Gooseberries Boutique

New OSU Goodies for baby Will

2009-09-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Favorite Notions

2009-08-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

I love pretty containers. Lately, my new obsession is needle books & cases. Here some tasty ones I found this week!

These are made by jnoriginals. Way cute!

This is something different, this is a wonderful little wooden needle case. These are made by thesmallobject .Or maybe you would like something more dainty and sophisticated. Like this lovely needle book that showcases intricate ribbon embroidery on the front.I love this sweet book made by TangleWitDesigns.

I also found these! Aren't they yummy?

These are designed by PaperFish.

Lastly, I adore this pretty pin book! This is made by LookHappy as part of a 'Cases with Faces' series!

Fairies Abound

2009-08-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Phoebe turned 4 this week and I threw a Fairie Hallow party for her. We invited 3 friends to come frolic and play. There was lots of tulle, glitter, fresh flowers, fairie houses and fun food everywhere.

We transformed our home with LOTS of lights, tulle and flowers. Overall, it had a very magical feel to it and the little girls loved it!

I created 3 Fairie Homes and they were darling. I used twinkle lights and battery operated tea lights to make them glow. Our garden cherub above is holding the gummy worms for the little fairies to snack on.

Lysol Ad #1

2009-08-03T00:31:00.001-07:00

Quick, Someone hand me the Lysol! My Dainty

Feminism is keeping me from my husband!

Looking ahead to Christmas....

2009-07-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a great tutorial from Gingerbread Snowflake, on an idea for Advent. Every year, I always have grand plans for that part of the holiday season, but not nearly the amount of time I would like to spend on it. This year, I found some adorable pinata inspired ornaments that would be perfect for my kids during the holidays. I am going to get my supplies and make these later this week, when it is 109 degrees outside.

Summer sewing....

2009-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a great, easy tutorial from Anna Maria Horner. I used it to make an adorable library tote for the kids summer reading selections. She used some of her fabulous dish towels, I used 2 fat quarters of fabric I brought back from my Sis Boom workshop. My girls LOVE it and and have all asked for bags for various summer activities.

Hannah and Isabel could actually make theirs themselves (with a little help from me).

Oh my goodness, I think I am in love!

2009-06-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

I recently found these darling dolls on etsy! They are Matroyska rattles! The seller, Ollierose, is out of Australia and her stuff is completely yummy! Will need to order at least one, maybe two of these.

Cool New Bike!

2009-05-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am totally in love with this bike! Especially, the powder blue!

aqua, pink, green throw

2009-05-22T16:13:00.001-07:00

aqua, pink, green throw
Originally uploaded by sewfunbymonique

I am crazy about these new fabrics from Sis Boom. I think I need some of these!

St. Patricks Cathedrial

2009-03-29T19:37:00.001-07:00

St. Patricks Cathedrial
Originally uploaded by rileybarkley

Michelle & I attended Mass here tonight. It was beautiful inside, simply breathtaking. We lit candles at Mary, St.Joseph, St. Anthony, St. Micheal, & St. Theresa.

NY, NY Casino/Hotel

2009-03-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

new york, new york casino & hotel
Originally uploaded by DrTeNFeet

Today we visited the New York, Ny Hotel/Casino. The entire front is suppose to resemble the NYC skyline. There is even a rollercoster that snakes through the complex. Out front is a scaled down version of the Brooklyn Bridge, while inside is full of lots of little side streets/alleys. Nicholas loved walking outside, as it was very nice today!

Fall of Atlantis at Ceasar's Palace

2009-03-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Fountain of Gods, Ceasar's Palace

2009-03-08T10:24:00.001-07:00

Fountain of Gods, Ceasar's Palace
Originally uploaded by Vincent®

See the skys are blue! This is in the center of the shops at Ceaser's. Wolfgang Puck's Spago is behind this.

Venetian Hotel

2009-03-08T10:21:00.001-07:00

Venetian Hotel
Originally uploaded by robertshawn

Inside the Venetian Hotel, where the shops are, is an Italian canal, where you can ride on a Gondola boat. The ceilings are painted to look like a blue sky, so it feels like daytime even in the middle of the night! It is just beautiful and NIck loved looking at everything. We spent an entire day here and there was so much to see!

The Fiori di Como by Chahuly

2009-03-07T16:31:00.001-08:00

The Fiori di Como by Chahuly
Originally uploaded by aesegars

I love Dale Chahuly! He is one of my all-favorite artists. The Bellagio hotel has several pieces of his, including this centerpiece exhibit that was commissioned in 1998 just for the hotel. It consists of 2,000 pieces and weighs 40,000 lbs.

"Steve Wynn started talking to me about the ceiling at the Bellagio long before construction even began. He wanted me to make a “spectacular” piece in the lobby of the hotel that would rival the aquarium at the Mirage, and generate more interest. Back in Seattle, we built the entire seventy-by-thirty-foot ceiling, full-scale, at my studio. The commission, as contracted, called for a whole new armature type and about a thousand new “flowers.” Steve visited several times, loved it, and wanted even more glass. Finally FIORI DI COMO was installed with over two thousand handblown glass elements.
— Chihuly "

FAO Schwartz Vegas

2009-03-07T16:24:00.001-08:00

DSC_0364
Originally uploaded by firebird68us

We stopped in the FAO Schwartz at Ceasar's Palace. There is a wooden Trojan horse that is three stories high, that you can go into! Nick loved this place, there were lots of pretty colorful things to see!

My Favorite Part of Vegas....Gelato!

2009-03-07T16:20:00.001-08:00

Originally uploaded by VJ P

All of the shops and casinos have these wonderful cold cases where you can buy had made gelato. MMMmmmm! So far I have had Pistachio, Amaretto and Dulce de Leche. I think the amaretto was my fav. I did sample the Bannanas Foster, which was divine as well. Good thing they sell it in tiny little cups.

Vintage Wallpaper Ad

2009-02-23T09:29:00.001-08:00

Vintage Wallpaper Ad
Originally uploaded by Heather-D

I have been doing some serious drooling over vintage wallpapers lately. When I came across this wallpaper ad, I had to laugh!

Sunday Studio Straight

2009-02-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a great You Tube video on a good method for folding all that wonderful fabric we can't live without!

Playing catch up!

2009-02-15T12:34:00.000-08:00

I have been so swamped since before Christmas and I have been wanting to get back to my blog. I have been trying to decide what kinds of things I would like to start including and the direction I want my blog to grow. I love tutorials. I am always trying a new medium or technique and I am going to start highlighting my favorites every Thursday.

I am also completely crazy for fabric! I mean, isn't everyone? I am sure I will never have enough or a good enough way to store all that "treasure" that I just can't live without. So I am searching for new and creative ways to store or stay organized in my studio. Having said that, I will start highlighting those great ideas on Sunday.

Mickey

Babies....

2008-11-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

I am a firm believer in the idea that every child is a gift from God. And I think that it is only right to honor that arrival with a party! So I hosted a baby shower for my girlfriend Suzanne. I don't often entertain in my home, primarily due to the other 10 people who live here! But, this is a special time. Suzanne is expecting her 6th baby, but she also has one adopted daughter and two foster children. It was so much fun and the house (for one brief moment) looked great!

Tip Junkie! Who knew?

2008-11-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for fun, new ways to save money, decorate my house or find a bargain. This fun site had loads of great ideas and tips. Right now they are hosting a " Tip Junkie Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon buy from women this holiday season!"

They are looking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Holiday ideas, so submit your blog posts so I can feature you. They are also having 12 days of fun holiday give aways, so pop in and check it out!

The gift of Education....

2008-11-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

Today, I replaced the printer in the kindergarten classroom. Thomas' teacher has been without a printer for sometime. David was sweet enough to go install it for her during his lunch break today, so they should be up and running (probably the printer and the kids)!

2008-11-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays are always so crazy in our house, primarily it is scout day. That's when the boys and girls all have meetings and lately it is also basketball practice day. It's insane. My good deed on this busiest of days was to help out another parent, who like me, is a private taxi service.

They don't live here in town, they commute 30 minutes from the next nearest town. So after school, I kept their son, while they ran home, fed their kids and then drove all the way back up to Guthrie, for their daughter's basketball practice.

Sometimes, it's just nice to get a minute to catch our breath!

Rock the Vote!

2008-11-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed to live in a country and a time in history, where our opinion matters! I am proud to exercise this right! David and I voted and went to lunch, it was a perfect day.

Look Mom, No Hands!

2008-11-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

Today my good deed was believing in my son. My sweet Thomas. He is so loving and precocious, and just all around 5 years old. He has beautiful blue eyes and a warm happy smile. He was riding around outside on his bike, which he loves, when I suggested that he might be ready to take the training wheels off. Not wanting to make any rash decisions, he opted to try it on his sister's bike instead.

I can't believe how great he did. One or two tries and he had it down like a pro.

Science fair

2008-11-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

I spent most of Sunday helping each of the four middle children with the science fair projects. I am sad to sad, I don't think I actually helped, unless you consider 'trial & error' a help.

Day 7 & Cookieland....

2008-11-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

Troop #908 invades Cookieland!

I spent all day Saturday at Girl Scout Camp with 10 of my Brownie scouts and 150 other 6 & 7 yr. olds. We hiked, we rolled sleeping bags, we picnicked, we made our own rope, we made silk screened hankerchiefs and sang LOTS of songs with arm movements. It was a beautiful day.

We earned out Fun In Nature Day patch and our "Ready, Set, Go Camping" try-it.

I loved every minute of it and was happy to give my time!

Printers, apple pie and shopping.....

2008-10-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today, David took the day off and spent the day with me and the little kids. After a lovely morning, we stopped and got coffee and headed over to the school. I helped with the school's carnival set up, while David helped the 7/8th grade teacher get her internet back on-line. Then, I went down to Thomas' room (Kindergarten) and helped make two homemade apple pies, while David worked on her printer. The pies were wonderful and the kids did a great job. After we noticed some of the kids eating sugar out of the bag, we decided it was time to go.

We headed out to the city for some shopping and lunch. I love spending the day with David, especially over a nice meal! I also love anytime that we can volunteer at the school together.

2008-10-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today, I finally found my 55-gallon barrels. I bought them from the local livestock feed shop. Why would I need 55 gallon barrels, you say? Why so I can make toxic barrels of awesomness of course! This is my contribution to the schools haunted house this year. I saw a DIY at instructibles.com over the summer and had to try it.

And after 4 cans of paint, 3 cans of foam insulation, orange Halloween lights, a fog machine, warning labels and accent paint, you end of with this!

The kids loved them and they really made the haunted house extra creepy! I hope they last for many years to come.

2008-10-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today, I took all of Phoebe's boots (that were too small) over to her cousin, Caroline. It's fun to get cute shoes and it's a great excuse to buy some new ones. I also dropped off a little bag of Halloween goodies for all the kids that included popcorn balls, a creepy cd of noises, some Halloween stickers and other goodies!

2008-10-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today I cleaned out all the kids pumpkins, so they would be ready to carve after school. David says this is the fun part, but my shoulders are sore from scraping the inside of the pumpkins. I also cooked up all the seeds for a tasty snack! (that took forever)

Day 2

2008-10-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Today we dropped off small bags of Halloween candy for each of the teachers at the school. We attached a small note wishing the staff a Happy Halloween and let them know we were thinking of them. I think it's nice to get small surprises in your box from time to time!

Give away Day 1....

2008-10-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hannah & Isabel helped me today to put together a "Halloween" basket for some friends of ours. They have 8 kids(2 are foster) and are expecting a sweet baby girl soon. Anyway, they have had a stomach bug in their house this week and I thought this would be perfect for cheering up the kids.

We included a glow in the dark skeleton, some popcorn, chocolate eyeball candy, gummy body parts, some Halloween kid cups, chocolate for mom, a pumpkin tablecloth and a Spongebob Halloween video with 6 scary episodes on it! We filled it with silver tinsel filler and put it all in a big halloween popcorn bowl!

We are off to a great start!

29-Day Giving Challenge Begins....

2008-10-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Give a little each day

Make a big Impact.

Give one thing away each day for 29 days. Share your stories about how it impacts your life to focus on giving. Join the 29-Day Giving Challenge community today.

Your 29 gifts can be anything... money, food, old sweaters, smiles, your time, kind words or thoughts.
You can start your own personal 29-Day Giving Challenge at any time—there’s no official begin or end date.
To complete the Challenge, share a story about the impact it made on your life to focus on giving for 29 days. Your story can be told with written word, short film, recorded spoken word, song or visual art.
The Challenge is intended to be a sacred ritual—it is your opportunity to cultivate a mindful practice of stepping outside your own story for a few seconds each day by serving others.
Don’t quit. If you have a day that you feel unmotivated to give, it’s ok. Just go for the simple give. Call a friend and give some kind words. Write someone a nice note. Or exchange smiles with a stranger. Every give doesn't need to be monumental. You might even notice that the “simple gives” feel more powerful than the grand gestures.
If you forget your give one day, be gentle with yourself. This ritual is about progress, not perfection. Sit down and quietly reflect on your day. Review the entire day mindfully and find the times you unconsciously gave so you can bring it into your consciousness.
Don’t forget that there is never a day that you don't give. There are only days that you don't acknowledge and remember you did.
Enjoy your 29 days. And remember to stay open to receiving. Giving can't happen without the receptors of our gifts. Good giving to you today.

Zombie Jar Swap ....

2008-10-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well, today was the big reveal for the Zombie Jar swap and mine just went out. I don't have any photos of the entire jar, but do have some teaser shots.

Check out some of the others over at Sasha & Libby's blog. They are all so awesome!

These feet are almost made for walkin.....

2008-10-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

This boy would be walking if he didn't have so many siblings to carry him around all the time. He is getting more adventurous and loves to be outside! We've had a pretty nice fall, so he has really enjoyed it and tries to escape out the front door every chance he gets!

2008-10-05T15:50:00.001-07:00

1 minute, 6 seconds

Great Apron Giveaway.......

2008-09-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

Check out this terrific apron giveaway! I love her stuff, especially her upcycled leggings. Check out her Etsy store to see more fun goodies.

witchy poo

2008-09-18T17:21:00.001-07:00

witchy poo
Originally uploaded by annieoakleaves

Will have to make this! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Haven't decided yet, but I will!

Workbasket 84 - little birdies

2008-09-18T17:10:00.001-07:00

Workbasket 84 - little birdies
Originally uploaded by floresita's transfers

Isn't this sweet! I have been wanting to make a gingham half apron for me and these would be so cute on the pocket!

Swap-Bot....so COOL!

2008-09-18T15:58:00.002-07:00

I have discovered this cool website, called Swap-bot. It is a website that generates and tracks organized item swaps. I signed up and am now registered for five different 'swaps'. One is a 'vintage' hankie trade. I love any kind of vintage textiles, so this one is right up my alley. Another is Halloween themed, and another is a post card trade! Sounds like so much fun.

The last beams of summer....

2008-09-18T15:58:00.001-07:00

Ah, the last days of summer. School is back in, but the sun and watermelon are still abundant! My kids had a great time after school feasting in the back yard. I caught my kids 'washing' off the melon juice and it cracked me up!

Then, I realized they were using the melon rinds for hats. Kids....go figure!

Nicholas Anthony 1 Year Old!

2008-09-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

aahhh....they grow up so fast! Where has the year gone? He has been such a joy in our family.

Nick got a toddler play house & Phoebe's Cozy Coupe for his birthday, & loves them. He took one bite out of his cake and then just played in it. Life is so great! I can't believe how blessed we are to spend our lives with him.

Butterfly kisses....for free!

2008-08-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the sweetest embroidery pattern? I love this and all of the wonderful things I could put this on. I am working on a block for a quilt for my girlfriend and want to make a pillow similar to this one for Phoebe. You can get this pattern from Joan Gorman on her blog, Nini Makes. If you visit her blog and leave a comment on how you might use this, she will all to happy to email you it for free!

Pillow cases.....

2008-08-29T21:48:00.001-07:00

There is something so sweet and wonderful about new bedding! I am in love with making pillowcases! I think it has to do with my need for 'instant gratification'. :) My kids are crazy for them too. In fact, tonight I made 4 new ones for the girls using this great Halloween Hello Kitty fabric. It looks so fun and festive on their beds.

Mickey

Back to school....

2008-08-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

is here Again! They were pretty excited to start back and see their friends again. (well, except Sam, see him pouting in the back) I have 6 at St. Mary's this year and one in high school. We are still getting back into the schedule swing of everything. It's exhausting! I have needed a nap two days in a row this week.

They are all getting so big. Jacob is a Sophmore this year and will be taking driver's ed later this year, as he just turned 15 this week. Boy time flies! There is something cool about not being a freshmen, and not having the pressure of an upper classman. Hopefully, he will do as academically well as last year!

Glass Bottle Tree, Who'da Thunk?

2008-08-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

I love this! We spotted this tree on the home one day coming through the countryside. We came upon it and I asked David what it was. He said, "Why a bottle tree, of course". Ummm, Ok. It doesn't make any sense to me, but I love it. And after two years of having it pop into my head at odd times, I passed it again the other day. We got turned around coming home from a friend's house in the country and I spotted it from the road! It really made my day, I was so excited to have my camera with me.

Enjoy!

My Phoebe is 3!

2008-07-31T00:11:00.000-07:00

ahh, they grow so fast, it's just not fair. We had a tea party at home today for her birthday. We (by which I mean the 9 kiddos) feasted on strawberries, grapes, chicken strips, mini cupcakes, tiny pastel mints, punch, raspberry tea & lemon creme cake. There were 2 tea pots, doilies, pink plates, pink roses, pink & white streamers, and even a pretty silver tiara for the birthday girl.

She spent most of the rest of her day sitting atop the dining room table, playing with her new doll house! Life is so simple when you are three! It's all she really wanted this year. She played all day, then passed out on the living room ottoman by 7:00pm for the night. All in all, a great day!

Fabric Covered Wipe Container

2008-07-28T15:26:00.001-07:00

Gooseberries boutique
Originally uploaded by MickeyStaudt

Isn't this cute! I love this tractor print and red rick rack. This is a sweet creation for my friend Suzanne and her boys.

Gooseberries boutique

2008-07-28T11:41:00.001-07:00

Gooseberries boutique
Originally uploaded by MickeyStaudt

I made this nearly 2 years ago and still love them. They were fall colored silk flowers with a hand beaded center. My favorites were also attached to cotton stretch headbands. I think I will make some more this year!

Fresh Picked..Blackberries that is...

2008-07-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

whew....is the summer speeding by! I am finally getting back into the swing of things. I am really enjoying these long hot summer days with my kiddos. We are having such a great time. We went berry picking this week and they did great. Thankfully, the bushes were thornless and kids were in an adventurous mood.

Today, I spent most of my day in my kitchen washing, squashing, stirring, filling and processing jars of blackberry jam. The girls had so much fun helping! It's too bad no one wanted to help clean up the kitchen when we were done.

Little Pillows of Joy

2008-03-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

My husband recently asked me why I make pin cushions. I told him, they just make me happy. Sweet little pillows of joy! Each one is different. I also think sewing and creating is quite therapeutic. I have several listed in my Etsy shop with even more waiting!

The hump...

2008-02-18T17:56:00.001-08:00

Really glad the holidays are over. Between illness and visiting, I feel like I can't hardly catch my breath. I am in the process of moving over my business to Etsy full time. I am also wanting to change the name of my business to something different. Will let you know.....

I am in love with the newest fabric line from Michael Miller. The designer/owner of Portobello Pixie, Sandi Henderson, has released her first line. It is called Ginger Blossom and is lovely! I can hardly wait to get some in my hands. I am totally foaming to make some sun dresses for the girls with it! I love these little pants, they remind me of lazy summer days! Ahh, can you tell I'm tire of the cold?

Turkey day, shopping and illness......

2007-11-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was very low key this year. We spent a quiet day at David's parent's home. His sister and her kids were there as well. All of the cousins played together all day. After a long day visiting and eating we headed home in preparation for Black Friday. I did cash in on some deals, but decided to forgo the in store insanity this year.
Later in the day Thomas got sick. Then, today Phoebe, Hannah, Calliope & Sam all got sick. My father in law called and said they had 4 sick in their home as well! It's going to be a really long weekend, and not in a good way.

Gooma......

2007-11-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

Well, most in the boutique world knows what BabyGassyGooma is. I love their stuff! This lady was the original embellished overalls girl! Who can forget her "HO HO" overalls. Baby gooma just finshed their "gooma girl" search. We couldn't help but think our Phoebe would be a perfect fit for the company. But, as I knew beforehand, thousands entered the competition. She wasn't chosen, but it was a great experience and lots of fun to take some new headshots of my sweetie pie! Maybe next time.

2007-08-26T15:04:00.001-07:00

School is going great! All of the kids seem to be adjusting very well. Thomas has decided that he is "big" to go all day, so that means more one on one time w/Phoebe before the new guy shows up. She is loving it! She definately would have made a great only child!

I am putting the finishing touches on the Halloween decoupage jeans and bows, the baby's room and the girls' rooms.

This is the image I am trying to get for the nursery. I just love this!

Mickey

First Day of School......

2007-08-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school for my middle kids. (Max, Sam, Hannah, Isabel, Calliope & Thomas). It was Thomas' first day at pre-k (Montessori) and he was devastated when I picked him up early. He didn't realize that he was only attending half a day. So tomorrow, he will stay all day and we will see how he does. He loved school so much, I didn't even get a photo this morning. He hopped out of the car and never looked back!

Phoebe loved all the quiet and attention she got. It's too bad she only get's to the be only child for 3 more weeks. That's right, unless something else happens, we will induce on the 6th of Sept. So, she has my undivided attention until then.

Mickey

Preparation is the word!

2007-08-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our newest family member! He should be here anytime between now and Labor Day. I have been busy rearranging the house, fixing things, painting, sorting baby clothes and driving my family nuts. Next week expect to see my Halloween and Fall items in my Etsy store and on Ebay.

Mickey

Etsy Treasury List!

2007-07-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

I just finished publishing my first Etsy Treasury list. It's labeled "Etsymoms Rock". It's a short list of some of the coolest kid/mom things I'd love to have! I can tell you with certainty that being a mom is the coolest job on earth (I should know, I have 8). So why not share that view with the world! Check it out at: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=3859

Newest Project!

2007-07-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hello, and welcome to the opening of my newest project, the Gooseberries Boutique Blog. I am pleased to be expanding my business and adding new items for sale. I recently opened my store on Etsy and have joined the Etsymom group. I am loving this new format. I will continue to sell on Ebay, where I have made lots of friends and loyal customers. I will continue to stay with Faeryhill Boutique design group in both places, as I love the collective style of the group and everyone is so nice. I will be adding my Halloween and Fall items in the coming weeks, I have been very busy! Also, look for my newest line "Petit Précieux", a specialty line of luxe baby shower gifts.