House of Whimsy

Valentine's Decorating, Revisited

2012-01-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

Wow! That short break ended up being three weeks. I'm still tying up some loose ends around here, so in the meantime... here's some of my Valentine favorites.

Happy February...almost! : )

Linking to:
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/01/sat-night-special-link-party-118.htm
Get Schooled Saturday
Addicted2Decorating
Be Different Act Normal Saturday
Southern Lovely

Taking a Short Break...

2012-01-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

while trying to make this (below) happen AGAIN! Sigh...

And filling an order of each of these, below.

Happy New Year!!

Pajama Pants and Monkey Bow-Ties

2011-12-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

What a funny title. But I couldn't think of anything better! I haven't really sewn any clothing since the "sewing marathon" that happened last Summer for Sara's wedding. This project was very, very fun.

And did I mention...very rewarding? :-D

Thank you very much for all the (extremely kind) comments regarding my 'Decorating Posts', below. I hope your Christmas was Merry & Bright!
M.L.

Christmas Decorating 2011

2011-12-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to do a 'Candyland' tree. Thanks to Target and Walmart I was able to do it pretty cheaply this year.

I got this "half-tree" at a local boutique a few years ago. It's so perfect on the landing where there's limited space.

I tried something a little different on the archway this year.
I think I like it. : )
Pretty at night, too!
New fab pillows at Target this year!!

Family room:

Two new glitter houses from TJ Maxx, this year.

Are you as in love with 'Prep and Landing' as we are over here? I picked up this DVD from Walmart this year. It's the original...not the new one from this year.
Just a little fun on the kitchen counter.

And my miniature 'Williraye' nativity. I'll always treasure it!!
I trust you're all having a good holiday season out there. I know I've been MIA.
Take care and enjoy the Season!! : )
M.L.
Linking up to:
http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
http://tatertotsandjello.com/
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/SNS

My Favorite Christmas Decorating (Part II)

2011-12-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

Part II: 2008-2010

Below: A few Lori Mitchell figurines. So cute!!

Snowflakes and silver bulbs adhered to ceiling with sewing thread and masking tape (cut into thin strips).

Below: Last year's 'Village Under the Tree'.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been swamped!!! I hope to make the rounds again soon. Happy Holidays!
M.L.
* Part I can be found HERE
Linking to:
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/
http://missmustardseed.com/
http://whipperberry.com/
http://hookedonhouses.net/
Tatertots and Jello
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/

My Favorite Christmas Decorating Through the Years (Part I)

2011-12-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

I loved putting all my Halloween decorating photos together in two Posts this year. It's just SO fun to have them all together in one place.
I thought I would do it for Christmas too! I hope you'll enjoy this trip down memory lane along with me. : )

Happy decorating!!!
Part II can be found HERE
Linking to:
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/
http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/
http://www.lovelycraftyhome.com/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/
http://missmustardseed.com/
http://hookedonhouses.net/
http://whipperberry.com/
Tatertots and Jello
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

Whoville Tree, Revisted

2011-11-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

I'm still deciding if I'm going to do the "Whoville Tree" this year, so in the meantime I thought we could enjoy the photos again. These pics include my 'Whoville I' and 'Whoville II' from both years.

It all started when Sara and I went to Costco last week and saw THESE: (*Note: from an old Post)

Which included lots of these, below:
AND THEN,"I GOT AN IDEA........A WONDERFUL....... [WICKED] IDEA."!!!!

So, here we go...

I won't be adding a lot to my Shop this Christmas because I'm busy with some special orders for my Bird Cake Toppers. But here's a few things I've added in the past week.

Enjoy the Season!!
M.L.
Linking to:
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/
http://projectqueen.org/
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/
http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/

On the Town...Cameras in Tow

2011-11-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

A friend of Sara's got married last week and she was one of the Bridesmaids. We combined that event with a couple of shopping days to some of our favorite spots.
First stop, 'Banana Republic' to use a giftcard Sara had.
Cute outfit!
See this camera, below? Sara and I had both saved pictures of it to our files, at separate times.
Then when we stopped in at Urban Outfitters, there she was in all her cuteness!!!
Below, something so clever!! A wall of little frames that look like Polaroid photos. It's just the frames that make them look that way.
Love the printed owl put onto a pillow, below!
Next stop...'Anthropologie'!!
We were both clicking away. : )
I'm pretty sure this necklace was made out of REAL glasses frames. Great idea!

Another day, we went to our favorite boutique in town. They were all decked out for Christmas.

This little plaque (below) made me "scream and shout" with laughter. I just had to share!
Here's my little "fashion plate", below. She is the queen of Thrift Store shopping. That beautiful wool tweed jacket only cost her a few dollars.
Same with the wool skirt, below. Her necklace is not made from real glasses, but it sure is cute.

Pretty bracelet, below, is from Forever 21. She got the very last one for a discount because it was from last Season. Lucky girl!
Even though this photo (below) was taken last year at the same boutique as above, it reminds me of how blessed I am to have daughters who still think it's fun to go shopping with Mom. One of the things I'm most grateful for during this season of gratitude. : )
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Mary Lou

Inexpensive DIY Centerpieces

2011-11-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

My daughter, Emily, found this idea from a blog named 'The Colorful Living Project'. A big thanks to them for such a GREAT idea!!!
The first step is the funnest!!! Drink six sodas all by yourself in 10 minutes! J/K! :-D
Take outside to spray.
You will thank me later on the "secret weapon", because I wasted a lot of time experimenting with all the wrong and time-consuming stuff first.

Idea #1: SPRING/SUMMER
Idea #2: FALL
We're making these for an upcoming church leadership meeting. Thus, the tags...
But you could also do something like this below:
I got the tags at Staples.

Happy Fall! : )

Linking to:
http://www.lilluna.com/
savvy southern style
http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/

A New Little Owl and Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T17:29:00.001-07:00

Look what I just HAD to make for the lonely Mr. Owl! Hee-hee!

I hope you each had a Happy Halloween. Below, are some pics from the Trunk or Treat/Church Carnival we went to, with the girls. Talk about impressive!!!

Two Cutie-Pa-Tooties!!

This Witch Pitch game idea below, came from the Site 'Chica and Jo'.

Mommy's cute hat, below.

"OH, THE FUN WE HAD!!!"
I hope you each had lots of fun, too!! : )
M.L.

Waffle Cone Cornucopia Tutorial

2011-10-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something my friend, Margie, taught me to make last year. In case you didn't bookmark it, here you go...

We used her steamer to flatten the cones.
Once inside, put the lid on, and wait for a minute and a half.
They will flatten, like so:
VERY QUICKLY, take it out and shape, like so:
Next, fill with fun Fall-colored candy.
Last... wrap in plastic wrap, add ribbon and card. ENJOY!!
The big day is almost here. Is everyone at your house getting excited? We altered a little "Goddess" costume over here last night. : )
Happy Fall,
Mary Lou

Linking to:
Show & Share
http://www.lilluna.com/
savvy southern style
http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/
Southern Lovely

More Halloween Crafting

2011-10-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I bought this 'bird-on-a-finial-thing'.
I intended, from the beginning, to use it for Halloween.
I finally did something about it this year.
I needed to make new feet (for this raven I already had) that would cling to the sphere.

Next, we went down to Hobby Lobby and bought a few of their paper mache houses......
so the girls could make these:

Below, I finally added a few goodies to the Shop again. : )

I hope you're enjoying the Halloween season!!!

Conclusion of New York... and Cruise

2011-10-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

While in New York, we took the subways over to Hoboken, NJ, to see the famous "Carlo's Bakery" from the show, Cake Boss.
Picture (below) taken on a galloping horse, apparently. Ha!

As you walk in, you are handed a number because of the crowds. I guess it looks like this everyday. Incredible!

Below, one of the sisters, in red.
We had to catch a Broadway musical while in town.
The set of Wicked!!!
Our Ship

Below, the big screen on the main deck. A couple of nights we watched movies out there. It was just like going to a drive-in. They were great comedies...so fun!!
First Port-Stop...Boston.

I LOVE all the historical sites and architecture there!!!

This photograph (below) is from the last time we were in Boston, visiting my brother and his family. We came a little too early in the season to see leaves like this, this time.
Goodbye Boston!
Next Port...Maine.
Portland Head Light, below. I was so happy that the weather was perfect that day!

Again...in LOOOOVE with the architecture!!!

Third Port...St. John, N.B., Canada
Our Tour Guide, all decked out. : )
Charming Canadian Market.
I got a kick out of this T-shirt, below.
I bought "Sebastian" at this stop. Don't forget about him, because I photographed him in all the places we visited thereafter...(another Post sometime).

Each night when you come back to your room, while on a Cruise, you will find a different "towel animal" there. This was my favorite.
Last Port...Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse. Beautiful!!!

What a wonderful adventure!!!

'Tis the Season...time to pull out all the "stuff"! :-D

My Other Life...Outside of Blogging

2011-10-03T03:00:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my last Post, I had a few other commitments in September. One of them was going on a cruise to New England and Canada.
The cruise left from New York, so we spent a few days there before take-off. Grand Central Station, the night we arrived (below).
Only in New York would you see paper dresses in the windows.
So New York!
The Lobby of our Hotel, the beautiful Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan.
Time Square...

Roxy (below)...a MUST when you go to New York. The best cheesecake and pecan bars, EVER!!!
Next day... on the Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.

This is the second time I've been. I could never get tired of coming here. How majestic!

Then over to the Immigration Museum. It would be nice to spend a whole day inside. Very inspiring!

We were so fortunate to be able to see the new 9/11 Memorial. Very fortunate!!! Thanks, Mr. T. : )

These two photos (above and below) are from the http://www.911memorial.org/memorial Site.

The (almost 3000 names) were engraved into the the borders of the two memorial pools.

Inside Radio City Music Hall, to see a performance of Circ de Soleil.

I hope you enjoyed Part I of our adventure. Next Post...Part II.
I'll be making the rounds in Blogland this week. I look forward to seeing what you've all been up to. : )

Wedding/Anniversary Compilation Post

2011-09-22T00:30:00.000-07:00

Well, if you can believe it, our newlyweds have been married for a year now, on Saturday. Seems like yesterday to me. This Post is for any new Followers who may have missed all the fun last year.
I've been completely MIA in blogland lately due to some special orders in my Shop and other commitments in my "real life". : )

Engagement photos.
We made good use of this banner. It was used at the Shower and Reception, as well.

Bridesmaids' gifts all wrapped up, which were the necklace pictured below.
We had fun shopping for all these old enamel flower brooches. Sara did a wonderful job putting the bouquet together.

Since her bouquet was made out of old pins, we made William's boutonniere out of one, too.

Happy Anniversary, you two! We sure love you!

***A big "thank you" to our photographers, Jessica and Chris. What an amazing job you did!!

Just a Few Things to Hoot About Today

2011-09-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a couple of tips and tid-bits with you today.
See this amazing brown wool fabric? Well, guess what??? I got a big piece of it a while back, from Goodwill. Don't forget to check their fabric aisle when you go. : )
And speaking of fabric. This (below) just came in the mail today. I ordered one yard of this (very nice quality) "document" fabric from Ballard Designs.com. I'm thinking about recovering a lamp shade and maybe making a pillow or two. It will be A LOT cheaper than buying one of their ready-made shades out of the same fabric.
Next...these little green glittered beauties (the pumpkins) were found in the Target Dollar Section for $2.50 each, just today. They're about 8 inches tall. Run, don't walk! :-D
Remember last year when my whole universe was consumed with Sara's wedding and we were painting all these frames off-white?
Well, I always loved how enchanting these photos of the fames turned out, in the trees.
So I decided to try it again with some of my wedding couples. : )

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a good one!
M.L.

Halloween Crafts Through the Years

2011-09-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

As promised, I thought I would do a compilation-Post of some of my favorite Halloween crafts. I used a stamp set to make the paperdoll, below.
I bought some ceramic hands at a thrift store and decided to spray them white to put into my Halloween vignettes.

Here's a tiny "instant ancestor" I found at the local Antique Store. I just made her a little more fancy. : )

Spider webs can be made from thin rope.

I love to make decorated Bingo Cards!

My "instant relative" again, decorated a different way.
Someone used Scrapbooking supplies to embellish this pumpkin, below. Sara and I took this pic while visiting a cute shop a couple years ago.
Thanks to the Blog, 'Stuff by Ash', I made this with the kiddos last year.

This is how I made my Boo Jars.

And......couldn't resist showing my latest creations, which I finished at (?) a.m. last night. :-D

I hope you found some inspiration here today. Have a good one!
M.L.
* Go HERE to see my "Halloween Decorating" Post.
Linking to:
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/ http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/
http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/
http://www.theidearoom.net/
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
http://www.craftjunkietoo.com/search/label/T.G.I.F.%20Linky%20Party
http://vanessascraftynest.blogspot.com/
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/
http://www.kojodesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/
http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com
http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/
http://todayscreativeblog.net/
http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/

A Great Week

2011-09-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

Last week I was able to help our "newlyweds" (although their 1st anniversary is just around the corner) move into their new place. They had been living in an apartment, but now live on the top floor of this charming house you see, below.

View from their front door, upstairs. I LOVE the two round windows.
Below, Saturday at a Craft Fair.
And...a Jazz Concert in the Park.

One night we worked on this little "makeover", below.
Awesome colors, huh?

This little birdie was my new House Warming gift. : )

Sure love you guys!!!!!

My Favorite Halloween Decorating Through the Years

2011-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

As I was looking through my picture files recently, I thought it would be fun to put together a compilation of my favorite Halloween Decorating over the past few years. Enjoy! : )

* Click HERE to see my "Favorite Halloween Crafts" Post!

Linking to:
The Shabby Nest
Delightful Order
French country cottage
Just a Girl
Tatertots and Jello
Show and Tell Saturday
http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/
http://onsuttonplace.blogspot.com/
http://www.remodelaholic.com/
http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/
http://todayscreativeblog.net/
http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/

Grass Skirt Tutorial and a Luau Birthday

2011-08-22T09:25:00.000-07:00

Princess C wanted a Luau Birthday Party. How fun!!!

One 99 cent package of tissue makes one skirt.
Sew ribbon across all layers at the top.
Cut your thin strips and...
viola!! : )

Let's go fishing! The "CATCH"......each fish had instructions for something goofy to do in front of everyone!!! It was a big hit! :-D
The Limbo!!!
Mood music!

Happy Birthday, Angel-girl!!! We love you very much!
And...I had to throw in my latest Halloween creations!

Fall is just around the corner. Yippee!!

Pumpkins For Sale Again : )

2011-08-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Latest designs...

Some of my past designs...

Also, this little guy and the pendant jewelry are sitting over in my Shop.

And here's where we went this past weekend.
With lots of GREAT young people!!!

Next day, we helped them with this fun "Wax Hand" activity.

You go back an forth between ICE-COLD water and the wax several times. Then you slowly wiggle your hand out and "voila"!!! : )

Hang loose.......Hang ten.......or I love you........or whatever that means! : -D
M.L.

More Goofy Stuff

2011-08-09T15:58:00.001-07:00

Does anyone out there remember when this kitty with the red shoes was so popular? Back in the day, I bought a bed sheet with the intention of using it for crafting one day. I never used it as a sheet, BTW. : )

Here's one of the ideas I came up with. I'm looking forward to using it for more fun creations.

This necklace below, was an experiment. I decoupaged pieces of a map onto this round sphere. Both items are sitting in my Shop if you have a need for one.

And remember..."You're never too old to do [or make] goofy stuff"! : )
M.L.

Faux Flower Trick

2011-08-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm always jealous when I roam around Blogland and see everyone's fresh flowers sitting in their Mason jars. So I thought I'd cheat a little with these "silkies"...... add water ...... and pretend. : )

I have a few of these in the Shop in case you need one.
I hope you're having a good weekend!
ML

P.S. Did you notice the changes to my Header?I couldn't leave "well enough alone"!Shocker!! :-D

Wedding Shower=Apron + PW Cookbook

2011-07-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

One of our friends got married recently. So another friend and I decided to make her an apron to go along with the Pioneer Woman Cookbook.

Here's the cute pattern we used.
Completely reversible. : )

Also, I finally got down to Ikea this week to pick up one of these lovely little numbers I've been seeing in Blogland.
Why is this pale blue enamel Soooooooo irresistible??

Couldn't resist. :-D

Heather Bailey Pincushion

2011-07-23T12:38:00.000-07:00

Another project down. Yea!!!

Over a year ago I bought this Heather Bailey apple kit. I finally decided to tackle it.

Also...new Tweets in the Shop. : )

Happy Saturday! : )

I LOVE Summertime!!!!!

2011-07-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

Last Summer I bought these two "dressing tent" boxes from Lori Mitchell. Beautiful photo (below) taken by my daughter, Sara.
This Summer I decided to order two of Lori Mitchell's figurines to go with them, after seeing them on Viv's Blog. Hi, Viv! : )

Barbie courtesy of Google Images

I hope you're enjoying your Summer!
M.L.

A Tutorial Re-Post, because...

2011-07-15T23:11:00.001-07:00

because I'm in the middle of making another Bird Wedding-Cake-Topper and you've seen WAY too many photos of those.
Nothing else exciting is going on here this week, so......
A Blast From the Past:

I'm just going show you my steps in photo-form because I had no instructions. I Just made it up as I went.

I used my Tim Holtz disc for the picture of the little girl. I just printed her off.
The strings holding up the cloud and moon went up and through the cardboard above, then I taped them down on top. I distressed the paper a bit and added stamps and postmark stickers.
Christmas earrings I got for 75% at Target after the holidays. I knew I would use them in my crafting.

Below, a very sloppy job of Mod Podge and tissue paper on the back, but it sure was a fast way to cover everything.
Clear as mud? This project took a LONG time, but I enjoyed it. Let me know if you try it too. Have a good weekend.
Mary Lou

A "Tangled" Birthday

2011-07-09T21:34:00.001-07:00

Someone had a birthday this past weekend.

FRIDAY: Time to get to work!!! My daughter throws the most amazing parties for her girls. If there are any ideas you like, go here for all the templates, instructions, etc. A BIG THANKS to "Super Mom Moments"!!
The stencil, below, came from Walmart.
SATURDAY: Time to Party!!!

Rapunzel's tower:

Rapunzel loved to paint murals, in the movie...

SO...

In the movie, there's a cute little chameleon named Pascal.
Again, the template can be found in the link above.

Make a Wish!

Gift Time!

Happy Birthday precious girl. We love you!!!

Happy Fourth

2011-07-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

I hope your weekend was a happy one!

Below, my latest special order wedding birds. Oh So Fun!!

Little Sara

Big Sara

Happy 4th of July!
M.L.

Finding Storage in Wasted Spaces

2011-06-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

I wish I could take credit for this one. I saw a picture while surfing the Internet once, where someone used a tension rod under their sink for this same purpose. I decided to use a closet rod set-up to be more sturdy.

My laundry room is VERY small. But it's an out-of-the-way space and I love using every square inch for storage.

Behind the door...when space is limited, might as well start stacking UP.
We used the same closet-rod-idea in my daughter's room to store all her purses.

These are shower curtain hooks and key rings on a metal rod.
I've been scarce around Blogland lately. Notice some special orders I've been working on, below. At least I haven't been sitting around eating Bon-Bons!! :-D
I'm linking up to:

Show and Tell Saturdays
Tatertots and Jello
Fingerprints on the Fridge

Summertime Fun

2011-06-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old Better Homes & Gardens magazines the other night and thought I'd share some fun things I came across. First off, is this idea of appliqueing on a pillow.
Like so:
I chose a star rather than something intricate like theirs.

I threw these in my Shop in case you have a need for a little Red, White and Blue at your house.
BTW, thanks so much for all the input on my last Post. Here's what I decided...I'm going to make two pillows in graduated sizes. One stripe, one floral and have them both on my chair-and-a-half. : )
Below, is a fun article all about collecting vintage sand pails straight from BH&G. If you click on the picture, it should enlarge for you.

I leave you today with a little Summer Funny. : )
M.L.

The Best Seat in the House

2011-06-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Your opinion requested...read on.

If you've been around for awhile, this striped chair will be familiar to you. It is the #1 beloved chair in our home. Everyone loves it and I always gets lots of compliments on it. However, it has finally started to show too much wear and tear (old photo below).
I've been struggling for awhile now, with what to do about it...order a slipcover that didn't really fit, get a new chair altogether, or do the scariest of all: attempt a custom slipcover myself.
I have a friend (hi, Julie) who never bats an eye at making slipcovers for all her chairs, sofas or loveseats. I watched her help my DIL slipcover one of their wing-back chairs once, and she made it look so easy.
So I decided to get brave and save my family's favorite chair, ever!!! : )
Here's where you come in. Do you think I should recover the accent pillow in this floral (below) to match the ottoman? Or...
in this cool stripe I just found? *BTW, I'm only partially done with this. Still lots of work to go, including covering the seat.
Have a great weekend.
M.L.

Tutorial for a Little "Cake Stand"

2011-06-11T00:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since I saw this little beauty ( below) from Cherry's Jubilee, I've wanted to try my hand at one. Better late than never.
I think Cherry used a flat piece of wood, but I decided to use the lid of an old box.

Below, I cut my own striped scallops by using this Christmas paper as my pattern.

Using the gloss acrylic sealer really gave it a nice sheen.

***Many of you are coming over from Pinterest. If you'd like to see my two Posts on Halloween Decorating and Crafting go HERE and HERE.

Stars and Stripes Forever

2011-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

I filed this photo away last year, from MarthaStewart.com. She gives the instructions on her website under 'Holidays' if I remember right.
I'm not sure why, but ever since I can remember I have loved anything patriotic, nautical, or red, white and blue. I just adore it all!!!

The next two photos came from Jenny B. Harris last year, of 'Allsorts'.

Since the Fourth of July is only a month away, I had to try my hand at these little patriotic tweets.

This little guy sold in between the time I listed him and got this Post published...no worries, I put another one in. : )
These two below, made me think of the Declaration of Independence AND the American Flag, together. Ha!
And...something new in the Shop this year. : )

Happy Summertime!!!!!!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a good Memorial Day Weekend.
We headed up north to enjoy the beautiful mountains and the wonderful company of my brother and sister-in-law.
We did a little hiking...
enjoyed the wonderful smell of Pines...
did a little rock climbing...
a little pine cone and rock collecting...
tree walking...
hand holding...
And of course a little BBQ-ing. Thank you so much, Steve and Cindy, for being the BEST hosts ever!!!
A big thank you to those who bought my first four birds in the Shop. I'm slowly putting some more back in. : )

Thank You!!!

My New Bird Pattern

2011-05-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a little squatty-bird pattern so that I could put them in my Shop.
Here's a photo of my trial and error birds. : )

I basically took my wedding bird pattern...re-positioned the nose, changed up the tail and tweeked the angle of where the legs went in.
I know there are many little fabric birds sold Online, but this is my take on these little cuties!

I had WAY too much fun taking these little guys around the house for their photo shoot.

I only have four in the Shop for now, so grab 'em while you can. : )

Happy Dance Time

2011-05-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

My first pair of "Sold" birds, on their Special Day. Can you believe how clever...a nest made of chocolate shavings!! It made me SO HAPPY to see them showcased like this. : )

I swore that I would never make another pair after the ones I made for my daughter's wedding, but alas...it must be like childbirth...you forget all the pain over time. Hee-hee!!

This little pair (below) is being shipped to San Francisco this week. Another happy dance. : )

Below, is a sneak peek of what I made my friend for her wedding gift. Her colors were (as you saw in the top photo) yellow, black and white. I'll Post the whole thing next time.

We Have A Winner

2011-05-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Megan of 1 Funky Woman. Megan, please choose either one of the original headbands from the Giveaway or one of these three new ones. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope you'll have fun wearing it!!

Thanks to everyone who joined in the fun last week. If you just HAVE to have one, they're in my Shop right now for $10 each. Thanks again for participating!!!

GIVEAWAY

2011-05-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

*Giveaway is now closed and winner will be announced soon. Thanks to all who entered!!!
In conjunction with my Etsy Shop re-opening, I thought I'd have a Giveaway (for one of these headbands...your choice).
Leaving a comment gets you one entry. If you'd like a 2nd entry, just mention this Giveaway on your Blog (don't forget to come back and tell me.) THAT'S IT! SIMPLE! I'll draw a lucky winner sometime this coming weekend. *I'm sorry that this giveaway is only open to the US... Postage is just too high for International. : (

Now onto other fun stuff!!! 'Tis the Season for Showers, and let me tell you...I've been around. I decided to make collages of the last four I've attended. This first Shower,below, I had the pleasure of helping with the decorating. Not my house, but you'll recognize my collection of birdcages. : )
I loaned out of few of my cages for this one, too. Don't you LOVE the paper bird mobile? BEAUTIFUL job, Kelsey!!!
Another Wedding...
Another baby. : )
I'm so happy my birdcages have made the rounds. It makes my addiction a lot less guilt-provoking!!
Good luck...and be happy!! : )

Ta-Da!!!

2011-05-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished the next set of wedding birds for a friend who hired me to make them for her wedding. I got them done in time for her FUN Shower. Yea!!!
I tried an experiment and put them into my Etsy Shop last week before announcing the re-opening here on my Blog, just to see what would happen. Surprise!!! I've already begun to sell them.

A few more goodies I'm throwing into the Shop, below. I've seen similar headbands around town and on the Internet and had to try my hand at some.

Thank you, James, for the delicious Mother's Day dinner you made for us.
I hope you had a happy one.

Next Big Project

2011-05-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

See these 12 little flags?

They'll eventually be turned into this:

Did you notice the little flags on the star (below)? :-D

But before I can finish my flag quilt, I need to finish another one of these!!! This one below, is for a sweet friend. Go here to see the first ones I made for my daughter's wedding last Fall.
(Below), Margie took my suggestion, found here, and ran with it. Man, I'm jealous!!!

Have a good week,
M.L.

Something to File Away For Next Year

2011-04-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to paperplateandplane.com for this fun Easter craft idea. We sure appreciated it at our house!!!

Hope yours was happy!!

The New Spring Collection

2011-04-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what my fascination with old glass bottles is all about, but I have one!!!

My latest creation was this little Alice, last Spring.

I have a whole collection just waiting to be dressed up and put into my Etsy Shop, when I re-open again one of these days.

These last two I sold in my shop a couple of years ago.

Have a wonderful Easter. : )

Another Wedding Dress

2011-04-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

A bustle, that is!! This beautiful bride asked for help with her loooooong bridal train.

Hi Margie!!! Tell "Mr. T" thanks for loaning you to me all those hours we worked on this project.

Margie did lots of research online and came up with this idea, below.
We covered some buttons we got in the notions section at JoAnn's.
I crocheted these loops with heavy cotton thread.
And reinforced the loops underneath, so they wouldn't tear the netting.

This was a lot of fabric to manage, but we were so happy our plan worked. Thanks, sweet friend, for helping me!!! I couldn't have done it without you.

A Little Crown For Easter

2011-04-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

How cute is this little chick????
But as usual, I couldn't leave well enough alone!!!!! So, here we go...

I love this little glitter tray from Michael's. It Makes putting back all that glitter, a snap!

TA-DA!!!!!

This picture (below) is the one I texted my daughter last night. She told me she couldn't stop laughing! Hee-hee!!
HAPPY SPRING!! : )

Get A Life...

2011-03-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

is exactly what you should tell me after reading this Post!!!

You see, it all started when I bought these two "Dick and Jane" paper suitcases at separate times last year. I looked and looked for the middle-sized one...to no avail.
So I did what every other non-obsessed person would do...NOT! I took the biggest suitcase (below) down to the copy center and made several color copies of it.
Wow! That's what I call desperate!! Or...we could call it a few other things...but let's not.
I recently found the perfect middle-sized suitcase at Ross, but the dresses had to go.
The rest of the insanity went as follows:

Ahhh...Now I can sleep again! J/K (I promise). But it sure makes me smile : )

I'm linking up to Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest. Thx, Wendy.
Fingerprints on the fridge.
It's a Hodgepodge Friday./Delightful Order.
Tatertots and Jello./ Be Different, Act Normal.

"Old Lady Facebook"...Hee-hee!

2011-03-28T16:10:00.000-07:00

Funny Story: When I first started blogging, my youngest daughter walked by her sister and me and said, "Whatcha doin'?" Big sister, Emily, said, "I'm helping Mom set up a Blog." At that, little sister rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, that's just Facebook for old ladies." We all "Laughed Out Loud"!!!
But I got the last laugh because I told her, "Just wait, when you're an old married lady, you'll join the crowd too, cuz it's just So Much Fun!!!" This Post is all about "Case in Point". Look who has an ADORABLE "old ladies Facebook"!!! : )
Sara's Blog is mostly a "Fashion Blog", where she tells where most of her things came from and how to dress on a budget. I'm very proud of her.

Sara's also having fun photographing her cute new apartment (as seen below).

I close with this fun "blast from the past"...the photo on the left is me (way back when...and wearing my husband's glasses, btw). The one on the right is of another current Fashion Blogger. Sara says all my "old styles are coming back". What goes around comes around, right?
To see more of Sara's fun Fashion Blog, go here, and tell her...... her momma sent you. : )

Paper Fun

2011-03-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

I recently bought this Super Fun stamp set.

Here's how I broke it in. : )

This went on a bag full of cupcakes.
I thought I'd throw this one in, too. I made it a few years ago, but didn't use it until recently. I made it at a Scrapbook Convention (good times, Cindy!). What a fun idea, huh?

Yippee for Spring Break!!!!!

I hope you enjoyed yours!!! : )

The Cutest Little Bag...AROUND...the World : )

2011-03-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Just a play on words. I'm sure there must be a cuter bag in the world...somewhere!!
I just love this Amy Butler pattern.
I was SO happy when I found this map fabric. This bag was a gift for a sweet person who loves maps. : )

The bag below, is the one Sara made from the pattern a few years ago.

Just a short one today. I hope you're all doing well.

How I Fixed My "Oops"

2011-03-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

A couple years ago I ordered this cake stand in the color, ivory, from Ballard's.

Here it is, below, a few days before the "Oops" happened.
Awwww
Thank goodness I was able to salvage the plate part and the base in one piece. I took a hammer and knocked off that sharp edge.
Next...I went straight to Goodwill and found THE PERFECT item to fix my plate. Only $2.99. Thank you, Goodwill. : )

I took it apart because I didn't need all of it.
I used these items below to help me with the project.
Primer first, then ivory paint, then gloss acrylic spray. Drying well, between each coat. Then I glued it all back together with E-6000 glue, available at Walmart and hardware stores.

And, voila!!! : )
Happy Days Are Here Again! : )
And speaking of Happy Days... we took the little princesses to KFC the other night. The same one that "Aunt Sara and Uncle Will" went to for some of their engagement pics.

Awww, so cute!!! : )
I'm linking up to:

http://www.justagirlblog.com
http://itsahodgepodgelife.blogspot.com
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com