Sweet Peas

Trying to keep up....

Whoaa....This stage of my life has been very fast paced...With an active teenager playing sports and a darling preschooler wanting lots of attention, I have been extremely busy...

That briefly explains my lack of posting, but I have been trying to craft as much as possible when I can. It definitely relaxes me. In addition, I've had to borrow a camera for my picture taking since I lost my digital camera. I keep holding on to the thought that it will re-appear,but I think I better face reality, bite the bullet and purchase a new digital camera.

After many busy weekends, I managed to find the time to finish this handbag....I love the fabric, but I think It needs a little something else....I was just glad to get it finished. I will be using it this week.

Since I managed to get a little sewing in this weekend, and a little time to just relax...Life is good..

latest.....

Surprise Fairy Package

I received this beautiful swap package from mrsmonkeys over at Flickr. It is from the Coloriffic Swaporama. Last June I participated in a swap, but didn't receive a swap package for whatever reason.

mrsmonkeys generously decided to be a fairy, and make this beautiful swap package of black,yellow and white. Very thoughtful, and a nice suprise!

New Year

I am long overdue in my blogging and New Year salutations...What can I say? Life has been keeping me busy. Add to it a lost digital camera, a computer crash, holidays, travels, and there you have it-- two months gone by.

South Beach in Miami, Florida was one of our travel stops back in November. Absolutely beautiful!  The weather was perfect every day. Our family enjoyed a great week of sun and fun just spending time together without an agenda or other interruptions.  It was a much needed family vacation.

Fast Forward two months, and we are back in the swing of things in full force. Preparing for a craft show in May, schooling the children, and our usual outside activities including lots of basketball games and practices with my 9th grade daughter.

I've still managed to fit in a little crafting. I whipped up this quick felt bag for my 3yr old daughter who is really into dinosaurs lately..She takes a bunch of them to the basketball games, and lines them in a row on the bleachers. Sometimes she takes up just a little too much space when the games are crowded. 

This bag is REALLY basic. Not much bling. I just used what I had, in the little time that I had to make it. But of course, my gracious three year old said "Mommie, it's beautiful!"--She gets me every time!

C is for....

Connecticut- My home state . I moved from Connecticut in the late eighties. I still have a lot of family there, and I usually visit about three times a year.  It is a beautiful state, especially during the fall season. I miss living there, but I do not miss the incredible, rough ,winter storms and snow..

Chocolate--Yum, yum yum...I luuuuv chocolate. Especially dark chocolate.

Coffee--A favorite drink of mine, though I gave up the caffeinated version about 7 weeks ago...Hmmm.

And of course..Crafter..I love crafting of all kinds. Sewing, scrap booking, crocheting, ATC's and more...There's just not enough time in a day to do all the crafting that I would like to do..but that's life.

   

B is for Books..

Yes, I must confess that I am a bibliophile; one who loves or collects books.

I really can't explain it, but I just love books. Books of all kinds..Fiction, non-fiction, historical,educational, crafts etc. I have way too many in my home and stored away. We homeschool our children, so it is very easy for me to justify all of my book purchases.:-)

Here are some of my books that I read and re-read for home education.

    

I recently gave away quite a few books to clear out some bookshelves in my classroom and craft area because the craft supplies are growing and more space had to be made.

Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers. 

Charles W. Eliot 

B is also for Bag

 

ISBN# 579107926

Encyclopedia of me...

Bella Dia began the encyclopedia of me meme earlier this month, and has invited others to join her. I thought this would be fun, even though I'm late getting started.

A is for Andrea--that's me!

Andrea

Strong, womanly "Greek"

Life is never dull with your adventurous and restless spirit. You are always on the move and seeking a new challenge to pit your wits against. Being in touch with nature you love the outdoors. You have keen intuition and a desire for knowledge and you can be something of a crusader. When you apply discipline and tenacity to your energetic mind then leadership positions are easily available to you.

I found this information here:http://www.bostonuk.com/name_meanings.php

I really think that it describes me pretty well. I also believe that names are very important. When I was pregnant with my now 3yr old, my older daughter (who was 10 at the time) would go to the library, and bookstores and read all of the baby name books. It was so much fun! We also found that as we looked up the names of many friends and family members, most of the time the meaning pretty much described the person. We really got a kick out of that.

Mid Week Thoughts...

Today was a pretty laid back day. I didn't have to leave the house for anything which gave me plenty of time to think, work, and play.

Thinking about:

              A new project that my daughter and I will be working on for the homeless, why my once beautiful herb plants (parsley, oregano,and thyme) are dying, what will I give for christmas gifts this year, and counting down to a trip to Miami in November.

Working on:

          Loading a few programs for school onto the computer, writing lesson plans for school, crafting a few items for an upcoming swap.

Playing with:

            My three yr old who can finally pedal her tricycle alone. Yippee!!

Summer Blog Neglect..

Wow! It's been quite a while since I have posted, but I have been very busy enjoying my favorite season. I have been traveling, potty training (whew!), attending my teenager's summer basketball games, and I've been sewing in preparation for two craft shows. One was in May, and the other was last weekend.

We had a great time at both craft shows. My family and I met wonderful people and fellow crafters. I am definitely learning as I go along regarding display, set up and etc.

Now that things are slowing down a little bit. School time is around the corner. My beautiful thirteen yr old will be in the ninth grade. She is growing by leaps and bounds physically, spiritually, and emotionally. She is so much fun to be around and I am enjoying every minute of it. My three year old is growing too, and she is talking, talking, talking..

Craft show/Festival

Whoo! I haven't posted in almost three weeks. How has that happened?

I have been BUSY! Basketball games, swim meets, trying to potty train, teaching, cooking, cleaning, sewing etc. etc.

My dear husband urged me to sign up for a craft show at a festival in our state. I actually committed about three weeks ago. I was a little hesitant because it seems that I have quite a bit on my plate from day to day, and sewing and crafting is a release for me. Now, I am committed and I have to produce!!! So that is what I have been doing--eating, living and sleeping--craft show!

Before I had children I used to make jewelry and sell at a few flea markets with my sister. This was in the early nineties. Once I had my oldest daughter, I was afraid that she would get into the beads and other things. Life got busy, and I stopped making jewelry for years. This was before Michaels and all the craft stores were around (at least where I live). I had to hunt and find beads at little boutiques, antiques shops and markets.

But as far as preparing for a craft show with handbags and accessories--It will be interesting! I will take any suggestions or recommendations because this is definitely a new venture. I am excited to say the least, and I am looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, I have set some goals that I am working toward. The craft show is in 5 weeks! I am counting down..

                                        

These are a few of many items that I have been working on.....