Bags... Bags... and More Bags!!!

I am addicted. I love these bags. I created this bag specifically for a dear friend and her little family. The woven ribbon reminds me of the seriously cute braids she often wears in her hair.The Southworths are a great family of whom we dearly love to eat everything that ever comes out of their kitchen. So... this is kind of a payback for the 10 pounds that I have gained just by being her friend.So... this is kind of a payback for the 10 pounds that I have gained just by being her friend. It has tasted to good being her friend. My mouth has never been so pleased with my choice of a friend.

Becoming a bag lady

We have a wonderful swimming hole located within about seven miles from our home. We have spent countless hours at Klineline this summer. It is a clean, fun place where we can bbq, swim and eat. However, every time we go, we end up taking five or six bags. I don't have one that fits all our stuff. So... I got fed up and made one. I love mine. Did I take a picture of it... uh... nope. DUH! So I made one for my sweet friend who normally goes with us! It is a 17" x 15" x 8" bag. I can fit FIVE towels in this bag, my keys, phone, and camera. Oh MAN... I LOVE THIS BAG!!!!
I reinforced the bottom of it... put a name on it...put more pockets on it...The best bag EVER!

and the WINNER is...

I just wanted to say thanks for all the wonderful comments. I LOVE THEM! And to my followers (new and seasoned - because you are never 'old')... I LOVE YOU MORE!

Congratulations to Jill!

Next giveaway will resume on August 17th! Super cute fall giveaway! Thanks for stopping by!

Boy Birthday Party Invitations

My son, Ethan's 8th Birthday Party is on Tuesday. Which means... lots to do! My list seems to be longer than humanly possible, even for a oober super mom! I will do my best (ha! I am already a boy scout mom!) With a list this long... we have to start somewhere... so INVITATIONS it is!
I love love love to use my sewing machine to do the stitching on cards and invitations. Don't worry... invitations went out last week. I am just blogging about it now!I "borrowed" the Stampin' Up cupcake. I downloaded the catalogs (pdf), zoomed in on the cupcake, copied it, pasted it into Paint Shop Pro, changed the colors, then printed! If you followed all that... yeah!

Girl Birthday Party Present

I love when one of my sweet dear children says "Mom... today is so-and-so's birthday party!" UGHH! Okay... so this is one of the quickest handmade gifts I have ever done. It turned out oober cute! And more importantly Nicole (the birthday girl) LOVED it! CHEAP and EASY - two things I don't mind promoting! :)
So we went to the $1 Store and picked out Body Wash and Lotion, then went to Fred Meyer and picked up a matching towel. If you don't have an embroidery machine, pick the color and sew on a ribbon to match!A gift for girls of all ages! Cost=$6! SUCCESS!

THIS WEEK'S GIVEAWAY - Custom Piggy Bank!

I love all things personalized and piggy banks are so gosh darn cute! So this week I am giving away one custom decorated piggy bank. You pick color and theme and of course... a name. The piggy is 4" tall and has a rubber stopper at the bottom.

My favorite are the tutus... but if you have boys are things trucks, cars and trains, dirt and motorcycles... even StarWars are awesome. So this week... piggies!


--Okay-- here are the RULES....--

1 entry - become a follower - 2 entries- if you already follow LOVE YOU... (better sign up for the extra entries next giveaway). You need to comment on this giveaway so I know how many entries you have and also so I know you want to be entered!

1 entry - comment on blog - I LOVE the sweet sweet comments (each comment 1 entry).

1 entry - link from your FB to my blog http://alldahledup.blogspot.com/

2 entries -refer a new follower.

I will take care of the shipping cost. I will announce the winner on Monday, August 10th!!!! Please comment on this post and let me know how many entries to give YOU! Keep in mind - this is a raffle - one with the most entries doesn't necessarily WIN!!!

A Wonderful Piano Teacher!

I have a great deal of respect for anyone with music abilities. I don't have these talents. Not EVEN close. I have had someone during ward choir practice move, plug their ear, and ask politely "who is the one off-key?" Ahhh, that would be ME! Needless to say, I stopped torturing them with my desire to be like them. I have a deep appreciation for those angels who can sing and play beautiful music.I am very grateful to Mr. Sean Southworth for teaching my children (2 of the 3) piano lessons. Sean has been angel in dealing with Ethan's autism. Sean works for the School for the Blind (and is often asked if he can sign... seriously people?) and so he is familiar with special needs kiddos. Sean has is the perfect choice and heaven-sent allowing Ethan to excel and Anna to be her over-excited self. I am very thankful for Sean and for the work and dedication he has spent with both of my children. Thanks Sean!!!We had a piano recital earlier this month... okay... seriously... it lasted 8.2 minutes (including intros!) It was AWESOME! So... today... I dedicate my work to the ever-talented piano teacher!

Lazy Summer Days - Okay... Okay... Okay...

Sharing time is happy time... right? At least that is what my dad always used to day. I delivered a watermelon yesterday and the sweet lady jumped up and down hugging it. I thought it was cute... but apparently it was oober cute!

This watermelon stands 7" tall and 7" wide.
So... I am offering two options; finished and the kit. You choose. You can contact me or purchase through my shop.

PARTIAL KIT:
$7
(includes wood, ribbon, raffia,
vinyl, button, paper and tag)

COMPLETED PROJECT:
$12

HOW TO ORDER:
Email: AllDahledUp@gmail.com
Etsy Shop

Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

I love love love this quote. President Hinckley said "Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those who are obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others." So true... so true. I love the miracle that comes with service - If you are down and blue and get out and serve... you get lost ... and find the peace you are searching for. It is like a rescue program for all involved. I just love it!The glass is rippled! Such a cool find. There is a Habitat for Humanity Resale Store less than five miles from home. They often have cupboard doors for less than $3 each. Just fill the handle holes, paint and your board is All Dahled UP!

~ TIP ~ Use a foam brush, disassemble your flower, paint the tips of the petals or like in this project, paint the tops of the petals, leaving the concave untouched. Let dry and reassemble. -- pass it on!

Sewing Projects for Barn House Market

The guys at Barn House Marketplace are absolutely amazing. I desperately love everything they do.
I got a call from Joe the other day asking me to sew up a few things for his upcoming show. July 30... if you are local (Battle Ground, WA) - GO - you will not be sorry! I am in awe and never have enough money!

Here's Joe's order!
18 Kitchen Towels - He finds some cool most random fabric and has me sow them up into something totally adorable. I am sure you can find the same type of stuff at garage sales, Value Village, GoodWill or the Army (that was just for Cassidy!)2 Pillow Coverings - These were king size that he had me so into squares!

~ TIP ~ I NEVER pay full price for pillow forms. I go to Value Village, GoodWill, or the Army (ha Cassidy!) and find throw pillows with zippers. Purchase them for less than $3 and throw away the cover. Bring a good sniffer - make sure you can handle the smell of your pillow BEFORE you buy it! -- pass it on!