The NorthWesternBelle

Oh man. October was such a good month! I'm honestly sad to see it go, and not just because I love Halloween a lot (I do, it's true). Are you ready for picture overload? Because we're rounding up a selection of items that sold during October. To start with the best (that's how I roll), I got to make several of these awesome mini Death Stars: They are so fun and come together pretty quickly. I also got to make several of these bad boys: Amazing. I love these nerdy items so much! I am also currently making the first one of these pillows that was ordered in November. It will ship out this week. Speaking of which, my most favorite tie blanket of all time was purchased and shipped this week: A lucky skull enthusiast in NY scooped this gem up. Guess that means I'll need to keep an eye out for another amazing Tuesday Morning deal on the jolly roger polar fleece. We also sold all but four of our cape & cloak inventory, plus two custom-made cloaks,...

I'm happy to report that the momentum that started at the beginning of October has only continued! Yesterday, October 20, we received a record-breaking five orders, for six items, before noon! Check it out: So awesome! Three of those orders were for capes, which are shipping out today. The other two orders were for handmade goods: Another Death Star and TWO matching Jack Skellington Beanies for 1 year old boys (which, seriously? CUTE!). I'm not going to lie: getting orders for three handmade things at once is a little intimidating. I've structured my Etsy listings so that production time estimates allow me some room in these types of situations. I'm planning to have them all out by Friday at the latest. It's Tuesday, so that's totally doable, considering I already have the supplies on hand. I will probably have to buy more polyfil stuffing...the Death Star pillows take about half of a 12 Oz bag each, but I'm pretty sure that I've got at least t...

After I played it once a few weeks ago, my toddler has decided that Nightmare Before Christmas should be played on repeat as often as possible. Granted, he's detoured a little bit now to Finding Nemo, but he's still asking for NBC at least a few times a week. He's three, and I love it, so of course I can't ever deny it. I thought I'd get sick of it, as it so happens with many other movies that he wants to watch over and over again, but after what seems like the millionth viewing, my love for NBC is as strong as ever. What can I say? I've always been a Burton fan, even after having been exposed to Edward Scissorhands much too young (hey, it's scary to a five year old!), and regardless of what my mother did to keep me from watching his movies. She did keep me from seeing NBC until I was a teenager, though, and James & The Giant Peach, because reasons (I'm assuming...). But I was hooked on Burton from the first time. So, naturally I'm passing that...

Two custom orders off, one more to start and finish to go! I seriously love these Death Stars. What nerd doesn't want one of these? They look awesome, even naked! But the finishing details really make the pillow complete.  You can snuggle with this thing all day and night! My three-year-old totally approves! The buyer told me it will be a Christmas gift. So, Merry Christmas, fellow nerd!!  I also finished and shipped out this wicked custom Jack Skellington Hat.  My first use of the ANGRY EYES! It's for a little boy's Jack Skellington costume. I hope he loves it! He turned out with plenty of attitude, and I love it! One more, just for fun... Yes. Rocking it on Etsy so far this month and LOVING it. Get your custom orders in and keep me busy making awesome handmade shenanigans! Thanks for looking, Loves! Always Yours, The NWB

After I posted the link for our Jack Skellington beanie, an old friend of mine contacted me on Facebook to find out if I could make one for her Boston Terrier. The pic above is the reference she sent me. I've never made one before, but it doesn't look too complicated. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a free pattern for a doggie beanie, but I figure it can't be too difficult. I'm excited to get started on it! I will keep you all posted on the progress. Thanks for looking, Loves! Always Yours, The NWB

I just love the Nightmare Before Christmas, and I loved it BEFORE it was all sorts of popular (shut up, Hipster). My three year old has started asking to watch it repeatedly, though, so we'll see if I still love it as much as I do by the time he gets tired of it. The process can take months, but I'm thinking my love for it will persevere. In the mean time, I'm making these awesome Jack Skellington hats in all sizes! You can place an order for your custom hat on Etsy. Get it in time for Halloween by placing the order before October 15 . Processing is two to three business days, and shipping is via USPS Priority Mail. All hats are built in durable acrylic yarn that is fully washable. I have 15 years experience with crochet, and all ends are securely sewn in. Specify what size and finishing options (ear flaps & ties, contrasting finishing edge, added elements like a poof ball at the top!). All sizes from infant to adult XL are available, and each hat will be uni...