Cluck and Tweet

It's a River! It's a Forest! It's a Fairy town! Or, it's paint.

I've been in a bit of a crafting funk lately.  Maybe it's the preparations for homeschooling or the fact that I've been picking up too much freelance work, or that it is sunny outside and my brain has been checked at the beach.  Regardless of the reasoning, I can't quite seem to make myself get artsy with the kids.  So when Max asked if we could "spray paint" last week, my mind kicked into overdrive, and came up with a project that totally did NOT turn out as planned, but was so very fun anyway.

 We ran to the dollar store and grabbed some spray bottles (any sort of spritz bottle will do).  Then we headed to the woods and fields behind our house, gathering bits of natural treasures to spray around (the idea being the leaves, sticks, etc. would be the "white space" on the paper). We didn't get far before the spray bottles (which had to be filled with water for *testing*) became weapons of war. Go figure.

But still. We headed down the trail, stopping briefly when Max found an entire colony of beetles and exclaimed "Look! Bugs do piggy back rides!" 

Ahem.

In any case, we eventually got going on our collecting...

stopping to nosh on some wild raspberries....

and twirl stuff...

Eventually, we made it back home, where we promptly put out some brown and white paper on the drive, and filled our bottles with paint and way too much water (if you plan to try this at home, I think an 8:2 ratio of paint:water is best).  The spraying commenced-- completely forgetting about the sticks and stones and grasses we'd collected.

Instead, we made a huge, colorful, watery mess...

And the boys immediately began to make up fantastic stories to accompany said mess, and I let go of the original craft plan to sit back and enjoy their creativity at work.  Sometimes, the best art *and by best, I don't necessarily mean finished products;)* is the stuff that just happens.

In what ways is art just happening in your world??

Simple Notecards

I don't know about all of you, but I detest going into a greeting card store.  I end up spending so much time looking for the perfect sentiments-- which I rarely find-- and yet, I also walk out with a much lighter wallet (how does that happen??)

In any case, we've started making cards around here. Simple, fun, and far more economical.  I buys stock blank card and envelope sets (I go to a craft store, but I know in an overwhelming google search there are even cheaper resources online).  

The biggest cost comes up front, with both the cards and an alphabet stamp set.  I like the wooden ones-- I think they last longer than foam, plus, well, I just like the look much better.  Get a couple of stamp pads-- choose colors with thoughts of what type of cards you'll likely be making, what seasons you'll send them, etc.

And then? The sky is the limit!  I use some  favorite quotes, and often (and more fun) quotes from the mouths of my babes.  To date my favorites include Maxism's like "Holy Guacamole, you gotta be kidding!" and "You are so lucky because you know the world's best toilet clogger!" (obviously that one can only darken the mailboxes of a select few).

Sometimes, the kids personalize the cards with artwork.  I'm collecting other cool stamps for this pirpose too.  The greatest thing about making cards, however, really is the ability to make a card with a specific person in mind-- you can really say what you want, without too much (or little!) greeting card fluff behind it.

Sponge Bob

Kate and I have named the craft section of this blog "Bob" for reasons that should seem obvious, but, if you insist on an explanation, here's the short version:

1. We could not think of a single bird reference related to crafts (however, we are still open to suggestions)

2. Back when I was in college, oh, about a year ago, each floor of the dorm gave itself a name. Some made absolutely no sense.  For example, my first year of college I was on the third floor of Shaw Hall and we were called "Cloud Nine."   Yeah, I know.  But one of the years I was in a dorm one of the brother floors called themselves "Bob,"  which I found quite funny.  

As in, "Hey, I'm from Cloud Nine! What floor are you on?"  

"Oh, I'm on Bob."

3. The end.

Thus the title of this post. 

Today I am revealing what I alluded to in this post and this one.  How to make awesome dollhouse furniture from sponges.  Yes, SPONGES!  I know!

Anna and I found a book in the library

where we found the instructions to make furniture for my Anna's dollhouse.  Now, we will share our amazing knowledge and talent with you.  

First, you need sponges.  We got the kind with the wavy edges, but any kind will do.  Except maybe those real sponges that are round and, well, spongy.  Those won't work.  Sorry.  

While they are still damp (why are sponges damp when you buy them?) measure and cut:

about 1" off the length of the sponge.  This is the back of your couch or chairs.  If you choose to make a couch, this is the only measuring and cutting you'll need to do.  

If you would like to make chairs, first cut the sponge in half width-wise

and then 1" off the end (we chose the wavy side) to use as a back

Now the hard part.  You must let the sponges dry.  Dry, sponges, dry!  I find the wait excruciating.  But your sponges will change:

Now simply take beads that you may have lying around:

and choose some that you would like to use for legs.  Anna chose the following:

and placed them on 3/4" long nails:

2 beads per nail would work well, too. 

Now use this marvel of the modern age:

Words can't quite express my feelings for my glue gun.

Have someone who doesn't mind getting burned once in awhile man the glue gun.  Or use Elmer's, you chicken.

And there you have it:

a cute dollhouse chair. 

Let the fun begin!  Because in this household, if there are beads involved, all bets are off:

We can add them to the back (this is the Ladybug Series, I'm told by the designer).  But where a little is good, well then, by golly, a lot is better!

 (full-size sponges make good beds)

Hey, Sigfried and Roy...need a decorator?

The best part of giving kids the space to be creative is seeing what they will come up with:

 

These are my favorite product of this project and Anna came up with it all on her own...a vase of flowers and the beginnings of a lamp.  

Remind me to do these things more often.

A gift for summer hostesses-with-the-mostesses (I know, not a word)

There is a ridiculous amount of photos to go with this post.  Sorry 'bout that up front.

Summertime brings lots of bbq's and get togethers with family and friends.  I've never been very good at bringing something other than a bottle of wine (which I end up drinking) to most of these events, but I always think once I'm there "this is so nice. I should have done something as a little thank you."  Not too long ago, my folks had some friends over for dinner that brought an entire (homemade) spread of baked goodies for their breakfast.  I loved this idea, and wanted to tailor it to my still-little-children-at-my-ankles-waist-and chest hectic schedule.  So this is what I can up with: a jar of concentrated sun tea, some fresh flowers (or at the moment, sprigs of lavender from my yard...) and a basket of muffins (when time allows).

To make:

Start with a pitcher of water and add a whole bunch-- I use eight to 10 teabags of a perfect summer sun tea blend (my current fav is a local blueberry variety).  

Set out in the sun (and try to keep out of curious toddler reach, or it will take three pitchers and thirty teabags. Ahem).

Let it sit until it is good and dark.  

And then, simply pour into a clean glass canning jar.  

I like to add a little fabric scrap to the lid, and a little note explaining that this is concentrated tea...Just a couple tablespoons full (to taste) over ice does the trick.  

Tie up some fresh flowers (from your yard if you can-- nice and inexpensive, but even better, more personal!)

and ta-da! A homemade thank you that is so very warm and cozy (despite being iced tea).  This also would be a great "just because" gift for a friend or relative that needs a little smile.  

And while I do like to add blueberry muffins to a basket these days (in season and all), I have a whole bunch of these from my CSA share

So the next round of thank you tea will be getting zucchini muffins instead.  By the way, I'll be sharing that recipe soon....so stay tuned!

Gone to the Birds

We've had so much rain lately that you'd think on the one sunny day we had last week, we would have hit the beach with lightening speed.  You'd think.

But we didn't.  We continued our homebound activities as if the sky was still wringing out wet towels on top of our heads.  We continued our streak of made-up crafting-- most of which did not produce anything worth photographing (shhh-- don't tell them I said that)-- with this one project that I'm actually pretty fond of:

We made a bird bath, using a pot that had been hiding under a net of cobwebs next to our compost bin, and a clay pot tray that was chipped three summers ago and cast aside because I just *knew* we could use it someday.

To make our makeshift birdbath, we spent some time decorating the clay pot and tray with acrylic paints (at least we did this outside in the sunshine).

Once the kids felt satisfied with their designs,

We just let it dry, filled the tray with water, and set it in our garden for the birds to enjoy. Except so far, I've only been able to capture Lizzie enjoying it.  Ah, well.  

This is still an easy project and could make a cute gift. For a taller bath, just add more upside down pots.

Rainy Days: time to dig into the craft closet.

We've been living outside lately, soaking up a rare streak of sunshine in northern Michigan.  Today, however, we woke to mid-50s and rain-- and it looks like that's what we'll be seeing all week long.

And that's okay, because there in plenty of crafting and art to be done (along with, um, laundry and dishes and mopping and toilet scrubbing).

Since Noah wants to be a National Geographic photographer (after he wins an Americas Cup, freestyle skis in the Olympics, and perhaps runs for public office), he's been taking a lot of pictures this summer.  Max and I will take advantage of this fact when we do one of our favorite painting projects-- using a photo and re-creating it with watercolor pencils.  

It is a great lesson in details and perspective, as well as a nice opportunity to reflect on the fun that was had while the original photo was taken!

(you can see by the lack of foliage in the background that we haven't been doing many inside crafts lately!)

Noah, on the other hand, is more interested in this:

creating little paper worlds, drawn and then added to with detailed paper people.

 Sometimes it is worth the rain to see what little imaginations can come up with.

Father's Day: recap

When it comes to holidays and gifts from children, I get warm fuzzies (Oh! The warm fuzzies! Do you remember that story? It was my favorite in Kindergarten).  Yesterday was Father's Day, and we were busy this weekend crafting and cooking for the papa's in our lives.  

Justin woke up early and headed out to meet his Sunday morning ride group-- he said there were 20 cyclists (including a friend whose wife was due Sunday-- he had is cell phone on very, very loud in the back of his jersery).  I thought, hmm, you sure can tell when its Fathers Day...Once he finished riding himself into the dirt (the second half of the 40 miles were spent going an average of 24.5 miles per hour. I mean, what)??? He came home to breakfast, cooked by three lovely little people.  Well, two lovely little people, and one who has recently decided her new pastime is to yell. Loud. All. The. Time.

In any case, the boys whipped up some scrambled eggs, waffles and bacon and served it with this,

an insanely good rhubarb coffee cake (as in, so good I ate the whole 'test' cake by myself. in one day).  I'll be posting the recipe this week, so stay tuned.

All that food was put onto this place-setting, part of Justin's gift.  

The kids decorated a plate and mug just for him, with special markers that are permanent on glass. You have to handwash these, but they will last forever.

In addition, the kids made him a Dad Coupon Book (always a hit and good for birthdays and other holidays too).  Max and Noah thought up some chores they could do for their dad-- and some fun things to do with him, although I'm not too sure putt-putt is a gift-- and wrote and drew illustrations on a coupon we created. 

 Once we had enough coupons, the boys colored a cover and back cover and we used our handy-dandy laminator (don't forget-- you can get one of your very own in our shop) to make the front and back of the book.  We used a hole punch and jute rope to bind it up).

All in all, I think our daddy was pretty happy.

We also whipped up a batch of the best chocolate chip cookies in the universe (or not, but they were really good).  I'll post that recipe soon too.  The boys and Lizzie made their Papa (my dad) a plate too-- and decided the other part of their gift to him would be a "cookie of the month" club.  Max and I whipped up the cookies,

 and Noah created an official certificate. 

It was a day full of sunshine and sugar and proud little faces looking lovingly at two really great dads.  Of course,when I ran into Alison downtown as she and her family dropping off a car so they could kayak all the way back to town (which I swear is a long, long way), I was feeling a little like Pillsbury Dough Girl. 

Ah, well.  Time to go work off all those cookies that never, um, made it to the oven....

--K

Ten Shots, One Spot (even though my camera isn't nearly as good as Kate's...not that I'm making any excuses, because I wouldn't do that)

The other day I tried to claim that my pictures aren't as good as Kate's because I just have a rinky-dink camera, not a big, fancy one like Kate's.  One that is new.  And has lenses.  And is an SLR with XYZ, PDQ. Hers is not just a camera, it's an entity unto itself.  It ZOOMS and macros and causes flowers to grow in unnatural hues that pop for the camera.  Plus, it can negotiate Middle East peace talks and find a cure for AIDS, all while making a 9 course meal for 8 people.

Yeah, that's Kate's camera.  Mine barely takes pictures.  That was my excuse, anyway, until our friend Diane, who also has a nice camera with all of the above accoutrements claimed that from what she has read, the camera doesn't matter.  Any camera can take a great picture.

Which can only mean one thing.  The problem is ME.  

So, without further ado, here are my 10 Shots in One Spot.  Don't laugh.

The rule is to pick one spot (I know I just said, "without further ado," but here's a little " further ado" anyway, just to remind anyone who might show up today what the rules are) with the idea that anywhere you are there are at least 10 great pictures surrounding you.  Check out Kate's post after this one to see that for some people, that is probably very true.

I am so sorry.

...alison...

Ten shots, one spot

From the front porch step:

Once upon a time...

"Tell me a story."

I can't tell you how many times those words get recited over the course of a day.  My children ask me for stories galore and I too, beg for their imaginations to float me away to lands where superheroes like this one, 

known to mere mortals as Super Bomber Kale Man (seriously) are able to protect the weak and weary.

Truly, we are a family that loves to read, to recite (okay, well, I still love to recite. The kids? Not so much), and create tales of all kinds.  It's no wonder that a game geared toward doing just that caught my eye at our local bookstore recently. And while this game does look fantastic, I opted to put our dollars into actual books that day, and instead came home with an idea for a craft...one that I am SO happy we did, and so glad I skipped the purchase and went handmade.  

Introducing, Max's Story Card Game

We started with a piece of paper, folded in four even parts.  In each square, Max gave me an action to write (my favorite was "hugging mama") and he added the illustrations. We completed several other papers with people, places, and things drawn on them. It took us a couple days to do this, more because I wanted to avoid Max burning out than anything else.

Next, we used our handy-dandy laminator (oh, how I love this gadget. You can pick up the same inexpensive but effective laminator I use in our Amazon store), and we laminated the sheets. 

Max was mortified by the smell (which is almost non-existent) but he soldered through.

Once the sheets were laminated, we cut them out and began to play!

To play, we separated the cards into piles (actions, people, places, things) but I think it would be just as fun to draw five random cards...and also a good way to learn what needs to be available to make a story...

So Max's first story was about a boy named Sam who was playing soccer on a UFO in order to win a giant dumbbell. Very interesting, indeed.  

We have played (and played and played) this game since its creation, and have been steadily adding cards to our deck.  We also, of course, had to sew up a little bag to keep the cards.

Tell us, what ways do you tell stories with your kids?

10 shots, one spot

In an effort to train our less-than-professional photographic eyes, each weekend Alison and I will post 10 snapshots all taken while standing/sitting in one spot...The idea being there is a picture waiting to be taken everywhere we turn.

Back porch sitting...

Simple Project: Nature Journal

I'm a big fan of spending time outdoors with the little ones.  We spend a good chunk of our days outside, playing, exploring, and learning (often by accident). We also try, on a daily basis, to take a little nature hike. With 90 acres backing up to our house, we're lucky enough to have this be a pretty easy feat..

Of course, I'm always on the look out for some fun craft project to tie into, well, um, anything and everything.  The nature journal is a big hit around here, and makes for a perfect way to teach both mindfulness and facts about the world around us.  Sometimes we take along field guides and try to draw birds we've identified.

Sometimes we use it to capture the images of natural treasures we've picked up along the way.

Sometimes we just write what comes to mind after playing and walking in the woods.

Either way, we're capturing memories, training ourselves to pay attention to our surroundings, and honing our skills as we draw pictures with colored pencils, crayons, and words.

To make a nature journal of your own:

Take a stack of plain white paper and fold in half. That's too boring to take a picture of, even if in the digital world you don't have the "waste of film" excuse.

Use a hole punch to create your binding. Find a stick that can be snapped to the right height, and tie it to the "journal" with some thread through each hole.

Customize the cover as you wish-- we like to do a postcard-sized watercolor painting, and glue it onto the cover (it adds just a little extra somethin' I think).

All you need now are adventures-- and they can range from nature preserves or beaches to your backyard.

And while most of these walks are a great reconnection to the earth and each other, don't be discouraged if some days are better than others.  Case and point? My daughter has, on one such walk, ingested rabbit poop, which she likely mistook for some forbidden chocolate treat. 

This is a staged shot. Obviously it isn't outside and the rabbit poop is absent. I just wanted to show you the look on her face, because yes, it is the same smile I got after crying out "yuck! poop eater!"

*If you're looking for some fun ideas for getting kids outdoors this month, you can always pop this extra window up on your screen. 

No Apron Strings Attached...

Hey Mom-- I'll start this post with a shout out just to you, since I'm sure you're about to look down and go "Hey! That's MY Mother's Day present she's wearing!" So I'm just going to admit right now I shamelessly photographed its whole creation for Cluck and Tweet fodder.

But still. You are the first person I ever made a full-length apron for and I did like it so much I almost kept it for myself. 

::  Okay, back to our regularly scheduled tutorial ::

The no-pattern apron. I think I'm in love.  

What you need:

1 yard of outside fabric

1 yard of cotton flannel facing fabric

1 package of bias trim (let me just say right this second I. Love. Bias. Trim.)

Step one: find an apron in your pantry/closet/whatever that you use and love-- of course, make it a very simple, straight-forward apron-- no pleats or gathers-- and lay it on top of your fabric of choice.  I picked my trusty "Don't make me poison your food" apron.  

Once you have it laid out over top of your new apron fabric, use a disappearing fabric marker (the ones that vanish with water) and trace the apron, then cut with about an inch left outside of the "pattern" you just created.  Seriously. That simple.

Next, lay down a cotton fleece lining and repeat step one, except cut on the traced lines (as in, don't add an inch. I'm sorry. I can barely thread a bobbin, and yet I'm attempting to type up tutorials).

  

Once you have both pieces cut, put them together and press.  Then pin the extra inch of outside fabric over the fleece lining, so as to create your seamless edge. Pin this (which sort of takes forever, but is worth it in the end).

Hit the sewing machine and slowly (or not, if you can sew straighter than I without doing so very, very carefully) stitch the outside fabric and lining together (do this with the fleece lining facing up).

Be careful to take out the pins before they get stuck under the presser foot. I've not broken a needle yet with pins, but I've read it is both frustrating and, um, potentially sharp-items-flying-in-your-eyes-scary.

Once you get all the way around, it's time to add the ties.  I used a bias trim that I bought and a fun wavy stitch.

Connect the trim (just folded over and stitched) to the bottom dip of the apron-- you know what I mean, right? The underarm part?  

Anyway, stitch it along that line (you can look at your already made apron, the one you traced to see what I mean) and that will serve as your bottom ties.  

Measure out enough bias tape for a d-ring adjustable neck strap (about the same length as one of the waist ties) and wavy stitch that too.  Next, make a small bias tape loop, attached to the right top corner of your apron, with the d-rings (available at your local fabric stores) inside.

 

Notice that expert stitching below it? Hope my mom doesn't look too close at her gift...

On the other side of the apron, attach the adjustable neck band...and that's it!

Sorry folks, but unless you are my mama, the adorable toddler on the side (toddler I say-- how did THAT happen??) does not come with this tutorial.

Now go rock your aprons. And your kitchens, for that matter. 

On Toys, because my computer broke and I have nothing else to say.

** A Note ** I was going to post a nifty tutorial on how to make a full-length apron or a delicious recipe for a simple pot roast or maybe just a whole bunch of photos that I'd recently taken with my new camera.  I can't do that however, because I am currently mourning the death of my Mac (my Mac, which was the keeper of said pictures).  Last weekend, my Mac was just minding its own business when someone who shall not be mentioned (but whose name rhymes with Bustin and happens to be my husband and who happens to look like this guy)

 dropped it. On the pavement. Outside a hotel (and "forgot" to tell me for, like, nine hours).  So instead, you get this. A rant. But a rant that includes good ideas for your kids or someone else's.  

This is me. 

I'm a warrior, waging a never-ending battle against the sea of plastic crap toys that constantly invades my house through holidays and hand-me-downs (ahem. Alison.) and the weak parenting moments in the middle of the toy store.  Yes, each month, I go through and systematically pitch large quantities of brightly colored synthetic junk that once upon a time caught my child's eye. Despite this seemingly endless struggle against over-consumption and no-need-for-imagination toys (here's where I interject on Noah's behalf, that no, legos simply do not fall into this category), we do like to invest in a few good items that will last not only through our children's childhoods,  but hopefully through their children's childhoods too.  Here's a rundown of a few of my favorite toys-- both things we have a home and things I've found that we will someday have (or that I'll just covet. Whatever). These are great suggestions if you have little ones, but also great gift ideas if you don't-- I haven't met a mama yet who said "geez, I wish you would have gone to _____(insert big box name of choice here) and bought some cheap plastic crap  toy instead of this lovely, natural, handmade gift!"

The treehouse.

Max asked for this for his fourth birthday and I am so very glad we popped for it.  It is a "gnome" house and while the gnomes still live there, they share their tree (so kindly) with various army guys, playmobile people, and the like. Max plays with this every day for at least a few minutes, and he'll often get lost in his imaginary gnome world (an often violent gnome world, but a gnome world no less).

Playsilks

While these are technically Elizabeth's, our playsilks get loads of use.  The boys use them as weapons. Sigh. They also use them in costumes and peek-a-boo play with their sister.  At 15 months, Lizzie just loves to touch them, to throw them and twirl them and crumple them up.  They are also so easy to pack for travel play-- and have kept our daughter occupied at more than one restaurant.

Capes

I didn't make these capes, but I could (and will, in the near future).  What a great gift idea-- you could personalize with a "super letter" personalized for the birthday boy or girl, or do a favorite superhero like these.  

Made with basic broadcloth and simple stitching, these capes are a perfect way to go from secret identity to super in a jiffy.

Pirate's map

I just whipped this up in five minutes.  Max wanted a pirate's map, and at a recent trip to the fabric store we found this.

Perfect.  I backed it with a natural cotton batting and a piece of green broadcloth fabric. 

 By folding over the fat quarter, I was able to add three shallow pockets for the "treasures" Max is sure to find in the woods behind our house.  

Adding a little ribbon I had kicking around, we can roll up the map when it's not in use for easy storage (or hiding, because finding a treasure map is just as fun as having one).

You can grab your own pirate map fabric here.

Wooden Blocks.

I think if I could tell parents/grandparents/friends of people with little people one gift to give, it would be a quality set of wooden blocks. The possibilities are endless and grow and change with the child's age.  We have a wide variety of blocks around here that become towers and houses and forts and geometric designs.  

Here's some toys we don't have, but I just love...All of these finds were on Etsy. Just type in Toys and you'll have eye candy to last all year.  I heart handmade.  

How does your garden grow?

I should have posted this two weeks ago. It would make a smashing mothers' day present (I'm sorry, I've been netflixing a lot of British comedies as of late, and words like "smashing" are ever-increasing in my vocabulary).  In any case, this makes a great spring/summer centerpiece or a great gift for any mama you may know (think handmade birthday present with the help of her little ones).

My kids actually made this for me three or four years ago, and it still hangs out on our kitchen table, because I love it that much.

Start with a plane terra cotta planter of the size of your choice.  Paint it however you wish. My boys opted for solid white, and when that dried, they added splashes of color and wrote a few things with a glass/wood/ceramic marker. 

Next, use recycled cardboard, paper plates, or anything else with some thickness and draw, paint, or color large flower petals (remember, the kids photos will serve as the center).  

Now, for the messy part-- put some tempera paint in a couple pie tins and have the kids use their hand and feet to make prints on a white sheet of paper-- these will serve as the "leaves."

Filling the pot-- the boys used craft wire

 and that green stuff you can stick fake plants into (I don't even know what its called) and then covered that up with tissue paper. 

 I think, however, you could use thick sticks and the wire, and stick them into a pot full of rocks if you'd rather use more natural elements.

Now fun photos of the kidlets, print them out, cut in a circle, and paste them into the flower's center.

Connect the flowers and the leaves to the stem of your choosing.

While I think bouquets like this are quite lovely

It just can't compare to these flowers.

--K

Skulls + Sandwiches= heaven for my boys

Is there an addict group for sewing? Because if there is, I may need to do the whole, “Hi, my name is Kate, and I am a sew-a-holic” thing.  I cannot stop dreaming and scheming up projects (little projects that only use fat quarters because I am still afraid to use anything bigger).  First, it was the bread bag. The next day? I whipped up this sweet vintage-inspired apron (with pockets!),

following the general guidelines in Amy Karol’s Bend the Rules Sewing book.  

If you are new to sewing (or if you just like cool projects) I would so highly recommend Amy’s book– it has been such a great resource for me.  Plus, she’s a mama craft blogger turned author, and that’s just plain cool.  

Today, however, was a big day in my new wide world of fabrics.  Today, I ventured off the tutorials and patterns on websites or books and decided to just make something. And I’m posting the tutorial right here, right now– can you believe it? I must be like a craft genius or something. Just don’t expect clearly defined pattern directions or look too closely at those stray threads or wobbly hems. Ahem.  Oh, my, “a-hem.”  That really was an unintended pun. See? Addicted.

I just realized that the “hems” I am referring to may actually be called seams. I’ve got a lot to learn.

Anyway…without further ado….How to make your own reusable sandwich/snack sack. Stop laughing. I think this is sweet (and by sweet I mean totally awesome dude).

For my picky lunch crowd, any sandwich eaten outside our four walls is a packed sandwich.  Being that our family values include caring for the environment, sticking sandwiches (or the snacks that are required for any outing that lasts more than 30 minutes) in plastic baggies is just not very cool.  I’ve seen– and actually own– the little reusable bags that are popping up in hip stores all over, but they aren’t cheap, and for a household of five, I’m not about to spend $50-65 to get enough of them. Instead, I decided to make my own– and it actually, honestly worked. 

Here’s how you can make a sandwich/snack sack too– all for under $3!

Measure out enough outer fabric for a sandwich (remember to make allowances for seams).  If you find a cool fabric that is a fat quarter, you’ll be able to make at least three bags from that alone.  Anyway, mine measured about 6.5 inches on each side.  One of the cut outs needs to have a flap (about three inches on each side at a diagonal) to fasten the bag with velcro. I actually made both pieces like this and after realizing only one side needs a flap I ended up lopping one flap off (oops).

My boys were so excited about this fabric.  Anything with skulls is currently an instant hit around here.  After you’ve cut the outer fabric, iron it and then use it as a pattern to trace (using a fabric marking pen– it erases with water) the inner lining– I used an inexpensive sport vinyl– easy to clean is the key fabric requirement for the inside (think almond butter or mustard residue needing to be removed daily). 

 Once that is cut too, pin the inner and outer fabric together– making sure you pin the fabric so that the right side is facing out and the inside is what is faced with the vinyl.

Next, take the two sides of the bag and sew together, right sides facing each other as you stitch the seam.  Make sure you only sew three sides, leaving the top (with the additional fabric flap) open.  When the seam is complete, turn the bag right-side out and press.  Add velcro (I like the self-sealing velcro squares) and voila!

A handy-dandy reusable bag, sure to be a sack lunch/beach snack bag favorite.  I know it will be around here, as I had to make two more already (and by request, even!).

Happy sewing!

beadalicious

One of my more recent beads, an encased floral made into a pendant.

Turquoise glass (dark or light? no idea) and silvered opal yellow. Freshly squeezed.

The colors don't show up so well here, but I love them together: orange, dark aqua, sky blue, fuchsia, orange, and handmade black and white twisty cane.

Purple, orange, and pea green square pendant.

This was a special order. The woman's husband had paid for a bracelet for her. She missed her cat that had died or that she had to give up when they got married. Or maybe her child had severe allergies. Or maybe I'm making all of this up and she just likes kitties. Who knows. Anyway, she ended up with a whole armful of cats. Plus some cat food. And others things cats like.

Love these colors. And the clasp. It's one of my favorites, available through Saki silver. I love a cool clasp.

The following are some websites of lampwork bead artists whose work I adore. I ♥ you, you awesome bead ladies! But not in any kind of stalkerish way. Really.

http://www.blackberrybeads.com

http://www.corinabeads.com

Corina is beyond amazing. And very giving with any "secrets" she may have uncovered. Her book, Passing the Flame, is all I used to teach myself lampwork beading. Granted, I've got a ways to go, but her beads are like the Holy Grail. I also bow to the artistic prowess of Jill Symons: Fantastically inventive beads and great photography to boot. I'm a Lina Khan wannabe: And Sarah Moran of Z-Beadsleaves me in awe: I just know I have a lot of work to do. Keep checking back to see if I ever progress beyond mediocre. --A

Sew Amazing!

You know you are a chronic new-hobby person when you call a friend– excitement exuding from your voice– to announce the fact that you just bought a sewing machine– and that friend responds (between fits of laughter) “Do we need to medicate you?”

Ahem.

While it is true that as a mother of three small children I may tend to be, um, a bit of an over-committer.  I also tend to get so interested in so many new skills or activities that I engross myself fully for a week or a month and then, well, I get exhausted and burnt-out because I can never quite find the balance between kids and housework and hobbies and husband and…well, you get the picture.  Or not, because I refuse to post what the base of our toilets look like when one of these bouts of imbalance sets in (I do have three boys living in this house. I’ll leave it at that).

So when my lovely little sewing machine arrived on my back door– we live too middle-of-nowhere-ish to actually have a machine shop nearby– I was giddy with the possibilities.

Aprons. Dresses for Lizzie. PJ pants for the boys. Skirts. Curtains.  Coats. Pillows. Play tents. Bags and smocks and basically anything in Amy Karol’s beautiful Bend the Rules Sewing book.  I tore open the box, expecting to somehow instantly understand the inner workings of this machine…despite the fact that even the word “machine” gives me the willies.  Imagine my disappointment when I realized I did not even know how to thread a bobbin, let alone set a stitch.

The day my machine arrived, it was a glorious 70-degrees outside. I sat, with the season’s first Oberon, and read (and reread) the manual on my back porch until it was too dark to see. Frustrated with my lack of ability to comprehend or retain any of the jargon I was trying to digest, I set the manual down and went to bed. 

In the middle of the night, a thunderstorm hit. So my first sewing experience ever? It had nothing to do with a needle and thread. It had to do with my sweet husband carefully drying a sopping wet sewing machine manual, which had been left in the rain.

It was a good lesson in going slow. In walking away when frustration levels rise too high. In getting creative with solutions and being able to laugh at mistakes. And in looking forward to new projects.  All of these things, I do believe, will be my guidelines for sewing. Because oh, my, I do love it. 

So here’s my first tutorial– just in time for Mother’s Day!

Or not.  It is actually something to dress your homemade bread.

Because it looks so naked this way, right?  Really though, homemade bread doesn’t usually last too long, but it can be kept a little bit fresher in a linen bread bag, according to the ever-crafty-and-wonderful  Amanda Soule.  For a pattern, I took an actual paper bread bag from our local bakery and cut it down the sides so that it was only held together by its bottom “seam.”  I traced the bag onto a piece of washed linen fabric using a fabric marking pen (that disappears when you wash it– nifty!) and then cut it out, sewed up the two sides with a straight stitch, and turned the bag right side out.  I hand embroidered the drawstring holder and then added a piece of ribbon through by cutting two slits and threading the ribbon along with a safety pin.  Then I used the fabric marking pen to draw on a fresh “loaf” of bread and the phrase “Rise up with gratitude and joy” — a nice reminder for my household each morning.  I hand embroidered these things

(which appear backwards thanks to Mac photo booth. I swear. Oh, and please ignore how Vanna White I’m being. Something about photo booth makes me act like a fool. Every time.).  I plan to do a few more of these (bags, not self photo sessions) before Mother’s Day and bake some fresh bread to go with them as gifts.

Next up? An apron.  And this sewing tattoo.

 Okay, again, not really. But seriously. A sewing tattoo?  It is too good to not post.

I probably do need to be medicated.

cardboard

We have a thing with cardboard in our house. As in, we never can just recycle it.  No, no, that would be so boring when there are so. many. uses. for it.  Here's a few of our recent favorite cardboard creations: The fooseball table. Take one box, about the size a pair of boots would come in and paint the inside to resemble a fooseball field.  Or, just smudge the white lines into the green paint if you absolutely cannot wait until the "field" is dry to keep going.  Cut goalie holes in each end.  If we had any fruits, like stawberries, in season right now, I think I would have used picking containers to serve as goalie nets. But we don't. So I didn't. Next, tape two wooden skewers together. Repeat three more times.  Now poke the skewers in an even row through the box.   Now comes the part where we add the wine corks, because apparently most of the craft projects we do around here involve wine corks. But I'm not a big drinker.  I swear.  As long as the "no crossing counts" rule does not apply here. Swig, swig.  Anyway, take eight wine corks and stick them on each end of each skewer.   All that's left to add  are the players. We used clothespins, which can be decorated however you'd like and then hung on the skewers. Drop in a bouncy ball, or whatever other type of ball you have handy, and play! And then there's this... Sir Lancelot has nothing on Sir Maxelot. If there is one thing to know about our middle child, Max, it is that he loves to dress up. The costume box is Max's room is overflowing with no less than nine capes, a train conductor get-up, a ninja suit, the remaining pieces of his big brother's old Halloween outfits, a frog head, lab coat, two football, one soccer, and a hockey uniform, a couple of crowns and cloaks, viking gear and several varieties of swords, as well as a slew of random accessories.  It is no strange sight to see Max in the grocery store looking like this: or eating lunch as this: or running through the yard like this: He's been known to where a ski helmet and goggles, as well as a full dragon suit, and a Mexican wrestler to church on any given Sunday.   He went through a phase where he wore a fireman's helmet and underwear on the outside of his pants.  What can I say?  He's got personality. A lot of personality. What does this have to do with cardboard, you ask? *Or don't ask, because the image of the under-roos outside the pants pretty much stopped you cold... It's this: My favorite cardboard creation of Max's: The knight outfit.   We used old pizza boxes (that we got from neighbors, of course, because I certainly don't get take out pizza for my children so often that the pizza dude knows my name, order, and favorite color) to cut out the shield, which we then hot glued on an empty orange juice carton (the kind with a handle).  The mask was cut from an old pizza box too, and then we added a strip of elastic (just tied on each side) to adjust it to Max's insanely large lovely head. We used an old paper grocery bag as his armor suit and, um, another pizza box for the sword.  I set out a bunch of paints and we painted the whole get up together. It was a blast, because I knew how very excited Max would be when he could look like this: While I would never, ever pay for something like this (and pay, like $80 no less!) I will say cardboard boxes in every shape and size provide hours of good times in our house. We may not get as fancy as this or this But we do love us some creative pre-recycle crafting. The trick, of course, is parting ways with said creations. Especially ones that take up too much space and seem to be taking up residence on my mantel.   What kinds of fun projects have you done with cardboard? I ask, of course, because my husband really, really, really wants me to make and then pack rat more stuff. --K

Embroidered Belly Buttons and Skate Parks

I'd like to say that I am so crafty, so creative, so filled with art inspiration that I came up with this great little project all on my own. I'd like to, but I would so be lying. Truth is, I found this fantastic-- and by fantastic I mean, buy this book treasure, "The Creative Family" by Amanda Blake Soule. Inside it, Soule offers up a number of simple projects that both celebrate the creativity of your children and open up a world of new ways to be part of art together. What I love most about this is, well, just look at it: Never mind the fact that our hair all looks like it got stuck in a light socket (or that my husband has hair-- because, um, really). Never mind the fact that we all are apparently baring our midriffs (or if you are Lizzie, you only are a midriff with red hair). I love this portrait done by my four year-old. Soon, this will be hanging this in the hallway on the stairs going up to the boys' rooms, mixed against photos of them-- just another memory frozen in time-- another opportunity to look back and smile at who they are and who they were at a particular moment in time. To make a piece of embroidered art out of your child's art, do this: First draw a circle the size of the hoop you will be using, and let your child's imagination run wild. Max drew our family with such care (I mean, he even added "stress lines" for dad). Noah drew a skate park. He started to write "Acid Pool" underneath his ramp, realized I probably would not be so down with embroidering that, and changed it to a shark-infested pool. Hmmm. I think the words may have been easier. Once their drawings are complete, tape them against a window, and then tape a piece of linen embroidery cloth over it.   Using an embroidery pen (or anything that does not leave permanent markings-- or, if you don't really care, a regular pen works fine-- I've done both), trace your child's drawing onto the cloth. Put the linen in the hoop, tighten and stitch! The kids will love how their drawings come alive with the thread, and you'll have a unique way to save and display their work.   *Embroidery is an easy craft to pick up, especially when you're doing something like this-- rough stitches add to the charm.  Here's a youtube video on stitches, in case you are interested.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeHQn5IZYaI

refrigerator magnets

This is a very simple craft that can have some pretty fun results. It's not going to cure dyslexia or have your child reading by 2-1/2 years old, but I will bet that your child will begin to exhibit the recognition of specific words, which is definitely a large part of reading. I'm not going to go into all of the "Reading Wars," the battle over which is better, phonics instruction  or  whole language   instruction since this a CRAFT segment (for the record, I'm solidly in the middle), but Frank Smith in Reading without Nonsense defines reading as "making sense of text," and the National Council of Teachers of English  (NCTE) states that "[r]eading is the complex act of constructing meaning from print."  This could mean that when your child sees the Golden Arches and yells, "McDonalds!"  she is actively reading (not that you would ever take your child to McDonalds).   It's also common sense that the more words your child sees, the more opportunity he has to put two-and-two together and make meaning out of letters.  And where better to do that than on your refrigerator? Personalized Refrigerator Magnets (unless, like me, you have stainless and it's not magnetized, then replace "refrigerator" with "extra freezer") First you will need to go out to your friendly hardware store and find magnetized heating vent covers.     The link to this picture shows a pack of 6 for $42 to $45.  This seems like a lot to spend, so I might shop around, if I were you.  You also won't need a pack of 6...you can fit a lot of words on each sheet...unless you're planning on copying the dictionary.  Next, choose the words you want to expose to your child.  We chose words that had the most meaning: their names, names of friends, names of family and pets, common places they were familiar with, common words often used or related to individual interests like pets (dog) or sports: Using a permanent marker (I like to use the widest tip available), write each word on the vent cover, leaving plenty of white space around each word.  Note: if you don't have very good handwriting, I would find someone who does.  You don't want your children to have to get in the habit of deciphering letters; you want the letters to be very easy to read.  Also, print, no cursive.  I also like the idea of helping children learn by including pictures as part of the word:

 the word "cloud" in the shape of a cloud

or "green" written in green:               Or glue pictures on the magnet next to the word:  As your child becomes more and more cognizant of each word's meaning, add verbs and articles to your magnet collection.  Maybe each day post a new sentence that she can read by herself.  It's so exciting to watch kids learn and this is an easy way to help them on that path. --A

Bead-a-ful

 I love this bead.  I attached it to a sterling silver chain with a clasp that I learned to make from Connie Fox.   Connie is a gifted metal-worker and talented teacher.  Her free tutorials are great.  And free.   I added a vintage Swarovski crystal as a dangle because I love dangles.  I probably bought that at the Beadin' Path, one of my favorite resources for vintage beads.

This is not a great picture.  The bracelet is much more vibrant in reality.  I do want to point out the charm.  The people at Beaducation have fantastic tutorials (some free, some you pay for) that teach you basic and advanced skills.  I bought the class "Intro to Fine Silver Metal Fusing" and then adapted it to make this charm. 

The following cuffs are some of my favorite pieces.  Ironically, I rarely wear jewelry.  And I don't often wear my own jewelry, but I do wear my cuff.  The cuff itself was purchased through Rocio Studios.  I attached my beads with silver wire.  Please ignore the fact that you can see the reflection in the silver of me taking the picture.

 "Tickled Pink"

 "Earth" (I don't know why)

"Puppy Paw" (Anna named this one, obviously)

 "Cashmere"

And keep checking back here for more updates.  I also make stamped silver charm necklaces (see sidebar contest), lampwork bead necklaces, earrings, etc.  Presently I have items at Three Pines Studio  in Cross Village, Michigan, a great place to find unique and beautiful items for yourself, your home, or special gifts for others that you'll end up wanting to keep for yourself. 

 

 

american girl

Meet Jane, our American Girl Doll.   Max, at the wonderful age of four, wanted to make his sister's first birthday present.  Loving the idea of his little hands creating something for our Lizzie to treasure long after her special day, I happily encouraged Max to pursue his plan. Until I heard him say "Um, so yeah, mama, I'm thinking about making Lizzie her very own 'merican girl doll that looks just like her." Oh boy. Let me interject here by saying I am not a strong seamstress, nor have I ever ventured into the craft store aisles that carry the makings of a baby doll. Those rows of plastic heads and little wigs and randomly facing arms and legs totally freak me out.  So, I stalled.  I suggested making her a book. Or a picture. Or a song.   But no, it had to be a doll. So determined and so excited, Max took my hand and trounced up the stairs to our craft closet.  He got up on his tiptoes and hauled the large canvas bin down that holds our many fabric scraps and wool felt pieces.  I watched with piqued curiosity as he dumped the bin and, tongue out in concentration, set to work finding...well, I had no idea what. "Ah!" He cried, pulling up a deep pink wool felt square.  "Just what I was looking for!" He laid the square on our craft table and dug a pair of scissors and a pen from the cupboard. And then, he drew his doll. Once he outlined a perfectly fantastic little monster   replica of his sister, we cut the felt out together.   Max held the flimsy silhouette and frowned. "Not much of a doll." My creative juices finally caught up with my kiddo's and I set to work tracing the outline of the doll that Max designed. We cut this out too, and then moved on to giving "Jane" a face.  Using embroidery thread and a larger size needle, I pushed the thread through the felt and allowed Max to help pull it up, as he directed me on color, design, and placement of  her facial features. Once we had a smiling, bright (yellow) eyed face smiling back at us, we started to stitch the two matching pieces of felt together.  I used the blanket stitch, which I think looks like a perfect fit for the project, and it also is a good stitch to do with the help of little hands (Max did the pull-thru).   With just a wee opening left, we stuffed the doll, and then finished the stitching. After tying off the last stitch, I held up the finished project-- and held my breath-- waiting for Max's reaction. He sized Jane up for a minute, and broke out into that mixture of jumping, clapping, and giggles that meant he was oh-so-pleased-and-proud. "It is exactly what I pictured in my head," he beamed. "Wizzie is gonna love it." And oh my, she certainly did. To make your own American Girl doll (or monster or anything else your child can dream up), you will need: --wool felt squares (one or two, depending on size)-- and I do encourage you to spend the extra money and go for the wool. There really is no comparison in terms of feel and durability-- the natural fibers are just so much better than the synthetic stuff. --embroidery thread and a needle --stuffing (we go for the natural wool stuffing, but it can be hard to find and in this case, the polyester stuff that is readily available at craft shops is just fine). --K

As someone with a degree

As someone with a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, my children have no choice but to be into books. And not just reading them either.  One of our favorite activities/gifts for people/homeschool activities is to make books.  For a long time, we just folded paper, stapled or ran yarn through the center, and wrote or drew stories that ranged from magical tales or nature journals to recalling the most important facts from a history or science text. Then we discovered Bare Books, a great little company that sells blank hardcover books and comic books (and even board games-- yes, you too could have your very own version of Barfopoly!). I love the fact that the kids feel like they have written a "real" book because it is bound, and I love the ease of packing blank Bare Books for field trips or vacations.   Like the one we happen to be on right now.  Creativity sparks are flying here.  We're currently living on the 11th floor of a downtown hotel, hanging on fluffy white (well, white until my children clamor all over them) sheets and swimming in the pool  (that's a page in Max's book) and exploring the wonder and beauty that is Asheville, North Carolina.  While the words "school work" would elicit groans galore (even from Max, who at four does "homework" for fun), daily journaling in their vacation books is met with....okay, met with minimal resistance. Until they get going. And then? I'm all, "guys, I want to go get a latte. Guys, I want to go....Guys! Put the pencils down-- it is sunny outside!"  --K

american girl doll

Meet Jane, our American Girl Doll. Max, at the wonderful age of four, wanted to make his sister's first birthday present. Loving the idea of his little hands creating something for our Lizzie to treasure long after her special day, I happily encouraged Max to pursue his plan. Until I heard him say "Um, so yeah, mama, I'm thinking about making Lizzie her very own 'merican girl doll that looks just like her." Oh boy. Let me interject here by saying I am not a strong seamstress, nor have I ever ventured into the craft store aisles that carry the makings of a baby doll. Those rows of plastic heads and little wigs and randomly facing arms and legs totally freak me out. So, I stalled. I suggested making her a book. Or a picture. Or a song. But no, it had to be a doll. So determined and so excited, Max took my hand and trounced up the stairs to our craft closet. He got up on his tiptoes and hauled the large canvas bin down that holds our many fabric scraps and wool felt pieces. I watched with piqued curiosity as he dumped the bin and, tongue out in concentration, set to work finding...well, I had no idea what. "Ah!" He cried, pulling up a deep pink wool felt square. "Just what I was looking for!" He laid the square on our craft table and dug a pair of scissors and a pen from the cupboard. And then, he drew his doll. Once he outlined a perfectly fantastic little monster replica of his sister, we cut the felt out together. Max held the flimsy silhouette and frowned. "Not much of a doll." My creative juices finally caught up with my kiddo's and I set to work tracing the outline of the doll that Max designed. We cut this out too, and then moved on to giving "Jane" a face. Using embroidery thread and a larger size needle, I pushed the thread through the felt and allowed Max to help pull it up, as he directed me on color, design, and placement of her facial features. Once we had a smiling, bright (yellow) eyed face smiling back at us, we started to stitch the two matching pieces of felt together. I used the blanket stitch, which I think looks like a perfect fit for the project, and it also is a good stitch to do with the help of little hands (Max did the pull-thru). With just a wee opening left, we stuffed the doll, and then finished the stitching. After tying off the last stitch, I held up the finished project-- and held my breath-- waiting for Max's reaction. He sized Jane up for a minute, and broke out into that mixture of jumping, clapping, and giggles that meant he was oh-so-pleased-and-proud. "It is exactly what I pictured in my head," he beamed. "Wizzie is gonna love it." And oh my, she certainly did. To make your own American Girl doll (or monster or anything else your child can dream up), you will need: --wool felt squares (one or two, depending on size)-- and I do encourage you to spend the extra money and go for the wool. There really is no comparison in terms of feel and durability-- the natural fibers are just so much better than the synthetic stuff. --embroidery thread and a needle --stuffing (we go for the natural wool stuffing, but it can be hard to find and in this case, the polyester stuff that is readily available at craft shops is just fine). --K Big Paper Roll+ Crayons= Masterpiece Some days, the best kind of art just sort of happens. In the middle of the afternoon, desperate for a break from stuck-inside-due-to-illness sibling bickering, I quietly dug the big roll of brown shipping paper from the closet. I cut a large sheet, taped it to the front hall floor with painter's tape, and set out a big bucket of crayons. And then I walked away. Lizzie, of course, found the bucket first. It took all of three seconds for her to send all the crayons rolling across the floor. The noise caught Max's attention, and he soon migrated to the paper. Eventually Noah sprawled across the paper too-- paper that was no longer blank but instead filling with sky scrapers, monsters, hybrid cars (of course), an ice cream store, thunderous clouds and lightening bolts (which themselves sparked a "does lightening come from sky or ground" debate that required Noah to get out his science books..The answer? Both. Love when that happens). Me? I watched for a few minutes, careful to stay out of the way and quiet. The rest of the glorious 37 minutes of coloring were spent sipping hot tea and staring out my kitchen window at the rolling hills blanketed in snow, and the bare, muted trees that remind me of a charcoal drawing. --K