Why Domesticraft is Closing! HUGE New Adventure!

Whoa! Slow down, Nelly ;)

This is the second biggest, boldest and scariest decision  that I've ever made!  The first biggest,  boldest and scariest decision I've ever made was when I married my amazing husband 8 years ago.  And it was the best decision. . . EVER! ♡

We met and courted online for about 5 monhs.  He then flew from his home in Jamaica up to Oregon, so that we could meet and get married . . . that very same evening! Eek!

And did I mention that it was the best decision . . . EVER?! We fit! ♡

I'm feeling the same way about this decision!   Absolutely and totally in LOVE with it!  

Dana and I make perfect business partners. The adorable little announcer girl illustration is her original sketch/painting and I did my "app thing" to it.   To me it's a prefect blend of friendship, creativeness, passion and gratitude!  We fit.♡

I've got a few more things to finish and finalize over the weekend and then I'll be back Monday to give you some more deets AND a super official NEW WEBSITE open date.   Double EEK!

Go ahead and sign for my mailing list, if you haven't already,  as it will just transfer over to the new site!  

So, back to "work" for me!  I'm so grateful that you are a special part of my journey and I so appreciate your patience, support and always inspiring comments!  You guys really are the best!

Oh, and speaking of grateful . . . The Gratitude Girl's Cheer League is having a RAK, (random acts of kindness) kind of month.  It's our One Year Anniversary and we'd love to celebrate by being randomly kind!   That sounds wierd, but I guess it's accurate.   We will just be even doing it more intentionally.  Please tell me if you get what I'm saying, in the comments.  I need soup and a nap.♡ 

Gratitude Girl's Cheer League

xoxoxo
Nancy

Domesticraft 2015 Washi Tape Organization Wall of Wonder and Saturday Shout-out with Cara Vincens

Hi, guys!

This is my 2015 year in review, bits of it anyway.  I am breaking it up into a series of about 5 blog posts and will try to make them not too long and I'll include all the links if you want to check out the old posts with ALL the photos ;)

This post comes from such a HUGE amount of gratitude that I have for each and every one of you!  You all were key in helping me grow both personally and in my business.  

I am starting to tear up now, just thinking about all the blessings I've gotten to enjoy in 2015. I am blown away.  I thank Allah (God) for bringing each of you into my life, in whatever capacity it has been . . . it has mattered.  A lot.  

You have encouraged me and believed in me and bigged me up like nobody's business.  And I thank you.  From the bottom of my heart.  Now, as my hubs would say, "living eye water" is rolling and splashing down my cheeks!  Happy, sappy and truly grateful tears forming a little puddle of love.  I love you guys and I can't wait to see what adventures we will share in 2016! 

Domesticraft Washi Tape Organization Wall of Wonder! (check the link below)
January 2015 

Okay, January.  Wow, seems like just yesterday and yet so long ago.  This post was about a very cool washi tape wall I was inspired to make.  It was an effort to get organized, which turned out to be an all year job!!  

Oh my goodness! I have, just in this past week, gotten a grip on how I am finally tackling the whole organizing and planning thing!  These are hard core issues that can make or break a biz AND a person, ya know?

Well, it didn't break me (although I may have driven my hubs around the bend a time or two . . . or 50!  Sorry, Sweetie)  In fact, through all the thinking, planning, researching, praying and trying so many different approaches, I finally figured it out, In sha Allah. (God willing)

I will share the FANTASTIC, AMAZING, TOTALLY I CAN'T BELIEVE IT MYSELF results of this past year's of labor, later this month.  It's going to BLOW you away!  Until then . . . shhhhhh.  

This washi tape wall also made it into a magazine feature, which was so COOL!  I still can't believe it!  I learned a lot and had the time of my life!  Thanks and a big shout out to Anke of Maak Magazine in the Netherlands.  I know!!  It's a super neat magazine and such fun to look at and gather new ideas from!  Oh, Ahem . . . my claim to fame is on page 20! ;) 



Another super fun thing I did and totally want to start back up was the "Saturday Shout-Out!"  The very first feature was on my friend, Cara, from Luxembourg.  Since this post, we went on to do a super fun promo for her "Practically Perfect Planner"  We called it a Cute-Off!  Oh man, that was a blast!  

Cara and I did another fun challenge with another friend of mine, Francine, from France.  I just now put that together, Francine from France . . . oh, well. ;) I'm pretty sure that's not why she moved there from Granada!  Anyway here's that link too.  That was a super creative paper party, for sure!!  Memory-Planner Challenge

These two women are very special to me and I have no doubt, In sha Allah, one day we will link up in person and have a papercrafting party that we'll never forget!!  I can't wait!!



That's all this post.  I'll post the next one on Monday.  I hope you really enjoy them!  I sure am!  Thanks again everybody!!  Now let's make 2016 even more memorable! :)



XOXOXO
NANCY

Elizabeth Lymer and Azra Momin New Children's Book Hector Hectricity and the Missing Socks!

You might think it's a bit usual for me to be promoting a children's book, but wait till you see it!  And after all, I do have 6 out of my 14 grands in this approximate age range.

It's written by my friend, Elizabeth Lymer who is an author and a rhymer! (Of course!)  It's illustrated by another friend of mine, Azra Momin. Both of these women are powerhouses of talent!

It's a book written with Muslim children in mind of course, but could be "read" to younger children using your own choice of words.  The pictures are full of delicious colors and fantastic detail and tell such a fun story in any language as well!

It's a gorgeous picture book called
'Hector Hectricity and the Missing Socks' 

Isn't that an adorable title?  I wonder how long it took her to decide on that? ;)

 

Elizabeth Lymer is a children's storyteller and nursery rhymer who loves to make literature interactive!  She is a prolific pancake maker and avid rainbow liker - including the rain part! Like the mother character in this book (whose name is Leila Daniju), Elizabeth has been known to struggle with reuniting paired socks during the laundry process.  (Oh man, can I relate to that!)  You can find Elizabeth at RhymesandStories

Azra Momin paints, makes textile jewelry and illustrates books, not necessarily in that order. In previous eras her job titles have included interior designer, content editor, freelance writer and teacher.  Mostly though, she likes to spend time with her favorite art critics, her husband and daughter, read mystery novels and dream about living in an earth ship. (I'm totally going to need some further clarification on the earth ship!) You can find Azra at azramomin.com

But wait that's not all! ;)  Elizabeth's sister, Katherine Lymer has also contributed to the book!  She is a knitting tutor, designer and writer based in the inspirational countryside of the Scottish Borders.  She travels throughout the UK giving workshops on all aspects of knitting, teaching people of all ages and skill levels.  More recently, she has combined her love of knitting and children's literature by working with authors to bring their favorite characters to yarn-life! (Did you see the socks you can make when you buy this book? They are awesome!) You can find Katherine at KnittingwithKatherine


And now, here's a little bit about the new book....

 

Calm days for the Parack family, filled with soft songs and peaceful picnics, are disrupted by hectic mornings because socks keep vanishing in their new home. Will Mummy's prayers lead to peace and paired socks again?

'Hector Hectricity' is a fun story for young children that shows how praying to Allah SWT, asking for help from others, and taking a good walk outdoors can help to overcome a sock monster.



Here's where you can get your copy of Hector Hectricity and the Missing Socks!

http://www.amazon.com/Hector-Hectricity-Missing-Socks-Momin/dp/1364680920

Elizabeth is also the founder at AneesaBooks.

https://www.facebook.com/Aneesa-Books-812056418823782
 

If you've got any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.  I hope you've enjoyed my out of the ordinary blog post.  I would really like to do more "big ups".  I LOVE helping out other women entrepreneurs!  I think it's super important for all of us ladies, no matter our race, religion, age or whatever to have each other's backs and big each other up at every opportunity!  If you are interested in being featured on my blog, just give me a holler at domesticraft@gmail.com

The Gratitude Girl's Cheer League is just such a group and I encourage and welcome all women with a kindred spirit of lending a sister a helping hand when you can and encouraging her to find her "wings" and soar!  If that sounds like something you need or can contribute to, please join at Gratitude Girl's Cheer League!

Thanks for poppin' by ladies!  I hope you are all doing wonderfully!

 

xoxoxo

Nancy

Art Showcase Count Down Sneak Peek at Vintage Globe and Typewriter!

Finally, right?  Here's what I've been working on!  This is a peek at the vintage globe that I chose for this project.  It was a bit tore up when I bought it at the thrift shop a couple of years ago, but I always knew I wanted to do something cool with it.  To me, it was still beautiful as it was.  It's just such a solid and well crafted globe.  It's brass and quite heavy.



Wait a minute!  I just picked it up to see if  I could guesstimate a weight for you and found a sticker on the bottom!  Oooooo, how exciting!  It says "Handmade in Italy T.M. GATCO  I.T. with a globe graphic.  It also has the number 57 stamped on it rather largely.  So now I have to Google this puppy!  Be right back.

Crap!  A half an hour later down the vintage globe rabbit hole and guys, I CAN'T FIND ANYTHING!  Seriously?  Have I lost my Google MoJo?  I was so excited and now I don't know if I should cry because it's a rare and amazing treasure that I am further defacing and and thereby ruining my chances of scoring big bucks when I sell it at Sotheby's? :)

Well, that's just ridiculous, now that I think on it a moment.  You can't ruin ANYTHING by putting washi tape on it!  Duh! ;)  Feel free to be my proxy and work your Google Mojo on this global adventure for me and see what you come up with.  I'll totes think of a reward for your efforts.

So, what do you think so far?  I think I'm falling in love and may seriously swoon before I'm done!  I'm going to work on it some more tonight and try and get it completed so I can move on to Miss Vintage De Luxe typewriter.  Oh, I almost forgot!  The hubs and I agree that that globe weighs approximately 4 pounds.  You can use that information in your sleuthing, right?

So, here's Miss V. De Luxe.  She has good bones, doesn't she?  She's sleek and trim and has kept herself in tip-top shape.  She is also made in Italy for Montana S.p.A. Turin and was born in the late 60's.  She is getting a makeover.  Well, not actually a makeover, just a new dress.  I still haven't decided if I should use patterned designer paper, vintage wall paper or fabric . . . vintage or otherwise.  What do you think?  You gotta let me know because I need to work on her tomorrow and once I start on her, I can't not finish in the same day.  She mustn't just languish about partially clothed, that's so unseemly and so not Miss De Luxe! ;)

And here's the RUG for the installation!!  I had no clue really what I was going to "whip up" for a rug.  I had some red shaggy mats I was going to stitch together and I might have worked into something cute, but . . . . . . . . LOOK!!!  Dana (dapoppins.com) offered to let me use this 8' round beauty of a braided rug!  I know, who does that?  Offers someone the rug right out from under their feet??  My bestie, that's who!  It's perfect, don't you think?  The colors, the style, the "feel" . . . as Dana would say Squeeeeeeee!  Thanks buddy, I am truly beholdin'.  But wait, there's more!

The show starts at 6:00 pm on next Friday night!  Breathe, Nancy, breathe.  Okay, I'm good.  Miss Dana, aka BFF girl has offered to come over and spend all flippin' day with me!!  What?  Who does that?  The same amazing friend who's lugging that cool rug across the state line, just for me!  Dang, I love that woman!!  

My goal is too have everything done, In sha Allah (God willing) by the day before the show at the latest.  Then Dana and I can can go to the coffee shop and I'll practice my "talk" on her and we'll catch up on all of our crafty plans and let me tell you, we've got a couple of major doozies coming up in 2016.  Huge, epic and amazeball plans which we will be sharing with you all in due time!

Then we'll go back to my house and Dana will give me any last minute advice on my art project. We'll load it into her van from early o'clock, as the hubs says, so we don't have to worry about it.  At that point I'm as ready as I'm gonna be, I'll just need an hour to shower and shine.

Now we can just chill and get our craft on, 'cause that's the only thing that is going to keep me chilled and relaxed, ya know?  Dana and I are way overdue for some craftplay and to tell you the truth, I am just as excited about that as I am about my art show!  Maybe more, 'cause crafting never makes me nervous and want to toss my cookies!!

Shall we make one of these planner journals, Dana?  I'm needing to brainstorm with you about them, because I'm launching this product on February 2, 2016!  I'm also considering an online workshop for it as well.  All classes will include video instruction, photos and details about all projects, a closed Facebook group and email access to me as well.  What do you think, guys?  Who would like to craft with me and Dana?  Oh, wait . . . I forgot to ask Dana if she would like to collaborate with me on this biz venture!  Oops.  Who votes YES to Dana joining me, her fellow Bonafide Bosslady?  What do you say, Dana?  Hmmmmm?

That's it for this post, my friends.  More to come.  Let me know what you think in the comments 'cause I sure would appreciate it!  I really loooooove getting comments, so please don't think I'm ignoring you since I've several comments that I still need to respond to!  I haven't forgotten you for a minute ladies!!  Stay tuned for more! :)

Also, I know very few of you are in my neck of the woods and will not be able to attend the Art Showcase. :(  However, if you've a mind to, you may certainly still donate.  As little or as lot as you like!  The donate button is toward the bottom of the flyer.  Here's the link!  Oh, and Dana says she's going to video my "talk"!  Should I sell that as a product as well?  JUST KIDDING!!  Who knows what Dana is going to do with the editing! ;)


XOXOXO
NANCY 

p.s.  Remember, I'm counting on you to be my cheerleaders!  Ladies over in the Gratitude Girl's Cheer League . . . do we have room for some more "Cheer-ers"?  You can join our group of positive, encouraging and bright women from all backgrounds and faith and from all over the world to boot!  It really is a lovely bunch of women and we would love to welcome you as well!♡ 

Behind the Scenes: A Two Week Show and Tell Art and Craft Explosion!

I've been leading up to this post for over a week now and I'm finally ready to share!  I was waiting for a final phone call that it was a 100% cool, for the project I wanted to do . . .  in my first art show/benefit, EVER!

I got the call and it was a YES and she sounded super excited too and now I'm crazy pumped up and rarin' to go!!!

The Art Show Benefit is sponsored by an awesome group of women called Muslimahs United.  Samira Axelson, is the president and founder and does an awesome job of putting together all kinds of fundraising projects and just plain fun events, to help other sisters, serve our community and so much more. And she's a sweetheart! ♡  

This event is an Art Showcase and it will be featuring traditional and contemporary art by local muslim women.  It will be benefiting the Hidaya Women's Resource and Advocacy Project.  Hidaya is an Arabic word meaning for our group, "leading to the goal with gentleness and kindness".

It looks like I cut off some of the flyer.  Sorry.  The full fyler is on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/nancy.gaines.12

The women in this group are amazing and such an inspiration to me. When Samira asked if I wanted to be one of the artists, I was blown away!  I actually still am!  A LOT!  I am so very, very honored and so want to do my very best for this show, not just as an artist, but as a way of giving back to my community. So I'm hoping and praying all of you will be able to help me to help them.  

We are selling tickets to this event (women only) at $25.00 each AND also donations of any amount would be so very welcome as well! Click on this link and then at the bottom of the flyer there is a donations button too! click that, and imagine, in your head  . . . me doing a happy dance! ♡

I knew what I wanted to create the minute I was asked if I would participate!  I was told later that they wanted us to tell "our story" too!  Eeeek!  A 3 to 5 minute speech about "our story"! Part of me wanted to bail and run crying like a baby at that point, but I simply couldn't.   Just not cool, you know?

So what I'm doing, is going to be different from anyone else's work and it will tell my story AND be 100% me!  Don't you love it when it clicks like that?  I am having so much fun already!

I'm doing a rather large installation that will create a lovely and cozy vignette about DIY and re-purposing vintage castoffs and will include, but will not be limited to the following:

1.  A vintage, swivel rocker chair with ottoman, covered in vintage doilies and whatever else inspires me, as I make it.

2.  A standing light fixture with a 1/2 globe lampshade.

3.  A vintage red suitcase made into a inspiration craft & art station.

4.  A red train case made into stationery & office supply case.

5.  A vintage typewriter "updated" with decoupage fabric.

6.  A vintage globe re-purposed somehow,  haven't decided yet.  Any ideas for me?

7.  An old,  paint stained wooden ladder to hold the typewriter and globe and other yumminess. 

8.  A couple of buntings made from vintage bed sheets. 

9.  Some kind of area rug.

In sha Allah (God willing),  I can pull this off.  I've got two weeks-ish and I've got everything I need, "in house", to create this project!  Eeeek!!!  I am going to be the craft happiest a crafty girl can get!  Except for no one to craft with!  Although, my bestie, Dana will be coming over at least one day ahead of show-time and then she is going to help me transport everything to the event at Multnomah Arts Center!  I so love that woman!! ♡

So I decided to invite you guys into my studio and for the next two weeks and we will get our craft on like nobodies business!

I'll share lots of photos of what it's like behind the scenes and I'll take you through step by step on some of the stuff with tutorials as well!

I'm going to make it a "behind the scenes of me, Nancy . . . Domesticraft-ing my bonoonies off event" before the big event!! There are going to be random giveaways and tons and tons of virtual and for real sequins, glitter, cupcakes and donuts flying!! Oh, and power tools might be involved too!  Woot!

I've started a new Pinterest board called "Born to Make ♡ My Story" and I've pinned a bunch of amazing photos that inspire the heck outa me!  Whew, that was hard work! Psych!!!  And I get to more!  It's part of my "research"  Hahahaha!  

Okay, I'm calmed down now. ;) That was the first time in way too long that I've spent that much time on Pinterest and it was better than . . . well, lets just say, again, it was AHHHHHH-mazing! :)   

So I'm inviting you to go Pinterest Happy with me too!  Share some pins with me that you think might be cool for my project inspiration or that you just love or would like to try out yourself! Share them on Facebook too, your page, my page, whatever. Just try to remember to tag me, I would really like to see!♡

I'm also tying in #bonafidebosslady tips. This project is HUGE for me, not only as an artist, but as a business woman and personally as well.

To help me with my nerves about the "talk" (sounds so much easier to handle than "speech")  I figured I would pump myself up with graphics and tips and little stories about being myself and being positive and doing things that are hard, even if it makes you want to barf.  By the time this fantastic event is here, I will be full of confidence and be as pithy and adorable as all get-out! In sha Allah.  (God willing)

So, who's on board for my crafty ride?  This is basically what I'll be eating, sleeping and breathing for the next two weeks, with breaks now and then for real life, of course. ;) I'm so excited for you to be a part of this super cool and unbelievable project I'm about to start!  Do you think I can pull it off, guys?  I'm going to need this biggest bunch of cheerleaders I can get!  I can't wait to start crafting with you guys!  It's about time, huh? ♡

p.s.  Remember, I'm counting on you to be my cheerleaders!  Ladies over in the Gratitude Girl's Cheer League . . . do we have room for some more "Cheer-ers"?  You can join our group of positive, encouraging and bright women from all backgrounds and faith and from all over the world to boot!  It really is a lovely bunch of women and we would love to welcome you as well!♡




XOXOXO
NANCY

Black Friday 50/50 Sale! Domesticraft Insta-Styled Stock Library Rocks!

Hey!  

I wasn't going to do a "Black Friday" Sale.  Nope.  Not because I don't like a good sale and certainly not because I don't like you!  But all the hype is so annoying and I never want to annoy you!  So, that's why I'm kinda late, so I wouldn't get lost in the crowd!

I've not had a "Blowout" sale in such a long time and this will be my first "sale" for Domesticraft's Insta-Styled Stock Image Library . . . EVAH!  And mostly it's just to say thanks to all of you for your lovely support and kind words.  Really.  You're the best!

So, don't think that I don't know that I am still running the ridiculously low introductory price of  $20.00 per month membership!  And, yes . . . I am going to put in the category of insanely crazy at $10.00 per month membership!  WHAT??

Yep, that's right!  But it's only for the first 50 customers who use the link below to purchase! This is for new customers only! To all of my established and adorable customers, you will be receiving a special treat in your inbox before the year is finished!  Eek!  I'm so excited!! :)

Click the shop link HERE or at the top of the page!   

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me here in the comments or feel free to email me as well at domesticraft@gmail.com  In the navigation bar above there is an FAQ and terms of service page as well.  Thanks again, peeps!  I hope you have a fantastic weekend!  

Oh, sheesh, I almost forgot!

Here are the 15 new photos I just put on the shelves of Domesticraft's  Insta-Styled Stock Image Library!  I hope you enjoy them!  Yep, they could be yours!!

xoxoxo
Nancy