A Craft for Kids -- Bulletin Board Circle Tutorial

 One of my original posts from my old blog!....

There are days when it is simply too cold to play outside with the kids. And since I am always in search of things to keep me organized here is something to keep you organized and the kids entertained!

Supplies: At first I was going to get corkboard but thought I would try a round styrofoam circle from the craft store. If you do use corkboard be sure to check if you need to add an old piece of cardboard behind it to protect the wall if it is thin.

*fantastic fabric--I am using Jennifer Paganelli's Sis Boom fabric *glue--NOT hot glue--it will not be nice to the styrofoam *scissors *stick pins *decorative brads/tacks *ribbon  

What to do: *Cut the fabric around the circle so that it will wrap around the disc neatly. Glue. (The kids can do this messy part:)  

*Cut your thinner grosgrain ribbon and figure out placement. I held down with pins.... *Glue the ribbon strips to the back. I used pins to hold while the glue dried. *I covered the back mess with a piece of art paper. You can use fabric...Glue down. *Stick the decorative brads/tacks in the four corners.

*Add the wider ribbon around the circle with glue.

*Add a loop for hanging and...

You are done! I like how it coordinates with the calendar I made of the kids.

Little Brother's Jacket

This is an old post from an old blog of mine...

He may be considered the "little" brother because of birth order but there is nothing little about my little man! The kids wear the same size and they both wanted me to make jackets which I had never done before.

With his version I experimented a bit more (with technique). I still wanted a fun lining but I added a cord facing. I thought it would keep it more clean looking. I also played around with the sleeves which don't show.

Then I had to add the blue plane buttons to go with the lining and the under collar. Of course that is not in keeping with a pea coat but that is okay.


And I learned that the moment I start gloating to myself about how easy these new techniques were then I made multiple errors. The seam ripper was my friend. Or enemy.

But I look forward to making more of these coats.

But not the pockets. I still do not like pockets--my son uses them for things like rocks and mud.

A Grape It Is Not

This is an old post from an old blog of mine....
This is not the purple of a grape singing monster. This is eggplant with pizazz. It is a little bit of flare for my three year old. Okay, the lining with the purple now reminds me of Anthony from Designing Women which it did not last night; I will have to see what my daughter thinks about it.
The cord jacket is lined in a Michael Miller fabric and four slightly shimmering floral buttons decorate the front. With the black and white lining I did not want a really busy button.

But that did not stop me from adding something different to the under collar. A little secret.

And I already have one cord boot made for her.

Universal Pacifier Clip Tutorial

Make a pacifier clip and coordinate it with matching burp cloths, blankets, etc for a great baby shower gift. Easy to make you will want to make more than one!

What To Do:
1. Cut out the fabric 3" X 9". Cut ribbon 7" long.
2. Fold the fabric in half longways with the Right Sides Together. Sew along the long edge. Then turn right side out. Press
3. Turn under the edges and slip the folded ribbon inside one edge. I topstitch around the entire length for a more professional appearance. This will also close the two ends.
4. Slip one end through the clip, fold over and sew. Your done!