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Dying Silks

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So I’ve always been kind of afraid to dye silks. Last year, I bought a big lot of them and stashed them away in my craft room, thinking I would create beautiful colored silks for Ellie for Christmas. Well, that never happened. Then one day last week, we were both itching for something creative to do (that’s when she’s running around the house like a crazy toddler and I’m just itching for something creative to do). So we took the bike and trailer and headed to the store for some kool aid. The grocer must have thought I was crazy, buying all these kool aid packets for my two-year old to consume. Little did she know, kool aid would still never touch my daughters lips (have you seen what’s in that stuff?! And to think of all the kool aid I consumed as a kid. Ugh). So, we went to three different stores in search of all the colors we wanted and then just went ahead and did it! And it was so much fun! And it was so easy! And now we are both addicted. She even asked me if we could dye some more today and we did! I know I still have a lot to learn about dying fabrics, but so far, I’ve had a blast and Ellie is enjoying the silks immensely! What more can you ask for. Have you dyed silks? Any tips or notes to share for us newbies?

dying silks 1
stirring
lights
silkies
purple
purpley
purples
peggies
v day pegs
blues
she did it
elsa
blue silks

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Weekending!

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runner

sprouts

bike

lazed about

 

run

sea stuff
DSC_0061
windy
botanic
botanics

the path

secret garden

cactus

map
dolphin funmama and me
peaceful
sandy
sky
sunset dog
sliding sunset
sunset

It was such a nice weekend. We lazed about on Saturday. Ellie and I had spent the night at my Mom’s house because my Dad was out-of-town visiting relatives in Florida. So, we rose early, drank tea played some more with Gramma and headed home. Chores were done. Home grown sprouts were eaten on everything! It was warm and windy all weekend, so we headed to the beach on Sunday and to the sea center we regularly frequent. We ended the weekend with a late evening park date and a gorgeous sunset. It really was a nice weekend. How was yours? How are my east coasters doing? As much as I love being able to wear t-shirts and flip-flops till late evening, I’m wishing for some real winter weather. I don’t think we will get much of it here though.

– joining pumpkin sunrise for weekending!

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Portrait Project

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4/52
4/52

eloise: You run through the grass and then all of a sudden plop down in a patch of clover. “Mama, Polar Bear Cub needs that flowers on hid head. <Mama makes a flower wreath for Polar Bear Cub and hands him over to you). “Oh, so pity you look now… wah, wah… Polar Bear Cub is crying. He need milk.”
Watching you care for your babies and stuffed animals (especiallt the mama-made ones) so gently, is such a joy for me to watch. I hope you always stay compassionate and caring to all the loved ones in your life.

-joining jodi for the 52 project!

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Weekending!

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Oh my! I’ve been so busy, I forgot to post “Weekending”…. A busy, quick weekend, with one sick husband, a joyful, moody two-year old (cause that’s how 2 year olds roll) and some time to finish up some crafts thanks to Gramma and Grandpa.
polar bear cub
This little one needed her “polar bear cub that you made me mama cause I wanted him when you made one for baby Ryo.” and her very own farmers market bag.
cauliflower

cheeky radish

dada and elle

coffee

winter

tree climbing

fun girl

While we were at my parents, I was able to finish up some arctic and Antarctica playmats and peg dolls for a Waldorf swap I’m in. I love how they came out. I made 5 Antarctica shaped (loosely), play mats made from cotton batik and wool felt. They have an explorer peg doll to go with them. And I made 5 ice cap Arctic mats, with an Inuit peg person to go with it. It was the first time I had done any free motion quilting and even though I don’t think I am very good at it yet, I am kind of loving it. It’s bringing a new feel to my playmats that I am definitely digging. These guys get shipped out this week and then hopefully by the end of the month, I will have a whole box of handmade Arctic/Antarctic goodies to share with you (and with Ellie). 😉

playmats

antartica

artic

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Around Here

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There’s so much to catch you all up on. I’ve been so behind in my blogging. Posts have been swirling around in my head but I haven’t been able to get them down in this space.
Happy New Year! I think my word for this year will be “Create”. I know it’s overused and cliche, but I just keep seeing it and hearing it…. create. create. create. Last year’s word, “balance” was appropriate. I was struggling to find that balance and I still am in certain areas of my life. But, I made a big leap last year and so I feel like balance is going to just flow into this year, a two-word kind of deal, whatever that will mean… Do you have a guiding word this year? I’d love to hear what it is.

I’m taking this wonderful online class about Winter Wellness. Of course, we don’t have much of an actual “winter” here in Southern California. But, I need some soul food and I’ve always wanted to take one of Heather’s classes. I’m thoroughly enjoying it each day.
I’ve been drinking more tea lately. My favorite these days is rooibos. I went to a local spice and tea store here and discovered some fantastic new rooibos teas.
rooibos

One of our class sessions had to do with sprouting our own sprouts, so I’ve taken that on. I’m kind of excited to have my own little sprouts for salads and such.
sprouts

Ellie and I are enjoying the beautiful weather (although I’d rather it be a little more wintery than 75). Books and snacks and walks to the park have been the norm around here.
park stuff

And something very special, I just have to share. My mom, who is a quilter (her etsy store is here, in case you’re interested in beautiful, handmade, soft, fuzzy things), made this gorgeous quilt for someone last year (You may remember the portrait that showcases it). Anyway, I loved the quilt so much I was going to pay her to make me one of my own. Well, she surprised me the other day by making me one just like it!! It’s gorgeous! My favorite new thing of course. Even Ellie has been fighting me for it.
rag quilt

ellie boo

pb likes itI can’t get enough of all the glorious color!! And the back of the quilt is even more stunning!
mom

sunset quilt

luhoo

Keep a look out in her shop. She just may make another one.
So that is it for now. I’ll be working on more peg dolls in the coming weeks and sending off my Waldorf swap goodies tomorrow. Crossing my fingers everyone likes them. For now, I will be cuddling up in my new quilt with a steaming cup of rooibos!

(Oh and by the way, I’ve been posting a lot on Instagram these days, so if you want to catch up with me there, my name is lemon2626! I’d love to connect with you there as well)!