Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief

As everyone knows, Japan has hit by devastating earthquakes and tsunami.  Like everyone else, I feel heartbroken over the damage and destruction that's taken place.  I wanted to do something to help...I started brainstorming and decided to create necklaces inspired by the recent events. 

These necklaces are now on sale through my Etsy store:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70398734/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief-tsunami
and
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70397501/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief-necklace?ref=v1_other_2 .
The best part, I'm donating 100% of profits from their sales to GlobalGiving (www.globalgiving.org). 

I believe strongly in this cause!  So, please check out my necklaces and don't forget to tell your family and friends.  Japan needs our help!

Wedding Season is Fast Approaching!

I just finished a custom made clothespin wedding cake topper for a wonderful customer down in California.  She sent me numerous photos of her & her fiance, her wedding dress, veil, flowers, and cake.

Her ivory colored lace dress is beautiful, and I hope I did it justice with my mini version complete with a halter top and sash.  I also included the cathedral length veil similar to the one the bride will be wearing on the big day.  The base was decorated with grass, yellow & white flowers, and glass beads! 

As always, I sew/finish all edges of the outfits.  I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I spend hours making sure that every little detail is exactly the way I want it.  It's definitely time consuming, but in the end I think it's well worth the effort.  I hope my customers can see how much love and time is put into these creations!

Additional twin flower girls were made as gifts for the brides real life flower girls as well.

Wedding season is just around the corner...for more information on ordering your own custom wedding cake topper, please contact me by email at craftywithasideofcrazy@gmail.com
or visit my Etsy shop at jadestone1.

Preschool Clay Day!

My son's preschool teacher asked if I would be willing to do an art/clay project with the class...it took me all of one second to say "I'd Love To!".  This was back in February, and I've been brainstorming what kind of clay project to do with 19, 3 and 4 year olds.  Luckily, they took turns at the "clay station", so I only worked with 3 kids at a time.  It really allowed me to give the kids some personal attention. 

Since the class was celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday, we decided to have the kids build silly Dr. Seuss inspired animals.  His teacher read "If I Ran The Zoo" while I kneaded the clay and set things up.  When the kids were told they'd get to make their own clay animal, their eyes light up and smiles spread across all their faces!  It was so great to see them that excited.

Some jumped right in, while others were a little hesitant to really go for it!  But, after a while they all seemed to love it!  Even though their "animals" didn't turn out looking much like animals at all, they were so proud of their creations. 



Horses, fish, octopus, t-rex, cat raccoons, and more!



Working hard on her pink & purple bear!

My son...decided he didn't want to make an animal, so he made the Earth instead.

Custom Ballerina Cake Topper

This pretty little ballerina dressed in pink was custom made for a little girls 3rd Birthday!  She's holding a numbered sign and a present for her big day.  She even has lace-up ballet slippers...to cute!

Valentine's Presents for Preschool Teachers

 Since I'm so immersed in making clothespin dolls right now, I asked Eli if he wanted me to make some for his preschool teachers for Valentine's day...he said, "Yes!".  Another fun project...coming up with teacher accessories I could make out of clay.  Each teacher is holding a chalkboard with her name on it.  One teacher is holding a red apple and the other is holding a ruler & pencil.  Pretty darn cute! 

Princess Rocker Cake Topper!

This cake topper was made for an adorable little 4 year old girl that loves 2 things...princesses & music!  So, why not combine her 2 favorite things to make one amazing party theme....Princess Rocker!  This topper should fit in perfectly!  The Princess is wearing a purple gown with pink jewelry & tiara while rocking out on her purple & pink guitar made of clay & wire.  She's got a matching mic stand (also made of clay & wire) & an easel made out of popsicle sticks holding a concert poster.

This was such a fun project to work on, and I think it turned out pretty well.  I hope the little birthday girl loves it as much as I do! 

Miniatures Made of Polymer Clay - Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

I first started working with polymer clay to make accessories for my clothespin dolls...then I started thinking of all the other fun things that could be made.  I sculpted some miniature, teeny tiny sushi, take-out food, and fortune cookies.  Just adorable!

With the upcoming Lunar New Year, I decided I wanted to make something for my nieces & nephews.  I saw hotos of adorable clay ninjas from Lilley1's photostream on Flickr, and thought they would be great little gifts for the kids.  And, because I'm a little crazy, I decided I wanted to try making them myself.  Here's my attempt at these adorable little ninjas.  They're a little over 1" tall.  I plan to turn them into necklaces for my nieces & nephews.  Hope they like them!