Paper Pumpkins

These are so easy to make. If you have only 20 minutes and you want to do a project from start to finish - this is what you want. I found the idea here: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/cg_display.asp?cmd=display&seed_id=30366. Have fun!

Check This Out!

Hey Everyone! 

I am Stephanie, the creative mind from Somewhat Simple. Each Friday is Feature Friday on my blog and today I am featuring my personal favorite creation from this site.Feature Friday is a great way to view awesome ideas from some amazing bloggers! Stop by and take a look- you just might get inspired!
Have a good one!~
Steph

Happy October

Aren't these so adorable?!



It took me probably an hour to make all of them. I got the idea from here: http://notsoidlehands.blogspot.com/2009/09/freecycle-friday-glowing-jack-olanterns.html They are really easy and inexpensive - between me and my mom, I had all the supplies on hand. Just thought I would share the idea for anyone interested.

Fabric Hopscotch Tutorial

Before I start - I have never done a tutorial before so if you have any questions just ask in a comment and I will try to clarify. Here goes:

Supplies needed: 3 yds of cotton fabric; matching thread; 27 pieces of 9 x 12 felt - 11 of color #1, 10 of color #2, and 6 of color #3; a piece of batting 22 x 108, button, ribbon or elastic, dry beans for the bean bag. I also have access to an embroidery machine which I use for personalization.

Step 1 -(Making Numbers) Find a font on Microsoft Word or other document program and print out numbers 1 -10 so they are 4 - 5 inches tall. Pin the numbers to color #3 of felt and cut out. Cut color #2 felt to 7 x 10 rectangles. Attach numbers to color #2 felt and then attach #2 to color #3. Sew numbers on and then sew color #2 to color #3.

Step 2- (Attaching Numbers to Fabric) Cut fabric in half lengthwise - you should have 2 - 22 x 108 pieces. Arrange felt on fabric, pin, and then sew into place. (This is kind of a pain in the keester so TRY to do it right the first time. If you unpick the felt it messes up the dimensions of it and makes it an even BIGGER pain in the keester. I know this from experience!)

Step 3 - (Making the bean bag and bean bag pocket) Cut a 4 x 4 piece of felt and sew it on the by your number 1. Only sew three sides - leaving the top open - so it makes a nice little pocket. If you are personalizing the bean bag, you would do that now. Cut 2 - 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 pieces of felt - I used color #1. Sew three sides together - turn so seams are on the inside. Fill with dry beans and then hand sew closed.

Step 4 - (Attaching batting and backing fabric) If you are personalizing do that now. Sew your personalized felt onto the backing fabric so that when rolled up you see it. Layer right side of front to right side of back then put piece of batting on top. PIN. Sew sides and top together - leaving bottom open for turning. Turn. Pin ribbon loop or elastic loop to middle of bottom and fold fabric towards inside so you can sew up the bottom. Do a blanket stitch on all four sides - this is how the bottom gets closed up. Roll up your mat and attach the button so that you can close it with your loop. That's it - YOU ARE DONE!!

I hope that all made sense! It takes me about 6 hours from start to finish. Make sure if you have any questions to ask. Also, please don't make these to sale. I don't mind showing you how to do it if they are for gifts or personal use, but PLEASE don't make them for profit.

The winner is . . ..

Kinsey Dahl Zinser! The cute mod podge notebook is headed your way as soon as I get your address Kinsey Lou Hoo. You can email it to me - I know you have my email address. Hope to hear from you soon.

Just a note . . .

I have had a few people ask about the fabric hopscotch directions. I am making a couple more and I intend to do a picture tutorial while making the next one. I had to figure it out as I went and I was going to just write out the directions, but a picture is worth a thousand words - right?! I'm not sure when I am going to get around to doing it (my three little guys occupy a big chunk of my time). Just keep checking back and I promise it will be here - hopefully sooner than later.

P.S. Make sure you grab my button and also enter my giveaway. It ends Thrusday night at midnight and its in the post after this one.

Mod Podge Mania

I broke out the mod podge again yesterday. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the stuff? Anyway, I did a couple of projects: a notepad holder for my mom's desk, a mini notebook for my mom's purse for her to write her shopping lists on, a mini notebook for Emma to record her piano practice times, and a large notebook - which I am giving away to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment with your email address and you are entered to win. I know it's not much, but it's free and I made it (what more could you ask for?!). I will announce the winner on Friday, Sept 25th.

My projects!

Notepad holder - I got the idea for this from my SIL Andrea who was making one the other day. So quick, easy, and inexpensive to make!

Mini notebooks

This could be yours - just leave a comment!