101 in 1001: #32 An Embroidered Heart Pillow

Good morning! I hope you had a fun crafty weekend. If not, I hope it was full of smiles as mine was. ;)

On Saturday, my girlfriends came over for craft day and we each worked on our own projects. I suppose you can guess what I worked on: a hand embroidered pillow. It's for my mom's best friend who'll be visiting from Japan for the next few weeks. She is seriously the most generous, caring, loving woman with an enormous heart that I have ever met. I can't even begin to name all the things she has done for my husband and me (and now Bruce).

She asked for a pillow, loves the color purple and loves hearts so this is what I made. The embroidery design looks similar to my plush heart card because it was another freehand work. I started off by drawing a heart with disappearing ink but I got lazy having to draw it over and over again because my stitch work is so slow. :P I used the split stitch method again and felt that I got a really good hang of it by the end. I'm loving the textures of embroidery!

At first, I was sad that I decided to use fleece because it was competing with the stitching but when I finished the heart, I ended up loving the way it felt. Hehe, lucky outcome. I hope she likes it when I see her next week!

Sunday was Bruce's four month birthday and we celebrated by stopping by Babies R Us to get Sophie the giraffe. He loves her, but what baby doesn't? :) We were mainly there to buy a stroller, which took forever for us to decide. There's so many options! We ended up getting the Baby Trend Stride Sport Stroller because Brandon thought it felt the sturdiest. I'm not completely sold on it because it's heavy and I'm not too fond of the design but I'll let you know what I really think after I use it a lot starting tomorrow. My cousins (from my father's side) are coming to visit for three weeks so February will be one crazy busy month!

Okay, I think I've rambled on enough for one day. :) Have a great Monday!

A Couple Sketches

penguins & a teacup

Happy Friday!

I busted out my sketchbooks and started sketching again last weekend. These mini sketchbooks were actually a gift from Brandon back when we first started dating. (I still haven't filled them up!) It's the perfect size and activity when Bruce falls asleep in my arms and I have to keep him there because he wakes up otherwise. Hehe, yes, I spoil him. ;) I was recently inspired to get back to the basics after seeing Afi and Melissa share their beautiful works on their blogs. Mine is far from that term so I'd like to try and draw something at least once a week in hopes of improving my skills. Maybe it could take over my Friday posts to motivate me?

thinking of different types of textured pillows for our living room

and more penguins

Speaking of improvements, I just signed up for an online painting course called Get Your Paint On which starts this coming Monday. I read about it on my SF Etsy team blog and enrolled myself in the class on a whim. How perfect for a stay-at-home-mom and me getting back to painting! I'll be sketching and painting more in no time... At least, that's the plan. I might be spreading myself thin, but I'm up for the challenge!

Along with all these exciting artsy events, I have a craft day with a couple of my girlfriends tomorrow! :D It'll be our first craft day since Bruce's arrival, not counting the gingerbread house making party. Hopefully we can get a little bit of craftiness going but it might be hard not to play with Bruce and squeal every time he smiles or giggles for the ladies. So much to look forward to in the next few weeks!

Wishing you have a crafty weekend! :)

WHAT News: Penguins & Feedback

Valentine Penguins Available NOW

As I promised earlier this week, a few Valentine Penguins are available now over at my official shop! I'll also throw in an Under Your Umbrella print with your purchase until the penguins are sold out. :)

~ & ~

I also wanted to point out that I've created a simple blog post where you can leave feedback for My Dear Darling. Product reviews, comments, suggestions... I'd love to know what you think!

I originally had it posted on my main site (above photo) but Brandon said that people won't believe me because people might think I made all those reviews up. And since I'm not web coding savvy, I thought the easiest way that people can leave feedback would be by just commenting on a dedicated post. So until I decipher the codes and apply it to my site, this will be a temporary (possibly permanent) solution.

My Dear Darling Reviews

Anytime I shop online, I try to find reviews of products or services before I click "add to cart". These feedbacks have been a major help to decide whether or not I go through with the purchases. So I thought, why not do the same for My Dear Darling! :)

Would you like to leave feedback about your purchase? Make a suggestion for My Dear Darling?
Please leave a comment below:

Shout Out - Kim Westad

I've always loved Kim's ceramic works since I started Etsy shopping. :)

shop: Kim Westad
blog: Kim Westad - do you smell toast?
photos: Sweet Pea in Yellow, Bowl with Light Blue Interior, Crocus Vase

101 in 1001: #77 Snickerdoodle Packaging

My sweet friend, Amanda, celebrated her birthday this past Saturday and I baked her some snickerdoodle cookies. I dressed them up by making a packaging that suited the cookies. :) 

I sewed some wrapping paper into an envelope shape and wrapped the cookies in wax paper and tied a red ribbon to match the stitching. The sticker was a bonus that I've had for years, waiting to be used for the right occasion. ;)

WHAT News: Valentine Penguins

Just a little announcement that I'll be listing a few penguins this Friday! :)

Darling Moments: Alphabet Hearts

With Valentine's Day in a couple weeks, Mini has decided to shower himself with alphabet hearts!

101 in 1001: #31 Dog Bed or Pillow

Guess who finished Katsu's dog bed?! :D Thursday's little accident didn't slow me down from getting right back onto the sewing machine and finishing it late Friday night while Brandon was putting Bruce to sleep. I excitedly stuffed the cover with our old comforter that Katsu's been sleeping on since we moved into this apartment. (You can see from that link that it's also the same duvet fabric.) It's a little too stuffed, hehe, but Katsu was wagging his tail and jumped onto it as soon as I was done. He did his circle dance and plopped down to fall asleep. I was one happy mama!

Brandon and I were laughing though because we realized I should've made it into a square since it looks like an oversized pillow. Oh well! I was trying not to spend any money on this project but I might fix it later after I make a couple pillows out of the same fabric. I need to buy cording for that so I might as well buy extra and fix the dog bed while I'm at it... Maybe. :P

my first piping project

the corners were the hardest part

posing for the camera

Have a wonderful week! :D

Accidents Happen

Thank goodness it's Friday!

You might be wondering why I titled this post "Accidents Happen." Well, let me tell you. One of the things I've been wanting to learn is piping. I've never used it and have never needed to make one for any of my projects. I thought making Katsu's dog bed with piping was a great way to get some practice. I found this helpful online tutorial on how to make your own and got off to a smooth start. In fact, I was surprised at how easy it was. I cut my bias, changed my foot to a zipper foot and started sewing away. Then the unthinkable happened! As I was feeding the fabric, my left index finger slid under the needle and it went straight through my nail, puncturing the skin. In a panic, I pulled my finger away with the needle still in it and secured onto the machine, so I split my nail and cut myself. I freaked and started crying. I called my husband because he always calms me down and knows what to do. There wasn't much blood and the cut was about a 1/4" so he told me to just bandage it up and I haven't looked at it since. Yes, I'm afraid of boo boos. Lol. My finger has survived another accident. (I think the same time last year I sliced the same one with an Xacto.) Lesson learned: Be careful when using a zipper foot.

I hope you have a safe and fun weekend. ;)

P.S. My husband found the plush heart card I made him later that day. He loved it and even asked if I could make it into a keychain! :D I probably won't with that one but I may make another into a magnet because I can't imagine him holding a keychain with a big red plush heart. Hehe.

Shout Out - Hideminy

I don't think it's a secret that I've been into white home decor items like this and this. So it's no wonder that when I came across Hidemi's laced porcelain series, I fell in love. :)

website: Hidemi Ceramics
shop: Hideminy
photos: Lovely Porcelain Lace Plate, Porcelain Lace Cup

Darling Moments: Mini Caught Red Handed

My salmon sushi plush for a client went missing yesterday. Luckily, while I was downloading photos from my camera, I found this picture. The suspect: Mini! ;)

A Plush Heart

Last Friday must have sparked something inside me after fixing my husband's umbrella case and tshirt because I went on and took care of the media display cabinet (will share once picture frames are filled) AND I made this card for my husband! :D

My sister, Kaori, sent me Doodle Stitching for my birthday and I had been itching to try the split stitch. So while Bruce was sleeping in my arms, I freehanded this heart design. It's not perfect but I'm learning as I go. :)

I sewed another fabric for the back and stuffed it before closing it off. Ultimately, I wanted scalloped edges but I don't have special scissors (if that's what people use)... Maybe even a printed fabric for the back would've been cute. I ended up just using the same fabric and cutting it out by following the outline.

I chose to hang the plush heart and voila, a handmade card! :) Okay, so I need to invest in a perfect circle cutter and work on my shaky handwriting but hopefully Brandon can look past the imperfections. It's a simple card perfect for Valentine's day but I think I'll be sneaking it into his work bag and have it be a pleasant surprise.

If you know where I can find scissors that would cut scalloped edges on thick fabric, please share! Tips on cutting out perfect circles would be great too. ;)

101 in 1001: #34 and #35 Sew Quiet

Hello Friday! :)

Today, I got out of bed earlier than usual wanting to tackle two really simple things off my 101 in 1001. This is highly unusual since I love laying in bed watching Bruce sleep until I fall back asleep. :P So I quietly sewed my husband's umbrella case and fixed his torn tshirt. I was excited to take a shot of his umbrella and share it with you (a silly ninja sword handled umbrella) but he had forgotten it at work. Of all the days! ;) Instead, I shot my umbrella with my lovely rain boots (both a gift from my bff) which were chilling at the front door from yesterday's rainy weather.

It feels so nice to cross things off a list! Definitely starts the day off in a good mood. I might just tackle more this weekend... Might! Hehe. Hope you have a good one!

Pear Pillow for Mila

personalized pear pillow for Mila

101 in 1001 Update

I finally came up with a list for numbers 81 through 90 for my 101 in 1001 project!

It had my husband's to-do list before:

81. Finish Steampunk scene.

82. FInish SciFi/Fantacy scene.

83. Finish Modern Scene.

84. Complete a game art competition.

85. Concept art environment.

86. Concept art character.

87. Concept art vehicle.

88. Complete a sketchbook.

89. Complete 5 3D sculpts.

90. Complete 3 characters.

Haha, who knows what those meant. ;) Just kidding. (He's a 3D artist.)

And now:

81. Learn different settings on the Nikon.

It's embarrassing to admit that I still don't know all the functions of my Nikon camera after how many years? Hopefully, by the end of this year, I'll know a little more.

82. Make custom designs on the embroidery machine.

Did you hear what was in that blue velvet bag near my Christmas tree? My husband bought me an embroidery machine for my birthday and I've only had a chance to play around with it once. I'll be teaching myself to learn how to use it right and use a software to create my own embroidered designs.

83. Place photos in all picture frames.

I have so many frames that are placed all over the house without pictures and the ones with photos haven't been changed out since... dare I say it, high school!

84. Organize media display cabinet.

Lately, I've been inspired by all these beautiful decor blogs and I've been wanting to make my media area a little nicer like this and this. I want to note that I've tried it a few times but for some reason I don't achieve a look as good as theirs. So I'll be working on that. :)

85. Make a memory quilt for Bruce.

I was browsing through Martha Stewart's site for inspiration and found this amazingly great idea on how to make a quilt out of the clothes that don't fit your little one anymore. What's even better is that most of Bruce's clothes have been gifts from family and friends so they'll be a part of the quilt too! *Super excited about this project.*

86. Handmade gift for Courtney.

87. Handmade gift for Veara.

88. Handmade gift for Sarah.

89. Handmade gift for Young.

90. Handmade gift for Sandra.

These 5 are from a Facebook post that I've committed to complete by the end of this year: "I'll send something I handmade to the first 5 people who comment on this update. You must in turn promise to repost this as your status, and do the same for your 5. The rules are that the work must be made by you personally and must be received by those 5 people in 2011."


Have you done this project or started it? If so, how'd it go for you? :) I really would like to know if people really finish as my list still seems daunting at this point!

WHAT News: Personalization Status

...or lack thereof.

I originally planned to make a big announcement saying, "I'm back in business, full swing, and I'm taking personalized orders!" with a huge smile and my arms wide open. Unfortunately, my plan will have to be put on hold.

My husband and I talked things over and because of his intensive work schedule at the moment, I'm unable to have enough hours to dedicate to custom orders. To be honest, I'm beyond bummed and even cried a bit... Okay, maybe a little more than a bit, but you get the point. We thought by the start of the new year, he would be back to his normal schedule so I was looking forward to coming back after such a long break. I miss being busy with orders, talking back and forth with customers, and all the creativity that surrounds me while I work. Extending this period was a difficult decision and I realize it's not best for My Dear Darling, but it's what's best for our family.

I apologize for the inconvenience to those who have contacted me in the last few months in hopes of getting a custom plush in January. I will be finishing the in-production orders that I've accepted so far but afterward, we shall wait.

In the midst of all this poopy news, I want to announce that I will be working on ready-made products and other deadline-free projects, personal and My Dear Darling related. Of course, these will be done in between Bruce's nap times so they'll get done little by little. ;) So here we go, one baby step at a time!

2011 Resolutions

lilies from my dear friends

I don't know about you, but I tend to make a huge list of resolutions every year in my head and I never think about it afterward. This year I'm typing it out on my blog so I have a record of it even though my list is very short and simple.

*Accomplishing most, if not all, of my 101 in 1001 list.

I have 600 some odd days to go and I'm not even half way there! An update is also necessary since it seems as though Brandon isn't participating. Any suggestions on what I need to add? ;)

*Being the best mom I can be.

I entered motherhood in the end of September so it's only been a few months but I'm looking forward to watching my little Brucie Bear grow. Nothing compares to the sheer joy your own offspring can give you. There's just no words to describe the mother-child bond. However, I'll admit that it's not an easy task. He's teaching me a lot about myself and I'm hoping to not only become a good mom but also a better person.

*Being a better wife.

Oh, my sweet sweet husband. He puts up with all my ups and downs and he treats me like a queen most of the time. :) I just want to put in that extra effort to let him know that I love him so dearly.

And there you have it. We'll see if I can accomplish these three things this year.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Where The Wild Things Are Penguin

Where The Wild Things Are Penguin

from E to her husband T

Did you guess right? Yup, this penguin got my #1 vote!

I took a good amount of time into this project to make sure I used the correct materials, as close to Max's costume as possible. What do you think, did I come close? ;)

Penguin Favorites of 2010

Happy New Year! I hope you're having a wonderful start to 2011! :D

Before I jump into this year's resolutions and such, today, I thought I'd share my favorite personalized penguins from 2010. I'm so thankful that I was able to work with so many wonderful people despite the fact that I wasn't able to take nearly half as many orders as 2009 due to my pregnancy and maternity leave. Thank you for your patience and for letting me create your custom penguins! I'm hoping this year, I'll be able to juggle motherhood and penguin orders as gracefully as possible. ;)

Here are my top 3 favorite personalized penguins of 2010:

#3: Pineapple Penguin

#2: French Penguin

#1: Surprise!

Am I evil or what? I'll be revealing my favorite personalized penguin tomorrow! ;) Can you guess what it is? Which has been your favorite?