No Worse For Wear

Sitting at the kitchen table with fresh squeezed orange juice, a small boy, a tray full of cheerios and happy thoughts.

We made it through the night. He did a lot of his waking up early on before I was zombied out. I woke up around 2:30 a.m. to hear him crying again and let him cry for as long as I had promised myself I would wait and then went in to give him his pacifier and sing him to sleep. I think he would've stayed asleep until his normal wake up time but a new room means new sounds to muffle and so when everyone else started their day @ 6:00 a.m., Sebastian joined in. I was able to persuade him back to bed until a lovely 8:20 a.m.! I think he was just as tired as I was. It just reminded me that it doesn't compare to newborn nights and made me thankful that my schedule allows me to make adjustments.

Thanks for your encouragement this morning. I think Jenna nailed it when she said its usually the parents that have the harder time with change. Hmmm.

I'm already thinking pink and red. I used to hate the tackiness of V-Day in high school but I've come around. Not on the tackiness but on the opportunity for more pink and red. I'm seeing handmade apron and dishtowel sets in my future. This month's Teen Vogue had a photo shoot for Valentine's Day that was so inspiring.





Time to go play in a tent with Sebastian.
~R

Journals #3 and #4

Check out MY SHOP to see these journals. They are my new favorite thing to make. So, in case you don't think you'll be getting around to the previous tutorial anytime this month, feel free to buy one readymade!

Today we moved S into my brother's vacant room while he's away at flight school to start night training. I'm dreading it. Its a little bit like that fear of bedtime I had the night we brought him home from the hospital. I just knew that rest wasn't going to be a part of it. So, if you're a Mama who is on the other side of a good nights sleep, feel free to leave me a comment about how its worth it.

I'll be back tomorrow with a good story either way.

Sweet dreams!

R

EDITED: Both journals have sold. THANKS, LOVELY PEOPLE!

Make Your Own Journal Tutorial

The Blog will continue to be a work in progress over the next week as I figure out how to make widgets and add a little zing here and there. In the meantime, here's a little journal tutorial for you to do with what you may. I've been going back to this one like an old friend. Its a great way to reuse what you have and see supplies in a new light. I'll be offering a few of these in my Etsy shop later this week for those of you who may have your hands full at the moment.
Valentine's Day is just sneaking up on us! I'm really excited for this pink and red, heart-filled holiday and can't wait to share some fun projects. Any excuse to make something, really.
TUTORIAL
I had an odd shaped piece of sturdy cardboard on hand so I used it as the cover of my travel journal. (It is a similar structure to the mailing envelopes you send when you'd like your photos to not be bent.)


I gathered up any old or useful non-scrapbooky papers that had also been rescued from recycling and cut them to measure 8 1/2" x 11" and then folded them in half.
I used pages from an atlas, a blank calendar page, old letters with interesting designs and plastic windows, a manilla envelope, a page from an Anthropologie catalog, an 8" x 10" picture, etc. and machine-stitched them together in the middle.

I then used double sided tape to adhere them to the back of the journal cover and sewed around three sides and in the center of the last page to secure it firmly.

I like to prepare my travel journals with a few pictures and ephemera as starting points or fillers. I also collected a few items that would be easy to add and general enough that I'd probably use them in the next two weeks. I packed double sided tape, a pen, vinyl alpha stickers, fabric scraps and more scrap paper to keep it interesting.




Its a nice switch from the usual structures of scrapbooking and a lovely way to catch up with yourself.
If you still need another crafty diversion from work, bookmark our new Red Velvet Kit Club Etsy Shop and check in on Jan 18th for our first ever Quilt Kits and Quilt Kit Tutorials.
Bissou, Bissou!

Rachel

Don't Mind Me...

UNDER CONSTRUCTION THIS WEEKEND.

The Latest

Our poor little laptop is without its power cord and dead as a doorknob. It was left behind in Oklahoma but it should be here any day now...any day...hopefully soon...like tomorrow. I've been using my brother's computer to keep up with mail and the kit club blog, etc. but I have very limited ability to upload pics so I shall be back soon with lots of eye candy!

In the meantime I've been thinking about all the ways I'd like to streamline my life, my work and my hobbies. I am setting goals that I'd like to reach this year but more than anything I've been thinking about how different I'd like my attitude to be. Something about the communal, universal reflection and preparation for a new year has allowed my spirit to fall into line without flailing widly in desperation for something sincere to occur. I'm hopeful that good changes are coming.

A well-settled, college friend of ours told Brett he was a little jealous of the struggles we've had since we left Shawnee in 2006. He said rough times refined a person in ways stable times don't because they leave you with something to deal with. It forces change. I had NEVER, NEVER once had that perspective. It was surprising to hear him say that because I was just leaving their perfectly fabulous, Craftsman style home with a large porch and sweet dog thinking how they seem to be right on track. I have these thoughts and later realize they are silly. We each have a story and as similar as some may be, I know its harmful to compare and grow envious.

Keeping a journal over the break was a fresh way for me to validate our story. I think its my favorite kind of therapy. I made one for Elsie with things I found along the way but didn't think fast enough to take any pics before I wrapped it up and gave it to her. I've also had a few e-mails enquiring about the pattern so I'm hoping to have something posted here in the next week or so.

In other news we're offering a Lap Quilt Kit and Tutorial for our January Project Kit at Red Velvet Kit Club so check back around Jan. 17th for more details. Its a simple pattern that will be the gateway drug to quilting for all of you. Don't say that I didn't warn you. Once you've finished one, its hard to stop.

Well, here's to a bright, sparkly January ready to be lived in. Do a little dance or something.

Blog changes coming as soon as our sweet cord makes its way back to us. The little guy is probably sitting at the bottom of some mail bin in Arizona swearing at us under its breath.

Thanks for reading sweet people. Until then...
R

A Lovely Day

I get so excited about thrifting.
Brett, Brittany and myself took a trip to Goodwill this afternoon while Sebastian slept. I was antsy in the car. Like someone was going to take everything before I got there. Thankfully, there aren't many others in the Jeff City area that love vintage bedspreads. Throw in a 50% off day and I was one happy lady. $5 hasn't gone so far in long time.
I've been sleeping more than usual, crafting very little and watching movies every night for the last 4 days at the in laws. Its been divine.
Anyone have exciting New Year's plans? Do share! And check out the little contest we're doing HERE in place of a monthly kit.
Enjoy the last day of the year!

Merry Christmas Friends!

I'm enjoying the change of pace with family in Oklahoma, and soon, Missouri. We've been traveling and catching up with people in real time and real life. I've also been catching up with myself and allowing this time to be used to rest and be still when Sebastian isn't needing my attentions. I spent about an hour the night before we flew out making a journal from things lying around my messy space and gathered some pictures and ephemera to add to it along the way. Its called 'Going Offline and Outside' and is meant to be a place to jot down thoughts and reflections while we're rambling around the Midwest.

I think the Christmas season always leaves me with an empty place once its over. Its like a Sunday night. The weekend was lovely but its coming to an end and now its time to prepare for another jump into responsibilities and structure. While enjoying the last few days of merriment and red and green, I'm hoping to look towards new things with purpose and hope.

I hope your Christmas Day is full of fullness. Lots and lots of fullness. I look forward to another year of learning about ourselves and keeping track of each others journeys.
Merry Christmas.

Taking a blog break to focus on the holidays.

Merry Christmas wishes and prayers for peace and safety as you spend time traveling or with family.

~Rachel

Everyone needs a Babushka.

And you can make your very own. Tutorials are now on sale in my Etsy shop for you to purchase at your leisure.
Once purchased, your detailed instructions, as well as step-by-step pictures, will be mailed to the e-mail address provided by your Etsy account. Project requires basic sewing skills and sewing machine access. If you can sew two pieces of fabric together and turn them inside out, you can make this project.
This would make a lovely addition to a little girls room or your own living room couch. I'd love to see how everyone personalizes their pillow so feel free to post your pics HERE!
Merry Christmas, everyone.

Deh, Deh, Deh, Deh, Deh, Deh...Do the Shuffle...

Adrienne... said...

Of course flickr. But I love to read sewing/crafty blogs and find out about new sewing books... And then get them from the library. Free except buying the fabrics, and notions, (well I guess not that free!). I also love NPR's pod-casts. Does that count?

Congratulations and Merry Christmas from my family.

Send me your address and I'll send it out ASAP.

Thank you to everyone who listed their sites. I'm sure we all checked a few of them out. And for all of you who mentioned Pandora.com...um, Brett hasn't stopped listening since Tuesday. So, THANKS for the extension of entertainment and for sharing little pieces of yourself with us.

I'll be back by next week with some fun things to show. Check out the RVA blog to see what cute things our girls are making!

Love to all,
Rachel, Brett, Sebastian and Tim

An Update and a Giveaway

You'll have to read the post in order to get to the giveaway details. (It's an iPod Shuffle!)
So I'm not good at keeping secrets. But I haven't yet told Rachel what I got her for Christmas and I'm not going to, either.

Since October 1, Rachel and I haven't been buying non-essentials. During this time I have found that I've been able to really explore other personal interests that I had been pushing to the periphery. It hasn't been easy, but the rewards have certainly been showing themselves. I am excited about continuing this path of personal exploration. We thought entertainment would take the biggest hit but we've stumbled upon a few inexpensive or free ways to enjoy our Friday or Saturday nights as we did before.

On more than one occasion, we've hit up Redbox, the local $1 DVD vending machines. NPR is a treasure trove, and npr.org/music is a great place to start. Books.google.com has been an interesting find. I found a full book online and its availability in my local library with just a few clicks after going there to look up some information on an author. I'm also continually impressed at all you can unearth here.
The New York Times is rich with entertainment and art content. I've also found goodreads to be exceptionally helpful in organizing my reading and 43things has inspired me to branch out and go for things that really matter. And, as always, flickr is one of the best sites on the entire web. But you knew that already, didn't you?

So, we'd like to know what your favorite website for art & culture is.

Leave us a link in the comments post as well as your name and Rachel will randomly draw a name from the comments to receive a brand new iPod shuffle. (We'd appreciate it if you were able to pay for the postage.) The story is that Rachel's dad came home with a brand new iPod shuffle that someone had given him as a gift at work. Since we all have one form or another of an iPod, we thought we'd offer it up as a Christmas give away. This is probably the coolest one that we'll ever have on this blog so I hope you are all able to play along.

The winner will be picked on Thursday the 13th and announced that evening. Thanks for reading and following along on this fun little 'Not Buying It' journey.

-Brett

Cropping @ the Crystal Tree

I got two fun packages in the mail today! The first was this beauty from my lovely Cara friend. She's just opened up an Etsy shop with these box canvas collages and I was thrilled to find a package with my very own collage in it! I love it, Cara. BIG THANKS!

The second package was a pair of lovely silver earrings that I won on this blog. Its a fabulous site for handmade gifts and personal shopping if you're into indie gifts but don't have the time to surf Etsy.

Here are a few pics from Saturday's crop. It was really fun meeting two ladies from the blogging community and watching guys scrapbook! There was a mom and her son that attended. He surprised me with how unique his LO and ornament were! I had a great time and look forward to doing it again. I promise there will be more notice next time! Thanks to everyone's well wishes and sweet comments.




Christmas is rushing towards us and I'm having a hard time savoring each day but I'm looking forward to putting responsibilities aside for a little while to rest and enjoy my family. Thanks again, 'Ya'all'! (I know two ladies who'll smile a little inside.)

If you're in or around Fresno, CA...

THis is the sample page for the scrapbook class I'm teaching today. We'll also be making ornaments filled with curled paper strips similar to the ones you may have seen on a few other scrapbook sites. Below are the details.

Today (Sat, Dec. 8, 2007):
Location: Crystal Tree Apartments, upstairs in the Crystal Ballroom (1150 East Herndon Avenue)
Time: 5:00-6:00pm.

Supplies are provided as well as snacks and good company. Bring your pics and any other gear you're used to using. The class is free! Our church is covering the costs and offering it as a way to connect to people in the area and build relationships in relevant ways. Its the first of many monthly classes so if we offer any more scrapping/crafty ones, I'll be sure to post about it in advance. This one kind of snuck up on me but its going to be fun!

Most of you probably aren't a stones throw away from my neighborhood so I'll be posting pics of the LO and ornament craft that we'll be making sometime Saturday evening.

Thanks for stopping by on your weekend!

this week in pics

Here are a few pics to keep things fresh while time is overbooked.





This last pic is one of the prettiest ornaments I've ever seen. I love the silver tree so much. Thanks to Lindsay Duranceau! She sells her wares HERE!
I'll be back again. I promise.

Pop Culture Give Away Winners...

lorie said...
Ok, as corny as this may sound, my #1 wish this year is that me and my family spend some really special moments together...You know those moments you feel like a kid again and get that warm fuzzy feeling inside, the one that seems to fade as you get older. Other than that, I just want to see my family get all the things they are hoping for. ;)

melissa said...
#1 on my wish list is some good luck baby dust so that I can be a mama next year....my hubby and I are starting to try after Xmas.

faeriepeak said...
A towering, teetering pile of interesting, entertaining, thought-provoking novels, hand-picked just for me and my taste, and of course...time to read them! ♥

laura said...
Number one on my Christmas list is a red pea coat.

These products look so cool :)
*****************************************************************
Send me your addy's and you'll be getting a fun present in the mail sometime next week.

Thanks for the fascinating Christmas wishes. Its true that we all have these little lists in our minds of things that would be such a treat and its kind of fun to not feel guilty about them at Christmas time because they may actually be possible gifts. I think we all also have those images in our minds of what the perfect Christmas season would be and how some of those aren't possible due to health, time, distance, hurt feelings, finances, etc.

This Christmas my number one wish is for my husband to be successful in the goals he's setting for himself so that we can have our own place soon. The house part has been #1 on that wish list in my head for about two years. Its not been a tormenting wish but a hopeful one. I severely look forward to decorating my own two-story, Craftsman style home with a cement front porch and tall trees in the yard. I need an old house with the history it holds to paint and fill with blankets and happy sounds. For now we are thankful for where we are and the ways its made life a little lighter.
Its a little chilly inside today so I've cut up some oranges and apples and covered them with cinnamon, brown sugar and a drop of vanilla and stuck them in the oven for the afternoon on 225 degrees. Its filled the house with a lovely Christmasy smell and warmed up the kitchen a little. Its one of those things I look forward to doing at least once every December. We've also been playing Sufjan Steven's 'Songs for Christmas' album on repeat all week. If you haven't heard of him or are looking for some new Christmas tunes, you should give it a try.

Love to all and warmness on the inside!