Pink Pearl - A Custom Made Bear

Over 100 designers/artists got together to raise money for little Layla Grace. After offering two creations, Autumn being one of them, I wanted to offer one more. With the deadline closing in, I knew a custom auction would be best.

The auction offered a custom miniature bear made just for the buyer. The buyer would be able to choose the style of the bear and the colors used. At the close of the auction, I emailed my buyer for details.

My buyer wanted a bear that would match her daughter's bedroom. So she requested a bear that was pink with black accents.

"Pink Pearl"

Pink Pearl is 5 way jointed. She has a cotter-pin joint in her head and thread joints in her arms and legs. I also added wire in her arms to make her more poseable. Adding the splash of black for her accents, she has a black nose, eyebrows and bows. Her scarf also has a row of black, along with a variegated pink to coordinate.

All proceeds raised went towards medical expenses that Layla’s family has accumulated due to this awful disease.

If you would like updates on Layla Grace, you can follow her on twitter.

Autumn, My Newest Bear

Well, I've finally done it! I really finished Autumn. I was getting a little frustrated with myself, thinking I would not be able to finish this bear in time. I kept on pushing myself and pushing is what did it!

Autumn was made to raise funds for a little girl named Layla Grace. You can read her story here. Layla's story broke my heart. I can't even begin to imagine what Layla and her family are going through. Having a little girl who is the same age, I felt being pulled to help this family out. I decided making a bear would be the best thing.

Autumn is now listed on eBay. All the proceeds made from this auction will go to help Layla's family with their ever growing medical expenses. If Autumn is not in your budget, please pray for little Layla Grace.

Several other designers/artists have joined together to raise money for Layla. Search "ForLayla" on eBay to view the other listings.

Headed back in time...

My friend Heather of Sugar*Hiccups and I were invited to participate in an eBay launch. The theme: Prep VS Punk. So we started discussing what we would collaborate together. This outfit seemingly took on a mind of it's own! By time we were finished, it perfectly matched the theme (we went punk). The outfit totally reminded me of something you'd see worn in 1980.


Heather crocheted a gorgeous halter and I made matching cuffs and a tutu. This surely was a fun collaboration!


The entire outfit was modeled by my beautiful daughter Harley. It was her boutique modeling debut! Harley absolutely loves the outfit and even wanted to wear it after the photo-shoot! That's always a good sign :)

Please take a moment to view our auctions...

Heather's

Mine

Thank you!!

Flowerella's Tutu Dress

I was invited to join a launch with the boutique "Lil Peas". I was so excited, this being my very first launch. I decided I would make a princess dress. It is a Halloween launch. So I sat down and began brain-storming and drew up some pictures. Out of much thought came the following work of art. This is a combined design by Lisa Naskrent and myself.

I even entered the dress in the fair and won first place!




On Sunday, I picked up the dress from the fair, got our daughter Natalie ready for pictures and then went to a gorgeous church to do the photo shoot. The church looks like a castle! How cool is that?! Natalie did so well during the photo shoot. She's always been good at posing!




The title of the launch: "Lil Peas and Guest Go Batty".

Well while at this church... we heard chirping sounds. I looked up towards the tower and saw 3 bats flying above it! PERFECT! I just wish I would've got a picture of them. But isn't it ironic. I sure thought so! Ha Ha!!

The launch is being held on eBay currently. It started August 11th. I just listed Flowerella's Tutu Dress today! So be sure to stop by the auction and have a peek. There's additional photos there!

Flowerella's Tutu Dress

Have a great day!

Letter from the Tooth Fairy

Dear Harley,

The stairs were too loud and that's no joke! I didn't want to wake lil' baby Oak. I decided to write this letter, 'cause I believe it's much better. I then placed it on the bed, right below your mom's head. You may have heard her hollar, 'cause I left more than just a dollar. If I know you, you'll know what to do!

Love,
the Tooth Fairy

p.s. Sweet Pea, please let your mom collect the tooth for me.


I gave this to my daughter this morning, along with 4 pieces of gum and 2 gold dollar coins. After reading the letter she replied "But you're the tooth fairy!". I laughed and then asked if she would go get the tooth from below her pillow. She told me "It's not under my pillow, I left it where you put it". I guess she is too old for the tooth fairy!

Christmas in July Giveaway

Wow! It's been awhile since I've blogged. I have SO much to tell you!! But first... I have to tell you about this amazing giveaway.

Sarah of Bit of Whimsy Dolls is having a giveaway. Day 1 just started and the prize is amazing! She is offering 3 patterns! This is definitely something I could use and I hope to win ;) The giveaway is being held until the 24th. You have a chance to win too! Head over to Sarah's Blog and read the details. Be sure to check each day until the 24th, she will be offering additional prizes!

Double Digits... Check!

Our son Levi turned 10 years old today! I am still in shock to think 10 years ago I first became a mom. It hardly seems that long ago.

Wow! Doesn't time fly?

I picked up some cookies from Walmart and went to pick the kids up from school. I was greeted by several of Levi's classmates. Each of them happy to see the cookies. A few of the kids approached me showing pictures they had made for Levi. A little girl named Jordan wrote out the song "Yes, Jesus Loves Me" for Levi. She included a few activity pages for him. One of which he completed on the way home.

Our kids attend Awana Clubs on Mondays. Before they left, I asked Levi what he wanted for dinner, giving the choice of spaghetti or taco salad. He chose taco salad.

While they were at Awana Clubs, I went down and worked at the church. When I finished everything on my "to do" list, I headed home and began making dinner. I was just about finished when our kids came home. All of them were excited about the Valentines they received at Awana Clubs. Each of them even shared a few candies with me... yum!

Before eating dinner, we all headed out to view the full moon. We borrowed grandpa's telescope and hubby had set it up while I kept the kids occupied inside. The kids were so impressed by what they could see, each of them described the moon's features. I've got to admit, that was my favorite part. I can't believe we had never borrowed the telescope before! We'll have to look at more things while we still have it.

Here's the family viewing the moon:

It pays to be a repeat customer... I guess.

I was completely shocked to hear the lady over the intercom tell us she was giving us a discount. We did have a pretty good sized order and have gone to Carl's Jr. frequently... sadly. But, I have to admit, it is somewhat embarrassing when a company says, "You guys come here all the time, we would like to offer you a 10% discount". Anything to save some money is great... believe me! With a family of 7, eating at a fast food restaurant (or any restaurant for that matter) is expensive!

Even as excited as I was, I also was totally embarrassed. Do we really eat out that often?! Maybe it is time to stay home for lunch/dinner.

Carl's Jr., I would sincerely like to thank you!

Semi-Homemade Cinnamon & Sugar Donuts

The girls and I had fun this morning making donuts. It is super fun and very easy! You can find the recipe here.



I had the girls help me cut the donuts. And we even talked about the shape we were making. I then had them wait, while I fried them. Frying takes no time at all. Do not walk away... it seems like seconds and they are done!



I made the biggest mistake by shaking the donuts in a bag with cinnamon and sugar. Do NOT do this (well unless you like things very sweet). I recommend doing exactly what the recipe says. We made them both ways. But shaking them in the bag coated them too much! Even my husband, who loves sweets, said they were too sweet.

Just look at her mouth!

The kids can also help you by shaking the cinnamon and sugar on the donuts. I really want to pick up the shaker the recipe talks about.

These donuts are the perfect size for little hands.

Thanks Marie for sharing your recipe! It has quickly become a family favorite.

Companion Cube-Case

After all the planning, measuring and sewing...
it is finally done!!

I made this for my husband Russ. I wanted something special and unique to give him for his birthday. Thus the Companion Cube-Case was born! Now I've got to admit, I thought this would be SO much easier! Heck! It's just a pillowcase. But, I don't think I have measured something so many times.

I bet some of you are looking at this and wondering, why would she make a girly thing for her husband? For those of you who don't know why, read here.

I finished this last night while hubby was at work. I wanted it to be a surprise when he got home, so I slid it on his pillow and got ready for bed. Before going to bed I wanted to make sure I also included a little note (see below).

I was a little sad that I wouldn't see his expression. To be honest I even thought about setting an alarm. But, I was SUPER tired!

He came home and woke me up by kissing me and saying "Thank you!" Heh. Heh... that works :)

Now if I just had the time to make a whole bedding set!

American Ideal Auditions

On Sunday, our kids auditioned to be in "American Ideal" (A Childrens Musical about Humility. Created by Janet McMahan-Wilson and Arranged by Ted Wilson). It will be a production put on in the Spring by our own "Spirit Kids Theatre".

American Ideal is a lot like American Idol. With characters such as Ryan D. Best, Simon Coward and Bro Jackson.

From the back of the book:

"Lights! Camera! Ego! Well, that is, if you're a contestant on one of the many 'Reality TV' shows filling the airwaves today. Entertaining? Maybe. Harmless? Hardly.

The 'American Ideal' shines the spotlight on 4 contestants who are competing to be the next 'American Ideal.' Tonight's theme is 'Gospel Music Night.' During the production of this live TV show, contestants Wila Wynn, Anita Ward, and Neil Downe discover, with the help of fellow contestant, Emma Tate, the truth about themselves as 'Reality TV' takes on a whole new meaning. This humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at fame, fortune and flim-flam turns popular culture on its head and shines the spotlight of God's truth about humility on the heart of contestants and audience alike."

Well I just heard what parts they got! Levi (10) will be Bro Jackson, Harley (8) will be the make up girl and an important back up singer, Maleigha (7) and Natalie (5) will be fans.

I am SO proud of our kids!

Way to go guys!! I can't wait to see your performance!

Oh... Should I mention I have been titled "Production Director" (I am producing all the programs, powerpoint, etc.) and I am helping with the wardrobe? At least it sounds cool!! Ha Ha!

Way to Go Alla!!

My dear friend Alla Koval of My Little City Girl is now a published designer!! I am SO excited for her, as this is her first publication and hopefully many more will follow. I had the pleasure in helping Alla with the testing of this beautiful jacket. It will be in the newest issue of Crochet! Magazine - March 2009.

We began discussing and working on this pattern back in April of last year. I am really happy to see that it has made its way into publication.

Congratulations Alla!! I am extremely happy for you!

Signage

Have you ever noticed a sign that seemed funny or particularly odd in some way? Well lately I have seen some signs that I just find funny. You may or may not share my sense of humor.

Here are signs that I have seen around our town.

-DOES'T-

-sancutary-

I think someone forgot to write in a word Evan probably said. Eye maybe?

And is Bailee making a threat?! Ha Ha!

-COURTSEY-

And yes, my cell phone was still on! How else could I take this picture?! lol!!

"Always Low Prices" Hmm... REALLY?!

It was really windy! How ironic.

This picture was actually taken up in Denver.

-SAETY-

Seriously, can people NOT spell in this town!!

Hmm... I'm beginning to wonder if I really should be shopping at Walmart.


I am going to bed. Goodnight.

Craft Room Blues

Ok... so I am on a quest to clean my craft room. My kids love coming in here and checking out the neat things I have. The only problem... after awhile I can't find what I was working on. So to fix the problem, I have cleared out my entire craft room. Besides my sewing table and computer desk of course. But I am excited and can't wait to have it more organized!

I will *hopefully* post pictures of it when I am done.

Wish me luck!!