Getting all techy and stuff

Oh I know it's been awhile but I have a good excuse. You see I was just sick and tired of my crappy old point and shoot and it was becoming impossible to enjoy blogging whilst working with such a piece of crap. SO yesterday I went out and bought an ipod which was a big deal for my because as of now I have a Tracfone so yeah...big upgrade.

 

So far I am having lots of fun taking pictures of my meals like "normal" people. These are John's Sexy Swedish Buns (a Jamie O recipe).

 

I have also been spending a lot of time making wooden toys. This one is just for C. A sweet sleeping dragon with a nice cozy knitted cave.

 

And some are destined for a new little coffee shop. There is actually a complete set with rooster, tree, and pig all painted up. The shop is opening Monday and I am excited to see how they do!

 

I have also been enjoying some thrifting. Not as much as I have been since I am running out of room in the old house.

 

And some sewing. This little burlap banner is destined for our farmers' market booth this summer. From left to right we have garlic, tomato, turnip, French breakfast radish, and a carrot. They were made from little fabric scraps and zig-zag stitched onto some burlap. I also did a zig-zag stitch around the edge of the burlap to keep it from unraveling and I zig-zag stitched the twine onto the squares. It was a quick and easy project and I think it looks great. What crafting have you been up to?

 

P.S. you can find me on Instagram now under bigcraftyblog!

Day to myself...

Yes all to myself...it has been really nice.  The bummer is I have to go to work here in a couple hours...do you ever get the overwhelming desire to not go to work?  Or do you love what you do?  I do like my job, nice people, nice atmosphere...but I would much rather my home and my kids be my full time job as I feel they suffer a lot when I work.  We sat down with our finances and with having just paid off the car and the fact that we won't have much of a gas bill for about 6 mos. I probably could stay home.  Plus if we do well at the market that will help even more.  I still wish I could stay at home and have even a little bit of money coming in.  Anywho John took the kids up to the farm to do some stuff which I would have liked to gone and helped but didn't want to have to rush to get back as there is a lot to do.  I did get to spend the day making some Easter gifts for the wee ones...

Some wonky little house blocks for my son, which are totally inspired by Amber Dusick.

He may be getting too old for such simple toys...but I don't particularly care as I know he will love them ;)

And this little ball for the wee babe.  I fluffed it so it looks nice and circular....in real life it is rather lopsidded...but she won't care!

So yes this is what I spent my day doing and it was really nice.  Listened to a little Stevie Ray Vaughan and ate some chocolate.  I have tomorrow off so I am very excited.  Hope you all have a lovely day :)

Matryoshkas

I made some more of my scroll saw Matryoshkas.  I want to make some more in decreasing sizes. 

My grandma gave me some Matryoshka dolls when I was younger and left me some very old ones.  I never really take them apart but I did today so I could get some pics...

Aren't they aweome!  The one on the ends are the older ones.  The one in the middle she gave me when I was about 10...and I still have all the little pieces!

Look how small they get!!!  I can't believe that I never lost that teeny tiny one.

Once I opened some of these I couldn't get them back together...that will be the last time I take these apart!  I just love the artwork on these.  I hope that I can increase my colletion eventually :)

My new obsession...

So I bit the bullet and bought a scroll saw...and I love it!  I have been wanting one for awhile now but have been putting it off.  Since buying handmade toys may not be possible here soon I thought I should start making some toys for my own kiddos.

I have always loved matryoshka's and I really wanted to make one. 

My woodburning skills need some practice!  They aren't perfect but I am still really happy how they turned out.  If you are considering buying a scroll saw I would reccomend it.  The tree was a bit challenging to make with all of its turns but my little boy loves it!  It is not as easy as it looks but I have improved a lot in a short amount of time.  The scroll saw is much easier to use then my old coping saw. I believe this is an investment that will pay off very quickly.  Two great blogs to check out are Amber Dusick, and Wee Folk Art.  They both are full of great toy ideas.

*Here is my disclaimer!  I am not giving you instructions on how to use these tools.  Follow all proper saftety standards in your scroll saw manual.  Be carefule :)*

Save money by making your own toys!

So we all know that most of the toys sold in this country are made in other countries. Some with questionable safety standars. Also with new "safety" laws for toy makers in this country it may be impossible for them to survive. Well by making your own toys for children, grandchildren, friends kids, etc. you not only are making sure they are safe but saving money at the same time! I am not a word worker but I find making simple wooden play food to be easy and fun. My son loves his kitchen so these are really great toys for him.

*I would not make these toys for children who are under the age of 3 or who still chew on toys. The paint is non-toxic but I still do not reccomend it* This set is going to a friends son for his birthday. I used pine as it is softer and easier to cut with a coping saw. I would love to have a scroll saw I think it would make it a lot easier. I sanded the edges with a low grade sandpaper and finished the sides off with a dremel.  I painted them with non-toxic water colors and finished them with a combo of jojoba oil, and beeswax. Here is a little tutorial on how to do it. For the template I just used clipart veggies that had a good shape, printed them, and cut them out. I then traced them onto the wood and had hubby cut them out. Here is a tutorial by the same lady that does the polish. I am really excited by how they turned out. The possibilities are endless!