MOOD LOS ANGELES

You know the place...it's where Tim Gunn says, "Thank you, Mood." Yep, I was there!
I've been wanting to visit Mood since I first started watching Project Runway. I've always pictured myself along with the shows designers searching for just the perfect fabric. It was a scene out of "Fabric Heaven." I can honestly say now that Mood IS as close as you can get to "Fabric Heaven"! The fabrics are stunning and I wanted to touch every beautiful roll of fabric I saw. There was wool, organza, silk, cashmere, and every other fabric you can imagine.Most of the fabric I looked at was in the range of $10-$70 a yard, which I thought was reasonable. The problem was that there wasn't much for children's fabric, so I was a bit out of luck. I did find a buy a couple of yards (I had to, right?), but was really hoping to find more. If I was designing women's wear I'd have gone bankrupt, and I'll just say that the cashmere was to die for!

Next season of Project Runway, I'll be sitting on my couch watching the designers choose their fabric, knowing the excitement they're feeling as they choose just the right piece.

Thank you Mood!
Terri

SURPRISE!

I received an early Christmas present this week. My son surprised me and flew here from MN on Tuesday night. I came home from work to find him sitting on my couch! He arranged everything with my husband, and I had absolutely no idea! What a wonderful Christmas present! We've been having loads of fun since he arrived and I'll be sad to see him leave on Sunday. After the rain that CA has been having, we couldn't wait to get to the beach today. Hope you are having a blessed Christmas with your family!
Terri

FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Tonight my family will be celebrating Christmas. My husband and I won't be there in body, but we will be there in spirit. I'll definately be thinking of them as they eat, drink, open presents, and play silly games. This year they are having the second annual "Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest". If I was there, I think this sweater would be the one that I would be wearing.Really...what WERE we thinking back in the 80's? I even remember thinking that some of the Christmas sweaters back then were actually CUTE! This vest might be another option for the gathering with my family tonight...

And I just know my husband would look hot in this vest! Can't wait to see the photos of everyone having a great time in their sweaters. And in the meantime, I'm just a little bit thankful that I don't have to wear one.

Sweaters can be purchased here. (My sincere apologies if I insulted anyone who might actually own one of these sweaters and think it's cute.)

Terri

NO HANDMADE THIS YEAR

I love making cards. It's relaxing and it's fun to create these little works of art. I love hearing from my friends and family how much they enjoy receiving my cards. Well, until this year anyway. I'm no longer a cardmaker who spends a little time sewing. Now I'm a seamstress who has no time for cardmaking. I'm ashamed to say that I purchased my cards this year. It was that or not send any out at all. (So remember that friends and family when you open my card this year and notice that it is not handmade. You are lucky to get one at all!)

Here are some of my past handmade Christmas cards...

I did have a friend tell me yesterday that she thought my card this year was "just darling". She thought for sure I had made it. If I fooled one person...

Terri

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Autumn Color in December

Have a great day!

Terri

A BIT OF ETSY CUTENESS

While looking for some new sewing patterns on Etsy, I couldn't help but love all the precious models. Here are a few photos that are just too cute and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

trendietreasures

ninishandmades

haddygrace

I told you they were precious! I think I need to find myself some models like this for my shoes and hats. Do you know anyone?

Terri

FINALLY DONE!

So here's what I've been working in all of my spare time. I finally have my new website up and running! I had Boutique Mama do the design and I love the way it turned out. My goal was to have it fresh and clean just like my business card and I think she did just that.Having a website allows my customers to pick options they want when ordering their shoes, which is something that Etsy doesn't do. Take a look here and let me know what you think!

Now about those Christmas cards I've been neglecting...
Terri

HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING GUIDE

One of my favorite Christmas memories as a child, was looking through the Sears Christmas Catalog when it came out. I think it was called "The Wish Book" or something like that. I know that I'm dating myself a bit here, but does anyone else remember anxiously awaiting those moments of delight when you could touch the pages of all those wonderful toys and gifts?

Here's the modern day version of "The Wish Book". It's a gift giving guide put together by Kim of Tomkat Studios and a fabulous list of vendors worthy of hours of drooling. Visit Kim's blog here to browse the catalog. And while you're looking, pay special attention to page 24. In the upper right hand corner is a Potholder Loom. It's much like the one that Santa brought me one year that just happened to also be in the the treasured Sears Christmas Catalog. That loom brought me hours of delight as I tried to weave the perfect potholder, and now thinking about it, was probably the beginning of my love of crafting.

Oh the memories...
Terri

GLAM SNOWGIRLS

I received a wonderful opportunity a few weeks ago to be a part of this fun collaboration between Tanya of Save the Date for Cupcakes and Kim of The Tom Kat Studio. I love reading both of their blogs, and was thrilled that Tanya contacted me with what she wanted me to make. Two days later I shipped the boots off to New York and have been patiently (or impatiently) waiting to see what they were planning. Here are the results...

What an adorable theme and don't the desserts look just yummy! Such a festive holiday color combination as well. Love it!

And here are my boots! I have them in my Etsy shop if you'd like to take a closer peek. Isn't this little gal just precious!

You can take a look at Tanya's and Kim's blogs along with Hostess with the Mostess where you will find more photos and shopping resources.

Thanks, Tanya! It turned out spectacular and the girls look like they had so much fun!

Terri

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Yosemite National Park

Terri

MAKING A TRADE

I've just done my first trade on Etsy and love the outcome! The talented Shalon from Paper me Pretty contacted me to see if I would like to trade something from my Etsy shop for her graphic design services. I decided to have her design a new header for my blog since mine was so plain. I knew I wanted something clean, light and fresh looking but didn't know exactly what I wanted. So what you see above is the result of Shalon's design skills and I love how it turned out! For now I've done the background in a template that Blogger provides, but plan to keep working on it. Not sure if I'm loving so much pink.



This is the pair of little shoes that Shalon picked out for her baby girl. I would definately consider doing aother trade in the future. What a great way to get things that I need or want. Anyone else on Etsy want to do a trade?



Terri

CHRISTMAS INSPIRATION

I know that the turkey has barely settled in all our stomaches, but I just had to share this with you. If you love crafting and would like to make some holiday decorations this year, you have to take a look at this e-zine. It's called Amy Power's Inspired Ideas. It's 0ver 170 pages and the photographs are absolutely stunning, so be sure to browse it full screen. Love the wreath in the lower left corner. That might be my first project!

These adorable houses are made from cereal boxes if you can believe it!

I just had to include this photo of vintage ornaments. There's just something about a box of them that just melts my heart.

I discovered this e-zine over on one of my favorite blogs, Allsorts. Take a look at the fun ideas Jenny comes up with for decorating not only at Christmas, but all year long. She's one talented lady!

Here's to handcrafted Christmas decorations to be enjoyed by generations to come...

Terri

TO GIVE THANKS

Although I will not be with my family this Thanksgiving, that doesn't mean that I won't be thinking of them. Each and every one of my family members holds a special place in my heart and today I will give thanks. I have been blessed with a family that supports, loves, and encourages me in more ways than I can count. If you are blessed enough to be sitting around the dining room table today with your family, say an extra prayer of thanks for all that they mean to you. And if like me, you are not with your family may you find joy in the blessings you do have, even if they are far away this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Terri

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Take a moment to see the beauty around you today!
Terri

RIBBON STORAGE

For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, you know how much I love a peek into the spaces where others do their creating. Here is the pink wall in my craft room, showing you how I display my ribbon. I like that it is out in plain view where I can always see what I have. Well, if I was in the market for ribbon storage, this would be my pick! I found it on Etsy, and it holds over 275 spools of ribbon. That's right, I said 275! I own ALOT of ribbon, but even I don't own that much. But if I did, this caddy would be living with me. It spins, so it's so easy to see what you have. Someone was really thinking on this one. This ribbon caddy is just one of the many reasons I love Etsy. You just never know what you are going to find! Happy hunting!
Terri

OLD DOG, NEW TRICK

I used to love to swim when I was growing up. I can remember how much fun it was to meet my friends at the pool and spend the afternoon swimming and diving. About a year ago I decided to take up swimming again. I love starting my day with an early morning swim as the sun is coming up over the hills. I don't pretend to be a great swimmer, I just take my time and swim my laps in the peace of the early morning. Recently I've been thinking how fun it would be to act like a "real" swimmer and learn how to do flip turns. I did them as a kid, but there's something about being 50 and possibly hitting my head on the side of the pool that just doesn't hold any appeal. On the other hand, I've been so jealous of the other swimmers who make it look so easy. Well, yesterday was the day! I finally found the courage to try it and didn't hit my head on the side or the bottom. Oh my gosh, it was so much fun! Now I'm not saying I did it with style, but I did it. I'm also not saying I always did it straight, so watch out if you are in the lane next to me! The point is, it's never too late to teach that old dog a new trick!

Terri

BOOTH APPRECIATION

Queen Bee is over and based on the crowds of people who attended, it was an enormous success! I had so much fun getting to know the other vendors. Talk about talent. So much creativity in one room. I wanted to just absorb it all and take it home with me to use in the moments that I'm lacking in inspiration. Here's a peek of some of my favorite booths.

New to the market this year...Wendy Miracle. How cute is this? I love the hats, and the balloons really added to the festive look of her display.
Erica Leilani Designs had the most beautiful pearl bracelets. LOVED THEM!


Mommy Holly was the winner of the best booth in May, and certainly didn't disappoint this time!

Holly's mom, Heidi, had the most welcoming booth. I just wanted to sit down amongst all those pillows and do some people watching.

Funky Vintage Kitchen was the winner of the best booth this time around. What an amazing display. She had the cutest chalkboard frames that were an instant hit and sold out right away.
Just a smattering of the booths, and the artist's themselves were even better. Everyone that I met was so eager to share ideas. And Jessica and Mique, (the queens in Queen Bee) couldn't have put on a better market. All their hard work was so appreciated by every one of the vendors. Can't wait for the next one in May!

Terri

THE CAR IS PACKED

Today's the day. Queen Bee Market starts and I think I'm ready. If you live in Southern California don't miss out on this amazing event! For more information click here. I'll have pictures for you soon. Have a great day!
Terri

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Montreal Gardens

FACEBOOK FANS

It's been so much fun watching the All Things for Baby Facebook Fan page grow. Knowing that there's people out there who like what I create makes all the hours at the sewing machine worth it. I had a drawing when I reached 25 fans, and it was hard being patient while I waited for it to happen. Reaching 50 fans happened much faster and now I've had my second drawing. And the winner is...

Congratultions, Hayley! Can't wait to see what you pick out! The next drawing will be at 100 fans.
A huge thank you to everyone who has become a fan and has written me with positive comments. You inspire me in more ways than you know!

Terri

MARTHA VS. MOD PODGE

I've been looking for a new way to display my business name at craft shows and decided to try my hand at decoupaging wooden blocks. I went to Michael's to get some Mod Podge and noticed that Martha's version was on clearance. Being one to save money wherever I can, I brought Martha's home. Afterall, it's Martha. It must be good, right?! I cut all my paper, decided what I wanted to do, loaded my brush with the glue, brushed it on the blocks and waited for the magic to happen. I waited, and I waited, and I waited. I waited so long for it to dry that I got tired and just went to bed. I woke up the next morning to sticky bubbles. WHAT? That's not what I wanted. Some of the paper didn't even stick AT ALL. After reading the directions one more time, I applied another coat and waited some more. More bubbles again. I know, the fact that it was on clearance should have told me something. So...I went back to the store, bought Mod Podge like I should have done in the first place. It went on like a dream and dried almost instantly! No bubbles! Now that's magic! I applied some sticker letters, applied another layer of Mod Podge and here's the end result.

I love how it turned out and am now day dreaming about all the things around the house that I will decoupage. Mod Podge is my hero. Martha, not so much. After the craft show this weekend, maybe I'll take a break from sewing for a day and decoupage some cute little containers for baby storage. Or maybe decoupage some Christmas gifts. Or maybe I should just finish knitting the baby sweater I've been making. So many projects...so little time...

Terri

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Have a peaceful day!
Terri

THE BEGINNING OF A COLLECTION

I've been purchasing Fiesta Ware for my daughter for the past few years. I started her with some pastel pieces I picked up ages ago, my friend, Janae, added some yellow pieces, and now she has a great collection of bright ones as well with LIME GREEN and ORANGE being her favorites. Each time I eat at her house, I think about how happy and fun Fiesta Ware is, how it never goes out of style, and is so well loved by generations of women. The options for color combinations are endless...only limited by the imagination. (First 2 photos Apartment Therapy)


Well now it's my turn! I've just purchased my first piece in Paprika, pictured below. My home is decorated in shades of gold, brown, and red. I'm thinking Fiesta Ware in a mix of those colors with a bit of turquoise added to the mix. The turquoise is just stunning and would spice up the more neutral colors. Can't wait to get started...hear that Mom and Dad...with my birthday and Christmas just around the corner...hint, hint...(Photo found here)

What a great way to start each day, with the colorful inspiration found in these timeless dishes. Let me know if you have a favorite Fiesta story, picture, or color. I'd love to hear from you!

Terri

NOT A TRICK, BUT A TREAT

I'm so excited to share these photos with you! Since I discovered this amazing blog, I've been impatiently waiting for Halloween to come. The blog is Adventures in Renovating a Brooklyn Limestone and Stefanie is beyond creative. She started the blog a few years ago to journal the renovations on their home. Here are her Halloween decorations from last year, and yes, this IS her house.

Treat yourself to some Halloween Eye Candy and check to see how she's decorated this year.

Happy Halloween!

Terri