reversible chalkboard placemats.

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.

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.

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.

fiskars article.

current projects.

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.

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.

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!