Handmade in Vegas!!!

Wow! Life has just been crazy lately! (Pre)School is out for the summer, orders have been coming in like crazy, and our family has been adjusting to ALOT of changes! I have all these amazing blog ideas swirling around in my head and I'm dying to share them. I just don't know where the time goes.


In really exciting news, an Etsy team has been formed in Las Vegas! Why is that exciting? Well, an Etsy team is basically a giant opportunity to network and support your fellow artists and crafters in your area. We meet, craft, hold shows, and form friendships with people all over Southern Nevada who have Etsy shops. Really, it's an amazing thing! After a couple name changes, we have settled nicely into Handmade in Vegas. The team blog has lots of great information and links to items we have listed on Etsy. Take a peek!!

There is so much talent in this group, it would be impossible to represent it all. So, here are some great samples of what Handmade in Vegas has to offer. There's no rhyme or reason to this collection, just stuff that made me smile!

Fish Head costume by Laurie's Gifts

Cotton Candy Pink Crinoline by Localovespirate

Hearts on Heart's Heart by Cybelesque

Hadlee the Mermaid by Flaky Friends

PiggyPeeps by ShopAnnaVirginia

Itty Bitty Bloomer by Brava Boutique

It would be impossible to write about Handmade in Vegas without thanking Sarah of Flaky Friends for getting us started. Thanks, Sarah! She has done so much that I never would have thought of and really worked her butt off! Thanks, too, to everyone else on the team that is putting together meetings, craft shows, tutorials, and EVERYTHING else!

♥

Katie

Welcome Back, Katie!

Hi Blog!

I missed you. It's good to be back.

I promise to pay more attention to you.

Aw, come on, don't be mad.

I know something that will make you smile.

[A note to my readers: I am NOT the aforementioned Katie. All of my pets only have one name. And, I am allergic to Sienna Miller.]

I'll see you soon!

♥

Katie

Out of my Funk

It's amazing. You spent so many days cooped up in your house, no contact with the outside world. And do you know what happened to me? I'm bored, uninspired, and uninterested. In pretty much everything.

So, I'm pulling myself out of this pinkeye-induced funk and getting back out in the world. I'm reorganizing my "office" space and looking for inspiration anywhere I can. This is what I've found.

Let the Sun Shine In by Slide Sideways

I Would Really Like To-Notepad by Sarah Jane Studios

Start Being Rad Limited Edition Red Art Screenprint by Rosemary Travale

Whether You Think You Can Or You Can't necklace by Terrifictags Studio

Funny Coffee Mug Cozy by KnotWork

Now, I have been more than motivated and I'm ready to kick some crafty butt!

♥

Katie

Happy (Yesterday Was) Easter to you!

Pink eye be damned, we had a great Easter.

Everyone woke up early and searched for baskets, then got dressed and went to Mamaw and Papaw's house for breakfast and an egg hunt. The kids were so tired; they fell asleep in the car. At 2.75 and 4.5, that doesn't happen very often! The rest of the day was just family time...the best part!

I did do some Easter crafting this year, of course. And, of course, I did all of it the night before.

Lacey and Piper were the sweetest little bunnies I've ever seen.

Modeling their super cute bunny ears.

Showing off their leggings and pettiskirts

Grumpy Lacey at breakfast

Piper, using her Easter basket as a purse

Now, I know you want details. The cami tops and skirts came from the "big girl" section at Target. Actually, so did the "leggings". They are adult knee hi's that I made into legwarmers. SO easy! I'll show you sometime.

And, yes, that is a fuzzy bunny tail you see, too! Quick and easy, made of the same felt as the ears.

Finally, the ears: Super simple! I cut a pattern out of card stock, traced it on the felt, cut, and hot glued. When the ears were finished, I made the bows, and glued them on. The project took longer than I expected, but was definitely worth the time!

I'll be back tomorrow, I swear! We're finally on the mend.

♥

Katie

Pink Eye and Potty Training

"Don't touch your eyes. Go wash your hands."

"Do you have to go potty?"

"Back to the bathroom. Wash your hands again."

"I didn't hear the toilet flush."

"Stop touching your eyes!!!"

Ahhh...nothing quite like Spring Break! I had a brilliant plan. We would fill our days with yard work and spring cleaning while blissfully training 2.5-year-old twins to use the potty. It was going to be so nice. Then, by the end of the week, I'd never have to buy diapers again.

Not so much...

On Sunday, I knew I had pink eye, and suspected that Jax did, too. By Monday morning, I was also sick with some kind of cold. Jax and Mike, too. And so, on that first "heavenly" day of Spring Break, I cuddled on the couch with my kids and got up every 15-20 minutes to take someone to the potty. Well, to be fair, I only took Lacey a few times. She refuses to sit on the toilet. Once, she farted, said "All done", and left the room. I guess she's just not ready.

Now, on the third day of training, I still have pink eye and a mystery illness. Jax will probably be cured of at least the pink eye by tomorrow. I can't even tell you how happy I am to announce that Piper was dry ALL DAY today!!!! Even after her nap! So proud of that girl! Keep your fingers crossed for us...PLEASE!?

There are some fabulous people on Etsy who make beautiful vegan mineral eyeshadows, in millions of colors. However, I decided that if I made beautiful vegan mineral eyeshadow, I wouldn't want it referenced with pink eye. So, no pink eye pics. LOL!

From Said In Stone, Potty Shots Vinyl Decals

OK, where were the vinyl toilet decals 2 years ago?! I'm definitely getting one for a friend's little boy, who just turned 10-months-old and is sitting on the potty. But, only because he poops on the floor every night at bath time. ;)

From Small Threads, Fancy Pants for girls

 I love the Fancy Pants! Especially the rainbows!

From Marcellas 3 Monkeys, Potty like a Rockstar Onesie

Hmm...wonder what that looks like? Probably pretty awesome!

From Tulip Girls, a Super Pooper Award

My kids would wear this and be SO proud...and so would my husband!

Good night, everyone!

♥

Katie

Another day, another moustache...

I don't know why, but things with a moustache on them crack me up. So, because it's so tough to get an
Etsy Treasury, I'm creating my own here. You may call me the curator of all things moustachioed. ;)

Mustache Crayons by Chase Dreams

The Evening Soiree Mustache Props by Whisker Works

Mustache Onesie by One Artsy Mama

Keep Calm and Grow a Mustache print by 3LambsGraphics

Fuzzy Moustache Stickers by Yummy Pocket

Mr. Red & White Mo rattle by Chunky Chooky

Mr. Moustache Chalkboard by Playing Grown Up

Original Stache a Day magnets by HowNice

Funky Pink Moustache Keyring by Vintage Candy Designs

In my research, LOL, for today's blog, I have discovered that my subject can be spelled m-o-u-stache or m-u-stache. I don't know about you, but I prefer moustache, pronounced moo-stache.

Crazy Weekend Fun!

The technical difficulties continue...but, YAY, so does the fun! ;)

On Saturday, I took the kids to a craft show at the Library. Lacey and Piper needed to wear their green velvet Christmas dresses. With sandals. In March.

They were a huge hit! The craft show, however, was a huge disappointment. The venue was horribly small and there were way too many people selling the same thing. I did get some amazing tea, though, from

Tea-rrific. I brought home Orange Spice, natural flavors, no sweeteners. Yum!

I've been experimenting lately with freezer paper stencils. Using my Cricut and Cricut DesignStudio Software, I can make just about whatever I want. So cool! But...I don't like what I made this weekend. Let me just say, the technique is awesome, easy, and gives great results. I just hate the picture I made. So, hesitantly, I'm sharing my latest project...

The first picture is the stencil before painting. I cut the freezer paper to size for my Cricut, designed the image, then ironed it onto one of the girls old, stained white shirts. It was a flawless process. Then I painted it. I used acrylic paints because they were what I had on hand. It was really easy.

What I don't like: First, so I don't have to hear it from anyone else, the eyes are creepy. I know. Ick. Also, the boy definitely looks like he has a broken back and a skirt. Hawt! Next time, I'll spend a little more time in the DesignStudio perfecting the picture. This whole thing only took about 5 minutes to make. And, though I'm sure you can't tell, their arms and legs are exclamation points. (!!!!!!) While I like the cheapness of acrylic paint, if there's too much anywhere, it cracks. So fabric paint is a must. I don't know, it's not that bad. But still...

So, what should I make next?

♥

Katie

Shoes, shoes, shoes

We've started the endless hunt for new shoes for Lacey and Piper. And they are tough customers. Everything I think they will love, they hate. Whatever they love barely fits on their still chubby little feet. So I thought I'd see what I could find on Etsy. OMG!

Why don't I have a baby to shop for?!?! Pathetically, I actually get jealous of people that get to buy shoes like these for their babies. LOL! These gorgeous shoes are from Small Beans. There are also some adorable "fancy pants" and beautiful dresses in this shop.

LaLa! Shoes, from Europe, makes these beautiful 100% wool shoes in all different colors and styles. And, there are some great boy-friendly shoes, too!

OK, this pair would actually fit my girls and I LOVE them! Handmade leather wedge sandals from Tuto are definitely on my must-have list for summer! And, there are some other great little girl shoes, too. Check out the daisy-decorated ones! Tuto also makes beautiful women's shoes.

Where do you find your favorite shoes?

Day 7 and/or Day 8

I'm back!


Yesterday, I felt horrible. Today, while still not 100%, I am much better and definitely up to a little typing. Today, I'm doing catch-up work. On my list: a bow that resembles an Italian flag, flowers, and lots of tiny bows.


I made this:

times 2 for my friend's daughter, Haylee. She has everything I've ever made...almost. But these bows will match a dress she has perfectly. Can you tell that the top layer is glittery organza? LOVE! It's just so pretty!

And, because I missed yesterday, check this out:

My husband and I made this as a Christmas gift, but now we're recreating it for our house, too. Although, for our house, I'd like it to be more colorful. Probably patterned paper backgrounds, colored mats; I can't quite see colored silhouettes, but maybe.

See you tomorrow!

♥

Katie

Presenting Pinkalicious!

I've finally finished my project!! YAY! And, I brought it to preschool and a play date, where it received rave reviews.

That's my Peach in an original Pinkalicious Headband. Have you read Pinkalicious? It's about a little girl who eats so many pink cupcakes, she turns pink. And my girls are pink crazy! It's hard to tell, but this headband is handmade of eco-felt. There are pink pigtails, each with a bow, a beautiful, hand-stitched yellow crown, and little spikey bangs. Love, love, love this headband. Oh, and thanks, Glenda, for the great pic!

Earlier this school year, one of the teachers in Jax's school asked me to make them some story-telling props using felt. Now, I am in love with that fabric. It's so sculpt-able, colorful, and easy to work with. So far, I've made jungle animals, fairy tale creatures, and lots more! I'm so excited to keep sharing these creations with everyone and soon, they'll be available for sale in my shop, Peachy & Pip!

Have a great day!

♥

Katie

Day 6.5!!!!!!!!!

Finally, the picture:

See you tomorrow!

Day 6

Today is a technical difficulty. My printer doesn't work, my SD card suddenly stopped working, I could not find anywhere to print all of these Cookie the Cat pics. As I type, my husband is emailing me a picture that I took on my camera, saved on a memory card that doesn't work in my computer. Technically difficult day.

This is what I did today:

(I've been waiting for the picture for 45 minutes. In fact, I've finished my project. Pretend to see something fabulous here.)

It's a picture of my still unfinished nemesis from yesterday. Now, too late in the day, it finally makes sense! It'll be finished tomorrow. YAY!

Day 5

I'm tired. This afternoon, I started working on a project that I've had in my head for a while, and now that project and I are at an artistic impasse. Grrr! (Don't ask what it is, though, because I'm still hoping to finish it for tomorrow's post.) I'm sitting here, staring at this THING on my desk, willing it to be finished so I don't have to make any more decisions. Wimpy, I know, but sometimes it happens this way. The hot glue is set, I'm not ripping it apart, and I have to "make it work". Maybe Tim Gunn is on his way over with some encouraging words...

This is my kitchen table:

I'm working on flowers right now, beading up the centers! It's a little crazy, and takes forever to clean up. But, the finished project is totally worth it! See:

This is definitely one of my favorite flowers!

Now, back to wrestling with a headband.

♥

Katie

A weekend with Cookie the Cat

We have a guest in our house this weekend. Jax brought Cookie the Cat home from school and she's keeping us busy. He is in preschool and she is his homework...and mine.

Cookie is a counting cat. She "uses" her tail to help the 4-year-olds count everything. It's our (my) job to take pictures of and journal her weekend with our family for Jax to share with his class on Monday. I realize now how boring we really are. Special events have been scheduled all weekend so we'll have something to take pictures of.

Last night, Cookie met the Easter Bunny:

It was a disasterous trip to the mall, but it makes for a great cat adventure.

The trip made me realize that it's time to start thinking about Easter dresses for my girls. This dress is at the top of my list:

It's from SnotKidClothing on Etsy. Piper would rock this dress. I love the bubbley bottom AND when you lift it up, the inside of the skirt is PINK! So precious! Joy, who makes these amazing clothes, also came up with a great name for my German ribbon skull bows. "Tat-too Cute"! Awwwww... She also makes some super cute bowling shirts for boys, too! Check her out!!

See you later with another creation!

♥

Katie

Night 4...

When I was younger, maybe 9 or 10, my mom had this sweater that I LOVED! I wore it whenever I could and always thought I was so cool in her bright pink and orange striped sweater. That has always been one of my favorite color combinations, and I think of that sweater whenever I see those colors together.

Imagine how happy I was when my friend, Joan, commissioned a SweetStuff Organizer from me and said that her daughter's room has bright pink and orange flowers on the walls!

This is the finished product. Kinda retro, definitely cute. The flowers are my favorite part. They're just wooden circles painted and arranged. So simple!

I remembered Joan saying that her daughter has been asking for braids so she can see her bows at the bottom and made her these:

They not only finish off the ends of the bow holders perfectly, they'll look great in little Claire's hair, too!

You're probably suspecting that I didn't make this today. And you're right. I'm making something now, but I have a deadline to meet and it's approaching fast. ; ) I DID make it, though, LOL!

A new Etsy post is coming soon...

♥

Katie

BUNCO!!!

I'm just getting home from a great night at Bunco! I won!! YAY! And, I got to hang with some really fun ladies, too! In honor of this fantastic Bunco night, check this out.

It's called a Crock Frock! Cute, right? A little crazy, but so is Bunco, so I think it's fab! I'm definitely getting one for my mom, she'll be crazy for it. I really love that you can put a dress and scrunchie on anything! LOL! What did I tell you? You can find literally anything on Etsy!

Good night!

♥

Katie

Day 3

Jax is my little boy. He is silly, crazy, and so sweet. Lately, he's been talking about what other people are wearing. "Hey, mom, your shirt matches mine." "Oh my gosh, Lacey and Piper have the same bow in their hair!" It's not the most exciting milestone, but it does give me an opportunity to get him excited about accessories. ; )

This is my Spider-Man bow. I made it with Jax in mind, thinking how much he would love to notice that some little girl had a super hero bow in her hair. It's 3" wide, and I only have 2 of them. Why only 2? To answer that, let me tell you where the red spiderweb ribbon came from. It's the handle of a gift bag from Jax's 4th birthday. I'm not going to buy a gift bag just to get more ribbon for these bows, so I'll wait until his next birthday and check out the handles on those bags. Or maybe lurk at other parties, waiting for someone to leave this bag behind. Maybe...

♥

Katie