FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE!!

I love sending freebies when I send out a WhiMSy love order. And, these are my latest goodies that will be slipped into each lovely package!

I've been working on these tags the last few days. Aren't they scrumptious & sweet? I wish you could see how they sparkle! Each one has been "glitterized"! I've only got to loop some natural twine on each & they'll be complete!

Who doesn't love free stuff?

I thought it might be fun to see what other Etsy sellers add to their packages. Here's just a sampling of what I've discovered so far...
rowley baby sends out a random freebie on 1/2 the orders. BONUS: MENTION YOU SAW HER IN WHIMSY LOVE's BLOG & SHE'LL SEND YA A GIFT!!!!
Dilly Designs freebies include a handmade card or pair of earrings, depending on each order.
Bella Colle sends out a special something!!
Katydid Designs has sweet treats!
Amor de Plata has surprises!

krazy kate designs has started sending freebies!
Maggie J's Jewelry would like to start giving freebies, but her next customer (her 100th!) will DEFINITELY get some great freebies!!
Vicious Edge is a freebie giver!

Super Fun Pet Stuff always gives freebies!

Gems by Jules tosses in a freebie!

paper planet gives a different freebie every month (June is a 10-pack of pressed flowers)!

Scrubadub gives a free gift too!

letitiah gives something from her "simple earring" section, or a new style she's trying out!

Cats Lovely Cats is anticipating a first order to try the "freebies" thing on!

I've received freebies in past orders from Etsy sellers amy elise designs, daisy chains, cmyk, bella arte by bella jean , & Amy Gaines (formerly 'purl').
(These sellers I've bought from have not been verified that they give out freebies with EVERY purchase.)
**Each shops freebies are subject to change as handmade=unique!!
I'll keep adding shops as sellers respond! So, keep checkin' back!

If you'd like, mention your shop & freebies in the "comments"!

P.S. (I'm still working on my "wacky" idea. Stay tuned this evening...)

Wacky Ideas Come From Wacky Places...

I just got back from the grocery store. It's midnight as I write this. I know, I know. It's just that I procrastinated all day, what can I say? And besides, shopping late means I don't have to fight the crazy grocery crowds & play "bumper carts". I love shopping late. And, I think a guy totally whistled at me in the store! Maybe that's the sound that naturally comes from the large toothless gap in his mouth.
Anyway, I was shopping around, stocking up on fruit roll-ups & string cheese & I got a wacky idea! I'm not even gonna tell you what it was! You'll have to stay tuned! I want to work on a prototype of my idea & see if it's even gonna work. I don't know if it's original or not, but I haven't seen it anywhere. I can't wait to work on it! If all goes well, I may have a photo to post & the rest of the wackiness to reveal.
See you tomorrow. Same crafty place. Same crafty time.

Artistic Chaos!

OK. I should just be totally embarrassed about this. Right? This is my "art studio". It's very chaotic. And, we're not even talkin' about "controlled chaos". It's just flat out messy. I need a bigger house. I need organization. But at least I'm surrounded by all the things I love: glitter, pretty papers, my old button collection, mags, just old stuff in general, weird finds, thrifted goodies & my 1960's desk lamp that I painted pink with brown polka-dots.

This is just half the room! Oh my. Did all the good thoughts you had about me just fly away? Feel free to post links to pictures of your creative spaces...

What a "Craftastic" View!

This was my view today while crafting at a nearby park. My kidlets played in the river & scared the seagulls away from mommy. I made more & more mini pinwheels. And we all enjoyed warm weather & a bit of breeze...

I've decided for my next few hours of "Nikki time" on Saturday, I'm going to do this exact thing ALL BY MYSELF! I'll bring a big blanket, my craft supplies, some munchies, maybe some tunes...Oh, I can't wait!!

Hope you had a great & relaxing Memorial Day!!!

A Sticky Story...

I have a funny story to tell that happened yesterday while my family was at the mall. My husband I frequently take our girls to the mall for balloons, pretzels & slushies. Yesterday, both girls were given a bit of pocket change to buy whatever they wanted. We walked into a Candy Shoppe (that should have been my first clue), & my 4 1/2 year old daughter sees plastic bottles of Hello Kitty fruit scented candy perfume filled with bright liquids. She was so excited! She wanted the perfume, so she chose Strawberry, & left Green Apple & Blue Raspberry on the shelf for some other clueless mom to buy for her little girl.
We purchased our goodies. Oh yeah, my 3 year old chose a tiny booklet of Hello Kitty stickers. We walked out of the store, found a bench & I proceeded to show my daughter how to apply her perfume. You know, it was a special moment. My little girl with her first bottle of perfume. So, Zoey sprayed it on her wrists. It came out kinda thick & glooby (2nd clue?). So, I took the bottle & sprayed it REALLY hard on her shirt. It sprayed a little better. Then, I sprayed it on MY wrists & started showing her how ladies rub their wrists together. Well, all-of-a-sudden my daughter started squealing about how her hands were sticky, the bottle was sticky, everything was sticky. And, yes, my wrists were quite tacky. Thankfully I hadn't sprayed my neck, or dabbed some behind my ears. I looked on the back of the bottle. The first ingredient was sugar (3rd & final revealing clue).
Well, I laughed & laughed & cleaned us up!
I guess it's liquid candy that you eat. Basically, sugar water. Nasty. If I would've known what it was I would have NEVER gotten it. So, now I'm on the lookout for little girl perfume that is non-edible. And next time I will never buy perfume from a candy store!!!

YOWZA! It's the Sunday Featured Artist...Bella Jean!

The artist I'd like to introduce you today snuck her artwork into my mailbox in a rather "secret" way...I "won" a set of notecards from Bella Arte by Bella Jean on Etsy & when they arrived in the mail, I fell in photography love! You see, Bella Jean, also known as Dani, is a photographer. She's a small town girl, an animal lover & though she has no formal training in photography, she has an artistically gifted eye!

I've got a couple of her postcard prints on the way. I'm planning on framing the Old Pick-Up Truck fine art postcard for my dad & his mechanic shop. And I'm keeping the Vintage White Noise fine art postcard for myself!

My favorite piece of hers is one that came in my set of four notecards. It's a view of some buildings in a city. Click HERE to take a peek.

But, I'll stop blabbing now & let Dani tell you a bit more about herself...
Where were you born, where are you from, where did you grow up, & where are you living now? I was born and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Now I live in Geuda Springs, Kansas. It is a very small town (around 200) and while it is great to live in the country, it is a pain sometimes because we have to drive to get gas or groceries.
What inspires you?
Everything! Since I live in the country, I always find myself looking at old abandoned items/houses and thinking how cool they look!

How long have you been taking pictures?
I have been taking pictures since I was little girl. My Grandma gave me a Kodak when I was little and I took pictures of all sorts of stuff. I also had a Polaroid and liked to take pictures of my Donny & Marie dolls in different outfits!

Share about, or describe your favorite piece.
I think my favorite piece is the Sleeping Sunflowers images (print or postcard). A few years ago I saw this field of dying sunflowers and thought how cool they looked. They looked sad or like they were sleeping with all of their heads down. By the time I thought about taking a camera, they had cut the field down so I had to wait until the following year to capture the image!

What's your favorite color?
It would have to be blue. All shades of blue!

What one thing did you believe as a child, that as an adult you now realize was silly?
That using real eggs in my mudpies would make them better. -How much time do you spend on your craft?It depends, sometimes I take oodles of pics but other times I don’t. One of these days I will post some ACEO’s that I have done but those are collage/paint that I do sometimes!

What were some of your most recent purchases from other Etsy artists?
A soy wax candle from Epicurious (so lovely!):http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5453480
A notecard from JaredKS (love his work!):http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5426423
An ACEO card from StilettoHeights (one of my fave artists):http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5397806

What's the best piece of advice you've been given on pursuing your art?
Just Do It!

What are your goals or dreams in regards to your art?
I would love to take some classes sometime so I can really understand everything there is know about photography. I also want to develop my own images in a darkroom someday!!

What else would you like people to know about you?
I would like people to know that I have fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in November of 2006 and it has been a real struggle to deal with. I want people to become more aware of this illness because there seems to be a lot of misinformation out there. This website: http://www.fibrohugs.com/ has a lot of great information and I urge anyone reading this blog to check it out!

Thanks Dani!!

Check out Dani's Etsy shop & purchase any one of her (very reasonably priced) postcards, prints, bookmarks, notecards, stationery, or magnets! You will not be disappointed! Trust me!!

Oh, What a Day!

I just had the most fun day today. (I'm also double blogging! Is that legal?) Who doesn't love a day where errands aren't a must, appointments are zilch & "have-to's" do not exist?
My family spent a bit of the afternoon today at the park having a picnic. My husband took the girls to build sand castles & I visited with the female clan of my family. Stretched out, laying on a blanket under the shade of tree. Sticky watermelon still on my face. It was so relaxing...

I was also able to "christen" the pinwheel cupcake picks as today was my sister's birthday. Everyone thought they were so cute!

Every Saturday I have a few hours to do WHATEVER I want & today I bought some flowers & pots with my mom, painted 'em in my favorite colors & potted some petunias. The blue mosaic pot is one I made a long time ago when I managed a little pottery painting studio in Arizona, in my pre-kidlet days. I haven't bought flowers in sooooo long. I put them in the steps of our duplex & the girls went giddy over them. My oldest daughter, 4 1/2, poses in this picture with our new treats!

Harry, Come Craft With Me...

I just realized that when I craft, I work in silence. Not on purpose. I just sit down to do my thing, listening to the Hello Kitty angels screen saver on my computer. There's even a stereo about 8 inches from where I'm typing in my art studio. I love music! So what's up with all the silence? I think I just never sit down for more than 5 minutes at a time (with kidlets and all, ya know?) that I don't think about popping a CD in my music player. Until now!.....I went downstairs & gathered my favorite tunes. I'll share them with you, but only if you share what you groove to while in your crafty bubble.

I have been addicted to the 1989 soundtrack of 'When Harry Met Sally' forever! Harry Connick is my favorite, for reals.....

Let's see, I've got Billie Holiday "Lady Day" (1939-1944) The Sixteen Original Commodore Interpretations. It's all scratchy sounding & lovely just like the real old records.

And I've got a 1987 CD of Frank Sinatra's 'Songs For Swingin' Lovers' with music from 1955 & 1956.

Those are just a few.

Silence no more.

I gotta go.....Harry's serenading me & I'm feeling all crafty inside.

Bizzy Bee...

I've been working on & off all day on my pinwheel cupcake picks! I've just printed up some labels & I think they turned out so cute! I'm putting together a bag for katydid . I had a hard time photographing them in the cellophane bags. And, the staples in the corners don't look the most attractive, but it's the most practical way I could think of to close the bags up.

I can't wait to get some more made up for my Etsy shop! I think I'll work tonight until I get so tired that my head starts to "bob"....Tomorrow I'll take pics of them in the beautiful '3-day-weekend-sunlight' & post 'em in the ole shoppe! Thanks for your comments everyone!! I'm off to craft!!!!!

Oh yeah, before I forget: If you are interested in doing a cupcake swap, click HERE for a link on the info & such. I signed up today! The last day to sign up is June 15th. Packages will be mailed June 30th. I've never done a swap before & I am soooo excited! Packages filled with cupcake themed stuff? I say it'll be heaven in a box.

Pinwheel, Pinwheel, Spinning Around...

I just learned how to make pinwheels.....miniature pinwheels! What a fun project! I've attached them to toothpicks for use as cake, cupcake or dessert decorations! And, they REALLY WORK!

They are 1 1/2" across & they're made from really pretty cardstock, vintage pearls & colored wire. Don't you think they're adorable???
I have been wanting to make cupcake decorations for a while. I think they are such a sweet addition to any party. AND, not only do they add to the party atmosphere, but the little party guests can take them home as a favor!! (They'll soon be available at WhiMSy love!)
And now, more on cupcake picks...When I first joined Etsy, I stumbled upon a blog called scrumdilly-do!, a fantastic blog for things to do, read & make with your kids!! The blogger/artist had made these absolutely adorable felt flower cupcake decorations that immediately made me smile!
And this morning as I was "tinkering" around blog-world, I found a blog called katydiddys, & she has an Etsy shop & sells these 'little girl paper doll cupcake picks'. You can visit katydid designs Etsy shop & purchase these cuties!

So, I think I just discovered something about myself. Not only do I love all things "cupcakey", but cupcake accessories as well!

Craft-o-licious!

The other day, an idea just "POPPED!" into my head. Don't you love those moments? Out of nowhere......POP!.....a wonderful new thought travels to that cute little crafty compartment in your brain! That's where my "magnet-of-the-month club" idea came from, which I'm still sketching out plans for, by the way...

The most recent "POP!" moment I've had came with this cupcake made from vintage buttons. I'm kinda stuck on how to finish it. First of all, I'm not sure if it'll just be a random fun ornament-y thing?...or a charm?...Or what?

The cupcake measures 1 1/4" from the top button to the bottom one. The loop is 5/8"--which is WAY too huge, I know. I'm not a jewelry person, so I don't know what to do about that really sharp, stabby wire at the bottom of the cupcake. Seriously, it's a weapon--it's very sharp!

I took a strand of wire &, obviously, fed it through the top of each button, on 2 sides, & was left with 2 wires poking out the end (the bottom of the cupcake). I just twisted the wires together with my pliers & snipped off the excess. I can totally take out the wire & start over. I really have no idea what I'm doing, so any suggestions would be MORE than welcome!

I'm Bummed...

I am sorta sad because the antique mall that I rent a very small space from & sell some of my handmade things at, is closing. Bizness has not been good for them. I did see it coming though. It's not like I made a ton-o-cash there. It started as a hobby 2 years ago & was a first step at pursuing my creative passion. It's funny because I started out selling mostly antiquey, collectible, vintage things, but eventually I started bringing in more handmade stuff. My ultimate plan was to turn that space into a totally funky, fun handmade corner. But, poo on that idea!
I've never, EVER done any of those "artsy" shows. I've ALWAYS wanted to. First of all, it feels a bit intimidating to me, for some reason. Secondly, part of the intimidation comes from the fact that I am nowhere NEAR having enough handmade stuff around. But, possibly having my space gone at the antique mall will give me more time to chase after my dream of "my first artsy show!" Wouldn't that be coolio?
I have learned so much from being at Depot Antiques Mall. And, I am learning even more after meeting my new boyfriend, Etsy. I now realize that those whacky crafters & artsy peeps on Etsy craft ALL THE TIME!
I'm so wanting to focus my attention now on doing nothing but crafting, crafting, CRAFTING! I want to build a stock-pile, have boxes overflowing with crafty goodness, craft 'til the cows come home. (Huh? What?)
My 2 little girls? They can dress themselves (kinda), they can make their own meals (not really), they can bathe & clean themselves (well, not sure 'bout that!). OK, I have to get my crazy crafting priorities straight.
I haven't quite figured out the blueprint for being a silly mom & a crazy crafter, at the same time...
But, each step I have taken in the past has brought me to new places I'd never thought I'd be. I'm excited to see where my handmade journey takes me. Goodbye Depot Antiques. You've been good to me...(OK, so they don't close until June 30th, but let me get all sappy anyway!)

S'mores & Shrinky-Dinks...

S'mores & shrinky-dinks...two of my absolute favorite things!

And, when a fire is not available, use your stove-top! My girls & I enjoyed these all weekend! It was a regular carnival around here! I tried a new method-the microwave. Believe it or not, the microwave directions are printed on the graham cracker box. This technique makes the marshmallow a little more sticky & gives a slight rubberized texture. It's only slight though.

I was also able to try out some new shrinky dink paper I got at my local "Cartridge World" store. I was getting new inkjet cartridges for my printer & there were 2 walls filled with all sorts of interesting things such as transfer paper, puzzle paper, bake-n-shrink paper, photo paper, canvas pages, etc.
The shrinky dink paper is white & I hadn't ever used it in my printer before so I was excited. The sales lady showed me a biz card she had printed & shrunk--so cute! And, you could punch a hole, add a keyring &---*insert magic word*---you have a great advertising tool!
I printed 2 samples right away. My store URL, started out at 8 1/2" x 1 1/4" & shrunk to 3 11/16" x 1/2". The "I heart Etsy" started out at 8 1/2" x 2 5/16" & shrunk to 3 11/16" x 1 9/16". I have never shrunk that large of a piece before, or used this brand of shrink paper...

TIPS, TRICKS, & RESULTS:
-The sales lady told me to adjust my color on the computer & make it a bit lighter than I would want the "end" result to appear. When the dinks shrink, the color intensifies.
-Watch the little guys in the toaster oven at all times, don't even blink. The process happens quickly.
-When I shrunk them, there ended up being a slight "wave" here & there, the pieces are not completely flat on the edges. (Too large to start with maybe?)
-They will smear. The sales lady did tell me this. I touched the end of one with a wet finger. (OK, I slobbered all over my finger & touched it!) Indeed, it smeared.
-They came out with a "yellowish" tint, almost greenish looking. In other words, a real sick color. I sanded it a bit & that helped. Usually discoloration means you cooked 'em too long, but I'm pretty sure I was right on top of getting them out quickly once the shrinkage was complete.
-The sales lady did tell me I'd need to coat with a clear sealer. I sprayed some clear stuff on them, & that did the trick.
-Next time I think I'll print something a little less large.
-I think they'll look adorable with some bead or charm embellishments & a keychain!

YOWZA! It's the Sunday Featured Artist...Daisy Chains!

Ok, I don't know why I call the artists by their shop name, but that's how I know them. But Daisy Chains first name actually IS Daisy. And her last name IS Chains........Not really.

I'd like you to meet Rebecca, or Becky, or Beck, for short. I met Beck while chatting up sales in an Etsy forum & her quirky humor & silliness told me she was definitely on my "kool kat" list. Someday I'll make the drive to Oregon for a cup-o-coffee with my new friend, but for now I sip my imaginary brew while I get a chance to let YOU meet a fabulous artist...

Beck's Etsy shop, Daisy Chains, grew as an idea in her head because she was tired of going to local department stores to shop for children's jewelry for her daughter and coming up empty handed. You can also access her shop, & find out a little bit more about her business, by visiting http://www.littledaisychains.org/ Now, read on...

Where were you born, where are you from, where did you grow up, & where are you living now?

I’m a true Oregonian born and raised!! I've never lived anywhere else. I totally love it here and could never imagine leaving all these lush green trees. Besides, with the Mountain and the Beach both about an hour away I really couldn't ask for more. I love the outdoors.

What inspires you?

My kids for sure! I love seeing the world through their little eyes. Everything is so much simpler and lighter to them. They always view things on the bright side and I love that! They are my little reminders that sometimes life really is how we see it!

How long have you been crafting?

I didn’t start crafting children’s jewelry, or jewelry in general, until October of 2006. It blows me away to think that October was only 7 months ago!! I’ve totally picked it up and have been running with it ever since.

Share about, or describe, your favorite piece.

My favorite creation really varies daily and depends on my mood or on what I’m wearing that day. I think it is pretty safe to say that I have no idea; I kind of just like it all!! If I had to choose what I liked making the most I’d say bobbies for sure. It’s crazy how many different things you can glue on the ends of those things!

What’s your favorite color?

Green. Always been a huge fan of green. I have a pair of green chucks that I wear nearly every day. My husband thinks they’re hideous but they just say “Becky” when you look at them. They’re bright, silly and so darn comfy… I totally love them!

What one thing did you believe as a child, that as an adult you now realize was silly?

That if you had an umbrella you could fly off of a roof just like Mary Poppins. I realized it was silly a little before I was an adult though, I was 8. I was at a babysitter’s house and my friend and I had the brilliant idea that we were so going to fly off of the roof with an umbrella!!! We climbed a tree, umbrella’s in our hot little hands, stared over the edge giggling and trying to get the other to go first and I tell you once you jump, um you don’t fly. You thump. ;O)

How much time do you spend on your craft?

I quit my Office Space-esque job about a year ago to spend time with my three children. It’s funny, you’d think a stay at home Mom would have tons of time to craft away, but really between volunteering at their school, cleaning the house, running errands, meeting up with old friends for lunch, picking the kids up after school, doing homework and making dinner, my day soon becomes night. I usually don’t have time to craft until they’re all in bed. I craft to the Television. Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s are the nights I get the most done!! I love ABC.

Use three words to describe yourself.

Simple. Warm. Silly.

Thanks Beck!

I always like to mention MY favorite piece of each artist I interview, & I must say, I love the bobbies too! But I have a little fondness for the "Put Put" turtle ring in Daisy Chains Etsy shop. When my brother, sister & I were little my mom made us call farts "put-puts". Not stinkers, or tooties, but "put-puts". Did you really need to know that? Probably not. But, when I see that ring, it makes me smile & brings back memories. Stinky memories.

I can say first-hand that Beck's customer service is superb & her products are adorable, right down to the packaging! So, go visit Daisy Chains. The girly girls in your life will thank you!

Dymo-mite!

I have wanted a label maker since I was about 12 years old. So, for 20 years I have had this dream. Is that pathetic? I'm not talking about one of those fancy schmancy ones either. I'm talkin' 'bout the "old school" Dymo labelmaker.
Well, today I got myself a treat. It's an "embossing labelmaker" from Dymo called "Label Buddy" & it cost about 5 bucks. I bought an extra pack of labels for a few more dollars. It only came with blue & I wanted black.
Don't you love the directions? Complete pictures--no wordage! And you can also see a card I was working on that is now for sell in my shop.
My crafty world has a new friend. Oh, I have big plans for my little buddy! Everything is going to have a label. EVERYTHING! Mwah-HA-Ha-ha!

P.S. In fact, my 2 1/2 year old daughter is asleep with a label on her forehead. No joke. (She put it there! Not me!)

Spontaneous in Spokane!

The family & I took a quick little day trip to Spokane today. (About a 2 1/2 hour drive.) It was a much needed getaway & we had a super fun time!!! (I was also able to get some much needed craftiness done on the way back home!)
We rode, for the 2nd time this year, the beautiful 1909 Looff Carousel. It has one of those original organs that plays as the carousel speeds 'round & 'round. It was the highlight of my 4 1/2 year old daughters trip & I love that she calls it a "miracle round" instead of a "merry-go-round". I didn't ride it today. I got scared last time. Seriously! When we rode the carousel in January, I tried to act all brave for my 2 & 4 year old, but I started freaking out! I am such a wimp. So, this time my excuse was, "I'm gonna take pictures.....OK?" Bummer thing was, the carousel was going round too fast (but then again, that is its job, right?) & I kept snapping shots too early, or too late. Or one kid was UP, & then the other was DOWN. Wheeee! It was a disaster of a photo shoot! I did catch a couple cool shots of the actual horses on the carousel that I might use for note cards in my shop. I'm really getting into this whole photo/picture thingy. I'm lovin' it!
You also might want to check out another self-proclaimed photographer extraordinaire. (He says he's a photographer. I say he is extraordinaire. I mean, a math teacher with this amazing gift on the side? That just ain't right!) 'Jared in Kansas' catches some GREAT shots that I envy!!!! You'll have fun browsing through his Etsy shop.
So, after a day of carousels, snow cones, people watching, walking, beautiful weather, a giant water fountain, wet kidlets, sandy playgrounds, munching on Chinese food, shopping, ice cream cones & silliness, I'd say my day is complete!

BRILLIANT IDEA!!!

Ok, I just had the most brilliant idea & I can't wait to create it!!
I have a few different styles of magnets in my Etsy shop. I love magnets. I don't know why, but I have a particular fascination for them. They're cute. They're little. And they hold stuff up. What more could you ask for?
What's my brilliant idea, you ask? A magnet-of-the-month club!!! There are hundreds of different clubs out there. You've heard of them: bouquet-of-the-month club, coffee-of-the- month club, etc. Well, I will create lotsa different styles of magnets & you can choose to sign up for a 3,6,9, or 12 month membership for yourself, or as a gift for someone else! Each month, you'll receive a different handmade magnet, cutely packaged, oozing with originality. You can decide in advance which magnet style you'd like, or you can choose the surprise feature. (That's where I pick it for you!!) I'm so excited to get crack-a-lackin' on this! I'm planning on launching it in my Etsy shop soon!!
(Pictured above are the "Barbie Queen of the Prom" boardgame card magnets/set of 7 from a 1994 reproduction of the original 1961 game for sale at whimsylove.etsy.com)

MOTHER'S DAY GREETINGS!!!

Mother's Day is an especially special day for me. Not only because I think it is so cool to be celebrated as a mom, but because I was adopted. Every year as this day approaches I feel supremely blessed to have my mother. I feel fortunate to have grown up with a woman that loves God, loves her family, & did the best she knew how to raise a family that does the same.
I try to imagine what life would be like without my mom, growing up somewhere else, someplace different. I can't. And every year I struggle with coming up with the most beautiful, perfect words of admiration & respect for my mom--& I can't.
Mom, never will I find the likes of you in another...
I love you. Always have. Always will.

YOWZA??

Due to my busy-ness the "YOWZA!" featured artist segment will not be posted this Sunday. Sorry! Stay tuned for next week's artist...

Skullie Cuteness!

I love sunny days when I can sit on my front steps, enjoy a lovely afternoon, & watch my daughters play while I get to be crafty! And today I finished working on this "muscle tee". I have seen these skulls everywhere. I decided to jump on the bandwagon. In fact, I made one for my newborn nephew that turned out absolutely cute & perfect! I've had a couple requests for adult sized tees & this is my first.

I bought a pink muscle tee at Walmart for about $5.00 & some cool vintage reproduction fabric on my birthday road trip in April. This specific tee is for a friend's bridal shower. I'm putting together all things crafty & handmade in a fun little package for her to drool over. This bride-to-be happens to be my number one fan & I hope she'll like it!

Although, I made a huge mistake. I forgot to prewash the fabric! I get so excited sometimes, ya know? This may be a test shirt that turns into a dirty rag before the day is over.

UPDATE: I got the tee wet & dried it on a HOT setting. It turned out fine! Lucky me! Phew!

Scratch-N-Sniff Gift Wrap!

I got the cutest wrapping paper at Target about....oh....2 months ago? I'm so in love with it! It's remained unused & set in a bucket amongst my vintage wallpaper rolls, & other special wrappings. It's too adorable to use! But, I talked myself into removing the plastic so I could show off my snifferific treasure!

It's scented like vanilla & is covered with the cutest cupcakes sprinkled with red, yellow & blue bits. It's made by Pamela Barsky for mjzoom.

YOWZA! It's the Sunday Featured Artist...Tabitha Emma!

I think I like the name "Yowza!" for the Sunday Featured Artist segment of my blog. It's totally corny & fantastic & I love it!
Let's get right to it!...
I discovered our next artist on my beloved Etsy, where her shop just oozes goodness & fun!
Imagine cake...& ice cream...& frosting...& sprinkles....& lovely sweets that take you back to your childhood...
NOW, imagine those things, PLUS toss in some thread, rick-rack, zippers, lace, beads, & bright funky fabric...& you've discovered 'tabitha emma'!
Tabitha's line of sweet-(pun TOTALLY intended)-things include, not only her scrumptious line of dessert style bags, but other fun purses & bags for girls--& the young at heart!
So, let's meet this seamstress who bakes up a mean bag!

Where were you born, where are you from, where did you grow up, & where are you living now?
I was born in Sydney, Australia, in a hospital that no longer exists. I grew up and still live in Campbelltown, which is in the South West outskirts of Sydney.

What inspires you?
Childhood memories. I used to love playing tea parties, dress-ups, dolls etc. These games are reflected in my work.

How long have you been crafting?
Forever. My mum is an artist so she encouraged me and my brother to be creative. We also had access to a lot of craft supplies, we would do paper-machè, painting, play dough, craft, knitting, cooking and sewing. Then when I went to high school I discoved textiles and fell in love with sewing and designing and went on to do a fashion design course which I finished last year.

Share about, or describe your favorite piece.
Probably my slice of cake purse. I came up with the idea about 2 years ago but never got around to making it, then this year when I launched my etsy shop I discoved the original sketch and decided to try & make it. I’m really happy with the way it has turned out.

How much time do you spend on your craft?
Probably too much time. I work on it every moment I get and I have been known to stay up late or get up early to work on something. I also neglect things like doing my ironing as I would much rather be sewing.

So, you create using a lot of dessert themed foods. Do you actually like to eat those sorts of things?
I must admit I am a bit of a sweet tooth, but I do work at an ice-cream shop part time and I see just how much little children love sweet colourful foods. I also enjoy cooking as a creative outlet, you should see the cakes I make at Christmas time.

What's the best piece of advice you've been given on pursuing your craftiness?
Never give up and believe in yourself. The design industry is a tough world and you have to learn not to be too sensitive but constantly strive to do your best and push yourself. There is a lot of competition out there, but people without talent have become successful so if you have talent you are one step ahead.

What else would you like people to know about you?
I love design of all types and I wish there was more hours in a day for me to experiment and develop my skills. I really love etsy because there are so many creative people on there, which really inspires me. I also hate to throw things out as I believe I will one day find a use for it and I am running out of places to store things, I need a bigger house!!

Thanks Tabitha! (Um, I think you have some frosting on your lip...)
Tabitha's slice of cake purse happens to be my favorite also! I'm a sucker for any type of dessert-- real or not!...(stomach grumbles...)
Tabitha has more accessory & fashion products arriving soon at her Etsy shop. Also, check out her blog for extra creative goodness!
I think I'll go eat a cupcake now...

Mother's Day Card...

I put together this last minute Mother's Day card & I could kick myself because I wish I would've planned ahead & made a whole bunch of these! But, the good thing is---they can be used for birthdays too!

I made a flower pin from reproduction vintage fabric that I got from The Sewing Basket fabric shop in Prosser, WA. on my birthday road trip in April. The owner, Marilyn, is super sweet & her shop has this tiny room in the back FULL of vintage reproduction fabrics. I could've lingered & drooled all day!

The flower pin is also embellished with a vintage grey button in the center & some light pink stiffened felt for the leaves. The pin is attached to the card with thread & can come off when the bearer of this sweet card decides to wear it! And the envelope is this really cute matching blue mini version of one of those large manila envelopes.

The pin can go on a blouse, lapel, bag, purse, anywhere! After reading your sweet message, they get a sweet surprise! It's a 2-fer-1 creation! Don't you love it???!!!

Update On Kade James Bailey...

I didn't want to leave the last news of my nephew on a depressing note, so I thought I'd share the latest. He has been taken off the inhalator, & tonight/tomorrow his feeding tube & chest tube will be removed. It looks like my sis gets to hold him & feed him soon too--for the first time! He's looking good & cute as ever! Thanks for your prayers!
More craftiness will resume tomorrow. I'm pooped.

Baby Kade James Bailey

This is my beautiful nephew who was born at 11:37pm on Wednesday night.
7 lbs. 1 oz.
19 3/4"
He's actually 4 weeks early & working hard to breathe. I have yet to see him! I was there with my sis when he was born--outside in the hallway cheering on! He was rushed around & is in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He is wonderful & perfect & I do believe this evening I will meet him!
Your prayers are much appreciated...

I Have Died & Gone To Button Heaven...

The heavens have opened & rained down buttons on me...

I just got the most wonderful package delivered by my grumpy mailman! It was from my Auntie Bev in Chico, CA. She mentioned that she was sending me some buttons, but honey, these are more than buttons! They are beautiful pieces of art, they are scrumptious bits of candy, they are precious gems & priceless jewels. I LOVE THEM! They are vintage & wonderful & most of them are big & chunky!

Seriously, when I opened the package, & unhinged the clasp of the metal lunchbox that held the buttons, I gasped as I saw what was inside. As I recall, when I peeked inside the box I think I heard an angelic choir & saw a faint glow surround the buttons.

OK, I'm a little psycho when it comes to buttons. REALLY psycho. There are 474 buttons. Yep, I counted 'em. (And yes, I was one of those little kids that very frequently stacked & counted their coins over & over & over...)

But, I'm already envisioning the projects I'll create-- definitely more button rings!!

Oh, giddy, giddy me!

COOL FINDS...

I found this at my dollar store the other day & I thought it was so cool! It's foam sheets, but with these totally rad patterns on them! I have no idea what I'm going to use them for, but somethin' will come to me. I got 3 of each pattern for a buck. Dealio!

I also put together these adorable gift bags to hold thank you gifts for the child care workers at my MOPS group. The tags are made from sweet pink & green paisley paper, attached with the most precious green & pink polka dot sheer ribbon. The front is decorated with a paper flower & a bit of "bling" is added to the center. So sweet!