Falling in love with Fall

I am happy to say that for Florida the last couple of days have been a very nice temperature. It has been so nice to keep the windows open during that day.

Business is still slow and I am starting to feel it. How do other small business owners just starting out keep trudging through the slow sales? What do you do to pick yourself back up when you start to feel the slump?

No pouting here! I have a pot of stew calling my name and I hope to finish a couple more things tonight before my husband gets home from his new job.

Happy Autumn Everyone!

Update

I have been meaning to write an update but have been dealing with some severe wisdom tooth discomfort. It's finally getting better but is still keeping me down.

Since it's the start of a new month I went ahead and wrote up a list of the incoming and outgoing of my business for September... I made $20 in profit. So this month I am making some adjustments. I'm not letting it get me down! I love what I do and I want to continue to keep doing it!!!

How is everyone else doing? Anything exciting going on? Anything new and scary? Anything?

Christina,
Briar Rose

Reminder about our giveaway!!

I wanted to remind everyone about the giveaway on our Facebook business page. You have until Friday to "like" the page and be entered into our contest to win either a pink or blue baby blanket, 50% off one item or 25% off one item in my Etsy store.

1st place : Pink or Blue 5 sided baby blanket, your choice of either color
2nd place : 50% one item in my Etsy store
10 Winners : 25% one item in my Etsy store

There is also a sale for every 3 knitted washcloths you purchase you get one free.

Be sure to take advantage of both great offers before the time is up on Friday at 11:59 pm.

Thanks and Happy Autumn everyone!
FaceBook - Briar Rose Crafts & Things
Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/BriarRoseCraftyThing

RIP Sassafrass Tea

My husband and I traveled out of town this weekend to visit my parents and little brother(who turned 16 on Thursday) We arrived as usual and I always eagerly await the rush and pounce of my beautiful golden retriever that we have had since I was a freshman in HS, roughly 8 years ago.

She didn't come... I waited to ask, afraid of the answer but knowing all the time. The last time I was there a few weeks before she had felt sad and tired so I tried to give her extra love and play with her. But she was still down and out.

Until recently my parents didn't have a good relationship, they didnt have much of one. So Sassy was my dads company, she kept him company. Due to recent events my parents are happier together than I can remember. I guess Sassy realized everyone was ok and that it was time to move on. She passed Saturday September 18th, I found out this Friday.

She was and will always be my baby girl. I will see her again. This will help me strive to keep my other baby alive and flourishing in her honor. My business is now my full time baby.

Sassafrass will be in my heart always, I love you baby girl.

(I was going to attach a picture but sadly blogger is taking forever, sorry everyone!)

Our first ever giveaway!!!

Give away for a Five Sided baby blanket – pink or blue your choice!!-

Until Friday October 1^{st at 11:59 pm} all you have to do is like the Briar Rose Crafts & things page on Facebook and leave a comment there!! Super easy!!  Winners will be randomly chosen and contacted October 2^nd.

1 person will win an item featured in my store

1 person will receive 50% one item

10 people will receive 25% one item.

 http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Altamonte-Springs-FL/Briar-Rose-Crafts-Things/148508685187800

Prepping for the Holiday Scene

Since this is going to be my first holiday season in the craft business I am going to try and get ahead of the game on my Christmas caps. I also found some adorable candy corn buttons at the craft store yesterday I am going to use for a couple pairs of Mary Jane slippers. Here's what I've been working on...

Newborn - 3 Month Pixie Sotcking Cap. I can also custom make them in other sizes!!

Those adorable buttons at work!

I am also doing some experiments in different mediums. I got the inspiration from someone to crochet out of plarn (recycled grocery bags). So far I have made a soap dish that is currently in our kitchen. I have started on a market bag I think is going to be awesome but sadly I ran out of bags :-( Hoping to have enough to finish it soon!!

If anyone has any requests or suggestions of items I should feature in my Etsy please don't be afraid of letting me know! I am still new it this and I want to have items people want and need. I'd love to hear from you.

Have a great rest of the week!!

So many new projects!!!

I have been working like a crocheting machine this weekend! My husband had to work Saturday so I spent the day trying to piece some patterns together for something I had seen before but wasn't sure I could come up with a pattern for....

I absolutely LOVE these hats! They are just too adorable I can't stand it! I am in the process or making them in two other colors and have a request to make one in Black I am excited about. I am so proud of myself for tackling this and writing my own pattern. I am debating on typing it up and selling it for a small fee on my Etsy page www.etsy.com/shop/briarrosecraftything

I have also been working on some Preemie hats I love and am hoping will be able to find a nice home. If anyone knows of anyone who is in need of some preemie items, clothes, hats, booties, etc., please don't hesitate to contact me. It would be a pleasure.

Mink Chocolate chip Preemie cap

I also finished a custom order hat for a friends daughter who is in love with Lady bugs. I'm sure she will love this!!...

This is all for now. I'm wrapping up a newborn cocoon photography prop and am trying to finish some more Teddy bear caps.

Happy Crocheting!!

My package arrived!!

I am very happy to say that my Bramble Berry order arrived yesterday afternoon!! I was like a kid waiting for Christmas, and beyond excited about tearing open the box and taking a look at my goodies.

Sadly I forgot to order my candle wicks so candle posts will have to wait til then :-)

First off I have to say that the Mica's I ordered contain so much more than I was expecting!

Cram packed! These will last a long time!

I could not wait to get started! My first was to make my lavender soap including fresh lavender buds. My first pour turned out nicely and it smelled amazing, I could barely hold in my excitement and I waited for it to cool enough to pour my final white layer.

I am in love with this mold!! I already have other plans for it.

Sadly the lavender buds are already starting to die which will discolor the soap but thankfully wont ruin the soap. ** Noted no longer add anything living to soap, it will eventually die.**

Can't wait to place my next order!!!

Welcome to my creations :-)

Thanks for reading my ramblings :-)

My hopes for this blog are to update people on the many projects I do. Anywhere from crocheting shawls or coasters to making soaps for the Holidays.

As of right now I am waiting for my first soap order to arrive from http://www.brambleberry.com. I am expecting it to arrive tomorrow and I am beyond excited!! My plans are to make samples of lavender scented soap with lavender buds and some various Autumn themed soaps. Since Autumn is my favorite season I am looking forward to incorporating all sorts of spices and warm colors into my soaps and candles.

If I am satisfies with my makings I will post pictures here and also add them to my Etsy store... http://www.etsy.com/shop/BriarRoseCraftyThing.

Here are a few things I am working on or have finished recently :-)

Lacey shawl I am excited to say I just finished!!! I am now working on another to add to my Etsy :-)

Pumpkin beanie for a newborn to 3 month old. Great for fall or photo ops!

Leaf coasters I am falling in love with (hehe falling, get it?)

Super convenient and Eco friendly cotton dish cloths. These last forever!!

I love hearing from people so please feel free to contact me with any requests or comments :-)

Christina