Snowball Cookies

My amazing Mom gave me the recipe to these delicious snowball cookies, & I just had to make a batch! They are so delicious!! I guess they are also known as Russian Tea Cookies, but either way, this recipe is one of my favorites!!! Thank you for a great addition to my collection!!

Recipe found here: Snowball Cookies

Paper Ballerina Snowflakes

I found these on a site the other day & fell so completely in love with these paper ballerinas. I knew they would be perfect for my daughters' room. So last night I printed out the ballerinas & cut out the snowflakes. It had been so long since I had even cut snowflakes, I forgot how much fun they are. I have them on a dowel until I figure out a prettier method of displaying them, but I was so excited to share :)

Paper Ballerina Snowflake Tutorial found here:
Click Here for FREE tutorial!

Gingerbread Girl

Finally, I got a nice picture of the gingerbread crochet hat I made for my sweet new addition. Again, no pattern, just kinda 'winged' it & used my creativity with the help of pinterest inspiration!! Hope you like!

The Sweetest Snowbaby

My little Hailey Laine has arrived! 7 lbs & 11 ozs of absolute cuteness!!!! My friend Jaime brought over a lot of props & borrowed little Hailey for some photos! I made the snowgirl hat for her, she modeled it perfectly. This was all my own pattern so unfortunately I have no links to share, but total cuteness to inspire you. This picture was taken by myself.

Welcome to the world baby girl!

Lovely Little Reindeer

In anticipation of the arrival of my fourth child, little Hailey Laine, I got the urge to sew a little reindeer stuffed animal for her. I scoured the internet & found some inspiration for one off pinterest, only I wanted it to be my own. I drew up a pattern & began putting it together, only the finished product looked more fox-like then a deer. So I adjusted the ears & head and tried again. SUCCESS!! I am absolutely in love with this little pattern, & I am so excited to see my little baby curled up to her very own, handmade & hand-designed stuffed animal, made by momma!

My plan is to share my pattern :) Since I am expecting my newest addition any day now, it'll be a little bit, but check back & I'll eventually be adding the pattern & instructions for you to make your own little reindeer. This stuffed animal does contain buttons on the arms & legs that may pose a choking hazard to young children.

Reindeer Oreo Cookies

While browsing pinterest, I found this adorable idea to make reindeer cookies. Only when I went to the store, I couldn't find anything I needed, so I improvised. I bought double stuffed oreos & white chocolate morsels, and ended up using jellybeans for the noses. They aren't perfect, but they are the cutest little reindeer cookies I've ever seen!!

What you will need:

Oreos
White chocolate morsels
Jellybeans
Tiny twist pretzels
1 tube black decorating gel

1. To prepare, cut the pretzels with a knife how you want them, using a sawing motion. Also cut the jellybeans in half.
2. Melt the white chocolate morsels. When completely melted, dip the oreos until they are completely covered. Place them on wax paper.
3. Apply the antlers & jellybeans right away. Allow it to completely dry. Using the black decorating gel, apply the eyes.
4. The cutest little reindeer you ever did see. Enjoy!!!

Eeeeek!! A Spider!!

This is such a fun idea for kids!!!! Also very inexpensive! All you do is take a paper plate, punch holes around the edge, & weave yarn into the shape of a web. You can use any sort of spider, but I purchased this spider making kit at Joann's. You can probably check your local craft store. Be creative! Have fun!!!

EEEEEEEK!! A SPIDER!!!!!!

A Little Baker's Apron

It's been a long time coming, trial & error, for these little aprons. It started about a month back when I saw a beautiful adult apron online & wanted to recreate it for my girls. It had a ruffled edge on the bottom. I got all the cuts made & got stuck on how I should add the edge on with a border running around it. Needless to say, it got set aside & other things took priority, so I never got around to finishing. After being sick for nearly 3 weeks, I'm finally starting to feel better & get caught up on all my half-finished sewing projects, this being one of them. I'm so excited to share this because it's my own pattern all drawn up and ready to go. Maybe one of these days I'll create a tutorial for everyone to use, but for now, I'm just excited to share my creation. Up next, an idea from a good friend of mine, oven mitts to match!!

An apron for winter/Christmas time!

Rice Krispie Pumpkins

Today during our rainy autumn day, I made Rice Krispie Pumpkins! Super easy & the kids loved them!!

3 tbsps margarine or butter

1 pkg (10 oz, about 40) regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows

6 cups Kelloggs Rice Krispies cereal

Red & yellow food coloring

Tootsie rolls

Directions:

1. Melt margarine or butter in large saucepan over low heat. 
2. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. 
3. Add red & yellow drops of food coloring until the marshmallow mixture is orange.
4. Remove from heat & mix in cereal.
5. Coat your hands with butter & roll the mixture into balls.
6. Push in a tootsie roll on the top for stems.
7. Pipe green frosting on for leaves and vine.

Enjoy!!

Hello Kitty Crochet Hat

For a week I have been looking EVERYWHERE for my crochet hooks, markers, needles, etc. I have yet to find the ziplock that contains all my crochet stuff, but I did manage to find an H hook among my sewing stuff. I was so happy because I've been meaning to make the kids hats for winter. I found this FREE pattern online & knew right away my daughter Jenaye would love it. So here she is modeling the hat for me!!

FREE Pattern Found Here: Hello Kitty Hat

The Autumn Tunic

So we had our family pictures this week, & I had decided to make matching tunics for the the girls with adorable belts to go around the waistline. I found this pattern on pinterest, & decided to give it a try. I had SOOOOO many problems getting the elastic to 'scrunch' the fabric around the waist & neck, until I was literally on my last try. I finally managed to get the elastic thread to feed through my bobbin properly, & voila, the cutest outfits ever!!! I LOVE how they turned out! My stitching was so much better then the halter top, I'm finally starting to get the hang of my Babylock Serger. The only problem I seemed to have was the belts kept coming loose, so my plan is to run some stitches to hold them in place. These pictures aren't the greatest because I had just washed them & forgot to iron them. Not too mention it's cold outside!!

The Cutest Little Pumpkin Patch

Last year I had this idea I wanted to do with my friend's crochet pattern. I wanted to make different colored pumpkin hats for my kids & get a great picture for her business. Well.... the hats came out sooo cute, but my kids weren't exactly in the mood for pictures. Out of all of them, this was the best one.

They are such cuties! This time next year, I will have a 4th little pumpkin to add to the bunch. hehe

Happy Autumn everyone!!!

Pattern found here: Pumpkin Hat

Fabric Pumpkins

Little fabric pumpkins to welcome autumn. I find myself growing so much more in love with this season, all the browns, yellows, oranges, & reds. I so enjoy making these pumpkins & plan on making more for my home fall decor!

The Braelyn Warmer

Sooo... I've been on a serious crochet kick, & since fall is just around the corner, I am needing to make some warm gear for my kiddos. First up, The Braelyn Warmer. I came across this pattern on Etsy & fell in love with it! I am going to have to adjust it because it's a little too big on my daughter.

Pattern found here: The Braelyn Warmer

Simple Serger-Made Pillow Cases

Soooo.... to show you how far behind I am, I made these not too long after I bought my serger. I absolutely LOVE the fabrics I chose, & my stitches were by far my best out of anything I've made yet. It was so easy to make these. I am going to make the rest of the bedding for both my girls, but I think the plan is to move them both into two twin bunk beds that my husband is going to make. He made the girl's their very own toddler beds which I still have to get pictures of. He is so talented at woodworking!

Z is for Zebra

So, I was browsing online one night looking for more crochet animals to make, & I stumbled on this adorable zebra off of Ravelry. I'm not a big fan of zebras, but this was just too cute to pass up. My youngest daughter Hannah LOVES stuffed animals, she will walk around all day holding atleast one, if not more. So, I decided to see if she would pose with the zebra for me. She did so great!!! So here is the zebra that I've gotten two orders for, on top of four orders for the monkey. I'm going to be busy crocheting the next two weeks.

Pattern found here: Zeb The Zebra

My Little Monkey

So I realized that I hadn't taken pictures yet of the crochet monkey that I made for my oldest daughter. I'm in the process of making one for the new baby, & I also need to make one for my other daughter Hannah because she keeps wanting to take this one. I have a few more projects I did over the summer that I will be adding to my blog very shortly as well.
** Also a note to my very few followers: The reason why I temporarily blocked my page was because I had an issue with a client who was extremely upset I used her daughter's photos to advertise my handmades. It has since been resolved, but I've decided that for my blog, I'm just going to use the pictures I take.**

My little monkey girl! Thanks Jenaye for always being my model!

Blueberry Banana Nut Bread

So I am proud to share my very first recipe. I have been working on perfecting my banana bread for almost 3 years, & after a recent family blueberry picking trip, I decided to try & make my very own blueberry banana nut bread. I sent a loaf of this bread into my husband's work, & they all LOVED it! It is by far my favorite recipe, & it's my very own! Hope you enjoy!!

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 large bananas
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
dash of salt
2 cups flour
Small handful of crushed nuts
1/2 cup of blueberries

1. Preheat the oven to 350'. Grease & flour one 9x5" pan.
2. Cream butter & sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs, then bananas. Mix in baking soda, cinnamon, vanilla extract, & salt. Add flour & crushed nuts stirring until combined. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of blueberries.
3. Pour into pan & bake for about 1 hour & 45 minutes. Bread will be golden brown & toothpick will come out clean. Time may differ with your oven.

Slice & butter. Enjoy!!
Recipe by: Christina Giehl

Very 1st Ruffle Halter Top

Sooooo.... I purchased this absolutely wonderful Babylock Serger months ago, but had yet to do anything with it. I made a few pillow cases, but I wanted a challenge. I took a shirt out of my daughter's dresser, measured the width, then basically eyeballed the rest. My stitching is far from perfect, but this serger is the hardest thing I've ever had to learn. It's so intricate, and there is so much involved in creating just one stitch. It's for sure been a learning process for me. I lucked out with this halter & it fit my daughter nearly perfect, but I definately need a lot more practice before I add anything like this to my shop. It's the plan though. I am absolutely in love with the way the colors went together & I had my beautiful daughter show it off. I'm excited to practice some more!!

Sugar-Crusted Raspberry Muffins

Made some delicious raspberry muffins today with the freshly picked Alaskan raspberries we had picked from yesterday. I actually made two different batches, using two different recipes, & this one was by far the BEST!

Recipe found here: 

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/sugar-crusted-raspberry-muffins-10000001085085/index.html

Here are some pictures of my kids helping us pick the raspberries!

Frogs & Flowers

So I spent last night decorating cupcakes for Kresslynne & Tavis's birthday party. Amber bought the frogs & rings, & made the cupcakes. I used my Cricut Expression 2 to make the adorable flower cupcake toppers, & came up with the idea of putting the little frogs on lily pads.

 I just LOVE these cupcakes!!! I got to practice doing grass/water, & finally put my wonderful little cricut to good use!

Opening Honey Rose Stitches

The last few weeks, I've decided that I want to open my craft business again! I love crafting in the comfort of my own home, while the kids are sleeping & it's peaceful. The name is still subject to change but Honey Rose Stitches was the only thing I could come up with as of the moment. These are my gorgeous creations so far with more to come!

I'm really excited to be doing this again. I love the vintage feel of my creations. I'm hoping to find a photographer that I can make free things for in exchange for some nice photos! I mean the thought of little newborn babies wearing things that I've made is such a wonderful feeling. If I don't find success with my page online, then my plan is to get a booth at a craft bazaar this year. I'm just going to have fun with this!

My Sweet Little Owl

I purchased this adorable pattern from Beezy Mom's Creations & decided to make one with a teal & purples. I made this for my youngest daughter, but Jenaye really wanted to model it for me. She did a beautiful job modeling the hat I made! Also this was the new logo I designed for my photography business!

You can visit her etsy shop here: Beezy Mom's Creations to purchase this pattern!

Special Feature: My Husband's Cutting Board

I love my husband!! He is amazing & so wonderful, & as of lately has spoiled me with his woodworking talents! Recently he finished a beautiful new cutting board for me since my old one had split. I used it to cut apples for the kids, & today we used it to cut some veggies for our homemade chili. I am so in love with it!!!

Isn't it just amazing??! Lately we've been just woodworking & crafting our nights away. Hope my small group of followers enjoy taking a peek at our creations, & hope it inspires you to make your own. 

When Life Hands You Lemons...

Make a lemonade stand!!! So about a week ago, my husband told me to pick a project so I could learn how to start woodworking. I came across a lemonade stand on pinterest & told him that was what I wanted to make. Every night, he taught me how, & I did everything myself from hand sawing the wood to hammering. It's the first thing I've ever accomplished when it comes to making something with wood, & I completely love how it turned out. I also combined my talents, sewing a pennant banner & hand painting the sign. The pictures don't do it justice, & the banner I absolutely love, but I'll take some better pictures soon, It is far from perfect, but I made it so my kids would have something to play with outside, & maybe this summer we can actually sell some lemonade!

I made the lemonade stand for all my kids, but my daughter Jenaye is just so in love with it! 

After taking some pictures (with Hannah sleeping & Jaeger at school) we were inspired to make some hand-squeezed lemonade. Mmmmmm!! Nothing like lemonade for a sweet taste of summer! Now if summer would just hurry up! lol

First Photo Shoot of 2012

So Saturday was the first photo shoot I've done in awhile. A close friend of mine referred this wonderful couple, & they messaged me two days prior to see if I was up to doing an engagement shoot with their '71 black Mustang. Mind you, it's been quite awhile since I've done a photo shoot. I decided to go for it. They were such a nice couple, & they look so incredibly happy. It was such an honor for me to photograph them.

From the heart....

For some reason, when it comes to photography, I get scared. I start shaking & usually I talk myself out of it. I don't know why, but I think I've always been just scared. Scared to follow my passion, maybe I'm just afraid I'll fail at it. I've had people bad mouth my photography & be unsupportive, & I sometimes let that get to me the most. This photo shoot, I was trembling, but I pushed harder then I ever have. It also helped that I have the most wonderful supportive husband, a best friend who never lets me quit, & a loving mother who has always believed in me, ever since the very beginning. Without them, I probably would have given up. I found an amazing strength when a recent event almost took the life of my daughter, a strength I didn't even know I had. Maybe, it's made me want to face my fears. If I can get through something that nearly destroyed my life, I can do this. I want to live my life with no regrets. I am a strong woman who has had an unbelievable life. It's made me the kind, comforting, loving, scared, humble person I am today. I may sometimes be misunderstood, but I'm living, with nothing or no one standing in my way, & I'm living it the way I want to. Thank you to everyone who always believed in me & supported me, even when I couldn't believe in myself.