Inspired Images: Gingerlilly Tea

ginger and lace

My mind is always racing. Always trying to stay busy doing lots of stuff, though it's not entirely fulfilling, and only part of the time necessary. I really just need to calm the heck down and take a long moment to play with my boys. Maybe that will happen... tommorrow, on our long car ride, after I get a few things done.

These. images by Kerri-Anne of Gingerlillytea invoke that time-pausing playfulnes and wonderment that expands into each season and really needs to be re-adopted into my life (and possibly yours) right now. Please visit her affordable and lovely shop, flickr and blog. Which print speaks to you?

fairy clocks (what a sweet name for dandelions)

sleeping angel

meadows of paper boats

my wise horse

christmas in summer

fairground series

Facinator Fascination

As promised, here are my new hair accessories that I brought to my craft fair this past weekend! Some are on hair barrettes, while others are on headbands. I'm sad because I forgot to take photos of a few of my favorites... but I should have them posted in my shop in the next week. A tutorial on making one of these flower barrettes from a store bought silk bloom is coming up too!

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Dempends- The Hunt for Denim and Little White Shirt Perfection

read comments to find out hot to get her hairstyle!
The tale is of horror and frustration. Hours (narrowed down by years of searching) in a dressing room with a 2 year old and surrounded by copius mounds of jeans, and shirts.

It was a fine day of bargain hunting at the fine establishment other wise known as Ross. The premium selection of cheap, imported goods filled the cramped aisles, searching 3 long rows for that perfect pair, wandering into other sized sections b/c you just *know* they have all been miscategorized...

These things I was certain... I found a pair of SEVENS for only $29. I found a size 0 I could fit into. I found a pair of jeans that was absolutly PERFECT... just a tad too small (so when I found the one size larger 1 hour later... it was amazingly waaaay too big and cut way different!)

I had to make a decision, I had narrowed my choices down to 4 pairs. The ones that fit best were, PETITES size 4. I have never ventured into the Petites before, it has always been junior and maternity sizes for me, so taking that leap was rather (clears throat) difficult, since MOST items in Petites are a little too "oldie" for me. But they fit the best... only they have these pocket things that bell out a bit (what is up with that style?) but they were livable. Then, the Sevens... oh heaven, like manna of the denim world, but too dang long. What tha? Is everyone super model height now a days? Apparently, Victoria Beckham did not get the memo that too long pants are not exactly "in" right now.



I know I *could* alter them, but I will never get around to it, so I cuffed the legs, and it still works! Yay!! A bit hobbo sexy all at once. I suppose that is what boho is? Well, I put on those PETITES jeans (b/c my cords were just not working for me), ripped off the tags (and the tags of the shirt Isaac was wearing since his other one was covered in hair and dust from rolling around on the dressing room floor for 2 hours) walked to the registers and paid for my clothes. (Please tell me that I am not the only one that does this).


sheer white vneck by revolve clothing
Also, white tshirts. What is that all about? How come every shirt I try on is sheer? Not everyone likes to show their goods or layer tshirts!! Heaven forbid I already layer due to low cut v-necks, (which layering is not a friend of a nursing mother)...

So, I give up on the shirt search (it has been months now). I venture over to Joannes to get some fabric for a custom order, and lo and behold I FOUND IT! The PERFECT white t-shirt... for $4.99 (better deal than the Gap Favorite T or DownEast Outfitters t's)!!!!!!!!



It is in the tshirt section, complete with iron on transfers, rhinestones and puffy paint. It is the Jerzee FITTED brand. The cap sleeves are a good length (not to tank toppy like others), the scoop neck is just a bit scoopy, but NOT low cut, and the shirt is long enough to cover the back of your jeans should you EVER wish to bend down without exposing yourself. The material is also, not sheer. Well, it is not perfectly not sheer, but it is pretty close. I can wear it without feeling overwhelmingly paranoid that everyone can see my underthings. If you are feeling spendy, there is always the celeb favorite LnA tee for $60 as worn by Jessica Alba pictured above! (why?)



A ball of jeans... Portland "art"

I got home, put on my jeans and my plain white shirt, messy ponytail (which took me at LEAST an hour to perfect mind you), and my hubby looked at me like I was all dressed up and ready to go out. That felt good :)

Random and most hilarious explaination of the DEMPENDS... every now and then, we watch Cheaters (I actually know someone who was on there, as a cheater)... on the episode a woman with a particularly large trunk was walking around wearing "daisies" so short they looked like denim underwear (thongs, actually). The investigator guy said rather seriously, "It appears she is wearing pants." Surely, this could not happen more than once? Well, a couple months ago, we see a lady wearing the same things! (not a cute, young, toned, hip one either...) We joked around that they looked like she was wearing adult diapers and forgot to put on her pants (warning link is yucky).



diaper cover (for little girls though) by Luca Bleu
I then made the suggestion, that they SHOULD make denim Depends diapers, for wearing ease, a new fashion statement for the old and crusty. Bedazzle them even! I branded them as Dempends (as in Denim/Depends... get it, get, it, hardee har har har?!?!?)



But, for those of you who got through this tale of greatness, I offer a gift. I already know how to shop for jeans that fit, what works for my body type and yada yada, but for those of you still in MOM JEANS (watch this for a dose of hilarity) and tapered (shudders), acid wash jeans, I offer you a little jewel. Oprah's guide to finding the perfect jeans (and bra) fit for your body shape, I have two links you ABSOLUTELY need to click on HERE and HERE. No need to thank me, just be kind to your behind and know that I love you and am not judging you in any way!!



On totally different note, if you are in the Fort Worth area, we organized a little neighborhood craft and gift show this Saturday from 9 to 2. It is in the Parkwood Hill Estates clubhouse map HERE. There will be an assortment of goods and of course, my jewelry will be there as well. So come on by, support handmade and do some holiday shopping! If you prefer to shop online, I (and many other Etsians) are having a Black Friday through Cyber Monday sale in my Jeweled Ambrosia shop, so take a peek :)!

Craft Fair

Well, I put my shabby goods to use and created a fab display. I used the shutters for earrings holders. I cut cardstock in half, punched holes and stamped the back with my shop name. Then I just put them through the slats. Easy as pie.



I used white ornament hooks to hang necklaces on the wire house, and pretty white shabby trees as displays as well. I definately need to invest in more natural colored busts though for the future. My jewelry really looks much better displayed on a bust and gets kind of lost in a sea of chains and such when layed about. But hey, this was my first craft fair with jewelry so there is always a learning curve!



What I like the best was this banner I made. I used the cardboard backing that comes from cardstock packages to make each pennant. Then, I drilled holes in the sides, hotglued on ticking fabric and put pretty sage green brads to string them together. Go ahead and click on the above photo for a better look!

Then, I used a circle punch to create the letter pieces and I glued them to black paper (which I had to handcut larger circles!) I drew the letters on and stamped the middle with my little s.jane logo that she designed with me. I used lots of rhinestones, buttons, metal quotes, a rusty key and even a pearled butterfly from my wedding cale to decorate this sign! I really really wanted to outline the circles with glitter and add some lace and tassles and such, but I ran out of time. It was a bear to make, and OH so much cuter in person than what my camera captured. Here's me and my mamacita selling up a tiny storm. Ain't she cute?



I know, I know, I probably should have not stayed up until 5:30 am making this thing, and I probably should have tagged my jewelry with prices instead, but hey... it's cute, so there. Lesson learned. Now, I am off to make some more banners and garlands!!



My mom also had her tile coasters there, go and check them out in her Pretty Nifty Etsy shop, she has some cute ones and we will be listing tons more for Christmas!!



I also met cute Etsian Cindy, from Revel Designs. She had such a gorgeous display, and a cute blog! I took a picture, but seriously it is waaay better in person. It had a shabby suitcase on wooden legs, and a pretty shabby door on legs, and the sign so amazing too!



She sat next to a booth that made homemade gourmet marshmallows, called Texas Puffs. These were the best, I scored a bag of peppermint! You must try these, especially in your hot chocolate. This pic I pulled from there site, so it is Halloweeny, but at the craft fair it was really cute and Christmasy. If you are daring, here is a little recipe HERE and a tutorial HERE.

Here is your random fact: Charlie Chaplin once won 3rd place in a Charlie Chaplin look a like contest. Also, on March 1st 1978, the coffin of Charlie Chaplin was stolen from a Swiss cemetery three months after his funeral. It was found miles away, weeks later. Weird!

Shabby Baby

I escaped to the Post Office today to ship orders, and I took the eldest of my offspring with me b/c 2 year olds get cabin fever too (and he loves the post office).

We went and threw money at Evil Old Mc Donalds (but we got "plain" hamnurgers (no, that is not misspelled) and apple sclices... so doing good, right?

Anywho, then I went to the Antiques Mall to get ideas and display items for the craft fair I am doing Saturday. I came home with a lovely white chicken wire plant house, some chibby celedon vintage shutters an AMAZING little mattress spring (so many possibilites) and a cute vintage, very I Love Lucy apron for my sister Pookie's clown costume. I am going to add some cute turquoise flowers and such to match her wig. My hubby suggested I get one for myself, since I am just so cute in it when I tried it on (hah!) Next time I am there, I will have to do some sleuthing, there were tons! Are you in the mood for a vintage or retro apron? There are TONS on Etsy, don't believe me? Then click for handmade NEW RETRO ones, or here for VINTAGE ones!!!!!!



Well, we pulled down some Christmas ornients (not misspelled either, Dad, bless your heart) for our church Christmas service activity tomorrow for decorating. I fished out these little Chinese boxes I made 5 years ago for our wedding reception party favors. I hot glued on artificial leaves, and cute leaf shapes out of pretty ribbon for some shattered edges. Then, I glued on a silver confetti heart. We filled them with handmade blue butterfly soaps tied with tulle.



I hung them on trees and at place settings. The tree idea was from The Return to Oz movie (the part where the lunch boxes are growing on trees). The past several years, I have been putting them on this Christmas tree, but this year, I think I am going to make a garland out of them and hang then in our room. What do you think, what would you use them for? Here is an example of a garland I plan to make with them, from the wonderful Nesting Place. She has a tutorial on them HERE! So go and have some ragamuffin garland making fun.



Speaking of romance (well, kind of... wedding talk gets me all sentimental, even though it was one of the worst days of my life due to some crazy events), look at this little love note and picture the hubs left for the me other day. (on cue, AWE!) I love how Isaac scribbled on my face right before I took the picture... I am just telling myself he was giving me a superhero mask for being such a wonderful mom. Heh.



And lastly, I wanted to show you this nifty peephole frame I got from SaberToothFairy on Etsy. I had been wanting one for years, and I finally found one! The seller was so sweet, she sold it to me unpainted at a discount since I'm so broke, her shop it temporarily closed, but she may be able to make one for you on request.



I still need to paint it. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is the replica peephole frame from the show Friends (which in production notes, it was originally a mirror, but it got broken on the set so they just cleaned up the glass and left the frame). Yes, I am queen of random facts. Get used to it, since I will be posting crazy trivia facts in my posts from now on. Why? because I like it like that!

UFO and Other Oddities

Sooo, we went to hang out with our new friends this weekend, and I kid you not, we saw some UFOs.

There were 2 that were falling parallel to each other, I thought at first they were comets, but then thought maybe a plane had broken in two pieces and was falling to the Earth, it was horrifying! Then, they just kind of stopped falling, and slowly started to twist symmetrically in a downward spiral and then they stopped, and hovered for about a minute.



(ufo from Builders Studio)


Then, a third one appeared a little to the upper left and it slowly hovered back and forth. The two parallel ones disappeared and we continued to watch the new one. These were so extremely bright and huge compared to passing planes. They had little tails of light as well, it was incredible. The third UFO hovered and every time a plane came near, it totally turned it's lights off and disapeared completely. Once the plane passed, the light came back on. We watched for about 5 minutes and the UFO finally zig zagged down and disappeared. 10 seconds later, a massive military plane flew overhead in the same exact direction the UFO's were. About 2 hours later, a huge comet trailed out of the sky, slowly in the same spot we saw the UFO's earlier. We did film a little bit of it, but only the end, not the crazy parallel part, but here is a video kind of describing what we saw. Apparently, where we live, there have been several similar sightings the past couple of years. Weird, huh?



It was crazy amazing, scary and hair raising. Do I believe in aliens, as in little green men? No. Do I believe something is out there? Maybe....



We were on our way to this yummy resturaunt, Buca di Beppo, and got this wonderful $20 salad, the Apple Gorgonzola. It had cranberries, apples, sugared walnuts... it was so amazing and not too sweet that we just had to take pictures! See HERE for the yummy recipe!! They were about 30 mins late bringing our main dish, so they gave it to us and a yummy dessert for free, score!



Also, today, my teacher friend invited me to bring my jewelery to her school during lunches in the teachers lounge. It was only a few short hours and I made a little bit of money and really got to see how people responded to my jewelry and set up in person. It was a neat experiance and though I have done many craft fairs with my Little Lovables goods (my puppets always do well), I have never done one with my Jeweled Ambrosia jewelery, so it was nice practice. (ps, above craft fair set up is from Plum Vine jewelery. You can go HERE to look at other craft fair set ups of other sellers to get set up inspiration.)



In other weird news, Robert Pattinson, aka Spunk Ransom aka EDWARD CULLEN appeared at the Dallas Galleria Mall today for autograph signings. Thousands of people were there at 4 AM... and he wasn't even scheduled to appear until 6 pm! I wonder how it went, I will have to check the news or something. Funny, how I live about 45 mins away and didn't go, but mega fans drove from 4 STATES away to have a small chance of meeting him. Ladies, he is just a human ;) But, if you want some Twilight Jewelry, come visit my Jeweled Ambrosia shop!

And this pic is one of the many shots taken by my 2 year old. He likes to pose his cars lately.





Here, I am showing the curious minds where acorns come from. It was quite easy, "Up there, in the tree!" Hopefully, explaining other things will go as smoothly. You see what my little turkey muffin is doing? He loves to touch his belly button when is is learning something, sleeping, reading a book, watching a movie... pretty much he does it when is is bonding somehow. Cute little quirke.



Now look at that good daddy. Doesn't he look honorable, trustworthy, honest, hardworking, happy? Hire him already corporate world!





Oh, and for memories sake, I must show you our Halloween pics... we were a family of Scarecrows. My sister, who is now a professional clown (Pookie is available for hire people!) did balloon animals and face painting, I assisted face painting and Grandma took all 5 boys around for the trick or treating. It was a hoot and Isaac still reminds everyone he meets that he was a Scarecrow.

xo
Lisa