Sweet Little Cupcake Aprons x 2!

Right before Christmas I heard that two sweet little girls were getting a play kitchen for Christmas! Well, what do little domestic-goddesses-in-training need while working in their kitchen? Cute little aprons of course! Even better if they have cupcakes on them!

Their mom was sweet enough to send me this picture of them:

Seriously. Look at these cutie-patooties in action. Could I have ASKED for a better picture? No way. It is PERFECT in every way!

(Apparently the pizza delivery guy is getting an earful for being late....)

Enjoy, girls! :)

Linked up with:

Fold-Up Car-Mat For Your Purse or Pocket (or Christmas Stocking!)

A long, long time ago (in a land far, far away) I made a fold up car mat  but I wasn't thrilled with the results. Then I made a larger car mat for my  nephew. Loved it but still wanted to make a smaller one to fit in my purse. Well, I finally made one that I am happy with! Since then I have made more but with different prints and different styles:

Vintage Cars

Cars, buses and trucks!

Airport on blue or red

Flip it over and drive on the tarmac!

Girls like cars too!

Flip it over and check out some Honolulu hot spots!

The car mats measure approximately 10" x 8" when open and 

2.5" x 4" when folded: 

 

The perfect size to stick in your purse, pocket or Christmas stocking! Each car mat can hold two of your kiddo's favorite cars!

If you'd like one I have several car mats listed in my Etsy shop and they include one new car with purchase! Unfortunately with only nine days (NINE?!?) left until Christmas I cannot guarantee Christmas delivery! 

I also want to thank my talented and crafty friend, Amy from Pineapple Spice for helping me come up with the design! Mahalo! :)

Happy Hapa in a Magazine!

Months ago I received an email asking if I would like to have "Happy Hapa" featured in a local magazine. 

Whaaaat? MY Happy Hapa? Seriously? 

Apparently the magazine was looking to showcase handmade baby/children items made by Hawaii artists. The email was intriguing but I didn't think it was real. I mean, with all the shops in Hawaii, why mine? (I know! I know! Why NOT mine?) 

After doing a little bit of research I came to the realization that everything was legit! How could I say "no"? I absolutely, undeniably HAD to SEIZE the opportunity!

The first step was to answer some interview questions. Not surprising I spent way too much time over-thinking every single one of them. Next I had to decide which pictures to submit (again...overly obsessed). At this point only my family and a few friends knew anything about what was going on. I was afraid if I made it public I would jinx myself and the whole thing wouldn't happen. 

Then I crossed my fingers and waited.

And waited.

And waited. 

That is until my girlfriend, Maureen called to tell me she spotted the new issue and that Happy Hapa and Momo were in it! Here's the magazine:

And here's the "mention" with a picture of Momo (upper right) wearing the "Rock Skirt" that I made!

NO WAY!!! (YES WAY!!!)

I didn't even notice that another Happy Hapa creation was in the back of the magazine until Maureen messaged me (Thanks Maureen!!!)

I honestly didn't know which picture(s) was going to be selected for the article so you can imagine my delight when I saw Momo in the magazine. What was her reaction to seeing for the first time?

"That is weird."

But maybe to a 4-year old "weird" means "cool?" Because she seems okay here:

I am super stoked about the whole thing! It's amazing how seeing one picture and two little words ("Happy Hapa")in a magazine can brighten up your day! :)

Thanks so much to Sascha from "Where Oahu" magazine for the opportunity! :)

Halloween Bunting Giveaway!

It's almost HALLOWEEN!!! So to get into the spirit of things (and to revamp my blog) I thought I'd host a giveaway!  

This giveaway has to be a quickie, since Halloween is only 19 (EEK!) days away! 

Here is what the winner will get:

 

A reversible Halloween bunting (banner, pennant) made with fabrics from Riley Blake's Halloween line. It is double sided so you can hang it across the room and both sides will show! Reuse it year after year!

Here are the fabrics:

I am going to make it easy to enter (with additional chances to win for those that want more chances!) 

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment!(Please make sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!)

That's it! That's all you have to do! But if you want more chances to win here are some options. Each will get you another entry!

*Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect or Networked blogs. Be sure to comment to tell me that you do!

*"Like" me on Facebook (Happy Hapa). If you already do, THANK YOU! Leave a comment telling me so!

Giveaway will run for one week starting today - winner will be chosen via Random.org at midnight, Hawaii time on Wednesday, October 19th and announced here on my blog as well as sent an email notification. Winner has 48 hours to respond with their mailing address - if not a new winner will be chosen.

Open to U.S. and Canada residents. 

Can't wait and want one now? I have one listed in my Etsy shop!

Happy early Halloween!

Check out Etsy!

I recently went into a boutique and found a set of three baby burp cloths selling for $30.00. Really? You know darn well I pretty much dissected them: studied the fabric, design, workmanship, etc. only to come to the conclusion that (excuse my lack of humbleness) they are no better than mine or the other 28,000 (yes, you read that right!) burp clothes listed on Etsy! So the next time you're in need of a unique boutique type gift why not give handmade a try? You can find just about anything handmade on Etsy without the boutique price! You are bound to find something that you like!*

Speaking of burp cloths, a family friend recently had a baby. Instead of spending *cough-cough* $60.00 on two sets of three burp clothes I made a total of six with fabric that I already had on hand:

Laura W., recognize the fabric? :)

In addition to the burp cloths I've been busy sewing other things like camera straps, nursing covers, etc. And with my daughter's birthday coming up as well as Halloween I think my sewing machine is going to be running at full capacity! Thanks to all my fans, supporters and repeat customers for keeping me busy and for referring your friends! You guys are the best! 

Another note: While I haven't been blogging as much you can always find me with status updates, one-liners and pictures on my Happy Hapa Facebook page. Come say "hi" to me there! Here's the link: Happy Hapa.

Have a great week! And east coast friends.....be safe with Hurricane Irene on the way!

*In no way do I mean to bash boutiques as many carry beautiful, handmade items! Just wanted to give a shout-out to all the wonderful Etsians out there! <3 

Life as a Military Brat

I recently become a member of a unique team on Etsy - the "Homefront Team".  This team consists of over 200 shops that are owned and operated by spouses/significant others of members of the military services. Not only do members share their love of crafting and selling on Etsy but they also provide a place of support when it comes to dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a military spouse. 

That would be me......as a kid......in Japan.

Their blog, "Homefront Artistry Team" often features recipes, tutorials and stories from members of the team. I recently submitted an article to the "Life as a Military Brat" thread. It is being featured today! Click here to check it out!

Sewing Frenzy

I went on a bit of a sewing frenzy this past week. Two mermaid towels, two double tier circle skirts with matching wristbands, more circle skirts (Hello Kitty!), Barbie dresses and burp cloths for friends that are having babies soon. If there is ever such a thing as "Power Sewing" that was ME! I needed to finish everything because we are leaving for a short (long?) vacation TONIGHT! I'm totally bummed that my husband won't be joining us - we're going to miss him!

Anyways! Here is what I've been up to (minus pictures of the mermaid towels):

 

My Etsy store will be closed for a few weeks while we are out of town. This morning Momo (4) asked if we could take RIBS on the plane (uh....that would be a "no") and later asked if I was going to pack my fabric. No.....not packing fabric but I WILL be buying fabric to bring home! I know of a HUGE, GINORMAOUS, MECCA fabric store store in N.C. and I will definitely be stopping by! Search and rescue" may need to be alerted to come and find me! ;)

I'm not sure how our vacation is going to affect blogging....but I'm sure it won't keep me off of Facebook! Come follow me there under my Etsy Name, "Happy Hapa!"  


P.S. Don't forget to check out Pinkalicious and a Crafty Soiree for more handmade gift ideas! 

Sew Mama Sew Giveaway!

It's time for the "Sew, Mama, Sew!" giveaway!

I want to take a second and say "ALOOOOOHA!" and WELCOME to those stopping in for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day! Best of luck to you and I hope you win some fabulous prizes! 

While I hope to be on the winning side of things (Fabric! Handmade items! Supplies!) I will also give away my most requested item - a mermaid towel!

Here is a sample:

The winner will receive one mermaid towel - the color will be a surprise!

You have several chances to win! Please leave a separate comment for each and be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner! I am happy to ship worldwide!

Here's how to win:

1) Simply leave a comment!

2) Become a follower of this blog (comment if you already are)

3) Become a Facebook Follower (Happy Hapa)

Giveaway runs through Wednesday, May 25th - midnight Hawaii time (that gives most everyone a little extra time to enter!) Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be announced here on this blog as well as via email....so please be sure to include your email address with your entry!

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!  

PS Can't wait? Want a mermaid towel now? I have one left in my Etsy shop! 

Rock Skirt.....or Collector's Skirt!

I recently saw a crazy-cute skirt pattern on Etsy that I wanted to make. The design was simple but the skirt had lots of character. It was called the "Rock Skirt" as the pockets are big enough to stuff rocks, leaves, shells, etc. into. I put it on my "to-do" list but didn't take the initiative to make one until after a recent play date. There I watched my friend's daughter collect leaves and  stuff them into everyone's pockets - including mine. Definitely a sign to make the skirt!

I made the first one for Momo. I bought this batik print forever ago and had planned on making something for myself - like that ever happens!

Then I made two more in this print for some little girlfriends (including the one that was stuffing everyone's pockets!):

Isn't the fabric cute? I love it! Thanks to my BFF Stephanie who lives in Korea for sending it! :)

Now I just have to remember to check these pockets before it goes into the wash!

 

You can find the pattern on Etsy at "luckypennymake" I tweaked it just a little bit (lined the pockets)and am really happy with the end result!

Barbie Clothes!

I'm back! Well, kinda sorta. I won't bore you with the reason for my blogging absence! Just a lot of stuff going on all at the same time, if you know what I mean! Luckily during the craziness I did get some sewing done.

I had some special requests via my Etsy shop -  nursing cover, burp cloths, camera straps, aprons etc. I am certainly grateful to those that have seeked me out! <3  

This morning I finally got around to making a belated birthday gift for one of Momo's special little friends. Barbie clothes!

Can I just tell you that I secretly enjoyed taking pictures of Barbie modeling? Made me laugh!


I got the FREE tutorial from "Craftiness is Not Optional." Check her out!  


For more handmade craft ideas check out: "this and that's - I Made it Tuesday"  and Tip Junkie's - "Tip Me Tuesday."

Market Bag, Facebook and a Giveaway!

So what to start with first? How about the market bag?

Have you heard of "artsy- crafty babe?" Maybe you've seen her link on my side bar. Talk about a talented lady! Recently Rebeka had a sale going on in her Etsy shop and I took advantage of it and bought her market bag pattern. I love the simplicity and the roominess of  the bag! You can fit tons of stuff in it! And it's so much prettier than some of the recusuable/recyclable bags you see being sold in the stores (that I always forget at home or in the car!)

I made one using a Tokidoki-inspired print and added a splash of red with white polka dots for the lining. Here it is:



Market Bag





Lots of room on the inside. Love the splash of red! 



Close-up of the print....

Can you say, Christmas presents? Oh yeah.

And maybe one for my Etsy shop.....

And maybe one for a GIVEAWAY?

Perfect timing for a giveaway, don't you think? Especially with the holidays coming up! But another reason is I'm setting up a Facebook page for my Etsy shop - "Happy Hapa." Just jumping on the bandwagon of social networking!

Sooooo.....let's do this!

Here's how to win. Read carefully please!

Mandatory Entry: Leave me a comment. Please be sure to include your email address if it is not easily found on your Blogger profile.

Once you have completed the mandatory entry you can earn more chances to win! Please leave a separate comment for each:

1) Become a follower of my blog. Already a follower? Just let me know!
2) "Like" Happy Hapa on Facebook.

3) Earn FIVE extra entries by blogging about this giveaway! Post about it on your blog and link back to this thread. Let me know where to find it on your blog! Be sure to comment five extra times for five extra chances to win!

International entries welcome!

One winner will be chosen via Random.org at midnight Eastern Standard Time on Monday, December 13th. Winner will be announced here on this blog, the Happy Hapa Facebook page as well as be sent an email notification. Response is required within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected. Cannot guarantee Christmas delivery but the sooner the chosen winner responds the sooner the item will be shipped!

Can't wait for one? Want one NOW? I'm putting another in my Etsy shop! Check back soon!

Best of luck...and thanks for spreading the word!



Sewing....

Time to catch up on some projects I've been working on!


I haven't had much inventory in my Etsy shop but I've been quite blessed that people have been messaging me asking for special request items. Everyone's been really nice with not putting any pressure on a time frame. Lot's of  "No rush! When you have time!"  so THANKS! That has worked perfectly with my schedule! 


M from N.C. asked for an adult sized reversible cupcake apron like the ones I made for Momo's birthday party:

Thanks M! I hope you enjoyed your trip to Hawaii! i am still keeping my eye out for the coffee you like so much!

I also made a Minnie Mouse costume/dress for Miss Peyton in Virginia:

I added some crinoline to the dress to give it some more oophm. :) Peyton totally rocked it....cast and all! Isn't she precious?

I also had a request from  E in Oregon for an Aloha print camera strap with lens pocket:

E - enjoy your trip to Hawaii! So glad that our lives have crossed paths! Wish we could meet up while you are here! :)

Fellow friend and blogger K from Michigan requested a camera strap cover but needed a skinnier one. The first time around I went a little too skinny. Hopefully this one will fit!

After posting pictures of the car seat organizer K requested one as well. This time I made a few modifications including adding a heavyweight stabilizer to strengthen the pockets; made my own bias tape, and I also added some little straps to the back for the option of inserting a dowel or curtain rod to keep the ends from flopping (thanks for the recommendation, Heidi!) I have to admit, it was a bit more work but the end product and the quality is much better! K - it's on the way!

Love the Heather Bailey fabrics. They totally POP!

 

Added straps to the back for the option of inserting a dowel/curtain rod.



Test Drive - didn't need the dowel after all!

(I am REALLY liking the way the organizer turned out and am considering making a smaller version to put our Wii controllers and remotes in....)



I've got some more special request items in the works - but this time, with Christmas coming up I have deadlines! A couple of mermaid towels, reversible crayon aprons, an adult apron (loving this one so far!) etc! I feel truly blessed to have been sought out, so thank you!

Back to the sewing machine.....