My New Etsy Shop

That's the name of my new Etsy shop. I've been on a crafting craze lately and decided to post a few items to see if I could earn some money. So far I have three pairs of earrings listed, which I honestly made over a year ago now, but I still made them, and I'll hopefully have a few more posted there by the end of the month.


And here's a preview of two vintage pieces I plan to post...

Calling All My Crafting Friends!

I need opinions... I'm looking at either asking for Christmas (or if I can't wait that long, purchasing) a die cutting/embossing machine. You've seen my first two felt hair clip craft projects and as I learn more and find more resources I also find more gadgets that I'd like to get. :o)

Anyway, I think I've narrowed the choices down to one of the following...

Slice Electronic Design Cutter (starter & hands free kits)


Now I really, REALLY, like this die cutter/embosser, but I'm a little hung up over the price and wondering how well it will work with fabrics such as felt. Hmm?? Additionally, the manufacturer recommends using an adhesive spray glue to hold the material in place while the machine works and I wonder if this glue leaves any sort of residue.

The second cutter/embosser that I am looking at is the Sizzix Big Shot Machine.
This machine is considerably less than the other one and it doesn't require any sort of glue spray. What it does require, for my purposes at least, are individual embossing envelops (i.e. patter plates) and die cutters. This means that I have to buy each one separately. Hmm?

I would love to hear your thoughts if you have either of these machines, or any other die cutter/embosser that you love! :o)

Wesley's First Bike!

Today Wesley got his very first bike, a Radio Flyer tricycle, and a helmet. He is on cloud 9 and I'm sure dreaming about it at this very moment (it's almost 10 pm). Here are a few pictures of him enjoying his first ride in our driveway.





A little boy and his bike, such a sweet thing! BTW, here is a view of the front of our house. This is about the extent of my fall decorating so far, the wreath on our front door. I've gotta get with it!

Craft Project

I've been itching to begin a new craft project and found some wonderful inspiration on Etsy. I've been couponing to get the best deals on my supplies and I was finally able to get the time this evening to begin.



So, the pictures aren't great but you get the general idea. These two little hair clips will be going to a friend who just hand her second baby girl. The Heart & Dots hair clip is for her older daughter (can't send a gift without including a sibling gift!), and the little one with the floral print and button is for the baby.


I haven't worked out yet what method is best to keep the baby barrette in place. I've heard that using Kyro (sp?) syrup works, but I'm leaning toward using a fine velcro.

I have some other great ideas that I'd like to try to replicate. Hopefully more to come! :)

National Free Museum Day - Our Time at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

We took advantage of the free National Museum Day and visited our local Houston Museum of Natural Science. This was Wesley's first time seeing dinosaur bones. It was great, but VERY crowded!

Getting Connected

It has been very difficult to find the time to make phone calls, visit different groups, check out some of the local birth centers, etc. with Mr. W on my hands all day. But this week I finally got away on Tuesday evening and attended one of the few remaining Houston B.I.R.T.H. Fair preparation meetings. The 9th annual fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 2nd and will feature discussions on vaccines, pregnancy nutrition, breastfeeding, schooling choices, doulas, babywearing, waterbirth and more, and will be showing The Business of Being Born. In addition to the Fair, B.I.R.T.H. is also organizing four performances of the play Birth.

I'm so excited that we arrived in Houston in time for this, I can't tell you!!!! I'm already committed to volunteering at two of the four performances of Birth and I'll be working at the Greater Houston Doula Association's vendor booth at the Fair! Yeay, so much fun to come and I'm so excited to be meeting my new tribe in our new city!

Upside of Moving...

Although we've had plenty of challenges with this move (i.e. no a/c when we arrived, two flooding incidense, getting utilities re-established - ugh!) there have been a few perks. One significant one is our new washer and dryer. I know, it's not until you're a real adult that this kind of stuff excites a person, but I'm there and I'm so excited!! So, here's our new washer and dryer. :o)


I did quite a bit of research before deciding on a Whirlpool Cabrio. It's fantastic!!