April Update - Sewing, Books & More

Has it really been nearly 3 weeks since I posted last? And is it really the 11th of April?! I certainly didn't plan to go so long between posts on my blog, but life has a way of filling up every spare minute sometimes. :)

I have been sewing, sewing, sewing these past few months. I've gotten LOTS of custom orders this year, and I'm having so much fun creating all of these special outfits. From Easter dresses to matching peasant skirts for a set of cousins, to a sweet white peasant dress for a special little girl. Every order has been a joy to make!

And I'm not finished yet! Skirts, jumpers, peasant blouses, bloomers, and culottes among other things are still on my list to make. If you're reading this and you're waiting for your order to be finished, please know that I'm working as fast as I can to complete each order, and I will do my best not to keep you waiting too long. :)

In between all of my Joyfully Sewn Designs orders, I'm listing books and curriculum as fast as I can on Homeschool Classifieds and E-bay in a desperate attempt to get rid of the stacks and stacks of boxes (more than 50 of them) of used homeschool curriculum that have taken over our house. We purchased almost 100 boxes (it's a long story) of this stuff, and now we're trying to sell it off and get it out of our house! :) Anyone need any A Beka, Bob Jones, Saxon, Rod & Staff, Easy Grammer, or anything else? :)

The view from my desk - a small portion of the boxes!

And besides all of that (just to make life a little more interesting), this week marks the start of my brother's 6 week marathon of homeschool conventions. He will taking Light of Faith Resources to 8 Homeschool Conventions in 6 weeks! That means LOTS of pricing and packing for our whole family plus my parents, sister, and I are helping out with one conference next weekend, and then doing one by ourselves the following weekend! It should be fun, but it will definitely be a whirlwind couple of weeks!


So, if my blog is rather quiet in these next month or so, you'll know why. :) I might get a little time to post in the hotel one weekend though. I guess we'll see. :) I have a couple of really neat shops that I'm eagerly waiting to share with you just as soon as I can find time!

Winner, Lilla Rose, and Tropical Traditions

Things have been so busy this week, that I never got the winner of the Woodcarver DVD announced. Sorry about that. The winner was entry #53 out of 116 entries. Congratulations Sarah!

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Would you like a chance to win a Lilla Rose Flexi Clip? I am sponsoring giveaways on two different blogs right now, and I would love to have you visit ABCD Diaries and For Him and My Family to enter!

I am also offering a Buy-3-Get-1 FREE promo during the month of March. Buy 3 or more flexi clips this month, and I would love to send you a voucher for a FREE flexi clip of your choice (up to $15 value). Only one voucher may be used per account.

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Have you tried out Tropical Traditions yet? There are still lots of products that I haven't tried yet (hopefully I'll be able to one day), but we've loved the products we have tried. Two of my favorites are actually on sale right now!

Their Virgin Coconut Oil is on a Buy-1-Get-1-FREE sale! That's an $80.00 retail value for only $40.00, and $15.50 OFF of their normal sale price for two jars! I know it's expensive, but it's very high quality, wonderful coconut oil.

Special Price! - Organic Raw Honey - 17.6 oz. glass jar

The absolutely delicious Organic Raw Honey is also on sale! Through today (3/22), you can buy a 17.6 oz jar of honey for 50% off. Yum!!

2 FREE 8x10 Prints From Walgreens

Are you in need of any 8x10 photos? Walgreens is at it again offering FREE 8x10 prints. This offer is only good through tomorrow (3/17).

Just use the codes FREEONE and 1PRINT to receive 2 free 8x10s. You'll need to place two separate orders to use both coupons though. Only one coupon can be used per order. Choose in-store pick up and your prints will be completely free!

Freezer Muffins

Our family LOVES muffins! We often have them for supper, and they also make a great breakfast on the run. There are SO many different varieties of muffins - blueberry, apple, pumpkin, and lemon to name just a few.

Although muffins don't really take long to mix up, sometimes you just don't have the time (or maybe the energy) to make them. Or maybe you're like our family which isn't big enough to eat a whole batch of muffins before they spoil. Let me introduce you to an idea that maybe you haven't tried before. Freezer Muffins.

No, I don't mean just baking muffins and freezing them. Most of us have probably done that many times. That does work great most of the time, but fresh muffins are just SO much better, and sometimes you just really want HOT muffins not cold ones. The tip I'd love to share with you today is freezing not baked muffins, but muffin batter!

I found this idea several years ago on someone's blog (I've long ago forgotten where). To freeze unbaked muffins, simply fill your muffin tins with batter like normal. Then instead of baking your muffins, immediately place them in the freezer. Usually I let them stay in their pans in the freezer overnight to make sure they freeze solid.

Once you're batter has frozen, you can then remove the muffins from the tins and place them in freezer bags or containers. This frees your muffin tins up to make other muffins, and you now have batter in the freezer all ready to pop back in your muffin tins and into the oven anytime you want fresh muffins in a hurry!

To bake your muffins, I've found that it works best to bake them at 350 for about 35 minutes. When baking fresh muffins, I know the temperature is usually higher than that and the time shorter, but this longer time and lower temperature seems to work best for frozen muffin batter.

Some muffins work better with this freezer method than others, and your muffins may not look quite the same as if you baked them fresh, but they taste great, and it's such a blessing at times to be able to just open the freezer, fill up my muffin tin with muffins, and pop them in the oven!

Another really fun benefit of this freezer method is that you can make and freeze several different kinds of muffins and then when you're ready to bake and serve muffins for breakfast, snack, or supper, you can surprise your family with a variety of muffin flavors!

I'm linking up at:

The Woodcarver DVD Review & Giveaway

Our family recently had the opportunity to preview a new Christian DVD. 

The Woodcarver

Description:

Restoring their faith in God and in Life.

Matthew Stevenson is a troubled kid from a broken home. When he vandalizes the local church to get back at his parents, Matthew has to repair the damage to the church to avoid criminal charges. While working at the church, he meets Ernest (John Ratzenberger), an accomplished wood carver who created the intricate woodwork decoration that Matthew destroyed. Ernest has become something of a hermit, but reluctantly comes out of reclusion to help repair the church. Now Ernest and Matthew must work together to preserve the church's beautiful antiquity, and along the way, they also manage to restore their faith in God and in life.

As I began to watch this, my heart went out to this young man. He was so confused, frustrated, and hurting. His parents were heading toward a divorce, and his world was turning upside down. He desperately needed a father who would be the head and spiritual leader in his home, and instead all his father ever does is yell at him!

Our family appreciated the Christian values and message in this movie. It was encouraging to be able to see God working in the hearts and lives of each member of this family through circumstances they find themselves in after Matthew is assigned to help repair the church and begins to work with Mr. Otto. God is ready and willing to turn our problems around and forgive us when we turn our hearts back toward Him.

We did feel that this movie ended rather abruptly - more like it was the first part of something rather than a stand alone movie. I would also add a word of caution. This is a movie about a broken home, and the parents (particularly the father) yell at each other and their son A LOT especially in the first half of the movie. This may not be appropriate for younger children.

Over all, we did enjoy this story. It has a good message, and a Christian basis.

I am now able to offer one of my readers their own copy of The Woodcarver DVD. Simply enter the giveaway in the Raffleopter form below. Or if you don't want to wait, you can also purchase the movie here.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it  on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally  and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lilla Rose Flexi Clip Giveaway

Would you like a chance to win a Lilla Rose Flexi Clip to try out? My good friend, Anna, is doing a huge "No More Student Loan" giveaway event on her blog, Feminine Adventure, and I'm thrilled and honored to sponsor a Lilla Rose giveaway for her.

I'd love to have you pop on over to Anna's blog and enter the giveaway! It ends on Monday the 5th.

Vintage Handmade Soaps Feature & Review (with Giveaway Link)

My family and I recently  had the opportunity to try out several varieties of handmade soap made by Heather from Raising Mighty Arrows. We love it! Not only does it sud so nicely, smell wonderfully, and leave your hands feeling clean and refreshed, you can also rest assured that this soap only has quality ingredients that are good for your skin.

Heather has recently started up a home business making and selling her wonderful soap. Now those of us who either don't know how to make soap or simply don't have the time, can enjoy the benefits and blessings of homemade natural oil soap with natural essential oils or fragrance oils. Vintage Handmade Soaps are made in the comfort of home, mixed by hand, poured into molds, hand cut, and cured for at least four weeks before every batch is tested to ensure satisfaction guaranteed.

And now I am delighted to introduce you to the sweet lady who makes this beautiful soap!

How and when did you become interested in your craft?
I first used handmade soap last year and fell in love with it.  I knew that I never wanted to use store bought soap again, although I have.  I have used handmade soaps from a few different makers and have enjoyed it all. 
 
What inspired you to open your business?
I wanted to be able to do something that would bring in extra money for our family; to somewhat lift my husband's burden.  Since I enjoyed using handmade soap so much and didn't know of anyone directly in our area that makes them, I decided to try my hand at making them.  I knew right away that this was something I wanted to get into not only making and using, but also selling for others to enjoy.

 
Have you taken any courses or classes?
Everything that I have learned has come from books, the Internet, and asking questions of other ladies that make soap.

Is there something that you do differently than other people in your craft?
I use Silk Milk in my soaps and haven't seen much of that elsewhere.  The Silk Milk has added vitamins and minerals and adds a creamy, moisturizing effect to the soaps.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
The Sweet Orange is my FAVORITE, as is the favorite for a lot of my customers.  The Chocolate/Mint is also another favorite.

Why do you do what you do?
I love knowing that the soap my family is using is not only safe for our skin, but is also beneficial in that it has cleared dry, itchy skin. 

How do you make time to craft?
I usually try to make soap in the evenings when my husband is home and can tend to the children.

What advice would you give someone just learning your craft?
Read everything you can on soap making before diving in.  Be sure this is something you're ready to try and PRAY before you do anything, as well as seek the advice of your husband (or parents if you're not married).

Aren't they lovely? They smell just as good as they look too. :) I especially love the ones made with essential oils! The mint ones are my favorite so far!

Come check out Vintage Handmade Soaps for yourself! You can also find Heather on Facebook, and I'm told that there is a coupon code just waiting for anyone who "likes" Vintage Heritage Soap.

You don't need to have a Facebook account to find a coupon code though. Heather has sweetly offered my readers a coupon for 20% off their purchase! Just use the code joyfulservice at checkout to receive your discount.

Would you like the opportunity to win a $15 gift code to Vintage Handmade Soap? My good friend Anna who blogs at Feminine Adventures is hosting a giveaway right now, so hurry on over and enter!

5 Day Lilla Rose SALE

I received an exciting e-mail in my inbox this morning

Lilla Rose is retiring some select Flexi Clip styles and has put them on sale! For 5 days (Feb. 25-29), you can get 30% off these select styles.

There are only limited amounts of these flexi clips though, so if you're interested, you'll want to order soon!

Spring is Coming!

  

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee, earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in Thee.

FREE Shipping at Tropical Traditions TODAY ONLY

Today ONLY, Tropical Traditions is giving their customers another opportunity to receive FREE SHIPPING on their orders! I love free shipping, don't you? :)

I haven't had the opportunity to try very many of the Tropical Traditions products yet, but I have tried their Virgin Coconut Oil and their Raw Honey, and I love them both! The honey makes the most delicious peanut butter and honey sandwiches (even better than pbj sandwiches!), and I love using the coconut oil in my baked oatmeal to replace the butter. It gives it a really yummy light coconut flavor!

Another couple products I'm hoping to try soon are their Shredded Coconut, and their Organic Oats. If I had all of these TT ingredients, I'd want to go mix up a batch of Coconut Oatmeal Muffins! :)

And the Winner is...

I'm a little late posting giveaway winners this time. Sorry about that. I've been swamped with custom orders, and it's hard to find time to fit everything else in. :)

Out of the 157 entries for the Red Toddler Pettiskirt from Plume de Nikola, the randomly chosen winner was #113. Congratulations, Dianna!

And the very last person to enter the Nonpareils Designs giveaway for the Horse Rubber Stamp, was chosen as the winner! Congratulations, Naomi.


Thanks again to everyone who took the time to enter these two giveaways. Don't forget you can still take advantage of the coupon code for both of these shops even if you didn't win the giveaway.

NEW Lilla Rose Flexi Clip

The February Flexi Clip of the Month has just been released - Sweet Hearts!

"Sweet Hearts can Be Yours this Valentine's Day. Enjoy the darling hearts with a special red crystal heart dangling from within, along with the brilliant ruby red aurora borealis beadwork to sparkle in any updo. This sweet Flexi Clip is saying Be Mine!"

Isn't it pretty? It will only be available for a short time though (while supplies last), so if you want one, make sure to purchase it soon. :) Other new flexi clips will also be available soon, so don't forget to check back often.

Plume de Nikola Coupon Code

Just 5 more days to enter the giveaway from Plume de Nikola and Nonpareils Designs. If you haven't done so yet, check out the cute little red pettiskirt and the beautiful horse rubber stamp that are being given away!


I was also reminded that in posting the feature and giveaway, I forgot to include the coupon code! If you've been thinking about making a purchase from either shop, now is the perfect time to do it.


Use the code JSBLOG10 to receive 10% off your order total. And remember, any order you place will get you extra entries into the giveaway!

Reasonable Ribbon Coupon Code

Do you need some ribbon or trim for a special Valentine's Day project or gift? Reasonable Ribbon has just released a new coupon code!

Take a look at their HUGE variety of ribbons, trims, and more then use the appropriate coupon code to take advantage of these special savings.

 Now through Thursday, February 9th, the more you buy the more you save with the new promo codes! If your order totals $39.99 or less, use the code CREATE10 for 10% off your purchase. If your order is $40.00 or more, use the code CREATE15 to receive a 15% discount.

Happy Shopping!

You Can Make This (YCMT) Coupon Code!

Just in time for Valentine's Day,has issued a new coupon code!

I love being able to purchase patterns made by independent designers. Not only can I use most of the patterns I find on YCMT to create clothing to sell, but at the same time I'm also supporting other small business owners!

Use the code VALENTINE at checkout to receive 14% off your entire purchase. This coupon expires February 9th. Plus if you purchase $30 or more, you'll also receive a Valentine quilt pattern set for FREE!

Half Price Girls Corduroy Peasant Skirt

Once more I have a pretty, but not quite perfect, girls peasant skirt to offer to my readers for half price! This skirt is a medium weight dusty purple corduroy peasant skirt in a girls size 6/8.

A few weeks ago when I was working on so many corduroy skirts, I pulled this purple fabric out of my box to turn into a nice warm skirt and discovered that the fabric had been folded up so long that there was a discolored line all the way down the center fold. I didn't want to just toss out the fabric, so I decided to go ahead and make a peasant skirt out if it anyway!

The skirt turned out really cute (as well as nice and warm), and the discoloration doesn't show too much. It almost looks like another seam. You can see one of the lines in the picture below (by her hands).

If you're looking for a sturdy, warm, handmade and inexpensive skirt, this skirt might be just the thing for you. Although this skirt isn't in perfect condition and you probably wouldn't want to wear it for dressy occasions, it would be a wonderful skirt for everyday wear this winter!

The skirt is a girls size 6/8 and measures 24" in length with an elastic waist of 21". The elastic can be adjusted on request. All seams have been professionally finished with a serger. A matching fabric headband also comes with the skirt.

I am selling this skirt for half price - $15 plus $5 shipping. That makes the skirt $20 postage paid. If you are interested in this skirt, please e-mail me: joyfullysewn at gmail dot com.