Giddy Up Friday: Snow People Chess Set, Crafts n' things

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When I was younger, I remember going to visit my Great-Grandmother at her house. (I was young - I thought it was her house, but many years later found out it was not her house but my mother's Aunt's house). For the sake of the memory, I still call it her house. I remember in the front room a little table, with a checker board painted right on it. It was a small round table, just big enough for the board and some chess pieces (again from memory). I've always had a love of chess since learning it, but honestly don't play it all that often. I can beat my husband any time while playing Othello, but he often check mates me in Chess! Regardless of wether I win or lose, I still love the game. I love the pieces and I love the challenge and strategies.

When I went to visit my dad in Utah one summer, I went to his office at BYU and saw some chess pieces made from steel. There they were, lined up along the top of a desk or windowsill. They struck me as simple and beautiful, and I have wanted them ever since.

I don't have a machine that can turn a bar of steel into amazing chess pieces, but I had a vision of creating a kingdom of winter chess pieces with the wooden trees and snowmen that you'd find in any hobby store. I will be the first to admit that painting and stamping is not my go to medium, but once in a while I am smitten with an idea and must tackle it head on! You can find all the information for this project in the current Feb 2012 Crafts 'n things Magazine! (You'll even see it on the front cover in the top corner!) I hope you enjoy making your own set! If you have children, invite them to help or let them make their own! Here's what you'll need!...I bought all of my own supplies and got all the wooden pieces from a place online called craftparts.com. (I was not paid to say that)! Since crafts parts is no longer selling the tiny snowmen, you can also try this other website.

T-minus 5 days until I leave for the ever fun Craft and Hobby convention. Stress is high and there's still so much to do! Thanks for visiting, and it's almost time for that Anna Griffin pattern giveaway I mentioned last week! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for that post!

Have a wonderful week and come find me if you are attending CHA, I'd love to meet you! You can tweet me @kidgiddy to find me!

(PS...have you seen what my twin sister Sue, has been up to lately? Here's her latest project featured in the beginning of the same issue! - it's only a sneak peak - so you'll have to get the copy and check it out!)

Busy Monday: Bits 'n Pieces Series - Teeko the Polar Bear Softie

Hello everyone,

It is late Monday night and I had to get this little Teeko the Polar Bear post up on my blog, before flying off to neverland! I still cannot believe the year I have had. This adorable little Teeko marks the end of the "bits 'n pieces" series! This latest holiday issue (Nov/Dec 2011) of Crafts 'n things Magazine is officially out on stands...and is as cute as can be! You won't want to miss it.

A year and a half ago, my life was totally different. I blogged feverishly, I struggled to sell anything on my Etsy shop, I took my girls to school, went to karate, ran, biked...did all the normal things I would - well - normally do! Then one day a friend told me to submit something to Crafts 'n things Magazine! I thought - there's no way I could do that. But I resisted the urge to run and hide, and contacted them immediately. To my surprise - they loved my work.

I found out what they were looking for and shot an email back only 10 minutes later. Then I got an immediate response - they loved my Owl. Now I was ready to run and hide again! I had never written a pattern up - at all! I thought it had to look, sound like, and be as confusing as the store bought patterns! lol! And I certainly didn't follow those - let alone know how to write one up for others to understand it! I worked really hard on it. I wrote some of it - and struggled to write the rest. I just didn't have the confidence. I still wanted to run and hide. Finally, the day before the due date - I convinced myself it's now or never, and did it! I did the same thing when I accepted the challenge to do an entire series for the magazine! I wanted to run and hide - but told myself - "it's now or never!" So I did it. And I couldn't be happier!

I don't know how many Crafts 'n things Magazine readers are reading my blog. I don't know how many people like or love my designs. All I do know, is that I stretched myself. I didn't run and hide - when Heavenly Father knows I could've! I dug deep and I climbed my mountain. I have learned so much from this series, this experience, and I sincerely hope you have all enjoyed the new plush friends we've made together: Heddy the Hedgehog, the Tufty Bird Family, Sammy the Seahorse, Carter the Crab, the Reversible PumpKat and now Teeko the Polar Bear! Eventually, when I get my act together and have less work to do - all of these patterns will be available as kits in my Etsy shop, or my own web store. But we have time!

Thank you for taking this journey with me! I now know a few of you, from the Kid Giddy Facebook page and the Kid Giddy Flickr group, from the pictures you have posted, and I am grateful! There will be more fun stuff on the horizon - but my lips are sealed! Thank you to Abby & Annie for this journey! I hope you all have a wonderful night! See you soon!

Busy Monday: Carter the Crab Softie - "Bits 'n Pieces by Kerry Goulder"

Hi everyone,

Get your copy while it's hot! The latest issue (July/Aug 2011) of Crafts 'n things Magazine is a very special one this month! Not only is my sweet little Carter the Crab pattern available inside, but MY SISTER's awesome Terrarium tutorial is on the FRONT COVER!!! I was so excited for her and thought it was really fun for each of us to have a project in there at the same time!

As the magazine mentioned - spending summer months with my daughter's finding hermit crabs in the Maine waters have been nothing short of fun, relaxing & awe inspiring! What they didn't have room to mention, was how I wish I could bring them back to my days as a young girl crabbing off the docks at my grandparents house (named "PrattsBottom") in Bozman, Maryland. During cold winter months, I long for summer. I have a life long love of of the beach and all things found there.

I was told my grandmother made the best crab cakes - but I couldn't stand the smell or the taste - so I was content to disagree. Eventually my dad warned me that whatever I caught I had to eat (crabbing or fishing). So I got smart! I would wrap my chicken with string, sit on the dock, lower it in and wait for a crab to grab on. As soon as I had one on my line I'd pull him up slowly and carefully, get a really good long look at him, and then quickly shake him off before my dad could see that I had one! lol! They are just so beautiful to look at. Their coloring is exquisite!

I greatly miss those days sitting on the dock in Bozman. A tiny little town, where the peace surrounds you. I made this little Carter the Crab with those memories in mind. Special memories from my youth. The great thing about these little crabs - they don't bite...and even better than that - I don't have to eat any of them! But they are fun to make, and fun to play with!

I hope you enjoy making your Carter the Crab softies with my original pattern! Please let me know if you have any questions putting yours together! Have an awesome day!

It's not a destination, it's a journey!

Almost 3 years ago (in late August) I began taking karate classes. I can't recall exactly when I had this strong desire to begin such a daunting sport in my early 30's, but I had wanted to learn some form of martial arts for as long as I can remember and the desire was only getting stronger! When I started I thought it would just be enough to have a Black Belt and then move on. As I have traveled this road however, I have quickly found (and been repeatedly reminded in class), that "karate is not a destination it is a journey". And so a black belt in the end, won't be enough. I'll keep going. I'll get as many stripes on my future black belt as I can.

I've pondered on this thought for a couple years now, applied this concept to my life. From all aspects of my life as a mommy, my spiritual life, and my business as well...it is all a journey. Since beginning on this path of being an inventor and entrepreneur, my business has seen many alterations. I've ripped my business apart at the seams and re-sewn it. I've changed a straight line to a curve and it will continue to change.

Recently I have thought of all the changes my little "kid giddy" company has gone through. Not knowing where kid giddy will be in 5 or 10 years, it will be interesting to see this list of where I've been, where I am now...and where I'd like to go in comparison!

Initially - Manufacture my Invention and sell only Wholesale:
I had this grand idea that I could single handedly, get my Tuck 'n' Go into some major retail stores with 'some' effort. As I progressed along the manufacturing path, it became increasingly difficult and dollar signs were lingering in my eyes, even when closed. The fear of losing money like I did trying to sell Mary Kay makeup years before, paralyzed me. I also knew i didn't want to manufacture in China or anywhere overseas! Looking back is always 20/20! I certainly had not yet learned of all that I "didn't know then, but I know now". I'm glad I didn't go that route. It may work for some, including you, but luckily I was guided as I prayed and saved thousands of dollars!

 Evolved - Self Manufacture Unique Goods and sell only Retail:
After letting go of the idea to sell to all the 'major retail stores' dream...I decided to find a way to get my goods online and sell them on a more personal level. That's when I discovered Etsy. I felt like I had missed the boat on Etsy (everyone was already selling) - but it was only getting bigger - so I figured I'd play the catch up game. Luckily it worked. It would've been great to say I've sold out of my Tuck 'n' Go's, but that is not the case. Surprisingly instead, I've sold over 200 of my thumb guards, and hope more of my other goods will become just as popular. But self manufacturing is hard. You have to commit to the time it takes to make each item. You will have inventory when some things don't sell and you have to stay fresh and current. I think for now it is something I will continue to do, so long as it doesn't interfere with new opportunities and my family.

Currently - Designing Sewing Patterns:
I love this part the most - maybe because it's the most current adventure - who knows?! About this time last year, I was looking online for pattern drafting books that taught something other than apparel - they were hard to come by. I was so afraid I was going to write up my patterns the wrong way or miss something because I am self taught and lack the education of a seamstress. I quickly threw the fear aside, feeling this was a challenge I was willing to overcome. After all, I am in this for the journey. In a sense - that means I am here to learn and grow and keep going. And so I will.

Future - The Journey:
I know what I'm working on next...(but can't say)...and I do know that I want to write a book and share many many more of my sewing patterns, and even children's books that are brewing in my head, but that is all in the future (the very near future)! Regardless, that journey will be written another day. For now I will enjoy this journey. I will find joy in each day. Otherwise - what is the point of it all? I have come this far and will keep going.

(it's still me - I cut my hair again to donate!) & both of my girls are Green w/ Brown Stripe too!

As I celebrate my new 2nd Degree Brown belt, I will continue that journey as I work towards my 1st Degree Brown belt and then my Black Belt. It won't stop there. I've only just begun. And so too, I will celebrate my Kid Giddy accomplishments (Crafts 'n things publications, and working with Anna Griffin) and continue on this journey as well. I'm looking forward to seeing where I will go and walking through all the doors Heavenly Father is willing to help me open. So where have you been? where are you now? and where is your journey taking you?

Busy Monday: "Bits 'n Pieces by Kerry Goulder" - Sammy the Seahorse Softie Photo Tutorial

Hello crafty friends,

It's that time again to bring you the next softie in my "Bits 'n Pieces" series from Crafts 'n things Magazine. This series started off with a very fun little "Hedgehog Softie" and the adorable "Tufty Family" which will be available soon in my Etsy shop!

Please be sure to get your copy of the May/June 2011 issue of Crafts 'n Things Magazine so you can get the pattern and written instructions, as they will not all be included here.
 

If you have any questions at all - please do not hesitate to drop me a comment here to let me know! If you'd like to share your Sammy the Seahorse creations - you can visit my Kid Giddy Facebook page and upload a picture of your cute little seahorses and all the fun places they are hanging out! Thanks for purchasing a copy of Crafts 'n Things magazine and supporting crafters like me! Have fun sewing!

Please note these photos are for home and personal use only, as is the pattern. All are copyright protected 2010-2011. Due to copyright and contractual agreements, these tutorial photos will only be up while the magazine is on the newsstands through mid to late June 2011.

Busy Monday: "Bits 'n Pieces by Kerry Goulder" - Tufty Family Photo Tutorial

Hello crafty friends,

As you may well know by now, I've teamed up with Crafts 'n Things Magazine to bring you my new series "Bits 'n Pieces" during 2011. This series started off with a very fun little "Hedgehog Softie", and now just in time for spring, comes the adorable "Tufty Family". This photo tutorial will help you put your little bird family together along with their cozy nest. Gather your scraps and lets get to work!

Please be sure to get your copy of the March/April issue of Crafts 'n Things Magazine so you can get the pattern and written instructions, as they will not all be included here.

Each photo has a Step # on it. That Step # correlates with the ones in the magazine (I really try to make crafting easy!).

If you have any questions at all - please do not hesitate to drop me a comment here to let me know! If you'd like to share your Tufty Family creations - you can visit my Kid Giddy Facebook page and upload a picture of your cute little families and all the fun places they are hanging out! Thanks for purchasing a copy of Crafts 'n Things magazine and supporting crafters like me! Have fun sewing!

Please note these photos are for home and personal use only, as is the pattern. All are copyright protected 2010-2011. These photos will only be up while the magazine is on the newsstands through mid to late April 2011.

Busy Monday: "Bits 'n Pieces by Kerry Goulder" - Hedgehog Softie Photo Tutorial

Hi everyone,

I'm teaming up again with Crafts 'n Things Magazine to bring you my new series "Bits 'n Pieces" during 2011. The series starts off with this little cutie, the "Hedgehog Softie"! Here is the photo tutorial to help you put your Hedgehog friend together.

Please be sure to get your copy of the Jan/Feb issue of Crafts 'n Things Magazine so you can get the pattern and written instructions, as they will not all be included here.

Due to contractual copyright agreements, this tutorial is no longer available on my blog. To get the Hedgehog pattern and instructions, please visit my Etsy shop.


If you have any questions at all - please do not hesitate to drop me a comment here to let me know! If you'd like to share your Hedgehog creation - you can visit my Kid Giddy Facebook page and upload a picture of your cute little Hedgehogs and all the fun places they are hiding in! Thanks for purchasing a copy of Crafts 'n Things magazine and supporting crafters like me! Have fun sewing!

Please note these photos are for home and personal use only, as is the pattern. All are copyright protected 2010-2011. These photos will only be up while the magazine is on the newsstands through mid to late February 2011.

Busy Monday: Scrappy Owl Photo Tutorial

Hi everyone,

I'm so excited and speechless to have this opportunity to be teaming up with Crafts 'n Things Magazine to bring you a photo tutorial to help you put your Scrappy Owl Ornament Sachet together.

Please be sure to get your copy of the Sept/Oct issue of Crafts 'n Things Magazine so you can get the pattern and written instructions, as they will not all be included here.

Each photo has a Step # on it. That Step # correlates with the ones in the magazine (I really try to make crafting easy!)

I do not have photos of Steps 1 is tracing the pattern and cutting it out. I have not included that step. Let me know if you need it! Since Step 2 was requested, I am adding that now (today is now Oct 6, 2010 - took me long enough!)

So here goes:

A= 1/4" Seam Allowance, B= Trim rounded edges, C= Turn inside out (see photo below), D= Top Stitch

If you have any questions at all - please do not hesitate to drop me a comment here to let me know! If you'd like to share your Scrappy Owl creation - you can visit Crafts 'n Things Facebook page and upload a picture of your cute little owls and all the fun they are getting into! Thanks for purchasing a copy of Crafts 'n Things magazine and supporting crafters like me! Have fun sewing!

Please note these photos are for home and personal use only, as is the pattern. All are copyright protected 2010.