Hart 2 Heart

Hello o o o . . .

Anyone out there? It seems I took a bit of a break from blogville. I kept thinking of so many things I wanted to write about, but then the longer I waited, the more I wondered where to start! Finally, I dedided to just. . . START!

To recap. . . my last post was all about my Spring Boutique. it was lots of fun as usual. It's always nice to be able to set up with out the constraints of a 10 x 10 tent, AND without loading the van to the brim!

Of course I always serve sangria and cookies (and some healthy bits). Can't do that at a street fair!

My neighbor Stephanie and I managed to get a really good garden going, in between our busy schedules.

Lots of basil. . .

Japanese eggplant. . .

'maters. . .

'taters. . .

a few sunflowers. . .

. . . among other things. It was fun to have big variety, if not a huge harvest of anything in particular.

And there is always enough to share with the tortoises.

O.k. I'm exhausted. This blog business takes time and energy! I think I'll leave you now and share more soon! I promise. Really. 

 

A lot of this, and a little of that.

Every day I think, "I should REALLY post on my blog". Then I get REALLY busy doing something else. Like making these super cute vintage pillowcase blouses. There are a bunch of them over in my ETSY shop.

Then I drove to Newport Beach and set up my little shop at the Lido Village Artisan Market. I'll be there again on April 7th, if you're in the neighborhood.

I made a few cookies. These were really fun. They were for a group of lady friends who were going on a trip to wine country, the Redwoods, the ocean, whale watching. 

And then there was St. Patrick's Day. I had more orders than usual this year, which was nice. I'm now making a gluten free version by special order. They taste very good! Different, but good.

And of course there was a little relaxing to do . . . at least for Lanky. . .

. . . and the kitties. I had more sewing to do, cookies to make, classes to teach. I promise to be back sooner to tell you more. For now, I'm in the thick of Easter cookie making! Oh, I love my life! Really! I'm not kidding. 

Wordless Wednesday . . . Christmas scenes

 

 

Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair! This weekend!

Hailey (seen above) and I just returned from setting up my booth in Manhattan Beach. It's going to be a beautiful weekend! No more 90 degree days for a while. I'm going to get a little more sewing done tonight, and then get a good night's sleep before opening up shop in the morning. Can't wait to see all of my favorite customers, as well as lots of new ones! Hope you have a fabulous weekend, wherever you are.

Winner!

Congratulation to Chelsy! You won my blog contest! If you didn't read all of the funny Lanky quotes, you really should go check out all the comments. I used the "Random Number Generator" to pick the winner. So, Chelsy, email me and I will make you your very own Monster Buddy in the color of your choice. I realize the rest of you must be heartbroken that you didn't win your own Monster Buddy. Fear not! They are now available in my Etsy shop! Unless I can magically build up a monster inventory, your buddy will be made to order, as I sold out of them at the Fiesta Hermosa street fair.

Since many of you haven't had the opportunity to visit me at a show, I thought I'd take you on a little tour of my booth. Check out the burly dude checking out my Play hoodies. Not sure I have it in his size. *edit: my photos didn't load right! You can't actually SEE burly dude on my blog. sheesh. Use your imagination.

After 10 years of street fairs, I think I've figured out a few things about setting up my space. But it's always a challenge; there's never enough room!

This is my newest baby dress.

And I made this version with a skirt and tee for the big girls.

There's the boys department. . .

. . . and more for the girls.

And another happy customer. Thanks to everyone who stopped by, and shopped! I had a fantastic weekend! If you'd like to visit me in person, check out my list of upcoming events over on my sidebar. I may add a couple more, so stay tuned! This weekend I'll be in Pasadena at the Festival of the Arts. I've never done a show out that way, so I'd love to see you if you're in the area. 

 

 

A Happy Day

The day started with my dear Andy bringing me gorgeous flowers. I'm a sucker for bright, contrasting colors.

We got gussied up and made a short drive to The Sky Room in Long Beach. We'd never been, but had heard about it for years. It's legendary in these parts, and sits atop the historic Breaker Building.

We began the evening with a girly cocktail for me (the "Flirtini") and a lovely beer for Andy.

So much for my low carb diet. . . anyway. . .

This was an amazing starter, the Tomato Caprese Salad.

Followed by the most delicious Crab Cakes.

It was getting a little dark at this point, so my Sauteed Shrimp with angel hair, red and yellow bell peppers and tomatoes, in a white cream sauce, did not photograph too well. But it was scrumptious! 

Here we are. The happy couple, after 26 years of marital adventure! Thanks for sticking with me honey!

 

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!

 

Studio view

I thought I'd share a bit of what was happening in my studio this week. I didn't clean up, I just thought I'd keep it real. This is NOT Martha's craft room. It is actually quite organized, but I'm always so busy working, that, well, what can I say. . .

Cheryl snapped some photos, while Paloma and I worked away. Since Paloma is way cuter that me, I insisted that she put HER in the photo collage.

I LOVE my workspace! That's me, in the back at the sewing machine. We are trying desperately to get a loan modification so we can actually afford to keep our house. I know we are in the same shape as so many people out there. There is hope, and it seems things are going in the right direction. 

My main project this week was sewing up some burp cloth sets. Each one includes two coordinating burp cloths, an appliqued onesie, and a baby spoon. Great new baby gift!

I like ribbons.

Lanky is always helpful in the studio.

Getting some spring skirts ready for the shop.

Sorting through a mountain of vintage linens.

There you have it. I won't see much of my sewing machine this week, as I have a big cookie order to tackle. It's for a Jamaican themed bar mitzvah! How cool is that! 

 

 

 

Day of the Dead. . . a day late.

I've been meaning to share photos from the amazing Dia De Los Muertos event I went to last week, but I was buried in cookie dough. October was my biggest cookie month EVER! I'm really quite amazed with how the business has grown in a year. And I'm thankful. Bills are getting paid, and I can buy Lanky his kibble. The downside is sleep, or lack there of. Last week I averaged 3 hours a night. One night I didn't go to bed at all. Not all weeks are like that. I just so happened that I had a mountain of custom orders, along with Halloween orders. Last night I slept for 8 whole hours. I feel like a new woman.

I decided to take an evening off from work and my friend Elizabeth and I went to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for the 12th annual Day of the Dead celebration.

There were truly impressive alters on display, some for the famous, and some for beloved family members.

Some were huge and some were small.

They were all beautifully presented. We were there at night, and most of the altars had candles or lights, so it was really magical.

Marilyn was honored,

and Johnny Ramone,

and Keith Haring.

This was one of the coolest altars. It was set up in and around an old truck.

There were lots of arts and crafts vendors, include our friend Kelley Smythe, who makes amazing dolls.

There was also a very impressive art show in the mausoleum.

My photos don't begin to show the whole story of the celebration. There were also musical performances, dancers and food. And LOTS of people dressed up in elaborate costumes.

Can't believe November is here. I have so much to do, so much to share with you. I'll try to fit it in, along with a little more sleep. Thanks for tuning in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field trip!

This is where the other half plays. Trump National Golf Club happens to be just up the road from where we--the "other" half-- live (aka, "the hood").

Donald was nice enough to make a lovely trail for us to get down to the ocean. So off we went, Andy, Lanky and I, on a beautiful summer day.

It's a bit of a hike, especially for the out of shape member of the trio, but it was well worth the effort.

We're told that Weimaraners like the water, but so far, Lanky is not very interested.

He prefers to relax and blend in with the sand.

We happened upon this interesting stone formation on our hike.

What a beautiful day it was.