Hot baths, Sunrises and Crayola Crayons

What do hot baths, sunrises and crayola crayons have in common? It all started when I decided to take 20 minutes and soak in the tub Sunday morning while everyone else was still sleeping. It was so nice and quiet, the sun was just rising and the scent of eucalyptus was easing me into the day.

This picture is the view from my tub window Sunday morning!

I began to think about just how long it had been since I last took a few moments like this?! How did I get so busy this summer?! Then, I started thinking about how I used to have to stick my head under the water while the tub was filling to quiet the house and my head when the twins were babies. This made me giggle! I was only able to sneak a tub in occasionally, usually when "Big Annie" (this moniker was only permissible because Ann is a wisp of a woman and Bella chose it) breezed in, swept the girls up in love and allowed me 4 hours of guilt-free freedom. Ann watched our girls a few days a week--although that doesn't even begin to do it justice! When I was tapped out from the constant demands that only twin infants and a toddler are proficient at delivering, Ann would arrive, full of energy, patience and unending stores of unconditional love! She would teach sign language, dole out consistent consequences and provide hours of giggles and hugs.She would also patiently repeat every answer as many times as it took--often adding more information each time, unlike my answers that got shorter with each time the question was repeated. I never felt guilty because I knew that with Ann they were getting more than I had left to give. Also, after witnessing her enjoying my girls, I always seemed to be more capable of being the mom I desired to be when she left. Ann was a Godsend--there is no other way to describe her!

As I was thinking of how lucky we were to have her, I remembered the bottle cap I had set aside over 6 months ago. The cap was for Mason's Root Beer, and Ann's son is named Mason. I had never gotten around to making it, but partly because the colors were red and yellow and I wasn't sure how to make them more Ann. But, Sunday it hit me that nothing is more Ann than bright colors. When black, brown and grey were the only colors left in my box of crayolas, Ann would show up--a full box of bright cheery colors--not a one broken or dull. Cheesy, but true! With that funny thought, I knew exactly the type of beads to put on the rest of Ann's bracelet.

I found the brightest, cheeriest paper beads from Beads for Life to add even more color. I also added a tag stamped with Paige (Ann's daughter's name--can't play favorites :). It is no wonder that Ann has amazingly kind and wonderful children! Thank you, Ann for being an inspiration to me when I didn't even have the energy to look for inspiration! Thank you for loving and pouring into our children, possibly even better than if they had been your own!

And, there you have it--a bit of insight into how my crazy brain works! Be thankful you can walk away :). May each of you also find a few minutes to quiet your soul and get inspired today!

Another fun craft to give back....

Thanks to all the fun ladies that joined us last night for Craft to give back! First, Kara showed us how to make cute little garlands for decorating kids' rooms or birthday parties. Super easy to make--especially with 6 pairs of hands cutting the shapes! The one in the picture is orange, pink and white--we also made a couple that are Waunakee purple and white, and two others with bold colors. These are going in the young girl's pinterest basket, which will be up for raffle at the Arboretum PTO basket drawing and art show.

Under the banner, are four little ball jar lanterns. Drop a citronella tea candle in there and serve your margaritas in ball jars this summer on the patio! So super cute. The insides were painted with transparent glass paint and then they were baked to make them waterproof. These will be going in the pinterest basket for ladies, which will also be in the raffle for the Arboretum Elementary basket drawing.

These baskets are going to be overflowing due to the generous giving of some very talented ladies in our town. So far, we have a gorgeous handmade bag, 2 scarves, an embellished winter hat, wine bags, ball jar lanterns and something fun from N's Whims (of course), and a few items I am waiting on in the women's basket. In the kids' basket, there is a fancy tutu, hair flowers with a cute little hanger, onesies and receiving blankets gift pack, onesies and blankets embellished with owls, an adorable hoodie dress and these felt garlands and a super cute bulletin board. So much fun in these baskets! If you make something you would like to add to either of these baskets, we would LOVE to have it!

Next month, we will be taking a break from Craft to give back. Instead, I will host a craft to craft night :). Join us for a night to hang out and enjoy each other while getting something done that you just haven't found the time to do yet (be it a craft, folding your laundry or relaxation)! Stay tuned for the date in May and I hope you can join us for craft to craft night.

April craft to give back

Besides the terribly tied bow (I just may be the worst at tying bows I have ever encountered!), I think our paper wreath turned out really well! It was a LOT of work and would not be nearly as fun without all the hands pitching in at Craft to give back!!!
This is the final craft to give back where we will be creating items to donate to the Arboretum PTO basket drawing. We are going to be working on finishing up the hanging lanterns we started last month. We will also be learning a new craft--Kara is going to show us how to make a kids' banner. So fun! I will also be looking for one more project for us to do. Let me know if you see something on Pinterest you want to try!!!
Anyway, the craft to give back night will be Sunday, the 15th from 7:15-9:15. Hope to have you join us! As usual, please let me know if you plan to attend so that we can organize the right amount of supplies and tools! Thanks so much!

oooh, pick me, pick me!

Found this giveaway for the cutest little clay beads this morning! You should check them out, she is having a sale on her clay beads, too. I see a little shopping in my future--maybe if this open house goes well, a good bit o' shopping ;)! http://www.treewingsstudio.com/2012/03/giveaway.html
Check out Tree Wings Studio's Blog!

And, last but not least,...

Nicole Mihalas will be at the open house this Sunday! She has agreed to do a one-time sale of crafty things she makes. I have already posted a picture of the dresses she is making for girls--but will include one here just in case you didn't get to peek!
If you are a fan of the Athleta brand Nusa roll-over skirt (which just happens to be one of my favorites--I actually own 3 ;), you are going to want to make a bee-line to Nicole's table! She is sewing up some skirts that are remarkably similar--only, unlike Athleta's, they come in ADORABLE prints. Check out the one she made me in a fun asian-inspired floral. LOVE IT!
Nicole will also be selling a few of her birds--I have one sitting on top of my chain stand in my studio--super fun! You will also be able to check out some fun little items that Nicole and I have crafted together, we are calling it N². Nicole will be donating one of these items, to the door prize drawing--see, I told you this is one open house you are not going to want to miss! Come early for the best selection. Nicole will not be taking special orders. Once they sell, sadly, that is it!

Cdel designs will be here, too!

If you know anything about me, you know I just about LIVE in my sticky bands! These bands truly don't move! I have just about every color out there, I am embarrassed to admit--and am often lured by another pretty print. I wear them to teach group exercise classes, to make jewelry (keeps the hair out of the face), to the pool (they can get wet along with your suit), and any other day I just don't have the time to do my hair (which is all too often of late)! They would also be the perfect answer for anyone trying to grow out their bangs ;). They are machine wash and dry-able, too! I know because they often find their way into my dryer.... Anyway, Lori will be bringing her original cotton sticky bands (with the velour backing) along with some new items she is selling.


Introducing, the new Wickyband. This is a wider headband made of moisture wicking sport spandex. How cool is that?! I have been known to soak a stickyband in spin class--maybe this is the new answer for me!!

As a door prize, Lori is providing your choice of any two headbands. Rock on! Again, you do not need to be present at the time of the drawing to win.

Lori is also selling I-Pad pockets . Click I-Pad pocket to be directed to her facebook page with a picture of these cute covers.

Woot! Everything is shaping up for an amazing open house--see you on Sunday!

Caroline is in the house....

The Caroline line will be back at the open house (Sunday, 1-4pm). Nancy will have her super cute skirts that she premiered at the last open house, including some new spring designs.

She has added the scrappy skirt to the line. These are one of a kind skirts with multiple panels. Each one has a cute button and ribbon on one of the panels. This beautiful brown, orange and turquoise skirt is one that will be available (size 4).




She has also added some cute ruffle skirts in t-shirt material. Each of these is one of a kind, as well. They are super soft and flouncy. She sent me a picture of the sweetest little size 3--what do you think?! I say, PERFECT for spring!

Another new item Nancy is adding to her line is a fabric purse. These are very Bohemian--again, each is a one of a kind. The details on these purses are so fun. The straps are men's ties and the cute little wood buttons are hand-made by Nancy's talented husband, Bud. I am trying to get him to make some of his fabulous bird-houses for the next open house!

Nancy will be selling her hair flowers again at the open house, as well as some flower pins. You will definitely want to get your name in the hat for the door prizes, as Nancy is donating a women's flower broach (add this bit of flair to a purse, hat or jacket) AND a coupon for 30% off of one of her items. See you on Sunday!