If you need me, I'll be in the bath tub...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thank You Mellicious!
I won a giveaway on the EtsyVeg blog and was sent this giant basket of eco-friendly bath and body goodies from Mellicious. She sent me lots of great bath bombs, an adorable flower soap and yummy lip gloss. I love that all of her products are not only handmade but also vegan and eco-friendly.
If you need me, I'll be in the bath tub...
If you need me, I'll be in the bath tub...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
I've Been Tagged
What is your current obsession? If you couldn’t tell, I’m a little obsessed with anything bird related. Birdies are slowly taking over our home – inside (we have birdie soap in our bathroom) and out (our welcome mat says “Welcome Every Birdie”). Back when we lived in TX, a bird family built their nest right in front of our door every spring and would fly away with new babies. Because I’m homesick for TX, I wanted to find a way to bring TX to AZ and that was the start of my obsession.
What is your weirdest obsession? I wouldn’t call it an “obsession” but I have many quirks (that sounds nicer, right?) related to food. I love pickles…I mean looooove pickles and not just any brand will do, it has to be the brand with the little girl sticking her tongue out on the logo (does anyone know what I’m talking about?). My parents once gave me a jar of those pickles for my birthday…the perfect present!
What’s for dinner? I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. Hubby is feeling a little sick today so I’ll probably make soup of some sort.
What’s the last thing you bought? I bought a fabulous mustard color oversized purse (purses and shoes are my other obsessions).
What are you listening to right now? An Oprah rerun is on the TV.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I love coffee flavored ice cream…I could live off of this (and pickles...no I'm not pregnant)!
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like to be? I would love to live in
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Anywhere with a beach!
What is your favorite magazine? I like Martha Stuart Living (she makes everything so pretty!).
If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on? I would probably buy a cute pair of shoes.
Favorite artist/s? One of my faves is an artist I found on Etsy - Amy Giacomelli.
What’s your favorite season and why? I love summer. See HERE for my reasons.
Describe your personal style? I love all things girly and feminine but I also like to be comfortable. Now that it is summer, I’m a fan of cute summer dresses. I have a thing for bold colors (think Crayola’s “bold” colors). I detest wearing athletic shoes when I’m not working out and you will usually find me in pumps (something my hubby hates because I usually complain about my feet hurting if we walk a lot).
What are you going to do after this? I’m headed to the grocery store.
What are your favorite movies? Here are just a few in no particular order: Across the Universe,
What inspires you? People, nature and anything really.
What music do you like this week? I’m loving the new DMB album.
If you could change something in the world to make it a better place, what would that be? I like Olive Street Studio’s answer – acceptance of those not like ourselves.
What do you have planned for tomorrow? Hopefully going to see My Sister’s Keeper.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson
I'm stunned by the news of Michael Jackson's passing. Regardless of his numerous plastic surgeries and bizarre behavior, his impact on music and culture was profound. One of my first cassette tapes (yes, I said cassette tapes) was Dangerous and I can remember being allowed to stay up late to watch the premiere of the Black or White music video. I'll leave you with a Jackson inspired piece of art from a fellow Etsian (my fave is the Madonna monkey).
Michael Jackson Monkey World Print by Matthew Porter Art
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Yummy Low-Fat Ice Cream Sandwiches
If I had to eat the same thing for the rest of my life, I would hands down pick ice cream! Unfortunately, because I know exactly how many extra hours I would have to spend on the dreaded elliptical, I try to stay away from it. I recently discovered a new low-fat way to make your own yummy ice cream sandwiches. Here is the recipe...
Ingredients
Fat-Free Cool Whip
Low-Fat Graham Crackers
Directions
1. Spread 2 tbsp Cool Whip on a graham cracker square and top with another graham cracker square to make a "sandwich". You can make as many as you want.
2. Wrap individually in wax paper or foil, place into ziploc freezer and freeze.
3. Grab out of freezer and enjoy your yummy dessert!
For the ultra fat-free ice cream sandwich, check out this adorable felt creation by BeckyM:
Ingredients
Fat-Free Cool Whip
Low-Fat Graham Crackers
Directions
1. Spread 2 tbsp Cool Whip on a graham cracker square and top with another graham cracker square to make a "sandwich". You can make as many as you want.
2. Wrap individually in wax paper or foil, place into ziploc freezer and freeze.
3. Grab out of freezer and enjoy your yummy dessert!
For the ultra fat-free ice cream sandwich, check out this adorable felt creation by BeckyM:
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Tree Huggers Welcome
For those of you that have been following my blog, you know that I have a tiny obsession (ok, a huge obsession) with anything birdie related and that would include where our feathery friends call home. Check out my new line of greeting cards named Tree Huggers because, well, these trees just need someone to hug them (and purchase them of course...a green thumb is not required).
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sneak Peek
Here is a little sneak peek of my new card design. Can you guess what it is? I'll be listing new cards in my etsy shop tomorrow. I hope everyone had a fabulous Thursday!
Etsy Blogger Feature: LazyTcrochet
Meet June's featured Etsy Blogger: Lazy T Crochet and her fabulous designs. This shop offers all things knit and crochet. She is having a huge summer sale right now so stock up on hats and scarves for the winter. Don't forget to check out her blog if you get a chance. These are a few of my favorite pieces from her shop...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Summer Loves
My Summer Loves:
the smell of sunscreen
reading a good book by the pool
outdoor concerts
pedicures
girly sundresses
flip flops
my birthday in July
summer vacations
gelato
strappy sandals
fireworks
outdoor photography
walking around barefoot
margaritas
travel
watermelon
cherries
not having to wear a coat
picnics
sunglasses
summer nights
trips to the zoo
weekend trips
swimming
What are your summer loves?
the smell of sunscreen
reading a good book by the pool
outdoor concerts
pedicures
girly sundresses
flip flops
my birthday in July
summer vacations
gelato
strappy sandals
fireworks
outdoor photography
walking around barefoot
margaritas
travel
watermelon
cherries
not having to wear a coat
picnics
sunglasses
summer nights
trips to the zoo
weekend trips
swimming
What are your summer loves?
Monday, June 15, 2009
Shopping Etsy - Scent Shooter
As I'm typing, my kitchen smells like yummy cinnamon and vanilla thanks to my recent "Bake Sale" scent shooter purchase from the new etsy shop Whiff and Sniff Candles. The scent shooters come packaged in cute little containers and work just like a candle tart. These little shooters only cost a dollar or buy more and get an even better deal...I think I've found my new favorite shop! I can't wait to try One Love and Dancing Queen.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Father's Day Frosty Weekend
Treat your father to a frosty this Father's Day weekend (June 20-21st) for a good cause! 50 cents for every frosty product sold will be donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. You can also create a free Father's Day card HERE and 25 cents will be donated by Wendy's to the DTFA.This cause is very close to my heart because I know first hand how the DTFA impacts the lives of children in the foster care system. I worked with the DTFA and met the most amazing children and families as a Wendy's Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter. Please think of these often forgotten children and help spread the word. Besides, who doesn't love a frosty?!
Please grab this button and add it to your sidebar:
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Interview With An Etsian: Meet Holly
I had the pleasure of chatting with the fabulous Holly of Beeper Bebe. I'm in love with her studio and her adorable handmade plushies (you will fall in love with her new Bitty Birdies...I want one!). I'm totally envious of her lovely (and super organized) studio! Meet the wonderful Holly...
In a nutshell, tell us about yourself.
Hi, my name is Holly Keller and I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I love learning, creating, beingin the woods, and drinking whiskey (really).
Apart from crafting and creating, what do you do?
I am married to the man I call Mr. Beeper on my blog - we've been married for 9 years now and I still think he's pretty rad. Also, we have a 5 year old son, names Julian - commonly referred to as Beeper on my blog. Why "Beeper" you ask? Well, because he is either sleeping or beeping (i.e. being rambunctious) - and there is not a lot of variation in between.
I am interested in about a bazillion things at any one time - but the constants seem to be growing herbs/veggies, cooking (especially breakfast foods), doing anything that allows me to be outdoors (biking, camping, hiking, cross country skiing...need I continue?), and well, enjoying a nice little glass of scotch on the back step in the evening.
And yes, I do have a day job. It is a crazy corporate thingie that involves me telling old guys in suits how to run their businesses more effectively (yes, for real) and traveling to obscure places like San Pedro Sula in Honduras to do that. Weird juxtaposition with the crafting life - I know, trust me. In reality, I always feel like a big fraud in my business-y life and keep waiting for them to figure out that I am just a girl who likes to make plushies from second-hand sweaters and drink whiskey...
What inspired you to open an Etsy shop?
I guess all the inquiries at craft fairs and art shows about whether I had an online shop. And then also because I found it really hard to make sales to retailers work for me while still making it worth my effort and time (what is wholesale when you are hand-making items yourself anyway? Is there such a thing? C'mon people - I am not making widgets here, nor do I have an army of adolescents in Guatemala pumping out these things for me...there is no economy of scale when you are hand-making something...can someone please tell the retail world this?) - so the idea of having my own shop in which I could make whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and price it accordingly for what I thought my time was worth (without someone acting like I was being ridiculous) - well, that seemed pretty nice.
And Etsy has been great for me. I have had items featured a few times in Storque articles and the community at Etsy seems to appreciate my work. Plus - Etsy is just so cool. How can you not want to be a part of it? I shop there all the time.
What is your favorite creation in your shop?
Right now? My Kindie Garden Plus Doll. It is made from reclaimed wool sweaters that have been felted and is based on a drawing I made when I was in kindergarten. It makes me smile just to look at it knowing the 5-year old me really deserved the design credit.
I also just designed a little baby chicken I call a Bitty Birdie that I am kind of in love with - it has a little diaper and hat and blankie and stuff. You see photos of them on my Flickr here (none in my shop right now - but give me a couple of weeks...)
Where else can we find you?
Well, I have a blog called Chez Beeper Bebe that I started about a year ago where I blather on about plushies and cooking and my son and on occasion, I make little crafty patterns and tutorials you can download - you can find it here
Here is my Etsy shop - Beeper Bebe - too, if you want to stop by and browse.
And if you want to email me about whatever may be on your mind, try this email address: beeperbebe@yahoo.com
I do have a Facebook page - but really, I pretty much ignore it, so don't expect to find me around there too much.
Oh, and I forgot about my Flickr account. I am crazy about taking photos - actually, add that to my list of things I love to do. So there is plenty out there to take a gander at.
Describe your studio and what you like best about it.
Well, it is quite tidy right now compared to what it was like 6 months ago. I actually just re-organized it. It is in a smallish room on the second floor of our house - but it has a door that opens to one of those perfectly impractical balconies for one you only find in old houses. We painted the room a color called asparagus cream (a sort of pale green color) and I have used a lot of red accents. There are shelves almost to the ceiling to house my recycled and reclaimed materials I make plushies and other stuff from.
I also have the best little craft closet with lots of cubbies and shelves and jars and paper rods for storing all that crafting miscellany that can take over if you turn your head for a moment - handy Mr. Beeper built that for me - and then painted it sunny yellow to contract with the green color of the room.
If you are really interested in the particulars, I did a blog post of my studio reorganization- that can be found here.
In a nutshell, tell us about yourself.
Hi, my name is Holly Keller and I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I love learning, creating, beingin the woods, and drinking whiskey (really).
Apart from crafting and creating, what do you do?
I am married to the man I call Mr. Beeper on my blog - we've been married for 9 years now and I still think he's pretty rad. Also, we have a 5 year old son, names Julian - commonly referred to as Beeper on my blog. Why "Beeper" you ask? Well, because he is either sleeping or beeping (i.e. being rambunctious) - and there is not a lot of variation in between.
I am interested in about a bazillion things at any one time - but the constants seem to be growing herbs/veggies, cooking (especially breakfast foods), doing anything that allows me to be outdoors (biking, camping, hiking, cross country skiing...need I continue?), and well, enjoying a nice little glass of scotch on the back step in the evening.
And yes, I do have a day job. It is a crazy corporate thingie that involves me telling old guys in suits how to run their businesses more effectively (yes, for real) and traveling to obscure places like San Pedro Sula in Honduras to do that. Weird juxtaposition with the crafting life - I know, trust me. In reality, I always feel like a big fraud in my business-y life and keep waiting for them to figure out that I am just a girl who likes to make plushies from second-hand sweaters and drink whiskey...
What inspired you to open an Etsy shop?
I guess all the inquiries at craft fairs and art shows about whether I had an online shop. And then also because I found it really hard to make sales to retailers work for me while still making it worth my effort and time (what is wholesale when you are hand-making items yourself anyway? Is there such a thing? C'mon people - I am not making widgets here, nor do I have an army of adolescents in Guatemala pumping out these things for me...there is no economy of scale when you are hand-making something...can someone please tell the retail world this?) - so the idea of having my own shop in which I could make whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and price it accordingly for what I thought my time was worth (without someone acting like I was being ridiculous) - well, that seemed pretty nice.
And Etsy has been great for me. I have had items featured a few times in Storque articles and the community at Etsy seems to appreciate my work. Plus - Etsy is just so cool. How can you not want to be a part of it? I shop there all the time.
What is your favorite creation in your shop?
Right now? My Kindie Garden Plus Doll. It is made from reclaimed wool sweaters that have been felted and is based on a drawing I made when I was in kindergarten. It makes me smile just to look at it knowing the 5-year old me really deserved the design credit.
I also just designed a little baby chicken I call a Bitty Birdie that I am kind of in love with - it has a little diaper and hat and blankie and stuff. You see photos of them on my Flickr here (none in my shop right now - but give me a couple of weeks...)
Where else can we find you?
Well, I have a blog called Chez Beeper Bebe that I started about a year ago where I blather on about plushies and cooking and my son and on occasion, I make little crafty patterns and tutorials you can download - you can find it here
Here is my Etsy shop - Beeper Bebe - too, if you want to stop by and browse.
And if you want to email me about whatever may be on your mind, try this email address: beeperbebe@yahoo.com
I do have a Facebook page - but really, I pretty much ignore it, so don't expect to find me around there too much.
Oh, and I forgot about my Flickr account. I am crazy about taking photos - actually, add that to my list of things I love to do. So there is plenty out there to take a gander at.
Describe your studio and what you like best about it.
Well, it is quite tidy right now compared to what it was like 6 months ago. I actually just re-organized it. It is in a smallish room on the second floor of our house - but it has a door that opens to one of those perfectly impractical balconies for one you only find in old houses. We painted the room a color called asparagus cream (a sort of pale green color) and I have used a lot of red accents. There are shelves almost to the ceiling to house my recycled and reclaimed materials I make plushies and other stuff from.
I also have the best little craft closet with lots of cubbies and shelves and jars and paper rods for storing all that crafting miscellany that can take over if you turn your head for a moment - handy Mr. Beeper built that for me - and then painted it sunny yellow to contract with the green color of the room.
If you are really interested in the particulars, I did a blog post of my studio reorganization- that can be found here.
What is your favorite Etsy shop?
This question is almost unfair. I mean, one favorite shop on Etsy? How could I ever pick one favorite? That is like telling the world one of children is your favorite...so here are a few I am in love with:
E. Soule - is there anything cooler than her photography? It appeals to big and little people both.
Moop - so in love with all of the bags in this shop.
Elsie Marley - I just love Meg's work - the kids messenger bags, the plushies, the clothing.
November Moon - something about those folksy dolls Cathy makes continue to attract me even though I already own three.
Heatherberry - and this jewelry - really into this right now and obsessing over some pieces to buy.
List your favorite book, movie, song & website (other than Etsy of course).
Again, with the request on favorites. As a girl of many passions - this is too dang hard. I'll do my best here...
Book: Fiction - White Oleander by JAnet Fitch because it is so mind-blowingly beautifully written. I could eat the words. Non-Fiction - The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert because I could not put it down and it too blew my mind but for completely different reasons - namely, Eustance Conway. Cookbook - The Improvisational Cook by Sally Schneider (love her food, her banter in her books, the free style way she approaches cooking...)
Movies: No movies really. BUT I am crazy about Weeds on Showtime and Big Love on HBO.
Song: Really? I have to pick one song? I love "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplic. And anything at all by Built to Spill.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Now I have to get serious. Well, honestly? Not working at my crazy corporate job. I would like to work part, if not full time (meaning not just all my spare time as it is today) on just doing Beeper Bebe stuff. I have so many designs I want to create yet - and I want to make patterns for some of my designs that I can sell, and expand into doing more paper craft and create a book of paper craft projects, and teach some workshops on how to make your own plushie from reclaimed materials...and then take over the world.
Beeper will be 15 years old in 10 years. Holy crap - I cannot think that far ahead when it comes to him or I'll have to go pour myself a whiskey right now.
What is your favorite birdie (as in species of bird)?
I love finches - how teeny they are and that weird little peeping sound they make.
This question is almost unfair. I mean, one favorite shop on Etsy? How could I ever pick one favorite? That is like telling the world one of children is your favorite...so here are a few I am in love with:
E. Soule - is there anything cooler than her photography? It appeals to big and little people both.
Moop - so in love with all of the bags in this shop.
Elsie Marley - I just love Meg's work - the kids messenger bags, the plushies, the clothing.
November Moon - something about those folksy dolls Cathy makes continue to attract me even though I already own three.
Heatherberry - and this jewelry - really into this right now and obsessing over some pieces to buy.
List your favorite book, movie, song & website (other than Etsy of course).
Again, with the request on favorites. As a girl of many passions - this is too dang hard. I'll do my best here...
Book: Fiction - White Oleander by JAnet Fitch because it is so mind-blowingly beautifully written. I could eat the words. Non-Fiction - The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert because I could not put it down and it too blew my mind but for completely different reasons - namely, Eustance Conway. Cookbook - The Improvisational Cook by Sally Schneider (love her food, her banter in her books, the free style way she approaches cooking...)
Movies: No movies really. BUT I am crazy about Weeds on Showtime and Big Love on HBO.
Song: Really? I have to pick one song? I love "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplic. And anything at all by Built to Spill.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Now I have to get serious. Well, honestly? Not working at my crazy corporate job. I would like to work part, if not full time (meaning not just all my spare time as it is today) on just doing Beeper Bebe stuff. I have so many designs I want to create yet - and I want to make patterns for some of my designs that I can sell, and expand into doing more paper craft and create a book of paper craft projects, and teach some workshops on how to make your own plushie from reclaimed materials...and then take over the world.
Beeper will be 15 years old in 10 years. Holy crap - I cannot think that far ahead when it comes to him or I'll have to go pour myself a whiskey right now.
What is your favorite birdie (as in species of bird)?
I love finches - how teeny they are and that weird little peeping sound they make.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
