More Nursery Fun

Hi! I spent most of today recovering from Saturday's fun, which included my baby shower, a birthday party for Violet (a week early celebrated) and an entire day of CONTRACTIONS!

They have weakened over the course of the day, so no baby just yet. But I did get to hang up this adorable vintage dress and Lucy's L that I received at the baby shower :) All I need is a better hanger for the sweet little dress!

The room is THIS close to being ready for a full tour. I am in love with it! Oh, and the armchair is finished, so I should show you that soon too!

I am off to bed. 2 weeks left at my day job until maternity leave. This makes me very happy.

-Stacie

36 Weeks Pregnant

Hi! I have been neglecting my blog recently. The last week has been incredibly jam packed. I hit 36 weeks last week. I've been having lots of contractions off and on. Yesterday was my baby shower, and I literally was contracting ALL DAY! But they were inconsistent and stopped once I went to bed. Most likely due to stress or something :)

I know it is my own doing, but everyone is waiting anxiously for this kiddo to arrive! Since I have had a bit of preterm labor and other physical things going on, everyone (including myself) assumed that Lucy would arrive sooner than later. But, my midwife assures me that Lucy will come at any time. Could be tomorrow, or on my due date. Babies have their own timeline.

But I am progressing. Which is COOL!

Currently it is 2:30 AM and I just cannot sleep. Not sure if it is the baby's activity. Or because I ate a whole bunch of sugary delicious food at my baby shower! I've gained a grand total of 24 pounds thus far. If I can stay under 30, that would be stellar! Baby, get here soon!

Dress: Vanilla and Lace

Bracelet: Jenna E. Garrett

Jeggings: Target

Boots: Piperlime

Isabella Print by Peggy Wolf

I have been in LOVE with this Isabella Print by Peggy Wolf. I truly enjoy all of her work. I have always been drawn to portraiture, and her unique approach to expressing lovely faces makes me want to start an entire Peggy Wolf collection of prints!

I really have no idea why I haven't purchased this beauty yet. It would look lovely above my office couch, no?

What about you? Do you have something that you have been dying to purchase?

Perhaps this will be my "push present" to myself once Lucy arrives.

"Push present" is kinda a dorky term.

Goodnight.

Chair Upholstery Progress Report

So I finally mustered up enough strength to remove all of the fabric from the armchair for the girls' room. Actually, Nathan helped me, because it takes a lot of strength and tugging to remove staples and fabric from a chair frame.

Poor boy, all of the dust from the chair made him have a MAJOR allergic reaction. Runny nose. Swollen eyes. Wheezing. But he is okay.

Check out the original fabric for this chair!! I soooo wish that the outer portion of the fabric had not been removed. This pattern was wicked. Reminds me of a chair from Anthropologie.

Now I have most of the yellow fabric on. I ran out before I could cover the left side of the chair and the cushion. Honestly, not my finest upholstery work, but I think it will look mighty fine once it is all put back together.

Soon it will be finished.

Tonight, though, my hand is finished from all of the stapling.... muscle cramp :(

Business Basics: The Birth of Gingiber

Last Month I had my 500th Etsy sale, and it got me thinking about how Gingiber began. I don't think that I have ever told the full story of Gingiber, so here's a blog post devoted to the birth of my business.


It might be a bit long, but bear with me :)

I had always been drawing. As a kiddo I would doodle on napkins, the margins of my Bible at church (don't tell my mother), and occasionally on my walls. When I went to college, I had no doubt in my mind about majoring in Art and Design. I crammed 2 degrees into my 3 years of college, got married, and continued to work at a Starbucks Coffee Shop simply because I needed a paycheck to support my husband and I.

I graduated from college in December of 2007, and was pregnant with Violet 2 months later. This changed the entire trajectory of our lives. Within a few months, Nathan and I picked up and moved to Springdale, AR, where his mother and brother lived. Nathan had been offered a nice fellowship to pursue his Ph.D in Mathematics at the University of Arkansas (please note: not our dream school). But, a baby on the way meant that income was what mattered. I was offered a management position at Starbucks in Fayetteville, AR, so the move seemed opportune.

note the sad Starbucks face :(

Neither one of us were super happy. We were excited about the baby on the way, but just a few months prior we were exploring opportunities to move overseas, living in Scotland. I had even filled out some applications for Master's Programs in Edinburgh. Now, family was what mattered. And I was focused on working my coffee loving butt off at Starbucks.

Yet, I really REALLY missed art and design. And I had heard of this online market for artists called Etsy. Honestly, I was really intimidated to put my artwork out on the web. Mainly because I was afraid of rejection. But, while sharing a pizza with 2 of my favorite Springfield friends, I remember discussing how I had been looking all over Etsy for some nursery art to fill our soon-to-be daughter's room, and finding nothing that suited my taste.

And then I said it out loud, "I am going to open up my own Etsy Shop filled with really great kid's art". The concept of Gingiber was born. And about that name, Gingiber. I have been using this moniker since my junior year of college, when a Publication and Design professor required each student to create a magazine about themselves. And this was the name I settled on. It is the Latin word for ginger, and I thought that it sounded kind of cute, so I went with it! When it was time to name my Etsy Shop, I stuck with it. And I still like it :)

In May of 2009, I opened up shop. I had my 1st sale a month later. It has taken 2+ years to finally work my way up to 500 sales.  But last year at this time, I had not even reached 100 sales. The past year has been the most satisfying and fulfilling year of my life creatively. And I am overwhelmingly happy!

I've done a lot of learning and growing since I opened up shop. I've changed day jobs so that I have more time to work on my art. I've tried and failed at different artistic ventures (PDF embroidery patterns, anyone?) but have also slowly carved out a niche for myself in this handmade corner of the world.

And guess what? I am incredibly hopeful for the future of my business. Gingiber is now a legit LLC (quarterly taxes, blargh). I am contributing monthly to my family's income, and really believe with all of my heart that someday I can grow Gingiber into a full time job.

Thank goodness for Etsy. And our handmade community. And an entire group of online friends who encourage one another to keep going. I am so thankful. And happy.

So that is how Gingiber came to be :) Thanks for reading.

Lucy's Handmade Mobile

I knew from the get go with this nursery that I wanted to make a pretty mobile for Lucy girl. I consulted with my mathematician hubby, and he and I agreed that stellated dodecahedra were the way to go! In case you don't know, these star shapes are made entirely from folding a single piece of paper and then gluing it closed. Something most mathletes find pretty darn nifty.

We used this downloadable pattern for the stars.

I spray-painted the pretty stars with gold paint, then secured them to a spare embroidery hoop with pink yarn and some paper clips.

Violet approves of the stars! She told me that there was a Nathan star, a Stacie star, a Violet star, and a Lucy star! Oh that kid of mine, melts my heart!

I really really love this simple mobile. It was made using things that we already had around the house. And Nathan helped me think of the design! Team Bloomfield is on the prowl :)

Oh, and look at the gorgeous shadows these pretty stars leave on the wall! I think that Lucy will LOVE it!

Rachel Denbow's E-Course: Baby on the Way

 

Friends, I cannot tell you how excited I am for my pal Rachel Denbow's new E-Course, Baby on the Way!

I have been eagerly awaiting its release ever since Rachel started sharing sneak peeks of the projects on her Instagram Feed. And, seeing as how I am about to have a baby, this E-Course is right up my ally!

Baby on the Way offers 12 handmade projects that will help prepare your baby's space for his, her or their arrival! This course was designed for moms and dads who enjoy customizing their surroundings to fit their unique aesthetic and want to create a special space for their child to grow. Projects build on each other so that even beginning sewers can gain confidence as you follow step-by-step photos and instructions.

I purchased the course yesterday and am so excited to being working on a few little projects while I wait for Lucy to arrive!

Be sure to check out all of Rachel's amazing E-Courses here.

Quick Hello!

Hi Hello by Love Sugar

Hi, friends!

Just popping in to say hello. Life has been a little bit crazy all of the sudden. I have been having some preterm labor symptoms over the past 2 days, and am preparing for the very real possibility that Lucy could arrive sooner than anticipated.

My doctor has told me that at this point it is still a waiting game. I can still go to work and go about my business. However, I am taking the day today to finish as much on my to-do list as possible, ya know, in case Lucy decides to make these contractions more consistent and come into this world :)

I will keep you updated. Honestly, I am trying to not be too anxious, as I still have 5 weeks left till my due date. All of this could calm down and amount to nothing.....

Who knows what will happen!

Have a lovely day,

Stacie

34 Weeks Pregnant

Hello 34 weeks! Actually, I am closer to 35 weeks in this picture, but who's counting? Today I just didn't feel like getting dressed up. No make-up. 2 day old hair. Kinda feeling "blah". But, I really want to document my last few weeks of pregnancy. So soldier on I will.

I am getting to the point in my pregnancy that I just want to mentally check out of everything! I was watching an episode of MadMen where Trudie was talking about how she spends most of her pregnant days in bed...... HA! That must have been the life, right? I spend every waking minute being productive. Well, almost every minute. I am really excited for a change of pace once Lucy arrives.

She will be my excuse to say "no" to things. Gotta take care of the little one, after all ;)

Oh, and who else during their pregnancy had reoccurring dreams that their baby came out the opposite gender? Yeah, keep having that nightmare.

Lucy isn't really a name that will work for a boy, ya know?

Enough rambling...

-Stacie

Lucy's Etsy Registry

Lucy's Etsy Registry

In a perfectly lovely world, everyone (not just our little handmade community) would know about all of the AMAZING items available on Etsy :)

I have a baby shower coming up, and really really wish that my friends and family would shop from Lucy's Etsy Registry (*hint hint relatives who are currently reading my blog*)!

Shameless request to put on the blogosphere, I know. 

Some of my favorite items are from sellers like katedurkin, la factoria plastica, and niftykidstuff.

Seriously, drooling over that paper mache sheep head..... 

To view my complete registry, click here!

Shopping on Etsy, especially when the items are already highlighted for you, is just as easy as shopping online at Target or Wal-Mart (or at least close to being as easy). Plus, I would love it if my friends and family learned about how awesome handmade is and supported our growing community!

Okay, that is it for now :)

-Stacie

I Love You So (Husband) and The Black Apple

image source: the black apple

I love these cards so much! Heck, who am I kidding, I am such a sucker for hand drawn typography. Add a lovely border around it and I am smitten!

The cards are sweet and delicate. I think I need them. Because I need to send one to my husband. You see, I have been what you would call a tad hormonal the past few..... months?

Blame pregnancy.

or not.

Regardless, I have not been as nice to my sweetheart as I should be. I've been tired after work and quite irritable. And what does Nathan do in response? He asks me how he can help me and makes me pancakes.

He sleeps on the floor in Violet's room so that I don't have to wake up with  her at night.

He does the dishes. Without being asked.

He even rides with me to Lowes at 9 PM because I get a hankering to purchase some new lightbulbs that mimic daylight!?

The other day, Nathan gently mentions, "So... this pregnancy has been a bit more rough than the last one, eh?"

Poor, sweet, wonderful husband.

He deserves a card for sure. And then some ;)

The Little Craft Show

Have I ever mentioned that I have the coolest, most creative friends ON THE PLANET? Oh, I haven't? Well then please allow me to take a moment and share with you about a little venture my pals Amber and Natalie are cooking up for Northwest Arkansas..... 

The Little Craft Show (Isn't the name and branding precious?)

This is The Little Craft Show is a first-time holiday market and free-to-attend event nestled in the heart of Northwest Arkansas! A little dream made into a true reality, the Little Craft Show will feature unique handmade goods from local artists just in time for the holidays, on December 3rd.

The Little Craft Show believes in skipping out on the holiday rush and celebrating with a bit of jubilee by showcasing the original & handmade works of local artists & designers from the Northwest Arkansas area. Each artist is juried & chosen from among many talented artists to appear in the Little Craft Show where he or she will feature a vast array of their own original work, including jewelry, photography, paper goods, knits, pottery, vintage goodies, accessories, & so much more! The atmosphere is cozy & inviting as customers can browse & purchase the perfect gifts for loved ones! Please join us as we celebrate this unique time of year with the most talented DIY (do-it-yourself) designers & artists from the area!

So, all of you Arkansas readers, (and heck, Oklahoma and Missouri readers, too!) if you love amazing handmade goods, you'd best drive on over to Fayetteville, AR on December 3rd!

I will be there. New born baby and all ;)

-Stacie

Decoration Inspiration: Large Wall Art

image source: rue magazine via poppytalk

I was browsing my blog reader over the weekend and saw this post on Poppytalk about building a rock shelf, but I was more taken with the large black canvas featuring a quote that sat above said shelf.

You know I am a sucker for a canvas with words on it. My bedroom has two large canvases that feature lyrics from a favorite Stars album.

So, I am hoping to finally solve a design dilemma in my living room: Covering up this ugo fake window with a large canvas painted with a favorite quote. I am not trying to be redundant with my decorating ideas, but I think that some large art will fill this space nicely and create a nice eye flow on the wall.

And here's my super duper quick ghetto mock-up of what I envision the space looking like when it is all done, complete with a bench underneath the canvas, and some nice flowing curtains in the entryway.

Everything is in the planning stage, but I am excited to take on a small living room project :)

- Stacie

Getting Cozy in My Studio

So I showed you bits and pieces of my updated studio a few months ago. Now I am in the "nesting" phase of decorating this room. Nathan and I decided that a couch I reupholstered years ago needed a new home, so I happily moved it to my studio!

Then, inspired by this frame cluster I featured over the summer, I hung a bunch of extra frames and embroidery hoops above the couch. I haven't had a chance to paint the frames yet (these bright colors were from a craft show last year), nor have I placed proper art in them (see wedding photo hung sideways).

I really really love my new cozy spot in my studio. Now, Violet can come in and sit and color while I work, or I can catch a few zzz's while no one is looking. I still need to fix the cushions, as they are currently covered by an old green sheet (love my dogs and their ability to ruin cushions!).

So I need to recover the couch cushions.
And reupholster the girl's new chair.
And figure out Holloween costumes.
And plan Violet's birthday party.

All before giving birth.

Good grief! Good thing I am a girl who likes to stay busy :)

-Stacie

Gone Tenting

My mother came to visit over the weekend. She's the best! Somehow, she always manages to create the most special moments for Violet. Sometimes they bake cupcakes. Other times they will blow bubbles in the back yard. This time, she built a tent for Violet to play in.

My mother is super fun! Violet loved snuggling in a blanket and watching Gummy Bears on a mini dvd player.

Since this is a very temporary tent (held up by our kitchen chairs and her dresser), Nathan and I want to build her something similar, but more substantial for her birthday. I showed Nathan Rachel Denbow's super cute Tee Pee tutorial, and he is totally down for building one for Violet!

This weekend was just the right amount of fun and relaxation. Sometimes, I need to take a break from work and Gingiber to simply spend time with family and live life! I sat in the backyard with my daughter while she played with fallen leaves. Did a bit of decorating. Soul sharing with my mother. I love these special moments :)

33 Weeks Pregnant (Featuring Vanilla and Lace)

Stop, in the name of LOVE! Seriously, I am smitten with my brand new, handmade dress from Vanilla and Lace.

I bought the Lucy Pevensie dress more as a post pregnancy treat, as I am 33 weeks pregnant and never dreamed that it would fit my body in the current state. However, when I got home from work and saw that my beautiful dress had arrived, I could not wait to try it on ;)

And it fit like a glove. Perfection. Flattering in every way (the hubster says he especially likes it)!

I especially love the Peter Pan Collar. I feel so dainty in this dress :) I couldn't help but tie a little yellow ribbon in my hair! This may be my go to dress for the rest of pregnancy.

I might even order another one just like it in a different fabric, as I think that it will fit my post pregnancy body just as well!

Kudos to Abi, the master behind Vanilla and Lace. Thank you for making me feel so pretty :)

Pregnancy Craving: Pancakes

It is that time again: when I share what I've been craving! Pancakes. The perfect food. Just ask my husband, as I make them for dinner at least once a week. I will use a mix, make them from scratch, anything. Just give me some butter and pure maple syrup and I am in pancake paradise :)

Here's a roundup of some delicious pancake recipes, found via Pinterest:

1. Coconut Pancakes

2. Pumpkin Pancakes  

3. Blueberry Cheesecake Pancakes

4. Blueberry Pancakes

I am really loving the looks of the blueberry cream cheese pancakes! They may be dinner :)

-Stacie

VLOG Questions Please (and Blog Navigation Update)

Hello! After months of dancing around the subject, I am going to actually make a VLOG. My goal is to finish it before the baby is born (giving myself plenty of time), but I need you to ask me some questions so I will have something to say :)

If you are interested in contributing a question to my 1st vlog, just leave the question in the comments section of this post. I will try to answer them all, that is assuming that some of you have questions for me :)

You can ask me ANYTHING (as long as it is not mean in nature).

Also......

I've updated navigation of the blog. Now you can find most of the important links in the purple navigation bar. I've also added some fun Blog Topic buttons so that you can find all of my DIY's, a Home Tour (still in progress of being photographed and updated) and other features here at GingiberSnap.


-Stacie

32 Weeks Pregnant

I am a few days late posting this picture, but I am 32 weeks along now and mama's packing on the pounds! I've officially gained 21 pounds so far. I am far more sleepy this week than I have been since the early days of this pregnancy, too!

I have also been having quite a few painful braxton hicks contractions, so my body is working extra hard to prepare for labor :)

I love this dress. I wore it when I graduated from college in 2007. Love the empire waist. If I can still squeeze into the dress in 3 weeks, it may be my baby shower dress. Golly it sure is a pain to shop for a dress that you will only wear once, ya know?

Bubye!

Stacie

DIY Fabric Bookshelf

So when I saw this tutorial on Pinterest this week on fabric bookshelves, I knew that I had to make one to go above Violet's bed! The girl loves her bedtime stories, so having her books close by is a fantastic asset!

It took about $12 worth of supplies (and I used fabric that I had leftover from another house project).

I was able to finish the whole project in about an hour, and that included sewing the fabric pouch for the books and installing the window treatment hardware above Violet's bed.

Totally love this! I have been trying to figure out what exactly I could put over her bed that she wouldn't bonk her head on.

Now it is time to rest. I am feeling a little under the weather and think that a nap is in order :)

-Stacie