Bridget's Daughter's Birthday

What do you get a sixteen year old with a vivid imagination?  One who is an avid reader??  One who is compassionate and empathetic to other people's trials and tribulations?  One of my favorite shop model's birthday was fast approaching and my mind was filled with ideas, but what would SHE like??  It actually has been awhile since I was sixteen, but I know some of the fun of the birthday is the element of surprise.  So, with that in mind, I made a decision.  A Harry Potter Potion's box--what else?!?!?

Clutching my precious bottles and treasures in hand I went to my friend's studio (Kathy Kaberline of KK Originals) for some fun in creating.  If I can't think of something, trust me, she can.  We took a couple days off from our usual art work to get to work on this latest project.  Wow!  Did we have FUN!!!  Okay, so I have discovered it really doesn't matter what your age may be, we still like to paint and get our hands dirty.

We both donned our aprons (just to make us feel a little grown up) and we got started.  We set out the bare little wood box and studied it.  I had an idea in my head about how I wanted the end result so we discussed the possibilities and went to work.  Now, you need to understand that it is ALWAYS best to try these new and creative things in Kathy's studio because she has always been an avid crafter and collector--so, her studio is like being locked up over night in Michael's or Hobby Lobby.  Whatever you need, she has, trust me.

I really should have taken pictures along the way to show our progress, but my hands were way too dirty to actually touch my camera.  So, you can hear about it, but not see it.  Sorry!

We sprayed all kinds of colors and all types of sparkle on this plain little wooden box.  Then we let it dry while we crumpled paper, then painted it, then dried it, then ironed it, and voila! a cover was born.  I did use the computer to make the labels so I would have the original Harry Potter print to make it more realistic.

But really, we couldn't just use plain paper for our labels--so we tore our labels out in some fun shapes, then we distressed them, sprayed them, sparkled them, and smudged them to create an old and worn look.

Getting packed to ship

Here's a little sample of the bottles and how they looked when I packed them for shipping.  I tried to stick little pieces of cardboard between them so they wouldn't break en-route. 

The finished box:

The green paint on the top was still wet when I added a little salt to make it disperse the way it did.  I thought it looked like a dragon when finished.  The little lizard next to it has a little dragon's egg under his chin.

The inside of the box:

This is the lid with Hedwig's feather and some pictures of the gang in potion's class, as well as, Hermione making the famous polyjuice potion in the girl's bathroom.

We crumbled paper, then pressed it, then painted it, then; well, you get the picture; to make her a journal for her potion recipes or for notes in class. 

Then we stamped and sprayed the inside pages to finish it off.

I think it turned out cute and it sounds like she liked it.  Here's a partial shot of the finished product.  Didn't really take enough time for pictures because I wanted to get it shipped to her in time for her birthday.

Did you see Scabbers??  He snuck into the box to hide.

Happy 16th Birthday to Bridget's daughter!!!  

What Happened to the Countdown??

Oh, I know you were all waiting on pins and needles for the countdown to continue, BUT it didn't!  I got a terrible frog in my throat and he wouldn't get out.  I coughed and sprayed and gargled--the whole gambit, but the slimy little creature stuck around through Christmas!! 

So, needless to say, we had a very relaxing holiday week at our house.  Eating chicken noodle soup, watching movies, and just enjoying the peaceful holiday.  I want you to know the frog hopped out while I was sleeping and unfortunately for my dear hubbie, it jumped into his throat, hmmmm, well, I was taught to share.

Why don't we just move on to our New Year 2012!!  Wow!!  How did it get here so quickly?  And I refuse to do resolutions each new year because they all start out the same and end up exactly the same.  This year I'm planning to stay FOCUSED and trying to create some new pretties along the way . . . oh, look how pretty this is . . . it sparkles . . .

FOUR Days to Go!!

Oh, it is coming down to the wire.  I hope you mailed your gifts today that need to get to parts unknown.  Now that you have that out of the way, let's finish wrapping everything that you will need for this weekend. 

• Make a list of people who you want to remember with a little something.  
• Check your stash to ensure you have something for each person on this list.
• Make a list of voids in your list; i.e., a name on the list, but nothing in the stash.
• You know what you have to do next -- run to the store to pick up last minute items.
• Hopefully, you have enough energy to finish your wrapping when you get home.

Now, don't stress too much, you can finish the wrapping tomorrow if need be.  But be sure you have everything together when you are ready to wrap.

1. Tissue Paper
2. Wrapping Paper
3. Tape
4. Scissors
5. Ribbon and/or bows
6. Tags (you can make your own on the computer) & pen
7. Any decorative items you like to tie on the package for a little flair
8. Gift bags are always fun and easy!

Okay, get to work.  Don't forget when you are finished to store everything in one location for future use.  I have one of those large plastic tubs that holds everything.  When I finish I put it all back and it goes downstairs on the shelf until I need it again.  Yes, I even put a pair of scissors in there.  They aren't that expensive any more and you will be glad to have them right where you need them.

Remember, just four more days to go so don't dilly dally now.  Once you are finished, then you can have that coveted movie or book day!

Leave a comment if you have some other great ideas for us.

FIVE Days to Go!!!

Oy, FIVE more days to go!!  I do hope you have been getting your wrapping finished.  Okay, I know that I have some wishful thinking going on here when many of you haven't even finished shopping.  Let's be honest, some of my friends are just getting started with their shopping.  If you are in that same boat, then let me help you with a few last minute ideas from the handmade shops on Etsy.  I have perused the Etsytwitter Team shops today to look for some goodies.

To start out I found this very cool little pendant (since I am an avid Potter fan, I couldn't pass this one up) in the Pretty Whimsical shop.  Perfect for any of those teen/tween girls on that long list.

Team Potter Scrabble Piece

Now what about that co-worker??  I found this adorable desk calendar from Maddesign and I believe it would be the perfect gift for that person who has everything.  

2012 Desk Calendar

 I found some adorable little lollipop ornaments in the shop called From Nancy's Heart.  These are so cute that you could use them when you tie the bow on the package serving as a decoration and a little extra gift for their tree.

Lollipop Ornaments

Look at these great Lavender Rose lip balms from Aquarian Bath.  These would be super great stocking stuffers for that special morning or how about giving to your mail person, your pet groomer, your most important hair dresser, your massage therapist (yes, some people have a regular), or even your neighbor.

Lip Balm

 Here is an awesome idea!  Pick up some of these great cup sweaters from Kim White Creations to use for gifts to some of your friends who love to drive thru that local coffee shack on their way to work or play.  Stick a gift card from that coffee shack inside it and you are all set!

Cup Sweaters in Various Colors

If you need to look a little more, please search Etsytwitter Team on Etsy to find more handmade goodies from this hard working team.

Good luck on finalizing that list!

SIX More Days to Go!!

Now it is Sunday, and I think it should be a good day to finalize those lists, do some wrapping, and prepare any packages for mailing.  Oh, you like to watch the football games as well?!?!  Want to see what Tim Tebow does this week????  Okay, move your stash to the same room as the big screen and keep working on your list.

Speaking of Tebow, here's an adorable Denver Bronco collar in all sizes from Kady's Pet Couture.  

Perfect for that avid fan on your list.  Kady had a few other teams in her shop as well; OU, 49ers, Nebraska Huskers, K State, KU, if you don't see what you want, just ask.  Ohhh, planning a football party, check out these little tags:

 Imagine the possibilities for these little tags!!  Gift tags, drink tags, place cards, invitations, leave your ideas in the comments section.

Okay, now I need to get some items finished so I can stay on schedule.  We'll check in again tomorrow with a few ideas for your last minute scurry.

One More Week to Go!!

Do we have any procrastinators in the crowd??  I know I am notorious for that exact problem.  I even have the gifts, but haven't gotten them ready to ship just yet.  I have been busy shipping for everyone else though.

Who knew that the silk scarves were going to be so popular???  They do make luscious gifts for that hard to buy for person on your list.  AND I gift wrap each and every one when it goes out.  Let me help you get your item to that special person!!  I'll even include a gift card from you.

These are just three of the new colors you will find in my shop for the 11" x 60" size hand painted silk scarves.  I have many other colors so stop by my Etsy shop to discover the other colors.

Here is one of my larger scarves sized 18" x 72" that have been added by special request for the chemo patient.  These scarves are longer, wider and just plain luxurious.  I have them in several colors right now, but would be happy to make you whatever colors you desire.  Just contact me with any special orders.

I now have a few hand painted silk ponchos that I absolutely LOVE!!!  Anyone who knows me will testify that I love to wear the silk ponchos or ruanas everywhere I go!!  I feel so pretty! Oh so Pretty!  Oops, sorry, I was starting to sing.  Here are two of the new ponchos; one in the Over the Rainbow color that has been so popular in the scarves and one Magnolia red and black poncho that will take a relaxed little black dress or black pant suit from day to a nice evening on the town!

Stop by to pick up a few for your holidays.  I promise to gift wrap AND you will have it in time for Christmas if you live in the United States.  Sorry, can't make that promise for the International orders, but the USPS can't control the shipping when it leaves the states.

I'll be checking in with you again before the big festivities begin.

My Etsy shop is:  www.MommaGoddess.Etsy.com

Just 13 Days until Christmas?!?

It is that time of year again and everyone is starting to realize the date on the calendar.  For those who celebrate the holidays it is a busy and hectic time.  I, for one, do not have a clue if I have everything ready for the big day.  I have been so busy working on items in my shop that I haven't really had time to worry about it.

I generally purchase goodies all year long so that I am fairly ready when the time comes, both financially and time wise!  I remember when I used to get off work early on Christmas Eve and would run to the mall to finish my shopping.  Oy vey!  One year the electricity went out just when I gave my pile of gifts to the check out lady.  Not good at all.  Those were the days when they knew their customers and trusted them.  She wrote it all down and said not to worry--so off I ran to do the wrap job and get the girls ready to go to Grandpa and Grandma's house.

Christmas Eve was always a special time with Grandpa and Grandma.  The house was decorated and holiday music was playing.  We always had a pot of chili and one of oyster stew (nope, I didn't even think of trying that one).  


Grandma would put out all kinds of veggies, dips, cheese balls, crackers, sliced summer sausage, etc.  It was definitely a party!
Then she always had platters of home-made candies.  Hmmm, starting to understand the weight issue now.


Well, this year my family is all far from here and I need to ship my precious cargo to each one so they will have their stash in time for their own holiday festivities.  You know I can't wait until the last minute now.  I am wrapping and trying to get things together to ship, but I keep getting ideas for new jewelry pieces.


Today I decided to check out my stock of pottery shard pieces to create some treasures with them.  They always make nice gifts.  Look what I came up with utilizing a couple:

Purple Faceted Agate

I love purple so I started with this one.  I am even including the earrings with the necklace.  It turned out so nice that I wonder if I should wrap it for one of my gifts to send.

Pink & Purple Stones

Well, since I was in the purple mood, I found these great hot pink and purple multi-colored pieces that looked great with this pottery shard.  


I like the history behind the potter shards.  I have been told by my supplier that the Chinese people dig around in the old ruins of the pottery factories and find these pieces.  They then wrap them with the metal and prepare them for sale.  I think it is nice to have a piece of history.  And who said you couldn't have something from the Ming Dynasty??  


Yesterday I went in a more earthy direction with these pieces:

Amazon Time

These rich colors made me drift to the Amazon and the jungles for a little safari.  They are both similar, but the stones are a little different.

Jungle Time

Perhaps I watched too many Tarzan movies growing up, but I think Jane would like this one.  Of course, the earrings come with it.


Take a little time to visit my shop to see what else I may be working on for your holiday gifts.

www.MommaGoddess.Etsy.com

 

Let me know how your shopping is coming along and what are some of your memories of the holidays past.