Got Ribbons?

Is it just me or does everyone else end up with tons of extra ribbons in your craft collection? You collect them over the years from various packages and presents but you don't really know what to do with them all. Well since it is the 'Great Baby Boom of 2011' and just about every one I know it having a baby, I've got babies on the brain. I decided to put those extra ribbons I have to good use crafting adorable baby stuff.

Ever heard of a tag blanket? Neither had I, but apparently babies love them. Why, I'm not really sure, but if they like 'em, then I'll make 'em! It's really quite easy. I followed this tutorial but instead of using just 2 different type of fabric on each side I decided to use some coordinating fabric squares to make it patchwork on one side.

Baby crafts are the most fun because they are all so dang cute! And I can't wait to give it to my little niece when she arrives this fall or my BFF's baby coming next spring or my cousin's newest addition. What did I tell you about the baby boom!?! Now all my excess ribbons will be on cute little blankets for little babies' enjoyment and I will keep collecting ribbons until the next baby boom. :)

Eyes on the Prize

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." - 1 Corinthians 9:24

It's that time of year again. In just a few short weeks I will be heading to the AWANA games with my girls and we'll be playing for these beauties. And also the bragging rights of being the best game players ever. :)

What are the AWANA games, you may be asking. You basically throw a bunch of little ones into a huge gym and throw in some parents and leaders cheering them on while they compete with a whole bunch of other little ones. It makes for a fun AND exhausting day!

As we gear up for the big day, our girls have been doing lots of practicing. There is the three-legged race, marathon run, some funny balloon game and of course the bean bag bonanza. Some of our little girls need practice at throwing the bean bag and hitting the cones. I decided it was time to make some more bean bags. And it's as simple as 1,2,3 (I love those kind of crafts, don't you!?)

Banner Day: A Tutorial

My first tutorial to be exact! *Disclaimer alert* I am no Martha Stewart, but I enjoy crafting and creating pretty things, even if they don't turn out exactly 'as pictured'. They are made with a whole lotta love.


A banner day, indeed!

Sewing Kit in a Mason Jar

How come mason jars are so cute? I think it is the old fashioned charm they give off. Whatever it is, I love them. I am so tempted to buy the mason jar mugs from Pottery Barn. Our wedding had a 'country chic' theme and we filled some jars with white sand and candles to light the way into the reception hall. Too cute!

When I saw this on Martha's page, I had to make one! But I recently found a full tutorial with pictures to walk you through each step. With just a small list of supplies: fabric scrap, jar with lid and band, cotton balls or fiberfill, card stock and glue gun, it's so easy and definitely a nice addition to your crafting room (or in my case, just a desk but someday :P). I think this would also make a great gift for friends, Mom or beginner sewers. Who wouldn't love to get one of these charming little jars?!

Coming Soon

My good friend, Iris, is expecting her first baby and I am thrilled to make all sorts of goodies for her and the little one on the way! One in the works is an adorable ruffle tutu onesie.


With the three day weekend coming up, I will be able to tackle a few projects on my list, including this lovely and a re-fashion re-do (but I'll save that story for next week!)

Sewing 101

I have mentioned before that I am no Martha Stewart. I can't whip up fancy meals with the ease that she does, I can't plant container gardens with as much success as she does, I can't dye beads for craft projects as good or mess free as she does, and I certainly can't sew baby booties as well or cute as she does.

Well, I have an even more embarrassing confession to make. When I first got my sewing machine I was instructed by a friend on the basics. My friend, who is self taught and been sewing (gorgeous things of course) for years, taught me so surely I would end up being as good as her, right?! When I put my machine to use after that, I couldn't understand why all my projects were turning out like this.

I just couldn't get it, sewing couldn't possibly be this hard, right!? I about gave up and moved on to other crafts while my sewing machine sat dormant. I read this blog and was inspired to try one more time to figure out what the problem was. Turns out, I missed a very important step. That very important step is where you slide the thread through the tension slit on the bobbin. I was just pulling the thread straight through the hole and not through the very tiny side slit, therefore giving the thread no tension.

Boy am I glad for the internet and it's limitless ways of helping me solve problems, answer questions and give me delicious recipes and craft ideas from other bloggers. After that small incident, I turn to the professionals now: How to Thread a Bobbin. Which also reminds me of the episode from one of the funniest shows in existence where Lucy attempts to make her first sewing project- a homemade dress. Oh Lucy, I can totally relate! :)

Lovely Spring Inspiration

Projects, projects, projects

In the works:

*Finishing up a scripture embroidered nursery pillow
*Finishing up a baby quilt
*Working on (and trying to figure out) my new Knit Wit
*Making a cute little tea towel apron
*Preparing for the AWANA games coming up March 13th
*Planning an awesome girls only party, because I want to see my friends and try this delish new punch recipe. Mmmm... I could try it out now but I'm afraid I would end up drinking it all myself and that would not be good; better save it for the party!

I also want to note that this was quite possibly the best Valentine's day I've ever celebrated. Not only did I have my wonderful husband to share it with (who is my favorite comedian and spoils me with sweets :) ) but knowing the great love that God showed us, shows us and will yet show us is remarkable. Even when I have a random case of spiritual amnesia, He is there to call me back, to love me and help me get back on track.



"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:26

My Love-Hate Relationship

Let me start off by saying that I am no Martha Stewart, and it is something I am trying to come to grips with.

Maybe it's just me but whenever I make something from Martha's Everyday Food magazine, the finished dish bears little resemblance to the one in the picture. As I've started sewing, I am coming to realize that too is a lot harder than it looks in the magazines or on the website!

Here is my rendition of the baby booties I posted about earlier. So cute when Martha did it and a little less so with mine. I know she has tons of very good crafting and/or cooking experts working for her, but they sure put my stuff to shame. Well, at least it gives me something to strive for; crafting perfection!

Embroidery is a little bit easier. I'm taking a liaison from sewing to work on this. My idea is bible verse nursery decor. This is the start of a pillow to be placed on a rocking chair and the next project is an embroidered Noah's ark alphabet blanket. We'll see how it all turns out!

Too much to do in too little time

Another day, another hundred things on the 'to do' list. Well, not really that many, but a lot needs to be done. And to add to my list, there are about a dozen different crafts I want to start and/or finish.

Who can resist these photos?

My dear husband bought me a new sewing machine for Christmas so I have jumped into a few projects. My first attempt at sewing, a patchwork baby blanket, is coming along nicely. I guess I am going to have to buckle down, get through my 'to do' list and get the blanket done so I can start on something new like these adorable booties, or else I will end up with a lot of unfinished projects!