I dig dirt!

Do all Border Collies love to dig like Lizzy does? She spent most of her time at the park Tuesday digging furiously (see the dirt and grass stuck to her muzzle?). I know I shouldn't encourage that habit, but it's so darn cute to watch. Maybe we'll train her to be a rescue dog, and she can dig in the snow to her heart's content.

And I know at this point you're probably all thinking to yourselves "does she blog about anything but puppies anymore?"

Shall we talk about aprons?
I'm taking custom orders for the wrap-style aprons now, as well as the ruffled hostess and full aprons. Maybelle has a extra-wide tie that can be worn in back or wrapped to the front. Super cute and very flattering. This style is only available in a half-apron, or hostess apron style.

Etsy Shop Update

I've updated my Etsy shop to include custom apron orders. That way you can order 'em just the way you want 'em. Full aprons are $45 and half aprons are $35. Just let me know your color preference, style preference (funky, country, classic, sexy...anything goes!) and I'll put together the perfect apron for you.

As always, if there's a handbag style you'd like to see, just drop me an email for a custom order.

It looks like it's going to be a gorgeous weekend! I may take a chance and go ahead and plant my new rose bushes a couple weeks early. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that we don't have a late frost.

Next up: Dog Bed for Lizzy

Fun Finds

Do you ever get your sleep schedule completely out of whack? That's where I am right now. I've been going to bed earlier and earlier (last night it was 7:40, and waking up in the wee hours, because I just can't stay asleep any longer. I actually got up at 3 am today. Ack! So my plan is to stay up as long as I can today, take a late nap, then hopefully I can make it to at least 10 tonight before crashing. There are a few perks to getting up so early...I have lots of "alone" time before the kids wake up. But it really bites when I'm dozing off at the dinner table.

Anyway, since I have lots of time on my hands this morning, and I've browsed for every possible thing I could ever want on eBay already, I thought I go ahead and share a few of the fun things I found thrifting this week.

The green bowl is a Robinson Ransbottom 10" crock. It's hefty, and the color is gorgeous. The pillar I grabbed right away, and lugged it around the store with me...I knew if I didn't, someone would nab it before I did. The thing weighs a ton!

I absolutely love this candle holder. It's big...22" across and 14" tall. I'm sure I'll pay way more for the candles than I did for the piece.
It's not easy to find these old jars with the glass lid intact, so I scooped this up right away.
And the pink teapot? Well, why not? :)

A little birdie told me I need to start sewing again. Actually, more like a flock of birdies. I know, I know. My poor Etsy shop is empty, and I only have one item left at Scrap Shack. I know I have blogged about this before, but I have a terrible habit of hot and cold hobbies. I like to do so many things, but only one at a time. Does that make sense? Maybe I'm a little OCD? Anyway, I have made of note of the requests and will start sewing again soon. I just have a couple small projects that need my attention before I go on another sewing bender. :)

Have a wonderful Sunday!

I love to visit...

Heather W said...
My friend's mom is a Master Gardener and she uses beer to kill slugs in her garden. You take a shallow dish and bury it in the soil so the rim is level w/ the ground and then you fill it w/ beer. I'm not sure if they drown or drink themselves to death but she said nothing works better. Good luck! ~Heather~

Heather, I'm not sure, but it sounds like you're suggesting I give the slugs beer? My beer? I'm sure you must have meant to say beeT, or beeF, or even Deer. Surely not beer. It's a sin to waste beer! It's in the bible. I think. Just kidding! Sort of. I'll try that, but they only get the cheap stuff. :)

Like I said yesterday, this sewing thing has led me to find some really fun, creative and inspiring blogs that I want to share with everyone. So let's go explore, shall we?

Creative Little Daisy sews handbags, clothing and such. I love the vintage-y, folksy feel of her fabric choices.

Dena at Sugar Shop is another bag lady with mad skillz (I've always wanted to say that). She also takes wonderful photos of her creations, all staged and picture-perfect. Very inspiring!

Not Martha. Cute name, clever blog. She has some fun projects that I'd love to try...home improvement to cooking, and everything in between, with step-by-step instructions and tons of pictures for reference.

Author of "Bend the Rules Sewing", Angry Chicken, (no, that isn't actually her name. Her name is Amy Kingpod) blogs about sewing, her book, her kids, who look like they just stepped out of the pages of a Hannah Andersson catalog, by the way. So much style! She also has "Tie One On", the blog dedicated to all things apron-y.

Garden Antiques. The name says it all. Gardeny stuff. Antiquey stuff. What's not to love? Lots of eye candy here.

Sew Mama, Sew! is a fun sewing blog (duh) that runs contests, gives tips and tutorials and is just a good place in general to hang out if you're of a sewing mind.

Some of these blogs, like mine, ramble on about non-crafting things like daily life goings-on and such. If you don't feel like scrolling through someone's everlovin' personal detail, be sure and check the sidebar for a list of categories. Most blogs have them now, and the magically sort posts into, well, catagories, such as "crafts", "recipes", "things for sale". They can be a real timesaver!

I'd love to hear if you have a favorite blog or website that inspires you. Spill it!

Lastly, here's the fourth apron from my sewing bender the other day. The folded flower technique is courtesy of Blair Peter at Wise Craft. Click on the picture for a larger view.

Alrighty, it's coffee time. Have a fun Thursday!

LuLu and Betsy

Two more aprons from yesterday's sewing marathon. These are available in my Etsy shop. If you're local, email me and we can make other arrangements.

On a different topic, does anyone know of a pesticide-free way of getting rid of slugs? Those slimy little critters have formed an army and have made my cauliflower their HQ. This is the first year I've actually grown veggies of any size to speak of, and I can't bear the thought of them going to waste at the hands of slugs. I'll try anything!


Tune in tomorrow for some fun new Blogs I have to share with you. This sewing thing has opened up all sorts of new inspiring possibilities!

New Aprons!

Yesterday was super productive. I made four new aprons, two in a new style...my own pattern. These will be up in my Etsy shop tomorrow, after I photograph the rest of them. Maggie modeled "Maybelle" for me...isn't she cute? There's a cute little ric-rac detail on the pocket. (Click on the picture for a larger view) Design credit to Holly McCaig Designs for the scalloped digi frame.

On Llamas and Bags...

All the bags that I have at my Etsy store are now also available at the Scrap Shack, along with a sassy new black/cream/red number that's SO pretty. Can you guys tell how much fun I'm having with this new idea? I love getting up early to sew, while the kids are still asleep. I feel like I accomplish a whole day's work before they even wake up!

So, this might sound a little on the strange side, but I'm looking for advice from anyone out there who raises llamas. I have an opportunity to adopt a couple (few) from a local farm. The kids are GAGA over the idea. Paul, not so much. They'd strictly be pets, although one has been trained to pack. The others are just past their prime. I think they're absolutely adorable...although the spitting is a little troublesome. I'd have to get a hat. Or an umbrella. What I'm wondering is, do they bond with their "people" the way dogs do? Are they social? Can you interact with them, or are they like big, overgrown cats? (No offense, but cats are about as approachable as a hedgehog with PMS). How long do they live? I know the basics, like what to feed them, how to groom and doctor them. I want to know what's in it for me.

Odds are, none of you own llamas, but I thought I'd give it a shot.

Have a great Tuesday!

My Etsy Shop...

I put a few items up in my Etsy shop today! I've been sewing furiously, between loads of laundry and running kids to VBS this week, of course. Can we vote for a 36 hour day, so I can squeeze a little more in? Oh well, sleep is overrated. ;)

The lastest tote is a fun pink & green mod design. Too fun! OK, time to go pick kids up. Have a great Thursday!

Tote #2

Finished up another tote yesterday, and two more black and white aprons. So cute! There's something inherently sexy about an apron, I think, because Paul got all kinds of ideas when I put it on and asked him to take pictures for my blog. Sheesh. Can't he see I'm busy sewing? And no, I think I'll keep my clothes ON, thankyouverymuch.

I'm in love with the colors of this new tote. I almost can't bear to part with her! It is the same design as the first; reversible, heavy canvas fabric with six pockets to hold all kinds of scrapbook necesseties. For anyone local who's interested, they'll be for sale at The Scrap Shack on Swanson Ave. in Wasilla later this week, and my Etsy shop should be up and running tomorrow.

Time to go water the garden. Have a great Tuesday!

Apron Strings...

How cute is this?! Hostess aprons are making a comeback. Wouldn't this make the perfect shower gift for a new bride? Or a housewarming gift? Or just to treat yourself! I'm going to open an Etsy shop next week, but in the meantime, you can email pmbaker@mtaonline.net for info on the aprons or scrapbook totes.

Blogger won't let me reply to comments, so be sure and email me and I'll send pricing and shipping info.

I'm still fiddling with craft aprons to match the scrap totes. I want to make sure the pockets are the right sizes for scrapping tools. Who knew sewing was this much fun? As I was working on the apron, I kept remembering little tricks my mom used while she sewed. I could see her hands and the way she guided the fabric through the machine, the way she told me to pin the pattern so it wouldn't pucker the fabric. I guess I picked up a lot more than I realized during all those hours I'd sit in her sewing room, watching her work.

I'm going to lunch tomorrow with my friends Heather and Irene...so looking forward to a girls' day! Have a great weekend. :)

Scrap Totes

It took a little longer than I thought to find just the right pattern and fabric, but here it is...my first Scrap Tote project! I love it. The size is generous: 17"h x 14"w x 5"deep. And it's completely reversible. The first picture shows it with the pockets inside.

It has six pockets, 3 on each side, and the middle ones on either side are gusseted for extra room. The second picture shows it with the pockets on the outside.
The third picture shows a sheet of 12x12 cardstock inside...plenty of room for paper storage. It would hold several plastic paper storage pockets perfectly. The fabric is a sturdy cotton home dec. I'm already shopping for more fabrics...I love this design so much! I'm also working on matching crafters aprons...fun! It'd make a cute purse or diaper bag, too. :)

If anyone's interested, email me for info on price and availability. If there's enough interest, I'll set up an Etsy shop for convenience.

The kids are making me nuttier than a fruitcake today. They just can't seem to find something to do that doesn't involve making a huge mess. Or maybe I just can't keep up with them? Either way, my house is suffering. I need a housekeeper! Or a wife. haha

I made a cool camo mesh canopy for Sam's bed today. Just as soon as I can fit the bulldozer through his door to clean up his room, I'll take a picture of it.

What else? Oh, tomorrow's class is being postponed one week while we're waiting for some supplies to arrive. There are a couple spots left so if this week didn't work for you, there's still time to sign up. So class will be Thursday, the 19th. Themes are "Today I Am..." and "How Do You Say America?", a patriotic-esque layout. I'm teaching how to make fabric covered brads and a fun technique using arrows. The I Am layout is at the Scrap Shack if you want a sneak peek. Apologies for not posting it here.

OK, I'd better go assess the damage from the past hour. Have a great week!