tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1630388603634557952024-03-13T14:18:33.469-07:00Stitch SlappedShanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-78283450983090859012011-02-21T14:56:00.000-08:002011-02-21T15:06:42.049-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seHt21I6fho/TWLtzadVh7I/AAAAAAAAA20/N_qLTUyi0BI/s1600/logocherry.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seHt21I6fho/TWLtzadVh7I/AAAAAAAAA20/N_qLTUyi0BI/s320/logocherry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576280756169574322" border="0" /></a><br />It pretty much goes without saying that I am a pretty crappy blogger. When it comes to my list of things I'm motivated to do during the day, updating this blog is probably number 99 out of 100 (with number 100 being scrapbooking). However, checking and updating my Facebook page probably falls at number 4 (after feeding, schooling my youngins, and crafting sweets).<br /><br />I figure it would be smarter for me to start a fan page for my shop, since I'm on Facebook anyway, and making stuff for my shop is how I spend my free time -- I haven't really been making other crafts unless they are for school. I won't be shutting down this blog since there come a time I feel the urge to blog, I just don't know when.<br /><br />The purpose of my facebook page will be to share pictures of my newest creations, share some other cool Etsy shops, share Treasuries that feature my goodies, and my favorite part -- host giveaways. I realized I just don't have a big enough following on my blog for decent giveaways, so Facebook will be where the magic happens. Please join me on Facebook, it should be a lot of fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Sewn-Sweets/190368050996643">http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Sewn-Sweets/190368050996643</a>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-90118636400643743042010-12-10T08:41:00.001-08:002010-12-10T09:09:37.107-08:00MY Sugar Cookie Recipe and Buttercream FrostingI won't call this recipe the best since there are so many out there, but it is MY absolute favorite and I have been using it for over 10 years. This recipe makes nice, thick, and SOFT sugar cookies -- so if you are one of those weirdos that likes thin, cripy sugar cookies, you can just take a hike.<br /><br />3 cups flour<br />1 tsp. baking powder<br />1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />1/4 tsp. nutmeg<br />1/2 cup softened butter<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 egg<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />1/2 cup sour cream<br /><br />Sift dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla. Mix well. Add sour cream and mix well again. Slowly add in your dry ingredients until combined. If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate for awhile to make it easier to handle.<br /><br />The next part is very important to the quality of your cookies. Separate your dough into two balls (just to make it easier to roll out). Form into a round disk and start to roll out. DO NOT use too much flour when you roll your dough, using too much will make your cookies tough (darn gluten). You can even use powdered sugar to roll out your dough which will not make your cookies tough. Roll out your dough to 1/4" thick - No thinner! Use a ruler if necessary. Cut out your shapes however you like, being mindful to use your dough space as you're cutting wisely. You really only want to roll out your dough twice since working it and rerolling it and adding more flour will start to affect the quality of your cookie.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQJdQedx4yI/AAAAAAAAA2g/0uxR5tcf_NE/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQJdQedx4yI/AAAAAAAAA2g/0uxR5tcf_NE/s320/IMG_0517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549100228511130402" border="0" /></a>Your oven needs to be preheated to 350 degrees. Leave about 1-2 inches between your cookies on the sheet. Bake your cookies for FOUR minutes, rotate your pan, then bake for an additional TWO minutes (sometimes my first batch needs 3 minutes after I rotate the pan, but my oven gets a bit warmer the longer I leave it on, and 2 minutes usually does the trick). Take the cookies out even though they may not look done - they are! Do not be fooled. I pity the fool that leaves these babies in too long. Transfer your cookies immediately to a cooling rack, then use your spatula to swat your kids hands away.<br /><br />Me and my kids can eat these cookies by the dozen just as they are - bare. However, if you must frost, frost with this:<br /><br />1 cup softened butter<br />3 cups powdered sugar<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />1-2 tbs. whole milk or whipping cream<br /><br />I start beating my butter and slowly add in the powdered sugar, then vanilla, then milk. I like to warm my milk just a bit so its coldness doesn't affect my nicely softened butter. Whip that up until it is your desired consistency. Frost away.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQJdQFJjG1I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/3po8Twj3YF0/s1600/IMG_0527.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQJdQFJjG1I/AAAAAAAAA2Y/3po8Twj3YF0/s320/IMG_0527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549100221715389266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Pictures are from valentine's day 2009 - we have yet to make these for Christmas yet, but we will, oh yes, we will.</span>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-34932861304969753882010-12-09T09:11:00.000-08:002010-12-09T09:31:59.803-08:00Decorating Idea for the Holidays - Peppermints!I love the holiday look of red and white peppermints. I found these ornaments at Kohls and spent about $8.oo on all three (they were 50% off). I knew right when I saw them what I wanted to do.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPHsx-zFI/AAAAAAAAA14/2Jd2RUjJFW8/s1600/IMG_7448.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPHsx-zFI/AAAAAAAAA14/2Jd2RUjJFW8/s320/IMG_7448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548732840851459154" border="0" /></a>In true Shana fashion I copied one of my old crafts instead of coming up with something new -- I just changed the colors from my Halloween cardstock circle garland to red and white. These are just paper circles fed through your sewing machine one right after the other. I used 4 different sized circle punches and created strands of varying length of in white, red, and then ones with red and white mixed, sometimes layering the colors together.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPJbk88FI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/7m2MlBtF7po/s1600/IMG_7451.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPJbk88FI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/7m2MlBtF7po/s320/IMG_7451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548732870593146962" border="0" /></a>My peppermint ornaments had glitter on them so I thought it would be fun to add glitter to the white circles. I liked the effect, but I wouldn't say working with glitter is fun. It's messy and no matter how careful you are - you will spill it. Promise.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPIh-zplI/AAAAAAAAA2I/lGOTuPK2o_g/s1600/IMG_7450.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPIh-zplI/AAAAAAAAA2I/lGOTuPK2o_g/s320/IMG_7450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548732855132333650" border="0" /></a>I used white sewing thread to hang the ornaments, then attached them to the ceiling with a thumbtack -- please note, the ornaments I used were plastic so they weren't too heavy, be mindful of how heavy the ornaments you choose are or you might have trouble hanging them. The circle strands will only need a bit of tape since they are so light. I have this arrangement hanging over the counter in my kitchen.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPIIssleI/AAAAAAAAA2A/9LLYFcX_8Pk/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TQEPIIssleI/AAAAAAAAA2A/9LLYFcX_8Pk/s320/IMG_7449.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548732848345486818" border="0" /></a>This was fun and easy, with the hardest part being taking a picture of the finished product that didn't show my dirty kitchen - you can bet I trimmed that picture above to cut out my messy countertops and sink full of dirty dishes.Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-76207418449662386072010-12-08T09:39:00.000-08:002010-12-08T09:57:51.687-08:00Holiday Gift Card HoldersI know a lot of people dislike giving gift cards as gifts. Something about them being too impersonal or not very thoughtful. I don't mind giving or getting them, but if you do, here's a quick craft to increase your gift card's thoughtfulness. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TP_DCvJcmsI/AAAAAAAAA1g/1OVgY8C1JCc/s1600/IMG_7445.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TP_DCvJcmsI/AAAAAAAAA1g/1OVgY8C1JCc/s320/IMG_7445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548367717726984898" border="0" /></a>I am very comfortable with felt. If you prefer a different medium, like fabric or scrapbooking materials -- go for it. This could easily be made with fleece or card stock and scrapbooking embellishments.<br /><br />I cut two rectangles of felt 4 3/8 x 2 5/8. I found my reindeer pattern online simply by googling 'reindeer outline.' You may have to copy the image into your word processing program to adjust the size. You can add a pre-made embellishment as well - they are sold in a lot of forms at the craft store - felt, foam, paper - use whatever design you like. If you are a scrapbooker, you most likely have something in your stash you could use. If you're a sewer, you most likely could whip up one of those cute yo-yo flowers from your scraps to put on. The possibililtes are endless.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TP_DDFqi_gI/AAAAAAAAA1o/IEfNtMSeUyw/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TP_DDFqi_gI/AAAAAAAAA1o/IEfNtMSeUyw/s320/IMG_7446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548367723771395586" border="0" /></a>Once I had the front done, I attached them together using a blanket stitch, leaving one end open, then sewing a button on for closure. Scrapbookers - you can attach eyelets for ribbon to thread through and tie in bow.<br /><br />To add to the gift card, I attached the whole thing to a Scentsy bar (because who doesn't love Scentsy?). You could attach it to your loved one's favorite candy bar or a bottle of their favorite lotion -- any small thing to add to the gift card to make it a bit more personal.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TP_DCBoDWxI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/E08XJ6Efl54/s1600/IMG_7444.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TP_DCBoDWxI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/E08XJ6Efl54/s320/IMG_7444.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548367705507322642" border="0" /></a>hmmm. . .who could be getting a Joann gift card from me?Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-48599456802721678342010-09-29T13:24:00.000-07:002010-09-29T13:53:25.984-07:00Before and After Plus an Easy Halloween Craft<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Before...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg6s9ZSaI/AAAAAAAAAzo/KJamQUFjA0o/s1600/IMG_6670.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg6s9ZSaI/AAAAAAAAAzo/KJamQUFjA0o/s320/IMG_6670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522434498447886754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">and after...</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg7wxNJ0I/AAAAAAAAA0I/-KyQXE78yQA/s1600/IMG_6772.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg7wxNJ0I/AAAAAAAAA0I/-KyQXE78yQA/s320/IMG_6772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522434516650370882" border="0" /></a>This is the area between the living room/front entry and the dining room/kitchen. We got this red side table at a SLC thrift/antique store a long time ago. I have always loved decorating around it. I thought my Halloween tree was a bit bare so this year I shopped around for a new addition, though they were either way over priced or too cheaply made, so I made my own.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg68MgeEI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Ye0qA1duOhs/s1600/IMG_6768.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg68MgeEI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Ye0qA1duOhs/s320/IMG_6768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522434502537803842" border="0" /></a>I've had this idea in my mind for awhile and I even saw someone selling garlands like this on Etsy for some crazy price like $15.00 for six feet. Boo. All you will need is cardstock, a circle punch, and a sewing machine. If you don't have a circle punch, borrow one from your friend, or use one for free from your local scrapbook shop. Warning - do not attempt this without using a punch.<br /><br />I choose 6 coordinating colors and punched away. I used the smallest punch I own - a 3/4" circle since this was going on a small tree. If you are going to hang your garland from a mantle or hang a bunch of strands from your ceiling I'd suggest a bigger sized circle punch, it will be quicker. For me, the 3/4" worked best and it took just 10 minutes to sew about six feet.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg7DGyMWI/AAAAAAAAAz4/TRkXIaZ_nZY/s1600/IMG_6769.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg7DGyMWI/AAAAAAAAAz4/TRkXIaZ_nZY/s320/IMG_6769.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522434504392847714" border="0" /></a>It is actually really easy to sew paper. It needs very little guidance - once the foot grabs it, you're good to go to feed another circle in. You can choose to space your circles farther apart, or keep them fairly close like I did.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg7gLN11I/AAAAAAAAA0A/RORD80vwwD8/s1600/IMG_6771.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOg7gLN11I/AAAAAAAAA0A/RORD80vwwD8/s320/IMG_6771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522434512196065106" border="0" /></a>All that was left was for me to string them up on my tree.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOk72g4S9I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/wVo9YcwU2JM/s1600/IMG_6773.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOk72g4S9I/AAAAAAAAA0Q/wVo9YcwU2JM/s320/IMG_6773.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522438916239018962" border="0" /></a>Though no sooner had I done so, two crows flew in and took up residence.<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOk8dVmB_I/AAAAAAAAA0g/FTDxZqHU1qs/s1600/IMG_6778.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOk8dVmB_I/AAAAAAAAA0g/FTDxZqHU1qs/s320/IMG_6778.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522438926660667378" border="0" /></a>I think my Halloween tree is complete. It would be fun to try other color combinations like black, green, purple, and white (witch colors) or go for orange, red, yellow, and brown for fall.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOk8eyONbI/AAAAAAAAA0o/PWZwFTu-tqM/s1600/IMG_6779.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TKOk8eyONbI/AAAAAAAAA0o/PWZwFTu-tqM/s320/IMG_6779.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522438927049176498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Crows are from Micheal's, on sale now for $2.50 a piece.</span><br /></div></div></div>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-49052400798229620852010-09-24T12:42:00.000-07:002010-09-24T12:58:58.175-07:00Make Your Own Paper PatternsJust a quick how-to for the apples in my previous post. It is quick and easy, and makes a nice, even, almost diecut-machine quality pattern.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BHMNeOZI/AAAAAAAAAzA/MCYnPS0ySWc/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BHMNeOZI/AAAAAAAAAzA/MCYnPS0ySWc/s320/IMG_6711.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520569941274540434" border="0" /></a>You probably used this method as a child to make hearts for Valentine's Day. Just fold your paper in half, draw half of a heart, or half of whatever shape you are making, then cut out. You control the size and shape.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BHRluqxI/AAAAAAAAAzI/PWuuK3w3nGc/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BHRluqxI/AAAAAAAAAzI/PWuuK3w3nGc/s320/IMG_6712.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520569942718458642" border="0" /></a>I make all of my own patterns for my shop, and I use this method for a lot of them. Most of my patterns look like this:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BGxG7baI/AAAAAAAAAy4/yeTgo5VM__w/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BGxG7baI/AAAAAAAAAy4/yeTgo5VM__w/s320/IMG_6710.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520569933999336866" border="0" /></a>Which I use to turn into this:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BH3yCX3I/AAAAAAAAAzY/6devxfCWy2U/s1600/IMG_0145.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BH3yCX3I/AAAAAAAAAzY/6devxfCWy2U/s320/IMG_0145.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520569952970628978" border="0" /></a>Or this:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BHuDtD-I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/ylPktJ1siA0/s1600/IMG_0158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0BHuDtD-I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/ylPktJ1siA0/s320/IMG_0158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520569950360375266" border="0" /></a>If it is a pattern that you are going to be using over and over again, or one that you are going to let your children use, copy your pattern onto heavy cardstock or posterboard for durability. Sneak peek for next week - I'll be posting some before and after shots of my house decorated for Halloween. Have a great weekend!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0CtUStMuI/AAAAAAAAAzg/YcJwMSJ32lc/s1600/IMG_6699.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJ0CtUStMuI/AAAAAAAAAzg/YcJwMSJ32lc/s320/IMG_6699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520571695790633698" border="0" /></a>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-64480015643522128372010-09-19T09:41:00.001-07:002010-09-19T10:05:11.628-07:00'Happy Fall' Wreath<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJZAA7cC1JI/AAAAAAAAAyw/fJ1fIH9uy5E/s1600/IMG_6652.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJZAA7cC1JI/AAAAAAAAAyw/fJ1fIH9uy5E/s320/IMG_6652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518668778088617106" border="0" /></a>This was a simple wreath I did with my kids in school to help celebrate the coming season. Apples are ready to harvest in the fall so I thought this would be a fun alternative to leaves or pumpkins for a wreath.<br /><br />You can also take this opportunity to teach your kids about Jonny Appleseed, an American Legend. Chances are, your kiddos might not know what a 'legend' is, and in this case, Mr. Appleseed is based on a actual person that played an important role in our country's early years.<br /><br />Another thing this craft teaches, is patterns. So far in my homeschooling, patterns have popped up in Kindergarten - 2nd grade levels. We've been playing with them in our lessons, so it was fun to incorporate this skill into a craft.<br /><br />You can control your kids involvement depending on their age, either cutting all the apples beforehand, or let your kids do it themselves. We didn't have a lot of time for this craft so I had everything ready for us to put it together, and it only took about 10-15 minutes to complete.<br /><br />I had everything on hand, and you most likely do as well. You will need construction paper or cardstock, hot glue gun or Elmers, ribbon or string, and cardboard.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY_-otQT7I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/0KRVdUO2yqU/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY_-otQT7I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/0KRVdUO2yqU/s320/IMG_6642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518668738700791730" border="0" /></a>Use a plate to draw a circle onto your cardboard to your desired size. I choose to cover mine in strips of felt since I thought it would look better in the end, but it turns out the apples will cover the entire thing. So you can skip this step if you'd like.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY__BX8dnI/AAAAAAAAAyY/bV0q8yipVaA/s1600/IMG_6644.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY__BX8dnI/AAAAAAAAAyY/bV0q8yipVaA/s320/IMG_6644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518668745322296946" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY__URd9lI/AAAAAAAAAyg/eI_DgbCGq-Q/s1600/IMG_6648.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY__URd9lI/AAAAAAAAAyg/eI_DgbCGq-Q/s320/IMG_6648.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518668750395405906" border="0" /></a>If you just have cardboard to attach apples to, Elmers glue will work just fine, but if you're gluing to felt, use a glue gun. I put a dab of hot glue on the wreath, then my boys stuck the apples on in a pattern.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY__ycUbAI/AAAAAAAAAyo/HTOE5cxPUIo/s1600/IMG_6651.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TJY__ycUbAI/AAAAAAAAAyo/HTOE5cxPUIo/s320/IMG_6651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518668758493981698" border="0" /></a>Use ribbon or string to attach a dangling apple for the 'Happy Fall' sign, as well as a ribbon loop for hanging. I just used a sewing pin to attach the ribbon. That's it! I have found that keeping things simple when it comes to kids and crafts is key to both you and your kids having an enjoyable time. Happy Fall!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-37393244803304601822010-09-11T12:23:00.000-07:002010-09-11T12:56:44.264-07:00in the worksThe reason I haven't posted in forever is because I have been saving all my projects until I have a massive collection of them, so many in fact, that when I look at them I get stressed out and back away slowly. Smart, right? I spent the summer making stuff for my shop while my boys played wii, or laying out in the sun while my boys threw water balloons, ran in the sprinklers, and made mud patties. Perfect summer, but now it is back to business. School started for us this week - Kindergarten and 2nd grade. Something about 'back to school' is making me feel like I need to tackle my list of projects. In order to feel productive I took pictures of projects that I want to tackle first. We'll see if I can finish them and post finished project pictures.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZBrttXII/AAAAAAAAAxI/1z5IByKvz8w/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZBrttXII/AAAAAAAAAxI/1z5IByKvz8w/s320/IMG_6614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740791582841986" border="0" /></a>This is a vintage puzzle, made in the 1960s or early 70s in Denmark. It was my oldest brother's puzzle and it has definitely seen better days. I saved it from my moms house a few years ago and I haven't had the heart to let my boys play with it for fear that they would lose more of the pieces. I finally came up with a use for it. Magnets. The remaining vehicles will have a magnet glued to the back to become some cool, retro magnets for the fridge - I have always loved that blue bus and red flatbed truck. I figure it's a great way to salvage any puzzle that you or your child loves that has lost a few pieces.<br /><br />I thought it would also be a good idea to buy a wooden alphabet puzzle and turn them into fridge magnets. I think I have been through 2 sets of plastic ABC magnets. They are always so cheap, either they have very weak magnets and can barely even hold themselves onto the fridge, or they break. Wooden ones would be a much sturdier option. You can buy magnets at most stores.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvY_eYgFgI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Y1gWNJqzaPA/s1600/IMG_6611.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvY_eYgFgI/AAAAAAAAAwo/Y1gWNJqzaPA/s320/IMG_6611.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740753644492290" border="0" /></a>I found these ceramic cups at Michaels for $1.00 each. They are waiting for candy and a spooky note for some of my neighborhood friends.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZAWyhwOI/AAAAAAAAAw4/F7lpHwB66CE/s1600/IMG_6613.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZAWyhwOI/AAAAAAAAAw4/F7lpHwB66CE/s320/IMG_6613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740768786039010" border="0" /></a>I knew I had to have these when I saw them at Joann. Who doesn't need a set of 3 nesting cardboard coffins? They are waiting for a coat of paint.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZBCBbDyI/AAAAAAAAAxA/yHBa7AzcGDo/s1600/IMG_6615.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZBCBbDyI/AAAAAAAAAxA/yHBa7AzcGDo/s320/IMG_6615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740780391239458" border="0" /></a>Not sure what I had in mind with these. I think I had some idea to paint the yard stick and clothes pins, then glue the pins to the stick, then somehow attach the whole thing to the wall to display works of art. Or something like that. It's been sitting around for awhile now.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZKD8Xm_I/AAAAAAAAAxg/kHl3eu2aUMQ/s1600/IMG_6618.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZKD8Xm_I/AAAAAAAAAxg/kHl3eu2aUMQ/s320/IMG_6618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740935525735410" border="0" /></a>These stacks of paper are waiting for me to cut circles out for Halloween garland. I'll probably sew the circles together like I did with paper hearts for Valentine's day. I've seen people selling these on Etsy, though if you're any type of scrapbooker, you most likely have all you need for this project on hand and can do if for free.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZJbHmtKI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/XSKkRjHISow/s1600/IMG_6616.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZJbHmtKI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/XSKkRjHISow/s320/IMG_6616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740924567008418" border="0" /></a>I found these Martha Stewart favor boxes at Joann. I belong to a book group and I'll be filling these with treats to take to our get together in October. Easy and fun idea for gift giving.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvY_48OorI/AAAAAAAAAww/-XTU_nszzdo/s1600/IMG_6612.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvY_48OorI/AAAAAAAAAww/-XTU_nszzdo/s320/IMG_6612.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740760773665458" border="0" /></a>Styrofoam egg shapes. Watch out, these are going to become spider egg sacks.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZJq5JUwI/AAAAAAAAAxY/LZDITyyqavU/s1600/IMG_6617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TIvZJq5JUwI/AAAAAAAAAxY/LZDITyyqavU/s320/IMG_6617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515740928801329922" border="0" /></a>Finally, the most recent addition to my list of projects, a penny rug pattern I just bought from Etsy a few days ago. What was I doing starting another project? Who knows, I am a glutton for unfinished projects. Hopefully I will get on the ball and be able to feature a few of these finished. Wish me luck!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-31486209418022101452010-07-22T10:52:00.001-07:002010-07-22T11:12:54.469-07:00I spy books, part 2Thanks for the ideas Kristina! Everyone should check out those taby trays, they look like they'd fit most any car seat. Not having something hard to color on has always been a problem, as well as not having a tray to keep everything from dropping into the indefinite depths of car seat crevices, never to be seen again.<br /><br />I previously blogged about some I Spy books I made for my boys last year that they loved. So, with this trip looming I decided to take some more pictures to add to it. I made up a few twists this time though. Here are some pictures if anyone tried this out for themselves and needed some ideas.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG1Qq8xqI/AAAAAAAAAvw/ZPZJOm2Iy7s/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG1Qq8xqI/AAAAAAAAAvw/ZPZJOm2Iy7s/s320/IMG_6180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496791594771990178" border="0" /></a>This one I call "Man, Monster, or Robot." You have to count how many men, how many monsters, and how many robots are in the picture. Clever, I know. If you have only girls, you are most likely out of luck in recreating this one.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG174crQI/AAAAAAAAAwA/uswNW4Ri4p4/s1600/IMG_6190.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG174crQI/AAAAAAAAAwA/uswNW4Ri4p4/s320/IMG_6190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496791606371331330" border="0" /></a>This one is "find the food." I placed a number of food items amongst the buttons. There are cheese nips, cheerios, smarties, funyans, apple jacks, crispix, goldfish, and fruit snacks - pretty much any small food item I had in my pantry.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG2WznfyI/AAAAAAAAAwI/KvSe7DZvqxE/s1600/IMG_6187.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG2WznfyI/AAAAAAAAAwI/KvSe7DZvqxE/s320/IMG_6187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496791613598826274" border="0" /></a>These are just chipboard scrapbook letters I had left over from my scrapbooking days. You have to find the numbers 1-10, as well as 3 hiddens words. If you have boys, you can make them happy and copy the words I hid - POO, FART, and BUM.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG1oiq6jI/AAAAAAAAAv4/e_Ot5vrn4iY/s1600/IMG_6178.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 233px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG1oiq6jI/AAAAAAAAAv4/e_Ot5vrn4iY/s320/IMG_6178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496791601179716146" border="0" /></a>This one is find the items that don't belong. Really easy to create, just open your fridge and stuff it full of things that don't belong.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG2sREZOI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/ZEpYoFYxrmY/s1600/IMG_6177.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiG2sREZOI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/ZEpYoFYxrmY/s320/IMG_6177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496791619359499490" border="0" /></a>This is one I did for myself I call it "mom's faves." My favorite color, pink, my sunglasses, candy, lip gloss, and some of my crafting materials. There is also a sneaky picture of me included in this one.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiJoXM-5MI/AAAAAAAAAwY/jryNnBHKkb8/s1600/IMG_6183.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEiJoXM-5MI/AAAAAAAAAwY/jryNnBHKkb8/s320/IMG_6183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496794671721931970" border="0" /></a>This last one is actually one my 7 year old set up for me. He saw me working on this and got excited and created one of his own. He's a seasoned I Spy buff so he knew he had to hide stuff. Can you find the army guy?Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-48850639984746840212010-07-21T11:13:00.000-07:002010-07-21T11:45:44.053-07:00special ordersI really shouldn't complain about doing special orders for my shop. It means have I business, right? And any business is good, right? Well it usually doesn't feel that way to me when it comes to special orders.<br /><br />A special orders means I HAVE to make something. Something of someone else's choosing. I have a deadline. Like an assignment, like homework. You see, the way I work, I make what I feel like making, what I'm inspired to create. If I discover I have the perfect colors to make rainbow goldfish crackers, I don't rest until I make them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7IjEX-DI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/BZMU05gTd5k/s1600/IMG_6130.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7IjEX-DI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/BZMU05gTd5k/s320/IMG_6130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496426888267561010" border="0" /></a>Or if I discover the cutest miniature rolling pins at Joann, I get up at 6 in the morning to make miniature sugar cookie dough to go with them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7I4k_y0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/bl7S64V9MWM/s1600/IMG_5977.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7I4k_y0I/AAAAAAAAAvY/bl7S64V9MWM/s320/IMG_5977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496426894041533250" border="0" /></a>Another reason I dislike special orders is that my time is limited (hence the 6 am craft wake up call). I have just enough time to make 2-3 items for my shop per week, and if that time is taken up by a special order, that means no new items for my shop, which means no sales usually (and no crafts to post on this blog). Then I begin to loathe the special order and the person who ordered it. Which brings me to the point of this post, to show off some of my recent special orders that I loathe.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7JkgV66I/AAAAAAAAAvo/Iea0fdNvR_c/s1600/IMG_5915.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7JkgV66I/AAAAAAAAAvo/Iea0fdNvR_c/s320/IMG_5915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496426905833171874" border="0" /></a>This lady (who I really should not be complaining about, since she really is the nicest, most considerate customer AND orders a ton) wanted a whole pizza, plus all the extras like a personalized box. The box was the biggest pain to find, since it needed to be unprinted and the right size.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7JSUtgwI/AAAAAAAAAvg/naIBDgxehZ0/s1600/IMG_5921.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7JSUtgwI/AAAAAAAAAvg/naIBDgxehZ0/s320/IMG_5921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496426900952548098" border="0" /></a>Here is the customized box - it came with 4 checkered napkins, as well as 4 order forms that I laminated so that they could be written on with dry erase markers. I had barely recovered from this project when she commissioned me for another special order.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7IUeGkKI/AAAAAAAAAvI/jlpP9lScMV8/s1600/IMG_6154.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TEc7IUeGkKI/AAAAAAAAAvI/jlpP9lScMV8/s320/IMG_6154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496426884348940450" border="0" /></a>This snack set was just a small part of her newest order - some cookies, some strawberries and a bazillion crackers. So glad it is done!<br /><br />On a side note, we waited a day too long to buy our plane tickets for a trip we're planning and the price jumped a gazillion dollars. I thought I was off the hook for entertaining my boys during travel since the plane ride is only two hours long, but no. I am back to figuring out what to do with them for 13 hours in the car. So, barring any more special orders, I will be busy making/putting things together for their entertainment. We'll see if any of it ends up here, I'm not making any promises. Anyone have any great craft ideas for travel entertainment?Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-21803295037131934842010-06-25T09:33:00.001-07:002010-06-25T09:42:55.008-07:00Please stop me from eating thisSorry, no crafts this week. I have one project in the works that I haven't even had time to look at lately. So I'll have to leave you this week with some pictures of a new creation. I'm not going to apologize if you have to go out and buy a box of these.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TCTazIVzM3I/AAAAAAAAAuw/phE_MjF1buw/s1600/IMG_5902.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TCTazIVzM3I/AAAAAAAAAuw/phE_MjF1buw/s320/IMG_5902.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486750817991209842" border="0" /></a>Little Debbie Swiss Rolls<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TCTayruyitI/AAAAAAAAAuo/lRTTWowG85M/s1600/IMG_5889.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TCTayruyitI/AAAAAAAAAuo/lRTTWowG85M/s320/IMG_5889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486750810311396050" border="0" /></a>They are about true to life-size - 3" long. They're soft, and since they are not very small, nor do they have any beads or other choking hazards, they're ok for younger tots. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TCTazhhJ8zI/AAAAAAAAAu4/NFO4KmAPkVM/s1600/IMG_5860.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TCTazhhJ8zI/AAAAAAAAAu4/NFO4KmAPkVM/s320/IMG_5860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486750824749724466" border="0" /></a>Here they are in Strawberry Shortcake form, also a Little Debbie snack cake. Rolls of cream and strawberry jelly and vanilla cake. I don't think either the real chocolate or strawberry versions have a drizzle on top, but I like it with it. Who doesn't like a drizzle?Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-9021971966262099652010-06-17T15:35:00.000-07:002010-06-17T15:49:30.528-07:00Father's Day Gift<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TBqkaXfVZYI/AAAAAAAAAuY/7FNEdL0_a9o/s1600/IMG_5821.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TBqkaXfVZYI/AAAAAAAAAuY/7FNEdL0_a9o/s320/IMG_5821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483876269165995394" border="0" /></a>Anyone still looking for a last minute Father's Day gift? This is a fun one to do from the kids to dad. It is easy and pretty inexpensive, the hardest part being actually finding a photo booth. There are not that many around, and are usually in pretty random places. <br /><br />In Utah at least, they used to be in every KMart, though most of them have disappeared in the last few years. Your best luck would probably be in a mall. If you are in Utah, there is for sure one in South Town mall, and someone told me there is one in Fashion Place too. I'd call around first, so you're not driving around forever.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TBqka6qN-3I/AAAAAAAAAug/yzOFTrjV5sQ/s1600/IMG_5823.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TBqka6qN-3I/AAAAAAAAAug/yzOFTrjV5sQ/s320/IMG_5823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483876278606887794" border="0" /></a>I love this idea for Father's Day, rather than getting a professional picture done. These photo booth pics give you the opportunity to showcase a little more personality in the shots, and my kids loved it - since I was instructing them to be silly and make faces, when usually I am doing the opposite. Plus, they are pretty cheap, usually $2-$3 per session.<br /><br />My frame came from Joann, all of their frames are 50% off right now. It is a 5x7 frame and I just taped my photos from behind to fit. So easy!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-66209046288498580652010-06-10T08:57:00.001-07:002010-06-10T09:05:35.550-07:00Little Shop Makeover<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TBENPqoHB_I/AAAAAAAAAtw/zKWvuI8-h7g/s1600/logocherry.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TBENPqoHB_I/AAAAAAAAAtw/zKWvuI8-h7g/s320/logocherry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481176784278325234" border="0" /></a>Hello! I just enlisted the help of Christie from<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristieMegansMom?ga_search_query=christiemegansmom&ga_search_type=seller_usernames"> ChristieMegansMom</a> for some much needed shop updates. I told her what I wanted and after a few revisions she created the perfect logo for Sewn Sweets. She is very talented and I LOVE what she came up with. She has been great to work with, click on the photo to the right to visit my shop to see my new banner and avatar, then tell me what you think!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-12596132262047625972010-06-04T10:43:00.001-07:002010-06-04T10:50:39.510-07:00Pigs in a Blanket<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7fDmMNBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/JKc2jYj0aBM/s1600/IMG_5703.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7fDmMNBI/AAAAAAAAAs4/JKc2jYj0aBM/s320/IMG_5703.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478975826400392210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Two piggies, two blankets....</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7fVD0H5I/AAAAAAAAAtA/slkUl8_Mhqk/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7fVD0H5I/AAAAAAAAAtA/slkUl8_Mhqk/s320/IMG_5704.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478975831088045970" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Let's roll...</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7fk_3bjI/AAAAAAAAAtI/d3kRxx3botU/s1600/IMG_5706.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7fk_3bjI/AAAAAAAAAtI/d3kRxx3botU/s320/IMG_5706.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478975835366452786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">And snap...</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7gAcMfxI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_PcrZ7QRJl0/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7gAcMfxI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/_PcrZ7QRJl0/s320/IMG_5707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478975842733031186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">Two piggies IN blankets.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7gcS3epI/AAAAAAAAAtY/fNS0mrYn4wE/s1600/IMG_5698.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAk7gcS3epI/AAAAAAAAAtY/fNS0mrYn4wE/s320/IMG_5698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478975850210097810" border="0" /></a>The end.<br /></div>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-1563844300295146652010-06-01T08:29:00.000-07:002010-06-01T08:59:57.540-07:00Crayon Rolls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAUr6h6TamI/AAAAAAAAAsg/R8xOf8o7J1M/s1600/IMG_5650.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAUr6h6TamI/AAAAAAAAAsg/R8xOf8o7J1M/s320/IMG_5650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477832806301395554" border="0" /></a>I made these a few years ago for Christmas gifts for my boys and nieces (you can see my original blogpost about it <a href="http://girlsgonecraf-t.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-had-so-much-fun-making-these-little.html">here</a>). I have long thought of making a tutorial for them but then just the other day I saw one on The Pleated Poppy (aka Imperfect), a blog I follow.<br /><br />Lindsey from the Pleated Poppy actually sells these rolls in her shop for a whopping $18.00. Her tutorial is very detailed and picture heavy, so even inexperienced sewers can manage. You can find it <a href="http://lindseycheney.blogspot.com/2010/05/crayon-roll-tutorial.html">here.</a> You will not regret making one of these - I made mine almost two years ago and I still use them all the time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAUr7IF22YI/AAAAAAAAAso/h5Fhgl-EPsE/s1600/IMG_5651.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAUr7IF22YI/AAAAAAAAAso/h5Fhgl-EPsE/s320/IMG_5651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477832816550402434" border="0" /></a>The one at The Pleated Poppy is just for crayons and rolls up nicely. I didn't use a pattern or tutorial when I made mine so I just winged it. I included a little notepad. If you wanted to do the same you'd just need to adjust the height as well as how many spaces you sew for the crayons, then leave a space big enough for the notebook you want to include (all of this would depend on the size of notebook you use). I found my notebooks in packs of three for $1.29 at Walmart, so they are inexpensive to replace once your kid fills them up. I think Lindsey's has enough room for 18 crayons, while mine only fits 8 or so.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAUr7YQ9jzI/AAAAAAAAAsw/nFuOsX5JWYM/s1600/IMG_5652.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/TAUr7YQ9jzI/AAAAAAAAAsw/nFuOsX5JWYM/s320/IMG_5652.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477832820891946802" border="0" /></a>This is what it looks like folded up (yours will be a roll if you don't include a notebook). I sewed ribbon on to tie it shut, but if I had to do it again, I'd definitely go Lindsey's method of using a hair tie and button. They hardly take up any space in your purse, they hold up great, and they can be thrown in the wash. A lot of times, before we head out to a restaurant, I'll print some coloring pages off the internet to take with us, and my kids are always entertained and are perfect angels ;).<br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Shana/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Shana/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" />Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-77012969855520368722010-05-25T09:10:00.000-07:002010-05-25T09:48:12.571-07:00Create your own I Spy Book<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3n3GmOqI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/BmjxUl8eBgI/s1600/IMG_2569.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3n3GmOqI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/BmjxUl8eBgI/s320/IMG_2569.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475242036177549986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">cars</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I was searching for a picture to send to a customer and came across these pictures of an I Spy project I did last summer that I had totally forgot about. I made them in anticipation of a 12 hour road trip we took, and I thought with summer fast approaching there are sure to be many of you out there with trips and vacations planned. Keeping your kids busy/entertained is high priority on a road trip.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3oMxqi2I/AAAAAAAAAqY/ftjJKPlzhsI/s1600/IMG_2575.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3oMxqi2I/AAAAAAAAAqY/ftjJKPlzhsI/s320/IMG_2575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475242041995332450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">markers and crayons</span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I bought some little 4 x 6 photo albums from a craft store for just a couple dollars each. Then I began staging photos. These pictures are just a few ideas you can do to create your own I Spy pictures. Obviously these are not as elaborate or creatively done as the real thing, but they were NEW to my kids, which means they were more entertaining than their old I Spy books.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3plmAnuI/AAAAAAAAAqw/01zaFQX9jKc/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3plmAnuI/AAAAAAAAAqw/01zaFQX9jKc/s320/IMG_2580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475242065837203170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">canned goods<br /></span></div>For your reading age kids, just write out a little paragraph for what they need to find and slip it in next to the corresponding picture in the album. Neither Schoo or Thatch were reading when I made these so I drew really simple pictures for the items needing to be found.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3o4IUeOI/AAAAAAAAAqo/MohT8dNUsxQ/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v3o4IUeOI/AAAAAAAAAqo/MohT8dNUsxQ/s320/IMG_2586.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475242053633079522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Knights and Dragons Castle<br /></span></div>There are a lot of other ideas you can try out that don't involve doing a lot of staging - some of my shots took awhile to set up and clean up. You can take pictures of:<br /><br />- The inside of your fridge<br />- Your kitchen junk drawer<br />- A messy playroom<br />- Any collection or group of objects<br />- Your child's favorite color<br />- The garden, or yard<br /><div style="text-align: center;">- <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5K9XfNLI/AAAAAAAAAr4/-3Y0aq8yzfE/s1600/IMG_2594.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5K9XfNLI/AAAAAAAAAr4/-3Y0aq8yzfE/s320/IMG_2594.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475243738666054834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Sandbox toys</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5KbE8AzI/AAAAAAAAArw/ZVSvSt4YuUI/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5KbE8AzI/AAAAAAAAArw/ZVSvSt4YuUI/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475243729461445426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Stuffed animals<br /></span></div>The fun part was once I had things arranged, I hid little things with them that didn't really belong. If you know much about I Spy, a lot of times there is one thing that is hidden in ALL the pictures. Can you figure out what I hid in almost all of my pictures?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5KJWDVpI/AAAAAAAAAro/Iu7fu4OQCB0/s1600/IMG_2599.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5KJWDVpI/AAAAAAAAAro/Iu7fu4OQCB0/s320/IMG_2599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475243724701390482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">green stuff<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5LJjLRTI/AAAAAAAAAsA/wHuSUKRKT_0/s1600/IMG_2597.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5LJjLRTI/AAAAAAAAAsA/wHuSUKRKT_0/s320/IMG_2597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475243741936305458" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">puzzle pieces</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5JrjsMXI/AAAAAAAAArg/BLgLJ57wOfk/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_v5JrjsMXI/AAAAAAAAArg/BLgLJ57wOfk/s320/IMG_2598.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475243716705530226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">blue</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This was a really fun project to do (there's no sewing involved!) and my kids LOVED it. Even if you don't have trips planned there are always occasions you need to keep your little ones quiet. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-24532938692460039492010-05-19T17:29:00.000-07:002010-05-19T17:42:03.677-07:00The Cake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCuGb9XXI/AAAAAAAAApo/O_PDof_rZNM/s1600/IMG_5515.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCuGb9XXI/AAAAAAAAApo/O_PDof_rZNM/s320/IMG_5515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473143175675469170" border="0" /></a>This was Thatcher's birthday cake. Looks a little plain doesn't it? Just wait until we cut into it...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCuW1ST7I/AAAAAAAAApw/4vZCTxxvQQE/s1600/IMG_5529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCuW1ST7I/AAAAAAAAApw/4vZCTxxvQQE/s320/IMG_5529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473143180076666802" border="0" /></a>Oh, yes, there are six layers in that baby. I have never made a cake this big before. This cake idea came from the <a href="http://www.cheekykitchen.com/">Cheeky Kitchen</a>, a really fun food blog I follow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCuqP_2QI/AAAAAAAAAp4/GwACZMrZ5s4/s1600/IMG_5544.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCuqP_2QI/AAAAAAAAAp4/GwACZMrZ5s4/s320/IMG_5544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473143185288976642" border="0" /></a>In the original <a href="http://www.cheekykitchen.com/2009/03/young-at-heart.html">recipe</a>, each layer has fruit - raspberries, orange zest, lemon zest, lime zest, blueberries, and blackberries - though I left all that out, figuring all that extra work would be lost on Thatch. He was just impressed with the size and color of the cake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCvV9RTwI/AAAAAAAAAqA/yzzR2iiBnq8/s1600/IMG_5545.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCvV9RTwI/AAAAAAAAAqA/yzzR2iiBnq8/s320/IMG_5545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473143197021589250" border="0" /></a>It was pretty tasty even without the added fruit flavors and the frosting was really good too. It had a package of white chocolate chips melted into it - something I've never added to any of my butter cream frosting endeavors.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCvgSqwyI/AAAAAAAAAqI/USE2YC0vVGU/s1600/IMG_5546.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_SCvgSqwyI/AAAAAAAAAqI/USE2YC0vVGU/s320/IMG_5546.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473143199795692322" border="0" /></a>All in all, it was a pretty easy cake to make, just a little more time intensive with all the layers. I might go get myself a piece right now....Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-24672187101749828752010-05-18T11:46:00.001-07:002010-05-18T11:56:20.884-07:00New to the Shop<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LhfFOMccI/AAAAAAAAApg/brZz_r7YrWM/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LhfFOMccI/AAAAAAAAApg/brZz_r7YrWM/s320/IMG_5269.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472684421302481346" border="0" /></a>Pansy Tea Party Set - two mini vanilla cupcakes with two truffles (a new item for me, plate is included).<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_Lhe5fKwgI/AAAAAAAAApY/qem5uVTGJfY/s1600/IMG_5260.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_Lhe5fKwgI/AAAAAAAAApY/qem5uVTGJfY/s320/IMG_5260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472684418152448514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LhecnDtyI/AAAAAAAAApQ/mdVljpm6Ge8/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LhecnDtyI/AAAAAAAAApQ/mdVljpm6Ge8/s320/IMG_5475.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472684410400913186" border="0" /></a>Red, White and Blue Star Sugar Cookies (plate included)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LgvulW_UI/AAAAAAAAApI/Bnf-tlNSgcs/s1600/IMG_5471.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LgvulW_UI/AAAAAAAAApI/Bnf-tlNSgcs/s320/IMG_5471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683607771774274" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LgvI447iI/AAAAAAAAApA/UwH8c8nh30w/s1600/IMG_5469.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LgvI447iI/AAAAAAAAApA/UwH8c8nh30w/s320/IMG_5469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683597653143074" border="0" /></a>Busy Bee and Little Ladybug chocolate mini cupcakes (listed this yesterday in the shop, and sold the same day).<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LgupFaGdI/AAAAAAAAAo4/rGqR9dNrbDc/s1600/IMG_5455.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LgupFaGdI/AAAAAAAAAo4/rGqR9dNrbDc/s320/IMG_5455.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683589115714002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LguG1c0NI/AAAAAAAAAow/Lqf_dgAUldQ/s1600/IMG_5450.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_LguG1c0NI/AAAAAAAAAow/Lqf_dgAUldQ/s320/IMG_5450.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683579921977554" border="0" /></a>Little Lollies. Another new design for the shop. I'm having a lot of fun making 'candy' sweets instead of 'baked' sweets.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_Lgt9_BCOI/AAAAAAAAAoo/npZZzZ0G9tA/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_Lgt9_BCOI/AAAAAAAAAoo/npZZzZ0G9tA/s320/IMG_5424.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472683577546180834" border="0" /></a>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-66077082409933629942010-05-17T10:08:00.000-07:002010-05-17T10:29:57.561-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F4w7ZOTdI/AAAAAAAAAn4/esacL-6tGWI/s1600/IMG_5401.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F4w7ZOTdI/AAAAAAAAAn4/esacL-6tGWI/s320/IMG_5401.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472287804204404178" border="0" /></a>A couple weeks ago my computer decided to stop loading pictures. No explanation. Today, it has decided to start again. I'm not asking questions, I'm just happy it is working again. Schoo's b-day has come and gone and he loved the decorations, as well as the shirt I made him. I almost just scratched the whole idea since my first attempt ruined the tee, but I still had Thatch's tee and didn't want one boy to get a birthday shirt, and one not to. That's pretty much how it is around here with two kids, both boys, and close in age - they get a lot of the same stuff. Keeping things even helps keep the peace.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F4wdZGugI/AAAAAAAAAnw/3eonufXeuyo/s1600/IMG_5367.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F4wdZGugI/AAAAAAAAAnw/3eonufXeuyo/s320/IMG_5367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472287796150843906" border="0" /></a>These are the shirts just stuck on with Heat N Bond. I then attempted to zigzag the edges and ruined the blue one. I ended up buying a whole new shirt and fabric.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F6DmJqJ0I/AAAAAAAAAoI/Es8LJPswCH4/s1600/IMG_5372.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F6DmJqJ0I/AAAAAAAAAoI/Es8LJPswCH4/s320/IMG_5372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472289224431118146" border="0" /></a>I didn't get a good close up of it, but you can see it ok in this picture. He told me repeatedly all day long how much he liked it. I made my own pattern by printing a number off of word at around '700' in size. Just remember to use the 'outline' font setting to save yourself ink. You'll need either a fat quarter or 1/4 yd of fabric. Like I said, I ironed mine on with Heat N Bond to keep it in place, then sewed a straight line around the number. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F6DSy0vrI/AAAAAAAAAoA/4p-cDoMfa3g/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F6DSy0vrI/AAAAAAAAAoA/4p-cDoMfa3g/s320/IMG_5369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472289219235069618" border="0" /></a>Here is what he came down to on his birthday morning. I already posted about the birthday banner, but never got to the tissue paper pom poms. I am so not a fan of balloons even though kids are crazy for them. They are nothing but trouble if you ask me. These pom poms are from Martha Stewart. They are cheap, and so easy, and so fun to decorate with - you can find the directions <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias">here</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F6EJJA57I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/8vburwsk50w/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S_F6EJJA57I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/8vburwsk50w/s320/IMG_5371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472289233823655858" border="0" /></a>The "schooler" part of the banner has come down, and will be replaced with "thatcher." His b-day is tomorrow. Can't wait!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-83676909697743953752010-05-10T12:33:00.001-07:002010-05-10T12:40:34.389-07:00Project #2Project number 2 just met its demise via my horrid zigzagging skills. I'm so disappointed. Zigzagging is serious business and I will not be messing with that function on my sewing machine again any time soon. Boo. Here is a picture though that has nothing to do with the deceased project number 2. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-hgNcGixPI/AAAAAAAAAno/hNacK1bd5-s/s1600/IMG_5281.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-hgNcGixPI/AAAAAAAAAno/hNacK1bd5-s/s320/IMG_5281.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469727531439670514" border="0" /></a>The newest creation for the shop. Rainbow colored taffy. I also have finally created pizza though I have no photos to post and I can't list it in my shop yet either. My life has come to a halt with my camera and/or computer refusing to upload photos. Double boo.Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-35707683644762812882010-05-05T12:20:00.000-07:002010-05-05T12:41:55.762-07:00Birthday Project #1May is birthday month in our house - we have Schoo's and Thatch's b-days, just 4 days apart. They both ask every day (multiple times a day) how many days until their birthday. I've always done homemade things for birthdays (with the exception of the cake) - decorations, gifts, games, etc. This year is no different, here is the first project I have finished, a 'Happy Birthday' banner.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF7GnIPDI/AAAAAAAAAnI/OxRqIi5hssU/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF7GnIPDI/AAAAAAAAAnI/OxRqIi5hssU/s320/IMG_5330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467869041782176818" border="0" /></a>I also have the words 'Schooler' and 'Thatcher' that I didn't lay out here since the boys were upstairs watching Chowder and I knew I only had 11 minutes to take pictures without them seeing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF7nFtzdI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/zg94jTMvfvk/s1600/IMG_5331.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF7nFtzdI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/zg94jTMvfvk/s320/IMG_5331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467869050500402642" border="0" /></a>For this project you will need:<br /><br />Cardstock<br />Printed paper<br />Thread<br /><br />The amounts needed depends on the size of your square, as well as how long you're child's name is (if you use it, you can of course just use the phrase 'happy birthday'). My cardstock background is a 6 x 6 inch square. I made the letters by first cutting my printed paper into 4 3/4" squares, then drawing the letters freehand, using up as much of the square as possible.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF7zGZv_I/AAAAAAAAAnY/9JLKGKoI-wo/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF7zGZv_I/AAAAAAAAAnY/9JLKGKoI-wo/s320/IMG_5332.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467869053724508146" border="0" /></a>Then sew the letter on - this was much easier than I anticipated. I thought I'd have to adhere the letter on first to keep it in place, but it's not necessary. Once you start sewing, the letters stay put. Then sew around your square.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF83KWlyI/AAAAAAAAAng/mIbLTd3tFuA/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S-HF83KWlyI/AAAAAAAAAng/mIbLTd3tFuA/s320/IMG_5333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467869071994689314" border="0" /></a>I've seen this idea before - using clothing pins to hang letters, and I found these at my local scrapbook store sold individually for .10 each. I got my printed paper from the same local scrapbook store. It is more expensive there than at Joann, especially since Joann often puts their paper on sale, but smaller, local stores will have a better and bigger selection of quality printed paper (a lot of Joann's printed paper is that flimsy quality, like printer paper). You can however, save a bit of money by buying the solid cardstock at Joanns, I purchased mine at 40% off.<br /><br />There was no way for me to attach this to string and hang it up for pictures without my boys seeing it so finished project pictures will have to wait until after their birthdays, which are 9 and 13 days away. More projects to come!Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-9767612055011931132010-04-29T08:09:00.000-07:002010-04-29T08:33:05.351-07:00I need more cowbell!I was inspired by the cowbell SNL skit, as well as my husbands usage of his cowbell app during the Winter Olympics to create this T-shirt for him. Jessica, from Running with Scissors, has done many projects using the freezer paper method, and has a great <a href="http://projectsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/07/freezer-paper-painting.html">tutorial</a> on how to do it. It might be a little confusing your first time, but after that, it's a cinch. I've used freezer paper only once for another <a href="http://girlsgonecraf-t.blogspot.com/2009/10/gourdys-gang-and-tom-turkey.html">project</a>, so I had some on hand, but you can find it at fabric or quilt shops.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi6hZkIeI/AAAAAAAAAmg/06tn61DmU6s/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi6hZkIeI/AAAAAAAAAmg/06tn61DmU6s/s320/IMG_5238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465578749072515554" border="0" /></a>I chose a font on Word, enlarged it, then printed it out. I made the cowbell myself drawing it freehand. Then I traced my pattern onto the paper side of the freezer paper and cut it out using an exacto knife.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi7G7WnDI/AAAAAAAAAmo/dGoSTI7h0K4/s1600/IMG_5239.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi7G7WnDI/AAAAAAAAAmo/dGoSTI7h0K4/s320/IMG_5239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465578759146347570" border="0" /></a>Once cut, I positioned it on the T-shirt and ironed it on. Freezer paper is awesome.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi7X-CzUI/AAAAAAAAAmw/fagu8dMx3qM/s1600/IMG_5240.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi7X-CzUI/AAAAAAAAAmw/fagu8dMx3qM/s320/IMG_5240.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465578763721035074" border="0" /></a>Then I painted. I used two coats, letting it dry a couple hours in between. The freezer paper creates the perfect seal to keep the paint just where you want it, then peels off easily once you're finished.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi8G-bG0I/AAAAAAAAAnA/auabP9wKUNw/s1600/IMG_5241.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi8G-bG0I/AAAAAAAAAnA/auabP9wKUNw/s320/IMG_5241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465578776339094338" border="0" /></a>Here it is finished. When my husband saw it, he asked me where I bought it from (ha!). He was surprised I had made it myself. Freezer paper and fabric paint are inexpensive and the possibilities really are endless, you can create any design you want and then paint it onto any fabric surface you like - tees, onesies, backpacks, hand towels, etc. Use the link above to see Jessica's full tutorial to make your own.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi786rnbI/AAAAAAAAAm4/tJ6OfiDWLls/s1600/IMG_5242.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9mi786rnbI/AAAAAAAAAm4/tJ6OfiDWLls/s320/IMG_5242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465578773639044530" border="0" /></a>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-31843600466102482692010-04-26T13:57:00.000-07:002010-04-26T14:24:26.502-07:00Infant Car Seat CoverOne of my best friends is having her first baby in the next month or so. I am so excited for her and her husband and I knew I had to think of a great gift. Of course it had to be hand made, right? It took me awhile to think of something, but I did. It is hard to tell what this is without actually having a car seat to model it on, but it is an infant car seat cover. They did not have these when I had babies, 'cause believe me, I would have been all over it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_IY9eU3I/AAAAAAAAAlo/KdtTxLqiyNQ/s1600/IMG_5182.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_IY9eU3I/AAAAAAAAAlo/KdtTxLqiyNQ/s320/IMG_5182.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464554242488292210" border="0" /></a>There are two straps that velcro onto the car seat handle so that your baby will be completely covered from sunlight when they are sleeping, prying, germy hands, and the paparazzi.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_I9sG6GI/AAAAAAAAAlw/fOoo4b1QBmM/s1600/IMG_5183.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_I9sG6GI/AAAAAAAAAlw/fOoo4b1QBmM/s320/IMG_5183.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464554252347566178" border="0" /></a>I found a few tutorials online, but it seemed like the people who made them were just 'winging' it. I found some really great ones on Etsy, but either they were $40 or I didn't like the fabric. I knew I had to take the matter into my own hands. I ended up buying a pattern from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/everydaychic">EveryDayChic</a> for just $6. I'd seen some on Etsy that had this cool option of having snaps in the front if you wanted to vent the cover or leave it open just a little for you to peek on your babe - but there were no patterns for that. If I wanted those snaps, I was going to have to wing it (crap).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_JnVjCUI/AAAAAAAAAl4/vqBkwEl48C0/s1600/IMG_5184.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_JnVjCUI/AAAAAAAAAl4/vqBkwEl48C0/s320/IMG_5184.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464554263527229762" border="0" /></a>I managed though. Apparently I am a pro at winging it. I had to also make binding to cover my seam and hand sew on the snaps and buttons to cover the snaps. It was a lot of extra work, but in the end it was worth it. I used random buttons from my stash and it turned out so cute.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_P8vJURI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/06QO5CCLkkA/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9X_P8vJURI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/06QO5CCLkkA/s320/IMG_5187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464554372350955794" border="0" /></a>My friend is so fun and loves bright, bold prints, I knew this bold, pinky, yellowy, orangey print would be sweet and girly enough for a baby without being pastel and cutesy. I love the orange lining on the inside. Hopefully baby Lucy will like it too. I would definitely recommend the cover pattern to anyone else looking to make one either for themselves or a friend. It took me two days to complete, though without my additions, I think I could have finished it in one morning.Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-43195784276065774722010-04-23T11:37:00.001-07:002010-04-23T11:46:14.152-07:00Natalie....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9Hp7m8d2MI/AAAAAAAAAlg/vnRX_xyEuAs/s1600/IMG_1019.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9Hp7m8d2MI/AAAAAAAAAlg/vnRX_xyEuAs/s320/IMG_1019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463405033252837570" border="0" /></a>Here are a few different strawberry shortcakes I created last spring. The ones above are all stitched together and the cake part is in the form of a cupcake. The one below, everything is separate so you can build it yourself.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9Hp6yqya2I/AAAAAAAAAlY/2ogDLPtnZ5o/s1600/IMG_1878.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9Hp6yqya2I/AAAAAAAAAlY/2ogDLPtnZ5o/s320/IMG_1878.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463405019220044642" border="0" /></a>I've been trying to think of a new shortcake style though. I didn't love the whole strawberry sticking up in the top photo, nor am I in love with my strawberry slices. Any suggestions?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9Hp6grbj9I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/YBn49pr6QC4/s1600/IMG_1885.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9Hp6grbj9I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/YBn49pr6QC4/s320/IMG_1885.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463405014390902738" border="0" /></a>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-163038860363455795.post-58067187191009612022010-04-22T12:51:00.000-07:002010-04-22T13:00:35.542-07:00Basketful of Berries<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9CqIT3pR7I/AAAAAAAAAlI/4ME2wZFQJkU/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9CqIT3pR7I/AAAAAAAAAlI/4ME2wZFQJkU/s320/IMG_5162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463053407749752754" border="0" /></a>Utah's spring has been full of rain and snow. Boo. We finally started to have a few nice days last week, but now we're back to rain. I can not wait for nice weather so I can start to plant some flowers and reap the benefits of my sister's hard work in her garden :). I especially can't wait for peas and STRAWBERRIES.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9CqIHCoGcI/AAAAAAAAAlA/M26YTN62cc8/s1600/IMG_5168.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9CqIHCoGcI/AAAAAAAAAlA/M26YTN62cc8/s320/IMG_5168.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463053404306151874" border="0" /></a>Here is my newest creation for my shop, a basketful of strawberries. There are two shades of red, 3 large berries, and 3 small berries, as well as a little basket to carry them in. These will have to keep me happy until it really warms up around here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9CqHoKp2II/AAAAAAAAAk4/cLgzWjFLRqg/s1600/IMG_5156.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ms4ndIByPmo/S9CqHoKp2II/AAAAAAAAAk4/cLgzWjFLRqg/s320/IMG_5156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463053396018321538" border="0" /></a>Shanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10402557898221498277noreply@blogger.com2