2012...

So 2012 is here, and we are 16 days in. Over the past two weeks I have paused and thought (I had 20+ hours to do this on a car trip from Michigan to Texas!) about what I wanted this year to look like, what I wanted to accomplish, and most of all what I wanted to create. I reflected on how much of a blessing 2011 was for me from meeting more "friends" (etsy/bloggers), to the new customers and new creations, to a move to a new city. Every part of it was amazing. And I want 2012 to be better.

I know some of you have noticed how quiet I have been on facebook and that is not because of lack of caring at all, please don't take it that. This girl has been BUSY! Haha. And still working on some leftover Christmas orders. I have so many new things to show off (many are gifts so I need to wait until they are given before showing off) and so many new things I want to create this year.

Something Diane Made is not going to change in any way, shape, or fashion but it is going to expand. I am going to include more sewing items, some homemade collage cards, and maybe even some design items (since I did my sister's wedding invites last year!). Stay tuned for an exciting 2012!

And with this comes the need for feedback, as I have new items I am going to be looking to all of you for a thumbs up or a thumbs down. No hurt feelings, just the honest truth to make 2012 the year for me!

Thank you all for your amazing support in 2011 and I covet your thoughts and prayers as I embark on 2012!

p.s. you will be need to pardon all spelling/grammar errors, this is uneditted, straight from the heart :)

Lacie Button Caps

A new hat for the something diane made shop. And just in time for the cooler weather!

These caps are the just the right amount of dainty with the lace design with the added sass of a button. I LOVE them!

They come in sizes from Newborn - 6 months, 6 - 12 months, 12 months - 3 years, 3 - 10 years, and 10 years - Adult. They come custom in any color combo you want.

Want to see them now? Ok!

Aren't they adorable? And you should see them on :)

Added Bonus: If you live in the West Michigan area, Heilman's Nuts & Confections (1804 S. Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008) has 25 of them on hand for instant purchase!

Something for the Boys

Creating items for boys is a bit of challenge for me, and I am not sure why. I LOVE boy items, they are just so darn cute.

So I have come up with a few "additions" that you can add to a beanie, cocoon, etc. if you need something for a little boy (or two).

I am now offering:

Turtles
Worms
Fish (pattern from http://www.etsy.com/shop/everlaughter)
Football
Softball/Baseball
Basketball
Star (not shown below)

And of course the ever popular flower for the girlies too.

And I am up for the challenge if someone is looking for something else too!

Here you can see them on my Basic Beanie (now available in my Etsy shop)

What do you think? Which one is your favorite??

One Year Ago (ish)

One year ago (August 31, 2010) I took a leap of faith opening an Etsy shop. I was scared and nervous. Scared that others wouldn't see my vision. Nervous that my items weren't "cute" enough and whole list of other items. Would I be accepted? Would it flop?

And boy was I wrong to doubt it.

This year I can barely put into words. It was so AMAZING. I met so many awesome bloggers and customers. Got so much great advice about how to run a shop. And most of all learned so much.

Now with something diane made going into its 2 year I have set goals for myself but I am not going to be hard on myself if I don't make them. Because this business is unlike any other, you never know where it is going to take you. It may take you a totally opposite direction than you had hoped but in the end it was the right direction all along.

I can't thank each and everyone of you enough for your support, purchases, kind words, and so much more. It has been a year of so many blessings.

An Amazing Project

First of all, I am SO sorry for my lack of posting/updating. This job hunt thing is taking way longer than I had anticipated and throw in a wedding trip in the mix, and there went a month. I promise that I have some exciting things coming up (some I can't quite share yet - but they will come!). Pst... did you see what is going on over on my Facebook page? :)

BUT the real reason of this post is to share an AWESOME project. Betsy from The Dainty Daisy has a beautiful and generous heart and came up with an idea to help out families that have micro-preemie babies. She has recently known someone closely to lose their child, a child born way to soon, and left this world too soon. So as a way of honoring that child (Rosie) and all children, the project is called Rosie's Cozies (so cute right!).

On her blog she posted the pattern for teeny tiny hats. The goal is to shower Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI (my almost hometown) with tons and tons of beanies for their little ones. They will accept any size hat from preemie to adult.

It is such an awesome idea and I am so honored to be a part of this. I made 4 hats last night :) No baby big or small should be allowed to NOT have an adorable beanie!

Please if you are willing make up some hats and send them to Betsy, her address is on the blog. If you can't crochet they will also take donations for the families that are there. And above else, pray. Pray that this project is a success, Pray for the families that are their now, and Pray for those who are yet to be born that they remain in the womb until they are full-term.

Thank you all!

Friday Favorites - Michigan Style!

Hello!

I am LONG overdue for a Friday Favorites post and I do apologize for that! The quitting my job, move, and surprise trip (thanks hubby!!) to Michigan has made life a little chaotic. But no worries, I am back and have some awesome ideas lined up for the next couple weeks of Friday Favorites.

But with my recent trip to Michigan, I decided this week to show off a little of my home state!

Enjoy :)

1. Michigan Beaches

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How can you not look at that and see heaven on earth? The white sand, and blue waters of the Great Lakes HAVE to be one of my favorites. I didn't get to make it to Lake Michigan on this recent trip but I have SO many fond memories there from my childhood, to my 1st date with my hubby, and winter trips to see all the frozen ice.

2. University of Michigan football

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Yes, the blue and maize does flow through my blood :)

3. Fredrick Meijer Gardens

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A paradise of sculptures and beautiful landscape. It is the perfect place to spend an afternoon just wandering, getting lost in the moment and feel of the gardens.

4. Michigan's Upper Peninsula

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Michigan's Upper Peninsula is one of the most gorgeous places on earth (I am a little bias I know!). But from the flowing waterfalls, to the wildlife, to the places that are seemingly untouched it is perfect. The hubby and I have spent lots of time of there and it is the stillness that just captures your heart and makes you come back, over and over again.

5. The Mitten State Shirts

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If you live in Michigan (or don't) you NEED to have one of these shirts. The hubby and I have a few each and they are awesome! Not only are the design, unique and funny but the shirts wash great as well!

So was that convincing enough? :)

Two More Giveaways Preview!

Again, as promised there will be TWO more giveaways and they are happening this weekend!

I am so honored to be celebrating two lovely ladies birthdays. Thank you Meagan and Rachelle for letting me be a part of your Birthday Celebrations!

Don't know who those girls are? Shame, shame!

Be sure to check them out!

Meagan is from Fairly Fabulous and we are going to party like it is 1999 :)

Rachelle from Fingerprints on Fridge and it is a Birthday Extravaganza!!

And believe me you will WANT (need, HAVE to have) the prizes that are up for grabs. These girls pulled out the big guns on this one.

Enjoy!