treasures for tots

13 Ounces or Less

2012-01-20T22:29:00.001-06:00

Recently I discovered giver'slog on Pinterest.

I love AmberLee's series, 13 ounces or less!

She finds all kinds of creative ways to send cute gifts in the mail.

Including flip-flops, a ball (who knew you could send a ball with only stamps and an address?!) and a clown disguise!

But here's the catch - everything has to weigh 13 ounces or less!

Okay - I had to try it!

We send things in the mail all the time to Serenity's BFF Pen Pal Brianna (her Mommy is Grow With Me Gifts), but this time giver'slog inspired me to get a little more creative with the packaging.

Please excuse the quality of the photos - I forgot to grab my big camera when I left the house and these are taken with my cell phone.
------------

I found a little plastic "paint can" from Target in the dollar aisles a while back and decided to fill that up and mail it.
The key is to take everything out of it's original packaging.

I went to a little local place called Mailbox Express instead of my actual Post Office - I've been going there for years since it's closer to my house, and the ladies over there are so nice!

I'm not totally sure the PO will accept it yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed they do!

I'll update once I find out if the paint can arrives at Brianna's with no problems.

The paint can is filled with a few Dollar Store toys, little trinkets from Target's dollar aisles, and a rolled-up note from Serenity - weighing in at a whopping 4.7 ounces!

~I forgot to get a picture of the toys before I packed the container.~

Serenity got to put the stamps on the paint can after they printed a label for us.

They taped the top of the can for us too.

All ready to be mailed to Brianna!

I love this idea and it's such a fun activity for kids!
I have quite a few things in mind that Serenity can mail in the future.

Don't forget to check out giver'slog and see all the cool things she's mailed that's 13 ounces or less!

Update:
Brianna got it in the mail yesterday!
Kim posted on her blog, Grow With Me Gifts pictures of Brianna enjoying all the little toys in her fun gift.
We are so happy it was such a hit, and that it went through the mail successfully!
Serenity was glad Brianna got her little "note" the most!

Have fun!

Lemon Ginger Tea

2012-01-18T22:38:00.001-06:00

This refreshing, naturally sweetened drink is so easy to make!

Ginger, lemon and honey are great for your health too.

Fresh ingredients are the best, but I just used what I had in my kitchen.

Ingredients:

ground ginger

lemon juice
honey

hot water

cold water

ice

1/8 teaspoon of ginger:

1 tablespoon of lemon juice:

1 tablespoon of honey:
~Local honey is best!~

1/4 cup of hot water and stir:
~You could fill your glass and drink it hot instead of moving on to the next step.~

Fill your glass with plenty of ice and cold water.
Stir.
Enjoy!

Have fun!

DIY Fabric Organizers

2012-01-16T19:08:00.003-06:00

These are super easy to make and won't cost you a dime!

I first saw fabric organizers over at The Cottage Home:

Aren't they great?

But so expensive!

$131.62 for 75 large (10" x 14") organizers!

I have a lot of fabric and I just can't afford to wrap my whole collection.

Then I found a DIY fabric organizers using cardboard from Kandra's Corner.

Nice!

She used rubberbands to secure the fabric, but I really liked the tabs on the expensive ones:

I wanted to make my own using tabs not rubberbands or pins.

So I grabbed an Amazon box to "upcycle" and started cutting!

I tried out a few ways to position the tabs that would hold the fabric in place, but I ran into a problem.

You can't cut too many tabs like the expensive organizers because the cardboard becomes weak and floppy.

So then I tried only two tabs in the center.

It worked great!

Here's how I made my fabric organizers:

Materials:

fabric

cardboard

X-Acto or sharp knife

Cut out a board 7 1/2" w x 11 1/2" l

Using a X-Acto or a very sharp knife, cut one tab 2" from the top in the center of the board.

Flip the board around and cut out another tab the same way.

Look at the picture for reference:

Start wrapping the fabric around the board:

When you've finished wrapping, pop out the tabs to secure the fabric.

That's it!
It will stack on shelves just as neatly as the fabric organizers too.
It's not as pretty as the expensive ones, but it is free.
You could spray paint the cardboard to match your sewing room - one can of paint would cover a lot of boards.

Here's the front of the organizer:

I read on Kandra's Corner that she's using comic book boards now.

I believe some people were worried the cardboard (she actually used tag board) wasn't acid-free.

So with a little searching, I found 100 magazine boards (8 1/2" x 11") for only $12.45 on Amazon - plus free shipping!
The boards on Amazon have only one preview - from a lady that is using them as fabric organizers!

I'm hoping I can cut tabs on them without the board becoming weak.
Maybe narrower tabs?
The tabs on the expensive boards appears to be more narrow than the ones I made.

I'll be sure to update with pictures when I've tried the magazine boards!

Have fun!

NOT Your Basic Granny Square

2012-01-16T02:57:00.002-06:00

My method of crocheting a basic Granny Square isn't the traditional one that others use.

Similar yes, but I find my way flows better - less steps than the old way, so that means it's faster and easier to crochet.

Well, for me it is and maybe for you too.

Below is a step-by-step picture guide how I crochet a basic Granny Square - my way!

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sp = space
yo = yarn over
dc = double crochet

Materials:

crochet hook

yarn

scissors

tapestry needle

Start with a Magic Adjustable Ring, ch2

3dc into ring

*ch1, 3dc* 3 times around.

Gently pull adjustable ring closed.
The center "O" can be any size you like; I pull my in small.

The next step is to change colors - but don't fasten off!

First ch1, put the hook into the top of the first dc, yo and pull through.

You should have two loops on your hook.

Change colors the traditional way by dropping the old color, and then picking up the new.

Now pull the new color through both loops on the hook.

Cut off the old color leaving a 3" tail.

Next ch2, 3dc in same sp, ch1, 3dc in same space.

First corner made.

*ch1, 3dc, ch1, 3dc in next ch1 sp* repeat 3 times around.

ch1 and put the hook into the top of the first dc.

Change colors like before.

ch2, 3dc in same sp, ch1

*3dc, ch1, 3dc* in corner, ch1, 3dc in next sp, ch1

Repeat 2 more times.

*3dc, ch1, 3dc* in last corner, ch1

Finally, cut the yarn leaving a 3" tail.

Join to the first dc using futuregirl's method.

Weave in and secure all those tails with a tapestry needle - snip off the extra.

All done!

Post-It-Note:

You can keep going around and around by remembering:

At each corner: 3dc, ch1, 3dc

In each ch 1 space in-between corners: 3dc, ch1

Update:

1/18/12

I updated this post because I had a few typos.

Sorry about the mistakes, but the instructions should be error-free now!

Have fun!

Chuck E. Cheese Coupons - February & March 2012

2012-01-15T18:19:00.006-06:00

More Chuck E. Cheese 2012 coupons!

Just right-click on the coupons, then "save image as" to save it to your computer so you can print them over and over.
I like to add them to gift bags for birthdays and party favors too.

The following coupons expire:
February 14th 2012

These coupons below expire soon so hurry and take advantage of them!
Expires February 1st 2012

The following coupons have "CHUCK E CHEESE'S OF WILMINGTON" printed at the top of each coupon.

They will probably work at any location.

Doesn't hurt to give it a try!
Expires March 21, 2012

Find more 2012 Chuck E. Cheese coupons I've posted
HERE.

Have fun!!

A Week of Fuzzy Cell Phone Pictures

2012-01-15T01:11:00.006-06:00

Okay another week gone by, and more fuzzy pictures to share!

I took all of these with my 3GS iPhone and edited them with Photoshop Express just like last week.

This week I also used PicFrame (99¢) to show some of the before/after shots when I edit.
A couple of them I made into mini "storyboards".

A fun, inexpensive little app!
Lots of frames to choose from, but you can easily resize the frames too.
So many features on this cheap app - go try it out I think you'll like it!
-----------

Deep conditioning Serenity's hair with THIS.
She said, "I look like a beautiful alien!"

Found the little guy chewing on our cabbages:

Serenity is all dressed up and headed to art class!

Doing Math problems the old fashion way.
I bought our abacus HERE.

Dropping my hubby off at the airport in NOLA.
He works in Brazil for two months at a time.
We are going to miss him a lot!

Serenity's silly little Jeanette toy.

It's a hard knock life!

Serenity's handmade mop is from Camden Rose.

You can find it on Amazon too.

We made stamps using bottle caps and foam stickers.
You can find the tutorial we used HERE.

A little Supper with Serenity at her favorite pancake place.

Painted her piggy toes!

My little pink drink.

Have fun!

Butter and Avocado Oil Hair Treatment

2012-01-14T21:49:00.020-06:00

Tonight I tried a new hair treatment in Serenity's hair,

Butter and Avocado Oil!

I saw on a "back to natural" blog about a fresh butter treatment that is supposed to help treat dry hair.

~I'm sorry I can't find the blog. I'll link if I come across it again!~

I decided to add avocado oil because it's excellent for dry hair too.

I used Land O Lakes brand butter, but you can try making your own.

I'll probably try that next time.

Click HERE to find out how I make Homemade Butter.

------------

Butter and Avocado Oil Hair Treatment:

4 tbsp. or 1/2 stick of real unsalted butter

4 -6 tbsp. of 100% pure avocado oil

plastic wrap

Measure the amount of butter you'll need.

Soften the butter; pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds, or let it sit out.

If you're making it fresh, you won't have to worry about this step.

Add the avocado oil.

Stir until well blended.

Apply to the hair, use your fingertips to massage it around until the hair is covered.

Wrap the hair in plastic wrap.

Let it sit for 30 minutes to a hour.

Serenity isn't feeling too good.

She has a bit of a cold and fever.

She's wearing a Be Cool Mickey gel sheet on her forehead.

I've been using them whenever Serenity has a fever (along with baby Tylenol and Ibuprofen) for years - they work great!

Rinse with lukewarm water.

Shampoo and condition as you would normally.

Comb, brush, style as usual.

All done!

The Results?

Overall very good.

I would probably only do this type of treatment on wash days though.

Just rinsing the butter out with lukewarm water won't get it completely out of the hair, it needs to be rinsed thoroughly, then washed.

The treatment certainly helped with the tangles and made Serenity's hair so manageable and soft.

On the down side it's a sort of time consuming, but it's an excellent once-a-month type treatment that I plan to do again.

Have Fun!

A Week of Fuzzy Cell Phone Pictures

2012-01-06T06:00:00.002-06:00

I love taking pictures - lots of pictures, but I don't like lugging my big Canon 40D around with me all the time.

But I always have my iPhone 3GS with me.

And like everybody, I use it to take fuzzy cell pictures!

I like to use Photoshop Express Mobile to try to fix some of the worst ones - sometimes they are so bad I don't even bother.

Here are a few I'd like to share:

Have fun!

DIY Leave-In Conditioner w/Rite-Aid Sulfate-Free Renewal

2012-01-03T02:48:00.013-06:00

While in Rite-Aid one day I spied some sulfate-free conditioner from Loreal called EverPure:

If you color your hair, it's supposed to help the color last longer - and a little bit goes a long way.

It wasn't expensive (around $6?), but sitting right new to it was Rite-Aid's copycat brand, Renewal for only $4.99.

I'm always looking for good products to try in Serenity's hair so I thought, why not?

With my Rite-Aid Wellness card, it was only $4.49.

Not bad!

I've been using it for well over a month now, and so far I find it's doing a very good job.

Serenity's hair can get pretty dry, but sometimes if I use too much oil it becomes lifeless.

Since I've been using Renewal, Serenity's curls are poofy without being too dry.

When needed (super frizzy days), I do add a little Bee Mine's Juicy - but just a tiny amount.

I like mixing Renewal with water before putting it in her hair (I use plain water to spritz her hair too), and then I carefully brush out her curls with the Tangle Teezer (or the Tangle Tamer - whatever is within reach!).

The mixture is an excellent detangler too!

After about 6 weeks, one 8.5 fl oz bottle has gone a long way.

So if you're interested in trying it to see how it works in your child's hair, the price can't be beat.

Here's how I made the leave-in conditioner I use everyday in Serenity's hair:

Ingredients:

2 - 2 1/2 oz. of sulfate-free Renewal conditioner

18 - 22 oz. of HOT water

empty bottle

{I use an 18 fl. oz. Method dish soap bottle w/pump}

measuring cup

whisk

Measure out between 2 - 2 1/2 ounces of conditioner:

Add 18 - 22 ounces of HOT water:

Whisk until all the lumps are gone:

Carefully pour it into the bottle:

All done!

Shake well before using - and remember a little goes a long way.

You'll probably have a little extra left over - no matter, I just use that bit first.

This mixture works good for Serenity's hair, but you might find you need to add more or less Renewal.

Work with it until you get it just right for your child's hair.

Oh and if you're wondering about the smell, I like it.

It's sorta minty - but not too strong especially after you mix it with water.

Have fun!

Chuck E. Cheese 2012 Coupon!

2012-01-02T15:32:00.003-06:00

Chuck E. Cheese coupon good until 2012!

Just right-click, then "save image as" to save it to your computer so you can print them over and over!

I like to add them to gift bags for birthdays and party favors too!

Expires June 30th 2012:

1 large pizza, 4 drinks and 80 tokens - $29.99
Buy 60 tokens and get 30 FREE - $15.00

Have fun!!

Happy New Year's!

2012-01-01T04:30:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Holiday Season!

Happy New Year from my family to yours!

Have fun!

Sophie & Lili AND courtneycourtney!

2011-12-09T04:55:00.007-06:00

Serenity's sweet Sophie and Lili doll wearing her look-a-like courtneycourtney dress arrived!

It took a minute for Serenity to realize the doll was wearing the same 5th Birthday dress as hers.

"She looks just like me!"

Then a minute or so later...

"Hey! She's wearing a courtneycourtney dress like MINE!"

She's so silly!

---------------
Sophie and Lili and courtneycourtney have TWO dolls you can WIN!

You can enter to win the doll below by clicking HERE, liking Sophie and Lili's page, and then leave a comment.

You can also enter to win this next doll by clicking HERE, liking courtneycourtney's page, and then leave a comment.

I entered both Giveaways!!

AND....

Courtneycourtney will have an upload of dress using Sophie and Lili fabric today!

Fabulous dresses like this one:

Check out more dress previews on her FB fan page!

Make sure you're signed up to get courtneycourtney email alerts so you can grab a one-of-a-kind collaboration between courtneycourtney and Sohpie and Lili!

---------------

Here's another pictures of Serenity with her new doll.
She's named her Princess Ally.

Last year for Christmas she got Sophie and Lili's sweet Clare doll.

She was happy that Clare now has a sister doll to play with and share secrets!

Have fun!!

Welcome Noel Nichole!

2011-12-07T22:40:00.008-06:00

Yesterday my friend Brandy's third baby girl was born!

She arrived a couple of weeks early - she was originally due close to Christmas which is why they decided to call her Noel.

For the very first time ever, I got to see a baby being born!

Serenity came to our family when she was two months old so I wasn't lucky enough to witness her birth.

Noel Nichole's birth was the most amazing thing I'd ever seen and I cried the whole time she was entering this world.

Brandy was wonderful and Noel's birth was very short.

Afterwards I started snapping pictures and bragging non-stop about how beautiful she is to anybody who would listen!

Here's a few pictures I took yesterday, and the last one is from today once she arrived home.

"I wish you could've taken a picture of how the doctor got the baby out so I could see." - Serenity

---------------

Dr. Sanders delivers Noel and you can see Mommy Brandy in the mirror smiling at her new baby girl.

Daddy Coby cuts the umbilical cord.

Noel was covered with vernix.

It's a white cheesy-looking substance that does a lot of things including protecting the baby's skin.

I sound all knowledgeable, but I actually had to look that up!

Noel's birth was relatively easy and she didn't give Brandy any problems whatsoever!

She was in the birth canal for a very short period, so her beautiful head was perfectly round.

Here's the RN Kim stamping her tiny footprints.

She weighed in at 6 pounds and 5 ounces!

So perfect and beautiful!

Oh look at that pout!

Am I wrong to find this picture hilarious?!

She looks so wore out!

They are almost finished with her before swaddling and bringing her to Mommy.

She looks like she's saying, "No more, I'm done!"

All snuggled up next to Mommy.

Brandy's Mama was taking pictures throughout the delivery with her iPad 2.

The doctor thought we were very high tech!

Happy and home with her adoring Mommy, Daddy and two big Sisters.

Have fun!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T12:22:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope y'all had a wonderful day!

You can find my tutorials for Serenity's Thanksgiving Day outfit by clicking the links below:

Twirly Skirt

Faux Petti

Felt Turkey Applique

Serenity's lovey matching headband is from Giella on Etsy!

Shyloe's work is beautiful - such sweet personal touches!

Have fun!

Twirly Skirt Tutorial - sort of!

2011-11-18T22:00:00.022-06:00

I made this cute twirly skirt for Serenity to wear on Thanksgiving Day.

You can find the tutorial for the little faux petti underneath the skirt, HERE.

I made a tiny hand felt applique tee to match the outfit too.

You can find that tutorial HERE.

---------------

As I was making the skirt, I was completely oblivious to the fact I was actually putting the skirt together wrong.

I know better - you assemble a skirt like this from the bottom up.

But I was watching TV, taking pictures, talking to Serenity and sewing and I had a complete brain freeze!

I decided to go ahead and post the tutorial.

Even though I messed up, it wasn't a total loss and I can show the mistake I made and what I did to correct it!

---------------

The measurements below are for Serenity.

She's a very small 3T, plus I was putting it over the faux petti, and I made it shorter than normal so the tulle ruffles would show.

To determine your daughter's size, try this:

Yoke:

1.5 x your child's waist measurement divided by 2.

Add 1" for the seam allowances.

For example: 1.5 x 18" = 27" / 2 = 13.5" + 1" = 14.5"
So you're going to cut 2 pieces of fabric that are 14 1/2" wide.

As far as the length of the yoke, 4" or 5" is usually good for toddlers and little girls.

You can decide if this length works best for you.

Main Body:

The length is whatever you need really.

Just cut 2 pieces selvage to selvage (usually 45" wide) to make a really twirly skirt.

Ruffle:

The length of the ruffle is again as long as you like.

The width is at least three times the width of the skirt.

---------------

Materials:

2 pieces 4"l x 14 1/2"w - yoke

2 pieces 5" l x 45"w - main body

3 pieces 4"l x 45"w - ruffle

bobbin with upholstery thread

straight pins and safety pins

3/4" elastic

scissors

Seam allowances are 1/2" throughout.

---------------

For the yoke, serge the tops of both pieces.

Place them right sides together, sew the sides and serge the seams.

Make a 1" hem at the top.

Top stitch 1/4" from the edge.

Then top stitch 1" from the edge, leaving a 2" opening for the elastic.

Set aside.

Now for the main body.

Place right sides together, sew the sides, then serge the seams.

Using the bobbin of upholstery thread, sew a gather stitch 3/4" from the top of the main skirt body.

Gather the main body of the skirt until it's the same width as the yoke.

With right sides together, line up the side seams, and pin the main body to the yoke.

Sew the two pieces together.

Serge the seam.

Iron the seam UP, and then top stitch.

I was feeling very good about the skirt at this point.

UNTIL I realized I didn't attach the ruffle first!
I should have done that BEFORE I attached the main body to the yoke!

Geez!!

Okay so I could keep going from here without yanking out all that hard work.
It's just going to take more than twice as long to get that ruffle on right.

But it can be done - just with loads of patience!

----------------

On to the ruffle....

Attach all the pieces together until you form a large circle.

Serge the seams, iron flat.

Fold the entire piece in half, raw edges together, and iron.

Using the upholstery thread, run a gather stitch 3/4" from the raw edges of the ruffle.

The upholstery thread makes gathering that ruffle so much easier!

Now this is the time consuming, pain-in-the-neck part.

Because the main body is very twirly, it's going to take forever to determine how much I'll need to gather the ruffle.

But - still much easier than pulling out all my previous hard work or starting completely over!

---------------

Gather the ruffle until it's the same width as the main body.

Pin together.

Sew the pieces together, serge the seams.

Iron the seam UP, then top stitch.

Cut the elastic 1" longer than your child's waist.

Attach to a safety pin (or bodkin), and pass it through the waistband.

Overlap the ends about 1", sew a triple stitch to secure.

Tuck into the waistband and close the opening with a triple stitch.

All done!

Very twirly turkey skirt!

Have Fun!!

Thank you Brianna!

2011-11-17T22:05:00.009-06:00

I mentioned before that my Facebook and blog friend Kim (Grow With Me Gifts) and I send our kids back and forth fun things in the mail.

The girls are the same age - Brianna is older by only 4 months.

They feel like they "know" each other because of the all mail correspondence for the last couple of years - and they see each other on Facebook a lot too!

And while I love this digital age more than anything, I think it's very important to keep some things - like old fashion pen pals - except with a modern twist.

Who doesn't like to get things in the mail?!

Serenity send little Brianna the pillow she sewed the other day.
Along with a sewing kit, wand and a picture she drew of herself and Brianna holding hands.

Brinna's surprise came in today and Serenity was beyond thrilled!

She got an adorable little pink castle that grows when you put it in water.

The first thing Serenity did was to fill a "glass" (it's actually plastic) of water and plop that castle in!
She'll probably check it a thousand times every day!

The next thing was a little purse filled with Smacker's lip gloss, cheek gel and nail polish!

And everything GLITTERS!

The fastest way to a 5 year old girl's heart is to give her something that glitters.

But to give her makeup that glitters?

She'll love you FOREVER!!

She looks so serious - concentrating hard to get that lip gloss on just right.

Brianna also sent over a little coloring pad and a cool dolphin hologram bookmark.

Serenity was like, "Look Mommy! They are dancing!"
There was a pack of sour candy in the goodie box too - but she's going to save that for her Daddy when he comes home.

BTW, that's glitter and brownie crumbs all over her face!

Thank you very much Brianna and Kim for the wonderful surprise in the mail!!
Oh and please ignore my child's crazy hair!

It's so hard to keep those pretty little ringlets in her hair after she's been playing all day!

Have Fun!!

Easy Waldorf Doll Skirt Tutorial

2011-11-16T23:29:00.023-06:00

I was cleaning and organizing my sewing room today when I came across a bunch of child-sized soft stretchy headbands.

I bought them months ago and never got around to doing anything with them.

I had scrap fabric on one side of me... and the headbands on the other side...

It was a light bulb moment!

This is super easy to sew and only takes about 15 minutes or less to complete!

Materials:

6" long baby/toddler stretchy headband

4 1/2" l x 18" w scrap fabric

pins

Hem, serge or roll hem the bottom of the fabric.

With right sides together, sew a 1/2 seam down the raw edges.
Serge or zig-zag the seam of the skirt.
--------------

Starting at the seam, cut a 1 1/2" piece off the headband.

Sew a new 1/2" seam so that it now measures 4" long.
Serge or zig-zag the seam.

This piece is now the waistband!

With right sides together, stretch and pin the headband to the skirt.

Carefully stretch the waistband while sewing a 1/2" seam around.
---------------
If you're having difficulty, try sewing a quick gathering stitch 3/4" from the top.

Gather the skirt piece until it's the same width as the waistband.
Pin the waistband to the skirt, right sides facing, then sew a 1/2" seam around.

Serge the raw edges or zig-zag the edges.

All done!

See how quick that was?!

The skirt fits Serenity's Bamboletta, American Girl and other dolls that are around the same size.

Have Fun!

DIY: Kindle Fire Sleeve Tutorial

2011-11-16T01:38:00.025-06:00

Our Kindle Fire arrived!

So far, it's living up to all the hype.

Serenity and I played on it all day yesterday and totally love it!
You can't find quite as many Apps as the iPad yet, but then it's only holds 8GB of content.

It's mostly for accessing your Amazon purchases, and if you're an Amazon Prime customer (like me!), you'll find it very convenient.

I'll do a more in-depth post about it once Serenity and I have had a chance to play on it a little longer.

I tried to find a DIY sleeve tutorial for it, but it's so new I couldn't find anything.

I did however find this great Patchwork Kindle Cover tutorial for the Kindle Keyboard from Elizabeth's Whimsies.

It wasn't quite what I was looking for, but close enough!

I had to change the measurements because the Fire is a little smaller than the Kindle Keyboard.

I made a few more adjustments too since I was looking for something that was quick and easy to sew.

Materials:

1 piece of 9" x 12" wool felt blend

fabric

light fusible web

elastic pony

permanent sewing glue

embroidery floss

button

Iron the fusible web on a 9" l x 12" w piece of fabric.

On the right side of the fabric, place the elastic pony at the top edge, 3" from the side (it doesn't matter which side).

Place the felt on top of the fabric, sandwiching the elastic pony in the middle.

Sew across the top using a 1/2" seam allowance to attach the two pieces of material together.

Your project is now one big piece with a "center" seam.

With right sides facing, fold the entire piece in half - it'll be about 6" wide and 18" long.

Using 1/2" seam allowance, sew around the raw edges leaving a 3" opening in the felt.

Turn fabric inside-out by gently pulling the entire sleeve through the opening in the felt.

Carefully fold the raw edges of the opening inside and glue closed.

Allow time for the glue to dry before handling the sleeve.

TIP:

You could use hot glue or a ladder stitch to close the opening too.

Put the felt lining inside the sleeve while trying to get everything to lay as flat as possible.
It takes a little pinching and pulling to arrange it neatly.

Iron, then top stitch around the opening.

Sew on the button using embroidery floss.

---------------

All done!

Have Fun!

Tiny Hands Turkey FELT Applique

2011-11-15T01:51:00.032-06:00

I wanted to make another Tiny Hands Turkey shirt for Serenity, but wanted to do it little differently this year.

So I decided to use felt!

I've made a Gingerbread House shirt for Serenity using eco-fi felt and it work out great.

You can find a huge selection of eco-fi felt at Wal-Mart for only 20¢ each or in bundles for less than $4.

For the Turkey shirt I wanted to try wool blend felt.
It's nicer than eco-fi, but more expensive too.

Both types can be washed in cold water, but I suggest hanging it to dry only.

I also tried to do a tiny bit of embroidery, but I messed up on the beak.
It was a little hard to go through two thick pieces of wool felt!

Maybe next time some little french knots all over the beak would look cute?

Embellishments on the turkey's belly and the hands would look adorable, but I was worried I'd mess up.

I used the last of my orange and yellow felt on this shirt!

I do like how the felt shirt turned out.

Sewing of any kind isn't required, but small extras are fairly easy to do.

It's going to look great with the Thanksgiving outfit I'm planning for Serenity.

---------------

Materials:

yellow, orange, red and brown felt

iron-on transfer web (I used Pellon)

permanent sewing glue (Hobby Lobby $3.49)

2 wiggly eyes (Hobby Lobby 99¢)

felt ric-rack (Hobby Lobby $1.99)

a template of your child's hand

turkey template (I used this picture)

lighter or fray check

red ribbon

2 buttons

Iron the transfer web to the felt.

Use a hot iron (wool or medium setting), NO steam.

Cut out all the pieces.

2 hands of red, yellow and orange, and a brown turkey.

Make sure the flip the hand templates so you have a right and left hand of each color.

I embroidered around the turkey's body and beak using a running stitch, and then attached the ribbon wattle.
I thought about making a running stitch around the fingers too, then realized I would probably be in for a huge headache if I tried!
I think it would look nice, but that's beyond my skills - for now!
------------

Before ironing the felt pieces to the shirt, try moving them around until you've decided you like the placement.

Iron down.

Take your time, press down firmly, and move slowly over the pieces.

Sew on the buttons using embroidery floss.

Glue down the eyes and give them time to dry before handling the shirt.

All done!

Update:
I forgot to put the glue I used in the list of materials picture.
I found this at Hobby Lobby for only $3.49.
It worked very good, it's cheap, dries quickly and bonds permanently without heat and can be washed.

So far I like it better than the liquid stitch I used previously, but I still have to try the wash test to be sure.

Have Fun!!

Easy 1st Sewing Project for Kids

2011-11-14T00:12:00.013-06:00

I was reading crafterhours' post, Learning to Sew at 5 this weekend and thought that would be a very good idea for Serenity!

She enjoyed the craft so much I decided to make her own sewing kit.

So following my Gift Bag Tutorial (I added a little 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" felt pocket) I created a couple of years ago, I made two sewing kits.

One bag is for Serenity and the other one for her mail buddy, Brianna.

Brianna's Mom, Kim is Grow With Me Gifts, and we've been mailing little goodies back and forth for the girls for a while now.

They live way up North - where it snows!

Serenity thinks that's amazing and hopes to visit her friend one day.
------------

The kits were simple to make - and very inexpensive.

The pocket holds scissors, 2 blunt tapestry needles, and a wand.

The wand is one from Boutique Ollie Girl (it came with one of her Princess dresses), and Serenity wanted to give it to her friend, Brianna.

I rolled up around 1 yard of ribbon and put it in the pocket after taking this picture.

There are two "templates" - a heart and flower, and 1 piece of craft eco-fi felt.

I added a star template later too.

I found the little horse floss organizer from Michael's for $2.99.

It's loaded with DMC 5 embroidery floss.

I find that size thread is the easiest for little ones to use - less chance of splitting and tangling.
The 5 floss is also easier for kids to get through the eye of a small needle.
------------

Serenity's very first project was a little heart "pillow".

She says it's for her TY Magenta plush.

Her second project was another heart "pillow", this time for her friend, Brianna!

Here's how she made it:

Materials:

heart template
eco-fi felt

scissors

blunt tapestry needle (size 22)

embroidery floss (DMC 5)

stuffing fluff (not pictured)

Serenity threaded her own needle.
She's concentrating so hard!

Then she carefully sewed around the heart.

I told her to try to keep her stitches as small as possible.

She was doing a really good job!

When she got back around to the beginning, she left a small opening.
Next she used a handful of fluff to stuff it.

Finally, she sewed the opening closed.

I helped her secure it at the end.
She got to use my "golden scissors" to cut the floss.
She thinks they are "treasure" because they are "gold"!

All done!

These would made fun Christmas ornaments.
Just add a ribbon at the top!

First time sewing projects are perfect little gifts your child can give to her friends - one that she made all by herself!

Serenity little barrette is one I made following my Embroidered Felt Hair Clip tutorial.

I used this flower template - they were just the right size and the snap clips fit perfectly.

I love adding a little doodle to a barrette.

It helps me to practice and I still need lots of practice!

The book, Doodle Stitching is a big help to me too.

Serenity's top is from Dress Me.

It actually used to be a dress, but it's much too short now!

Her pretty pink Hanna Andersson clogs are an Ebay find - very cheap and still in excellent condition!

Have Fun!!

Faux Petti Tutorial

2011-11-11T00:58:00.032-06:00

I made this super simple "petti" to fit under another skirt I'm making.

But it would look very cute all by itself.

It's basically very easy to sew, but the tulle ruffles can be time-consuming.

Please ignore my thread - none of it matches!
I always forget to buy more white thread when I'm at the store.
I also didn't feel like changing the thread in my serger.
Oh well!
Since this will be under another skirt, I didn't worry about it.

Materials Needed:

spool of tulle (6" x 25 yards)

1/4" elastic (not pictured)

safety pins or bodkin (not pictured)

coordinating thread

bobbin with upholstery thread

1 piece of fabric 10" long, cut selvage to selvage

Serge the top of the material or zig-zag the edges.

Fold down 1/2" and iron.

Unfold the hem you just ironed.
Fold the material in half, right sides facing.
Sew down the length of the material.
Serge the seams (or zig-zag the edges).
Iron the seam flat, fold the hem back down and iron.

Top stitch to creating a casing.
Make sure to leave a 1" opening for the elastic.

Load your machine with the bobbin of upholstery thread.
Set your machine to it's longest stitch, or gathering stitch.
Run the gathering stitch about 1/2" from the top of the tulle.

---------------
I folded the tulle in half before sewing a gathering stitch.
If you'd like the tulle longer, don't worry about folding it.
I gathered almost 5 yards of tulle - or 3 times the width of my fabric.

Because you'll be using upholstery thread instead of regular thread, you won't have to worry about it breaking.
To gather the ruffles, simply pull on the upholstery thread not the regular thread.

Carefully straighten out the ruffles.
This will take some time, but be sure to go slow and do a good job.
I always want to rush ruffles and I end up making mistakes that take forever to fix!

---------------
Pin the ruffled tulle to the right side of the skirt.

When you've come around back to the beginning, overlap the ruffles about 1" or so.

Serge or zig-zag the edges.

Being very careful not to scorch the tulle, work on the right side and iron the seam you just created UP.

Top stitch to hold the bottom seam in place and for a nice, finished look.
Carefully remove the gathering stitch from the tulle.

Measure your child's waist and cut the elastic 1/2" longer.
Attach it to a safety pin (or bodkin) and run it through the waistband.
Overlap the ends of the elastic 1" and secure with a triple stitch.

Tuck the elastic into the waistband, and then triple stitch the opening in the waistband closed.

All Done!

Have Fun!!

Little Diva!

2011-11-04T21:52:00.019-05:00

Another Mini Mod week with Baby Making Machine!!

I made Serenity's dress using my favorite PDF peasant pattern by Lelia & Bean.

You can do so much with this simple, easy-to-sew dress pattern!

To make Serenity's dress, I left off the elastic at the bottom of the sleeves, and I didn't make the sleeves as wide as the original pattern.

Those are the only two changes I made.

The beautiful fabric is Japanese Echino's Fall collection.

I bought it from Mountain of the Dragon Fabric Boutique on Etsy.

The vintage pink trim was an inexpensive lucky find at Rare Finds 4 U, also on Etsy.

I crocheted and decorated Serenity's funky little top hat.

You can find my free instructions HERE.

Serenity's sweet doll is a Sophie & Lili.
Clare was a gift from Santa last year!

Have Fun!

GIVEAWAY: Kidorable w/Real Moms Real Views

2011-11-02T19:27:00.004-05:00

WIN a Kidorable umbrella of your choice!

Find out how by visiting Real Moms Real Views!

Good Luck!

Have Fun!

Petite Fours by Up the Creek

2011-11-01T17:28:00.005-05:00

Tiny Petit Fours!

Aren't they beautiful?!

Would you believe they are made using bottle caps?!

Each piece is handmade and then exquisitely embroidered by Cindy from Up the Creek on Etsy.

She makes tiny pincushions (with matching pins) that are totally adorable (I have one!), but I asked her if she'd be willing to make Petit Fours for Serenity too.

She replied back immediately that she would.

She handcrafted an entire yummy set of sweets for Serenity's tea parties!

Cindy was extremely helpful and absolutely wonderful to work with.

All of her work is expertly made and close attention paid to each and every lovely tiny detail!

Serenity was so happy to get them - she loves playing tea party with them!

She thinks they are very pretty - me too!

You can find more of Cindy's sweet treats HERE.

And her oh so cute pincushions HERE.

Up the Creek is also on Facebook.

Cindy shares lots of pictures of her beautiful creations on her Fan Page!

Have fun!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:39:00.005-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Here's my little Blossom!

All ready to "Save the World"!

You can see how I made Serenity's Powerpuff Girl Costume by clicking HERE!

Have Fun!

Happy 5th Birthday Serenity!

2011-10-31T13:01:00.007-05:00

My baby is 5 today!!

Happy Birthday Serenity!

She is our sweet little love, and so very precious to us!

Words can never express how happy Mommy and Daddy are that you're a part of our little family!
Love you muches my sweetie!

Serenity's birthday dress is by courtneycourtney!

Have Fun!

DIY: Powerpuff Halloween Costume

2011-10-30T02:47:00.031-05:00

This year Serenity wanted to be the Powerpuff girl, Blossom.

I looked - but I couldn't find a costume that would fit her anywhere!

That meant I would have to make it.

That meant I would have to sew my very first A-line dress.

I didn't want it to be reversible - so THAT meant I needed to learn how to install a zipper (video) for the first time!

I ended up using a store-bought pattern (Simplicity 2194), but I seriously don't like store-bought patterns.

Next time I make an A-line dress I'll buy the Shannon Shift Dress PDF pattern!

It looks so cute, and I love PDF patterns.
The whole sewing process looks so easy because most of them have tons of helpful, detailed step-by-step pictures that guide you from start to finish.

Okay, here's how I put together Serenity's Blossom's costume.

After cutting out the dress, I cut off the bodice and a "block" out the middle.

I made a couple of templates for the middle piece.

I added 1/2" at the top and bottom of the templates for the seam allowances.

Then I cut out the black pieces for the waist.

I sewed the waist pieces to the bottom of the dress pieces first.

Serged the seams, ironed the seams UP, then top stitched.

Then I sewed the bodice pieces on.

Serged the seams, ironed the seams DOWN, then top stitched.

Next I installed the zipper (pic tutorial).

I had the thing on - sewed up nice and pretty, but when I tried to open the seam with my seam ripper, I made a BIG mistake!

I didn't realize I'd caught the zipper instead!

I had to drop everything and run to Hobby Lobby to get a new zipper before it closed.

NOTE TO ME: Always be careful ripping the zipper seam!!!

Because I'd messed up, installing the second zipper was a little difficult - and very time consuming.

But I got it!

For the final steps, I sewed the facing around the neckline of the dress and used bias tape facing for the sleeves.

I didn't like sewing that big piece of facing around the neckline - it really wasn't required for this simple costume, but I was following the pattern and didn't even think about it until it was done and I got to the following step - bias tape facing for the sleeves.

Oh well - next time I'll know!

I rolled hemmed the bottom with my serger.

Do you see how my zipper is a slightly off?

Not really sure what I did wrong, but I'm just glad I got the thing working!

Okay now for Blossom's ridiculously big red bow!

I zoomed in on this picture:

Then used my monitor as a lightbox to trace around the bow and created a template.

I used red broadcloth for the bow.

Actually, I used broadcloth for the entire costume, since it was 30% off at Hobby Lobby this week.

I sewed 1/4" around the edge, and clipped all the corners before turning it inside out.

Next I stuffed it with some polyfill.

Finally, I used to my glue gun to close the opening, and triple stitched in the middle to create the "knot" in the bow.

I'll probably hot glue the bow to Serenity's orange wig.

I found some white tights on Amazon.

And Serenity will be wearing her little black Mary Janes!

It was very late by time I finished, so I couldn't get any good outdoor pictures, but here's one I took with my cell.

I plan to get more pictures will my Canon tomorrow.

Serenity is so HAPPY that I made her Blossom costume!

She was doing some practice high kicks and punches - pretending to get the bad guys!

She said, "Mommy I'm going to SAVE THE WORLD!"

That's my baby!!

Happy Halloween!!

UPDATE: You can see pictures of Serenity in her entire costume HERE.

Have Fun!!

Mini Mod

2011-10-28T16:21:00.014-05:00

Another Mini Mod week with Baby Making Machine!!

I love participating in Mini Mod, but this week I totally forgot to grab my Canon and only got pictures of Serenity with my cell.
It's an older one (3GS), so it doesn't take the best pictures.

I totally need the new 4S iPhone - with that awesome 8MB camera!

This week I've got two cute outfits to share.

In the picture below, Serenity is wearing the Lilo costume I made last year for Disney.
She's all dressed up for the Halloween party at her Dance class.

To make the dress, I used Leila & Ben's Sweet Little Dress PDF pattern.
It's so simple to sew, the instructions are excellent - it's one of my favorite patterns and I use it over and over!
For the Lilo dress, I simply made the dress longer.
I did that by cutting the bodice on the 3T line and the length on the 5T line.
I also didn't put elastic around the sleeves so the dress would look more like Lilo's.
To make the leaves on the dress, I re-sized one I found online and made super simple appliques.
I didn't sew my appliques down, but it's a good idea to do that just in case.
So easy - so darn cute!

I also made the pretty Hibiscus clippie in her hair, and the leis around her neck.
You can find the silk flowers I used HERE and HERE.

If you want to learn how to make your own clippies, check out my clippie tutorial HERE.
Serenity's little blue flip-flops are from Old Navy!

The pretty dress Serenity is wearing in this next picture is of course a courtneycourtney!
Courtney is my absolutely favorite children's clothing designer.

She wore this outfit to the Pumpkin Patch today!

The dress is upcycled and recycled at it's best because not only is the dress made using only salvaged knits, it's also a hand-me-down!

Serenity's adorably matching Hanna Andersson mules are a sweet hand-me-down find on Ebay.
Awesome savings on both pieces!
Gotta love it!

I made her crocheted headband - you can find my instructions HERE.

Have fun!

Pumpkin Oranges

2011-10-26T19:06:00.011-05:00

I've been looking for some cute way to package treats for Serenity's dance class - around 20 little girls!

So it had to be something quick and easy.

Then I came across these adorable little oranges dressed up to look like pumpkins!

Momtastic made them for Halloween decor - but I thought they would be cute treats to hand out too!

It's a fun activity that you and your kids can to together.

POST-IT-NOTE:
I checked to make sure the marker didn't bleed through the rind onto the meat - so the oranges are safe to eat!

Materials:
Oranges
Yarn
Sharpie (or any black marker, I used a dry erase one)
glue gun & glue

Draw on the faces.
I tried a Sharpie at first, but it stopped working so I used a dry erase marker.
It worked but I had to go over the markings again once it dried.

Cut 4 strips of yarn about 3" long.

Put a strip of hot glue at the top of the orange.

Lay the yarn on top of the glue.

Put another strip of glue on top of the yarn.

Pinch the yarn together until the glue dries.

Our "Pumpkin Patch"!
One draw back, my dry erase marker dried up completely by time I finished all the oranges (I made 33).
Maybe next time I'll try a Sharpie Magnum Marker ($1.05 free shipping w/Prime)!

Have fun!

Fun Halloween Outfit

2011-10-21T17:27:00.006-05:00

I love this outfit!

Serenity's pretty pettiskirt is only $25 (and FREE fast shipping) from Momi Boutique!

I made the Witch's Tee shirt a couple of years ago and it still fits perfectly!
If you'd like to make one too, it's super easy!
You can find my tutorial, HERE.

I also made Serenity's little pumpkin clippie.
It's another quick, easy and inexpensive project!
You can find my tutorial, HERE.

Have fun!

Portable Tea Table

2011-10-17T02:43:00.015-05:00

My husband and I finally got around to putting together a little portable tea table I got the idea to build months ago.

He works in Brazil two months at a time now and I wanted to wait until he got home because I'm not as comfortable with power tools as Ana White!

I'm going to try to explain how we built it, but at some point we did something wrong.

The table is supposed to fold up all nice and neat (I wanted to put a small handle on one end so Serenity could carry it around), but I miscalculated and it doesn't fold up the way I planned.
I'll try to figure out exactly what I did wrong and post an update when I do.

Maybe you know?

If you do, please share!

Still, it's such a cute little table - even though it doesn't fold up quite right.

It's the perfect size for Serenity to play tea party with her friends and dolls - indoors and outdoors, which was the whole idea behind building it.

It's great as a photo prop too!

Okay, bear with me when it comes to explaining some of the hardware - I have no idea the real names of some of these things and I don't know building terms!
A very nice older gentlemen at Lowe's was extremely patient with me when I was trying to explain what I needed to build it - without knowing what anything was called!
He stuck with me though and together we found everything.

Materials Needed:

Power drill

Jig-saw

Sander

#10 flat washers
1 7/8" wooden dowel

2) 1 1/2" threaded aluminum posts

2) 1" threaded aluminum posts

bathroom wall hook

2 aluminum fasteners
(ignore the other two in the picture)

1 can of spray paint

2) 1x2x4 pine

1) pre-cut circle grade pine

Cut 4 legs (around 18" long) from the 1x2x4.

Cut a small curve on one end and a 45 degree angle on the other end.
We actually forgot to cut the bottom of the legs until almost the last step and had to take the table apart.
A lot of wasted energy.

Sand it smooth.

This is how the hardware is placed underneath the table:

Set the bathroom hook aside for now, and using the legs to keep the fasteners straight, screw in place.

Drill a hole (big enough for the aluminum fasteners to fit) in the center of both of the fasteners and sand them smooth.

Drill a hole near the top of two of the legs.

Using the 1" threaded aluminum post, attach two of the legs.
Use washers to stabilize the legs.

Cut a smaller piece of the 1x2x6, the width of the two legs you just attached.

Attach this smaller piece about 2" from the bottom of the legs.
Make sure to pre-drill your holes.

To figure out how wide the other two legs need to be, place them inside the ones you just attached to the table.
Then measure for the smaller cross piece of wood.
Check the picture below for reference:

Now screw down that smaller cross piece to the second set of legs.
Remember to pre-drill the holes so you don't damage the wood.

Screw the dowel to the other end of the second set of legs.
Counter-sink the screws.
And of course, pre-drill the holes first!

Carefully put the table together.
At the place where the legs cross, drill through both pieces of wood and insert the 1 1/2" threaded aluminum post.
Repeat for the other side.

Spray paint it pink (or whatever), and give it to your Darling Stinker for a Tea Party!

Have fun!

How to Photoshop Tinkerbell in your Child's Hands

2011-10-16T19:23:00.016-05:00

This technique is so easy and very cute!

1. Take a picture of your child smiling down at her cupped hands.
2. Find a picture of Tink online and save to your computer. I used this picture:

3. Open Photoshop. Go ahead and do any editing to your child's photo first.
4. Click, "file, open" to load Tink's picture into Photoshop. You might need to resize Tink's photo to make her small. I actually didn't need to using the picture above.
5. Using the lasso tool and getting as close to Tink as possible, outline her entire body.
6. Next click, "edit, copy"
7. Click the PS window with your child's photo, and then click, "edit, paste".
8. Using the move tool, position Tinkerbell in your child's hands.
9. Select the eraser tool, then hold down the "ctrl" key while pressing "+" key to zoom in on your picture (ctrl + "+"), and ctrl + "-" to zoom back out when you're finished.
10. Carefully go all around Tink with the eraser tool to completely get rid of the original white background. Use the shortcut, "]" and "[" to change the eraser size.
11. Save your picture, show your Darling Stinker (and watch her face light up), and don't forget to share with friends and family!

Have fun!

Cheatin' Chili

2011-10-15T14:08:00.029-05:00

Here's a super fast, easy and delicious chili that won't take y'all hours to cook!

Ingredients:

2 lbs extra lean ground beef, sirloin or turkey
1 cup of creole seasoning*
1 jar of Bertolli pasta sauce**
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of light kidney beans
1/4 - 1/2 cup chili powder***
2 tbsp (or whatever you want) of Italian Seasoning
Dash or two of Tony Chachere's (or your favorite season-all)
Dash or two (or more!) of cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf

Brown the meat and toss the creole seasoning on top.
Break up any big pieces of meat.
If you use extra lean beef or turkey you can skip draining it.

Drain and rinse the kidney beans.

Once the meat is browned, throw in the rest of the ingredients.

Stir.
Taste test.
Add more seasonings if you like.
Be careful because the chili will get stronger as it cooks!

Cover.
Cook on medium-low at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend together.
Stir occasionally.

Spoon some into a bowl.
Top with shredded cheese and serve with saltine crackers.

So Yummy!

I don't add any extra salt or pepper, so that's why you don't see it on my list of ingredients.
Also, I try not to make mine too spicy so Serenity will eat it, but you can add extra cayenne pepper and/or Tony's (careful - it has salt in it) to give it a little kick.

Have Fun!!

* This is a combination of fresh finely chopped onions, bell peppers, celery, shallots, garlic and parsely.
We use this a lot in South Louisiana and can find it in all our gocery stores.
Each store has it's own favorite combination.

**I used Bartolli, but any pasta sauce you choose will be fine.

***Add more or less depending on how you like it!

(Crock Pot) BBQ Pulled Pork

2011-10-07T13:29:00.030-05:00

I borrowed from a couple of recipes online, took away a few things and added others to make some melt-in-your-mouth BBQ pulled pork today.

Actually I started it last night - you've got to let it cook for a long time!

But oh my it's totally worth it!

It'll feed a small army, so it's perfect for big Football Sunday gatherings.

Freeze leftovers - if you have any!

Ingredients:
4 lb pork butt
3 cups ginger ale
12 oz BBQ sauce (I like Stubb's Moppin' Sauce)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Sugar in the Raw
1 tbsp Cholula hot sauce
1 tbsp powdered cumin
1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 lg onion, chopped

1. Trim the fat off the pork.
2. Put the pork and ginger ale in the crock pot on HIGH for 8 hours.
3. Drain the liquid and fat; shred the pork.
4. Mix the remaining ingredients with a whisk in the crock pot.
5. Put the shredded pork back in the crock pot, stir and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
6. Serve on a bun topped with creamy cole slaw.

DELICIOUS!

Have fun!

Trick or Treat Bling!

2011-10-06T00:52:00.014-05:00

Serenity is wearing a pretty sparkly Halloween shirt from Paperlili!

You'll find a large selection of tees, leggings, and headbands full of awesome bling on their website.

Check out the bling for Boys and Moms too!

Don't forget to fan Paperlili's Facebook page and check out their blog!

I crocheted Serenity's little fascinator to match this outfit.

If you'd like my FREE Mini Top Hat crochet pattern, click HERE!

I bought Serenity's skirt from Crazy 8 a couple of years ago.
If you want to learn how to make a similar one, check out my tutorial!

Have fun!

Panda Dress!!

2011-10-05T04:20:00.019-05:00

I love Serenity's adorable new dress from courtneycourtney!

It's made with up-cycled fabrics and the panda is actually from a very cool vintage sheet full of sweet animals!

I'm not sure how many of these with the vintage animal prints on them Courtney has left - they are going so fast!

Be sure to visit her Facebook page and sign up to receive the next email full of dresses!

Learn how I made Serenity's headband by clicking HERE!

Her sweet dolly, Arabella is a Bamboletta!

Have fun!

Double Crochet Flower

2011-10-04T20:36:00.020-05:00

Serenity's dress is from courtneycourtney! I'll have more pictures of it soon!

I found the cutest crochet flower from Daisy Cottage Design and had to try it!

The Double Layer Daisy pattern is super easy to make - even for beginners.

I did alter the pattern slightly because I think it works up faster for me, but it's still very easy to crochet.

Here's how I made the two double flowers on Serenity's headband:

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sp = space
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = triple crochet
bpsc = back post single crochet

Crochet Hook Needed:
F, 1st double flower
H, 2nd double flower

Yarn:
Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn

Double Crochet Flower:

Round 1: Start with a Magic Adjustable Ring, 10 dc in circle, join with a sl st, tighten ring.
Round 2: ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 2, skip 1 sc, sc in next stitch, repeat from * around, ch 2, skip 1 sc, join with a sl st.
Round 3: *ch 3, 3 tr in ch 2 sp, ch 3, sl st in sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.
Round 4: ch 1, *bpsc around sc post on round 2, ch 3, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.
Round 5: *ch 2, 3 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 3, sl sc in sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Make two flowers different sizes, and use your glue gun to attach it to a headband or hat.

While you've over at Daisy Cottage Design, check out her FREE Newborn Owl Hat pattern, Petal Daisy Flower and other wonderful tutorials too!

This project is CHEAP!

It can be made with left-over yarn so you don't have to run out and buy a thing!

Sweet!

Have fun!

Mini Top Hat Crochet Pattern

2011-10-02T01:06:00.069-05:00

Serenity's adorable Halloween shirt is from Paperlili!

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
bl = back loop
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together

Crochet Hook Needed:
F, but you can use whatever size you want.
Remember the hat can be bigger or smaller depending on the size hook you use.

Yarn:
1 skein of Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn

Mini Top Hat Crochet Pattern:
Row 1: Start with a Magic Adjustable Ring, 10 sc into ring, join with sl st, tighten ring.
Row 2: ch 1, turn (always turn your work in the same direction throughout), 2 sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 4: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 5: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 6: (working in bl only on this row) ch1, sc in each sc around, join with a sl st.
Row 7: ch 1, turn, sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with a sl st.
Row 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 9: ch 1, turn, sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with sl st.
Row 10: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with a sl st.
Row 11: ch 1, turn, sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with a sl st.
Row 12-13: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 14: ch 1, turn, sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with a sl st.
Row 15-17: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 18: (working in bl only on this row): ch 1, turn, 2 sc in same sc, 1 sc in next sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc, repeat from * around, join with sl st.
Row 19: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 20: ch 1, turn, sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each sc around until last 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each sc.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Attach to alligator clips or a headband after embellishing.

Embellish your new mini top hat with scraps of :

ribbon
feathers
silk flowers
lace
various trims
netting
buttons
bows
rolled shabby flowers
pearls
rhinestones
tulle

Whatever sparks your creativity!

This is an inexpensive fascinator.
It'll cost between $5 - $10 for the supplies.
It can be crocheted in about 30 minutes (or a little more depending on your level of expertise).
They are perfect for party favors too!

This tutorial is for personal use only. If you do make a fascinator using my tutorial, I would appreciate a link back to this tutorial please! I always try to give full credit to the creative blogs and people who inspire me - you can see evidence of this all over my blog! I only ask for the same curtsy in return.
Thank you!

Have fun!

Tea Party Birthday

2011-09-12T22:12:00.004-05:00

Serenity will be turning 5 soon and we are having a tea party birthday at La Tea Da in Thibodaux.

You can find them on Facebook here.

I've been looking around for fun tea party themed supplies and favors.
There is so much cute stuff online!!

Here's some I've found so far:

Tea pot and cup crayons at Posh Paper Creations on Etsy.

Or you can make your own by carefully pre-melting crayons and pouring the wax into these candy molds:

Here's some adorable multiracial Princesses Have a Tea Party fabric for homemade gifts bags.

Here's some cute tea-themed ribbon for the gift bag handles:

Combine the two to make these fun Tea Party themed gift bags!
Use my gift bag tutorial to see how I made them!

In the cell phone picture above, Serenity is holding a little tea cup (set of 6) that I bought on Amazon.
Only $11.19 and FREE shipping w/Prime.
They are the perfect size for little girls!
You can find the matching teapot ($10) here.
FREE shipping w/Prime too!

I also love this play makeup by Mini-Play.
Just like Mommy's!

Or you can make your own - much cheaper if you're doing party favors for 6 little girls!

I've made some before - but mine didn't turn out nearly as nice as this Mommy's set!

She found all her cute supplies at the Dollar Store.

Check out her entire post on her blog, Meet the Dubiens.

I love these cute non-toxic nails polishes by Piggy Paint.
But at $8.99 they are out of my price range.

AllyKats also has non-toxic nail polish for kids.
They peel-off so you don't need to buy nail polish remover.
Affordable at $4.99!

A cute (and inexpensive) pinata at Amazon!

Tea cup cupcake silicone molds with saucers.
These are too fun!
Even I could decorate these cute!

As for cakes, you can find TONS of idea online.

If I wasn't the worst cake decorator in the world, I would try make this "simple" tea pot cake:

I'm still looking around at tea party fun supplies so I may update this post when I come across something new!

Have Fun!

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T18:23:00.001-05:00

Remember 9/11 and all the Firefighters who lost their lives struggling to save the people trapped in the WTC towers.

Please keep in your hearts those firefighters who have developed cancer while wading through unimaginable, toxic dust to find WTC survivors and save others on that fateful day.
You can donate to help firefighters at Firefighter Cancer Support Network.
Also, tune in to Sanjay Gupta's Terror in the Dust.

You can donate to help the families of fallen firefights by going to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

What is a fireman?

He is the guy next door - a man's man with the memory of a little boy. He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger.

He is a guy like you and me with wants and worries and unfulfilled dreams.

Yet he stands taller than most of us.

He is a fireman.

He puts it all on the line when the bell rings.

A fireman is at once the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men.

He is a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death.

He is a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control.

He is responsive to a child's laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again.

He is a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life - hot coffee held in numb, unbending fingers - a warm bed for bone and muscle compelled beyond feeling - the camaraderie of brave men - the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men.

He doesn't wear buttons or wave flags or shout obscenities.

When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade.

He doesn't preach the brotherhood of man.

He lives it.

-Author unknown

Zote Laundry Jelly

2011-09-11T17:45:00.011-05:00

Supplies:
1 - 5 gallon bucket*

1 (14.1 ounce) bar of Zote**

2 1/2 cups Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda***

2 1/2 cups Borax
Water
Grater
Long mixing spoon or paddle

Instructions:

1. Grate the Zote bar.
2. Add the grated Zote to a pot with water on medium heat and stir until melted.

3. Fill the bucket halfway with HOT water.

3. Add the melted Zote, stir well.

5. Add Washing Soda and Borax, stir until the powder is dissolved and everything is blended together.

6. Fill the bucket to the top with HOT water, stir well and cover overnight.

---------------

Use 1/4 - 1/2 cup per load. Some water may collect at the top - stir before each use, or use the water for your delicates.

You can also fill a liquid laundry jug up halfway with the Zote Jelly and then fill it with water. It will thicken, so shake well before each use.

I scoop the jelly straight from the bucket since it dissolves easily in the washer.

I like making the Zote jelly more than the powdered version because believe it or not, it's actually faster and a lot less to clean up.

Both versions costs only pennies per load!

---------------

*Lowes and Home Depot carries 5 gallon buckets. I like the Gamma2 spin lid instead of a traditional bucket lid. They are easy to spin off and on, and offer an air-tight seal. They also come in several colors.

**Big Lots carries Zote for like 80¢ a bar, or you can substitute three bars of Fels Naptha for the Zote.

***It may be hard to find Arm & Hammer washing soda in your area. A friend told me to try local hardware stores. I ordered mine online at SoapsGoneBy.com. Right now it's $6 a box, but I stocked up when they had a sale last year.

Buy.com has Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda for only $2.99 w/free shipping if you spend $40. That's 14 boxes! But it might not be a bad idea if you can't find it locally and plan to start making your own.

----------------

This is basically the recipe I use for my powdered Zote laundry soap, but I copied a friend's jell technique. She convinced me to try the jelly verison. She acutally used Fels Naptha, but since it's a smaller bar than Zote, I make mine with the same amount of ingredients I've always used.

The batch in the picture looks light pink and sorta fluffy. That's because I added a couple cups of Target's oxygen cleaner (like I do in my powdered Zote laundry soap). While it doesn't diminish how well the jelly cleans, I wouldn't recommend adding it to your batch. It created a lot of foam and took extra effort stirring the mixture to make sure everything blended together. My next batch will NOT include oxygen cleaner!

Zote jelly makes very little suds, it's perfect for your regular and HE washing machines.

Some people have problems using homemade laundry soap, but I think that it's mostly due to hard water.
eHow has a homemade water softener that may work for you. It's a simple and inexpensive solution:

1 cup Borax
2 cups washing soda
water

Mix all them together in a gallon container leaving a 1/2" space at the top.

Add 1 cup into the wash with your homemade (or regular) laundry soap.

POST-IT-NOTE:

Sorry about the crappy cell phone picture of my Zote jelly. As soon as I'm finished getting everything back onto my PC's new hard drive I'll upload a new picture.

UPDATE:

My local Wal-Mart now sells washing soda, borax AND Fels Naptha!

Have Fun!!

Izzy's Attic

2011-08-19T13:50:00.004-05:00

Recently I bought this adorable lacy Petite Romper and matching headband from Izzy's Attic at Etsy for Serenity.

It's totally adorable and fun to wear for photos!

Izzy's Attic has several colors to choose from: aqua, yellow, light pink, fushia, and black.

They also offer baby, little girl and big girl sizes.

The quality Izzy's Attic's work is excellent, prices are very competitive, customer service is the best and shipping was super fast.

You can't ask for better than that!

Izzy's Attic also offers adorable matching headbands for all their lacy Petite Rompers!

And don't forget to check out their Halloween costumes!

You can find Izzy's Attic on Facebook too!

Have fun!

Crochted Newborn Elf Hat

2011-08-18T17:22:00.025-05:00

I recently created this crocheted elf hat for a newborn photoshoot.
It's inexpensive, very quick and easy to work up - even beginners can do it!

Long Elf Hat:

Abbreviations:
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet

Crochet hook needed:
I, or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge:
4 hdc = 1"
3 rows = 1"

I used the equivalent of one skein of Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn for the entire hat.

That's less than $5 for one hat!

Row 1: Start with a Magic Adjustable Ring, ch1, 10 hdc into ring, join with a sl st. Tighten ring.
Row 2-29: ch1, hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (10 hdc)
Row 30: ch1, 2 hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (20 hdc)
Row 31: ch 1, 2 hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (40 hdc)
Row 32-39: ch 1, hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (40 hdc)
Row 40: ch 1, hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, fasten off.

Attach a pom-pom on the end.
Weave in all the loose ends.
All done!

POST-IT NOTE: I used a Clover Pom-Pom maker to make the pom-pom for my little elf hat (I bought a bunch of sizes when they went on sale over half off at Michael's a few years ago), but this super easy cardboard technique works great too!

Pin It

Have fun!

Fairy Door

2011-07-19T03:42:00.034-05:00

A couple days ago I came across this post by My Trendy Tykes.

A Fairy Door!

How adorable is that?!

I couldn't wait to gather the supplies and make one too!

I found everything I needed at Hobby Lobby thanks to Nest of Posies' Tooth Fairy Door post.

She made the cutest yellow Tooth Fairy door for her little boy:

How sweet!!

I had to make one for Serenity!
She loves the Tooth Fairy and goes on and on about them.
She can't wait until she's old enough to start losing teeth so the Tooth Fairy can visit.
She's had a tooth that's been "loose" for like a year now!
And we are always watching the Tooth Fairy movie with The Rock in it over and over.
That's one of the best family movies out there - right next to Aliens in the Attic!

While at Hobby Lobby, I found a girly door with a little arched window for $9.99,

Americana acrylic paint on sale for 97¢,

A pack of 2 little door knobs for $2.99, and

A door knocker for $1.99.

Not too bad.

After completing the door, I have plenty of paint leftover and an extra door knob in case I want to paint another one later.

I painted the window a light yellow color that I mixed with Modge Podge.
I wanted the window to have a frosted look and I think I achieved that.
I got the idea from a pretty DIY Beach Glass Tutorial on Krafy Kat.

I made the mixture for the Fairy Door window a little different:
I added a tiny bit of yellow paint to small amount of Modge Podge.
Next, I painted a couple of coats to the window - letting it dry in-between coats.
It was easy and it worked.

I used Epoxy to attach the door knob and knocker.

The door knocker really works too!

I used similar magic strips that Nest of Posies used to "hang" the door on the wall.

Then I got on Word to type up a little note from Serenity's Tooth Fairy:

"Dear Serenity,
I stopped by to check on your teeth while you slept.
They are looking GREAT!
Here's a quarter for taking such good care of them!
I'll be back soon!!
Your Tooth Fairy,
Feather Elfweb"

Feather Elfweb
She is cheerful and friendly.
She lives in high places where the clouds meet the earth.
She is only seen in the mist of an early morning.
She wears pale blue like the sky and has transparent green wings like a cicada.

Isn't that a pretty name for a Fairy?!
She sounds sweet and beautiful too!

I found a Fairy Name Generator online.
Just enter your child's first and last name and the Fairy Name Generator will tell you your child's Fairy's name and a little bit about her.

You can find more Fairy Doors on ohdeedoh and read about the Mythology and History behind the Urban Fairy Tale from Jonathan Wright of Ann Arbor.

If you'd like to paint your own, you can find all the supplies you need at your local Hobby Lobby.

They even had tiny house numbers in case you'd like to add your address number on the door.

Or you can buy your doors and hardware online here and here.

If you rather buy a door that's already been painted, try here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here!!

POST-IT-NOTE:

If you're wondering, I checked to see what MY Fairy's name was too!

Gossamer Moonweb
She is a messenger of the moon goddess.
She lives in spiderwebbed wonderlands and insect grottoes.
She is only seen in the mist of an early morning.
She wears dresses made of cobwebs and gossamer and has bright blue butterfly wings.

She sounds lovely!

Have Fun!!

Princess Echo

2011-07-15T19:56:00.049-05:00

I found a tiny Mediterranean Gecko in our bathtub today.
I quickly plugged the drain so it wouldn't getting away before I could show Serenity.

She was so excited and climbed in the tub with the gecko to gently touched it.

She immediately asked to keep it.
I wasn't expecting that, but I wasn't totally against the idea.

So I got online to find out a little information about them:

They are considered a harmless invasive species that probably originally came from Southern Europe.
They like man-made places to sleep, hide, hunt, and lay their eggs - usually 1 or 2 at a time.

Image from: Journals of an Amateur Naturalist

The eggs are tiny and similar to birds' eggs, only much smaller:

Image from: DFW Urban Wildlife

The geckos are most active at night, and are attracted to the light around your house where bugs gather.
They feed mainly on small roaches, crickets, flies, mosquitoes, moths and spiders.
I'd like an army of these little critters to keep us pest-free!

Image from: Biological Ramblings

A Mediterranean gecko's tail will detach just like a lizard's tail when it needs to escape a predator.

And also just a like a lizard, it will regenerate a new one after a while.

Image from: Flickr

Unlike most lizards, the Mediterranean gecko will vocalize by squeaking and/or chirping which is probably territorial, fighting, and/or breeding noises.
To hear the sounds they make, click here.

Pretty cool!

During the day and around a light source, they are sorta pinkish-looking, but at night they get darker.

Hmmm....

Looks like it would make a good little pet for a 4 year old, but if it's not doing well in the next couple of days I plan to release it.

My hubby took Serenity to Wal-Mart and bought one of those little $5 reptile habitats.
A pink habitat!

When they got home we gathered a few things to make a home for it:

Tiny pebbles
Small rocks
PVC elbow
Plastic cap from a jar
Water

First she put the PVC elbow in so it would have somewhere to hide and sleep, then poured in the pebbles.

Then she added the plastic cap and filled it with some pebbles and a rock.
I poured a little water into the cap.

Next she arranged the small rocks around the habitat.

Daddy carefully captured the gecko in a cup and let Serenity put it in the habitat.
She can't quite say "gecko" - it comes out sounding like "echo".
She has also decided it's a girl.

So.....

Hello Princess Echo!

Have Fun!

Pinterest is addicting!!

2011-07-07T16:56:00.005-05:00

I just signed up to Pinterest today!

I've heard about it before today, but didn't really know what it was about.

Last night I stumbled across it and was hooked let me tell you!

One of my followers on Facebook, Lanetta's Creations, sent me an invitation and I've been glued to my computer ever since!!

It's so visual!

I love how the pictures of each interest are so prominent and the titles are itty bitty tiny.
So much easier to cruise through quickly and see as much as possible in a small amount of time.

It helps me to keep track of all my favorite tutorials, kid stuff, recipes - whatever really and access them quickly.

Then you get to flip through everything fast (or slowly) to find what you like best too!

However getting caught my boards caught up with all my favorites might take some time - like I said soooo addicting!!

If you haven't signed up yet, what have you been waiting for?!
Need an invitation? Just email me and I'll send you one!

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest once you join too:

Have Fun!

Independence Day!

2011-07-04T14:34:00.004-05:00

Hope y'all are having a wonderful 4th of July with friends and family!

Have fun!

Pinwheels, courtneycourtney and Target!

2011-06-28T16:01:00.006-05:00

Leslie from Rainbow Dashing, sent this sweet pinwheel clippie to Serenity.
It matches great with her fun Summery little courtneycourtney dress!

Her dress is a couple of years old now, so it's gotten a tiny bit short, but it's in excellent condition and still fits my petite babe.

I love this outfit on her - it's so cool and comfy for shopping at Target on a HOT Southern Summer day!

Post-It-Note:

I found Serenity's shopping buggy on Ebay a few years ago for around $50 (including s&h).
Her sweet baby doll is an older version of the Corolle Les Dollies named Tina.

Have fun!

Chuck E. Cheese Coupons!!!

2011-06-27T23:28:00.008-05:00

Here's some new Chuck E. Cheese coupons!

Just right-click, then "save image as" to save it to your computer!

Chuck E. Cheese coupons are great because you can print them over and over!

These coupons were in Sunday's paper and they are good until September 24, 2011!

Find the newest Chuck E. Cheese coupons HERE!

Have fun!!