American Girl Accessories & Tutorial

I have been busy making some american girl accessories. I made my niece a blanket for her AG doll and some sandals for my other nieces' doll. I also made some stockings for my daughters doll.

Blanket was made using a fat quarter fabric. I used a fat quarter with minky fabric.

The sandals were very easy to make. I used black foam and stickers. I couldn't find the link to the video tutorial. Just google fave crafts youtube videos on american girl sandals and you will find a tutorial.

The stockings were the easiest to make. I used one of my daughters old soccer socks.

Cut the bottom of the sock off and cut through the center of the sock.

Sew through the bottom of feet and continue sewing until you reach the other side. Turn over and "voila" stockings for your doll.

Silhouettes - Tutorial

I finally had a chance to make silhouettes of my children.  I had the perfect spot too - right above my bed.  I love looking at my girls when I walk into the room.  Making the silhouettes was easy.  You just need a camera, children, black cardstock paper, canvas, black paint (optional) and background paper (I used an inexpensive bible). 

First, take pictures of your child, print out, trace and cut out of black cardstock paper.

Next, decoupage your background pages onto the canvas.  You can use scrapbooking paper, book pages or just paint the background.  I wanted to use our favorite bible pages so we used the book of Psalms, John, Ephesians, Galatians and Corinthians. 

Note:  At first, it was difficult tearing up the pages of the bible.  Once I convinced myself it was for a good cause, it wasn't so bad. 

Lastly, glue everything down.  The hardest part was trying to get rid of bubbles on the silhouettes.  I used a different cardstock paper that I found at walmart and I had a hard time getting rid of the bubbles.  Not sure if it was me or the paper. 

Overall, I loved the way it turned out.  My wall definetely needed a little something something to make it look pretty. 

Here is the before . . .

After . . .

That pillow is driving me crazy!  I should of fluffed it before I took the picture. 

Popsicle stick bracelets

In honor of Earth day, I recycled popsicle sticks into fancy bracelets.  I will be making this project with my girl scout troop soon.  I got the directions here .  Easy and fun!

First, soak the popsicle sticks in water (at least 24 hrs). 

Then, carefully bend the sticks and place in a cup (I also used a water bottle).  Let the popsicle stick dry overnight.



Paint, decoupage with scrapbooking papers or just add sparkle and you are done!

You can also add letters and write a message or put your initials.  The possibilities are endless! This project did not cost me a cent since I already had all the supplies (my husband would appreciate that!).

Watch ME Draw

I have been a big fan of Mary Engelbreit, the illustrator.  I subscribed to her magazines for many years until they stopped publishing, which I was very devastated.  She recently posted a video of her drawing and it is very inspirational.  It would be nice to see her drawing a little slower, but well worth the view.  Enjoy!

Blessed Square Bear

I just created a new Blessed Bear to give to a friend at her baby shower. My girls thought it was the cutest one that I have made so far. I loved the little bear too. She was made with lots of love and prayer. The verse written on the bear was Zephaniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Easy Play dough

I found an excellent recipe for play dough.  The dough was easy to make and it feels and smells great.  I can't seem to keep my hands off of it.  I will be giving this batch to my great nephew Mathew so he could play with it.  He's going to love it! I made grape and lime scent play dough.

Easy play dough recipe:

1 C flour

2 TBS salt

2 TBS cream of tartar

2 TBS oil

1 C warm water

1 3.5 oz of jello (any flavor you like)

Mix all ingredients in a pan on medium heat.  Continue to stir continuously until it thickens and comes together.   Pour onto a floured surface and knead (careful, it will be hot!).  Let dough rest and cool for at least 30 minutes. 

Happy Spring

Today's haiku is brought to you by my daughter, Isabelle.  She was feeling creative this morning and wrote a haiku poem for spring:

The sun is warming

I feel the cool breeze flowing

Spring has come today.