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.