DelaneyGates.com

Winter Is Here

Although we currently don't have snow, it certainly is chilly enough for it outside! We're slowly getting ready for the holidays: Our Christmas village has been set up, but we have yet to decorate our tree. It's in our living room, but due to sickness at our house over the weekend, a new niece born two hours away as well as my busiest work week of the year (No, really. It's time for the yearly government audit at the non-profit that I work at.), our little tree's branches are bare...except for one crystal ornament which was overlooked in last year's undecorating process.

To top it all off, I've been making decorations like a crazy woman for Jason's upcoming Army Christmas party. I could only dream of creating something for fun right now, but if I did, it might look something like this piece by Three Red Apples. Isn't it quaint? It's modern, yet homespun all at the same time.

Click on the photo to check out the rest of Annabelle's work!

Spotted: The bfrend Tassel Bracelet

 

bfrend describes their bracelet as "extra glam and fun". I couldn't agree more.

Right now,  I'm working on this week's Northridge Publishing newsletter. If you haven't signed up for it, you can sign up here to hear what I (and the rest of the Northridge crew) have to say! Scroll all the way down and you'll see the newsletter sign-up box at the bottom right-hand side of the screen.

The first time I learned how many people have subscribed to the Northridge Publishing newsletters, I just about fell out of my chair! I had NO idea my words were being read by that many - literally, thousands upon thousands - quite a change from my low-key, little ol' blog. :)

Click on the photo to visit the bfrend shoppe!

Simply Handmade Submission Calls

Most of y'all know that I have a seven month old, which is why I'm SO excited about this next round of submissions calls for Simply Handmade! We've decided to do an issue about all things BABY! It will hit the stands in May of 2012 and we're accepting submissions until November 15th. The details are below:

Whoa, baby! We're putting together our first ever book about handmade crafts and projects for the wee ones we adore. We want to see anything and everything you've made related to those pint-sized bundles of love, particularly items that fit the following sections:

• Applique - Try your hand at the traditional fabric on fabric or go with paper on paper or fabric on paper. Anything baby-related will be considered here!
• Baby Shower - Think easy or go elaborate! Share your projects created for all aspects of a baby shower. From favors and games to centerpieces or a coordinated dessert buffet setting, we want to see it all!
• Beautiful Basics: Floral Cotton - The type of patterns that call to mind beautiful vintage aprons hanging on the clothesline, or just your favorite fabulous floral. Any fabulous floral will do! The projects can be anything baby-related, but the main component should be floral cotton fabric.
• Bibs - Send them adorned with ruffles or bows or plastic-coated and practical. Don't forget about bibs for boys, too!
• Diaper Bags and Accessories - Because everyone likes to tote their tiny tot's things in style! Send us diaper bags, wet wipe holders, pacifier clips, and more! What innovative product can you dream up? (Pssst: Don't forget about "masculine-looking" creations for when daddy is on diaper duty!)
• For the Nursery - If it's to decorate walls, hang from the ceiling, or something sweet to sit on the dresser, send it this way please! This section is limited only by your imagination - think out of the box!
• Pint Size Paperie - Whether it's a baby announcement, a shower invitation, or a congratulations card for the new sibling-to-be, send us your beautiful baby-related correspondence.
• Preserving the Moment - How do you preserve the moments from baby's first year and/or the little one's birth stats? In a mini album, a piece of art, a shadow box, or on a traditional scrapbook page? Get creative with this one! Anything goes!
• Quiet Books - It could be all fabric, or you could use more traditional scrapbook supplies. (Hint: Iron-on photos or even fun, interactive features like lacing!) Whatever you can dream up to put in a book that keeps those little ones occupied.
• Soft and Cozy - Whether it's a blanket, a plush toy, or a pillow, we're looking for all baby-related soft textiles treasures.
• Wee Wearables - From decorated onesies and screen printed t-shirts to bloomers and teensy shoes. Send us anything a baby could wear! Bows and hats are also included in this section.
• The Boutique - Have you created something baby-related that is absolutely adorable, yet doesn't fit our current calls? Send it anyway! We're always inspired by all sorts of fabulous creations!

Deadline: 11:59pm (Mountain Time) on Tuesday November 15th, 2011

Head on over to the brand spankin' new Northridge Publishing site to submit! There are only a few days left! Please note, we're no longer accepting submissions to any @northridgepublishing email address. Please use the simple and spreamlined submission sheet on the site! When you get to the main site, click on 'submissions' near the top-right corner.

Halloween. Finally.

It is about time I shared the Halloween costumes, don't you think? As you can see, Priscilla was a pink poodle and Connor was the Master Chief from the Halo game series. We as a family made his blue energy sword out out of cardboard, foil and four colors of spray paint. Every person contributed something to the accessory...so much fun! (Even if I am posting this a week and a half after we went trick-or-treating... Better late than never, I suppose!)