Hello :: my name is Amy

20 little known, scintillating facts about moi. I may be confusing "scintillating" with "totally couldn't care less". It's easy to do. I did have a couple of glasses of boxed white zin before starting this thing. Please to enjoy.

My name is Amy. And I....

1. Am eternally optimistic.
2. Dislike spontaneity and find extreme comfort in routine -- and in people following through with doing things exactly like they said they would.
3. Try to be kind but don't always succeed.
4. Love tapioca pudding.
5. Am terrible about returning phone calls and never listen to my voicemails unless I HAVE to... but wish you could be a fly on the wall when I get your message because it made me so happy you called.



6. Am an only child with an only child.
7. Have dyed my hair green, blue, pink, black, purple and platinum blonde.
8. Love traveling pretty much anywhere and, a couple of years ago, drove around Mexico and Guatemala in a rented car. My husband locked the keys inside at a dicey border crossing -- I panicked but the locals took the window out in three minutes flat. Ingenuity.
9. Love reality shows.
10. Have a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and have always loved creative writing. I remember once, in college, a professor giving his students the choice between a take-home, open book test and writing a 10 page paper... I chose the paper without batting an eye.



11. Am a bit of a hermit, really. I might not ever leave my house if I didn't have to buy food, go to work and get my child out in the sunshine from time to time.
12. Love the movie 'Return of the Living Dead.' It's my hands-down favorite. As far as I'm concerned, Suicide is the most inspired character in modern cinema. The Dude could maybe steal that title, but I'm a sucker for the sentimentality of my youth.
13. Love to ride my pink bike all over town.
14. Did I mention I love tapioca pudding? I have a major sweet tooth and I could probably eat the entire box of Creamsicles before they hit the freezer. Especially the orange ones.
15. Am thankful for what I have. Even when what I have sucks a little.



16. Got a spider tattoo on my back when I was 17. No one asked me for ID. Maybe they should have.
17. Have a secret crush on Justin Timberlake. Oops.
18. Went to my first concert in 1988. Depeche Mode -- Music for the Masses at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. It's true. Now you know.
19. Used to be concerned about what others thought about me... but that was years ago when I was still contemplating becoming someone else.
20. Live in Orange with my my loving husband of many years, David, our not-so-red-headed-anymore son, Liam, and our senile 14-year-old dog, Mia. That's pretty much it.

Now would you stop trying to peep in my windows? Sheesh. It's creeping me out. Well, only a little.

What's on the {bookshelf}?

I started thumbing through this book last night -- even though there is something off-putting about the little girl's attitude on the cover, let's be honest. Besides the obvious 'don't hit to reinforce to your child not to hit,' I have always felt that my highly energetic, spirited little man needed a different sort of guidance in learning to do right. He's very sensitive and eager to make me happy... even as he's tearing around the living room or grinding his Play-doh into the rug. I need to use these things to my advantage.

I figured I would give the information in this book a whirl. It discusses alternative ways to handle frustrating situations with your toddler, the connection between using physical force and your child's decisions about using it later themselves, the need to instill a sense of right and wrong because they are intrinsically RIGHT and WRONG -- as opposed to only doing right to avoid punishment. So far so good. I'll let you know how it turns out... check back here in 20 years.

I {made} this :: Vol. 2

Well, here's the part where I get to show off my handsome little guy, Liam!



As he gets older, I'm sure I'm going to force him to be my model more and more... right now, he thinks it's play {or another joy of being an only child}, oh there's mama again with that camera, say cheese! I'll take what I can get because one day, he probably won't want to hang out with me at all! **sniff**



www.littlestinkerbaby.etsy.com

I {made} this :: Vol. 1

I'm turning a corner at Little Stinker and starting to make some new stuff. Repurposed felted hats, diaper and burp cloth sets and these new personalized custom felt banners - as well as the tees you've come to know and love. What saying would you like to see? Play? Grow? Shine? Dream? Smile? This one says "loved" {and I made it especially for my little boy Liam} but I can do almost any design in a myriad of colors and patterns. Perfect for a shower gift, for new parents, for a child's room... and this banner can really grow with a child as they get older without seeming too 'baby-ish.' More photos in my Etsy shop. Please to enjoy.
www.littlestinkerbaby.etsy.com

Show someone how much you really do {or don't} care!

I'm definitely getting one of these for my mom this Mother's Day. I need a drawerful of greeting cards so I'm ready for any occasion with no notice - I have, shall we say, not the best memory for events. And these are AWESOME. So me.
http://www.alternategreetings.com/cards.html

And the word for Monday is... :: Vol. 1

Last Christmas, a friend wrapped up and gave me a really old copy of Crabb's English Synonyms. I'm talking really old. Like practically falling apart and the binding's coming off old. Despite the condition of the book, it was one of the sweetest gifts I've ever gotten. This friend has indulged in numerous conversations with me about our mutual love of language and the history of words in general: where they come from, their roots, the languages that share similar sounding words. When I opened the package, I was really touched. It was a simple gesture, but heartfelt: she knew I would know why she gave it to me. Today I let fall open my copy of Crabb's English Synonyms and this is the word I found: GLORY.



Hmmm, how interesting. In this world of manufactured personas and social networking, blogs, non-stop advertising, everything web-enabled, tweets and self-promoting facebook fan pages {all of which I indulge in just like everyone else}, it's somehow telling that 'glory' would be the first word I would stumble upon. We all just want recognition, I guess, to be seen and heard, appreciated for our efforts. Maybe allowed to make others happy. Patted on the back for doing something well. But at some point do personal creative endeavors, accomplishments, thoughts, feelings, musing become less special because they are so easily shared - with a few thousand of our closest friends, rather than those that care the most about who we are personally? Like a friend who would give you an old, dog-eared copy of Crabb's English Synonyms for Christmas? Well. I digress. You can draw your own conclusions. I'm just the messenger.

They would put me in the zoo.. if they could see what I can do!

Aaw, a children's story by Robert Lopshire I loved especially well and remember reading over and over growing up... and now Liam and I read it together! We didn't see any bears with red, orange, green or violet spots but our day at the San Diego Zoo was still awesome.


My two boys. They're the reason I even bother, it's true. Liam was thrilled to see a real live elephant and even more thrilled that he got to see him eat. It's the little things when you're two.

Me and the little guy. Man, I love that kid.



Thanks, Liam, for reminding me to find joy in the small things, to slow down and enjoy my day, to giggle uncontrollably when something makes me happy. You have no idea how much I need that sometimes.

Crayola who?

Wow, these are awesome! So creative! This shop also features a space explorer set, planets and more! Looks like she accepts special orders, too - and the picture of her little one standing by a huge wheelbarrow of previously loved crayons is really cute :-) I want to buy these for Liam... but I won't even want him to use them! Maybe I need to buy a coloring book of my own... hmmm... therapeutic...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/chasedreams

Feature post :: Abbey's Boutique on Etsy

Well, isn't it a small world? Outside a coffee shop in my neighborhood this morning, I spied my friend Stacey holding a baby that was not her own and chatting with a young woman I'd never met before... said woman turned out to be fellow Etsian, Jennifer Johnson... and she's just opened Abbey's Boutique (named for her darling baby, the one Stacey was cuddling and possibly trying to run away with... she's really that cute) on Etsy! Her shop is brand spankin' new, so let's show her some love! Please check out her handmade goods for little girls: tutus, headbands, bows and more! I think this is my favorite item - the black beauty headband - but visit her shop to see more cute stuff! PS... this is just another reason I LOVE living in Orange... I swear I never leave the house without running into at least one person I know practically every time I go out! Makes me feel like a celebrity :-) Sadly, I'm pretty sure this is only in my mind. Ah well.
www.etsy.com/shop/abbeysboutique

February's halfway over, let's go fly a kite!

My husband has this thing for kites. I don't know if he flew them when he was little, loves the idea of being outdoors with them and that feeling of freedom and wide open spaces and fresh air or what. One year, for Christmas, he bought all of his five nephews kites - I live in Southern California so this isn't really as crazy as it sounds.

My husband's not a member of some dweeby kite-flying club or anything (sorry to anyone out there that is!)... he's just expressed an interest, said he thought it would be fun to spend an afternoon flying a kite. Even though I haven't seen a kite in his hand since that day in San Fran's Chinatown when we bought them for the family, I would have to agree.

When I saw this blog at Poppytalk, I thought immediately of my husband and our little two year old son. I can almost picture them at the park already, flying a kite high up in the bright blue sky. It seems like an almost forgotten way to have fun - so calming, so unhurried, so peaceful - and yet requiring so much skill to do it right. Take a look at this sweet post and how-to for making your own personalized kite. Is it summer yet?
Poppytalk :: I Made This for You, Vol.4

Crafty Mishmash: Quirky Valentine Idea #2: Monsters!

Love love love these Valentine's cards! For those of you that are familiar with my Little Stinker tees, can you say perfect for me??? This posting is only one of several adorably kitschy and crafty Valentine's cards ideas I'm finding today! Why did I not see these earlier? I will have to get started earlier next year... and I'm definitely keeping these in mind. There's a link to a full tutorial on how to make these here also! How nice! Crafty Mishmash: Quirky Valentine Idea #2: Monsters!

Little Mary Jane booties, what's not to love?

And they're on sale... so it's even better!

I've recently started considering making some new baby items - including felted hats and booties of the Mary Jane persuasion - working with my hands to create adorable little items for someone's itty bitty love of their life just feels so, well, satisfying and I'm finding myself wanting to branch out and diversify. I love the tees but I have other ideas buzzing around!

Mine's not a baby anymore and, since he's a boy he never wore anything close to these darling booties, but still... I couldn't help myself, I had to share. While perusing Etsy, I found these. So cute. Take a look. SHOP SALE Belle Booties The Dottie mary by thebelleandthebeau

Don't you just love repurposed goods?

I've got a few recycled/repurposed goods in the works now - but none are yet ready for their close-up. Soon. Until then, take a look at these handmade recycled projects hand-picked by Elizabeth Barrett of The Ruby Needle! Thanks for sharing!
Facebook | Elizabeth Barrett: Creative Crafts that Recycle

Book Review :: Big Ass Book of Crafts

Just got this one and I have to say... I really LOVE it!

Written by Mark Montano of TLC reality/makeover show fame (among other things) it is literally chock-full of cool ideas, projects and things you can make with your hot little hands. I think his background in teenage and young adult design really helps him impart a fun, whimsical aspect to his design ideas but they're not "teenage" in look so I'm continuously inspired by paging through books like this, both for my work on Little Stinker tees and around my home in general. They give me so many ideas that maybe don't directly relate to crafts or projects I'm working on or maybe I don't even necessarily LIKE the patterns or colors in the craft being featured... but it makes me go: "Hmmm, so THAT'S how you do that! That gives me an idea! Here are a few of my favorites:


Ok, I need to make these plates RIGHT NOW. Seriously, like, today. Super cool silhouette and calavera skull plates. Love them.



Little felt monsters. Always a hit and super easy to make too. Awesome.


I love making things like these fabric covered salt and pepper shakers. Just pick a fabric of your choice and voila! Transformation!


I've long been wanting to make some hanging light lanterns for my home. I love the way they look and they add so much character and ambiance. Plus, what's better than being able to say, "I made that!" This book also has several more light and lantern ideas... including a few using really surprising materials, like drinking straws and kitchen utensils.


A cute idea for repurposing scraps of fabrics. Lots of color and a way to add your own personal sense of style.


You can view more projects or purchase the book here, although I got mine at Barnes and Noble (go Christmas gift cards! Thanks, Mom!):
www.bigasscrafts.com

Yet another reason to stay in tonight...

As if I needed yet another reason - besides the fact that I've been at work all day after going to bed at 2:30 am and getting up with Liam at 7:45 **plus I'm pretty much a homebody anyway and I'm EXHAUSTED** - my DVR is packed with all the awesomely awful shows I love! Intervention, Hoarders, I Survived... all that's missing are my faves Mad Men, Breaking Bad and maybe an episode or two of The First 48. When are the new seasons starting anyway? I'm skidding into withdrawal people! And what's on Movies on Demand...? I'm not planning to crawl back into the light of day til noon tomorrow. Hooray for Sunday night, let's make an evening of it!

Cool stuff for cool kids by littlestinkerbaby on Etsy

Spring is in the air, the rain is finally clearing and - while I do love the stormy weather - that means new tees at Little Stinker! I've posted a few new designs featuring colorful butterflies for Spring!
I also posted a new retro-inspired, polka dot tee that I just LOVE. It's funny, often times I start a tee and I'm not sure how it will turn out... sometimes I like the final result, sometimes I have to start over... but this idea started taking shape in my head, I laid some fabrics out and figured out what I liked together and I'm really pleased with the result.
Hope you like my new tees too! Stop by my shop when you have a chance! Cool stuff for cool kids by littlestinkerbaby on Etsy

I *heart* the CRAFT kitchen

I love what Nicole Stevenson and the Craft Kitchen are doing, I feel really inspired by her commitment to the crafting community and her continual involvement in it. If you are in the Orange County/southern California area, check it out! Meet cool people, make cool stuff - it's a win-win!
the CRAFT kitchen

Cherry on Top Cupcake Shirt by littlestinkerbaby on Etsy

Another new design I posted on Etsy today... just in time for Valentine's Day! FYI I can easily swap a sweet little red heart for the cherry on top, just let me know! I also do version of this shirt with red polka dot fabric in place of the pink.Here's a link to the posting in my shop:
Cherry on Top Cupcake Shirt by littlestinkerbaby on Etsy

Lil Traveler Airstream shirt by littlestinkerbaby on Etsy

One of my new super cute styles! If The Dude had a kid, I'm pretty sure he would like this one. Wait, wasn't there a little Lebowski on the way? Click the link to visit my shop and see more photos of this adorable tee: Lil Traveler Airstream shirt by littlestinkerbaby on Etsy

5 things I'd rather do with my Sunday

Tomorrow is Sunday and I'm working, like most Sundays. **sigh**
But on a sunny January day in Southern California, there are so many other possibilities!

*I'd love to ride my pink bike all over town. Through the Circle, around Old Towne, maybe up through Hart Park... sounds like heaven...

*Work in my garden. It's becoming quite the weed patch and that's nice in it's own little way, overgrown and what not, but I would love to make it super colorful and filled with flowers and plants again! Not just a place to park above mentioned pink bike.


*Go have a beer with my hubby. Or maybe two. The pink bike comes into play here too. Seems that bike's quite a fixture in my existence.

*Make some more peanut butter cookies with my sweet little guy, Liam. He's my best buddy, he always makes me smile without even trying and he's the inspiration for all that I love in life.


*Work on my baby shirts! I feel so inspired and so on fire and life gets in the way of constant creation! Well, life and making cookies with above mentioned sweet little boy.

xoxo Amy

Feature post! Handmade monster book on Etsy!

Anything with monsters and I'm hooked! I looove monster stuff for kids (we need to get them started early liking all the cool stuff, right?) and this little book is really adorable! You can tell a lot of time went into it too.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37377292
Go monsters!

Phew, finally home from my **real** job. That is, waitressing. Little Stinker is really my first love and I wish it could help actually support me and the Coleman 3 collectively... but sadly, that's not to be. YET! It's funny how often I'm at work and I'm discussing wine or beer (my work has a fab-oo esoteric beer list) or specials or whatever and I'm thinking, hmmmm.... so could I do that skeleton shirt in fabric with little polka dots or plain white on black? That retro blue and brown fabric I just got would make an awesome octopus with lots of gangly arms on navy, wouldn't it? I want the airstream design to be the first in a series, should I do a pink cloud on it next time? Wonder if anyone notices. Maybe it just makes me seem more excited because I AM excited! Go Little Stinker!

...aaand sleep.

Got a couple of new items posted to Etsy just now and feel glad that I got that done. Couple little scoops of vanilla ice cream, watch the end of The Hangover on pay-per-view, brush my teeth, off to bed. Good night.

First post! Hooray!

Well, I woke up this morning feeling motivated. Really motivated. Ready to get a blog going and generally conquer the world, not the other way around! I have many things to feel really grateful for... and I feel like all the pieces of my life are falling into place nicely. It's true. Also a bit sappy, but that's ok!

I decided to start blogging in order to showcase some of my creative endeavors, especially via my Etsy shop at www.littlestinkerbaby.etsy.com, and to tell a bit of my story and flex that writing muscle that I once used so ferociously but is now frankly starting to atrophy. Having a two-year-old will seriously curb the time you have to yourself to indulge in your "process," writing or otherwise. But let's face it, without the boy, I would never have felt motivated to make baby tees and I wouldn't have Little Stinker!

So, I will blog away when I have time and hope that everyone here will enjoy what I have to say and check out my handmades from time to time... and I can ponder, consider and enjoy what everyone else has to say as well. Thanks for listening.
Must get the little one some apple juice. Duty calls.