Tuesday, June 29, 2010

all for fun photography: East Texas Portraits with Josie Hamper!

Today I'd like to introduce you to a very special person and photographer: Josie Hamper of all for fun photography in Longview, East Texas. Josie specializes in on-location, natural light custom portraits of newborns, babies, children, teens and families and you'll love her personal touch and unique perspective!

These two outdoor photos with the 'Granola' cream hammock tied to a branch were captured by Josie (she says that because Baby Lareigh was so new at 15 days old, Josie secured her with a sash by feeding the sash through the open stitching of the hammock and tying her into the hammock):





She's also made good use of my Bohemian Fringie™ multicolor photo prop:






What makes Josie so special is her wonderful personality and fantastic listening and communication. She's such a joy! Thank you, Josie, for shining your light for all of us.

You can also get to know Josie on facebook!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The Efficient Artisan: Tips for Low Stress, High Production

Time management is a weak point for many "artsy" types; yet the more quality work we can produce in a streamlined manner, the better chance we have of making a living doing what we love! Here are some tips that assist me in my daily creating (I handknit five scarves without cutting corners in a typical day).

Set up work stations: I maintain a designated area for packaging orders with all necessary supplies and information within reach and each work station has the tools necessary to complete task(s) from start to finish without leaving the area.


Here's my "packaging station" computer: it doesn't have to be fancy!



Multiple tool sets: For essential tools, I find it helpful to have one in each work station as well as back ups on hand to avoid, “Oh no, I can’t get anything done, I lost my whatzit!” For example, I have a pair of sharp scissors for the car as well as each work station.

Be flexible: Since my main craft is knitting with yarn, I have a few pairs of each size of needle. That way, if I’m working on a blanket and an order for a scarf comes in, I can set the blanket aside and start right away on the scarf with another needle set.

Organize supply and finished product inventory: If we have and properly use containers, shelving or another keep-it-neat system, we avoid hunting for “that one bead” or “that journal I know I made months ago…”

Prioritize: If a task can only be performed at a particular workstation or time window (for example, my friend Erin Krug only brings out her soap making supplies when her small children are sleeping), then we must focus and work at maximum efficiency during that production opportunity (that includes ignoring facebook!).

Here's Erin with some of her top notch handmade bath and body products!


Take good care: I work best after enough (and not too much) nutritious food and a good night’s rest. I drink water throughout the day because I find staying fully hydrated allows me to think clearly. It also seems to prevent stiff joints and aching muscles, which is important for those of us whose craft involves repetitive motion.

Take a break: I stretch, do a different task, move around (and walk down the hall to the bathroom after all that water!) for about 10 minutes of each production hour.

Find a balance: Studies have found that we are at our most productive when we work “assembly line” style and concentrate on a specific task or set of tasks for a few hours, and then switch roles to alleviate fatigue and maintain speed.

I hope these tips help all my fellow worker bees as they hum along in their hives!

Celeste (Crickets)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Shopping to Do in Kanab, Utah on way to Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zions National Park

Looking to do some shopping while passing through Kanab, Utah on your way to Grand Canyon, Bryce or Zions National Parks on vacation (or while you're staying in Kanab to volunteer at Best Friends Animal Society)? Please contact me for an exclusive appointment to peruse my fashion scarves and home accessory throw blankets in person!



You'll be able to meet the designer artisan in person (that's me!) and see, feel and try on my designs in all their soft, colorful glory.



This is a great opportunity to stock up on a batch of scarves so you'll be ready ahead of time for holiday gift giving...or bring back one each for your friends and family as souvenirs from your vacation!



Or I can show you yarn samples so you can special order a fringed, home decor blanket on the spot (I'll complete and then send to your home address so it will be waiting for you upon your return)!



To schedule an appointment (and request that I have your favorite designs on hand), please email cricketscreations@live.com or call 435-689-0907 (9am-9pm Mountain Time).

I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Celeste (Crickets)

Photos in this post provided by the following professional photographers:

Ashley Mae Photography in Logan, Utah
Sara Patton Photography in Columbus, Ohio
Lindsay Adams Photography in Houma, Louisiana (site pending)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Blog Special: FREE Shipping on Belly 2 Baby™ Maternity, Newborn Wraps from Crickets Creations!



Exclusive Discount Special Offer for Blog Reader Moms, Crickets Creations is offering FREE SHIPPING for any of her signature designs, including her fashion scarves, her BRAND NEW large, home accessory fringed throw blankets and most exciting of all, her debut Belly 2 Baby™ wraps! Just write “Mom Blog” in message at checkout to be promptly reimbursed the shipping on an unlimited amount of items in your order!



Celeste (Crickets) shares about her new, unique Belly 2 Baby™ wraps:



I’m so excited about this totally new, Belly 2 Baby™ pregnancy maternity photography prop wrap and newborn infant baby swaddler scarf or cocoon! Expectant mothers can use it during their maternity and newborn portraits!







This lightweight, gauzy and dreamy soft, fringed photo prop line can be used in several different ways; it even works for a pashmina shawl or scarf during senior portrait sessions or looks lovely during a night out!





I can make it either Plum, Taupe, Sage, Pink, Black or Periwinkle Blue. The fringe will be the same color as the body of the wrap unless the customer chooses up to 4 colors to mix and match for the fringe.





And here is a mini photo gallery with some of Crickets' scarves and throw blankets (which make outstanding gifts for graduation, wedding, anniversary or other life events!)













The professional images shared here were captured by the following photographers:

Tracy Joy Photography in Lake Zurich, Illinois
Sara Patton Photography in Columbus, Ohio
Lindsay Adams Photography in Houma, Louisiana (site pending)
Danielle McCann Photography in Florence, Alabama
Amber McDowell Photography in Upstate, South Carolina
Jamie Kristine Photography in Lake Zurich, Illinois
Ashley Mae Photography in Logan, Utah

Saturday, April 17, 2010

NEW Belly 2 Baby Maternity, Newborn Senior Scarf Wraps!







I’m so excited about this totally new, Belly 2 Baby™ pregnancy maternity photography prop wrap and newborn infant baby swaddler scarf, cocoon and even hanging stork pouch sling!



This lightweight, gauzy and dreamy soft, fringed photo prop line because it can be used in several different ways; it even works for a pashmina shawl or scarf during senior portrait sessions or looks lovely during a night out!











I can make it either Plum, Taupe, Sage, Pink, Black or Periwinkle Blue. The fringe will be the same color as the body of the wrap unless the customer chooses up to 4 colors to mix and match for the fringe.






The professional images shared here were captured by the following photographers:

Tracy Joy Photography in Lake Zurich, Illinois
Sara Patton Photography in Columbus, Ohio
Aimee Dugas Photography in Houma, Louisiana
Jamie Kristine Photography, also in Lake Zurich, Illinois
Danielle McCann Photography in Florence, Alabama
Amber McDowell Photography in Boiling Springs, Upstate South Carolina



Also available in EXTRA WIDE for full coverage and ease in hanging shots:





Friday, April 16, 2010

TWINS Hammock Photography Photo Prop Baby Blanket, Brown and Green



This hand knit, fringed, rectangular, newborn baby blanket afghan throw photo prop with a dark chocolate brown base and fringe on two sides in greens and browns is big enough for twins and can also be used as a hammock sling!

My highly textured, handmade designs are best sellers; I truly enjoy supplying photographers with unique, versatile, top quality newborn infant, baby and child portrait photography props. I appreciate the support of my customers and look forward to working with you!



This dear images with twin boys (their grandma made their diaper covers) were captured and prepared by the absolutely wonderful, professional photographer Cheryl Woody of Frozen Moments Photography in Columbiaville, Michigan



Cheryl writes about the session: "I have a large beanbag bed that I always use under the babies whenever I am lifting them off the table in any manner. The parents each held one end of the hammock and lifted the babies up. I can't wait to use the hammock again!"



See more pro photos of this particular style and size of blanket in use