Spring Fever!

I have it bad. Despite the chilly New England weather, I rejected socks for Easter Sunday. Refused to put them on. Admittedly, I felt a bit like a rebellious child, doing something that I knew wasn't very sensible, but I did it anyway. Fortunately it was a pretty nice day, so I didn't freeze my toes! Unfortunately, despite what the calendar says, spring isn't really here yet, so I can't put away my socks (and sweaters) just yet.

There was a little dusting of s&@# (yes, it's a 4-letter word) on the grass this morning, and more in the forecast for Friday... not enough to really accumulate, but enough to keep it from feeling like spring.

I should be thankful that it's only a dusting. We've been known to have feet of snow in March and April, and a little further north, people are dealing with just that. My friend Michelle and her family went their camp in Maine for Easter, and found 3 feet of snow in their yard, and a big icy pile at the end of the driveway courtesy of the plows. (Yes, I can handle a dusting, I guess.)

I've been compensating for the long winter by carving flowers... lots of flowers... some of which you can see here. Despite my attempts to create designs in some other categories to have ready for the Boston Gift Show and National Stationery Show, but I can't seem to focus on anything but spring blooms. And I know, the real spring blooms will be here very soon!

Many thanks...

...to Jan at poppytalk for mentioning one of my journals in her post this week! Jan featured my hand printed dandelion journal, one of four spring-inspired journal designs, currently available only at IndieFixx.

More journal designs are available in my shop, perfect for recording your thoughts, dreams, memories, recipes, or just for everyday lists.

March of the tools (Onion Goggles)

How did we ever live without them?

I gave my brother a pair of these onion goggles the Christmas before last, as a little bit of a joke, and made a whole theme gift around them. Turns out they're not really a joke at all, but a really useful kitchen tool! If you're one of those people who cries like a baby whenever you're chopping onions, you'll love them. Sure, they look a little geeky, but they really do work.

If you want to see more great tools visit Heather Bailey's blog and the flickr group, where you can see favorite tools from everyone who's participating!

March of the Tools

Heather Bailey has started a new blog feature for March - March of the Tools - and has invited others to join in - what fun! I'll be posting some of my favorite tools throughout the month, both related to my business, as well as some of my favs for everyday life.

Heather has also started a flickr group, where everyone can post their photos. Can't wait to see everyone's tools (and decide what to add to my shopping list!)

Join in, if you'd like!

Really, I'm not a spammer!

My mailbox has been filling up with email message bounces from messages I didn't send. At first it was a few messages, then I got inundated with 100 overnight! Seems I am a victim of spoofing. Yes, my email address has been used as the from address on someone's spammy email messages, and now I'm getting all the bounces and out of office replies. It's making me crabby, and there's nothing I can do about it!

On a more cheerful note, I'm feversihly working on new designs and products and will be sharing with everyone soon. I'm less than a month away from my first wholesale show of the season, and have lots of new goodies to get ready before the shows!

Sweet Valentine, will you be mine?

With Valentine's day just over a month away, it's the perfect time to start planning - of course starting with the perfect card and sentiment! Sweet or sassy? Cute and cuddly? What will you choose? When I think Valentines, I am inspired by the the whimsical little cards from my childhood....

How about our little bee card? Add a very simple message: Bee Mine! Delightful for the kiddos, or your sweet love.

One of my favorites is the heart breathing dragon, for the hottie in your life. Pen a little note inside like You Set My Heart Afire and send it on it's way.

Another cutie (and customer fav) is the little squirrel with heart card. And what better message to send your sweetie than I'm Nuts About You!

... and lastly, Hoo Loves You, Baby? says our wise owl, or you to your sweetheart.

But of course, for all of you traditionalists, there are always hearts and roses!

Whew!

It's been a busy couple of weeks, getting all the final holiday preparations done, and then, of course, getting through the holidays. I had a lovely time, despite the craziness. I did finally finish my shopping, wrapping and everything else - though just barely in time. I was thrilled to do a great deal of my shopping with some of the fabulous indie businesses I network with, so I didn't end up at the mall quite as often as in past years, which is a great relief. I also made some gifts myself (um, crazy, I know, given how little time I had).. I love to give handmade gifts, and my friends and family really appreciate it. Many of the gifts I made were a preview of some new products I'll be launching in the new year. (Sorry, not ready to show the world, just yet.)


I spent the holidays at my brother's house. My aunt Linda and uncle Pete hosted our Christmas Eve celebration. The whole family was there, and we celebrated with great food, a little wine and our traditional Secret Santa. (And to my Secret Santa, if you're reading, thank you very much. I love my gift, but I wish you'd reveal yourself to me!) Christmas dinner was at my brother and sister-in-law's house. We ate, drank and were very merry, all day long. Our dinner was wonderful (John and Dawn are great cooks) and we had a fun and relaxing day together.

Now I'm taking some time to relax a bit, and working on getting myself organized, in my studio, and beyond.

Hope you are enjoying the holidays, and wishing you a Happy New Year!