Ready to ship:

#1: Another Etsy order of Bachelorette Bingo:

I love how the rainbow of beads looks - this was a fun one!

#2: Jumperoo seat - I Contacted Fisher Price about the broken part on our Jumperoo:

Poor sad duckie. They didn't have replacement parts available, but said they would send us a refund! I was shocked. And pleased. Especially since I was just getting ready to pack it away and emailed on a whim (I planned to save it for a while, but sell it eventually - those suckers are expensive!) I have to return the seat in order to prove I'm not just still using it, and I got it packed up today. That'll be a big task off the list (and a big item out of the basement!).  

#3: newspaper article for a friend whose daughter was featured that I've been meaning to send since May. Time to go!

Bachelorette Bingo Cards

I'm getting into the swing of my new stay-at-home life (I'm still not home very often though, strange) and recently I've actually done a few creative things again! As wedding season kicks off, so too does Bachelorette Party season, and my Etsy shop has been cranking out " DIRTY" Bingo games for Bachelorette parties all across the country! I first made these for my little sister's party and they were a big hit. I've had a lot of fun updating my designs and making a few changes, here are a couple of the sets I recently shipped out - first my original pink/black theme with gold necklaces:

And just last night I made this purple set with silver ribbon and silver star stickers to mark off the completed tasks, I LOVE how they turned out! I decided to go ahead and make another set right away that is ready to ship!

It's been really fun to do a little project each night lately, and with the help of SuperWhy and Sesame Street, it's worked out better than I thought and I'm beating my deadlines for shipping. I will be on hiatus for a while in mid-end of July though, so if you want to order, get it in ASAP!



Welcome to the Flock Bridal Shower - prizes

We played two fun games at the shower, so I needed to have a few prizes on hand. I came across these adorable bags on Etsy and fell in love with the design, but I didn't realize quite how small they were till they arrived. So I took the bags into my local Bath & Body Works and walked around like a lunatic fitting little things into them to see what worked and what didn't, and I ended up going with some items from their aromatherapy line (shower gel, lotion, and a candle) in three different scents. I tied each set of 3 bags together with some bright colored ribbon I had on hand, curled with the scissors, and voila:

Frightful Weather = Delightful Nesting Time

You may have heard about the "Snowmageddon/Snowpocalypse/Tsnownami" that hit Minnesota this weekend, dumping 17+" of snow on my house, then blowing it into stiff meringue like peaks well over 3' high. I'm not all that bothered that the Metrodome collapsed, but the video is pretty cool, and major gold star to my poor hubby who had to dig us out all alone this year, as my "fragile condition" doesn't allow for much shovelling.

Instead, I found other ways to support our family unit, like working on the nursery and online shopping.

I didn't upload my "real" pictures yet, but I managed to get a whole gob of work done when everything else was cancelled (thank goodness) and that included pretty much finishing up the decor in Cupcake's room. Here are some not great camera phone photos:



The black frames with gold accents are holding these mermaid alphabet cards, they frame the top of the room on 2 sides. The gold frames underneath hold two Paulina Stuckey Cassidy prints of mermaids that I've been saving for YEARS and never hung, and I decided to order this print for the third.

I also nabbed up this reading mermaid I've been eyeing on Etsy for months, I'm hoping I can put it in the gold frame I picked up for the voodoo room at Halloween (it had a creepy puzzle in it then). Hubby is stuck in a book most of the day, we're both English majors so reading is quite important to us and we hope it is to the Cupcake as well. Reading mermaids set a good example :)



Blackbeard there (orange beard?) is guarding a pile of newborn diapers. The curtain rods are hung, and the valances that are part of the bedding set we picked out for the twin bed, and I did decide to pair them with purple blackout curtains (not shown) but Target only had 2 panels in stock, so I need to find another set before that project is finished. I also broke down and bought a mattress pad and sheet for the crib, despite trying to wait and use my registry coupons I just HAD to get that part checked off my list, it was driving me insane :)

My final art purchase, also on Etsy, was a set of prints from this seller - she also made the thank you notes I sent out for shower gifts:



They're going in simple gold dollar store frames, with a big gold pirate ship medallion from Goodwill, and that should fill the wall above the twin bed. I hope to have everything hung and finished in the next two weeks. Fingers crossed! Maybe I should move on to Christmas shopping now...

Today I will be happy, dammit.

I had a remarkably crabby day yesterday (there was much discussion of stabbing someone with my letter opener, but somehow bloodshed was avoided) and in an attempt to create a much more tolerable day today, I'm pulling out all the stops to manufacture happiness:

- wearing a new sweater ($9 on the clearance rack at Motherhood)

- wearing new (to me) corduroy pants ($4.99 at Goodwill!)

- accessorized with blue sparkly necklace (bling = happiness) and striped socks

- looking forward to the cheesy but addicting "Vampire Diaries" season premier tonight

- put together the rest of my new dining set last night! The table looks fab, went together very easily, and I can't wait to start using it.

- lunch with Dad! And on a day I forgot/was too lazy to scavenge for something to bring!

- hubby and I caught up on the MOUNTAIN of laundry we had accumulated. It's still not put away, but at least it is a CLEAN mountain now

And I'm spending my morning looking at all the cute things on Etsy that I covet for my Pirates & Mermaids themed nursery, such as:


Walk the Plank print on vintage dictionary page from Etsy seller Winterberrycottage:



I love this because it fits the theme, but also because books and reading are so important to my husband and I (both English majors), and we hope that same joy will be found by our little one.

I have always been fascinated by these folded stars, we had some on our Xmas tree when I was growing up - how fun are they for a mobile?



From Etsy seller Starcraft, I'm drawn to this even though it doesn't necessarily fit the theme, the colors are so great and bright. Plus, compared to shaped mobiles which are ridiculously expensive, this seems much more my speed!

This melts my heart a little:



Mermaid Hugs print from Etsy Seller RubysBrush, it's just too sweet for words. I actually have a couple other mermaid prints I bought YEARS ago that I'm excited to find and frame for the nursery as well - I'm thinking ornate thrift store frames could be really fun.

I haven't bought anything yet, but just the "window" shopping and planning is fun. Plus, How could I be in a bad mood after looking at such pretty things?

Here's hoping your day is bright and bearable...

H.

Home FROM the range...

Well, we survived our trip to Texas despite seeing a snake, several smooshed armadillos, a heard of long horns, a couple wood ticks, and various other elements of nature that I steadfastly try to avoid. We ate some good meals, spent a gorgeous evening at the ballpark, and toured the JFK museum at Dealey Plaza. And then I puked on the plane ride home. Hooray.

But in happier news, I'm in love with my new necklace from Etsy seller SimplyChacha:



Isn't he adorable? I've had it on my "favorites" list for a while and finally gave in, and I'm glad that I did.

You've probably also noticed my new logo, from Etsy seller Enchanted Memories:



I'm still working on updating the blog layout (the templates are limited and I've got no idea how to do it on my own) so bear with me as I bounce between styles and colors for a bit here - nothing I've tried meets my OCD standards yet, so I predict more changes to come.

iPod Case

I love it! This is the little padded pouch I just got for my iPod. It fits the cords and everything:




From Wiggletiggy via Etsy. They come in all different sizes, or a variety of other monsters too. This little guy matches my coat, and my iPod.

Craftastic Gifts: Custom Cake Ornament

I am just DYING to share some of the creative gifts I am giving this year, and I can barely restrain myself from spilling all the beans right now! But I will do my best to preserve all surprises until they are received. Even though it is sooooooo hard!

I have one dear friend who I never intend to exchange gifts with, but always end up finding something delightful that I just cannot pass up for her. This year was no exception. She just got married this past August, and we had several discussions about "Our first Christmas" ornaments, and how there just weren't that many cute ones around this year. Or the ones that were just said "our first Xmas TOGETHER," which is not the case. As I was poking around Etsy one afternoon (danger, Will Robinson! Wallet damage likely!) it suddenly hit me.

Backtrack some - this is the couple who had the amazing polka wedding, in which I was a bridesmaid and helped with some of the decorations. Let's call them Mr. & Mrs. A.

Mrs. A & I talk pretty much every day, so I got to have a front row seat to all of the wedding planning, and that made the whole thing just so immensely fun, I felt like I was such a part of it all. As an engagement gift, I had given the couple this adorable little set of wooden German people:



Which the bride fell in love with as much as I had, and decided to put on her cake. The cake was a little non-traditional - a cupcake tower, with big bright pretty cupcakes and a small plain cake on top for the couple to cut.

Well, it was supposed to be plain. A plain white round cake, with a blue fondant ribbon. This is what she got:



She refers to it as a semi-wreck, since the ordered vs. received is so far off. We both laugh about the little small town baker (a 60-something man) looking at the cake and saying "I know they wanted plain, but I just have to add some SPRINKLES!!!!" The shape is a mystery to me, and even the fondant band is crooked! My mother would say "it has character!"



It was still really cute though. And I never fault too many sprinkles, they're like glitter you can eat :)

So anyways, what better icon to symbolize your wedding than your one of a kind half-wrecky, half ADORABLE top tier of your wedding cake? And I knew just the person to immortalize it as an ornament!Remember Kyotosong, who made my little clay mushroom key chains for Halloween? I was really happy with her quick turn around and final products, and I approached her with a proposition to re-create the tier and toppers. She is just AMAZING. Again, she went to work IMMEDIATELY and had the ornament to me in about a week! That is just crazy, especially this time of year, I fully intended to be giving this as a late gift. Instead, I even gave it early!

Tah Dah!



How cute is this little bugger? I've been giggling ever since I ordered it, sometimes finding the perfect gift for someone is just the best way to get in the holiday spirit. And when that gift is a one of a kind and intensely personal, it just feels magical! Originally I had intended to pass this off as her hostess gift for the NYE party they're throwing, but when it came so early I just could not wait to see her open it, and rushed over today on a break. Hope you love it and laugh about it for years to come, A-Family :)

Another Blog Gem for You - Regretsy

I LOVE Etsy, I've said it before, but like any commerce site it has it's fair share of "WTF?" moments too. "Artwork" that looks like children's scribbles listed for thousands of dollars, fugly clothing nobody should wear, and way too many people who were inspired by "The Vagina Monologues."

This is where Regretsy comes in.

My dear friend and possible fellow Internet time-waster, Al, shared this link with me and it is HEEEEEE-larious! They round up the best of the worst Etsy has to offer, and riff on them appropriately.

Such is the case with Granny's Miley Cyrus outfit above. Egads people. Who is going to have nightmares about this? To make it it one sin, but then to MODEL it!?!?! That might be unforgivable...

Sadly, this extra attention often results in the awful artists making huge sales! Oh no! They have a whole page of their site showing items they've featured that are now SOLD.

***But for some high-class appropriate for all ages handmade art, don't forget to enter my blog contest by Friday - read and comment on this post!***

Wonderland Costume Round Up: Etsy Finds!

Loooooooooving hearing everyone's costume adventures! I'm so proud of all my friends starting early, and I think it's clear we'll be a well dressed bunch :) Most of you are actually ahead of me - my costume is currently an ill-fitting skirt, an uncut pattern, and a couple bolts of fabric - YIKES! Better get a move on! Luckily Ryan arrives next week to save the day :)

If you still haven't found something, don't fear - you still have 23 days :) And if you still need some help or inspiration, here's a round up of amazing items from ETSY to inspire you. Etsy is an online commerce site for artists and crafters selling homemade wares, so you know when you buy from etsy you are supporting small business. The items are often one of a kind, so if any of these links are sold out, click to see what else is in the seller's store - or you can often commission a custom piece made to your specifications. I <3 etsy and have found TONS of amazing things there.


These awesome blood dripping chokers are from VonErickson's etsy shop, he makes a variety of chokers and bracelets resembling blood and/or stitches - perfect for victims of the Queen of Heart's, no? Prices range from $13-16.




Now here's a beautiful classy traditional Alice costume, custom made for your measurements - but you'd better hurry, requires 3 weeks notice. $139.99 from boutiquenrfny.




Top it off with this simple black bow headband, fits "toddlers to adults", $8 from 3littleprincesstutus.




If you already have a blue dress, maybe you just need the simple white apron - here's one that you could use for many baking or costume adventures, $22 from promises2keep.




What a hauntingly cool white rabbit mask! This is made from leather, it's really a work of art. $69 from TomBanwell. I'm also in love with his cut out black bird mask - AMAZING!




Here's a cool feminine take on the Mad Hatter, a mini glitter top hat fascinator. Definitely stands out from the over sized hats the costume shops carry. $35 ready to ship from joeireedhats.




Here's a perfect accessory set for the Cheshire Cat (which I haven't heard anyone say they are coming as yet! I thought this would be super popular) a little spendy at $35, but it's just the right colors and custom made for you from wisemom.




This bird mask actually looks a lot like the costumes in the 1985 Alice I watched the other day - could be a fine Dodo bird. $35 from Mattzilla.




This fun unicorn hat is available in several colors from brandybee - and it's only $15!! What a deal, so cool! She also has a white rabbit hat for the same price.


Once again, hope that helps - can't wait to see what everyone comes up with !

Bjork World Tour - Costume Update

So you'll remember that I made a fabulous Bjork Swan Dress for our Hollywood Halloween Party last year, and then tearfully sold her on Etsy this fall.

I'm feeling MUCH better about our parting since the buyer is sending me little "updates" on her "status" - I won't post the photo he sent since I haven't asked permission and a TON of my web traffic comes from people searching "Bjork Swan Dress" (SERIOUSLY - and not just around Halloween, this is one of the major searches that helps people find my blog - crazy, right?), but just know he looks much better than I did in it - it's okay, I'm used to being out-feminized by drag queens, and this guy is adorable. He's also getting good use out of her, wearing the costume to several events this season - the first of which was this past weekend.

Here's his message:

"Well, I was a total hit at the red carpet themed party. ...It was really fun hearing everyone's reaction. Everyone LOVED it.Since it was a red carpet party a lot of other people thought aboutdoing the same thing but didn't have the time/energy/money to pull it off. So, thanks to you I was a star for a [night]. Bravo! :)...I'll be taking it out again for Halloween in Seattle! Thanks again! ~John"

Awww, what a great little warm fuzzy for a Monday morning!

Goodbye Bjork

I haven't put a lot of time into my Etsy shop yet, mostly I just wanted to get it up and ready in case I get a huge burst of inspiration and start making aprons (or something) again. So I just put in a few odds and ends, and one of them was my costume from last year, my home made version of Bjork's Swan Dress.

I listed it for much less than it cost me to make (boas are expensive!) but still a higher end costume price, and I've gotten a MILLION hits with people looking at it, but no buyers.

Until tonight.

I cracked open my secondary email, and there it was - "your paypal transaction has been processed."

Huh?

I opened it up and sure enough, Bjork has found a new home!

I'm a little conflicted, I don't think I ever thought through giving her up, but I am really happy someone will find joy with her again. I'm all for recycling and I had briefly considered taking her apart and re-using the boas, but that just seemed too cruel. She took hours of my time to create, not to mention the time spent driving all over town buying Michael's and JoAnn's out of white boas.

Now she's wrapped in a garment bag and folded into a big box, on her way to Washington state. Hopefully she'll be loved and appreciated, and maybe even win some costume contests. Farewell, Bjork, I really enjoyed your company...