Ugh Closet to Yeah Closet!

I don't know if you are like me- but if you are, than you have a closet in your house that actually gives you a stomach ache when you think about it- and how messy it is. Well, I have had one of those stomach aches for about a year now...and it had to end before I got an ulcer :) So, I tackled my 'craft' closet in our office once and for all. It took a little motivation from Matt- but finally one night after work last week, I took everything out...and so began the process.

- Messy, messy closet #1

- And picture #2

- And last but not least ... (note the pink doors and interior of closet)



- And here is all of the 'stuff' I had to take out, and figure out how to put it all back in...

- Ahh....and a little paint goes a long way. Side note: after Matt pulled out some old molding, a lot more came with it, including all of the 1890's horse hair plaster...literally horse hair. So after I sneezed for about a half an hour- Matt replaced the second shelving back wall with new 1/4 inch sheet rock. Bound to happen with an old house I suppose.

- It was one of those things, where the stars aligned for me at Target. I found a ton of great organizing bins in that section they have in the front, that everything is usually really theme oriented and $1.00. Well, this times theme was home organization. Score!

- They had great file folders (top left) and wire baskets for $2.50 a piece (second shelf).

- I loved the galvanized buckets they had, for $2.50- which work perfect for my fabric.

- I had this wire basket, which also works good for smaller fabric pieces. It is perfect so you can still see your options without having them all in a box.

- I use Mason jars for odds and end buttons, and when I get new ones from clothes, I just add them to the jar.

- Matt added peg board to the inside of the doorwhich is great for ribbon and scissors.

- I had some cute note cards that I loved, but decided to use them as tags to identify what was in each basket.

- Even the floor was pink, it now looks much better white and organized to boot!



- Target also had these great trays for little odds and ends. I love the gray print!

- TJ Maxx had this great apothecary jar for $7.99 which looks awesome with old thread bobbins I had.

- They also had these grey-ish baskets (3 for $12.99) which add nice texture to the closet. And of course, more thread!

So, there it is. A craft closet that does not give me a stomach ache any more! On another note, as you can see, I am still getting use to the new camera. Unfortunately since I work full time, I am never home during natural daylight. So I am still working with the flash...let me know what kind of photo you think looks best!

Happy organizing!

Little Touch to A Baby Must

OK, so my post title is not necessarily from experience, but I know my sister and many of my friends babies live in Onesies. Whether they are under outfits or taking a nap, I know they are a necessity. Here is a really quick, easy way to add a little touch to a basic white Onesie.

All you  need is some Onesies, DMC thread (like the kind we used to make friendship bracelets in 5th grade!) and a sewing needle. Separate and use three of the six pieces of thread of the DMC when you stitch.

The best way for you to learn this stitch, is by this YouTube link on exactly how to do the bucket stitch. I did the stitch around the collar and sleeves.

 Tie cute ribbions around if you are giving as a gift! 

I added a free-hand heart on the sleeve of this Onesie. You could do any easy shape. I know Judi wants a green shamrock for Killian!

And Miles wanted to be part of the original photo shoot for the guest blog over at Cinsarah. I may not have a baby...but these two sure are the loves of my life! 

Showcasing Those Lucky Letters!

A monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters or other graphemes to form one symbol.(Wikipedia) And if you know me, you know I love monograms. It started when I was little, and I had a monogrammed sweater, and growing up seeing monogrammed towels in my house. As I got older, I think I would associate monogrammed items with my family, home, things that reminded me of my family. So, dare I say, my obsession began. Now that I am a bit older, I also know I like monograms because of the history they bring with them. Some of my favorite possessions are monogrammed items, whether they are from family, or something new I received for my wedding, I know it is something that has meaning, and can be handed down. I love seeing old monogrammed silver and other beautiful household items at antique shops. I always see it and wonder, Who did it belong to? Where did they live? What was their name? What did they serve with this dish or serving fork? I like to think when I purchase antique monogrammed items, that I am representing that person well, and going to be using that piece to serve my family and friends, or put my precious jewelry in it.

My post from Woodstock, Vermont showed some beautiful pieces I found. I did end up buying a pewter little jewelry box with an 'S' on it, that I have happily placed on my dresser with two pairs of earrings my late grandmother left for me which means a lot. I love monograms, old or new...and wanted to share a few old and new ideas for showcasing your lucky letters!


1. Monogrammed dishes. These are some of my all-time favorites. They have just become available at Williams Sonoma but are from Pickard. When I registered for my wedding, they were not easily available, but thankfully for any brides out there, you can now easily register for them. And I remind you...you will have them for ever, and can pass them down.



2. Vintage monogrammed baby spoons. How precious are these gold plated spoons. Keep your eyes peeled at antique/flea markets, vintage shops and yard sales- you never know what you will find.


source

3. I love the traditional monogrammed towels from Pottery Barn, Neiman Marcus and the likes (my sister got me amazing ones from L.L Bean for Christmas!) but these ones from West Elm are a little bit of a modern flare for all of you who think monogramming is sooooo preppy :)



4. If you know a man that has been in a wedding, chances are he got a monogrammed flask as a groomsmen gift. Well....we did it too. Matt gave these Pottery Barn ones out to his brothers and brother-in-law. They are a safe, classic gift...and ironically, Matt who has been in 7, yes 7, weddings does not have one...maybe they are not as popular as I originally thought!



5. Speaking of gifts, one of my favorite bridesmaids gifts was a monogrammed silver 'Richmond' Mint Julip cup (similar to the one below). One of my best friends, Ginna is from Richmond, Virginia, and her wedding was in Virginia- so the gift was very apropos. I have it on my kitchen windowsill and change it out with seasonal flowers (currently I have boxwood and red berries).


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6. I just love the simplicity of this necklace. You could get your initials, you and your significant others, or even your kids...options are endless with this one! Handmade from Hot Mix Cold on etsy.



7. One thing I have had many of (and will always have room for more) is make-up bags. I love these ones from West Elm that are hand blocked.



8. So I know I JUST said that I loved the simplicity of the necklace above, but I also love the craziness of the one below from Moon & Lola. This is more of a traditional monogram...and I want one so bad! I think of it like the preppy take to the 'Carrie' necklace...you know what I am talking about...



9. Again, as mentioned in the Woodstock, Vermont post, Simon Pearce has amazing hand blown glass made in Vermont (and I know there is a shop in San Francisco that I passed with Ginna) but anyways, what a beautiful vase for a bride or favorite friend, with their monogram of course!



10. Shifting gears here...technology has come a long way. I did not even own a cell phone in college (wow, that makes me sound, feel, and generally realize that I am old). Now that I have a cell phone, I totally want one of these monogrammed iPhone cases from DaniNotes. I love the chevron one with the simple monogram, but all would do :)



11. And last, but not least for all of you iPad users (Brooke, perfect for your new Christmas present!) I love these needlepoint covers from Land's End...surprised that they are from Land's End, I will start taking a closer look to their catalogs :)



So you can make fun of me all you want about liking (errr loving) monograms, but I am sure at least one of those items peaked your interest. And if not, that is OK, maybe a gift for someone else that does...

Girls Trip | Woodstock, Vermont

It has become somewhat of a tradition to go to Woodstock, Vermont for a girls night after Christmas. My sister, mother and I (and now Miss Lucy) headed on our road trip and had a great time. One of our favorite things to do is find little treasures in antique shops. What a a great drive from Maine to Woodstock that is...

We stopped at the Quechee Gorge Antique Mall and I found a great collection of antique silver plated and pewter flatware. One of my favorite things is monogrammed flatware and serving pieces. I actually got a beautiful monogrammed ladle from Matt's grandmother this year for Christmas. So I did not buy anything- but almost got the 'A' spoons!





Once we got into Woodstock, we settled in at the Shire Motel which was very reasonable, comfortable and walking distance to town. The 'Main' street has many cute shops including Vermont Flannel which I got a great flannel shirt Matt has been wanting as a late Christmas present.


Photo from Country Living

I loved this Vermont roll neck sweater for kids we found at Red Wagon Toy Co.



Some more shopping...



We had a good dinner at Bentley's (Lucy is an amazingly good baby) and then strolled over to the Woodstock Inn for an after dinner drink. We had a great time walking though the beautiful inn checking out the gift shop, and having a hot toddy by the fire.



Photo from Country Living

On on our way out of town, we stopped at one of our favorites, Simon Pearce in Quechee Village. Simon Pearce makes beautiful hand blown glass pieces, including wonderful wine glasses we used at lunch. They retail for $64 a PIECE...so don't break any of those! They have a wonderful flag ship restaurant, the food was great, and again, Lucy was a good little girl.

Beautiful restaurant and overlooking Quechee River and Village.



If you are ever in New England, and looking for a great place to enjoy all that Vermont has to offer, I highly recommends Woodstock, Vermont! I hope every one has a Happy New Year.

Guest Feature | B.Hive Designs

Back in November at a local craft fair, I met Barbara Sellen of B.Hive Designs and immediately fell in love with her bags. Not only because they are hand made in Falmouth, Maine, but they have the highest quality fabrics from all over the world (even visiting MOOD in NY!) and the most vibrant patterns. I asked if I could highlight her on my blog, and she thankfully agreed. Here is more about B.Hive and how Barbara got started.

Sarah: What inspired you to learn to sew?

Barbara: I learned some basics in girl scouts and remembered after I was newly married and discovered a high end fabric store in the town I had just moved to. I thought, I need to learn how to make clothes.

Sarah: How did you start B.Hive?

Barbara: The BeeHive was the name of a "store" my sisters and I had every summer when we were in grade school. We would craft all winter and then have "the shop" one weekend in the summer on our neighbors front porch. Since getting married, I have sewn for every phase of my life - clothes, baby bedding, draperies, children's clothes - when my daughters got to high school I started making bags for them and their friends. I even taught a short sewing class at Falmouth High School. I made bags and donated them to charity auctions. Many people started asking me if they could buy one of my bags. I started my etsy shop in 2009 around the time my son got deployed. It has been a wonderful distraction!

Sarah: Your company name is great! How did you come up with B.Hive?

Barbara: See answer to the above. When I started my etsy shop, I thought I had to call it the beehive. I thought B.Hive was an updated twist (I wanted to call it B "dot" hive). It evolved into BHiveDesign on etsy because I was not allowed to add "the dot".

Sarah: Your fabric quality is amazing and unique- how do you find/procure your fabrics?

Barbara: I have found out that the younger generation (20 somethings) call what I do "upcycling" - taking someone else's discarded remnants or waste and using it to create something new. I have several sources in Boston that give me their high end drapery or upholstery remnants. I sort through it and usually use about 25% of what I get. What I don't keep, I donate to goodwill, churches, schools or salvation army. I also check fabric stores for good deals. I am not big enough to buy wholesale. Since I have been sewing for so long, I am able to distinguish the high end textiles from the ordinary.

Sarah: One of my favorite toile prints below-

Sarah: Amazing quality

Sarah: For those out there looking to start their own small business- what is your best advice?

Barbara: Believe in your idea. One of the greatest rewards I have found from doing this business is that customers want to purchase my aesthetic. Also, another piece of advice is to get to know your competition. There are many, many bags and totes available - but my concept is to make them one of a kind. Find that thing about your product that is unique.

Sarah: I know you went to NYC to see the Nate Berkus show and Project Runway’s MOOD showroom recently- what was that like?

Barbara: Really fun!!! The people at MOOD could not have been nicer. However, I did not buy anything there because it did not make business sense for me. But it was really fun to poke around and identify trends.

Nate Berkus was also really fun. And he is even cuter in person! So down to earth. Since I use many home decorator fabrics, it was the perfect show for me to attend.

(Barbara at MOOD in NYC)

Sarah: The bags are beautiful, and a great idea for weddings and bridesmaids gifts. Do you accept custom orders?

Barbara: Most definitely!! I have made wedding bags out of vintage materials that I think are very cool but I have also done custom, so that the bag coordinates well with the shade of white or ivory the bride is wearing.

(Example of custom wedding bag)

Sarah: What is the one thing you would do differently with B.Hive if you could start over?

Barbara: Start off better organized. As you can imagine, I have a great deal of fabric on hand - keeping that organized and accessible is quite a task.

Sarah: With the new year ahead, what is your vision and goals for B.Hive 2012?

Barbara: Well my son is engaged, so I hope to make a bridal bag for my future daughter in law!

Also, I recently obtained some beautiful linen fabric that I am looking forward to making into bags for spring-summer.

Sarah: What local event/shows do you attend? Where will you be next?

Barbara: I am in the process of exploring that right now! I would like to get in one show for Mothers Day gift giving. But of course, I will have many new items on my etsy shop for Mothers Day.

(Beautiful floral fabric- bag available now on BHive etsy shop)

(Handmade in Maine)

Thank you so much Barbara for sharing your stories and ideas with me. To learn more or find a perfect bag, go to BHive Designs at etsy and find her at B.Hive Design on Facebook!

More Sweet Confections

Keeping with the sweets theme...it is not to late to make a few batches of cookies. Here are a few favorites I have been wanting to try.

baked perfection

nicole bain- from pinterest

food and wine

bon appetit

sweetopia