My First Product on the Market!

Upcycled Safari Tote
with Vintage Buttons
First of the Jungle Virgin Series

Back in April, I said I would do it! After sewing my babe a monster baby for his first birthday (I will get around to posting pictures of that soon!) I have really been on a roll. I had never sewn before, was borrowing my sister's sewing machine without a presser foot, and did it completely from scratch without any sort of pattern or anything. It turned out pretty cute and really inspired me to start creating, especially since receiving from a friend a second hand sewing machine of my very own! I have made a few small keepsake purses and journals that I will be giving as Christmas gifts, but I wanted to offer this little tote for someone who might appreciate my new found excitement in handmade!

This Upcycled Safari Tote is home to a sweet felt elephant I cut by hand. It has been adorned with vintage buttons from my mother's button box which has been passed down from my Great Grandmother who she now cares for here at the farm. It is the perfect size for books or magazines with long enough straps to comfortably sling over your shoulder. Completely handmade and unique it is sure to be a conversation piece.

This is the first of the Jungle Virgin Series, creations inspired by the wild and true stories of my Great Grandmother Virginia. Why Jungle Virgin to honor her stories? In high school she detailed the back of her green "slicker" with tape creating a picture of a palm tree and her nickname, "Jungle Virgin."

Today

Tomorrow my babe will turn 6 months old.

Each day I anticipate, fear, and yearn for my tomorrows while desperately clinging on to my yesterdays. I often miss the beauty of the moment while spinning through my past and imagining the future.

"Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their environment and especially on their children than the un-lived life of the parent." ~ Carl Jung

My First Mother's Day

I hope all of my mama readers had a wonderful day!

Yesterday was Mother's Day, my very first since becoming a mother.

My little love gave me his first tooth cutting through as an early gift the evening before. I never imagined that much joy could swell inside me simply from feeling a hard little catch on his gums. In the morning, we were making all our sounds. I continued to encourage him to say, "mama," as I often do and he finally put his little lips together without a slobbery raspberry blowing out. He tried hard to copy me, but it sounded more like, "mba-mba," which of course makes my heart melt anyhow.

It looks like this Thursday we will be moving to the farm. My feelings are regularly playing tug of war which made for an emotional first Mother's Day for me. I go from sad, to relieved, to angry, to excited, to heartbroken.

My little boy is beautiful and it keeps my heart aglow.

Baby Gum Tree

Just wanted to share this picture from our trip to Pike Place on my birthday!

Birthday Weekend Recap: Part 2

Sunday:

I thought we were just going to my babe's grandma's house for dinner, but when we arrived the whole family was there!

There was constant ooh-ing and ahh-ing over my little one like usual, games, ice-cream cake, and even presents!

Some awesome things I received were books, gift cards, sewing supplies, clothes, and the best of course was hanging out with everyone. I had received some felt, beach umbrella and chair, and a beautiful journal already! Lucky me..

Birthday Weekend Recap: Part 1

Lucky Me! I ended up getting a whole birthday weekend of adventure and celebration!

Saturday:
A couple friends, the babe, and I went to Pike Place and had a blast sampling honey, taking pictures, and listening to some talented performers. Walking around down town is something I absolutely love to do!

I know it is silly, but wearing my babe in my wrap made me feel like a stitch in the tapestry of Seattle culture. I saw a few fellow baby-wearers, but there seemed to be more people curious than familiar. It was also interesting how comfortable people were with making comments and asking questions. Maybe the spirit of the market inspires socializing a bit more freely than a department store.

After our Pike Place adventure we headed back to my place to visit with friends and my little sister while getting ready for a night out. The late night highlights included dancing, bragging about my babe, and insisting strangers smell my hair as part of my very convincing no 'poo pitch. I also managed to embarrass my friend during these and other wacky antics, which was of course all part of the fun!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday and I am expecting some awesome adventures to unfold! Oh, the suspense!