All In A Day's Dream by pink checkers

Well, Hello there!

2010-06-11T07:57:00.000-04:00

Wow! Where have I been? It seems like when it warms up, I don't seem to do a lot of crafting. I do, however, do a lot of stamping and that's what's been going on. I have been swamped with orders since Mother's Day and now Father's Day is here and I'm still busy! Hopefully, I will get back into a new blogging routine in the next week when I slow down a little bit. Until then, I just wanted to pop in and say that I'll be having a booth at the 2nd Annual Beer Cheese Festival

in downtown Winchester, KY this weekend. It's from 10-6 on Saturday, the 12th. I'll have a bunch of new pieces that I'm not going to show until the festival, so you'll have to wait until my next post to see them if you don't come down! I hope everyone is having a great summer!

-DeAndra

I have a question for you...

2010-04-13T16:22:00.000-04:00

I am in the process of creating a special "Kentucky" piece for my collection. Our state is hosting the World Equestrian Games this year and it's a pretty big deal!

We'll have tons of visitors to our community from all over the globe and I'd like for them to take back something that they will treasure from their visit here.

I'm wanting to make something that has words or phrases that represent our beautiful state. What comes to mind when you think of Kentucky?

source

Please help me brainstorm!

Thanks so much!

-DeAndra

And the winner is...

2010-04-13T07:51:00.000-04:00

Sal said...
oh wow that is such a cute giveaway!! me likes! I am a follower and an indie biz classmate!

********************************************

Please send me your address to pinkcheckers@yahoo.com

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Thanks so much for entering the contest!

Have a great day!

-DeAndra

Last days of giveaway!

2010-04-09T11:15:00.001-04:00

Don't forget about the giveaway going on here! It ends on Sunday, April 11. So get those entries in!

Here's what you're playing for:

A crafty pendant (hand stamped by me), plus sewing machine charm and ball of yarn charm! This is so super cute and it lets everyone how awesome-ly crafty you are!!

How to win:

1. Be a follower of this blog

2. Leave a comment in this post

For extra entries:

-blog about this giveaway on you blog. Make sure you let me know that you did it in the comments of this post!

-become a fan of Pink Checkers Design on Facebook. Don't forget to let me know in the comments that you're a fan!

Good Luck and the giveaway ends on Sunday, April 11. I will post the winner on Monday, April 12.

Have a great day!

-DeAndra

Handmade Card Swap

2010-04-06T21:47:00.000-04:00

I'm joining in on a Handmade Card Swap over at Crafty Carnival. You can join in, too, but you have to hurry! She's closing it at 22 people.

You can join in here!

p.s. If you're looking for my giveaway, it's here

Giveaway Time!

2010-04-06T14:09:00.000-04:00

My little blog has found it's way to 50 followers!!! Thank you so much for caring about what I have to say! So, I think I will have a little giveaway as a big "THANK YOU!"

Here's what you're playing for:

A crafty pendant (hand stamped by me), plus sewing machine charm and ball of yarn charm! This is so super cute and it lets everyone how awesome-ly crafty you are!!

How to win:

1. Be a follower of this blog

2. Leave a comment in this post

For extra entries:

-blog about this giveaway on you blog. Make sure you let me know that you did it in the comments of this post!

-become a fan of Pink Checkers Design on Facebook. Don't forget to let me know in the comments that you're a fan!

Good Luck and the giveaway ends on Sunday, April 11. I will post the winner on Monday, April 12.

Have a great day!

-DeAndra

So glad it's the weekend!

2010-04-02T14:01:00.000-04:00

I am so glad it's Friday! It's been the perfect day! It's 75 degrees here, my daughter had an Easter egg hunt at school, my husband is mowing the grass, we're going to Lowe's later to look for a new pump for the pond, and we're going to grill out! Wow! I love spring!

This is how my pond looks when I take care of it

So beautiful! But last year my pump went out and I didn't get another one and it looks so sad right now. It's just an empty green water mess! The poor fish probably can't see where they're swimming! I'm making it a goal to keep it up this year. I love the sound of the water and my windchimes. It's so relaxing! So hopefully, they will have what I need at Lowe's and I can reclaim this beautiful pond!

Have a great weekend!

-DeAndra

In the studio

2010-04-01T11:50:00.001-04:00

I am in the studio today working on a few custom orders.

Here's one I just finished

I'm calling it "Family Beginnings" since it has the bride and groom's names plus wedding date and last name initial. Later on, it could have more charms added for children!

Love it!

Have a great day! It's beautiful here in Kentucky!

-DeAndra

Special Day!

2010-03-30T14:33:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl!

You bring such happiness to my life!

Happy Birthday, sweetheart

I love you!

-mom

Sunday loves

2010-03-28T09:16:00.000-04:00

We recently rented Disney's Princess and the Frog.

It was so good! It made me remember how much a love a good frog prince! Here's a few that make me smile!

source

Have a great Sunday!

-DeAndra

This made my day!

2010-03-26T09:30:00.001-04:00

This is so flippin awesome!!! Janel drew these portraits of me and my girls. Aren't they fabulous???

I was going to wait and post them when I had them all framed and fancy, but I couldn't! Yay Janel!

Amigurumi Loves

2010-03-25T08:42:00.000-04:00

source

I have been wanting to make an amigurami for a while now and have looked at pattern after pattern but can't seem to get started. I'm a little intimidated, I guess! They look super hard, but according to the patterns, they're for advanced beginners. That would be me! Has anyone tried them? I'd love some advice!

Here are some of the one's that I've been looking at

These are all from Amy Gaines

and these

from Irene Strange

Plus, if you go to her website Reeneegurumi, there are a couple of free downloads

Percy the elephant and Roosting Birds and My Tiny Bunny

They are all so cute!

Have a great day!

-DeAndra

Lots going on

2010-03-24T09:33:00.000-04:00

I'm super busy right now! That's good, right! I seem to stay busy, though. I just keep adding new things to my growing list of ideas! I can honestly say that I'm never bored!

1. I'm taking Indie Biz class right now

2. I'm having my first trunk show and I'm making jewelry like crazy to prepare for that.

3. I'm trying to get my website finished for Pink Checkers Design. The "About Me" page is really holding me up. I'm having a hard time getting the words out!

4. I have to get ready for my almost 6 year old's birthday. She L-O-V-E-S to make up stories and draw, so I'm putting together an art and writing kit for her. Of course, it has to be one-of-a-kind! I'm sure I'll be working on it until the day of her birthday!

5. Girl Scout cookie sales are finally over!!!! I need to finish up all the paperwork for that and get it turned in. Being the Cookie Mom wasn't that bad. I just know the troop leader and I need to reward ourselves with a couple of pedicures!

6. Easter is right around the corner and Easter baskets need to get put together.

7. Taxes need to be done.

8. Loose ends here, there, and everywhere that need to be tied up!!!

Oh, and if that wasn't enough, I found out about this class this morning

Tell Your Story: Online Art Journal Class

Signups start on April 1st.

It looks like a lot of fun!

Well, I'd better get going and work on some of my list! Have a great day!

-DeAndra

Silhouette D.I.Y

2010-03-23T08:25:00.000-04:00

Awhile back, while skimming OhDeeDoh, I came across a tutorial for this:

Silhouettes in Under 30 Minutes by Emily over at Three Boys and a Little Lady

I've seen tutorials in the past using Photoshop, but I've never wanted to sit down and try to figure it out. I'll leave the geeky computer stuff to my sister!

But this one uses:

paint and cardstock!

Now that's something I can handle!

Start with a good profile pic and cut it out

Cover it in black paint.

Glue them down on your paper.

Frame it up and you're done!

This is super fast and cheap, but it looks GREAT! That's what I like!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Razzle Dazzle

2010-03-19T13:53:00.001-04:00

Wow! I'm am sooo off my blogging schedule! I promise I'll try to do better next week! It seems like a have a blue-million things to do right now! I've got a 6 year old's birthday to get ready for, spring cleaning, Girl Scouts, and t-ball. Plus, I'm getting ready to sell Pink Checkers Design in a brick and mortar shop and I'm trying to get all that together! Time management has never been my strong suit!

So, here's a little something fun to hold you over until I get back to normal!

We're taking the girls and nephew to see this bunch of yahoos on Saturday. If you've never seen Yo Gabba Gabba, watch this video.

You either love them or you hate them! We love them, so off to Cincinnati we will go!

Have a great weekend!

DeAndra

Happy Mail and Birthday Mail!

2010-03-14T11:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a good mail day.

I got this from my aunt for my birthday! I love, love, love nesting dolls! It's nice when someone actually pays attention to what you say and gets you something you LOVE!!! Thanks, Becky!

Then, I got a card from my Happy Mail partner. I'm so glad I joined this because it truly made me happy to get this card in the mail! My partner, Lehua, has an awesome blog called Heart On My Sleeve. She's super cute!

Well, I'm still working on my new website for Pink Checkers Design. Hopefully, it will be done in the next couple of days.

Have a great Sunday!

DeAndra

Another year younger!

2010-03-11T07:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday. I hate to say I'm 32. It sounds old. I don't feel old, so I guess that's all that matters! Right?

My husband did such a great job designing my cake. He gave the baker one of my daughter's drawings to put on it. I just love it!

He was very proud of himself!

Sorry for not posting a lot lately. I've been busy stamping jewelry for Pink Checkers Design. That's a good thing, though!

I'm working on some fun, upcoming posts, too!

Well, I have a hole burning in my pocket with birthday money! I'm going to do a little shopping today!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Party Time!

2010-03-09T11:30:00.001-05:00

Today's the blog party over at Punk Projects!

I'm so excited to be a part of this, along with some other awesome bloggers. Thanks, Katie!

Yesterday was a beautiful day here. We got to go out and take a walk, ride bikes, and chat with neighbors. It made me realize that I have NOTHING to wear for spring! I think I'll go out for a little retail therapy today. I went back through my Style School Style File to get some ideas and here is what I found

All of this came from Old Navy. I don't know if these white legs are ready for skirts yet, though!

My birthday is tomorrow. I'm working on my 32 before 32 list. I'll post it tomorrow! I've got some good stuff on there!

Have a great day!

-DeAndra

Today's productivity=0

2010-03-08T13:32:00.000-05:00

I have not been creatively productive at all today. I've done a few random things, but nothing exciting. I'm still working on my Indie Biz portfolio. It's coming along, slowly. Class started yesterday! Eeek!

I feel like I need to do something, but I don't know what. I'm just not inspired today.

I got these paperdolls for my daughter for Christmas.

It's all the Red Velvet girls. They're so stinkin' cute! I haven't let her play with them yet because I keep meaning to put contact paper over them to make them a little sturdier. I love them so much and I know they will get torn if I don't reinforce them with something. So there, that is my project for today. I need to get busy, then. I'm sure she will want to go outside and play today when she gets home from school.

It's beautiful here. Perfect for taking a walk and riding a bike!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

MIA

2010-03-05T18:36:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I may be MIA for a couple of days. I have to get ready for this:

Class starts on Monday, so I have to get prepared! Jill, Leigh Ann, and Elsie are teaching this class and I'm so ready to take Pink Checkers Design to the next level!

Plus, the weather is supposed to be super nice here. I have some spring cleaning to do!

Have a great weekend!

DeAndra

A Very Important Date!

2010-03-04T13:07:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited for the new Alice in Wonderland to come out! I NEED to see this movie and I NEED to go this weekend. Let's just call it an un-birthday present to me! I mean my birthday is next Wednesday, but I can't wait that long.

Last spring we took our daughter to DisneyWorld for her 5th birthday. It had been 15 years since I had been there and all I can remember is wanting to see some of the characters and the only one I saw was Chip and Dale. Bummer. It was kind of ironic that the first characters we saw when we entered the Magic Kingdom was Chip and Dale! BUT, as soon as we saw them, we were walking to the teacups and here comes ALICE! She had just gotten off the teacups!

If Chip and Dale hadn't slowed us down, we could have been on the teacups with her! Grrr! I forget I'm 31 and turn into a kid and scream "Aliiiiiice"!!!! I was so flippin' excited to see her! She is my fav!

Doesn't she write pretty?

Here's some super sweet Alice in Wonderland things I've come across:
I own this domino pendant from The Odd Bird

You can get one here. I love what Tara does with her dominos. She's very talented!

I also have a similar set of Alice in Wonderland cards from Stephanie Fizer

found here.

Her illustrations are amazing!

How fun is this?

These pins are calling me!

Are you joking? I think there are only 100 sets of these. I'm sure they'll sell out soon :(

and I feel like I need to wear this necklace EVERYday!

It's from Untamed Menagerie. Penny and Nikki are a mother-daughter team and they create some very impressive pieces!

Are there any real life Cheshire cats in your life? I'm come across a few! :)

I have a ton of house cleaning today. Have a great day!

DeAndra

Finally Easter class signups!

2010-03-03T08:43:00.000-05:00

I wandered up on this class that's getting ready to start.

It looks like a lot of fun!

These girls are from Sweden and are teaching a Swedish version right now.

The English version starts on March 20th and has 7 different projects and the cost is only $14!

"HOP" over to Stina's blog to enter for a chance at a free spot!

I need to get my @#$% together!

2010-03-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

I have really been slacking on my Etsy shop, Pink Checkers Design.

Christmas was just a whirlwind of orders and I took a little break after the holidays and I just haven't gotten back in the groove. I've had some orders here and there, but I have such BIG plans for my business! I just don't know where to start, I guess.

Here's my goals for 2010:

*sell in a brick and mortar shop (any suggestions? I have no clue where to start.)

*hold at least one trunk show

*learn some new techniques

*attend a few craft shows

That's not much, right?

In other news, my sister just got her 20th follower at iheartsmiles

She is giving away a free Blog Makeover!!!! Go here to enter

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Fun spin on a pincushion!

2010-03-01T14:03:00.000-05:00

I recently participated in a Pincushion Swap over at Freckled Nest. I had to mail out a pincushion to my partner by this past weekend and I, of course, waited till the last minute. I didn't want to make your everyday pincushion. So, in a mad frenzy, I started searching some of my fave sites for pincushion inspiration. When I found this

I was in LOVE!

Anyone that knows me, knows I like to have a pattern for everything! I don't know why, but I basically refuse to try and make my own pattern. That's just how I roll! Did I just say that? Ugh, I'm a dork. Anywho...here's the pattern from Urban Debris

full size pattern here

It's super easy and it takes all of 45 minutes, if that. I wanted to add some to mine, so mine took a little longer, but not much. Here's my completed hedgehog

Eeek!!!! Isn't she cute?!?!?!

I hope my swap partner loves it...I know I do!

And the winner is...

2010-02-28T09:33:00.000-05:00

ails, please email me your address and I'll get your goodies to you! Thanks for entering!

pinkcheckers@yahoo.com

Last day to enter the Giveaway!!!!

2010-02-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day to win the super cute giveaway!!

Here's the goodies:

Crafty pendant from Pink Checkers Design

and

Custom button design from iheartsmiles

The winner will be picked tomorrow.

*you MUST be a follower of this blog

*leave 1 comment on this post

*leave 1 comment on the iheartsmiles blog

Good luck!

DeAndra

Follow Me Friday

2010-02-26T10:20:00.001-05:00

Today is Follow Me Friday at

Here is how it works....
•Add your blog link to the McLinky below ~ remember to leave your blog name under "Your Name"
•Follow Trendy Treehouse ~ we will follow you back!!!
•Grab the "Follow Me Fridays" button for your blog ~ so more blogs can share in the fun!
•Follow other blogs that have linked up ~ Comment there letting them know you are now following them and visiting from Follow Me Fridays!
•If someone follows you, follow them back, It's only fair. LOL

The more you follow, the more will follow you!
It's that easy!
Blogs only please ~ No advertising links! Have Fun!
Follow Me Fridays @ Trendy Treehouse

Pinchushion Loves

2010-02-25T12:17:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in a pincushion swap over at Freckled Nest. I have to get mine out to my swap partner this by this weekend and, wouldn't you know, I've waited till the last minute! Luckily, it doesn't take long to whip up a pincushion. I can't decide what kind I want to make and that's what's holding me up. I've made some in the past that look like this

It was a free pattern from Heather Bailey. It's simple and fast. I thought I'd like to try something new with this swap, though. I saw a really cute tutorial this morning for this

Teacup Pincushion from MMMCrafts. I'd like to try it but I don't want to risk shipping it and it get broken. This will probably be a later project!

This is a cute one, too. It's from Happy Together and here's the tutorial.

If I hadn't gotten such a late start, I would have probably tried this one:

I'm crazy over anything that looks like a mushroom! This would take me forever with all the embroidery on it. But I can dream, I guess! Here's the tutorial for this from The Little House By The Sea.

Oh, and how stinkin' cut is this?

Tutorial from Goody Goody Handmade
and last but not least,

this cute hedgehog. The pattern can be found here.

Okay, now I need to get to work! This hedgehog is calling me. I think he may end up being the winner! I'll let you know!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

p.s. Don't forget about the giveaway going on until Saturday. Find it here!

Surprise!

2010-02-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is the big surprise to honor this blog getting it's 15th follower

Here's what's included in the giveaway:

1. Crafty pendant by Pink Checkers Design

2. Custom Blog Button by iheartsmiles

Now, here's how you win this sweet little prize!

*You MUST be a follower of this blog. At the top of my page, it says follow. Just click that and go from there.

*You MUST leave a comment on this blog and also on the iheartsmiles blog.

You're not required to follow her blog, but it's pretty cool! You might want to anyway!

Enter by Feb 27th. I'll pick a winner randomly on Feb 27th and post it on here. The winner will need to email me to receive their prizes.

Good luck!!!!

DeAndra

Family Rules...complete!

2010-02-22T09:21:00.000-05:00

Last week I posted a project I was working on

from Tatertots and Jello. It turned in to a week long project for me. Not because it was hard or time consuming. I'm just bad about not getting something finished if it takes longer than a day! But, believe it or not, I AM finished and here is my version of our

FAMILY RULES:

*obey mom and dad

*be creative

*help each other

*clean up your messes

*say i love you

*give hugs, kisses, and eskimo kisses

*sing silly, dance often

*use your manners

*play a game

*use nice words

*keep your promise

*be kind to each other

*turn off the tv

*respect other's belongings

I think it turned out nice!

I'll be back later with a surprise!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

I graduated!!!

2010-02-21T08:37:00.000-05:00

It's sad to say that Style School is over :(

It was a blast and I learned so much about myself and what inspires me. Thank you Elsie

and LA!

You're the best teachers...EVER!

Next up is Indie Business

Class starts tomorrow!

I'm going to my mom's today for some super sweet cardmaking projects! It's sure to be filled with lots of laughs and silliness.

Don't forget...I have something special coming up tomorrow!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

2010-02-20T12:42:00.000-05:00

I got my 15th follower today! Yay! I know 15 doesn't seem like a lot, but it is! Without you, I wouldn't want to keep going. So, thanks again!

In honor of this little achievement, I think I will plan a little special something-something!

More details coming on Monday :)

Happy Mail...Yay!

2010-02-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

So, the other day, I ran up on this blog called Happy Mail

It was founded by a lady named Jamie (Inspired Mess) who just wanted to come up with a way to brighten each other's day.

I LOVE getting surprises in the mail! So, this is perfect for me! In January, they had 56 participants and in February, the number jumped to 89! There are Happy Mailers from 30 states plus 8 different countries. You could get a sweet package from Finland, Germany, Sweden, UK, Canada, Australia, Thailand or France! How fun would that be? You could get a little package like this

or this

Here are the RULES

1. You send one card or postcard to your penpal for that month.

2. Send a little package of treasures to your penpal for that month.

That's it! Plus, someone will have your name, so you'll get a package of goodies, too!

Signups for March end on February 25th, so if you want to join, you've got 1 week! I'm so stinkin' excited about this! I can't wait to find out who my penpal is so I can get to work on their package!!!!

Check out their Flickr group for more examples of Happy Mail that people have gotten! That's where all of these photos came from!

I'm going to the ribbon cutting of a new shop in our downtown today.

I'm so excited for this store to open! My friend SB and fellow fox owns it and she has some FABULOUS yarns available for purchase.

Brands like:

Darn Good Yarn

Farmhouse Yarns

Jojoland Fine Yarns

Some of the yarn she even hand paints and spins herself! Cool, right? She offers knitting classes right now with more classes being added soon! Plus, if you're in to felting or want to try to spin your own yarn, she has handpainted drop spindles and roving

I'm so excited for her!

Have a great Thursday!

DeAndra

Stylin...Like A Fox!

2010-02-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

As you know by now, I'm also part of a group blog called ...like a fox.

We're a group of 5 women with different interests and we blog everyday about crafting, being geeky, savvy stuff, ways to be crunchy, and how to be stylin! Today, I want to introduce our Stylin Fox...Monica!

In her own words, here is how she describes herself and what to look for in her weekly posts

"I am a master hairstylist in Winchester, KY. I am a graduate of Lexington Beauty College and work at Uniquely U Salon and have been doing hair for about 5 years. I have always loved playing with hair (dolls, friends....) and I love to find the latest trends as well as bring the past into the present! I have a love for the dramatic, and I guess that partly comes from my love of acting. I was a theatre major in college at Western Kentucky University, which was where I also got some hands-on up style training from formal dances with my Alpha Gamma Delta sisters! I LOVE: false lashes, black liquid eyeliner, red lipstick, razor cuts, chignons, peek-a-boo color, and classic glamour. I DISLOVE: no mascara, too much blush, aquanet, chipped nail polish, perms, and, of course, split ends."

She has lots of great insider info and awesome tips and tricks to looking your most stylish! Check out .

..like a fox on Fridays for new post from the Stylin Fox!

Well that does it for the Foxes! I've introduced you to all 5 of us!

Crafty

Geeky

Savvy

Crunchy

Stylin

I'm going to start featuring some great Mommy-run businesses soon. I've met some really awesome women who share the same love of handmade that I do. It's even better that they all are moms and have found a way to get their creative skills out while still being able to take care of their family. I can't wait for you to meet them!

I should have my Family Rules canvas finished today and I will post pics as soon as I'm done!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

My Family Rules!

2010-02-16T09:31:00.000-05:00

I love reading Tatertots and Jello. Jen has some of the best home craft projects that I've ever seen! She's super talented and I have saved a lot of her projects for the future! One of the projects I've had my eye one is this

I think this would look so cute hanging up in my house.

If you would like to try your own, the tutorial can be found here at The Pleated Poppy

Lindsey has a great blog! She has a lot of ideas for repurposing things, which I love! I love what she did with this old door

Seriously??? How awesome is that? Needless to say, I've been on the lookout for an old door!

Anyway, back to my Family Rules canvas. I started on it yesterday and got a lot of it finished.

I painted my canvas and drew my lines to kind of keep my different papers straight. I used an 18"x20" canvas. You could use whichever size worked for your space.

I gathered all my scrapbook paper, letter stickers, paper trimmer, mod podge. I cut my paper different sizes (2", 1.5" and 1") to make it fun-looking! I'll probably add some rickrack and other ribbons before it's over to jazz it up a little, too. I just haven't made it that far!

I mod podged my papers down and here's where I'm at so far. It looks really bad right now and I'm going to work on it today and, hopefully, I'll get it finished and post some pics later today.

I'm still thinking about what my "rules" are going to be. Here's what I have so far:

1. Use nice words

2. Be kind to each other

3. Clean up your messes

4. Be creative

5. Give hugs, kisses, and eskimo kisses

6. Turn off the TV

7. Use your manners

8. Say I Love You

9. Sing silly, dance often

10. Help each other

Those are pretty good rules, I think!

What would some of your rules say?

I'll post pics of my finished canvas later!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

I really need the sun to come out!

2010-02-15T10:16:00.003-05:00

This is the view from my bedroom window

Seriously, spring needs to start showing it's face around here. I'm sick of having to wear heavy coats and having dry skin and all this static in my hair! Okay, now that I got that out...how was everyone's Valentine's Day?????

Mine was great! I got to sleep in for a few extra minutes. That was sooo nice! Then my children busted through the door shouting "Happy Valentine's Day"! That's a good kind of shouting to wake up to. They were so excited to give me their gift. They worked really hard on it

I'll treasure it forever! Nothing is better than getting a gift with sweet little handprints on it! The fun doesn't stop there, though.

That gift was followed up by this beauty

There are no words for this, really. This is totally something my husband would do. He put a lot of thought into this and, to him, this was the PERFECT gift! Love his heart, he's in his own world! I love him for it, though. Life would be boring without him!

He did redeem himself with this

That was a surprise! I love these necklaces and he must have been reading my mind! Thanks, honey! We finished up Valentine's Day with a rousing game of Scrabble Slam, watched Zombieland, and ate some chocolate covered strawberries. That's what you get to look forward to when you've been married for almost 10 years and have 2 kids!

Seriously, though, it was a great day!

What did everyone else get????

I also blogged today at ...like a fox!

My parents won a FREE cruise from Cricut. They just got back and I posted all the fun info over there!!! Check it out!

Well, I'm off to do some perler bead projects with the girls.

Have a great day!

DeAndra

What Kind of Stamps Do You Have????

2010-02-12T19:21:00.000-05:00

I often get asked about my design stamps and fonts and what they look like. I finally got some pics of each stamp that I had and so, today's post is all about design stamps! Here we go!

FANCY FONT

KISMET FONT

TYPEWRITER FONT

and I also have just a basic block font. Sorry, no pic of that.

Animals and insects

Dragonfly

Bird

Owl

Paw Print

*************************************

Nature Collection

Swirl

Branch

Sun

Flower

**************************************

Sports

Soccer

Baseball

Basketball

Football

***************************************

Love and Inspiration

Heart

Lotus

Wings

*************************************

Boy and Girl

Star

I have plans on adding to my stamp collection. I will post when I get more!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

We have a crush on Mario around here!

2010-02-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

This is the reason I wasn't allowed to have a Nintendo the first time around.

Super Mario Brothers drove me crazy when it came out in the 80s and it has the same effect on me 20-some years later (really?!?!?!? It's been that long?). I want to thank Nintendo for bringing my obsession back with the new Super Mario Bros.

This time, though, you can play together, at the same time with your friends! Which can be good or bad. My daughter has developed the same love-hate for this game that I have. She's cuckoo over it! The poor child has dreams about going to Bowser's castle. She wants to play as soon as she gets home from school. She wants to play when her little sister is taking a nap. I don't know what she'll do when we get this game finished! It's fun though, I have to admit. And I enjoy seeing her get excited about it! We have fun playing together and that's all that matters.

There's a lot of Mario stuff out there to crush on right now!

If I had all the time in the world and could just sit and crochet all day, I would be working on this:

But I don't, so

check this stuff out instead!

Laptop Vinyl

Seriously cute cake topper!

Mario Bros. Baddies Bracelet

Mushroom Rearview Mirror Dangles

Everyone needs a Yoshi placemat!

Decorate your gameroom!

Comfy beanbag

Just too cute!

I hope these things make you smile!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Savvy...Like A Fox!

2010-02-10T07:11:00.002-05:00

Now for the next fox installment!

I first found out about the savvy fox from Etsy. I was doing a search of local shops and came across her's

and I thought that maybe someday I would get some of this BEAUTIFUL yarn! She handpaints, hand dyes, and spins it herself. So awesome! So, I saved her to my favorites. Then, last year at the Pioneer Festival during Labor Day Weekend, I came across Miss Sarabee herself! I had a booth in the festival with my Pink Checkers Design jewelry and while my sister manned my station for a little while, I got out and walked around. I came up on this super cute booth with all this awesome yarn and roving. I looked over and saw a little sign that said "Sarabee Designs". I was surprised to actually see her in person! I introduced myself and told her how she had been a favorite of mine for awhile and we talked a little bit. I instantly felt like we had a lot in common. We now have a budding friendship that I hope only continues to grow!

SB is our Savvy Fox over at ...like a fox

She has lots of great ideas and this is what you can expect from her posts:

"As my household's main "domestic engineer/goddess", mommy of three boys, and small business owner. I love to find great deals for my family. Be it a great way to save a few bucks on everyday must haves, a more efficient and time saving way of doing a daily task or a fabulous way to get organized!"

Anywho, SB is getting ready to open her own yarn shop

Sarabee's Little Yarn Shop will be opening on February 20th, 2010! I'm so excited for her. I think she will do a great job and I wish her all the luck!

A Tooth Fairy Pillow For A Princess

2010-02-09T07:00:00.004-05:00

After yesterday's post, I searched for just the right tooth fairy pillow and came across this one

(photo courtesy of Larissa Holland at mmmcrafts)

It's so different and it's so cute! I knew it was perfect. So, let's get started!

Download the pattern and cut out your pieces. I only had white felt, so that's what I used. You need to sew just a straight ine rectangle where the mouth slit will be. After you do that, cut a slit in the middle of that for your tooth's mouth. Next, it says to use fabric glue and attach the pink felt behind the mouth. This is part of your pocket for the tooth. I didn't have any glue, so I sewed the pink on. I used white thread and you don't even notice it. After you create your pocket, I added a couple of felt circles for the cheeks and a couple of buttons for eyes, and finally, a few black stitches for eyebrows. The front of your tooth will look like this

Now you're going to be adding the back of your tooth. You need to sandwich your pieces with RIGHT sides facing and

your ribbon will be inside the pillow and in between the pieces, facing down. Now, start sewing up your pillow. I started on the side of the tooth and went around and then left a small hole so I could turn the tooth right side out. It looks like this after it's sewed up

Now start stuffing your tooth. Once you get it stuffed, just hand stitch up the little hole and your basic tooth pillow is finished

Now the fun part! Dress your tooth however you like! If you want to make it a fairy, grab about 4 pipe cleaners and fold them till they look like this

I just folded them over and twisted them together. Now attach them to the tooth's back

I used some matching thread and went around them a few times until they were snug.

Now, your fairy needs her skirt. You can choose anything you'd like!

I chose felt and just guessed what size to make it. I traced a big circle and then cut a smaller circle in the middle and kept cutting until it fit good. Sorry, I don't have a measurement for this. I just played around with it until it looked right. Something else that would look cute would be tulle made into a tutu!

We're almost to the end. Slide on the skirts and hand stitch them onto the tooth

And there, my friends, is your finished tooth fairy pillow!

Oh, and just in case you need a more boyish tooth fairy pillow, try this one!

(Photo courtesy of Larissa Holland at mmmcrafts)

It's the same basic tooth pattern, just different embellishments!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Getting Ready For The Tooth Fairy

2010-02-08T09:32:00.000-05:00

My oldest daughter is getting ready to lose her first tooth. Actually, she's getting ready to lose 2! Both of her front bottom teeth are super loose! I need to get into Tooth Fairy mode FAST! I've had ideas floating around in my head forever about how to make the Tooth Fairy special. I've been meaning to make a Tooth Fairy pillow probably since she got her 1st tooth! So, I guess now's the time to get it done! I've been looking around to get some ideas and inspiration and have found these:

Wee Hoot Owl Tooth Fairy Pillow

Wee Little Birdie Tooth Fairy Pillow

Toothy Monster

So, I guess today I will work on a Tooth Fairy pillow!

I also need to place my order with iheartsmiles for this:

This Tooth Fairy package comes with a letter to the Tooth Fairy from your child, a letter from the Tooth Fairy to your child, and a Certificate to the Toothless Club!

Here's a few more special ideas for the soon-to-be toothless kid in your family!

LOVE this!

and this

and, of course, you need to make sure you have a fairy door so your Tooth Fairy can come in!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

And the winner is...

2010-02-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

Auntie Tam, email me at pinkcheckers@yahoo.com with your address and I'll get your bracelet right out to you!

Thanks to everyone who entered! It was a lot of fun and I hope to have another giveaway soon!

I'll be back tomorrow with a new crafty post!

Have a great night

DeAndra

Last day to enter the Giveaway!!!!

2010-02-06T08:27:00.000-05:00

Today is the deadline for entering the giveaway for this super cute bracelet!

This is a limited edition piece and will go away until next Valentine's Day! It's hand stamped by me and is attached to a waxed linen red cord. The cord slides, making the bracelet adjustable to many wrists.

Here's what you need to do:

1. follow my blog

2. post a comment on my post

3. check back on 2-7-10 to see if you're the winner!

Good luck!

DeAndra

Pink Checkers is swinging the hammer this weekend!

2010-02-05T18:54:00.000-05:00

It's the weekend before Valentine's Day and everyone is looking for that special and unique gift for their sweetie. Well, Pink Checkers Design has your solution! I'm stamping all this weekend to get those special gifts out in time for Valentine's Day.

Are you looking for something for the golfer in your life? How about this

These awesome golf ball markers can be personalized to say whatever you'd like. I can do initials, nicknames, quotes, dates, just about anything! This is such a great gift idea that it made it to the front page of Etsy. That's a pretty big deal!

Who doesn't love a good bottle of wine?

Personalized wine bottle charms are the perfect addition!

Do you need just a little something for someone? Try this idea

Keychains make great gifts!

Finally, if you need something REALLY special, get your sweetie her very own family collage necklace

Customize it with wedding dates, children's names and birthdates, birthstones, or any saying that you want!

Remember, I stamp everthing letter by letter. Every piece can be COMPLETELY customized. I love coming up with new designs with customers. So please, don't hesitate to email me (pinkcheckers@yahoo.com) with your ideas!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Valentine Crush

2010-02-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

It's only a little over a week from Valentine's Day and I know there's A LOT of last minute shoppers out there. If you haven't figured it out already, I (heart) handmade! I also love initials and names carved into trees. Here are a few of the things that would make cute Valentine's Day gifts

Personalized Tree

Personalized Carved Initial Necklace

Custom Heart tree Pillow

Love Knows No Boundaries

Birch Bark Slip Vase

I'll be making most of my Valentine's Day gifts and shopping locally for the rest. If you're looking for something for your sweetie, go to downtown Winchester tonight. They're having Wine About Winter from 5-9. Local businesses will be open and will have a local winery and artist in their store. Check out

Sarabee's Little Yarn Shop at 74 S. Main Street. Sara will be officially opening her store in a few short weeks. This would be a great time to get a sneek peek and pick up some handspun and handpainted yarn. She will also have my sister

and her iheartsmiles collection in her store

She would LOVE to make you a set of custom Valentine's Day cards!!!

Then, if you walk on down to 17 S. Main St. and visit

Black Dog Designs for all your personalized scrabble time bracelets!

and I have this little beauty in my shop

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Crunchy...Like a Fox!

2010-02-03T09:27:00.000-05:00

Howdy, neighbor!

I'm so lucky to have met this chic. Even luckier is the fact that she moved in right next door to me! She's silly, says crazy and off the wall things, loves to laugh, and is super crafty! All the things I look for in a friend! Oh, and I can't forget to mention what a crazy cute little boy she has! She's also a part of our ...like a fox blog. She's crunchy...like a fox. You know the type...baby wearing, cloth diapering, breastfeeding, reduce reuse recycle, tree-hugger. Basically, all around super cool! Okay, enough about how much I love her! She also makes some really awesome things and has a lot of great ideas. Check out her blog Handy Mother for tips and ideas for living a more earth-friendly and healthier lifestyle.

The woman loves to recycle a pair of blue jeans!

She's can make some fabulous things out of them!

Check out her Etsy shop for more surprises!

Don't forget about the Valentine's Day giveaway going on from now until this Saturday! I can't wait to announce the winner!

Have a great day!

DeAndra

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

2010-02-02T15:58:00.000-05:00

I (heart) Valentine's Day!

I'm going to do my very first giveaway this week! I'm so excited! Yay! Okay, so here we go...

1. Follow my blog and post one comment in any post

2. You have till Saturday, February 6th

3. I will announce a winner on Sunday, February 7th.

4. Send me your address and I'll send out your FREE bracelet on Monday, February 8th

It's that simple! Good Luck!

Something for the kiddo

2010-02-02T14:01:00.000-05:00

I try very hard to make as many gifts as I can. I would much rather do that than go to a big box store and buy something. I also try to make things that my children will treasure for many, many years. Hopefully, these things will hold a special place in their hearts. So, for my youngest daughter's 2nd birthday, I wanted her older sister to make something for her. I found this super cute pattern from Bit of Whimsy and knew it would be perfect! My daughter was wanting to try using a sewing machine, so this was a good time!

She did great for her first time! She guided the fabric while I pressed the pedal.

Here's her sewed up doll. She wanted to get the plain girl and color it herself.

Next step was stuffing! (This ended up being a 2 day project. Notice the different PJ's)

Here's the finished, sewed up, and stuffed doll. We ended up doing 2 dolls because she decided she wanted the first one for herself!

I wrote her name and year on the back of the doll so we would all remember! It truly was a great gift! I would suggest these patterns for any kid! It was very easy and it took just a little bit of fabric. This could even be hand sewn if you didn't want to get out the sewing machine! If you're a more experienced sewer, check out the other patterns available from Bit of Whimsy.

She also has finished dolls available for purchase in her shop!

Weekend Roundup Pt. 2

2010-02-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

I got my craft space finished up last night! Yay me! Here are some pics! I'm so proud of it!

my sewing table is so nice and clean!

yarn all in one place

nothing like a lava lamp to get the ideas flowing!

my metal stamping area

little things that make me happy

love my sewing machine

all my jewelry making stuff

I just hope I can keep it like this!

I'll be back later with a new tutorial!

Weekend Roundup

2010-02-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

It was a great weekend around the old homestead. I had plans to go to Ikea with my aunt on Saturday, but the weather decided against it. :( Darn snow! I've been trying to go for the past month! That's okay, though. I planned ahead and went to Lowes on Friday night and got some shelving.

This is not my closet, just what I wished it looked like!

I have been planning for months to organize my craft space. I have the perfect place downstairs but it's just a mess! I'm bad about taking my supplies all over my house and then not returning them to the right spot. So, I thought if I had all my stuff downstairs, maybe it would stay down there. I'm crossing my fingers! My goal is to do all of my sewing, embroidery, jewelry making, and other crafty craziness downstairs. We'll see. I'm still cleaning it up and putting things where they should go. I hope to have a couple of pics by the end of the day!

I'm going to be having a Pink Checkers Design giveaway later in the week. I don't want to give it away just yet, but it has to do with Valentine's Day!

It will be a super quick giveaway, so check back soon!

Oh, and a little FYI

These are the BEST candies EVER!

Have a great day!

AKA Pink Checkers

2010-01-29T21:14:00.001-05:00

As I said in my very first post, I have a little business called Pink Checkers Design.

I make custom and one-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry and keepsakes. Everything is hand stamped by me, letter by letter. It's a lot of fun because each piece is unique. I love getting custom orders. Each customer's idea is different and it means a lot to me to give them the piece they want. I know it will be special to them and to whoever they are getting it for.

One of my most popular pieces is the adjustable bracelet.

It's a nice, simple piece if you have a statement to make!

Have a great day!

...like a fox!

2010-01-28T21:36:00.000-05:00

Which fox are you?

The other day my sister and I were daydreaming (I know, big surprise) and we were throwing around ideas for some kind of group we could start. We do this a lot and we're going to get it right sometime. I think this could be it! We have a lot of ideas and we have friends who have a lot of ideas. I've been wanting to have some kind of craft group or another close group of women who get together and share ideas, work together, and contribute to the community. So, we came up with this idea to start a group blog. We all are pretty special in our own ways, like foxes. So the name ...like a fox popped up and and we knew it was perfect!!!!

Meet The Foxes!

I am Crafty...like a fox

My sister is Geeky...like a fox

Becca is Crunchy...like a fox

SB is Savvy...like a fox

Monica is Stylin...like a fox

So what do the foxes have to say really? A LOT! But mainly...we are here to support and encourage other women to be FOXY!!!

Thursday Crush

2010-01-28T07:50:00.001-05:00

So, my Thursday crush this week is...Afghans. I know what you're thinking "Why would a person have a crush on afghans? It's just an afghan!" Well, let me tell you, I went to the Goodwill a couple of weeks ago looking for something totally unrelated. I didn't find what I was looking for but I did find this super cool green, brown, and cream afghan.

I fell in love and had to have it! It was also a little exciting that it was only $2.50!

So, in honor of my new cozy throw, here are some SWEET afghans I found online

source

Pretty, right? I would love to have any one (or all) of these!

I found this really cool afghan, too.

I would like to tackle one of these. It looks like it will take awhile, though. It will have to be a continuous work in progress! If you want to give it a try, the tutorial can be found here

Have a great day!

Geeky...like a fox!

2010-01-27T08:36:00.000-05:00

An important part of this blog is promoting other handmade shops that I believe in. So, today I will be featuring: iheartsmiles

My sister (and daydreaming partner) Desiree, is the proud owner of this fun little shop. She creates photo announcements, birthday invitations, tooth fairy packages, mini love notes, notecards, and other fun and whimsical items. She loves custom orders! Give her an idea and see what she comes up with! Stop by her blog, too. She has some super cute freebies on there! Here are some of my favorite cards:

Have a great day!

I'm in love with yarn wreaths!

2010-01-26T09:55:00.002-05:00

Yarn wreaths are all over the internet right now and I LOVE them! They are so super easy to make and they don't cost a lot to make. All you need is:

foam wreath

yarn scraps

various fabric scraps
buttons

felt

ribbon

whatever works for you and your design

*Glue or tape your yarn to your wreath and start wrapping

*Your wreath can be one color or multiple colors. either way looks cute! Keep wrapping, wrapping, wrapping! I like to put a little glue on the back of mine to secure the end of the yarn

*Start adding your embellishments! Yoyos, felt flowers, buttons, trinkets. anything that goes with your theme. You can hold your pieces in place with glue or stick pins. I like to use colorful stick pins. That way, if I want to change the look of my wreath, I can just take out the pins and add new embellishments!

Hang it up!

I absolutely LOVE these, as you can tell! If you don't want to make one, there are several shops on Etsy that sell them. Above all, my favorite is KnockKnocking. Here's just a peek of what they have to offer:

Stop by her shop or follow her blog

Have a GREAT day!!!

Today's a good enough day to start!

2010-01-21T21:41:00.012-05:00

Hi!!! I guess I'll start blogging today. I've been putting it off for so long and I just need to get going already! For my first post, I'd like to tell a little about myself, my family, and my business.
I am a 31 wife, mother, daughter, sister, crafter. I have a wonderful husband that I've been married to for almost 10 years. He supports everything I do no matter what and he never says "I told you so". I have 2 sweet and sassy little girls, 2 and 5. Everything that I do involves them and how it affects their lives. I love being a mom. It's super hard at times but I wouldn't change it for anything. There's nothing like getting excited about Yo Gabba Gabba and U-6 soccer games. If it makes them happy, it makes me happy! I have a couple of great parents who also support me and my crazy ideas. They have always been there (even throught the rough years) and I know I can always count on them. I have a sister that I love cooking up wild ideas with. We encourage and support each other's ideas and I'm so glad that we don't still hate each other like we did when we were younger! I also have a sweet little nephew who's 1. It's nice to have a little boy in the family! Finally, I'm a crafter. I love to create. I love to dream up ideas. I love to try new techniques. I love to sew, crochet, knit, just about anything!

I am the proud owner of a small little business called Pink Checkers Design. I make custom, hand-stamped sterling silver jewelry and keepsakes. I love it! It never gets old because every piece is different. I've been stamping for about a year and it has been a great year! I've done a few craft shows and plan on doing several more this year. I love hearing the stories from my customers when they order a piece. Sometimes it's a meaningful song lyric, sometimes it's a memorial of sorts, or names and dates, or funny sayings.

People sometimes ask where the name Pink Checkers came from and it's a cute little story. My 5 year old loves to play pretend and she loves to have pretend names. Her name is always Ariel. I think she really would like to be a mermaid. She asks about them all the time and she has the red hair just like Ariel. Anywho, she gave me the name Pink Checkers. I don't know why or how she came up with it, but I loved it. I thought this would be a cute way to keep that memory alive.

The purpose of this blog for me it to: 1)get my name out there for my business 2)promote other moms and women who have great ideas and 3)show my love for handmade.

Please check back often. I plan on posting several times a week with tutorials and fun ideas!