Hi Mamma Designs

Sir Oliver's Favorite Treat

2012-01-26T14:21:00.000-08:00

Sir Oliver Walter joined our family early this winter. He came from a foster mom who had taken him when he was a puppy because she found him abused.

Now Sir Oliver is five to six months old (we are guessing). He has grown quite a bit from when he joined us that late Sunday afternoon. Sir Oliver is absolutely the most sweetest BIG puppy. A BIG puppy that loves to cuddle in your lap any day or night...and is so fascinated by the leaves blowing in the wind.

Yesterday we decided to make our sweet puppy a little bakery treat, and came across this Pumpkin + Peanut Butter recipe that we must say he absolutely devoured. We have learned that pumpkin is a good source of vitamin for dogs, as well as, helps with farting if your dog farts often.

The only thing we would change next time is to make the dog biscuits a little larger because our hearts were almost the size of the bottom of his mouth, so we need to break them in half. The girls thought the hearts would be a good size for him and for Valentine's Day coming up, when actually, we need to make them a little longer and possibly shape them as a large dog bone. But all in all it was really a good recipe and everything is natural with no preservatives.

One important thing to remember when looking for the flavor of a dog biscuit is to make sure that you allow it to cool down completely when pulling it out of the oven, because if it is placed in an air tight container and still a little warm...it might allow mold to develop on the biscuit, and make your dog sick. But otherwise, an air tight container is very important to keep them fresh.

Have you made treats for your favorite pet? If so, what have you made?

Our senior cats Harley and Colby have been very patient with Sir Oliver so we are looking for just the right kitty treat for them.

Carrot Cake

2012-01-10T14:15:00.000-08:00

Many moons ago I was a Girl Scout, my mom was a co-leader and there were a group of girls where we got together on a regular basis for years. The wonderful thing was that we all were friends throughout elementary, middle and high school. As we went our separate ways to college, we all reconnected within the past year or so. Many memories were shared during our survival camp expeditions, selling cookies, raising money for group trips, learning CPR and oh so much more...I look back and just smile.

Now my daughter has been enjoying her first year of being a Girl Scout. There have been many changes of how the troops do activities, guidelines changing, new badges created...but the one thing that remains is the friendships that the girls form amongst themselves that are priceless.

In December, as my daughter and I were baking carrot cake for the Nutcracker Party that we were hosting...we were talking about various activities that my troop did over the years.

For the past two years, Petunia has danced with her ballet academy for the Nutcracker. Family that lives locally, as well as, traveling miles join us in the celebration of the season. After the ballet, everyone comes over to our home for the family festivities. The Nutcracker music plays in the background and handmade ornaments are given to everyone. We have made it a tradition where Petunia and Marigold make handmade ornaments for the Nutcracker Party.

This year one of the requests that my daughter asked was to make our family carrot cake recipe (really it is the recipe that I baked for a Girl Scout Jr. Bake Off). So as you can see...that is why Girl Scouts have been on my mind recently, as well as it being Girl Scout cookie time here in Indiana.

We wanted to share with you our favorite carrot cake recipe that we enjoy throughout the year!

Carrot Cake

Cake Recipe
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup cooking oil
4 cups grated raw carrots
3/4 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat the over to 350F. Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Slowly beat in the cooking oil. Add the flour mixture beating until smooth. Mix in the carrots and walnuts.

Pour the batter into three greased/floured 9-inch round cake pans.

Bake for doneness, roughly 25 minutes and allow to cook before decorating with frosting.

Frosting
8 oz. cream cheese
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 stick butter
3 cups powder sugar
1 Tablespoon vanilla

Blend the cream cheese, butter, powder sugar and vanilla together. Frost between the cooled cake layers and on top. Depending on your frosting preferences, you can add the walnuts to the frosting when blending together, place the walnuts on top of the cake, or along the sides of the cake. Either way it will be just yummy.

Happy Baking!

EtsyKids 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!

2011-12-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

Join EtsyKids as we host the 12 days of Christmas! You have a chance to win some great items from my fellow EtsyKids members! There are 30 items up for grabs, some days there may be more than one item available, and on the final day there will be a Grand Prize with several different items for one lucky winner!

Be sure to check each day what you may have a chance to win...I must admit, there are some really neat handmade items.

The EtsyKids shops participating are

Applesauce Crafts
Toastie Studio
Harvest Moon by Hand
Tuturocks
Baby Chic Creations
My Father's Hands, LLC
Aunty Ann Designs
Aunty Ann Designs (second entry)
2 Sprouts Stitchery
Harmony Girls Clothing
Quilted Hugs Bibs
Hi Mamma
LuckyLuCreations
My Sweet Sunshine
lil b Designs
The Sewing Loft
Bard Designs
Chew Chew's Closet
mia4art
Inky Pinky Paperie
Paytons Play
Dragonfly Boutique
AddieKat Boutique
Cuddlehugs Boutique
Leigh and Michael Designs
Dara43
Stitchin' Netka
Zvijezda
Magical Attic
Sweet Child of Mine Kids

Let the Creativeness Soar!

2011-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share an update for those participating in the 2011 Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange, all family matchings have been sent via email. If you have not received an email from me, please contact me and I will send them to you.

We are so excited about this years exchange.

If you are interested in sharing a photograph of your handmade ornament, please email me. I know that other families would enjoy seeing what fellow participants created.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Update on the Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange

2011-12-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are participating in the handmade Christmas ornament exchange. My Outlook crashed and I have been rebuilding it this evening...so I wanted to let you know that family pairings will be going out on Monday.

I just wanted to let everyone know incase you checking your email to see who you were matched with. I am sorry for this delay...my family is excited as well in getting started and creating. We have started cutting out our felt!

Merry Christmas!
Michelle

oh my! Holiday Wishlist

2011-11-30T03:37:00.000-08:00

Marisa Edghill of Omiyage.ca, asked fellow oh my! contributors what is on their wish lists this holiday season (hint something that is handmade) and what they may be hoping to unwrap this year.

I encourage you to visit oh my! and be sure to look at all the lovelies that where selected...ooh it just makes me want to create a list of all the handmade lovelies that are out there that I would like to get for family and friends.

Register for the Christmas Ornament Exchange

2011-11-21T05:20:00.000-08:00

It happened last night…I received an email if we were coordinating a 2011 Christmas Ornament Exchange. I thought about it last week and my week flew away from us, then I thought, you know what, let’s do it! We had so much fun last year exchanging Christmas ornaments. This year we will have short RSVP deadline…December 2.

The idea is that families make Christmas ornaments for other families and exchange them during the holiday season. Your family would be signing up as a family where you make the same number of ornaments that you send. So for example, if you have four people in your family, then you would make four ornaments total. These four ornaments though would be going to four different people, and in return, you will be receiving four ornaments back from four different people (receiving four packages total) with the idea that every ornament would be different. If you had one or even two people in your family unit, then you would receive one or two ornaments back.

Please refrain from any commercial look-a-likes.

Ornaments would need to be mailed on, or before, Friday, December 9, 2011 to make sure they arrive in time to your assigned family.

If you are interested in participating, please RSVP by midnight on December 2, 2011.

To sign up, please email michelle@himamma.com with the following information:

1) Your first and last name.

2) Your shipping/mailing address.

3) The number of ornaments that you will be exchanging.

4) Please share with me if you would be interested shipping internationally.

You will receive Christmas ornament swap partner addresses by email between on December 3-4, 2011.

If you know of anyone that might be interesting in participating in the Christmas ornament exchange please share with them the details.

AND if you have are not already following Hi Mamma, please do so, so that you will receive any additional updates about the exchange.

Splendor of the Leaves...a Beautiful Treasury by Giggle Rainbow

2011-11-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

Etsy Treasuries are one of the best resources for shop owners and group members because you are exposed to a wide variety of handmade items that you may have not known were even there. It is a great way to meet new artisians, create a "circle" and support the love of handmade. And one of the best things...is it is fun to share with others of what is being created!

This week, I was honored to be a part of a treasury created by Giggle Rainbow. She has selected beautiful autumn colored products by various artisians from around the world.

Szalonaisa's Wonderland: Quilled handmade cards and fine art photography
Spirocreations: Handmade leather art and footwear

HooksNLoops: Crochet creations

Nancy Hughes Miller: Original oil paintings and fine art prints

Bethany's Five: Crochet hats

Doxy Dame: Jewelry

Sweet Thought Shoppe: Handmade dresses, skirts, and grocery bag holders

The Fig Leaf: Leather wallets, keychains, phone sleeve holders

Hi Mamma: Keychains, lanyards, coffee + tea sleeves, baby changing covers

Art is Everything: Art for your home and office

Hargreaves Art: Acryllic paintings

Growin Like A Weed: Children's handpainted furniture and accessories

Harmony Girls Clothing: Handmade clothing for smart girls with style

The Jane Co: Handmade soap, lip balms and bath salts

Peiffer Studios: Ceramic sculpture, pendants and decorative pottery

June Rollins ART: Watercolors, alcohol inks and photography

Wristlet Key FOBS are the Best for Ladies on the Go!

2011-09-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I made my first key FOB that I still use on a daily basis. It is just wonderful because if we go out for a walk around the block, need to run a quick errand, helping my daughters get in-and-out of their booster seats...I can just place it on my wrist and I know that I am not going to loose it. I just have this fear of having my keys dropping down a parking lot drain (ugh).

Hi Mamma will be offering key FOBS on our website for ordering. Currently we have five keychains available, but over the course of the next week or so, more will be added with different fabric styles. Personally, I think these are just wonderful little gifts to give others as a birthday present, thinking of you, bridesmaids gifts, baby shower thank yous, and holiday presents. I am so in the mode of "usable" gifts for ladies. The key FOBS are made out of 100% cotton fabric with black heavy duty cotton webbing. The hardware is made out of sturdy nickel.

What is Your Handmade Heritage?

2011-08-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Each month, I write for a blog called Oh My Handmade Goodness! All the contributors of the blog are a group of independent artisans, designers, and industry experts who have the love of modern, high-quality handmade products. This months theme is something near and dear to my heart...handmade heritage.

Handmade heritage has a broad spectrum to it. It can be anything that has been passed down from generation to generation. It could be canning, quilting, needlepoint, rug hooking...that is what makes it so wonderful because the skill has been passed along to one family member to another, sharing and learning the secrets of the trade.

One skill that my family has shared amongst the generations is cross stitch. I wanted to share with you the tradition...tips and tricks for doing cross stitch. Please stop by and take a gander of the 376 year old handmade tradition, that I learned when I was a youngster. In addition, I will be posting cross stitch patterns on my blog here that you can enjoy. The "Latte Love" pattern above is available at Oh My Handmade Goodness for downloading.

Happy Stitching!

Coaster Designed by Sweet Petunia

2011-08-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, I have been getting up in the morning before everyone else to sew. Yes to sew. It seems that I really can get a lot more done even if it is just an hour or so before my daughters wake up and our summer day has begun. The night before I have been setting my ever so faithful coffee maker to start brewing at 5:00 a.m., so that my favorite roast of coffee is ready and waiting for me to begin my day.

Earlier in the summer, my oldest daughter made the request that she wanted to "craft" everyday during the summer. We pretty much have kept up with the pace of creating something new each day. One project she designed is something so very dear to me now... and that is my official coffee coaster that she made me one afternoon off of a potholder loom.

It has not been until recently that we started reworking with the potholder loom just due to a patience level and end loops coming off of the looms. After we had done several coasters for our home, I started doing some additional research on other types of fiber arts that might be good projects for her to work on, and expand the weaving and heirloom treasures that one can create.

I came across a website that really intrigued me called Blueberry Forest Toys. They have several types of children's looms that allow them to grow their art/fiber skills. Such looms include children's tapestry looms, lap looms, wonder wand lap looms, peg looms and other types of potholder looms. Each of these using cotton thread/fibers.

A Garden of Delight

2011-08-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

For a second year in a row, we have been growing our herbs in containers on our deck and have left the garden for the tomatoes, green peppers and zucchini. The herbs have been growing in big wine barrels where we have parsley, basil, cilantro, chives, rosemary and thyme flourishing. And then all along the side of our home a huge patch of peppermint that has been part of a summer project of making handmade soap. As well as a few leaves here and there in our ice tea. The extreme weather conditions here in Indiana have been all over the board and it strongly reinforcees how important it is to water every day, especially in the morning, for the garden to prosper.

My daughters have been my #1 helpers this summer in taking care of the garden by weeding, watering and the best part of all picking the vegetables, or helping to cut herbs for our meals. There have been a few times where they accidently bumped a green tomato and it fell to the ground...no worries because I shared with them that we can have the tomato ripe in our sunroom window and enjoy the science of the tomato changing from green to red, and tracking to see how long it takes. My science gurus have not bulked at this idea because they are all over science experiments.

There is one herb in particular that we have been enjoying and that has been rosemary. We have baked several times an Infused Rosemary in Honey Pound Cake as a special treat.

A Little Gift Idea

2011-07-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

Right before school was let out this past school year (early May 2011), my daughters class put together a basket for their teacher. All families were asked to contribute a little something for her as a special token of thanks, nothing fancy. In addition, each child was asked to draw a picture and we would place it into a classroom scrapbook and give it to her on the last day of school.

I kept trying to think of something that a teacher could use that would be usable for her future classroom. Many thoughts came to mind, but then for some reason I would decide against it. Then it dawned on me...what about a cotton fabric lanyard (with a split key ring and a nickel-plated lobster clasp) that could put on as she was taking the kids to the playground, a place where her keys would be accessible quickly, or really if she wanted to use the lanyard for personal use rather than school related too.

My daughters and I made this cloth lanyard. They selected the fabric, and I of course sewed it together. I think it is a great usable gift that can be used for so many different reasons not just for teachers but for babysitters, medical staff, coaches, employees who swipe cards for work, college students, teenagers, tokens of thanks at bridal or baby showers, and a good ole walking around the neighborhood or block too.

I enjoyed making it so much that I made a few others and have them in my storefront.

Bean Bag Touchdown!

2011-07-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

My sister has a blog called Granola Mom 4 God and writes for Totally Tots on a monthly basis, in the area of Once Upon A Book. Today she featured a few of the bean bags that I made for my nephews as a little gift.

I thought you might enjoy reading her post about football and catching a glimpse of the "number" bean bags that were made out of blue jeans and cotton (watercolor like fabric), as well as seeing my adorable nephews.

Also featured in the article are homeschool printables that were made by a fellow homeschool mom here in Indiana at Spell Outloud.

Happy Reading!

Caring for a Hibiscus Plant

2011-07-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

For many years, I have wanted a hibiscus plant. I know it is a very simple desire isn’t? Have ogled over them every visit to our local nursery…or when visiting Florida have been in awe as they are planted everywhere along the gulf coast in a multitude of colors.

Earlier this summer, I came across a hibiscus plant that was calling my name. There was no information tag on it…did not know what color it would be, or even if I could nurture it back to the beauty I knew it should become. My daughters have even shared in the enjoyment with me as the days have gone by, and the discovery of the bloom color, and the ongoing bloom growth it creates.

But with this, I honestly did not know how much care or proper maintence was needed when brought home from the nursery. So we did a little research and found out the following, and thought you might enjoy learning as we did.

There are over 10,000 named varieties of hibiscus plants, with six different forms of flowers such as singles, doubles and crested all over the world. The modern hybrids are mostly in Florida, California, Hawaii, and Australia. Hibiscus plants prefer moderate heat and in order for them to continue blooming, they must have a few hours every day of direct sunshine. They do not like drafts (so make sure they are not next to a register).

In terms of watering the hibiscus plant does not like a constant moist soil, it tends to like the soil to be a little dry between the waterings, which otherwise if moist it might develop root rot.

The most common pest on a hibiscus plant are spider mites. The most effective way to get rid of these (as I am told) is showering the plant with lukewarm water at least once a week. There may be an occasional yellow leaf which could mean that leaf is older and not to worry. Or the plant could be stressed if there are more than two or three yellow leaves.

If you have a hibiscus plant we would love to know if you have any suggestions to keep the beauty of it alive and healthy.

Our Little Backyard Feathered Friends

2011-07-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

It has been an eventful summer...it is so very hard to believe that the schools in our area will be back in session on August 9 (that is only three weeks away). In my 40 year old mind, it seems like summer just began. I remember when I was in primary school and really even college, we did not go back until after Labor Day.

But even though the girls are not going to school everyday, it has not stopped one project that has been taking place in our home. We have been studying one animal a week. The studies have included going to the library and picking books to bring home and read, doing art/craft projects based upon the animal, making special treats in the kitchen and just all around exploring and visiting places in our city to learn more about the animal chosen. Such animals have included hummingbirds, toucans, parrots, dogs, cats, butterflies, frogs, pandas, and koalas. Last night my daughters asked with so much excitement if we could continue an animal week... all the way til 2012! I think we can handle that!

There is one feathered friend that was our first animal we studied, the hummingbird, that has been our all time favorite exploration (next to the butterfly)! To help kick off our summer project we placed a hummingbird feeder outside our kitchen window so that we could watch them as we walked through the kitchen into the family room, into the laundry, at dinner and the sunroom where we have been creating. My personal goal has a been a little different in that I have been trying to get just the right photograph of them enjoying their food but to be honest, I have been unsuccessful in capturing it. Maybe someday soon, I am crossing my fingers.

We wanted to share with you our recipe for hummingbird food. I have seen different mixtures about what to add or not to add, but this recipe has seemed to be successful for us.

Hummingbird Food
The hummingbird syrup is 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Bring the water to a boil and then add the sugar. Stir the water and sugar together so that the sugar "melts" and allows the mixture to cool. Then add the food to your feeder. The remaining food can be stored in the refrigerator for later use, just allow it to warm up from the refrigerator a little before pouring into the hummingbird feeder outside.

We have discovered that it is very important to rinse (no soap) the bird feeder so that it does not get clogged, but also so that mold does not appear. Each week, change the hummingbird food.

The Mural...Words to Ponder

2011-06-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to different murals that you see painted on the front...side...or back of buildings. I am not meaning graffiti but actual works of art that were placed there by choice! I am going say back in the 1980s, I remember Wyland painting a mural on the IPS administrative building, in downtown Indianapolis, and was fascinated of how the team created such a beautiful work of art.

Recently my husband was visiting a client on the opposite side of town. As he drove by he took a photograph of this mural and emailed me. It just seemed to capture me. I thought you might enjoy the creation.

Russian Orphan Outreach

2011-05-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

My daughters amaze me in their kindness in which they have a sincere love and desire of wanting to help other children, in hopes that they are happy and feeling healthy.

Recently my oldest daughter participated in a volunteer activity where she gathered books and games for a local children’s hospital. After helping in the gathering, she shared with me that she wanted to do more in helping other children. At that moment, I promised her that we would start doing various activities where we would help others, not that we have not in the past, but to honestly make it a part of what we do as a family. It may be making something handmade for someone, donating toys, books, etc., but an honest-to-goodness effort to help another person and for it to be a project that the girls have a hand in selecting, creating and giving.

Among the three of us (my two daughters and me) we decided that we would have our first project making handmade bracelets through a group called Craft Hope for the Earth.

Craft Hope is a love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those who need them. It is Craft Hope, hope to combine their love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world. The first project included a total of 27 dresses and four pairs of shorts for the Pan de Vida Children’s Shelter in Mexico, and now 13 projects later various organizations have been the recipients of the love of Craft Hope.

Craft Hope has one or two projects that take place at one time, benefiting one or two organizations. Each project is for one organization.

Our service project is Project 12, where Craft Hope is partnering with Orphan Outreach and sending them with a little love to take to Russia. This time families, Girl Scout troops, elementary classrooms, etc., will be making bracelets for Orphan Outreach to pass out to kids. Bracelets are a huge hit with kids of all ages — hemp bracelets, beaded bracelets and friendship bracelets made out of embroidery floss.

Orphan Outreach will be working with the St. Petersburg’s Crisis Center 15 — a triage for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The children who are brought to the center range in age from infant to teenagers. They’ll be reaching out in a variety of ways to help meet their physical and emotional needs. The Outreach will also be visiting orphanages in the region on Leningrad.

The deadline for making the bracelets is June 15, 2011 (to have them physically in hand). Our family goal is to make 50 bracelets (or more) by the end of this upcoming week, and to place them in the mail by June 6.

Crafting Family Traditions

2011-05-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Traditions are events in our lives that others often think are centered around the holidays. The other night my husband and I were talking about traditions, and if you really think about, they don’t have to be centered around a holiday at all. They can be activities or things that you do together as a family on a consistent basis, no matter how old the children are, something that they will remember and look forward to.

At one of my favorite websites....Oh My Handmade Goodness, I recently wrote an article about traditions. I wanted to share it with everyone and would love to hear any traditions that you have with your family. Please feel free to share on Oh My Handmade's website and together we can learn what other families do.

Two Important Words...Thank You!

2011-05-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

In the March/April 2011 issue of Mothering Magazine I wrote an article about making handmade items for the special teachers in our lives. Within the article, it shared a tutorial or two, as well as additional ideas for parents and kids to make together as a token of thank you. The beauty of the special Thank You gifts were that the items you needed, would be supplies that you have at home.

With the busy lives families lead...many times two special words can be overlooked, which are "Thank You". In my eyes, these two words really are not used as much today as they were even 20 years ago. It is kind of sad, I think, because they are special words that have a lot of meaning of how it show others you feel, how the person has helped them, how they have helped you learn something new; and expand your current skills, etc.

While working on the article, it made me think of how teachers in our immediate family lives have made such an impact on my daughters over the past six years, as well as in my life. Many times, we think of teachers academically but that is not necessarily the case. Teachers can be your ballet, tennis, art instructors, etc. It is an adult that has made an impact in the childs life, in learning.

One of my daughters this week, volunteered her and I to bake. Of course, I have no problem with baking (and her volunteering us as well) so we tried a new cookie recipe (Oatmeal Raisin with White Chocolate Chunks), in hopes that it would be a keeper of a recipe. The baking was for a group of teachers who would be participating in a cookie exchange, roughly 45 different families would be baking for the group of teachers, who would be receiving these delicious yummies for them and their families.

Our family loved the recipe so much that we thought you might enjoy the recipe as well.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with White Chocolate Chunks
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon freshly ground cinnamon
2 cups rolled oats
1¼ cups raisins
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups light brown sugar
2 large eggs1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 ounces white chocolate, cut into small chunks (you can also use small morsels)

*something else that you could add would be nuts. We thought walnuts, almonds and pecans would be good.

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg and cinnamon until well combined. Next stir in the oatmeal and raisins.

In the bowl of electric stand mixer cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one-at-a-time, beating well after each addition.

Add the vanilla and beat to combine.

On low speed, gradually add the flour and oatmeal mixture; then add the white chocolate chunks.

Proportion out the cookies onto your baking tray and keep them about 1 inch apart from each other, they tend to spread out a little. Bake the cookies for 18 to 22 minutes. Have them sit on your baking tray, once out of the oven, for about 5 minutes. Then remove the cookies from the baking pan to the wire rack.

Java Time!

2011-04-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

I just love a good cup of java. The smell of it brewing in the morning just makes my senses perk, as the aroma spreads through our home and I get up earlier than everyone else to make lunches, get breakfast ready and plan my day (as much as I can).

There was a time when I dreamed of owning a coffee store in my hometown, but sometimes priorities in ones life sets in to help you make decisions that seemed so vivid. But my love of visiting coffee stores and trying new blends and roasts has not changed one bit, nor the accessories that can accompany you visiting coffee stores.

So needless to say, I even have my coffee clutch, coffee cozy, coffee koozie...hmmm...what do you really call it... in my purse ready for a good cup of 16 oz. java.

I wanted to share with you a glimpse of my Botticelli Coffee Clutch (named after one of my favorite blends of coffee). I also sewed a cute Sumatra clutch as well.

Ojo de Dios Handcraft Tutorial

2011-03-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, my friends and I would sit outside underneath the porch with our variegated yarn, and single colored yarn to make these wall hangings. Most of the time we would use craft sticks, other times we would make them out of twigs that we found in our back woods.

We had quite alot of fun and then would give them to other friends in our neighborhood, exchange amongst ourselves the different designs and of course our family. Little did I really realize the history behind the handicraft. I thought you might find it interesting the background of something that we enjoyed making amongst ourselves crafting during the summer vacations.

The Huichol Indians of western Jalisco, Mexico are thought to have originated the artwork. The Ojo de Dios, or God's Eye, is a simple or complex weaving made across two or more sticks which means "the power to see and understand things unknown." When a child is born, the central eye is woven by the father, then one eye is added for every year of the child's life until the child reaches the age of five. Original Huichol Crosses are extremely rare to come by. There are many that are being made for the tourist market, but they do not carry the same traditional and spiritual significance.

How to make a God's Eye
The materials that you need include:

2 sticks about the same length and similar thickness (about 5 inches). Can also use craft sticks, etc.
glue
1 yarn

Place both sticks on the table and cross them over each other. In the center of the bottom stick, place a bit of glue and then place the other stick on top of it, forming a cross. Let them dry. OR if your child is older you do not have to use glue and just cross them over and hold in one hand.

Gather one end of the yarn you have selected and tie the loose end of the stick as close as possible to the place where the two sticks come together (the center). Leave around 7 inches of "tail" hanging from the knot. Hold the sticks (in the cross), in one hand and with the other hand bring the yarn under one stick, around, then over to the next one, under it, around it, and over to the next one, repeating the pattern to the desired size you like.

Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of around 12 inches. Tie the two "tails" together and trim the ends.

Flashback: Our 1980s Hair Barrettes

2011-03-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

My husband is totally outnumbered in our home with three girls ruling the roost! Sometimes I just have to chuckle at the things he is so very patient about, and I must truly give him credit for the patience that he possesses. I am sure it is is not very easy at times. I can only imagine what my dad must have gone through with three women in the home, but of course we were so easy to raise (hahah. I know there must have been times that he truly wondered about us) but he is a very patient man.

Recently the Hi Mamma girls came across a tutorial that literally took the "mamma" back to the 1980s when she was in elementary/middle school. It was the ribbon slide hair barrettes.

Growing up I remember my mom and I sitting at our game table in the family room, and braiding the 1/8 inch ribbons through the slide barrettes to match our outfits. Our school colors were green, silver and white, so of course when spirit day arrived, we had to be coordinated. But we also had hair barrettes to match our outfits with our leg warmers and bluejeans. Oh the memories!

When I saw the tutorial by Birdsong Bows, I knew that I had contact her for the tutorial so that I could be refreshed on how to make the slide barrettes for my daughters. Once I made my first barrette it all came back, and the fun that we have been having making the barrettes... with the various color combinations and beads.

I encourage you to visit Birdsong Bows and witness the great tutorials and hair accessories that she has for sale. Her tutorials are wonderful, well written and very easy to understand with great photographs.

6 Hands Create Special Cards for the Gray Matters Foundation

2011-03-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

Back in February I shared with you a special project that my daughters and I were going to be making for the Gray Matters Foundation, handmade cards. We have been working hard and our six busy hands have created a few cards to place in the mail this week. The girls have been so excited in helping get these ready, it truly has been a teamwork project.

Happy Birthday Cards that are made with two different sizes of buttons.
The cone is a beige colored stock that is really an upside down triangle.

These cards say warmest wishes, happy day, thinking of you and from the heart.

Remember the "art toy" that while your paper is spinning around in circles (in a special holder) you can drop in different colors of paint, and when you drop in the paint... designs are created? I remember having one when I was in elementary school and just loving it. Of course, we had to get one so that we could carry on the tradition of spinning paint. You can really create some awesome color combinations.

If you are interested in making handmade cards to send to the Gray Matters Foundation, we wanted to share with you the guidelines and the address.

Gray Matters General Guidelines: Gray Matters would like cards that are blank inside so they can be personalized and shared with patients and family. Envelopes are always appreciated. Cards of a cheerful, celebratory nature are encouraged; these are sent to patients after completing a treatment such as chemo. "Happy Anniversary" cards are appreciated, and are sent to celebrate every year a patient has beat his or her diagnosis. Cards containing sentiments such as "happy birthday," "thinking of you," and "thank you" are also needed to help spread the love. Card designs for all ages are very welcome, and don't forget the guys: masculine-themed cards are always needed.

The cards can be sent to the following address:Gray Matters Foundation
5403 W. Poinsettia
Glendale, AZ 85304

Happy Crafting!

Felted Heart Bookmark

2011-03-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

The beginning of November 2010, our family decided to take on the handmade challenge. What does this mean? It means that we try to make or purchase handmade items at least once a month (our dream is little more). So far for our pledge, I think we are doing pretty good. It has exposed the girls to a new group of artists in Indiana, as well as around the world, and we have become more creative in our own creations within our home.

My six year old daughter made a special request. She would like to create something for when she reads, something that would keep her place when we were finished reading for the night...what was she wanting to create? You guessed it...a bookmark but a heart themed bookmark.

Looking in our craft "cabinet" (really a bookshelf in our studio) I tried to think of something alittle different for her in the creation of a bookmark...hmmm how about a felted heart bookmark. The idea was sealed, she was so excited.

At first I must admit, I was a little hesitant (in that I made the recommendation and she would be working with a felting needle), but in past projects she has done very well working with sewing pins and needles. I just explained to her that the felting needles were really sharp, as she felted her bookmark, she needed to go slow, move the needle up and down so that the two pieces of felt/fabric joined together, and to watch that she try not to get her own fingers pinched when working on the special project.

The heart bookmark turned out really adorable and she was so proud of herself as she accomplished a "big" girl art/craft project. Below please find our tutorial in felting a bookmark.

Felted Heart Bookmark

Supplies that you will need:

Foam - what you would for a seat cushion.
Felt - 8 1/2 X 11 felt sheets. One felt sheet for the back of the bookmark and then different colors for the theme or shape that you are wanting.
Felting needle - you can find this at your local craft/hobby store, sometimes in the area of the stitchery aisle.
Scissors

First, cut the size of the back of the bookmark. We placed the 8 1/2 X 11 felted sheet horizontally and then cut upward for our final size.

Second, cut various sizes (or the same size) of hearts and lay them on top of the "back" of the bookmark. By back I mean what you are placing on top of the back layer of the bookmark.

Third, place the back of the bookmark on top of the foam piece and then fourth, lay the hearts on top.

Lastly, take your felting needle and begin felting. If you have not felted before you will then push the felting needle through the two pieces of felt and into your foam piece. Then bring your needle back up and repeat the process again. You will keep doing this until you see the two pieces of felt (the hearts and the back of the bookmark join together).

Courageous Colors for The Gray Matters Foundation

2011-02-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

I recently read an article from CardMaker Magazine that struck close to my heart about an organization called The Gray Matters Foundation.

CardMaker Magazine features an article each issue titled "Readers Reach Out". This is where readers are invited to submit their love of making handcrafted cards to various charitable organizations. It is a great way to spread the love of handmade and to help provide a little cheer for those who are needing a little love and words of encouragement.

The organization that is selected each month has a few specifics that the maker of the handmade cards needs to follow but it is well worth the time (I feel) to obied by these guidelines when participating in order to help the organization. And also CardMaker Magazine asks that readers indicate within their shipment to the organization, that they are participating in CardMaker Magazine's Readers Reach Out efforts. This helps both the organization and the magazine keep track of all card donations.

The March 2011 issue features The Gray Matters Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to support and empower brain-tumor patients and their loved ones through encouragement and personal outreach. The Gray Matters Foundation is a community of caring people, affectionately known as "brain buddies," who think that brain tumors stink! And I must agree with them 110%! I have had two friends and someone very dear and near to my heart, my grandma, who was affected by a brain tumor. My grandma passed aways 6 years ago, but she was diagnosed with a brain tumor behind her eye, shortly after retirement from being a school nurse for many many years in Southern Indiana. I can remember all the different doctors appointments, the final diagnoses, as well as the surgery and the healing that took place for the months following when they moved to our hometown.

So when I learned about Gray Matters I knew this was something that my daughters and I had to do. They love to make cards, as well as I do...and together we are going to be creating a variety of cards that the Gray Matters Foundation can use to help celebrate life!

If you are interested in participating in the creation of the Courageous Color cards, below please find the general guidelines that I found off CardMakers Magazine and The Gray Matters Foundation.

Gray Matters General Guidelines:
Gray Matters would like cards that are blank inside so they can be personalized and shared with patients and family. Envelopes are always appreciated. Cards of a cheerful, celebratory nature are encouraged; these are sent to patients after completing a treatment such as chemo. "Happy Anniversary" cards are appreciated, and are sent to celebrate every year a patient has beat his or her diagnosis. Cards containing sentiments such as "happy birthday," "thinking of you," and "thank you" are also needed to help spread the love. Card designs for all ages are very welcome, and don't forget the guys: masculine-themed cards are always needed.

The cards can be sent to the following address:
Gray Matters Foundation
5403 W. Poinsettia
Glendale, AZ 85304

Happy Crafting!

Butterflies Made Out of Coffee Filters

2011-01-15T06:45:00.000-08:00

The Hi Mamma home is very much an art/craft household. Believe it or not, we converted one of our rooms into a studio (along with it also being a guest room for when we have family/friends in for a visit). Every week we are experimenting with different mediums so the girls can learn first hand. I want them to know what happens when you use chalk, watercolors (both as a watercolor pencil and in the tray), and the studio to be a place where they know that they can go sit at their desk/table, grab a set of markers, a blank sheet of paper to create, and most importantly use their imagination.

This week to decorate our studio we made coffee filter butterflies!

What you will need is the following:

White round coffee filters
Washable markers (you can also use watercolors)
Fuzzy twist tie or a clothing pin
Paint brush (to gently tap the water onto the coffee filter)
Water
Container to put underneath the water being tapped onto the coffee filter

To make coffee filter butterflies you will want to spread out your coffee filter so that it is flat on the table.

Select the color of markers (or watercolors) that you would like to use for your butterfly. Gently, one at a time make a design/color on the white coffee filter coloring it lightly with the markers so that it does not rip.

After coloring, tip your paint brush into water (make sure that you have a pan of some sort underneath the coffee filter, so that you catch the water and it does not ruin your tabletop, or get marker on your table top). Gently tap water onto the newly colored coffee filter. Once you do that, you will start seeing the marker spread/diffuse on the coffee filter. After you have applied all the water that you would like to add. Allow the coffee filter to dry. You may want to hang the coffee filter over a bowl or a cup so that it does not stick, and allows air to circulate around it. The coffee filter dries pretty quickly and the colors will be enhanced much more than when it is wet.

Onced dried, take the top and bottom of the coffee filter and bring the two center edges together so that it is “bunched” in the middle. This is forming the body of the butterfly. You can add a clothing pin to hold and serve as the body of the butterfly, or you can use a fuzzy craft twist tie as the body.

Creating a Color Wheel...The Beauty of Mixing Paint

2011-01-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

I am not sure what it is but for some reason mixing paint is just so much fun. I guess it is the idea of all the different colors that you can create by using three main primary colors (red, yellow and blue) and then mixing the primary colors together you create secondary colors (purple, orange and green)…and no matter what, you get a little messy because painting is just where you can let your creative energy flow.

During our winter break, my daughters and I had the best afternoon learning about color! Yes, we created our own color wheel so that they could see firsthand how colors are created. It is one thing to see color on a page, the different shades and hues via markers, in a crayon box or even in the various colored pencils that we doodle with on a daily basis. Now they have (I hope) a better visualization of how mixing colors can open the door to creating many colors on their painting palette.

We started out with an 11X17 sheet of paper. I traced around a dinner plate, allowing for two larger circles on the page (one top and one on the bottom). Then each of the circles were divided into six pie shaped slices, which would later be represented by a specific color.

We started our color wheel project by using crayons on the top color wheel, so that my six- and three- year old daughters could see the colors that we were going to be creating and mixing together below. Our first three colors were the primary colors of red, blue and yellow. These three colors were colored on three pie slices, with a white slice in between them so that the secondary colors (purple, orange and green) would be colored in their respective places. Our color wheel would consist of the following (final) order of red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple.

Then for the second color wheel, I placed red, yellow, and blue paint in little ramekins to share. They painted each primary color respectively on their color wheel (my three year old mixed the order around a little bit as you can see from the photograph above but she did have the colors in the final mixing order correct). We then had three more ramekins where they did their mixing together.

Blue + Red = Purple
Red + Yellow = Orange
Blue + Yellow = Green

After we finished the color wheel, we talked a little bit about how by adding black or white, it changes the colors that we use. We can mix black with colors to make a shade. So for example, I asked them to put a dabble of red on another ramekin and then add a little bit of black paint to make the color burgundy. With the same color of red, I shared with them that if we mixed red with a little bit of white paint we would make a tint and create pink. Where pink is a tint of red.

We also talked about the use of warm and cool colors on the color wheel. The warm colors being the red, yellow and orange where they create a feeling of warmth – like the sun. Then the cool colors being green blue and purple and these creating a feeling of coolness – representing water, ice, etc.

Bird Seed Treats for Your Little Feathered Friends

2010-12-27T05:41:00.000-08:00

Each winter we make bird seed ornaments. It really does not need to be a winter craft/project but it is a project that we have enjoyed making year after year during our winter break. Our craft room is currently our sunroom so we enjoy listening to music and watching our feathered friends have a little snack. Depending on the type of birds that you have in your area, really depends upon the type of bird seed that you purchase for this project.

Ingredients and Supplies

3/4 cup flour

1/2 cup water

1 envelope unflavored gelatin

3 tbsp. corn syrup (can be dark or light)

4 cups birdseed

cookie cutters (to form the shape of the bird seed holders)

waxed paper

ribbon/yarn/string

Combine the flour, water, gelatin and corn syrup in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed together.

Add the bird seed and continue mixing until it is well coated. You can tell when the bird seed is coated as you cannot see the flour on the seed, and it starts to clumping.

Spoon your bird seed mixture into each mold (aka the cookie cutters), fill it half way in the mold. Use your fingers to push down on the bird seed so that is packed/dense and will stay in it shape. Then add your “hanger” at the top of the mold. We cut our desired length of yarn and folded it over to form a horseshoe…placed the ends of the string about 1 inch down from the top of the mold, so that the loop would be hung on the tree branch, and then placed more of the bird seed mixture on top of the string and the mold. Once again made sure that we packed the bird seed down tight.

Keep the birdseed mixture in the molds for roughly 2 1/2 hours. Afterwards, gently remove the ornaments from the mold pressing lightly at the edges (not the middle or it might break), and place them back on the wax paper. Allow the shapes to dry for at least 2-3 hours or even overnight before hanging.

Cyber Monday Sale at Hi Mamma!

2010-11-28T20:35:00.000-08:00

Purchase any print, solid or custom flannel changing pad cover and receive a free wristlet key FOB. The wristlet key FOBs are great stocking stuffers, a little something for you, a friend or a family member. Colors will vary and are made out of 100% cotton with sturdy nickel hardware.

Check out a few of these cute changing pad covers and a wristlet key FOB.

Happy Holidays!

Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange Matchings

2010-11-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

The Girls at Hi Mamma want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Update on the Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange
Many of us have talked via email but I thought I would be safe and post on the website a note to you to let you know that the 2010 Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange matchings have been sent via email.

This year, we had an exchange of over 200 handmade ornaments. The girls and I were so excited at the response of this years ornament exchange.

Thank you so much for participating!

The Girls at Hi Mamma!

Last Call to RSVP for the Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange

2010-11-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 20 (by midnight) is the last day to RSVP for the Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange. If you are interested, or know of anyone that might be interested in joining in on the ornament exchange, please don't hesitate to share with them the details or to contact me at michelle@himamma.com.

The girls at Hi Mamma will be matching families and classrooms together so that handmade suprises can be arriving in the mail for the holiday season.

Paper Medallion Christmas Ornament

2010-11-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

My three year old loved making this ornament, we had to space it out over two days, just due to the paint needing to dry but there was just something about this project that she loved. Which made me so very happy!

What you will need:

Papier-mache medallion
Paint
Paint brush
Solid and patterned scrapbook paper
Glue
Scallop edge paper punch
Snowflake paper punch (to punch out a snowflake, you could use other decorative punches if you had to change and could also give your ornament a totally different look).
Double-stick foam circles (you would not need this but the only reason we used it was so that the scalloped circle that we punched out was a little more raised/elevated to give it a little depth. You would not necessarily need it).
Brag, eyelets, etc.

First you will need to paint your medallion in your desired color of paint. We painted the sides and back of our medallion and then let it dry. Then the following day (or you could later in the day) paint the front of medallion but only going in about an inch. We did this due to the scrapbook paper going almost but not quite to the edge of the medallion.

Trace the back of the medallion or with a smaller circle object (like a class, cup, etc.), onto the back of your scrapbook paper. Tracing on the back of the paper just due to not seeing the pencil marks on the front of the scrapbook paper front design.

Cut out the circle and glue to the front of the medallion.

Punch out a smaller scalloped circle from a solid piece of paper that compliments your larger circle that you cut from the scrapbook paper. Punch a hole into the center of the scallop and the snowflake and join the two together with a brag.

Use the foam circles to adhere the scalloped circle/snowflake on to the medallion.

It is ready to hang.

Button Wreath Ornaments

2010-11-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

Button wreaths are easy and fun ornament for kids to make for the Christmas tree. These cute crafts also are great to use as decorations on wreaths, make as garland, or place on a doorknob.

Supplies that you will need:
• Various colored buttons of different shapes (or can be the same shape as well)
• Thin craft wire
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Needle nose pliers

Cut a piece of thin craft wire with scissors, roughly 6 to 8 inches long.

Form the cut craft wire into the shape of a circle (just to shape the wire so that the buttons do not fall off).

Thread the buttons through craft wire (any of the four circles, if you have buttons made like this). Keep threading the buttons onto the craft wire until it is almost completely full when you form it into a circle.

Bring the two ends of the craft wire that is forming the circle together. Then use your needle nose pliers to twist the ends of the wire together, which will close the wreath together and form a circle.

Tie a piece of ribbon to the top of the wreath where you just twisted the ends together, which will be the holder onto the Christmas tree. Then tie a bow at the top of the wreath and you are ready to hang on your tree.

Ornament Swap Tutorials

2010-11-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

We wanted to remind everyone, if you are participating in the handmade Christmas ornament exchange and would like to share your tutorial and photograph(s) we would love to feature you on Hi Mamma.

Tutorials can be sent to michelle@himamma.com

Happy Crafting!

Glitter Pom Poms Ornament

2010-11-09T23:17:00.000-08:00

We love pom poms in our house! They make a great craft stand by to add to a mural, a wall hanging or collage. Before we started our next handmade ornament, my daughters and I talked about what we could place inside of the clear ornament, you can only guess...pom poms! I thought to myself, you know what, I think it would work...low and behold it did! But one word of warning, make sure that the clear ornaments that you purchase, the top of the ornament, right underneath the part where the holder comes off, that it is large enough for what ever you are placing inside, will fit. The ornaments were really very simple to make and inexpensive.

While we were creating our pom pom ornaments we started brainstorming on ideas of what we could place inside the remainder of our glass ornaments. We wanted to share with you some additional ideas.

If you have any ideas or things that you have done, please comment, we would love to hear from you.

Glitter pom poms
Sparkle tulle
Confetti
Snowflake glitter
Place tiny pine cones into the ornament and add the artificial snow
Tinsel
Potpourri. You would need to crumble the potpourri up fairly fine in order to fit it into the neck of the ornament. In order to have the potpourri to release the scent you might need to hang it next to a light on your tree to warm up the potpourri.

Multi-Colored Gems + Felted Snowflakes = Beautiful One of a Kind Ornaments

2010-11-07T11:24:00.000-08:00

This past week, we had snow flurries which I could not believe, we typically do not have snow until after Thanksgiving and right before Christmas day. It did not accumulate on the ground (which I think my husband would have been so excited if it did because he just loves the snow) but it had everyone in shock that it was actually coming down in a pretty fast rate.

While it was snowing outside, my daughters and I decided that we would make snowflake ornaments. The snowflake ornaments that we made, was a good project for my three and six year old daughters to do together. I actually think they had more fun just looking through all the different gem colors and deciding which gem would go on which area of the snowflake, and coordinating it altogether.

At our local craft store, we purchased precut, felt ornaments and then at home we had a large bag of multi-colored gems. The idea was to select the different colored gems and to glue them onto one side of the snowflake, allowing it to dry, and then turning over the snowflake and glueing more gems on the reverse side of the snowflake. The beauty of the snowflake ornaments was that each snowflake that was created, was different, just as each snowflake coming down outside was different as well.

Paper Ball Ornament Tutorial

2010-11-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

To kick off our tutorials of making handmade ornaments, I wanted to share with you a tutorial that was featured on oh my! handmade goodness. It is an ornament that by changing the color of your scrapbook paper will truly change the look of your ornament. I must admit that I have always loved a paper. I love visiting the hobby stores and just seeing all the different designs, styles, color selections, stationery options that are available. My mind now is just racing of all the different colors of scrapbook paper that we could use to transform into an ornament!

Be sure to click below of how you can make the above paper ornament.

http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/2010/what-we-know/tutorials/paper-ball-ornaments-tutorial/

The Winter Issue of Modern Handmade Child is Live!

2010-11-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

I was so excited yesterday afternoon, when I received my winter issue of Modern Handmade Child. I read it from cover-to-cover, enjoying the articles that the various editors wrote, looking at the different handmade items that are designed all around the world. It was just amazing to see how many quality items there are that are handmade, and it made me even more passionate about supporting artisans during the holiday season, and really every month of the year!

The winter issue has some great clothing articles, cute craft tutorials to try at home, recipes that look wonderful...that I am going to be trying on my family, an article about Christmas around the world, a great article on gratitude and just so many more things that I could go on-and-on about.

If you have not viewed the newest issue, I encourage you to check it out at www.modernhandmadechild.com.

P.S. Don't forget to read the article titled, "The Wonders of Wool". Hmmm I wonder who wrote that article? Just joking with you. It was me!

Handmade Christmas Ornament Exchange

2010-10-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Last holiday season, the girls at Hi Mamma participated in a handmade Christmas ornament exchange. It was a world of fun! One evening during dinner we talked about what we wanted to make for our ornament exchange, brainstormed on ideas, colors, craft items that we wanted to use and then the following day we started creating our handmade ornaments. It was fun because we sat down, crafted with each other, played holiday music, laughed and had a great time making something special for another family.

After making our ornaments, we packaged them and got them ready for the other families and made our voyage to the post office so the girls could see them being mailed. Shortly afterwards, we received ornaments and enjoyed seeing what other families made for us, and hung them on our Christmas tree. Believe it or not, the girls loved looking at the ornaments that the other families had made each time that they passed the Christmas tree. I must admit I did too, and I also wondered what the story was behind the ornament that they made…why they picked it…how did they felt the angel we received, all these “craft” thoughts where just buzzing through my mind.

The girls at Hi Mamma had an idea to have a 2010 Christmas Ornament Swap! Sound like fun? I know it seems kind of hard to think about the holidays now and autumn is just here by one month, but sometimes being creative needs a little bit of time and planning, so why not start early and then you have plenty of time.

The idea is that families make Christmas ornaments for other families and exchange them during the holiday season, with other families that they are “assigned” to via the Hi Mamma Christmas Ornament Swap. You would be signing up as a family unit and as a family you will receive the same number of ornaments that you send. So for example, if you have four people in your family, then you would make four ornaments total. These four ornaments though would be going to four different people, and in return, you will be receiving four ornaments back from four different people (receiving four packages total) with the idea that every ornament would be different. If you had one or even two people in your family unit, then you would receive one or two ornaments back.

With respect to everyone's practices and faith of the season we have chosen the theme of winter, snow, etc. Please refrain from any commercial look-a-likes.

Ornaments would need to be mailed on, or before, Monday, December 6, 2010.

If you are interested in participating, please RSVP by midnight on Saturday, November 20, 2010.

To sign up, please email michelle@himamma.com with following information:
1) Your first and last name.
2) Your shipping/mailing address.
3) The number of ornaments that you will be exchanging.
4) Please share with me if you would be interested shipping internationally.

You will receive Christmas ornament swap partner addresses by email between the dates of November 21-23.

**Please do not sign up if you won't be able to complete the swap. If unforeseeable circumstances keep you from participating please email Hi Mamma immediately so we can remedy the situation. Everyone is responsilbe for shipping their ornaments so that they arrive safely.

If you know of anyone that might be interesting in participating in the Christmas ornament exchange please share with them the details. AND If you have are not already following Hi Mamma, please do so, so that you will receive any additional updates about the exchange.

Happy Crafting!
The Girls @ Hi Mamma

Weekly Adventures Around the World

2010-10-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

I have made it a goal of mine that each week in our home, we are going to be learning about a different country. Both of my daughters love to learn and it is so much fun to see them think, ask questions, think about it some more and ask more questions.

During our travels, we have learned where France, Greece, Italy and now Spain are located on the globe. We have had a lot of fun doing different crafts from the country, playing games that kids around their age might enjoy, learning new words, looking at photographs of the countryside, what the countries different customs include, and of course one of our family favorites is making a meal together... that would typically be served either for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Through our travels, one of our favorite meals has been from France, where we imagined that we were eating at the Eiffel Tower, enjoying blueberry crêpes, listening to a french musician singing/playing music for us (we really did listen to music while we ate). It was quite an journey that we created, but it was a lot of fun.

We thought that you might enjoy the recipe that we used. I had not made crêpes in such a long time. It was actually a stroll down memory lane, in that I remember when my mom and other moms from preschool (and/or our neighbor Margaret) would get together and have lunch at the Magic Pan that was located in the Glendale Shopping Mall, in Indianapolis, many moons ago. I just loved their chicken (of couse savory) crêpes.

Crêpes

Filling:
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. sour cream
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. lemon peel

Mix all of the ingredient above and hold until ready.

Crêpe Batter:
1 1/2 c. milk
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. lemon peel

Mix all of the batter ingredients. It may be used immediately or held in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I learned two tips: (1) make sure that you slowly heat your crêpe pan. Crêpes do not like high heat; (2) be sure not to flip it too early. Wait until the surface of your crêpe is no longer shiny and the edges are starting to brown before you try and flip your crêpe. If you flip it too early it will tear, it tastes yummy but does not work when needing to roll your crêpe.

To assemble the crêpes, spoon the filling in center of the crepe. Fold the crêpe in half and roll. We placed blueberries on top.

Just Like Butter Etsy Treasury

2010-09-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

This morning, I received some wonderful news. My bright yellow changing pad cover has been featured on Oh Baby dotcom's "Just Like Butter" Etsy Treasury. Be sure to check out the link. There are some really cute baby items http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8c033755a78eefe89f74ce/just-like-butter

Oh Baby dotcome makes handmade booties, blankets, caps, hats, the original Tunisian jester hat, sweaters, special holiday items and overalls. She has some really cute items.

The Butterfly Gardens

2010-09-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful creatures/insects, in the eyes of my daughters and myself are butterflies. For whatever reason we are just fascinated by them. This summer we have spent a lot of time at the butterfly gardens at our local zoo. My oldest daughter has truly loved learning the specific names of each butterfly and then trying to find them in the “greenhouse”. For example the Ulysses Butterfly which is also known as the Blue Mountain Swallowtail, the Blue Emperor, and the Mountain Blue. It is a spectacular bright blue and black butterfly on the topside of its wings, but then on the underside, it offers a more subdued coloring that allows them to blend into the woods and flower setting.

Our zoo offers a very relaxed atmosphere when watching the butterflies and they have a great staff, where the children can ask them questions about anything pertaining to the butterflies likes, dislikes, what they eat, life span, etc. Having a 5 and a 2 year old, as you know, they can ask such innocent questions that you wonder, how did they think of that, but the butterfly keepers were so gracious in answering all of the questions and increasing their curiosity in learning more. While we all learned more about butterflies, I also had a great time taking photographs of them.

The Gardener's Morning

2010-07-02T15:15:00.000-07:00

I came across this poem and thought it reminded me of our week!

The Gardener's Morning

The robin's song at daybreak

Is a clarion call to me.Get up and get out in the garden,

For the morning hours flee.

I cannot resist the summons,

What earnest gardener could?

For the golden hours of morning

Get into the gardener's blood.

The magic spell is upon me,

I'm glad that I did not wait;

For life's at its best in the morning,

As you pass through the garden gate.

Dandelion Crowns How-to Article featured in Modern Handmade Child Online Magazine

2010-06-21T04:48:00.000-07:00

It is a funny story, earlier this spring/summer, our backyard was filled with dandelions. They were everywhere, my daughters were having so much fun picking and putting them into childlike flower vases, cups, you name it. My husband gave us a great idea...why don't you make dandelion crowns. What a wonderful idea!

That Sunday afternoon while we were outside, we made dandelion crowns, and it inspired me to write a how-to article for the summer issue of Modern Handmade Child. It was a family effort. My husband's hands were the "model", I took the photographs and my older daughter modeled the final crown (our younger daughter was taking an ever so needed nap).

Be sure to check out the article in Modern Handmade Child (www.modernhandmadechild.com) it is on page 23-25. If you are not a subscriber of the magazine be sure to subscribe, it is free.

Paper + Fabric

2010-06-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

As long as I can remember, I have loved paper! Yes paper, I know it sounds kind of odd, but I love to go through stationery stores and see all the different prints, textures, and designs that are available. In my younger years, I loved to make handmade paper, form it into different shapes, create colored layers and add different mediums to see what and how it would dry. It just fascinated me.

Today, my love of paper has continued but one more medium has been added FABRIC. Yes, I love to look at fabric! I think my daughters have inherited my love because they enjoy shopping with me, and looking at the different fabric bolts, and helping me select prints for various projects that we work on.

My most recent design blended my two loves...paper + fabric and created a cover for notebooks.

Flip Flop T-shirt

2010-05-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

My niece is turning four this upcoming weekend. My daughters and I have been gathering different things for our niece/cousin to play with for her birthday. One thing that we thought we could do is make her a flip flop shirt.

Last year I made flip flop shirts but they were a little different in that the flip flops were more in the center of the shirt rather than toward the bottom. But you know what, I think it is cute both ways!

Happy Mother's Day...Free Shipping

2010-05-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! Hi Mamma is running a special until Monday, May 10th. Any two items purchased at the Hi Mamma shop (http://www.himamma.etsy.com/), you will receive free shipping. Your shipping will be reimbursed at the time Hi Mamma ships the items to you. This includes all changing pad covers, car strap covers, gifts sets, etc., AND any custom orders as well.

Wow...Guess What Caught My Eye This Morning?

2010-04-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

I had a nice suprise this morning. I was reading my email from The INCrowd Team (Indiana Etsy Team) enewsletter and noticed that I had been featured in the posting. What a nice suprise to wake up to. I thought you might like to view the link.

http://indianaetsy.blogspot.com/2010/04/incrowdteam-interview-with-michelle-hi.html

Thank you!

Never Lose Your Keys Again!

2010-03-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

One of the first projects that I made when launching Hi Mamma was a wristlet keychain FOBs. I was notorious for loosing my keys in my purse (just like my cell phone until I got a bright pink one).

So I made one that was bright red and black. I could see in my black/brown purse (I use to switch my purse colors all of the time.) I loved my bright red keychain so much that I made several of them recently. My most favorite has been celery green with daisies.

I think they are just great because you can slip this on your wrist while you’re out in the yard, putting your children in their car seats, attach them to your bluejeans/shorts when walking around the block, etc. I had a girlfriend of mine share that she bought one for her college niece so that she could place it in her book bags. I thought, oh that it so right.

Modern Handmade Child....an Online Publication Celebrating Handmade Living!

2010-02-10T21:48:00.000-08:00

Modern Handmade Child is a seasonal online publication celebrating handmade living in a new way. The mission of the magazine is to provide a fun and valuable resource helping families to embrace the handmade way of life, by intertwining the skills and values of days gone by with the trends and technologies of today. The editors and contributors come together from around the world, including Europe, Australia, Canada, and many parts of the United States (including here in Indiana)! Yes, guess what, I have joined the staff of Modern Handmade Child, where I will be spearheading the PR department for the quarterly published magazine.

This online publication is free and can be seen below along the side bar of my blog or you can also view it free at http://www.modernhandmadechild.com/.

Each issue offers different themes where you can see items that are handmade, read how-to articles, learn trends, and much more. Each issue has something pertaining to wear, dwell, play, create, celebrate, share, work, meet, taste, care, explore and work.

I have enjoyed reading the past two issues, look foward to reading the most recent third issue that just arrived, and helping out with the fourth issue.

Dreamy Frog Themed Hourglass Shaped Burp Bibs...Hot off the Sewing Machine!

2010-01-31T17:46:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Hi Mamma sewed some of the best burb bibs that are just ideal. They were made out of cute frog flannel and the softest green minky fabric, oh I just love the "bumpy" minky fabric. There is just something about it that is just dreamy! I am sure babies must love them too due to their softness.

The countoured shape of the hourglass burp bibs fit right on your shoulder and is roughly 16 1/2 inches long. They are a 100% absorbant!

Hi Mamma Participates in the Etsy Baby Shower!

2010-01-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, the Etsy Baby Shower was created as an event in which a number of expecting and brand new Etsy mommies receive gifts from donating Etsy shops. Donating shops must be willing to donate a gift, free of charge (including shipping) to the mom they are assigned. This year there was a total of 30 moms for the winter baby shower who are participating. Each mom will receive four gifts from 84 different Etsy shop owners. I thought that was just amazing!

Hi Mamma decided to participate in the fun and it has been a lot fo fun. Hi Mamma's mama is expecting a baby girl and is doing her nursery in shades of purple. We emailed our expecting mama, who is due on February 2, various swatches to select from, and the pattern she selected is really cute! We will be getting the cover out in the mail tonight...isn't it adorable?

Etsy Kids Member

2010-01-04T13:20:00.000-08:00

I am proud to say that Hi Mamma has become an Etsy Kids Member (officially). I have been a member for a while but not as posting it on my new blog.

Etsy Kids is a group of Etsy shop owners who make handmade items for kids. Items can range from toys, to hair accessories, shirts, bedding...really the list goes on. The selection and the talent is just amazing. I look foward to purchasing from fellow members as well as increasing my exposure to the group.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

I am starting my new years resolutions early this year, really only a couple days ahead but who is counting right? My resolution is to keep my NEW "Hi Mamma Designs" blog current in 2010. It seems so weird to think it will be 2010 in just a few days, doesn't mean that when the bell drops in NYC that I will be awake... but in spirit I will be there.

I started Hi Mamma about 3 years ago. I have enjoyed it a great deal, met a lot of wonderful and supportive artisans at the same time. Be looking for new postings on a regular basis as well a new products that I am working for friends, family and clients!

Hi Mamma Designs was launched on pro handmade website called Etsy. Really has developed from the sales on Etsy. I have learned a great deal about selling retail as a small business owner. Something that is totally different that working for an ad/pr agency or even a professional service company. Yes, I am use to budgets, deadlines, writing/editing, graphic design, and creating different marketing items (I love it and it is in my blood), but yet it was a little different than making something handmade 100%, sitting at the sewing machine and creating from a concept. I guess you would say, I am a true entrepreneur by heart, but I think it is in my blood!

One of the groups that I belong to on Etsy is Etsy Mom's. I am participating in a promotions that will begin December 31, 2009 - January 3, 2010. Hi Mamma will be offering free shipping for the purchase of ANY two baby changing pad covers (prints or solids - one of both, the choice is yours). This offer also includes any custom orders of baby changing pad covers.

Be sure to check out my website at www.himamma.etsy.com