she's one crafty mama

this just in. well sort of.

2011-02-19T18:03:00.001-08:00

hey you can now catch my on my brand-sparkling-new blog:

yodelingjane.blogspot.com

i decided to consolidate my personal and crafty blogs. i would love to have you join me!

gifted magazine.

2010-11-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

this magazine is just what i need to get inspired for the holiday season. so beautiful and you can thumb through the pages online and for FREEEEEEE (said in an adam sandler "bedtime stories" voice. my kids never get over that one.)

my new favorite blog.

2010-11-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

oh i am so inspired by one charming party.

i would love to have her plan a party for one of my girls. they would go nuts over this american girl pioneer party.

or this wizard of oz soiree.

oh my!

little girl pilgrim bonnet.

2010-11-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

so i know i have very much neglected this blog over the past several months. sorry blog. whoever is leaving obscene comments in chinese should be ashamed of themselves. however, i think you will survive.

like i have said before, it hasn't been that all the craftiness in my life has stopped. i have been very crafty actually. but it is a hard thing to do a craft blog post. taking pictures every step of the way. loading them onto the computer, THEN uploading to blogger. then looking at the html and trying to figure out what picture goes with what dialogue. now you see why. there is probably a better way. and i am totally clueless as to what way that is. my hats off to all those who do this every day.

so once again, i promise i will do better.

i love thanksgiving. it is an incredibly meaningful and neglected holiday. i think that it is overtaking halloween on my favorite holidays list (i know, blasphemous!)

this year for thanksgiving, i volunteered to decorate the kids table. i have found so many fantastic ideas, i just had to try them out. i will link them all, i promise.

one thing i was totally smitten with was the turkey and pilgrim hat headbands at pottery barn kids. but i DID NOT want to pay the $10 per headband (unless i was totally desperate.) so i resolved that i would make them.

then i stumbled onto this pattern for a paper bonnet and pilgrim hat on marthastewart.com. i loved it. and wanted to replicate them in fabric, so they could be used year after year.

i basically followed the instructions for the bonnet, except sewing instead of gluing. i used an ivory colored felt (on the bolt) that you can pick up at any fabric store.

first cut the felt to 12 inches by 18 inches. cut two slits about 4 inches into the fabric, at 6 and 12 inches.

make a 1 inch fold at the top of your fabric for the cuff.

sandwich a 6 inch piece of ribbon in the fold. pin and sew (1/4 inch seam allowance), making sure to backstitch at each end.

fold the center piece of felt up to get it out of the way to sew the back of the bonnet.

fold the bonnet in half, right sides together. make sure the center piece is out of the way. pin and sew together. i gave a bigger seam allowance, about an inch to tighten up the back of the bonnet.

trim excess fabric and turn right side out.

the last step i added, was to tack the center piece to the back of the bonnet. i just sewed a quick straight stitch, but you could easily sew a few stitches by hand to prevent it from flying up.

sorry about the poor photos and ragged looking child. these were taken in the middl of a play date, and one could not be bothered by mom's silly endeavors.

other kids table ideas:

paper bag turkey and corn cob place cards

finger puppet favors (i started doing this one, a little too labor intensive for me, but still so cute!)

i will be back with the pilgrim hat headbands. i need to adjust the sizes a bit for a two-year-old and 10-month-old.

reversible chalkboard placemats.

2010-04-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

i just discovered a product at joann's called blackboard fabric. it is quite awesome in my opinon as the possibilities are endless.

i also have recently fallen in love with another product, iron on vinyl. you basically can make your own oilcloth, with whatever fabric you choose.

the pattern is simple really.

the blackboard fabric at joann's is 28 inches wide. i chose to maximize my fabric usage and cut my placemats 14 inches by 17 inches.

next you need to prepare the blackboard fabric for use. simply rub a piece of chalk up/down and side to side across the fabric. (all these instructions are on a paper that comes with the blackboard fabric.)

wipe excess chalk off. and set aside.

cut out your reverse side fabric to the same dimensions as the blackboard fabric. follow the manufacturer's directions on the packaging to adhere vinyl to the fabric. this really is an easy process. in my experience, i think it is easier to adhere than fusible interfacing.

then simply sew the two pieces of fabric, wrong sides together. i left a 1/2 inch border around the edge. i would use some fabric glue to temporarily adhere them together first. both fabrics slide easily while sewing. trim threads, use pinking shears to even out edges and leave a decorative touch. these would make great gifts, especially for kids if you sewed a ribbon into the side seam so it could be rolled up and tied. i'll have to try that next.

guesting.

2010-04-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

today i am over at the polka dot chair blog. i've shared some ideas for making your own hat for the kentucky derby. sadly i am going to miss watching the run for the roses this year. did i tell you about the crazy race i am in this weekend? i feel prepared, but i always get so nervous before new races. i am hoping that training at altitude will really help me.

melissa will be sharing some great ideas this week to get ya'll fired up for the most exciting two minutes in sports on saturday!

fin.

2010-01-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

i finished up the girls' love pouches (despite a nasty sinus infection and staying up until 1 am). melissa did a great job creating this pattern and i love the way they turned out. watch her shop for more great things to come.

hearts project.

2010-01-14T23:42:00.001-08:00

fiskars article.

current projects.

2010-01-14T23:18:00.000-08:00

check out the new may and mae etsy shop for this cute "love pouch" project pattern. i have already started mine (i mean, my THREE!) and i am quite excited to get them finished up.

also check out melissa's blog, the polka dot chair for great sewing/craft projects and advice.

quickly whipped up this birthday tee for my wee one's birthday tomorrow. she's two already? sheesh!

thinking about cutting some fleece flowers for these scarves tonight. why not? the night is young!

quite possibly the cutest thing i have ever made.

2009-12-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

you can't really see his pretzel stick arms, but that are there and all part of the cuteness.

and i am not lying here, RIDICULOUSLY simple.

recipe found here. it is mistakenly labeled as "Cream Cheese Pepper Jelly Christmas Tree".

holiday greetings.

2009-12-17T19:40:00.001-08:00

a few years ago, after looking at our pile of saved christmas cards hauled out with rest of our christmas decorations, a lightbulb went off inside my head. "why not put them all in an album?" now, a little background. i do love the whole christmas card deal. i love getting them. i love sending them. it doesn't really feel like a chore to me. so each year i have carefully laid aside an extra card for for family to keep. with the exception of one year, when i accidentally cut the picture out of the card to give to ellie.

so here is my "holiday greetings" album. nothing fancy. i think i was given the album. i don't do much on the page either. i just let the photos and sentiments speak for themselves.

album cover. i may add something one day.

my favorite saying. i may use this again one day.

ellie's first christmas card appearance.

drew's first christmas card appearance.

tara whitney photographic genius.

cat's first appearance.

and......ta da....... this year's craziness. cards went out today.

and i just have to say that tiny prints is my FAVORITE place to order cards from. so yums!

i'm crafty.

2009-12-15T19:42:00.001-08:00

i just haven't been very good at posting it.

(hopefully) over the next few days, i am going to post a few little ideas that i have been meddling with, quick and easy for the crazy holidays.

faux printed candles:

this is a great idea with a great video tutorial by the fab heidi swapp.

i used the christmas greetings mega brush kit from house of 3. they also offer a holiday candle kit specifically sized for making these candles.

a few hints:

printing on tissue paper is a beast. just be patient.

use pins instead of adhesive. much easier. stick it like a voodoo doll.

the wax will get a bit bumpy. you can smooth it out, but i like to just let go and live with the imperfections.

very fun to use the heat tool.

and there you have a great inexpensive gift.

a new favorite.

2009-11-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

spud & chloe.

such yummy stuff. there is a knit-along pattern for a turkey this month. i can't wait to start on that.

before school organization tips.

2009-08-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

this segment on studio 5 was really helpful. i am going to incorporate organizing the needed school items, the night before with these labeled baskets.

i know the baby isn't in school, but she has plenty of stuff that needs to be organized and put away.

i'm back.

2009-08-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

here is a cute idea for your special student going back to school. taken from pioneer party and gift. i just used scrapbook rub-ons letters, a bit of scrap paper and voila!

project next.

2009-06-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

luckily i already have the paint. i think i will try to find some old enamel ware. my kitchen needs a little somethin'.

farm chicks here.

articlehere.

i almost, almost bought this today....

2009-06-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

string theory quilt by denyse schmidt.

i would like to replicate some of denyse's work. she has a great book that i should get.

the sundance catalog outlet is a bad place to go (for me).

exactly what i want.

2009-06-01T15:19:00.001-07:00

cjane is doing a product blog. i lurve it!

do this now: notepad.

2009-05-28T15:32:00.001-07:00

sometimes it is just that extra touch to make your life not feel so mundane. i ripped off this idea from becky higgins' blog. so easy and a great way to get rid of all those pesky scraps of paper in your life.

first cut a piece of patterned paper 5 inches (or whatever width your notepad is) by 2 inches.

my notepad is slightly used.

glue the heck out of your paper, especially around the edges. i use herma dotto dots permanent adhesive. but a good glue stick would probably work just as well.

attach. embellish as you want. and voila!

isn't that better? the green just wasn't helping the chaos.

now if you have a half an hour go make a bunch for your friends. they will think you are so cool.

"that is the most beautiful thing i have ever seen."

2009-05-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

that's what the eldest said that when she came home and saw this.

it was quite a sight to behold.

silicone baking cups are from crate and barrel.

ripped off from here.

wish i had more time.

2009-05-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

amy butler just came out with a new sewing cd. makes me covetous just looking at the pictures. i keep reminding myself, "one day i will have time to do this. scratch that. i won't have time, but i will make time."

now i am off to baby school...

cute teacher's gift.

2009-05-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

this is totally ripped off from another blog. i can't remember which one. sorry whomever i ripped off.

i am not one for big overdone teacher gifts. usually i just contribute to the class gift. but this year my girl's teachers have really gone above and beyond and i just want to show my appreciation.

i have wanted to try etching for several years. ever since i saw martha do it.

so finally i tried.

so go and get yourself some etching cream. i got mine at michael's, near the "real" craft supply section, like leather working and rug hooking. don't fall for buying any of their stencils. they are cheesy beyond belief.

i also used and IKEA jar, but i think this would also be fantastic on a regular mason jar.

* imagine picture of area being prepared to etch.*

i just used a variety of leftover scrapbooking stickers. if you can find vinyl ones to reuse, more power to you. also i want to find some decent letter stencils (no i don't have a fancy vinyl stencil maker, shocker, i know), because you need to mask the area off.

so now that our etching area has been prepped. apply a very thick layer of etching cream. thicker than you ever imagined. you will thank me later. let it sit for 5 minutes and don't touch.

this isn't listed on the directions, but i read about this elsewhere. put some baking soda over the etched area. apparently it stops the etching process, but more importantly it is supposed to neutralize the acid before it goes down the drain and into our water source.

rinse off the etching cream. i use a paper towel to get all of it off. and voila!

add a treat and a little somethin', somethin' and you are good to go.

for my test run i decided to etch the underside of a pyrex dish. i have seen this done before and i thought it was the most brilliantest of all ideas. now that new mom will know who that pan goes to.

do this now.

2009-03-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

apologies for the sorry photo and ugly garage (our next project is actually improving our garage. wow! the economy IS that bad).

putting kids artwork on the door from the garage to the house. it makes coming home that much nicer. this is such a great idea that i blatantly ripped off from my friend's house.

*editor's note: most of my ideas are rip-offs, so beware if i ever enter your house.*

wrap it up.

2009-03-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

craft paper is truly one of my favorite things. the wrapping that comes on potted plants..... not so much.

my solution:

i put a plastic bag on first, secure it with a rubber band and then wrapped with the craft paper and tied with twine (or ribbon).

the nice thing is that you can just change the ribbon for each season/holiday/event and you are good to go.

this is the same potted plant from a shower that i hosted.

i need more wall space

2009-03-15T12:43:00.001-07:00

to do this.

i have been holding on to this little photo for a while. such a simple project with big visual results.

image from the purl bee. instructions here.

the crafts department

2009-03-15T11:39:00.001-07:00

check out this new blog from the martha stewart family.

i wish i had a cat to knit this little scarf for.

very excited to see this in person

2009-03-15T11:38:00.001-07:00

encyclopedia of crafts

so it begins

2009-03-15T11:22:00.001-07:00

i don't know why, but for some reason i want a place to "store" all my crafty kid/mom ideas, since that is what i am most interested in. these ideas will include home design, food, art, outdoor/nature activities. so i guess it is not really for just "crafty" stuff, but i just like the name.

i am also hoping this to be a collaborative effort, so for all you crafty mamas out there, let me know if you would be interested in becoming a contributor to the blog.

hoping to get some ideas posted soon.