Wouldn't It Be Awesome If . . .

I'm featured on my friend Aubre's blog today!
Every Wednesday she features a "Wouldn't It Be Awesome If" post. Take a look at mine.

Aubre's blog is full of great tips for technology, fashion, DIY and pop culture. I like reading her blog because she sifts through a lot of the gunk on the web and gives me good info that I can actually use. Read her blog and bookmark it. You won't be disappointed!

Painting on Fabric

I tried my hand at fabric painting this week.
I quickly learned what worked for me and what didn't.
My first projects were a perfect fit for Regretsy. (not shown!)

Stencils seemed to work best for me. Most of the stencils were purchased but they can also be cut. This requires much patience.

April Showers

My awesome sister is pregnant! I threw her her first shower this weekend. I went with the theme of "April Showers." We had the shower at a cute little cafe in a town not far from here.

A Peek Inside . . .

Some snapshots of my cube at work.

Bid on Me

Every year we have a silent auction at work to raise money for the United Way. Every year I donate a couple monkeys. Every year I'm doing this the night before it's due. Every. Year.

Only this year they changed the date AFTER I submitted them. So now I'm, like, ahead of schedule. Here's a sneak peek:

        

So long, Kristi

One of my former supervisors left the company. She saw potential in me and gave me an opportunity that I'll treasure for my whole life. Thanks, KT! 

And for you, a monkey! (Which I told her was a "forever hug".)

The Sweater Project

A while back a co-worker asked if I'd make one of her daughter's sweaters (which she'd outgrown) into a cute creature. My friend Katie saw the post on my blog and asked if I'd do the same for her son, Logan. I'm always nervous making the first cut but if it's one thing I've learned it's that creativity can explode with greatness from mishaps. 

This sweater is from Chez Ami and I just have to put in a plug for their quality. As I was deconstructing the sweater I noticed how well-made it is.

I wanted the "L" to be special so I turned it into a cape! 

Judging by the look on Logan's face, he loves it. 

{P.S. How sweet is Logan?}

Dan

This is Dan's studio.

I love going in here when he's not around.
I love being surrounded by the things he's created. It's like his presence is there.
I love seeing him when he is in there.
I love that he is so happy when he is doing what he loves the most.
I love, I love!

{p.s. How talented is he?!}

To My Valentine

Thank you for being the perfect balance in my life.
I love you.

{Tulips from Dan}

{The worlds of Jessica and Dan collide on a table top: gardening & graphic novels}

Cupcake Delivery

I left a valentine surprise at Shannon and Dave's house.
(Inside the box: apple cupcake with cream cheese frosting AND chocolate cupcake with chocolate peanut butter frosting)
I was trusting that Shannon would get home before a squirrel paid a visit.

For the boys

Shannon and I got together to make valentines for Dave and Dan. Later that afternoon I was talking to my dad on the phone and when I told him what Shan and I did that morning his response was something like, "Felt fortune cookies? So what are they supposed to do with those?"
I think there needs to be more holidays concocted to give a reason for women to give gifts to women. About 7 years ago my friends and I celebrated "Pal-entine's Day." Maybe I should send that idea to Hallmark.
Back to my dad's remark. I'm sure Dan will have the same question. So, Dan, when you read this you have my permission to do whatever you'd like with them. Perhaps pay it forward by giving them to someone you feel lucky to have in your life? Hmm?

for grandma

One of my favorite things to do is to send packages to my grandma. For Valentine's Day I made her a book made out of brown lunch sacks. The book was "10 Things I Love About You." 

Super Sweet Valentines

Need an easy Valentine idea? 

This is my old standby. It works for every occasion—especially the one on February 14th (Sunday, everyone!).

You will need the supplies listed in the photo to replicate the ones I made. However, rounded corners and “phat” staples aren’t necessary (straight corners and a regular stapler will work just fine). These are the stickers I used.

Craft supply stores will have everything you need — even the candy!

The Notebook

I'm going to start sharing my notebook.
It's basically my way of meditating.

Happy Happy!

My mom wanted to buy some of this tape for me for Christmas. She was overwhelmed with the choices so she gave me money to buy some for myself instead.
She's right - it was overwhelming. I think I made a good choice.

THANK YOU, MOM!!

I'm going to tape the heck out of a craft :)

Plush, je t'aime

I was looking through the French magazine "Marie Claire Idees"  and spotted a super-cute plush "thing." Instantly I was inspired to create my own version. I drew up a quick pattern on paper and within a couple hours I had this sweet creature.

YES!

I totally scored today. My friend Amy wanted to meet me at Trader Joe's this morning to give me something. How happy was I when it was a box of pretty pastel butterfly sugar cookies? 

Thank you, Amy. I've already eaten 4 of them. Delish!

Fun on FB

I love making my aunt April's mint chocolate cookies. The recipe makes about 5 dozen cookies which is way too many to be sitting in my kitchen! So I decided to have a contest on Facebook. 

The first two people to post a comment would win some cookies as well as the recipe. Gina in Minneapolis and Christine out in sunny Cali were the recipients of this yummy giveaway. 

It was so popular that I'll have to try it again soon. Maybe a sock monkey next time?

A Monkey for Mary

Dan's mom is known in the family as "Busia" (pronounced "boo-sha") which is Grandma in Polish (her heritage). For Christmas this year Dan decided that Busia needed a monkey.

She got Mabel.

And she liked it: