Thursday, June 30, 2011

New Bible Cover!!

Do you remember when I posted last week about the great shop I discovered that made beautiful embroidered Bible Covers, Laptop Bags, Purses, and Backpacks? Well the wonderful people over at Carry the Word completely astonished and blessed me by sending me a custom made Bible Cover in my choice of color and verse!!!


This was completely unexpected, and just blew me away!! I received my cover yesterday, and I love it! It's just as beautiful in person, and very well made! The inside seams are bound very nicely, the zipper is sewn in with a double layer of stitching, and the whole thing has the appearance of being very sturdy. I love the two outside zipper pockets (one on the front and one on the back). This is something my last cover didn't have, and it will be very handy at times!


I am thrilled to be able to tell you that these Bible covers are truly great. I can't wait to show mine off to the families at church! :) These covers (or the bags, backpacks and purses) would certainly make wonderful gifts for special occasions!

Don't forget today is the last day to use the coupon spirit for $5 off any purchase from Carry the Word.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Willing Gifts

Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD.
1 Chronicles 29:9


We have been so blessed by the willing offerings of so many people. More and more boxes of used Homeschool Curriculum and books keep arriving at our home! It is such a joy to be able to receive these things for the homeschoolers in our area who have been affected by the tornado.

Just now as I was writing that, our door bell rang and two more boxes of books arrived on our front porch - all the way from California! Thank you so much to every one of you who have given of your time, money, books, thoughts, prayers, and so much more!


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Every Sunday I have the special opportunity to teach Scripture Memory to the children at church. I usually have 15-16 children ranging in age from 5-14. Normally we memorize 2-3 verses each week, and after we have finished "Verses" for the day, I'll dismiss all but the oldest children. The older ones and I will then work together to come up with actions for the following week's verses.

This week was a little different though. I gave the middle group the very special opportunity to do what the big kids usually do, and they got to help me come up with actions for next week's verses!

They were so excited and took their responsibility very seriously. We're memorizing Proverbs 2:1-13 & 20-22 right now, and the first verse we had to do actions for was verse 20: "That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous." We already had actions for the first part of the verse, but needed to come up with something for "good men". I started discussing this with them, and it was so sweet to see and hear the first things that came to their mind.

The just turned 11-year-old immediately suggested doing a giving action because good men give to others. The other three children thought this was great and the 10-year old excitedly said, "Like Joplin! We can be giving to help Joplin!". All of these children live in or close to Joplin, and they've seen and experienced not only the damage, but also the incredible display of serving and giving not just here in the community, but from all across the country.

I was so blessed to see that their first thoughts about "good men" are that they don't just think of themselves. They reach out to help other people.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Purchase & Donate Reminder

Red, White, & Blue Twirl Sundress
Star Spangled Toddler Sundress
 Just wanted to give a quick reminder that there are only 5 more days to make a purchase from my Joyfully Sewn Designs Artfire shop and at the same time donate to the Joplin tornado victims. I would be thrilled to celebrate my birthday this month by being able to give to those who have lost so much!

Does your little girl need something special for your 4th of July celebrations? There's still a couple of days left to order in time for Independence Day! :)

Patriotic Twirl Skirt

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Carry the Word Feature and Coupon

I don't know about you, but I always keep my Bible in a Bible cover. I love the protection the cover gives and when my Bible is all zipped in, I don't have to worry about papers, bookmarks, etc. falling out. With a Bible cover, I can take my Bible with me on trips or to church without having to worry about it getting torn up or dirty. Actually, I leave it in it's cover even here at home for an extra measure of protection.

Because I appreciate my Bible cover so much, I was THRILLED to discover Carry the Word. Not only do they make good quality Bible covers, they also embroider Scripture verses on the covers! They are just beautiful!



Carry the Word offers several sizes of Bible covers in many different colors with a variety of Verses stitched on the covers. If you don't see the color combination you are looking for, or you would like a specific verse, or a different Bible version, don't worry. Carry the Word is more than happy to do custom orders to fit your specifications.

Carry the Word also offers laptop bags, backpacks, and small purses along with their line of Bible Covers. These also have embroidered flowers or Verses on them which gives a very special touch to their work. I was blessed a few months ago to receive one of their purses (in my favorite color - purple! :)). The purse is very well made and is nice and sturdy!


I'd love to now introduce to you, the people behind Carry the Word.

Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Jan and my husband’s name is Jack. We have been married thirty six years. We have two grown children, and five grandchildren. We live in the beautiful pacific northwest, and we work on our business together.


How and when did you become interested in your craft?
 My husband had a friend who made bags, and we became partners with him. We made simple bags at first (no embroidery) , and we even made windsocks for airports. After a while doing that we went off on our own, and transitioned in to what we do now.



What inspired you to open your shop?
 We sold our old business when we moved to Oregon 13 years ago, but circumstances brought us to the conclusion that starting up again would be a good idea. We really feel God directed us, and that is why our shop has a Christian emphasis.

Where did your shop name come from?
 It’s simple really. We put God’s Word on bags that you carry. Carry The Word


In your opinion, what sets you apart from the rest?
 You really can’t find a sturdy American made Bible cover at the Christian book stores. Getting one with a custom verse or design is impossible there as well. We make covers that are super tough with very high quality materials, and we can put whatever the customer likes on them. Our laptop cases and backpacks are made with the same high quality materials and standards.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
 Probably this Bible cover

I love the eagle design and the verse, in fact I have a version of this on my own Bible cover.

Do you take custom orders? If so, how do they work?
 Yes, the customer just needs to contact us, and we will work with them to get whatever verse or design they would like on their Bible cover, laptop case, or backpack. They can choose where they want the design or verse and the colors, so it’s  a one of a kind just for them.



Besides crafting, what else do you do?  What are your other interests?
Well, God is #1 in my life, so spending time in His Word is important to me. My other interests are healthy living through nutrition and exercise, organic gardening, and travel.

What advice would you give someone new to online selling?  
Be patient! Sales usually don’t come overnight, it takes time to learn how to do it all, and I’m certainly not an expert! You will learn bit by bit though, and if you have a product people want, the sales will come.


Aren't they all just beautiful! I'd love to be able to have a Bible cover or laptop case with a custom Scripture verse embroidered on it! Someday I'm hoping to be able to purchase one from Carry the Word!

You can also find Carry the Word on their Website, Etsy, Facebook, and Twitter. Come check out their wonderful products and shops! And from now through the end of June, you can get $5.00 off any purchase from Carry the Word's Artfire shop with the coupon code: spirit. I think you'll be blessed with the high quality, American made Bible covers, laptop cases, backpacks and purses offered by this Handmade Artisan husband and wife team!

Friday, June 17, 2011

I've Been Featured!

A fellow Artfire member blogged about my three little Patriotic outfits this morning. Come take a look at her post of 4th of July Fashions From Head to Toe!


I just started work on one of these skirts yesterday! I'm hoping to have it finished and ready to ship very soon! :)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Another Gourmet Orchards Groupon Deal!

In case you missed the Groupon Deal last week for Gourmet Orchards, they're doing a repeat deal again today!


TODAY ONLY, you can purchase a $25 voucher for Gourmet Orchards for only $10. That's a 60% savings! Treat your Dad to some specialty nuts, gourmet popcorn, seasonal fruit, or marvelous granola! You can use your voucher immediately, or save it for another occasion. The voucher is good for one whole year!

To get the deal:

1. Sign up for a Groupon account (or log in).
2. Click this link and purchase your Groupon.
3. Your Groupon wil be sent to your e-mail address.
4. Go Shopping!

You might also like to go to Gourmet Orchards Blog to enter their current giveaway for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates!

Note: The Groupon link is my referral link. I get a bonus for referring new customers to Groupon. Thanks so much for your support!

Free 8x10 Collage Print at Walgreens


Father's Day is almost here, and Walgreens is offering a FREE 8x10 Collage Print to celebrate!

Just use the code: 1FREEBIE to get your collage print free. Don't forget to choose in-store pick up to get your photo completely free!

This coupon is good from June 16 - June 18.

You Can Make This (YCMT) Coupon!

Don't you just love it when places you purchase from send out coupons regularly?! I was excited to receive word that You Can Make This (YCMT) is offering yet another coupon code. Yay! I love being able to save money on purchases, and coupons are a great way to do that.

Use the code: CUPCAKE to receive 15% off your order through June 20, 2011.

Here are just a few of the new patterns from You Can Make This (YCMT)




Saturday, June 11, 2011

Etsy Kids Spotlight - Hi Mamma Designs

I've really fallen behind on sharing my fellow Etsy Kids members shops with you. Somehow homeschool conferences, sewing, and tornadoes have a way of taking up your time. :) Maybe I can be a little more consistent in posting (at least for a little while :)) now.

The next shop I want to introduce to you is located in Carmel, Indiana -

Hi Mamma's items were inspired by her two little girls and are all items that their family has used and include Changing Pad Covers, Pillowcases, Baby Gift Sets, Carseat Strap Covers, and more. This shop was named from a common phrase used by one of the girls, "Hi, Mamma."

You choose - Plain colored or print changing pad covers



Need a baby gift? These cute burp cloths would be just the thing!



 Soften up those car seat straps with these soft flannel strap covers.


And don't forget mamma! How about a fun cup cozie!
Come on over to Etsy and check out the rest of Hi Mamma's shop! She even offers gift certificates!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Overnight Prints Sale


Overnight Prints is having a HUGE 72 hour sale! Get up to 72% off site wide through June 12th. Choose from Business Cards, Postcards, Flyers, Brochures, Letterhead , Greeting Cards and Envelopes.

I've ordered from Overnight Prints several times before, and have been very pleased with the business cards and magnets that I have received!

Note: This post contains my referral link. Thank you for your support.

Sneak Preview

I just received a new batch of photos from one of my photographers, and I just had to share some with you! Now I just need to find time to list all 11 new items! :)





Thursday, June 9, 2011

Make A Purchase - Donate to Tornado Victims

June is my birthday month! I was hoping maybe I could post last week on my birthday and share some of the fun birthday freebies I've signed up for, but I was too busy at the TPA Homeschool Conference. I didn't have internet in the hotel room, and we were WAY too busy working the Light of Faith booth to be able to get a post written during the day when I did have internet. :) Maybe I can post those another day. :)


I did want to take the time to post now though and let you know that I'm doing a special in my Artfire shop this month. My life has been so blessed, and after the tornado 2 1/2 weeks ago, I am even more aware of my blessings. I wanted to do something to help with the tornado relief efforts in our city, so I decided to do a special with my shop.

Little Girls Peasnt Blouse and Skirt Set - Country Americana Size 3/4


For every purchase that is made from Joyfully Sewn Designs on Artfire during the month of June, I will donate 50% of the sales to the Joplin relief efforts. In addition to donating to the tornado relief, I am also offering a special 10% off coupon to any of my blog readers who share about this special on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter. This coupon will be good through June AND July and can be used even if this is not your first purchase from Joyfully Sewn Designs.

To receive your coupon, simply e-mail me the link to where you shared about the special, and I'll send you the coupon code. You can contact me at joyfullysewn at gmail dot com.

So, if you were thinking about making a purchase from my shop, or were wanting to do something to help with the relief efforts, now is your time to combine both of these things! Make a purchase - donate to tornado victims!

Thank you so much for your support and prayers!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Gourmet Orchards Groupon Deal


Have you heard of Gourmet Orchards yet? They have a a huge and extremely yummy looking variety of gourmet nuts, popcorn blends, granola, and seasonal citrus. And today only they have a Groupon deal going - $25 worth of products for just $10! That's a 60% discount and the great thing about this deal is that your Groupon doesn't expire for a whole year!

This would be perfect to use for a Father's Day gift, just a fun treat for yourself, or you could save it and have a head start on Christmas shopping!

To get the deal:

1. Sign up for a Groupon account (or log in).
2. Click this link and purchase your Groupon.
3. Your Groupon wil be sent to your e-mail address.
4. Go Shopping!

You might also like to go to Gourmet Orchards Blog to enter their current giveaway for a chance to win one of two $50 gift certificates!