greenbeanbaby art

7 day sale...

   
these illustrations are both originals and on sale for $17 in my shop.... but the sale only lasts for 7 days so get them while you can.... yes, i made them one year ago, and they are in need of a nice, happy home....

and yes, i have been still cranking out items for my shop daily... well, technically not daily but the equivalent amount... however, the last 5 items were already pre-ordered so they are gone.... more items to be added since not only do i still have the energy, but i have some more papers thanks to my mom!!!!
   
she took me and diego shopping and let me pick out some paper packs.... she was waiting to go and its been ages since we have been able to shop... the first photo is just one sheet of each design... and yes, that red one has velvet on it... although i don't like the feel of velvet (or the sound of someone touching it)  i wanted it because it will make a beautiful addition to some art project.... and then my mom gave me money so i went to the store and bought a few extra sheets... hehe, yes, i think seriously have an addiction (we've established that already though)... so tonight after CSI: Miami, i'll work on some stuff as ramel bathes diego and i bathe in the sweet peace of solitude....

and the diagnosis is....

nothing but congestion... so why has he been throwing countless tantrums??? oh,yeah----- he's two....

so while i am glad he is perfectly fine and normal, the stage he is currently at, just hit me like a rock... in one weekend!!! i was so certain there had to be a reason other than the utter desire for complete independence... but it's just that... and while he is a charming, happy boy at home, his public attitude is quite exhausting...

i am all about a kid growing up, believe me... i am not the kind of mom who wants a baby forever... and i really enjoy his growing intelligence and some of his communication skills... but a 2 year old only gets so much independence... for instance, i decide when he goes to bed (however, when he falls asleep is his thing, as long as he remains in bed).... i decide what i will cook, although him telling me a preference BEFORE i cook, is always helpful and appreciated... i will change his diaper when i have to, and he will not kick me because he feels its better to run around smelling like pee... if a toy comes flying at me out of rage,  that toy will go flying in a closet out of determination.... i still decide if a hat is needed to be worn outside... and i still decide how much candy he will have... and dare a fit be thrown because he doesn't get his way.... i'm sorry but even though he cannot fully communicate, kicking and screaming is intolerable... and it's not the kind of communication i listen to... yes, i can hold my ground....

but honestly, it's only been 3 days and i am worn out at the thought of going out in public... to think, i will have two kids soon and every time he fights me and i have to hold him down or up, makes me wonder, how in the world moms can handle 6 kids at a time?! *sigh* this is life and this is normal, i understand that... and as long as i stand firm, this will only be temporary... of course, there are other stages and perhaps equally as hard, but i am glad a stage is just a stage...

thank you all for such kind words on the other post- and the encouragement too....

about a kid....

the last two days, my niece had no school... so while my sister worked, due to a grand re-opening of the store she works at, i watched ananda and diego.... above is some goodies my sister surprised me with... a monster plush and matching coffee cup from starbucks... and a HUGE maple machiatto to start the day off well, despite diego crying.... wasn't that just too sweet of her? people know i like my coffee and cups :D

now, nana and diego do well with each other... since nana is older, its a bit easier to understand what she wants compared to diego... like, if she isn't feeling good, she tells ya... diego, well, he is still only 2yrs old so his communication is in the works... and while nana was around, she watched him go through countless tantrums yesterday... more than usual.... i mean, he has his normal " i didn't get my way" crying fits but they are really short-lived since i am good at not budging... however, yesterday was incredible... he had me in tears...


maybe it's harder because self consciousness tends to hit a mom hard in public... i mean, a kid is crying and everyone is staring at the mom like  "why can't you quiet your child?" and i swear, i get DOUBLE the looks because i appear to be a teen mom who can't control her kid because she herself is a kid...  i try not to let the stares get to me, but honestly, yesterday it really did.... from inside the post office to the stores to the car... he refused to hold my hand or sit in a grocery cart... if i tried either, he suddenly becomes limp... ah, its bad when he falls down on the cement :( or it looks like i am yanking his arm off, trying to prevent his head from smashing to the ground... so then it means i gotta hold him... keep in mind, over a quarter of my weight and is about up to my waist or higher, lengthwise... he's getting big to hold, pregnant or not...


my mom mentioned he could be sick... ramel said the same thing.... the kid has had a runny nose for a week and a fever here and there... his head was pounding yesterday and no doubt, the kid had a headache from all that crying.... so it's 8pm and i am taking him to the after- hours clinic.... just to make sure it isn't an ear infection...

i hope he returns to his normal self soon... he is so goofy when he is happy...

cute n retro

aren't these notecards too cute? they are all made with retro decals that were once made to embellish furniture and walls... i've saved these decals for months so i could find the perfect project for them... and so now they are available in my store for someone! and only $6.00 too! these are a limited edition, never to be duplicated so get it while you can! oh, some already has!


there are five different animals glued onto a pretty patterned paper... of the animals, i think the rooster is my favorite although the dog is a close second... anyhow, there is a matching envelope to go with each card.

 
here are is rest of the set... on the back of each card, there is a light orange paper, perfect for writing a short note.  sorry if my descriptions are choppy and short, but it's 2am and i am craving a pop tart... so i better go eat and go to bed before it gets too late!!!!

two more for the road

another set of notecards but this set above is slightly different from the others... there are 5 cards with 5 different colors, all with a vintage wallpaper front... yes, that floral paper is vintage wallpaper... again, each card comes with a matching envelope... see my etsy shop for more info...


this is the back of the wallpaper set... every card has a green ribbon bow glued on carefully... the back of the card is a perfect spot to write a note to that special someone...


lastly, here is a friendship notecard set... this one is similar to the sets in the post below... the back of this card has a light pink paper so as to make writing that note easy and pretty... again, a matching envelope comes with every card- and this set is $4.75 as well... my shop has this set available for you!

an item a day...

helps the bills get paid.... so my goal is going fairly well... i make an item for my etsy shop every day.... not necessarily do i put it in the shop right away, but i am working hard... and the days that i miss creating, the following day consists of making two items.... so in the end it evens out... you know, there are even days when i make more than the goal so who could complain?!

   
and all this being completed by watching the hbo series band of brothers...  (a very sad series... and we won't blame it on crazed hormones either...) 5 dvd discs, 10 parts, 600 minutes based on real people in world war II... from steven spielberg and tom hanks- they made the best reenactment of what took place... i'm telling you, it's a tear jerker...

   
but i should talk of these items, eh?! well, each of these cards are a set... 5 notecards (4 x 5.5") for $4.75... each come with a matching envelope... and the series itself is called, "sweet -n- simple" because they are just that... sweet, simple, and ready to be used for any occasion...

all of them are ready to be shipped.... so if you are interested, check out my shop! sometimes, items go fast!

anybody else?? and ideas...

first off, does anybody else want to sign up for the christmas vintage swap? there is still room and i do need one person at least to break the uneven number :) no pressure though! if you do wanna join, please check out the link and email me! it's gonna be fun!

and now, as promised here are some ideas of swap items to send:

as we know, the theme is a christmas vintage swap... but of course, the swap isn't limited to those boundaries... so what kind of things could you send? most everyone loves candy and sweets of all sorts... yes, that isn't vintage but vintage lovers love to munch too, ya know?! or some gourmet coffee or cocoa! and what about a wonderful recipe that may or may not be old? gramma's famous gingerbread cookies....or aunt martha's salad dressing (haha, joke, what show was that from?!) sending a sweet recipe to a person who enjoys baking, would be ideal

and then for the vintage part... cookbooks are always a winner... cookbooks of all sorts.. they can be christmas related or not, but cookie cookbooks do have christmas recipes, ya know? and then we have magnets too! handmade, retro, modern that look retro, magnetic notepads, all stuff many people like... not everyone though- so don't quote me... and aprons!! a vintage apron would be darling to wear for the christmas season... or to wear for that meal you are desperately  preparing all night and day for, so people can eat it all in a quarter of the time it took you to make! yes, aprons are a winner too!!! handmade with vintage material or a thrifted apron... or handmade with the kind of fabric your partner swoons for...

also, christmas cards of all sorts would be fun to send... that way, they can use the cards to send to those lovely people... it can be retro cards or  handmade!  and you can find christmas cards at the thrift stores easily so sending a variety won't be criminal.... or how about christmas tags??!! wouldn't you like to stick a cute tag on a gift to someone you love?! and so we fit into era chosen for this swap, feel free to use vintage wallpaper for the tags, retro looking images, etc... (however, you don't have to!  handmade is sweet enough).... oh yes, we cannot forget about the retro christmas books or maybe records if your partner likes them...

we can't forget those cute retro ornaments sold at thrift stores... the cute elves with the funny legs or the slightly yellowed decorated ones.. either way, be sure that if its fragile, its packed well, since the older ornaments are extra delicate... and there is vintage nic nacs too... pretty angels or elves or santas for whomever likes figurines...

there is also old/new fabric to send to fabric lovers, craft items to send (again,old or new) so that your partner can MAKE items for christmas... if they knit or crochet, you can send them yarn so they can make a pretty project.... there is also retro books/magazines for knitters and crocheters that have wonderful winter projects... that fits the theme too! even retro holiday magazines would be lovely!!!

since i am a paper lover, feel free to send paper, vintage or not... again, this sort of item can be used by your partner to make goodies for someone... yes, no matter the theme, i send paper to people :D and wrapping paper! lovely vintage wrapping paper or even the cute modern kind... most definitely it will be used, eh? and ribbon of all  decades too! not  just for sewing but it can be used for crafting and toeing up pretty gifts...

lastly, we can't forget handmade items in general... i mentioned a few earlier but with so many different crafters, there is so many items! a scarf or mittens.... a handmade notebook or useful items (like storage items).... there is  handmade jewelry and plush items... pin cushions and needle/hook holders... there are pretty mugs and beautiful oven mitts... or even handmade cookies; feel free to send that too!!! ohhhh, so many sweet items that you can make- whatever your talent holds!

these are just ideas for you.... that is how i swap and how people have swapped with me... i have never been disappointed with any items i've received... if you have more ideas, please comment and share! we'd love to hear!

new items for sale

finally, the first boy in the mini folder series available in my etsy shop for $10... (SOLD) in fact, he is the first boy illustration i've made in ages... sad, eh?! but more will be cranked out soon as my goal to make one new item for my shop everyday gets accomplished... yes, a new item made daily ...not a promise but a goal that i feel necessary to complete... for how long?! i don't know but enough until the fatigue sets in of pregnancy, staying up until 3am and waking up at 9 to make hot dogs for a toddler's breakfast (per his request)... so root me on; we crafters and artists need those kinda boosts, ya know?!


here is a 2x5inch notebook also available in the shop now for $3.25... similar to the mini folders, this is a handmade original cut paper illustration mounted onto a pre-made notebook (whoa, long sentence!)... there is a band that keeps the notebook closed... this little girl is named Jenna and she too is ready for the cold season.... boots, mittens, a cozy scarf, and a cute hat to all match her warm coat.... ah, but her legs still look a tad cold....


lastly, here is a new addition to the etsy shop; a keychain for $2.... (sorry,  not available, ALREADY :D) the illustration is of course, all cut paper and this kitty's name is Phoebe... she is the sweetest kitty around and loves cuddling... and soft blankets too... the illustration is mounted inside a 3.5 x 3.5 inch clear plastic keychain (courtesy of leslie)... more items like this will be available soon so keep a lookout! and yes, i will try to make a dog too!

playing in the snow

well some of you may not get snow.... but we do... sometimes alot... a couple blizzards here and there and it's not fun to drive in (or even walk in).... snow can be pesky and of course, cold... while playing in it, the snow gets caught between your wrist and glove, causing an itchy rash to irritate you.... or the snow gets in your shoes and now your socks are all wet... as a kid, i played in the stuff (especially sledding!!!) but i really did NOT like my purple snowsuit... in fact, many of my childhood coats i didn't like but ironically, i had similar ones as i got older.... and as the years grew on, i had to take the city bus to school while carrying the heaviest backpack full of notebooks, books, and paper... snow and bus riding wasn't fun at all... the worry that my new paper would get warped from the precipitation.... the pants dripping wet on the bottom and now dirty... and if it was an extremely cold day, my pants would freeze up.... the toes freezing cold and unable to thaw out until after a few classes... oh, and can we not forget that as soon as you get a house, there is alot of snow to shovel? i tried to do it once last year, and let's just say i am happy to be pregnant this round....

i bought diego boots last year and we tried to play in the snow.... he didn't like at all... he cried the whole time too... but i took some photos anyways in hopes of it looking like he had a dandy time.... i wonder how he will do this year.... i found a nice hill that is walking distance from here... maybe he will like sledding... 6mos pregnant and sledding, you think that will work?!

but onto the illustrations...the first one was made for part of a swap... i know, i need to make some stuff to sell, eh?! still, it was a pleasure to make for the person and i hope they will enjoy it... it was actually a revamp of an older illustration (the one right above this paragraph)...that one was done in 2003.... my style has changed a tad, eh?! this one had wire for arms and some ribbon for the hat... the most recent illustration is mostly cut paper with embossed snowflakes... the background had to be redone because when i was embossing the first time, i actually burned the paper...what a bummer... but good thing i had more of the same color paper and was able to redo it in time to ship off...

ah, now to work on the rest of my to-do list!

sweet surprises

jen did it again! she sent me a sweet surprise, and i mean sweet!!! the other day, i received a package from jen and here was the goodies!!! a HOMEMADE pumpkin ginger bread that is 85% gone with no help from ramel... and just a teeny tad from diego.... they liked it but well, its my treat:).... so need i say how delicious it was?! ah, it makes a great breakfast, snack, and lunch, and late snack and it's quite filling too! and of course, it satisfies my craving for pumpkin (yes, i am still into pumpkin and tomatoes)...

she also sent me the cutest mug! and that is put to good use everyday too! here is what the mug says:

                                                              i think i'm drinking too much coffee.
                                                       do you think i'm drinking too much coffee?
                                                i hope not, 'cause i hate to drink too much coffee.
                                             don't you hate that, when you drink too much cofee?
                                                                                i know i do.
                                               and that's why i'm worried that i'm drinking too...

isn't it funny?! she also sent a sweet card and some candy for diego... how thoughtful and just wonderful!!! thank you jen so much! you don't know how much i appreciate your generousity... and i must say, people, you gotta check out her etsy store!! she has many goodies in there!!!