7/29/13

Organize It: Craft Supplies and Jars

We went upstairs looking for googly eyes... But the 'craft closet' (also known as the catch-all-for-everything-that-doesn't-have-a-place) was in such a state that we couldn't find anything. So with Afton's help, I pulled everything out. Then we sorted, sorted and threw things away.

I have always saved jars (from pickles, jalapenos, tomato sauce etc). Sometimes I use them organize utensils at parties, sometimes I use them for flower arrangements. But now they will be permanently living in this closet-- to organize the craft supplies.


I added labels.


It's amazing how containers and labels make everything better.



After two hours, I finally found our googly eyes. But by then, the girls were playing Barbies.



Do you have a spot in your home that could use some re-organizing?

Linking Up Here: Too Much Time on My Hands  -Home Stories A to Z  -Tatertots and Jello  -The 36th Avenue --Serenity Now -Love of Family and Home -It's Overflowing  -I Should Be Mopping the Floor -Live, Laugh, Rowe

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7/26/13

17 Creative Ideas using Embroidery Hoops

I love taking something simple and turning it into something unexpected. Like embroidery hoops.


Use them for embroidering-- or try one of these ideas.

Embroidery Sun Catcher
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Embroidery Hoop Wall Art
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Embroidery Hoop Wreath
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Embroidery Hoop Mobile
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Embroidery Hoop Planter

Embroidery Hoop Kids Craft
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Embroidery Hoop Photo Display
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Embroidery Hoop Nursery Decor
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Embroidery Hoop Garland


Embroidery Hoop Christmas Decor
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Embroidery Hoop Craft Show Display
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Embroidery Hoop Light Fixture
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Embroidery Hoop Spider Web (Halloween!)
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Embroidery Hoop Tool Organizer
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Embroidery Hoop Christmas Card Display
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Embroidery Hoop Cork Board
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Embroidery Hoop Clock
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Find embroidery hoops at garage sales, goodwill, or your local craft store. I used some that I found on a thrifting trip to make wall art for my daughter's room

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What would you do with an embroidery hoop? 
 




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7/22/13

Sew It: The Sydney Pinafore

One of my goals for this summer was to 'create beautiful things-- just for the fun of it'. In between the busy schedule of the school year, blogging three times a week, and keeping up with my Etsy shop/Market orders, I didn't have time to just make things.

Slowing things down has given me some creative time back. I have been scouring Pinterest for free sewing tutorials and patterns. Do you know how many free patterns and tutorials you can find online?! I have a Pinterest board with lots of sewing ideas and tutorials! Seriously, you can teach yourself to sew.


One of my favorite projects so far is the Sydney Pinafore (featured on Sew Mama Sew by Welcome to the Mouse House.) You can find the entire pattern and tutorial for the Sydney Pinafore here.

Here is the tutorial I used and an image of how the dress should look when finished. 

I printed out the pattern and then dug through my fabric stash. I used the size 12-24 months to create a pink-polka-dot pinafore for my niece's first birthday. She wore the dress to a little photo-shoot. I was so happy with how it turned out. I modified the pattern a bit and use knots instead of buttons for the front closure. This way it will be adjustable and just might last her longer. When she gets bigger, the dress could be worn with jeggings as a tunic. You could even put a long sleeve t-shirt under this pinafore and wear it into fall. 
Image courtesy of Watermelon Photography by Laura

Then I decided to use the pattern again, this time in size 4T for my Maisy. I had to make a few adjustments for the length and chest width, but it turned out beautifully. Because the back has elastic, I skipped the button part and just stitched the straps into place.


The back of this dress is my favorite part. So summery! 


I made a coordinating dress for Afton. No pattern, I just took some measurements and started sewing. 


I love summer sewing! 


Has summer given you a chance to be creative? Got any 'free sewing patterns' that you just love? Share them in the comments below! 

You can find more of my favorite sewing projects here on my "Sew It" Pinterest board. 

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Too Much Time on My Hands  -Home Stories A to Z  -Tatertots and Jello  -The 36th Avenue --Serenity Now -Love of Family and Home -It's Overflowing  -I Should Be Mopping the Floor -Live, Laugh, Rowe

 All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.

7/15/13

10 Creative Things to do With Your Kids this Summer

Being home all day with the kiddos in the summer can sometimes feel like a blessing and a curse. There are tons of activities, camps, and outings. But the down time can be hard to fill.


It's easier for me if we have a 'loose' schedule, that way we all know what to expect. Our schedule doesn't involve actual clock times, instead it is more like 'first', 'then', 'next'. So after mornings of swimming and playing outside, we are all ready to come inside and spend some time in the A/C. We have lunch, and then the girls play upstairs while I catch up on emails and house chores. Then it is "craft time"!

Craft time this summer has been all about the girls. I haven't really done any home decor crafting. But we have been creating all kinds of kids crafts from Pinterest :) Here are a few of my favorite craft ideas for kiddos.

1. Rainbow Crayons- we melted old broken restaurant crayons (you know those free ones you have floating around the bottom of your purse) in cupcake liners for 7 min. at 300 degrees. We let them cool over night (not in the freezer - they tend to crack!) and then the girls have been creating 'rainbow' madness ever since! See more here.
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2. Crazy Glasses- Print and decorate. We printed them on card stock, then the girls added glitter and buttons. Glamorous! Good practice for cutting and fine motor skills. (Gotta stay sharp over the summer right?) See more here.
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3. Kiwi Crate- For $19.95 you get a cool crate with themed activities and crafts. We were sent one to try out and I loved it! The "Nature Explorer" crate included a diy scavenger hunt, supplies to create a lantern, and fun extras like these 'kiwi' playing cards. I can't say enough good things about the quality and abundance of goodies that you get in one crate. (I think it is crafting made simple- and although we were sent a crate to review and all opinions are my own, I will be ordering another one soon. ) See more here.



4. Rock Pals- Grab a rock. Paint it, add googly eyes. Then see what happens. Ours turned into a little family. Who decided to make the Kiwi crate their home. They are almost as popular as the Polly Pockets. Go figure! See more here.
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5. Scrap Fabric Clipboard- All those old fabric scraps find a new home. Just use Mod Podge to attach them to a simple clipboard. Use the clipboard for homework, drawing, playing 'office' or a gift. See more here.
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7. Sit-Upons from Vinyl Tablecloths 
Cut up a vinyl tablecloth and let your kiddos sew through punched holes. Fill with newspaper and then tie it closed. A great craft that is also useful. See more here.
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8. Cook Something!
We did pizza on pre-made crusts the other night for dinner. I let the girls be 'in charge' of making it. Which entailed spooning on the sauce, sprinkling the cheese and adding the pepperoni. Have you ever seen such a happy pizza?

9. Sew Something
Whether it is eyes on a sock in order to make a puppet or a few straight lines to make a small pillow, every kid likes to try sewing. My girl 'drafted' a pattern then used the big machine to sew her first cocktail dresses. :) Barbie is so lucky!


10. Kids Art Bunting
Of course a lot of our crafting time is spent coloring, drawing or painting. Wondering what to do with all the doodles? I am saving ours so that we can make bunting from it. Love this idea! See more here.
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What are you doing with your littles this summer?

P.S. If you haven't already entered- go check out The REALLY BIG Giveaway that I am hosting. 16 incredible vendors offering 5 amazing prize packages.



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 All photos and text on craftytexasgirls.com are copyright protected. You may not copy entire articles or posts (even with a link) without my express written permission. Email any requests or links used to craftytexasgirls@gmail.com.
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