Made on Fifth Street

Back in the Groove

2011-10-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post... I am so thrilled that baby Delaney was born nearly a month ago. She is a sweet addition to our family. And now that I am no longer pregnant I have so much more energy to craft and create!

Here are some tutorials I am using to make Christmas presents this year:

Rustic Spoon Pendants

Nubbie Scrubbies (Dish Cloths)

Purl Frogs

What are you crafting for Christmas this year?

Meet Nicole of Nicole's Jewelry Creations

2011-07-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to to this interview with Nicole! Not only is she a very talented jewelry designer. she also has goats. A girl after my own heart. Without further ado meet Nicole.

Who are you anyway?
My name is Nicole Miller and I have been making handmade jewelry for over six
years! My most recent addition to my business is metalsmithed jewelry. My
favorite metal is copper. I am also a teacher on www.jewelrylessons.com. There
I post tutorials on how to make jewelry and on different jewelry making
techniques.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about many things--Christ, Making Jewelry, & Animals!
Jesus is my #1 in life and I strive to follow Him!
Six years ago, I discovered that I had a passion for making jewelry and I have
continued to perfect my skills!
My family owns goats, chickens, bunnies, a dog, hamster, and guinea pig--a
portion of my profits goes towards caring for all of them.

What is your greatest asset?
Many people have told me that my ability to mix colors, techniques, and materials
makes my jewelry unique--and I really enjoy doing just that! I also enjoy writing
and photography!What inspires you?
I am inspired by everything, I guess. There is so much inspiration to be found
when you’re looking for it! I consider my work undefined, because I have
changed my jewelry style over the years.

What makes you feel capable?
Well, this is a tough question!!! I feel courage and capability because Christ
loved me so much that He sacrificed His life for me! And if He loves me then why
should I worry about what others think of me - why should I let them discourage
me???

If you could share one message to the world, what would that be?
Don’t let people get in the way of what you love doing. If you love it, do it! If
nothing else, do it for the fun of it! And...JESUS LOVES YOU - don’t go anotherday without Him in YOUR life!

Nicole’s Jewelry Creations ONLINE!
Blog
Flickr
Jewelry Lessons
Artfire
Zibbet

Book Review- The Waiting Place By Eileen Button

2011-07-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

A collection of essays describing the beauty and humor that can be found in what often feels like a most useless state—The Waiting Place.

We all spend precious time just waiting. We wait in traffic, grocery store lines, and carpool circles. We wait to grow up, for true love, and for our children to be born. We even wait to die. But amazing things can happen if we open our eyes in The Waiting Place and peer into its dusty corners. Sometimes relationships are built, faith is discovered, dreams are (slowly) realized, and our hearts are expanded.

Perhaps I was so engrossed by The Waiting Place because I am busy waiting myself right now. During this season of life I am waiting for baby #3 to arrive, waiting for the rain to end, waiting for my house to be finished... and on and on.

Eileen Button's essays were comforting, interesting and real. This book was a meaningful read without being weighty. Button makes you feel like you could be friends with one another and left me feeling like one does not have to be in a box while living life. I hope to embrace and learn from my own waiting place.

Favorite Finds Friday- Happy Camper

2011-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you truly love the outdoors or you just want to pretend to, check out the fantastic camping finds from Zibbet.

This knitted s'more is simply adorable and such a fun pretend way to camp.

If you are venturing out into the woods for real be sure to stock up on natural insect repellent.

Make cooking over the fire easy and fun with this Ultimate Campfire Roasting Fork! I mean seriously how cool is this. Get a perfectly roasted wiener or marshmallow just by twirling your thumb:)

Interview with The Littlest Bookshop.

2011-07-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

What a delight it was to interview Erin from The Littlest Bookshop. I am excited to see that Erin lives in Canada like me. She creates upcycled book jewelry that is charming and unique. You can see more of Erin on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog.

Who are you anyway?
My Name is Erin McKenzie, but I am better known as the owner of the online store The Littlest Bookshop. I'm also a dancer, a reader, a student, and have been known to have a sparkly purple thumb for event planning.

What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about working with children and adults to reach past their limitations and discover their potential. This passion is chanelled through my involvement at my church, my schooling in child and youth care, and my own self discovery while making my books. I create my books to challenge the image of the limited useability of floppy disks as well as the stereotype of books as overly tedious and academic.

What is your greatest asset?
I think my greatest asset is my creativity and interest in learning about others.

What inspires you?
I'm inspired by books I've read, places I've been, and the energy different seasons bring.

What makes you feel capable?
I feel capable when I have the supplies I need to create and am supported by others in my business's potential.

If you could share one message to the world, what would that be?
Everything and everyone has multiple layers of complexity: look closely and you'll be surprised what you find!

Thanks so much for this opportunity, very interesting questions!

$5 and Under- Hot Fun in the Summer Time!

2011-07-05T03:06:00.000-07:00

Yay! Cute summer items for $5 or less! It's like a dream come true!

Flip Flop Earrings from Aimee Mix

Popsicle Invitations from Smiley Cards and Crafts

Ice Cream Hair Bow from Lori's Styling Hair Stuff

Favorite Finds Friday- O' Canada

2011-07-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

Since today is Canada Day I thought I would highlight some of my favorite finds from Canadian Zibbet Shops.

First up Snack Buddies. I totally want to order a set of these reusable snack bags for each of my kiddos!

Excuse me... could you pass me a napkin... I seem to be drooling a little over the amazing stained glass work of moxnme.

This little button ring from Sandi's Jewelry is so adorable! I just love the bright sunny yellow.

Click about and support your fellow Canadians!

Christmas in July Sale!

2011-06-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

Get a head start on buying your Christmas decor and presents this year... handmade at a discount... who doesn't love that?
Starting in July Made on Fifth Street will be participating in the Zibbet Christmas in July sale. Save up to 20% on my Christmas items! Happy shopping!

I Want Your Rhubarb Recipes!

2011-06-27T02:50:00.000-07:00

I love having home harvested ingredients on hand. Two large freezer bags of chopped rhubarb. Now I need some really great recipes! So leave me a comment with your favorite rhubarb recipe.

Favorite Finds Friday- Down On the Farm

2011-06-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

Ok so some of you might be aware of the fact that I am crazy about goats...which is why I am totally drooling over this goat mailbox topper!

Can you picture this pig chalkboard in your kitchen? What a cool place to menu plan!

What could you create with this Timeless Treasure Cooking Chickin fabric? An apron or a cushion for a cozy window seat perhaps?

Yeehaw! Get shopping little doggies!

Sometimes I Just Love To...

2011-06-23T02:46:00.000-07:00

Watch chickens. Never ever in my city life did I think that observing poultry would be a relaxing past time. Peck at something here... scratch at the ground over there...stretch and flap your wings. Delightful creatures.

Appliquéd Tea Towels

2011-06-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't these make great hostess gifts? I just love these applique tea towels to give with a jar of home canning or a block of gourmet cheese.

Supplies:

tea towel (washed, dried and pressed)
scraps of fabric
thread
sewing machine
iron and ironing board
washable fabric marker

Step 1: Find the center of your tea towel

Step 2: Fold the long sides of the towel into the center and press creases.

Step 3: Unfold one side of your tea towel and draw a line down the crease with washable marker. (I used a dark color so it would show up for the camera. You will probably want to use a lighter color if you have a white towel).

Step 4: Using one of the fancy stitches on your sewing machine sew a line about 1/2 and inch inside your marker line.

Step 5: Choose the shape you want to applique. (I chose a pear and leaves from Sewing Bits & Pieces by Sandi Henderson) Trace it with the washable marker on to your scrap fabric.

Step 6: Decide where you want to place your applique on your tea towel.

Step 7: Using the applique stitch (or the zig zag stitch if you don't have an applique stitch) on your sewing machine sew on your applique.

Step 7: Think of someone wonderful to give this too. :)

$5 and Under- A little Bling

2011-06-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

This week let's take a look at some affordable summer jewelry.

These glass drop earrings would be the perfect accessory for a white t-shirt and some denim capris.

When I see this dragonfly anklet I thing sand and ocean. What a great piece of bling to wear with a bathing suit.

Summer weddings on your calendar? Dress up a light scarf or lapel with this Botswana agate stick pin.

Beautiful bling bargains if I do say so myself.

Favorite Finds Friday- Summer Quilts

2011-06-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

Couldn't you see yourself having a good ole picnic lunch at the park with this brilliant and bright Batik Quilt?

Patchwork Flamingo

This is the perfect quilt for curling up on a porch swing on a summer evening to devour a fantastic novel and sip lemonade.

Strandz

If rustic cabin decor is what you have in mind then this nature scene quilt is right up your alley...err I mean river.

Charming Prints

What NOT to do With Your Sewing Scissors...

2011-06-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

See this bird? He's a young turkey who come October will make a fine (Canadian) Thanksgiving feast.

If you look raster closely though you will see that his wing feathers are quite short.... In fact they may have been clipped.
Using my sewing scissors. Now if you don't know turkey feathers are very thick and difficult to cut through... alas the end result was a very broken pair of scissors.
I will spare you a glimpse at the gruesome tragedy of the mangled torn apart cutters and allow you to gaze upon my new scissors which I promptly headed to Michael's to purchase.

Aren't they lovely?
Now remember sewing scissors are for fabric... NOT turkey feathers.

Oh Scrappy Day!

2011-06-15T07:23:00.000-07:00

I love fabric scraps... especially from other people's stashes. I was recently blessed with oodles of scraps from my friend Sarah.

So I decided to make a rag picnic blanket with them. (And I still have TONS left over).

Let me tell you how I did it...

Materials:

100 5x5 squares from your scraps
100 5x5 squares of backing fabric (I used a painter's drop cloth that I got on sale at the paint store but you could use denim or another heavy fabric).
Thread
Sewing Machine
Sharp tip scissors

Step 1- Lay out your scrap squares just the way you want them. I did mine fairly random and just made sure squares cut from the same fabric weren't too close to each other. 10 squares in each row.

Step 2- pick an end row and make your first quilt sandwich.
How do you make a quilt sandwich? Take a scrap square and place it right side down on a surface.

Next place a backing square and place it right side up on top of the scrap square. Place a second backing square right side down on top of the original backing square.

Now finish off your sandwich by placing a scrap square right side up on top of the second backing square.

Step 3- Using a 1/2 inch seam sew along one side of your sandwich making sure the seam is visible on the outside of your project.

Step 4- repeat step 2 and 3 until you have sewn together all of the squares in the row. Press your seems.

Step 5- Pin 2 rows together with right sides (that is your scrap squares) facing out. match the seams and pin them flat.

Step 6- Sew the rows together. Repeat step 5 and 6 until all of the rows are sewn together.

Step 7- Sew a 1/2 inch border around the whole blanket.

Step 8- Using the sharp tip scissors clip all of your seams (be careful not not snip the thread) including around the boarder edge.

Step9- Wash and dry your quilt.

Step 10- Enjoy the beautiful frayed blanket you have created.

$5 and Under -Father's Day

2011-06-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

I put out the call for some great Father's day gift ideas for less than $5 from Zibbet and I got some amazing replies.

First the card...what dad wouldn't love a hand painted card?

For the athlete... when those temperatures are soaring how about a neck cooler... he probably already has enough ties anyway :)

If your dad is a fisherman like mine they you might want to check some of Pop's Buzz Bait.

Let your dad know you love him :)

Why I do what I do.

2011-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Recently Heather from So Much Yarn So Little Time posted about why she creates her adorable hand knit meerkats.

This got me thinking... What a great way to reopen the Made on Fifth Street blog... with a post about why I do what I do.

Why do I make dolls?

1. It is my belief that children need a special toy to love and interact with. My dolls are easy to hold, soft, crinkly, they jingle and have a ribbon tag to play with. So many ways to interact for a small child.

2. Fabric. Oh the oodles of wonderful fabric combos that a plush doll can be made out of. I love fabric.

3. Personal satisfaction. It's an amazing boost to have someone purchase one of my creations, or genuinely compliment my craftmanship.

4. I just love handmade. Handmade= extra special. You can not go to Walmart and by something that is lovingly put together by working hands in someones home or studio.

There you have it... the reasons I do what I do... this isn't an exhaustive list by any means but it give you an idea where my heart is:)

I'm Back!

2011-06-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

After some deep thought I have decided to reopen the Made on Fifth Street blog.
I hope you will stop by often for:

on Tuesdays and

On Friday.

As well as some other interesting articles and possibly some guest posters and giveaways!

The official relaunch is on Monday. See you then!

I Will be posting...

2010-05-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

On my main blog from now on. More followers, bigger audience and I can write about more topics.
So come follow me on The Fifth Street Palace where you will find:

Motivate me Monday on Monday

$5 and Under on Tuesday

Favorite Finds Friday on Friday

As well as various tips, stories, recipes and fun.

For those of you whom I have offered free advertising to I will be moving your buttons over to The Fifth Street Palace.

Favorite Finds Friday

2010-04-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Favorite Finds Friday, the blog series where I showcase my favorite Zibbet finds of the week!

I really hope to get this first item as a Mother's Day present. (hint hint to my husband). This necklace is just gorgeous!

Victoria Camp Designs

Bird Nest Necklace - Silver and Blue Pearls

I actually got this camera strap cover for my mom for Mother's Day. She is becoming quite the hobby photographer and really needs this cute accessory.

Aidan's Attic

dSLR camera strap slipcover

I am on the look out for unique and pretty home decor items since I just purchased my dream house. This pillow cover would be so fun in the children's play room.

Crazy Husky Crafts

Wallflower - 16 inch Pillow Cover

$5 and Under

2010-04-28T20:01:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday again and time for me to showcase a variety of items for $5 and under from Zibbet.

Altered By Jenn

4 rounded trees die cuts

What Knot Shop

sunshine yellow BASIC turks head knot bracelet

Mimi and Colette

Swiffer Cover - Key Lime Pie

Glamasaurus

Homeless Gnome Miniature Polymer Clay Sculpture

Mod Diaper Cakes

Washcloth Lollipop

Find more on Zibbet.

I Made It...

2010-04-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

into Creations with Heart's Top Handmade Creations of the Week!

My matryoshka doll Abigail was featured.

Jumping up and down excited!

The Zibbet Way

2010-04-23T16:19:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show off the great Zibbet executives and their refreshing business values!

Hi guys,

I just wanted to quickly jump in here to add my two cents worth to what has been a pretty hectic week here at Zibbet, and apparently an 'interesting' one at Etsy.
I just wanted you guys to be able to get a bit of a philosophical feel for how Jonathan and I and our team like to run our organisation.
I figure if people are going to have the opportunity to trust us, then it will require communication and getting to know one another a bit more.
So in that vein I'd like to list a few of our beliefs and values concerning how we would like to see Zibbet move forward as it grows bigger.

1. I want to say very emphatically that here at Z we are not in the business of bagging other venues. Whether they are better or worse than Z, we are not here to cast a shadow on what they do. Especially in light of events this week, let me say we are not interested in tearing down Etsy. We have a lot of respect for Etsy and what they have achieved and there is lots that we can learn from them.

2. Our leadership of Zibbet will not always be perfect, because as humans, we are imperfect. However, we will always endeavour to give our very best effort for the marketplace we have created and those who choose to belong to it. We will make mistakes, but we will never stop trying not to.

3. We will always seek to maintain the highest level of communication with our members as possible. This is motivated by the genuine desire to make Zibbet the best selling venue it possibly can be for your sake. We will always try to be available to our sellers by answering questions, listening to concerns or ideas and generally just being available to personally contribute to peoples' needs. Even as we grow very big, Jonathan and I plan to stay heavily involved in communicating directly with as many sellers as we possibly can. We know this will stretch us, but we are committed to it.

4. Common courtesy is a passion of ours so this will continue to dictate our behaviors and the way in which we interact with you. We believe if someone asks a question they deserve an answer. If we make a mistake, we will own it and apologise. We aim to treat every person with respect. We know we will probably not be able to please everyone, but we will not engage in the practice of 'simply writing people off' because they are upset about something.

All of this may sound lofty or overly romantic and nostalgic, but it is the truthful reality of our desire going forward.

Please feel free to quote or copy and paste these comments in any of your communications with others.

If we work together, we can build one of the greatest online selling venues of all time.

A few thoughts from me, for what it's worth.

Andrew

Favorite Finds Friday!

2010-04-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the premier edition of Favorite Finds Friday! This is a series where I highlight my 3 favorite Zibbet finds of the week.

Can you believe this necklace and earrings is made out of recycled gift cards? Gorgeous isn't it?

Jupita Upcycled

Upcycled Cherry Blossoms

These brooches are adorable. They are such fun colors and have the prettiest embellishments. And right now they are only $10!

Art and accessories by Yali Paz-Gilboa

Sophie Brooch

This necklace whispers beautiful to me. It makes me think of warm weather and gardens. It is quite delicate as it is made out of paper.

BNdesign

Watercolor

I hope you will stop in and visit each of these shops. Have a great weekend!

Really Cool Blog Series

2010-04-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

I found a really great blog series by Additions Style. Here's how it works. You stop by and leave a comment with 3 things about your business. The blog post has a list of ideas so you don't have to rack your brains for facts. Then you get to read all about others business tidbits and check out their links! How great is that?

$5 and Under

2010-04-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Can you believe each of these Zibbet listings is $5 and under?

Paperlicious & Other Oddities

Bird Nest Hang/Gift Tags - Vintage Style

Lisa Short's Handcrafted Cards and Gifts

Flower Domino Magnet

Sunisa Hat's Shop

Beautiful Handmade Crochet Flowers

Kibbles

4 Green Cupcake Coasters

Get Ready!

2010-04-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

I am introducing two new series here at Made on Fifth Street.

The first is $5and under which will be popping up on Thursdays.

Here I will show you 3 Zibbet listings that I think are a steal for $5 or less.

The second series is Favorite Finds Friday.

This will be a list of my favorite Zibbet listings that I found during the week.

I hope you will join me!

A Doll a Day 7

2010-04-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

This Doll is named after my favorite little girl. Here she is with her own matryoshka.

Meet Meadow.

(In case you haven't guessed Meadow is the name of my daughter.) Meadow is a sweet but feisty little doll. She wants to be in on all the action. She loves her dolly. Meadow's favorite color is orange. Her favorite food is cookies.

Meet the whole gang over at Made on Fifth Street.

A Doll a Day 6

2010-04-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

I mentioned before that I name my dolls after people that I love. This matryoshka is named after my mommy.

Meet Lila.

Lila is not the sort to just laze around. She is an adventurer. You will find her hiking in the mountains or pounding the pavement searching boutiques for treasures. Her favorite food is for sure chocolate. Her favorite color is blue.

Find more dolls and other soft toys at Made on Fifth Street.

Share your Craftiness!

2010-04-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Laura over at

is starting up a new bloggy link up party.

It starts on April 24. In her own words: "Anything crafty, creative, and original will do, even if you didn't make it on a Saturday :) "

So head on over and join the fun!

A Doll a Day 5

2010-04-15T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today I want to introduce you to Samantha.

Samantha is a bit of a tomboy. You can't tell by her vibrant pink fabric, but she would rather be having a mud bog with her Tonka loader than having a teaparty. Samantha's favorite food is cabbage rolls and her favorite color is blue.

What's a Girl To Do?

2010-04-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

When there's a huge ribbon sale at Michael's?

Stock up of course!!!

A Doll a Day 4

2010-04-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

I hope you have enjoyed meeting my Matryoshkas this week. Just a little tidbit of info, each of these dolls is named after someone that I love.

Meet Heather today.

Heather may seem a bit shy at first but once you really get to know her she is a very funny gal. She is also quite musical. Heather's favorite color is purple and her favorite food is potatoes.

Find the rest of Heather's friends over at Made on Fifth Street.

A Doll a Day 3

2010-04-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to Abigail today.

Abigail is a darling. She loves to be tickled and tells fabulous jokes. Her favorite color is definitely pink. Her favorite food is chocolate.

Meet the rest of Abigails friends in my shop Made on Fifth Street.

A Doll a Day 2

2010-04-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to introduce you to Sophia.

Sophia is a shy doll who feels most comfortable with people she knows well. She does have a bit of a wild side though and loves to break out in some crazy dancing. Sophia's favorite food is jellybeans and her favorite color is red.

Hop on over to Made on Fifth Street for more details and to meet some other matryoshka doll friends.

Marketing Monday!

2010-04-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

This week Sponsored by:

Hello! Welcome to Made on Fifth Street! This is the blog where I show off items for sale in my Zibbet Shop:

I also feature other handmade sellers and offer free advertising for other Zibbet users in my sidebar.

If you would like to take advantage of my free advertising offer or be featured here at Made on Fifth Street please email me.

Thanks for coming by! Feel free to join the blog hop and advertise your shop for free!!

A Doll a Day 1

2010-04-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first post in my A Doll A Day series. I hop you will join me as I introduce to you to a different Matryoshka doll each week day for the next 20 week days.

Today I would like you to meet Jocelyn.

Jocelyn is an adventurous doll who loves to explore. She is very sweet and giggly. Her favorite color is teal and her favorite food is strawberries.

Stop by Made on Fifth Street for more details!

Free Shop Advertising!

2010-04-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

That's correct folks! Step right up! Email me your 125x125 button code for your handmade shop and I will put it in my blog sidebar absolutely free of charge.
Just send your HTML to madeonfifthstreet@gmail.com

Can't wait to decorate with your shop logo!

(Family Friendly Content Only Please)

UBP'10 and a GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-04-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Made on Fifth Street!

My name is Sarah and I do indeed live on Fifth Street. I use this blog to showcase my Zibbet shop items and specials.

Made on Fifth Street is all about that extra special handmade touch. Each of my children has a toy who is their friend. I think this creates security and cherished childhood mementos. I hope to give others this experience through Made on Fifth Street. We offer beautiful, soft, and fun items for babies and children.

There are a few little bunnies who stayed around after Easter and I would love for them to have homes.

Buy it: Until April 16 get 10% off your bunny purchase using coupon code BUNNY10

Win it:. I will giveaway one bunny of the winners choice on April 15 2010.

All You have to do is follow my blog and leave me a comment telling me your favorite item from my shop. I will be adding new items through out the week so check back often!

Want a second entry? Follow me on twitter

How about a third entry? Become one of my facebook fans!

Leave me a comment for each entry!

Contest open to Canada and U.S. Only.

$15 Custom Tutu!!

2010-04-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Oh yes you did read that right! My friends Amy and Chelsea over at the Baby Garden have some gorgeous items for sale. Not only are the tutus adorable there is a huge selection of amazing hair clips. Just browse through their blog and take them all in!

You can also find The Baby Garden on Facebook. Stop by and become a fan! You will not be disappointed!

A Doll a Day

2010-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday get ready for a doll a day. Each weekday for 20 days I will feature a different matryoshka style baby doll that will be available in my Zibbet shop. Who knows what other surprises might be thrown into this series! So follow along and meet my little beauties!

Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar!

2010-04-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this email a couple of weeks ago and it has stuck with me. Hopefully it will be something you think about often as well. Happy selling!

No one can make you serve customers well....that's because great service is a choice.

Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey .

He handed my friend a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.'

Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment....

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.' My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.' Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice..' Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I'll take a Diet Coke.'

Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today..'

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'

And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts...

'Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the driver, 'have you always served customers like this?'

Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one day.

He had just written a book called You'll See It When You Believe It. Dyer said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'

'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally. 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.'

'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.

'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

April Fools Sale

2010-03-31T22:27:00.000-07:00

April Fools Sale
Remember coupon code UOB1NM gets you 10% off any order over $20.00 until 7:30pm on April 1. See you on Fifth Street!

Baby Bunny Softies!

2010-03-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby bunny softies are a perfect spring toy for babies. Don't you just love their fluffy white tails? Come and check out the selection at Made on Fifth Street.

Frayed Fabric Flower Corsage Tutorial

2010-03-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

Say that 5 times fast!

I made this frayed fabric flower cosage for a friend's birthday and I remembered to take pictures along the way. So on with the tutorial!

Materials
5-7 coordinating pieces of scrap fabric
scissors
thread
sewing machine
buttons or beads
fabric glue
ribbon

Step 1:
Cut 5-7 circles from your fabrics. Make each one smaller than the last. They don't have to be perfect.

Step 2
Sew each circle on top of the next larger one. Leave a large spacte between the edge and the stitching so the thread will be hidden by the circle on top of it. Do not sew on the smallest circle.

Step 3

Once all but the smallest circle are sewn together place the smallest circle on the top and the ribbon (long enough to tie a bow around your wrist) on the back. Pin it both on.

Step 4
Sew 2 zig zag lines to the left and right of the center of the ribbon.

Step 5
Clip the edges of all of the circles. (Like a rag quilt).

Step 6
Wash and dry your corsage.

Step 7

Use fabric glue and adhere buttons or beads to the center of your flower. Then have your 4 year old son model it while you take pictures.

Voila! A fun and springy accessory.

Look for these soon in my Etsy shop Made on Fifth Street and while you're there be sure to enter my giveaway!