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.

Elastic Skirt Tutorial

I wanted to make a simple skirt for my daughter. Something that I knew would take only minutes. And with the requisite ruffle be in touch with her inner princess. It only takes two rectangles (based on her measurements), a double length for the black ruffle, and elastic. Easy peasy!
I cut two pieces of fabric about 22" X 12". I also cut two black ruffles WOF (width of fabric X 4.5"). Sew the sides of the skirt right sides together. (Tutorial for french seams on the way)


Sew the sides of the ruffle to make an extra large circle. Fold in half wrong sides together, press and gather. Pin to the outside of the skirt making sure to match the seams. Flip down and then topstitch.
For the waistband, fold 1/4" down then another 1". This forms the casing. Sew close to the edge and leave about 1.5" open. Insert elastic, sew the ends together and sew closed! (Sorry, I thought I had a photo of this step).

French fried tomatoes! Scandalously easy skirt. This is so easy you have plenty of time to embellish it with applique or fabric flowers, etc. You even have time to do the laundry but who wants to do that?

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!