PROJECT: craft - Spring Edition.

Lovely Lindsay and I have been scheming these past few weeks. There have been "official" PROJECT: craft meetings in Starbucks with free WiFi, baby Charlie, blueberry scones and caramel apple spice. We've exchanged late night texts, sharing ideas and brewing up awesomeness for PROJECT: craft-Spring Edition. If you missed it last time, here are a few posts to get you caught up:

-We made tickets and sent them to each attendee.
-There were cute craft kits.
-Everyone wore name tags.
-And the Big Night went off without a hitch!

Greenies (the sweetest organics + bike shop around) is opening their doors once again for us and we couldn't be more thrilled. Buy your tickets quick, dears. Space is limited and we wouldn't want you to miss out!

Tickets for the March 26th PROJECT: craft go on sale today and are available here.

This very moment. . .

I'm still thinking about the gorgeous light that was streaming through my bathroom window this morning. 

It was so pretty, I snapped a picture to share with you.

There is laughing and screaming coming from the basement. I'm ignoring it. I haven't heard any crying yet, so that's a good sign. (I think.)

The fireplace is roaring and warming the cozy brick house. The weather's been cold these past few days and it's making me all the more anxious for Spring.

4 of the 5 children have runny noses and scratchy throats. Any bets on how much sleep I'll get tonight?

I searched for rugs today online. 

Two questions. 

Question one: Why are rugs so expensive?

 Question two: Where is your favorite place to shop for rugs?

I'd really love some help.

Happy Weekend, friends. 

I hope you're managing to stay warm + healthy.

Two feats this time of year, for sure.

Hello, Garnish.

Remember when I hosted Lindsay's Woodland baby shower in my backyard? One of the resources for that fun night was Garnish, a site full of packaging goodies. Everything in their shop makes my packaging loving heart beat faster. They have all kinds of treats to make your parties, events, and gift giving a little prettier. I'm thrilled to now have Garnish as a sponsor!

Garnish is currently hosting a fun series on their blog titled "Random Acts of Garnish".  In this series, they've designed a bunch of printable labels and are showing you easy ways to use their packaging to brighten someones day. They're even offering a discount code to you if would like to participate in spreading the Garnish love. You can find more about Random Acts of Garnish here.

I've got a couple of parties in the works and I'm already making my list of things to purchase. This, this, and this, are on the list for sure.

If you have a shop that you think would be a good fit for Dandee and are interested in sponsorship, I'd love to hear from you! Email me at dandeedesigns@gmail.com for more information.

Spring In A Can Giveaway.

Sweet Michelle is giving away A Spring In A Can today on her blog. Hop on over and enter!

I'd love to send you a little spring time happy mail.

A Family Hike.

Yesterday was sunny and this time of the year a sunny day is something to be enjoyed. Especially since the forecast is calling for snow on Thursday. It was decided (by the children) that we would brave the 55 degree day and get some much needed Vitamin D.

At the end of the hike, we had pink noses and fingers but only had one fall so I'm calling it a success. And holding hands with this sweet girl most of the way? That was the best part.

p.s. The shop is open!

Dandee Shop.

Happy Presidents Day, dears! What are you up to today? I spent a little time this morning taking some pictures of a few new items for the shop + wanted to pop in and share this image with you. It's a little teaser of what's to come in my etsy shop update tomorrow!

Are you ready for some spring-y goodness?

Me too.

I Lovely, Love My Family.

Every so often I come across a blog that I instantly fall in love with. That happened this winter when I followed a Pinterest link to Mer Mag. Mer Mag is written by sweet Merrilee. An artist and mother who enables wonderful creative adventures for her children and easily inspires me with every post.

On Monday, Merrilee wrote about selling her Lovely, Love My Family prints (inspired by the Yo Gabba Gabba song performed by The Roots) to benefit the Schultz family. You see, the Schultz's have three sons and a darling daughter named Davy. Their little Davy was born with a cleft lip + palate, congenital heart defects along with several other conditions. The funds raised in purchasing the Lovely, Love My Family prints all go to help care for Davy. 

Please read Merrilee's touching post about the Lovely, Love My Family prints and darling Davy here.

Buy your Lovely, Love prints here. (And be quick! Merrilee's buy one, get one offer expires tonight!)

I had such a hard time choosing which color print to order, I ended up getting two. The yellow and the black. I will be daydreaming all weekend of where to hang them. Happy Friday, dears.

Fabric Covered Mousepad.

The only thing on my to-do list today besides making something other than whole wheat pancakes for dinner and folding the biggest laundry pile you've ever seen (not kidding) was to re-cover my sad, sad mousepad.

A couple of years ago I shared this fabric covered mousepad tutorial and since then that pretty fabric has been written on with permanent marker (Audrey), coated in lipstick (Oliver), and was looking rather dingy.

I chose this dotted green fabric from my stash as the replacement. It's one of my favorite fabrics. The green is so cheery and was just the pick-me-up splash of color I needed today.

Maybe your mousepad needs a makeover too?

Inspired By:

Maps.

in the air,

inside envelopes,

and on the walls.

I can't stop thinking about maps. The colors, the typography. . . all so lovely.

Question.

What do you do when the sun is shining?

This very moment. . .

My desk is covered in Valentines. Some from Rifle Paper Co. and some from my own brain. The "hearts stitched together" card was made from scraps I had in my stash, Marta's Hanging Hearts Template, pretty textured paper + a little heat n' bond. I used Abby's Hello Kitty sewing machine to do the stitching because my poor machine is sick. In all honesty, hers works better than mine anyway. It's cuter too.

I plan on writing out notes to those I love all weekend.

Ryan is hobbling around the cozy brick house like an 80 year old man. He tweaked his back at the gym and has literally rolled himself out of bed the past two mornings. 

Easton was commissioned by the girls in his class to create a photo booth backdrop for their class party on Monday. He's already drawn it out and just has the painting left. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the completed project. It's really sweet.

I have brownies baking in the oven. They will be cut into large hearts and taken to a party in just a few short hours. They smell like heaven.

Happy Weekend, dears.

I hope someone gives you a heart shaped brownie (or sugar cookie) to snack on.

You've earned it.

Bookmark Valentines.

While browsing Pinterest, I came across this sweet image and knew instantly it was the perfect inspiration for Abby's valentines. Abby's turned into quite the bookworm this year and I can't think of a more perfect valentine for her to give to her classmates.

To make these little sweeties, I used the die cut machine at my local craft store to get the crisp felt key shapes. Then, Abby helped me hot glue a gold paperclip between two keys. After adding the Martha Stewart sewn heart and bakers twine, we designed the card with a note and space for Abby to sign her name. She's so excited to hand them out on Monday. Last night I caught her thumbing through the pile of keys before dinner. She was studying each one, just like I do when I'm really in love with something.

The Story of Sam.

Friends, I have received quite a few emails requesting more information on our new puppy, Sam. You've wanted to know how we decided to get him, how we chose his name, who loves him most, and how we introduced him to the children. Here is the Story of Sam:

How we decided to get a dog: The children (and Ryan) have been asking for a dog for a couple of years. I've resisted. I grew up in a home with a dog and I knew how much attention pets need and deserve. I was starting to show signs of weakness on the subject (humoring the family by looking at puppies here + there on the web, in pet shops and at animal shelters) but nothing serious. Just looking.

A couple of months ago on a fateful morning Ryan made a promise to Easton. After a few goal-less soccer games my oldest boy was feeling discouraged. He needed a good pep talk. Ryan thought a good bribe would help too. So, he promised Easton if he made a goal at that morning's game we would get a dog. And guess what? 10 minutes into the game Easton scored his first goal during game play ever. Ryan and I were so proud. And when we realized what was next, a little scared. Our search for Sam began almost immediately. It took a couple months, but when we came across this sweet golden lab pup we knew he was our guy.

His name + introduction to the children: After the children were snug in bed Christmas Eve, Ryan snuck out to pick up our dog. We decided to have him named before the children had a chance to pick something obnoxious and thought Sam was a simple + sweet choice.

Christmas morning when the children made their way into the living room they were greeted by Sam. He had spent the night sleeping under the tree in his crate and was wearing a bright red collar. You can imagine the scene. To say they were happy + excited would be an understatement. He is our favorite Christmas gift. Ever.

Who loves him most: Sam has now been with us for a month and a half and we can't imagine life without him. Ryan has been training him diligently and I may be a bit biased, but I'm sure Sam is the smartest pup out there. He has managed to turn my skeptical heart into complete mush. But who loves him most? That would be our youngest babe. The second I pull Oliver from his crib every morning he asks, "Where's Sam?" with his adorable Boston accent. The two are pretty much inseparable from dawn until dusk.

What about you? Do you have a family dog? I would love to hear any tips you'd like to share!

Magnifying Glass Valentines.

Owen's in Kindergarten this year which means every school holiday party is a BIG DEAL. The children get so pumped to exchange notes (and treats) with their classmates. I decided to not contribute to the sugar on Valentine's Day. Instead, I found these miniature magnifying glasses at the party supply store.

I attached the magnifying glasses to a card I designed, being sure to leave a space at the bottom for Owen to practice writing his name.

Because I love you dears so much, I'm offering up the Magnifying Glass Valentine as well as the  Glasses Valentine (pictured above) as a free download. Download the printable PDF right here.

p.s. how cute does Owen look in those glasses? They were tucked in my goodie bag from the Kate Spade/Girls With Glasses party at Alt and he's been wearing them ever since.

p.p.s. you can find last year's Valentines ideas here:
Have A Ball Valentines
Cell Phone Valentines
Friendship Bracelet Valentines

Inspired By:

Love.

Today, I am especially loving these clever cupid kits,

and simple heart jewelry.

Just the sort of inspiration I needed to finish up our Valentines.

Mix CD Valentines.

Easton requested "awesome" valentines this year. He's in fifth grade and "cute" wasn't going to cut it. I came up with a Mix CD design and am sharing the free downloadable PDF on Design Mom today. I would love it if you headed over and took a peek.

Happy Friday, Friends!

Swoon.

I was thrilled to meet Randi at PROJECT: craft last year. She was warm + friendly and I was so happy she came. Recently, I stumbled upon Randi's cute blog Swoon and received a little happy mail just for leaving a comment. How kind, right? I am always impressed and inspired by nice bloggers and Randi's about as nice as they come.

Today, Randi's offering up a little valentine giveaway to her readers. Join me in entering?

Passionista Presents: The Lower Lights.

Did you hear? Marilyn is bringing the The Lower Lights to the Northwest + I can hardly wait to see them perform. Their lovely album is on constant  rotation at the cozy brick house. It's spiritual + soothing + organic. It has made an impression on my soul and there's no denying the love that went in to every track. If you aren't familiar with The Lower Lights, please listen to a few tracks from their album here. You will love it, I promise.

If you're local (Tri-Cities WA) purchase tickets to see The Lower Lights perform live right here. If you're not local, maybe it's time for a road trip?

Incredible concert poster artwork by Jed Wells.

Hello, Funky Vintage Kitchen + A Giveaway.

The winner of the 6 month subscription to the Pretty Little Lovelies Club is:

Congratulations, Karen! You will be contacted by April shortly.

April from Funky Vintage Kitchen fame has a knack for vintage finds + handmade embellishments. Her shop is full of jewelry pieces that add just the right amount of interest and charm to an outfit. Not to mention the cake plates, aprons + pillows that would brighten up any home.

You know what I really love about April? She understands the importance of sweet packaging. April has just announced a fun addition to her shop called the "Pretty Little Lovelies Club".  The Pretty Little Lovelies Club subscription gets you a little package from Funky Vintage Kitchen- delivered to your door for 6 months.

Today, April is giving away a 6 month membership in her exclusive club to one of you. Good luck!

Giveaway Guidelines:
-Make one comment on this post to enter.
-Giveaway closes Friday, February 4th at midnight.
-Winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Monday February 7th at the top of this post.

Can't wait until next week to get your hands on April's goods? Simply enter DANDEE15 at checkout and enjoy 15% off your order from Funky Vintage Kitchen.

Dears, it's no secret how much I adore handmade. I know that pull to create all too well and have an appreciation for craftspeople that follow those same yearnings to bring beautiful things to our world. If you have an Etsy or Big Cartel shop that you think would be a good fit for Dandee and are interested in sponsorship, I'd love to hear from you! Email me at dandeedesigns@gmail.com for more information.