Status Update

Just a little photo update of what I have been up to as of late.

 I made these panda and penguin balakavas for the nieces and nephews. Some have yet to ship... will be SOON.

Thanks to some inspiration from my dear friend Myra, I designed a new Princess Cape for the shop :)

Helped my grandmother make these booties for my cousin's baby shower parting gift. We decided these would be adorable to add to the shop, as well.
 

Made a new Buttoned Envelope Clutch. I'm loving it. I promise it buttons, even though it is not shown buttoned. Small oversight on my part... silly photography!

Added a new photo of the Happy Birthday Banner. I just love how bright and cheery it is.

I'm often late, but it is still appropriate to give thanks!

theartsygirlconnection.com had a lovely post awhile back and on top of all the great content she posts, she named me as one of the fifteen blogs that inspire her. I couldn't be more surprised and elated. Thank you so much, Marilyn! You totally inspire me, too!

The Mommyhood Chronicles Little Bird Threads Review and Giveaway!

 I am so honored to have The Mommyhood Chronicles reviewing my capes! YAY!!! She is also hosting a few giveaways worth checking out. Please check out her blog and sign up to win :)

the mommyhood chronicles: Personalized Kids Hooded Towel/Cape Giveaway/Revie...: I am so excited to bring you this awesome review/giveaway from Little Bird Threads . If you know me, you know I absolutely love etsy. When ...

Hawaiian Dreamin' or How to sew a Pua'u

Until recently, I had no idea that hula dancing was done in anything but a grass skirt. Then, I received an order for a Pua'u (pronounced paw u). I tried searching Google for some instructions. Instead I found some really random answers to how to sew a Pua'u. That is when I decided to go about it on my own.


First, I measured the waist and length of the little girl. I then cut material to five times the waist measurement (plus seam allowance) and exact length (plus seam allowance). Then, I folded the material in half width wise and pinned it together to be sewn along the width of the fabric only.  

Turned it inside out.

Ta da!

I then sewed six channels 3/4" apart across the width of the skirt and inserted 1/2" elastic (measured to the waist of the girl plus 2") into every other channel starting with the second channel.

 

Once the elastic was inserted and sewn down the side, I folded the fabric in half and used a french seam to sew together and finish the skirt. You can see it being worn below. Super cute, right? I think it would make a super darling skirt to just wear around.

Guest Room

Our Guest room has been our catch all/pet room for awhile now. We recently had my niece come to stay with us for a week, so the room had to undergo some minor surgery to make it half way decent for a guest. Guests are a fantastic reason to clean and update areas of your home that rarely see use.


Of course, I used the Young House Love wall tutorial as inspiration. I just love their blog :)


For the sake of not scaring you right away the after pictures are shown first. I am so glad my niece was able to spend some time with us.

After #1

By the way, the painting between Starry Night and the world map was painted by my 3 year old nephew. I just love his use of color.

After #2

Before #1

Before #2

What Christmas is all about!

My friend posted this a few days ago and I just had to share it with everyone. Please share with the world if you feel so inclined.

What Christmas is All About  By: Joei Gold

Joei Gold

Something to think about : As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giv...ing time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in
your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Ruffled Leg Warmers!!!

I made these Ruffled, Rhinestone Buttoned, Stir up Leg Warmers for a friend and she was kind enough to have a professional photographer friend of hers take these photos. That was the longest, but most joyful sentence ever. Thank you so much for sharing, Nikki. They look amazing on you!

New Items!!!

I am so excited about the new shop items! I just had to share :)

Toilet Paper Rolls= Art... You Don't Say.

A little while back I ran across Revolutionaries: A Project for Fall! Right away I knew I had found the perfect project for the empty space above our fireplace mantle. So naturally, I pinned it and went to work!

For my home, this piece fits the decor all year round, but perhaps it is a project you would just like to display for fall.

Without further ado, my version of toilet paper roll art.

I found the frame at a local thrift shop for $2.00. That's right... two dollars! It was a funky old wood color, so I painted it black.

It had no back. I stole it from another frame I had that really didn't need a back.

No trees were harmed in the making of this art. I happened across this branch at a park my honey and I frequent. It was love at first sight.

Here's the cut toilet paper rolls having the fabric and felt glued on.

Close up of the "leaves". I added fabric to the front and back for additional stability.

Here's the finished project again. Just so you don't have to scroll back up.

No Alien Abduction

Hello y'all! I just wanted to drop in and let you know that I haven't been abducted by aliens or met any other similar misfortune. Quite the opposite in fact.

I have been swamped creating new items to fill orders and to fill craft booths. My friend from I am Savvy and I had an awesome booth experience this last weekend and plan on doing lots more :)

A huge back log has built up of creations to share with you, as soon as my Biology exam is passed tomorrow evening. So, I do so hope you will stick the wait out and check back with me soon!