The Week of Toys

Hi everyone! How is your Monday going? Ours, is a little on the shaky side. Our car is down. It happened on the way home from church yesterday. Luckily, we weren't at the Market yesterday. That could have been a disaster!

Anyhow, we had a week, heavy in toys! Because we were seriously low!!! I can't believe how quickly sales go, when it comes to our little toys. It makes me excited. And a bit nervous. All at the same time. Because sometimes we just can't keep up. But here are the items we were able to make this week. :)

I 100% concentrated on these sweet girls! We had so many, just a couple of weeks ago. And I was down to just one, on Sunday. So I spent my week, making all the little parts. And putting them together. I just LOVE me a cradle purse!

To be honest, I also have a bag large Ziplock bag, full of more parts! Enough for another 5. I just need to make the main body. The white part. But I'm trying to stay ahead of the game. Which can be difficult, at the height of the Season.

My Mom also focused on toys this week. She just LOVES to make these little pigs. And they are pretty popular as well. The littles are always calling them Peppa and George.

She also managed another two. We sell them individually. But I'm thinking of buying a couple of Peppa the Pig books. And adding in a Peppa and George. To sell together.

My Mom also made another duck. She made quite a few last week. And had one more, to put together. I just need to put a ribbon on it.

Again, I need to put a ribbon on this gal. My Mom made another giraffe. These toys, have to be one of our best sellers. And we can't keep up with them. I've been trying to help my Mom. She lays the patterns. I cut them out. And then she sews them.

These little guys...well I didn't know how to take the pictures. I have had SO MANY requests for these guys. They're car cup coasters. So they go inside of your drink holders, in your car. The circle fits right inside.

From what I have been told, it helps to keep your car drink holders clean. Like if you have a spill, then you just take these little coasters out. And wash them. Instead of having a HUGE mess!

So I sat down a few weeks ago. And made a bunch of them. I think there are 26 sets. And then I threw them in a basket. And forgot about them. I literally, just needed to hide the ends. So I sat down on Friday...and did just that. Here I have the warm colors.

And the cool colors. I think these are my fav! And I've been considering, making some for our own vehicle.

And here, I have some neutral ones. I ALWAYS save my scraps, from other projects. And a project like this, is perfect to use those scraps up! 

People don't believe me, when I tell them...we rarely have any yarn that doesn't get used up. We save our scraps and use them for amigurumi, projects like this, or little adornments for hats and scarves. 

I have some other projects that I've been working on. I just haven't finished them up. I have stacks of objects to put together. Literally, I just need to spend one entire day, sewing projects together. Maybe next week! 💕

Dia de los Muertos Toys and Decorations

When I think about Dia de los Muertos, I ALWAYS think of my Goddaughter. She LOVES this holiday! The kiddo, is just 11 years old. And has gotten all of us, to fall in love...with this amazing day. And celebration! 

And when I think of celebrating, I think of good memories. I was a professional Mariachi for over 10 years. And this was one of my favorite celebrations to work! I learned so much about my culture, and this holiday, from all those years!

So when I think about Dia de los Muertos, I think about fun. About celebrating, our loved ones. About making new memories. And passing on tradition. I think about all those things...that make this day so special. The people, religion, traditions, food, music, art, stories, etc. 

A few years ago, I found this pattern. And thought my Goddaughter could use one. For her birthday. I modified it a bunch. And made 3. Sent them in the mail. And I thought she was just going to kill over. When she got them, she was so excited!

This is another idea, that literally fell into my lap. And has been such a success. A friend, asked if I could make one. Before I knew it, I was making 10! She is such a fun doll. And I've attempted a few other similar dolls.

Whenever I think of Dia de los Muertos...I think of Papel Picado. And I was so excited, when I found these last year. I'm not a thread crocheter. But this could be a game changer!

I bought the thread months ago...I just need to sit down. And put my mind to it! I want to at least make 3. For my Dad's alter. But how fun, would these be, as place mats?

And because all kids need to carry something. I usually make wands. But these would be fun too!

This pillow, I may have gotten a few requests for them too. I think they are so fun! And would be fun, on the couch. All season long!

These buckets, were a regular for me as well. They're not tough. Just a fun addition to the season!

I saw similar pieces to these recently. And I fell in love! The possibilities are endless. I can already see myself, making a ton of them!

Skulls, buttons, and amigurumi! Need I saw more? I want to make dozens and dozens. They are so fun! And for my Goddaughter, they would be a fun birthday favor.

Kids enjoy the holiday as much as us adults. And I think we should encourage it. More than just the outward "skulls." But the true reason, behind Dia de los Muertos. Let the littles help with the alters, prep, and of course...the celebrations!

Nurse Momma

One of my best friends, works with me in the hospital. She's an incredible pediatric nurse. An amazing woman. And the best friend, I could ask for. No lie!!!

Lexie struggled with fertility problems. For years. And it just broke my heart. You know, sometimes, you meet people, and just know. They are meant to be parents. Lexie and her hubby, are those kind of people.

On December 12, 2012, the welcomed twin girls!!! What a blessing! Oh, and I just might be a Godmother again. :)

Sweet Lexie went on maternity at the end of the Summer. She spent her last trimester, on bed rest. A precautionary move. To make sure, those sweet girls, were safe! Then Lexie got 8 1/2 weeks of maternity leave! If you're doing the math, she would have been back to work on February 11th. But my friend was pretty smart. She stacked her vacation and sick time. Saved it up. Which allowed her, another 8 weeks at home!!!

That brings us to today. April 8th. Lexie is going back to work. I talked to her last night, and she was a total wreck!!! Actually, all week we've been talking. And Lexie, was not looking forward to going back to work. How could she leave her girls? Especially for the hours she works...

I knew I had to do something for Lexie. And the girls. But what??? I'm over 4 hours away. Working at another hospital. All I want to do, is give them all a hug. Tell them it's going to be OK. But I'm not near. What to do???

I spent a few hours searching Pinterest. :) And then headed to Target. I bought my sweet friend a gift. Wrote her a note. And set to make 2 little nurses...

I figured I'd send each of the girls, a little nurse. So they could have their momma close to them. You know, while she is at work! I got everything made, and sent out on Friday. And they got their package on Saturday! :)

Love this pattern! It's so cute. And was such an easy pattern. Did I mention, it's free!!! You just have to love K and J Dolls. Their patterns are adorable. Now, I'm thinking of turning this amigurumi nurse, into an amigurumi doctor. :)

I feel bad, because I'm not near Lexie. What can I do??? I did give Lexie my work number. Hoping to be of some help today. I know she has missed work. And I know, she'll miss her girls. But I know, this will be good for all of them.

Lex, I love ya girl! Take deep breaths. The girls are going to miss you. But they will be OK today. And when you get home, they'll have great big smiles. Just for their momma!!!

The Easter Bunny and the Googy-Eggs

Easter is less than a week away! We're talking days here. And my cousin just invited us, to her house. :) For an Easter BBQ!!! Well, I've been working on a few Easter treats. For my Goddaughters, friends' kiddos, little niece, nephew, and small cousins. But now, I need a few more. And they need to be quick and easy!!!

What do you think about these cuties? First of all, I adore this bunny! He's just too cute and fat. :) Perfect for Easter! And these silly eggs, I would have NEVER thought of something like this. But they are too cute! I want to make a bunch!

Which is good. Since I've got 3 days to make 10+. And I have 2 BBQs ahead of me! Between, I adore the "line up" in this picture. And this amazing blog! Go check out Woolly Toons. And maybe, you should make a bunny too!

Nothing Says Summer Like...

To me, nothing says summer like s'mores. Nothing! It wasn't a "tradition" in my family. Nope! But when I was about 5, my grandparents moved to the mountains. It was heaven! For the entire family. Weekly, we'd go visit. I'd spend entire summers with them. And because my grandma LOVED to fish, many hours were spent at the lake.

We always had a little fire going, at sunset. My grandma would be making coffee, on the open fire. And I'd go find a stick. I'd sit there, roasting my 3 marshmallows. It was my perfect end, to all those perfect days. With my grandparents at the lake!

When I was in middle school, I started going to summer camp. For music. It wasn't all summer long. But it was glorious! This is where, I learned about s'mores. I know! I had a rough childhood. It took until I was 11 years old, to discover s'mores!!!

Well, I sorta kept my little secret, to myself. Until 4 or 5 years ago. I'd buy Hersey bars, graham crackers, and marshmallows. The beginning of summer heat, meant I needed these things! It was that one thing, I just loved to share with my Goddaughters. It didn't matter, that I had to use the BBQ grill to toast our marshmallows. :)

I also finally made my parents s'mores. I think it was 3 years ago. My Mom LOVED them! My Dad, I think he thought I was nuts. But I sat there, over the stove, toasting marshmallows. And we enjoyed our little treat.

Well, this week, I needed a bit of a "pick me up." I spent all day Monday, in the hospital. Dealing with some health issues. Things I'd been ignoring for far too long! And I'd been feeling bad. Not really wanting to do anything. Which isn't good, when you're getting paid, to make people happy. I'm telling you, in general, musicians are a happy bunch of people. But some days, that smile, is just another part of the costume...

So I was pleasantly surprised, when my friends had a fire going. And all the makings of s'mores. Yum! That smile, wasn't fake. And it's been plastered across my face, ever since. Yes, my friends now how, to cheer a girl up. :)

As my Goddaughters were so excited, covered in sticky, yummy goo, I got an idea. Can I turn s'mores into some amigurumi fun? I took to Google. And I came up with this picture...

So cute!!! But another broken link, when I tried to find the source. :( Have you seen this picture before? Or know where I can find the pattern? I searched Ana's blog. To me, these look a lot like her patterns. No luck! I searched Etsy, eBay, and Ravelry. No luck!

I think these will be perfect, for the itty bitties in my life. I just need to find the pattern. If you have any idea, where I can find this pattern, please leave me a comment. I'd really appreciate it. Oh, and don't forget to enter our giveaway!

Ideas From Friends

I don't know if I've ever told you this, but I'm in a band. Actually, 3. But right now, I'm traveling with just one of the bands. We're on the road for almost 2 weeks. And it's perfectly fine with me! Because I get to spend so much time, with some of my best friends.

On top of that, some of their wives came too! That means, a few of my Goddaughters get to travel with us. And you know what, life is just better with little ones! It just is. :) Between our work, we got lots of time, to just sit, talk, and catch up. For me, this is so welcomed! Because most of the time, I'm just on the go.

While talking yesterday, one of my friends mentioned this idea. She found it online, but didn't save the source. So if you know where it's from, please leave me a comment. :) Anyway, she saved the picture. On her phone. Then she e-mailed it to me. Isn't this adorable???

I think idea is so fun! I don't eat lots of Altoids. To be honest, I have a tin of the minis. And I've had it since before Christmas. But you know that band that I mentioned? Well, it's filled with tons of cowboys! Who enjoy munching on tons of Altoids. The original ones. Some whispering happened. And before I knew it, some of the most precious little girls, were begging their daddys to hurry up and finish their mints!

Genius I tell you! Well, when we get back, can you tell what I'll be working on? Heck, we have Monday and Tuesday off. For the most part. I just might, try and make a run, to pick up some supplies. I'm sure, these are super easy, and quick to whip up!

I just love that my friends come to me, with fun ideas like this! Do you have friends that do that? Or do you have any other fun ideas for me? I'd love to hear from you!

Where Did Hoppy Chick Go?

I'm attempting to start my Easter craft projects. The little goodies, that I give to my Goddaughters. I knew immediately, what I wanted to make. For me, that's saying a lot. I usually spend, weeks trying to find the perfect project. But not this year.

You see, about 2 years ago, I found Hoppy Chick. The cutest little chick, that was dressed up for Easter. That year, I made 4 or 5. Gave them to a few kids in the hospital. And I figured, that I'd make a few more this year. Not just for my Goddaughters, but for the kids in the hospital. I love to make them things. It brings a little something special to their day. :)

Well, I went to search down the pattern. Since I had originally worked on Hoppy Chick, we moved hospitals. So I didn't find it, in my file at work. In fact, I still need to finish unpacking my boxes! :/ We've been here a few weeks, and those boxes...well I hate looking at them! Then I took to searching my jump drives. No luck! My laptop, well she burnt out, about 18 months ago.

That only left one option. The internet. There's not much that I know about this pattern. Other than, it's an amigurumi chick. Super cute! Extremely easy to make. At the time, it was a free pattern. And it's name is Hoppy Chick!

Ain't she a beauty? Now you can see why, I want to make it again. But I can't find the pattern. Somehow, I saved this picture on a jump drive. The pattern? I don't have a clue where I saved it to! I've searched everywhere! Every place I can think, on the internet. But I keep coming up empty handed.

Do you have any clue, where I can find Hoppy Chick? I'm willing to buy the pattern. Like I said, at the time, it was a free pattern. But with many designers these days, taking popular free patterns of theirs, and deleting the posts. To then sell the patterns...I understand! I just want the pattern. I have 5 little girls at the hospital, that are begging for their very own Hoppy Chick. And I can't let them down!

Garden Pals

There's something about March 1st. Every year, when it rolls around, I get so excited! It means there are so many fun things ahead. I'd like to call March, "Birthday Month." :) Not only is my birthday in March. But literally, for about 2 weeks straight, I know someone who is having a birthday. It's pretty crazy!

With March, also comes Spring. My favorite season of the year! I think about gardening, BBQing after work, sundresses, open windows, and little animals. It's just a magical time of year! Not to mention, Easter is usually just around the corner. :)

Today, I found a new pattern. I guess it was in this month's Crochet Today magazine. But I haven't been able to find it anywhere! But just look at these sweet Garden Pals.

This is a free pattern! Yes, you read that right. And I've decided, it's the "little surprise," that I'm making for all the kiddos this year. I might have to figure out a way, to make at least 2 boy bunnies. But it shouldn't be hard. You should give this pattern a try. I know I'm going to! Times 100!!!