Wordless Wednesday--Toddler Friendships

A picture of little S with one of her new little friends a few weeks ago. I love how they look so deep in conversation! Toddler friendships must be intense. LOL

Thanks Kim for meeting us that day and sharing pictures!

Craft Swap Updates!

I was recently in a craft swap hosted by Kelci at http://craftymamacreations.blogspot.com/ . Each of us in the swap was paired up w/ another crafter and asked to create a few crafty items for them based on their wishlist. I received my package and was thrilled w/ my 2 items!! Thanks Squelly!

She just set up an Etsy shop, too, and will have items for sale soon! www.sentimentsontimber.etsy.com

Crafting Tutorials for the Summer?

There are a few new crafting areas that I'd love to try--jewelry, basic sewing, and creating hair bows and clips for my daughter. Does anyone have any tutorials for these crafts? I'd love to support a blog reader if they have a tutorial or kit for sale for the beginner.

I had high hopes for getting my new sewing machine out before vacation but it hasn't happened yet. It will be out as soon as I get some time!

Happy Father's Day!!!

I hope that all of the Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, Brothers, and other men that play a special role in our lives have a great day today. Relax and enjoy it!

Officially on Vacation for the Week

Yay! We're doing our own version of a "staycation" this week starting with Dora Live! tonight in Columbus. On Sunday morning, we're making the long drive to Philadelphia to stay for the week. Wonder what we'll be up to the next few days? We're planning on visiting Sesame Place, the Please Touch Museum, the Jersey shore/ beach area, historical sites in Philly, and possibly Hershey or Gettsyburg on the way back. It's our first driving vacation like this with our 2 year old. Please send lots of patience our way! LOL

I have scheduled a few blog posts throughout the week, but my regular blogging will start back next weekend.

Friday's Featured Seller--QuiltedMemories4u!

I know that I've mentioned Amanda of QuiltedMemories4u on here before, as she's a close friend and sorority sister of mine from college and new EtsySecrets member. I've featured her memory/ tshirt quilts, as well as her new tool roll-ups for Dads, but this is the first time to introduce her new clothing line. I can honestly say that I'm the proud owner of 2 shirts, 2 strapless dresses, and 2 skirts/ shirts all handcrafted by Miss Amanda herself! These are new additions to her shop, so please stop by and check them out. They would even be great for maternity wear! She's very easy to work with and loves custom orders!
The Strapless Dress $45:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26580454

The skirt/ shirt $20:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26581254

The Spotted Box for June!

Just got our Spotted Box today, and it rocks as usual! There were several hairbows and clips for Little S, a bracelet for her, bath and body items and more. It was a really good mix again this month! I will try and update w/ links and items if I get a chance before vacation. :)

Wordless Wednesday--Fun at COSI

My two favorite people in the whole world. I love how Little S is beaming in this picture, and yes, this old ratty Hawaiian shirt is my husband's favorite shirt. :)

Art Finds From My Teammates and Etsy Buddies

Looking for something artistic for yourself, your home, or a gift? Check out these recent finds from my Etsy teammates and Etsy Secrets buddies!

This pendant from MadMaggiePendants $12:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21853074

This earring tree from TimothyAdamDesigns $37.80:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26501646

Want an aquarium without all of the work? You need this painting from Arteest $110:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21769962

Recent Swap Items

I was recently in a craft swap hosted by Kelci at http://craftymamacreations.blogspot.com . Each one of us in the swap was paired up w/ a partner and asked to create approx. a $40 gift for a partner. Since my partner loved the colors aqua, green, and brown and wanted to decorate her place a bit, I chose this Amy Butler pattern. I made a set of magnet clips, a matching set of ceramic coasters and a 6x6 trivet, as well as an altered frame using this pattern and aqua paint. The frame came out a bit more distressed than I had hoped, but it still looks cute. I had really hoped to be able to sew a few little things but I didn't have the time to really sit down and figure out my sewing machine before the end of the swap.

The Spotted Box is on Sale Now!!

I sent in 60 samples again this month, and I honestly cannot say enough good things about the quality (and variety) of the samples in this box each month. Get your June box here today:

www.thespottedbox.etsy.com

They sell out quickly!

Friday Favorites for Little Girls!

Just a few of my favorites for little girls this week from some of my fellow team members and Etsy Secrets members. My daughter loved looking through these with me. Enjoy!

This adorable messenger bag for little girls from Mee A Bee (many choices for boys, too!):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22666602

Cute froggy necklace for little girls from Adornments by Karla (great custom orders, too!) :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14292823

Cute summer hair clips from TheLittleLoveBug (lots of fabulous felt food, too!):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26327211

This adorable doll from Bumblebird (she makes doll dresses, too!):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25721128

Wordless Wednesday--The Rock Star Kit

Tell me your thoughts. All shiny, foiled papers mixed w/ black, silver, and hot pink.

A few items for the Dads...

A few items that I've found on Etsy and in the shops of my EtsySecrets and EtsyColumbus team members that are perfect for the Dad/ Grandpa/ Husband/ etc. in your life. Father's Day is just around the corner!

The Water-Resistant Tool Roll-Up from QuiltedMemories4u:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26164552

The "Old Guys Rule" Ceramic Coaster Set from my own shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25954084

"The Suits" Business Card Cozy from AndreaBaker:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20272675

New Changes Ahead...

Well to start off, I've been having ongoing wrist pain in my right wrist for about 6 months now. I just ice it and ignore it for the most part but decided to go to the dr. today. They're pretty certain that it's carpal tunnel sydrome, so I've been referred on to Ortho Neuro to deal w/ the numbness in my fingers. Of course, I'm right-handed and need the use of my wrist all day w/ a toddler, but I've been prescribed a splint to wear to bed each night to isolate my wrist and give it time to rest.

Now for the new changes ahead...
I plan to go through my Etsy shop and remove any items that are causing me pain. There are only a few that really require a lot of wrist movement (such as hang tags, etc.), but I'm going to have to take a break from some of these items for awhile to see if I notice any improvement. Hopefully if I just focus on my coasters, banners, and a few of the other easier items, then this pain will ease up some. Thank you for patience and understanding while I work through this!

Custom Cupcakes!

Just finished a custom cupcake birthday party set that included 30 cupcake toppers handstamped w/ the girl's name and 3 sets of matching centerpieces in hot pink/ orange/ and purple. Cute!

Friday Favorites--Sale Items!!

For this week's Friday Favorites, I decided to focus on sale items from my Etsy Secrets buddies! All of these items are currently in their sale sections. Happy Shopping!

These great earrings from Katy at SouthPawStudios:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25673953

This amazing necklace from TimelessInspirations:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17691490

This funky cha cha bracelet from Cindy's Art and Soul:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11038830

Wordless Wednesday--The Pretty Pink Potty

This is what happens when a 2 year old gets in Mommy's ribbons and decides to make her potty look all pretty. She was so proud of herself. :)

Etsy Secrets Tuesday!

I've decided to take a day or two each week and feature someone from the new Etsy Secrets group, and today's feature shop is my Etsy Secrets Buddy--Studio618! She creates handmade jewelry and Judaica using traditional metalsmithing techniques. She has some beautiful rings, bookmarks, and jewelry in her shop and can work with you to create custom pieces, too. Wouldn't the ring above make a gorgeous wedding band?

http://www.studio618.etsy.com/
Follow me on Twitter - @studio618
and my blog - http://studio618.blogspot.com/

Custom 3x3 and Business Card Envelopes

I had a recent custom order for 40 Amy Butler striped thank you cards and matching 3x3 Amy Butler envelopes. This is the first time I've done an envelope order that size, so it took me longer than I anticipated, but I like the end result. I'm planning to add 3x3 envelopes and business card envelopes to my Etsy shop. Let me know if there's any others you'd like to see!