Happy 2012! Free Printable Owl Lover Calendar

I hope you and yours had a very happy holiday! We sure did!

And now we are looking ahead, and making new plans for 2012. It is sure to be an exciting year with many exciting new adventures.

Something new I am looking forward to involves owls. Owl Always Love Owls...You may have gotten a glimpse of them at one of the holiday shows I was at this season, but they went really fast, so it was was easy to miss them. I am expecting a few to fly into the shop real soon.

In the mean time, I think you may enjoy this Free DIY Printable Owl Lover Calendar from Shivani, the author of My Owl Barn. 

You can pick from so many beautiful owl illustrations to create your own 2012 calendar. 

Liau Kwee Eng

Here's to a Happy 2012!

New in the Shop! Personalize Any Ball

I am so excited to offer personalization on any ball in my shop. This is something that has been rolling around in my head for a very, veeeerry long time. And finally, a customer asked for it, and so, it was time to make it so!

I hand cut each letter from eco-felt and securely attached them with hand embroidery. You can choose your color for the letters and embroidery floss. And each size ball can hold a different number of letters. The small size would be great for a monogram as it holds three letters. The medium holds up to six letters, and the large holds up to nine letters. 

The possibilities are endless with these, but I think they would make a really fun way to help little ones learn to recognize and even spell their name. 

Black Friday: A New Gift Giving Holiday?

My husband and I were debating whether Black Friday was really worth all the hub-bub, lines, crowds, etc. And my six year old determined that this is an actual holiday, and she wanted to know what special gift she would be getting for this "Black Friday Holiday." Oh, no, no, NO.

When I told her this was the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and we would be looking for deals for presents, she was devastated, of course. "What, I don't get my Black Friday gifts on Friday?"

Oh, dear. We are in for some serious trouble aren't we? I hope your Black Friday and Cyber Monday are happy and full of holiday cheer!

We are having our own Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale, but you can stay home and relax to take advantage of our sale. We will be offering free shipping all weekend long! Just enter the coupon code REGALSHIP for free shipping in the shop.

Come Shop + Party + Art + Craft it Up with Me!

The Jingle Bash is indeed a craft show like no other! It is a party where you can shop for handmade goodies, craft some awesome handmade goodies of your own at the Make and Take table, meet some fabulously talented crafty folks, and have a jolly ol' time while you check off items on your holiday shopping list.

I hope to see you there! It's going to be a ton of fun!

Saturday, November 19th

1pm-8pm

at the Palladium's Southside Events Center

Simply Swoon...

Here is what I am swooning over today...

A repurposed vintage typewriter with a USB connection that you can plug into your i-Pad or desktop and type away! It can also be unplugged and used as an old skool typewriter. The perfect combo of repurposed treasure meets modern day technology. Just dreamy! 

You find it at Anthropologie.

On Rotation Today: Florence + the Machine

Hooray! A new album from Florence + the Machine!


Florence + the Machine: Shake It Out

There is some wild, wicked party going on in this video, but who cares when there is the voice of an angel? Oh, and that golden chevron dress! Must have!

Halloween at our Cottage

 This lovely witch has been a part of every one of our Halloween celebrations for 8 years now. 

She gives out candy while we are out gathering our own stash.

 Everyone agreed that this neighbor had the scariest decorations.
The. head. talked. Uck!
That's my little Fireman. He wasn't deterred by the ghoulish head.
There was candy to be had after all. 

 My sweet Egyptian Princess loved the guy on the ground
complete with his own tombstone.

Counting up all the loot at home. My kids love to sort
and tally every single candy. 

Good for the math skills,
bad news for the Mommy who wants to sneak a few.

Hope you had a very Happy and Haunted Halloween too!

A Must Read

If you haven't read this piece by Anne of Modest Ambition yet, it's a must read.

When you feel it's time to stop complaining about the economy, here are some concrete things you can do to strengthen your community today. When you shop local, independent merchants, you have the chance to make someone's day, instead of making a corporations bottom line.

IndieGenius: The Bazaar and Handmade + Vintage Fashion Show This Weekend!

Don't miss the IndieGenius Bazaar this weekend! During this Bazaar, the best of both worlds will collide for a Handmade + Vintage Fashion Show by IndieGenius and Luri&Wilma Magazine! 

Indoor/Outdoor Market: 

Saturday 12-6pm

Sunday 12-4pm

Handmade + Vintage Fashion Show:

Saturday 5pm

See you there!

On Rotation Today: A Fine Frenzy

It's that time of the year now. You know, the one where I sew up a frenzy for wholesale orders and shows, as the holiday orders start to pour in. I'm loving it all! But it's going to require some serious concentration. Well, I found the perfect band to fuel my feverish frenzy-A Fine Frenzy. Perfect name for the perfect inspiration. I love the surface sweetness all mixed in with deep thoughts. It's just the thing to keep me focused on the task at hand. So, if you need me, you can find me with the Bomb in a Birdcage. *don't ya just love that album title too? *wink*

Between the Folds

I got such a kick out of watching this movie with the kids. Between the Folds is a documentary about the art and science of origami.

It is such a treat to find a movie that inspires us all. The light in my kids' eyes after watching this, was phenomenal.

You can check it out here: http://www.greenfusefilms.com/. It's available on DVD and Netflix.

Something Fun to Try....Halloween!

Pumpkins + Vampire Fangs + Pushpins =  Ghoulish Delight! 

I found this genius idea for Fanged Pumpkins on Pinterest. 

Sit Down to Stand Up for Kids: Little Chairs for a Big Cause

I hope you will join me and my Etsy Dallas friends as we work to blend creativity and charity on Thursday, October 13th from 6:30 - 9:00pm in The Blue Room at South Side on Lamar (1409 S. Lamar, Dallas TX). Guests can bid on small chairs handmade by David Patton of Ferrochie that have each been uniquely decorated by Etsy Dallas artists. All proceeds benefit the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC), a non-profit agency serving abused children in Dallas County.

While browsing the creatively designed and decorated chairs, guests can enjoy free food, drinks, music and great company. Admission is free, but voluntary charitable donations will be accepted at the door.

Here's a sneak peak at my contribution to the auction: 

Where the Clouds are Far Behind by Regina Frydman

Matryoshka dolls, also known as Russian Nesting Dolls, have historically been a symbol of fertility and family. The Dallas Children's Advocacy Center provides hope and healing to abused children in Dallas County through their services of case reviews, forensic interview services, therapy, and family education and assistance. I am honored to contribute to this cause. It is my hope that this sweet little doll and her chair can help do a world of good to empower the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center.

Upcoming Show

I'll be at the White Rock Local Market tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 10. 

It looks like the weather should be perfect! I hope to see you there.

Aaahhh, Rest and Relaxation Poolside

There's a New Kind of Baby Boutique in Town: Babytique!

Expecting Moms and Dads who like surprises are going to fall in love with this special place in North Dallas. Announcing the arrival of Babytique, a new kind of baby boutique in North Dallas. 

Babytique offers the most amazing baby registry system especially designed for Moms who are waiting to find out if their baby is a boy or a girl. Their NotFindingOut registry is a unique system where you choose the registry items for both a baby boy and a girl. The shop contacts your doctor directly to find out which list you really need. Only your doctor and the shop know your secret, and you can bet, neither is going to let it slip. And then, when your bundle of joy arrives, your gender appropriate gifts will be waiting for you. 

Thanks Babytique for making one of life's best surprises fun again!

Babytique is having a Grand Opening Celebration all this week. 

In addition to these fun events all week, Saturday will be a big blowout with a MDA fundraiser, a visit from the Dallas Fire Department, a raffle, swag bags and a local showcase with handmade baby products from the EtsyDallas team. I am delighted to help Babytique celebrate their Grand Opening Saturday, August 20 from 11-2 pm.  

Welcome to My Happy Place

image via instagram

Being in front of my sewing machine is for me,

the happiest place to be.

(What a cornball, I am. I know).

First the ice caps, and now this...

This ice sculpture set up along the Dallas skyline in 108 degrees is literally steaming hot!

Baby, It's Hot Outside! Free Shipping Sale!

Well, we have hit 110+ degrees here. We are breaking records left and right. And the electric company is threatening rolling blackouts. Ugh. 

So, what should we do? How about...close the blinds, unplug all the non-essential appliances, grab a popsicle, and do the shopping online! Let the mailman brave the heat, and I'll pay the shipping. 

Use coupon code REGALSHIP to receive free shipping on all items in my shop through August 14, 2011.

Now that's cool.

Meet Mr. Roboto

image via instagram 

Meet Mr. Roboto. I spotted him at IndieGenius last week. I seriously love this tin guy all decked out in pink with his shiny yellow head. If he is still there, when I work the shop on Saturday, it is his destiny to be mine! If he's not, I'll just have to make googly eyes at his picture like a love sick teenie bopper. 

I've had a thing for robots for a long, long time. This guy is major inspiration for a robot softie that I hope to create soon. 

Yup, that's my girl with the crafty skills!

Can you believe what my girl has made now? She made this adorable felt coffee cup plushie (with a little help from Mommy and one Super Cute DIY craft book). Don't you just love that kawaii cute smile?

image via M&S

Check out Super Cute if you are looking for some fun, easy projects that really are super cute! I believe she found this in the kids' section at Half-Price Books about three weeks ago, and in three weeks time she has made a total of 6 awesome projects. This just might be the best kids' craft book ever!

Adorable Forest Friends Alert!

Little Owl's Night book trailer from Divya Srinivasan on Vimeo.

Oh, this book trailer is absolutely adorable! I especially love the raccoon with his big enchanting eyes, and masked face. I can't wait to snag this darling book, Little Owls Night by Divya Srinivasan. Just another reason I am longing for Fall.

Wish you were here...

The Very Green Social

Now, here's an event I am super excited about. Hope to see you there! Mark your calendar for July 21st.  

image via luri & wilma

More Press...

Oh, I am totally loving all the attention, I am getting...The Build a Better Block event really was an amazing event, and it is fun to see the media agreed. This clip is from Advocate Magazine. 



And then, there was also, this great one in The New York Times.


And, the best part of all, things are already starting to change in the fair city of Dallas. 


According to Advocate magazine, "Bike Friendly Oak Cliff got a $5,000 grant from Bikes Belong. The money will pay for Dallas’s first “car-free streets day”. And Justin Roberts has announced, "a plan to create a trail from Oak Cliff to Mockingbird Lane within 90 days."

It really was a Better Block!

Downtown Dallas Street Gets Makeover: MyFoxDFW.com

I am so proud to have been able to participate in this project. Ross Avenue really was transformed today into an amazing space that made people wanted to hang out (even in the 100 degree temps.). It was complete with food and handmade product vendors, bike paths, games for the kids, and water features (water guns and a dumpster pool-so cool). Here's a little clip that was on the evening news. And if you pay attention, you may catch a glimpse of yours truly. Try not to blink.

The 72 Hour Challenge

image via BetterBlock

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the awe inspiring project, The 72 Hour Challenge. I can't wait to see how competitors will transform Ross Avenue with a boulevard makeover. I'll be participating in the outdoor market during the unveiling on Sunday, June 26 from 11am-4pm.

All in a Summer Day

A photo an hour on a lazy summer day in our regal cottage...

6:26 am 

Morning

image via instagram

7:26 am 

My son was headed off to Fishing Camp.

image via instagram 

8:26 am

Getting some park time in early before it gets hot.

image via instagram

9:26 am

 Summer Snack 

image via instagram

10:26 am

Summer crafty fun. My daughters made t-shirts with Ed Roth stencils.

image via instagram

10: 28 am 

image via instagram

11: 26 am 

A refreshing treat, Homemade Fizzy's. 

You can get the recipe to make your own here. Yum.

image via instagram

12:26 pm

Got a little work time in. 

image via instagram

1:26 pm

Time for a coffee break. 

Coffee always tastes better in my Polish pottery mugs.

image via instagram

2:26 pm

Laundry Time

image via instagram 

3:47 pm

Oops, look at the time. I got off track a bit.

image via instagram

4:26 pm

Piano practice

image via instagram

5:26 pm

D. E. A. R. time.
Drop Everything And Read 

image via instagram

9:26 pm
Got the kids tucked snug in bed and it was time for me to get back to work.

I hope you enjoyed this peek in to my typical summer day as much as I did.

Perfect Day for a Lemonade Stand

All we need now is a few customers.

It's a World Wide Part-ay!

It's Etsy's birthday, and you're invited to help celebrate in a crafty way! There is sure to be a craft party near you. In Dallas, we will be doing it up Big D style, of course. We will be at Oil + Cotton where everyone will have a chance to craft their own landscape necklace, try their hand at a weaving project, and watch local artists give spinning demonstrations. For even more fun, there will be a  screening of the documentary film Handmade Nation and a free photo booth!