Another Year, Another New Start?

Here we are again....

Starting work on another project.  Never enough time in the day.  We re all home.  We are all trying to make it.  I am trying to make things.... Work things, Craft things, Home things, Family things.  Trying to make it all work on this tiny laptop.  Maybe I'll find some balance.

Right now things are actually super busy.  I'm working, though my hours have been cut back.  I am creating everyday, I am so thankful for this.  Everyday I am able to make something, a picture, a video, a craft, an activity and more....

To see what kind of things I have been working on check out the ShubertCamp on Instagram.  Or The Shubert Theater Education Page.  I have been creating lots of super fun videos geared to kids, ages 2-14!  We have Story Time, Arts and Crafts activities, Challenges, Backstage Tours and More!

I hope to be able to share everything, but once again I find that I am without enough time.  Working from home, with kids and their homework and schedules, trying to maintain family moral and cleanliness.... I forgot about the amount of dishes that pile up after a full-day home with the family.  Being able to leave the house has never been more appealing... but I don't.  We go for walks, but that's about it.  I have also started sewing again... it's been a long time.  Did you know that I used to make baby blacnkets, and burp clothes, and toys, and costumes for kids?  I was able to stay home once before.... I made my Etsy shop: janiegirlcrafts


When it was suggested that people wear masks I made some for family and donation.

It took me while to make a pettern that I liked and get the right materials.  But I think I finally figured it out.  I also found all of my fabrics and materials from the old days, in the attic from when we moved.  My studio is now a lot smaller, and I share it with the kids but I have my sewing machine out again.

I used to uses these fabrics to make children bedding, skirts, aprons, and more.

Now I make masks.  So far I have made 148 Masks and 10 scrub hats.

It's terrible selling these items, but with both Ben and my hours being cut back we have to make some extra money somehow.

I appreciate everyone who has purchased a mask.  Thanks to you I have been able to donate 75% of the items I have made.  I have been able to buys some more materials with your help, and pay for groceries this week.  I will make masks and caps until I am out of fabric...

ps... has anyone else tried getting fabric... it's hard.

So for now I am going through all of this bright, whimsical, and colorful fabric.  Maybe they will spread some joy to someones day, or make someone feel a little lighter wearing them.

If you have a need for a masks, I will make one for you.  I currently have Metal nose pieces felt "filters" and Elastic available in the shop.  If you need a mask, but cannot afford one I will give them to you.

Sewing daily 6-8am... until I run out of materials or there is no longer a need.  Please everyone, stay home- watch some of my activity videos and play with your kids when you can.  Be safe.

A cute little girl in cute little skirts!

I just had to share these pictures! What a cutie!  This past week I traveled home for the holidays.  I think the highlight of my trip was chasing my niece Lizzy around with a camera.  She was a perfect model for some of the Christmas skirts now available at janiegirlcrafts.  Speaking of Skirts... make sure you check back on December 6 a special treat on this years skirt selections.

I just had to share! it's been a busy week!

Finishing up my last costume orders for Halloween, 2011.

Today I finished this little number. I never realized how fun little girl costumes are. I will feature Tinkerbell, also available in a variety of fairy colors, next year along with Little Red Riding Hood. I have a few more ideas, but those will stay a surprise... until next year!

 

One more Pumpkin this week.  Oh and this is so cute, I made two little ghost costumes for twins this week.  I couldn't be happier with my original designs this year. They actually fared better than expected!

There was a little bit of the regular thrown in this week.  Both orders show a new take on some old ideas. 

First, I made my signature Lighted Paper Lantern Mobile only in a Mini Size!  This turned out so cute, and about 1/3 smaller than the original. 

The second order was such a delight.  I made 2 matching mobiles for twin birthday parties!  The new spin is using large colored center lanterns instead of the standard white.  I think this is such fun.  I never would have guessed, when I made Max a lantern mobile for his nursery that they would become so popular. 

I really have so much fun with these mobiles.  You would think doing the same design over and over would get boring.  So not true.  Every time I get an order it is filled with new hope, love and not to mention color!  I get a glimpse of a little ones new environment.  Sometimes I am lucky and get sneak peaks at bedding and decor. 

I am excited to announce that you can now get my standard Paper Lantern Mobile with a colored center lantern.  Check out my shop for all available colors!  http://www.etsy.com/listing/82241869/paper-lantern-mobiles

Make sure you check back soon for more exciting news, and new designs in November!

Continuing the costume parade!

   

 I can't even express how amazing the last few weeks have been!  I have been walking though a Halloween Wonderland.  I have fallen down the rabbit hole and don't really want to come out.

After finishing up Corduroy, the Big Bad Wolf, and a small Pumpkin Patch I kept the costumes coming.  Last week I was lucky enough to make 3 ghosts, 2 skeletons, the Itsy Bitsy Spider, and 1 Dalmation puppy.

Each story was unique, just like each costume.

Two little girls will be skeletons this year, both about 2 years old, neither of them seem to be big fans of skirts, so this costume was the perfect choice for them.  This costume is made out of Anti-Pill Fleece with felt applicques.  It si warm and cozy.  The mother actually joked about making them for adults.  Maybe Next Year! 

The Itsy Bitsy Spider may have been my favorite this week.  Itsy Bitsy will be another of my featured costumes next year, also available with a black and white spiderweb tutu skirt!  This little spider was paired with his older brother who wanted to be a friendly ghost.  How adorable for a 3 year old, and of course he chose his little brothers spider costume.



This little Dalmation costume was so much fun!  I played with my pattern for my standard pullover style costume.  By adding a simple velcro color I was able to make this super cute collar, which I think is perfect for this little guy.  I recieved a message from a mother who's 3 year old wanted to be a fireman, so she figured the new baby could be his dalmation.  I think this is too cute.  I was actually approached by a few people about making more of these little buddies.

This is too much fun!  11 Days until Halloween! What are you planning to be?

Check back soon for more tricks and treats!

Birthday Party Success!

Many of you know that my son turned 1 last week.  I can't believe time has gone by so fast.  I had a lot of fun making a whimsical environment for his 1st birthday.  I call Max my little Monster, he's the most lovable monster you could ever meet, and he's mine.  Since this might be the only time I get to plan his birthday party, I chose a Monsters theme.

I started projects a few weeks ago while filling orders, what a great way to stay inspired and motivated.  Fill an order and make a party favor, such fun!

First: Invitations

Since Max was turning one I chose to make one eyeball invitations.  Just as if a monster with one eye were looking at you, the theme continued as you will see.

 Second: Give Aways

We used these little guys as giveaway items, since most of the guests where babies we thought these where a great idea.  Everyone got to pick their own and everyone enjoyed them.  Notice they only have one eye!  Another set is available on my Etsy Shop!

Third: Tablecloth and Banner

I figured if I made one banner and tablecloth I could use them over and over again.  I kept them light and simple, just using three colors which I can reuse for future parties. 

 Fourth: Cupcake Toppers

Everyone knows I'm a little obsessed with Cupcakes.  I had never made a topper before.  So, I took smaller versions of the eyeballs I made for the invitations and made them into cupcake toppers.  Funny side note: I was walking thru Michael's yesterday and found similar items for sale for Halloween.  I paired them with some blue polka dot liners from Michael's and they tied everything together.  The pairing of the yellow and white polka dots on the table cloth was a funny coincidence.  I had asked my husband to pick up blue liners and these where what he found!

 Fifth: Food, Food, Food!

It was so fun to think of food for kids and adults.  Ages ranged from 6months to 50+ and I thing everyone had their fill. Everything served is a staple in the Alexander Family, lets just say there weren't very many leftovers. 

We used kiddie spoons and forks, it was fun to see adults using crayola spoons, everyone giggled at them. 

Food was safe enough for toddlers and filling enough for adults.  For tips I've included my food ideas below.

Here's the menu:

Drinks:

Iced Tea, Juice Boxes, Milk Boxes

Sandwiches: without the crusts

Peanut Butter

Cucumber and Cheddar

Sides:

Mac N Cheese

Hummus

Yogurt

Goldfish

Fruit Salad

Mashups

Dessert:

Jello

Blueberry Nutragrain Bars

Monster Cookies

Lemon Cupcakes

H.A.L.L.O.W.E.E.N. Spells Halloween!

I find that inspiration comes in the most unlikely places.  The pure mention of Halloween sends me into a tizzy.  It might just be my favorite holiday, next to Christmas that is.  Walking though the grocery store this week made me start thinking about ghouls, ghosts, fun, and childhood. 

This year Max will be one and we will have our first Trick or Treat in the new neighborhood.  Last year I made Max his very first costume, this Pumpkin Costume.  Let's just say it was way too big for my 2 month old son.  Well it fits just fine now, with the addition of a new, bigger, hat, click here for original post Max's First Halloween. Well, yesterday I made a new hat and then I just kept on going.  I had some leftover white fleece from a project about a year ago.  I just so happened to be channeling my ghoulish self.  So much that I made this new Ghost Costume.

Keeping with the the theme of Halloween.  Last week I started making a few new items. Those cute Monsters from the last blog, well I was making toys and I just kept on going.  Let's just say they were a huge hit with Max, who is teething like a banshee these days.  He was rotating between chewing, shaking(they are rattles), and kicking them.  When I took them away to photograph them he was not too happy about it.  They were soon returned with a new trick or treat bag to hold them all together.  I have a feeling these are going to go everywhere with us over the next 2 months. 

Well, I guess if we are working backwards today I should end with this item.  Last week's orders wiped me out of certain lantern colors, so I had to order more.  So I took a chance and ordered Black.  Not a usual choice for me, but I think it looks amazing in this Halloween Inspired Balloon Mobile.  All items listed in this blog post are available at my ETSY shop.  Click any link to start shopping.

Have I mentioned I love Halloween?  See you soon! Pleasant Nightmares....

Busy, Busy, Busy

The ball is still rolling... and rolling... and rolling...

I was lucky enough to have two more custom orders this week!  The first one was a lot of fun, designing a mobile set for a 1st grade class.  I worked with the teacher to create this one of a kind set.  She redesigned her room this year using a new theme, Dots on Turquoise, I was inspired by this new source and I love the idea that smiling faces will see this mobile everyday.  I hope it brings some imagination and whimsy to their day. 

While working on this design I had to rework my Paper Lantern Mobile.  She requested an odd set of lanterns on each mobile and she really liked the birch mount that I use.  I started working on a few new ideas and then I had the brainstorm.  The new Mini Paper Lantern Mobile has the same charm and ease as the original, just a new outlook.

My second order was a custom gift set for a new baby girl.  The woman who ordered mentioned this was for a "grandma party".  Apparently a woman at her office became a grandmother and everyone threw her a party for the essentials every grandma needs at their house.   I'd never heard of this before, how fun.  She picked out the polka dot fabric from my stock and said she wanted a blanket, burp cloth and wrist rattle.  It's fun to mix and match new fabrics.  Her coworker had a granddaughter, but the client wanted to keep thing gender neutral in case of more grandchildren.  I love using blues for girls designs, I find as long as I keep the pattern organic and free flowing it looks feminine and tough at the same time.

 

Then it was time for a little fun.  Felt Monster Toy Set   I've been thinking about these monsters for a long time.  Ever since I made my first toy, a large stuffed octopus.  Dot came next, then a few rattles and such.  This project has been in my head for as long as I have wanted to make items for kids.  I decided Max should have a Monster Mash birthday party this year.  He's turning one, he's my monster, and who knows if I'll ever get to pick another theme again.  So I'm running with it.  We will be celebrating next weekend, pictures of all of the festivities to come soon, well pictures of all the goodies anyway.  Thanks for stopping in. 

 

Check back soon. Halloween may be coming early to janiegirlcrafts.

Where did last week go?

Before I knew it, today was Tuesday.  I try to post a new blog every Friday, looks like I missed last week.  Things have been busy around here.  We have an offer on our house and an offer in on the next.  If everything keeps moving it looks like we will be moving September 16th!  

Here's the short of it:

Last week consisted of house hunting, inspections, cooking, cleaning, packing, playing with Max, and spending summer time with my currently at home husband.

And I made a quilt!

Etsy Link for Custom Quilt Order

A friend and former student of my husband's placed and order with me last week.  There is a new addition to her family and she and her father decided to order a personalized infant quilt.

 

Apparently they really enjoyed two blankets I made for my son, Max. We worked together and came up with their special blanket. I really like it! If it looks a little familiar that is probably because some of the fabric was used in my first quilt ever! 

I still have the handmade quilt my paternal grandmother made for me. Sadly I have already packed it, so I am unable to share it at the moment. Almost 30 years later, I still love it. Once we get into the new house I will unpack and find it all over again.  Since I had never made a quilt before I used my grandmothers quilt as a guide, that and some useful Internet sites. I must also say proudly that I used my maternal grandmother's sewing machine to make Max's quilt.  I still have the machine too, I still use it for special projects or going thru a tough pair of denim. 

The other blanket which inspired my friend was the simple knit blanket I made for Max after he was born, free pattern.  We used the vibrancy and pallet of this blanket combined with the pattern of the first.  Overall I was very happy with this project and I really enjoyed making a quilt again.

Now, on to Knitting...  All of the windows in the house are open, the rain has stopped and I sense the leaves about to change.  September is almost here... Hat Weather!

Check back at the end of the week to see what ends up on my needles!

Back in Business!

This last week marked the end of the Arts & Ideas Festival and the Start of Summer Vacation.  This week started with a bang!  In one day I made a 4 layer cake filled with jam and frosting; closely followed by 3 hours in the studio.  Have I mentioned that I have a wonderful husband... who likes cake.

My niece Lila turns 2 in just a few days and I decided she needed a fun play skirt.  I started with 2 colors of tulle, light and dark pink then I added the ribbons.  I made it adjustable so she can wear it for years to come.  I have to say for my first attempt it turned out as well as I expected.  It was a surprisingly quick and enjoyable project.  I'm thinking of adding something like this to my website...

Moving on to... Babies!

About a month ago my cousin her second little boy, so I made him a tag blanket.  Every little boy needs monsters to love.

Speaking of Babies... A Friend of mine is expecting a second little girl any day now.  Her daughter just turned 3 and they were wonderful when I had Max.  So this new little girl will get her very own brand new unused burp cloths. 

This week my family and I have traveled to Maine to visit family. This week we are at "Camp", no Internet, unless I can get a bar on my phone here and there.  Today we decided to run some errands and stop at the http://www.mainegrind.com/.  This is quite an awesome place.  I get to sit in a wonderful sitting room, listening to great music, with my laptop and a Mixed Berry Smoothie while Charlie and Max run an errand. 

This weekend we have a birthday party then we travel to Islesboro, a small island off the coast near Camden.  I think a trip or two to the community center will be in order so I can use their WiFi to share the little things I'll make over the next few days to come.

My hands are working fast on new items for my Etsy Page... more items coming soon.  Don't forget to check the store this fall for a series of brand new items. 

Well May has been busy

 I have been so busy this month that I haven't had a chance to share all of my projects this month.  I had three Etsy Sales this month along with two orders from co-workers and 2 gifts.  Life is getting busy here at janiegirlcrafts.  I'm having a great time figureing out all these new projects.  It's a challenge balancing working part time in an office, janiegirlcrafts, and my family.

Things will slow down next month as I jump into working outside the home for June.  Make sure to check back!

It's a boy! Congrats!

A woman my mother works with just had a little boy.  This Burp Cloth Gift set with Matching Write Rattle was the perfect gift.  My mother wanted a genter neutral  set, even though she was certain her co-worker was having a boy.  She ordered this 3 Burp Cloth Set and Matching Rattle at the end of last month and 2 weeks ago a little boy arrived.  I hear mother and Son are doing well and the family is very happy.

  

 

Custom Orders Welcome!  New listings coming soon!
email: janiegirlcrafts@gmail.com