Stepping Away

Let's face it. I think I've lost my craft bloggy mojo. I'm thinking of stepping away from Mama's Doodles, and giving my full energies to maintaining my kiddos blogs (with the sole motive of printing them into books, to serve as their lifebooks). But, while I mull that over...

The kids and I created a big hit for Father's day. A stepping stone which heavily used Kenzie's poking finger to achieve. Doug loves it. And, Kenzie's completely proud of the outcome. It sits in a front garden, slightly shaded so that maybe our photos won't fade quite as quickly. We used a stepping stone kit...and a big heap of found objects to create it. We also used up about a weeks worth of brainstorming powers in coming up with the zillions of reasons why we love our daddy (supplied by Kenzie) to be printed out in the circle and give it extra special sentimental value.



Happy Summering!

Craft Book'er

What could be more inspiring to a defunct craft blogger? Books! Especially two that include projects of my own. Projects done long ago - back when my mind thought more in blog posts and project lists than in poopy diapers and chasing wobbly walkers from the stool to the dog water...exclaiming "no, no" and then repeating!!

Two books arrived this week in the mail. Two books that I'd nearly forgotten I was part of. I've got three projects in Sweet Booties (booties, a bib and matching tutu), and two projects in the Pillowcase Challenge book (a superhero cape and a dress). So what if my name is spelled wrong in one? It's still me! :)




...in tandem with the release of the Pillowcase Challenge book - they are developing some Pillowcase Craft Challenge fun. A contest running from March 6 – April 30. The contest will be open to the public and invites crafters to submit a photo of their own crafty repurposed pillowcase—much like I did for the book. In fact - I'm going to be a judge of the creative shenanigans!

This here little ducky is Lark’s Pillowcase Contest “mascot.” Please post him on your own sites and blogs with a link to Lark’s contest page if you'd like to play along. All the rules and registration information can be found at Lark's site as well. Of course, there's a rather nice little reward to be realized by the winner!!



Happy Crafting!

It's been awhile...

Boy, my last post was ages ago. And, the last time I was productive in the craft room...well, I can't even remember when. But, for all things there must come a time...

And, the time came when I was asked by a friend to create some art for her nursery. Now, before you go giving me too much credit - the animals and theme came from a table cloth that she used to make her bedding and decor from. She just gave me the leftover bits to make the wall art out of. I cut all the little farm critters out - glammed them up a bit with some fun stitchery and added them to these little vignettes that I made from the rest of the left over fabrics. Easy peasy. Except, I'll bet she wishes I'd been a bet quicker than a month & a half.



I'm really embarrassed to post these pictures...but it's getting dark out, and my friend called and wants the art NOW, if not sooner. So, I shot these on a white wall, that I didn't notice was dirty. So, I just vignetted the dirty white wall out of the shots.
So be it.



Each montage is wrapped around an 8x11 canvas, with a fun colored border around each side. Except for the big Banner, which is to hang tapestry-style from a black curtain rod. It's much larger than the rest.



All this for the cutest little guy, Gus. Short for August. He's a sweetie and giving his mommy heck, of course.



Things have been good around here. But, Crazy (as in our car spontaneously combusted in our garage). Frustrating (as in our computer died). Thrilling (as in the 11 month old boy is walking). Eye-opening (as in I just signed my kindergardener in school next year.) Cold (as in, it's snowing again). But, it's all humbling and I'd have to say we're doing good. Here's wishing the same to each of you. (minus the car fire, that is..)

Save Handmade

I have taken notice of a big problem and wanted to share it with those of you who may be unaware. I've been mulling this over for the past few days, just itching to do a blog post about it when I found time. In pondering all those big toy recalls of the recent past..the lead found in toys, & not to mention the yucky phthalates and BPA in other toys and baby bottles - I can appreciate the efforts. BUT, a new law has been passed that intends to address these problems. It's called the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, and it states that anything sold for use by children younger than the age of 12 must be first tested for lead and be phthalate-free. Wouldn't that be wonderful??

Well, there's just one major problem. It applies to handmade goods, as well. Like the stuff I make...and the bazillions of great wares on Etsy. At a cost of up to $1500 per item, lead testing would eliminate most handmade children's items. It would be devastating to folks like me who rely on our little hobby/trade to make some extra dollars! My other concern, in addition to folks like me going out of business, is that this regulation will take away the right of choice -- in regard to the types of toys and clothing we buy for our children. If handmade is illegal, then parents will be stuck purchasing mass produced items, with no no option for purchasing clever, unique, and safe handmade stuffs from me, on Etsy, etc. I don't like this at all!

Please take some simple steps to make your voice heard. It's important for all of us who make, sell, and buy handmade! Go here to do what you can!

My Kit

Well hi there. Excuse the sporadic posting. We are trying to keep up with the holiday shopping, advent activities, etc. and I feel a bit bah humbug about the time running thin. It's such a lovely time of year - but with so much to do!

In exciting news - my first scrapbook kit went live today! Scrapbookers - you'll have to share your insights... You can buy it here along with many more lovey handmade digital art kits. I've got some more in the works... but, hopefully I'll manage the time to conclude them before the applicable season ends. I don't think there will be much want for a "Winter Wonderland" kit in the middle of summer next year??

Wishing you Merry Holidays. May the gift of time to enjoy it all be bestowed upon us all!