More fun Projects to try

Here are some more really fun and simple projects to try, I can't wait to do some of them once I am done with my current slew of things! =)

Cute Japanese Coin Purse
Party Garland
Dresser Makeover
Fabric House- this one is making a plush house that is filled with stuffing, more suitable for a baby than the other house which is more for a preschooler and up. Very cute!!!
Child's Tent
Fabric Fortune Cookie
Fabric Bucket
Japanese Knot Bag

Considering that the high tomorrow is supposed to be 8 degrees the Children's Tent might be a good idea to try! Happy Crafting everyone!

Home Sweet Home

So as many of you know I have the patience of a 2 yr old, especially when it come to crafts and new projects. After staring and staring at the tutorial of the plush doll houses I decided to drag up our ancient sewing machine and see if I could make a house for the girls.

I would like to say that on my first try I made a perfect house, however, the sad reality is that the first house was only suitable for AJ who wouldn't care that it was lopsided, the handles were an afterthought, and you couldn't tell that it had a roof! The second house though, was much much better. Actually I am very proud of it since my sewing skills are pretty basic and the only reason I was able to work the machine was thanks to my hubby who knew how to thread the needle properly, lol!

Here is the house I made for Gabby's Kokeshi dolls:

*The tutorial for this is here! Don't forget to check out the link to the Flickr group here to get some great ideas for your own house!!!

Something to Aspire To

I have been getting more and more interested in sewing since my curiosity led me to Spool Sewing and got me hand sewing little birdies galore. I think I may be getting a sew machine for my birthday this month and am already looking for fun projects to do. Here is my list of projects and talent to aspire to, especially this first one. Enjoy and please send me some more project ideas, how-to's, etc.... I have serious crafter ADD so I need a lot of ideas to keep me occupied!

Fabic Dollhouse - This is THE project that I want to master first! I am going to try to make two little pagoda's for the girls for Valentine's Day to house all their little Kokeshi dolls.
Pencil Roll and Art Bag - Perfect for car rides to Ashland!
Lunchbag- I would love to make a manly one for Klint so he stops using the blue shopping bags
Pillowcase Dresses- I have visions of AJ and Gabby wearing these all summer
10 Minute Headband- It is taking all my willpower not to try to do this one by hand, I really need to get some more patience....
Reversible Shoulder Bag- oh the possibilities... I am a serious bag junkie!
Ruby Doll- Because AJ will never have too many handmade dollies
Go Fish- What kid doesn't want to pretend to fish with cute fabric fishies?

So what are your favorite tutorials and projects? (Just don't make it too hard!)

A Lil Bit of Zumba Does a Body Good

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I am just now catching my breathe from my Zumba class that was from 6-7 and I feel like my butt was kicked by a pro. I promised myself that I was going to take it as much as I can since I get to take it free at the dance studio where I teach and it is ultra convenient that two out of the three classes offered follow two of the classes I teach so I don't have any excuses not to go. I have never felt as energetic and worn out at the same time, this is no comparison to taking a class instead of "working" out at home. I can never push myself the way a class can!

I heavily suggest to anyone who hates working out, loves shaking their butt to latin beats, and wants to just have fun to come to a Zumba class, especially the ones offered at Rock City Dance in Middlburg Heights. Aside from having great teachers (*wink*) Rock City's fitness package is awesome- for just $45 a month you get unlimited fitness classes which range from Cardio Boot Camp to Yoga. And you can try out a class for free to see if it is for you... with an offer like that what do you have to lose except for those pesky holiday pounds???

I can't wait to see everyone there!!!! (Be sure to bring a lot of water and a small towel, you will need it!)

Photo Meme

I was tagged by Prasti from Here to There for this easy photo meme:

• open the 4th picture folder in your computer.
• open the 4th picture folder in that folder and post it on your blog.
• explain the picture.
• tag 4 other bloggers to do the same (you can notify them in their comments section).

Photo Explanation: AJ and I were playing in the kitchen area and AJ thought it would be funny to put a mixing bowl on her head. So for about 25 minutes we took turns wearing the bowl... very stylish!!

Here are the 4 bloggers I am tagging:
1. Leah
2. Jen
3. Jessica
4. Bethany

Print and Give

I love giving books as gifts, if you do as well then feel free to print these bookplates for your next gift! They are suited for Avery label style 5168 or you can just print some out on paper and attach them with some glue. Let me know what you think!!!

My New Craft Space!

Da dada DA!!!!!!!! My Christmas present from Klint was finished this weekend and looks just like I pictured it. I am sure that there will be more additions to it, but I am loving having my own area to work and craft!

Wonderful Children's Products on the brink of Extinction

Thanks to the new laws mandated by the CPSIA here is just a taste of the wonderful handmade products that will dissapear once the legislation takes effect on Feb 10th. There is still action that can be taken. Go here for more information now!!!!
Most people think that this just affects toys, but these new laws will take down ANYONE who sells ANYTHING geared toward kids 12 and younger. That includes vintage books like Curious George, gently used clothes on Ebay, even clothing donations to charities.
There is not much time, and something needs to be done and fast. I have included a list of things you can do to help on the side. If you don't want to have to buy your kids mass produced, plastic, foreign made EVERYTHING than please do something and let your opinions be heard!!!

Surf's Up Saturday- Only Skin Deep

Sone of my resolutions is to keep up the efforts to "greenify" my life I figured that one of the first places to start is my beauty routine. I am wear mostly Clinique makeup, I use Savannah Bee Company products on my skin or Burts Bees, but I know that there are several things that I use from my toothpaste to my deoderant that are more than likely not good for me.

So first I want to share with you a great site to determine whether or not the product you are using is hazardous or not- Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. This site is supported by the Environmental Working Group and has tons of information to back up their findings on more products out there that I can name. But the nice thing is that they can als give you an alternate to your product that is a lot safer. Go give it a try but try not to freak out when they tell you that the "all natural" product you have been using isn't so good for you.

Next is for all you gals who use a ton of conditioner- a DIY Organic Hair Mask

You will need: small jar of real mayo and 1 small avacado

To Make: Squish the two together in a bowl until the mix turns light minty green. Cover your hair with the mix from scalp to tips. Cover your head with a shower cap and chill for 30 mins. Rinse REALLY well! And viola! beautiful hair that is soft and touchable!

This and more DIY beauty tips at http://www.planetgreen.com/

And finally I searched on Etsy to find some Bath and Body product makers who are organic and make things that are both good for you and look great! Just click on the pics and they will link you to the great sellers!

New Year's Resolutions

Everybody makes them, very few of us actually keep them. I accomplished mine from last year (yay!) and plan on doing it again this year. The secret to my success is not having an iron will or self control rivaling that of Gandhi.It is by making goals that are realistic, achievable, and to the point.

Here are my goals this year:
1. Exercise every day for at least 10 mins, no matter what.
2. Continue to "greenify" our house and lifestyle.
3. Make at least 2 sales on Etsy every month.
4. Have a giveaway every month on the blog. =)
5. Go on a vacation this summer
6. Go on a date night once a month.

What are your resolutions this year?