7th Day of Christmas

Play Mailbox & Envelopes

Braden loves to watch the mailman drive by.  If he hears the mail truck coming he will go running to the window.  He will stay there until our mail is delivered, the truck drives around the circle and comes back around to deliver the mail across the street.  He also enjoys walking down to the mailbox to collect the envelopes or to put the outgoing mail inside.  

He is at an age where imaginative play is so fun and important, so I thought he would enjoy his own little version of a mailbox & envelopes.  I found this tutorial for a mailbox geared towards collecting valentines.  There were also a ton of tutorials and examples of felt envelopes, so I adapted some of them to create my own look.  Then I will use regular card stock or paper to create little letters and notes to put inside the envelopes for Braden to find.  

First, the envelopes I cut them 5" by 12" and then angled the tops.  Then I figured out the placement of the return address & address, and used the sewing machine to create some straight and zig zag lines.  

Then I cut out the velcro pieces, which would be used for the stamp and for closing the envelopes.  Once those were sewn in place I did an outline stitch around the entire envelope to close it up and give it a finished look.  

For the mailbox I followed the tutorial above step by step.  I started by covering the box in blue construction paper.  Then I worked on creating the chute/mail slot.  Finally I added the flag piece.  The envelopes fit perfectly inside and Braden can open up the top of the shoe box to collect the mail.  

The finished look!  I may try to add some US Postal logos or personalize it in some way for Braden.  

5th Day of Christmas

Colorful Wine Coasters

This project makes a great gift for any of your wine/drink lovers.  I had found the tutorial quite a while ago, and just never had a chance to try it.  If I had realized how easy they are to make I would have started the project much sooner.  The original pattern can be found here.

The thing that took the longest was trying to pick out colors & coordinating fabrics (5 per coaster).  Once that was complete I cut a 5" square piece from each fabric.  Then I layered them one on top of the other, and traced the outline of a CD on the wrong side of one fabric.  I pinned them all together, so they would not move while cutting out the circles.

Next choose one of the circles to be the bottom and fold the other 4 in half wrong sides together and press.  Once that is complete it is time to start layering them onto the bottom fabric.  

With the bottom piece right side up place on of the half circles on top with the folded edge towards the center.

Do the same with another half circle to the left, layering it on top of the other half circle.

Again do the same by placing a half circle on the bottom.

Now, lift the original half circle up and towards the left and place the last half circle on top and replace the original half circle.

Finished look:

I then pinned each intersection, so the pieces would not move while sewing.  Next, sew around the outside of the entire circle with 1/4" seam.  Do no leave any openings and backstitch over the beginning to secure.  

Then turn the fabric inside out and they are complete.  I still have one left to do to make a complete set of 6 coasters.  However, I did not like any of my yellow/orange fabric combinations. 

They can be used around the bottom of wine glasses, and can help determine whose drink belongs to who.  Or they can be used as regular coasters and by placing the glass directly on top!

2nd Day of Christmas

A Family Christmas Tree Skirt

A few months ago my cousin Heather asked me if I would be interested in trying to make a burlap tree skirt for her family.  The basic idea was burlap with a ruffle around the outside and incorporating red or green chevron fabric.  She sent me a few pictures to give me an idea.

I followed most instructions from this tutorial but found a few other sites were helpful as well.  Now even though she mentioned this in August/September I didn't get around to actually cutting the burlap until November.  Then I gave it to her so they could put their handprints on first, that way the paint did not go through the backing of the final skirt.

 While I was waiting to get the skirt back I cut the red chevron into 6 inch wide strips and used the full length of the fabric.  I ended up having to match up the chevron pattern and attaching the strips until it was around 220 inches long.  Then I used the ruffler foot to create the ruffled look.  Then once I had the burlap piece back I sewed the ruffled chevron on to the outside edge and also attached a red chevron S.  

Finally I laid a large piece of muslin fabric down and put the burlap piece on top.  Then I cut out another circular shape, which would serve as the backing of the tree skirt.  I made sure that the right sides were together and pinned the pieces in place.  

This was the most difficult part to sew, because there was so much fabric and I didn't want it to slide or bunch up in places.  I left a small space to turn the tree skirt right side out and then finished off the edging.  I was pleasantly surprised with how well it turned out.  If I were to do it again I might have bought a bit more chevron and made the ruffle a little wider.  I also decided not to add velcro closures, because  thought it would easily wrap around itself when under the tree.  

12 Days Of Christmas Crafts!

It is time once again for my 12 Days of Homemade Christmas gifts/crafts.  I have been MIA lately with my posts, but I had so much fun creating the gifts last year, that I wanted to try it again!  So, here it is: 

On The First Day of Christmas - Felt Fishing Set

My sister had posted this felt fishing set as a Christmas idea for my oldest niece Eva.  I looked into it, and the Etsy shop no longer had the set available for sale.  I also thought it was something that I could try to make myself.  So, I did!

 I started by finding different fish shapes online and created stencils using plain card stock.  Then I chose colored fabrics and cut out 11 fish shapes.

Next I cut small numbers 0-10 out of white felt and used embroidery thread to hand sew them onto the middle of a piece of colored felt. Then I placed the fabric on top of two pieces of the coordinating felt with the number facing on the outside.   

I sewed around the outline of the fish.  I made sure to leave enough space to insert a round magnet in between the fabric and felt, before completely closing it up.  Then I secured the magnet towards the mouth of the fish by sewing an outline around it.  

I had Mike help me with the fishing pole.  He cut a piece of dowel and drilled a hole towards the top of it and through a round magnet.  Then tied them together using some kite string.  I would have loved to have included a cute little fabric worm on the end, but I was worried that the magnets would not be strong to "catch" the fish.  

Pinterest Challenge: Week 5

The end of the first Pinterest Challenge is near as we wrap up with week 5 projects.  For me I worked on the star mantle decor, which I plan to use for Memorial Day & the Fourth of July displays.  I knew that we were going to be away for part of the week (headed to Littleton), so I did all of the cutting & machine sewing beforehand.  Then I was able to finish the project by stuffing & hand sewing while were were away.  

I think it came out really well and I am pleased with how it looks all together with other items on the mantle.  

Week 5 Projects:

DIY Argyle Sweatshirt: http://mellysews.com/2012/02/argyle-hoody-tutorial.html
Turtle Brownies: http://www.unegaminedanslacuisine.com/2012/03/salty-turtle-brownies.html
Cotton Ball smashers: http://4herreras.blogspot.com/2012/02/smashing-balls-baked-cotton-balls.html?m=1
Desk Makeoever:

DIY No Sew Valance: http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/08/quick-and-easy-home-decorating-window-valance.html
Old MacDonald Puppets:http://zitzmanfam.blogspot.com/2010/09/old-macdonald-puppet-tutorial-and.html

Pinterest Challenge: Week 4

For the next three weeks I have some sewing projects to complete for the Pinterest Challenge.  For week 4 I successfully made a case/stand for my iTouch.  I wanted something that I could use for when I am laying down using it to read.  So, it is not really meant for everyday use/carrying it around. 

The directions were easy enough to follow and I liked that there was a video tutorial to go with it.  

Finished Product

Had to adjust holder pieces slightly because I wanted to keep the cover on it.
So, some of them slip off.  

Again I am putting off the sweatshirt project, because just not sure it is going to be successful.  It is either that or my mantle sewing project.  We'll see...

Week 4 Projects:

Crayon Art: 

Dairy Free Ice Cream:

http://theprimalhome.blogspot.com/2011/07/strawberry-ice-cream-non-dairy-sugar.html

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo:

http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2013/03/skinny-spaghetti-squash-alfredo.html

Front Door Makeover:

Lots of Organizing going on this week:

Manuals:

http://pinterest.com/pin/135600638752441668/

Outdoor Toys:

Embroidery Floss:

http://heatherjslife.blogspot.com/2011/08/organizing-embroidery-floss.html

Fabric:

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/organizing-fabric/

Laundry Baskets:

http://ana-white.com/2011/07/laundry-dresser

Baby Clothes:

http://www.typicalsuburbanfamily.com/2012/02/03/organize-baby-clothes/

Baked Fried Pickles:

Baked fried pickles. It was 2 eggs, Worcester sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning and pepper mixed together. Dill pickle chips are dipped in the mixture, covered in panko crumbs and broiled

Fried Rice: 

http://life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken-with-fried.html

Cauliflower Breadsticks:

http://mamagrubbsgrub.blogspot.com/2011/11/cauliflower-breadsticks.html?m=1

Hasselback Potatoes:

http://www.seasaltwithfood.com/2009/05/hasselback-potatoes.html?m=1

Raised Beds:

Homemade Salsa: 

http://www.myrecipes.com/m/recipe/spring-salsa-50400000112175/

Smoothies:

http://www.somethingswanky.com/0-points-delicious-summer-smoothie/

DIY Pinterest Challenge

I've decided to create my own Pinterest Challenge.  Whether this ends up being on my own or if others decide to join me - I am determined to finish at least 6 new projects from my Pinterest boards.  

I had previously enjoyed participating in this Pinterest Challenge, and even received "honorable mention" one month.  But, unfortunately the project seems to have been abandoned :(  So, now I am starting one "just for fun" and I am hoping that by posting my progress here on my blog it will keep me motivated!  

So, here are the 6 projects that I have chosen:

1. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

2. Homemade fruit snacks

3. DIY hoodie

4. 4th of July star decor

5. Homemade Sangria

6. Ipod cover/stand

This is not necessarily the order that the projects will be completed! But, over the next 6 weeks I will attempt to complete them all.  Each week I will feature one of the projects & the progress - whether a success or a failure.  So, here goes...  Anyone want to join me?  

Nineteen Months

A little summary of the month:

* last incisor finally broke through (TR - 1/20)

* learned a few new animal sounds: pig, horse, duck, cat, dinosaur

* still working on correctly identifying family members & friends

* he talks so much I am having a hard time keeping up with new words & phrases:

       "football", "basketball", "mimi", "vroom vroom car", "let's go", "there it is", "love you", "help", "hurt", "up", "down", "excuse me", "come" (when calling the dog), "spot" (stuffed dog), "sit", "paw", "high five", "pee pee", "water", "spoon", "fork"

* puts a tissue up to his nose and says "achoo" 
* identifies more body parts "knee", "shoulders", "foot", "toes"

* more comfortable in the bath tub - splashing and pouring water on himself

* new signs: help & hurt

* working on sitting on the potty for short periods of time

* will say "excuse me" at appropriate times

* had his first haircut 1/22

* doing great with family babysitting - date night & Scentsy event

* he loves to help with measuring and pouring ingredients when baking/cooking

* still working on catching the ball

* prefers to walk up and down the stairs with help

* went sledding for the first time (front yard) 1/9

* becoming more comfortable with paints & getting his hands dirty
* affectionate loves giving family, Sage, stuffed animals hugs and kisses say "muah" and "awh"
* will sometimes catch him attempting to count or say abc's