Birthday on the Brain

So lately, I have been creating a list in my head (that finally did get written down) of things to accomplish for Baby 'L' s Birthday. He is turning two, and to quote every other mother out there when their child bumps up another year, "I can't believe it". It is true, I simply can't, so instead of wondering where the time went, we shall celebrate.

The List

1. Location. Check.

The big red barn...conveniently located a few steps(big steps) away from my parents home. Isn't it wonderful? I just love it! It will be up in the hay-loft.

2. Appearances. Check.

Dottie, conveniently located in the barn. Hee! Hee! She is the sweetest miniature horse.

3. Food. going back and forth.

This is where my mind quit working. Should I stick with something involving the obvious "western theme" or go for something like pizza, enjoyed by most? I go back and forth in my own little head. The hubby says, " pizza" for the low stress, feeds a lot, less work reason. He is probably right. I also can't decide on cake and ice cream or cupcakes?

4. Games. Check.

*fishing game* you know, the one where you hang up a sheet decorated with fish and allow the children to throw a fishing line hooked to a pole over the sheet and retrieve a little trinket. Lots of fun!

* Dottie*

* Bubbles*

* Tee-Pee* I made this for Luke and he is yet to see it, I am so excited!

*Stick-horse race*

*Trike race*

5. Decorations. almost finished.

The fun part for me!

I made a banner out of whimsical western print fabrics.

I found this (above) vintage inspired child western fabric. I thought called out little tike Birthday.

Just for kicks, some images of cowboys from real old west - Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok. (I just printed them on transfer paper and ironed them on to muslin)

Wanted Sign of the Birthday Boy!

Oh, and balloons of course...great entertainment for the kiddos.

6. Thanks for coming - Handouts. ummmm?

Still deciding. I didn't want to do any type of small trinket, because the fishing game will take care of that. I have thought of sweetly packaging a couple cookies or maybe popcorn balls.

So here is the list thus far, I am sure I am forgetting something and getting a little out of control. Wish me Luck!

Etsy Mail - My pretty pearl ring

I love my little pearl ring...actually is really isn't that little. I purchased it back in September and have worn it with jeans, skirts, and even lounge pants. It is just that kinda ring. It was designed by Mollie at Mu-Yin Jewelry. Her etsy shop features an array of beautiful jewelry using freshwater pearls and other natural gemstones. I love her classic simple designs. You should definitely wander over to Mu-Yin Jewelry.

I have my eye on this baby! The color is gravitating.

Sweet Treat!

{Photo courtesy of Delightful Delicacies}

If you are looking for a sweet treat to make for Valentine's Day...oh, do make these! They are most delightful and really won over Baby 'L" and the Hubby. You can find the recipe here on Jen's blog, Delightful Delicacies.

Valentine Flower Hair Pin

Red-hot Valentine Flower Pin.

Supplies:

* Felt (two colors)

* Thread - Needle

* Scissors

* Bobbie-Pin

* Ribbon

{1}

Using a circular object trace two circles with a pen on your main felt. The larger circle is about 2 1/2" in diameter and the second about 2 1/4". I used Baby L's playdough container, the top for the larger circle and the bottom for the smaller circle.

{2}

With your scissors cut the two circles out.

{3}

Next, cut out small triangles all the way around both circles. If would like them to be evenly space you may want to measure. Each triangle should begin between 1/4" to 1/2" apart.

They will look something like this.

{4}

Trim the corners in a rounding motion, making them look more like petals.

Like this.

{5}

Cut out a small circle to serve as the center of the smaller flower...about a 1/2" in diameter. Also cut out a heart by folding the felt in half and cutting half of a heart shape...the heart should fit in the middle of the larger flower.

{6}

Cut two pieces of ribbon and fold them in half. Make them long enough so they are slightly larger then your larger flower. Sew your two ribbon leaves to the larger flower.

{7} Next attach your bobbie-pin to your heart cut-out. ***You will want to make sure the flat side is facing you(this side will lay against your head) and the side with upside down Vs lays on your heart. Make several stitches up and over the upside down Vs.

{8}

Next attach your bobbie-pin heart to your large flower. You will want the opening of your bobbie-pin to extend behind your ribbon leaves. To attach just simply make small stitches all the way around the inside of the heart.

The front of your large flower might look something like this.

{9}

Place the small center in the middle of the small flower and lay it on top of the larger flower . ***If possible try to lay the smaller petals in between the the larger petals. Begin sewing the tow flowers together by bringing your thread through the back and up through the round center...make a few stitches on one side of the center.

{10}

If you need to add a few stitches to the other side of your flower center you and just simply slip you needle in between your bobbie-pin and bring your needle to the front.

The back should look nice and tidy with a cute heart.

And the front, cute as can be for your valentine...don't forget your red lipstick!

Etsy Mail - Fabric

Anytime I order something from Etsy, I get really excited and start stalking the mail man-well, not really, but I do look forward to my Etsy Mail arrivals. I have decided to share with you some my fabulous purchases made on Etsy. Unfortunately, when I run out of items, it will mean I will have to do some more shopping, darn.



So, I shared with you my fabric love confession, which leads me to my first Etsy Mail share... fabric purchases. I must say, there are many wonderful shops to buy fabric from on Etsy. Most of my fabric purchases have been from the Fabric Shoppe. It is run by Jody, a creative mom of one baby girl. She also has an inspiring blog, Everyday Beautiful. On her blog she gives her customers the opportunity to share their projects for a chance to win fabric. I just happen to be one of those lucky winners...and because she loves her customer's so much she offers a different fat quarter each week for a $1.00. So surf on over to the Fabric Shoppe and check it out.

A smidgit part of my heart...

As we enter the month of L-O-V-E,I must confess my love for fabric. Yeap, it takes up a smidgit part of my heart-a similarity my mother and I share. The captivating colors, patterns, and designs make my eyes happily dance. Fabric...used to snuggle up your new baby, keep you warm while watching your favorite movie, put a skip in your step when wearing your favorite duds, frame those windows with the picturesque view...ok, ok, enough said. Here are just a few fabrics taking up part of the smidgit.
Anna Maria Horner's Tablecloth in Green from her Garden Party Line of designer fabrics. I love all the bold bright colors she uses with strong lively patterns. To catch a glimpse into her life as a designer and mother check out her blog here.

Amy Butler's Clematis in Grey. It is soft, lovely and calming...a spa like feeling-don't you think. Joel Dewberry's Sparrows in Almond from his Aviary Line of designer fabrics. Well, the sweet birds explain everything.

Sandi Henderson's Avocado Ginger Tile for Michael Miller Fabrics. I imagine this fabric being used in a pink parlor, perhaps as drapes.