Plaid + Dots

felt crafts : elephant mobile for baby k

There's a little one on the way and Miss N is soo excited to meet Baby K! My sister-in-law is expecting and the little guy will hopefully arrive sometime in mid-September (possibly on Miss N's first birthday!).  As part of my shower gift for the mom-to-be, I made an elephant mobile out of felt to accent her room (side note:  my sister-in-law is decorating the room in a precious jungle theme print, Dylan, by Serena & Lily - isn't this adorable?!).  Here's the finished mobile which hopefully will look just as cute in Baby K's room!

P.S.  The lighting was better outside for the photos :-)
 

 

hats off to the graduates : graduation greeting card

As you all know, I love making my own greeting cards.  With our nephew, Christopher, graduating from high school I found this to be the perfect opportunity to make a card in celebration of this event.  I used a plain white fold-over card and envelope and decorated it in his school's colors - blue and gold.  I made a hat out of black card stock and added a tassel using embroidery floss.   Finally, I used the same blue paper as the envelope liner.  Ta-Da.. an easy to make graduation greeting card.  

 

mom's day cards (diy)

I love to make my own cards for special occasions.  Here's the latest Mother's Day cards that I sent out this week.  Enjoy and Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

 
 
 

 

 

i heart fabric + making pillows

In my quest to completely overhaul our family room (see previous posts:  changing up the family room), I've decided to swap out my old pillow covers with some new decorative pillow covers that are more fresh and vibrant for the spring/summer seasons.  I searched online a bit and couldn't find what I was looking for... so I bought some fabric, created a simple pattern and started sewing.  Here's the end result:

And here's another view...

And for all you DIYers out there... here's some simple instructions so that you can make your own decorative pillows.. [note: these instructions are for square pillows]

1. Select the fabric of your choice - I bought this fabric at Joann's but I've also found great fabric at Calico Corners, Purl Soho, and other small local boutiques.  
2. Pre-shrink the fabric according to manufacturer's instructions.  Press the fabric so it's laying flat.
3. Measure out the fabric.  This is a simple envelope enclosure pillow.
   1. Front:  Add one inch to the length and width.  So, for a 20x20 pillow, I measure the front at 21x21 inches.
   2. Back #1:  Divide the length of the pillow in half and add 5.5 inches (for seam allowance and provide enough overlap with the envelope).  Add 1 inch to the width.  The measurement for this panel will be 15.5 x 21 inches.
   3. Back #2:  Divide the length of the pillow in half and add 2.5 inches (for seam allowance and hem).  Add 1 inch to the width.  The measurement for this panel will be 12.5 x 21 inches.
   4. Here's a picture of my pieces cut out and assembled.
4. Create a one inch hem on both Back #1 and Back #2.  The length is the area that is hemmed.
5. Match the pieces of fabric together so the patterned sides are facing inwards.  Back #1 and Back #2 will overlap to create the envelope style.  Pin the fabric pieces together around the edges of the pillow.
6. Sew around the entire pillow leaving a 1/2 inch seam.  Cut the corners of the pillow so that it's easier to turn the pillow and get clean edges (making sure you don't cut through the stitches).
7. You're pillow sham is complete and all you need to do now is to put a pillow insert in and your done.  Ta Da!!!  Wasn't that easy?!?!

These are super easy to do and you can quickly change your room with just a little fabric, a pillow insert and some creativity.  Enjoy!!

mod easter greetings!

I created these cute "mod" Easter cards this year to wish everyone in our family a "Happy Easter"!  I used card stock and a variety of stickers to make these adorable cards...  it's a very easy way to send a little cheer to someone you love.  Enjoy! 

 

 

 

bunny finger puppets

I just saw this ADORABLE post by Purl Soho and am in love with these little bunny finger puppets.. I cannot wait to make these for my little girl!  They are too cute!