Great Outdoors

We are having so much fun this summer. We happen to live near some wetland area and often find little frogs hiding near our house; today we spotted this little green guy hanging out on the hose outside. I snapped some photos of Clark standing next to the fence, oblivious to the frog hanging out right above his head.






And here are my hydrengas in bloom (my favorite flower).


And some serious corn growing in the garden. We didn't have much luck with our corn last year so I am very excited about this!

Market Skirt Tutorial

Look at this adorable market skirt from Dana-Made-It (featured on Craftzine). The tutorial is on Dana's blog with step by step instructions for making this skirt in a 2-3T. I am going to try adapting it to fit Jane (4-5T). I love the little pockets and bright colors. This will be my first attempt at pockets. I am excited to try out this pattern.

Paul Thurlby Prints

Ohdeedoh is featuring cute retro styled alphabet prints from UK illustrator, Paul Thurlby. I love the funky alphabet designs, but I am much more amused by this print, titled "Waaah". This is exactly how I feel some days. Especially when both kids are crying at the same time. I just love this image.

Alice in Wonderland Official Trailer

You have probably seen the photos from Tim Burton's upcoming film, Alice in Wonderland; if you are itching to see more; the official trailer was released yesterday and you can view it here. I think this twisted story is a perfect fit for Director, Tim Burton, whose creativity and dark side are well suited to take on this classic tale.

35% off Craft Books from Chronicle Books

Chronicle Books is having its friends and family sale. Get great craft books and other summer reading for 35% off plus free shipping; now through August 5th. Just enter the Promo Code FRIENDS at checkout. There are lots of titles from Lotta Jansdotter, Jenny Hart and other well known crafters. Here are a few craft books you may want to check out:

Handmade Hellos
Handmade Nation: The Rise of D.I.Y., Art, Craft, and Design
Pretty Pantry Gifts
Sublime Stitching Craft Pad
The Softies Kit
Craft, Inc.

Sublime Stitching
Appliqué Your Way
Lotta Prints
French General: Handmade Soirées

My Latest Portrait

We have been spending all of our time outdoors this summer. Since we are in Washington, we have to take advantage of the sunny weather while we've got it. Jane did a little painting outside yesterday in a shady corner of the yard and completed her latest portrait of me.

Mini Baking Set for Olive

I wrapped up this little baking set for Olive's birthday party we are headed to tomorrow. I made a simple child sized half apron with purple fabric and two sets of felt cookies. Then I included some recipe cards for "Olive's Yummy Chocolate Cookies" and "Olive's Fancy Frosted Cookies", complete with recipes to whip up a batch of real cookies to munch on. Happy Birthday Ollie!

Muppet Inspired Sock Puppets and a trip to EMP

I took the kids to Family Day at Experience Music Project today to check out the Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit and see the Muppet memorabilia on hand. Though the exhibit itself was small; the kids loved being able to watch and participate in a mini Muppet rock band and they also made their own sock puppets to take home. Here are Mr. Sock Puppet and Mrs. Sock Puppet. To make your own mini Muppet sock puppet, use any old sock and hot glue gun googly eyes, pom-pom noses, fuzzy fabric eyebrows, mustaches, etc.

Pottery Barn Kids Decorating Series

Pottery Barn Kids is offering the next free class in their decorating series on Saturday, August 1st. I went to this class ("Easy and Afordable Decorating for Kids' Rooms") a few months ago and really enjoyed the experience. Basically, a Pottery Barn Kids decorating expert gave the class some general decorating ideas then spent the rest of the time answering our questions and giving suggestions. If you are interested in signing up for the class; call ahead to RSVP. There is no cost involved and you end up with a 10% off coupon to use.

Art at the Park

Our local Parks and Rec Department is sponsoring outdoor activities at different parks around the area during the summer. Today we happened upon some arts and crafts happening and Jane and Clark made their own superhero masks using cut out paper-plates. Presenting: Super Jane!

Favorite from The Other Silly Things in the Studio

I have always wanted to make a quilt with circles but I haven't had any idea how to do it. I am so excited about this tutorial from Jennifer Murphy at The Other Silly Things in the Studio (via Craftzine). Isn't this pretty?


And just to make you jealous, check out Jennifer's gorgeous craft studio. Isn't it amazing?

A Day at the Beach

During the holiday weekend we spent a day playing at the beach with the kid's and some of their cousins. The crew set off to create a sandcastle which somehow morphed into a giant volcano with a tunnel running through it. I love the image of Clark peering through one side and out the other.