BusyBizzyB

Christmas In July

2011-07-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

All items in my shop are FREE SHIPPING this entire month! Use coupon code: XMASJULY

Tell ALL your friends!!

ALSO, I will be adding some Christmas items that will be listed at discounted prices if you buy early! So, if you know you will be wanting a hand made holiday outfit, get it now and save $$$$$.

Ruffles Galore!

2011-06-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

So I have discovered ruffle fabric. Check it out here! Oh the possibilities...I thought leggings were a good place to start so Miss J can wear them under her skirts and dresses!

give away

2011-06-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am hosting a give away on my wonderful cousin's blog. She and I had the best times together growing up. And now she is the mom to four cute kids and she offers spiritual thoughts and encouragment to so many through her blog! All you have to do to enter is "like" my busybizzyb page on facebook or follow this blog! She will draw the winner on June 14. :-)

Ever Lose your Keys?

2011-05-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

I lose my keys often...getting 3 kids loaded and unloaded as well as groceries and other stuff is quite a task. I usually lose my mind too, but just maybe a wrist-let key chain will be the answer for the key part. I know I will still lose mine, but at least this might help, while looking cute on my arm. :-) I also made these for graduation gifts. They would be good teacher gifts too. I am going to add them to the shop, but I am also going to do a GIVE AWAY. I will let you know when it is posted.

Dphoto Girls

2011-05-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

I mentioned partnering previously and this is what I was talking about. Some great ladies and friends of mine agreed to do a fabulous photo shoot for Busybizzyb. There are so many wonderful pictures, but these are just a few. They also took pictures of my products so I can list them on etsy using much more eye catching photos. I hope to get those up soon. These gals are so talented and priced so reasonably...you must check them out here.

Jemma and Me

The boys

They did the cutest "sets" even with real cupcakes. This boy of mine could not wait to dig in, and of course just lick all the icing off. :-)

My beautiful neice, Scarlett. I think she has a career in modeling in her future. She was posing up a storm and loving it, and my goodness she looks so darn cute!

The girls- I love ALL the tea cups in the background. It was such a fun day!

Edible Art

2011-04-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous Easter. My mom always makes the table so pretty. Sorry my picture is blurry. I must have been shaking with excitement about all the food I was about to devour.

My sister made the most beautiful cookies. I wish I had a better picture to show you. They were fabulous, like looked like she bought them at an expensive cookie boutique, but she made them...ugh. So jealous. :-)

My sister in law made these! She is about to be a dentist so she is good and precise with her hands. Aren't they too cute to eat?

I wish I was a baker, but that is so not my talent. Good thing my family rounds me out-literally after that meal.

BIG weekend

2011-04-20T11:00:00.001-07:00

My girl turned ONE! Perhaps that means I will get back to blogging and stop using the excuse I just had a baby. (I think that is only good for one year.) :-)
I made a one banner and a one bib for her. I decided to save my theme idea for next year and I just did a color theme: orange, lime green, and pink. It is what her sip and see was so I re-used some of those decorations.

My Mom made her these darling bloomers.

How did I get so blessed? She is such a happy girl!

I decided to just do cupcakes. I am not a baker, but I tried the gel food coloring from the craft store. I loved it! So vibrant and easy to get the right color. My piping skills need work. I made some cupcake toppers with her name and pictures. :-)

I also have exciting news about a partnership...more to come on that with some beautiful pictures to follow.

Valentine Topiary

2011-03-07T09:46:00.001-08:00

Although I am a month behind on posting these, I assure you I did get them to the teachers on time. I made valetines topiaries out of felt circles. It was such a fun, albeit time consuming project. Super easy though and I really like the way they turned out. Cut a BUNCH of flet circles, then cut a BUNCH more...cuz you will need them. The just fold them into fourths and pin them into a styrofoam (sp??) sphere.

Cute!

A new Item

2011-02-01T07:26:00.001-08:00

My new favorite thing in the shop. I hope to make many more of these. I need to create a pattern for my size. :-)

Silk Flower T-shirt (tutorial)

2011-01-07T19:02:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't love a big flower? I do! And with spring around the corner I thought I would play around with a t-shirt for my girl. A silk flower is fabric, so why not sew it on a shirt, dress, scarf, whatever. I know you could easily make it into a removable pin, but not where a little one is concerned. I think it should wash just fine in the gentle cycle, but do not dry it! Hang to dry. Here is a tutorial if you wish to make one.

Feel free to ask any questions, because I am not very thorough at times.

and stitch the ribbon to the shirt...I forgot to say that. See not thorough. This is a project that you could actually do by hand if you do feel confident or don't have a sewing machine.

This stitch can be messy. Mine is because it will be covered by the bling you use.

That is it! Easy and boutique cuteness. After putting it on my daughter (she is almost 9 months) she tried to devour it! She can't get it off because it is sewn on, but she might be able to pull petals off or the rhinestone so I won't be leaving her in her crib in this. Hind sight says maybe make it for girls age 2 +. Or for yourself. :-)

Gifts: Burlap Pillows

2010-12-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

I am in love with burlap right now. I have been seeing it everywhere and I love the look. I hadn't ever sewn it until now. Not my favorite to sew. It did make me appreciate my serger though. I decided to make my friends burlap pillows with iron on transfers for Christmas. You can buy all sorts of cool images on etsy to use or you can find some on the blog from graphicsfairy. I was debating to go with a "christmasy" type graphic or just a generic one that would be okay for all year. That is what I went with.

Honestly, I am not sure if they will survive a washing or not...hopefully my friends won't be hating me by March. I think the worse thing that could happen would they would have a blank pillow. I do think my serged seams will survive.

Tie Sets

2010-12-21T12:01:00.001-08:00

A couple new things in the shop. Ugh, I have been so slow to add things. I have a stack that need to go in, so keep watching. :-)

First Craft Show

2010-12-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

It was a success! I am so thankful to my sister and sis-in-law. They helped me set up and sat with me while we sold. We were put right by a window and at 5 pm when it started, we were being blinded by the light, so the pictures aren't that great.

I do have a lot of stuff to be listed in the shop now...once all my presents are wrapped maybe. :-)

TONIGHT!!!

2010-12-09T11:28:00.001-08:00

The shopping begins: IIDA HOLIDAY SHOP & SOCIAL

what you will find: jewelry, clothes, cards, ceramics, hand bags & baby gear.

PLEASE NOTE: only cash or checks will be accepted by vendors.
member entry requires 3 non perishable items to be donated to SA food bank. non members: $5 entry or 3 non perishable items

12.09.10
5:00pm - 9:00pm
ZaZa Gardens. 723 S. Flores St. San Antonio, Texas 78204

Come and see me if you are in the area. It is my first craft "show".

Personalized Cards

2010-12-05T19:18:00.001-08:00

These samples are headed to the craft fair on Thursday. I don't have them listed in my shop, but if you are interested you can always contact me thru this blog for any item. These cards are 5x7 and you can get a set of 6 for $10 or 12 for $20.

Christmas Tutu set

2010-12-03T07:14:00.001-08:00

Cowboy Set

2010-11-16T18:18:00.000-08:00

A new item for craft fair and/or the shop: I love this natural color chenille.

It is very soft. And this cute cotton print. So TEXAS! Yeehaw.

Craft Fair

2010-11-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am back...seriously this time...back in the game of crafting. I have busily been working on items for my first craft fair!!!! I am so excited and a lot scared too. I have wanted to get into some craft shows for some time now, but always worry about the inventory I have on hand as well as cost and really the fear that no one will buy anything. But I have decided I will never know what it is like unless I try it. This lady bought a baby gift from my etsy store about 1.5 years ago. She just happens to be the coordinator for her club's (International Interior Design Assoc.) Christmas Holiday Shop and asked me if I was interested. It sounds very comfortable with about 125 women shopping...not too overwhelming. If you are in the San Antonio area, then please come and check it out on December 9th at the ZAZA gardens (downtown) from 5pm-9pm. Admission is free and they will provide appetizers. :-) I will start posting some of the items I will be selling there very soon.

2010-10-25T10:49:00.001-07:00

Check out this fundraiser to help this sweet girl.

The Month of the Bib Necklace

2010-08-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

August is filled with special birthdays among my friends and family. I like to give a homemade something along with a store bought something. This year I decided to make bib necklaces.

They are so fun to make because the options are endless, plus I get to destash some of my fabric scraps.

Here are some good tutorials if you are interested in making one too:

lots of flower tuts (I took the concept of the #22 rosette)

bib necklace tut

Drab to Fab

2010-08-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing cute flowered t's all over. I decided to try one. I took a maternity one from my closet because it is just a little bigger in the mid- section and I could use that all the time not just when I am with child. Then I took one of my husband's old undershirts (minus the pit stains of course) and just kind of started hacking it all to peices.

I played around and came up with this...

I think it is decent enough to wear, don't you?

Too Many Favs

2010-08-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have talked about these girls before, but Dphotpgraphy gave me so many beautiful photos of my last baby. {sniff} I seriously love all of them. Here are only SOME of the favorites I have.

And if you are looking for someone to do custom invites/cards, etc. then look here. Kelly did a great job on these birth announcements (and my all time favorite pic):

Check out this Blog

2010-07-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Don't you love when you have a relative who is a close friend? Well, my cousin is just that. I would like her even if we weren't related. :-) I have tons of great memories with her and now our kids are making memories together...so cool. Anyway, here is her encouraging blog. You must check it out. Today she featured me. I am so thrilled!

New Baby Items

2010-07-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have got some new baby items being added to the shop. If you need a gift for someone please remember me. :-) I am trying to get back into the swing of things, and I kind of feel like I am starting all over again since my maternity break. I plan on adding a few more items this week as well. Tell your friends...

Tshirt dress tutorial

2010-06-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

If you love a t-shirt, then this is the dress for you. I buy t-shirts everytime I see them on sale at Target for less that $4 because I can never have too many T's. This red one was $3.50 and I decided to try and make it into a fun summer dress. I am lacking a few pictures, but hopefully this will make sense. I am also hoping I shrink into this one because I still have some belly baby weight to lose. It is way comfy though...

You need a t-shirt

fabric for the skirt (I used a yard with some left over, but you need to get enough to go around your widest part + about 15 extra inches)

elastic that goes around your waist nicely

and about half a yard of coordinating fabric (please ignore the zebra print above...I thought I might use it to get a little funky, but didn't)

Set your t-shirt and t-shirt scrap aside for later. Next you are going to press a 1/2 inch seam to your skirt fabric and sew the elastic under it. You pull the elastic gently while you are stitching. The elastic is mega important because it is needed to stretch the fabric or you will NOT be able to get the fabric over your head and body.
Please ignore my nasty ironing board cover...I definitely need a new one!

Now you are going to go ahead and sew your hem and the side seams.

And you are ready to stitch the skirt part to the t-shirt. Make sure that you have the skirt part going up the t-shirt with the right sides togethermatching the side seams as well. This is hard to describe, but the neckline of the shirt should be somewhat near the hem...make sense?? I baste first and tried it on to make sure it was where I want it on my waist and then it is sewn on straight. Then I went back and stitched over it. I have been known to use my seam ripper too much so better to be safe than sorry .

If you want a high waisted dress than you can skip the sash. I cut 2 peices that were 6 inches X 44 inches. I sewed them together to make 6x88 inches then folded in half, pressed and stitched right sides together. Then turn it out.
I sewed the ends up the lazy way and stitched them closed and cut them with the pinking shears.

There are lots of good tutorials for fabric flowers out there. I kind of did a wonky job on mine, but if you are interested let me know and maybe I can try it again taking pics along the way. :-)

Ask if you have any questions...I am still a beginner at tutorial writing, but I hope you will enjoy this comfy ensemble.

Wipes Case

2010-06-22T14:59:00.000-07:00

You need to be a glue gun artist with this project, which I am not and have the blisters to prove it. All in all I like the way it came out. I hadn't made a wipes case like this one before but thought it would be a prefect addition in the smaller baby bag my Mom made me (below.)
Isn't it so cute? So far I am still hauling the huge bag around that I made, but I am looking forward to lightening my load soon, hopefully.

Two days in a row, Jemma has napped like a champ and given me the chance to play around again. I hope this becomes the new normal.

Decoupage with Fabric

2010-06-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

My awesomely crafty sis-in-law made this adorable jewelry box for Jemma's room. She used some of the left over fabric, and to top it off she and my mom and my sister put an engraved bracelet in it for her. I love it!

And it inspired me because a friend of mine asked me to make some letters for her son's nautical room. I hadn't really thought about using fabric until Maegan made the box. Then I was like "duh" because I was unable to find any cute "nautical" scrapbooking papers, but I did find some cute fabric...and I LOVE fabric.

So here are Bretton's letters (cute name, huh?). They turned out a bit rough around the edges, but I think on the wall they are really going to pop.

The best part about using fabric is that you can sew stuff with the leftovers, so he is getting a little tag lovey too. I hope they like it. It feels good to be back in the craft room. My son saw me sewing and said, "Mommy, you haven't sewed in forever." Having a third kid has been a hard adjustment. I can't even find time to go to the bathroom let alone craft. Slow progress, but I am going to get back to it all someday hopefully soon. I have a tutorial for another dress in the works. I am aiming high.

Easing Back into Crafting

2010-06-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

End of the year and graduation gifts were calling my name so I have been easing back into things. These are such inexpensive things to make, but I love how you can make them personal and unique for each person. I opened my etsy shop back up, but haven't added anything new just yet. I hope to soon.

Introducing...

2010-05-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Miss Jemma Jane

Born on April 12th

She has pretty much rocked our world! This is the reason I haven't blogged in forever and have taken a break from etsy. She is a doll and we are so blessed to have her as a part of this family. I hope to get back to some crafting soon, but I am pretty sure I will need a complete night of sleep before that happens...so who knows when.

Proud Big Brothers; Briggs (above) and Beck (below)

These last two are a little more recent. She is already 3 weeks old today.

~Jaime

My Purse was a MESS!

2010-03-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

I LoVe purses and bags so much, but in the past few weeks, months, years, they are just a constant mess because I just throw stuff in and never look back. My purse often becomes a place for the kids, myself, as well as an office. Since I know in a matter of weeks I will be switching from baby bags to purses I decided to make a purse organizer. I don't know how it will work out, honestly but I hope it will make a quick transition from one bag to the next to simplify life.

It is a lot like making a crayon roll with bigger pockets. I saw a great tutorial here:
http://thegivingflower.de/?p=920

and here:

http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/2009/02/purse-organizer-tutorial.html

My Mom's Many Talents

2010-03-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

My Mom is so very talented. Here is a picture of Beck's nursery five years ago. My Mom painted some of the print from the fabric on the wall. It was darling! I was so sad to leave that room when we moved a couple years ago. Well, last week she came and painted in this baby's nursery. I told her I wanted a soft cherry blossom tree and here is what she did:

I could not be any happier. I think it is just perfect and fairytale-ish. It was just what that one wall needed.

While I am at it I thought I would show you the chandelier kit we did. (I don't think I have shown it yet.) I REALLY wanted a chandelier for baby girl's room, but Ben reminded me of practicality. We are in south Texas in an upstairs bedroom and a fan is just a must! So, he found this light kit that goes on a fan and I love it! It is just the right amount of sweetness.

I cannot wait to show the whole nursery, but she has her name in it and I am not ready for the big reveal just yet. Plus, we have a shelf and a few other things that need hanging. 6 weeks from today she will be here!!!

Ruffle Bums

2010-02-19T08:49:00.001-08:00

I finally took some time to play with my serger a bit and did some rolled hems. It was really easy and it makes for a great finished hem or perfect for small ruffles so I ended up making some ruffle-bum onesies and putting them in the shop. I am sure there are so many other features I need to discover on my serger...it is fun to explore it, but just not a lot of time to do that.

Happy Heart Day

2010-02-14T14:44:00.000-08:00

Another great shot from Dphotography. I hope everyone is getting lots of LOVE today!

UPcycling

2010-02-10T20:24:00.000-08:00

I had to look up the term "upcycle" because I wasn't sure how it was different from recycling, but now I know it is taking something that would be trash and turning it into something more valuable. So for Valentine's Day I took some of my favorite cold coffee jars and made them into teacher's gifts. I just decorated them with scrapbook papers and ribbons and put chocolate inside...the key to any woman's heart. Super cheap and easy. Last year I used the same jars and made little "flower" bouquets out of paper. Both inexpensive ideas that I thought I would pass along. I really like "frap" jars because they are a cute shape, but have a wide enough mouth to add things easily.

Valentines for Boys

2010-02-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

Creating a v-day shirt for a boy is hard...especially a 5 year old. I don't want it to be too cutesy, but I have seen these around and thought they were so cute and perfectly boyish. So I whipped up a couple this morning for their school parties next week. I think we will layer them with a red shirt underneath.

Happy Heart day to everyone!

Boys Room

2010-01-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

The boys haven't gotten too much attention on this blog lately, but there have been changes in their room too so I thought I would share. Briggs started sharing a room with Beck in November so we bought twin beds for them. We got them unfinished and had them stained. I really like them. I got bedding that I thought they could grow into...and of course allowed them to get "character" sheets...as long as they don't really show. Ha! We were all happy that way.

Ben painted this stripe that I LOVE. I have been wanting stripes somewhere in the house for so long and Ben has been dreading it. I actually was getting my hair highlighted when I received his text, "stripe on wall=disaster". I was afraid, but once I got home we repaired the damage together. And just so you know, there is no such thing as tape that doesn't bleed through-even though it is advertised as such. I think the result was worth the effort.

I painted this dresser for Beck's nursery 5 years ago. I am going to leave it as long as I can. It still goes okay, I think.

I decided to make a wall to display their art so I painted some wooden stars and strung some twine. Then made them each 4 clothes pins and we get to have an art gallery now. Cheap, takes up a whole wall, and the boys love looking at their work so it is a winner!

Here is just a close up of it.

Now I am working on some canvases as well as photos I want to hang. But the canvases are not coming out like I originally wanted so I will move to plan B. They are going to be hung on the empty wall by Briggs' bed.

Bow Holder & Art Too

2010-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is really so simple it doesn't need a tutorial, but here are some step by step pictures. I am sure you have seen these around.

1. I started with a blank canvas and did a light coat of paint on it.
2. I chose to cut some strips of the fabric that are in the baby's room to match what I have going on in there plus an assortment of ribbons, ric rac, you know...just stuff from your stash.

3. I decided to use the staple gun, but I am sure a glue gun would work just fine. You just pull the ribbon taut and staple it into the wooden frame.

4. VOILA. You have a place to put all those cute bows and flowers for the hair. I am planning on hanging this near the changing table we have so I can just pick the bow as I get her dressed...plus it looks really cute on the wall!

Lost in the Sea of Fabric

2010-01-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

I have made quite a few valances in my life, but never full panel drapes. I decided I wanted to do it for the nursery to give it a more custom look. My Mom was going to help with the bumpers, but after lots of research on the web, ~~she talked me into~~ we decided to go with the breathable bumpers. They are really the only proven safe bumpers. They are a mesh and are okay to look at, but not as precious as the homemade ones of course. However, I will feel safe knowing she is in there and can breathe if she were to get stuck in a strange position. Anyway, all that to say I need to do everything I can to make several other CUTE focal features in the room.

I was swimming in fabric while making these. They weren't really difficult to make, but challenging just because I was lost in all that yardage. I was sewing and praying I was sewing on the right side because there was no way I was going to be ripping these long seams. I ended up pretty proud of myself. The lining on one panel was on the wrong side, but like I said I was not about to start ripping out because I would still be ripping until this baby arrives.

Oh, and my chair came last week. I love it...it is so soft and comfy and I have a good feeling I will probably be sleeping in it some nights. Here are the boys. They love the chair too. Beck called to me the other day and said, "Mommy, come look at us." That is always kind of a scary thing to hear, but he was practicing rocking Briggs-who had just woken from his nap. Love that bed head. Sweet boys!

Accessorize!

2010-01-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

A while back I met a sweet blog/etsy shop friend named Mia. She bought a onesie dress from me and I think that started it all. Remember this-that is her cutie pie. She makes the cutest hair accessories and I finally had a reason (other than my own hair) to buy some. I got the package today and she even included a few freebies. What a sweet gal...as well as a hand written note! GO check her out. Seriously, you need something darling to put in on a not-so-good-hair day. Thanks, Mia. I love it all!

Easiest Project. Ever!

2010-01-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

My sis-in-law posted about her cute boa feather wreath and I knew I wanted one for the nursery. So, I bought the styrofoam wreath form (14inches) and two pink boas. Literally in 10 minutes I was ready to hang it. And I love it!!

First Try

2010-01-09T10:09:00.001-08:00

The other day I just dumped my scrap ribbon jar out and started trying to make bows. This is what I came up with. They aren't great yet, but they were so fun to make. It is so hard to imagine a little head wearing these. I am sure the hot pink one will look enormous on her at first. Fun, fun, fun!

A new Year

2010-01-05T20:44:00.001-08:00

It is a new year...goodness already the 5th day of it. Progress is slowly being made in the nursery-I think Ben may paint it this weekend...maybe. I still cannot believe it is going to be pink!

Progress is slowly happening in the shop too. Here are some newly listed items:

Oh and a preview...it isn't listed YET. I have a few other valentine day items I want to get done. This was kind of an accident that turned cute. Hope you like.

Christmas is Over.

2009-12-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

I told myself that as soon as Christmas was over I would start getting into "baby" mode. So, I have been trying to organize Briggs' old closet and transforming his old room into a girly nursery since he is sharing with Beck now. It looks like a mess, but I have several piles that have been tackled. I keep seeing this sweet face and I get a bit sad everytime I work in there...where are the years going?
But the most exciting thing is this lovely fabric that is going to be the bumpers. I cannot tell you how happy I am to have some pink floral in this house!!! Isn't is pretty? It is a Tanya Whelan print and I love it. I really wanted some Tiffany blue in the room too.

So much to be done...not to mention putting away all the Christmas decor. But the baby stuff is so much more fun to think about. I have alligator clips and headbands in the mail. The bow making will begin shortly! First things first.

Fabric Salad

2009-12-23T05:44:00.001-08:00

Meet Briggs...he is my two and a half year old. He goes to Mother's Day out and has the sweetest teacher so I wanted to make her something special for Christmas.
I got a pre-made apron at a craft store and appliqued her name on it. I love mixing fabrics...but I think I went a little crazy.

I hope it didn't turn out too funky for her. But if anyone could get away with a funky colorful apron, it would definitely be a pre-school teacher, right?

This is my first time to join in on "get your craft on"...thanks for stopping by. There isn't a tutorial. Is there supposed to be? I hope I am not breaking any craft laws. :-) Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas Tour

2009-12-18T06:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to join the Nester's tour this year...only about a week late so I could be the bazillionth link. Welcome to our home...I wish we could keep Christmas stuff up all year. It is going to look so bare when it all comes down.
First up: Our White tree. My sis-in-law married my brother at Christmas time and she decorated with tons of these trees and just gave them away at the end. Lucky me. I call it our "fancy" tree.

Here is our family room tree. This tree has many homemade ornaments and the kids help me decorate this one. They love touching all the ornaments on the bottom half.
Of course our home wouldn't be complete without the gingerbread house we make every year. Beck spent a lot of time making this look good, and a lot of powdered sugar was eaten while working. Briggs just licked the icing.

All of our Santa pictures (I still need to add this year's) along with some rag garland.

The stockings that are hung with care...
This is what it looks like right when you enter my front door...Beck got his bed head in this one. :-)
Our display of cards. I just hang them on a long ribbon with clothes pins that have scrapbook paper trees. I just love all the photos we receive.
And lastly, our dining room table-you know the one that just looks pretty and doesn't get used daily.
Merry Christmas to all! Thanks for dropping by.

Coasters

2009-12-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

I decided to make coasters for gifts this year out of tiles. I bought the super inexpensive, ceramic, off white tiles at a local hardware store and decoupaged scrapbook paper on them as well as their last initial. I ended by sealing them so that the water won't ruin the paper...fingers crossed on that one. I like the way they turned out and they really were so easy.

Then I received a gift from my sweet friend, Lisa and great minds think a like. She made me coasters, which was great because I didn't get around to making my own set. And the greatest thing about crafting is the same idea turns out so differently, and I think hers turned out way better...she got a fancier tile and then stamped them. They look like she bought them. Thanks, Lisa. I always need coasters. I don't know why mine always are disappearing and getting chipped or cracked. Now I am all set.

Ladies Craft Exchange

2009-12-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

Last night was a fun tradition we have at church. Our ladies ministry hosts an annual craft exchange where you are supposed to bring a "homemade" gift to exchange in a "white elephant" sort of way. It is always a lot of fun and you get to see people's true colors shine through. Ha! You know you brought something good if people fight over it. My Mom and sister brought darling things...they both got fought over. I wish I had taken pictures of their gifts. Mom did a darling rag wreath and Jill did a ribbon topiary. My gift was cuter in my mind. It turned out a bit too Dr.Suessish...maybe I should have not used such big polka dots. It didn't get fought over...maybe next year!

Here it is:

I ended up with some really cute dish towels though:

Batman Party

2009-12-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

My oldest baby turned 5 right before Thanksgiving. He wanted a batman party and a bouncy house, so that is what he got. They had a ball jumping all day!! Look at those happy faces.
I went the easy route and bought cupcakes. I didn't really want to add that to my list of things to do and you know how I am not really a good baker.

Here is the sweet birthday boy. I did make a batman "5" shirt. I love that Beck appreciates homemade things. He told one of his friends at the party, "My mom made this shirt with fabric!"

I just made kind of plain printed invitations so I decided to cut and make superhero masks out of a poster board I already had and include those with the invites.

Instead of spending a bunch of money on trinkety favors I decided to spend a lot of time to make capes for the kids. Don't get me wrong, they were very rough...no hems anywhere, but still 14 of anything takes a while to make. I think they turned out cute enough and hopefully the kids that came will be playing with them for months to come.

I have several Christmas crafts to share, but the problem is they are all gifts and I am afraid the people I am giving them to might just read this. So, I will post them as I give them. You will have to stay tuned.

In case you do not read my family blog, I have some exciting news...I am having a GIRL this time. So, as soon as the Holiday rush is over I plan on making so many bows, pink, and ruffly things...I just can't wait!!! :-)

Flowers like Snowflakes

2009-12-01T18:35:00.000-08:00

I am a bit late in posting. This is what I ended up making for the teachers at Thanksgiving. I don't really think the pictures do them justice...perhaps it was the photographer. Again, you could make these for any holiday. I made pins because I was picturing them on a jean jacket, but you could do hair clips or an alligator pin that could attach to a pillow, belt, anything really. My favorite thing about these is they all turn out unique like a snowflake. Mine are similar, but not exact and that makes them really fun to create. There are tutorials all over the web for these so you could make them too. Hope everyone has recovered from all that yummy food. My decorations are officially up...let Christmas begin.

Better Than They Look

2009-11-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

Bakerella, I am not. I wish I could just be a little like her. My stuff usually comes out edible, but not pretty at all. Plus it stresses me out to bake because of my history with it. Seriously my two layer cakes always end up with a huge crack down the middle and they slide more each day they don't get eaten. I have pretty much given those up.

My son is turning 5 tomorrow...five! OH my {sniff, sniff}. Anyway, we have to bring snack to his school for his celebration and cookies are so much neater than cupcakes. I saw on Noggin one time this lady was making Dora cupcakes and she made her hair by piping icing onto wax paper and then removing it and placing it on the cupcake icing. I thought I would try it for the batman symbol and put it on sugar cookies. Here is what they look like:

Honestly, pretty sad and I am not ashamed to admit it- the circles aren't even good. I tried and he likes them so it was very worth it. They are tasty though. I don't think kids will be very hard critics...thank goodness.

Thankful journals

2009-11-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a little project for our ladies Bible class at church. We have been doing a really good and practical study based on the book The Ultimate Gift. Anyway, next week since it is our last class before Thanksgiving we are going to make some "thankful" journals. I know this is not an original idea but I wanted to post it. It is a reminder for me to stop and actually think about my blessings instead of just gobbling up all the good food! :-) Which I will do as well-and really looking forward to!

Front

Back

A Good Cause

2009-11-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

There is a near and dear Christian school that has an annual auction. This school means a lot to me. I went there for middle school, my mom worked there for many years, my brother attended, and we go to church with many of the teachers. As all private schools, they need money!! :-) So, this year I have donated a couple items to their auction that will be held in just a few weeks. Here is what I came up with:

I am thinking about adding some women's shirts to my etsy shop. I might wait for summer to do a bunch of ruffle tanks, but I like the way it turned out. Definitely something an average mom could throw on in the morning and look a bit cuter than just a stained t-shirt. Oh wait, is that just me? I swear everything ends up with these mystery spots...the mark of a Mom, I suppose.

Baby Gifts

2009-10-23T19:35:00.000-07:00

I tried something out the other day and I like the way it turned out. I have added them to the shop. Keep in mind I do not have an embroidery machine so they are stitched on a regular machine and are not as "perfect" as a machine could do, but what baby wouldn't like to spit up on these suckers? :-) I don't think I can fit more than 7 letters though. Ha!

Modeling

2009-10-22T09:56:00.001-07:00

This cutie's Mom is keeping me in business. :-) Here are some cute pictures she has had in things I have made for her. Isn't she a doll? I just love all that hair!!!!

The Stockings Are Not Hung...

2009-10-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

But it is growing closer. I have been busy trying to get some Christmas stuff ready for the shop...here is a preview of some things to come. Be watching.

Fall Goodness

2009-10-13T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have been consuming way too much of this stuff lately. It makes me feel like fall and that the holidays really are coming. Well, today started off rocky. It was a very rainy day and we had lots to do so I thought this cup of latte was a must. I waited in line for about 10 minutes with about 8 cars in front of me and just gave up because I was already running late for Ladies Bible Class at my church and I wasn't about to park and drag a kid inside with it pouring down rain. Isn't that awful? The worse part is it has been almost 12 hours and I am still wanting this $4 cup of goodness tonight!!! So here is my question to you...what makes you feel that fall goodness?

An Up and Coming Team

2009-10-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Dphotography is who I am talking about. This is a mother-daughter dynamic duo! One is in the Dallas area and one is in San Antonio and if you need a good photographer, then look no further. I feel a bit ashamed that we took these back in June, I think and am just now getting around to posting them, but I knew it would be hard to narrow down a few favorites...boy, was I right. I love so many of them, and it is no easy task to get two little boys to sit still and smile for the camera. Anyway, thanks Dana and Dabney. We will have these memories forever!

A Super Easy Project

2009-10-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was looking through the archives on Tipjunkie.com and came across this blog. I love ribbons and wreaths so it definitely caught my attention...how easy!!! and could be done for every single holiday, if you wanted. :-) I am giving these to the kid's teachers. What do y'all think? I hope it isn't too messy lookin'.

Fall Items

2009-10-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

Some new fall items are in the shop and I am working on Christmas stuff too. If you have any seasonal requests be sure and ask early...this time of year gets crazy!

Happy October

2009-10-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

My decorations are finally up! Here is a look into my house...ignore the dust and toys around if you can see any here. :-)

A very easy project...a candy corn topiary just made with strips of felt pinned on a styrofoam cone.

Last year I made some chair covers. The kids love them. It is a big decision on which one to sit.

My Mom painted this for me a few years back. I cannot help but smile when I see it. It is so cheerful!

The mantle

Gobble, gobble. A lady at our church makes these. Isn't it precious?!

Happy October everyone!!

Safari Can

2009-09-21T19:02:00.001-07:00

A lot of times animal print can end up looking feminine but I this turned out good and masculine. A good friend has a darling safari room and I hope this will be a good addition.

The ribbon can be taken off as he gets older. :-) But I couldn't resist adding it.

On a separate note this first trimester has totally zapped all the creativity and energy right out of my body. Do I have any readers left? Well, I am in week 10 and today was the first day I survived without a nap so I hope I will be returning to normal soon. Please check back every now and then...

Latest Project

2009-09-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Briggs is starting MDO tomorrow and Beck started pre-K yesterday. A home project was to create a Briggs head to toe for his first day. He helped me tape, of course. :-) And Beck is starting to have homework. He had to find some things around the house that start with "A". After one apple thing it was kind of a challenge. I am hoping my mom was able to get an acorn off her Oak tree. So, these are the projects that have kept us busy this week. I kind of feel like I am in a crafting slump...just not in the mood to actually create new things. I have enjoyed this rainy morning and just staying at home! Feels so good to hear the boys play in the other room while I catch up on much neglected chores. Happy Wednesday.

Fall, I love you…I want you!

2009-09-01T14:49:00.001-07:00

Well, we only have a high of 93 here today so it is almost like fall already, right? Ha! My son has been begging for his Halloween costume every since the first costume catalog came our way 2 months ago. (How do they find us?) So I splurged yesterday and bought him what he really wanted. He hasn’t taken it off since, well to take a bath and sleep. But really after his bath he put it back on until PJs were necessary! He is so happy!

So now that we are getting all ready for fall, how early is too early for Halloween decorations? I am ready to pull that box out. In fact, I made one for the shop…a banner. I made one for myself last year and really liked it. Here is the newest addition to the shop:

and I am working on some more tutus and onesies…even a boys onesie. Dreaming of pumpkins, sweater weather, and cinnamon lattes today!

Jaime

Halloween

2009-08-27T11:08:00.001-07:00

It is hard to even think of dressing in costumes when it is still 104 degrees here every day, but the time is approaching. Here is the Halloween tutu that went in the shop today. This is an 18 month one…anyone know a little girl that needs this? (The tutus can be made any size though, of course.)

Jaime

Tutus

2009-08-21T18:53:00.001-07:00

I made my first tutu this week and pretty much loved it! Fluffy girly-ness is definitely one of my specialties so they are coming to the shop. This one is going to be worn by a 6 month old for pictures. It looks so little and fluffy!! I can’t wait to see her in it. The first one I hope to put in the shop is a Halloween one with a matching onesie. I can just picture a little girl in it with orange and black striped tights. CUTE!! So, if you have a request of colors, just let me know.

BTW, I was more than a little excited to hear that the nap mat cover fit the nap mat perfectly. Whew! So glad that little Jax has a cozy spot to nap now. :-)

Happy Weekend,

Jaime

Oops section & Something New

2009-08-17T17:05:00.001-07:00

So I make mistakes quite often when I am creating. Shocking, I know. I have decided to open an “oops” section of the store. These items are items I would still put my own kids in, but just may not be exactly as I was hoping. I will offer a discount on them and I hope we will all benefit. I will live and learn, and your kids will get inexpensive handmade, cute things to wear! Here are a couple of items heading that way when I get some uninterrupted computer time (which will be who-knows-when because my husband has something after work tonight-and it has already been a long day):I love this one…the colors, the fabric, but there is a tiny gap between the two pieces of tie. I don’t really know what happened except I was working on it late at night.

This one has some wonky stitches. I know some people like that, but it wasn’t what was in my mind so it is an oops. Still a very cute, play outfit.

And on to my NEW experience. I made a nap mat cover. A friend from college asked if I had ever done one and I said, “No, but I probably could.” So with lots of correspondence she picked this darling Michael Miller camo print and the project began. The most difficult thing was she lives in a different state and I was going off of measurements of the mat she already had. It was like honors geometry class all over again. I got it in the mail this morning, and my fingers are crossed it will fit. I am so nervous.

I do love the appliquéd pillow. Do you think I should add those to my shop?

Jaime

My History with Sewing: the Early Years

2009-08-12T09:37:00.001-07:00

My Mom is a wonderful seamstress! When I was a little girl she made my sister and I matching clothes. Here we are with her (isn’t she beautiful?) in our matching Strawberry Shortcake dresses. Don’t you love the paneling too?

She also made me and my cabbage patch doll matching dresses. Oh, and my Barbie doll clothes—even a wedding dress that is still in my possession.

This is where my love for sewing began. I loved watching her work and I was always so proud of the things she made (except for a dress in college that she remembers me not wanting to wear, even though I don’t remember it well.) The summer before 5th grade she decided to sign me up for a sewing class. I must have asked her a lot to teach me and she was worried she wouldn’t have the patience to teach me. She is a bit of a perfectionist and would have probably just done it for me. Well, I learned a lot that summer. Our project was an outfit. I wish I had a picture of that. I picked out some Americana type fabric perhaps with fourth of July in mind??? They were elastic- waist shorts, but with a collared, button up top. That teacher was ambitious! I continued to do some sewing in high school. My Mom really taught me by example and she is still teaching me and helping me with sewing. I am very blessed!

If you have sewn long then you know the fabric now is way more beautiful then back then, but the savings of store bought vs.homemade then was great. Times have changed when it comes to cost. Back then you sewed by rules and patterns. Now it is more of an art form, and I am so thankful. I feel much more confident that way. And the internet is amazing!! The tutorials out there are out of this world and really there isn’t much need to every buy a pattern again.

I am writing this because several people have asked if I had any helpful suggestions about beginning to sew. There are great affordable machines out there. I sew on an inexpensive Singer. Next, I would say to take a beginner class to learn some basic skills. I know our local school district offers a continuing ed. sewing class. Once you get the basics, you can just begin creating away. I hope this helps anyone who is on the fence. Just jump in, I don’t think you will regret it.

:-) Jaime

Watermelon, Sherbet, a Gerber Daisy…

2009-08-09T19:21:00.001-07:00

So lately I have been loving the combo of pink and green. It reminds me of all these things and just the fun times of summer. I made my first serged project this weekend:

(The colors turned out a little vibrant here). It is a size 3T and, it is already in the shop. But I was having such fun with the ruffles using my serger that I made a little something for me too. {wink}

Do you Mommy’s every feel like you are wearing t-shirts constantly? I found this tank in the Target “$1” bin for $2.50 and knew I could embellish it to give myself at least a spruced up T-shirt/tank. And as of today it is still stain-free, but I know that won’t last long! Ha.

♥,

Jaime

A New Brother!

2009-08-06T12:07:00.001-07:00

No, my parents don’t have some sort of sordid past…It is what I got in the mail yesterday!

It is a Brother serger, and I am so excited! When Briggs was sick this past weekend I had a lot of time to surf the web and read all sorts of reviews. I wasn’t even thinking of buying a serger anytime soon, but it was so affordable and great reviews were all I saw so I talked it over with Ben and he got online and bought it for me. He knows I have a major issue spending money on something that I don’t really need so he helped me out and just did it. Otherwise he knew it would be on my brain for weeks. So far I did spend about an hour this morning trying to thread the lower looper, but I think I finally got it and now just have some minor tweaking with the tension. Other than that, it has been easy to use. And BTW, I ordered it from a major retailer that “rolls back” prices and shipping was only $.97 and I got it in 3 days! I was impressed-I had never ordered online from them before. Anyway, from now on, my seams will be finished. Hooray!

Jaime

I won, I won!

2009-08-03T13:12:00.001-07:00

I never win anything on blogs, but I keep entering and it finally paid off. It is a biggie to! I get this small pink and black trunk from Rusty Pickle.

I won it on U Create. It is the coolest site. I am amazed that Kari can find so many neat things to post all the time. Thanks, Kari…I am so excited!

Jaime

Another Auction to Check Out

2009-08-02T20:15:00.002-07:00

http://tomkatstudio.blogspot.com/2009/08/new-auction-to-benefit-kate-mcrae-amy.html

Click on the link to see another darling auction for sweet little Kate and her family. This cute bib and burpie match the dress I auctioned off...HOW COOL!! If you are in need of a baby gift, this is a great cause.

2009-08-02T20:15:00.001-07:00

"Layla" bag

2009-08-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

So here is the creation I was talking about. I hope it isn't bad to love what I made, but I really was pleased with how it came out, and you know I am a bag lover if you know me at all. Here is how it all began:
A friend has asked about bags and I did not feel quite confident enough yet to tackle that project...for one thing I know they take a little bit of fabric and I couldn't bear to think of ruining beautiful fabric. One day I will try it, I promise. But I asked her if she would consider having me embellish a pre-made one. She is the best because she agreed and told me I could do what I wanted with it. So, the creating began and this is how it ended.

A ruffled side

Her baby's name on the other

It was kind of difficult sewing on thick canvas. I broke a needle once and I really wasn't sure how it would come out, but there was a great sense of satisfaction when I completed it because I loved it! Sara said she did too, so it was SUCCESS!

THANK YOU

2009-08-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Erica is the highest bidder! Thank you so much for your generosity. I hope the McRaes will be very blessed by all the funds sent their way, and I pray that you will also be blessed for your kindness, Erica. I will send you an email today!!!

Happy Weekend everyone. I have a cute creation to share, but I have a 2 year old sicky this morning. :-(

Auction to Benefit the McRae Family

2009-07-27T19:07:00.001-07:00

I am sure a lot of you have read about this sweet family that has had a heart breaking situation arise-cancer in their sweet daughter. You can read this families story here www.prayforkate.com

I wanted to jump on board with several others who are hosting a silent blog auction to raise money for this family as well as an awareness of the prayers they need. If you have ever wanted a onesie dress, now is the time. Here is a 12 month Amy Bulter one up for bids. It would make a darling shower gift or a gift for your own sweet girl.

If you would like to bid on the auction, please leave a comment with your name, dollar amount of your bid and your email address. If you wish to do so anonymously than please just email me.

The dress sells in my shop for $15…so that is where the bidding will begin. The bidding will end on Friday (July 31) at midnight central time. Winner will be notified by email on Saturday. All the proceeds will be sent to this precious family.

If you would like to donate directly to the McRae family or host an auction of your own, please email kim@thetomkatstudio.com or www.tomkatstudio.blogspot.com and she will make sure that they receive whatever it is you would like to give! If you would like to host an auction of your own, she will also write about it on her blog and link to your auction. Thank you in advance for your prayers and generosity.

Jaime

My boys

2009-07-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

Here they are sporting the latest…sailboat shirts.

Jaime

Monogramming is coming…

2009-07-23T15:44:00.001-07:00

My Mom has retired as of this summer…it is official. We are so excited for her!! One of my goals with my etsy shop is to get my own embroidery machine. Until then, my Mom has agreed to do a few items for me. Here is what I will be listing: a simple patchwork skirt with two fabrics and a monogrammed tank. I will also be listing it using just one fabric with a slight price difference. I just think it is so cute, and what isn’t cuter with some personalization? They will be offered in sizes 18 month-6T.

Jaime

Native American Instincts

2009-07-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

I don't really know if I have any native American blood in me, but my "waste-not nature" comes out when we are talking about pretty fabrics. They use the whole animal and I empathize. I don't want to waste any amount of that cloth, so I made a burp cloth of scraps. I think I will call it the "scrappy rag" just because we have always called them rags around our home. (I hope that name isn't copyrighted. Please tell me if it is.) I like the way it turned out. I am a sucker for many fabrics combined.

Many more projects are happening around here, but I cannot post them yet because they are birthday gifts for many, MaNy, MANY friends and family members.

Happy Weekend!

Initial Shirts

2009-07-09T15:20:00.001-07:00

I have got some new stuff cookin’ for the shop. Here is one of the things you can order, if you are interested, initial shirts. Beck had the capital B and Briggs had the lower case B, but he wasn’t cooperating at photo time. Numbers are also available. I will be adding them soon.

Introducing…

2009-07-04T19:34:00.001-07:00

My darling niece, and my newest model. I am expanding my shop to include some simple skirts and tops for toddlers and pre-schoolers that are perfect for the summer…

PS- This is my first post using Live Writer. I was having a lot of trouble posting pictures, but I hope I just figured it out.

Summer Reading

2009-07-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

I found a great new blog this week thanks to Ucreate and Joyshope. Both of them talked about 7 Layer Studio so I spent one morning there reading with my chin on the floor...cute stuff. She had this great book mark tutorial and well, this is what my scrap basket looks like...

so it was the perfect project for me. I just made it. It took about 10 minutes, really.

Now my books are going to be lookin' good. I am especially excited to put it in my Sudoku book. I know I am like an 80 year old woman in a 30 something's body because I have become really into my Sudoku puzzles and I am super excited about being able to find the page I am on easily. Will you still be my friend if I am a dork? At least I am a dork with a cute bookmark. :-)

A bunting we will go...

2009-06-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

And a topiary too.

I have been wanting to make a topiary for every holiday that has past but just haven't done it. Then I saw this tutorial and thought "Ok, this is IT. I am doing it!" and it was super easy, fast, and cute. (It kind of reminds me of an old lady that just got her hair set, doesn't it...so cute and curly!!)

Apron GiveAway

2009-06-23T07:38:00.001-07:00

On the Dot is giving away one of my aprons today. If you are interested, go enter!!! I just love her site and feel honored to be a part of her cool give-aways!

Can I change my name?

2009-06-21T16:49:00.000-07:00

If I had these initials I might just keep this for myself. This is one color scheme that I am a sucker for.

And look what else she bought...

The cute ribbon garland to match. My new etsy friend Heidi is going to have one cute area, if I do say so myself!!

FYI-I don't have the paint cans listed in my shop just because they are kind of a odd shape to ship. (say that 3 times fast) But I do love making them and just love the way they come out. So, if you do want one and don't mind paying the shipping or if you are local, I am happy to do them.

Just ask...

2009-06-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

Last week my room-mate from college's sister emailed me and asked me if I would be interested in creating some cards for her sis who is moving. Well, I am not a graphic person, but if I can cut and add some ribbon I am usually in. So, here is what I came up with. She can put the little tin in her bag, filled with cards that have her info and she can hand them out at playdates. I know she will have no problem making new friends. :-)

The moral of this story is if you like stuff in my shop, but don't see something you have in mind specifically...just ask. I love to be commissioned for crafts. I can't promise I will do it, but I will try. Lana, thanks for the order and Myra, I hope you will love your cards.

An Apron a Day

2009-06-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

This week I have been working on some more aprons. I finally got around to making one for myself because my sis and I were supposed to host a little luncheon for our kid's teachers, but it got post-poned. Regardless, it made me get an apron for myself accomplished which has been on my crafting list for quite a while now. I love the way it turned out, and kind of which I had a skirt like this.

And this cherry one is heading for the etsy shop. I have at least one more (probably a couple) in the works for the shop.

I made another one that a friend bought and I forgot to take pictures of it, but it has been an apron a day around here...maybe it will keep the chores away. Ha! :-) I mean I wouldn't want to get my cute apron dirty or anything.

Sorry it's been too long.

2009-06-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

My little man turned 2 and time has flown by this past week. I am not sure who reads my other blog so I thought I would post a few things from his party.

I made this generic birthday sign a while back so we could re-use it.

Here he is modeling his #2 shirt.

And instead of a cake, my brother-in-law is becoming famous making these cake pops. (originally seen on bakerella). Not only were they so cute and detailed, they delicious, and the best part not really messy!!

It was a barnyard/farm theme.

We had a lot of fun!

Fabric flowers...

2009-06-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

I am getting really into these. There are just so many ways to make cute ones. Did you all read the tip junkie with all the tutorials on fabric flowers? They were all so cute! Here is a link to them. You can make them pins or hair clips or even put them on a headband. I just love them!

Gift Idea on a Budget

2009-05-30T08:28:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-05-26T14:22:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-24T13:59:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-05-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-01T09:40:00.001-07:00

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!

Oh the potential...

2009-04-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

So I bought my first ever scrap pack of fabrics off etsy. It was like Christmas...I wasn't sure what I would get but I knew it would be good. Here is what came:

It was the "cool" pack so all the colors are in the blue-ish family. I have no idea what I will do with it all, but I am excited to grow my stash! This could be an addictive thing for a pack-rat like me. :-)

Now these are the fabrics I bought on purpose to make a summer shirt. I am thinking kind of along the lines of the summer dress we made. It is so cute in my head...now the tricky part is I just have to make it with my hands.

I will show you when it is complete. You won't see much for a while because 3 days until my CRUISE--wooHoo!!!!!
(Come to think of it, I might should have ordered more fabric for that top!)

weekend project

2009-04-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a little something I worked on for a friend. It makes gourmet coffee look that much better. Is that is even possible?? And the best part is that I needed to buy several lattes for my "test" cups!

Hope you had a nice, restful weekend!