Caught Working!

Working on a client's order! Really, I am!

The tools of the trade: Sunscreen, Sunhat, Yarn and hook... comfy lawn chair. I am not sure if anyone else enjoys their "job" quite as much as I enjoy mine! I didn't know hubby was snapping this, by the way, so I was really just caught in the act!


This was the first few rounds of the 3rd Circle Vest (see the Going Round in Circles post). Perhaps it was being outdoors that inspired the floral motif on the vest! 

My Little Corner

Someone recently asked, "Where is your favourite spot to crochet?" 

A few months back, we set up a little corner in the living room that I could call my own for crocheting. I took a snapshot of it when it was all set up. Truth be known, it rarely looks this neat, as there are always one or two WIPs (works in progress) dangling from the chair, lined up on the footstool, tucked in the cabinet, and hanging out of my bag of tricks!

This is the perfect spot for a number of reasons:

• It is central to the goings on in the house -- I like to stay connected when I'm stitching away
• There is great natural light during the day, and my Ikea lamp when its dim or the gang is watching TV.
• It's comfy, and I can put a little sumthin' (coffee or a glass of wine) nearby to sip on.
• I like the old-fashioned sewing box to stow my stuff. A curbside find that I rescued a few years back.

Thanks to Ewa for the question!

Cheers,
BusyLizzy

A blogging slog!

I have been seriously lacking in the blog-posting department. I think all new bloggers go through it... the syndrome of "what do I have to say that could be of interest?" My fear of a lack of content often stops me from posting. Sometimes there isn't much (of interest) going on, despite my moniker that would suggest otherwise! "Busy Lizzy isn't always busy is she?"... to paraphrase the "Fuzzy Wuzzy" nursery rhyme!


Ironically, there is actually a lot going on in BusyLizzy's world right now (especially related to crocheting and crafting) and now that I have "content" for the blog, it seems I'm to distracted to actually post! 


New leaf... going to post weekly. Maybe even daily! Watch out!  I'm hoping to discover that there are actually a few people reading it too, eventually!


There is a fabulous blog that I follow quite religiously (I subscribe to get the email notification when it is posted). This blogger took on a 365 day challenge (Blog-a-day!). A photographer and a writer, JD is captivating me with her photographic images from quaint and quirky to magnificent and majestic, and keeping me hooked with compelling narrative and sometimes the image speaks for itself. Please check out "Writing the Girl"  to see what I mean! You'll LOVE it. not a lot of investment in time to read this one as J's posts tend to be brief and visual, but I seriously look forward to them every day. Now that I've been inspired...


I'll catch you VERY soon! And here's a bit of a shout out to my recent doings: This T-skirt was just purchased from my ETSY shop... my first sale to AUSTRIA!!!! So excited!

Cheers,
BusyLizzy

BusyLizzy Boutique - NEWS

BusyLizzy Boutique

This is a little introduction to BusyLizzy Boutique. It's my little virtual shop, that sells internationally and makes local appearances! 

Barefoot Sandals By BusyLizzy

It all began with Barefoot Sandals... someone saw a pair of these neat things and asked whether I could make a pair. Here is the story of The Beginning of Barefoot Sandals by Elizabeth, on my Facebook Page. Over the years I wore them in yoga, at the beach and just about everywhere, and filled quite a few orders without ever advertising at all! All the while, people kept saying "you need a website" or "you have to sell these things in stores" and even suggested I go on Dragon's Den with them... well, I don't think I'm ready for that. 

BusyLizzy Boutique on Etsy...

I was listening however, and early in 2011, I discovered ETSY. Etsy is a marketplace for all things vintage and handmade. This is my shop: BusyLizzyBoutique  

BusyLizzy Boutique's first appearance at the
Arts on Main in Alliston, Ontario June 11, 2011

I also made plans to start visiting local craft fairs, artisan's markets and other venues where I could display my creations... so there had to be more than just Barefoot Sandals on display!  I knew that I wanted to use a variety of crafty, creative skills to bring things that were unique and special... and fun, it had to be fun! But the practical side of me also wanted to be sure that active, busy people could get some good use from the items featured, so the motto "FUN ~ FUNKY ~ FUNCTIONAL ~ HANDCRAFTED" was born!

Crochet Creations: 

A long-time crochet and knit enthusiast... creating things that are a bit out of the mainstream is my specialty. I use a variety of materials but specialize in fine crochet cottons, using tiny steel crochet hooks that I inherited from my grandmother and her mother before her! Barefoot Sandals are my 'signature item' of course, but I also create jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, anklets) housewares and gifts (coaster sets, wine cozies, cell phone cases, lanyards, cup cuffs).

T-shirt Transformations: 

 I decided to take my passion for tearing up T-shirts and put that to good use. Upcycled T-shirts (pre-loved, used, thrift store... you get the idea) are laundered and then cut up and given new life. T-shirts make great apparel (t-shirts, shrugs, halters, tanks, dresses, skirts..) accessories (hats, scarves, crazy cowls...) housewares (rugs, bowls and baskets, shopping bags, stuff-sacs) and even things for baby and you pets! No two creations are ever exactly alike, and I love the process (see the previous blog post for a T-Transformation in progress). 

The result is a traveling boutique with "Fun, funky, functional active accessories for your busy lifestyle!" If you are local to the GTA or areas just north, please consider popping by for these local appearances of BusyLizzy Boutique:

SAT NOV 5 - 9AM to 4PM - SPCA Paws for a Cause Craft Show, Orangeville Christian School, Orangeville

SAT NOV 12 - 10AM to 2PM - Women's Christmas Showcase of South Simcoe, Community & Fitness Centre, Tottenham

SAT NOV 19 - 10AM to 4PM - Orangeville Mall Gift Show, Orangeville

SAT DEC 10 - 9AM to 2PM - Community Living Dufferin Craft Show, CLD building, Orangeville
VARIOUS DATES: Access Fitness, Lobby and during Liz's Zumba Fitness classes

Now accepting VISA for your shopping convenience!

And you are always welcome to shop the online store...

www.busylizzyboutique.etsy.com

With thanks,

Hello! Meet BusyLizzy!

Barefoot Sandals with a musical theme. Designed and created by BusyLizzy.

Hi from BusyLizzy!

BusyLizzy here! I wear a lot of hats these days, in fact, I always have! After attending a workshop on blogging recently, I decided it might be a good idea to blog for BusyLizzy.

Speaking of hats, these are not hats, these are Barefoot Sandals. They are my most recent design, and are being modeled by my lovely daughter! These are one of 6 pairs (all a bit different, but with musical themed charms) that I created for Weait Music, to sell at an upcoming trade show. If anyone likes them, I can make some similar ones to order. Just ask!

I do a lot of things, and love them all. They are all a part of what makes me the woman I am:

Teacher, Singer, Actress, Fitness professional, Mother, Sister, Wife, Daughter, Friend, Zumba® instructor, gym owner, business woman, knitter, crocheter, maker of funky cut up T-shirts, theatre goer, music lover, musician, clown, face-painter, director, blogger...

Recent fun stuff I'm up to:

Rehearsals for SHOUT!:The Mod Musical - actress, singer

Plans for next season's Creative Partners on Stage production - director, drama coach

Visiting with family - daughter, mother

Choreographing some great Zumba® cuts - fitness instructor

Creating musical themed Barefoot Sandals to sell at an upcoming trade show - crocheter

That may be all there is time for now... yep... look at the time!

Cheers!