Table

For about a period of a month, I get the painting bug and will start spraying away.

I found this table at a yard sale for $30 I think, but my neighbor who was with me managed to knock it down to $15 (or thereabouts) And to think that I'm the Chinese, not her. I definitely do not have haggling skills (nor do I like to haggle, although I've started trying it out - won't turn down an opportunity to save!)

And this was also my mother's first piece! Yes, when you are here, you will be put to work.

Art from Central Market when I was back in KL last. I don't have many things on the wall as I'm not really the type who knows what to do with wall displays. But I saw these hand-crafted wayang kulit-ish pieces and wanted to bring a bit of Malaysia back with me.

It's ironic how you have to bring a girl out of her country for her to appreciate it. I highly doubt I'd purchase them if I lived in KL. 

And of course, another stack of my thrifted antique books.

Meet Olivia

I have a tendency to hoard things that I like. Particularly books. And sometimes, craft books. One in my collection that I've had for awhile is the Wee Wonderfuls book. I've flipped through it a number of times, ooh-ing and ahh-ing over all the various projects that can be made. And I have dreamt of making every one of them. But you know how that goes.

But, after a particularly bad week at work where I just wanted to tear my hair out, I sat down and began. (Crafting, not tearing my hair out)

Meet Olivia (named after the pig - although the doll is not remotely swine-like)

Typically, I do NOT enjoy handsewing. But this was somehow different.

I used the Tag-along doll pattern, but made slight changes to it so that she can be dressed or undressed as you please. (the original had the dress sewn on) 

And of course, because Isabel and her bellybutton is legendary, I had to put a bellybutton on Olivia.

She's made mostly out of felt - I don't think I'll do that again. I used the felt by the yard that you can find at Joanns, but I'm not sold on the quality of it, even though it came recommended by Dana from MADE. Next time, I may just use fleece for the whole doll (which I ended up using for her legs)

The dress was a fun make-up-as-you-go-along piece.

I think I may make a blonde version for one of Isabel's best friends for Christmas.

And because I have it, here's Isabel modelling her pajamas

 

It's the same Emma Hardy pajamas pattern from her Making Clothes for Children book as this post
Although I have to warn anyone who's going to make it -- there's something wrong with the pattern for the pajamas pants -- so use the Elasticated Pants pattern instead for the bottom.

Tea for Two....or Ten?!

Isabel is going to have a tea party.

A few hours spent on Pinterest to gather ideas, and another 3 hours spent on making the invitations, there's no backing out now.

The invitations were fun enough to make, but I'm no scrapbooker. I'm sure that real scrapbookers (which one of the moms is) will cringe. 

 

 Lets hope I pull through.

(My poor mother. And brother. Who have to help with my hare-brained scheme)

Honest Opinions Needed!

Is this suitable for a boy toddler?

My mom freaked me out when she thought it was for a girl because of the red. It has TRAINS on it!!!

This is why I'm so glad I have a girl. No worries about something being too "girly" or even too "boyish".

Another question would be - what do you think about receiving homemade goods? 

Is it a yay or a nay?

Trick or Treat

Here's my princess =)

Her "costume" is perfect for twirling. Cause all princesses should be able to twirl properly.

Our loot from the night

Diving into the loot!

Aha! A lollipop!!

Consuming the loot

Trick or treating is tiring work.
Either that, or we were crashing from our sugar high.

 

Sorry for the blurry pictures -- it was difficult to take a good one of her as she wouldn't stop moving. An effect of all the sugar...consumed by me?!