Grab a Cuppa! This is going to be a long one...

That's right...we have a lot of catching up to do here. I've been working on things the last few weeks that I need to update you all on, so grab a cup of joe (or tea, water, whatever), find a cozy seat, and let's get caught up.

Well...I guess this is obvious...another corner of my hive. I love this color on the walls - during the day it's so cheerful as the light streams in, and at night, it's so calming and soothing. I chose to accent our room in red for two reasons: I like the color combination, and the significance of red in Chinese culture. For those of you who don't know me personally, my DH happens to be Chinese. So in decorating our house, I've found a combination called "Eurasian chic" is what suits us best. It's very simple and non-cluttered, with only the things that we love and have personal meaning for us and our family. So...that means lots of things symbolizing both the Chinese and Scandinavian/Celtic roots of our family. Also, the bed and nighttables were handmade by Bob (in the earlier years before the kiddies).

Moving on...

You might remember me mentioning this dress. Well, I did finish it (with a few adjustments)! The zipper was giving me quite the fright, and after three times of ripping out the seams, I finally just sewed up the back seem and used four hooks-and-eyes to close up the top. I really love it; it's just so dang comfortable, especially with a tank or t-shirt underneath, my black leggings, and black ballet flats. Tres chic, mai oui? It's a McCall's pattern I picked up at Walmart for $2.99, and the fabric is from Joann's. Someday I'll model it for you...

Next!

A little bunny love! I had set out to make the whole bunny for the kiddies, but Will, being curious as only a 3 1/2 yr. old can be, saw this bunny's face and wanted him right away. He's a thrifted and felted bunny face, made with much love from my dear grandmother's sweaters. They have been sitting in my cedar chest for years, and I just couldn't depart with them, even though the were full of holes and such. So...felted they were and now are being turned into what I am calling "Funny Faces". After an overwhelming response from family and friends from the bunnies at Easter, I am now working on pigs, dogs, sheep, and cats. Keep reading...they may be for sale at Etsy soon!

That's right....

As soon as I get feedback from a few good friends on these prototypes, I hope to be up and running at Etsy. You know how inspiration often comes at the strangest times, in the strangest places? I used to plan my best lessons when I was still teaching in the shower in the morning before school. Well, this idea came to me while I was running on the treadmill at the gym! When I work out, I don't glow or glisten; I sweat. And having to stop every minute or so to wipe my brow and push back my sweaty bangs was not so fun. I looked for sweatbands online, but they were all, dare I say, rather masculine. I believe in equality as much as the next person, but I still want to look cute when I work out. I don't need a big Adidas or Nike on my forehead. So, being the problem solver that I am, I came up with the idea of the Wick Band. It's essentially a headband, with cute fabric on the front and an aborbent layer of terry cloth next to your head. It's elastic (covered also in terry cloth) that makes it adjustable for just about any sized head, and the terry cloth makes it more comfortable and absorbs sweat there as well. Make sense?

I'm also working on Wick Wipes (again fabric on one side, terry cloth on the other...a cuter towel alternative for the gym) and a Wick Tote (same idea, but in a tote bag, so the inside doesn't get all wet with your water bottle and clothes after you change). I did some research, and there doesn't seem to be anything like this around, so I hope that others might be interested in these as well. In addition to being useful at the gym, I thought the bands might be great when your gardening, and even for women in labor. Kind of weird, but you know how mussed up you get....the band would keep the sweat off your face and make you presentable for all of those pictures. Andyhow, I'll keep you posted....

I also am working on these in my "spare" time....

The head band theme seems to be stuck in my head. These are more for little girls (of which I have none in my immediate or extended family!) and are essentially braided. Again, I'm still working on the prototype, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Finally (yes, you're almost to the end), I couldn't let a Friday post go by without adding this picture, because it reminds me of the TRUE inspiration in my life. As long as I have the three guys in my life, I am truly blessed. All the rest is just icing on the proverbial cake...so for all of you, a little baby love...