Friday, November 30, 2012

Last Minute


I'm putting together last minute items. I ended up adding a burlap ribbon to the top of this platter. I also wrapped up two pieces of chalk with twine that are free with any chalkboard purchase.


Remember the window frame? Well, at first I was going to wrap it in my green and white twine but the jewelry really got lost in the design. So instead I used this burlap ribbon with wire and weaved it through the frame. I secured it with staples on the back.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

queen mab


My sister sent me some of her jewelry creations (aka queen mab) to sell at the booth. The earrings are a great deal at 12 bucks a pair.


Here are some of the vintage charm necklaces she created. They are all placed on sterling silver chains. I'm getting excited but so much to do before Saturday night!


Guess who this cutie pootie is???? Bitty Ryan! I can see some resemblance with Waverly here. Sweet OP shirt ;)

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Website Wednesday - Hannah Kate


My neighbor told me about this site...click HERE for Hannah Kate Children's Clothes. They are shown twice a year by Hostesses at home parties. You get a catalog with more than 80 fabrics and 90 patterns, trim options, embellishments and patterns to choose from so you can create your own designs. All clothing is made to order in the USA so it takes 10-12 to receive your items. They also have an "As Is" section on their website. Pretty cute!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Pom Poms


I think I snap a shot like this every year. We're big fans in this household.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Pinky Twins


I've mentioned Waverly's Pink Bear aka Stinky Bear several times on the blog. She loves this little guy SO MUCH but he's kinda nasty. Don't get me wrong, I wash him all the time but she chews on his left ear constantly and sometimes she has leftover food in her mouth. He's actually looking kinda bow legged.

I found a new pink bear on Amazon and thought it was worth a try. When I gave it to her, right away she pointed to the nose. She knows it's not the real deal. So new pink bear remains looking new :(

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Call Me CRAFTY


I'm chugging away on new creations for my booth next weekend. I have a confession...I love deadlines. This opportunity to show my work makes me kick it into overtime.


Book page Christmas trees! Sorry for the fuzziness, it's late and dark :)

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Sibling Love


Sometimes in life all we need is a little shove to get going...

Friday, November 23, 2012

Craft Day


Yay, I finally had a full afternoon to craft without a child hanging on my legs. I had a great time with Bridget, Laura and Amy swapping ideas. Click HERE for Amy's business Facebook page.

The burlap ETC. and me sign in the back will be for my booth next Saturday. I'll have an 8' table covered in burlap then the sign hanging down the middle. I made the page wreath for decoration but if someone is willing to buy, I'll sell it. I found some other items at the General Store. Everything is coming together!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012


This Thanksgiving I'm grateful to have a home with adequate lighting. Look at this picture carefully. This is an indoor decorative lamp SUPER GLUED above their backdoor. THEN for extra security, it's tied on with a string and a nail. Apparently there used to be an extension cord running to it for power. I'm a little speechless.


Harrison enjoyed rolling around on the carpet and wrestling with his cousins today.


Miss W and Bridget hanging out.


Time for a walk Coco! Sit back down!


W and Daniel up to no good. Unfortunately these two have the same middle name...Trouble.


I think the tryptophan is finally hitting these two.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Website Wednesday - Miss Mustard Seed


I can't believe I haven't mentioned Miss Mustard Seed yet! Click HERE to go to the site where you can learn to mountains in your home. She started her own decorating and DYI business a few years ago. Now she's a contributor to HGTV and has a new book. Plus she's developed her own line of Milk Based Paints. My kind of woman! Maybe that will be me someday...

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

PreK Thanksgiving Luncheon


Harrison's school hosted a PreK Thanksgiving luncheon today. I love that his school has so many opportunities to be involved.


Thanks Bob for cooking two turkeys for the event!


All the decorations were created by the kids. So sweet and cute :)

Monday, November 19, 2012

Flying Eagle


Since Thanksgiving is coming up, Harrison is learning all about the pilgrims and indians. Here's my boy as Flying Eagle. He said he worked a long time on his designs. Such a sweetie :)

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Tis The Season


Ryan has been out-of-town and I'm running out of ways to keep the kiddos entertained. SOOO I decided we should put up the Christmas decorations. I know, I know, it's early but they had a great time. 


Isn't this shirt the cutest? I kinda wish they had it in my size although I might look funny wearing it.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Choo Choo


Happy 2nd Birthday Beckett! Harrison is riding in the first car and W is in the second. Beckett's grandfather built him this ride to enjoy around the farm!! It came in handy for his train-themed birthday party. W probably rode it about 6 times and didn't want to get out. 


Ahhh, the cousins are hanging out. All was good until E-Man ate all the Cheez-Its. Even Baby was mad. You should have seen her poke that bottom lip out!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Sneak Peak


Here's a sneak peak of the 2012 Christmas Card...I wonder if it will ever get any easier photographing those two together? 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

ETC. and me


As most of you know, after I quit my full time job back in June I planned on starting an Etsy Store. Well, life has been in the way and I just haven't had time. Ryan came up with a name for my store months ago and I finally developed a logo! I don't want to limit myself so it's etcetera which is a Latin expression that means "an other things". Get it, ECT. and me?!

Well, the other day it was announced at church they are have a Jolly Jammies Jamboree and they were looking for vendors to have craft booths. I thought, hey I could do that? What better way to kick me in gear?! I thought about it for a few days and I managed to get the last booth available! Then it hit me...OMG what am I doing? Will I have enough stuff? How do I decorate? What if no one buys anything? 


I was digging around our shed and found these two window frames. I plan on removing the screens, sanding them and give them a fresh coat of paint. I can use these puppies to display necklaces. 


Then I came across these two antique sewing machines drawers. I'm sure I can find some use for them.


Remember this piece? I found it in Canton. I updated it with a metallic bronze color so it can go with silver or gold. I thought it would be cute to hang my business cards on.

I've registered my Etsy Store but I'm not putting anything up until after the event which is December 1st. I want to make sure I have enough to show :) Also, I started a Facebook Business Page (gasp) just for the ETC and me. HOWEVER, I have no idea what I'm doing so I'm not sure if you can even see it. Remember I'm the only person in the world who isn't on Facebook. I thought it would be a good way to update people whenever I add new designs to Etsy. We'll see...

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Website Wednesday - Style Me Pretty


Click HERE for Style Me Pretty bridal inspirations. I can across this site while searching DIY projects. I think the site is designed really well and it's definitely worth a look even if you're not planning a wedding :)

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Oh Sister


This girl is a woot. If you look closely you'll notice 3 black marks on her face. She managed to get the lid off the permanent marker. Here she's still on her potty chair while wearing a bib. Somedays she'll get mad if I try to take her bib off. Today was one of those days. 

Notice, poor pink bear is in the background...

Monday, November 12, 2012

Afroman


H was having a little bit of a crazy hair day! I wonder if it will always be curly?

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Favorite Past TIme


Here we are again at the zoo. The new Cheetah exhibit has a great indoor area that the kids love running back and forth. Ryan and I get to relax and they get exhausted...win-win.


Snack time! Parent Rule #1 ALWAYS CARRY FOOD WITH YOU!


Doesn't that look like a face?!


Digging the green. Reminds me of someone swimming under water.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Miss Prissy Britches


It's that time of year again when all we do is sweep and rake, sweep and rake. Luckily this year we have an extra helper on board. 

Waverly has become very particular about her clothes. Somedays she insists on wearing hats. It's cute when she pats her head and says "hat, hat" (actually it's more like "at, at").

Friday, November 9, 2012

Bond, James Bond


Yay, it's date night and what could go wrong with a Bond flick, right? Well...the evening started out great. Quick trip to the mall, some yummy Chipotle and making it to the theater to get a seat. The movie was sold out so we had to move to the center to make room for everyone. I just happen to sit by the one  person in the theater who was kinda a freak. He got up at least 4 times during the first 30 minutes then I think someone said something to him so he stopped that. He kept looking around during the entire movie and slurping his drink that was gone before the movie even started. I was in paranoid mode so I mentally kept thinking of ways I could take him down in case he started something. I'm sure my ankle-biting would really hurt someone. Ha! Oh well, we made it home safe and sound, and it was great hanging out with my sweetie.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Font Face


We were downtown the other day and this sign caught my eye...classic. You don't see these types of signs around much these days...

Ya know how when you write something down or chat about life with someone,you feel better afterwards (forgive me now for the rambling post)? Let me back up, I love reading about people who have started their own artsy/crafty business from the ground up. Some have lost their job others felt the calling to escape from their 9-5 job. Each month Country Living magazine features at least one of these types of people. I admire them so much. There was one recently about a couple who started their own line of organic popcorn with unique flavors (I wish I could remember the name). Anyways, I wonder what does it take to become one???

I have plenty of ideas, maybe even too many for my own good. I think that's part of the problem, my mind wonders from one big idea to the next without even trying the first one. How does one focus? Geezh. Maybe I need a life coach? I'm not looking for that next big idea to make millions. Not at all. I'm a believer in mo money, mo problems. But something that I can create and be proud of. Extra cash for vacations and Anthropologie shopping trips would be a bonus. What do I focus on??? Hmm, my mind is so scatter right now. I think it's all these Lego pieces invading my house. Any free advice out there? 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Website Wednesday - FeLion Studios


My sister brought me the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine and I was in awe by this designer. Click HERE for FeLion Studios. Dontcha just LOVE these cast iron skillets?!!! "FeLion Studios is a manifestation of years spent to establish a quality and personality of functional iron products and artwork created by owner and artist Alisa Toninato. The break down of her studio name is simply the combination of materials and birth mascot: Fe being the periodic symbol for iron and driven by the radiant energy of Leo birth date. Put together, 'iron-lion' is a culmination of passion and craft that is willing to pounce upon creativity and roam across the fields of utility and fine art sculpture." So cleaver! Ryan said I bet the Texas one is really heavy :)

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election Day 2012


Little lady was my voting partner today. She'll do anything for a sticker!


I took this image from H's teacher's blog. He told me this morning he thought Obama was going to win. Although, by the looks of this picture...he's a red support. Hmmmm.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Table and Chairs - CHECK


On Sunday when I got back in town, I noticed a new kids table in the playroom! Bob had extra time on his hands this past weekend :) The kids had already been coloring all over it so I decided chalkboard paint would be best for the top. I painted the sides and edge in Old White, gave it a coat of clear wax, taped the edges then added one coat of black chalkboard paint. 

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Canton Tips and Bargains


We made it home with all our loot today. If you take a truck, you might as well fill it up! I found Ryan a chiminea for the backyard. He's been talking about getting one and this was a bargain at $30. I found a huge pot that is tilted forward for the front yard. I'll plant flowers in it in the spring so it looks like it's pouring out. The huge industrial cart on the right is also mine. My neighbor has one to keep pillows and blankets in which looks super cool in her living room. I may have gotten carried away with this purchase but I can always fix it up and sell it. 


Here are some other items I found. The St Thomas, the green ceramic artichoke-looking piece, and the large grain sack all came from Paul Michael. Everything else was from the Flea Market. I've been looking for old music sheets and found 2 books of those. One booth had glass door knobs (which I had been searching for) and a new latch for my kitchen door (really hard to find and this one was a dollar). There's an Etsy store called A Wing and A Prayer that had a huge booth inside the Arbor. I picked up a couple of her tags. I have a couple of more items I'll post later on.

TIPS FOR CANTON:

1. Make a list of wants / needs. My sister had a great one so she was able to zone in on certain items. It can be really overwhelming and it's hard to remember what you're looking for once you see everything.

2. Figure out which days will work best for you. Thursdays will have the best selections, Saturdays are the busiest, Sundays you'll get the best bargains (but the selection might not be as good).

3. Get there EARLY. We arrived a little before 8 am so our parking spot was perfect. Our waitress from the night before told us about the main south entrance which isn't as crowded. If you're heading south down Highway 19, turn Right at the light. You'll go through the downtown square then the entrance will be on your right. All parking is $5. Our spot was right next to the restrooms and a cart rental place.

4. Rent a stroller (it's the metal rectangular type with 4 wheels) or scooter! The stroller is only $5 for the day. They make you pay a $25 deposit so if you don't return it by 5:45 you own it. The scooters were $6 an hour. Get a stroller when you first get there b/c they will rent all of them (but we did go the busiest weekend). Since our parking was so close, we were able to drop off our purchases throughout the day.

5. Eat lunch early. The lines were insane! There are plenty of bathrooms. The bathroom lines by the pavilions were a lot longer. The south bathroom never had a line and I remember seeing a changing table in the Civic Center bathroom.

6. Booths that are in the pavilions are more expensive. If you're looking for a deal stay in the field area. Don't forget you can bargain with the vendors in the field. I didn't pay asking price for anything out there. Love that ;)

7. There are a lot of imported items in the pavilions (sunglasses, cheap jewelry, etc) BUT also really nice cow skin rugs, antiques, home decor. We didn't spend too much time in there because it was SO crowded.

8. Not much furniture. I thought all the prices were high on those pieces. I can find better ones at home. 

9. The "field" has paved roads through the entire area. If you find a big piece, the vendor will give you a red tag or business card (with their row and booth number) so you can drive to their booth to pick up the item. I would not drive in there until 4 or later otherwise you'll never get the people to move out of your way. I made Melissa drive through the mess :)

10. Downtown Canton has quite a few antique shops too. There's one called The Cotton Shed that's worth a look. We ate at a good Italian Restaurant downtown called Val's. Ask any local and they'll point you in the right direction.

11. I found my pots on Highway 19 across from Trade Days. If you pay them cash, they don't charge you tax. They open early so we stopped by there before we left town. They loaded and tied the items in the back of the truck. No heavy lifting for us ladies ;)

12. Paul Michael has extended hours during Trade Days. They didn't close until 9pm. We went twice. The first night was overflowing with people. The next day was better around 9:30 am. They were having 50% off Halloween. I think my neighbor told me in July they have 30% off the whole store.

13. BRING CASH!!! I brought a set amount and stuck to it. The vendors in the fields only take cash. There are ATM machines BUT most of them were out of money. 

14. We did the whole thing in one day. Our feet were throbbing by the time we were done but it was worth it. We're already talking about next time we go! Has anyone gone to the one in Canton, Mississippi? I read it's only twice a year and has more art. 

15. Stay local if possible. We stayed at Quality Inn which included a continental breakfast. Originally we were going to stay in Sulpher Springs b/c the rooms in Canton were booked. Well, my mom called and was able to snag a room in Canton. It's best to call if you can't find one online. They may have a cancelation. 

I think I covered it! Ha! Email me or write a comment if you have any questions.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas!


My mom, sister and I made the pilgrimage to the biggest flea market in the US! Crazy, yes! Little did we know this weekend is the busiest one all year. YIKES. I've been wanting to go for several years and decided we better do it now :)


Melissa's find was the score of the day. Sixteen vintage snow skis for only $15! Why do you need skis in LA? Well...she's going to make two adirondack chairs


After the market closed, we stopped by Paul Michael which was super crowd but really cool. The stores are in random location but I'll definitely have to find my way to one again!