PJ fun

So here's a few pics of how the pjs turned out for the birthday girl. I used the pattern from Habitual however did use buttons instead of ties so that it didn't come off if she was a mover in her sleep. I did find a site (not sure I bookmarked it) that said how to make bias tape, it really is easy to do.

For the pants, I used a pattern found on JCaroline Creative. It is a pattern for a smaller size, so added about 2" to all sides (it's for a smallish 4 year old). And they're great for her. Added a small back pocket so you could tell which was the back easy, and for fun (everyone loves pockets right?) Then to tie shirt to the pants, added the border at the bottom.

Next up, is my first purse. Then I'll have to make some pjs for my daughter, she really likes the way these ones turned out. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this sewing thing!

Easter Goodies

So the stuffies and crowns were a hit. My daughter wore her crown, pretty much all day. She took it off to change out of her pjs, into her pjs, and at naptime. Otherwise, it was on her head. She also carried around her new doll, Carrie. Seems fitting with how much she'll be carried!

My boy liked his robot, took him in for his nap. Which for him is unusual, he doesn't sleep with stuffed animals much. He goes through spurts. My daughters bed is covered in them, and they rotate who is there. Anyhow, he also enjoyed his crown, but did spend part of the day in his "Go Broncos!" hat, which being football people, gotta love.

I did deviate a bit from the pattern. Changed the eye shape and did eyebrows instead of eyelashes. Also added a pair of underwear, light blue with a pink heart. To match her bows and dress. And used a light beige fabric with small flowers on it, so she has a bit of freckles on her.

My girl thought she was an "adorable robot dancer girl" at first since she had seen me stuffing her brother's robot. But after awhile, realized that "she has hair, and robots don't... so she's a dancer girl"

Overall, it was a nice little treat for the kids to get. I'm very happy that google can help you find all sorts of patterns and tutorials, being not much of a sewer!

One Kid Down

One to go. Ok that sounds a little wrong, but it is true. Here is my boys Easter goodies. Finished. His robot and crown with a lightning bolt. If I have time, I'm going to make a mini lightning bolt for the robots bottom. It'll tie the two completely together.

I didn't realize how similiar the colors were till I finished the crown. Finished the Robot last night and just didn't get a pic taken. Tonight it was his crown. You can find the patterns for both on my last entry.

Hers is all cut out, but needs to be sewn. Also worked on some chocolate Easter Eggs that the kids and I can finish up tomorrow. It'll be a day of eggs, dying and chocolating. During naptimes and bed, I'll finish up her crown and her doll. Should have pics tomorrow.

Easter is Coming

So I figured I'd make a few things for the kids' baskets. I knew I wanted to make them some crowns. The other day they were fighting about a tiara (my daughter has lots of dress up stuff, son just a few masks and such). With looking on the net, I found a great tutorial for crowns on Juicy-bits. I haven't gotten them started yet, but will make sure to share pics when they are done. We have tons of felt left over still so they'll be a little different than the ones made there, which are adorable, but gotta figure out the embelishments.

Also wanted to make a doll or bunny or stuffie for each kid. Came across this pattern from Crafty Carnival on another search. It looks like so much fun and easy to boot. There's a Flickr group of finished dolls. I found some robots there and so he's getting a robot made from the same pattern, with a few changes, her a baby doll.

His Robot is almost done. And the doll, should have started tomorrow. I'm trying to work on them when the kids are in bed, which is tough since it's too cute to just work on it all the time! Should have some pics to share with you tomorrow on the progress.

What I Did On My Blog Vacation Part 3

Played with felt... Made felt boards for each of the kids' rooms for Christmas. Hers is very purple and pink.His has dinosaurs and football!
And here are some superhero masks for her 4th birthday party. Hand sewn and all a little different. Her request.

My first...

You'll always remember your first. First kiss, first love, first marriage (only planning on the one, but ya know, had to add in something!). First online shop, first sale, first craft fair. Now I have had one of each of these firsts. This past weekend I did my first fair. It was a small to do with the registration fee going towards a good cause. A small charter school that celebrates the arts, learning and children.

Found it was a good way to get my feet wet. Met a few people, sold a few things and had a bit of fun. I'm not the most extroverted person, so I did try to rely on my setup and crafts to speak for themselves. It worked for the most part, sold several puppets. One to an adorable little girl who came up to me with all the money she had. After having told her the cost of the puppets ($17 each) she came back with some money. I asked her, "So whatcha got?" She counted carefully and replied "I've got $10" This was after she had come over to check out the puppets several times. So I told her she could have one, lil minky (she's the purpley one on the left hand side), the smallest of the group, perfect for her hands for her $10. She was quite happy. That's part of the joy of this whole handmade craft thing. It's nice to make a bit of money, but it's nicer still to see the smiles that go along with such a gift.

I came home with a few less puppets, one less strawberry wristlet and a mini wallet sold. As well as lots of ideas on how to put together a table for the next one. Not sure when that will be. But it was an interesting experience. I was surprised at the one thing I thought people would really enjoy and buy and there was not a sale. My ornaments all made it back with me. Which means, I've got lots of pictures to take to get them all in my Etsy shop. There's a few listed already. With more to come!

The Art of Trick or Treating

It's a little late to share, but wanted to show off the kids' Halloween costumes. It was my sons first year trick or treating. Last year, he had just turned 1. He was a great walker, not much of a talker and really not in need of extra sugary treats. This is a pic of the end of the night, when they came home to say "Trick or Treat!"

However, last year his sister did go trick or treating. It was her first year. She was almost 3, and a huge talker. She enjoyed the experience. So when it came to this Halloween, he got to go as well. He's now a 2 year old with lots of energy and personality who thinks he's just as big as his big sister. The last comment is almost true, of his size at least. When we were back home, everyone who picked him said "What do they feed you? (insert heavy strange thing to feed a child... rocks... lead... etc.)"

Back on to Halloween. My daughter wanted to be a werewolf. For all of the summer. Figured it'd be a good costume for my son to wear next year. Could make wolf arms and a head, something to go over her shoes and put clothes on the rest of her. He could do the same thing next year. Then a month before Halloween, it changed to a fairy. A very pink fairy. She helped me pick out the fabrics, trim and a new pair of shoes. Everything pink (of course).

While my son was a scarecrow. This was an easy costume. He had a pair of old overalls, ones he'd not be able to wear again so I bought some felt in yellow and tan and cut it into strips. Then sewed the strips onto the bottoms of the overalls. Cut a few squares of other colors of felt and sewed those on with some straw strips poking through. Picked him up a shirt that was a bit large and did the same. The hardest part of his, was a hat. Which sort of hat should a scarecrow wear? His looks a bit like Pappa Bear from the Berenstein Bears, minus the flower. He really enjoyed his costume (put it on and he said "Wow, cute cute!") and figured out trick or treating by the first house. It was an enjoyable night and now there's a piece of candy every other day or so to remember their Halloween together.

Toy/Gift Bag

So here is a pic from my son's birthday party with his toy/gift bag we made him. Hubby and I like the idea of making them for Christmas as well. Since our kids have a little bag for each sort of toy. However, we will have to make the appliques seperate and sew them on later so you're not looking at a picture of what is in every present. I thought it turned out well and my son loves all his superheros! They were the perfect present for my little man who likes to save his sister on a daily basis.

They are really simple bags to make. We used fleece for the bag and felt for the applique. The applique design, I took from a pic online and then freehanded it onto the felt. My hubby (my little semster) sewed it onto one side of the fleece before sewing the bag together.

Simply cut your squares the size needed for the front and back of the bag. This one is about 14". Sew on any applique you'd like. Otherwise you can hand stitch them on after the bag is made. Then sew around 3 sides, making sure to backstitch on the ends. Fold over your drawstring casing, about an 1" and then turn the bag inside out and sew it around. You can then take some scissors and cut 2 holes in the casing for the drawstring to go through. We used a crochet chain as the pull and then knotted it back on itself so that it can't be pulled out.

My question for you all, is how do you present gifts?

Treatment No. 9 and then some

So we've surpased 3/4 of the treatments! Hubby's sis came out for a visit and was here while he did his ninth treatment. Still going well and making it through. We had a good visit and even managed a date night to see the new Batman, The Dark Knight. Kinda funny since it has been so long since I have been in an actual movie theater and there weren't many people, it was really loud. Makes me feel old :) The movie was enjoyable and it was nice going out just the two of us.

Hubby was very excited with the idea that there are only 3 treatments left to undergo. It's what he said most of the weekend, "9 down, 3 to go..." with a look of joy and excitement for the weeks to come. It's amazing how fast time can fly by.

Been busy around here. Have a few custom orders I've been working on as well as some new toy bags for the kids. My son has lots of big legos and the bag they came in, the zipper pulled out and is broken. So made him a new tall green fleece bag for his "blocks". We picked up a big toy bin from some neighbors who no longer needed it and so made several little bags for her to keep sets of toys in making it easier to find what she wants to play with. Finished 2 of them completely (little pictures on them noting what is inside) only about 6 more to go. The bags are at least all done. Some however need drawstrings put in so that's something to work on in between orders and life.

One of the orders called for organic yarns. Since I use acrylic for the novelty things, had to pick up some new yarns. Bought some bamboo cotton as well as some banana silk. They're both really easy to work with and I'm excited to see how the banana silk scarf I've started turns out. It's a beautiful yarn that looks like a bunch of berries, ripe for the picking.

Mail Time!

I love getting mail :) I have a very crafty friend who is currently pregnant with her second child. We were talking one day and decided we'd swap some stuff. I wanted an apron, she a baby blanket and sweater. Decided on a few extra things for the kids as well. An apron for my daughter (that matches mine) and an art smock for each of the kids. She made an apron for her daughter and will be making a smock. And well, I'm still working on the blanket.

The sweater I'll start after the little babe comes and we see if it really is a boy. I'd love to just start it for a boy, since that is what everyone thinks she is having, but then if it's not... how do you change it for a girl?

Anyhow, my package came today and the aprons and smocks are hits! I've got mine hung up in the kitchen for the next time I need it, and my daughter has hers hung up by her kitchen. Although they were worn for quite some time before being hung up. My son was a little upset that he didn't get an apron and tried to wear mine for awhile. We'll see how attached he is to having one later on.

She did also send me a really cute quilt that I'm going to bring in with some blankets (one is on the side) that I'm working on for Kids Konnected. Thought it was really nice that she took the time to work one up. She's due in the next few weeks, and so had a huge push to finish as many crafts as she can before the babe decides to show!

Red, White & Blue

The Vote is Up To You! The Homefront Team Challenge has begun! Please go to the Homefront's site and vote. All you have to do is leave a comment on the post with who your vote is for. You are welcome to shop any of the shops that have entered and receive 10% off. Really, we'd just like to show off our stuff :) Here's a few of the choices to vote for, there are many more.

And remember... the Vote Is Up To You!

Custom Order

So finished up my custom order notebook cover and berry purse. It's a gift for the crazy gals friend (I can call her crazy, but she's really just always busy and on the go with two shops to work on!) and her friend loves the colors brown and pink. Rather than making a berry with those two colors mixed together only, there'd look like bad spots on it(unless it had another color thrown in so it was a novelty neopolitan berry) did it chocolate covered instead. Whatcha think?

And I love the way the notebook cover turned out. Did one that I wasn't as impressed with. It's a great little bit of yarn, but not quite right. Gonna make a purse out of it instead. Just another thing on the to-do list!

If you're interested in your own choco berry purse or notebook cover, let me know!

Father's Day Crafting with Kids

So went to the store yesterday to buy a shirt to decorate for Father's Day. My daughter asked that we make on for Pop Pop and Grandpa as well. Figured we'd get some iron-ons to write out a message and then sponges and paint for the kids to have fun with! Well, here's a list for all of you thinking of doing the same thing:

1. Remember to take off all clothes or put on smocks with clothes you aren't worrying about being messed up. For you and kids. Although my clothes stayed clean, there's even paint on my sons shoes.


2. Painting outside or on a drop cloth is the best. My son decided to sponge all over the old sheet, so that has hearts and stars on it as well.


3. Pull up any long hair you or your kids may have. Sadly, mine is in a pony here, although I did it while I did the ironing. And as you can see in the pic, my daughters is not.


4. Test your fabric and paint for bleed-through factor first! I checked this on an old shirt of mine. Did bleed through the shirt and on the sheet. So we put posterboard between the shirt front and back.


5. Remember to have fun and that there will be foot prints (or shoe prints) on any and all things.

This was a fun little start to the day. Did my iron-ons and let the kids paint. Now they just have to dry. All three shirts say RockStar on them since that is what my daughter ask that they say. We tend to say the kids are rockstars and to rock n roll when we leave or just to rock it when dancing. It's adorable really to watch your kids bang their little heads just so they can rock it. (Also causes my son a bit of confusion since he has a rocket and when you tell him to play with his rocket, he'll rock it!)

So here's a little something for our Father's Day present (as well as a Lego Helicopter set). What are you doing for Father's Day? Don't forget to Rock It!

Stopping by

To say it's been a busy week! Have a few order to fullfill from Monday night's sale as well as some quick blankets I'd like to make up for KidsKonnected. They called me yesterday to see if our kids would be interested in a camp in our area. I think they're a little young for that. But I did ask them about donations. Be really easy to do some donations and it'll give me a chance to give back to those that gave to us, maybe help out some other kids figure out what is going on with their family. And I'll get to play around and be as creative as I'd like. Nice to know my blanket will be keeping someone comfy and happy.

We went to pick up some supplies so we could make some shirts, for daddy, pop pop and grandpa. My daughter asked that we included daddy's dad (poppop) as well as my dad (grandpa). Short notice really, but still will be a fun project.

On the creative front, after I finish my orders I've got to work on a challenge project as well for the Homefront team. I've got my idea in my head, (the challenge is all about the 4th of July, my favorite holiday) have started a little of it and have seen some really great entries so far. I'll post when mine is done as well as a link with the info on voting (voters receive 10% any participating stores).

The EtsyHookers are also starting a challenge that is due in July. It's a rainbow sort of thing :) Color, how it influences us and you must use 5 to 7 colors. Will have to start thinking on that as well.

I should get back to my hook and yarn! Happy day to all!

How do you stash?

A friend of mine posted about her starting to crochet and subsequent purchase of yarn. Had to harrass her about the addiction that comes with yarn! I've read a few other blurbs on the web (sorry I don't remember the urls) and I figured I could share my stashes.

Here's the little bits. Below are projects working on currently, to the side are projects to be worked on. The navy bag has a full sized blanket in it that I need to buy more yarn to finish. The mesh bag squares to embroider for a quilt for my son. The sweater, needs to have a hole fixed in it (but since it's too warm to wear, it'll wait a bit more). The basket, bits of yarn that I'd like to work with soon.

Recently we reorganized our house. My computer is now in the living room and each child has their own room. That also means all my crafts are in the living room. My hubby is thinking of reorganizing again and moving his computer to the living room. He'd prefer my yarn and fabrics, etc. in the garage.

I don't see that happening! We have a dresser in the garage that we're going to paint. It's a bright fire engine red currently and we were going to use it for our daughter. Now he'd like to maker her a dresser. Which means I'll get the other for my yarn! Will still leave some stuff in tubs, but not quite so many.

My hubby has told me, I'm almost positive in jest, that if I buy more yarn and it does not fit in said tubs... he'll burn it! Of course, he also said someday when we buy a house and I have my own office, I'd be happy with wall to wall shelves of yarn (color coordinated is all that I ask) and a place for my computer a tv and my rocking chair. That part made me feel a bit old, but I'll take the rest!

As you can see, I have a few other places to put yarn :) It is a sad, sad addiction that I would not trade. Maybe add to if I start to get more comfortable sewing. But for now that stays with stuff for the family. There are so many other shops that sell great items that I don't have to make them all myself!

Iron on fun

We did our shopping, didn't find the yarn I wanted to finish the grapes, but managed to finish them with what I had. However, did pick up some canvas bags and iron ons to make a library bag for my daughter and a bag for toys for my son.

She sat down and planned out where things went. So I ironed them on and finished hers off with some sparkly paint for a library bag with flowers. We're planning a trip to the library and park tomorrow, hopefully it's dry by then!

My sons fits him. He is an angel and a devil all in one. With a winning dimply smile, who loves to say "CHEESE" when he sees a camera. His isn't quite right on the lettering, but whatcha gonna do eh? Not sure how I can peel up my mistakes!

The dress is simply one we'd gotten from my FIL for a birthday present. Since it was a little plain and we had extra iron ons, figured we'd shnazz it up a bit. Still have one more bag to do, but I think I'll let her go crazy with the puff paint and do what she wants with it. It's for her My Little Ponys (my husband and I bought a lot on ebay of them. Mostly old school, in pretty good condition and she loves them. There are just so many of them!

Berry's around the world...

Hoping for total domination. Well maybe not domination, but an invasion :) I've sold all the berrys available at my shop! Of course, I'm working on some more since I do so love the little berrys. And it seems so do you! Anyone who'd like one can contact me or check out what's coming in the shop. Here's the ones that have found new homes for now.

Funny to look at the pics... can you tell which were with a lightgbox?

Treatment no. 2

Starts today. After Sunday, we're 1/6 of the way done. Although my husband said we shouldn't talk in fractions till he's under the halfway point. So if we were talking in fractions... that's where we'd be :) Today was supposed to be zoo day, but the weather did not cooperate! It was spittin' most of the day. And since the zoo is an outdoor sort of thing, we went shopping instead. Mostly things for around the house, but did pick up some beads to play with with the kids. So our fun thing while daddy was sitting in the hospital was to make necklaces with their names. My son isn't quite old enough to get the beads so he tried to sneak a few to eat. Never quite made it in the mouth. He does like his necklace though. It was a quick crafty thing to do. Although I have to figure out the better way to join the ends. Will have to ask around to those Homefront gals who do beaded jewelry

Also picked up a new teddy bear for my daughter. She wanted a pink one (of course) and so got a CareBear. Which is fitting since it's the one that is special for her to go through her book from Kids Konnected. Figured we'd look through that this weekend with her, now that she has the bear and daddy is once again getting his medicine. Sharing all with your feelings with your bear is what the book is about. And since sharing is caring :)

On the way to pick him up, the kids fell asleep in the car, but my girl woke up on the way home. She looked at me and said "Mom, it stopped spitting" I just like that description of a little rain. The picture it brings to mind of the heavens spitting on you is amusing.

Birthday Parties Can Be Fun

So today was the day of the birthday party. My daughter requested that I make a purse that matches Lily the Pig and give those as presents. I also put together her book completely. Took awhile to cut everything, the printed labels as well as the posterboard (seemed to work well, and will be durable enough for a 3 year old). Now I will have to get our kids' books done sooner rather than later since I'm sure there will be requests after seeing Mack's book! At least I already have the supplies and some practice!

Here's a pic of how the final presents look, outside of the bag. I know the colors are interesting for the purse, but it's what she chose for the purse!

It was a fun day, just a few kids... about 10 ages 3 and under. And sugar! Always makes for a fun time right? Needless to say, I relaxed the rest of the day :) working on some new stuff) Her mom did get a jumpy castle so that was fun to see the kids bouncing about. They enjoyed the day, haven't spent all too much time with Mack lately so it was a good day. My daughter didn't even want to come home! But all good things must end. We'll have to setup more playdates.

Giveaway Done

Just wanted to say thank you to all who entered! I will be letting the winner know who they are soon. Gotta pull out my trusty hat and write down some numbers!

In the mean time, I've been working on an ABC book for my daughters friend. It's her 3rd birthday this weekend and so figured it was a good time to give it to her. I found directions here, instructions to make your own board book. This is the little girl who I used to babysit. So while she was here, we'd take pictures of different things to make a book! Got pictures of my own kids as well to do their books. So once I get hers all together, I'll get theirs done.

I think she'll really enjoyed it and it'll help to learn her ABC's since it is all about her.

I'd love to see how any of you decide to put together books too!