Hello

I have been missing my camera.  It was hijacked by my dear husband to document the construction going on at the Fifth Element.  He still has yet to return it after much pestering.  I will be posting soon, promise.  Looks like a recon mission into the construction zone is needed.  On the flip side, the restaurant is moving along, the cement has been poured and now the guys are framing the walls.  It is actually tacking shape.  Tile shopping tomorrow with the fam.  Freja loves these trips.

A unique flower.

I wanted to share this with everyone as I thought it was so intriguing.  You rarely see a twin flower.  This is a Gerber daisy I gave my mom a while back.  Low and behold a twin appeared.

Freja's first boat ride.

Freja now has her sea legs.  

We took her on her first sail boat ride.  She loved the salt air and the wind in her face.  It was a fabulous day and I hope to go agian soon.  If you are in Newport, RI check out the Madeleine chartered sailboat.  You are sure to have a magnificent time with a fabulous crew and gorgeous views.

Singing away.

BOYS Boys Boys

I was asked to make some boy bibs.  I have been so girl oriented so it was fun to be boyish.  I wanted to use my dad's retired brooks brothers shirt.  I positioned it so the pocket would be centered, a perfect hideaway for a lovie.  The others are perfect for a day at the beach or yacht club and who wouldn't want to be an army pirate!!!!  Hope the little guy likes them.

Bring the Cup to Newport.

Oh I, among with many would love to the America's Cup back in Newport.  Unfortunately, Newport has lost the bid. (breaking news) We went down to view the cup and for some support.  What a magnificent piece of work.  The silversmithing is astonishing.  It is hard to find people with those skills today.  Simply it is a well guarded beautiful object.

Mommy's Time Out.

A good friend, whom is also a new Mama came over for a cookout with her husband and little boy.  MMM, fish tacos.  He is just the cutest and Freja's first boyfriend.  What a cougar she is, a younger man by two months.  Well needless to say, it was a fabulous night and we laughed as we popped open the bottle.  My friend saw the label and had to get it.  Not the best tasting, not awful, but a great gift and a sure smile on any Mommy's face.  I think I will be using this saying from now on.

Back to business.

Currently, I am working on finishing bags, I have three bibs in the works for special order and the mommy bracelet orders are lining up.  YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!!!! Busy Mama especially since I am working four nights a week on top of all this.  Oh my.

The white bag used to be a skirt that I wore often in college.  I haven't worn it in years, and now the hips don't fit in it.

My dad gave me a few of his gently worn dress shirts and they are going to make to awesome bibs, I must admit.  I placed it so the front pocket is a part of the bib.  Perfect for a small toy or a secret stash of puffs. 

I was wondering if anyone has any gently used men's dress shirts they would like to donate?  Perhaps, you will be replenishing your man's stock on father's day and will be discarding a few.  If you have any please send me a message so we can arrange a deal.  Thank you so so so much.

Experimenting.

My best friend gave us the Beaba Babycook as a baby shower present.  I decided to give it a crack and am now I am hooked.  Freja loves her food and I wanted to go beyond the Gerber usual.  No offense Gerber you have served us well, but you don't have all the variety I desire.  My goal is to have Freja be a great eater, experiment and enjoy food.  Primarily, I want her to eat what we eat.  We shall see, I know.  So my first shot at it; carrots and tomatoes.  Mmmm, I think it tastes delicious.  The ultimate test will come tonight.  It was so easy.  Just cut up a few carrots, put the water in the well and turn a knob.  15 minutes later perfectly steamed carrots, then just puree away.  Voila a great healthy dish.  I felt such a  sence of accomplishment.  Now all I need to do is go grocery shopping.  

What should I get?  The ideas are just endless.

In conclusion, I highly highly recommend the Babycook.  Everyone should have one.

More Mommy Bracelets.

The Mommy bracelet is a hit.  I have made two more and have more to make.  I have been playing with the design a bit.  These are cuffs.  One is a traditional 6' cuff while the other is bangle sized, but allows the wearer to slip it on like a cuff rather than over the hand. (older hands can have some issues)  
Hope to keep on making with these.  I think they make the perfect gift to a new mommy, grandma, or even a pet mama.

Construction update.

The bobcat is still digging away.  Wow it is so exciting.  All the walls have been knocked down, the shoring is in place, and away we go.

A happy pair talking about the plans for the restaurant.

Luminaries

I have been trying to get a five year if not more neglected yard in order.  This has been a task, but it is slowly coming together.

When I was young I spent time in Arizona and fell in love with luminaries.   The image of a walkway lined with brown paper bags half filled with sand and a tea lights flickering in the dark always makes me smile.  The warm glow that expels from them is welcoming.  I even had them on my wedding day line the driveway to parents house where we had drinks after the ceremony.

Instead of the usual paper ones I thought why not try a more industrial approach that will withstand New England weather.  I saved some metal coffee cans and went to work.  All you need is a center punch, hammer, drill and can.  I marked the can with the center punch in a simple design and then went to work drilling holes.

Just a tip, I figured it out the hard way.  After the drilling is done take the hammer and knock off the burrs.  They are extremely sharp and can hurt.  The next step, add some color.  I choose a bright yellow.  It looks great during the day and matches my watering can.

Spray away.  Hello sunshine!

All lit up and aglow.

It was so simple to do and I finished in an afternoon.  If anyone knows of where I can get more metal cans, let me know.  I want to make more.

Good luck!

Strawberry Picking!

You know it is summer when the strawberries are ready.  It was Freja's first time and her first time trying them.  She loved it, I knew she would I ate so many when I was pregnant.

Hmmm, testing, thinking..........

yup, it's mmm mmm good. (don't worry I squished the berry to smithereens before she ate it.)

It is always a good omen when a ladybug shows up.  This one landed on my nieces arm. 

What a fabulous day.

Sweet Berry Farm is open for strawberry picking.  I highly recommend it.

This is what I have been up to.

Hello all- 

Well the last two weeks have been hectic, amazing, fun and overwhelming all bundled into one.  the dust has settled somewhat (well actually it literally is flying with the construction).  Where so I begin, I have gone back to work art time.  My husbands family was visiting from Ireland.  That was a great time.  Eileen (one of Freja's middle names) got to meet her 7th grandbaby for the very first time.  What a special moment.  

The adventures began with a knife accident resulting in 6 stitches on my right hand middle finger.  That put me out of commission for a while.  The stitches are out and my finger has a great Frankenstein like scar across it.  Freja likes to pet it, go figure.  I will spare you any pictures of the finger.

After the family was packed and put on Aer Lingus back to Ireland we officially closed on the building for the Restaurant.  YEAHHHHHHHHHH!  The Fifth Element is back on track.  Construction has begun and we hope to open in September.  It has been a long year of waiting, scrambling and red tape.

The guys showing Freja where she will work on day, and the bobcat that goes in and out removing all the debris.  This place will be amazing.

I have just scratched the surface as to what my life has been like, crazy crazy crazy.  I think that is just the way of life, aren't we all crazy and consumed with so many activities in our lives?

I am keeping up with sewing as well and have ten bags in the works.  I will post as soon as they are done.  They will be available at The Groovy Gator.

 The squares are cut now I just need to match the trims I want to use.

The magical ever expanding box of trims and embellishments.

Hope you are all enjoying the summer like weather.  I'll be posting again soon.

News Flash!

Hello All-

I was recently featured on the blog Newport Stylephile.  Yeah!  Checkout the blurb and follow the blog, it is a great way to keep abreast of the trendy things in Newport, RI. 

Feel free to post your comments and share with your friends.

Sorry, this is a short post.  Last night was an interesting adventure, it ended with a trip to the ER and six stitches on the middle finger. (a knife meet my hand, silly really)  My right hand of course.  Changing diapers will be interesting.  Needless to say, I will be taking a small break until I figure out how to sew with one hand.  I will figure it out I am sure.

Hope you like the post, it will give you an insight into my inspirations and me.  Enjoy!

Happy Happy Mother's Day to all.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Mother's day.  I have always thought this day was special, but this year it is officially my first Mother's day.  Freja gave me the best present of all, she slept through the night last night.  She has not done that in over a month.  Yeah!   I am so lucky to have a such a beautiful little girl.  Oh, how I love her so.  It was also nice to know that my dear husband did not forget, a beautiful bouquet of tulips and chocolates and sweet cards.  Such a sweetie pea.  

I hope you all have a wonderful day and honor those who are mother's in your lives. I know I would not be where I am today if it were not for the amazing mom that I have.  She is also the best Mormor (Swedish for mother's mother) Freja could ask for. Thanks Mom you truly are the best.

A gift for a 7 year old.

A friend of mine invited me to a party in honor of her seven year old beautiful daughter. Hmm, what do I get?  It is a special occasion ,so it needs to be the perfect gift.  Something she hopefully will like and can wear with pride.  I will let you know the verdict, the party is today.

I braided the fabric and then attached three vintage baubles and made the sterling silver 'H' in honor of the fabulous little one.  I think it came out great.  I might make one for myself or add to the line.  Any thoughts?

The Groovy Gator

I have some exciting news!!!!  

Yipeeeeee!  My bibs, bags and mommy bracelets are being sold at The Groovy Gator in Newport and Portsmouth, RI.  The Groovy Gator is a fabulous kids boutique filled with gorgeous clothes and accessories for babies , toddlers and boys and girls.  Stop by and check it out.   It is located on lower Thames street in Newport and Clock Tower Square in Portsmouth. Also, look for The Groovy Gator on Facebook.

A custom apron for a friend

A friend of mine asked me to make her an apron for work.  She wanted something that was water proof and fish-gut proof (she is a fisher woman).  I wanted to make it a bit girlie, but also functional.  There are two expandable pockets with snap closures.  Perfect for a cell phone and some odds and ends.  I added a few special details, skull and cross bones trim, (a pirate must), a fish and her name just in case any of the men try and steal it, everyone will know who it belongs too.

That's me modeling the goods.

The fish applique is on the back.

Jewlery Commissions

I had a few commissions, which is always great and gets me in the studio.  

This is a cuff bracelet for a grandmother.  It has the four grandchildren's names and room for more.  It is made from sterling silver.

I was asked to turn this dime from the 1930's into a necklace.  She wanted something simple that would allow her to wear it as it has sentimental value, made of sterling silver.

Retro inspired shift for Freja

I spent a few hours and made this cute (if I do say so myself) 1960's inspired shift for the little one.  I made the pattern, very simple.  the hardest part was figuring out how to make it reversible and the button holes.  It took a few tries but now I have it down and plan to make more.  I think it makes the perfect summer dress.

 

Freja has become such a wiggle worm.  She wants to be mobile so bad but is only able to sit and roll.  Soon enough.

Back on track. Yipee!

I apologize for the long hiatus.  I go a little nuts when I can't be creative, but I am back and determined to get Anna Hattendorf Designs off the ground.  There have been many reasons for the absence, the hubby had surgery, (Oh they turn into such babies), lot's of happenings with the restaurant, (grrrrrr long long story) and the beautiful little Miss Freja.  Also, I started working part time again.  Busy, Busy.

Okay, with that all out of the way I am able to spend a little time on my creative pursuits.  Here are a few pictures to get you up to speed.  I will post more in depth over the next few days so keep on the look out.

More Bibs in the work.

My first button hole.  Wow.  I am so excited. Yipee.

Freja exploring the playhouse at Mormor and Morfar's.  All her cousins have outgrown it.  It will be fun when she is mobile.  Still working on that one, she tries very hard but remains frustrated and on her belly.

Computers, cameras UGH!

Hello all-

Sorry for the absence in posting.  I have been working hard and have a bunch of stuff in the works.  Of course, as I am about to update you all with images my computer has decided to not function very well.  Apparently, my memory is almost full  and this old mac (2006) is becoming a paper weight.  NOOOOOOO!  I love my computer normally.  I know it is an easy fix.  I just need a remote hard drive and I will transfer images and music on to that so my programs can function.

I have had a few side jobs in the work, designing a medal, and some comisions for jewelry.   Of course, little Miss Freja keeps my attention most of the day as well.

Oh, the woes of a new Mama.  As soon as everything is up and functioning with the good old laptop I will post pictures and update everyone.

All the best-

Anna

pink bag

I was asked to make a pink bag for a friend so that she could give it as a gift.  Yeah, it is wonderful to be making and selling.  I am always taking orders, just contact me via e-mail at anna.hattendorf@gmail.com or send me a message on my Facebook page, Anna Hattendorf Designs I will be more than happy to make something for you.
I chose a fun hot pink fabric with a yellow pattern.  I then embellished with various pink ribbons and ric rac as well as green flower appliques to compliment the green polka-dot vinyl inside. 

Front

 Back

 Detail

 Inside

I am working on more, so stay tuned.

THREE Bags

I have manged to only get three bags done, thus far.  Oh the frustrations of a teething 5 and a half month old.  I have all the intentions in the world to sew when she goes to bed, but find myself asleep on the couch shortly after she is.  We are up from 5:30am till 8pm, with no naps.  I know it sounds like excuses and well, I guess they truly are, but I will get a schedule down as soon as Miss freja accepts one and finally get cranking.  I have so many cut out out, they just need to be assembled. 

Here is a peek to the ones I have made.  More to come.  I am working on some pink ones at the moment.

Happy, happy Spring everyone.

Bags are on the way.

Here is a snap shot of some bags I have been working on.  I will post the finished products as soon as I have them done.  I must admit, I am getting to be a pro at zippers.  They can be so tough.
My favorite thing about making the bags is picking out the trim to go with it.  I have so much fun putting the fabric combinations together.  It must seem odd that I think it is fun, but I enjoy it so.  Ah, my creative side always has a way of shining through.