Chica's Cookies

I met my Bestie, Karen, when we were freshmen in college. She actually worked for my mom, so I kept running into her. We seemed so different at the time. She is so level headed and I'm so..well not. But she puts up with my craziness and maybe even loves me for it. We've known each for a very long time now (Chica, we're getting old!) and I don't often make her gifts. This year for her birthday, I wanted to do something sweet. I decided that I would etch her a cookie jar and fill it with treats. We live far apart and haven't been able to share a birthday cake in forever - this was my way of celebrating with her.

It is super easy, but I did learn some tricks along the way. I cut out the stencil for the etch on my Pazzle with contact paper. Now contact paper is *great* because it is cheap, BUT it's clear. So for your very first project you may want to use some dark scrap vinyl so that you can see where you are placing it. Make sure to clean your glass item with some Windex - you don't want any fingerprint smudgies!

Now lay on the etch cream - THICK. Much thicker than what I did. It is reusable! Just scrape it off back into the jar when you are done, so go crazy and lay it on THICK!

Let it sit for a LONG time. Like go do a load of laundry time. Whatever it says on the container, it lies. I'm not sure why. But seriously give it like 30 minutes.
Scrape off the gunk and save it for later. Rinse & dry your glassware.

That's it!
Fill it up with treats - and tada, a birthday sweet for your Bestie that will last long after the cookies have been enjoyed.

Saturday - Personal Projects

I've kept a few of my personal projects under wraps. This past month I've been busy making gifts for friends and family for different occasions. I never have a good idea of who is reading my blog and I hate to spoil surprises. As the gifts are delivered, I will reveal the fun projects on the blog.

First up a sweet little onesie I made for a friend's daughter. I've been wanting to make this for her and I'm appalled at how long it took me to get around to it. Eleanor is no longer a bitty baby, but luckily she is still in onesies!

My friend is a huge Prince fan. If you ever want to get her on the dance floor, just put on any of his tunes, and out she'll go! In her honor of her adoration, I created a girly Prince inspired outfit. I used my Pazzle to cut out the the symbol on freezer paper. I then ironed on the paper and applied lilac fabric paint. Once it was dry I added some bling to top it off.

And what girlie onesie is complete without ruffles? I stacked on 3 different purple fabric ruffles on the back for a super cute tushie! I hope she loves it..

Next up was a free motion applique project I had been dreaming about for awhile. My parents have been considering getting an Airstream for traveling back and forth. I thought until they buy it, I would give them a mini version of their dream.

To be honest, it was soooo hard to part with this. It came out exactly as I had sketched it and I love it to pieces! Considering it was my mother that lead my creative path, I knew she would love it as much if not more...

And there are my crazy monkeys! The girls are so in love with each other it warms my heart. Isabelle would sleep in Juliette's crib if I let her.. The are super excited about Easter and can't wait for those eggs full of chocolate.

Juliette is rolling all around and is trying desperately to crawl (though she hasn't yet!) She just celebrated her 6 month birthday. It breaks my heart how fast she has grown, but we are having the best time with the girls.

And I've debated discussing this on the blog. I suffer from the over-share syndrome, so I'll keep this brief unless any of my readers would like me to cover my experience in more detail (I'm happy to share if it is of interest) I recently saw my doctor to see if I was suffering from post-postpartum depression. I've never battled depression in my life, but I had seen many friends and family go through it. Though I wasn't sad per se, I had a very short temper, my OCD was getting out of hand and I always seemed to be feuding with Isabelle. After talking to my doctor, friends, and family I decided to not take medication. I'm not convinced it was depression. I think I was allowing myself to be incredibly sleep deprived (less than 6 hours a day) and I had not been taking my prenatals and extra vitamin D (my levels dropped way low during pregnancy). Now that I'm taking better care of myself and have become mindful of when I'm getting too stressed, we are all so much happier! Granted raising 2 little ones is not easy, it no longer makes me want to run for the hills. It is like when you're flying in a plane and they remind you to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you assist others... My oxygen mask is on and life is better..

Hope ya'll have a fabulous Easter weekend! And to all you Super Moms, remember that we can only be Super when we remember to be good to ourselves..

Unique Holiday Gifts

Before I became a seller on Etsy,

I was punch-drunk in love buyer!

They have the most fabulous unique gifts.

I'm always so amazed by the creativity.

For this holiday season, save yourself the headache of the mall

and help the little (wo)man on Etsy!

Not only will you have an awesome handmade gift,

you can enjoy shopping in the comfort of your own home.

Today, I bring you one of my favorites!

I love unique tights and socks, and Etsy seller post

knows how to delight me!

Check out these awesome Octopus tights.

I sure hope Santa puts some in my stocking!!

Finally It's About The Ladies!

In 2010, I will be condensing all my items into "All Things Belle".

Right now the store's focus is on baby photography props, but there is so much more

that I create and have interest it.

I'm starting early and am creating a line of fine items for the ladies.

The items will be of the best fiber I can find.

To start it off, I've just added this Golden Mohair Scarf

I'm waiting on shipment from Rowan yarns;

once it is in my hands I'll be creating a limited line

of Tunisian Crocheted shawls.

The ultimate holiday gift!