Today's theme is in honor of my trip to Dallas, Texas this week for the I Heart Faces Photography Workshop. All the goodies I've pulled for today's treasury have some connection to Texas.

Texas Grasp and Teether Toy

$12.00 - by littlesaplingtoys



Longhorn Pewter Knob

$19.00 - by fisforfrank



Texas Wall Art Wooden Wall Art/Coat Rack - Lone Star Texas Flag

$30.00 - by TexasGirlDesigns



Only two more days until I see for myself if everything really IS bigger in Texas!

Etsy is a phenomenal resource and market for all things handmade and vintage. If you've never visited the site before, it can be a little overwhelming. Talented crafters from all over the world set up virtual shops to sell their goods, and you won't find these products in your everyday department store. I recently opened my own shop there to sell my fine art photography. I've decided to start themed 'Etsy Tuesday' to showcase some beautiful, creative and unique items I come across. Keep this in mind for the upcoming holiday season. You can find anything for anyone on here, and you'll know you're directly supporting a creative and talented individual.

This week's theme is a hint at what tomorrow's post will bring. Can you figure it out?

  Vintage White on White Printed Sunflower Floral Hankie - $3.75

seller HeirloomLinens



 

Flora Wool Capelet - $120.00

seller HollyBloomCouture 

Maddison...Blue Necklace and Earring Set - $58.50

seller AmberSky
Edwardian 1907 Sterling Silver Sixpence - $15.00
seller greenlandturtle



Hope you enjoyed! Tomorrow is the start of a fun new series as well, so stay tuned!

Back in August, I made a baby play blanket for an expectant friend of mine who recently moved to Florida. I had a great time making it, and creating the little monkey face that I later mounted to the front.

It was a hit at the shower, which was a wonderful feeling. My friend, Beth, now a new mom(!), has been kind enough to catch me up on the gift over facebook.

First of all, can I just say Beth made pregnancy look easy? This picture was taken the morning of the birth! That is actual an actual baby belly, she did not just stuff her shirt. Gorgeous, right?

And here is her new little man, Tyler Brady, on the monkey blanket I made for them. She said he absolutely adores it, and spends a lot of time with it! It brightened my week, and makes me want to make more to spread the love.

She also posted these photos, where he's lying on the blanket. Big happy sighs and smiles are coming from my direction.

Couldn't you just eat him up? Congratulations Beth and Bobby on your new little cutie!

My cousin Shauna is super creative and uber talented with her scrapbooking and cardmaking. You can check out her beautiful creations over at her blog, SK Studios.

This particular beauty she has entered in an online competition over at Torrendi blog. The other entrants are very talented as well, but if you agree with me, cast your vote for her design (Shauna Kurvach)!

In the near future, I hope to be featuring her as a guest blogger, sharing her skills as she takes you through creating one of her designs.

This past weekend I went on a crazy, whirlwind roadtrip which was topped off by a surprise bridal shower for my doublemint twin (aka, best friend from college, Diana).



It had a Twilight theme, and, though I've never read the books, I volunteered for decorations...cause they're fun! I was inspired by the book covers and a movie release party featured on Hostess with the Mostess. I'll post details on the centerpieces over the next week or so, but for now, here are some photos.

This past weekend I hosted my first sewing circle. Having never attended one, much less hosted one, I was nervous that it would be a flop. I sent out the invitation, and heard back from 3 women. A nice size group to start with. With some planning, I set up my event keeping the following five essentials in mind:

1) SPACE - This is the biggest need for a sewing circle. Sewers come with stuff, stuff that needs to spread out. Plus sewing machines, pattern cutting, ironing, the list goes on. So a good host location will have room for everyone to spread out. If you have a number of handsewers you can get away with a smaller space, but everyone will appreciate not being cramped when there are pins, needles, and arms flying about.

2) TABLES - While you can get away with cutting patterns on a hardwood floor (unless you have older sewers attending), large/long tables are needed for machines, ironing (with a towel to protect from heat), and many other activities. Always have a few on hand, or ask others to bring theirs.

3) WORKSTATIONS - This is a great way to organize the first two essentials. Set up designated areas intended for sewing, cutting, eating and ironing. This will aid traffic flow, and no one will poke someone wielding a hot iron with a needle on accident.

4) SPARE SUPPLIES - It's inevitable, someone will forget something at home. Forget the wrong thing and it could derail any progress on a project. So have spare supplies on hand: pins, needles, a variety of thread colors, zippers, measuring tape, seam rippers, generic buttons, scissors, etc. If you have them available, a spare iron or machine can be useful as well.

5) SNACKS - I wouldn't recommend hosting a mealtime circle, since eating would cut into sewing time, but snacks and drinks are essential to comfort. Bite-sized finger foods that aren't messy are ideal. They can be picked at, and no one will worry about dripping sauce or powdered sugar on their fabrics. If you have fruit (a perennial favorite), disposable forks will allow your guests to eat without getting the juices on their fingers.

Have you hosted a successful sewing or crafting circle? What were some of your keys to success? If I get some good ones I'll write a follow up.

So far I've neglected this corner of my bloggy world, but that's because I've been very busy. But I still love you, and I'm proving it by showing the gifts for my cousin Julie's bun-in-the-oven that I finished up last night.

Julie, if you're reading...look away! I want these to be a suprise when you get them!

I mean it!

LAST CHANCE! TURN AWAY, JULIE!

 

 

Ok, here we go.

Gift #1 - Snuggly pink cotton blanket with a teensy little butterfly that I shockingly managed to freehand. And I was shocked that it turned into a rudimentary butterfly instead of an nondescript blob.

Gift #2: Play Blanket with 3D "buddies"

The play blanket didn't turn out exactly as I had visioned. The designs did, but I intended to have a fleece border. Due to my inability to cut a straight line and the fleece stretching and morphing during sewing, it didn't happen quite like that. Next time, I'll use all cotton.

Lesson learned.

Tutorials, experiments, finished products and general crafty goodness!