A New Spring Bag in the works

I know...it's not even close to spring, but I've had this bag rolling around in my head and finally pounded it out. It's sort of a bohemian spring. Doncha think?

The outer fabric is from a shirt found while thrifting. I loved the fabric, but not the shirt.

It's lined with Amy Butler fabric and has magnetic snaps with chair webbing handles. I will be making more of these and putting them in my etsy store.

Start the New Year with a Clean Sewing Machine

Today, I cleaned and oiled my sewing machine...and my embroidery machine. I am ashamed to say that this is actually the first time I've cleaned and oiled them both...in their lives. Now they are purring like kittens and sewing like buttah! It was quite easy and not as complicated as I thought. I pulled out my sewing manual...and followed the directions. What.a.concept. If you don't have your manual, I found a couple of different how-to's...on ehow and Tarilyn's Show and Tell

So start now with a clean sewing machine...it will love you for it!

REPOST: Are you a taker Downer or a Keeper Upper?

Are you a taker downer or a keeper upper? I am a definite taker downer! Friday morning in my leopard slippers, I was outside taking down garland and lights in the brrrr cold. My living room is so teeny tiny that even my charlie brown christmas tree seemed to overtake it...so down it came. I know that some love to keep their lights up for New Year's, but not I! I love taking down my tree as much as putting it up. Makes me feel ready for the New Year and what's to come! I can't wait for this New Year! So...what are you? A taker downer or a keeper upper?

Christmas Open House

You never realize how dirty your house is...until you start cleaning it for a party! There were about 10-12 of us and we ate, drank and were merry. I sold some stuff and got some orders. Here are a few pics from the night...fun was had by all!

Christmas Family Photos

My friend IRL...Brandy from BF Photography, took some family photos last weekend. It was brrrr...cold. I love the urban feel of the downtown area and think they turned out great! She was so easy to work with and made my kids feel very at ease! Thanks Brandy!

Christmas Hutch Sneak Peek

I'm trying to save some green and trying to go green. Here's a project I just did...with stuff I had around the house. I wrapped the old ornaments in fabric (burlap, dropcloth, & light blue damask) tied them off and hung them to the back of a 25 cent yard sale frame. Then I tied a star ornament that I bought on clearance a few years ago. I attached the frame with some cut up burlap to the top of my hutch with upholstery tacks. I love how simple and pretty it turned out. I'll show the full hutch later.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

I painted my front door

Before

After

It doesn't look dramatically different in these photos, but let me tell you what a black door will do to your house's ego! The wood door was a little weather beaten and the shutters were a faded blue color. I used a quart of black satin paint from Lowes. Climbed out the top window...painted all the shutters and, somehow, managed not to fall off the roof. The door is wood...so I did a little sanding, then primed it and painted one coat of black satin using a paint brush. I use the "Purdy" paint brush...it's a little bit more expensive, but worth it! I will probably do a second coat sometime because there are just a few spots that bother me. I LOVE MY DOOR! Now for some Christmas decorations.

Easy Peasy Christmas Card Holder

Every Year...I look at those cute little wire thingies (like this one at Pottery Barn) that hold Christmas cards and then think..."I can make my own." BUT I never do AND I don't have anywhere to hang it anyway. Sooooo...I did this instead...

Easy Peasy Christmas Card Holder

All you need is chair webbing, a hammer, 2 small nails and mini clothes pins or if you have regular clothespins...just use those. If you have time, you could paint the clothes pins or cover them in some cute paper. I don't have time.

I just hammered the webbing on top of my door, let it drop, then cut. I got the webbing at walmart and the mini clothespins...either at wmart or Michael's...I can't remember. You could also pin a bow to the top. OR you can use some big fat ribbon...that matches your decor. I love this simpler look. And it took me 2 seconds.

I am having a Christmas Home Show / Open House this Friday night...and I have about 47 projects I want to complete. I'm off to make more coffee!

Loving Our kids on purpose

This book is rocking my world and transforming the way I parent! Has anyone else read this?

Ballard Designs inspired Christmas Stockings

photo credit Ballard Designs

Last year I made some simple Christmas stockings. This year, we're in a new home...and I wanted something a little different. I saw this and many other stockings in Ballard Designs and was inspired to make my own. Although, I don't have a cute adorable garland like they have, but I do have a big fat T.V. staring at me!

I'm not completely in love with it...I think it needs a little somethin' somethin'...because I have so much spare time:0). NOT! If you're in the Raleigh, NC area this weekend, I'll be doing a craft show at Heather Hill's Clubhouse. I'm also contemplating a Christmas Open House Show at my home on Friday, Dec. 11th. I'll let you know and if you're in the area you can email me about coming. Are you making your stockings or decorations?