enthusiasticramblings

What to do with J. Crew?

2011-02-07T09:13:00.002-07:00

So, I had this pretty J. Crew sweater and I decided that even though it fit me, I would like to cut it up! I have been wanting to do a mitten project that I saw on Martha forever ago. So I looked it up. It was easy as pie and the kids were so excited to have mittens their size.

A Valentine's Day Tutorial

2011-02-01T09:20:00.007-07:00

Valentine Envelope Tutorial

The children enjoy using this for their family love notes during the month of February.

For this pattern it is helpful to have these tools;

clear thread

sewing machine

self healing mat

clear angled ruler

rotary cutter

embroidery needle

small sharp scissors

The supplies needed are;

1/2 yard white wool felt

small piece of red wool felt

1/2 yard cotton fabric

red embroidery floss

white embroidery floss

2 buttons

(you will have fabric left over)

Cut out all pieces as shown.

13.5 inches x 9.5 inches for the back, and cut just shy of 9inches and just shy of 13 inches, (meaning just under the measurement.) Also, cut two hearts out of the red felt that are slightly larger than the edge of your envelope closure. Place the two hearts together and blanket stitch around heart with white embroidery floss.

After cutting the out the white pieces, use them to cut the red, especially for angles. The red should be cut just under the measurement of the other.

Using all six threads of embroidery floss, straight stitch around front of envelope using 1/4 in. stitches, 3/8 of an inch from edge.

Cut two straps for back out of the cotton print 15 x 3 in. The cut straps are not pictured. Turn straps right sides together and sew 1/4 in. from edge. Turn and press.

It is helpful to press off center, to make room for the button hole. Sew edge of straps closed.

Step 1: turn and press the squared and acute corners. Make two small cuts in the inside front of the envelope as shown. Be sure that the raw edge is folded down and pin in place.

Next bring up both sides. Press and pin.

Carefully pin the cotton fabric to the wool felt. Now you’re ready to sew your cotton fabric to your felt pieces.

To cut the scalloped edge, measure and cut 1/4 of an inch in every 3/4 of an inch.

Curve your cuts to form the scallop. It helps to use small sharp scissors.

Sew heart on to bottom of closure.

Pin flap of envelope to the back. Be sure to line it up so your hand sewing will show when folded down. Sew together.

Make a button hole on each strap slightly larger than the button. Sew straps on about an inch from the top. Then to secure it sew across the strap again, at the top of the envelope, where the sew line is already under the scallop.

Lay your straps flat and sew each button at the bottom of the envelope. Sew the front of the envelope to the back and you're done!

I am linking up to Julie's blog. I am in a contest, so be sure to leave a comment if you want to vote for me!!! And remember the commenter must mention the Valentine's Day Challenge at Life of Bliss in order for the vote to count! Thank you!!

Ellie

2011-02-01T09:12:00.002-07:00

Here is another project from the Wee Wonderfuls book. I shrunk the pattern by 50% and then made this little elephant. She is made of fleece and cotton. This was a request from a little girl. I was so happy when she was pleased with it!! There is a secret compartment inside. It is just big enough to hide some lipgloss from a little sister, ;).

Mermaiden

2011-01-31T14:00:00.002-07:00

The mermaiden was made from a pattern in this book. I helped my daughter make it. We used some of the velvet left over from the Jedi cape. It is pretty, though I would Never try that again!! It was very difficult and if I make another one of these, it will be out of corduroy for the hair. Still she looks so pretty on this shelf. We are happy with the way she turned out.

Historical poster

2011-01-19T23:42:00.002-07:00

This poster was for a historical backdrop at my daughter's school. She wanted some help with it. I may have done too much. The teacher called it 'my' poster when she complimented me on it.

American girl doll Jeans pattern!

2011-01-19T23:38:00.002-07:00

Jeans! You heard me right. I was giddy when I found out that there was a pattern out to make jeans for the dolls. I made the tee shirts too.

American girl doll patterns!

2011-01-19T23:16:00.005-07:00

It has been exciting lately finding two very good sources for patterns for AG dolls! Here are some of the clothes I have made so far.

This was my first project for the AG dolls. I know what you're thinking... wasn't it difficult sewing small clothes out of satin? Yes, it was a little tricky, though I love attention to detail and this Tangled dress was all about detail. This dress was made with the Josephina Christmas dress pattern found here. Though I modified it.

I was thinking of buying Nellie's PJs, but then I decided to try making them.

It cost me under three dollars to make these!!

This skirt was super easy. It is actually the bottom of a pair of gap pants. The lace shirt was fun to sew. I did not make the boots. The shirt was made with Liberty Jane's free Tee shirt pattern.I helped my daughter make this apron. It couldn't be easier. It is cut out and glued together. I did not make the clothes that appear with this apron.

Another flower pincushion

2011-01-19T23:13:00.002-07:00

This was made for my sister. Are you sick of seeing these yet? I'm not! I love how the different patterns of fabric change the pattern so much!

A Jedi Cape

2011-01-19T23:02:00.003-07:00

A velvet Jedi cape. Rich, soft, chocolate colored velvet. I fell in love with this fabric. On a hope and with prayer I was able to figure this thing out. My Grandma helped immensely by telling me from the start that I needed to sew this with a ballpoint needle. It made all the difference. Oh, and I should let you know. I didn't use a pattern. I measured one of his tee shirts and made it up as I went along. The sleeve was too big at first and turned out gathered like a girls shirt, so I unpicked that, which was work and sewed the sleeve up so the hole would be smaller. Anyway, I am so happy with it. I wish he wore it more. I think I sewed this at the end of his Star Wars phase. Maybe if I get a hold of the movies he'll wear it more. I somehow imagined him loving it so much that he would wear it every time he was curled up with a book. The dreams of a mother... oh well.

A simple cake

2011-01-19T23:00:00.002-07:00

I saw it once and tried it. Now I am seeing these more and more. It is fun to see the delicate banner above a cake.

Play time

2010-08-23T14:03:00.005-07:00

For those of you that know me well, Art time for me is playtime. Here are some of the things I've done with the kids recently. This is the one I did. A colored pencil of Van Gogh's, Starry Night. My boy painted the next one that was printed of the internet with his water colors.

We made some 3D art with legos one day.

On another day we played store which is one of their favorite things to do. We pretended that peppermint leaves were dollars.

Turtle cake

2010-08-23T14:00:00.003-07:00

I came up with this cake for a special little guys birthday.

A robin's nest

2010-08-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Robin found our yard and decided that our snowball bush was the perfect place to hatch their babies. I snapped this before they hatched. The kids were excited to get a peek at what was inside.

A few things

2010-08-23T13:42:00.002-07:00

Here are some of the things I haven't posted.

This pincushion went to my sister.

This ribbon was finally organized in a way I like. Thanks for the idea Leanne.

A pie with a message for my family.

Quick fix

2010-01-16T12:11:00.003-07:00

After hanging a mirror in the girls room I noticed that the mirror didn't cover up a spot on the wall that we probably won't fill it in until we paint the room. I hope to paint soon, but there are many other projects already in the works, so I fixed it another way. I found these butterflies at the graphics fairy a while ago. I printed it, cut it out and made the back stand out more with marker.

My resolutionary challenge

2010-01-10T23:36:00.002-07:00

1. Do the dishes before I go to bed.

2. Drink 8 glasses of water.

3. Exercise 30 minutes.

4. Be ready to present myself to the world by 11 a.m.

5. Eat 2 servings of fruit/3 servings of vegetables each day.

6. Savor up to one small treat/per day

7. Take 15 minutes me time.

8. Finish eating by 9 p.m.

9. Wild Card :

10. Do something today that will make a difference and record it in my journal.

Another baby shower

2009-12-18T12:05:00.002-07:00

I just love throwing showers, especially baby showers. Here's a banner I made with my SIL. I love the way it turned out! It was a double baby shower, one cousin was having a boy, one a girl.

My new favorite spot

2009-08-14T22:39:00.003-07:00

Work progressing...

2009-07-07T08:16:00.002-07:00

The other day I decided it was time to get out my things and make an owl. I have been wanting to try making one of these for two years now and I finally got around to it! It is turning out so cute. The only problem is that I want it to be able to sit up. I think I'll be putting one of those bead packs in the bottom or something.

I bought a whole bunch of apples and spent a good amount of time making applesauce, apple pie filling and apple butter. All of it tastes great to me, though one of the kids says the apple sauce is too sweet. Oh well.

There have been a few projects I have done with the kids. I need to take more pictures of them when they happen. We decided to get out the clay and make fossils. The kids really liked this one. It was so easy to go around the house and find little animals for them to smash into clay. After coming out of the oven they were hard and then they could take off playing with them. My plan is to take them to the sandbox at the park and bury them so they can dig them back up. I may even make a few new ones for them to find as a surprise!

door signs

2009-06-18T15:44:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I noticed this on Heidi Swapp's blog. It is a video of wall art and has ideas for things to do with the frames that she sells. I looked online for a swirly frame and found this one. Then I had to do something for the boy's room too. The kids are happy about the signs on their doors.

exciting beginnings

2009-06-16T09:18:00.006-07:00

Here are some beginnings of our garden. We cheated this year by buying a large tomato plant from the nursery. It was worth it because I got what I wanted. I have tomatoes in June! Almost everything else was planted from seed. We had never tried planting peas before and I am so happy with the results. Also, I found out that you can throw the pea greens in salad and eat them, who knew?

Sugar and spice

2009-06-16T09:16:00.001-07:00

This banner was fun to make. I sure do enjoy using an exacto knife.

Messy rooms

2009-05-29T08:50:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, I got my house in better order and I have decided it really holds me back when the house is messy. Here is something I found online today. Adorable.

Too Long

2009-05-29T08:44:00.002-07:00

It's been too long since posting. Though I have been working on some things so there is much to tell. First lets begin with the Roses. They certainly are doing well after a good trimming in the beginning of spring. I took the pic of the yellow rose, it was the first rose of the season. My brilliant husband took the two others. They're worth sharing because they're gorgeous!

Girly Pinewood Derby

2009-04-28T22:34:00.003-07:00

Here is a pinewood derby car I thought you'd enjoy seeing. I thought my Daughter did a great job with it. Rub-ons make life easy. Also, I am inspired lately by this and am thinking of recreating one of my own.

summer treat

2009-04-28T22:29:00.003-07:00

This was one of the last pictures taken with the old camera. We found a kid's treat idea website that showed us how to make these simple, fun watermelons. They are made from; sliced up limes with the centers cut out, red jello (preferably watermelon flavor), and chocolate chips for the seeds. The kids thought it was so fun creating these mini watermelons!

inspiration

2009-04-28T22:19:00.003-07:00

There has been a lot of inspiration going on around here lately. Thank goodness. I was wondering what was up with myself before the inspiration came. Part of it was that my camera was broken. Now we have a new one. I bought my husband a camera for his birthday and then he went back to the store for the one he really wanted.

Needs...

2009-03-17T16:28:00.003-07:00

Needs and Wants, there is a difference. Every time I go off to church I'm reminded that I need to buy myself a brown skirt to go with my brown shoes and brown bags Or I need to buy a blackish bag to go with my black dresses and black shoes instead of mixing black and brown. Anyway, I've done nothing about it and I am happy that I've thought of it mid week so I can do something about it before Sunday. I found a great pattern for a handbag. I'll let you know how it goes.

adding color

2009-03-03T14:11:00.005-07:00

Changing spaces in my home always invigorates me. I was noticing the lack of color in the playroom and decided it needed something. I am changing the space to be a place to read and a place to play. I took a soft chair and put it in the room with some storage spaces for books. Then I added these butterflies. They are like these from Pottery Barn Kids. I also painted the main wall of the room today a light brown color. I am happy with the changes. I think the next step is simplifying the toys in the room so it is easier to keep clean.

Pay it forward

2009-02-26T20:38:00.001-07:00

Here is my one hundred and first post! This is how it works..... the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year (don't worry I'm not going to wait until December!). When and what will be a surprise. BUT, in order for you to leave a comment on my blog, you have to post this on your blog FIRST. (That means that sometime during this year you will send a gift to 3 people as well, not necessarily hand made) Get it? Ready, set, pay it forward!

Paper toys

2009-02-23T13:01:00.002-07:00

My boy and I had some fun putting this guy together the other day. He has an open mouth, so he can hold small items such as marbles. The link for this and other paper toys are here.

Soft Valentine Envelope

2009-01-17T13:50:00.002-07:00

Here is the link to this tutorial I made last year. It can hold love notes to your sweetheart or for members of your family.

English Scones

2009-01-14T11:45:00.002-07:00

After noticing scones at Whole Foods and a real English scone recipe on MS yesterday I couldn't help but make some. So these are this morning scones. They look good, but they are even better than they look. They are perfect and it made me feel a little like Cherry Menlove, who in my opinion is the real Martha Stewart because all of her ideas are her own and she really lives it.

Pink shower

2009-01-14T11:29:00.003-07:00

There was a baby shower this weekend. It was making me so happy to create ideas and food around a pink theme. There were Gerbera Daisies in shades of pink and ribbon accents. It was beautiful. I should have taken more pictures, but sometimes when you are in the middle of it you're not thinking about anything, but enjoying yourself!

I did want to make macaroons in light green and pink, but then I thought I would be spending eternity in the kitchen at the wrong time of year. Here's why...It's January! I once brought cupcakes to a social gathering of women in January. Though they looked delicious no one would touch them because they all began their diets. So with the baby shower, I decided that they can't reject popcorn in January I used this idea from Heidi Swapp. I couldn't find the recipe so I made one up. It had pink white chocolate, (if that makes sense) and crushed starlite mints. I worked in batches laying out the popcorn on a cookie sheet and slow streaming the melted chocolate, then the mint dust. I even used microwave popcorn for a shortcut. It was such a hit I bought a huge white bowl just for the occasion and there was only a tiny bit left. I will be making this recipe again.

Pink and Brown

2009-01-14T11:23:00.003-07:00

My sweet sister made this bag and gave it to me for Christmas. Pink, brown and my favorite color spring green. Could it get any better? Yes! She added a polka dot pocket on the inside. Thanks Andrea.

peppermint cookies

2008-12-29T16:04:00.002-07:00

I normally do plates of treats, but this year I decided to keep thing simpler. Did it work? Well, no. Simple is not what interests me. I found a cookie on the food network that was so worth spending time on. Besides, how many people give away sandwich cookies. They were packaged two ways and it was fun putting it all together. I also made some homemade marshmallows from Martha Stewart's recipe. They are best when used with hot cocoa.

Orange Monster

2008-12-02T22:57:00.006-07:00

I know it's not a great picture, but he's too cute to not show you. He was finished in the car on the way to my sister's house. I made him for my nephew's birthday. T was turning one. T enjoyed him and so did his older brothers. He really needs a name. I hope they find a good one.

I found the directions for him in this book. I have now made two. This guy is so cute in person, but I am having trouble getting a good pic of him.

Artistic Happenings

2008-11-17T11:05:00.002-07:00

Last night I finally had an idea for what to do with this board. It was 11:30, but I had to go with the idea right away. I drew out the sketch and started creating. I hung this in my little girls room and she loves it! The mother owl was going to have open eyes, but she looked so cute with her eyes closed I decided to leave them the way they were.

voted

2008-11-04T16:47:00.003-07:00

hello kitty cake

2008-11-04T16:38:00.003-07:00

This is the cake I made for my daughter. It was so simple and that is what I needed. The jelly beans worked well for this cake. Does everyone know that when you dip your knife in a little bit of water, after frosting the cake, it smooths the frosting a lot? Maybe you already knew that.

Preparation

2008-10-29T09:25:00.006-07:00

This owl mask will be a gift for one of my children at Christmas. I am trying to prepare early. I still have a fox and cat mask to cut out. Also, this other owl appeared when my bread sank the other day. It reminded me of the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade". For me it was when your bread sinks in the middle, tell your kids it's an animal. They loved it!

Birthday flower

2008-10-15T13:16:00.002-07:00

I want to just pop in and show you this gift I gave Deneigh for her birthday. I am so pleased she liked it.

Important

2008-10-07T20:19:00.001-07:00

If only everyone would hear this story. Here is the link...

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1815825713

Peaches

2008-09-11T17:20:00.003-07:00

Here is what I have been up to. Bottling Peaches and drawing. I will admit that I peeled all of the peaches by hand this time. I know I am insane. I think anyone who knows me well has excepted that already.

Today I got out my pencils and began this drawing. It is one inspired by a painting done by the Black Apple. Enjoy your day!

Still here...

2008-09-08T20:34:00.004-07:00

It has been a while. I have been myself...sewing, crafting, creating. It's true. I just haven't been sharing. I am ready to begin again here.

This apron was made last month and I still don't have a picture of it. Something I am very interested in making is this. That orange giraffe has been on my mind a lot. I have wanted to make a tall giraffe like this for so long. It stems from the fact that I made up a little song for my boy about a giraffe when he was really little and we still sing that song. I am thinking of Christmas. It will be here before we know it.

golden memories

2008-06-14T22:01:00.003-07:00

I never did post about this night, but I should have. It really was fun having my golden birthday last year. I was incredibly happy and touched by the out pouring of love from friends and family. Now that I am away I think I appreciate those friends even more. I am talking about all of you, not just those pictured here! I am grateful to have you for friends and I will try to be better with the whole staying in touch thing. *promise*

It's been a while

2008-06-12T22:38:00.010-07:00

I know, I know, I've been MIA for a while. There are many things I could have posted, but I decided to just enjoy life for a while instead of recording it.
I have now finished two aprons. I ended up getting an ok picture of one and then didn't take any of the other before giving it away. :(
We spent some time at Lagoon yesterday. The kids loved it!

I was tagged by Vickie of Snow Days Art
First Question: What was I doing ten years ago? Driving my Oldsmobile super fast on the freeway to and from dance.
Second: What are five things on my list for today? Bake cookies, write on my blog, go to enrichment, watch Anne of Green Gables on my iMac, talk to my sister on the phone.
Third: What are snacks I enjoy? Bruschetta, chocolate, dried fruit, chips and salsa.
Fourth: What would you do if you were a billionaire? I would convince Inn-n-out to let me buy some of their stores and open some in Utah!
Fifth: Places I have lived:
Elk Grove, Ca
Rexburg, ID
Fallon, NV
Chandler, AZ

And I think I will tag....
Bethany
Molly
Deneigh
Andrea
Christin

I'm going to be a Pattern Tester!

2008-05-05T09:28:00.002-07:00

I was telling my husband how I feel that the last month has been like a vacation for me. I needed a break from the things I normally do to realize how I wanted to spend my time. Well, I am back! Back to sewing and back to creating!

I am going to be a pattern tester for this apron. I am thrilled! Meg does such wonderful work! I really do love all of the patterns she has come out with and would buy them all, if I had all the time in the world. I am excited for this one though. The apron is called the, "Lola", and it has a child's version included with it called the "Lolita". My daughter could use another so this should be perfect.

My new water bottle

2008-04-22T22:23:00.003-07:00

When my MIL came for a visit she had a glass water bottle with her. I asked her about it and she said she has had it for about six months and reuses it. As some friends know, I love drinking out of glasses, not plastic cups, so this is a good fit. Well, today my sweet husband picked one up for me. My mom ended up buying some also. She now takes her sleek water bottle to Curves. We enjoy the idea of not adding more plastic water bottles to the landfills. Another reason my mom and I like this water bottle is the styling of it. We both love the long cylinder look.

Everyone has one minute

2008-04-18T08:37:00.003-07:00

I don't normally recommend books, but this one is good! This book is more about how to handle people than anything. This includes husbands and children! It is a quick read and well worth it. Everyone should read this book.

Archie and a bag

2008-04-14T09:27:00.005-07:00

Do you ever feel badly when you spend time on the computer, thinking to yourself, "I should be doing something more productive." (If you didn't know, my dad is a huge multi-tasker, and it has rubbed off!)

Well, I have some laundry going and bread rising, so I can now sit down and write.

Upon finding Archie, my boy came to me and said, "Mom, you really need to sew Archie's arms." I even posted about how I intended to fix them. Well, he persisted throughout that day and I finally agreed to sew them that very night. I also finished the sleeping bag for him. My girl also sewed a pillow and pillow case for him. Now my boy is in heaven! He already took him camping in the front room.

Also, I used the Hobby Lobby fabric to make myself a bag for church. This was so needed! If it wasn't I wouldn't have made it because I struggle making anything for myself. I love having this bag though!

personality

2008-04-09T14:16:00.003-07:00

My husband recently had a birthday. He is in a new office and I thought it would be fun to get him things for his desk. All of the things seemed ordinary as I was picking them out and then I saw this guy.

He should add a little personality to the desk!

Handmade things

2008-04-01T14:00:00.005-07:00

This is the doll I made for my daughter. I made her a doll a long time ago and she loved it so much that I decided it was worth spending some time on another. I am so happy she turned out like I wanted her to! Her name is Emmeline.

A pointy kitty made for my boy.

and another doll for my baby. I made her first and then altered the pattern for Emmeline.

2008-03-18T22:05:00.005-07:00

My MSL came today and I didn't wait long to begin turning it's pages.

I was thinking this article came a month too late! How aggravating! Oh well, we survived it. Then I saw the article they had on muffins and they were forgiven.
This little doll is in pieces, but is getting ready for Easter.

Enjoy the day!

sweet poetry

2008-03-17T08:28:00.003-07:00

This little poem was found in one of my vintage story books.

The Little Birds Song

A little bird, with feathers brown,

Sat singing on a tree;

The song was very soft and low,

But sweet as it could be.

The people who were passing by

Looked up to see the bird

That made the sweetest melody

That they had ever heard.

But all the bright eyes looked in vain;

Birdie was very small,

And with his modest, dark-brown coat

He made no show at all.

“Why, Father,” asked a little girl,

“Where can the birdie be?

If I could sing a song like that,

I’d sit where folks could see.”

“I hope my little girl will learn

A lesson from the bird,

And try to do what good she can,

Not to be seen or heard.

“This birdie is content to sit

Unnoticed on the way,

And sweetly sing his Maker’s praise

From dawn to close of day.

“So live, my child, all through your life,

That, be it short or long

Though others may forget your looks

They’ll not forget your song.

-Author Unknown

Sew sad, Sew happy!

2008-03-13T10:10:00.003-07:00

My sewing machine was dropped! Luckily I married Mr. Fixit!

It all started two nights ago when I realized it's been weeks since I sewed something! I asked my husband to go get my machine from downstairs. He went and then I heard the crash. We found out that the cover was not completely on and it landed directly on his foot! The Poor Man! He can still walk on his foot, so we are grateful, but I felt so badly for him, that I will carry it up the stairs myself for a while. I tried sewing with it and it just wasn't the same, we knew it needed fixing.

Sooo...Last night, with a brusied foot, my sweet husband fixed my sewing machine and he now has a very happy wife!

My sewing machine has always been so good to me. I got her from my parents after I sewed a lap quilt by hand! I guess they knew then I was serious. ;0)

I have some plans coming up for easter. I am currently working on this. I might even make a few of these dolls.

Fabic found

2008-03-12T13:57:00.003-07:00

This fabric was found today at The Hobby Lobby. I checked out the store for the first time and it did not disappoint me! I was in a hurry and only looked at half of the store, the other half is for another day.

Rethink and Regroup

2008-03-07T22:55:00.003-07:00

Moving changes lots of things. We moved last weekend and I am amazed at the new life it gives me. I try to stay open to change by doing slightly different things often. I will change where I sit in a room or how I drive to a store to alter perspective.

With my last move I told myself to remember, "Moving is always harder than you at first perceive". It's true. This move has been so good for me though. I am inspired by the different angles of the walls and the colors in the home. I am more comfortable than ever with who I am and that helps me to be more open to others. I have enjoyed the opportunity this move has given me to evaluate, where I am and where I want to be. Somehow with this new beginning, I feel empowered and capable of more. I love that feeling.

moving boxes

2008-02-26T20:47:00.002-07:00

It's happening we are really moving! I thought it appropriate that this box is for kleenex. We are sad to move away from friends, but are excited about the new beginnings!

While my husband said I should have been packing, I finished this reading pillow instead. It was for Kristi's birthday and had to happen before the move! The first side reminds me of a chocolate cake!

2008-02-22T13:22:00.003-07:00

Spring is here! There are budding trees and some in full bloom here. The kids are mentioning how they love to go barefoot, to better feel the carpet of grass. These blooms were made after discovering the art of quilling in my first Martha Stewart Living magazine.

Last night a friend picked me up and took me to In-n-out and then a scrapbook night! It was amazingly fun being with that group of girls again! I made these while there. This proves that one card idea can look cute in many ways.

2008-02-19T23:14:00.005-07:00

Valentines

2008-02-12T15:36:00.002-07:00

These valentines were sent off today. So simple and even cuter with pictures attached!

all the pretty flowers

2008-02-11T16:34:00.001-07:00

Here are some hair clips I made this weekend with Kristi. We used Hyicinths, Daisies and Delphinium flowers. When I found out that the large white and pink flowers are Delphiniums, it brought to my mind a quote from one of my favorite children’s books.

“My name is Delphinium. Delphinium Twinkle. And if my baby is a girl I’m considering Chrysanthemum as a name. I think it’s absolutely perfect.”

Ten points if you know the title! {Although, I think I gave it away}.

If you decided to make clips I recommend doing it with a friend to increase buying power and fun!

tinkering with bridges

2008-02-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

In order to tinker with bridges, you must first;

Come up with a plan

and then...

Get to work!

The idea for the bridge came from one of our Sesame Street dictionary books.

Valentine Envelope Tutorial

2008-02-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

It's here the Valentine Envelope Tutorial. For this pattern it is helpful to have these tools;

clear thread

sewing machine

self healing mat

clear angled ruler

rotary cutter

embroidery needle

small sharp scissors

The supplies needed are;

1/2 yard white wool felt

small piece of red wool felt

1/2 yard cotton fabric

red embroidery floss

white embroidery floss

2 buttons

(you will have fabric left over)

Cut out all pieces as shown.

After cutting the out the white pieces, use them to cut the red, especially for angles. The red should be cut just under the measurement of the other.

Using all six threads of embroidery floss, straight stitch around front of envelope using 1/4 in. stitches, 3/8 of an inch from edge.

Cut two straps for back out of the cotton print 15 x 3 in. The cut straps are not pictured. Turn straps right sides together and sew 1/4 in. from edge. Turn and press.

It is helpful to press off center, to make room for the button hole. Sew edge of straps closed.

Step 1: turn and press the squared and acute corners. Make two small cuts in the inside front of the envelope as shown. Be sure that the raw edge is folded down and pin in place.

Next bring up both sides. Press and pin.

Carefully pin the cotton fabric to the wool felt. Now you’re ready to sew your cotton fabric to your felt pieces.

To cut the scalloped edge, measure and cut 1/4 of an inch in every 3/4 of an inch.

Curve your cuts to form the scallop. It helps to use small sharp scissors.

Sew heart on to bottom of closure.

Pin flap of envelope to the back. Be sure to line it up so your hand sewing will show when folded down. Sew together.

Lay your straps flat and sew each button at the bottom of the envelope. Sew the front of the envelope to the back and you're done!

Valentine Envelope

2008-02-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! The envelope craft for Valentine's Day is finished and now I am working on the tutorial for it. The children are so excited to use this for their family love notes.

P.S. I voted today!

Psst...

2008-02-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

Psst...Hey you! Yes, you staring at the computer screen. There is one blog that I go to often for ideas and I want to tell you about it. It is a design blog, where I get ideas about style, trends, and most important color combinations. I can't believe I am letting this secret out, but oh well. I know you'll be interested.

Pirate Cake

2008-01-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

This was a cake I made for my boy a while back. It was fun adding all of the details. Also, it is extra delicious being homemade.

Napkins

2008-01-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

While visiting my daughter as she ate lunch at school, I discovered...she sets her food on the TABLE!?! Eew! We both decided it was time to make some napkins.

Napkins are all over lately. In Martha Stewart Living, the book Bend the Rules Sewing, and on the Purl Bee. That is where I found this tutorial for napkin making that explains how to make beautiful napkins. I would never have thought to do it this way! The only difference for mine is that I made them 12x12 in.

P.S. This was so easy, we will be making more. ;)

paper project finished

2008-01-21T17:23:00.001-07:00

The paper topiary is finished! The papers are KI Memories. This project was made easy with the help of my Making Memories circle cutter tool. I found the project here: http://www.heatherbailey.typepad.com/

2008-01-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

Baby Showers

2008-01-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

It may be a little early to say this, but spring is coming. We are all looking forward to it, because it's been a cold winter! Spring time makes me think of new life and baby showers. Here is a picture of some favors I made once for a baby shower.

These are oreos dipped in white chocolate and then a little foot was painted on the cookie with pink chocolate. Each cookie was placed in a mini cellophane bag and tied with ribbon. This was when I had way too much time on my hands.

Wee projects

2008-01-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some Wee projects you probably haven't seen. They are from weewonderfuls.com The first is a wee bunny. She was made last easter. The doll's name is Olive and she was made this summer. I am such a fan Hillary's things. She has a tutorial for pointy kitty that I think I'll make next. Maybe for this easter. :)

wreath

2008-01-15T22:51:00.001-07:00

Here is a wreath that hangs near my front door. The idea is similar to one done by Making Memories.

up, up and away

2008-01-14T23:14:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my husband and I paragliding. We did this a few years ago. I am in the white parachute and my husband is in the orange. It's nice to do something thrilling once in a while.

Lunch

2008-01-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Lunch today was another Everyday Food recipe. We made tomato soup. The recipes from Everyday Food tend to be simple and delicious. When I began making a lot of their recipes my husband started asking where the dinners were coming from. After repeating, "Everyday Food", night after night he started appreciating how great they are too!

Drawing

2008-01-11T23:39:00.000-07:00

This is a color pencil drawing I did this summer. I put my mark on this photo with Photoshop Elements. I didn't come up with the original design. It was an illustrator's. I modified it and then did my own color scheme. Looking at the other pic now, they look pretty different.

What would I do with out my Prisma colors? (My colored pencils that have almost every color I could think of, {almost}.)

Flower cards

2008-01-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Anyone else love it when someone stops by to give you something? These are some cards from a friend. She made them for me because I let her borrow something. I think I may think of a few more things to lend her! ;)

Tree Layout

2008-01-09T12:20:00.001-07:00

Here is a layout I did last night. I thought it worth sharing. The white blotches on the tree are where my pictures went.

Another pillow

2008-01-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here is another finished reading pillow. This one's even softer!

Leftovers

2008-01-02T21:47:00.000-07:00

The children enjoyed using leftover popcorn to make necklaces today. All that's needed is a somewhat dull needle and a half stran of embroidery floss. We had three kinds of popcorn to choose from and they each created their own pattern.

Reading pillow

2007-12-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

The reading pillow for my daughter is finished! The pattern was ordered from Montessoribyhand.net The pattern called for Canvas cotton, but since I already had a cotton in mind I used iron on flannel to make it more sturdy.

Sewing for kids

2007-12-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Remember that pink sewing machine I showed you. Well, my daughter got it for Christmas and wants to sew everyday. She made this blanket and pillow for her sister's doll.

Clever

2007-12-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know, I am such a fan of Martha Stewart Kids and Martha Stewart Baby magazines. Too bad they stopped making them, :( In one of their Dec. issues I saw some gingerbread men they turned around and made into Reindeer. Clever, very clever! I had to make some.

R.G.'s problem

2007-12-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

I refuse to go out. Yep, that’s right I refuse. Have you seen those lines? Have you seen those parking lots? No, thanks! I am staying right here… enjoying things here.

My boy has been asking for some things to go with his R. G. doll, (His name was supposed to be Archie, oh well, it's his doll). I went out and bought this cute fabric that I’ve had my eye on. I began making a quilted sleeping bag. Well, then the doll's arms ripped, both of them! He thought they could be fixed by the time he went to bed. No, no this is going to be surgery! I will have to unstitch his sides and then make new arms to sew in.

Oh, also Merry Christmas and happy eating from our Candy village.

A break from Christmas prep

2007-12-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

There's always lots to do when Christmas is coming, but I decided to take a little break on friday and work on this. I'm not going to be sharing what it is yet, but I sure am loving these diamonds!

confession

2007-12-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

I copy Becky Higgins. Who doesn't? This decor idea was easy and a way to save what's left of my Austrian ornaments! So many have broken. Each year I have been happy when my favorite one survives. It is the one on the left side. :)

Tooth Fairy

2007-12-07T13:59:00.002-07:00

The Tooth Fairy came to our house last night and left this.

New hair ties!

2007-12-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yep! I'm talking brand new! These are called, "Trash Ties", mine are on there way. Get yours at www.trash ties.com

I knew I wanted some as soon as I saw this picture,

http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/2007/04/easter.html

and now they are available!

hippopotamuses!

2007-12-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

Each day when I give my children vitamins I will hear, "Look I got a pink cat", or "I have an elephant". When they are given a hippo, they will with out fail begin singing, "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas!" This happens no matter what time of year, but I thought it was a good time to post this.

productive weekend

2007-12-03T20:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend was incredibly productive. I worked on Christmas cards and am close to the finish line. It is exciting. My husband even helped out! I also made a gift for a new baby I am soon to meet. I made one of the little ribbon blankets. I had never made one before, but it was simple enough. The pattern is at www.newconceptions.com. Also, here is a picture of some cards my daughter whipped out. Too cute!

A bag I made!

2007-11-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

This bag was made from a pattern in the, "Bend the Rules Sewing", book. I made it out of unlined corduroy (so soft) and a small dot print in cotton. I loved the results and had trouble giving it away. The friend I gave it to loves it though, and she is very deserving!

One of my favorite websites!

2007-11-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Have you been to Matthewmeadstyle.com? The food, entertaining ideas, decor...everything is beautful!

Also, be sure to click on "bonus" to look into previous season ideas!

Shopping for Christmas can be Sew fun!

2007-11-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

I asked my daughter what she wanted for Christmas. Why was I surprised when she asked for a sewing machine? I know who her mother is, (Ha, Ha). The pink one is from the Home Shopping Network. It has a good price point. I heart the Hello Kitty one. Although, it's price point is not as good. I think the pink one will win.

album pages

2007-11-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

These are some of the pages made for my Grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. The white one is what I used for the dividers for each family. The blue one is the cover. These photos were corrected in Photoshop Elements! Thank you Deneigh! The simplicity of this reminded me of Deneigh's SB style.

The products used-Bazzill cardstock, Arial and Snell Roundhand font, a Making Memories circle cutter and a 7 gypsies bracket stamp.

Seasonal Recipe!

2007-11-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a seasonal recipe for you. So good for any holiday! I'll be taking a break from the blog for a week. To those in the U.S. Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas cards & tags

2007-11-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Card club happened this morning. I loved what the girls brought. We have such a talented group participating! I am excited to use these for my Christmas things!

Mini Album

2007-11-14T16:04:00.001-07:00

This is a mini album I put together for my Mom. I wanted it to be simple, so it wouldn't be easily outdated. I still love it two years later.

Christmas tag

2007-11-13T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the tags made for card club. Is anyone else in the mood for Christmas? We have been singing Christmas songs everyday for the past week!

The green cardstock is bazzill bling, the rub-ons are American Crafts.

Bookmark fix

2007-11-13T10:36:00.001-07:00

I fixed the bookmark so it is more, bookmark size. Feel free to use it for your V.T. this month. :)