New Adventure into "You Tube"

Hello!

I'm so excited to announce that I have entered the You Tube world. It's something that I've been thinking about for awhile now, and finally decided to just bite the bullet and go for it.

Now, I have to admit that I am not a photogenic person, and definitely not the type that would stand up and speak in a crowd, but I'm sure I'll get better at the process with the more video's I create. So, the channel will be for crafting of all types. I've already done my first introduction and tutorial video, so I have that out of the way. Whew!

You'll see Knitting, Crochet, Sewing, Recipes, and any other craft ideas that I or you as the viewer come up with. I hope you'll give it a look and if you like it, you can subscribe and/or like in the comments. Wish me luck and please click the link below!

  SIMPLY MAUR CRAFTING

What's in a Name?

Everything!

It's official, I've finally opened my new website and can't be more thrilled.

Snuggle Bug Baby &ME is open. I have a few new items along with several others that are in the process of listing. I'll be doing a Grand Opening Give away on our new Blog site within the next couple weeks, so be sure to head over and follow us.

More exciting news? Artfire name change will go into effect next week, and Etsy will follow.

Diaper Cakes by Diana

I have a story I’d love to share with you all. Recently, a customer of mine ordered a receiving blanket, then ordered another. I looked and found that she was a repeat customer. How exciting to have a repeat customer, right. Well it didn’t take long before I discovered exactly what she was using my blankets for. She was making Diaper Cakes and using them in her creations. Intrigued, I asked to see a photograph, and she graciously sent me one.

I was so impressed with her detail work, I just wanted to learn more about her craft, how she started, where her shop was, all the scoop. I learned that she does not sell her masterpieces on an online selling venue,but uses Facebook as her outlet. Right now she doesn’t do shipping as she lives in Canada, but she is one busy lady. Please take a moment and read our discussion to learn more about Diana Feret of Diaper Cakes by Diana. Oh, and p.s. she make a sweet comment about my blankets that I’m pretty proud of, and they are in 2 of the photograph’s she sent me.

Diaper Cakes by Diana’s Story:

Nana G: Diana, tell me a little about yourself and the history of your products and shop.

Diana: I went to a friend's baby shower and the mom-to-be received a diaper cake as a gift. I thought it was such a great and unique idea that I attempted to make a diaper cake for my soon to arrive grandson. I bought the diapers and additional items to add to the cake and the creative process started to unfold. My first diaper cake was made from rolled diapers with little socks and washcloths added as embellishments. I started researching diaper cakes on the internet and got more ideas. I took what I learned and added my own touch to those ideas.

Nana G: What made you decide to start selling your products?

Diana: People had never seen diaper cakes and I started to get requests to make them for friends and family. With much encouragement from family and friends, Diaper Cakes by Diana was born. What started out as a hobby slowly turned into a nice, small, home business. I do not ship as of yet. I am still very small but I do deliver locally.

Nana G: What is one product you've made that you are super proud of, and the story behind it.

Diana: My cakes have gotten more elaborate since the 1st cake I ever made but that 1st cake is the one I am most proud of. It was for my grandson and for that reason, it holds a lot of sentimental value. As simplistic as that cake is, it was crafted out of much love and was the seed that started my passion for creating diaper cakes.

Nana G: Do you design your products from customers visions or your own?

Diana: My cakes are all custom ordered and created to a theme and color choice requested by the customer. They give me the theme and I design it from there. I start seeking out custom made blankets representing my theme and then add embellishments to compliment it. Nana G Creations has been a wonderful supplier for some of my cakes. Her blankets add the perfect touch to my cakes.

Please stop by her Facebook Page to see some of her other beautiful designs. I know she'd love you to Like her page and follow her on her journey.


Diaper Cakes by Diana on Facebook

Nana G Creations- Latest Celebrity Gifting with our New Lovie Blanket

Nana G Creations designed a unique original Security Blanket for our latest celebrity gifting for Mother's Day. In association with The Artisan Group,we will be participating in a select group of new mom's and 5 members of the press.

We are so excited that each of these celebrities will receive our new design created just for them. The list that will be receiving is: Hilary Duff,Rebecca Gayheart,Keri Russell,Beyonce,Kourtney Kardashian,Lindsay Price,Maggie Gyllenhaal,Jessica Alba,Uma Thurman,Alyson Hannigan,Molly Sims,Sienna Miller,Kristin Cavallari,Jessica Simpson,Bryce Dallas Howard,Evangeline Lilly,Jennifer Garner,Marley Shelton,Sarah Polley,Mrs. Jason Bateman (Amanda Anka),Mrs. Bruce Willis (Emma Heming),Susan Downey, Jr.,Lisa Loeb,Mrs. Kelsey Grammer (Kayte Walsh, and Jessica Capshaw.

This little security blanket has a pocket just the right size for little fingers or hands to hold onto with no loops. Both the rich chocolately minky on one side with a coordinating colored poly satin pocket and the spring minty green blankets are embroidered with a heart design and "my lovie" in glow in the dark thread. They will absolutely love this blanket and have the time of their life watching the design glow in the dark.

These will also be available in pink, blue, white, and 2 different polka dots (blue and brown, and pink and brown) very soon. So stay tuned for updates on Nana G Creations website. I will also be offering these in my Etsy and Artfire shop as well.

Be the first to own one of these little blankets! You can find them here:

Another Give Away

In case you missed out on our Animal Print Tote Bag giveaway from Nana G Creations, here's another chance to sign up for our Small Leopard Print tote bag.

Maur Designs (our sister site) is offering the Leopard print Tote bag as a give away. It ends 3/15/12, so hurry over to Maur Designs on Facebook, and sign up under the Giveaway tab. http://www.facebook.com/MaurDesigns

Happy 2/26/2012 - My week

Well, our first Nana G Creations give away was a success. Our winner of the Zebra Print tote bag loved the prize, and I was the winner of a Facebook contest from Diana Ferguson of Thompson Girl on Etsy, and won a beautiful black and brown pair of earrings... I can't wait to wear them.

The Oscars Gift Lounge went well, and my Business cards that were included in The Artisan Groups Swag Bags went home with 100 Celebrities. Let's hope one of two of them check out our website :).

I heard from my Graphic Artist and she said that I'll be getting my new Banners for my Maur Designs website within the next few days...I'm so excited! Right now, I'm putting together a Facebook ad for that site just like I did for this one. So.. If you haven't gone over the MaurDesigns at blogspot and followed us... get over there, so you won't miss it.

I've been pretty busy, and I'm feeling a little scattered. Sure hope this feeling passes soon.

Small Animal Print Tote Bag Giveaway!

Here it is... Our Tote Bag Giveaway for our 700 Facebook "likes" Goal we reached.

One of these Two Animal Print Tote bags can soon be making its way to your home. You can read all about each of these on my website site Here and Here. These will make a great fashion statement and even have a detachable flower accessory that you can take off and attach to your favorite sweater, headband, or another purse you want to dress up.

There are only 4 things you need to do to enter our giveway.

1) Like our Facebook Page
2) Follow our Blog
3) Comment here which tote bag you'd like to win
4) Important: YOU MUST add your name in the Giveaway form (Rafflecopter)to be included in the Giveaway. Click on ENTER TO WIN and add your name.

I'm using Rafflecopter, a popular giveaway and raffle program. This will automatically enter everyones name and when its time to choose a winner, they will be picked randomly by Rafflecopter. Check back here on 2/17/12 after after 3pm to see who the lucky winner is!

Thinking about a 2012 Blogging Plan

I've been seriously thinking about doing a weekly theme for my blogs. Problem is, I'm not sure what direction I want to go. Here are some thoughts and wonder if you would let me know which you prefer.

1. A weekly favorite easy recipe for Mom's that don't have alot of time to prepare a big meal. They would also include some of my favorite hurry up meals.
2.  Links and information that I found useful for brand new moms on what their baby's development stages are.
3. A weekly unknown or maybe not so unknown Artist feature, which includes interviews and photo's of their craft.
4. A weekly funny or information video just for fun.
5. A weekly personal review of a television series... Once upon a time, American Idol, So you think you Dance, etc.

That's all I can think of right now, but would love to hear any other suggestions and thoughts on these.
xxoo

How to Insert a Hidden Magnet

This is my very first tutorial so if I’ve forgotten a step or two, I hope you'll let me know. I’m sure as I add more tutorials, I’ll get better.  I’ve been sewing for years, but this little magnet closure was new to me.  I searched the internet for good instructions, and when it came time to actually insert the magnet in one of my purses, I ran into the problem of them not having a strong enough bond because of the interfacing being so thick between both magnets.  I knew I needed to find another way to insert them (at-least for my personal liking), and came up with this method.

This tutorial will not show you how to make the tote, but will begin at the point where you are suppose to add the magnetic closure.

These hidden magnets are a wonderful addition to making your bag more high end. I purchased a lot of them since I make and sell purses, totes, diaper bags, etc., but I think that you can find them at your local craft/hobby store.








They look like this: The magnets are encased in a plastic sleeve.









1)  Construct your purse as your normally do. Once you have your lining pieces completed with your stabilizer in place (I use pelon fusible fleece type, which is pretty thick), mark the centers of each piece so that you know exactly where you are going to add the hidden magnetic. The picture below shows what the purse with the stabilizer looks like.

2)  Cut 2 small rectangle piece of the lining fabric and sew the magnets onto each fabric piece. Yes, you can sew on the plastic.

    

Note: Make sure that both pieces are the same size with enough room at the top to allow for the seam allowance when you sew your purse/tote together.

Note: Make sure that both sides are sewn to the small rectangle piece so that when you sew it to the purse lining, the magnets are magnetized.









Now the tricky part.

3) Gently peel back a square of the stabilizer to form a pocket on each piece, It should be about ¾” to 1” deep, and the top part of the magnet piece flush with the top of the purse/tote. You’ll need to make sure that both magnets are in the same position on each piece so the connection works. Don’t forget to make sure that you have the magnets on the magnetic side facing toward the lining and not the stabilizer.  Note: You’ll be able to tell because when you have them in the little pocket, and put them together, it will either grab-hold, or the magnets will move away from each other.

 The pin represents the middle of the lining piece.














4) Insert each of the magnets into the pockets you just made.

 
















Note::  the top part of the piece you sewed the magnet to should come level with the top part of your purse or tote. If you measured down about ¾”, you should be fine, and be able to sew the top closed without hitting the magnet.  I check several times just in case.

 5) Then sew the little fabric rectangle to the top of the purse, very close to the top edge.  We’re just doing this to keep the magnet in place while you are sewing your purse together.



6) Sew the purse top as you would normally. That’s it.  The bond of your magnet will be stronger than if you had sewn them behind the stabilizer.

Once you sew the purse/tote upper edge, all you will see is a little indention (barely noticible).

I hope this little tutorial will be helpful to you. If it is, please let me know, and if I didn’t explain something fully, just let me know.

The Last Week of 2011

Where has this year gone? It seems like only yesterday that I was starting my journey and nervous on how it would go.  So far, I'm so thrilled that Nana G Creations has come as far as it has in such a short period of time. In 2011 we've accomplished:

• Completed the set up of 3 Selling Venues for Nana G Creations, with one that I'm going to be closing down due to overload. 
• Forming and beginning to add product to my new business - Maur Designs by Nana G. This site was created to provide an outlet for my crafty creative side of items not related to babies. Purses, Totes, Accessories, and anything else that I can think of.
• Began using Facebook advertising  (Wow, that was a stretch for me).
• Added an additional 10 products to my website.
• Joined a great organization called "The Artisan Group" who participates in Swag Bag gifting to the stars. So far, I have sent products to Jessica Alba's two daughters, and Hilary Duff for her soon to be little son. I'm also participating in the Swag Bag (my business cards) for the Golden Globe Awards in January, and the Academy Awards in February. I will also be to a gifting for another event coming up in April, 2012, but can't talk about that one yet.  It's going to be exciting though...I'll let you all know what it is when I get the go ahead. For now..mums the word. 
• Had a new Blog designed. How do you like it?
• I'm sure there are more, but these are what stand out right now.

Some plans for 2012 at Nana G Creations:

• Add some exciting new products! I have 4 products that I've been working on in between orders. Some I've posted here just as a show and tell, but haven't been able to list them in the shop. Like these two adorable hand sculptured pillows. 

• Offer some "Just Because Sales" for no reason.
• Start a new monthly or weekly Blog featuring a new Artisan's work. Since there are so many people that love to shop "handmade", I thought by letting you see some really talented people's work, would be great. I personally prefer to shop online with a person that comes with a recommendation or that someone else has purchased from before.  I'm excited about this feature, and hope that you will be too.

Thanks for Listening........
Maureen

Merry Christmas...

It's Christmas Eve., and I finally am able to sit back and relax. I'll be spending the day with some of my children, and Skypeing with those that live out of state. Presents and lots of food... Yippie.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and wonderful Holiday season.

Nana G Creations

Christmas Countdown

It's getting close isn't it... It's a special time of year for us. We are planning on staying home, having the youngest two children, and one grandchild over for Christmas dinner and present exchanges.


It's different when your kids are gone living their lives independent from you. I miss those days when we'd be hurrying kids off to bed, to wrap the last of the presents, quietly get them under the tree, and fall into bed after 1am only to awake by 6am by kids screaming that Santa had made it during the night. Those were the days! Now... I still individually wrap little stocking stuffers (other presents under the tree), and that's what everyone want to open first. They take their stockings, sit next to each other on the floor and compare their goods -lol. I take pictures and they love every minute of it.

Wishing all my friends the Merriest of Christmas'. 

The Heart of an Angel

I want to tell you a story about how an amazing gesture of one woman, and how it sparked the hearts of so many.

On November 11, 2011, Holly with Royal Metals  on Artfire mentioned in an Art Fire forum that she had been thinking about doing something for the poor little children that are in her local hospital.  Her heart was yearning to be able to help these children make a jewelry piece for their moms for Christmas., so she made the call. 

A week later, the hospital contacted her, and agreed to let her come and help the children. The excitement for her thoughtful jesture spread throughout the forum, and other jewelry designers jumped in and began sending her beads, wire, and all kinds of supplies she would need to make sure that each child that was able to leave their rooms would be able to learn how and make their mom a gift. This is being done at her own cost of supplies.  She never asked for help, it was offered in abundance.

 

So, with a new joy in my heart, I want to say how very proud I am of her, and all the wonderful people that joined in on Holly’s goodwill gesture.  This truly was a true Christmas blessing for children and their parents.  I can picture in my mind how excited they were to be able to actually make their mom’s a present that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. 

Holly plans to return to the hospital several more times before the Holiday, and continue her volunteering into 2012.  

So,  is anyone doing a special Christmas Blessing this year?

New Design for New Beginnings

I just had my Blog redesigned, and I can't quite get the hang of things yet.  Hope you'll be patient with me. I am going to try and add back some of the things that are missing, and hopefully add some gadgets that I think will be exciting.

While I'm redesigning, here are some pictures of what I made for my Celebrity Gifts to Jessica Alba and Hilary Duff.

Jessica Alba's Daughter's Gift

 

 

Hilary Duff's Gifts

They are due to be delivered to both on Friday, December 2nd. I'm hoping like crazy that I'll get to see Jessica Alba's daughters using my gifts in a magazine. Wouldn't that be crazy?  Hilary's baby isn't due until March, so I'll have to wait a while for those.

If there is any news from my gifting, I'll be sure to let everyone know.

Thankful Thanksgiving

The day is over, the food is in the frig, and the kitchen is finally clean. I thought I'd share some things I was most thankful for today.

I was so thankful when my eldest son and his family decided to come to dinner. Living in another State, we don't get to see him very often. My youngest two, came with the littlest Grandson and it made for a wonderful time. We got to Skype with my family in California, so my little (well, not so little) family was actually all together through the technology of the internet for this wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

These are 3 of my kiddo's









 

I'm so thankful that the Lord Blessed me with wonderful children. They are my life.

Nana G Creations goes to Hollywood!

I have been given the opportunity through a wonderful organization called “The Artisan Group” to participate in a Celebrity Gift Bag for not just one star, but two! 

Hilary Duff is expecting her first baby (a little boy), and I will be sending my little “Sweet Baby Boy” 3-pc Receiving Blanket set. I wish I knew what the little guy's name will be so that I could personalize it for her, but I’m hoping that she will love her gift.

Jessica Alba, just had her second daughter in August named Haven. She also has a daughter named Honor, which I won’t forget. I will be custom making Haven my Boutique Pink Butterfly Pocket bib, with a matching personalized pacifier clip. So as not to leave out Big Sister in the gift giving, I am making a custom matching tote/purse that will have her name on it.  Any second time Mom that has had a baby shower knows how important it is to keep the older sibling involved and part of the event.  I’m hoping that my gifts will be welcomed and used. 

So, that’s my wonderful super exciting news. Whew! I’m still shaking all over about it.  I’ll post the finished items for you all to see as soon as I’m through. The Date 11/11/11 sure was a very special day for me.

Oh, and to top it all off... I will also be participating in the Golden Globes AND Academy Awards Celebrity Swag Bags through the Artisan Group. For this year's events I will be including my business card in each swag bag, and I've secured an advertising spot in the gift guide for the Academy Awards. 

See why I'm so excited?

Can a Hippopotamus really turn into a Zebra?

It sure can!  I wanted to make one of those amigurumi zebra's and giraffe's for my grandson, a then if he liked them, add them to my website to be included in a future product line. Anyone that knows me, knows I'm always getting into one thing or another :).

Anyway, I searched my 2 favorite handmade sites for crochet patterns, found 2 that I thought would work, and as a courtesy asked if they would mind if I sold my finished product from their pattern. Unfortunately, I was faced with one saying "no", the other limiting me where I could sell :(.

My ArtFire forum friends were helpful, and told me to check the internet for free patterns. I did, found the giraffe, but my little Zebra friend was no where to be found.  So, I found this little hippo pattern, compared it to a pattern I really loved, and made my own. So YES, a hippo can turn into a Zebra.


Whatcha think?

 This was the little hippo pattern that I found on the internet. I think it's with Lion yarn.

 These are what I ended up with :)

And yes, he's kissing his new little friend. His favorite is the Giraffe!

Introducing Baby Butch and Little Miss Priss

Hi Everyone.  I've been very busy lately, with trying to come up with new idea's for my website http://www.nanagcreations.com/ (shameless plug).  I found this wonderful baby pattern and decided this would be an adorable addition to the family.

I've been reading up on some child development issues regarding boys playing with dolls. So far the pro's definitely out weigh the con's for sure.   Here are just a couple of key points that I totally agree with.

1. It's emotionally healthy for little boys to be able to play with dolls.  They learn how to be gentle and caring in a way they might not learn by playing only with trucks and guns.  Nana's comment: Yep, I agree with this.
2. Your thinking about growing your family, and you need to teach your little boy how to be gentle, loving, and attentive to a new baby. Teaching is visual with children. They will surely learn by responding to a little baby doll, just as you responded to them when they were infants. Nana's comment: Children don't remember the time period when they were infants. They don't remember that you were gentle with their heads, wrapped them up when they were cold, or fed them bottles. You need to teach them, and what a better way to do that then to start with their own little boy baby doll?
3. Your doll playing boy just might grow up to be a pediatrician, a teacher of young children, or enter some other career that reflects his gentle nature. Nana's comment: A parents dream!

These babies aren't quite ready for adoption yet, but they will be real soon. Each one has a little outie belly button, blue, green, or brown eyes, and a cute little pinchable bum. They are all hand sculptured on a high quality fabric that has a peaches and cream feel to it, with ten little toes, ten little fingers, and an adorable little button nose. These two were born on April 15, 2011, but yours will come with a Birth Certificate on a date you choose. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a baby doll that has the same birthday as the little one your giving this to?

This little boy got his name from what my Grandson calls his Pops (grandpa). We tell him say hi Pop's, and he says "Hi Butch". He's just learning how to talk, so even though Pops laughs and finds it so cute, we're gonna keep practicing. 

Lil Miss Priss? She just looked like a Prissy little girl to me :)

I would love to have your feedback on these little one's. Who knows, maybe one of them will be my first contest give away that I'm planning on doing in the near future.  What do you all think?

*Coming Soon - another surprise baby*

Braylon's First Backpack

Hello All,

This is what i have been trying to get done for the last week. The little guy this is for is 19 months old. He is learning how to run and is becoming very independent. He's facinated by putting things into his diaper bag, his mom's purse, laudry baskets, and even enjoys throwing things into the trash. His mom has on occasion had to pull things out of the trash just to find her phone! So, I knew it was time for his first backpack.

When little one's begin walking and carry things around with them, they know one speed...Go Fast.  He's quick and does not like to hold hands for very long. (Let's face it, I don't think I could keep my arm stretched up over my head holding someone's hand without it going numb) which gives you two choices; 1) carry them so they don't run off and 2) run after them and continually turn them around to go in the direction you want them to, right?

So... I decided to make a detachable link to him. He'll never know it's there, and it will keep him very close to his mom and dad when out in a public area. I'm a fanatic about safety, and I've raised enough children to know that if you look away for just 5 seconds, they can be halfway to the moon.

This size is just right for his age through I'd say 3 1/2?  Its about 9 1/2 - 10" long, 10" wide at the bottom, and 7 1/2" wide across the top. It is about 2 1/2" deep, and has 14 1/2-15" straps.  I've lined it with a light blue cotton, and serged the seams. Oh, it also has a little velcro on the flap to keep it closed just incase he over loads it with his toys (he even likes to pack his own diapers and wipes).

Let me know what you all think.

Blogging is Harder than you think.

I've decided that Blogging on a regular basis is harder than I thought it would be.  Hopefully, I'll get to the point when I have a great idea, I can hurry up and post it. For now, I'll keep trying.

Some idea's that I have to help with my writers block are:

1. Keep my pad and pen handy and when I have an idea for a topic, jot it down. Add some key points to the topic that I can refer to when I sit down at the computer.
2. Get inspiration from other Bloggers by reading their blogs and seeing what inspires others, and what topics others would be inspired by.
3. Since I rarely read blogs that are typically "all sales talk", I want to be one that adds personal discussions so that my readers will get to know me, and maybe at some point would think to themselves "hey... I can really associate with her. 
4. Discuss things that are happening with my business in a positive non intrusive manner.
5. Last but not least, try not to be boring. :)

So, I'm going to sleep on this and perhaps I'll think of a good topic and try it out on everyone. What do you think?