How to Make a Gnome

I love the act of crafting and the idea of something beautiful being made by my own hands.  It is not often that it turns out as well as I would like.  But I can't complain though when I am crafting by myself and have no one to ask when I run into a snag so to speak.

When I came upon a tutorial for how to make wooden gnomes (from Wee Folk Art), I knew I needed to have a go at it.  Little J's birthday is soon and I think playing with these gnomes is right up his ally.

Below you will find the steps I took to make the gnomes.  If you would like more detailed instructions and images, check out Wee Folk Art.  She has the most awesome projects for you to try.  Impressed doesn't seem to say enough.  

Before beginning, order peg people online or go to your local craft store and purchase a set.  I got mine at Hobby Lobby for less than $4 for 4 people.  If you want to make mini gnomes, you may want to order online.  I haven't found any at our local craft stores.

First, you will need to download the templates from Wee Folk Art.  Then, cut out the templates that are the appropriate size for the peg people you purchased.  Finally, trace the templates onto stiff paper or cardboard.  I traced mine on a recycled cereal box.

Next, draw all the detail from the printed template onto your patterns.  Once completed cut out your patterns.

Now, trace your pattern onto colored felt.  I chose 4 different colors of felt and traced 1 of each pattern onto each different color.  Finally, cut out each piece. 

Once all pattern pieces are cut out apply craft glue to the entire body surface on the wooden peg person.  Select one of the body wrap pieces.



Carefully wrap the felt around the peg person pressing gently.  I allowed my felt to overlap slightly to ensure a snug fit.

I had my husband hold and press the seam while I completed this same step on another peg.  By the time the next peg was complete, the glue was secure enough for me to place the peg person on a shelf for drying.

As the cape and hats, I do not have a photo.  I had never hand sewn before and was concentrating so much on the process I did not take the pictures.  Sorry.

However, here is what I did.  On the edge of the cape where the template dictates blanket stitch with a complimentary color of embroidery floss. 

Do the same on the hat except on the seam where the two sides meet to form the cone.  At this point you can glue the pieces together overlapping a bit.  OR  You can use a running stitch before gluing the pieces together.  It is your choice.

J wanted me to turn a couple of the gnomes into kings and queens.  I drew a simple crown on the felt with a pen and cut it out.  The first time it was a bit large, so I just trimmed to fit.

Use wood glue to secure the hat in place on the head of the gnome.

The cape will need to be stitched together around the neck of the gnome.  This was a bit tricky, but turned out okay in the end.  That's the beauty of the entire project.  It doesn't have to be perfect to still hold all the magical appeal.

To stitch the two sides of the cape together, I placed the cape around the gnomes neck and thread embroidery floss through both sides.  Be sure to knot the end of the floss to ensure it does not slip through the felt.  Then, I stitched over, under, over, under until I got a nice snug fit.  If it was a bit loose, I just changed the location I was entering the felt to tighten it up a bit.  I believe I may have even added a bit of wood glue to a few of the gnomes.

Overall this was a the perfect project for a beginner like myself.  My boys loved the gnomes and especially enjoy them sitting out on our nature table for easy access when the whim to play arises.

Cloth Snack Bags

Saw the easiest tutorial to make cloth snack bags.  Thought I'd give it a go and think they turned out well enough.

For some reason, the You Tube video is not uploading.  Here is the link to Angry Chicken and the simple tutorial.

Valentine Pencil Toppers

Valentine's Day  is just around the corner.  I always like to have my boys give pencils instead of candy and cards.  This ensures all the kiddos are safe from nut and other various allergies as well as provides a usable outcome.  Who doesn't love a new snazzy pencil?

Last year, we cut paper hearts out of cardstock and wrote each classmate's name on the heart before attaching it to the pencil.  It worked in a pinch and the second graders didn't seem to mind that it was thrown together at the last minute.

This year I am planning ahead a bit.  I already purchased 50 pencils from the dollar spot at Target.  I think there were 10 pencils in each Valentine themed pack.  I am wanting my boys to be more involved in the creative process this year, so I am on the hunt for some easy ideas.

Here is what I have found so far:

• felt and beads heart topper
• felt and initial toppers... scroll down post to view
• printable toppers... 2 Valentine themed and one of Washington and one of Lincoln
• printable Mickey Mouse toppers
• free printable toppers... just follow her blog and she will send you the PDF... very professional looking
• foam conversation heart toppers

I think  we will probably color and paint the PDF toppers from Margot Madison.  They are super stylish and require my boys to put their heart into their gift.

Happy Creating!
One Pink Fish

Love the thought of giving scented pencils or pens, check out  I Love Smencils.

*Note From a Teacher: If you give pencils as Valentines, please make sure that you sharpen them before hand.  A teacher does not have time to sharpen 22 pencils and the kids are greatly disappointed if they have to wait until they get home to use them... <wink>*

Upcycled Bar Stools

What is an upcycled bar stool you may ask?  Well, an upcycled bar stool is simply a wooden bar stool made better by me, of course.  Now, instead of a plain wooden eye sore I will have a set of ultra modern bar stools just vying for your attention.

Materials:

• gray primer
• black and barn red paint
• a paint brush or paint sponge
• sand paper
• drop cloth
• bar stools

Directions:

1. Begin by taking your bar stool into the yard or garage and sanding the entire surface.  Once sanded, wipe clean with a cloth dipped in a water & white vinegar solution.  Allow bar stool to dry completely before continuing to the next step.
2. Now, apply the gray primer coat with your paint brush. Using a paint brush will give the effect of real wood.  If you prefer a smoother look, use a roller instead.  Allow primer to dry completely before continuing to the next step.
3. Next, apply a coat of barn red paint.  This is the color you will glimpse once the bar stool has been destressed.  Allow the paint to dry completely before continuing to the next step.
4. Finally, apply a coat of black paint.  This is the color your bar stool will be.  Allow the paint to dry before continuing to the next step.
5. At last, you are ready to destress the wood.  Begin by sanding all edges.  Then, gently sand the surface just enough to get a peek of the barn red coming though.
6. Once sanding is finished use a cloth dipped in a water & white vinegar mixture to thoroughly clean your bar stool.  Feel free to apply a water based polyurethane if you'd like, but it is not necessary.

Sounds easy, huh?

I'll let you know as soon as my bar stools are complete.  I just couldn't wait to post directions.  This is the perfect project to do in preparation for spring.

What kind of projects are on your horizon?

Anything fun you plan to do in the near future?

Source: R. Ann Siper on Associate Content from Yahoo

Projects from the Holidays

We have worked on many projects in the last few weeks.  I thought I would share our accomplishments.

Girls' Night In: 
My friends and I got together for some holiday fun and made gingerbread houses.  The friend that threw the party went all out and made homemade frosting and provided the graham crackers.  We just had to bring a box to use as our base and tons of candies.

My gingerbread house towered over the rest.  It looked a bit silly in comparison to the other houses, but it was the only box I had.

Having a Gingerbread House making party was alot of fun.  This is an idea I will definitely keep to use again.

Worry Jar: 

Not sure if I have posted about our worry jar before, but it has been used alot lately.  Any clean jar you have handy will work for this project.  You do not need to embellish the jar, but you can if you would like.  I just tied raffia around the rim.

The purpose of the jar is simple.  If you have a worry, write it down.  Fold the paper and place it in the jar.  Once the paper (worry) is in the jar you cannot think about the worry any longer.

I allow my boys to draw or write words.  I also encourage them to incorporate colors that represent their feelings onto the slip of paper. 

Since I implemented the worry jar tattling has cut down tremendously.  If it is not hurting someone physically or emotionally, it is probably a worry and does not need mommy's attention.

Worry, worry go away.

You make me sad

on this happy day.

Teacher Gifts: 
Being tight on money this year I made teacher gifts.  The rice pillows were super easy and very economical.  The jar is filled with an organic sugar scrub... a bit pricier, but mainly due to the essential oils.

I made one of each of these items for myself as well.  The scrub is amazing on my feet.  I think I might add peppermint oil next time though.  The rice pad can be used either warmed in the microwave or chilled in the freezer depending on the use.

Dream Pillows: 

I wanted to make my boys something special for the Solstice.  When I stumbled upon these dream pillows, I knew I had found what I was looking for.

The boys love making a wish and squeezing their pillows before bedtime.  They also truly believe the pillows will help them to have peaceful dreams.  It's really sweet.

I was so proud of my accomplishments.  I am teaching myself to sew which is not always easy when you are doing it alone.  I think I need to find me some crafting buddies.

So...
What did you work on for the holidays?

Any special homemade ideas you are quite proud of?

Lavender Rice Pillows

Materials Needed:

• half a yard of fabric
• 1 bag of rice 2-5 pounds
• several drops of essential oil

*I used lavender and orange oil.

Directions for Adding Essential Oil:

1. Dump rice into a large bowl. 
2. Add about 10 drops of lavender and 5 drops of orange oil onto the rice. 
3. Mix thoroughly with your hands.
4. Smell the rice and add more oil as needed.  I added 2 drops lavender and 1 drop orange oil until I was satisfied.
5. Allow rice to dry before using.

Directions for Rice Pillow:

1. Fold fabric in half.
2. Cut out a long slender rectangle approximately 5 1/2 by 12... I did not measure.  I also cut the fabric with the fold intact, so I would only need to sew 3 sides instead of 4.
3. Turn the fabric with both of the right sides facing in.  Using a sewing machine, stitch together 2 of the remaining 3 sides.  One of the smaller sides should be the one left open.
4. You will need to flip the fabric right side out.  I usually use a chop stick or bamboo skewer to do this.  Begin my flipping the fabric like you would turning a shirt right side out.  Then, use the chop stick to poke into the corners to ensure they are as square as possible.
5. Now, you are able to pour rice into the pillow.  You may want to make a paper funnel to make this process easier.  Once I used a funnel I had no problems.
6. Finally, use the machine to stitch the opened end closed.  I folded the material inward to make the edge look finished and the stitched through both pieces of fabric.  This end will look a bit different, but it was alot easier than hand sewing the end closed.

How to Use a Rice Pillow:
Microwave for 30 seconds.  Check temperature and reheat in 10 second increments until desired temperature is met. 

*My pillow stayed hot for over 30 minutes.*

For a cold pillow, place in the freezer for about an hour.  Check every 10 minutes there after until desired temperature is reached.

Child Safe Paint for Toys

This year I have made a good amount of the toys that my boys will get for birthdays.  Wanting to have a painted finished product, I went in search of a more natural paint to use during the process.

Here are some paints I have found:

*  Milk paint was the option I choose.  It is 100% natural with a milk protein binder... not good to use for a child with a milk based allergy.  This powdered paint comes in small sample bags making trying a variety of colors more economical.  You can mix the exact amount of powder you need and play around with the thickness of the paint to get the desired effect you are looking for. 

The one downfall is that you definitely need to seal the paint.  It is very susceptible to water spotting.  Using a beeswax finish is the idea option to create a completely natural toy for your child.  I used what was on hand which was unfortunately an acrylic spray.

The end result was beautiful, but not as natural as I would have liked.

*  Eco-Paint is an all natural paint made of flour, cornstarch and various fruit and vegetables.  It is sold in powder form and mixed as needed.

It did not state if this product needs to be sealed or not.

*  Watercolors make a great stain on natural toys, but need to be sealed because they are water soluble.  Be sure you get the AP Certified variety as not all watercolors are safe for toys.

*  Acrylic paint will work on all wood products and is very versatile.  It does however contain a plastic binder though which is a major downfall.  Again, some acrylic paint is safe for toys and some is not safe.   Look for that AP Certified label!

* Oil finishes such as linseed, walnut or mineral oil are a safe choice as well.  The only downfall here would be that the toys will not have any color.

*  Beeswax seems to be the most used sealant on natural toys.  You will need to repeat the process periodically which was another reason I choose a less natural alternative.  I was just afraid I would never get around to resealing as time goes on and wanted a toy that would last.

I really enjoyed experimenting with the milk paint.  I think I will get some beeswax to seal my next batch of toys just to test it out.

Hope this will help you make a child friendly choice when it comes to painting any toys you might make in the future. 

Do you make wooden toys? 

What kind of paint or finish have you used? 

How did you like the finished product?

How to Make a Recycled Lantern

For the Autumn Equinox this year, we made a recycled lantern.  We talked about this being one of only two days during the year where the balance of light and dark are equal.

Make a lantern is super simple.  i use this same method to make vases for Mother's Day with my kindergarten kiddos.  Frappuccino jars are perfect as a vase.

Anyways, here are the directions if you would like to make a lantern for your family as well.  If I had thought to add a wire handle, we could of used the lantern on Halloween to light the way.  How much fun would that have been?!

1.  Tear tissue paper.  I like to select about 3 colors.  For this project, I just took recycled tissue paper from our gift bag collection.  The colors were not what I would have chosen, but not buying new paper made this project FREE.

In the above picture T Man is tearing the paper WAY TOO BIG.  You need fairly small pieces to get a more mosaic look.

These pieces are optimal.  Some are rather small, some long and slender and yet others more square like.  This makes for an interesting desire on the lantern.

2.  Mix equal parts of elmer glue and water.  I mix the two together with my fingers until the consistency is even.

3.  Place the glue and jar on a safe surface.  Make sure the torn tissue paper is close at hand. 

4.  Begin by rubbing the glue mixture on a small section of the jar.  Apply tissue paper over the glue allowing the tissue to overlap.  (Sorry I did not get a picture of this step.  My boys were getting glue everywhere.  Next time I plan to place a sheet on the floor before we begin.)

Continue applying glue to small areas and laying on tissue paper until you get the desired look.  If any of the tissue seems to be too thick of wrinkled just add more glue and flatten it out.

5.  Once your lantern is just like you would like it apply a finally layer of glue over the entire covered surface.  This will ensure that the tissue paper does not come off.

I placed a tea light candle in the lantern and left it on the front porch. 

If you want to carry the lantern, place sticky tack on the bottom inside of the jar and press the tea light in place.  Wiggle the jar around before lighting the candle to ensure that it is secure.

To make a handle, cut a length of sturdy wire about 2 1/2 times the circumference of the lip of the jar.  Wrap and twist the wire into place.

Now, cut a piece of wire the about 12 inches in length.  Tread under the wire that is already attached to the jar.  Pull about 2 inches of the wire out and up, so you can twist the wire back onto itself like you would a bread tie.  Do this on both sides.

I always swing the jar from side to side and wiggle it really well before placing the candle in position.  Nothing turns a smile upside down like shattering the creation you just completed.

These would look beautiful on the table at Thanksgiving or Christmas.  They would also make a wonderful gift for guest to take home as well.

Mission Impossible

In this age of "going green" and sustainable living, retailers are not making it easy for consumers in this dire economy. Yes, there are an abundance of green, organic or alternative products out there now a days, but the price of these products is more than that of others in most cases.

For example, I looked into recycled paper towels today. I think they were $8 for 3 rolls. I just can't image someone on any kind of budget spending that kind of money on paper towels. My family can use 2-3 rolls of paper towels a week. Now that is alot of waste! While I stood there in the store contemplating what to do, I thought... duh, why not use cloth napkins. We have actually used dish towels in a pinch and I actually liked them better.

Photo copied from Flicker

So, I now have a mission... durable, cotton napkins for a reasonable price. I have been combing the web in my search and I am not pleased with what I have found. I know I really can be cheap but I find $3-$6 per napkin an insane amount to pay. I have thought about buying stiff dish towels or wash cloths, but I just don't know.

Any thoughts or ideas on where to search next would be great... stores, websites, etc. If only I could sew, I would make my own cloth napkins and lower my ecological footprint by tons.

Here are some directions for making cloth napkins out of sheets if anyone is up for the challenge.

Cloth Napkins: Directions Found

Skip to My Lou recently posted how to make cloth napkins. They look super easy and are really cute. I need to post my sewing adventure from last weekend. First time ever and I must say... not so bad either.

photo from Skip to My Lou

Next on the sewing agenda is definitely these beautiful napkins. We have cut our paper towel consumption way down. We use less than a roll a week. In all actuality, a roll probably last 2 to 2 1/2 weeks. Yeah, us! I am not a green fanatic, but I'm trying to make some conscience decisions to simplify our lives. I think it might be working.

 

Happy Sewing!

Cutest Purse Around

I just happened across the cutest purse for a mother and daughter to sew together.
 
Check out the tutorial at The Object Project.
 

photo taken by Leigh Ann from the object project

Be sure to browse this wonderful site. I will be stopping by often.

Happy Sewing!

Snack Time Anyone?

First of all, I bought a sewing machine. Yes, I am a big girl now. I own my very own Brother LX- 3125. It is a very basic machine... it sews.  Since I am a self- teaching novice, I thought it was best to go simple.

I could be breaking all the rules and adding new ones in as I go, but if it's in the name of fun... who cares anyways, right? I was thinking about my post from the other day. The one with all the alternatives to using baggies. I thought... "Wow, what a perfect place to start!" "Simple. Fast. Kid friendly. Reusable." "I can do this!" AND... I actually did.

First,, I cut the material to a little more than double the size I wanted. Then, I folded all the edges and pinned them. Next, I stitched all the edges in place. Note: In the above picture, the material is folded over so that I could take a closer shot.

Second, I folded the material to form a pouch. I left room for the flap that would close the bag. I actually folded it like a finished product and lined everything up accordingly. Next, I placed sticky backed velcro onto the actual bag in the locations that I thought would be best. Note: Both pieces of velcro were stuck together. There was a sticky side up and exposed as well. Then, I folded the flap down into position pressing firmly to attach the remaining velcro. Finally, I carefully opened the bag and stitched all the velcro in place.

The only thing left to do was stitch the outside edges closed. So, I carefully stitched along the right and left side of the bag forming the "snack pocket". AND... Ta daaaa... It was complete.

I had T Man try it out. We filled it with dry cereal. He said it worked perfectly. My opinion is that the pouch needs to be just a bit smaller. It was almost a little top heavy. T didn't seem to notice though.

On Another Note: I need to figure out what can be use on the inside to line it. I want a material that can get damp... for fresh fruit and the such. Also, I am concerned that if I put a sandwich in the baggie it would not be as tasty by lunchtime. Don't know really... just thinking that the material maybe be too breathable. Might make the bread not as soft.

We'll try it out and I will let you know.

Simple Cloth Napkins

I have had the material to make cloth napkins since Christmas time.  Since I am home for the summer, I thought I would actually pull out the machine and give it a try. 

Last year, I made two totes bags for my boys, but other than that I have no experience.  My mom helped the first go round.  This time I was on my own.

The results were a bit scary to say the least.

Below you will see the underside of the cloth napkin I was sewing.  Just look at that horrible mess.  It only took me until I had completed the entire napkin to realize that the pressure foot was up the entire time.

No wonder my machine was jumping around like we were having a massive earthquake.  I could hardly hold on to the thing.

Half way through this first napkin the bobbin thread slipped and I had to pull it back up through the machine.  For one, I didn't think to turn the machine off.  Secondly, I had my foot on the pedal.  And finally, I only had a vague memory of how to go about the task at hand. 

Let's just say...

I now know how to re-thread both the upper and lower sections of the machine and how to remove & attach a brand spanking new needle. 

That's right my friends... I broke the needle when I pressed down on the pedal at the exact moment my scissors were under the pressure foot trying to see if the lower thread was actually pulled through.  Ahhhhhh!!!

But all is well.  I finished my first napkin.  Little J was elated with the results.  He didn't care if the lines were crooked or the fact that there was so much thread on the back of his napkin I could have probably sewed him a new outfit.  Nope, he just wanted to be able to use.

And use it he shall. 

Though, he can use it as a napkin and a place mat for sure... he might even be able to use it as a blanket for one of his extra large stuffed babies too.

Look at this.  Try number two. 

Machine has a new needle. 

The bobbin has been re-threaded and the pressure foot is locked in the down position. 

The machine is humming quietly as my foot slowly presses down on the pedal. 

Lines are a bit straighter. 

Stitches a bit tighter. 

Stress level almost gone.  I did say almost.

Again, for some reason, I made the napkin entirely too big. 

What can you do? 

Maybe use an actual pattern of some sort.  Even trace a napkin from the kitchen drawer? 

Duh!

Well, there is always next time.  I have 4 more to go.  That could end up to be 8 if I cut them correctly this time. 

More sewing adventures to come.

Adventures in Sewing

I got the book The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule, owner of the soule mama blog. This woman is amazing.

One of the projects I wanted to create before summer begins was the night time routine bag. I am going to use it a little differently as our nighttime routines run smoothly , but we tend to vegg alot during the day. Each of my boys will have a daytime activity bag.

The boys will choose one book and one activity to place in the bag each night that we are dedicated to the next day. I think I am going to make cards for them to put in the bag for the chosen activity. My thoughts are to have more drawing cards than say some sort of outing. I will post more as I finalize my thoughts.

Back to the sewing. I decided if I was going to take on this task I would do it to the best of my ability. So here is how it has played out thus far.

Steps to Sewing My First Bag:

1. I enlisted the help of my mom. Since I was borrowing her sewing machine it only seemed right to figure out how to to use it first.

2. I helped to cut out the fabric. This part was easy.

3. After my mom demonstrated sewing the seams, I got my turn . At first, I went so slow. I was afraid. Of what? I'm not sure exactly, but I was still afraid. I soon learned however that most flaws can only be seen by a really good seamstress.

4. Then, I cut and sewed the seams on the lining.

5. Next, I laid the 2 fabrics facing each other and sewed them together. I left a tiny opening, so that I could flip the fabric right side out before closing of the fabric completely.

6. Being that I had never sewn before, I had my mom stitch the opening closed. I didn't really like that I could see the stitching, so I folded down about 1 and 1/2 inches and sewed an inside seam. It made the edge have a nice smooth finish.

7. I am a pocket person. Of course, this bag needed a pocket. I cut and sewed the seams. Then, I slid the bottom layer of fabric under the machine (like when you iron a shirt). This allowed me to sew the pocket in place with ease.

8. I cut material in the same red fabric that I used for the pocket to make the handles. I folded the material over 4 times and pinned it. I still need to sew the handles onto the bag, but I just have to find the time.

*I ran out of thread the day I was making the bag.

Well, here is the final piece. It still needs the handles attached and to be ironed. BUT... not so bad for a first try.

If I can sew, anyone can. Next, those darn napkins I keep mentioning.

Happy Sewing!

Fabric Eggs

I was checking out the Jamboree at Kiddio and noticed this great idea for decorating plastic Easter eggs. I have been trying for years to figure out a way to allow my kids to hunt eggs without having to fill the eggs with candy. Well, here you have it!

Materials Needed:

• plastic eggs
• strips of material
• mod podge
• fingers or sponge paint brushes
• empty egg carton

First, we cut the strips of fabric and mixed up the various kinds to make sure we chose a variety for our eggs.

Next, we poured the Mod Podge into a bowl. Then, we chose an egg and fabric.

You can see T Man really concentrating on which fabric to choose for his first egg.

Now, the fun begins. We used our sponge paint brushes or our fingers to apply mod podge over the entire surface of the egg. We applied strips of fabric over the egg alternating directions. We found that you really need to apply the mod podge over the fabric as well... to help the fabric adhere better.

As the eggs were finished, we placed them into an empty egg carton to dry.

The hardest part of this project was to get the fabric to flatten out. It never really did completely, but the boys didn't seem to mind. We finished about 10 eggs before the boys frustration was too much to handle.


Below you will see some of our best work!

2 STARS Rating (from T Man)

T said that the mod podge was just to gluey. He didn't like his hands sticky. It made it harder to apply the fabric.

What kid doesn't like getting dirty? Well, that would be Little J. He decide to be the glue spreader and I had to be the fabric man or woman as the case may be.