Tiny Ones.

Hello!

If you read this post earlier this week, you know that I've been working on a brand new product.  I'm so pleased to announce that they have made their way into the shop as of this morning and are now ready to be purchased!

Right now, we have three collections of colors that have been specially chosen and put together. However, there is an option to pick and choose which colors you want. I'm still working on picking out new colors and finding knew color combinations that I think look nice together, so if you don't see your favorite colors, please let me know! I would be so happy to work with you to find a collection that works with your little one's style.

I've decided that to properly kick off this product, there needs to be a sale of some kind. So, for one week only, when you buy one collection, you get a second for free! No joke. It's for real happening. All you have to do when you check out is leave a Note to Seller with your second collection choice, or three new color choices. So, for $10, you're getting 6 [[instead of the usual 3]] hand crafted hair bows! 

Tell your neighbors! Tell your friends! Tell your family! Because, come 11:59 CST August 6th, I will no longer be offering this deal.

Happy Wednesday!

Introducing...

I've been working hard to come up with new products for the Fāyán Knits family for a while. For me, it's difficult to think in terms of knitting when I step outside and it's a thousand degrees.

However, I am proud to introduce a new product that will be hitting the shop this week.

These adorable bows will come in a variety of colors and can be completely customized depending on your taste. Once these babies launch, I will be holding a sale, so be on the lookout for the coupon code! 

 Much love,

Total Beadlam

Abigail with her husband and two sons.

Today I want you to meet the beautiful face behind Total Beadlam. Her name is Abigail and she creates beaded jewelry. I met Abigail on a trip to Miracle Camp last spring and we instantly became friends as we bonded over music and all things homemade.

Abigail was inspired to begin beading by her mother who started a few years before she did. After getting married and moving away, she went through a period where she missed her mother and wished that she had started beading with her. She started out by taking a few basic beading classes at a local shop and became obsessed. She then decided to begin selling her wares online.

When trying to come up with a name for her online shop, Abigail went back to her Texas roots. She grew up showing horses. Her mother hosted quite a few horse shows where they lived. A phrase her mother used to describe how things were going there was "total bedlam," which Abigail said was quite accurate with all the people coming and going. 

Abigail has some ready-made pieces and enjoys creating custom pieces as well. She loves the process of communicating and creating with her customers.

If you would like to connect with Abigail, you can find her:

-on Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TotalBeadlam?ref=si_shop 
-on Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/TotalBeadlam?ref=ts&fref=ts
-or you can email her at: mrsdhodz {at} yahoo {dot} com

Hesed Design

Today I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. We met at church, a little over a year ago. She is one person who inspired me to put myself out there and start up a handmade business of my own. I saw this awesome young woman who was being bold and creating and I thought "I want to be like her." This past December, we spent some time together at a local winery taking part in a Christmas Market. We sold a few things, and got to know other local artisans [[which was awesome!]] I actually bought a pair of her earrings for a Christmas present for myself and I love them! Which is why I want to share her with all of you!

Meg McCormick's accessory line is called Hesed Design. She grew up playing softball and found her love for accessories when she was a sophomore in college. She has never had formal training and has harnessed all of her skill for creating from trial and error.

She designs and creates bold and unique upcycled accessories. If you are looking for a statement piece to spice up your wardrobe, look no further! You can find her on Etsy and Twitter. Also, for those of you in the Central Illinois area, you can find her at The Pod in Uptown Normal.

Hesed means loving kindness, mercy, goodness, and steadfast love

Hesed Design products are built on the definition of the Hebrew word Hesed. In every piece that is made you will see the time and love that went into the craftsmanship and know that you are getting an accessory that will be in your array of wears for years to come.  

Every piece that Meg makes is upcycled.  The word upcycled means to make something old into something new. Old, broken pieces of jewelry, fabric, buttons, [[basically anything]] are all revamped into something that everyday women can wear to make a statement.
 

If you have something outdated that you used to love and wear all the time, contact Meg and she will be glad to make it into something you will wear and love once again!

Fall Sale @ Fāyán Knits

Hey y'all!

Fall is upon us! [[Basically...]] And you know what that means...

NEW FALL KNITS!!

 

In an effort to get you new products in the shop, I would like to clear inventory from summer. The season of change will be bringing in some changes to my shop. I would like to begin using all natural fibers in my products to ensure the best quality [[and coziest]] knits there are! However, I can't get you these new products without clearing out a few of the ones that are already stocked...

SO!

I have decided to give y'all 15% off everything in the shop! Yep...15%! Off of everything!

All you have to do is enter the code

FALL15

at checkout. Simple as pie. So head on over to Fāyán Knits and do some shopping! [[Because I'm really excited about the new projects I'm working on and you should be too!]]

Snapshots: Life As of Late

I feel like as of a few weeks ago, life has just gotten crazy hectic.

Not that my time has been completely filled to the brim with activities, but that when I do actually have time for myself, my very last concern is coming up with a new thing to post about.

But, hey, it's still summer...so give me a break.

A few weeks ago, Josh and I went down to SC for a visit with his family.

This wasn't scary at all...

I'm obviously married to the best looking man around...obviously.

Since I wouldn't get out of the boat [[I have a thing about murky water...]] my husband left a note on the beach so it looked like I got out.

Half eaten horseshoe crab that Josh found...that thing stank something fierce!

Shrimp boat.

This thing wasn't big at all...

I mean, honestly, the things you see in the south...

Reminds me of the church we used to attend when I was little...

 Another reason for my lack of blog posts is that I have been too focused on getting my Etsy Shop updated. I have been working on some new marketing strategies and trying to focus my products. Instead of offering up a variety of items and seeing what sells, I will now be focusing on one specific type of product and moving on from there. I will have a couple of new items up starting some time next week [[assuming all goes according to plan...]].

I hope y'all have had an amazing week, and that you have an equally amazing weekend!

The Joys of Summer

 

 What I like about this summer [[so far...]] :

{1} Peaches! I've always liked peaches, but this year, I'm really enjoying buying them locally and eating them often...perhaps too often...

{2} I have really enjoyed making different kinds of iced drinks this summer. I've been experimenting with different ways to do iced coffee and I have even tried making Sun Tea!

{3} Trips to the zoo. You're never too old to enjoy the zoo! [[even if we do look a little odd going without any kids, we still have a ton of fun!]]

{4} My garden is actually producing crops! We've gotten to enjoy some lettuce and spinach thus far, but the tomatoes are looking good and ripening quickly! They should be available to eat soon!

{5} Every day that passes we are closer to becoming licensed foster parents. This prospect really excites us and I am LOVING that we have a nursery in our home!

{6} Since the weather is nice and people don't mind driving, we've gotten to spend a lot of extra time with friends and family

{7} I opened my Etsy Shop so I've been doing a lot of knitting and crocheting [[which I have a lot of fun doing]].

{8} Again, because of the nice weather, Josh and I have been able to go on a TON of bike rides. I really enjoy the time we get during those to chat and connect.

{9} Summer = ice cream. It's just a fact.

{10} Summer is Blockbuster Time so all of the great high action films are coming out in theaters! [[If you haven't seen The Avengers yet, get off of your computer, or whatever you're reading this on, and get that booty over to the theater to see it! You heard me...GO!]]

HAPPY FRIDAY Y'ALL!

Drumroll Please...

I am pleased to announce that my Etsy shop is now OPEN!!! [[hurrah!]] It feels like it's been a long time coming, and I still have managed to only have two listings, but be not dismayed for I have more items on the way! [[For example I am currently finishing up some knitted coffee sleeves.]] The name of the shop is Fāyán Knits. Fāyán means "speak" in Mandarin. I decided on it after reading Proverbs 31:8 [[Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.]] That is exactly what I want to use the funds from this shop to do. I am just so excited that this day has come!

So please go take a look at it [[there is a link at the top of this page]]. I know there's not much to see right now, but keep an eye on it because I have more coming.

I am currently searching for more ideas for products, so if you have any ideas, please send them my way! [[jspencer2303@gmail.com]]