Of rum and ruffles...

Have you ever heard of the person that is so predisposed to addiction that as soon as they take a swig of rum, they can't stop?

Ruffles are my new rum...

I am so excited about learning to make them, that I have plans for all the things I want to ruffle.

This is why I love the crafting community. They share tutorials and project ideas to help you out of a crafting rut and remember that creating something yourself is so rewarding.

{I want to wear my camera to the grocery store today, just because I love this strap that much. That isn't wierd, right}

My ruffling skill still needs alot of work but I will accept the challenge.

Find the tutorial to make your own ruffled camera strap at Crap I've Made.

There is also an entire blog with ruffle inspiration over at Ruffles and Stuff (check out the entries into her Ruffle Your Stuff contest-mass crafty inspiration!)

Things that go...Fabulous Boy Fabrics!

Fabric designers are finally starting to figure out that crafty mama's are itching to buy up cute boy fabrics...here are some of my favorite wheelin' and dealin' ones to use for the little man on the go!

Micheal Miller Tot Town- Merryville

From the same line...

Dig it!

Fly by Day

I am beyond excited about Birch Fabric's new 100% organic line-Circa 50 byMonaluna...I have been searching high and low for organic fabrics that are cute and perfect for the kiddos-vintage van's and retro rockets? What could be cooler? (Watch Fabric Worm's site for the big sale debut!)

I love the Mid-Centry Modern furniture!

... but the vintage vehicles will be perfect for the little guys!

Need help putting together fabrics for crafty projects? Check out Fabric Worm's website and Etsy store for great fabric yardage bundles!

It "felt" like Christmas today!

Well, maybe it wasn't "Baby, it's cold outside" weather but I officially have ONE decoration up! This felt wreath with fabric yo-yo's handstitched on felt flowers was super easy to make! And the felt is made with recycled plastic bottles- how cool is that!

Crafty thoughts...creating for others

Before I "had a business" (when will I feel comfortable enough saying that where I don't put quotation marks around that?) I crafted for myself and my camper. (The co-director doesn't quite appreciate manly crafty things...) Sometimes, I would participate in crafty "swaps" where I would make things for strangers and their families and someone would mail something to me. The police detective in me had to overcome some jaded distrust issues to do this, but these swaps gave me a huge amount of satisfaction! I had to get creative about what THEY would like (not just want I liked) and what would work for their family. It truly pushed me beyond my comfort level and challenged me.

Unlike my mother, I am NOT a person with a natural servant/giver's heart. I confess to strongly disliking all holidays that require gift giving. But the creative process in creating for strangers was different than creating for those that know me. It was that fun sort of stressful...you know...the one where you have the greatest reward when you are done! This week, I launched Camp Cupcake Designs and the rewards have already started coming in. I have had a couple of sales but the coolest part to me is that people want me to create for them. My napkins have proved to be one of my "hot items" and I am working on some custom orders for people.

People want me to create for them...How awesome is that?