THIS WEEK'S BLOG CARNIVAL: WHO ARE YOUR "CRAFTING HELPERS?"

What a fun blog carnival this was to host! The submissions were so varied, as everyone came up with a different definition of what makes a "crafting helper." Submissions ranged from the musical, to the familial, to the companion-animal....Since my own "little helper," two-year-old Nora, is taking her afternoon nap -- see? how very helpful! -- allow me to take a moment to lead you on a tour of this week's entries...

We start with Kathy Johnston's "Everyday Companion," Patches...and then move on to a different type of helper entirely: caffeine! At least that's what Alicia Mae says gets her through in her post, "As the Stones Once Said..."

Regina of "Bead Jewelry by Shopgirl" thinks her son's talents for both origami and business may soon overtake her own! Check out his amazing origami in Regina's post, "Crafty Helper? Crafty Businessman in the Making!"

Another proud mama is jewelry-and-barette maker Gigi, whose daughter helps... for a price! :)

"Quick, grab the kids, make 'em useful," says Tricia of Lazy T Crochet. Reminds me that I don't utilize my two-year-old enough....she does have those handy little fingers....

Mrs. Dragon offers us insight into her crafting background music in "My Music, My Muse." Here's what helps her get those creative juices flowing....

And it's her children who are most helpful, says Christine Claringbold of Eye Pop Art. Check out her two kids' artistic flair -- must be hereditary! It made me want to hand my daughter a Sharpie and let her decorate my car....well, maybe I should wait until she is 11, like Christine's son...

Last of all, my own post about my aforementioned Helper Extraordinaire is below. So please, everyone, enjoy the posts for this week and remember to check the forum for all of the upcoming posts. Have a great week full of happy crafting!

My Crafting Helper

My crafting helper is a certain little almost-two-year-old named Nora. Okay, so she's also the main reason I never get all that much crafting done! But she's the best reason I can think of.

 

 

As you can see here, she's helpful in lots of ways, like taking care of the yard work...

 

...but the way Nora helps me most is by modeling. Poor thing, she's been modeling for me since she was about 3 weeks old...and I continue to squeeze her into way-too-small onesies to model for my Etsy shop! Luckily, she is a good sport, and will do anything for a Cheez-it....

 

For Wise Babies

 

New in our shop: a three-piece set from Joey and Aleethea's "Aristotle the Owl" collection. Aristotle has one of those dignified little faces I just love, and he's available on a burp cloth (stitched freehand!), a onesie, and a Binky Blankie. Check him out in our shop!

At the Virginia Living Museum

Last weekend, Daddy took me to the Virginia Living Museum so Mommy could finish a batch of orders. We saw wolves, bald eagles, raccoons, and loads more. I really loved the outdoor boardwalk. As you can see, there was no stopping me; I blazed on ahead.

 

 

Whether I am in the car seat or eating lunch, I always cross my legs at the ankles. What can I say? I was raised a lady.

 

One Year of Nora Bella on Etsy!

As of today, August 5th, Nora Bella has been on Etsy for one full year! To celebrate my anniversary, I'm offering a special promotion: buy any item from my store today and receive a onesie of your choice free! (You choose the onesie from any of my designs.) Special thanks for making this a great year on Etsy!!