Liberty Original

Will You Be My Valentine?

2012-02-07T22:48:00.001-05:00

I have been reminiscing about all of the Valentine’s that I made last year…

because this year I haven’t made

one

stinkin’

thing.

Maybe this will put me in the mood?

Maybe not.

It’s worth a shot!!

{Just click on the picture if you want to see the actual post}

Here’s the little heart that I made with Finley’s handprint. His hand won’t even fit on that heart now!

[sniff, sniff… waahhhh]

Wooden hearts I made for teachers and friends.

Valentine’s made for my kids’ classes.

AND, my personal favorite:

The Valentine I made for my husband.

Linking up with

I LOVE reading all the posts that are linked up each week.

And also to a few of these parties.

It’s time for me to get off my butt now.

It seems to be glued to the couch though.

I Love You Enough to Let You Go… 14 Days Of Love Event

2012-02-03T23:26:00.001-05:00

I am very excited to be participating in Ashley’s

14 Days of Love

event… 14 Days of amazing projects via 14 different bloggers followed by a ginormous giveaway!!

My project is a love tribute of sorts. Since my grandmother passed in April, I haven’t been able to cope with my grief all that well. Every time I think I’m ok,

WHAM… it hits me

all

over

again.

So, I’m going to share with you a multi media LOVE project today. I call it

I Love You Enough to Let You Go.

Not to forget, but to let go of the sadness that paralyzes my every effort and live my life in a manner that brings honor to what she taught me.

I started out filling my mind with as much inspiration as I could possibly absorb. Check out Sew Somerset magazine (I love all of the Somerset magazines!!) for some amazing ideas. I also read Delight in the Details by Lisa M. Pace cover to cover about 10 times. I outlined and sketched my ideas over the course of about a week. I identified the components I wanted in my project (to represent my feelings) and scoured ebay, antique shops, and craft stores to find them.

I used a quilting hoop, but you can use canvas, cardstock, or whatever medium you want! There is absolutely

NO WRONG WAY

to complete this project… that’s what I love about it.

I grabbed an old feed sack, hooped it, and arranged my components. This process took a day or so while I rearranged things about 20 times until it “flowed.” My poor sister probably has pictures of all 20 different arrangements as I asked for her input along the way.

Layers are good.

Texture is better.

Variety is vital.

Details are KEY.

After everything is arranged, take a picture so you can remember exact details and spacing.

I outlined the perimeter of my hoop with a water soluble pen so I knew my exact work space after I unhooped the feed sack.

I then sewed my components on one layer at a time using a variety of stitches, stitch lengths, and neutral thread colors. This is part of an old quilt top found in my grandmother’s sewing room.

Here is her birthday stamped in metal. I stamped it, colored over it with a black sharpie, and then wiped the excess off with a damp cloth.

A copy of a picture with my grandmother holding my mom and uncle.

“Love Lifted Me” sheet music, trim, lace…

BINGO and Bling… (as far as my grandmother was concerned, the more the merrier on both accounts!)

1938 Sheet Music, antique button, tulle, ric rac

Chiffon and pearl flowers

Cherub clipart courtesy of The Graphics Fairy with a vintage handmade doily and jewelry charm.

The one thing I didn’t get a chance to tell her before she passed from this life to the next…

Never pass up an opportunity to share your love!!

If you missed Kim from The Sasse Life yesterday, go check out her upcycled love picture frame! Don’t forget to come back to tomorrow and see what Aimee at It’s Overflowing has planned.

Thanks Ashley from Cherished Bliss for coordinating this fabulous event!!

I’m also linking this project with a few of these ladies this week! Check them out.

This event is sponsored by…

Pick Your Plum Challenge ~ Menu Board

2012-02-01T05:01:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I received a a little surprise in the mail from my bloggy pal Janette.

She and Ashley are hosting a Pick Your Plum link party with a chance to win a $25 PYP product box!! If you have blogged about a PYP product or completed project, you can link it up the whole month of February!

You can learn more about Pick Your Plum on their Facebook page.

Anyways, when I first received my free challenge project, I thought,

“Holy Crap, what have I gotten myself into?!?”

Then, I calmed down and focused…

[In case you didn’t know, I’m a night crafter. It is VERY difficult to get good pics at night, so I don’t have a step by step tutorial for you today.]

Here’s what my project morphed into!

I spray painted the metal with black chalkboard paint, spray painted the wood purple, glued one of my mustard resin mums onto the magnet, and mod podged away.

I have some vintage sheet music (circa 1939) that I have been “saving” for the right project. I have a tendency to collect, stash, and then NEVER use my coveted possessions. Not today my friends! (In all honesty, I had to seriously talk myself into cutting up the music for two straight days before I could actually do it. C.R.A.Z.Y, I know, but I’m just keeping it real for ya.)

Vintage just isn’t complete to me without a little cotton lace. Oui?

Ok, ok, I just really like the look of it.

Do you blame me?

This little “Menu” sign is one of The Graphics Fairy’s bazillion FREE clipart images. If you have never checked her out, NOW is the time to do so! I printed it out on tagboard and inked the edges to give it the look I was going for.

The menu board in action, with a clothespin to keep the dessert recipe handy.

Originally, the title of the sheet music drew me in… “Do as Thou wilst with me, O Lord!” I use the mum magnet to attach the “Menu” sign when I need a menu board or take it off when I need an inspiration board. The kids actually stopped to read it and smiled.

Bonus mom points!!

I’m Linking Up With A Few Of These Girls Too!

She's Here!!

2012-01-23T23:45:00.001-05:00

I have been incognito in Bloggerland and this is why:

Isn't she beautiful? We are all absolutely smitten with her.

Emily didn't want to share Charlotte with ANYONE. She finally has a girl cousin that lives close to her and she takes that responsibility VERY seriously:). Jack asked to hold the baby and I thought Emily was going to shoot flames out of her eyes at him. He held Charlotte for about 2 min and 13 seconds before Emily was right there demanding her again.

Look at those eyelashes!! They go on for days!! I'm already rehearsing my "a lady is as a lady acts" Little House on The Prairie speech. I am so thankful that she is healthy and here safely. When a new baby comes into your life you can't help but marvel at the miracle of life.

It's amazing.

It brings you to your knees.

It makes you want to be a better person.

As you look to those new beautiful innocent eyes, you feel a moral obligation to make the world a better place for her.

It beckons you to remember the moment you first became a mother and renews your spirit amongst toddler tantrums, overscheduled days, endless piles of laundry, and quests for a healthy balanced life.

It reminds you that you had these same dreams and aspirations when each of your own children were born. And that somewhere along the way, life interrupted and robbed you of the feelings you swore you would never forget.

It helps me realize it's never too late to embrace the miracle. It's my responsibility to begin each day by providing hope, wonder, stability, and unconditional love for my kiddos no matter how old they get. Because if I don't do this for them, help them embrace this life, no one else will.

If you actually made it to the end of this post, thank you so much for listening to me sound out my feelings. You know I love ya for it!!

14 Days of Love

2012-01-18T23:04:00.001-05:00

I’m beyond excited to be partnering with all of these fabulous ladies to bring you the 14 Days of Love! Ashley over at Cherished Bliss has been diligently working and coordinating to make this event an amazing one. This series will begin on January 25 with each blog posting a love themed project and of course,

there will be giveaways!!

I have taken a sabbatical with creating/selling coffee cozies as of late, but I have been working feverishly on a “new line” in support of Ashley’s love efforts.

Here’s a sneak peek of the new look (not to mention the very cozy you can win during this event):

So, stay tuned!!!

I’m No Photographer…

2012-01-10T23:44:00.001-05:00

But I do LOVE to take pictures!!

Here are a few that I was able to take of my sister-in-law after her shower. I do desperately wish that I knew more about photography and photo editing.

My brother-in-law and getting his hand in there.

My M-I-L and S-I-L sharing a special moment.

Andrew loving on his baby sister.

Look at that sweet baby bump!!

I know there is an overload of baby and baby shower pictures over the last week. Obviously, I have this baby on my brain and I can’t wait until she makes her debut!!!

Love it When that Happens

2012-01-09T00:06:00.001-05:00

Have you ever planned and planned and then planned some more for a special event only to have it go completely and utterly horrible?? Yea, me too.

BUT, that did NOT happen this weekend my friends.

Happy Dance!!

Everything actually went according to schedule.

I wasn’t even late (I’m always late. I try not to be. I can’t help it… getting better though)!!

WARNING: THERE WILL BE MANY PICTURES IN THIS POST!!

My main centerpiece for the gift table was a bouquet of baby clothes!! I saw this tutorial here on You Tube and based my arrangement ideas from it.

I used pants, onesies, bibs, bloomers, and a ruffled skirt in the bouquet. The above green flowers are a little skirt that I rolled tightly and then folded in half to make two “blooms.” The leaves in the arrangement are green velvety poinsettias from Michaels. There are two different types of pink silk/paper flowers tucked throughout the bouquet to add a bit of variety. I would have taken pics of the process, but it took both hands and sometimes my feet to get everything just right.

I found this picture frame at Marshalls (Love that place). I knew it would be a perfect little touch and that my sister-in-law could use it as a decoration in the baby’s room after the shower was over.

I covered the the cardboard backing in green taffeta and added a rose with double sided foam tape to the front of the glass. I didn’t use hot glue as I wanted her to be able to used it as an actual picture frame later on if she chose.

Voila… easy but extremely high impact!

Time to wrap the presents…

The largest box was topped with sock roses and a tulle bow.

I tried to make each one just a bit different.

Now for pictures of a few other décor items that made me smile.

(these are going on my mantel now, btw)

crinkle paper and vase filler jewels

paper roses, spiral wood filler, eucalyptus

Oh, and the bunting (see all the details here) now lives on the wall above baby Charlotte’s crib.

In my defense, I DID warn you about the large volume of pictures. My friend Jessica made all of the food and an adorbs diaper cake for the shower.

Party food/baking and me: not so much.

Decorations: all over it like flies on poo during a hot summer day in Georgia.

Linking up here and here:

this week my blogger friends!

Say It Ain’t So

2012-01-05T06:15:00.000-05:00

You are gazing upon the true and final version of my soon- to-be niece’s bunting. I thought I was finished 2 times before this, but was sadly mistaken.

No more tweaking, I promise!

This is my first attempt at making a bunting, although I have admired them for… my whole life I think. I’m not a scrapbooker AT ALL, so this project was a bit overwhelming for me.

As always, the planning phase took as long as the execution phase. I made my own pennant template (5x6) and then used a variety of of pink and green cardstock prints to make each pennant unique.

I set each letter on a pennant, switched the order of the pennants about 20 times, and finally decided on the placement.

I wanted a layered embellished look. Another trial and error process of picking/changing shapes and prints ensued. My goal was to make each pennant unique. With 9 letters to incorporate, it was quite a task!! When everything resembled the vision in my head, I used that double sided sticky foam stuff to secure the fabulousness in place.

To attach the pennants, I sewed double sided bias tape across the the top. To make sure the pennants stayed an equal distance from each other, I ironed little strips of steam a seam connecting the pennants to the bias tape. A time consuming process, but it definitely made the sewing step a walk in Central Park!

After I sewed the letters together (and thought I was finished), things still just didn’t seem right. It needed something else…

For the third time, I played around with prints and shapes. At 12:30 am last night, it FINALLY came together!!! I have never been more thankful for my stash of clearanced-have-to-buy-because-I-might-need-some-day crafting supplies as I was last night. After I layered the flowers, my non-scrapbooking self had no idea how to finish them. I scurried off to my small “scrapbook embellishment” bin in my sewing room and found these little perfect matching glittery green brads. I secured those babies like a pro if I do say so myself!

SUCCESS!!!!

I’m sure there is an easier way to make these, but I’m happy with the outcome. I will blushingly admit that it took me 3 days to complete this project. I blame it on my perfectionism.

As I am typing this, I am cursing the thing in my basement called an elliptical. I really need to reduce the proportions of my backside AND I need/want to get back to blogging. Two birds with one stone? We shall see…

Linking up to a few of these parties!! Check out the fabulous inspiration if you get a chance.

It's A Bunting!

2012-01-03T15:25:00.000-05:00

So, here is what I'm currently working on. My sister-in-law's shower is THIS Saturday. I'm trying my best to get everything completed for the decorations. I haven't even had time to actually sew the baby ONE SINGLE THING. How bad do I suck?

More pictures of the completed project soon. This is my very first bunting, (thank you very much) and so far it's going as well as it looked it my head. It remains to be seen if it continues on that path.

If you are a Pick Your Plum fan, head on over to The Johanson Journey to enter her giveaway!

Linking up here because I can!

Posting Via Email

2011-12-31T00:29:00.000-05:00

Emily's face when she realized she won first all around for the third meet in a row!!

So, please bear with me. I am figuring out this whole posting via email thing. I take so many pics with instagram these days and would love to share them with all of you!!

Blog/Life Recap of Quarter 4

2011-12-30T22:44:00.001-05:00

I kept telling my bloggy pal Janette that I was going to participate in the 2011 Review Extravaganza and I’m finally keeping my word!!

Before I review my blogging goings on, I just want to tell you what I learned in life this December:

1. Being out of town 5 consecutive weekends prior to Christmas isn’t exactly the greatest way to get prepared for said holiday. Although I thoroughly enjoyed all my trips and wouldn’t take them back, Christmas really sidled up on my this year. Now that I’m finally in the mood, it’s O.V.E.R.!

2. Having the main floor of my house painted 2 weeks before Christmas wasn’t a very smart move either. Yes, I’m loving the freshness and the color. But, I didn’t have time to sit at home and babysit the painters for the entire week. Not to mention, I missed my daughter’s fieldtrip to the science museum waiting for aforementioned painters to show up on the second day (which they finally did at 2 pm… could have made it after all). Also, not to mention, I wasted my last week without kids sitting at home instead of being out shopping for them (see #1 for the reason I needed to shop).

3. When life gets too busy crazy, I don’t blog. It’s not that I don’t want to, but it becomes one more thing on my “have to do” list. I resent it along with everything else on that list.

4. My kids continually amaze me, in both good ways and bad. Emily took first all around in her third straight gym meet, Max and Jack both earned their green belts in Tai Kwon Do. Finley learned the phrase, “I will never ever EVER be naughty again,” and used it daily. He followed it with “I love you SOOOOO much. You are my best friend.”

5. My husband CAN still surprise me… he went to Jared for Christmas and made me feel like a princess. :))

Ok, Blog Recap:

October was a pinning, crafting, boot wearing, What I Wore Wednesday and Talk To Us Tuesday kind of month.

In November, I started to get busy with the kids but continued my addiction with Pinterest and boots, started new addictions with Twitter and Instagram, and spent a large amount of time in Jack’s class.

In December, I tried to organize my Christmas plans via pinterest, spent all the time that I could in Jack’s class, and got my new laptop!! Woot woot!! I still don’t have everything switched over but I’m working on it. Yeah, basically not a blogging month for me. :(

Cheers to 2012! My motto for 2011 was “Making the effort” which helped keep me focused on my family. I think for 2012, I’m going to go for “Keep it simple.” I still have a few hours to decide, right?

I have a NEW laptop!!

2011-12-26T22:34:00.001-05:00

So, I have a new laptop people!!! I’m back to blogging.

{{{cutting a jig}}}}

I don’t exactly have any pictures uploaded on here yet. I still have to transfer all of my stuff over as well…

BUT, I just wanted to let those of you who actually read what I write that I am back in action.

GO SAINTS!!

Christmas Planning

2011-12-05T11:03:00.001-05:00

WOW… I just realized that I have been OUT OF THE STATE for 12 days out of the last 17. No wonder I feel like I can’t get caught up. It was worth it all, though. We spent Thanksgiving in Colorado with my BFF (aka my sister) and then headed to North Carolina this past weekend to ride the Polar Express (if you follow me on twitter, then you were privy to pics).

Now, it’s already the 5th of December!!

It seems like I’ve been so excited for this season and tossing ideas in my head for so long…

it’s time to EXECUTE and I’m STILL not sure where to focus my energy.

Here are some of the ideas I want to complete ASAP:

Source: thatvillagehouse.blogspot.com via Liberty on Pinterest

I want to do a variation of this inside though…

Source: diycrafts.blogspot.com via Liberty on Pinterest

For my dining room table (guess I have to clean the craft stuff off first).

Source: thecreativityexchange.blogspot.com via Liberty on Pinterest

For end tables or as accents on the bar in the kitchen?

Source: restorationhardware.com via Liberty on Pinterest

This is a good one for the kids to get knee deep in!

NOW… ideas for the kids and Jack’s class:

Source: etsy.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Source: planningwithkids.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Source: squidoo.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Source: craftfairy.blogspot.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Source: thevirtualvine.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Ok, I feel a little more organized… and a bit like the Little Engine… I think I can,

I think I can,

I think I can.

Last Pair… pinky promise

2011-11-16T09:46:00.001-05:00

Yes… I’ve gone a bit overboard on the whole retail therapy as of late.

Come on though my friends, how could I NOT get these??

I saw some boots similar to these at a get together Friday evening and I knew I HAD to have them. I got up early Saturday morning explained to hubs that it was of the utmost urgency to buy these boots, and headed to the boot store about an hour away (Hubs was NOT happy with me, btw. He didn’t exactly share my enthusiasm, go figure.). In my defense, I have been looking for the “perfect” black boots for a couple of years now… just ask my sister! I’ve wasted many an hour and money in the process.

My search…. officially OVER.

Even though these are smoky gray, they are so much of what I wanted and more!!

Turquoise insets of wings and fleur-di-lis accented with gold stitching….

SWOOOOOON.

Pinky promise though, this is my last self indulgent splurge on boots.

These lovelies are Corral Vintage, (just in case you were wondering)!

Sharing my excitement with:

“i am thankful” Handprint Tree

2011-11-14T16:37:00.001-05:00

I saw this idea on Pinterest… AND I actually followed through and made it!! I am in the process of helping each kiddo in Jack’s class make one BUT those aren’t quite finished yet. It’s quick and easy… a little paint and some cardstock/construction paper and you are good to go.

For this project, paint the hand and a little of the forearm brown so you have the tree trunk and the branches when you place the hand/arm on the paper. Next, squirt a tish of green paint along the bottom and let your child use his/her fingers to make the grass. I let little man make the leaves out of his tiny finger prints in red, orange, and yellow all on his own.

Since we are so close the Thanksgiving, I asked Finn (and each child in Jack’s class) what they were thankful they had in their lives, typed them all out, and cut them into little strips. I glued Finley’s for him, but each child gets to glue their thankful items anywhere they want on their tree. I absolutely LOVE watching the creativity flow with the little people in my life.

Each child has their very own stamped name plate that will be attached with mini brads. Kids are sooooo proud of their artwork and need something fancy now and then to accent it!! (imo anyways)

Linking up here this week!!

Pinned it, Did it, Loved it!!

2011-11-09T21:47:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the absence as of late. The sickness germs have officially made it through my house not once, but TWICE. But, never fear… I have had a shot in my hiney and some other good drugs to make me as good as new (good thing I have a good doctor).

Source: holycrickey.tumblr.com via Liberty on Pinterest

So, like a good many of you I’m sure, I pin all of these fabulous ideas with aspirations of recreating them all! I spend so much time getting inspired that I run out of steam…

BUT, my Bath and Bodyworks plug in oil scent was out and I remembered the above pin! I followed the tutorial filling the empty container with water and essential oils. I used about 20 drops each of orange and clove oils (that’s what I had on hand). I plugged it in and holy crap, it smelled amazing!! I wasn’t sure how well it would work, so I only filled it about 1/2 full. It only lasted a week or so, but I will definitely do it again. You can change up your scents more frequently and it is a much healthier alternative.

I am working on my posts about Finley’s birthday party (that was, ahem, almost 2 months ago) and finishing up a super cute craft in Jack’s class tomorrow.

Stay tuned for the details!

Linking up Here

All in the Angle

2011-10-27T11:38:00.001-04:00

of the camera that is… After playing around with my camera a bit, I have decided that all pics should be taken from the above angle. I mean, yeah I look like I should be in Alice in Wonderland with the big head and everything, but look how skinny my legs look! Big head… skinny legs…. I can deal with that.

I like these cork wedges, but can’t ever seem to put them together with the right outfit. So, I end up putting them on, walking around the house a little bit, feeling like I should have “for hire” in bright flashing lights above my head, and taking them off. I do this at least once every couple of weeks. Sigh… When I see people with this type of shoe on, they always look so stinkin’ cute (except for that man wearing them in downtown Atlanta about a month ago, seriously folks).

Have you tried Crackle nail polish?? If not, you simply must. Em and I are hopelessly addicted to it!

Hope you don’t have whiplash too horribly from all of my random jumping from topic to topic today. I just had to get that off my mind. :)

Linking up here today and running off to read some of the marvelous posts that have already been linked.

One More Snack… I can’t help it!

2011-10-25T00:01:00.001-04:00

I really got excited this year for the Halloween snacks… didn’t plan on it but it just kind of happened. When I was shopping for the bananas for my banana ghost/buddies, I found these yummy looking little brownies. I knew the kids would love them and the spider brownie idea was born.

All you need is mini brownies, pretzel sticks for the legs, and butterscotch chips for the eyes.

Place the pretzel sticks in the brownie for the legs.

Then squish the butterscotch chips pointy side down to make the eyes.

Ta Dah….. Brownie Spider!!

Okay, I know food posts are NOT my forte, but these little snacks were just too cute not to share. I promise to get back to my sewing craftiness soon. Thanks for indulging me my friends.

Linking up here

Banana Ghosts… Nom Nom Nom

2011-10-23T22:04:00.000-04:00

Aren’t they cute?? A yummy and healthy Halloween treat!

You want to make them with your kids don’t you?

Well, of course you do so here’s how:

Supplies:

Banana (I cut them in half as I did this as a snack in Jack’s kindergarten class… 11 bananas are ALOT cheaper than 22!)

Mini chocolate chips

Regular chocolate chips

You may even have all the supplies you need at home already. :)

Peel the banana.

When placing the chocolate chips in the banana, push the pointed tip into the banana so it will stick in well.

Insert two mini chocolate chips for the eyes.

Place one large chocolate chip under the eyes for the ghost mouth.

That’s it! You are done!!

You can adapt this yummy snack for a year round treat. Em was still hungry after she ate this one.

So, she made a banana buddy next.

The kids can randomly stick the chocolate chips all over the banana for a “buggy” affect.

I mean, honestly, we all know that chocolate and bananas go fabulous together. This is easier to make and much healthier than a banana split. So, hand over the chocolate chips

and let those kids create!!!!

Linking up here this week!

Ghost Feet in Kindergarten

2011-10-21T07:25:00.000-04:00

The first time I saw a little foot turned into a ghost was when I got a little one made from foam in the mail. It was so stinkin cute!!! Impressed, I thought to myself, “I’m going to do that!”

Never happened.

Then, I saw this:

Source: thejohansonjourney.blogspot.com via Janette on Pinterest

Two days later, my son’s kindergarten teacher asked me if I would be interested in doing a Halloween craft for the class.

SWEET!!!! LITTLE GHOST FEET!!!!

was all that ran through my mind for a split second. I was very excited when she liked my idea. :)

Just in case you haven’t seen this around… all you need is white paint, black paper, and supplies to make the ghost face and VOILA! You have preserved your little one’s foot forever.

The kiddos were giddy the WHOLE time I was in the classroom which was super cute. (Yeah, I let a bunch of 5 year olds sweet talk me. Some of them are smooth talkers already! God help their future girl/boyfriends, seriously.) I helped them with the footprint and let them create their own face with googly eyes and a black crayon.

Then, I punched holes along the bottom of the cardstock and threaded a ribbon through the holes.

Each picture is topped off with a little poem that my sister and I made up together over the phone.

The little boy ghosts have a blue sparkly bow tie and the little girl ghosts have a pink sparkly hair bow (sparkle makes everything more beautiful… just ask Bella!)

I was so impressed with each child’s creativity. Even more, I feel so blessed that I was able to share in making this memory with all of them.

So, if you haven’t done this craft with your own kids yet…

GO, DO IT NOW!

I wish I would have done it several years ago the first time I saw it. I am definitely doing it with all of my kids this year (even though Max’s foot is the same size as mine).

Linking up here this week!

A person really should NOT love boots this much

2011-10-19T22:57:00.001-04:00

I love to wear boots… I even wear them in the summer! I saw these at Marshall’s a couple of weeks ago and really REALLY wanted them. I tried to resist temptation, honest, but I went back again and

THEY WERE STILL THERE!!

I know I should have kept on walking, (and I tried, trust me I did) but I just couldn’t. I just wanted to try them on to prove to myself that they wouldn’t be comfortable.

They actually had my size. So, I carefully unwrapped the white tissue paper, removed the paper from inside the boot, and slipped the leather over my foot and up my calf.

The ANGELS sang….

It was a match made in heaven!! I didn’t know heels could feel like a cloud… holy crap!

Do I have to take them off? Can I wear them with everything? No and YES! So, in the cart they went…

I mean they looked perfect with my Old Navy tank, Buckle skinny jeans, and Forever 21 lace tee, right?

I love them.

I mean, I really REALLY love them.

I know I shouldn’t, but I just can’t help it. :)

Linking Up Here:

It’s Almost Wednesday

2011-10-18T23:23:00.001-04:00

Those I call “friend”

I seriously am trying to blog more my friends… I just can’t seem to find a balance between all of the many hats I wear. If I spend more time blogging, I feel neglectful of my house and family. If I spend all of my time with my house and family, I feel like I’m losing the “creative me.”

(Which makes me a bit grumpy, sad to say but true. If I don’t make time to unleash my creative side I’m not very fun to be around.)

Anywho, there’s my little sob story for the evening.

NOW, for something a bit brighter;

I’m participating in Welcome Wednesday over at Take it From Me!! Come join along. :)

Apple Festival

2011-10-17T06:11:00.000-04:00

So, I mentioned that I was all excited about fall this year. We were actually able to go somewhere as a family that didn’t involve a sporting event or grocery shopping!!! Honestly, I don’t know that last time we were able to do something fun like this with the kids.

Our destination: The Apple Festival in North Georgia. It only took us about an hour and a half to get there and it was WELL worth the drive. :))

Who would have thought that picking apples could make ALL of my kids so happy??

As you can see, Finn is over the top and Max is assuming his tween picture attitude. Despite his “Seriously, Mom?” look that I want to slap off his face, he was almost as excited as the little ones (at least that’s what I’m telling myself.)

I don’t think Finley stopped smiling until he fell asleep tonight. He kept running through the trees, knocking all the low apples to the ground, and SQUEALING in delight.

In proper independent style, Emily took off on her own so I wasn’t able to get as many pics of her. I was the loud mouth mom yelling, “EMILY” every minute that I couldn’t see her. I’m sure everyone there was thinking, geez lady control your kids already. She found some of the biggest apples… like seriously BIG:

It’s bigger than my hand!

Jack with one of our bags of loot.

In the car on the way home, Finley said, “What a wonderful memory we made.” Geez, he’s 3! Where does he come up with this stuff??

Happy Fall… I even decorated!!

2011-10-14T14:01:00.001-04:00

As much as I love fall, these past three years I haven’t had the energy to decorate for my favorite time of the year (what a coincidence… Finley is 3). Since I’ve been spending so much time pining at home decor on Pinterest (if you haven’t checked it out, you MUST) I decided to go crazy and just go for it.

Emily and I ran out a couple of weeks ago and spent all afternoon picking out just the right decor… scarecrows, hay bales, mums, pumpkins, lanterns, and new swags for the front door. We picked out a scarecrow for each member of the family (didn’t plan it that way at first and ended up having to go back out and get one more). The kids had fun picking out which scarecrow represented them. :)

Here is Finley.

Here is Emily.

Here are Jack and Max.

Lanterns are absolutely beautiful!! I found all four of these at Marshall’s for a total of $50 instead of the $24-$119 price tag on similar lanterns at Pottery Barn. I was EX.CI.TED to say the least. :)

This little guy is even solar powered. I have candles in the other lanterns. At night time, my front steps make me smile. :) Wish I had a good picture, put I haven’t been able to get one.

The pumpkin swag

Finley peeking to see when it was safe to come outside and play.

Here is everything put together!!

Here are my perfect little helpers for the day!! I couldn’t have done it without them!

Linking up here this week

See Kate Sew Sweet Scallops Tote

2011-10-13T23:50:00.001-04:00

Since my computer was actually behaving this evening and I was able to surf my favorite blogs a bit, I was able to find a lovely new bag!!

You can see the tutorial and get the patterns for this new lovely here. Isn’t it fabulous?! I like that it’s layered with the scallops… something a bit different from ruffles. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE me some ruffles, but I’m really liking this look as well. :)

Kate is going to have a linky party for those who want to sew the tote and show it off. I’m seriously contemplating giving it a go. I haven’t ever participated in a sew along before (nerves tightening in my stomach). This might just be the perfect opportunity to get my feet wet!

If you are a fellow sewer, want to do it with me??

No Sew Fabric Flower Headband Tutorial

2011-10-11T23:04:00.000-04:00

Just in case you missed this tutorial when I guest posted at The Johanson Journey, here it is again!

I will forewarn you that I am a VERY visual learner and become easily confused with just written directions. So, please humor me with my step by step pictures. :))

Supplies needed are as follows:

~ Polyester fabric

~ Felt

~ Ribbon (sheer works best)

~ Scissors

~ Lighter/candle

~ Fabric glue (Fabric Fusion is the ONLY fabric glue I will use… and I don’t even get a dime for saying that :))

~ Pearls, beads, crystals or whatever else you might like to embellish your flower

~ Hot glue gun

~ Stretchy headband

These are so easy peasy to make that you can knock this project out in 30 minutes or less. The hardest part for me is the “designing” process of choosing colors, fabrics, embellishments, etc.

Freehand cut 3-5 circles of varying sizes for your flower out of the polyester material (I used 3 of fabric and 1 of netting). It needs to be polyester so that you can heat seal the edges. If you are into the frayed look though, burlap, cotton, and silk are all great choices. You will also need to cut out 2 circles of felt that are slightly smaller than the largest circle of your flower. You can see mine in the 2nd supply picture above.

Grab your lighter and light a candle. If you don’t have a candle, no worries!! Using a candle saves my fingers from getting burned and also allows me more control over the manipulation of the fabric. You can definitely accomplish the end result without one, however.

Gently pass the edges of the fabric over the flame. You will notice that the edges begin to melt and darken a little. At this point, the edges are sealed and the fabric will no longer fray. You will also notice that the fabric will naturally “draw up” and the circle will actually look like a little flower petal.

Complete this step for each of your circles. If you are using netting or toule you do NOT have to heat seal them.

Now you are ready to glue your circles together, one on top of the next and largest to smallest.

Time to grab your ribbon. This will be the center of your flower. I didn’t measure the length of it, but I can tell you it was about 1 1/2 times the width of my largest circle.

Hot glue works best here as it dries quicker than the fabric fusion.

See the netting that snuck in there?? I just felt like the flower needed a little more… it’s all about letting your creative side shine!

Time to attach the flower to the headband.

SO, one felt circle needs to be hot glued to back side of your flower. Then, hot glue the head band to the center of that felt circle. Add even MORE hot glue to the felt on either side of the head band (not over it because you want it to be able to stretch). Place the 2nd felt circle over the headband and press. Allow everything to dry and:

Wear it with your hair down…

or up…

but wear it with sass!!

I know it’s cliché, but the only thing that limits you with this project is yourself. I hope you enjoy making one as much as I did.

One more thing, I would love, love, love to see your creations! So, pretty please take a picture and email it to me {libertyoriginal@comcast.net} or email me the blog post if you blog it. Either way, I can rave about what a stellar job you did. :))

~Linking up here this week~

ARRRGGGG Matey

2011-10-10T22:45:00.002-04:00

My kids’ elementary school has a silent auction every year with decorated pumpkins to earn money for PTA.

This was the first year in 5 years that I have completed a class pumpkin all by myself! (yea, I was pretty excited to rise to the occasion…)

Special thanks to Kim over at Maiden D’Shade for getting my creative juices flowing on this one. She had a fabulous tutorial about using lollipops to decorate a craft pumpkin that I totally loved from the minute I saw it.

(She also has some really cool ideas and tutorials for Halloween decorating!! If you have spent any time looking at Halloween decor on blogs, I’m sure you have seen some of her ideas.)

I used a medium sized pumpkin and spray painted it with gold glitter paint. After this, I followed Kim’s tutorial to add the lollipops. Hubbs doesn’t normally help me in my crafty endeavors but he patiently drilled all the holes for me on this one. (Thank you, dear… I know you read my blog even though you pretend you don’t.)

I used one of those medium sized memory boxes at Michael’s as my treasure chest (it was a pirate theme this year) and spray painted it black. Wadded up silver and gold tissue paper served as the base in the chest for the pumpkin bounty. A pirate hat topped on her head and a fake pirate skeleton guarded her faithfully. :)

I finished the whole thing with glitter spray paint. For the finishing touches, I hot glued ribbon tied lollis and scrap wooden shapes with “bounty” hand written on them to the outside of the box. Of course, I had to hot glue jute around the base of the box. If I can, I will definitely incorporate jute or burlap in any project. :))
The kids really wanted to keep it… but since we made it, we can always make another!

~Linking up here this week~

Texture LOVE (and a twirl skirt, too)

2011-10-03T01:14:00.002-04:00

I’ve only been working on this twirl skirt for Em for

about a year.

Every time I started working on it, I would get overwhelmed and just put it to the side. I think God knew I didn’t have the patience to sew for more than one girl and that’s why He made the other 3 boys. Emily and I collaborated to pick out the fabrics and we both agreed on Tina Givens… my baby girl has GOOD taste! :)

She wanted to make sure it had purple and blue, her two favorite hues. I obliged.

After the skirt was finally finished (and by some miracle still actually fit), the shirt posed another challenge. The fabrics of the skirt are so bold and colorful that I didn’t want the shirt to distract from the outfit. Em and I looked at embroidery designs for HOURS to no avail.

You know that state where you aren’t exactly awake but you aren’t quite asleep yet either?

This time is when the best (and weirdest) ideas pop into my head. I even keep a notebook beside my bed to write down the good stuff. Seriously, if I don’t write it down, it’s g-o-n-e by the next morning! I know, I know, I’m crazy. I blame it on all the kids. :)

Back to the idea…

LAYERED TEXTURE!!

I started digging around the next morning and found everything I wanted…. silk, mini pom pom fringe, lace, tulle, and a scribbled rose embroidery design. Put them all together and

swoon

texture love!!!

Multi-textured designs just make me happy. When everything comes together like it’s meant to be, my heart gets all warm and fuzzy. I’m just saying…

Linking up with these parties this week. Check some of them out for some fabulous ideas. :)

Crap and Clutter

2011-09-30T15:02:00.001-04:00

Whilst looking at all of the beautiful home decor pictures on Pinterest…

Source: thedecorista.com via Liberty on Pinterest

(as I’m drooling and feel the envy creep into my soul) a thought popped in my head…

I’ve decided that what makes them so appealing (other than the AWE-some designs) is that they are free from crap and clutter.

Source: pinterest.com via Liberty on Pinterest

When I think of a dream house, of course these types of images pop into my head. BUT, are they realistic for people like me? I’m one of those crafty whimsical types that would rather be working on a project than cleaning. I’m actually jealous of my friends who have the innate cleaning and organizing talent (which I have quite a few of, btw… secretly I’m hoping they will magically transfer some of their super powers to me!)

This is my reality. No matter how many times in a day I pick up toys, they reappear and multiply. In fact, if I took another picture of the exact same area right now, you would see all new crap on the floor plus some! Can I use kids as an excuse?? I would, but look:

Source: bhg-digital.com via Liberty on Pinterest

There are two kidlets in this picture. Is their kid crap hidden in their rooms? Or is it hidden in the corners of the living room that we can’t see in this picture? (I kid, I kid… I know it’s a staged picture, but still!)

If I let a little more light in, will my living room look any better?? Probably not, you will just be able to see more of the dust and dog hair on the floor. (Yes, Finley is STILL climbing on the couch despite being told no.)

I think I have some potential in this room, I just don’t know how to go about putting all my ideas, clutter, and crap together to yield the result I want. I can’t get rid of the kidlets so I supposed I’m going to have to purge some of the kid crap and my own clutter.

Sigh… I’m working on it!

Guest Post at The Johanson Journey

2011-09-28T11:08:00.001-04:00

Want to learn how to make this??

Then head over here:

I’m guest posting while Janette is taking a wee bit more time to get her routines established with baby #3 in the mix. Honestly, I don’t think I would have even thought about blogging with a 1 week old but she is seriously dedicated to her blog and those who follow. :)

I wish she would rub off of me a little!!

I have all these great ideas (or what I think are great ideas) to blog about but I can’t ever seem to find the time to make it happen. :(

Any who,

go check it out and give Janette a little shout out while your over there!

Don’t make me beg… it won’t be pretty… ;)

~Totally Addicted~

2011-09-27T22:43:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately.

I am hopelessly and TOTALLY addicted to:

It has been stealing my blogging time!!

Where else can you find sooooo many ideas and organize them in such a neat way?

Like, party ideas…

Source: notetosarah.tumblr.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Craft Tutorials…

Source: marthastewart.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Decorating ideas…

Source: etsy.com via Liberty on Pinterest

Inspiration for the kiddos…

Source: busilyspinningmomma.blogspot.com via Liberty on Pinterest

So, if you haven’t joined pinterest yet, go to my profile and check it out.

If you need an invite, I would be happy to do so!

Easy School Work Organization

2011-09-19T15:03:00.001-04:00

If you are like me, it’s difficult to decide which kids’ papers to keep and which to throw away. Not to mention if Jack sees anything in the trash that he brought home, it is MELTDOWN central. One time he actually said through broken sobs,

“You broke my heart.”

Yeah, I know… a punch in the gut…

To avoid school paper clutter on my kitchen counters, each child has their own plastic box to hold their individual papers. These came from Wal-Mart for $3.99. I’m not sure of the exact size, but an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper fits flat in the bottom.

Max didn’t have very many papers to save from 5th grade so I was able to use the same box for 6th grade!

You know I LOVE to use mailing labels for my projects. I used my clipart and print shop software to transform these 2” x 4” shipping labels into the cute labels for the boxes. Each year I choose a stick kid/picture that reminds me of my kiddo at that season in his/her life. I add their name, school year, school grade, and teacher. I even put their report cards, awards, valentines, etc in there so I know exactly where to find everything for that particular school year. When I get around to scrapbooking an album of their school years, I will have it all right there stacked neatly in their closets. :)

After they show me their school work for the day/week, they know to put it away in their box! It really is a win/win solution to the school paper clutter. :) My daughter enjoys going back through her old boxes and reminiscing. It’s cute when she says, “Look at this. I was so little when I did it.”

Partying here this week!!

Family Ties

2011-09-18T11:49:00.001-04:00

As some of you know, my immediate family does not live close. My mom lives in southern Louisiana, my sister in Colorado, my brother b/w Nigeria and Louisiana, and my dad in Arkansas. When the weather starts to change and fall is upon us, my soul aches for these special people.

Me and my sister on our road trip this summer

My mom

My sister’s eldest and my youngest

Sister cousins (since they don’t have sisters of their own)

Hopefully my mom will road trip here next month AND we are planning a family trip to Colorado over Thanksgiving…. happy dance! :)

~Enjoy your family today~

Fancy Friday

2011-09-16T17:39:00.001-04:00

I’m linking up over at Mel Dreams Often for her Friday Blog Hop! There are some really cool blogs and projects linked up so far. If you are looking for some more inspiration, go check it out.

~Have a great weekend~

A New Baby Girl

2011-09-15T23:17:00.000-04:00

Janette over at The Johanson Journey had her baby girl 3 weeks early!!

Rayne Nicole was born September 14 and weighed 6 lbs 8 oz. She was having a bit of trouble breathing, so she is currently in the NICU. Janette and I have never met but I feel as if we have known each other since we were giggly grade school girls. She constantly encourages me and has a helpful word. If you get a chance, please head over to her blog and wish her well. :))

A New Lovely Craft

2011-09-13T23:20:00.002-04:00

These little guys have been popping up everywhere. I first saw them on etsy in LMM’s shop. I fell in love with them so much that I ordered all the stuff to make them, made a ton for a craft show I never entered, and gave quite a few of them away as gifts. I do have tons left though…

Since I got the idea from Ashley, I asked her if she minded if I sold them… she sweetly said, “Go ahead but try to make them your own.” I still haven’t put them in my Etsy shop yet (in fact, nothing is in there atm) but I’m seriously thinking about it.

They are really fun to make and I love choosing which stones to pair with the different bases.

Ponder, ponder, ponder….
Linking up this week!

Turtle Man

2011-08-26T08:20:00.001-04:00

Finley will be three in a month and weighs in at a whopping 23 pounds fully clothed. Now that he’s potty trained (in theory anyway) and wearing big boy underwear, even his 12-18 month shorts fall down. :( I don’t want to buy any more at this point even though it will be shorts weather in these parts for another couple of months.

This is my first attempt at making shorts for my little guy. Hubs promptly let me know that our son looks like he’s wearing a tablecloth…. I think the fabric is cute for a toddler!! It’s another one of those fabrics that I love so much that I’ve been hoarding it. I bought it to make myself pajama pants, but that hasn’t exactly happened.

When I showed him his turtle man outfit, he said, “For me?? Oh, I love it! Can I wear it?” Even though it’s for his first day of “school” I just couldn’t say no. This cute turtle design came from Lynnie Pinnie and the font is from Embroitique.

He played in every single water puddle he could find and thoroughly soaked his clothes… but even when they were wet, the shorts didn’t fall down!!

SUCCESS

Partying here if I can find the time!! :)

HELP!!!

2011-08-23T11:56:00.000-04:00

Caden’s Present

2011-08-22T00:30:00.001-04:00

Emily brought home a cold the first week of school, sigh… I have been battling it the past week. I have had two steroid shots, and antibiotic shot, and many albuterol treatments. Today, I finally feel normal again (me doing a little happy dance). I’m STILL on the wagon, I promise!! It has just taken all of my energy to run my house this past week.

In the meantime, when I was feeling ok after mega doses of advil and tylenol, I was able to make some little baby things for the upcoming baby #3 and boy #3 for a friend.

I have had this story time toile for a while and finally had the nerve to use it.

CONFESSION TIME: I’m a fabric hoarder!!! I LOVE fabric and buy it constantly. Certain fabrics I’m so in love with that I don’t want to use… I know, crazy, right? This was one of those fabrics. BUT, I told myself that this was the perfect time to run with the bulls. I accented the blue toile with black. I really like that look for little boys. There is little pom pom fringe across the top and ric rac across the bottom. These are two of my absolute trims to use on anything. :))

For this burpie, I used wide ribbon and made a simple knot in the middle.

I made a cute cupcake out of socks, a diaper, and a washcloth with Caden’s initials on it for the gift topper. It makes me want monogrammed washcloths… babies are so lucky!!

Partying at a few of these fabulous get togethers this week (hopefully).

Stress Relief

2011-08-12T00:03:00.001-04:00

Me: Finley, please go potty.

Finley: No, I not need to.

Me: Finley, don’t pee pee on my bed. Please go potty now.

Finley: Runs into the bathroom

So, naturally at this point, I think he’s a good little boy and goes potty…. WRONG!!! 2 MINUTES later I see him running from the bathroom to my bed with a handful of hand towels.

Me: Finley, did you pee on my bed? (I have a new white with green trim comforter…. my first comforter in 6 years)

Finley: Attempting to clean up his mess with more towels, looks at me, and shakes his head yes

Me: Go check out the damage…

He had naughtily retrieved the iPad from my husband’s nightstand and was playing pac man whilst laying on my bed… and you guessed it…

PEED ON THE iPAD!!!!!

(not to mention my comforter)

I should have shared that we are still in the potty training phase of life and he was naked from the waste down. There was literally a puddle of urine on the screen.

AUGH!!!!!

I was trying to get the other kids to Tai Kwan Do on time, so I stewed about the event all evening. In an attempt to calm my nerves, I made a bib.

I do feel a little bit better. It is a really good thing that little guy is cute. If he wasn’t so cute, there’s no telling what would have happened. I really almost lost my cool.

But those eyes and smile saved him. :)

Back on the Wagon

2011-08-09T23:42:00.001-04:00

I had the opportunity to sew a few burp clothes this past week. :)

It has been so long since I have created anything for a little boy that I almost forgot how!

I always end up designing 4-5 different fonts and typically only use 1-2 of them. This particular font is from Meringue Designs and I find myself wanting to use it with just about everything.

It looked a little too plain so I topstitched a double row around the edge of the fabric in the same color as the embroidered name. I really like the final result. :))

Back to the pink and brown for baby Morgan!

I added a big shabby ruffle at the bottom of burp cloth #2 complete with raw zig zagged edges. Shabby ruffles make me smile!! I love the unkempt look they create.

So, I think I am finally back on the wagon again. I have tons of ideas swirling around in my head again and find myself trying to balance them all with my kidlet responsibilities.

Cheers!!

Partying with a few of these fabulous ladies this week!

Guest Post on Snips and Spice

2011-08-08T15:25:00.001-04:00

Malory over at Snips and Spice is hosting Cupcake Month!

I am guest posting tomorrow (my VERY first guest post, btw) so go check it out. She has already featured some very talented bloggers with posts ranging from cupcake crafts to yummy cupcake recipes/ideas. Mmmmm…

j is for JACK

2011-07-31T23:17:00.005-04:00

Whoa…. it’s been like over 2 months since my last post…

{I think I’m over my creative block}

Well…

at least I made something today!!

My Jack Jack has a shirt to wear on his first day of kindergarten come Wednesday. Just look at that sweet little smile… it sure warms a mummy’s heart. :)

I have had this idea in my head for about 4 months or so. Today after I put Finn down for his nap, a little voice whispered in my head, “Enough already. Get off your arse and make Jack his shirt for school.”

I had a white pair of pajama pants that I never wear and decided to repurpose them for Jack’s project. Em helped me pick out the blue hue for the stamps. I stamped, cut, and ironed away adorning the plain little yellow shirt that had been sitting, waiting for so long. Then, I framed the patch with a long straight stitch and a shortened zig zag stitch for a bit of added detail.

So, thank you Janette for the whisper. You are golden and I can’t wait for that sweet baby girl to get here!
Linking up here for some more crafty inspiration:

Missing Her

2011-05-23T11:03:00.001-04:00

It’s been a month since my grandmother died… I know it’s time for me to get back to life in its entirety, but I still don’t want to.

She died two days before her 80th birthday, and this was going to be her birthday present. I gave it to her on her birthday anyway and she held it in her hand as I saw her for the very last time on this earth. I know she would have loved the bling…. she was ALL about the bling!

Here is my nanny with Jack 3 years ago. She played baseball with him ALL afternoon!

She’s on the far left of this picture at the age of 15… that’s when she married my papa.

Here are the girl granddaughters in the kitchen (that holds SO many memories) creating her memorial flowers and pictures.

Her memorial wreath that we made.

She also LOVED parties with cake. We celebrated her birthday with one of her favorite colors… HOT PINK. :)

I know she’s at peace. I know she’s happy again. I know I will see her again.

But, today I still miss her.

I’m filled with regret for the times I wasn’t there.

And, my heart aches for her.

Be Still…. And Know

2011-04-13T14:06:00.001-04:00

Have I ever mentioned that I really love to make dishtowels??

At my wedding shower (like a billion years ago, nonetheless), my mom talked about how you should always pray for the women in your life when you do your dishes. She gave everyone in attendance a dishtowel and asked them to pray for me when they used it. Every since then, I haven’t been able to look at a dishtowel the same way!

So, here is my first of several posts about these lovely little items that all of us use on a daily basis.

I designed and made this particular towel for a dear friend for Valentine’s day (she also happens to be Finley’s teacher at “school”).

I found the message to be fitting for this time of year… just a little reminder that we sometimes have to shut the noise around us out so we can hear what God wants to say.

I’m totally in love with this shabby ruffle, btw :)

I need this reminder, like every day, so I made one for myself (I’ve actually been making stuff for myself lately… wow, what a concept!). I wash it as soon as it’s dirty and hang it right back up!! I’m not really a fan of laundry (I’ve actually been known to buy new socks so I didn’t haven’t to sort through the old ones… horribly wasteful, I know) so that is a HUGE accomplishment for me!!

It makes me smile.

AND we all need things in life that make us smile. :)

Linking up to a few of these par-tays!!

CRAZY Rosette Hat

2011-04-10T23:53:00.001-04:00

Late Thursday afternoon, Baby Girl told her lovely Mum that she needed a large colorful crazy hat for Friday…. as I’m trying to get her ready for gymnastics, Jack ready for his soccer game, Max ready for baseball practice, and some sort of nourishment prepared for everyone’s tummy. She quickly picked the fabric (canvas for the hat and two beautiful batiks… she does have good taste :)) and described her vision.

So, after I got everyone to bed that evening, paid bills, and was just about ready for bed myself, I remembered the hat… (insert word of choice here). Flashbacks of the excitement on her face as she told me what she wanted… the giddiness only a child can portray over getting to wear a hat to school flood my entire being with guilt. I made a promise. I must keep my word even though it is after midnight and I’m exhausted.

I tore strips of fabric (an even number I think) and just started creating. She wanted a “big glob of fabric” on the front of the hat and “things hanging off” the side. I’m thinking… I can do this…

I braided fabric for each side of the hat and pinned them on. Then, I knotted a strip of fabric, formed it into an “E”, and hot glued it between the braids.

I sewed two strips of fabric together length wise, ruffled one edge, and hot glued that bad boy to the front of the hat to make a GINORMOUS rosette. I think that definitely satisfied the “big glob of fabric” request.

So, at 2 am, I placed the hat at her place at the table so she would see it first thing in the morning. Even though I couldn’t see straight 4 hours later as I was getting breakfast ready, the “Oh, Mommy…. It’s perfect! Thank you,” made it worthwhile. :)

Linking up here this week!

Tribute Tuesday ~Make it Count~

2011-04-05T23:44:00.001-04:00

I’m participating in Tribute Tuesday again today!

My tribute today:

make it count

Often, it’s easier in life to coast along and not make the effort in the small things along the way. The humdrum of daily life, the constant and consistent circle of activity, the monotony….

However, it’s only a monotonous humdrum circle of life if you allow it to be so….

I choose to make every minute count…

When I look at these faces, how can I not? I OWE it to them. They are little pieces of my heart walking around… in front of me, beside me, and behind me.

~Lowe’s Made Me HAPPY~

2011-04-01T20:26:00.001-04:00

{ no, I’m no longer pregnant… but this is a picture that makes me happy when I look at it :)}

THANK YOU

to everyone who was so supportive during my little pity party earlier!! What wonderful emails and texts I received… I feel so loved. :))

So, here’s the update:

Lowe’s was unable to get an installer out here today. HOWEVER, the manager (Chris) and Theresa (from appliances) were super accommodating. The delivery manager came back to pick up the dishwasher (as I was afraid that Finley or Jack would pull it over on their little bodies or run into the sharp corners and seriously hurt themselves) and I should have it re-delivered AND installed FREE OF CHARGE on Thursday!!!

I know it was an honest mistake. I was just so frustrated earlier after getting my hopes up of having a dishwasher that actually works (after several years of having one that doesn’t quite cut it). I am super impressed with Lowe’s customer service and I truly appreciate them honoring what we were initially told. I will definitely shop there in the future!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME??

2011-04-01T09:44:00.001-04:00

Rewind to two days ago:

At Lowe’s, have been looking at new dishwashers for quite some time, decide to take the plunge…

HUBS: So, you guys will deliver, install, and take away the old dishwasher?

EMPLOYEE: Yes, sir.

HUBS: Great… Can we get this set up for Friday?

EMPLOYEE: We can definitely do that.

Hubs and I are thinking…. “That was easy.”

Back to the present:

Call at 6:45 am… “Can we deliver your dishwasher in about 1 hour?”

“ABSOLUTELY!” (I’m so excited that I don’t have to wash each dish by hand BEFORE putting it in the dishwasher…)

8:30…. “Here’s your dishwasher ma’am”

“You aren’t going to install it?”

“No ma’am. We only deliver. Call the store and they will set it up for you.”

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” (Seriously folks… thought it was an April Fool’s joke…)

“No ma’am. Let me see who helped you…. Oh, he’s new…. he didn’t set up installation…”

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” (Still couldn’t believe it)

“No ma’am. I’m sorry. Have a nice day.”

SOOOOOO…….

Here I sit, waiting for a call back from the appliance department to see if an installer can come out today, having to pay an additional $110, trying to keep my little two from accidentally running into the dishwasher that’s

SITTING IN THE MIDDLE OF MY KITCHEN,

needing to mail out orders, go pay bills, go by the bank, drop the dogs at the vet, etc etc…. I’m afraid to get in the shower or even go to the bathroom lest I MISS the call…

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

SERIOUSLY???

I saved a whole sink full of dishes for my new dishwasher…. guess I better get to hand washing them…

FTLOB Handmade Trade from Amber

2011-03-30T22:49:00.001-04:00

Have you noticed this little button on my sidebar??

I was paired up with 2 swap partners as Amber’s partner was unable to participate…. I haven’t exactly finished my trade items for Amber and PoeKitten but I’m ALMOST done!! If you haven’t visited her before, please check out Amber’s Blog!! I love her style and easily get lost in reading all about her postcards, craftiness, recipes, and kiddos. I received these lovelies in the mail about 2 weeks ago:

I was uber UBER excited and have received more compliments than I can count on her handmade craftiness!! Look at the attention to detail in the bracelet girls… I am so in love and so happy that these little gems are mine to keep. :) (I know that makes me a wee bit selfish… but hey…)

Amber was one of the first 5 to comment on my

PAY IT FORWARD

post so I get to make her more than one pretty!

Thank you, Amber!!! You are

FABULOUS!!

Tribute Tuesday

2011-03-29T23:05:00.001-04:00

So, today I’m participating in Janette’s Tribute Tuesday…. Go check her out!! She is my Bloggy BFF!! We have never actually met, but we talk just about every day via our blogs, email, or texting. I run quite a few of my ideas through her first to get her perspective and vice versa. We are definitely a match made in heaven. :)

My tribute today:

my sister

Here is a picture from her visit last week (hence my absence) of us by the Etowah River.

By now, I hope most of you know that I am much better at editing and posting pictures than actually writing something of content…. But, I will try to do my sis justice.

Here we are as little kids at my Nanny and Papa’s place in Arkansas. We moved around ALOT as kids and visiting Arkansas was always like home.

The high school years….

I was ALWAYS jealous of my beautiful sister…. she was so petite and perfect. She had the pretty naturally curly hair, I had the frizzy. She had skin that tanned, I had skin that burned. She had the petite features, I felt more like a hobbit. When she sang, it sounded like angels… me, more like cats fighting on a hot summers night. I used to sneak in her bedroom and try on her clothes, her makeup, her perfume. I wanted to BE her…

We became REALLY close after she left for college. She became the sister I always wanted…. she had always watched out for me and taken care of me, but things were different.

She has become my best friend, my confidant, my biggest supporter in life. I honestly do not think that I could continue to live on this earth if she were not here with me. She finishes my sentences without missing a beat…She knows what I’m trying to say after only hearing a sigh… She calls me on my faults… She tells me I’m a bitch when I am… We always joke that we are actually twins that were born 4 1/2 years apart.

We are both terrified of drowning (and so are our daughters, btw), have four kids (3 boys and 1 girl), and married physicians (before they had the title). I’m the sewer and crafter… She’s the cooker and baker… We both like to garden. If you get us together… we are the perfect woman!

So… Here’s my Tribute…

i love you, carrie

Avery’s Cupcake

2011-03-28T23:08:00.001-04:00

I have had the privilege and honor of creating Miss Avery’s 1st AND 2nd birthday shirts!! Avery has a blanket she calls “Manky” that goes EVERYWHERE with her. Her mom has enough material to make an extra blanket when needed and wanted to incorporate “manky” into Avery’s birthday this year.

The cupcake base is the ever coveted blanket fabric and Avery was soooooo excited when she saw it on her birthday shirt!!

It was also Auntie Julia’s 15th birthday and Avery’s mom didn’t want her left out!!

As soon as I receive a picture of Miss Cutie Patootie in her shirt I will definitely post it!!

Partying HERE this week!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T17:48:00.001-04:00

I haven’t been posting as my sister and her family are here from Colorado!!! This picture was TOO FUNNY not to share with everyone. Jack and Cameron were very excited to have their pic made with the wrestling pigs. :)

Pink and Brown…. Ooooo La LA

2011-03-16T23:14:00.001-04:00

I’m sure you are all tired of my Lily Kate posts… but this is the LAST one…

promise…

Here is the sweet little diaper bag to match all of her other goodies. The lining of the bag is a lightweight cream corduroy. The trim circling the monogram on the outside also adorns the inside pockets. Have a look-see:

It’s a simple square bag with a single strap and elastic casing around the top. Easy to get baby goodies in and out!

The bottom is squared off just a tish.

I continue to swoon over this pale pink, ivory, and chocolate brown palette. I’ve always loved brown, but don’t think I have truly appreciated it’s peanut butter and jelly like affair with light pink!

I’m totally hooked…. sigh…

Linking up with a few of these lovely ladies!

Inspiration for Lily Kate

2011-03-14T00:19:00.001-04:00

Remember my little birdie coffee cozy that I have been swooning over?? Here is the onesie that it was designed to match! I was hoping to have a cute little collage to showcase different views of this lovely, BUT Photobucket is NOT cooperating this evening.

Bear with me…. here is my make shift collage!

I accented the embroidery with mini pom pom fringe in pink. I fell in love with this little bird from Alexander Henry’s Starling Line and knew he would be ab.so.lute.ly perfect as the focal point for this design.

The burp cloth uses another coordinating bird from the same fabric. I changed it up a bit and embroidered it horizontally instead of vertically.

The diaper bag is designed, embroidered, and cut out…. I just have to finish sewing it together! I have thoroughly enjoyed this project (really and truly). I sincerely hope (with all my heart) that Lily Kate’s mummy likes it as much as I enjoyed creating it. :-)

I’m partying with this project HERE!!

Pay It Forward 2011

2011-03-09T20:24:00.001-05:00

I have seen this before and wanted to participate but did not bookmark the page. Natalia at Ma Nouvelle Mode left a sweet comment on my blog. When I went to check out her blog, I FOUND IT AGAIN! Sweet… Score. :)

It will probably take me a month or two to get things together as I really want each person to receive something very special! :)

Blogger Feature ~ Upcycled Jeans Jewelry~

2011-03-08T22:51:00.001-05:00

THIS was TOO cute not to repost! You all know how much I love using different fabrics and media to create my projects. Rachel over at Bubbly Nature has a series going on right now… “5 ways to re-purpose jeans.” This is #3 in her series. I absolutely LURVE it people!! I can’t wait to try this at home. :)

She has a fabulous step by step tutorial on how you can make one for yourself (NO SEWING). Pop over and say “Hi.” Tell her how much you love this necklace too!

Tweet Tweet!! (Soooo Excited)

2011-03-07T23:00:00.001-05:00

First off, I’ve been COVERED UP as of late (with orders, sick kids, and financial crap) and I apologize for the absence (and probably future absence this week)…

Now that that’s out of the way…

LOOK AT THIS BIRD COZY!!

It’s actually part of a custom baby order. My friend wants mummy and baby to match… Never thought of that one before, folks. I guess you really can learn something new everyday. Anyways, this is what I came up with for the cozy. It looks super sweet with the onesie, but you will have to wait until later (hopefully tomorrow) for that peep show.

I am in the process of making one for myself…

I know, I know, I have like 6 or 7 cozies already.

But, seriously, what’s the point in being crafty if you can’t make stuff for yourself?!? Cozies are one of my guilty pleasures in life (along with fabric and embroidery designs).

Ok, since you’re twisting my arm, here’s a sneak peek for the onesie…

Linking up HERE for some Creative Partying!

Creative Girls Crafty Blog Hop

2011-03-04T00:33:00.001-05:00

Diana over at The Girl Creative is hosting a creative blog hop! This is a great way to visit other blogs to get some serious inspiration. :)

Happy hopping my lovely ladies!

Gift Bag From a Cereal Box

2011-03-02T10:23:00.001-05:00

I seriously got a wild and crazy whim this weekend… This is a cereal box in disguise as a gift bag! I cut everything off except for the front, back, and one of the sides. It was the perfect size for the onesie and burp cloth while continuing with the “upcycled” theme of the gift.

Gift COMPLETE!! :) Off to work on my next order…

I’m partying with a few of these lovely ladies today.

Old Jeans to Burp Cloth

2011-02-28T10:11:00.001-05:00

Remember the tea stained/stamped onesie? Well, here is the 2nd half of baby Max’s gift.

His mom has a FABULOUS sense of style and likes non traditional things. I used a pair of Jack’s old jeans that had a HUGE hole in one knee and the beginning of a hole in the other knee. The knit “patch”… old tee shirts of mine! There’s a double row of topstitching around the hand stamped “max” and an urban flare topstitching around the red part of the patch.

The bottom seam of the jeans is the top of the burpie.

The thread bare “knee” gives a unique touch.

This is definitely a one of a kind type of gift that no other mommy on the block will have! Try it the next time you need a baby boy gift. :)

Linking up to a few of these par-tays!

Hand Stamped and Tea Stained

2011-02-25T18:00:00.001-05:00

I’m ALWAYS on the lookout for cute unique clothes, especially when it comes to boys. Today, a light bulb went off in my head!! I read an article a couple of weeks ago about tea staining paper. As I was watching the little two play on the porch, I thought… “Hmmm, I wonder if it would work on white shirts?” The effect is EXACTLY what I wanted. YES!!

The “f” shirt is for Finley and the “max” shirt is a custom order. I left Finley’s in the tea quite a bit longer than Max’s, but I do like the look of both. I had an old shirt of mine that was stained and waiting for Goodwill. I knew it would be perfect for my creative inspiration. I got out my stamps, brushed on a bit of black acrylic paint, and stamped away. :) I cut roughly around the “f” and the “max,” applied steam-a-seam to the under side, and ironed them on the tea stained shirts. I then top stitched with black thread… ta-dah!

Finley’s puckered up wee bit along the left edge… I didn’t put the steam-a-seam all the way to the edge of the fabric. I’m WAY thankful I did that on Finn’s and NOT the custom order.

I can’t wait to make more!!

Linking up to a few of these parties… You know you wanna party too

~Have a great weekend~

New Cozy and Handmade Wednesday Hop

2011-02-23T10:15:00.001-05:00

I have a NEW cozy in my etsy shop!

“Won’t tweet ‘til this cup’s complete”

I’m horrible at making up catchy phrases… I really liked the little birdie and wanted to use him somehow, someway. :)

It’s also time for:

My blog is co-hosting this week! :) You can have a chance to co-host as well! Link up your crafty blog here:

If you have a handmade store, link up here: (make sure you specify etsy, artfire, or personal)

Happy Wednesday to you.

Totally Random

2011-02-22T22:54:00.001-05:00

I am completely in love with LUSH coconut deodorant powder. After I got out of the shower today, I realized that I’m almost out. CRAP! That means I have to drive into Atlanta to get more.

I can’t go a day without it, seriously.

Hmph…

I Pad Cover from Sew Poshy

2011-02-21T18:06:00.001-05:00

I got the sweetest little email over the weekend!! Sew Poshy lurved my little flowers (here and here) so much that she made one for her I Pad bag!! I think it’s simply divine. The color combination is beau.ti.ful.

She has sooooo many beautiful projects that she has done on her blog… check it out. :)

Leave her some comment love while you are there… it will make her day.

Burlap, Tulle, and Flowers {Oh, and my Shelf Makeover}

2011-02-20T23:40:00.001-05:00

Emily has been wanting a book shelf in her room for quite some time. She has a shelf, but it’s a corner shelf and the books ALWAYS fall over. If they aren’t falling over, the smaller ones get squeezed behind the bigger ones, the pages get all crinkly, etc, etc.

Low and behold, I found this lovely at an antique store!

Didn’t it clean up beautifully?? I haven’t actually completed a project like this before… so I was pretty darn excited that Baby Girl liked it.

I sanded, puttied, and sanded some more. Then I primed it with KILZ as it had a bit of a musty old wood smell.

I added some trim that I found at Home Depot at the top and also two wooden rosettes at the bottom corners. A fresh coat of white paint, a little sanding on the edges for a distressed look, and then FUN time!

I knotted a strip of purple tulle for the sides of the shelf. Em’s room is FULL of tulle and flowers. So, naturally, she wanted flowers on her shelf… purple and white to be precise. The flowers looked a little lonely, so I hot glued a strip of burlap haphazardly behind them.

Tulle + Burlap = True Love (just my opinion, anyway).

I moved the shelf into her room today…

Linking up HERE!!

Flower Envy

2011-02-18T16:23:00.001-05:00

Baby Girl saw Havanna’s shirt and decided that red and yellow were NOT the way to go… it needed to be a combination of dark and light pink.

I surprised her with this lovely when she got home from school today! She was completely stoked (which made her mummy VERY happy).

I used two organza layers in addition to the satin this time around. I really enjoy different textures and fabrics, so I used netting instead of tulle with this fabric combo.

I am toying with the idea of selling these in my Etsy store. I’m thinking I need a bit of variety…. hmmmm (ponder, ponder, ponder)…

On that note, have a GREAT weekend!!

Linking up to a few of THESE parties…. They provide me with so much inspiration. :)

Silver and Pearls {and a Blogger Feature}

2011-02-17T18:21:00.001-05:00

I love jewelry… what girl doesn’t, right? I will freely admit I’m quite picky when it comes to what I will actually wear when it comes to my goods. Val over at Miss Val’s Creations makes the most beautiful pearl and silver earrings (among many many other fabulous creations) and I knew I had to have to them.

I can’t remember if she found my blog first, or I found her initially, but I think it’s safe to say we are bloggy friends at this point. :) She always leaves me the sweetest comments on my posts and I hang on a cliff waiting to see her newest creations.

I FINALLY had a little bit of extra money in my PayPal account this past month and rushed over to Miss Val’s Creations Artfire Store to buy the prize I had been eyeing for some time. She definitely exceeded my expectations and I wear these beauties at least 3 times a week… they match EVERYTHING (especially my Stella and Dot lovelies).

Sometimes, it’s nice to know when someone appreciates what you do…

So…

THANK YOU, Val, for making such a wonderful and quality HANDMADE product. I really really {heart} my earrings.

Spring is IN the air

2011-02-15T17:37:00.001-05:00

I’m absolute ready for SPRING!!

Can you tell?? I have had these little flowers dancing around in my head for over a week now but HAD to finish all the heart day stuff before I could initiate yet another project.

This little onesie is a birthday gift for a dear friend’s daughter. Havanna is all about Minnie Mouse these days… thus the red and yellow inspiration for her shirt.

Oh, and btw, these guys are easy peasy to make. Cut out a few circles (different sizes) of polyester fabric you like, pass the edges of the fabric over a flame to “seal” them (so they won’t fray), and arrange the circles to your liking. You can either stitch them in the middle or use a fabric glue to attach the circles permanently. For the center, I sewed a basting stitch down the middle of yellow organza ribbon and gathered it tightly. Then, I sewed it to my flower and accented the middle with a few pearls. I used the same ribbon technique for the leaves only I gathered loosely this time around. I shaped each green ribbon into a “leaf,” so to speak, and attached them to the flower.

I stitched around the largest circle twice in a not-so-perfect circle shape whilst backstitching here and there to create the look I was going for.

You want one for yourself, don’t you?

It’s ok.

I do to! :)

Linking up to a few of THESE parties… check them out for more inspiration.

D-O-N-E Just in Time!

2011-02-14T00:38:00.001-05:00

I actually finished all of the kids’ school valentines BEFORE midnight!! I’m patting myself on the back. :)

Those wooden hearts that jumped into my cart sure came in handy this year. I used them to make Finley’s class valentines with a super cute “I Love You” printable I found on someone’s blog. I can’t remember whose though… so, if you know, PLEASE leave a comment or email me so I can give proper credit!!

I used the “Peace, Love, Rock” digital art from Urban Threads , a little card stock, and spray adhesive for Max this year. It’s his LAST year to exchange love notes as a class. Man, I feel OLD!

Jack’s goody bag definitely evolved as the evening progressed. I had all the fun things for the bag, but didn’t know quite how to present it. I was originally going to make little felt bags for everyone, but ran out of time. Then, I was just going to do felt name tags. They ended up as bookmarks! I think they turned out super cute, so I’m going to do a tutorial on how to make them. :)

Emily had hers planned out for about a month. She came up with the phrase, “I think you’re a smartie” so she could give out her FAV candy. She rocked the low temp glue gun, btw.

The wooden hearts ALSO turned into teacher Valentine’s this year. I tried to incorporate each teacher’s personality into their heart. It’s amazing how paint, burlap, mod podge, and scrapbooking supplies can transform plain wooden shapes.

I really had fun this year for Valentine’s Day!! I’m a wee bit sad that it will be over in 24 hours. I guess I can always start planning for next year. ;)

Linking up here…. check out these awesome parties!

Win a LO Cozy at Night Owl Crafting

2011-02-11T14:44:00.001-05:00

Leslie at Night Owl Crafting is hosting a GINORMOUS giveaway for her blogiversary.

I love reading her blog and volunteered to giveaway one of my cozies to help her celebrate. There are over 30 giveaways to enter!! Head on over, enter to win one of my cozies, and check out the other cool products. You have until Sunday, February 13 to enter to win. :)

Here is one of Leslie’s favs.

Here is one of my favs.

But, there are plenty to choose from!! I’m still offering a 25% discount for my readers… just enter “NEW25” at checkout in my Liberty Original etsy store to receive your savings.

Have a great weekend my loves.

ADULT Valentine :)

2011-02-10T22:49:00.003-05:00

Kristen over at Make the Best of Everything totally inspired this goody for hubs. She made the cutest puzzle with puffy paint! I knew I could Mod Podge this bad boy and so I gave it a try…

I came up with a really original saying for my puzzle… You Complete Me. I know, I know, but nothing else came to me!! A little bit of stamp action, some freehand painting (which I know better than to attempt), and a tish of stenciling yielded me the result I was aiming for. I topped it off with a “love knot” out of jute in the lower left corner and a little jewelry embellishment in the upper corner.
Now, for the fun part…

the tag! “If you want a piece, solve the puzzle.” (Thus, the adult disclaimer in the title.) I thought this idea was just TOO STINKIN’ CUTE to pass up.
After you complete your puzzle, place on your significant other’s pillow Valentine’s Day Night:

and you never know what might happen … :)

Linked up Here:

Whiny Wednesday, Award, Features, and BLOG HOP

2011-02-09T14:46:00.001-05:00

I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and sad for myself the past few days…. Finley has had a sinus/double ear infection (which meant constant SCREAMING for about 4 days),

my neck apparently isn’t fused all the way like it should be at this point, I’m still having some pain in the back of my neck and down my arm, and I think all of the closets in my house threw up in their respective bedrooms. (This is my whiny sad face, btw.)

HOWEVER….

when I checked my lovely blog to see what was going on with my favorite bloggy friends, I was reminded how blessed and loved I am!

Maggy at Fireworks.Sparkle.Rainbow gave my the Stylish Blogger Award!! Thank you, Maggy! Please read this post for all the fabulous info. Maggy inspires me…. her blog is about her journey living with a brain tumor. She even has a recipe with fried cauliflower on her blog…. mmmmm.

Then I popped on over to

for a little crafty inspiration and found that Stephanie had featured my Cherish Love Forever frame!!

I continued to hop and found myself at

where I found that Misty had featured my Tulle Cupcake shirt. :)

I’m not feeling whiny anymore. :)

I’m also co-hosting the

with Blue Eyed Blessings and Crocheted Little Things. So, if you are looking for some free advertising, feel free to link up your blog here:

Link up your handmade store here:

Cherish Love Forever

2011-02-06T23:45:00.007-05:00

Despite the fact that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, this picture frame was actually a gift for hubs’ bday. He ALWAYS buys whatever he wants, when he wants it. This little habit of his proves to be very difficult when I actually need to get him a present. I’ve resorted to making him things instead. I don’t know if he really likes my presents or not, but at least it’s something he can’t buy for himself. :)

It was actually SUPER easy to make! I went bin diving in my craft stash and only used what I had around the house!

Supplies I used:

Plain wooden frame from Michael’s, wood scraps

Mod Podge, craft paint, stamps, twine

Scrapbook paper, scrapbook embellishments, pearls

Glue gun

I cut the scrapbook paper to fit the frame and mod podged it in place. Then, painted the remaining exposed wood white. I took a small wood scrap, painted it white, stamped “love” on it with black paint, mod podged over it, and hot glued it on the upper right corner. Next, I stamped “forever” on a scrapbook embellishment paper I found and mod podged it at the bottom of the frame.

Glue gun time:

I hot glued letter tiles to spell “cherish” down the side of the frame and accented them with pearls. I think the little scrapbook flowers are super pretty… so I glued a couple of those on the lower right corner. In the upper left corner, I made a birds nest out of twine, hot glued it in place, and glued the bird safely in his nest. I thought he might like a rose to keep him company and slapped that bad boy up there as well.

Here is a pic of the completed frame without a picture in it. I used a pic from when we renewed our vows this summer in Jamaica. That way, when he looks at it in his office, he can remember to…

“cherish (our) love forever.”

Linking Up Here:

AND HERE

Note To Self

2011-02-03T23:52:00.001-05:00

Do not eat another skittle or piece of laffy taffy. I do not care if the kids will get upset when you throw it away… JUST DO IT! Your arse will thank me for this advice later. Trust me on this one.

Also, fold the clothes and put them away… not later, tomorrow, or when you get around to it, but NOW. You will be happier when your couch is laundry free (so will the kids). Bills are due, pay them.

Last thing… the clutter, it’s killing me! Let’s get back on the Flylady bandwagon and do this thing.

Can I start all this tomorrow?

PLEASE… with sugar and sprinkles on top?

Handmade with Love Winter Giveaway

2011-02-02T11:08:00.001-05:00

Have you noticed this lovely button on my sidebar?? It has taken up residence there as I am one of the sponsors for this fabulous event!!! If you have been dying for a Liberty Original coffee cozy (and what coffee/tea drinker hasn’t?), now is your chance to win one (along with some other fabulous prizes)!!

You can win a tan suede and sherpa cozy with a “coffee" design embroidered on it or a pink suede and sherpa cozy with the name of your choice embroidered on it. Each cozy comes professionally packaged and ready to give as a gift (but you know you want one for yourself :)).

So, hop on over to Belly Charms and enter away! While you are there, you can see the linky with the 147 other blogs who are also participating in this event. Hop, hop, hop to your content and try to win as much as you can!

Sweet Baby Girls

2011-02-01T12:18:00.000-05:00

There are so many sweet baby girls being born lately it seems. I really love designing and creating girly things. I still lean towards simplicity with my girl things as well…

For the burp cloths, I repurposed a vintage bedspread (just like I did with Sage’s Goodies) on the first and utilized a traditional cloth diaper with the baby’s monogram for the second. The reversible bag is large enough for a couple of diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes. It has Ryan’s name on one side and her monogram on the other.

My FAVORITE part of this gift is the onesie!

It has a reverse appliqué pink heart with a green “R” to represent. It actually turned out exactly how I had it planned in my head (which doesn’t always happen, btw). Now, I want something for myself with a reverse appliqué heart… seriously!

Snips & Spice Subway Art

2011-01-30T23:30:00.001-05:00

I’ve been blog hopping quite a bit the past 2 weeks… I am completely AMAZED at the serious talent out there. I fell in love with this Mark Twain quote years ago and my heart did a little flutter when I saw what Malory over at Snips & Spice did with it:

As soon as I saw Malory’s subway art, I knew it HAD to go in my house somewhere. I printed it out to an 8x10 size, bought a 15 dollar frame at Michaels, and voila:

I think it’s EXACTLY what my hutch needed. There are three different color schemes that you can download for free!

Thanks Malory… you rock!

My Heart, My Love

2011-01-25T23:25:00.001-05:00

I think Cupid has FINALLY visited this crafty mommy!

My mom always made Valentine’s Day a very special holiday when I was growing up. It was almost as exciting as my birthday! I was perusing the aisles of Michaels this weekend, ALONE, (I know, right? I NEVER get to do that) when a package of little wooden hearts landed into my cart (literally, fell from the shelf and landed in my cart). I started to put them back, but then visions of my little stink bug’s hand popped into my head.

I have a thing with my kids’ handprints and footprints. Can’t help it… I have them in all forms of media randomly strewn throughout my house. It genuinely amazes me at how quickly these tiny little body parts grow. I haven’t captured Finley’s hand mug in a while and pounced on this opportunity. He was such a sweet little boy and surprised me with his cooperation.

UNTIL I was stenciling and painting… he decided to unroll a 100 yd roll of tulle throughout my dining room and kitchen. I knew the sheer pleasure in those giggles could only be that of mischief!

I had to laugh after I fussed at him. Any who, when he’s a grumpy hormonal teenager, and I want to lock him in his room until he’s 25, I can look back and remember when he held my love in the palm of his hand…

Linking up HERE