Crafting for Handmade Charlotte this Summer!

Hello friends! I'm thrilled to announce that I will crafting over at Handmade Charlotte this summer! Yippee! Rachel Faucett, of Handmade Charlotte, has one of the best eyes for modern and vintage children's toys, crafts, games, clothes, you name it. If you are not following her deliciously inspiring pins, I suggest you start doing so now!

Today I am sharing a fun spin on the traditional paper doll. Hop on over the Handmade Charlotte to get the full DIY. It's the perfect thing to keep little hands from getting bored now that they are out of school!

[guest blogger: calico]

I’m obsessed with family portraits. The quest for a gorgeous time capsule of my beautiful children has led me to a number of photography sites, only to find fantastic photos of happy couples, or an ever so trendy, young, and cooperative family of 3. Not 7.

I can only assume it is because most families of 7 share the same impossible dream that all 14 eyes will simultaneously look at the same focal point in the very millisecond the camera clicks, with no fingers in the noses, and of course, cool outfits. The stars must align.

However, there is hope. My favorite photographers are my favorite because they have captured families in the most creative ways. These two photos are my favorite.

I dream at night that Jonathan Canlas will show up at my door holding gold grass, some mountains, a bright blue sky, and his camera and say, “Hey, you want me to take your picture?” “Why, sure, Mr. Canlas. Let me just put on my pearls.”

Or Wendy from Blue Lily Photography will fly us in a private jet with the Backyardigans and popcorn to wherever this brick building is and wave her magic wand and we’ll fly into the perfect candid position. And I’ll wear green shoes.

Yup.

In an attempt to have a cool family picture for the Christmas cards I never send to extended family, I tried to combine some elements from these favorite photos to create a unique moment.

Well. Removing Kacie’s baby doll & Joey’s McQueen produced nasty tantrums; we caught Jakie jumping on the downbeat; Dani’s attire is less than fancy; dad’s at work because I do all the crazy stuff while dad’s at work; you can’t see my mountains on the left; the grass is only a little yellow; and my shoes that you can’t see are red and not green.

All in all, I think we did pretty good.



I think I’ll just beg Tuesday Mourning to paint the happy moment for me. Another gorgeous option I dream about.

1. Jonathan Canlas Photography
2. Blue Lily Photography
3. tuesday mourning
*mer mag note: I totally made her give props :). shameless, I know.

[guest blogger: calico]

Because the clothing is adorable and affordable. And the designer behind Matilda Jane is just a mom who made cute clothes. I love that.

[guest blogger: calico]

Some have dreams of lavish master suites & glamorous gathering rooms; but I’ve got my dreams of luxury and pure satisfaction folded up in the laundry.

Glorious laundry.

1. the luna chandelier by Not Too Shabby
2. French Victorian sofa
3. 3 washing machines
4. The Forgotten Bride, print by six hours
5. Railroad Tie Dining Table by Viva Terra – for folding.

[guest blogger: calico]

May we all be free from singing, banging, dinging, and ringing toys without any moving pieces or parts smaller than your gift receipt.
Peace on earth, and good gifts towards men.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

[introducing guest blogger...]

I'm so excited to introduce you all to my very first guest blogger, Cally Cruze of calico. She's a dear friend, a mother of five, crafter extraordinaire, has a great, quirky sense of humor and an adorable vintage-country style that I love. This week she will be sharing with all of us some of her favorite finds such as gifts both kids and moms will love, beautiful finds for the laundry room and more - so stayed tuned!
Cally creates the most darling quiet books such as the one above. So cute! Check out more of Cally's crafty goodness here.