Sewing Sweetness

So, my friend Joy over at The Goose Beary Shop (etsy) & Redirected Dreams (blog) helped me with a gift recently. If anyone actually knows me in real life, they know the idea of me sewing is as far fetched as the idea of Politicians telling the truth (ha). We have some friends who are expecting their very first child this winter. I wanted to give them something that really mattered. I would have painted something, but they are not finding out the gender... so I wouldn't really know what to do. I don't think anyone really wants a brown plaque that says "baby" on their wall.

I knew Joy could help me because, well, she's like my saving grace! Not only did she come up with some awesome ideas(... YES, plural.. because she just kept making more & more! Have I mentioned that she is my saving grace?) but she also *drum roll please* TAUGHT me how to use the sewing machine.

I don't know that you genuinely understand the seriousness of this issue.
It was like watching Chuck Norris bake a cake.

Anyway. So, I got the wonderful privilege of making a receiving blanket with two matching burp cloths. Joy, in all of her angelic kindness however, made: a sock monkey, a cell phone holder, a teething rag doll, & an infants ball.

So. Here are the pictures
& if you're interested in Joy's handmade work, please visit her etsy The Goose Beary Shop for more goodies & order something from this wonderful momma! (Sorry, Joy, I don't know how to link your pages, or I would have.)

Momma

Painting has been so slow lately. Life, on the other hand, has not. I am trying to find the balance of doing things I enjoy & enjoying the things that I do.

Does that make sense?

This weekend is going to be great. Dear friends of ours are coming from North Carolina. They are expecting so we decided to throw them a baby "party"... because that is more manly that a shower. Haha. My amazing friend came to my rescue & helped me with a gift. She taught me how to use a sewing machine! Oh my word... it has been a long time coming. I am so proud of myself, but mostly just thankful for her. She spent all day helping me make goodies. Truthfully, I only made a couple of the items, the rest was her. She is such a generous person. I thank God for her presence in my life.

I can't show you pictures yet, because I have to give it to the mother-to-be first! But I will, as soon as I can.

I do have one new piece of art to show you. I painted this for my mother. She doesn't get to see my daughter often & it was her birthday. It happens to be one of my husband's favorites so far. What do you think?

Pine frame. Acrylic paints. Gift.

Just for Joy (The Goose Beary Shop)

I have something special for you, today. All I have been thinking about & writing about lately is Father's Day. So, today I am going to post a gift. I was reading a friend's blog today about where we were a year ago as opposed to where we are now. & I remembered, a year ago I didn't know her. She's a wonderful friend, mother & wife. & now, being in charge of The Goose Beary Shop, she is a sewing maniac!

When I had my sweet baby girl back in February, she came to the hospital with a BASKET full of handmade goodies. It was so thoughtful & encouraging! Some of the things she gave us are a part of my daughter's daily necessities. Once her birthday came around, I KNEW I had to make her something in return. So, I made her these blocks. They were specifically designed for her around her etsy site. I personally love them. They were so much fun to make & they turned out GREAT!



So, here's to you, Joy. Thank you for reminding me of all I have to be thankful for. This year has been good to me... & sometimes I forget all about that. I am married to my best friend, we have a sweet, sweet baby girl & I am selling my ARTwork. How awesome is that?!

& for the rest of you, my dear friends, like Joy asked, "what about you?"... what has this year brought into your life?