Littlecake's Book Nook - Book #1 Friday Night Knitting Club

As I mentioned previously my goal for 2011 is to slowly eat thru my stacks of unread books by reading 2 a month...so I thought I'd share...these are not reviews...just my little take on sharing the scoop on my latest read.

The first on January's list was The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
The story of a single mom, her knitting shop, her 12 year old daughter, betrayals and love lost... good friends, old friends, rolled cozily into a not so tightly wound ball of yarn. This is a light read, not a classic, nothing amazing, just an easy read. Enjoyed it enough...but not a fave.

The start of a new year...

Happy New Year!
The ringing in of a new year always leaves me with a nostalgic sense of wonder combined with a healthy sense of optimism as I look upon that crisp path to a fresh start- the clean slate...getting more sleep...doing more blogging...eating right...de-cluttering...doing "more" -you know this song!

This month is just flying by...wow...what a start 2011!
Ciao' 2010 - per my norm the old year brought many changes with it , this seems to be my current life trend as of the last few years...my horizons just keep getting broader- in a good way I think. It seems to me that every time I get used to the dance, someone changes the song again!

I am thrilled with all of the lovely new memories, new friends and new experiences. 2010 brought with it some much needed reconciliations, a dash of- tell it like it is, and sprinkle of - some things put to bed for good. There was a good measure of fear thrown into 2010 just to shake it up a bit, sometimes just a bit of that can help remind you, how much you appreciate things...your health...your friends...your family (just in case somewhere down the road you didn't notice you'd failed to be appreciative of these oh so special things.)

2010 left me with a nice sense of accomplishment -as I've kept several promises to myself last year(broke a few too)... I promised myself I would participate in my first craft show... and I did...TWO- as a matter of fact! I promised to live more creatively last year...and I did...it was a homemade christmas and some! I promised myself to learn to sew and I did....well sort of...a wonky seam or two, but loving it!

2011 is off to a fair start...
I am promising myself to blog at least twice a month
I am promising myself to eat 2 books a month, and banishing them from my home once read (unless it's a true keeper). I am a self confessed bookaholic. The books, all of the lovely books are invading my planet... my mantra : read it and pass it on.
I have other promises to me...but those are just for me...we'll see how they come to fruition...only I can dream my dreams...



1

Oh you beautful Frida doll...

Several projects I've involved myself in have occasionally asked for a "Frida" Doll, here are other examples of how I have been yet again inspired by a favorite Muse- Frida Khalo...From paper doll, to paper clay...each one has been a pleasure to create...and each one with her own "personality". The paper doll mermaid is a favorite theme of mine. The theme is inspired by one of my favorite Frida quotes : "Feet why do I need you,when I have wings to fly?" ...Frida as a mermaid, with wings...the paperdoll is made out of vintage canasta cards,and decoupaged with a few images, the face is hand painted by me.

Viva Frida

July 6, 1907 - July 13, 1954

My homage to Frida on her birthday week and in anniversary of her death...my favorite muse! Though her birthday was actually yesterday...well given that it is now past the midnight hour...day before yesterday the anniversary of her death is on July 13th...what death?! She lives on thru her art, in our hearts, our spirits, the inspiration of so many "Frida lovers"- she lives in our urge to create.

The mini shrine pictured above is a sardine can shrine made for a swap on swap-bot, silk flowers and glitter transform this tin container from an ordinary snack can into something special- a homage to Frida.

The bright colorful nature reminds me of Frida -a bright and colorful personality despite her pains- both in the physical and of the heart.

I love how she surrounded herself with art right up till the very end, her strength, her openness...all of these things are the reasons why she inspires me.

I will post a "little" something Frida every day until the 13th.
Que Viva Frida en Corazon! (May she live in our hearts!)

I too create because I need too...life is so much tastier that way!

"I paint my own reality. The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration. "
Frida Kahlo

Every Step of the Journey...

Hello again and Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and that the ringing in of the New Year was full of hope and happy thoughts!

I found myself in many ways relieved to be done with the last year. A year filled with so many surprises-good...bad...fun...not so fun. Though last year was laced with a little bitter and a little dark, it was also overflowing with so many bright, wonderful things,experiences and people.

We rang in the New Year, with thanks in our hearts, for our togetherness, our health,our happiness. Truth be told though my holidays were a whirlwind;I can honestly say, judging by the pictures and having slowed down enough to finally take it all in, the memories created and time shared with family and friends were precious and worth every effort and energy drink consumed in an effort to keep up!

Life's "stuff" and Work have kept me quite busy these days and again at a distance from what I love most...crafting,baking,socializing and blogging.

Haiti's tragedy weighs heavily on my heart, and reminds me of how blessed I am, and how needed my prayers are. I reassess my existence and of those around me and try to put my arms around this suffering.

As 2010 continues to progress my cautious steps become stronger, I am insisting on Life's balance. I find myself recommitting to my personal self and joyful journey that is creating and entertaining through the palate, eye, heart,hands and every means that makes each step matter.

Every step of the journey...is the journey.

The picture is of a fairy in a jar created as a gift the quote on jar is just that...Every step of the journey...is the journey

The Holidays are here!!!!!

Well, there ya go...my current reaction to the the onslaught and speed of this cozy #@!&* holiday! How the heck did this wondrous time of home-baked goodness, holly jolly cheerful crap and evergreen scents come upon us so quickly? I was still relishing the last of the stuffing that came so late this year, and the next thing I know...I am freaking out! It's early yet I told myself, you have plenty of time, by all realistic Santa gauges- "I'm doing great, ahead of the game" I say...not black Friday ahead of the game, but ahead...ha ha...I thought... until today... when the only Camden corduroy shirt I could buy for my husband in his size was Khaki (nothing against, but being a red head he looks much better in blue or green...so I think),not to mention there are no more personalized kid car carriers or cool train thingies with a carrying case you could get personalized for the one and only nephew who thinks you're a super duper Auntie star (cuz he's 2)! We could go into what the heck to buy people who want not, need not and really (I don't believe) care for anymore pics of my dogs in halloween garb or christmas garb or any garb really. I had visions I tell you...of rum balls, and home baked cookies, home made lemon curd,hand made ornaments and mountains of stuff in my etsy store...not complaining...just overwhelmed all of a sudden...my mantra says "keep it simple, keep it light", my insomnia says, "there will be no sleep tonight!"(as I obsess on what to get my mother in law)...with that said...happy shopping to all and to all a good night (well maybe for some of you)!
Happy Onslaught of Holiday Madness, may it be stress free and full of eggnog and really fun gifts...okay screw the fun gifts...full of eggnog (and fruitcake...I actually really like fruitcake...Dear Santa...I'll take a fruit cake.) I am NOT the fruitcake...I would like a fruitcake!

Another Year...I count my blessings!

(One of my creations...an extra large cupcake bouquet...always makes me think birthday!)

Another year...today I am, yet again another year older. As I write this... in these very moments as we approach 6pm, 42 years ago I was making my way into this world. The last couple of weeks have been with out a doubt a stressful two weeks, yesterday, those stresses at last came to an end. I feel a renewed sense of freedom, joy, and relief. I celebrated an early birthday with girl friends yesterday, we sat on the patio of one of my favorite local dives, while one of my favorite local blues musicians played the guitar and serenaded me, a beautiful breeze was blowing peaceful easy feelings, while we waited for my favorite indulgence (only from time to time) fried chicken, collard greens and mac and cheese, and a generous slice of blueberry pie for dessert!
The cards, gifts and phone calls have been a steady stream this week and I feel sublimely blessed and fortunate for all of the love and support that surround me. Today I woke up again optimistic and full of light for the day ahead. I believe this to be one of the best birthday's I have had in a very long time! I feel wonderful!!! Hugs to all!!

Say what you feel today...

It took me a little longer to get back here than I thought it would. Todays blog is not where I imagined it would go this time around, but life dictates it's subject and we follow through at times a bit baffled,a bit thrown off, and at times heavy hearted.
Through my most recent connections with facebook I have been blessed and delighted by life's re-connections via this wonderful tool...our beloved internet...blasts from the past...from elementary school, to summer camp, teen-ie hey day,college and some.
It was through facebook I recently connected with an old friend... the older boy hottie patottie (from my teenage years) who grew into a beautiful,responsible, loving, upbeat, animal lover... truly a caring sensitive grown man, loved by all, who sadly passed away this week at 45.
His loss came as a huge shock to so many who loved him. This week I've played my share of Zeppelin and old tunes shed some tears and have been sorely reminded that no one is guaranteed tommorrow.
If you have something to say... I Love You, I'm proud of you, I am grateful for your friendship,I miss you...say it...if you need to get together, pick up a phone, shoot an e-mail, a card , share an old pic, bring a smile...do it!. I am grateful for my time with Bruce, youth and adulthood. The world has lost one lovely animal lover, people lover...and all round lover of life! Dear friend you will be missed!

One Busy Bee!!

Hello fellow bloggers,

Just wanted to check in! It's been so long...I have most definately missed my blogging time!

I recently started a new job...between crafting, baking, working and life in general, there has not been a whole lot of room for this happy past time!

I will be posting some of my newest creations very soon...I had the coolest pic for Frida's Birthday on July 6th ( a little swap-bot ornie I created for a fun frida swap), and again life and work would not allow me blog time!

Please keep checking in...I love sharing and all the feedback from my blogging pals...we've got some serious catching up to do!

Hope to have some new posts up this weekend, so check in next week and see what's been going on! Hugs and Happiness to all of you!

Rainy days and Mermaids...

Frida Kahlo mermaid art paper doll. I created her using a paper doll template from The Enchanted Gallery, her mermaid body was created with card stock and collaged with bright colored papers, her torso is a canasta card, in her hands she holds a sugar skull and a painter's palette,glitter,gems...Frida Sirena...my swap buddy for this swap is an art teacher and a Frida fan.

Frida's face was rendered in pen.

Insomnia strikes again...and in it's usual course I am up...and thankfully this time I find myself once again on my happy little blogging path.

Somehow in the midst of the glitter and glue,tucked daintily behind a festive mound of ribbon or the sweet sticky mountain of butter cream,my blog re-emerges! At times it's easier to catch up on my favorite blogs than upload pics and share. In between the multitude of projects in paper,clay or sugar...insomnia strikes and so does my need to blog!

It's been a rainy month of May so far, rainy and wet indeed! I'm surprised we didn't grow fins and tails for all of the splashing about!

We were grateful for a small well deserved sunny break on Mother's Day - a shiny, sparkly day danced with playful breezes,pink Tulips,bright Azaleas,budding Clematis,family time and just the right taste of spring that makes you want more...just to find Monday overcast and wet again!

Everything looks super lush and velvet green , and rainy days make indoor "to do's" much less painful.

In a few months we'll be wondering where the rain went and complain of the heat and humidity... so in honor of growing fins and tails I've posted my latest mermaids created for swaps on swap-bot!

I hope all of you Mom's enjoyed your day!

April Showers bring...Baby Showers!

Those ar strawberry maltballs in the martini glass YUM!


Fluffy Booty bouquet!!!


Only a sampling of what made the baby booty bouquet!

Here is the latest on my sugar arts and creative entertaining...little did I know or remember how squealy and giggley my family really is...kudos to my husband who perhaps didn't giggle or squeal...but a good helper none the less(in the back ground kind of helper way)! I hosted ...and must say...funnest shower I've been to in a long time(If I do say so myself)! 3 games...good eats...and good friends and family! The little bouquet is actually baby booties,baby mitts,hats,burpie cloths and baby needs! She (Mommy to be had no idea it was a baby goody!). daddy to be received a monster coffee mug (to keep awake for late night feedings)filled with aspirin (for crying baby headaches),batteries (to keep on goin'),tooth picks (to keep eyes open),chocolate (as a reminder that this is sweet)...and of course the perpetual endless stream of baby goodies! Ah...baby sweet!!

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

In honor of Earth Day I have posted my Spring button fairy created for the Spring Button Fairy swap on swap-bot.

The cherry blossoms in my area inspired this little spring button fairy; her name is Sakura (Japanese word for Cherry Blossom).

I live 30 minutes outside of Washington DC, and during this period of spring it is our cherry blossom season. We celebrate these beautiful trees with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

People come from all over to enjoy this beautiful sight every spring! If you’ve never been to DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival it is definitely something to see…just like a live postcard!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival annually commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington!

Though Washington DC attracts the tourists and locals alike for this pink frilly fantastical event, you will find Cherry blossoms through out the surrounding suburbs as well.

Whole neighborhoods graced with pink magical ceilings of beautiful blossoms, on windy days it can look like it’s snowing …and it is…just not snow…it snows Cherry Blossom petals!

Happy Earth Day Everyone!

Good stuff!

What a terrific weekend for good stuff! I sold my first item on etsy!!! An Obama bookmark!

I managed to schedule an interview with a local bakery looking for a cake decorator...keeping my fingers crossed, but know there is a fair bit of competition out there so I'm not holding my breath.

A Lovely little Baby Shower hosted by me was a terrific success!

I have been working hard on creating more handcrafted items for my etsy shop...things take time...I will post those when they're ready...in the meant time...where's my glue gun!

April Showers bring...cute things!

What a lovely weekend! Puppies decked out in their Easter Best, Family,good times, new memories! Hope your weekend was as magical ours was!

Participants for Pay it Forward!

I officially have my 5 participants for Pay it Forward!
These lovely bloggers will be receiving something special from me...check out their blogs!





Thank you for participating!!!

Ang- Summer Day Boredom's Blog
Peachy Cheek - Peachy Cheek
Grace - Saving Grace
Teresa Matz -Grace Abounding
Shantessa Knutson - Sew Fierce

Grace Abounding: 1st day of the contest!!!!!

Check this out more goodies!! Grace abounding is having a give away contest!
Just click on this link...
Grace Abounding: 1st day of the contest!!!!!

The Twelve days of Easter???

Easter approaches and with the holiday so does my constant sense of fun for yet another excuse to celebrate! Spring so filled with unpredictable joys...Easter candy,daffodils,warmer weather,green smells,things waking up after long winter slumbers,treats,theme colors and a wonderful reasons to entertain,worship,gather with family and create lovely memories!

Swap-bot...a constant source of creative inspiration actually inspired this little send away. Not long ago I came across this fun little swap - to decorate an egg carton,fill it with crafty artsy pretties and send off to a partner to start on April 1st...the count down to Easter on April 12th! What a terrific idea I thought...but how much sweeter to send a thoughtful,love filled package to my sweet little God daughter in Florida? Exactly...super sweet!

She opens a little gift every day from April 1st thru 12th, each day and egg contains a note and a little gift...candy...hair pretties...rings...grow in water chickie chicks, socks... and the grand finale...a little hand made lamb necklace from her "Nina"!



Happy Count Down to Easter Lily!!

Pay it Forward!!!

How is this for fun??

The first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It will be done this year. (that's right, before December 31, 2009!)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be.That's what makes it so exciting right?
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. But I would never send something that I didn't like myself!

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and make the same offer to the first 5 people who respond on your blog entry, thereby continuing the fun! (Though you can keep it local if you want, I don't fear international postage!)

So please come and join in the worldwide fun of pay-it-forward.Anyone anywhere is welcome to leave a comment on this post but only the first 5 to do so will get something handmade by me.Let's have some fun!

Viva La Frida!!!

This is the card I sent my partner...maybe more glitter was in order...


This lovely card was sent to me all the way from Olvera Street in California!


A Frida Notecard swap brings more fun in the mail all the way from Olvera Street in Los Angeles!

My partner created this beautiful card for me with Frida fabric, some glitter and embellishments, just lovely! So lovely I'm framing it!

For those of you who aren't familiar with Olvera street, it is one of the oldest parts of Los Angeles, the area is known for it's Mexican Culture, they host festivals on several Latin holidays ...check it out www.olvera-street.com
definitely on my list of must do/places to visit!

The card I sent to my partner is the first one of the two pictures presented above...I kept it simple...not sure what inspired me to do so...but I did....and actually like it...though I would like to retry a go in the opposite direction with a little more "Jooj"

If I do...I'll definitely post it.
Alas the witching hour...this insomniac must go to bed!!!
Make today wonderful.

St Paddy's Day Button Fairy

A friend of mine has been a little down in the dumps due to some major losses and life changes. A consumate gift giver as a rule and inspired even more by weekly swap surprises in the mail I decided one Sunday to spread a little cheer. I delivered this little button fairy along with half a dozen cupcakes and a green carnation pen, though my little gifts weren't earth shaking, they certainly did what they were intended to...turning frowns upside down! I think this little fairy was one of my favorites,,,as was the catch up time prompted by this special delivery!