Weekend Wrap Up
For some unknown fantastic reason, the Soccer Head Haunchos decided to favor me this last week by giving the entire league a bye week. For those of you who haven’t had the life sucked out of you by sports, this is a fancy way of saying we had the weekend off. That’s right. NO games. An entire Saturday all to myself with no obligations to get anybody, anywhere. It was glorious.
So, I spent the day doing the following:
Sipping 2 cups of steaming hot coffee. This sounds lame,But considering that I usually inhale said coffee while burning the bejeebers out of my tongue, sipping was sheer bliss.
Taking the boys for a long awaited bike ride. Boys and bikes are always a fun combination.
Surprising bike riding boys with the new Star Wars Lego movie. Because boys can never get enough of Star Wars or Legos.
Sewing in heavenly peace while boys watch said Star Wars Lego movie. (I forgot to mention that this was my *real* motive for the purchase). I was actually able to finish up 3 (yes,3) new market bags for the shop. To be listed this week…
And finally, sweet talking my hubs into making me an iced vanilla latte. He’s so perfect for me.
So, thank Soccer Haunchos. Thank you for giving me a most rare and precious gift: A day off.
Wise, wise fortune cookies
I can find inspiration in many unusual places. Case in point: fortune cookie ‘fortunes’. Those Panda Express philosophers really know what they’re talking about.
Panda Express Wisdom
What about you? What’s inspired you lately?
We have a winner!
Congrats to Copper’s Wife, the winner of our Third Eye Artisans giveaway! And let me tell you, you couldn’t have won this cozy scarf or beret at a better time. It’s stormy in Nor. Cal right now!
Thanks to all of you who did enter but didn’t win. I’m so thankful that you took the time and effort to show Third Eye some love. And to show *her* appreciation, Julie’s offering everyone who entered free shipping good on the entire purchase of anything in her shop. Just be sure to enter the word ‘GIVEAWAY’ in the message to seller, and she’ll refund you via PayPal.
Giveaway Goodness
Alright, faithful readers. ‘Tis the season for giving, so I thought I’d get myself in the mood by hosting another giveaway! Woot, woot! This time, I’m featuring Julie from Third Eye Artisans and her cozy yarn goodness. Julie’s love for texture and color shine through in her beautiful crocheted pieces, and each item in her shop showcases her love for her craft. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s my momma. Here are a few examples of her fantastic work.
Awesome, yes? I have one of those cowls, and I *love* it. It’s a good day when one can look fabulous while staying warm. Want to learn a bit more about Third Eye? Here’s what Julie has to say about her shop and love of color:
“I must confess that my love of using bright, vivid color began at a less than happy time of my life when I was in the first grade. After being given a ditto page (remember those?) of Abraham Lincoln to color, I excitedly opened my brand new box of Crayola Crayons (back in those days there were only 8). I used every crayon in the box to color my Mr. Lincoln. When I was finished, the teacher held up my paper and used it as an example to the other students of how *not* to color President Lincoln. “Use only black or brown.” she said. I continue to use all of the colors available to me which, thankfully, are way more than eight now. Beige is not in my crayon box either. This is why you see such a variety of items, in a variety of colors and textures, in my shop. With very rare exception, my items are one of a kind (ooak). Everything is my favorite! It’s all I can do to list the pieces after I make them because I want to keep them all!….ARGH!!!! “
So, time to see what you can win! Julie is offering a choice between two of her lovely designs. Take a good look at both and then enter to win below!
First up: the Slouch Beret, a $23 value
Slouch Beret in Taupe, Navy or Plum
or: the Mesh Net Scarf, a $35 value
Mesh Net Scarf in Peacock
Want to enter? Here’s how:
1. Head over to Third Eye Artisans and heart the shop. This is a MANDATORY entry. (1 entry)
2. Like Julie’s Facebook fan page. (1 entry)
3. Follow Julie on Twitter. (1 entry)
4. Follow my blog. (1 entry)
5. Tweet about this giveaway. Simple copy and paste this: Enter to win a #handmade scarf or hat by @thirdeyeonetsy at https://handsfullcreations.wordpress.com/2010/12/08/giveaway-goodness/ (1 entry)
6. ‘Suggest’ Julie’s Facebook fan page to at least 3 friends. (3 entries)
Do not forget to leave a comment on this blog post and tell me which of the above entry forms you have chosen! Feel free to enter as many times as you like, just be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. Also, be sure to include your email address, or if you prefer, a Facebook, Twitter or Etsy user name where I can contact you. Giveaway starts now and ends on Sunday, December 12th, at 11:59pm PCT. A winner will be randomly selected and notified within 24 hours of the giveaway ending. Have fun and good luck!
Ahoy, there
Certain colors conjure up certain ideas and thoughts, do they not? I mean, when you think of red, white and blue together, you usually think of the good ol’ USA. Black and orange? Green and red? You get the idea. This color combo being featured today always reminds me of all things nautical, and yet I love, love, love it. It’s fresh, crisp and classic. Enjoy!
Navy Blue and Yellow
The Stockholm bag
Button Up Scarf
Set of 3 dishcloths
Joy Ride
Yellow Rose Necklace
organic infant body suit
toddler mittens
Lovely, yes? These colors are classic, timeless, lasting. A true fashionista can’t go wrong when sticking with a combo like this. Hope you enjoyed it! Happy Thursday!
And the winner is…
(drumroll, please) Jenni of Jenni 20 Designs. She has the coolest shop of her own, so be sure to stop by and check it out! Congratulations, Jenni! Send me a convo and let me know which purse you’d like!
Thanks to all of you who did enter but didn’t win. I’m so thankful that you took the time and effort to show me and my little shop some love. And to show my appreciation, I’m offering everyone who entered a 20% discount, good on all items in my shop. Just be sure to enter the word ‘GIVEAWAY’ in the message to seller, and I’ll be sure to refund your 20% via PayPal.
And since this giveaway went so well, I’ll be hosting another one next month. Third Eye Artisans has been kind enough to offer up one of her gorgeous designs, and I can’t wait to see what she chooses to donate. Check out her shop and whet your appetite for some yummy yarn goodness.
Thanks again, to all who participated! You guys are the best! Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
These aren’t your momma’s colors
Color Thursday again, and this time, I’m debunking a myth. A myth that rust is a color that should stay in the 70’s. A myth that a rust/brown combo is a thing of the past. I know what you’re thinking. And no, I’m not crazy. This color duo is quite trendy and up to date. I’ll prove it to you.
See Exhibit A
- Simply Sweet Elastic Headband
November Earrings
Recycled T-shirt Rug
Custom Made Tableware
And now for Exhibit B
Two Tone Chunky Cowl
Slimline Journal
Retro Coffee Set
Vintage Cuff Bracelet
Gorgeous together, yes? I tend to think so. Let’s give rust the attention it deserves. No longer will it be associated with polyester and leisure suits. Gone are the days of this color being confined to 30 year old appliances. Embrace rust! It will love you back.
Not just for Christmas anymore
It’s Thursday again. Time for another amazing color combination. This one I received as a suggestion from a friend, and I have to say, it’s a fabulous one. I know what you’re gonna say, cause I used to say it myself. ‘This combo is a holiday thing! No place for it in everyday life!’ Not so, I say now! Let go of your pre-conceived notions and open your mind. You won’t be disappointed. So Dani, this one’s for you!
Green and Red
Avocado Rose Necklace
Framed Flower Wall Hanging
Resting Bike Print
Red Rose Necklace
Still thinking ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’? Okay, here’s a few more.
Mom Tattoo Shirt
Through Cherry Tunnels
Modern Hungary Earrings
Convinced? It’s a combo that can be used year round, so please, for the love of color, don’t stifle it anymore. Let it out! Use it in the summer. I dare you.
Until next week then, get your color on!
Not meant to be.
Thursday again, which means another post about my most favorite thing: color. Last week’s thoughts left me with aqua on the brain, and so in typical Sarah fashion, I ran out and did something semi spontaneous. I painted our master bedroom an aqua color. Really, I painted it the same color that my living room was in Los Angeles. That particular color looked *awesome* in that house, so I just assumed that it would look great in the new place. Why mess with a good thing, right? Um, wrong. Not sure if it was the texture on the walls, (LA walls were smooth) or the fact that the new room gets so much natural light. Whatever the reason, my little paint project went horribly wrong. Let’s just say that my gorgeous aqua color turned into a horrible 1980’s mint green. Can you say, ‘Ewwww’? The rest of the story I’ll save for another post, but suffice to say, I won’t be running out and buying anymore paint based on the color combination I feature today or in the future. Lesson learned.
So, without further ado, today’s color combo is: Gray and Yellow. Who knew that those colors would go so well together? Seriously, it’s a sleeper combo. I challenge you to set aside your doubt and check out the following examples of awesomeness.
Grey and Mustard Rosette Necklace
5x7 Love print
Yellow Rose Pillow
- Circles and Dots Bookmark
See what I mean? Gorgeous! A perfect marriage of color, just right for fall/winter. Ahh. Need more convincing?
Me and Matilda Necktie
Gray wool zipper clutch
You Make Me Happy
Okay, that last one doesn’t really count, but I couldn’t help the play on words. So, are you convinced? Gray/yellow (or charcoal/ mustard for you artsy ones) is a beautiful, underrated combo. Get creative and find a way to incorporate them into your wardrobe/house/life some way. You won’t be sorry.
Oilcloth, my latest obsession- Part 1
I love oilcloth. I absolutely adore it. I love the look and feel of it, and now that I’ve figured it out, I love to work with it. No need to finish seams or worry about threads unraveling. I’ll be listing the best tips for working with oilcloth in an upcomng post. Right now, I’m going to share my favorite prints and the best places to find this awesome material.
Just part of my oilcloth stash...
So far, the place with the best selection of oilcloth at the best price is A.H. Mecantile Co. Here is the link: http://www.ahmercantile.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=10_21_132 I have ordered from them for quite a while and have been very impressed by their selection and their super speedy shipping. Shipping prices are a flat rate of $4.80 and usually arrive in about a week. Just check out some of their yummy prints available:
awesome retro goodness...
If you are looking for larger quantities of oilcloth, be sure to check out Fashion Fabrics Club. http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/catalog_items.aspx?TypID=142&Viewby=Types&Page=1&gclid=CKXa6fLM4JUCFQkiagod51v_YQ They sell 12 yard rolls of oilcloth. Their print selection is not quite as extensive as A.H. Mercantile, but it’s a pretty good deal, about $60 for a 12 yard roll.
these are so cute, it hurts!
Mendel’s Far Out Fabrics has the same yardage prices as A.H. Mercantile, and their 12 yard rolls are actually a bit more expensive than Fashion Fabric Club, but they have some killer wood grain oilcloth. They also sell little bundles of remnants, great for small coin purse projects! http://www.mendels.com/fabrics10.shtml
that minty polka dot is my new favorite...
So, there you have it. Those links should at least point you all in the right direction. Next post, I’ll give you some pointers in sewing with oilcloth. It can be a bit tricky, but with a few little adjustments and tools, you can work with fairly easily. Until then, have fun checking out this funky cool material!
My Hands Full 