My Latest Retailer!

Check out this amazing site, Little Charlies. She has found some amazing products, and I'm so pleased to be included in the mix!

I love this DIY nesting doll kit and these beautiful bamboo toothbrushes!

Fancy Pants

I made my first pair of pants! Think of all the money I'll save...ahhh.

I'm so grateful for awesome tutorials at Made By Rae. I love the seersucker fabric and how simple they were to make. I made some mistakes and they're way too small, but I know I can nail it next time!

Happy Family Day!

Today is Family Day in many Canadian provinces, and I thought I would share one of our favorite family treats! We all love popcorn, but we don't have space for an air popper. We also don't want to eat all the chemicals in microwave popcorn!

So here is our solution:
2 paper lunch bags (doubled up)
1/3 cup organic popcorn kernels

Double up the paper bags, add 1/3 cup kernels (or so there is one layer laying flat on the bottom of the bag). Fold over the top and tape down. Microwave for about 2 minutes, or until popping slows to 1-3 seconds between pops. Add butter and salt and voila! Chemical free, fast and fun.

You can also decorate the outer bags with everyone's names and make custom popcorn. Herbs, Parmesan cheese, pepper, cayenne, seasoning salt or sugar would all be fun to try out.

Enjoy- and Happy Family Day!

Sock Monster Tutorial

 

Last night I made my very first sock monster, and this is how I did it! Please excuse the photos. It was late, and dark!

I used the heel of my sock as a bum for my little monster, because I wanted her to be able to sit.

Then I cut a small V at the toe of the sock (for ears/eyes). And a slit at the bottom for legs. Make sure not to cut too high on the legs...it should be just a bit below the heel of the sock (the 'bum'). Turn inside out and sew, right sides together, the V for the ears, and the all round the legs. Your monster will be sewn shut with no way to turn right side out, but don't worry!

Next, cut VERY small holes for the arms. They will stretch out a lot, so keep them small. SMALL. Then, flip the monster right side out through the arm holes.

And stuff...

Now for the arms. One the other sock, cut in half lengthwise from the opening to the heel, and across to make 2 arms. I wanted my little monster to have 2 fingers, so I cut a small V in the top of each arm.

Turn inside out and sew, right sides together, leaving the base open. Turn, stuff and sew onto the monster, right where that little hole is. Then, make sure your monster is full enough with stuffing and attach the other arm.

Sew on eyes, and add a felt mouth. I glued the felt on because I was getting tired! I also added a sweet little felt heart by her bum.

If you leave an opening when sewing your monsters legs to turn it inside out and stuff it, you can sew the arms completely shut (after turning and stuffing) and sew them onto the sock without cutting openings. I chose to do it my way because it was faster and I wanted my monster to be a bit funny looking. The other way would look a bit more polished I think.

I am about to start selling DIY Sock monster kits in my Etsy shop, and I think they'll make great gifts for older kids learning to sew.

Homemade Stocking Stuffers Part 3: School-agers

 In Parts 1 and 2 of this series I covered homemade stocking stuffers for Toddlers and Preschoolers. On to the next: here are my ideas for the School Aged set. I wish I had more photos but I don't have a big kid yet!

School-Agers:

Make-your-own Goop: Put a cup of cornstarch with half a package of Kool Aid in a (sealable) bag and label it "Goop". When they're ready to make it, just add small amounts of water until it's in between solid and liquid. When they squeeze in their hands, or slap it hard, it turns solid!

Paint with Water Booklet: There is a very cool tutorial here for how to make your own paint with water designs! So cool! You can put them in a small folder or make them into a booklet.

Hemp Bracelet Kit: There are great instructions here, that you can print. Add a small ball of hemp, some beads in favorite colors and the instructions to a small box or tin.

Reindeer Poop: Put chocolate covered almonds in a cellophane bag and make a small paper label that says "Reindeer Poop".  Fold the bag over and staple the label on.

Soap Surprise: Chop up a bar of soap and add a few tablespoons of water. Melt it down SLOWLY in the microwave or on the stove top. Pour into a soap mold, or small sound/square container. Tuck a small plastic toy into the center of the bar. Let it sit for 3-7 days until fully dry. You can use clear soap to show off the toy, or opaque to make it a mystery!

Funny Magnets: You can turn just about anything into a magnet. A pad of paper, a carpenters pencil, wooden shapes, small toys or mini game key chains (just remove the key chain). Just add hot glue and a strong magnet.

Finger Puppets: There is a great tutorial, and patterns at Make Your Own Baby Stuff. Simple and fun!

Stuffed Animal Sleeping Bag: Make a sleeping bag for your child's favorite doll or stuffed animal. If you're good at sewing, make a liner and outer layer from cotton and sew together. If you're a beginner, use a single layer of fleece-it doesn't fray!

Hacky Sack:  Knit or crochet a hacky sack. These are especially popular with boys!

Tiny Needlefelted Animals: This is something that I'd really like to try my hand at! I just ordered a few for Daniel, and next year I may try to make some myself. There is a good Martha tutorial for beginners.