alittlesweetness

tiny bathroom make-over and a little 'how-to'

I can hardly call this a make-over, (no demolition, tools or paint involved!) but I'm calling it that anyway!  The main floor bathroom was a sad, sorry little thing.  It really had no style whatsover!

When I was at Target the other day, I rounded up a few things to spice the place up!  Some candles, pretty glass stones, a soap dispenser and new hand towels was all it took.  With the addition of a little patchwork sewing magic, (inspired by Bonnie and Camille's Ruby fabrics) I think my little bathroom has hope!

In all due respect to the boys in the house, I decided to leave out too much cutsey girly-ness here and kept it on the modern side.  I purposely kept out red, flowers or an over dose of polka dots, but I really love it!  A welcome change for me as well. 

However...I couldn't resist the pom-poms and Ruby scallops for the basket.  The perfect touch of cute.  ;)

Pretty glass stones, mixed with some rocks and beach finds I already had....

Fluffy new hand towels with some added patchwork goodness!  Love these colors!!

Before I started my patchwork strips yesterday, I made Peanut Butter cookies....

Which made my sewing time all that more delightful!!!!

I didn't mind the crumbs on my towels... :)

So, I did take pictures of my process in case anyone wanted to give this easy peasy idea a try.  Serioulsy super quick too!

Start with 8 2.5" squares per hand towel:

Sew them together, then lay it across the towel to make sure it fits:

Iron sides in 1/4" to underside, like a seam.  Lay patchwork onto the towel and pin down:

I measured 4.5" from the bottom to make sure mine was straight.  The hand towels weren't perfectly straight, so I did the best I could:

Stitch on patchwork strip, folding under the very ends of the strip when you get close:

Repeat for each towel.....

And admire your pretty creation!

Ooooh!!!  Aaaahhhh.....

Just lovely now....

:)

Tasha

P.S.

Thank you all for the wonderful purchases during my sale!!  I appreciate you!!!  :)

i'm finally 'pinning'!

(rosylittlethings.typepad.com)

I feel like January and February were almost a total bust for me.  This entire past week...Sunday to Sunday....my family had the flu and not a whole lot was accomplished.  Well, I guess alot accomplished if you consider the assisting and cleaning up process of oh, probably a good 40 episodes of everyone's most unfavorite sicky thing ever!  Really.  I'm sure I washed a good 10 loades of blankets, towels, washcloths and p.j.'s.  And there's nothing like the flu to spur on some major household disinfecting action.  At least that part was a good thing!

So anyway, I thought I had avoided the whole flu thing, but Saturday and Sunday I was not feeling well.  Luckily, I just ended up having a stomach ache, so I was able to rest it off.  (whew!)  Unfortunatley, between my bronchitis last month and everyone's flu bug this month, getting orders done and working on new designs for the shop has been a S-L-O-W process.  I've just been inching through things.  I'm very sorry for the waiting so many of you have done,  and so patiently I might add, but still...I feel bad.  So, Thank you!  In case you didn't notice, I have had my shop closed almost a week now so I could care for my family and catch up on orders.  I'll re-open tomorrow!  :) 

Meanwhile.....here and there, (and everywhere, I confess) I've been playing on Pinterest!  Have you heard about it? 

 

jamaicabyles.blogspot.com

It's fairly new and they have a waiting list.  You have to apply, then they eventually send you an email letting you in.  I think it's because the site can only handle so much traffic.  (?)  I waited a few weeks to get an email, then I kinda ho-hummed around about starting, but I finally did and I LOVE it!   {That's where the title came from in case you didn't get that....finally 'pinning', get it?}

(flickr.com)

Basically, it's a site that lets you catalog (keep track of) everything you love from the internet.  Whether it's from blogs, flickr, etsy, wherever...you can store it all on Pinterest.  Everything is in one place.  And it's all in organized categories so you can easily find something.  Addicting and fun!  It's where I've come across all these cute images.

(flickr.com)

Right now, we are finally in a position to start planning some home improvements and I need some new decorating ideas.  Pinterest is a really fun way to find and be able to save anything I find and don't want to forget about.  One area of business is our floors and kitchen...or is that two?  Either way, I've been saving lots of cute pictures for inspiration! 

Like this:

(pure-and-lovely.com)

and this:

(thedecorista.com)

But then I also think this is really cute and I love how colorful it is:

(room-galleries.myhomeideas.com)

Not very practical in my house though and a little too girly for so many boys residing here.  I think something like this is more realistic.  A perfect balance of the two looks, don't you think?

(I actually saved this photo from The Lettered Cottage, but can't find it now on their site)

Love at first sight.  Totally do-able.  Like I said, we're in the planning, thinking and saving phase.  Not really ready to run to the Home Depot today, but hoping it won't be too far off.  

Pinterest has definitly motivated me to start saving more of my money for home improvements instead of little things here and there.  It will be hard, but I think looking at my Pinterest will help keep me focused.  

For now though, everyone is healthy, at school, baby napping, so time for me to bust a move around here. 

You?  Get pinning, silly!

See ya!

Tasha    

party planning

I can't believe my little Ava's turning 2!!  She's mimicking more and more words these days and is as cute as can be with her personality emerging.  Our new thing is asking her. "Ava? How old are you going to be soon?" and her saying. "Twoooo!" and holds up two (or one) fingers.  Love it!

I went the easy route for a theme........Vintage Valentine.  I figured it would be pretty easy to find anything I need or want!  The mosaic is mainly little finds from Etsy.  Some things are for sure purchases, where others are just for ideas.  I think it will end up pretty cute though!

I think this party on Hostess with the Mostess is adorable and has plenty of little ideas for any party.  I love the cookies with bows!

I've been totally smitten with one of my reader's blog, Charla Ann.  It's full of beautiful photography, vintage style and sweet party ideas as well.  You should check her out!  ;)

And of course, another favorite reader of mine is Jessica from Little Pumpkin Grace.  She's the ultimate party planner for her kiddies parties!  Never a shortage of adorable ideas there!!

Like I said, soooo much cute stuff out there!!! 

Meanwhile, I've been hit by the meany, Mr. Bronchitis...so I'm full of coughing, coughing and more coughing.  In addition to scouring the internet for party ideas, I've still been able to do lots of drawing and coloring though.....so I'm reaally aiming for some new things in the shop next week! I hope you'll check back.  ;)

Happy Creating!

Tasha

merry christmas!

Just thought I'd pop in and wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS!  I want to say thank you to all my readers and customers who keep me going and being just the sweetest people EVER!!

Also, wanted to show the CUTEST EVER ornaments I ordered from the oh, so amazingly talented Jessica of Petite House.  Seriously, they are as adorable in person as they are in this photo. 

I was basically able to 'custom design' each of these!  A couple details where I didn't know what to do, she added her creativity and I love them!  Definitly keepsakes for our family.  Thank you Jessica!  I'll be back for more next year.  ;)  Visit her shop for year round cuteness and bookmark her for your ornament happiness next Christmas! (photo is by Jessica)

Well, I better be off for some last minute Christmas to-do's and yep, still working on those stockings!  They're coming along though.  I'll have to show them after the holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Tasha

first little batch

Last week I sent out my first little batch of Little Red Riding Hood Dress Kits!  I loved putting these together and it actually went pretty quickly. 

 

 

I've already got a whole new stack of Little Red fabric cut into the next (much larger!) batch of kits that need to go out!  Thank you dress kit owners for keeping me busy! ;)

So, I've been thinking.....

Should I offer the pink Little Red fabric for a dress kit choice too? 

 

I'm also thinking of adding aqua Little Red fabric to the shop.  What do you think?

I think it's pretty cute and don't know why I didn't do it sooner.  I'm slow like that. 

Then for the sleeves, there could be a choice of the white, aqua or pink Many Mushrooms fabric.

Basically, mix and match! 

Well anyway....that's what I'm thinking about today.

And how at some point, I need to go attack the kitchen.  Blah, but very necessary.

OH!!!  and P.S......

I chose this one:

 

Yay!  I can't wait!

Tasha

my birthday giveaway

*This giveaway is now closed*

Is there any better way to celebrate a birthday than a little sharing and a little shopping!?  I think not.  Well, about a week (or more) on a tropical island without any children in tow sounds marvelous too, ....but shhhh...you didn't hear that from me.  ;)

First up, a little shopping!  (sorry, i'm in a bit of a me mood)  I've had my eyes on a couple things that are definitely worth some birthday splurging. 

Nest Pretty Things has me totally smitten!  There are several things I'd love to collect, but one of these necklaces will be the first purchase.  Aren't they the loveliest?!

It's the choosing that I don't like.  But then again, Christmas isn't so far away....

She has a children's shop as well that has the sweetest little earrings......a MUST have for me.

And speaking of Christmas......this is on top of Ava's list!  Isn't it too precious?

The other cute item I've been eyeing is this adorable bag from Shinzi Katoh.  It's Little Red having a party.  Cute!

I had a hard time getting a good photo, but here's a link if you want to see more.  There are several adorable bags, which I wouldn't mind collecting up as well, but I think this will be the first.  I think. 

Now, for the sharing....

My latest additions to the shop have been my paper products, so that's what I'll be sharing with you!

The winner of my giveaway will receive an illustration and a notecard set!  For notecards, I'm happy to do a mix.  Your welcome to choose from any in my shop, but here are a few of my favorites:

 

Oh and looky here, I have a spare fat quarter of white Little Red Riding Hood fabric to toss in too! 

The rules are simple!  You may have a total of 2 entries......here are the requirements:

*Just leave me a comment, telling me Happy Birthday of course! 

And for another entry, choose 1:

*link back to my post

*if you've left a comment before

Giveaway will close late on Saturday night, August 21st!!  

Thanks for celebrating with me!  :)

Tasha

ava's kitchen and nursery

If you've been following my blog, you know that my baby girl just turned 1 and we finally gave her a party!  (Just a few months late.)  For Ava's birthday I found the most adorable vintage style play kitchen, which set the theme for the rest of her gifts. 

Too cute huh?!   

 

If you're interested, here's where I got mine.  There were so many cute one's online, but this one was perfect for Ava.

 

 

I got this cute little cupcake set from Target.

 

 

I had the most adorable playtime placemats made for Ava from Nana Company, who I found on flickr.  Amy is super sweet and ultra talented!

 

While I was photographing Ava playing, I started taking pictures of the rest of her nursery since it has been awhile.  The last time was before she was born.  You can see those here in my flickr.  The biggest change is that the white chair is no longer there.  I moved it downstairs quite a while ago.  The space is now filled with the play kitchen.

This is the view from the doorway.

 

Pretty much the only other differences are the moving and changing of accessories.  I am too lazy to hang things on the wall, plus I like rearranging the items on the lege around the room.  When we were planning the room, the ledge was a must have for me.  My perfectionist hubby did all the woodwork himself, (except painting...that was me!) and with only minimal prior experience as far as remodeling, trimwork, etc.  He amazes me how he just figures it out.

The dresser we found on Craigslist and painted...we still have a little matching nightstand to do.  I love the red antique child's chair.  It travels around the house, but I really love it here.  I made the boxes stacked on top from paper mache boxes at Joann's and vintage wallpaper I bought on e-bay.  The adorable lamp and beautiful quilt were gifts from Ava's aunt aunt Kerri, as well as the pink vintage knobs on the dresser.  The ledge is full of little things made by me, with the exception of the tiny matryoshka's given to me by my brother who served a mission in Russia. 

 

 

I made the crib bumper with lots of Darla fabrics, mixed with Japanese imports and some other coordinating prints.  I basically made a long skinny quilted cover for an existing bumper pad.  I never even stitched up the ends, I just tuck them in so no one can see.  ;)  I'm sneaky like that.  heehe.  I also never hemmed the curtains.  I may have to consider doing that before I ever wash them.  Oh, and there's that little nightstand that still needs a paint job. 

Ava likes hanging out on her chair.  Especially with a bottle.  Here's where I tried to take a picture of her with her new mommy-made birthday apron.

That didn't go over so well.  My husband was concerned that she wasn't wearing a headband in these pictures.  As you can see, she does object to things.     

 

So, of course I took it off.....as to end the trauma.

I assured her that it was okay because mommy was now wearing the apron. 

See?

 

She then gave herself a double check to see if it was, in fact, true.

Life is good.  All good.

P.S.

If you've ordered fabric from me, please be informed that Spoonflower is taking forever now.  Seriously like an extra week minimum.  If you are international, pre-orders can take up to a month to get to you.  I'm planning to build up more of an in-stock supply of yardage to try to eliminate the need for so many pre-orders.  That will take a little time, but I'm looking forward to the idea.  For now, please hang in there...I haven't forgotten about you!  :)  You are always welcome to convo me about your fabric.  I don't mind one bit.

Have a fun weekend!  ( I hope we get some SUN here in the land of RAIN, RAIN, RAIN)

Tasha  

just random

I have several little things lately, making me happy or things I just wanted to share.  They make no sense together, they are just very random. 

Random thing #1:

Firstly, the other day, I noticed my Mother's Day flowers were on their way out, but not really garbage worthy yet.  I took out the best ones and cut them shorter to fit my little aqua jar.  (There used to be more roses and in a much larger jar).  I  actually like how the rose petals are barely browning on the edges.  It's like they've been "antiqued"!  And when I tightly packed them together, it brought new life to them because they sort of propped each other up a bit.  

 

Next to the roses, is a little plant one of my son's gave me for Mother's Day as well.  They did that at school.  So sweet!

 

Random thing #2:

I have a wonderful sister in law named Julie.  She is one of those super smartie types....a Civil Engineer to be exact!  She is also sweet, genuine, talented and fun.  She inspired me to purchase this:

I *know* she'll be so excited about it!  :)  And I just HAD to include spidey since he was laying nearby when I went to take a picture of the book.

Random thing #3:

I'm so happy that I found the perfect use for these A-dorable folders from Target.  Now my recipes are more organized and the drawer where I keep them is all clean!  :)

I have a different folder for each category.  Main Dishes, Desserts, etc.....I actually need a couple more.

 

Aren't they the cutest!?!

 

Random thing #4:

Yesterday I finished the baby beach quilt.  I can't show all yet, since it hasn't been given.  Here's a little sneaky peaky.  I love how it turned out! 

 

Random thing #5:

Over the weekend I lucked out at Gymboree and got some great sale items for Ava.  My favorite find were these sweetie little shoes!  There were just a couple of random sizes and one was perfect for her.  I got some stuff from the same line to match and some more stuff too.  The other great thing...I got lots of Gymbucks that I plan to use for my littlest guy, Austin.  Yay for sales and Gymbucks!! 

 

Random thing #6:

Working on a new embroidery pattern for the shop!  I'll let you know when it's done.  :) 

 

See, ....just random. 

Tasha

not the norm

Orange and Green!  So, not the norm for me!  I joined the 3 X 6 Mini Bee on flickr and have color requests other than red, pink and aqua.  Imagine that.  I was surely not prepared for green and orange, so I went a looking.....oh, dear....poor me...had to buy a little fabric.  Plus, I thought it was great stash building for anything I might make my boys in the future or for swapping or other bee's or whatever.  And it's already growing on me!!   

I came across Ruth's Sewing Room on Etsy where she is selling 2 yards of Katie Jump Rope for $6.99.  I thought it was a great deal so I snatched some up.  A couple of these are smaller amounts.  She has a few others that are sort of odd amounts of fabric for like $5.  I don't think she has a lot left, but I asked on one fabric that was in one of her pictures, but not listed in the shop and she had just a 1/2 yard left.  It was the orange flowers.  So, if you're interested in some KJR, head on over! 

Other excitement in the house today....

Star Wars speeders in space made with cheese.  mmmmm!

 

C-ya!

Tasha 

Snow? No.

So far we have not been covered in white and don't see anything that will "stick" in the forecast.  :(  My kids are bummed.  Hopefully, sometime this season it will happen, but in the meantime....did you know that you can still make snowballs without snow?

A few years back I discovered Snowballs on The Farm Chicks website.  Not a cold, icy thing to throw at your favorite neighbor (j/k), but a yummy and pretty little cookie, perfect for this time of year.  I had fun making a little snowball stack on my FAVORITEST red scalloped cake stand from Target (of course!).When I saw the cake stand at Target, I knew it was made just for me!  ;)  I have already experiemented using it for several different things....decoration displays, goodies and even my notecard displays for my etsy shop!  It's soooooooo totally cute. 

When I was done with my cute little snowball stack, I put the lid from another cake stand (from Target too!), I thought it looked like a beautiful snowglobe.  Doesn't it?

 

See my finished mini quilt under the cake stand?!  I was so inspired reading all of your wonderful comments about what you have been baking and making, that I quickly knew what project I could finish up in no time.  I loved reading everything you were all doing to make our world a little more handmade!  You are all examples of the true meaning of Christmas by sharing your creations with others.  Thank you!

In other "snow topics", we had a great time making snowflakes last week and we finally got around to glittering them up yesterday!  Now we just need to hang them up!

 

 

 

In the spirit of "snow"....here's one of my favorite ornaments I got several years ago....where?  well, Target, you silly.  I have some other tin ornaments too, a dove, some stars and red hearts and snowflakes.  They are some of my favorites, I wish I would have bought more, but I didn't.  I do have some handmade ornaments too, which I don't have pictures of.  Maybe I'll get to that later.  Maybe.  :)

So, all we need now, is the ACTUAL SNOW!!!

Okay, so about that "Play on Players!" thing.  That was actually a reality show back in 2004 called The Player.  Seriously, it was so cheesy and dorky that we loved watching it, just so we could make fun of it.  I feel pretty safe in saying that, since none of you knew the quote, obviously it wasn't your favorite show.  I looked to see if I could find any clips, well actually my husband did, and he didn't see anything.  At the end of each show, the girl, Dawn, would say, "Play on Players!".  It cracked us up....it was all in the way she said it too that we just can't ever forget.  Oh how I would enjoy a clip. 

On a side note, I appreciated a tip from one of my readers, Jessica, who explained that because I didn't have a title on my holiday giveaway post, it didn't register in her blog reader, therefore there were probably others out there who also didn't know I was doing a giveaway, but would have entered if they had known about it. (That was a super long sentence and I am sure I was suppose to have more periods).  So, now I understand the importance of a blog title and I do apologize to those who would have entered if they would have known about the giveaway.  I plan to continue doing giveaways, so there will be more chances to "Play on Players!".  Thank you, Thank you to all who entered!

OH!  Last, but certainly not least, my baby has started to walk!  At just 10 months, I hoped she would wait a bit longer than my others did, but apparently she's gonna keep up the trend.  She still mostly crawls, so it's all good.

C-ya!

Tasha