Wordless Wednesday

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I'm in Heaven

Thanks to my friend Cindy, I am now the proud owner of 4 boxes of buttons (shoe box size - boot box size). Cindy forwarded the Craig's List ad to me... there were originally 7 boxes, but someone beat me to three of them. I was a little disappointed (yes, I know I have a problem).

But when my husband brought the boxes to me - I felt much better. The boxes are better than I could have ever imagined! The pictures aren't showing the same box over and over... each one of those boxes is unique. LOVE!

Not only that - it looks to me like most of them, if not all of them, are vintage. I'm not one to discriminate - I love all buttons equally... but there is a certain beauty about many of the vintage buttons.

So what am I going to do with all these buttons? We'', I've already decided that these buttons will not be for the kids to play with like they do with my other three tubs. I hope to sort these and wash them and love them :) Some of them might become tacks, some of them will be used for hair clips, some will be little hoot eyes... and eventually some of them will end up in the supply shop I plan on opening on Etsy (I have definitely hoarded too much) and at the Black Door Studios.

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Muffin Tin Monday - on Tuesday

What a hectic schedule I have these days! I figure, muffin tins a day late aren't the worst thing I could do. And Lyssie was needing something special to mix up her non-preschool day.

Since there isn't a theme this week, it was a perfect time to try out this new holder I found. Okay, it's really for candles. But these votive holders work perfect for holding muffin tin liners. And it mixes it up a little! Granted, my daughter already has a hard time reaching the table, so she has to stand to eat from this one... but it's a special lunch (and she often stands anyway).

It contains: grapes, string cheese circles, oyster crackers, ham and chex mix.

Not the healthiest one I've done - but we are running a bit low on her favorite healthy foods. And she's still going through a bit of a picky stage.

Be sure to check out all the fun Muffin Tins at Her Cup Overfloweth!

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Routines & random thoughts

I feel like I'm the only one struggling to get into some sort of routine now that school is back in session. The three hours, three times a week that I was supposed to get hasn't quite worked out. That's what happens when you've plan ahead. I was going to spend that time working a few days and every once in a while going out and doing something for myself. So far, I've only had a handful of those though as we have had to juggle schedules, heal sick kids and cover unexpected changes - such as power going out at school. The good news is that with those few hours that I have had, I've used them to do things for myself, mostly. But the bad news is that I haven't had nearly enough time to dedicate to work.

But, I'm making slow progress. And at this point, I feel like any progress is good, though. I started a Facebook page for my NueToMe shop. I really like it as I'm able to post new designs with a link to the dress on Etsy... and FB automatically updates anyone that signs up as a fan. Yay! I haven't been great about spreading the word about the page... but that will come in time. At least it's there and ready for me to utilize it.

I've also been doing lots of fun stuff (well, fun for me) in the shop. I've been experimenting with patterned shirts, using more appliques and even screen printing a few with my own designs! You should check it out... and maybe even "fan" me in Facebook.

As we've been working on getting into a routine, I've been struggling to find the time to get projects together for them (in fact, I'm failing in this area right now). I did manage to get them outside the other day though so that they could experiment with color. I found these great trays at Creation Station and the little eye droppers. The kids had a great time mixing colors. I highly recommend this for the little ones as well.

The same thing could be done with mini muffin tins and small spoons (or even straws if you have them use their finger at the top).

I do finally feel like things are starting to get a little easier though. My son comes home from school and goes through his routine himself without my help. My daughter waits patiently while he finished his homework before she tries to play with him. Getting the kids to their after school activities is becoming a little bit easier as well. That means that soon, I'll be able to work back in to our schedule and start preparing for holiday shows. It's amazing how close the holiday season is!

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Work in Progress Wednesday

Well, it's not really in progress anymore. I finished it up yesterday. But it's been a while since I've shared the things I've been working on. I had a request for a Tinkerbell-ish costume. So, I did it two ways. The first, is just one of my pixie skirts using a fancier fabric. The second was a full costume. She chose the full costume... and I can't really blame her. It's lined with super soft minky!

In the past week, I also finished up another peacock costume and tiara. This one didn't include a tutu like my first one (I'm really not a fan of making tutus) - but I used a fun knit band for the waist and a matching one for the tiara. It came out just as cute!

With all the costumes I've been making lately, I feel like Halloween should already be here. I still have to make one for each of my kids. Who knows what those little imaginations are going to come up with. I can hardly wait!

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