the scoop
Sorry about that! I intended to post here early, but we went walking with my mom and got distracted by a biscuit covered in gravy, then a thrift store and an estate sale on the walk back. Surely you know how that goes. ; )
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First up, our Wild Guys:
Sweet Cindy at Skip to My Lou has been hosting a series of guests this week to raise awareness for the Read to Feed program, and she asked me to join in! We looked over one of our favorite books, Where the Wild Things Are, and then made our own Wild Guys. There's a quick step-by-step over there for these funny critters.
They were so simple and turned out pretty cute, but I'm always such a sucker for my kids' artwork. Please go have a look-see and check out all the other guest crafters.
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Up next is the give-away. Remember this artist tote? It's been waiting patiently in the shop. I was going to pull it to re-list later, but it's doing me no good hanging here looking nice in the studio. It's linen and cotton with the little bird on the front and is heavy and hangs low on the hip. The folks who have purchased them in the past have been pleased. Interested? Leave me a comment on this post (don't forget your email address), and I'll draw a name Tuesday morning. It doesn't matter where you live, I'll ship it to you. And hey! My quiet in-town friends. Yes, YOU! Leave a comment. You'll be in the running too.
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Lastly I want to say thank you to all of you, who come here and support me and laugh with me and cheer me on and inspire me and give me advice. It really is a fun place to hang out. I mean it. Thanks.
(Oh, and go wish Rachel a happy birthday, will ya?)
Comments
your wild things are awesome, and i can't believe you're giving that away!
Posted by: kirsten | August 22, 2008 12:27 PM
those wild thing softies are awesome.
and i think heifer intl. is so great.
and please add my name to the hat, you got my email right? ;)
see you tomorrow :)
Posted by: hrsj | August 22, 2008 12:34 PM
How cute are those wild things? and little N... sweet.
But seriously, Alicia, you're kidding about giving the tote away...right??
Posted by: miss chris | August 22, 2008 12:34 PM
oh wow alicia. you are too kind. the artist's tote is beautiful. love the wild guys...and as far as getting sidetracked goes, i know just what you mean. happy weekend. xox
Posted by: shari | August 22, 2008 12:35 PM
You're giving away a tote?? Count me in!
I love the stuffie wild things. This looks like something up Elise's alley -- we'll have to try it sometime.
Posted by: amy h | August 22, 2008 12:37 PM
I would love to win that! I also love your wild things.:)
Posted by: Anonymous | August 22, 2008 12:49 PM
Adorable!!! I love the little bird.
Jessica
www.momshots.com
Posted by: Jessica | August 22, 2008 12:51 PM
thank you, alicia! this is really a fun and cozy place to visit.
love, love that artist tote!
did you find anything at the thrift store and estate sale?
Posted by: Veronica TM | August 22, 2008 12:54 PM
i'll be happy to trade you a blender carafe for that bag. Oh wait. That's bribery, eh?
Posted by: stacy | August 22, 2008 12:54 PM
Where the Wild Things Are is one of my favorite stories to read at school. The kids love it, and I do, too! Those wild guys are pretty neat. I'm in for the give away!!
Posted by: Jessica | August 22, 2008 01:09 PM
Love this! Thanks for the give-a-way!
Posted by: Wendy | August 22, 2008 01:11 PM
First, thanks you for the birthday love!
And those wild critters are awe-some! I really need to do this with the girls.
And the artists tote? um, it rocks!
Posted by: Rachel | August 22, 2008 01:12 PM
I would love to win that! The wild things are very cool and thanks for the link to such a cool thing.
Posted by: Audrey | August 22, 2008 01:17 PM
Ooh! I like the bag!! Maybe I can win it!! I LOVED Where the Wild Things Are when I was a kid!
Posted by: Rita | August 22, 2008 01:17 PM
I love that tote! I would be thrilled to win it. Thank you.
Posted by: Mindy | August 22, 2008 01:18 PM
I'd LOVE to win this lovely bag! Your style is so serene!
Posted by: melissa | August 22, 2008 01:21 PM
Where the Wild Things Are is a favorite in our house too!
The tote is fantastic, who wouldn't love to win it!
Kim
Posted by: Kim | August 22, 2008 01:21 PM
You come up with some great ideas. And when I was in Kansas City this summer, i was thinking Alicia lives here. Funny. Anyways, hope you have a good weekend.
Posted by: robyn | August 22, 2008 01:30 PM
Love your Wild Things! My little wild things may need to make their own wild things this weekend, it looks like the perfect project. Have a great weekend, Alicia!!
Posted by: beki | August 22, 2008 01:39 PM
you wild guys are super cute, alicia!
Posted by: erin | August 22, 2008 02:09 PM
I can't believe no one bought that yet! It's gorgeous!
Posted by: sarah | August 22, 2008 02:11 PM
Darling bag--and softies too. Your morning sounds delightful.
Posted by: Mary Beth | August 22, 2008 02:13 PM
Spiffy! I would use this as a diaper bag. You can contact me on my blog if I win.
Posted by: A-me | August 22, 2008 02:16 PM
so cute, those wild guys! and the tote. and you. xo.
Posted by: emily | August 22, 2008 02:27 PM
Love that bag! Its gorgeous :) Those wild guys are super cute too... I'll have to try that out with my little ones!
Posted by: Andrea | August 22, 2008 02:29 PM
I love the wild guys you all made! Especially the orange three-headed one! I definitely feel like a wild three-headed monster sometimes!
And the bag is lovely. Please include me in the drawing.
Posted by: Marie | August 22, 2008 02:32 PM
oooh - i love it all!
the tote!
the wild things!
i'm a sucker for kids' artwork too - how can i not be? it's all so wonderful.
thanks for all the creative sharing that you do - i love the blog!
Posted by: liz | August 22, 2008 02:34 PM
thank you for such a lovely giveaway. went home for lunch this afternoon and noticing lots of birds hanging out in the tree outside my kitchen window. it's such a beautiful day here today. i wish i could be out. love the "noticing project" you are doing right now. the photo you put out on aug 20 is lovely. nice to meet you.
Posted by: Sheau | August 22, 2008 02:41 PM
i'm going back to school to get my masters starting monday, and this would be a wonderful good-luck school bag!
Posted by: katie e. | August 22, 2008 02:42 PM
Ooohhh! I love that little bird bag! I can't believe you're giving it away...pick me, pick me. I promise to cherish it and use it as inspiration!
Posted by: angela | August 22, 2008 02:42 PM
Cool tote! I love it, wish it were mine! Maybe it will be!
Thanks!
Posted by: Heidi | August 22, 2008 02:49 PM
Been reading for a while, but new to the comment-side of your blog! LOVE the bag- the birdie is adorable.
And I can't wait until my child can illustrate monsters as lovely as yours, just so I can turn them into softies for him too! :)
p.s. go check out my blog for TWO GIVEAWAYS! (what!?!)
Posted by: Christina | August 22, 2008 02:53 PM
The wild things are so fun! Your tote is also very fun and beautiful!
Posted by: Lynn | August 22, 2008 02:58 PM
I am going to join in the crowd saying you're crazy for giving that tote away, but also, that I want it! It's beautiful! You're awesome!
Posted by: Anonymous | August 22, 2008 03:02 PM
I wsa directed here from a different blog, but I love your words! What a great holiday gift that would make.
aeshuron@twcny.rr.com
Posted by: Adrienne | August 22, 2008 03:07 PM
What a gorgeous bag! And I just adore your wild ones dolls, what a great idea!
Posted by: Sarah | August 22, 2008 03:16 PM
love the wild guys. great idea.
love the tote, too!
Posted by: allison | August 22, 2008 03:21 PM
What a beautiful tote! I'd love to give it a new home! Cute wild things.
Posted by: Linn | August 22, 2008 03:34 PM
I've been trying to come up with ways to incorporate art projects into reading, what a great idea. Love the bag also, it is beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Aileen | August 22, 2008 03:37 PM
You have a sweet blog. A treat, when I have tasks completed, and fix hot cup of tea in the afternoon.
I debated not posting a comment, just because you have a give away, BUT who could pass up a chance at such an adorable artist bag. Love the drawing and accent fabric together.
Hope you were blessed on your thrifting and estate stops.
Until next time.
Posted by: Lisa | August 22, 2008 03:43 PM
Wow that is really generous of you Alicia. Thank you for posting about your apron on my blog - I guess if I did get paint on the apron I could then call myself a proper artist!
Jacqui
Posted by: Jacqui Dodds | August 22, 2008 03:49 PM
The Wild Things guys are too cute! If my kids were younger we might try another Sendak book; can you see the guys from "In the Night Kitchen"? Hilarious! Maybe I'll make them myself...the artist tote with THE BIRD is fabulous! I'm a bird collector, so any birdie catches my eye...have a great weekend.
Posted by: Andrea M. | August 22, 2008 04:04 PM
Who wouldn't love something you made. You do such a beautiful job.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | August 22, 2008 04:18 PM
Are you kidding me? That bag is gorgeous...
And I love the monster idea.
Posted by: Amy | August 22, 2008 04:19 PM
love those wild things! Been dipping my toe in here for a wee while, now delurking! Happy weekend X
Posted by: Diana | August 22, 2008 04:25 PM
Love the artist tote. I really enjoy reading your site and seeing your great creative ideas.
Posted by: RachelJ | August 22, 2008 04:28 PM
I love those softies! Great idea.
And the bag is gorgeous as well.
Posted by: ~kristina~ | August 22, 2008 04:35 PM
OH MY WORD. it's gorgeous...
Posted by: Jennie S. | August 22, 2008 04:43 PM
Such a sweet tote. I also like how the influence of the book's illustrations comes through so strongly in the children's puppets.
Posted by: sarai. | August 22, 2008 05:20 PM
Those wild guys are to cute!
I'm loving the bird on the artists tote, I would love to give him a good home!
I'm not sure if I've commented before but I really enjoy your blog and visit frequently! Thanks!
Posted by: Michelle | August 22, 2008 05:57 PM
I love the little bird on this adorable bag. I know I can put it to good use :)
Posted by: Tamera | August 22, 2008 06:29 PM
Ouch. Quiet in-town friend. That's me. I feel like I've been called on the carpet. :) (Actually, I think this is my first time to ever comment on a blog.) I'm here... Enjoying the inspiration!
Posted by: Jennifer Quick | August 22, 2008 06:46 PM
Crossing my fingers- how I would love such a beautiful bag.
I think my two boys are going to be wild things for Halloween; their four year old sister will be the adventurer Max. I am looking forward to making the costumes!
Posted by: robin | August 22, 2008 06:49 PM
Oh those wild guys are great!! I can't wait until my little wild guy starts drawing something legible to make a craft out of. The tote is absolutely lovely too!!
Posted by: Beth H | August 22, 2008 07:10 PM
cute tote
Posted by: Michelle Rosborough | August 22, 2008 07:25 PM
dude! how many comments is that? :)
do i get my name in twice now? ;)
Posted by: hrsj | August 22, 2008 07:28 PM
I love the wild things softies- what a great idea! And the bag you are giving away is beautiful- I love it.
Posted by: Polly | August 22, 2008 07:57 PM
How beautiful. And inspiring. But nothing so much as your special blog. What a gift of perspective and fresh air for us online readers. Many thanks to you.
Posted by: Kate Tucker | August 22, 2008 08:08 PM
oh, it is just the thing i have been looking for to pop my sketchbooks into. though much more beautiful than even i could have imagined.
Posted by: vera | August 22, 2008 08:08 PM
Sounds like a lovely walk and brunch as well. Isn't life grand when you get a chance to do something fun on a whim?
This bag is totally nature filled and would be fun to fill with a nature journal and colored pencils and take to the nature reserve.
Have a blessed weekend,
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila | August 22, 2008 08:33 PM
I'd love to be entered! The bag is lovely :)
Posted by: Bluebirdbaby | August 22, 2008 08:51 PM
LOVE the Wild Things critters! And the bag is darling, too!
Posted by: Sarah | August 22, 2008 09:17 PM
Love the bag! Your blog is full of inspiration. Thank YOU.
Posted by: Tanya | August 22, 2008 09:34 PM
The Wild Guys are so cute!!
And that bag is adorable! My sister would love it very much! Thank you for the chance!
Posted by: bunny | August 22, 2008 09:54 PM
Love your blog, and would love to win the bag.
Posted by: Martina | August 22, 2008 10:36 PM
that bag is fabulous! my sketchbook and pencils would fit perfectly.
liz.frazier@hotmail.com
Posted by: Liz Frazier | August 22, 2008 10:38 PM
I love the wild guys. I need to do something with my kid's artwork one of these days - I know they'd love it. And my 3 year old has started drawing recognisable things.
As for the tote - it's lovely. I love the delicate colours and bird.
Posted by: Lil' d | August 22, 2008 11:19 PM
I love the tote. My daughter just started college and I think it would be great to carry her personal items nice and close to her body. Great design. Thanks
Posted by: Tammy | August 22, 2008 11:28 PM
Lovely tote! And amazing softies.
Posted by: Alexandra | August 23, 2008 12:05 AM
Love the wild guys!
Posted by: Erin | August 23, 2008 12:16 AM
What a sweet bag! I love it. And the Wild Things softies are too perfect. I saw the post on Skip To My Lou about them. Such a great idea! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us.
Posted by: Holly | August 23, 2008 12:33 AM
That tote is lovely - thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Nicole (ikkinlala) | August 23, 2008 12:38 AM
Love the bag - I'm really into birds at the moment. Love your work and photography - very inspiring.
Posted by: Melinda Dench | August 23, 2008 08:18 AM
dude, you know how much i love your artist totes!
and how have i not heard of the Read to Feed program? my bloglines must be broken, ack!
Posted by: laura | August 23, 2008 08:22 AM
Love the tote!! Can't wait for you to send it to me...heehee!
Posted by: Flipfloppingmamma | August 23, 2008 11:47 AM
What a fantastic little 'Reed to Feed' project. Let your little artist know we are finding his 'Wild Guys' very cool!
Your artist totes are beautiful.
Posted by: Kathleen | August 23, 2008 12:09 PM
you do such great work, I would love to be included in the drawing! Hope you found some great stuff at the thrift store also.
Posted by: And Miles To Go.. | August 23, 2008 12:47 PM
The wild things are adorable. I would love to win your artist tote!
Posted by: Sebrina | August 23, 2008 01:25 PM
Hi,
It's my first comment here, but I hope it will not be the last. I love to read you. I have a little baby boy (3 month old) and is very inspiring everything you do, your simple daily facts.
Thanks a lot Alicia for sharing.
PS. I wouldn't mind to be the winner, but is so far to send the tote to me. I'm in the other side of the world(eastern europe).
Posted by: Marla | August 23, 2008 01:42 PM
Hey, I love your bag! I saw your blog on 'Skip to my Lou' blog. Please put me in the running for the drawing. Thanks!
Posted by: Amanda | August 23, 2008 02:47 PM
cute! I love those stuffed wild things. And the bag is so pretty and simple.
Posted by: Hanna | August 23, 2008 03:07 PM
I really liked your ds "wild things." That is a great idea. I also love your bag. Linen is SO beautiful.
Posted by: Tara H. | August 23, 2008 03:25 PM
that is the most beautiful bag....i hope to be able to sew one someday....I just started(at age 39) to teach myself to sew...my husband bought me a machine 4 years ago...and i'm finally doing it.
thanks for such a beautiful blog and such inspiration. My first project was the smocket...and my daughter wore it today!
Posted by: christine | August 23, 2008 06:24 PM
I'm a big fan of the bag. thanks for the offering.
Posted by: Erika | August 23, 2008 08:49 PM
Fingers crossed! Have just recently discovered your blog - LOVE!
Posted by: Sara | August 23, 2008 09:10 PM
what a beautiful tote.
love hearing about your creative family activities...
~Sonya
Posted by: Sonya | August 23, 2008 09:41 PM
gorgeous bag (of course) and awesome idea for the wild things! i'm thinking i need to collaborate with kidlet.
Posted by: ani | August 23, 2008 10:09 PM
Hello from a quiet-in-town friend. :) Thanks for putting my name in the hat, too! I love your handcrafted work and think the tote would make a gorgeous gift for a dear, creative friend. If I could part with it . . . :) Hope your weekend was fabulous!!! blessings, M
Posted by: Meg | August 23, 2008 10:34 PM
You giving this away is more than we can ask for! Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by: Julie Alvarez | August 23, 2008 10:48 PM
Wow, I love that bag.
But the cute little monsters are so perfect. This seems like a perfect fun thing just before heading back to school.
Posted by: Lisa | August 23, 2008 11:58 PM
Thanks for the chance to own one of your creations. It would be a perfect 'college girl bag' for my daughter.
Posted by: Heather | August 24, 2008 02:10 AM
The tote is lovely :-)
Posted by: Suzi | August 24, 2008 04:32 AM
Beautiful, I love it. Thanks for the chance
Posted by: Ashley | August 24, 2008 12:42 PM
What a great kids art keepsake!
Posted by: KK | August 24, 2008 01:31 PM
I love the way you involve your children's ideas into your crafts. I am just getting to the point with my son where we can do that and I'm excited to give it a try.
And your bag is so sweet. I love that little bird.
Posted by: Lisa | August 24, 2008 03:59 PM
I really enjoy your blog ....would love to be toting that Artist Tote around. Happy Summer, still.
Posted by: coffeechris | August 24, 2008 05:33 PM
cute little wild guys... Happy b-day Rachel!
Posted by: andrea | August 24, 2008 07:10 PM
That tote is quite cute!
Posted by: Kate | August 24, 2008 08:29 PM
Hi, i've been reading your blog for almost a year now. I'm a scottish sah mum living in New Zealand. I'm trying very hard to get more creative with my free time and your page has been such an inspiration to me. It makes me feel like i can achieve anything! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the tote!
Posted by: Stef Van Meer | August 24, 2008 08:39 PM
Wow! Visiting via Heather's blog and just in awe of your beautiful creations(the bag), the adorable wild guys you made with your children and all the sweet comments folks have left here for you. So wonderful!
xo
Melissa
Posted by: Melissa de la Fuente | August 24, 2008 09:03 PM
I love those Wild Guys - so cool!
Posted by: jodie | August 24, 2008 11:13 PM
I don't usually comment, but follow you and your work regularly! Thanks for the inspiration! Oh and the tote is darling too!!
Posted by: claudia | August 24, 2008 11:25 PM
I've been reading your blog for months now and really love your creations. The tote is lovely and I can fully imagine myself walking around with it. I'm not an artist, but my wallet and few "must-haves" would fit well.
- Ev
Posted by: Evelyn in Canada | August 24, 2008 11:38 PM
Yippee - I am commenter number 100, maybe that will bring me good luck! I would love to be given a chance to win that lovely tote!!!
I just got caught up on your posts - I really enjoyed them all! Where does the time go? And your photography is just outstanding! I was brought up on the old school photography, and have to have things centered, and everything in the frame - but I do SO LOVE the type of pictures you take - where just portions of things are shown - it really looks lovely that way! I wish I wasn't so hard to reteach!
I also like your sewing - my "baby" of 20 is just finishing her first quilt - a t-shirt quilt - ah, such fun! She has the front and back all sewn, and tomorrow we go to Joanne's to buy batting! Hope they will make good suggestions!
Shoot, I am going on and on again - anyway, loved the visit - hugs from Michigan - Diane
Posted by: Diane | August 24, 2008 11:49 PM
I've been reading your blog for a while now and love your stuff ... my dwindling bank balance after almost a year of divine maternity leave with my beautiful baby girl charlotte means I'm not a purchaser right now but would love love love to win your giveaway - it is absolutely gorgeous. lisax
Posted by: lisa | August 25, 2008 05:09 AM
I love the wild guys idea - will be trying something similar with my kids. Maybe with the Gruffalo, they love that!! Clare
Posted by: Clare | August 25, 2008 05:58 AM
Hi! It would be nice to have a tote that's not made by me... Maybe I'll be lucky.
I wish you a beautiful day.
Neža
Posted by: Neža | August 25, 2008 06:44 AM
adorable! would love to have one!
Posted by: valerie | August 25, 2008 07:31 AM
It´s a nice bag. I love nature, birds and flowers. Your job is very nice!! Pick me and send your art to Argentina!!! Thank youuuuu!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45344503@N00/2680894399/
Posted by: Erica | August 25, 2008 08:34 AM
Love the artist bag. Thanks for the fun!!!
Sam
Posted by: Sam | August 25, 2008 08:35 AM
I love all of your creations and fun!
Posted by: paula | August 25, 2008 08:50 AM
beautiful bag! thanks for sharing it with us.
Posted by: abby | August 25, 2008 09:46 AM
That is a lovely bag. I think I might need to buy one. It would be perfect for walking with a sketchpad and some pencils. Exciting!
Posted by: Trina Baker | August 25, 2008 11:03 AM
your giving your beautiful bag away...oh my!!!!
I loved it when it was in the shop...I'm suprised it did not sell...?
I love it!!!
I hope you pick me :o) I can always dream can't I???
~simply stork~
Posted by: simply | August 25, 2008 11:58 AM
oh my they are wonderful...kids can create the greatest things!!! i could see them in a sequel.
Posted by: jacquie | August 25, 2008 01:22 PM
I have been reading your blog since your smocket pattern was featured on craftzine(?). Your style of photography is really inspiring.
Thank you so much for the giveaway. That tote is amazing, and I love the bird!
Posted by: rayna | August 25, 2008 02:54 PM
Your wild things are such crazy fun! How I love kid's art!
And I love the bag too. Please enter my name!
I always enjoy your posts!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | August 25, 2008 03:17 PM
I just love your artist tote. Perfect new bag for fall!
sillipants@hotmail.com
Posted by: Alison | August 25, 2008 04:11 PM
I love the wild things! I just got a copy to read to my son and I think we are going to make our own wild things!
I also love the artist tote!
Posted by: amy | August 25, 2008 04:14 PM
Wild things is a favourite book at our house too :) And I'd love to win that tote... it's lovely!
Posted by: wendy | August 25, 2008 06:06 PM
I just discovered your blog via your wild things spot on Skip to My Lou...great ideas, beautiful blog, and what a wonderful bag.
Posted by: Lucia | August 25, 2008 08:22 PM
If I win...I'm wrapping it up & opening it up on my birthday. Last year my husband let our boys pick things out themselves at the hardware store. It was worth a good laugh at preschool the next morning.
Posted by: Lisa | August 25, 2008 10:02 PM
...love your blog and all the beautiful inspiration you share!!!! And that bag is so wonderful...would love to have it...;-)
Posted by: Anke | August 26, 2008 02:28 AM
I hope I'm not too late! :) But if I am, that's ok too.
Those wild guys are super cute!
Posted by: Tracy | August 26, 2008 08:04 AM
Oh that bag is darling! And I enjoy reading your blog!
Posted by: amanda | September 1, 2008 10:51 AM