Art Processes

Strawberry Jam

Refrigerator Jam

1 1/3 C Strawberries

2/3 C Rhubarb

2 T Honey - raw

2 T Chia seeds

Mix in  a blender and set overnight. The chia seeds will gel, thickening it.

This recipe was so quick and easy. And it is delicious!

Painting the Blues Away

The artist mother's multitasking. All set up ready to paint!

Ella: I want to get a "W" (alphabet toy piece)

Me: What if you draw one with the paint?

Ella: I can't!

Me: Here! This is how it's drawn. (the big blue W)

Ella: (after painting the little blue W) I CAN do it!

Painting Elsie and Neeny (Angry) Birds

All done! (Ella's anyway)

Projects Lately

The past two months have been busy with various sewing projects and reorganization. Our front windows were replaced which meant our living and play rooms were disheveled in order to get that done. Ah. A blank canvas to rearrange things! Not entirely pleased with the set up - it's missing a whole lot of feng shui, but it's a little more open, which is nice.

Living Room

Play room - it's divided into three different sections now, which is nice so far

The reading nook which is set up mostly the same way, just a different location

The toy area - this is SO much nicer than before when all the blocks were end up at the base of the stairs (walking hazard much?!). Here it at least stays mostly contained. We have her blocks and kitchen/tea toys set out right now. Puzzles on top.

And the arts and crafts section! This feels a lot better to me, though it needs better lighting.

The "I don't know how the heck to get this stuff organized section". The bookcase is uber annoying, and I need a space for musical instruments and a dedicated light box area. It'll come together eventually. For now it's just an eyesore.

An easel made from an oak sign holder we found on the side of the road. Nail plexiglass over each side. Tempera paints and watercolors will be awesome on this and easily wash off. The white holder is a wall shelf from Ikea that fit PERFECTLY.

I found white boards and cut them to size to fit over the plexiglass. And just like that we have a different coloring surface.

Sewing! These are split-crotch pants and chaps for ECing baby. Made them from left over fleece material and upcycled sweaters.

2 Carseat Snuggies for Baby. I copied a friend's work, so go buy from her ;)

Quite possibly my craziest endeavor yet: a maternity/babywearing fleece coat! There's a similar coat on etsy, but it costs WAY more than I'm willing to shell out for FLEECE.

Stockings! These are for sale on my Etsy page

Family stockings - a whole slew of these were made

EC potty cozies, also available on my Etsy page