Friday, September 16, 2011

{Fall} Mantle

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I'm back!  The last few weeks have been a much needed break for this momma.

Little Miss E is growing big, and smiling lots!


I updated my mantle last week, in the hopes of luring fall to Texas.  

(If you haven't heard, we've had 70 days of 100+ degrees here in Dallas this summer.  Yikes!)



Fall Mantle:


Loving this little green bucket I found.  It goes great with my autumn colors!


Close up of both sides of the mantle:






I got most of my foliage at Hobby Lobby.  They had lots of fun autumn stuff that didn't look too plastic-y.


Happy Fall!

Linking up here

Sunday, August 7, 2011

I Spy Bag {a tutorial}

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This was such a fun and easy little project!  It has been on my to do list for literally years! 


I finally got around to making them, and wanted to share with you how you can make one too!



Supplies needed

1/4 yard fabric
1/8 yard clear vinyl (found at all fabric stores, and even wal-mart!)
Plastic Pellets (found on doll aisle at Hobby Lobby)
Miniatures
Sewing machine
Scissors


Start by cutting out all your fabric

You will need:
Two strips measuring 4.75"x2"
two strips measuring in 7.75"x2"
A square piece of fabric for the back measuring 7.75"x7.75"
Clear vinyl measuring 4.75"x4.75"






Sew the two 4.75"x2" strips to opposite sides of your vinyl, like this-





Take one of your 7.75"x2" strips and pin it, right sides together, to your square.  




Sew it.  Should now look like this:



Take your other 7.75" x 2" strip and pin it to your square.  
Right sides together!!


Sew it, and it should look like this:






Now, take your back piece (7.75" x 7.75") and pin it to your completed square, right sides together.









Sew all four sides, leaving a small gap on one side to pour in your plastic pellets and miniatures.  Like so:





Turn your bag right side out, and iron if you think it needs it.
(do NOT iron the vinyl....just the fabric)



Now for the fun part!

Choose your miniatures.  I found all mine in the scrapbooking aisle at Hobby Lobby and on the dollhouse aisle. 





I love miniature stuff!  Some of my favorites:


 Click to enlarge and see the cuteness!







I  let my kiddos choose which ones they wanted in their bags.





Next up, add the plastic pellets.  I used 2.5 cups for each bag.






Sew your hole closed, and now you have an I Spy bag!!






Close ups:

Mr. A's bag



Miss J's bag



I added a tag to each bag with a picture list of everything inside.  It helps me turn it into a game for them.  I just say "can you find the ____ ?"



I found clip art images of the items, and used Word to make the tags.  Each tag is 4"x4", and is laminated for durability.



To attach the tags to the bags, I used large eyelets (also called grommets).



All Done!


Thursday, August 4, 2011

Presenting.....

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Hey friends!  

If you read my blog, you know that I've been expecting a little bundle of joy.  

She's finally here!



Little Miss E

8lbs 13 oz, 20 inches long.

Right now I'm focusing on getting some sleep, and playing with my other two kiddos.

I'll be back soon with a fun tutorial!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Art Birthday Party

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If you saw my post here, you know that Miss J wanted an "Art Party" with a ruffly rainbow cake.



Here are some photos from her super fun party!




Balloon Banner



Party Food



Rainbow Marshmallows

 


yummmm



Rainbow Twizzlers
(a huge hit!  I had no idea how much the kiddos would like these!)

Aren't the clear paint buckets cute?  I am in love.



Assorted goodies




Mini Cupcakes


Bottled Water




Activities


 CANVAS PAINTING

I found the cutest art smocks here for everyone to wear-they got to take one home.





It was fun seeing everyone paint!


Lots of creativity, and lots of mixing colors!



FACE PAINTING
We had a local face painter come, and it she did a great job!







PHOTO OP!

I found this fun frame at Goodwill for a few bucks.  

After a quick coat of spray paint we had a fun photo prop!



Some fun shots:






PARTY FAVORS

No party would be complete without party favors!

Miss J wanted to include everything you would need to be "artsy" at home-a coloring book, composition notebook, markers, crayons, and a paint set.





Overall Jane & her friends had a great time!



Sources and Ideas:

Paint and No Spill paint containers found here and here
Kids art aprons found here
Clear paint buckets for food found here
Balloon Banner Tutorial found here
Rainbow Sprinkle Marshmallow idea found here
Ruffle Top Cake idea found here

I'll have another post up soon with free printables from the party!