HOPSCOTCH SQUARE

Back Again!

2011-07-27T23:38:00.001-07:00

Well, I attempted moving my blog, and I could never get everything set up just right. So I have finally caved, and re-opened this blog. Lots of craziness going on....busy with orders, the kiddos are home for the summer....oh, but the first day of school is closing in quick! Lots of new ideas going on, and I cannot wait to get busy!

On a similar note....tomorrow (or actually today! YIKES) starts the beginning of Project Runway. And I had this c~r~a~z~y idea....what if....I do a kid's version of their assignment for each show?!?!? See, told ya! C~R~A~Z~Y!! I know they do their outfits in only a day or two, but I'm giving myself a few extra days...after all....they don't have children to play with, dishes to wash, meals to cook, laundry piling up, and so on and so on...so I think I deserve a few extra days. =)

Happy Sewing!

And I'm Back! And Moving!

2010-06-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, I know! I took a bit of time to reorganize, regroup, and just catch up on life in general. But now I'm back, and inspired! I have drifted from Etsy and Artfire a bit and started my own website. Go check it out! You know you want to! I have also decided to make a little change with the blog. I have moved my blog to my website now. So look for the link on the left to keep updated. =)

Alyssa's Birthday!

2009-08-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

Today was my baby's birthday. She turned 4. I can't believe it! I remember being so scared to go in and have her, since she was my first child. And I was scheduled for induction so I had to be at the hospital so early that morning. And those that know me...well, you know how much I hate mornings! LOL After way too many hours of labor, and her being difficult, Dr. Darby finally offered a c-section. I don't think I have ever jumped on an offer so fast! So after hours of labor and two epidurals and lots of good drugs...We had our baby girl!
She was 8 lb 2 oz which would explain why I could block the sun with my belly.

So today was supposed to have been her b-day party. Unfortunately she caught a cold yesterday and she is miserable. So we cancelled the party, and we had cake and presents here. I promised her we would have her party next Saturday. I just hate that the one time her b-day is actually on a Saturday...she gets sick. =(

I will have to post pictures of her party next week!

The Best Custom Paper Designer / Graphic Artist On Etsy!

2009-05-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to work with a wonderful lady on Etsy. And she was amazing! And she saved my skin! HAHA! So here's what happened....

I procrastinated. Again. And we all know what happens then. Something goes wrong. And it went WAY wrong! I thought I had all of my lingerie shower invitations ready to be printed and mailed. Then I discover...well, let's just say....not good print job. I really didn't have a lot of time to completely re-do everything, so I turned to Etsy for help. Within minutes of posting an Alchemy request for only one specific graphic, I began receiving bids. Some crazy high bids...bids for the entire invitation....bids for the invitation and they mail them. None of which appealed to me, of course!

And then Michelle Hollo of HolloDesigns came along. I was super impressed by her ability to...well, read my mind! In around 30 minutes, she had a completed image for me. It was exactly what I was looking for. And at a really unbeatable price!

Thanks to her, my invitations were awesomely cool....and they were mailed on time. (The picture is the invitation I made from it. I blurred the important details, sorry guys! LOL)

Be sure to check out her shop! She has gorgeous.....
wedding invitations & programs........

Personalized Notecards.............

Super Cute Baby Announcements, and more!!!

M & M's Melt In Your....HUH?

2009-05-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

So it has definitely been a rough couple of weeks for me. Besides the craft shows sapping all my energy, my sweet children have been replaced by....I don't know....someone else's children!

Last week, the kids had been really good, so I took them to the store, gave them each $1 and let them pick out a candy. M & M's (plain, not peanut, thank goodness, but you will find the reason for that in a moment) for both. Great! Means no fighting for once! LOL

So we get home, and I am attempting to get some Etsy work done, and I hear Logan coughing a little funny. But he looked fine so I went back to my work....until Alyssa starts yelling that Logan's nose is yucky and I need to clean it. Of course, I just assumed his nose was running since this seriously grosses her out. So I grab a baby wipe and call him over. He turns around...and has chocolate running out his nose. Obviously he never knew that M & M's were supposed to melt in your MOUTH, not in your NOSE!! I won't share the pictures, since they are obviously not going to be attractive...but let's just say.....BLACKMAIL!

So this leads us to yesterday....Alyssa went to her Nanny's so it was just me and Logan. Stupid me....I was thinking that would give me time to get caught up on some custom orders and even get a little housecleaning done. Logan sneaks off into the kitchen and unfortunately was able to reach the Dawn that Daddy had left at the edge of the counter. So he finally came out of the kitchen covered in blue, and that's when I discovered I would soon have a squeaky clean kitchen floor. For those who need clean floors.....don't use Dawn! LOL I had more bubbles than you could imagine, in addition to looking like a beginner ice skater just trying to reach the sink. Sigh...and to think I thought I had an exciting life BEFORE kids!

Two Years Ago....At About This Time.......

2009-04-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

My water broke while I was attempting to get one last good night's sleep. Little baby Logan just couldn't wait 6 more hours before my scheduled c-section. So off to the hospital we went....and here's some pics.
April 16, 2007 8Lbs 15.4 oz

And NOW!

My handsome boy!

ARTFIRE

2009-04-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

So I have decided to give it a shot...what could it hurt, right? I like only paying $12 / month, no matter how much I list or sell. Just hope I sell enough to cover the $12, right?! The listing is MUCH easier. And faster. I am going to give it 100% and see what happens!

So how about you?? Wanna join? Register on ArtFire.com

Tutorial ~ How to Make A Lined Pocket

2009-03-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

So here's my first ever blog tutorial....so bear with me! When I first started sewing, I absolutely hated doing pockets. I hated trying to press and sew the seams all the way around, and doing the corners. Until my mom taught me how to make a lined pocket. Now, no matter what pattern I may be using, all pockets are lined. They look nicer and are so much faster!

So here's my super easy instructions for awesome pockets.

1. Cut 2 of your pocket fabric. Exactly the same.

2. Placing the fabrics right sides together, sew (or serge) around the edges, leaving either one entire edge open, or a space large enough to turn pocket. In this case, I left a gap large enough to turn my pocket back right side out. BUT don't leave this gap at the top of your pocket, because you won't be sewing the top of your pocket to close it.

3. Clip your corners to prevent any bunching in the corners once it's turned.

4. Turn pocket right side out. Fold the open section to the inside, keeping it even with the rest of the seam. Press.

5. Pocket is now ready to be attached to shirt, apron, dress, etc. Be sure the open gap is on the side or the bottom. Topstitch to your garment fabric and TADA! All done!

**This can be used with rounded pockets also. Follow same instructions!**

Who wouldn't want to enter!?!?

2009-03-19T13:02:00.000-07:00

Our friends over at YouCanMakeThis.com are launching a new site in April, http://www.youcanquiltthis.com/. How exciting! The fun we have is expanding! So to celebrate, they are giving away a Marie Osmond 200 Quilter's Companion. If you don't know what this machine can do.....LOOK IT UP! It's awesome! It's a quilter's dream! So click on over and enter! And if you decide you don't want it, you can give it to me! =)

~CPSIA~ Does it affect you??

2009-01-28T22:03:00.000-08:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you?

Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

For the Love of Gaming

2009-01-26T14:31:00.001-08:00

I stayed up very late last night, and at the last minute, I decided to see if I could snag an Etsy treasury. And I did! I wanted to do something a little different, so it was centered around "old" video games. You know, video games I played when I was growing up! So this is a whole bunch of Atari, and Mario, and Nintendo, and PacMan of course...for your viewing pleasure! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=35630

Share some Love!

2009-01-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

Shopping on Etsy ! How fun!

2008-12-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

I have done most of my Christmas shopping this year on Etsy. And check out some of the awesome finds!

(clicking on highlighted name takes you straight to their Etsy shop, so CLICK AWAY!)

This is wonderful soap that looks good enough to eat!
Strawberry Shortcake Mini Pound Cake Soap from Anita

So soft and adorable. Picture definitely does not do it justice!

Black and White eyelash neckwarmer from QuiltSALAD

Super cool Coffee Corsets for that wonderful Starbucks Coffee! =)
Coffee Corsets from JennGee

And this absolutely adorable bracelet for my daughter.
Child bracelet from melaniescrafts

WIN The Winter Wonderland Tutu Dress Set Giveaway!

2008-11-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

SMOX and MaggiesRoseGarden are collaborating for a most awesome giveaway!

The winner will receive a Snowflake Princess halter tutu dress and matching Snowflake Winter Princess Wand from Mag giesRoseG arden, and matching hair accessories from SMOX; First Snow Rosettes, Snowflake Clippie Pins, and coordinating ribbon wrapped headband.

For pictures and how to win, click here.

I have been featured! Go Check it out!

2008-11-19T00:49:00.000-08:00

My newest addition to my shop, The Backseat Buddy, was featured on a blog today! Go check it out and leave some lvoe!
www.how-tostudio.com

Pics my sister took of my niece

2008-11-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

Introducing.....The Backseat Buddy !!!

2008-11-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have a new item in my shop this week. It is my own design (out of necessity!). It is a rectangular bag that ties onto to headrest of your seat. It is readily open and available for kids books, toys and such. I have one for each of my kids. Alyssa's is filled with her books and magnetic toys, and Logan's holds his diapers and wipes. (Yeah, he's not much on playing with toys in the car.) It can be easily untied and thrown in the laundry if it gets messy. So come check it out!

Clicking on the pic takes you straight to the listing. Others are already listed in my shop, and more prints are available.

Ahhh....Daddy is so proud! My son the cross-dresser! LOL

2008-11-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

So this is how he came strutting into the living room. And yes, he did it himself.

I AM FEATURED IN AN ETSY TREASURY! WHOOHOO!

2008-11-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

I have been featured in an Etsy treasury! Yeah!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=31344
Go Check It Out!!!

Our Halloween Pics

2008-11-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I honestly think it's easier to go pick up that generic costume at Wal-Mart than to put the time and effort into MAKING the outfit. Whew! So glad Halloween only comes once a year! I made 2 outfits this year. My daughter's Dora Snow Princess dress (& accessories) and my nephew's fireman outfit. Both turned out "O.K." but it was def a learning experience! LOL

On a roll here....so here's one for my fellow LArtisans!

2008-10-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

Check out Halloween items from Etsy!

2008-10-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

Potty-training....here we come!

2008-10-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah, OK, my kids are messy eaters. So immediately after dinner, they go straight to the bathtub. Logan (19 mos) got done eating first so I got him out of his highchair and sent him to the bathroom. He walked in there and lifted the toilet seat. Then he tried to get up there by himself, but couldn't. I thought he was just getting up there to be silly (like normal) but I went ahead and helped him out. Within 5 seconds he was peeing in the toilet! Yeah!! So proud!

I finally got her dress finished

2008-10-17T22:25:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot I even had a pattern for this dress until Alyssa found it the other night. So I finally got it done today. Too bad it's been cloudy and storming all day, but here are the first pictures of it. I will definitely be making more of these, since they work so well year around. Cute to wear alone, and still cute with a shirt underneath it!

So I have a VERY determined 3 year old!

2008-10-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

I made the mistake 3 years ago to put my daughter in my bed to sleep. (I don't care what anyone says....MISTAKE! LOL) So it has taken me this long to finally get her out. Well, I had her out once, and her daddy got her back in our bed. He liked having her there. But it's not him getting his butt kicked all night by the mini tosser-n-turner! Anyway, so as of Friday, it's back to my way. So every single night has been a struggle. Before she finally gives in and falls asleep. Well tonight, she knew her daddy was coming home and she was pretty determined she was not going to sleep in her bed. No matter what. End of story. Sure enough...she won. She may be asleep in her room, but NOT in her bed!

My Custom Order This Week

2008-10-10T11:51:00.000-07:00

So I had a custom order for a child's cupcake half apron, but I had no cupcake fabric. No fabric store up to 2 hours away had cupcake fabric. And she needed it in a hurry. So my little creative bug started whispering....I did a terrycloth cupcake applique! Wow, a little harder than expected, but I learned a lot from it. And it turned out great!!! Cupcake even has colored sprinkles! Now I am waiting on fabric to come in so I can start the next custom order with another cupcake. Here are some pics of the first one. I know they aren't that great, but it stormed bad all day so the pics aren't as bright as I had hoped. (First pic also shows the matching heat therapy bag I made with it.)

I think it's Etsy's fault! (Maybe)

2008-10-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

So last night I finally got to work on listing some things in my Etsy, since Logan goes to bed at 8 and Alyssa went to go stay at her Mumzie's house. Unfortunately, I thought a couple of drinks and sewing would mix well. It didn't. In 6 hours time, I got half a dress, one child's apron, and a fleece hat for my neice completed. So due to my lack of sleep last night, I have a monster headache today. =( Somehow, I am actually getting more done today with one kid awake and running around like a little indian, than I did last night all by myself in a quiet house. Hmm....I think I really need to get off of here and finish this since our Cafemom Etsy Moms sale started today!