tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37932558467999764742024-03-13T14:23:14.920-07:00:Busy Hands::Busy Minds::: A growing collection of crafty ideas and activities in the kitchen and garden for your young ones to try ::Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-35466365465655861732010-08-19T13:21:00.000-07:002010-08-19T13:21:53.033-07:00: Lunch Bag and Accessories :The demands of going back to school can be fairly expensive. Between supplies, clothing, and any other necessary accessories, you are looking at spending a chunk of money. Many people have been hit by the recession, so spending heaps of money is not an option. Well, we like to get creative and use what we have. So, this year I decided Jared needed a new lunch bag for school (his old one was somehow left outdoors at night and got chewed up a little by a raccoon). I also decided to make him some reusable snack/sandwich bags to cut down on the waste. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KJpFzLHI/AAAAAAAADQ0/FEusvX0Vn8E/s1600/290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KJpFzLHI/AAAAAAAADQ0/FEusvX0Vn8E/s640/290.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KDG5nfxI/AAAAAAAADQk/opeMki-tRBI/s1600/286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KDG5nfxI/AAAAAAAADQk/opeMki-tRBI/s640/286.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started the bag itself by measuring 5 rectangles: 6 1/2" x 14 1/2" for the back/flap, 5 1/2" x 6 1/2" for the bottom, 6 1/2" x 8 1/2" for the front of the bag, and 2 pieces of 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" for the sides of the bag. I did this twice on 2 different fabrics (one was an old corduroy shirt from my mother in law) so that it was nice inside and out. You could use the same fabric if you so choose. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KGd8kI0I/AAAAAAAADQs/BHliQQ3XdM4/s1600/289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KGd8kI0I/AAAAAAAADQs/BHliQQ3XdM4/s640/289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I faced each matching size of fabric inwards towards itself (so you have wrong side facing out) and sewed a straight stitch along the outer edge, leaving an opening so that the fabric could be turned right side out. I then ironed the edges and set each aside until I was done with all 5 pieces. I then matched them up and sewed them altogether, as seen above. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KMrGEiSI/AAAAAAAADQ8/uFtrFORvKac/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KMrGEiSI/AAAAAAAADQ8/uFtrFORvKac/s640/294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, for accessories, I made these little bags like the old school disposable plastic sandwich/snack bags, with the fold over closure. I found the tutorial <a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2010/07/snack-bags-a-sewing-tutorial.html">here</a>. I recomend this for anyone. It is fast, easy, and very handy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KPjknSvI/AAAAAAAADRE/mSGlMwev034/s1600/300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KPjknSvI/AAAAAAAADRE/mSGlMwev034/s640/300.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aw, how quaint....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KSuHYl3I/AAAAAAAADRM/mlsJtaKS4CI/s1600/305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KSuHYl3I/AAAAAAAADRM/mlsJtaKS4CI/s640/305.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This bag is even cute on the inside and is easily washable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KdDgq_eI/AAAAAAAADRU/PH0mZzznye4/s1600/319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KdDgq_eI/AAAAAAAADRU/PH0mZzznye4/s640/319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This sandwich bag was created with the intention of using a velcro closure, but I had no velcro on hand and I then found the other snack bag tutorial. It works well to keep the sandwich fresh until lunch and it stays closed pretty well on it's own. The best feature is the liner in the bag... I made the fabric piece the same as the pieces on the bag itself, and then I lined it with a piece of cereal box bag cut to the same size. I used a straight stitch around the edges and the folded it to create a pocket which was sewn with a straight stitch along either side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KgDnk_cI/AAAAAAAADRc/uFOIhzKd5NQ/s1600/329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TG2KgDnk_cI/AAAAAAAADRc/uFOIhzKd5NQ/s640/329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the other snack bag shown in the center matches the sandwich bag in it's ultimate design. It is double sided fabric, lined with cereal bag material, but the catch is that it was sewn like the other sandwich bags. I want to certainly make more. The fabic snack bags are great for dry goods, but the lined ones are wonderful for sliced apples, cherries, grapes, slices vegetables, and so on. The fantastic thing about the lunch/snack bags is they can be thrown in the wash. The lined bags will simply have to be either quickly wiped with soapy water and dried. If the outer part of the bag starts to get icky, then hand wash and set out to dry. Other ideas may include pocket or slots within the bag or making matching cloth napkins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I will be making another set this week. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and making a personal lunch kit for your child. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-17187358647787050762010-06-24T13:25:00.000-07:002010-06-24T13:26:33.498-07:00: Fairy/Gnome Home :<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Today is National Fairy Day. So, Jared and I decided we were going to make a fairy/gnome home. There are countless ways of doing it and numerous tutorials, but we decided to simply go outside and let the outdoors lead us. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCOz7tIc-WI/AAAAAAAACs4/D3OoMlRFM5Q/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCOz7tIc-WI/AAAAAAAACs4/D3OoMlRFM5Q/s640/017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We started by clearing a spot at the base of a tree in front of our house and gathering some leftover wood pieces and moss for the house/porch itself. We also gathered several acorns because we started out having a tough time finding rocks for our pathway. We liked the results anyway. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO0QwomK-I/AAAAAAAACtA/svdQhLLUMrY/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO0QwomK-I/AAAAAAAACtA/svdQhLLUMrY/s640/023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then gathered pinecones and built a fence around the yard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO0g78LnLI/AAAAAAAACtI/Z1MSozukt0E/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO0g78LnLI/AAAAAAAACtI/Z1MSozukt0E/s640/026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We used a shell for a pond, Jared found a "bench" in the wood scraps, and we successfully found little rocks, which now lined the garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1MprBxwI/AAAAAAAACtQ/RFziwSlf9OI/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1MprBxwI/AAAAAAAACtQ/RFziwSlf9OI/s640/040.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The garden was filled in by freshly fallen pine needles and freshly pulled weeds. We also built a table by stacking a fairly flat rock on top of a hollow acorn and surrounding it with little comfy stools. Jared is shown here building a campfire. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1c0vkg7I/AAAAAAAACtY/JWPB55keHzc/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1c0vkg7I/AAAAAAAACtY/JWPB55keHzc/s640/044.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1zuJV_AI/AAAAAAAACtg/Am1MTAT1wHI/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1zuJV_AI/AAAAAAAACtg/Am1MTAT1wHI/s640/046.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1966u2lI/AAAAAAAACto/pAESYjH_604/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO1966u2lI/AAAAAAAACto/pAESYjH_604/s640/047.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO2Pnu8L0I/AAAAAAAACtw/BOmtzATyKKM/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" ru="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TCO2Pnu8L0I/AAAAAAAACtw/BOmtzATyKKM/s640/058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div align="center">So, that is all there is to it! Basically, use your imagination and the resources you have around you to create as simple or as elaborate a fairy/gnome house and property that you and your child would like. In fact, we would love to see what you come up with. So, if you have a link to your fairy/gnome home, please add it to the comments below. Enjoy!</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-51861788992875359202010-06-19T09:51:00.000-07:002010-06-19T09:51:20.597-07:00: 3-D Paper Tree :<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Yesterday, Jared and I made a 3-D paper tree, inspired by <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/04/trees.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ikatbag+%28Ikat+Bag%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Ikat Bag</a>. Truly, you can go to her website for the tutorial and several ideas for your tree, but I will go through the process anyway. By the way, her trees look a little nicer than ours. Again, my 4-year-old was making this. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt_mrvlbI/AAAAAAAAChw/IaQclNcBL4I/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt_mrvlbI/AAAAAAAAChw/IaQclNcBL4I/s640/119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">First, we cut out a stand for the tree. Make sure the hole is big enough in the center to fit the rolled up paper tree securely when you tape your stand together.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt0OD4i_I/AAAAAAAAChI/Wpo74dEINjE/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt0OD4i_I/AAAAAAAAChI/Wpo74dEINjE/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Use 5 halves of construction paper cut in slits halfway down. These will be rolled up and taped one at a time. Roll the first one, then wrap the other ones around individually and tape. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt2J9hNWI/AAAAAAAAChQ/_Q-B2il5seg/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt2J9hNWI/AAAAAAAAChQ/_Q-B2il5seg/s640/073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Use a leaf template or hand draw leaves on different colors of green construction paper. Cut them out. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt4rmbkcI/AAAAAAAAChY/pKdEUZpisfk/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt4rmbkcI/AAAAAAAAChY/pKdEUZpisfk/s640/075.JPG" width="564" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We made grass by cutting thin slits of the different construction papers and then crumpling them up.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt6_KOYmI/AAAAAAAAChg/QbeH7l9Uui4/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt6_KOYmI/AAAAAAAAChg/QbeH7l9Uui4/s640/084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We pulled each layer of rolled up tree slightly up to give a layered tall tree look. Then, we secured the tree inside the hole and taped it underneath.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt9QL_sFI/AAAAAAAACho/jA_5CsVA1Ng/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBzt9QL_sFI/AAAAAAAACho/jA_5CsVA1Ng/s640/088.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We then glued the leaves on each branch, glued the grass to the base, and let it dry. Jared wanted to add a swing, so we used some cardboard from the cereal box and some string. He also wanted to make an owl hole, but we didn't get to it. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBztxX7klcI/AAAAAAAAChA/1nAL0kulEqk/s1600/116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBztxX7klcI/AAAAAAAAChA/1nAL0kulEqk/s640/116.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There are so many adaptations to this project. The possibilities are endless. You can add birds, nests, tire swings, owls, squirrels, utilize tissue paper for the grass or moss, use cardstock for the tree so it is more stiff... You can come up with your own ideas or check Ikat Bag's numerous alternatives. Enjoy!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-77131330112853891242010-06-10T07:43:00.000-07:002010-06-10T07:43:51.705-07:00: Friendly Tree Faces :<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Hello everyone. I am sorry for the being absent for a while, once again. I have just been extremely busy with everything in my life, including my other blog, <a href="http://creatinganaturallife.blogspot.com/">Creating a Natural Life</a>. <br />
<br />
One thing I cannot live without is nature, as you might be able to tell from my sister site. I love rocks and flowers and insects and arachnids and gardens and birds..... and trees. I think my preschooler....ahem...I mean my kindergartener and I will be working on a few tree-inspired projects and activities in the near future. We will also do other things encompassing nature in general, as well. 'Tis the season to embrace the outdoors and its endless beauty. I think it is a great gift to teach your little ones a love and appreciation and a deeper connection with the beautiful world around them and beyond them. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, yesterday I swung by the <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2010/04/happy-trees.html">Little Page Turners</a> and was immediately inspired to have Jared create friendly tree faces. All you need are some push pins, some gatherings from nature, such as sticks, berries, leaves, hollowed acorns, etc.., and of course, a tree. Here are the creations Jared designed yesterday and I helped to implement. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBD3znez7YI/AAAAAAAACYg/3DfOX28mP-A/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBD3znez7YI/AAAAAAAACYg/3DfOX28mP-A/s640/046.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBD31-GGBYI/AAAAAAAACYo/r2U3AbwBCA8/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBD31-GGBYI/AAAAAAAACYo/r2U3AbwBCA8/s640/049.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And this, I must include because, for some reason, it melts my heart to see the kids hugging a tree.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBD5DOBShKI/AAAAAAAACYw/atVULXvSd-c/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/TBD5DOBShKI/AAAAAAAACYw/atVULXvSd-c/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Have fun creating fun faces on the trees around your home. It literally puts a friendly face on trees for your children to enjoy and brings them to life as it stimulates their imagination and connection with these wise characters.</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-43690670104282988442010-05-23T22:45:00.000-07:002010-05-23T22:46:12.412-07:00: Rock Creatures and Magical Stones :<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">When we went on our neighborhood walk yesterday after dinner, we picked up a few larger rounded stones we spotted along the way. We have been collecting different rocks, the kids and I, and this time I decided to do something a little different this time. I decided to bring them to life by turning them into familiar creatures.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oP2PEpE4I/AAAAAAAACHI/SihPSZj3KEM/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oP2PEpE4I/AAAAAAAACHI/SihPSZj3KEM/s640/096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I painted each with acryilic paint after rinsing them and they each dried quickly. The ladybug was a necessary creation and a favorite between the boys, the frog was perfect for the shape of rock, and the bee was made with painted wax paper wings. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oP4qmh2hI/AAAAAAAACHQ/k9DyDsW2JM4/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oP4qmh2hI/AAAAAAAACHQ/k9DyDsW2JM4/s640/097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I was stumped and mometarily uninspired when I looked at this rock, so I decided to create a magical wishing stone...or whatever the kids come up with. I will soon create a magical stone set for the kids. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The possibilities are endless when it comes to painting rocks. It is so easy to make them come alive as all sort of insects or animals. Ask your child to use their imagination when deciding what to paint, whether it is a creature, an enchanted stone, or a natural surface for which to paint a picture. If you have any rock creations you would like to share, add your link to the comments below. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-57972847554313683762010-05-23T22:12:00.000-07:002010-05-23T22:14:44.674-07:00: Baking Bread with Your Children :<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There is nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread filling the corners of your home on a Sunday afternoon. This is actually a new tradition we have started in our home, as we have gradually refined our weekly and daily rhythms. We were already into baking several things including pies, muffins, sweets, quick breads, and bread machine sorts. However, we have never attempted to simply go through the patient process of just baking bread. This is a wonderful thing to share with your children because it helps them appreciate the work and the numerous steps behind the creation, thus appreciating the delicious final product all the more. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oGS_md0KI/AAAAAAAACGw/GELvTxTMjM8/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oGS_md0KI/AAAAAAAACGw/GELvTxTMjM8/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Jared especially enjoyed kneading the dough, though he wasn't very fond of sticky hands...funny coming from a boy who doesn't mind being dirty all the time. He also wanted me to point out his expression of color on his pinkies and thumbs in green and blue. I am glad it hasn't occured to him to change his hair color yet :)....</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oGWSRhg_I/AAAAAAAACG4/8tz218NrAVw/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="516" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oGWSRhg_I/AAAAAAAACG4/8tz218NrAVw/s640/047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Jared has never braided anything before, but I must say using bread dough creates an easy visual way to learn the concept. He watched me braid mine first, I helped him create 3 strips, and he picked up on braiding immediately. He also attemped to make shapes, but they ended up looking like little blobs or mini loaves. In addition, we also made a large loaf of our delectable sweet honey bread as a side with our chili this evening.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oGYoMP2cI/AAAAAAAACHA/RxlA_-rSfOw/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S_oGYoMP2cI/AAAAAAAACHA/RxlA_-rSfOw/s640/086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This recipe was delicious and easy for a first-timer. Check it out at the <a href="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=1141795">Mothering forum</a>, post #4 by Wrenmoon. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Try it and let me know what you think in the comments below. Or if you have any other wonderful bread recipes you would like to share, feel free to do so. Enjoy the work and, the smell, the taste, and the comfort of homemade bread, especially when made with love and discovery by your children. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-31833342880745885512010-05-16T00:43:00.000-07:002010-05-16T00:43:48.209-07:00: Sister Site :Hello everyone. I have been lagging a little for the last couple of weeks. Actually, I have been incredibly busy. We have changed our daily rhythms a little and I have been putting more focus on other things lately. I am still inspired to share many things on this blog, but I also decided to start another blog with a different angle. It is somewhat of a journal with themes for each day of the week. If you would like to check out my other blog, as well, then feel free and enjoy. It is called <a href="http://creatinganaturallife.blogspot.com/">Creating a Natural Life</a>. Have a pleasant remainder of your weekend.Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-73650719646546493902010-05-14T12:05:00.000-07:002010-05-14T13:31:14.611-07:00: Earthworms :<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2cdD4lIjI/AAAAAAAACBI/FMDK6o5JdCA/s1600/131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2cdD4lIjI/AAAAAAAACBI/FMDK6o5JdCA/s640/131.JPG" width="640" wt="true" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZXXBgNvI/AAAAAAAACBA/9rReMJYPSH0/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZXXBgNvI/AAAAAAAACBA/9rReMJYPSH0/s640/037.JPG" width="640" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Earthworms are one of nature's wiggly wonders. Kids love to hold them in their hands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZWP_TevI/AAAAAAAACA4/KXm2UYuhF1Q/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZWP_TevI/AAAAAAAACA4/KXm2UYuhF1Q/s640/038.JPG" width="480" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They love to watch them move around and disappear magically into the dirt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZPU9Up2I/AAAAAAAACAw/_SnGsqVcyTM/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZPU9Up2I/AAAAAAAACAw/_SnGsqVcyTM/s640/045.JPG" width="640" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And kids love to discover the unseen; what goes on beneath the soil. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZNJgKGKI/AAAAAAAACAo/wB0_HCMUioU/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2ZNJgKGKI/AAAAAAAACAo/wB0_HCMUioU/s640/067.JPG" width="640" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We filled a large jar (one that does not have ripples works better) full of moist soil. We gathered several earthworms from around our house and put them in the soil. We covered the jar and wrapped it tightly with a towel, safety pinning it. After a day or so, we unwrapped it and looked at all the trails and earthworms themselves. The boys thoroughly enjoyed watching what happens underground in the earthworm community. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2dnhzbHxI/AAAAAAAACBY/dgRTAeoN-Ww/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2dnhzbHxI/AAAAAAAACBY/dgRTAeoN-Ww/s640/137.JPG" width="640" wt="true" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2dsralB_I/AAAAAAAACBg/pWmbeKgEey4/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-2dsralB_I/AAAAAAAACBg/pWmbeKgEey4/s640/143.JPG" width="640" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Then Jared decided to take it a step further and sew a felt earthworm...it was his idea. So, I cut out two earthworm peices and he stitched away. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-21385837038271976442010-05-04T13:03:00.000-07:002010-05-04T13:03:26.307-07:00: Carrot Bread :<div align="center">We love food. We love to cook. We love to bake. Our oldest had an itch to bake this last Sunday, so we decided to find something a little different than what we have made in the past (we love trying new things). We have made all sorts of bread creations and different carrot cake recipes in the past, but never have we tried carrot bread. He liked the idea, so we proceded with <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cinnamon-Carrot-Bread/Detail.aspx">this recipe</a>. </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B6NW7nvlI/AAAAAAAAB-M/7goJVgXgvw0/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B6NW7nvlI/AAAAAAAAB-M/7goJVgXgvw0/s640/008.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We changed the recipe a bit. We used almost half the amount of sugar, sliced almonds intead of pecans (it was all we had on hand), and vegetable oil instead of sesame oil (again, we just improvised). Well, actually, I should not be saying "we" when Luke did all of the work himself. I barely even helped him. We ate the whole loaf that day because it was so yummy! Thank you, Lukey!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B68PnS1yI/AAAAAAAAB-c/L8b4bJMHPzI/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B68PnS1yI/AAAAAAAAB-c/L8b4bJMHPzI/s640/092.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B7Beax5VI/AAAAAAAAB-k/_rhkgfvtdn4/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B7Beax5VI/AAAAAAAAB-k/_rhkgfvtdn4/s640/100.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B7DCJZNfI/AAAAAAAAB-s/k9FoXfpS9lw/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B7DCJZNfI/AAAAAAAAB-s/k9FoXfpS9lw/s640/124.JPG" tt="true" width="480" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B6O3ofV5I/AAAAAAAAB-U/DHelBaiuqN0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B6O3ofV5I/AAAAAAAAB-U/DHelBaiuqN0/s640/004.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is nothing like warm bread fresh out of the oven. Try this recipe with your child. Or make a tradition of baking with your kids once a week. Children even under the age of 2 can pitch in with pouring, stirring, getting things for you, helping with clean up. So, get baking and don't be afraid to try new things. You just might discover something you really like and your kids will benefit in so many ways. Enjoy!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-33841753405337283922010-05-04T12:38:00.000-07:002010-05-04T12:39:53.212-07:00: No-Sew Cloth Tissues :<div style="text-align: center;">I thought the season for runny noses and coughs was past us, but apparently I was wrong. I swear, there is always a little one at preschool that gets everyone else sick. It is viscious cycle of their little bodies toughening up and building a strong immune system, which is not always fun when they are going through it. Nor is it fun for mommies and daddies who are going through it with their children. The only thing we can do is be as nurturing as possible and try to meet their needs the best we possibly can. So, last night I was looking to make a hankie for Jared, but I came across this article, <a href="http://www.funinthemaking.net/2009/03/31/soon-no-sew-t-shirt-tissues-and-hankie-hamper/">Make Your Own No-Sew Eco-Friendly T-Shirt Tissues</a> by <a href="http://www.funinthemaking.net/">Fun in the Making</a>, and decided this was exactly what we needed. I followed her tutorial and Jared awoke this morning sniffling and delighted that he had his very own Mommy-made collection of colorful, soft tissues. His eyes lit up when he got to blow his nose for the first time. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B1Mt_NeSI/AAAAAAAAB98/TyxposC0ek0/s1600/246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B1Mt_NeSI/AAAAAAAAB98/TyxposC0ek0/s640/246.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have kept several clothes from my own wardrobe that I was going to get rid of at the time, but I realized I could eventually figure out some good uses for these reusable fabrics. I found a few shirts and a pair of old flannel pajama bottoms. I measured 7 inch squares and came out with about 30 tissues that can easily be washed and quickly line or machine dried. There is no sewing necessary. I stacked the tissues up and placed them next to a recycled container (for discarding the used tissues). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B1Qt441yI/AAAAAAAAB-E/Y-hCEgKFbU8/s1600/241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S-B1Qt441yI/AAAAAAAAB-E/Y-hCEgKFbU8/s640/241.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are great in preventing red, raw skin around the nose. Our skin always prefers natural cloth to disposable products. Your kids will love these and they are a great way to make them feel special and look forward to blowing their little noses. So, instead of sending off all of your garments to the thrift store, think about making some reusable tissues with quickness and ease. Your kids will thank you. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-52313787957879151582010-05-02T11:57:00.000-07:002010-05-02T11:57:46.591-07:00: Nature Wall Hanging Made with Cartons, Boxes, and Knick Knacks :We live tucked away on the edge of the forest up here in the mountains. Our family loves nature hikes, listening to the array of local birds, smelling the flowers.... So, I thought I would create a cute collection of naturey things we love for the boys to enjoy in their own space. My idea originally was inspired by <a href="http://blog.giddygiddy.com/giddygiddy/2010/02/diy-scrapbox-memories.html">Giddy Giddy</a>, but as always, I decided to create something quite a bit different. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924Efb7leI/AAAAAAAAB8s/Z722-K7trvk/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924Efb7leI/AAAAAAAAB8s/Z722-K7trvk/s640/014.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I utilized <em>milk cartons</em> (1/2 gallon and quart sized), a <em>tea box</em>, <em>granola bar boxes</em>,<em> tape</em>, <em>glue</em>, <em>scrap fabric</em>, and various <em>knick knacks</em> mainly from the thrift store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924S8m-HlI/AAAAAAAAB9U/4O3c04oOCzc/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924S8m-HlI/AAAAAAAAB9U/4O3c04oOCzc/s640/067.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I cut each box and carton down to about 2 inches tall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924VdzW2iI/AAAAAAAAB9c/V4zBJlDvYpE/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924VdzW2iI/AAAAAAAAB9c/V4zBJlDvYpE/s640/072.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I laid out how I was going to put the wall hanging together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924YHlzgVI/AAAAAAAAB9k/jDPJTt8nREQ/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924YHlzgVI/AAAAAAAAB9k/jDPJTt8nREQ/s640/078.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I picked out different fabric for each little "cubby" and cut each to fit in its corresponding box by placing each box on top and marking the corners. Then, I cut right angles to each corner, as shown above. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924aoyewBI/AAAAAAAAB9s/_uF0aloUQ1s/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924aoyewBI/AAAAAAAAB9s/_uF0aloUQ1s/s640/081.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I brushed each thoroughly with glue and placed each piece of fabric in its place. We let that dry overnight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924cHU0tiI/AAAAAAAAB90/Z4AJFcAtnj0/s1600/091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924cHU0tiI/AAAAAAAAB90/Z4AJFcAtnj0/s320/091.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used packaging tape to adhere all the boxes together. Then, I cut long strip of denim fabric, slightly thicker than the depth of the cubbies. I brushed the sides with glue and placed the fabric around the perimeter of the enitre decoration. I allowed that to dry before snipping the corners of the extra fabric and folding it over, gluing it to the inside edge of each nook. I also cut little denim strips to fit over the edges of the inside nooks. We let that dry. Note - if there are trouble spots that refuse to stay glued together while they are drying then use paper clips to clamp down the edges until they are dry. You could apply Mod Podge to seal everything when all is dry, but I skipped that step this project. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924GEEw0JI/AAAAAAAAB80/YDj6Cwgqcrk/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924GEEw0JI/AAAAAAAAB80/YDj6Cwgqcrk/s640/018.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This froggie on toadstool figurine was found at the thrift store a day after I finished the boxes. I love the matching pink and green! And we love frogs and toadstools!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924InhloLI/AAAAAAAAB88/b0GW1mPdNsM/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924InhloLI/AAAAAAAAB88/b0GW1mPdNsM/s640/027.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I grabbed this frame at the thrift store, as well. The picture was cut out of an old book. "The Littles" are shown dancing in a circle near the roots of a tree and a little stream. The kids like this image quite a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924KRrMOkI/AAAAAAAAB9E/ouD-0ikq9sw/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924KRrMOkI/AAAAAAAAB9E/ouD-0ikq9sw/s640/041.JPG" tt="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We like owls in this house and I found this little handmade wall hanging at the thrift store, too. It appears to be from the 1970s... I love vintage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924OWdDb6I/AAAAAAAAB9M/wvBD3taJwrU/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S924OWdDb6I/AAAAAAAAB9M/wvBD3taJwrU/s640/051.JPG" tt="true" width="554" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was there, I also found this wood portrayal of bird, the bird figurine shown in the middle next to the egg, the 2 little boxes with the plants on the lids, and the wooden vase. At the dollar store, I found some little flowers to put in the vase. I added one of the boys' knitted gnomes and one of our plants. I hot glued everything on, except for the plant so it could be watered and moved when it gets too tall, their picture frame because it fit snugly in place, and their gnome, in case they want to play with it. Design your own structure, pick your own theme...this project is very flexible and very gratifying in the end. It will end up being a special collection that both you and your children will enjoy now and in the future!</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-91331273133592623722010-05-01T13:41:00.000-07:002010-05-01T13:41:59.555-07:00: Milk Jug Flower Pot :<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yI4fQy4UI/AAAAAAAAB8M/c34EUxIURP4/s1600/085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yI4fQy4UI/AAAAAAAAB8M/c34EUxIURP4/s640/085.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There seems to be a theme here at Busy Hands..we keep making flower pots! 'Tis the season for flowers and pots and Moms...... We have also been on a reusing recycleables kick lately. We utilized half of a <em>milk jug</em>, <em>scrap fabric</em>, <em>glue</em>, a <em>paint brush</em>,<em> </em>a strip of <em>felt</em>, and some <em>Mod Podge</em>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yNyShQDWI/AAAAAAAAB8U/jVAtirUQx1w/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yNyShQDWI/AAAAAAAAB8U/jVAtirUQx1w/s640/041.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We cut pieces of fabric and brushed glue all over the sides of the jug. Then, my young one created a fabric collage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yN1wwXR2I/AAAAAAAAB8c/ouhfrAN6ChY/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yN1wwXR2I/AAAAAAAAB8c/ouhfrAN6ChY/s640/052.JPG" tt="true" width="636" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He helped me put on the felt strip around the edges after we brushed the area generously with our glue. Then, we allowed everything to dry completely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yN3RDcAwI/AAAAAAAAB8k/-zadezNKsIc/s640/059.JPG" tt="true" width="532" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We brushed on a coat of Mod Podge to seal our pot decor and let that dry. He went to the garden and filled the pot with dirt and planted some lettuce seeds for me. Thanks, Jared. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yI2MfgW4I/AAAAAAAAB8E/mkv9-iOpeR0/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yI2MfgW4I/AAAAAAAAB8E/mkv9-iOpeR0/s640/073.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy this project. It is a great way to reuse, create a colorful collage, and give a lovely gift to someone you really love. Happy Mother's Day!</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-66579713352302057412010-05-01T12:49:00.000-07:002010-05-01T12:51:13.821-07:00: Gem Flower Pot :Mother's Day is right around the corner. What better way to celebrate the love of Mom than by making her a special gift. Your little ones can help you make an inexpensive, festive gem flower pot to give Mom something to celebrate spring and gardening with. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yB7gXLCJI/AAAAAAAAB70/QV4_ygpz09k/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yB7gXLCJI/AAAAAAAAB70/QV4_ygpz09k/s640/036.JPG" tt="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My preschooler picked out the colors of gems and I grabbed a white pot, all from the dollar store. I applied hot glue and Jared applied them onto the pot, gem by gem. Instant drying, instant gratification. These colors actually make the pot feel very oceanic. Use any colors you like. Plant tomatos, flowers, herbs, or anything you can think of, and give Mom a beautiful sprouting plant in her new stylish pot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yCXfWSAiI/AAAAAAAAB78/iVBvw7TRO-0/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9yCXfWSAiI/AAAAAAAAB78/iVBvw7TRO-0/s640/026.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-69718813085957936502010-04-30T13:04:00.000-07:002010-04-30T13:09:51.558-07:00: Bookmarks = A Carton + Fabric :There is a huge rave about the new Kindle, but I personally still prefer reading books. I like to hold the actual book itself and turn the pages and trace back by looking in the table of contents or the index..... I like books! But often times, I find myself refering to many books at one time and I can't always remember where I left off. So, I found this bookmark tutorial on <a href="http://punkinpattern.blogspot.com/2010/04/scrap-bookmarks.html">Punkin Patterns</a>, but I then decided to make it a little different, as I usually do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9szoDkS0KI/AAAAAAAAB7c/fJgiYoZ1Xj4/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9szoDkS0KI/AAAAAAAAB7c/fJgiYoZ1Xj4/s640/013.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Essentially, I used a <em>rice milk carton</em> and <em>scrap fabric</em> to sew up these bookmarks. I was able yield 6 long rectangles from one small carton and I cut pieces of fabric just a bit bigger than the rectangles themselves. I pinned everything in place and sewed a zigzag stitch around the perimeter. I trimmed the excess fabric and that is it. Note - my sewing was horrible this time around. Again, I am an amatuer and apparently lack common sense :) . I couldn't figure out why the bookmarks weren't moving through the feed, so I figured I just suck at sewing and manually tried to pull it through. Only until I was all done and getting ready to do a straight stitch did I realize I needed to make sure the teeth were up, so as to pull your fabric through. I then remembered that around Christmas time I was attempting to sew buttons, which is why the teeth were down. I have one word for myself....Duh. Yet still, I think it is a project worth sharing.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9s2wLwmivI/AAAAAAAAB7s/HbaBp10QtrU/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9s2wLwmivI/AAAAAAAAB7s/HbaBp10QtrU/s640/076.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9szqG5oZRI/AAAAAAAAB7k/MTsr14KE3Fs/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9szqG5oZRI/AAAAAAAAB7k/MTsr14KE3Fs/s640/019.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These also make a great Mother's Day gift, so get started soon, or simply enjoy these functional beauties for your own reading delight.</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-16095427097907134702010-04-30T12:27:00.000-07:002010-04-30T12:27:04.508-07:00: Toilet Paper Roll Centerpiece :Though Earth Day was last week, Earth day truly should be every day. Recycling and finding creative ways to reuse materials is always an eco-friendly choice. I actually got this toilet paper roll centerpiece idea a couple weeks ago and I cannot trace back to where it originated. I will keep searching. Either way, it was fun for my kids to make and they now have a decoration they can be proud of. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9sq4eJS_zI/AAAAAAAAB7M/5lOCLNGm0MU/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="584" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9sq4eJS_zI/AAAAAAAAB7M/5lOCLNGm0MU/s640/049.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We just used <em>8 toilet paper rolls</em>, a <em>paper plate</em>, <em>glue</em>, and some <em>acrylic paint</em> (doesn't really matter what type of paint you use). I cut the rolls at an angle at varying heights. Meanwhile, Jared painted the plate black. Then he chose different colors and painted each roll. I told him it would be a good idea to paint the insides rather than just the outsides of the rolls, but he insisted on leaving them as they are. You could certainly paint the insides to add to the colorful effect of the centerpiece. After everything was dry (it didn't take very long), he glued them to the plate in sequence and let that dry. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9sq6KADBuI/AAAAAAAAB7U/CErwbON-ZKY/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9sq6KADBuI/AAAAAAAAB7U/CErwbON-ZKY/s640/052.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This centerpiece reminds me of a colorful choir..people clad in bright cloaks as they all sing in unison. Ask your child what it looks like to them. Use <em>your</em> imagination, as well, and enjoy making this project with your little ones. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-11400898415455102762010-04-29T12:40:00.000-07:002010-04-29T12:43:52.580-07:00: Scrap Fabric Dish Mat :This project wasn't made for or with the kids, but it is still very cute and simple, and I had to share. I love reusing old stuff to create new things. The other day, I found this kitchen towel mat tutorial on <a href="http://ashbyfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/kitchen-towel-mat-tutorial.html">Toad's Treasures</a> and decided to create one of my own. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZCiCrDyI/AAAAAAAAB6c/x2HZCbyye9s/s1600/145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZCiCrDyI/AAAAAAAAB6c/x2HZCbyye9s/s640/145.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seeing that you can go to <a href="http://ashbyfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/kitchen-towel-mat-tutorial.html">Toad's Treasures</a> for the tutorial, I will skip the materials and directions this time around. I will just show you a photo progression of the project. Visuals always help me better than just wordy directions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZNAGxhOI/AAAAAAAAB6k/NnJOGbHlXo4/s1600/115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZNAGxhOI/AAAAAAAAB6k/NnJOGbHlXo4/s640/115.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZUb2KPjI/AAAAAAAAB6s/45AYzrFkgIM/s1600/119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZUb2KPjI/AAAAAAAAB6s/45AYzrFkgIM/s640/119.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZaZ5MWQI/AAAAAAAAB60/dWcZNYPqNqI/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZaZ5MWQI/AAAAAAAAB60/dWcZNYPqNqI/s640/121.JPG" tt="true" width="480" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZcUK3fDI/AAAAAAAAB68/Ca99Ye7xzQk/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZcUK3fDI/AAAAAAAAB68/Ca99Ye7xzQk/s640/123.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZmeoZEhI/AAAAAAAAB7E/DYheP-_WBmk/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nZmeoZEhI/AAAAAAAAB7E/DYheP-_WBmk/s640/138.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you enjoyed this visual tutorial, in addition to the actual tutorial. Get sewing. Use your scrap fabric. Use an old dish towel. Get creative. Get Inspired.</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-31723437987880700432010-04-29T11:28:00.000-07:002010-04-29T11:28:24.683-07:00: Cute Cloth Napkin Set :My preschooler attends a local Montessori school. His particular school requires that he brings a cloth napkin in his lunch every day. I bought him some white napkins originally, but I recently decided they are a little boring. So, I decided to make a few napkins that have some character.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nIscfJNaI/AAAAAAAAB5k/Zv8jJCDD_os/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nIscfJNaI/AAAAAAAAB5k/Zv8jJCDD_os/s640/161.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Materials</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 13-inch squares of your pattern fabric</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 13-inch squares in various matching colored fabric</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sewing Machine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scissors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thread in color of your choice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nLfMrYXvI/AAAAAAAAB5s/H9kBoZ74u2I/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nLfMrYXvI/AAAAAAAAB5s/H9kBoZ74u2I/s640/090.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nLyXcbXSI/AAAAAAAAB50/8znX7EZjc7Q/s1600/092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nLyXcbXSI/AAAAAAAAB50/8znX7EZjc7Q/s640/092.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Directions</strong></div><ol><li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pin your solid squares to your pattern squares, right side facing inward.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sew a straight stitch around the perimeter, leaving a small opening at one corner. Unpin.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flip inside out. Iron edges. Sew a seam around the perimeter, making sure to tuck in the seam where the opening was. </div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nOKrXtbPI/AAAAAAAAB58/jWbbtThiJmI/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nOKrXtbPI/AAAAAAAAB58/jWbbtThiJmI/s640/093.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nOO6Xl9fI/AAAAAAAAB6E/WWJ0Vz7lGos/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nOO6Xl9fI/AAAAAAAAB6E/WWJ0Vz7lGos/s640/095.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nORY3CkuI/AAAAAAAAB6M/6Lz6WYfpDDE/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nORY3CkuI/AAAAAAAAB6M/6Lz6WYfpDDE/s640/101.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nOUT_XHGI/AAAAAAAAB6U/XhoWpxqLQbg/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nOUT_XHGI/AAAAAAAAB6U/XhoWpxqLQbg/s640/106.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This project is fun and easy for any stitcher of any level, especially for amatuers like me! Enjoy fumbling through your fabric stash and creating some cute double-sided napkins for school/work lunches, picnics, or meals at home.</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-24803414604554440132010-04-29T10:45:00.000-07:002010-04-29T10:45:20.451-07:00: Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice :<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nDjL6F-JI/AAAAAAAAB5E/EgTIK9RAfLA/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nDjL6F-JI/AAAAAAAAB5E/EgTIK9RAfLA/s640/065.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Squeezing fresh juice from oranges in the morning has been a long-time tradition that has been somewhat lost with the convenience of store-bought O.J. We are guilty of this, as well. But there have been these organic oranges in our fruit bowl beckoning me to use them and I happened to spot a little juicer at the store for about $3.00. So, I thought it was meant to be. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nDph_IRXI/AAAAAAAAB5M/z68VcqwkRT0/s1600/148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nDph_IRXI/AAAAAAAAB5M/z68VcqwkRT0/s640/148.JPG" tt="true" width="628" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A gratifying activity, juicing oranges can be done almost entirely by your preschooler or even your toddler (you will likely have to finish because they may not have the strength to get all the juice out). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nD2gFxB7I/AAAAAAAAB5c/ZyJNHjQnBWQ/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="602" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9nD2gFxB7I/AAAAAAAAB5c/ZyJNHjQnBWQ/s640/154.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-16483031404994723092010-04-28T02:42:00.000-07:002010-04-28T20:06:16.296-07:00: Decorative Switchplates :I came across this simple, stylish fabric covered switchplate project today on <a href="http://doahdiddy.blogspot.com/2010/04/fabric-covered-switchplates.html">Do Ah Diddy</a>. I am going to be making a quilt soon with blues and browns, so I decided to make use of one of my chosen quilt fabrics. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_KDOTSRI/AAAAAAAAB40/lv4grao_i0s/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_KDOTSRI/AAAAAAAAB40/lv4grao_i0s/s640/056.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I basically just cut out a peice of my fabric bigger than the switchplate itself. I took a paintbrush and generously coated it with Elmer's glue. I placed the fabric piece onto the switchplate just how I wanted it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_LMTwCOI/AAAAAAAAB44/x2aC7i-fnAY/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_LMTwCOI/AAAAAAAAB44/x2aC7i-fnAY/s640/066.JPG" tt="true" width="627" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I cut slits in the facric where the light switch sticks out and tucked them onto the backside and secured them with more glue. I poked holes where the screws go, as well. Then, I let it dry for a few hours.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_eMlMzFI/AAAAAAAAB48/NUtLFaisVYE/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_eMlMzFI/AAAAAAAAB48/NUtLFaisVYE/s640/088.JPG" tt="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After that, I went over all the surfaces with Mod Podge and let that dry. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_3Dnx1JI/AAAAAAAAB5A/KFdOvDrqYcU/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9f_3Dnx1JI/AAAAAAAAB5A/KFdOvDrqYcU/s640/016.JPG" tt="true" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I reinstalled the kids' switchplate back in the their room and my 4-year-old was entirely stoked over it. Great quicky project...that is my favorite kind!</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-36424118401219280282010-04-28T01:41:00.000-07:002010-04-28T01:47:32.043-07:00: We Love Backyard "Weeds" :<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The rain comes, the snow comes, the sun comes, then the clouds and the snow come again, then the rain, then the.... The weather here is so wishy washy, but finally I think the snow is gone for good until next time around. We had a few sunny days until it began to rain again today, so I decided to capture the beauty of a couple commonly overlooked beauties of nature out back near our vegetable garden and the kids' play area. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fv5Qz3YDI/AAAAAAAAB4w/8MWznJLAH5E/s1600/194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fv5Qz3YDI/AAAAAAAAB4w/8MWznJLAH5E/s640/194.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Great Big Meadow of Teeny Weeny Flowers</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><img border="0" height="524" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fvNpYzx9I/AAAAAAAAB4o/5TAusiqCKaU/s640/190.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Magical Energy Burst; soft but tough.</em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fvfS3xmxI/AAAAAAAAB4s/trKXv9AwcCE/s1600/198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fvfS3xmxI/AAAAAAAAB4s/trKXv9AwcCE/s640/198.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Stretching Sun; Reaching Limbs, Yawning Face</em></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-7996329101016553472010-04-28T00:35:00.000-07:002010-04-28T00:35:15.708-07:00: More Flowers For Little Ones :Flowers are things of Spring. They are things of beauty. They are things of life and of color. Flower are great for awakening your child's mind and imagination, both boys and girls. Here a couple simple, thrifty ways to make flower art with your toddlers and preschoolers. <br />
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<div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fb62y28cI/AAAAAAAAB4g/r3J5KfpUGxY/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fb62y28cI/AAAAAAAAB4g/r3J5KfpUGxY/s640/160.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Field of Flowers </em></strong></div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Cost: </strong>Not even 2 bucks</div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Materials:</strong> </div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Various colors of paper streamers or tissue paper</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Green pipe cleaners</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Green construction paper</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Scissors</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Glue</div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Tape </div></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fbO0DN_1I/AAAAAAAAB4c/i-88c8io99s/s1600/104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fbO0DN_1I/AAAAAAAAB4c/i-88c8io99s/s640/104.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Directions:</strong> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><ol><li><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Draw zigzags horizontally across the center of your construction paper. Have your young one cut along the lines. Mount your grass in a long row.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Tuck and bend your pipe cleaners where you want your flowers to be. Tape at the top of each (they will be covered by the flowers themselves). </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">To make your flowers, take a pretty long strand of streamer from your roll. Your kids will have fun crumpling these up and spinning a little, then gluing the loose parts. Also, make sure they make little centers for their flowers by pulling off 6-inch pieces and crumpling really tightly. Glue them on the flowers.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Allow to dry for several hours (we waited til the next day). Use double stick tape or fold tape onto itself so that it is sticky on both sides and mount each flower to its stem, making sure to cover the tape at the top of your pipe cleaners. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Additionally, you can create leaves with pipe cleaners, construction paper, etc... </div></li>
</ol></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fcQYK1CSI/AAAAAAAAB4k/7HJsWaO4xsA/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fcQYK1CSI/AAAAAAAAB4k/7HJsWaO4xsA/s640/107.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>Wooden Flower Corner</em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>Cost:</strong> About $3.25</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong>Materials:</strong> </div><div align="center">Wooden flowers ready to be painted</div><div align="center">Paint </div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fXFI1n0iI/AAAAAAAAB4U/6zAPdauRPog/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fXFI1n0iI/AAAAAAAAB4U/6zAPdauRPog/s640/100.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Directions:</strong> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Get your wooden decorations (I bought mine from the dollar store) and red, yellow and blue paints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. Have your child mix red/yellow, red/blue, blue/yellow to yield orange, violet, and green. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. Now, simply paint. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fX4gB2nTI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/FmKqZac3l0A/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fX4gB2nTI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/FmKqZac3l0A/s640/012.JPG" tt="true" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This makes a great window sill decoration, addition to a nature table, or put these anywhere that will add some personal springtime joy to your child's environment. <br />
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There are so many ways to create springtime flower crafts for your little ones. Look around. See what you come up with and let your child's imagination bloom.</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><img height="69" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9fbO0DN_1I/AAAAAAAAB4c/i-88c8io99s/s640/104.JPG" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 681px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 842px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-21939463322998837172010-04-26T22:31:00.000-07:002010-04-26T22:31:22.322-07:00: Brown Rice Pudding :My kids periodically ask me to make rice pudding for them. It has become somewhat of a tradition in our family. We make it a little different every time, but I will share how we made it this time around. Making brown rice pudding is a healthy way to add delicious flavor to your breakfast, snacktime, or dessert.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9ZGmYP8R_I/AAAAAAAAB34/l5pybi5Xygc/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9ZGmYP8R_I/AAAAAAAAB34/l5pybi5Xygc/s640/167.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We simply used about <em>2 parts water</em>, <em>1 part brown rice</em>, <em>about 2 parts milk or alternative milk (soy, rice, almond...)</em>, <em>brown sugar or honey</em>, <em>cinnamon</em>, and <em>currants</em> <em>or</em> <em>raisins</em>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Directions</strong></div><ol><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bring water to a boil. Add rice. Bring back to a boil. Turn to low and cover. Cook brown rice for about 45 minutes.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add milk. Cook on medium-low 10 minutes or until thick and creamy, stirring frequently. </div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add the cinnamon, honey, and raisins. </div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Serve it warm or chill it for snacking on later.</div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Create your own variation or enjoy the recipe as it is shown here. Include your children in pouring, mixing, measuring, and stirring. Talk about the changes in the milk being a liquid to it turning to a creamy solid. Talk about the initial absorption of water by the rice. There are so many ways to involve your kids. Plus, there is nothing like being able to taste their own work. Brown rice pudding is great for all seasons and an inexpensive way to share delicious creations with the ones you love. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-23117692691105371812010-04-25T09:06:00.000-07:002010-04-25T15:07:57.408-07:00: Wool Felt 'N' Buttons Matching Game :Time to make an easy game for the little ones to do! There is nothing like a good old-fashioned memory game for kids. Challenging and fun! Easy and quick to make!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RikO1LePI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/aLDcnevS3yI/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RikO1LePI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/aLDcnevS3yI/s640/082.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I originally got this idea from <a href="http://andinlovescambria.blogspot.com/2009/06/games-games-games.html">Andiland</a>, but modified it slightly to my own liking. We had all these cute little buttons, but I didn't know what to use them all for. So, this project was a great way to effectively use them so that the kids would thoroughly enjoy them: trains, rockets, ladybugs, etc... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RinbR_ENI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/sbVjKmJgjJI/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RinbR_ENI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/sbVjKmJgjJI/s640/063.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Materials</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 colors of wool felt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Squiggly scissors (regular will do, too)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An assortment of buttons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tool for measuring</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Embroidery Thread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RiryrogPI/AAAAAAAAB3g/84rwVoDD13U/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RiryrogPI/AAAAAAAAB3g/84rwVoDD13U/s640/069.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Directions</strong></div><ol><li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Measure 24 2-inch squares on one sheet of felt.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Line it up with your other color and pin each square to the other felt sheet.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, cut with your fun squiggly scissors on all sides. You should now have 24 pinned squares.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One at a time, unpin each square, sew a button to the center of your chosen color, then sew the 2 pieces together around the edge. Simple as that!</div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RivSDrqZI/AAAAAAAAB3o/krlwr6xy3dE/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9RivSDrqZI/AAAAAAAAB3o/krlwr6xy3dE/s640/075.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These can be done in a bigger size, with synthetic felt, with any sort of buttons, in a bigger or smaller set than 24..... The possibilities will be up to you. Enjoy creating this game and I hope your young ones enjoy playing with these 3-dimensional matching game pieces. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-38845718468737911942010-04-23T13:41:00.000-07:002010-04-23T13:56:21.768-07:00: 3 Little Birds ~ Made With Recycled Clothes :Still an amatuer user of the sewing machine, I attempted to make cute little stuffed birds for the the kids. We were focusing quite a bit on birds and I thought it would be spring-like to have these toys around. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9ICZFK9abI/AAAAAAAAB24/LAun0t7aCgE/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9ICZFK9abI/AAAAAAAAB24/LAun0t7aCgE/s640/024.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Materials</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Old jeans or corduroy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scrap fabric </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sewing Machine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stuffing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Embroidery thread</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Directions</strong></div><ol><li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Draw your pattern, cut it out and trace it on your fabric twice, flipping it once so you get one left and one right side of your bird. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make a pattern for your wings and do the same as you did for the body. Do this for the beak, as well. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pin your beaks and wings onto the bodies. Sew them on with your sewing machine. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then, put the 2 sides of the bird bodies together inside out. Starting from the breast of the bird, sew up and around until you reach about 2 inches from where you began. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stuff the bird from the opening at its belly and sew it up when you are finished stuffing. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Use your dark embroidery thread to make eyes. And now you are finished. </div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9ICde320UI/AAAAAAAAB3A/c6lHLhSrP6o/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9ICde320UI/AAAAAAAAB3A/c6lHLhSrP6o/s640/025.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This project is great for young stitchers ages 7 and up, and for parents who want to create a simple handmade gift for their little ones. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793255846799976474.post-57329030269325714852010-04-23T00:48:00.000-07:002010-04-28T01:53:30.627-07:00: Spring Flowers Garland :Spring is a time of color, life, gardens, wildflowers.... Why not celebrate the very essense of the season with your little one. This project is a cheap way to entertain your kids and decorate your house for spring. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9FNryfDyII/AAAAAAAAB2g/qJ3YhbVGB78/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9FNryfDyII/AAAAAAAAB2g/qJ3YhbVGB78/s640/051.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Materials</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Green yarn of choice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 to 6 bouquets of fake flowers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9FNvWKeIBI/AAAAAAAAB2o/cb6QjoVs-mU/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9FNvWKeIBI/AAAAAAAAB2o/cb6QjoVs-mU/s640/059.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Directions</strong></div><ol><li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pluck each flower and leaves from the bouquets.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thread your needle with your yarn and get ready to start stringing.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take the center out of each flower individually as you get ready to string them onto the yarn. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Push your needle through hole in the center and pull about 3 feet or more.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do the same with the leaves, alternating between flowers.</div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you are done, cut the yarn to the desired length and tie both ends each in a loop so it can be easily hung. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Separate the flowers evenly how ever you like. </div></li>
<li><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hang it either verticly hanging or draped horizontally.</div></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9FNzFepwWI/AAAAAAAAB2w/XZ3f5QYuAmo/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8jVqnLAXyHk/S9FNzFepwWI/AAAAAAAAB2w/XZ3f5QYuAmo/s640/062.JPG" tt="true" width="640" /></a></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14716026237170384805noreply@blogger.com1