Very Merry Crafty Christmas!

When you work you are a flute through whose

heart the whispering of the hours turns to music.

... And what is it to work with love? It is to

weave the cloth with threads drawn from your

heart, even as if your beloved were to wear that

cloth....

--- Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

The Handmade Marketplace

OMG... I am getting it done!

So much sewing! But I am loving it!!! My life is like a symphony right now. So many moving parts that correlate and connects with everything. Sometimes my life's concert plays happy sounds, loving songs, songs of wonderment, songs that move me way-to-fast, and songs that make me say WTF!  I can go on an on of all the emotions that God has orchestrated in my life. He has arranged / scored a life concert that is just for me and I am so very thankful for this.  I saw some stickers in one of my favorite craft stores that said,

"Inspired by Life *** Created by Hand"

I am just in love with this statement because one of a kind items are gifts for the heart and soul. On this blogging journey I have come into contact  with quite a few crafters and women that have such passion for the arts... This is a part of the fuel that keeps me driving this EliAndTheKids BUS!

 

Here are some of the items that I have been working on in addition to the items that have gone out to some very cute stores owned by women.  

 

Praying and I do hope that everyone have a healthy and safe Thankful Day!

EliAndTheKids NOW in Stores!

You can now find your favorite

merchandise at…

 

Tendrils and Curls & Kid to Kid

Houston, TX

 

Here are some of the newer items you will find at these locations!

Every little girls needs their very own Z Doll Chalkboard Garment Bag!

 Thank you!

Loving Out and With

 

Malia is from a predominately African American neighborhood called "Tittusville", in Birmingham, Alabama. Her neighborhood was one of the first in the city populated by African American "home-owners". The majority of the women were either teachers (like her mother), nurses, or housewives, and the men were doctors, lawyers, or laborers (like her father) at the utility companies or steel mills.


Malia is passionate about life! She enjoys nature, but not to the extent that she would permanently give up the comforts of city living. Although she has no political aspirations, she also believe in being socially responsible, giving, and making a difference in her community.


Malia is inspired by excellence and diversity. When she experience excellence in any form, i.e., a beautiful floral arrangement, a delicious meal, or a musical performance, she finds herself motivated to do something creative. She begins to think outside of the box about something she can do or write. She respond to diversity, because she enjoy variety; trying different flavors, shades, notes, words, and combinations.

 

I met Malia on a prayer line conference call about a month ago and I am really excited about her gift and her love for words and the way she wants to share her meditations with the world. After having a one on one conversation with Malia I am inspired by her courage to step out and start her own Publishing Company and to publish her first book,
"Reigning WORD." 

As stated in the Forward of her book… "The life-altering meditations are both simple and profound. These relatable and timeless concepts all point toward healing, restoration, deliverance and a resulting overwhelming peace." I recommend this book!
Available at Amozon.com

 

Only 24 More Facebook like to go!!!

Linking - up Blogs on a Thursday

Enjoy!

Happy Thursday! Welcome to Lovely Thursday: The Link-Up! This link-up creates the opportunity to connect with other bloggers, discover new blogs, and make new friends! So link up your blog or anything else you find lovely. Share your family, fashion, food, crafts, or anything that you love this week. 

Now meet these lovely bloggers, the co-hosts for the week: Click on their picture to visit their blogs.

Lovely Thursday: The Link-Up

+ Follow your host and co-hosts.  Or you can just simply visit their blogs and say hi!  Feel free to leave a comment introducing yourself.

+ Go visit other blogs that linked up and say hi!

+ Tweet about this Link-up. Help spread the word! Tweet + Grab the Button.

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Link up your Blog Now!
Interested in co-hosting?  Visit herandnicole.com and look on the sidebar under "H&N News & Updates" for more information!

Creating Your Own "Beautiful" and "Easy"

 

Make it personal.

Here are some pictures of my daughter’s Art / Afro Puff handmade birthday party! This was her vision and my husband and I had to make it happen. Positive images are so needed right now in this age of social media and reality TV. 

She had hands on with all set up and decorations. 



My beautiful niece creating her masterpiece!

And we had a blast! On to the next project.

Bring the heart of your art to life!

Bring the heart of your art to life! I have been reading/skimming through several books lately and I’ve found so much comfort and relatable topics with them all. But in everything I have to tailor the information and all the advice to fit my family and to fit what makes me comfortable to move forward.  This past week we have just decided to have a party for our youngest little person. And with me being me!!!!!! My mind starts to move a million times two. But, I pull back and take in all that I have been learning about passion, family and the Art of Living a happy life... I decide to ask the birthday girl, “What would you like to do for your birthday party?” BIG step for me… lol.  She says that she wants an ART Party and for everyone to just do art ALL DAY! WOW… I love this child.  

 

While reading the book, The Handmade Marketplace, I came across page 16 that talks about building a nurturing space. This part of the book speaks about, Welcoming Inspiration, “A walk in the woods can refresh your mind and body and spirit, and the path you take can lead not just your feet somewhere new but your mind as well.” I am not surprised that the birthday girl wants an art party… little people have inspirational desires too. So, we will have an art party where everyone will do art all day long! My only catch was that she had to help make the decorations! She was all in for this part.

 

 

 Enjoy some planning and prepping pics.



 

 

 I am really proud of her for wanting to

make this party not just about her.

She really wants everyone to be happy!

Finished pictures will

be coming soon!

 

 

 

 

 



Sew-Ology

Girl Power

I want to give a BIG Thank you to Crystal Beckman (CleverFoxCreations) on Etsy for adding the Z Doll to her “Treasury List” titled Kick Butt Girls! All of the items that she featured are awesome, unique and nontraditional kick butt toys for girls. To be a girl in this world it often takes a healthy dose of COURAGE and a giant leap of faith. Encourage your girls today to be creative and to be a warrior!

Love Me... Sew Me

 

Run with Your Heart and Not With Your Legs! This is a new Z Doll available that has been swimming around in my mind that's named, "Red Blue Me."  Then I came across this beautiful dress by Stella Jean RTW Spring 2014.

How fabulous is this piece.

Because this blog is about sewing, creating, really doing what ever makes your heart do a triple beat. For me it just happens to be sewing but for you, if there is something that gives you inspiration... Make It! It could be a painting, you might want to write a book, produce greeting cards, or just redecorate your dining room. Don't be afraid!

 

 

Stella Jean RTW Spring 2014

 

 

Dior-Couture-Fall-2013-13

 

1. Dior Haute Couture Fall 2013 Collection / 2. Stella Jean RTW Spring 2014 /

3. Stella Jean RTW Spring 2014 Slideshow / 4. Stella Jean RTW Spring 2014 Slideshow

 Run with Your Heart and Not With Your Legs!