Double Trouble

My sister asked me to create a bag for her good friend as a birthday gift. We talked at length about styles and colors, what her friend likes, how she dresses.... As we talked, my sister kept coming back to "if you think I would like it, then she'll like it too." So it was easy. I saw the main fabric and just KNEW it was for her.... but how could I use it to make a bag just for the friend, when my sister would love it just as much?

And so, two bags were made....

Many thanks to the Australian sisters design team, Melly and Me, for the pattern. I love, love, LOVE their designs!

The Fruits of My Labor

I recently finished a custom diaper bag for my dear friend. She intends to give it as a gift to her college friend and his wife who just welcomed their baby girl into the world. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such things... even if it is just to provide the bag to hold the diapers for the little one's teeny little bottom. It is such fun to create something with a special person in mind, let alone the whole chain of people (new baby, baby's parents, baby's parents' and my friend...) I love the interconnectedness of life and how another person's joy and happiness can manifest itself as a smile on my face hundreds of miles away. Perhaps I smile because I'm not the one who has to change the diapers......

Here's a view of the "fruitful" lining.....

And the matching burp cloths!

Ms. Gaye's Garden

My oldest daughter's preschool teacher is a truly gifted woman. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for my child and her classmates astounds me. Most days, it is all I can do to keep up with my own four year old, let alone 13 of her friends. Not only does my daughter love going to school, but she has learned manners, friendship, and compassion from Ms. Gaye. I was delighted to have the opportunity to paint this serving platter for her as our end-of-the-year class gift. (Yep. I'm "that mom.") The artwork is lovingly borrowed from the children's book, Mrs. Spitzer's Garden. An awesome gift for the special teachers in your life. Now I just have to figure out what to do with my daughter for the summer......

My (Latest) Favorite Bag

I put this bag together for myself -- at the expense of other projects still unfinished on my table. For those who know me, this is highly unusual. However, I couldn't help it.... I fell in love with this fabric!

I had been begrudgingly using my reusable grocery bags when shopping for other things (clothes, shoes, fabric....) but never liked the idea of those items sharing space where tomorrow night's dinner hung out (think slimy package of raw chicken.) Yuck.

Suffice it to say, my new bag is super chic, super spacious, and received several compliments on its first trip out. To the Container Store. And the fabric store. Of course.

Another new project.....

I am finally getting my act together! Well, sort of. For months -- years? -- I've been trying to get all my creative ventures located in one place. So, here it is. Thanks to all those who lovingly *encouraged* me to get this site going. You know who you are, and I love you. And many thanks to those of you who are visiting! I hope you enjoy viewing my work, and look forward to hearing from you soon.