Oh baby! What a cutie!

I made everything in this picture. Okay, so I didn't make the couch. Or the wall behind it. I did, however, make the baby (That's Miz Jo. She is the last of our lot. Ain't she adorable?) I did have help with her mind you, but you knew that.

I made the dress, the boots, the belt bow, and the headband. All by myself. And all this was inspired by one of the monthly challenges on Craftster.org.

This month Challenge was to create an article of clothing, or outfit, with a bed sheet. Just a sheet (or 2 or 3) But not a bed spread, or duvet or any other bedding.

While the idea of the more the merrier, almost sounds better, in

this instance, less was better. In the idea that I chose to use a crib

sheet! And boy oh boy, did I ever use up that crib sheet to my best ability.

Just as my children are a big part of my inspiration, Craftster.org is as well. The day I found craftster was an awakening. I'm not even kidding. The day before I stummbled on the wonderful site, all I knew was something was missing. I didn't know what it was, but part of me went away after having my boys. It was my creative side.

Craftster.org is FULL, chock full, of inspiration. I didn't even know it was possible to spin yarn before Craftster. And now I'm almost lost without my spindle or wheel. Before Craftster I barely used my sewing machine. The same sewing machine that got me through Fashion design.

Craftster reinstated my craft. It's great. So, knowing that most of my followers are following me from there, I'm guessing you all feel the same way. But for those of you that didn't find me through Craftster, click one of the many links I just put in here (notice I figured that one out? Acutally, it was help from a friend. Yay friends!)

Also on one last note, if you want to vote for this adorable little outfit (or see a few more pics) click here .

Happy crafting!

Passing on the skillzzzzz

I spin yarn. Most people find that weird. If it is, then so be it. I know I'm not alone.

The other day The Duck wanted to spin. He got a hang of treadling the wheel and let the pencil roving take the twist and feed onto the bobbin. Here is his handy work.

Not bad for a 5 year old, if I do say so myself!

To keep us sane

*

On lovely days when I really don't want to go enjoy the back yard, we bake. To keep us sane. Although, it kind of drives me nuts none the less, what with the 2 boys taking turns spilling, erm pouring the ingredients, shaping the dough, and eating more dough then cookies. Yesterday was one of those days.

We made gingersnaps. Well, they turned out more like soft ginger cookies full of delicious spicy undertones that don't hit you until you've swallowed, which if you want my opinion (you are going to get it anyway wether you want it or not ;) ) is way better then basic ginger snaps. I didn't change anything from the recipe so I'll give you the book I got it from. Cookies, brownies and bars By Elinor Klivans.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/14165635

63/ref=cm_rdp_product

Nothing overly exciting happened until the dough was well mixed and ready to be shaped. My 5 year old (The Duck) says as he's rolling the happy little balls of dough in sugar "Mom, they look like poop nuggets!" Oh my... Well, it's true, they did.

But they turned into yummy cookies. For which I got the response of "Well, you're not fired Mom. I'm impressed these are really good." Oh? I laughed at him, secretly of course, as to not offend him. But that made my day. I'm not fired. So I did good by my oldest boy. And that's likely all I can ask for right now.

So there they are, and that's by no means is all of them... This was taken well after most were distributed to neighbours and the post mistress and a friend who lives far away that I haven't seen in over 2 1/2 years (man do I miss that girl...) and devoured by me, my boys and the Hubby.

oh and yay! 3 followers huzzah! you guys rock!

* The first picture was taken by The Duck. Isn't he a great photographer?!