"Oh my God you guys, the ocean is so major!"

"You guys, it's so spacious here.  I love it.  Couldn't you just die?"

Sadie the Incredible Mermaid Girl: D.I.Y. Traveling Side Show Mermaid Baby Costume

This year was my baby girl's first halloween as a dress-up-able-human and it was imperative that she have the perfect first Halloween costume.  I had originally had my heart set on her being the bearded lady in a side show but when she wouldn't leave the beard on I decided to take advantage of the fact that she's not walking yet and put her in some sort of a sack costume which also meant that I would need to decorate her stroller...which naturally led me to make her the Incredible Mermaid Girl in a traveling side show!

I created her stroller cover using foam core as the fish tank frame; blue fabric, glitter tulle & clear plastic Christmas ornaments for the water; and foam core for the signage & held it all together using a glue gun.  I attached the whole contraption to the stroller (a Britax B-agile) using Velcro Garland Tie and all that was missing was a fat little mermaid to go inside.

Enter one fat little mermaid.  

I have a tutorial on how to make the shell top for the costume here 

& the mermaid tail tutorial is in the works!  

I'd love to see pictures of your home-made Halloween costumes.  Happy Be-lated Halloween!!

Christmas here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Minute NO-SEW D.I.Y. Costume: Mini Hula Girl

Here's a last minute NO-SEW costume idea for you or your little one: 

What you'll need

• a green plastic tablecloth
• scissors
• glue gun/glue sticks
• string/rope/twine
• fringe (optional)
• hawaiian flower for hair clip (optional)
• shirt or onesie
• felt for shells
• blue marker

1. Open your tablecloth and cut it down to fit lengthwise around your waist and so that it's long enough to just graze the knee.  

2. Keep it folded over and begin cutting it into fringe.

3. Once the fringe is cut grab your rope and fringe if you have some laying around.  I had this awesome piece of white fringe/tassles leftover from an old project.

4. Hot glue your twine onto the skirt at the fold and let dry.  Flip skirt over- hot glue the fringe to the front.

Your skirt is done.

Now for the shirt.

I'm using this off-white onesie for my daughter's costume.  It has a design on it but it should be covered by the shells so don't worry about it.  I'm also using left-over felt from her mermaid costume to be green and save a buck.

  1. Lay the felt scraps over the design to figure out where the shells will go.  Draw the shells directly onto the felt.

2. Cut out the shells and define them using any permanent marker.  I like this blue but you can use any color.  

3. Hot glue the shells onto the shirt.

Aaaaaand you're done!

Now slip the costume onto your little model and try desperately to get her to look at you.  

Good luck and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Being a Good Hostess: Hurricane Edition

In preparation for our upcoming Category 3 (already downgraded to 2 and on her way to plain ol' "Tropical Storm" status) visitor this weekend I thought I'd gather some tips on how to be a good hurricane hostess.  

When entertaining out-of-town visitors it's always nice to label items and make directional signs to avoid confusion.   Above is a piece of drift wood I painted to show Irene how to get to the beach to help her find her way.  

It's important when hosting natural disasters to have plenty of activities for your guests.  Below is a pail I've set out that Irene can throw through my window and some treasure she might also want to roll around in while she's there.

As anyone who's ever been to a gathering knows, refreshments are key!  Here I've made our guest a margarita to enjoy while on her rampage, a girl does get thirsty!  And I've laid out guest towels and an umbrella to hurl across our great state.

With any social gathering it is important to keep in mind who you're inviting to ensure an easy going atmosphere and great conversation.  My guest list for this party will include the Crab Brothers, for their shared interested in rolling around in treasure,

and some mermaids from down the shore who are reminding me of another tip: if you are an invited guest it is always a good idea to bring a gift to your host.  Sandra has decided to bring a giant clam, always a hit!, and Kendra brought a Starfish.  What's nice about these gifts is that they're local, unassuming and they fit the theme.  Great job ladies!

Welcome Irene, may your trip be short and sweet and I really hope you don't throw a pail through my window.  Happy Hurricane-ing, stay safe!

New stuff in my Etsy shop!

Ok, the wedding's over and I'm back from the honeymoon.  Time to get back to work...after I catch up on horribly addicting reality TV shows of course.  I mean, have you even seen Ice Loves Coco?  Amazing.

But I digress...

These little guys were just added to my Etsy shop.  Go check 'em out!

Let me know if you want something special painted.  I love custom orders!

Foxy Cleopatra Mermaid!!

Jen in Connecticut asked me to paint the coolest mermaid to date:

"A mermaid version of Beyonce's character in Austin Powers"

Holy Crap!

 She also got a little red headed friend hugging a star fish:

 Detail of Foxy's chubby tummy & tail:

Have a great idea for a mermaid?  Let me know!

Hayden the Mermaid

New mermaid painting for Hayden, she's

"turning 3 and looooooves mermaids", I'm told. 

6x12" Canvas.

Detail:

Get your's here.

6-Pack of Favorites

It's Done!!!!

Lucian's 'mural' is done! It took me a million hours and I had to sacrifice my social calendar but it was worth it cause it's done and, if I do say so myself, it's awesome!! Here are some close ups:

The Cap'n and his mighty sidekick, Sqwak.

His first mates, Wayne and Garth.

Lucian's name and date of birth banner.

Yah'll come back now, y'hear?!

Work in Progress

A work in progress.  4'x2' painting for little Lucien's room commissioned by his 

fully tattoo'ed, ex-sailor Dad.  He's going to have the coolest nursery in town!

More to come!!!

Lovely Ladies of the Sea

This little lady was created especially for another little lady's mermaid themed bedroom. She's available in any color combination you can dream up! Here she is as a brunette with an olive and lime green fin:

Let me know what color combo you want when ordering and I'll get her started right away!

I wanna be where the people are

I received a special request from an Etsy customer today- a mermaid for her daughter's room. After an initial period of doubt I painted her and now I want to quit my job and paint mermaid's all day.

I'm sure that somewhere in the world they'll pay me to do that, right?

Also- I've had 'Under the Sea' stuck in my head since the moment she asked for the painting. Make it stop!!