no-mess glittered ornaments

One of my personal Christmas traditions is that I like to make a few new ornaments for my tree each year.   They almost always involve glitter.  I was talking to my sister earlier today and she remarked that if she could find a way to work extra glitter into every season, it would make her life a little happier.  I agree completely - glitter makes me happy.

This year I still got the glitter I love without the accompanying mess.  These kid-friendly (i.e. non-breakable) ornaments are made with wood discs and glittered cardstock.  They are totally low-fuss, low-mess, high-sparkle.  You should be able to find all of the supplies at your basic craft store.

First I used a small amount of hot glue to adhere a ribbon loop to each wooden disc.  Then I glued my cut paper to on each side of the disc using Mod Podge.  I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut the glittered circles and little shapes, but you could just as easily use a paper punch, or even cut them out by hand.

It wasn't long before I had a large set of glittery, festive new ornaments.

They really shine against the lights of the tree.

I also made a set of ornaments with my family's initials.  They found a home on our newly decorated mantel (which also features glittered trees, a holiday book wreath, and felt candy cane garland from crafts of Christmas past).

I hope you have had a very merry December so far!  We've been battling sickness at my house.  A week after Cora was born, my husband came down with shingles and then Oscar and Ruby both caught chicken pox (and yes, they were both vaccinated).  Talk about the worst transition period, ever.  I wouldn't have gotten through it without my mom being here, continually saving the day!   It looks like things are on the upswing now, though.  Keep your fingers crossed for me that this little sweetie remains chicken pox-free, would you?

kid craft: easy pipe cleaner spiders

My son, Oscar, loves Halloween.  Whether that love stems from his October birthday or the fact that we did like 4 trick or treating sessions last year, I'll never know (I have my suspicions), but he really looks forward to it.  Last week we started decorating the house at his request, and one of the new items we made was a set of easy pipe cleaner spiders.  We stick to the fun and friendly side of Halloween around here.

They couldn't be more simple - the only supply you need is black pipe cleaners.  The project is easy enough for school aged children, and quick enough to keep the attention of observing toddlers.

1.  You'll need 7 pipe cleaners for a large spider.
2.  Twist 2 pipe cleaners together to make one large strand.
3.  Wind the long strand around your finger to create the body.  You want it to look nice and round, but still have a hole through the middle.

4.  Take four more pipe cleaners and twist them together in the center to create the eight spider legs.
5.  Thread the legs through the hole in the body so there are four legs on each side.
6.  Bend the legs on either side, and spread them out a bit.
7.  Twist the end of each leg to create a little foot.

8.  Using your last pipe cleaner, wind it into another ball, leaving a slight tail at the end.  Tuck the tail into the body of the spider towards the front, creating a head.

All done!  We made a little family of spiders to add to our mantle.   Have you started decorating for Halloween?

yarn-wrapped letters - made cheaper than cheap

I love the yarn-wrapped letter trend that seems to be so popular these days, but I can be a total cheapskate.  So when I went to make some word art for the kids' playroom, I made my own from scratch.

Instead of buying cardboard letter forms from the craft store, I cut my own out of foam board.  To make a template, simply find a font you like in MS Word (or a similar program), and print it out as large as you'd like your letter.  I used the font "Rockwell," in bold (not to be confused with "Rockwell Bold", which was a little too chunky for my taste). To get really big letters, you can print out multiple pages or get them blown up at a copy shop.

Then wrap, wrap, wrap your letters in yarn, until they are completely covered.  Use dabs of hot glue in the corners and around edges to keep the yarn in place.

As a bonus, the foam board letters are really thin and lightweight, and which helps them hang flat against the wall.  I hot glued round picture hangers I had on hand to the back of each letter to hang.

My letters got a lot tidier with practice, so if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  I made this big letter G for our mantel using a thinner yarn and a little more patience.

So far, I've used less than a full piece of foam board and all other materials I've had on hand ... so this project is coming in under $2.   Not bad for a bit of DIY decor!

vinyl wipes case template

You asked for it, so here it is ... a template to make your own vinyl-decorated wipes case.

Supplies needed:

• Hard plastic travel wipes case (my template is made to fit the Huggies brand cases)
• Cut vinyl, contact paper, or scrapbook paper and mod podge - I'm going to show you how I used the vinyl
• scotch tape
• scissors
• wipes case template

First, print and cut out the pdf template (please select the "fit to printable area" option to get the correct sizing).   Get the template HERE.

Prepare your vinyl - I used my Silhouette machine to cut a design (for Silhouette users, this design is called "Butterfly Floral Lace Square").  You could also buy pre-cut vinyl, cut it by hand, or substitute pretty contact paper (there are some great contact paper patterns out there these days).  In my last post, a reader suggested using scrapbook paper and mod podging it to the wipes case.  I've never tried this, but I'm sure it would work!

Lay the template pieces on top of the vinyl, and using small pieces of scotch tape to hold them in place. 

Cut around each template to get one back piece and two front pieces.

Apply the vinyl to the wipes case, according to the material's instructions.  If you are using an intricately cut design, I would strongly recommend using transfer paper.

I used some of the leftover scraps to apply little pieces to the center case flap.

Make sure you firmly adhere the vinyl to the case, smoothing down all corners, and you're done!  Enjoy your one-of-a-kind wipes case.

And one more time ... here's another link for the wipes case template, in case you missed it.  :)

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an even easier diaper wipes case

There is no fooling you guys - most of you were spot on with your guesses about Ruby's costume in the last post.   I'll wait until I've actually sewn something wearable before I make a reveal though Snow White or Wonder Woman?  I'm sure you'll lose sleep over the anticipation.  :)

This week I made a diaper wipes case for a friend's baby shower,  but I wasn't in the mood for hot-gluing (every once and a while I like to save my fingertips).

Instead, I got out my vinyl and cut an all-over pattern using my Silhouette machine.    The front had the pattern only, fudged slightly on that center flap.

The back has the same pattern repeated, and the mommy-to-be's last name in the center.  I doubt she'll ever grab the wrong case at the playground now.

You don't need a Silhouette to make one of these (although that certainly makes the process quicker and more precise).   Vinyl can always be cut by hand, and I think even Contact Paper would work well.  I recommend using a premium or outdoor vinyl if you can get your hands on it, since the adhesive is stronger and hold up to more abuse.

I saved my template pieces for the front and back of the case, so let me know if you'd like me to post them!
UPDATE:  You can find the wipes case template posted HERE.

chalkboard contact paper

Here I go, jumping on the chalkboard bandwagon ...

We recently moved into a new house, but since we are still renting, I can't really go crazy with the chalkboard paint.   We did, however, purchase the refrigerator, so I went ahead and ordered a roll of chalkboard contact paper, hoping it would do the trick.

It is so easy, and really works like a real chalkboard.  And did I mention it is easy?  You literally peel and stick (you can also pull it off and reposition).

I cut off a big piece for the kids to doodle on for the bottom of the fridge, and used my Silhouette to cut a smaller, prettier shape (you can run contact paper through the machine just like vinyl) to make notes on up top ... grocery lists, love notes, or whatever else springs to mind.

For best results, prep the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk all over the surface, then erase, and repeat.   Now you're ready for maximum doodling!   My kids love it, and I love not having them attached to my leg while I'm trying to fix lunch.

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apron in an hour

Next month, the woman's organization at my church is having a retro-homemaking themed evening of activities.  Among the classes, I am leading a sewing class to make an easy apron.  These are my test runs ...

We are using the Apron in an Hour tutorial by Stop Staring and ... Start Sewing.  True to its name, it really only takes about an hour and is so cute (love the long sash for a front bow!). 

These two aprons are made with quilting weight cotton, so they are more for looks than function.  I'm going to look for some heavier fabrics for the real aprons.

Speaking of fabric, I can't tell you how much I love this print.  It is called Spring Street by Carolyn Gavin. 

If you are looking for homemade gift ideas for this Christmas, this apron is a great place to start -   thanks, Jona, for the fun pattern!

shirred bloomers (a.k.a. not a very exciting post)

I have a new favorite way of making bloomers/diaper covers:  elastic thread!

Do you hate making elastic casings, or is that just me?  Instead, I've been making bloomers out of jersey fabric and shirring the waist and leg openings with elastic thread. 

I use Dana's Perfect Diaper Cover pattern to cut the fabric (old t-shirts work great for this).  Before sewing the front and back pieces together, I sew two lines of elastic thread on the leg and three rows to the waist.  Then sew together at the sides and crotch and they are done, lickety-split.  You don't even have to fold over the seams on the openings, because jersey won't fray.  They take literally 10 minutes to make.  As a bonus, they are super stretchy, so I think they'll fit a long time.  Hurray for that.

That's all for today.  Hope you're having a great week!

serger scraps hair clip

Remember those beautiful serger scraps I posted last week?

The hoarder in me couldn't bear to throw them out right away, so they sat in a pile on my kitchen table for several days.  Late one night while I was baking cake layers, I wound them up as you would make a yarn pom pom (just not quite as dense), tied it off at the center, trimmed up the resulting puff, and hot glued it to a hair clip.  So easy, and it was a perfect match to the rainbow dress (since that's where the scraps came from, of course).

rainbow bean bag toss

As I was gluing a bazillion 1-inch punched paper rainbow dots to Ruby's bean bag toss board yesterday, I realized about 3/4 of the way through that a similar effect could have been achieved much more easily with some pretty wrapping paper.  Duh.  Motherhood may have melted my brain, but apparently has boosted my patience.

At least bean bags are fast and easy to make!

happy birthday, ruby!

My sweet and saucy Ruby turns one year old today.  I can't believe how fast this year has flown by!

One of Ruby's very favorite activities is singing the Monkey and Crocodile song.  She thinks it is hysterical and bops along to the song, giggling and grinning.

For her birthday, I made a set of monkey and crocodile finger puppets, and I'd also like to share the template with you.  Get the monkey and crocodile finger puppet template HERE.

If you are not familiar with the song, here is a copy of the text, as we sing it:

We are doing some light birthday celebrations today, but the big shindig is next weekend when we have family in town.  We are doing a double party for Ruby and her cousin, Violet, complete with a festive rainbow theme.  Lots of details to come later.

Happy birthday, Ruby!  I love you.

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M&J Trimming Blogger's Challenge

I had the pleasure of participating in M&J Trimming's Blogger's Challenge this year - which I was thrilled about, because M&J Trimming is the most spectacular trim spot in NYC.  I loved going to that store, and Jared dreaded it, because I always wanted to look for "just a few more minutes" (a.k.a. hours on end).

Each blogger received a mystery box (pictured above) and we had free reign to use it however we liked.  I have to admit, some of the materials had me totally stumped ... but I pulled it together in the end.  Head over to the M&J Blog to check out all the blogger's projects (complete with instructions!).

Here's a peak at one of my projects...

Also, leave a comment (with email contact) on the M&J Challenge 2 post for a chance to win the same box of supplies.

Flower Hair Clip Tutorial with Silhouette Fabric Interfacing

Did you know you can now cut fabric with the Silhouette?  Over the weekend, I tested the new fabric interfacing and fell in love with my Silhouette all over again.

 The Sewable Fabric Interfacing has a thin adhesive which allows you to temporarily adhere your cut shape to your project while sewing (and is sewing machine friendly).  The Clean-Cut Interfacing has a stronger adhesive for a cleaner cut and less fraying over time, and is meant for projects that don't need to be washed and will be hand-stitched.

I used the Clean Cut Interfacing to make some pretty flower hair accessories.  I love that they are far more detailed than anything I typically make by hand, but the best part is how fast they come together.  I can't tell you how much I enjoy having a machine do all my cutting for me.

 First, I got my document ready, inserting the 3D Ruffle Flower template from the online store.  Then I prepared my fabric, following the instructions on the package.  The interfacing is an easy iron-on.  It literally takes 2 seconds with a hot iron to adhere the interfacing to your fabric.  When you are ready to cut, change the Silhouette settings to about a 30 thickness and slow the cutting speed down to about a 3.

When the cut was finished, I was able to pop many of the fabric flowers right out, although I did have to use my scissors to snip a thread here and there to release others.  I noticed that when I used fabric with a tighter weave, the cut was cleaner.

The interfacing is fusible on both sides.  It is smooth and kind of shiny, but unless you apply heat, it doesn't feel sticky.

I stacked the flowers, applying the iron to the center only to fuse them together.

Then I sewed a few pearls to the center.  I'm not going to lie - it was tough to push my needle through all those gluey layers, but it was manageable.

I attached one flower to a stretch headband, and the rest to hair clips and bobby pins.  And I kind of love them.  If they weren't so easy to make, I'd have a tough time giving them away.  I have a family wedding coming up ... maybe all the cute little nieces need coordinating hair accessories?

Check out the Silhouette blog to see more ways the fabric interfacing can be used.

Silhouette America is running special promotions this week (March 21-27) featuring the new Fabric Interfacing.  Using the promo code JILL at checkout when you purchase a Silhouette SD, you will also receive one package of each fabric interfacing (clean cut & sewable) and a roll of white flocked heat transfer material for only $229.  

If you already have a Silhouette, use the promo code JILL at checkout to receive a 25% discount on fabric interfacing through March 27th. 

p.s.  I know I post a lot about Silhouette projects these days, and I really hope it doesn't bother those of you who aren't Silhouette-users.  This little machine truly has changed the way I do crafts, so I can't help posting about it frequently, since I use it on, well ... everything!

easy fabric baskets

If you like super quick sewing projects, this post is for you.  These little baskets take only about 20 minutes to make.

I started with the Tidy Tray tutorial at The Sewing Republic, which is a very simple project.  You basically sew a square and then sew the corners together to create a little basket.  I didn't change much, but did take a few shortcuts.   First, I substituted fusible fleece interfacing so I wouldn't have to pin much.  Also, I didn't mark full lines on the fabric and eliminated the stitching on the bottom of the basket.  I just marked little dots equal distances in from each corner, and then folded the square on the diagonal to make the dots meet up.  Sew a straight seam perpendicular to the finished edge, and you're done!

Then I experimented with making larger baskets with deeper sides.  I didn't like how much the corners stuck out, so I folded them in onto the sides and then stitched them down.

The original squares on these two nesting boxes were 12.5 inches and 8.5 inches.  I marked each corner at 2.5 inches before sewing and folding.  I think they are cute - like little folded fabric boxes.  So simple, and seriously quick.  They are perfect as a little catch-all to hold spare change, jewelry, or whatever else you need to keep contained!