Wooden Disc Game for Kids

Kids will enjoy making and creating a wooden disc game. This is great for children with sensory issues as well. 

Supply List:

Wooden round disc found at your local craft store

Mod Podge

Paint Swatches or colored paper

Paint Brush

Hole Punch

Microsoft paper if you desire in circled patterns

My hole punches are one inch and a half inch. 

Lay your pattern or punch hole dots in the center of your wooden disk

Mod Podge each disc, allow to dry fully 

I allowed my disc to dry in the sun 

Cloth Bag, a couple of dice and your disc and you have an instant game that you and your children can make up and create as you go.. take on vacation with you, help your child to learn colors, etc. 

For personal use only, do not make to resell.

Happy Crafting 

Vintage Apron in a Snap

Tag sales are great to shop around for Vintage pieces. I found this adorable single panel curtain for just a few dollars. I love shopping around for really unique pieces. It's my hidden addiction,  shhh, don't tell anyone. 

I am going to assume it was for a kitchen window, but I fell in love with all the flowers at the bottom. I just knew I had to have this and turn it into something really cute. 

Sorry for the blur.. my camera would not cooperate with me today. I folded the curtain in half and cut the top half off, leaving just the bottom half.

I added a one inch seam at the top part that was raw, and folded this over to make a nice seam. Leaving the ends open, so I can slide in ribbon on both sides.  Ops, did I mention I don't use straight pins when I sew. I eye ball everything when I sew. At this step, if you use straight pins, dig them out and use them. 

Isn't the piping trim along the bottom so adorable. So vintage, good thing I had ribbon that would match inside my studio. If not, white ribbon would of worked just as well. 

Ta Da.. a  Vintage Apron in a snap... So adorable. The ribbon that I used matched the trim along the bottom. Perfect match and this Vintage Apron turned out really adorable.  You could add a pocket if you wanted with the top piece that you cut off, I can still add the pocket if I want, which I might just do.. 

My wire dress form is leaning on me because of the yard.. I got this dress form for a super bargain as well.. for FREE.. Maybe she needs a new paint job... hum, well perhaps another day :)

I was at another tag sale last year and found a 5 gallon tote full of ribbon. I am not sure why anyone  didn't purchased all this ribbon,  but I was able to talk the man into selling me all the ribbon inside the 5 gallon tote plus the tote container for $5.00. Never hurts to ask... I donated about 200 spools and kept about 150 spools for myself.. all brand new might I add. 

This apron would make a very cute gift to give to anyone who just moved into a new house, or a hostess gift with a bottle of wine and a home made card. Or a birthday gift with a ribbon bow. 

While at the local Bakery, never be afraid to ask if you can purchase a single bakery box. 

Happy sewing and crafting today :) 

Shabby Chic Treasure Box

If you have a teenager at home, or a few spending the night. This is a super fun project to do. Or would make a wonderful gift to give to any new mommy. 

I found this plain wooden box at GW (Goodwill) for under $1.50 

Supply List:

Wooden Box (plain) 

Spray Paint

Finger Nail Polish

Mod Podge

Wooden Bead for knob or some other knob

Glue Gun

Fine grid sand paper

First, spray paint your box any color you would like. I used a light gloss of Ballet Slipper. Allow spray paint to almost dry.. where it's still a little tacky to the touch. Next I used a shimmer pink pearl finger nail polish and went over the corners and down the side, giving this box a feel of oldness. While that was drying. I took the wooden bead and put a layer of mod podge over it and covered it using the same tissue paper as the other prior projects. Allow this wooden bead to dry. 

I used a small bead of hot glue inside the frame and then laid my tiny pearls along this bead, go slowly as hot glue dries quickly. Once that is completed. I cut the tissue paper for the (see through door). I was lucky enough to find this box with a clear see through door on top that already had a plastic over lay. If you find a box with an open door, you can cut out a piece of card board, lay white printer paper over the card board and tape this white paper down. Then apply your tissue paper over the white paper. You can as well glue the white paper to the card board. I didn't glue my tissue paper down because later on, I might opt to change out the tissue paper. 

Hot glue your wooden bead on for the knob and seal this with clear finger nail polish or a fine thin coat of Mod Podge. Add your accessories to the top and complete with a bow. 

I spray painted the entire box inside and out. So if you opt to do this, you must allow everything to dry fully before you proceed to the next steps. After everything has been allowed to dry fully. Take your fine grid sand paper and go over the sides and corners on top, giving an old appearance and worn effect. 

This box would look really adorable on any dresser, filled with movie tickets, special date night memento's, prom night flowers, jewelery or smaller baby items. 

If you can't find this type of box, what you can do is head to the dollar store and pick up a wooden picture frame. Take the picture frame to GW (Goodwill) and find a box that will fit your picture frame. You will have to purchase small hinges as well to attach your picture frame to the top of the box. But you could achieve the same Shabby Chic Treasure Box by creating one from these separate items. 

Happy Crafting today :) 

Adorable Glass Beaded Candle Holder

This adorable glass beaded candle holder was made by using a clear glass. Purchased at GW for 25 cents.
I had the glass beads in my studio. I think I purchased the whole bag at my local craft store for under $5.00

To create on of these adorable glass beaded candle holders. You will need a clear drinking glass, glass beads, glue gun and some time. 

Here is the reason for the glass beads.

The flickering of the candle shines right through the glass beads at night time. 

My glass drinking cup was large enough to drop a small glass candle inside. This way I don't have to mess with removing candle wax when the candle has burned all the way down. But if you opt not to slip in a smaller candle. Make sure you spray inside your glass, a thin layer of cooking spray (not the butter type) this will help remove the wax from the candle when the candle has burned to the bottom of the glass. 

I started in the center of the glass drinking cup and worked my way up and and around. You must use a very hot  glue gun for this project or opt to use glass glue. Other wise your beads will start to fall off.  I did not cover the base of my glass as you can see, because I wanted to be able to carry it and not have to wrap my hand around the beads.

This would make a wonderful gift to give to someone, or perhaps yourself...
You may use this project for yourself, but not for resale. 

Making T-Shirt Prints

Have you seen some of those very costly t-shirts that you would love to have 10 of, but the cost per each is out of your budget.. why not make your own adorable t-shirts at home with the use of just 7 items.

Supply List:

T-shirts (all white cotton is the best to use for this project) 

Fabric

Sewing machine

Crafter's Photo Fabric

Ink Jet Printer  

Tape and craft paper

Computer 

I had never used "Crafter's Photo Fabric" which you can pick up at Joann Fabrics. But as with anything new I purchase, it's trial and error before I post to my blog all the "what if's" and iron out all the errors.

I must say, this stuff is AWESOME.. not only can you use this in your printer, but you can as well print, peel and sew as the package states. 

(I used craft paper and tape to hold down the photo fabric, prior to sending it through my printer.)

The idea's are endless with Photo Fabric... 

What I did was go to my Microsoft word and type out what I wanted on my Photo Fabric, then I as well added the little stork. I wanted my design to be black and white, but you can do color ink as well on your printer. 

After you have printed out your own design, have the font you would like to use and have are ready to print.  Click print image from your own computer, this is where you can select black and white ink, or color or both. Print out your design, allow your design to dry for 15 minutes, peel paper backing away. Rinse for 30 seconds under running water, or until the water runs clear. Place wet photo fabric on a towel to dry and blot with towel, if needed iron out the wrinkles on your photo fabric. 

I clipped out a piece of fabric (smaller then the photo fabric image) and then centered it under the fabric (shown in the picture above) 

Take out your sewing machine and do a zig zag stitch inside the photo fabric and then outside along the edge of your selected fabric. 

If you wanted to, you could use your photo fabric for images of your children, vacation pictures, add words, changed the fonts, do all sort of creative things with your photo fabric. (just make sure to follow the standard instructions which are provided) 

If you would like to be very savvy, you could use photo fabric to create a very unique pillow, blanket, purse and more.. the idea's are endless. 

If you need a bunch of white t-shirts, head to your local goodwill store and pick up some on half day off. I have a feeling, once you start this project you will be using photo fabric on many things..

                                I made all of these in just a couple of hours as Gifts last year for those who I knew had new babies. They are really cute laid out in a white box with tissue paper and a small gift card.

Happy Crafting 

Curb Side Shopping, is another name for....

Curb Side Shopping... Oh the days of hearing the rolling laughter from the back seat of the SUV.. Giggles were all over the car and the memories, priceless. Fast forward today, I now have a teenager at home and the last thing she would like to do is curb side shop.. It's so embarrassing "MOTHER".. I might run into someone I know, my daughter tells me... !!

I have taken almost all of my 7 children with me curb side shopping.. Oh the treasures one can find. 

Here is some pictures of last years finds..

Super nice metal table, just needed a new paint job.

Super Nice wooden table, just needed new stain.

For those who do not know, "Curb Side Shopping" is where you find hidden treasures and things other people dis-guard by the road side.. Unwanted, no longer needed and just waiting to be picked up and taken home.  

I found this chair last year.. unreal someone would just toss out a wooden chair by the road.. This ended up sanded and a new fresh coat of stain was given to this chair.

I have a huge collection now of these big heavy duty flower pots. I spray painted this one white then touched it back up with sky blue. It's still sitting on my front porch. 

With each piece I collect by "Curb Side Shopping" I feel like I am helping my community by keeping these treasures from ending up in our landfills. Some of the items have no business just being burned. 

6 Chairs found by the side of the road. I washed and cleaned them up and gave each one a new coat of paint. These are the heavy duty chairs that can lay all the way back/down. I don't even think they actually make these types of lawn chairs anymore.. But there was no way I was going to allow all of these chairs to go to our local landfill.. 

Why would anyone toss this out by the curb.. my heavens. I just provided this little beauty with new stain and it's ready for a new home ..

Most of the items I collected last year, found new homes to go to. We had one massive giveaway day here and then found a local family that needed a few items. 

I saved these items from our local landfill.. When I leave it's dark, it's with a truck and I don't return home until the truck is full.. My husband, well, he gets very excited to see all the treasures I have found. We unload each piece off the truck and haul it to the back yard.. The next morning, I am up early washing, cleaning and scrubbing away all the pieces. 

Have you ever picked up anything by the curb in your area? If so, I would really like to know what you picked up, what you did with what you picked up. 

Mothers Day Gift

We all want to provide a little something to our darling mother's, sisters, daughters, g-friends, co-workers for Mother's Day. Here is a little something that is very thoughtful to give and the children and grand children can help make each one.

First you are going to need a tall drinking mug, pick one out that is really cute and speaks volumes of Shabby Chic or something in a phrase that has special meaning.

 These mugs are simply beautiful !

Next on the list, potting soil. 

Make sure your potting soil is good quality. 

Next on the list, some really beautiful flowers of a mix variety. 

 Select a 4 of each flower to place into your coffee mug. 

So if you are doing several mugs, make sure you have enough flowers of each to go into his mug.

Add a bow to the handle, a little painted wooden flower and you have a super wonderful Mother's day gift that will bloom all summer long. (you can opt to use a basket, just make sure you cut some clear plastic to fit inside the basket prior to filling with your potting soil. This will ensure that the basket does not grow mold when watered. 

I had so much fun making these little flower pots. Get very creative in your selection of mugs, flowers and accessories you can add to your potted flower mug :) 

Here is just a very cute little pot I found that was just calling yellow flowers. The heart in the back ground is all wood and painted with some paint by hand, then a wooden rod is placed up inside the heart. 

Here is another tall mug I found, I just loved the little yellow chickens on the front and all the colored flowers. 

You can find mugs online, tag sales, thrift stores or even garage sales. Always be on the look out for the taller decorative mugs and grab a few to keep on hand. 

You can grab a few wooden hearts here in different sizes. 

If you run out of paint, or don't have any paint on hand to paint your heart.. Don't worry. I have a very good secret tip. (you can use your finger nail polish) just pour some out in a little plastic cup and grab a brush and start painting.  If you have paint on hand, spray paint your heart on one side, light pink or white, allow to almost dry, to where the paint on the heart is tacky.. and then use your finger nail polish to swirl into the spray paint.  This trick is what I used to create my Shabby Chic hearts that you see in the photo's above. Allow then to fully dry. Spray paint the other side of your heart and do the exact same as you did on the other side. 

Have fun creating your wonderful Shabby Chic Mugs.. 

These would make a super wonderful gift to give to any new mommy who is expecting, birthday's, baby showers.. the list is endless. You could even hang a package of new seeds off the wooden flower as well with a ribbon. 

Have fun crafting up your own Shabby Chic Flower Pot Mug :) 

Felt Spaghetti, So yummies fun

Guido has been playing with the felt food

He said, this Creation is my son. Today is his birthday and we are having a huge big party. !

Notice his one thumb up.

He has not given this creation a name as of yet, he just refers to him as his "Son". He has played with him for days now.

I decided to try one more felt food offering lots of colors and this is what I came up with.

Yum, a bowl full of felt pasta's. Red, Green and White pasta no doubt.

Green is Guido's favorite color, so I try to incorporate this color into everything for him that I make or create. So you probably will be seeing many green things...

He has been pretending to eat the pasta which is great for him to get the feeling of being able to eat things that he normally can't other wise try. 

Creating Felt Food for your little one.

Felt Cup Cake; Yum 

Felt Food Wonders

When I was scouting online for play food to create for my little boy. I came across a cup cake that I thought I could make.

At first I was not real sure how to go about doing this.

As it turns out, I ended up sewing a strawberry with green top out of felt to add to the cup cake. 

Since my little boy is allergic to so many foods & is autistic, being able to play with these felt foods is really awesome for him. 

I hope you enjoy my pictures.

Bow Tie Pasta

Felt Cup Cake

Bow Tie Pasta 

Yum, bow tie pasta that he can play with and move around on the plate. 

I made this pasta with felt as well and in different colors. His favorite color is green, so green bow tie pasta was a must to make for him along with white and red bow tie pasta. 

Another Cute Cup Cake 

The final cup cake I made is red felt mixed in with black felt. With red top and white top. 

The ribbon along the bottom makes it the cup cake appear that it is sitting inside a little cup cake holder. 

I can just see a set of 3 of these inside a white bakery box with bow for a little boy or girl to play with for pretend baking and playing. 

Felt Ice Cream Cone 

I know my little boy has really enjoyed playing with the felt food today :)

My Studio / Office and all my Fabrics

My first Brother sewing machine 

 Retired Sears Sewing machine 

New Brothers sewing machine, see the blue butterfly 

I love this big bolt of fabric that I purchased. 

It's a super great fabric to work with. 

 I work with over 9000 fabrics daily

 Ops, I just noticed I left on my sewing machine light

New Fabrics that just arrived, I so love the colors !

Bolts, containers, stacks... I am addicted to fabrics.

What does your office look like ?