Tutu to Topiary

From tutu to topiary, I am gearing up for my daughter's 2nd birthday.  I'm trying to keep my craft projects simple, but it is way too much fun!  Here are few items I have been working on for her big celebration...

I am learning and over time perfecting my tutu making skills. 

I love the ribbon topiary tutorials from Michaels and find these to be simple to make.  They are great decorations for the party venue!  These little things require a lot of ribbon though!

Monogramming and embellishments are awesome!  Although I promised myself I will not make my two year old walk around her party in a tulle tutu, I wanted this ensemble for a photography session I have scheduled.  

Goodnight Moon Basket

One of my friends is having triplets!  Yes!  Triplets!!!  Two little girls and one boy.  I am super excited for her and her husband.  They are one of my favorite couples, and I wanted to make sure I created a gift that was practical yet personal.  My friend gave my daughter one of her favorite books-"Pat the Bunny", so I thought I would use a similar theme for her gift.  With my daughter's birthday coming up and some other unexpected expenses I had to be really clever with my purchases (and extremely tight budget).  I finally decided on a "Goodnight Moon" themed gift basket.  I found a Goodnight moon snuggle pillow at a great price, also purchased of course the book, and made these onesies for the little ones.  I pray my friend loves her gift!  I wish I could give her the moon (and more) but hopefully she will enjoy my "Goodnight Moon" gift just as much!

Baby Girl!

Someone very special to me is having a little girl this spring, and so it was important to find time to make the little one a few items.  I tried to coordinate the color of all items with the nursery, which will be purple and brown.  I always try to convince myself to do a couple of items and stop going overboard, but one of the most rewarding things in life is to see the smile on a mommy's face when she opens a gift made especially for her little one.  I pray my friend loves her gift!  It was definitely a gift basket made with love.

 Quilt, Personalized Onesies, Monogrammed Items, & Bears

 Monogramming is great!

 Designed by Me!

 Onesies to Match!

All Packaged to Go!!!

Valentine's 2013

2013 has started out big time in the hobby section!  Along with party planning and making baby shower gifts, I am working on a "zig zag" quilt in my mini quilting guild (actually just a small group with two of my close friends).  I am also trying to complete Valentine's goodies for my daughter's classmates.  It's challenging to find time to devote to crafts with a busy toddler (I usually end up waking up early in the morning to work on these projects).  I have twelve to make, but I am close to finishing the wrapping now! Whew!  So much to do and so little time!  :-)

Painting Memories

I wish I had time to paint these days.  I dread the idea of pulling out my acrylics and brushes only to have little hands come through and cause destruction.  This is a picture I painted for my husband as a Christmas present several years ago.  Oh the memories!

What I Love

My wedding was one of the best memories of my life!  Not only because I married my best friend, but because it gave me the perfect excuse to make stuff!  My mom made my wedding dress.  She truly is the most talented person I know and my inspiration for everything crafty that I do.  I tackled everything from my wedding cake to handmade quilts as wedding party gifts.  The rustic setting of the renovated tobacco warehouse was the perfect setting for our special day and reflective of my family heritage.  Check out a few pictures of things I made for my wedding!

 My Wedding Cake

Wedding Dress (my mom made) & Aisle Runner

 I Love Bay 7!

 I made coloring book for the little guests

 I made homemade apple jelly as wedding favors

 Wedding Programs/Fans

 Close up of hand painted aisle runner

Apple Cider with Custom Labels

Afternoon Tea

As my birthday approaches I feel inspired to host again.  However, having a little one adds a few extra headaches to entertaining.  Today I decided to look back at some memories of wonderful gathering with friends.  I hosted a tea with some of girlfriends a few years ago, and enjoyed every minute!  It was the perfect excuse to dress up and eat delicious sweets.

 A Table Prepared for Tea With Friends

 Purse Themed Place Cards- Picture frames I found on sale!

Mini Cakes- Cute and yummy