Blissfest!!

Why have I not posted in over a month? Something just had to go, and it turned out to be blogland. :( Every time I sat down to think about a post I was just stumped. Seriously, my brain was too full of things and ideas and plans, etc.
I re-vamped my class schedule {which still is not updated in my Paddywacks Studio website - hopefully tomorrow :) }, then I decided to join in the Blissfest activities with only about three weeks to prepare. wow. I already had a small supply of things for sale at Blissful Living Studios, but not nearly enough to fill a booth.

So, I got my idea lists out and figured what I wanted to make with all the supplies I had {lots of shirts!}. I thought about what I like to buy at craft shows...with little money to spend. I just like a little something fun. A nic-knack! That's really what Paddywacks Studio is all about. My love of the small, sweet handmade thing that makes everyday stuff more fun and personal.

Here I am showing my niece some of the goodies. I'm glad I enjoy sewing so much! I was rather amazed that I didn't get sick of it through that last week of preparing. Then, when I saw just how much I had made all spread out in the booth, I was amazed again. And thankful - for talents and skills that I've developed over the years. I really loved making every single thing, and I'm excited to make more funky re-creations!

The picture below is of my planner covers. I love, love, love them. They have pockets inside, and, well, they just make me happy. :) I made one early this year and have enjoyed it so much! Now, I can't decide which new one I want to keep for my 2009 planner...

Vintage linens made into sachets. Not many people are "into" sachets. I, however, really love to keep them in my drawers and other places. It makes putting laundry away more fun when there is something special and pretty to nestle in my clothes. This is a home keeping ritual I embrace! I also keep vintage hankies in my purse...

Lots of scrap shirts! I made 133 shirts for the Blissfest. Amazing! Each one thoughtfully designed and carefully sewn. The really cool thing is that no two are alike! One-of-a-kind.

About these aprons, I love them - they are so fun to make! Like a little artsy collage to wear. They're not so much for protecting your clothes while cooking. Rather, they are a lifestyle tool. I live a creative lifestyle {everyone can, I believe - try it!}. These little aprons are just the perfect thing for wearing around the house. I keep many various items in the big pockets - note paper and pen, scissors, my cell phone, lip gloss, a Hershey kiss or two, gum, my boy's little action figures, my girl's bobby pins from all over the house, small prizes for my kids - you get the drift. I just feel more creative and fun when I've got my apron on.:)

More nic-knacks from Paddywacks Studio. Rosy Toes shoe stuffers. I realized after-the-fact that some people must have felt a little awkward sniffing my shoes to sample the scent of the shoe stuffers! Then there were a few folks who mused aloud that they couldn't give the Rosy Toes to a friend because their friends don't have stinky feet! Funny! I love to use the Rosy Toes to keep the fronts of my shoes in nice shape. Yes, I'm a shoe lover!! I buy shoes as souvenirs when I travel. :) I'd have shoe stuffers in all my shoes if I ever had time to make that many - ha, ha, ha. I'm going to add a neat travel pouch for shoes to go with the Rosy Toes. That way, shoes will be protected and smell sweet and fresh (like strawberry or cucumber) in the suitcase. Yum.

Tissue covers made from the shirt sleeves. I love them! And the button pin is so fun. :)

Jewelry...my button bracelets and Charming Magpie necklaces made partly from vintage and reclaimed pieces. Everything has got to have a little "past". These are another favorite of mine. I'd like to keep all of them!! Zipper coin pouches and cosmetic pouches with fun messages. The knit lining and words are from the leftover tee-shirt fabric after I've cut it up for scrap shirts.

A couple of the kids shirts for holidays. I really will take more pictures of my scrap shirts. There are so many fun words...

I just have to say that I'm really grateful for my nieces who came over and helped me with the final "push" before Blissfest. It was so much fun to work together! I also appreciate my parents who helped with the little boys all the week before so I'd have extra time to sew. My Dad helped so much getting the tent set up and hauling stuff around. What a wonderful, generous family I have!

I think about Stephanie and Christian Neilson a lot. Their tragic accident has put life into perspective for many people, I'm sure. We try to be more aware of the things in life that bring us real joy - and be grateful every day for them. That is real bliss.

My littlest cutie at the Blissfest.

More later - I won't wait a whole month to post. Check back soon! :)