tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-374885582011-11-27T16:04:14.361-08:00handmades with styleAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.comBlogger1061100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-68084180756745043072009-10-07T18:41:00.000-07:002009-10-07T18:56:03.183-07:00

After a long absence the Plumm shop is re-opening for business...I have taken essentially a year off to really be home with my boys. Running Plumm was just requiring SO much more of my time than I had anticipated at it's launch...and that was on top of actually making all the bags and hats to stock the shop with!But! Now! The boys are in school FIVE days a week and I really, truly have the time

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-78778594161552892172009-03-13T15:58:00.000-07:002009-03-13T16:06:11.144-07:00

is here.The boys couldn't be happier.Neither could their mamma.Sigh.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-71630207149548908342009-03-09T19:41:00.000-07:002009-03-09T19:45:10.276-07:00

 Imagine these displaying treasures in a nursery....or corralling vintage paper in your studio. What a unique way to display art in a hallway or entry. The possibilities are endless.I use mine to display fabric swatches in my studio.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1116133601010396712009-03-07T19:28:00.000-08:002009-03-07T19:32:20.223-08:00

I found this fun vintage scale while out thrifting the other morning...It's so cute.It's up in the shop now.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-46470583952232592672009-03-02T16:53:00.000-08:002009-03-02T16:57:03.645-08:00

These little sweeties are up in the Plumm shop...Tricyclemixed media on woodRed Coatmixed media on wood

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-87903631418255446732009-02-28T20:06:00.001-08:002009-03-07T19:28:31.036-08:00

(Teapot Sold)(paper towel holder sold)I just put these sweet Vintage goodies up on Etsy in the Plumm Shop

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-18874688600212163982009-02-19T13:30:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:24:19.224-08:00

A mixed media piece I just finished for some dear friends...Nest.Mixed media on Wood.24" x 28".

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-64220842484461372342009-02-17T15:57:00.000-08:002009-02-17T16:12:45.599-08:00

Some freezer paper stencil love for the master bedroom...Pink doe for my side...Green buck for his.I made these up this morning While the Boys were hard at work on an elaborate car chase scenerio...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-10237297751363074582008-03-02T08:20:00.000-08:002008-03-02T08:28:34.034-08:00

Hi there...yes every thing's fine. Right after I wrote that last post me and the entire fam came down with the plague! 3 weeks of misery. It was during that time, while I was too sick to care about the computer, I realized how much time I HAD been spending on computer. So, since then, I've seriously cut down on my blog time. I'm pretty sure this will be at least a long term, if not permanent,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-54752691400888473962008-01-20T20:08:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:30.121-08:00

Kai Models a New hat style which was the brilliant idea of a sweet customer in Finland. She ordered a Whimsy hat in a "girly, but not too girly" stripe and requested ear flaps and ties. She left the color/design up to me and this is what I came up with.All I have to say is thank goodness for my customers and their great taste. This is my absolute favorite hat of all time....and it never would

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-5190692764027333492008-01-18T14:16:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:30.726-08:00

On one of my Thrift Store trips I found this Great Catherineholm Enamelware Dutch oven with the lid! It's a beauty...made in Norway in the 60's. This is the Lotus pattern in Green/White. Love this stuff almost as much as my vintage Pyrex.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-75741859662518041882008-01-10T18:34:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:31.296-08:00

Here are the Capes and hats I made the boys for the holidays this year....The flashlights from Santa complete the ensemble.I hadn't really intended them as a 'set'...so funny.More gift photo's coming soon.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-30180646232524014612008-01-07T13:33:00.000-08:002008-01-07T14:53:40.816-08:00

I've started a new blog...a place to delve a bit deeper into our goals to change our family's consumer ways. It's called...Our Small Box Life.An excerpt from my first post:The goal here is to explore the process of adjusting the course of our suburban middle class life from the status quo...to that of a more socially and environmentally responsible family.To move from the Big Box to the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-58014080170685649012008-01-07T07:37:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:32.247-08:00

(Me in my Pixie hat)(Our Friend Hanna in her Acorn hat)(Our Lucia in her Pixie Hat with her sweet baby Hanna in her Acorn hat)(Me , Kai (He dresses himself!..I had nothing to do with that) and Luke in our hats)So...I've been hat Crazy over here. The Whimsy hats are a constant,but now I've taught myself to Crochetand the hat production has picked up a bitI'm really focused on (obsessed with)

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-15327796654241050242007-12-28T08:35:00.001-08:002007-12-28T09:03:46.290-08:00

Here's a little video of the kids and their cousins the moment Santa makes a delivery at our Christmas Eve celebration at Nona and Grandpa's.Santa = Grandpa jingling Bells and leaving a big red bag of toys outside the front door.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-23867140364051012992007-12-24T08:29:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:34.901-08:00

Baking CookiesArtA Night Time DriveHot Cocoa by the Fire(See their Solstice Jammies there? They chose the fabric themselves.)

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-34004652348212918682007-12-21T18:13:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:35.703-08:00

4 thick felt coasters + 1 coaster cozy...A Handmade Holiday gift for a friend.Thick white felt + blanket stitch + decorative center stitch + 4 fun thread colors =cozy modern fab

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-46395038440561054232007-12-16T08:52:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:36.328-08:00

What fun it was!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-34996485172943721932007-12-12T18:36:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:36.476-08:00

I had no idea that that silly You Tube Widget was causing my blog to be an uploading nightmare! Chris Just told me tonight that he had been having trouble viewing my blog since I added that thing. So. It's gone now. My apologies. I was wondering why my views had dropped so much...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-14442980657213657152007-12-11T07:50:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:36.822-08:00

Complete.On to another. Soon I will close up the Plumm shop so I can focus oncrafting gifts and decorations for our family and friends.Only 2 weeks left until the Christmas.And11 days until winter Solstice.Because, for us, the Holiday Season is primarily about celebrating the change of the season...we'll give the kids a gift on December 22 to celebrate the Solstice.Pajamas...if I can finish them

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-59401157958322510152007-12-10T08:42:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:37.106-08:00

Holiday Card production has begun!We always try to take a quirky photo of all four of us...not the standard posed picture of the kids...for our cards. This year I decided that, since I took the Handmade Pledge, I should make our cards rather than order them. I had an assembly line set up on the kitchen table most of the weekend which involved... a paper cutter, a 20' tall stack of pretty papers,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-38638737055749660712007-12-06T07:26:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:37.479-08:00

This is my first time with the double pointed knitting needles...I always suffer through with the Circular needles. I was always so sure one of the needles would slip out and being lost forever. So far, nothing of the sort has happened. I must say, I am converted. This is a MUCH better way to knit a round hat.This hat may or may not be a Holiday gift for someone who I'm pretty sure doesn't

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-276399469452739462007-12-05T15:34:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:37.846-08:00

This Year's wrapping paper...(Are you catching the opalescence?!)Do you search high and low until you find just the perfect paper? Each year I expend almost as much energy looking for paper as I do creating things to wrap it in. This year was no different. It's taken two months of serious searching to attain this delicious wrapping. All worth it.My standards are, but not limited to: It has

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-2020277507915894302007-12-03T13:06:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:38.298-08:00

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For the holidays this year I created a new listing in the shop just for custom Whimsy hats.I get a bunch of custom requests every year from folks with great color ideas...so I hope this will help streamline that process.It will allow anyone to purchase the 'custom hat' listing and then tell me exactly

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-80904529782812551952007-11-30T13:56:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:39.332-08:00

Paper Chain...Check.Advent Calender...Almost There.I just need to stitch on the squares...then add the numbers.Better hurry...tomorrow's the first day.SO...I always thought advent calenders had treats.I never had one, but is seems the ones I coveted as a child involved treats...or at least the ones that stuck with me did. Things like little chocolates, or a small toy or ornament.But, Chris

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-48006078946032724942007-11-29T07:10:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:39.807-08:00

I learned about Free Rice over Here...and promptly went over and earned 340 grains of rice. It's a pretty interesting concept...if you've never visited the site it's worth a quick look.Or, better yet, a long visit in which you become hopelessly addicted and end up feeding a few folks.Free Rice is a non profit company who is helping us learn a few vocab words while using the advertisers money to

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-66387938191018482802007-11-27T15:00:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:40.012-08:00

I've finally begun working on our Christmas Stockings...This is not something I do every year...but we don't have a proper matching set for all four of us. That makes this the Year of the Stockings.Chris and I have a matching red and green velvet set that have our names embroidered on them. His parents bought them for us years ago and they've served us very well.Problem is that since we've had

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-17451971619840425212007-11-26T18:17:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:40.912-08:00

In Red.Over in the Shop right now.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-12380797762128691142007-11-25T11:47:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:41.722-08:00

Sunday Morning...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-86843822165093902232007-11-24T19:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:41.895-08:00

Christmas!Our holiday decorating always begins on Thanksgiving.We have this great vintage aluminum tree that we just need to have up for as long as is within the limits of polite society. It just makes me smile every time I see it.The kids practically worship the thing. It really glows at night...and, during the day, when most 'normal' trees are bland and boring, ours acts like a disco ball in

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-2537107325930903542007-11-23T12:59:00.000-08:002007-11-23T13:00:42.852-08:00

Thanksgiving jig. from savymanda on Vimeo.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-4439308253724347772007-11-22T13:40:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:42.496-08:00

I was browsing around over on Etsy this afternoon, in between stirring and chopping, and found these. I gasped. The cuteness...it is overwhelming. The entire Fantastic Toys shop is full of small things I must have.I have a little snowperson collection for the holidays...and I am allowed to add ONE new little friend every year.As soon as I sell a few more hats I will be treating myself to a

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-72740517843589381582007-11-21T12:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:42.806-08:00

For everything. I have so much.Tomorrow I'll celebrate it all...the way I should every day.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-21288292401639688832007-11-20T15:17:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:43.487-08:00

My fingers have been busy...The Shopgirlz hat order is all finished.It's probably going to remain pretty heavy on photo's and light on words here until after Thanksgiving...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-91031493465287399282007-11-19T07:19:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:43.613-08:00

It was divine.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-76617595519007151962007-11-17T20:14:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:43.778-08:00

Tomorrow is our 'Friends Thanksgiving' dinner.The table is set, the toilets are scrubbed, the children are washed, the fancy cheeses are chilling, and I am so excited.We will all cook together while chatting and sipping wine. The children will be supervised by everyone and no one. We'll all sit down to a proper dinner. Board games will be played. Deserts will abound. The fire will be lit.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-90280422148780215152007-11-16T08:50:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:44.237-08:00

For Sewing Room Friday this week...It's photo's of a baby quilt me and my girlfriends are working on for the newest baby amongst us. We each embroidered a square with an image of our choosing...Everyone really did a great job, you'd never know that some of these are first attempts at embroidery.Yes, the light is terrible here today...normally I would have scrapped these photo's, but as it called

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-62522916470964650582007-11-15T12:06:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:44.470-08:00

We are all in this odd state of wonky-ness. You know how a family falls in and out of their rhythm from time to time? We have fallen out a bit over here. Veered away from an easy stride and begun to overshoot in every direction. The kids are behaving erratically. I am overreacting. Stuff is piling up around the perimeters. The giggles just don't seem to come as easy.I feel that it is somehow

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-74349395729154775662007-11-14T07:55:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:45.120-08:00

So, my good friend Rachel asked for an everyday bag for those outings when she has her little guy and needs more than her purse...but doesn't need her entire diaper bag.The Everyday Bag is the answer. It has six internal side pockets large enough to hold diapers, loveys, burp cloths, bottles, and such...plus a cell phone pocket snuggled up inside the strap where she can actually find it (and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-46815247609279962462007-11-13T06:53:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:45.265-08:00

I'm buried in yarn.I have a couple of hat orders which, together, total 7 Whimsy hats. So, I'll need to knit a hat a day between now and next Monday. This is great news for the Plumm Shop.But...Did I mention I'm hosting two Thanksgiving feasts this year? The first is this Sunday.I'm going to have to teach the boys to knit.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-13955470635050587662007-11-12T08:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:45.765-08:00

(That's one of Chris's hand turned Christmas ornaments in his hand there.)I have been working on this shop apron for Chris since, well, I can't even remember... He's been very patiently waiting while I managed to complete every other project under the sun and his poor half finished apron sat waiting.Well, no more!Here it is in all it's woody-ness.So, since he's a woodworker, this fabric was the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-88057589620886009732007-11-11T16:30:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:45.905-08:00

For Chris's birthday his parents offered to watch the kid's this weekend. They had them for two entire days. Entire days. Our kids have stayed over at their Nona and Grandpa's many times before...and they always love it. Nona and Grandpa's house is a very special place. So, for the first time ever, we planned nothing at all for our kid free days. In the past we've always arranged

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-39138441595822019222007-11-10T14:23:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:46.492-08:00

(These two photo's of Luke were taken about 3 years apart....same kid, same hat, same ridiculous amount of cuteness. FYI...that's a treasure map in Photo #2, lest you think it was just some random piece of paper. Like I did. Duh Mom.)So...I did it. I washed 3 loads of clothes in Dr. Bronner's soap. I used about 2 to 3 tablespoons per full load on warm water wash/cold rinse. I tested it on

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-59209804326812469512007-11-08T09:00:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:46.630-08:00

We've been using the fabulous Dr. Bronner's soap for a while now...and it's just occurred to me to try it in yet another capacity. Laundry! So far it's our dish soap, general cleanser for counters and floors, shower and tile cleaner, bathing soap, face soap, and carpet freshener. If vinegar and baking soda won't do , we grab the Dr. B's. Why not laundry? I read around on the internet and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-34864430349258233352007-11-07T19:33:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:46.967-08:00

So, my little shop is/was featured in a couple places out in internet land...My knit hats will be featured over at at Shopgirlz for a week and they were also up at CraftBoom yesterday, accompanied by a tid-bit of small business advice I had shared. I linked the photos to the actual web pages so click over to see it all live and in person.Thanks, universe, for aligning the planets and making it

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-17615922054694547342007-11-07T09:00:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:46:51.660-08:00

Yesterday Chris turned 31...no longer is he teetering on the precipice of the 30's. He's officially in and I'm only 6 months behind him. All in all we're pretty comfortable with this whole aging thing, me a bit more than Chris it seems... (well, we'll see once my 31st rolls around) We had homemade 'decorate your own' pizza's for dinner, presents over breakfast, and this heart shaped brownie

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-90749553426628432852007-11-06T08:09:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:52.023-08:00

In an effort to encourage some of my friends and family to be mindful of their consumer choices I am creating reusable shopping bags as holiday gifts this year. I found this sweet strawberry vine vinyl over at Cheap Threads Etsy shop a while ago and stocked up. I knew I would find a great use for it. I know vinyl isn't a 'green' material...by my logic is that if the bags are cute enough and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-68015130336445154532007-11-05T08:52:00.001-08:002008-12-11T01:46:52.335-08:00

A few recent trips to my favorite local thrift store yielded some real treasures. The 'tablecloth' is actually a sweet strawberry vine bed sheet which may have yet another life as a blouse for me or an adorable tote. The shiny chrome flour and tea canisters are 50's vintage in great condition...and the blue and white vintage Pyrex cuties match a set that my Grams gave me when Chris and I got

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-67924585511355588882007-11-02T21:58:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:52.689-08:00

Last month, for various reasons, I started baking all of our bread rather than purchasing it. Originally I was baking it all from scratch without the aid of a bread machine...then I came to my senses. Breadmaking is a simple yet time consuming process, friends. So, I am now leaving the grunt work to my faithful kitchen helper...My bread maker. I generally don't like kitchen gizmo's and tend to

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-76017125505264869462007-11-02T15:16:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:53.126-08:00

So, once I got myself to stay in the studio for more than a few minutes...This little gem practically created itself.I'm thinking there's value to stepping out of the creative process from time to time and letting your ideas fully form in you head.I generally start in on a new idea very early in the 'figuring out' process. This means a lot of redoing and undoing. But, with this pouch today, I

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-62602203399037375422007-11-02T08:40:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:53.353-08:00

I haven't really been crafting lately. What little bit I have done hasn't been very well documented. I'm not sure what that's all about. I have a ton of ideas, most of the supplies, even little bits of free time here and there. Maybe it's the somewhat daunting list of crafting ahead of me for the holiday season? Maybe it's just the natural ebb and flow of the creative process? I do find

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-63478366542823191642007-10-29T08:38:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:53.816-08:00

Imagine my delight when My sweet boy said...'Mommy, will you teach me to sew?' I dropped everything and got that boy a needle and thread.We used embroidery thread and a hoop just to make it as easy as possible. I sketched out a heart shape on the fabric so he could practice staying on a line. He actually stayed at it for about 20 minutes. I was grinning like a fool the entire time!(note his '

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-66951242007994772852007-10-29T08:12:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:54.807-08:00

We had a delightful weekend doing all things Halloween-y around here. What a truly Californian Halloween...carving pumpkins barefoot and shirtless. Happy Halloween Everyone!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-55380436791951303582007-10-27T09:51:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:56.331-08:00

Last YearThis Year~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Last year ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ This Yearamazing.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-71155833759790691352007-10-25T12:52:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:56.511-08:00

On of our favorite breakfasts, lunches or snacks around here...Plain yoghurt, berries and nutty granola.We use frozen local berries most of the year as we generally try to eat seasonally. In the summer we get to indulge in all of the fresh produce from our area. Living in Northern California we have so much to choose from.We will be beginning to receive our local CSA (community supported

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-23613554539387656862007-10-24T16:49:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:57.246-08:00

We inherited this very prolific seedless citrus tree when we bought our house. I think she's a Clementine but am not absolutely sure. Every year around this time she is absolutely overburdened with fruit, to the point where I am sure the branches will all snap off one by one. I know I should probably be doing something to assist my poor tree through these fruit bearing months, when she is

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-52157659749896096282007-10-24T13:20:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:46:58.462-08:00

You may have picked up from my around the house photo's that I just adore all things mid-century modern. Because of that I spend a lot of time hunting around on craigslist and in thrift stores for treasures. We own a few pieces that we are madly in love with and have a list of others that we are still coveting.Last night I was able to scratch another piece off of the 'coveting' list. Meet my

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-40153570042652888442007-10-24T08:06:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:46:58.853-08:00

(a couple 'in progress' photos of a Metro diaper bag I made for my good friend Lucia. for some reason it never occured to me to take any photos of the finished bag. (smacks forehead.))I took the Pledge this morning! So, if you are a holiday gift recipient of mine you have a bitsy clue as to what type of gift you may be receiving (as if you didn't already have a hunch it was going to be

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-11617036372052251412007-10-22T12:32:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:47:00.497-08:00

Here are some photo's from this morning's walk.We live in your average 1950's California Ranch style suburban neighborhood, which I adore...but just across a little stream about a block from here you enter this etherial neighborhood that seems like it was carefully relocated from elsewhere. Like a movie set depicting someplace much more rural than this little city we spend most of our days in.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-19344782706745256462007-10-19T08:53:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:01.027-08:00

(Cute photos of my boys which are completely unrelated to this post. Kai is a frog and Luke is a dog for Halloween this year)I have completely sucked two of my dearest friends in to the world of sewing. It all began very innocently with a simple sewing lesson here and there, then some simple gifts.Now, they are full fledged sew-a-holics, fabric-o-philes, project-a-thoner's.I didn't realize how

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-74588315226009078132007-10-17T18:32:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:47:01.329-08:00

As promised..photo's of our Pumpkin Patch Bounty.The 2 huge pumpkins are actually compliments of Nona and Grandpa's Garden.I have the great fortune of having a father-in-law who is an amazing gardenerand a Mother-in-law who always thinks of her kids and grandkids when planting time rolls around. We also have a sweet collection of mini-pumpkins Nona thoughtfully planted so there would be enough

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-42984078981213642292007-10-17T18:24:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:01.884-08:00

My newest quick project obsession...Beautiful knit sweaters repurposed as cushy throw pillows.I have a feeling you'll be seeing a bevy of these around here!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-19403416200458564362007-10-17T08:07:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:02.113-08:00

How cute can one baby be?!My sweet little nephew Jacob needed a new winter hat...a custom Whimsy was the obvious answer. This was my first go with this many colors of yarn...and I was a touch apprehensive. Would I be able to keep all of the yarn tangle free and tidy? But, in the end, it was easy peasy. Everywhere I went I carried this project in my big knitting bag which I had loaded with

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-89349083299118549462007-10-15T18:14:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:02.879-08:00

So, I finally got around to figuring out that serger I got for my birthday (5 months ago).My first project....some yoga/lounge pants for Mr. Luke.I used stretch cotton jersey and just traced the inseam from a pair of pants we have around.Worked like a charm...I made actual pants on my first try.I used this Tutorial over at Luckybeans.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-260400001372507902007-10-14T21:46:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:47:04.106-08:00

We ventured out to the local Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza with the boys and had a great time. This particular Pumpkin Patch is the most elaborate (and populated) pumpkin scene I've ever attended...but it's family owned and they grow the pumpkins at the farm.You pull your own perfect squash right off the vine. I much prefer this to arriving at some roadside field where the 'pre-picked' pumpkins

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-65927134379275645602007-10-12T12:12:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:05.810-08:00

We've been easing gently into Fall around here. I picked up my knitting again, found some cozy reading spots for rainy days, gotten all the board games out, gathered some seasonal treasures for our nature bowl, and created a new studio for myself. Every thing's just rolling along.One of our great reading spots...get's alot of use by the boys.My new friend...A 1950's Necchi, made it Italy.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-20892561876075410262007-09-19T16:01:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:06.526-08:00

So, I am incorporating a new hat silhouette into the shop inventory for winter this year. It has the classic look and feel of a hand knit cap, but with a fun twist. A sweet pointed top that finishes it off like a little dollop of whipped cream. My hats were my top sellers last winter so I have been a knitting machine recently as I gear up to keep the shop stocked for the chilly months.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-81881682964883407782007-09-14T08:05:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:07.366-08:00

We recently had a great day trip to San Francisco...or as we call it 'The City' (apparently the city we actually live in doesn't count)...to sort of mark the end of our summer. We went to the aquarium and then to our favorite beach under the Golden Gate. One of the many great things about this beach is that you just can't take a bad photo there. I mean how can you flub up a photo with one of

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-83369551392127919432007-07-16T07:28:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:07.481-08:00

(the boys + Cole on our recent camping trip)So, I received a note from my bloggy friend Lucia. I've been tagged!Here's what I have been "tagged" to do:1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.4. At the end of

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-15673792182323048422007-07-02T18:43:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:08.735-08:00

So, I am calling my new Diaper Bag design 'The Metro' because it has that hip urban parent vibe. That is precisely the feeling what I was going for...utilitarian, yet stylish, with yummy fabrics to make it a bit of a statement piece.My friend Lucia said ...'It's like a messenger bag, but without the flap...I like it.' There are couple of these beauties over in the shop right now...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-27789528570742210832007-06-25T07:51:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:09.684-08:00

The boys had their birthday party this weekend. What fun they had! They received many wonderful gifts and, even better, many donations were made in their names to various deserving charities. There were bubbles, Strawberry Shortcakes (Thanks Melanie!), a pinata, sprinklers, friends - big and small-, family, and lots of sunshine!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-83167742746642298552007-06-24T11:45:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:10.246-08:00

So, I have been working away on this diaper bag for my sister for the past month or so. The majority of time I have been able to commit to it in that time went to working out the pattern. There were quite a few features that she and I had discussed including an adjustable strap, zipper top, inside and outside pockets, and a smaller, purse-like profile. I think this definitely fits the bill.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-88892028140786673972007-06-10T12:40:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:47:10.449-08:00

So, June is a jam packed month for us. This month holds so many of our special days....Our anniversary, both Kai's and Luke's birthdays, Fathers Day, and the anniversary of our 'First Decree' in Kai's adoption (basically the day we got 'The Call'). Very often,although not this year, our anniversary or Kai's birthday will fall on Fathers day, which makes that day double sweet. This is also

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-53402904784812111182007-06-06T07:22:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:10.630-08:00

So, the clever and talented Maia over at Glass Beach has interviewed me as part of a new 'Meet the Maker' feature she is just beginning...in fact I will be her first! So head over and check it out. It was great fun and I am honored to be chosen...Besides being a super blogger Maia is also a very talented seamstress. Her Etsy shop is full of great handmade goodies...I have been saving my

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-65336629235373745972007-06-05T10:55:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:11.114-08:00

Today is Luke's first day of preschool...He is actually there right now. It's one of those events in my life as a mom that I had imagined from the beginning. In my mind it was a day of joy...excitement at Luke moving to the next step, his world expanding.I am not one of those overly protective types and am always eager for my kids to have new experiences. Because of this I am a bit surprised

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-60739887067443220262007-06-04T07:20:00.001-07:002008-12-11T01:47:12.393-08:00

This is my latest creation. I am calling it the Library Tote...the way the strap cinches through the loop reminds me of the images of book straps from some of my childhood story books. It works well as a casual day purse also...I know because I made one for myself and I like it so much I couldn't wait for a trip to the library to begin filling it up.So...with Luke's upcoming entry into

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-39777313303021625802007-06-02T19:57:00.000-07:002008-12-11T01:47:13.710-08:00

So, It's been a while. I had to stop and regroup. I started this blog at essentially the same time I began the Plumm shop and it was too much to take on at once. I find that I am the type of person who needs quite a bit of time, about 6-9 months, before I can completely work a new thing into my routine, my life. I tend to fumble about trying this and that until everything has a place in my

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-74428915725717185612007-03-05T08:20:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:14.823-08:00

We have been lucky enough to receive a healthy dose of spring weather lately....here are some photo's from our recent adventures...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-83048195164855915292007-02-22T12:30:00.000-08:002007-02-22T12:35:01.540-08:00

An adorable video about my dear sweet Etsy!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-35148679072043999622007-02-19T10:03:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:15.871-08:00

Here is a Keely made from some more of my scores at that amazing fabric store. This is a fantastic Mircosuede with this circle detail stitched in a gold thread. Gorgeous. It is lined in a stone colored Linen. Fab. I also set the magnetic snap in a delicious rust colored leather. I am loving this bag and am off to make a duplicate to keep for myself! Meanwhile this one is for sale in my

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-66345022709582453862007-02-13T13:55:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:16.746-08:00

Soo...I found the most amazing Fabric Store about 30 minutes from my house. It is seriously the size of a Costco or Home Depot...But instead of being full of hammers or vats of Mayo....It is full of Fabric!!!! On Sale!!! It was almost all Upholstery weight (which is exactly what I need) and I almost cried when I walked in. Thousands of bolts of fabric. In every possible color.I was sure they were

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-53261478446056802932007-02-01T14:23:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:17.225-08:00

Introducing . . . . . The Melanie.I have been playing around with piecing bits and strips of my favorite fabrics together. This bag makes me think of spring soo much. Tomorrow IS groundhog day...maybe P. Phil will be nice and tell us spring is just around the bend...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-63715163549346588192007-01-29T19:54:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:17.623-08:00

Meet Stella....she's a sweety. I am really liking this new bag shape. I love the exaggerated classic shape with a modern, clean look. This bag is larger than this style is usually done in. It is large enough to fit a full size legal note pad . She's over in the shop right now.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-18333223424400059292007-01-24T15:57:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:18.146-08:00

For my sweet Mom-in-law's (hate that phrase, sounds like you are obligated by law to like each other) Birthday I made her a framed piece of art using my boys' silhouette's. What I thought was going to be a quick, fun project turned into quite an undertaking. The main issue was our little photo shoot to actually capture those scrumptious little profiles. They could not figure out why I was

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-27486151827512219752007-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:18.600-08:00

The darling Brandy over at Indie Obsession featured my Lucia Bag today. I am amidst very good company. How flattering is that.Head over and check it out .......

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-69132037461218372542007-01-14T14:43:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:19.638-08:00

I thought I would show you some photos of the space where I create my purses, my 'studio' if you will. It is in the rear of our large great room space. It has fantastic light with huge south facing windows.I also set up an easel for the kids to do their 'art' on while I am essentially neglecting them. This is the view I have of our Great room from my Chair. I am right behind the couch tucked in

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-73189069295452611012007-01-11T20:25:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:19.779-08:00

This is a photo of our 'front yard' tree's fancy little pods. I absolutely adore them, although I have no idea what type of tree I have here. Regardless, I am happy she's here with us.I signed up for an interior design course at our local college today...just one class one evening a week. It is something I have been meaning to do for, umm...ever. And have done. I have probably acquired

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-44036595418656669682007-01-08T13:42:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:20.055-08:00

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-21567122875098235752007-01-08T10:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:21.167-08:00

Here is my newest baby! Lucia is among the smallest of my purses....similar in size to Cleo but with this new strap design I am loving! Here are some progress photo's and a few of the finished product. This particular Lucia is done in a couple Amy Butler fabrics, from the 'Belle' line I believe.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-27120905005879980872007-01-08T08:21:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:47:21.891-08:00

Well, that was a nice break! I was on a self imposed blogging hiatus for the holidays but I am glad to be back! We had a wonderful holiday season full of friends, family, food, gifts, gatherings, and runny noses. All was as it should have been. I have been working away, trying to build up a bit of inventory for my Etsy shop and I am pretty excited about some of my recent purse designs! I have

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1166417771660963842006-12-17T19:25:00.000-08:002007-01-09T07:25:31.770-08:00

that I brought into the world this week.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1165882150709666832006-12-11T16:03:00.000-08:002006-12-11T16:09:10.720-08:00

Another Whimsy hat is on it's way today...I'm sure she'll be loved.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1165358574780420742006-12-05T14:30:00.000-08:002006-12-05T14:42:54.793-08:00

Are on their way to the shoppe...****also, please keep the Kim family in your thoughts. I do not have the pleasure of knowing them personally, but do know of them and their shoppes. I wish only the best for them and hold them in my thoughts.****

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1165007658127938612006-12-01T10:58:00.000-08:002007-01-09T07:27:43.489-08:00

First, A new Staci bag... The newest Staci purse has a Swanky dark denim on one side) and a fantastic bold print fabric on the reverse. It is reverseable so you can choose your look every day! I am really loving it. I have been fine tuning this pattern for a while and I think I am pretty satisfied. Yay. I also used a magnetic snap closure for the first time. Very easy and looks very sharp. Also..

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1164648309581707812006-11-27T08:57:00.000-08:002007-01-09T07:31:00.662-08:00

one of the custom Whimsy hats is all done! one more girly hat to go and then a sweet little yellow and blue boy hat for a friend's nephew. I'll post progress photos. Kai models the pink hat beautifully, albeit a bit unwillingly.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1164394530576690982006-11-24T10:02:00.000-08:002006-11-24T10:55:30.610-08:00

I made an Apron just for Thanksgiving this year. When I found out I was hosting this year.....inspiration took over. I am sure this will now become my everyday apron. I just adore the mood that an apron sets....fun, feminine, cozy, maternal, familiar, homey.....mom.We had a fantastic Thanksgiving at home with our friends and family. An evening of food, wine, conversation, hugs, smiles,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1164391296544282062006-11-24T09:57:00.000-08:002006-11-24T10:02:12.346-08:00

I am working on a custom order for the Whimsy hat, girly style....

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1164255379931155892006-11-22T20:05:00.000-08:002006-11-22T20:16:19.943-08:00

For making my first (and second) official sale over at my shoppe! i just sold two of the Whimsy hats, and have one custom request in the works. i really couldn't be more excited. I will post some photos of what's in the works around here after I spend a couple days gorging and relaxing with my family.* * * * * * * * Am also thankfull for so much more......

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1163914501081297302006-11-18T21:21:00.000-08:002006-11-18T21:35:01.093-08:00

A fun little bib ....Kai models it for us...the bib has a fun cotton polka dot front with a practical terry cloth backing. the bananna applique reflects what the boys would always prefer to see on their tray.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37488558.post-1163718951756553462006-11-16T14:27:00.000-08:002006-11-16T15:15:51.840-08:00

This is my new favorite bag. Of course, wichever thing I made most recently is usually my favorite. I sketched out the pattern for this and cut the pieces in under an hour because I was so inspired. I have been forming this one in my head for a while now and am releived to have it out.It is soft and the perfect size, has a fun toile lining and 7 pockets. Love it! It is already up in the shop...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08467394137013152465noreply@blogger.com3