special introductions

I want to introduce you to two very special people in my life who have recently just started a blog and their own Etsy shops. First, is my fabulous and very sweet daughter-in-law, Vanessa. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while will recall this post , where I poured my heart a week before the wedding--and then this post , of the big happy day. The story continues as I get to know my new "daughter" better and better. And let me just say, as each day passes, I am more and more thankful that she is a part of our family.  Please drop by her blog and say hello, then check out her Etsy shop that my daughter Hannah has collaborated with her on. Vanessa has been sewing up a storm and the results are wonderful!

Next, is my incredible friend Emily. I have known her for only a year now, but it was the kind of connection you don't experience too often when you meet new people. My husband and her husband had been friends for a few months before she and I actually met. For Easter last year we hosted a gathering for friends and family and I decided it was high time I met this elusive "Emily". When she walked through the door she spotted my sewing machine (which at the time was set up in the living room) and right away she asked, "Do you sew?" I replied quite excitedly, "Yes! Do you?!". Instant connection, not only because we shared a common hobby, but right from the start I knew we would have lots in common--and we really do. She lives just around the corner from me and if we're not spending time together in person, we talk on the phone pretty much everyday! Your jaw will drop at her amazing creations and talent. Just keep checking in with her blog and you'll know what I'm talking about. Her Etsy shop has some adorable journals and tissue holders that are priced to fly right out of there!

The photos in this post are of a birthday gift I made for Emily's youngest daughter who is turning 2. This is a numbers can, for lack of a more creative name. The fabric on the can has a rough, imperfect look. Not cut perfectly even, slight fraying here and there. I like the character. I think the pictures give you the idea of what it's all about. Serious counting may be a bit young for a 2 yr. old, but she'll grow into it. And, I think she will have loads of fun just dumping them out and then dropping them back in again. If you have kids, you know how much they love to dump things out!

I hope you will enjoy meeting Vanessa and Emily. They are some of the nicest people around :)

Comments

[melanie]

I love the "numbers can" and may steal your idea for a gift someday - I mean, really, what a great way to introduce a 2-year old girl to fabric! Oops - I mean numbers! :)

[Mama Urchin]

So cute. Tristan's favorite game is to put something in a cup and dump it out. Can't wait to check out the blogs.

[Chara Michele]

That numbers can is cute!

Going to check out Vanessa's & Emily's blogs right now:)

[VanessaAnn87]

thanks for writing such sweet things about me. i was just thinking the other day how when you get married, you are really marrying the whole family, and i think i found the best husband with the best family!
xoxo

[VanessaAnn87]

Hey mom this is Seth. I just wanted to say that you got a pretty bad ass blog. You have gotten pretty good at all your pics and every thing. ya thats all, just saying hi.
love ya mommy

[Tracy]

Love the numbers game--such a fun idea, and you've made it so pretty too! So nice to meet your friend and daughter-in-law through their wonderful blogs! Happy Days! :o)

[quenna]

Thank you for sharing -- it's wonderful to have a common bond through crafting!

Love the counting can -- I'm always looking for ideas to use fabric scraps.

[Felicia]

Both their shops are delightful. Thanks for sharing.

[neihgbor em]

hi toni, it's me! i figured out how to comment through my comment page, so here i am responding to your comment- it works! a very nice sarah p. gave me the hint. thanks!

[suzie sews]

Oh wow, great inspiration going on here. Thank you for the introductions and I am loving the tin what a great idea.
Suzie Sews

[Heels]

What a sweet, sweet entry (pleaseGod, may I be as lovely a mother in law to a daughter in law one day and may she be as lovely as yours) and what a wonderful birthday present for a 2 yr old.

My son turned 2 in February.

[victoria]

i just discovered your blog through flickr - i love the numbers in the can idea - darling. And yes they love to dump things out.
i would like to ask you what are the numbers made out of ? and where did you get the pic of the little girl with the umbrella?

your blog is darling -

http://i-think-im-an-artist.blogspot.com/

[Toni]

Hi Victoria~
The numbers are vinyl stickers I picked up from the office supply store and the the little girl is actually a cut from a piece of fabric I got over a year ago, so I'm not sure if it's still around.

[joy]

i have started a blog for kids crafts/games/stories.... and was wondering if I could use your number bucket as an entry, with a link to your blog?
I think it is such a fabulous idea

please swing by and look at my site
let me know what you think.

joy

[Andrea]

I completed my very first checkout at superbuzzy after being randomly linked there tonight (completely swept away with everything there - took me forever to pick out what to get) and was strolling through their gallery when I found the picture of your fabulous pincushions & Quite Time Totes. Just thought, as another random sparrow out there on the web I'd give a peep of admiration for everything you do! It was hard to pick which post to comment on - but these pictures had me captivated. I love every single piece of fabric you used.

[Robyn]

Hi, Toni! I have a quick question about this numbers can. I am doing something similar except using the metals tops from frozen juice cans and I'm struggling to think of the best thing to adhere the fabric. What did you use on the wooden one's? Do you think double-sided tape might hold? Any help you can give is great!

[jen]

I love your sweet numbers can. Where did you get the wooden "tokens"? How did you adhere the fabric, just craft glue? I would love to make one for my dear daughter who is 2. Thanks, Jen
Jenrdh29@yahoo.com