fta: Sew simple dress...your kiddo can do this

This is a very simple project that the kiddos enjoyed helping. If you are a beginner seamstrist, this is the project for you. 1. Using an existing dress that fits the child well, mark the top of the shoulders and the bottom of the hem. Add about four to five inches to the top of shoulder, this will be the top of the tie. Add two inches to the bottom of the dress, this will be where you cut. 2. Using the dress as a guide, add an inch on either side and cut the shape above. 3. Using a contrasting fabric cut two shapes to match the top of the dress stopping four inches below the armpit. 4. Hem the contrasting fabric. 5. Sewing good sides together sew one side of the dress to the contrasting fabric and repeat for the other side. 6. Turn the dress right side out, including the ties. 7. Sew the good sides of the dress together starting at the armpit and stopping at the bottom of each side. Note: do not sew the ties together. 8. Hem dress to desired length. Enjoy!

getting a reaction...

Add a dish (or clay), vinegar, baking soda and kiddos and what you get is a lot of fun.

This one requires adult supervision, but after watching the kiddos' faces light up with each "eruption"you won't want to be anywhere else.

We enjoyed this activity outside, but with the right large piece of tupperware you can enjoy it inside too.
May all your reactions be happy!

Homemade Valentines t-shirts for kiddos by kiddos

Let me first admit, these shirts are two stolen ideas put together. The first is from my extremely creative sister who made adorable name shirts with bias tape for the youngest twins first birthday. I just love the originality! The second is the painted doily idea from Ashley Ann Photography blog. I made a tote bag from her tutorial that has quickly become my favorite from her instructions. Thanks Paige and Ashley Anne!

With that said, I feel ready to start with some Valentine's Day shirts:

1. Apply a little spray adhesive to the back of the doily and stick it to the shirt. Let the kiddos sponge on the paint. No matter how many time I let them know the center didn't have to be covered, they insisted in painting the whole thing. :) My kiddos used a sponge brush, but any type of brush would do the job.  Put a little cardboard in the shirt to ensure the paint stays only on the front side.

Since boy's don't do doilys we modified the project for the only male of our trio. Using construction paper we cut out hearts and applied spray glue to the bottom side and set him loose.

2. Peel the doily off (the shirt looked like this). As you can tell there are a few imperfections around the edge, but I think it just adds to the childish charm.

Below was my first attempt at he Paige bias tape letters. This time the mistake didn't add so much charm. :) Turns out I should have gotten a tutorial from the creator before I tried to copy. :) Try number two was much better, but still look forward to having Paige show me a few tricks I think she has up her sleeve :)

1. Using tailor's chalk draw the letter or name you plan to add.
2. Fold bias tape in half (or purchase thin bias tape) and slowly stitch the tape over the chalk using a straight stitch.

The boy's shirt is read to wear after painting. If you want to stick with paint only for the girl's shirts, use the construction paper method to add a heart in the middle of the doily once it is dry.

I can't wait to see all the variations you come up with. Please leave me a comment with a link to any new creations your family enjoyed making. :) Happy stenciling, sewing, and Valentine's Day.

homemade thank you gifts under $5...transfer candles

These little transfer candles are so easy to make, but make a huge statement of gratitude when paired with a thank you note.

The materials you will need are as follows:

tissue paper (color to match candle)

permeant marker

candle

wax paper

hair dryer.

Step 1: draw with permeant marker on tissue paper (ensure drawing the size your desire on the candle)

Step 2: Cut closely around the edge of the design

Step 3: layer design and wax paper over candle (candle, design, waxy side of paper, paper side)

Step 4: heat with hair dryer until wax becomes slightly soft

Step 5: remove wax paper, without burning yourself rub over the design to ensure wax has covered the design (tissue paper will seem to disappear)

The size of the candle doesn't matter, but the smoother the better. You can also use this technique with stamps or  handprints. There is something irresistibly adorable about little handprints to me. :) Especially when they are on my candle instead of my windows. hehehe :)

homemade thank you gift for under $10

We were given a very special gift a few months ago, time alone! My sister, brother-in-law, and parents all joined forces to keep our kids while we went away for the weekend. Well for those of you who know us well will remember, that weekend away is why we have our youngest twins. :)

Since gratitude is one of my favorite emotions to express, I savor working on little thank you gifts. This one was for my sister. It's just a simple bag from your local craft store, a little love, inspiration, needle and thread.

After I delivered the bag, my sister added a big button to keep the front closed, which made it even cuter. The inspiration came from this book:

It is a fun, easy read that will have you looking for places to stitch. :) Enjoy!