A goal for today: to take pictures and post at least one new thing here and on etsy. Wahoo!

In the last three months, I've been crazy busy (and loving every minute of it) making things to sell at boutiques (two so far) and on etsy (one so far!). After seriously depleting my stash at the Christmas boutique at work (what a rush that was--so fun because it was so unexpected), I've been restocking and trying out some new things, too--felt snowflakes, felted wool pencil cases (idea from Patti that I made last year then refined last week with stabilizer ironed on to the wool before cutting out the pieces--I like it soooo much better than my last one) . (Thanks go to Annie, also, for passing on her unwanted wool sweaters--don't you just love recying!) I'm also working on some mini ironing board covers (thanks for the idea, Renae) to use as decoration/bulletin board in my sewing area. I'm just waiting for a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby (maybe this week?) to buy some cork board to put under the fabric and see how that works. Oh, and I want to make some mini covered-button tacks to go with the board.

An update on perfect-grandbaby Levi: he gets better everyday! It just doesn't seem possible. I never imagined the joy one little boy could bring into my life; his smile fills my whole soul with happiness and contentment; his solid little body, snuggled into me, brings calmness and warmth. Oh, how very, very grateful I am for him, especially today on his 6-month birthday. God gave me the most wonderful, personal gift ever when he sent little Levi to earth.

Photo frustration

Okay, I have GOT to figure out how to take and edit a decent photo for etsy. I just listed my second item on etsy and I don't think the photos are one whit better than my first attempt. Here's what I'm talking about:


I wouldn't even buy from myself if all I saw where the pictures I took! :) It really is a cute onesie--really! I wish you didn't just have to trust me on that.

I'm spending Sunday with my folks downtown and plan to pick my dad's brain so we can all loo forward to an improvement next week (I hope, I hope). And if any of you have tips you want to share, go right ahead.

Bib Banner

So I had this idea for a pennant/banner thing for a baby shower--it serves as both shower decoration and a baby gift--made up of real bibs that could be unpinned and used after the shower. The bibs are reversible--I used the back side and just taped letters on to spell "BOY." When the bibs are used as bibs you can just remove the paper letters.

Here's a first stab at it:


And here's one of the bibs close up:


And here's all three bibs from the front (obviously the backs are all the same). I love this little cowboy fabric from Material Girls and love working with it. I used one of the fat quarters to make along strip of bias and really like how nicely it turned out. :)



Man, I really need some help with taking photos and cleaning them up in Photoshop! Thanks for your patience with me while I learn. :)

Boutique

So I was so excited about making stuff after doing the boutique with my friend and co-worker Christy today that I had to come home and try something new. Amazingly, I had the discipline to tidy up my work space (that discipline didn't extend as far as the rest of the craft room, so don't be too impressed) and to finish some half-done bibs, but now I'm going to piece together some 5 x 5 pieces of Moda fabric to make a tiny purse pouch, inspired by a little one Christy made for today's boutique. I want to try quilting it a little to see if I like that. Thanks for the fun day and the inspiration, Christy!

Oh, if you want to take a look at our boutique table, Christy posted some on her blog. She's got some totally amazing beautiful bags and purses on there, too, that you'll totally want to see. :)

This is pathetic!

I can't believe it's been 4 months since I posted. I am such a creature of habit that once I get away from doing something (exercise, blogging, housework :) ) I have a really hard time getting back into the habit. I just talked with my sister Sarah on the phone (she and her family just got electricity back in their Houston home following Ike's visit, fortunately they had friends to stay with) and she reminded me to post to my blog, so here we go.

Of course the biggest news is the birth of Levi, my first grandchild and the most wonderful little baby that ever lived. I can't believe I was actually worried before his birth that I might have a hard time feeling a connection to him. :) Being around him gives me more joy than I've ever felt in my life (sorry Erin, Suzie, and Zan). He is a little miracle. Here's a recent picture of him.

He's wearing a onesie I made to sell on Etsy--isn't he a cute little model! I seriously can't get enough of him. Last night I had him for a whole hour to myself while Erin picked up Nathan from work--I chatted, Levi cooed, we played with his piggies, we took a walk--it was pure heaven.

Aside from Levi, I've been busy making things to sell on Etsy and at a craft boutique this Saturday that I'm doing with my friend Christy at work. I haven't done a boutique since Erin was an infant and that one was a total bust. Given that experience, I'm not holding my breath for this one either. I'm loving, though, the opportunity to make a bunch of stuff since making stuff is what I really love (right behind Levi). As soon as I take some pictures for Etsy, I'll post them here, too. So far I've made a bunch of bibs, onsies, and pincushions. Next I want to make some old-fashioned needle books with recycled/repurposed wool sweaters that I've felted. And I want to make some seasonal paper banners with the SU banner die. I'll keep you posted.

Okay, time to do some actual crafting while I listen to my new favorite podcast, Speaking of Faith, an NPR program hosted by Krista Tippetts. Mom and Dad enjoyed listening to her interview with Robert Millett when they were here on Saturday. My favorite so far is the program linking Buddhism and 12-step programs. Here's a quote from the program that really struck me as true: "The grace of spiritual life is how we live with our struggles, with our suffering. That's why happiness is not about pleasure."

Holy Hannah

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. I finally, finally, FINALLY got internet at home yesterday, so here I am! Wahoo!

Here's a quick update since the last post: I got moved to my new, wonderful house. I've been unpacking, ever so slowly, and setting up my craft room (I'll post a picture as soon as I find the rechargable batteries for the camera). I had the sewer back up in my new, wonderful home. I had a nasty tooth pulled. And Erin graduated (she finally really looks pregnant, which I love). I'm ready for a few quiet weeks. :)

More soon . . .

Closing tomorrow . . . I hope!

I'm scheduled to close at 3:00 on Friday and will get the key Monday. And the movers are scheduled to come Monday at 9:00! Wahoo! I think it's really going to happen!