I've been a busy bee lately getting ready for upcoming shows... and making stuff for my girls and me.  First off, I recently sewed matching headbands for all three of us.  Lexi wasn't in the mood to be photographed today, but Mia let me keep her headband on long enough for several photos.  It must mean she likes it.  I think she looks pretty darn cute - if I do say so myself.

I finally got my new holiday tee designs stamped and photographed.  As always, the tees and onesies are 100% organic and stamped with original, hand-carved stamps.

And last, but not least, here are the pics of the hand-dyed, wool felt flower brooches I've been promising.  I added detailing to the petals with a metal hole punch to add a lacy effect, and also by using contrasting thread and stitches to add texture and dimension.  The finishing touch is a vintage button for the flower's center.  They make great additions to headbands, scarves, coats, or even our kids circle skirts (www.dimplesdesignstudio.etsy.com).  I've made at least a couple dozen different designs, too many to post, but here's a smattering.  I'm really happy with how they are shaping up, but you be the judge....

I have to share our newest organic tee design for Christmas; I just listed it on our web site (www.dimplesdesignstudio.etsy.com).  It's a fabulously festive Rudolph with nostalgic appeal created by my exceedingly talented mother, Sheryl.  I'm hoping to get my Christmas designs finished and listed in the next few days, and also my hand-dyed, wool felt flower pins.  In the meantime, take a look at the pics of the Rudolph tee below and check out our Etsy store.

Generally speaking, I love rainy days.  As I sit in my "art/craft" half of our bonus room, staring out the window at the rain, I realize how content I am.  I have a cup of hot coffee, my oldest daughter is in the "playroom" half of the bonus room playing tag with our very tolerant boxer, my youngest is napping, I'm streaming NPR on my laptop, surrounded by projects for my mother's and my design business, Dimples Design Studio, and right now I feel like I have everything I need.  It's a perfect moment.  These days aren't always possible when it's sunny out.  Don't get me wrong, I love the sun - especially a beautiful, sunny autumn day; but I always feel like I have to take advantage of sunny days.  I feel guilty hunkering down in the house, baking cookies with the girls, or working in my studio.  On sunny days, I feel like I need to spend the day outdoors, make sure the girls get fresh air and exercise (not a bad thing in and of itself), go for a run or a hike, work in the garden or other outdoor projects, or explore the unexplored in our area.  Those are all fine and worthy things to do, but give me a day when I can slow down and enjoy a rainy day indoors, and I'm a happy girl.  Talk to me after a few more months of rain, however, and I may be singing a different tune. 

On another note, I have a little less than three weeks to the first of our holiday shows.  I'm busy working on building up an inventory of our hand-stamped, organic tees (including new holiday designs), double circle skirts, kid art, retro kid aprons, head bands, ribbon and button barrettes, fabric button pony-tail holders, and our new hand-dyed, wool felt flower pins.  When I get the chance I will post some photos.  You can check out some of our products are on our Etsy site (www.dimplesdesignstudio.etsy.com).  If you're in the Vancouver/Portland area, please visit us at one of our upcoming shows:

Nov. 29 - Prairie High School Bazaar, Brush Prairie, WA

Dec. 6 - 2Hand Revolution Holiday Artisan Fair, Vancouver, WA

Dec. 7 - Handmade NW Formal Holiday Artisan Fair, Portland, OR  

Oops... remember my oldest daughter that just a moment ago was playing so nicely with our ever-so-tolerant boxer?  Well, she's just gone upstairs, crawled into her little sister's crib, and awoken her a good hour or two before she would have gotten up on her own.  (sigh)  Perfect moments are so fleeting.