Spring Fling Give Away April 1-14

The Spring Fling Give Away is underway at Etsy's Mothering Street Team blog. We all decided that we would jump into spring feet first and bring some traffic to our blog and our shops. We all pitched in and bought a banner ad on the main forum page on mothering.com 's natural parenting discussion forums. We are having a good old fashioned raffle and giving away a whole bunch of goodies for moms and kids from the talented moms from out street team. Of course there is no purchase necessary, but if you do buy from the shops that are participating you can earn 1 entry for every dollar you spend. Whoopie! More chances to win! To search for participating stores, visit Etsy and follow this link. For a complete list of rules and other good stuff visit our blog.

First we have a basket for the kiddos: A wooden helicopter from Imagination Kids, a silk ring twirl toy and a rainbow wood bead necklace from Sun Anthem, a set of six small cars from Small Town Toys, a felt Totoro applique from Spunky Gal, pirate sandwich wrappers from Creations by Hippie Fairy Lover, a child's healing necklace (picture pending) from Stones of Healing, and a set of play-dough from MayaMade.
Next we have a collection of items for all you hard working mom's out there: bath bombs from Circle Natural Goods, beautiful bead bracelet from Little Queen Sheba, a stack of breastfeeding awareness bumper-stickers (to share!) and additional natural decals from Elemental Handcrafts, a Little Ones Sweet Dreams aromatherapy set with Need to Sleep Mist and customizable bed-time poem, and an herbal cloth trivet, both from MayaMade.

Spring has sprung........almost.

We went from two 60 degree days in a row to another snowy icy mess yesterday. This winter has been the worst in my recent recollection. Snow storm after snow storm, shoveling and then more shoveling and just when you though you had enough we get yet another storm. I think once spring is officially here I will not be taking her for granted. Before you know it we will be heading for the humid and mosquito filled days of summer, the threat of Lyme disease and we will yet again be forced to retreat back indoors. To renewal and the birth of everything green.... I love you lady spring.

JB Painting

I just wanted to mention to all who come across my blog and to all who love Etsy to please check out this shop. It's brand spankin' new and belongs to a childhood friend of my husband's. Jim is extremely talented and his art work deserves a place in your home. Seriously! Also visit his Blog "Common Place" where you can see more samples of his work.

Dolly and things.

This is the first thing that I have made with my new sewing machine. It is going to a little girl, Izzy, for her 1st birthday. I swear to you that I am the supplier for birthday gifts for my friend Jill. And I am telling you that her kids get invited to more birthday parties than I know people on this planet. She loves to give handmade gifts and I love to supply them. Plus it gets my name out there. *hint*hint* I make custom super hero capes and tutus too! That reminds me! I have some pics of the custom capes I made for the holidays--------> here they are.
And I am also going to leave you with a pic of the dolly Alice and I made on Sunday night. She picked out the fabric and stuffed the body parts. I surprised her with a little tutu for her dolly. She has slept with it every night since.

Fabdynasty Designs

I have to show off a hand made, one-of-a-kind gift I received for Christmas. My very best childhood friend was home for Christmas from Charleston, South Carolina. We stopped exchanging gifts a million years ago so I was really surprised when she handed me a gift. I knew that she had started painting again but had no clue that she was making jewelry. Here it is! A fun and funky design with happy colors. You can't be sad wearing this set......and it makes me think of her. Clink on her business card and it will take you to her blog, where you can see more of her beautiful paintings.

Happy Day

I FINALLY have gotten myself a new sewing machine! I sewed my butt off over the last few months making items for sale for others for the holiday. Instead of putting the money in saving like I usually do, I decided that I had had it with my dumb, 10 year old Kenmore! I wanted to throw it against the wall while I was sewing a cape for a friend of mine. The tension had made me mad for the last time. I got my self the Singer Confidence 7467, and what a beauty it is. I haven't tried to make something with it yet, (I have been too busy with work) but I am so excited!!!! I think this will give my items a more professional look and will speed up my tun-out time. Can you tell I am sooooo excited!!

Hello Kitty

I have a very special 5 year old that I made this one for, Alice's friend Abigail. She LOVES Hello Kitty and wanted a clutch just like her mommy. I jumped at the opportunity to scour all the great sellers on Etsy for fabric that would suit this project and Abby's taste. I came across "This and that from Japan" She sells loads of super cute fabric of all that I wish to own. Check out her shop, you will be glad you did! The Hello Kitty with birds and apples was perfect! It got to me from Japan in about 10 days and I worked on the clutch today. The other is for her friend Ally from Louisiana. As always e-mail me if you are interested in something similar.