I’ve had a few projects on the brain lately that I finally completed this weekend.  Oh how I love three day weekends.

This pillow that I had seen in this book.  It is not a crafty/pattern book.  It’s more of a lifestyle book.  How to really live at home.  I have gotten several ideas for decorating and simplifying in this book.  I used some of my favorite fabric and linen.  My first time working with linen and I have to say that I love it.  I struggled forever trying to do an invisible stitch and just finally gave up.  I couldn’t quite ever make the knot big enough to not pull right through the linen.  And if you haven’t picked up a copy of this book yet, you really should.  It’s one of my favorites.

I also made some cafe curtains for my kitchen window.

Adds a spash of color to the kitchen and ties in the red from the rest of the house. I’ve been wanting to add some orangey-red (official name) to this space and it just feels right.

For my birthday I was given this sweet mixed media art piece by a wonderful friend.  She’s a scrap booking genius and has started making and will soon be selling her work.  I’ll keep you all posted on this.  She has an etsy shop in the works.  The quote above the owl says “The art of being wise is knowing what to over look.” Wise words.  Very wise indeed.  Sarah and I were talking about our knee jerk reaction to situations.  A constant work in progress for me.  This sweet picture will remind me of that everyday.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful birthday wishes yesterday.  Each and every one was appreciated and cherished.  You really know how to make a girl’s day when she’s home alone with two kids.  All.  Day.  Long.

Makena had a wonderful time on her first day of school.  The teacher reported that she actually barrelled over the other kids to help clean up the toys.  Now if we could only work on that at home.  When I told her that she was going to school today she replied “again?”  I think she thought it was a one time affair.  I think going twice a week is going to blow her mind.  She did request cheese in her lunch box today because all of the other kids have cheese.  Good to know.

I managed to scrounge up a picture of the burp cloths I made for my sister and a friend who is expecting.  The fabric was generously donated by my life-guru Sarah.  Because my stash is less than sufficient.  Thank you Sarah.  I owe you my first born.  They are all just so lovely and perfect.

Today, while Makena is in school I promise some crafting.  This is a pseudo craft blog after all right?!?

Something to think about.  I’m considering changing my name.  I’m just not feeling the chikaustin so much anymore.  Does anyone have any ideas?  I’ve been spinning this around in my head and am not getting anywhere.  I would love some suggestions from you crafty types!

My favorite little dress.

I made it this weekend for a custom Etsy order. If only the adult dresses were easier to come by I’d have a shop full of them.