Craft FAIL! Linocut Goodie Bags

Even us pros have a total craft failure.

I had grand plans to make drawstring fabric goodie bags for Lilly's birthday party. She is having a "dog" themed party so I thought some sort of custom design or applique would be cute. Then I found all my old Lino cut tools from college when I was rooting around in my studio. That inspired me to make a "birthday pug" Lino block and stamp the image on fabric. My first step was to draw out the design and transfer it onto the lino block. That is done by rubbing a pencil on the backside of the paper, laying the paper on the lino block and then tracing the design, leaving a transfer imprint on the block.

Then you carve...

One bit of advice when you are carving. Work on a non-slip surface. I made the mistake of working at our butcher block kitchen table and the cutting tool slipped and went straight into my index finger. I was terrified for a minute that I was going to have to go to the hospital and have my plastic surgeon called in (who also specializes in microvascular and hand surgery, specifically hand reconstruction and digit reattachment.) Anyway- I wrapped it up with sterile pads and tape, kept pressure on it and the bleeding eventually stopped. It's a really nasty injury, 10 days later it still hurts.

But I powered through and finished carving:

My plan was to stamp this design on fabric using textile paint. Here's how that turned out:

Yea- pretty lousy. I did about 8 of these and I couldn't get consistency in the ink and transfer. Moving on to plan B: buying paper bags and stamping the design on with traditional lino cut ink. Ummm, yea.....not working either:

The bags aren't flat, and I tried all different positions, lifting the flap, nothing worked. Accepting that lino blocks are NOT like traditional rubber stamps (there's no flexibility or "give" - you need to have even hard pressure to get a good imprint), I conceded and found some "sticker back" textured cardstock in my studio stash and stamped the design on different color squares. Now I'll have to cut out the design and stick them on the bags.

Not really what I was going for, but I think in the end it will look good. Plus the 5 and 6 year olds getting these bags aren't going to give a hoot about the design aesthetic of their goodies bags...it's the stuff inside that counts.

Get Crafty - Marshmallow Creations

mmmmm...icing.

Snowed in (again)? Here's a fun and easy (and yummy) project for the whole family. Make marshmallow creations with icing and/or toothpicks. And when you're done- you can have it as a yummy treat! We even made a little video to show you how to do it.



What you need:
marshmallows
toothpicks
icing

my marshmallow igloo

Lilly's marshmallow "snowgirl"

yummy, crafty goodness

Pre-K Christmas Party

Ho Ho NO!!!! « AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com

Ho Ho NO!!!! « AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com

we are famous - well, if you consider being on Awkward Family Photos famous.....

t-shirt + fabric = dress

Lilly LOVES dresses.
I do not make apparel.

Easy solution:
t-shirt + 1/2 yard of fabric = dress

tutorial coming soon.

Another bump in the road. Lilly Style.

I have spent the past 16 months being the "sick one" in our household. I think I (temporarily) passed the torch to another family member today.

Yesterday afternoon, the 3 of us were enjoying a low key holiday party hosted by one of my friends. About an hour after our arrival, Lilly took a tumble down a few stairs and although I did not see what happened, it looked, well- not so good. We picked her up, and tried to "rub it off", but she was wincing in pain and started asking for "home". So we left.

Now let me say this- Lilly is one tough kid. She's always playing rough, running, tripping, and picking herself up with no tears. Heck- when she got her ears pierced a few weeks ago, the earring piercer gun got stuck in her ear. It took 2 Claire's associates to free her earlobe and Lilly just sat there. Not a single tear or complaint. She then got both ears done simultaneously (one ear was technically done twice since the first one didn't go through all the way).

So last night , we got home and made dinner. Lilly's arm was a little swollen and tender. She didn't complain much. Mike went out to CVS and got Tylenol and a stuffie "magic bear" to help her feel better. We wrapped her arm in an ace bandage and she pretty much sat on the sofa and ate mac n' cheese and watched tv until bedtime. She'd wince in pain if we tried to move her arm too much, but she was not screaming, or even crying. Mike and I debated what we should do. A) take her to the ER for what might just be a bruise, or B) wait until the morning and see how the night went. We opted for B. Lilly slept all night, well- she did wake up and ask for us to trim her fingernails, but I think that was some weird night- talking.

Today. Oh - today, how much you sucked. Lilly's arm was still swollen and she wouldn't let us touch her bandage to check underneath and see how things looked. Heck- we weren't even sure where she was hurting! So I immediately called our Pediatricians office to get an emergency appointment. They were able to see us within 2 hours, so Lilly and I lounged in bed all morning waiting.


We got in the car (note to self- 5 point carseat seatbelt does not work well with a injured arm). We got to the Dr. and saw the "on call" Doctor (NOT our regular Doc who I LOOOVE). Anyway, we got the bandage off and Lilly's arm was bruised and swollen. The Dr. poked around and asked Lilly where it hurt. Ok- asking a 3 year old where it hurts- seriously. She said yes to everywhere. You could have touched her toe and she would have said it hurt. So she ordered an X-ray. LUCKILY our Dr. office is all-encompassing and has a Radiology lab within it. So we went downstairs, I called Mike to high-tail it over for some much needed support and waited for Imaging to be ready for us.

So here we are, trying to explain what is going on, and what will be happening to a smart and inquisitive kid. Only 1 parent can go into the X-ray room, so Lilly picks me and we head on back. Back to the same place I had my CAT Scan 16 months ago. Lilly is such a trooper, she lies still for a whole round of x-rays, and then we wait for the results. Hmmm... this is oddly familiar. So we wait, and the tech comes back and says they need more. Ok- I know this now - MORE IS NEVER GOOD. So Lilly and I go back for another round of x-rays of alternate angles. And then we wait again. And then....they tell us to go back upstairs to talk to the Doctor.

Back upstairs we go, and the Dr. calls me into the hallway and says the x-rays are indeterminable and the Radiologist feels there is a "suspicion of fracture" on her elbow. Wow- way to be decisive. They want us to go to an Orthopedic Specialist. Ok- we can do that, there's a specialist in the all-encompassing one stop doc shop THAT THE PEDIATRICIAN TELLS US TO GO TO. Ummm...turns out when we go there that there's a problem- they DON'T take pediatric patients. They give us a phone number for CHOP and basically say good luck. Mike runs back to the Radiology lab to get a copy of Lilly's films. And we just stand there amazed that we are on our own to find someone to fix our daughter. It's now been over 2 1/2 hours at this office so we decide to go home, have lunch and find a Orthopedic Dr. from home. I will say this- my friend who works the front desk at our super fabulous all encompassing one stop doc shop was the only person there who genuinely tried to help us. But that didn't work too great because none of the Ortho. offices she gave me saw kids.

By now it's close to 1pm, offices are opening up from after lunch and I get ahold of the CHOP office in King of Prussia. Hey- they can see Lilly- ON THURSDAY! Wow- you are going to make a 3 year old with a possible elbow fracture WAIT 3 more days to be seen? We might be better off going to the ER!!! I ask if we can get in at the main CHOP or any other office location and she says- hey we can get you in the Bucks County office at 2:30 today. Fine- I don't care where we have to drive- my baby is getting fixed- TODAY! So we immediately get back in the car, put Lilly's lunch in a baggie and hit the road for our hour+ drive to CHOP. It's really not that far, but the 8" of snow from the weekend, holiday traffic, and the lack of a direct route there makes it a long trek.

FINALLY- we get to the CHOP office. And wow- everyone there is so helpful. Unfortunately our Doc has 2 concussion patients he has to see before Lilly so we wait around. Lilly is mesmerized by the toys in the waiting area. He right arm is just dangling down. That does not stop her. Amazingly enough- she has become quite dexterous with her left had. She is playing, drawing and even coloring "south paw". We brought the x-ray films with us and the nurse had the doctor take a look really quick to see what's going on. She came in and said Lilly has a fractured elbow and we'll be putting on a full arm cast. Mike is so relieved- he was terrified that Lilly would need surgery. Apparently elbow fractures can be pretty bad, but lucky for us, Lilly's was non-displaced and a Level 1 fracture. I was pretty annoyed because not like I am a doctor or anything - but it looked pretty evident to me that there was a fracture from the x-ray. We found out (on the DL) that when you deal with kids and bones most docs will pass the buck and send you to a specialist.

***NOTE TO PARENTS- if your child is getting an arm/leg x-rayed. Insist that they also take an image of the non-injured appendage for comparison. I did not know about this but it makes total sense.

Allright- we are ready for our cast-y "craft time". I tried my best to explain to Lilly was is happening and how the cast is going to go on and will make her feel better. Lilly picks a HOT PINK cast- yeah- big surprise there. And we get her all prepped. I even get to partake in the cast making and am handed gloves to wear so I can help support her arm and fingers while the Dr. mummifies her entire right arm. Wow. So if my kids elbow heals wrong and then needs surgery to have pins put it, it's like- kinda maybe a tiny bit my fault??? Oh- I am NOT liking this. Well- Lilly was a total trooper, not one cry or complaint. And- we get to go back in 1 week for more x-rays! Yay! The fun never ends! So from the appointment at CHOP, Lilly got to visit the "treasure chest" and got to take home 1 coloring book, a big pink "diamond" ring, a mini camera and a blue starfish. Plus a sling (which sucks) It's like mesh- and the cast is meshy- so it's constantly sticking to one another. Hmmm- seems like the Diaper Bag Wrangler needs to step in and create some funky cast sling!!!



It's now nearly 5pm. And the day is not done yet. We need to swing by Mike's office to get his laptop since he bailed from work to come and assist with the x-rays. So we go from Colmar, PA to King of Prussia, PA. We also promise Lilly that she can pick anywhere she wants to go for dinner tonight because she was such a super brave girl. And- she picks McDonalds. Another big surprise. Geez- what is with this kid and McDonalds!!!! So we get to hang out at Mike's office for a few minutes. Of course cast or no cast- Lilly still wants to play golf (Mike is a sporting goods buyer and has a mini putt down the aisle of his cubicle). Hey- she's pretty good left handed. She also likes to use the fax stamps that say "reply", "faxed" and "urgent".

FINALLY- home - 6:00pm.

So there's some lessons to be learned today:
1. babylegs make GREAT cast cozies/covers.
2. the super fabulous all encompassing one stop doctor shop sucked the big one today.
3. CHOP is great, especially when you get to go home, and your child goes home with you.
4. Ponchos will be coming back into style in our household for the next 4 weeks.
5. Chicken nuggets and fries cure all.
6. My daughter is the toughest kid on the face of this earth.

Look Out Picasso...

Allright- this drawing may not be on it's way to MoMA, but I'm always a fan of the subtleties in art. I went to The University of Kansas School of Fine Arts and have a BFA in Design, so it's no surprise to me that my 3 year old daughter has inherited my artistic flair.

Last week Lilly drew this picture, and what I love about it is this: not only did she draw a picture of me wearing a headband. She drew a Little Lesiw Bloom ON THE HEADBAND.


The best part- I wasn't even wearing a Bloom at the time. Headband- yes. Bloom- no.

Want your own Bloom? Swing by Little Lesiw's Etsy SALE and stock up on my favorite hair flair.

Happy Birthday Lilly!!

Lilly turned 3 yesterday and we had a fun day planned. First- we went to Gymboree for Music Class with Miss Maria. Then we went to Diane's Salon and Lilly got a glamorous new haircut.



Lilly enjoys a haircut about as much as I do which is- NOT AT ALL. I didn't tell her where exactly we were going and she was, um...not exactly thrilled about being there. I expected a full on tantrum, but she was actually well behaved! After the salon, Lilly and I went to McDonald's for lunch. Yeah- big surprise there. She loves McDonald's, and her big treat was we got to eat inside, instead of taking it home. Ahhh- it's the little things in life.

While Lilly napped, I made cupcakes for her to take to school today. I also tried to accomplish everything under the moon that I have left to do before vacation, but a 2 hour nap only leaves you with- well...2 hours. After she woke up, Lilly helped me ice the cupcakes, and soon she decided just to eat the icing straight out of the jar... so I let her. She also helped me put the flowery sprinkles on them (and subsequently all over the floor).

Mike told Lilly that he was bringing home a surprise for her. So all day was- "what's my 'prise??" His trip to NYC was canceled at the last minute, which was great. Mike brought home 2 balloons and Lilly was thrilled. She spent all night letting go of them in the foyer and then running up the stairs and retrieving them from the balcony.

She also got a few gifts from Mommy and Daddy...


Not pictured is the Pull-String Woody Doll (from Toy Story) that we thought she'd love. Not so much- she actually told me she didn't want it and to take it back. Wow- she is SO my daughter.

Holy Croup!

You know- life in our house is never boring. Poor Lilly- she's such a trooper. I guess is was Wednesday she had a little cough so we gave her some kids mucinex and she was fine the rest of the day. Thursday she started coughing just a little bit more, same deal- mucinex and she was fine. Today- oh man, different story. She has the full on barking cough, non stop, all morning. I took her to the pediatrician who diagnosed her with croup. Basically it's a viral respiratory inflammation, so she received a prescription for a corticosteroid. Which meant I had to go to Target- on Black Friday.

Luckily Mike left work a little early today so I waited to brave the Target until he got home and I could go solo. My buddy Dave the Pharmacist was there and not surprised to see me...for the second time in 5 days. Target looked like a bomb had gone off inside, but it wasn't the crazy mayhem I was anticipating.

So Lilly got her first dose of medicine tonight and she's sleeping (for now) but we're prepared for a rough night.

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween! Here's the important stuff...4.5 pounds of candy! A little bit of it was from Danielle, she made me bring home some leftovers..


Here's the deal with our neighborhood- there are TONS of kids, but none of them live on our street. We live on the most anti-social, curmudgeon-y block in Montgomery County. There's about 70 townhouses on our street, and I think last year 6 - yes SIX- houses gave out candy. It's utterly disappointing. The only interesting thing is one of the neighbors around the corner is a bible school teacher and he sets out this huge Christian Rock Halloween on the entire front lawn with (Jesus) music, games and hot dogs. We're scared to go. Even for free hot dogs.

This year Mike had an idea to "invite ourselves" to our friend Danielle's house for trick or treating. We figured, the kids (and adults) would have a blast and Danielle lives in a very nice neighborhood with lots of families who go all out for Halloween. So we headed down the road for dinner (chili for the adults, chicken nuggets and tater tots for the kids... and for me). After dinner the kids (and Mike) got their costumes on.

Lilly was Sally the Car, Abigail was a Fairy Princess, Mia was Cinderella and Matthew was a dragon. BTW- all the kids are 4 and under...Mia will be 5 next month. Talk about a handful!

Mike wore a NASCAR shirt that he found at the office, and I made him this hat:


The kids were total troopers, the weather was pretty good. It got a little chilly, but everyone was wanting to be carried at that point so we headed back. I'd say we went to about 25 houses or so. Everyone stayed together, no injuries and all the adults somehow snuck handfuls of candy into their coat pockets.

Lilly's Preschool Halloween Parade

Lilly's preschool had a Halloween Parade today. It was so cute, the 3 year olds came marching out first (Lilly's boyfriend Matthew was dressed like a dragon) and the 2 year olds were next. Lilly was (of course) Sally from Cars...front and center for everyone to see. They sang 5 Little Pumpkins and had a Halloween party complete with goldfish crackers and juice boxes.

Here's a video too. I have a problem remembering that I can't turn the camera sideways in video mode, so just tilt your head and it will be just like you were there! Lilly was looking for her dad, since there were other dads there...sorry Mike.


We also went Trick or Treating at my doctor's office (well- one of them) on Tuesday. I figured since I'm there every week anyway it would be fun. Lilly had a great time seeing the office staff and getting CANDY. She liked it so much she snuck around a second time....wonder where she gets that from. I made her"gas can" treat bag out of felt...come on- her costume might be from the Disney Store (via ebay) but she needs to have at least ONE thing handmade!

MY BABY'S ALL GROWN UP!!!!

Today was a B-I-I-I-G day. Lilly started 2-year old preschool!

2 year olds can go to preschool, you ask!? Yes they can, and she LOVED it! We originally weren't planning on sending her to preschool until next year, but with my treatments we thought it would be good for both her and me. I got the call yesterday that there was still a space open, and she went today! So she'll go Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am- 11:30am. Fun times. She literally RAN up the sidewalk to the school saying "hey kids- wait for me" and never once looked back. All morning she was asking "school? when's school?".

She even has a "bookbag" which I stayed up all night making so she would have an awesome bag for the first day. Using my signature "Seashell" fabric - I die cut and then hand embroidered LILLY out of my eco-spun felt and sewed it on the front. Lilly repaid the favor by making me a pasta triangle at school today...my kid is so crafty!