Shop Closed December 15th - January 3rd

Just taking a small break and a much needed rest for the Christmas holiday! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!!

*All shops will be closed December 15th-January 3rd. Any orders placed during that time will be mailed on January 5th*

Merry Christmas!!

A family challenge and new ideas

Well, our family decided a month ago to become more frugal than ever. The goal basically is a simple one; pay off our debt, save and be able to move back 'home' to be closer with family - all as soon as possible. I won't lie, being on a strict budget is hard. Its been a reality check, thats for sure. But its been so good in so many ways!

Its also presented a creative challenge. I decided that from that point on, I was going to create items to use up my incredible stash, but also that when J wanted/needed something, we would make it (if we could) instead of buy it. Because of that we (the creative team of me, J & D) have created several new toddler tees - monsters, robots and a snowman. We've worked on teacher gifts together, and our latest project, which unfolded quickly yesterday. LOL

A little background... in the summer, J decided he wanted a watch. Now, most mom's of toddler know that a watch would likely get lost or break in quick time (no pun intended), so we made one out of scrap foam, drew a face on it and he was thrilled. Yesterday, he dug out his mangled foam watch from the far corners of the toy room and declared he needed a new one - and started pulling felt and ribbon from my bins (yes, he is great at pulling together supplies! lol) So......after some sketching and consulting with my creative team, this is what we came up with!

What do you think?

Its made of felt and ribbon. The clock face is fused onto the felt and then I hand stitched around the clock face and in the middle to secure it. Velcro makes it easy to put on & off. I made a few for the upcoming show and we'll see how they go. J loves his and really......thats all that matters. :)

Teacher Gifts!

Getting ready for shows is fun, but totally exhausting!! :)

Teachers gifts are big on the list so here are a few I have been working on. I'm slowly getting them up on Etsy, but if you want some, come see me at Darnaby! (or email me!)

• Teacher "sneezies" - what teacher couldn't use tissues with all those little germy kids around? lol Lots of fun fabrics this year!


• Book Baubles - these are great for teachers, stocking stuffers for your sister or even co-workers! Use them to organize your bills, keep your spot in your fav book or magazine, cookbooks, endless, fun and pretty!


• Teacher "Pull-ups" as I like to call them. Chocolate cards .. what could be better? I've stuck colored cardstock in them in the past to include a small message, but the generic ones I make can also be great stocking stuffers, bday gifts, or just because!


• And something new ... notepads! I saw these little beauties on a blog last year and thought they were adorable!! (thank you Michelle Wooderson!) The possibilities are endless with these tho!

So, maybe that will get your wheels turning for teachers gifts. I've also been working on fobs! I LOVE FOBS! I can't stop making them. I love pulling out some new fabrics and making a few fobs from them.. ahhhhh. SOOO MUCH FUN!!

Enjoy! And don't forget your teachers this season! They teach your kiddos!! :)

Darnaby Arts & Craft Show - December 6th

Getting ready!!! :)

I am a Robot - Do as I say......

It would be an understatement if I said that robots were a part of my daily life right now. Isn't it funny how boys, specifically toddler boys, change their likes and dislikes? Every week its something new. Cars, trucks, Nemo, Mickey Mouse, Transformers, airplanes, now Robots!

J & D helped me design these shirts. J loves his. We alternate between robots and monsters now. Who knows what will be next! :)

I'll be adding them to Etsy. Etsians seem to love the robots lately, so, seems like a good place to launch them. If I get my act together, I may have them at the Darnaby Arts & Crafts Show (Saturday, Dec 6th, 9-5 - Union HS on Garnett). The Tulsa Trendy Treasures group will be there! Be sure to stop by and say hello!

TTT November Shows

Whewwwww! Its going to be a busy month! The TTT (Tulsa Trendy Treasures) Group will be at the following places this month:

November 6th - 9:00 - 2:30 - Tulsa Spine & Specialty Hospital

November 11th & 12th - 9:00 - 5:00 - St Francis Hospital cafeteria (on 61st)

November 14th - 9:00 - 4:00 - Jenks Elementary School

Tis the season! I am busy using some fab fabrics and creating some really unique teacher gifts! Stop by & say hi!

Let it Snow!

Moving to the south was a definate change of season for us - meaning, the seasons don't change like they did up north! I miss a long fall and all the brightly colored leaves. Dare I say that I miss the snow? Sometimes there is snow here, but its generally in January and definately not the 4-10 inches that we are used to! haha. I'm not saying its a bad thing. During tornado season, I would definately take a Buffalo snowstorm over a tornado warning!

So, in the spirit of the change of seasons and cousins in the North already preparing for chilly nights and snow, I have new toddler tees!

Available on red or navy long sleeves and in toddler sizes (2t-5t). They are made of super soft terry and black cordoroy eyes & mouth. Durable and kid tested. Jake has already started wearing his.

I have them already in my Etsy shop, but will be adding them to MHP this week.

Just looking at them makes me want to curl up on the couch with some hot cocoa & marshmellows!! :) Mmmmmmm

Lulu's Sweet Shop - October 25th 9 - 5

The Tulsa Trendy Treasures group will be at Lulu's this Saturday! If you are local or in town, stop by for a cookie, lunch or just to browse some great gift ideas! Lulu's is in the cute plaza at 81st & Sheridan (8005 S. Sheridan Rd, Tulsa). They offer delicious pastries, cookies to die for and a wonderful lunch menu! Everything is from scratch, the entire shop is peanut free. She makes her vendors certify that all the ingredients she uses in the handmade goods and the ready for sale items she stocks are from peanut-free facilities.

The TTT group will be doing a drawing for a gift basket packed with fab goodies! Stop by and say hello!!

So much fun..

Well, we survived the Harvest Moon Craft Show! It was great fun. The economy may be in the toilet, but people are still thinking of Christmas, and still wanting to shop. That is a good thing. Next the TTT girls have a small show at Lulu's Sweet Shop (for those of you who are in Tulsa - its 81st & Sheridan on Saturday, October 25th. She has awesome chocolate chip cookies. Mmmmm.)

Art on Main in Jenks is also coming up, so, now I'm working on stocking up the boutique. Speaking of... the Spotted Umbrella moved!!!!! Just up the block.. well, kinda mid-block. But maybe that means they'll get more foot traffic.

I'll be updating the website this week (wishful thinking) to include the monsters! They seem to be a big hit! Yippeee!!! And just for fun.. a picture of my little monster :)

Harvest Moon Craft Show

Who: Me!! :)

What: Harvest Moon Craft Show

When: Saturday - October 4th from 9am - 4pm

Where: Faith Methodist Church - 7431 E. 91st St, Tulsa, OK

NOTE: I'll be in "the great hall" aka.. the gym :)

I'm busy working frantically on new items for the show, as well as some of the usuals, but with great new fabrics! Lots of fobs & wallets, wipe cases, nursing covers, and tie onesies!

PLUS new items!!! Something I like to call "Little Guy Ties" - Ties for 2t-5t; great for the little guys and reversible! 2 looks in one AND made in all the coordinating fabrics to match the tie onesies!! :) Also new is the line of "Mommy's Little Monsters" shirts in sizes 2t-5t. I even made a few for girls. Pink monsters of course, zebra horns. What could be better?

So, if you are in town, want to go to a great show to get you in the fall mood, stop by & stay hi! I'll be sharing a booth with Bair Creations and her tutu's are TOO TOO CUTE!!! She also has lots of great goodies. You won't be disappointed!!

We're back & ready for fall!

Hello all! We survived our extended family vacation and are getting back to business! It was a great summer. Its sad to see it ending, but if I'm honest, I prefer Fall. I'm so excited for Fall!!! I love the crisp air, the warm colors and great smells. Ahhh. That been said, I'm gearing up for tons of shows, new ideas and flooding my sites with lots of great goodies.

What will be new for Fall you ask? ALOT of boy "stuff". Inspiration often comes from the things that are right in front of your nose, don't they? And altho I enjoy babies and those years of wipe cases and onesies, I'm moving into the realm of a little boy who wants fun tees. I plan to still carry the wipe cases and onesies, because they are really fun and super cute :) but, I am really looking forward to some of the new ideas I have. Mainly for little boys 2t-5t. So, those of you who have little boys, get ready!

Here's a small sneak peek! :)
For those are of you who are in the Tulsa area, come check out the upcoming shows list and stop by!

Last Minute Sale in the Etsy Shop!

Hey all! I decided to have a last minute SALE in my ETSY shop! I'm getting ready for vacation and need a little $$ to be able to stop into the fabulous shops back home! :)

www.myhodgepodgerie.etsy.com

Mention my blog in the notes at checkout and receive a free gift!!

Sale runs now - July 19th.

xo

Summer Sale - Only 2 left!!!

Summer Sale - All "beachy" glass jewelry on sale! Only 2 bracelets left and only $10 each! Check them out while they last! Want a matching pair of earrings? Just email me!!

Shop Closed July 15-Sept 1

Hey all! I'm getting ready to close the shop temporarily so I can enjoy some much needed R&R and family time. We'll reopen on September first with some new goodies and fab fabrics!

Have a great summer! Check back in September!

I had to have it!

I was wandering Hobby Lobby the other day and came across this great "plastic straw" rug. On CLEARANCE! Normally $59.99 (which is absolutely insane for a plastic rug in my opinion), but on clearance for $29.99 then 1/2 off of that. I tossed it in my trunk and away I went.

I brought it home, ditched our brown outside carpet on the patio and put this baby down. Well, who knew that when I rolled it all out it would be such a great match for another fabulous Amy Butler fabric? WHO KNEW, I ask you? Well, maybe me. haha.. When I saw the big lotus/mum type flowers I went immediately to my favorite place - Etsy - and found these fabrics. And this, my friends, is how I spent my 1 hour of quiet time.

Oh yes, they are lovely. Oh yes, they are the coordinating prints on either side. ON YES, they even have a zipper on the back so I can pull them off and wash them up! Toddler friendly, husband approved. :D

Oh how marvelous, OH HOW WONDERFUL....

Yeah, I know some of you may know that as an oldie but goodie hymn, but in this case, I am referring to my marvelous and wonderful new pillows! haha.. It really takes so little. :D

I realized some time ago, that I was not really enjoying any of the fabulous fabrics that I purchase. I drool over them, then wash them (haha) then I make something and sell it. Rarely was I making anything to enjoy myself! So, I picked out some fav's and whipped up these pillows.

I love them.

D & J love them.

Everyone is happy and we now have fabulous pillows on the couch!

Ahhhhh... the hallway bench is next! :D

Margaritas Anyone?

I've been on a real card kick lately! It felt so good to pull out the paper and stickers and stamps. I haven't made cards in a long time, so this really had my creative ideas flowin'!

This is just one card that I felt I needed to share. I'll be posting more in my Playin' with Paper shop on Etsy over the next few weeks.

I unearthed my steckles for the "salted rim". Love it. :D

Mommy & Me Coffee Break

I love when inspiration finds me in something so simple. :D

J & I started taking "coffee breaks" when we brought home the play kitchen. I would look at the menu and say "I NEED COFFEE!!!" and out from the play kitchen would come a small red plastic cup and the coffee pot. This quickly evolved into pouring water into the cups, and then bigger cups from the actual kitchen cupboard and so on. About 2 weeks ago, my "waiter" decided to sit down and take a break with me. He was so cute. He says "Mommy, I'm taking a coffee break too!" And this became a "time out" time, so to speak, for both of us. When things got too crazy around the house or I was getting frustrated I would announce "Lets take a coffee break!" and we'd pour something to drink and sit for a few minutes, giggling or talking or planning the rest of our day.

Well.. last week we were out and I came across these fabulous mugs. They are lightweight, really meant for kids to insert drawings into and I thought the perfect thing for our coffee breaks! We got them home and I picked out some fab Amy Butler paper (what else - haha) and had such a wonderful "gothic rose" mug for my coffee break, while J opted for some paper that had numbers & letters. Then it came to me.................FABRIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See, I would love to use paper. So versitile, and Lord knows I have enough of it, however, its not durable. at least not to sell. I don't have a laminating machine (hmmm.... no.. i'm not buying one. haha) but fabric I also have an endless supply of! So, a new product was born! :D

You can look for these goodies in the shop this week. I'll start with 6 fabrics and see if there is any interest. So far the collection will include: Mocha, Java, Non-Fat Latte, Pink Lemonade, Polka Dot & Monkey Business (ok, ok.. I was on a definately drink roll there, but I couldn't think of drink names for the last 2.)

If you have an idea, leave a comment! :D

Pretty n' Practical Totes

A little something new i've been working on.... I call them "Pretty n' Practical Totes". They are not a shoulder bag, but, perfect for quick outings, trendy lunch bags or even tossing your shoes in (for those who change into sneakers and have to walk a mile to work - Em! :D) I think that would be considered a fashion faux-pas, BUT, at least the tote would be fashionable!

I made one with a waterproof liner in the inside for J too. I can use it as a wetbag for the 'just in case accidents' or going to the pool or even lunch! And well, I could resist the goldfish :D

I just listed a few in my Etsy shop! Go check them out! You can see my other listings for coordinating fobs & mini wallets!

Playin' with Paper

Paper, chocolate... ahhhhh.. what a fab combination. I've been working on these over the past few weeks. They did great at the shows and make unique sudo-cards, a "sweet" spot to stash a gift card, or that favorite chocolate.

I'm in the process up uploading a few to my paper shop on Etsy. You'll have to go and scope them out.! A very tasty gift! The ones I have in the shop come with a Hershey chocolate bar. Just pull up on the ribbon and viola! Mmmmmmm

The Perfect Mug

Ah... my love for Starbucks grows deeper. A pink, white, cream & brown mug? How perfect for moi! I HAD TO have it! So very "My HodgePodgerie-ish". hahaha

It really takes so little.

And the winner is...............

Sorry! I almost forgot to post the winner of the secret little contest I was having during last month just to see who actually reads the blog. Not too many people do, but that doesn't make me not want to do it.. SO, Jacob helped me pick names - yep, old fashion style - fill up a small bowl with papers and pick.. So, LISA you are the winner! Email me your address and I will put your fabulous fob in tomorrow's mail!

Enjoy!!

Sweet Treats for Teachers

Tis the season for ending the school year. I think its a sad time. I value my one day of sanity. I'm looking forward to 3 days next year!

But, I started making these peppermint patty treats! I originally did them for Mothers Day, but at the show Saturday, I had someone order a bunch for teachers, so.. I went with it. What a great idea she had!!!

The sneezies I did around Christmas time, and they were a big hit, so I am bringing those back!

J is for Jacob

No - i'm not mia, I've been getting ready for a show this past weekend and going crazy. At the same time, I had to stop from that buzy-ness and make something for my son. :D

A friend of mine had some shirts made for her kids and I couldn't resist! At first I was going to order one but then I thought...duhhhhhhhhhhh I do have a large supply of fabrics and how hard can it be? Let me tell you... NOT HARD!

Not sure I will go in this direction with the shop, but I have already begun making them for all of Jake's little friends and our family. So cute!!

If you are interested, let me know.

Just for Me

Well, I rarely make anything for myself, but my lovely husband & son bought me Amy Butler's Midwest Modern book for my birthday and I am OBSESSED!!!!!! Now I feel the need to track down out of print fabrics and make new pillows for the couch, recover our old bench in the hallway, make some casual pants and even make a quilt! hahaha


So, of course I ran to my fabrics, and pulled out this combination ... this pillowcase was the outcome. This is a small buckwheat hull pillow that I have. :) Check back to see what else I come up with!! :)

The smell of pencils

What is better than new pencils? Colorful pencils that have your name on them! (or in my case, my shop name) I LOVE LOVE LOVE these! Aren't they fabulous? In "my hodgepodgerie" colors, I scored them at an online place (http://www.uniq-exp.com/). They were inexpensive and the fastest shipping ever! I am so excited!! I don't think I will give them away, I just want to stare at them, and maybe draw & sketch with them. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.. gotta love new pencils.

Happy Birthday to me! I am turning 28... again. hahaha.. Few years now, but thats ok. I've decided to be 28 eternally (and with the help of creams, potions and lotions. LOL). ANYWAYS... in honor of my birthday, I am offering free shipping on my Etsy site, April 10th - April 12th (midnight CST).

So come by, say happy birthday, and buy something!!! :)

Cheers!

A New Look!

I would like to introduce a new look for My HodgePodgerie! A little more "boutique-y" looking. The site definately was in need of an overhaul. It was time. I've added tie onesies, bibs & wallets and am still working on pictures of the fobs & nursing covers! So many more ideas on the burner (and so many fabulous fabrics to play with!!)

I must admit, I do keep Etsy a little more updated than my website. It's easier to try out a new trend on Etsy, and I love getting feedback in the forums from fabulous people offering opinions & advice. So, My HodgePodgerie main site will be a place of gifts & goodies that are my standards, my mainstays. Etsy is a perfect place for me to try new items and post items that are limited in quantity!

Hope you enjoy the new look and check both shops!

*And, just a little test to see if anyone really is reading this blog....leave a comment here about my new look and your name will be entered into a raffle! On April 30th, I will pick a winner and that lucky person will win a fabulous new key fob! *

Cheers!

Welcome

Here's a little plug for my friend Carrie. She is selling for a company called "Uppercase Living". Its wall words! They are great! So easy to put on. A zillion possibilities. You can order from their catalog or create your own words, sayings, phrases.

She had a party months ago and this was one of the things I ordered. I was waiting for the perfect day to finally put it on the door.

Don't you just love it?

Look what came in the mail!

I RAN to the mail box the other day, just knowing it would be full of goodies!!! :)

Ok, I admit it. I have a slight fabric addiction. But who can resist these? New Amy, old Amy, Joel & Michael (my 2 favorite men next to Ben & Jerry-haha) some japanese import. Ahhhhhhh.. I can't wait to use these! Each has already been assigned a project, except for the new Amy B's. Hmm.. there is a wallet pattern i've been wanting to try out. :D

March Children's Goods Giveaway

Today kicks off Funky Find's March children’s goods giveaway! There has been well over $1,000 worth of merchandise to give away. Fifteen lucky readers will receive three items each!

Please visit funkyfinds.blogspot.com for more details! This contest begins Tuesday, March 25th & ends at midnight CST Monday, March 31st. Winners will be chosen on April 1st by using a random number generator & will then be notified by email & announced on Funky Finds.

Thank you Alexander Henry

I love Alexander Henry fabrics!!! When I saw this one, I HAD TO have it! It is home-dec weight and it was rather pricey. ouch. But again, I HAD TO have it! haha It is so chic, reds, blues, black, taupes and even a yellow (that you just cannot see in this particular case). Oh I LOVE IT!!!

Now, if you actually read this blog, or you know me, you know VERY well that I have no, none, ZERO need for more fabrics in my collection. In fact, this was the year to use my fabric stash before I purchase anymore. Yah.. that was just another new years resolution down the tubes. haha

Thank you Mr. Henry!

Fabulous New Fabrics!

Well, I've been waiting for some sunshine to take pictures. It had been gray, overcast & rainy for the past few days. I love the start of tornado season (NOT!). So, this is what i've been working on while listening to the thunder booming. Now I just have to upload to Etsy!

Etsy Promo Blog

Ok fellow Etsians and newbies. If you have not checked out this blog or you haven't added yourself to the list, do it! Its great *free* advertising for your shop! How can you go wrong? Spread the Etsy love people!! Check it out! http://promoblogforetsy.blogspot.com

Featured on Curiobot.com

Looking for something uber-unique? You definately need to check out this website - http://www.curiobot.com/. Its "An archive of strange and wonderful products". The site makes me laugh out loud! There is a steak ring that I think Dave was salvating over, and a mocha dunk mug that is just too clever. But what is the real reason I want you to check out the site? Well.... I'm being featured on it! :) Actually, my new tie bib's are being featured! If you get a chance, check it out! It is very unique, strange and wonderful. :)

My Sewing Partner

Its been a hectic week. I've been sewing away. Making sure lots of little guys have great little ties :) Lots of orders went out this morning!

This is my sewing partner - Maggie. She seems to have found a comfy napping spot. She has been keeping me great company the past few late nights of sewing. Now if she'll only let me use that pink "jellybean" material she keeps claiming is hers :) I have some plans for that!

Brand Spankin' New

Brand Spankin' New, not even posted yet.. how cute are these? Have a little one that is in that drooling stage? A spin-off from my tie onesies, i'm using the same trendy fabrics but fusing them onto this soft white terry cloth bibs. Haven't posted them anywhere yet. I'm still taking pictures of all the fab fabrics that I have in my stash for the ties. But I promise I will try to post them soon.

Because of the Family & Baby Expo AND due to Funky Finds Blog (I'm advertising on that blog this month - check it out.. funkyfinds.blogspot.com or click to the right of my site, you can see the link) I am also declaring baby month in my shops! So, that means lots of new patterns, fabrics and baby items this month! I am also going to do a drawing at month end. More on that later :)

So far this month my new items are fabulous wallets & keyfobs and tie bibs. More to come.........

Tulsa Family & Baby Expo

The Tulsa Family & Baby Expo was this past Saturday. Lots of excited newly preggers walking around, little babies and kids getting entered into baby contests! It was crazy. CRAZY! But so much fun! And.. Tulsa Trendy Treasures was there! Here are a few pics of our booth....isn't it purdy?
The group is made up of 5 talented, stay at home moms and each of us does a little something different. Its definately a one-stop shop!

Andrea - Aunnies T's; Adding a little BLING to your wardrobe has one-of-a-kind cross design shirts and uses swarvorski crystals to embellish them. She also carries really cool (and complimenting to any of her shirts) domino necklaces, belt buckles and frames. We are pushing her onto Etsy, slowly. Once she is there, you'll need to scope her out.

Amy - Possibilities; makes FABULOUS beaded & wired plates, mugs, spoons, spreaders, and crosses. You can check her out on Etsy too!

Ronda - Bair Creations; Specialty made nap maps, paci clips, the greatest bibs I've ever seen and hair clips. Her latest creation..........TOO TOO cute.. Tutu's! OH They are SO cute!!!!

Audria - OkieBead-Okie; Childrens jewlery & mommy bracelets using swarvorski crystals and pearls and sterling silver! Lots of other beaded necklaces & earrings. A definate must see.

and lastly, me. :) Its a great group. I am having lots of fun with them!

I am featured on Neatostuff.com!

How cool is THIS?!?!?! I just received an email from "Neato stuff.com" telling me that I am featured on their site this week! YIPPPPEEEE! I must admit, I've never stumbled across the site before, but it is full of really "neat-o stuff"!! Its a shopping and gift ideas blog. Let me tell ya, I've already signed up for a weekly email of gift ideas & goodies :)
They featured my tie onesie. See it there? SEE IT?!?!!? I'm so excited. :) I love the tie onesies, I must say. On my trip to Texas I picked up some fabulous stripes and argyles. OHHHH I can't wait to post them! My little guy is way past the onesie stage, but watched yesterday & today as I sewed them and hung them on the rack waiting to be tagged. He says "momma.. are these mine?" I said no. He said "momma.. me want this". It had guitars on the tie (yes.. future rock star over here). So, I cut one out today and sewed it onto a t-shirt for me. He giggled when I put it on him today and said it was funny.. then told me he wanted a guitar. :) Ahhh.. innocence.

Well, check out their site (& my feature there!) www.neatostuff.com. It really is NEAT-O!! :)

Did you ever?

Did you ever create something for a gift or a client and then not want to part with it? haha. I don't know where this fabric came from, but I love it!!!! I've made a few small things with it in the past, but using it for burp cloths was a first for me. I think this fabric is called Koto. I love the flowers, the writing, the chinese tower!
Now, I'm past the stage of even needing burps (unless God decides otherwise) so there is no good reason I can think of to keep these for myself, but, I do love them. :)

Now I need to think of something I can make myself to keep. Hmmm..maybe some hair pretties & small keychain wallets from the scraps!! :)