things I like

this chair is at allmodern.com and I love it. That soft large graphic and armless design speaks to me somehow.

Cole Haan Penny loafers. Classic with a twist.

Random thoughts here people. Work with me!

Summer Vacation

Summer is weird for me. I am an organized and task driven girl, so to not have set plans is strange for me. I am trying to embrace it but man, is it ever hard. Birdie and I were hanging out this morning and we used her "knit wit" - so funny. I found the box in my mom's closet - it was purchased in 1964! She made a few of the daisies, then started to read again. A book is ALWAYS in this little girls' hand and she relishes her quiet. To get "out of her way" this morning I totally interrupted her. I made her get out her crayons and design herself a dress with the promise I'd make it for her. Immediately. See, we both win - she gets quiet and I get to sew. Her dress design was adorable and she totally swiped some new fabric I was going to use for myself. I made the pattern out of a newspaper and an old dress that was cute and fit her well. I was worried the ruffle would look "kermit" like, but it's adorable! yeah! she is wearing it today to go on a few errands. after her reading. of course.

Shabby Chic

Fabric.com has Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic fabrics on sale. It's so sad to know her stores closed, but hopefully she can reorganize and be back in a different way.

before and after

Eight and 1/2 months and about 100 lbs of dog food later:

Dog collar

Today was test day for dog collars.  Got the cute dog ribbon from J.Caroline creative.  Actually, all the hardware came from her too.  EASY and fast - had it done in less than 20 minutes.  It's even adjustable.   LOVE that.  Now, just wish I had bought more hardware... 

I even got 3 custom clipboards made for gifts.  No pics, MUCH too far away in my house to take pictures. he he he   Maybe tomorrow.

Profile Art

Lots of chatting about profiles and images out there lately. This is a project that I did this past spring and wanted to share. I always seem a little ahead of the curve so that I did this last spring and NOW it's relavant is somewhat annoying, but alas, I am sure the t still fits.

Anyway - here's how I did it.

Took a profile pic of Birdie and dumped it into the computer. I use Print shop, but I am sure Photo shop directions are similar.

I converted it to black and white.

I played with the contrast until it the profile was black and the background was white. (or white-ish)

I then cropped it a little just to get rid of excess. The image is now ready to be used however you want.

In this case, I turned the color into hot pink and printed it on a transfer sheet and ironed it onto a tshirt. Tricks - I used my "canvas" effect and trimmed the transfer sheet right to the edge of the imprint to make it look more professional.

I also made some cute wall hangings ala Anna Maria Horner that she did on the Martha show. The T is the greatest and every time Birdie wears it, people rave about it, esp. when they realize it's her! So stinking cute!

New duds

Birdie got new duds!  I found this fabric awhile ago and it was supposed to be something else.  I love the 2nd photo.  She's not actually wearing it, she's laying on my dining room table with the outfit ON TOP of her.  

We just decided to make it into a cute top - gathered, ruffle around the bodice.  Just 2 simple buttons on the back.   No pattern, just put together.  If anyone wants the pattern, holler, I can easily come up with one. 

The jeans were ones that still fit, but were too short.  I added the ruffle edge and she duded up the legs. The big flowers are actually cut from the bodice ruffle fabric - so cute!  She made the yo yo's for the other leg.  

She looks like she should be on Laugh In.  She's been singing "Mambo Italiano" from a commercial all weekend, so it's like her lounge singer outfit!  hilarious!