Baby Boy Gift Basket

In addition to the mesh wreath I made for my friend’s new baby boy, you know I couldn’t resist burning up the embroidery machine making some cute gifts for him.  I assembled them all together in a gift basket.

If you never know what to get a new mom or a new baby, I always say stick to the registry.  But since this was my friend’s third baby, there was no registry so I had to wing it.  I always think you can’t go wrong with some basics like a blanket and bath products.  And of course anything personalized!

I found a free download for an in-the-hoop stuffed cow, and it turned out pretty cute, but I’m not sure it would be a best seller in my Etsy shop.  I didn’t take a better photo of it, but I embroidered “Jr.” across the front.

I outfitted him with several onesies, a gown, and some pants.

I couldn’t resist putting this little paw print on the backside!  How cute will a little diapered booty be in that?!

I’m not quite sure about the practicality of boxers for baby boys, but they sure are cute! I’m sure he’ll enjoy lounging around the house in these.

These sets below weren’t in the gift basket, but I had given them a couple weeks ago as shower gifts.  You can find the LSU Tiger Paw set HERE in my Etsy shop.

This was the first opportunity I’ve really had to make baby boy items, I seem to do a lot more things for girls.  So it was fun doing something different and getting a little creative.  But don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of pink and ruffles on the way as another good friend is expecting a baby girl and I went all out putting together a basket for her….coming soon! Happy Friday!

Baby Boy Mesh Wreath

As you probably noticed, poly-mesh wreaths are one of the popular new trends in wreath-making lately.  I had been dying to make one, and I finally got the perfect opportunity for my friend’s newest addition, a baby boy. 

There are lots of tutorials and YouTube videos on how to make these, so I won’t bore you with a step-by-step on how I made it, but I will share a few details.  I purchased a work wreath form like this one:

from Mardi Gras Outlet online and purchased the mesh rolls at Hobby Lobby.  I used two rolls for this wreath.

I went around the wreath once with white and blue mesh layered together and then around once more with just the blue.  So I have about half a roll of white leftover.   I also wove in some coordinating ribbon to give it more color.  The whole project really was quick and easy.  You can fluff and re-arrange as much as you need to. 

I painted this 5x7 canvas with the baby’s name (blurred for privacy) and stats and tied it on with some cute ribbon.

I found this little wooden alligator already painted at Hobby Lobby and just added his initials.

This was the perfect addition to the hospital door when he was born, and then can be displayed either in the baby’s room or on the front door when he gets home! 

I will definitely make another one of these to keep for myself for another occasion.  I really love how they can be customized to any occasion and they really make a bold statement. The possibilities are endless!

My “State of the Blog” Address

You may have (or not) noticed that I have pretty much been MIA on this blog for the past few months.  I can come up with all sorts of excuses as to why I haven’t maintained this blog like I did for the first two or three years, but the truth is I just really didn’t have it in me to blog.  It really fell to the last thing on my “to-do” list.  Of course, I have still been reading my long list of favorite blogs and popping in on Facebook and Pinterest, but I haven’t been sharing much here.

I have been struggling lately about what I want to do with this blog, what I want its “purpose” and “message” to be.  I have even thought about just quitting posting altogether.  The blogs I most enjoy reading not only share fun projects, yummy recipes, and useful tips, but also give me a peek into the writer’s life.  So I think I want this blog to become a little more personal in content.  I will still post about whatever home or craft projects I’m working on, what’s new in my Etsy shop, and the occasional recipe or tutorial, but you may also see more personal details and the highs and lows I’m experiencing.  That may consist of long ramblings or short quick posts with just a photo or phrase, who knows!

If you’d like to stick around with me on this journey, I’d love to have you stay on as a follower.  I’ll try to be more regular in my posts, and by “regular” I mean at least once or twice a week!

So, to get started, here are some recent highs…..

LSU beats Georgia to win the 2011 SEC Championship image source

Spending Christmas with our niece & nephew

Plenty of snuggles with Gidget

and some recent lows….

LSU loses the National Championship to THAT team and THAT coach! BOO, HISS!!

 image source  image source

The Saints win the NFC South division, but lose to the 49ers in the Playoffs image source

So that’s where I’m at.  Who knows what 2012 has in store for all of us!

Super Sale

If you’re a fan of Embellished Bayou on Facebook, then you may already know about the SUPER SALE I’m having on out-of-season merchandise.  There are some great deals available, it’s a perfect opportunity to get a bargain on a shirt or outfit to put away for next year!

Here’s a look at some of the items on deep discount:

So stop on by my Facebook page and check out the fantastic deals! And while you’re there, don’t forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!

Facebook Fan Giveaway!

If you are not a fan of Embellished Bayou on Facebook, you are missing out! I recently reached 500 fans and I’m having a GIVEAWAY to celebrate!

Head on over to my Facebook page for your chance to win a Personalized Travel Tumbler or Sports Bottle of your choice.  Just click the “500 Fan Giveaway” link on the left sidebar of the page, only viewable from your computer (not your phone).

The possibilities are endless!

You’ll also notice the “Fan Discount Code” link on the left sidebar of my Facebook page as well.  If you’re a fan, click on that link for a special discount to my Etsy shop!

Good luck!

Giveaway disclaimer: Giveaway entries will be accepted through 11/30/11. Only one entry per person will be accepted. Winner will be notified via email on or about 12/1/11. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to Embellished Bayou and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for entry into the giveaway.

Where Have I Been?

It seems like I have fallen off the blogging bandwagon lately.  Honestly, my heart just hasn’t been in it.  I’ve been dealing with some pretty tough personal “real-life” situations, plus I started a new job back in July that has been keeping me busier.  I really haven’t been doing much crafting lately besides making things for my Etsy shop.  So, needless to say blogging has fallen to the bottom of my “to-do” list.

That being said…..I am not planning on abandoning this blog completely, but my posts will probably be less frequent. 

I do have some fun things planned for my Etsy shop for the holidays, so I’ll be sharing those soon.  Just this weekend I made a bunch of LSU turkey shirts while I was anxiously awaiting the big showdown between LSU and Alabama:

So speaking of that BIG game, it definitely lived up to all the hype!  I am so proud of the way the Tigers played, they fought tooth and nail to get that win and really showed some spirit.  I always enjoy seeing Saban get beat!

Images Source

Image Source

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I’m excited about the rest of the season, it looks like the Tigers are on the road to another National Championship game!