Get Crafty with Kids

So this little gem of a blog appeared in my inbox this morning courtesy of Craft Magazine Daily:

Spring Wardrobe Update by Kristen Sutcliffe from New House Project

Kristin writes: I often find vintage embroidered handkerchiefs at estate sales and flea markets, but I don't have a good use for them. I decided to use one to transform one of Saya's plain tank tops for spring. Even if you are not a big sewer, you can do this project. I promise it is very quick and easy.

How cute is that tank top? I read the tutorial & it does look super easy! Now you have an excuse to peruse your local flea market or garage sales ... or ebay if things haven't warmed up in your neck of the woods.

The whole blog is dedicated to crafting with children. Reminds me of my early stay at home years with my kids. We lived in California where the weather was almost always beautiful and we spent many an afternoon out in the yard making endless works of art and mucking up our plastic PlaySkool (is that how you spell it?) picnic table. Had I had this little blog at my disposal back then, I would have been a happy mama. Not saying I wasn't a happy mama, but I did spend an enormous amount of time searching for kid friendly craft projects or trying out my own ideas (not all of them were a success let me tell ya!) Everything looks easy, fun and best of all ... for most of the projects, you can use ordinary household items and even do some recycling.



Here is another adorable project: Heart hand stamps by Khali from Little. Lovely.

Sing for Spring, Sing for a Sale

A few days of sunshine and slightly warming weather has melted much of our snow. Pair that with this weekend's Day Light Savings and I'm singing for Spring! It finally feels like it is very much within reach. Let's celebrate with a Sale. Yay!

Sing for Spring Sale
Purchase $20 in product receive 15% discount
Purchase $40 in product receive 20% discount
Purchase $60 in product receive 25% discount

(If shopping on Etsy - a refund will be given via paypal after sale. Please purchase as normal.)



Sale will run from Tuesday March 9 th ~ Sunday March 14th.
Newsletter Subscribers and Blog readers will get an extra day (today) to shop as I will advertise this on Etsy tomorrow.



I've been busy making pretty brooches for Spring in soft pastels and muted hues.
Here's a peek at some new items I've listed recently (or will be listing soon)!



If something catches your eye, but isn't listed yet, just contact me. I'll get it listed for you. Most of these new items are made from wool scraps and remnants, so please note I usually have just a tiny bit of material to work with. Many items are one of a kind. Others, I am only able to make two or three at most. So if you see something you have to have, don't dawdle.

Photo Abuse?

I don't know about you but I love to abuse my photos.

What do you mean, you ask? Well, what I mean is adding layers of grunge, texture, overlays and filters to change the look of a simple and not-so-great photo and turn it into something interesting.

Here is my BEFORE of a photo of boats in Mystic CT.

And here is the AFTER of the same photo.

Pretty cool huh?

Credits: Photo Abuse Set 1 by somethingbluestudios.com

P365 weeks 7 and 8

So I was able to get 2 weeks worth of photos edited and into digital collages last night. I'll post them below.

And guess what, the sun is out! I think its been almost 2 weeks without it (except for a few peeks here and there.) It is a refreshing and much needed change ... wishing the sun does its magic and melts away most of our snow.

I hope you have a little sunshine in your day where ever you are!



Day 43 My studio is reorganized and clean.
Day 44 Taco Night ... one of Emma's favorites.
Day 45 Felted Cluster Hairpins ... getting packaged for Barcelona.
Day 46 Valentine's Day Goodies in adorable mailboxes.
Day 47 Emma gives Jack a bath.
Day 48 Jack enjoys some playtime in the snow.
Day 49 Starting a netflix subscription again.


Day 50 Keegan goes for his sleep study.
Day 51 Raspberry Trifle.
Day 52 Hockey game.
Day 53 Keegan teaches Emma how to play the recorder.
Day 54 Snow and wind ... blow over the old playhouse the kids have outgrown.
Day 55 Another day of snow.
Day 56 More snow ... no school ... long mornings in pajamas.

Still catching up on P365

After 4 straight days of significant snow, slush, and rain ... I was so ready for the kids to get back to school on Monday. The entire district was headed back on the big yellow buses, except my kids' school. Apparently the power was still out. So the kids just headed back yesterday. Feels great to be back in my studio full time again, getting things done. I have a lot of catching up to do!

Last night I finished P365's week 6. Here it is, simple everyday photos ... recorded forever. If you haven't heard about P365 see my earlier post in January to learn more about Project 365.



Day 36 Homemade Chicken Pot Pies.
Day 37 Emma is making her Valentines for her class.
Day 38 My photo wall of favorite photos.
Day 39 Cleaned and organized Mark’s office.
Day 40 Keegan practicing his notes on his recorder.
Day 41 Started my Studio reorg today. There are piles of stuff everywhere.
Day 42 New color combination for my zinnia felt flower to send to a photographer.