3 weeks and 3 projects }{ Valentines Day roundup

Alright, I have a confession: I hate moving. You're thinking "no way that's true, she's moved around like a gypsy!" Fair enough. But I really dislike the packing and unpacking, especially since this time I'm also trying to get rid of as much as I can.

Point of the rant above: I'm still working on getting settled in. The crafting materials are still packed, so what's a girl to do? I thought about digging through my old photos that I haven't shared with you yet. Then I had a better idea. Why not do a roundup of some possible Valentines Day projects? There are only 3 weeks left, and this gives you some options.

Project #1: 3 Heart Tea Bags (by Design Sponge)

Aren't these just adorable? Give yourself a valentine or make some to share with your friends. Valentines Day will be that much more enjoyable, no?

Project # 2: Pie box (by Twig and Thistle)

Well, technically this project is a printable. But I had to include this awesome little box! Nothing says I love you like a little apple pie, yum!

Project # 3: Hearts throw pillow (by Diary of a Quilter)

This project is a bit more involved, but isn't it worth it? Gorgeous! Must.make.one.now.

I hope you try at least one of these. Handmade Valentines keeps the sweetness without the consumerist "Hallmark" holiday feel, right?

Kisses!

My Shop finally opened!

Finally!

I've been working on the legalities for two months, and now my shop has officially opened as a stand alone website and on Etsy.

I'm slowly listing the items I've been making these past few weeks. This has been truly a fun but exhausting time preparing the shop, making the products and the boxes to ship them in (yeah, even the boxes are handmade), getting the county and state documents allowing me to sell, making the website, etc. I've learned so much!

Now I'm looking forward to listing out all the things I have ready, and making even more products to list. I'm really enjoying everything that has to do with the shop, even bookkeeping. (no, really, it's kind of fun)

So, here's to new adventures and starting new phases of our lives! 

Project done but...

It didn't quite turn out the way I wanted it. Take a look:

The eyes are uneven... So is the mouth and the nose. But it gets worse.

See the bumps? The arms? Poor thing. She suffered from my hurriedness. But you know what? I still like her, with all her imperfections (she's the first doll I've ever sewed).

Now on to tastier subjects. I baked some banana apple muffins yesterday, in the shape of hearts. My daughter helped me frost them, posed them for the picture, and only then bit into it. I was so impressed with her self-restraint! But now every time she eats a muffin she asks me to take a picture. Who am I to say no.

What have you cooked up lately? And any advice for my future dolls?

Off with their heads!

Well, actually, I'd like to avoid heads falling off, and that's where I need help. 

I made these little guys a while back, but their heads aren't attached yet. I've been trying to avoid drilling, but maybe I just have to bite the bullet? 

Anyway, these are for my daughter. She loves penguins and she loves skeletons. Yeah. Blame this video for that last one. 

I got some wooden door knobs, painted them black with craft paint, then made their faces/skull, bodies. Finally I added a felt beak, feet, and small stickers for the pupils on the penguin. Then I tried to get their heads to stick. No dice. I've tried so many different ways to get these heads to stay, but they never stay for very long. 

Any suggestions? These guys need to get their heads screwed on right... Do I need to drill it into them?