Google Eyes and Hats Galore

So I have had this obsession with google eyes of late. It all started when I found a vintage google eye in a jar of vintage buttons I purchased at an estate sale. I used it to create my first Monster Eye Hat. I subsequently created a line of Monster Eye Hats using a really yummy chunky yarn and I named them after Greek female monsters and mermaids.

When I couldn't satisfy my google eye lust with Wal-Mart, I searched ebay and purchased 3 packs of 155 assorted google eyes each. Honestly, it wasn't as many as I thought it would be but it was enough to create the Spy Bag.


And so now I am on the prowl for my next google eye victim.

Sales on etsy have been a little slow of late. One can only hope that folks are gearing up for some big holiday shopping. I did have my first wholesale order. I shipped them off yesterday and I hope they are well-received.



I did take a couple of new paintings up to the gallery. They are not currently listed on etsy but they are based on an ACEO I did. One is on the canvas formally known as Chicken a la Larry King and the other is one a scrap of wood Scott found:

What is this wet stuff falling from the sky?

So it rained yesterday and its currently raining. We are in the middle of the worst drought in recent history so this is big news.

In other news, I painted another goat painting yesterday. Not quite as happy with it as goats go but I love love love the impressionistic style that I acheived. Its for sale in the shop if you are interested...

I am currently negotiating a wholesale deal for a dozen hats. I am beyond excited because a) this means a chunk of money, b) it means getting my name out there beyond etsy and to a funkier crowd, more of my target audience and c) I HAVE to go to Hobby Lobby today for yarn. Hahaha. Gotta love the day that going yarn shopping is part of your 'job'.

I also have 24 cupcakes to bake today for the Fall Festival at Lulu's school. She made cute little cupcake toppers for them.

Art from found materials...

So, a few weeks ago my friend Christine and I were riding down the road. While at a stoplight, I spotted a nice piece of plywood in the road. I warned her I was jumping out of the care to get it. She said, "What the hell are you going to do with that?" I replied that I didn't know but that it would be good to paint on for sure.

Yesterday, I painted a sign for her soap business. It turned out really well. I have quite happy with the goat but I wish I had done more of a stylized font for the lettering. I didn't want to take the chance on messing it up though. I hope she likes it! Its pretty big, about 20 inches tall and about 3 feet wide. I think I am going to paint the back in a darker blue and do "Handmade Soap" in a while stylized font.

We finished making the muscadine jelly last night. I had to add 2 cups of regular grape juice to the last batch to get a full 4 cups of juice. That is a lot of jelly! We'll give most of it away at Christmas to teaches, bus drivers, etc.

Etsy Commercial!

OMG This is wonderful! If only it was aired on TV!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=v2g31xjdfhQ

Just got home from my trip to Athens. I had a nice visit with my friend Sondra. She has a gorgeous new home in Madison County. What a wonderful house for her family! Her kids are so great. Lucy loved seeing Kyle and Kelly again, and Fern was quite smitten with Kelly as well.

I need to take etsy pictures but I am wiped out!

Fall is here!

I still don't have the hang of pictures on this thing but the Picasa program I downloaded from google makes it so much easier to upload a batch of pictures to my blog. I highly recommend this program!

I've added several pictures of the girls. I cannot believe how fast they are growing up. They are a couple of goofballs.

Scott and I processed the muscadines last night and with the exception of the exploding jelly bag that flung purple pulp all over the kitchen, it went well. We now have 16 cups of juice, which will make 32 small jars of jelly. I found a package of Certo in the box of canning supplies from Nana's house but its dated 1989 so I think I will splurge on some fresh.

Yesterday, I received my order from SugarLips (http://sugarlips.etsy.com). OMG how decadent. The Brown Sugar and Fig vegan deodorant smells good enough to eat. I also got some body butter samples and a couple perfumes. I think the Chinatown perfume is my favorite. It really smells 'right' on me. It has just enough patchouli to remind me of my youth but with some floral and citrus notes to update it. I love the Olive Blossom too. Hilary has the very best customer service and I am already planning my next order since I got a coupon for 10% off. It will probably include a Brown Sugar and Fig perfume and an Olive Blossom perfume for sure. The body butters are to die for and have made my skin sooo soft. I cannot recommend her stuff enough!

The other day I was, ummmm 'shopping' the trash heaps in town and came across 3 awesome pieces of wood from an old bed. I came home and painted them up with a Christmas theme. I hope to post pics this afternoon. They will be on sale at Aunt Faye's Attic - they are too odd to ship easily.

Festival Mania!

What a wonderful weekend! I shared a booth with two friends at the 2007 Turning and Burning Festival in Gillsville, Georgia. This festival celebrates the pottery of the Hewell Family. My friend Christine makes goat's milk soap (www.threesisters.ecrater.com) and my friend Tina is a spinner and knitter. I was sort of the wacky tagalong with the funky stuff. We had a blast! I sold some hats and scarves, a few dishcloths, some magnets and a painting. Our booth looked wonderful. It was fun talking to folks and people watching. Scott brought the girls up and they got to ride the ponies - always a hit.

Yesterday, we took the girls to Suches, Georgia for the Indian Summer Festival at the Woody Gap School. This is apparently the smallest public school in Georgia. Lulu got to hit a teenager in the face with a pie as part of a fundraiser. She also got to to the bungee jump. Lulu and I bought some homemade lip balms made with local beeswax and Scott bought 2 lbs of local sourwood honey. We had a great time.

I am working on some new stuff for the shop, mostly scarflettes. I need a neck (real or not) to photo them on. I am also working on a top secret project that is sure to be a big seller on etsy.

When 20 mo olds blog....

Fern hit the keyboard and got my entry posted before I was ready.

So I am in the process of listing 8 or so more Monster Eye hats my etsy shop (see linky-poo to the right). I have had a good response to them so far. I guess the google eyes are now my 'thing'.

Sales have been wonderful. I just missed my September goal of 10 sales by 1! I have set a goal of 15 for October.

I sold a painting last night - Little Miss Voltrina is heading to Colorado this morning. I am sort of sad to see her go, but I think she is going to a very good home. I have to get her from Susie's gallery this morning and ship her out! In fact, I need to pull all of my art.

I am going to be at the Turning & Burning Festival this weekend in Gillsville, Georgia. Its going to be a blast! I am setting up with two friends, Christine of Three Sisters Soap and Tina, a knitter and spinner. Susie from Aunt Faye's will be there as well. Its my first big festival and I am so excited. I hope to meet some other etsy artists. I hear 50,000+ folks are expected!

I am trying to talk my mom and dad into having an etsy shop. My mom is all about ATCs and ACEOs right now.

 

Just in time for fall...

I made this pumpkin hat, complete with stem! Its listed in my shop - go buy it quick!

I am pleased to report that I finally got my font downloaded. I have been able to print out some business cards and labels for tags. I just adore that font - its the same on that is on my blog header.

The weather here is just gorgeous. We've turned the AC off and opened the windows. Its sunny but not too hot. Its nice to be able to go outside without being sweaty the second you hit the hot air.

I am giving some thought to pattern writing. I would love to have some patterns published in some online craft zines. I have never tried it. I was making something the other day that I thought would be good to write down. As I was crocheting, I kept thinking, "I really need to write this down." And I never could make myself stop and get up.

Manic Monday Sale!

I am having a sale today! Its a beautiful Monday morning here in Gainesville, Georgia. The air is cold, the A/C is off, I can see my breath. Fall is HERE!

So for today, I am offering 10% off EVERYTHING in my shop! Go to www.electricbluebird.etsy.com and shop 'til you drop!

End of the Weekend

I am happy to report that it wasn't an ear infection at all, just fluid on my ear. After some Sudafed, I am feeling much better.

I am on the lookout for a king size bed frame. We found 4 vintage doors at a local house that is being renovated. Three will be used as the headboard and one will be a footboard. However, we currently have two twin beds and we cannot connect them to the frame.

I have some new things I am working on for the shop - some furry fingerless mittens, fabric cuffs, and some other surprises. I hope you'll click to the right and look through my shop.

I am currently reading Augusten Burroughs' Running with Scissors. What a messed up family.

Sick and tired but stillllllll crafting!

So I slept like crap last night and I woke up with a massive ear infection. I am treating it with hubby's ear drops and some leftover amoxicillan. I know, I know and I don't need a lecture. Right now, we don't have the money for the doctor.

So I did some experimenting and came up with this turtle hat. Its cute but its not there yet. I did list this little cutie last night - Cookie Monster Hat.

I can't figure this photo thing!

Sick and Sewing

So I seem to have caught Fern's cold. My head hurts and I am so stopped up and tired. It seems that intestinal issues also seem to be a part of this happy little virus. Yahoo! She has had diarrhea for the last day or so.

So, I have been tinkering with my sewing machine. I sewed a cute little cuff from some vintage fabric and trims. It turned out so well! But I have been having problems with my sewing machine, from the feed dogs to birdnesting. I was thisclose to chucking the whole machine out the window. (I have no idea where my manual is.) So I went to the Singer website and did some troubleshooting, and voila! Its singing along happy.

I need to take some pictures to get some stuff listed on ebay. Both of the girls are going to need fall clothes and I need about $300 to outfit them from Old Navy. Fern may have some handmedowns that fit but Lulu has nothing.

Still trying to get stuff listed on my etsy shop, at least 1-2 items a day. I have a ton of hearts and I am really, really hoping that cold weather brings some sales. I am going to have to look into some other items for my shop for the spring. I did get nice feedback on the red hat I sold.

Yoga is for wimps!

At least that is what I used to think. I mean serious, how hard can sitting on a mat and striking a pose be??? I had my first class at the Y yesterday. I can barely move this morning. 'Nuf said. I think I will do that once a week but no more. In happier news, I've lost 4 lbs. Woot!

Got a bunch more pictures yesterday of my new hats. I still think I could benefit from a live model. With Brenau University in town, I am sure I could find someone.

Fall is just around the corner! Woo hoo! The Clermont Days Festival is this weekend, which is pretty much the first festival of the season. And Helen, Georgia is having Oktoberfest!

Princess Pants and Dragon Boats

Here is a picture of the girls wearing their princess pants. Unfortch, Lulu is thugging and has her's slung down low. They are supposed to be right below the knee. She wanted to wear them to school this morning, but they are doing colors this week. Today is Blue Day and so she wore a blue dress. Thursday is Green Day and also my day for snacks. I am taking honeydew melon and green grapes in green cups.

We ended up going to the Dragon Boat Festival Saturday. We got to town and I remembered I left a candle burning (Blackberry Crumble - yum!) so Scott dropped me off and went back to blow it out. With all of the traffic around the rowing venue, we didn't have much time to get to Elachee. Anyways, we couldn't stay long at the Dragon Boat Festival as it was blazing hot and I wasn't prepared with sunscreen. We did get to see a couple races and some of the dancing, including the most adorable little girls.

I am off this morning to my first yoga class. Its "Christ-Centered Yoga" (bleh) so I'll just ignore those parts. Its 90 minutes - will I make it?

I am on a mission to lose 20 lbs by my birthday, which is November 13. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Another sale!

Someone snapped up Ophelia! She was gorgeous, so I am not shocked that she sold so quickly. I also made it into another etsy treasury with my painting Camille and Her Bluebird. I love that painting so much that I kind of hate to part with her.

We are headed to Elachee Nature Center today (www.elachee.org) for Snake Day! We will be packing a picnic so it should be fun. What sucks is that the 2007 Dragon Boat races are going on today too at the Clark's Bridge Olympic Rowing Venue. We went last year and it was such fun. They had beautiful dancers and martial arts demonstrations that was wonderful to watch.

I snuck in a teeny tiny bit of crochet last night. Shhhhh.....

CROCHET RESTRICTION! Argggh!

Yesterday I actually cried because my hands and wrists hurt so bad. So last night, I packed up my hooks and yarn and put myself on crochet restriction for a week. Typing on the computer also has to be limited. In the absence of crochet, I will me taking more photos of new stock and adding to my shop. My goal is to have 100 items listed by the end of September. I have 52 items right now and 116 hearts!

I am just about done with the girls' princess pants that I've been sewing. I need to tweak Lulu's elastic and do the elastic and hem the pants on Fern's. It was fun and I look forward to doing a little more sewing. We need a duvet cover for our bed, and I want one that goes to the floor. I have most of the fabric - old vintage sheets in shades of lime, orange, and brown.

I submitted some shop items for consignment at a store in Boston. They were accepted! I have to pull the items from my shop, sign the contract and ship them off! Weeeeeeeeee!

Another bunch of hats!

We went to the park today and I had a chance to take more photos. I will be listing one or two hats a day in the shop over the next week. Fall is in the air!

As promised - hat photos!

Both of these hats are now on sale in my etsy shop. As always, if I can ship it to the US or Canada via First Class, shipping is free!

Sneaking off to Hobby Lobby for stash enhancement

I have about 50 dishcloths done so I think I am good there. I was tucking ends on some hats and realized that I should probably make some flap hats. I whipped out two last night. I'll add pictures in a few.

I have been asked to participate in another show this fall. Julie Wingate, who owns Little Miss Priss & Co. on etsy asked my friend Christine (www.threesisters.ecrater.com) to join some other crafters in a holiday open house. They are renting a local facility for the day and we will all chip in with the rent. This will be via invitation only for holiday shopping. This could turn out to be very lucrative for me. Christine and I both very excited. We wanted to do some sort of trunk show for the holidays. This way, we don't have to organize it.

Hubby has some paperwork to catch up on today, so I think I am going to sneak down to Hobby Lobby, maybe get an oil change too. I need some small bags, some cotton yarn, and some pale blue card stock. I will probably come home with some fun yarn too for the flap hats. I just love putting together different combinations of color and texture to make fun designs.

Later, I need to photo some stuff for etsy. Lulu has agreed to model for me. I'll post new pics and my shop updates later!

Ahhhhhhh....

Its 74 degrees in the house right now. How glorious is that?! Of course, just as soon as our new system was installed, the temps have come out of the low 100s to the high 80s. Oh well.

I bought a sewing pattern yesterday to make the girls some gaucho type pants. I don't know if I am going to use some of the vintage fabric I have or if I will buy something new. Matching pants would be really cute!

I am still hoping to do the Mossy Creek/Meaders Pottery festival on Sept. 8. I need to print out some business cards between now and then for sure. I am hoping to have at least one more piece done by then, but I haven't felt very inspired the last few days.

I am headed to the New Member Social for the Gainesville MOMS Club this morning. Its always fun to meet other new moms. I am bringing the sweet tea!

They're Heeeeeeeeeere!

The AC guys are here! Apparently, its going to be an all-day job which means I am sort of stuck here all day. That's ok - it will be worth it! Besides, there is no shortage of chores I could be doing.

I also would like to take some pictures of dishcloths today and get them listed on etsy. I would also like to list a few things on ebay. Its not to early to be thinking about Christmas. We will probably get Fern a new baby doll with all the accessories. I don't know about Lulu. We talked about getting her a guinea pig or hamster, but not with her room the way it is. She doesn't really play with toys, so maybe some new clothes and hair stuff?

I really think she is on the verge of reading. She gets a new book at the library ever day. We read it to her once or twice in the evening and then she sits in bed and 'reads' the book to herself. I hope she loves to read as much as we do.

Speaking of reading, I was reading the book about the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. I may give it a few more chapters and if it doesn't pick up, I will move on to something else. Its just very dry. I have 3-4 books on the way from www.paperbackswap.com.

Monday, Monday

The woman who bought the Chicken Pot Pie painting hung it in her laundry room with a painting of a rooster. We joked about the possibilities of the two mating. She and her husband have 4 children, all of whom were adopted from various Asian countries. So, I was inspired to paint this chick piece. She loved it!

Just thought I would also share some pictures of the girls. Fern had some major dental work done about a week ago. There was almost no enamel on her top teeth when they came in, so the dentist put caps on 6 of her top teeth. These teeth were very short and were becoming discolored prior to the procedure. She looks so good now. And she is eating so much better. They must have really been bothering her before. She picked out the outfit with the leg warmers and hat. She looks like a little flygirl. And Lucy, well she is just so beautiful.

I am working on crocheting a wristlet. I've seen them on etsy and I am a little intimidated by the thought of sewing in a liner and a zipper but I need a challenge right now. I am using some thick green wool/acrylic blend yarn. I'll probably make a fabric flower of some type for it. Of course, I will post pics when its done.

Relief is in sight!

Our new AC unit will be installed Tuesday. I cannot wait. In the meantime, my wonderful in-laws loaned us a window unit. Ahhhhhh....

So I am still not making any sales in my etsy shop. I joined two street teams, I've been promoting outside of etsy as well as on etsy. I've participated in the forums and I held a promotional contest. I am really bummed, but I am staying optimistic. I have 84 hearts there, and I am hoping cooler weather will bring in some sales.

My friend Susie asked me to participate in a festival with her September 8. Its held by the Meaders family, the potters who are known for their face jugs. I can't wait! I just wish I had a canopy in case it rains. Susie runs the folk art gallery where I have some stuff. She is very talented and very nice. She will be a hoot to hang with all day!

Meet Voltrina

What are little Martian girls made of? Isn't she cute?

Its still hot as heck here. Relief is in sight, as we get our new AC system installed Tuesday! I can't wait. I am tired of being sweaty.

I am melting....

The air conditioner is broken and its going up to 100 degree AGAIN today.

Just wanted to share pics of my new paintings! I am very happy with them. I recently sold my Chicken Pot Pie painting to another mom. These paintings are available in my etsy shop, as well at Aunt Faye's Attic on Cleveland Hwy in Gainesville, up near Quillian's Corner.

Money is so tight. I really need to sell some things. My paintings and crochet are literally piled up around the house. The truck needs a new transmission, we will likely owe more on Fern's teeth, the A/C is shot, Christmas not too far off and on and on and on. Its stressing hubby out so much. :-(

I would like to try some festivals this fall. The other idea is to have some trunk shows or house parties with some other artists.

I told you so...

I cannot keep up with this blog! Between the kids and my etsy shop and other activities (MOMS Club) I just can't do it. I think if I just did text and no pics, it would be a little easier. I really dislike reading blogs with few pics so I feel compelled to include a bunch on my blog. But I have to take them from the camera to the computer. And then open and rename them so I can find them. And then I have to resize them depending on what site they are going. Ugh.

I've got tons of things listed in my shop. I've been doing some painting and I have some very sweet little kids for sale. I also listed a ton of hats and scarves in anticipation of fall. Its funny because I initially created my shop to sell crocheted stuff but the only two real sales I've had are my paintings!

I recently sold another painting to a friend. It was of a chicken pot pie, which was really just a chicken sitting in a pie. It went for $65. I was THRILLED.

Lulu has started school. We had every intent of homeschooling but she needs CONSTANT engagement, constant interaction. She has never been able to entertain herself for more than 5 minutes. So, we heard good things about our local elementary and she is LOVING it. She gets up excited about going and comes home happy. There are a few things I have problems with but I am going to give it time.

I've read so many good books this summer. Currently, I am reading The Kite Runner and it is excellent. I joined www.paperbackswap.com and its great! I dislike paying full price for books and I also don't care to keep them when I am done.

The weather here has been unbearable. I cannot stand the heat and I am looking forward to fall!

Stash Re-Org and Summer Reading Challenge

This was my big project this weekend. My yarn stash was a big old mess. I re-organized, frogged some long-forgotten projects, and filled 2 kitchen trash bags with tangled yarn, odd skeins, and bits and bobs. I listed it on craigslist for free and someone is picking it up today.

I've participated in the Reading Group on Storknet for many years now. Recently, I came up with the idea for a summer reading challenge. We've got lots of participants, and each person has set an individual goal of the number of books they will read this summer. I plan to try and read 20. The Challenge started on Memorial Day and will end on Labor Day.

I generally read at least a book a week - sometimes more. I mostly read while nursing Fern laying down in bed or at night before I go to sleep. I love non-fiction but I am pretty picky about fiction. I've finished 3 books since the Challenge started!

A new focus!

Well, after much research and soul-searching, I have decided to put my ebay sales on the back-burner and concentrate on selling my handmade things. I am determined to make some sales. After lurking and posting in the etsy forums, I have a renewed sense of direction. I need to start doing some promotion, most listing, and some learning. I have received excellent feedback regarding my inventory so I think that more promotion and more stock is the way to proceed.


I've been making more hats lately since I sold just about all I had last season. I have about 8 done. I will try and list one every other day or so once I get some good pictures.


I still need a logo. I have been doodling and I still cannot come up with anything I like.


Hubby gave me some much needed alone time yesterday. He took the girls to bass Pro Shop for some kiddie event. They were actually gone for about 5 hours, which is a lot for Fern. Apparently, she did very well considering she is still nursing.

I cannot believe its June already.

Buy something damnit!

So I've had my etsy shop up for 6 weeks now. I have not sold a single thing and I am so sad. I really thought my afghans were unique enough to sell. Are my prices too high? Are they just too far out? I am really, really discouraged. I am going to put some other stuff in there eventually. I did so well with my hats last winter at the shop here in town. Maybe I should try those. I have added some of my paintings. I just don't know.

The Old Man is on call this week. Today he got a call that "birds was a-fallin' dead out o' the sky". Turned out a crow hit a tree and fell to the ground dead. The person wanted to know what would cause that. I vote for natural selection but that's just me.

She loves it!

She walked into the kitchen and saw it and had a fit!

How cute is this?

I made this for Fern, because she is nutty for 'Goobie' (Cookie Monster). She hates hats and I don't think she will wear it, so it will likely end up in my shop. When I saw these yarns at the store, they just screamed "COOKIE!" Can Elmo and Oscar be far behind? After all, JoAnn's marked down a lot of their fun fur yarns to $1.


We took the girls to the park for a picnic last night. We stopped at Subway for some subs. It was beautiful out so the girls played for a little while, I tried unsuccessfully to get the kite up, and we had a nice stroll. We hit the park again this morning to walk but Lulu has a temp so we cut it short.

I am joining my first blog swap! In the meantime, I need to figure out the hyperlink deal:

http://mydealoftheday.blogspot.com/2007/05/anybody-wanna-swap-junk.html

I am enjoying a rare moment of solitude. The Old Man took the girls to buy a new hose and then out to lunch. So, I am watching Erin Brocovich, eating a salad, doing a little knitting, laundry and cleaning. They will be home too soon! I rarely get time alone.

Just Ducky!

Yesterday, we took the girls to the Rubber Duck Derby here in town. Folks purchase ducks and they are dumped into the lake to race to the finish. Its all in the name of charity. There were thousands of ducks, but we weren't able to get one because they all sold out! They had bouncy castles, popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs and burgers. Lulu participated in the cake walk, but chickened out of the dance contest. It was such a beautiful day.

In the afternoon, I took the girls to the Sprayground. What a great place! Its all enclosed with lots of benches. There are all sorts of water-spraying features and the water never gets more than a few inches. At $1 per child, its a real deal. We went several times a week last summer, and I suspect this summer will be the same. Lulu hooked up with a couple other little girls and Fern was pretty fearless. In fact, I think we will end up there today at some point.

In 1986...

The summer that I graduated from Redan High School, I hooked up with some other students from the area and attended college courses in Grenoble FRANCE. What a summer that was. We bought a 6-pack of Heineken the first night and thought we were hot shit. That whole experience really shaped my life. I would love to go back to Grenoble and visit the town now. Les boules, Juan les Pains, etc.

The weekend is here! I will take the girls to the Sprayground in the morning and give Scott some time to himself. With any luck, I will do some yard saling as well. We also have the MOMS Club Spring Fling tomorrow. I mentioned that all of the dads should wear Speedos and we should have a contest for the hottest dad. I have not told Scott yet.

I need to list a ton of stuff on ebay but I am scared. They raised the postal rates and I haven't really looked them over.

And my cold has moved to my chest. Coughing and all that. Blerg.

Fun Mother's Night Out!

Our MOMS Club had our annual banquet last night. I have been elected co-secretary. Yahoo! Being a part of this group has been great, especially after moving here last year and not knowing a soul. We had dinner at a local Chinese place. It was delicious! I am excited to be a part of the Board.


So since I was out last night, Scott had to put the girls to bed alone. Fern did better than I thought. She cried for me, but he walked her around and she fell asleep after about 15 minutes.


I finished the chunky washcloth and I am now working on a top secret scarf project. I need to build of some inventory for the fall.


I was going through some of the pictures on the computer and came across this one. Its one of my favorites. I think my mom took this picture of Lulu at her house.

I need a logo

So I have changed the name of my shop to Electric Bluebird. I was inspired by the bright blue bluebirds that fly across our dirt road. I see them every day. So I just want a simple bluebird drawing, something modern and retro at the same time, to put on a hang tag for the stuff I sell. Something in black line that the girls can color in with some crayons, markers, whatever. I want it to be sweet and cool, retro and modern. Something to catch the eye. I would like to use it on hang tags and on my blog, to tie them together. Something organic but also now.

Hubby and I have always had a connection to bluebirds. We have built bluebird houses for every home we've ever lived in. OK, except this one and that gives me an idea for Father's Day.

Feast or famine?

Yep. Just sharing a few photos.


This is a washcloth I am knitting. I found this ball of big chunky organic cotton in a box of sewing stuff that I had. One of my friends is making goat's milk soap. I thought I might buy some wholesale and make up some gift baskets for my etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5118931. Now, if I could only find more of this yarn!





This is our veggie garden. We are growing potatoes, okra, swiss chard, tomatoes (big and cherry), zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, watermelon, hot peppers, bell peppers, Silver Queen corn, cukes, and eggplant. Scott is very excited about the potatoes, as this is the first years he's tried them. According to him, we will end up with about 250 lbs if all goes well.

Lulu and I went out for a fancy dinner, just the two of us. We don't get to do many things where its just us. She actually suggested sushi, which was a-ok with me. It was delicious. She liked the miso soup and ate 2 Cali rolls. I had some sashimi, squid, flying fish egg with quail eggs and some fatty tuna. Sadly, they did not have uni (sea urchin) which is my very favorite.

I forgot my password again.

See, I told you I wouldn't be good with this. I think it is absolutely true that you lose most of your brain cells after you give birth. And I think each birth after that only makes it worse. Yesterday, I forgot to pee. I thought, "Hmmm, I have to pee." And then I had to make the girls lunch, clean up the breakfast dishes, then clean up the lunch dishes, wipe a butt or two, and then put Fern to sleep. And when I got up from nursing her to sleep, I thought, "Damn, I still have to pee." After pushing out 20 lbs of baby, the old bladder just ain't what she used to be.

I've been sewing. Hand-sewing, to be exact. I am too lazy to dig my sewing machine out and i really don't have anywhere to put it that the kids won't mess with it. But I do find something very Zen about hand-sewing. Its very Little House in the Prairie. I've made a handful of pillowcase dresses using vintage pillowcases. I made a pair for the girls - I am hoping to take some nice photos of them in them. The rest went up to the shop for sale. Here is a pic of Lulu in her's.

I've not been painting as much, although that bug is still there. I just try not to have more than one thing out at a time. I've almost resigned myself to the fact that there will never be enough time to make all of the things that I want to make.

Baby Afghan for Caroline

Baby Afghan for Caroline
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

The daughter of a friend of my mom's is having her first baby after many years of fertility issues. And of course, every new baby deserves a handmade blanket.

This is a completely original design. I am so happy with it. Its a good size too - not too big and not too small.

I have a stack of afghans ready to donate and another stack to try and sell.

Sauce Mouth

Sauce Mouth
Originally uploaded by lunchieb.

I cannot get over how much she looks like her big sister. She is growing up so fast.