Tatter Beans

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : Spring

2011-04-21T07:36:00.000-04:00

This weeks promopt is Spring....and again I am a day late....

My excuse it was my oldest Spring concert at school last night, and what a totally enjoyable time we had..... I love seeing them in their concerts mainly as its a firm reminder to myself how far they have come since we became a family...and last night was a sure reminder.

So Mellisa chose the prompt this time and she chose Spring.... well I wish Spring would come.

It has done nothing but rain here now for days...its cold .... that cold that for to days now Ive had to light the wood stove.

But in true mother nature style the daffodils have come to visit

Its about the only thing that has may I add.....

Pay a visit to Mellisa and Kristi ....... Their imagines are wonderful.

♥ Rachel

The ABC: L is for Light

2011-04-18T07:32:00.000-04:00

So its official Blogger really isn't a good friend of mine..... last weeks post we scheduled to publish .... but it didn't .... and because I wasn't feeling so well...I never did check ...so we are now a week behind..or should I say I'm a week behind....

So L is for Light

And hopefully I will post M sometime this week

♥ Rachel

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : Color

2011-04-07T08:27:00.000-04:00

They say better late than never, and in my case I would have to agree.
So yesterday was 2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : Color.
and I'm a day later...... but I have an excuses ....I have a sick child in the house and she is keeping me on my toes.
So in honor of coloring because we are bored...lets face it there is only so much TV you can watch and only so many books you can read. My photo for Color is pencils....bright shiny pencils which Miss Kayla helped me arrange.

If you have time why not hop on over to Kristi's and Mellisa's and see their take on Color ....worth a visit

♥ Rachel

The ABC :K is for Kayla

2011-04-05T06:37:00.000-04:00

This was an easy one......
It seemed only right after last week that I featured my daughter.....

Her name is Kayla (fitting) and she is 7 going on 17 .......

She tells me she is going to be a singer when she grows up ........ and to be honest she can belt out a tune.

So here is K

So like we always say ...Remember anyone can join in with ABC Monday .... just show a craft or a color or a photo that is the letter we are on for the week.

Also let me apologize.... we are a day late in putting ABC Monday up as blogger for some reason did not want me to publish yesterday .

♥ Rachel

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

2011-03-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

This will be short but totally sweet....

I came up with two new prints for Mother's Day.....

and I thought I would share them with you

For the mother who loves to read stories

For the Hands That Hold Me

I know Mother's Day is a long way of here in the US.

But its good to plan ahead right?

♥ Rachel

Around The World :Treasures by Teala

2011-03-29T10:25:00.000-04:00

Week two of around the world....and we are off to Canada

Teala holds a special place in my heart .... she was the driving force behind the Undiscovered Artists of Etsy.

She is my right hand woman, and I just love what she does.

So what is it she does I hear you ask..... more like what doesnt she do.

Teala is one very busy Lady ....... So with out any more blabbing from me let me introduce Teala to you

Teala where do you live and what is it like...

I had been sort of transient ever since I started my undergrad degree at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Studying biology, I did field courses in China and Costa Rica, and moved to London, England and Gainesville, Florida to complete my master's degree. Getting to experience different environments is inspiring as a biologist and an artist. The tropical plants, animals, and insects. Different sights, smells, and cultures. I met friends from around the world. Those years were full of excitement and adventure. But the love of a wonderful man brought me back to the area I grew up in, the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada (I live close to Niagara Falls). Staying still has been an adjustment for my flighty personality, but I have my partner, my dog, and my family here to keep me grounded. Through this last year, I've begun to rediscover and fall in love with the beauty of this area. We live on lake Erie, I can literally see the lake from my back door. And the changing seasons bring ever changing visitors to our yard. In the winter, the chickadees and an occasional woodpecker would visit the suet and bird feeder. I saw a lot of rabbit tracks too. Now that the weather is warming above 0 C, spring migration has started. These beautiful white swans have stopped to feed in the fields across the street. I'll try to get a picture, but they're shy. This morning I saw a fox run across the still-frozen lake, and soon you'll hear spring-peepers calling at night. In the late spring and summer there will be bustling farmers markets selling local strawberries, peaches, potatoes, lettuce, cheese, eggs, you name it! The lake will be very different. Cottagers will come for vacation and we'll hear children laughing and playing. Fall is my favorite time of year. Birds and Monarch butterflies will be migrating south and squirrels will be in a mad rush to prepare for winter. The days will be warm, and the nights cool. Trees will be bursting with orange, yellow, and red leaves, and the asters will have purple blossoms. Even though I've come full circle, moving back to my childhood area, I feel like I've grown to appreciate my unique home.

1: Lake Erie in the winter, with frozen queen Anne's lace

2: Teala's front yard, the bird feeders & the shed.

3: Sunset over lake Erie in the winter

What is your craft..where do you work from... workshop, home?

I design and create handmade jewelry, using some very unique supplies. When I was a kid, my mom was a jewelry maker, selling her earrings, necklaces, and brooches at craft shows. I was delighted to recently find an old box of odd supplies hidden away in the basement of my parents house and was inspired to use these found materials as the bases for my new pendants. Giving new life to these very old (my guess is 15-20 years) pieces of copper plated metal, linoleum tile, and metal chains has given me a greater connection to my past & has inspired some very antique looking jewelry. I also use driftwood and recycled laminate flooring as the bases of my new pendants (since I'm having trouble finding more recycled linoleum). I make these pieces out of my home. I'm also a photographer...Mostly because I'm obsessed with nature. I started really getting into photography while in Gainesville, Florida as a grad student. Many of the photos on Etsy are from the Kanapaha Botanical Garden in Gainesville. I used to go for walks there to clear my head and de-stress. My newer photos explore the beauty of my own back yard as it changes with the seasons.

OOAK Art Deco Pretty Lady, Driftwood Pendant

What inspires you?

I like to see things in a way that most people wouldn't, then try to capture it. Sort of a 'stop and smell the roses' mentality, only visually. I love natural texture of leaves and wood, light and shadow, hidden surprises, and weird angles. It often means I'm lying in the dirt or half in the bushes taking a photograph, but it's fun! I think my love for nature comes through my jewelry, but I also am drawn to art deco fashion illustration. If you look carefully you'll see a lot of flora's, trees, birds....basically nature in these illustrations too. You just have to be looking for it.

Spring Lily in Sepia, Nature Photography 5x7

Do you sell anywhere else other than Etsy?

I sell pendants featuring birds at a local shop in Port Colborne called Yardbirds, and my hairdresser was nice enough to feature a few pendants as well. But my best sales are from family friends who drop by the house. I've made a few custom orders for friends as well. It's so much fun!

What made you start your business?

When I graduated in the summer I found myself with all this free time that I never had before in my life. I was kind of sick of science (I wrote and defended my thesis in a whirlwind month) and decided to give some much needed attention to the creative side of my brain. When I discovered my mom's jewelry supplies I became a bit obsessed with making jewelry. It was so rewarding to have an idea and make something you could hold in your hand in a day. My friend told me about Etsy and I decided to give it a try.

Canadian Geese during fall migration on Lake Erie.

To visit Teala's Shop Treasures by Teala
Teala also has a blog which I recommend you to pay a visit A 21st Century Green Goddess
And a Face Book Fan Page

Teala thank you for this wonderful insight into your world......

♥ Rachel

The ABC : J is for Jayden

2011-03-28T10:59:00.000-04:00

Its ABC Monday ...... and this weeks I did play ahead.

J is for Jayden ..... My son ..... who will be turning 10 on Wednesday.
So J is in honor of his Birthday .......

I did a mini photo shot with my children some weeks ago ... and you may remember I posted a few of them

I also held one back its one of my favorites mainly because it captures his cheekiness, and he is (cause you know he had to) wearing his favorite tatty hat .....

When my mom saw this photo first thing she said was "He's got that flipping hat on again"

So a Big Happy Birthday to Jayden ......

So like we always say ...Remember anyone can join in with ABC Monday .... just show a craft or a color or a photo that is the letter we are on for the week.

♥ Rachel

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

Around The World : BarSoap

2011-03-22T08:28:00.001-04:00

I promised you a new featured on the blog for today......

Well here it is.....
It is about Hand Made from all over the world.

Over the months that I have been on Etsy I have meet some wonderful people, and I felt it was time to honor those people and the craft they do........

So to kick this awesome feature off ........... I would like you to meet Dan and Kate.

Dan and Kate are from my Beloved England and Dan is the hands behind this awesome shop and Kate (and I know Dan wont mind me saying this) is the driving force. Yes she drives Dan day after day to make more shop.

I first meet Dan and Kate while featuring them in a treasury I made........ They are now very valuable team mates.

So without further a do..... Let me introduce BarSoap.

So, an unexpected by-product of being a curmudgeonly, semi-professional soap-maker is, bizarrely, the amount of blogs and interviews I find myself writing. Apparently it’s not enough to merely create a saleable product; I must advertise and I must publicise. Much as I find this process bewildering (I don’t like talking about myself) I’m going to lay it all on the line in the name of commerce, baby! This is raw Soapmaking; uncut, uncensored and wild!

Lime Mocha Chunk Soap - natural COLD PROCESS- vegan friendly

So, it’s a gracious thanks to TatterBeans for allowing me the floor for these few precious paragraphs where I’ll lay out a brief synopsis of BarSoap as it has come to be. As I write this I am currently in negotiations with a chemist about assessing new products (he wants more money I want to give less money, an age old struggle) and I‘m sitting in a suburban Manchester flat. For those who don’t know, Manchester is amongst the greyest cities in England (Seasonal Affective Disorder is like an actual punch in the crotch here) and we also gave the world the band Oasis (… I’m so sorry) Free space in our flat is being converted into soap and related accessories; it’s not practical but it does smell great. Such is the measure of my existence, cocktail themed soap is creeping up all around me and Kate and I desperately find new ways to sell it.

Manchester By Day & Night

At the moment we don’t have anywhere we regularly sell in the Manchester area, though sites like Etsy have been great for helping us to track down Craft Fairs and one off Vintage and handmade sales around the country, that along with word of mouth with other traders. Fortunately, Kate chats with them too. She’s better at discussing necklaces and suchlike because she’s a girl; it seems a little disingenuous for me to have a lengthy discussion with people about bracelets (forced emasculation almost)

Basically, hand-made soap isn’t as ingrained into English culture as it is in the U.S and most of our internet sales have been to America. That said, we’ve managed to pique the interest of fair-goers in the U.K by intrinsically pairing our soap with alcohol (something that is very much ingrained in the U.K culture, I might be drunk whilst typing this) and this has led to BarSoap’s burlesque theme and, conceptually, has made expanding our range relatively easy. It’s also, frankly, terrific to tell people about the skin benefits that Guinness as an ingredient provides in a bar of soap.

TatterBean has asked about what support I’ve received for this enterprise… Hilarious. My parents constantly questioned the likelihood of ever being able to turn a profit on soap (it’s a world of bath salts and gels, apparently) they then questioned our pricing (supermarkets sell soap cheaper than us, apparently) and they’ve also yet to buy a bar. My friends mostly just reference Fight Club as there are no other notable Soap-makers in popular culture (that I’m aware of, feel free to correct me)

Mojito Lime Soap Chunk - Natural COLD PROCESS Soap - Vegan Friendly

Fortunately Kate has been a little trooper throughout, constantly networking and generating new sales opportunities (I wouldn’t say that’s support as such, more a division of labor) and remaining steadfastly positive; she generates ideas whereas I remain relentlessly (depressingly) in the real world (trying to buy cheap coconut oil is the hardest thing I’ve ever done with learning Japanese coming a distant second)

So, for the time being we’re building up stock and selling when we can – Kate works as a Lawyer and I do some kind of “work” at Manchester University… that is up until the point when BarSoap is profitable enough to allow us to quit. We’re trying to build it up to the point where can relocate the business to America (it’s a big country, they can’t defend all the borders all the time) as I think that’s a much larger customer base.

Anyhow, if you made it this far, thanks. Please feel free to browse our shop…
BarSoap
and my blog about Soap-making (everything you’ve ever wanted to know about making soap) here…
Confessions of an English SoapMaker

Love and hugs,

Dan

So there you have it..... Soap making in England.....
A big thanks to Dan for kicking of this new feature........ Dont forget to pop on over to their shop and blog.... and let me know if you know any handcrafters from around the world you would like to see featured

♥ Rachel

The ABC :I is for Ice

2011-03-21T16:45:00.000-04:00

Let me say first ... please excuses my lack of posts... its been a very difficult week... but we are back to normal...and strolling on...

So Happy Monday to you all...

ABC Monday .... and we are on the letter Ice... so in honor of the snow I have going on outside after 3 beautiful days of 50-60 degree weather... I thought I would bring you I is for Ice ...

I had so many ideas for I...but Ice won ...manly because it is snowing again.... and I couldn't take my mind of the fact that sooner or later that said snow would turn to ice ...

So like we always say ...Remember anyone can join in with ABC Monday .... just show a craft or a color or a photo that is the letter we are on for the week.

And just to make this Monday even more special I wanted to announce that tomorrow I am starting a new feature .... so make sure you check in with me .... to check it all out.

♥ Rachel

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

The ABC : H is for Helmet

2011-03-14T12:06:00.000-04:00

H .... was going to be hat .. worn by my lovely daughter, but she really wasn't up for having her photo taken at all this weekend....

So my best friend said helmet.....

We have a very special helmet hanging in our dinning room ... its a firefighters helmet once worn by my husband .....

He was a volunteer firefighter for many years, and we have lots and I mean lots of firefighter memorabilia in or dinning room...but the helmet really stands out...

Because it has just like him been into many fires....

So in honor of my husband and all the firefighters out there that have and continue to risk there lives

H is in a way for you

So like we always say ...Remember anyone can join in with ABC Monday .... just show a craft or a color or a photo that is the letter we are on for the week.

♥ Rachel

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

Sunday Stroll : Including One Sick Kid

2011-03-13T21:51:00.000-04:00

One of the shortest posts I could ever write would be ... One Sick Kid

Ye so no really stroll this evening.. we have spiking fevers and lots of nose bleeds and some throwing up going on...
Besides that its been an awesome week....

and ABC Monday is just a few hours away so Im saving myself for that ....

♥ Rachel

This week Im Grateful for : Being safe and sound

2011-03-11T15:39:00.001-05:00

Its funny you go to bed with not a care in the world ...and you wake up to disaster ....My heart really does go out to the people of Japan... 8.9 is one hell of an earth quake.

Its the aftermath that really got me ....when I went to Google it said this to me

Tsunami Alert for New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii, and others. Waves expected over the next few hours, caused by 8.9 earthquake in Japan.

We have a really good friend in New Zealand...and his girlfriend is from Japan... so we are waiting to hear if her family where effect and that they are ok....

I just read that the alert was lifted of New Zealand and Australia ....

So I'm grateful for being safe and sound ..... there isn't much more you can say really is there.

This post is linked up to Maxabella Loves...

I wish you all a blessed and safe weekend ...

♥ Rachel

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : Blur

2011-03-10T07:43:00.000-05:00

This weeks Photo Prompt over at A Life Through The lens is the word BLUR ....

Ideas, Ideas.... far to many of them, until we had a ice storm and I went outside in the middle of it (crazy I know) with my camera (wrapped in a plastic bag) and snapped away .......

It was freezing out there but the results I think were worth being extremely cold

There is something really beautiful about ice on trees.

Hop over to see Kristi and Melissa's work and their take on the work Blur.

♥ Rachel

The ABC :G is for Glass

2011-03-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

I may have said this before..... "I wish I could get myself more organized"

All week I knew what I wanted my G to be.... all week.
So on the day (yesterday) I think to myself lets get this photography done and its raining..... yes I wanted to take this one outside in sunlight, and we have had so many sunny nice days despite the fact that we still have snow on the ground. I think ok its raining Ill do it tomorrow and I get up this morning and low and behold its raining .....

Yuck

Now if I had only .... comes to mind...but its to late for if only.

Its raining and I had to suck it up and take this photography indoors....

So here is my G .......(Indoors)

Do you like the G is for green to thrown in there ....

So like we always say ...Remember anyone can join in with ABC Monday .... just show a craft or a color or a photo that is the letter we are on for the week.

♥ Rachel

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

Sunday Stroll : Including The Postman Arrived

2011-03-06T14:57:00.001-05:00

Well what a week ..... Kids home all week... and for the most part we have had fun.....
My husband in his wisdom brought them Band Hero... can you hear my sigh .....

Ye I have a 3 person Rock Band in my house now...and every now and again they gang up on me to go sing ...and honestly I'm no great singer ... so its grab your ear plus time ....

I didn't get much work done this week... but that's ok they go back to school tomorrow....

One totally awesome thing happened this week... The postman arrived.... it was parcel I had been expecting .... looking forward to for what seems like ages...... but it came yesterday ...... look at me jumping around like a kid....

Look what he brought me and Bop .....(click to enlarge this picture)

The wonderful Lelaine over at To Sew With Love and Bundles of Joy

sent me a wonderful parcel sometime ago... I do believe customs thought about keeping it .... mainly because it was all so cute...

Not only is it so cute ...look at the detail... the little key the label .... the hair slides are so well made....

This is what makes handmade so special ..... that person touch.

I'm not ready to hand the owl over yet he is sitting on my bedside table.... and he is staying there for a while.... I'm in love with him.

Need a present for a toddle or a newborn.... Bundle of Joy is the place to go ...... after seeing her product up close and personal... I highly recommend Lelaine ....

Lelaine from myself and Bop... Thank you so much .... hopefully the postman will be coming around to yours soon.

Here is to an awesome week

♥ Rachel

This week Im Grateful for : A Supportive Family

2011-03-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

Image Credit

Life is everything if they have your back right?

I never really realized until a few days ago how much my family really did support what I do.

I have a husband who is willing to put up with my artistic temperament.....

Children who are willing to sit for hours while I take their photos... just because they know Mommy has to practice.

Parents who are really proud that I listened to them this summer after they said "You really have to do something with your photography", and then did something with all of this.

A Mother- in-law who again is very supportive and will always give me an honest answer.

A Best friend who...not only has my work all over her walls but if always enthusiastic about what Im working on
And for that Im grateful.

Im also grateful for sunny days even if they are a bit chilly.
If they sun is shinning it makes you feel so much better, and the sun has shinned this week

Im grateful for wildlife.... It means I get to take photographs of something that I love. (I love taking photographs of other stuff to but there is just something about wildlife that moves me)

And Im grateful awesome sunsets..... they amaze me

Image Credit

Im join in with Maxabella ...... This Week I'm Grateful for blog hop.....

Have a wonderful weekend everyone
♥ Rachel

Color Palette Blog Walk

2011-03-03T12:04:00.000-05:00

First of all let me say .... I have had way to much fun doing this .... This much fun should not be allowed.

I signed up to take part in the color palette blog walk a few weeks ago... as a way to learn something new... I have never done a color palette before.. I have seen them done and always admired others work when doing them.
Brandi over at Brandi Girl A Life Inspired by Color has hosted a color pallete blog walk before... so this is the second one and Brandi I really hope you do another soon.

I have enjoyed looking at other peoples work... I know I don't say much... but honestly their work has been amazing.

I picked out two of my favorite photographs that I had taken recently .... I then took a new photography.
So here are my three color palettes....

I love this little guy....

My favorite print in my shop at the moment

The new photography I took a few days ago

Makes me feel like there is hope for Spring coming soon

I am really happy with the results... and I feel like I could do this at lest once a week

A big thank you to Brandi for not only hosting this blog walk... but for suppling the palette already made up...

Here is a list of others taking part... you really should go look...

Full Schedule

Monday, Feb. 28th
Brandi at Brandi Girl Blog
Erin at Treasures Found
Jen at Jen Judd Rocks
Shari at Exploring the Wonders of Life

Tuesday, March 1st
Karen at Creative Thoughts and Inspirations
Julia at UlvDesign
Jessa at The ReArtingDotNet Blog
Lyn at Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog

Wednesday, March 2nd
Jescalyn at Peach Honey Love
Paige at Paige Maxim Designs
Katrina at Ma Joie Press
Jenni at Jenni's Beads

Thursday, March 3rd
Christie at Displaced Urbanite
Rachel at TatterBeans
Brittany at The Home Ground
Cindy at Sweet Bead Studio

Friday, March 4th
Rachel at Balanced Crafts
Wren at Each Day
Kelly at Mackin Art
Kristy at Simply Shiny Blog

♥ Rachel

Light,Camera,Action

2011-03-01T19:11:00.000-05:00

I know I normally pounce on a Tuesday..but really I just have not had time today.

Plus I felt I need a break from my pouncing ways...

I have two kids at home this week, February Vacation week .....

I had to get my imagination (kid style) in flow.... so this morning after making a few treasury's I told them to go get dressed... in anything they wanted ..and to get ready we were doing a photo shoot...

So with the net curtains hanging over a shelve and a white sheet on the floor and two kids dressed..we went to work....

I have never really concentrated on taking photos of people/kids.... Its hard work.... but I'm happy with the results.... they where little models for the day ..... and I am really proud how they handled it ....

I think I should start to worry about this one.... he is becoming a little man now.... and quiet the ladies man at that

I think her Daddy is in shock... his little princess looks so grown up here

Quiet proud of myself to :)

♥ Rachel

The ABC : F is for Flower

2011-02-28T08:36:00.000-05:00

Just a very short and sweet post today...

F is for flower... I know I didn't really go to town on this one...

Its a photo I took sometime ago and never did anything with... so it just felt right to use it today ...

Remember anyone can join in with ABC Monday .... just show a craft or a color or a photo that is the letter we are on for the week.

Have fun and enjoy the rest of your day.

♥ Rachel

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

Sunday Stroll : Including The Winners of Last Weeks Giveaway

2011-02-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

Another week done ...and school vacation is here...

A week with Bip and Bop is always fun... can you hear me giggling ....
I'm wondering how much work I will get done this week....

I have been working on a couple of projects this week.... which will soon be revealed ... I'm excited

I love working on new things.... It keeps me interested in my work... I do tend to be bored quick... Dad use to call me a butterfly ....
Years later I admit he was right and is still right ... I am always jumping from one thing to another....

So Winners...
We have two ......

and before I announce them... I want to thank everyone who took part... I have never done a giver away before where so many people entered....

So the winners are

Jaclyn from Snap,Crackle,Pop

Jaclyn picked A Star is Born (Bronze) and Time as her winning pints in the locket

The second winner is Kristin from These Moments

Kristin picked The Lighthouse and Time

Congrats to both our winners...

I will be contacting you both really soon to find out how you would like your lockets to arrive...

I hope you all have a wonderful week...and if your on school vacation like me ... Ill pray for you ....yes I'm giggling again

♥ Rachel

This week Im Grateful for : Children Growing Up

2011-02-25T08:59:00.003-05:00

Tatter Beans Photography

You can spend all day with a child and not notice the changes....

I had not realized that Bop had grown up so much until we visited the eye doctor this week.

In the mist of her examination I giggled at something and her response to me was,

"Mommy this is important, stop messing about ... I have to get this correct so the doctor can get the correct lens for my glasses"

I guess that was me told.

She then went on to chose her glasses frames with the poise of a 12 year old. I did wonder where my 7 year old had gone.

In former years we have had temper tantrums .... total messing about..... and really bad behavior.

So this week I am So very very grateful for Bop growing up.

Her behavior was perfect and believe me when I say I have high standards where my children's behavior is concerned ...its high... I would not want me as a mother... I'm totally anal ... and more so when we are out in public.

She did me proud and she was such a joy to be around.....

I am welcoming this change in her...... because its not been an easy 6 months with her..... as some of you will very well know .... her RADDY ways have about drove me crazy at times....

Are you grateful for anything this week

If so then link up with Maxabella ....... over at Maxabella Loves

And

Mummy From the Heart's Reasons To Be Cheerful

Happy Weekend Everyone

♥ Rachel

The Visitors

2011-02-24T15:10:00.001-05:00

Its been a wonderful day .......

I had a visitor ...he was very charming... he stayed for quiet a while ...just relaxing in the sunshine .....

He reminded me that spring was on its way ......

I offered him some food but he declined ...he sat and watched while I washed up at the kitchen sink ...

Then he said goodbye ...it was time to move on.

No sooner had he left than another came a knocking.... this one just a little noisier ...... but just as welcome as the last......

Its been a wonderful day

♥ Rachel

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : Black & White

2011-02-23T20:13:00.001-05:00

I am so glad that Melissa and Kristi and back after their little break, I have missed their weekly inspiration ....
So with out any more chatting from ...

The theme this week was Black and White ....

My favorite color combination of all time .. the color combo of my wedding .....

So my photography... well I'm not sure if I'm totally happy with it.... as some of you know I had a new camera last week... this is taking some getting use to ...but I'm not giving up..I'm just screaming a little.

I'm not sure what the flower is .... but My aim was to focus on the flower and I think I achieved what I set out to do ...I'm just not sure ..or am I being to picking?...Maybe

Want to see what everyone else did then hop on over to Life Through the lens

♥ Rachel

I Love To Pounce: Elephant's Trunk

2011-02-22T07:18:00.000-05:00

Elephant's Trunk

Are you a wine drinker?.... I am ... I buy it by the box ... mainly because a bottle in this house doesn't last 5 minutes.....

If your like most people and by a bottle of wine do you dress your bottle up for special occasions?
You don't.. well have you discovered The Elephant's Trunk Shop yet? No ....

Well today you are going to discover the place where wine bottles are dressed like models are dressed for fashion week in Paris.

Do you have a special occasion coming up...a wedding, a birthday party, or just dinner for two... well Elephants Trunk is the place to go, when making a statement and dressing it up......

Lauren of Elephants Trunk dresses wine bottles like Gucci dresses models .....

Lauren also has an awesome blog under the same name...which is worth a visit to.

And here is the best bit... Lauren is offering 20% off with the coupon code wine20

Can it get much better.....

So go pay Elephant's Trunk a visit ...and get dressing those wine bottles up ....

♥ Rachel

The ABC :E is for Egg

2011-02-21T10:10:00.000-05:00

Or in this case Eggs.

When I began the ABC I planned a few out in advance, E was one of them.....

I knew I wanted to do Egg and I knew how I wanted it all to look ...the lighting and the over all feel ...and then I went a brought a new camera..

That changed everything ..

Because as you know when using something new it always takes that little bit longer to execute the plan .....

I nearly gave up at one point and went and picked up my old beloved camera.... but I didn't, instead I stuck it out and after some choice words and a few kiddie fits I got there.

I am now happy

This is a bit of a different look .... not the usual Tatter Beans look..... but I do like it ...makes me feel a bit warmer inside as it is snowing outside again.

And the Eggs remind me of soldiers standing to attention....
We came up with some random facts about Eggs as a family ...

I (Rachel) don't eat the white of the egg unless its scrambled
Bip (my son) doesnt eat the (in his words) yellow yucking bit unless its scrambled
Bop (my daughter) LOVESSSSS eggs
Hubby ..... why are we doing random facts about eggs?

So there you have it Random Facts about Eggs

And don't forget this weeks giveaway .... It ends Saturday 26th of February (midnight est time) and I will announce the winner on Sunday.

Remember anyone can join in with ABC Monday .... just show a craft or a color or a photo that is the letter we are on for the week.

Have fun and enjoy the rest of your day.

♥ RachelThanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

Sunday Stroll : Including A Little Give Away

2011-02-20T18:52:00.000-05:00

Do you have weeks where everything goes just right, pretty much to plan and by the end of it you are doubly pleased with the week behind you.

That's the sort of week I have had... a good one ...an awesome one and a happy one.

My Face Book page hit 100 fans this week and as promised (the promise was a giveaway when I hit 100 fans) this post is all about just that my promise of a giveaway.

I would like ~~clears throat~~ to say a big thank you to a few of you who really pushed the fan base over the 100 mark.. your awesome and I do really appreciate your hard work...

So yes the giveaway well I thought I would make this a little different and not just offer you a print.

I am offering not one but two really cute (and forgive me if I describe this totally wrong) square locket cases in pewter ..... the unique thing about these is they hold two prints.

They are very tiny let me just say that much they measure under 1 inch and are really delicate to look at.
They could be worn as a necklace or added to your key ring holder ... added to a charm bracelet... the options are endless. You can even add your own photos when you get sick of mine.

So this is all you have to do ..... easy I promise.

First if you have not already go Like my facebook page (that was painless right?)
Then just nip over to my shop Tatterbeans Photography and tell me if you won what two prints would you want in your locket.
If you would like an extra point in the pickings you can twitter/facebook or share a blog post about this.... just be sure to leave an extra comment when doing this please.

And that's all there is to it ...Told you it was going to be easy.

If you win you will also get the option on how you receive this little gift... if you want it as a necklace I will make that up for you if you don't then its all good... but the choice will be yours if you win...and remember you can't win if your not in it right?

This will be open until Saturday 26th of February (midnight est time) and I will announce the winner on Sunday.

I really do hope you enter .....

I also won an award today ... which I will post about next week ...but I would just like to say a big thank you to Lelanie over at To Sew with Love.

Here is to a happy week ahead.....

♥ Rachel

Inspired Blue and White

2011-02-19T17:31:00.001-05:00

Its funny how you can look at something for so long that it almost becomes part of you

Now for sometime we have been looking at snow.. maybe for a bit to long ... it started to melt a few days ago and can you believe it looks really strange to see it going...
I mentioned the temperature had rose to 40-50..well when I looked outside the other morning the snow almost looks blue ...and for a moment I did wonder why..then It dawned on me it was because the sky so so blue...

So this week I'm inspired by Blue and White... and I picked a few items out of my Fresh Treasury.
The three items I picked where the main inspiration for the treasury .....

1:Wire Wrapped Blue, White and Crystal Round Glass Pendant by ModAccents

2: Pure Heart decorative pillow by SaharasHeart

3:1940's Vintage Fashion Calavera --Limited Edition Watercolor by LaSantaMuerte

All Three items belong to team mates.... and I can say I'm really proud to be in the same team as such talented people.

Are you inspired this week... and if so what is it that's inspiring you ?

♥ Rachel

*just a little side note..if I didn't get round to reading your Grateful post please forgive me... we lost power a few times last night and most of today... I will try to read them this week

This week Im Grateful for : Sunshine ....... and My New Toy

2011-02-18T16:03:00.000-05:00

Tatter Beans Photography

The sun has a way of bringing you to a happy place... when the sun shines everyone just seems so much happier they develop a spring in there step and smile more. Have you noticed this?

I noticed this yesterday and today... I noticed it in myself to... even with a runny nose ..I was still happier and more willing to get things done.

So this week I'm grateful for the sun and 40-50 degree weather, I'm grateful the snow is melting .... not so sure where all the water will go ..but I will leave that problem to mother nature

I am also grateful for my new toy...

now would be a good time to get your heads out the gutter...

Its a Camera

I took some ~~very artist~~ shots of it ...to show you all ...

There she is .... with two new lens... and a new camera bag...

(Bag not shown)

I guess I was spoiled today .... but I think I'm worth it .....

So are you feeling grateful this week... if so and I really hope you are... why not hop over to Maxabella's and join in the link up

Have a wonderful weekend my friends...

I really hope the sun shines down on you and puts a spring in your step

♥ Rachel

Walking Around Etsy

2011-02-17T08:11:00.000-05:00

Image Credit

I think Etsy is an really good place to shop... mainly because you don't have to leave the house get in the car and travel miles to find what you want or need... ok so they don't sell grocery's but you can buy food here... just not your everyday needs like milk, bread and sugar .....

But think of the gas you save by shopping online...and then when your item arrives you can almost guarantee it will be wrapped so well you wont want to open it until you have savored the delight of looking at it.

I think its good to shop locally .... and when I can I do...but I also think its a good to shop with fellow Etsy sellers...

This week I brought some paper supplies ... yes I could of got it from Staples but that meant cutting it to the size I wanted myself...yes I know height of laziness... can I justify this laziness.. yes I can I gave someone else my business ... not a huge store but a small seller trying to make a living...

StraightHome is the place I shopped at and they where so helpful, and I would highly recommend them

I think its the personal service you get that draws me to shop on Etsy...

I know its not face to face but to be honest sometimes... and I may just get slammed for this.... when I am dealing with a shop assistant...

I can just tell most are not enjoying what it is they are doing...its just a wage... it shows on their face..well I don't want to look at that when I'm trying to find what it is I'm looking for

Three of my favorite Items at the moment .....

SaharasHeart

and

SuperflyLullabies

I could do with both right now.... on my sofa ...and a good movie..and maybe some hot chocolate

FlourishCafe

Now that would all make me so much better

That's my walk about ..... for this Thursday

Did you walk around Etsy today...well if you did why not link up with Sahara

♥ Rachel

Fresh and Simple

2011-02-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here full of cold..sniffing like a child and talking like I have plugs up my nose...

But that's not stopped me feeling the first hints of spring.. its been in the 40's today and what a welcome that has been ...lots of snow melting...and we need to melt lots of snow believe me.

I know 40 doesn't sound that hot...but when its been below freezing its hot honestly...... I even turned down the heating this morning I was sweating ....

Today was our team challenge and I have to say I had a ball putting together my treasury for this week.

The theme Fresh and Simple...
We have some awesome talent in our Team... the team is all made up of Artists who are yet to be discovered... hard to believe that most have under 20 sales... the talent just oozes

Not all in the Treasury are from the same team ..I try to include others from other teams I'm in... but at lest six shops are from the Undiscovered team...

I also played around with the flowers I brought this weekend.... Told the hubby they where from him... well they where it was his money .... Happy Valentines Day baby ...

Flowers make me feel the warmth of spring so today was a good day to take photos ...as the sun was streaming through my windows....

I cant wait for Spring to really get here.....

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2011-02-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

My Secret Face

Are you still feeling the romance of yesterday?

Well if not maybe my pounce will put you back in the mood...

Think Gone with the Winds, think Wuthering Heights, think the Brontë' sisters and all that rolled up into one shop gives you

My Secret Face

My pounce this week was hard.. I gave myself far to many to chose from but I settled with My Secret Face because of all romance it stirred up in me

Product designer Inbal said this in the profile....

Each piece tells a story of a hidden character waiting for the moment of discovery...

I have to say each piece blows me away .... its all so delicate and romantic.

I can see Scarlet O'Hara .... I can hear Heathcliff and Catherine... I can feel the Yorkshire Moors and its turbulent winds .....

I know what I'm doing this afternoon... going to go watch a Jane Eyre.

Go Pay My Secret Face a visit ..there is so many wonderful items in the shop... you may just find yourself there for a while

Remember anyone can join in...just link up below... and The pounce button can be found on the Buy page at Etsy

♥ Rachel

The ABC : D is for Dice

2011-02-14T09:04:00.000-05:00

Dictionaries are a very useful tool to have laying around, so I have come to find out

I used one yesterday ... well The Hubby did he read out all the words from the D is for page.

He read most of the silly D's if I'm honest but he did read one that he didn't think I would use ... and when I kept saying Dice to him .. he would say "how can Dice inspire you?"

Dice did inspire me ... it made me think of something manly ... and there is something really romantic about the word manly ... I'm not sure what it is but its there on the tip of my tongue.

Or could it just be the romance of the day.... Maybe?

So here is D is for Dice

Thanks to Paint The Moon... the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon

And as always if you would like to link up there are no real rules ... all you need do is either show a craft,print or even a color that follows along with the letter we are on... and then leave a comment with the link to your ABC for us to come view.

I'm really looking forward to see what you guys came up with this week

Well I wish you all a Happy Valentines Day....

Much ♥ Rachel

Sunday Stroll : Including a little touch of Love

2011-02-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

I'm strolling and strolling..but not feeling like I'm walking anywhere... its been a funny old week... a pretty successful one... maybe I should be running ... that way I would get further and get there faster?

Do you have weeks like that?

You make plans and yeah that's just what they are plans... they never turn into anything other than plans .....

That's my week in a nut shell

I did get kids Valentines day school stuff done ... all bagged up and ready to go... even made them little cards to give out ...

This one is Kayla's totally a seven year old card...

I have to say ... I should be so productive by next years it will be a runaway .... I will have learn so much ... on what not to do and what is better to do...

I'm guessing there is a trial period in every thing you do... getting it right and knocking out the big time don't do that again wrongs where every business is concerned ....

Brick and mortar business is sooooo different to online... I have so much to learn ...

♥ Rachel

Inspired by Coloring Pages

2011-02-12T08:50:00.001-05:00

I love to color, as crazy as it is I find it really relaxing and it is something I do with both my very artistic children, it also is very relaxing and keeps my itchy fingers moving when I know I need to slow down.

There is one artist who produces the most wonderful coloring pages ever.... both for children and adults alike
Her name is Valentina Ramos.

I don't remember where I first stumbled across Valentina, I think maybe I found her blog, but like I said I don't really remember.

Valentina, produces the most wonderful prints, she does animals and flowers and now is doing personalized prints with that special someones name add to her work.... but what inspires me about Valentina is her generous giving spirit.....and her coloring pages.... which are always free.

So if you are a big kid like me .... and love to color, Valentina is the lady to check out .....

Or just check her out anyway cause she just produced two free Valentines Day coloring cards.... which let me tell you went down a huge hit in this house.

1: Little Tractor

2: Flowers

3: Valentines Day Cards

Fancy checking out Valentina's shop .. I would if I was you

The above pages can all be found on Valentina's Face Book Page

♥ Rachel

This week Im Grateful for : You the Reader

2011-02-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Click here to download this print

(Its a Freebie)

Its funny how people become part of your everyday life and you don't even know them.... never seen them face to face never heard there voice, but yet they are part of your everyday life.

So this week I am grateful for.

You the reader:

Yes that's you .. reading right now, I'm grateful to you because rambling on to yourself is just no fun. I'm grateful that you interact with me on a daily basics.

And if your over here for the first time wondering who is this person you just may know me from Select All + Delete, if you followed me over there I am grateful to you for that, If you added me to your blog roll I am very grateful for that.

I don't have the time at present to keep updating Select all + Delete, it has had to take a back seat for now which in someways is a bit sad.

There just comes a time in life where a girl has to establish what is important and TatterBeans is very important to me right now...and I'm really enjoying building something which has meaning to me personally ....

Not that SA+D didn't... but really and honestly, there is only so much I can write about my kids and RAD... which was the whole point to SA+D. I think I'm just warn out with the RAD issues and need to escape it.

If you where a follower over there... I warmly invite you to follow me here, I'm still the same goof I was over there, I'm still the same Rachel, just with a little bit more Artistic Flare thrown in to warm things up a bit.

You could say this is more me...

Its funny Maxabella as usual gave me the kick up the butt I needed to stop procrastinating and make this announcement.

Thanks Maxabella I am Grateful that.

Its been hard to let things go .... but its time for now... SA+D will come back, just not today or tomorrow.

The good news is I am still here.
Enjoying life to the full, and for that Im truly grateful.

This is a Grateful Post linked up to Maxabella Loves

♥ Rachel

Love Bling

2011-02-10T11:08:00.002-05:00

I am Blinging on Love today and linking up with a very good friend Maxabella.... The idea is to link up before valentines day ... with a picture of your Bling... Now this Bling can be anything your Man has brought you over the years... Wedding Ring, Engagement Ring or just some Bling he gave you cause he Luvvvs you.

My Bling .... well a there is in fact a story behind this bling... this is my wedding ring and engagement ring ... which was not picked in person together but over the Internet while we sat miles apart ...... scrolling through thousands of sites.....

I am totally fussy when it comes to jewelry mainly cause I don't wear it ... so if Its something I have got to wear everyday its gonna have to be over the top perfect for me....

Don't get me wrong I have tons of jewelry ..I just don't wear it .....

It was hard work finding this .....

It is black titanium band with a black diamond... and very beat up ... we have a life time re-coating but we have never sent them in to be re-coated... we should I know..

So that's my BLING ....
Now its your turn ... show us your bling

♥ Rachel

Just a Little Shout Out

2011-02-09T19:14:00.000-05:00

Image Credit

Its really means something to me when I decide to do something throw it out there to my bloggy friends and they jump on board....
There are three blogs following along on The ABC project....

They are not big blogs but they are sure cute blogs and I thought you might enjoy them to..

Sahara's Memories
hrushton art
Whims and Fancies

I love these guys for following along... it really does make it fun when people join in ... and there creations have been awesome to.... go pay them a visit ...give them some love ...
I promise you wont regret it

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce : Elepahants Dance

2011-02-08T07:07:00.000-05:00

Elephant Dancing

Pounce Day ... and I'm just going to get right to it..... I pounced I founds.... I feel in love.... with

Elephant Dancing ..... A shop just full of curiosity... and Elephants ....

Elephants Dance also has drawings of Children, Rabbits, Dogs and Hearts....
What I like about this shop is that every print is a limited edition ... 100 of each
There are plenty to chose from and all are delightful ....

Elephant Dancing

Here is a bit about the owner

I am an illustrator and designer. I work with both traditional and digital mediums and I love to use inks, markers and pastels as well as various graphic and illustration software.

My work was featured in:USA,Canada,
England, Russia, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Bulgaria

I would like to rejoice with them more children and adults aim World!
Let childhood never leaves us!

I love the last bit... Let childhood never leave us ... I say Amen to that ....

Pay Elephants Dance a visit

Remember anyone can join in...just link up below... and The pounce button can be found on the Buy page at Etsy

♥ Rachel

The ABC :C is for Coffee

2011-02-07T09:42:00.001-05:00

The ABC .....
Its like the ABC for Adults ... and honestly I am having so much fun doing this...

At some point I will produce cards out of the ABC photos.... just have to find the right paper ... paper is an issuse with me... Im not sure why ... I think it may be my anal ways ... yes I am totaly anal over some stuff and other stuff I dont give a dammm about... I guess its a good thing cause to be total anal over everything would make life unbearable for the Hubby and the kids....

But paper yes big hang ups over...

So C is for Coffee .......

This would have been so easy if I hadn't had so many ideas given to me last night when I sat down to do this.

I put it out there to the household... C is for?

Cookie.... Cake..... Cupid.... Crayons..... Cars...... Cats......Candles......Canary Yellow...(what) ..... Castles.....Clowns......Cups.....Clock........Catapult....(no way).....Crown......(you would say that).....Cow......(I am not going out to the fields at this time of night to take photography's of cows)..... OK well then we are out of ideas..... until the hubby said do you fancy a coffee Hun ......

Ye he clinched it....

C is for Coffee

Each week I forget to give credit to Paint The Moon... thanks to Paint The Moon the template that I use to show the ABC's is a download from Paint The Moon ... Totally helpful web site with some really cool stuff in it... worth a visit? .....Absolutely

Did you do an ABC this week.... If so link up in comments... Ill be over shortly to check them out....

♥ Rachel

Sunday Stroll : Including Snow, Snow and More Snow

2011-02-06T14:35:00.001-05:00

Oh for the love of snow... that's all my week seems to have consisted of ..... and with the snow come the melting and the pipes defrosting oh and lets not forget the Ice storm and the loss of power... oh for the love of snow...

Oh a positive note its pretty where the camera is concerned ......

The bottom print was taken around late afternoon after the first Ice storm a few weeks ago ... then I played with it just a little bit.

So what else has been going on this week ...well Ive made a fair few banners for people ..... some of them you can see on my new banner page ....this has kept me busy and out of a fair amount of trouble...

I was featured on To Sew With Love and Maria Palito's blog .... both these sites are worth a visit ... cause you know I would never send you anywhere that wasn't worth your while...

I have been busy turning my prints into cards... and Ive also been working on wooden blocks...
more of that to come at a later date I'm sure.

I said sometime ago that if I reached 100 Likes on my Face Book page I would do a giveaway ... well as we stand we are at 85...And Looky Looky here I have reached 49 on my followers... so that means sooner than later I could be doing a give away ..... so watch this space ...

So that's my week...how was yours.... ?

♥ Rachel

Inspired by Birds

2011-02-04T09:45:00.002-05:00

I have had a fair amount of fun this week making Treasuries.....
There are two that come to mind, where I have featured stuff that has greatly inspired me ....

Blue on Black and They Call it Mellow Yellow ....

Both of the above Treasuries are not only song titles they both have birds in them....

1: Yellow Birds of a Feather by bomobob

2: Black and White Chicken - Limited Edition Print by unitedthread

3: In The Reeds by AmeliaKayPhotography

Have I ever mentioned two of my biggest loves in life are Birds and Trees...after the husband and the kids obviously..... Lets just say the Birds I featured this week inspired me so much that I finally finished a drawing I had been doing for sometime .....

I am by no stretch of the imagination a good artist in the sense of how I draw..but it is something that I do with my children... and it relaxes me when Im uptight and bugging out ...

So you can see what has inspired me this week... but what I would like to know is "whats inspiring you this week"

Have a wonderful weekend folks ...

♥ Rachel

A Little Something For You

2011-02-03T21:10:00.002-05:00

Click Here

Friends .....

Do you send them a card on Valentines day just to remind them what they mean to you?

Well if you don't or haven't before you can now...

I spent a few minutes designing something for you to print up and use to send to a friend this Valentines Day if you so wish ....

All you need to do is click the Link (above) and if I have done this correctly it will take you to a page to down load it to print .... fingers crossed... tell you what Ill try it first and let you know its works....
(update it works)

I placed a faint border round it to make cutting it out a bit easier...

And if you do it on photography paper you could even frame it ...it would make a lovely inexpensive gift .... or card

You never know you could make someones day this valentines... or any day come to think of it ...

Here is mine in a card.. excuse the photography it isn't one of my best ....

Note to self...work harder at your product photos

Enjoy

and please feel free to share this is for anyone who wants to make a friend smile

♥ Rachel

Crazy Day: Including All Things British

2011-02-02T20:25:00.000-05:00

It sure has been a crazy day ..... we had another snow storm .... that lasted all day and I mean all day its still going now...
Its funny because snow makes me miss home...

Home being England.. mainly cause we dont get as much snow there as we do here...and I hate snow...

I much prefer rain ... but then I would really I grew up with it ....

In honor of missing home ... I made a crazy Treasury ...

Also yesterday and today I began making some head way on a little project ... there is always one in the pipeline ...

I made a bloggy friend a new banner for her blog ...

I also offered two other people help with a banner for their Etsy shops...

I am trying to build a portfolio up of my graphic work... so if you know anyone out there that could do with some help..then please send them my way ...

I love to help others...and its a great way to get something for free.. for them and for me... here is the one I made yesterday

Sahara just gave me the colors and her two favorite things Birds and flowers....

I did in fact make her six banners... but she liked the very first one I made... its my favorite to....

I then made her a button to go along with it

I am now working on two Etsy Banners... and really enjoying it ....

To finish this crazy day of my number two man (nine yr old son) left me a little surprise on the floor...

Sounds terrible when I put it like that ...but it wasn't ...it was this

He is a total Lego King...

I think he did it so when I walked in his room I didnt flip out at the mess he had left in there.... such a clever boy ..

Enjoy the rest of your evening people... I will see you all tomorrow...

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2011-02-01T10:35:00.001-05:00

JulietsQuill.

So here it is Tuesday's Pounce .... I did in fact find my pounce via a treasury I was featured in...... The Treasury is called His Kisses are as soft... and it was curated by JulietsQuill.

I went to check this shop out and WOW I'm so glad I did .... I love soft whimsical finds and that's what I found at Juliet's Quill is all about ... Here is a bit about Juliet's Quill which will help explain this wonderful shop

As a former English teacher and published poet and journalist, as well as a guest speaker reading my own works at many special events such as weddings, funerals and conferences, I am happy to devise for you anything that you desire!

I have won several awards, both in Canada and the U.S.A., incl. the Silver Poet Award by Nat. Library, (Vincent Price awarded this) and Top Author (judged and awarded by Screenwriter Kay Linaker, author of The Blob and many others, as well as actress in 1940's Hollywood). I have also been featured in several newspapers, incl. front page of the Ottawa Citizen, Canada's National newspaper, along with AlanisMorisette and her song-writing team.

JulietsQuill.

I am like catching flies here people this woman is awesome and so talented ... Can you imagine having a poem wrote just for you on your special day or you have one wrote just because your worth it ...and it is all wrote in calligraphy.

Or you can write one and Juliet will write it out for you in her writing .... calligraphy.... it makes me think of William Shakespeare .... and makes me feel all romantic

I totally find it so wonderful the things you can find on Etsy .... Today I found a poet .....

Go check Juliet out you wont regret it I promise you

Remember anyone can join in...just link up below... and The pounce button can be found on the Buy page at Etsy

♥ Rachel

The ABC :B is for Button

2011-01-31T11:20:00.001-05:00

The ABC ...

Like I mentioned last week for the next few Mondays I am going to complete the ABC in print....

I have to say I am really enjoying this... it is making the creative juices flow

This week is the letter B ... I had a few ideas for this.... Bike ... Bushes... but in the end I went with Buttons....

Buttons make me think of crafts and my daughter..... she loves buttons and sticking them on to paper to form pictures.... and I think she will love this print ......

Like I said last week ... if anyone would like to join in with me then please feel free just leave me a comment with the link to your ABC Monday.... it can be anything you have created.. as long as its beginning with the letter for the week.. it can even be the color of something like B is for blue ....

♥ Rachel

Sunday Stroll : Including my First Sponsorship

2011-01-30T18:13:00.001-05:00

Its been a funny old week.
Lots of comings and goings, we had an encounter with another car, a bust water pipe, a treasury that reached number one on the listing page and my first sponsorship.

Yes that's right I am now an official sponsor of a lovely blog called The Elephants Trunk.... ever since I found Lauren and her blog I have been contemplating becoming a sponsor...

Today I took the Elephant by the trunk and just did it.

I really recommend Lauren's blog it is full of lots of stuff to do ... she has some wonderful guest posts and I just know you guys would really enjoy it... she is also an Etsy shop owner

Also this week I have finished another collection ..... No really name for this collection It was more a theme that I had in mind.... a theme of sepia ..... as sepia is something I relate to as old...and we all know I love anything older than me .....

So here we have my latest collection... and if any of you can think of a name for it ...I would love to hear from you ...

Well that's my week in a nutshell.... how was your week...? anything interesting happen?

I'm wondering what the week to come will bring .... thinking good vibes !!

♥ Rachel

Inspired by Love

2011-01-28T21:05:00.000-05:00

Image Credit

I know Im late making a post, but when I say its been a crazy sort of week, I know you will understand.
"Its been a crazy week"there I said it ... but despite the craziness of this week I have stilled found time for one of the most important things of all time..... Love....

So this week I am Inspired by Love...

Not only does it make the world go round, its one thing we all have in common as human begins...it's as simple as loving someone.

As a child my mom said I would doodle hearts on paper and leave them around the house....

I remember doing this as a young adult and if Im totally honest I still do it now.... funny this is ...my nine year old son does it to... always hearts doodled on paper...

This makes me smile...

I love finding hearts on paper, which he has just left around...

Secret ...I save them in a box ....

From Left to Right

1: Born to live together Cushion Valentine Day by thegretest

2: Love postcard - Greeting card by PaperFairytale

3: floral "12 things i love" mini-books by CoriKindred

What is inspiring you right now ? ...I would love to know.

♥ Rachel

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : Around Town

2011-01-26T20:51:00.000-05:00

This weeks Photo Prompt over at A Life Through The lens is to take a photography of the city or town in which you live....

And in true TatterBean style I couldn't just give you one ....

It was two hard...

Also this is a mixture of the town in which I live and the neighboring town ...

Mainly cause I love both...

Being a city girl and being from across the pond, where I live now is so different... so I'm often just blown away by it all....

So here it is

And you really should pop over to see Kristi and Mellisa's work ... stunning ..and not to be missed

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2011-01-25T11:49:00.000-05:00

Plum and Bear

Tuesdays have turned into a totally crazy day for me.... I was invited to join a Treasury Team at the weekend.... and their blitz day is Tuesday ...and as you all know I love to Pounce is on a Tuesday .... so I guess I need to get a bit more organized from now on....

So without further a do...here is my Pounce for the week.... if your here and wondering what I love to Pounce is here are the rules

Plum and Bear .... so totally adorable...

I feel in love .... with bear ... well have you seen him ..how can you not fall in love with him...

But what really truly won my heart about this shop is... One the owner is British ... ye I know bias ..but also when I read her profile...what she wrote was what I want to read from an artist

Welcome and thank you for stopping by my shop. I am a mixed media artist from the UK. I am inspired in my art and designs by the imagination of my two wonderful children and also by my own childhood. You could call me a bit of a dreamer. I like to get lost in the world of my characters.

Go so show some love to Plum and Bear... Im sure bear will be thrilled ....
So did you pounce today and if so what did you find.... we all would love to see...
leave us a link below... and we will be over to visit

So I am going to leave you now with my favorite drawing from Plum and Bear

Tea For One

Have a wonderful day ...

♥ Rachel

The ABC : A is for Apple

2011-01-24T12:36:00.002-05:00

I decided I need a change of direction ..... I have always wanted to produce the Alphabet in print, either by an object or by color...

So I from the new few weeks until the Alphabet is complete in print Monday will be my day for doing my ABC's ....

If any of you would like to join me, it doesn't have to be a print it can be whatever your craft is...you just need to follow in order of the Alphabet ...

Its just a simple way of getting those creative juices flowing

If you do follow along just leave me a link in comments so I and everyone else can come and look.

So today is A for ...... Apple

♥ Rachel

Inspired by the 1920's

2011-01-21T13:01:00.001-05:00

Image Credit

I am inspired by anything old... anything older than myself that is ..
Today's modern surroundings don't really float my boat, Id rather live in a old house that was maybe built 100"of years go then a newly built building.

I would rather wear something vintage then something I just purchased at Marcy's or any shop in the mall .. not that I have the honor of doing that, somethings something that's be wore by ten different people is so much more expensive than something you can buy at the mall

One of my biggest loves is the 1920's Frapper Girls... to say I'm fascinated by them is an understatement
I would truly loved to have lived in that era ..... the music the things they wore the way they danced...all of it ... I adore it all.

I was reading a post today over at Acute Designs, and saw she to had been inspired by something similar .... you can read the story yourselves over at her blog ... her inspiration is one of the reasons for this post along with a shop that was on the front page yesterday ... so let me share with you my 1920's inspired finds.

From Left to Right

1:The Lucille - Large White Beaded and Sequin Flower Stretch Headband by Acute Designs

2: Unlike Eloise, Ramona has mastered the hula hoop print by flapperdoodle

3: Vintage Inspired 1920's Era Flapper gray pearl and crystal glass pendant. by The Fascination Street

What is Inspiring you right now... I would love to know?

♥ Rachel

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : White

2011-01-19T19:56:00.001-05:00

Each week I join in with Kristi over at A Life Through The Lens and the photo prompt she does with another photographer called Mellisa.

This weeks prompt was the color white .....

Kristi added this to the prompt

White (adj)

A: Free from color

B: The color of snow or milk

C: Free from spot or blemish

I am in love with the images that Kristi and Melissa have taken and posted this week. You really should go over and have a look... both photos have a dreamy feel to them.

For me the color white screams snow... but as Im a little bit sick of snow right now the thought of posting a photo of it is unthinkable.

One of my big loves is Pearls and the other week when sorting out a craft box I found a string of them, why they where in a craft box I have no idea but never the less I found them.

You all know my other love is Teacups .. so the two together go very nice....

When I look at pearls I do think pure, white also says pure to me to ... so here is my photo prompt for this week

If you fancy join in with the photo prompt then make sure you follow Kristi on her blog and look out for the prompt each week...

♥ Rachel

Love is The New Black ... Treasury Challenge

2011-01-19T10:27:00.002-05:00

Wednesday is Treasury Challenge for The Undiscovered Arts of Etsy ... anyone can join in... all are welcome... just follow this link
The Theme this week is Anti Valentines ....

Go Visit my Treasury please and show it some love

Have a blessed day

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2011-01-18T07:43:00.000-05:00

The Paper Moon Studio

Pounce day.... Discover something new day ... whatever you call it .....

I love to pounce is all about finding new shops on Etsy via the Pounce button the Etsy use on their buy page.

So if your not looking for something specif then the pounce feature is the way to go.

Each week I link up with my team, The Undiscovered Artist of Etsy and I also add a link to my page for those of you who are not in the team but wish to join in. (both links are the same)

So today's pounce is The Paper Moon Studio

Found them in less than three pounces and it was an instance attraction.....

Paper it always gets me everytime... they have some wonderful prints in their shop all of which would look wonderful in any home...

The owner of Paper Moon is also a fine arts artist and does have another shop which still comes under the category

Go visit them they have some wonderful prints .... and you know this one here would be fitting in most of our homes
So who did you pounce today .... join up with me

♥ Rachel

Much ♥ Monday: Gift Tags

2011-01-17T08:52:00.000-05:00

Im a big love of paper, we have tons of it in the house .....
My new love for this week is gift tags... I adore anything that is small and made of paper...

Im loving this one cause its hand painted

by Oddball Arts

And this is to cute for words....
by happypapers

There was so many more I could of listed but it would take all day .....

So what are you loving this week?

Come sign up with Anna at Much Love

♥ Rachel

Pay It Forward... You know you want to

2011-01-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I have a personal blog ...Select All + Delete .....and I just have to say the people I have followed and join up with are some of the most wonderful people any girl could wish to meet.

I strolled on over to one of my favorites the other day and her post was about paying it forward...

One of my favorite topics ...

I have recently posted on my facebook personal page a pay it forward ...and I am swapping with a few of my English friends ...

I signed up to pay it foward with MultipleMum and Im in ... yes Im excited

So now its my turn .... And this much I will promise .. You will receive one of my prints with a little something to go with it

I promise something handmade to the FIRST 5 people who leave a comment here. However, to be eligible, you must re-post this message, offering something handmade to 5 other people. The rules are that it must be handmade by you, and it must be sent to your 5 giftees sometime in 2011.

Ready, set, GO!

I said GO .... Go sign up

♥ Rachel

P.S When you sign up you also need to email your address ... tatterbeans@gmail.com

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration : Texture

2011-01-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

Every Wednesday to of my favorite Photographers do a photography prompt .....

I recently joined back up with them to take part....

This week the prompt was Texture......

How excited have I been all week..textures are what I love about what I do ... I don't think I have anything in my shop that isn't textured in one way or another ...

I'm crazy for textures...and have recently started working on making and taking my own to use as over layers....... not has hard as you may think... anything can be used..its just what you do with it to make it work I guess...

So as we had a huge snow storm today this throw me slightly... I normal take the photo of what I want to enter the day I'm going to do the prompt... yes I am totally organized.

Well that didn't quiet happen today two children at home and between shoveling and everything else you do with two kids home..when your not use to having them home ..it well went a miss...

But not a complete wash out ... I have a file of photos that are all textured so I went and had a look .... and this has to be one of my favorite...

I took this sitting at my work desk at home... The thing I love about it is the tree ....... this is the view I have and its even better in summer... and that tree has been featured in so much of my blog posts its untrue....

I am a tree lover also

It is a texture I do plan on using at some point....

Now hop on over to Life Through The Lens and see what Kristi and Mellisa came up with

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2011-01-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

Tulle Pom Party Picks - Red

My faviorite day of the week is tueday ...

Mainly because I get to pounce...why do I like pounce so much

Well its a way finding new shops and discovering new things ...and boy do I have something diffrent for you today ...

When you go to a party and you look at cocktail sticks/party picks what do you think?

Well I think..hmmm they look pretty boring .. well not any more if you shop with

ShortCake

Pom Pom Party Picks - Red

They make boring party picks into eye catching candy that will make any party food look totally appealing ...
Its totally ingenious what they have done with Party Picks....

Newly opened this month and from Nashua New Hampshire... we are from the same neighborhoods by the way I must live about 10 miles away....

I love something that is so different its eye catching, but yet such a simple idea.

Go pay them a visit and discover some of their totally awesome party picks

So did you pounce today and if so who did you find....

You can link up here and show the world your pounce.....

I also link up with The Undiscovered Artist of Etsy and as a team we pounce you can visit there pounces here

♥ Rachel

Much ♥ Monday

2011-01-10T07:49:00.000-05:00

Im loving everything about valentines day right now....

Little secret it....

It is my favorite time of the year, my favorite holiday

So here are a few things that Im loving right now

Geek Love Card

XOXO Robbie Robot Mini Note Card Set of 4

Message in A Bottle Valentines Day Vase, reclaimed wood

I adore paper and wood .... for some unknown reason it truly excites me ... and I LOVE it ... and this is just a few selection of my love finds....

Believe me I could post so much more

So are you loving anything this Monday if so why not go link up with Anna and let us all know what your Much ♥ Monday is

♥ Rachel

Does it Run in the Family

2011-01-09T19:10:00.000-05:00

Still not feeling 100% but there is still so much work I want to get done ...

I worked on a print today...and while I worked my precious daughter worked along side me ...

I promised her that if she did her art work and put 100% into it I would show the world what an awesome artist she is ...

So now I must keep my promise....

A young TatterBean in the making

Piece to my Puzzle

My new print will be in the shop sometime tomorrow

Well here is to a amazing week ahead ..... The weekend goes by far to fast

♥ Rachel

Valentines Day

2011-01-07T07:28:00.000-05:00

Being a merchant means being on step ahead of yourself.....
planning in advance and being organized ... something which I use to be fairly good at ..but it would seem I have gotten out of the habit just a little.

So with a swift kick up the backside I have gotten my acted into gear.

I produced my valentines range and made them into mini prints.
Valentines day isn't just for lovers its for that person in your life that means a lot to you

Like your mother,father,sister,brother,daughter and son

The mini prints are ideal as they say I love you your special to me and then that person has a keepsake that they can fame... they come in a set ... and two of the sets are printed in textured METALLIC Linen Textured paper.

So not just one person can benefit a few special people in you life can.
Here is a little taste of what they look like ....

each set ranges from $12 to $15 .... and they are in my shop now

♥ Rachel

2 Photographers 1 Inspiration

2011-01-05T17:36:00.000-05:00

For along time now I have wanted to join in with Kristi and Melissa and their photo prompt ... I use to do to join this prompt sometime ago before I opened my own Etsy shop...

Kristi is one of the reasons I started my shop.. she has for sometime been a source of inspiration to me ... and a great encouragement.

Her work is featured in my daughters room, and that room was decorated around the prints I picked out from her shop .. Lifethroughthelens

So this weeks prompt was your favorite imagine from 2010

This was hard there was so many

In the end I went with a favorite of some of my team mates on Etsy and a favorite of mine... both involving water a favorite activity of both my children

Both my children are awesome models and will send hours letting me take their photos as long as its something they enjoy doing...

Do you have a faviorite Imagine of 2010

if so go join in with Kristi and Melissa

they would love to meet you

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2011-01-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

next2hector

Its Tuesday and its Pounce day .... now I have Pounced but I have to admit I didn't use the pounce button today.
I pounced someone I meet in our teams BnR's....
So Ladies and gentlemen let me Introduce to You

Next2Hector

I thought hector was a girl... don't as me why I just did but Hector informs me he is in fact all boy/man... and his real name is Christopher J Kulfan

He will always be hector to me... and his work will always inspire me ....

Oh and if you ever get the chance to meet hector...ask him how his name came about ... its an awesome story.

Go check hector out ...and I'm also hoping you will see more from me and hector in the near future... he is sort like my new camera buddy

♥ Rachel

Much ♥ Monday: The New year

2011-01-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

Image Credit

Can I just say I have never got this excited over a New Year ... day 3 and I woke up to another sale in my shop... Now that's worth getting up for ...
That makes my two sales this week and its only Monday .... Got to LOVE IT

My hope, dreams and aspirations are beginning to fall into place...

Last night I began working on a few new collections...

I love new collections I find really joy and peace when I come up with new ideas... and when I am in that place things move so quickly and I produce faster than if I'm in that stuck what am I doing place

Still stuck on the card idea, if I product a card is it Handmade... yes its my photo on the front but I didn't make the card... so this idea is a bit puzzling right now not sure what to think, but that's ok I'm sure at some point Ill find the answer that sits right with me.

So 2011 I am Loving you right now ....

♥ Rachel

New Year .... 2011

2011-01-01T18:40:00.000-05:00

Image Credit

How fast did you year go by?

Mine was pretty fast one minute I was working for someone else next I was working for myself... and there are time when it all just seems a little bit crazy...

I have set myself person and work goals... now sticking to them is going to be key I feel

My work goals are as such as..

I would really like to do an photography exhibition in the spring
I would really like to be selling at lest two prints a week
And take part in at lest 6 craft fairs a year
Plus do some charity/donation work.

Can I achieve all this maybe I know I am the key to all this no one is going to do it for me ....

So here is to a an awesome year of Gaining and Giving ....

Talking about giving I did a little giver away just after christmas and I have a winner ....

Charlot aka dreamaginarius

Charlot you need to email me ...with a way so I can stalk you .... :P and send you your winning print

I wish you all a Happy New Year with many Blessings

♥ Rachel

2010-12-30T17:06:00.000-05:00

I have been taking photos for ever and a day ..

So as you may imagine my laptop is just crammed full of photo.

Yesterday in between everything else I decided to go sort though them all... and out of that came the Country Kitchen Collection....

Now in my shop on sale ... little sneak peek here but you can see them in there fullness in my store

The Country Kitchen Collection

I would love to know what you all think to them.

Also don't forget my little giveaway all are welcome to join...

♥ Rachel

Wednesday Treasury Challenge

2010-12-29T11:51:00.000-05:00

All Undiscovered Artists of Etsy

Come join in the fun and create a Treasury for the Wenesday Treasury Challenge
rules can be found here at The Undiscovered Artists of Etsy

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce......

2010-12-28T11:19:00.001-05:00

Imperfectly,with Love.

Its Tuesday again...

Pounce day comes round so fast, and by Tuesday Ive discovered so many shops that its hard to choice one... belive me I have a list as long as my arm ...

Lists of undiscovered shops that I would love to feature, but its impossable to feature them all so as normal I picking one for this post and the Shop I have picked is ....

Imperfectly,with Love.

Such a wonderful little shop with the cuties Scrapbooks, Notebooks, Journals and Note cards, all created with love by the owner Darcee Nevin.
She has a love of paper and color, buttons, boxes and books. She loves string and words, sweet sentiments and filigree.

That love shows through in her work .....

I am in love with the coffee note card above... it is going on my wish list

So please go pay Darcee a visist at Imperfectly,with Love

Show her some pounce love and take a look around her gorgeous little shop.

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Lil Black Book

Imperfectly,with Love

So did you pounce today, If so why not link up below and share the pounce with us all.

Don't forget to visit other people who have pounced.....

While your here ... Don't forget my little give away

All are welcome to join in .....

♥ Rachel

I Have a Dream.......

2010-12-27T09:08:00.000-05:00

Tatter Beans latest Treasury .....

And don't forget Tatter Beans little give away ..... everyone is welcome to enter ......

♥ Rachel

A Little Giver Away for The New Year

2010-12-26T10:42:00.001-05:00

(image credit)

All done and dusted...it goes so fast, you spend weeks preparing and in one blink of the eye its over....

That's Christmas Day for you ......

I always feel a little deflated after Christmas day I think its the excitment of it all ... yes I still get excited, well I get excited cause the kids are so excited. I just cant help myself.

So because of my deflated feeling I decided to do a little give away

Follow me on Trumblr and get to chance to win any 5x7 of your choice .... how simple is that?
You have till New years Eve to click the link.
(Winner announced on 1/2/2011)

Just leave me a comment letting me know you followed and which print you would like with some sort of contact info (email would be good I promise I wont stalk you)

Also I have a sale going on in my shop being an English Girl Boxing Day is a big thing in England and even if I don't live there any more its still fun to think I can join in with this tradition from afar.....

So visit TatterBeans Photography today and snag yourself a bargain.

Have a wonderful day everyone and don't forget to leave a comment and let me know how your Christmas day was, I would love to hear from you.

♥ Rachel

Something New for the New year

2010-12-23T18:19:00.001-05:00

imagine credit

I'm really excited for the New Year.... I'm that excited I could just totally by pass Christmas and head straight into the New year only problem with that is I have two children who would be very upset with me if this happened.

And really I guess just cause I have all these business ideas pent up in my head its no reason for them to miss out.

I have come up with some new products, which I am going to start doing as soon as children go back to school, Myself and a fellow Etsy seller have been tossing back and forth over an idea which may just benefit some of you to... now that's exciting....
I get a lot of pleasure out of promoting and helping others ... so watch this space if your a new seller...

I also have plans to open another shop in the New year...again watch this space....
I bet you are all now wondering what I'm up to ... all will be revealed very soon...
But until then have a wonderful Holiday ...just don't eat to much

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2010-12-21T13:28:00.001-05:00

Digital Art Works

So being an English girl living in the USA...

I very often get homesick ... not terribly but it does happen ....

So when I went pouncing today I found a store that caught my eye big time and made me think of home and brough a huge smile to my face....

I love to look at fellow Digital Artists I find inspiration from them and admire them greatly, Digital Art Works has now joined my list of Artist I just love, not only is he a fellow Brit he is also very talented and produces the most amazing work....

And yes I pounced on him and his work......

Go check his work out .......

Then when you have done that why not go pounce and tell me what you find
(to find pounce on Etsy go to buy and scroll down and then click the pounce button)

♥ Rachel

Much ♥ Monday: Embroidery

2010-12-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

Embroidered by GraceMay

If there is one thing Ive always wanted to do its embroidery.... I have everything to be able to do it I just have never tried ... maybe this could be my New Year thing....

So this week I Much ♥ anybody who can embroider....

♥ Rachel

Happiness is !

2010-12-19T11:45:00.002-05:00

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend ....
It is really cold here but the sun is shinning, we were forecast snow but as yet its not arrived.

So this Sunday
Happiness is ......

Reading a good book in front of the wood stove ..... cozy

Typewriters and Art

Creating Snow Flakes ..... online and making them with the kids

And Finally Christmas Crackers ... where the bang is worth it.

♥ Rachel

New Prints

2010-12-17T17:46:00.000-05:00

I have been working on a Tea Cup collection..a few are in my Etsy Shop.... some more to come... I have a passion for Tea Cups... they remind me of my childhood...

My Irish Grandmother seemed to always drink Tea and it always seemed to be a nice cup...

Im not sure if it was ever china .. but I just remember nice cups....

Im a big Tea drinks... but mine if drank out of a mug...

The Tea Cups Collection ... has been a joy to work on... and Im sure there will be more to come ....

Here are a few of my favorites.

Three from The Tea Cup Collection

♥ Rachel

Getting Motivated.

2010-12-16T18:56:00.001-05:00

weheartit

As with all new ideas they take some setting up and you really need motivation to get you going....

I set Tatter Beans up about a month ago and Ive worked my little but of ever since and believe it or not its been fun.... but what really got me moving was signing up for a E-Course.

I can sometimes lack motivation not cause I'm lazy but because I find it hard to believe my ideas are good ones... I think we can all suffer with that syndrome some of the time.... but enough of my lack of self believe more about the E-Course....

Tara Gentile is editor of Scoutie Girl,a full-time blogger & big thinker. She is also fulling involved in the handcrafting world and considers that her home along with Scoutie Girl.

She offers a free e-course and it is truly butt kicking cause its all about thinking outside the box... and at the time I really needed that. Its worked and I'm still receiving emails daily from the course.
I highly recommend this course along with the site she runs ...loads of useful information, inspiring posts and her Ebook which I'm saving up to get.

This woman has kicked my butt and Ive never meet her and she did it for free.

Go sign up and get inspired.

♥ Rachel

Write me a love song

2010-12-15T18:13:00.000-05:00

Art work by TatterBeans

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2010-12-14T08:50:00.001-05:00

Pounce I do it most days.

I pounce on Etsy ...you should try it its fun and its away to discover new shops.

Today I found .....

Me and Monster ..... what a wonderful name and so fitting ... you will understand why when you see their work

You really should go pay them a visit .... Me and Monster.

So that's my Tuesday Pounce.

Did you Pounce today?

♥ Rachel

Much ♥ Monday : Homemade Jam.

2010-12-13T10:40:00.002-05:00

(Art Work by Tatterbeans)

My Husband came home the other day with some homemade jam which one of his customers had left at the store where he works.....

Totally thoughtful as homemade jam doesn't have any food dye additive's added to it.... food dyes have a negative impact on my two children especially red 40.

So this week my Much ♥ is Blackberry Homemade Jam

This is a Much ♥ Monday post
what are you loving this Monday.... come join us at Much ♥ and tell us all about it.

♥ Rachel

What Journey will you be taking

2010-12-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

With 2001 fast approaching us where will you journey take you.

♥ Rachel

Featured

2010-12-10T10:06:00.001-05:00

Today I recieved a suprise email from Etsy ...

one of my prints had been fetured on a Treasury ....

Its not front page but if we get as many clicks, views and comments as possible we have a chance of front page .... please go view you would make my day

There is Still Time...All Undiscovered in 10 Categories Whew!

♥ Rachel

The Story Behind The Picture.

2010-12-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share with you a story... So if you are sitting comfortable I shall begin.

Summer just gone we noticed a nest had been built in a tree at the side of our house, it was a brand new nest, we had not noticed it before.

A day went by and I remember looking up in the nest and seeing a bird just sitting in it.

She looked so peaceful and content as she just stared out to space unaware of the fact that she was in the centre of a photo shoot.

A few more days past by and I remember hearing a very faint chirping sound coming from the tree area as I walked to the car, I looked half expecting to see the super model bird again but there was nothing.

On arriving back from an errand I stepped out of the car and heard the same quiet chirping again...this time as I looked.... there was something peeking its head over the top of the nest. As I looked a bit closers I saw who was making this sound.

There was two tiny baby's just waiting for their mommy to come and feed them

( you can just make out the second birds beak to the left of the photo)

When I look back at these photos I do have to say I find them a little overwhelming,watching new life form and being able to document it, I feel is an honor and a privilege.

Has nature ever allowed you that privilege ?

♥ Rachel

I Love to Pounce.

2010-12-07T14:01:00.000-05:00

Pounce I do it most days.

I pounce on Etsy ...you should try it its fun and its away to discover new shops.

Today I found Curious 123 and when I read about her I just knew I had to come and write about her... so not only is her work awesome she is a fellow Brit ....

Pay her a visit at her Etsy shop Curious 123

and her lovely website which has this wonderful section in it titled sketchbook is so worth a look I promise you wont be disappoint Ruth Brickland

So thats my Tuesday Pounce.
Did you Pounce today?

♥ Rachel

Much ♥ Monday

2010-12-06T08:51:00.001-05:00

I love receiving mail, living away from home its like that connection with the motherland.

It brings a smile to my face and makes my day.

Today I received my first Christmas card ..... so I decided to put the envelope to good use, before I recycled it.
Call it a double recycle!

What are you loving this week.

Pop on over to Much Love and link up

♥ Rachel

Ps while your here why not take part in Tatter Beans first Giveaway.

Welcome To Tatter Beans

2010-12-04T15:18:00.002-05:00

Welcome.

This has been a long time coming and I'm happy I can now reveal to you all what it is I have been up to for the last few months.

It took a lot of persuading for me to step out and launch this little venture, and I want to thank all of you that encouraged and pushed me to get on with it instead of faffing about over it all....

Tatter Beans was born out of a love of taking photos and my new found love for Photoshop, and the ability to teach myself something new and exciting, and let me tell you I do get excited over such thing.

I have always loved textures and color, so this venture is right down my alley so to speak.
I hope as you look a round my store on Etsy you come back and tell me what you think.... honesty is always a good thing so this I do expect from you all.

The good the bad and the ugly is always welcome, your comments is what will help me grow and become better.

So to launch Tatter Beans Photography I decided to have a little giveaway.

The give away is a 8x10 print (you choice)

How is this going to work I hear you ask....

Here are the rules.....

Follow me on Tatter Bean Photography and that will get you entry.(just leave comment saying you did the follow)

Like my Facebook page and you get another entry (leave a comment telling me you clicked like)

To earn your self two extra entries you could if you are feeling the love either post about my work on your Facebook page or give me a link up on your Blog. (again just leave me two more comments letting me know what you did and where..if you have both you could get four entries)

( so just to make it a bit clearer leave separate comments for all that you do please)

When leaving me your first comment let me know which print and what size and how if you win you would like me to contact you... you can leave your email in a comment or email with your email address.
(tatterbeans@gmail.com)

If you win I will contact you and ask for your mailing address so I can ~~stalk you~~ send you your winning print.

But hold on it doesn't just stop there.... I'm not giving away just one print I'm giving away three....

First Prize is any print any size.

Second Prize is any print from my cupcake range (size you will receive is a 5x7 you can also tell me which cupcake print you would like if you win second place in comment)

Third Prize you will receive the butterfly print in a 5x7

(and please don't worry it doesn't matter where you are in the world the postman visits all countries)

This giver away will run for 10 days (ending on December 15th) and I will then use a random number generator to pick the winners...

So there it is... now you know and can get picking, commenting and liking.

Then to top it all of if you buy from Tatter Beans between now and the end of January 2011 you will receive 20% off you order (not including S&H) just enter this code when checking out.

Shop Checkout Code 51020

Any problems when checking out please email me.

Have fun and let the games begin

♥ Rachel