All Packaged Up

My packaging is usually a little bag with a GLT flower sewn on it. It works very well for the shoes, and my customers appreciate having something to keep their slippers in.

But, the headband and bracelet that will soon be on their way to California and then on to Zooey Deschanel (I still can't believe that), needed something a little sturdier. Something more like a box. Unfortunately, the only boxes I was able to find locally and last minute were your basic white holiday boxes. Not exactly the impression I was hoping to make. 

So last night I spent some time making them a little more special. I printed out graphics from the Graphics Fairy on card stock and worked one up in photobucket for the outside of the box. I added ribbon that matched the items. 

I lined the inside of the box with more vintage images...

And I added a little black tulle to surround the gifts...

I hope she enjoys the whole experience as well as the gifts inside...

Just a Little Thing or Two for Zooey Deschanel...

I'm a pretty darn excited about this. Now, I am not a celebrity person in general. I don't even recognize the names or faces of many of today's top celebs. But, I am a fan of Zooey Deschanel, star of Fox's hit show New Girl.

I love her vintage vibe, cause I am a total old soul and feel like I belonged in the 40's or 50's. I think she's a great actress and I love her singing voice/music because again, it's so very retro. So when Valerie from the Artisan Group asked which celebrity we would want to gift to, if we could gift directly to a specific celeb, my only answer was Zooey.

Wasn't I shocked when just a few hours later, a chance to participate in a gift bag going directly to Zooey was actually offered?! I jumped at the chance and landed one of the coveted spots. I wasn't sure at first what to gift since, shoes weren't really a practical option. Brainstorming with Valerie, though, we came up with hair accessories. She's been known to wear a few. So without further ado:

I went modern vintage. Totally appropriate I hope.

I couldn't resist taking pics on my husband's vintage record player.

I love the headband and will be making one for myself and listing it in my shop.

And to go with it, I made a little leather cuff, with scalloped edges and a demure bow.

I'm so nervous. What do you think? Do you thin they suit her? Think she'll like them?

A Big Little Thing

So, part of the reason that I got into making house shoes is because I live where it's snowy most of the year. So when you go to people's houses, you take off your shoes at the door. Only, I have this thing about going around in sock feet. As in, I really don't like it. At all. But, it's too cold and unpleasant to go around in bare feet. However, I was unable to find slippers I liked in the stores. Because, some people say, I am picky. They say it like it's a bad thing. Ha!

Anyway, I love my little house shoes. I do, but sometimes I need serious warmth. So the other night I made these:

They're made of a beautiful fawn colored velvet, with some gorgeous black lace that my sister bought for me when she was stationed in South Korea.

There are six layers of fabric in them , two of which are fleece. Toasty!

It's pretty awkward taking pictures of your own legs in boots. You get quite a workout!

There are some bows for embellishment on the back, but I can't decide whether I like them or not...

What do you think?

A Little Thanksgiving Craft

Made these little turkeys with the kids on a whim.

I had them paint paper plates, then cut those in half, drew and cut out turkey bodies, heads and parts. Then I had Jonas help me glue them together The final idea was to write what they are thankful for on the tails. As you can see, Jo's is blank. He can be so contrary. He claimed he was thankful for nothing. Then to prove it put on his shoes, and made for the door saying good bye. He's three. Newly three. He's so going to challenge me in ways all his own. But, I am so very grateful for him. 

Post Halloween Decor

I'm in denial that Christmas is coming. I can't even go there. So, when the Halloween/birthday decorations have to come down, I've put up more fall/Thanksgiving items to replace them. For now anyway.

I have in the past tried to make wreaths, and they just never have turned out so good. It's probably because I am a "use what you have" kind of gal. I just can't bring myself to go buy wreath making items. There are multiple reasons for this, and most of them are too neurotic to get into right now. Suffice it to say, I am trying to come to terms with my identity as a crafter in general.

At any rate, I made a fall leaf wreath and I actually thought it turned out well enough to hang in on the front door. So, that's a good sign. Unless I am just in denial. What do you think?

The base of the wreath is just cardboad. And then I ripped out quite a few pages from a Real Simple mag, all in the same color family and went to town cutting out leaves. I used three different leaf styles, folded the paper so that I could cut 6 out at a time. Then doubled up the pages later on so that I was cutting twelve at a time. Much faster.

I glued them in layers and viola, a simple little fall wreath.

I also printed out a Give Thanks sign using the free printable alphabet cards from The Handmade Home, found here.  They are so fabulous. And did I mention they're free?

In each window that flanks the fireplace, I hung these leaves I made last year out of gold poster board and pages I had copied from a vintage book. ( I just can't bring myself to cut up old books. So I copy the pages and I get the same color and effect without the heartbreak.)

And over the couch, I printed out this free printable from Craftily Ever After as well as a turkey I found that my oldest made in Kindergarten a couple of years ago. How could I resist him?

I can't wait for Thanksgiving. I get to see all of my family, on both sides. And though that may sound horrible to some, all of my family, on both sides are awesome and everyone gets along. I just wish we weren't all spread out across the country.

Do you have fun plans or Thanksgiving traditions?

Those Special Shoes

I am so excited to share this picture with you. Do you remember the shoes from this post? They were so very dear to make.

Well, little Sienna is just getting big enough to wear them, and I got a little peek.

I also recently got a chance to meet little Si-si face to face and she is such a sweetie, such an obvious blessing to her mama. Isn't God so very good?

If you don't know the story of these little shoes, you can read the very special story here.

Welcome to the World...

I have a spot spot for baby boys. And yesterday, two close friends welcomed their first baby, sweet Jameson into the world. We're so unbelievably excited for them. All three of them. Because he got some really awesome parents.

So today, I made him these...

In anticipation of meeting the handsome little man. And oh my goodness, he really is handsome.

We're so excited that you're finally here, little one. Congratulations Jim and Mandy!