True Love

I just have to share with you a touching love story. I was contacted by a customer asking if I could make 365 hearts. It didn't take too much to figure out that the man wanted one heart for each day of the year.

What is he doing with all these hearts? Letting his special lady know how and why he loves her like he does.

It was heart warming to work with this gentleman to help make his wishes come true for the love of his life.

What did I learn? Really it's pretty simple; TELL that special someone you love them in as many unique and creative ways you can think of. We all long to hear and to know that we are loved and valued.

An example of what the gentleman did: He wrote on each heart things that he loves or is thankful that he was able to do with his special lady. The hearts are stored in a keepsake box, for his lady to visit often and be reminded of his love.

Here are a few pictures to show the finished product.

Canning!

This last week has been spent in a hot kitchen, with boiling pots of water, wonderful spicy smells, all surrounded by people I love.

My daughter and I were able to spend the week canning applesauce, peach jam, and apple butter! 36 pints of applesauce, 12 half-pints of peach jam, and 36 half-pints of apple butter! Whew!

It has been such a fun and rewarding week, seeing all our efforts pay off. From picking the apples off our trees, to slicing, cooking, and processing; to the finished product.

Reminds me that my Father's love for me is the same. He never gives up in the process. From "picking" me, to washing, cutting away the bad parts, putting me to the test in "boiling water" , and sealing me with the Holy Spirit. He never tires of the process, and I am forever grateful!

Pear Inspiration

After a week of feeling a little down, I had some great inspiration today!
As I sat in my favorite chair looking out my picture window, what should catch my eye, but a single pear, hanging off the neighbors tree!

From where I sit, this looks to be a "perfect pair". Bright yellow, fully shaped, and hanging strong.

This was a shot in the arm for me to continue on the path that I'm on. Don't we all need encouragement? Today, mine came in the form of a single pear, perfectly placed by God. The message: "Keep on, keeping on". Thank you God.

Natural Suburbia: Creative Friday

Natural Suburbia: Creative Friday
Just wanted to share my inspiration for the day.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80894206/inspire-fabric-mixed-media-pear.
Thankful for God's intimate love in my life!

Are You Ready For Fall?

I can't believe how fast this year is zipping by! With Fall just around the corner, I wanted to list some items that will help busy folks with their Fall crafting.

These pre-cut shapes are made out of gorgeous speciality papers including; suede, metallic, foil, leather like, and more. Different leaf shapes and Fall colors will get you geared up for the Fall season. I didn't just cut out leaf shapes for you, but also included an empty tree ready for you to decorate.

It's sort of like playing "Paper Dolls" with leaves and trees! Oh so much fun! Plan for Fall party invitations!

Yarn Sale Going On Now

Believe it or not, it's time to plan your yarn projects for the Fall and Winter; and now is a great time to stock up with all the yarns that are on sale in the shop.

It's not too early to start your Christmas gift making...with The Holiday rapidly approaching.

Brew some Tea or Coffee, curl up in your favorite spot, and browse away; with the beautiful colors and soft textures and get inspired.

Around The Campfire

I hope that you are able to spend some time this summer sitting, singing, enjoying loved ones, and even roasting marshmallows around a campfire. There is something so comforting and homey about gathering around a warm blaze; starring into its glow, and being still.

I was able to enjoy just what I described for my birthday last month, and it was amazing! It was so fun just being "kid-like", and enjoying all my family together. And yes, we did roast marshmallows and we sang songs! It was sublime.

This campfire stamp in my Etsy shop is the epitome of such a moment. What ever you do this summer....ENJOY!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77257972/campfire-circle-with-fire-rocks-wood

SUPER-HERO-MAN

What a great way to celebrate the "Super-Hero" man in your life than by giving him a custom greeting card with a gift card pocket!

This card is hand designed and made my me with fun fond memories of the SUPER men in my life! Dad's, Grandpa's, Uncles, Brother's Son's and Husband's! I am so thankful for Godly men in my life that continually show me love and grace! I am truly blessed beyond measure to have these influences in my life.

Say "Thank You" to the Super Guy in your life with this handmade card. Made from scrapbook paper that looks like vintage comics of Super Man. Folded,and stamped with firecracker image to accent the celebration.

This would be great for men for birthday's, Father's Day, or graduation and special occasions!

Who will you celebrate this June?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73467674/fathers-day-graduation-gift-card-holder

Blue Birds of Happiness

These felt blue birds are ready to bring you happiness and fun. Different shades of blue and dark purple; die cut birds with wings are pre-cut for easy DIY crafting. I kept smiling to myself as I was cutting out these happy little birds thinking of all the fun, cute things one can make from them!

They would make great embellishments for handmade cards. I think they would also make a cute brooch or pin. Since they have a simple shape they would also make great cupcake toppers. Simply use two shapes and glue to long toothpick or "Popsicle stick".

What ideas do you have for these fun "Tweet Bird" shapes? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Here are some of the ideas I have for these Blue Bird Shapes:

teachers
pin or brooch
scrapbooks
friendship cards
birthday party favors
embellishments
decorations
ornaments





http://www.etsy.com/listing/74720877/blue-bird-of-happiness-felt-shapes

Colorful Summer Umbrella Gift Tags

Summer time fun with these colorful umbrella tags. Make your own pool or beach party invitations and let the kiddos help out too!

The umbrellas are cut from quality textured card stock in a rainbow of tropical colors. Great to use for journal spots, gift tags, favors, decorations for baby showers, beach party invitations, pool parties, summer parties, and even beach weddings.

Embellish the umbrella tags with buttons, rhinestones, lace or cut apart and layer the various colors onto one umbrella for a color flair. (see sample in photo)

What will you do with these fun tags? Leave me a comment and let me know!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/74507057/bright-tropical-sunny-colors-umbrella

From My Kitchen

These adorable "From The Kitchen" tags are handmade by me...especially for you!
I scallop die cut each tag and then stamped with olive green. The distressed edges gives the tags a vintage look. They each have black string looped and ready to display on you favorite homemade goodies.

I think these tags will have many uses, but some of the more popular ones may be:

Recipe Cards; is someone you know asking for a recipe? Why not give them the "dish" and attach one of these cute tags with the recipe.

There is a big revival of home canning from your vegetable garden. Imagine how nice it would be to receive some homemade goodies with this tag around the Canning Jar?

Flavored olive oils and extracts make nice housewarming gifts for newlyweds or a bridal shower. Why not make your own Homemade Vanilla Extract, and attach this vintage inspired tag to the bottle?

Please feel free to share some of your ideas for these great tags. I would love to share them with my readers.



http://www.etsy.com/listing/74352548/from-my-kitchen-handmade-tags

Patriotic Felt Star Shapes

There is something about summertime that speaks of a patriotic spirit. Maybe it's because of July 4Th being right in the middle of summer, but it is also surrounded by Memorial Day, Flag Day, Veteran's Day and more.

I am a big fan of red white and blue so making these cut out star shapes was super fun and these felt star shapes make your patriotic crafting easy. Red white and blue die cut stars in 3 different sizes makes layering a breeze.
Also great for picnics, family reunions, summer time fun. Show your love of country with fun felt shapes.
Use for party invitations, scrapbooks, embellishments, party favors, decorations and more!

What will you make with these star shapes? I bet you have more ideas to add to the list!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/73853822/patriotic-felt-stars-shapes

Rose Buds Gift Card Holder

I hand cut and folded this Rose Buds Gift card holder. It speaks of spring time birthday's, garden parties, weddings, bridal showers, baby showers and graduation.

The rose buds background print is folded out of heavy weight double sided card stock, and is made to enclose a "gift card" in the pocket on the front of the card. It's soft beige and peach/pink tones make an elegant card.

It also has a place for you to write your greetings and wishes on the inside of the card on creamy beige polka dot print and tuck the "gift card" into the outer pocket.
Outside fold comes with mini stick on pearls and sheer ribbon.

I love having this type of card on hand for the unplanned needed gift. Just purchase the recipients favorite "gift card" and slip in the enclosed pocket and you have a nice card and gift that Wows!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73743151/rose-buds-background-gift-card-holder

Grandma's Apron

I wanted to created a "modern" item to remember fond past moments; so I created my apron magnets. They signify a simpler time when mom's and grandma's started their days with a fresh new apron.
Do you remember your mom or grandmother wearing an apron? It has a homey feel and a comfort knowing you could bury your "troubles" in her apron.

Not only for Mother's Day, but for year round, why not place an apron magnet on your refrigerator to remind you of love and security and comfort. Or give as a gift to say; "Thanks Mom"!

Congratulations to Grace

Thank you to all who participated in my recent Giveaway! I hope you had fun browsing the shop, and that you come back for a visit. Your comments were very helpful to me, so thank you!
Congratulations to Grace Dreschsel...you won! I hope that you enjoy your gifts from Pear Creek Cottage.

I'm off to create more goodies for the shop!
Thanks again to all!

Fun Free Treats

It's not too late to enter my Giveaway! Just go to :etsyfix.blogspot.com/
and enter your comments to be entered in the Giveaway! What better way to share love this Easter than with some freebies, that you can give away!

Thank you for all who have entered already. Your comments are so fun to read.
Blessings~

GIVE AWAY!!

For those who love FREEBIES...go to this super fun blog, and enter to win the giveaway that my shop is having! The link is: http://etsyfix.blogspot.com/

Post your comment, and you will be entered!

It is an exciting time for PCC as we celebrate our one year anniversary, and continue to grow and learn through life's challenges and joyful rewards.

Thanks for coming along on this journey with me!

Anniversary Sale!

I can hardly believe it myself, but Pear Creek Cottage is celebrating their one year anniversary.

You too can be part of this celebration by receiving a 10% coupon on all items in the shop from now through March 10Th! Just check in at the shop to get the coupon code.

A big thank you to all my customers who helped make my first year such a great experience! I learned so much from all of you, and I appreciate your feedback and comments as they continue to help me strive to do better.

Having this shop has been very rewarding and also lots of hard work! I wouldn't trade the friendships I've made along the way, for truly the relationships that one has is what makes their life rich and successful. So a big hug and thanks to all of you; you know who you are!

Please come by and visit.
Thanks so much~

Hearts to Save Animals

 

DONATE and help SAVE a LIFE:

 

HAVE A HEART FUNDRAISER

How it works:

Donate a dollar.

Put your name on a heart.

Hang your heart on the tree.

 

Where to buy hearts:

Abrios's Brick Oven Restaurant, Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Associates, Friendly Paws Pet Supplies and Grooming, Import House and Lamborn's Studio and Custom Framing for the month of February. Hearts will also be sold at the ACHS February adoption event at the Market on State.

and at Baker Center, Ohio University, Feb 4^th and Feb 15^th.

 

What will this money be used for?

To help the spay/neuter and adoption programs for cats and dogs coordinated by the Athens County Humane Society.

 

Note from Jan~

I was commissioned to make paper hearts for the Athens Humane Society as a fundraiser to help spay and neuter cats and dogs.

 

Who would have thought that a paper heart could help save an animal's life?

 

It was a privilege to work for such a great cause. If you are in their area, please stop by and purchase a heart for $1.00 and help save a "furry friend".

Prayer Bears

I was commissioned to make some special needle-felted prayer bears from a friend who is a marathon runner for Team in Training. Cindy is currently living with her blood cancer but is raising money, awareness and support for others who suffer from this disease.
These special bears were made in honor of Kathy and Caleb. I feel honored and privelaged to be able to remember them and pray for them and to be a very small part of their lives by making these fuzzy reminders that they are being prayed for. Kathy's bear is holding a running shoe and has the "TNT" initials on her bears shirt. Caleb is a lover of the New York Yankee's, so his bear has a felted jersey similiar to that of his favorite team.
Kathy and Caleb, I am so blessed to "know" you through Cindy, and want you to know that I do pray for you.
For those interested, her is Cindy's web page with more info on these two honored hero's!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/dm/pfchangs11/run4one.