Handcrafted

This past week I've been sewing like crazy. Two special orders done, one almost done!

Plus just my regular sewing. You gotta love my new 'recycled bag' Its sooooo cute! And omg its big...could carry a baby in there . I double dare you to go look and not go "awwww that's cute I want it."

http://www.AlaskaSews2.etsy.com

remember its a dare to go look!

I've been asked to write a small article about being a person who does bakes and what that is like...the permits, the insurance etc etc. here in Alaska.

On the card front my package arrive in Portland, Or. The shop is open. Things should be selling. So mid May I should have a check! Keep your fingers cross. The owner said they loved the cards I sent so hopefully her customers will also.

Alaska's Spring has sprung! My grass is brown, this is the first step in Alaska springs. I know it looks and sounds funny but that is how it is. The snow melts, the yard is puddles of water for days on end and boom its totally dried. Everything looks brown. No green. Then slowly in the next two weeks you will see little baby buds on the trees. Grass is looking a tiny bit green. Then Bam Everything is green and lush! Then you know summer is here LOL. Yep two weeks of spring and summer. Summer goes til mid August. Then fall for a month and then winter. Ah the seasons of Alaska.

I miss my midwest springs and falls. Nothing prettier than St. Louis in March or October!

I have no family in Alaska, so I've adopted a few folks I have meet or worked with as my family members.

Today I had the pleasure of being "grandma" to a friends two year son. I had him from 9am to 5pm.

IHOP shall remember the little monkey for a long time, I think his missed the paper with his crayons cause he like the table better, and Don't get the pancakes they have on the kids menu OMG gross. But he called it a birthday cake and then preceeded to eat the whipped cream off my blueberry pancakes.

Then we went to Lowes to look for flowers for my yard...had none yet too early in Alaska. Walked around there for an hour ...best part He loves the ceiling fans we spent 20 minutes there!just looking at the fans!

Then home for nap and quiet time. Then after 2 hours of napping up to High School to get some fresh air and sunshine...guess who did something awful in pants just before we got in to car to go up to school? Yep back into house, quick change of diapers.

At the school we did the track since that was the only Non snow or mud area for a two year old LOL. But you could tell spring is here, the Canada Geese where in the next field (soccer field) honking and playing in the mud puddles. Little kid got all excited about them and ran off across the field trying to get to them...course I had to run after him to haul him back to the runners track. Mud is not something I like playing in anymore. When I notice his nose running and no kleenex in my pockets we made a mad dash back to car...After a screaming fit about having to have nose wiped, I decided we shall move on the the park play ground.

Thank god other parents where there and surprising 5 little ones all two. He had a blast playing with the others and I got to have heart attacks as he climbed and jumped off things. At 4:30 I decided it was time to head home and esp after he decided that that foot deep puddle he could not resist any longer. Yep right to the middle of it he ran. Water up to the little guys knees. I'm sure his mother is saying bad things about me right now as those watery shoes are drying out.

All in all it was fun. I decided every week I'm borrowing this little one so I can be a Grandma for the day!

The Alaska Women's Show was this weekend. I must admit it was one of the best that I've attended in the last 8 years.

There were more vendors selling items esp for women and more 'handcrafted' but as always; lots of stuff imported which some is fine and some is just junk.

But even the usual 'womens non-profits' booth where much more interesting this year, had better health information flyers and seemed very much geared to women who are looking for better health information, buying information, business information, just in general I found more appealing in quality of show.

Watched a fashion show. The woman made clothing from size 0 to 5x and most of the outfits that walked the fashion lane where for women size 10 and up. In fact I would say most outfits where size 14/16 with several in the 3x-5x size. And they were stunning! It was cool to see clothing with a lot of style for the big woman. Not everyone is small, medium or large. I grew up with several members of my mothers family in the XXXlarge and beyond group. They wore the classic mu-moo dresses. They looked like tents. As I said very refreshing to see a woman in the big sizes with outfits that made them look sexy and beautiful.

I thought maybe next year getting a booth for the 3 day affair and seeing just how my items would go.

I've been busy working on several Special Orders for Alaska Sews 2. All handbags but each is different that what I normally sew so its been learning experience and fun. Plus brought in a nice development of future sales.

Tomorrow off to watch a friend's child while they move from one apartment to a new one. This will be a learning experience for sure! Will post how I do. Plans are simple breakfast at IHOP, park to play, then library to get book to read and maybe a video to watch. Then lunch thinking McD's (ya I know they are bad for kids and esp for adults) Then should be nap time for them. Then maybe snack, park again to play, or read again. Then mom should call saying We all moved in bring him home. This is how I have it planned lol and we all know plans are just that plans.

Oh yes this child is two. Sooooooooo I'm sure I'll be pulling hair out by mid morning LOL!

Busy Working

I haven't posted all week. I've been busy sewing. Gotta check out the new items over at http://www.AlaskaSews2.etsy.com several Messenger Bags, some quilt tops and other fun things.

I also made a few cards. So take yourself over to http://www.TiffinsTidbits.etsy.com

Also at CoveredinChocolate there is some Gluten Free items that have been baked up and just waiting for someone to order. http://www.CoveredinChocolate.etsy.com

I'm thinking of going back to work Ya in the real world of weekly pay checks. I love doing crafts but life right now says "gotta pay the bills and gotta get a new place to live". You would think at my stage of life things would be different. But they aren't so I must take matters into my own hands. I've been playing too long. Tomorrow its off to several places to drop off applications, and get serious about being a person who isn't dependent upon anyone except myself.

I will still do my crafts in the evenings and when not working. One must do what they love also! And besides I have folks who look daily at the things I have crafted with my two little hands! Heck can't let my fans down LOL!