June Scripture Writing

June 2018

Now that I have been working an actual job for a few months, I have realized that I just can’t continue crocheting (or blogging) like I used to. My passion for all things yarn has been replaced with a passion for growing minds and young children. However, I am also a “completionist”, and am determined to finish at least 1 year’s worth of scripture-writing challenges for the crafty entrepreneur. I was smart, and made things easy for myself by coming up with all of the monthly themes in advance. So, all I have to do now is find the appropriate scriptures, type them up all pretty-like, screen shot it, export it, download it, insert it into these blogs, and pin it to Pinterest…whew! So, while we are out for the summer break, I am planning on working ahead and getting the rest of those done so it won’t continue to sit on my shoulders.

Coming up in just a few short days is the lovely month of June, and I am excited to tell you guys, that next month’s themes is about money! Saving it, spending it wisely, dealing with debt, giving it in a charitable format, and using it. After all, God has given you a talent for crafting…whatever your craft may be…it’s your job to use it for His glory. That includes the profit made from said craft. So, feel free to download and print the June 2018 Maker’s Verses, and most importantly read or write them EVERY day. Also, you can share them with your friends and clients! These are free resources, and I hope you enjoy them.

June 2018

Keep your eyes open for a master list of all 12 months coming sooner rather than later 😊 And I’m definitely open to further ideas of topics and themes if there is an area of making that you struggle with. Let me know what you glean from such a bible study by commenting below.

2 Week’s Worth of Facebook Posts

After that big long post about all of the cool things that I was planning to do for my business, and not a bit of it has gotten done yet. I tell you, it is HARD to balance life sometimes! But, I decided to take this evening, and just schedule out all of my facebook posts for the rest of this month. It took me 2 hours, and I don’t have a post for every single day of the next 2 weeks…but I don’t really want a new post every single day. I also created a few etsy sales and promos to go along with a few of the posts, and it took me a little bit of time to figure out how to do all of that.

So, today is the 14th, which means tomorrow is the 15th. The first thing that I decided on, was a once monthly flash sale where everything in my etsy shop was discounted 50%…this code is ONLY available to my facebook fans…so if you are interested, then you gotta go like the facebook page 😉 I decided to call this thing “50 on the 15th”, so every month, on the 15th, there will be a similar flash sale where everything in my etsy shop is discounted WITH the coupon code. I am on top of the ball and already scheduled this out for the rest of the year with etsy! I was only able to schedule facebook posts until June…but it’s finished for the first half of the year!

The next thing I did was to schedule monthly promotions for all of my facebook fans. Every month there will be a new code that people can use in my etsy shop for $2.00 off any crochet pattern that they choose. This will go on for the entire month, and once again, requires a coupon code that is only available to my facebook fans. Seriously, if you aren’t on my facebook page, you are missing out!!

Another thing that I did to fill up the rest of January’s “calendar” was to look over the patterns that I already have. A couple of years ago (right before I got my full-time job), I had started making these quick little kawaii-type crochet patterns that coincided with national day holidays. For example, January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, and I have some little emoji-styled pencils and paper crochet patterns already made up. So, on the 23rd, there will be yet another flash sale for these little patterns. I actually have 3 of them schedule during the last half of January.

The rest of my January calendar was scheduled with a couple of cute memes, hopefully I can release Michigan’s flag pillow, and a poll asking my facebook fans which state pillow they would like to see next (Oklahoma or Pennsylvania), and I will be posting a few of my blog posts on there as well. I’m sure that February will look a little bit different, because I didn’t get a ton of those national day crochet patterns worked up, but it’s at least a place to start! I will work on scheduling February’s posts at another day, because WHEW! After a very long day (where I got unexpectedly pulled from my normal position to sub in 2nd grade), I am tired.

New Year, New Business Plan!

I took a break from creating last year when I made the choice to go back to school to get my bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Working full-time as a kindergarten special education paraprofessional (assistant), taking care of my little family (three school-aged children, and my mother-in-law, who lives with us), teaching bible class every Sunday, being the moral and emotional support for my husband (who is a minister/preacher), and the addition of classes towards my bachelor’s degree was more than enough for me to handle. I have still picked up my hook from time to time, but it has definitely been a hobby over the past year.

Anyways, I will be taking a bit of a break from my school later on this year. Actually, I’ll be finished with my core classes, and just waiting until I can start student teaching in August/September. Since I won’t be able to get paid for my student teaching (16 weeks), and I’ll essentially be job-less, my hope is to get a bit of revenue coming in from designing crochet patterns to help support my family during this time. So, I’m back and I’m ready to get going!

I thought I would take a minute to share my business plan with you guys, in hopes of keeping me accountable, and so that I can get ya’ll excited about it too!! The first thing that I’m going to do, and I’ve already started working on it, is to update everything. The etsy shop needs to be updated and renewed, the facebook page needs to be cleaned up a bit, and I probably have some fees and dues to take care of on ravelry. It’s also going to take some doing to get my instagram back up and running again. I also would like to research snapchat a little bit, but I’ve little idea how that works, so that’s tentative.

Next, my goal is to continue working on the state flag pillows that I started a couple of years ago. I already have Tennessee, Texas, Florida, and Kentucky finished. Oklahoma is about halfway done, if I can find the pattern that I started so long ago, haha! There is no way that I can get all 50 states done…that’s like a completed pattern every week. BUT, if I can manage 15 states, I think that’s a lofty goal. So, if you have any suggestions or ideas or desires of which state you would like to see me do, by all means, leave a comment, and I’ll add it to the top of my list!

I think that’s it. A two-fold business plan, and lots of prayers! Afterall, I wouldn’t even have this talent to begin with if it weren’t for God’s gracious gifting of it to me 🙂 I think ya’ll should follow along on my blog, get updates on the patterns as I work on them, and probably some crazy stories about how I manage everything, because it’s sure to be a crazy and hectic year!

September Scripture-Writing

September 2018It’s getting pretty late in the year. For a lot of us, school has started back, and craziness of life is really starting up. For others, we are dreaming of pumpkins and jackets. Those of us in the crafting world are planning for fall craft shows. Stress is settling in. Or maybe, you’ve been working your tail off for the past 8 months, and you are feeling tired, discouraged, and ready to quit. Hopefully, September’s #MakersVerses will rejuvenate your spirit and get you through another busy month!

Don’t forget to download the PDF and print it off for your convenience!

September 2018

July Scripture Writing

Boy am I behind a few days on this one! Between some hardcore vacationing, major road trips with the kids, and a malfunctioning air conditioner, it somehow completely slipped my mind this month. Sure doesn’t help that I actually put these verses together weeks ago, so that in my head, it was already finished.

For July, I decided that we should focus on God’s promises as makers, keeping our sole focus on Him, but still trying to establish a successful business. It seems contrary, what with 1 Timothy 6:10 declaring that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” But, money itself is never declared evil, and is actually necessary to survive, help others, and spread the gospel. So, I hope you are rejuvenated by writing out (or reading) the promises that God has offered to His people 😊

Don’t forget to download a printable PDF version for FREE! #JulyMakersVerses

Mailing your Doodle Bug drawing

A lot of care and patient went into drawing the perfect picture. In order for FamilyBugs to convert this picture into a stuffed doll, we kind of need it. We need to be able to precisely match colors, and sizing, and proportions. You have the choice to scan and email us the drawing, or mail the drawing to us via snail mail, It would be a right shame if that picture didn’t make it to us in decent fashion. So, we’ve included some *suggestions* that you may choose to follow, or not.

The quickest and easiest for you option is to scan the drawing, and email it to us. We will then print it off in full color and use it to create your doll. There are a lot of stages here that the coloring and sizing can be skewed. If “close enough” is acceptable to you, go for it! If you desire perfection, follow the directions below.

1. The best option is to photocopy the original drawing. Go to a printing store, have them do it professionally. Make sure that the colors are all right.
2. Protect the page with plastic. Laminate it, use plastic sheet protectors, whatever suits your fancy.
3. Use an envelope that will fit the page without having to bend or crease it in any way. You can find document envelopes at Walmart.
4. Maybe insert some cardboard or other thick card stock into the envelope with your drawing to add some rigidity to the package.
5. Print in large clear letters “Do Not Bend” on the outside of the package to further discourage the possibility of damages.
6. Don’t forget to include any notes about the drawing that we may need to make it perfect! Also let us know if you will need the drawing returned.
7. Address the envelope, stamp it, send it off.
8. Let us handle the rest. 😇

Information Needed For Your Own Doodle Bug

Make notes to clarify what you want from the drawing.

If you have decided to purchase a Doodle Bug, and just want to make sure that FamilyBugs has all of the necessary information to make the perfect Doll, this is a great place to be! Not only do we love creating a precious doll out of your incredible pictures, but we definitely want to get it as close to perfect as we can.

Please provide any additional information you think we may need about the drawing when it is mailed to FamilyBugs. You can make a photocopy to write directly on, use post-it notes, or painter’s tape as shown in the example below.

• Are there any areas of questionable color? Look closely, sometimes a heavier coloring hand can make it just seem like it’s a darker or even different color.
• Legs are tricky, do you want them as drawn, or made in 3D so that your doll can stand on its own?

These two animals were drawn in very similar styles. The one on the left has the legs created as-drawn. The one in the right has been made in a more 3D style,

• What about symmetry? Do you want those ears to be the same on both sides, or should we depict the shape and size differences from the drawing to the doll as well?
• It’s a flat drawing, so does the other side look exactly the same, or is it different somehow?
• Are any of the pieces removable? Maybe a hat, or clothing item, or an accessory of some sort.

Doodle Bug Sizing Requirements

So, there is a drawing that you would like turned into a doll? You have definitely come to the right place! We strive to create a doll as true to the original drawing as possible, and we need a few specifications met so that we can strive as close to perfection as possible!

• Legs, arms, and appendages must be at least 1 cm in width. We cannot make or stuff anything much smaller than that. If your drawing has some legs that are thinner and some that are fatter, we will make the necessary adjustments within the 1 cm requirement. In the example below, all legs were made the same size. Please, nothing fatter than 8 cm, thank you.

Legs are JUST within the 1 cm width

• Tails, hair, or other fuzzy additions to the drawing may be thinner. Note that these will not be stuffed and will remain flexible and floppy. If arms, legs, or appendages have been drawn as single lines, they will be recreated as string for the doll.

This tail is flat, and bendy

• Please, nothing much fatter than 8 cm. That is still a pretty large drawing and doll.

This guy was just under 5 cm

• We also ask that no body part be much longer than 20 cm. It must all fit on a standard 8.5″x11″ sized piece of paper

His whole body measured out to 16 cm. A perfect size!

• It is recommended that drawings be made on standard 8.5″x11″ paper sizes
• If there is a drawing that you just REALLY want converted to a doll, but it is not within our recommended measurements, all is not lost! We will simply charge an additional fee of $30, with 3-days longer processing time.

This elephant was all over a bit too small and had to be adjusted. It is possible, but the proportions of the doll may vary from that of the drawing.

About the Doodle Bug

A beloved child in your life has taken great joy in drawing and coloring a truly unique masterpiece, let us bring that artistic creation to Life! It’s called the Doodle Bug, and we can take almost any picture that has been hand-drawn, and Crochet it into an actual doll for you to play with or cherish forever. I mean, how neat is that?! Since this is such a specific creation, and every drawing is so wildly unique and one-of-a-kind, we’ve taken the time to compile some basic information for you about how to go about ordering your own.

• Drawing must be within certain measurements. All dolls are made true-to-size, so please, nothing smaller than the required measurements. If a larger size is desired, the cost will increase. Please check out THIS post for further details about sizing.
• No coloring pages, please. Drawing must be original to the artist who drew it. No licensed characters, that is copyright infringement.
• An initial down payment (which includes a consultation fee) of $20 is required before work can proceed. This includes exchange of email with photographic updates, until the doll is completed to desired results. You can make that payment and start the process of getting your very own Doodle Bug HERE!
• You can either scan and email the drawing to us, or mail the drawing to FamilyBugs to ensure proper coloring and sizing. Please make sure that the scanner was able to copy correct colors. If mailing the original drawing, it will be protected and returned. Photocopies are also accepted, but be wary of the coloring. Note that heavy crayon may melt and smudge in extreme heat, and markers can smudge and bleed with moisture (I.e. rain or snow). For tips on mailing securely, go HERE. Mailing address will be given at time of down payment.
• Depending on the complexity of the drawing, an estimate will be provided for the remaining cost. The final price (before shipping and handling) will range from $100-120. This will be required AFTER the doll has been completed to your satisfaction. We will NOT ship until payment has been received.
• Shipping and Handling is $5 in the United States, and $10 to any other country. The doll will be packaged very carefully to prevent damage as much as possible. Should damages occur, FamilyBugs will fix and repair at no extra cost, but purchaser must cover shipping costs.
• Most orders will be processed in 5-7 days after the drawing has been received, but keep in mind, these dolls are being carefully created stitch-by-stitch to match a very specific image. Patience is appreciated.
• Each piece of the drawing is very carefully and securely sewn on to the doll, no glue or chemicals to worry about.
• Machine washable in cold water on gentle or delicate cycles. Let air dry.
• Black safety eyes will be used on all dolls regardless of the drawing’s colors. If embroidered eyes in different colors are desired, an additional $10 will be charged.
• Please specify different parts of the drawing if it is uncertain. I.e. are those wings, or does that monster have a double tail? Is it wearing a crown, or is that the hair? Do you want it symmetrical, or true to the original drawing? Check out THIS blog post for more questions to answer about your drawing.
• Any other information that you think we might need to make your doll just perfect!

If you have any questions about the drawing you wish to use, or about any of above mentioned points, we would love for you to contact us, and we will work together to figure everything out. As always, thank you for your support!