Paper Dolls

My grandma was watching Rylee for me the other day, and asked if she had any paper dolls. I said no, and then the wheels in my brain started turning. I found THIS site and printed a bunch of stuff out. I knew she would play pretty rough with them, so I decided to alter the idea of the original paper doll and forgo the little flaps. I cut out the pieces, laminated them, and added sticky Velcro to the dolls and clothes. She loves them and the boys do too!

Then came the dilemma of where are we going to keep them so nothing gets lost. I originally had high hopes that we could keep the clothes separated by theme, but it is hard enough to get a 3-year-old to clean up , much less actually sort the items first. So I got this idea from my Aunt Kapi.

I used my big laundry basket as a template and cut out 2 pieces of fabric in the shape of a circle. Sew them right sides together, leaving enough room to turn inside-out. Then stitch around the perimeter leaving enough width for the ribbon. Thread the ribbon through leaving 2 places where it is exposed as handles.


Now when it is time to clean up, she just has to pile everything in the center and pull the 2 ribbons. It couldn't be easier!

Organization. . .Crafty Style

We all have those space, right? Those spaces where no matter how hard you try to keep them nice and clean, they wind up looking like a tornado went blowing through your house. While I have more than one of these spaces, I decided I HAD to tackle this part of my kitchen counter. This is where all the mail gets dropped, notes from school get put, miscellaneous phone numbers we have written on scrap pieces of paper. . .you get the idea.

BEFORE



I saw THIS idea awhile back and decided to try it out in the form of a mail sorter. I covered paint cans and lids with scrapbook paper, and after going to all that work, I decided if I layed them on their sides like in the example, you would hardly be able to see the pretty paper. That and I didn't want it to stick out from the wall that much. So I got an old shelf we had lying around the garage and used Locktite (my new favorite adhesive) to adhere the cans and lids. Then my hubby hung it for me. Isn't being organized wonderful??



AFTER

Two of my Loves

This craft involves 2 of my loves. . .ribbons and books!! I thought it would be a fun idea to include a handmade bookmark next time I give some a book as a gift.

Check out these easy bookmarks


I need to go back and use the fray stop stuff on the fat one. . .it is fraying pretty bad.

Happy 4th

This cute little salad was my contribution to the big family 4th of July get-together. It was a bit time consuming, but not too bad. And the kids LOVED it! Something about fruit on a stick. I should try this more often.

To make it, just hollow out the inside of a honeydew and water melon with a melon baller. I used a cookie cutter to make the stars and found it works best on the water melon--the seeds in the middle of the cantelop make it tricky.

Then add grapes and strawberries. Mix it all up and fill the "bowls". Add a few kabobs, scatter the remaining fruit around the platter and, voila!!

Lanterns

I have discovered Costplus World Market and LOVE it!! On my most recent trip, I bought some of their big Chinese lanterns. I stole THIS idea that my good friend used at her daughter's birthday party, and hung them over Rylee's bed. She loves them! But keeps asking when they will light up. The outlet is nowhere nearby and me and my detestation of visible cords. . .it might be awhile.

FHE Chart

I have made a goal to be better at doing Family Home Evening. I thought maybe having a chart would help out. I came across THIS idea (scroll down under found/whimsical) and had to try it, especially since my grandma had just given my a bunch of cookie cutters just like those in the picture.

I let everyone chose which cookie cutter would represent them, then painted little wooden hearts, attached the "assignment" to the front and hung it with twine. Then every week we switch. I don;t know if it will help us do FHE more regularly or not, but it looks cute anyway!

Lil' Miss Crafty

It has been way too long since I have had a creative project going! Every time I walk past the drawer in the kitchen, I hear my glue gun calling to me. So I decided to answer the call.

I have an obsession with ribbon. Every time I go to Michael's, I am sure to come home with at least one spool of ribbon from the dollar bin. Up until now, I haven't done much with it--just stuck them in a box. As I was looking at my over-flowing ribbon box this weekend, a thought came--why not make hair bows for Rylee! And I did. 13 different styles (26 total--in case she wears pigtails we need 2 of each) and it took no time at all! I am totally addicted! Then I hot glued 2 thick pieces of ribbon onto a big letter "R" for Rylee, and clipped the bows onto the ribbons. Now if I can just talk her into wearing them. . .

It's only the 2nd day of Spring Break and the boys are already bored! So off to Michael's we went. I love the little paint and build kits they have for a dollar! Keeps them busy for hours.

I also made this little Easter tree that the kids love.

Lastly, I saw this cute appliqué idea and decided to make Rylee a shirt. I just love the cute bunny shape! Now the boys want one--now I know what I'll use that Dallas Cowboys fabric for, Theresa! It was really fun and easy, so I'm sure there will be more to come!