enjoying the process

When making something the process can sometimes be more enjoyable than the outcome. Though, in this case it was both.

I am the girliest of girls and my little girls are too. I recollect wanting so many dolls as a little girl and bugging and bugging my parents to buy them for me. I imagine my girls feel sort of the same way, except they don't watch television to see the new dolls that are out there nor do we take them to toy stores for them to see dolls to want. I much prefer the handmade way. There's no such thing as having too many dolls, so we set out to make some new ones to add to our collection.

Using an old cotton sheet and fabric markers we set off to draw some dolls. All three of us did. The girls really enjoyed using markers to draw, especially since it was on fabric rather than paper. Then, I cut out our hand drawn pictures, as the girls picked coordinating fabrics for the backing from our scrap pile. After which, I heat set all the drawn images. I quickly sewed the pieces together and True stuffed as I did so. We were all enjoying the process as we talked and laughed along, though Brave did eventually go to nap somewhere in the middle.

(When working with fabric markers don't forget to put on some sort of smock or bib as fabric marker stains will not come out. )

True was so excited about all of them that she lined them all up to take a picture. Of course, she plopped herself in right in the middle.

Immediately, they were taken to her room to be played with and loved.

(The three dolls hand drawn by True.)

(The doll hand drawn by Brave which True claims to be hers.)

True is at an age now where she is able to follow project instructions really well. Brave not so much, but she will get there. Nevertheless, Brave had so much fun doodling all about the fabric as she pleased. I can see how much True has grown from the very first doll we made. Here, she drew the dolls all by herself, picked out fabric she liked, and stuffed most of them by herself too. The only thing she didn't do was iron and sew, which I don't think she is quite ready for. Also, True is the one who did most of the clean up afterwards. She knew how and where to put everything away. It was so obvious to me how much learning and fun she was having through out the whole process.

See... who needs a toy store when you can make your own toys?!!

Thinking about this little project reminds me how much I need to enjoy the process of parenting. Not saying I don't, but sometimes it can easily be forgotten amidst the busyness of the everyday, and the sometimes hard and frustrating days. Even those days are just all part of the process of our children growing and us growing. Throughout our whole life, no matter what season, we must always remember to enjoy the process. We should always be life learners throughout this process called life.

*****

This week's "just because" package recipient is Karen from Blue-berry Park. Karen- Please email me with your address. Also, don't forget to enter for the giveaway that ends tomorrow.

*****

happy news

Funny thing happened at breakfast with Danni a few weeks ago...

Danni said, "I got this magazine in the mail and your name is on the cover." 

I was a little perplexed and I said, "Really?!!" 

She said, "Yeah. It is called Artful Blogging, did you know? Have you seen it?"

I knew about that magazine as I was asked by the editor a few months back to submit some stuff, but I had yet to know the release and if/when I would receive my copy. Danni immediately retrieved her copy in the car and let me see it. I must say, I was pretty excited and now I am officially sharing it. I finally did receive my copy and we (Ben and I, even the girls) were just absolutely delighted at the whole thing. 

If you want to see our little spread and read my article, as well as learn about other wonderful bloggers, you can pick up your copy at a local Borders or Barnes & Noble. I am so nerdy that I went to Borders to see if it had officially come out. When I finally saw it in the craft magazine section, and the little nerd blogger that I am, I had to lift the magazine twice from the shelf to make sure it was real. Yeah. I know. Like I said, I am kinda nerdy that way, but just absolutely elated. Wouldn't you be?

It is such a blessing and all thanks be to God for providing such a wonderful opportunity. It isn't me at all, but all God's doing for real. I am just honored to be asked and in the company of such amazing artist. Amanda of Soulemama was once featured in their magazine and the fact that I get to be in a magazine that featured her, one of my favorite bloggers, well, I am just in awe. Can't say it enough, thank you Lord!

I hope my energy is back today as I didn't get crackin' at anything until 9 o'clock last night when I finally started cleaning the dishes, then mopping kitchen, then organizing the family room, then watering the plants, etc. It was filthy and messy from the day and True kept telling me to clean (the dishes), but that didn't happen until way after her bedtime. I seriously didn't do very much yesterday, so good thing Ben was working from home. It was just one of those days, but I hope today isn't.

Here's to hoping for a more productive Friday...

the giant dollhouse pillow

I (we) were so stuck on what to give Brave for her birthday. There are two things we know she likes for sure and that is dolls and babies. What made it harder was that for True's second birthday I made her Amy Butler's big nap pillow, so I also wanted Brave to have her own pillow, but I just didn't know what to do. I thought about getting her these two things, but one was out of our budget (though it is adorable) and the other, which is a pillow, but I guess I just couldn't decide. Then, I had this idea, but didn't know how to make it happen, but if there is a will, there is a way, right?

So I sketched out what I wanted this big pillow to look like, gathered the supplies I was going to use (I didn't want to go out and buy something new as I had lots of fabric stashed away), and started. I hit some bumps along the process and got stuck, but thankfully thought my way through it. The end result... a giant dollhouse pillow.

There are two big pockets in the front to put some dollies in, buttons on the side to close the top flap of the dollhouse, ties on the other side to roll the top flap of the dollhouse open to play on the inside, and an inside that is free motion embroidered to have rooms for her dolls to play in. I also put loops on the back, so it can be hung on a wall or can easily just be plopped on the ground. The whole pillow cover and the pillow inside is separate, so it comes off so that it can be easily washed. I think it turned out wonderful!

What is even better is that once we gave it to Brave, she loved it so much and made it a bed! She took the dolly, which I had ProjectGrabBag custom make a teeny doll for my Brave, and opened the flap and laid right on top of the pillow like a little bed. It really is that big!

I am so glad this present turned out to be hit for her! It was definitely worth some of the frustrations that I encountered while making it. I am glad we didn't end up buying her gift, but making it instead. I really love making things that my girls love!

I must say, that there was fighting about who got to lay down inside, so we just retrieved True's giant pillow and put them side by side and let them lay down next to each other in their respective giant pillows. True was hesitant, as she wanted the dollhouse, but I promise to make her one of her own. Now, I just have to figure out another one.

Now, it is back to crafting for me. Both my girls are vacationing in Palm Springs with my parents and siblings and they will be back tomorrow night. Therefore, I intend to get a lot of work done for the shop and Ben and I have a date tonight. I love dates with my husband!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!!

a little late

I did a little disappearing act last week. It was just a crazy, crazy week. Lots of things going on with the house, planning a visit to Texas to see family, then plotting something to do for our anniversary. It was just crazy, then factor in selling a car, well, it was utter chaos. But God is good and proved how in control He is even when things seem so frustrating. 

So here we are now, in San Antonio and having fun, though the heat here takes a little getting used to. Can you believe that it is still about 100 degrees at 9 o'clock at night?!! Yeah. I know. Just crazy! We will be here for the week, kind of, but Ben and I have plans to make our way to New Orleans for our anniversary, but it seems our plans are so fluid that those may change too. Maybe, we won't be up for the drive, we go back and forth. Nevertheless, one thing we know for sure is that this week will fly by so fast and back to life and back to reality it will be for us.

I know Father's Day was a couple weeks ago, but I kept forgetting to share the little thing us girls concocted. It all came together at the end as I was so stuck on what to do. My plan was to make a pop-up book inspired by Lisa Hannigan's Lille video, which I learned about from Danni, but the idea intimidated me. Well, let's just say I got the courage and my Benny loved it. It did take a little time as I guessed my way at making a pop-up book. I hadn't made one of these since the third grade. Along with the theme of the book, we did a little sea themed day and gave him his present at the beach. I sang and showed him the book at the same time. I must say singing at the beach makes me nervous. I was hoping no one could hear. I don't think they could. Then, I ended up having to re-enact the whole performance for my family once we joined them for dinner, which my sister was able to snap a few shots.

Here are the lyrics that went along with the story:

(It followed Lisa Hannigan's pattern)

We went to sea for a day
For his kids wanted to play
In the sunshine and the sand
Holding tightly to his hand
Them he loved, endlessly
Happy are they, and so is he

He goes to work every morning
They stay home, but him their missing
Longing to be in his arms
Enchanted by all his charms
Him they love durably
Love alive and wild, it feels so free

Out at sea in the daytime
All together basking in the sunshine
Laughing together is happy noise
With our Papi he fills us with so much joy
That we love undeniably
All together watching God's great sea

We want to stay until the evening
And enjoy the sunset we love the feeling
And being together we are one
Under the magnificence of the Son
Through this life endlessly
You are our love, yes, it is only thee...

The most important thing was that Benny loved it and the girls really did help make it (a little), they had a hand in some coloring, so this was a team effort. Though, when it came time to perform they kinda bailed on me. I guess they are still a little little. We will have plenty of more chances, Lord willing. If you want to see the rest of the pop-up book, just take a looky here. 

Have a good week everyone! I have a feeling my posting will be quite light as I will be galavanting around San Antonio and somewhere else (maybe New Orleans) later this week. 

for him

This was my little secret Valentine that I was working on for Ben last week (I am just a little late in sharing it as I was a bit hesistant). It is a 7'x10' heart cut out of corrugated board and painted with acrylics. I don't really paint, but this little project was very fun for me. Maybe it is because I was making it for my Ben...

I am thankful to God for the cross and His goodness in providing me such a loving husband... I love my Ben lots!!!

I am excited because we have another fun weekend planned, so see everyone on Monday!!!

take a peek

The lovely ladies of Sugar City Journal asked me to be part of their new home sweet home tours. I am so honored because Lynne and Melissa are two of the most creative ladies I know! Have you seen their creations (and their homes)?!! Each piece they make is a work of art and are simply beautiful and timeless. They have inspired me to create garments with a little more meaning in mind, a dress with its own story. So the fact they would ask me for peeks into my home means so much! Our house is far from done, but it is our home and a reflection of us... so go ahead and take a peek.

Thank you so much Melissa and Lynne!!!

Oh and come and join Nathalie's ornament swap... I'm in.

elvish

sfskljie dfi sldkfjioie kjle!

That was Elvish for... Christmas is almost here!!! So that means so are the Christmas elves...

Handcrafted by me and True (she used fabric markers to make the apron and color the baby Elf), they are positively friendly and very helpful in getting the house ready to celebrate our favorite holiday. They helped get out the decorations and put up the trimmings, but most of all they keep us entertained as they speak to us in Elvish. It sounds kind of funny.

And how do we know they are elves? Because of their shoes of course...

True had the most fun playing with the baby Elf, who likes to be tuck and hidden away with his Elf mama...

If you need some help decorating or just doing things around the house, maybe you should make some Elves. They aren't just Santa's helpers... they can be yours too!

absolutely giddy

I am trying a new little thing using free motion embroidery, maybe I will be done tomorrow. It makes me giddy and I can't wait to see how it turns out...
Cakies has also gotten some wonderful press today at Baby Style Watch... another reason to be giddy!!!

Then, a wonderful Cakies merger with the fabulous Grosgrain. I love Kathleen and was so excited to see her "Make Believe Frock" that was accompanied by my Too Lovely Tulip Crown, so now go by her blog and say hello, and you will have a chance to win her lovely frock and a Cakies Crown!

Cakies + Grosgrain = lots of giddiness

As you can see, there is lots of excitement going on in our little world!!!

One baby is asleep and one is going to soon, I am off to continue my embroidery...

my dear genius

My Benny is the smartest man I know! Really...

There are numerous times he will concoct something to eat just using whatever we have lying around... this usually comes after hours of him saying, "What do you want to eat?"

Me saying, "Nothing. Nothing sounds good."

Then, he will whip himself something because I don't want to do it or eat anything, and then he will sit next to me to eat it. I usually look at it and say (with an apprehensive face), "What's that?!!"

He says, "Pureed vegetables. Want to try?"

"No thanks!"

"Just try it."

"Fine." I grab a spoonful put it in my mouth and my eyes light up!

"See it is good, huh?"

"Yeah." Then, I proceed to eat the rest of his food before he has a chance to eat it and off he goes to make another batch for himself.

So this conversation happens a lot because sometimes (most of the time) he will mix ingredients that to me, is like, "No thanks!" but ends up being oh so good!!!

So this was his latest marvelous creation, which is made from his steamed vegetables cauliflower, yellow and orange carrots, broccoli that he forgot, so were overcooked, he pureed it and then added olive oil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. It came out like mush, but it really tasted so, so yummy!!!
A full serving of vegetables makes yummy food... this stuff is really good!!! And my Benny is just the greatest and super duper hottest guy ever!!!

We are also working on another special little project that I can't wait to show you, so armed with spray paint and the make-shift mask I made him from my fabric scraps (he hated it) we got to work...
Okay, only he did, but I took some pictures!

I hope everyone has a good day today. I feel better as my big orders are out and I have a few etsy ones to work on (Susan... yours will be in the mail tomorrow!) and I hope to get to work on a few new things today too...

Happy Tuesday!!!

exhausted

Things have been so busy of late, but I finally got through some emails and a bunch of orders are going out tomorrow...

Also, I have missed visiting some of your pages... I will be doing a lot of catching up next week!!!

Oh and guess what?!! My dream shoe, you know the very (VERY) expensive one from Anthropologie is now on sale!!! I was so excited, but I don't know why cause I still can't buy it even though it is half the price. Oh well... a girl can dream can't she?!!

So Mr. or Ms. Anthropologie... if you are still out there, I would still love to trade or work for the shoe!!! I am ready anytime... just let me know.

I hope everyone had a nice Wednesday!!

Off to la-la land I go...

seester time

My little-est seester came over so that we could go together to pick up her new sewing machine (and have a sleepover). Also, with the new sewing machine came a quick lesson and so now we are sewing machine twins...


The lesson of the day:
A new and funky sunglasses (or regular glasses) case.


It was inspired by the ever so lovely, Free People sunglasses case...
Thanks again to Free People for the never-ending, whimsical, and fun inspiration!!!

Now, I can't wait to make myself one!!!

Happy 4th everyone!!!

going on a memory hunt

So, we moved into our new house and I wanted to take a picture of my Ben and the girls together...


Then our kind neighbor, Sam, she moved into the house right next to us, offered to take our family picture...
We love creating memories together as a Kokeshi family!


Here are more of our Kokeshis...
A softie one just for Brave.


And True made one all by herself...
We like to call it, "A Mess of Art."

Have a fantastic weekend of memory hunting and don't forget to check out the rest of the Kokeshis at the Kokeshi Gallery...

Home Sweet Home...

Here is a new project we did last week... something we like to do often is make clothespin dollies, so we made a couple more to add to the collection we already had, but this time we also had to make the dollies a home...

True is proud to show them their new home...

Alas, "Home sweet home..."

True loves this new little home of hers and she hugs it and cries if she can't see it! Though, I know one thing True will love more is the real inspiration behind this little project...

Awhile back, I came across Mummysam as it was a feature on the etsy homepage treasury and I fell in love!!! I mean talk about a creative mind?! Each piece is such a work of art!! Seriously, I could spend all day looking at her lovely shop! 

Sam, the creative mind behind Mummysam, was a painter in her pre-kid days and now she has taken her love for art and given it new meaning and depth in a brand new and different medium. Just meandering through her blog, one can see the overwhelming creativity just oozing out...

Look at these artful creations...

This dream townhouse is screaming to move in the neighborhood, right next to True's little house...

And come on?! What little kid wouldn't want to be running around the house with this little beep beep car. You wouldn't have to worry about it poking them while they sleep (because they insist on sleeping with their toys)...

And her dolls... wow!!!
She would look good sitting on one of my rusty, antique French chairs that many of our visitors are scared to sit on (I don't think she will be scared!)...

I wish that I could purchase all of Sam's beautiful creations! She is definitely another artist/seller added to my favorites list, a wonderful inspiration, and a great new friend!

So check out Mummysam and all her wonderful goodies! Everyone needs a Mummysam creation...

Shop Mummysam...

Read her blog...

*Thanks Sam for letting me use some of your photos!