Wow. It's Been Forever...

my life has been totally crazy lately. And I've learned alot the past few weeks. I hate it. I HATE being busy and going from one place to another. I just like being at home and waking up and saying, "hey boys, what do you want to do today?". And so that is where my life is taking me. I'm no longer going to be keeping a shop open. No more craft shows. I just don't get the same enjoyment out of them anymore. I don't. so that being said head on over and check out my shop. Almost everything is $2.00 until it's gone. And my habndmade pettiskirts are $20.00. And then I'm closing up. It was a hard choice to make because I love to create so much, but I need to focus on other things that give me MORE joy. My three little guys, who are growing fast. I will still be blogging. It will probably be less frequent this summer. But come fall, I'll be back. In a new home, Yes, the husband just accepted a job, In Idaho!!! So I'll be blogging again... Thanks for all your support!!! You really are the best readers in blog land!!!

I'm ducking out for a week to a family cabin... and then I'll be back with those tutorials I promised you!

Whimsy Couture Pattern Review... Bunting Banner

I was so excited that I got to review one of Whimsy Couture's patterns. I've been an avid blog follower of hers because her patterns are so dang cute, once I find out I'm expecting a girl (Hey, I can dream right? And No. I'm not pregnant...) I'm going to buy every single one of them. I adore them. Well, this week I got to test a brand new pattern that she just released!

The Bunting Banner

I loved it. It was very easy to make. The instructions were fabulous. And I now have a fun new decoration in my bedroom. (Even if all of my sister's have walked past and said, What's that supposed to be? Hello start blogging and you'd know. They are ALL over the place...) I love the scalloped edge. Such a fun twist. The pattern comes with FOUR different patterns as well!!!  

 

 

What are you waiting for? Head on over and pick it up here.



Super Easy Gold Feather Earrings

I love me a fabulous pair of earrings. I haven't ran into a pair for a long time, but while I was at Joannes' I ran across these feather beads on clearance for $0.49. You can't beat that. And they came in a pack of three! Perfect.

They aren't to large, but they are big enough! Just how I like them. So what you need for this super fast project is:

Feather beads. (mine were on clearance, but this pair is another great option, and I have bought through them before and LOVE them.)

10mm, oxidized Brass Blanks. (I found mine here, same place as the feathers I recommended above.)

3.5mm, copper jump rings. (I got mine here, same place as the feathers and brass blanks.)

Sterling Silver Earring Studs and Nuts. (I got mine here, I love them as well and have used them several times. If you don't have sensitive ears and don't need sterling silver, you can pick these up at Joanne's.)

E6000. (I got mine through here just like the earring studs. You can find it in alot of jewelry supply stores.)

Take your feathered beads and put a copper jump ring through the top hole where the feather hangs. Connect the jump ring through the brass blank. Close the jump ring completely. Then take the ear post and using the E6000 glue it to the back. I glued mine to the very bottom of the blank because I liked the way it stayed up on my ear when I put them in as opposed to if I put them on the top it would pull down and hang!

See. That was easy wasn't it? I hope you give it a try! Having a new pair of earrings is always fun!!!

I almost have my sanity and  my life back... Just a few more days until my craft booth at Taylorsville Dayzz! If you live in the Salt Lake City area come and stop by! I'd love to see you there!!!

My Monday Mania...

And this week was just that. Mania. I think I lost it on more than one occasion. My positive stay strong attitude is starting to wear thin... Good thing we only have... oh I don't know... 67 days left until graduation. Kind of freaking that we don't have a job yet... But let's not dwell on that shall we...

Instead I'll share with you what we did this week. First I did something I'll never every do again. Grow out my leg hairs.

So I could wax them at home. Big mistake. BIG. I only did one section. And it started out looking like this. 

And by the end of the day it ended up looking like this when it was all said and done.

Yep. I'm just saying. I won't ever use this again. Nope. Never. Maybe for my eyebrows but I'm steering clear of my legs and pits. Not even going there. Ever again. I'll stick to shaving.

And then I visited the dermatologist. If you ever want to have a very awkward encounter. Read on and repeat immediately. I had two reasons for going in. One was to have some warts removed. Well. Only one ended up actually being a wart, the other things (I have no idea what he really called them) are that. Just things. He said, "not that I'm referring to you, or meaning that you are aging early, but you usually get things like this in your forties." Hm. Thanks. That makes me feel great! But that wasn't the awkward part. I have had moles removed in the past, and I needed a few checked out. Because, I'm quit the moley person. And skin cancer runs rapid in my genes. So the first two checked out okay. The dermatologist walked in (after the pre-person got me ready and asked what I was there for) and so did the pre-person. He looked at what I thought were warts, told me only one was. Then he asked about the moles. So he started with the first. Got his eye things out and examined it and touched it and said, Yep. It's okay. You don't need to worry about it but it is one we need to watch. Okay. So he moved on to mole number two. And did the same thing. He then sat in the chair in the room and went on like a twenty minute rampage about sunscreen and what kind I should by and what kind I shouldn't buy. What was classic is that he was making it so awkward, and was obviously stalling because he had checked my papers and new why I was in, and where the third mole was that I needed checked. I have a mole. Down there. Who cares? Obviously he thought it was awkward. And made it extremely more awkward by stalling. So he finally checks it. And it goes something like this. He hurries and looks, like he might just make a bomb go off. Doesn't bother to examine it or touch it or do anything like he did on the other ones. Then his reply. Yep, it's good. We see things like that all the time. Really? I thought. Then why are you so weird about it? Yep, one awkward dermatologist visit later... I got this souvenir.

I should have taken a before picture, I know. It was just a teeny tiny wart. That got burned off. Which felt like heaven by the way. Oh my gosh. Does that hurt. Please note. This may gross you out so if it does... Close your eyes... and skip a few photo's. If not... please continue. After it was burned off it just kept getting bigger.

So I popped it. I had to. I couldn't resist. It was so gross. 

Maybe I should have just kept the wart. Seriously.  

Then it filled right back up. 

So I popped it again. And again. And again. And again. And again. For two days. I kept popping it. 

Then it went all crazy on me. And that is what it currently looks like. I've never got so much attention in my life. Because everyone is staring at my finger. I just say it's a wart. I got it burned off right when I see them glancing that way. It's kind of getting annoying. Dumb wart. Go away. 

Okay. I'm done being gross. I've been sewing like crazy for my craft show on Friday and Saturday and Monday. I've still got a lot to do, but I'll get it done. I've been making capes and of course my three boys each snagged one up. Ledger has been wearing his non-stop. A few nights ago he even fell asleep in it. So darn cute. I love when they LOVE stuff I make.

And yes. He's wearing leg warmers on his arms. It's just not worth the battle. I let him wear what he wants. He even tried to sneak out the door for church in his cape and eye mask. But grandpa stopped him dead in his tracks.

Then Thursday my middle son, Rylek turned six. My boys are getting so old. I can't even believe it! We spent the day at my sister in law's house after having an emotional morning because my brother and his wife left to move to Florida. Rylek's an emotional guy what can I say. He wouldn't let me bring his presents. I forgot their swim stuff and ice cream. It was just one of those mornings.

And I'm glad I could spend the day focused on Rylek and not getting stuff done for my craft show. Although I needed the time, I needed the break as well! 

Thanks Michelle, for letting us crash at your house! You made Rylek's day so special!!! 

And for some reason my camera... well... it didn't want a picture of Rylek blowing out his candles. Dang. There's always a first for everything... Not sure why the camera did this. 

Then Uncle Alex gave him his birthday spankings...  and carried him around the room so everyone else could too!

Rylek's request was to have a three tiered cherry cake with 6 cherries on the top. Next year buddy, when we have a home, a daddy and a life. This year. He picked out a whopper from the store! 

And then all the cousins played a classic game of chutes and ladders. Poor Gramie. All the mom's new better to duck out of that never ending game... 

The next day he opened his gifts and we hung out at home. 

Don't you love that we include my husband in everything via skype on this very laptop. It's pathetic really. It's like we have a virtual daddy! But it's better than nothing~! And it's amazing we can even do that. So I guess I won't complain. 

I Love you reg and hope you had a fabulous birthday.

The rest of the week, I'm choosing not to document. Because it was horrific. Full of time outs, being sworn at by my eight year old who thinks he is seventeen. Being hung up on. Being so mad. Wanting to throw in the towel. That it's just best this way. Thank heavens for church yesterday. It brought me back to reality and helped me refocus. Because I was ready to climb into a hole and give up. It's always what I need. Now bring on this super extra busy week, my craft show... And then bring on the summer! Finally it will begin for me. I can't wait to have nothing to do, unless I want to do it! And I have alot of projects I can't wait to work on and share with you!!! And I have alot of fun activities planned for me and the kids! So hang in there with me... One more week... one more week! And then bring on the FUN.

...

Dot Dot Dot.

It's hard to post something inspirational when you are feeling. Well. Not so inspirational yourself. This week has been hard. We are so close to graduation. Yet it seems so far away. The last ten years have seemed to be more like thousands. And the last two years. Well, they have just dragged and dragged and dragged. And the last few months have just been almost unbearable.

Not that you want to read or that you even care. But my life has gone from being what I wanted it to be. Happily married, having a home, having three very obedient and respectful boys. To having a husband who lives on the other side of the country and barely remembers I exist, living with my parents, and having three boys who disrespect and walk all over me.

I'm just tired. I'm just worn out. I'm ready to throw in the towel. But that's when being a mom is the most important. That's when I have to look at my eight year old who just told me to shut my a-hole. And not smack him across the face. Instead put him in time out with a drop of Tabasco on his tongue, talk to him about what he is doing and why it isn't okay, and send him to bed early for the night. Then go in my room and scream into my pillow. And then go be mom to the other two until it's their bedtime. Which also happens to be the worst time of the day around here. Bedtime has always been a struggle.

And then I get to wake up and do it all over again. I think I've got my three boys all at the worst stages right now, and I'm doing it on my own. And that's what makes it hard. And I'm tired and worn out. And we all know what it's like when mom is tired and worn out.

So for all of you who struggle. You aren't alone. And my message today is DON'T GIVE UP! and you aren't alone. We aren't. Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are always with us. They know exactly what we are going through. They are willing to help us pull out our hair if we really want to. But instead we need to trust them, and just press on... because the trials we are given and the situations we are put in will only make us stronger. (Are you still waiting to see that, I am? But we will. We will see that and understand why we are going through what we are... it may just take time...) And Christ said, he won't give us any trial that he knows we can't overcome... Because we are strong. We are women, we are mothers, we are wives. And we can do anything. We can. We are Children of God. All of us. You and Me.

So for all of you that are feeling like me... press forward... and breath... one moment at a time... one moment at a time...

Then go and watch this video. You'll be in tears. It's just perfect. Makes me want to go hug my kids and be kind and dear... even if I'm really feeling like a monster inside.

Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

And An Oh So Fun and Lovely Fabric HeadTie...

Time flies. Which is good and bad. I've got so much to do still for my craft show. I'm kind of thinking it was alot to put on my plate. But I'm excited as well. And I'm super excited because coming real soon I am launching a new line for little girls. And also all the patterns for them as well! That should be all ready to go by the end of the summer, if all goes well, maybe even sooner! (If you head to my shop you'll see some of the items already... with my lousy photo skills...but I'm getting professional ones soon... and if you are a photographer and have a little boy or girl, I'm looking for more to do trades with... you know, you get free product and I get photo's of the products in action in return to use on my websites... email me if you are interested...)

On with the tutorial.  You all have been so patiently waiting for one. I know, it's been a while. But what can I say. Life, sometimes it has other plans:) Like getting six warts removed and having 7 moles cut out. (Yes we're praying they're cancer-free... should find out soon.) On with the show.

I love these headbands. They are great for covering up dirty hair, or for pulling back yucky bangs, or for keeping hair out of your eyes, or to just look dang cute in. You can't beat that? Right.


So you need either one piece of fabric that is 32 inches long or you need to piece together pieces that make 32 inches. It also will need to be 3 inches wide in the center. So for this one I grabbed three pieces of fabric.

I overlapped the edges and zig zagged them together. 

I then traced my template. You don't need a template. However because I make and sell these, I make alot so it was easier for me to make a cardboard template to trace every time. So you want yours to be 32 inches long. The center part that is wide is 7 inches. Then it gets skinnier. The widest part is 3 inches, the skinny part is 1.5 inches wide. I hope I haven't lost you. Once I get my stuff back from storage, (almost there... 9 more weeks...) I will upload an actual template. for you. 

Then cut out the shape from the fabric. 

Sew around the entire outer edge with a straight stitch. This contains the fraying on the edge. 

Then cut a piece of fabric that fits in the center. This one is a little wider than I normally do. Make it at least 1.5 inches wide to no larger than 2 inches.

Then take that piece, (yes I realize mine is different than the photo above, sorry to confuse anyone), and sew it to the center of the wide part. 

Then cut out three leaves from a coordinating fabric.

Layer two on one edge of the center strip you sewed on. On the top leaf sew with a straight stitch around the edge. 

Then on the other one do a zig zag stitch down the center. Take your third leaf and put it on about an inch away from the others. Zig zag down the center of it as well. This way when you wash it the leaves come up on the edges, giving it more dimension. 

Then take a strip of fabric that is 1.5 inches wide by 15 inches long give or take. I occasionally use two strips that are 7 inches long like I will here. Fold it in half right sides out. 

Start it by the two leaves. Put the raw edge towards the center. 

Sew along this raw edge. Sew just a tiny bit and back stitch to secure it in place. 

Then pleat this piece in a circle shape. Sew as you go. 

Keep curving around and around making a flower. 

If you run out sew to the very end of the piece. 

Grab your next piece and slide it in place and continue on. Pleat and sew. 

Slowly wind in making another layer around. 

Go around and around until you come to the center. 

Sew right to the edge and back stitch. 

And there you have it. Now you need to tie the ends together so they don't tangle. Trust me on this one. And throw it in the washer and dryer. 

When it comes out the edges will be frayed. Then you need to iron it flat, because it will be all wrinkly. (Sorry I didn't think to take a picture up close after I washed it.) 

It's super easy isn't it. There are soo many color combinations and styles of fabrics you can use. It will make your headband selections endless.

And there are a few different styles and ways to wear them! They really are so easy and so fun and functional. If you don't want to make one yourself be sure to check out my shop for dozens of different styles. Each one is unique and one of a kind!

What are you waiting for? Go ahead, make a headband or two. I bet you just can't stop at one!!!