.:Showcase Saturday:.

We had another great Market Yourself Monday this week!

Thank you to everyone who linked up!

Here are just a few of my faves:

Not So Typical Wreath

Recovered Mobile

Felt Rose Earrings

Interchangeable Bow Onesie

Fruit Dips

If you were featured, be sure to grab a featured button of my sidebar!

And, as always, don't forget to come back on Monday for another Market Yourself Monday!

.:Feature Friday - I Can Find the Time:.

Hello Sumo’s Sweet Stuff readers! My name is Kathryn and I am so excited to have my Feature Friday today! My blog is called I Can Find The Time and it’s my attempt to show the world all the projects I love to make with my free time. I strive really hard to be creative and find the time to make nice things for my friends, family, and home.

I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my husband and 17 month old daughter. She is the greatest thing that has ever happened to us, and an inspiration for me! Since my blog is about finding time in your life to make all the projects you want to make, I will let you know how I spend my time. My days are currently being split between a full time job in the Finance industry, my gorgeous 17 month old daughter, my great husband, training for and racing in sprint triathlons, and of course crafting! It is always a struggle to find the perfect work/life balance, and to find time to do the projects and races that keep me sane...but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

I would love for you all to come check out some of the projects I have made for I Can Time The Time.

My favorites include:

This Growth Chart for my daughter. I made this as a gift for her 1st birthday. It’s a really special project that anyone can make for the little guys and gals in their life.

One of my favorite projects is my Sewing Machine Pin Cushion because I use it all the time. I’m very proud of this one because it is a 100% original idea and my contribution to the world of sewing!

I got a lot of positive feedback for my Monogrammed Wine Cork Wall Hanging, and I love the look of it! So far every one of these that I’ve made has been a gift so I need to get the wine cork stash built back up so I can get one hung up in my kitchen!

My tutorial on the Baseball String Bracelet was also very popular because it can be for a boy or girl. We can’t forget all those little guys out there, right?

Finally, the projects that inspired me to start a blog and share my ideas with the world were the birthday decorations I made for my daughter’s 1st birthday in February. I spent a lot of time making her party special, and I wanted to fill in the gaps in the blogosphere I found while researching DIY decoration ideas.

My favorites are the High Chair slip cover,

Custom Party Garland,

and Fancy Cupcake Toppers.

I hope you all enjoy my projects and that I can inspire you to make something beautiful for you and your own.

You just have to find the time!

.:Things to Try Thursday - Rosette Pillow:.

I saw this idea linked up at a linky party, and I thought it was the cutest thing ever! So simple to make, even I could do it! I think I need to go get some fabric - our couches don't have any throw pillows!

Check out Lemon Tree Creations for their tutorial!

.:Mouth-Watering Wednesday - Homemade Waffles:.

These may be one of the most delicious things I've ever put in my mouth.

This recipe is from my sister in law's sister (I think the syrup is, too - is that right, Kayla?)

Try them. You won't be sorry.

3/4 t. yeast

3 c. flour

1 1/2 T sugar

3/4 t. salt

3 c. milk

12 T. melted and cooled butter

3/4 t. vanilla

3 eggs separated

Before bed, combine dry ingredients and stir in milk, then butter, and vanilla.

Cover with plastic wrap and set aside overnight at room temp.

In the morning, separate eggs and stir in yolks.

Beat whites til soft peak.

Stir in gently into batter.

Syrup:

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. buttermilk

3/4 c. sugar

BOIL

Stir in

1/2 t. vanilla

1 t. baking soda

.:Tutorial Tuesday - Canvas:.

As I mentioned yesterday, the girls' room got a new addition after Remi was born (besides Remi of course!)

It was this cute owl canvas.

So I decided that I could probably even manage something like that and decided to give it a try.

What you need:

- blank canvas (or you could recycle one from the D.I.)

- paint

- mod podge

- scrapbook paper

- cricuit, cuttlebug, punches, etc.

- scissors

- brushes

Start off by painting your canvas.

While the paint is drying, punch/cut out the shapes that you are going to use. I used my Cuttlebug.

After your canvas is dry, mod podge your design on and you are done!

Now, you will notice the one that was a gift to me is much more detailed. There are different shades of paint which gives it more depth. So you could always do something like that. And you could do a scene like the owl one, or just a simple design like mine; really, there are lots of options!

Super easy and super cute. I think it would be a fun baby shower gift!

I link to these parties.

.:Your Vantage Photography:.

I just wanted to remind everyone about the Your Vantage Photography giveaway!

It is open until the end of the month!

Whether you've got a new baby on the way...

need some updated family pictures...

or want some portraits of your kids...

this is something you don't want to miss out on!

Go here to enter to win a free session and a CD of edited images from Your Vantage Photography!

.:Lil Luna Giveaway Winner:.

So I was totally supposed to post this yesterday, but this weekend just got away from me! I think I say that every weekend!

Thank you to everyone who entered the Lil Luna giveaway!

The winner is:

Ry and Ally said...

Like lil luna on fb!

JULY 19, 2010 12:30 PM

Please email me at sumossweetstuff@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Congrats!

.:Market Yourself Monday - Canvas:.

After I had Remi, my sister in law gave me a new canvas decoration for the girls' room.

So I decided to make one of my own. Not bad, eh?

Tutorial tomorrow!

Now it's your turn! Share what you've been up to lately!

I link to these parties.

.:Saturday Showcase:.

Go here to enter the Lil Luna giveaway. Today is the last day to enter!

Saturday Showcase is back up and running! Here's a peek at a few of my faves.

Tiled Family Frame

Family Tree

Crocheted Toys

Poof Pillow

T-Shirt Hats

Be sure to grab a featured button if I featured your idea today!

Thanks to everyone who linked up!

Come back on Monday for another Market Yourself Monday!

.:Feature Friday - Oopsey Daisy:.

Go here for the Lil Luna giveaway!

I am super excited that Sumo let me take over her beautiful blog today. I have always felt a connection to Sumo because we were both first grade teachers! I will do my best to fill her gigantic and adorable shoes today.

I am Alison, the crazy lady behind Oopsey Daisy. Once upon a time, I was a first grade teacher. Now I am a stay-at-home Mom, and I love to make things for the people I love. This is where I find my inspiration:

I am lucky to be married to a wonderful man who lets me go craft-crazy! And my Little Man inspires a lot of creativity. He keeps me insanely busy so I relish any time he's sleeping. Naptime and bedtime are craft time at my house.

I make lots of messes, pull out lots of stitches, and "Oopsey Daisy" is the name of my game! Here is just a snippet of what you might find on my blog:

Quiet book ideas like this Mr. Potato Head:

Delicious and festive recipes like these red, white, and blue strawberries (These could be a fun last-minute 24th of July treat!):

Fun learning activities for kids, like this Old McDonald barn and animals:

EASY sewing projects like this denim ruffled table runner:

Fun wood projects like these flag firecrackers I made for the Fourth:

Free printable activities like this Chicka Chicka Boom Boom file folder game:

Fun birthday party ideas like this Cowboy Birthday Party:

Did you enjoy your own personal tour? I hope so! Oh man, that was fun! Sumo, thanks so much for letting me skip over to your blog for a day. I hope you will join me for more Oopsey Daisy fun. Every day is an adventure! Come by and say hello!

.:Things to Try Thursday - Felt Bracelets:.

Go here for the Lil Luna giveaway!

I love this take on bracelets for little girls! Cute little felt cuffs! I'm pretty sure that Reece needs some of these!

Go here at Crafty Chic Mommy to find out how to make some for the little gal in your life!

.:Mouth-Watering Wednesday - Bowtie Lasagna:.

Go here to enter the Lil Luna giveaway.

Anyone else love the Pioneer Woman?

There are dozens of recipes that I'm wanting to try from her site. This week we are trying her Bowtie Lasagna. Reece is going to love it!

Taken directly from her blog:

• 1 pound Ground Chuck
• 5 cups Bow Tie Noodles
• 3 cups Spaghetti Sauce (or Pizza Sauce, Whatever You Prefer)
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (or More, Make It To Your Taste)
• ½ cups Mozzarella Cheese
• ½ cups Sour Cream

Preparation Instructions

I am a “make it and taste it as I go” cook. I made this in a hurry tonight, and was amazed at the results; my girls could NOT get enough of it. (I love that kind of response, don’t get it as often as I wish.)

Fry ground chuck in small pan. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.

After noodles are cooked, drain and drizzle with olive oil. Mix in your spaghetti sauce. (I can’t guarantee your results on this, because I’m spoiled; I am a “home canner” and have the BEST sauce on my shelf, a home canned marinara sauce that I use for lots of stuff—pizza, spaghetti, and of course, THIS.)

Add your fried hamburger, seasonings, cheese, and sour cream. Fold together and allow it all to combine and melt together, over low heat, for about 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Serve to your family and be prepared to have it disappear before your very eyes.

.:Giveaway - Lil Luna:.

I'm so excited to share another fun giveaway with you all! And I just have to say I'm jealous of whoever gets to win!

Lil Luna is giving away a $20 gift certificate to her etsy shop! Score!

Lil Luna has lots to offer: earrings, vinyl, headbands, and DIY jewelry supplies!

Here's just a little peek at what Lil Luna has to offer.

Lil Luna also has a fabulous blog filled with tutorials, places to get supplies cheap, recipes, and custom vinyl orders!

Want to win? Here's how you can!

(Each comment must have a separate entry!)

1. Visit Lil Luna and leave a comment with what you'd spend your $20 on.

2. Become a follower of Lil Luna's blog.

3. "Like" Lil Luna on Facebook.

4. Follow Sumo's Sweet Stuff.

5. "Like" Sumo's Sweet Stuff on Facebook.

This giveaway will end on Saturday, July 24th, at 11:59 p.m. MST. I will announce the winner on Sunday, July 25th. Please be sure to check back and see if you are the winner!

.:Market Yourself Monday - Sponsor:.

As I mentioned yesterday, we finally got home last nite from a two plus week long vacation. It was filled with family and fun! But this also means that I was way off on my blogging and crafting, so I don't have anything new to share with you all.

But I did think that it would be nice to share some pictures with you of some items I've sewn for Remi using patterns from one of my sponsors - Whimsy Couture.

These are rompers made using the Bubble Romper pattern.

And I made this dress using the Strappy Tops/Dresses pattern.

Could she get any cuter?

To address a comment concern about the lengths of the ties: that was MY error and not the pattern from Whimsy Couture. When my daughter wears the dress, I wrap the ties through the hole a few times to make them shorter and less of a hazard. I plan to fix them! Thanks for your concern!

Soooo...what have you been working on? Link up to your separate posts - crafts, tutorials, recipes, giveaways - let's see it all!

The linky list will be up until Friday nite, so you've got all week to share your goodness.

I promise to get Saturday Showcase back up and running this week, too.

And be sure to keep checking back! I've got two reviews and a new giveaway coming soon!

.:NEW Cap Creations Winner:.

Holy Moly!

We just got back from vacation, and in the craziness of being gone for 2+ weeks, I didn't realize that the winner of the Cap Creations giveaway never contacted me. Dang!

So I've chosen a new winner!

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} said...

I follow Sumo's Sweet Stuff.

JUNE 28, 2010 10:50 AM

PLEASE email me at sumossweetstuff@gmail.com to claim your prize. You have 48 hours to do so before I choose another winner!

Thanks again to everyone who entered! Look for another great giveaway coming your way soon!

.:Feature Friday - Santa's Gift Shppe:.

Hi.. I'm Barb..the girl behind "Santa's Gift Shoppe"

Year~Round..First, I'd like to thank Summer

for inviting me here today to share some of my

dreams & inspirations with you.

You might wonder why I chose the name "Santa's

Gift Shoppe" Year~Round for my blog/Etsy Store?

Well, as you can see (by the photos here) my family took

many trips to "Santa's Village" up in the mountains

when I was younger. I loved all the Mrs. Claus' candy,

cookies, & jams and all the fun rides, real reindeers,

& meeting Santa Claus. So... it was my inspiration

for my Blog/Etsy Shoppe & "Annual Christmas

Boutique" I have in my home.

This is me just outside Mrs. Claus' Kitchen

where all the jams & cookies were. (Below)

there were Giant Lollipops..everything

you'd expect @ Santa's place.

Even a horse drawn Pumpkin.. driven by elves!

Well.. I guess these things stayed with me for many

years & the wonderful "Spirit" that goes along with

giving & "Christmas". (I start watching

Christmas Movies in July!)

Years ago I started having an "Annual Christmas

Boutique" in my home..where you take out

your furniture & rearrange stuff so you can put

up items that I have made during the year to sell..

in a Shoppe..a "Santa's Gift Shoppe"

What might be in "Santa's Gift Shoppe" I thought...

Candy, Cookies, & Lollipops for sure..(Below) are

some Homemade Twix bars that are on my blog

(http://santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com/) So..Go there

for the Recipe.. We had a "Christmas Home Tour"

last week.. on the blog..so if you want some ideas for

Christmas you'll know where to look!

If your looking for Great Gifts....Mom/Daughter
Apron Sets are a winning combination..You can

purchase those at my ETSY STORE HERE at an
afforable price. (Lots of colors & fabric choices) I am

going to be gone for vacation til Aug. 1st so the Store

won't be open until I get back. (You can still check out

my blog with Etsy stuff on it.

This is one of the Easiest/Fastest Candies you'll

ever make. I call them "Peanut Clusters"It also

has been on Foodista for the last few months in a

contest (that the editor wanted me to be in) For

the recipe click HERE (It's on my Blog)

(Below) Is another Recipe.. that you'll have to try..
Chocolate Caramel Thumbprints..For the
"Recipe" Click HERE.

This is a picture of "Mrs. Claus' Kitchen"

@ "Santa's Gift Shoppe Boutique" last year.

Cinnamon Rolls, Biscotti, Mini Breads of all kinds,

Candies & Cookies galore. oh.. Don't forget the

Snowman's Soup! (Below) are Mrs. Claus' Jams & Jellies..300

jars & 20 different blends from backyard trees.

(Below) are some of my Favorite things to make:
Anything Vinyl..Blocks, Stone tiles, Wood,
Glass...

(Below) Is the wonderful "MONOGRAM TILE"..

I just love making these...They are fun & so Classy

& sure do update a home without breaking the

bank..If interested in purchasing one check out

my Blog or look on my ETSY SHOPPE (They

make the perfect Wedding gift or Christmas

gift)

And one of my favorite pastimes is to paint..

the One-Stroke Way..anything oranments, cards,

bags, boxes...Donna dewberry invented this style

of painting & I am so grateful to her..because it is

a beautiful way of expressing oneself. Want to

try?? Click HERE for her Video..

Thank you for letting me share some of my Life &
Loves with you...my dear friends...