Polka Dot Romper

This polka dot romper is the cutest thing! The pattern is Kwik Sew 3776. Since baby is not born yet, I have no idea if the size is on point (I made the XS size), we'll just have to wait and see.

This is actually my first project that I managed to make using a store-bought pattern. I could never follow those darn pattern packages, until now.. maybe it's because the Kwik Sew instructions are more user friendly?

Oh--and I have not actually made a button hole on my sewing machine and didn't feel like learning how at the time, so I used my handy-dandy snap plier and added snaps to the back closure instead-- and saved me the headache!

 

NiceGirlNotes CUTE STUFF SALE, March 19! Get a preview!

It's been forever since I last participated in a CSS (Cute Stuff Sale) hosted by Roo of NiceGirlNotes. This time around, it's a little different, so make sure you read up and get familiar with the craziness that happens on Facebook. Get the details here. Get on Facebook, join the NGN 4 LYFE group, and get some deep discount on some fab items from a list of very talented crafters.

Here's what I'm going to be offering for at least 25% off the listed price in my shop:

Calla Lily Hairpins

Spring Abound Earrings, creamy beige/light yellow

Deirdre Necklace in Yellow

 

Sakura Ring, pink and white

 

Peony Ring in tangerine

 

Reminisce Locket Ring

 

Monique Necklace, with free matching earrings

 

Calliope Earrings

 

Charo Earrings, fuchsia

 

Dahlia Studs, tie-dye green

 

 

 

 

 

 





Sewing Project #1 - Nursing Cover

With the upcoming addiotion to our family, I'm inspired to sew all those cutesy baby stuff. Beginning with my first nursing cover.

I'm planning to make two of these for myself, one for everyday, and another more for public use.

I found a tutorial online on BlissTree and successfully followed it. I think the hardest part was sewing the boning piece in, but I managed, albeit slightly crooked lines--but hey, for a first project, it's not too bad!

(And yup, that's a self-made crocheted boobie beanie on the printer)

I used a single sheet of snuggle flannel purchased from Jo-Ann's.

Cyber Monday!

Cyber Monday Sale! All items in the shop are 20% off, with coupon code: CYBER2011. Get that holiday shopping done!

NiceGirlNote's CSS Fun!

If you've never been a part of one, you've missed out! Tons of incredible items were put up for sale at crazy low prices by awesome crafters, brought to you by Roo of NiceGirlNotes

Sale is over but I still have these items up for grabs! If you want them, let me know! Leave a comment or email me at fullyhooked@hotmail.com

Deirdre Necklace in purple, Original price, $31.00. Special price of $23.25, 3 available!

Amethyst Purple Rain Earrings, Original price, $16.00. Special price of $12.00, 1 left!

Rock Necklace, Original price, $17. Special price, $12.75. 3 Available!

A Rose is a Rose ring in butter yellow, Original price, $13.50. Special price, $10.00, 1 left!

MiMi Earrings, Original price, $14.00. Special price, $10.50. 2 left!

Breaking Dawn Premier

The popularity of Twilight is indisputable, and yours truly, is a fan!! Although I won't be watching the new movie on opening night, I intend to watch it this weekend with friends and I'll be wearing this:

Because I remain Team Jacob!

The Fight Against Breast Cancer

October is the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and as of October 18th, Fully Hooked has joined the cause.

Passionately Pink for the Cure® is an awareness and fundraising program benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. You will find the Fully Hooked team page at http://www.info-komen.org/goto/FullyHooked

To participate in the cause, simply browse through all the "pink" items in my Etsy shop by entering "pink" in the search field.. then make your purchase as normal and I will automatically donate 10% of that sale to the Passionately Pink for the Cure fundraiser. You will see a donation amount in your name in the donor list.

Here are some Passionately Pink items currently for sale:

Summer is not over yet!

Though August fast approaches, Summer is not over yet! Check out these summer pieces from the shop!

Crocheting with Wire

My first attempt at combining crochet and jewelry-making. It's actually harder than I thought it would be!! Planning to practice, practice, and practice some more, with different gauges and hook sizes. This is a ring made of crocheted 26g wire, the ring is size 8.

Vote for a spot in a treasury!

Good morning!! CCCOE (California Crafters Club of Etsy) has posted the entries for the January 2011 Challenge "For Your Valentine".
Check out the entries here:  http://www.etsy.com/people/CCCOEteam/favorites?ref=pr_faveitems_more
and post your vote (favorite) in this forum: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6767803&page=1 (If you are an Etsy shop owner, by posting your favorite, you will be entered into a treasury, and blogged and tweeted by one of the largest teams on Etsy)

*I've entered my Captured ring, and it's #47!

Lupa, the she-wolf

I've been reading a lot of mythical novels and I found the story of the founding of Rome very interesting. I made this bracelet based on Lupa:

(see shop listing here!)

The story begins with two brothers, Numitor and Amulius, and a typical power struggle in which Amulius kills his brother, his nephews, and bans his niece Rhea Silvia from having any children (thus eliminating possible throne succession aside from his own heirs). Rhea Silvia was sent to become a Vestal Virgin, but ends up pregnant anyway (father was said to be Mars or Hercules). She gives birth to twins, Romulus and Remus. Amulius orders Rhea to be killed, for defying her vows as a Vestal Virgin (then, punishable by death). Amulius also orders the twins to be killed but the servant instructed to do the deed could not do it and instead, left the babies in a basket on the banks of the Tiber river. Lupa, the she-wolf, finds the babies and suckles them. Eventually, a shepherd comes across the boys, takes them in a.nd raises them with his family. They grow up as shepherds and natural leaders and were eventually told of their true identities. Remus and Romulus deposes Amulius and restores Numitor back to the throne. (It doesn't end there). The men decides to build a city of their own, but each had his own preferred location. Through yet more power struggles, Remus was killed. Romulus ends up naming the city, Rome, and goes on the create his legions and senate.

Anyway, I wanted to share, because I love antiquities. And this statue of Lupa suckling the boys became an iconic representation of the founding of the city of Rome.

Hello 2011! Sorry I'm late!

So January is nearly over and I've barely recovered from 2010. I have a perfectly good explanation! Honest! But who really cares about that? I'm here to talk about my grand plan for 2011!

For starters, beginning this February, there will be monthly promos and giveaways hosted by yours truly, featuring items from my shop. Early entries are being accepted--check out Promos and Giveaways section for details.

Also, I'm adding new sections to this blog--so stay posted for those. I figured, since my life is rarely a straight arrow, I might as well take all of you along my vast meanderings as a jewelry maker, mother, wife, sister and thoroughly obsessed reader.

For now, Happy New Year!

My Creative Process -- if there's such a thing!

Every night is a routine for us here at home. It has to be this way or my nights will be chaotic! So last night, dinner was done, kids were bathed and ready for bed, kitchen was cleaned (and closed), house was tidy once more, and I had my coffee, my movie (New Moon -- hoping to get inspired by unrequited love) and my beads--ready for a few hours of jewelry-making... then here comes my little boy, who's 5 by the way.. creeping up to me in my office and says "Mom, what was that song that Ernie sings about rubber duckie?" And nostalgia hits me full blast! I remember that song--what kid, who has ever watched Sesame Street, would not know Ernie's infatuation (although with my grown up eyes is rather disturbing) with his rubber duckie?

I didn't get to capture Kaleb as he watched Ernie on YouTube, but here's a clip of him as he sang and danced (jumped and flapped his arms) to Elmo's Alphabet rap.

After his rather lengthy performance (5 times he sang and danced to Elmo's rap, and 3x he sang along with Ernie's rubber duckie tribute), it was already passed bedtime and my coffee was cold, but oh, I was happy...

I did manage to make a few pieces last night afterwards. I still need to take measurements, pictures and list them on Etsy, but you get to see a couple here, first!

Pumpkins!

Halloween is just around the corner, but when I think of pumpkins, I think of Cinderella. These cute pumpkin earrings, "Cindy's Pumpkins," are not your typical Halloween pair. You can wear these anytime during the year!

Cindy's Pumpkins

It's Fall!

I love fall, autumn, harvest season! This pair of earrings is a statement of that. The leaves and chain are antiqued copper, and on the chain hang three Swarovski crystals in olive green, red siam, and golden topaz. These are colors I associate with fall. Although we don't see a lot of these color changes in California, where I currently reside, I do remember how beautiful they were in Virginia.

Yuba City Cultural Festival

Thank you to everyone who was able to come out and see us at the Annual Yuba City Cultural Festival. For my very first craft fair, I think it went well!

Look at what I found!

Although my plain, black canvas covered journal is perfect for me, I look at these, ever so longingly..

Overswirl leather journal, by Kreativlink

Mochal Almond Swirl Journal by MandarinMoon

Life's a journey by Artreasury

The OM Ring

New, in my shop: The OM Ring 

The OM is the symbol of the absolute, representing Brahman in the Hindu religion. Although it symbolizes the most profound aspect of Hinduism, it is a symbol that is also used in daily life.

The OM provides a dualistic viewpoint. It takes you beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible yet it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It's everything that is possible and probable.. that was, is, or can be.
The OM is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma, when combined, makes the "OM" sound. It is the simplest mantra, and when repeated with the right intonation, it can resonate throughout your whole body, to your soul, taking you to a deep level of transcendence.

March 22 - 28 Weekly Deal!!

This week, receive 10% off all BRACELETS!! There is no limit for this promo, and additional 10% off will apply if you are a returning Fully Hooked customer!

March 15 - 21 Weekly Deals!

This week, in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, everything tagged "green" in my shop is 10% off! Here's a listing: Green You will find these lovelies and more!