Hart 2 Heart

Unique LA this weekend!

Every cliche about time is true. . . where does it go? There's never enough. Sheesh. I didn't mean to be absent from this here blog for so long, but, alas, I've been WAY too busy; making cookies, sewing like mad, chasing the dog around the house, attempting to make the teenager do his homework. . . it never ends. Though I've been really productive, I feel like I drop the ball in so many other areas; homekeeping, gardening, hair combing, blogging. So here I am, trying to keep it all together. Despite the chaos, I have been having a blast in the studio getting lots of new inventory ready for a slew of Spring shows. 

I couldn't make it happen without my friends and helpers. That's me at the sewing machine, Elizabeth at the ironing board and Hailey at the cutting board. Cheryl is taking photos. 

These hangers will soon be loaded up with beautiful new vintage table cloth dresses. I have about a weeks worth of sewing to complete in the next 24 hours. I'll be setting up for Unique LA tomorrow (Friday), and then you'll find me at booth 113 Saturday and Sunday, from 11 - 6. If you're in the area, you should come! It's one of the most entertaining shopping events around. So many great vendors, free beverages and more! Gotta go. The dog is eating the phone, and I need a power nap before I get back to work. 

 

Who's your mama?

Well, it's very late, and I'm just a little loopy with fatigue. But I wanted to pop in and give you a heads up about my Mother's Day cookie special! 

Now through Friday, May 4th, I'm offering 15% off web store cookie orders, in honor of mom. Just use the the code momlove at checkout to get your discount. I wanted to go for a bit more elegant design for this collection. I usually tend to go for bright colors, so I tried to restrain myself this time. As an alternative to the dozen assorted cookies, I also have the Mother's day cookie gram.

This cookie is about 8" x 8" and can be personalized with your own message of up to 18 letters. 

Wow, it's taking me forever to write these few words. So why am I so tired, you may ask. . . in a nutshell, my "art director" spelled the bride's name wrong on the enclosed card for a custom cookie order, which the mother of the bride noticed when she came to pick up the cookies. Fortunately, she was so understanding, poor woman. As if she didn't have enough to worry about. SOOO we spent the last few hours, reprinting the cards, unwrapping and repackaging 150 cookies. That will NOT happen again. And all is well. . . and I'm going to sleep.

Spring is springing!

Thank you all who commented here and on my facebook page about the Faberge cookies. I found out that they were to be given as favors for a special event at the Russian Embassy, to honor a philanthropist who gives generously to the Russian-American community. I'm hoping to get some photos. . . we shall see! It took me a few days to recover from their production, and while taking a moment off, I was able to stop and smell the roses.

This bush is always my favorite. It is the most prolific bloomer and the flowers burst open like flames.

This one's a bit more subtle, but very purdy. I also have yellow, red and purple roses in my garden. I always like the look of a monochromatic flower garden, but I could never do it myself. There are just too many beautiful colors to choose from.

When my dad was visiting in January, we planted these pretty pots. The funny thing is, we did not plant that glorious yellow Ranunculus. It was actually a volunteer, that showed up later. I do enjoy a lovely surprise.

I planted my Calla Lilies when we first moved into our house 12 years ago, and they bring it every year. 

I'm loving succulents more all the time. This basket hangs near my side gate to the backyard. It's been looking good for a couple years now.

And last on my scenic tour is the harbor view we enjoyed for Easter brunch. After baking and decorating cookies non stop for Easter, there was no way I was going to pull off an Easter celebration at home. So I made reservations. The weather was absolutely perfect, as were the mimosas and lobster benedict. yum. 

Hope you're enjoying Spring wherever you are. See you soon!

 

Faberge Cookies

I almost titled this post, "The eggs that nearly sent me over the edge", but I thought that was a little harsh. It's just that I worked 12 hours a day, for a week, on these babies, right after all of my Easter production. I was commissioned to make these for Sandi Hoffman, for an undisclosed party, with some sort of Faberge Egg theme. I was told by my contact, Myron (associate designer), that Sylvia Weinstock would be making the cake, and that my cookies would be RIGHT NEXT TO her cake. O.M.G. I was also told that the client was very detail oriented, and that the cookies really needed to replicate specific Faberge Eggs. Sure I can do that, I thought, with mock confidence. I looked at a zillion eggs and came up with 4 that I thought would work in cookie form. So, here they are, with their Faberge counterparts.

I experimented with Disco Dust for a sparkly effect on these. I've been finding glittery remnants in every imaginable crevice of my work space. . . and beyond. 

Maybe I should've included a mini elephant cookie with this one?

So there they are. I spent so much time with these cookies that I've lost all perspective. I hope the client likes them. They are on their way to Washington, D.C. as I write. All I know, is that I'm taking a couple days off, unless of course, you want to order cookies, then, I'm on it!

So much to share. . .

. . . so little time.

First of all, Easter nearly sent me over the edge. Sooo many cookie orders! I REALLY appreciate the business, and thank all of you who ordered from me. 

Did you notice my nice big photos? Cheryl made that happen, but we're still working on getting my title banner fixed. Stay tuned.

Bigger cookies are always better, don't you think?

This is a Ukrainian symbol of some sort.

These were for a twin baby shower.

So what really has me stressed out, is my current cookie job. It's my biggest ever, and I'm so nervous about it. I've been hired to replicate 4 different Faberge eggs in cookie form. And they want detail. I think I've got it figured out, now I've just got to make it happen. So you may not hear from me for a week. Maybe I'll pop in with a preview, and tell you more about it. Yikes.

 

. . . maybe it's not ALL about the bunny.

It's also about the foot. . .

In case you're wondering, I made these for my friend and loyal customer, Helen, who is a podiatrist, and always comes up with unique, ideas for cookies. I love how these turned out. Thanks Helen!

It's all about the bunny.

What else can I say. . . I have a lot more bunnies to make.

(photos by Cheryl Groff-she rules.)

Easter cookie time!

I cannot believe Spring is here! And Easter is so soon. Last year it was on the 24th of April, so when I realized it is on the 8th this year, I went into a mild panic! Not to worry though, the cookies are in my web shop and I'm having a sale!

Get 15% off your entire cookie order when you use the code BUNNY at check out! You can get a dozen cookies (as pictured above) wrapped in a gift box, or. . .

. . . individually wrapped cookie favors! Choose from an Easter bunny with mini carrot,

an Easter egg with mini chick, or. . .

a "Bunny's dozen" minis. They all come wrapped in a cello bag, with a coordinating ribbon. These are great to give to kids, add to the Easter basket, or use as favors at your Easter table.  So hop to it! Yes, I said it. The sale ends on Saturday at midnight! Now if I could just get that Valentine cookie link off my side bar. My webmaster (dearest husband), can't remember how to do it. I can make cookies, not so good with computer stuff. Anyway, go here to get your cookies!

 

Etsy sale is on!

I've been busy stocking my Etsy shop with lots of handmade goodness, so I thought I should have a big sale!

Use the code LUCKY at checkout and get 25% off your entire purchase!

And there's boys stuff too! For some reason, I don't always mention that.

The sale is going to end SOON so, hurry on over and check out my shop for the best selection!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Why not eat something green?

Lanky suggests, your master's favorite Ugly Doll.