Bandanna Checkers

I saw this flyer at my local Jo-Ann store and knew we would have to make it. Here are the instructions from the website, and in PDF format.

CHECKERBOARD

1. Lay a plain print bandanna on a flat surface over a piece of paper. Fabric markers could bleed through.
2. Measure and use pencil to mark a checkerboard grid with 8 rows of 8 squares each.
   
   
3. Outline grid with black fabric marker pen. (We used Crayola)
   
   
4. Alternate coloring squares so no square touches another of the same color. Squares do not have to be solid colors. Square can be designed with hearts, seashells, circles, any other icon as long as matching designs are not are side by side horizontally or vertically. (The kids got tired of color after 1 row, so I ended up finishing the rest. They were more excited about making the checkers)

CHECKERS

1. Roll 1 color combination of Model Magic into 12 balls. Press down to make disc-shaped checkers.
2. Roll a different color combination of Model Magic into 12 balls. Press down to make disc-shaped checkers.
3. Allow checkers to dry for 24 hours.

(We made most of our checkers differently. We rolled out the Model Magic and used cookie cutters and Play-doh cutters to make our checkers. Hannah chose Stars and Hearts. Max chose Stars and the suggested method above.)

I love how it can be wrapped up for easy storing!

More Homemade Cards

Set of 3

I made these cards for my mom and each one has a special meaning. This first one is a doll pattern that I picked out as a little girl, with my mom's promise of making me a cute little doll. One that looked just like me with brown hair and blue eyes. Years later, it's still not made, but I do have the pattern to make for my little girl. And yes... it's not made for my daughter either. I didn't cut the original pattern to make the card, I just scaned it into my computer and printed out a copy. I suppose someday I'll make this pattern...

This card reminds me of my childhood days. We had a *super* spirograph and loved making spirally pictures on any kind of paper we could find.

This last card is my favorite!! It's LOL for "Laugh out Loud". Recently in a conversation with my mom I learned that she thought LOL meant "Lots of Love".

So I printed this on the inside of the card. I love her interpretation of LOL much better!

P.S. LOL Mom!

Glitter Shoes!!! (...failed)

Beautiful (but unwearable) glitter shoes

I was so excited to find a cute tutorial for Extreme Glitter Shoes on Lil Blue Boo. I searched forever for a pair of cheap canvas sneakers with velcro tabs. I finally found a pair on clearance at Payless.

Score!!

I bought the Extreme Glitter and got to work. Hannah even helped. It was very, very easy to do and they turned out so cute!

Hannah wore them on the 1st day of school, however this morning on the 2nd day of school, we couldn't get the velcro straps detached from the tongue of the shoe! They are now permanently fused together. And it's not because they didn't dry long enough. They have been ready for 2 weeks, just waiting for the first day of school. Hannah can't even slip her foot into the shoe. We were very sad, but at least we get to go shoe shopping now!

Free Mitered Corner Blanket Pattern!

Blanket for Stefanie's Baby!

Utah State University has a free Mitered Corner Blanket pattern available online. The pattern is amazingly easy and the finished blanket looks so cute!

I used a decorative stitch to give it a little more character.

You can really see the detail on the back. The best part is that my sister loved the blanket!

Birthday Balloon Wreath

Birthday Wreath

Takeshi FINALLY had his birthday party a month after his real birthday! I didn't finish the wreath in time because I ran out of supplies, but I hung it up after the party anyway :) I really don't think my 16 year old cared about the balloon wreath, he just wanted the balloons for a water balloon fight, and even stole some off of the wreath!

I followed this tutorial from "How Does She?", but used double the supplies. I don't know if my balloons were too close together or my straw wreath was bigger. Either way, I LOVED how it turned out!

Happy 4th of July!!

Shirt tutorial here

Art in the Park (with Jell-O)

Finished Project!

Our friend Natalie hosted an amazing "Art in the Park" activity for all our friends and kids. She brought all the supplies to make a great smelling piece of art using Jell-O and glue.

Supplies Needed:

1. Fruit Bowl (click to download)
2. Jell-O in these flavors: Strawberry, Pineapple, Grape, Raspberry, Lime, Lemon, Orange, Cherry & Banana
3. Elmers Glue (or generic brand)
4. Paintbrush for each child
5. Paper cups or other similar item to hold each flavor of Jell-O
6. Paper cup or other similar item to hold the glue

Directions:

1. Print out your Fruit Bowl (one for each child) and have them color the bowl any color they want.
2. Color the stems & leaves of the fruit green.
3. Pour some glue in a paper cup
4. Pour each flavor of Jell-O in it's own paper cup (NOT with the glue and don't mix the flavors). Label your cups! Many of the Jell-O's are the same color, but not the same scent.
5. Take your paintbrush and dip it in the glue cup.
6. Paint ONE fruit at a time (for the orange you can paint both). After the entire fruit is covered with glue, pour the matching scent of Jell-O onto your fruit. Pour any excess back into the cup.
7. Repeat with each fruit until it's covered.
8. Smell and enjoy!