Happenin How To: Kid's Art Apron From A DishTowel

If you are like me, and have a child that loves to color/paint etc.....you know that a) they lose their supplies in 2.5 seconds....and b) get more on them than the paper....

How absolutely Awesome is this Apron by Obsessively Stitching? This tutorial is SO Easy and is a must have for any kid! Stop by, check it out......and also look at all the other amazing craft ideas she has!

Military Life from a Spouse's Perspective: Deb Ragsdale

 

The Military Brat Team and the Homefront Team are combining efforts to share our experiences with the military lifestyle so that others can fully understand the sense of community, sacrifices, benefits, and expectations we all share as members of a truly unique group of people. Each month we will feature a story shared by a Military Brat Team member, and a story shared by a Homefront Team member.

I am pleased to introduce to you Deb Ragsdale, Owner of Lilac Ave

Deb is the Military Homefront Team Captain and has been a member of Homefront since May of 2008.

Here's her story:

"I have known my husband for half of my life. We met when I was 16, working at a Chinese restaurant. I was looking at colleges to go to, and he was inspired to make more of his life, but had no money for college. He joined the Navy, because they were the only ones that would come to the house and pick him up, since he had no car.
Now to look back, that we hung on to our little teenage romance through 4 years of long distance.  I was hooked. I could “see” no other boys around me at college.  I was smitten with my sailor. We got married when I was 20.
I have never made a more sound decision in my life! We have been together 16yrs now, on this military adventure. When people say, “I don’t know how you do it”…I say, “He is worthwhile. I will wait. I’d rather have him some of the time, than none of the time”.  I think most military wives, think this way. What better way to show your love and devotion, that always is waiting on that pier, for the love of your life, to return?"

To learn more about Deb, check out these spaces:

Etsy shop: http://www.LilacAve.etsy.com

My website: http://www.LilacAve.webs.com

My Blog: http://www.LilacAve.webs.com/apps/blog

My Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/LilacAve

My Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/LilacAve

If you would like to be featured in this space, just send your info via the "Contact Us" Tab at the top of this blog.

Fabulous Finds: All About The Boy!

This Friday Edition is in honor of those fearless, ornery, fiesty and fierce little boys.....who are masters of the mud pie.....and keeper of the bugs.....

These Great Finds are all part of the Homefront Team!

Starting from Upper Left

Wild Blue Yonder Boutique Mini Blanket from NoahBabyBoutique $15

Airplane Wipes Case from JensCraftCorner $9

Toddler Visor Square Buckle Beanie - Denim Blue and Navy Blue

from Two SeasideBabes $31

Dino Diaper-Bag/Organizer from SpoiledRottenDesigns $10.99

Fish Bib and Burp Cloth Set from MonsterBugBlankets $20

Space and Rocketship Mobile from Paperbella $60.50

Custom Photo Birth Announcement Card from ProffittProductions $8

Lil Buckaroo Rustic Primitive Wood Sign from SawdustNStitches $6

Shop Blog Spotlight: Laura Evans Photography

The Homefront team has such a large group of amazingly talented artisans and crafters......but did most of us know that many of these shops also have fabulous, interesting and entertaining blogs as well?

I thought it would be great to start highlighting some of these great blogs....that give us a better insight into who the creative geniuses are behind all those amazing creations.

Our First Blog Spotlight is Laura Evans/Photography . Can I just say...OMG is she one talented lady. She has such an amazing eye....her prints are captivating....and unique....and her blog is one that is a complete extension of that creativity....

Not only does she showcase her unbelievable talent....but you will also find great stories.....fun facts.....and totally drool worthy etsy finds......

It is a total must read! And why she is chosen as our Blog Spotlight for the week....I highly suggest going over and taking a peek! You'll

Fabulous Finds: In Honor of Love

Love is Patient.....Love is Kind.....and Love is Fabulously Handmade.....

These Fabulous Homefront Finds.....all share one thing in common.......they honor and celebrate the idea of LOVE!

Enjoy!

Love Bracelet by TinyStorm $42.00

Rosey Love Card by KristynsKards $3.00

Chocolate Spoon Fudge by Nikid $6.50

French Lavender Heart Soy Tarts by LilacAve $5.00

The You Hold My Heart Valentine 6 inch Tutu with Matching Boutique Hairbow by TinyBellesBoutique $14.99

Happenin How TO: Button Heart Valentine's Day Card

Valentine's Day is fast approaching....and why not this year...give the fabulous gift of a handmade card...

This Absolutely LOVELY card is brought to you by kwerner designs, who has made a fabulous video to show how she created this unique and oh so pretty card....(I'm making one for my Hot Husband)

Check out her Blog HERE for more amazing Crafting ideas!

Happenin How To - Fluffy Valentine Frame

I absolutely Love Valentine's Day.....About as Much as I LOVE fun, fabulous, crafty blogs.

I found this Adorable Fluffy Valentine Frame How To at a FABULOUS Crafty Blog

Bobbity Boo

I can't begin to tell you how stinking cute this frame is....and totally HAVE to make one for my Front Room! And the Best Part....it is practically FREE to make.....you definitely can't get better than that.

To get the Full Instructions on how YOU too can make this simple...yet oh so chic frame.....GO HERE

Featured Artist - Jenharuff

Welcome February, a month full of president's birthday's and of course expression of love. I don't think Washington and Lincoln mind sharing their month with the showering of our undying devotion to those close to our hearts. So this month, the Homefront Team's featured artist's theme is the HF shops we ♥.

First up this month is Jennifer from Jenharuff, home to some an awesome collection of aprons, dolls, and bags (I've ♥'d quite a few myself); plus some really great pin-up inspired item pictures that really give some pizzaz to her shop!

Tell us a little about yourself:

I have always been into arts and crafts. My mother and my grandmother exposed me to a great many mediums, such as sewing and painting. I learned to love other artforms from school, and since then, I have always loved to work with my creative side. My favorite medium to work with is sewing. I wanted really badly to sew like my mom and my sisters, so she gave me a dull needle and some scraps to keep me happy, and I would sew up my own shoes and purses. I am glad she never let me wear my flimsy little shoes, but I am more grateful that she encouraged me to make what I wanted.
I met my husband when I was 19, and we have move all around the world and the US for his job. He is in the air force, and we were both military brats, so moving around has been something we are just used to. I always wanted to learn how to design clothing, so I taught myself as much as I could from books and experimentation. I never dreamed that I would be able to have a way to sell what I designed because I had no proper training, but it never stopped me from creating. One day, a good friend suggested that I should sell what I sew, and for the first time in my life, I took a risk and signed up for a bazaar. To my surprise, I was able to sell quite a few of my creations! That same friend suggested etsy, so I opened an account to get to know how things work. At the end of June last year, I decided to take another risk and open a shop. So far it has been a rewarding environment, and the best decision I made last year! I signed up to be a team member of the Homefront team, and with their encouragement, I have gained confidence in my abilities, friendships that I cherish, and knowledge about how to help my shop progress. I am truly grateful for all of my blessings from this amazing and talented team!

What do you love about Etsy?

I love that etsy has so many amazing artists and crafters to choose from. Before I discovered etsy, I hardly knew of anyone who made handmade goods that were quality items. I really enjoy browsing through the categories to see what some talented etsians have created. I also really love that other people appreciate my work enough to buy it. I never thought that I would be able to sell anything I designed, although it has always been my passion.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite item listed in my shop is probably my Adana Lingerie Inspired Apron. I love the way the unexpected colors work together so well, and how the gold in the lace really shimmers.

What marekting tool do you LOVE to use or LOVES you the most (you generate sells from)?
My favorite marketing tool is by facebook. I can show all of my friends and family what I have been making, and it has been very kind to me as far as sales go. It is also a great tool for feedback on my items. I can ask people their honest opinions about my product, and I can change the things that don't work for my customers and improve my products.

What Etsy stores do you LOVE?
My favorite etsy shops are definately LilacAve, her candles are really amazing. I am addicted to them! I also really love preciouspatterns because their patterns are sweet and simple, and really easy to make. I am also in love with the crochet patterns of hollanddesigns. I have made a few slippers from her patterns, and look forward to browsing through her shop. And littledearies has a collection of some of the sweetest baby items I have found, and she has really affordable prices!

If you could go back to ANYTIME in history on Valentine's Day, who would you ask to be your valentine?
If I could go back to anytime in history on Valentine's Day, I would ask my husband to be my valentine before we ever met, while he was in high school. I think it would have been nice to have met him much sooner in my life.

Check out all the great items in Jennifer's shop, Jenharuff, and all the great sellers on Homefront Team on Etsy, for your Valentine's Day shopping! Just search "Homefront Team" on Etsy!