Frugal Living, Saving the DIY Way

Frugal Living, Saving the DIY Way

Posted by on Mar 30, 2011 in Jess the Mess | 6 Comments

Sometimes I think it’s a struggle but for all the things we have “given up” I know we’ve gained lots more. I feel thankful I’ve been able to be with my kids full-time while they grow. My life is simple yet so very rewarding. Living frugally keeps me creative and humble. Making things from scratch ...

Singing in the Rain, Survive the Rain

Singing in the Rain, Survive the Rain

Posted by on Mar 29, 2011 in Explore | No Comments

Kids, I love um! How they find such joy in simple things in life. When we were a bit depressed that Spring Break was getting rained out, we saved the day and broke out umbrellas. How my kiddos loved dancing, singing and twirling around outdoors. Check out these snazzy umbrellas. My favorite? The monogrammed clear ...

Peas if you Please, a Simple Veggie Trellis

Peas if you Please, a Simple Veggie Trellis

Posted by on Mar 28, 2011 in Celebrate, Make | 3 Comments

Ah, spring is here! Can you see it past all of this rain? Time to start getting the garden ready. I’ve been a busy gal pulling mint, crab grass, and crazy strawberries that have run amok. Never again will I plant mint unless in containers. And I now vow to cut off any strawberry runners ...

Saint Patrick’s Day Crafts and Preschool St. Patty’s Party and a Bad Momma

Saint Patrick’s Day Crafts and Preschool St. Patty’s Party and a Bad Momma

Posted by on Mar 16, 2011 in Celebrate, Make | No Comments

This is my day so far… “Hurry up so you won’t be late for school”, I tell my kiddos as they hop out of the car. I watch my 5 and 8 year olds rush down the sidewalk toward the school. Great, I’ll still have plenty of time to get everything in place before the ...

Art Party

Art Party

Posted by on Mar 15, 2011 in Celebrate | No Comments

An arty party full of glitter and “goldens” (what the little girl calls gems). This is what happens when you get three, four, and five year olds together for a party. Giggles, silly faces, messy art and lots of fun! As soon as guests arrived in the art studio we got started on making crowns. ...

Giveaway- Fortune Shaker Necklace and Blog Party

Giveaway- Fortune Shaker Necklace and Blog Party

Posted by on Mar 14, 2011 in Celebrate, Explore | 2 Comments

When I was asked if I could participate in the Lex’s blog party I looked to my snazzy Fortune Shaker Necklace for guidance. My fortune read “Now is the Time”. I love a little creative motivation, don’t you? Not only have I decided to be a guest blogger, but I’m so excited for the opening ...

A Creative Walk

A Creative Walk

Posted by on Mar 9, 2011 in Celebrate, Explore | No Comments

My assignment for myself…while walking to pick up my daughter from school, I’ll take a picture of everything that I find beautiful. I’ll stop to examine the sky and the ground and really look at my surroundings rather than rushing by. It was a lovely walk and found some remarkable finds. What do you think?

Perfectly Primer Alphabet Necklaces

Perfectly Primer Alphabet Necklaces

Posted by on Mar 8, 2011 in Make | 5 Comments

Finished a new style of necklace today. Check out these funky hinged beauties. Inspired by my son’s Kindergarten class, these perfectly primer alphabet necklaces are a hoot to wear and play with. You choose the letter and the soldering style (straight up modern or zig zaggy). Each necklace comes with a corresponding picture that matches ...

Made it in my First Magazine, Artisan Jewelry made in Salem

Made it in my First Magazine, Artisan Jewelry made in Salem

Posted by on Mar 7, 2011 in Celebrate, Press | 4 Comments

I get a call from Marion Barnes, the editor for Willamette Woman. After seeing the fabulous article by Cindy Ulshafer, South Salem Today–Statesman Journal, she asks if I’d like to be featured in Willamette Woman. Oh no, my stomach fills with butterflies and I feel every molecule in my body bounce with excitement. Could it ...

School Auction, 2nd Grade Class Artwork

School Auction, 2nd Grade Class Artwork

Posted by on Mar 3, 2011 in Make | 2 Comments

I’ve been up to my elbows in projects, not that I’m complaining! The McKinley School auction is this Friday (eek… tomorrow!) and I’m finishing up some last minute details for the second grade class artwork that will be auctioned off.  Remember this project for the kindergarten? Well with any luck the conduit will be secure ...