Book Review - The Handmade Market Place

A few years back, who would have thought there would be a book available on how to sell handmade items online, at craft shows and in brick & mortar stores?  Handmade is all the rage these days and I think it's going to continue to grow.  People are tired of mass produced, poorly made, big box store items.  People want quality.  People want things that will last and things that are made with love and care.  Shoppers are looking for a more old-fashioned way of life and they're starting with buying handmade.

I picked up Kari Chapin's "The Handmade Marketplace" over the weekend.  It was an easy read, filled with warmth & humor and I can honestly tell you that Kari doesn't miss a thing!

This book covers everything from branding your business (I didn't understand what that was until I read the book) to dealing with taxes & paperwork to advertising both online and in the real world.

Kari discusses photographing your work, blogging, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter and how to choose which online marketplace is right for you.

Loaded with tips and helpful suggestions from some of the most successful crafters in today's world, I strongly recommend that if you plan to open an online shop (or if you already have one) or if you plan to work craft shows, farmers markets and the like, this book is a must read.

I was thankful to find out that I've already been doing much of what Kari's book covers but I learned a few things and I'm thrilled to have a handbook where all the info is in one place.    If you love making things like I do, pick this one up.  You won't be sorry.

Before I head out today, I'll leave you with mom's latest creations, Victorian Halloween Tussy Mussy's:

These are available here.

Peach Pound Cake Recipe

I mentioned yesterday on Facebook that I was making Peach Poundcake.  The response to that post was amazing!  Everyone was asking me where I found the recipe.  We'll it's a Taste Of Home recipe that found.  It sounded so good that I just had to try it:

They are indeed, AWESOME!  I made mine into cupcakes as you can see and after trying one, I decided that they didn't need frosting.  Nor do they need the extra calories!  LOL!!!!

Here's the recipe:

PEACH POUND CAKE

* 1 cup butter, softened
* 2 cups sugar
* 6 eggs
* 1 teaspoon almond extract
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 2 cups diced fresh or frozen peaches
* Confectioners' sugar

Directions:
* In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in extracts. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to the batter alternately with sour cream, beating well after each addition. Fold in the peaches.
* Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Yield: 12-16 servings.

~~ Taste of Home June/July 2003~~

I actually found this recipe on one of my favorite blogs but for the life of me now, I just can't remember which one.  I feel bad because I like to give credit where credit is due. If I remember, I will add the link.


For now, give this recipe a try while peaches are still in season.  I used fresh peaches and like I said, these are wonderful!


Tomorrow, I will post a book review.  For now, I'll leave you with my current work in progress:

Quick Edit:  I found the recipe on Sheri's Prim Rose Hill Studio blog.  Please stop by and say hello.  Here blog is just lovely!!!  And she has another recipe that I want to try!

New Items In Pam's Etsy Shop

My little cat is my signature, my logo or brand so to speak.  I love making these sweet little crazy quilt cat dolls.  I worked this one in a Cottage Style:

Just like with real cats, no two are alike!

I also listed a gorgeous pair of Goldstone earrings by Kathi:

Check out the sparkle on those goldstone beads at the bottom!  So glittery!!!  The pearls are freshwater copper pearls and Kathi uses only Sterling silver for the hooks or posts!

Both can be found here.

Girl With A Kitten Crazy Quilt Framed

Instead of writing one big long blog post today, because I have loads of things to share, I thought I would do a couple of short posts.  Simple and sweet!!!

So for now, I thought I would share photos of my Girl With A Kitten Crazy Quilt piece:

I've started another crazy quilt project and will have photos soon.  For now, enjoy the eye-candy!

Happy Pink Saturday!

Another lovely PINK SATURDAY!  I so look forward to this event every week.  It's so much fun to see what Pink Bloggers are sharing!

Today, I have a prize flea market find.  I purchases this pair of kittens with roses back in October for only $12.00:

I was absolutely in love with them the minute I saw them!

I have no idea how old they are or where they came from.  I just loved them so I bought them!

And speaking of kitties, here is a rare photo of my Simba & Nightmare laying on the same chair:

Nightmare is quite dominant and that is Simba's chair so I was a little surprised to see them together like this! 

Finally for today, the drawing for my little Sewing Art Quilt continues:

When I reach 300 Followers, my husband will draw a name from the basket.  I can't to see who the winner is!  To learn more about how to enter, click here.

I'd like to take a moment to thank Beverly, our Pink Saturday hostess for including me in in another lovely Pink Saturday.  Please take a moment to visit Beverly's blog and while you're there, visit a few of the other Pink Saturday bloggers!