Yellow Trunk Designs on Etsy.com

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Photos


Here are my two cuties posing for our Christmas Card! Note the ornament wreath in the background: a $5 hot glue project thanks to Dollar Tree. They have wreaths or garland as well as a huge variety of ornaments all for a dollar each! Huzzah for affordable crafting.



My Little Lady has been asking me to make her a hat... I think she was getting tired of me trying all the ones I've made on her head and then telling her to take them off so we can wrap them up for her cousins! I love that she loves wearing it... check out the pattern for the "flower cap"!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Homemade Christmas Hats


This year my husbands family is doing a "homemade Christmas".... basically we have to make a present for whomever's name we drew. There is a $15 max on material cost, which to me is a very reasonable out of pocket cost for a gift.

I SO appreciate this idea for several reasons: 1. I love any reason to craft.... 2. As a person trying to make an income selling home made items, I fully support the uniqueness and creativity that a home made gift offers..... and 3. It's so personal.... home made items require a little more thought and time than something you pick up at a store.... and 4. There are some freaking awesome (oh yes, I just said freaking awesome) ideas on pinterest!

Inspired by my friend Alana's amazing creations, I made some of my own. Here's a sneak peek at what I am making for my nieces (don't worry... they are far too little to use the computer on their own, so I'm not spoiling the surprise!)




 The flowers were really fun to make, check out the "how to" here! The Hat pattern is below:

I prefer to use Vanna's Choice Yarn. For a gauge: I used a "H" hook for an infant cap and a "K" hook for an adult cap, but I tent to have a tighter stitch!

Chain 5, join with a slip stitch to form ring
Round 1: Work 10 sc in ring, join with a slip stitch to first sc
Round 2: Chain 4. *1 dc in next sc, ch1 (repeat from * join with slip stitch to 3rd chain of chain 4)
Round 3: Chain 3. 1 dc in first ch1 space, *2dc in chain 1 space (repeat from * join to chain 3 with a slip stitch)
Round 4: Chain 3. 1 dc in space after chain 3 of round 3, *chain 1, 2 dc in next space, ch1 2 dc in next ch1 space of last round, ch 1, skip 1 dc from last round, 2 dc, repeat from * 3 more times. ch 1, 2 dc in next space, ch1, 2 dc in last space, ch1, slip stitch to top of chain 3.
Round 5: Chain 3. *2 dc in next chain 1 space, ch1 (repeat from * join to chain 3 with a slip stitch)
Round 6: Chain 3. 2 dc in next chain 1 space. [ch1, 2 dc in next ch1 space] twice, ch1, skip1dc, 2dc, ch1, 2 dc in next ch1 space (repeat from * 3 more times). [ch1, 2dc in next ch1 space] three times, ch1, join with slip stitch to top of chain 3.
Round 7: Chain 3, 2 dc in chain one space. *Ch1, 2 dc in next ch1 space (repeat from * around) join with slip stitch to top of chain 3.
Round 8: Chain 3, skip first 2 dc group, *2 dc in next ch1 space, ch1 (repeat from * around) join with slip stitch to top of chain 3.
Rounds 9-13: Repeat Round 8
Round 14: Chain 1, *sc in each of the next 2 dc, 2 sc in next ch1 space (repeat from *around) join with a slip stitch to first sc.
Round 15: Chain 2, 1 hdc in back string only of each sc around hat. Join and fasten off.

Make sure to weave your ends into the hat. (optional) Add flower by hand sewing on! Enjoy.

Hide your hooters....

I've added some new nursing covers to my stash. I LOVE the black and red fabric and the brown and blue paisley one. I am debating going back to the fabric store to get a few more yards for my own personal stash (huzzah, an excuse to go to the fabric store)! I will be working on getting these up in the etsy store soon.... but in the meantime here's a preview!




Monday, December 5, 2011

Mistletoe Market


I have spent the last 2 weeks sewing like a crazy woman to get ready for a Chicago Craft Fair called Mistletoe Market. This was my first craft fair as a seller (normally I am an eager buyer). I am often amazed at how creative people are. I had so much fun meeting customers and other vendors, but mostly learned alot and am hoping to do another one very soon!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Giveaways and Promotions

Yellow Trunk Designs will be hosting a table at:
The Rockford, IL Edgebrook Arts and Crafts Exhibit
June 9, 2012 10am - 5pm

Like us on Facebook "YellowTrunkDesigns" to receive a table coupon or for additional giveaway/promotional information


Monday, November 21, 2011

Mini Models



 My best friend Katie was kind enough to volunteer her little guy Cole to model some bow ties. I was so excited to have an excuse to go and visit her (not that I ever need an excuse!). We took the kids to the park for some playtime while I snapped a few shots. Seriously, Cole was the most patient model ever.... I'm pretty sure he was born to wear a bow tie!

I also was also able to get together with my other girlfriend Kandy the following day and take some pictures of her sweet lil guy Kelson (with my daughter out of school for the holiday week, I have enjoyed catching up on playdates!). She had a brilliant idea of stripping him down to his skibbies for some great photos.Here are some of my favorites:



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Looking for a Few Good Little Men

I have been busy getting ready for my first "Trunk Show" (you can check out the details under the "Trunk Show" link above). One of the items I have been busy sewing are Little Guy Bow Ties. I just have one problem.......


My handsome little man has temporarily quit (unfortunately he was forced to wear too many bow ties and is now trying to renegotiate his modeling contract). Therefore, I am looking for a few good little men (with their mother's consent) who would be willing to do a short photo shoot to model my products. The session includes free photos of your handsome little man and a $5 gift certificate to my shop. Contact me if you are interested.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Introducing Elmo.....


My little guy's favorite character currently is Elmo, so it was an easy choice on what he would be for Halloween this year! The only problem was that after 2 hours and 8 Halloween stores I couldn't find an Elmo costume anywhere.... who knew that all of the Toddler Elmo costumes in the greater Chicagoland area would be all sold out a week before Halloween!? After looking online and learning that I could purchase a costume and have it shipped for a whopping $50 I decided that it would be a bit more practical to make a costume.
 
Coupons in hand (30% off at Kohls and 40% off a cut of fabric at Joann's), I purchased an Elmo sweatshirt at Kohls ($12), and then proceeded to Joann Fabrics and purchased 1 yard of fleece, pom poms, and colored felt ($10). Once home I used this tutorial to make a pair of fleece pants, and then created a hat, and finally hot glued Elmo's face of pom pom's and felt to the front. Granted, it cost me $22 to make BUT the sweatshirt and pants will be able to be worn over and over again and the hat made a lovely addition to our dress-up stash!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Tis the Season!

Okay, okay... I know it isn't even Thanksgiving yet BUT I am trying to build up stock to sell for Christmas (as well as get a head start on some Christmas gifts). Here's a little peek at what I've just finished!



Mary Jane Cloth Baby shoes.....  Too cute, right!? These particular ones are size 0-3 months, but  can be made in any baby, child, or adult size!!!!

Why Do a Custom Order?

I LOVE to do custom orders (I apologize if that phrase has become redundant in my blog posts!). After all, the items I make are done to my taste and though I must say I do have excellent taste (ha!) I understand that everyone is different and prefers different things: less/more flair, different fabric, etc. I also feature many more items on my blog than I do in my shop, so something you love from my blog may never be sold in my shop. Therefore, I can make any item that you see on my blog or in my Etsy shop specific to your tastes.... don't hesitate to ask!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Winter Wear!

My mom called to inform me she was getting rid of some old clothes.... so I jumped into the car to check out what was in the giveaway bag. Don't get me wrong I am ALL about hand me down clothing (secret: 90% of my wardrobe is hand me downs from my trendy aunt), but I wanted to scope out my mom's giveaways for materials I could re-purpose.... Clothes are free material and free notions (buttons, snaps, etc.) and as a crafter on a very strict budget FREE anything is a-ok by me!



I have been loving the picture posts on pinterest and etsy of ear-warmers.... yes, it's that time of year in the midwest again! I decided to transform one of my mom's sweaters into one.... btw, if you decide to attempt this make sure to rub the sweater against your cheek to make sure it's not going to irritate your skin (yes, this sounds ridiculous, but really no one's watching.... except maybe your kids but they think you're weird anyway). The project took about an hour, I used the cutting template from here (but not the directions), using a free sweater, thread, velcro, and a button I had on hand this project required no out of pocket expense. I'm pretty sure the worst part of this project was taking pictures of myself wearing it! Since there were quite a few sweaters in the bag.... I'm thinking Christmas presents......


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Design Idea: Fabric Covered Hooks

We recently finished our half bathroom. The whole room was "inspired" by these gray and yellow towels I had found at Target.... but I have this problem: I am indecisive when it comes to decorating and furnishing my home! Sure, I can easily design and pick out items for other people but when it comes to myself it takes me FOREVER to make a decision and by the time I do I am ready to re-paint and redecorate (visualize my husband rolling his eyes at this moment).

Back to the half bathroom, I was having a hard time finding a towel rack that I liked AND was affordable. Since I have quite a stash of fabric and my husband has quite a stash of wood I decided to make my own. It was a really easy project and the total cost was under $10! I was so inspired by how easy and cheap it was I made a coat rack in the coat closet at "kid level" so my children could hang up their own coats, and a purse/bag holder for under our open staircase.

                   BEFORE                                                                         AFTER


Items Needed:
Fabric (Use wood and cut around, make sure there's enough excess to wrap and staple)
Wood (cut to size to fit space)
Hooks (Home Depot has a great selection)
D-Rings for 30 lbs (also available at Home Depot)
Staple Gun



Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Little Boy Bow Tie




This week was a "business milestone": my first Etsy order! As such, I wanted to throw in a little something extra for the customer. She informed me that the baby shoes she ordered were for the upcoming arrival of her first baby and they were going to be worn on the baby's first holiday, Thanksgiving. Since she didn't know if it would be a boy/girl (gotta love surprises!) I made a bow that could be worn as a bow tie for a boy or a headband for a girl. Here's some pics of my little man modeling the bow tie.... Let's just say he loved it and I did too. I'm thinking a Christmas bow tie is in his future :)

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Interested in purchasing a bow tie for your little guy? They are only $7!!!! Contact me to order.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Shoes!!!!!

Just out of the trunk..... Shoes!!!!! Here are some fall shoes to treat those lil baby feet. I have baby sizes for sale in my etsy shop....  BUT if you are looking for a different size (we do children and adult sizes too!) contact me.












Thursday, September 29, 2011

Fall - Tis the Season to Sew!




It is officially fall (where does the time go?).... which basically means it is craft season! Ok, well I guess it's ALWAYS craft season, but there is something about fall that makes me want to sew. I'm not sure if it's the beautiful fall colors, the fun fall fabrics, the chill in the air that makes me want to stay inside, or all the fun fall projects that I have been waiting until now to work on.... That being said, here's some of the items I am working on: aprons, shoes, place mats, table runners, hot pads and more. I LOVE fall fabric, below are some of the goodies I've found!




See something you like that isn't for sale in my shop? Want a custom order? Contact me!

Custom Orders

I just finished two custom orders.... well, okay it was officially one since the other project was for myself. The first "real" custom order was for a college friend of mine who is expecting her first child in December (yay!). She was interested in purchasing a nursing cover, but wanted one in brown/cream colors.... since I didn't have one pre-made I took a quick trip to the fabric store (oh, darn) and had far too much fun picking out new material for this project! I hope she loves it and gets plenty of use out of it.



The second "custom order" I just completed was for myself. We just finished painting our family room.... which means I needed to sew new pillow covers! The colors really brighten the space and I love how they turned out.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Etsy Launch Giveaway! - UPDATE

Yellow Trunk Designs has officially opened its Etsy Shop... not all items in the trunk are listed yet but we are open for business! In celebration of this "monumental" day we are doing a giveaway of the Black and White Flower Belt Bag as shown above...... This giveaway is for anyone interested (hint, hint, all you men who want to score points with your wife/girlfriend this is a good way to do so... Just sayin!)

In order to win this beautiful bag you must do the following:

1. Click on the "My Shop" link at the top of this page to view my Etsy Shop.
2. Comment on this Blog Post as to which item listed for sale is your favorite and include your name if you are an anonymous poster (it'd be nice to know who you are).

A drawing will be held Friday, October 1st and the winner will be announced!

***UPDATE***
Using Random.org's random list generator I would like to congratulate Katie C. as this month's giveaway winner!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Etsy Pre-sale!


I am getting ready to open up my shop on Etsy (finally!).... but prior to launch date I am doing a "pre-sale" of all my items at a reduced price (since there won't be any Etsy or paypal selling fees!). Pre-sale terms: Cash or check only and shipping is an additional $5 charge. Interested in purchasing something contact me!

$30 BAGS

$20 BAGS

 $7 CLEARANCE BAGS
(These were my practice pattern bags... so they aren't "perfect")


 $15 NURSING COVERS


 $13 BABY SHOES