Going Green Step One!

So my mission to go green has offically started. I planted a decent size garden and my veggies are really growing. I also cloth diaper my son. I use g diapers but not the liners, I made washable inserts. My next misson was to find a homemade natural laundry soap and I did! It works great. I looked for powder because I honestly do not have the time to boil and all that.
This is the recipe I used

Powdered Laundry Detergent

2 cups of Ivory Soap (Shaved bar soap)
1 cup Baking Soda (it suggests Washing Soda but I used Baking Soda and it really worked)
1 cup Borax (in your laundry detergent aisle)

Mix all together and put in container with tight lid. I used a tupperware container from walmart.
2 tablespoons per load.

I also purchased a Downey Ball and put 1/3 cup of white vinegar per load to get rid of the excess residue of the soap.

I broke the cost down and it comes to $1.01 for 36 loads...not bad :) Plus my dipes and wipes came out smelling amazingly fresh!!

Next Step: Finding the perfect Mama Pad........

I LOVE G DIAPERS!

I have been really trying to push my family back to the reusable as far as cloth diapers, cloth napkins, wipes and me using mama pads. We have been using cloth napkins and wipes and its working really well. I just added the snaps to my mama pads so in a couple days we will see (hmm hopefully :) no really ready for another kiddie right now LOL) My husband didnt really take onto the cloth like I had wanted and when my little guy grew out of the ones I had I just started back to disposable. He ended up with lots of diaper rashes and I just felt weird about it. But I am super busy getting things ready to send to a store so I needed to find something else. Sooo I ran across some gdiapers that another mama was getting rid of and her little girl never wore. I jumped at the chance because I have seen them at a local health food store but they were pricey and you still were throwing things out. BUT she was willing to sell them for less than have the price at the store so I thought why not. I LOVE THEM!! My little guy is tiny! With tiny thighs so must of the diapers just didnt fit fell enough. I made him some that fit better but I just dont have the time right now. These wrap around him so nice and the ourside isnt pul so its is super soft and flexable....no diaper waddle here! The liner snaps in and during changes I just put a microfiber car towel (you can buy a pack of ten at Walmart for $5) and it works awesome! The microfiber soaks wonderfully and I havent had a leak yet! I just found out that a store loveer to me sells them so I will be off to get more ASAP...I only have two so I have him back in disposable for now and he keeps pulling on it...he gets all excited when I put the gdiaper on him....so cute!

So here is my little guy!

Have you ever used them? Do you use the flushable liners? I think I might try them for long days out...not sure!

Making Zucchini Cookies!

My garden is over flowing with zucchini so it was time for chocolate chip zucchini cookies....hmmm yum! The kids and I had a great time!

Kay was stripped to his little g dipe because we all know there was going to be a mess!

I am featured here.....

Current Treasuries!!
Check them out!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=58595

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=58022

Coming Soon!

So things have been rough here the past couple weeks. A Bone Scan found a mass on my Step Mother in Law's spine (SMIL) and we found out yesterday that it is for sure cancer. She won a battle against breast cancer a couple years ago but was never really in remission. Until now all her tests have been clear. This have been devestating to all of us and my first thought was how can I help. She owns a small hair/nail and tanning salon down the road from us in our tiny little town and pays private insurance. The premium is unbelievable and this is a huge burden that is not going to be able to work as much in the comming months. So here is my plan:
I will be adding items tonight and this week that are for her, as in 100% of the profit will go to help with her medical cost. I currently have neckties (embroidered cancer symbol), Survior baby tees, headbands, and bowties ready to be listed. (Pictures will be posted tonight)

I know that is wont be much but I am hoping a little is better than nothing.
She is an amazing mother, lover, friend, sister, daughter, Grammie and my daughter says she is her "best friend".
She is strong!

And the winner is......

All entries were put into a hat and hubby picked out........



Congrats to Debye of C Berry Baby!! You are our winner of the $50 shop voucher to Graceful Babies Boutique!! Thank you for playing everyone! I will be hosting more in the future so be sure to sign up for our RSS feed or keep checking back!!


Have a Great Weekend!!

My first contest!! Win a $50 shop voucher!

I have been wanting to run a contest for a while but just haven't had the guts too (afraid no one will be interested LOL) But tonight as I sit here looking at my fabric for the fall collection, I think I need to move some items in my shop so......

Here is your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to my shop! Thats right $50!! and that can go a long way in my shop. So here are the rules:

1. go to one of my two shops http://www.gracefulbabies.etsy.com/ or my NEW still imcomplete website http://www.gracefulbabies.com/, take a look around

2. Come back to this post and let me know what you would. buy with the gift certificate

3. If you grab my link at the top of the page and put it on your page you get a total of two entries (one for comment, one for the link) but make sure you comment here that you grabbed the link

4. If you post on your blog about the contest than you get ANOTHER entry

So you can get a total of THREE (3) entries for the great contest.....so go check it out!

DEADLINE: the contest will close Friday night at 10pm. Winners will announced T 11pm on Friday night (7/18/08)

Good Luck and have fun!!

Chance to Win Fabric....hmmm what more can you ask for?!?!

Oh my gosh!! who doesnt love giveaways!!! I sure do and as I was reading my favorite blogs ran across a great one (linked off of Debye's blogs! Thanks!)
Could this not get any better!! I am such a fabric addict....but I dont want to go to Rehab but Im good!
So just go to the blog and post a comment (about what you would like to see more of on her blog) and then you will entered into a drawing for a gift certificate....who does want FREE fabric!! Uh I am seriously already planning what to do with it....isnt that awful! :)
If you link back her blog then you get entered TWICE and the drawing is tonight at 8pm......so hurry and get commenting!
Remember: The drawing will end at 8 p.m. pacific time this Thursday July 3rd. I will randomly pick a winner and announce the winner on Friday.

The gift of relaxation

So my husband informed me yesterday that for my birthday (last Saturday!) he was going to get me a spa day at Sweet Briar....I am STOKED!! The last massage I had was when I was pregnant with Kay and then a facial with my mom about the same time...so this is AWESOME. So of course I looked up Sweet Briar...oh you should check it out http://www.sweet-briar.net/. Oh it looks marvelous! I feel my tese shoulders relaxing as I look at the pictures. I am going with a friend and we are dropping the kiddies off at baby sitters, having the husbands pick them up, and just relaxing (without a worry in the world) all day lonnnggg.
Let you know how it is :)

Mommy Guilt....

So my etsy shop is currently closed till July 5th but I am seriously considering closing it for good. I have been receiving orders locally and a couple here and there from my website http://www.gracefulbabies.com on top of etsy orders. Alchemy has been good to me but I took on too much and my kids are suffering (my physical and mental health too....NEED SLEEP!) So I am not sure what to do. Its summer and I want to be in the pool with my kids, going to the park, playing dress up, and just hanging and enjoying their childhood. Instead I am behind a sewing machine, losing sleep and stressing about deadlines. I started online selling to have a creative outlet. I love to sew, its relaxing and fun, but I need to compensate for my fabric addiction by bringing some money in.
The last straw that made me close for a while was we were at the park....I escaped for a bit and I had given my daughter (she is three) a hug and told her I loved her and she replied "oh mommy you love your sewing".....I felt like dying! I was crushed...she is so inuitive and I just didnt realize you felt that way. So I am closing doors till the 5th and then decided what to do till then. My kids and husband are my life and I need to focus on what is truley important :)
HAPPY JULY 4TH!!

Do you have an Embroidery Machine??

Want free downloadable designs? Go to Embroidery.com


and enter this code: AFX7LJXPTMTF into the Sewprize # box. No obligation, just a couple of free designs to use!

Have a great day!

The Danny Pants!

Introducing the Danny Pants!


 
 
 
 

These came from having skinny minny kids and not being able to find small waisted pants to fit right. My son literally crawls out of his britches! So I made removable suspender that button on and have elastic in the back to fit loner waisted children. Cuffed crop pants/shorts availabe soon in my shop!

Thursday Nigh Meatloaf....FUN TIMES!!

 
 
 
 

This was dinner last night. It was surprising calm even though it was only the kids and I (DH ws working late). We had meatloaf which is usually a big winner.
Check out the bruise on my son's face...urgh hes is a daredevil and doesnt even walk yet!!

My New Misson!

So recently did to craft shows that werent the biggest money makers but I learned a lot. I learned about display, tents, colors and items that sell. I had some great feedback from more "seasoned" crafters and feel that I can really turn this craft show thing into something. Well I received an email from a friend that told me about a huge event in Rochester that went on and they are accepting applications for next year. They are actually moving the event to a larger venue because of the amazing turnout. So obviously I need more info so I contact the organizer and WOW its quite an enterance fee (please remember I am new at this!) So after much pondering, worrying, and a bit of noratic anxiety I decided I wanted to do it. It gives me a solid 10 months of building inventory and creating my display soooo I need to raise some money for the show...
I am already a quarter of a way there and the deposit I need is due in July so wish me luck!

oh and any critiques, ideas or insights would totally rock!

*HUGS*

The Ruffler

So when I first received my ruffler I ripped the box open so excited to whip out yards and yards of ruffles but quickly became intimated by it and set it aside. Then I found myself in the midst of a craft show and forgot about using it. Well it a slow time in my shop so I decided to make up some fun frilly items for girls. My daughter loves "princess" style dresses but I am not into the classic pinks and purples. I have this amazing geometric shape fabric that I decided to make super frilly but unique princess dress.


So the ruffler totally rocks and I can ruffle yards and yards in minutes....oh what fun this will be!

Just wait for some of the great things I have in mind to come!

My Show In Georgia

Living in the internet world you never really get to meet the people you correspond to daily. Chatting by email or forums, reading fellow Etsians thoughts and insights on their blogs, and purchasing from their shops is all via the internet. I feel like a "know" someone because I watch heir kids grow on their blog and hear about everyday life. Its really amazing that I live in New York and I have friends in California and South Carolina whom I will probably never meet but yet feel so close too! Well I had an opportunity to meet a dozen amazing Etsians on Saturday and it was wonderful! It was so awesome to see the creator behind beautiful knotted jewelry gorgeous handmade stationary, lampwork beads that boggle my mind, and so so much more. I corresponded with Nancy (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5594346) so often that it was only appropriate to give her a big hug when I met her in person for the first time. The atmosphere was unbelievable, everyone chatting and visiting eachothers booths, buying from eachother, and exchanging info. I always have felt a sense of community with Etsy (for the most part-there are those bad seeds) and it translated wonderfully outside the virtual world.

So as I ramble I must say that Mother Nature must not be a fan of Etsy (maybe she is more into the cut throat Feebay...who knows!) because it was raining off and on which meant we all had to move tables under the covered courtyard leaving us hidden from traffic - potential customers! So after moving back out to the lawn and moving my table back under the courtyard area we decided to pack up and call it a day, but not with a frown but a smile because I met some great new friends!

I included a couple of pictures of my table check it out! I also opened up my shop because I have brought a bunch of supplies with me so make sure to visit and shop!

So tonight is it! Last night before the show and I am soooo nervous. Getting sick really set me behind and I am just afraid I didnt fulfill what I wanted to do for this show...oh well maybe next time. Tutus, legwarmers, headbands, OOAK outfits, and baby bowties are fun vibrant wardrobe additions for those kiddies so be sure to stop by! It looks like its going to rain mid afternoon so be sure to stop by early! We will be setting up at 9am!

knottysheep (beautiful Chinese Knotted Jewelry)TSIPhotography (amazing photography, a bit of variety....I have my eye on a couple!)adripratt (knitted scarfs, headbands, and more...sure to be a hit!)jinkywink (Your place for handmade invitations!)sewphisticate ("fun, funky, yet oddly practical accessories and gifts")LeAnnChristian (handmade lampwork beads...check it out!)sugarplumdelights (Hair clips, Key fobs, and taggies!) studiomarcy (some of the cutest glass beads I have ever seen! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10610954 this is my favorite!)frillz ("Handmade jewelry and amazing art to wear".....the organizer of this fun show! Oh and she is a blogger too.....http://nancyandthekitties.blogspot.com
Oh and a new one: "Carol Southerland. She doesn't have an Etsy shop (yet) and she is famous (really) for her botanical drawings. Lots of orchids. She teaches at the Botanical Gardens here, and has pieces hanging all kinds of interesting places. Her stuff is amazingly detailed."

Hope to see you all there!!!!

Sketchworks Artmart!
3041 North Decatur Rd,Decatur, GA 30079

My New Blog.....I just cant stay away!

Welcome to my New Blog! I am soooo thrilled with the way it turned out and if anyone is interested I can steer you in the direction of the creator! She is amazing and worked so well with me to get it just perfect.

I have been working my bum off getting ready for the craft show and hope to have some pictures of completed items. A couple new things I have been working on and some bowtie/Hairbow combinations for the brother/sister team!

Just wanted to give a little Welcome....take a look around and tell me what you think!

My craft show dilemma!

I am going to be in a craft show (information on the bottom) and I have hit a dilemma! I have made a couple pieces to show my work on customs and I also included my popular baby bowties but now I am not sure where to go from there. I make fun baby soft soles so I thought I could make a couple of those

Also I have a crazy amount of ribbon so I thought I could make some hairbows and tutus??



I am not sure if these are items that someone would purchase at a craft show. Help!
Also if I made some shoes what sizes would be the best??





So if you are in the Area come out and visit some great shops!Sketchworks Theatre ArtMart! The Arts Supporting the Arts! Saturday, May 3rd; 11am- 5pm3041 North Decatur Road in Scottdale (just outside of Decatur.) List of shops involved so far!knottysheep (beautiful Chinese Knotted Jewelry)TSIPhotography (amazing photography, a bit of variety....I have my eye on a couple!)adripratt (knitted scarfs, headbands, and more...sure to be a hit!)jinkywink (Your place for handmade invitations!)sewphisticate ("fun, funky, yet oddly practical accessories and gifts")LeAnnChristian (handmade lampwork beads...check it out!)sugarplumdelights (Hair clips, Key fobs, and taggies!) studiomarcy (some of the cutest glass beads I have ever seen! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10610954 this is my favorite!)frillz ("Handmade jewelry and amazing art to wear".....the organizer of this fun show! Oh and she is a blogger too.....http://nancyandthekitties.blogspot.com/I will update the list as new shops join! Happy shopping....

Sneak Peek!

I have tons of new legwarmers to list in my etsy shop. Here is a sneak peak at some of the really fun patterns! Even some great ones for the boys!!!

Sleep or Sew????

My newest fabrics....hmmm love the patterns....Im drooling!

I want to make some more pants and bowtie sets for boys!

Sketchworks Art Show!

I am going to particpate in my first craft show! I did one over the summer with a friend but this is my first with my etsy shop inventory!! I am psyched because it is being held by a fellow Etsian and I am going to be meet some really great shop owners!
It will be help in Georgia (which is a trip because I am in NY) but it gives me a great excuse to go stay with my parents again

So if you are in the Area come out and visit some great shops!
Sketchworks Theatre ArtMart! The Arts Supporting the Arts!
Saturday, May 3rd; 11am- 5pm
3041 North Decatur Road in Scottdale (just outside of Decatur.)

List of shops involved so far!
knottysheep (beautiful Chinese Knotted Jewelry)
TSIPhotography (amazing photography, a bit of variety....I have my eye on a couple!)
adripratt (knitted scarfs, headbands, and more...sure to be a hit!)
jinkywink (Your place for handmade invitations!)
sewphisticate ("fun, funky, yet oddly practical accessories and gifts")
LeAnnChristian (handmade lampwork beads...check it out!)
sugarplumdelights (Hair clips, Key fobs, and taggies!)
studiomarcy (some of the cutest glass beads I have ever seen! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10610954 this is my favorite!)
frillz ("Handmade jewelry and amazing art to wear".....the organizer of this fun show! Oh and she is a blogger too.....http://nancyandthekitties.blogspot.com

I will update the list as new shops join! Happy shopping....

Graceful Babies Boutique

ARRRGHH! Pirates are heading your way!

$My daughter is a huge Nogginite and pirates are all over her favorite shows (ex. Dora, Lazytown, Backyardigans) so I have made a couple of items to bring some of her play to her wardrobe (and my sons )

Treasure Map Raglan

~This lightweight raglan is made from 100% cotton knit with Treasure Map bodice. The one listed in my shop and pictured is with pink sleeves but these can be blue or dary gray if pink just isnt your thing! It is also customizable (length and sleeves) so make it how you want it!

Jolly Roger Pirate Pants!

These pants are available in sizes 6months- 4T

They are orange with light orange skull and crossbones and black skull and crossbones all over it

Perfect for your little pirate!

Dont forget the matching bowtie!!

There is always time for fun......

I stumbled and had a blast!

I signed up for stumbleupon.com a while ago but then decided maybe not mess with it. But today I found myself itching to do something on the computer (both kiddies were entertaining eachother :0 ). So stumbled and found this site http://www.jacksonpollock.org/ Its hilarious....oh and very addicting! Check it out.....off to stumble again!

Boys look great in Boutique Clothing too!

BOYTIQUE on Etsy


I love buying and selling on Etsy.com. Since having my son I began to look for boutique items for boys but had a really hard time. Girls clothing have a larger focus so I have began to incorporate more "Boytique" clothing. Dont leave those boys out! Dress to Impress!
Little Mickey Oufit Punk Baby Outfit

Here are some great items other great Etsy.com Sellers:

a cute onesie from ALaineDesigns ( I mean really how many times have wanted this for your little boy --oh they are ones for girls too!)

Fun Crab outfit from Winklepots

These pants are way too adorable by mamaziel This shop has whole bunch of adorable "boytique" clothing!

Babyleila has these adorable pants.....soo cute with the tie

If you are interested in any of these items or shops, just search by username at Etsy.com

This is only handful! So check it out! This is a great thread full of fun blankets, outfits, burp rags and much more for those boys! http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5493139