Chihuahua in Paris

The other day, I needed a last minute gift for a darling little girl who loves everything Paris.  I literally had 15 minutes to either go buy or make something.  The details of why I needed such a short order gift are not important.  Let's just say that in my circles, it is not uncommon....

So, I went into my craft closet and found this little chihuahua dog figurine and fire hydrant that I had picked up at a yard sale, drew a quick Eiffel Tower, and viola I had a gift.  It made me happy to finally use the little guy and to know that he went to a good home.

This can be a really fun craft to do with the kids.  You can use any little figurines that they already have, draw a backdrop and place in empty jar with a little moss.  So cute and fun! 

Adieu!
SC

Happy Birthday, Nico!

This weekend, we celebrated my nephew, Nicolas' 3rd birthday. He loves anything that has to do with tools and gardening so my sister made a giant gingerbread construction worker to top his chocolate birthday cake, tools and all. Nico was so excited about his cake. It was yummy too.



I made him this little sock dog (think sock monkey). I got the pattern from an old Martha Steward magazine but if you are interested in making one, I found the instructions on her website here. It is very easy to make. Isn't he cute?



Nico approves! Woof!



I started the preparation of my cookie doughs which I will start baking tonight. I usually don't decorate my gingerbread or sugar cookies because I always run out of time but this time, I am really going to make an effort. Stay tuned.

When I was at my sister's, I realized that I had not taking pictures of Viviana's doll. The pattern is an Alicia Paulson pattern from her book, Stitched in Time and it is the inspiration behind the army dude.





I also made her this embroidered pillow for her birthday which I had also forgotten to photograph then. So here you go. This design was my own. One side is for rainy days and the other side is for sunny days. Lately, it's been on the rainy side.





On Sunday, I made a little crochet car for Alec. He loves cars. I also got the pattern from the same Martha Stewart magazine I got the sock dog pattern but I couldn't find it on her website. Basically, the body is a cube made from six 4" squares and the cab is made from eight 2" squares. All crocheted in a single crochet pattern. The pattern calls for foam inserts but I just used stuffing for stuffed animals and I improvised on the tires because by the time I got to the tires, I was tired and didn't want to make stuffed tires so I just tacked on the tires in a single layer. I don't think Alec will mind.

Me and Alec. Love.

So this week is the last week before Christmas and as usual, I will be spending my evenings baking cookies. Wish me luck. Cookies are always so temperamental.

Savina's Fairyland Party

I told you it was going to be a great party. Saul and Lori never disappoint.

The place was beautiful (Lori always does such a great job of decorating).

The food was delicious (Saul always does a great job of ordering).

The atmosphere was fun and light (We like to party).

Here is the celebrated fairy. Isn't she gorgeous?

Some of the decorations made by Lori.

My cousin, Lorena made the fairy dust.

At the party, many fairies, big and small, were spotted:

Alec. Have you ever seen such a happy fairy?

Joaquin. Such a perfect fairy.

Sophia, the fairy of daydreams.

Valentina and Savina earn their wings.

A fairy's job is never done. Three little fairies take a rest.

One of the fairy godmothers (Lorena).

The fairy family (Saul, Paulo, Savi, and Lori).

Fairies are really hard to catch. These are some that we were able to round up.

You know it was a good party when some of the furniture ends in the pool! Even if it is a toy.

Here is the gift I made for Savi. It is a fairyland terrarium. I also made a little bag to hold her tools and instructions that she will need to keep her terrarium looking beautiful.



The terrarium also has a light on the top that you can use as a night light. When it is on, it looks like the moon in beaming down on the garden. Unfortunately, I do not have a good picture of that effect to show you.

A wee fairy house that I painted on a tiny gourd.

Making this terrarium was so much fun. Here are some pictures that document the creation of this project.

I gathered materials from several sources: The flower mart, Blue Hills Nursery, Michaels, etc.
I found these wonderful tiny gourds and nut shells at the LA Flower Mart. I'll have to go back and get more.

I painted the top of the jar so that when the moss is glued on it, there will not be any "bald" spots.
My little helpers, Nico and Luc.
Painting the house on this tiny gourd was so much fun.
It is very important to add a layer of gravel to terrariums for good water drainage.
Another essential material for terrariums is carbon bark. It is not easy to find. I got premium organic charcoal at Blue Hills nursery. It is important to have this in your terrariums because it will eliminate orders and will keep the soil fresh. Be careful because it cannot be substituted with any other charcoal.


I found this beautiful brooch and buttons at Michael's. I love them!
I had a really difficult time finding the perfect fairy. All of the ones I cam across were scary looking. Finally, I found this one that the LA Flower Mart. She's perfect.
I think I have a new hobby. Building terrariums. Mateo wants me to make him one of a war scene, of course. We'll have to see.

I promised Savi, Paulina and Valentina that I would also make them little name tags like the one I made for Viviana that they can use when they play grocery checker or concession stand worker.




Happy Labor Day!

SC
xoxo