January Sponsor Shout Out

Only a couple more weeks left of January, how crazy! This month I have had some super rad sponsors! Make sure you check out their shops and blogs, and give a little handmade love! xo

Kiser Krafts makes unique and wonderful plushies from socks. Kelly also crochets, and is working on a rad collaboration with Cody from Lu & Ed. These awesome hats are open for pre-order with 50% of the sales being donated to Drumm Farm. http://drummforkids.org . Also, if you are looking for some cute Valentine's Day decor, Kelly just listed this gorgeous crocheted bunting....that I might go buy after I type this post up....Kelly also does an awesome handmade link up on her blog weekly, so make sure to check it out if you have a handmade shop!

Shop | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

Hamburke is a cute shop carrying hair bows, ponytail ribbons, crocheted baby items and reusable sandwich bags and wraps. I'm in love with these crocheted baby booties! Too bad I don't know anyone having a baby, because they would make the perfect gift! Also, just in time for Valentine's Day, these crocheted heart clips are just darling!

Shop | Facebook | Blog

Common Room is a blog/podcast run by some rad ladies, where they talk about all things Pop Culture, Food, Fitness, and Fashion. Check out this awesome take on Cauliflower Soup. These are also the go to gals for recreating Effie Trinket looks from The Hunger Games. I loved that they had different looks for different skin types and budgets! Lots of super fun posts, so check them out!

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Violet's Buds is an eco-friendly handmade accessories store, overflowing with cuteness. I love all her new hoop art, it's such a fun and creative way to decorate! Of course I like to brag about my sushi hair clip, you can get your own here. Also, take a look at her awesome blog overflowing with handmade goodness and fun contributor posts. If you have a handmade shop and would like to be featured, you can sign up here!

Store | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

My Craftily Ever After is an awesome blog by Ashley full of crafts and recipes. If you are a football fan, she has a great post about Superbowl Party foods, with a super cute set up. She also has a great collection of crafty projects in an archive, making it easy for you to find a weekend project. Don't forget to check out the yummy recipes! I can't wait to try out a couple of them soon!

Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Little House of Crafting is one of my favorite stores to buy little geek gifts for myself! Toni makes perler bead art and pinbacks/magnets. If you have a handmade shop, you can order custom buttons with your logo (which i recently did and they are awesome!). I know she is working on perler bead kits, where you can make your own perler art at home! Can't wait for those! She also features handmade geeky shops on her blog, check it out!

Store | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Be sure to check out all these lovely ladies blogs/shops! Thanks for supporting handmade! xo.

Niche Itch

Leslie from Leslie IRL recently did a post about finding out who you are on the internet. She had some really interesting questions to help you discover your niche. Some of the questions were super hard for me to answer, and really made me think.

It is quite the challenge to express who you really are on the internet, and easy to go with the flow of what everyone else is doing. I really like the metaphors she used, "What is your digital t-shirt? How do you decorate your e-bedroom wall? And where exactly is the proverbial lunch room of cyberspace?"

I challenge you to take the time to answer these questions and find your niche or answer them just for fun!

Here are my niche itch answers:

1. What is one of your favorite words, that you have never heard any one else that you know of describe themselves as?

5 by 5. Faith from Buffy the Vampire Slayer always says this, and for the longest time I didn't know what it meant.

2. If someone was to search for your blog in Google, and you could rank on the first page for 5 keywords, what would they be?

Kawaii, Dolls, Geeky, Handmade, Whimsical

3. What is your favorite adjective? Especially one to describe the way a person is.

Cute. I can't stop saying it, and everything is cute to me. My husband even says it now. 

4. Think of your favorite movie character, comic book character, or cartoon character, that you self-identity with. What are a couple of words you would use to describe their personality? What color would you describe them as?

I think I self-identify with Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter. She is weird, honest, kind, and non-conformist. I think she could be described as a serene blue.
 
5. What color are you?

Leopard

6. What are you the most knowledgeable about? What would other people say you are the most knowledgeable about? When is the last time you went on a really good rant about something?

I am most knowledgeable about ceramics, art history, and teaching art to children. My sister says I am most knowledgeable about Oreos and shopping. I think I ranted last about people doing those Instagram closet sales and selling Forever 21 goods at practically retail...


7. If you had to design a business card right now, and could only have 3 words on it, what would those words be?

dolls, handmade, whimsy 

8. Your blog is a food. What food is it and why?

Does coffee count? I drink tons of coffee, take pictures of my coffee, and tweet about my coffee...I love coffee...and cupcakes. I realize cupcakes are super trendy, but they've always been my favorite. I enjoy how cute and tasty they can be. I feel my blog is also visually cute and the content is tasty.

9. If you could plan a photo shoot for your professional head shot, what would you be wearing? What piece of clothing, jewelry, or accessory would you wear that screams you?

Newsboy cap, my big Warby Parker glasses, red lipstick, band tee, carigan or blazer, jeans, and chucks. 

10. If you could collaborate with any blogger, artist, or person, who would it be, and what would you bring to their table?

Kelly Rae Roberts, she is just hugely inspiring and positive. I'd like to collaborate on mixed media dolls with all her awesome possibilitarian charm taken to the highest level of cuteness, and possibly something for children.

11. Pick a tagline for yourself. Or a few. 10 words total, for your identity, and niche.

A fatal attraction to cuteness...which I heard in a Gwen Stefani song, but I think describes me perfectly. But maybe a whimsical wizard of handmade kawaii with a fatal attraction to cuteness.

12. If you could copyright one item, food, object, or animal, and when people see it they would think of you, what would it be? It will help if this object is not already associated with someone else.

The first thing that comes to mind is Hello Kitty...I'm kinda obsessed. Or Starbucks, but I don't see them changing their logo to a picture of my face.  

13. Your blog is an animal. What animal is it, and why?

I'm going to go with Mokona, because Mokona is very cheerful, cute, and crazy. I feel my blog can be any or all of those things. 

 

14. You have to pick 2 emotions that your blog will make people feel. What are they?

Happy and Crafty. I realize crafty is not an emotion, but on occasion I do simple DIY's, and I want people to feel like they can be crafty, and have fun doing it! 

15. Someone who reads your blog writes you an email, expressing that your blog caused them to do something, or feel something, or think about something, or try to make something, and it makes you so happy to know this. What did it cause them to do?

Try something new! Whether it is a crafty project, reading a new manga, or trying a new recipe. 

16. What’s your favorite mythical creature, and why?

The Luck Dragon from Neverending Story. We say our pup Loki looks like Falkor and is our Luck Dachshund

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17. Your blog is referred to someone that you admire by a friend. They use these 2 words to describe your niche. 

handmade and cute

18. You can only use one social network to promote your blog, forever. Which one do you choose and why?

Twitter, it's where I spend most of my time and where I've met a great group of people that I now consider friends.

19. You would love it if this store posted your blog’s business cards on their front counter.

Fancy Tiger in Bolder, CO! I've only been there once, but it was the coolest place on earth to me. They sold crafty books, yarn, re-purposed clothes, and local music. It's pretty much my heaven, and it's right next door to a rad coffee shop. 

20. If you had to pull an Emma, and take a photo of yourself looking down from your chin of your feet and the ground, where would you choose to be standing, what would you choose to wear, and why?

This was taken right outside my house, I was headed to my bridal shower. I'm wearing Vans that look like saddle shoes and that's a vintage Kate Spade bag. This was just such a fun time in my life, and there's no place like home.

21. What are you most passionate about? What would other people perceive you as being most passionate about? Are these things different?

Right now I'm passionate about making dolls, and just learning and expanding my skills. Others might perceive me as passionate about creating, which goes hand in hand with making dolls. I'm always creating or trying to create, it's what makes me happy and has the ability to make others happy. 

22. You have to choose a celebrity to do a poetic reading of your favorite blog post, with the perfect voice. Who is it? 

I'm not sure if she's a celebrity unless you're into dubbed anime, but I love Monica Rial's voice. My husband says I sound like her from time to time, which I take as a compliment.

23. What image on someone else’s blog have you seen that you love?

This image is from Ponyo, but I love their faces! I also love this post and video showing you how to make Ponyo Ramen...it's super kawaii!


24. You can only blog from one location for the rest of your life. Where is it?

All the local coffee shops I love have closed, but maybe I'll find a new one and never leave.

25. You walk into the Internet cafeteria. You see tables with every blogger ever. You sit down at the table with these 5 bloggers.

Kristin from My Life As A Teacup, Sonya Cheney, Cazz from Nerdburger, Katie from Skunkboy, Twinkie Chan

26. You have to decorate your online bedroom. What is the pattern on your bedspread? What poster is above your bed? And what CD is in the CD player?

The pattern on my bedspread is a handmade quilt featuring all my favorite characters like Hello Kitty, Pikachu, Marceline, Lumpy Space Princess, Sailor Moon...you get the idea. The poster above my bed is of Dolly Parton,  and the new Perma album is in my cd player.

Leave a comment and let me know if you answered the questions, I'd love to check out your answers!

Chibi Doll Giveaway at My Life As a Teacup

Today I am giving away a special edition chibi doll at My Life As a Teacup.





I am super excited! This doll has the cutest fabric!





Kristin is such a doll! Go check out her blog, give her some love and enter a super cute giveaway!

A big thanks to Kristin for having me, and being such a huge support!

Blogosphere Reads

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I've been super busy working on new doll patterns and herding a crawling Amelia, but I managed to read a few posts this week (and some from last week). So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

I've been getting into zines, and this Beyonce zine is awesome and has a rad playlist.

Speaking of playlist, Sonya posted a folk punk playlist to help you get your creative juices flowing.

I loved this cute video on how to make Ponyo Ramen Noodles

Leave a link of your favorite posts, videos, or playlists!

Blogosphere Reads

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Here are a few of my favorite posts from the week! Happy Reading!

Speaking of reading, here is a fun giveaway with My Life as a Teacup.

This post will inspire you to check out your local used book store.

This sounds like a great idea. Can't wait to make my own and share it.

Originality is something I think about a lot. Thanks for the link Lemon & Raspberry!

Got a good read to recommend? Leave a link in the comments.

Blogosphere Reads

Happy Saturday! We just wrapped up our garage sale, and I could use a nap, shower, and some aloe Vera gel.

Here are a few of my favorite blog posts for you to read while sipping a summery cocktail.

Organizing art supplies in a small space with Kara.

I'm planning on working on my Find Your Voice week 2 tomorrow, have you started? It's not too late!

There's going to be a new Sailor Moon Musical. If only I lived in Japan.

Some awesome small biz advice from Twinkie Chan.

Who knew the F bomb could be so inspiring?!

What was your favorite article or blog post this week? Leave me a link, I'd love to check it out!

Currently

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Things have been busy around here, and every time I get a second something else comes up. I saw this over at Lariats and Lavender and decided to play along.

Reading I just finished the third book in the Confessions of a Shopaholic series, and I'm trying to decide what to read next.

Wondering how to make more time fit in a day. Or how to build a time turner.

Feeling Thankful that my husband has a second interview for a better paying job.

Eating lots of cherries and ramen.

Watching besides My Little Pony or Littlest Pet Shop with Amelia, I've been sneaking in some KamiSama Kiss.

Working On finding a routine to get more done with a baby. It's tough. I need time to work out, work on illustrations for my children's book, and dolls...but none of it is happening right now. I mostly focus on keeping Amelia happy, fed, and on a quasi nap schedule.

Loving my iPad mini. It helps me get so much done with a baby sleeping on me.

Drinking mineral water or strawber-Rita's.

Playing nothing right now. But that new Animal Crossing game looks cute.

Listening To the new Paramore album when I get the chance or 90's alternative pandora.

Wearing Paramore ice cream tee and some GAP pale pink khakis.

Wanting a vehicle with A/C, Coffee, and these overalls that I will never be able to afford.

Following I haven't been reading too many blogs lately, mostly books or manga.

Blogosphere Reads

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I wish I could wake up and go to a yoga class. I'm looking for a new yoga DVD, any recommendations?

This is some amazing art, not sure if I could drink my latte if it was this cute.

This crochet tutorial is pretty rad, if only I could crochet.

Love yourself.

Happy reading!

Blogosphere Reads

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I've been trying to catch up on blog reading while I have a cute baby sleeping on me. Enjoy!

This post is awesome! Be yourself!

If you are a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you will enjoy this!

This is a great reminder not to judge.

This seems like a fun summer workshop.

Did you read any awesome blog posts this week?

Blogosphere Reads

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I've been out of town, and stayed away longer because there was a haboob and other crazy weather. Also, my momma is visiting, and we decided to go to Old Navy during Memorial Day weekend. Obviously we survived, but just barely. Somehow, I managed to read a few blogs this week and here are my faves.

I want to plant some succulents and not kill them! Here's a simple how to

I like spying on other people's reading lists. I might be stalking you on Goodreads.

I love making risotto, so I'll definitely need to try this recipe.

I loved Kara's design for one of her finals. I would buy this product because of the cute packaging!

I feel I need to buy this for my gamer husband. His hands are always freezing! He will get over how cute it is. (Seriously we have a Hello Kitty bathroom, he will get over it)

Happy reading! Let me know if there is a blog post you really enjoyed this week, I'd like to check it out!

Blogosphere Reads

Photo Source

Here are a few of my favorite reads from the blogosphere.

An inspiring post to be present, stop making excuses, and make a difference.

Everyone is juicing, here is a recipe that seemed easy enough for a beginner. I need to invest in a juicer.

Great bit of motivation and inspiration

I love these gorgeous hand illustrated plates.

I also love wearing my hair like this!

Blogosphere Reads

Photo source: A Beautiful Mess

Although its a little late, here are my favorite reads from around the blogosphere.

My favorite new iPhone photography app

If I lived in Marfa I would sneak into all the beautiful weddings.

I love how positive and inspiring Kelly Rae Roberts is, and the fact that she's not afraid to share her journey.

I'm sure we will be needing some Tangled Tantrums in the near future.

Blogosphere Reading List

I wanted to share a few of my favorite blog posts this week. Happy Reading!

I've only had Chemex coffee once but it was fun and delicious.

May the Fourth Be With you goodies

Make a bandeau from old leggings!

I decided to try this foundation, and I think it's magical.

I love love Kara's art journaling classes! Here's her newest!

Hopefully Amelia will keep napping so I can get ready for a coffee date with my girlfriends, while Papacakes watches baby girl. We are trying a local coffee shop, but more on that later! Happy Saturday!

BlogLovin

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Wintery Spring Day Moodboard

It's been springy here in Texas, until today. It's cold and rainy with a chance of tornadoes or snow....It's a good day to blog, listen to records, drink coffee, and stay comfy and warm. Amelia thinks it's a good day to nap.

Wintery Morning in April by kikicupcake featuring topshop jeans

Coffee Date

I meant for this post to go up on Saturday, but a cute baby distracted me from hitting publish :)

Something Inspiring: My friend Debra and her husband Paul. They make the most amazing costumes (and look amazing in them!), and they go to events and make people happy. I think it's pretty awesome. I love how they give back in such a fun way, and they do it as a couple! You can check out her blog Fantastically Super and their Facebook page for their non-profit, Project Hero.

Something New: I died my hair, again. LoL. It is super fun. I call it super hero red.

Something Disturbing: The number of pictures on my computer that I've taken of coffee over the years.

Something I'm Listening to: My husband left a Sufjan Stevens cd in my car. I can't remember which one though.

Sunday Style Moodboard

What I am:

drinking: coffee, coffee, coffee

eating: peeps and hopefully peep smores later

watching: My Little Pony

reading: The Kind Diet (again) and Tracy Anderson's 30 Day Method

working on: knitting, blog updates, and birthday gifts

loving: Amelia xo

Coffee Date

Something inspiring: My daughter Amelia. She grows so much right before my eyes everyday, and it's amazing. You can see her little personality shining out her big eyes.

Something new: My sister took me out for a much needed pedicure. We met up with our cousin Candice and left all the kids at home. I am now obsessed with buying the color of polish on my tootsies.

Something disgusting: Baby poop. This week Amelia had some crazy poo and ruined a pair of cute pants. My husband is lucky he missed out on that personal disaster.

Something I'm listening to: The Amelie soundtrack. Amelia's projector that plays the ocean quit working, but she loves sleeping to Yann Yiersen.

This post is inspired by Treasures and Travels, check out their cute blog!

Be Present

Recently I was in the waiting room at the doctor's office and I noticed that everyone (and I  mean everyone) was completely absorbed in their phones. I was the only odd ball reading a real book. Since that day I notice it everywhere I go, even at home. I'm not gonna lie and say I'm never on my phone because that would be a lie, I am addicted to Instagram, Twitter, and now Vine.

This observation has got me thinking about how things used to be before we all had iPhones as an extension of ourselves. What are we missing out on as our heads are down, eyes locked onto the tiny screen?

So this is my reminder to you, to put your phone down sometimes and just relish in the moment now. You may be missing out on something precious while you're trying to document and share it with the world. Just enjoy, and be present. I know I am...

Creative Space: Kelly Rae Roberts

One of my favorite things to see on the blogs of artists is their messy studios. I like to see that I'm not the only one who makes a mess as I work on a project. Kelly Rae Roberts is one of my favorite artists, and she is such an inspiration. I really enjoy her series Art In Motion,  where she shares the visual journey through the life of one of her paintings — from the blank canvas, to the first splash of inspiration, all the way to the finished piece.