The story behind the sale

If Black Friday is turning you blue with the wintery winds outside, come back in and shop online for a bit. Etsy has a nifty Shop Local page so you can still support your neighbors, too. Handmade crafts have a story to share. Check out this nifty video from the Etsy itself.

What's my story? My T-pillows are made with repurposed and thrift materials. I start with a well-loved, clean shirt with an intriguing graphic. Mountain View is made with a limited-edition Threadless tee so it's extra unique.

Scrap fabric completes the back. This pillow is trimmed with some vintage tassels from my mom-in-law's basement. The pillow is eco-friendly and has a bit of history to boot. The only new item is a button handmade by Lisa Clarke of Polka Dot Cottage. So the story continues. Visit her site and Etsy shop to discover her crafts.

Back in my lil shop, I'm having a Free U.S. Shipping Sale plus 10% off all stock for this holiday shopping weekend. This baby blue dino just arrived and his orange buddy is coming soon.

If you want to take handmade into your own hands, here's a sneak peek at two loom-knit patterns coming next week. They are drying now before their big photo shoot. They will be quick knits just in time for a last-minute holiday gift.

Happy Holidays and stay warm while shopping or knitting!

Welcoming Willow

A new girly bunny has moved into the Made by Telaine headquarters. With her speckled gray and white fur, I've named her Willow for the tree bark with a secondary nod to my favorite tv Buffy character.

Hullo!

Willow certainly looks furry with her lionhead mane and puffy butt. But she actually sheds into the air a bit less than some other bunnies. Lionheads are wool breeds and if I am patient, I could turn her fur into yarn. It would probably take more than a year's worth though since she's less furry than an angora breed.

Willow checks out her room

My girl was one of three who came to visit with Kristin from K&R Small Animal Sanctuary in Oshkosh, Wis. It was a tough choice! I think I spent about two hours choosing between Willow (who was then named Dazzle) and the black lop-eared Trick. The lop was quite awesome and I recommend him to anyone in my area looking for a mellow bun. He's content in your lap and he even checks back with you while he hops around to explore. A black lionhead, Nala, also visited. I think this beauty would be a great choice for someone who has rabbit experience. She just needs a little TLC but has come a long way in temperament since arriving at the sanctuary a short while ago.

In the end, Willow was the sweetheart for me — once you caught her — and I was looking for a small rabbit this time around.

She's a speedy little girl!

Now that Willow knows she's here to stay a bit, she's become a bit more opinionated with her thumps. She does this one-foot pound while I try to catch her to say "I don't like this!" I'm sure time and daily handling will calm her. It only took one day for her to learn the litter-box rules in her new home.

She'll do almost anything for a treat.

And my home feels complete again, with a furry friend. I can be the crazy crafty gal who talks to her bunny while she works.