Sweet & Sinister, Part One

I had such a blast putting together a Halloween package for Michele, my partner in Kari's Sweet & Sinister Swap!!! I met Michele a few years ago when she signed up for one of my swaps, and got to meet her in person last year at Silver Bella. She is a fabulous artist, and one of the sweetest people I have ever met!

I made her this owl on a pedestal. I really loved how it turned out, but was biting my nails for 3 days that it would arrive to her in one piece!!! What was I thinking with all that glass!?!?!? In the end, it did arrive safe and sound! Phew.


This was definitely one of my most favorite things I've ever made! I love these little owls. They were a vintage find and I only have a few left. (Sorry about the glare in the photos!)


I also made her this necklace using recycled vintage beads and an old brooch. I had originally made it in black beads, but then I thought that she could maybe wear it to the Vintage Prom this year at Silver Bella, so I switched the beads to the pearls.


A close-up of the necklace.


Here is most of the loot that I sent her. I also added a paper flower kit and some Halloween cookie cutters, and some art supplies.


Don' you just love this plate?!?!? I got it at Homegoods! They also had dinner plates, bowls, and mugs. I may need to go back and get myself a set for Halloween!

Along came a spider

Isn't she beautiful??? Lisa from One Star Away made her for me. I am a huge fan of her work, and was thrilled to add this fantastic spider to my collection. She has lots of lovely things in her etsy shop... definitely worth a visit!!! I can't wait to see what she'll be doing for Christmas!

And these glittery spider web ornaments are the project that I designed for Kari's Sweet and Sinister Blog. Kari has done an amazing job with putting together this blog full of projects and giveaways from some incredibly talented artists. Thanks so much for including me, Kari!!! :)

Tomorrow I'll share the goodies that I made for the Sweet & Sinister Swap. I had soooo much fun with this swap... and such a wonderful partner!!!

Eeek! A mouse!

Wait! Don't be scared! This mouse is super-sweet!
The AMAZING Amy Powers at Inspire Co. has created a fun and fabulous project using the small paper mache eggs boxes that I carry at Speckled Egg. You can click here to see the tutorial. If you have never visited Amy's blog (which I seriously doubt!), you are in for a treat! Go grab a latte and explore her archives!!! She creates a virtual magazine every few weeks that features the stories and work of fabulous artists and presents some of the best and most creative tutorials that I have ever seen. And she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met!

Edit: The small paper mache eggs have already sold out! More should be arriving early next week.

(Above photo by Amy Powers)

The week of parties...

Saturday AM-Attended a beautiful bridal shower at a cute country restaurant.

Saturday PM - My best friend planned a Cuban themed birthday for her husband. Cuban quartet, mojitos, empanadas, chocolate cigars. Fantastic.

Sunday- A super fun birthday party for my Little One. We celebrated at a local apple orchard with 5 of her friends. Hay rides, apple picking, pumpkin decorating, fun presents, running in the field, yummy cupcakes.

Monday - Sick day. Too many cupcakes.

Wednesday - My husband's birthday. Steaks on the grill with the neighbors. Trying to keep the big surprise party that is in a few weeks a secret.


Thursday - Dinner with friends. Still trying to keep the surprise party a secret.

Saturday - Finish preparations for the Little One's party on Sunday.

Sunday - My Little One's big birthday party with our families. The theme is (in her own words) "Fairies & Pirates, but not Peter Pan".

Monday - Her actual birthday. She wants to go here for lunch.

Tuesday - Breathe.


Photos: The "birthday girl" clipboard was made by my sweet friend Melissa!!! I adore this!!! She made a bunch of vintage inspired word cards to go with it, so I can swap them around. Sooo cute!!! She is selling a few in her etsy shop!

The other two photos show the completed project from the Birthday Tag Book Swap that I hosted. This swap was a so much fun. Everyone did such beautiful work!