Circular Perpetual Calendar

We made this little project yesterday and it was fun. The girls haven't quite finished theirs, and it's admittedly much too difficult for Leviah (age 4) who really enjoyed the cutting out portion. But, I really like what we ended up with and I think the visual relationship really helps them see how the Gregorian (modern calendar) and the Hebrew calendar and the seasons all interact.

The only small change I still want to make is to mount it to something more solid than just the paper, potentially with a pointer like this one I found via pinterest.

It's a good time of year to talk about calendars and time passing, etc.

We used three different plates as templates for the circles, and brad to hold the three together. I love rotating projects like these. I'm hoping to make a few life cycle ones--perhaps in the spring when so many life cycles are just beginning.

Making Art Because

So, I took the last session of an 8 week pottery course I took at the local Cultural arts center. I highly recommend it, making pots that is. I've always known about my love of clay manipulation, but it's been over 8 years since I last did it and what a reminder I had...turns out (no pun intended) I love it. Also, note that it's NOTHING like riding a bike, particularly throwing, it is a start-back-at-the-beginning type of thing.

But, there are just so many translate-able parts of pottery--things that represent themselves in life; balance, patience, embracing the unknown, focus, eliminating distraction, participating in the process, following the clay and letting go of the preconceived notions...

I'll share some pics of more completed items, maybe next week. I'll have to go back to the studio to tie up some loose ends.

I've also been playing a lot with this Instagram tool, which is pretty sweet. It makes you feel like you have 12 cameras in one. If you have an iPod or iPhone, it's free and you can follow friends--of course. It's a sweet surprise to see an unexpected picture of a friend on my phone, just for fun. Here's another with instagram and one that just has beautiful filtered light--the room was amazing.

A Table House for Little Folk

a cozy place for a rest. they pack it full of blankets, pillows, and an assortment of toy kitchen supplies... 

When I was 5 my best friend had a house that fit over a card table. I thought it the greatest. thing. ever. There aren't a terribly many toys that stick out in my mind, but this is one I've always wanted to mimic for my own children.

peeking through the curtains.

Now-a-days there are magnificent ones available from great shops, like this one. They are truly works of art!
And recently the Artful Parent posted her creation as well & so the fire was lit.

The front door.

There's another fire: nesting. Not only have I been relatively productive due to that unavoidable nudge from nature, there's a lingering fear that what I don't get done before this new baby comes I will never get done. Perhaps you hadn't heard...babies are time consuming. So, in order to help fill the hours of time in which I won't be able to direct my attention solely towards them, I'm working on things I think will help Naomi & Leviah remember I love them in the midst of predicted neglect...

It's made entirely of an old sheet and other scraps I've had kicking about--hence the mismatchiness. I think it adds charm ;)

It feels good to accomplish something from the 'stacks'. Now what will fill it's place? What have you been up to?

Babies are a Treasure...

To celebrate hitting the half way mark (that means I'm 20 weeks) I created a treasury including some of the many delightful things Etsy handcrafters are offering for sweet little ones. Please click here to view them all.

Here are a few teasers:

from lovefibres shop

from Canadianwoodcrafts shop

from DyPeas Shop

There are so many more and from some of my favorite bloggers too, go see!

Whew & lots of loot.

It's been awhile...this last weekend was birthday weekend and though no HUGE fiesta was planned, we're still trying to recuperate. Naomi turned six and is proud to announce it to anyone who looks at her and i turned --. For Naomi we had a night of bowling, per her request. It was chaotic, but a great time. My mom and sister put together some festive cupcakes from this book to celebrate:

The goods she was blessed with? Well, i managed to restrain myself a bit, but i did get her this locket, which she loves, a lap loom (which i scored at a consignment sale!); she has already been weaving diligently, and some doll clothes and p.j's that I actually made myself. Sweet Dada made her what he always does--plates of fruit and cheese, she LOVES this tradition:

the mama-made pj's for girl & doll.

I was surprised with several fun things, on top of a day in which I got to sleep in and do whatever I chose. From drew there's apparently more coming--i'll let you know, but he did some earring & candy shopping on Etsy. From my parents, a refurbished rainbow vacuum (i'm convinced water filtering is the way to go) & from drew's mom this extremely neat garden loom that she had built just for me!

Among many other great gifts from family & friends, My mother in law made some beautiful doll house dolls that Naomi is LOVING. They are so sweet. She tells me she's already requested more clothes from her Savta. I'll post pictures of those & Naomi's weaving later.

toddler toy

This is quick, easy, & entertaining for the littler ones. Leviah gets 2 uses: 1. rolling to a new destination & 2. opening the top, dumping, and refilling the can. (if the second use isn't one you approve of, just tape or adhere the lid on so it's not an option for your child).

What you need:
Tube container (oatmeal, yogurt, a can with a cardboard end)
about 5 feet of yarn
Dried beans

Using a hammer and a phillip's head screw driver punch holds in either end of your tube. String yarn through both holes & tie knots to keep it from pulling through (a small stick to tie the yarn around would be great, too)

Fill the can with beans & put the lid on.

Roll away!

The Great Pattern-less Skirt

I've been stockpiling fabric for some time, but specifically intended for skirt making for a couple months. I have a few staple skirts that I wear all the time through the summer--some of them quite simple & so comfortable. When I'm at a store with a discount fabric section I'm more or less obligated to buy 1-2 yards knowing it will at least be enough for children's clothing, or a skirt.

Well. This all brings me to confessing that I also recently made a dress. I was so stoked about it & anxious to finish it in time for a party where I just knew I'd impress everyone with an adorable dress made by my own resourceful hands. And I did finish, but it wasn't quite perfect, an adjustment needed to be made to make things line up right & this totally knocked the wind out of my sails (not to mention the less than over the top excitement I got from those to whom I revealed it privately. There was no harsh critique, or condemning look, just felt a reaction that led me to believe the dress wasn't as great as I'd thought)...so. It sits, awaiting the finishing touch that will make it wearable & good.

This has to do with the skirt because skirts are SO much less in your face. I can wear a skirt & someone may notice, but if I don't want them to I can power it down with a flashier top. A dress--now that's all or none, unless it's cardigan weather and, it's not cardigan weather--not even evening cardigan weather, or wee-small hours of the morning cardigan weather.

This is becoming a wordy post for such a simple pattern. But it's a great opportunity for you, sometimes I think you all miss out, due to my lack of worthwhile conversation pieces, on all my honestly inherited wit and sarcasm. I like to ramble & bramble, just ask anyone. But, in my old age & strengthening wisdom that comes as a result, I recognize how misguidedly I've often spoken and so now try to error on the side of silence, especially in mixed company--i.e. the internet.

Watch out, the flood gates may be opening. That is if you're even (still) here...

So, simple-undaunting-nothing shocking in that-skirt pattern.

Get your adorable (& cheap) fabric. Cotton is great, nothing stretchy. Fold in half, right sides together. Lay (fabric) on floor. Find favorite skirt & situate so that one side is along the folded edge of the fabric. Measure out 3 generous inches from the side that is not along the fold & 1 inch above the waist line (make it a straight waist line if it's not already). You can adjust the hem line by adding length there as well. Cut.

Once you've cut, open it up & sew up the hemline using the method of your choice. I fold. I rarely iron.

 Next?  Waistline: fold over 1/4" & iron or sew. Fold down 1" allowing a space for elastic to run & sew.

Get elastic & wrap it around your waist. (tip: hold it together & trying pulling it down over your rump to see if there's going to be enough give. You can also easily modify the skirt by adding a zipper to the seam). Using the safety pin threading method, pull your elastic through your waist seam & sew down on either end.

 Lastly, with right sides together stitch 1/4 inch seam (or 1/2 if you'd like) up the side of your skirt.

Enjoy. Magnifique! Tres bien. No se nada de frances, lo siento.

Simple pattern=simple happiness. The best kind really. & this can reasonably be done in 20 minutes if you live a very direct & undistracted life (lucky you), that's why I wash all my fabric when it comes home from the store. You never know how long you'll have to sew something up--washing & drying takes time and that's a step I never skip! ;) (click here for great tips on pre-washing that I just found)

& I must give credit/thanks here b/c her simple pattern reminded me to refer to my favorite skirt & that got the ball rolling--quickly, which is key because when not enthralled there's a danger I'll move on before completion.

Affiliate Shop Giveaway: Gracey May Embroidery

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

I'm so excited to have this giveaway! Penny from Gracey May (note her ad on the right) has the sweetest shop on Etsy & has offered to give away an amazing surprise. Read her 'interview' & enter with some comments!

Where are you from & how did you get there? 

I had a lovely childhood in Hot Springs, AR, spent my adolescent years in Atlanta, GA and my college years in Nashville, TN where I've been ever since.  I LOVE this city and it's become my home.

What were/are the women in your life like? (mother, grandmother, aunts, friends)

I am so blessed to have had wonderful women who were all around me growing up.   As well as a rich history of Great Grandmothers and Aunts whose stories fascinated me as a child.  From my Great, Great Grandmothers, who during the civil war took care of everything while their husbands were away at war, to my Grandma who grew up in the depression and knows how to make use of everything she has. To this day she can make about 10 meals out of one chicken and feeds herself and my Grandad very well on $150 a month.  And finally to my magnificent Mother who is a TRUE southern bell and loved by everyone.  All of these women are part of me and continue to influence me.  I hope to pass down their rich wisdom and history to my two daughters.

Where did you learn embroidery?

My Mother taught me how to cross stitch when I was six years old but it wasn't until I was pregnant with my daughter that I started to embroider.   I came across some vintage patterns and I became obsessed!  I didn't know how to do any stitches so I had my mom teach me everything she knew and then I practiced, practiced, practiced!

Where does your inspiration come from? & what draws you to embroidery & the things you make?

All of the women in my family have done some type of needlework, so I think it's just in my blood!  My Grandma made all of my Mother's clothes growing up and is an expert quilter.  I remember her telling me that hand quilting is the true way to quilt, not using machines!  My other dear Grandmother was always cross stitching and embroidering.  I remember being in her house as a little girl surrounded by her framed cross stitched creations and her embroidered pillows with ruffled edges.   And finally to my Mother who has always cross stitched, embroidered and done candlewicking as well.  When she was first married she would sell her embroidery to shops for extra money, if only Etsy was around back then! 

Embroidery reminds me of my grandmothers and my childhood and I love that!  I'm blessed to have many of my grandmother's framed embroidery she's given me hanging all over my house,  and they are a daily inspiration to me.   I love vintage patterns which is what I mostly embroider, but lately I've been drawn to more random embroidery, things that don't seem to go together.  Like my Steve Holt!, a character from Arrested Development, cross stitch and my framed embroidery with a quote from the movie Say Anything.   I was inspired to make those things after going through my grandmother's old sewing basket she gave me and finding an embroidery that said, "thank you for not smoking" but it was in pretty script with flowers everywhere.  It just looked funny to me because it was such a contrast to typical no smoking signs!  I love that!

What influence do your children have on your creations?  

When I first started embroidering all I did was onsies and clothing for my daughter so that gave me lots of practice to improve my embroidery.  I still love embroidering clothing for my girls, this year I embroidered matching easter dresses with bluebirds and flowers.  I hope to make pieces they love and want to put in their homes, just as I love all of the pieces passed down to me!

The Giveaway: An adorable vintage inspired lunch bag! Do your part & ditch those brown paper bags for this enchanting fruit adorned sack. 

The abundant ways to enter (Comment for EACH entry separately):

1. Visit Gracey May & comment here with your favorite item.
2. Buy something from the shop.
3. Heart the shop.
4. Follow this blog.
5. Announce the Giveaway on Facebook.
6. Announce the Giveaway on Twitter. (link to your twitter account in your comment please)
7. Follow Gracey May on Twitter.

Winner chosen at random (via random.org) on June 29th at 12am. 

**FREE SHIPPING** is being offered to all you lovely readers for the duration of the giveaway--just enter 'TurtlesToStart' as a message to the seller & you'll be refunded!

All I could ask of Penny? To keep a blog to document her crafting for us all! Good idea, right?

Giveaway:: 'Recycled' play time

it's not summer yet, but it's on its way! Here is a treasure trove of vintage & upcycled handmade goodies to entertain your little ones on hot afternoons or a rainy day. From Memory to Peter Rabbit & back to Gremlina. And a boo-boo bunny, and some wooden geometric shapes, and this--to remind you of cooler weather.

To enter:

• leave a comment here.
• find gremlina (& follow) on facebook & leave a comment here.
• follow & leave a comment here.
• post about this totally awesome give-away on your facebook page; leave a comment here.

Ends May 31st. 

Thanks all. It's nice to give things away...good for the soul ;) 

Counting & Bagging Beans

Back to the old grindstone...

I've been out for the count when it comes to child-rearing. They're alive & fed, but these past few weeks have been slow going when it comes to brain food & entertainment. I'm fully recovered from the ills of weeks past & everyone seems on the mend. What a rough winter!

The sun has blessed us with rays of inspiration & today--after taking the weekend & monday to re-coop some of the damage done by several weeks of neglect--we are back on it.

It's like the metronome battery is recharged.

So, beans are on today's menu. Naomi & Drew worked on 'math' skills making a chart of numbers 1-10 & counting out the appropriate amount of beans for each number square.

Then, Naomi begged to sew. "I'm a five year old, so that means I can sew now," she declares.

A quick bean bag project out of the captivating fabric given me by this fine lady & that.

our 'bean' of choice. Really a lentil...

filling the bag.

side 1 & side 2

I'm sure this new & 'sew simple' toy will bring hours of fun. It's already brought 1...

Hoot Hoot! Baby it's adorable...

I just acquired the trunk for the weekend & I have to drop a note here on how cute it is.

The line as a whole is a throw-back to an era of simplicity; a time when less was more & details weren't overlooked on account of abundance. Truly nostalgic prints, but wait--it also FEELS great! The softest cotton & sweetest accents like rope style belts & dainty buttons, ric-rac & pleasing pleats...

Love it, love it.

& Melissa is generously offering the trunk show rates to anyone via the blog (that's like 25% off!) so, make sure to contact me if you see THAT spring outfit for your little one.

View the whole line here.

If you'd like to come see in person, I'll have the trunk in Greensboro tomorrow morning at my home & on Sunday afternoon just outside Raleigh--contact me for more info!

Things my friends do

Life has been fortunate for me. Not only do I have a terrific family but I have been blessed to know some amazing people who not only accept my flaws & oddities, they are talented & inspiring. Today I want to share some of them! So, in no particular order I proceed.

Well, I'll start with Drew. He is an artist & although Home Theater design isn't exactly what he had in mind when he got his BFA in sculpture, it's an outlet for creativity of sorts...it pays the bills & he enjoys it--you can't ask for more than that in a job. But, he's a hobbyist in his down time & recently he started making candles. I love them & many others do as well--it's most exciting to ship of his adorable creations to folks near & wide. Take a Peek (there are also a few in the "sale" section--don't miss them).

Next I will talk about Hoot Baby children's clothing which is out of this world fantastic. Thanks to Drew's candles & a couple odds & ends vintage trimmings I was able to get my hands on a dress & tunic for Naomi & Leviah. I can't WAIT to dress them up & spend a day taking adorable pics, but in the mean time here's a pic of the quick try-on. Hoot Baby is expanding with Trunk Shows--which I can't wait to host--& a product line that only makes a mama question one thing, where can I find my size?!

Have I recently mentioned Savta's Dolls? There are posts dedicated to Lebo, but I have to point out that these waldorf style babes just keep getting cuter! Now there's Lebo, Ella & Leviah's snuggle baby that we'll name when she's able. They're amazing & I can't wait to see what more my Mother In Law comes up with in the future...true doll-making talent. She doesn't have a shop on Etsy yet, but she's getting there & right now she's filling orders for anyone who sees a doll & HAS to have one--pretty much every other Grandma she knows!

Now for the music that makes a background for our daily routine...we love finding artists of all varieties that are semi-obscure, but recently we were given the first Album from our Friend Solomon Lopez--a fellow 'Hebrew'--who has been gifted with a natural talent for song writing & performing. We have been listening for 5 days straight...it's meaningful & uplifting. Preview (make sure to listen to minute 5:12 for one of our favorite tracks!). It's available for download online through iTunes & others.

This list could go on & on. From friends who blog, to those who knit, & on to those who are just downright great moms that remind me to put that endeavor first. Thank you friends.