tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-241509032024-03-14T10:37:54.473-05:00WeieroriginalDIY, Arts, and Crafts by a professional Graphic Designer just for the fun of it all.weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-7026063094927405362013-03-22T15:06:00.001-05:002013-03-22T15:06:20.901-05:00Just in time for Easter: Finished wooden EggsI said I would post a picture of when I had finished all the wooden eggs. I did 6 of them myself. My two year old daughter did 3 and my husband did 1.<br /><br />Here they are!<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN0tsbwLRgo8h0TKu7yerI9JppiIszcFXCgbkEFhmW7cnqpht1ABRCoJ-8J-IIe7ba6cZKMMf7tjHXxZ5fQgd_gNBm_cslO6WkeZY9UaieOAaBBJ67AGGUqvTiCs37awE6euELQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN0tsbwLRgo8h0TKu7yerI9JppiIszcFXCgbkEFhmW7cnqpht1ABRCoJ-8J-IIe7ba6cZKMMf7tjHXxZ5fQgd_gNBm_cslO6WkeZY9UaieOAaBBJ67AGGUqvTiCs37awE6euELQ/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a>This was actually a great craft for my daughter to take part in. She loves painting, and had enough patience for one egg at a time.<br />
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She did two eggs in the crayola washable watercolor paints and they turned out lovely as well. The rest are done in the Martha Stewart craft paint. (which if you haven't noticed, I love).<br /><br />The only issue we've had with them is when people visit my daughter will run over to them with the eggs and the guests have slightly freaked out because they don't want to break them, not realizing they are wooden...but really...that's a compliment :)<br />
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Hope you have a lovely Easter all in case I don't craft before then :)<br />
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<br /><br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-20265020865455266292012-11-18T13:00:00.000-06:002012-11-23T22:03:22.668-06:00Project for the Day: A Special gift for a 30th b-day partyAs I mentioned in my last post, we had a surprise 30th b-day party portion of the Friend's Thanksgiving, for which I created a "30" pinata. Well, one of the benefits of having a birthday is to receive presents.<br />
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So, here's what I made for my hubby.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hatBSVsU6ZD3-ymmgBdXCx3pS1Hyh6yCWqniXgYY1kxTEU0MDt7XAPgeXvY4hq2iZZgIP59CuKGne-v-TF-9s0pG2rUmGjwFKmxcbet2B3SuDCxvzklLqvqapmL3CVa4ZbouVw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hatBSVsU6ZD3-ymmgBdXCx3pS1Hyh6yCWqniXgYY1kxTEU0MDt7XAPgeXvY4hq2iZZgIP59CuKGne-v-TF-9s0pG2rUmGjwFKmxcbet2B3SuDCxvzklLqvqapmL3CVa4ZbouVw/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlAvPZQ9K5AWdJz-EyQ_uig6cGhe2k_vb2NAAaq0KuFjHRYfvQqwkgyWfewajgGA0bvHL3biDtQh1voj5CFE2CSbzNKupPeboC4N-C_HIWmfMCHIhlkm_mPVkXPIIx2Jeij6ybw/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlAvPZQ9K5AWdJz-EyQ_uig6cGhe2k_vb2NAAaq0KuFjHRYfvQqwkgyWfewajgGA0bvHL3biDtQh1voj5CFE2CSbzNKupPeboC4N-C_HIWmfMCHIhlkm_mPVkXPIIx2Jeij6ybw/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a>My husband is a writer. He is currently attempting to finish his first novel (at least the first draft), by his 30th birthday, so he will shortly be needing fresh ideas to start his next big project. Hence the creation of an idea book<br />
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So, I asked several friends and family members to contribute little ideas for jump off points for new stories and ideas. They also contributed some ideas for ways to think of ideas and games to find concepts. I began this project by working on the cover. I drew the design I wanted and printed it out reverse (as I was going to cut out the pieces and have two sheets of paper be the cover. I started with the portion that would have the design on it. It was a shiny red. This portion took a long time! Especially cutting out all the little letters!<br />
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After I had gotten over the cramps in my hands from cutting out letters, I cut the other piece of paper which is a bright gold. This one was the main portion of the cover (as well as the color behind the red cover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaaqV4L7WihyyWvTImhCSM95XJK46SbEWSwbUmbdZBvoDVi-4GCYMS9cik0i-RhVTXGPBXDJNa1kzS9zUXM_FS6F2WFf9Me1-TvUORmjnZRZ0SwgXwyVxQPvSm0usgWroq1672A/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaaqV4L7WihyyWvTImhCSM95XJK46SbEWSwbUmbdZBvoDVi-4GCYMS9cik0i-RhVTXGPBXDJNa1kzS9zUXM_FS6F2WFf9Me1-TvUORmjnZRZ0SwgXwyVxQPvSm0usgWroq1672A/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrY6FGrRgl3cgep98EZ6U54m1z3dCsn4BoA77592eGwk0Is5LbXmBRxQzAhm5561WsYy7CD7F0hV_rN0uRvbQI8xWMFVHTowdhyphenhyphenRM0gM0EWPqZukDm6U4-qmXg8Gk71XovpAwNA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrY6FGrRgl3cgep98EZ6U54m1z3dCsn4BoA77592eGwk0Is5LbXmBRxQzAhm5561WsYy7CD7F0hV_rN0uRvbQI8xWMFVHTowdhyphenhyphenRM0gM0EWPqZukDm6U4-qmXg8Gk71XovpAwNA/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Following this portion I cut book board for the spine, and both covers and then printed out all the pages. These were printed in booklet form with 8 pages per set (so I would have something to bind). Then I used a template to punch holes in the pages so I could bind them. I then began sewing the pages to straps and each other to attach the pages to the book. I vaguely recall the type of binding being called a kettle stitch, but it's been a few years so forgive me if I'm mistaken.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mjrh5qS4woQddPwc6WDb-BW2ikCw7_-MLFmOZWBFkjKLQKVGNCXLos8-Ei4s2vQ3p_Z2VyfnE1Th4BtDWQDZDO4AVGn7j4GXeBgafFxUrOqsODUjGSRthpQCTr2EvSjxk319ew/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Mjrh5qS4woQddPwc6WDb-BW2ikCw7_-MLFmOZWBFkjKLQKVGNCXLos8-Ei4s2vQ3p_Z2VyfnE1Th4BtDWQDZDO4AVGn7j4GXeBgafFxUrOqsODUjGSRthpQCTr2EvSjxk319ew/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a>Here the pages are minus the final page. (I had a few pages in the back where I put in lines for him to write in his own ideas or for others to add some more ideas later). This is where I should have glued the pages together, (but I forgot!), so there is a slight gap between pages when the book is open. the final page of the book has a portion that attaches to the cover (in addition to the straps) so it's extra strong.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZGks4RP-DOVs5CAnr_X_MqytGN5GSPIxqbcpxsIqtywbyEktdZwXKmAYyaOSiuD40B3nPKjX9j_pbVY24d2HhACCOV17I-3r7oJ0D1CFe5XP_vBNwqy9FclK5_4NsMr6m4nBhg/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZGks4RP-DOVs5CAnr_X_MqytGN5GSPIxqbcpxsIqtywbyEktdZwXKmAYyaOSiuD40B3nPKjX9j_pbVY24d2HhACCOV17I-3r7oJ0D1CFe5XP_vBNwqy9FclK5_4NsMr6m4nBhg/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50Z6wNVzE2mMvFGim1FPs4IebbTk2qBkHjp_g1wsKKtIvfv635_t737gPQB21_BtK95McL66KJhCLS90Ch9UaIdMWvIorAueZ7Uakl9c-Pcs3wYYdhW2FYGtttwnxDKuwIDzxfQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50Z6wNVzE2mMvFGim1FPs4IebbTk2qBkHjp_g1wsKKtIvfv635_t737gPQB21_BtK95McL66KJhCLS90Ch9UaIdMWvIorAueZ7Uakl9c-Pcs3wYYdhW2FYGtttwnxDKuwIDzxfQ/s200/007.JPG" width="200" /></a> The next step involved a lot of cutting, measuring and gluing. Using a paint brush I spread the glue on the front and back covers and attached it to the book board. This involved some folding and trimming of edges so the edges were perfect. This was also where I made a second mistake (phooey). I measured and placed my spine a bit close to the cover, so it isn't as pronounced of a closure as I would have liked. It should have been twice the distance it is. (shoot). This luckily doesn't effect the book's functionality, or really the appearance much, so I got off fairly easily.<br />
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Next, I glued down the straps, and portion of the end page (that was covered by the interior cover paper) and the interior paper. This one was a beautiful textured green paper with a lovely grain. It's definitely one of my favorite papers. (This was when I realized I forgot to glue the bound edge of the pages and that there would be gaps in the pages...I didn't want to rip up my lovely green paper, so I decided some gaps inbetween pages wasn't awful...).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppsXB9LvrgGeCi3F7yn6ylpxowWDaCkqEPFH4Ok3sSxrlqXeNGCqWsiQVNm74AP3wd4D_03xsrth5ZF4pZlGPPwIdO5IMUyUYl6BGrvOlN8ZUhde9yjrwLrh0WfxQlRs6O1Rd3A/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppsXB9LvrgGeCi3F7yn6ylpxowWDaCkqEPFH4Ok3sSxrlqXeNGCqWsiQVNm74AP3wd4D_03xsrth5ZF4pZlGPPwIdO5IMUyUYl6BGrvOlN8ZUhde9yjrwLrh0WfxQlRs6O1Rd3A/s200/009.JPG" width="150" /></a>Here it is! The final book! It has two levels of cut outs (the yellow with the mitered edges is on top, then the red with all the letters and silhouette cut out, and then another Yellow sheet, so it is quite visually fun!<br />
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I'm sure he'll love it, especially all the wonderful ideas from friends!<br />
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Turned out lovely!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppsXB9LvrgGeCi3F7yn6ylpxowWDaCkqEPFH4Ok3sSxrlqXeNGCqWsiQVNm74AP3wd4D_03xsrth5ZF4pZlGPPwIdO5IMUyUYl6BGrvOlN8ZUhde9yjrwLrh0WfxQlRs6O1Rd3A/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">\</a>weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-83127005157541672612012-10-30T12:13:00.000-05:002012-10-30T12:13:00.389-05:00Project for the day: Cushion for readingI really wanted to be sure you had something to read today, so I did a project that my husband has been dropping hints in the hopes of me doing it for quite some time.<br /><br />You see we have a 2 year old daughter who we read a chapter of a book to every night at bedtime since she was born and 99% of the time that reading falls to my husband. We've read the <i>The Wind in the Willows, Frog and Toad Are Friends, The Complete Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Anne of Green Gables </i>(all 9 books), and a vast variety of the <i>American Girl</i> books (Kit, Samantha, Felicity, Kirsten, Addy, and Molly thus far). It's my husband's favorite part of the day. The part he wanted to change (you may be wondering) was sitting on the floor. So he had requested a cushion to sit on for our daughter's room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9uFzrxw_gmxKpWScF0jYtX7x3oZ2fw6L7IzRAelbeArRHkmmkjfZDJ0MwWo58-Tcdj4TOLnPWtRdh4k2Ge569O8XNWiB3yDVlL7PNhLc3aDcMCt5LRI08TAcz1Ma22q63maRUQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9uFzrxw_gmxKpWScF0jYtX7x3oZ2fw6L7IzRAelbeArRHkmmkjfZDJ0MwWo58-Tcdj4TOLnPWtRdh4k2Ge569O8XNWiB3yDVlL7PNhLc3aDcMCt5LRI08TAcz1Ma22q63maRUQ/s200/001.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
I had some left over fabric from the brown chair I had upholstered for our daughter's room, but not enough to do a cushion, but I also had some nice, sturdy, very light gray home decor fabric that would work for the cushion itself. I decided to use the brown suede for piping along the edges. If you've never made piping (I hadn't before) it's actually quite simple. It requires a special sewing machine foot (called a cording foot) and it turns out I had one (yipee)! All you do it fold the fabric around the cord and butt the foot right up next to it (allowing the foot to run right up next to it. I used a thick twine I had on hand for the piping itself and it looked perfect. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-9OCQWg20QO7UcR-c9N8TYrJRDjE0RhYFatPiMRkpRVXw7i3sCwQV3qC9FlN_f_b3v6pmf2ObY8h-c7DMHFt7j7vbvgqmFwl-k3VXwqms7pSpMpNpcOX6yN8kxS_JXQ3arpRCg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-9OCQWg20QO7UcR-c9N8TYrJRDjE0RhYFatPiMRkpRVXw7i3sCwQV3qC9FlN_f_b3v6pmf2ObY8h-c7DMHFt7j7vbvgqmFwl-k3VXwqms7pSpMpNpcOX6yN8kxS_JXQ3arpRCg/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ8VMvao7xkBHrxx5w7atd7TyoHWFNm5SvNfUc-dAPRaylaZrn8OuQNRJVNqMK0UEcSxfr0FsiCnf8xZolTggs9KmBg51QzM4Bz10sorIzVmvjtwZfdMeAu1tqg8kMFJo7Fw-HA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZ8VMvao7xkBHrxx5w7atd7TyoHWFNm5SvNfUc-dAPRaylaZrn8OuQNRJVNqMK0UEcSxfr0FsiCnf8xZolTggs9KmBg51QzM4Bz10sorIzVmvjtwZfdMeAu1tqg8kMFJo7Fw-HA/s200/004.JPG" width="150" /></a>Once I had made the piping, I used the same foot I attached the piping to the right side of the fabric (please note, at this point I wish I would have decided on a round cushion. Corners are not fun). The piping was attached to both the top and bottom edges of the cushion and then I sewed the sides onto it still using the cording foot to ensure that the edge got as close as possible to that piping. I let the siding overlap slightly so I would have material to sew together to close off the cushion once it was done, but I made sure to sew around the entire cushion so everything would be nice and snug. and then flipped it right side out (see the picture at right once the edge was sewn on).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Zm-MDqDQns3lXIRHKb60Kl_Du_EeS_Lcwt0GqCp6d8vvk3ndxOoXcnnItWJ8usVrjq7Ns9bLGTIfHu5EJDgFJk4oDbUQ_QpgMFqZfdzWhkpR92NYJZ-E7mWruQIdlL0Y78puGg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Zm-MDqDQns3lXIRHKb60Kl_Du_EeS_Lcwt0GqCp6d8vvk3ndxOoXcnnItWJ8usVrjq7Ns9bLGTIfHu5EJDgFJk4oDbUQ_QpgMFqZfdzWhkpR92NYJZ-E7mWruQIdlL0Y78puGg/s200/006.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
At this point I stuffed it using fiber fill and then sewed the opening shut.<br />
I stuffed it pretty firmly so it would be keep it's shape for a longer time and not take a beating after being sat on for a long time.<br />
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I was contemplating screen-printing the actual fabric (which I may do at some point, but I wanted to use it this evening, so I guess if I do, I'll save that for another blog post).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRE74B03PKeQSpsrfmncOneEi3YXc3FRr1keSoLmhWmtk3ZbTKWGJf5kuzQJbp4imSQ4D0X3SJY1vGfeguEaU_6PU9njXEJ8B71AcxiTvAPD5gIgZ8pRs79RuGDr7F9Cqt4-ZaMg/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRE74B03PKeQSpsrfmncOneEi3YXc3FRr1keSoLmhWmtk3ZbTKWGJf5kuzQJbp4imSQ4D0X3SJY1vGfeguEaU_6PU9njXEJ8B71AcxiTvAPD5gIgZ8pRs79RuGDr7F9Cqt4-ZaMg/s200/008.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Here it is being tested by a cute little girl who took some time out from dancing to ensure it worked well. I'm pretty sure hubby will love it. My daughter sure does!<br />
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PS -You know what's tough about doing crafts...I take pictures of the nice things I make, but I have to stare at the stuff I want to fix that I don't have the expertise to tackle. For example, I can't wait till I can replace that carpet! It's definitely seen better days!<br />
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If you want to donate, so you don't have to stare at it in my pictures, I would be sure to make you something in return! You know, if you've been just trying to figure out what to do with a pile of cash lying about or something :)<br />
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<br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-14022896213006997592012-10-29T12:25:00.000-05:002012-10-29T12:25:00.638-05:00Presents I've been working on - 4I recently completed a quilt as a gift for a lady for her niece-to-be as a baby shower gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5c3YXy7360-ry_hY2zqQsJ4mwj2fLWAW4XhlC00f4waaf3HgCio9YcYNjeRAzeDaxRP8XE8MebWWEwIL_ZNkwss1f9yLjWNrCOWLRUC7E9Iv3NhOh0De05ZpFLtT49Xo6QBaKQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5c3YXy7360-ry_hY2zqQsJ4mwj2fLWAW4XhlC00f4waaf3HgCio9YcYNjeRAzeDaxRP8XE8MebWWEwIL_ZNkwss1f9yLjWNrCOWLRUC7E9Iv3NhOh0De05ZpFLtT49Xo6QBaKQ/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
She had decided she wanted a modern/fun design, with a nice soft back. We went to a fabric store, picked out all the materials, and got the supplies and then I began work on it. This type of pattern/design is slightly complicated because you have to make sure that you have straight lines to sew and can split it up into sections (so it ends up mostly straight and such as you go). It is also necessary to ensure that you leave extra fabric for seam allowance (for example if you want a square that is 12 inches next to a series of 3 inch squares when laying it out you need to make sure that each 3 inch square is really 3.5 inches as you loose a 1/4 inch for each seam). In addition, you may notice that every fabric is never touching the same fabric or within 2 blocks of it. this was intentional, so this design actually took way more thinking than a typical pattern, but is more forgiving of mistakes as it appears absolutely random.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicp6TCp5R2qf5NhsbdFH68hgmLL8AoiKcS_mBmlaFT9KFpoVNCq4D32G1QfZ_sALaWzK_X9RmL0lTSGxpgSNmFNzi_1QZpPlpKZbDIlBPS1tOZ48MvfmhhRHeFO8OZ2WVatgTmg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicp6TCp5R2qf5NhsbdFH68hgmLL8AoiKcS_mBmlaFT9KFpoVNCq4D32G1QfZ_sALaWzK_X9RmL0lTSGxpgSNmFNzi_1QZpPlpKZbDIlBPS1tOZ48MvfmhhRHeFO8OZ2WVatgTmg/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a> I also wanted to use a specific fabric for the edging, so I knew I wanted to make sure that fabric was never touching an edge. After I had finished the inside and put on the first edge, I decided it was too plain, so I added the colored border (using squares of all interior fabrics except the edge). Once I added the second border in the fabric I decided it was still too plain for a baby quilt and the ruffle was added (see picture of making the ruffle the the left - this took a LOT of fabric - 24 feet worth actually)!<br />
This took some major effort as I had made it about twice the full diameter of the quilt and then used a thread the exact length of the outside of the quilt to ruffle the fabric the correct amount. After it was appropriately ruffled I attached it to the edge of the quilt and then pinned the entire front to the backing (which is a really soft fleece that is safe for baby bedding in a light yellow). I had to sew the entire ruffle and backing by hand as I found out that it was too thick for my sewing machine to sew without trouble. So I did it similar to a pillow case by turning it right sides together and sewing the edge in a whip stitch, flipping it inside out and then using the machine to put a seam to hold it all together and in place. Then I quilted it in the ditch of some of the squares so it would maintain the soft backing and not add to the busy front.<br />
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I then washed the whole thing to make sure all the fabric was nice and tightly sewn so the mom wouldn't have to fix anything that came apart in the wash.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEm0o4Eis6Nw9d51a3nuVvj-37JpCSFZSLAwJDtFWUuQILctipUwA80ItFuGo1VgIpwN2DWQfBJp9aYnpVtUr3bYyhqRa5ILl0EldrkEzOEgFMzIlNyPe34ZrTJ4TkUySbV4Oy-w/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEm0o4Eis6Nw9d51a3nuVvj-37JpCSFZSLAwJDtFWUuQILctipUwA80ItFuGo1VgIpwN2DWQfBJp9aYnpVtUr3bYyhqRa5ILl0EldrkEzOEgFMzIlNyPe34ZrTJ4TkUySbV4Oy-w/s200/004.JPG" width="150" /></a>Have I ever mentioned that I make sure all my quilts are machine washable? If not, I make an effort at all times to do so because I hate nothing more than not being able to treat stains and with a baby quilt it is particularly important to have something you can clean. To the right is the finished quilt which turned out adorable!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOTr9p5feKA5PWjJjnN6uGzafqSWF_d9XZffTSgJz3x28m1LS7jgd2167zmJejpNQ6F7FKrTeMzFJJevZq4Jkc7_Je-s-djeLGAPmwetee0tfoq6zsEFBdGBxn0o9pY0IRFzE2g/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOTr9p5feKA5PWjJjnN6uGzafqSWF_d9XZffTSgJz3x28m1LS7jgd2167zmJejpNQ6F7FKrTeMzFJJevZq4Jkc7_Je-s-djeLGAPmwetee0tfoq6zsEFBdGBxn0o9pY0IRFzE2g/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></a>As an added bonus, I tried my hand at embroidery by adding a little message in the corner for the baby from her aunt. (this was a chain stitch I believe). I think I did a pretty good job for a first time on the embroidery, but if I ever do that again, I'm going to try to remember to do it prior to attaching the front and back as that really complicated the moving between letters. Overall, turned out wonderfully I think!<br />
<br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-3651759254797391652012-10-26T11:43:00.000-05:002012-10-26T11:43:00.238-05:00Projects I've completed for Presents - 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BcHiUcbotLLZvxuSUMh9F7892oCkVd0t_2Fm4-xSaLmXvt6FVudHC5jrw8HhFwa1wZ4E7veuG2Ct055sBbtJTxFIOPeb3v7HbKVN5is6JlQoSWz70cETAAeKw0ndv_2kjSZVqg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BcHiUcbotLLZvxuSUMh9F7892oCkVd0t_2Fm4-xSaLmXvt6FVudHC5jrw8HhFwa1wZ4E7veuG2Ct055sBbtJTxFIOPeb3v7HbKVN5is6JlQoSWz70cETAAeKw0ndv_2kjSZVqg/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a>After the doll dresses were done I set about doing a more complicated project.<br />
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I was doing a themed b-day present! This one revolved around some lovely floating candy corn candles I had gotten for my sister-in-law. Since the little candles were mostly just cute I decided to add some actual candy corn, and once I had done that. I needed to make a candy corn table runner! (Her birthday being in October, it seemed appropriate).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7dFTkFPeG-xW9BD2QFMthWxTWxmynuShMHcCFHrN4WpsqpOJbwnKTBIDTX5eJ-8Y_urDYrj1fPOlrKyfsXWpW17oLgh4b3L6viDgQEBqBcY9qWzjRv9iUzx5unccCSJZq7yOQw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7dFTkFPeG-xW9BD2QFMthWxTWxmynuShMHcCFHrN4WpsqpOJbwnKTBIDTX5eJ-8Y_urDYrj1fPOlrKyfsXWpW17oLgh4b3L6viDgQEBqBcY9qWzjRv9iUzx5unccCSJZq7yOQw/s200/001.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrj8ToPexJOFAJsFLx6LKomKfZnnoii_4ZrWYW6An92YHPlbIZbw-e3tAJIwm-bW8HUk6T96U9-zOer1LSLiUddst5lQ1ZabF03LNjR1iSwPLuo0DiryK0dL2jTB0JmMpnv88yA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrj8ToPexJOFAJsFLx6LKomKfZnnoii_4ZrWYW6An92YHPlbIZbw-e3tAJIwm-bW8HUk6T96U9-zOer1LSLiUddst5lQ1ZabF03LNjR1iSwPLuo0DiryK0dL2jTB0JmMpnv88yA/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrj8ToPexJOFAJsFLx6LKomKfZnnoii_4ZrWYW6An92YHPlbIZbw-e3tAJIwm-bW8HUk6T96U9-zOer1LSLiUddst5lQ1ZabF03LNjR1iSwPLuo0DiryK0dL2jTB0JmMpnv88yA/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> First I sewed together strips of orange, yellow and white fabric and then cut out a bunch of "candy corn" shapes. made from a template I made for the correct height. Then I sewed them the pieces of black fabric cut at the same angle as the edge of the candy corn. Once that was completed I added trim to each side to make the candy corn surrounded. Then I worked on the back. I took a fun striped/polka dotted fabric and quilt batting onto which I sewed a spiders web. (If you know me personally, you are aware of my intense, paralyzing fear of spiders) so this was really a challenge. I did this spider web in Silver thread so it stood out (sadly it's a bit hard to see in the pictures. I intended to sew spiders on there too. But it freaked me out...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXwS7j7huwUWE_ba89ysWh3HLYO36DoT7kXXwA3PdG7s73eNFD82smqLhRI_BuONaH18s4B8c7ECCvFYJU6DZhzN6wUZgwxp6docn3hWMCYXIyaI077oWuTNSAM6tSaRMJNT90w/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXwS7j7huwUWE_ba89ysWh3HLYO36DoT7kXXwA3PdG7s73eNFD82smqLhRI_BuONaH18s4B8c7ECCvFYJU6DZhzN6wUZgwxp6docn3hWMCYXIyaI077oWuTNSAM6tSaRMJNT90w/s200/005.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGCP0-tLZn49DhdGHhGo0UxSFFDmPw3M-C5lcCJ28KA4LjM5er6fx3AEVom0JD_tJhFlwBQTQK6ZegGV1-FRYodtunw4ksIINsiidGfKpOzOHMXD2wgWpU5H6Y9w4eM1qjHxNHg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGCP0-tLZn49DhdGHhGo0UxSFFDmPw3M-C5lcCJ28KA4LjM5er6fx3AEVom0JD_tJhFlwBQTQK6ZegGV1-FRYodtunw4ksIINsiidGfKpOzOHMXD2wgWpU5H6Y9w4eM1qjHxNHg/s200/006.JPG" width="150" /></a>I then attached the two strips of candy corn to another 'beetlejuice-esque' fabric to make the front the same size as the back. Then I sewed right sides together and turned the whole thing inside out (Using a chop stick to push the corners out). Then I sewed along the edge of the two to close up the hole I had left for turning the runner inside out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78l-O-Tc9Mok76iQ4dMzZj104Er5uFKmIrNZDPAa74lGkdV_zIeLaA_8fOoYeZbb6WQ66Ntdar9yoaRJnF8WTuupN5U8do0HyZ2HBpeOfSjhGXYR7cH9fL9XRsgWomEjlpCtAzQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78l-O-Tc9Mok76iQ4dMzZj104Er5uFKmIrNZDPAa74lGkdV_zIeLaA_8fOoYeZbb6WQ66Ntdar9yoaRJnF8WTuupN5U8do0HyZ2HBpeOfSjhGXYR7cH9fL9XRsgWomEjlpCtAzQ/s200/007.JPG" width="150" /></a>And it was done! To the right there is the front and the back. It turned out cute and made the themed gift extra nice.<br />
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Hopefully when you zoom in you can see the spider web. It actually is pretty fun looking.<br />
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weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-77983431443774219022012-10-25T11:10:00.000-05:002012-10-25T11:10:00.485-05:00Projects I've completed for Presents - 2So after the little elephant was done, I got to work on doll dresses for my niece's 3rd birthday. I actually made 2 dresses, but sadly it appears I only photographed the first one. (shoot)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB8jQEQ6vte6WLNuF2rsNBBpixW3lSZWa7J6juV4H60r5kcrKr8kp8TytmFr_4oyjUmhhzpzNHfjtxIRWmInPrLCy-4K5UTIycEfjdOiOIboOA9PbvWMkWNm_S-IRVmBcVh1_vg/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB8jQEQ6vte6WLNuF2rsNBBpixW3lSZWa7J6juV4H60r5kcrKr8kp8TytmFr_4oyjUmhhzpzNHfjtxIRWmInPrLCy-4K5UTIycEfjdOiOIboOA9PbvWMkWNm_S-IRVmBcVh1_vg/s200/001.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
This dress is a reversible dolls dress. It's closures are velcro (so it's easy to put on). You can see both sides in the pictures below. It's a very simple pattern that crosses in the back and fits very snuggly on a standard size baby doll.<br />
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I do like this dress, but it seemed a bit plain, so I made a second one that was a summer dress that tied in the back, which I didn't use a pattern for. (sorry no pictures on that one!) That one was measuring the doll and sewing pieces together like I used to do as a kid when I would make clothes for my barbie dolls. (Trust me, I did that A LOT!) It has a more full skirt<br />
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My niece who adores baby dolls, seemed to like them, so I was pleased.<br />
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<br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-22163208206323896292012-10-24T10:53:00.000-05:002012-10-24T10:53:00.761-05:00Projects I've completed for presents - 1Making presents causes a little bit of an issue when blogging...I'm not sure if the people I make things for are looking/reading my blog, so I don't like putting them up before I give the item to the recipient, but then I look like I'm not crafting at all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa44cCDnAYK2lE_lFtwIUMxIWgxh7A9zRD-lAECJPUo1A8Kb-VHdVq9kFhATbxVuQUKitLmD7xvJxnCtBrxYl_RmPXc91XTjL5i5cI4L8ipGQdve0CiEc2iKgvhG5jPSBKba86Q/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKa44cCDnAYK2lE_lFtwIUMxIWgxh7A9zRD-lAECJPUo1A8Kb-VHdVq9kFhATbxVuQUKitLmD7xvJxnCtBrxYl_RmPXc91XTjL5i5cI4L8ipGQdve0CiEc2iKgvhG5jPSBKba86Q/s200/012.JPG" width="150" /></a>Well, I recently gave some items away, so you can see what I've been up to.<br />
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First, there was a tiny elephant toy for a baby shower. I've done one of these before and it turned out as cute as ever. Just in case you want the step by step it's pretty easy. I started by putting right sides together and cutting out a front and back template.<br /><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCeOyMrRrW8QM202mu7I81RnpCfXg56DLRvaK1nKurGuXnj1I82qt4-16wnDSMZUoGTCqs7PPxurX1ty3EYHbtVzmDuPhtoOjxF-aKk2vk6-ZoNniISuWfXDerAAFLLiyPFnhVw/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCeOyMrRrW8QM202mu7I81RnpCfXg56DLRvaK1nKurGuXnj1I82qt4-16wnDSMZUoGTCqs7PPxurX1ty3EYHbtVzmDuPhtoOjxF-aKk2vk6-ZoNniISuWfXDerAAFLLiyPFnhVw/s200/014.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW3tgo_R3UzqRhtsulGgeK1-DVc2k91Mp5MgiYfkda3go-J5iQW4rM9VhpLUbyWGLm9imdr5_-Ni9HlmsehZ1FmdVP8cT3aNNcBIMhO1A_wyNOK1YaFO0Jv-ZwnsnutCGSeWE-w/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW3tgo_R3UzqRhtsulGgeK1-DVc2k91Mp5MgiYfkda3go-J5iQW4rM9VhpLUbyWGLm9imdr5_-Ni9HlmsehZ1FmdVP8cT3aNNcBIMhO1A_wyNOK1YaFO0Jv-ZwnsnutCGSeWE-w/s200/013.JPG" width="200" /></a>I sewed along all the seams after pinning everything. making sure to sew the eyes first (I just did eyes that were thread, so by doing them first I could make sure they were nice and tight and the knots were inside the body).<br />
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Then I turned the little fella right side out and sewed the ears shut (so when I stuffed him he wouldn't have chubby ears). Then I used a chopstick to get all the corners nicely flat before stuffing.<br />
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I used fiber fill to stuff him, while making sure to get some in the nose and all the extremities before doing the head and body.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoAtjFFE99g5_NGn_Lv2feMXCHlQodGxPvRdoX6_YYQ1UMbL1ShP3g13jvkxXjxYq0zyw1sEmTuFaHc2R4Tgy92n-wA4MvHahiZRlhQWdwk6UwdPOc8vRl36FSmRYqg-FMiwoOA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoAtjFFE99g5_NGn_Lv2feMXCHlQodGxPvRdoX6_YYQ1UMbL1ShP3g13jvkxXjxYq0zyw1sEmTuFaHc2R4Tgy92n-wA4MvHahiZRlhQWdwk6UwdPOc8vRl36FSmRYqg-FMiwoOA/s200/002.JPG" width="150" /></a>Once he was done being stuffed, I sewed up the back and sewed on a permanent bow so it couldn't be untied. Here he is sitting up waiting to be given to my friend for her little boy who will be arriving in December.<br />
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I can tell he can't wait to meet his new friend. Can't you?<br />
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weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-72301775178940973472012-09-15T18:13:00.000-05:002012-09-15T18:13:26.162-05:00Project for the Day: The window seat cushionSo, it's been forever since my last post. This of course is partly due to our intensive budget project, but also due to my having worked nearly all of August to finish several large projects (and therefore had no time for crafting).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdM61BjVSMlBS6Jf8UmBRS-r-zzMmHWqnoeBSE58tZGEj0PBxD-XWeGaSLwKRpQGoGQ6oAdSSbkqOdCIGUEJNSpqfoKcDCU9YrnsOShtcWR1mZx6_KprmiF_7HwssulCeZmJG-w/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdM61BjVSMlBS6Jf8UmBRS-r-zzMmHWqnoeBSE58tZGEj0PBxD-XWeGaSLwKRpQGoGQ6oAdSSbkqOdCIGUEJNSpqfoKcDCU9YrnsOShtcWR1mZx6_KprmiF_7HwssulCeZmJG-w/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a>But here I am. I'm sure you are rejoicing :)<br />
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First off, it is nearing my birthday and I had told one of my very good friends that I wanted foam to make a window seat cushion (I walk on the wild side... and I had coupons! Score). So, she came with me to get the foam (ended up with a 24 x 72 x 2 inch piece and I started out working the very next day. The first step was to make a template for the window seat I used some paper we had been given that was no longer needed at an office and taped it together to make a template. I wanted to be sure not to get my foam (it being $32/yard it's not exactly something you want to ruin) dirty, but also, I knew the small size would be easier to use to get around the various angles and such. Also, making the template didn't spoil my daughter's ability to use it for art (which is why we got it anyway).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFRKbBMmUVk9iljgSOqaPa2pXfoJoP0zkJoxsSRkuGCLffIMaKZxrrFwtQ7Caxr8lfMilBSYwwGza675K4x1NhAXVonNeAQCZEWtaWcwVdXTHPt4d8qxF09zWLuCWZmpspRBuIw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFRKbBMmUVk9iljgSOqaPa2pXfoJoP0zkJoxsSRkuGCLffIMaKZxrrFwtQ7Caxr8lfMilBSYwwGza675K4x1NhAXVonNeAQCZEWtaWcwVdXTHPt4d8qxF09zWLuCWZmpspRBuIw/s200/002.JPG" width="150" /></a>Once the template was made, I placed it on the foam and began trimming. The window seat itself is 96 inches long by 18 inches, but I was able to cut all of the window seat out of the above piece. Yay! The strangest part about this step was my normal scissors weren't sharp enough to cut the foam so I had to use my good sewing scissors (gasp!) to do it, since I didn't have a utility knife (or at least a really sharp one) handy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iynYzlHE6wOQFZLhtbeBxauRDrljZ9L-XA1sXF_zv9els7ePevdoo7GCI7_HbryQUfJAQjnmbK_CgMXOiSOCvpJQ7i-fB3Q_avLdLP9byqmcFUqXHQowYJONjgUz9MNkZVROQg/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iynYzlHE6wOQFZLhtbeBxauRDrljZ9L-XA1sXF_zv9els7ePevdoo7GCI7_HbryQUfJAQjnmbK_CgMXOiSOCvpJQ7i-fB3Q_avLdLP9byqmcFUqXHQowYJONjgUz9MNkZVROQg/s200/006.JPG" width="200" /></a>After I had cut out all the pieces, I was able to test it in the window seat area to make sure it fit, as well as do any trimming necessary to make it nice and straight on the front (I used the factory cut edge on the front to ensure a smooth front, but if the back was strange it would cover more or less of the window seat ledge. Once it was perfectly fit, I had a helper test it out. Looks like it met approval.<br />
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Then on to the fun portion. If you remember way back when, I used to have three green curtains in that window prior to the window seat going in. Well, that third curtain became the fabric of the window seat. That curtain wasn't going to be big enough to cover the whole thing, and also, I wanted the cushion to stay on the window seat, so the bottom became the white grippy fabric that you often see on the bottom of kids slippers for going downstairs without slipping. I got 1 yard of that at $12.99 (also not cheap). That grippy fabric I cut and sewed as close to the perfect fit of the bottom as I could. All additional fabric needed on the bottom was covered by the former curtain.<br />
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The down side of this cushion was that the shape (and the clingy aspect of the grippy fabric) prohibited the normal techniques I use for covering furniture of turning the material inside out, pinning, and sewing up with my machine. So instead I sewed everything into a giant flat portion and then I had to close this thing up by hand, so that took quite a while. ( you can see I pinned it closed as I went along).<br />
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Once I finished that, I put it into place (praying that it still fit) and it was immediately taken over by individuals ready to test it out when I went to get my camera. After the initial test, it was scotch guarded (love that stuff) to protect the fabric as well as the wood seat underneath.<br />
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So there you have it. A new window seat cushion. Happy Birthday (early) to me!<br />
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<br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-82203116434479787362012-07-17T15:17:00.000-05:002012-07-17T15:17:01.755-05:00An anniversary present for my husbandToday is my 8th wedding anniversary. I can't believe it has been 8 years since I wore a really big poofy dress; was surrounded by friends and family; and married the man I had fallen for at first sight. This fall I will have known him 10 years and that too boggles the mind!<br />
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Well this year posed a bit of a problem for me anniversary wise. Elliot and I have never really exchanged anniversary gifts (or at least nothing too remarkably large). We've only gone out for dinner on our anniversary 3 of the last 8 years as well. In 2009, we had a candlelit dinner of mac and cheese because I had been laid off for crying out loud. So this year, when we are in the process of doing a big "pay off all our debt" project I certainly wasn't going to go out and buy something to give Elliot, but he wanted to make me dinner, so I had to think of something else. Didn't really feel like baking either as it's extra hot here which didn't put me in the mood for a cake or pie.<br />
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So what did I do? Well, I've been bugging my spouse for a few weeks...ever since we finished the swing set (back in mid June) that we need to finish the last wall so we can plant the pampas grass to hide the compost bin from being able to be seen from the street. (If you look at the picture closely you can see the topsoil piled up in the bags in the top of the picture. The pampas grass will go in the triangle of space to the right of this picture (on the other side of the fence to cover the big black compost bin (you can see one of the legs of the compost bin in the bottom right of the picture)).<br />
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So today, while my daughter was napping, I started and finished the wall. The first thing I had to do was remove the bricks we had originally put in along the side of the garden. I needed to make a raised garden, so those didn't need to be there. Also, I needed those to contain the side of the other garden (on the left of this picture). So those came out, then I dug out and leveled the ground around the right garden and started putting in the blocks.<br />
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I used some remnants of blocks we had pulled out of the ground from when we had removed the falling down shed as the back of the garden (as they are thinner and I didn't want to take up that much space). I was also one block short, so I have to go out and get that, but I placed all the other blocks, and the back ones, and emptied all the topsoil we had into the garden. So now the driveway is clean. After that I buried the bricks half way into the ground (which is good, since you can't open the gate forward with them out all the way) as they are on the rest of the garden and dusted off the path.<br />
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PS...it's too dry and hot currently to even think about moving/planting any pampas grass there right now, so it will remain empty until the fall probably when I can divide my large stash of pampas grass in back. That will significantly hide the composter and also will contain the pampas grass enough where it shouldn't take over the neighbor's yard or anything.<br />
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Done! Happy Anniversary Studmuffin! I look forward to many more years of projects with you!weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-82456686375382439672012-07-13T17:38:00.003-05:002012-07-13T17:38:48.331-05:00Using up old MagnetsHope you are all having a lovely Friday the 13th! I know I should be hiding under the covers or some such item to prevent disaster, but I had to craft something today because my daughter is an art protegee (as much as a two year old can be) and I must put it on the refrigerator.<br /><br />How many times have you received some promotional magnet from a bank, restaurant, radio station, insurance company, etc? You know the ones with contact info or a baseball schedule or something.<br />
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I had an overabundance of these at my house, but I kind of hate throwing them away since magnets are kind of expensive when you want to buy them. But, they aren't the most attractive item in the world and I prefer the front of my fridge to be fairly clean. I want only the most important info up there and I still want my fridge to be cute - so the important ones went on the side of the fridge where I could find them quickly and the rest go in a box in my craft drawer.<br />
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So, today I determined I needed additional magnets to keep my daughter's drawings up like any proud mama as well as attach the latest and greatest pictures to the refrigerator of cousins and such. I certainly didn't want to buy some, and also didn't want to use these as they aren't, well, cute. You know what that means? CRAFT PROJECT!<br />
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First I pulled out a few duplicate pictures that are adorable of my daughter from her first year (cause who doesn't want pictures of their kids on a refrigerator). And some cute fortune cookies and found objects that I thought were interesting enough to be up there. Then I got out the magnets and mod podge. Then we were ready to roll!<br />
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First, I cut the magnets to size, put a thin coat of mod podge over the advertising, put down my new "art" and put a second thin coat of mod podge over the top AND EDGES of the magnet (I don't want them to peel up or get gross as they age).<br />
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Then I let them all dry and PRESTO! NEW custom magnets! And no injuries (though using scissors could have spelled disaster on this most superstitious of days). <span style="background-color: white;">Easy and fast project...as well as bonus- practically free (especially if you already have Mod Podge laying around like me :) )</span><br />
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<br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-19012721950311132712012-06-12T16:42:00.001-05:002012-06-13T13:00:53.935-05:00The Arbor Swing setYou know those large swing set/slide/clubhouse/sandbox/jungle gym systems that allow a kid to have a whole park in the comfort of their own backyard? We were given a wonderful gift from my husband's parents (my daughter's granny and poppy) that they wanted our little one to have a swing set/ slide combo for her second birthday (coming up in August). I was really impressed with this offer (as those are a rather large investment).<br />
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We have a city-run and maintained park just two blocks from our house with a plethora of slides, but no swings (it must be a thing as we have been hard-pressed to find a park with swings - I would guess because of liability (like the long-gone teeter-totter)) so I was really excited about the prospect of having a swing in our backyard.<br />
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We ran into just a few issues (some physical, others personal). The first physical issue was our yard's landscaping. We have an extremely hilly backyard- which meant the area for this swing set is very limited. Not only did the footprint of this swing set need to be small, but it also couldn't be too tall (we have a phone line under our oak tree on one side of the yard, and a power line on the other. This meant that after searching the only swing sets that would fit in our yard were the little cheap metal ones.<br />
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The designer in me personally hoped to be able to find something a bit more aesthetically pleasing than the metal swing sets, the mom in me was hoped for something more sturdy/safer and the frugal part of me wanted something that would be useful well past my daughter's swinging years.<br />
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Here's what I came up with- I would design a swingset that would be able to convert into a porch swing holder in the future. It would be an arbor-style for the beauty as well. So I read all over the internet regarding building techniques/fastners/wood types, swing set safety and such; drew up a sketch of what I wanted; went to the hardware store with my father-in-law to purchase all the pieces; and came home and began cutting, drilling and bolting items together to create the set. Then I went back to the hardware store to exchange items that I discovered didn't work for my design and get ones that would.<br />
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I wanted to finish (from buying the pieces, to digging and pouring concrete footings, to hanging the swings) in one weekend- and that was a tall order. My husband and I were finally checking the swings at 10:17pm (with some worklights on). It was a good thing we finished because it poured rain the next day and that would have made my project very delayed and swampy.<br />
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Here's what my daughter got!<br />
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I kind of love it :) I also look forward to bragging to my daughter that I built it myself as I rock on a porch swing attached to it several years from now.weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-76363518379431922282012-06-12T16:02:00.001-05:002012-06-13T12:44:18.931-05:00Projects from the wedding and a toddler pillowcaseI've been fairly busy since the last post. Several projects of various sizes and materials.<br />
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As you recall I was hiding some jewelry pictures from before the wedding in the chance that my sister (the bride) or my mother would see them prior to receipt. This is the major issue I have with a craft blog where I make gifts...<br />
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The first item was for my daughter. She was a flower girl for the wedding and had to wear a lovely wreath (I made a while ago) as part of the outfit. The difficulty arose in that she in not quite 2 and wasn't too thrilled about the "hat" for more than about 2 minutes. We practiced all the time trying to get her to wear it, but she just wouldn't do it. Enter puppy. Puppy is my daughter's lovey. She sleeps with it and carried it around everywhere we went for months. Puppy came everywhere with her- so I decided to make puppy a wreath too (with a little elastic band to keep it on his head). From that moment on my little girl would wear the wreath as long as puppy would. So she wore it through all the pictures and walking up the aisle (with puppy of course in tow). Win-win for everyone.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyOoO_qNIr39D3mAy0B4it5INOw44NUCekysJj6q9K_riU9gfV4f-nIG6BWRFDlyVOH_wJfAbtar_DYJ17m3xrqMo_l7kj2wQbt4Nr8WZeF8exqk8Le6M_OMQQjv1zMjR5-MBcw/s1600/bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyOoO_qNIr39D3mAy0B4it5INOw44NUCekysJj6q9K_riU9gfV4f-nIG6BWRFDlyVOH_wJfAbtar_DYJ17m3xrqMo_l7kj2wQbt4Nr8WZeF8exqk8Le6M_OMQQjv1zMjR5-MBcw/s200/bracelet.jpg" width="200" /></a>The next item is a bracelet I made for the bride. This was with champagne-colored pearls similar to the bridesmaid jewelry I had made. These beads were from old necklaces my mother had been given or acquired over the years (some of which were my grandmothers) so it definitely counted as a something old, it also was a new to her and newly created, and I used blue seed beads on the wire so it would be her something blue too. It looked lovely on her and she seemed to love it too.<br />
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The third item I created as a gift for the wedding was a necklace for my mother that matched the wedding party a little bit. She seemed to really like getting some of her necklaces back and it was a nice addition to her outfit as well. Kind of fun having all the women in the family wearing matching jewelry (oddly enough I don't remember being fond of it as a kid...don't tell mom :) )<br />
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So the wedding was lovely. One thing we learned from the trip though was (since we were sharing a room with our daughter- her being in a pack-n-play at the end of the bed) that she used her puppy as a pillow. It hadn't occurred to us that she might want one, but from that moment on I had noticed she puts her head on stuffed animals or balls up her blankets under her head when she sleeps.<br />
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This called for a trip to Target to pick up a toddler sized pillow. We ended up purchasing a travel sized pillow (same size as the toddler pillows, but 1/3 the price and they don't come with a character-themed pillow case). I was completely fine with the lack of pillow case as I intended to make my own anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhNWsc43DjM0wAKfdcQNsQNlMgI2WvbGBAiM9gIlTAeVftH0e7fTtEHUEhXk4ulJZac5iYPNnDM27p2ryhzHrS88wyeeAHPbKvjWyoHq3pG9QfbmrHoozUf9HEqUMy3UeNM_RwA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhNWsc43DjM0wAKfdcQNsQNlMgI2WvbGBAiM9gIlTAeVftH0e7fTtEHUEhXk4ulJZac5iYPNnDM27p2ryhzHrS88wyeeAHPbKvjWyoHq3pG9QfbmrHoozUf9HEqUMy3UeNM_RwA/s200/001.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Here is what I did- I created two pillowcases that were the pocket variety (where the end has a flap that prevents the cover from falling off the pillow) that match my daughter's quilt I had made her (that hangs above the crib (mostly because she has several crafty friends and family members who gave her beautiful quilts that are on her bed and we used for play surfaces) as a large art piece. These pillow cases are two colors each (the top is a green with a white and yellow floral pocket end. The other is the white and yellow floral fabric with a different green patterned fabric pocket end.<br />
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Both turned out pretty well (though I did have to resize the pillowcase once after I had put it on as I wanted a pretty snug cover for the pillow and the size listed on the package made a much to large case).<br />
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Then I started on a BIG project which I will discuss in another post. (I know...so cruel to make you wait- but I'd hate to not have anything for you to read later :) )<br />
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<br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-26725577383955898502012-05-17T15:29:00.003-05:002012-06-13T12:44:18.933-05:00It's been forever- Sorry!I know, I know. I haven't posted in ages! It appears I haven't done any crafting since March...well that isn't strictly true...but overall I haven't done a whole lot...<br />
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I've mostly been focusing my efforts on my sister's wedding. I made the jewelry for the bridesmaids, painted her a picture for her shower gift (I thought better to send a painting than the items I bought for a shower gift, all of which are various breakable materials and heavy), and then I have managed to be rather busy with additional work/efforts around the area that are not quite exciting enough to blog about.<br />
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But enough with this talk- I'm sure you want to SEE what I've been up to:<br />
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Here is the jewelry:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_jNhvQzMo9YEb5RYbt0kI4gEnSwEZhf3QuE0fC4S3IYdVWeoOOb_4CmKj2-zLh5qRCyYoLJygC7LUKSKfnZYkAtpi2a8G_9msh9PapTaxsm70ZiJhPXZ76bTZtND8B260Fy6ug/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_jNhvQzMo9YEb5RYbt0kI4gEnSwEZhf3QuE0fC4S3IYdVWeoOOb_4CmKj2-zLh5qRCyYoLJygC7LUKSKfnZYkAtpi2a8G_9msh9PapTaxsm70ZiJhPXZ76bTZtND8B260Fy6ug/s200/003.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_jNhvQzMo9YEb5RYbt0kI4gEnSwEZhf3QuE0fC4S3IYdVWeoOOb_4CmKj2-zLh5qRCyYoLJygC7LUKSKfnZYkAtpi2a8G_9msh9PapTaxsm70ZiJhPXZ76bTZtND8B260Fy6ug/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyOgw8I2kmuoz1zSh3m0-VShpAEjvJr3k7UuVkizNk2loU8f2509IPjok8ArC5UaqDMUgLwz-0g4PQePilJ3pw9t_Tl59b08hS9sXaANULMDjj2zXJDyVGPLVjIG4z499iXlDCw/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivyOgw8I2kmuoz1zSh3m0-VShpAEjvJr3k7UuVkizNk2loU8f2509IPjok8ArC5UaqDMUgLwz-0g4PQePilJ3pw9t_Tl59b08hS9sXaANULMDjj2zXJDyVGPLVjIG4z499iXlDCw/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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First portion I made was the earrings. These are standard pearl beads- nothing too fancy and actually off of an old necklace that had several different sizes (the color is a bit deceiving they are a little more champagne than the standard pearl. The flowers were purchased on Etsy (because- trust me- these are not easy to make...I tried, but mine looked like I made them...these don't). The colors for the wedding are champagne, silver and plum. The bridesmaids are wearing plum dresses with some detail towards the necks so it was decided the simpler the jewelry the better. Below is a close up of the earrings. Again, very simple. There are 5 bridesmaids (including a junior bridesmaid) so I made 4 sets just like the one shown and 1 with a medium sized pearl for the necklace and small stud earrings (as the junior bridesmaid just had her ears pierced :) )<br />
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They should look lovely and understated with the flowers in the hair and bouquets.<br />
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Then, just for fun...I made a few gifts for various individuals...but you have to wait until after the wedding to see them - sorry :)<br />
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Here is the painting:<br />
My sister has a very romantic style and has sayings all over her walls when I was there, she also loves working with kids- so I decided to paint her a very colorful and fun painting that would go with her style.<br />
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Here's what I came up with:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDFqa15i7K2sTDcAT0wKLoBZaKebbvcY9h0FBbav9SM_WNimwNF7NogSt1SCCK77qjzAEufwdwIzPoMMmwKhL2_m4im9fX42c0vfjLoo7NbCbPz4J2Rtf3JgaPTG1sdgdguOw8w/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDFqa15i7K2sTDcAT0wKLoBZaKebbvcY9h0FBbav9SM_WNimwNF7NogSt1SCCK77qjzAEufwdwIzPoMMmwKhL2_m4im9fX42c0vfjLoo7NbCbPz4J2Rtf3JgaPTG1sdgdguOw8w/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm sure you've all seen those paintings that use crayons melted on them...similar concept here. I originally had only purples and blues as the "rain" but it looked too depressing so in came the yellow, green, red and lilac. I also originally had white silhouettes, but that looked odd, so they became classic black. The details on the silhouettes are actually my sister and her fiance from one of their engagement photos, but "changed" into what they will be wearing at their wedding. The saying on it says "Being Soaked Alone is Cold. Being Soaked with your Best Friend is an Adventure." I was originally going to make the saying much bigger, but then decided there was so much going on in the painting that I should keep it small. </div>
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It's not something I think I would hang on my walls because the saying is a bit sweet for me, but the bride loved it! So I was pleased. </div>
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Remarkably that is all I can think of that I have worked on these last two months! It's amazing how time seems to both creep and speed forward isn't it?<br /><br />Once the wedding's over, life will be a bit more calm around here...then I shall see about making some more items...or preparing for my daughter's second birthday in August...it'll be here before I'm ready I'm sure!</div>
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<br />weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-50284660044531045972012-03-23T17:53:00.001-05:002012-03-23T17:53:00.285-05:00Project for the day: Another curtain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pc7rSMolxYbc6x3j4-rUeQv053Tax6uay46FtvDPaTIWtGyihBFvqlzVoCgYnpYUvFjZ1F7kZzsALYb3e2GZVsrrRcX2sGrMBHnrC0nD_pG10J35sPdjb2JxhhABdelcBCuCnQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pc7rSMolxYbc6x3j4-rUeQv053Tax6uay46FtvDPaTIWtGyihBFvqlzVoCgYnpYUvFjZ1F7kZzsALYb3e2GZVsrrRcX2sGrMBHnrC0nD_pG10J35sPdjb2JxhhABdelcBCuCnQ/s200/001.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>While getting the fabric for the curtains in the bow window, I found a gorgeous semi-sheer fabric with stripes and flowers on it that was also on sale! I always love a good deal and knew exactly where this fabric would look wonderful- in my black and white kitchen! So now I have a cool curtain over my sink (using the 6th rod from my bow window experiment). Excellent!<br />
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I've been extra crafty these last few days- be impressed :) This is rare to have that many projects in such a short time. What to do next? hmm....weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-571741208916769432012-03-22T16:10:00.001-05:002012-03-22T16:10:00.127-05:00Project for the Day: Curtains<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_nUbCB91mpbEBrX750x5U-tSfvKBM1KIcbmOmxIWv7K1DMPfrcnls7lgDB4JQDQi6TAC7quC7GCx66kSWLttAWmCrLEp5IHrxQIIe_kR_S_pZEtx4It0-pwFTlKZHta3M96l9Q/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_nUbCB91mpbEBrX750x5U-tSfvKBM1KIcbmOmxIWv7K1DMPfrcnls7lgDB4JQDQi6TAC7quC7GCx66kSWLttAWmCrLEp5IHrxQIIe_kR_S_pZEtx4It0-pwFTlKZHta3M96l9Q/s200/006.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjTZL_FonkX5KQY3u8-Q87FopJ2i0HLkIWm1HtVq7TE3zPGU21MtXVcTeH0dF4YdNSdsAIhXJty3pB2qdixnYzB5Ej3DZNFKbOQ2rENUAdbg72jLsK6OFVbpeM_00VKE9BUAr0g/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjTZL_FonkX5KQY3u8-Q87FopJ2i0HLkIWm1HtVq7TE3zPGU21MtXVcTeH0dF4YdNSdsAIhXJty3pB2qdixnYzB5Ej3DZNFKbOQ2rENUAdbg72jLsK6OFVbpeM_00VKE9BUAr0g/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Remember that gorgeous bow window we had installed? If not, here's what it looks like with my normal curtains tucked behind stuff so you can see it. I like being able to see the bow window but this way there is no privacy... I've been struggling with how to fix this since I'm not a huge fan of being on constant display, but I definitely want to see the lovely woodwork on that seat. Here's the major issue- the top of the window is also oak and I really don't want to drill into it, but there aren't many options for attaching a window treatment to a bow window. Especially a vinyl window (because I don't want to void the warranty on the windows by drilling into them.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0ooIbJ9B-V4yCo1ATTsFgId2VsymV8ZPeZq3oUzi0ItFXnoKYZWlwSz8lTbyIDNopfA6DdZ048Zl_PklEtiB9wRPSPthtekZkm1MlORg2azic6v2aLkJod2JfO-syL7Y7WBCDQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0ooIbJ9B-V4yCo1ATTsFgId2VsymV8ZPeZq3oUzi0ItFXnoKYZWlwSz8lTbyIDNopfA6DdZ048Zl_PklEtiB9wRPSPthtekZkm1MlORg2azic6v2aLkJod2JfO-syL7Y7WBCDQ/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Remember how I said I love solving problems...here's what I came up with:<br />
<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202312248/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=magnetic%20curtain%20rods&storeId=10051" target="_blank">Magnetic cafe rods</a> and dowels with <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202575690/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=command%20strip%20refills&storeId=10051" target="_blank">command strip tape</a>. The only magnetic curtain rods I could find were these (which were not quite long enough, but the rod portion was hollow, so I used a small dowel instead of the small portion of the rod. I then connected the magnetic edge to a command strip and attached it to the vinyl window (since vinyl isn't magnetic). This allowed me to attach the curtains with no holes in either my windows or woodwork. Yay! Also, a bonus - these rods come with two per pack, so I only needed three to do the whole window.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszcgRmEYnp46SVglvWBJKNATe3JNmZawId45tsAEPenSBKaL3FMvXQjmpyhiSyxPG1T2LFhuoFv4u87ANRXVNKknu3jn4J5y95cYAdX-t-1fRcO1t_3Kq9lTuPaORJgMPwpAkag/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszcgRmEYnp46SVglvWBJKNATe3JNmZawId45tsAEPenSBKaL3FMvXQjmpyhiSyxPG1T2LFhuoFv4u87ANRXVNKknu3jn4J5y95cYAdX-t-1fRcO1t_3Kq9lTuPaORJgMPwpAkag/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a>After I figured out how to attach curtains- I had to make curtains to fit these small rods. I decided on sheers since they give some basic privacy while still letting in lots of light and prevent the necessity to move the curtains to see outside in addition to being relatively light in weight so they shouldn't pull down my rods. I waited until decorators fabric went on sale at the fabric store and scored 6 yards of a sheer fabric perfect for my windows for less than $4/yard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTGMwzbtzx_qsW2TEbdPE0BdpxryaykPghTETtE1F4onTlSOeV6FYZRiAKtPuakmLcSigfh7BZFwgDJQ_NSQg_gBC1DvgRq0SoTXAfyB7yqMUsbjiPFXb8tkb7s6A58StaLcIrA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTGMwzbtzx_qsW2TEbdPE0BdpxryaykPghTETtE1F4onTlSOeV6FYZRiAKtPuakmLcSigfh7BZFwgDJQ_NSQg_gBC1DvgRq0SoTXAfyB7yqMUsbjiPFXb8tkb7s6A58StaLcIrA/s200/003.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Sheer fabric is tough to work with, since it slips all over, but I got it cut and hemmed for each curtain rod and then put up the panels. I think it looks pretty good! And I love that I can see and use the window seat. I removed the other sheer fabric curtains that were previously on the bow window and hung those over the patio sliding door to give us a bit more privacy there too. Aren't they lovely :Dweieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-219015251634217912012-03-21T11:12:00.001-05:002012-03-21T11:12:00.087-05:00Project for the day: Recover the chair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczhn0F66la14Y4-SBETdORjvO9q1pAwnZaBY_hj3YY9dnJYeij2CqDJsbi55Y1qikn5HVrvMPOe1nfUrFBSHogFbfIzbpN73F6L6B6Q29mo0MBCdnNY8BNTVCl6qUY4zUhMUq-Q/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczhn0F66la14Y4-SBETdORjvO9q1pAwnZaBY_hj3YY9dnJYeij2CqDJsbi55Y1qikn5HVrvMPOe1nfUrFBSHogFbfIzbpN73F6L6B6Q29mo0MBCdnNY8BNTVCl6qUY4zUhMUq-Q/s200/022.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Do you have any items in your house that you know you would feel absolutely awful if they were damaged? I do, and most of them are heirlooms (that probably are more sentimental than valuable, but still priceless). One such item is the chair cover for the chair I use at my desk. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The chair is an older style with a pink upholstery cushion which is the perfect height to fit at my desk at which I work (and is definitely a step up from sitting on the ottoman or an exercise ball (which were both, just a hair too short for typing comfort). The cushion was hand-embroidered by my mother-in-law’s grandma (so my daughter’s great, great grandmother) and is lovely. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was rather nervous about accepting the chair when it was offered because I was going to be sitting on it every single day (instead of very rarely as it was accustom to prior to entering my home) and any sort of constant use is going to create wear and tear on an item, but my mother-in-law was insistent I take it, so it came here. The point where I decided I had to save the covering was when I began toilet-training my daughter. She has been in the process of training for a little over a week and has had about one accident per day on each of my other chairs (which are scotch-guarded and so more of an inconvenience than a problem). I wanted to be sure I could save the covering for when this chair isn't getting so much use and also so my daughter would be able to see the lovely work her great, great grandmother did. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARCwd77UAFuHlE-L3r_BhFN5PTLlC6LQdogCAmEKzqY7osBPOXI7LaeFM0rrPoA-95uzSDb9b_T2HEsCTZ1JGIeqiBW4MpDmE8_XJ1fgdeheLox2IGHyFLOzt8SFcOXPx8b6sMw/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARCwd77UAFuHlE-L3r_BhFN5PTLlC6LQdogCAmEKzqY7osBPOXI7LaeFM0rrPoA-95uzSDb9b_T2HEsCTZ1JGIeqiBW4MpDmE8_XJ1fgdeheLox2IGHyFLOzt8SFcOXPx8b6sMw/s200/025.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2dilTlmBU0aDG3wbTKyxWfBsV_iAIir-8r2isKQHvswLUUqFyXJmX6sTuGlRE-G65zADXJ33r5uWTBkWURrxrtfTo01Za_MZ5Z4h6P5CmfKNbQkF5FtPIfFHjpCJXhv5x6HDqA/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2dilTlmBU0aDG3wbTKyxWfBsV_iAIir-8r2isKQHvswLUUqFyXJmX6sTuGlRE-G65zADXJ33r5uWTBkWURrxrtfTo01Za_MZ5Z4h6P5CmfKNbQkF5FtPIfFHjpCJXhv5x6HDqA/s200/024.JPG" width="150" /></a>So the first thing I did was remove the cushion to determine if it was possible to remove the covering in one piece. It had the protective black fabric found under most chairs, so I had to carefully remove the staples to that so I could see that the cover was also stapled, but otherwise it came off very easily. Once I had removed it I was able to add to the batting under it (which mostly was in really good shape) and cut out new fabric (from a scrap of fabric I had left over from a pillow I made a few years ago) that was big enough to cover the area from the former cover.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtRPXnOdkYav0ewbfF0dSl24s772pt6SF1n2QPYiRor6OJhL_bNvwUhH4CjYVMaVvADfLzdDos6h0_nwIJryaEHW6R6ga8nvjwz9HUjYNEAToRZ7ajQTr67m6AEERdovV_TNlIw/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtRPXnOdkYav0ewbfF0dSl24s772pt6SF1n2QPYiRor6OJhL_bNvwUhH4CjYVMaVvADfLzdDos6h0_nwIJryaEHW6R6ga8nvjwz9HUjYNEAToRZ7ajQTr67m6AEERdovV_TNlIw/s200/026.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Then I went out stretching and stapling the fabric over the batting and smoothing it out so it would fit on the chair. (turned out pretty good). I then scotch guarded it so I could clean up any accidents easily and maintain the batting looking good prior to putting it back on the chair (since you don't want scotch guard to get on the woodwork). So after waiting for it to dry (and only falling through the lack of seat once when I went to sit down- oops) I reassembled it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvu9aEfFAD0dHGwBaf6uXVB40fIdL3kbz-v38eulUyNKJrwmoAcZA6UFOrHfxVhyphenhyphenS7DASNOwYTuA6mGSoJzn1MtzCIOBo_yXngA38kOXpt8uz9LJ-uVbV4RVhKxAIuJwr-iubfA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvu9aEfFAD0dHGwBaf6uXVB40fIdL3kbz-v38eulUyNKJrwmoAcZA6UFOrHfxVhyphenhyphenS7DASNOwYTuA6mGSoJzn1MtzCIOBo_yXngA38kOXpt8uz9LJ-uVbV4RVhKxAIuJwr-iubfA/s200/010.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here is the finished chair. Because the fabric matches pillows in the room, it looks a bit more cohesive having my desk in there and I have the piece of mind that if I use it every day I won't ruin a treasured family heirloom in the process. Double win!</div>weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-52092463265888265272012-03-20T11:08:00.000-05:002012-03-20T11:08:31.330-05:00Project for the day: Toy box<div class="MsoNormal">I’m playing catch-up a little bit today. I’ve been a crazy crafter as of late and wanted to be sure I covered everything that I have been doing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First off, I’ve been in a bit of a funk the last few days- just a bit cranky and overwhelmed, but like most individuals with that sort of mood thing going I tend to take it out on those closest to me (so my husband) which is unfortunately not much fun for anyone involved. (I’m actually surprised he hasn’t started calling ahead before determining if he wants to come home or not. Anyway, not the most productive way to deal with crankiness.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You know what is productive? Crafting to take care of moods! I really do enjoy working on something that I can focus on and that I can look at later and say, “I made that” as it is a pretty rewarding feeling and gets those good endorphins flowing. I also love solving a problem when I craft, since it’s then an extra rewarding experience…hence the toy drawer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GhT1Mi-AZmUCxdHP5MbZAp0u0BJECD4uPalCUXjc7Owg4EvEmPS9O-TQ7CKLzfgpcZ5SJ5QC-sQ8mVHJCT-zjSs5_19YKITBFWeCCz1YE9TRBxHGqjp6m1kGEQvTAeqt241A-A/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GhT1Mi-AZmUCxdHP5MbZAp0u0BJECD4uPalCUXjc7Owg4EvEmPS9O-TQ7CKLzfgpcZ5SJ5QC-sQ8mVHJCT-zjSs5_19YKITBFWeCCz1YE9TRBxHGqjp6m1kGEQvTAeqt241A-A/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">see all the toys that were <br />
under the loveseat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">We have a fairly compact house and since I work from home and watch my daughter full time, I wanted to be sure I have a lot of fun activities for her while I work. So, in the family room upstairs we have a lot of toys that have been hanging out under the loveseat in a makeshift drawer. Here’s the issue- we have way too much furniture in the family room (a china cabinet, an extra dining room chair (for company), two comfy chairs, a CD tower, an ottoman a kid’s table and chairs set, my desk and chair for work, an end table a floor lamp and a loveseat). This wouldn’t be a huge problem, except we also have an open staircase in the room which my daughter is fascinated with and a large bow window with a window seat. I don’t want to put large furniture in front of the window seat (as that would defeat the purpose of the window seat) and I don't want chairs that my daughter can climb in front of the stairs (as she likes to look over and isn't as scared of falling as I am). So that removes two whole walls of space and the room isn't large enough to have anything bumped off a wall...so the loveseat (which was in the least pristine shape of all the furniture) got donated to a charity - leaving a large mass of toys with no home.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lg655IAePDfK_tBM20Jx2xnnPjMehe0Dkr_ZVz5IT__O5YBulAZhVal51ye7WPASq57aT6RITuixzhyphenhyphen67kDcCnIhjcBCeK80GaOyzla6WvIH9wAlhaN2tafHlwABxGR6AqiUjg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Lg655IAePDfK_tBM20Jx2xnnPjMehe0Dkr_ZVz5IT__O5YBulAZhVal51ye7WPASq57aT6RITuixzhyphenhyphen67kDcCnIhjcBCeK80GaOyzla6WvIH9wAlhaN2tafHlwABxGR6AqiUjg/s200/002.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JUXcCVjiT-VZjJCebigLGIKoF5izP4xH8GEKQxXanvWSdeCNdaZH-WgjtnK3jRb1w56AwHW4QZ2ig6urgXckvR14WeCwHouzYHvta1OHyaCFwBd7KNTX__J_EwNMaPhviJm_0g/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JUXcCVjiT-VZjJCebigLGIKoF5izP4xH8GEKQxXanvWSdeCNdaZH-WgjtnK3jRb1w56AwHW4QZ2ig6urgXckvR14WeCwHouzYHvta1OHyaCFwBd7KNTX__J_EwNMaPhviJm_0g/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">I originally thought I would use the large plastic storage container that is in that picture to put the toys under the chairs- but that resulted in a lot of unused space, so I thought I would try my hand at making a custom toy drawer. I don't have a table saw, and no wood to do it anyway (and since I am on a huge budget saving kick at the moment (we're doing pretty good on that score- but that may be contributing to my mood...ah well, back to the box) I decided to make a cardboard box into a fabric covered drawer. Here is the spot that it needs to fit...here is the largest (flattest) box I had. Here is the tricky part. These chairs are not square.<br />
<br />
The drawer had to be a quadrilateral measuring 25 inches in front, 23 in back and 22 inches long. It then could be up to 7 inches tall (if I wanted to make a handle on it) or 6 inches to allow for pulling out without the handle (I opted for no handle). Other issue- I have a cat...a long-haired cat. That meant I had to use a fabric that wouldn't automatically attract hair and was thick enough to be pulled across the floor without showing instant wear. So I seached through my bins and found a large piece of duckcloth that was in a mostly unoffensive pattern. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1BBgj1unxCMjD6FO9O5lp9EOqEy7U4gXT18ON5cS5f6jRN3C_MCOzgsGQpAF1y_jNzWBR8kmITcOhRbwoE1a8qZ1uIhpQ39axJLsQ6cPrjnAcPosjS36HuOxQ8NuTRXNmQTNlg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1BBgj1unxCMjD6FO9O5lp9EOqEy7U4gXT18ON5cS5f6jRN3C_MCOzgsGQpAF1y_jNzWBR8kmITcOhRbwoE1a8qZ1uIhpQ39axJLsQ6cPrjnAcPosjS36HuOxQ8NuTRXNmQTNlg/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">I started by cutting apart the box into flat portions so I could measure out the perspective items. first I found a piece that was both 25 inches long and 22 inches wide. I then measured one inch off each side to determine the 23 inch side and trimmed accordingly. I then went about cutting twelve inch walls by the length of each side (and created a score line to fold the box sides and attach them to the bottom (while giving a little support). Once I had all the sides attached I temporarily taped it to make sure it fit (see), then laid it flat with the sides laying down on top of the fabric so I could cut the appropriately sized amount. After that I used Mod Podge to attach the fabric to the box, and some industrial duct tape (in a funky pattern) on the inside to prevent the box from being ripped apart when pulled by one side multiple times). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9KvslU3naOvZoPhhyQLuuk1LGRAhCL4wr_zeFFP1pyL7wO-u9a_9zy88RdJLlJVYMtmLzd6w6fkGFQ1i79OPIb7v2LSf-Koosw_EBNkKTKkruQnoEL-e_rXkppSXmMWTu3pZEw/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9KvslU3naOvZoPhhyQLuuk1LGRAhCL4wr_zeFFP1pyL7wO-u9a_9zy88RdJLlJVYMtmLzd6w6fkGFQ1i79OPIb7v2LSf-Koosw_EBNkKTKkruQnoEL-e_rXkppSXmMWTu3pZEw/s200/019.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Tada! Finished box in a black and white check pattern. that fits over half the toys (since I could only make one from the fabric/box I had available- I only made one (so the plastic bin will sit under the other chair until I have another large box come in) and can get some more fabric. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Look for other project tomorrow!</div>weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-74378117874318607912012-02-24T09:36:00.000-06:002012-02-24T09:36:16.786-06:00Project of the day: Flower Girl Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ma9LyPeK_P60H1AIFtsdI77grkyo_kJ6dwtaddOll5RZB5mz7Wjgu2D-zmTDSUOxFp5_9TjZxFUEP-brmd3tqkOI9E_dMkqYcZzZPd0xXki1f6vuMNXsIImsWhaybnM7ANdSMg/s1600/dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ma9LyPeK_P60H1AIFtsdI77grkyo_kJ6dwtaddOll5RZB5mz7Wjgu2D-zmTDSUOxFp5_9TjZxFUEP-brmd3tqkOI9E_dMkqYcZzZPd0xXki1f6vuMNXsIImsWhaybnM7ANdSMg/s320/dress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So I managed to get the flower girl dress for my daughter completed last night! Here is the before (as I once again forgot to take a picture of the before I found it online...sadly no picture of it without the sweater on- but you get the idea).<br />
<br />
It is a pretty cute little dress and is a nice ivory color so will look lovely with all the other dresses. Here is what I did. With the wider plum-colored organza ribbon I had purchased I pinned three layers of the ribbon over the belt (I needed three layers to make the ribbon opaque and look plum because I was unable to locate the ribbon in the same color that was not transparent). I then hand-stitched down the middle of the ribbon and around the button holes (the belt is buttoned in the back and there is no bow). Then I added 1 rose and several hyacinth flowers with ivory pearls to hold them on to the belt and the sweater to give it some more character. The weddings in the spring North of home so it may be sweater weather.<br />
<br />
Here's how it looks now:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBxs1B0FrGWHeXdwfqE6Gvg2KcIBB6HzEYsiLvLjlmVK1P97e5EjSSqDd1VbmLYhYokTjd3lnaz7CT1qlW-WgsgO80AgFFfSmkL6-CZoTJ9dt0txpFL_Mrq1solk2Xi2jUggCSA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBxs1B0FrGWHeXdwfqE6Gvg2KcIBB6HzEYsiLvLjlmVK1P97e5EjSSqDd1VbmLYhYokTjd3lnaz7CT1qlW-WgsgO80AgFFfSmkL6-CZoTJ9dt0txpFL_Mrq1solk2Xi2jUggCSA/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgSfx6j6nf3n15b3POu3bMN2wFPajruOjXU1J20p5j4-iruqEqAklOZMjjuOm15Oeb735_NkRw-pACcfv9qcXbBrxTC11KOGAWj0cgEoDiVHQ7TuLGf4qlp_TbtrTgILoWcxDoA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgSfx6j6nf3n15b3POu3bMN2wFPajruOjXU1J20p5j4-iruqEqAklOZMjjuOm15Oeb735_NkRw-pACcfv9qcXbBrxTC11KOGAWj0cgEoDiVHQ7TuLGf4qlp_TbtrTgILoWcxDoA/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCkgsgo0tIbmbiH4gzIenYe5dKKyakMD0jeQdqr-2Vnz37TzUIIdpj9kf3Bpxzbr45we0NWb3XnvStRQO7QKo863iI7jnmNhECWm5uhJMDoQcFSj6ygPpCF8dp-ZJkvmEJR3bSQ/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCkgsgo0tIbmbiH4gzIenYe5dKKyakMD0jeQdqr-2Vnz37TzUIIdpj9kf3Bpxzbr45we0NWb3XnvStRQO7QKo863iI7jnmNhECWm5uhJMDoQcFSj6ygPpCF8dp-ZJkvmEJR3bSQ/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK6bHgcbpbeP3oko7Cdx0Sp70TYafJhRv_3MrG9hSD3OVsXMgSpzoImo2XoLMqCXMffQDRMes_ZnOKhHLHIs4JnDWTUJ3m8I4xnIj2PnEbT6KEvP1ZdwiYjxQBtJiISelyqKEUg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK6bHgcbpbeP3oko7Cdx0Sp70TYafJhRv_3MrG9hSD3OVsXMgSpzoImo2XoLMqCXMffQDRMes_ZnOKhHLHIs4JnDWTUJ3m8I4xnIj2PnEbT6KEvP1ZdwiYjxQBtJiISelyqKEUg/s320/004.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think it'll look so darn cute with that head-wreath! Can check that off my list now :)</div>weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-23903018569625594972012-02-22T14:31:00.000-06:002012-02-22T14:31:33.926-06:00Crafting Project: Flower Girl headpiecesMy daughter (who is 18 months old) has been selected to be a flower girl in an upcoming wedding for her Aunt (my younger sister). It occurred to me just recently that I have been in over 9 weddings personally (this will be my 10th as I'm in the same wedding as my daughter), and due to my family size (I'm the 7th of 10 kids with an extensive extended family) there's always some special event to attend. But I had never before realized how pricey it is to participate in a wedding with a kid in it too. Flower Girl dresses and head wreaths and shoes, baskets, etc are really not proportionally priced (nope- that child's size 5 shoe costs the same as my adult 6.5...I know I'm slightly behind for not realizing this before).<br />
<br />
My sister has been an angel when it comes to allowing some wiggle room (since my daughter won't be 2 yet and the dress she had selected for the other flower girls didn't come in a smaller size) she allowed me to select a nice inexpensive ivory/champagne colored dress and I will be adding plum accents to it. (Her wedding will be lovely with sliver, champagne and plum as her colors). The dress I bought is cute and will be adorable when I add the plum sash to it. (I promise when I do it- I'll post pictures).<br />
<br />
The sticking point for me was the head wreaths. My sister had selected head wreaths that matched the other flower girl dresses (and would have looked lovely with my daughter's dress too) but they were too big for my daughter's head (she is rather petite) and cost $30 a piece! Which isn't horrible, but since she's 18 months I think it would be wishful thinking to expect it to stay on her head past 2 minutes...and potentially will be trashed quickly). I luckily have a very understanding sister who allowed me to make my own head wreath for my girl (as her dress was different anyway) so here's what I came up with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0-4ori9oqMGvaCZwVJlwOPmMVE70O8zRCo0NBqetm1KhnOvqfeNOqwb3ub9NxDsz8WBjj4q9HlVZ96s7F47C4V63yW4NXzDtCf1zOUGKpGSNzAzmVHb3G92FWsvm-PizlSNrwA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0-4ori9oqMGvaCZwVJlwOPmMVE70O8zRCo0NBqetm1KhnOvqfeNOqwb3ub9NxDsz8WBjj4q9HlVZ96s7F47C4V63yW4NXzDtCf1zOUGKpGSNzAzmVHb3G92FWsvm-PizlSNrwA/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I went to Hobby Lobby with a swatch from my dress as I am short and had to shorten it to avoid the embarrassing potential tumble down the aisle (a plum color) and matched it to two widths of un-wired organza ribbon. Then I found a lovely cream/ivory/champagne ribbon. I also found small roses and a hyacinth in plum to use. Then I brought all home and measured my daughter's head so I would have the right length of wire to use. I do jewelry making for fun, so I had some jewelry wire to start from and few ivory color pearls to secure flowers with on hand.<br />
<br />
I started with a circle of wire slightly bigger than her head, then wrapped a second wire around that and added flowers as I twisted to make a simple wreath. The roses were on a post so when I removed the post it left a small hole in the center- perfect for stringing the wire through, adding a pearl and then stringing back through the hole to continue wrapping. After I had made it all the way around I wrapped all the wire with the ivory ribbon (to prevent any poking or wire from showing) then wrapped it loosely with the plum ribbon. At the end I attached several long ribbon strands and made a bow to have the streamer look of the expensive variety. I think it turned out quite lovely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BM7_824g0df1KSa9YVZg5R6FtKz2OZqX-Uqa-ZbHdpts_om7_AsyjgJDd3mC_TegNjYG5N4Hf9Qp81zLdjKxMGlAooNaI39SFFtH_xnITQ7k59zp9XEmzstOdkfhDtjwJe7Bbw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6BM7_824g0df1KSa9YVZg5R6FtKz2OZqX-Uqa-ZbHdpts_om7_AsyjgJDd3mC_TegNjYG5N4Hf9Qp81zLdjKxMGlAooNaI39SFFtH_xnITQ7k59zp9XEmzstOdkfhDtjwJe7Bbw/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here it is on my little girl (while she enjoys her breakfast). The downside of course is that the ribbon and flowers cost $21 for all of them. (So only a 9 dollar savings) However my sister loved it so much she asked if I would make the other two for the other flower girls (and bonus- I used less than 1/3 of the flowers on the silk plants I bought). So It ends up being only slightly more than $7 per head piece- which is a huge savings for all of us. And I think these will look just a bit more lovely than the $30 ones as they are exactly the bride's colors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr4S_EaWO9j2ebfFlfJlFtWIZt3Je8R76tMgD3WgU9krEnYAOm5s5lF7zbwIVTQDKt3NrghjLSiFq3aUU12D7xx8Ny9GevALpleFDTSlZtq-GVZIzahom6LMpEYABcCHD1IuJAA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlr4S_EaWO9j2ebfFlfJlFtWIZt3Je8R76tMgD3WgU9krEnYAOm5s5lF7zbwIVTQDKt3NrghjLSiFq3aUU12D7xx8Ny9GevALpleFDTSlZtq-GVZIzahom6LMpEYABcCHD1IuJAA/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here are two of the finished ones- my daughter's is the large one and the really small one is for a little girl who will be wearing her hair in a bun and wanted a wreath to go around that instead of the whole head. Should look adorable on her too! I do have to go and get some more of the ivory ribbon, and I ended up using champagne faux pearls on the other two as I ran out of ivory ones and then I will be doing the other one. I should be good on flowers (as the little one used fewer flowers so the last wreath should be just perfect for the last little girl. Tada!<br />
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Yay for weddings allowing you to continue your crafting obsession and save some money in the process. Once I alter the little flower girl dress I will post about that too. I still have to re-hem my dress and then the extra material may be used for another project as well. We'll see.weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-88070710455069235992012-02-02T17:54:00.000-06:002012-02-02T17:54:38.509-06:00January in reviewI know I have mentioned I have been doing a lot of invite work (wedding invites, parties, etc). And of course we built a fort- which has been tons of fun, but in the back of my mind I was curious...what'd we spend. And since I want to be completely honest and straightforward on costs I'm going to share amounts (all except the actual debt amount which I don't feel comfortable sharing). So let's see:<br />
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We spent (minus the plumbing bill which was out of my control) a grand total of: $346 (I rounded up for ease) in the month of January! This included food, gas and any "other" items. How that broke down-<br />
$158 on food (not bad considering we made guacamole for a party which was nearly $10 for avocados alone and made cupcakes from scratch for another- which remarkably were pricey).<br />
$101 on other (gifts, household items like detergent, mailing supplies, etc) and then<br />
$117 on gas...also not bad since my husband drives for work.<br />
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We were pretty proud of ourselves though- we made every meal at home this month and didn't eat out at all (except family dinners at other people's houses). We didn't go to any entertainment that cost anything.<br />
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All resulting in having a bit more to go towards our debt. I would love to say that it was thousands that could go towards our debt, but we've always been fairly frugal so maybe one to two hundred extra. Which, frankly isn't enough to cover the interest on a credit card, but it meant more of that payment went to the principal which is how things get paid down.<br />
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In addition, I have been doing the <a href="http://www.learnvest.com/" target="_blank">LearnVest</a> debt boot camp which gives you tips to improve your financial standing. So that's been helpful as well. If you have any debt you've been pushing under the radar because you're nervous about facing it- it's a good tool to look at (also, free so definitely worth it).<br />
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Something else that has assisted us is this extra mild winter. This week I have played outside every day with my daughter because the weather has been in the 60s, but I've also had my windows open and the heat off for a portion of the day. That should make a big difference on the gas bill for the year (we do budget billing so we won't see a change right away). Also, part of that $101 above for other...I spent $40 (plus a $30 amazon gift card I had) on new CFL floodlight light bulbs that can be used in can lights for the basement to replace all the incandescent light bulbs. They claim you save approximately $40 per light bulb by switching so we should be saving $440 on those alone eventually. I'll do a review of them once I have them installed and see how they compare to our current light bulbs.<br />
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Also, for energy saving purposes, we put the fort back up downstairs to hold in all the warm air from the fireplace/heater we have down there since the room is so big. It's amazing what a difference in temp there is just going outside the fort and we can turn off the heater sooner.<br />
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So over all January was great for cost savings, but kind of was hard on my crafting...we'll see what I can do about that.<br />
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to leave you with something fun: here's a picture of my daughter enjoying our mild weather. Happy Groundhog's day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SoiVALChyIdBjJ_ww2MFXeazbeRg2ys5Np4pylC54U3o3YyZRCZ7gpL7-j1Sd3aj-B4f4EeNPDY95q6003iC4ipakcZpiYyyO0Hy3g4GZmbgl-VqHTvPtUT4t9WSDwCYMNxmAw/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SoiVALChyIdBjJ_ww2MFXeazbeRg2ys5Np4pylC54U3o3YyZRCZ7gpL7-j1Sd3aj-B4f4EeNPDY95q6003iC4ipakcZpiYyyO0Hy3g4GZmbgl-VqHTvPtUT4t9WSDwCYMNxmAw/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-89980151974077747902012-01-18T15:52:00.000-06:002012-01-18T15:52:29.338-06:00Why can't we have a fort?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc0OVaKMMH3PgiGjjEpe0Eo9l864ukNiP2YxDhAc_kzUAbegX0mcNfrOGBRkhIPk6hUavKY76c11JFrfp0-RS_KbByOveNKcXmWsRQog-RHlaCfmC4_g6Jmmh_Z1pZO4dz9P88A/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqurzWObwNN862hz8tiZuYF7TgdefpoROn1Rm9Q9G7DpRy6PuS3mrg8pmW_g0OKPFXyZvmjFkxB8Peq7ufUo69oNJXwHk5cmaRhCiaZABGsj-DxAw8ngcD-qt-hR0ZCnqvSy4Cw/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqurzWObwNN862hz8tiZuYF7TgdefpoROn1Rm9Q9G7DpRy6PuS3mrg8pmW_g0OKPFXyZvmjFkxB8Peq7ufUo69oNJXwHk5cmaRhCiaZABGsj-DxAw8ngcD-qt-hR0ZCnqvSy4Cw/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc0OVaKMMH3PgiGjjEpe0Eo9l864ukNiP2YxDhAc_kzUAbegX0mcNfrOGBRkhIPk6hUavKY76c11JFrfp0-RS_KbByOveNKcXmWsRQog-RHlaCfmC4_g6Jmmh_Z1pZO4dz9P88A/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBc0OVaKMMH3PgiGjjEpe0Eo9l864ukNiP2YxDhAc_kzUAbegX0mcNfrOGBRkhIPk6hUavKY76c11JFrfp0-RS_KbByOveNKcXmWsRQog-RHlaCfmC4_g6Jmmh_Z1pZO4dz9P88A/s200/008.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Have you ever, just for the fun of it, made a blanket fort? If you haven't do it as soon as possible. It's way too fun to put off. My husband and I were sitting around playing with our daughter and we determined she loved crawling under the blanket with us when we played peekaboo, and had a ton of fun when the whole family sat in the floor under the blanket so we wanted to make her a REAL fort. We made one this last weekend with the help of a few friends, a bunch of sheets and blankets, a lot a twine, a tall easel, a couple boxes of binder clips and one screw. In addition, I think there were perhaps 20 or so pillows involved. We started in the corner of the basement room with the pole as one anchor, the pin on the hinge of a door as another anchor. The third anchor we attempted as a command stripe and hook, but the weight of the blankets was just too much for it, so we decided to go for one screw in the wall to make sure it didn't fall. The ceiling was attached to command strips and did just fine that way.<br />
This tent fort is huge, it has all our seating in it, a coffee table for playing games or having a picnic on, our TV and entertainment center (so it feels a bit like a really cramped movie theater) and piles of pillows for our daughter to jump in (see her having fun there). It had a tunnel entrance and a separate 'crow's nest' in the corner too. We have played in it every day since it went up, but it has to come down for a party this weekend so, it's been fun (we decided to leave the screw in case we needed it back soon:) ).<br />
Have you done anything silly and fun lately? If not, I highly recommend it.weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-32684080916298525852012-01-16T21:37:00.000-06:002012-01-16T21:37:38.486-06:00Projects for fun/freelance and an update.I've been rather productive the last few weeks in all areas that have been more or less volunteer.<br />
I have completed an awesome bridal shower invite (turns out I managed to work in the bride's favorite pattern- so that was great), a blog's logo and word mark in addition to their header <a href="http://thephosphene.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">(check it out)</a>, a wedding invite set (for a different bride), and a logo for a friends of a library group. I love doing projects that allow me to flex my creative muscles (in addition to my normal job- since I am a designer in that capacity as well).<br />
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It's been nice being able to do these creative projects that are a bit more fun as I have a little more personal options on them so that's been nice especially to get my mind off of our financial goals.<br />
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We had a bit of a setback with our financial goal in that our water heater died. Talk about frustrating. 15 days into the new year and we had to shell out a little under $1000 so we could replace our water heater (the old one was leaking, and frankly...I like at least warm showers). If you remove that from the equation (as the broken car ended up being a faulty item that got replaced easily) we've been doing wonderfully- Only have spent $71 on every none-billed item (including food- which is less than $40 of that). If we keep this up we will be right on track for doing well with our pay-off goals. Go us!<br />
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Now if the house/car and other emergency fixes would just play along we might just be able make a good show of it for 2012. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I can't decide if I want to divulge the entire debt payment process or if I even want to admit to the world what I owe on things. So I'll get back to you if I decide to share.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm enjoying the little projects and creativity.weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-82152344319860757092012-01-05T14:20:00.001-06:002012-01-05T15:50:55.224-06:00Goal for the Year!Sorry for the massive delay in posting. Just got back from a WHOLE week vacation to visit family. My hubby and I determined we have never been on a vacation longer than 7 days in the 7.5 years we've been together. In fact this break from work for Elliot was 11 days off in a row- so we felt pretty spoiled! The vacation was nice and we saw lots of family and friends, but in the back of my mind I am always in full time mini-panic mode because of work or finances or a combo of both. Work for me has been a bit slow the last few weeks so I have been stressed about that- so I worked for about 2 hours while on vacation because the work came in, but let's be honest- two hours in 11 days, not so great.<br />
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Don't know what it is about the winter that makes the printing industry slow...I guess the clients are recovering from the holidays (and since they generally have ordered their holiday cards by November that seems like the last thing to do for the year).I must admit this time of year always gives me the winter blues. All the holiday decorations come down (I have put out a few valentine's decorations to brighten the house a little bit), but overall it's not nearly as festive, and with the stress of lack of work and surprise car repairs that I am waiting to hear about (Elliot's car broke down on the way home last night...go figure) I've been a bit out of it anyway. I've never been much for New Year's resolutions- especially since I always manage to break them and then disappoint myself, so I try to set goals for the year as I take stock of the previous year.<br />
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This year, Elliot and I are going to try our best to get as much paid off as possible so these dry spells of work for me don't potentially cause financial disaster. We are very careful with the funds we have and haven't ever missed a bill, but the issue we run into is that things break, need fixing, or just aren't working out anymore so once we pay off something we roll that money towards some new project instead of paying off what we already are paying off quicker). This isn't really a huge deal...most of our debt is really low or no interest, so by making the payments to avoid interest (so you know those promotional balance things where it's same as cash within X months) all works out hunky-dory, but in the back of my mind the what-ifs are driving me crazy. In actuality, if we manage to pay off everything this year, I wouldn't need to work, but all my income could be saved up for projects and retirement since neither Elliot or I receive benefits through our jobs, so we really need to get on that. (See what goes through my head constantly...wouldn't it be nice to not worry about this stuff)!<br />
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So here's what we are going to try to do: We have made a deal with each other that we won't buy extras throughout the year. For example- I'm a sucker for going to the grocery store and buying items that aren't on my list (even though I arrive with a list). That should be a big money saver (especially because I already have 4 bottles of bbq sauce in my pantry because I remember while shopping that the bottle in the fridge is almost empty)!So we are going to try to stick to lists and get back into the habit of doing menus and buying only what is needed for the menus as to not waste resources (You wouldn't believe how often I end up throwing out produce that was well intended, but remained in the back of the drawer well past prime).<br />
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We already have the cheapest cell phone plan, the cheapest internet, the cheapest car insurance, health insurance, etc. available (and we don't have cable or other paid TV , but do subscribe to Netflix (to avoid the cost of going to movies and other expenses associated with date nights (no babysitter, movie-theater snacks, gas, wear and tear on the cars, dinners, and of course the cost of the tickets)). We also live in a great city for free entertainment (all the museums and zoos have free days/times) so we don't have to worry to much about entertainment for us- especially since we seem pretty content just hanging out.<br />
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Other money savers I'm going to try to do are running the dishwasher only when I can't possibly fit another thing in it and the same for the washing machine. We already don't use any extra electrical items (all our large entertainment stuff and anything that pulls a current when it's off, is on a power strip which is off when it's not in use). In addition, we do cloth diapers for our daughter (with a high efficiency washer it is about $3000 savings compared to disposable over the course of time a kid is in diapers if you have diapers that grow with the kid like we do) as well as made my own cloth wipes to use with them so we've got that going. In addition, I have containers in the toilet tank to reduce water consumption with every flush). I also, don't use the dry setting on the dishwasher to save a few cents there as well as the standard CFL bulbs in place of incandescent. Our new windows should definitely help with the heating/cooling bills and I was even contemplating doing <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2118053_vent-dryer-heat-indoors.html" target="_blank">this</a> with the dryer (don't worry-our's is an electrical dryer so no toxic fumes).<br />
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I look forward to trying to compare our costs from this year to last year- (I admit that I keep my calculator in the games portion of my computer, because I love figuring out math/accounting stuff) and seeing if we saved overall...(I'll definitely be able to tell if we did, by what's paid off as well).<br />
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Do you have any other brilliant ideas as to how to make everything last longer/be more efficient? The catch is, I can't buy anything to make it happen. I want to see how much we can save- it could be fun! (though I fear it will negatively impact my crafting...hmmm).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8eM4xYUmbUo/TwYCx-vIssI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9LLM3FWRN74/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8eM4xYUmbUo/TwYCx-vIssI/AAAAAAAAAUA/9LLM3FWRN74/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WOScKIDIMPM/TwYDL-lvZXI/AAAAAAAAAUI/LVzqSkzqiQc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WOScKIDIMPM/TwYDL-lvZXI/AAAAAAAAAUI/LVzqSkzqiQc/s200/004.JPG" width="133" /></a>(I know this blog post is more serious than normal- so here's the last of the Christmas presents I made :) )<br />
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Here is a treasure box I made for one of my nieces (I made one for her older sister when she was 2, so now the younger sister has one as well to stash all the fun finds in. She seemed to like it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVOfH6ekO2E/TwYDi6ehiSI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/1x-ECzIKVEY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AVOfH6ekO2E/TwYDi6ehiSI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/1x-ECzIKVEY/s200/005.JPG" width="200" /></a>This is a wooden box with a clasp that I painted with metallic acrylic paints, both inside and out. I was informed her favorite color was pink, so I did all the flowers in pink, the box itself in blue, and the vines and insides in green with highlights of pearl-white on the name and centers of the flowers.<br />
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Turned out cute:)weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-65187909437405641982011-12-20T23:24:00.000-06:002011-12-20T23:24:35.307-06:00A new quilt for a friendI gave away one of my recent hand-made Christmas gifts, so now I can post about it- don't you feel lucky!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F7kZKDX2Tuo6hN1U6HaPwID-7hORXWDQ-QGK6hteV1jAWaXs0wHRPLs04WfNJIC_WLi8kbz77IdJArr9UlzHj3q8tTOsSiBN7aL-tJPbXHz9REJ-MMufblSuc4xuDLr-fPFnKw/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F7kZKDX2Tuo6hN1U6HaPwID-7hORXWDQ-QGK6hteV1jAWaXs0wHRPLs04WfNJIC_WLi8kbz77IdJArr9UlzHj3q8tTOsSiBN7aL-tJPbXHz9REJ-MMufblSuc4xuDLr-fPFnKw/s200/002.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>I have a friend who has been asking nearly every time I have seen her, "so When are you making me a quilt?" in a half joking manner. Deep down, I know she has wanted one for quite some time so I asked her what colors would look good in her home. She gave me a whole list and I selected yellow, plum and gray (she has a very modern looking style, so that color scheme works well). I also selected a fun, yet classic pattern to hopefully keep the quilt stylish longer. The fabric I used is kind of fun. The Plum were nearly solid color with light plum polka-dots. The yellow is nearly solid with swirls of white, the gray is gray with a white decorative print and the dark gray is actually black and yellow flowers.<br />
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I made a fairly small quilt- just 9 blocks, so definitely a throw size, but I took into consideration that my friend has a dog, so I made sure to select machine washable materials and backing. This quilt actually doesn't have any batting, I used only the top and a fleece backing so it is both soft and warm. In addition, I didn't do typical quilting either- it is just sewn on to the backing like you would do a tie quilt (but with thread and no bows) so that I wouldn't mess too much with the soft backing.<br />
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So there you have it. I've been a busy elf. (Don't you just love my little model? I know I do- such a big help!)weieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24150903.post-3473173200363328862011-12-17T00:03:00.000-06:002011-12-17T00:03:07.398-06:00Cookies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv35fQQpHOknHlaELxC1hxCAf_I11dBuFufsWsf-X_TnOxStVZv2Bg_ZBRRECrNmliv1yk716qpBq_hD1NH5jzhMHj5KnpfocfYqCiq7Zv_9nxepzu2Sjnw3n4ORUUQIdmoc3EFg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv35fQQpHOknHlaELxC1hxCAf_I11dBuFufsWsf-X_TnOxStVZv2Bg_ZBRRECrNmliv1yk716qpBq_hD1NH5jzhMHj5KnpfocfYqCiq7Zv_9nxepzu2Sjnw3n4ORUUQIdmoc3EFg/s200/002.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Just finished up my 6th annual Cookie Exchange. In my opinion it was a great success. I have a ton of delicious cookies from the 11 guests who attended, but I also made a lot of cookies this week.<br />
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This plate in the picture contains the cookies that were made at my house- it has spritz cookies, chocolate covered pretzels, cut-out cookies and Nighty-nights.<br />
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The cookies that were brought look amazing so I can't wait to try them all. We had some spirited discussion, great food and exquisite conversation/company.<br />
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This is the event I host each year that makes me feel like it's Christmas- so note to self- hold it earlier in the season next time so I can feel Christmas-y earlier :Dweieroriginalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04395694545872032356noreply@blogger.com0