ive been driving a lot lately...

Self Portrait Thursday In the car, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I just noticed that all my pics of me are from in the car. Hmmm. You would think that with gas prices the way they are it might be different. Well, at least these are trips to the craft store :D

I don't know how many times a day I tell myself how much I love to sew and paint andcraft in general. I feel lucky to have whatever it is that makes me be able to make things I want come out in fabric. It brings a hella bunch of joy to my life!

I can't wait until I get myself together to get to work for myself full time. I would give almost anything for a little store that supports itself and me doing my crafty adventures *all* the time. :D I am trying to get some stuff together to see how that can pan out for me. I love hope. It makes the world such a nice place. Love does too.

So, I have been working hard!

My new dolls hanging out, relaxing on a summer day, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

These are my new little dolls! I have been *hard* at work on them and I love how they came out! They have been a joy to make too :D

I am listing them tomorrow on Etsy, I am hoping to get back into the swing of things, listing a couple of things every day. I have enough for next week! I hope I can at least continue on this pattern!

I am having high hopes for a good week next week too! I want it to go as smoothly and enjoyably as possible! I am so tired of coming home stressed out from work. I want to be happy.

we're all flowers growing in a garbage can

We're flowers growing in a garbage can..., originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

the teachers tell their kids
but how can a flower grow when the sunlight's blocked by the lid?

I like the broadways. I think I've touched on that before. I drew a bunch of little stickers because I bought myself a tiny 1.5" xyron sticker maker. I love making stickers. I can't believe how much I do!

I have been so busy lately! Working so hard on my toys, making myself walk 3 miles a bunch and listening to tons of music. I feel so productive right now!

So that is where Ryan gets his skillllllls from!

Ryan's mom's horsey, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I had an impromptu visit to Toledo Ohio this Sunday! It was totally fun and unplanned. I had talked to Ryan early early early in the morning on Sunday and went back to sleep. I woke up *so so* sad. I really miss us and SF and him in general. And it was raining cats and dogs. seriously. So, I jumped in my ride, and drove my little self allllll the way (2 1/2 hours) to Toledo. I went to Target and felt silly being in Toledo, especially since Ryan was in SF, and called Ryan's mom and asked her if I could come over. So I went there, and of course, they were having a big party. I felt silly cause everyone was there, but I actually had a really nice time. It was nice being with his family too, cause they made me think of him. It made me feel a million times better. Then I talked to him all the way home from Toledo and it was even nicer.

ANYWAYS...

His mom is taking a super cool pottery class and she made a million rad things, including this crazy cool horse. She loves horses. I am so impressed. It totally makes me want to take a pottery class. I could make my little girlies in clay form!

ALSO!! I have some new girlie designs I have made for some dolls, I should have them up Next monday 7/28/08, so keep your eyes out!

Pie with my best friend.

Pie with my best friend., originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Or is pie my best friend? Nope, after our conversation tonight, I am sure it is Missy.

I truly value her in my life and everything she brings to the table. I am one lucky lady. We have the best conversations and we are so damn funny. :D

I think we are going to start a podcast! It will be fun. We are a couple of super fun girly girls.

I had an impromptu visit to Toledo this weekend too. I was missing Ryan a little and went and crashed a party by accident. It was fun and much needed. It is also fun to take a trip that was not planned. Everyone should do that once in awhile. I wish Ryan was there waiting at the end of that long drive though!

I have just been sewing away! I have some ideas even for christmas designs(im sorry don't throw things at me) I am actually working right now just on Halloween stuff. And being excited about my brother's upcoming wedding! I can't wait. Next week is his wedding shower. Should be good fun. :D

Finally

Self Portrait Thursday 7/17/08, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

my room is set up well(I have my lamp), I am feeling creative, and I have a little time on my hands. Now all I need is a bunch of money and I will be on my way :D

This weekend is going to be filled to the brim with creating, thinking about creating and more creating. Oh and getting new plates for my car. I wonder what to do with my fancy pants california plates. I guess I can put them up on my fancy pants walls!

not enough hours in the day...

new doll, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I have been working hard on this doll design!!! I have a few in the works and they are my favorite thing right now.

I love when I have a project and it works! Definitely the best feeling. I wish I had more time in my life to work on toys. With work and it being summer outside, sometimes I have a hard time with focusing on what I need/love to do. I am doing good right now though, I have myself in a routine and have tons of fun supplies all around!

I think I am going to make a bunch of dolls and some little halloween characters for the shop. I am hoping to do Bazaar Bizarre again in SF in November and also in Cleveland whenever that one is, hopefully in December. Hopefully that with etsy will give me some much needed success :D

It is funny, but almost right after I have my birthday, the Halloween/Christmas designs start a flowing in my head. That is good, it gives me something to look forward to and also to work super hard on designing and sewing. SO that is what LaurenSmash is up to today! Hopefully I will get a walk in today and then some sewing-a-go-go.