Saturday, February 20, 2010

Glass Tile Pendants....The first of many!

Just need to add Bails! And they are ready to go. The one with my initial on it, I messed up on. It was my first one. But the others are so pretty!
Here is a finished necklace. I just love these. So pretty, so feminine, and so incredibly easy to change with my mood.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Craft Addiction

I have noticed over the last year that my crafting is becoming more of an addiction. Now, instead of making bows, I am wondering....what else can I do? This week alone, I have started three new little projects; bottle caps, glass tiles, and key fobs! What am I doing? I can't control myself. My goal was to sit down with my sewing machine and get re-acquainted. That didn't happen...well I take that back...it did. I used it to sew a key fob and I used it hem my daughters pants. Good for me! (Giving myself a pat on the back right now). I recently started crocheting...so of course one more thing to add to my crafting/hobbies. My husband and I were actually watching a movie the other night and I casually mentioned that while in the craft store I was perusing the crafting books and came across some cute baby crochet patterns and some very cute, soft yarn in the knitting section. His response, "Crap! I am never going to get my hobby room am I?" This was followed up with, "Our next house is going to need seven bedrooms just so we can each have our own hobby rooms". To which I replied, "We can share" and laughed. He didn't find it funny in the least bit! I am still laughing......

What started out as a little "bow business" has grown into this. I have so many spools of ribbon that they have taken over my living room. Along with that ribbon, is all of the "extras" one needs like headbands, beanies, fold over elastic (of which I print my own designs...LOL), boxes (for shipping of course...and maybe to hide purchases...ssshhhhh...don't tell okay?), books (everything from crochet to making lamp shades....I told you it was an addiction), light box (for taking photos), flowers (all sorts, for those entirely too cute hair clips you see in photography props)...the list goes on and on. Yes, addiciton. I am slightly ashamed. Okay, not really one bit ashamed. I love making new things! It is expression and therapy for a mother of three. It is sanity (even though the clutter creates some insanity at times). My grandmother was a crafter. She was a seamstress (she could make anything), she would crochet (which she tried to teach me...I was just too young) and she used to dabble in Ceramics (which she also taught me to do). I must have gotten the crafting bug from her. Some of my best memories are creating things with her. I made my Mom the cutuest little pig for her kitchen with my grandmother. My Mom still has it in her kitchen to this day. I think crafting brings you closer to your loved ones. What you make comes from the heart. It will be cherished by its' new owner for a long time, if not forever. I laugh about this little addiction (okay...slightly big addiction), but I am able to share a passion with those around me, and it makes me happy to check out of whatever is stressful in my day, and sit down, and create something pretty with my very own hands. That makes it all worth it! We just may need to have those seven bedrooms, but think of the happiness it will bring! (Still laughing......)

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mommy Angst

As with all things pertaining to our children, we take things very personally even when they are completely out of our control. My latest tale of angst is due to the fact that my oldest is going to have a Tonsilectomy on the 24th of February. I am beside myself because of it. This has been a long and painful decision! We have known that he needed his tonsils removed for some time, but I have delayed because of several reasons. One of those reasons being the fact that I of course want to protect him from any pain that is not necessary. Several years ago, my little guy broke his arm. And as far as broken arms go, he did a pretty bang up job of it. Not to mention the pain he suffered because of some Paramedic Trainee that didn't know how to do his job, and two nurses that had an absolutely terrible bedside manner. When a paramedic calls in  to the hospital with information as to what will be arriving, the actions taken by the nurses and doctors are primarily based from that. This paramedic trainee (even though I heard the break, and it was obvious as my sons arm was caved in in the area the bone had snapped) reported a strain! HELLO???? So, my son sat in the ER for several hours with no pain meds (the nurse on duty would not give him any because he needed a doctors approval and until the xrays came back...welll you know....not even Tylenol). I was fuming mad. The worst part is, that when the X-rays came back with the obvious break....then it was hurry up and get it fixed and give him something. Of course, then we had a terrible nurse that couldn't get the IV in place on the first, or second, or third try...all the while my son is screaming at me to make her stop! What is a Mom to do! Yes, I wanted to HURT her! That is a normal Mommy reaction I think....when someone is causing pain to your child, and the fact that they let him sit in pain for several hours! So, back to my angst. We have known that he has needed his tonsils removed, but my son is severely afraid of the hosptial and needles due to his first experience. Nothing I can do about that now, except assure my son that everything will be okay. So, a week prior to his surgery we go in for blood work. I am torn in knots wondering how he is going to deal with this. I myself hate having blood drawn, but hey, after three kids it isn't such a big deal anymore. He, however, has only had this one experience. Luckily Daddy was with  us today. He was a champ! Made it through with just a little "ouch" and nothing else. His face went into the "I think I might cry, but I am not sure" face. I stroked his cheek and all was well. I, however, did shed a tear. I think for many reasons; he is growing into quite the little man, and he was so brave....pride! Pride in my little man! Next week still looms over my head. I feel like it is my fault. You know, as Moms we want our kids to be perfectly healthy in every way and not ever be sick, or have pain, or need to have any surgical procedures. I want to take it all from him and do everything for him. I wish I could. I would much rather it be me having my tonsils taken out next week than him. I can suck it up with the best of them! I know that he is brave. He puts on quite a brave face, but he is the most gentle soul I know. He takes everything to heart and carries it with him. I love this quality about him and hope it never goes away. Making this decision was one of the hardest ones I have had to make! I know that in the long run it is for the best, it is getting past the next couple of weeks that is going to be rough. The need to protect him from pain and FEAR is what kept me from making the decision a year ago. The decision has been made and now we go forward. I pray for a speedy recovery and a great medical team.We passed the first test today and I couldn't be more relieved. Next week looms over me and I pray that everything goes as smoothly as today. I will be on pins and needles until then. No one ever mentioned how difficult being a Mother really is!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Curly Ostrich Hair Clips...Oh My!

These are outrageously cute and outrageously fun! Well, except for the mess of feathers everywhere...but my kitties don't mind finding the floating feathers so neither will I! These are so simple and so cute. Perfect for babies, girls, teens and women. Weddings, birthdays, any day for that matter! I can not see a reason not to wear one...especially for photos! With so many wonderful color choices available, one can find just the right color for their special occasion. And, not just that, but this marabou layers beautifully under chiffon bows! Yes, more pictures to come ...wink, wink..wink...Well, that is if I can get my daughter to cooperate with me. Afterall, this little hobby turned business was created because of her, so she has to model...doesn't she?

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

In just a few hours it will be Valentine's Day 2010! This will be a year that I spend alone with the kiddos as hubby is working a 48 hour shift. He did however start early by bringing me a box of chocolates....a nice box of Molasses Chips from Sees Candies! Yummy! The way he was smirking when he dropped them off tells me that there will probably be another suprise on the horizon....he is so romantic that way. I remember our very first Valentine's day in 1998. I came home from work to find him slaving over Chicken Parmesean in the kitchen, and a beautifully set table....candles, a gorgeous flower arrangement, and fine linens. It was amazing! Every year we try to do something special as a couple, but this year, I will be making a simple chocolate cake with the kids to give to Daddy when he comes home for dinner. I guess a special dinner is in order as well! The kids are so excited to make him a cake that I know tomorrow is going to be a very Special Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Not just Bows

Tutus are fun too! I was inspired by a new ribbon...Aqua Floral Waves. I love these colors. So girly and fun, but also the color combination is very Retro and I love anything Retro (My daughter has a Retro Kitchen...it is pink of course)! What's in a Tutu? Well, in the case of this particular tutu a lot of blood sweat and tears (okay, okay...not really but it sure felt like it!). Not that they are difficult by any means. It was more because of anal retentiveness (can I even say that...or should I say that?)...LOL Okay, just to be nice, I will say "perfectionist attitude". But it isn't merely that. I just wanted to find the method that felt right. I started with panels. I have made several tutus in the past by using the knotting method. Let me just say, while this method is cute and easy, it just wasn't for me, or rather for my daughter. I didn't like how the tulle sat on the waistband, or rather, didn't stay where I wanted it to. So, I started with the idea that I would make one long peice of tulle by pinning. My intent was to treat it as one large piece of tulle. That didn't work as well as I hoped. So, I then broke that down into panels of four. It was going well at first, but then the perfectionism started in again and I just didn't like how it was turning out. Well that, and the fact that threading the elastic through the longer panel was not as easy as I anticipated! So, I decided to sew each panel (color) separately and then thread them onto the elastic as I went. By this time, I had spent TOO much time on this little project. It should have taken less than an hour to make! There are so many different methods for making tutus out there, but I wanted to try something different. Well, it is different, but I think over all, it turned out pretty well and I am happy to say that I made it. You be the judge!









Blogging...to blog or not to blog that is the question?

To blog or not to blog....that is the question indeed. I have thought this through for many a day and night (okay, lets be honest here...probably more like the last two years but hey, I am here doing it aren't I?) Why is there so much fear involved with starting a new blog? Is it because we think there isn't possibly anything we have to say that would be slightly interesting to someone else? Yes....for me that is it exactly! I am a SAHM and I create hair bows. I ask myself, how can this be interesting for someone else to read? Well, still not completely sure about that, but after contemplating blogging and all of it's benefits, I decided there was no time like the present to get started. So, on that note let me tell you a little about myself :0)

My name is Carrie. I am a SAHM (already mentioned that....LOL). I am married to a fabulous man named Michael (well, most days I consider him fabulous). He washes dishes and does laundry so I consider myself more than blessed in the husband department. Together we have three children....two boys and one girl, which is the reason behind this home business called "Twinkle Toes Bows". Why hair bows....it was a natural progression for me. As a young girl it was always my "job" to decorate our Christmas Tree with bows, and of course I was quickly deligated to wrapping presents because it seemed I did a fairly good job of it! Not that I minded exactly. I found it fun and most days I still do. However, the bows have disappeared from the Christmas tree, but Ribbon hasn't (just in case you are wondering). I never imagined I would be making bows for little girls, but then again, I never imagined I would have children, let alone three of them, and one a girl at that! LOL I can actually hear one of my childhood friends right now commenting on that last statement! Where was I? Oh yes....hair bows....

When my daughter was born, I was overjoyed. We had our two boys and I must say there is nothing like the love between sons and mothers! But, the thought of finally having a girl sent me into a frenzy. Everything pink, everything pretty. Everything had to be GIRLY. Isn't that usually the way it goes? She is my Princess in every way (and when I say every way...I mean every way...demanding, prissy, sassy....you get the picture). I named her after my beloved Grandmother. This is an important part of why I named my bow business "Twinkle Toes Bows". My Grandmother called me "Twinkle Toes" growing up :0) and I was named after her mother. She started a tradition without even knowing it, it seems. I hope the tradition is carried on by my daughter as well. The birth of my daughter was a new beginning for me on so many different levels. Each day is something new, and each day I learn more about the person I am and the person I want to be. Come along with me on this wild "bow making" adventure and see where it takes us!

If you made it this far, thanks for following along!

Carrie