I know I’ve mentioned it before… But, I love the kids’ school… And, I love the kids’ teachers and the administration/support staff at the kids’ school! Every year at Christmas and at the end of the year I try to make a little something to show our appreciation for how hard they work. The gift usually reflect my craft obsession du jour :) and this year is no exception… So, little bee shaped solid lotion bars were in order!! Here’s a few pictures of the 25 or so lotion bars all boxed up and ready to go to school on the last day (which was yesterday for the kids!). Kathryn decided that they would like the Mint scent the best, so that’s what they are :) Happy end of year and beginning of summer!
Announcing-New in the Shop!
I am so excited to announce my new solid lotion bars are now available in my Etsy shop!! Now, if you are my friend on Facebook, you’ve been seeing my posts about them :) I’m currently cramming to make {many} of them as end-of-the-year teacher gifts for the kids’ teachers, so I don’t have a ton of them in the store yet, but I’m super excited about them! If you’re local, you can just send me a message and let me know you want some. I’ll be selling them locally at farmers markets so you can pick them up and don’t have to order them through Etsy and pay shipping. If there’s a specific scent you’re looking for, please let me know! Right now I have Mint Chocolate and Lavender in the store, but the possibilities are endless :) They are made by me, in small batches (8 oz at a time) using local beeswax, raw cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, and essential oils. That’s it! They are solid at room temperature, but the warmth of your hand warms them enough to moisturize and protect your skin… Here’s a couple pictures, and below is the full Etsy description. These come in the little tin so that you can keep them in your purse. There will be other sizes coming that will be in different packaging. I’ll be making more this weekend, so if you want some let me know.
Etsy Store Description
Solid lotion bars are a wonderful natural alternative to liquid processed lotions. Made in small batches with simple natural ingredients, you’ll be so glad you gave them a try! Simply remove the solid lotion bar from the packaging and the warmth of your hand will release the natural oils into your skin to moisturize and protect. Lotion bars are solid at room temperature, but may melt if left in a hot car or near a heat source. If they melt, they will lose their cute shape, but will still work beautifully! Simply place them in the refrigerator until they firm up again.
These handcrafted lotion bars are made by me in small batches with locally sourced beeswax from an Apiary less than 10 miles from our home, organic coconut oil, raw cocoa butter and essential oils. The scent is not overpowering, just a hint to remind you that the lotion is protecting your skin.
Sewing Machine Cover with Tool Pockets
I was very excited to go away on my annual Quilt retreat over February vacation at the AWESOME Strong House Inn. I promise I’ll do a whole post about it, even though it was back in February… It is such a great place to go! This year, my sister came with me (again!! She came last year too), and I really wanted to make her something… I decided to make a sewing machine cover that doubled as a mat that holds the most common tools (like scissors and rotary cutters etc). I was out shopping one day with my friend Ryan and found this ADORABLE sewing fabric at Daley by the Yard (just the cutest store, which we found entirely by accident on our way to a yarn store!)…
This sewing machine cover is one long piece, with bias tape along the whole edge (and a pretty coordinating solid on the back) plus, on the front edge, there’s a 4 inch pocket with varying size pockets. There’s pieces of the bias tape for ties to keep it closed when used as a cover. Plus, you can still keep your tools in the pocket while it’s being used as a cover!
Don’t you LOVE that fabric?
Here it is used as the mat so the machine won’t slip around, and your tools are right where you need them!
New Feature-Share the Warmth Wednesday!
Hi Everyone! I loved last year’s blog project of my 52 Fridays posts… I can’t believe that this week will be the last one! And, I also can’t believe that I actually made it every single week!! Yay!! I might do a similar 40 Days one again for Lent… But, I’ve been trying to decide what to do this year (you know… I can’t possibly do the same thing!!)… Last Fall (2013) I made 40+ scarves to donate, I was so proud of that, and of course planned to make more for this past fall. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I wound up only making 3. So, to correct that, I’ve decided to start the new “Share the Warmth Wednesday” post. My plan is 52 scarves, or other warm item, at least one a week to donate! I’ve already started, and have this pretty Orange scarf to start off the year! Anyone want to join me? I’ll be posting every Wednesday, even if it’s not completely done… I hope you’ll have fun looking at what I’m making (even if it’s many of the same things :)
Here’s Scarf # 1 (Wool-Ease Thick & Quick color: Pumpkin)
Welcome Baby Quilt
This past weekend, Kathryn and I attended the baby shower for one of Mike’s wonderful cousins!! We are so very happy for them and the upcoming arrival of their baby boy! Mom is a marine biologist, so I picked up a Jelly Roll of the adorable Bartholomeow’s Reef fabric and made this little strip quilt. I held some of the strips out (the duplicates) to use as the binding, and Kathryn helped me pick out the fleece backing… I LOVE how it came out, and they loved it as well!! Here’s what it looks like:
A little teaser :) All packed up in the adorable gift bag we found!
Kathryn helping me hold up the quilt so I can get a few pictures! Here you can see how big it is… Big crib, almost twin size.
A close up of a couple of the fabrics! Love those fishies!!
Had Kathryn fold it over so you can see my little tag, and the fabulous fleece on the back!
Close up on the fleece, I just want to squeeze it… it’s so FLUFFY!!
And here it is folded up :)
Kathryn took one of me holding the quilt too!