All Cacti, All the Time!

I know. I live in the Southwest. And when people come to visit our great state, they are generally looking for a few things. Mexican food, Mariachis, and cacti. Hahaha! Makes me laugh too.

The last, really makes me laugh. When we started selling at the ABQ Downtown Growers' Market...we started getting requests. My Mom makes these little pincushions. So many of our out-of-town customers kept admiring and buying them. Then I finally overheard a convo. People thought they were little cactus. We kept making them...

In the off season, we started to get requests for cactus hats. And I finally decided to check out some cactus projects. On Pinterest. When did our little cactus, get so popular? So here are a few more things, I've come across since. 

I'm in LOVE with those little bags! And the ring holders. The sign is super cute too! And honestly, I'm not a HUGE fan of cactus...more on that later. But these are cute.

The party items, on here...made me laugh! But they are pretty cute. If cactus is your thing! I really like the pillow in the middle. Super cute! Even for an outdoor seating area.

This bag caught my eye. If I were to "rock" the cacti...this is how I'd do it. I don't draw well. But this doesn't look hard. At all!

And how many of you, remember fabric paint from the 90s? My then SIL, made us all bags and shirts one year. For Christmas. Something similar to this idea. But more in designs that we liked. My Mom is obsessed with owls...so she got an owl. My Mom still uses that bag. So Sandra, if you're reading this...Mom LOVES that bag!

We make a TON of baby items! A TON!!! And I thought this would be super cute. In fact, the last time we went to the fabric store, we saw a lot of cacti prints. My Mom already makes similar onesies. With little diaper covers. So this would be fun, to incorporate into our little stash! The little button, totally makes it for me!

Recently on TV, I saw a similar craft. These would be fun, in a smaller size. Don't you think? Maybe an 8X10. The pom pom flower makes this for me!

These little pincushions, are something we've been asked to make. For a customer...or 5! I think they are super cute! And different. From the regular pincushions that you see.

And these little rock cacti, made me laugh! All the way, to the craft store. To look for supplies. You'd be surprised, how many people like to buy rock art. I know! But there is a booth, that makes painted rocks. To resemble animals and people. Super cute. So I think these would be fun too!

This hat pattern, made it's way around Facebook. During the winter. And I never found the original pattern. So I made one up. And I sold a ton, of these hats! All sizes. Honestly, I want one for me. Maybe I'll make one by next winter. :) The little flower, was my fav!

These little cacti, are so adorable! Early last season, I was sent this pic. And started to try and figure out, how to make them. There were zero patterns around! But I just adore these. If you come by the Growers' Markets...chances are, I'll have a dozen! No two, are alike!

I was also sent this pic. And I want to tackle these gals too! They feel a little more whimsical. With their eyes and flowers. 

To me, these look a little more, like a real cactus. I bought about a dozen pots, to make them. I just need to sit and make them. :)

And just last week, I found this in my email inbox! A pillow. Can anyone tell what my next project is going to be? Super fun! I just want to add a little smile to her.

So here's the thing, I didn't realize how popular cactus had become. I don't know where I've been. I just hadn't realized it. Which is hilarious! Being that any store you go to, has them all over their home decor items.

When I was little my Mom and Grandpa would eat cactus. Nopales actually. Me? Heck no! They were slimy! And it seemed weird to me. To eat the plants, that my Grandma would scream at us...to stay away from.

And then there was that incident, when my cousin fell into the cactus. And I had to sit and pull out the needles. With a pair of tweezers. The tiny needles. As we hide from our Grandma. And kept making our third cousin, run back and forth to the house. For supplies. And to cover for us. I was the oldest. So I got the job with the tweezers. We were scared to death of our Grandma finding out, what had happened. Because she probably would have beat us. Not really. But we would have been in some serious trouble!

And does anyone recall, that time Mr. Sancho stepped in the cactus? And then, sorta fell over it. When we were playing a gig. And we spent what seemed like hours, pulling out the needles. From his traje...while still having to keep to our gig schedule. I had nightmares about Attacking Cactus!!!

So I'm not the biggest fan. But they are cute. And although, I pass them up at the store...I can see the appeal. I'd much rather buy a fern, than a cactus. But I can see how people like them. Especially, if you are not from the Southwest. The crafted ones, are much cuter...than the real cactus. A lot less prickly too! :)

Have you seen any Cactus Crafts? Are you interested in them? Would you like to purchase something, similar? Just wondering. I'm always trying to stay ahead of the curve. Even if sometimes, I fall way behind! Happy Tuesday!

XOXO,
Desiree

Crafts: Boy Edition

I'm always stumped, when it comes to boy stuff. Always! A couple of years ago, we were invited to a birthday party. For some Twin Boys. I had no clue. So I went to the toy department, and asked some boys...that were about their ages. And when they suggested a toy, I bought it. Times two!

But at the Growers' Markets, I always find this to be difficult. I mean, we don't have many little boys in our family. My friends don't have many boys either. So I struggle with what to make. My Mom has been sewing tons of boy items. Like little shirts, boys rompers, and sunhats. So adorbs! 

Me? I'm completely stumped. So I took to my prized Google. And did a little search. I mean, the Market opens in just over a week! I need some boy items. Let's take a look at what I found...

 1. First up, this cute airplane. These would be fun to make. Just some popsicle sticks, a clothes pin, and a little piece of wood. You could paint them all sorts of fun colors. I'm seriously debating this one!

 2. This onesie is so cute! And wouldn't take too much to make. My Mom already does some cute onesies with matching diaper covers. But I like this one. Solely because of the tie!

 3. These little superhero capes...have been on our list forever! We bought some fabric last year. I just need to cut it out. And figure out an emblem to sew on the back. Oh...and make a mask. :)

 4. How about a dinosaur? Do all boys love a dinosaur? Just wondering. Is it something universal...like playing with cars? I like this little guy. 

  5. I also like these monsters. I mean, you could have all sorts of fun, designing them. This is my kind of craft. Because you can change the basic monster, just by making the face different. Slightly different eyes...or a silly mouth. Now I want to make an army of monsters! I think these would be good, for a toddler.

  6. How about a tool belt? This is sorta like some of our girl items, that we make. You make the item, and buy stuff...to bring it to life. Has anyone seen some moderately priced play tools? Because this could be fun!

 7. This car mat is also fun! I already crochet a car mat. And the BOYS love them! I had a customer last year, that probably bought 5 during the season. It was her go-to birthday present for little boys. I like that this one also has a place for the little cars to go.

 8. This car mat is also cute. I like that the little garage, is a series of pockets. I believe this is also a roll-up version. And easy enough, for me to sew. I'm not a great sewer...like my Mom. So I like to keep my projects simple. With lots of straight lines. :)

 9. OMG! A little wallet. You wouldn't believe how many kiddos come to the Growers' Markets with their allowance. Ready to spend. And how many parents are freaking out! That those littles, are going to lose said money. I'm always picking up random scrunched up dollar bills...and chasing the littles down, that dropped them. 

I think this would be perfect. For both boys and girls. And it looks pretty simple to make. You could probably use up, quite a bit of scrap fabric too!

10. On to crochet things. My forte! I think this little overall set is too cute! I've been searching out a pattern. But haven't found what I like. Maybe I just need to sit down and create my own. It shouldn't be too hard. But darn, this is cute!

11. So are these shoes! I struggle so much, with boy stuff. But I think these would be a perfect set. Very boyish. And cute. All rolled into one!

12. We make a ton of toys! All year long. It's the one thing, we never really stop making. I think this little bowling set, would be pretty cute. Something similar, to our tea set for the girls.

13. Like I said, we make a lot of toys. All. Year. LONG!!! And we make a ton of dolls. But I had never thought of a boy doll before. Until a friend of ours, recently bought her grandson...wait for it...a Boy Baby Alive. I had never seen them before.

But when you have a big sister, who is obsessed with dolls...it's only normal, to want your own. So why not? I'm going to have to figure out a pattern. Or go searching on Etsy for one. Is it a pretty common thing? For a younger brother, to want a boy doll?

14. Robots. I mean, you can't go wrong. Boy or girl. Change up the colors...and I think they'd be fun. These look like a smaller version. Under 8 inches. Which I like. I like a smaller toy. For 2 reasons. One, the kids can more easily play with it. Two, it doesn't cost as much to make. So you don't have to charge as much either.

Anyway, I have a pattern. From a book. For a large robot. About 12-18 inches. Depending on your gauge. But I'm looking for a smaller pattern. Just because. I really need to get to digging on Etsy. :)

15. Lastly, we have this dragon. I bought a book to make crochet dinosaurs. About a year ago. Thinking they'd be perfect. But they are HUGE! Which makes them an expensive item. And I like to have items, at every one's price points.

So I'm looking for smaller toys like this. I just think he is so cute! And a really good size. Now to figure out, where this pic came from...the story of my life!!!

Do you have boys? Do you know boys? Can you help me with what boys like? I'd love any sort of suggestion. Because I'm always at a loss. I know my car mats sell well. So do my Super Heroes. And Ami Guys. But other than that, what should I make. 

We're even welcoming suggestions for my Momma. She has some cute things, that she sews. But we quickly run out of ideas. Girls are easy. So easy! We have so many in our family. But we could definitely use your help, in the boy department. Happy Tuesday!

XOXO,

Desiree

Easter in the Making!

I can't believe that it's almost Easter! Where has the time gone? I swear, we just started Lent. And Sunday...is already Easter!

So as a single gal, I don't have to worry about making Easter baskets for littles. Although, a certain little pup...has a big 'ol present waiting for her. And I'll get my Mom something. I also put a little something in the mail, for my Goddaughters.

But I like to make stuff for the littles. And since we always spend Easter with my cousins, I was looking for some fun, fast, and cute bunny crafts. Last year, I made all the littles a washcloth bunny...and a bag of candy. But my little cousin was born on Easter, and we only ended up seeing a handful of the littles.

That has not put a damper on my Easter Spirit. I was out searching for ideas. I didn't post, what I'm in the process of making. I think I need to make 14 girl items. And 8 for the boys. I have 4 made in total! But here are some cute options. And you know me, I just do a quick Google Image search. So I don't have any real links for you...

These cute baskets are made out of fake flowers. And wire. Super cute, if I only had girl cousins. Or if I had another idea. For the boys. But this might be something, I come back to, for our Tea Party Fundraiser.

These bunnies are super cute! If I had any artistic ability. To draw the faces. I'd love to make some. And fill them with some sweet treats.

When I used to teach catechism, for the littles...I made these. Super fast and easy. And economical. If you are looking for a quick treat, this is one of my favs. I used a coupon, and bought the wooden beads. Used for the head. And I spray painted them. The rest is pom poms, little eyes, and the feet...I used wooden hearts. That I also spray painted.

OMG! These chicks are super cute. And had I seen them sooner, this would have been my 2018 Easter Treat! But I've already planted some seeds, in our egg cartons...

You could totally spray paint these. Or use acrylic paint. And then use a Sharpie to make the eyes. I would then fill them with chocolate candies. And glue them closed. :)

These bunny envelopes are super cute too! They've actually given me an idea, to make a crochet purse. I'll let you know, when I've figured them out. :)

These rabbits, cracked me up! Another cute and inexpensive treat. I'll be saving up my TP rolls for next year. I already have stacks and stacks of this polka dot felt. And it would be so easy, to fill these up. With treats, before gluing on the feet. 

I'm not really interested in the bunnies here. I like the carrots. They'd be adorable to use as decor. Maybe next year. Don't you think they're cute? In a little basket. Or spread over some fake grass.

I'm only interested in 2 items from this pic. The cute bunny garland. I recently saw a similar one. Made out of burlap. At JoAnn's...for $15. On sale! Crazy people. I think there were only 8 bunnies.

I want to make one for next year. With cute little cotton tails. Oh, I think that would be cute. The paper option, is also cute. But I'd still prefer the burlap one. Or even lace. That could be super cute!

I also like the sock bunnies. I saw something similar on Facebook. And thought they'd be cute. As decor. Maybe a little family of 3 or 5. In some cute pastel colors.

I saw these, and thought they were so cute! For Spring in general. Not just Easter. I think they'd make the perfect Hostess Gift. Or even, would be cute on the bathroom counter. I really want to make a set. It just takes some Mason Jars, twine, a Sharpie, some acrylic paint, and flowers!

I wouldn't use these for treats. More for decor. Or even a Hostess Gift. Making a bunch, and putting them in a glass bowl. They would look cute on a table top. Or in an entry way.

These guys are super cute too! I like the little glass candle holders. I think they'd be perfect for Spring. Or again, our Tea Party. I'm betting those bunny tails, are either a pom pom...or a marshmallow. In the last week, I've seen them make these Bunny Tails on at least 8 TV Shows!

These jars are my fav!!! About 10 years ago, I helped a friend make something similar. But with little Zoo animals. For her son's nursery. They were super easy to make! And so fun!

Then a few years later, I made some for my Goddaughter's nursery. You just have to save some jars. Or buy some. Then buy a pack of small animals, toy soldiers, or bugs. Whatever you want to put on top. Then spray paint all the "toppers" and lids. 

I used E6000, to glue them together. And we put little essentials in them. Cotton balls, cotton swabs, hair bows. As the kiddos have grown, they have become containers for toys and art supplies. 

But these would be cute to make. With bunnies, chicks, or even eggs as toppers. And then you could stick candy or cookies in them. Perfect for your kitchen. Or as a Hostess Gift.

What are you guys making this Easter? Is there anything I should be making? An Easter Craft that is really cute and fun? Let me know. I have a big family. And I'm always interested in making them little things. Oh, and I LOVE to decorate for the holidays! 

XOXO,

Desiree