Blue Corduroy

button craft

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

This Friday in sewing class the kids are going to do some button work. They just love buttons! Why is that? When I get to the button sewing part in whatever project I'm working on, I'm usually not that eager. But these kids could sew buttons all day long.

What I have them do is draw an outline shape onto their felt, and then fill it in with buttons to "color" their picture. This craft very much reminds me of one of my favorite Queen Bee Market vendors,Audra from Smitten. She makes some beautiful button art, along with restoring great vintage items.

It's also a great way to use up that huge can of buttons you have in the cupboard!

time to play {a quote}

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

“If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children when these are overdone, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play!”
― Charlotte Mason

We all need empty hours in our lives or we will have no time to create or dream.

Robert Coles
Contemporary American child psychologist

we went to the beach

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Technically, it was "the pier". I just love watching the waves from the pier, looking down on them gives you a rare view. This particular day the waves were huge, and every time they crashed under us, the pier felt like it just might fall apart.

It was a beautiful day. Like we often have here in the winter.

Although the waves were huge, they were not good for surfing. They were too closed out. (translation: breaking too fast to get a fun ride, like one solid wall breaking on top of you). Certainly not a good time for surf lessons for the girls.

In the end, finding treasures in the sand was enough for us.

i use cloth napkins because they're pretty

2012-01-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

I like the way they look. They make all our meals feel special. They feel good on our hands and faces. And it's just what we're used to.

Because I use them for their beauty, I was very sensitive to the fact that ours weren't beautiful anymore. After many years of service they had become faded, stained, and worn. It was time to make some new ones.

Along with the vintage linen white napkins (still in their package) my neighbor gave me, I also made about a dozen or so colorful napkins. They are so easy to make. If you start with a fat quarter of fabric (18" x 18") all you have to do is hem the edges 1". They are also equally easy to buy premade!

I keep a small basket in the kitchen where we throw our used napkins (after they're actually dirty). Then I wash them about once a week. The girls fold them and put them away. We have a large stack (about 30) so there are always clean ones ready.

Do you use cloth napkins? What's your reason?

a photo a day

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000-08:00

I've started a new project. This is not a project I was planning on starting. It just happened. It's actually a project my cousin Megan started. The moment I saw it, I knew I wanted to start one of my own. But I wanted to do it with her, too. Because I like her, and because I knew these sorts of things are better when you do it with someone else.

We will be attempting to take a photo a day for a whole year. Now I know this is nothing new. People do it all the time. But we've never done it. Megan's husband, Lukas (who needs no help from projects like these), challenged her to take a photo a day as a way to stretch her photographic talent.

We talked about what sort of things we would like to improve in our photography. I would like to work on more interesting compositions, a greater familiarity with my camera settings, better portraits, and losing the fear of self portraits.

This project will start off with just getting used to taking a photo everyday. Once we feel that is part of our routine, we will be adding themes to help guide us and stretch us.

You can follow my photo project at bluecorduroyphotos, and Megan's at onemomenteveryday.

And if this sounds like something you would like to do too, let me know!

etsy treasury

2012-01-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

'meet me at the beach' by bluecorduroy

the ocean and all it's glory.

Seaside Dream Fine Art ... ReganDaniels $28.00	READY TO SHIP-Crocheted... omgknits $65.00	Night Swimming - 10 x 8... maechevrette $20.00	Sand Between Your Toes ... SplitSecondGir... $10.00
Driftwood Wall Hooks & ... AnotherCup $78.00	Kurranulla Air - 8x10 s... elgarboart $30.00	Kelp, Rosewood, Anise S... ApotheosisHerb... $10.00	Driftwood mobile green ... sourisbythesea... $21.99
Wedding Wish Cards - Se... ShabbyPeaDesig... $21.50	Vintage Sea Glass Marbl... PebblesInLove $20.00	Hand crochet lace beach... TableTopJewels $30.00	Fine Art Photography, O... LafayettePlace $22.00
Bicycle - Beach Art- &q... dannyphillipsa... $10.00	Driftwood and shell mob... CornwallCallin... $17.00	Beach photo, beach hous... SeptemberWren $28.00	Seaweed Greeting Card S... willywaw $16.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

sewing lessons :: needle book

2012-01-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

I will begin teaching my 4th session Beginning Hand Sewing class this Friday. I just love this class! The students are kinder through 2nd graders (girls and boys!). I've been learning alot about how to teach this craft I love so much. Keeping the projects simple (with room for my advanced students to grow), and keeping my expectations realistic have been my main focus as a teacher. We use mostly felt for our projects which is so easy to work with and comes in amazing colors.

I often start each session (an 8 week course) off with a simple needle book. The kids love being able to create something they can use. This needle book shows them the importance of using a pattern, how to pin, and of course, the fun part, sewing!

Simple Needle Book Tutorial

1. We start with a paper pattern roughly measuring 5" x 3".
Pin that to your fabric (felt).
Do this 2 times so that you have two pieces of felt measuring 5" x 3".

2) I cut a small amount off each edge of my inside piece. Then lay one piece on top of the other and pin at the center line.

3. Sew both pieces together at the center line (right along the pins).

4. Cut a small rectangle about 1/2" x 2" out of felt. Sew this to the middle of the outside opening edge. This will be the button hole flap.

5. Sew a button on the other top opening edge. Cut a slit in your button hole flap (this is your button hole).

6. Now your book is complete! At this point, any children who get done early can embellish their front cover however they like.

When the book is done, the students get to keep their needle and pins tucked away for next class!

shout out to all the orange kitties

2012-01-11T07:30:00.000-08:00

via here, here, here, and here

If you have an orange male cat, you know what I'm talking about here. When we got Simon, the helpers at the animal shelter, the nurses at the vet, and the vet herself all told us that male orange tabby cats are the sweetest cats around. They make great family pets.

We sometimes refer to Simon as our dog, because he always has to be where we are, especially where the kids are. Ever since he was a kitten, when the girls are tucked in for bed, Simon voluntarily tucks himself right in with them. And when they go outside to play, he cries at the door if he gets stuck inside.

And because Simon is the sweetheart that he is, my neighbor made him this gorgeous bed for Christmas.

Cheers to you orange kitty cats!

a cleaning resolution

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

via here

I struggle with cleaning my house. My tendency is to spend time tidying up, but when it comes to the actual cleaning part, I can usually find something else to do instead. Anything else!

There are times though, when I have a bit more motivation to clean. The more of these happening at the same time, the more likely I am to clean:

when guests are coming over
when I get some cool new cleaning product
when someone tells me about their awesome cleaning routine
when I've put it on my New Years resolution list
when it's just plain disgusting, and possible a health hazard

via here

My sister in law shared with me her great cleaning system which I've used with good success in the past. It is basically a 2 week cleaning schedule, where every day you take one task. It ends up being about 20 minutes of cleaning a day (beyond the daily basics, like doing the dishes). And your house stays a consistent level of clean.

I also prefer using natural products. Check out the links below the pictures for great cleaning ideas.

Do you have any cleaning motivation you can share?

the 3-hour patchwork quilt {how-to}

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas, for as long as I can remember, I've made my girls jammies. This year, I couldn't rationalize new jammies, when even though they each had drawers stuffed with them, they would rather wear one of their daddies XL t-shirts to bed.
So this year, I decided I would make them each a new cozy, colorful, layer for their beds.

This was such a simple, and quick project! It really only took about 3 hours to make each one. It has a patchwork top and a blanket underside, all held together with yarn ties spaced across the top. Sewing time will vary depending on how large your patchwork blocks are. I started with a twin size microfiber blanket from Target (which cost $13).

The 3-hour Patchwork Quilt How-to

1) Measure your blanket. (mine was 66 x 90) Decide what size and shape you want your quilt blocks to be. I made my blocks 22 x 10, then added an inch to each dimension for seam allowances (23 x 11). I then decided I would make 3 rows of 9 blocks and then off set the blocks in each row for a bit of interest.

2) Sew your blocks together. Iron your seams. (Everything always looks so much better when you iron!)

3) Lay your blanket on the ground face up, smooth and straighten it. Lay your patchwork over your blanket face down, smooth and straighten it. Pin your edges together. Sew your edges, leaving about a 12" spot open to turn your work right side out.

4) Turn your work right side out, and poke your corners out. I didn't iron my edges this time. I was afraid of putting the iron on the microfiber, and the blanket had enough stiffness that I was able to go ahead with the next step.

5) Top stitch the outer edge to make it look nice and tidy.

6) Lay your new patchwork quilt out on the floor again, and smooth and straighten it. Tie both layers together using a yarn needle and yarn. This keeps the layers from slipping around and looking sloppy. I put one yarn tie in the middle of every other fabric block.

This patchwork quilt works great as a layer to cozy up your bed, or for a lightweight coverlet on warmer nights. My girls love the cozy underside, and the colorful topside.

You could even make this using a sheet on the top, and fore go the patchwork step altogether.

quotes to start off with

2012-01-04T07:30:00.000-08:00

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I like this one because when you start the new year off with a cold (like me), you have to believe that you have more than one chance to start off right.

via pinterest via sarah london textiles

And then there's my favorite for many different circumstances:

"baby steps"...{into the new year}

Bill Murray from "What about Bob"

via pinterest via dottie angel

I am excited for the new year, yes! But I am also planning on taking it one day at a time, with the best intentions on finishing strong. Sort of like when I am crocheting a granny square quilt. Oh sure, it's so fun and exciting to pick the colors and do a few squares, but when it comes to tying in all those loose ends, and you start to wonder if you really want the blanket after all. Then it's all about "baby steps" to finishing the blanket. And how happy you are when the blanket is done!

So maybe I'll call this year the "granny square baby steps year".

via pinterest via ravelry

hello new year!

2012-01-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love fresh new things! I love that I get to make this year into whatever I want it to be. I can leave behind bad habits, I can prune the dead limbs, and make room for new, fresh growth.

I've had some ideas of what I want my new year to become, and just the other day took the time to write them down. For some reason, that makes me feel one step closer to making them happen. If I don't write them down, those ideas just float around in my head, bumping into each other, and possibly floating away, never to be seen again. Well, not this time. The ideas are trapped now in my notebook. Ideas about blogging, sewing, exercising, cooking, mothering, housecleaning...

I can't wait to start sharing them with you over the next few weeks, along with a few fun things I've been making to make my house feel new and fresh.

holiday stitch market in pictures

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-08:00

Part of the charm of this home boutique is the home. Lindsey's house is so fun to play in!

The items not for sale were often mistaken for merchandise to buy, because they all mingled so beautifully together.

We ended up moving every piece of furniture into the garage to make room for all the amazing vendors. And it was a full house!

Brooke brought her deliciously amazing cupcakes again! My favorite: Salted Carmel!

These pictures are only showing the living/dining room space of the boutique. We also had vendors in all the bedrooms, too! For a list of all our amazing vendors see here.

Thanks to Lindsey (and family)for being so generous with your home, thanks to all the local talent who came with amazing things to sell, and thanks to our long lines of customers for encouraging and supporting us! This was definitely the best Stitch Market yet!!

'tis the season

2011-12-06T20:49:00.000-08:00

I just love holiday decorations! But I am always so dissappointed in my inability to get it right. Why, when I decorate for Christmas, does my house just look cluttered? And random? And wrong?

This year I am doing things different. This year we are in a different (bigger) house, so the cluttered feeling is not so much a problem. This year, I am incorporating some consistency. This year, I am consulting pinterest. This year, I am putting away some "regular" display items to make room for the extra Christmas decor.

I can't stop thinking about this, those colors, and shine.

What works for you at your house?

random bits of this and that

2011-11-30T10:28:00.000-08:00

I just had to share a few random bits too good to keep to myself!

1) My friend Ginger of Wienerdog Tricks has a large quantity of talents, including her ability to write real well (she is a professional professor, you know) and her seamstress abilities are top notch too! But I'm wondering if maybe she should have been a comedian. I'm not a big fan of vlogs (video blog posts). For some reason they usually embarrass me to watch them. But this vlog Ginger put together had me on the floor laughing my head off! Thanks for the entertainment, Ginger, and the inspiration to "go make something".

2) My other friend, Toni, (another multi-talented friend) just posted on her blog Porridge some darling pictures of some of her kids and all of my kids hanging out together. We were honored to be guests at their house this Thanksgiving, and Toni's camera is never too far out of reach. She not only cooks a fabulous feast, but takes amazing portraits! Thanks for sharing these, Toni!

3) The Stitch Market begins Tomorrow! This will be our 4th annual Holiday Boutique hosted by (another talented friend!!) Lindsey of The Pleated Poppy! If you live nearby, grab your friends and come join us for local handmade goodies, and a sip of wine!!

Thursday Dec. 1st 6pm - 9pm & Friday Dec. 2nd 10am - 2pm.

We have a great line up of almost 20 vendors selling amazing gifts for the holidays!

happy thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving we are spending the day with good friends. I'm thankful for this.
We'll hang out, relax, play some games. Thankful.
The sun is shining. Thankful.

We'll eat some really good food. Thankful.

I'm thankful that tomorrow will bring a whole new list of thankfulness.
Thankful.

finding a light in the darkness

2011-11-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it just feels like the darkness is creeping in closer and closer. It's out there, it always is. But sometimes it feels a world away, and sometimes it's right outside your door. We have had lots of bad news lately. A bad diagnosis for a loved family member, friends in pain, children suffering, and just today, news of a death. My heart hurts for all my loved ones going through such dark times.

Sometimes, when the times are too dark, it's hard to see the light. The joy giving, hope producing light. I saw some today. When I watched out the window at the kids selling bouquets at the edge of the driveway. The light just poured into the window, and into my heart.

The darkness is still out there. But I can feel so much more prepared to battle it, when my heart is filled with light.

busy week #1

2011-11-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Busy week #1 is done and gone. We had a super fun time with lots of different family members coming for visits throughout the week. This mixed in with me getting ready for the Queen Bee Market made for a busy week indeed. I made a concious effort to enjoy the little outings we shared with our guests. Walks at the beach, sitting in coffee shops, enjoying meals together, playing scrabble, being silly.

We had a blast with our first visitors of the week, my cousins Megan and Shawna. Megan is one of my photo taking mentors. She has been playing around with making movies lately. She made one while they were visiting that made me smile the whole way through. You can see it here. Thanks for a fun weekend girls!

I am now starting busy week #2. I will be totally ready for a week of vacation and feasting next!

queen bee market, here i come!

2011-11-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready! It's a busy time over here. We are having lots of fun family guests visiting throughout the week. I also have lots of fun things to make to be ready for the Queen Bee Market! If you live any where near Del Mar, I highly recommend coming to this market. Just in time for holiday shopping, you can't beat the selection of handmade gifts!

what are we busy about?

2011-11-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: what are we busy about?

- Henry David Thoreau

I feel like I've been so busy lately, but when I think over the last few days, I wonder what's been keeping me so busy. Some good stuff, some bad stuff. Some productive, some time wasting. Some work some play. Some for me, some for other people. A whole bunch, and not a lot, all at the same time.

grannys, chevrons, and color

2011-10-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

I have found granny squares to be quite addictive. The actual crochet pattern, once you catch on to the rhythm, is so satisfying. And then there's the endless possibilities of color combinations. Not to mention the fact that I could just gaze upon anything made out of granny squares for countless hours, and maybe even more. I found the pattern at The Yvestown Blog, via wisecraft. (Both favorites).

These granny square pillows are 14 x 14 and backed with a piece of recycled vintage material, full of fun color combos, which inspire me daily. They also have an envelope style opening in the back. I'm bringing these babies to The Queen Bee Market, coming up on Nov.18th and 19th.

The other thing I can't stop making right now is anything with a chevron stripe. Again, the color combo's are endless. These scarves are now for sale in my shop, $20 each. Flower pins are sold separately.

happy birthday mark!

2011-10-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Here he is in one of his favorite places. Shading his light aqua blue eyes from the bright fog. Deciding if these are the waves he's gonna surf, or if there's something better down the road.

I often think of him as a brave knight. Protecting his castle, his queen, and his princesses. He has the highest of virtues. The noblest of causes.

He is also a big teddy bear. The cuddliest. The warmest.

And perhaps above them all, a playful sea otter. Making sure to make his life, our lives, as fun as they can be.

Happy Birthday Marky ! I love you!!

a collection of quotes

2011-10-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them. ~Mark Twain, attributed

***

I am a lover of good quotes. And have often thought I would like to have a collection of them. What better way to collect quotes, then to collect them in a way as to share them with others!

So you will be seeing my quote collection grow, accompanied by a picture which may or may not have something to do with the quote.

Shopping Local

2011-10-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Los Osos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, you have talent!

Summer Figs still life ... toniweberphoto... $38.00	Retro 80's Era Peti... classicsunglas... $50.00	Looks like Rain for Tea... mdcreated $18.00	Vintage Style Polka Dot... faithmade $175.00
White vase with a femin... slopack $30.00	Reserved - Sailboats an... DabflyArts $20.00	Beautiful Mid Century F... gemiem $17.00	Aeonium velour. Hard to... SteveSuperGard... $8.99
soft pink vintage metal... sassafrasgoodi... $6.00	Vintage Russian Matryos... LuciaMaeVintag... $18.00	Felted Soaps Cucumber S... luckyloulou $34.00	Four (4) Yards - Delove... ShuShuStyle $37.80
Succulent Wreath Rainbo... Fairyscape $99.99	The Ladyship Ring - Vin... saylorrose $16.00	Vintage 70's Men ... CementTrampoli... $30.00	70s Butterick 5719 Jump... SloCrafty $12.95

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

This was so much fun shopping for local talent on Etsy.
Do you buy gifts locally? Do you buy handmade?
How do you decide what to get your father-in-law for Christmas?

in the garden

2011-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

We got two beautiful dark orange pumpkins this year in the garden. Too beautiful to make pumpkin pie out of, but i do have my eyes on some yummy pie recipes. (thanks Martha).

I just love the little green tendrils. Such a contrast to the large bold squash.

And then there's these guys. They just grow wherever they feel like it. And they smell so yummy, too.

evenings at the beach

2011-10-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

We have had some amazing evenings here at the beach.

We've watched the sun set over the water.
The kids have climbed rocks and boogie boarded in the twilight.

We've gone surfing with red skies and friendly dolphins.

I'm savoring it all.

I need to sweep

2011-10-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

This post will be cut short due to other housewife-ly duties taking priority. The front porch needs to be tidied up. The fallen popcorn needs to be swept away.

We had a fun weekend (as you can see). With fun surf, and plenty of hang out time. Then the first part of this week was full with house guests, of the best kind! My dear friend and her daughter came for some r & r. And thankfully, her favorite things to do, are my favorite things to do. So we did them together, sometimes laughing, and sometimes crying, and all the time loving each other.

So, until the home front is ship shape, I will be back to my normal routines soon enough.

watching the grass grow

2011-10-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

We watch the grass grow a lot around here. Not that we have a lot of grass. And not that our grass is always growing. But we spend a lot of time just hanging out. Not rushing off to somewhere else. Just spending time right where we are. Enjoying each other. Enjoying our projects. Enjoying watching the grass grow.

surf lessons

2011-10-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

One of the perks of growing up with a daddy who is part fish, is that you get to play in the ocean, ALOT. Ruby is a good strong swimmer, can boogie board for hours, and can even ride a small wave all the way in to the beach.

Ginger is a bit more timid than her big sister. She's not as comfortable in the water.....yet, but I have a feeling she too will be a surfer girl someday.

Thanks daddy for being such a fun, willing teacher. And for spending so much time with these little mermaids!

Random moments

2011-10-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Can you spot the Van's shoe in the picture? Not too hard to find, I guess. We're either tripping on them, or can't find them any where. For some reason, they're never where they should be.

On a side note.
These crocheted flower brooches are now in the shop, to accessorize your new scarves for the season. They come in 2 different sizes, an assortment of colors, and are made with a button covered in grandma's vintage lace.

new chunky soft crocheted scarves

2011-10-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Although our weather here on the Central Coast only changes about 10 degrees throughout the year, I have felt a certain "fall" feeling in the air.

I've learned to dress in layers. Because what may start out a chilly morning can warm up into a roasting afternoon. A soft chunky scarf is the perfect fall time layer.

The blue corduroy shop now has these cozy bozy, chunky, soft, scalloped edged, crocheted, perfect for fall scarves available to purchase.

Crocheted flower brooch sold separately (look for these in the shop soon).

word game addictions

2011-09-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

We have a tradition in our family that the women play scrabble when we get together. Well, we actually play long distance now too, online. I might even be addicted to these word games. I now have a morning ritual with my oldest daughter, Ruby. She's 9, and old enough to start an addiction of her own.

We play bananagrams in the morning with our tea. We have needed to alter the rules a bit, to make the game more fun for her. In the beginning she didn't need to link her words together. Now, she is not obligated to "pick" when I am ready to. Not every word she comes up with is spelled right, or even a real word, but she keeps coming back for more. I think I've got her hooked.

Are you passing on any addictions to your children? Did your mom pass on any to you?

camera challenge{d}: time to practice

2011-09-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Pictures from around the house, on a warm, lazy, fall afternoon.

It's been a long time since I've had to learn something new. Something that I am motivated to learn. Something I am selfishly learning just because I want to. They say the only way to get better at doing something is to practice, practice, practice.

I am feeling the luxury of having the time, the equipment, and such a beautiful day to spend learning something new. I carefully guard these precious pockets of time. For myself and for my girls.

the apple farm

2011-09-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Oh how we love the apple farm! And I've told you before, but there's just something so special about apple season.

Our apple farm has the cutest market, a small petting zoo, the best ice cream, and offers a genuine tractor ride out to the orchards.

Already, the trees are just loaded with fruit!
(this isn't our first trip of the season, and won't be our last.)

an etsy treaury for fall

2011-09-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

'The Days Are Getting Cozier' by bluecorduroy

A collection of cozy things, for days growing shorter, and weather getting cooler.

Vintage Film Camera Pho... CharlenePrecio... $25.00	GREEN and TURQUOISE 9 V... BeansterGoods $35.77	Eco Way Ripple Throw pattybytheshor... $50.00	Leather Boots Brown Low... nowvintage $42.00
Hand Made Lap Afgan DeeDeesCreatio... $30.00	SALE Mid Century Rattan... junk2funkbiz $485.00	Vintage Teapot Creamer ... amya68 $12.00	The Tether Scarf in rus... KraeO $48.00
1970s Frye Riding Boots... BeckyDrolen $75.00	Microsuede Couch MichealSparksD... $2500.00	Orchid Photography &quo... SSCphotography $25.00	Always Kiss Me Goodnigh... inwiththeold $38.00
Harry and the Hippie Ch... harryandthehip... $16.00	EXPRESS DELIVERY...Ligh... trendyknitting $70.00	Small flower ponytail b... littlemisslool... $6.00	Autumn Fall Strips Scar... Susieskorner $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

camera challenge{d}: self portraits

2011-09-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed, this is not a self portrait of me. But it's as close as I can get today. Ever since I read Elsie's blog post about taking self portraits, I've played around with it. Way harder than she makes it look, let me tell you. One of the hard parts is that I'm not as young and beautiful as she is. The camera is just not very forgiving when it comes to all those smile lines, sun freckles, stringy hair, bulgy eyes, crows feet sort of things.

I'm hoping that with a bit more practice, I won't be as shocked about how I actually look in pictures, and I'll be able to share my progression in the art of the self portrait.

So today, picture me as a wild flower, growing near the coast, the color of warm sunshine.

hapiness = yarn

2011-09-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

My hook has been flying lately. And I have been happy as a clam! All the color combination possibilities, all the patterns. We are sure to be cozy this fall.

The ulitmate in crochet happiness is sitting on my front porch in the sun, or on my upstairs couch, gazing out my picture window, or watching a movie next to my husband, with a hook in my hand and a basket of yarn by my side.

This little guy is stuffed now, but soon all those lovely colors will be wonderful creations, and it will be time to fill him up again.

Oh, and never mind the messy condition all those balls are in. I'm too busy sitting in the sun crocheting to bother rolling them up nicely. I'll have to do that some other time.

salsa from the garden

2011-09-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

We grew tomatillos this summer.
I just love the little green papery lanterns.

After I harvested these guys, I made up a huge batch of salsa verde, bagged it up, and put it in the freezer.

It was a simple recipe:
tomatillos
onions
jalapenos
cilantro

I froze it raw, and will eventually simmer it with my chicken, to make some yummy enchiladas!

camera challenge{d}: photo block

2011-09-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

I love taking pictures! I love looking at pretty/interesting/meaningful pictures.
But, I've just recently discovered a bit of photo block.
I'm not sure if that's what it's called.
It's equivilant in the literary world is writers block.
That dreaded sense that you want to take a picture, you're ready to take a picture,
but you're just not sure what to take a picure of.

Now, of course I have my favorite subjects:
my girls
the beach
flowers
ummmmm.....

See the problem?
What do you like taking pictures of?

a day in the park

2011-09-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

It is actually unusual for our family to go to the park together on the weekend.
Our normal weekend outings have something to do with/in/or of the coast.
This last weekend, however, we were all either getting over a cold, or just starting a cold, so heading to the sunny park was all we could muster for the day.

Funny, how we still ended up finding the water, and getting in.

I'm happy to say that we're all feeling much better!

lindsay {lee la la}: interviewed

2011-09-09T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've been having so much fun interviewing my blogger friends!
Today I introduce to you Lindsay, from Lee la la.
Lindsay is perhaps my very first "online" friend I ever made.
She is just adorable. She authors a very honest, truth be told, light hearted blog.
She also makes sweet accessories for girls and women and sells them on etsy.
Some day, I plan on meeting her face to face!

Hi Blue Corduroy friends. I am so excited to be featured here today.

1) Hi Lindsay! It's been so fun watching your blog grow over the last year or so and I'm so glad to get to share you with my friends!! What was the first blog you ever read? At what point did you decide you needed your own blog? The first blog I ever read was my best friend's family blog. I loved how it kept family and friends updated on her busy life, while being creative with pictures at the same time. I initially started my own blog to do just that, document the life of my new family of 3. Then I saw the business side of it, and followed my passion to write.

2) You often mention how shy you are/used to be, but lately I have noticed such a raw honesty in your writing that can only come from boldness. Has this just come naturally, or was there something you've learned to acheive this? Growing up, I was painfully shy. I admitted that with a raw and vulnerable post titled "My Secret, EXPOSED". I honestly think I get more confident with age. Becoming a momma has helped tremendously.

3) You make some super cute jewelry and accessories, where do you get inspired? I think my biggest source of inspiration is pinterest and window shopping. I love seeing styles change with the seasons and adapting my creations accordingly.

4) If you were asked to speak at a blogger/indy business conference, what would your topic be? It would be a DREAM COME TRUE to speak at a blog conference, in fact, this is on the top of my bucket list. I think my topic would be "staying positive in the midst of hardship" or "keeping it real in the mommy hood".

5) If you could learn 3 things this next year to improve your blog/business, what would they be? I would LOVE to learn BALANCE, tips for GROWTH of a blog/business, and time management, my weakness.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I LOVE meeting new friends so I'd be tickled if you'd stop by my blog and say hello.

BLOG SHOP

THANK YOU SO MUCH EM!

And thank YOU, Lindsay, for your friendship and inspiration!!

growing towards the light

2011-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

What's your "light"?

Versatile Blogger Award

2011-09-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Molly, from YeLLoW Me DaiSY nominated my blog for the Versatile Blogger award!

What is the Versatile Blogger award? you ask.
Well, It's a bit like one of those chain letters
you used to find yourself a part of when you were in junior high.
And, it's also a fun way to let your people find my people,
and hopefully share some fun contacts.

But, there are some rules involved:

1. Thank the person who gave it to you and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Nominate 15 blogs you have recently discovered.

7 things about me:

1. I can't drink caffeine. Decaf gets me plenty revved up.
2. I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was in the 3rd. grade. (my 6 year old just learned today!)
3. I've never been to Hawaii. (please tell me I'm not the only one!)
4. I don't have a cell phone OR a television.
5. I don't like potato chips. Never have.
6. I have a bad habit of giving people advice. (whether they asked or not)
7. I hate talking on the phone. (maybe one reason why I don't have a cell)

This is actually a good way to discover some new blogs.
I have been checking out YeLLoW Me DaiSY's list.
Here are the newest 15 blogs to me:

1. AdaLou {the blog}
2. Lost in the Haze
3. She Can't Decide
4. have cake, will travel
5. Cookie+Curly
6. A Blondie Day
7. The Sweet Stuff
8. le happy
9. emily sparks
10. A little bit of my life
11. Funky Vintage Lovely Blog
12. Stacy Lynn
13. lollipops
14. Creme de la Gems
15. Simply Joy

Check them out and enjoy meeting some fun new blogs!
Let me know which ones are your favorites!

a moment of thanksgiving

2011-09-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

This cold I've been fighting all week has finally taken over.

I'm thankful for the long weekend ahead to recover.
I'm thankful my husband will be home from working far far away from home.
I'm thankful for the wonderful week I had with my mom who came to visit.
I'm thankful I'll be teaching a small class of kids sewing again.
I'm thankful I'll also be teaching a crochet class.
I'm thankful for the sun that soon will be shining on my house, as soon as all this summer fog goes away.
I'm thankful for these orange flowers that live down the street.

a tidy photo walk

2011-08-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

I like order. I like things tidy. I like things neat.
I did not set out to find order on my photo walk the other day, it found me.
Over and over and over again.

justin morgan had a horse

2011-08-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

The girls have had horse fever for years now. And we've read our share of classic horse stories. We just love the stories we've read by author Marguerite Henry. Misty of Chincoteague and King of the Wind are favorites!

Justin Morgan Had A Horse is just as good. It's a true story about the Morgan breed. An American breed. About a colt named Little Bub, who grows up to be an unexpected champion work horse.

Then suddenly Joel's face lit up as if he had just thought of something for the first time. "Why, come to think of it, he's like us. He's American, that's what he is. American!"

A story that gives hope to the underdog. Pride for hard work.
And reward for patients.

back to school shopping?

2011-08-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent some time "back to school" shopping
for the girls (and myself).
We didn't need much,
but I thought it might be nice if we had something new for the start of school.
Kind of a celebration of a new year of learning.
As I was telling my friend on the phone what I had found at the thrift store that day she questioned whether I should really be calling it "back to school" shopping.

Doesn't everybody consider an instant collection of sweet vases, a few bowls and plates, and a handy vintage tray all back to school necessities?

I guess I also found some great jeans (all under $5),
and a few cute tops to satisfy the back to school shopping purists out there.

**the summer dress sale in my etsy shop continues for 6 more days!
use coupon code summer11**

pinks from the garden

2011-08-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm back with more photos in pink.
This time, from the garden!

dress sale!

2011-08-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Dresses are on SALE in my shop to celebrate another fabulous summer season!

With coupon code summer11 you will recieve 30% off your dress order!!
This offer is good through the end of August.

My shop is freshly loaded with girls sizes 2 thru 8.
In a variety of shapes and colors.
Enjoy the rest of summer!!

a surf date

2011-08-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Mark and I had a fun surf date while Nana had the girls.
We used to do this sort of thing all the time before kids.
And we still do it all the time with the kids.
But there was something special about doing it with just the two of us, like old times.

Looking for good waves can take all day, and can cover miles of coastline.
I love the California coast, and have become quite familiar with it because of our surf habit.
This particular day we drove from Los Osos up to the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse.
Stopping at every surf break along the way.

We ended up back at San Simeon (where Hearst Castle looks down upon).
The waves were glassy and fun!
We surfed for hours.
Well worth the search.

pink

2011-08-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm happy to say that I am now feeling more comfortable with my camera.
I'm understanding more about the different settings, and how to adjust them.
I'm noticing when the lighting is nice, and when it is not.
And I'm having a TON of fun!

I've decided the next step for me is practice.
And lots of it.

I'm joining up with Vanessa's Color Your World {100 Project} flickr group,
to help me focus on my subject matter.
I'm joining up halfway through, but I'm a "glass is half full" sort of gal.
So, pink it is for now.

From blog photos

porridge's toni weber interviewed

2011-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Many of you may know Toni from her first blog, Simple Sparrow.
She is an artist in all things.
She has a knack for finding beauty in the everyday.
She has become a very close friend to me,
and a mentor in so many ways.
She is now the author of porridge, photography, living & other satisfying things
and toni weber photography indy business owner.
I'm so thankful to have her share with us some valuable insight into blogging...

1. what was the first blog you read, and when did you decide you wanted in?

The first blog I came across was Bella Dia. I was totally smitten with her gorgeous felt pincushions right away. She also had links to other craft blogs on her sidebar, and that's when the world of creative blogging opened up to me. It only took about three seconds flat to know that I wanted in, definitely! That was six years ago, and I've been blogging ever since. Cassy doesn't seem to be updating her blog any longer, but it's still available to read: http://belladia.typepad.com. I eventually became the very proud owner of one of her pincushions and it sits on my desk to this very day. Here's a photo of it from her gallery: http://belladia.typepad.com/photos/thingsimade/p1010029.html

2. in your opinion, what are the top 3 things a blogger can give their readers? the top 3 pitfalls that are critical to avoid while blogging?

Oh goodness. Lets see...

*Well, first and foremost one should be absolutely genuine. Be true to who "you" are. It can be tempting to imitate other bloggers you admire or who are super popular--it's just human nature. Here's a quote I like, " Be yourself, everyone else is taken." Besides, people are already reading a blog "like that one". It's awesome to glean inspiration from others, but give the world your spin on things--you have a lot to offer!

*Value what you post--from the simplest thoughts to the most complex. Don't share it if you don't love it. Never post just to get something up there--your readers are smart people and they can smell insincerity a mile away and will move on.

*I also like to offer my readers information they might find useful and inspiring. This comes in the form of recipes, how-to's, links to other artists and websites, etc... I certainly don't want my blog to be all about me all the time.

* Lastly, I try hard to connect with my readers. This can be a challenge because my life away from the computer is full (like most people!) Even so, that 'human touch' is valuable so I make an effort--even if I'm only able to respond to one reader.

As far as pitfalls go, the opposites of what I shared above would definitely be some things to avoid!

3. at some point, your craft blog with great pictures turned into a photographer's blog. what do you think was the biggest influence in the crossover?

Boy Em, you are really making me think hard this morning! Writing Simple Sparrow for four years was definitely an integral part of my creative journey. Without it, I'm not so sure my love for photography would have developed to where it is today. Years back, there was definitely a trend, or maybe desire is a better word, to take one's photographs to the next level. Simple snapshots were not cutting it any more--and beautiful, artistic, thoughtful photos were definitely more satisfying to look at, no one would argue with that. I think what influenced me was seeing all the gorgeous photos that others were posting--it was totally inspiring. It wasn't too long after that when photography in and of itself became a part of me--and how I wanted to express myself.

4. what tips on photography would you only give to a close friend?

I would share anything I've learned with a new friend or a close friend! I have been helped in life by so many generous people, artistically and otherwise. I want to give back in the same way.

5. how has summer affected your blog and photography?

Photography wise I get super excited! Summer is my favorite season and the light at this time of year moves me like no other. Blogging wise, this happens to be one of the busiest summers for my family that I can remember--so my posting may be spotty. But I'm always thinking about my blog even when I'm away. It's been a connection with people and creativity that I will always hold dear!

Thank you so much Toni!

You can stay up to date on Toni and her lovely life at porridge.
You can also find a beautiful variety of photos for sale at Toni Weber Photography.

*all photos courtesy of Toni Weber*

school is cool

2011-08-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

School starts early in these parts.
We have just over one week left of summer.
Do you remember how exciting back to school was?
Gathering all your new supplies.
Starting fresh.

Vintage Painted School House... thevrose $35.00	vintage. wooden. folding rul... funkeyfinds $16.00	School Bus Madness - Saturda... JVoyage $3.95	Vintage Aqua Smith Corona Co... CathodeBlue $75.00
DESK ORGANIZER Tools Holder ... lessandmore $59.00	Knitted Red Apple sprinklewithsu... $9.00	academic planner redstarINK $30.00	Back to School - Hot Pink Ow... CaliforniaSwee... $9.50
Farmdale Orchard Red Apples ... sewfreshfabric... $2.75	SALE--Back to School-- Recyc... HocusFocus $12.00	Vintage 1965 Fisher Price Li... Modnique $24.99	J. Chein & Company Lithograp... jerseyicecream... $65.00
Pair of green children's... jawaddel $98.00	Old School Vintage School De... rhapsodyattic $175.00	Write On-Retro Vintage Typew... CoffeeShop $8.00	Vintage Pencil Sharpener Sch... birdie1 $14.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

camera challenge{d}: the queen bee market

2011-08-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last week was the Queen Bee Market in downtown San Diego.
I was certainly looking forward to going with my new camera!
But as soon as I got there I realized what my challenge would be.
Bad, inside lighting.
I tried some photos with my flash, but was not happy with the results,
so instead, I cranked up my ISO, and did a lot of light editing later.

Gioia's sweet face from Pillow Factory.

Emily Sparks beautiful crocheted pieces.

I love these bow ties from Bebecha Gifts!

Lollipops cute display.

Creme de la Gems.

Beautiful vintage hair pins.

Funky Vintage Lovely and her lovely rings.

Funky Vintage Lovely painted frames.

Allora Handmade sweet bud earrings.

Stacy Lynn's recycled leather bag.

Spiffing Jewelry sparkly color.

Button butterfly from smitten.

A corner of Blue Corduroy.

**if anyone can help remind me where the vintage hair pins came from
i would appreciate it**

a recipe from the garden

2011-08-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a recipe I wanted to share with you.
A way to use all those lovely green beans that are so plentiful right now.
My sister in law, Arti, is a fabulous cook.
She shared this recipe with us years ago.
It's a winner.

Haricots Verts with Herb Vinaigrette

Dressing:

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp white wine or seasoned rice vinegar
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp sweet hot mustard
1 small clove garlic, finely minced
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp finely chopped basil
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp finely chopped parsley

1/2 lb. French or regular green beans
zest of 1/2 a lemon
1/4 or more of toasted, slivered almonds

In a medium bowl, whisk together ingredients for the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Put the beans into boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking.

Drain the beans and toss with the vinaigrette. Mix in the lemon zest and almonds.

p.s. you can find the cute leather cuff that Toni is wearing here.

3rd annual kid craft fair

2011-08-05T07:30:00.000-07:00

This years Kid Craft Fair was the best yet!
57 booths.
Over 100 kids participating.
And such a great variety of creativity!!

Homemade jam! We got some, and it is YUM!

See the eager shopper on the left? How can you resist?

What amazing colors!

My own Ruby's booth. :)

This boy made cupcakes in honor of his sister's birthday.

It's not a kids craft fair without a few pet rocks!

It was such a fun day seeing whole families come together in support of their kids' creativity
and in support of the community as a whole.

With many thanks to Joe and the Los Osos Library staff for hosting the event!

This really is such a simple event to pull together. And this year, with the help of a few key volunteers, I'm calling it the best yet!

camera challenge{d}: guess where?

2011-08-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

So, I went on another photo walk with Vanessa while she was still visiting.
And Toni came too!!
I felt so thrilled to be taking pictures with these two pros there to show me the ropes.

Can you guess where we went?
(extra points if you're not a local!)

queen bee market {summer 2011}

2011-08-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Queen Bee Market is back again in San Diego!!

Saturday, August 6th
9 am to 6 pm
Bayfront Hilton Downtown
1 Park Boulevard
San Diego, California

Always a collection of amazing hand crafts.
Always creative and talented friends.
Always a good time!

This summer I have a couple of new products I am excited to bring along with me!

The hanging hearts and shells come in a small size (with one heart)
and a large size (with 3 hearts).
The shell makes it feel like home.

These jar cozies have an unlimited amount of uses.
I use mine as vases, pencil holders, knitting needle storage, etc.
Or there cute just sitting there, as empty as can be.

If you're local to the San Diego area, or close to it, come on by and say hello!!

krystina of lollipops interviewed

2011-07-29T07:30:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of interviewing the sweet Krystina of lollipops.
I have actually known Krystina for about 4 years now.
Her girls attend the same school that my girls attend.
(classical education/part time home school).
But it wasn't until the last couple of years that we have discovered our new commonality:
we're both mother's who own our own craft business.

Krystina is such a kind, peaceful soul.
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her over the years,
and am pleased to introduce her to you all!

what was the first blog you read, and when did you decide you needed your own blog? Lisa Leonard's blog, listed from her biz card. I was intrigued because we were attending the same church and she seemed like such a talented gal, so smart, and yes, I fell in love with her blog and jewelry :)

I didn't think I could do anything like that until she and Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy encouraged me to do so for building a presence in the online handmade community and for sales and marketing. It started off lemon drops and lollipops and I simplified it to lollipops. It really has taken on a life of it's own!

can you describe your blog in 6 words or less? oh boy, ok, um... full of inspiration, family, and handmade love

what do you think the top 3 things are that a blogger can give to her readers? 1. eye candy -this is needed to draw the audience in for the first impression 2. originality -if my blog looks and or sounds just like the pioneer woman's or simple mom then I am not needed. I am a stickler for copy cats it's a pet peeve of mine, it really gets me going. "be yourself and you won't have any competition." 3. something of value either amazing photos, great writing, neat tutorials, tips, or all of the above -a reason for people to read and return to your blog.

what 3 things would you tell your best friend to avoid when keeping a blog? 1. do not copy as previously mentioned 2. don't make it difficult to interact with - make everything easy for the reader i.e. easy to subscribe via rss, easy to tweet your posts, easy to find by putting blog address on everything twitter, facebook, etsy, in emails and easy to comment -no comment moderation, no captcha code to type in. 3. don't worry about numbers - followers, analytics etc do what you love and things will move upwards.

you have many talents beyond blogging krystina. the most obvious being paper crafts and photography. how have these evolved with your blog? Well, thank you so much Emily :) I guess these are the things my blog is, my photography and cards are like the structure and my family and life are the paint full of color. My photography has become more in the moment, less staged, I am finding that a random thing like my morning cup of coffee paints a more interesting picture and blog post than a perfectly shot landscape - the cup of coffee is more meaningful. Things that make up our everyday life are more interesting then staged, fake scenes. My cards take on new flavors every month or so that flow with my inspiration. My home is beige and white -never would have guessed, right? My feelings come out through inspiration and style onto my cards and paper, these evolve as I find new pretty things around me seen in my "what i love wednesdays".

Thank you so much for having me on your beautiful blog Emily!

xoxo,

krystina

Thank you, Krystina, for sharing here!!!
You can visit Krystina at lolllipops
and her shop!

camera challenge{d}: a photo walk

2011-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Vanessa took us on a photo walk today.
She was the generous friend who gave me her "old" camera.
She is an amazing photographer and had so much information to share with me.

I got my head full of aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, etc.
Enough to chew on for a while.
And enough to make me want to know more.
I figure every time I hear those words,
I'll understand them a little bit more.

Vanessa has started a 100 photo project on flickr called "color your world". It will be 10 photos of 10 different colors. She's hoping to do one color a month.
I love this idea!

3rd annual kid craft fair

2011-07-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ruby has pretty much been preparing for this years kids craft fair since
the end of last year's kids craft fair!

Ginger doesn't think too much about it, until the last minute, when she decides she's going to sell lemonade (she's sold out the last 2 years).

This craft fair was a hit from the start.
I am so thankful that our library is so supportive of this awesome kid community event.
We modeled it after the kid craft fair in my sister's town of Bellingham, WA where we were happy to be a part of their 40th annual kids craft fair!

This will be Los Osos' 3rd annual kid's craft fair!

It is this Saturday, July 30th
10:30 to 12:30
at the Los Osos Library

This year we will have over 50 booths set up in the library's parking lot.
With Hula dancers for the entertainment.

It's open to kids up to the age of 13.
Each item must be handmade, by the child, and sold for $4 or less.

Ruby's favorite part is the last 15 minutes when Joe, our librarian, blows the whistle and announces "fire sale". The kids then start trading whatever is left of their wares with each other. So they not only come home with some cash, but a whole handful of awesome crafts!

how {not} to make a bias cut skirt: a tutorial

2011-07-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've made a lot of clothes in my life. I started with Barbie's wardrobe when I was 6.
I sewed my way through college as a costume design major,
and am now sewing clothes for my daughters, and all y'all's daughters too!
I never use a pattern, but often start with something I already have that I like.
But that doesn't mean I do it right every single time.
Usually it doesn't turn out just how I planned,
and there is some alterations that take place before I will actually wear it.
If I like it enough to make it again, I'm one step closer to making it perfect.
The more I make it, the better it gets.
But you've got to start somewhere.
And you've got to not be afraid to just start, and maybe do it wrong.

Here I will show you my first attempt at an easy peasy bias cut skirt
that I do actually wear (in public).

I knew I wanted to use this rust striped polyester I picked up at the Goodwill.
It has a bit of stretch, but not much.
And I wanted a seam up the front with the stripes pointing down.
To cut on the bias means that you are cutting at an exact 45 degree angle from the selvage edge.
An easy way to acheive this is to fold your fabric like you do a snowflake.

I had a skirt that fit me well, so I laid it on top of my bias fold
and felt confident that I would get the right size piece (remembering seam allowances).
But here was my mistake:
I cut both layers.
Which meant that my stripes were not going to meet up in the center.
They both went from high on the left to low on the right.
I needed to cut out another piece to mirror the first,
and then repeat for the backside.

Once I got all four pieces cut out (front and back).
I evened up the hemlines, sewed the seams, and did a topstitch.
I really wanted the look of the topstitch,
and often with polyester anywhere you want a crease, you need to sew it in.
(remember sewn crease front polyester pants?).

For the waistband I just made a long wide strip with my high hip measurement,
including seam allowances.
I doubled the width I wanted it to eventually be,
folded it over and sewed it to the top of the skirt.
Here's what I did wrong:
The polyester does not have much stretch, and so the waistband fit my hips,
but was not tight enough on my waist.
This meant that I needed to retrofit my waistband to fit my waist more snug.

After taking longer than I originally planned (picture a good amount of seam ripping here),
the skirt was finally wearable.
And I actually love it.

From blog photos

camera challenge{d}: the upgrade

2011-07-20T07:30:00.001-07:00

i have been having so much fun learning how to use my point and shoot camera,
hoping that one day i would be able to get a better camera.
i knew it would not be soon.
but that gave me more time to learn on my little point and shoot.

last week i got a package in the mail. it had no return address on it,
it was a mystery to me why i would have received this package.

this camera was inside. looking up at me. smiling.

i burst into tears.

dear friends from far away had recently upgraded their camera,
and they chose to bless me with their "old" one.

it's a canon rebel xti.

i'm in love with my new camera.
i've already learned a lot on it, with hopes of learning so much more.
the next thing i need to figure out is how to get the pictures off of it and into my computer.
then, of course, the seamstress in me is dying to make a cute strap cover!
(do real photographers consider this a priority?)

not camping

2011-07-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

not camping is almost as fun as camping.
not camping is when you spend all day long at the campsite and the beach, but then end up sleeping in your own bed, and taking a shower regularly.

this is what we did all last week. we didn't camp.

we had some close friends come camping, though, and we didn't camp with them.

instead, we had another family come stay with us at our house. so, all three families camped all day, while some of us did not camp all night.

Blue Corduroy

button craft

time to play {a quote}

“If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children when these are overdone, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play!”― Charlotte Mason

We all need empty hours in our lives or we will have no time to create or dream.

we went to the beach

i use cloth napkins because they're pretty

a photo a day

etsy treasury

'meet me at the beach' by bluecorduroy

the ocean and all it's glory.

sewing lessons :: needle book

shout out to all the orange kitties

a cleaning resolution

the 3-hour patchwork quilt {how-to}

quotes to start off with

hello new year!

holiday stitch market in pictures

'tis the season

random bits of this and that

happy thanksgiving!

finding a light in the darkness

busy week #1

queen bee market, here i come!

what are we busy about?

grannys, chevrons, and color

happy birthday mark!

a collection of quotes

Shopping Local

Los Osos, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, you have talent!

in the garden

evenings at the beach

I need to sweep

watching the grass grow

surf lessons

Random moments

new chunky soft crocheted scarves

word game addictions

camera challenge{d}: time to practice

the apple farm

an etsy treaury for fall

'The Days Are Getting Cozier' by bluecorduroy

A collection of cozy things, for days growing shorter, and weather getting cooler.

camera challenge{d}: self portraits

hapiness = yarn

salsa from the garden

camera challenge{d}: photo block

a day in the park

lindsay {lee la la}: interviewed

growing towards the light

Versatile Blogger Award

a moment of thanksgiving

a tidy photo walk

justin morgan had a horse

back to school shopping?

pinks from the garden

dress sale!

a surf date

pink

porridge's toni weber *interviewed*

school is cool

camera challenge{d}: the queen bee market

a recipe from the garden

3rd annual kid craft fair

camera challenge{d}: guess where?

queen bee market {summer 2011}

krystina of lollipops *interviewed*

camera challenge{d}: a photo walk

3rd annual kid craft fair

how {not} to make a bias cut skirt: a tutorial

camera challenge{d}: the upgrade

not camping

“If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children when these are overdone, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play!”
― Charlotte Mason

porridge's toni weber interviewed

krystina of lollipops interviewed