Break over

Originally uploaded by artsymomma.

Hey all!

I am out of the factory and ready for December (boy did November fly by!)

Craftacular went ok this year, the economy has even hit the handmade market but such is life. I had a great time, met amazing artists, and great people in general. I miss retail on days like that, I love chitchatting so the day really did fly by!

Leila was the only one who got something from the show this year, it was meant to be a Christmas present but she found it, I suck at hiding presents from an eagle-eyed 3 year old. It was made by Tyler Poncho, she makes Ah-mazing softies and the quality is superb. Leila loves her "teddy" and hasnt put him (them) down since Saturday.

So in the midst of holiday crafting we will be back to normal (whatever that is) with blog postings around here until Christmas. and yes, I did miss you guys!

Count down begins

Craftacular is this weekend! Oh and did I mention I am doing a second craft show next weekend in my hometown, Manitowoc. EEK. I still have a ton to do (like sew oh 50 purses or so, wish me luck folks!!!) most of my collage work is done besides the big canvases so I feel slightly at ease but ask me again on Friday night. I did take off Wednesday so I have a full day to take advantage of Leila in preschool and Ken taking care of the baby. I am really hoping I get a majority done that day. I have just a few things left (cutting out purse straps, my least favorite part) to get the prep work done so the assembly line sewing may begin. I am super excited about the purses though I have some cute stuff if I do say so myself!!!!




And because I couldnt resist, Kenson has been having a few rough days lately, more teeth I am suspecting. Sleep has been minimal around these parts and the poor guy finially couldnt take it any longer and fell asleep in his bouncer! I am glad Ken was able to take the picture it breaks and melts my heart all in one swoop!

Ok back to work! If I dont get a chance, happy thanksgiving to the US readers, and happy week to the rest of you out there!

A deeper meaning to christmas lights?

Vintage Christmas Bokeh 2008
Originally uploaded by Pink Sherbet Photography.

So I have been sort of thrown lately by the amount of houses that have Christmas lights already up in my neighborhood. I mean it isnt even Thanksgiving yet!

It hit me today as I watched a family watching their dad put up the lights, this has been a rough year for a lot of families and Christmas lights and the thought of Christmas cheer in general is a silver lining in a really hard year. Plus it shows a closing of a year. A year a lot of people are ready to say good bye to and welcome in a new year with hopes of change and easier times. I mean December isnt even here yet and I am already considering the year over. I guess though I shouldnt rush the closing of the year. I am trying really hard to slow down and really enjoy the holidays this year. With a toddler that shouldnt be too hard to do!

I am guilty as charged too though, I bought a magazine in October about holiday decorating, but shhh that is just our little secret.

A great day

Better Than Starbucks
Originally uploaded by nycjamie.

Here is a story about me. I met my husband online. Before it was cool or normal. It was almost 10 years ago. Today was the first time I met someone from online since Ken. Today though it was to meet a crafty friend.

It was one of those meetings that I just felt that I could talk to her so easily. We know so much about each other in just the hour meeting over coffee.

Life has been a little rocky around here lately so I am grateful to have made a new friend who doesnt think I am crazy when I see yummy fabric and instinctively want to roll around in it!

Steph, (btw she runs a great fabric store!) it was great meeting you!

(not the starbucks we met at but a pretty picture none the less!)

Weekend in Pictures

Display set-up begins.

So Many Magnets created (yay!) (Close-up pictures found in my flickr account)

Canvases prepped.

Lining fabric stacked.

Yummy wools cut up.

Thank you BFF for the great productive weekend. 18 days to go before Craftacular, I am getting there slowly but surely. Here is hoping my sewing machine still loves me and doesnt jam when the mad dash of sewing begins!!

liar liar

So I didnt think I would have any "normal" posts for awhile. Well I was wrong. Miss Leila was in an amazing mood yesterday and requested some painting time with momma, how could I say no?

Her paintings within this last year have grown so much. She is still a messy painter like her momma (paint all the way up to her elbows) but she now just doesnt make everything one blob of color (dark yucky sludge) she separates and covers the entire sheet (this has also been a great way for her to learn her colors). We have started hanging up her art in the play area. A few I may want to frame and others I may use in my own art.

My messy painting heart couldnt be happier to see her painting across the table from me.

MIA

This is it folks. The countdown to craftacular. I will be pretty MIA most likely as I will be elbow deep in fabric and paper for the rest of the month. I will try to update here and there and I will keep adding photos to flickr. Hopefully no one will get too bored with my shameless self promotion and the showing of products only this month!