Come on Fall!

August 11, 2014

projects to knit and crochet

While I’m not normally a fan of retail stores rushing seasons and pushing holidays on us far too soon, I, for one, can’t wait for fall. Cider, pumpkin carving, and leaves everywhere. It’s my favorite time of the year for sure.

Everything just seems a little cozier. Even though it’s 93 degrees while I’m typing this I can’t help but think about all things knit and crochet.

I tried my hand a knitting (some) last fall/winter and really want to explore it further. I’m not really crocheter, but I think I’d like to learn. Here are some of the things I can’t wait to try make this season.

Starry Night Socks
knitted socks starry night

Seed Stitch Wrap
amazing_seed_stitch_wrap-600-5

Crochet Frames
crochet frames

Honeycomb Blanket
rainbow honeycomb blanket

Knitted Wig Lola would lose her mind!
hallowigBEAUTY

Color-tipped Scarf
color-tipped-scarf-600-1

Crochet Cactus aka Plants You Can’t Kill!
cactus

Crochet Christmas Ornaments
christmas ornaments

I’ve my eye on a new set of needles and have been pinning projects like crazy.

Off to sit in front of a fan with my sweater and scarf on to pin even more!

xo, Jennifer

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Free Printable Paper Dolls + Fabric Clothing Templates

August 8, 2014

custom paper dolls and 2 diy fabric outfits

Create your own custom paper dolls with these free printable paper doll templates. We’ve created a unisex body for boys and girls and two outfit templates to be used with your own scrap fabric. We’ve created the templates to work perfect with fabric charm packs, but any fabric, felt, or even scrapbook paper will work great!

I shared these little guys as a WIP awhile back on our Facebook and laughed for longer than probably necessary at the adorable dogs and cats in dresses. They now hang above the window in the kitchen ; makes washing dishes a little more fun!

free paper doll printables with clothes

Lola still loves making these and grabs her templates every chance she gets. Sooooo, still calling it a win! She even had some suggestions on what you guys might do with yours.

Ideas from Lola:

  • Make Christmas ornaments from them. Just add a ribbon to hang!
  • Print on patterned paper, then make clothes “like normal” (she means with the templates/fabric)
  • Use the top of the dress like a tank top with the shorts
  • Make stands for them from scraps of cardboard
  • Use your child’s picture for the face, or even your four-legged child (my addition to her list)

Print your free printable paperdoll template (cat and dog faces are optional! I found mine through a Google images search for free cat faces, and free dog faces) and have some fun creating your own custom paper dolls and clothing from scrap fabric!!

paper doll printable shorts_craft forest

paper doll printable dress_craft forest

xo, Jennifer (art direction by Lola)

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Favorite Pins Thursday: Weaving Edition

August 7, 2014

weaving tutorials and inspiration

I remember learning to weave on a paper plate “loom” back in Miss Valenti’s art class in grade school. I loved it! I was so excited to work with the yarn to see the pattern take shape.  And I’m still excited. I’ve since moved on to God’s Eyes and some basic weaving on a cardboard loom.

These amazing examples and make me want to push my weaving skills even further.

Woven Aluminum Chair Makeover
chair

Cotton & Newspaper Weaving
c7483f840186d1f5faf6f70e1809a7d8

Complex Ojo de Dios or God’s Eyes
ojo

In awe of the work by Hannah Waldron
tumblr_inline_mxk6olbBMA1r9ilnv

Woven Trivet
weaving trivet finished 2

DIY Rug Loom from PVC Pipe
rug loom

As a family we try to learn something new each season and as we move into fall (well, fall in the sense that school is starting) I think weaving will be my suggestion.

Do you weave? Do you have a loom or did you make your own? Check out our Weaving Pinterest board for more inspiration!

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Back to School Already!

August 4, 2014

Today is Lola’s first day of second grade! It’s the beginning of August. It’s too soon! I want more lazy days at the pool and binge watching cooking shows. The 7th grader has another week glued to the xBox off, maybe I’ll get him to have a few more adventures before summer ends.

While, much to her disappointed, Lola doesn’t take a bus to school we still had a blast making this school bus picture day frames from craft sticks. We thought you might want to make some with your kids and grandkids, too!

It’s going to be a great year! Now off to get the last few things (that we forgot) on the giant supply list.

xo, Jennifer & a really excited 2nd grader

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Be Good to Yourselves: Mantra Pocket Mirror

July 31, 2014

diy mantra mirror

A new, but already dear, friend has recently started chemotherapy for her arthritis. She’s been a bit down on herself; beating herself up for being tired or not feeling quite like herself. We talked about her recent use of personal mantras like “I am strong” and “I’ve got this“.  She mentioned writing them on her bathroom mirror so she’d see them throughout the day.

I made these little pocket mirrors with her in mind. You can write your mantra on them with a Sharpie and quickly change it anytime you want, by simply wiping it with a damp tissue. But the Sharpie stays in place perfectly until you wipe it away.

mantra mirrors

diy pocket mirror

i am strong close up

I’ll share a tutorial if you guys are interested. Lola and I like them, but not sure if they are the most practical.

kitty affirmations

If I were going to make them again, I’d probably use cardboard to make it more like a little fabric covered book, with the mirror embeded the same way. I’d still cover it with fabric and I kinda like the random stitching.

Let me know in the comments if you want to see a tutorial on these and/or a modified version. Be good to yourselves!

xo, Jennifer and Lola (and our cat Karl)

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