Andrea's blog

It's that time of year.  

Time to make your Christmas wish lists, who-to-buy-for lists, what to make, what to bake, when to decorate, etc.  Whew. I'm already tired.

But here's the notebook I'm keeping all that info straight in this year:

An easy project!  It's just a $1 composition book covered in Polar Expressions papers from Imaginisce.  Makes me excited to open it up and write in it.  And it's tote-able.  I just slide it into my purse or diaper bag (depending on my shopping companions).  

I know I won't use the whole notebook this year, so I might just save it and use it next year too...it might be nice to have a reference to what I bought, made, etc.

I used to say that spoon feeding baby food was the worst part of having a baby.  Since Paxton arrived I've had to revise that statement.  Not just because he's a screamer, is needy, and overly sensitive.  But because he actually LIKES to eat (most of the time).  So, spoon feeding him isn't all that bad. 

With Ayla we were rollin' in the big bucks (well, compared to now) so I didn't think twice about buying lots of baby food jars for her, tossing leftovers, and moving on.  But with Paxton, money is a little tighter, so I thought I could try making my own baby food -- at least partially.  It *is* cheaper (or about the same price) and is actually more convenient because you tend to buy more "bulk" that you will have on hand.  Plus, I like that I can try some other foods that don't normally come in the jarred baby foods.

Here's what I've tried so far:

Homemade:

• butternut squash
• zucchini
• sweet potatoes
• acorn squash
• spaghetti squash
• cantelope
• banana (duh...seriously folks, don't buy jarred banana baby food...I mean, c'mon)
• avacado

Semi-Homemade:

• applesauce - I bought a big jar of no-sugar added applesauce.  He loves it and we add it to anything he doesn't love quite so much...and the jar is WAY easier than trying to cook & peel apples (no thanks).
• green beans - just mushed up the canned ones we were all eating (need to mush them more next time!)
• carrots - mushed up canned carrots

Next on my list:

• pears
• chicken (dare I?)
• canned sweet peas
• frozen broccoli
• canned corn
• any other suggestions?????

Any one want to share their baby food experiences?

I'm helping host a "Crafts for Christmas" workshop at my church next weekend, where everyone will bring ideas and supplies to work on crafty gift projects for an afternoon.  To prepare, we're sending all the attendees a list of handmade gift ideas.  Here's a list I've come up with so far, some I've made, some I've found online...please feel free to add your ideas in the comments as well!

• Family Tree Stretched Canvas
• Framed Photo Familiy Tree Collage
• Fingerprinted Notepads
• Handmade Jewelry
• clear glass ball ornament ideas
• photo coasters
• personalized altered clipboard
• set of notecards
• paper-pieced altered canvas designs & this one too!
• bookmarks
• altered wooden letters
• Metal tin ornaments
• mini clipboard magnetic frames
• Mini Tool Box from Altoid Tin
• Cookie Gift Bags (from CD sleeves)
• Decorated Hand Sanitizers or Soaps
• set of marble magnets
• gifts in a jar
• little girl princess tutus
• hand puppets
• reverse applique t-shirts
• painted & iron-on personalized aprons
• accordion fold brag book
• hooded towels for kids

Yesterday afternoon I took Paxton on a hike through the Preserve and ended up at the Moss Rock Art Festival (on purpose...it wasn't a coincidence).  I love going to these art shows and always come home so inspired to make all kinds of fun things (even if I can't do it quite as well as these artists.). 

I picked up a few business cards for a few of my favorite booths and thought share them here:

• 100% Cool - Efi Designs - recycled handmade in style...bags, wallets, bracelets, necklaces & more!

  
   

• ConnorClaire Frames - specializing in custom hand-crafted frames

  
   

• The Swan Art by Susan B Dennis - paintings & ceramics

  
   

• Amy Wilburn - photographer and photo art design (magnets, jewelry, etc)

  
   

• Hale Fire Glass - hand blown beads and jewelry

There were several other artists I liked, but they didn't have business cards or web sites...so I guess you'll have to go to the festival today to check them out! :)

I'm offering an early bird holiday shopping special for my signs....don't miss out! 

NOVEMBER SPECIAL: 
Buy one sign, get a second sign for 1/2 price!
 

Buy a sign as a gift, and get one for yourself.  Or buy two for yourself, or two for gifts, or heck, why not two for yourself & two for gifts? Don't let me limit you!

Just add "November Special" to the comments section of your order. 

Be sure to check out the Sign Gallery for ideas and examples.  Custom orders & ideas are welcome.  Just email me!

My friend Kortney made this cute skirt to match the Bears shirt I made for Ayla.  She sells them on Etsy and does custom orders if you've got a little girl to shop for!

Personalized signs aren't just for "big" folks...These two custom signs were ordered for kids' rooms!

Ayla's bedroom was featured today on the Imaginisce "Just Imagine" blog.  Check it out!

Family Fun magazine had a great idea for creating a cardboard castle out of toilet paper & paper towel rolls and a box of kleenex.  I knew Ayla would enjoy it for her bedroom to play with her dollhouse people, and well....you all know I love me a cardboard toy! (ex. Carboard Oven, Cardboard Garage, The House that Noni Built, Cardboard Crib, & Cardboard Tunnels)

So here's our creation:

I loved making this one so much, I decided to make another:

Size: 14.5" x 5.5"
painted wood sign altered with patterned paper, chipboard alphabet letters & gem

This 14.5" x 5.5"" Altered "LOVE" sign is for sale!  - $35 (+ $8 shipping)
Contact me at signs@andreasteed.com. to purchase!