Here is my little Valentine tutorial. I really wanted a more expensive topiary, but then I would of only had one, so I bought the supplies and made a whole set up for my faux mantle/decorating shelf. I kept it simple this time (for the boys) and I hope you like it b/c I know I do! I painted a wooden frame a creme color and added a pink flower and green vines. My candleabra project is HERE.
The hearts I just wound together, tied a bow and stuck it in foam and hot glued it to the bottom of my mom's vintage ice cream dishes. (The glue will peel right off when I need it b/c I used low temp glue). The foam heart I just used a pretty sage scrapbook paper, black marker for the words, glue, glitter, lace and a bow.
Isaac is turning into "a big boy", when people ask him his name, he says "I Isaac, big boy". And he loves to announce "I did it!" So, he helped me sprinkle glitter and arrange the hearts on this project. He has also been helping me cook, which has been nice, as it gets him excited to eat those veggies that he helped prepare. Here they are taking a cookie break!
Speaking of cookies, did you know that Etsy has a plants and edibles category? It's true. So, if you want to spend some dough (get it?) on some boutique cookies for your sweetheart (or yourself), check some of these out:
I am an Etsy seller mentor, helping other sellers set up their shops and such, and I met this lovely seller, Stacey of CreaShines. She makes unique and wonderful polymer clay jewelry and I just can't figure out why her shop hasn't taken off yet! So, I am doing my second artist bio, b/c really she's awesome and her stuff rocks for Valentines goodies, and even some non holiday jewelry too. I really had a hard time deciding which pieces to show you, so go and get you some!
"My name is Stacey Hines.
I was active duty military in the Navy as a photojournalist for over 4 years. I now attend art school at Ringling College of Art in Florida where I am majoring in photography. I'm learning the artistic side of photography to compliment my technical military knowledge of it.
When I'm not doing freelance photo shoots or working on school projects, I'm spending every moment of free time creating jewelry and accessories out of polymer clay! I then promote my items on the most amazing ecommerce website [for handmade/vintage goods]Etsy! My jewelry shop is CreaShines, but I am also working on my newest shop where I will be selling my photography at CreaShinesPhotos so please stay tuned!
The drive to be a designer is in my blood, my grandmother was a jewelry designer for over 35 years and I remember hanging out in her store when I was a kid, just staring at her beautiful fine diamond jewelry. My mother was also a photographer and I remember learning darkroom techniques as a kid and falling in love with it. Who knew that I would grow up and do the same things?"
I love all things royalty. I have a love affair with romantic tragedy, I think about Anne Boleyn and especially Marie Antoinette... it is a story of flair, extravagence, good times, heartbreak and tragedy. I have a feeling, that I will be coming out with a royalty jewelry line pretty soon, so stay tuned.
Now, I love classic portraits (even the depressing ones... can you believe that Marie Antionette had a portrait painted of her with all 4 of her children, and when her baby died, they painted the baby out of the picture, see HERE. The empty cradle is where the baby was laying!) I wonder how she and other tortured royals would feel knowing that they have become a kitsch icon to some?
This lovely painting is by Jasmine Becket-Griffith of Strangeling. Her work is featured on apparel and merchandise in popular retail stores, so you can purchase the prints directly from her. Her images have a fiendish cherubic presence, a little bit goth elegance, her Marie is lovely!
I also just discovered the amazingly talented UK artist Mark Satchwill (photos below). He specializes in portrait watercolors, namely Tudor and royalty, mythology (another one of my favorite topics) and fantasy figures. Absolutely gorgeous! You can see a demo of the steps he used to paint the original Young Marie Antoinette HERE! I love when artists let us peek into the development of the creations, as it shows us how detailed and talented they are to complete such a masterpiece.
I saw this gorgeous image on Poppytalk and it led me to a wonderful graphic designer, Rhonna Designs. How have I never seen her designs before? Anyways, she is having a giveaway for a huge collection of her designs (for personal use only). So read HERE to find out all about it and then visit her Etsy shop and get some goodies!!
It has been both busy and slow for our Christmas and New Year. It was absolutely lovely having lots of family visit. We met two new babies, Aeyla and Ashlyn and had new adventures. Playing games where we can laugh and visit, going to the movies and just talking while the boys play video games is just about how we roll. We also pretty much all got sick over the holiday break. Right now, we are all basket cases of stuffy noses and itchy coughs, but it will soon pass! So today, this will be a photo montage of the past week or so.
Isaac never really "got" the whole Santa thing before, but he totally did this year. It was so fun! We stayed up late wrapping his presents and leaving a few unopened under the tree with bows on them. Those were the Santa gifts.
I never did bake any holiday treats. I was planning on it, but figured friends and family would rather not get my cough cooties so I refrained. But before I got sick, I did some face painting for my sister, Pookie the Clown at a birthday party. Aren't we cute? See pics here (totally random, I know)!
We also took Isaac mini golfing for the first time. He even made a hole in one (with David's help on the first hole) and he made 2 hole in two shots on his own. The other's took some time, but he did really well and had a blast!
He loved riding the motorcycle arcade game. We also all pitched in and got Isaac a train set. He absolutely loves it and never gets bored with it. We will be getting him some track add ons for his birthday, b/c he likes to build the track up with blocks to make hills.
We had a Twilight Christmas. I got David this Twilight keychain, and it is awesome, and he loves it. David got me the Twilight movie companion book and the Lion and Lamb ring set, and we got some family the movie soundtrack, which is a lot like the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack, revisited.
David got a basketball, which is nice, when we were dating we would skip out of lame-o singles ward church activities and shoot hoops in the gym, so it will be nice to do that again. We also really want to start going to the gym, so hopefully we can make that happen!
Caleb has been such a cutie pie. Doing his Ohh face more often and he is starting to babble so much. H is currently babbling "mamamamama ma ma maaa" just like that and "dadadada da da" just began about 2 days ago. He has his 4 front teeth and is a master climber!
For the non family down times, we stayed up all hours of the night and watched our Net Flicks "The Office" series. We are at the part where Jim has just been transferred back to Scranton and there is weirdness between him and Pam b/c he is "kinda" dating the Italian chick and Pam is single again. I have seen a couple episodes before (loved the British Office), but never followed the show, so watching it in order gives a new appreciation for it it all!
Jim Halpert by Amaloneyart -Holy Cow this artist is so amazing, he has the whole cast too!! I wonder if he does custom work?
Jim by Elloh she is amazing, such whimsical qualities to her work. She has does the British Office, LOST, Golden Girls and other fun stuff.
I debated putting this story on here, since it is special, but then I decided to share it anyways because it IS special and sometimes, stories like this can help others.
David and his man relatives were going to go camping, but they found out there is a burn ban right now, so they canceled it. David was distrought and decided to camp out in his parent's living room. More room on the bed for me!! Well, Isaac slept with me and I read him some from The Ensign (our church magazine of inspirational talks from the prophet/apostles other leaders and helpful articles). We then said our prayers and went to bed.
He looked at me and said "I see Angel, Mommy". He looked up a little above the corner our bed and said "Angel is white light." He told me he wanted to hug the Angel. It was a very peaceful and serene moment. I didn't want to ask questions to put ideas in his head, so we asked him the next morning. He told us it was a "boy angel, like Jesus" (grandpa perhaps?) and that he wanted to "hug the Angel, but couldn't" I know that the veil is thinner for children than adults, and it is so neat to see these things.
I loved it, when as new babies, I would hold my boys, and they would look past my head to look at a blank spot at the wall or ceiling, and they would get this bright glow and smile in their eyes and they would smile so huge for such a tiny creature, as if they were communicating with a heavenly being. The feeling in my heart tells me this is true, and I always imagine my dad standing there beside me.
For the Etsy/RubyLane/ArtFire/Lollishops or other online venue selling tip of the day, Timothy Adam Designs has an excellent post on social networking. Here it is so have at it!
And now I have to go, b/c Isaac found a mini pair of scissors and has chopped off large sections of Caleb's hair in the past couple of seconds while I was typing. Adios!
THIS POST IS REALLY LOOOOOONG... but bear with me, it gets AWESOME, I just couldn't stop myself today!!!
The day has arrived, my wonderful hubby of 5 years and father of my 2 little chitlens has finally graduamated!
He was so deboniar, my little Cum Laude extrodianare, who almost choked on his tassel as he walked across the stage! We have been college students our entire dating and marriage career, so now that he is done, we just don't know what to do with ourselves. I think I will go back, I only have about a year and a half left. (ps, don't I look CUTE in my Bella/Edward double breasted grey jacket?!)
Hopefully, he will get a job soon (prayers and warm energy/happy thoughts may help here), because I REALLY don't want to be stuck in our teeny 3RD FLOOR apartment for another 6 months! I NEED a craft room for my biz! I NEED seperate rooms for our boys! I NEED a backyard! I NEED carpet that doesn't smell like dog/little boy pee and walls that don't have yucky grime from past smokers seeping through the paint! I NEED a countertop that doesn't stab me in the collar bone EVERY time I walk into the kitchen! I NEED windows with NEW blinds that aren't shredded and folded shards of metal! I NEED storage! I NEED a bathtub that isn't hugging the toilet so I can GIVE baths! rant. ends. here. Of course, I am very thankful to be living in a safe and warm environment.
By the way, have you met Edward Cullen? I have! I made him for a custom order. I would have done him a little differently if it wasn't for a custom request (like the eyes and hair) but he is still cute, no? His outfit even matches Robert Pattinson's movie promo photo shoot. If you love him, I can make you one (I love you and all, but not for free silly!), and if you love Twilight, then come and browse my Jeweled Ambrosia Bella bracelets and Twilight jewelry!!
Anywho, I thought I would celebrate by sharing a yummy recipe I happened upon. So enjoy!
ps, Andies Mints, those drops of minty heaven works best in these! pss, if you crave Girl Scout Thin Mints year round, then THESE Keebler Elves Grasshoppers will hold you over, my friends!! Oh, those naughty elves!
NOTE! Horrid lacy curtain is not mine, I ganked this image off the internet ;)
I thought it VERY important to post info about the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) testing that will be effecting us ALL in February 2009. It is a ridiculous safety test for toy/clothing makers of children (under the age of 12) that will drive prices to sky rocket as well as shut down MANY small business and stay at home moms. It would be MORE efficient to have raw materials already tested and not to import dangerous goods into the USA, but this is just another way for the gov to make some money. Read here for info and write your state reps to have this law amended!! HERE is a great post and HERE is another great post that breaks down testing product cost for the small time mom who makes bibs, hair bows and such, (warning, upsetting!) That means, you can't buy cute things such as THESE either EVER again, or not for a remotely affordable price! Also, this law will prohibit ANY donation or resale of used toys and clothing. That means no more donating to homeless shelters, Goodwill, no more selling your kids outgrown clothing to Kid ti Kid or on ebay, craigslist, gargage sales...
"Keep in mind as well, that is law will forbid fair trade in the US. There are literally thousands of families in developing countries, making beautiful and safe children' items, and selling them through fair trade initiatives such as Ten Thousand Villages. This law will eliminate the ability of women across the globe to support their families. This law will also make it illegal to recycle clothing of any kind, toys and all other children's items. The way that this legislation is written will force retailers to dump all untested inventory as of February 10. That could amount to millions of tons of pure waste in our country's landfills. To anyone who truly believes that this is unimportant, all I can say is that you are incredibly naive. This nation was built on the backs of entreprenuers... this law effectively kills the American dream for thousands of people." -lillipopsdesigns
Of course we want our toys and children to be safe and non toxic, but this law is designed to CRUSH the little guy and moake LOTS of money for large corporate monsters.
I also wanted to show a piece from jewelry designer June Shin. She is a delight to work with, so take a peek at what she has to offer! If you love my jewelry designs, then you will love hers too!
One last cookie recipe from The Crocheted Baby (go check out her shop!!) I like how she gives the idea to wrap the top with colorful cellophane and tie with a bow, lollipop style. They would be cute like that in a little basket for party favors/yummy decor!
EASY SANDWICH COOKIE LOLLIPOPS
1 pkg (10-12 ozs) vanilla or white chips 2 Tbps shortening, divided 1 pkg (16 ozs) chocolate and crème sandwich cookies (such as double-stuffed Oreos) – you’ll have some left over 24 wooden popsicle or craft sticks 1 cup (6 ozs) semisweet chocolate chips
In a microwave or double boiler, melt vanilla chips and 1 Tbsp shortening; stir until smooth. Twist apart 24 sandwich cookies. Dip the end of each popsicle stick into melted chips; place on a cookie half and top with another half. Place cookies on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; freeze for 15 minutes.
Reheat vanilla chip mixture again if necessary; dip frozen cookies into mixture until completely covered. (You should run out of melted vanilla chips before all 24 cookies are dipped – just put them back in the freezer with the others for now.) Return the dipped cookies to the baking sheet; freeze 30 minutes longer.
Melt the chocolate chips and remaining shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. You should have enough leftover melted chocolate to dip those 4 or 5 ‘naked’ cookies. Store them in an airtight container - in the refrigerator if your house is warm."
Adorable Gingerbread Man ornament by Elsie Marley. Check out her shop for more wonderful things! Get the pattern HERE!
One LAST GOODIE... FREE printable tags from the WONDERFul Black Apple! Go HERE to get your free download :)
First time with Santa. Caleb was a little scared, Isaac was happy!
My baby turned ONE the other day. He is soo cute and sweet and calming, and is turning into a little climber. When we took him to get his one year shots, Issac was begging the nurse "NO cup (cut) baby!! Be Careful, don't hurt Cabib!!"... yes, he covered his eyes and actually tried to take the vaccine tray away from her as she was prepping. He must be a little scared from the scissors and stitches incident...
Isaac helped make the birthday cake, he is so helpful, he just loves his little brother! Do you spy my Scentsy candle? Oh goodie, I got the Sugar Cookie melts and the Irish Cream car freshner and those make me so happy, I just want to smell them constantly!!
Okay, back to the subject at hand... As tradition that I started for my oldest child, on the first birthday, everyone in attendance got a sheet of paper and wrote him a letter for him to open when he turns 18. The letters consisted of testimonies, advice, sweet sentiments, encouragement and other great things. I created a little time capsule that I put these letters in, as well as other mementos that I will add to in his youth.
Then, on his 18th birthday, he will open the capsule, and read all of the letters, look at all the pictures (and his friends will think, wow, your parents were hot back then! I jest...). In any case, I want this to be a tradition for each of my children and I hope I don't get {too} lazy over the years and forget/lose/accidentally give to Goodwill these letters, because they are true gems. For Calbe's birthday, we had fajitas and cake (I made it, got the wrong kind of icing so the polka-dots/number ran :( The family talked, laughed, and played the Wii. Go Grandmas, GO!!
Here, we decorated the Christmas tree. I usually do an all white/silver/blue shabby chic tree, or one year I did the jewel tone and antiqued gold Victorian tree, but this year, I wanted to do something cheery and bright because Isaac is really into it now. I am a tree perfectionist. I usually unload and reload the tree at LEAST three times every Christmas, but I relented some control and allowed my toddler to help.
He handed me ornaments and tried to name them as he gave them to me to hang. Oh, the hilarity of it all when he picked up a crazy heart ornament I made as a youth and tried to figure out, "what tha heck is this thing!?". His facial expressions slayed us as we watched the video over and over again (only the first minute of the video, you can shut off the rest). Enjoy!!
And, no, I did not borrow ornaments from the back of the tree (thus making it lean forward) for the sheer beauty of a fully stocked photo, and no, I did not get the majority of my ornaments at Micheal's/Joann's 90% off after Christmas sale last year. As for my singular shelf of which I can decorate, I wanted to make a lovely Nesting Place style garland, but alas I could not find my greenery box and the shelf wouldn't hold that much weight anyways, so I used my feather boa and a strand of red wooden beads. I consider the decorations as part of the garland!
But hey, look at what I DID get! At the Antique Mall, I got these cute card ornaments. All you do, is take cards cut out the front and glue it onto a foam board and then, cut out the back of the card (the part with the message on the inside) and glue that to the back of the foam board so the message is on the back. Then, you punch holes in the top and string in some tulle for a loop and a bow. Now, glue and glitter that puppy up and you are set. Makes great and inexpensive gifts for neighbors, friends and family.
The other two ornaments I made last year. I got some paper mache ornaments, painted them and added trims and ribbon. The snowflakes are brads that I cut the backs off and glued them on. I went for the whole robin's egg blue, red and white theme, because, really, is there anything better?
Also, I started my shop on Lollishops. It is fun over there, but a little more confusing than Etsy because there is the main site, than the Ning public blog, than the Ning vendors only blog, then the Flickr group... it's just a little much. As a seller, I feel like a newbie for the first time again. I do gotta say though, that listing an item for sell is a snap, where as on Etsy, it is this major production, so I LOVE that! Compare my two stores and let me know what style you prefer in the comments. Honestly though, every time I go to the Antique Mall, I wish I would be able to have my own little booth! Oh, I would LOVE THAT- has anyone done that before??!!
Also, I want to inspire everyone to Pay it Forward today. The other day, someone wrote me such a nice letter, and it came at the perfect time, when I needed a bit of uplifting. And yesterday, my mom was at Braum's and the guy helping her was so kind and nice (unusual for the particular location.) He even helped an elderly lady to her car. Well, my mom called and wanted to let the management know she appreciated him. They were so happy, that corporate found out and took the boy out and even gave him a special gift for a reward. All because of a phone call!!
Friends Help You Fly by Fannie Narte
What can we do today to Pay it Forward? Do you have a friend/relative/neighbor/local clerk that may need a boost? An anonymous letter or note. An overdue apology or phone call.
There was an elderly man who was the grocery cart getter at our grocery store, and I saw him get out of his car one day, so I left him a little "Thank You note" and a flower in his car windshield... Maybe, while you are scraping your car windshield, you can go and scrape someone's else's? If you are an Etsian, buy from a new seller with no sells, you can find them by using the "undiscovered" Pounce feature! Offer to babysit, bring someone some cookies, or a bag of groceries... Honestly, sometimes it helps to pray, so that you will be guided to know who needs an extra bit of help. I hope everyone has the opportunity to serve someone in some way today. Not only will it warm them, but it will warm you inside as well.
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