Fun in the sun

This week has been a fantastic week for weather - sun everyday! I've been making more of an effort to actually sit outside since I received my test results and my Vitamin D levels came back very low. I've also been trying to get my hermit of a son outside more.

So today, I decided that we would go down to the Mukilteo beach and watch the ferries. Lyssie was excited. I'm not even sure she knew what we were talking about - but she was excited and suggested that we take Bentos out there for lunch. So this is what we did today and it was beautiful out there. I hadn't realized how long it had been since I'd been to this beach. They had paved the large field with more parking spaces, added a volleyball court, a few fire pits (got to take advantage of those one of these days), a playground, bathrooms and tons of benches and tables.

We opted to sit down on the beach (this is a very rocky beach by the way) and eat our lunch. The sun was pretty hot - so we stayed just for lunch as I didn't pack any sunscreen. The kids ate everything in their bento boxes (okay, I did too). Here's what I packed.

The kids had grapes, edamame with turkey underneath, goldfish, jelly sandwiches and a bit of cheese. Lyssie had more turkey and Robbie had more edamame - in the end, they traded each other so Robbie ended up with all the edamame and Lyssie had all the turkey :)

I even packed a bento for myself. I packed a tortellini salad (tortellini, string cheese slices, cubed turkey and corn all tossed in a mix of caesar and italian dressings. I also packed myself some edamame, goldfish and peanuts.

Here's a picture of my duo using their "noculars" to see all the boats. It was a great boat watching day as we saw ferries, tug boats, cargo ships, sail boats, speed boats, fishing boats and yachts.

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Tea Time Thursday

Back to routine - although this one took a bit of scavenging around the fridge for something to serve - I was still able to pull of a tea party for our Tea Time Thursday. My son got off the bus in quite the foul mood complaining about it being too hot. I told him to suck it up and change his attitude because no one likes a grump at a tea party. Luckily he was able to snap out of it and politely poured tea (milk) for his eager sister.


Today I offered a bit of everything - hotdogs wrapped in bread (with some hotdog curls since my daughter doesn't eat the bread), gold fish swimming around a pool of turkey, grapes, raisins, yogurt covered raisins, pepperoni, edamame, carrots, string cheese and granola bars.

I really need to find more small, healthy food that I can use in both muffin tins and during tea parties. I also need to find sandwiches that my kids will eat. I was out of jelly and they won't eat egg or tuna.

** Check out Adventures of a Flake for their tea party. She shares some of her teapots too!

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Market Find

Last weekend at the Bayside Farmer's Market, I had the chance to meet a few of the other vendors. There is a lot of talent out there! I thought I'd share with you my little purchase (I can only share this one as others are gifts... those will be shared later once they have been given).


The cute little cup was made by Wooden Threads. I LOVE it and am currently using it to house our toothpicks. It's perfect! What's even better is that it was under $10! The kids also scored those to cute little tops that you see in the picture. All the wood he uses is reclaimed or recycled making his pieces even more awesome!

The kid and I will be out there again this weekend. If you are local, come out and visit this wonderful vendor as well as many more!

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Wordless Wednesday

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A family weekend

Well, it was as close as we get to a family weekend. My husband had two days off which hasn't happened in nearly 6 months. I enjoyed it so much that I completely missed Muffin Tin Monday. At least the kids didn't seem to notice. I think they were enjoying their dad's company as much as I was.


So I thought I'd share Robbie's bento snack for the Farmer's Market. I ended up eating most of the apple (which is unusual since I don't eat much fruit - I must have been busy). I packed edamame, raisins, yogurt covered raisins and a granola bar in the Bento box. It seemed to hold his hunger off until I could buy him his fruit smoothie for lunch.

Sunday we enjoyed (well, after house cleaning), a nice afternoon and evening with friends. A little BBQ... and I learned how to use the Serger that I had borrowed several months ago. This means that (if all goes well) I'll have some new dresses to show off and post for the NueToMe store. That store has been neglected all year.

Monday we did a bit of yard work. It was nice to finally get Lyssie's garden cleaned out and a few new plants put in. The backyard is slowly coming around. I'm still crossing my fingers that I get a fence within the next month or so - I'd really like to enjoy our summer in a backyard that has a little more privacy. Well, as much privacy as you can get when you are surrounded by two story houses.

Robbie and I are looking forward to a week of preparation for another day at the Bayside Farmer's Market. He and I have been working on his newest idea for a doll (just a larger version of his finger puppet). He better get working as he sold nearly half of his inventory this past weekend.

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Bayside Farmer's Market

Yesterday, Robbie and I attended the 2nd Bayside Farmer's Market in Everett. He sold his finger puppets and I took a small sampling of items that I had in my inventory not listed in the shops. It was such a great day for sitting outside and enjoying the sun. While this market is still new, we had a great time and Robbie was thrilled with the sales he made. He sold nearly half his inventory! He's looking to do the Indie Banditas with me in two weeks, so he needs to start making more of his puppets!

The first Bayside Farmer's Market had about 8 vendors - this time we had about 10 plus two musical appearances - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It was very nice. I can't wait to see how this market grows. Robbie and I hope to do it again next week and as often as we can in the summer months.

We still need to work on Robbie's display... it'll be a learning experience for him as last year was for me. We are also working on proper sales tactics (rather than asking them directly if they want to buy it). We have a lot to cover and he has a lot to learn... but it's nice that he's excited about it and he is able to make his own money. He made enough yesterday to buy his dad a father's day gift and still have money left over. I'll share some of our finds in a later posting when I get pictures of them taken.

We've also been spoiled this weekend with a two day weekend for my husband. He has been working 7 days a week, 12 - 14 hour days on average... so this is a real treat for us. We will be barbecuing with friends today... and we have yet to make plans for tomorrow. In my opinion, that's the best way to start a day.

Have a great weekend!

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His first Farmer's Market

I should have given this information earlier when it was useful... but today, I will be taking Robbie to his first Farmers Market to sell his new finger puppets. He and I can be found at the new (this is their second market) Bayside Farmer's Market in Everett from 10-3. He's really excited about doing a show and I'm hoping it is a positive experience for him. We'll be taking pictures!

Also check us out on Bainbridge Island in two weeks as he and I will both be selling at the Indie Banditas Bazaar on June 5th & 6th. This show should be a great display of local talents as I know at least 15 of my favorite artists will be there as well. Check it out if you are local!

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Tea Time Thursday - rolling with the punches

The one true skill that every parent needs is the ability to change directions at the drop of a dime. Well, today was supposed to be Tea Time Thursday where we have a tea party for our lunch. It's a lot of fun and the kids enjoy it... but it takes a lot of preparation on my part.

Unfortunately, my son got off the bus today completely destroyed and in tears. Apparently he lost his backpack. From what I can gather - he left it on the playground and it wasn't there when he went back to find it. To me, this means that it's gone. I've been told that they are looking for it at school... so he is holding out hope. I told him we would just buy him a new one and his tears intensified. Between tears, he finally told me that it was a waste of money to buy a new one. We are still working on teaching the difference between "want" and "need".

It took me half an hour to calm him down... which means no tea party. Instead we did a quick muffin tin as Robbie seems to view them as a treat. They did their trick.


While the kids were eating, I took the opportunity to finish the surprise that I was working on to give to Robbie this weekend at the Farmers Market we are planning on doing (I'll have more details on this shortly I hope). I figured it might make him feel a little better.

I made him a market apron for him to wear this weekend. He was excited to see it. Not only does it have a dinosaur - but he glows in the dark. The apron is made from a recycled tshirt and a showroom sample.

So, I'm sorry to say there is not a Tea Time this Thursday. However, I am happy to announce that "Adventures of a Flake" has rescued me and poster her Tea Time Thursday. Yay! So hop on over there and check out her fun tea party - I especially like the hat :)

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Ailing animal

Over the past week, the family dog has come against hard times. For some reason, she started limping one day... and over a few days it got progressively worse where she wouldn't put weight on the leg at all. My husband finally gave in and took her to the vet. While they aren't exactly sure what it is (no fracture as they did take an X-ray - perhaps a sprain), they were concerned that her other leg would suffer if she continued to favor the other one while the injured leg healed. So, they splinted it. She has to wear the splint for three weeks - along with the fashionable (read: humiliating) collar.

Not only did they splint it - but they did it before the grooming we had requested. Which means they weren't able to groom her. Grrrr... seems to me they could have groomed her first. But I digress. The splint isn't supposed to get wet. We live in Everett, WA which happens to be in the Convergence Zone" which means excess rain. Sooo... we've been bagging it when she goes out. But this means that we have to stay very close to her so that she doesn't wander and the bag doesn't fall off.

I have to admit, this idea was not my own. The idea to make a cover was my husband's and it was his idea to use a plastic bottle (perhaps having all the plastic bottles around that I refuse to toss are starting to work their inspirational magic on him as well).

We cut a water bottle in half, punched holes along the edge and I crocheted a little sleeve. I also added a stretchy band (hair band) to the top so that it would stay on her leg. Oh, and because I can, I added a small ruffle :)

Here is our humiliated dog sporting the new sleeve. I have yet to give it a go as she asks less frequently to go outside... but it stays on well, so I'm confident that it'll serve it's purpose.

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Tackle it Tuesday - Finger Puppets

This Tuesday not only did I tackle my growing scrap stash - but I also tackled a recent issue for my son. He loves to help me with my craft shows and Etsy shop and he is always making his own things to sell. Of course, the things he makes are probably only things a mother could love... his own mother. Not only that, but he doesn't put time and thought into the things he makes - his idea is to just reach the ultimate goal of selling it as quick as possible. I've been trying to show him that time, enjoyment and thought is what makes something that someone else will like as much as you do.

So - while I was staring at my scrap pile this morning for Tackle it Tuesday, I decided to work on something that my son can feel proud of. Something that he could do. Something that shows his personality.

I came up with finger puppets. While my son can't do every step himself... he can do at least half of it... and he will be able to do all of it with practice. I love finding things that he can do where he can grow and learn new things. Currently, I am cutting the puppets out and sewing eyes on them - then sewing them together. He is turning them, stuffing them, cutting out the arms and knotting them on. He also picks the sleeves (they are made from tshirt sleeves) for the colors and he picks what I put on them. My son is silly and these silly little monster finger puppets are perfect to get him started in his desire to start his own small business.

My daughter has been helping as well. Quality control is her role as she has loved to play with them as he completes each one. I am hoping (provided I am able) to do a Farmers Market this Saturday. I think it will be the perfect place for him to debut his new line.

He is currently working on finishing up his first fifteen puppets. But he's already told me that he is anxious to put them on his blog so that he can share them with everyone.

While making the prototypes for the finger puppets, I made several designs that we didn't go with. I hope to share a tutorial on the easiest one sometime this week.

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Foam Print Making

I've been wanting to experiment with several techniques for print making. This idea came from a site that uses a softer foam (like meat tray foam) - sorry, I don't remember the site where I read the original idea. I don't have a lot of those meat trays and I don't really like to use meat trays with the kids. So, I thought maybe we could do something similar with the kid's craft foam.

We started by using small rectangular pieces of foam (I chose small to make it easier when making the print and I wanted the width of the rubber brayer I used to cover it in one roll - although this isn't necessary). We used golf tees to draw our image into the foam. At first, we pressed hard to make sure the imprint would show - this resulted in thick lines. I tried it again by just marking the top normally and it worked just as well.

This project was great for both my kids (3 and 6) - and it was addicting. I used just one color for the paint and I applied the paint while they helped to push the image into paper. Getting a thin and even distribution of paint was important.

I later experimented a bit with my own drawings and found this technique difficult to add details that I wanted. However, this technique is perfect for the kids the end result was immediate and the thin layer of paint dried quickly. The cards make note cards and wrote letters - Robbie chose his daddy and Lyssie wrote to her Grandma.

It was a fun and not so messy project. We'll definitely be doing it again as it uses things that we regularly have around the house.

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Muffin Tin Monday - Long Neck Dinosaurs

This Monday's Muffin Tin Monday was choose your own theme... so I left it up to Robbie. He, no surprise here, chose Dinosaurs.


I decided to go with long neck dinosaurs.

Contents: Carrots (because they are herbivores and eat plants), raisins (rocks to help digest their food), edamame (more plants), peanuts (more rocks), grapes (eggs), pretzels (twigs and branches) and shredded cheese (leaves on the ground)

It seems to be a hit with the kids. Lyssie made a nest with the cheese and pretzels and added the grapes for eggs.

We really enjoy these themed muffin tins! Be sure to check Her Cup Overfloweth for more themed tins! Robbie has asked to blog about the tin as well, so check his blog later for his spin on this Muffin Tin Monday.

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Trial and Error

The other day, we went out to dinner and returned with our left overs in small pizza boxes. I've been wanting to try the pizza box solar oven with the kids for a while now but I either remember after the box has been tossed or the box is yucky from pizza remains.

So, I held these small boxes aside, cut them and covered them according to the directions here. I knew that this would a trial and error experience as the pizza box was tiny and it didn't quite go together like most boxes. However, I like to try things with the kids where I'm not sure what the outcome will be. I think "failures" are good for them to experience.

I didn't go with the whole pizza idea - I wanted something simpler. So, we just melted cheese onto tortilla chips. The kids had a great time going out and checking on it every 10 minutes or so. We finally took them out at about half hour as the cheese was starting to crisp rather than fully melt.

We talked about all the things that would maybe give us different results such as bigger boxes, different angle on the top piece for the run to reflect, different cheese, etc. Although it didn't produce the results we were hoping for - it was still a lot of fun. In the end though, I think it melted just like cheese would in the sun. Of course, the kids were happy with this. I think a larger surface where more sun could be reflected and more black on the bottom could show (there wasn't a lot exposed) and our results would have been a little better.

But, we kept the oven for more experimentation. It's been a fun day for us with nice weather and big ideas.

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Tea Time Thursday (presented on Friday)

I didn't get a chance to post this tea party yesterday because I had an afternoon and evening out with friends (and no kids!). But before I left, I did manage to serve my two little ones afternoon tea. This one was based on the book Chicka Chicka ABC. I love this book and so do the kids.

Lyssie helped me prepare the tea party while Robbie was at lunch. She and her Nana made tooth pick letters while I made some meatballs for coconuts. I made a palm tree to go onto the two tier server that I have. I used toilet paper rolls, green construction paper and tape - went together in less than 5 minutes. Those are my type of projects!


In addition to the meatballs, we served them the peanut butter apple sushi, string cheese circles with some Scrabble Cheez Its that I found (they are really cute and perfect for a snack - help Lyssie learn her letters and helps Robbie with his spelling), grapes, apple sticks and some snack cups that contained carrot chips, pepperoni, peanuts and yogurt covered raisins. It was quite the feast for an afternoon tea (or milk).

When Robbie got home, he read the book to his sister before they started their meal (he didn't see, but Lyssie started eating while he was reading... he was concentrating too hard to notice).

Another successful tea party. It's fun for me to watch them enjoy their tea parties. I love to watch them share and interact together. Now to figure out what I'm going to do for their next one. This one came together in a day as I came up with the idea while I read the book to Lyssie the night before.

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Yummy Fabric!

Last night I got one of my favorite types of packages in the mail. A package of fabric! Not only that, but fabric I wasn't expecting! I had ordered two fat quarters of the bento fabric (the pink and blue) - but she also sent two more along. Yay!


I hope to make bags for the kid's bento boxes with the bento fabrics. I have no idea what I'm going to do with the other two - they are just soooo cute! And I love the colors. These fabrics came from A World Away on Etsy. I highly recommend her store. I was laying them against a fat quarter from Joann's (for the lining) and the Joann's fat quarter is smaller.

Stay tuned for some fun pictures of a tea party - I hope to have them posted tonight or tomorrow morning.

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Tackle it Tuesday! Draw String T-Shirt Sleeve Bag Tutorial

It's been a while since I've done a Tackle it Tuesday post to help reduce my many boxes of tshirt scraps. I figure it's time to get back into the swing of things. Today, I'm sharing a tutorial on how to make the sleeve bags that I've been making lately.

These would be great for those that are making market totes from tshirts as they have left over sleeves. These can be used for smaller amounts of produce at the store and they would match your market tote! Of course, there are many other uses for these... and they are easy and fun to make.
Materials:

• 2 sleeves (larger sleeves work best)
• A scrap of cotton
• Cord for draw string

Step 1: Cut sleeves open at the side seam and place the two pieces right sides together. Pin on the hem side.

Step 2: Fold in half and square the edges off (you can also cut it to whatever shape you choose (bottom curved, etc). I leave the fold side intact for one less stitch that I have to make and for less bulk.

Step 3: Cut two strips from cotton for the cord casing. I made mine an inch larger than the length of the hemmed side by 2". Since every sleeve is a different size, you will need to measure your piece for an accurate measurement. Remember, you will be folding the ends of each strip back so allow about half an inch extra on each side. (You can also just cut one strip if you want the casing to be continuous around the bag - see the green and grey bag in the first picture).

Step 4: With sleeves spread flat, insert folded casing strip into the non-hemmed side of the sleeve, starting from the center). Be sure to fold your end under so that there won't be any raw edges exposed. Pin in place. Repeat with the other side of the strip - folding it back at least a quarter of an inch from the edge for the seam allowance (see pictures below). Do this for the other half of the sleeve as well so that you have to casings.


Step 5: Stitch along non-hemmed side joining the two sleeve pieces with the casing in the center. I use a quarter inch seam allowance.

Step 6: Open the sleeves up with the casing in the center. Fold in half the other direction and pin in place. I start from the seam in the center to be sure it lines up.



Step 7: Stitch around the edges leaving an opening on one end (opening should be on the side that will be on the inside of the bag).


Step 8: Trim the three corners (not the corner with the opening) and turn the bag inside out pulling it through the opening.


Step 9: Stitch the opening closed. I usually use the machine and top stitch it closed. This time I hand stitched it because it was white and I had a different color thread in the machine. Ideally it won't show unless you choose to use this as a reversible bag.


Step 10: Push the inside into the bag (in my case, it is the white side that went inside the red).

Step 11: Thread your cord through the casings. I use a safety pin to help guide it through. I made my cord from braiding strips of tshirts (half inch strips pulled tight).

The kids have been using these bags for all their treasures. If you want to applique a design on to the bag, I recommend doing it after you have stitched the casing in to place (after step 5).

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Muffin Tin Monday - Miss Spider's Tea Party

I love the Children's Literature themed muffin tins. Mostly to look at other people's because I always wait for the last minute on mine. This time was no different, I picked a book out this morning while Robbie was at school.


I chose Miss Spider's Tea Party because I love the rhythm of the words... and the brightly colored pictures. I had visions of a brightly colored tin as well, but with so little planning... that didn't quite pan out.

Contents: Ham & Cheese flowers on top of a bread circle, Miss Spider made with a peach, raisins and pretzels, a pepperoni and string cheese spider web (my kids told me it didn't look much like a spider web - hahaha), grape leaves with a corn flower, vanilla yogurt garnished with watermelon and banana flowers. A carrot butterfly/dragonfly is sitting on the flowers, carrot and grape flowers. I also served their drink in a tea cup.

While I made their lunch, Robbie read the book to his sister.

Be sure to check out Her Cup Overfloweth for more fun Children's Literature Muffin Tins!

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Happy Mother's Day!

Just want to wish a very Happy Mother's Day to all my Mom friends! I'll be back to blogging on Monday!

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EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show

Not many pictures - or activities have been had these past few days... as I am helping organize the Spring Craft Show, we have a house guest and my son's spelling bee is tomorrow. This also means there will probably not be a tea party today :( What a busy week I've had!

Anyhow, here are the details of the show that I had promised. It's going to be amazing!

SPONSORED BY:
UrbanCraftUprising.com

bARTerSauce.com

DigitalMonsterCopy.com

...and your EtsyRAIN Leadership Team!

Join us at the EtsyRAIN Spring Craft Show - shop the show, introduce yourself and support EtsyRAIN

Saturday, May 9, 2009 - the day before Mother's Day!

10:00am to 4:00pm

At the newly renovated SodoPop event space: 2424 1st Avenue South Seattle, WA 98134 (directly across the street from Starbucks Headquarters! Look for our EtsyRAIN banner!)
http://moourl.com/SodoPop (google map to SodoPop)

Bring your friends! Bring your family!

32 EtsyRAIN members showing jewelry, bath / body products, bags / purses, clothing, accessories and much more!

Vendor list (in alphabetical order):
alisespieces.etsy.com

boodlebags.etsy.com

debralinker.etsy.com

dreamsome.etsy.com

glasselements.etsy.com

hasenpfeffer.etsy.com

jillmaccorkle.etsy.com

kimmi.etsy.com

maluhia.etsy.com

norik.etsy.com

oneeyedcollie.etsy.com

oneheartstudio.etsy.com

patinaparty.etsy.com

pepopark.etsy.com

queenheroncreations.etsy.com

revivalink.etsy.com

seattlesundries.etsy.com

selenaeon.etsy.com

simabella.etsy.com

skybox.etsy.com

station1528.etsy.com

stirtextiles.etsy.com

sweetnaturedesigns.etsy.com

tinyhouse.etsy.com

tittame.etsy.com

uglybaby.etsy.com

underyourbreath.etsy.com

wicksandwire.etsy.com

wiretree.etsy.com

wovenchains.etsy.com

Those of us on the leadership team will be sharing a small table - so we'll just have a small sampling of our work (play dough, cards, items made from recycled cashmere, jewelery from reclaimed objects, probably some totes and wallets made from recycled materials and shower art!). I'll have work representing the On A Whimm shop this time as the items are small.

There will also be swag bags for the first 30 through the door. These swag bags are truly awesome! We are also collecting donation of non perishable food items or $1 at the door for the local Cherry Street Food Bank.

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¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Normally, today (or one of the weekend days near Cinco De Mayo) I'm doing a lot of cooking. I, myself, am part Japanese with no Mexican heritage at all, but husband is 100% (aside from not speaking it) Mexican. So... it's important to us that we celebrate the occasion with the kids. This year however, with his extremely long hours, I've scaled our celebration down to just a Cinco De Mayo muffin tin and a quick art project. With our busy schedule, it's the perfect compromise without completely passing the day by.

Robbie helped with the Muffin Tin. The goal here was the Mexican flag rather than serving actual Mexican dishes (easier on mom). We had green: grapes and edamame; white: yogurt covered raisins and tortilla chips; red: salsa and pepperoni. I also made Lyssie a quesadilla since she wasn't a fan of edamame today - nor did she eat the yogurt covered raisins.

After lunch, we made maracas the quick and easy way with little to no mess - that's my kind of art project! Pictures are not great again because this project is so quick, I don't have time to retake them if they don't come out. Hopefully you get the gist of the project.

Spoon Maracas

Materials:

• Plastic spoons
• Mini plastic eggs (you can use larger, you'll just need a larger circle of fabric)
• Fabric cut into a circle to cover the egg with a little excess (mine was 6") - we went for colors of the Mexican flag.
• Rubber bands
• Rice

Step 1: Scoop rice into one half of the plastic egg and close the egg.

Step 2: Place the plastic spoon onto the fabric circle (toward the bottom half) and place the egg on top of the spoon.

Step 3: Fold the fabric over the egg and gather it around the base of the egg.

Step 4: I had the child hold the fabric onto the egg while I put a rubber band around the bottom of the egg to hold it to the spoon. And that's it! You have a maraca!

If you are concerned that your child will open it all up and fling the rice during your fiesta, I recommend either gluing the eggs shut or using duct tape around the base (or string as long as it can't be slipped down the bottom.

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