I made this harvest basket for Rhythm of the Home, a beautiful website with wonderful sense of seasonal play, warmth, connection and celebration. There are lots of nurturing, loving and mindful activities to enjoy.

Click here to see the full tutorial.

Happy September!

The boys desperately needed some pajama shorts, especially for days when pajama wear turns into daytime wear.

I had my little one try to pick fabric he liked, but I don’t have much boyish stuff.  Then I came across my pillowcase collection and there were a few that I thought would work.  The best part about using pillowcases, is that you can take advantage of the hem and, in some cases the side seams, which means less sewing. YAY!

I thought I’d share with you how I made these. They are very simple and easy to adjust sizes. Depending on the pillowcase, you can make almost any child’s size.  First, you’ll need a few measurements.  The waist, side seam length (I measured from hip to knee for longer shorts) and the rise (from crotch to belly button).

Using the side seam length measurement, add 1.5 inches for elastic waist casing.  Lay pillowcase flat and cut a piece using that measurement, keeping pillowcase side seams and hem intact. The pillowcase hem with be the hem of the short’s legs.

Now cut the pillowcase in half- these are the legs.  For my bigger guy, I used the whole width of the pillowcase. I cut an additional 2 inch strip off each piece for my little peanut, so that it would fit his waist better.  If you want to be more specific, add 2-3 inches to your waist measurement and then divide by 4.  This gives you the measurement of a quarter of your measurement, which is one leg (above) folded in half. Open the fabric piece flat, and it  should measure half of your measurement. Does that make any sense?

Now open the pieces flat with right sides together.   Pillowcase seams are now lined up together in the center. Cut the rise using your measurement (crotch to bellybutton or center waist line). If you got 8 inches, cut out a piece measuring 8″ x 1″ for the front, slightly curving around the corner for better fit.  Cut 8″ x 2″ on the other side. The extra inch allows for extra bum space.  Pin together and sew. I also did an overlock stitch along the edges with my regular machine. This helps keep the bum from ripping open during high action kung fu moves.

Now, open piece up, lining up the front and back rise in the center with the side seams now on the sides again.  Pin together and sew along the inseam -see dotted line above.  Again, I did an overlock stitch along the edge for extra reinforcement.

Now have your little one try them on to make sure they are going to fit. They need to be pretty loose so that when the elastic waist is in they will have extra give.  If they are WAY too big, you can sew along the side seams to take them in a bit.

To make elastic waist casing, iron down the top edge a quarter of an inch all the way around. Fold down another inch and iron all the way around. Now sew along the bottom edge, all the way around, making sure to leave an inch or two open to slide in the elastic. I used 1/2 inch elastic cut to fit around the waist.  Slide elastic through the casing using a large safety pin, sew elastic edges together, then sew little opening closed.  It’s probably a good idea to mark an x on the back side so the kids know which way is back.

* Use the left over pillowcase pieces to make cool stuff like THIS.

* Please let me know if you have any questions.

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We are heading out of town tomorrow!! I’ll be back later next week. Until then, I’m hoping to do a photo journal of our trip  here. No words, just photos. See you on the flip side.

A few people asked if I would show how we made our caterpillar book. No problem, because the whole reason I started trying to figure it all out, was so that I could keep a little inspiration book in my purse.

I made mine out of a paper bag, because I knew I was going to paint it and the brown paper holds paint well.  Any kind of paper can be used–scrapbook paper, text weight paper, cardstock…

1.  Cut paper into 4 x 4 inch sheets. The end booklet will be 2 x 2 inches.  Any size will work, as long as it is square and all sheets are the same size.  You can make the booklet any number of sheets. I will show how to put 2 together,  but my end result is 5 sheets long.

2. Fold each sheet in half both ways and in half diagonally. Pull diagonal fold inward as seen in photo. Repeat with all sheets.

3. Glue sheets together, with glue stick, so that one sheet folds inward and the other outward.  Continue adding more sheets if desired.

4.Fold booklet closed, carefully creasing each fold with your nail or bone folder.

5. Open and decorate whatever way you see fit.

Here are some other ideas in case painting isn’t your thing:
* Make one to tell a story. Write your birthing story, engagement, or something totally made up.
* Make a mini photo album. This would be a great gift for the grandparents.
* Make a birthday or anniversary card.
* Keep it blank and make lists and/or doodles.
* Make it inspirational.  Add photos, quotes, images from magazines.

Have fun with it!!

I made these bookmarks to giveaway as Valentines. There are a few more on my table that are half done.  I used some old vintage fabric that I picked up at a thrift store a  long time ago. The fabric pieces were small, perfect for accenting the canvas.

A few people are doing Valentine exchanges and  I wanted do the same.  I thought it would be fun to make something that you can use all year long, maybe as a marker for a project in your favorite sewing, art or craft book.

I have 6 left to exchange, so if anyone would like to make me a Valentine in exchange for a Valentine book marker, let me know and we can exchange addresses and hopefully get these in the mail before Valentine’s day.  Just to clarify, I am looking for 6 different people to exchange with. Leave a comment saying that you are interested and I’ll get back to you. (thanks!)

If you’d like to make your own bookmarks, here is my ‘how to’.

You’ll need:
Canvas (heavy cotton duck)
pretty fabric scraps
glue stick
white glue
scissors
paper clamps
iron
sewing machine
thread
letter stamps
ink

1. Cut canvas into strips about 2.5 inches wide x 9 inches long.

2. For the back, cut pretty fabric into strips,1 inch (or so) shorter than the canvas and glue to one side of the canvas using a glue stick. Iron. (This step is optional, but it does add some extra sturdiness to the book marker).  The bottom inch that isn’t covered with fabric will be the fringe.

3. Fold the top into a point, glue and use paper clamps to keep in place until dry.

4.  Cut a small heart (or any other shape) out of fabric.  Glue into place with glue stick and iron.  This just keep everything in place while sewing.

5. With your sewing machine, sew freestyle around edges. Sew around heart too.

6. Pull threads of canvas to make fringe on the bottom edge.

7. Using stamps and ink (I use versa magic inks), stamp any message you desire.  I thought it would be fun to make some that said “reading is sexy”.  Heat set with hot iron.

8. Give to your favorite bookish friends for Valentine’s Day.

I’ve been saving up my paper rolls in hopes of making something with them.  I decided to make these little ornaments after folding, bending, cutting and just messing around with the rolls.  My little guy helped me out.

Here’s what you need:
paper rolls
craft acrylic paint
ink marker (optional)
hole puncher
strips of fabric, ribbon, yarn, twine (whatever you like)
water-based, nontoxic satin varnish (optional)

1. Fold  paper roll as seen in first image.
2. Match points up and press together.
3. Repeat on other end.
4. Paint.
5. Decorate.  You can paint something directly onto the roll or glue images from books, fabric, wrapping paper, etc. Use small drawings that the kids have done on paper and glue them on, or a photo would work great too. Add a little glitter or stickers. Sky’s the limit.
6. Give a light coat of satin varnish (optional).

6. Punch holes into each point and tie together with twine, ribbon, strips of fabric or yarn. Repeat on other end.

fronts

backs

7. Add another string for hanging on your tree OR use as gift packaging for a small treasure (jewelry, small toy, money). Wrap the small gift in tissue paper and stuff inside.  Use a long piece of ribbon that you can tie the bottom ends together in a bow so it can easily be re-opened for a surprise inside.

8. Enjoy!

I hate it when I forget my fabric grocery bags!!  URGH!!!  I try so hard to remember. They are hanging right by the door!  But, it happens every once in a while.  I’ve been known to shove 10 lbs worth of groceries into my purse, just to avoid a plastic bag.

Well, it happened again, on Sunday. A trip to Trader Joe’s resulted in lots of yummy food and 3 stuffed paper bags. After we put the groceries away, I was folding up the paper bags and was noticing how thick the paper was. Then the creative wheels started turning and because I’ve been reading A LOT about art journaling, well…

I was able to get 2 small journals (4 x 5 inches) and one large journal (8 x 6 inches) from two brown paper bags.

Here is a quick bit about how I made them:

For two small journals cut 16 pieces measuring 5 x 8 inches. Eight sheets for each journal. For the large journal, cut the paper into five or six 8 x 12 inch pieces. I ironed each sheet with steam to get them flat and then folded each sheet in half. Then I hand stitched the binding using THIS TUTORIAL. For one of them, I hand stitched a straight stitch.

You can paint the pages with one or two thin layers of gesso to make the pages thicker and stronger and to give you a clean, white page.  Just make sure to use a dry brush or very little water with the paint to keep the paper from getting too soggy.  From there on out, the sky is the limit!  Paint, draw with pencil, charcoal, chalk, oil paintstiks, crayons, pens, markers, decoupage with paper, photos or fabric, use stamps. I use mat gel medium for all of my collage needs (or you can use modge podge)

Ideas for your journal:

*Color study, paint a different color on each page and then write feelings or draw pictures that each color evokes.
*Words.  Write a random word on each page then paint, draw something that is associated with that word.
*Copy old black & white photos of family members and paste them to your journal.  Paint colorful hats, dresses, vests on everyone.
*Use pictures from magazines and paste them in your journal.  Fancy them up with markers, pens, paints, colored pencils.
*Make a numbers or alphabet book with the kids.
*Themes:  Pick a theme , make a list then and fill your journal with each listed item.

• ~things that make you happy
• ~wishes, dreams and aspirations
• ~pet peeves
• ~goals
• ~favorite things
• ~travel journal
• ~favorite place(s)
• ~favorite people

The great thing about these journals is that they are a really inexpensive way to get creative with art. There is no pressure to make a masterpiece, just a really fun way to get ideas down on paper and experiment.

P.S.  I thought I’d see if anyone else had done this, and because this is an amazing and huge world full of a gazillion creative people, I found that my idea wasn’t all that origianl after all.  Ah well.  I can happily say however, that I learned more and was inspired by the following three really cool paper bag journal makers:

Yoli’s Sacred Journey: Brown bag art journal
Journal Junk: Paper Bag Journal (video)
Judy Wise: More Stuff

*********************Cheers!!*********************

My little I-guy was quite insistent that I make him a placemat like his brother’s.  He picked the fabric, buttons and ribbon and led me into the craft room, sat down and waited for me to make him his placemat!  Then I had to show him all the stitches that my machine makes which led to a long discussion about sewing toys, clothes, and other things.

After watching me go back and forth from cutting board, iron to sewing machine, he did some careful contemplation (he has a great thinking look) and decided that he too needs an iron, sewing machine and round cutter thingy (rotary cutter).  I suggested that we could just share (as long as mommy is around to help).   I really do need to get my old machine in working condition so the boys can have a go at sewing.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

2 ~ 14 x 17 inch pieces for the mat with 3/8 inch seam allowance.
2 ~ 3.5 x 6 inch pieces for the pocket with 1/4 inch seam allowance.
1 ~ 14 x 14 inch piece for the napkin with 1/4 inch double rolled hem (HERE is a good tutorial).
1 large button
18 inch piece of ribbon, cord, tie, etc.
scissors, thread, sewing machine, rotary cutter, cutting mat

1. Cut and iron all pieces.

2. Take the two largest pieces, place right sides together and sew all around using a  3/8 inch seam allowance leaving a 4 inch gap. Clip corners, turn right side out, poke corners out and press flat. Sew zig-zag stitch all around the edges.

3. Take two pocket pieces, place right sides together and sew all around using a  1/4 inch seam allowance.  Leave a 2 inch gap on the bottom short end. Clip corners, turn right side out, poking corners out, and press flat.  Place pocket piece on placemat — right or left bottom corner about 1 inch awary from edge, or where-ever you would like it to be. Pin in place and sew around sides and bottom edge with a straight stitch leaving top edge open.

4.Fold and roll the mat up and pick a good place to attach the ribbon (I folded the top third of the mat down over the utensil pocket the rolled it up from the utensil side). Hand stitch one end of the ribbon in place then hand sew the button on top.

5. Make napkin using the above tutorial, sit down and enjoy a nice little lunch!

added on 8/23****Wait! Before you go, stop by and check out my awesome interview with Dallas Clayton and enter for a chance to win his Awesome Book!****

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I think almonds are my favorite nut, but I won’t refuse a handful of cashew, pistachios or macadamia nuts.  Pecans and walnuts make it into many of my meals too.  Almonds though, are my savior.  I always have some in my bag for work.  They are quick and easy energy for those times I can’t get to my lunch in a timely manner. I also love the yummy milk they make.  It’s my milk of choice, for my cereal, smoothies, tea and baking recipes.

I recently read this great post about making your own almond milk.  I had no idea it was so easy.  Very cost effective and more nutritious as well (no weird additives).  Novel Eats has a great break down of cost too.

I only used a half cup of almonds, just to try it out.  It made about 3 1/2 cups of milk.  After straining you are left with the almond meal, which I didn’t want to waste.  So, I decided that it would make a great face scrub.  You can use it on its own by putting a small amount in your hand plain or with a couple of drops of honey and add a bit of water.  Make a paste and scrub up your pretty face.

I made my own yummy smelling scrub instead. Here’s my recipe (modified from Family Herbal):

1/4 cup almond meal (from the almond milk making process or you can use dry by grinding up some raw almonds in a food processor)
1 tablespoon white kaolin clay
1 tablespoon oatmeal
1 heaping teaspoon  dried lavender
1 heaping teaspoon crushed dry rose petals
1/2 tsp poppy seeds

Combine oats, lavender and rose petals in a food processor or coffee grinder and grind up to a fine/course consistency.  Mix with almond meal, poppy seeds and clay until thoroughly combined.  Keep in an airtight  container in your fridge. If using all dry ingredients, refrigeration is not necessary. Use a small amount and add a bit of water to make a paste.  Add a few drops of honey for added moisturizing benefits.

This scrub smells heavenly!  I’ve been using it everyday for the last 4 days and my skins feels soft and nurished.  I will definitely be making more of this.

We have been trying to go to the pool twice a week to keep the kids cool and happy.  I had been wanting to make a swimsuit cover-up ever since seeing all of these, but didn’t have the time until yesterday.

It was pretty easy to make.  I used two thrifted t shirts and my regular sewing machine. It only cost me $1, free if I had been able to find two decent t shirts in the hubby’s closet.

You’ll need:

2 mens t shirts. Find one that fits loosely. You will need the extra size for the gathered neck.  The second t shirt will provide material for the ruffled hem.
thread
sewing machine
scissors
safety pin

1. Cut Shirt~1 along the red dotted line, as seen in the diagram above. Save the hemmed piece from the shirt for the drawstring (see #6).

2. Cut second shirt as seen above for ruffled hem.  I cut my hem 5.5 inches wide, but this can be modified to any width. With the 2 cut strips, sew short ends together to make one very long continuous strip.  Sew straight stitch (using longest stitch) across the top of the entire length of the strip.  Pull bobbin thread to create a light gather. Set aside.

3.  Sew neck pleat on shirt ~1.  I used a scrap piece of fabric to demonstrate this part.
Turn shirt right side in and double fold in edge of plunged neckline (as seen in photot).  Pin in place.  Using a zig-zag stitch (straight stitch would probably work, but it’s not as pretty) sew straight down on doth sides (see the red dash line).

4.  Turn shirt right side out again and bring sewn edges together to make a pleat.  Pin in place and sew.

5. Make casing around neckline.  Fold in 1/2 inch all around neck and sew using straight stitch.

6.  Make drawstring using leftover hem from shirt. Fold hem in half lengthwise and zig-zag stitch all the way across the length.  Tie one end in knot. Attach safety pin to other end and work through neck casing.  When all the way through, tie knot on the end. Adjust gathers evenly.

7. Sew on ruffled hem. You might have to mess with the gather to achieve the correct length for sewing on. Plus, you may want more or less of a ruffle than I have.  My long strip was 1/3 longer than the total width of my shirt bottom, if that helps any.  Once you get the gather you like, cut off any excess and sew short ends together.  Sew onto shirt by pinning right sides together and then zig-zag stitch all the way around.

8. You’re done!! Go get on your swimsuit (as fun as that sounds), slip on this cute dress and head to the pool (or even better–the beach!). This is a very flattering dress, especially for those like me, with those empty-baby-house curves.

**Tips & suggestions**

* A serger could definitely be used for this but is not needed.
*When using a regular sewing machine, try not to stretch fabric as you sew.  Practice on some scrap fabric and make sure your tension and feed dogs are adjusted as needed.
* A straight stitch works well for any area that will not be stretched, otherwise use a zig-zag stitch to allow for a teeny bit of stretch.
* No hem is needed for the sleeves and ruffled hem edge – it’s knit!  It can handle that.
* This would be a cute dress too.  Try 2 colorful t shirts instead.

I hope this all makes sense. Let me know if you have any question.

Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses. — James Oppenheim, “Bread and Roses”

This is the first of three recipes using rose petals (hopefully).  I have 21 rose bushes, about 12 different varieties- all came with the house when we bought it and we are just now getting the hang of taking care of them.  We had originally planned on digging them up because they are big water users, which doesn’t bode well for desert living.  Unfortunately, their sweet scent and beautiful color keep us hanging on, waiting for the next wonderful bloom.

So what do you do with 21 rose bushes and hundreds of roses?  Make stuff with them of course.  Rose petal jelly being on the top of the list.

This is a great gift (maybe a Mother’s day gift?).  The scent is amazing as well as the flavor.  Tea and toast with a bit of rose petal jelly.  Doesn’t that sound just divine?  Well it is.

Making rose petal jelly is really pretty easy, just a little time consuming. Here’s how to do it:

First, get your hands on some roses.  If you don’t have rose bushes, then maybe an aunt or Grandma’s garden or a neighbors.  Make sure they have not been treated with pesticides. They should be fresh, the tops firm to the touch and they should smell delicious.  Depending on the size of the roses, you may need 12 large (size of you hand) or 18-24 small (size of your palm of smaller). Pick your roses and give them a good shake.  The dead petals will fall as well as those teeny little critters. Keep the stems in water until you are ready to use them, which should be sooner than later.

Once you’re home with your roses, rinse in water and remove petals . Put petals aside in a large bowl.

You’ll need:

3-4 cups of packed rose petals
4 cups of water
4 cups sugar
Juice of one lemon
I sprig of mint (optional)
1 box of pectin
strainer
Sterilized jars (32-40 ounces worth, ie: ten -4 oz or five 8 oz)

1.  Place rose petals in a large sauce pan, cover with water. Bring to boil, and simmer for 5 minutes.  Turn off heat and cover with lid. Allow to steep for 60 minutes. Add the mint during the last 15 minutes.

2.  When rose/mint water has steeped, strain.

3.  Add the juice of one lemon and watch the murky brownish-pink water turn bright pink.

4.  Pour back into sauce pan and turn heat on high.  Stir in pectin and stir until dissolved.

5.  Add sugar to boiling mixture. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring continuously.

6.  Transfer the jelly to hot, sterilized glasses and seal according to manufacturer’s suggestions.

Making rose petal syrup is very similar to this.  Just leave out the pectin.  Syrup is really yummy on vanilla  ice cream, in your tea, on pancakes and as rose petal margaritas!!! YUM!

Enjoy!!