I'll Put a Spell on You...

The Halloween hoopla began in mid September when Jamie, Kara and I went on a crafting frenzy. We three witches stocked our cupboards with all the nasty necessities to cast many a magical spell.

Somethin' Crafty

Last month I had the opportunity to go to a TRIPLE baby shower,
which included my sweet SIL Jamie.
I can't deny...
I'm getting a little baby hungry.
Grace is like practically grown up.
HA! HA! HA!
Well, at least SHE thinks she is.

Here was the shower cuteness I whipped up...

Success is Sweet

Whew! That was the sound of me exhaling with relief...the Soiree and Market was a TRIUMPH! After many, many hours of effort everything was pulled together beautifully and I couldn't be more pleased with the fruits of my labor. My prayers were answered and I was blessed with countless strokes of genius and inspiration. I had the opportunity to meet so many LOVELY people and taste the pleasure of their compliments on my handmade beauties. Thank you from the deep down bottom of my heart to all of my new friends for making the event magical.

The whole affair could be described in two words...sensory overload! Each booth was packed with the most fantastic treasures and displays. Inspiration GALORE...an explosion of talent and creativity! It was an extreme honor to have been showcased with the likes of these ladies.

The Soiree was divine. Music filled the evening air as bejeweled, bohemian beauties meandered through the enchanted atmosphere. There was no shortage of glamour, style, funk, and pizazz. The excitement ran through my veins long after I returned home and made it impossible to sleep. (That AND I still had much to do for the Market.)

Without a wink of sleep I arrived bright and early Saturday morning to set up for the Market. Jessi and I clinked cans of Rockstar Juiced as we toasted to the success of the previous night and our total lack of sleep. (Figuratively) My loopiness had me at a loss of words at times (literally), but brought out a quirky side of me that had me feeling like a social butterfly. I thrilled at the chance to meet so many fun and friendly people. My family's support was the cherry on top (cause I'm not really an icing kind of girl) to a truly BLISSFUL weekend.

Now for the snapshots. Be prepared...there are many.

Mimi and Me

A proud pose

Hubby, Moi, Josh & preggers Jamie

My booth on the evening of the Soiree


Market morning (some changes)

My Wheels are Spinning

Yesterday was such a good day. I had the extreme pleasure of going to work with my man. I used to work with him all the time (before Grace came to us) and I miss those days when we spend every waking moment. (However in this case I did a fair bit of running around too.)

One of my major objectives was to go to the Brass Armadillo, an antique mall in Phoenix. They were having a sale and I was in search of some items for my hair pieces and a dress for the Bohemian Soiree. I didn't fair well on the tidbits, but I SCORED BIG on the dress. It caught my eye and two things ran though my head: Will it fit me? How much does it cost? I checked the tag and to my amazement it was my size. I searched for the price, but it was not to be found. After inquiring about it's cost, I was introduced to the booth owner who gave me the news I had dared to hope for...$9.99! (Plus 15% off!) I almost couldn't believe it. I continued to wind my way thorough the maze of booths and happened upon a pair of gloves that seemed as if the could match the dress. With my fingers figuratively crossed, I brought the gloves with me to the cashier's station. I was amazed for a second time. They matched so well one would think they came together. Lucky, lucky me! (It was strange to have spent nearly the same amount on the gloves as I did the dress...but I'll take it.) Now, my wheels are spinning as I am dreaming up how I will embellish and accessorize. Oooh...the fun I will have. The icing on the cake will be the chance to spend a whimsical evening with my dashing husband. I can hardly wait!

Speaking of husband, we found an awesome place for delicatessen style sandwiches called the Dilly Deli. There we shared a quiet and tasty lunch break. One thing is for sure, they haven't seen the last of us.

Once home, I was able to spend a few hours snuggling with Grace. It's true...absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. It is so nice to get a little break from the munchkin and have a complete change of pace. Two year olds are full throttle and bounce around from one thing to the next. That's both the fun and the exhausting part. A little break can recharge the batteries.

Almost as if our intent was to completely wear Nana out, we called on her again to watch Grace and Corbin as we went to the midnight showing of Wolverine. I got the chance to interrogate my newly coupled brother about his budding romance. Those two go together nicely...romance and mutants. It was an enjoyable close to a delightful day.

So are you dying to see the dress? Thought so...

What Do You Think?

I need your opinion. Would these children/baby hair clips and headbands be even CUTER if I added silver glitter to the edge of the petals or should I leave them alone?

I saw this done to some flowers on THIS beautiful blog. Instead of the sparatic placing of glitter like she has done, I planned on rimming the edge of the petals.

So, whatta ya think? Yay or Nay? (Why would be helpful also!) Perhaps you have an even better idea. Thanks for your help...I feel like my mind is going to blow right now. So much to do...

{Busy Bee}

I have been hard at work to create mass FABULOUSNESS for the upcoming Bohemian Bliss Soiree & Vagabond Vintage Market. I couldn't me more thrilled to be a part of this event. (Many thanks to Mimi!)


Don't live in Arizona? Not to fear...you can buy my handmade creations at the Laurel Lane Etsy store. (Items will be posted closer to the market date.) For now, a little taste of the good stuff...

Something Fun

What could be more fun than playing dress-up when you are 2? How about having a funky little station to display all of your "pretties" while getting a peep at how FABULOUS you look?



I made this fun dress-up station as a Christmas gift for Grace and thought the idea MUST be shared. It was easy, cheap, and Grace couldn't have more fun playing with it. My directions aren't very detailed, but it really isn't difficult.

It all starts with a bi-fold poster board and some wrapping paper.
I used Modge Podge to adhere the wrapping paper.

Simple thumb tacks were used to hang stuff on. All they needed was some personality, so I used E600 to add the buttons.

I used erasers to keep the tacks in place. (You can find multiple erasers in a refill pack for mechanical pencils, which is what I had on hand)

After jazzing up a plain mirror, I hung it on the display by cutting slits in a ribbon and sewing buttons to the board. This takes a little planning. You'll want to make sure the mirror isn't too heavy for the poster board. Keep in mind where you want to hang the mirror so your little one can get a good view of herself. To reinforce the slits you could use Fray Check, but I just used a lighter to melt it a little. I like to do that to the end of ribbon because I think it really seals it off to keep from fraying.

Again, I sewed buttons to the board to create a place to hang tutus from with clothes pins.

There you have it! All that's left to do is have tons of fun!

Handmade Game

This is the DEAL-E-O:

Lucky you!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1 - I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (Though I may ask some questions during the process.)
2 - What I create will be just for you.
3 - It'll be done this year (might take a little while).
4 - You have no clue what it's going to be.
5 - I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same. (Don't worry, it can be a card or cookies or whatever - it doesn't have to be outrageous, just homemade.)

The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

(I get to receive something from THIS wonderful person!!!)

Give Me Glitter!

What are you usually doing at 1 a.m.? There were no sugarplum fairies dancing in my head this particular night. I tossed and turned and finally got up to do something crafty. I bought these reindeer for $1 a piece at a yard sale, and I knew they had a fabulous side screaming to be seen. Add some glue and glitter and they took on a whole new attitude! (And I was finally tired enough to fall asleep.) Mission accomplished.