Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

In only a few days, 50 shops will be offering 30% off everything in their stores for one day only! This Monday, December 2 use the code STORENVYFLASH30 to save! You can check out the full list of shops here: http://luanded.blogspot.com/p/storenvy-cyber-monday-flash-sale.html

Here are some fun gift guides with items from some of the participating shops:

Cute as a Cupcake Gift Guide: Sweet Pepper Parties, Kira Kira Kawaii, Adore by Nat, Afua Handmade.

The Kawaii Gift Guide: Cel's Deconails, Kute As A Button, Poppy's Garden Gate, Tiger Knitty.

The Plushie Paradise Gift Guide: Lu and Ed, The Knotty Boutique Company, Mohu

The Geeking Out Gift Guide: Little House of Crafting, Anomic Apparel, Krmbal Clothing, Tiger Knitty.

The Dollface Gift Guide: The Mollie Shop, Kiser Krafts, Landon's Toy Box, Ribbons & Robots.

Support handmade this holiday season, and check out these amazing shops!

What handmade gifts are you planning to purchase this year? Are you making gifts for anyone? 

I always try to make gifts and run out of time!

The Wear Your Joy Project

Since becoming a stay at home momma, I spend most if not all of my day in my pjs or tights and a tee. Somewhere along the way I'd lost the motivation to get dressed. I used to love fashion and creating wacky outfits, and it was a big part of who I was. 

Right now I am kinda in this weird transition of learning to love this new body that feels super foreign to me, and discovering who I am as a person again (not just Amelia's mom). I'm finding it difficult to take the time I need for myself everyday.

Kelly Rae Roberts(who is a huge inspiration to me) started posting her daily outfits online and asking for others to play along with her #thewearyourjoyproject. It's not about making the perfect outfit, it's about wearing things that make you feel good about yourself and that you enJOY wearing. 

I love how Kelly put it, 

"...the practice of getting dressed in the morning with intention."

" Moving from what do I want to look like to how do I want to feel?"  and 

"...moving from I'll never loose the weight to I have big gratitude for this healthy body and how can I celebrate it's creative spirit/expression today."

She wrote this amazing blog post on the why's and how's of this idea.

For me this is a chance to feel motivated and hold me accountable to get dressed everyday, even if I am not going anywhere. I find that getting dressed helps me get more accomplished during the day too!

I began to enJOY the practice of getting dressed in the morning with intention. Do I love it? Great, then it goes on my skin. Do I not love it? Then it doesn't go on my body. The self talk is moving from what do I want to look like to how do I want to feel? And it's also moving from I'll never lose the weight to I have big gratitude for this healthy body and how can I celebrate it's creative spirit/expression today? - See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-cowgirl-boots-have-led-my-heart.html#sthash.10TruWKe.dpuf

I began to enJOY the practice of getting dressed in the morning with intention. Do I love it? Great, then it goes on my skin. Do I not love it? Then it doesn't go on my body. The self talk is moving from what do I want to look like to how do I want to feel? And it's also moving from I'll never lose the weight to I have big gratitude for this healthy body and how can I celebrate it's creative spirit/expression today? - See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-cowgirl-boots-have-led-my-heart.html#sthash.10TruWKe.dpuf

I began to enJOY the practice of getting dressed in the morning with intention. Do I love it? Great, then it goes on my skin. Do I not love it? Then it doesn't go on my body. The self talk is moving from what do I want to look like to how do I want to feel? And it's also moving from I'll never lose the weight to I have big gratitude for this healthy body and how can I celebrate it's creative spirit/expression today? - See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-cowgirl-boots-have-led-my-heart.html#sthash.10TruWKe.dpuf

I began to enJOY the practice of getting dressed in the morning with intention. Do I love it? Great, then it goes on my skin. Do I not love it? Then it doesn't go on my body. The self talk is moving from what do I want to look like to how do I want to feel? And it's also moving from I'll never lose the weight to I have big gratitude for this healthy body and how can I celebrate it's creative spirit/expression today? - See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-cowgirl-boots-have-led-my-heart.html#sthash.10TruWKe.dpuf

I began to enJOY the practice of getting dressed in the morning with intention. Do I love it? Great, then it goes on my skin. Do I not love it? Then it doesn't go on my body. The self talk is moving from what do I want to look like to how do I want to feel? And it's also moving from I'll never lose the weight to I have big gratitude for this healthy body and how can I celebrate it's creative spirit/expression today? - See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-cowgirl-boots-have-led-my-heart.html#sthash.10TruWKe.dpuf

Here are my first weeks outfits:

If you'd like to play along just use the #thewearyourjoyproject on Instagram. I check it everyday to see what others are posting. You can also follow me on Instagram to see what I'm up to!

Showing Some Love

I wanted to return some love for everyone who has been kind enough to support me! It means a lot that you take the time to read my blog, follow and like posts on Facebook, talk to me on Twitter, and buy my creations. 

Please use the code FBlove to get 20% off anything in my shop! Thank you again for being awesome and supporting handmade and the arts!

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Amelia is 11 months old as of the 18th! I keep forgetting that she is not a baby anymore, but she's a toddler who wants to do things for herself. She is such a big girl these days! She had her first grilled cheese yesterday, she loves playing in my closet, she had her first play date, she actually watches the TV now....there are so many things she's doing I can't even keep up. She's trying to talk more, which I love! I also love that she wants me to read her board books to her now. She sits in my lap an pays attention for the most part, until she wants to read and turn the pages. 

The MLP party things I ordered from Amazon came in the mail this week. I can't believe her party is less than a month a way! I'm excited! 

What was your favorite book as a child?

Amelia likes this book called Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes by Judy Hindley. She carries it around all day, and I read it to her about half a dozen times before I hide it and pull out a different book. 

Handmade Fav: Artystik Ego Accessories

In an effort to promote handmade this holiday season, I am featuring some of my fav handmade shops. Please check out these amazing shops and support handmade! 

Tye from Artystik Ego makes wearable art disguised as jewelry. Each of these beautiful pieces are hand crafted from start to finish.

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This glitter and gold pendant necklace made me think of one of my favorite shows growing up, Jem and the Holograms. Not only do they sing a catchy song called Glitter and Gold, they are all about sparkle. I could see Jem wearing this.

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One of my favorite things about Artystik Ego is the attention to detail of each design. I love how unique each piece is!  Ask for a custom order, Tye would love to design a piece for you or that special someone!

 

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Tye prides herself on her customer service. This sets her apart from her competitors, because the customer is truly the heart of her business. 

Keep up on all the latest from Artystik Ego here:

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Artystik Ego is also a participant in the big Cyber Monday sale! 

 

 

Songs That Remind Me of You

My husband came home from a month long tour a few years ago with this album, saying this song reminded him of me. Every time this song comes on our shuffle, he always says "this song makes me think of you". I've never asked him why, but I think it's cute.

We actually had the chance to see Josh Ritter live at SXSW a few years ago in a church. It was the best show ever! He played acoustic and right when he said to the heavens, "please don't smite me for playing this song in a church," the power went out and he played it anyway.

 

Photo I took at SXSW

He's the best storyteller, and I love so many of his songs. I can listen to his albums for months, especially on vinyl. I am also in love with this song and video:  

 If you ever get a change to see him live, you won't regret it. I also recommend all his albums, although The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter is my favorite.

Handmade Fav: Love & A Cupcake

In an effort to promote handmade this holiday season, I am featuring some of my fav handmade shops. Please check out these amazing shops and support handmade! 

Love & A Cupcake makes amazing crocheted goodies. If you know someone who has a baby or is expecting one, this is the shop to get the perfect gift!

 

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These crocheted button up boots are perfect for keeping little tootsies warm this fall. I need to grab a pair for Amelia before she's too big to wear these little cuties! I love that these can be made in any color!

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This diaper cover and beanie combo are so adorable and would be perfect in all those newborn pictures! I like how versatile they are to be used for everyday wear too! 

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Speaking of pictures, how cute would your little cowboy be in this get up! The best part is, this can also be used for a girl with a change of color. This would make a great keepsake that you can put in a shadowbox to hang in their room.

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I really wish we had some of these cocoons when Amelia was born! Easier than swaddling, great for professional pictures or just a snap shot while they're sleeping.

Follow Love & A Cupcake to keep up to date on their amazing products!

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Scrawny Girl Shop Update

I've been super busy working on new products, sketching out new ideas, and just enjoying being creative. I am also in a super festive mood, even though I have not busted out the holiday decorations yet! 

I added a few holiday items to the shop. Each item is handmade and super cute!

You can grab 3 original watercolored illustrations that all my Christmas items are based on, in my shop. They are all of girls wearing glasses, getting into the holiday spirit!

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Here is an example of one of the cards. I cut each card, illustrated, then colored with watercolor pencils. I love how fancy the inside of the envelopes are!

You can also get the whole set!

Today I experimented with shrinky dinks, and made an ornament using these fun illustrations. I plan to make a few more to add to the shop later this week.

I've been working on a few more fun items including a few screenprinted totes and tees with my Scrawny Girl logo. I'm hoping to get those ready before the big Cyber Monday Sale! 

I'm also working a few Harry Potter and Bee & Puppycat sketches. Not sure yet if they will turn into paintings.

Is there something you would like to see more of in the shop? Something I could try and illustrate? Let me know!

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Amelia has the cutest little voice! She recently started telling Clint bye bye when he leaves for work, with a little wave. She is still loving My Little Pony, and tries to carry all her plushie ponies around the house with her. I ordered some MLP birthday decorations and invites for her party next month. 

We finally found a pair of shoes that fit, stay on her feet, and she likes. She's so cute walking around in them. They look like little moccasins. 

Amelia is my little helper during the day. She helps me with laundry, dishes, blogging...you name it she wants to help. Although, her version of helping is a little less helpful and makes more work for me, but she's adorable. I'm excited for the day she can help me bake. I'm going to make us matching aprons!

What was your favorite thing to "help" with when you were little?

Handmade Fav: Angel Hearts Crafts

In an effort to promote handmade this holiday season, I am featuring some of my fav handmade shops. Please check out these amazing shops and support handmade!

Angel Hearts Crafts is the cutest handmade shop filled with delightfully sparkly glass pendants, adorable pouches and hair clips.

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One of my favorite things about this shop is the beautiful Japanese fabric she uses to make the pendents. The texture of the fabric and the sparkly gold highlights pop under the glass, making each piece a tiny work of art.

 

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I don't know about you, but I have an addiction to little pouches. They're cute and they hold tons of stuff. Angel Hearts Crafts has an amazing supply of pouches with ruffles, owl faces, and of course Japanese fabric! These make great gifts, stocking stuffers, or something unique to put gift cards in.

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If you are looking for the perfect accessory to compliment your holiday party outfit, take a peek at the Kawaii hair accessories made by Angel Hearts Crafts! I love that some of them are upcycled! 

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Keep up with Angel Hearts Crafts and buy cute things here:

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Princess Mononoke

I've been meaning to share some of my illustrations on here, and I could really use a break from making dolls. This is one of my favorite illustrations to date and you can buy a copy in my shop. 

This sketch is based on the 1997 Japanese historical fantasy animated film by Hayao Miyazaki. Princess Mononoke is one of my husband's favorite Miyazaki films, but to be honest it took me several attempts to finish it. I am more into cutesy and happy films, and this one was too violent for my tastes. 

Eventually, I finished the movie and grew to enjoy the edgy story and visually intoxicating artwork. Miyazaki's devotion to detail is part of what makes his films magical to me. I found it interesting that he and his art crew spent 3 days soaking in the landscapes of the ancient forests and mountains in Japan for this movie. His style is unwavering, and you know right away that you are watching a Studio Ghibli film. 

 Although my sketch doesn't portray any edginess, I feel it captures a whimsy of how a Miyazaki film makes me feel. I plan to sketch more characters from his films in the future. 

If you've never seen Princess Mononoke I recommend watching it. Here is the trailer if you are interested:

Do you have a favorite Miyazaki film?

Mine is Howl's Moving Castle.

Handmade Fav: Kiser Krafts

In an effort to promote handmade this holiday season, I am featuring some of my fav handmade shops. Please check out these amazing shops and support handmade!

Kiser Krafts is a fun and quirky handmade shop selling one of a kind items, from sock creations to crocheted goods.

 

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One of my favorite things about this handmade shop is the "one of a kind" factor. Each adorable product is so unique that you won't find another like it in her shop or anywhere else!

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Each of the Pets and Creatures made by Kiser Krafts has a cute little biography, giving them their own personalities. They are great sensory play of imaginary fun for children of all ages.

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This rad handmade shop also likes to be green, by using a recycled filling of scraps. Also, upcycling socks into something fun and huggable is the cutest idea!

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There are so many cute gift ideas to choose from in the Kiser Krafts shop. These crocheted Yellow Guy Hats are perfect for any toddler...or adult! If you're like me and don't have time to finish any of your crocheted gifts, there are plenty of cute scarves, hats, and gloves to choose from in the Winter Wear section of her shop.

This week Kiser Krafts is having a cute giveaway on her blog because it's her shops 1 year anniversary! So hop over, sing a little birthday song, have some cake, and enter to win Birthday Ryan Lion!

 

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Keep up with the latest on Kiser Krafts here:

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Kiser Krafts is also a participant in the Cyber Monday sale! Don't forget to check out her shop and mark your favorites!

 

Wizard Love

I'm sure many of you have seen this by now, but I was just thinking of how cute this is. My husband sent this to me a few years ago when I was still working at the mall and having a rough day, because he's the best husband ever. November is the month where we marathon all the Harry Potter movies, and sometimes I try to re-read all the books.

My husband's boss just got back from Harry Potter World, and he did not know a thing about Harry Potter. I think that is the strangest thing I've ever heard! He must be that guy that lives under a rock....I want to go to HPW so bad, or just move close enough to go everyday.

My favorite HP character is Luna Lovegood, which I've talked about before. She's probably my second spirit animal behind Bubbles from the PowerPuff Girls. I also love love Neville, especially in the end where he kicks major evil booty!

I can't wait to share Harry Potter with Amelia! It's going to be so fun reading the books with her and watching the movies (when she's old enough).

Who is your favorite HP character?

Handmade Fav: Pelhuaz by Red

In an effort to promote handmade this holiday season, I am featuring some of my fav handmade shops. Please check out these amazing shops and support handmade!

Pelhuaz by Red is a chic handmade jewelry store that specializes in simple everyday jewelry. 

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One of my favorite things about Pelhuaz by Red's jewelry is the simple, yet beautiful aesthetic. Each piece is like a small token of happiness. 

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A great gift idea or stocking stuffer are the charm bracelets. They are fun and can be worn alone or stacked.

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Pelhuaz by Red has an awesome selection and variety of great pieces to choose from for any occasion.

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They pride themselves on customer satisfaction. I love a company that stands behind their product, and has amazing customer service.

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Make sure you load up on these cute accessories for everyone on your Christmas list!

You can find Pelhuaz by Red here:

Store: http://pelhuaz.storenvy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pelhuaz

Instagram: http://instagram.com/pelhuaz

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pelhuaz

Tumblr: http://pelhuaz.tumblr.com

Twitter: @pelhuaz

Check out Peluaz by Red in the Cyber Monday Sale! 

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Amelia was Cinderella for Halloween. We didn't take her trick or treating, but we did carve that pumpkin she hated so much. She loved the Jack o'Lantern! This year was the first year I made a successful batch of roasted pumpkin seeds. Like every year, we watched It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. 

 She is getting great at walking, and walking fast! She is starting to try and say more words, and loves clapping. She's really sassy and is getting better at arguing when I tell her to get down off of things she's climbed on. Her love for Loki is the cutest, and she just giggles when he is in the same room with her.

I'm getting excited for her birthday party, and I've been looking at making/buying her a teepee. 

Do you have 1st birthday gift ideas? I like to give Lisa Loeb's Sing Along Books as gifts for kiddos. 

Handmade Fav: Lu & Ed

Handmade Fav is a weekly series where I showcase some of my favorite handmade shops and products. Please check out these amazing shops and support handmade.

Lu & Ed is an amazing eco-friendly shop that specializes in toy storage solutions, friendly monsters for every occasion, and fun collaborations with other artists to help support various charities.

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One of my favorite things about Lu & Ed's products, is that they are all produced using recycled materials. All materials get used and recycled, leaving them with no landfill waste! They even go the extra mile and use recycled packaging. Every step of the process is as green as can be, and this makes me love this shop even more!

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These big and little Mon-stor's each have their own little cute story. How could you not love toy storage that enjoys disco or adores penguins?!

I want to buy one of these for everyone I know! You can store all sorts of stuff in them: toys, laundry, diapers, video games....you name it, you can store it in your one of a kind Mon-stor!

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Protecting all your gadgets and gizmos just got cuter, with Gadget Mon-stors!

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I hope to someday join Team Lu & Ed, and help change the world! Team Lu & Ed is a collaboration with other artists to make a limited edition product, where the proceeds are donated to charity. How cool is that?

Lu & Ed creator/founder, Cody, also came up with an awesome Cyber Monday Sale for handmade Storenvy shop owners! I am participating along with 50 other shops! Check out what's the what here, and start your Christmas window shopping before the BIG SALE!

  You can find Lu & Ed here:
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