This Cosy Life

Let's Move

2013-04-08T07:16:00.001-07:00

Hello friends! I hope the beginning of a new week finds you all happy and well. I'm sharing another video from my new blog, The Only Journey, to share with you all some big happenings in my life right now. Please hold my little family in your thoughts and prayers this week as we move into a new chapter of our lives.

If you're interested in taking advantage of the 30% off coupon code (applies to your entire order, including customs) it is LETSMOVE.

xoxo
Julie

A New Direction

2013-04-04T08:34:00.001-07:00

Hello, friends! I'm very excitedly/nervously here to introduce you to something new I'm starting. I'll let the video (my first vlog!) tell you what it's about and I'll leave you a few new links at the bottom.

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Youtube

Facebook

Just For Me

2013-03-07T07:49:00.001-08:00

March is here.... that means in just a couple of weeks it will be Spring! Here in western North Carolina we had an excessively mild winter. Feels silly even calling it that; more like a little bit of kinda cold days, some measly snow flurries and a whole lotta rain. Very blah, and not at all a satisfactory 'Ahh, that was winter!'. So I'm over it and ready to move on and feel the creative rush that always hits me the first weeks of spring.
Creatively speaking, I'm not there yet. But my body is feeling a strong urge to lighten up! Remember my last post, about taking care of me? My body is one of those long neglected things I'm finally getting around to giving the proper attention it deserves. Starting with what I'm putting in it. I had gotten into a negative pattern of giving into every craving that crossed my path, and you know how that works... every time you (or at least I ) give into a craving it opens the door to many more. I was also stress eating like crazy.
Something I won't divulge even to my own mother is a number, when it comes to my weight, but let's just say that it crept up slowly while I was pregnant with River and the subsequent PPD got it to a place that I'm really unhappy about. I've had a weight problem ever since I was, ohh.... about 12-13. But I've never been one to beat myself up over that. I never had the poor self esteem that frequently comes with being over-weight. But that doesn't mean it was something I was OK with, either. I wanted to change it,but... well, what is it? What is it that holds everyone with a weight problem back? Lack of drive in that area, maybe? Maybe procrastination? I don't know, really, but it started at 12 and, at 32, I'm just now feeling an 'in earnest' attempt, no, real DRIVE, to do something about it.
So here goes, right?! My number one roadblock is saying 'no' to the foods and the amount of food that I want. Sure, I could choose the pasta with veggies and very light dressing, but what I really want is a plate of the noodles swimming in cream sauce (minus the chicken, please) that my dad ordered sitting right across from me (true story, but I made the better choice anyway). So, what do I do? Say no to that craving, of course, but then there's that feeling of not being fully satisfied and I really dislike that feeling. What I've found that is working really well for me is saying positive affirmations before I go to the restaurant, before and while I am grocery shopping, while I'm preparing meals. Something like this;

I enjoy making healthy food choices. I enjoying choosing foods that support my healthy body weight and fill me with energy. I enjoy eating foods that make me feel light and support the good health of my body. I enjoy foods that are clean and whole and are truly made to support my physical well-being. I enjoy these foods. I enjoy eating proportions that leave me light and full of energy.

....and on and on until I truly connect with the affirmations and have created a strong, positive vibrations in the direction of my health. I tell you, it really is changing my relationship with food and truly easing my cravings and helping me to enjoy making better choices.
To some it may seem hokey to think you can just talk yourself out of wanting something rich and decadent and really talk yourself into wanting good things for your body but just try it. Try it whenever you are around food or going to be around food. If it doesn't work for you,well, what do you have to loose?

Please share with me what you're doing just for you!

Just For Me

2013-02-27T08:37:00.001-08:00

For me, me, just me! My yarn arrived yesterday and I'm going to make this cardigan. I've not knit a sweater for myself since I was a teenager and first started knitting. I think I knit two for myself then. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I picked up my needles to make something for me. I'm thinking there might have been a pair of fingerless mitts back when Zoe was a tiny baby... she's 6 now.

So, it's about time, wouldn't you say?! I'm taking a lot of time for myself right now. Picking up some pampering habits I lost back when the oldest was born and I'm finally giving my body the time and attention it deserves. I'm also taking a lot more time for inner work, learning new ways to interact with the universe and finding a peace within myself and a peace with my place here.
Since becoming a mother I've become really low maintenance and I thought that was a good thing (not that it isn't) and what I wanted but I've recently come to realize that not taking the time for me is not doing myself, or my children, or my husband, or anyone else I come in contact with any favors. They do say (you know, THEY) that you cannot take care of others til you take care of yourself and I feel like I've really come to understand that the hard way. Not in some big and life changing way, though, I suppose that it all added up to be be life changing and that's why I'm here, at this particular point of view. Just a slow decline, really. And the thing that made me stop and think was, of course, what I was writing about the other day here, the post from Erin that started a most pleasing change in my way of thinking and feeling and doing.

I'm following my inspirations and my feelings and finding them leading.... to me! Many, many good, new habits that have no other purpose than to make me feel good and strong and healthy and beautiful and whole. And I'm finding that when I do listen to that inner voice of inspiration and tune into my feelings and go where they lead me, even though they lead me to care for me, they are leading me to be open and receptive to just about everyone and everything else. I'm finding judgment and emotional walls slipping away and my heart just opening up!

Life is so very full and abundant when we do not forget ourselves. I think as mothers it's very easy to forget that, but perhaps we're really the ones who most need to remember it. So won't you please join me in paying a little attention to ourselves? When you get the chance it would be lovely if you would write a little post and link back here to what you're doing Just For Me right now. Maybe you're not doing anything that's for you and here's the little reminder you need to do it! It doesn't have to be a big thing. The little things we do for ourselves daily become the moments we really look forward to during the day and the ones that bring us quiet serenity. So please do share. It would be wonderful to inspire one another.

In Appreciation

2013-02-22T08:34:00.000-08:00

I read a post last month that was very timely for me. At a time that I felt like I was failing and life was failing me. We have all (most?) felt that way at some point or another, haven't we? And I found myself really letting that beat me down and take my peace and my confidence in my ability to steer my own ship away. For a very long while I had forgotten who I really was.

I had forgotten that joy is a choice. That peace and love are rightfully mine and I am so very worthy of them and only have to allow them to come into my life. That all goodness and all things I can desire and dream of are only a thought away and life is mine for the creating.
I had forgotten and am in very deep appreciation for the reminder. I am very purposefully and with great intent setting out to really, finally make my life what I truly want it to be. For a very long time I have held on to resistance, not in a purposeful way, but in a habitual way. I have only surrendered to old thoughts that did not serve me and perpetuated a hard and disappointing life. It doesn't have to be that way. I know from deep within my core being that it does not have to be that way.

That full of peace, love, and joy is our natural state of being. How could it be any other way? We come from love, we are pure love. We just need to remember that, I believe.
Maybe you do not, and that is OK, because we are all set out on our very different and individual paths and isn't that the beauty of being human? That we all get to make the choice and decide who we are. And I know this is beyond my usual postings here, but it's where I am and I want to put it out there, should it be beneficial to another who is seeking.
And so I am living every day with deep appreciation for everything that already makes my life so wonderful and everything that is coming into my life that is wonderful and beautiful and worthwhile and greatly abundant.

An Easter Egg Swap

2013-02-20T11:32:00.002-08:00

Our swap is now full!

I am so glad that a Facebook fan reminded me of last year's Easter Egg Swap, this morning, and suggested we do it again. I am so happy to! I had so much fun doing it last year and can't wait to get started working on this year's goodies. Here's what I made last year.... And here's what I got back!

I have no idea what I'll be making this year but I will include idea links at the bottom of the post.

This year we will have 11 total participants, including myself, leaving open 10 spaces. ~~To give us all plenty of time to craft and ship (Easter falls on March 31st this year) this will have to be US only.~~ Otherwise, I'm afraid packages just will not make it in time. I had meant to remember to begin this earlier this year so that we could open it international but life has just been hectic and time got away from me!

What you will be making is one wool egg and one extra little something (Waldorf inspired) about $5-15 in value for the spring nature table or Easter baskets for each participant (10 eggs and extras total). If you've not welt felted before check out this link for a great tutorial from Nicole. Or if you'd rather you can try your hand at some of these other great techniques; knitted eggs, crocheted eggs, flip top crochet eggs, sewn from felt, felt pocket eggs (or this one) or needle felted. Though, I must say, it's always fun if the egg opens to hold a treasure or two.

~~All packages must be in the mail by March 18th~~ Deadline has been moved up from the 18th to the 11th to allow a couple of international swappers to participate. This will give us a little over 2 weeks to get all of our crafting finished.

If you would like to participate leave me a comment on this post or you can email me directly at thiscosylife(at)yahoo(dot)com. I'll close the entries once we have 11 participants. Be sure to leave me your email address and I'll email you within 48 hours to let you know that you have a spot. It will be up to you to respond to my email within 48 hours with your confirmation and mailing address or you'll loose your spot.

If there are a surplus of people wanting to participate we can either add them, if there aren't too many, or, have two groups. Also if there are 2 or more people from one country that would like to swap with one another I am happy to set that up, too.

ETA; The first 10 spots filled quickly so I am opening another 8 (since 2 are already spoken for) for a second group. If there are any Canadians that are interested in swapping I do have another that is interested so just let me know.

ETA; Just *2* spots left for the second group. Please note the change in deadline in the red text above.

Our swap is now full!!

A Winner

2013-01-28T11:47:00.001-08:00

He's not quite finished yet but I am ready to call a winner for him. Congratulations to Stephanie K.! I am still knitting on his hat and tiny shoes and will have him ready to go in just a couple of days.

Thank you to everyone for entering and sharing!
Also, about giveaways here on This Cosy Life.... I would love to host one for you, too. The only requirement is that your site/blog and what you are giving away is a good fit for my readership. I ask nothing in return; if you want me to review I can but that's entirely optional. It's mutually beneficial and I love being able to showcase other crafty mamas! Use the contact tab up at the top of my page to get in touch with me.

A Bed For Dolly

2013-01-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

OK, just one more handmade birthday post, I promise... at least for this birthday!

This time not by me though, other than the rag doll which you already saw. My parents, actually, teamed up to make this sweet bed set for River. My dad made the bed itself and my mom the bedding. I gave them pretty short notice, asking if they'd do it just at the beginning of this week, but I think they did such a great job! My dad wants to make more but he's not totally happy with it yet, he just didn't have the time to go back and do any of it over.

I gave my mom a handful of fabrics from my stash to make the quilt. We don't exactly have the same taste in fabrics and I wanted to make sure it was super fun and girly! I would absolutely love to have a quilt for my own bed like this.

She's feeling cosy, I think.

It was a project they both enjoyed working on so I think I'll be working on setting up their own selling space on Etsy. Mom's going to work on some more felt birthday crowns like she made for the girls, and probably some various quilting, which she loves to do. I'm really excited to see what all they come up. They're both retired and eager to focus on this creative outlet and to supplement their fixed income. And I'm just happy to help!

PS Last chance to enter to win this 7" doll... I'll call a winner tomorrow!

Dolls

2013-01-26T09:09:00.000-08:00

As promised, a few pictures of the rag doll I made for River's birthday. And, if you scroll past you can check out the little dude that in the works for my 7" doll giveaway.

I just loved working on this girl so much that I'm going to play around with a Waldorf type rag doll pattern. That is, head shaped in typical Waldorf fashion, interlock 'skin', but still lanky and floppy and will probably keep the butt panel I used to make this one sit and leave the 'hands and feet' unshaped.

He said 'I want this one!' And now that River's birthday is past I can knit for him and have him ready to travel to a new home next week.

If you've not entered this giveaway yet you'd better do so right away; I'm drawing a winner this Monday!

A Birthday For a Three Year Old

2013-01-25T19:09:00.001-08:00

The birthday girl has finally settled down for the night and, I think it's safe to say, boy, it's great to be three! She tried to shimmy out of my bed quickly this morning but then the sister rushed in and there were presents and a birthday crown and the day just started out right for her.

What a sweet, happy-go-lucky girl we are blessed with and what a happy day she had. She's been singing 'Happy birthday to meee!!' all day. So excited!

Her mama-made sweater... I used the In Threes pattern.

I don't know... not sure if she loves her dolly or not...

I mean, what do you think? She said "she can talk and she can play peek-a-boo!". Seriously, this is why I love making dolls. I'll share some better pics of her tomorrow.

But being three doesn't make her any less mama's baby. Just look at that tummy, will ya? I just want to eat her up!
The birthday is not completely over yet. My parents will come over tomorrow with the bed my dad made for her doll and we'll have homemade pizza, as she's requested, and the cake, of course.

Be sure to check back in with me tomorrow. I'll post better picture of the rag doll and will have progress pics of the giveaway doll, too. Have you entered yet? Only two more days!

Working On....

2013-01-24T11:46:00.001-08:00

What I'm working on today....

River (my littlest) turns 3 tomorrow, as I mentioned the other day. So I'm working on a rag style doll for her. Yes, it's tomorrow and I really should be further along. But I had this vision in my of a thin, lanky, and floppy body and it's taken me a few days to get it where I want it. And then the hair... I'd only done felt hair for rag dolls before so it's taking some getting use to to sewing the yarn down to a flatter head than I'm used to. I do love how's she's turning out, though.

I assisted the sisters in making pipe cleaner dolls for her. Kaiya found the idea in a kid craft book. So cute! I've got to pick up some more beads because they've got plan to make many more.

Now I'm back to that dolly!

Right Now

2013-01-22T16:18:00.001-08:00

It was actually cold when we went out to play today! A nice change, I think, from the 60-70 degree weather we've been having. I went out on Sunday to lunch with my parents and could not believe there were actually buds on quite a few trees! I will be sad if the frost gets them, as I'm sure it will. Knitting, knitting, knitting.... a nice diversion for now. River has a birthday (3!) coming up this Friday and I'm enjoying working on a few things for her. This is my fist time making the 'In Threes' pattern and I just love it. I'm also planning a dress to go with it, some essential oil scented play-dough , fingerless mittens, and a rag doll that my dad is making a bed for and my mom is making the bedding for. A sweet, handmade birthday that I think she will love.
Kaiya is working on something for her, too. I love to see her stitching away! These are our winter days right now. I hope you'll share yours!

It's a Boy!

2013-01-17T12:00:00.003-08:00

It's been decided (voted upon, actually) that the little giveaway dolly will be a boy! I'm actually really excited to do a boy for a change. Since I began making these dolls not too many months ago I've only had the chance to make a couple of boy dolls. I'll have to do a bit of dreaming, though, before I find out who he'll be. But he's already started picking out hair ahead of me. I really can't blame him; it's cold and dreary out right now!

So be sure to get your entries in. And if you follow me on Facebook you'll have lots more opportunities!

Marvelous Monday Giveaway

2013-01-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Comments on this giveaway are now closed and the winner will be announced shortly. Good luck and thanks for participating!

That's right, a Marvelous Monday, indeed! Mine's barely begun but I have high hopes. And for the first time in too long, I've got a giveaway for you, from me!

I made the little one below a week or two ago and completely stopped right here. She just isn't exactly right. After the holidays I revamped my 6.5" doll pattern.... made it longer (by about half an inch) and leaner. her legs are longer, feet are bigger. The arms are longer, curved and more flexible. This is the second doll I made from the new pattern (Miss Muffet, above, was the first). I under-stuffed the tops of her arms, making them just a bit more floppy than I'd like them to be and, even though it's the same pattern, the legs came out thicker on this one, and I'm just not happy with that

So I've decided to make her as a giveaway doll! Here's how she looks right now, but over the next two weeks I'll work on her a little along and update here with progress pics. I'm not 100% about what I want to do with her yet but I have a few ideas. In two weeks I'll call a winner and she'll get to come and live with one of you. Sound good?

Here's how to enter; leave a comment on this post. Just one comment per entry, but that's the only one you have to do.
For more entries;
•Follow this blog
•Like This Cosy Life on Facebook
•Share this giveaway on Facebook with everyone you know and for everyone that likes my Facebook and then leaves me a comment there letting me know that you sent them, you'll get another entry. Make sense?
•Share my Facebook updates. Share by clicking 'Share' above the comment box so that I will be able to keep up with them. Otherwise I won't be able to see you shared and it won't get counted.

*Giveaway is open worldwide. For your entry to count you must first leave me a comment here. Please don't forget to leave me a way to contact you!

Winner will be drawn randomly in two Mondays, January 28th, 2013.

Post Holidays

2013-01-11T11:15:00.001-08:00

All Christmas decorations have come down and been put to bed again til next year and a few winter things have taken their place (salt dough stars the girls helped me make). This week we've taken up our school work again. I will admit we'd gotten quite behind as I've been struggling to find the place my work will take amidst mothering/homemaking/homeschooling. But that is just something I will have to continue to work on til we find a rhythm that works for all of us. I have been learning that trying to 'do it all' only hurts us and some days certain things just have to take precedence and other things other days. That's a rhythm unto itself and something I am learning not to resist.

I took a brief holiday break and now am back at it....working on coming holiday things. I do love Valentine's Day so much. Working on things for this one really brings me joy.
So, that about sums it up... back to school, back to work, staying cosy, and enjoying the slower pace.

Little Miss Muffet

2013-01-03T09:34:00.001-08:00

The very first is a new collection of 7" dolls... Little Miss Muffet.

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet
Eating her curds and whey,

Along came a spider,
Who sat down beside her

And frightened Miss Muffet away!

She stands 7" tall, her body is sewn with cotton interlock fabric and firmly filled with clean sheep's wool. Her hair is a crocheted cap of mohair boucle and is fully stylable.
She can sit supported and her arms are flexible. She wears underwear, shoes, cotton dress and a handknit pinafore. The pinafore closes at the sides with wooden buttons so she is not suitable for children under the age of 3.

She is in my Etsy shop, awaiting adoption, for those who are interested.
I'm very excited to be working on this collection. I have several more to come from nursery rhymes and will follow them, naturally, with fairy tales.

Whew!

2012-12-19T18:17:00.001-08:00

Tonight I am knitting a cardigan and shoes for a 19" custom doll. And tomorrow she's in the post.... my very last custom of the season!
This season has completely gotten away from me and I'm anxious for down time. Tomorrow I'll share that custom doll and a few other I've already mailed out but for now I just wanted to pop in and share this wonderful tutorial from my friend Lucinda.

Isn't this stunning?! I hope to find time to make one myself this weekend. Have a wonderful evening, friends!

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2012-12-10T09:43:00.003-08:00

I've come across a handful more of pocket doll repeats in my customs so they are ready to ship for you! And here is a free shipping coupon for you, too; FREESHIPDECEMBER Now I'm back to my work... actually beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Wheee!!

Update

2012-12-06T06:50:00.002-08:00

Taking a brief break from regularly scheduled customs to bring you a couple of ready to ship sweeties. While taking an inventory of what had been made and what we still needed I realized we ended up with these two repeats. I love them! If you are interested in them they are available in the 'Ready To Go' section of my shop. PS.. the USPS first class in the US deadline isn't til the 20th of December.
And here's a gang of custom little ones about to go out.

OK, must get back to it. Happy St. Nicholas day!

Anticipation

2012-12-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Will St. Nicholas be visiting your home tonight? My girls are eagerly awaiting the morning and I'll be making a few small things to fill their shoes tonight. Here is how we celebrate. How are you celebrating tomorrow?

Giveaway and Review of Dalai Mama Patterns

2012-12-04T14:29:00.002-08:00

Comments on this giveaway are now closed. Thanks to all who entered!

I have a wonderful giveaway for you this week from Maria of Dalai Mama Patterns. Maria makes the sweetest sewing patterns designed for dolls. I had the pleasure of trying out one of her patterns this weekend. I made this little sundress for one of my own dolls... a boo-boo doll that I decided to keep.

The pattern is Sophia and Julia. I didn't have time to make the little romper but can't wait to as it's super cute!
The pattern is very simple to understand and is chock full of color photos to guide you along. The doll wearing this dress is 19" and she looks great in it!

Now let's hear from Maria herself.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I've been a creative person my entire life- I'm not a huge fan of the term "artist", and "craftsperson" doesn't exactly describe what I do either. I just really love to work with my hands and have been lucky enough to earn a living income doing so for the last 10 years. I was a goldsmith in my previous life, but these days I'm primarily a stay at home mother to a marvelous little two and a half year old. After leaving my full time gig in jewelry when I had my daughter, I started teaching community college and adult education classes in metalsmithing at our local arts center a couple nights a week. I also have a small repair and custom jewelry business that I run from my home studio. In the summer months, I love camping with my family and puttering in my garden. The rest of the year, I think, eat and sleep skiing.

How did you get started making children's things?

Before my daughter was even born, I started using independent designers' PDF patterns to sew dresses for her- they were so much better than the commercial patterns I grew up with and I loved the idea of supporting other crafty folks like myself. A couple years later when I finally found the perfect waldorf doll for her, I went searching online for sewing patterns to make her doll a suitcase full of outfits. I figured it was a great way to use up tiny pieces of fabric that I had been hoarding or to upcycle clothing that I couldn't bear to get rid of. When my search for patterns came up mostly empty-handed, I drafted a few myself. Each pattern I made worked better than the last and before long, I had amassed a huge collection of clothing and a mountain of tissue paper pattern pieces. I realized I had a unique product developing before me, so I found some freeware for vector editing (line drawing, drafting, etc) and went to work digitizing my pattern pieces and writing instructions. A couple months later, I opened up shop on etsy with 4 designs and the rest they say, is history.

What inspires you?

My students, who continue to produce beautiful work with their basic skills and limited understanding of their materials. There is a lot to be said for simplicity. Also my friend Kathleen, a clothing designer who creates couture fashion from recycled cashmere sweaters- her talent as a seamstress and her color sense are second to none.

What is your favorite thing to do together with your children?

I'm extrapolating a little bit, but I am so excited to teach Summer how to ski this year. I've been an avid skier my entire life and I cannot wait to share this love with her. I also love dancing with her- she's got some serious moves and she's always been the life of the party.

Here's what Maria is offering one lucky reader; winner's choice of 3 of her patterns, up to a $20 value.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post.

For more entries;
Add Dalai Mama Patterns to your Etsy favorites
Like her on Facebook
Like This Cosy Life on Facebook

Want more entries? For every friend you refer to Maria's Facebook page you get one entry. For it to count they must LIKE and POST on her timeline letting her know you sent them.

This giveaway is open worldwide. I will draw a winner randomly December 11, 2012.

Interested in me hosting a giveaway for your shop? I love being able to give free/no strings attached exposure to my fellow WAHMS. Feel free to use the contact form at the top of the page to drop me a line.

What's Going On

2012-12-03T17:46:00.001-08:00

We are just as busy as little elves here! And by we I mean my mother, sister, and I. Yes, This Cosy Life is growing and expanding just a little bit. There is also a sweet friend of mine who's whipping up some tiny caps for pocket dolls to get me through the Christmas rush (Thanks, Bev!).
By the way, Facebook is going through some, ahem, changes as well, so you will begin to find more shop updates here, as Facebook just isn't getting the job done too well anymore. I do hope hope it won't bother my regular readers too much... that's assuming any of you are still getting my feed as I've neglected this poor space too much in the last few months.

I believe the new year will bring many positive changes and advances for my little business and I love to be able to share that with you all. It certainly is strange to be a 'boss' over my own mom, though!

Here's a new guy we worked on over the weekend. His name is Jingles. He's already found a home but I am taking just a few customs for elves like him to be made and shipped out next week.If you'd like one feel free to drop me a line. they are $70. And I hope the gals and I will be able to whip up a few that are ready to go, as well.

Oh, and I'll be back tomorrow with a little giveaway for you. So stay tuned!

Pinecone Fairies

2012-12-02T06:47:00.001-08:00

December is finally here! As you can imagine, as a doll maker I'm knee deep in making for the holidays right about now. But I'm still making time to start a few festivities around the homefront, too.

My dear friend Lucinda made a new tutorial last week that the girls and I just had to try. In our new place we have no evergreens, but that's OK, because we saved up some pinecones from last year. And our acorns are too small but thankfully a friend of ours has some lovely enormous caps so all we had to find were some wing appropriate leaves.

Zoe and I worked on one together and Kaiya (our new resident crafter) worked alone. These were so much fun! I was out of the small beads for the hands so we left off wrapping the arms. I think we'll have to gather up some more supplies and do this one again. The girls even made a couple without the hanging string for play.

Here are more from another NC mama.
Love the use of the poplar seed pods and sweet gum balls.

Do you have any fun projects you're working on for the holidays?

Giveaway From Mosey Handmade

2012-11-15T08:02:00.002-08:00

Comments on this giveaway are now closed and a winner (Rebecca Vanderburgh) has been contacted.

Hello again! I'm breaking my (busy) silence with a special giveaway for you all.
This giveaway come from mosey handmade.... co-owned by Jes and Stephanie. Sit back with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy their gorgeous photos while you get to know them a little better.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

mosey handmade is a team of two crafters ~ Jes Anthonis and Stephanie Martz. We met in highschool and became quick friends, we used to publish a zine together.

A few years ago we reunited and have been crafting together ever since! Steph is an art teacher and Jes has her own Waldorf Inspired school, Morning Glory Garden.

We work together as a team creating everything on mosey.From ribbon to the colorways we chose it all carefully and we put it all together with as much love as we can muster!

How did you get started making children's things?

Jes: We both grew up making all kinds of crafty things with our Mama's, and then became teachers, so it seems like the perfect marriage of both!

Steph: Yes, and I've always been a fan of children's vintage aestetic which we try to bring into the color pallette and playfulness of all we make for mosey.

What inspires you?

Jes: We are very inspired by the families and children we make things for. Of course we are also inspired by Waldorf Early Childhood education and all the beautiful wooden and wool toymakers out there.

Steph: I think we are a mix of natural materials and a bit of vintage styling...which makes perfect sense given who we are.

What is your favorite thing to do together with your children?

Jes: Right now we have a new baby & a toddler, so finding that special time with my older daughter is really important. She calls everything crafty "Mama's Knitting" and she has been especially interested in sitting at the electric sewing machine! When we were making Halloween costumes I let her run the pedal while I did the sewing, she had the BEST time! Other than handwork we love to go to our local story hour and meet up with friends there!

Steph: I love to find things for the children that they will love, little surprises and treasures. Especially if it's thrifted! Also singing and dancing!

So what are you offering one of our lucky readers?

We are giving away a mosey handmade Birthday Party Pack!

♥ The mosey handmade Party Pack ♥ includes:

1 Birthday Crown 1 Personalized Birthday Bunting 6 Award Ribbon Party Favors

☆ All wrapped up in one of our hand dyed playsilks ☆

To enter this giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment on this post!

For more entries; (Leave a comment for each additional entry.)

Add Mosey Handmade to your Etsy favorites

Like Mosey Handmade on Facebook

Refer a friend to their Facebook page (each friend must LIKE and POST on their timeline letting them know you sent them... one entry per friend referred)
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Giveaway is open worldwide. A winner will be drawn randomly on Thursday, November 29th.

This and That

2012-10-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hello again! My work and homeschooling are keeping me quite busy at the moment. So, while I hate to be so quite here, I'm so grateful for the tasks that are feeling my days.
Are you making plans for Halloween? Are you completely ready for Halloween? I'm not, at all. Zoe has told me she would like to be a cat. Easy enough. Not sure about the other two yet, but we'll get there.

But we have visited the pumpkin patch and carved our pumpkins. Kaiya carved hers all by herself! And she's beginning to look a bit like a grinning jack-o-lantern with those missing teeth. Hehe! Zoe lost her first last week. She was so excited that the tooth fairy would finally be visiting her. Then the Kaiya lost another the following day. Needless to say, the tooth fairy has been hopping!

Hey, have you entered to win Lucinda's beautiful gnome house yet? Get your entries in before Halloween and don't forget to refer your friends to her Facebook page for extra entries.