Settling in and back to work!

Holy moly, it's been forever and a day since my last post!!  Three whole months, to be exact.  Well, a lot has gone on in the House of AquaSeventy6!

First and foremost, I am out of my in-laws and into my own place!  I am still in the process of unpacking and putting together my design studio, but my goal is to have it up and running by the time the kids get out of school (June 4!)  I'm so excited, not only to be back in my hometown, but to have found a home in my favorite neighborhood.  I lived here for 7 years prior to moving to Virginia, and I haven't felt more at home anywhere, ever. ♥

I participated in a spring trunk show this month with my same handmade posse, and we are planning a Back-to-School event for the end of summer.

I've also been busy working apart from AquaSeventy6.  I was hired on in January as the Event Manager for a super cute local party hall. (Check out Pretty in Pink Party Place for more information.)  This has kept my weekends busy, but I love having my weekdays free to be with my kids and work on my designs.

Speaking of designs, I can't leave you without sharing a couple of new applique burp cloths I've been working on for little girls!

Elephant Applique Burp Cloths

Flower Applique Burp Cloths

Since I am no longer commuting 100 miles per day...yes, you read that correctly...I have much more time to blog, sew, DIY, etc.  So, keep your eyes peeled for much, much more!  xoxo

Working Through the Pain

Gosh...I don't know how to begin to tell you how sorry I am that I've been lagging on this blog.  I've been very busy with orders, which is so amazing.  I love, love, LOVE what I do!!

Unfortunately, I somehow aggravated my back injury on Monday (unloading the dishes, of all things) and I've been in excruciating pain ever since.  I can't tolerate pain killers other than basic ibuprofen or acetaminophen, so it's been a rough week.

How did I injure my back?  7 years ago my husband, kids and I were hit by a drunk driver who ran a red light.  Our SUV spun around and rolled over. I was driving.  By the grace of God we all walked away from the accident, but my back was never the same.

I go through this every few months...but this has been the longest I've been in pain...ever.  I think I may have to see a doctor soon. :(

I probably should have relaxed my back much more than I have this week.  After I finish this post, I promise I will go upstairs and stay in bed until Sunday.  Maybe my fairy Godmother will appear and do my laundry this weekend.

Here are some photos of what I worked on this week, pain and all...tell me what you think:

20" x 20" Chevron Throw Pillow

Elephant Karavan Applique Pillows

Scrappy Scarf Necklace

Boho Cuff Bracelet

 Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked

Elephant Applique and Patchwork Throw Pillows

My friends and family are the inspiration for most of my projects, and I am so grateful to them!  It takes so much creativity just to figure out how to run a multifaceted business from home with kids on two different bus schedules, all the while having to plan dinner, do housework, worry about bills AND try to find a way to have a fulfilling life on a budget. It's no wonder my hair is falling out...seriously, it is.  I could make a wig out of what gets trapped in the shower drain!

Even so, nothing has fulfilled me creatively than creating items to share on AquaSeventy6.  So, thank you again!

The following project was inspired by some fabric I came across while mindlessly browsing the web.  It was so beautiful that I had to share it on my Facebook page.  Minutes later, my friend Natasha asked if I could use the fabric to make her some throw pillows....OF COURSE!

I ordered the fabric from a trusted shop on Etsy (small business supporting small business!) as well as some coordinating fabrics for the backside.  When the main fabric arrived, I decided to cut out the print and applique it on another fabric.....and here is what was born...

Isn't it beautiful?!

Here are both sides.  What you can't see is the zipper I added to each pillow so that my friend can toss the covers in the wash whenever she needs to.

I love this pillows so much, that I am planning to recreate them for myself...if I ever make time!  I hope you all enjoyed today's bit of eye candy! xx

 Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked

Mustachio Burp Cloths

Remember the Neck Tie Burp Cloths I made for my soon-to-arrive twin grandnephews?  I had a couple of cloth diapers left over and I decided to keep the "Little Men" theme going by making some with fancy mustachio appliques.

I'm pretty sure my nephew is going to be like "double-u, tee, eff" when he sees them, but I think they are too cute!

This is my second of many planned handmade baby gifts for the twins.   Tell me what you think!

Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked!

Felt Applique Wristlets and Enjoying the Snow

Here is a preview of my latest project:

But, before I get into the details, I wanted to share some thoughts and a fun photo from this morning.
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It's such a beautiful morning here in Virginia.  I am thoroughly enjoying seeing all of this weekend's snow glimmering in the sunlight.  The sound of the snow melting from the trees is one I won't soon forget.

My kiddos made their first ever snowman.

I'm proud to say that they did it all on their own.  Not bad for two former Floridians!

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Last week, my daughter asked if we could make some more fun little wristlets similar to the heart applique wristlet from earlier this month.  She picked out a few fabrics, some felt, and we got to work.

Here is what we came up with:

Blue and white chevron with pink bird applique

Inside of the bird wristlet

Yellow and white chevron with an elephant applique

Inside of the elephant wristlet.

Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked!

I Heart My Wristlet

I don't necessary create according to season, but there is something about hearts and love around Valentine's Day that brightens my spirit.

Doesn't this wristlet, with its mix of sweet and tough, just brighten YOUR day???

For today's project I was inspired by a couple of Valentine's-related pins I came across on everyone's favorite time-killer, Pinterest.

First was the Deux Lux 'Resort' Wristlet from Nordstrom.com. Next was this DIY art project by Southern Lovely.  (I was going to add the photos, but I wanted to make sure you visited each site!)

This 8" x 7" wristlet features a felt heart applique (shout out to my guuurrrlll Marcy over at K.a.i-y.a. Designs for her applique lesson over Christmas break!), an 8" wrist strap, fleece interfacing, a handy inside pocket and finally a matching covered button zipper pull.

I know I've said this before, but I love it so much, I don't know if I will be willing to part with it!


Just a reminder:  If you are an AquaSeventy6 fan on Facebook, I am holding a "24 Hour First Dibs" special.  I am posting items on my page for 24 hours before listing them in the shop.  If you order before the 24 hour window expires (or the item is sold out) you can have it shipped FOR FREE!  Check it out!


Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked!