Handmade teacher gifts for Christmas ;)

Mmmmm- my first grade son's teacher is phenomenal. I couldn't be more grateful for her and how much she does for him!! When I thought about a teacher gift I knew I had to make her something special. She carries a pretty cute Vera Bradley bag so I was able to get a little insight on the colors she likes and what her needs would be in a bag by checking out what she already uses ;). I decided on this Bonnie Bag style that I designed for Blossom and Poppy last summer. I hope she gets lots of good use out of it but even if she doesn't, I sure hope she knows how much I adore her!!

Diaper bag for the cutest mom in the universe made with stunning fabric by Iman

I bought this fabric (designed by Iman, her work is amazing!!) from a Calico Corners store that was going out of business over a year ago. Usually this stuff is so expensive that I would never think about buying it but the going out of business sale was HEAVEN!! I bought as much as my minivan could carry ;).

Naturally, I've been hoarding this fabric because I couldn't bear to use it on just anything. But when a friend of mine needed a new bag for the arrival of her darling little girl (her 4th child!) I was hoping it would be a great fit for her. My own bag is made out of the same line of fabric and it is STURDY so I know it will hold up to 4 kids and it is so unique!

You are so cute "A"! I know you will make this bag look fabulous....as you do everything that you wear!
xoxo,
holly

The Aubrey dress

We are visiting my sister and brother in my old hometown, San Antonio,Texas and I have a few minutes to catch up on blog posts. My kids are so tired after our long days that bedtime is easy since they pass out in the car. It gives me more time to paint, hang out with my husband and work on the computer at night which is always welcome! These past few days here have been a dream.....I'm definitely not ready to come home.....

Laci has been begging for long dresses so the past few that I have made are well past her knee. I fell head over heels for a top that I bought recently for myself that has three quarter sleeves so I've been playing around with those for her as well. She thinks the sleeves and length make her look more like a "princess" so they have been quite hard to pull off of her. This one is her current favorite and she looks so precious in it that I wanted to share it. I'm working on versions for myself as well ;)- so cute!!!

Ok- tomorrow I'm off for more tamales, margaritas and family! Yum, yum!

xo,
holly

The Autumn Handbag

Whew! Finally Halloween costumes are over and I can post handbags again!!!

I designed this pattern several months ago for my girlfriend but I don't know if I ever took pictures of it before I gave it to her. Hers was in earthy grey fabric that reminded me so much of her ;).

I made a few things to donate to my school's fall festival as well as a couple of other schools that I donate to. I got in a zone pouring over my fabric and I made this one even though I didn't need to make anything else ;). There is a pocket that snaps closed on the outside as well as pockets on each wall of the inside. I don't know if I can part with this one......I'm crazy in love with it!!

Mr. Mint!!

SO....my children decided on their own that they all wanted to be Candyland characters and I have to admit that my husband tried to steer our 6 year old away from Mr. Mint over to Lord Licorice ;). But he wasn't about to be swayed! Mr. Mint was sticking. I smoothed my husband over with the work gloves and axe and I am SOOOO glad that it came to fruition because I will always remember these days of his newly toothless grin and the red and white stripes.

I swear this boy gets bigger every time I look at him. He is the sweetest, cutest, Mr. Mint on the planet!!

Princess Frostine costume

Princess Frostine was a HUGE hit in our house- in fact, I'm pretty much sick of looking at this costume because Laci puts in on every day and waltzes around the house, bossing around her brothers like she is the queen she thinks she is in her mind ;). I'm just happy she liked it!
xoxo-
holly

King Kandy costume from the Candyland game

For Halloween my kids chose to be Candyland characters. I'm so happy that I got them done in time for all of our Halloween events that started this weekend and that they love dressing up in them (I was worried one of them would change their mind at the last minute!). This King Kandy is for my 2 year old and the look on his face as he pats his "big belly" (I sewed in stuffing) is worth all of the effort I put in ;).