In Memory

A Dr. Seuss inspired Alphabet Art.

Think and Wonder,
Wonder and Think.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss.

Embracing a new idea and medium, way to go purple.

So may things have passed across my desk that I just couldn't wait to add this new item to the roster.  A few weeks ago I started working on a project trying to combine poms, lanterns, and ribbon into the same mobile. This item has been a work in progress, but here's a bit about it.

The biggest Paper Lantern Mobile Yet! This new mobile will measure approx. 24"x36" and include 10", 8", 6" lanterns as well as 8" pom- poms in coordinating colors. Tied with coordinating ribbon this mobile will be the statement piece for any toddler room. I'd love to hear what you think about these new items. Feel free to comment or shoot me an email if there's anything you might like to see next!  For months I've been asked by prospective buyers about combining paper lanterns with another popular trend, pom-poms.  I have to admit I was a little weary.  I like shipping my mobiles fully assembled, simply open the box and hang. I have been worried about how tissue poms would travel.  Well I'm putting those worries on hold.  Starting now, I will not include mobiles incorporating tissue pom-poms.  Check out this listing on my Etsy shop for more photos and information.

So January has brought new projects and more orders than expected.  I want to take a minute to say thanks to everyone who stops by this blog, and the shop.  Without you I would just be doing this for myself, and lets face it... doing things for others is always more fun.

Now that January is over it looks like purple is moving on as well.  I have a lot of new projects to share and I think a quick tutorial or two next month.  I wonder what will inspire me next?

Check back soon for new listings and more process photos!

No rest for the weary...

Once again this month I bring another Purple story.  I'm still not sure anyone is actually reads my little rants, this month about purple,  Oh well.  Here goes nothing...

So far your are aware that Purple has now entered my color pallette and that I have already learned so much about my business and myself this year.  Well, I have to admit a few new items poped into existance during the past few weeks that are sticking around as well.  They just happen to be purple.

  I have been approached by a few mothers who are holding birthday parties at venues with high ceilings. They have been interested in ordering mobiles but have no place to hang them, so here is my answer! Paper Lantern Flower Bouquets with coordinating Chair and Table Decorations.

Bright, Fun, and Whimsical Paper Lantern Flower Bouquets and Table decorations are great for any nursery, birthday party or special someone. These bouquets are a great addition to children's birthday party. If you have a venue with high ceilings these arrangements are a great way to add color, height, and whimsy without the need to hang. Spruce up the head table with one or two arrangements and add intant color. Bonus, give away each "flower" to a guest and they can use it like a wand or place it in a glass at home to remember the occasion. Use the ball jar for leftover candy or keepsakes from the party. Another mother was looking for a way to designate the head table, so adding a simple lantern in the birthday girls favorite color to the back of the chairs was a great response.

So I finally posted these additional items and so far the response is slight but positive.  It was funny the day I posted these items my husband came home from work, opened the door, took one look at the dinning room table and said, "Photoshoot?"  I guess he's beginning to understand, sometime I have to take a little bit of time and set up a shot.  But sometimes Max wakes us an hour early and I still need time to clean up.

Ain't learning grand?

Where Was I?

h yeah!  Purple. Well, I'll get to the purple...

This new year is bringing many surprises and lots of work.  I have been giving some friends a hand by watching the little ones a few days a week.  I have never been so tired; oh and I forgot to mention Max and I where sick the beginning of the week.  So we took a brief break from the shop and the blogging world in order to spend time playing and healing.

Now that the coughs are gone and the weather is turning colder for some reason this color purple has walked through my door, plopped down on the table, and has decided to stay. Purple has invaded the mobiles: and it looks like its here to stay.  I have started trying to include a few process photos.  Remembering to take pictures in the middle of a project should be easier. 

I tried setting up the tripod by the desk to remind and have everything "Instantly set up". That plan bombed. I guess I like to spread out while I work, I found that the tripod was really just in the way. 

I've really tried to keep in mind my process this year.  I have the type of personality that likes everything in it's place and I actually operate better when I allow myself a little bit of "set up time".    I lay everything out, all the parts and tools. I even made myself a jig a few months back to expedite my process a bit.  Then before I know it, my project is boxed up and ready for it's trip to the post office.

My office is always a disaster area when I've finished a project. I find that if I take the extra 15 minutes I take at the end of the project the easier it is to start the next one.  Sometimes circumstances, like Max or dinner, don't allow that time and I find myself playing catch up the next order that comes in.

So far, paper lantern mobiles are by far the most popular item in the shop. This month I have sold seven different mobiles, ranging from a lighted paper lantern mobile, pictured, to a simple set of set of replacement lanterns for a mobile sold a year ago.  This year has been busier than I could have imagined.  I'm not complaining, just realizing it's time to bring my A Game, kick the sniffles in the butt, and get down to business in business and real life.

If i find that I get an extra 15 minutes at the end of the project after clean up, I'll post a little bit more about what I've learned from that project.

I can't wait to see what bit of learning the next purple project in January will bring.  Oh yes, this month is now officially dedicated to the color purple.  Don't worry, there's only 10 more days in January, there can't be too much more... can there?

It's all about the bag!

This year was all about the bag... or in my case the Santa sack.  I had so much fun with these sacks.  I even made my son's first Santa sack.  A few years ago I started making small flannel sacks instead of wrapping our presents.  My family just loved them, each year I find new fun fabrics and create new bags for each member of my family.  I had thought that I would get them back the following year.  This has not happened.  My sister in law confided in me that she gives them as gifts to her friends, she loves them so much.  So I guess I will continue making these bags next year.  In fact I will feature all of these bags in my shop next year.  Take a peak at all of the custom orders from this year!  Be sure to order yours next year!

 From all of mine to you and yours. Merry Christmas!

Starting a new Tradition!

 

The week or so before Thanksgiving I was asked to make a custom Christmas Bag for a little girl. Her mother had seen my Reversible Santa Sack on Etsy, and wanted to make something special for her little one. After discussing fabric styles and sharing a few examples we decided on a style and I started sewing. I finished up yesterday and loved it so much, and have enough fabric leftover, that I have decided to add them to my shop selection this year. If you are interested in this or a similar item, check out the info on this Christmas Bag!


I think I will make Max his very own bag as well, one bag filled with all of his toys.  I think these are great addition to our family's  Holiday traditions.  Oh and as a bonus to me, I won't have to pick up a bunch or wrapping paper this year.
Maybe I'll make one for Charlie as well?

What ever happened to Thanksgiving?

I am usually that person who is first to comment on the Arrival of Seasonal Christmas items before Halloween.  Well I am not that bad; I did however skip Thanksgiving!

I have been hit with inspiration, funny how it happens.  Maybe it was all the mid day viewings of The Nightmare Before Christmas while sewing Halloween Costumes.

I am so excited to announce Christmas Items are now available in my shop.

I think the items I am most excited about feature this Candy Cane Fabric.   So, Monday I ran out of fleece after making some new hats, so I ran out to the store and found the striped candy cane fabric and I had the idea to make a twirly skirt.  I've never really made skirts before, since I have a boy.  I guess I tried to make a tutu skirt for my niece Lila, it isn't so much a tutu as a ballet wrap.  I didn't even think about gathering last time.  I'm not sure why these skirts became so important.  I guess I was ready to learn something new, and run with it.  I had the idea of little girls going out to sing Christmas Carols or Sit on Santa's lap. 

I love the movie All I Want for Christmas. For anyone not familiar with the movie is stars a little Thora Birch, she is such a lady, I envision this as she walks to Macy's to see Santa in her Patton leather shoes.  Well,  I absolutely love this selection.  That paired with Santa's Little Helper Costume, with Matching Santa Sack.

I love using our Santa Sack.  We travel from Connecticut to Maine to Iowa every Christmas and I always end up misplacing a present.  A few years ago I discovered a ripstop Santa sack for a dollar.  It was great!  It didn't last very long.  So I had the idea, so last year as I wrapped presents I threw them into the appropriate Families sack and no need to remember so I forgot about them.  When it was time to leave, we threw the sack in the backseat and drove away.  It's going to be fun this year, now that the kids in the family are a bit older, having the Santa Sack Magically appear under the tree on Christmas Morning.  Just like Santa left it for them.

So, I started with a drop waist Red Tutu, that turned into a Santa Costume.  Then I had the urge to make an Elf Costume.  So I made this reversible green with White polka dot wrap skirt, with Tulle/ Cotton.  

 I still have a few ideas, but it's time to move onto filling some orders.  I have a lot of knitting ahead of me this season.  Let's just say I'm getting behind.  Oh well, I love these projects and I'm pretty sure my nieces will be getting one or two skirts for Christmas this year. 

Don't worry about Max, he'll have plenty of presents, however the urge to throw a skirt on him to take pictures on a live body is huge.  Well, I'll see my nieces in the next few weeks so updated photos coming soon!

Check Back!

Speaking of Firsts!

All of the success from my paper lantern mobiles is all in thanks to my son, for inspiration.

When I was about 8 months pregnant the nesting bug hit me hard.  I wanted to make this safe little spot for my little boy.  I ordered a few paper lanterns and cables and threw together a lantern mobile.  There were some glitches, but it was unique, just like my little guy.  After a couple of months visitors would stop by and comment on my mobile.  When I said I had made it, their ears perked up.  It just so happens a friend of mine was expecting her own little boy.  So I made a custom mobile in just the right colors to match her nursery.  Low and behold I threw some pictures up on Etsy.  I had just started a store front selling knit cupcake hats.  Well, 3 months later I had my first mobile order, not to a friend, a complete stranger!

I decided to make up some new designs and add some colors, and the orders kept rolling in.  I now offer a variety of designs, colors, and options, ie lit or non-lit.  I am currently participating in my first lantern mobile giveaway and I have several new designs to reveal in the next few months.

All thanks to Max and his first bedroom:  This room became my sanctuary, we played and laughed, and he started to grow up.

Well, as many know, my family just moved, and Max got a new room.  I had so much fun finding ways to use his old things, and a few new ones.  It came time to hang his mobile over the chair and I realized it wasn't as nice as the mobiles I have been making for others.  So I remade it.  I ordered some new parts and did some tweaking.  It looks similar, but is so much better.  Max likes it too.  We sit in his chair and read our books, and sometimes I look down to see him just staring at the glowing lights. 

This new item is now available in my shop.

Lighted Double Paper Lantern Mobile

Thank you Max.  I love you!

Firsts!

This week I am celebrating!  I am participating in my very first GIVEAWAY! CLick on the link to check it out!  The more you enter the better your chances to win your very own Custom Mobile!

 A Few Of My Favorite Things Lantern Giveaway!

The experience has been fantastic so far!  I never imagined my little lantern mobiles would be so popular!

With Halloween around the corner I have been working on lots of new ideas for next year, and a few for November!

Check back soon!

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!

It's time to start the Costume Parade!

This month has been very exciting, and it's only the 11th!  After moving, getting settled in, and finding time to get back into any kind of rhythm.  I now find myself in my new shop, working as fast as I can!  So after a brief absence from blogging, I think I am back, with lots of goodies to share!

 September 26th I started sewing, and sewing, and sewing... lets fast forward to now.  Today is October 11.  To date I have made 5 Pumpkin costumes, 1 Corduroy the Bear, and One Big Bad Wolf.  I have had the time of my life.  I never imagined I would have so many orders last month when I posted my 3 little costumes.  To my surprise I have been asked to make cute custom costumes as well as all three of my listed costumes, and the orders keep coming.  It looks like I've hit the ball rolling, and so far I haven't fallen off. 

Some of the custom requests will be added to my inventory for next year.  So far my favorite has been the Big Bad Wolf!  I received a request from a woman who's 3 yr old daughter is going to be Little Red Riding Hood and her 6 month old son is the Big Bad Wolf.  I think this is the most adorable pairing.  Next year I will be featuring this costume along with a Little Red Riding Hood Costume.  I just love them!

I have a few more surprises up my sleeves in the next two weeks.  As Halloween is fast approaching, many more things are in line to be created!

I hope you check back soon!