to each her own

Easter was full of Christ, family, food, and lots of fun. All was done in each girls' home-sewn dress. Ben was joking around that he needed something, well, maybe next year, but for us (girls that is!) it was perfect for all the festivities...

From top to bottom:

True's was made of a very pretty striped linen. It was originally intended for Brave, but seeing how I kind of guess everything, it ended up a tad big. Ends up True was requesting pink of sorts, thus this slight mishap was perfect for her.

Brave's was made of an orangey-salmon-ish linen and the print was cotton voile. I was so stuck on how to make Brave's. I had different ideas in mind. Actually, I started making a grey-bluish dress, but messed up and got frustrated and scrapped that idea all together. I started this at around 8 at night on Saturday and finished about an hour and half later (with lots of interruptions in between). I was really happy with the result and loved the color combination. Plus, making my own bias tape is so fun and easy (thanks to bias tape maker)!

My dress was a replica of this dress that I loved, but cannot afford, thus I made it in an eggplant colored cotton. It was close enough to me. I totally forgot to take a picture of me wearing it, but that's fine. I loved it and Ben likes it a lot because it hugs my body a bit more, which makes me love it because it is all about being eye candy for my husband, right? Anyways. I love him. I want to make another like this, but maybe in the red. That would be perfect for summer!

I must say each dress was loved and worn all day long and it was a splendid Resurrection Sunday!!!

tweet, tweet, treats

There is a lot of bird love going on in our place. Maybe it is our anticipation for Spring or maybe cause birds just make our hearts flutter. So to continue our excitement for these fluttering creatures, here are some of our lovely goodies that is going to help us usher in the new season, maybe you will want these too...

At a recent romp to the flea market, I chanced upon this lovely vintage bird illustrations book...

True loves it. She loves flipping through it over and over again pointing out all the various colors. Her favorite bird to stop on is the woodpecker (the bird above is not the woodpecker), immediately she starts imitating the illustration by bumping her nose to the wall. It makes me laugh every time! 

This is my lovely treat, or should I say tweet that has been hanging around my neck...

This is from Lisa Leonard Designs, who is such a talented artist and mother. Her story and her art is so inspiring, such serenity in all her pieces. I think everyone needs one of her necklaces for spring, but more like for all seasons. It isn't too late to nudge your husband for a Valentine's Day present (just send him this link!).

Another little tweet that I am loving are my wood-like adaptations of Audubon's avians...

I was so elated to see them on sale at Anthropologie. I have had my eye on these for awhile, so you bet I scooped up a bunch! The best part is that each one is hand painted, so no two are exactly alike.

Okay, here is my last tweet for myself...

I love my vintage bird pin from lovely etsy shop, Oh Hello Friend. She sells the cutest bits and bobbles and her blog is equally as darling. Just another shop and blogger to fall in love with!

Now, here is a little tweet for you...

I made this last Spring to be my Spring bag, so it is gently used and has a light, golf ball size stain on the back (it is washed and clean, but the stain won't come out, but the bag is reverisble too). I have much too many bags, so I thought I would share this one with you. Plus, Joel Dewberry's aviary fabric is much too appropriate for these past couple posts, so I couldn't resist. I really love this bag, so whoever wins needs to make sure to love it just as well, maybe even more!

If you want this bag, just leave a comment that says:

1.  Why you should have a little tweet.

2. Your favorite necklace from Lisa Leonard.

That's easy, right? So many contests lately, but it keeps things fun. Hopefully, by week's end my closet will be clean and the Starry Night crown will be done... maybe, just maybe (and I may have some once-in-awhile in the shop soon). 

This tweet giveaway will end next Wednesday, February 11th at 9pm PST (I sleep early) when the random generator will pick a winner. 

I love tweets! Don't you?

Dear Anthropologie,

I am in love with your store. I love everything from your paint colors, to the most creative way you display pieces of paper, to your furniture (new & found), your clothes, and oh my... your shoes!

Well, I am a stay home mama, so I can't really go shopping at your store all the time (well, not for clothes at least). My Benny does let me visit you to make purchases for our house or things that are needed (and are on sale), but that is about it! I love your store so much, that I rave and rant about you all the time and we even go on dates just to visit your store because it exudes so much creativity (it is really dangerous that I live between two Anthropologies).

With that said, I absolutely love this shoe...

The price tag on it is a bit much for me, but maybe you will find it in your kind heart to donate to this hard working mom of two little girls! Hey... maybe we can even make a trade?!! What do you say?!! Maybe you need a ton of Cakies clippies or maybe even crowns... well, it doesn't hurt to ask now, does it?!!

So Mr. or is it Ms. Anthropologie, if you are out there and find this... I will work for shoes (or trade)!!!

Most fondly,
Ruby Bratcher

P.S. I'm a size 6.

A heARTful Mommy's Day...

Mother's Day started on a Saturday afternoon for me when I was graced with a lovely little box from my Benny and both babycakies. And what was it?!! A lovely Anthropologie dress that my Benny went to go pick out himself (I think we all know by now how much I love that store)!



Suddenly, they declared Mother's Day "Art Day" and the fun was to begin...

First, I was graced with "Culinary Arts" with Ben and True working hard to make some sushi...




Second, since I am always taking the pictures and never in them, Ben said it was time for some "Photographic Arts" with me and the girls at a local mural he found...

Lastly, I have been wanting to do a family painting together for the house, so it was "Abstract Art" and I was so excited to work together (it is not done, but at least we got a couple layers in)...

'Twas a marvelous Mommy's Day of celebrating the arts in different ways. I so appreciate all the work my Benny and girls put into this and I savored every single moment...

I hope everyone had a heARTful day too!!!

I love being a mom...

 

(and Ben said I have one more present coming in the mail... I am so excited!)

Now for sale...

Get some pint and quart sized turquoise baskets in my little shop. 

Use them for whatever your creative heart may desire from holding crayons, to gift giving, craft organizing, or whatever you may dream up!

These will be up only while supplies last.

Have I told you...

That I love, LOVE Anthropologie.

It is a bit over my budget, but sometimes I like to buy a few reasonable things...
I have had this vintage caddy forever, hoping to use it to put candles, but I could never find one thin and tall enough to fit each opening. So I thought, I could put some cute cups in it and make it a caddy for my work area, so off to Anthropologie I go. I knew I would find the perfect compliments for my old lovely...

And while I was there, I saw these cute, little, turquoise, pint sized containers displayed all throughout the store...

I fell in love with them so much I went back today (so bad that I live between TWO Anthropologies) to ask where I could purchase them or if they would sell a couple. And being the lovely store that they are, the visuals person happily gave me 10. I was so excited!

I am also on the verge of completing my order for them online, but I am unsure because I would be getting more than I need. They would be great for some crafts and gifts, do you think people would buy them if I put it on my etsy?!! Hmmm... I wonder. Anyone interested?