Playsilks

We (tie) dyed some playsilks this week. Our nature table needed an overhaul and Q has shown more interest in his playsilks recently. This was my first time dying playsilks and it was SO much easier than dying cotton fabrics! Such an easy and gratifying activity.

Silks were from dharma trading company, I used food coloring to dye and these two tutorials as guides. Dying in jars was very convenient and having them on the stove made it go very quick.

I've got some more playsilks coming (including some BIG ones for canopies or fort building) and some jacquard silk paint so there will be more playsilk fun in the coming months.

Wordless Wednesday - Best Friends

..And We're Back

Well I had absolutely no intention of taking a long break from my blog but I guess that's what happens when life creeps in. We've been crazy busy around here and I have been really exhausted.

So you wanna know what I've been doing these last few weeks since I posted last?

I went to the beach....

it was wonderful.

I stuck my toes in the sand

I met my husband's ninety-five year old grandfather, a retired captain

I threw a baby shower for a friend

said friend smuggles basketballs in her shirt

I've also been doing the usual, cooking, cleaning, crafting, playgroups, library trips, walks around the block, etc... It's amazing how much the little stuff can fill up your days.

The most important thing I've been doing lately is mothering this little one - who started sleeping in his own bed this week. It's not full time yet but we're headed there.

Is there anything more beautiful than a sleeping baby?

I don't think so

Wordless Wednesday - First Wall Masterpiece

A Birthday

What a beautiful celebration we have had here. Sunday we celebrated with family and friends and muffins at the park. It was a gorgeous day and it was so nice to see Q enjoy having so many of his favorite people in one place, celebrating him! Monday (his actual birthday) we celebrated in a much smaller way, just mom and dad and Q sitting around the table with candles lit, playing on the floor with his dog, just his family. Both days were just perfect.

I cannot imagine life without him. He's just perfect.

More Birthday Preparations

Still in celebration mode around here - one week until the little boy is ONE and we're having fun making preparations for a little family get together.

We've got homemade birthday decorations finished

birthday outfit just about done

and birthday crowns (that still need elastic)

Something tells me that not all of Q's future birthdays will have this much fanfare, so I'm trying to enjoy it now and revel in my sweet sweet almost one year old boy.

Wooden Growth Chart

I've been neglecting my 'current' and 'recent' projects list over on the right side there and I'm feeling bad about it. I've been getting back into my crafty stuff lately and have completely neglected to take pictures or blog about it. The lists need an update but first I want to explain and move some of them around. First, the growth chart.

I had this idea when Q was a couple months old that I would like to make him a growth chart. My dad is a contractor and has a shop full of wood and tools so I asked him to cut me a piece of wood 5 1/2 feet tall by about 10 inches wide. My plan was to make the bottom be the 2 foot mark and then have it go to 7 feet, with room to paint his name or otherwise decorate the very top. I don't know exactly how I was gonna decorate it, maybe a vine growing up the side, maybe paint it very simple... I dunno.

But you know what happened when my dad brought me the piece of wood? he brought me this

I couldn't have asked for a better growth chart cause you know what? Grandpa made it for his Grandson. I love handmade pieces and handmade with love from your family is even better.

Since this one was created he has also made a growth chart for his Granddaughter, my niece Sophia - with her whole name on it.