Beachy Birthday Party

Birthday parties are always so fun to plan and do all the details for, at least in my opinion. What better way to have a beachy themed birthday than to start with these happy hula folding invites? I can't take credit for them as a whole. This is just how mine turned out. I knew what I wanted to do, but didn't think I could afford them already made so I took some inspiration from the Internet and Martha Stewart Living April 2010 edition.

Step 1: Print out template here and cut it out.
Step 2: Trace on whatever paper you would like. This will be the outside of your envelope.
Step 3: Using a light table or window, trace 1/4" inside the outside edge of envelope template. This will be
the template for the patterned paper inside.
Step 4: Fold all the envelopes and inside papers according to template directions.
Step 5: Cut 12" string. Embroidery thread works well and comes in lots of colors.
Step 6: Assemble. Line up the folds of an inside paper and an outer paper in a folded position. Do not try to glue flat because the paper will not fold when the glue dries. Glue center and 3 flaps down. Insert string between the inner and outer paper on the overlapping flap and glue.
Step 7: Punch two decorative brads through from the outside of the envelope. One on the overlapping flap and one on the opposite flap. Wrap thread between these brads to secure the envelope shut.

Mine had one additional step which were the details for an invitation. I used just a square that would fit in the center and glued it down as well. I think they turned out great and had compliments. I'm going to have to find another reason to use these again.

Side Tracked

While house-sitting I had to change my spare time focus.

No sewing machine.

Much less house work to keep up on.

But I had my laptop... so I went digital.

I was originally creating a family scrapbook on shutterfly.com and not finding what I was looking for in the digital world. I started looking into free papers and was surprised how much was out there, it just wasn't my style. So, I invented my own - digital scrapbook paper that is. Well, my intended use is for the covers of my series of family scrapbooks, but if you want to use them, feel free. I did the same paper in a variety of colors.

I'm willing to share!

Free digital scrapbook paper

For this paper, other colors or swatches-

Comment here or email me and I'll attach it to an email for your personal use.

Enjoy!

Gifts For Babies

I haven't been posting lately, but I've been doing projects. I've been documenting as I go on camera and am just now getting around to posting here.

This was a set of blocks for twin boys due soon.

These are the tiniest sets of blocks I've ever made.

Only because I made two.

Two separate sets that coordinate.

Perfect for two boys who will spend their lives sharing everything.

These sets have the ususal textures I use:

*flannel
*cotton print (visual)

*terry cloth (absorbant)

*minkee (super soft)

*and the added bonus of crinkle sound.

I've added another interior layer of plastic cut to size.

It is a bit difficult to sew, so be warned.

If it works, though it's an adorable addition.

**Thanks Kerry for the great idea!

More baby stuff:

Another friend is having a baby and it's just too fun to make little girl stuff.

I had a hard time stopping.

I wasn't going to make clothes, but I heard what everyone else was doing and it just sounded like too much fun.

I decided to join in.*The kimono is cotton with a cotton lining. I had a pattern, but decided to double my steps by linging it and then complicate things by making my own bias tape. (Ironically I forgot to cut it on the bias. Oops! It still worked.) I had a pattern because that's the only way I know how to make clothes. But I'm very happy with the results. I almost couldn't give it away. Hopefully it will find a wonderful home being used 1)in the hospital for easy changes, added warmth and no belly button restriction 2) at home as a light robe or 3) a cover up for sunny days at the pool.

It said newborn size on the pattern. Hope it fits! (Summer versions may be coming to my etsy shop. I have to try a few out first.)

*Why stop at one thing when you have so much extra fabric? I couldn't. I had to make matching shoes. These are done in the same fabrics as the kimono with a fleece lining. I had a pattern for that too, but when I made the newborn size, my almost 3 year old was able to put them on. (See why I'm worried about the size of the kimono?) So, I worked some magic and created my own pattern in a much smaller size. I just hope they fit, too!

*A baby toy takes up more fabric. Something for a littl older than newborn. And in the same fabric, so you can remember the tiny little kimono in the hospital and how small she used to be. In case you are wondering, it is a lady bug. (Soon to be seen in my etsy shop!) Grosgrain tags for the legs and minkee for the tummy. This model is the first with a bell inside for a little added interest.

*Finally, the largest set of blocks I've ever made! You can see why. Again, the same fabrics from the kimono, with another coordinate, tags to chew on, crinkle side (Thanks again Kerry!), terry cloth and Minkee. A very absorbant toy for drooling and teething mouths. Washable, though I'd not suggest the dryer because of the crinkle addition. I haven't tested that out yet.

So, that was a good two weeks worth of work. On to more projects. :)

Digital Collages: Baby A*

One of my favorite things to do when you can't choose just one picture - choose several and make a collage. It can be rather simple with PSE8, especially with the templates they provide. I didn't use a template on these. They were custom for a friend of mine. It's just so fun to play with photos!

Valentine's Gifts

I ordered the dress pattern to fit the doll I made. I figured, why make things harder than I have to? So, it's not my original design. But I love how easy it was and how it turned out! And with some left over fabric I made Audrey a matching shirt. I absolutely adore this fabric. I seem to have a thing for this style of fabric and I usually like the fabrics done by this same designer, Heidi Grace (available at Joann's). I think it's cute that they match. Audrey hasn't shown much interest. My version has shoes, which is my original design and the bows in her hair were not in the original pattern. All in all a lovely way to celebrate a holiday devoted to love. At least she'll be able to look back and remember that I made her a doll for Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Decor

Easy home-made Valentine's Day decor!
Who doesn't love to be loved? I have few decorations for this holiday, and I felt no desire to rifle through boxes to locate them. So, I spent a pleasant afternoon making "candy hearts" with Audrey. I traced, cut out and wrote little somethings on them, and Audrey colored them front and back. Then we put tape on the back and put them all around the house. There is no door in my house that isn't covered with hearts. It is a great kid-friendly way to decorate and to make them feel a part of it. Also, it adapts easily for any holiday.

Getting around to it

I bought the pattern for these dolls a while ago on etsy. I think they are so cute! Well, the pattern has been nagging me to do something with it and I finally did. I bought more fabric than I needed, though, so I decided to make a second one and post it on my shop. I love how they turned out! The one with darker hair is going to be Audrey's Valentine's gift this year. She's not much of a doll kid, but she usually likes things that I make for her. I also ordered a pattern for a dress for the doll. It's so nice when I can spend more time on the project and less time on making it up for a change.

I love that she's a pirate!

That was actually in the pattern, I swear.