A Christmas Gift to You, My Friends . . .

Okay, so this is reallly, really going to be my last post for 2008. :)

I was in the process of closing up my Etsy shop for the holidays, and I just felt I wanted to do one last thing this year to show my sincerest gratitude to all of you.

I feel so indebted for all the support you show me here at my blog and at my shop.

I appreciate each and every one of you.

Thank you for helping to make 2008 such a wonderful year for me.

So here's another cupcake giveaway to show how very thankful I am. I pulled this little guy out of my shop in hopes of finding him a new home for the new year.

Will you please take him in?

Leave a comment and I will choose his new owner at random from the comment pool, which I will announce in my very first post after the new year.

Take care everyone!

See you in 2009!!!!

Happy Holidays to You!!!

Aloha friends,

This is a super early holiday greeting because I think this may be my last post until after the New Year. My schedule is packed solid this entire month so I will pretty much be M.I.A here.

I just wanted to wish all my dear readers a wonderful holiday season.

Happy Holidays! Take care! I'll see you all in 2009!

Hugs to you all,
R.

P.S. -- These cupcakes will be the last items going up in my shop. Toodles!


P.P.S. -- I was given the Kreativ Blogger Award by Milkberry. Thank you so much, Milkberry!

In return for receiving this award, I have to name three things that I love. Here they are:

1. I just adore my friends and family.
2. I find the combination of chocolate and peanut butter absolutely irresistible.
3. I live for that feeling of coming up with a great, new idea . . . that sort of light bulb sensation in my head that gets me all excited. It's the best high. :)

Cuteness Therapy

Are you stressed, worried, or suffering from anxiety?

Can't afford expensive therapy to help you cope?

Well, do what I do. Watch cute animal videos.

Dancing Walrus

Fat Cat vs. Little Box

Sleeping Hamster


Don't you feel a little better now? :)

A Holiday Gift Guide

So Christmas is looming ever closer and for those of you who need a few gift ideas . . . boy, have I got some! I'm constantly discovering wonderful shops at Etsy and here are just a few that carry some amazing creations that are perfect for holiday gift giving.

Florspace

"Where fuction meets cute . . . " is Florspace's motto and I absolutely agree. Lyn specializes in wallets, purses, and bags cut from the latest kawaii fabrics. I am especially swooning over her Cube and Carte Wallets -- I just love how compact they are, yet they carry all the basics. There's really something for everyone in her shop, but I think teens and kawaii lovers would find her creations especially hard to resist.

SugarElf

Can you believe these lovely little pieces of art are actually pincushions? Christine makes each one herself and the above are just a mere sampling of the types of pincushions she creates. They would brighten up any sewing room and would be the perfect gift for the crafter in your life. Do check out her shop for even more cuteness in the form of ornaments, coasters, and stuffed toys.

Nut and Bee

I just adore Nut and Bee's cute and clever illustrations! Annette has both an etsy shop and her very own web shop, where each illustration can be made into buttons, rubber stamps, notepads, stickers and art prints just to name a few. In fact, I just ordered one of her art prints and I'm dying to receive it! Great gifts for an animal lover!

The Craft Pantry

Now if you know someone on the more practical or earth conscious side, check out the totes at The Craft Pantry. Cammie creates all the designs herself -- from modern to retro, from whimsical to realistic. She can even personalize a tote for you! The Craft Pantry has a wide range of tote styles to choose from. I especially like the fact that all of her bags are eco friendly -- they are either organic or made of hemp or from recycled materials.

Now get ready to shop! :)

Bashful Blooming Cacti and Two Scholarly Little Owls

In the Sept/Oct issue of Crochet Today! I saw this:

Well, I gave it a go all the while adding the Willy-Nilly Waterlily touch to it. Here's what I came up with:

I freehanded these little gals and spruced them up with lots of flowers. With their downcast eyes, rosy cheeks, and head full of blossoms, I christened them the Bashful Blooming Cacti. They stand about 6 inches tall including the mini terra cotta pot. I think one of these girls would pretty up a desk quite nicely.

Here's a top view.

I also made two Scholarly Little Owls. These little guys are a little more elaborate than my usual owls. They are made with a tweedy fabric for their tummy, wings and tail; and then a faux tooled leather fabric for their head and back. Their gold monocle adds to their distinguished and intellectual look.

If you're interested in any of these Bashful Blooming Cacti or Scholarly Little Owls they will be in my shop starting this Friday.

So lately I've been thinking about tags. My softies need nice little tags. I've been searching high and low for places that print glossy custom tags. And then it occurred to me -- I should make them myself! And I don't mean print them out from my computer, but actually making them individually by hand. I guess I got so caught up with my spiffy, new MOO MiniCards and how professional they look that for a moment I forgot the fun and simplicity of making things yourself . . . all the way down to the tiniest detail.

Well, here are my handmade tags. They're just simple watercolor doodles and my handwriting. It's not the most professional looking, but it's definitely a lot more personal feeling. Not to mention less expensive! :)

Well, that's all the news for now. I must run along as there is so much more crafting to be done and so little time.

Talk to you all soon!

Apple Cheeked Ami Bunnies, A Blythe Sale, MOO, and Let' Go Make History

Hello friends!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! I imagine most of you are gearing up for the big night. So what manner of costume will you be roaming this ghoulishly dark night in?

As for my costume, I'm going as The Boring Crafty Girl Huddled in Her Room When She Should Really Be Socializing With Others. It's the same one I wore last year.

So here's what I've been up to:

I've finally finished this trio of Apple Cheeked Ami Bunnies.

Here they are wearing the other side of their reversible dresses

And a view of their fluffy pompom tails.

To those who may be interested, these three little bunnies will be listed in my shop this Sunday.

In other Etsy news, I would like to empty out my shop before it closes for the holidays. Therefore, I'm having a special on all Blythe dresses. They are now all 10% off and they'll still come with all these lovely freebies. Please take a peek! Perhaps you'll see something you like :)

Oh, I just received some very happy mail! My MOO MiniCards finally arrived all the way from England and I absolutely love how they came out. I'll be using these as promo cards for my shop. I must thank my fellow blogger, Berrysprite, for giving me the heads up on MOO -- Thank you, Berrysprite!:)

Now on a more serious note . . .

Lately, I've been glued to the news channels, watching poll after poll and listening to pundit after pundit. Tuesday is a big day for my country -- Election Day. They say that this election will be the most important in my lifetime. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to play even the most minute part in history. I'm dying for my voice to be heard. My fellow Americans, make sure your voices are heard, too.

Vote.

Some Etsy Shop News: A Couple More Cupcakes and Some Freebies

First of all, I want to thank everyone who purchased items from my shop. I appreciate it so much!

My Happy Swirly Cupcakes sold out fairly quickly and I've had some inquiries about when I will churn out more. Well, I've done just that. :) Here's three more, including my very first chocolate cupcake. I'll be listing them in my shop on Thursday if anyone is interested.

Here's a view of the cupcake tops.

I think these will be the last cupcakes for awhile. I'm going to turn my attention to some amigurumi bunnies now.


I enjoy giving freebies as much as I enjoy getting them, so here's two freebies going on in my shop at the moment:

1. If you purchase any Blythe item, you'll get a pair of these super cute candy barrettes. They are 3/4 in. long, the perfect size for your Blythe. I'll choose a color for you at random.

2. If you purchase any two items in my shop you'll get an official Sanrio Hello Kitty Hawaii keychain and large sticker. I'll randomly choose these for you, too.

And yes, if you buy two Blythe dresses you will get two pairs of candy barettes and the keychain and sticker altogether! :)

Well, that's all the news for now. My crafting room calls . . .

Talk to you all soon!

A Quick Break from Crafting Madness

During my ongoing crafting blitz, I have moments where I must put the crochet hook down and take a breather. That's when I go outside and enjoy the sunshine with some friends of mine.

I don't know where they came from. One day they were just there in my garage -- stray cats. That was months ago. I have been feeding them ever since. I enjoy just sitting down, sipping a soda, and watching their silliness. Have you ever seen a cat stalk a gecko? If not, you really must. Oh, and don't worry -- the gecko got away.

Anyway, let me introduce you.

Please meet Gray Tabby.

This is The Lazy One.

And this is Ninja Kitty.

Last, but not least this ornery old cat is Up Ear/ Down Ear.

I am wonderfully original with names, aren't I?

I will probably name my first child Wrinkly Pink Wiggly Thing.

So what creatures wander around your home?

No More Sad, Empty Etsy Shop: BIG Update!

Aloha friends!

I have finally decided to dust the cobwebs off of my woefully neglected Etsy shop. These past few weeks I have been working diligently on Blythe dresses and softies galore to fill up its empty shelves.

I went to town and whipped up more of my apron dresses. I rummaged through my fabric stash and picked out a variety of sweet prints from kawaii animals to florals. Here's a peek:

1. Kawaii Flowers
2. Kawaii Owls

3. Circus Elephants

4. Happy Strawberries

5. Cottage in the Woods

6. Musical Pigs

7. Retro Daisies (I adore this one because it is made from vintage 70's fabric that's sprinkled with fuzzy flocked daisies)
8. Aloha!

9. Petites Fleurs

I also made some Aloha Dresses in great retro and modern prints:

1. Pink and Orange Retro Floral
2. Green and Pink Retro Floral

3. Purple and Blue Retro Floral

4. Aloha!
5. Surfer Girl

And now for the softies!

Here's a trio of Thoughtful Little Owls.

I am delighted to introduce the Happy Swirly Cupcakes! I've been working on a new cupcake design that was yummier than my original and I really like how it came out. They aren't just sweet to look at, either. They're functional, too! Each Happy Swirly Cupcake will come with a removal plastic pick, which can hold amorous messages, reminder notes, and even photographs.

Here's a shot of the cupcake tops.

Continuing with the theme of sugary sweetness, do you remember my Blythe Nutty Sundae Berets? Here's a photograph to refresh your memory just in case:

Anyway, for awhile now I've toyed around with the idea of creating an Etsy listing, where you could custom design your own Nutty Sundae Beret. Well, I am thrilled to say that I've finally done it!

Although the hot fudge sauce, nuts, and whipped cream will remain the same, you will be able to choose from the nine delicious ice cream "flavors" above.

You will also be able to choose between two colors of cherries to top off your sundae with --pink or red!

I do hope you all like what I made as much as I loved making them. If there is something you are interested in, please stop by my Etsy shop this Friday when I will list them.

Thanks again to all of you for dropping by!

We Now Return You to Our Previously Scheduled Program . . .

When life karate chops you in the throat, there's nothing like good friends to help you breathe again. So I want to thank all of you for your kind comments in my last post. I appreciate all your thoughts and well wishes so much.

Now let's get back to the craft and cute, shall we? :)

I've been lucky enough to take part in two great swaps with pals Linda of The Adventures of Molli fame, and Milkberry.

Look at all of the goodies from Linda and Molli! There's three beautiful sun dress/ bead headband sets; a watermelon head Sonny Angel; a travel Re-Ment set with a little suitcase; and a teeny, tiny little bunny book just to name a few.

And what's in the mystery box with my name on it, you ask?

It's a lovely silver necklace with a topaz stone. I just adore how pretty, clean, and simple it is. It's perfect, Linda!

Here's Loovee wearing her favorite dress set from the swap. It's such a sweet, playful, little outfit, don't you think?

Thank you so much for another wonderful swap, Linda and Molli! Loovee and I are so overwhelmed with your generosity and kindness.

Now Milkberry and I had a very different kind of swap -- a super yummy-licious candy swap! Milkberry, who lives in Japan, came up with the genius idea to trade Japanese candy for American ones. Let the salivating begin!

My favorites by far are the flavored KitKats. In Japan, they do KitKats in the most wonderfully odd flavors. Milkberry sent over KitKats in tea, watermelon, and strawberry flavors. Yippee!

Thank you so much for swapping with me, Milkberry! I do hope you enjoy your American candies as much as I am enjoying mine.

So a couple of weeks ago I was kindly given the Brillante Weblog honor by fellow crafty bloggers, Ismoyo and Milkberry. I'm so tickled! Thanks so much, you two!

In return for accepting this honor, I now have the pleasure of awarding it to five other blogs that I enjoy visiting.

The Adventures of Molli -- Loovee highly recommends you take a peek at her best friend's blog. A must visit if you are a B-girl lover.

Berrysprite -- A kawaii and crafty blog by a fellow Hawaii resident. Check out her Etsy shop, too.

The Pigwidget Chronicles -- One of my new favorites.

Mushroommeadows -- I just adore her simple, yet super cute doodles.

In Company with Sparkles -- Such a sweet, little blog. I've been enjoying reading about her recent round the world adventures.

Now all of you above please pass this honor along to other blogs you admire!

Thank you all for visiting once again!

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Cute and Crafty Broadcast . . .

Sometimes life bashes you in the head with a big dose of reality that no amount of crafting and cuteness can ignore.

Unfortunately, this is one of those times.

In memory of:

G. L. B
1948-2008

and

R.F.R, Sr.
1913-2008

I am so grateful to have known you.

Much love,
Rima Lani

A Field Trip for Loovee: Waikiki

I have a love-hate relationship with Waikiki, Hawaii's most famous beachfront. I love the energy and excitement, but I hate the crowds. I love the vast variety of restaurants and shops, but I hate how commercial it has now become. I love that it is so renown that people all over the world want to visit, but I hate that it seems like a new hotel is being built every week to accommodate them.

Anyway, Loovee wanted to show you that despite Waikiki's hustle and bustle, and all the construction going on at the moment, there are still a few places that are green, serene, and reminiscent of the the real Hawaii.

The following three photos were taken at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. It is a huge resort, which features manicured tropical gardens, ponds with waterfalls, and a man-made lagoon.

This is one of the Hilton's many ponds. They are often filled with colorful carp fish and it's not unusual to see the resident ducks swimming by.

Resting in the shade of a palm tree.

Here's Loovee observing the cascading water.

The next two pictures were taken at Leahi Park, which overlooks the beautiful ocean.

Lounging on the seawall.

Watch out for those big waves, Loovee!

Finally, Loovee ends the day in front of Diamond Head Crater as the Hawaiian sun starts to set.

"Aloha and mahalo for visiting!" Loovee says.