Whimsy Words: 24

image from here

With whimsy~

Penelope Birdies

Latest Custom Paintings

Size: 16x20 (set of 3)

Materials: Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas / Clear Matte Varnish 

artwork inspired by Custom Nursery Art by Kimberly

and 

Pottery Barn Kids Penelope Bedding

With whimsy~

Tinkerbell shoes

This year, the Cutie Patootie decided that she wants to be Tinkerbell for Halloween.  I enjoy making the kids' costumes rather than buying them.  (Ok, Ok, I do buy some of the components to the costumes, so my costumes are really semi-homemade...)

Here is a peek at C's Tinkerbell costume.  These shoes are a great example of my semi-homemade costume concept.

Items needed:

• Old Shoes (ballet flats or similar style)
• Craft paint (Color of glitter)
• paint brush
• Glitter  (This project took 1 1/2 tubes of glitter) 
• Mod Podge (Dries clear / better option than glue)
• Hot Glue
• Large Pom Poms (found in craft store / normally in a pack of 4)

Directions:

1. Wipe old shoes clean with a damp cloth / stuff shoes with newspaper or plastic shopping bags. (this keeps the inside of the shoes clean and glitter free)
2. Paint body of shoes with craft paint, let dry completely
3. Paint on Mod Podge and Sprinkle with Glitter . (It is easier to do this process one small section at a time.  (Toe/Side/Back/Side)  This way the mod podge doesn't dry up before covering it. s
4. Let dry completely
5. Hot glue pom poms to the toes of the shoes.

There you have it!

Since I already had the old shoes, mod podge, and craft paint laying around this project only cost a couple of dollars for the glitter and pom poms.

Pretty good for a two dollar transformation don't you think?!

With whimsy~

Real Room: Choo Choo Trains

I absolutely love it when my customers send photos of my artwork in their new homes.  Here is a look at my Choo Choo Train (set of 3) paintings in a real 'big boy' room.  They coordinate perfectly with Pottery Barn Kids Ryder bedding collection and crib set

Click here for more details on this set.

(paintings in photo are 11x14)

Thanks for the photo, J!

Find these paintings in my Etsy shop HERE.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 23

image from here

With whimsy~

Tonight's dinner

I am absolutely LOVING the cold front that has graced San Antonio, an impressive high of 74.  Pretty perfect if you ask me!

So, tonight I plan on making one of our favorite dinners in honor of this beautiful and breezy fall day!

Potato, Corn, and Shrimp Chowder

Ingredients:

• Russet Potatoes - 4 c. , peeled & cubed
• 1 1/2 c. Kernel Corn, Frozen
• 2 c. Shrimp, Peeled / tail-off (I use frozen shrimp)
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 1/2 c. Canadian Bacon , chopped
• 4 c. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 c. Fat Free Half & Half
• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil 
• salt/ pepper - to taste
• 1 tsp. dill
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

1.  Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.  Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add chopped Canadian bacon and heat through.
2. Add chicken broth and potato.  Bring to a boil.  Cook until potatoes are fork tender.
3. Once potatoes are cooked remove half of them into a separate bowl and mash.  Add mashed potatoes back into the soup pot.
4. Add shrimp, corn, and half &half.  Bring back up to a simmer.  
5. Add dill, red pepper flake and salt/pepper. (*tip* - before adding the red pepper flakes reserve a few servings in a separate bowl for the kids.  My kids find the red pepper too spicy, but the adults love the extra kick. ;)

This recipe makes a ton!  Freeze what is left over for an easy dinner night down the road.

If you or your kiddos are not huge fans of shrimp, chicken would be an awesome substitute. 

OR

Leave the shrimp and/or chicken out all together.   

Hope you enjoy this soup as much as we do!

Happy Fall!

With whimsy~

Busy Bee

I have been slacking a bit on my blogging this past week mostly because of this little guy:

 

He keeps me on my toes, that's for sure.... M is one busy little bee, we spend most of our days playing, painting, coloring, reading, running errands (his least favorite activity), and napping (well, sometimes).

With Halloween and the Holiday season fast approaching I have a TON of fun crafts, recipes, and ART ideas that I plan to tackle with the kids and share with YOU!  :)

Happy Monday!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 22

image from here

With whimsy~

Etsy Love: The Lacey Placey

...and the obsession continues....

I. LOVE. CHEVRON!!!

I always used cloth diapers as burp cloths when my kiddos where babies.  They are the perfect size and weight.  These burp cloths from The Lacey Placey via Etsy are the perfect combination of practical and  trendy.

image from here

The Lacey Placey is also an AWESOME place to find pillow coverings in fun patterns inspired by the latest trends at affordable prices!

image from here

I am in love with these yellow and white chevron curtain panels.  Wouldn't they look awesome with my you are my sunshine canvas?  

image from here

Check out The Lacey Placey's Etsy shop HERE!!!

With whimsy~

Custom La Ballerinas: 2

My 'La Ballerinas' have definitely been one of my most popular designs so far.  Here is a look at a slightly different version.  I love how their delicate white tutus turned out, so sweet for baby's nursery.  

To see the original 'La Ballerinas' click HERE.  

To see another custom 'La Ballerinas' set click HERE.

With whimsy~

Comfy Closets

I love creative use of space!  Check out these creative closet designs.  

1. Crib in a Closet

image from here

image from here

2. Reading Nook

image from here

3. Changing Table

image from here

with whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 21

image from crafts and sutch

Love it?  Want to print it? For Free?

Click here for your FREE spooky printable available in 8 great color combinations courtesy of Crafts and Sutch!

With Whimsy~

Etsy Love: Baby Jives

A few days ago I wrote this post about DIY nursery mobiles.  While searching for DIY etsy kits and tutorials I stumbled upon Baby Jives.  A totally awesome and unique shop dedicated to handmade accents for your little's 'nest'.  So... if you are not the DIY'r type check out her shop.  It is completely enchanting and I am sure your little bebe will agree. ;)  

Enjoy!

image from baby jives

image from baby jives

image from baby jives

image from baby jives

Check out Baby Jives Etsy shop HERE

With whimsy~

Giving Tree

This custom painting was given as a meaningful retirement gift.  My client wanted something unique and heartfelt for the recipient, something that would honor all of her hard work and dedication to their organization for the past 10 years.  My client's idea was to create a "Giving Tree" with meaningful names painted on the leaves.

With whimsy~