Silence Does not mean I have not been working Hard!

This summer has been a time for catching up, shaping up and stepping up.

My Son and I took on a huge task of participating in the Toronto Walk For Women's Cancers and a great deal of our time has been spent fundraising and training.

This weekend is the walk and we are going to have a blast.

I will have pictures and stuff later!

I have not been idle in the studio, but I have had to change my working and my vocation for a bit, as I am still plagued by this stupid frozen shoulder! It will soon be a year since the fateful injury.
I have had to hang up my knitting and reduce greatly my needle felting for the most part of 2010. I have done one needle felted piece so far, and I soon will release a new line of cobweb felted (nuno felted, or wet felted) scarves and accessories and shawls)
This hot hot summer was perfect for wet felting and I have taken advantage of the weather to move the studio outdoors and do most of my wet felting in the garden.

I will release the new line for October 1st.
I will give you a taste of the new line now and show you my prize work!
This shawl is called: The Flower Of Hope
It was inspired by all of the folks we got to meet and share our story with through our Cancer Charity fundraising, as I survived two surgeries this winter to overcome a cancer re-occurrence from cancer I had in 1993.

The piece took me 15 hours to make. It is so big I had to piece and tape tons of bubble wrap together and felt the whole works on my driveway!

The huge daisy blossom takes over the piece. It is made of wool and silk fibers. It is extremely lite weight and so so warm! I wore it out in some rain and it kept me dry too! (I had to quality control test it! Plus I wanted everyone to get to see me in it once before some deserving sole buys it up!)

So here is your earlybird preview of the shawl! It will sell for $200.00 and will have free shipping.

If you want to buy it up before everyone gets a chance you will have to contact me quick so I can make it a reserved sale! The funds for this item will be added to my Walk For Women's Cancer fundraising. If someone buys it before this Friday they will get a 2010 tax receipt for it.

This is just a reminder too that everything sold in my Etsy shop except for the Lop-eared Lulu bunny will have its proceeds donated to the Walk For Women's Cancer Charity until the end of September.

October 1st to January 31 the proceeds will go to Motivated Motion to buy supplies for the following year.

The shawl will remain in the Charity section of the shop until it is sold, and it is guaranteed always to have its proceeds go to the charity. And Lop-Eared Lulu bunny proceeds go to an animal rescue, foster and adoption charity in York Region.

Don't Forget About The Sale!

Just to remind everyone that there is a sale on at the TransCanada Etsy Team. I am on this team and I have 10-25% off almost everything in my shop! There is also a scavenger hunt going on. If you click the team sale button below you can see all the details. Find all 13 clues in the scavenger hunt and you can get a chance to win a great prize! Make purchases and get more chances! What a great way to celebrate our Canada Day short week and long weekend!

The Etsy Shop Is Open Again With A SALE!

We are celebrating the thrill of summer here at Motivated Motion!

Enjoy the savings until the End of June!

All Steampunk, Jewelry and Geekery is 10% off the original price.
Everything else is 25% off the original price.

There is an exception of one item. It is Lop-eared Lulu from the charity section.
There is always a way to save big on shipping here! Please see the details about being a Sneaky Shopper to save on shipping:
http://fluffandneedlefelting.blogspot.com/search/label/Sneaky%20Sale

I am a member of the following ETSY GROUPS OR TEAMS:

Trans Canada Etsy Street Team~ http://transcanadaetsyteam.blogspot.com
Altruism On Etsy(AOE)~ http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=628
PAGANS OF ETSY (POEST)~ http://paganhandmadeteam.ning.com
Needlefelters On Etsy Street Team(NFEST)~ http://nfest.blogspot.com


I'm on Twitter. Find me as WitchAmy.
Motivated Motion Has a Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Newmarket-ON-Canada/Motivated-Motion-Gallery/120823826246

We will also be revamping the Motivated Motion Gallery Site very soon, but in the mean time if you use the Gallery site the sale prices will be reflected when you click on to purchase-when it directs you to the Etsy pages the items are available at. The Etsy listings now have the sale prices up and the previous price and the discount % you got on the item in the description for your references.

Shop Is Still Closed

Life in the Motivated Motion Studio is still quiet at the moment.
It has taken me longer than I expected to recover from the two surgeries I had this winter, and I am still plagued with my frozen shoulder.

Right now it is still a bit boring here as the studio room has not been lit up in quite some time.

I have lots of ideas ready to burst out of me, but my body has not bounced back enough to get to work.

Please be patient, and when I return you will see some very quick changes to the web site and the blog once I get going. The next few weeks I will be working in the background with the web developers to create a new look for the blog and the Gallery!

There will also be a nice sale in the Etsy shop of all the items displayed once I open it again.
I will be reducing all of the old Needle Felting pieces by 25% of their original price and the Steampunk and Geekery Jewelry will be 10% off, plus the stuff that was free shipping will remain free shipping so you need to remember to be a sneaky shopper so you can save on your shipping costs too! If you cannot remember the rules to being a sneaky shopper in The Motivated Motion Gallery then go HERE.

I will post a countdown to the reopening of the shop soon.

Update On Why All Is Quiet

I hope this holiday season finds you all well.
It does not find me well.
In early October I was diagnosed with Cancer.

In September I had injured my shoulder really badly in a freak accident, and I tore the bicep and the superspanatus muscle and damaged the rotator cuff. So I knew I was in trouble with a shoulder injury and looking at immanent surgery.

I spent the last few months in physiotherapy to try to release the shoulder which had become completely frozen. On Dec 2 I had surgery to excise the cancer and it was successful, yet the shoulder problems are remaining long after I am recovered from the surgery.

I loaded my last items in the shop in early Novemeber, and I have been forced into rest, just taking care of the business as it stands. I am only able to type this week for the first time in months.

I have been able to play a few games if they only require mouse action, but a computer problem just before the surgery put all my internet fun pretty much at a hault, with spiratic glimpses at my email through computers in the house I cannot use because their ergonomics don't match my need.

It is a strange way to be haulted completely from stuff.

I have had limited success incorporating my physio exercises into a craft work routine. I am slowly creating a new line of noni felted scarves for the beginning of the release of my new line for 2010. I believe you will see a lot more decorating and fashion items added to the line this year. It will all still be in keeping with the fibre art and geekery/steampunk idea.

The Noni felted line was something I held back because I was trying to find something about wet felting that I could really get a grip on and run with......I found a little niche. I got some really awesome face wool that is raw. I am making really organic scarves and shawls with them. The scarves are for girls or guys.

I will be putting out sneak peak photos to folks who follow me on facebook and those who are fans of my shop on facebook. So if you want to see the line early before it goes for sale in the Etsy shop, then on my facebook friends list you need to be! My facebook and fan page links are in the sidebar of this blog.

Etsy Showcase Schedule

I have started my features in the Etsy Showcase:

You will find my items in the following Esty Showcases:(just click the right arrow on the page header to go to the titles of the sections HERE )

OCTOBER 31, 2009

Geekery Showcase

NOVEMBER 1, 2009

Geekery Showcase
Storque Showcase
Fiber Art Showcase
Jewelry (Pendants) Showcase
Dolls And Miniatures Showcase
Knitting Showcase

NOVEMBER 6, 2009

Geekery Showcase
Storque Showcase
Fiber Art Showcase
Jewelry (Pendants) Showcase
Dolls And Miniatures Showcase
Knitting Showcase

Newest Items In The Shop

I have been busy finishing up some projects. I posted some new stuff in the shop. I posted some new stuff in the Pagans Of Etsy Shop, and I have more stuff to post soon.

In the mean time: I hope you enjoy these items

WitchAmy Knit Along Is Coming Soon!

I will be Broadcasting and Recording The First Ever WitchAmy Knit Along Waves Of Wonder Lapel Scarf Knit-Along Class!

To see an example of these scarves check this out! Click This

*Please note that due to lack of interest I am postponing the start date of this project knit-along. I will be planning a start date once I have a few more folks who ask for the pattern. I will update this blog reguarding this project. Remember it is free. *

What do you have to do to Join Us?

All those who Join Blog TV and Subscribe to my WitchAmy TV will be eligible to be sent the Pattern.
Go to My WitchAmy Live Site by clicking HERE.

At the top of my page there should be a button that says Join. Press that and create a nickname and password for yourself. Then go back to my front page and below the chat box you will see a button called Subscribe. Press that and subscribe to my feed. (this will enable you to chat with me and ask me questions during my broadcasts.

Next you need to contact me at motivatedmotion[at]gmail[dot]com and tell me what the nick name you chose for your account is so I can cross reference it with my list. Then please request the project Pattern for The Waves Of Wonder Scarf. I will send it to you in an email with a word doc in it (if you cannot use a word doc please let me know and I can send it as html or a rich text doc if you request it) Once I get notification that you have subscribed to my show I will send you the pattern.(Please have your requests in by Sunday October 11, 2009)
**NOTE I won't open any files you send me in email regarding these request emails. I will only look at text.**

What materials do you need?

Yarn: DK or Sport Weight yarn (DK is my recommendation but a sport weight would end up just a bit larger.) You will need:

SMALL SCARF(42in/107cm long)-requires 312 yrds/285m of yarn
MEDIUM SCARF(52in/132cm long)-requires 416yrds/380m of yarn
LARGE SCARF(84in/214cm long)- requires 624yrds/570m of yarn

I recommend a natural fiber, but it is up to you.

Your needles will have to be circular needles with a long cord.....at least 30inches I recommend something around 40inches.
The size of the needles will depend on the yarn you choose. Use the needle size recommended on the band of the yarn ball. If you need me to show you where to look on the yarn ball for the needle size then pop into one of the broadcasts I have going, and ask me in chat to explain this... in the next week or so and I will show you in the broadcast.

You will also need a yarn needle for sewing in ends.
You will also need scissors
You will also need a tape measure

Plus a note pad of lined paper and a good pen or pencil (a highlighter would be a good idea too)

Make sure you try to catch a few minutes of another broadcast of mine just in case you have issues with needing flash upgraded or need to ugrade your video viewer etc.

A Beginner knitter who has cast on, Knit, and Purled before can do this scarf.
An Intermediate knitter will have no problems with this scarf.



WitchAmy- Broadcast your self LIVE

Come Join Me In The Studio

Come Join Me In The Studio
WitchAmy- Broadcast your self LIVE

I will be broadcasting live at 11:00AM each day that I can. Sometimes I will be working on crafting, sometimes I will be writing or editing.

There will be chat if you want to take part. You will have to register to chat.
I am giving you a full days' warning to get your ID and PW registration done, then come back Wednesday and see what I am up to.

Blessings Of The Equinox!

What better a fitting thing than to accept the Twitter Manager job for The Pagans Of Etsy Street Team (POEST for short).
Yep, I did it!
I committed as the zero hour turned to 1.

I will be taking over the Twitter duties for the Pagans of Etsy team.

I am very excited!

I will also make this blog part of the Twitter posts. I will post extensions of my Tweets from the Pagans of Etsy Twitter site and my own site on this blog.

Besides updating from my Twitter about my new items I will blog about other Pagans Of Etsy to talk about what they are all about, and the stuff I really really thing is awesome and inspiring!

If you are Pagan and an Etsy seller or buyer I invite you to join us HERE.

If you are interested in chatting with us I will post the Etsy chats for the team here so you can join in.

If you are curious, then have a look at the site and the photos.

Gemstone Rings Wrapped In Silver Plus Circuit Boards

I








have been



releasing




my Geekery ,



SteamPunk and




Silver Wire Wrapped jewelry





into the Etsy shop slowly.



Mostly because




I cannot get the edited photographs out fast enough.





I have been full speed this month



creating things and dismantling watch relics and needle felting tiny little creatures!



I hope you find the selection varied enough.
For certain

these all have a bit of my personality in them.

I wish I could keep all of them,


but I can't.


I purposely


don't make the rings my own size



so I won't be tempted to keep the creations :)
Here are the latest releases into the shop:

House Elf Sock Keychain

I created these cute miniature House Elf Socks! I knitted them like flap heal socks in miniature on size 0 needles.
I am using proper sock yarn to make them.
I put them on a one inch key ring with a jump to a metal clasp so you can hook it to your purse for security.

Steam Punk Is In My Shop!

I rolled out my first Steam Punk pieces as I promised. I am also featured in Etsy Geekery Showcase a few times this week.
I have many more pieces I have completed and I will post pics as soon as I finish the photo shoot today.
In the mean time please enjoy seeing the new pieces in the shop below!
Click on any thumbnail to see details.
or to see my whole shop go to: www.motivatedmotion.etsy.com

Spiritual and Geeky Jewelry

Have I told you lately that I love my Job!?
I may be disabled but I feel pretty freakin good when I can be inspired to create jewelry like you are about to see!
Steam Punk
Spiritual Pendulums
Wire Wrapped Gems
Geekery
Wait until you all see what I am holding back! Can you imagine Needle Felting combined with each of these genres? Oh YES it is coming so soon!
I know these items are going to be scooped up so if you want to be the Geek everyone at work will be jealous of...you better purchase soon, or they will be gone.
These OOAK pieces are from one of a kind gems or from reclaimed watch and clock parts. I cannot make exact duplicates...











The newest items I have listed are Spiritual Gems Wire Wrapped Jewelry and some Geekery Jewelry.
Just when you thought you saw it all....circuit board pendants and earrings.
I have also created some Steam Punk jewelry that I will release tomorrow.
Steam Punk is really cool so I suggest you come back tomorrow to see the Steam Punk creations!
For now I hope you enjoy browsing the newest items in the shop here:
(click on the thumbnails to see larger pics and details)

I Am Beta Testing For Etsy-Good Excuse for a Sale!

I am part of the second string of beta testers for the Etsy Rearrange feature.
I can rearrange my shop face items from page to page and other testers can see my changes.
The public at large will be able to see the changes in a few weeks.

I had a coincidental situation occur right at the same time I began my test on Tues. It seems that on July 27th half of my items went stale and when I reopened the shop from Vacation Mode on Monday all my items were still in my shop, and so they were on Tues when I began the test.

I guess on Tuesday I did enough action on my shop interface to have the lists catch up to the stale dates through the data stream and in the middle of my first test I lost half my wares.

I was confused for just over 24 hrs cuz nothing was in the Inactive area where it says to look.
Then at the last minute (just after I sent a trouble ticket to Etsy) I see The Expired category in My Etsy, and I checked it. Low and behold the missing wares were expired and the date they expired was July 27th. So the reopening of the shop and the activation of the beta test must have sinked the date and zip they were all gone.
Sigh... I had to get all those items renewed
It gave me an oportunity to see what happens in the beta test when you relist something.

So seeing I am so lame brained and can't find an expired listing if my life depended on it....I have just removed all the shipping from all of the doilies. Free shipping anywhere!
And just to remind you that the doilies are also a great way to get one of the higher priced needled felted pieces at a great reduction in shipping cost if you incorporated the SNEAKY SALE RULES to your multiple item order.... :-)

Timbers Is Almost Done

(sorry for the blank spots in the lower posts. They are where my Etsy Badges usually are, but because I have set Etsy to vacation mode the pics won't show up....see you in 10days
In the mean time if you want to see what is currantly available can see pics of the items in the shop on my web site at
www.motivatedmotion.com)




A certain someone will be getting this cute replica of their pet in the mail quite soon.
I am done the basic miniature but I will spend a few more hours defining some details on the face and legs, but she is basically done.


So far she has taken 30hrs of needle felting to get her to this point.





I am toying with what to do with her eyes. I have amber eyes and brown eyes and I keep switching them, as I am trying to resemble that liver on liver the best I can.

I am not so bent up about it though as it seems like a minor concern :)












I hope you like her.
She won't be for sale in the shop, but I will use her pic in the shop to represent a commissioned piece option. She is a miniature Tufted Needle Felted piece that is a replica of a real pet.

UPDATE:

I finished Timbers now. I didn't do too much to her, but I did change her eyes a bit and made her neck and main more pronounced which aged her.

New Items Huge Deals!

I HAVE A DEAL FOR YOU!
I PROMISE TO HAVE MANY ITEMS WITH FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE, ONLY THE COLLECTIBLE NEEDLE FELTING ITEMS WILL HAVE A SHIPPING COST BECAUSE I SEND THEM WITH INSURANCE AND TRACKING.
EVERYTHING ELSE IS FREE SHIPPING!

DO YOU WANT TO GET YOUR NEEDLE FELTED COLLECTIBLES WITH SHIPPING AS LOW AS $1.00 OR $2.00 INSTEAD OF $14.00? THEN READ BELOW TO SEE HOW YOU CAN GET HUGE SAVINGS BY BEING SNEAKY!

For my SNEAKY SALE I have made some items FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE!
I know this is very non-conventional, but it is really designed for the smart shopper.

I will stand behind what I say the postal costs are for each individual item. And for the smart shopper depending on how they create their multiple order they may get amazing savings on shipping cost for multiple items and they could get a real awesome bonus by getting an insured post item way cheaper than their individual shipping cost. So please think about what your first item is.....If its shipping cost is zero dollars then your second item will only be the cost it is to ship as a second piece(which could be as low as one dollar, which on the miniature collectibles is a huge savings of up to $14.00 on one item!)
(I will always send the items that are to be insured as an insured item because they are collectibles. I will absorb the postal costs when you order in the SNEAKY way!)
I hope I have not been too cryptic about the deals.
Any questions? Please contact me through Etsy conversations before you order if you are confused.

I just added several of my new 2009 scarf collection designs to my Hand Knit section. Have a look at these amazing colours and textures! All the scarfs are FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE ITEMS!
click on the thumbnails to see details.

My Friend Is Having a Contest and Giving Away Pink!

Please pop on over to my friend's blog RedOwlDesigns and read about her contest.
The give away ends June 24th so you need to get your entry in fast! Scroll down a few posts on her page and look for the big pink OWL.

What are you crafting this weekend?
I am crafting scarves. Knitting this weekend because we are going to help my Son move so my knitting will be done in the car.

Miniature Needle Felted Wedding Cake

I am heading to a bridal shower today for my second cousin.
I thought I would build her a needle felted wedding cake.
This is my first miniature Wedding Cake but it won't be my last. I intend to make Miniature Wedding Cakes one of my feature commissioned work options to customers.
Here are the photos of my first miniature wedding cake. It is made of shetland white roving, and a selection of tussah silk roving for all the colourful bits.

Contest Entries

This is the list of Contest Entries I received via Twitter, or Facebook or email or Comments
To qualify each person entering could enter as many times as they wished- but they had to choose only one method of communication and they needed to have separated and unique entries from their past ones.

@meanbeanbags Pirate
Mishelle Lecourt 4 leaf clover
Mishelle Lecourt lipstick
Amber Olson Butterfly
Amber Olson Cat/Cat Head
Mishelle Lecourt Martini Glass
Mishelle Lecourt Initials KL
Mishelle Lecourt Initials ML
@triedit cell phone
@triedit cause ribbons
@triedit twitter mascot
@triedit moon with a fairy on it

At 6:00PM (est) all the entries were transferred to paper strips, were folded individually and placed into a bowl. At 6:30PM My husband Carl drew one name.

The Winner is! :


Mishelle Lecourt Initials ML

Thanks for participating! Thanks for your idea submissions!