Learning to sew, project #3

As some of you know, my goal for the summer was to teach myself how to sew. This week, I decided to try my hand at making a sleeve for my Nook Color. I Googled tutorials for Nook sleeves and stumbled upon this FABULOUS tutorial from Little Birdie Secrets. Her instructions are great, and I followed them exactly. The only change I made was that I didn't use minky fabric because I was trying to go as cheap as possible... If I get good at this, I will opt for the minky and make gifts for people.

This was only the third sewing project I've ever attempted. The zipper was quite frustrating, but I got through it. (Thank goodness for seam rippers and a sense of humor.) I am going to try one more for my mom today. :)

Learning to sew- project #2

As I was browsing through the many wonderful pins on Pinterest, I came across this link to a cloth basket (or bucket) tutorial. The blogger is The Stitchin' Kitchen, and her directions were so awesome for a novice like me.

I liked this project because I had to draw a pattern. I made 3 of these baskets. I followed her instructions completely. I omitted the handles because I don't like handles on baskets. (I'm weird).

So here are my finished baskets/buckets:

This one matches the ottoman cover. It was my first attempt.

Cardboard box airplane

It is really amazing what you can do with a cardboard box. Last week, I volunteered at my church's VBS and the theme was "Sky." I thought it would be fun to make an airplane for the kids in the nursery.

Supplies used:
2 cardboard boxes (large enough for a child to sit in), duct tape, an egg carton, a box cutter and scissors.

Here are the pictures. It is pretty easy to put together. ;)

First, I taped the box together with the duct tape and then cut a hole in the top. The smaller kids did have to be lifted and placed in the plane, but they did not mind. 

The propeller was simple. You need 2 or 3 blades and a disc shape to tape them to. I also cut strips about 2 inches wide and taped them to the disc to raise the propeller off the plane.

 

On the inside of the box, I taped half of an egg carton opposite the propeller to use as the control panel.

 For the wings on the side and the tail, I just made slots on the box, inserted and taped them in.

There you have it. I think the whole project took about an hour. I'm thinking about making a few other box vehicles for my son's birthday party this spring. Who knows?

Sewing for dummies... literally.

Project #1

As we get ready for a new person to enter the house, I am trying to get some things done I have been wanting to do for a while. One of them is to teach myself how to sew. After talking to a couple of good friends who are really great at sewing, I decided that I should sew something I need or want.

Our living room ottoman is an awesome piece of furniture, but it has been abused. The picture makes it look worse (but not really).

I set out to look for the easiest tutorial online and found this. Next, I dragged my mom to the fabric store for advice and moral support. Then, I sent the little man off to Grandpa's house and gave myself a day to get to know my sewing machine and to get this done.

So, yeah, it took several hours to thread the machine (and several temper tantrums). FINALLY, I was able to start. After several practice runs and call to my mom to come over and help, I was able to get going for real.

Here it is:

So, so proud and excited. The stitches are a little crooked and there are several flaws, but I did it. Woo!

Baby's room art for less than eight bucks!

If you didn't already hear, we are expecting a baby girl this Thanksgiving. Life is going to be super fun raising a boy and a girl. Very exciting!

Anyhow, in order to make room for our new addition, we had to clear out my office (so sad!), and turn it into a nursery.

Once it was cleared, we were left with an empty and very purple room. Yup. Purple.

Nothing some paint and a new rug can't fix, right?

I need to post a picture of the curtains at the right length. My mom has since fixed the hem. :)

While my darling husband works on the closet and my mom worked on new curtains, I decided to add some art to her room. (Which, of course, brings us to the actual crafty part of this post).

Several months back, I saw a something pinned on Pinterest. It brought me to blog post on the blog Virginia & Charlie. I loved her idea. I sat with it for the longest time. Finally, I had a reason to do this project! I decided that the baby girl's room needed me to give it whirl.

So, of course, I ran to the craft store. I bought a 2 pack of inexpensive canvas for $7.99 and two bottles of puff paint-for $1.80 each. Other supplies I used: a pencil, acrylic paint, a paintbrush, ribbon and Elmer's glue (all of which I already had on hand).

First, I sketched out my design and then traced it with the puff paint. I let it dry and actually added another coat.

 Once that was completed, I let the puff paint dry for 48 hours. Then I painted over the top with my acrylic paint.

Finally, I added some ribbon around the edge of the canvas.

Now, we have something cute that Mommy made for her wall. Yay!

It's Super!

I saw these pinned on Pinterest a while ago, and I decided to go ahead and make them so I can have them ready for next month.  Being a mom, full time student, and a crafty genius wanna-be sometimes forces me to do things early.

They are just about the EASIEST Valentines EVER. Hey, you friends, you have to wait until next year. :P I saw it first!

This is the pin. The blog I was directed to is DesignMom.com. It's simply really. Get a close up shot of your kiddo holding his/her hand out. Add some text. Print it. Cut Slits. Insert lollipop.

Totally cute and totally awesome.

Yay for the internet. Yay for crafty people sharing their goodies. Yay for Pinterest!

Now, as far as the picture, please pay no attention to the scalloped edges. I couldn't find my scissors. The actual Valentines are being printed on better paper. This was just to give you all the general idea. 

Foodie Friday

In 2012, I am trying to teach myself to bake. I can usually make a meal for family and friends that is tasty, but my desserts leave little to be desired.

Last night I tried my hand at a peanut butter cookie. I found the website delish.com. They had this recipe. With a few tweaks (I added more oatmeal and also had to compensate because I only had all purpose flour), I got some pretty fabulous treats.