Shop Closed!

Surgery is moving forward tomorrow! Yay! I have placed my shop on vacation mode. Thanks to all of you who have ordered!! If your purchase has not already shipped, it will ship today :)

Almost There!!

I've been preparing to close for a while, tucking in all my precious creations for safe keeping while I recover from surgery. All the goodies are put away, safe and sound :)

Tomorrow will be my LAST FULL DAY of keeping my shop open! I will put the shop on vacation mode first thing when I wake up on Tuesday morning! All orders that have not already shipped, and any remaining orders I receive before closing will ship on Tuesday!

The FREE SHIPPING SALE continues until the shop closes!! Don't miss out on this great deal! Also, I do NOT anticipate reopening before Christmas! So tomorrow is your last opportunity to grab some Mum Mum's for Christmas; either for your self or as gifts! Hurry and catch a deal!

Wishing you a super blessed Christmas!!
~Lucy

FREE SHIPPING SALE!!

I decided to have a free shipping special, on EVERYTHING in my shop!! Posted it up last night and it will continue till December 8th, the day I put my shop on vacation. This is a great way for you to grab some Christmas goodies and save a bunch by not having to pay for shipping! Stop on by!

Merry Christmas!
Lucy

Surgery Rescheduled :(

Well, there has been a change of plans. Just got back from my pre-op visit and the doctor said we need to postpone the surgery for two weeks due to the illness I am recovering from and the medicines I am on :( I am super disappointed that it has to be put off, but I guess that's life.

So, the new schedule is for the 9th of December. I will be putting my shop on vacation on the 8th of December. This means you have more time to do Christmas shopping :)

Thanksgiving Give Away - WINNER!!

With a total of 28 entries, I went to random.org to find a winner! The lucky number was 14, which is dlsarmywife! Deborah will now get the colors she wished for FREE!! Deborah chose Deep, Brackenridge Purple and Softly, with a Ruby Kiss Lip Tint :)

I want to thank everyone who participated! I LOVED reading all of your wish lists, and I wish I could send each of them to you! You are all the best!! Thank you!

On a side note, today is the LAST day my shop will be open for at least a few weeks! Stop by if you need anything!

~Lucy

Purple Mascara and Other News :)

I worked on some gorgeous purple mascara today, and I am so pleased with how it came out! It is a nice rich deep purple, in my same fabulous formula as the black and brown. I just LOVE purple on eyes, and now you can have it on your lashes too!

As far as I know my surgery will still be on the 25th, and I will still be closing my shop on the 24th! (I see the doc on Monday to finalize things) If you need ANYTHING now is the time to get it! I will most likely NOT be back in time for Christmas shopping, so please order now if you need anything for Christmas :)

Also, I will be randomly drawing a winner on Monday for my Thanksgiving Give Away! If you have not already entered to win, do so soon! Details are HERE! Don't miss out! You might be the winner!

~Lucy

I Can't Believe I Won, TWICE!!

OK, usually I NEVER win anything, even though I always try LOL! Well, I recently won TWO blog giveaways!! First I won Allison's giveaway for a pair of these amazing mittens! They arrived super fast and I totally love them! Allison has several awesome shops on etsy (my fave is in this link, but visit all her shops please).

Then, today I just found out I won another give away here!! Terry is responsible for the giveaway, her shop is here! What I won is a gorgeous pair of earrings from FACCIAFELICE on etsy! I am so excited!

Truly I am so grateful for cool people who do giveaways! My kids and I are feeling flu-ish since yesterday; we're staying in our pjs and drinking lots fluids (trying to get all better before my surgery!) Anyway, this really perked me up! Thanks ladies!!

~Lucy

Thanksgiving Give Away!

I am feeling very thankful, and would like to give something away!! It’s been a few months since my last contest, so here we go! :D What will the winner get you ask?? A FREE mineral trio in your choice of colors!! You can fill it with ANY of my mineral colors!! But oh, there is more! You will also receive one of our fabulous lip tints, also in your choice of color!! AND, just for kicks, I will also throw in one of my Staying Power Eye Primers!! This is a great way to get a new look for the holidays FREE!! This prize pack is valued at $22.50, and it can be yours absolutely FREE!!

All you have to do to be entered is follow this blog and leave a comment below! In the comment please tell me which 3 mineral colors and which lip tint YOU would choose from my shop! Also include a way for me to get in touch with you, either a link to your etsy ID so I can convo you or some other way to let you know if you won!!

Want an extra chance to win?? You can also get an extra chance to win by fanning me on Facebook!! Once you have become a fan, or if you already are one, leave me another comment below and you’ll be entered a second time!

On November 23rd I will randomly draw a winner! Prizes will ship on November 24th! Yeehaw, let the fun begin!!

~Lucy

All Booked Up!!

Well, it's official! I will be getting the hardware out of my ankle on November 25th! Although it may be weird to be excited about a surgery, I have to admit I am! I am looking forward to being free of hives and pain in the future, although I know surgery is NEVER fun.

I will be placing my shop on vacation mode on November 24th, which will also be my last shipping day till I am able to create again. This means your last day to order will be November 23rd! I don't anticipate being out of commission for too long this time; maybe a week, maybe two, who knows really though.

Because I am not sure how long it will take for me to be able to work again, if you want anything for Christmas from my shop now is the time to get it!

~Lucy

Happy Accident!!

First of all, I would like to clear something up! Apparently, there are companies out there mass producing mineral makeup and selling it wholesale for people to package up and resell. Some people have asked if my products are like this, for the record they are NOT! I make each and every one of my colors from scratch and they are my own unique formulas! If they happen to look similar to another product out there or share the name of another product out there that is purely coincidental! Every single one of my mineral colors has been custom blended by me :)

Now, that being said, I had a very happy accident while mixing up one of my Velvet Collection colors the other day! I used the wrong amount of one of my ingredients and I knew it immediately because the color didn't look right. It didn't look like the color I was trying to make, but it was GORGEOUS!!! Just when I thought I could keep my current color charts for a while I had to go and make a new color LOL!

It is a beautiful, pure matte, neutral pinky beigey kinda color. I have been wearing it out to 'test' it the past few days and have a new favorite! I am using it as a very natural looking blush and eye shadow! As a WAHM, I don't normally get super dolled up on a regular day, but I also don't go without makeup since I am representing my company where ever I go! This color is just so fabulous, because it looks so natural, but so pretty and put together at the same time!

I only have enough for me made at the moment, but will totally be making more!! I know you will love this color!! Gotta get some pics of it too, I think I will just call it Pretty :) I also have a few other colors rolling around in my head that I need to make, mainly blushes and 3-in-1 Colors! This chart is going to need to grow!

~Lucy

Procrastination......I'm so guilty!!

Well, as many of you know, I have been having allergic reactions to the stainless steel that was placed in my ankle to repair it after it broke. It has been since March 30th that I have been dealing with this, frustrating to say the least! When I approached my doctor about the issue, he adamantly told me that the metal can not be taken out till it has had time to "mature" 6 months. Well, it was 6 months at the end of September and I have not been back to the doctor yet.....

So, why am I procrastinating about this so much??? For one thing money has been tight here and every time I have the $50 copay to go in something else comes up! At least that was my excuse for a while :) Now I do have the money to go in, but other things keep coming up. My little one has been feeling sick and the thought of going in for surgery when he needs me makes me feel selfish.

Another issue is that my doctor is not all that sensitive.....he is down right insensitive and doesn't spend much time listening. I would consider going to another doctor, but know from previous experiences that other doctors usually don't want to deal with taking out what someone else has put in. And, I honestly have to admit that I am not looking forward to being cut on again!! Surgery sucks big time!!

Anyway, all of that just to say that I am making my appointment today and am not going to procrastinate about it any more!!! If I do have the surgery soon, I will most likely have to put my shop on vacation mode for a little bit. Last time I was able to keep it open and use a wheelchair to fill my orders. Since then I have moved and now have stairs, which would make it impossible to stay open. I will be closing shop until I am able to walk up and down the stairs again! So if you need anything from my shop, stock up now!! LOL!

Prayers are much appreciated!! This year has been SO hard!! Thank you and may Jesus smile on you today!!

~Lucy

Oh so Luscious Lather ;)

Today I have the pleasure of telling you about a dear friend of mine, Diane, and her fabulous shop, Luscious Lather! Diane makes wonderful bath and body products that smell delish and are very pampering. She has a wealth of experience making quality products, and as anther B&B crafter, I know she knows her stuff! She and I have bought products from each other, and I really love her stuff; especially her foaming bath whip! It is super fun foaming goodness! Her glycerin soaps are simply gorgeous and make wonderful gifts, and her skincare line is wonderful too :)

Diane is also a super sweet person to work with, and takes a lot of time to package and ship her products carefully, make custom orders for people and truly cares about her customers! If you have not already tried out some of her luscious goodies, I highly recommend her shop! And as another bath and beauty seller, that is no small recommendation ;)

~Lucy

We're on Facebook Now!

I just started a Facebook Fanpage! I am going to try to post lots of cool stuff on there! If you are on Facebook, I would love it if you became a fan of our page!

You can see the entire Velvet Collection there, some have not been listed yet :O

Blessings!
Lucy

Gotta Love It!!

I am so so so happy that I finally got this mascara formula just right! It seems like I have been working on it for ages! I felt so silly even wearing eye shadow without mascara, because I seriously could not wear the store bought stuff. No more! I am in love with my new mascara creation and no longer have to suffer from naked eye lashes! I can wear it all day and not have watery itchy eyes, yay!!!

This mascara is currently available in Black and Brown, but I am hoping to add some other shades in the future...Navy maybe...Plum? Who knows! Let me know if you have any special mascara color requests!

Coming soon in my shop, Eye Primer! I am currently formulating an eye shadow primer! This eye primer will make problems with creasing a thing of the past! I am so excited about this stuff! Also coming soon, new blushes and 3-in-1 colors! Busy, busy, busy! As usual!!

Closing a Door....

Since 2007 I have been selling my handmade jewelry. While I still LOVE jewelry and playing with beads, this aspect of my business has taken a back shelf to my bath & beauty items, especially since I started selling on etsy as Mum Mum's Crafts

I have been so busy listing, relisting and creating makeup and bath products that I have not even had time to list my jewelry, let alone make more! So, I am closing down Mum Mum's Beaded Jewelry and will be devoting my efforts to mummumscrafts.etsy.com! I am closing the door to selling jewelry, to open the door for MORE makeup, soap, lotion, deodorant and other goodies!

Please visit mummumsbeadedjewelry.etsy.com for some AWESOME deals while supplies last! I am making time to list all the things I still have, and everything is marked 50% off!!!

And the Winner is!!!!

The Show Me YOUR Face contest was so much fun!! I now have 6 new models, and received a total of 63 pictures! Thank you to all who participated!

So, I know, you can't wait to find out who won!! First let me tell you how I got a winner :) I numbered each photo I received in the order I received them. Then went to random.org and generated a randomly drawn WINNER!!

The random number was number 55....and the winner is, Yvonne of ThreeFive18.etsy.com! Congratulations!!

Of course I am ALWAYS accepting model photos, and for each one used I will give a shout out to your etsy shop. It is fun and a great way to get attention for your shop!

Today I made a new bronzer and 7 new limited edition color shifting eye colors coming soon to my etsy shop!

Show Me YOUR Face - Update!

The day is drawing near! July 31st I will pick the winner! I have some truly wonderful models who have sent me pics, and I can't wait to see which of them wins the Mum Mum's Crafts $50 gift certificate!!

If you are one of my fabulous customers, please don't miss out on the fun! There is still time to enter! Your name will be entered into the drawing for EACH picture you send me! Send more pics, get more chances to win!

See the original contest post for more details :D

Don't miss out!! You could win!

Contest Entries So Far!

I have had 4 contest entries so far, and just had to share these gorgeous new models with you! Please check out these listings, featuring my first 4 models!! If you have not entered the contest yet, there is still plenty of time! Don't miss out on the fun! Check out the details in the previous blog entry :)

Twilight Eye Color - Model Anastasia
Peach Glow 3-in-1 - Model Leah
Fair Foundation - Model Tessa
Light Foundation - Model Sue
Medium Foundation - Model Leah
Love 3-in-1 - Model Leah
Coral Flush 3-in-1 - Model Sue

Show Me YOUR Face Contest!

How would YOU like to be a model for Mum Mum’s Crafts? Yeah, I know, many of you are saying ‘ummmm, no thanks’ but please hear me out first! I am currently TRYING to get a face wearing Mum Mum’s makeup for EACH of my colors. Yes, that’s right, all 8 foundations and all 31 mineral colors! So, what I am asking of YOU is to send me some pictures! Whether you are wearing one of our foundations, eye colors, blushes, 3-in-1 colors or whatever, send me some pics, please! It can be full face shots, just your eyes or eye, just lips, whatever! Just convo me on etsy or at lucy@mummumscrafts.com with your photos and let me know which colors you are wearing!

What will you get in return? You will get props in any listing your photo is used on! In the listing I will let people know who you are and link to YOUR shop! Who doesn’t want more attention for their shop right? Also, if you send before and after shots I will do a full blog feature on YOU, also with links to your shop!!

So, what about those of you who have not tried Mum Mum’s? If you have not tried our fabulous makeup, now is a great time to give it a shot! We have several sample packs available for $3 and $5, and they are quite generous sizes. Samples are a great way to try out our makeup, and still take some great pics too!

Oh WAIT, there’s MORE!! For every photo that we use of you, whether it be in a listing or in a blog feature, YOU will be entered to win a $50 gift certificate for Mum Mum’s Crafts to spend on whatever you wish!! So, as if credit and exposure for your shop wasn’t enough…for every photo that we use you will be entered to WIN!! So, it is in your best interest to send me LOTS of photos!! We need shots of real people wearing our makeup! You could be one of our models and you might also win a $50 gift certificate!! Drawing for the gift certificate will be on July 31st!

Let the fun begin!!!
~Lucy

One Lovely Blog Award!

Wow, I am so honored to receive the One Lovely Blog Award!! What a sweet surprise! This is my first ever blog award and it was given by Jocelyn of NewCreationsNZ who's blog is here!

Now I get to have some fun and list 15 shops that I feel are very lovely blogs too! Please visit these lovely blogs!

http://inuinspirations.blogspot.com/

http://eyeletsagestudio.blogspot.com/

http://suerunyondesigns.blogspot.com/

http://sewartsyblog.blogspot.com/

http://justsoterryann.blogspot.com/

http://lusciouslather.blogspot.com/

http://purplecats-corner.blogspot.com/

http://tapestry316.blogspot.com/

http://mysevenkids.blogspot.com/

http://maticstudio.blogspot.com/

http://threefive18.blogspot.com/

http://handmadeforlife.blogspot.com/

http://shadysidefarm.blogspot.com/

http://enuwbe.blogspot.com/

http://storybookstitches.blogspot.com/

If you see your name on this list, feel free to blog about this award and nominate 15 more people who have lovely blogs too :)

Yart Sale!!

Yeah, it took some explaining for me to understand what a yart sale is, now that I know I am offering free shipping on all mineral makeup and makeup brushes in my shop till June 14th! Check it out!

Essential Oils and Safety for Pregnant Women

First I will say I LOVE essential oils! I have spent many years studying them, their benefits are many and of course they smell divine! At the same time there is a lot of misinformation about essential oils out in the world today. Many use them as though they are simple natural fragrances. Doing so can be dangerous for some people though, particularly pregnant women, small children, people with epilepsy, or high blood pressure. Essential oils carry concentrated plant chemicals in them, which can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here I have compiled a list of essential oils that should not be used by pregnant women. The purpose of this is to hopefully educate women and keep them and their babies safe. These oils are on the list for various reasons; some are more dangerous than others, some are only unsafe during the first trimester. Some at the bottom of the list are less common and should never be used on the skin by anyone (these are marked as such). As a rule of thumb while pregnant use extreme caution using any essential oils on the skin. Although many prefer using something natural, sometimes the synthetic scent may be safer. This list was compiled from my various reference books; it may not be all inclusive. Caution should always be used when pregnant!

Essential oils that should not be used by pregnant women

Lavender
German Chamomile
Geranium
Rose Otto
Basil
Thyme
Jasmine
Marjoram
Rosemary
Clary Sage
Citronella
Bay
Juniper Berry
Myrrh
Cinnamon of any kind
Star Anise
Spanish sage
Celery seed
Angelica
Snakeroot
Calamintha
Labdanum
Cumin
Savine
Lovage
Parsley
Aniseed
Hyssop
Verbena
Angelica Root
Cedarwood (all types)
Nutmeg
Cistus (also known as rock rose)
Sweet Fennel (bitter fennel should never be used)
Wormwood (should never be used)
Tarragon (should never be used)
Mugwort (should never be used)
Deertongue (should never be used)
Wormseed (should never be used)
Camphor (should never be used)
Cassia (should never be used)
Pennyroyal (should always be avoided)
Oregano (should always be avoided)
Boldo leaf (should always be avoided)
Jaborandi (should always be avoided)
Bitter almond (should always be avoided)
Rue (should always be avoided)
Common sage (should always be avoided)
Santolina (should always be avoided)
Sassafras (should always be avoided)
Summer savory (should always be avoided)
Winter savory (should always be avoided)
Tansy (should always be avoided)
Thuja (should always be avoided)
Ajowan (should always be avoided)

Stepping it up!!

Well, today I walked a bit with my crutches off the ground! Yeehaw!! Yeah, I was limping, but my right ankle also supported my full weight!! Yeah, I am sore, but at least I did it! I am trusting God to finish the healing He has started in me, and know that I will be walking tall again soon!

Walking Again???

Well, not quite! I took a few little walks with my crutches, but still can not put my full weight on my right leg. Ouch, it hurts! I knew it would be hard, but had no idea it would be THIS hard! You know you hear of people having to learn how to walk again? Well I would always think how silly that sounded, why would someone have to relearn how to walk? How could they forget in just a few months?

I now understand exactly what this means. No, people don't forget how to walk, their muscles become very weak and they CAN'T walk. I am experiencing this now. My mind knows exactly what needs to be done, but my legs just aren't doing it. They sit there painfully protesting this activity. It is a real challenge to force them into motion again. It turns out my left ankle is sprained and my right ankle had extreme trauma that needs to be overcome. Walking in two braces is not easy either. It is very hard to balance and not fall again.

I know God is with me. This is just a real hard time. I appreciate all the prayers!

My Namesake, On Etsy!

A super sweet seller on Etsy named this adorable pink marshmallow after me! Lucy the marshmallow, isn't she precious! I have some of her donuts and mini marshmallows and they are all adorable, my kids love them! I highly recommend Yvonne, from ThreeFive18.etsy.com! She has very creative and unique plush toys, and accessories too! Check out her shop!

New Colors!!!

I spent some time formulating a few new colors this morning, and I think they are so pretty! One is a new 3-in-1 color (can be worn on eyes, cheeks or lips) and it is perfect for summer. It's a nice peachy shimmer that adds warmth and vitality to your summer look. I think I am going to call it Peach Glow. The other is a sparkly eye color that is a deep greyish blueish purpleish color. It's so gorgeous, but hard to explain! I think it will be called Twilight, after the time of day not the movie! Both of these new colors will be listed as soon as I have time to take some good pictures of them, so keep a look out for them! Hmmm, I might even make up a few more new colors if I feel inspired ~Lucy

A Journey in a Wheelchair

Well I have not been able to walk since March 24th, and now I am told I have one more week till I can start gradually putting weight on my right leg again. On March 30th I had a stainless steel plate and 7 screws put into my leg to stabilize the two broken bones in my ankle. It has been a very long hard road and I have learned a lot from this experience. I have learned that I don’t have to do everything myself, I do have a family who can and will help! I have learned just how difficult it is to function in a wheelchair and actually get things done. I have learned how to get in and out of my house by scooting on my butt and only using one leg, since there is no way in without getting over at least a few steps! I have a profound new respect for people who can deal with an inability to walk and don’t let it stop them.

Above all this has been another lesson to me in leaning on the Lord and letting Him be my strength. The Bible says we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, and yet again He has shown me this is true. The day after I broke my ankle I just cried and cried. I had no idea how I was going to make it through this time. How was I supposed to care for my kids? Keep up with my business? Cook? Clean? Finish up with the last class of my degree (which was half way through when I was injured)? How was I supposed to endure the pain of another surgery and weeks of healing? The weeks ahead seemed so overwhelming I did not know how it would be possible to get through it all while in so much pain. But here I am now and I see that God has truly carried me through it all. It has been very hard, but God is also very faithful. He made a way for me to have help everyday with cooking, cleaning and caring for my kids. He gave me the grace to get everything done each day that I needed to do, and the patience to let other people do all the things I could not do!

In exactly one week I go back to the doctor and I am supposed to be able to start taking my first steps with a brace on. It will still be a long road and I know it won’t be easy, but I have the confidence that the Lord will carry me through this time too. There is nothing I can face in this life that is too much for Him. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Twice on the Front Page of Etsy!!! What???

Yes!! I was on the Front Page of Etsy TWICE in the past week!! First I was in a storque article, not just my products but an actual picture of me! I have to admit it was kind of strange to see my face on the front page! Then to my surprise a treasury I was in made it to the Front Page too! It is a huge deal for me to be featured in this way! I am still in shock!! I want to say a huge thank you to Sarah and Vanessa for adding me to their selections!

A Make Over!!

The lovely Stasi of itsthelittlethings4u sent me these amazing before and after photos! Stasi prefers a natural look and not to look overdone, I think she did a great job achieving it! She is wearing our Light Foundation, Beautiful 3-in-1 Color, Vintage Blush and Deep Eye Color. These colors accentuate her natural beauty without making her look fake or made up!! Thank you so much Stasi!! You look fabulous!!

Sweet little reminders!

I made these lotion bars because I wanted to do something to help encourage and support the culture of life. With the many appalling new initiatives being set forth by the government to enable and encourage the death of the innocent, I feel it is important for people to make a stand and support the groups that are helping save the innocent. Groups like the Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC)! The CPC helps educate women about their babies and helps those in need to gain access to the right resources to be able to care for their babies. These Solid Lotion Bars serve to support the CPC, with 50% of each sale going directly to them and the other 50% going to make more! The sweet little baby feet on the tin and the bar also remind us to do what we can to support life. Each life is precious and can make a difference in this world! ~Lucy

And the winner is....

Congratulations to Anastasia of mattscraftywife.etsy.com! You are the grand prize winner of a new Lavender Deodorant!! Yes people, you heard that right the winning scent is Lavender and Anastasia will be the first to try it! So all you Lavender lovers, keep a look out for new listings coming this week in my etsy shop! ~Lucy

Sweet Pits Contest!

Here is your chance to win a FREE Deodorant, soon to be available to the world in my etsy shop! So, here is the contest! Since this is a new product I am only making a limited number of them to start with, which means I can't exactly make it in all my scents! I already know which guy scent I am going to start with, but just can't choose which girl scent to start with! Your job, is to vote for your favorite scent by commenting on this post! I will randomly choose a winner from all those who vote, and the winner will be the proud owner of a brand new deodorant!! I have been using this myself, and I know you will love it!!

Choose from this list:
Apricot Freesia
Honeysuckle
Lavender
Monkey Snacks (fruity floral)
Plumeria
Serenity (Lavender Vanilla)
Sheer Bliss (Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood)
Vanilla

Happy voting :)

A Rough Week

This week seemed like an endless stream of difficulties. You know the kind of week where each day has a pile of bad news as high as the pile of dirty laundry that you can’t get to because your kids are sick as well as you and your hubby and there is nothing easy to cook and then you get more bad news? Yeah, that kind of week! But, every time I felt like I just couldn’t take anymore, I would find God’s grace was sufficient for me.

He reminded me several times of how small my problems really are and that I need to slow down and enjoy life more. Being sick and having a house full of other sick people kind of forces you to slow down a bit. I was also reminded of how big God is! That all the difficult things are for a purpose; that everything, the good and the bad, is all being worked out for my good! I am leaving my stresses in God’s hands for a change and I feel so much better!


Matthew 11 (Amplified Bible)
28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]
29Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.
30For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

Black and White Treasury

Another beautiful CAST Treasury by Stasi from itsthelittlethings4u, who was very sweet to include my eyeshadow trio. Stasi's shop has loads of sweet little things that make great gifts! You can also check out this treasury here!

Today I would like to give a shout out to a wonderful artist who is doing so much to speak out on behalf of unborn babies across the country. Her name is Melody and not only does she have a wonderful etsy shop, she also has been making an effort to support her local Crisis Pregnancy Center. Melody has started the Handmade for Life movement, which I hope will sweep across the nation! Handmade for Life is a group of crafters and artists who use their talents to help support ProLife initiatives across the country.

If you are a ProLife artist and would like to get involved with this project, please contact sewmelody on etsy today. She is accepting donations until February 20th for the Handmade for Life Basket that will be raffled off. All proceeds will go to her local Crisis Pregnancy Center. With the government now funding abortions, groups like the Crisis Pregnancy Center need our help more than ever to save baby's lives. We can use our creations to save His creations. I also encourage you to buy from the fabulous artists who support life! Let's make a difference!

The precious heart in the photo was made by wordzoflife on etsy! Check out her shop for more sweet hearts!

What is our country becoming?

Let’s take a look at the communist countries of the world to see if this is where we would like to live. There are a few that come to mind off the top of my head; China, Cuba, and North Korea immediately come to my mind but there are more. In each of these countries there is great poverty and suffering. In each of these countries there are leaders that will only accept obedience to their regime. This includes much religious persecution, particularly for Christians. While Marxism and communism may sound good to some in theory, we can see from history that in practice they have been detrimental to freedom.

So, what does this have to do with us in America? We are a free country right? Well with things going the way they are we won’t be for much longer. Not only is our president proposing outlandish “stimulus packages” that will not stimulate anything, he is also placing a lot of power directly in the White House without the constitutional checks and balances that were put in place to protect the people. He is removing our freedom to worship in ‘government funded’ locations and setting up a ‘faith-based’ council to report to him on the doings of major religions. Hmmm, sounds like too much power to me. Wasn’t America founded on the concept of FREEDOM for the people and LESS government??? Not to mention, where is all this money coming from???

What is most appalling to me, and what no one seems to realize the implications of, is the new transfer of the national census from an independent organization to the White House. Many just say, “So what?” and go on with their day. What many don’t realize is that this will give Washington to power to control and falsify the elections. We already saw how the election was falsified in many locations through ACORN’s fake votes, or republican votes being thrown away. Now what will happen come the next election if the White House is in control of the census? Wouldn’t it be easy for them to say there are greater numbers of people in the liberal states, therefore giving those liberal states more Electoral College votes?? This thought horrifies me.

We need to speak up! No matter what side of the fence you may be on in politics, I think we can all agree that we want our country to remain free, right? I know I do! I want to have to freedom to practice religion wherever I want! I want to have the confidence that my vote counts and that the people still have a voice!

Chocolate Love!

Here is a gorgeous chocolate brown treasury from busybeads! Who very sweetly added my Swiss Chocolate Eyeshadow! Thank you busybeads! To check out her treasury visit here while it lasts!

A Few New Colors

New colors!! Yay! Here are the three new colors I made this week, Jade Eye Color, Emerald Forest Eye Color and Coral Flush 3-in-1 color. I love new colors! Coming soon to an Etsy shop near you!!

Walking Through the Valley

It is so easy when we go through hard times to start to think that God has forgotten us. This year has started out so hard for so many people. With the masses of bills that need to be paid, and many losing their jobs and their homes, it seems we are surrounded by sadness lately. There have also been entirely too many illnesses going around! My family has been sick so much this year it seems like we just can’t catch a break!

In the midst of all this I am reminded that God has not left me, He promises to NEVER leave or forsake His children! He is faithfully watching over us as the Good Shepherd that He is, making sure that everything in our lives will be turned around for our GOOD and His GLORY! There is always HOPE in JESUS!!!

Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.

Woohoo, More CAST Team Treasuries!

Here is a treasury west I put together for the guys! With Valentine's Day coming up I thought some nice gift ideas would be good to share! Check it out here while it lasts!

This gorgeous treasury was put together by bjeweledbysusan who was nice enough to add my Mermaid eyeshadow!

All these lovely things were made by Christian artists! Check out the treasury and all the great shops featured here!

This one really is beautiful! Put together by SunshineandLaughter, who is also a sweet member of the Christian Artists Street Team. Check out her lovely shop here! She not only featured my Silver Streak Eyeshadow, but also a Pearl and Crystal bracelet from my jewelry shop! Please show this treasury some love while it is still available!

Sharing Some Sunshine!

Here is my latest treasury! Yellow is one of my favorite colors so I chose it for this one. There are some really amazing artists featured here, all wonderful Christians too! Feel free to check them out here!

Another Treasury!!!!

Here is one from mompotter! I love these colors! Mompotter is a member of the CAST team (Christiam Artists Street Team) and heads up th SHE team (Schooling at Home Etsians). Check out her lovely treasury here!

Treasury West Today!

Lots of fun stuff going on in Treaury West today! The top photo is from abbasgirl and the middle one is from cherryscreations. Please take the time to check out their lovely shops! Both are sweet sisters in the Lord and have created beautiful treasuries that just happen to have my work in them! The bottom photo is my first Treasury West! I chose a little bit of everything, no particular theme. There are some really fabulous artists in it! Show it some love here!

Yay, Another Treasury!!

Here is another beautiful treasury I am in from another lovely artist who can be found here janegraftondesigns.etsy.com. You can also check the treasury out here to see all the lovely artists featured!

You Use Cloth Diapers in 2009??

Yes! I do!! I recently started sewing my son cloth diapers and using them, and I wish I had switched sooner! Here is why. Not only is it better for the environment, it is also better for my baby and my pocketbook. Did you know that disposable diapers can cost between $1500 and $2500 before your baby potty trains? For me it was costing an average of $60 a month to keep my son in diapers. With a little research I found I could make a supply of diapers for my son for $100!!

Now I know what went through my mind when I first thought of using cloth diapers, “they’re going to be really bulky and are always going to be wet.” What I found out was there are new fabrics out there that wick moisture away from the skin AND they don’t have to be super huge and bulky either! When he is dressed you can’t even tell he is wearing a cloth diaper! I have found he has less rashes and irritation wearing cloth diapers too! No yucky chemicals next to the skin to bother him!

Now let me talk a little about the mountains of garbage that used to come out of my house each week! We have a big garbage can that was always filled to overflowing before the garbage man came each week. There were literally 8-10 bags each week filled mainly with diapers! The first week I switched to cloth diapers there were only 3 bags of garbage to put out!!! The can was only half full!!! Now imagine how much garbage I am keeping out of a landfill! Then imagine if more people switched to cloth, how much garbage we could keep from junking up God’s world??

Anyway, to all you mamas with little ones still in diapers, I am not saying you should switch, but maybe just think about it!

1st Treasury for my Jewelry!

This lovely treasury was put together by a very lovely and talented artist who can be found at lindakellyart.etsy.com. She was sweet enough to include my Lapis necklace, Yay! I love being in treasuries! All of the beautiful things in this treasury are made by members of the CAST team on Etsy (Christian Artist Street Team). Check them out!

God answers prayer!

Well, as anyone who knows me knows too well, this year has started out pretty rough for me and my family. My kids have had a series of illnesses, which have been awful for them to go through, and have put major stress on us financially. My 2 year old in particular had been on 4 different antibiotics, two in November for an awful ear infection and two in January for an awful sinus infection. He had dropped down 5 pounds since November, from his normal 30 pounds. The other day I asked my sweet CAST team members (a group of wonderful Christian artists on Etsy) to pray with me for my son to gain back weight. I am so happy to say that within 36 hours, he gained back almost 3 pounds!!! Praise Jesus!!

Another thing that I had asked the CAST team to pray with me about was finding my lost antique ring. The ring was something I inherited when my great grandmother passed away in 2004. My grandma was very special to me, so much so that I named my daughter Hazel after her! The ring was her mother's, made in the early 1900s. So I was extremely upset that I could not find it, and it had been about three weeks since I saw it! Well praise Jesus even more!! I found it this morning, tucked in a pocket of my camera bag nice and safe!! I have been ecstatic all day that I found it!!

Hello World!!

I have to say I am new to all this blogging stuff! I will try to keep you posted on what we are up to and what is new in my shops. I also have found some great sellers on etsy that will be featured here from time to time.

I also hope to post some before and after make over photos here! If you are interested in being one of my models, please drop me a line! I love to see how mineral makeup can highlight a woman's beauty, and hope to share that here!

For now I have to go, check back often as I plan to add lots to this blog!

Many blessings!
Lucy :)