Doll shop

Just wanted to take a sec to say thanks to everyone who has "liked" Penny Carnival over on Facebook. I see lots of familiar faces and lots of folks I didn't even know were out there. Some of you I've never met, but I know from old comments that you've been reading this blog for a long time. Seeing your names feels like home.  

I also added a way for you to subscribe to new posts ... over there ...  ---->

... in case that's more your style. 

I'm gearing up to redouble my efforts--more toots (tee hee hee), more posts, more links to great things around the web and maybe one day a fancier look for the blog (but don't hold your breath). 

Thanks for following along. Without you, my husband would be forced to listen to me talk about crafts, parenting and (striving toward) simple living more than he already does. He thanks you, and I thank you.

On the agenda this week, making nine of these dolls to give as favors at Bo's birthday party Monday. 

Pattern by Bit of Whimsy and image courtesy of her, too.

I'm going to make them with the eyes closed, though, to fit the "Sleeping Beauty Goes Camping" theme. The dolls' eyes will be closed. Not mine.

We're sticking to a budget of $150 for the party (including presents--thank you, Craigslist). Helping in that effort is the decision to make this a little girl's party (as it probably should be) rather than a get together for our friends (who drink beer and require more sustenance than tea sandwiches) with a scoop of birthday on the side. 

I was discussing this with the nice woman cutting my fabric at Jo-Ann's today (9 party favors total cost: $26, thanks in large part to healthy supply of fabric scraps in my craft room). While I was there, I couldn't resist a little purchase for myself. McCalls patterns are on sale for 99 cents today, and I think this hat pattern will come in handy come fall.

It's the brown one, center top, that I want to make, minus the braid. And for 99 cents, I think I will. Some of the others would be perfect if I decide to go as Mrs. Roper on Halloween this year, don't ya think? 

P.S. It's J and my anniversary today, so I couldn't resist posting a picture from our wedding in 2002.

This summer also marks the point when we've known each other as long as we haven't. 18 years without him, 18 years with him (give or take a few years when we were didn't want anything to do with each other). I know quoting the Dave Matthews Band is tragically unhip these days, but "you come to me like wine comes to this mouth so tired of water all the time. You quench my heart, and you quench my mind."

Cheeeeeesy. I know. Sorry. He's just so dang great.

Here he is patiently getting "help" from the girls while fixing the sprinkler system:

And here is the result of letting your daughters think that they're being useful:

  

 

Comments

[kristine hanson]

can I come to Bo's party? I would love one of those dolls! Cute wedding pic btw

[Sarah]

I loved your thoughts on the birthday party being more about the birthday child and less about the parents/friends that inevitably tag along with the kids. It was like a great "ah hah" moment for me just now. =)

[michaela]

You are totally my hero for planning to make nine of those dolls - esp with your eyes closed. ;)

[charith]

Those dolls are party favors? Wow! I'd love a toot on how you do the eyes. You must be a fast seamstress. It would take me a looong time to make 9 dolls. But it sounds so fun. My oldest has a bday coming up later this month and if I start now...

[Megan]

You guys are scaring me (and cracking me up, Michaela)!! I think I can, I think I can, I know I can ... maybe.
Sarah, it has taken us five years to figure this out. I actually think Bo would love having all her buddies and "aunts" and "uncles" here (and we would, too), but we just don't have a big chunk of change to spend on a big bash this year, so we're keeping it simple and making it a little girls' party. ;)

[Kate]

First, Happy Anniversary!

I was going to post this on Dwell Well but I can't remember my password!

Would you consider posting something on there about this Thursday's FREE concert in Browne's Addition? It's FAMILY NIGHT! The band is Jenks and there will be a bounce-house, crafts, face painting etc.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brownes-Addition-Concert-Series

Feel free to shoot me an email if you have questions. :)

[Megan]

Thanks, Kate. Great idea for a post on Dwell Well. I'll write it up asap. Our family has been hitting some of the outdoor concerts--it's one of our favorite things to do--and we were planning on being in B.A. on Thursday. Will you be there?
I didn't realize it was family night--that's great! Thanks for the extra info.
Now go figure out your s-r password because you are like 50 percent of my audience there.

[kate]

ha! That is not true (about me being 50% of your audience)! I'm just the only one with too much time on my hands at work and lots and lots of opinions. ;)