The Olde Saltbox

Mini Book #2

2012-01-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

Good News! I finally got the video for book number one up and running (in entirety!) on youtube!

Better news? I'm uploading book number #2 as I type this so it should be live right here!

This is the accordion fold book that I make in the video. I've added some photos of fun time at the park this last summer.

I plan on adding some journaling to the inside covers and possibly more photos to the inside back.

Here is the first book I put together, just in time for Valentine's Day! This book is going to be given away to one of my luck readers! Just leave a message on this post and there will be a random drawing! And stay tuned for book #3!

SnapIt Screen Capture

2012-01-30T17:19:00.002-06:00

Okay, so have you heard of this software?

SnapIt Screen Capture 3.7

SnapIt is easy to use screen capture software which allows you to easily capture

anything on the screen including windows, menus, full screen, rectangular regions,

web pages and take shots of moving images.

- Supports hotkeys, auto-saving, clipboard

- Automatically copies screenshots to the clipboard

- Tracks capture history, auto-saves captured images

- Saves files in BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG and TIFF formats

- Auto-names captured images

It is really cool! With Pinterest being the range, this software really comes in handy if you want to pin more that just a photo on a page.

There is a free 14 day trial for this software, so give it a try! If you would like to promote it on your blog, facebook, twitter or wherever contact them for a giveaway!

New YouTube Video

2012-01-27T21:02:00.000-06:00

I'm starting a new journey today. I recently bought the book Mini Books by Roxi Phillips and I've decided to make every book in her book. I'm going to video each book as well. Today I did the first book, and actually made 3 of them.

~~Check out the video!~~

Sorry! I have been trying for two days to upload the video to youtube with no success. I'll keep trying and let you know when it is on!

Some Free Printables

2012-01-25T20:07:00.001-06:00

So I was playing around in Illustrator the other day and made up some Valentine & Easter images. I just thought I would share! Click on the image and copy it to your drive to print! Who knows what I might come up with in the future. Enjoy!

New Ebay Listing

2012-01-22T21:00:00.000-06:00

This wonderful piece was just listed to ebay. Click on the images to check it out!

My Mind's Eye Layout Challenge

2012-01-17T22:18:00.003-06:00

I finished up a couple of layouts today. I was inspired by the Mine Minds Eye Challenge

This first layout features my son Rylan when his first teeth poked through. I used all MME product except the printer paper that I printed on. The paper is from the Alphabet Soup collection.

I was having so much fun with this layout I did another using the MME Hip Horray Birthday paper pack. I'm working on some more birthday pages that will coordinate with this.

I'll post more soon! ~Heather

New Things...

2012-01-10T18:48:00.000-06:00

Here is a piece that I finished today. In honor of Valentines Day, which is approaching fast, this mixed media canvas is all hearts. This one-of-a-kind canvas has just been listed on ebay:

I've got some other things currently in the works as well. This is a recipe box I've got on the table right now. I just finished the first layer on the box. I'm also going to make an album for the inside.

More photos to come!

New Wreath Kit

2012-01-10T11:15:00.001-06:00

I've just added this new wreath kit to my website & on ebay!

Check them out!

Website

Ebay

Valentines Wreath Kit

2012-01-07T18:51:00.000-06:00

Are you interested in making you very own Valentines Wreath? I've got this awesome wreath available in kit form just for you! You get everything you need to make this beautiful wreath. All you need is a hot glue gun!

$8.00 plus shipping
Click on the photo to go to the website to purchase!

I have other wreaths in the works along with another Valentines one. Keep checking my website more awesome kits!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T11:38:00.001-06:00

2012 hu? Well it's time to write down my list of resolutions right? Lets see:

Save Money

Lose Weight

Organize

Blah Blah Blah...

Why do we wait for Jan. 1st to resolve make our life better? My New Years resolution is to live my life the way I want, everyday.

I am going to get up and go for a run, because I enjoy it.

I am going to lose weight, because frankly, I'm tired of lying on my drivers license.

I am going to organize because I like things in their place.

I'm going to save money, well I'll try to anyway.

I'm just happy that in this new year, my family and friends are around to live my life with me.

Happy New Year

Storage & Organization

2011-12-10T09:33:00.001-06:00

Hmmm, so I love to organize and have everything in it's place. But I'm having issues with my paper/mixed media/scraping supplies. First problem, I have too much! There is so much out there and it's easy to think that you need it all! I bought one of these storage carts at sam's club and it is awesome. The drawers are big enough to hold 12x12 paper. I have a drawer for each child, so I can throw their photos into their drawer along with anything else that is special to them and then when I have time to scrap I can pull out their drawer and there it is.

So that is all good, but then their are chip pieces, brads, ribbons, rub-on's, stamps, stickers and tons of other embellishments. Not to mention the tools, embossing folders, sprays, paints, dies, just to name a few...

So you can probably see in the photo, I have more than one cart now. There are three... You can also see in the drawers that they are all FULL. So getting back to problem #1, having too much stuff. Now in my defense, I sell a lot of these things on my website. So having tons of paper takes up space. The cart on the left is full of paper for sale.

Problem #2, remembering what I have? Have you ever peaked into Tim Holtz's studio? How on earth does that man remember what he has? I'll be digging around for something and find something else I forgot I had that would have been so cool on a project I finished yesterday! Tim says he keep everything in open storage so he sees it all. With all of that eye candy around you, it would take great focus to get anything done!

So, getting back to the task on hand, getting things organized in a helpful manner. Do you group your supplies by type. All of the paper here, tools over there and embellishments over there? Or do you keep things organized by season. Christmas supplies all in this drawer, Halloween in another and so on. Or do you put together and organize your supplies by future projects?

If you have pictures of your studio/craft rooms I'd love to see them! I'll take some more of my room to show you too.

Cyber Monday Madness!

2011-11-27T18:53:00.001-06:00

Shop Handmade This Christmas!

I'm participating in the Cyber Monday Madness. Starting at Midnight tonight, everything on my website will be 30% off! The sale will go through the end of the month. There are a lot of items that are one-of-a-kind and they will go first come first get! I will work with local people on getting things to town for a pick up and refund shipping if you so wish.

Handmade products have so much more meaning than "made in china"! Think of supporting your local artists this holiday season!

Hard at work!

2011-11-27T07:44:00.001-06:00

So this is what my work table looks like right now:

Ready for paint. Tis the busy season right?

My Gift!

2011-11-27T07:35:00.001-06:00

Okay seriously. Who doesn't LOVE getting a present in the mail!? And when you know it's coming from a crafty person, well that just amps up the excitement doesn't it!

So with great anticipation I awaited the mailman. He brought me a box yesterday and I dove right in! I did have enough patience to take a photo before I opened it, isn't the wrapping wonderful?

Hand stamped tag anyone? What wonderful details!!

Look at this wonderful heart garland! I absolutely LOVE it! I can't wait to decorate with it. Thank you so so much Hanneke!

Gift Exchange

2011-11-25T12:47:00.001-06:00

So I'm participating in my first online gift exchange! How much fun! This is the paper cone wreath that I've made for my partner. I hope she likes it!

Check out the blog for the gift exchange! http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/

The Handmade'ns Show

2011-11-20T22:19:00.001-06:00

Soo I feel terrible! It took me weeks to get this done! But I finally have posted some photos from this year's show. I also brought my video camera along for the set up.

The YouTube Link

I do want to apologize for the bad video. I wasn't a very good camera woman!

Here are a couple of shots of the show before we opened:

A little history on the Handmade'ns show. It started in 1976. There is usually around 12 women in the group. There are no original members still in, but there are a couple that have been in for quite a while! The show is more of a boutique, and it's held once a year, usually the first Sunday in November. The Handmade'ns pride themselves in offering quality hand made products. There is quite a range, from welding, painting, woodwork, sewing and crochet!

Ebay Ebay!

2011-11-19T20:56:00.001-06:00

Have you checked out my ebay listings lately? I have tons of stuff listed and more will be added! Oh and there are $1 auctions, so you should go there now and check them out!

2011-11-14T13:16:00.001-06:00

So here I am! Things have been crazy busy lately. I thought after Handmade'ns I would be able to relax a little bit. That has yet to happen! I will be posting photos of the show along with a video that I shot soon. It was a wonderful show, we had so much merchandise this year, it was great!

Anyway, on to this post. I was fortunate enough to come by a large collection of books this summer. They are old law books from the 40's. So this lead me to look into what I could do with all of these books.

Reading them is out of the question! Of course when looking for ideas, you go to Pinterest! Here are some photos I found there:

What do YOU make out of old books?

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T09:23:00.001-05:00

From my 3 favorite spooks!

Just Waiting for Santa

2011-10-27T16:23:00.001-05:00

Find us here!

New Tutorial

2011-10-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Today I put together a video making this Joy standing sign. The finished piece is going to be for sale at my Handmade'ns show on the 6th of November. Click the link below to go to the video!

You Tube Tutorial

Here is another one I have finished for the show! I absolutely LOVE how this turned out!

Current WIP

2011-10-21T17:21:00.000-05:00

Here Comes Santa Clause...

2011-10-21T10:26:00.002-05:00

I finished up some Santa's for Handmade'ns yesterday. So now it's on to another project!

More Finished Pieces

2011-10-15T16:11:00.001-05:00

So the weather has been beautiful today so I decided to work in the garage and outside finishing up a couple of things that I started a while back. I took some old window frames and jazzed them up a bit making them into cork/chalk boards. I've added knobs on the bottom for hanging other essentials and made custom push pins for the cork side.

I used the chalk board spray paint and coated the plywood with it. I didn't want a perfectly smooth look, so I left some of the detail in the wood when I sanded it before painting.

I don't know which one I like better!

I also finished a shelf I built from scratch, but the stain is drying at the moment. Pictures will be posted on it later! Back to work!

Snowman Army

2011-10-14T16:21:00.000-05:00

Here is the workings of my Snowman Army.

Now on to Santas!

Thanks Sweet Meadow Farms for the Pattern and inspiration!

Work Update

2011-10-12T15:03:00.000-05:00

Quick post. I'm hard at work finishing some of my Handmade'ns projects. My snowmen are starting to look like snowmen! And yes I spy, that is an almost empty glass of wine in the background...

Handmade'ns is Getting Close!

2011-10-11T09:40:00.004-05:00

So I can't believe how fast time is flying! We are well into October! My Handmade'ns show will be here before I know it! Yikes!! It's time to start working overtime cranking out the holiday goodness. Here is one of the things that I managed to get done yesterday. I've got some more of these planned and I'll be doing a you tube video tutorial on them as well.

The happy holidays is just stamped on old book paper and then I applied glossy accents on top to give it a cool effect.

I also lined some of the embellishments with stickles for a little bit of bling...

So I'm sure you have all heard about Pinterest by now. And like me have been sucked into it's fabulous world. I wont even admit how much of my time has been spent surfing the pictures sketching new ideas. Here is one of the things that I spied on the pin and have made. Thank you fleamarketstylemag.blogspot.com for the original idea!

Here I Am!

2011-10-04T15:04:00.002-05:00

I want to apologize! I have been MIA lately! I have been working working working. I've been getting things done and I can see the floor in my craft room. I just finished these pumpkins and they can be purchased at The Country Nest downtown Kearney! Prices of these range $4 - $10

Another thing I finished that can be purchased at the store is this awesome pumpkin wreath! It is mounted on an old bushel basket lid.

I've been working on some more things for Handmade'ns. I've got a couple of these old window cork boards. I'm also going to have some that are half chalk board and half cork board. I've added knobs to the bottom to hang your favorite items from.

After seeing these yarn wreaths on Pinterest I knew I wanted to make some. This is the first one that I've finished.

I sprayed the fall colored roses with a glimmer spray for a nice shine. I've got a couple more of these started.

Well it's back to work!

It's Never Too Late...

2011-09-16T21:46:00.000-05:00

Today I had a rare moment of silence and was able to finish my piece! Let me know what you think! I did it as a famous quote challenge piece.

Current WIP

2011-09-15T23:25:00.002-05:00

This is what is currently laying on my work table. Stay tuned for the finished product!

Halloween House Album Kit

2011-09-15T10:19:00.000-05:00

So who wants to make this adorable album?

Check out this fabulous kit! Get ready to show off your Halloween photos in this Haunted House Chip Album. Click on any of the photos to see what you all get in this kit! The album is approx. 5.75" wide by 6" tall. All of the supplies bought separately would be over $30 dollars! You get this kit for $15 plus $6 priority shipping. Check out the video of my finished house.

Oh Yeah!

2011-09-07T23:13:00.000-05:00

So I completely forgot to mention in my last post, I'm in the latest issue of Create & Decorate!

Run out and grab a copy today!

Flip to page 9 for instructions on making these wonderfully primitive pumpkins! Don't feel like making them? Click on the picture below to go to the page to purchase some all done up for you!

So I've Been MIA Lately...

2011-09-07T22:40:00.002-05:00

So what have I been up to? So many different things! I've been doing a fair share of canning lately, here is a shot of what I can pick in a day:

And I thought I planted a very small garden! Those are actually all from one plant each.

It doesn't help my to do list when I've been out of town a lot. September isn't looking any better since every weekend is booked. Wedding, Husker Game, Wedding, Wedding...

My craft room is a total disaster! I have piles and piles of things started and other things to do. Here are a stack of canvas just waiting to be worked on.

This is what I am pushing to get done at the moment. A mini album kit for Halloween! Almost done with this one!

Here is a project littered on the floor waiting to be started:

Yet another project piled on the floor!

Here is a large pile of things waiting to be finished!

This pile is sewn, just waiting to embellish everything in the photo above!

This last weekend when I was out and about I made it to a wonderful shed sale and picked up this awesome piece! I knew it would be perfect for my craft room. The skinny little shelves now hold my stamp pads and acrylic stamps. Too bad I don't have a spot for it in my room. It's currently sitting right in the middle!

I also picked up these wonderful tins. Wont they look beautiful done up for Christmas!

I really need to stay focused on one thing at a time so I can hopefully reclaim my room soon!

Paper Rose Wreath Tutorial

2011-08-29T21:35:00.002-05:00

Today I finished this one-of-a-kind mixed media piece featuring rolled paper roses. Check out the video tutorial! This unique item is also for sale on my website!

Necklace Tutorial

2011-08-27T08:59:00.003-05:00

I've added another tutorial to my YouTube. These necklaces are pretty easy to put together and there are so many options! These are just a few that I did.

YouTube Video

I've also uploaded a video showing what you can do with these fabulous punches I have for sale on my website!

Punch Video

Click on the picture to go to the page where you can buy these punches!

Note Holders

2011-08-22T10:58:00.003-05:00

So are you looking for a way to hang up your notes and lists in a stylish way? Do you have some spare wood hanging around, paint, paper, clothes pins? Then how bout putting together some of these? I started with a board and painted it. I cut some pieces of plywood to size glued them to my board. Then I stained the piece, and once dry I mod podged paper to the plywood pieces. I also covered some clothes pins with coordinating papers. I then glued them to the plywood pieces. String it up with wire and tada!

These three that I have done are all different sizes. I just used whatever boards I had laying around in the garage. I think this blue one would look great displaying some favorite pictures!

Okay so how perfect is this one for your child's artwork? I glittered the clothes pins instead of covering them with paper.

And just a short note, I'm going to be adding some more things to ebay soon. Here are a couple of things already on there. This HUGE lot of Halloween decor items. Perfect if you're throwing a party!

Do you make spice cakes? Here is a bunch of supplies!

Way back when...

2011-08-13T09:07:00.002-05:00

So quite a while ago I had a post about secrets. Well it's time to reveal my secret! See this cute little bat? If you would like to make some just like him for your Halloween decor this year all you have to do is...

Buy this! That's right, I am in the October issue of Create & Decorate! My first time being published! I'm so excited and will be working with them more in the future, so stay tuned!

Halloween is Around the Corner!

2011-08-10T16:47:00.002-05:00

And we have the goodies! Stuff is arriving almost daily and I'm been working on getting things added to the site! There are so many neat new things for your Halloween and Fall scraping projects.

Check out the website!

Okay so needless to say these keys are awesome!
And what about this Spiderweb Gemstone sticker??

Owls are so in right now and wouldn't this mini stamp make some cute tags??

Speaking of tags, use this cool branch stamp to create a border around them!

Some classic Halloween stamps, these are so Martha! I can't wait to stamp with that picket fence!

Of course you're going to need paper for your projects and I've been adding a ton of that. I need to take some more photos!

There are also plenty of die cuts to choose from at awesome prices!

And I saved the best for last! How cool are these?? Transfers for your pumpkins! I currently have 3 different designs to choose from! It makes decorating your pumpkins a breeze!

Picture Window

2011-08-08T23:03:00.002-05:00

So I just finished this today. Okay so I stared and finished it today. Now I'm kind of mad at myself for selling my old windows on my garage sale. After having the windows sit in my garage for 4 years, I was tired of storing them thinking one day I would do something with them. I had one left and this turned out so good I wish I could make more!

I had never used Mod Podge on glass and was a little apprehensive. But it turned out awesome! After cleaning the window up really good, aka hosing it down with the garden hose. I cut two rectangles of fabric to size and glued them on with Mod Podge. I screwed in some eye hooks and threaded them with jute.

Next I Mod Podged some coordination paper to some clothes pins and added a touch of glitter. I mean how cool did this turn out? It will be for sale at Handmade'ns this year!

Paper Cone Wreath Tutorial

2011-08-06T19:44:00.002-05:00

I just finished this Halloween inspired paper cone wreath and made a video tutorial. They are a lot of fun putting together. Check it out here!

Video Part 1

Video Part 2

I also have this wreath listed for sale on Etsy. Check it out HERE!

Etsy Coupon!

2011-08-01T10:02:00.003-05:00

I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop! There are some Winter/Christmas items at low prices. A Christmas in July sale if you will. (Yes I know it is August, but I added the items in July, so that counts right?) There are a lot of fall and harvest items in the shop with more to be added soon. I also have a coupon for 20% off! Enter the code SUMMERTIME during checkout!

This weekend my mom and I are putting on a bridal shower for my cousin. I made these cute purses for the game prizes. These are full of Bath & Body Works goodies. I'll be making some more of these and adding them to my Etsy shop. They make great gift bags!

I thought I would also show you the invites I made for the shower. I just got a Big Shot and had to try out some of the embossing folders!

Have a great day!

Pretty in Pink

2011-07-31T09:08:00.003-05:00

So I've added a handful of new items to my website this weekend. There are some pretty pretty pink things!

I got a couple more fan embellishments done. Wouldn't this be pretty on your little girl's scrapbook page? You can get any letter. If you would like a number or shape (like a star!) just let me know! They are $1.97 each.

These stickers are on a 6x12" sheet on 80lb cardstock. Acid & lignin free. And only $1.50!!

Don't those letters work perfectly with this paper? This paper is called Big Cherry and is 65lb stock.

These opaline pearl embellishments have an adhesive on the back for easy application. They are only $1.80

This journaling set includes 5 coordinating printed journaling sets, 2 sticky note pads, 2 die-cut stacks and 1 mini-memo pad. There are so many things you can do with these!

I've got a lot more items coming in so check the site everyday! Click on any of the pictures to go to their page!

Paper Cone Wreaths

2011-07-30T19:52:00.002-05:00

So while virtually thumbing through pinterest the other day I came across a paper cone wreath. I tagged it in my I will make these one day folder. Well the day came and here one that I came up with. I'll have this one and others available at Handmadens this November.

Green beans anyone?

2011-07-30T17:42:00.003-05:00

So I've actually kept my garden up this year, and have started to reap the benefits. My peas didn't do so good, but the green beans have more than made up. We have been eating fresh green beans for weeks now. Luckily the kids LOVE them! It was time to pick them all though. I've never canned green beans, actually the only thing I have canned is tomatoes. Once.

So I researched quickly on the internet. Realizing I need a pressure cooker, I ran to Wal-mart. Why is everyone afraid of pressure cookers? Seriously, people online mention them exploding, even checking out the guy behind me in line told me I must be daring.

I decided that since I'd never heard of someone dieing by pressure cooker they must be semi safe to operate. Even by a novice such as myself. And after spending the entire day in the kitchen I ended up with canned and pickled green beans to enjoy in the future.

Very worth it!

Shadowbox Ornament Tutorial

2011-07-28T22:07:00.000-05:00

Before I get to the shadowbox ornament, here is a small book I put together using the Cosmo Cricket Little Boy Biography Collection I have for sale on my website. There is a you tube video of the paper pack and of me putting together this album. Click on the photo to go to the page:

Now on to the tutorial. I made these darling little ornaments the other day! So cute and so easy to put together. Click on either photo to go to the video. Enjoy!

Here We Go!

2011-07-17T09:54:00.003-05:00

So I've been getting some things done! I got an order in from Cosmo Cricket the other day as well. Beautiful stuff! Check out this lacing card kit:

Super easy to put together! Click on the photo to go to the website to purchase the kit. I also made a video of the one I put together, check it out!

Dreams Video

Here are some of the items that I've made and added to the website. The fan embellishments come in various colors of paper and glitter. There are 3 different fonts to choose from as well. I'll be adding additional colors in the future.

The bag of tags is another new thing I'm working on. I'll have different colors and shapes as fast as I can get them done and added!

This paper pack from Cosmo Cricket is absolutely gorgeous! The papers have a vintage flair and there is also a Little Boy set. I've made a video of the contents of each pack. I'm working some photo books with the papers that I'll show you when I'm done. Click on the picture to purchase either pack!

Little Girls Video Little Boys Video

I've also added some Halloween papers and stamps. I'm going to be putting together a Haunted House album kit once I get all of the supplies in, so stay tuned for that!

I need a Vacation! I think...

2011-07-14T22:26:00.003-05:00

Actually, I just don't know. Where in the world are the days going to? They are flying by so fast. If I think about it I get overwhelmed. Maybe if I took a vacation when I got home I'd be refreshed and able to collect myself? Or maybe I would feel even farther behind. Behind in what? I don't even have an answer for that! I feel like a hamster on it's wheel going, going, going. And I don't seem to accomplish a thing. What's up with that? I feel like I need a giant to do list to keep me inline. I suppose this all has to do with the new thing I'm working on. I've been developing a new line to launch under my business. The Olde Scrapbox. I am going to offer handmade supplies & embellishments for crafting, scrapbooking, etc. I'll be putting project kits together for sale and I've also ordered supplies from some great companies that I'll be offering on my site. I've got quite a few things drawn up and only a couple finished right now. I'm adding them to the site as I get them done. Here are just a couple examples:

These fan embellishments are great for adding to scrapbook pages, banners, party hats... They will come in different colors and fonts.

I will also have packages of premade journaling tags. This set features black ink on kraft card stock. I also have a bright colored set available and others in the mix.

I do enjoy what I'm doing, but right now my mind is working way faster that my body can process, so hence the overwhelming feeling. I need to tell myself, you don't really have a deadline, take your time!

I'd enjoy any feedback! Let me know what you think of the new line. I realize there isn't a lot on my site yet. It's coming along slowly but surely!

New Mixed Media Piece

2011-06-28T22:39:00.003-05:00

I recently finished another mixed media piece. I got the idea from watching a video by Christy Tomlinson from Scarlet Lime. I made a video of making the piece and have it posted to youtube. I broke the video into two parts and had to cut a bit out just to get the time down. I had a lot of fun with this piece. Let me know what you think!

Part 1

Part 2

What to do?

2011-06-20T11:31:00.003-05:00

This is a mixed media piece I've been working on for some time. I only do a little here and there. I started with oils painting the majority of it. I've added paper for the windows, fence, wings and words. Now I'm stuck. It really needs something added to it, but what?

What can I do to fill up some of this blue background?

I have thought of doing little paper flowers in front of the fence. Or maybe tissue paper flowers?

Thanks for any input or ideas you can send my way!

Walnut Weekend

2011-06-20T10:56:00.002-05:00

Well we couldn't have asked for a better weekend! The weather was beautiful!

It didn't start out so beautiful though. On the way to my mom's (a little over an hour drive) 2 out of 3 kids puked most of the way. I was hoping it wasn't a sign of how the weekend was going to go. I called my husband and told him to throw the eggs we had eaten that morning away, just to be safe. Once we got to my mom's they were back to normal, so who know! I guess they just wanted the trip to be memorable...

It seemed like it took forever, but I finally made it to Omaha. After a quick change at Holly's we headed to Grisanties for supper with our friend Julie. It was so nice to hang with the girls, it had been so long! After eating and talking, we parted with Julie and headed to DJ's Dugout to watch the blazing pianos. My cousin Andrea met us there. She's kind of sneaky and managed to get me on stage for my own song:

We stayed out almost til closing time! I wont go into any other details, as the girls probably don't want me to!

Holly and I did manage to get up early the next morning and head for Walnut. I did only snap a couple of pictures. It didn't seem like they had as many shoppers as usual. I'm sure the flooding in the area made it hard for some people to get there.

I wasn't really looking for anything and I didn't really buy that much. These are just a couple of the things I picked up. I had bought some things for my mom, but didn't get pictures. I also picked up some things that I'm adding to my etsy shop!

When we got back to Omaha, I headed to Archivers. I by far spent more money there! Oh how I wish I had a store like that a little closer. Well maybe not, I would be spending way too much!

It was so nice to get away for a little while, but oh so nice to get back to the kids!

Not so Crafty Post...

2011-06-15T09:26:00.002-05:00

I'm soo excited! Only 2 more days!
Until Walnut!!

That's right folks, I'm breaking out of this joint! Tomorrow I'm taking my kids to my mom's and heading to Omaha to stay at my BFF's house. Be prepared, it could get a little wild! I can't even remember the last time I was free for a couple of days!

I've got so many things I want to do, I hope I can fit them all in! Don't worry I'll be taking a lot of pictures!

I don't really NEED anything, but I always find something I can't live without. I'm also hoping to pick up some things to sell. Is there anything you've been looking for? I love that show, I'm hoping with the flood waters everyone has safe travels getting there and back!

On to a completely different note, I don't think I've posted a pic of my herb garden yet... This is right outside my kitchen door. I'm new to the whole herb thing, so far all I've used is chives on my potatoes. Anyone have any fun recipes?

And last, I wanted to come up with a fun invite for our annual July 4th party. I was scoping the web and saw these somewhere. I used adobe illustrator to design the parts. (not hard at all!) Imported them into SureCutsAlot and cut them out with my Cricut.

I'll be back next week with my Walnut post!

Video, Really?

2011-06-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

So I've been toying with the idea of making some videos lately. I've watched quite a few on youtube and I've recently stumbled onto Ustream. I love the idea of live video, it would be fun to do classes where the watchers have input on the design. I'm not set up to do live however. I can't hook my camera into my computer do to the fact that they are not compatible with each other. I don't even have a tripod yet!

So any of you people out there that have been doing some of this, I'm all ears for tips! This video is of a project I just finished. I've included a link to youtube and the video should show up below as well. But like I said before, any knowledge you have on this subject is greatly appreciated! Oh and please let me know what you think about the album I made, as it's the first one I've done. Thanks for your time!

Link to YouTube Santa Album

New Snowman Mixed Media

2011-06-06T21:45:00.002-05:00

So I've kind of taken this mixed media thing and ran with it. These are my latest creations. I'm not done with them yet. There are a couple of things I'm going to add yet. I want your honest opinions on them. Yeah, nay, whatever!

I started with 3 8x8 canvas boards. I put down a layer of music sheet paper with mod podge. I painted the background with acrylics, did some stamping, and a little glimmer mist. Then I painted the snowmen and finished them off with a little marker and more stamping. I put down a protective layer of mod podge after each step.

I realize my photos aren't the best, but I just took some quick ones for you all to critique.

Each snowman has a name and I'm planning on adding the name to the picture. I don't have a fancy cursive handwriting, so I don't want to do it by hand. I was thinking about cutting the letters out with my cricut and sticking them on. What do you think?

This is Jack:
Wille
And Frosty

Thanks for your input!

Just a Little Panic Attack...

2011-05-28T16:19:00.002-05:00

That's what I had recently. Just a little one though. I realized that it is almost June and I haven't even started on making things for the Handmade'ns show yet! I think I was almost done by this time last year! Okay, okay, so I still have 5 months till the show, but still. If I don't start now, well you know how that goes!

I also decided to spruce up my crafting area. I currently reside in a storage room. I kind of feel like Harry Potter in his cupboard under the stairs. There are the exterior brick walls and bare studs. A half torn down ceiling with wires running everywhere. It is by no means going to be fabulous when I'm done, but a vast improvement. A little paint, peg board and shelving are being added. Oh and an 8' table. That was a must! Now I can spread out a little.

The room is 1/2 done and it's already produced results. See something finished for the Handmade'ns show.

New Blog

2011-05-22T17:14:00.002-05:00

So I've finally decided to split my life in half. Blog wise anyway. When I started my blog it was way before I knew that my life would change dramatically. In a good way mind you. I started blogging about my passion of crafting and decorating. My new blog is going to be devoted to my triplets. Right There, 1 2 3 I know how fast time flies. You probably do too.

Tempest Fugit

I also know you tend to forget things over time. I've always told people when their kids do something cute or say something adorable, write that down, you forget it someday. I haven't been taking my own advise though and that is something I want to work on. That is one of the missions of this blog. I intend to write almost everyday on the goings on of our daily life, the big stuff, the not so big stuff. A journal if you will. That way when I do sit down to fill out their baby books, I'll have a reference to when something happened.

I invite you to join my journey of life with triplets! Never fear if you enjoy this blog, it's not going anywhere. I'm going to continue this blog as well, documenting my crafting journey.

Brileigh, the cutie pie!

Brett, the ornery one!

The rocken duo

Rylan, the goof ball!

New Americana + Sale!

2011-05-18T20:31:00.001-05:00

I've had some time to work on some new Americana things! This primitive Uncle Sam hat makes a perfect shelf sitter.

This painted star has a string hanger on back for easy hanging.

Another peg shelf hanger, these bags are filled with twigs and Sweet Annie.

And last I came up with this Uncle Sam Ornament today. This guy is the prototype, I might tweak him just a little.

And last, I mentioned something about a sale in the title... Head on over to my WEBSITE and enjoy 25% off your total purchase! (there is also an EXTRA 25% off sale items!)

Growing Up!

2011-05-18T11:49:00.003-05:00

That's what we've been doing lately. A lot of growing up! I mean, they are growing faster than the weeds in my garden! They are very independent, wanting to do things on their own, but there are days they get very frustrated when things don't go their way.

They love their bouncy turtle I got them. We've only had a couple of situations where two think they need to be on it at the same time.

Kind of like this picture. Rylan was content rocking in the chair until Brett decided he wanted to rock as well. Unless I step in, they fight for quite a while since no one wants to give in to the other.

A couple of weekends ago we headed back to my parents house. Saturday night we went to watch my dad at the races. The boys REALLY enjoyed it. Brett especially loved to watch the cars go round and round waving his arms madly as they went by. You can tell from the picture, we were in a sky box, there is no way I would have taken them if we had to sit outside. Way too loud and dirty!

We've actually had some warm weather this year. Finally. We had just got back from running a quick errand on Mother's day and when I took them out of the car, I let them roam on the grass while I set up a sprinkler. Once the water started going, the little explorers wanted to know what that was all about. Brileigh was not impressed at all. She really hated the fact that she was barefoot on the grass. (We've since fixed that problem with Old Navy flip flops!) Brett thought the sprinkler was okay, but preferred mom's new landscape of rocks. Rylan on the other hand charged into the water and thoroughly enjoyed himself. Come on Summer!

And check out Miss Brileigh! Sporting the pigtails! Her hair grows soo fast! She loves to get her hair done in the morning. She sits in the bathroom so nice. Every once in a while mom lets her play with a make up brush. She pretends to pat it in powder and they wipes it around on her face. She is ALL GIRL!

Winter Procrastination = Spring Birds

2011-05-02T10:53:00.002-05:00

So when I put away my winter/Christmas decor, I forgot one thing. This window wreath hangs by my front door.

I rarely use my front door, but when I do I would see this and think, I really need to put that away and hang something Springy out there! Well now I can't take it down. I noticed some little birdies hanging out by the front door the other day and went to inspect. We're having babies! Birdy babies anyway.

Awe, Spring Time!

Go Fly A Kite

2011-05-01T09:22:00.002-05:00

So recently I've been struggling with creativity. I used to sit at my craft table and just throw things together so easily. Every piece I made was different. Now it seems I'm making the same things over and over. In an older post I mentioned that I got my oils out to try and pry my creative side back out and I think it's working. If I've got a fault in crafting, it is that I'm impatient. I want to start something and finish it right away. That doesn't work with oils. My painting is coming along, but it's taking a long time. I had started it with the thought that it was going to be a mixed media piece, and it will be once I'm done. But barely. Right now I'm only planning on adding some typed text.

I decided this mixed media thing was just what the doctor ordered. I recently stumbled upon an AWESOME website. http://www.scarletlime.com/ I watched some of the videos on their blog and was instantly inspired. I ordered different supplies, but didn't want to wait for them to come in. So I put the kids down for their nap and headed down to the craft room. This is what I came up with:

Please critique! I'm such a "neat freak" it was fun to break out of the mold and just throw paint around. I started the piece by putting down a layer of old map pages. Then I painted the background. Next came the stamping, and paper decopauge. Last the pen scribbling and a little bit of glitter.

Let me know what you think, I've already got some other ideas sketched out!

Happy Merry Easter Time!

2011-04-23T11:34:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we just happened to be in Lincoln, and we just happened to be in the mall (me shopping, go figure!) and we just happened to run into the Easter Bunny!

Despite their deer in the head light looks they are giving in the picture, they absolutely loved him! There weren't a lot of people around so they got to play with him for a little while after the photo was taken. Poor Rylan got the short end of the stick as the Easter bunny's lap wasn't big enough for 3 babies.

April has been true to it's form and been pretty wet. It's really raining on our playing outside time. We do have fun inside, but are really looking forward to some sunshine!

RYLAN
BRILEIGH
BRETT

Final Easter Push

2011-04-16T07:34:00.002-05:00

I finished up some Easter things yesterday. I've only got some punch needle items to finish and then I'm done with Easter for the year. It's exciting to start working on a holiday, but it's also very nice to move on! These 4 items will be listed on Ebay tomorrow night.

I didn't accomplish everything I wanted for this season. I'm struggling with creativity. It used to come so easily and now it seems I have to WORK for it. Kind of takes the fun away doesn't it? I've been cleaning out my craft room and ebaying a lot of items that I've had for years and not used to give myself more room. I ran across my tote of oil paints and some unused canvas. I used to paint with oils all of the time and haven't for years (like 10+). Time to start again, right? As I started on a background for one of the paintings I started feeling creative again. Maybe this is exactly what I needed?

What do YOU do to bring back your creative vibe after loosing it?

Finished Things

2011-04-05T10:59:00.002-05:00

I've been doing quite a bit of punched things lately. I've got things in other mediums started, but these seem to be the only things I'm getting done!

I did this Easter Egg penny rug a couple weeks ago and it was well received on ebay so I made another one, with different colors. I listed it Sunday night.

These are another new thing this year. I really enjoyed making these Easter egg ornaments. I hope to get more of these done in different designs and colors. They were listed on ebay last night.

I've got some paper clay bunnies started, so if I want to get those done by Easter, I better put the needle punch down and get my rear in gear!

We've Been Hit AGAIN!

2011-04-05T10:20:00.002-05:00

We've got the bug AGAIN! I am seriously considering never leaving the house again. We just got well from influenza... There were 3 nights where I didn't hear a peep and I was soo excited. I was starting to get rested up, then bam! I'm not sure what it is this time, but they are coughing, there is a low grade fever and pooping, a lot. They are also sleeping. They fall asleep everywhere, and they still sleep all night. They are cranky when they are awake, so I don't mind it when they take cat naps all day. I do think we are on the mending side of this though. Last night I only had to get up twice. They previous nights I was up rubbing someones back every 1/2 hour.

This winter has been absolutely horrible for us. We get over something and we get something else. Everyone says, you're building immunities. Yeah well we've built a fort this winter, when does it start fighting? I just feel so bad for them. Rylan passed out in the rocking chair yesterday.

Today Rylan seems to be back to normal. He did get it first so hopefully that means the other two will be feeling better soon. He felt good enough to share his puzzle with his brother.

Brileigh is content as long as she has her blanket. They haven't had much of an appetite with this crud, so it's been hard to keep fluids down them.

She passed out half in and half out of the chair yesterday. I figure if she's comfy let her be...

Brett seems to have it the worst, like usual. All he wants to do is cuddle, which isn't all bad. They go in fazes where they feel terrible and the next minute they are running around playing.

I can leave the room when he's all cuddled in his blanket on the chair, only to return a second later and find him like this... His papa was throwing the baseball with his cousin outside.

I am so ready for warmer weather. This sickness stuff is a joke!

Craft Room Cleaning!

2011-03-28T22:40:00.002-05:00

I came up with some more stuff for Ebay! I'm really in the cleaning and purging mood. I've got these lamp shades listed for .99¢! They are great for crafting on and the perfect size for a mason jar light.

Speaking of making mason jars into lamps, I've also listed these lamp kits at a starting bid of .99¢! Check out these items and more! I'm also busy on some new Easter items that I will hopefully have done to list next Sunday night.

And I had to share, we had spaghetti tonight, one of our favorites! Brileigh was trying to share with me when I was taking her picture.

Rylan is a very serious eater, and quick he double fists everything. No time for smiles when you're shoveling it in.

Awww Brett, I think the clean up took longer than the cooking and eating...

More Ebay Auctions

2011-03-26T09:34:00.002-05:00

More spring cleaning! I am in the mood to purge! I'm clearing out more things and I'll be adding them to Ebay Sunday night. I've got 14 tea stained flour sack towels ready for crafting.

I'll also be posting these trees in one lot, they are 18" and 2'. Perfect for crafting with! I'll be starting the trees and towels at .99¢!!

I also made up some "redware" eggs to go in this old red wood bowl I had laying around! I made another set of eggs that will be listed in an old cheese box.

I'll be adding some paper clay creations as well. I've got 2 owls and a dog that will be listed tomorrow night. Make sure you check my other auction as I've got a lot of other things listed, some ending tomorrow night!

Lastly, my kiddo's snuck into my room the other day, I guess they wanted to "out do" the diaper disaster from the other day! Brett is the only one that I caught red handed, but they were all involved. Notice the empty toilet paper roll. Yeah that was a new roll only minutes before...

Beautiful!

2011-03-20T17:07:00.002-05:00

That's what it was outside today! When the kids woke up from their nap outside we went. They have luckily gotten over their fear of grass. That makes it a little more pleasant out there. We do need outside toys though. Not enough out there to keep us out of trouble. I spent my time raking leaves and other dead things from my flower garden, and raking up a winter's worth of dog poo. That is always such a fun job, so much more with three helpers!

And talk about helpers! When they hear me open the doors to the laundry, they come running! They love to "help" pull the clothes out of the dryer. Rylan was showing off again the other day...

We needed to get outside for sure. Inside was getting a little dull. Yesterday I assumed they were playing nice in their room. I finally decided it was way too quiet in there. I knew I was in trouble when I spied a couple of diapers in the doorway.

Sure enough we got ALL the diapers out! They did help me pick them up though.

Lastly I just finished this guy. I new design for this spring. I'll be adding him and a lot of other things to ebay tonight!

Secrets, Soup & Silliness

2011-03-18T10:57:00.002-05:00

Hmmm, black paint? What am I up to? Black doesn't go with Spring Time!

What in the world? Here is just a small part of what I'm working on. But it's a secret...

I have to say I am in LOVE with crock pot meals. I can throw stuff together early on in the day and forget about supper until supper time. Broccoli Cheese soup anyone?

And onto silliness. Rylan has found his little escape. He is the only one who can crawl up on my old wood bench, so when he wants to get away from his bullying brother Brett he crawls up here.

Brett says, Hey how'd you do that?

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T11:19:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful & safe "Green" day today!

2011-03-14T15:34:00.002-05:00

We're getting so big! The kiddos are becoming a little more independent and they can play together so nice. Can being the key word! We're learning how to share, not that we always want to. I'm really looking forward warmer weather so we can get outside! I'm hoping to have a garden this year too. Anything to help with the grocery bills. These kids are already eating me out of house and home! If I make a hamburger helper meal it feeds them twice, with none for mom. If I make a pizza, I get none as well! The photo below is Brett showing you how much he LOVES pizza. It's number one!

Brileigh loves playing with balls. Her favorite activity is to throw them through the baby gate into the kitchen. Of course once they hit the hard wood floor the cat takes off with them, and that's a lot of fun to watch too! You can see Brileigh's "fang" in this picture. Her other tooth is finally coming in. Thank goodness for that, she looks like a hillbilly with that big ole front tooth!

Another fun activity for everyone is looking at books. We participated in a book exchange and got a lot of great new books. They do destroy a fair share of them, but they also take time to look at them nicely too.

Lastly I got a couple of new things done this week. I've been working on a new "chocolate" bunny and here he is! I'll be adding this guy to ebay and my website soon.
And even though Spring just started, I've already got fall ideas running through my head. I couldn't resist not making this guy after I sketched him out!

Quick Post

2011-03-04T21:59:00.002-06:00

We've had another fun week in the Hall house. Influenza this time! Where in the world do we catch this stuff?? High fevers, chills and no sleep. No fear though, we've made it through. I even managed to get a couple of things done. These Easter items are scheduled to start on ebay Sunday night.

I designed these bunnies last week, and I think they are just the cutest. I'm listing them with a basket full of hand stitched eggs.

I also designed this Easter punch needle that I mounted on a penny rug.

Keep in mind these items wont be available for viewing on ebay until Sunday night!
Check out my listings!

That's all for now, it's time to go to bed and get some sleep!

Spring Cleaning

2011-02-21T09:11:00.003-06:00

We've had a few really nice days lately. 70° in February in Nebraska is awesome! It's really gotten me in the mood for nice weather. I've even been scouting online for the perfect kiddy pool for this summer. We got our shades out to get ready!

On to the spring cleaning, I'm in the mood to purge. I've listed A LOT of items on ebay at killer prices. I'm ready to make room for new things! Here are just a couple of the things I've got listed:

These handmade decorative towels make great gifts!

Check out this listing, I put together a bunch of fruit with an awesome old colander. I've also got another old colander filled with veggies listed.

Here are some yummy looking cinnabuns listed in an old enamel bowl.

And here are some things that will be listed later today. These two lots are ornaments for your pencil trees!

I've got a few prints listed along with some electric candle stick lights. I'll be listing even more things as I get time!

1st Haircuts

2011-02-15T20:37:00.002-06:00

Today was a monumental day. The boys got their first haircuts. They did surprisingly well. I didn't have to restrain them very much. They were interested in what was going on, and they both had a case of the itchies when hair tickled their noses. They look so grown up now and very handsome. I failed to get a picture of Brileigh. When the boys were done, she was a little jealous and had to sit in the chair and get spun around a couple times to feel like she wasn't left out.

Here is Brett's before picture. His hair wasn't so long in the front but it was long in back and over his ears.

And the finished product. What a smiley baby!

Here is Rylan's before picture. His hair was starting to get in his eyes!

He wasn't sure about losing his curls in back...

By the time he was finished, he wanted OUT of the chair and wasn't in the posing mood.

All in all it was a good day!

Easter?

2011-02-12T21:00:00.004-06:00

So Valentines is just about here, so naturally the next thing to think about is Easter. It is late this year, which is a good thing for retail. When Easter is in March it seems to sneak up on people. April Easters give shoppers time to buy! I however am having a hard time coming up with new Easter designs! I added 4 or 5 new Valentine designs to my shop this year easily. But Easter is not coming so readily. Help! What do you think of when you decorate for Easter? Here are some of my designs currently on my website and for sale on ebay. I've got a few others at: http://theoldesaltboxstore.com/easter.html

Here is one new thing I've been working on. I drew up this punch needle patter the other day. I don't know what I'm going to do with it once it's done though. I guess I've kind of got "crafters block". Maybe once it's done something will come to me.

Lots Of Pics!

2011-02-12T20:39:00.002-06:00

Wow, I am really tired, so bear with me if this post is a little off...
The kiddos wore me out today. They had an hour long bath tonight, so hopefully they sleep like babies all night long! They weather has gotten a little better here in Nebraska, abnormal temperatures for Feb. but I'm not complaining! We can't really play outside though, the snow is melting into mush. So what to do? Wal-Mart run! In the past every trip to the big store I've pulled out the stroller and loaded it with kids. I then make my way through the store pushing the stroller with one hand and pulling a cart behind me. As the kids get heavier, that gets a little more challenging. The corners are the hardest. Then of course there is the stopping every two steps to say, "Yes they are Triplets, Yes I have my hands full, blah, blah, blah..." Anyway, the other day when I was in there I realized they had kid carts, DUH! This last time I parked by a cart coral, loaded the kids in a cart and went in looking for a kid cart. Now, this is how we do Wal-Mart from now on! (Well except one is supposed to be in the seat in the cart, but Brett was done with shopping and wanted to take his frustrations out by beating the toilet paper bag!)

Today the kids were playing together so nice and I had my camera out at the right time. Brett and Brileigh were playing with the stroller and doll. These pictures I kid you not are in actual sequence.

Brileigh was taking baby for a walk:

Oh I think baby is hungry, here is her bottle:

Brett feeds the baby so nice!

Uh oh, I think the bottle is empty!

Better check!

And what was Rylan up to while the B's were playing house? Walking of course! We've got to have the tongue out though to keep us centered.

Watcha doing down there?

And lastly, today brought a first for us. Our first boo boo that needed a band aid. I didn't see the actual fall, but I think it had something to do with using our rocking chair as a step ladder... We are so proud of our battle wounds. (Under his chin!)

Cheap? Yes I am...

2011-01-29T10:44:00.002-06:00

So it wasn't that many years ago I started crafting for money. I worked in a little craft store and I started painting signs to sell. I think it was in 2002. In 2003 I started doing craft shows and just about everything I made was wood. I got a wild hair and decided I wanted to start sewing. It was around Christmas time so my mom bought me my first sewing machine for Christmas. It was a $100 New Home sewing machine. A nice simple machine that did everything I needed it to do. Sew. Gradually I stopped working in wood and when I opened my store, the sewing machine got moved there. It moved back home with me when I closed my retail shop years later. That cheap little sewing machine made a lot of things. Years after I got it, it started slowing down until one day it stopped. I took it in to get it cleaned and it worked like new. In November it started slowing down again. It was 7 years old and I had only had it cleaned once, so it was probably due! I took it in, but this time it didn't seem to work as fast as I remembered it had. I didn't think too much about it until the other day when it really slowed down again. Sadly I came to the realization that it's day might have finally came.

I was in Walmart yesterday and I broke down and bought another sewing machine. This time a little more was spent, $150. I got a Brother this time, it has a lot of good reviews online so I hope I made a good choice. I haven't had time to do more than take it out of the box, but it makes my other one look soo small! I can't wait to start playing with it, hopefully tomorrow I'll have some time to escape to my craft room and learn how to tread the thing!

Flu Bug

2011-01-29T10:06:00.002-06:00

It was a sad sad week in the Hall household. I have no idea where we got it, but the flu bug got us this week. On Friday I packed the kids up to head to Lincoln with my mom. About a half an hour into the drive Brett threw up all over himself. I pulled off at the next interstate exit and cleaned him up the best I could. When we got to my mom's store in York he seemed just fine, playing, giggling and such. I figured it was just a fluke. The rest of the weekend everyone was fine. Early Monday morning (1amish), Brileigh woke up coughing. She would cough and cry, cough and cry and wouldn't drink anything. So I took her into the spare room and laid down with her there. Then she threw up, all over both of us. I got us all cleaned up and changed, and she did it again. Once again we got all cleaned up and laid back down. When she started to throw up for the 3rd time I was ready with a bucket. The poor little girl literally passed out afterwards. She was soo tired. A couple hours later she woke up really thirsty, and that was it. She slept the rest of the night, woke up happy, had breakfast, lunch...

Monday was a good day, everyone in good spirits. My husband left for Kansas City for work. Tuesday rolls around and everyone is still doing great until about 4pm. I could tell Brett wasn't feeling the greatest. And then it started, Brett and me! We both started the throwing up the same time. I called J and told him and he asked if I wanted him to come home. Um no. He doesn't even change wet diapers. I can't imagine him cleaning up puke and poo! What good would it do to have him home. I was calling to make sure he stayed away. The last thing I needed was another sick person!

Brett and I camped out on the floor watching Mickey Mouse. Poor Guy!

I did feel like a terrible mother. I was so weak it was difficult to deal with the kids. Tuesday night Brett fell asleep early so I laid him in my bed. I put the other two in their cribs in the clothes they wore that day with their night bottles. In the middle of the night Brett got transferred to his crib because I was still so sick. I took me till 4 the next day to get anything down. The only good thing about it I suppose is that I had it the worst! Brett woke up Wed. morning feeling fine. Rylan never really got it. He threw up only once on Tuesday, almost as if he felt left out!

Wow, I didn't mean for this to be such a long post about being sick! We'll end on a good note. We are all better! Brett says I'll clap to that!

We're off to play!

Cupcakes!

2011-01-20T19:40:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a snow day, so I made cupcakes, just because. After supper each baby got one, just because. It brought smiles out all around...

Rylan power ate his. Double fisting, it didn't last long enough for me to get the camera out!

It's hard to see, but Brileigh's right hand is full of frosting. Saving it for later...

Brett had a lot of fun eating his cupcake and cried when I cleaned him up.

They were transferred from their high chairs to the bathtub last night, needless to say.

Love Birds

2011-01-19T10:20:00.002-06:00

I finished my Love Birds yesterday. I really like how these guys turned out. They are finished with an antiquing decoupage and sprayed with a bronzing mist. I'll be listing them on ebay this weekend!

I have another set of birds started on SPRING blocks. Hopefully I'll have those done in a couple of days.

These are the letters I started last week for the kiddos room. They speak to each of their personalities. Rylan is the monkey, Brett the bulldozer and Brileigh is all girl!

Spring Time? Please!

2011-01-14T21:39:00.002-06:00

Last year when I brought the babies home on Jan. 4 I knew that I wouldn't be leaving the house for a long time. 4 pound babies and winter don't mix. I was dead tired from being up every 3 hours so I didn't really feel like leaving the house anyway. This winter is a little different though. The latest snow storm kept me in the house for 10 days. I was ready to go insane! I finally busted out today since the temperature went above 30°. I got some good shopping time in today and feel revamped! But I'm still wishing for Spring.

I drew up a new idea and got started on it the other day, Spring Birds! (could you tell I was coped up too long!)

Here they are after the first coat of paper clay!

This is a little project I just finished for me. I thought it would be fun when the kids were older to make each other cards and put them in the mailbox to open on Valentines Day.

Another little pet project I've been working on are these letters for the kids room. I bought the paper mache letters and painted them. Then I glued paper on the the front and glittered the edges. I'll post photos when I'm done with them.

And last, we took a couple moments out to strike a cute pose!

Snow Day!

2011-01-10T11:03:00.003-06:00

Boy did we get dumped on! It's beautiful out there but holy cow! My husband cleared the driveway 3 times since 1pm yesterday. Now the wind has started to blow, that will make for some fun drifts!

Too bad it's soo cold outside, I'm sure the kiddos would like to play in the snow. We will get up to a high of 12° today and 6° tomorrow! So looks like we wont be leaving the house for a while. Good thing we have plenty of toys to keep us busy!

Or so I thought we had enough toys to keep us busy... This is what happens when we are left unattended for 3 seconds. Notice the missing wallpaper on the left side of the photo. And what is that in your hand Rylan? Good thing I have part of a roll left over.

Kiddo Update!

2011-01-09T18:45:00.002-06:00

Time has been flying by lately! I don't even know what day of the week it is most days. We had 6 Christmas' that dated from Dec. 19 to Jan. 1 so I think that contributed to the flying days. When you're on the run every weekend it's hard to settle down during the week. The kids got another cold, not sure where this one came from. I was able to avoid getting it myself, but I have yet to sleep all night as there is always someone waking up crying. Most of the time I wouldn't have to get up, but if I leave them untouched they eventually wake their siblings up and then it's big time trouble!

We got all sorts of new toys this Christmas, the house is a wreck everyday as they drag every last thing out daily. Here is Brett enjoying his cousin Leighton's hardhat and tools.

The hallway in our house has storage and the bottom drawer is large and deep. A perfect toybox! They love to crawl into the drawer and throw all of the toys out!

I caught Brileigh enjoying an electronic book.

Later her and her brother sneaked into mom's room and found a crock full of fabric balls, what fun!

And dear Rylan, being goofy. (Do you think he's teething? He's the drool monster!)

Today we got about a foot of snow, so I think we'll have plenty of time to slow down in the next few days as we probably wont be going anywhere!

Valentines is Around the Corner!

2011-01-09T18:35:00.002-06:00

Where have I been? Hard at work on Valentines item! I have sew hundreds of hearts already this year! I've come up with some new designs for this year and they have been added to my website: Valentines Page

I've also listed them on ebay along with this Valentines light. Here is the link for that: EBAY

This heart bag hanger is one of my new designs this year. It would look great hanging from a cupboard door!

I absolutely love these double heart ornaments! They make an impact on pencil trees and are sold as a set of 3!

Now it's on to Easter!

Quick Post!

2010-12-20T21:12:00.003-06:00

I've finally had some time to give my website a little TLC. (aka the babies were behaving themselves today!) Here are the highlights!

There are tons of new things added to the Winter categories, as well as some things in the Fall and Everyday. I am currently trying out a new check out system. I hope the transition is seamless. Let me know if you come across any problems. There are some new things to look forward to:

#1. There is a flat shipping fee of $6.00 for every order regardless of size! (This is for continental US only!)

#2. Faux Foods (in the Everyday Section) have been clearanced. Check out the low prices!

#3. Prints (also in the Everyday Section) have been clearanced as well.

#4. EVERYTHING IS 25% OFF! You also get an extra 25% off the sale and clearanced items! There are a lot of items with limited quantities. They are sold first come first get! (The sale is for the retail site only, wholesale items, not included.)

I've also created a FaceBook page for my website and there is a "Like" link on the home page.

Merry Christmas!

Handmade'ns

2010-12-17T09:44:00.002-06:00

So it was over a month ago and I'm finally getting around to posting photos. This year is just getting away from me! Handmade'ns was wonderful this year, went off without a hitch. The weather was absolutely wonderful. Maybe a little too nice. It's hard to get into the Christmas spirit when it is 70° in Nebraska in November. I've uploaded a few photos from the show. We have such a diverse group of ladies, all crafting in different mediums. It makes it fun to set up for the show. Everyones items are mixed in together, shop like for a fun shopping experience!

MIA

2010-12-17T09:21:00.002-06:00

That's been me lately, missing in action! I have no idea where time has gone! Christmas is almost here!! I think my biggest problem is the weather. We have seen no snow and been having 40° days. Not that I'm complaining about the wonderful weather, but it hasn't gotten me into the Christmas mood. I realized the other day that I needed to get the kids pictures taken asap if I had any hope of getting cards out by the end of the year. Memo to self, take pictures earlier next year! There is a new place in the mall called Little Reflections. No appointment necessary and you take you pictures home same day. I even got the disc so I can print as many as I want. That's awesome, I don't have to be stingy with pictures! They turned out great too!

Rylan was very photogenic to begin with, but got tired and fell asleep towards the end.

Brett started off not too into the whole process, but quickly warmed up to the camera.

And Brileigh, the ham...

It was hard to get a really good one of all three. They each wanted to cooperate at different times.

This one is on our Christmas cards. The greatest thing about taking the disc of photos home is I can play with the pictures. In this picture Rylan and Brileigh were smiling soo good. Brett on the other hand was crying. So I found a picture where he was smiling and swapped heads for a perfect picture of all three.

Things are getting very busy at our house. The kiddos are into everything! Every toy they have is pulled out every day. We are finally completely over our colds though. That is something to be very thankful for. Naps are back to normal 12:30 - 3:30 and they are sleeping from 8 - 8 at night! We have 6 Christmas's to go to this year, so hopefully they don't get too out of sorts with all of the traveling. I don't think we are spending the night anywhere so that helps. They don't mind the car rides, it's sleeping away from home. They prefer their own beds, which makes sense, so do their parents!

I hope everyone is has a safe and wonderful Christmas!

We're One!

2010-11-30T16:52:00.002-06:00

Can you believe it's been over a year! Our official birthday was Nov. 24. We had our party this last Sunday the 28th. I spent Saturday making cakes. 6 Cakes, and cupcakes. It was my first time working with fondant. We had 20 some adults and 8 kids so it was a house full!

Here is Brileigh enjoying her cake. She especially like the frosting. Raking her hands over the cake and sucking the frosting off of her fingers.

Of course Brett made a huge mess. He also enjoyed the frosting and towards the end started beating his cake with his fist.

Rylan wasn't too excited about waking up from his nap for cake. He was a little out of it, but did enjoy the cake a little.

The kids got a lot of presents, clothes and toys. They've had a lot of fun the last few days figuring out how all of the new things work. It seems that everything they got makes noise! After the long day, it's hard to say who slept harder, me or the kids.

What the Kiddo's have been up to

2010-11-05T10:33:00.002-05:00

Okay here it is November in Nebraska and we are playing outside! It lasted as long as they could keep the leaves out of their mouths, not long.

Rylan has always been a rocker. He loves laying on daddies chest in the rocking chair and he constantly rocks when sitting up. So I got out my old rocking chair and he LOVES it! He gets a little crazy in it sometimes so he has to be super supervised when he is in it.

Our tunnel is getting a lot of use these days as well. It is rarely upright as they love to crawl in all directions with it!

And yes my daughter has PIGTAILS! Barely visible, but they are there. I don't think I want to cut bangs for her and her long hair is getting in her eyes so this works and is too cute!

Handmade'ns Ready or Not!

2010-11-05T10:12:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe the show is Sunday! And we are setting up tomorrow morning! Yikes!! I keep starting things like I've got all of the time in the world. What am I thinking? I guess if it gets done it's going to the show and if it doesn't it's not right? My trees finally dried so I could paint and finish them. I used paper mache' to build them up before adding the paper clay, that's what was taking so long. Save on $$ not on time. Here is one, my snowman decorating his tree...

And here is Santa with his Christmas tree...

And the items I started yesterday. They should be dry enough by nap time today that I can get down to the craft room and get them painted. I hope! I also need to figure out if they are going to be on something or freestanding. Hmmm

Oh and I got this pillow done yesterday as well. Thanks so much Notforgotten Farm for the pattern!

Saturday night we have a preview of our show for family. My mom and aunt are coming and my mom had a GREAT idea! She offered to take the babies home with her! That helps me soo much! Now Sunday morning I'll only have to get myself ready for the show! A huge THANK YOU to her!

I'll post pictures of the show next week! If anyone is within driving distance of Kearney, Nebraska come see us at the Ramada Inn right off the interstate noon to 4!

My Wonderful Hubby

2010-11-01T12:13:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a good day. A little chilly, but it was the last day of October. At least the rain held off. As I prepared the kids for church, my husband got ready to go to an auction. An elderly lady, a friend of the family, is moving closer to her kids and she decided to part with a life time of belongings. No doubt Ester came from a hard working family as in her upper 80's she was still living alone, mowing her own lawn every week. It couldn't have been easy for her to watch everything get sold yesterday. After church I stopped by the auction but couldn't stay with the kids because the wind had a little bite to it. I was able to look around at a few things and tell my husband, that would be nice to have, never thinking he would actually bring me something home. Jeremy isn't the gift giving type, it's not unusual for me to get nothing on my birthday, Christmas or anniversaries. So imagine my surprise as he carried in one of the things I had spied! This wonderful wooden butter churn. I've always wanted one and it is so much better, I think, to have one that belonged to someone you know.

Going back to Ester's hard working upbringing, how much butter do you think had to be churned to wear down the handle like this? Ester had told Jeremy the churn belonged to her mother, who brought it to the Midwest from the East Coast.

And lastly, here is a pic of the kiddo's yesterday before church. They are getting so big and we are now in their birthday month! I've been planning and making the decorations in preparation for the bid day!

New Things!

2010-11-01T11:07:00.003-05:00

With my show coming up fast, (this weekend) it's a scramble to get things done. Since I've started working with paper clay that seems to be the only medium I want to work in. My sewing machine has sat idly by. Unlike sewing, paper clay takes patience with the drying times between steps. That drives me nuts! When I am working on something I hate having to wait to finish it. Take these two characters, they've been waiting patiently for days for their trees to be finished. The trees should hopefully be dry today for painting...

Here is a finished piece, my twinkle snowman.

Another view of my twinkle snowman. I used my cricut to cut out the letters on the box.

I also finished my second owl. I didn't look at my first one when I was making it because I wanted them to be different. I did use the same color scheme but that's about it. I think they both turned out neat.

I've got some more things started for the show, we'll see if they get done!

New Finished Pieces

2010-10-21T21:45:00.002-05:00

So I finally finished my second snowman in the old shoe. I formed this guy out of foil then covered him in paper clay. It's hard to see his arms, but they are made from rusty wire. I think I like this guy better than the other one.

I finished this guy today as well. I've never made an owl before, but I think I love him! He's a little guy, but oh so cute! I already have another one started with a rounder body.

11 Months Holy Cow!

2010-10-21T21:09:00.002-05:00

The months are just flying by! In a couple of days we will be 11 months old, and then 1 year! I've been starting the birthday party planning, making invitations and decorations. It's going to be a lot of fun.
We are learning all sorts of new things and we are getting into EVERYTHING! We crawl very fast and over anything in our way including our siblings.

I took a leap recently and joined the local YMCA. I weighed all of the angles. Would I actually get up a little earlier everyday and get the kids ready and drive to town? Does the child watch area's times work with our schedule? Are their workout classes I'll enjoy during those times? And then the realization that the babies will probably catch a cold here and there due to being around other kids. After thinking about it, I joined. It's nice to go in and leave the kids in the play room and have 90 minutes to workout not worrying about them. I went Mon - Thur last week. On Friday we all had colds. Really?? So we haven't been back this week yet. Maybe tomorrow, if we all sleep tonight...

Rylan is Mr. Speedy

Brileigh continues to ham it up.

Brett, showing mommy it's time to lower the mattress!

We do manage to play nice together once in a while. Our toys are getting a little stale, so it will be so nice to get some new birthday presents next month!

Happy Early Halloween

2010-10-03T21:40:00.004-05:00

So I'm not going to parade my children around on Halloween. I'm the kind of person who is going to wait until my kids are old enough to understand Halloween before we go trick or treating. It is hard however to pass on all of the costumes! It would be fun to dress them up!

I did get them some Halloween shirts for the upcoming holiday. I have a cute "Mommies Monsters" picture frame that I picked up at Kohls. So we got our Halloween "outfits" on for a picture to put in the frame. Getting everyone together and smiling or even looking at the camera is a battle, so we take what we can get these days!

Rylan is a camera ham. He gets excited and starts posing every time I get the camera out!

Brileigh is certainly Wickedly Cute in her spider shirt!

And Brett was more interested in goofing off during our photo shoot then anything else!

Hive Creative Challenge

2010-10-03T21:26:00.002-05:00

I'm participating the the Hive's Fall Creative Challenge. Here is a picture of my entry!

I made the pumpkin out of paper clay. I used a styrofoam ball for the pumpkin and molded the stem from foil and wire. I mounted the pumpkin on a paper mache' box that I covered with fabric. I finished it off by adding the sweet annie around the base of the pumpkin.

I've had a lot of fun working with paperclay and can't wait to make more things!

Fallen a Sleep

2010-09-26T22:26:00.003-05:00

Here is my latest paper clay design. It's not a very good photo, the flash washed out all of the detail. I'll have to take a better one before he goes to the sale. It's kind of whimsy "ish". I had the head done and couldn't decide what I wanted to do with it. I thought a candy/cookie jar would be fun, so here he is! I'm still not sold on the plaid bow, but it needed something. The glittery tree is dimensional and sticks out.

And now to the reference in my title. Today at nap time the boys were rowdy, they didn't want to fall asleep. Brileigh obviously wanted to know what was going on.

She pulled down the bumper so she could spy on her brothers through the bars. But unlike her brothers, she was actually tired and fell asleep in spy mode! How cute is that!

Finished Cat & Dog

2010-09-18T14:39:00.003-05:00

I finished my cat and dog, I think the details make the duo! I've already started on some new projects.

I made this doll a while back, but she didn't sell. So I puller her back out this year and added the wings and lighted basket. I think it's a vast improvement! Maybe she'll find a new home at this years show!

And I just had to add some photo's of the babies!

Rylan got tuckered out playing the other day and found a pillow to crash on.

Brileigh loves mom's lasagna!

Brett found a new place to play when I was in the kitchen making bottles!

Cat & Dog Figures

2010-09-17T11:59:00.003-05:00

Alright, so I've got my cat and dog made and painted. What do you think? I had a lot of fun making them and I'm excited to start some more creatures! I don't know if I'm done with these guys or not though. When I sketched them out, I had drawn cloth pants on them. So do I still want to put pants on them? And do I want them to hold anything? I had made a fish and bone for them to hold, but I'm not liking how the fish turned out. The dog needs to hold something because his one arm is curved wrong and doesn't lay nice. Since these are for a winter show, maybe I'll tie a bow around the bone and have him hold it? I've got a little wreath I made that the cat can hold. Also I think I need to come up with a collar for them. What do you think??

P. S. I'm loving how their saddle shoes turned out!

Paperclay Snowman

2010-09-11T20:31:00.003-05:00

I got my snowman done today. My first paperclay attempt, I learned some things. I originally was going to put a small bottle brush tree in his hands, but decided on the wreath. I made a few of those wreathes awhile back and they have been laying around just waiting for the perfect thing. I wish I hadn't stained the snowman as dark as I did. I used the tudor brown bri wax, and I should have used the light brown. Oh well, live and learn! I still think he turned out cute!

Baby Update

2010-09-11T19:32:00.002-05:00

So we had our 9 month check up earlier this week. They have been growing like weeds! The boys are both 21 pounds 4 ounces, and Brileigh is 19 pounds 14 ounces. It's starting to get tough picking up more than one baby at a time with those weights! They are such good babies, always happy! We have been experimenting with food lately. They love their dad's pull pork!

Rylan especially shovels it in!

Brileigh is a good mess maker. Food usually ends up in her hair.

Brett eats anything he can get his hands on. They really love mac and cheese!

Brett also brought to my attention, we need safety locks on the cabinets!

What??

Work Progress

2010-09-10T18:17:00.002-05:00

Well I'm happy to say I've been making some progress! Here is a shot of some of the items for my Handmade'ns show. I laid everything out for pricing, so it was a good time to take photos. I feel that I can relax a little bit now, knowing I'm ahead of schedule, and spend more quality time on one-of-a-kind items. I've got all sorts of things planned!

Here are some of the things I've started. I don't have much experience with paper clay, but have always wanted to try my hand at it. Years ago I bought these two little wood blocks. One was the C block and the other the D. When I bought them I thought it would be fun to do a Cat and Dog character with them. I just got them started the other day. The other one I have started is going to be a snowman. I'm going to put him in the old baby shoe holding a Christmas tree. We'll see how they turn out.