My New Haven

Things have been productive around here. Well, maybe not whole house productive, but craft/sewing space productive.

It all started when I posted my 4 Simple Goals. Remember the state of the basement and my sewing space? Hmm, well take a moment and click back to that post because I am too embarrassed to post those pictures twice.

Sadly, it took me less than an hour to get both spaces back in tip-top shape. (And for the record, I am not talking about shoving everything to the side so I could take a blog picture. I mean everything in its place and a place for everything!)

A couple shots of the clean basement:



Why yes, there are a few more appliances. We were given a “new to us” refrigerator and dryer. The old fridge is for our overflow, and hubby plans on fixing the dryer.



Spacious enough for some toddler exercise! After cleaning the basement, I brought in the boys’ tricycles. Now they love doing laundry!

Lets check out my space. Drum roll please…. (just kidding, please don’t expect anything spectacular.)



Now before you scoff at my pride and joy, I fully understand that this is not anything to share with Martha (as in Stewart), pin to Pinterest under great spaces, or post to BHG fan page. But this is what I have to work with, and it works wonderfully for me.

Want to see my favorite part?

Let me give you a little back story first: Hubby came down and looked at our newly clean basement. He was impressed. Yet, he was a little concerned that I wouldn’t be able to use my space often, you know since I am the Mama of two and a half year old twin boys. Who.Destroy.Everything.

So he took action.



We had an old television in the basement that just got shoved from corner to corner. It had not been turned on in at least ten years, and I may have occasionally begged my husband to take it out with the garbage.

Boy am I glad he didn’t take it to the road! He set up the television and a DVD player in the corner opposite my sewing table. I brought the art easel down, and a basket of toys. The boys can watch a movie, play, or create while Mama sews them up a new wardrobe. Win-win!



The chair was a more recent addition. We had to move it to put up the Christmas tree,and if the boys have anything to say about it; the chair is staying!

What challenges did/do you face with toddlers? I personally love this stage so much, all of the learning and imagination these little guys display. But sometimes it seems impossible to get anything done. This stage really helps us to stretch our parental creativity (like including a space for them in my space.)

Thanks for stopping by!

When Life Gets You Down, Just Sew

I have been in a bit of a creative funk lately. Actually I have been in a whole life slump. It has been hard to get my mind to focus on a task. In fact, the only focus I could muster is on my crochet projects.

Yet, I feel need to sew. I want to write. My home needs loving. My family needs to be fed (I have been feeding them, but it has been the 5 o’clock dinner scramble).

Desperate to pull myself out of this hole, I made myself sew.

I didn’t care what came out of it. My only goal was to ignite a fire.

The result… I finished a few projects from my UFO bin, snapped pictures of a couple refashions that have been finished for a bit now, caught up on laundry, vacuumed, and cleaned the kitchen sink (seriously, this has been on my to-do list for the last four days!) Oh yeah, I also made a loaf of banana bread.

Here is one more completed refashion:

Nothing spectacular, yet so dang comfy. This tank is from another of hubby’s discarded t-shirts (I know what you are thinking: How many t-shirts does this man own! It’s not that bad, I just snag them up as soon as he says, “I don’t want this anymore.”)

I used this pattern from So Zoe What Do You Know? This pattern/tutorial is well written and easy to follow. There are a lot of step-by-step pictures. She even includes instructions for FOE, and underwear elastic. This was my first experience with fold over elastic. (Just like most other sewing techniques I have avoided; so much easier than I had imagined.)

*Please follow instructions, and measure yourself. I skipped this step my first try at the pattern. Luckily I was using one of hubby’s old bowling shirts.

What methods do you use to climb your way out of a creative funk/life slump? As always, I love hearing your thoughts.

Guy Gift, Camo Blanket

Today’s project was an Easter gift for my husband. And, if we are getting all technical and honest; it was supposed to be a Christmas gift. Oops.

The week before Thanksgiving hubby was dropping hints vividly describing a blanket that would be “so cool.” And whining because, “Nobody makes me anything.”

Determined to be the best wife in the world I ventured to JoAnn Fabric. The weekend after Thanksgiving.

I knew better. I have been there on that crazy weekend before. I had vowed to myself and anyone listening that I would never step foot in that store Thanksgiving weekend for as long as I shall live.

But fleece was on sale….and hubby wanted a fleece blanket.Specifically a camo fleece blanket, with our last name and school in our school colors. He was even dreaming of using this blanket at football games. It went a little like this, “Hey man, that’s a cool blanket.” He had planned on replying, “Thanks, can you believe my wife made it?”

Long story short, Christmas rolled around, and I still hadn’t touched the fleece. But then while making these Easter gifts for the older kids, I thought, “I can use this same method for Bri’s blanket.”

And so I did.

*So sorry I didn’t take any process photos. Here’s a short summary though:

First I found a font I liked, and printed it at the largest size possible. Then I traced the letters onto fusible web. *Remember to reverse the image, either when printing or while tracing.

Next I ironed the letters onto the colored fleece. Cut out the letters (this is pretty time consuming, thankfully we have a short last name and school initials). Arrange the letters onto the top layer of fleece and iron in place. *You may want to stick with a few pins also. The fusible web doesn’t adhere to fleece very well.

Once you have the letters in place, slow down the speed of your machine. Zigzag around the letters. I choose to use contrasting thread (red thread for blue letters, and blue thread for red letters).

Almost done! The last step is to bind the blanket. I used this method. Not my favorite method for a blanket this size. The corners ended up a bit wonky for my taste. Next time I’ll try the method I used here.

*IMPORTANT: Before you put another project under the needle, clean your sewing machine! Fleece tends to produce a ton of lint. Nothing’s worse than having your next project get tangled up in the sewing machine.

Are any of you die hard Black Friday shoppers? Personally, the thought of stepping into a store that weekend sends fits of anxiety through my body. As always, I love to read your thoughts!

Crafting With Twin Toddlers (And Day 9 Update)

It is no secret that I am a crafting mama. Sewing, crochet/knitting, refashioning, DIY jewelry, baking, you name it; I love it. (I hope you didn’t name scrapbooking. I am actually afraid to even start scrapbooking, because of my craft supply hoarding issues and all…)

After showing off my latest creations one question usually comes up, “How do you find the time with twins.”

So I have been pondering an answer to this question. I have found a few helpful ideas. I hope you will find one that works for you. Here goes;

My boys take a nap. A long nap. Fortunately for us, they also sleep through the night (most of the time). Most stay at home moms would be cleaning, relaxing, preparing dinner, or even napping themselves.

I do a little cleaning and food prep during naptime. Lately I have found that I can do a decent amount of cleaning while they are awake, with their ‘help’. Whatever housework is left I try to do after dad is home from work, or it simply goes unfinished (this is the reason I am participating in the 30 Day House Cleaning Challenge).

When I have time, I fill my freezer to make meal prep easier. This can also be done while the boys are playing, or after dad is home.

The majority of naptime is reserved for ‘Mama’s Creative Time.” I have found what crafting I feel comfortable to do while they are up and around, and what craft tasks need to be done during naptime. If my projects involve the sewing machine, or ironing board they are done while they sleep.

All other projects are placed in a basket. Hand sewing, crochet projects, gluing, seam ripping, and cutting all go into this basket. I pull the basket out while the boys are playing and work on these projects. By utilizing this method I am able to finish more throughout the day.

*Extra tip: I also have a to-go bag of projects, like a crochet project. I keep this handy in my purse. This project is pulled out while riding in the vehicle, watching games, or waiting for appointments. (I even pulled it out once while waiting for a train!)

How do you ‘get your craft on’ with toddlers? If you are past the toddler stage, share your expertise, I am always looking for ideas.

30 Day House Cleaning Challenge, Day 9:

Today’s task is to surface clean a bedroom. Our spare bedroom closet has become the dumping place. We tend to shove everything that we don’t want to deal with on cleaning day in this closet to “deal with later.”

Not pictured is the hiding space in the back. This secret space is about the size of a dresser (and full to the brim!). This really isn’t a true before either. I had weeded out two huge boxes two weeks ago.

Cannot believe I am posting this for the world, how embarrassing!

I pulled EVERYTHING out, dusted, and vacuumed. Then I ruthlessly weeded through things. If it was a keeper I put it where it belonged. If I felt we didn’t need it, out it went!

So much better! Bonus, this project only took about an hour. (Sorry for the crappy pictures- it is really hard to take pictures of a closet.)

Don’t forget the pile of stuff leaving our home:

Are you cleaning along? Do you have a space like this closet, where everything is thrown right before company arrives?

Sewing Update, Summer Camp Kits

Remember my absence the week before Easter? I had told you I was busy at the sewing machine. Then I promised to give post about it? A week isn’t too long to make you wait, right?
Our older kids go to camp for a week during the summer. This will be their third year. Every year we scramble around to gather everything they need for camp; towels, toiletries, sheets, blankets, etc.
The biggest problem is that we do not always get everything back after camp is over. One parent may help them pack, and the other one picks them up. They may go to their grandparents’, who live within walking distance to camp. Camp gear is usually left at each place along the way. (That is the joy of teens, they always leave a trail…)
I think I may have found a solution! (At least I hope!)

I made them a monogrammed towel, washcloth, and toiletry roll.

I am absolutely thrilled at how this project turned out!
It all started when my sewing machine started clunking. The previous project was with fleece, so I knew lint bunnies were causing my machine to clunk instead of purr. After cleaning out the lint, I decided to oil my machine. During the oiling process, I found a lever. I had no clue what this numbered lever was for, so I pulled out my trusty owner’s manual. This lever controls speed, it is used to make monogramming, applique, and sewing satin or other materials easier. Hmmmm…..
You learn something new everyday! This project looks so professional, and is a heck of a lot better than the hand sewing I was doing for appliques. (This is partially why I never sewed down the appliques on these shirts, or these ones.)
*Spoiler alert! I was so thrilled with the kids’ camp project, that I went and monogrammed something for hubby. (Stay tuned.)
My mind has been swirling with other things to monogram/applique. The next project on my to-do list is matching sheets, and a bag to keep all their gear in.
Did you know about this lever? Or is this just common knowledge, and I’m a little behind?
Have you learned something new that impacted your crafting lately? Please share, and leave a link to your project in the comments. I’d love to check it out!

Taking part in these parties:

Where Did the Week Go? 365 update

Wow, this week flew! I had intentions of posting more, I even wrote posts- that’s where it ended. I guess life just got in the way (also explains the lack of progress photos today, sorry).

It seems that most of this week took planning, and determination (aka forcing myself to do something). For instance, Tuesday I had a root canal. This root canal was a little different than most, I’ll spare you the gory details- but the term “filet the gums” was used more than once. Everything turned out fine, just took some planning on my part, you know being deliberate. I crocheted in the morning, when I usually pick up the house. I also took my project with me, and utilized red lights and waiting room time. At least 30 minutes of crafting, CHECK!

Enough rambling, did I keep up the rest of the week?

• 10th- 1 hour in sewing room
• 11th- 1 1/2 hour in sewing room
• 12th- 2+ hours sewing! (I didn’t get much sleep, if any the night before. I wanted to go to bed, but I forced myself to trek down the stairs, and get to work.)
• 13th- crochet on and off throughout day, 45 minutes hand sewing
• 14th- 1 1/2 hour in sewing room
• 15th- knew I wouldn’t make it to my sewing dungeon, so crocheted 1 hour in morning before appointment, at red lights, and in waiting room.
• 16th- 1 hour in sewing room
• 17th- 1 1/2 hours in sewing room, 30 (ish) minutes crocheting
• 18th- 45 minutes in sewing room, 30 (ish) minutes crocheting

I have found that crafting is becoming a habit. I am also feeling more creative and motivated in other areas of my life, a definite plus. I think I am developing a habit…

Have you been working on changing/developing a habit?

365 days of Creating for Cash Update 1

Its ten days into 2013. Usually any resolutions I have made are long forgotten be now. What about my commitment to Create for Cash?

As you may remember from last week, I set a goal of Creating for at least 30 minutes every day for a year. Can I do it? So far, mostly, yup. Here’s a breakdown from the past nine days:

• 1st- 1 1/2 hours in sewing room
• 2nd- 1 1/2 hours in sewing room
• 3rd- 1 hour in sewing room
• 4th- 1 1/2 hour in sewing room
• 5th- I had some housework that had to get done during naptime, so I crocheted while the boys were playing. (30 minutes +)
• 6th- The boys wanted to party all night, so naptime also meant mommy naptime. Frogged dishcloth from yesterday, and started over. (30 minutes +)
• 7th- 1 1/2 hours in sewing room
• 8th- Took pictures, edited pictures, and started working on Etsy listings (talk about overwhelming!)
• 9th- 1 hour in sewing room

These are my (mostly) completed projects from this week, plus I have cut out a few in each pattern so they are ready for customization. It doesn’t look too impressive in photo; maybe I should have posted a picture of the stack waiting to be customized.

I have learned that ironing and cutting takes more time than anything. I also learned that although I love sewing and the final product, I truly enjoy the ironing and cutting process. Therapeutic of sorts.

I have also fallen into a routine that I enjoy. (You know me and routines. ) On the flipside, I still have to focus on being deliberate (see Saturday and Sunday).

I plan in the next week or two to discuss my routine (if it is still working), the how's and why’s of what I make, and my plans for other items.

What motivates you? How do you squeeze in time (or squeeze out productivity)?

365 Days of Creating for Cash

Remember that one of my 30 by 30 goals is to do a 365 project? I have been ruminating about this project for a while now. I want a project that I will feel fulfilled with. I need a project that I can actually do, not one that I fail at within the first week. I would like it if my project also met some of my other 30 by 30 goals, and put a big dent in my craft stash.
The hubby is really pushing me to sell my creations. He loves everything I make, and wants the rest of the world to enjoy it too. He can often be heard bragging (while toting around our boys), “Oh you like that, Theresa made it.”
It feels so good to have someone who believes in your talents and passions. It also makes me feel like crap that I have not made an effort in this area. I have this horrible habit of talking myself down before I even begin.
2013 is going to be different (I hope).
We are so fortunate that the boys take a 2 1/2 to 3 hour nap every day. Usually I use this time for housework, a shower, cooking, and wasting time on the computer. I have been working on revamping my routine. (Being deliberate.)
Cleaning: Most of the cleaning now takes place at night, after the boys go to bed. This has been a habit I have tried and tried to implement in the past. In the past I would convince myself that I was too tired for housework, leaving it for naptime. Now, I remind myself of the great feeling of waking up to a (semi) clean house.
Shower: This is the next area I need to work on. I want to get up earlier, and shower before hubby leaves for work. Lately the boys have been waking up (and partying) in the middle of the night, so I may find I have to add this to my nightly routine during this season of life.
Cooking: This may still be done during naptime. Although I am being more deliberate about prepping food ahead of time.
Computer: Whew…does anyone else have a problem with this time waster? I know I do! This is going to be a trial and error project for me, hopefully I can find an appropriate schedule.
What a list! On top of this I am committing to Creating for Cash. I am committing a minimum of 30 minutes a day. I would love to commit 2 hours, but I know me. I have to start small. Thirty minutes (minimum) of naptime will be devoted to making items for my (hopeful) etsy shop and summertime craft fairs.
So that’s it. (In a long post version.) 365 days of Creating for Cash. I will spare you the boring daily updates. I am shooting to post my progress once a week, ‘cuz I need the accountability.
How about you? Have you ever tried a 365 project? If so, what was it, and how long did you last?

Christmas Stockings DONE!

Stockings were always my favorite part of Christmas morning. We had to save the stockings for last. We opened all the other gifts, then had to clean up the mess. After that we could get into our stockings.

The stocking always held the most magical gifts. From the practical toothbrush, to the color-changing pens, to the latest cassette tape, and even jewelry as I got older. I love this tradition, its right up there with picking out the Christmas tree.

Fast forward a few years and new family later…we have an ugly mash-up of stockings. I mean real ugly. To top it off, the twins don’t even have stockings. Last year that was okay, they were only 5 months old. (I know, somebody call the Bad Mommy Police STAT!)

I have been wanting to make Christmas stockings for a couple of years now. Just never got ‘round to marking it off my to-do list. This year, we needed proper stockings. And pretty ones.

I found this tutorial from Teal and Lime and fell in love. These were it!

I absolutely adored her color choices, but I don’t want to make stockings again. (Especially after cutting out all those a’s and e’s, if you don’t have kids yet- choose their names wisely. ) So I choose the timeless red and green, lime green, but green.

I LOVE how they turned out!

My brother also needed stockings, so I added those to the list. This project was fairly simple. It took me some time because I did eight stockings with full first names, but I had them done in a couple of hours. (If you want to get your stockings done quick, just use initials.)

This project was also cheap! Jo-Ann’s had felt-by-the-yard on sale for 2.99 a yard. I bought a yard of each color. I think I have enough red for two more stockings, and a ton of green. Not too bad in my book.

Here’s a question- What can I do with the rest of this felt? I am supposed to be using up my stash, not adding to it!

Stash Crafting, Crossword Decor

You have heard about my hoarding issues. I’m trying to recover, I swear. Here’s my problem; I see a project I want to do, buy the supplies, and there it sits until I have the time. Call me an ambitious crafter. This wouldn’t be so bad except one thing, I forgot what project the supplies were for when I do finally find the time. Does anyone else suffer from craft amnesia?

I bought this Scrabble Turn Tile game at a garage sale two summers ago (er… may have been three summers ago…) I had grand ideas. But I forgot what they were.

While corralling my craft clutter I pulled them out, wanting to make Scrabble gift tags/ornaments like these. But the Turn Tiles are much bigger than regular Scrabble tiles. The gifts would have been at least ten inches long for some names, and that’s using nicknames. I’m looking more for classy, not gaudy. Scratch that idea.

So I started messing around with our kids names, and came up with a crossword style board. Luckily it works for our family’s names. I found a cute piece of scrapbook paper that I think will look decent in our living room once it is painted.

I used glue dots and stuck the tiles to the paper. I found a 12 x 12 frame at Jo-Ann, and used my coupon to get it cheap. I really wanted a shadow box, but knew if I waited until I found one this project would sit in that corner of the room where unfinished projects go to die. So I used two-sided tape, and stuck the whole thing right to the glass. (I may be a bit redneck…)



Some of the paper under the glass is visible(never should have trimmed that scrapbook paper…), but I can fix that if it really bothers me. I figure I’ll leave it as is. Eventually it will get on my nerves and I will find the shadow box.

This project was so quick, just like most of the others on my list. Obviously this is where I need help. I need to find the motivation to just start.

Do you have any quick projects waiting patiently to be finished? If so, go do it! It feels good to mark something off of your to-do list.

See you tomorrow for part 5 of Letting You In.

Pinned it, Crocheted it! Am I Too Old For a Slouchy Hat?

I have a huge Pinterest addiction. I am positive that I’m not alone. This turns into a problem for people like me, people with to-do list issues. Like most other pinners, I pin, and then never do…
Well, I can finally mark off a to-do. I had pinned this slouchy hat pattern from Jenn Likes Yarn. (This has been repined over 125 times!) Since this pin was so popular, I decided to go for it.

Here it is, mommy’s totally selfish crochet project:



I used Lion Brand Micro Spun in Turquoise. This is a sport weight yarn, which was thinner than the yarn used in the pattern. I still used the recommended G/5.00 mm hook.

I tend to be a tight crocheter, so I usually have to add an extra row or two of increases. Combine this with the thinner yarn, I made 2 more increase rounds for a total of 88 stitches.

*I did make one mistake. I was worried that the hat was going to be too slouchy for my preference, so when I got closer to the crown, I decreased down to 80 stitches. This resulted in a tighter band. Too tight when I dropped down to the recommended H hook for the brim. I had to pull it out, and continue with the G hook.

This pattern is very well written. If I had used the same yarn used in the pattern, this hat would have been perfect. It is also a quick project. I was finished in a day (a day with twin toddlers), including figuring out additional increases, and ripping out a handful of rounds.

Here’s a problem, my step-daughter and I were watching the Disney channel. These hats were very abundant. (If you are looking for a teen gift, this is it!) This brings me to my question:

Is very-close-to-thirty too old to pull off this trend? (Okay, I know its not too old for most, but I am not a trendy momma.)

Hope your weekend was wonderful!

Little Man Refashion

While I was pregnant, I had dreams of making a room in the basement my craft room. I plugged away as best as I could, but never fully finished. (One of the downsides to being pregnant with twins, I was huge, so nesting was about impossible.) Needless to say, that room became a catchall, and my craft stuff is still spread out (or hidden…) throughout the house.

This past week, I decided to devote at least twenty minutes a day to cleaning up this space. Twenty minutes flew by, turned into an hour or so, and the room is much improved. I was so inspired, I spent Saturday’s naptime sewing in there!

First up, daddy shirt to toddler shirt:

I have a bit of a hoarding issue. A craft hoarding issue. I hate to see something go that could be turned into something we could use. After our garage sale this summer, I snagged hubby’s button-up shirts that did not sell. I have been holding on to them since… you may be wondering why...

Enter Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross. I am not much of a ‘pattern follower.’ And, I shy away from sewing clothing. So, I have to admit, this shirt took some time. The instructions were not as clear as I needed them to be. But the result was worth it! This shirt looks professional (almost, I’ll explain later). I am predicting that it won’t take as long for the next one either, because now I am more positive about what I am doing, and I have more of an idea of were I can use existing hems.

Speaking of which, do you notice anything? Look closely:

Remember that I am trying to use up my stash? Well, I have quite a few iron-ons. I figured I would use one of them to spruce up the shirt. The whole project went great, no unpicking. Then I ironed. I ironed that dang thing upside down! I was going to put a patch over it, but hubby insisted I leave it. We’ll see…

If you’re looking for a boy sewing pattern, this one looks nice- just give yourself time to read and re-read the pattern through the first time.

Do you have any favorite boy sewing patterns/tutorials?

Pink Cheetah Baby Shower Gifts

There’s a new baby on the way! It’s a girl. We don’t get many girls in this family. So of course, I have been crafting up a storm.
The color/theme is pink cheetah. I found this fabric at JoAnn’s, and used brown flannel as a compliment. We know her name, so that made these gifts really fun!
The first thing I made was a blanket. This blanket is about a yard widthwise, and lengthwise.

For this blanket I used this tutorial from A Feathered Nest.
Next I made my specialties; bib, burp cloth, and onesie.

I tried a new pattern:

This pattern is the Snuggler from Simple Sewing for Baby. (I’m not getting paid for this- just wanted to let you know where the pattern came from.)
Next up was some yarn work (fulfilling my crochet kick).

The hat on the left was made using this pattern (with some adjustments for 0-3 month size), the headband from here, and the hat on the right from this pattern.
Everything got the addition of handmade tags, including care instructions. I love giving handmade gifts! What are your favorite baby gifts to give?

Participating in these parties: TOO Cute Tuesday, Whatever Goes Wednesday

Elmo Hat

This has been a busy week. I have been working on gifts for a baby shower on Sunday. (I’ll post pictures of them as soon as they are done.)
I have also been on a crochet roll! Our nephew turned one this week. He was having an Elmo birthday. I have been coming across some adorable Sesame Street hats on Pinterest that I wanted to try. This was the perfect opportunity.

I wish I could give you a pattern that I used, but I can’t. I looked at a few, read a few, then just went with my gut.
It gets cold here in the winter. So I tend to prefer half double crochet to double crochet when making child-sized hats. The tighter stitch makes for a warmer hat (and I think dc looks girly sometimes).
Here’s what I did:
Crochet earflap hat in appropriate size. I used hdc. There are many sizing charts online if your recipient is not available to measure.
Crochet two white balls, and an oval orange ball. (YouTube is a great reference.)
Make pupils, and stitch onto eyes. Stitch eyes and nose onto hat.
Cut mouth out of felt, and sew on.
Finished.
This hat went extremely fast. Actually all of my crocheting has gone by fast lately. The only downside to my projects this last week is that I had to buy specific materials for them, so I haven’t been using up my stash…this week. I’m okay with this though.
Stop back tomorrow to see the baby shower gifts!

Soothing Crochet

I have been SLOWLY crafting through my stash. I have a few reasons for this. One reason is to clear the clutter my crafting addictions have caused. Another reason is to have things to list in my (hopefully) soon-to-be etsy shop.

I hope that an etsy shop will help me be more productive and consistent in my crafting endeavors, and earn a little bit of money along the way. We'll see.

Anyways, enough dreaming, more doing.

I have been crocheting (one of my new found crafting loves). Yesterday I made an observation while crocheting. I have been using a yellow, green, and blue variegated cotton yarn (Lily Sugar 'n Cream) .

My mood changed as the colors changed. Not a full-on mood swing, more of just a twinge (which is good because the colors changed often). Yellow seemed to make me feel more energetic, green was a calm feeling, and blue was a happy feeling. Hmmm.

Does this happen to anybody else? Or should I be thinking about getting some help ;)

Have a lovely day!

No Vinyl, No Problem. DIY Puffy Paint Labels

One of my to-dos are canisters. I have this shelf space above the cupboards in our kitchen. I want my (bulky) baking stuff up there. Stuff like flours and sugars.

I found canisters that I like at Bed Bath and Beyond. I have bought three (with coupons of course) so far.

The problem? They are not labeled. Then use your fancy vinyl cutting thingamajig. Right?
Nope, I don't have one, and since I am trying to use what I have in order to clear space and save money- I am not about to buy one.

What's a girl to do? Put it on her do-it-later list? Wrong! Use what she has.

I came across a post about puffy paint. Remember that stuff? Nineties flashback! (I was a young, aspiring designer because of puffy paint.) At Doodle Craft they found that puffy paint can be used as window clings.

Hmmm. I think I can make this work...

Here's what you need:

• glass container
• image to trace
• tape
• Windex, paper towel
• puffy paint

1. Clean the area you are painting.
2. Tape image on inside of glass.

3. Trace image with puffy paint. *if you are a lefty, write from right to left (how do you think I figured that one out?)

4. Let Dry. *I had to put jar on its side (with paint on top), because the first try ran.

5. That's it! Enjoy your vinyl-less canisters.

Note- this stuff is just like a window cling when dry. So, it may not be a permanent solution, but it works for me.To wash, either peel off, or wash very gently. (The good news is that if you mess up, it peels right off!)

One more to-do done! Do you have a favorite vinyl alternative?

A New Skirt For Mommy

I have a bad case of (self-diagnosed) ADD. I also have a finishing problem- an aversion to finishing projects I start. This is why our dining room table is stacked with sewing stuff, the vacuum is sitting in the corner, the laundry is piled in baskets (folded though), and the list goes on. I look around and see so many unfinished projects I get overwhelmed, and want to hide.

Lately I have been trying to finish projects. (Part of my 30 by 30; craft through stash) One nearly finished project in my stash is a skirt. I made it last summer, shortly after having the boys. Needless to say it is a bit too big now. Instead of finishing it, into a (rather big) pile in the closet it went.

Today I finished it! The sad thing is, it took me longer to load my bobbin into the machine than it did to finish it.

This skirt was super simple, the hardest part was pinning a straight line (something I sorta have a problem with). Unfortunately, I do not know where I found the tutorial, so maybe I'll post my version of instructions next time I make one.

I am extremely happy with this skirt. It is very comfy, light, airy, summery and cute. One more to-do done!

ID Wallet Done

Well, I got a couple of projects done from my list. I tend to do that- make an unattainable list, just so I can mark a few things off. For a while now I have had a problem finishing things. So I guess if writing an impossible to-do list gets me to do a few things, we can call it a success, right?

Anyways, I wanted to make an ID wallet. I used this tutorial, mostly. I didn't bind the inside like suggested.

I liked this ID wallet because:

1. The ID is inserted from the inside (zipper part).
2. There is a phone holder on the back.
3. It has a zipper.
4. There is a good amount of room.

Here's how it turned out:

Front, ID pocket

Back, phone pocket

Overall, I liked this tutorial. Now that I have one done, I have plans for a couple of changes. I would like to add card slots on the inside. If I add card slots, I will probably skip the flannel lining on the outside piece, otherwise it will be too bulky.

I'll post my version soon.

(I realize the sewing is not perfect.)

Repaying thoughtfulness

We try to live frugally. I can't say that we are on a budget, because we are not. It may happen someday, but not today. In the meantime, we save wherever and however we can.

One way we save is scouting previously loved baby stuff. We are not ashamed to take used clothes, equipment, and toys off of peoples hands (if we have a need for the item).

One friend gave us a ton; crib, two high chairs, pack'n'plays, double stroller, clothes, toys, and much more; refusing payment of any sort.

She has mentioned a couple of things she likes, and I know I can make them. I have been keeping a to-do list, so I can let her know how much our family appreciates her thoughtfulness. Well, a list means nothing unless you take action. She is leaving for vacation in less than two weeks, so I need to get crafting!

Here are my plans:

• A couple of flower hair accessories
• ID wallet
• Passport wallet
• Luggage ID
• Time permitting- Slouch hat

I will update with photos, and links as soon as (or if) I finish.

Time to get to work.