artsy-crafty babe

mail *love*

***warning - photo heavy post***

My mailbox has been full these last few days.

Pictured first are all the goodies from Claire, my partner in the brooch swap. Look at all that stuff!  There's trims (new & vintage), buttons, card charms, ribbon, candies, and some adorable tags made by Claire.

She also made this button heart, already hanging up in my studio.

And last but not least, the brooch! I immediately pinned it on my denim jacket.  Thank you Claire, I love it all!!

Next is a surprise package from lla, which totally threw me for a loop.  Those are knitted dish towels!  I'm tellin' ya, those look too pretty to use on my nasty old dishes, but perhaps they'll make doing the dishes more fun, especially if I'm wearing a tiara!

Another surprise package was from Amy, some goodies from her stash.  Pink + green, one of my favorite color combos!  Thank you Amy!

Handmade Valentine's cards from Maryann & Elizabeth - thanks guys!

Though I was expecting this package, I was surprised at how beautiful these earrings are.  Wow Maryann, I love these!  A few days ago she posted on her blog that she was selling two pairs of her handmade earrings to raise money for the American Cancer Society, so of course I bought some.  My picture does not do them justice, they really are wonderful.   

Well, that's it for now.  More stuff has been arriving in my mailbox, thing I've purchased, but I'll save that for another post.  I swear, it's like Christmas in February!!!

Paper Crafts

***WARNING - Gabi, if you don't want to know what I made for our swap, then read no more.***

The two swaps that I'm currently participating in, a Cookie Swap and Post Card Swap, have really stretched my imagination.  I thought they'd be easy, but I was wrong.  As much as I like to look at pretty papers, I have a hard time coming up with ideas on how to use them.

My first challenge was the cookie swap.  The idea was to come up with some sort of decorated recipe cards and recipe card container.  I'm real original, I went with a recipe card holder.  I decided to decoupage my holder, which was a lot of fun.  An important lesson to note is that mod podge doesn't come off of the kitchen counter easily, so be careful where you use that stuff.  After I decoupaged my holder I was a bit lost, so I went on my first trip to a scrapbook store.  Oh. my. god.  Those papers were so pretty.  I was in a paper buying frenzy, but I really didn't know what I wanted to do with the paper.  After much hemming and hawing I came up with my design for my cards, then decoupaged my holder some more to match my cards.  Yes, it looks like a kindergarten did it. 

I do not scrap book and I have no clue how to do that kind of stuff.  I visited a few scrap book blogs for inspiration, any boy, there are some talented people out there.  How they achieve such beautiful results with all those layers of papers and mixed media I'll never know.  Seeing all that kind of made me want to pitch mine, but then I'd have to make something else.  Gabi, I hope you like what I've made.  I also made some goodies in the media I'm most comfortable with (fabric), but I'm saving that for a surprise.  You'll have to wait until your package arrives!

Yes, I know I could have made some sort of recipe card/holder thingy using fabric, but I didn't want to.  I wanted a challenge.  And I got it.

The next project involving paper that I've been working on is a Christmas post card swap.  This was fun.  After the cookie swap, this was a breeze.  I don't know why, but I found this much easier.  I ended up making two versions of these postcards. 

Simple, but cute.   Both of these swaps made me realize that I like simple things.  And there's nothing wrong with that.

Now my next challenge is getting these things to the post office!

Surprises in the mail

When I pulled up to my mailbox and it was empty, I knew something was up.  Rarely do I not have mail.  If the mailbox was empty, that meant that something was too big to fit, so the mail person left my mail at the back door.  When I drove up in the driveway I could see a box sitting on the table next to my door.  What in the world could it be?  I hadn't ordered anything recently, hmmm...

It was my Second String swap package!  I had totally forgotten about it.  When I saw the return address on the package, I ran inside to get my camera.  I knew that I had better take pictures as I opened it because who knows what state it would be in if I waited later.  Look at all the goodies!!  Karyn really spoiled me.  There was candy, fabric, notions, a tissue holder, some goodies from Japan - this box was jam packed!

And best of all were these handmade goodies.  The theme of the swap was organization - I just love, love, love this wall organizer Karyn made for me.  She also made that adorable free form softie and that cute bib for Ava.  It's all so lovely, really.

Just because I love it so much, here is the organizer hanging on the wall of my studio.  Thank you Karyn, it was definitely worth the wait!!!

There are a few more pictures here.

Worth the wait!!!

My backtack 2 package finally arrived from Brazil!  Yes, I said backtack 2, which took place last fall.   Honestly, I had forgotten all about it, so it was a real surprise when I had a slip in the mail yesterday stating that I had to pick up a package from Brazil from the post office.  Woohoo, it was so worth the wait!  Paula did a wonderful job of assembling this package.  It wouldn't do it justice to cram it all into one picture, so I took many.

To refresh your memory, BT2 was about creating a bag for your partner, then filling it with supplies to do a craft that they've been wanting to try.  Paula supplied materials for me to make some jewelry.  But first, here's the tote:

She knew I liked neutrals and fall colors, so that's what she went with.  In her note she says that fall colors are different in Brazil than here, so there are no deep reds or bright oranges.  No matter to me, I think it's beautiful!  I love the flower detail.

And here are the amazing beads.  Oh my gosh, I can't tell you how much I love them!  I love natural things and wooden beads, so this is perfect for me.  I can't wait to make something out of them.

She also included two traditional Brazilian necklaces made with semi-precious stones.  Love them!

Some fabrics in my favorite colors along with a CD of Brazilian music in a cute little handmade case.

And last but not least, Paula made Lily and Alex a little gift - the doll for Lily and a pillow for Alex.  They both love them.  In fact, Alex took his pillow with him to the Dr's office this morning (he's still sick).

Thank you Paula!  It was so worth the wait!!!

Wristlet Swap

Look what arrived in the mail today!!!  It is a felted wristlet!! I was totally surprised because I forgot all about receiving something in the swap.  Isn't it wonderful?  The design and colors are just beautiful!  I love love love it!  This fabulous wristlet was made by Karen.  Thank you so much! (can I use any more exclamation marks?)

As if the wristlet wasn't wonderful enough, look at all the goodies!  There was some yummy Bath and Bodyworks stuff, some super cute Laura Ashley stationary and magnets, the perfect purse notebook, and some fall printed muffin liners (perfect to use for those carrot muffins Kelli posted a few days ago).  Karen, you really spoiled me!  I love it all!!!

Since I'm on the subject and my wristlet for the wristlet swap has been received, I can go ahead and share it with y'all.  I know I already went into it a little bit, but here's more.  I made this for Mary Ann.  I've enjoyed reading her blog because she's so cheery and fun!  She makes some really cool mixed media art.  Anyway, the challenge of this was to make something representing where we're from.  My first thought was the Mississippi River, but that's big and brown and boring.  Regardless, I went with the idea and decided to make a wide band running up the wristlet to represent the river.  I thought to make it interesting by using a nice fabric.  I used the fabric that I did because Mary Ann likes blues and greens and it looked 'watery' and reminded me of the look of spanish moss hanging from cypress trees, which are plentiful down here.  Because having only a "river" on the wristlet is pretty darned boring, I thought about adding a flower, then it hit me to try to make a magnolia, which is the Louisiana state flower.  I could then use more of the 'watery' fabric as leaves to add more interest.  I chose to make the entire wristlet out of linen, not only because I love it, but because La. is very hot and humid, and I think linen is a great fabric to wear in these elements.  So there you have it, my very abstract interpretation of Louisiana.

I included a zipper closure on the inside so that your stuff doesn't fall out. The velcro was needed to keep the flap down.

Here are some goodies I included in the swap.  I was glad to hear that Mary Ann liked it all.

Back into the swing of things

Welp, I'm a working (outside the home) mom again.  I must admit, I'm kind of glad.  My first day back went really well - I almost didn't want to leave at noon to go home!  Ava (and Matt) survived my absence.  She even took a bottle well, actually sucking on the nipple.  Once I got home I was able to accomplish way more than I imagined - I picked up /cleaned up, did the dishes, mopped the floor, and cooked supper.  I wonder why that is?  I couldn't get half those things done when I was home all day.  This gives me hope that I'll be able to fit crafting back into my regular routine.  I already have a few things in mind that I'd like to tackle...

I finally finished my wristlet for the wristlet swap.  I'd post a picture, but I don't want to spoil it for Mary Ann. Well, maybe just a peek - don't look Mary Ann if you want to be surprised! The theme was to make a wristlet representative of where you live, so that's what I did.  That flower is supposed to be a magnolia, the Louisiana state flower.  I love love love that flower!  I'll be using those for embellishments for future projects for sure.  The accent fabric I used reminded me of La., all watery looking and spanish moss hanging off of cypress tree-ish.  Make sense?  I need to get it in the mail soon, but I can't find my mailing envelopes.  I had a whole pack that I've misplaced somewhere.  That drives me bonkers!  I just saw them this weekend when I was rearranging/cleaning up my room (more to come on that later).  I think I may have tossed them on accident.  So, if I can get to the store this afternoon to pick up more, I'll hopefully get it in the mail tomorrow, along with Linda's dish towels and this little surprise to someone special.

P.S. Happy 3 MONTHS Baby Girl!!!

Can you believe this little sweety is 3 months old already???

Works in progress

My creative juices are flowing!  The fabrics have been selected and the supplies have been assembled.  If I manage my time right and get a good nap out of Ava (not on me) I may be able to spend some time with my sewing machine this afternoon, but first on the agenda is a nap for me.  Today is a me and Ava day, so there will be no other kid distractions - Lily is still at camp and Alex is spending the day with grandma.  I can't wait to get started!!!  I'm not promising anything, as my crafting productivity has been pretty nonexistent lately, but I'd like to give one of my projects away.  Be on the look out...

Now that I got word that my back tack 3 bunny has made it to Australia I can share it with y'all.  Here what I made for my partner Emma.  I'm so glad that it made it there, as I have little confidence in international mail.  I really enjoyed the challenge of BT3 this time around.  Of course I couldn't just do a bunny, I had to make the little drawstring bad and include a few goodies. It was a lot of fun creating for you, Emma!

**when I first posted this, I had no idea that there was an actual "work in progress" movement going on.  I'm so out of the loop that I'm participating without even knowing it!!  The blog crafting gods must be on my side.

mega post

I really hate mega posts, but if I don't get all this out right now, I may not get the chance again.  I'd much rather break this down into multiple posts, really!  I wonder how in the world I was able to blog so frequently pre-Ava.  It will be a long time before I see those days again.

In baby news, Ava is now 6 weeks old!  She is doing great, thank goodness.  She is smiling, cooing, and is awake much more during the day, which means that sleeping is going better at night.  The other night she slept for 6 whole hours!  Too bad I was awake for 3 of them waiting for her to wake up to eat.  I wish I could get a better picture of her, but she cries A LOT.  She has a very small thresh hold of happiness.  What can I say, she's a crier.   Wearing her in a sling helps and allows me to get things done around the house, but my back is killing me.  I usually start her out in a good position, but everything migrates and I end up hunched up with a sore back.  I'll eventually get around to making myself a new sling.  Despite her fussiness, I'm trying to soak up every second of her baby sweetness.

Yes, that's her tongue sticking out.  It's always sticking out.

I managed to squeeze in a tiny bit of craftiness this week, another skirt (surprise).  I made this one out of matte jersey, which I love.  I made it to go with my new matte jersey nursing tank.  Now I have a cute nursing outfit.  It's nothing special, but it works.  I have a feeling I'm going to wear this pattern out.

**Anybody know where I can find matte jersey?  I rarely find it, but was lucky enough to find the piece I did.

With Monday marking 6 weeks since I had Ava, I'm finally starting to focus on eating better and exercising. It's only been two days, but I feel better already. Don't worry, I'm not a dieter, so I'm not doing anything crazy, just trying to cut out the processed stuff, eat more produce and exercise more. I was starting to rely too much on crap food, so I need a change. This past weekend was the kids' birthday party, so that was a total pig fest. Hopefully I've got it all out of my system.

Okay, now I've saved the best for last - BACK TACK 3!!!  For the first time I had a successful swap.  Thank you Nancy, the stuff you made is great!  Not only was there an adorable bunny, but a lavender sachet, some lavender bath salts, and a super cute pink clutch (which I'm going to fight Lily for).

I think I need to have a shelf in my sewing studio to display all the beautiful handmade things I've received from all you crafty bloggers.  I love it!  I can't wait to be a contributing member of this wonderful community again.

Back to the regularly scheduled program...

Well, not really.  I must admit, I've been crafting vicariously through all of your blogs.  Not a bit of crafting going on here.  Just a lot of crying kids/babies, diaper changing, and boob exposure.  I hope to make something soon (other than a ton of milk).  I NEED to craft.  This is my last week without the two older kiddos, so I had better get busy.  I have a feeling once they're home with me all week it will be pure chaos.

I am starting to see some back tack 3 stuff popping up, so I thought I'd share.  Emma, if you're reading this and you don't want to be spoiled, then look away!  Here's a sneak peek:

I am so glad that I finished this project before I had Ava.  All I need to do now is find a few goodies to add to the package, then off it will go!  This was a fun project to complete.