Boutique Girl Gifts

Keeping it Simple

2012-02-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

When I decorated for Christmas I used less than 1/4 of the decorations I own. I needed my house to seem like Christmas, but I needed it to be simple. Not a lot of time putting things up, and not a lot of time taking them down. I put up some of my favorites (remember the bowl of antique ornaments) and called it a day.

I don't normally decorate for Valentines Day. It's all I can do to get Christmas put away in a timely manner. But this year, I wanted to. I was sure I had decorations waiting in a bin that never get put out.

I found one ornament.

One.

Then I remembered some springy wreaths I'd thrifted a while back.

So I put them together.

It makes me smile.

Sometimes keeping it simple is all you need.

New Calendars

2012-01-16T22:31:00.000-05:00

We've finished the third week of 2012.

I've spent 9 days in the office.

I have no 2012 calendar.

It's making me batty.

So many things that I do on a daily basis revolve around dates. Reviewing contracts. Making season calendars. I sent out an email to the board committee I'm responsible for about an upcoming meeting, and after I hit send I panicked that the 19th is not actually Thursday. And I had nothing to look up and reassure myself that I was remembering the schedule correctly. (It is Thursday, by the way.)

Usually I spend the days following Christmas looking for a deal on the next year's calendar. I mean why pay full price? This year I was blessed to be gifted two calendars. One of scenes Iowa in all seasons. It's pretty great to see fantastic photos of the place I grew up every month...some are of places I've actually been!

The other is a great indy designed calendar my sister found on Etsy. I've been looking at it every night on my kitchen calendar, in it's plastic sleeve thinking how I needed to get a frame for it. And then I remembered I had a frame that I had from my first craft shows that I wasn't using anymore. It was on top of the dryer. And had been for some time.

I finally pulled it up from the basement (why is it so difficult to walk down those stairs sometimes?) scrubbed off the caked on dryer lint (ok, not really, that makes my laundry situation sound like a fire hazard. It was just dusty.) and put it together.

On Friday I gave it a place of honor on top of my (also dusty) PC tower.

Watcha think?

I rather like it.

Maybe next year the "indy designer" who supplies my office calendar will BE my sister. Check out some of the great stuff she's designed!

Saving the Planet

2011-12-04T20:56:00.001-05:00

Sometimes recycling in your own home isn't enough. Sometimes you have to bring recycling across state lines.

Fortunately that isn't a punishable offense.

Saving the planet, one bag of number 5 recycling at a time.

New product line

2011-11-20T20:06:00.001-05:00

Well, I did it.

I introduced droolies to this weekend's craft show. (remember this post?)

Although I have some left, I sold quite a few. I'd say they were a hit!

Look for these beauties coming to an etsy shop near you soon!

And then? It snowed.

2011-11-13T12:47:00.001-05:00

I'm a bit behind in posting the video I took of snowtober.

Little did I know when I took this video that there would be many downed limbs in the backyard and that the house would be without power for three days. Thankfully, the natural gas furnace, water heater and stove all remained working. I'm so thankful I was not one of the folks who had no heat or hot water. I'm also thankful the power came back when it did. Many went without for a week or more. No thanks. I can do a lot of "pioneer women" type things. Surviving in the dark of night is not one of them.

Enjoy our first snowfall in CT!

ETA: just kidding. I can't get the video to load. Imagine big thick flakes, 32 degrees on the thermometer. And all the leaves on the trees were still green. Snowtober. I'd rather not meet you again.

Hey Pumpkin!

2011-10-09T20:37:00.000-04:00

5 hrs ago, all that was on my fireplace mantel was just a spot to collect things...speakers, birthday cards, photos of my god daughter which are considerably older than she actually is. Red metallic candles from holiday decorating still hung on the sconces above. The wreath on the front door was sporting sunflowers, and a tired orange ribbon that I *meant* to replace all summer.

Today was the day to clean up all the riff raff and get out the fall themed decorations. I've been enjoying the battery operated candle that is set to come on around dusk and flickers in the front window when I pull in the drive, so it was time to pull out the coordinating decorations. Gone is the wreath with the sad floppy bow. It it's place a lovely harvest wreath with acorns and an appropriately fluffed leaf themed bow. I know the mailman and paperboy will approve.

This, however, is my favorite Halloween decoration.

Yep, that pumpkin is from a ceramics place my grandmother frequented when I was a small child. I can remember putting the candy I got trick or treating inside. Somehow, I was allowed to keep that pumpkin and the candy in my bedroom.

In case you were wondering, the ghost I've had ten years or less...doesn't look much different than the crafty punkin' does it? Not ALL 1970 something crafts look dated...now where did I put that macramé book?

And in case you thought I had it ALL together, I found this lurking in the breakfast nook...

Yep. A snowman. Maybe he'll just stay there for a couple more months...

Time for something new?

2011-09-30T21:52:00.000-04:00

I recently was asked to make some bibs in a smaller size than I normally do. I have spent time "perfecting" my standard pattern, and really wasn't interested in going back to the drawing board, and doing it all again. To me the bib size is part of my "signature" and I wasn't sure I wanted to change all that.

But the request was from a friend, and I just couldn't say no. So I made them.

They are so adorable. And they use up those pesky scraps that are too small for my "usual" projects (or some of them anyway).

So now I'm torn. Do I take my bibs in a whole new direction and add this smaller, newborn friendly size?

Hey Monkey!

2011-09-08T23:23:00.001-04:00

So I turned a year older this week.

My amazing co-worker, Lauren, made me the bestest birthday cake I've had in a long, long time.

Read all about it here. Lauren's telling of the making of this cake is the icing on the cake (so to speak).

And she's right.

I loved it.

So....there's this thing called a hurricane

2011-08-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

I've never experienced a hurricane before. Tornado, yes. Hurricane, no.

It's been all about preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. I've learned a lot -- like why you fill up your bath tub, and that putting tape over your windows is mostly over rated. My car's got a tank full of gas, so I can charge my cell phone if the power is out (j/k -- kinda). We've been filling various jugs with water so we've got something to drink. I'm doing laundry. Not because we'll run out of clean clothes, but to be sure there is sufficient fabric for projects.

I'm resisting the urge to cook and bake up anything I can think of. Today is not the day for filling up the freezer...although I did fill up various containers with water to freeze to help retain the cold in our currently fairly empty freezer in the case of a power outage.

I did, however, bake zucchini bread.

We needed SOMETHING to eat in the dark.

Keeping Cookies

2011-07-28T22:15:00.000-04:00

By now I'm sure you've surmised that I love thrifting and vintage and things that remind me of people near and dear to me.

This week's vintage, thrifty find has to do with my grandmother's cookies.

Both my Grandmothers were great bakers. Each had their own style and specialties...not only in what they made but how they were stored and delivered.

This lovely find

reminds me of sugar cookies. My grandmother would make what seemed like endless sugar cookies decorated to perfection for most holidays. Orange pumpkins with current eyes for Halloween, hearts for Valentines day. For Christmas I remember a cookie cutter she had that outlined a mother and child which my grandmother frosted with a toothpick to get different colors in the outlines. (Note to self...ask what happened to that cookie cutter...). Grandma's tin was larger and deeper, but the top is exactly the same. We still have cookies of some sort stored in her tin every Christmas in Iowa.

My other grandmother stored her cookies in an equally unique tin...a storage/shipping tin for a film reel. They also make great storage for a pie, if deep enough. Haven't found one of those... yet...

A long time ago...

2011-07-20T22:34:00.000-04:00

In a land far away...

(ok, not that far, but a few states from here)

I was going to my weekly ceramics class, and made a mirror for my new baby sister who had been born that day.

It was a simple mirror, with a chunky, clunky rattle on it and if I remember correctly my new little sister's initials.

Happy Birthday! I'm so glad you were born!

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T21:44:00.000-04:00

Hope y'all had a great three day weekend celebrating all the 4th of July means to you.

Special thanks to all who have served, are serving, or will serve to preserve the freedom that is easy for us to take for granted every day.

I'll share some more of the weekend adventures later this week!

Progress?

2011-06-12T20:35:00.002-04:00

I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again.

A good sewing day is one where the garbage can is full. In my quest to destash and USE the fabric I have, here is the great accomplishment of this weekend:

(if I can figure out how to get the photo off my iphone and into my computer it will appear here...technology, why do you challenge me so? Hey look! I figured it out!)

So it's one small garbage can of scraps. But it's full. And I have stacks of bib pieces on the cutting table waiting to be put together in addition to the dozen that are waiting for me to turn them inside out. Progress.

The failing this weekend was in my fancy sewing machine that has the fancy stitches I use to finish off the gems I sell in my shop. The tension stopped working. No amount of re-threading or cajoling resulted in a seam with an appropriate tension. It's a problem when you can just pull the bobbin thread out, right? So off to the machine doctor we go...I hope I can get out there this week before Thursday!

Luckily I have a back up plan. My trusty machine that has been with me almost 20 years. (How is it possible I can write that? 20 years? WHAT?!?!?) Thanks, Mom, for the best high school graduation present a girl could ask for.

To Stash or Not to Stash

2011-05-31T22:53:00.001-04:00

That is the question.

I listened to a podcast a couple nights ago and the podcaster was talking about sewing thru all her fabric stash. I mean all of it. She had one piece of denim left. She was debating how much stash she felt like she should have. What was the right amount to feel like you could just decide to go sew and have options of what you want to create but not so much that it would feel overwhelming.

I gotta tell you. The idea of walking into my sewing room and having neat, clean, uncluttered shelves sounds like a dream. I would be delighted. But the idea of walking in and seeing just one piece of fabric? That makes me uncomfortable. Really uncomfortable.

I've gotten very used to being able to solve a sewing challenge with whatever supplies I can find in my studio. In fact, I've started to feel proud about not always having to run out to get something (thread, elastic, etc) to finish a project. But how much it too much? How do you know when to say when? How many fabric bins in the basement of things that no longer fit in the studio is too many?

I recently visited a friend who has always been a person where there is a place for everything and everything is in it's place. Always. That's never been me. But it's sooo appealing. Realistically I won't likely ever be that kind of organized, but I'm definitely more conscious about how much might be too much.

So I've started. I'm attempting to use up my stash. If the perfect fabric or notion doesn't immediately make itself apparent, the project goes off to the side. The perfect thing is in there somewhere...I just haven't searched to the bottom of the right tub yet. No really.

Wish me luck. And if you're in the market for some sewing supplies...give me a buzz...I might have just what you're looking for!

Thrifty Finds -- Crafty Edition

2011-05-28T18:27:00.000-04:00

A thirty percent off coupon for Savers. How was this not burning a hole in my pocket? How did I manage to keep it in my purse until the LAST day before it expired. How could I not take a trip to Savers just to see if there was anything worth getting "on sale"? I did. And it was worth it.

First, for those of you who don't know Savers is a store much like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. And you know I'm always in for a thrifty store to search for treasures.

In addition to finding a great black short trench coat which I needed to replace the worn out one in my closet and a couple funky scarves for my collection I always check out the crafty section. I'm a sucker for recycling craft supplies that someone else never got to use, or grew tired of. Vintage trims and fabrics are one of my favorite finds...some you just can't get anymore and the price is generally right, if you know what I mean.

On this particular trip the great finds were yarn.

How could I say no? Four skeins of a pinky peach silk and cotton Noro and two skeins (albeit in two colors) of Cascade alpaca/angora blend. I think I need to start scouring my "One Skein" books to see what gems I can dig up to turn these gems into some fun and functional projects. I'm certainly up for suggestions.

What thrifty finds have you scored lately?

One More Sleep

2011-04-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

Sister,
This one's for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhjTHlui2ws

See you tomorrow!

Treasures

2011-03-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

This past Christmas I came home with quite a few treasures.

Nothing particularly fancy or expensive. But near and dear to my heart. It got me thinking about the other treasured items which I've already been fortunate enough to have as part of my daily existence. So I decided to share some of those treasures with you. Hopefully, this will be something that will prompt me to blog on a more regular basis. At least for a while. But enough about me...on to the treasure.

Today's treasure is simple. A rug. But not just any rug. One with some history. My great (great?) grandfather was a weaver of rugs. The "fabric" is denim that had outlived it's useful life as overalls, coveralls, etc on the family farm. I've been surrounded by these rugs since I was a kid. They would come out in the winter to help hold the snow, salt and just plain ick of Iowa winter out on the back porch. My grandmother would use them in her house just about anywhere you could use a throw rug. They're machine washable, and practically indestructible. The loved, used and worn rugs are just as amazing as the never been used rugs.

At some point in the past 10 years my grandmother decided that each of her grandchildren needed a rug as a reminder of this man who is part of their lineage. I was fortunate enough to end up with two that year--it's always nice when your grandma likes your boyfriend and gives him the family gift too. :)

This past Christmas I got to choose another rug from the large rough wooden box that houses the few rugs that remain. Here she is:

Brand spankin' new. I'm so looking forward to adding the wear and love to this great rug, treasuring it for many, many years to come.

It really is easy, being green

2011-03-20T20:02:00.001-04:00

Kermit the Frog was wrong.

It's so easy to be green!

Everyone is brings their own bags into the grocery store, drug store, Target, fabric store, right?

This weekend we to it to the next level. Produce bags.

I found these great bags on Etsy before Christmas, and bought a couple sets for gifts. AMKDesigns makes a great set of six produce bags with a pouch that holds them all together. See?

Luckily one of my gift recipients is the guy who goes grocery shopping with me. ( See how that works?)
In addition to using the reusable produce bags, we were at a local "wholesale" fruit and veggie place. Trying all kinds of new stuff this weekend!

What's your new eco friendly discovery?

WIP Weekend

2011-02-20T22:05:00.000-05:00

I love a three day weekend. The feeling you have going to bed Sunday night knowing that there is still "one more day" is better than hitting the snooze button in the morning. ("Five more minutes!")

After a reasonable amount of weekend couch sitting, I started to tackle various works in progress. Especially with my business, there are always started, but not quite complete projects lying around the sewing room...and other places.

So far I've managed to finish weaving in the ends on a baby blanket I knit for charity, finished off three (or four) knit dishcloths for the shop, tinked back 8 rows on another charity blanket to fix a glaring mistake, knit back those 8 rows and then some, finished two 1/2 done aprons, and added to the stack of 1/2 done bibs and blankets. Sounds like a lot, right? Don't look in my sewing room then. :-)

Respect

2011-02-19T22:14:00.000-05:00

Everybody wants it.

Everybody deserves it.

Nobody thinks they have it.

Give it, to get it. You've got to earn it.

Listen to Aretha. She'll help you understand.

I hope it fits

2011-01-23T21:10:00.000-05:00

I'm enthralled with knitting tiny things for tiny people that I haven't met yet.

January's baby knitting was a Vintage Baby Cardigan out of some fun and sassy sock yarn. Easy to follow directions, and a fairly quick knit. Done within a couple weeks, including a decent amount of procrastination before actually doing the finishing work.

I used a three needle bind off, which may have been a first. I also was blessed with my grandmother's knitting needle stash this Christmas, and I was uber grateful for the HUGE stitch holders I found in her knitting stuff. They were super handy for knitting the various pieces of this pattern...there are only two seams afterall.

Isn't it cute?

What should I knit next?

What I did on Christmas vacation

2011-01-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about vacation is being able to focus on the very few crafting projects that fit into my suitcase. Usually I have a difficult time picking out projects to take along, and always have a list longer than there is actually time to accomplish, or room in the suitcase.

This time, it was easy.

A good friend of mine is having a baby. Any day now. I decided back in the fall that I was going to knit her a pair of longies. I did a lot of searching on Ravelry and found many great patterns. I finally picked one from http://www.buttknits.com/. The website was very helpful when I questioned what size to make, and how to finish off the waistband, and what washing instructions I should include.

So I cast them on before Christmas, and cast them off before New Year's Eve! This pattern is easy to follow, well written and super cute!

I can't wait for the next time I see these little pants, on baby Fuller!

Is this thing on?

2010-12-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

Santa brought me a fancy new toy...and I'm wondering how effective it might be for blogging. So this is jut a test. I've got no fun photos on this thing, so I can't even show you how much snow there is in Iowa.

Allin good time, my friends. And if his irks, there just might be more blogging in my future...

Saucy

2010-10-09T21:48:00.000-04:00

Apples are another great thing about fall. There are so many varieties to choose from. Personally, I prefer a crisp apple for eating. But there are so many other uses for apples.

We had a small windfall of apples of an unknown variety this week, so I decided to take a crack at my grandmother's apple sauce. It's SUPER easy to make. And SUPER delicious.

Quarter and core your apples. Cook until soft.

This is my vintage Foley food mill. A fantastic invention. And the rockstar in this recipe.

Put your cooked apples thru the food mill. Add 1/3 - 2/3c. sugar and 1/2t. cinnamon to taste to your liking. Make sure you add the sugar while your apples are still warm.

Once it cools, you can freeze it.

We often ate this apple sauce out of the freezer, shaving it off the frozen block as it defrosted. Leaving the skins on while cooking and processing is what gives this applesauce it's pink hue. Don't worry, there are no skins in your final product. Even picky eaters will like this one.

Fall

2010-10-08T07:06:00.000-04:00

Fall is one of my favorite times of year.

The leaves on the trees turn fantastic colors.

There is a crispness in the air in the morning that is invigorating, and reminds me of early morning marching band practice.

And, it means it's time for wearing these...

Other Great Things About Oregon

2010-09-09T20:32:00.000-04:00

One thing I miss living on the East Coast, is seeing my family more than once or twice a year.

How did my siblings both end up on the West Coast? The three hour time difference can be brutal. But we try to hang out "just kids" at least once a year.

We do things like visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory.

mmm...cheese...

(they also had amazing ice cream)

The photo ops were the best thing about the Blue Heron French Cheese Factory.

They don't make there cheese on site anymore. What?!?!?

And we saw some amazing views.

Our little house with no cell service or internet is on that cliff.

It was an awesome week.

Sweet Dog

2010-09-01T22:16:00.000-04:00

Hobie

One of the best things about visiting Oregon this month.

Another Man's Junk...

2010-08-29T19:53:00.000-04:00

Was my treasure tonight.

A house on the corner of our street had two huge piles of original 1920's hardwood doors sitting on their curb this afternoon.

After a bit of hard work by my man D, we have a bucket full of amazing door hardware. Sadly, none of the doors were the right size or kind for any of the places we could use new (old) doors in the house.

Check it out!

This pinky one is all mine!

Ain't she a beaut?

I love finding treasures that someone else has junked. The best form of recycling, I think.

New Decor

2010-08-01T20:11:00.001-04:00

A couple months ago I decided my tent needed to be spruced up for the various upcoming shows, so I got busy creating some flag bunting to decorate my otherwise plain white tent.

Cute right? I had a couple folks ask about purchasing them. I love these too much to part with them (read, surprised someone wanted to purchase them). I decided I should make some for my etsy store.

So here they are!

There will be more...any special requests?

A Weekend Away

2010-06-15T23:28:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a weekend away is all you need to kick start things again.

I spent the weekend "finishing" my Christmas gift with a friend. We "gave" each other a weekend at each others home for a sewing weekend. You can work on whatever you want, but have the benefit of the other person's eye, expertise, and fitting. It's pretty tricky marking your own hems. Those chalk skirt markers aren't all they are cracked up to be.

Since I wasn't at home, I didn't have all the usual distractions...overwhelming choices of stacks and stacks of fabric, piles of paper to be organized, laundry, you know what I'm talkin' about. So I got some stuff done!

Remember this shirt? It's finally finished! It took me longer than I'd like to admit to get up the courage to put on the snaps. I was afraid I was going to ruin it. It's it awesome!

I also accomplished 2/3 of a gift for another friend whose birthday was in April. She wanted a set of re-useable bags that she could roll up and easily keep in her car or on her person. Voila! (well, almost). These are made using this pattern. It's easy to follow, and makes a pretty cute lookin' bag. I upcycled a gorgeous Garnet Hill sheet for these puppies...a queen sized sheet is A LOT of fabric...there will be more to come with these great zinnias in the future.

And, of course, there is a pile of 1/2 finished stuff that needed the fancy stitches of my fancy sewing machine to finish.

So what'd you do this weekend?

Words to Live By

2010-06-02T22:35:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite Mary Engelbreight illustrations.

We should all be so luck to experience such joy each and every day.

Thrifty Weekend

2010-03-23T21:48:00.001-04:00

It was beautiful this past weekend. I forgot it was only the middle of March...no coats, bright sunshine. A great pick me up from the winter doldrums.

Since ya'll know I didn't spend the weekend in my garden, I thought I'd share some of my thrifty finds.

The find of the weekend was two boxes of vintage christmas balls to add to my "collection". One was broken by the check out guy (boo!) but I did get a steep discount on that box (yeah!), so I guess it all works out. Check out these new beauties.

Do you see the one that looks like it might have been a Santa? How cute is he?

I also hit the purse/handbag/totebag motherload.

Woo hoo! At least one of these I'm going to be gifting, and another I hope to send to a Vera Bradley fan.

And finally, some great vintage pyrex found their way into my shopping cart. I hope I can find the perfect collector for these items.

What are your latest thrifty finds?

My Green Thumb

2010-03-21T13:13:00.000-04:00

No matter the amount of neglect I have shown my yard, these pretties have popped up.

Thank you, mother nature, for proving to us that spring is truly here.

Stay tuned for some updates on my thrifty adventures this weeked. I *love* other people's spring cleaning!

Spring Has Sprung

2010-03-14T21:39:00.000-04:00

I've finally gotten out of my winter, non sewing rut.

Boutique Girl Gifts inventory has been multiplying by leaps and bounds over the past few weeks.

Here are some of the latest goodies.

Packing and tagging

Stop by and check out our latest goodies http://www.boutiquegirl.etsy.com/.

Time to plan the rest of this year's craft shows...or at least the next couple of months anyway.

New Etsy Team

2010-02-12T20:51:00.002-05:00

Check out Team hartbeat, CT's newest Etsy team located in the capitol city (and surrounding areas).

I LOVE that they are planning a team craft meet up! Fun times!

http://teamhartbeat.blogspot.com/

Blocking Makes Everything Better

2010-01-31T22:10:00.000-05:00

Behold, my first official knitted project which required blocking.

Op Art baby blanket in black and white CotLin yarn by Knit Picks.

It was a fun, but long knit. With a lot of ends to weave in.

I suggest making a cute tag to complete your gift. It will distract the recipient from the flaws in your knitting.

Giving

2010-01-18T21:01:00.001-05:00

I've been thinking about giving today.

It's no secret I love to give gifts...even more than I love receiving them. Seeing the joy in the recipients eye is priceless, and does a body good. Giving for no reason, other than "I'm thinking of you" is often the most rewarding.

But not all gifts have anything to do with money. The gift of time can be the most precious gift of all. Giving your time to help another, is not a favor that needs to be repaid, but can be a gift that you give yourself. The feeling you have giving to another, whether a friend or stranger, is it's own reward.

Find a cause or a friend that could benefit from your gift of time, and give your time freely. Trust me, you'll feel fantastic.

Ahead of Schedule

2010-01-11T23:42:00.001-05:00

I've been working on a special knitty gift for a new little gal that I'm going to meet this weekend. She was born a few weeks early--totally healthy, but this necessitated increased knitting time. STAT!

This morning I figured out I had 30 rows to go...and that each row was taking me over 20 minutes to complete. So I ambitiously decided that I had about 10 hours of knitting left to complete this gift. Where was I going to get 10 hrs? PLUS I need to block this gift and since this will be my first knitted item that requires blocking, who knows how long it will take to dry? Nevermind. I put aside the daunting time commitment, and was determined to finish knitting between tonight and tomorrow night.

I'm knitting along tonight and quickly realized that I would run out of my black yarn before completing the final 18 black rows...I got 12 completed. I hopped on ravelry to see if anyone else had this problem. I mean, I know I didn't check my gague (No chastizing, Katie!), but I shouldn't be out of yarn?!?!? After searching many forum posts I finally click on the link for the pattern.

Way at the bottom I find this:

Errata from Designer: Errata:
The smaller size blanket should end after the line:
Work 16 rounds B. 552 sts
working the additional 2 stripes results in running out of yarn.

No kidding.

I've cast off, so instead of knitting for hours tomorrow night, I'll be weaving in ends, and researching wet blocking. It feels great to be ahead of schedule!

JOY!

2009-12-16T20:38:00.000-05:00

Ever since I put this together on my coffee table Sunday afternoon I have had such joy fill my heart.

I just love it.

The ornaments came from my mother's basement last Christmas. I can't say I remember having them on our tree going up, but I will happily pretend that we did. The are some of my "new" favorite ornaments from my childhood. And in their original Shiney Brite box to boot!

JOY!

Thrifty Finds

2009-12-12T23:33:00.001-05:00

Holiday shopping this weekend took me to a couple of my favorite thrifty spots.

I can't show you all my thrifty treasures, as two are gifts...yes, that's right. Gifts. I love giving gifts which are something that was no longer wanted by the original owner and will be the loved by the recipient. Hopefully both gifts will be "on the mark".

Otherwise, I found these lovelies.

I'd been on the lookout for the small pyrex dishes. I have always liked them (they remind me of my grandmother), but never thought I had a reason for having them. And since storage is at a premium in our kitchen, I always left these lovely little bowls behind. Until a week or so ago when I needed to melt just a little bit of butter, and had nothing but a large soup bowl to melt it in. I instantly had a reason for owning these tiny bowls. And I figured out a spot to store them. So the hunt began. I was thrilled to find these on Friday night. And I left at least three others behind for the next lucky soul.

The tin and the pear I don't have definate plans for. I'd like to incorporate both into this year's holiday decorating. We'll see how that goes. All the boxes are in the living room, and the tree is up. Decorating has begun!

In Boutique Girl Gift news, I also found this at Marshalls.

Pretty cute...and I think might just work for displaying bibs. The question is, should it stay pink, or should I spray pain it red. Or maybe white? Let me know what you think!

Friends help you keep your sanity

2009-11-24T22:01:00.002-05:00

A very special friend of mine is having her first baby in January.

This weekend, her mother in law and sister in law are throwing her a baby shower while her mother is in town. So in addition to being 7 months pregnant, she is hosting Thanksgiving, AND will be the center of attention for what I imagine will be one of the biggest baby showers in PA, EVER.

And I can't go.

I'm participaing in my largest craft show ever this weekend. (Heck, I don't even get to go Black Friday shopping to purchase flannel...what am I going to do? That's a holiday tradition!)

So while I can't be there in person to help this mama to be keep her sanity thru all the weekend's events, I'm sending her a box which I hope will make her smile and maybe chuckle a little.

Is this not the cutest fabric?

And yes, my craftiness is not limited to fabric. Maybe someday I'll show you my collection of rubber stamps. I was reminded of its size last night.

Brick Funraiser

2009-11-24T08:24:00.001-05:00

The office to my "pays the bills" job is on a street with brick paved sidewalks. These are no ordinary brick sidewalks. Oh no. Someone decided that they would sell these bricks to local business, dignitaries and regular folks and allow those bricks to be engraved with whatever sentiment they desire.

Many businesses purchased more than one brick, and had their logo, or company name scribed on their bricks. Some professed their love for their spouse or kids. Some just put their names on their brick.

I saw a particularly humorous brick the other day as I was walking to get my lunch.

Seriously. I almost laughed out loud.

Luckily, I was wearing pants.

One Down, One To Go

2009-11-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

The good news is the Hartsbrook Holiday Festival was spectacular! It was a georgous day, and in addition to supporting the fantastic Hartsbrook School, folks were out in force supporting buying handmade. It was definately the best one day show I've had thus far...so I had a great time.

Sadly, I managed to take no photos. None. I will say that an 8 ft table RWAKS! especially when your space is *just* your table. And the heavy black rack I inherited from Catherinette is a must have for an indoor show. Thanks crafty Katie!

I'm gearing up for this weekend. This will be the first Black Friday in a LONG time that I am not going to be out shopping for fabric. The Old Deerfield Christmas Sampler begins at 12 noon on Friday. Three days of crafty vending. I'm still sewing as many hours as I can hoping I have enough *interesting* product...I've got plenty of stuff that I can't seem to get anyone to buy...it's the stuff I spend hours sewing at the last minute that seem to sell. Who knew?

Buy Handmade his holiday season. You'll be glad you did.

Crafty Progress

2009-11-10T19:40:00.001-05:00

For those of you following along at home, November is progressing along. We're 10 days in.

Which means there are 11 days left until the first craft extravaganza this month.

Luckily, the number of completed items has outpaced days down, and days to go. 18 completed items.

A million other ideas, desires, and pieces of things cut out. The pile of fabric "to be made" is always enormous.

Anyone want to make a guess as to how many compeleted items the Boutique Girl Gifts stock will grow before the games begin in 11 short days?

Ask Boutique Girl

2009-11-09T22:19:00.003-05:00

Dear Blog Readers,

What do you wish you could read about here on the Boutique Girl Gifts blog?

What would make you send a link to your friends with a note that says "you've got to read this?"

We are looking for bloggy inspiration here, and we're all ears.

Just remember, this is a family show. (and if any of you readers aren't members of my family, I promise to explain the question in addition to giving the answer.)

Let the asking begin!

Craft Insanity

2009-11-01T22:14:00.004-05:00

I may be insane.

I just filled out applications for two crafty shows, two weeks in a row, in less than 20 days. 4 days to sell my wares.

Not a big deal you say? Easy for you to say. You didn't have your best show EVER in September, where you sold more product in two days than you've sold in an entire month. So replenishing the stock is essential.

Here's the problem.

I sewed for a total of 15 minutes in October.

15 minutes.

Did I mention there are only 20 days until the first show?

Stay tuned for more sewing insanity as I attempt to make these holiday shopping extravaganzas possible...

Introducing...Sassy Bags!

2009-09-27T19:28:00.005-04:00

Last time on Boutique Girl Gifts...

Back in July I began hoarding t-shirts with great graphics, sayings, or something that just struck my fancy. I was compelled to turn them into something crafty, but what?

I'd like to introduce you to Sassy Bags!

Aren't they awesome? Totebags 100% handmade by me with recycled t-shirt embellishments.

Be on the look out for them in my Etsy shop...once I figure out a better way to photograph their awesomeness. Any suggestions?

A New Idea?

2009-08-02T22:27:00.005-04:00

If I could upload photos to my computer, I would show you the fabulous thrifted t-shirts I've found this week.

I would tell you that they are not going to fit into my everyday wardrobe, and that I am looking for alternate "re-use" uses for them.

If I tell you that I'm going to make them into something fabulous, then I have to, right? That means they can't just sit in a pile amongst all the other fabric and yarn and what not that has accumulated in what a realtor would call the "third bedroom" and that they will actually have to be turned into their new, useful and recycled form. Right?

Maybe by the time I figure out how to get my computer to recognize my camera again, I'll have pictures of the finished product.

Maybe.

11pm edit
So after trying a different computer, I have a photo.

The one that started it all.

Thrifty Finds

2009-05-17T21:50:00.008-04:00

Whew! It's been forever since I've blogged!

I'll blame it on my latest thrifty finds...I'm always inspired by different blogs I read where people have found amazing vintage sewing notions for a fraction of the price (and sometimes superior quality...like metal zippers!), fun storage ideas and things generally transformed with a coat of paint, or a little elbow grease. My thrifty luck has been running pretty high lately.

A few weeks ago, I found a bunch of zippers and bias tape at my local Goodwill. These are definitely from a fellow sewer's stash.

The polka dot and plaid bias tape are my absolute favorites. I can't wait to find the perfect project to use these on.

On this same trip, I also found a great faux needlepoint tin. There were two of these, and I rationalized only purchasing one of them. WHY?!?!?!? I'm tempted to go back and see if this special wonder's friend is still there. Maybe her sticker will be on sale, and she'll have to come home with me.

Today's find is amazing. I don't know if this lovely will work in my sewing room with it's red, red walls, but for 5.99 this piece of handiwork had to be mine.

Isn't she lovely? The only thing missing is a matching boy, perhaps a shepherd. Oh if only there had been another.

The Big Time

2009-04-04T22:17:00.005-04:00

Today was the first day of my first big-girl show. Two days, 100 vendors. My display is small potatoes compared to most folks, but I held my own today. All things considered, I had decent sales, and hope for the same for tomorrow.

I'd show you a picture of my booth, and my cute new free standing clothes line (found on last weekend's driving excursion) but blogger isn't cooperating. So you'll have to imagine how wonderful my bibs and aprons looked on a vintage rectangular free standing clothesline. UPDATE: Cute new clothes line above! Cute!

Ok for my first really big time booth, don't cha think?

Knitting Update

2009-03-31T22:16:00.002-04:00

Since Blogger isn't cooperating and letting me upload photos of any kind, I thought, "What the heck! Let's do a post without photos." So here goes.

I've been struggling with starting the knitting part of my challenge. Seems I have a huge fear of trying to knit socks, and failing. I don't want to frog them back. Or find they are too small, too big, not the same size, or god forbid...don't stay up. How can I possibly be proud of handknit socks that pool at the ankle? Anyone can have socks that pool at the top of their shoe, requiring pulling up at the most in opportune times.

When I have fear, I am an expert at procrastination. (Case in point? I applied to my 1st 2 day craft show 6 days before the date of the show. No lie.)

I did try to incorporate TCB (taking care of business) and it's sister mantra--Just Do It!-- this weekend, and found the sock yarn, needles, and my trusty "anyone can knit socks" book.

And I did something I never do. I started knitting a gague swatch. All successful knitting starts with a gague swatch, right? I realized after re-reading the instructions halfway into the swatch, that I probably should be knitting in the round instead of flat...but who said this process was going to be perfect.

So I'm on my way to starting my 1st ever handknit sock.

Don't get too excited...I didn't actually figure out the gague from the swatch.

Yet.

Zoom Zoom

2009-03-30T08:05:00.009-04:00

Introducing
Black Cherry
(Blogger not cooperating in loading photos. Photo to come.)

She's my awesome new Mazda 6.

Yea, we enjoying zooming around in the sunshine on Saturday. Just doing my part to stimulating the economy.

Now I have to figure out how to back her out of my garage...she's a bit bigger than my Saturn.

A Challenge Filled Weekend

2009-03-22T20:32:00.007-04:00

This weekend has been all about challenges for me.

The good kind of challenges. The get of your butt and do something kind of challenges.

First, I had lunch on Friday with my crafty friend Katie. Her challenge to me was to blog twice a week for the next six weeks, and to create two things in the same time frame. The catch was that the two things had to be a pair of socks and fingerless mitts. Katie and I went to Webs over a year ago (or close) with Rachel and I bought sock yarn to make my first pair of socks. I still have a ball of sock yarn. Katie also posted a tutorial on making fingerless mitts which I foolishly comments on, saying I had been wanting to make a pair. So that's how I ended up with my knitting assignments.

What Katie didn't know is that this weekend already had a built in challenge. Rita, my sewing buddy who currently lives in Boston, and I decided that instead of giving gifts to each other for Christmas that we would commit to two weekends (one at my house, one at hers) dedicated to sewing for ourselves. This weekend was the first such weekend. No work projects, no fixing things for the house, no hemming those pants for that friend. Only sewing on garmets that would go into our own closets, and build our wardrobe, since we both have "nothing" to wear. Since we both have gigantic fabric stashes (or hoards, depends on who you ask) we also challenged ourselves to use things we already had. No new fabric allowed. Notions (if absolutely necessary) are ok.

A few months back I discovered this fabulous cowboy shirt made by Bitter Betty. (Go to the October 1, 2008 post.) Now I don't love the huge 70's collar, but the idea has stuck with me for months. Then I remembered this fabric:

I also had a coordinating fabric with more brown. Rita has a fabulous pattern, and after a few hours, I have this:

Could that be cuter? The tiny ric-rack is from the stash of notions I liberated from my Grandma Helen's sewing stuff before my step mother gave it all to the Salvation Army. All supplies I had on hand. Woo hoo!

There was also an incident with some inferior interfacing which required the recutting and re-interfacing all interfaced pieces...GRR. That wasn't a pretty few minutes this morning. I'll spare you the details. Said interfacing is in the trash so it won't be able to ruin another project. A sign of a good sewing day is a full garbage can. Whatcha think? Were we successful?

I've been featured!

2009-01-19T09:07:00.002-05:00

In an effort to move some of my stock this month, I've been actively searching out trades. Not everyone is looking for baby items, but given the looming February 10th date for CSPIA to take effect, I'd love for my items to head to loving homes, for babies to use now, or later. It might not be possible for me to continue to create and sell, depending on what ammendments are made to this legislation.

But I digress...

In looking for trades, I was contacted by a lovely lady on Twitter who was looking to trade baby gifts for her sister. My Tutti Frutti Bib and Burp set was the "inspiration" for her blog post. Check it out!

Adore By Nat: Feeling Fruity - Apples and Pears

I'm looking forward to getting some of Nat's great cards in return.

Let me know if you want to "stock up" on handmade baby items for your future baby shower gifting needs...I'm sure we can work something out. *wink*

Holiday Spectacular Tomorrow!

2008-12-05T23:57:00.004-05:00

Come check out the CT Etsy Team

at the

North Haven Holiday Inn!

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 6th

10am - 4pm

Finish your holiday shopping!

Buy Handmade!

Giveaway!

2008-11-17T20:42:00.003-05:00

Life is Like Champagne... is giving away one of my bib and burp sets!

Today is the last day to enter, check out the blog and enter!

You can't win if you don't play!

It's Almost Monday

2008-11-16T20:05:00.005-05:00

And this is what I have to look forward to.

My Desk.

Does this look like the desk for the general manager of a major regional theatre? It is! Every day is full of paper...budgets, accounts to be reconciled, bills to be paid, contracts to be drafted, finalized and fully executed.

I have no one to blame but myself. I try to do more than can get done in 8 hrs, and subsequently, things end up strewn about. Want to know the funny part? Give me 5 min (or less) and I can find ANYTHING that needs finding.

So this week my goal is to spend a few minutes before I leave every night straightening up, filing and trying to reduce the mess, so my view in the morning can be a little calmer.

Anyone got any great organizing tips?

Responsibility

2008-11-04T19:54:00.004-05:00

With every right comes great responsibility.

I can remember the anticipation of my 18th birthday, when I would be able to vote, a very grown up, adult thing to do. My first presidential election as a legal voter happened my freshman year in college. I went to the courthouse in my hometown with great pride to be sure I took all the right steps to obtain my absentee ballot, so my vote would count.

Being given the right to vote gives us the responsibility to be sure our voice is heard. For some, this means more than others. I have friends who have been going door to door register folks. Others have been manning the phones and rallying against an issue near and dear to their heart and lives. Me? I may not engage in political banter, or shout from the mountain tops who I voted for, but I take my voting responsibility very, very seriously.

Did you?

Punkin' Carvin'

2008-10-31T20:28:00.007-04:00

From almost my first Halloween my family has had a pumpkin carving party. (I was just a couple months old my first Halloween, and don't recall any photographic evidence of said carving party).

While I don't love Halloween (I would rather stay home and answer the door than go trick or treating, much to my brother's dismay) I do love pumpkin carving.

Ok, so I like the IDEA of pumpkin carving. I don't like cleaning out the guts. I get bored before my pumpkin is clean. I also have grand ideas for carving, and the carving skills of an eight year old. (I don't have great knife skills in the kitchen either. It's a wonder I have all my fingers.)

So this Halloween was awesome!

First I found a smallish pumpkin.

Secondly, at the pumpkin party we attended, the guys were busy cleaning out pumpkins and D cleaned mine out! Woo Hoo! No guts!

I was left to execute my carving ideas on my own. I had picked something simple, but effective, so I had a fighting chance of my pumpkin not being the least artistic of the bunch.

Isn't she cute? (Pumpkin has to be a girl...look at the hairdoo!) I carved it all myself. The eyes are even similar sizes!

And she has a big mama friend. Jes' pumpkin was equally suprised.

Happy Halloween!

Help Needed

2008-10-18T10:07:00.002-04:00

I'm a frequent reader of The Domestic Diva's blog. She's an amazing woman who is starting her own boys clothing line. Truly inspirational.

Her 16 year old daughter is in need of a kidney transplant, and they haven't been able to find a donor match. Please check out her blog, and spread the word.

Success!

2008-10-05T20:13:00.005-04:00

Shake and Bake was awesome!

Great vendors, funky venue, delicious baked goods (I couldn't resist Jillian's rice krispie squares) and my best event sales to date!

Unfortunately, my camera ended up with very little battery (I didn't check it on Friday night, and didn't bother charging the camera) so I don't have lots of great photos.

I was across from a great vendor, Girl Called Ric. I fell in love with her vintage halloween inspired dolls. Check them out!

I did get a pic of my latest idea for displaying blankets. I sold a few...maybe it was the new display! (ok, probably not...work with me here)

There's rumor there may also be a holiday show at this venue...I'm there!

Shake and Bake Tomorrow!

2008-10-03T22:51:00.003-04:00

Come check out Shake and Bake!

Saturday, October 4th

12-4pm

In addition to groovy vintage clothing and fabulous and funky handmades by members of the

CT Etsy Street Team there will be

BROWNIES

CUPCAKES

RICE KRISPIE TREATS

and loads of other delectibles!

Stop by to buy handmade and pick up a great snack!

Wellies

2008-09-27T22:28:00.008-04:00

It's been raining here for the better part of two days.

Rain always revives my interest in good old fashioned Wellington boots.

No longer does one need to settle for plain green Wellies. J Crew has these pink polka dot ones on sale.

These red floral ones from Boden are my favorite. I wonder if I can justify purchasing them? It's supposed to still be raining tomorrow...

Aprons

2008-09-20T22:24:00.008-04:00

I love aprons. Vintage ones especially. Finding vintage aprons in prestine condition is rare, as most were used as intended...to protect ones clothing from spills and splatters while making dinner, baking a birthday cake, or just working around your kitchen.

Last christmas I was asked to reproduce a red apron with an appliqued poinsettia for some family members. It was an apron that held great sentimental value for my step mom and her sisters. The reproductions were a big hit (and a lot of hand sewing!).

I copied the adorable 50's shape of that apron, and have made it in a variety of fabrics...some vintage, some more modern. All adorable!

Look for these aprons (and more) coming soon to my etsy shop.

It was a hot and steamy morn...

2008-09-15T21:44:00.006-04:00

So it's not quite as catchy as "It was a dark and stormy night..." but it in fact was a hot and steamy morning yesterday at the historic Merwinsville Hotel. Something close to 100% humidity...there was rain on my drive to the show location. Luckily the rain had stopped falling by set up time at 9am.

Here's what I learned:

1) EZ Up tents ROCK!

My birthday present was a very practical, and totally awesome EZ Up tent.

2) You need a buddy for outside shows.

While the EZ Up tent is awesome, it still takes two people to get it out of the carying case and up and ready to go. Not to mention the extra volume of EVERYTHING one brings to decorate a 10x10 space is a lot to load and unload. The flaw in this is that all the stuff leaves no room for your buddy in the car. At least not if you expect to see out of any window while you're driving.

3) The CT Etsy Team Rocks!

This one I already knew, but Sunday reinforced our strengths as a team. Every vendor was super friendly and helped each other unload, figure out where to set up on the lawn and helped each other get tents up and secure.

4) Be sure to set up your tent so you can take advantage of the shade it provides.

We started out the day wondering if we were going to see any sun, but by lunchtime the sun was out in full force. I set my table up too far in the back of the tent, so my chair was outside the canopy of the tent. Which meant I had nowhere to hide when the sun started to burn my pale shoulders.

5) I'd do it all again.

Despite the chaos, being buddyless and the crazy weather, I'd do it all again.

Isn't the tent awesome?

First Outdoor Show

2008-09-13T21:05:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow is my first outdoor craft show. A couple gals from the CT Etsy Team put together a fantastic show at the historic Merwinsville Hotel in New Milford, CT. We'll be on the grounds of this beautiful building as well as it's porch.

I've never done a show outdoors before, so today there was much trial and error in setting up my "booth" in the living room. a 10x10 space is BIG!

Watcha think?

I also made myself a vendor apron. Seemed like having a place to keep my little notebook, phone and hopefully sales was a good idea. I used a small piece of decorator cotton I had in my stash, and embellished with some bright ribbon.

I think I turned out super cute! I may have found a new item for my etsy shop!

Etsy, CT 06755

2008-09-09T22:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my blog!

2008-09-09T22:30:00.000-04:00

Here it is...the place where you can learn about my life as an indie crafter (and an arts administrator).

This Sunday, I'm participating in an indie craft show with some of my CT Etsy Teammates. Check out the video our fearless team leader made...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWiF4HSGrko

(someday i'll figure out how to embed the video, tonight, we're luck it's a clickable link!)