Corners of my home

The kids are really interested in learningabout different parts of the world and other cultures right now. So we've been looking at this globe lots!

Ohhh fabric, how I miss you! Between nursing a baby, chasing an extra-energetic toddler and keeping the bigger two kids from dying of sheer boredom, I can't find time to spend with you. I really missing sewing and have all kinds of projects in my head.

Marker & paper: all you need at our house to have a fun, creative day. The older kids spend more time drawing than anything else. Makes for a proud mama!

I need a maid! Perhaps I would have more time to spend with my fabric that way-or exercizing? I have a bit of baby weight I'm dying to lose. Sadly the time for that hasn't been found yet either. Looks like I'll be jogging at midnight.

Mermaid Pillow #2

Here's the sister to the mermaid pillow I posted recently. Blue has been my favorite color for years, but I've also been into orange lately. I used some more Heather Ross fabric here...yes, they really are my favorites I love these pillows! The pillow inserts are from old pillows we had purchased for the couch. They covers were never comfy, with scratchy material and stitching, but the new pillows are awesome. Now they are soft and comfy inside & out!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I finally finished the kids embroidered dolls- on Saturday night at 11pm! Just in time. The front pieces were embroidered over the past few weeks. Once complete they are backed with a coordinating fabric and then stuffed like a pillow. Add a few stitches to seal them up and your done!

We also made little mailboxes for the kids from pretty scrapbook paper to hold our handmade cards. [yes, my husband actually helped!] It was fun making something with him, and the kids were thrilled to play with them all day on Sunday...well inbetween eating cupcakes, brownies and candy! I think they ate more "goodies" in one day than they have their whole lives! It was a nice special thing for them.

It was really fun, and the kids love their dolls. A great gift idea if you plan ahead and have the time. I'm glad I started these when I did, or they would not have been finished. Lots of time, but lots of smiles from the kids when they got them too! So worth it!

My sister got me the cool girls pattern as an early [2months early!] birthday gift. Thanks little sister!! You can get your own -here-

The little cowboy and batboy pattern can be found on Badbird's blog.

Fun little paper mailboxes made from this easy & quick tutorial! Also a placemat for Daddy-couldn't share that one earlier cause he peeks here from time to time!

Hang Tags

I've had several requests for info lately about my hang tags and sewn in tags. I thoughts I'd share my approach with everyone.

1. I set up a file, business card sized. I added my logo twice to the card, equally spaced out. They can be horizontal or vertical depending on your design. They can be as simple or complex as you'd like, single or doubled sided depending on how good your skills are at making sure they line up correctly.

2. Upload and order file you created from a card company. Make sure to check your proof!

3. Your brand new box of business cards arrive at your home. Say "Woo-Hoo" at the mail box and rush into your house.

4. Take a paper cutter and cut those pretty new tags in half.

5. Hole punch the ends. [I use a TINY hole punch purchased from a craft store]

6. Attach to your fine, handcrafted item and your done!

I attach mine to my items with the plastic tags that big box stores use. It keeps them secure and I like the professional look. You could also use yarn, twine, cool frayed & textured fabric, chord--anything you'd like!

Keeping Busy!

"Work, work, work. You know mama, you don't always have to work. Sometimes you can just relax". Little Miss {M} tells me this all the time!

The problem isn't that I don't like working, rather I don't have enough time in a day. If I'm feeling creative, I'm feeling creative. It's hard to turn off! If a day goes by and I have not made anything it's hard for me to fall asleep that night. I've been know to get out of bed just to make a little something, to ease my nerves. At any given time, I have 1,001 projects dancing in my head-some of them need to get out.

I've taken to hand sewing while the bigger kids do some of their school work during the day. I started a new line of really cool....well, you'll have to wait and see what they are. It's awesome because I can still do some work while homeschooling the kids. Don't get me wrong, they have plenty of my attention, but I can fit in a little here & there while they are drawing or eating lunch.

It feels good being a good mom, and still getting to create!

We found this cool old children's school desk at a yard sale the Saturday before we started classes. It was like it was waiting for us to find him! Beckoning-haha. At only $8, it was a steal. {D} has used it every single day.

The baby even likes to sit at it in the morning, drinking his milk. It's so cute, and so unnerving at the same time. Every time I look up and catch him sitting there, I realize how quickly the time will pass and he really will be sitting there-waiting to learn. Pencil and paper in his hand rather than a sippy cup. Yes, very unnerving to this mama! It seems like yesterday that the bigger kids were toddling through the house and now they are learning to read.