corrieberry pie

SUPER Easy Valentines Day Garland DIY

2012-01-30T10:36:00.000-08:00

While the boy worked on homemade Valentines for his classmates, I busied myself with this super easy, super cute heart garland. It's really rather simple. All you need...

❤ pink and red paper
❤ scissors
❤ string/thread
❤ pretty washi tape, preferably pink and red

That's it. Cut, tape, and hang anywhere for instant Valentines sweetness. ❤

Hi there

2012-01-24T05:29:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if the baby learned that greeting from me or not, but she says it to any and everyone..."hah dere...hah dere!" Such a sweet little lady. :)

Today is my long awaited work day. Here's the ambitious list I'll be chipping away at:

- pillows (as previously mentioned)
- a fun skirt for the baby (I've been holding on to some cute dinosaur fabric for years)
- a flower crown like this
- working on some shadow box ideas (this one would be perfect for the boy)
- if time allows, new jewelry for the shop (sorry shop, you're last on the list today)

Happy Work Day!

Ru's First Gig

2012-01-13T16:39:00.000-08:00

Little Ru-Baby made her Xenotees modeling debut today.
(Y'all remember the deal we have with Noelle?) She's been outfitting our family for a few years now, and Ruthie got to join in on the fun.
Here she is!
(she was being a stubborn little stinker in that second photo and wouldn't turn around for the camera!!!)

*Technically, it wasn't her first gig...see her here undercover.

Cupid

2012-01-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

I borrowed another camera (ours is still broken!) and I've been trying to cram as much work into nap time as I can before returning it. I just got through photographing a few things, including this sweet vintage charm necklace:

Cupid & Heart Necklace

My borrowed camera is infinitely better than the old one I am used to. It has spoiled me rotten and left me sorting through the penny jar to see how long it would take to save up for one of my own. I'm so grateful to have it for a few days, but going back to my dinosaur camera is going to be tough.

Here are a few I snapped of my own little Cupid during lunch today...

DIYs of the Day

2012-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Now that holidays have come and gone, and Christmas has been successfully boxed up and crammed to the back of the garage, I'm itching to do a few DIY projects and spruce the place up. First on my list is new pillows for our couch. We need color around here and we can't paint(!) as renters...so sad. But in my search for quick easy pillow cover tutorials, I stumbled on a few other DIYs and had to share.

No. 1 - Pillow covers. Seems easy enough, right?

No. 2 - Animal Jars. A cute way to organize the kids craft supplies.

No. 3 - Twig Jewelry Display. I have waaay too much jewelry to put it all on one branch... maybe I just put out my favorites? Or else I'd need to make a forest.

Happy DIY-ing!

Just in time for Christmas

2011-12-19T04:57:00.000-08:00

This was one of the first (and last!) "Christmasy" pictures I took before our camera broke. BROKE! Can you believe the timing? I love that all I could muster for the holiday season was a screaming baby and some matching pj's.

While the hubs tries to fix the camera himself with tiny chips and boards and fuses and whatnot, I am trying to figure out creative ways to keep up with out a camera! Well, that's kind of a lie. I am secretly thrilled with the break it gave me from Etsy work, but especially from documenting family life.
We keep a little blog for friends and family of the kiddos - which I love doing - but during a time when events and busyness can overtake a little family, it can be just one more thing to do.
At first I felt odd and unprepared when we headed to two different Christmas sing-a-long/pageants for the four year old with out my camera. Then there's decorating, Christmas crafts and outings, dressing up on Sunday, Christmas parties...etc. I have been forced to enjoy them all first-hand, with my own eyes, relying on my own memory and I am loving it. Not to mention the time I've saved not uploading, editing and blogging every move the kids make.
It won't be forever, but my forced technology fast has been a welcomed change.

As for The Shop, thankfully I am like a little squirrel stashing acorns away for winter - I already had a slew of new things made, photographed and ready to list...so no long breaks for me there. New goods on the way this week!

To You From Me

2011-12-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

Now through the end of December, use the coupon code "MERRYANDBRIGHT" and receive 20% OFF your entire purchase in the shop. Just a way for me to say thanks to you all. I love getting to do this, and your support makes it possible. Thank you!

Endless possibilities when you hand-draw on your gift wrap like this!

Fox & Squirrel

2011-12-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

My kids are four and one and they just got their first stockings. Pitiful, I know. We just never got around to it, and the four year old didn't know any better until this year. So we got away with it for a little while. :)

This cutie set of woodland creature stockings was a team effort from my husband and me. He did that lovely whip stitch you see around the top edge - pretty, huh? I did everything else. I don't say that with disdain. You must know, I almost loathe stitching things by hand, but sincerely appreciate the craft. Anyone who does it gets a dozen extra points in my book.
Fox & Squirrel is a sweet, close to home theme. My son has always had a set of "silly words" he has kept in his vocabulary since he began talking. For a while it was "no-nee, non-ee" and he would never tell us what it meant. So my husband made up a bedtime story a few years ago with a fox and a squirrel and little message the wind tells the fox, and the fox passed it along to the squirrel, and the squirrel passed to a little boy named Judah...you can guess the message: "no-nee, non-nee". Anyhow. Fox & Squirrel quickly became a bedtime favorite and still gets told around here at night.
We thought it was only appropriate to appoint each character to a stocking. My son is the squirrel - who is also eating snow the way Judah loves to do. And it was obvious who the mischievous little fox would be....I love my wild child girl! :)

Here's to full stockings... Cheers!

Magnolia Vale

2011-11-29T04:59:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Brookhaven, Mississippi with my husband's side of the family. His Aunt's plantation home, Magnolia Vale, where we stayed is well over 100 years old...and has a name, y'all. Any home with a name is automatically way snazzier than all the non-named places I've ever lived. :) All the doors and drawers open with skeleton keys, everyone has double names, we lounged on the huge porch, and we ate with the family china and silver that will continue to be passed down from generation to generation...it was a true Southern holiday.
I received a few chuckles for snapping pictures of plates, spoons, and canned goods, but I had to document our stay. It was too nice not to share.
Here you have it, our Mississippi Thanksgiving...

It's Cyber Monday Y'all!

2011-11-28T04:10:00.001-08:00

I'm fresh off my Mississippi Thanksgiving (a post on that later) and Cyber Monday is in full swing!
Check out the shop for FREE SHIPPING deals sprinkled around and don't forget to use your coupon code "Poppytalk2011" during checkout for 20% OFF your order. New items are on the way today as well. Lots going on!
Happy Cyber Monday!
photo source

As Promised...

2011-11-23T02:12:00.000-08:00

To receive a 20% discount (Nov 25th through to Nov 28th) enter code: "Poppytalk2011" at checkout.
And there you have it. :)
CLICK HERE to SHOP!
...and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

20% Black Friday & Cyber Monday Coupon!!!

2011-11-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

(That's Felix the Cat from the 1932/33 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade)

Hey friends! I'm gearing up for Black Friday & Cyber Monday promotions with Poppytalk next week. Stay tuned for a coupon code that will get you an automatic 20% OFF at checkout on all orders placed Friday November 25th through Monday November 28th.
I will post the coupon code in the next few days! Happy shopping!
(Pssst...stay home with your families on Black Friday, shop online, and buy handmade! ...just a thought) :)
Photo Source

Triangulation

2011-11-17T08:40:00.000-08:00

I told you I was really into triangles lately! :)
This is the newest design in the shop. I made a set for myself too. I'm not real matchy-matchy with my jewelry, so I never wear them together, but I wear one of them almost every day. They go with everything!!!Click HERE ---> for the necklace
Click HERE ---> for the earrings

Our Town

2011-11-13T17:00:00.000-08:00

When my four year old gets home from preschool and the baby takes a nap, we have "Mommy and Judah Time". Usually we color, read, build Lego boats, etc. But lately we've been working on this little project.
It's nothing but a big sheet of card stock (snagged from in between stacks of toilet paper at Costco - haha!) - a super easy project that needs no instructions. The best part though, is that every time we lay in the floor to color, he starts chatting.... he tells me about his day, his favorite thing to do on the playground, his best friends at school, what the girls at school say (one told him he was cute during nap time!!), which letters are hard to write, and which are easy, what he wants to be when he grows up. It all comes spilling out as fast as the colors on the page.
I know this will be hard to fit in the keepsake box, but I don't think I'll be able to part with Our Town any time soon!

The dog watches while the local church gets an orange window...Making a traffic jam...Toy Store and Pet Shop (he made it rain on them one day)...His tree house...New additions will include a train track and station, and a bakery. :)

Tidbits...

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!
My chicken pot pie is prepped for tonight, the baby is napping, and coffee is poured...I thought I'd pop in and let you all know that Poppytalk's Pre-Holiday Market is up and running. Check out my table HERE.
Oh! And stay tuned... I have a fun little project I've been working on with the four year old that I'm going to post soon. For now, here's a little video of him and his sweet (and gullible) imagination.

Spiced Pancakes

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

The picture isn't as tasty as the cakes were, so you'll just have to trust me on this one.
These were super-duper easy. I followed the directions on Bob's 10 Grain Mix, and added about a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice, and a cap full of vanilla extract.
The one-year-old and I gobbled them up. I just did butter on mine, although I'm sure they would be good with powdered sugar and syrup (what isn't?) or whipped cream, ooooooh! ...or pumpkin butter! Yum.

The Lunch Bag Costume

2011-10-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

My four year old has never really been into Halloween. This year I told him all of his friends would be dressed up, but that didn't phase him, he still didn't want to dress up ...until about five days ago when he declared that he would be a lunch bag for Halloween. A lunch bag.
Whaaaaa?
We still don't know where he got the idea, but when the girls in his class approved with laughter, he stuck to his guns and helped me sketch a "design" for what we would make. He insisted it have a zipper, and I insisted that it say "LUNCH" on it, since he would otherwise look like a zippered pillowcase. (He selected the apple print fabric from my stash since he likes apples in his lunch, of course.)
So here you have it: The Lunch Bag Costume Happy Halloween!!!

And the winner is....ME!

2011-10-30T04:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited y'all! I just found out that I won a free month over at Poppytalk Handmade! Wahoooooo!
Some of you may remember them, but here's the scoop in their words: they are a "monthly online street market curated by Poppytalk to showcase, buy and sell handmade goods of emerging design talent from around the world."
I spent some time over there a while back in my early Etsy days and I am thrilled to be back! I'll keep you posted on the details. But for now, head on over and check out some of their other inspiring artists, or catch up on your blog reading HERE.

New Design...

2011-10-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I just listed my newest design today - the Flora Necklace.
I actually made one like this last year for myself, but I had to share...they're adorable! The lace and button are vintage (the button is actually from my Great Grandmother's button jar!).

Flower Crown

2011-10-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

I've made several of these flower crowns recently. You may remember this one.
The one pictured here was for my best friend's daughter. Ruthie is my talented model, although it was impossible to get that girl to sit still! (hence the blurry photo)I love making these, but keep saying that I'm going to do the next one more simple. But I just can't help it! Every time I get started I just keep adding more and more flowers!
Maybe the next one will be a little less crowded.
(Somehow I doubt it) :)

Newsies...

2011-10-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Just listed this starry necklace...CLICK HERE to check out the Single Star Necklace.
P.S. Now that we are Texans, my 4 year old thinks every star is a "Texas Star" and thought I should name this one as such. They get 'em early around here! :)

Is there an echo in here?

2011-10-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

It's been one of those weeks. This is what I feel like even when I sit still:This also happens to be my latest listing...one of my new designs, the Echo Necklace.
Here's to better days...Cheers!

Painted Rocks

2011-10-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

Aren't these so pretty? I keep seeing these painted rocks all around and I just love them! I think I might have to paint a few for myself. Some inspiration...
Source: one, two, three, four
This could be a fun kiddo project too!

Patio Chair Makeover

2011-10-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

My goal was to have our cute little back patio outfitted with furniture by the time fall weather hit. Since we're in Texas now, and still reaching into the upper 80's, I'm assuming that time is now? I don't know, it doesn't feel very "fall" to me, but I'll take it over 110˚.
Anyhow, I spotted this set of vintage metal patio chairs and table at a garage sale for $5!!! All they needed was a coat of spray paint. (I thought).
That job fell on my husband, who said they first needed sanding. He did a great job, and I'm glad he was in charge of that part of the project since I would probably have rust-eaten chairs already by now if it were up to me.
Spray paint colors are limited, but we picked green for the chairs, and yellow for the table. I wish now that I would've done them all the same color, but the husband quickly informed me that he was done with spray paint for a while, and I don't want a green table bad enough to do it myself.
I'm just ready to put my lazy bum in those chairs and enjoy the balmy fall Texas weather!

Before:After:Hard at work (and doing tricks):

Kin Necklace

2011-10-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough triangles lately. That sounds funny. But it's true. As a design component they are fun to work with - basic, but so much potential. And aesthetically when you're talking about style, they are a nice contrast to the often too florally girly things I usually wear.
Here's my latest piece the Kin Necklace (I'll be making one for myself too!).

From The Tribe

2011-10-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

My latest treasury is also a wish-list of sorts. I would looooove anything from this collection!
Click Here to get to the click-able links.

Have A Sip...

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

The Woodland Cider Necklace is!

Ring-a-ling...

2011-09-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

Check this out! My latest listing...the Chime Necklace A tiny vintage brass bell with the most enchanting tone. So sweet!

Not Your Average Pumpkin

2011-09-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Check out this decoupaged pumpkin courtesy of Poppytalk.
CLICK HERE for more ideas. These would be fun for kids too...can't you picture a little abstract painting on one?

Kid Lunch

2011-09-28T04:22:00.000-07:00

My 4 year old is a grazer, and a slow eater if ever there was one. He can enjoy a meal for over an hour. His pre-k teacher told me yesterday that he'll do great if he ever goes to Europe. Haha!
For whatever reason, this "kid party tray" helped move things along, and became one of his favorite lunches. It's just a baby food freezer tray, although ice cube trays would work just the same. I think I need a dessert version for myself! Call it portion control? :)

A Vintage Rimix

2011-09-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

Rivette Necklace is in...

Just Ducky

2011-09-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

NEW!....the Just Ducky Necklace:
Isn't this guy so cute?!

DIY of the Day: Anthro Bobby Pins

2011-09-24T18:31:00.000-07:00

I see these fun do-it-yourself crafts all over town (aka: the Internet), so I thought it'd be fun to share a few from time to time.
This first one comes to us from Little Miss Momma, titled "Anthropologie Knock Off Bobby Pins Tutorial". And while I don't love the word "knock-off" (see Melville quote at bottom of column right) I'm sure good ol' anthro won't mind if we share their too-cool-for-school-in-an-I'm-not-trying-sort-of-way style - especially to promote handmade goods, right anthro?
Not to mention these are extremely spiffy and would make perfect gifts for a bridal party, a birthday party, Christmas, Columbus Day, Monday...whatever.
The full details can be found HERE. But here's the run-down in photos:

Thanks to Little Miss Momma for the idea, great photos and step-by-step. Check out her Etsy store HERE for more fun stuff!

Facebook, again.

2011-09-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

I came to my senses (or abandoned them, whatev) and re-started a Facebook page for the shop.
So come by, show some love and like me already. :)
click here ➔ Corrieberry Pie on Facebook

Today

2011-09-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Ick. Gross day...
Dentist. Shots. Drill. Crown. Fat right-side-of-face. Pain.
The laughing gas and the peanut butter smoothie my hubby made afterward were the highlights. Other than that, not my favorite day.

I did manage to list a few newbies in the shop though. Check 'em out:
1. Fanfare Earrings
2. Flow Earrings
3. Simple Secret - White Edition
4. Sequence Necklace
Cheers to all! Hope your day was better than mine! :)

Treasuries

2011-09-22T04:44:00.001-07:00

One of the things I missed the most during my year-long Etsy fast was Treasuries. I loved making these! It's a great way to help out other artists, but it's also yet another outlet for creating... the challenge of capturing mood, and convening tone or a feeling cohesively in 16 squares. It's addictive!
Here are my first two so far.
Feeling Faint:and Lost:

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Mini Muffins

2011-09-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year! Mmmmmm...pumpkin.I grabbed a few cans at the market last week not really knowing what I would make, and after a failed attempt at pumpkin oatmeal (it was so gross y'all) I looked up and *loosely followed a recipe for whole wheat pumpkin muffins. They were delicious and gone in a day. The kids especially loved them. I'm sure I'll make a few more batches this season, maybe with some variations like zucchini, sweet potato or banana.*I added a little apple sauce, less salt, and used canola oil instead of olive.
PS: Has anyone baked sweets with olive oil before? I was nervous to try.

New Goods in the Shop!!!!

2011-09-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'm adding fun new stuff every day...
today it's the Little Pig Necklace (or sheep? I dunno...):and the Stop and Go Necklace:
and a new Simple Secret Necklace:

Guess What!

2011-09-19T03:34:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation, hesitation, contemplation, and consideration (have I used enough synonyms?)... I have decided to reopen my Etsy shop: Corrieberry Pie in the coming weeks!
So, right now, my work space looks like this:I've made enough spiffy jewelry to make Mr. T proud, now I just need to photograph it all, list it, and get reacquainted with the Etsy world. Simple enough, right?
Any words of wisdom from my longtime Etsy friends (who didn't take a year long sabbatical!) would be much appreciated. It seems like a whole new world this go round - a little daunting, but I'm ready to dive in.
Spread the word!

Home Tour - Part Four

2011-09-08T03:52:00.000-07:00

Kids Room:
Photo No. 1 - Her Side
This room might contain more handmade items than the rest of the house put together! To name a few... my mom made the crib skirt - white pinstriped linen, used for both kids (as was the crib). She also made their curtains, which were previously her shower curtain! But my favorite thing of hers is the name right above the crib. She cross-stitched that for me when I was a little girl. It is beautiful and dreamy with scenes in each letter, and a perfect thing to pass down to my little Corrie. (click on the picture to zoom in a bit). The garland was one I made when I was pregnant with her.

Photo No. 2 - His Side
Judah's bed is awesome! Yet another family piece given to us by my mother-in-law. Once Ru graduates to a big kid bed, she has one to match. Judah's pillowcase - covered in vehicles - was made by her as well. His big quilt was a handmade wedding gift. And you may remember his little quilt.
Photo No. 3
Look at those birds! Those were one of my first sewing projects ever! The little basket holding stuffed animals was Ruthie's moses basket she used beside our bed for her first few months. And that little bookshelf was another inherited family piece.
This now concludes our home tour. Thanks for stopping by! :)

Home Tour - Part Three

2011-08-31T03:56:00.000-07:00

The Master Bedroom & Bathroom:
Photo No. 1 - We finally got rid of the headboard/footboard that I had since high school. That thing was so old and rickety, I was afraid it would fold in on me one night mid-sleep! I love the clean look of nothing there. The airy curtains are courtesy of Ikea. The blue lamps were hand-me-down brass ones from my mom, that I spray-painted blue, then added a lamp shade from a lamp my uncle gave us. What a hodgepodge way to decorate, huh?! The little white dresser you can barely see on the right was my mom's when she was a little girl. The white side table on the left was one of our first purchases when we were married, from an antique store (can also be a trunk).
Photo No. 2 - Look at this dresser!! It belonged to my mother-in-law's great aunt. She remembers being a little girl and watching her sit there and get ready with all her perfumes and makeup on a little vanity tray. It came from their family home (also known as "The Hill") built in Mississippi, circa 1852.
The banjo and guitar are growing on me. Not exactly my first choice of decor, but baby girl loves it when my husband plays for her and requests a song every time she's in our room (which is adorable). So that makes up for the huge chunk of wall space they hog.
Photo No. 3 - This is my bathroom. Mine. All mine. Granted, it is only a half-bath. But who cares!? That 50's pink tile doesn't bother me a bit....kind of like it. It's is so nice to have a little space of my own to get ready and kick people out of. :)

Home Tour - Part Two

2011-08-29T10:20:00.001-07:00

Craft Space:
The desk I use for sewing and crafting is perfectly huge and sturdy. It was my father-in-laws when he went through school. Thankfully it fits like a glove in our kitchen. The Happy Day Garland I made hangs on the wall with leftover fabrics from various projects right over my collection of new and old family cookbooks. The white basket on the shelf is holding the burp cloths I made for Ruthie. I now use them as mini dish towels.
It goes without saying that this is one of my favorite spots in the house, right?

There's Fräulein Helga! Hi.

Home Tour - Part One

2011-08-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

We have pretty much settled into the new place so I thought I'd offer a grand tour. Then I realized how many fun/interesting/nostalgic tidbits there were to share about each photo, so I'm breaking it down so as not to overwhelm/bore you. Everything we own is a hand-me-down, handmade, or has some sort of story to tell.
Photo No. 1 - The Foyer
See that cool piece of furniture on the left? That is a dental piece from my husbands side of the family. My mother-in-law inherited three of those and gave one to each of the kids. It's the real deal. Her uncle was a dentist from around 1930-1960(ish) and when we cleaned out the drawers it looked like it was frozen in time. Each little compartment still had drill bits, crown molds, matrix bands, glass medicine jars with who-knows-what in them. One drawer still has a tooth in it!
My mother-in-law also passed down that little table in the corner - one she repainted a while back. And the picture you can't see very well on the wall is a collage of all the men and women on my husbands side of the family who have served in the military ever since the civil war. My husband's grandfather made it.

Photo No. 2 - The Dining Room
The table was a gift from my husband for our fourth anniversary. He built it from salvaged fence wood. The green chairs were, um, accidentally stolen from a crosswalk attendant. We thought they were trash and didn't have the nerve to return them once we discovered that the crossing guards sat in them while they waited for the kids. The wooden chairs are ill-proportioned and will tip you out if you aren't careful. They were made by our old crazy landlord in Louisiana.
The big beautiful buffet is newly inherited. It is one of my favorite things in the house. It was built in New Orleans, and has been in my mother-in-law's family since she can remember. I scrounged around and found one of my old skeleton keys that actually work on the locks!
Photo No. 3 - Built-in Bookshelves!
We love family photos, love books, and love art...so you can see why this is another one of my favorite spots in the house. That set of books at the bottom left was passed down from my dad to my husband. The letters that spell "Books" in front get rearrange by the four year old to say "Bokos". Recognize that car at the top right? There are pieces of my husbands pottery sprinkled around, and paintings done by both of us. The tiny picture on the third shelf down on the left was a gift from my dad from Russia - a snowy scene painted on birch wood. The cigar boxes on the middle shelf hold my collection of morning post-its.
Photo No. 4 - Back Kitchen Door
I have had to fight for that window pane. Every time we move, my husband tries to get rid of it! This time though, it was his genius idea to put hooks on it and use it as a bag "catch-all" by the back door. Why hadn't I thought of that sooner?
The bench was built by my husband's grandfather a long time ago.

Summertime

2011-08-19T15:31:00.001-07:00

This summer was crazy! We traveled (Gatlinburg, Dallas, Nashville, Asheville, New Orleans, and Ruston), we had birthdays and train-rides, we ate lots of good food, we got new teeth and curls (okay, just the baby did that), we loaded up and moved (from Durham, NC to Dallas, TX), we unpacked, we settled, we played, and now it's time to start "real life" again. It has been so fun and so hectic, but I am ready for those quotidian rhythms that bring predictability to my day and offer spaces to create. I feel like I've hardly touched a needle and thread, or paint and canvas all summer. There were a few quick projects here and there, but not enough. My craft space is now set up and the project list is long...stay tuned!
IMAGES:
1. a collaboration piece the 4 year old and I made for my husband's birthday
2. the sky over Texas
3. baby time
4. the birthday boy
5. the boy and the dog in the moving truck
6. new curls in a new house
7. favorite new play spot - the dirt pile in the back yard
8. His and Hers handstands at The Peristyle, City Park, New Orleans, where we wed 8 years ago
9. St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans

Lace Ruffle Hair Combs: A Tutorial

2011-06-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

These pretty little combs are super easy to make. I originally bought the wire combs for making myself a few floral ones, since I do so love a flower in my hair but can't always count on there being a real one around. But once I'd made a few of those, my big stash of lace was calling out. So what came of it? Two-toned ruffly lace fan-looking girly hair combs. And since I know you are just sitting at home wondering how to make that exact thing, I have step-by-step instructions for you right here.

What you need:
- some sort of metal or plastic hair combs, I bought my metal ones here
- wire snippers, and pliers
- craft wire
- lace ribbon/hem tape (at the fabric store by the bias tape/seam binding)

What you do: (click photo to see larger)
1. Cut two different colors of lace (preferably analogous) about 18" long
2. With them lined up together, take a piece of wire (about 8-9") and weave it in and out all along one edge of both pieces of lace. Don't worry about being exactly the same distance apart...loosey-goosey here people. Tip: turn your ribbons under twice at each end so they don't poke out when you're all done.
3. Once you've made it through the ribbon, gather it all up and cinch it off at the bottom, twisting your wire a few times to keep it bunched up.
4. Place your ruffle on the comb and hold in place while you take each side of the wire and "sew" it to your comb. Go around the comb several times, then gently through the lace a few times as well to secure it.
5. When you feel that your ruffle is secure, snip the loose wires off and tuck them under somewhere along the comb.
6. Put 'em in your do! You're done!
*white/cream would be lovely for a wedding!

Flower Doodles

2011-05-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

The first one is a line drawing of dandelions my husband gave me a few months ago. Dandelions are fine, but are by no means the prettiest flower out there. They do, however, rank pretty high on my list of favorites because they always signal that warm spring weather is near - a sentiment that seems foolish now that it's in the mid 90's and the "southern hug" of humidity has tightened its grip.

The second one is of a bouquet from the table at my favorite cafe. It was the perfect day. Me, a stack of books and my iPod had a quiet morning while my sweet husband watched the kids for a few hours. I ate a giant slice of cake for breakfast and didn't have to explain to anyone under the age of four why that was okay for grown-ups to do. :)
The flowers were sketched on the back of a bookmark, and I used some hot sauce and coffee to add a little bit of color.

High Chair Seat Cover DIY

2011-05-21T02:55:00.000-07:00

Ruthie was like a floppy fish sliding around in her seat when we first put her in her hair chair, so a cushion seemed in order. The one that came with the chair is long gone - Judah smeared peas on it one too many times. I used a brown paper grocery bag and made a quick pattern, and found this image to use as a guide.

It's sewn pretty much the same as a quilt.
- cut out your pattern
- cut out your layers (front, back and batting)
- sandwich them all together and pin
- sew together!

Useful tips I learned:
- the iron does in fact melt carpet, so don't be lazy and get the ironing board out next time.
- when sewing a pattern of any sort on the fabric, be it ever so simple, draw it out with chalk instead of winging it...those lines can play tricks on you!
- anything can be a fabric weight (ie: fancy candlesticks)

I was a little bummed because I realized that I measured wrong for the bias tape - twice. After a run to the store and still getting the wrong amount I decided to just use extra white leftover from Judah's quilt, and then use the orange just for the ties. I would prefer it being all orange, but Ru might just grant that wish since she can be very, um, active with her carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes.
PS - does that fabric look familiar?

A Quilt For The Boy

2011-04-03T03:08:00.000-07:00

When I made Ruthie's quilt a few months ago I asked Judah if he wanted one too. He wasn't terribly interested then, but requested on last week with trains on it. Like most little boys, Thomas is his favorite. I, however, am not a huge fan of putting brands, or characters all over the stuff I make, nor do I have a strong affinity for Thomas. No offense to the tiny toy tank engine, but I almost loathe reading it aloud to him....so much clunky alliteration! Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled about the idea of using Thomas fabric, but I found some that wasn't too ghastly and cranked one out a few days ago. The pattern is the same general idea as Ruthie's - using transportation fabric, vintage yellow gingham, hand-me-down stripes, and one of his old teal sheets, in large asymmetrical patches on the other side. Several of you have asked how I managed the seam binding/bias tape part, so if you are wondering, then check out this no swearing bias tape method video. It makes it super easy.

It turned out really cute, and Judah was quite pleased. I asked him just now what he thought about it and he replied, "I just like it. I don't think about it, I just like it." Well, that pretty much sums it up. :)

Fräulein Helga

2011-03-27T03:27:00.001-07:00

Meet the newest member of my family, Fräulein Helga. She is my new old refurbished tank of a sewing machine...all metal! She is a super fancy lady with lots to teach me. So hopefully I'll be cranking out some new projects here soon. But she's a quirky ol' thing, so I have quite a bit to learn. On the list of things to make: a quilt, a high chair seat cover, a smock for Ruthie, and who knows what else! Yeah!!!!
(thank you Santa for coming early this year!)

Made Myself A Little Something...

2011-03-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Got a hankerin' to make some jewelry this morning and this is what I turned out:

Not sure why I decided to make such dangly, easy-to-snatch ones since I carry around a grabby little baby all day. These might just need to be reserved for date nights! ;)
*I used glass and vintage brass beads (from Nana's old jewelry!), and some re-purposed chain.

Girl-stashes

2011-03-02T10:15:00.001-08:00

Pretty, eh?

Lazy Days...

2011-02-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

I've been a negligent blogger these days...apologies.
Here are some quick updates to catch you up to speed:
• my sewing machine broke (sad!) so my quilt (and all other sewing projects) will have to wait until I settle on a new one
• I made this soup last night and it was delicious
• my windows are open and I couldn't be happier!
• I had an entire day erased from my memory after a few hours at the dentist this week
• I don't want to do anything but play with these cute kids! (preferably outside) Can't you see why?

Some Presidential Doodles

2011-02-09T03:31:00.000-08:00

I really miss drawing - figure drawing especially. So I've been doodling a lot lately. In honor of Presidents' Day coming up I decided to draw a few favorite Presidents, and one with really good wrinkles. I love wrinkles. Love 'em. They tell your story. Ladies, please don't be so scared of wrinkles...crow's feet, laugh lines...whatever you want to call them - they are all so beautiful. Well, I feel myself inching towards a soapbox, when really this was a post about my latest sketches.
Here they are: Mr. Lincoln, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr. Carter.

Abe's beard is a little teased and bushy on that left side, but maybe he was just too stressed that day worrying about emancipation to remember to run a comb through his beard.

CLICK HERE for a a fun little time lapse video of Mr. Carter's drawing. (The squeaky mouse is me chatting on the phone.)
HAPPY PRESIDENTS' DAY!

Type Away!!!

2011-02-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

I found this typing speed test and can't quit "playing". It's a horrible game that makes me nervous and jittery and totally addicted. My high score so far is 74! (BOO-YA! ...do people still say "boo-ya"?)
Take it! See what you get. A certain someone in my house got 40...I'm not naming names (and it's not Judah, Ruthie or Albie).
Photo Credit

Too Early To Party...

2011-02-03T05:53:00.000-08:00

This is my house early this morning. It is Eeyore's birthday apparently.

Practice Quilt

2011-01-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

I made my first quilt the other day! I was so ding-dang proud of myself. It's a mini little practice quilt, perfect for Ruthie to use as a play mat. I used some of her favorite prints to encourage staring and spur interest during the ever dreaded tummy time.
The next one is going to be awesome. I can't wait. But my machine needs a serious tune-up before I'll embark on that one. I'm so glad I figured that out on my practice quilt first....LOTS of seam ripping on this one. It was also good to go through the steps (thanks mom!) and problem shoot on scraps I had laying around the house before I messed up the real deal. I'd better get at it though, I now have requests from the boys for quilts of their own. :)
I used a soft turquoise toile print, an orange mod lea f print, and white pinstriped linen leftover from the crib bed skirt my mom made. It's backed with a vivid floral print - one of Ru's favorite burp cloth prints.
Here it is - from start to finish - in all it's tiny quilted glory!

Flower Child

2011-01-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

Is Ru too young to play dress up? ...I think not.
I got an inkling to try my hand at teeny tiny felt flowers the other day and started making this flower crown for Ruthie. It makes her look like a little fairy! Well, the wings help a little, huh?

I think I might need one too. :)

The Night Sky

2011-01-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

This is a super easy toddler craft. I remember making these when I was little. It's a good way to reuse old food containers one more time before recycling. All you need is an empty container of oats and a needle. You could dress up the outside of it if you wanted to, but I certainly didn't.

All you do...
1. Eat lots of oatmeal.
2. Wipe out container with damp paper towel.
3. Use a needle to jab a bunch of holes in the bottom (with no pattern and at various sizes)
4. Point your new creation at the light and gaze inside at the night sky!

Saturday is the best day of the week...

2011-01-15T11:50:00.001-08:00

I'm Back!!!

2011-01-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!
Sorry for the long gap in posts. I've been distracted by Miss Funny Face:
But seriously, we have had a crazy upside down and inside out last month. I was super sick, which made Ruthie super mad, which made the rest of the family super unhappy and just altogether yucky. I'm so glad to be back among the living and enjoying life again.
The urge to create things finally came back a few days ago so I pulled out the fabric and dusted off my sewing machine. You could tell it had been a while since I'd gone through the craft closet - when I unfolded some felt a big dead spider fell on my lap...ICK!
Now that the cobwebs are cleared off (literally) I will be back to posting my latest creations, concoctions and funsie useless things. See you soon!

She's Here! She's Here!

2010-11-26T05:34:00.000-08:00

Little Miss Corrie Ruth Alvaro (Ruthie) was born on 10-15-10...a whopping 8lbs 14oz!
She's lovely and feisty and girly and quirky and spunky...just altogether perfect. She loves her brother - especially when he sings to her. And she's already a total daddy's girl (I can't blame her though!). She is quite fond of her mobile, and loves to twirl her hair - no lie! (see bottom right picture below)
I can't believe she's already 6 weeks old today! So I put together a little collage of her first month and a half.
(Click the image to make it larger)

I'll slowly be getting back to the blogging world one project at a time. Sorry for the delay...I've been a bit distracted! :)

Stolen...

2010-09-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Look at this!!! One of the photos we took for Xenotees was (unknowingly) snatched off her website and used as the stock photo for picture frames! A friend of mine sent me the image and asked why my boys were in her brand new frame (from a well-known nation-wide bookstore chain). We couldn't believe it!!! Isn't that bizarre? So we went to the store and bought a frame of our very own to put up in the house. Kind of ridiculous that we paid for something that was ours to begin with, but it was too good of a story to pass up.
And to the sneaks who stole our photo: Well, I would like some of those royalties, but I can't blame you for the theft. Look at those handsome guys, I'd steal their picture too if they weren't already mine to look at everyday. :)

This was the original image.

It's (Almost) Goodbye!

2010-09-22T04:09:00.000-07:00

What better time to turn over a new leaf than the first official day of Fall? Too bad our forecast says it'll be a searing 94˚ today!!! Boo. Can't the weather hop on board for my plans?

Anyhow, after a wonderful, fun, busy almost two year stint on Etsy, I will be closing The Shop at the end of the day today. I've had such a great time with it all, but I am so looking forward to this next phase!
❤ Countdown for Little Miss Ruthie: 14ish days ❤

Sleeping Baby, Sleeping Shop...

2010-09-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

I painted this sign the other day for the front of our house. It's not the doorbell I'm worried about so much as the crazy barking dog that can't help himself every time he hears that "ding dong!"
*recognize those strawberries?
This is also one of the last reminders to the blogging world that The Shop is closing at the end of the day Wednesday, September 22nd. After that, all those little gems will be mine! (I've already removed a few favorites and shifted them over to my own personal collection). :)

And the Little Miss Ruthie Countdown continues...(16ish days to go!)

It's almost time!

2010-09-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!
Just a reminder that there is only TWO WEEKS left to help me clear out The Shop before I say goodbye to Etsy for an unknown amount time... lovey, sickeningly sweet, mommy-and-me, maternity leave time. Gosh, I can't wait.

(Some new friends waiting to meet Ruthie's acquaintance.) Judah picked out the one-eyed monster just for her. :)

2010-08-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Super Storewide SALE just got upgraded...

Go.
Shop.
Feel Snazzy.

Burp!

2010-08-11T04:12:00.000-07:00

I hope this girl can burp like her Mama, because I kind of went a little crazy with the burp cloths. I just had too much cute fabric, and they are so easy to make!
I used a burp cloth/bib set from Judah's baby days as inspiration. The long narrow shape (approx. 19" x 7"ish) keeps them up on your shoulder so easily.
These are all backed with terry cloth. Some came from the fabric store, others were just cheapo towels. My favorite is the blue/lavender number with the little vintage applique and heart! So sweet!...perfect for spit up. ;)

✭REMINDER✭ the Super Storewide Sale is still going on!!!

Mama Tees!

2010-08-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Noelle of Xenotees has been keeping my family clothed for a while now with our little exchange of goods and services: we model our free awesome shirts, she gets photos for her shop.
Fortunately for my flourishing stupendous belly, she decided to carry Maternity shirts! They are actually super soft organic A-line tees, but fit a pregnant belly perfectly. I can't wait to wear them once this big belly is gone too! :)
She has 6 styles available right now:
• Eat Right Mama Tee (in Mulberry)
• Eat Right Mama Tee (in Ocean Blue)
• Animal Group Tee (in Moss Green)
• Animal Group Tee (in Earth Bark)
• Animal Group Tee (in Pumpkin)
• French Pet Lobster Tee (in Natural)

Thanks Noelle!!!

2010-08-01T04:54:00.000-07:00

With my nesting instincts in full swing, even The Shop is being cleaned out in preparation for Ruthie's arrival.
EVERYTHING is on SALE! If you've had your eye on some favorites, now's the time to get them! Once this SALE is over, I will be closing the shop for Maternity Leave...so get it while the gettin's good!
✭ CLICK HERE TO GO SHOPPING! ✭

Budding Little Artist

2010-07-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

For my husband's birthday last month, Judah made him a giant masterpiece of a painting. I supplied the background wash, and he did the rest.

While he was working I couldn't resist painting a little something myself. So we did a flower for Ruthie's room. Yep, that's her name! Offically "Corrie Ruth Alvaro." But Judah is quick to correct you if you call her anything other than "Ruthie".
Judah helped me with the flower - splatting some red on there that I then arranged to somewhat resemble a bloom. He is already such a sweet big brother. I'm not sure who's more anxious for her arrival, us or him! Let's hope the excitement doesn't fade once we bring her home and he realizes she can't go back. :)

Shop News & A DIY Project...

2010-07-11T03:18:00.001-07:00

Wow. Long time, no post, huh? Over a month! I think this is the longest I've been blog-free, and I've got to admit, I didn't miss it. It's nice to take a break every now and again. I'm about to do the same in the shop, but not with out a HUGE STORE-WIDE SALE first! More details to follow, but just know that I will be putting everything on sale in the next few weeks before I switch the shop to "Maternity Leave Mode". So be on the lookout for that.
Also, remember this fabric wrapping project? In my leave of absence I completely forgot that there was another little side project that went along with it. I made a few bracelets that day too (using the same process). These took maybe 3 minutes each, tops. So easy, and I'm pretty sure the bangles themselves were originally those scarf-holder-ring-thingies that you get when you buy a new scarf. So there you go. Essentially a free project, or a reason to go out and buy few new scarves.

A New Sundry Necklace

2010-06-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

...perhaps my favorite yet. This one is made from a mix of vintage gold metal and pearl chains. They are grouped together and secured to soft ties of reclaimed polka dotted fabric.
(CLICK HERE to see the Sundry Necklace)
P.S. Just a heads up for those of you who have some favorites in The Shop: things will be changing around here soon. So if you like what you see, now is the time to go get it! More info forthcoming...

Summer Cottage Charm Necklace

2010-05-24T04:03:00.000-07:00

Whew! It's been a while!
We went on a super relaxing fun awesome sunny trip to the beach with some friends for a whole week...kid free! It was great. I'm a little too tan for my taste, but just couldn't keep out of that sun for too long. The weather was perfect and we stayed at our family's sweet little beach cottage, also known as the Honeymoon Cottage. Three generations have gone there for honeymoons and family vacations...so many memories!
So while trying to settle back into to normal life, my first new listing after being home is a little tribute to our trip and to The Cottage.

(CLICK HERE for the Summer Cottage Charm Necklace)

A Horse, A Key, & Some Crazy Jumble Earrings, OH MY!

2010-04-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

The latest additions to the shop:

• Derby Horse Necklace
• Simple Secret Necklace
• Earth Day Earrings

Come check them out!!! ♡

Lady Jane Unicorn Neckalce

2010-04-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

Meet Lady Jane, the newest addition to the shop. She is a sparkly, magic, enchanting, lucky unicorn. She likes ice cream and long walks on the beach. She is awesome.

My New Model...

2010-04-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have noticed, I usually photograph images for the shop wearing a simple white sundress. My dad said it looks like an old nightshirt...haha! I however, like the consistency and the simplicity that allows you to focus on just the product. Well, since I'm getting bigger by the minute, I needed to come up with a plan for my "model" photos. That sweet little dress won't even go over my head in a few more weeks! I thought about just finding new clothes that fit as I got bigger, but let's be honest, how I look is not top on the list of my thoughts these days. It's hard enough to find comfy clothes just to go to the grocery store! If I have to do this every time I want to list a new product, the shop will dwindle down to nothingness.
Soooooo, that led me to these charming fabric hangers. I was so excited about this project. Blame those yo-yo hormones for my enthusiasm if you want, but these have solved my dilemma! Not to mention they were a breeze to make. I've included the DIY instructions because they would make such sweet bridal, birthday or Mother's Day gifts!
*The sweet pink hanger (above) is wearing my new Blue Sky Necklace, just listed today!
What you will need:
• a pack of plastic hangers without hooks - my photo has hooks, so ignore that
• a stack of fun fabrics
• masking tape (not pictured)

What you will do:
• Cut your fabric into long 1"-1.5" strips. Leave the edges raw and a little frayed. Don't worry about being perfectly straight with these - it won't matter.
• Start anywhere on the hanger and tape the piece down to get yourself started.
• Continue wrapping tightly until you run out of fabric. Tape it down and start up again, always disguising the tape from the previous strip.
• When you get back around to where you started, tie your fabric off in a knot or bow and trim to desired length. You can add a little lace or ribbon to this spot for a little shabby knot/bow if you wish.

♥ THE END ♥
Stay tuned for another fabric wrapped project in the near future. I may have gotten a little carried away. :)

Love Notes For Life

2010-03-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

My husband is a night owl. I myself love love love the early morning hours. This works out swimmingly for our computer work. He tucks me in for the night at a grandmotherly hour of 9:30 or 10:00...and then starts his papers, studying, reading, etc. He also started a lovely habit of leaving me a little post-it note under the keyboard. It's the first thing I see in the morning when I stumble in here with my coffee to start the day. I stick them to my planner, and when the pile gets too big, I bundle them up and stash them in an *old cigar box.
Last week, we ran out of post-its. So he wrote on my Facebook wall something like, "In lieu of the post-it note shortage, I'm writing your note here..."
My sweet Aunt Becky saw it and came to the rescue. Because her basement is full of anything you can imagine, and also because Aunt Becky has always done anything to make her kids/nieces/nephews happy, she shipped me a lifetime supply of post-its! I'm not sure how committed John Jay was to this little love note ritual of ours, but our new stockpile pretty much locks him in for the next decade or so! :)
*also given to me by Aunt Becky!

Teddy Bear Necklace

2010-03-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

Just look at this sweet little guy! I am so tempted to keep him for myself. Isn't he adorable?!
Fuzzy, cuddly, chubby...just waiting to be named and loved.

Teddy Bear Necklace

Odd Little Toy

2010-03-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

It doesn't really have a name. I suppose that will be Judah's job once he wakes to discover this magical literary wonder I created this afternoon.
A friend of mine gave me a huge box of vintage fabrics and notions a while back and this rainbow treasure was in the mix. I've made headbands out of the flower section, but there's so much going on here: paintbrushes, balloons, ABC's, hearts, crayons, more flowers...
Since Judah loves his letters and sounds, I've been meaning to do something with that portion. Please don't ask me why a padded stick with streamers came to mind - I have no clue. It just seamed like a good idea. And more than that, it seemed like something Judah would like. Why padding? I assumed it would hurt less when he beat up the dog with it (by accident, of course).
Here's the "How to" (because I know so many of you want to make a cushy stick for your kids)
I used:
1. dowel rod, which I sawed to length with a bread knife
2. a tangle of ribbons, various lengths
3. fun fabric
4. buttons, I used green ones from my Grandmommy's button jar
5. batting (not pictured)

I cut my fabric into two long strips and sewed a sleeve, with the ribbons streaming from one end. Then I wrapped the dowel rod with two strips of batting, taping around it in a few select spots. After turning the sleeve right side out and fitting the now padded dowel inside the sleeve, I sewed up the edge using a zipper foot so I could get closer to the dowel rod. I then added the buttons to cover up my dirty sewing job. And...there you have it! A weird alphabet ribbon wand stick toy thingy. Better than these though.

Hot Dogs & Boiled Eggs...

2010-03-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

Since I'm little more than an incubator right now, my life has revolved around eating, sleeping, and eating some more. I promise you, food takes up about 85-90% of my thoughts these days! There's no escape even during my sleep...I dream about food, making food, searching for food, etc.
All that to say, this blog and my shop have been struggling to hang on these last few weeks. Sorry about that. I am a few weeks away from rounding that first trimester corner, and hoping that the surge of energy I keep hearing about will follow. You'd think I would remember it from my last pregnancy, but my vision is too blurry right now, clouded with images of sauerkraut hot dogs and boiled eggs (yep, those are my cravings).
And all of that to say, I'm still here, and I have a whole collection of new items just waiting to be listed. So stay tuned!
(Image courtesy of The Charleston Gazette)

Smoothie Animals

2010-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I went to clean Judah (my 2.5 year old) up and get him down from his chair when he said, "Ooh! Look!" and pointed to the smoothie smears left on the tray. He said, "That's a dinosaur!...and that's a whale!"

This is so normal for Judah. He sees stuff in everything...letters in building structures, animals in the clouds, his popcorn pieces look like tractors, and spilled juice this morning looked like a lion, apparently.

A beautiful mind indeed.

I've Been Busy...

2010-03-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

I've had a tiny lull in the shop these last few weeks - I've been using all my creative energy on creating a human.
(Yup...we're pregnant!)
But I finally got some fun new things up and wanted to give a quick summary post of the latest goods. Here they are:
1. Petaline Earrings
2. Truth or Dare Necklace
3. Vintage Chaos Necklace
4. Atlantis Earrings

Good News!

2010-02-25T05:56:00.000-08:00

Bonjour! Hola! Ni Hao! Hallo! Merhaba! Hei!
I'm happy to announce that I now ship EVERYWHERE!
So, near or far, come browse through the shop!

High Society Necklace

2010-02-11T04:12:00.000-08:00

Fur, pearls, a curious little key...what more could a fancy lady ask for?
*made with all vintage components, excluding only the clasp

•Click Here for the High Society Necklace•

Just Listed...

2010-02-05T03:37:00.000-08:00

The Petaline Necklace
Irresistibly feminine...
Perfect for the Big Day, or to spruce up your favorite jeans and tee.

Featuring:
❧ vintage costume pearls
❧ vintage gold chain
❧ vintage antique finish metal flower charms
❧ secured to pastel sage green velvet ribbon ties, hemmed at the ends

My Dad's Banana Bread

2010-02-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

It's been quite some time since I've posted a recipe, so here it goes.
This is my Dad's banana bread recipe, and by "my Dad" I actually mean "Betty Crocker." He got it from her and made it for us when we were little. I make it now for my boys and highly recommend it served warm with peanut butter...mmmmm. It's super easy, plus it's nice to have something to do with those rotten bananas that are always lying around my kitchen.
Make some! You won't be disappointed!

2 1/2 cups self rising flour
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons oil
3/4 cups milk
1 egg
1 cup(ish) mashed banana
*you can always add pecans, just so long as it doesn't kill your husband like it does mine.

• Preheat oven to 350˚ and grease loaf pan
• Beat all ingredients 30 seconds on med. speed (mixer) only until moistened, scraping bowl constantly
• Pour into pan and bake about an hour. I usually start checking mine after 48 minutes with a toothpick test

Happy Key Necklace

2010-01-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

Take a look at this cheeky little fellow:...the newest addition to the shop.
Pop in and say "ello!"

New Goodies from Xenotees!

2010-01-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

Sweet Noelle (of Xenotees) sent me a package full of fun new stuff from her shop a few weeks ago. Here are some of the latest in our little trade:

No.1 - French Pet Lobster Tote
No.2 - Japanese Star Moss Scarf
No.3 - Collective Names of Animals Shirt

New Design...

2010-01-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Aren't these so dreamy?! I wanted to keep these vintage lace pretties for myself. But alas, I listed them today. You can find them HERE.

Love Transforms

2010-01-18T04:52:00.000-08:00

The new Poppytalk Market is lovelier than ever, filled with sweet Valentine themed goods!
A few of my favorites:

1. Teal & Gold
2. Bellalulu
3. Art Mind
4. La Pomme
5. Little Black Rabbit
6. IS Photography
*Click Here for my table

HAITI Relief Efforts

2010-01-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

For the remainder of January, 50% of ALL SALES in the shop will go directly to World Relief as they respond to Haiti’s catastrophic quake.
Words cannot describe this tragedy.
Thanks for helping me help out.
♡,
Corrieberry Pie

Hugs & Kisses

2010-01-11T04:49:00.001-08:00

I'm getting ready for Valentines Day!
Heart-themed shop product is about all the celebrating we'll do around here. We decided long ago to pass on the holiday...crowds, icky cards, waxy chocolate. But all cynicism aside, I do secretly love seeing all that pink, red, lacy, cheery, lovey-dovey stuff everywhere.
These may not be red and lacy, but they are the sweetest little Valentine greeting you ever did see! Clever vintage wood block beads subtly - and asymmetrically - greet all your admirers with a hug and a kiss.
Hug & Kiss Earrings

I'm Giving In...

2010-01-06T05:16:00.000-08:00

After many jokes, much resistance, hesitation, and stalling...I'm finally going to read them.
A sizable apology to those of you who were heckled during my anti-Twilight days.
Also, I made a small nod to the notorious series today in the shop with the Heart & Dagger Necklace.

NEW for 2010...

2010-01-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

No. 1 - Devotion Award
No. 2 - Flower Child Necklace
No. 3 - Simple Secret Necklace

Vintage Fabric Tags

2009-12-21T04:51:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas it is my goal to dress up the gifts so people don't notice that we used grocery bags to wrap them. Remember last year?
Well, this year I didn't have time to paint on them (what was I thinking?) so I came up with the max amount of cuteness, for the least amount of work...
Vintage fabric tags!
Here's how:
• cut your cards and punch a hole (heavier note cards or card stock works best)
• pick out your fabrics and notions
• sew them on!
...see how easy that is?

(CLICK IMAGE TO SEE IT LARGER IF YOU WISH)
Happy Holidays to all!

Today...

2009-12-16T19:45:00.001-08:00

What a lovely day!
My sweet husband took Judah for the morning so I could take about a billion photos for a bunch of fun stuff I made last week. I had to stop and empty my memory card to keep going!
Now after a yummy dinner with friends, I'm wiped out, and smiling while I recap the day's events.
While sifting through the pics from today, I found this... look who wondered into the shot:

Isn't our Judah such a cutie?! He's a tiny little man in this photo.
Can't wait to post the new goods. Stay tuned!

More Tea Parties!

2009-12-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

Check it out HERE!

Medallion Necklace

2009-12-08T04:21:00.000-08:00

My Nana has been sweet enough to keep me supplied with boxes and bags of her old jewelry to pilfer through, keep, remake, sell, etc. A few months ago she sent me an entire jar filled with buttons that belonged to my Grandmommy (her mother-in-law). I remember eying that thing when I was a little girl! What a treat to have that on my work desk now. Sometimes I'll just get them out and rummage through, picking out my favorites, imagining the sweater she wore them on. And now in their second (or perhaps third or fourth) life they add the perfect touch to purses, jewelry, and brooches. Santa might use them in gifts this year! ✻wink wink✻
While I was sifting through my new jar of memories, a group of mixed golds and textured black buttons stood out to me and became the inspiration for my latest necklace: The Medallion Necklace. I'm so thrilled to share these little gems with you all!

North Pole Earrings

2009-12-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

Things are looking quite festive around here...and last night I went on a jolly earring-making spree!
I just listed these sweet North Pole Earrings...complete with sparkling beads, vintage lace, and curious little polar bears (from my Nana's jewelry stash).

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

My Husband, The Celebrity (Part 2)

2009-11-28T03:32:00.000-08:00

Do you remember this? Well, he's done it again!
This time in the Holiday Promo Gift Guides, as well as a little cameo on Etsy's front page last night...such a stud.

Congrats to Noelle of Xenotees...since it's really her shirt that got him there! ;)
P.S. we have at least one tiff a week over who can wear that shirt! It's soooooo comfy!