Handmade Valentine's

Our whole family has been sick off and on the last week. As a result, my house is a disaster and everyone is starting to feel a little cooped up. I think tomorrow a project is in order. Little M requested that we make Valentines and I think that is a good idea. Here are some fun ideas and tutorials.

My son is really into space so we might have to do these rocket ship Valentines. I have kisses and tootsie rolls on hand, so hopefully they work. Lots more ideas if you click around the 'family fun' website.

These drinks from 'Tatertots and Jello' would be fun, but maybe a little bulky to bring to school.

I suppose the kids at school want real candy, but I might like to make a vase of these felt suckers 'Pamela Susan' shows us how to make.

And because I am usually last minute (and try to be eco friendly), I love this post from 'Crafting A Green World' on Five Different Valentines to make with recycled materials.

Grocery Bag Cards

I am definitely going to have to try out idea number 5 for the tie envelopes, since I have a fetish (and a stockpile) for using old ties.

I'll post pictures of how our Valentines turn out, and I'll keep searching for more fantastic ideas!

Bean Bag Tutorial

I realize bean bags are pretty self explanatory, but the kids and I threw these together last night and they were so fun! I am just learning how to sew, and this tutorial could benefit someone who is a newbie like me!

Supplies needed:

Fabric squares - 2 for each bean bag

Thread

Beans 

**I used 5" squares and black eyed peas. One bag of black eyed peas filled approximately 3 1/2 bags.**

I had purchased a couple of baggies of fabric squares from Designs by Jamie a while back and they were the perfect size for this project. I went with some funky color combos. Colors that were the same and/or looked good together, but not necessarily 'matching'. 

First, place fabric squares right side together and pin. Sew all around the 4 edges leaving a 2" opening for turning. 

Trim the corners and turn bean bag right side out. Now, place a funnel in the opening and fill about 3/4 full of beans. I used black eyed peas because that is what I had on hand, but you could use any kind of bean you would like. If you want to fill them fuller you may have to hand stitch the opening. The kids can help with this part too. Mine loved it. (I got a 4 pack of funnels from Wal-Mart for $1.)

Now just fold in the open edge and do a little top stitch! So simple, and the kids absolutely loved playing with the bean bags.

I'm already planning on who to gift these to! These would be perfect for my nieces and nephews as well as my kids friends. You could do themes, colors, fabric appliques.... 

If you don't want to make these yourself I would love to do it for you! Click on the contact me tab above and we can work something out. Thanks!

For the Expecting Mama

 I made this onesie and card for my cousin who is expecting in July! I am so excited for her. Babies are so fun and I love fabric appliqué onesies. And doesn't the momma on the card look so trendy?! 

 The card die cut was made on my cricut machine using the New Arrival cartridge, and I simply put some foam sticky dots on the back and affixed it to some cardstock. 

As for the fabric applique I did a quick google search and found a tutorial from Totally Smitten Mama. I do mine a little differently, but this is the same basic idea.
If you aren't up to making one I would love to do it for you! I usually charge $10 for a onesie and $2.50 for cards. Click the contact me tab above for my e-mail!

Superhero/ Princess Cape

Several years ago I came up with the idea that I would love to have capes made for my kids and their friends made with Velcro at the neckline so I could stop tying blankets around their necks. At the time I did not know how to sew, so I commissioned someone else to make them for me.

 They turned out so cute and doohikey baby did a wonderful job putting the project together for me. (She is no longer active on etsy.)
My three year old had a friend with a birthday last week and so I decided to try and make little C a cape of her own.

 I love it! My husband was not a fan of the fabric combo when I brought it home, but I think it is perfect for this. I actually originally got the fabric to make a dress for my littlest, but never got around to it.

 All the kids who I originally got these for absolutely love them and still play with them. They are perfect for all types of pretend play. Princes, princesses, and superheroes will love their personalized capes!

If you want one of your own I just did a quick google search for 'free cape tutorial' and came up with this one. Otherwise I would love to make you one! The cost would be $18.50 and you can pick your colors/patterns/shapes/letters. My email is in the contact me tab above.

Car Cozie

My first big challenge in finding a handmade gift was for a 6 year old boy. My son was invited to his party and I had a week to think up an idea. Axel and I researched the web for a while and finally decided on a car cozie.

 It is a pretty nifty idea. There are pockets for 7 cars and a little road to drive on. You can then fold the road over and roll it all up. This one we made with a ribbon to tie it, but I think if I make another I will use an elastic loop that would just stretch around it.

I think this would be appropriate for boys ages 2-6. My son is turning 6 next month and this is what he asked for as his gift. This is also perfect to stick in a quiet bag or your purse for church (or any other occasion when you would need your little one to play quietly).

Want one? You can find a free tutorial to make one over at My Little Gems, or you can buy one from her etsy shop.