chickpea studios

2009-08-22T08:56:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the blogging absence this week...not that it's unusual...

My blog and site and everything Chickpea has been moved and I didn't want to blog during the move and make more work for my technically inclined friend.

Please come visit me over at the new and soon to be improved Chickpea Studios. I haven't had a chance to fully alter the site and make it my own. And to be perfectly honest, I have no idea how to do any of that stuff anyways...I just keep bugging my techie friend until he does it!

Oh, and I haven't blogged over there yet but I'm hoping to this weekend! So, come visit me and save the link, change your favorites, add my new site to your blogroll...whatever you have to do...

Chickpea Studios

nice days make me happy

2009-08-15T15:04:00.003-04:00

It's been gorgeous here the last few days...a bit humid but otherwise great! We've managed to spend some time outside and I've been making progress on all of my projects.

Estella and I had a nice morning at the Reservoir yesterday with some friends. It was so sunny and warm. The water was so nice and warm that Estella willingly went in and played, which was a relief. She has a tendency to be a little hesitant to go in the water but not yesterday...maybe it was the heat, or the fact that the water felt like a bath tub...

We gathered our first helping of beans last night for dinner...very yummy. The garden continues to be a bit disappointing, but at least we've managed a few tasty servings from it so far!
I've finished the quilt...did I already blog that? I really can't remember but anyways it's done!

I've been slowly working on the rabbit pattern. I do a few minutes every now and then but nothing much. It's too nice out to be stuck inside sewing...and considering how miserable the weather was around here this summer, I'd better enjoy it while I can!

Hope you all have been able to enjoy the beautiful weather this week! I'll try to post again as I make more progress on my projects, or if something really thrilling happens that I just have to share...

what are you going to use it for?

2009-08-09T13:49:00.006-04:00

That (the title) is what I can expect to hear from my husband whenever I come home with anything unexpected. And, I usually end up finding a use for just about everything I come home with...

I've had a few trips to flea markets and thrift stores lately and I've come home with quite a few new items needing attention...and I think he's getting used to it (or he's given up) so I haven't had to come up with reasons for my purchases.
This is the most recent pile of projects/finds. I'm a sucker for old pieces and the hidden potential I see in them...and I like to redo old furniture. I can pretty much blame (or thank) my parents for that trait. There was never a shortage of furniture projects going on in our household!

And in my defense, I have a pretty good track record for getting my projects done. I finished the couch and the chair that I was working on last year, and I just finished a vintage metal bathroom cabinet I bought earlier this summer (which looks great Mom). So in honor of my huge pile of things-to-get-redone, I'm also planning to finally start on this old chair.

Yes, it's vinyl and incredibly ugly, but also incredibly comfortable and a really great shape and size. I've never done any upholstering with buttons so it should be an adventure, but I figure it'll be a great indoor project as the weather gets cooler and it's no longer warm enough for painting...

I will say that while researching the techniques on reupholstering this style of chair, I'm realizing why it's so ridiculously expensive to pay someone to do it for you....this should be an experience. I'll try to keep updating my progress as I get started.

I have begun sewing binding.

I'll be finished somewhere between the wedding and my death...okay maybe I'm exaggerating but it's a bit slow going...and I think I need to invest in a thimble...it kills my fingers!

Just to update our mental status for those of you who know what's going on with the houses...we are maintaining. We continue to hope for a sale but are fully prepared to move again. I've also maybe sorta kinda decided that if we do move, I may want to take the house off the market so we can have some stability for a little while...the not knowing and uncertainty has been the hardest part. But as usual, we shall see...all we can do at this point is continue to wait. We'll of course keep you all posted.

Yeah!

2009-08-06T14:55:00.003-04:00

I managed to finally get everything done for Plush You and I even managed to get them in the mail on time...though I did cut it kind of close. These three are on their way to Washington:
Now it's time for me to get going on the quilt I've been avoiding. I still have about half of the quilting to do and the entire binding...yuck! I'm sure I'll get it done, I like to have something to work on at night and the binding is a perfect chill-on-the-couch kind of project.

And yet another reason my daughter is spoiled rotten and sure to turn into the world's biggest brat...I serve her lunches like this.

No...not everyday, but when I do this, she eats most of it and asks for more. If I don't have to convince her to eat her food, I'm more than happy to break out the cookie cutters and slice up her grapes!

Terrible picture I know...but it's our first carrot so I had to document it! I pulled one out just to see how they're doing and Estella ate it for dessert.

I've had pretty rotten luck with my gardens this year, and I'm pleased to have something edible come out of it...even if it is a 4 inch long carrot. I'll take just about anything I can get...I've lost most of my beets, all of my zucchini and summer squash, and my tomatoes are dwarfs. I shouldn't make it seem all bad though - we've had a ton of herbs and lettuce, and it looks like we'll have a decent crop of beans. I know I'm not the only one with a difficult garden this year so I'm trying not to take it too personally!

It has been a gorgeous day today...sunny and warm with a nice breeze...perfect for mowing the lawn and playing in the sand box! I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for the rain to hold of since I'd love to get to the local farmer's market tonight. We shall see...

2009-07-30T14:24:00.005-04:00

We took advantage of some nice weather this weekend and visited some local waterfalls. It's nice to see cool things locally that you've never seen before...it makes me realize there's lots more to discover in Vermont (even though I've lived here my whole life).
Estella modeling some sunglasses that were meant to go to the thrift store...they are now a new addition to her accessory collection. She's such a ham...

She's getting quite the little personality as she grows into more and more of a little girl...she never ceases to amaze me...or make me laugh.

And in the spirit of procrastination and putting off what I should be working on, I've picked out materials for a rabbit pattern that I'm testing out. I don't normally make stuffed animals from a pattern, but I'm sort of testing this one for a fellow blogger...more on that later.

Cool vintage buttons from the ReStore:

I've developed a bit of a button addiction. I accumulate them from flea markets and thrift stores and old clothing. Everywhere I go I find cool buttons...now all I need to do is find a use for them.

On the home front, my garden has been enjoying these few days of summer sun, Walti has been enjoying his job and the promise of some time in the ER sometime soon, and we are still trying to keep our heads up as we count down the days until we (may) have to move. We are definitely hoping for a super summery sunny August and some time to spend together enjoying it!

Happy weekend to everyone...it's supposed to be a nice one...keep your fingers crossed!

chillin'

2009-07-21T15:45:00.002-04:00

We haven't been doing much lately so I haven't had too much to blog about and also, if I'm being totally honest with myself (and you), I'm moping. I figure if I don't have lots of nice things to share, why bother...I'm feeling stressed and I can't really hide it so I figure I should post as little as possible so as not to spread my anxiety...it's contagious you know.

I've been trying to engage in stress-free, relaxing activities. We spent some time one morning lounging on the porch (complete with pillows and blankets) and made a nice tent to hide under. The people driving by must have thought we were nuts but at least it kept Estella happy for a couple of hours.
Estella and I had a relaxing weekend in the Kingdom this weekend. It was nice to get away and Estella had fun visiting her Grandma, and Grammy and Papa.

Estella did a little gardening and shelled some peas...she very carefully shelled one pea at a time...her attention to detail A+, time management D-. Luckily we weren't having peas for dinner or we may have never eaten!

A little DJ time with Daddy:

And in between it all I've done a little sewing:

This one is still in the works, as are many of the others. Did I mention I'm not doing so well with actually finishing anything? I'm distracted and seem to be bouncing around to different projects. I finished Estella's first piece of clothing...and I'm planning some more. I raided my Mom's fabric while home and found some super cute wool for coats or winter dresses, and I really need to get busy on the quilt I've been working on. Maybe I'm developing ADD in my old age, or maybe I'm just avoiding the rest of my life by hiding in the sewing room...yeah, now that I mention it, it's more likely that I'm hiding than late onset ADD. Oh well, there are worse things I could be doing than sewing!

go figure

2009-07-10T14:32:00.003-04:00

I've made clothing in the past. It's never really been something I've been super into, but for some reason I've decided to make some clothing for Estella. I'm starting out with a pair of pants from this issue of Ottobre.
I also have two more issues coming with more wintery clothing in them so maybe I can make lots of clothing this winter while we're buried under snow. We'll see how long this kick lasts, but for now...let the sewing begin!

Estella spent a long time playing with water the other day. She poured it back and forth from cup to cup while I worked around the house...whatever entertains her, right?

We received a box of goodies in the mail today, and went to Ben Franklin/Creative Habitat yesterday (cuz they're going out of business...looking for a bargain!), and we seem to have ended up with a couple of Matryoshka items...kind of an odd coincidence, but colorful and fun nonetheless!

So, obviously I'm planning some clothing to sew, I have a quilt in the works for some friends, and I'm continually working on projects for the two shows (one is most likely postponed though so that gives me a little break on my deadlines), and I have a list started for Christmas gifts...I've got a lot of plans, and not much time...isn't that the way it usually works?!

2009-07-07T16:42:00.003-04:00

This year Waterbury had their Fourth of July parade and festivities the week before the actual holiday, so by the time the Fourth rolled around we weren't feeling very festive.

We went for a drive and ended up going strawberry picking which we decided seemed all American enough to count as a holiday festivity...
I wish I had remembered my camera...Estella was so sweet picking berries! I'll try to remember it for blueberry picking...

Having pounds of berries with no idea what to do with them has made me look into learning the art of canning. I'm only referring to it as an "art" because there are so many things to keep in mind to can...equipment, acid levels, altitude, BOTULISM! Reading up on the subject has me thinking that canning is best left to those who have been taught by someone but I'm thinking of trying...any tips? How scared should I be about killing my family with bacterial infused canned goods? I guess as long as I'm careful ( and I buy a pressure canner) I should be able to can just about anything, right?

The first house is still on the market...we're resorting to odd religious practices and good ol'fashioned prayer. St. Joseph will be buried in the front yard tonight!
I was managing to remain fairly Zen about the whole thing...feeling like it'll all work out, even if we loose the house we're in...figuring there must be some reason for whatever happens...remaining upbeat and optimistic...not so much anymore! I'm now in full on panic and constant anxiety mode. I know it won't help the situation, but it is who I am and I can't help it. I love this house and the property, and we've been living in it for almost a year with the feeling and understanding that this is our home...I don't know if I can make it through another move. I guess there's not much to do now but sit and wait...and PRAY!

I've been continuing to try to get some work done everyday. I'm making progress on my projects, but not managing to actually finish any of them. I'm kind of getting close to my deadline for one of the shows so I guess I'll have to actually finish a few of them soon.

Walter is currently studying like a mad man...he has his NCLEX exam tomorrow afternoon, so everyone think happy, passing grade thoughts for him!

Hope you all had lots of Fourth of July fun!

long haired freaky people

2009-06-29T14:16:00.003-04:00

Today is day number one of four days of fore casted rain and she's already going nuts!
I'm not thrilled with the rain, but maybe it'll help my gardens. I haven't been having very much luck with my veggie gardens. Everything is alive, just not growing...and very pale. I have really nice soil, bought organic plants, and have tried watering and not watering per suggestions...still not doing very well. Oh, and we tried fish emulsion too...nada. Any thoughts?

I've been getting some work done everyday even if it's only half an hour...I think I'm on my final pieces now (there are four in the works) as long as I'm happy with the results.

It's kind of amazing that I get anything done with Estella trying to take over my work space! I guess I've kind of gotten used to working with one hand and taking dangerous scissors, pins, markers, etc. out of her hands with the other. I'm always amazed to read the blogs of other crafty moms who have more than one child and manage to get so much accomplished.

And as promised-a picture of my finished forest creature:

I only took this one picture since the light in the studio is so bad today. I'll try to get more when the weather changes...

I've been working more with (mostly) recycled wool, fur and felt. This guy is a wool blend felt that was really great to work with, but I'm looking forward to trying some 100%wool felt. A friend suggested some places to order some from and this place is local. I spoke to someone on the phone that said I could order by phone and pick it up at the warehouse so I won't have to wait (or pay) for shipping! Plus, I'm always up for trying some new materials...I'm already getting inspired by all of the great colors!

dreary days

2009-06-23T16:50:00.002-04:00

It's June in Vermont and I find myself wondering when summer plans on coming this way...the days have been dreary here...very windy too, and though we've been able to be outside most days, it's not sunny and warm like I wish it was...oh well, I live in Vermont and moody weather is to be expected. Vermont's lucky it's so pretty...that's all I have to say!

We went on a little outing this weekend to the Quechee Balloon Festival. It was the Festival's 30th year and I may (?) have been at the first one. I grew up quite literally across the street from the Festival and have fond memories of the event. I was disappointed to find that it wasn't nearly as great as I'd remembered. I have memories of tons of balloons laid out on the ground and watching the people blow them up, watching them take off...just lots of general fun.

The only balloon we saw was the above one that was old and dirty...but it was blown up with huge fans and Estella got to run around inside of it. We weren't there for any of the launch times so I suppose that's why we didn't see any balloons but really the whole event felt more like a craft fair with carnival food vendors. Considering that we don't really eat fried-meaty-carnival foods, we couldn't even enjoy that...luckily, The Skinny Pancake had a stand there so we got to eat some good, yummy food...and of course some french fries too!

Estella was able to go on a train ride and a bouncy, blown up slide and we saw some parachuting men...so she was satisfied. I think I was mostly disappointed because I had such great memories of the Festival...I have to wonder, was it really ever that great or is it just my memory of it?

My monster:
This is not the smile of a well behaved little girl sitting nicely at the table enjoying her snack...oh no, no, no...this is the smile I get when I catch the little girl making soupy piles of pretzels soaked in water...but she is cute.

More progress on my current project:

I've actually finished this one since I've taken the photo. Once it's sewn shut, I'll share some more photos. This particular creature is not really my usual style, but it is the direction I've been heading in. It was a ton of hand sewing...definitely many hours of work, but I'm very pleased with the outcome. Sometimes I need to head in a different direction to take a break from what's becoming boring...being bored with your work doesn't exactly breed creativity. Maybe that's why I always have a million projects going at once...

Well, I'm off to narrow down my Amazon Wish List...I have a very long list going and since my counterfeiting skills leave something to be desired, I'll have to narrow it down...not that I can really afford to be buying books right now but I have a little bit of an addiction and it must be fed!

stuff(ed) & things

2009-06-18T14:21:00.004-04:00

Yeah, that's right...I'm famous! Okay, maybe not famous, but I am in print!

I didn't know that one of my creatures was chosen to be in the most recent issue of Stuffed. I sent in to be considered, but I didn't know until I received my free copy in the mail...a very nice surprise!
I don't think that this issue is out for sale yet, but when it is you should all check it out...a magazine devoted to Plush-geeks like myself. What could be better?

I've heard of birds in sand dollars, but I'd never seen it myself...broken sand dollar birds brought to you by Estella...

Really very cool...at least if you break something as pretty as a sand dollar, you get something else equally as interesting. I looked it up...apparently they're supposed to be doves.

I'm working a bit here and there. I took this morning to do some major cleaning and rearranging upstairs but maybe I'll get some sewing in later. If I'm totally honest, I was cleaning to cover up my procrastination, but who's counting? I'll work when the mood strikes me...

I'm happy to report a successful loaf of bread! My first three loaves were bread disguised as bricks, but I took my time on the fourth one and paid close attention to the dough and I actually managed a normal loaf of bread...there's hope for me as a baker yet! Thanks for all of the tips!

improvement

2009-06-16T14:00:00.003-04:00

Things are looking up around here a bit. I found out last week that I have pretty severe anemia which could explain my general lack of energy. I'm being treated...taking iron and being aware of resting and relaxing, and I'm feeling a bit better. So, maybe my blogging energy will improve.

I received a very nice present last week...thanks Santa! I've been trying to learn to use it and bake all at the same time. I've had a very successful batch of cookies, one semi successful loaf of bread and one more is currently rising.

I've also acquired one very enthusiastic kitchen helper:
When I asked her what she thought she was doing, she replied, "planting seeds for a garden." Duh, Mama...

I would love any recipes for bread that you've all tried and liked. I'd also love to know how I'm supposed to let bread rise in a kitchen that is freezing cold...I've been trying the oven method. You turn on the oven for a minute and then let the dough rise in the warm oven...doesn't seem to be working. But if I'm totally honest, I think my yeast isn't any good anymore...oh well, lots to figure out and perfect, but I'm not giving up yet!

I've also started sprouting. I know a few people who sprout all of the time and I've finally managed to give it a go. So far, so good.
I've been working on my projects. I've hit a little slump, but I'm hoping I'll be able to get back in the swing of things since I'm kind of working with a time restraint.

I have ideas, I'm just having a hard time finding the motivation to get started...maybe I need to start drinking coffee!

Vacation Cont.

2009-06-11T17:55:00.002-04:00

I really want to apologize for the lack of enthusiasm in my posts recently...and this one will be no exception. I've been feeling a little run down and I just don't have the energy to put into it. My lack of energy is by no means a reflection of our last week in California. We had a great time - very relaxing in fact. I just wanted to get up some pictures from that last week so that I could get back to more recent events in my next post!

Baking with Grandma Chase (don't worry, they were dog biscuits!)
The Discovery Museum:

Mission Pie...a great pie shop and business...search this place out if you're in San Francisco!

A childhood dream come true...we went to the Mrs. Grossman's factory...when I was younger, I had every intention of owning a sticker store when I grew up, and just seeing all those rolls of stickers was enough to rekindle that old flame! :)

We did go on outings most days, but really we spent a lot of time at Chase and Brian's. They have a great house, and a nice closed in yard with lots of garden beds and chickens! It was nice to relax in the sun, pet the chickens and poke around the gardens...not to mention that a closed in yard takes a lot of stress off of keeping track of a two year old!

It was a really great visit, and we're hoping we'll be able to make the trip again soon...thanks for everything!

I will try to find some enthusiasm for my next blog...actually it's not so much enthusiasm I'm lacking-it's energy. Either way, I've been working on my projects, so I should hopefully have something new to share soon!

The Coast

2009-06-09T09:29:00.002-04:00

There really isn't much to say about the drive up the coast except that there was a lot of driving involved.
It was also very cold...cold enough that we didn't have enough clothing with us to stay warm...which made all outdoor activities miserable.

We did get to visit with Claude and Maggie (I guess they're Walter's step Grandparents) for a day and Estella got to see all kinds of animals and torment their sweet dog, Puppers.

We also spent a few chilly minutes at Denis the Menace Park in Monterrey...a really great park for kids to climb and slide and swing but it was just so cold that we didn't stay long.
Next up, San Francisco, Novato and Grandma Chase!

Sorry for the lack of enthusiasm in posting today...it's rainy and cold and Estella has been asking all morning, "Estella go on airplane to California." and I'm sort feeling like asking for the same thing! We're all kind of missing California...we've come home to some harsh realities here and it'd be nice if we could escape back to vacation mode...

Los Angeles & Uncle Mark

2009-06-05T15:46:00.006-04:00

We had a really great visit with my brother, Mark (and Attie, too), in LA. He lives in a great house in Los Feliz in LA...not the kind of architecture you'd find in Vermont...so big and roomy!

The weather was gorgeous the whole time we were there...hot and sunny all day! We did a few fun touristy things-using Estella as our excuse...a trip to Travel Town:

And the La Brea Tar Pits and Page Museum:

The tar pits and the museum we so cool! The museum has a ton of skeletons found in the pits and there were also tar pits all around the property...actual bubbling tar that you could walk right up to and touch! Very cool!

We also went for a visit to Vacation:

And right around the corner...we had some frozen yogurt:

I had to include a picture of the yogurt shop, only because it was so not Vermont!

Estella and Attie loved each other! Estella tormented Attie and Attie kept Estella with a face full of dog licks the entire time!

We had a really great couple of days...hopefully it won't be another four years before we make it out again!

Thanks for a great visit, Mark! Hope to see you soon!

a long trip

2009-06-04T16:39:00.003-04:00

Well, we're back! There's so much to catch up on that I thought I'd do a couple of different posts to catch up. First things first...Walter graduated!! with Honors, no less :)

We had a really nice weekend with family and fun and being thankful that it was all over with.
And then two days later, we left for California....but didn't quite make it there as planned!

We missed our connecting flight in JFK and ended up spending almost 10 hours in the terminal waiting on standby. Estella managed to get in a 45 minute nap in a quiet corner:

And since we were there all day long we found all of the fun spots to play and hide:

I won't get into all of the details describing just how difficult the day was, but it was very long and frustrating...and to make a long story short, we arrived in LA safe and sound!

And we managed to arrive late enough to avoid most of the traffic!

I'll post more about the trip later, and I'm happy to report that it only got better! For now, we're off to the Farmer's Market!

Pop-unders

2009-05-09T17:57:00.003-04:00

Someone please tell me the secret to making Popovers! I've made a few successful batches of Popovers in the past, but I have no idea what recipe I used or why they were successful. Estella constantly asks for them, and I always grab some random recipe off the Internet, and they never work...HELP! There's got to be some secret trick that one of you can share with me...

We went to the Queen City Craft Bazaar today. It's nice to walk around and see all of the work that some local crafters are doing. Maybe some day I'll have the guts (and the stock) to do the show...we'll see.

We also pretty much stayed inside and watched it rain. Estella really wanted to be outside though, so we spent a little time on the porch until it started to rain sideways!
I couldn't resist Estella's cute little wrinkled feet...and she's clutching her Basil plant. The girl is obsessed with Basil in general and this plant is no exception...it ends up inside in random places, and she throws an incredible fit whenever I try to take it away. I hate to imagine what she's going to do when I actually get around to planting it!

I am happy to say that I'm very nearly done with all of the little random things I need to get done in order to go away and actually be able to relax. It's been a week of crossing things off of my to do list...yeah!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mamas out there!

making progress

2009-05-04T18:20:00.003-04:00

We've been doing a ton of work outside since my last post. The old grass is freshly mowed and the new grass is safely hiding under a layer of straw...we're really hoping it takes this time!
The garden boxes are filled with really nice compost/soil, and the front of the house has new beds with some pretty flowers and herbs. I've been enjoying working outside this year which a complete change from last year. Last year I avoided outside activities whenever possible, but this year I've voluntarily raked and mowed the lawn! Last year at this time though we were getting over a really stressful couple of months and I just wasn't feeling it...

Tonight, Walter is at his last class! He has a week long review for his NCLEX next week, but as for normal classes and homework, he's done! It's been a long three years but the end is in sight!!

Estella enjoying a little painting time...we pretty much figure she's done painting when she starts to use the paint as a hand moisturizer...

I've quilted half of the quilt I'm working on:

I've also been trying to work on some other projects...

I have two shows due in August so there may be a mad rush for the studio after vacation. I think I have two shows...Shawn, are you still doing Potluck? Anyways, I figure when we get back, it's my turn to say I have lots of work to do and disappear for a couple of days into the studio, and Walter can enjoy a little Estella time!

Basically, we've been enjoying the weather, doing some work, I've been trying to convince my hypochondriac self that I'm not going to die of The Swine Flu, and we're really looking forward to graduation and vacation!

adding some color

2009-04-26T13:43:00.003-04:00

Estella and I have new shoes! I haven't had a new pair of sneakers since my honeymoon and Estella has outgrown her little pink Converse, so we both have new, bright, colorful sneakers.
I'm sorry to say that I missed most of yesterday, and I'm really bummed because it was so gorgeous out. I tried to be outside for a bit in the morning, but I ended up inside until the afternoon...I had a killer migraine. I get them fairly often, as most of you know, but I consider most of them to be functional migraines, but yesterday my head had a different plan for me. So, I spent the majority of that wonderful day inside on the couch, in bed, or with a bag of frozen food on my head. I hope the rest of you were able to enjoy it more than me! Luckily Walter was around so he and Estella were able to spend the whole day outside playing and working.

And of course, today it's kind of chilly and rainy...so we went to the natural food store and got some food for lunch,

And I went and got some flowers to plant around the front porch...a bit of badly needed color around the house.

We've been getting a fair amount of outside work done in the last week, and things are starting to feel more like ours...and we still have the whole summer ahead!

I can't believe Walter only has three more weeks to go! We are busy getting ready to wrap up the year...he's busy with school work and me with craft and house work. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at the amount of things I have to do, but I'm trying to get at least one thing done a day and hopefully by the time Graduation rolls around we'll be ready to leave. I'm figuring that if it's stressful getting to vacation then maybe the vacation itself will be really relaxing!

over the slump

2009-04-19T08:31:00.003-04:00

I think I may be over the end-of-winter hump that I was struggling to climb.

We've been outside enjoying the warmer weather and doing some work around the house. That's the problem with living in three different houses over the course of a year...you can't bring outside work with you...

We've moved Estella's sandbox over and will fill it with new sand today. We also built some raised garden beds.
It was no small task to find wood for the beds. Walter had to go all over creation to find cedar, but we found some and now have beds that will last forever and won't leak nasty chemicals into our food. We've only built the frames, and will probably stake and start filling them today. I'm excited to have a bigger garden this year and I'm hoping that my late start (in June when we get back from California) won't be too late for a decent crop. I'll just have to do larger starters this year and save the actual gardening for next year.

I also want to start planting some plants and flowers around when the weather gets a bit warmer but they may also have to wait until June. The house is so plain and generic, and clearly went many years without love, and i feel that some flowers and plants could go a long way towards making it feel homey.

Our trip is fast approaching, as well as Walter's Graduation, visits from family, and a few shows I need to be crafting for. All of a sudden, when I find the ambition to do one thing, I have a million others that creep up on me...that's usually how it works, right?

A few of you guessed birds on my last post but alas, they're fish:
And also some strawberries in the works:

I haven't completely gone off the deep end...the fish and berries are for a small part of another project, something new I'm sort of trying and working towards...

Also thought it was time for a new video...this one's mostly for you Californian family members...enjoy!

Easter Egg Bunny

2009-04-13T14:01:00.004-04:00

Saturday we went on an Easter Egg Hunt and saw the Easter Bunny whom Estella refers to as the "Easter Egg Bunny."

She apparently doesn't have the killer instinct it takes to gather more Easter Eggs than all of the other children, but prefers to wander around picking up an egg, looking at it and then putting it back down and moving on. It was an event that was a little overwhelming for all of us...swarms of kids running around pushing each other down for the most Easter Eggs. Still, Estella had fun watching the mayhem and she was thrilled to see the Easter Bunny.

Most of the kids wouldn't get close enough to get a picture with him, but Estella was so thrilled to see him that she gave him a big hug and sat on his lap clapping her hands...she cried when we had to say good-bye.
She was thrilled with her Easter basket yesterday morning and insisted on carrying it around all day long. I couldn't get a very good picture of the basket since it was such a dreary day and I refuse to use the flash but it turned out really well. It's perfect for her because she's a bag lady of sorts and now she can carry the fabric basket around instead of the paper bags she's been so fond of.

She was also thrilled to find some stickers, toys and organic jelly beans in it. She was very willing to share her jelly beans with us when we asked which I thought was impressive since candy is such a rarity. I'm sure as she gets older she'll learn to horde her candy and won't share with me even if I beg...which I will.

We had a nice day together yesterday. Walter worked on a paper, Estella constantly made sure her Easter Basket was in sight and I looked out the window and whined about the fact that it was snowing, but at least we were all home with a day off!

I've also started a new project...a sneak peek for you:

So far so good, and hopefully I'll have more progress to share with you soon. The above is a small part of a much larger project so it may be a while, but it'll have to be done by August. (I'll share more about that at another time) It may be months before it's done, but I'm just happy that I've motivated enough to start working again...baby steps.

making changes

2009-04-10T16:28:00.003-04:00

I rearranged the living room yesterday and now there is a ton more open space...no TV, but a lot more space. The television didn't really fit into my furniture arrangement, so I've done away with it. We really don't watch it anyways, so what's the point of having an eight thousand pound ginormous television ruining my Feng Shui? Really, the only thing we watch is the computer and random movies which we will still be able to watch with the projector.

So, to sum it all up, no more TV but a lot more space...which Estella has been enjoying.
She also helped me bake some banana bread yesterday.

She mostly stirred around the flour with a measuring spoon and then played in the sink, but she really enjoyed helping. She wants to help pour and stir and measure whenever possible since someone (I won't mention names so as to not point fingers) always lets her help make his coffee...now whenever I cook, she screams "pour sugar" until I let her help with some aspect of my cooking. It's cute that she wants to help, but not always quite so helpful.

Our first house is officially on the market. The sign is up in the front yard and we have our fingers crossed. We are still dealing with the neighbors about the driveway (don't even ask, because I don't want to talk about it...UUUUGGGGHHHHH!!!) but it should be cleared up soon and hopefully we will never have to deal with them again. I know it's a bad time to sell, but we need to do it in order to get the mortgage on the house we're currently living in so, #1 must go!

Anyone want to buy a house?

Mini Vaca

2009-04-07T15:13:00.004-04:00

We had a really nice time in Boston last week.

We spent part of the day at the Aquarium checking out all they have to offer. The jellyfish exhibit was by far the coolest part.
Estella had lots of fun looking at all of the different sea creatures...she ran around yelling penguin, starfish, jelly and Stanley (which is the name of the fish in one of her books). It was very cute, and it will probably be a trip we make many times in the coming years. I can see how it would be fun with kids at all the different age levels.

We stayed in a really nice hotel right on the Long Wharf

And Estella was able to look out the windows at all of the boats coming and going.

We also walked around the Quincy Market/ Faneuil Hall area for a bit...Estella didn't want to walk around, she said she wanted to "sit, watch peoples"

It was a quick trip, but it was really nice to get away and have a little time all together with nothing to do but enjoy hanging out.

Estella has been learning to fold, and spends lots of time folding and unfolding washcloths, towels, and whatever else she can find.

We also bought a wardrobe of sorts for Walter's DJ equipment so now he can have turntables set up in the house at all times...he and Estella have been enjoying lots of DJ time with the new set-up.

Estella decided the best way to help me with the building was to climb on the my back, bounce up and down, and yell "ride horsey!"

I guess that basically sums up the last week. I haven't done any sewing at all. Partly because my machine was loaned out for a few days, and partly because I'm being lazy. I cleaned up my area yesterday though, and I'm hoping to get some sewing time in this week. It's time to motivate myself to get some work done and take advantage of these rainy days...once the sunny days come, sewing indoors will not be on my agenda!

Quiet time

2009-03-30T13:55:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the blogging absence, but there really hasn't been much for me to blog about. Things have been quiet around here lately. We've been reading and relaxing and enjoying the warmer weather...though today is quite dreary. I've been reading this and this just for something the think about, Estella will sit and read anything she can find...including sales circulars and my magazines, and Walter has been busy with a big Nursing something-or-other due next week.

I've been going to my classes and enjoying getting my butt kicked...I deserve it really, I'm the one who used having a baby as an excuse for a two year hiatus from physical activities...but the classes have been fun and I'm hoping to be able to keep doing them once Walter's schedule changes when he graduates. I really need a babysitter or something so that if his work schedule interferes, I won't have to stop going to classes...add it to the list of things I need to do...Estella's two and we still haven't found a babysitter. Sort of slacker-ish on my part, but also it just hasn't been entirely necessary up to this point.

We are off to Boston on Wednesday for a quick overnight stay and Aquarium trip. It was completely unplanned, but I decided this morning that if Walter's on break, we should do something fun as a family to get away. Maybe I'll have something more exciting to share when we get back! Happy Monday!

What the...?

2009-03-22T08:52:00.003-04:00

This is not what I thought I'd wake up to. Actually, the plows going by woke me up and I knew my day was not going to go as I'd planned.
The weather on the radio said it was supposed to be nice all weekend with a chance of rain on Saturday...RAIN!...not snow. Was I listening to the wrong station? Did the rest of you know this was coming? Either way, it's here and it's covering everything. It's the kind of snow that sticks to every tiny little branch...very pretty, just not really very welcomed.

On a tastier note, I have finally figured out how to make a decent banana bread! I'm very good at producing rotten bananas but have not, until recently, been very good at using them.

I modified a recipe I found on the Internet and it's super yummy...and I've tried it twice so I know the first time wasn't just a baking fluke. I've been enjoying it with Vermont Soy milk. I know lots of people are anti-soy, but you should all try the Vermont Soy milk. All of the flavors are so good! And it's local!

Estella composed this picture for your viewing pleasure:

She pulled a chair to the window and put her cereal and a book on it and told me to "take picture." So I did as I was told and indulged her artistic whims.

The very serious artiste...

I also am happy to report that Estella has actually started to say her name! Up until now, she referred to herself as "baby" but last night she found out how fun her name is to say and she hasn't stopped since. It's so fun to hear her saying her name in her cute little girl voice...I can't get enough!

I have a headache

2009-03-21T15:54:00.003-04:00

And am therefore incapable of coming up with a clever blog title.

I was looking at all of the millions of pictures on my camera and thought I'd share a rare moment of Estella with her hair in pigtails:
She gets very excited when she sees pigtails in a picture, but will rarely let me actually put them in her hair. I guess she was feeling particularly girly that day.

We took a quick trip to the bookstore today and I managed to spend all of Walter's hard earned money on new books...I like to think of my ability to leave the bookstore with new books as a special talent. This book and this book had some great projects in them and since I'm avoiding making plush right now, I need projects to try.

I also got two other reference books for some reading but I'm not going to get into their subject matter right this moment...

Our ghetto foot bridge through the mud in the driveway:

Luckily most of the snow surrounding the driveway has melted away, so our drive should be dried out soon and we'll be able to remove this eyesore of a pathway. It may be ugly, but my shoes are mud free! And Estella has been enjoying walking on it...perfecting her tightrope skills should she ever decide to run off and join the circus.

Tomorrow we are going to a little boy's 2nd birthday party. I purchased some wooden blocks and a book for him, but last minute decided he needed a bag to keep it all in:

Just a simple bag with his name on it which will also allow me to avoid gift wrapping!

Not much else is happening here. I got my butt kicked in a yoga class on Thursday, and my arms are still sore. I'm trying to be a big girl about it and rest my muscles because I start kickboxing on Monday...and the tires on the jogger have been filled, so running must also start back up...tis the season to work off the winter weight I gained!

Walter has another break after next week's classes and then only three (or is it four) weeks of school left...crazy that it really did go by fairly quickly! Graduation is exciting, but also leaving us with a ton of questions...once again our lives will be up in the air until we figure a few things out. We have a knack for getting ourselves into situations that leave us up in the air and unsettled...I guess you could consider that another special talent! What can I say, we're a talented kind of family :)

Hope you've all had the chance to enjoy the sunshine today - I'm looking forward to a lot more of it to come! Happy Spring!

Spring Cleaning?

2009-03-19T08:29:00.002-04:00

I can only assume that Estella is spring cleaning...
She's still a little young to really pretend cook, so she spends her time stacking every single dish and utensil on top of her stove. I figure she's just rearranging and organizing like her Mama!

FYI, the dishes that she got for her birthday are these...100% recycled and made in the US! That's how I justified them being plastic...that, and since they're made of milk jugs, they'll never disintegrate on us :)

Estella enjoying a little reading time in the sun:

She got this Alphabet/ Dictionary book recently and loves to sit and look at it and say "alphabet" over and over.

And of course Peanut is enjoying the return of the sun!

She will park herself in the tiniest little spot of sun for some extra warmth...if she's not laying in front of the heater vent. Look at those transparent ears! She's without a doubt the one who's most thankful for the return of warmer weather.

And thankfully, this morning was the first morning yet that I've woken up and there isn't any frost on my car. It's still chilly, but it's nice to know that spring and summer are on their way.

We are set to go away in May! Yesterday we finally broke down and bought our plane tickets and reserved our car rental for California. I've been avoiding making definite plans...not because I don't want to go, but because I'm so anxious about flying in general, not to mention flying with a two year old. I don't want to be that family that people groan at when they see you get on the plane. Still, I'm excited to go and Walter has promised that he won't fall asleep and leave me to deal with the flight on my own.

If anyone knows of any wonderful things to do anywhere from Los Angeles to San Francisco, let us know...this will be an entertain-the-two-year-old trip, not a shopping and partying trip like they have been in the past. I'm hoping that on our last weekend there, we'll be able to make it it to the San Mateo Maker Faire . I think it's not too far away and it would be a nice treat since I missed the Boston Bazaar Bizarre this year...we'll see.

Hope you're all able to get out and enjoy the day today, it looks like it's going to be a great one!

Next time I'll keep my mouth shut

2009-03-12T13:40:00.003-04:00

In my last post I was a little premature in my warm weather praises...the next morning I woke up to snow covering everything that had cleared and frozen ruts in the driveway. I knew winter wasn't over but it's harsh to have nice warm sun coming in the windows and then a day of darkness and snow to deflate my happy little springtime bubble.

As I was taking this picture of Estella at lunchtime, I realized that most of the pictures I take of her are while she's in her seat eating...I guess my only reason for that is that she's stationary long enough to get a non-blurry image of her. So, today you can all see her eating her lunch and just believe me when I say that I do not keep her strapped in her seat all day long!
A shot of my work area today:

Some scraps from Estella's Easter basket that I made from Zakka Sewing, a Living Crafts magazine that I am planning to make the Easter bunnies out of for Estella's Easter basket if I ever get around to enlarging the pattern, some Pickles to Pittsburgh, and another furry beast in the works. I have the antlers turned right side out, but they're a bit limp. I'm not sure how to stiffen them up. An iron on stabilizer makes it impossible to turn them out, and wire would make them a little too stiff and bendable...what about starch? I've never starched anything, so I'm not sure what that requires or what the results would be but I guess it's worth a try...limp antlers just won't cut it!

My quilt in progress is coming along much faster than expected. For some reason this one seams to be easier than Estella's which doesn't make sense since it's the same amount of squares. Anyways, I have all of the strips put together so far.

And some finished beasts:

Hope every one's week went quickly and you all have fun plans for the weekend...as for me, no plans, so maybe I'll blog again or get some work done, or maybe I'll just be a blob on the couch...that could be relaxing.

Grand Re-Opening!

2009-03-08T15:44:00.003-04:00

The studio is back open! I know it wasn't closed for very long, but it was enough time for me to relax a little and not feel so pressured to get work done.

Today I did a little organizing and tidying and sewing. I made this little velvety bunny and put together all of the squares for their first sewing.
I figured I'd better get started on the quilt...I think I'm going to try to get one stage/step done a week, and maybe I'll be done by August! The bunny was just an experiment, but Estella is completely in love with her!

I also tried a little something with some fur.

I'm so excited with how it has turned out so far, and not quite as excited with how much fur there is all over everything in the studio! I'll post pics of this one when it's all stuffed and ready to go.

As for Estella...well, she's sad.

She makes a point to tell us multiple times during the day if something is making her sad, and she often informs us that other items in the house are sad as well. Her sadness requires many hugs and much discussion about why the TV, heater, dog, toy, etc is sad. Above she is crying full on tears while watching The Little Mermaid, which should be considered a happy, special time to be watching a movie, but at each song, she started crying saying "sad".

I'm not sure if her emotions are normal or I should be concerned, but I can't help but get a kick out of her hugging the heater because it's sad...I guess we'll see how long this carries on before getting too worried. Maybe she's just getting in touch with her sensitive side!

Not much else is going on here. We're enjoying the return of natural light during the days, and looking forward to enjoying the back yard when the rest of the snow melts away and the mud dries up. Right now our driveway is un-drivable...there are some fairly impressive tire ruts already and mud season has just begun!

Thanks!

2009-03-05T13:27:00.002-05:00

Thanks to everyone for all of the birthday wishes for Estella! It was a great day.

First, the oven in all of its aqua glory:
Estella has been cooking up a storm since she got it...the first thing she wanted this morning was to "play cook oven"!

She got some great little gifts in this silver tin, which is also very cool...I'm dieing to know what it's actually used for with the two little covers...food of some sort?

She has become a champion wrapping paper ripper...I don't know why I bother with paper, she just tears and moves on and then goes back to check out the gifts once the unwrapping's done. I'm assuming that's fairly common for a two year old.

She (and we) enjoyed her cake. I made her Gracie's Yellow Birthday Cake from Feeding the Whole Family, with strawberry sauce and soy icecream. It was very yummy and didn't leave her with a sugar high!

And finally, I couldn't resist these buying these daffodils while I was waiting for Estella's birthday balloons to be inflated...I'm a sucker for daffodils, they really are my favorite flower. And they fill the whole kitchen with their scent...makes me think springy warmer weather thoughts!

That's it for today. Thanks again for all of the Estella Birthday Love!!

Birthday Girl

2009-03-04T09:22:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to put up a quick post so I'm not the only one in awe of what 2 years time really does.

The day we came home, so not quite 2 days old:
One year old:

And today, on her 2nd birthday:

I can't believe where I was and what I was doing 2 years ago...pain doesn't even describe it, but neither does amazing. She gave me such a hard time coming into the world, that if I keep in mind what a hard day her birthday was, then maybe all of my other "hard" days won't seem quite so bad...

She really is amazing though, and well worth the effort!

I'm sure there'll be another post today or tomorrow so you can all see her with her new gifts...Walter's at school, so we're waiting until this afternoon for presents...

the good, the bad and the ugly

2009-03-03T14:10:00.002-05:00

I'll warn you all right now that the "ugly" is the pictures on this post...crappy winter light=bad pictures.

The "bad" is that I have officially given up and closed my studio door. I have incredibly discouraging crafter's block and I am taking a mandatory couple of days off.
I'm hoping that over the next few days, I'll find some inspiration and go back into the studio fully refreshed... Here's to dreaming! I think I'm in such a bad funk that everything I try to make has funk energy attached to it and fails...maybe when my mood improves, so will my creativity...it usually works like that for me.

The "good" is that H&R Block waved their very expensive magical fingers and found us a tax refund! We were almost positive we were going to have to pay in this year with the two rentals and the two businesses, but apparently if you pay your tax preparer enough money to figure out your taxes, you can get money back.

We are very relieved to be getting some unexpected money and will most likely use it towards our Cali trip...which we are trying very hard to figure out arrangements for. Traveling with a kid is a ton of extra planning. You have to worry about things like Pack and Plays and car seats...gone are the days of spontaneity and traveling light!

Tomorrow is the big Birthday, so I'll at least be able to post about that since there won't be any crafty news to share. I still have a few final things to finish on Estella's gift...nothing like waiting 'til the last minute.

She's been practicing brushing her teeth just in case I change my mind and start giving her sweets!

Oh, this is my 100th post!! That's a lot of meaningless babble I've sent out into Cyberspace...hope you've all enjoyed it!

2009-02-28T13:45:00.004-05:00

I've been spending considerable time in the studio, but I don't really have much to show for it. A sort of family portrait in the works:
I have a full garbage can and a big mess, but not much else to show for my efforts. It seems to be that time of the year for a lot of people. I've been reading other blogs that voice the same frustration...we're sort of all in a holding pattern between winter and spring...not the most inspirational time of the year.

Much to my amazement and pleasure, Estella has a new love of the upstairs. She actually asks quite often to go play upstairs, and I'm only too happy to fulfill her wishes. I think it's mostly because she gets to play with my clips in the studio.

She will happily spend an hour arranging and rearranging these clips. They end up lined up, stacked in bowls and boxes, or sunbathing on my sewing machine. Forget expensive toys, buy your kids some colorful binder clips...aaahhhh, a girl after my own heart ( not that she doesn't already have full ownership!) There's really nothing quite like a drawer full of binder clips...right? I mean, right? Am I totally nuts?

A special treat today...homemade cookies!

Now that's the face of a girl who has never experienced milk and cookies...deprived I know. I made an Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookie from The Garden of Vegan. They turned out very well considering I didn't have all of the ingredients and substituted all of the sugars...vegan may be vegan, but it's not whole foods if that makes any sense. I'm not sure that I'm in love with grain sweetened chocolate chips any longer. They behave very strangely when baked, but since I hate carob, my options are limited. Estella had no idea that they aren't normal chocolate chips, and they taste fine, they just get very...I don't know...dusty, I guess.

We did a little thrift/vintage shopping today, and found a few things. I was finally able to fulfill my very strange desire for a cow creamer.

I don't know why I wanted one, but I've actually wanted one for a while, and I just found this one today so I grabbed it. It's somewhere between cheesy/kitche and funky/cool...or maybe I've just gone entirely off the deep end.

An intense love for a cow creamer and binder clips...good thing we live down the street from the hospital...it'll be very easy for Estella and Walter to come visit me.

Obsessions with white glass run in the family...my Grandma had literally every inch of her house covered in milk glass (0r other glass). Though I do not intend to take it to that level, maybe some of her collecting rubbed off on me. I have a few pieces of glass from her, and many empty shelves for more...but I'm going to try to be picky with the rest, now that I have this very coveted cow creamer :)

My new book..okay one of my new books (but who's counting) and some sketching (in the hopes that inspiration will strike).

The book is actually really great. I've read great things about it on some blogs, and I'm so glad that I got it. So many craft and sewing books are very basic, but this one has some great projects that I'm really looking forward to trying. It has more clothing than projects, but I'm kind of liking that about it. I may actually make something for myself...the kimono dress is calling to me!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend. If I don't post in the next couple of days, I will definitely try to post right after Estella's birthday so you all can see her new stove!!

dainty

2009-02-23T13:50:00.003-05:00

My dainty tea drinker:
Whenever I give her a glass or mug and tell her to be careful, the little finger comes up!

We are buried in snow...some shoulder high drifts outside the back door:

And some drifts on the porch:

We've been plowed out a couple of times since the snow started yesterday, but the wind is blowing so much that there're huge drifts everywhere. The snow is up past our windows in the dining room!

I don't particularly love being snowed in, but it's to be expected...if you know Vermont, you know that just when it looks like winter's almost over, you get dumped on again and have to start all over!

Today in the mail...a bright spot!

Proof that not all winters are so white...some beautiful blooms all the way from California! Thanks Chase! (That's the secretary in the back...this picture shows the color much better than the last post.)

Two years ago today was my due date for Estella...it's crazy to think back on how huge and uncomfortable I was. Of course it goes without saying that she waited many more days to make her appearance...more on that later!

third time's a charm

2009-02-22T13:23:00.006-05:00

The secretary is done! The color doesn't really show in the picture...it's a lot brighter and deeper in person.

This color is the third one I tried...you can sort of see the three colors below.

I was very indecisive about choosing a color...one was too much like a piece of celery... another was too much like Listerine...then just right...I think. So far so good with the current color. I even put some things in the drawers and took the painters tape off the glass...I think this one's a keeper!

I had a chance to do some work today since Walter's home and the snow is keeping us in. I'm moving along on my newest project :
And even further along:

That's probably all of the work I'll get done for today...but maybe I'll do more tomorrow if we get all of the snow that's predicted.

I'm very nearly done Estella's birthday gift. This nap time should be the last one I have to use for painting and drilling and assembling. The work went along much quicker than I'd expected, and it's turning out so cute...I'll post pics when it's done!

I'm very excited that we're starting to plan for a trip to California in May...I know it's kind of early, but with our lives, we need to plan ahead! It's been four years since we've been, and it'll be so nice to get back out there and visit some of our favorite people and places...this time with a two year old! Looking ahead to something will definitely help ease the stress and frustrations of the next couple of months...

Celery

2009-02-19T15:44:00.004-05:00

Today the snow was perfect for rolling...sticky and heavy, so we took advantage of the warm weather and made a "so-man". Estella wasn't really all that interested in going outside, but once the snowman was made, we couldn't convince her to go in.
A little help from daddy:

Estella turns two in less than two weeks...crazy! But even more crazy is the amount of work I still have to do on her play stove. We got a little bit of work done today during nap time and will have to continue to use nap time to finish it up for the next week or so. It's going to be really nice when it's done, and she's going to love it!

Some burner stencils cut out and ready for paint:

I also put a coat of paint on a secretary that I got last week. I've been very inspired by this blog lately. They take a lot of risks with color and I really like the end results, and I also wanted to do something bright and funky for the paint, just to make the piece fit more into our style. The color was so nice and fresh on the little 2x2 chip, but once it's on a huge piece of furniture...yuck!

Walter assures me that when there are more coats on it and the streaks are gone that I'll like it. It's basically the same color as our couch, so I figured I'd like it, but it may take some getting used to. Right now it looks like a giant piece of celery. Of course I felt skeptical about the couch in the beginning too, and now I love it. In the end, it's just paint, and I can always pick a different color if I end up really hating it...but I also really hate painting so hopefully I'll end up liking it...

Hope you all got to make some snowmen today and enjoy the warmer weather!

rested

2009-02-17T14:57:00.003-05:00

I'm back from my getaway...and much more relaxed. The day at the spa was so relaxing and fun, we did a little shopping, and ate out at every meal...just a really great break.

We also visited Simon Pearce. I remember watching the glass blowers there as a child, and luckily you can still watch them, but the place is so different. It's huge and expensive and not quite so much fun...I guess that's success.

I came home to a spoiled child with some new toys, books, and a balloon...and a new chair for the living room. All I have to do now is figure out how to reupholster it.
I got my last issue of Domino in the mail yesterday, and today it was destroyed...

I'm bummed that they're no longer publishing. I would never be able to actually afford anything in the magazine, but they always have great links and ideas. Oh well, it's just a magazine...nothing to get all weepy about...and besides, I still have ReadyMade!

Since I'm now working from home on Tuesdays, I found myself with extra time this morning, and I was able to cut all of the squares for the quilt-in-progress.

I used an Olfa rotary cutter (a recent purchase) and I will never cut squares with scissors again!

I was so enamoured with my new toy that I used it to cut pieces for my next project...

I know it doesn't look very exciting now, but give me a couple of months and maybe I'll finish this one and then you can all be impressed...with the finished product...not the fact that I actually finished it...

On a totally different subject, I need baking lessons! I think there's an art to baking that I just don't understand. I've destroyed so many baked goods that I'm beginning to wonder why I bother. Today I made (nasty-chewy-undercooked-on-the-top) sesame crackers. I think baking is one of those things that you have to witness, so you understand what things are supposed to look and feel like. The directions in a cookbook mean nothing to me...maybe there's a Baking for Dummies...I should look into that...

Sorry...

2009-02-12T18:17:00.004-05:00

I guess I've kind of been a slacker-blogger this week. I've had some bad days and some good days, and blogging just wasn't a part of them. Anyways, moving on...

I made lasagna the other night, and while preparing it, Walter let Estella have a piece of basil to smell (neither of us said it was basil) and she sniffed it and announced "basil"! Pretty crazy that she hasn't smelled fresh basil since her basil picking days this summer and she remembered...we both looked at each other in shock for a minute...she continually shocks me every day with her constant learning.
My part of a swap is on its way to the Netherlands:

And I received my swap items this week...so many fun and great items! Thanks Corry!

I'm not sure what'll become of my new fabric, but I think it'll be something that'll stay in the house...I want to horde it!

And as if I needed more things to do...another work in progress:

This one is made of linen, organic and regular cotton, and will have recycled clothing. I just started on her outfit today, but I don't have any pictures to share yet.

And finally, my little tea drinker:

Whether it's hot or not, all tea must be blown on! She's very into tea lately...and is working very hard to master the word "chamomile". Not really the easiest term to get but it's so cute to listen to her try!

Well, I'm going away overnight this weekend. Kristy and I are going to Quechee for some chill time away...which we both really need. It's my first ever (more than a couple of hours) time away from Estella. I'm sure I'll be a nervous wreck, but that's what cell phones are for...constant contact. I'll be able to let my anxiety rest for the day and relax a little though, right? Well, think relaxing thoughts for me...maybe I'll come back rejuvenated and ready to conquer all of my works in progress!

Muffins

2009-02-05T14:05:00.003-05:00

I was wondering why Estella ran into the living room with the muffin tin...apparently she was making muffins! She came back into the kitchen looking very proud and said, "muffins, bake".
Another freezing cold day today, perfect for getting some work done and organized.

Another peek of my WIP...

Obviously another project involving a rainbow of fruit flavors:

And the fabric for the quilt I mentioned last post:

I tried to get material that wouldn't be too girlie and flowery...I think it'll be nice and bright and summery when I'm done. It's always hard to tell how it'll actually look until you've got all the squares cut and sewn. I wasn't sure about Estella's quilt either but once it was all together, I loved it...I'm sure when it's done I'll love this one too.

Not much else to report today...I'm off to do some dinner prep for a yummy Curried Split Pea Soup that's Kristy's recipe. Trust me, make nice with Kristy...she creates lots of yummy recipes.

Looking up

2009-02-01T13:19:00.003-05:00

Finally a ray of hope...things with the CPSIA are looking up! Thanks to everyone who voted, petitioned and wrote letters...we have another year! I guess this means I have to actually start putting more products in the shop and making more of an effort...

Speaking of effort...two more toy bags in the works:

They're actually done now, you can see pics of them here. I'm hoping to get them in the shop soon, but I'm so lazy about updating, so who knows when they'll actually get there.

Another work in progress:

I don't want to post full pics of this one yet because it's part of a big elaborate plan that will probably take forever, so I want a big fancy "drum roll, please" kind of finale when I'm done. I'll try to give some sneak peaks along the way...

I've also got another project that will (hopefully) be started soon. Some old friends are getting married this summer and (I think) they're the type of people who will appreciate a handmade gift. I know I swore after Estella's throw that I would never make another one, but I'm doing it...at least I get to take a trip to my favorite little fabric store to buy some fabric for it! I figured I'd get started early so I'll have lots of time to ignore it when I get sick of sewing straight lines.

I also have some birthday gifts for this little one that need some work.

My dad brought the play stove over yesterday and I have to do some painting and accessorizing. I have burners and knobs to paint and I'm thinking about colors for the stove itself...wait till you see this thing...it is so cute. Thanks Dad!

I can't believe my little girl is turning two in a month! She talks constantly and throws tantrums regularly, she torments the dog and laughs when she gets yelled at...yep, she's a two year old...time really does fly!

Dwindling list

2009-01-29T15:06:00.003-05:00

My to do list is dwindling!

I planted my mini herb garden and found a use for my cake stand cover all at the same time:
(Yes, that's a collection of old tea and coffee infusers...people are always getting rid of them at yard sales and thrift stores...is that weird? Whatever, I like them!)

I finally washed a load of gentle cycle, lay flat to dry sweaters:

I made my daughter animal shaped quesadillas for lunch:

I ran lots of errands, I did multiple loads of laundry, I changed the bed linens, I organized Estella's books, I framed and hung Estella's new print, and I'm blogging for the second time today...I am a Domestic Goddess. But just so you're not too intimidated by my new goddess status, I'll admit to slicing off my knuckle with the cheese grater, failing miserably at putting together a storage shelf, and finding my child on the top stair while I was making lunch. So maybe I'm not quite a domestic goddess, but you have to admit, I did manage to get a lot accomplished today!

I have a few more things I'd like to work on today, but I'm running out of energy...being up at 4:00am will do that to you...and I hear Estella waking up from her nap. Today's just another reason I have to get my computer set up to work from home on Tuesdays...I need to have another day of the week that I'm not required to make the trek in to work...it really does take up the entire day. Soon enough...

Snowy days...

2009-01-29T08:08:00.004-05:00

We got covered in snow yesterday...finally some more snow and less freezing cold weather.

We all braved the snow for a very short time so that Estella could go sledding like the "big kids" in the back yard. Little kids in snow suits never cease to amuse me...totally incapable of doing anything but to stand there with stiff limbs.
After dinner Estella enjoyed a little DJ time with Walter. She gets so excited when he starts to get the DJ equipment out...you'd think we were giving her chocolate covered sugar cubes or something...she loves to "booka-booka" like a DJ, and Walter loves to have the time with her...picture of the beloved event taken by the resident DJ himself:

Later in the evening we enjoyed (or in my case, made myself sick on) some snow cream. It really is the perfect treat for someone such as myself that has never outgrown eating snow. There's something about fresh fluffy snow that makes me want to take a bite...

(Sorry for the slightly odd colored picture...it was too dark to take a decent pic)

As for today, it's done snowing but we're left with days of clean up. I just got in from shoveling out so I can run some local errands, and I may need an oxygen mask. Shoveling is by far the best workout around.

I have a long list of things to accomplish, so I think that today will be spent trying to cross some things off. Walter is in clinical all day, and then works tonight, so I have the whole day to get my things-to-do accomplished. Estella right now is watching Charlotte's web...with the "spi-ster", and is letting me blog in peace...maybe she'll let me get lots of things done today. She really has been very needy and whiny lately...it's hard to take some days. I guess I better get used to her behavior since she's getting to that age...

As for the Husband, he's staying busy with school and work. He's very excited that tomorrow's clinical will have him in the ER...a place that he thinks he may want to end up. As for how we're handling his schedule...I'm hoping he'll decide to take off Thursday nights...it would benefit us all. He wouldn't have such a long day, Estella wouldn't have to go two days without seeing her daddy, and I would be able to take a Yoga class. Selfish, I know, but I need that time to myself and the Thursday night class would fit me best. We'll see...it all depends on Walter wanting to take off and being able to do it financially....time will tell.

Checking in...

2009-01-26T14:07:00.002-05:00

I really don't have much to share today...just a guilt post. I stalk other people's blogs (daily) and am always disappointed when they haven't blogged for a couple of days. I'm guilty of being a blogging slacker too, so I'm blogging to make myself feel better for being disappointed in my non-blogging bloggers. I mean, don't they realize that I'm depending on them to add some excitement to my life?

A new project in progress:
I had such a miserably disappointing day on Saturday in the studio that it left me a little frustrated. I tried the same thing three times and failed horribly...it's always disappointing when a brilliant idea turns out not so brilliant. So, today I'm on to a new project with hopes that things will look up.

The newest addition to Estella's playthings:

A vintage Fisher Price Sesame Street House from the 1970's. I almost had to push over a little old lady and some kids to get it but it's mine, all mine. I mean Estella's, all Estella's. Now her little people have a Brownstone in the city and a Tudor cottage in the country! She spent quite a while on the floor, on her belly just looking into the rooms of her city home...I mean how cool would it be to have the Count's portrait in your living room?

I'm not usually much for horoscopes, but seeing that it's a new year, the year of the Ox, I checked out what's in store for me this year...let's just say that I'm going to have a way better year than my husband. Of course, since we're married and have to be in the same house, won't his bad year kind of be my bad year? Well, I'll just pretend that his won't affect mine and go on with my happy little moments like nothing happened...hope you all have some good things in store this year!

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

why wasn't I told?

2009-01-22T14:11:00.002-05:00

When did I start looking so old and tired? And why didn't anyone tell me?
I guess I've always taken advantage of looking young, and even been annoyed by it at times, but today I wanted to take a picture of Estella and me and I look so old and tired in all of them. I figure it must have happened somewhere around the time that the little monster in my lap started being my main priority instead of myself. Oh well, such is life.

The reason for my old and tiredness:

Playing directly in my dinner cooking path...she likes to keep me on my toes!

Another dress for Estella's doll, which she decided was "pretty". This may be the last outfit for this particular doll for a little while. I have a couple of other projects I'd like to work on for a bit.

Some appliqued car bags for toys and such...still in progress.

I thought maybe it'd be nice to add some non-fritter items to the shop, and these are fairly simple. I made one to contain the building block mess in the living room and it has worked well...maybe others need to contain messes in their living rooms!

I guess that's it for today...nothing exciting, just the same old babble...what do you expect from someone so old and tired?

Messes

2009-01-20T14:12:00.004-05:00

Estella says "messy", constantly. I guess that one's my fault. We all know I'm a bit OCD, and constantly neatening, stacking, organizing and making lists...and apparently Estella's inherited some of my behaviors...
Not a bad stack for such a little person.

My not too messy, messy table. I currently have lots of WIPs going on, which is interesting since I think in my last post I was talking about how unmotivated I was...oh well, apparently my motivation has returned, and I'm back to feeling like I could benefit from a few more hours in the day.

I also want to say something briefly, on a subject you will probably never hear me mention again. Most of you who know me, know I am the most naive, unpolitical person around, and honestly I'm okay with that...I know, bad, naughty American...

Anyways, I was able to catch Obama's Inauguration speech this afternoon. I have to say that I'm aware enough to know that there are some serious problems in the US right now, and we as Americans have gotten a little sloppy with our lives and our country. I also will not argue or debate anyone on their political choices, nor will I defend my own. But seriously, let's all just agree on one thing, Obama can give one inspirational speech, the kind of speech we as Americans need to hear and believe in. Now all America needs to do is be open enough to let some much needed change occur.

Okay, my once in a lifetime political speech is over, back to my messes!

losing momentum

2009-01-18T14:23:00.003-05:00

I finished Estella's kimono last night, and this was the best picture I could do in the dark with a running child:
It's a cute little jacket/shirt, but a bit too small for her. I'll have to enlarge the pattern a bit and try it again, but this one will serve as an around-the-house kind of robe. I also may ditch the second attempt on this one and try a different kimono pattern that I have, we'll see.

I feel as though I've lost a bit of momentum in the crafting department. I feel like maybe the whole CPSIA thing stole my ambition and I'm having a hard time starting up again, so for today, I neatened up the studios and organized my fabric. Let's just say that I have a serious problem! I literally can not fit one more yard of fabric in my cabinet.

Some people buy CDs, some buy shoes or purses, or clothes, or drugs...I buy fabric. It really can be quite therapeutic if you put your mind to it. Basically, I have a problem, and it needs to stop. The husband actually thinks that I have surpassed his vinyl collection quantity with my fabric collection quantity...if that's true, we've got trouble.

I also did a little laundry. The way it works around here is that hot laundry is expected to be deposited on the couch so that Peanut can burrow herself in it until it completely cools. After it has cooled, I'm then allowed to fold it. I'd worry about her getting hair all over the clean laundry, but since she's practically bald, that's not really a concern.

And now, as I'm wasting time blogging, an idea has popped into my head, so I'll go tend to that.

hey mr. postman

2009-01-17T12:07:00.002-05:00

Usually the postman brings me bills and junk mail, but today he brought me presents!!

This print from dilkabear for Estella's room. (check out her shop to see the full print)

Also, some new craft books. I'm a sucker for a good craft book and in a moment of weakness the other night, I ordered three! My excuse is that I'm planning to do a handmade and local Christmas this year and I need new inspiration. I know, it's kind of early for Christmas, but when you have ten million people to get gifts for, you need 11 months to prepare...

I had an unplanned trip to Burlington yesterday, so while waiting for a store to open, I went and fed my addiction. I was very pleased to find chalk pencils for marking on dark fabric...it may not seem exciting, but to me, it is.
Estella right now is worming her way across the dining room floor with her Little People car saying "vroom" and "bye-bye". She started in the living room and then spent some time under my chair. Then she spent a little time under the table in the corner and is now laying on the door mat rolling the car back and forth in front of the door. This could quite possibly be the longest she's ever entertained herself. And on top of that, I won't need to sweep for a while!
It hasn't really warmed up much during the last couple of days. It's been very cold...the kind of cold where you don't leave the house if you don't have to...-31 degrees yesterday morning and a toasty -16 this morning...lots of tea and layers!

More progress

2009-01-14T16:33:00.002-05:00

I'm done with outfit number three for Estella's doll. A lined wool coat and a lined wrap dress...I'm very pleased with the outcome.
I've just started a kimono shirt for Estella. It was a free pattern online and it looks cute...we'll see how it comes out. I usually try to avoid people clothing, but I need a little break from tiny clothing for a day or two, so I'm trying the shirt.

I also wanted to make some cloth storage boxes. I've seen boxes/bags made of cloth or felted sweaters that are sort of stiff, and a good storage option. Anyone out there know what I'm talking about and where i can find instructions?

My little monster mid tumble on the studio floor:
Kind of looks like she's up to no good, right?

We had a really nice play date on Monday. Estella enjoyed the kids and I enjoyed the moms. It was really nice to talk to other grown ups! Estella really loved playing with the little play kitchen at our friend's house, which is perfect because my dad is helping make one for her for her birthday, and I'm collecting some items to go with it. I'm sure she'll be very excited to have one of her own, and I'll be excited for her to be entertained for long periods of time!

Hopefully all of you in winter zones are staying warm! It's currently 3 degrees here and apparently it's supposed to get even colder the next couple of days. I guess I should at least be thankful that I don't live in Minnesota! I always find myself a little surprised when I read an Australian blog that they're talking about how hot it is...and I'm freezing my butt off her in Verm-Arctic! Maybe I should split my time between Australia and Vermont...I wish!

Stay toasty everyone!

I like snow?

2009-01-11T14:44:00.003-05:00

It was another snowy day today, and another day in the studio for me...could it be that I'm actually pleased when it snows now? I guess only if I don't have to go anywhere...
I woke up with a Migraine this morning, so Walter took on all Estella care for the day and I was able to hide in my studio for some quiet time...after a nice relaxing bath, of course!

The first outfit, a sundress and bloomers, is complete:

I worked very hard yesterday on a pair of overalls for the same doll...it took up all of my free time during the day, and go figure, they don't fit. I was so disappointed that all of my hard work resulted in failure, only to realize that they fit the previously naked doll. She's still bald and creepy, but at least she's no longer naked! I was so pleased that the overalls weren't a total waste that I was motivated to do another pair in the correct size.

I spent today finishing up the overalls and nearly completing another outfit. I'll post pics when it's finished. The doll, by the way, is for Estella...did I say that in a previous post? Anyways, I'm enjoying making something with the intention of keeping it in the house.

I have to get back into some projects for the shop, but I'm discouraged at the thought of having to take them all down in a couple of weeks in case nothing changes with the CPSIA. It seems that they are starting to make exceptions, but we'll have to wait and see.

Estella is the proud new(est) owner of a Fisher Price Tudor House from 1980. I had one of these as a little girl, and it's still cool! She's been thoroughly enjoying it...constantly asking to play with the "house" and "garage". Very cute!

I guess that's enough excitement for today. Tomorrow this house will have a painful dose of reality...Walter goes back to school. It's been very nice to have him home more, and to get a little time to myself. It's only (as he says) 121 days, and then it will be all over! I guess I'll start the countdown!

sesame street

2009-01-09T16:28:00.003-05:00

I've had a couple of requests for the sesame cookie recipe, so here it is. I substituted agave for the sugar and didn't use the full amount...also used half whole wheat and half unbleached flour...all in all, a yummy cookie.

I've also had a chance to do a bit more work...
She actually has an outfit nearing completion, but I forgot to take pictures of it.

I have plans for a quick play date tomorrow, as well as a nice visit with some mamas and kiddos on Monday. Also, some family in town this week and reservations for a nice dinner out (sans Estella) at one of our favorite restaurants...considering how uneventful my weeks tend to be, this one is overflowing with plans! And, I get to go to yoga on Tuesday! Wow, I actually have lots of things to break up my week this week...

snowy snowy snow snow

2009-01-08T14:49:00.003-05:00

Today would have been the perfect day to call a snow day, if I didn't already have off. It always seems that the days I'd have a good excuse to play hooky, are the days I don't have to. Oh well...

I still used the weather as and excuse to stay in all day and make cookies and sew.

Telling a two year old to have patience is sort of ridiculous, but I told her anyways. Luckily the cookies only took 15 minutes to bake. (Please excuse my very dirty oven!)

Yummy sesame cookies:

Maybe not your typical "cookie", but I'm a big sesame fan and Estella doesn't know that there's not actual sugar in them...I did splurge though and use actual butter :)
This is what my studio looks like when I want to work and Estella wants to play. I usually let her go to town and make a royal mess as long as she lets me get some work done. She was very well behaved today and entertained herself so that I was able to get a couple of hours of work done!
This part of the project had to be put on hold, I think my machine was keeping Estella up, and I'll definitely forfeit sewing so she can get some sleep...we're both happier for it!

I wish I had more exciting information to share, but I just don't. What can I say? I live the life of a mama...my life revolves around food and sleep schedules and the random project. I am however, obviously working on a project so maybe I'll have something new to share soon...

More stuff and things

2009-01-06T14:33:00.002-05:00

We're back from the Kingdom...Estella had lots of fun with her Grandma and Papa John and Grammy. She really benefited from some time around multiple adults...she must have doubled her vocabulary over the weekend.
Smiley girl! That's the happiness I get from providing her with nutritious and delicious pizza for lunch...lazy mama+pizza=happy girl

I've finished Estella's doll...she love it!

I couldn't get her to stand still with it for a picture, but she was enjoying running around, hugging her. It's not the most attractive doll...disproportionate, bald and naked, but Estella doesn't seem to mind.

I may try another one soon, but I'm not sure if this is the type of doll for her yet...it doesn't really seem very washable...oh well, I'll figure it out, and by the time I actually make another one, maybe she'll be ready.

Today was an okay day. I had a bit of a run in with a jerk in a parking lot. I won't go into details, because the whole incident really frustrated me, but I was left shaken and annoyed. I try to live my life in a "do unto others" kind of way, and clearly he doesn't. All I'll say is that some day, karma will jump up and bite him in the arse.

On the other hand, apparently my karma is good. I received a very nice and needed gift today, and that made the annoyance of the morning a little less annoying...

Not much to report on the crafting front. I'm attempting a stuffed animal at the moment. The first one, Estella pointed at and said "deer". It was not a deer! I'm currently attempting try number two...hopefully it'll be more successful. To be perfectly honest, I'm getting a little freaked out by the Handmade Toy situation. If you haven't already, do something to get involved!! I mean really, what's next, the government telling me I can't buy my veggies from a local farmer unless they've been tested for something toxic? It's all just a little too much government interference for me...

I'm also happy to report that I'm starting a four week Yoga series tonight. It just happened to fit into our schedule, and it follows my whole New Year's plan of taking better care of myself. The last yoga class I took, Estella was crawling around the studio interrupting my concentration...that'll give you an idea of how long it's been...naughty, naughty unhealthy mama!

Just one of those days...

2008-12-30T14:15:00.005-05:00

You ever have one of those days? It's still light out and this is what my day has been like so far:

-Wake up (way too early) to the sound of a very loud plow truck clearing what sounds to be slush off of the roads...yuck
-Drive to work behind a very big truck who continually splashes my windshield with slush, no matter how far back I get...and of course...snow is clogging my wiper fluid
-While driving to work, wind blows crazily resulting in white out and 0% visibility.
-Hit(as in tap, not slam) breaks so as to slow down, breaks lock and crappy tires send me diagonally into oncoming traffic...get back into lane just in time
-Arrive at work to find that Estella has removed shoes and sock and is refusing to put them back on...forcibly return socks to feet while threatening to make her walk barefoot in the snow if she continues to remove shoes and socks during every car ride
-Call in payroll...get the newest, slowest processor...and at the end realize I've forgotten to total up all hours.
-Beg child to behave, remind her that if she behaves and lets me get my work done, we will go for a play date with her favorite little friend.
-Run 8 reports in order to do week-end duties only to find printer with a message stating "toner life end"
-Make phone call and find out that play date with favorite little friend will not be taking place...never make promises to a 2 year old that you can't keep
-Drive to bank, look at car off the side of the road for one second too long
-Slam breaks (not tap...SLAM), brakes lock and crappy tires skid
-Miss rear ending a cop car, yes COP CAR, by inches and skid into oncoming traffic.
-Get sworn at by woman in car I almost hit head on
-Go to bank to make deposit, turn around to see child grab a glass ball from Christmas tree and yell "Pretty"...temper tantrum ensues after ball is placed back on it's tree
-Finally pull into driveway and get Estella, who has once again removed her shoes and sock, into the house
-While choking on much needed glass of water, open refrigerator to return Brita only to have Parmesan cheese crash to floor and explode
-Have a couple minutes of time before nap, so try to print off directions for newest craft project and find that printer jams on every other page

On a pleasant note, we did make it home safely and Estella is napping...peace!

And that's my day so far! I just had to get it all out and complain so I could get on with my day...

Now for the good stuff! New fabric...sure to brighten any crappy day!
And, a new project:

I know it's a little scary looking now, and it may be a little scary when I'm done, but I decided that Estella needs a doll. I don't have the proper supplies to make a cloth doll, but I wanted to try the technique with what I had first before I spent a bunch of money on supplies. So far, so good...considering I have no idea what I'm doing!

I will try to make my next post less complaints and more fun! Happy (and safe) New Year to you all!

-Dog just barked at nothing and woke child up after only 40 minutes of napping...may have to strangle dog if child does not stop crying and go bakc to sleep.

back to life

2008-12-28T15:45:00.003-05:00

Well, back to life tomorrow...I guess I have to go back to work someday. But before that, a quick recap of the holidays.

Christmas Eve it snowed and snowed and snowed. We took Estella out for her first ride in her new sled.
She was so bundled up that she could barely move, but she loved it. She even did a face plant in the snow and continued smiling. Leave it to me to produce a winter loving baby!

Christmas Day was really nice and low key. We opened presents at home with Estella and then went to visit my mom. Estella had lots of fun opening her presents and collecting bows. She definitely seemed to be more interested in the unwrapping process than the gifts, but once they were all opened, she made sure to test out all of the new goodies! She received so many nice presents, and has been enjoying them all weekend...thanks everyone! And in case you're wondering, her name book was a big hit! I've randomly caught her sitting and looking through it, playing with the parts...I'm so glad she likes it! Phew!

I'm back in the studios working...see full picture of this little ballerina here.

Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I'll still be able to sell them after February...

Well, I'm off to the Kingdom later in the week for some car repairs so if I don't post by then,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Finito!

2008-12-23T14:15:00.003-05:00

Well, it only took me a month, but these two girls are done! I will hopefully be putting them in the shop soon..as long as it's not illegal by then! Thanks to everyone for your responses to my last blog and the emails I'm harassing everyone with...SAVE HANDMADE!! See full pics of these two ladies here.
I have many weaknesses, but hot chocolate with LOTS of whipped cream is by far one of the hardest to withstand - especially when it's -4 degrees! I've got to stay warm somehow, right?

One little girl who definitely does not need the sugar in a hot chocolate:

This is the monster face I was treated to when I asked her to smile for a picture.

And the blur o'baby that is Estella 24/7. And this is without sugar! Can you even begin to imagine what my days would be like if she got sweets? Or soda? And you all wonder why I'm such a mean mama by not letting her eat candy!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I am the proud new owner of a pair of glasses! They are clean and unscratched and kept in their case in my bag. They (hopefully) will never feel the wrath of a two year old! So, THANK YOU to all of you who took pity on my very sad glasses situation and sent very generous birthday gifts! It is very much appreciated!

Quickie

2008-12-22T13:28:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to quickly post and beg you all for your help...

Please go here and vote to save handmade toys! If you want to read more on the subject and what you can do, check out the resources here. This law would make handmade toys illegal in the United States! I personally don't want Estella's only toy option to be mass-produced-made-in-china crap!

Thanks!

it's begining to look a lot like christmas

2008-12-20T09:03:00.003-05:00

We have snow! And lots of it! It's literally been snowing for two days straight. This was the railing last night around 8:00, and it's only gotten higher. Maybe today would be a good day for me to burn some Christmas cookies or something...clearly getting out of the driveway will not be happening!
The other day was Estella's first experience with paint. She's colored with markers, crayons and pencils, just never paint...I've just never had the patience to pull it all out...the other night, I found some patience!

She started off very dainty with the paintbrushes and her fingertips, but eventually got very messy! She had lots of fun and was very impressed with her paintings hanging on the wall for the next couple of days.

Our tree is up and decorated. Estella is completely in awe of the lights and decorations and can't seem to control herself when she gets near it...she just has to touch. Earlier, I caught her trying to balance on her cart to get at some of the higher ornaments. I figure it's only a matter of time before she tries to climb it!

We've gone disco this year! A little disco-Christmas never hurt anyone...

I had to do something to the stairs, and we were all out of lights. We now also have some presents stacked on the stairs as an alternative to under the tree. It's slowly starting to look like Christmas...and just in time!

I'm not sure what our plans are for Christmas, but if it keeps snowing like this, we'll be stuck in the house, in which case I'll probably post again before Christmas. Just in case I don't,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2008-12-16T14:31:00.003-05:00

Sorry for my blogging absence, I've been away. My Grandpa passed away two weeks ago and I went out of town to be with my family. I wanted to share this photo with everyone. Not only is it a great photo of him, but I feel it really represents him...he was a very cool guy!

I have too many great memories of him to even try to share any, but for those of us who knew him, I know we'll all greatly miss him.

I made the trip (down) alone with Estella, our first big trip on our own...she was monstrous and refused to nap. I finally broke down about an hour from our destination and got her some french fries from McDonald's...a rarity in this house! We'll call it a temporary lapse of reason.

I worked briefly from home today, something I'm hoping to do more of soon, and had lots of time to settle in and get back to life. I think I'm going to try to cut back on the time I spend out at work, and substitute it with work from home. Estella and I will both be happier and more at ease because of it, and I suppose Walter will also benefit from our improved moods.

I was able to get back to work on the two girls I've been working on...a sneak peek:

I've also managed to get dinner prepped for tonight...I was rather inspired by the red cabbage I was cutting...it's one of those very cool patterns which nature produces...like wood grain(and many others):

Well, I hope that catches everyone up! I'll try to go back to my (fairly) consistent blogging, but with the holidays fast approaching, don't hold me to it!

Dear Santa

2008-12-03T14:19:00.003-05:00

I've been getting a bunch of Christmas issues of my favorite magazines and so many of them have staff or famous people write up their Christmas wish lists. So, for lack of better blogging material...

Dear Santa,

I've been (fairly) good this year, and I feel as though I deserve a little something for all the effort...

I would really love this, just because I think it's cute.

I also tend to get really cold, so if you could bring me this, I'll try to keep the heat turned down to where Walter wants me to keep it...burrr! Another way that I could keep warm is by baking, in which case I'll need this (in pistachio green). And just so it's not sitting unused in the summer, I'll need this to go along with it.

I also would love it if you could bring me this. Yeah, I know it seems expensive for what it is, but my current one is a cheapo, and it smells like an electrical fire...also, I have a two year old and one with a cord just won't cut it.

I would also love one of these. It would be so nice to have fresh cilantro and basil all year long...I'll try really hard not to kill it.

And, just to prove I'm still (sort of) a kid at heart...please bring me this or this. Yes, I'm serious, and I don't know why, I just kind of want them.

And finally, if it's not too much trouble and you can find the room in your sleigh, this would make me a believer!

Thanks for your time, Stacey

Okay, so that's my wish list (and no, I'm not actually expecting anyone to buy me these things, I was just wasting time on the Internet, and thought I'd give you all something to look at!).

This was the face (paired with a demonic laugh) that Walter and I were given the other night at dinner when we yelled at Estella not to tease the dog:

We would say, "Don't tease the dog." And she would crack up and yell "tee-tee." which we can only assume meant "tease", then we would say it again and she would crack up again and so on. She found it quite hilarious that we actually expect her to not tease the dog. Poor Peanut...she may never stop shaking!

check, check and check

2008-12-01T14:19:00.005-05:00

I'm feeling very accomplished today...four items checked off of my to do list.

Check...Estella's book is done! See full images here. I'm very pleased with it, but if I ever have to do another one, it will be much less involved...
Check... A custom Fritter order is off to the UK. Check her out here.

Check... I also finally broke down and ordered boxes (and tissue) to ship Fritters in. I now have more boxes than I may ever need, but at least they'll be shipped in style.

Check...I have all of our Christmas cards (except the one's awaiting new addresses) addressed and stamped and ready to go.

I'm also almost entirely done with my Christmas shopping...a couple more little things to get, but otherwise done (be nice...I can hear you all groaning at how disgusting my organizational obsession is). I wanted to be done and wrapped and shipped early enough this year so I could actually enjoy the holidays, and not have to spend them fighting for a parking space, or waiting for an hour at the post office to pay ridiculous amounts to get presents to people on time.

So, all in all, a rather successful couple of days...gaining ground on what was feeling like an insurmountable list of tasks!!

I've also started a couple of new ladies and I'm feeling very excited about them...hopefully I'll have some pics to share soon.

And in Estella news, (cuz I know that's what most of you want to hear about) she's now very into colors. "Green" seems to be the word of the week...oh, that and "crap" which she so charmingly repeated after yours truly. I know, I know...I need to watch my language but let's be honest, it could have been way worse!

She also wants to watch Rudolph a thousand times a day. She refers to Rudolph as a deer, but calls him "NeeNee". I guess I can see how he sort of resembles Peanut, it's gotta be the ginormous ears. I bought Santa Claus is Coming to Town today, just to switch it up...no need to burn out on Christmas movies a month before Christmas...we'll see if it's as big a hit!

is your house on fire clark?

2008-11-28T14:15:00.005-05:00

No Aunt Bethany, those are Christmas lights...
Our Christmas lights are no where near as plentiful as the Griswold's, but it's our first year ever decorating our house for the holidays and I'm really psyched to be able to look out of the window and see pretty Christmas lights.

We dressed up Estella like a girl for Thanksgiving...she looks so damn cute in a little dress that I took about a thousand pictures...clearly her tolerance was running out.

Walter and Estella had a little daddy/daughter DJ time also.

Walter was on vacation, and has just headed out to work for the first night this week. I've been spoiled having lots of help with Estella and not having to cook dinner. I've also been able to sneak away a couple of times to get some work done. Estella's book is almost done, and I just finished up a custom Fritter earlier today.

All good things must come to an end and it's back to reality for me now...is it too early to start the countdown until Christmas break?

And something extra today...just 'cuz she's cute!

ssstuff

2008-11-25T12:46:00.002-05:00

The snow has come! It seems that we'll have an early winter this year. I swear that some years we don't have snow until Christmas...not so this season. As I sit here typing, it's spitting some nasty rainy snow...lovely.
In honor of a nasty day, and a cranky child...English muffin pizzas for lunch! If I serve this wholesome and delicious meal to Estella, I'm guaranteed a good half hour of quiet eating, and today I could use the quiet.
I'm stressed. I could list a thousand reasons why but I won't and PLEASE don't ask...

I feel like I have mountains of different jobs, errands and work to do and it's all closing in. I have lists of things to do and the lists just seem to be getting longer. I should be doing something useful right this minute seeing that blogging is not one of the items on my list. I'll get to it all. I know I will, but knowing I'll eventually get it all done doesn't make getting it started any easier.

I went to the day spa yesterday for a haircut and massage. I made sure to cut off enough hair to donate to Locks of Love. Basically what that means is that I have no hair!
And who knew, my hair is curly! Those of you who have known be for many years, know that my hair may be many things, but curly just isn't one of them. Yet more proof of what pregnancy does to your body!

It was nice to have almost a whole day to myself...it's been too long. I want more! I also NEED more. My masseuse basically laughed out loud when I told her how long it'd been since my last massage. I've also been so stressed and tightly wound for so long that I wasn't really able to relax and enjoy the massage. I could physically feel my body resisting the relaxation...how pathetic is that?

I guess it's all a good reminder that I need to take care of myself too, even if it means sacrificing somewhere else.

Anyways, I'll stop complaining now and wish you all a

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Umm, yeah

2008-11-19T13:10:00.002-05:00

My aunt took this picture when we were in NJ last month and I had to share it...this basically sums up Estella - a nut job! Is that mean to say about your child? Well, either way, it's true.
Estella has been a force to be reckoned with this week. Non-stop whining, screaming, clinging, holding...and now today a fever of 103. I'm not sure if it's just her age, or not feeling well, but this week has me thinking that maybe I'm seriously in for it when the "terrible twos" thing hits.

Some holiday themed work in progress...trying out something different...so far successful.

This picture basically sums up where I'd like to be right now.

Peanut gets very excited for hot laundry, runs to the couch for it to be dumped on her and then burrows her way in...such a sweet Nut.

I would love to bury myself in some hot laundry right about now. First off, I'm cold. Second, life has decided to make me stressed and a bit beat down this week. It's just one of those times that will eventually pass like all of the others have, but I'd much rather hide in a pile of hot clothes than stay out here in the cold and have to face it.

On a lighter note...check out my (famous) brother here.

I breed maids!

2008-11-11T14:44:00.002-05:00

I should be paid millions of dollars to breed little children who love to clean. Not only does she vacuum, but she does the dishes too! She loves to do the dishes so much that we have huge temper tantrums when she's asked to get down off of the chair she's dragged all the way into the kitchen to do said dishes...And I wonder why my glasses are mangled...
So, these three girls are completed and (hopefully) will be in the shop soon.

There are individual pictures of them here.

I've been spending so much time experimenting with these three, that I'm a bit tired of Fritters at the moment. I have lots of new ideas in my head, but I'm going to take a mini break so as to not get frustrated if my ideas meet with failure. Instead, I'm back to work on Estella's name book for Christmas. I had the brilliant (add eye roll and heavy sarcastic tone to that one) idea of adding quilted borders to each page, so what could have been nearly done, has become the bane of my existence. Luckily, I have no social life so I've got lots of time to get it done...and it'll look all pretty-like when I'm done.

what can i say...

2008-11-06T18:55:00.002-05:00

...the girl loves to vacuum! Someday, when I assign vacuuming as a chore, she may not find it quite as much fun. We need a new vacuum...ours is super loud and whiny, the wheel-caster-roller-thing on the bottom is broken so it's hard to push, and since we only have one rug in the house, we don't really need such a ginormous piece of household machinery. I want one of those little, lightweight ones, or even better, one that'll vacuum for me!

This is Estella's own composition...

I guess she's a typical child...she "talks" all day long on her phones, saying "hi" and all sorts of names, and when she gets a real phone up to her ear, she's suddenly mute. Lately, she's been talking to "Gamma" on her phone...the newest name in her repertoire.

And now for my own composition I'd like to present "I Have a Headache":

I need new glasses. The money that was supposed to buy me new glasses is resting peacefully in the Atlantic. My glasses have reached a new level of pathetic, and fall off if I turn my head too quickly. I have a headache because I don't wear my glasses, because if I lean over, they fall off. Basically what it comes down to is that if anyone was toying with the notion of buying me a gift for my birthday or Christmas, I need money for glasses and an eye exam. I know...I'm using my blog as a shameless request for gifts...sorry.

And, just to prove I'm not full of it, some legs in progress.

back from the Jers

2008-11-05T17:37:00.004-05:00

The trees in New Jersey are camouflaged. It's probably some sort of pollution or tree disease, but the trees that lined the Boulevard are very cool. Some of the others had more camo spots and colors, but I just happened to be parked next to this one. Anyone know why that happens? No bark, just spots.
It was a good couple of days away...not particularly restful, but nice to get away and see my grandparents. My Grandpa is doing well. I wasn't really able to visit him because Estella wasn't allowed in his hospital room, but I was able to get in a couple of quick visits.

We had a nice visit with my Grandma one morning. Estella showed her all of her new dance moves (including the Worm) and had fun walking the halls holding hands with her Great-Grandma. They're very cute together. The oldest and youngest of my (immediate)family...95 and 1!

Like I said, a good visit, but combined with daylight savings, I'm totally exhausted!

I've been able to get some more Fritters done and started...pics soon! Walter took Estella to the Coop tonight and I had over an hour with no interruptions! It's the little things that make me happy these days! I actually was cursing myself earlier because of my dinner choice. If I'd stop making labor intensive/time consuming dinners, I'd have so much more time to myself. I cooked and chopped through Estella's entire nap. There really is something to be said for PB&J for dinner...maybe tomorrow.

I 'll close with a sleepy girl on Grandpa's couch! So cute!

Oh, thanks everyone for asking, but Estella did not dress up for Halloween. Between the move and going away, Halloween took a back seat. I'm sure next year she'll be demanding that I make some crazy costume...I'll take lots of pictures!

Making a come back...

2008-10-26T15:53:00.005-04:00

I feel like maybe my crafting urge and inspiration has returned. I was in a bit of a slump for a while, but as of today I feel pretty un-slumped. I suppose with a 20 month old, personal time, and the urge to do anything with it, is rare.

This is Samuel and Elaine. They will hopefully make it to the shop at some point soon. They're lounging on Estella's quilt which is now at 41/54 done! I've been sewing the binding at night while I relax on the couch, and it's coming along quite nicely. I think I'll be done before Estella leaves for college after all.

All ready for the snow:
We bought Estella this coat over the weekend. In the store she was at first very enamored with it, insisting that she wear it out...then of course, later that day, she refused to put it on. She's since come around again and has fallen back in love ...so much in love that we have to keep it hidden in the house. She caught a glimpse of it yesterday and ended up wearing it around while she played. Wacky child! I guess it's better that she love it than hate it.

So, we sign the Purchase Option for the new house on Monday. Once that's done, we figure we'll start making it a bit more ours. We bought a couple of colors of a no VOC paint this weekend to get started. We've never used that type of paint, but you're supposed to be able to paint and not have to leave the house for days afterwards. We're starting with Estella's room and the upstairs bath...it'll be nice to not see white walls everywhere you turn!

I'm off to NJ on Wednesday, so if I don't post before then,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

actual work!

2008-10-22T13:57:00.003-04:00

Now that we're settling in a bit, I've had some time to get back into some projects. I have an actual Fritter in the works...and a quilt that may be finished by the time Estella leaves for college.
I decided to do the hand stitched binding for Estella's quilt, and I'm glad I did. It looks so nice when it's attached...all fancy. It does, however, take a lot longer to do than a machine attached binding. I figure that since the quilt is 12x15 squares, that's 54 square edges that I'll have to attach the binding along. I'm 9/54 done! These are the things that go through my head as I sit and tediously attach binding! I've been picking it up randomly and doing a couple of squares, and I figure that at some point this century I may actually get it done...
It snowed today. Real snowflakes (which Estella kept referring to as birds). Every winter when the snow starts to fly, I question what it was I was thinking when I never left Vermont...and every spring, summer, and fall, I remember. For today though, I had to try to explain to a 20 month old why she couldn't go out and play in the cold and wet. Leave it to me to give birth to a child that might actually like to play in the cold and snow...isn't being constantly cold genetic? Well, if it's not, it should be...what am I going to to if she makes me play in the snow?

2008-10-17T15:45:00.002-04:00

We took a little time the other day to go pumpkin hunting. Usually there's a beautiful sea of orange, however this year there seemed to be more green than orange...maybe all that rain? Still really pretty though.
Estella found one of the only pumpkins that she was able to pick up...almost all green. It was very cute this year to see her wandering around the piles of pumpkins. Last year we had to prop her up in between two pumpkins to get her to stand for a picture. I'm sure by next year, she'll be requiring a pumpkin with the intention of actually carving it...
I'm done with the quilting part of Estella's quilt. I passed on buying a walking foot, as was suggested in the book, and did it all on my machine with my normal foot. I stitched in the ditch or trench or whatever they call it and also did the diagonal lines to make Xs across the squares. I've said it before...I'm not a quilter...the lines look like a drunk person was driving the sewing machine. Still, I like it, and I feel quite pleased with the outcome so far. I have all of the binding sewn into one big giant strip and all I need to do is spend a million hours attaching it...that's a project for another day.

fall-ing

2008-10-09T16:45:00.003-04:00

Today was one of those perfect fall days...sunny, warm, deceiving. It almost makes you forget that in a few months we'll be freezing cold and buried in snow! Today, however, was perfect. We took the opportunity to mow the lawn (hopefully the last of the year) and play in the leaves. Estella had a ball, and was especially happy because Walter was there to play in them with her...those things are always so much more fun if Daddy's involved.

our new home!

2008-10-07T17:50:00.002-04:00

Just a quick post to give everyone the link to (crappy)pictures of the house. Please keep in mind that we haven't done any painting, or put anything up on the walls. It's still very plain and generic looking...all in good time.

we're home!

2008-10-03T14:21:00.003-04:00

We have moved! Estella took advantage of all of the empty drawers and cupboards, and managed to entertain herself for a while while I packed.
The first night in the house was rough! The upstairs floors were all redone and were letting off tons of nauseating fumes. Walter aired out Estella's room for a couple of days before we moved, and it seemed to be okay. I only lasted about an hour in our room. I'm so sensitive to smells anyway, and the fumes were too much to handle. Long story short, Estella started coughing around 2am (presumably from the fumes) and we all ended up on the pull out couch in the living room, Peanut included...cozy. I have no idea how people have a family bed. I would get absolutely no sleep! I can happily report, we were all in our own beds last night!

We still have TONS of unpacking to do. There aren't any shelves or bars in the closets, so we have suitcases and boxes and laundry baskets full of clothing without homes...I've got a trip to the Depot planned for tomorrow...we'll eventually have functioning closets.

The house is so big that it's almost comical how empty some of the rooms look, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we fill them and get more comfortable in the space. We're still in shock that we live here, but super happy.

One of the best features of the house isthe original staircase:
The staircase is nice and wide, and considering it's over 100 years old, is surprisingly not creaky.

Someday when there aren't boxes all over, I'll post a photo tour of the place so all of you out-of-staters can see out new home! Or, you could always come for a visit!

On the crafting front, since everything is in boxes, not much has happened. I finished the top of Estella's quilt right before we moved. Actually, I was finishing it as Walter moved boxes around me. I wanted to get it done so I wouldn't feel so pressured to get my studio set up...too many other things to take care of. Oh yeah, you heard me right, I have my OWN studio, at least until a boy child forces me to give it up! (NO NO NO, there is not one on the way...) I did make sure to arrange the furniture so that we'll be able to put in a guest bed when we have the money. I'm not totally opposed to sharing...

Hope everyone has a warm weekend...supposedly there's snow in the forecast-burr...

and so it goes

2008-09-28T18:33:00.003-04:00

Just when you thought your day couldn't get any more fun, your daughter empties the contents of an entire jumbo box of Ziploc bags onto the floor. Luckily, since we've been packing, there are plenty of empty drawers for me to stuff such things into so I can pretend it didn't happen.
Confession time... I've done a bad, bad thing. In a moment of creative weakness, I decided that I would love to make Estella a quilt. I found myself inspired by some other quilts on other blogs. The only problem is that I am not a quilter. I leave the quilting to my mom, and she leaves the toy making to me.
Quilter or not, it's too late to turn back now. The squares are cut, and I've started sewing. I really would like to actually finish this quilt...yeah, there are others in the "works in progress" box that live there permanently. I really love all of the orangey materials, so maybe I won't get sick of looking at it. At least I'm not completely insane and going for a difficult pattern...this quilt will be made of squares, and only squares. Simple.

The main thing I have going for me right now is that I've had some recent Fritter flops and I'm avoiding new ones like the plague. I need something to give me an excuse for my continued Fritter neglect, and this is just the thing!

there was a time...

2008-09-26T13:36:00.002-04:00

...when I would have had to put her in a box for a cute picture. This time she did it herself. There have definitely been enough boxes around lately for her to play in and on!
This get well bouquet went out today to my Grandpa in New Jersey. He had heart surgery yesterday and I thought he would like a picture bouquet to brighten his day...GET WELL SOON GRANDPA!!!
I also had a nice surprise in the mail yesterday. This lovely piece of vintage material made it's way to me from California...THANKS CHASE! All that's left is to decide what it'll be turned into!
There's not much else to report...lots of packing happening and left to be done. Also Internet to connect in the new house...maybe soon I'll be posting from there with new pictures to share. Everyone keep their fingers crossed that I have an easier Internet experience than the last time!

we're heading west!!

2008-09-24T15:29:00.004-04:00

Okay, so it's only about 25 feet west, but it's west none the less.

Yes, we're moving! I know it's only been about 6 months since I was last blogging about moving, but it's happening again. At least this time we intend to stay a little longer. We're very excited to be moving into a home that we can grow into, not out of. Of course, since it's almost twice the square footage of the current house, we won't have any furniture...I guess Estella and Peanut will have nice open spaces to run and play!

The chair is coming along quite nicely. I've had to paint about 80,000 coats to get it to a purple that didn't scare me. I think it's finally there. It's still a bit more purple than I had hoped, but if it's not in direct sunlight, it's a nice deep shade, only slightly offensive. I took apart the seat, and was a bit alarmed to find it was originally stuffed with grass...weird. I'm going to go tomorrow and get the new stuff to reupholster it...wonder if they'll have any grass for sale...

My fabric came today from fabricworm. It's very feminine, but it is so nice and it looks really good with the chair color. At least it's only on the seat, so the girliness is not quite so obvious.

Maybe I'll go tomorrow to try to find the next victim of my purple vision.

My little fashionista all dressed up for bed...what do you think she's trying to say with this outfit?

that's my girl!

2008-09-20T17:25:00.003-04:00

She's truly my daughter! Look at that cutie sitting quietly reading a Martha Stewart Good Things for kids magazine...how could I not be the proudest Mama ever?

Usually when I'm cooking or sewing, Estella takes the unsupervised occasion to pull all of my craft books out and flip through them. I figure it's all of the great colors and images that she's drawn to, but secretly I'm hoping that if she looks at enough craft books, she'll be begging me for craft time someday! Nothin' like startin' 'em young!

Since the couch is done, it's time for a new project:

I've decided that I want to have all different and unique chairs, all painted the same color (to unite them), for our future dining room table. This chair is the first victim of my vision. It's a little grandma but it'll be very funky when I'm done... I've decided on a really deep purple (sroll all the way down to "Hotel Room"...it's way at the bottom) for the base color of all of the chairs...yes, Walter okayed the purple. It's really so dark that it's only purple looking in the right light. I also am hoping to find some of this fabric for the seat cover.

We don't actually have a dining room table to put these imaginary different and unique chairs around, but some day we will. I'm being really picky about the table because I have in mind exactly what I want and I don't want to settle for a table I'll end up being unhappy with. So, keeping that in mind, if any of you have a table like this, or this, or this, feel free to send it to Vermont!

Happy Fall on Monday !

Oh happy day

2008-09-17T13:18:00.002-04:00

Estella has a cold. I feel like it's a bit early in the year to start being sick but as it turns out, there's not a whole heck of a lot I can do about it.
On a lighter note, she has taken a liking to my new purple shoes. You can sort of see in the above picture that she has them on over her sneakers. She's actually gotten quite good at walking around in them...I think she looks like she's snowshoeing... very funny!

I've been doing some experimenting lately, and therefore have had multiple crafting disasters. I decided that I'd better make something that will come out as planned to boost my crafting-esteem...body parts in process.

This week I started Estella's name book for a Christmas present. It's slow going since I have very little Estella-free time, so it's a good thing I started it months ahead!

I'm excited about it, but I've also had the sinking feeling that by Christmas time when she gets the book, she may not be all that in to little kid books. I don't know. I'm trying to make it fun and sort of interactive so she will have parts to touch and play with. I'll post full pics when I'm totally done, but for now, a sneak peek...

I guess that's it around here...tomorrow is the big house appraisal day and stress levels are running high. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for good news in the next week or so...

sea of green

2008-09-12T15:23:00.004-04:00

I attacked my huge pile of wool this week and got all of the covers sewn. It was a ton of really boring sewing. I sewed each seam twice and then did a reinforcing over stitch on every single seam...lots of pinning and sewing straight lines.
This is my couch before. Really worn and raggedy and looking a little sad. It's not the greatest couch in the world but it's really comfortable (I should know, I spent my entire pregnancy sleeping on it!) and it has tons of storage underneath the seat cushion. We didn't want to replace it because we do actually like the couch, but it was looking sad, don't you think?
Today while the monster slept, I was able to get the arm rests completely redone, and I put the seat and back rest covers on the see how the whole thing was looking. I'm really pleased with how it's come out so far. And Peanut seams to approve!
So, all I have left to do it to staple the seat and back covers on. It's not happening today since I'm apparently too much of a wimp to use the staple gun for more than an hour...it really hurts my hand! I also need to figure out how to attach the skirt-flap-thingy to the bottom of the seat. Considering I have no idea what I'm doing, I'd say I did a pretty good job...pat, pat on the back... The color's not quite as bright as the picture makes it seem. It's a heathered olive green that does border on that offensive vintage pea green but whatever...I like offensive vintage so it suits me just fine. And Walter even gave the approval this afternoon! (And yes, we do have two different rugs in the living room...)

Obviously my week has been consumed in green, so no other craftiness to report.

On the Estella front, she's very into names this week. She'll sit in between Walter and I and point back and forth saying, "Mama, daddy, mama, daddy..." and when we point to her, she says "baba." Apparently she thinks her name is "baby", so we're working on getting her to say her actual name. She's also managed a "neenut" for Peanut and "e-o" for her friend Leo. One of these days we'll be doing everything in our power to shut her up, but for now, we'll enjoy listening to her baby babble.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Just one of those brilliant ideas

2008-09-07T18:24:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the crappy pictures today...no excuses, I'm just having a photographically challenged day...

While away, I bought two discontinued couch covers from IKEA. I've liked the material and color since they first came out but since we don't own the Kramfors couch, the covers are sort of pointless. Anyhow, I bought the covers, figuring that I would use the material to cover our current couch. I've spent many hours ripping seams, and even more hours marking out the parts to the new covers. Now I think I'll spend many hours trying to figure out if I was actually sane when I came up with the idea...it's sort of a daunting pile of wool, no?
All frustrations aside, it'll give me something to do for many more hours I'm sure. I'll try to keep the process updated.

Estella finally has enough hair for me to torture her with hair accessories. She's not entirely convinced that having her hair pulled back is a good thing but there's time...

She actually left the pigtails in for most of the day, and enjoyed giggling at her reflection in the oven window.

we're back!

2008-09-03T14:36:00.003-04:00

Estella and I are back from our New Jersey adventure! It was nice to have a few days away and to visit some relatives...
Estella handled this trip much better than the last time we were there. Last year, she was getting her first teeth and wouldn't let me out of her sight for a minute...not so relaxing. This year she was more than happy to hang out with her Great-Grandpa and share her Pirate Booty.
She also had tons of fun while vising her Great-Grandma...there was a playhouse on the walking path near the nursing home and it was just her size...
My mom and I also went on daily adventures in search of fabric. No luck at this particular store, but you have to appreciate how old and cool the signage is.
Finally on the last day, we had some luck, but all in all, we were not fabrically satisfied. I already plan to do research for next years trip so that we know where the (crafting) fabric stores are!

I have finished another Fritter. That's Lini to the left. She's very cute in person, and all tagged and ready to go into the shop. My intention, time and energy willing, is to have a small update tonight or tomorrow, so be sure to check them out in the shop so you can see other views of them and their accessories!

just so's ya know

2008-08-26T19:33:00.003-04:00

I'll be away this week... I just wanted to post quickly before I head out and besides, Walter's back in school and he already needs the computer to do work!

Isn't she funny?! She insisted on wearing this necklace for breakfast and then to work for the day...such a little girl. Estella also has a new love of climbing...my mom would say it's payback, but OMG all I do all day is remove her from the tops of tables and chairs - SCARY!

I was able to get in some crafting moments in the last two days and am very pleased! Such a better outcome than the Frumpy Fritter of my last post.

Well, gotta turn over the computer to the student...have a great week!

The big 5-0

2008-08-21T14:29:00.006-04:00

This is my 50th post! I can't believe I've done that many...
I won't carry on all about Estella, but let's just say she's amazing! I'm dreading the day she starts pushing me away when I smother her in hugs and kisses!

I've been working on some different Fritters and creatures, but mostly just experimenting, nothing too impressive. I would have never thought a stuffed animal could look frumpy, but I think I've accomplished it. I worked for a million hours yesterday on this fully lined dress and it ended up looking like a purple hospital gown! DISAPPOINTMENT!!

Today I thought it was going to be a cold, way-to-early-fall day, so I decided to spend the day cooking, baking, and making a mess in the kitchen. I made some yummy Raspberry Corn Muffins using agave nectar. I've never baked with it but it came highly recommended and the muffins were great! Not too sweet but not with the bitter taste that Rice Syrup sometimes leaves.

A friend from work gave me a recipe for a Veggie Burger, and they're so good that I have to pass it on:

Mash together:

12 oz tofu

2 cups (which is basically a can) black beans

3/4 cup oats

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (I used less)

1/2 cup grated carrot (I used more)

1 tsp ginger (I used the Ginger Juice)

2 tsp soy

2 tsp brown sugar (I didn't use any sugar or replacement)

2 cloves crushed garlic

1-2 tsp red pepper flakes

I mashed it all together with a potato masher. I used an egg ring to shape the burgers on plastic, so they would all be the same size...it made 8 burgers.

The original recipe recommended frying them on both sides and serving, but since I hate to make anything that requires lots of frying, I tried them a couple of ways. They came out fine either way, but my preference was just baking. I put the raw burger on an oiled cookie sheet and baked them for 45 minutes at 350 degrees, flipping them half way through.
They came out really well, and Estella even ate one for lunch, SUCCESS!

I also made some of Kristy's Spinach Nuggets. Hopefully she won't mind my sharing that recipe too! (I will note my variations in red)

2 - 10 oz packages of frozen spinach (fresh, cooked spinach is fine too) [I used about 15 oz spinach and 5 oz broccoli, that's what I had available]

2/3 cup bread crumbs [ I used 1/2 cup, and made my own b/c lots of store bought bread crumbs have high fructose corn syrup in them...SERIOUSLY]

2/3 cup Parmesan cheese

3 Tbsp butter or buttery spread, melted or softened

2 eggs beaten [I found that I needed another half an egg to make it stick]

Chop the spinach (while still frozen is easiest) and squeeze out the water, combine with the remaining ingredients. Make balls about the size of a golf ball [I made balls the size of a small bouncy ball, LIGHTLY coated them in a mixture of very fine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese], flatten them and put them on a well oiled cookie sheet.

Cook for about 12 minutes [mine took 15] at 375. The nuggets should be firm and browned on the bottom. I've made them the original way too, and they are equally as yummy, just a different texture and outside...mine are a bit more of a soft nugget. (And don't worry, the picture is pre-baking, they'll be more browned after cooking!) Making them the size that I did, made about 30 nuggets.

Well, that's my day so far and it's only 3:00! And, my hiding in the kitchen has resulted in a gorgeous day. As soon as Estella wakes up from her nap (Estella actually goes down for a nap now!!! Miracles happen!) I think we'll go enjoy the day. Besides, I've run out of recipes to try!

an educational field trip

2008-08-15T16:38:00.003-04:00

Our new house! Okay, not really, but I can day dream can't I?
This past week, Chase (Walter's mom) was here visiting and we took a day trip to the Shelburne Museum. Of course, out of all of the exhibits, I liked the one modern exhibit the best!

The house above is called the Kalkin House and is partially made of old shipping containers. Very modern and industrial...very cool! Inside the house was a Longoland exhibit that I was very pleased to see. Really strange and slightly creepy but also very inspirational. Of course Estella loved the elephant parade in the circus exhibit. The rest of the pics are here.
Other than the museum, we mostly hung around and got in a couple of games of croquet (which further proved that I don't have an athletic bone in my body). It was really nice to have some company during my normally lonely days, and Estella certainly took advantage of the extra attention.

I don't have any new craftiness to report, I'm in a slump in more ways than one and instead of being creative, I've opted for some blogging and wine drinking on the front porch...I may as well enjoy the weather and porch while I can...the wine's just an added bonus.

Maybe I'll have a creative, craft filled weekend, and my next post will be filled with all of my new, amazing work...

back from the kingdom

2008-08-04T19:43:00.006-04:00

I'm back from the Kingdom and of course I came home with fabric! How could I leave without some yummy wools! And some yummy blueberries! My Mom, Estella and I went (organic) blueberry picking at Blueberry Ridge in North Troy. This picture doesn't do justice to how blue and gorgeous the berries truly were.

Estella treated the bushes like an all-you-can-eat blueberry buffet...she ended up in the Jogger so she wouldn't eat until she made herself sick...but not until we took some cute blueberry picking pics!

Estella and I also spent some time at my Dad and Carol's house, exploring their great gardens. They have so many gorgeous flowers, but my new fave is the Bee Balm. A very cool, almost Gothic looking flower, and it smells like an herb.

Estella had lots of fun smelling all of the flowers, and chasing the cats around.
It was a nice little getaway, and I'm happy to report that I picked up a happy and healthy Peanut on the way home...and she has much fresher breath too!

Nothing much on the crafting front. I'm hoping that inspiration will strike this week so I can dig into my new fabrics. I have lots of other stuff to do though so crafting may have to wait...as usual!

stuff n things

2008-07-29T13:48:00.002-04:00

The newest batch of Fritters is done and slowly finding their way into my shop.
This is Corainne and her record player...I'm very pleased with her. I think it's the vintage material that I like so much about her and the fact that the record player came out well is also encouraging. Check out all the pics of her here.
My little reader! I shouldn't complain, but she really is obsessed with reading! Luckily she'll spend a good portion of her time looking at books on her own and not just if some one's reading to her.
I love that she loves to look at books, but if I read books to her all day long I'd never get anything done! Good thing for me I have most of them memorized and she'll sit next to me and look at the book while I recite the words.

Well, I'm off the the NEK this weekend. I need to get away for a bit and see some different scenery. I was thinking about it and this really will be the most time I've spent "home" in the last ten years. I don't have any big plans while there, but I'm psyched to drive around to all the old places I used to go to. At least it's a small getaway, and it'll give Walter some time to study for his NCLEX on Tuesday. So, yeah, everyone think happy thoughts for Walti on Tuesday while he's taking his test!

I don't plan to post again before I leave, so Happy Weekend everyone!

$1.82, thank you very much

2008-07-25T14:47:00.002-04:00

I went to the ReStore today and got all this cool stuff for $1.82. How could I not be psyched, especially since I felt a little inspired by my purchase...the orangey-red is a piece of wool that's begging to be made into a funky Fritter.

I also couldn't resist the "button pins" ($.10). I've never seen those before...thought they were cool.

I wanted to include Peanut in this post because she so often gets overlooked. Not in a neglectful sort of way but in a posting sort of way. Peanut is going to the "spa" next week for a tummy tuck and tooth whitening, which is to say, she's getting fixed and her teeth cleaned. I'm a bit worried that she may never forgive me for dropping her off and allowing that to happen, but it's probably nothing a new toy couldn't fix (no pun intended).

Estella has a new love.
She's very taken with this keyboard. The best part seems to be that it plays a demo and she gets to dance along. She really is after her daddy's heart with her new keyboard obsession. You can practically see the pride in his face over her love of music!

I've been working on some more alien/bug Fritters. I may even manage a shop update at some point...or maybe not. Time will tell.

the artists and their work

2008-07-19T17:12:00.007-04:00

If you can call us artists, that is...

My new desktop wallpaper...my artist and her master piece...

Which then moved on to the side table...

And just to prove I'm not a big liar...see, I have been working:

I'm fairly happy with them...it's always interesting to see how a new idea turns out.

Not much else has been going on around here. Walter continues to work all of the time and Estella and I try to entertain ourselves with out spending any money or going anywhere. We (and by "we", I mean "me") are in panic mode over the upcoming heating season. Our estimated winter heating bill is more than twice as much as last year! I guess us three ladies will be loading on the sweaters this winter!! I hate stressing about money, but it just seems to be one of those things that begs you to stress over it...however, it's only July, so I'll try to put the stress aside for another month or so.

On a brighter note, we actually had some family time today...we went to the Stowe Street Art Festival in Waterbury and walked around. Estella got a little painting for her room of a little pink elephant by Jess Graham . It's very cute, and besides, how could we refuse when she wouldn't stop making the elephant noise!? Then we went to the Waitsfield farmers market for lunch and hung out with some friends. We were very much like a normal family...too bad it's so rare! I guess it's all about enjoying the time when you do have it, right?

wish I had a good excuse

2008-07-16T12:21:00.004-04:00

I wish I had a good excuse for my blogging absence...unfortunately it's because we've been sick! And I mean really sick! All three of us managed to get sick last week and it continues to linger this week, however, we are on our way back to healthiness!

Last week before the sickness attacked Walter and Estella, they went for a little hike in the woods...very cute. As I'm typing this, she's looking at the picture yelling, "daddydaddydaddydaddy..." Daddy is her new favorite person...every time she sees anything of his..."daddydaddydaddydaddy..." I guess that's what Daddy's are all about, especially for little girls!

I have found a site that goes quite nicely with my new obsession over Estella's food. I Love Obento is right up my alley and I intend to humiliate my child by packing her healthy, colorful lunches (when she goes to school) but for now I will continue to keep her plates pretty and colorful until she's old enough for a Bento box! At least in the Obento world there are lots of other moms that are equally as obsessed with their children's lunches...I'm in good company.

Walter has already informed me that he will not be asking me to make his lunches for him...especially if they involve shaped rice balls and fruit animals. I tried to convince him that the laptop lunches would be manly enough but I don't think he's going to go for it.

So, if any of you out there live near a Japantown (or maybe a Chinatown)and want to feed my obsession, Bento boxes and accessories would be the coolest present ever!!

As far as other craftiness...I'm trying a new pattern out...I'll post on that as soon as I'm done.

FYI

2008-07-03T18:02:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to let you all know that you can now leave comments if you'd like! I finally realized that I had my settings all wrong...I'm a big stupid dummy head!

For those of you new to the blog world...click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post and leave a message...happy commenting!

confessions of a compacting mama

2008-07-03T17:32:00.004-04:00

Confession time...we're done with our compact! I'm happy to report that we did very well. Besides for items listed in my exemptions, we only had two mess ups (three if you agree with my brother, but I'll get to that later).
Walter bought a croquet set. We searched for a used set. I went to thrift stores, yard sales, used sporting goods stores...no luck. We purposely bought a nice set so that we'll be able to use it for many years. I know it's a mess up but it was a well thought out purchase which we've already gotten a ton of use out of. The second mess up was a set of sand tools for Estella. We purchased a set with a shovel, rake and hoe and she loves to play with it! She used it every day at the beach and now it's in her new sandbox. I feel that she'll be able to use it at least for a couple of summers. I was however able to find her a set of used sand pails...

The third mess up, if you agree with Mark, is that I upgraded our dish package, so that we can now obsessively watch Planet Green. I do realize that it was a purchase of something new, but I feel that it doesn't count because it's more of a service, not a new possession, and it doesn't creat any more waste...you be the judge.

That's it! We did really well. We've also decided to continue on the same path. We will continue to shop used, make presents, and cut down on our buying. We most likely will buy new items again but we're going to put a lot of thought into our purchases and buy quality items that will last longer, even if it means spending a bit more.

As promised, pics of my most recent Fritters! This is Little Red and Big Bad.
I'm super pleased with how they came out...they were a ton of work but the end product was well worth it, don't you think? I'm hoping to get them in the shop, along with the Fritter Family, tonight after Estella goes to bed. If not tonight, hopefully Monday! Check out all the pics in the link...and I hope you love 'em as much as I do.

Happy 4th of July!

more balance

2008-07-01T20:07:00.006-04:00

I've received some positive feedback about Estella's last dinner, so I'm presenting you with today's lunch and dinner.

I guess my meals aren't so bad...she definitely eats better than I do! Oh and yes, it's always the same plate...plain, sectional and unbreakable

Walter in his uniform on his first day of work. Very spiffy, don't you think! He's awaiting his temporary license and then he's all set to start working for real.

Today we had a little family time and built Estella a sandbox!

I saw a sandbox in Domino and really liked the idea. I planned out a slightly smaller one for Estella and she's officially in love. We even put the casters on it so (in the future when we have an amazing deck system like in the magazine) we can push it around. We also added a top so that the neighborhood cats don't treat it like a giant litter box! It really came out well and we're all happy with the project...it did however turn into the most expensive sandbox in history(don't ask!).

I know I've been neglecting the Fritter side of things lately but I'm slowly chugging along. My latest brilliant idea got off to a not so brilliant start but I've pulled it back on track and I'm psyched about the half I've finished...it's a work in progress though so I'm not going to show pics until it's done.

I don't have time tonight but I intend to post soon about our two month compact which is officially over. I'll let you all know how we managed and if we faltered at all. Check back soon!

is color a food group?

2008-06-29T18:30:00.004-04:00

It may not be the most nutritionally balanced meal but it sure is pretty!
Yes, it's come down to blogging about Estella's dinner...clearly I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel for inspiration.

And all the while, my starving daughter gazed up at me wondering why I'm taking pictures of her food.

So, Estella is better...some lingering marks on her face, but otherwise all good. She had rosolea, which is apparently extremely common and contagious. But, since it's a once in a lifetime kind of thing, we shouldn't have to go through it again. Thank goodness!

You'd recognize me...

2008-06-26T17:18:00.007-04:00

Before I left I said that hopefully I'd be so tan and relaxed you wouldn't even recognize me...trust me, you'd recognize me.
I don't mean to sound ungrateful for the break or the vacation because I most certainly am. I'm just not very tan or relaxed. I was able to fry myself in the sun like ol'times, but only for a short time while Walter took Estella for a walk.

And as far as the relaxation goes...absolutely didn't happen. The day we left for Maine, Estella broke out in some sort of hive/allergic reaction horrible looking polka dot effect and it only worsened over the next couple of days, finally resulting in an adolescent acne type complexion all over her body. Needless to say, she has a doctor's appointment tomorrow. The skin part is getting better but she has traded the skin for a nasty sounding cough. Any of you who know me well will understand that relaxation was not possible when there was anything medical going on...especially skin problems.

Then today, just before heading out for the trip home, Walter dove into the ocean...with his glasses on. They are now sleeping with the fishes, and in he's in Burlington getting an eye exam and new glasses. And, since he's blind as a bat, his prescription is about a million dollars...now don't I sound relaxed?!

On a different note....I tried to find some inspiration while away. I've been feeling a little on the stranded side and was in search of something new and different that I may use as a jumping off point...
Sand trees as I will call them...nature is very cool!

And park benches are cool, too...

As are carousels...

And of course my little beach baby! She really had a great time in the sand and surf and only managed to eat a small amount of sand...check out some more pics of our vacation and a couple of Walter's graduation. And thanks for listening to my whining...I'm sure all of you parents have some vacation horror stories that make mine look like a day at the spa...

hello and goodbye

2008-06-21T20:04:00.001-04:00

I figured that I better catch up before I left for the week...

And, I figured I should tell you all the good news...I'm in LOVE...with Spoonflower!
I received my fabric last week and I absolutely love it. It came out so well and I can't wait to do some more fabric related drawing.

My naked baby! Warm weather means naked babies...at least in this house. Estella has started to enjoy a good naked romp through the house after bath time...so silly.

My batch of Juans is complete!

They were well received, and I was able to start on some of my new ideas. The first one I tried did not turn out quite how I wanted it to. Oh well, I'll keep working on it and hopefully my vision will shine through at some point. I think that this week was a bad week to start something new anyways.

It's been a busy week...my big bro was up the beginning of the week and we spent a good portion of his visit in the car visiting family. Today Walter graduated the first half of the program! He graduated with High Honors and gave a great speech as the "student speaker". I've also been busy packing for our vacation! I can't wait to get away for a couple of days, and we've decided to leave the laptop at home and ignore all of the work that should be getting done. It's probably the best thing to do...if it's at home I don't have to feel guilty about not doing any work.

So, we're off to the Orchard...so you won't be hearing from me for a week or so. Hopefully when I return I'll be so relaxed and tan that you wouldn't even recognize me if ya saw me!

Dirty dirty dirt dirt

2008-06-12T20:23:00.003-04:00

We are the proud new owners of a mountain of dirt! We're that much closer to a lawn!
Let me just tell you, this picture was taken at the beginning of Estella's introduction to the dirt pile. By the time she was done, she was so caked in dirt that I had to change the bath water halfway through her bath! She was having so much fun in the pile that I put aside my anal-retentive-control-freak tendencies and let her really go to town. Peanut also spent some quality time rolling in the dirt. They both were so happy, and had so much fun that I feel they'll be extremely disappointed to go outside and find that the pile's been spread out to make a lawn. A ginormous pile of dirt is way more fun than a lawn, right?

I've been moving forward on the Juans...it's time to sew them together and turn 'em inside out. All that's left after that are the shirts...which I'm dreading, but they've turned out well so far.

I'm making myself get them done before I let myself start on my new ideas. I feel like if I get started on my ideas, I'll get all excited and ignore the Juans.

So, we're actually taking a little vacation! We went back and forth about not doing it because we really don't have the money but we both really need to get away at least for a couple of days to unwind before the next round of stressful scheduling starts up.

We're going to Maine, to Old Orchard Beach. I figure maybe the boardwalk there will make us feel like we're in San Fransisco...at least we'll get to play some mini golf! We also managed to find a hotel with two bedroom suites...which means we may actually get some sleep while we're away. Estella sleeps so poorly when we sleep in the same room, and I'd like to come home from vacation more rested than when I left! I mean, that's the whole point... isn't it?

2008-06-06T10:33:00.006-04:00

Another rainy day today! Is it ever going to be summer?

Oh well, inside time means crafting time...I haven't been able to start on any of the ideas that I had tumbling around my brain but soon enough. I've been working on my batch of Juans, and they're coming along quite nicely. I've also taken a break to work on a little drawing/design work.

I signed up to be able to test Spoonflower, and finally got my invitation to place an order. I'm going to have two fabrics printed to start with since it's a bit pricey. I'm not sure if having this fabric done interferes with my compacting or not. Craft and art supplies are exempt, as are services, but this may be pushing it a bit. What do you think? Am I cheating?

Really, if I am, I don't care. Any of you readers out there that sew and design, know that this is impossible to pass up. To be able to have something I've drawn be put on a piece of fabric that I can then sew with is like Christmas to my crafting heart!

I've decided to do one "grown up" more serious one...

and then of course a fun Fritter fabric...

I'm excited to see how they turn out! The image that you see is a 5x7 design which will then be tiled when printed. I will of course post pictures as soon as I get the fabric in.

There really isn't much else today to catch up on. Operation de-ghetto-fication has been put on hold...no more painting has been done and we still don't have dirt for the lawn... I got some salvaged wood for a project I plan to attempt so hopefully I'll be able to start that soon. Lately it seems to be a lot of big planning without a lot of big doing. Hopefully things will get done as soon as Walter's done with school...only two more weeks!

And of course, an Estella pic for good measure...at what point does laughing at your child for their lack of eating skills become cruel? At least for now she thinks I'm laughing with her not at her :)

my monster

2008-05-31T20:24:00.003-04:00

Don't let that cute little smile fool you...there's monster in her blood. Estella has learned how to get up on the couch. She finds it to be a fabulous new trick while I find it to be a new source of constant heart palpitations. If I had to guess, I'd say that she thinks the best part of getting up on the couch is to watch me run across the room to catch her as she walks straight off of it. I can definitely thank her for the new gray hairs sprouting daily.

For those of you on computers that can handle a video, check out her animal sounds!

I've finished my Fritter family! I'm happy with how it all came out. Check out all of the pictures here. I'm hoping to have it for sale in the shop within the next day or so.

So, Juan Perez was well received, and I have an order for a couple more. I also have another idea for another Fritter that I'll try to sneak in some time on in between the Juan's. So, between my ideas, the Juan's, normal work and some additional work I've picked up, it look like I have a busy week ahead of me... nothin' new there...I better make the most of tomorrow!

let there be yellow!

2008-05-28T13:37:00.006-04:00

In honor of our newly yellow house, some shots of our yellow dinner from last night. Really, it was just a coincidence, but it did seem to be a yellow kind of day.

Currently only the front of the house is yellow, but it loo

ks so much better that I had to write about it. It's such a major improvement to come home to a cheery yellow house instead of that ghetto pinkish, tan-ish peeling disaster.

As soon as the whole house is done and the grass is planted, I'll post a before and after so you can all marvel at the improvements.

I realize that this is a terrible picture but since this is supposed to be a craft blog, I thought I'd better put up some craft related material. The image is the start of a Fritter family. My mother-in-law, Chase, suggested a family and I loved the idea! Hopefully, this Fritter family will come complete with it's own house carrying bag...we'll see if the motivation sticks around.

Now that I've done my obligatory craft blogging, I get to sneak in yet another Estellla picture. I had to take the photo...every family album seems to have at least one shot of a kid eating spaghetti and why should ours be any different? Look at that cutie...how could I resist.

rare moments

2008-05-22T15:32:00.012-04:00

Some rare moments, and even rarer pictures of Estella with us.

She and Walter spent some time on the computer looking at images and videos of birds. "Birdie", which comes out more like "baadee", is Estella's new favorite word. She points out the window and says it, she even says it in her sleep. She is extremely proud of her new word and takes every opportunity to use it. Sometimes she even uses it when she actually sees a bird!

The other image is of Estella and me before heading off to a birthday party...and no, I didn't plan the matching!

The book that I made the Birthday boy was well received, and almost made the dad cry! I'm glad they liked it, and was so encouraged that I decided to make Estella one. So far only the sketches are in the process but I figure it'll be a Christmas gift so I've got some time.

This week has been a bit more relaxing. The other house is done so Walter was around, and my mad rush for birthday and baby shower gifts is over. I worked a bit more on the sneak peek insects from the last post but haven't finished them. I can't figure out how to attach all of the parts so I took a break, switched gears and made a custom Fritter.This is Juan Perez. You can read all about him on his listing. The person I made him for doesn't know that he's been immortalized as a Fritter but hopefully he'll think he's so cool that he can't help himself and falls in love with him instantly.

Really, that's it for today. I'm looking forward to a nice weathered Memorial Day weekend with lots of yard sales and flea markets... I've gotta get in my pledge allowed shopping somehow! Happy-Long-Weekend to all of you with Monday off! Enjoy!

I'm baaack!!

2008-05-16T09:25:00.009-04:00

Well, we are up and running in the Internet department...finally. And let me tell you, it's no easy task to set up the Internet...many frustrating phone calls to Verizon. Well, all's well that end's well, or something like that...

Now to catch up...

The pledge is going very well. My strategy so far is to avoid all shopping areas like the plague, and it seems to be working. No mess ups! Of course I managed to pick a super busy Birthday, baby shower and anniversary time of the year. I think the only more difficult two months I could have picked may have been November and December! Oh well, all that means is that I've been a busy little crafter!

This present is going to a 1st Birthday Party this weekend. You can see all of the actual pictures here (No peeking Leo!) There are also a couple of pics in there of a Baby Shower gift for a new family member who should be arriving soon!

My Honey Bee is done. I think he came out really well... he was made for the MIVEST challenge, so technically I need to get him up on Etsy before the end of the month. And I've also been working on a couple of new Fritters...yes, lots of arms...I'm on an insect kick. So far these two have been giving me a ton of trouble. It's been one of those projects where nothing I try seems to come out as planned, but I'm sticking to it and hopefully will have some finished product pics to share soon.

And, finally, for all of you Estella lovers out there...
And here are some additional photos of the little monster for your viewing pleasure.