happy birthday to us!

Olliekate is 1 this month! We were both surprised how quickly the time has flown. We opened our etsy shop last January and have had only fun and friendship along the way. As we are constantly thinking up new ideas and designs to help us grow, look for more exciting things coming in February. And a sale too!

We look forward to what our 2nd year of crafting will bring!

growing up

Since I don't have any great Olliekate creations to share right now...
I am just loving the simplicity of this growth chart. It is hand embroidered. I found it on the site Tiny Sprouts. Plus that little girl is just precious!

how to...

Today I came across this great post on The Long Thread with The Top 100 Tutorials of 2008. I was pretty excited to see such a great list of projects from other online crafters. I love using tutorials because a) you can see lots of photos of finished projects and b)someone has usually worked out all the kinks. I am always googling for tutorials when I have new things I want to try and sew or crafts to make. I have made a few things and posted here that have been from tutorials. Like this skirt, this darling little tutu and my favorite twirly skirt. Having so many all in one place is a bonus!

Link to the Long Thread blog to see more. Happy creating!

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january

All around things seem quiet after the holidays, don't you think? There is so much build up and expectation, so much visiting and to do lists and as my husband always says "nothing is as over as Christmas". I love having my boys home from school for such a long break and truthfully I have enjoyed this quiet so much this year. I love having so much unstructured time. Time to go outside, write thank you notes, to play with new toys to sleep in or stay up late. I feel like I have been able to say yes more and relax a bunch.
School is just around the corner for them and life will begin to pick up. But for now, I think we have been blessed with a joyful season and am thankful for the time together.
And as the new year begins and we all make those famous resolutions ( I won't bore you with mine!) we plan to gear up for another year of life and love and all that it brings! There is so much promise to a new start, I love the feeling of new ideas, plans and goals set.
Right now I am feeling thankful for my family, my close friends and the little moments of memories we are always creating.
Happy New Year!