Gift Idea on a Budget

Here is how to change a cheapy candle into one that looks like you got it at a boutique. I just bought a $5 candle from wal-mart. (It smelled really good). I stamped some cute zebra paper with an initial and wrapped it around the candle. VOILA...I mean what wouldn't look cute in zebra print? It would make a great hostess gift, house warming gift, birthday gift, any gift. Everyone loves a good candle.

I made another example and printed the monogram instead of stamping, but I guess I didn't take a picture of it. Lots of possibilities...

Happy Weekend!

Sew Mama Sew

How did I miss participating in the sew mama sew May giveaway? Always a step behind, it seems. If you have some time in the next couple days, head over there and go through that long list...there are lots of cute things being given away. How fun! I hope to join in next time, but for today I hope I win something.

A Good Holiday Morning...

My husband took us to Starbucks for my favorite cup of morning goodness yesterday and then so sweetly offered to let me roam around my favorite craft store that was right next door on HIS holiday from work. (What a guy!!!) I was shocked as he really dreads this place since it is like a black hole for me...I go missing for hours in there. But he assured me it would be fine and he would occupy the kids for a while. I couldn't pass up the offer. So, this is what they did most of the time there.


Who knew the mirror aisle could be such fun? I could hear their giggles through out most of the store. It was a fun time for all! Thank goodness for his phone or else I would have no evidence of all the things my crazy guys do...Daddy included.

Aprons

How is it that my last post was Tuesday and it is now Sunday? This week has flown by.
I have had aprons on my list "to make" for quite some time now. A good friend just moved to a new house and another one redid her kitchen, and well let's face it we all are hostesses at one time or another and we all need a cute apron! So here are my besties and the finished products.

DOMESTIC DIVAS
Jenn's apron

Jill's apron...and you should see it now. My Mom monogrammed her name on it. Doesn't it remind you a little of "I love Lucy"--her favorite.

My camera settings were off and all the cherry pictures are blurry. Sorry... but here is Lisa's apron.

They were so fun to make and although they weren't perfect I think they turned out pretty cute. Now I need to make myself one!!! :-)

ALSO, finally some new items will be added to the shop this week...all baby items.

A new top

I finally got around to it. Remember that cute Amy Butler fabric I ordered with a summer top in my mind? Well, today my hands got to it. I had some hiccups along the way because I went strictly from an image in my head. I know I have seen tops like this around, but didn't have one to study and touch and look at so an original is born. It certainly isn't perfect, but wearable. I may tweak this idea a bit and try again.

(I feel so ridiculous posing by myself for a picture, and Ben always makes me put my hands on my hips.)

Meet the Model

Look at this precious girl. Her name is Gia and she is sporting a new onesie dress made by me. Her mom is so sweet and found my etsy shop through the polka dot parade. She was kind enough to send this darling picture my way and I just wanted to share. Isn't that flower bow too cute!!!! You have got to go and check her mom's blog and etsy store out too. Cute, cute, cute! Thanks for being my first model, Gia!

one thing after another...

It always seems when you are on a mission to get a zillion things accomplished, a million things go wrong! Why is that the way??? I had some major computer issues today which I HATE. Then we have been having some major gnat infectation issues with the front porch area. Come to find out they seemed to like that cute fiesta wreath that I made (and yes, it was still up). It only took $79 for them to get sprayed and my wreath to never be the same again. In the mean time we have about 45 gnats living with us. All of that to say I started today with the simple goal of finishing all those graduation frames. Even with my blood pressure rising they are DONE. (Well, the wrapping and labeling are still on the list for tonight, but I plan on sitting and watching the Grey's finale if possible).

I really liked the way they came out. I cheated a little and pulled the black and white one off my etsy site because somehow my list grew by 2 more girls from Monday. I will replace it though with another polka dot frame when I get a minute. I already have the perfect paper and ribbon for it.

Whew, what do you think? I hope the girls will like them. I am worried I am out of touch with what 18 year old girls like.

Oh, and I did decide to just get the boys itunes cards. :-)

Crayon Roll

I took a break from my frames to make some b-day gifts and Beck really wanted one too, so I tried my hand at the crayon rolls...


He was so excited he did some great coloring this morning. It was a pretty easy thing. Of course my husband asked what was wrong with carrying a crayon box. UGH, Men!

So I have come back to reality. If you want to see my pics from the cruise, head over to my family blog. Such an amazingly fun time!! I have so much to catch up on at home...although all I really want to do is catch up reading everyone's blogs, but that will have to wait. I am sure I will find some time this week. :-) I want to jump back into creating stuff too. Here is my first project:

Frames for graduation gifts- for the girls anyway. Does anyone have a cool idea of what I could create for a boy graduating? If not, I will probably just do something like a gift card. There aren't as many boys graduating as girls at church, which is good because GC would be a lot more expensive than cute, handmade frames and not nearly as personal.

Bon Voyage

So, we are headed out early in the morning for our long anticipated cruise. And darn that swine flu that has put everyone in a tizzy. I mean...it has taken us 10 years to plan a vacation with just the two of us. Why does the swine flu have to hit the week before we leave? Just our luck, I suppose. We did get re-routed to Jamaica though. Anywho...I have tons to do around here yet I am already in vacay mode. My MIL will arrive this afternoon to a less than spotless house, but the boys will be excited to see her. My shop is in vacation mode too. I assure you I will come back in a week with my little brain filled of things to make and create, and tons of pics to share. Have a fantastic week...and remember to sanitize everything!