a snarky explanation

This is to address a few of my readers who have sent me notes asking about how I pick projects and why am I making things that are also available on Pinterest. 

I was recently had a follower leave this comment on my instagram:
"it's funny that you call yourself a "crafter." Aren't you super well-versed with fashion design?"
As a matter of fact, yes I am technically a fashion designer and I do design when the inspiration hits me. I have a degree, I make my own patterns, but I do not have a desire to make/design what others feel is popular or mass produce anything.
Thus, my blog.

You can follow along, read my bluntness, and follow my tutorials- but be warned anything I show you, like everything can be found on Pinterest. I am not saying that my tutorials aren't, however I can tell you that if you want to learn how to make clothing from scratch (and not always with a pattern), learn the basics of sewing (hand & machine) and some valuable of the trade, THIS is the place to be.
You can deal with a little snarky commentary along the way right?!

WARNING!!! My tutorials are for serious sewers, not the ones who glue, staple, hem tape, or stitch witchery.  

There are thousands of blogs written by stay at home crafters and self taught stitchers for you to chose from on the internet (several are my friends). And I have read a lot of their blogs. Some are great, some not so much.
Pinterest has become a gateway to hardcore DIYers everywhere. And I can openly admit I am addicted. But I guarantee, 90% of the things you pin, you never open and read the blog or site it came from. There is nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect desert and later opening it to find the site is not longer available. Or worse they open but the tutorials are just BAD.
So yes I have gotten a few blog ideas from Pinterest, but I am giving you something better. With every style topic, how to, or custom project- I spend hours searching for a better way to explain it.   Some of my posts are obviously very in-depth and others can be accomplished in an afternoon or during nap time. Every post you read will be 100% mine, no references to someone else's way. 

Ok clearly having a grumpy morning so today's rant is over. maybe when I learn how to "fancy" up my blog I can put catergories at the top so yall can decide if you want to read them or not.
 lol or maybe not. 
now its time to catch you up on last weeks topic.

until next time,
later taters.

  

a new start...

been away for a while, obviously. 

lots have been happening at the Comer house the last several months. but before I recap for all of you, let me explain what I mean by ... a new start. 

when I decided to start this blog in February, I thought it would be a good way to "catalog" my journey while starting my new business, but it felt more like pitching a new idea every week. and not even good ideas. so we-I am starting over. the goal: 3 posts a week. (probably all in one day, but what can you do) #1 will feature what has happened since the last post. #2 will focus on what is currently happening and what I have planned. And #3 will be personal- to remind me and all of you that I am a person not an advertisement. I have friends and family that want a break down of what we are doing, and not just work. 

what has been going on since April????

at the end of March, trav & i put an offer on our first house. after many many negotiations, appraisals, and fanny may repairs, we finally closed on our very own wonderfully ugly foreclosure!

since then... all I can say is "major rehab".

before renovations

 after demo

after appliances

 needless to say... we just got started. 

mid-august we finally got to move in. now we are still eating off paper plates, storing our clothes in garbage bags, and washing pots & pans in the "basement"- but we are loving every minute of it. our own home and its a beautiful thing!

we haven't had much time to work on the house since we moved in. trav spent 2 weeks straight fixing up our rental so we could hand that back over to the owners and the nights I wasnt working on it with him, I have been preparing for my very first "craft sale"!!!

last weekend I was part of The Strawberry Patch's Fall Barn Sale in Hartsville, Tn.

It WAS a BLAST!!!

definitely the best way to start in the craft fair circuit. I got to practice talking to customers, and promoting myself- not something I am good at doing. 

I also made some great friends.

Trish & Sara of Take Flight Crafties 

these girls gave me great advice and welcomed me with open arms!

they make the most incredible jewelry out of spoons and forks. the pieces are amazing and these girls are so passionate about creating something unique and one-of-a-kind pieces.

I hope we can work side by side again soon. 

craft fair: noun a fair at which objects made by craftsmen are offered for sale. 

call me a craftsman. 

i enjoyed the hell out of it.

working that show and talking to people- even the ones that had no interest in my booth; the husbands that just could not wait to get out of there, but loved their wives to much to sit at home in front of a game. 

i loved the smile on kids faces as they put my dolls in a death grip. and the humor on parents faces when they realized I sale zombies with bullet holes. 

saturday night as I sat across from my wonderful husband, at our favorite Chinese restaurant, I realized- maybe craft fairs are for me. 

to spend days creating something for others to love, laugh at, and even occasionally be disgusted was like a dream. 

its like a play. one in which I am the cast and crew.  

I guess we only can wait and see what the future holds. mine currently holds andother sale at the end of the week, a nephew weeks from entering the world, a opera to design and my 2nd wedding anniversery.

until next time, ladies and gents. 

Custom Orders

Last week was a week of gifts.
Between planning and attending baby showers and a few belated birthday gifts, one thing is for certain- Everyone loves a handmade one of a kind gift.

The only thing I love as much as attending a well themed party, is planning one! Naturally that means whenever possible I give themed gifts whether it's for a birthday, shower, or even a housewarming present.

Last spring I started the tradition of making "softies" specifically for the baby showers I attended.

If you, like me, are the kind of person who rarely gives something that was registered for, why not try a gift that is far from ordinary. There's nothing like receiving something fun and a little unexpected in a pretty box- wouldn't you say?
Now you too can be the coolest auntie and perfect party hostess with ellaFRANKENdee's custom orders. Work with me to create something straight from your imagination or pull right from your child's favorite story book!
**copyright images cannot be duplicated. whatever is created, made, and/or designed must only be inspires by the trademarked character.

But wait there's more!!!
Now Available
(by custom orders only...for now)


FRANKENPillows & Pillowcovers

This wizardly pillow friend is perfect for your child, living room, or sister's dorm! Pillows are a standard square pillow, measuring 16x16 inches in size and are constructed from premium 100% cotton and fleece. Each is hand stitched and painted with matching details.
**also currently available in frankenstein, dracula, and robot.
Pillow covers are (like slip covers) made to fit most standard throw pillows, 16x16, and are as easily changed as your obsession changes.


For all custom orders please visit our Etsy @ ellaFRANKENdee
and follow us on facebook @ Ella Dee & Stuff on facebook

franken gifts

Coming Soon.....

Here's a taste of what's to come!

What's black, white,and red all over the world?

Can't guess? 

It's Harry Potter!

No I am not a Hogwarts Junkie, but I do love a great themed gift. Would love to show you a picture, but then it would ruin next weeks reveal! Use your imagination and think perfect for kids of all ages and would make a perfect gift. And here's a hint it's not a doll!

There isn't just one reveal next week but 2!!

Next week we are adding to the FrankenDoll collection. Using popular monster movies and tv shows as inspiration, every week we will be creating a handle full of dolls that depict each mutant creation. Keep your eyes peeled you never know which movie monster we might capture next.