DIY: Feather Button Bobby Pin | Momtastic

I LOVE this idea. I was just at Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts last night and had to force myself past the buttons. There are so many cute buttons out there but I never have any idea what to do with them. I will definitely be whipping up some cute hairclips soon! Miss E is way into hairclips these days - apparently she is growing her hair out as long as Rapunzel's. I don't know that I am interested in putting feathers in her hair but I am totally inspired by the cute button. I know some bigger girls (including myself) who would enjoy the feathers. I wish I had seen this before my wedding, those would have looked so cute on my b-maids. I have a feeling they would probably not agree that feathered bobby pins were the missing element. Oh, well. DIY: Feather Button Bobby Pin Momtastic

I sew!

I have (sort of ) conquered the sewing machine!  I finished one project and, while is isn't pretty, it seems to be help together and all the sides are more or less the same size.  Photos to follow of my handmade sewing machine cover.  Yeah, I'm pretty pleased with myself.  Not bad for a gal who sat down in front of the sewing machine with no idea how to even get the thing threaded. 

Planter umbrella stand - Sunset.com

Planter umbrella stand - Sunset.com

Princess Door Sign

I promised my daughter, Miss E (3) that I would create a Disney Princess bedside table.  I have a plan and supplies but it's been a looong time since I did any decoupaging and never on furniture.  I devised this practice project to give myself some confidence.

I started with an oval wood plaque from Michael's and painted it white.  I bought a whole, expensive stack of scrapbooking paper to get this great picture of Miss E's three favorite princesses.  I tried wrapping paper, too but I only had Christmas Princess wrapping paper so it didn't achieve the look I wanted.  I used regular Mod Podge to attach the picture.

I tried a few different ways to do the lettering but not being very handy with a paint brush I was was thrilled to happen upon Sharpie paint pens.  The lettering doesn't look great, in my opinion but Miss E doesn't mind.  The flowers and butterflies are stickers and their sparkly!  I put 2 or 3 coats of varnish on it and attached a pink polka dotted ribbon to the back with my handy staple gun.

I was made aware of the fact that dragons and monsters hate princesses when I hung this in Miss E's room.  We have had a serious problem with both dragons and monsters but the previous sign wasn't doing it's job.  They have (mostly) left us alone since the new sign went up above the old one.  I can't say the same for the wolves that bother her when she's trying to sleep but even a mom can't win all the time.

Post-holiday craft blitz

I don't know why but I am experiencing a massive need to do many, many craft projects.  I always have a million crochet project sitting around half done.  Right now I feel a big need to finish some up and move on to  something new.  In particular today I feel I should hurry up and finish that chemo cap I started for my mom.  Her hair is starting to grow back so time is running out as far as usefulness is concerned.  I also have some decoupage projects happening.  My daughter wants a bedside table with Disney Princesses on it.  I found a great table for$10 at Goodwill and it will soon be transformed into lavender decoupage princessy goodness. Pictures to follow. 

At my house we are halfway through St. Valentine's Day Fortnight.  Every year my lucky husband received 14 straight days of Valentines.  It started the first year we were married.  We were growing apart and I was starting to wonder if we were going to make it to our first anniversary.  I surprised him with valentines and candy every night for two weeks.  I really do credit that with turning the course of our marriage.  It became a tradition.  Last year I surprised him by making all the valentines instead of the silly store bought ones.  I think maybe it's starting to get a bit stale.  Next year I'll have to shake things up.  Maybe I'll learn to do a balloon dance - that seems like a reasonable thing to do.

New Years Projects

I don't do resolutions.  This year I've decided on some projects I want to do instead. 

1. Take a picture of my kiddo every day of 2011.  (Already failed but I will keep trying)
2. Part 1: Create a photo alphabet.  Or possibly two - one alphabet of letters and one of things that start with each  letter.  Part 2: create a poster or similar artisitic display.
3. Write a list each week of 5 things that made me smile/made me happy and post it on blog.

There are a few other things on my agenda for 2011 - the usual lose weight, spend quality time with my family stuff and one or two which I will keep to moyself for the time being. 

Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Casseroles

Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Casseroles