Piper & Chloe

News flash! I am going to be doing a fantastic Piper & Chloe Spring Showcase this weekend. I am super excited!! There will be lots of great vendors and shopping there. Check out their blog Piper & Chloe for the list of vendors, more info and a really great playlist. Come on out to Farmington my friends. This going to fun!

xoxo-

Meg

A New Bow

Look at this darling bow that I made for Mia.

Don't you love it?? I do! I love it, love it, love it!!! Love everything about it but apparently Mia doesn't.
Conversation with her about it:
Mama: "How come you took your bow out at your friends house??"
Mia: "'Cause I don't like that dumb bow. I didn't want you to put it in my hair."
Mama: Hugging her and telling her sweetly even though I felt like dropping her on her hiney, "Because Mama wants you to look pretty and I made a pretty bow just for you because I love you.:
Mia: Unimpressed, "Hmm."

If you would like to make your own bow, it's super simple. I simply used four different ribbons from American Crafts. They are perfect width, texture and coordination. That perfect red flower button is from the Creative Cafe. And if you make one (or more) for your cute little one, let me know. Especially if your sweet little one is sweet about it.

New Valentine Tassels!

Finally got some time to work on a new line of tassels. These are so much fun for me to do. I've had several requests for Valentine tassels so here is a few that I've been playing with:

First, a sparkly sequined heart all dolled up with classic red and cream toile ribbon, red checks and layers of red and camel colored fringe. Hanging from a red checked ribbon completes this classic combination. The heart measures 3 inches wide and hangs 8 inches long.

This yummy heart tassel features a chocolate brown and red confetti heart hanging from a rich brown satin ribbon. Layers of chocolate, red and camel colored fringes and ribbons dress this heart up quite nicely!
Heart measures 4" and tassel hangs roughly 10" long.

Last one is my favorite little tassel. Measuring about 4 inches long, it features my favorite cream custom made pom-pom layered with lush black fringe on a antique silver topper. A satin pink ribbon topped with black and pink grosgrain and my absolutely favorite little heart lock and key charm.

More to come soon! If anyone is interested in any of these, leave a comment and let me know. Thanks!

Snowmen At Night

We made our cute snowmen neighbor gifts today. Why not earlier? Procrastination? Possibly. I have had the items needed to do these for a few weeks now. But even then, I really think it's because every year, we delivered our neighbor gifts for my Mom a day or two before Christmas. So I have to say it's tradition!

These snowmen are simple to make and look so cute. So, if you haven't done any neighbor gifts this year and you are feeling guilty for not getting them done, here's a simple idea that is sure to please.

Snowman ready to march out at night.

The note says:

"Use me for a decoration

'til the time is just right

then pull off my hat and

I'm a cold drink of Sprite!"

How to Make a Soda Snowman:

• 2 liter Sprite
• Package of size medium boys, white socks
• Festive material (one yard did 12 snowmen)
• Googly eyes
• Orange foam for noses
• Your brightest blush

Simply slip the sock over the soda to make the body. Cut a strip of festive material roughly 9 x15" and glue short ends together and slip over top of bottle to make the hat. Tie a ribbon around the top of the bottle attaching your note then cut slits at the top of the material to make fringe. Tear a 1"-2" piece and tie around the snowman's neck. Next, simply glue on the googly eyes and carrot nose and give your snowman a quick dusting of blush and it's good to go!

And if you are feeling extra festive, the book "Snowmen at Night" is one of my kids favorite books and would make a cute addition to this simple gift.

Happy Holidays!

Done!

Phew! Done. I was very happy with the outcome of Saturdays boutique. It was a lot of work, but completely worth it! Teryn was my number one helper in all of this. I wouldn't of pulled it off as smoothly without her. I quickly took a few snaps of my set up but we were already getting customers so they aren't that great. It was very pretty thanks to Teryn! Her husband put up a beautiful tree for us and we decorated the tables just in time. Teryn worked so hard and graciously for me while still recovering from her accident. I am sure that she won't love the picture of her in her brace, but it's the only one I have of the tree. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Teryn! I couldn't of done this without your support.

I was busy every minute doing everything tassel related. Ry says "It's tassel-mania here" and I agree. Just look at my spare room! Scary!

It felt fantastic to come home and know that I didn't have to do anything. And I didn't. I let Mia paint my fingernails to match hers (left hand red, right hand hot pink) and left them that way. (She's so proud!) I read books and snuggled and sat on the sofa. I put my kids to bed with lots of kisses and started to settle in myself and just as I was about to crawl in bed, the phone rang. I had forgotten to call Mom to let her know I was home so I could do her hair. So, at 10:15pm last night, I set and styled Mom's hair and trimmed Dad's and finally crawled into bed, way too late but content.

Today, I slept in and went to church and came home and played with the kids. Did you know it's hilarious to have me step on your tummy? The kept giggling and yelling "Me! Me!! I'm next!". The I snuggled my Sammy in for a nap and snuck one in too. It was so relaxing.

Be sure to check out my Etsy shop in the next few days. I will be updating with the rest of my inventory soon. For now, I am off to bed. Good night!

Holiday Boutiques

I have a super busy week and I am super excited!

This week, I will be at Mary Lyn's Bumbles Party with my load of darling tassels. There will be Bumbles watches (I NEED these!), handmade cards and of course my tassels. It's going to be so much fun! Tuesday, November 18th from 6-9pm. See Mary Lyn's side bar on her blog for more info.

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Saturday, November 22nd, I will be doing a huge Holiday Boutique in Draper! (Click on flyer to enlarge.) (Don't know why it won't enlarge. I can email it to you if you would like. Let me know.)

I am super excited about this one! This boutique has 12 vendors and growing! Everything from gourmet cupcakes (yum!) to lotions and lip glosses inspired by the popular series Twilight (too fun!) and of course my tassels!

Here is a teaser preview of a few of my tassels that will be there.

Featured:

1. Double pom-pom on a rope - these look cute everywhere I put them. Love 'em on an armoire, on a shelf, on a doorknob, on a candle holder - love them anywhere! 2. Chocolate Santa - he looks like you need to take a bite out of him. Yummy blues, chocolates and cream. 3. Metal Reindeer - very rich in his deep browns and reds. 4. Wood Santa - darling on a big fluff of greens and reds.

Want to see more?

Come and visit me and support handmade goods!

And Milo is his name-o!

A good friend of mine is expecting a boy by the end of this year. Of course he needs a non-practical present from her non-practical friend. When I saw the rock star paper and it matched his bedding, I knew he needed his name done. It's tricky to make "boy" letters look boyish. How to embellish? I ended up with a few buttons, few hand cut stars and a guitar and this rock star baby was good to go.

Pine Cone Tassel

Here's a new tassel that I made this week. A shiny pine cone with layers of luscious brown trim and a punch of red ribbon. The layers of ribbon peek-a-boo in deep brown, playful taupe stripe and textured red. The pictures just don't do it justice. It looks and feels great! This tassel making thing is so addicting!

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Wondering where you can put these cute tassels?? There are so many places you can put a tassel! It's a little decoration that packs a punch.

Here's a few ideas:

• Try a matching pair on your candlesticks.

• Or hang it on your lamp. Looks cute hanging off the light switch or the finial too.


• Hang it from a knob on a table, armoire or even your kitchen cabinets. Adds a lovely layer to your decorations.

• Of course, hang it from any door handle.

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Do you like this tassel too?

I am pleased to make you one (or a pair) too. These tassels are available for sale, custom made just for you. Email me for details!

A Pumpkin for Nicole

I love how this one turned out Nicole. Lovin' the oranges with t

he coppers, browns and greens. I hope you like it too!

****You can have one too!****

I have one more of these that I can make.

Email me if you are interested!

A Witch for MaryLyn

Marylyn!

I am in love with this one! Check out her cute little fringey skirt. I am too excited to get this to you!


****You can have one too!****

I have two one more hat left that I can make. E-mail me if you are interested! SOLD OUT! Thanks!

Witch

To keep my hands busy and my mind off worrying about my Papa, I whipped up my witch tassel and I think it's soooooo stinkin' cute! I am in love!

Purples, greens, black and polka-dots decorate this fat tassel now hanging off my kitchen shelf. The cute ribbon adorned metal hat complete with spider is just making me happy! The pictures just don't do it justice. It's darling!

Festive Fall Decorations

Last week, I felt that I needed a project. So I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up myself a project. Three projects to be exact.

• First up, I got a cute little candle ring to hang on my shelf hooks like Nicole did. It didn't really work, so I layered three smaller wreaths, added a ribbon and hung the too small wreath on my front door for a short while until I changed it out to a Halloween wreath concoction. An old garland, an old witch which I think is cute (however, her arms are looking a bit awkward aren't they), layered on top of a new wreath made something festive. We will see how long I leave it up there before I tweak it.

• Then I decided that I needed to make a tassel and ended up making three with one more in the works. The first one, I made to hang on my front room armoire. I think that I want to tweak this one a bit.

• Then I needed some festive ones for Fall. I like the first one the best.

The third project needs paper to finish it. I am having a surprisingly hard time figuring it out. I am determined to get it done so hopefully, it will all work out.

Homework Done?

It seems that every time I go to work, I get yet another idea that I would love to do but don't realistically have time for. Believe me when I say the stack of projects to do is a little bit on the big side. Because I want to actually finish some of my other projects, I hesistated before I bought this one. I mentally made myself promise that I would finish it within a week of purchase and I am glad that I did.

A quick little project put together in less than an hour to help the kids remember their homework. So very simple but makes me happy and the kids like it too. I love the sparkly apple paper against the black and several brightly colored ribbons tie it together. At the end of the night, whoever has a yes marked on their board gets to put a sticker on the calendar and when that is filled up, they get some sort of treat. So far, so good. I have had it up and in use for a good two weeks!

The Little Red Caboose Birdhouse

My sister Sharmyn is a creative soul. Recently, she and her husband traveled to Utah for Education Week and to spend time with her in-laws. We didn't get enough time with her. "We" meaning me. I briefly got her to myself on Monday night, where she showered us with gifts. Shouldn't it be the other way around? From her crowded luggage bag, she produced a Strawberry Shortcake book (I still very much love the original Strawberry Shortcake), a sweet little vase to match my decor, a handmade bag from India, few other little trinkets and fun things and this sweet little bird house that she made for Sam. I love this little birdhouse! It's made from an old book and just matches the boys room just so. I am looking for the perfect place to put it.




Thanks Sharm! I love it! Really I do! Wish that I could of had you all to myself because I am selfish like that. I am dying to come visit you at your home to see your stomping grounds.

Birthday Cards

For Grandma Mary's birthday, I tried to think of a present that she could use and wouldn't clutter up her life. She is always so good about sending cards for our birthdays so I hoped a set of handmade cards and a book of stamps would be something she could use. I loved the way these cards turned out!

The simple card was inspired from a card at work and I love the way the colors work on it. I wish that I could of gotten a better picture before sending them off! I used Scenic Route paper for the polka dots and the flower and the flower background paper I think was from a Bo-Bunny line. The dogwood flower punch is something I have had my eye on for a while and I am glad that I splurged on it. I am planning on using it again soon!

Cards

Time for card club again.

The first one is my card from last month. I used more scalloped edges because they are so cute! Tinkering Ink paper, Ric-rac and some thrifted buttons finish it off. This is a leftover card. I didn't line the buttons up to good, did I?

And this months card.

There are four different versions of this card. It turned out decent, but it's not my favorite. Very cute, brand new Basic Gray balloon paper and the cute stamp was done from Stampin' Up by a gal I work with. Looking at the picture, I think that I would rather that square be a circle. It was a last minute addition. Needed some color. Yeah, I agree with myself. Needs to be a circle.

It's very fun to see the cards the others come up with. They are so talented!

Ruffled Lady

At work, there is a card exchange that is held monthly at the store meeting. I haven't joined in because I felt intimidated by these pros. I haven't made many cards in my little lifetime. But every month, they pass out their cards and I really want them for myself. This month, at the last minute, I decided that I would join in. I found this idea in the latest Card magazine. The scalloped edges reminded me ruffles which made me of the Tinkering Ink papers. I heard the designer was a fabric designer. Tinkering Ink is too bold for my scrapbooks, but perfect for this card. Best part is that I took five sheets of very unpopular scrapbook paper and turned it to something that I think looks good. Even better that the paper was 75% off! Gotta love that!

And a whole lot of nuts.

I have a huge walnut tree in my front yard. It's a very loved tree since it's big enough to have three swings on it. Mia has spent many happy days swinging herself or with her little friends. Jacob and the boys climbed and crazily swung as well. Even Sam was happy to swing for a long time watching the kids play.

Then came Fall and all of the leaves and walnuts came falling down. Piles and piles and piles of leaves and walnuts that did not all get picked up. Not for us trying though. The kids and I squirrelled away as many walnuts as we could find. Three and a half big heavy bags of walnuts. What next? There are only so many walnuts that one could eat. Good thing that I have a very clever sister who actually gets to watch Martha Stewart's show and she remembered when she made this ornament. Perfect solution for Christmas and my excess of walnuts!

I set to making it as gifts for my sisters which in turn, just one sister got it, but there were my reasons for that. What I didn't realize is how huge this thing is! It calls for an 8 inch Styrofoam ball which used almost one whole bag of walnuts and something around 30 glue sticks to attach them to the ball. It weighed almost 10 pounds when I finished. I used some lovely red double sided satin ribbon that I got from Gap's Christmas displays that I put up in the store a few years back and some fake eucalyptus and gold paint. Did I mention lots and lots of hot glue? All I could think about while I was making it was how expensive it would be to make if I had to buy the walnuts. The form was surprisingly expensive at $13 (I got it half off due to my mad shopping skills) then the nice ribbon and gold paint. I think that is what frustrates me about Martha's crafts. They are all so beautiful, but so expensive. I was lucky enough to have what I had to make it.

I think that it turned out wonderful. There are so many mixed reactions to this ornament. My Papa said that it was the perfect balance of food storage and decoration. Even after I finished it, I was in awe of how cool it was and stumped of where I could actually use it. Still, I gave it to my sister Teryn and she was so impressed, she had me sign it. She has plans to put it out in her yard for the Holidays. She's good at finding a use for a rather large and heavy ball of walnuts.

Salt Dough Ornaments

It was such a nice, lazy Sunday afternoon yesterday. Perfect for a quick and easy Christmas craft. My kids LOVE to paint so they were especially thrilled to paint these salt dough ornaments from Montessori by Hand. It's funny that I have never made salt dough because it seemed like it was a big messy hassle. Not so. So very simple. I doubled the recipe she had listed and it made 14 ornaments. We could of made 20 more. While Mia enjoyed smearing on all of the colors onto her ornaments, Jake carefully painted a snowflake, Santa hat, reindeer, and two striped ornaments.

It was fun for me to paint too. I particularly enjoy the snowman I made. All in all, this was a quick and easy and cheap project. We will probably make these again soon. I think that I will double the batch yet again and get out the cookie cutters to make fun shapes. I am thinking about using these as decorations for our gifts we are making, which are coming along quite nicely I might add.

This project fit nicely into my theme for this holiday. Simplified, using what I have focusing on faith, family and feelings. Oh yes, speaking of faith and family, I do have a list of scriptures to read daily about the Savior. Feel free to follow along!