in the garden

Since I have joined Heather's March of the Tools I have seen tools everywhere in my life.  Stuff that I always use, like my computer, and never think of it as a tool.  Only what is kept in the garage is a tool right?  Not right.

Should I share a picture with you of my tv remote, my camera, my nail file.  All tools.  I'm thinking any thing that I use with my hands to do work is a tool.  Do you agree?  Would that include my purse?

Well, here is something that is a real tool, that I do keep in my garage.  And it is something that I do really enjoy using because of it's uniqueness.



These are the best for getting up the weeds.   Someone once told me they were French.  I have no idea.  I also don't know how I now have three of them.  But since I have three kids, I'm glad that I do.   Maybe I need one more for me :)



Can you tell spring is here?  I hope my 3 keep thinking that weeding is fun.  When I get these out, they all want one.  And the bucket is the other perfect companion for the weeding.  Makes the clean up easy.

march with heather

I hope you know Heather Bailey.  And if you don't, you really need to get to know her!  She is the designer and creator of some of the most beautiful fabrics.  And the inventor of trash ties.  She is super model beautiful and a mom to boot!

Since it's March, Heather is hosting a great blog play along called March of the Tools.  Where everyone is sharing photos of their favorite tools.  Crafty or not.  Which sounds like so much fun.  I hope you're into it too.  There's even a flickr group.  And you know I'm a flickr addict.



As a matter of fact, my birthday was in January.  And guess what I got?  Tools!  So, you'll see some of those soon :)  Join me in the fun!

something new

I have a new website!  Thanks to site designer, Amy Cluck, it is just as I wanted it to be.  Have fun looking around and be sure to check back often.  I will be spending the next few days (maybe weeks) updating the site with new photos of my katie jean creations.  Enjoy!

www.katiejean.net

can you believe it?

First Saturday is here!  Well, it is tomorrow..

I will be at the Indie Sacramento craft show.  I truly love this show.  I will be selling my new book and signing copies.  I have a limited supply right now, so if you want one, come early :)

And in true pillowcase repurposing spirit, I have cut up and sewn up some new creations using my own thrifted stash of pillowcases.  Here's a little peak.



These are little bags made with spring in mind.  They are inspired by Easter and ready to help your little one with their Easter egg hunt.  They are also fabulous for a day out shopping for handmade crafts!

Come and see my little bags  (and me) in person at:

what everyone wants to know

What are you doing tonight?  It's Wednesday and ANTM is on.  And it's a new season!



My early favorites are Flo (the one with freckles), Kortine (the + size), Aminat (with the fantastic fro) and Celia (the oldest at 25)  And I have a huge crush on Nigel Barker.  Who doesn't right! right?

Check out all of the awful drama on the CW!

my birdie friend

My thrifty and crafty friend Diane is celebrating her blogiversary!  Just visit her blog to check out the rules and see all of the cute stuff she is giving away.  She is giving everyone four chances to win.  Isn't she generous!



And beginning March 8th another wonderful blog, Glitter and Grunge, will also be hosting a giveaway.  G&G is sporting a new look and will be celebrating its debut with many of the vendors hosting a little gifty giveaway.  Including me, but you have to wait a few days to see this one.

and the winner is...

(Saying that reminds me of the Oscars)  Thank you all who left comments and were so sweet in your congratulations for my being published in the fun new book, Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase. 

What you really want to hear is who won the book giveaway.  The winner is Sarah.  She is a real sweetie and I have been reading her blog for awhile now.  So go and visit her, hopefully we'll be seeing some new pillowcase creations from her soon!

Last week I did some quick thrifting at my local shop.  My kids were with me and they love picking out a little something for themselves.  Nothing usually too interesting.  But I loove what I found!

This is a wooden tray with a nice wicker trime that I paid $3. for.  I think I will paint it and decoupage something on it.

My kids hate this clown!  But I love him!  Someone handpainted the plywood cutout.  I want to use it for my display.  Paid $3.

A before pic of the cradle. 

Thanks for looking at my photos!  And thanks again to all who visited my site during my book giveaway.  You are the best!