Emmys Gifting Suite #2: Mini Sue

For the Emmys event, I made a Sue Sylvester amigurumi, & BOY was she a hit! Lots of celebs commented on her, before even knowing it was mine. Loretta Devine (the Chief's wife on Grey's Anatomy) was so impressed because she's a crocheter herself. She said "this is amazing work! I can never get MY stitches that perfect!" LOL Dot Marie Jones (Coach Beiste from Glee) loved it so much that she bought it, & is taking it to the set! Catherine O'Hara said she wanted to pose with "my friend, Jane Lynch" & hugged it. It was awesome to get so much amazing feedback.

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Emmys Gifting Suite Part 1: Our Members!

Every time I do an event, I'm blown away by the talent, creativity, & dedication of my fellow members of The IndiExhibit. Every event, the members outdo themselves.

Here's just a sampling of the FABULOUS items that were in the celebrity & press bags. You can find links to all their sites on my IndiExhibit Emmy Participants page. You can also find out more about the IndiExhibit at http://www.theindiexhibit.org & our brand spanking new blog http://theindiexhibit.blogspot.com

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Knit Mini Christmas Stockings

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas... handmade knit stockings, 4 1/2 in tall, perfect gift for coworkers & friends! These stockings have been one of my bestsellers for many years. Each one is $3 + shipping, 2 for $5, or 4 for $10! FREE Gift Wrapping available!

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Two Peas In A Pod Crochet Amigurumi

Do people tell you that you & your significant other are two peas in a pod? Or how about you & your best friend? Give this gift to that special someone to remind them how very special they are to you. These adorable peas can be personalized with bows, top hats, hearts, flowers, anything. These peas are also a perfect & unique wedding gift, just add a top hat & wedding veil.

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Vampire's Kiss Crochet Choker

Are you dressing up as your favorite vampire this Halloween? Are you counting down the days til Twilight: Breaking Dawn is released? Take your vampire obsession to a whole new & cute level with this handmade Vampire's Kiss crochet choker. Perfect for costumes & fanatics alike!

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"Mooo" Says The Baby (Crochet) Cow!

This adorable baby cow is a great addition for a kid's room, your country kitchen, or even your adorable cow collection!

Email me to order yours today!

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Halloween Candy Corn! For Your Little Monster

Just in time for Halloween, Candy Corn Amigurumi! These adorable amigurumi can be personalized any way you want: plain, with a face, boy, girl, even a vampire! Order by October 15 to ensure Halloween delivery! These are a perfect gift & addition to your home decorations.

To order yours, email me at briannesbasics@ymail.com

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Pet Crochet Amigurumi: Personalized For You! Cats, Dogs, & More!

Starting a couple of months ago, I started getting special requests: amigurumi honoring their pets! I've discovered I very much enjoyed making those ones, even more than usual! Each one was one of a kind & more than that, they were personal. In some odd way, it became emotional for me, to create these beautiful amigurumi to honor someone's family member. I worked with each customer on the right shading & markings.

If you have a beloved pet that you'd like to immortalize, email me at briannesbasics@ymail.com Each personalized amigurumi comes with a locket as well. Together we can create a one of a kind amigurumi to honor your beloved family member.

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NEW & Improved Newsletter! You Could Win A Free Amigurumi

BriannesBasics.com has gone high tech! We've started a new & improved newsletter! http://bit.ly/subscribetobb

Our newsletter will be sent out 2-4 times per month, & include features, events, giveaways, coupons, ideas, & so much more!

Our first giveaway will be for subscribers. I'll be choosing the winner on October 15 from the list of newsletter subscribers. Every month, I'll be giving a little something away to my newsletter subscribers.

So make sure you go to http://bit.ly/subscribetobb & subscribe! Only 2 days left :-) Thanks for your support & good luck!

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Swoop's World Radio Interview

On October 5, I had the complete honor of being a guest on Swoop's World, an online radio show based out of Long Beach. These guys have been such amazing supporters and fans of my work, and this was my second appearance on the show. Once again, I had a great time. We chatted about Brianne's Basics, The IndiExhibit, my charity work, and even Glee!

You can listen to the archived broadcast here!

 Or if that doesn't work, go to http://www.swoopsworld.com/2011/heather-nelson-and-acidic-on-late-night/ 

And watch the video below!

If the video doesn't work, go to http://www.stickam.com/viewMedia.do?mId=192251469 to watch the video :-)

Video chat by Stickam.com

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Listen To Me On Swoop's World 10/5

This Wednesday, October 5, I will a guest on Swoop's World (http://www.swoopsworld.com), an awesome Long Beach based radio show! You can listen online, chat, or call in!

I'll be discussing my charity craft businesses Brianne's Basics (http://www.BriannesBasics.com), my involvement with The IndiExhibit (http://www.theindiexhibit.org), & my charity work! http://www.swoopsworld.com/2011/heather-nelson-and-acidic-on-late-night/

The show will be on at 8pm PST/ 11pm EST.

They broadcast on multiple stations and there are several ways to listen live to the show.
http://bit.ly/swoopslive is the direct link to our listen live page on our website. This player has the best sound quality. http://bit.ly/swooptv and http://bit.ly/watchsw are two places to watch us when we are using our live video stream.

Swoop's World is broadcast live and then the show will be archived online and available for download from iTunes.

The show will be archived on their site http://www.swoopsworld.com, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/swoopsworld, iTunes, and various podcast directories.

Our show also streams live on the iPhone using the Talk Stream Live iPhone app http://bit.ly/fMiCEI or the Yourmuze.fm app http://bit.ly/m3jERg , which works with all smartphones, and Norbex Radio Companion app for Android or BlackBerry http://www.nobexrc.com/Stations.aspx

Some apps list by station name while others list show name. If you're using the Norbex or Yourmuze apps we are listed as TalkStory Radio Network. On The Talk Stream Live app we are listed as Swoop's World.

All episodes can be downloaded from iTunes free of charge http://bit.ly/dTpVN9

PS. Be sure to like their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/swoopsworld and friend them too https://www.facebook.com/swoop.swoopsworld

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Treats For Troops Drive 2011, benefiting Operation Gratitude

We're doing it again this year! Mikk's Kid Krusaders "Treats For Troops" Drive, benefitting Operation Gratitude! On September 10, we attended the USC game honoring our military. Michael got to meet three Air Force pilots. We thanked them for their service & chatted with them about the drive Michael did last year. THEY thanked US! That gave us a new perspective & passion for the drive. I asked Michael today if he was interested, & he said "yes yes yes!" Here's the basics: WHO: Mikk's Kid Krusaders, created by Heather (mom) and Michael (9 years old) WHAT: "Treats For Troops" Collection Drive, benefiting Operation Gratitude WHEN: Now until December 1 WHERE: Long Beach, and online Our drive will consist of (2) parts: 1. Collection Drive 2. Fundraiser HOW CAN YOU HELP? 1. Donate items! 2. Purchase any of our fundraiser items. 3. SPREAD THE WORD! 4. Own a business? Let us set up a collection box! Here are some details. Need more? Just email us at mikkskidkrusaders@gmail.com OR leave a comment here! PART 1: COLLECTION DRIVE We plan on holding a big collection drive. Hopefully we'll be working with a bunch of local businesses to set up collection boxes throughout Lakewood and Long Beach. You can also send us your donations via postal mail. Can you fit this 12" tall bucket in your business? As we get locations, we'll let you know! COLLECTION DRIVE DATES: Coming soon! Wish List: * Knit Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Neck Gators * Beanie Babies, Webkinz, Trolls or other Small Plush Toys * Halloween Candy * White Socks * Energy Bars, Beef Jerky * Commercially sealed Lip Balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, roll-on deodorant * Computer Flash Drives, DVDs and CDs, Video Games * Headsets (earpiece and microphone) and WebCams * Prepaid Phone Cards * Travel Size Board Games, Novelty Items, Yo-Yos, etc. * Bandana Coolers/Cool-Ties, Battery Operated Fans * Screenprinted T-shirts, Baseball Style Caps HANDMADE ITEMS: * Knit or Crochet Scarves (5-7" Wide, 45-50" long) * Hand-made Greeting Cards: We welcome hand-made cards with your personal message on them or cards that are blank that the troops can use to write to their loved ones (or to you!) * Written letters of appreciation PART 2: FUNDRAISER! We'll be selling a variety of items again this year! BIG thank you's to those who helped last year: Averyboo Arts for the First Fridays LB Event; 2nd Street Optical, Long Beach Depot For Creative Reuse, and Subject clothing store. ABOUT: Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based organization that sends care packages to individually named troops deployed overseas. We hold two campaigns each year: A Patriotic Drive in the spring, and a Holiday Drive in the fall-winter. We expect to send at least 100,000 care packages per year between the two campaigns. We accept donations of items for the Patriotic Packages from March 1 through May 5, and for the Holiday Drive from September 8 through December 5. We accept letters year-round.

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Press Coverage!

Two articles were published today about Brianne's Basics participating in the 2011 Primetime Emmys Gifting Suite! Big thanks to the Long Beach Post & Everything Long Beach for the coverage! And even bigger thanks to The IndiExhibit for helping me achieve my dreams!

Long Beach Post article

EverythingLongBeach.com article

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We're going international!

Big BIG news! As in international news! Things are on track, & it looks as though starting the first of the year, Brianne's Basics is going to Australia!

One of our amazingly talented members, Karen White of Kewzoo Designs, is opening a gallery in Melbourne. And she is ordering a wide variety of our amigurumi to sell in the gallery! This is such an exciting honor for our family charity craft store, & we're so grateful to Karen for the opportunity!

Keep an eye on our blog for developments in the coming months, & be sure to check out Karen's websites, as well as our Facebook page!
http://www.facebook.com/BriannesBasics
http://www.zazzle.com/kewzoo
http://kewzoodesign.blogspot.com
http://www.theindiexhibit.org

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Price Changes Effective September 15

Effective September 15, the prices on all of my amigurumi will be going up $3-5. This came out of necessity to advertise & the desire to be able to donate more, among other factors. I'll be posting the exact prices in the coming weeks. If you place your order before September 15, you'll still the current price. Thank you always for your support!

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Enchanted Amulet Bags For Enchanted Makeovers

Recently members of The IndiExhibit donated their time and crafts/art for an amazing organization called Enchanted Makeovers. I was very honored to be one of those members!

Founded by Terry Grahl, Enchanted Makeovers is "a movement to transform not only the lives of the women and children who are rebuilding their lives in shelters but also to transform those who participate in the giving."

I crocheted small amulet bag necklaces for the girls to keep trinkets or other small mementos in.

I encourage you to check out both organizations & get involved. Your life becomes infinitely more fulfilling when you donate your time, effort, money, or just you to charity organizations.

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Divine Dragonfly

This dragonfly is part one of Nora's order. I'm making a darker one too :-) He's about 4.5 inches long & we make a cute addition to your garden, or as a gift for the gardener in your life!

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We've Reached 500 Fans!

WOOHOO! Our Brianne's Basics fanpage has now reached over 500 fans!!!

So we're giving away a FREE amigurumi, winner's choice!

How can you win? There's a few ways!
* Refer a friend to our fan page. Make sure they post that you referred them! (1 entry)
* Post on your wall & TAG our fanpage, encouraging others to check us out. (1 entry)
* Follow @BriannesBasics on Twitter (1 entry)
* Preorder & pay for one of our Halloween amigurumi (2 entries)
* Follow us on Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
* Sign up for the My Work Of Heart newsletter at http://bit.ly/MyWorkOfHeart (2 entries)
* Already purchased an amigurumi?. You get one extra entry for each amigurumi you've ordered & paid for!

I'm also adding little gifts each day. Check this blog for updates! AND everyone who enters the contest will receive a coupon good for a future purchase!

Contest closes on August 15 at 9pm EST.

Leave a comment for EACH entry! If you already do any of the above, just leave a comment that you already do it (i.e. follow me on Twitter, subscribe to my newsletter, etc.)

I will be calling the winners on my mom's birthday, August 16!

GOOD LUCK!

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Customer Reviews!

I LOVE getting reviews, especially awesome ones like these!

April D: "These arigunami (sp?) Critters are so freaking cute! Heather does an amazing job on them! I have bought 3 already and plan to buy more, they r perfect gifts for anytime, they r great to give people that r hard to shop for or have everything because they r unique! They will also make excellent stocking stuffers for Christmas I wud and have highly recommend these to friends and family!"

Alissa P: "I have Amigurami fever! Heather is very talented and has a lot to choose from. I have bought 4 already: 3 were gifts and one was for me! On top of that I have another order in with her! They are great for all ages, perfect for gifts, perfect for desks, book shelfs, even perfect for cuddling. She actually made one custom for my for my Mom! Check out her page Brianne's Basics and click on Amigurami to see all of the fun!"

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Recent Amigurumi

Here are pictures of recent amigurumi I've made, with links to them on my Etsy store!

Please note: these are made to order. Once you order your amigurumi, it will take 2-3 weeks for your order to be shipped. However, that's what makes these so unique. They're all slightly different.

WOLF: $7 + $3 shipping (available for local pickup)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79027324-cute-crochet-amigurimi-grey-wolf

POLAR BEAR: $10 + $3 shipping (available for local pickup)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79027182/cute-crochet-amigurumi-polar-bear

MILITARY BEAR: $7 + $3 shipping (available for local pickup)

Proceeds benefit Operation Gratitude and Soldier's Angels. Can be personalized with military branch button on the heart.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79026941/cute-crochet-amigurumi-camo-bear-to

ELEPHANT: $10 + $3 shipping (available for local pickup)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79027091/cute-crochet-amigurumi-elephant

TEDDY BEAR: $7 + $3 shipping (available for local pickup)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79027267/cute-crochet-amigurumi-teddy-bear

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I Love Halloween!

Who says it's too early to think about Halloween?! I LOVE Halloween! So I decided to start thinking about my Halloween amigurumi!

If you're interested in preordering a Halloween amigurumi, please comment below!

The prices are:

* Bones: $5
* Witch: $10
* Vampire Bite's choker: $5
* Candy Corn: $5, 2 for $7
* Candy Corn Beanie: Adults $7, Kids/Toddlers $5, Doll $3 (Kid & Doll Set, $7)

All prices are plus shipping. Purchase any (2) amigurumi and get FREE shipping!
Amigurumi will start to ship on September 1. Payment is due by August 15.
Thank you for your support!

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