DIY: Tassle Socks

my constantly, crying, baby Reed gives me only a few minutes to do anything creative. when i get the craft bug i quickly have to create something before i easily become frustrated with an idea. since i can't sit in front of my sewing machine--which i desperately desire--i reach for simple diy projects that muster up creative juices and yet keeps me close to baby.

ta-da!!!

DIY Tribal Leggings

I was really diggin' the tribal leggings for kids and wanted some for Story but never really was fond of the price. I came across some clothes I wasn't making use of, and it dawned on me-- the fabric was exactly what I would like for Story's leggings! So, plugged in the handy-dandy sewing machine and made some for her. Not a penny was used. Jackpot!

Surprise!

A few months ago, the girls and I went birthday shopping for Key at H&M. Every time we go there, Key wants everything in the little girl section, naturally. This day was no exception. "Mommy, can you buy me this?" happened at least 50 times. As I try to be a smart shopper, I have to weigh things out--is it necessary, useful, on sale, can we wait, etc. 

The previous time there, she begged for hair accessories, which I bought her, thinking this would be a good buy since she'll actually wear them--wrong. She only wears them when she and Story play princess at home. I try getting her to wear them out, but they usually come off in the car. 

OK, so next time I'll be a smart buyer, at least in theory :) So this time, she asked for a cute, Hello Kitty wallet. She's never had a wallet, but Rock does (she reminded me of this). I thought about it, but then concluded "I'll just make one!" Call me a cheap skate, but I told her no, and that I would make her one. With trying to keep my word, this is my novice, Hello Kitty wallet project. Lots of mistakes but she doesn't care.

Cut, layered, and sewed...

 Made a Hello Kitty design then sewed onto homemade wallet

 attached velcro and hand sewed little clip buttons 

 I made a fabric lining on the outside, to cover up the stitching of the velcro. I cut, sewed, turned inside out...

  then attached the fabric.

Fabric glued the tiny nose.

 Then, voila!

Why is Story closing her eyes? It ain't for her!

She was so happy that sang a 10 minute song, she made up, about her wallet! It was so cute! I love her!

DIY shoe clips

What you'll need:

fabric (to cut out 30-40 quarter size circles)

needle (I use a quilt needle)

thread (I use crochet thread, it's thicker)

2 Felt cicles, desired size (the darker the better in case they easily dirty)

clips

Technique (sorry no pics):

Place 1 circle on top of felt,

 pull thread through back of circle/felt fabric, then back out. Circle should look puckered. Continue this technique, placing circles around the felt, and making it look puckered. No need to cut thread, until you're completely finished. On the other felt circle, attach clip towards outer circle, then attach two felt circles by threading the outer circles together (this technique). 

Then place on any shoe you like!

I'll Miss You Christmas...

decor!  You light up my place and make me feel so cozy. Till next year, Lord willing.

DIY stockings

DIY stair case paper garland 

DIY birdie ornaments

Kids DIY Christmas card holder-- made out of popsicle sticks

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Lived a captive Princess...

 Princess Leia

"A wise one he is" Yoda

   And one who would change the galaxy for good, Luke Skywalker

A force to be reckoned with!

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 The crew with Padme (Anakin Skywalker's mommy)

 A fun time at Shatto Recreation Center! We were so grateful for those CrossView people who helped out and sacrificed time to be a blessing to Shatto families and workers. Grace be with you all!

It was SO much fun making these costumes for the kids (do-it-yourself can really be fun)! They really enjoyed wearing them around the house and using their imagination to battle the Black Star.

Of course lets not forget why we (Christians) should remember October 31st and the importance of it--Martin Luther, and him being the fire starter to the Reformation! Talk about a world wide, life changer :)

Hanky

Using a handkerchief to wrap gifts is eye candy!

Gift wrapping reminds me of Christmas, and it's coming up way too fast!

Random: Up in the Bay Area and excited to be here!

Thor

The kids dupped me into walking thru The Disney Store. Bad idea. Key grabbed a Cars backpack and began stuffing it with princess stuff. Rock went straight to the superhero area and wanted everything in sight. He picked up a Thor helmet and begged for me to buy it. I kept telling him no. He kept insisting. I said no. He kept asking. I finally blurred out "I'll just make it for you." That sort of bought me some time of him not asking. As I pulled them out of the store, I realized I needed to come up with an action plan for this Thor helmet! As soon as I got home I planned in my brain. When they went to bed I began putting stuff together. 

A bit cheesy? Yes. A money saver? Yes.

 using cardboard, cut the above shapes

 The exact-o knife was helpful in poking holes for the elastic band to go thru the cardboard. Used hot glue for holding up the sides.

 Had to adjust to Rock's head so that it doesn't easily fall off.

 side view

 front view

The bottom part of cardboard was pulling in because of the elastic, but that was fine because once on his head it shaped around it.

Looking at Thor in his Marvel poster...

 Adding detail :)

Why the shirt off? It's hot, AND he likes being around the house like this. LOL!