The projects continue. . .

 Now that I've finished my very first crochet project and thoroughly fallen in love with crocheting, I'm anxious to move on and learn something new.  The bag was so much fun to make, I know I will make another one soon!!

And one of the things I love about this bag is that I can now use it to carry my future projects!!

And I already have one of those picked out (of course I do. . .because I always have a new project started-LOL).  I decided after seeing this shawl on the attic 24 blog that I just had to learn how to make these flowers- -they are sooooo pretty!

So after searching high and low for a pattern on how to make these flowers, my friend and fellow craft addict, Laura, found some instructions on-line!!  And behold. . .a new project is started. . .

These flowers are so much fun to make and pretty quick to whip up.  I am really enjoying the process and find it a nice way to wind down after a busy day!  Ahhhhh, there is nothing like a project in progress to keep a craft crazy person like myself happy!

Who doesn't love a new purse. . . .

I am so excited to be learning a new craft- -okay, so I admit it, I'm a bit "craft crazy"!!  And I love a new purse!!  My friend, Laura, introduced me to a very fun blog (a new favorite of mine), http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet/, where I fell in love with this purse. . . .





There was one problem, I don't crochet :(     But with a little help and encouragement from Laura and with directions on the blog, I have started my very first crochet project and I am having so much fun!!  I began with a circle. . .

and then began adding my stripes. . .

and now I'm completely hooked! My pattern is a little different than the original- -but that's what creativity is all about, right?  I'm hoping to have it finished up within the next few days and can't decide if it will be mine or a gift for someone. . . . .hmmmmmm

Rebecca's skirts

Last week I received a wonderful treat from a friend- -a bag of fabric they no longer wanted--(if you love to sew like I do, you know what a real treasure a bag of fabric can be. . .).  In the bag was this wonderful piece of orange and white fabric and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to make it into a fun skirt for my daughter-in-law, Rebecca!  While I was at the store picking up some of the supplies to make the skirt I came across another wonderful piece of fabric and before I knew it, I was making two skirts for Rebecca!  I couldn't wait to get them to her tonight to see if she liked them- -I think she did!!  I have been blessed with the most amazing daughter-in-law and I love to make her gifts, she is always so sweet and excited about everything!  Thank you Rebecca for tolerating my crafting addiction!

I finally did it!

I finally posted an item for sale on etsy.com!  Thank you to a LOT of encouragment from my friends and family, I finally posted one of my make-up bags for sale! 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70918367/make-up-bag

So thankful for my family

I recently got a new camera and I'm soooooo excited about it!  So, of course, I've been dying to try it out by going somewhere that I could just shoot, shoot, shoot photos!  And of course I was hoping to also get my  my favorite subjects, my children, in the pictures.  So today I headed to Huntington Beach to visit the kids and was hoping for a chance to walk to the pier where I could practice taking photos.  However, God had other plans and they included rain.  Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE the rain, but it's not the best weather to have if you are planning to take a walk along the beach!  I admit I was a bit disappointed to have to put off a play day with my camera but was sooooo thrilled to be spending the day with my children, because though I know I am biased, I think they are pretty amazing!  And they proved how amazing they are when, even though it was cold and stormy, they willingly stopped at the beach and got out of the car and allowed me to take a few pictures.  As you can see it was a bit crazy with the wind and the rain and they are not exactly the kind of photos you put on a Christmas card or frame for the wall- -but I think they will always be some of my favorites because of the price the kids paid to allow me at least a little playtime with my new toy!!  Thank you Nicholas and Rebecca!!!

A bag for Rebecca.

I love this surf board fabric and knew immediately who it would be perfect for- - -my daughter-in-law, Rebecca!  I found this cute starfish button at Joann's today and knew it would be the perfect compliment to this fabric.  I can't wait to give her the bag tomorrow. . .

More bags

I worked on the make-up bag design a little more tonight.  I'm happier with the zipper thanks to a new technique Laura Maxell shared with me- -Thanks Laura!!  Candace I'm going to try the elastic inserts on the next bag for holding those smaller items.  Still not 100% satisfied with the bags but getting closer. . . .

The brown one is long and "squatty" and could be used for sunglasses (thank you for the idea Rebecca!).

Hmmmmm, hopefully almost ready to list on etsy- - will check with my "quality control peeps" at work tomorrow :)