Snuggies: Warm, Comfortable, Deadly? (Wordless Wednesday)

Warning - contains brief tushie nudity.

Late Line Special Report - Snuggies: Warm, Comfortable, Deadly? - watch more funny videos

I Want It

As you might imagine, fairies are very important around here. My daughter's favorite movie (by a long shot) is Tinkerbell, she has a fairy door in her room, and she wears wings several times a week. As I'm contemplating a "big girl" redesign of her room for her fourth birthday this summer, this series of prints by Angel's Hair is providing lots of inspiration.



You can get them here. And check out the Angel's Hair blog here.

Featured Artisan -- White Mouse Design/Turnaround Design

This week's featured artisan is Shannon Whealy of White Mouse Designs (printables) and Turnaround Designs (greeting cards). A fellow EtsyGreetings member, Shannon creates wonderfully whimsical printable paper goods and recycled greeting cards.

Tell me a little bit about you and what you do.
For the past 12 years, I've been a freelance graphic designer. I've been a stay at home mom to two boys for seven of those years as well. It has been a journey to arrive at White Mouse Design on Etsy, but I'm so glad to be here! I've been creating my own personal cards for years, and I'm finally able to focus my graphics business on it. It's a dream come true!

Printable cards and stationery are uniquely thrifty. They are designed by me and sent to the customer in a digital file. Then, the customer supplies the paper and ink, and prints them out on his/her own desktop printer. This way, there is no limit to the number that can be created.


What 3 words best describe your work?
simple, modern, whimsical

What inspires you?
Currently, I'm really inspired by the 70's. I was a little girl during that time, and I find that in these hectic and uncertain times, it's comforting to think about the simplicity of that era, and also the carefreeness of childhood.

What drives you to create what you do?
I was born with a passion to create! It runs in my family. I am also feeling the effects of this economy, and being able to offer a card or gift to have in a pinch at a low cost is important to me.

What makes your work unique?
It is a way for the customer to actively participate in the handmade movement. Also, there aren’t many products you can buy at an unlimited quantity.


What role does your work play in your life? What role would you like it to play?
My work gives me something that's just mine. In a busy family, as a working and sometimes overworked mom, this is so important. I want it to continue to fill my cup, so to speak.



How do you see your work and/or your business evolving in the next five years?
In the next five years, I plan to grow my business into a full-time job. Currently, I have plans to expand my printables into invitations, party favors, wall art and calling cards, with a focus on children’s items. Being self-employed allows me be available for my kids, and I feel very fortunate to be in this business!

Where can we find you on the web?
PRINTABLES SHOP: www.whitemousedesign.etsy.com
CARD SHOP: www.turnarounddesign.etsy.com
BLOG: www.turnarounddesign.blogspot.com
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/turnaroundart
WEB: www.turnarounddesign.com


Are you an artist or craftsperson? Would you like to be featured here? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment here with a link to your shop, and I'll be in touch about future opportunities.

Dear Kid Saturday

Welcome to this week's installment of "Dear Kid." As always, full credit to Christina of Cutest Kid Ever for the fabulous idea. Want to write a "Dear Kid" letter of your very own? Learn more about how to participate here.

Dear Speed Racer,

Like the picture? This is the view I have most often of you these days. You are on the move! We had a nice week. It's warm outside now but not too hot, so we're able to run and ride and climb and play before summer hits and we get stuck inside.

Monday morning you arrived downstairs toting a plastic pith helmet filled with your stuffed puppies and singing me a good morning song. Lately you're pretty much singing all the time. You make up your own songs ("Rock Star Village" is my favorite) sometimes, and other times you just add words to classical music or change the words to another song. Even when you're not singing, you're humming - our very own little music box! Monday night you found a connect-the-dots puzzle in one of your books and did it all by yourself. I was really proud of you - it went all the way to 35. Nice job!

I got the giggles Tuesday after preschool when your teacher asked me if I had eight kids. Apparently you guys were making a family tree, and you insisted on adding your "seven brothers and sisters." Silly! I love it that you're such a good pretender, but it's important to tell grown-ups when you're just pretending, OK?

On Wednesday, we had a chance to play together for a long time. You made up lots of cool games like "monster cats," "campout on a boat on an island," and a great big "Mexican feast" for me and your puppies. It's really fun to just sit back and see where you go with your games. Those times are some of my favorite times together. Later, I taught you to play Uno. Little did I know it would become your favorite game. You picked it up really quickly, and were REALLY excited to skip me and make draw cards. We've played every day since!

Thursday we were all about arts and crafts. You made some secret Mother's Day stuff and drew some really awesome pictures of me and Daddy. I didn't even know I could drive a bus or conduct a train! You had a super great new song called "It's OK if You're Afraid of Bugs," and you made a really pretty painting that you said would be "very expensive." I don't think you have too much of a problem with self-esteem, my friend.

Friday you walked backwards on the balance beam for the first time at your gymnastics class - nice job! You had an ice cream date with your grandma and grandpa, which you absolutely loooooove. When Grandma Tiny came to pick you up, you took your Big Wheel, just in case you needed to "solve emergencies." Always be prepared, right?

I love you, sweet girl. Looking forward to another week of fun!

Sincerely,
Mommy

Great Gift Idea for Mom, Grads and Teachers!

Just in time for those spring gift-giving occasions, I present a few new personalized blank note sets from my Freshly Crafted line. These boxed sets are perfect for Mom, for the graduate headed off to school, or to show your appreciation to a special teacher. Take a peek:


The "Susan" Note - $12 per boxed set of eight


The "Linda" Note - $12 per boxed set of eight


The "Kelly" Note - $12 per boxed set of eight

These styles, plus three of my greeting cards for Mother's Day will be available at special prices tomorrow night at Artiste's last stocking for April.

If you're new to Artiste or to HyenaCart, you're in for a treat. Artiste brings you a wide variety of gorgeous, eco-friendly, handcrafted goodness, all made for you with love by a work-at-home mama. All of our listings go live at 9:00 PM sharp, so be sure to scope out your favorites in advance and be there on time to pounce. Fair warning - the best stuff goes fast!

Featured EtsyBlogger -- Two Zany Zebras

Congrats to this month's featured EtsyBlogger, "Mama Z" of Two Zany Zebras. A stay-at-home mom from Southern California, Mama Z offers super cute kids' clothes and accessories featuring the "Zarkles," wacky and whimsical little kid-friendly creatures, in her Etsy shop. In her own words:

I am a SAHM of two silly zany kids. They keep me busy and on the brink of insanity. I am trying to find a balance between kids, husband, self, housework, scrapbooking, sewing, and selling things on etsy. I love being with family, having fun, the outdoors, and being creative.

Check out the Two Zany Zebras blog to learn more about this adorable, crafty family. Congrats to Mama Z for this well-deserved honor. Enjoy your month of EtsyBloggers fame!

Wordless Wednesday

Absolutely Hilarious Bathroom Mirror Prank - Watch more Pranks