Update on Character Day

I wanted to get a quick picture of Claire and her teacher for Character Dress Up Day so we got to school a few minutes early today. What a surprise when Claire and Mrs. Brink saw each other!Again....Claire is really happy in this picture. I promise!

Book Character Dress Up Day

Do you remember Amelia Bedelia? I remember reading her books when I was a little girl. Claire has enjoyed reading them this year as well. So when it come to "Dress as your favorite book character day" at school, I knew it was a possibility that she would pick her. I was secretly hoping that she would pick something easier so I wouldn't have to do very much, but that was not the case. I tried to talk up Fancy Nancy, the princess from "Princess and the Pea," but she was hearing none of it.
So of course I waited until the very last minute and started it this past weekend. I went to the thrift store and picked up a black dress and a white blouse. I took the dress in and shortened the sleeves, used the color and cuffs from the blouse and the dress was done. God blessed me and the hat was also at the thrift store. This was the part I was dreading most. I spray painted it black and added the flowers. The apron was whipped up tonight and it has all come together.
Claire is thrilled with it and is excited because she gets to wear her dress shoes to school. She can't wait to click her heels on the floors.I know she doesn't look thrilled, but she doesn't like to show her teeth when she smiles right now. I promise, she is very excited in this picture.

What was I thinking?

What was I thinking? I thought I had a great plan. Claire (7) has been asking for a Nintendo DS Lite for awhile now. I explained that they are pricey and not something you just buy for fun. She should put it on her Christmas list and see what happens. Well, I found a great deal - $88 at Target last October. I bought one and hid it until Christmas. Then I had to think of something equally as great for Lilly (4). I came across a camcorder by Crayola at Aldi and thought it would be perfect. What was I thinking? Lilly thought the camcorder was cool - for about 10 seconds. Until she saw her sister's pink DS. Then she was MAD! How could I get Claire something so cool and not get one for her. I thought she was too young. I thought she wouldn't be able to play the games. I thought it was too expensive of a toy for a 4 year old. What was I thinking?
Now it seems that everywere we go all of the kids are playing with a DS. I know that is what I used to tell my mom - "Everyone has one except for me." But in this case it seems to be true.

Now for the point of this post. I need to find a DS. Cheap. Lilly has put one thing and only one thing on her birthday list. You guessed it - A Nintendo DS Lite. I don't want to spend the big money on a new one. A used one is just fine. Any color will do. I can buy a skin off of ebay with Disney Princesses on it to make it girly. Do any of you out there have a kid who doesn't use theirs anymore? Maybe you upgraded to a DSi? Can you help me make Lilly's day? I am looking to spend around $50. Please let me know if you can save the day and put a smile on this little girl's face.

The Last Christmas Present

I am finally delivering the last Christmas gift I made today at lunch. I made this bag for Amy and we are just finding time to get together. This bag was not the easiest to put together (I broke 3 needles) and the topstitching is far from perfect, but I do love the way it turned out. Totally unrelated fabrics that somehow work together.I filled it with tea, lip gloss, cute file folders, note cards and an insulated travel mug. It is one of the travel mugs that you can fill with scrapbook paper or a picture of your kids. I decided to make it match the bag and used the fabric I used on the body of the bag.
I hope she likes it because I think it is really cute!

Claire and Lilly's Birthday Party

I know what you are thinking "Lilly's birthday is in May and Claire's is in June. What the heck are you doing planning a party in January?" Well, I have to make an order to Oriental Trading for Valentine's day and a school treat so I thought I'd order what I can now and get free shipping. When I saw this party that the great Heather Bailey had published in Home Companion in the April/May 2008 issue, I knew I would use it somehow.
In the past, I have thrown the mother of all parties for the girls. We have 40-50 people and tons of kids. This year they are going to invite 6-8 girls and that is it. We are then going to have a Party Chicks Birthday Party.
I will make each girl a treat bag to hang from the back of the chair. We will have big floral tablecloths, button clover centerpieces with paper globe topiary, and a pinata. I will have all of the stuff to make the clothespin dolls ready and each girl can choose her head, dress and banner. I am really excited to see all of it come together.

Crafty Links

Since I am working on getting the bags done for the wedding, I am making a list of all of the crafty projects I want to start when I am finished. I have come across some of the most adorable things online lately. I guess everyone has lots of creativity flowing in the new year.First on my list are these adorable clothespin dolls I found on A Little Bit Funky. These are so cute and could be customized for several different occasions. I bought all of the stuff to make them at Cassey's Wood Products. Each one will be less than $1 total!
I plan on having all of the materials ready and then the guests at Claire and Lilly's birthday party will make them as their take home favor.
Who can resist a vintage button? And who doesn't need another ring? This wonderful idea came from Vintage Ric Rac. I have bought the rings off of Oriental Trading and they are not very expensive. You could make them for friends as a sweet V-Day gift.

Another awesome gift idea came from one of my favorite blogs, Ruffles and Stuff. These beautiful slippers started as a pair of $6 cheapies from WalMart. Now they are fit for a princess!
This last idea from With This Ring will take some time and patience, but the result is so beautiful it will be more than worth it. I may make them for my girls as a surprise for their vintage birthday party in June. I am working on the design board and will share it soon.

Hope this gave you some inspiration for the day!

Custom Bridal Party Bag

A new client phoned a month ago inquiring about a bag for her bridal party. She had seen the work that I did for Jodi Bos and wanted a similar bag. I explained that the In Any Event Bag is exclusive to them, but I would be happy to do a custom design for her. I sketched out 4 designs and she selected the style she loved.
This design is awesome (if I do say so myself). The pleated bag with a contrasting band is perfect for her bridesmaids and flower girls.
This is not her fabric, but it will give you an idea.
The final version will be Michael Miller Dandy Damask in Avocado with Amy Butler Full Moon Tangerine polka dot band and the monogram of each maid embroidered on the band.
I must say that I had a ton of fun with this one and can't wait to tackle them all.