Visitors

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

HartwellDesigns' new product inspector....



I sent my 4 month old nephew, Jackson, a little surprise package last week. His Mom took several pictures of him checking out his new bib.



I just added this bib to my etsy shop,
just in case you know some one that might like a bib like Jackson's ;)


http://www.hartwelldesigns.etsy.com/



I can create a matching onesie if you are looking for a gift set.

And.. I have the same sweet teddy bears print in pink if you are looking for a precious girls set

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Snowcones on a bush


If you ever visited our house, you would notice something.... the backside and the front side have very distinct personalities.

The backside has a tropical feel... is all about the water, sun, swimming, boats, and our summer tropical plants.

The front side is more english garden shabby perennial. I have english daisies, lantana, lavender, lambs ear and then my new
blooming favorite this year...

my hydrangia.. forgive my spelling, I didn't take latin ;) but this hydrangia is special, it blooms all summer long and yes, the blooms are suppose to be different colors. They remind me of a snowcone. They are a new varitey called "Endless Summer", I purchased several at Park Seed Co in Greenwood, South Carolina last year.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Peace in the Middle East


PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
awwwwwwwww... now how sweet is this little chunk of love?? Meet my 4-month old nephew, Jackson, wearing his peace sign tank onesie that I made for him before he was born.

He wore this Memorial Day, his parents both served in Iraq.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Summer greetings

What a beautiful site!
Now... if we could do something about the humidity :)


8 1/2 years old.. WOW!

One more full day of school and 2 half-days, then Summer break is here! It is hard to belive Eastin will be starting third grade in August.

I was told, the older you get, the faster time goes ~ It seems like she started first grade a few months ago.
I hope to spend lots of time this summer outside, taking pictures, walking on the shore, throwing rocks (maybe putting on a bathing suit), working in the garden and enjoying sunsets. I hope Eastin wants to spend those moments with me :) afterall.. she is "8 1/2"...

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

counting my blessings

sorry for disappearing, I really didn't, but there have been times I may have thought about it, seriously... can't somebody invent a button to push?? you know, instead of the "in case of emergency, break glass" scenario, but in this instance.. "if you need to get the heck out of dodge, quick and nobody notice you were even gone" button. Dang.. I should have paid more attention in science class when we were building our end of the year science project. heck.. maybe I did invent that button, and I hit it and here I am ROFL..



I need to know when 8 year old girls (okay.. excuse me... 8 1/2 (that half is TERRIBLY important when you are 8) began dictating the household.

I think a spaceship has flown over my little pinpoint dot on a map location and sucked my family up and relocated us to another planet. Sucked up our house, school, same dirty car (yes the one with "wash me" still on it) from weeks ago.. wait.... you know now that I really think about it... maybe it wasn't my world they sucked up but it WAS her... YES Eastin they sucked up, my precious sweet baby girl that has always had a little spunk for being independent but THEY switched her with some master manipulator and evil Cruella soul that can cry with ever so little effort and stomp her feet like I can only imagine Shrek the Ogar does when lolligagging around the swamps after stepping upon a huge wad of chewed gum. Which.. while we are talking about swamps,... a SWAMP.. is what my precious 8.5 year Eastin's bathroom floor was because she/I butted heads about dirty laundry and both of us refused to pick it up so long that we no longer could see the ceramic tile and Miller decided he would get in the shower with Eastin (yes.. our 80 lb house dog aka.. walking shedding sweetest "gentle giant" great dane/boxer mix). Then after going in long enough to get totally soaked, he jumps out and does the "doggie shake" and then proceeds to root around her clothing to dry off his coat.

After I swear 7 loads of clothes (no wonder the child literally had NOTHING to wear) and for once she was telling the truth (oh yeah.. have I mentioned telling the truth is NOT a normal circumstance around here), the swamp exists no longer, I couldn't stand it but Cruella Shrek has yet to notice, how sad is that?? How can you NOT notice that you aren't standing on 6+ inches of dirty clothes when trying to brush your teeth?? But for all practical purposes, when I say to BRUSH your teeth, does that specifically mean to use a tooth brush or just swish some tooth paste around in the mouth and spit it back out?? As a Mother, I should know by now that if I don't go into full details, then I shouldn't get mad when a toothbrush isn't used because I didn't specify.

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....

oh.. I can't imagine what each new day will bring, which.. as my sister told me on several occasions when, in my mind, my world was YES actually coming to a end (one time which is SCREAMING IN MY LEFT BRAIN RIGHT NOW), I was going through post pardum and wanting to know why the fact that motherhood sucked so bad was NEVER mentioned to me) ... after 48 hours of NO sleep, a colicy baby, I was wearing cabbage leaves wrapped around me with an ace bandage and I was sitting on the back porch crying and Russ knew to leave well enough alone and let me sit outside with my cabbage smelling self and asking my sister to come over and help (okay.. that is another story but if you are from the South and you've had a baby.. you know where I'm going with the story), I cried to her telling her that I wished I could see the future. Her wise words of wisdom keep replaying in my mind "sometimes it is a blessing we cannot see the future".

At this moment, I'm counting my blessings
and if you happen to see my "old" Eastin, please tell her to jump the next spaceship back to home soon :) that we all miss her desperately.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

time just flies!!

I cannot believe I haven't posted in almost 2 months!!
So much has happened around here, but for now I just had to share this amazing storm that came through Tuesday afternoon.

http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/hartwelldesigns_photos/lakehartwellstorm/?albumview=slideshow&direction=reverse

I promise to post more soon. It is 70 degrees today and Eastin is jumping on her trampoline and wanting an audience, I guess it isn't as much fun alone as it is with somebody watching.

Miller is also whining to go outside..

Kris :)

Sunday, January 20, 2008

a must read... CHILDRENS BILL OF RIGHTS... Vs. Parents Bill of Rights

I recently posted a link that my nephew and his wife passed on to me
about parent's job requirements, well this post is for parents regarding Children's Rights.

This is for the parents with teen-agers out there!

Please feel free to link to this post :)

CHILDREN'S BILL OF RIGHTS
My son came home from school one day, With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough, to put me in my place.

"Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright?
It's all about the laws today, The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room, Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think, Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion, And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head, And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want, And pierce my tongue nose.
I can read & watch just what I like, Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me, I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges, With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me, My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses, that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals, Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights, So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Division, Better known as C.S.D."

Mom's Reply and Thoughts:
Of course my first instinct was To toss him out the door.
But the chance to teach him a lesson Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully, I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face; he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, "Pick out all you want, there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.D.
Who said they didn't care If I bought you K-Mart shoes Instead of those Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment To take your driver's test.
The C.S.D. Is unconcerned So I'll decide what's best.

I said "No time to stop and eat, Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite, And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions, A favorite dish of mine."

He asked "Can I please rent a movie, To watch on my VCR?"
"Sorry, but I sold your TV, For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room; You'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.D. Requires Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now; I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski, Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights', It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying, Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out, Instead of C.S.D..?"

Send to all people that have teenagers or have already raised teenagers, Or have children who will soon be teenagers or those who will be parents someday OR ANYONE WHO'D JUST GET A LAUGH ....I love this One!! !

MOM (Mean Old Mother.)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

POSITION LISTING/REQUIREMENTS for parents or parents-to-be

POSITION:
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma, Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The rest of your life.Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of apack muleand be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT/PROMOTION:
None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Forward this on to all the PARENTS you know, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis, letting them know they are appreciated for the fabulous job they do...or forward with love to anyone thinking of applying for the job.

Friday, January 11, 2008

The holidays ARE over now.. and I've been sewing...



If you ever cruise around the Bay (ebay), be sure to take a peek at some of my newest creations. I'm in love with these 9 patch vintage chenille patchwork pillows!
http://http://search.ebay.com/%2F_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQrdZ0QQsassZhartwelldesigns

Also. I have a couple of Euro style apron wrap tops listed for girls. One is made from vintage Mickey Mouse fabric.. what a find!



Have a wonderful weekend :)


Kris

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

The holidays are over, and school needs to begin!

school really needs to begin soon, I'm counting down, how bad is that?

30 more hours. My little Eastin has a evil twin, she does! honestly, really.. my little sweet girl cannot be a devil in disquise can she?


see... I actually even photographed her today!


The holidays are so crazy, too much sugar, too many presents, too little sleep, too many activities, too little "mommy quiet time"!!

I hope your families had a wonderful holiday season and I also hope I'm not the only Mom counting down to school starting back!!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Lots of new listings on eBay! patchwork quilts & bibs and a little monkey busines...


It has been so long since I've been in the creative mood. Well.. the mood has finally come back full force and I cannot stop :)

I know the days until Christmas are numbered and I don't want to get bogged down in custom orders like I have in years past so this year I will not accept custom orders after Dec. 5th.

I listed 4 patchwork vintage chenille throws this week on eBay. Each measures 36" by 48" which is plenty big for adults and babies :)







I'm hoping to get a rod and hooks up in our house this week sho I can show has these amazing works of art diplay on the wall. What a wonderful addition to a baby's nursery, then as the baby gets older, a great blanket to take everywhere.

and a little bit of monkey busines...
How could I pass these animal print onesie's up when I found them??
I added Julius the Monkey and pom pom trim.



and... look at these lovey bouquets of chenille flowers!

these infant size bibs are as vibrant as they come.


If you have a moment, visit me on eBay, eBay seller ID: hartwelldesigns

Thursday, November 22, 2007

November skies in South Carolina are the BEST!









I was taking pictures of several vintage chenille patchwork throws I'll be listing on eBay this weekend and was all consumed with them, trying to get decent pictures. I totally ignored this gorgeous sky that was overlooking me.

Here's a peek at one of the throws I'll be listing. I'm hoping it finds a wonderful new home.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

November sunset over Lake Hartwell



I was sitting at my sewing machine and looked out and saw this incredible sunset!

If you'll click on the picture you will see it full size and will be able to see one of the many new islands popping up from the low water levels in the lake.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Witchin' fun!


I thought this witch costume fit Eastin's personality lately :)

I'm sure having a cast on is no fun, and she has been driving everyone batty with all of that bottled up energy.
I hope everyone had a great Halloween. Now it is time to hide all that chocolate (or atleast relocate it to my sewing room when she is at school)




look!! now we have 2 witches on our doorstep.. where's the brooms???

I need to put them to work ;)