while she sleeps

I am delighted to discover that because my daughter is such a mellow happy baby, I have plenty of time to continue crafting! I know that in a month or so she will be more alert and probably require more attention, but for now, she gives me time to create.

I carved a stamp with her initials to make some thank you cards. The gifts are rolling in and I want to stay on top of getting the cards out.

Because she is my little birdie, I carved a little bird in flight for the inside of the card. Then, of course, I busted out the glitter. That's all part of the fun of having a little girl. Glitter!

Today I need to get out to my work bench and make her a bracelet. Can you believe I didn't already have one made? I can't. Anyway, I need to get some jewelry on my girl asap.

amour cliche'

Sugar Daddy and I aren't too much with the romance. Never have been. I don't mean to say that we don't try to seduce each other. We do. It's just a little more subtle than average.

For instance, I might say, "You know, you're a real smart ass." And he will respond, "Why thank you. You crafty little minx." Then, well, it's on.

So Valentine's day really isn't our "thing". We might exchange little token gifts, but for the most part, we don't make a big deal about it.

BUT- what I do love about Valentine's Day is the kitchyness. I relish the cheesy cards and the campy store bought goodies. I mean, who doesn't love conversation hearts? Really.

Is Valentine's a Hallmark holiday? Why yes it is! And that's what is so great about it! Elementary school would never have been the same without chintzy little cards made from red doilies and decorated shoebox mailboxes.

Thom and I are all over it, getting ready for the big day. We have all the Valentine's ready to take to school.

The hearts are hung in the window with care, in hopes that St. Valentine will show up and leave a couple hundred bucks on the counter.

The big pink sugar cookies are frosted with almond buttercream and ready to deliver. Scrumdillyumptious!

And the campy handmade Valentines are in the mail to their intended sweetheart.

Here's Cupid himself, lips pursed in concentration, crafting a card for his cousins. Notice the chocolate smears all over his shirt? We needed sustenance while we worked.

This is my mantra for today: Let. Love. Live. However you do it. Don't quash the vibe. If you are fancy pants lovey dovey, do that. If you are simple and sweet like Sugar Daddy and I, put the kids to bed, break out the Netflix and Ben and Jerry's and nestle in.

the thing about christmas cards

It's the same thing every year. What to do about Christmas cards? Some years I am lucky enough to stumble upon a fabulous after season sale on Crane cards or some other set that would be way out of my price range if I were to pay full price, which I never do, because I was raised by people who would rather suck on an Akla-Seltzer than buy something that is not on sale.

It is incredible drudgery being a girl with a penchant for fine papers. A girl, that is, on a budget.

And then there is the whole family photo thing to consider. Attempting to photograph our little family may seem like a simple task until you throw in a boy named Thom and a wild canine (yes, the dog does have to be in the photo because we are just that type of family).

I stopped writing a newsletter when I finally realized that I really dislike reading epistles about what other people have done all year. That's what blogs are for right?

Having said all this, let me just give a small caveat and say I really LOVE getting Christmas cards. It is one of my favorite things about December*. And I know that in order to get cards, I must send, so I'm off to do a little shopping on Etsy for some fabulous, one-of-a-kind, inexpensive cards. Wish me luck.

Don't forget to scroll on down a few posts and enter to win the Winter Glam earrings.

* If you feel so inclined, I'd love to get a Christmas card from you, especially Ms. Finland who has yet to reveal herself. Send me an email and I'll swap addresses with you.

design sunday

1. I'll Follow the Sun, 2. Flirt, 3. Coral Cards, 4. Sterling Silver Wave Etch Ring

Since I have spent a copious amount of time at, on or near the sea this past week, I thought I'd share some of my favorite "Etsy Ocean" items. I have the Flirt print. I bought a frame for it, but I think I will also have a mat cut. I plan to put it in my bathroom over my vanity.

I really wish I had made the wave ring. It's sooo me.

Speaking of Ocean stuff, did anyone see the National Geographic special on giant squid? I am dying to know how it ended (I kept nodding off). Did they finally get a photo of it or what?