Simple VDay Frame Picture

Saw this idea on Pinterest. Happened to have some picture frames not being used, so it was a simple and inexpensive project!

Supplies needed:
Picture frame
Music paper (I bought a piece of scrapbook paper, but there are sites with free sheet music to print - could print one and stain it or print it on a certain color of cardstock perhaps)
Red paper
Glue

Don't think it really needs explanation. Here's how mine turned out...

I like the one I found through pinterest pinterest a little better (she had a better frame and I forgot about how she used a distressed ink pad on her heart), but this was the best frame I currently had on hand. Could easily just take out a picture for the season and avoid having to store anything very big or purchase a frame.

Initial shirts

Thanks to Caroline over at Oh Pickles for this idea!

Supplies needed:
t-shirt
paper doily (I used 4 inch, but I think 6 inch would still work for the toddler/preschool crowd?)
fabric paint and brushes
stencils (or make one using card stock and your printer)
possibly spray adhesive

I opted to use a light coat of spray adhesive on the t-shirt, waited about 5 minutes, then placed a doily in the center of the shirt.

Next, I painted all of the doily openings with fabric paint, then carefully peeled off the doily.

Finally, I used a stencil I made using my computer/cardstock and painted the initial in the center of the doily.

Voila! I will say that the shirt was a bit tacky from the glue residue. I am assuming it will be fine after a good wash. If this is not the case, I will adjust this post. I've made bags without using the glue and I will say it is much easier to do a good job with the paint if you use the glue!

If you go on a kick of making these shirts/tote bags, they can be pretty inexpensive...especially if you can find a good shirt on sale! Looks super cute with a tutu skirt and leggings or tights.

Valentine's Day garland for mantle

I loved the way our fall leaf garland turned out, so I thought I might try that for Valentine's day. My plan was to purchase hearts and have the girls help paint them. However, there was just one heart left. Instead, I opted for a simple oval shape, wrote "Be Mine" on them and ran with that instead. In retrospect, I wish I would have purchased wood letters and painted them, since my writing stinks! (It would have been more expensive, though.)

On to the craft!

Supplies needed:
Roll of ribbon (I used grossgrain, 1 inch wide I think)
5 oval wood disks and 1 heart (or letters or other shapes)
Craft paint
Paint brushes
Hot glue gun

Paint your wood pieces as desired and let dry.

Cut a piece of ribbon the length you desire.
Lay your ribbon out on the floor and determine where you want your wood pieces to hang (I always start with my center piece and work out)
Use the hot glue gun to attach the pieces to the ribbon.
Hang and enjoy!

(For a fun version with kids, have them help paint!)

(Note: I leave my garland up through winter, the house just feels so much cozier and happier through the blah months of winter!)

Big Sis Birthday April 2011

Just realized I had not blogged Big Sis' cake from last year. She wanted Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. She had this particular cake in mind, but it just wasn't an option. (I do not own a printer for edible items and she has a tree nut allergy, so almost all bakery made cakes are off limits.) Instead, I made Rudolph cupcakes along with a mini cake that said Happy Birthday.

For the cupcakes, I used Wilton icing tubes to make Rudolph's face on wax paper. (I had printed a picture and then just free handed it.) I stuck those in the freezer.

During that time, I spread each cupcake with icing and rolled the edges in red sugar sprinkles. Then I removed the Rudolph faces, peeled them off the wax carefully and placed on top of the cupcakes. She loved it!

Halloween Costumes from years past

I likely will never post sewing instructions, as I am always just winging it when I sew. Thought I'd still post past years' costumes, all of which were homemade with the exception of Minnie Mouse (I could not find polka dot material locally and was feeling intimidated by a dress...Cinderella was my first ever attempt at a dress) and the fairy wings.

(Side note: seems we do not have any pics prior to Little Sis' birth on our back up storage drive...will have to hunt for those years and add later. Missing Big sis as a fairy when she was 1.5 and dressed as a flower for her first Halloween.)

Sorry for all of the pics of Little Sis as Pebbles for her first Halloween. Right now, she's in that "over smiling" or scowling phase for pictures, so I just had to post all of these with her adorable smiling baby face!

Bought the Minnie Mouse Costume. Made the Pebbles dress and "bone" accessory for her little whale spout.

Made all of the Snow White Costume except the tiara (made a cape, skirt, and top...first time working with costume satin - definitely not my favorite! Did learn some lessons and improved the next year.) Made the fairy tutu. I think I like the way big sis' fairy tutu turned out just a little better, but it was fun to try a different technique