We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

My family and Inspired Creations would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
2012 is almost at an end and Thanks to all of my customers and supporters you have made this the best year. We've met some great people along the way this year and I hope we have made some very happy customers as well!
We are already booking shows for next year! I even took some show money and invested in a new camera, so our photographs will not only be better, but I've started using some props to give the items a boost!
Here's some of my newest items:

I hope that in 2013 I will have more to blog about and maybe some interesting things for you. I know when it warms up I'll be picking through our barn for lots of DIY's to do! As I've found some neat items in it from old windows to little benches.

Gift Idea's

I love Christmas. I am not afraid to admit that I am one of those who puts the tree up the first of November. I love the colors, the lights, the music...But, most of all I love creating wonderful gifts!

I've been sharing a lot of Holiday Items this month. From the Jingle Bells Tutu to some Rustic Wood Bead Ornaments!

Everything about Christmas is so inspiring...So, I hope that I can inspire you by showing you some more collages of my Holiday items!
Here's what I call the Red Board!

Hair Bows and Brooches make wonderful stocking stuffers. And Inspired Creations offers both at a reasonable price.

I also offer Earrings as well. Ranging from Dice Earrings to Glass Bead Earrings!

Big Business Changes

For many years, Oh let's see, April 25, 2009 to be exact, I have been selling on Bonanza. My items have been virtually sitting there collecting particles of dust, waiting to be sold or waiting for me to pack them up and haul them away to a show to hopefully be sold to someone who will enjoy them just as much as I did when creating them. Which brings me to my big announcement. And of course I've already made this announcement to my fans on Facebook. Sometime in the next couple of months, but before the new year, I will be closing the Bonanza store and picking and choosing what items will go into the Etsy shop. It's a little overwhelming as over the years I have met a lot of nice people through Bonanza. I have learned all their buttons as well. And I have over 450 items listed in the shop. I am now down to 350 and I hope to have it all completed by the new year. But, taking all that into consideration, it's with a happy heart that I say I must go where the Sales and revenue are being earned. I am trying my hardest to get the items over to Etsy to be listed before Christmas, ordering all new promotional items, booking shows, Shipping orders, Getting ready for the shows, taking care of the kiddo's, cleaning, laundry, and all the other things that get pushed aside. So, Yes, I am looking forward to having just one store to maintain. My hubby and I made this decision because frankly I'm tired of sitting in a store that does nothing versus moving everything to a store that is at least earning some revenue every month. So, I can only hope that like my hubby everyone will support me in this decision as well. I am looking forward to having more time to blog, network, create, time with my family, and all the behind the scenes things I do. And I've added in this years Christmas video as well.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful....

But, at Inspired Creations all our Holiday Items are so Delightful! More Holiday Items are being made soon!


You can find these items and more at www.bonanza.com/booths/mlmissal or at www.etsy.com/shop/mlmissal!!!!

Blog Appreciation Thank You To Collecting Vintage and Contemporary Jewelry

A Special Thanks goes out to Collecting Vintage and Contemporary Jewelry for nominating Inspired Creations for this award!
Thank you for supporting Great blogs! You can view their blog here: CollectingVintageJewelrys Blog With the nomination comes some obligations. One must thank the person who nominated my blog, link back to their blog.
I would love to nominate the following great blogs and websites too:
Amazingphotos4u
CollectingVintageJewelrysBlog
SecretGardenGems
AntiqueBasketLady
DeanDesigns
PinkHillVintage
HideAHeart
NativeByDesignz
AvocadoLane

Finished Projects

A couple of months ago, I started on a journey to make some new items for our home on a budget. They ranged from Decorative Pillows to Re-finishing End Tables. Well, now that we are moved into the home. I wanted to show you just how great these wonderful pieces looked inside our home. So, Here are the end tables!

Remember those Shutters I painted. They sure are looking great at the top of the stairs!
And those sconces and pillows, I absolutely adore them!
They fit right into the age of the home. And now that we are moved in, there will definitely be more projects in the future!

DIY: Adding Crystals To Sconces

Okay, I admit I wanted mini vintage crystal chandeliers for our bedroom in the new house. I wanted two! With each one hanging down beside the bed. But, my hubby, John can't look at light bulbs without shades and to put shades on those beautiful chandeliers would be a crime. So, I went on a search to the local antique junk shop and the thrift store's too. And here's a DIY of what I came up with. A vintage look without those hefty price tags!
Here's what you will need:
*2 matching sconces
*White spray paint
*Chandelier Crystals (I will let you know where I found these at later in the blog)
*Crystal Beads
*Illusion Cord (Um, just the plastic cord you can use to make a bracelet out of)

So, I found these 2 sconces at Goodwill Thrift Store. They were black cast iron and had Williamsburg, VA written on the back. Williamsburg? How'd they get to Harrisonburg? But, hey, I need some mystery in my life!

A lovely coat of white spray paint. Heads up Dollar Store's have Spray Paint for $1.00! Some gloss to coat it and Voile here's an after photo of the sconces with the paint on them.

Now where do you find those chandelier crystals. Why Gallery74 of course! Here's a link! http://www.gallery74.com/

Next, the crystal beads that you see in the photo came from Micheal's. Now, add a chandelier crystal to the illusion cord, add the beads in a design that you will love. I just added 2 small beads and a large one on top of my crystal. Tie the illusion cord to the sconce in a knot. It's like making a bracelet, but without the clasp. Make sure you stick the ends of the illusion cord back down into the last bead. It can go wherever you want to place it. I chose to go simple. And then your done!

Now here's the fun part! Sconces were 95 cents each at the thrift store, Strings of beads from Micheal's were $1.99 (Clearance), and the Chandelier crystals were $11.89 for a pack of 10. So, for a total of $15.78, I got the look I wanted without the expensive price tag. Spray paints were free courtesy of my hubby John!

Tables: Before and After

I can remember back to the last time I had living room tables. We had just moved into this house and they were brand new and cheap. They are what my hubby, John, calls MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) Sawdust basically with laminate. I wrote a blog about decoupaging the top of them and making the table tops into photo tables for memories. I really didn't think about how the tables would (as cheap as they were)make it through 2 babies and one on the way. Well, they didn't last long and out to the trash they went. A waste of money.

Now that we are fixing to move into an older home I wanted to find some, in my own words, really good wood tables that wouldn't fall apart at the first step of a toddler's foot...Is there even a table that can handle a toddler?

All the stores around here carry cheap wood. We had been to the antique stores to look and found nothing. So, when my John called one day and said he had found a living room suit with end tables at a thrift store. I wasn't very surprised. I thought, "Okay, what do we need another living room suit for?"

But, we decided that he could get the couches and chair for his work shop at the house, when all his friends come over to visit. And I get the end tables.

The only problem I had with them was they were green and scratched up. And that started the wheels in motion. "How about some sanding and painting to match my living room furniture?", I thought. Well here's some photo's of what I spent 2 weeks doing... This is a close up of what the tables looked like before and the sander of course!

I have to admit, I took these tables apart to sand and paint them. They were loose anyways, so it gave me a reason to tighten them up. I had to move the painting inside because of the mosquito's outside.

I used a color called, Parchment, because I wanted to go for a antique look. I used about 2 layers on the top and about 5 layers on the legs. John finally told me after I got halfway into the project that I should of primed them first...Here's a before and after of the tables. Tables cost me $12.00 a piece and $28.00 for the paint. So, for $52.00 I got some fabulous wood tables to make all into my own!

A Pillow For Your Thoughts

Decorative Pillows are a wonderful addition to any room. You can use any fabric, size, shape, color, etc. I decided that in the new house, I wanted to do a total redo on our bedroom. As right now the one we have is full of inventory and my hubby's hobby items. It's just not very inviting or comfortable at all. So, I set out to make some matching pillows to go with our bedspread.

On one of these pillows I used a pillow form. It was my first time using one and I really was surprised at how easy it was to make the pillow versus stuffing it. This is the one with the pillow form.

Then, I sat out to make my daughters some for their room. since they will be sharing a room in the new home. My oldest daughter would like to turn her bed into a day bed as well. So, we found a fabric that matched her "My Little Pony" blanket. And she fell in love with this pillow and the fabric. So now I will be making different sizes to put on both their beds.

Shutterly Terrific

Okay, so the title speaks for itself. As most everyone knows my husband and I are under contract on a home that is 137 years old! So, I've been searching for some vintage pieces or vintage inspired pieces to place in the home to go with the age of the home. I was out at a local antique store and I thought why go out and spend all that money, when I could probably make some of them myself. So, I found these shutters stuffed in the back of the shop. I got them for $5.00 a piece.

I love the size of them. Their small and not to overbearing. My husband has a nice green shade of valspar paint. So, I took that and began to paint them. My thought for these is to put them together like a square and hang a wreath of lilacs over the top of them. This piece will hang on the wall at the top of the stairs.
When we are sure that we will be moving into the home. I will post pictures of the finished projects in the home.

Thank You From The Bottom Of Our Hearts

I just wanted to send a big,"Thank You" out to all our customers at the Sweet Dreams Festival! We had so much fun and you are what makes everything I do possible! I did remember in the chaos of taking care of my customers and being led around by the kids to the other vendor's to take some pictures this time. I learn a lot by taking photo's, like I really need to do something about my tablecloths:) The first photo is my make shift earring display. Which everyone loved!
We also learned a few lessons at this show! Those peg board displays my husband built need to be anchored! A wind gust came through and blew it right off the table. It hit my 4 year old daughter right in the face. Luckily she walked away with a semi black eye, but I was so thankful that was all it was. I feel so blessed my customers made this the best show of the season. And it wasn't to hot either! Here's our new booth set up adding my mobile closet to the new set up!

Our next show is on August 18, 2012 in Mount Solon, VA at Natural Chimneys! We sure hope to see everyone there out supporting the local vendors and the Jousting Team!

Claypots and Decoupage

Items needed for this Cute DIY project:

Clay pots - any size

Glue

Water

Modge Podge

Scrapbook Paper, Napkins, or Rub on Transfers

Scissors

Acrylic Paint

Paint Brush

Sponge Brush

Hot Glue You can use any size clay pots for this fun project. I chose to use 2 inch pots for mine. I thought the were cute to give as gifts for my son's teachers or to store tiny things in. First, you want to paint your clay pots. You can either use a paint brush or a sponge brush for this.
Let the pots dry for a couple of hours. Then choose what you would like to go on them. If you going to use scrapbook paper or something you can decoupage on them like a napkin. You'll have to make glue/water mixture and use the sponge brush to brush your glue on the back of the design. If your using a rub on transfer like I used on mine you won't need to use glue or water. Second, Glue or rub on your design. Use a sponge brush to brush modge podge on and let dry for a couple more hours. Use hot glue to glue ribbon around the top and tie in place. Tie a bow and add a button and Voile you are done!

Autism Awareness Month

Wow! Is it that time again? Just seems like yesterday, we popped in our blue light bulb on the front porch and lit up Blue in honor of Autism Awareness! But, it's been a year since we put the light bulb in and it has lasted a long time!

Well, it's also been a year since I have updated everyone on my son Nathaniel Maximus, (Max for short)
When my son was 2 we started the long journey of getting the help that he needed to cope with his special needs. He's such a trooper to stick with it and last December he graduated from Matthew's Center. They taught him visual learning, sign language, how to communicate, and lots of other things.
Through the help of wonderful teachers, a loving family, a Awesome support structure, Max has made it through all the obstacles that has been placed before him. But, first and foremost we thank our Awesome God for blessing and paving a way for his path through everything. Max's gift is not burdensome, but it is a blessing to be treasured everyday.
So, I'd like to make everyone aware of Autism and I always recommend reading "The Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew."
Well, I must say while getting kicked out of the DMV, getting the cops called by the neighbors, because Max's teachers needed a place to park, the stares, the comments are not the highlights of having a child with Autism. Realizing that your child can cope in a world independently with the the right training and lots of time
is what makes all those bad things worth while.
So, I'd like to say that next time your out and you see a Mother struggling with her child or Children, don't make comments and sit and stare, but look at the bigger picture. Children with Autism they just want acceptance and love. To be able to live in the world independently.
So, to Max and all your friends! Happy Autism Awareness Month! Please remember that tonight is Light it up Blue! Let's all light it up blue for the loved one's in our lives in honor of Autism Awareness!

"Inspire Me" Dollar Tallies For Fan Of The Week

Now when the Fan of the week is announced on the fan page every Friday, the person will receive one "Inspire Me" Dollar to save and use towards free product in the store's. You get to be fan of week by commenting on posts and liking them. Not a fan and would like to join: www.facebook.com/inspiredcreationsbymichelle.
When you are ready to cash in your dollars, please message me the amount you will be using and which product you have chosen.
This is just a little way to say Thank You to all my fans!
And as you know this started last Friday!
1. Deanna Bard has 1 dollar
2. Jones Brittany has 1 dollar.
3. Jamie Tabor Jefferson has 6 dollars.
4. Rita Chapman has 6 dollars.
5. Ladawn Rowe has 1 dollar.
6. Linda Mitchell has 4 dollars. 
7. Annette Ewert has 1 dollar.
8. Jeanna Puckett has 1 dollar.
9. Faine Simpkins has 1 dollar.
10. Amy Missal Shy has 1 dollar.
11. AnnMarie McNally Novak has 1 dollar.
12. Carissa Young Carew has 1 dollar.
13. Andy Hearn has 1 dollar.
14. Despina Varitimidis has 1 dollar.

Easter Blog Giveaway!

Easter is right around the corner and I'm having a Blog Giveaway for a Easter Basket filled with 4 Hair Bows! Hair Bows Retail Value is $24.00! All you have to do is follow this blog and comment below this post that you have done so! Names will go into a drawing for the Basket and Winner will be announced Sunday Night at 8 pm on March 25th. That will allow me time to ship it to the winner before Easter!
If your already a follower, please just leave a comment below!

Sunshine and Pegboard

It's amazing what a little sunshine can do for a person's inspiration. After spending most of the winter indoors, I was ready for a nice day outside to be inspired! So, I'm sharing some of wonderful inspiration with you first off today!


Peg board displays are expensive. I found some peg board in the garage at my hubby's moms house and we went to work. First starting out with some pink paint!

A little painting!

A whole lot of sawing, sanding, and drilling!

And Yay, for Less then 30 dollars I now have some arched peg board displays for the shows!

I'll be painting the boards on the ends and in the center brown to match the store's colors! I'll post up some finished photo's of them after I do my first show!

Calendar of Events

Don't have anything plans this summer! Come out and support Inspired Creations and the other local craft vendors at these wonderful events! All Events are Subject To Change
April 28, 2012 - Bergton, VA - Leading a class on how to make a simple bracelet (Subject to Change)
May 5, 2012 - LostShade Games & Hobbies Harrisonburg, VA Selling my Dice Earrings
May 19, 2012 - Stuarts Draft, VA (More info. coming soon)
June 9th-Spring Blossom Fashion Event Charlottesville, VA City Space
June 16, 2012 - Natural Chimneys Jousting Club, Mt. Solon,VA 10-5 pm at
Natural Chimneys Regional Park
July 28, 2012 - Sweet Dreams Festival, Stuarts Draft, VA 8-3 pm (Drink Plenty of
Water)

The 411

I just wanted to give you the 411 on the new Tulle Boa's that have recently invaded the Bonanza Store.
The first one I made was 35 inches long. I used a cream colored crochet yarn measured out to that length. Then I cut 6x6 inch pieces of tulle. You can use as many colors as you would like. On the first one I used 4 colors. And on the second one I used two.
To start your first piece (and I'm really bad about not having the right photo's) You'll take one piece of cut tulle and tie it in a knot around the yarn. Make sure you have enough at the end of the yarn to tie in a knot around the Piece of tulle. You basically tie each piece of tulle in a knot around the thread.
I use, my dress form, Nora (Yes, I said Nora. My kids and hubby have just stuck with that name for it) I tie the end I'm not working with onto, Nora's pole (arm) and then wrap it around until I'm at the length I want to work with. Then I start tying the tulle in a knot around the yarn. As I keep tying I just unwrap the yarn from Nora's arm. Here's an example. I usually leave the yarn hanging down, not wrapped around it like this photo shows.

I keep tying until I get close to the end, then I knot the yard around the last piece. Then Voila, your done creating a wonderful dress up piece for your little princess! Here's some of the finished photo's!


This design has also inspired some new tulle head pieces that will soon be hitting the store as well! I'll be posting a new calendar of events next week. So, be on the lookout for where we will be next in Virginia!

Tutu Inspired

Yesterday, I posted up in the Etsy Shop a Tutu I made called Strawberry Buttons. This tutu was made with elastic, red tulle, green felt, and white buttons. It was made to fit a 1-3 month with an 18 inch waist.

Today, I am working on a tutu that is Cinderella Inspired. This tutu is made to fit a 6 month old with a 19 inch waist. But as with all my tutu's you can custom order them to fit your child.
This tutu was made with light blue and white tulle. The white tulle is in the front and the blue tulle is in the back. A 20", 15", and a 10" length (6 in. wide) piece of tulle is draped in the front on both sides. Wrapped around each draped piece of tulle is light blue grosgrain ribbon. To make the draped pieces more noticeable in the front.

2 small light blue grosgrain ribbon flowers have been hand sewn to both sides.


And 1 3 inch light blue grosgrain ribbon flower has been hand sewn in the front.

I'm still not certain I am done with this magical tutu. But, it should be ready to post up in the Etsy Shop tomorrow night!

Natural Chimneys

The Natural Chimneys Jousting Club is looking for vendors for their June 16th and August 18th Show. If your interested you can contact Tammy Ervine at 540-430-1055. The set up fee is $30.00 for a 12x12 space. You must provide your own table. The joust starts at 10 am and last until 5 pm. Reservations and set up fees need to be paid by May 13 for the June joust and July 8th, 2012 for the August Joust.
It is located at Natural Chimneys Regional Park in Mt. Solon.

Dice Earrings

Since today was snowing and my hubby, John was off, I put him to work starting a new item that will be part of the Summer/Spring Line! He drills the holes and I create these!

Dice Earrings are plastic and you can Custom Order them in any color! They also come with a cute little gift drawstring bag! Bags only come in Grey, Black, Red, and Purple. Dice are 12mm.

Dice Earrings are $6.00! You can custom order yours by emailing me at inspiredcreationsbymichelle@gmail.com or using the contact tab on the left of my fan page at www.facebook.com/inspiredcreationsbymichelle.

Looking For Someone

I am looking for someone to partner with me for the 2012 show season. It's difficult sometimes to find a babysitter, so that John can come with me. I have 2 shows possibly booked already-Augusta Expo in March and Sweet Dreams in June. I am sure there will be more.
You have to be available and willing to be at all shows booked. I am not hiring in any way, shape, form, or fashion. I am just looking for someone who shares the same love in crafting that I do. And has their own handmade items to put in the booth. Selling your own items will be your payment.
If you have any questions and are interested. Please contact me at inspiredcreationsbymichelle@gmail.com.

Coming Soon!

Dance Like No One Is Watching. Dare To Dream The Impossible. Believe!
Spring is right around the corner and so is my new Spring/Summer Line. 2012 is here and with that comes a new addition to the Inspired Creations line! When I think of the new additions this year, I think of the quotes above.

Each Tutu is carefully made with Love. Each tutu will have different designs. This one is the Flower Garden Tutu. It reminds me of Tinkerbell.

Tutu's will hit the Bonanza Store on January 29, 2012.

Not only will the Tutu's be coming soon, but with them come new and creative Hair Bows to match each Tutu.

You can Pre-Order your Tutu starting tomorrow or wait to see what will be handmade and listed in the Bonanza Store.

The Flower Garden Tutu pictured is 3T with a 21 inch Waist. It is 9 inches Long.
Comes with Hair bow. Free Shipping will be offered with all Tutu's. This particular Tutu pictured is $46.00.