Lots of lovely things are happening over at Art Nest's other blog. These mini bean bags are on sale now in my Etsy shop.

You can see Art Nest's Wooden People Project here and create your own. Don't forget to subscribe to Art Nest's other blog...you won't want to miss the exciting upcoming projects!

look! look!

I'm so happy to be involved in this collaborative Spring Time Giveaway! Click here for all the juicy details...and don't forget to add it to your own blog!

Some spring color inspiration to share! I found this box of cake candles at an estate sale this past weekend. I always seem to find delight in the smaller details. Aren't the colors divine? The box is dated 1956 and only 1 candle has been lit. I paid the vintage price of 10 cents. Simply lovely.

Dyeing Easter eggs is usually a bit messy. Easter project #1 was no exception. However, I came up with a few ways to make the process more enjoyable.
#1: Using cupcake 'tins' for each child's dye. I placed both 'tins' on a cookie sheet to catch spill overs.
#2: I cut up cardboard paper towel centers to place the eggs in while they dry.
#3: I stood close at hand with wet towels and a happy spirit. A little mess never really hurt anyone, right?!

This evening I attended my aunt's birthday party. My mother and I used the movie Chocolat as our inspiration. Art Nest was there too...see the tea towels laid across the french bread baskets (which we used to serve the meal in)...I made one for each of the guests as a party favor. They also doubled as place cards. The tea towels are hand stamped with my bird and the individual guests name. What's my favorite part? Besides the crepes filled with chocolate mousse and topped with fresh strawberries...I get to keep the two quilts (used as table cloths) in exchange for the many tea towels I created...simply lovely!

Today I had an 'ah-ha' moment with the zipper installation. I really can't tell you how much easier the 'right way' is. I decided to forget the band at the top...it wasn't functional - and you know at the Art Nest I'm trying to live and create more simply. I now need to work on polishing the details: 1) lining up the zipper in the center 2) sewing closer to the zipper 3) what is my new fascination with zippers anyway?!
I carved the little bird stamp by hand several months ago and she's appearing on lots of my creations these days. I have recently been neglecting my block prints - my first love. Poor, lonely printing supplies~

I've never sewn a zipper in. I've never lined anything. I've never sewn a purse. So, let's just say that this little clutch project was very educational. I had grand plans of hand embroidered sparrows in the corners of the clutch but after I took a wrong turn with the zipper installation, I decided to just finish the project and started re-evaluating my strategy.
I do love the color combinations (plum zipper + mustard fabric = breathless me).
I learn the best by trial and error. I've always been that way. I am excited to start another clutch tomorrow...this time armed with new blueprints and a bit of experience.

Farmer's Market is fast approaching and I've been creating these sweet patches to sell at my booth. This weekend I'm planning to stay in the studio as much as possible. One of my children broke both his radial and ulnar Thursday evening...of course it was the day my husband was out of town...but the little guy has been so brave and I can tell he's more chipper today! Have a wonderful, creative filled weekend, ya'll!