navy wife, and a mother to two adorable children.  I can personally attest to the quality of her candles and tarts (as I own a few).  Here are a few of her products:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51423092/refresh-scented-lotion-8oz-eucalyptus

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51593648/dreamsicle-natural-lip-balm

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52990127/peppermint-scented-soy-candle-5oz

Feature Friday

Today's Homefront Team featured member shop is Hawaii Body and Bath.  This shop has some wonderful bath and body products and as the name suggests, is located in Hawaii.  I recommend you read her shop announcement and/or profile.  She introduces herself and tells you a bit about her products.  It's an interesting read.  Here are a few of her products:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51984907/pure-natural-unscented-body-yogurt-cream

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50288987/hawaiian-love-body-yogurt-cream-enriched

http://www.etsy.com/listing/50288855/sangria-white-peach-whipped-fluffy

Back to School Sales Continued!!!!

If you didn't catch it last week, here is a post of many many many fabulous sales the Homefront Team is having for back to school!  I recommend you check out the long list of Savings from the fabulous stores.  Since last week there have been some new developments though!

This adorable Tee is $15, FREE Shipping!

BananaBearBoutique is offering FREE Shipping for a limited time, and sale pricing on some new listings.  Her items are well made and incredibly cute!

This Clemson Bag is only $9.99

Also HeatherStrickland is offering 20-30% off select items!  Grab 'em now!

Pink Dorm Basket Tote

Green Dorm Basket Tote

Also you saw last week that LilacAve has some Dorm Baskets.  Well, now through August 12th, FREE Shipping on those baskets!

Feature Friday

This is our first Feature Friday and this week, we're featuring AsterJade Designs.  She is the proud wife (3 years) of a Marine and a mom.  Here is a short Q & A with our featured member:

I notice you sew tote bags, diaper bags, etc.  How old were you when you learned to sew?
I watched my mom do a lot of quilting while I was growing up. It wasn’t till my 22nd birthday that my husband came home with a sewing machine that I really got my start. My mom is the one that has taught me everything I know about sewing. I’d be lost without her! 

Is there any one thing that you've sewn (whether for your shop or for yourself) that ended up being your favorite?
Everything I make becomes my new favorite! The item that will always be the most special to me is the first purse I made out of my husband’s old uniform.

Do you ever find it difficult to run a business and be a military wife and mother?
It’s very hard! Usually the only time I get to sew is if my son is napping or down for the night. My husband tends to work a lot so if he’s home at night I want to spend time with him and not locked in my sewing room. Yet, I can hear my sewing machine calling me from down the hall… Thankfully he’s very supportive and encouraging of me and my projects. I always try to have some kind of hand sewing or knitting to do so we can still sit and spend time together.

In our convo, she mentioned her son was asleep at that time so I asked if he was an only child.
Yes, my little Emmett. He is the only child for now. He’ll be a year old in September. What a little character! He’s into and on top of anything he can get his hands on. Getting braver by the day

Is your Etsy shop a full-time or part-time business?
Very part-time for now. If it blossomed into a full time business some day I would be ecstatic! Once the kids are off in school I couldn’t think of a better job then sewing every day.

Do you ever find yourself feeling uncreative some days?  If so, what do you do to get back the creativity?
Definitely. To get the creative spark back I buzz around Etsy and see what other’s have made. Whether I’m looking at cake toppers for my son’s first birthday or looking for cute and easy dress patterns for a friend’s daughter. Seeing other people’s creativeness makes me want to get up and make something!

Is there anyone in your life who inspired you to be who you are today?
My parents really set a great foundation. Most importantly they instilled in me the importance of my faith in God. My husband has also has impacted me greatly. His hard work and dedication to what he does is very inspiring. I never dreamed I could be this blessed!

Here are a couple of her items:

 Marine Corp Shoulder Bag

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53167537/marine-corps-shoulder

Marine Corp Diaper Tote Bag

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49387714/marine-corp-tote-diaper-bag-usmc

You can check out her Etsy shop by going to http://www.etsy.com/shop/AsterJadeDesigns.  Thank you for participating in the Q & A!

Welcome Wednesday!

This week Jaritas Creations joins the Homefront Team.  Jarita makes some gorgeous handcrafted pottery (personally a craft that I am in awe of). 
Jarita's husband has been in the Army since 1985, and they married in 1987.  Her husband has served in Iraq, and they have been at several duty stations.
Jarita started doing pottery after taking classes with MWR (morale, wefare, recreation) nearly 20yrs ago.  After dealing with some health issues, she restarted in pottery back in 1998, when she self taught herself to use handbuilding technique, as disability makes wheel throwing difficult. She has now added slab-building and Cone 6 electric firing to her repetoire, and continues to study, attend some workshops, and experiment to expand her knowledge and skills.
You can learn more about her, from her shop profile and her blog:
http://www.jaritascreations.etsy.com/
http://www.jaritascreations.blogspot.com/

Here are some of her items listed in shop:

Bluesy Star Ornament
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51066710/bluesy-star-ornament-adorned-with

Mini Birdhouse
http://www.etsy.com/listing/50380604/mini-birdhouse-ornament-accented-with

Wood Tone Bottle
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/22272250/wood-tone-bottle-adorned-with-three-oak

Raku Planter
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31853684/raku-planter-with-coppery-hydrangea

Welcome to the Homefront Team JaritasCreations!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c5729c134568eef22bc47c2/back-to-school-homefront-team?index=0

The MEGA Homefront Back to School Sale!!!

We have some fantastic shops on Homefront. A great place to buy quality made, unique items; And NOW, is a great time! Why? Well Back to school of course!

We have great things for the grade school kid, the tweens, teens, and the college student!

An easy way to find these great items, and great deals is to search Etsy for HomefrontBTS.
Here is a peek at the deal you'll find!

Items for kids!

MooseThreads specializes in unique crochet clothing and hats for kids. She is having a Buy 1, Get 1 50% off Sale from Aug 1st- Aug 10th. Act now! Your kiddo will have something uniquely styled for them, and not like any other. The yarn is soft, not itchy, and high quality craftsmanship.
Check out Maddie and Me's shop, for great skirts and tees, and so much more. Quality craftsmanship, comfortable, flirty skirts (with a wink of conservative in the length, Moms!). And for the month of August, if you spend $30 or more, you get FREE Shipping!
When the cold weather comes, you need to be geared up for some DivineBeautification! Crocheted hats, bags, and scarves for all ages! And if you make your purchase anytime in the month of August, you'll get FREE Shipping!!!MonsterBugBlankets provides some awesome Tees and Hoodies for the kids (and plenty of onesies and blankets too for the Young'ins!). Appliques are unique and something for everyone, and the quality craftmanship, impeccable! From August 1st to the 31st, Save $5 on all Hoodies, and $3 on all tees!Did you LOVE the crocheted hats above? How about the Hoodies? Want to add something even more special?? JenHarruff offers some incredible handmade brooches to add even more uniqueness to their style! Her shop (aprons, brooches, hair accessories, key fobs, headbands) will be offering a fantastic Buy 1, Get 1 50% off sale from Aug 2-9th! If you are packing lunches, NinaBoBina is a fantastic place to pic up some reuseable snack bags! Shop anytime in August and get this deal!

Buy 1, Save 5%

Buy 2-5, Save 15%

Buy 6-10, Save 20%
Buy more than 10, get 25% off!

Things for Tweens, Teens, and College Bound!

SugarLumpsDesign offers iPod and iPhone cases for the tech savvy student.
Need some accessories and on a short budget? ArmyChic4Lyfe is offering $1 jewelry!!! I mean seriously, you've gotta take a gander, it's a buck!
Need a tote or message bag to carry your essentials to class? Need a headband to help keep the hair out of your eyes to see the chalkboard? How about coordinating? AStonesThrow, has something for you! High quality items, with incredible craftsmanship, in gorgeous fabrics. How can you NOT click?????PinsNPaperOnline has fantastic CD folios, binders, magnetic clips, in bright and enlightening fabrics. A great way to bring fun into your school supplies! For the month of August get FREE shipping on your order! Need some supply pouches made from recycled materials? How about some magnets for your locker (I mean how else can you show support for TeamEdward?). Take a gander at BeansThings. FREE Shipping on pouches and magnets for the month of August!

LilacAve has dorm baskets to prepare your college bound for dorm life! Baskets contain, soaps and lotions, in totes great for carting back and forth to the showers in the dorm. This is a limited item, just for Back to School!EssentialsbySondra offers eco friendly detergents and room sprays, great for the University crowd, doing their own laundry and covering up the smells of the dirty gym socks their roomate left behind!

Things for Mom/Dad!

Back to school is time for Mom/Dad too!!!!

Does mom/dad have their own business, and planning to expand or refresh now that the kids are back to school?? SaraRubendall, is offering a great package of graphic art for $50! See shop for details.
Camillam has great bears and burpcloths to help those not quite ready for school cope with big brother/sister going off for the long days after summer! This fantastic shop is offering a free burpcloth or pillow with the purchase of any bear.

SygnetCreations offers a myriad of great things in her shop, and is offering a Buy 1, get 1 50% off sale!!!!! This is incredible! Catch it before it's over on August 20th!