One of a kind

Who doesn’t want to give that perfect one of a kind gift, that perfect heirloom piece that will be passed down for generations? I started crocheting again a few years ago when I wanted to do just that. Our young neighbors across the street were expecting and they were keeping the sex of the baby a surprise to them and everyone else. I wanted to make something that could be for a boy or a girl. I found a cute layette sweater which I made white with a multicolored trim. I also created a hat and booties to go with it. From that point on my renewed love of crochet had begun. 

I also branched out into new patterns and yarns. I tried to include the forgotten little boy when it comes to sweaters. Let me tell you, it isn’t easy to find nice yarn for babies that isn’t feminine. I created a hoodie pattern that is comfy and cozy with those little boys in mind. Recently, a button-up cardigan with matching hat made from a boucle (boo-clay: yarn with loops producing a rough, nubby appearance) yarn has been very popular.

I also decided to take on a baptismal gown. This is one of my prized pieces. It took balls and balls of crochet thread and many, many hours to complete but worth the work.  I also created a heavier yarn version and also a romper for a little boy.

Also- Sweaters aren't just for babies anymore.  This was meant to be a sweater but my memory of her actual size was a little off... it turned out to be a perfect scarf though.

 Tipsy Sausage loves her scarf!

Here is Tipsy in her new sweater that actually fits :)

That is one cute sausage dog <3



Who doesn't love weddings?

The flowers, the ribbons and tulle, lots and lots of tulle.  I love it all! My first job out of college was the floral department manager at Michaels Arts & Crafts. It was there that I got the wedding bug as well as planning for my own wedding. My goal in putting wedding flowers together is to have them look as natural as possible. Finding unique touches such as personalized tissue pouches or customized ceramic swans are important in creating a brides perfect day. Not everyone can afford a day like Kim Kardashian or Princess Catherine but every bride should be able to make her day just as fabulous.

Here are some of the things I have done in the past:



A tissue pouch for each guest




A fall wedding

  



Spring victorian-esque wedding



Sew... a needle pulling thread

Yep, I was “that” kind of Mom. I made my girl’s Halloween costumes, not always from scratch but they were always made to be unique. From a bunny to a fish to the Queens of Fire & Ice, I made costumes. I loved trying to come up with unique ideas and the girls usually had the final say in what it was going to be in the end.

I also made all new costumes for the Lutheran Preschool Christmas program. Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, the whole nativity scene, I made them all.

As my youngest daughter got older she joined an acting club which put on a performance every trimester at school. This was another opportunity for me to get creative with costumes. These too were not necessarily from scratch but definitely customized.

When my girls were little (and even once recently) I made their special holiday dresses.  It was so fun to dress them up. 



Rainbow Fish





Butterflies



Skunk



Fire & Ice Queens



Miss Hollywood 1920



Preschool costumes




Easter dress



Matching Christmas Dresses



Fairy Godmothers - Sleeping Beauty



Easter Dress



House Beautiful

 Do you find yourself thumbing through Better Homes & Gardens or Midwest Home and thinking “I would love to do that at my house but I don’t know how.”? My husband Troy has been a finish carpenter for over 20 years. He also enjoys making and refinishing furniture. Whether its crown molding in the dining room or wainscoting in the office or even changing out the stair railing from wood spindles to wrought iron, he can do it for you. 

He has worked on some of the homes featured in the Luxury Home tour which includes a home that was owned by a famous Minnesota Twin. While working on these homes he has provided his customers with top quality craftsmanship.

 

 

Not only does he do interior finishes but he loves to build furniture. Most recently, he put a lot of time and effort into making the family “deer shack” more like a “deer castle”. He created a fold-up table and matching benches made from alder and walnut and custom cabinetry for the kitchen to match.

Alder and walnut table and benches

He also worked with my oldest daughter on building a custom bed frame. The matching nightstand will soon be in the works.



Staining the bed frame





 

 

 

 

 

 

Another fun project we did was a custom vanity complete with working lights.

A "Bug" Party

We rented the pavillion at our local nature center where the littles ones got to go on a bug hunt.  We decorated bug jars for each child and gave them a handmade bug net to help in the hunt.  Everything was bug themed, even down to her ladybug cake.

What is DI4Y?

DI4Y...Do it for YOU!  For people who don't have the time, talent or tools there is DI4Y.  I have been creating pretty much my whole life.  Sewing, arts & crafts, cooking are just some of the things I love to do and can do for you.  My husband is also taking this endeavor on with me.  He has been a wood-worker for over 20 years and has made many beautiful pieces.

We are available to do the work for you whether you need a costume for a play sewn or you need a perfect side table for your living room or even need 300 party favors put together, we can do it for you.