kidding around

I might as well continue the doll theme and show some other bits of inspiration around our house.

It is my goddaughter’s 1st birthday this week and I wanted to create something special to commemorate her first year. I envisioned something that she will grow into and enjoy when she is maybe closer to being 2. Although my 7 year old has requested some for her very own- so I think Esme will have these little dolls for awhile.

I figured a bag for her friends was needed. So I bought any already sewn bag and just handstitched the square and letter. I feel like I cheated a bit by purchasing the bag, but honestly my time for sewing is very limited. I wanted the project to be creative…but not consume all of my time. I have recently noticed that I just need to schedule actual times to create. My kids need me and I need to just be available. Balance, right?

Last month, when I was gathering supplies for Ellie and I’s ornament project, I rediscovered the unpainted wood aisle at the craft store. I snatched up a few of these figures. They remind so much of the “peoples” Fisher Price used to make when I was a kid. Before they were afraid of them becoming choking hazards! I remember taking baths with them and taking my stash to the woods in our backyard in Pittsburgh. I would bury them, hide them in trees…such good memories. I recently found them at a flea market and was alarmed to find out that they are SUPER expensive. So the above dolls are my version of the “peoples”. Did anyone else play with them? I wonder where mine are!

The above trio were made by my daughter Ellie. I thought she was going to paint them for her baby sister, but she went over the top! She gave her creations to Penny for Christmas and they will be treasured for years to come.

And lastly, these books are my kids current favorites. Thanks to their aunt and uncle, we love to scour the pages and just “ooo” and “ahh”. One of the books (Sunny) came with a super cool CD. It’s sort of kiddish, but definitely something adults would listen to without their kids. It is a lot like the “They Might Be Giants” CDs, but a tad bit more serious (if that is the right word…).

The books are by Robin Mitchell and Judith Steedman…they have 3 more books(Chinook, Gail, and Snowy)
in the series that we need to get soon!