Wants and Wishes

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Last year at this time, I was larger and less happy than I am this year.  2012 was a year of hard work, a year of many questions and a few answers, and a year of change.  I found motivation and courage to confront some things in my life that were not the way I wanted them to be.  I also found plenty more things to work on.

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So, with the dawn of 2013, I thought I'd tell you my wants and wishes for the new year.  Mostly I want to rid myself, my space, and my life of some clutter.  Not all of it, mind you, cause that's kind of who I am.  But there are things hanging around that need to go.  I want to surround myself with only the people and things that bring joy, positivity, and support.  I want to be only joy, positivity and support for others.  I want to forgive my own shortcomings and embrace each and every part of my child and what it means to be her mother.

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If I can lose a few more pounds along the way, awesome.  If I can crochet some new things and find a way to list more inventory on a daily basis, right on.  But when I look back at 2013 next New Year's Eve, I want to be able to say that I made good and hard choices.  That I was strong and wise.  That my work and my existence was a source of love and inspiration and comfort for others.  That I looked self-doubt and weakness in the eye and winked.

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So, now you.  Please share...What are your hopes and dreams for the coming year?

Snow Fun

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It snowed a few inches while Sophie was visiting her grandparents!  Her Pa took her out to build a snow fort and snowman, and she loved every minute. 
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~*~ We had a bust of a winter last year- no snow to speak of- so this was the first time in a loooooong time that Sophie got to play like this.  What a great way to end the year :)

Something New

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I love to make my game night coasters and applique, so for ages I've wanted to try the pattern out with fabric.

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I finally got around to doing it the other night, and I just couldn't stop!  I made these four hotpads while watching a movie on TV.

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Each of these is made from a standard size pillowcase.  They measure about 7" across and are about a half inch thick.

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I like that they provide good table protection, yet they are flexible and kind of dainty looking.  They are machine wash and dry, too.  I should have these up in sosorosey before the day is over.  $10 each makes them an easy choice for a hostess gift, and as always, custom orders are welcome!

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What is next on your list of crafts to try or things to make? 

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

One last fabric finds post of 2012...*sniff*.  No worries, though- as long as there are people who love these fabrics as much as I do, I'll continue to hunt them down!

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I'm partial to #1 and #4 this week, but the pansies are always a hit, too.  The super saturated gold vine/stripe was a neat find- I have had the blue colorway and it's always cool to see the difference that a palette switch makes.

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Since this is the last fabric post of the year, I'm wondering- what was your favorite sewing project of 2012?  What did you make that had you drooling over your own work?  Or jumping around at the gorgeousness of a finished project?  I'd love to hear the details in the comments.  Knowing what all of you talented sewing people can do keeps my imagination soaring :)

Kissing Ball

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Ever since my first trip to New England, I've been enamored with the evergreen "kissing ball".  They don't sell them around here, so when Mike made his recent visit back to Massachusetts his family sent one back for me.  I knew I loved the look of them, but I never knew their history until today.  Check it out HERE if you are so inclined.

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Sending Merry Christmas wishes to all of my followers and visitors.  You bring me more joy than you'll ever know, and I look forward to blogging with you in the new year :)

Thursday's Treasure



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A former coworker posted an interesting article on facebook yesterday.  For anyone who's ever felt like they weren't doing a good enough job at being a mother, this one is for you.  Click HERE to read, but be forewarned that there are a couple of curse words.  Don't want you to fall off your chair!

Wednesday's Work

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Whew!  I tell you, it would be easier to tell you what I haven't been working on this week than what I have.  Or I guess I could just sum the whole week's work up in one word: Christmas!  I do love the hustle and bustle of the season, and the giving spirit that wells up in our hearts, but all of this shopping, wrapping, decorating, planning, cleaning, baking, etc. is enough to do me in sometimes.  

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When I get it all done, and I will!, I'm going to treat myself to making one of those adorable mason jar snow scenes that seem to be popping up everywhere.  I'll be using the gorgeous vintage bottle brush trees I picked up on my last antique mall spree!

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How are you hanging in there with all of the holiday prep? 

Tuesday's Treat

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I have long been a fan of EKRA- both the artist and the person behind the work.  You may know Emily for her famous rugs, but did you know that she has other serious talents, too? 

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Emily has recently had to put her crochet on hold (read more here), and I have been amazed at the transition she's made to a completely different creative outlet.  Her mosaic frames are amazing, one-of-a-kind treasures.  And, they're eco-friendly!  Emily uses all reclaimed and/or made in USA products in her work.  They come in a range of sizes to fit every style and budget, too.

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You won't find a nicer person to work with, and I know firsthand that EKRA customer service is top notch.  The only problem you'll have when you visit Emily's new line of frames is deciding which one to buy!

Makeover Monday 12/17

 Sophie and I shared a dramatic makeover project this weekend: Shrinky Dinks!  She got these for her birthday; it was her first time doing them, and my first time in about 35 years.  Here they are all colored when we first put them into the oven.

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 We watched for two minutes as they danced and curled and shrunk.  It was pure magic!

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They turned out so teeny and adorable- that's her 7 year old hand in this photo.  We made sure to put the year on each one, and Sophie has already decorated her mini-tree with this first dozen.  If you are in need of a little Christmas magic, I can't recommend this project enough for anyone at any age!

My Caroler Elf

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On Saturday, 12/15, some of the local girl scouts gathered at a local restaurant to sing Christmas carols.  Sophie had never caroled before, and none of the other younger girls from her troop were able to come.  She was a little nervous, but once the "show" started all was well.  There were about 12 girls in all, and the songs were led by one of the troop leaders for the older girls.  They sang about 8 songs, and did a really nice job.  There's something just special about little voices- so pure and sweet and unselfconscious.  There was lots of applause from the restaurant patrons, and smiles all around!

Someone's Been Bizzie

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Charlotte from BizzieLizzie is at it again- working her extraordinary bag magic!  This time she has turned some sosovintage fabric into a one-of-a-kind pleated masterpiece.  This fabric never looked so good!  You can click the picture to go straight to the listing... I have a feeling it won't be available for long.  Thank you for sharing your talents with us, Charlotte! 

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

I've been a shopping~wrapping~crafting little elf this week, and it's hard to believe the days have gone by so quickly!  Here's a little eye candy to help you make it through the last push toward Christmas :)

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The first one is my favorite, but I love the last one, too.  The 3rd one down I'm calling "geometric southwestern patchwork".  And would you believe that #2 was designed by Bill Blass?  So designer!

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We have Girl Scout Christmas caroling tomorrow, and we also have a Christmas tree that still needs ornaments.  Gonna break out the hot cocoa and have a blast!  How about you?  What's in the works for the weekend?  Do tell!

Thursday's Treasure

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As promised, here is Mom's special Christmas song!

Wednesday's Works

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A little bird told us that Sophie's teacher's favorite color is blue.  So, my girl and I have been collecting ornaments in various shades, shapes and sizes for a couple of weeks.  This past weekend, I glued the tops on, Mike bent the hanger, and we made this to give her teacher for Christmas.  Hope she likes it!

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My other main job recently has been making little salt dough snowmen to give to the teachers from the PTA.  What teacher doesn't like snow, right?  These will be threaded with a bright red ribbon and placed in a glassine bag with a sweet note.  The bags will be finished off with a cute little white clothespin clip that is adorned with a fancy red felt snowflake.   I dusted these guys with white/opalescent glitter - their subtle shine makes them extra special.  25 done, 50 more to go!

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What craftiness have YOU been up to lately?

Tuesday's Treat

As soon as I saw this little wreath at the thrift store, I knew it would look perfect on the side of our mailbox.  Our mail/newspaper/flyer collection area is actually kind of a little house, and it is surrounded on 3 sides by ivy.  This adds the perfect touch of rustic charm for the holidays, and for 50 cents it was mine.

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All I had noticed on the tag was the price when I was at the store.  When I took the tag off at home, I had a chance to read the description.  I know it probably isn't nice to do, but I can't help but cackle a little bit when I look at this.  C'mon.  It's funny, right?

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Hope to see you tomorrow!  I'll be sharing photos of the final ornament wreath for this season, and a few other goodies as well :)

Makeover Monday: 12/10

 This Thanksgiving tableau was the scene of our front walk on Friday 12/7.  How embarrassing to be a week into December and still have pumpkins out!

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Mike got our Christmas flag out there on Saturday, and on Sunday he put up our lighted star/snowflake.  It is high up on the chimney, and only looks great at night, so no pics of that.  I added snowflake window clings to both of our front windows this year- they look cute, but aren't super visible unless you're right up on them.

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We took the old plants out of the planter and replaced them with scrap boughs cut from the base of our Christmas tree.  I added a few thrifted red balls for a pop of festive color.  Now at least we look like we know what month it is!

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Happy week 2 of December!  Two more weeks until Santa comes- eeeeeeeek!!  Are you ready?

Take That!

So, yes, I did say it was highly unlikely that I would do the school craft show again.  But, there were so many nice things said, and so many words of encouragement, that I decided to change that status to "we'll see". 

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 After all, the rendering of my panda ornament came out pretty sweet!  There is *Plain Panda*...

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 ... *Patty Panda*...

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... and *Peter Panda*!

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Big thanks to Sophie for her help with the names.  See, her school mascot is the panda, so I'm thinking these might just be the "kid friendly, small-ticket" items to make my table stand out at next year's show.  Take THAT you craft fair blues!!

For Mom

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I'll be sharing your special Christmas song next week, but I thought you'd like this one too.  Get your tissues, folks!

Friday's Favorite Fabric Finds

TGIF!!  I am so looking forward to a weekend of getting lots accomplished.  Filling up the new fridge, making teacher gifts and crafting with my sweet girl, setting up the Christmas tree, and wrapping packages to be sent near and far.  Daddy has promised us a nice toasty fire on Saturday, and Sophie is looking forward to using her special candy cane/marshmallow/chocolate swizzle stick for a cup of hot cocoa. 

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Here are some pretty flowers and leaves to kick off your weekend:

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How are the holiday preparations shaping up around your house? 

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Come on back tomorrow to see how I decided to cope with the craft show doldrums :)

Thursday's Treasure

 I'm trying to think of one word to sum up last night's event.  Something honest and positive, or if not positive at least not negative.  It's a tie between "eh" and "slow". 

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On the plus side, we got there with plenty of time for Sophie to eat her dinner and get set up.  Since I had stashed all of my stuff at the school earlier in the day, it was pretty easy to round everything up and set it out. 

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On the minus side, we had over 20 vendors in one half of a school gymnasium, so we were pretty crammed in.  I had asked to have a bulletin board behind me so that I could hang some stars.   That put me in a back corner, which would have been a nice little nook... if my "neighbor" hadn't pushed her table out by about 3 feet.  I couldn't push out more without blocking the person on my other side, so I was kind of stuck.  It didn't keep people from being able to come over, it just interrupted the natural flow of traffic and more effort had to be made to get close enough to see my stuff.

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I was pleased that the people who did stop by were interested in my goodies and complementary in general.  Cards were asked for and given out, so there is the potential for orders down the road. 

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So, bottom line, I sold enough to cover my space fee ($25), and made $37 over that.  Was it worth the time and effort?  No.  Am I disappointed?  Slightly.  Yes.  Did I enjoy myself?  Not so much.   Did Sophie enjoy herself?  Definitely yes.  She loved the atmosphere and seeing her friends.  She loved to go shopping by herself over at the kids section.  She loved picking out cookies that the teachers made from the bake sale section. She loved wearing her apron. 

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Did I learn anything?  Yep!  Next time I would not want to be in a corner.  I would put prices on individual items versus having a comprehensive price sheet.  For this venue, I would bring only smaller ticket items and more child friendly wares.  Will I do it again?   Highly doubtful.  Am I glad I did it?  Absolutely.  Now I don't have to wonder how it would have been.  Or be disappointed in myself for not giving it a go.   I suppose Thursday's treasure is "I did it, and, it's over".

Wednesday's Works

Tonight is the big night! My second ever craft show! It's taken me three years to get over the trauma of the last one. Just kidding- mostly. It wasn't bad, but I had a LOT of anxiety leading up to it. This time, the stress has been lessened by two things- one, this isn't my first time, and two, Sophie is super gung ho to help me. Things are always less scary when you have someone you love beside you.

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So, I've been busy this week filling my little card holder...

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 ...arranging and tagging items...

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...making cute little signs and decorating little trees...

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... and making stars.  LOTS of stars!

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These photos were taken of my mock set up in the living room.  I will take pictures of the actual set up tonight and give you a full report tomorrow!  Have a happy day!