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Thursday, May 31, 2012

Face it pretty girl, you're CRAFTASTIC!

Hey all!  You sure lookin' crafty today.  I have a treat for you.   I have found the world's greatest music video about crafts, in the world! {You need to watch the video}

Some of you may think I've lost my mind, particularly my mother who I know will be calling me to say, "I don't get it."  But I'm telling you, this little gem sweater of a video will make your day.  In fact, I predict you'll be humming this tune and dancing in your tightest pants the next time you craft.


 


And just like the lyrics of the song say, I always want you to remember that -





If you're ever feeling like your in a crafting slump, just work through the paaain and know that you can do anything because you're 

CRAFTASTIC!

If you don't know Leslie Hall the comedian behind this video be sure to check out her other videos.  Tight Pants Body Rolls will have you high kicking and saying "Dance with me Woman!" in no time.


Wednesday, May 30, 2012

My Kaileigh Dress

Jenilyn from Grits & Giggles did it again!  She created a beautiful, classic little girls dress pattern that lends itself to be embellished and personalized to your hearts desire.  But the best part about this pattern is that it's a "two-fer"!  If you watched Fashion Star you'll know that a "two-fer" is Jessica Simpson's down home way of saying "two for the price of one".  That's right... this dress is reversible!


The dress is very easy to make.  It's just two pieces and because its reversible you don't have to worry about finishing your seams.  This is definitely a dress that a beginner sewer can whip together in no time.


I wanted to personalize my Kaileigh dress so I used this great green damasky fabric that was purchased a few years ago at Joann's.  I used navy bias tape to add a bow and trim to the bottom.


For the other side I used just plain white cotton and accented with more navy bias tape, green patterned pockets and a couple of teeny tiny white buttons.



Now let's see this dress in action -


Can you tell we're pretty excited about it?



The pattern is now available at Grits & Giggles Etsy shop.
You can view more examples of this dress HERE at Grits & Giggles.

It's a dress for every little girl.

You'll have to stay tuned because I'm planning on making the Magsters 4th of July dress using this same pattern.  Be sure to check out Mag's outfits of 4th of July past HERE.


Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Harry Potter Doll

I have lots and lots of projects and tutorials to show you but life got a little crazy (but fun) around here. So in the meantime how about I show you one of my favorite projects about one of my favorite things??

Harry Potter!!

Now as I explain the rest it's important for you to hum the theme song in your mind. You know, for effect. (dum duh da dum da dah dum...)

For Christmas I designed this doll for my niece Macy. Her mommy is a super fan of Potter. I slacked for 6 months on sending it so little Macy came to Alabama all the way from Canada to claim it this weekend. (Okay so it wasn't the only reason, but it was a bonus) Macy loved it but I think her mommy loved it a little more. :)

How I Did It:

I hand drew the pieces. Besides the glasses and the hair it's basically a bunch of rectangles pieced together. All parts of the doll are made with fabric and pieces were appliquéd together and machine stitched for security. For his scar I used a red permanent marker. I stuffed the whole thing with fluff and whip stitched his side together.

Try it out! It's a fun little doll to make. Plus, everyone needs a little more Potter in their lives right!?!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

The Real Deal

Family Ever After is hosting a photo competition. But it's not just any photo or the best photography. It's a photo showing you in you in all your domestic glory, doing what you do best at home.

Now, I never want anyone in blog land to get the wrong impression about me, and think that I have my (ahem) together. Because I don't. Not at all. The truth is my house is a mess!!! And I hate it! I spend all day cleaning but by the end it looks like a war zone. Partly because hurricane Maggie and tornado Jack have this amazing ability to Tasmanian Devil everything around them. How do they do it? HOW?

Also have you noticed that everything takes a million times longer when you have little kids around? It takes an hour just to empty the dishwasher. Take out one dish - "Mom can I have some milk?" Take out another dish "Guys! Stop fighting!" Take out another, "Mom I gotta go potty". You know how it is.

So my domestic picture submission is not going to be like others who might be baking and wearing cute non-stained outfits (My kids are under the impression that I am a napkin). No. My picture is of the real deal, of what I look like every day -

Me pulling my wet tangled hair out and screaming as I am surrounded by a thousand daily messes.
Please tell me I am not alone.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Busy Bowls

Well, looks like I just found a new fun activity for the kids and thought I'd pass it along in case your munchkins need a new activity too, though you guys probably do this all the time.

I hate going outside. Especially since I have so much to do inside but the kids love it. So today I trapped them on the deck. I gave them two mixing bowls filled with water with a drop or two of food coloring, measuring cups, a few tumblers, a turkey baster and a bowl full of ice cubes. They've been out there for an hour with no desire to stop. And now I can be in the kitchen cleaning (and blogging too I guess).

I think this is what's known as a win-win. I love when winning is simple.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Nonie Knits

This is Nonie. Nonie is our Italian name for Grandma.  Her real name is Marsha, but I call her mom.


Nonie Knits.

My mom is a genius with yarn.  There is not a "relaxed" moment of the day that goes by when this woman isn't knitting or crocheting something.

Not only is Nonie talented but she is generous too.  Everything she makes she gives away.  She just has such a big heart and loves so much.  Although she's very good at telling you she loves you I think her yarn creations are her way of showing you she loves you.  They take so much time and energy that really, it's gotta' be love.

I have dozens of Nonie creations.  All of which deserve attention but I wanted to show you what she made us most recently.  A beautiful scarf for me and a darling sweater for Mags.


The colors are dynamic and so is my mom.  She is a shrimp.  I think I was taller than her in the 6th grade but she doesn't need height to command attention.  Her beautiful smile, fun {and sometimes innapropriate} sense of humor, and charm draw people to her.  She doesn't know any strangers.  She becomes instant friends with everyone and makes you feel like family. 

Just look at the details.  It speaks volumes about her personality.  If she commits to doing something she does it all the way.  She dots every i and crosses every t.  She works hard as an attendance administrator at a high school {you know how often those naughty kids play hookie!}and if work gets backed up she takes it home to finish.  Off the clock.  I threaten to tell her boss on her but she just brushes me off and says that it has to get done and she needs to take the time to do it right.  She has an amazing work ethic and lots of integrity. 

The scarf is so soft and delicate.  Although mom thinks that the greatest show on the planet is Sons of Anarchy, she has a softer, non-Harley side too.  She just cares so much about people.  She wears her heart on her sleeve.  She knows all the right things to say and is the worlds best cuddler.  My favorite moments were driving in the car.  She would quietly reach back and hold my hand.  It made me feel so special.  She still does it when I come home to visit.

In addition to being the best mom in the world she's also the best Nonie.  She takes the time to hand craft gorgeous sweaters, hats and blankets for the kids.  She makes each one so personal.  They love the things Nonie makes.  Like this stunning little sweater.


It's all in the details.  She's very thoughtful.  Each month or so we get a little package in the mail filled with little goodies.  Each thing has been thought out and is so personal. Even the simplest of things like things for John in his school colors or my favorite Mexican candy.  Everything has a generous thought behind it. 

No, I didn't photoshop these pictures so that the sweater would match her eyes.  A Nonie just knows.

As some in the South might say, "My momma done raised me right."  As a kid I frequently had lessons on how to behave in public, how to make and keep friends, ask for help at the store, say my pleases and thank you's, etc.  I remember picking up the old rotary phone and having to practice how to ask to talk to a friend or leave a voice mail.  Her lessons have benefitted me in so many ways.


And much like the "no nonsense" face you see here, Nonie is a no nonsense kind of lady.  She's always honest and tells it like it is.  She taught me to be a strong independant woman.  She taught me to think for myself, to be the best that I can be and to have the confidence in myself to do anything.  She stands up for herself and is confident in who she is.  Don't mess with Texas?  No, more like, don't mess with momma! :)

She makes us smile.  We call and Skype her several times a day.  We never really give her a break but it's just because we need her so much. 

If you were to ask me where my creativeness and love for making things comes from, I'll say every time,  my mom.  She would always sit down with me and teach me how to sew, or paint or knit.  She took the time to be my 4H craft leader and to my knowledge was the only woman on the Enrichment Committe {crafts & home improvement} at Church that isn't actually a member of our Church.  She's just so talented they had to snatch her right up!  Everyone learns so much from her and is so inspired by her abilities and talent.


We just wish we could give Nonie kisses every day.


Nonie is so great, even this little guy, who didn't get a sweater this time, had to pop in to say how much her loves her.

And oh yeah, did I mention that Nonie is also one of the silliest women we know!


Happy Mother's Day to the woman who blessed me with life, creativity, love, and taught me everything I know.  I hope to grow up to be just like you.  I love you mommy!


Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
You work hard.
You are wonderful.
You are loved.



P.S.  If you want to see some of my moms other projects {there's a lot} check out my post HERE.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

hello. {herringbone painted doormat}

Sometimes I see something online and I think oh that looks so easy! Then I try it and yeah... It wasn't as easy as it looks.

Painting rugs and herringbone print so easy right? Not exactly.

I had a door mat that was basically disgusting. It was that industrial grey carpet and was left over from the previous owners so it was what? 10 years old? Yuck. So I thought I'd give it a makeover.

Here's where stuff got complicated- First of all, if you paint a rug you should probably just take a normal neutral rug and add a stencil design. Painting the whole thing takes A LOT of paint (it soaks it right up) and it leaves a crazy texture. It's more like a plastic mat now. Not exactly functional but it looks ok.

Secondly if you do herringbone or chevrons or zig zag (yes they are similar but separate designs) don't be lazy like me and get out a ruler. Turns out eyeing it doesn't work as well and you'd think. As you can see my herringbone is a little (or a lot) crazy.

So in short I wouldn't exactly call this a craft fail since it was free and I like it okay but I think I'll consider it a lesson learned for next time.

Have any of you tried either of these things? How did it turn out? I'd love to see what you did!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Ballet Teacher Appreciation Clip Board


Well, this weekend we wrapped up a whole years worth of ballet lesson with Maggie's 1st recital.  She had an adorable little solo and she just melted her mommy's heart.  It's a good thing she's always so confident because I was a nervous wreck.  She performed beautifully and I couldn't have been more proud.

Her teacher has done so much for her and I really wanted to make her something that she could use and something to remember Mags by.  My friend JJ had the clever idea of getting her a clipboard.  Perfect! 

She takes ballet at one of the large churches down here.  If you're not familiar with the south, theere are lots of large churches and most have preschool and school programs, rec centers, classes and more.  They are very similar to community centers.  We don't attend church here {we go HERE} but we love our time spent with our new friends.  Before each class the girls get together and sing a song called a ballerina prayer.  My favorite lyric of the song is 

"Make me a good ballerina Lord, 
I'll practice hard each day."




I wanted to include part of it on her clipboard.  I'll show you how I did the whole clipboard but first I just have to show you the sweetest little ballerina that ever lived.




She's just so sweet.  Looking at these pictures almost makes me forget that she drew all over the walls yesterday.  Almost.

Okay, so back to the clipboard -



How I did it:  I got the clipboard in a pack of 3 for $3 from Office Max.  You can also purchase them here on Amazon.  It was just that solid particle wood kind.  I sprayed all the metal parts with spray primer.  I then randomly painted brown spots and corners on it {I wanted it to look shabby chic}.  Once the brown paint was dry, I went over the spots with Vaseline.  On top of that I painted the whole thing pink.  Where the Vaseline was the pink paint didn't sick and I was able to wipe away the pink to reveal the brown.  I really liked the worn look it gave the board.

Once the pink dried I used my Cricut and Sure-Cuts-A-Lot program to create a stencil of her teachers name, along with the saying and a silhouette of a ballerina.  I was worried that the excessive rubbing of the top of the board would eventually rub the paint off so I tied some ribbon and rickrack to the top to finish it off.




A gift that is personalized but is also functional.  You really can do so many things with a clipboard for your children's coaches and teachers.  We are just so grateful for all the things Mrs. Andi taught Mags.

Okay I have to do it.  One more picture of the Magster in all of her ballerina cuteness -


Dad and brother gave her flowers and she was over the moon!

If you're looking for more ballet ideas be sure to check out

and