Prepared

Lately I have been really prepared for things. It's funny because it's come after a several months long spell, of unprepared chaos in the house! It feels nice to seem to have things under control again. I spent the morning preparing for our Thanksgiving.

This will be the first year that my husband is joining us in an ALL Vegetarian feast. While me and the children are vegetarians, my husband is not. Usually we have family coming in to visit, so we make the typical American Thanksgiving food-turkey. With no one else to eat it, he has decided to skip it this year. I was really excited and wanted to prepare a few new dishes to help make it "easier" for him.

While we have some of the normal Thanksgiving staples, we also have several foods that we always make [carrot pudding], this year we are added a stew served with couscous, mashed turnips [which the kids actually love!], berry soup and a bananas cinnamon cake to the menu. Mmmmmm, yummy!

Our fridge packed full of healthy goodness!

I decided to make 3x the stew and turnips we would eat. I froze the rest for quick, healthy and easy meals throughout the next few months. I love making big batches of food and just reheating it later! It really adds almost no time to the cooking, just a few extra minutes to cut up the veggies and spices.

I was so lucky to have 3 little helpers today. The kids are really excited about helping prepare the food this year. I have been making them carrot pudding for Thanksgiving since they were born, this year they started asking if we were going to have it-weeks ago! It felt really great that it has become a "family tradition" food for the holiday.

Counting Down the Days...

We spent Friday night at the annual Christmas tree lighting at a local outdoor mall. They have a great stage show, elves, Santa arrives, even fireworks! The kids have so much fun each year!

We race around after the tree is lit and try to get pictures with the costumed characters-Rudolph, The Snowman, Polar Bear and Nutcracker.

While the bigger kids love getting their pictures with every character possible, Little {L} was anything but pleased! He was so afraid of ALL of them, that he covered his eyes in hopes they would disappear. If he couldn't see them, then they couldn't see him! Poor little boy! He is never scared of anything, it was surprising to see, and truthfully pretty cute! I had to snap at least one picture of his hiding spot behind tiny fists!

I am so thrilled about Christmas this year! It's brought a magic back into the house. The kids are excited, mama's excited...making for a happy home. I have so many plans of handmade gifts this year. The kids will be getting new dolls, some clothes, personalized quilts and some doll clothes for their most loved "babies". Mama better get to work! :D

Thankful!

I've been thinking about all the thinks I am thankful for lately. With the holiday's fast approaching, it's always a time I spend doing some personal reflection. It's interesting how much the "thing" I appreciate have changed over the years! There are many things that I thank the heavens for that never would have occurred to me pre-kids days. Here's a few things I am currently appreciating:

• Shiny, red, little girl shoes! Little Miss {M} has always had really wide feet and it's always a LONG trial finding shoes that fit each season. This fall she had her heart set on shiny, red fancy shoes. I cringed when I heard what she was looking for, not because I didn't want her to have them, but at the the sheer chance of finding some that fit her-in a normal price range. The first store we walked into, the shoes called to her. They fit, and at a $4 price, I couldn't believe it! She wakes up each morning and puts them on her feet smiling. For a few days she had some blisters, instead of not wearing them, she wore them on the wrong feet, so they would not sub. -sigh- How sweet are little girls?
• Naptime! Ohh naptime, how I cherish you with our spirited third child. You save my sanity several times a week!
• Our furry family members. They always manage to cheer me up with their silliness and never ending love. They are a special part of the family
  

• A warm and happy home to raise my children in! While it may not be the biggest, newest or fanciest, the amount of love found here makes it the best!
• Children who think for themselves and question everything! Great little minds are growing stronger each and everyday!

What are you thankful for lately?

Over the Weekend!

I had THE greatest time over the weekend at the Tiny Canary Show 2009. I sold lots of stuff, met some awesome new people and got to catch up with old friends.

The show was really successful this year! Tons of shoppers and a really happy, friendly crowd. A few items were really a hit this year. I completely sold out of sweater balls and got close to sell out with my hand printed, organic bibs. My regular bibs found their way into many new homes also!

It was fun chatting with lots of new mommies! There were many pregnant women, or friends of at the event, with great stories to share. Thanks to everyone who stopped by my table!

Tiny Canary this weekend!

Just a quick reminder for anyone local, Tiny Canary is this weekend! Get all your holiday gifts, handmade and all in one spot this weekend.

This weekend, November 14-15th @ Junctionview Studio's.

10-6pm each day.

I will be there both days, so stop by and say hello. I'll have all my usual finding, some fun new bib prints and lots of yummy, colorful quilts!

It's a great show that houses lots of talented artists! Plus, the organizers are passing out to the first 100 in attendance each day:

A FREE Tiny Canary tote bag stuffed with coupons and other goodies!

New Offer for the Holiday's

This Bundle features a set of 10 bibs at wholesale pricing!! All the great designer fabrics and quality you receive with every Kunklebaby order, but with a fantastic price break. You get 10 bibs for $65.00 [plus shipping].

Great for those holiday shoppers with a long list to fill. Split them up among friends or family, or keep them together. Makes fun & useful stocking stuffers for the little one's.

This set is also the perfect amount to gift to a new mother. Enough bibs to use and wash in rotation, because let's be honest, how many new Mom's have lots of time to keep up with the laundry? [I still don't-lol!]

The offer is available here in my shop, and will be offered through the holiday's-they are creeping up quick!

The Leaves have Fallen!

Leave season is in it's peak here. The tree in front of our home has officially shed it's leaves for the winter. Every inch of grass is now covered by leaves. We got super lucky here and had one more beautifully warm, glorious day!

Watching the kids play in the leaves reminded me of the wonder of the seasons. I remember how excited I was to see the leaves fall, so I could jump and swim through them! Now I normally think,uggg that's going to take forever to clean up. It's great to have little reminders of what fun things can still be! Greatness is all around us, if we just open our eye's and see it!

Thing 1 & Thing 2

Halloween was so fun this year! The older kids were excited all day waiting for trick-r-treat and Littlest Giant was just big enough to go around with his brother and sister. The first few houses, he was confused, but by about the fifth he was tumbling himself out of the wagon and racing to the door with his treat bucket in his hand. It got so heavy by the end of the night he could not list it. Instead of letting us help him, he opted for dragging it along!

Mr {D} and Little Miss {M} were adorable in their Thing 1 and Thing 2 costumes! They have really gotten into Dr. Seuss the last few months and decided upon these costumes in August I believe. They were super easy to make also! I picked up red sweatshirts from the thrift store for $2 and added the circles myself. A quick sew and some textile ink and the shirts were done! We searched and searched for blue wigs this year and found none. Two days before trick-r-treat, Mr. {D} had a great idea to use these hats! Fabulous idea!

Craftin Outlaws

Last weekend was the 5th annual Craftin Outlaws show, held here in Columbus, Ohio. It was my third year at the event and we had a lot of fun! The Lodge Bar housed the show this year. I got to meet some cool new artists and some great new and former customers. Thanks to everyone who came over to chat with me!

Tomorrow I'll show you the cool stuff we picked up at the show from other vendors! Yay goodies!

This blanket sold, which made me happy. I designed this pieces especially for this show. I hope it has an exciting life with a really special-and cool- family!

Feels like Fall!

It's been cold and rainy here all week! While I usually like a less damp Fall, it's been lovely. The tree's are all beautiful shades of red and gold. The kids are getting more and more excited about Halloween. Tomorrow night we break out the decorations. Our littlest guy was ill over the weekend, so we had to put off the decorating until he was started to feel better...and honestly when mama was a bit rested! Sick babies sure make for sleepy mama's!

I'm doing all my last minute preparing for Craftin Outlaws this weekend. If your anywhere close to Columbus, Ohio-come out and visit! The show will be at the Lodge Bar this year. I've got lots of new blankets, scarves and mini-houses to show. It's always a fun day! This weekend marks my wedding anniversary too. Maybe if we are lucky me and my husband can grab some carryout and snuggle up with a movie....wishful thinking, but possible. Ohhh, how things change after you've had kids-lol.

Accepted to Tiny Canary!!

YAY! I just found out I have been accepted to be a vendor at Tiny Canary for the second year. It's a great handmade, indie show that is housed at a local artists studio space. I have a fabulous time last year! Great crowd, great organizers and great talent.
Come visit me there the weekend of November 14-15th. Click on the tiny canary image in my side bar for directions and a list of vendors.

Now to get sewing!!

Pumpkin Patch

We spent Sunday afternoon at the pumpkin patch. My absolute favorite fall event. We head to Southern Ohio, to a cute little family farm. You pick your own pumpkins and then it's a flat rate for all you can carry. We got 8 this year!! My husband is really stepping up his game. Haha!

This year, the big kids loved running through the field in search the most perfect...green pumpkin. Every few years the kids want to get all green colored one's. While we got 2 out of 8 this year, the majority was still orange.

Mr. {D} found this cool one. The handles looked like a dragon face. He also found a few ladybugs. Little miss {M}, was happy to run around and play in the dirt and vines. The baby had just woken from a nap when we arrived. He was rather annoyed that we woke him up and spent the first part of the trip throwing pumpkins out of HIS wagon. Once he finally woke up, he had a blast running around and dancing to the bluegrass band.

Idea's...

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. I've been feeling a little under the weather. All the gloomy, rainy days don't seem to be helping either-blah!

So, I was pretty surprised that I had A LOT of people ask me, "What are these?", about my scarves at my last show. I had my mannequin set up right next to them, displaying an adult scarf. They were separated into adult size and child sizes. Here's my question to you, "What can I do to display them and get less questions?". Craftin Outlaws is coming up quick and I won't be able to bring along my mannequin. I will only have a table, so space will be tight. I do plan on bringing my hanging rack.


Any idea's? I was thinking of bring a few pictures to hang near them of them being modelled, but otherwise, I have no idea to make them look more....well, quickly recognized as a scarf!

McGurkus

On a recent thrifting trip, we came across this horse. She was missing a mane and her tail consisted on one strand of yarn, connected with it's very last thread. I was so excited about the prospect of fixing her up and giving her a happy new home...then I saw her price, $9.00!!! How could we not take her home? One of the best deals we have found in awhile.

The horse is SOLID wood and super heavy. I had not realized until I had her home and was expecting everything, that she was probably handmade. The pictures don't show it, but the craftsmanship is superb! I can't wait to give her some lovely new hair, and a tail. The kids have been thrilled to play with her as is. Originally, I wanted to paint her, but I was able to get off almost all of the marker she had across her side. The wood is beautiful, so I think she'll stay this color, with some new rainbow colored hair.

The best part is she is sized for the older kids!! {L}'s feet barely pass her neck! A toy that is fun for kids from 1-5 is rare indeed. She was named McGurkus, because everything needs a name! I'll post some pics after her "upgrade".

Scraps

While on my organization kick, nothing could be ignored! I spent a few hours the other day going through my scrap bin and tying up the little bits of fabric into small bundles. The bin was getting overwhelming and messy! Whenever I would look for something to use, I would either grab something from the top, or get annoyed. It's been wonderful looking through the new and improved scrap bin! I feel suddenly inspired to use up my small odds and ends. I've been using these small pieces to make my mini-houses. [thanks to everyone for all the great feedback on them!] I'm also imagining a really pretty, quilted, pillow for little miss {M} -with lots of tiny fabrics & textures.

With Craftin Outlaws quickly arriving, I have lots of work to get done! I'm hoping to get a few tote bags completed over the weekend and a batch of bibs. After last weeks show, my bib inventory is pretty low. I usually sell tons of bibs at C.O. Also a trip to the zoo if the rain ever stops!
Anyone have any fun weekend plans?

All tied up and happy!

Daily Life

We've been enjoying lots of yummy goodness from the garden and farmers market lately. Sadly, I was told all the local blueberries are gone for the year. They have been my favorite tasty treat at the market. We've been buying several packs of them, and they only last a day or two at our house before they disappear. I'm going to have to start making lot of goodies with apples. So far the apples we had this season have been so tasty!! I'm planning lots of apple mash and applesauce for the kids the next few months.

Here is the scarf I finished while at the festival. I've been working on this one for awhile so it feels really good to have it complete. My newest project is being made with some beautiful blue & green, wool, yarn from Cheeky Monkey at the festival. It's turning into a lovely scarf on my needles as we speak.

Scarves are Here!

Fall scarves are starting to be added to my shop. So far, I've added the "Shades of Fall" and "Theo" scarves. There are more pictures in the shop!

The new scarves, make great fall birthday and holiday gifts! The children's size are perfect up to about age 7, and the adult size fit just about everyone!

I really love making these. The winter months are so bleak and dreary here in Ohio. I'm really looking forward to the pop of color these will bring when we leave the house. My kids have already picked out their favorites...and actually so has mama! Haha. They will each be getting one as a gift for their upcoming birthday's along with a knitted scarf. Yes, I've been busy knitting too. I'll show you what I finished knitting at the festival over the weekend tomorrow!

Independence Day Festival

The festival went great over the weekend. Here's a few pics of my booth space. We had a really nice spot with pretty sunshine filtering in throughout most of the day. This was the only outdoor show, all year that it didn't rain on us. I was SO thankful!!

I got to chat with some awesome former customers, meet some really cool new one's, and talk with some old friends. My favorite moment of the day was playing with a sweet little toddler named, Theo. He has the prettiest little curls in his hair, and an awesome personality.

It was a long, long day, as I arrived about 9:45am and left at 10pm. There was so much going on with vendors checking in, traffic jams and getting the bands, artists and customer, but they pulled if off great[not an easy task]!! Lots of cool stuff to see, lots of fun people to meet.

I even picked up some pretty new blue & green wool yarn. This time, I am actually making something for myself! Yay!

::Sweater Balls and Quilts::

:: Scarves, tote bags and skirts ::

::Center of booth ::

:: More scarves and my mannequin ::

Karma

Karma: When you do something mean to someone and the Earth knows....so the Earth moves a little to make you fall down....cause it's not nice to do mean things.

--Definition per the fabulous, Mr. {D}

{D} told me this the other day after he feel down. He said he was mean to his sister and karma got him. I think I laughed harder than I ever have. So enjoy your weekend, and do something good for your Karma...or the Earth will shift and getcha!

Don't forget to come down to the Independence Day festival if your local!! We'll be there from noon-late[8pm-10ish]! I'll have all my new mini-houses, quilts and scarves out for sale!

Promo Swap!

Anyone interested in a promo swap? I make fun little giveaway bags and pass them out at my craft shows. I think it's a great way to help promote handmade and other artists.

I plan on passing these out at Craftin Outlaws on October 17th.

I'm looking for any promotional items you'd like to send-coupons, postcards, samples, moo cards, buttons, bookmarks, samples, pamphlets, etc.

I hope to do at least 100 bags, depending on how many people are interested. In the past I have done anywhere from 100-200 for a show!

It's a great inexpensive way to be seen by people already interested in buying handmade. If you'd like to be included in the bags, post a comment here with a way for you to reach me, or send me a quick convo on Etsy and I'll send you my address.

Everyone is welcome!! I would need everyting by October 8th so I have time to get things put together.

[The pictures here are a few bags from previous shows]

Done!!

I finished the green quilt...and I LOVE it! This is one of favorites. The best part for me is the back. I love how the quilt looks pretty from both sides-either side "could" be the front.

I think the blanket is bright & colorful, and super fun for a little girl or boy. Making gender neutral things is really important to me. I think it's so silly that colors are assigned genders. When Mr. {D} was about 3 years old, he wanted a pair of purple shoes SO bad! Well, try explaining, they don't make purple boy shoes, only girl ones, to a toddler. It was frustrating!

I'll have the quilt with me this weekend at the Independence Day Show if anyone is interested in it.

Keeping Busy

Lots of quilting going on in the studio this week. I am hoping to finish 3 more quilts for the show on Saturday. It's an unrealistic goal, but hey a girl can try! I am almost finished with this green one. It turned out so nice! I used a fun abc & numbers print for the back. The two coordinate perfectly. I'm hoping to finish up my rocker quilt and a red, gender neutral one that I have been working on.

If they don't make it to the Independence Day show, they will be at Craftin Outlaws for sure. I'm also finishing up my application for Tiny Canary also. I had the BEST time at that show last year and would love to make it in again! It's so well organized and the crowd is awesome. Anyone local should check it out. Craftin Outlaws & Tiny Canary are great for stocking up on unique holiday gifts. We have been trying to give handmade for the past few years.

How about some good old messy faced kid pictures:

Her best impression of those old clown, hobo pictures. Haha, she actually had no idea her face was covered with dirt. She'll love this one when she's about 14 years old.

Sleeping after a hearty blueberry pancake breakfast

New

After several weeks, I FINALLY have my fabric stash under control. I spent Saturday afternoon folding and sorting by color. It feels so rewarding to look over my shoulder and see everything all neat and tidy! I even uncovered a few prints I forgot I had.

Lots of work was finished over the weekend also. I've been working on some tote bags. I made a set of these for my kids a few weeks back and they have not set them down. Love at first sight-haha. They are great for packing an afternoon snack, toys for a long car ride, coloring books & crayons, extra clothes for the young ones, or carrying the fun new pieces of a collection of sticks and rocks your children pick up at the park. So many uses and cute also.

The straps are long enough to use as a messenger bag for the littlest ones, but also a nice length for adults to carry under their arm, measuring 11.5 x 11.5. [I'm going to make myself one as soon as I find the time]

The prints are not "matchy" but blend together so nicely. A great marriage of color and texture! I even have a few for the boys. I find it so hard to find little boy things that are cute and not plastered with cartoon characters or sports themed. [we are not into either.] Mr {D} LOVES his bag and have taken it to several farmers ,markets, used it to carry his doll, and a trip to the zoo. He won't leave home without it now.

Weekend

I've got a date with my studio this weekend! Lots of work to get finished and just as much that needs started. Although as far as "dates" go, I'll gladly take this one.

Between making gifts for {D} & {M}'s upcoming birthday's and getting ready for the show I have lined up [I'm not even going to get into Christmas gift making] I have my work cut out for me this fall.

Busy isn't a bad thing, with the right scheduling I'll be fine. The unfortunate thing right now is having a house full of sick kids, and a mama that woke up with a sore throat today. No fun at all! Truthfully, I'm looking forward to a little piece and time to myself this weekend. Just the whirr of the sewing machine...if I sew fast enough it will drown out the crying and yelling the kids do in the other room. "Why is Mama sewing again? When will she be done Daddy? MAMAAAAA!!!!!Followed with my husband asking me some silly question every ten minutes in hopes that I will just come out of the studio and resume my role as mother.

So lovely Fabric, it's date. I'll meet you in the studio bright & early for some sewing and cleaning. What are your weekend plans?

Happiness is...

Yummy, Healthy Goodness.

Found treasures from the Earth,

after a long day of playing in the mud.

A peaceful moment.

Creations from children.

Laughter!