Dilemas of a Crafty Mom

So, when I get crafty (which happens often) my housework, umm... slacks a little.

I might just hand you a blindfold when you come in my house if it's during a "crafty spell".

One of those such "crafty spells" happened yesterday.

I've been kicking an idea around in my head for about a month now concerning tote bags. Here's my confession: I love tote bags. It has become a slight obsession. (some people might say, it's an addiction, but I can justify them, so it's just an obsession... right?) Do you know how excited I was that reusable bags came back in? I can now carry around cute bags in the stores? What? Awesome! I get to buy more to "Save the Earth"? Now my obsession is going to save the world? Excellent!

Bebe has 3 different pairs of dance shoes that she totes around in her dance bag, along with her jazz shorts, jazz pants, cover-up t-shirt, hairbrush, 2 combs, water spray bottle and heavens knows what else. I've been thinking that things might be a tad easier for her if they were all in their own little bag. At one point, I wanted to make her a bag complete with different pockets and labels, and all sorts of organized-goodness. Then I remembered that since this is her 5th year at her studio, she'll be receiving a dance bag with her 5 year patch on it (a very BIG deal!) and I didn't want to go through all of that work for only 4 or so rehearsals before she gets her bag.

Enter, the 'tote bags for the tote bag' concept. It's sort of like if you decided to pack your shoes in little bags when you go somewhere. Only way cuter.

I sewed up 3 little bags (one for each pair of shoes). I haven't decided on a fastener yet for them, and when I do, I'll stick it on there. Then I'll post a picture of them. Hopefully, I'll decide soon.

While I was cutting and sewing these, Bebe and Mamu were playing nicely. Like, for an extended amount of time! Usually, they play together very nicely, but for just a smidgent of time (like 5-8 minutes). They played Hungry, Hungry Hippos for about 20 minutes! No fighting, just playing (and madly banging the poor hippos lever thingys.). It was awesome!

At that time, I felt happy. Like, a proud momma happy. My kids are able to get along without me intervening. :) So what if my house looks like a giant horde of craft elves hit it with their full force, candy induced, craftiness mess making love? I've got happy kids AND I'm enjoying tote bags to boot.

So, please don't look when you come over during a crafty spell. (I probably should just hang a sign on the door to warn people). But please listen to the love. :) (And if you'd like to sweep, mop, or vacuum, I'll happily point you to the laundry area to get your items. Don't stand still too long, I might add you into a craft project. Or organize you into a tote bag.)