Until Wednesday Calls

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-12-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Wishing you and yours a holiday filled with hot cocoa, warm hearts and great memories.Cheers, Melissa, Ron & Wednesday

How To: Beaded Garland Christmas Card Holder

2011-12-19T15:09:00.000-05:00

One last tutorial before I take the week off to enjoy the holidays and recoup thereafter. I have had this done or some time but every time I would go to post it, I would create something much more fun that I wanted to share with you!

Doncha love the card!

Seriously though this is almost as easy as the stocking pillows. And here is proof:

Gather Ye Materials

Wooden clothespins

Mod Podge (I used Sparkle Mod Podge.)

Large wooden beads. (I think mine were about 3/4" in size) They were also from an old beaded garland from Christmases past.

String/yarn

Begin at the beginning...

Step 1: Cut paper scraps to size of clothespin front.
Step 2: Adhere paper to clothespin with one coat of Modpodge on Clothespin and then give paper one top coat of Mod Podge. Let dry.
Step 3: String beads (I used ten) in between clothespins. Simply put string through coil in clothespin.
Step 4: Hang and ill with cards from your loved ones.

This will be the last tutorial from me until the new year. I might pop back in with something shiny and fun or New Year's Eve but right now I just plan on finishing my Christmas prep and then recuperating from the holiday madness.

Happy holidays!

Scrapbooking Sunday : A New Link Party!

2011-12-18T11:45:00.002-05:00

Recently I have discovered that I love digital scrapbooking. I know, duh right? But as much as I have been playing with elements o digital scrapbooking with things like Wednesday's birthday invitations and blog headers and buttons I have never really scrapbooked with it. As in make photo layouts. Well, I have begun to scarp every morning with my coffee. It seems to be my best time creatively as I am freshly alert with my coffee and my head is not yet clouded with elements of the day.
It started less than two weeks ago with a Christmas card. Then it was the first snowfall layout you saw a couple Wednesday on Wednesdays ago. I have since created a half dozen photo layouts and I am just itching to show them to you.
I already have a couple favourites but really, I am just pleased as punch with my progress. I thought maybe I would start a link party. Scrapbooking Sundays or digital, paper and card making.
I am hoping that with enough momentum and success that maybe we can have some sponsored challenges in the new year!

My New Favourite.

Today's creation.

Our Springer named Sweety under the tree.

I have to partially thank Mymemories for the new found addiction. At first when they gave me a copy for review and giveaway I was thinking "OK, I have Photoshop so why would I use it? But whatever, I'll give a copy away." Well, after the initial getting used to a program that was not Photoshop I was sold. It really is a stellar program and for $30.00 (with coupon code on my sidebar) you cannot go wrong. Honest. And before you think I am just trying to sell you something that I get for free let me tell you that I have bought more than my share of digital design packs. BUT here is the best part, after your initial purchase, you not only get credits for ten dollars worth of design packs but there are five pages worth of free kits. The kit I used to make last week's Wednesday on Wednesday was totally free. The elements I used for my last two pages were all free, sourced from around the web over the last two years. Just some food for thought. I do still use Photoshop for things, but I use Mymemories every morning for layouts.

And now it is your turn! What have you been working on? Do you love digital scrapbooking? Are you more traditional with paper and glue? Do you make cards? Or design blog headers and buttons? Show me! Show us! Just link us to your blog POST or Flickr Photo(set) and each week I will Share the two links with the most clicks.

How To: Repurpose Stockings to Throw Pillows

2011-12-16T17:39:00.001-05:00

Well, this isn't so much a how-to as a go-do! I had been meaning to make some felted-sweater-stocking-pillows for a couple weeks now but you know how things get this close to Christmas. Thankfully, I had a light bulb moment and decided that filling extra stockings with fabric scraps I have ~~hoarded~~ saved or just this purpose would be even better! Pretty freakin' adorable right?

All I did was fill and sew. See the seam at the top? Looks like it supposed to be there doesn't it? Well, almost. You could even hand sew it. Machine not required for this one. In fact a blanket stitch would probably look lovely.

They are surprisingly comfortable, even two stacked in a wing back chair.

I was just happy to have a use or some of the extras we had. We have a total of nine stockings. Nine. We are only three people. But A friend made Wednesday's stocking and machine embroidered her name on it so we keep that one out. I mean, how often do you think Wednesday will receive personalized items? I have the black and white denim patchwork one you see in my header. It is just too pretty not to hang, and it is kinda small so Ron doesn't go broke trying to fill it. Finally, I made Ron a new stocking this year out of two felted wool sweaters. He loves his wool socks so I mimicked one for the stocking. (I had in previous Christmases used a wool sock or his stocking but they are just too small for things like movies, cds or novels.) His ace lit up when I showed him his new stocking, I was so proud.

Happy Christmas Crafting!

How To: Recycled Crayon Wax Christmas Ornaments

2011-12-15T15:49:00.002-05:00

You know all those cheap wax crayons you get at restaurants? Or in bags o crayons at thrift shops and yard sales? Well, they do not make good cupcake crayons. They don't, I have even mixed them with Crayolas. The thing is the cheap wax is light and floats to the top o the crayon instead of mixing with the good wax. So, what do you do with all your child's broken crayons and cheap crayons? Well, you can make candles. But it takes a lot o crayons to make candles. (And I cannot attest to the safety o crayon candles.) So what else? Well you can make Christmas tree ornaments. It is super simple! Wednesday was able to help with most of the process. he liked sorting and breaking the crayons. (I asked her to pick out all the pink, green, red and white ones.)

Gather Ye Materials
Broken crayons
Glitter (I used fine, medium and chunky)
Screw Eyes
Ribbon
Cupcake molds The smaller hearts are Wilton Mini Scalloped Silicone Cupcake Hearts and the bigger hearts are dollarstore valentine molds. (Super flimsy)

Begin at the beginning...

You are essentially making crayon cakes with LOTS o sparkles....

Step 1: Remove wrappers from crayons and break crayons into small pieces.

Step 2: Sprinkle glitter in the bottom of the molds/tins. (Little or lots, it is totally up to you)
Step 3: Line a baking sheet with tin-foil or parchment paper and set molds on top. Fill each mold with crayon pieces.You can make these monochromatic, keep it Christmas-sy or just go-to-town with the rainbow.

Step 4: Put baking pans/cups in an oven pre-heated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Leave in for ten(ish) minutes, you want the crayons to be melted leaving a smooth surface but not boiling.
Step 6: Remove from oven and sprinkle with more glitter. (Don't go crazy, most of it sinks to the middle of the wax cake anyways.)
Step 7: Let cool. (This really doesn't take as long as you'd think) and remove from molds.

Step 8: Carefully attach screw eye to wax tart.

Step 8.5: I found pre-poking a hole with a tooth pick helped.

Step 8.75: I also found that if I broke some it was no biggie, I just pooped the broken ones back in the oven or a couple minutes and we were golden.

Step 8.9: I also found that if the screw eye fell out, I just heated it up for a second with a lighter and it glued itself to the whole, better than before.

Step 9: Add ribbon and voila! You're done!

P.S. I you need pictures of a crayon cake tutorial this one from Indietutes is super!

Happy Christmas Crafting!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-12-14T08:26:00.000-05:00

This is Wednesday holding Rosie. Rosie is from my childhood, my dad gave her to me when I was two. Although she is a little rough around the edges she has a lot o her left to love. It warms me inside to see her loving the teddy bear I loved enough to pack and move with me a multitude of times.

**Digital scrapbooking page was made in less than ten minutes with MyMemories software and the Moments FREE kit by Indigo Designs.
**MyMemories digital scrapbooking elements (free and for purchase) can be downloaded in PNG format for use in other programs.

How To: Ice Cream Cone Christmas Ornament

2011-12-13T08:02:00.001-05:00

I am in love with my Ice Cream Cone Christmas ornament. I made the ornament and how to or Savvymom.ca. It was the least I could do ater they put Until Wednesday Calls AND Storage Geek on their 35 favourite Canadian Mom Blogs List.

To find out how I made this ornament click here!

Authors Note: Pictured at the tutorial is a wreath. The hot glue and the glas Christmas balls did not stay bonded through the first freezing rain storm we had. The glue contracted too much in the cold. But as a Christmas tree ornament it is good enough eat!

How To: Refurbish a Jewelry Box with Clip On Earrings and Paint

2011-12-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

Some difference eh? I love it. A little bit of paint, fabric and shiny baubles and this once almost useless jewelry box is useful and pretty. I was on a big spray painting kit one day and collected everything I could find that might make a pretty accessory holder. The pulls were hideous (and hard to use being so small) so I dug into my thrifted clip on earring collection and voila! here is how I made it:

Gather Ye Materials
Jewelry box
Paint (optional) I used Rustoleum Apple Red Spray paint
Clip on Earrings (1 for each drawer/door)
Small piece of fabric

Gather Ye Tools
Hot glue gun
Scissors
Pliers
E600 glue

Begin at the beginning...

Step 1: Remove hardware holding door glass and the door glass.
{If painting}Remove drawer pulls and tape a pice of paper to where door glass was.

Step 1.5: Paint

Step 2: Use glass as template for fabric. Cut fabric larger than glass.

Step 3: Glue down fabric to inside of door frame.

Step 5: Trim fabric.

Collect your clip on earrings.

Step 5: Remove backs from clip on earrings. I did this with a pair of pliers. I held onto the earring with a pair and pulled on the clip with a pair.

Step 6: using a glue that can bond metal to metal (like E600) to glue the earrings to each drawer pull.

Step 8: Add post earrings to fabric and you're done!

Add it to your bedroom and fill with your fabulous accessories!
Happy refurbishing!

How To: Picture Frame Brooch Display

2011-12-09T11:13:00.000-05:00

I love red. Seriously. Since I was a kid I have been choosing red game pieces, red lollipops, red clothing and as an adult I still do that but I also choose red home decor pieces like my red Ikea duvet cover. So it was only natural that when I had two cans of apple red spray paint land in my lap that I go to freakin' town on something right? Well, I did.

Looks like this Island of Misfit home decor doesn't it? It kind of is.

I gathered together two plastic dollar store picture frames, one hideous and almost not even useful jewelry box from my Mom, a thrifted mug rack and an empty picture frame collected during a trip to the dump (not shown). I gave everything three light coats of Rustoleum Apple Red paint, added some cork board here and clip on earrings there and voila!
And voila! You have a gorgeous framed brooch display made in minutes!

This is what happened to my closet when I put it all together! I love it!

While the mug rack is pretty simple (Find one and paint it.) The others do require a bit of a step by step. I am not going to make one or the larger earring display though. All I did was staple some wire mesh I had laying around to the painted frame. I had wanted to use lace but didn't have a piece large enough. I like the bigger mesh though, it supports the bigger post earrings. But i you need a tutorial there are lots of great ones out there. Here, here, and here are all great ones to get you started.

In this post I am going to run through the brooch display. I'll post the step by step for the jewelry box in just a couple days.

Gather Ye Materials
Picture frame finished to your liking
Piece of cork board at least as big as your frame
Piece of batting (or any bulky sot material like felt or fleece) as big as frame
Piece of fabric a couple inches larger than your frame

Gather Ye Tools
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Picture hanging hardware in case your frame doesn't have that. (Mine didn't)

Begin at the beginning...

Step 1: Place your frame backing on a piece of cork and trace. Cut out your cork and fit it in the frame. make any necessary adjustments.
Step 2: lay cork on batting and trace. Cut.

Step 3: Layer your fabric, your batting and your cork board so that the cork is on top and fabric is on the bottom.

Fold each side over and glue with hot glue one side at a time. Do this in opposite sides creating a nice taught front piece of fabric.

Step 5: Flip over and check for taughtness or in my case wavy stripes.

Step 6: Fit back into frame.

Step 7: If you are using the frame as a dresser top display, this is where you try and squeeze the back, back into the frame.

Step 7.5: If you can't fit the frame back on, or want to hang the display on the wall using tack, little nails or a good glue attach picture hanging hardware directly to the cork board.

And voila! You have a gorgeous framed brooch display made in minutes!

Come back soon to see how I made this gorgeous little number!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-12-07T09:40:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago (in November) we had out one and (so far) only snowfall of the season. There was just enough on the ground we were able to go out and play for a little while. I managed to snap a couple great photos of Wednesday in a great mood. How are your towns doing snowfall-wise?

♥ ♥ ♥

Layout is made with MyMemories software (mostly) Eskimo Kiss design pack.

How To: Ruffled Christmas Garland

2011-12-05T10:09:00.002-05:00

A couple months ago, I organized my vintage sheet collection. I made some mini fabric bolts from corrugated plastic. It looks great, but I had to trim a lot of large pieces of most of the sheets. I also decided to thin out the stash a little bit. My solution was a braided rag rug for Wednesday's play space. I have no idea what cold medicine I must have been on because as soon as I had torn up the sheets I realized that it was just too big of a job. So, now I had three large reusable shopping bags full of torn strips of vintage sheets and no way to use it all fast enough. Enter Christmas and my sewing machine ruffler foot.

I managed to use up one out of three bags making a skinny garland for my tree and a fatter garland for my banister. I love them both. Captain Awesome called it "Country cute". I prefer chic to cute but I'll take what I can get! I almost feel silly for posting it as a tutorial but I took process photos and thought I would share. ***Authors Notes*** You could try this with burlap, or double up on your fabric, a skinny strip on top o a wide one. Or ribbons, have some spools of ribbon you haven't used in since last Christmas? Or scraps, the strips would be smaller of course but the variety and colour would be gorgeous!

Gather Ye Materials
Fabric (The longer the pieces the better, I used vintage bed sheets.)

Gather Ye Tools
Sewing machine
Ruffler foot (Gathering foot will work as well, it just produces a less full ruffle.)

Begin at the beginning...

Step 1: Tear your fabric into strips. The easiest way to do this is to snip the fabric at regular intervals at one end and just tear down at each snip to the end of the fabric.

Step 2: With your ruffler foot set to rufle @ every stitch, and your stitch length set to the most per inch (I think mine was twenty?) feed the fabric into the ruffler foot a single layer at a time. This is just like using a serger.

Step 3: To join fabric pieces slide the next piece under the current piece with a half to full inch of overlap.

This is to show the different width and what the ruffle looks like. I used a skinny ruffle on my tree because it is a tiny tree (Artificial 6ft)I probably could have used a fuller ruffle but I am totally happy with how it turned out. I used a wider ruffle for my banister and also upped the fullness.

Shabby farmhouse chic by day and Country chic by night.
This our first Sweet family tree in the six(ish) years we have been together. Oh, we have had tree branches, and potted Norfolk pines, table top artificials and even giant firs (the fir was at my parents when we stayed with them upon moving back to Onatrio.) but this our first standard sized, lit up Christmas tree. At first I wanted a real one (Farmed trees are my eco choice) but the space we had to fit it was so narrow that really only a fake tree could fit. Also, our budget was nil so when this pre-lit 6ft went on sale at Canadian Tire I ~~begged for~~ ~~harassed Ron~~ jumped on it. The bonus is that it is small enough to be a second tree if we ever have a place that is big enough for two trees.

Our very old Springer Spaniel, Sweetie Sweet. She is deaf and mostly blind and always looks like someone has beaten her or will be beating her soon. Emotionally high maintenance this dog.

Happy Holidays and of course happy crafting!

How To: Scrap Fabric Flower Accessories

2011-12-03T11:09:00.001-05:00

What seems like ages ago, I gave away some vintage sheet fat quarters and a fabric brooch I made as a bonus. I was asked by a couple ladies how I made it so I put making a tutorial for it on my to-do list but, as most things blog related last year it was de-prioritized. Well, since I began my fabric scrap management series, it was re-prioritized and finally completed! *yay* Would you like to make one (or five) o these little beauties? Sweet!

Gather ye materials
Fabric scraps cuts into circles (What size, how many different sizes and how many circles is dependent on what you want your flower to look like.) I like six per layer, sometimes eight and even five works.
Coordinating felt scraps (Or now that I think about it, leather and vinyl would look good too.)
Baubles for the center of the flowers (Buttons, brads, pins etc.)
Findings for the back (Brooch clips, alligator clips etc.)

Gather ye tools
Sewing machine (Not necessary but I don't enjoy hand sewing that is not purely decorative)
Needle and thread
Glue gun & glue sticks

Begin at the beginning...
Step 1: Cut circle.
Step 2: Cut the circle in half.

Step 3: With right sides together, sew around curved edge.

Step 4: Turn right side out.

Step 5: Thread a needle, sew a loose running stitch along bottom of turned circles. Pull tightly.

Step 6: Continue threading petals onto needle and thread until you have enough petals or a single layer. Tie of after each petal if you find them unraveling to quickly. Tie after last petal before you tie two ends together.

Step 7: After you have tied the two ends together, arrange your petals. This might take a bit of shifting and such. I also stitched a few petals in place because I didn't like how they had gathered. You'll figure it out once you get playing with it.

Step 8: Repeat steps 1-7 until you have all the petals and layers you would like for one flower.

Step 9: Play with the centers. Try a few things out. Here I tried a vintage green button, an extra large white brad and finally a button pin.

Step 10: Cut a piece o felt for the back about a half inch smaller than the largest flower. Begin layering and gluing.

Step 11: When gluing, add the smallest bit of hot glue (or tacky glue) around the center of each flower.

Steps 12-14: Attach your desired accessory piece. If you use a brooch pin, I like to add a piece of felt to cover up the glue. But I also made one into a hair clip and one into a wrist corsage. And you're done!

Voila! Your new fabric scrap flower accessories! Now go make a billion for your little girl(s) and sister(s) and mama and grand mama and co-workers and BFFs and acquaintances!

P.S. I really hope you're not tired of my vintage sheet stash because I have more projects made from them coming!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-11-30T09:16:00.001-05:00

Little Drummer Girl a video by Cara.Mia on Flickr.

Wednesday grabbed her drum and played it while we watched the sing along video to Little Drummer Boy Christmas movie.

She is so cute she gives me cramps..

Winner!! MyMemories Scrapbooking Software

2011-11-30T00:08:00.000-05:00

We have a winner!! 10750 Coupons is our winner! You lucky duck!

How To: Patchwork Mug Rug

2011-11-24T15:17:00.002-05:00

It's as if a place mat and a coaster had a baby!

A couple weeks ago I made a post about managing your fabric scraps, it pretty much just boiled down to having a plan or those scraps and then cutting them to the sizes and shapes you need them for for easier storage. I found a use for my bigger scraps. Mug rugs! Super cheerful little bits of patchwork. So easy that I made nine on my first try. :)

Seriously folks. They don't even have to be a certain size. I started out with a template but eventually just worked with what the fabric scraps were giving me.

Most of these are made with vintage sheets. Except for the black and white Ikea print you see in the first photo and a piece of fabric I used in the mug rug for the tutorial. Oh yeah, and a couple of these are backed with a cut up mans shirt sleeve. But mostly beautiful, cheerful vintage sheets! Would you like to make some for yourself? Awesome!

Gather ye materials
Fabric scraps of varying sizes
Some sort of batting material, I used the bottoms of a pair of fleece pants that were cut into shorts and then felt when I ran out of fleece.
Scissors, pins, thread
Sewing machine is ideal for this but not necessary

Note: Finished size of the mug rug pictured in the tutorial was roughly 8.5x8 inches.

Step 1. Gather your pieces and find an arrangement you like.

Step 2. With right sides together sew your pieces together. (Red line is for emphasis.) I like to use my zig zag foot as a guide which is roughly 1/4" I think. Continue until all of your pieces are joined.

Step 3. Press your seams flat. (Does anyone else use a towel as an ironing board?)

Step 4. Cut your batting/fleece/felt to one inch (length and width) less than your patchwork. E.g.: I your patchwork is 9x9 you would cut your batting to 8x8.

Step 5. Turn over and pin.

Step 6. To quilt the batting to the patchwork, I top stitched some echo stitching along the seams.

Step 7. Turn your quilted piece over and square up your edges.

Step 8. With right sides together sew the backing to the quilting around three sides. Leave one size open or turning. Trim and clip corners.

Step 9. Turn. Use a chopstick or paint brush to get your corners out nicely. Fold the opening into itself so that it looks just like the photo. Press it closed.

Step 10. Top stitch around the perimeter. And ta-daa! You're done!

Groovy baby. Groovy.

Wouldn't these make great Christmas gifts? You could add in a handmade coffee sleeve and a gift card to the recipient's favourite coffee shop. Or with a nice mug and a bag of their favourite coffee or tea! The possibilities are endless!

I hope you enjoyed the first tutorial in my Scrap Management series. If you make one (nine) I would love to see them! Cheers and happy sewing!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway for MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking software!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-11-23T00:00:00.004-05:00

Wednesday is somewhat of a little fashionista. Seriously she has this knack with clothes. I rarely ever exert my influence. I draw the line at weather inappropriate gear but other than that she has full reign. BUT! Every now and again she likes to mix things up a little. One day she wears black boots and tutus the next day......

I heard a rustling of a plastic bag and I'm all "What are you doing up there?" And this is what she came down the stairs wearing.

"Take a picture of my bum Mommy."

Never a dull moment.

GIVEAWAY!! My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software

2011-11-22T13:00:00.002-05:00

Have you heard the latest word in digital scrapbooking software? MyMemories. Well technically that is two words, but it is still the latest and greatest. especially this week because they released a new version just yesterday! And you lucky folks are getting a chance to win a copy today! (Winner to be announced one week from today!)

First, what is My memories software? Well, it is a ridiculously inexpensive way to digitally scrapbook your past, present and future photographs without spending a grand. It has gotten great reviews all over the web including scrapbook.com which was my go to web site when I was strictly a paper scrapbooker. I use Photoshop (A super old release that makes me want to cry when I use it.) for everything from photo editing to blog headers and lately even free printables for the blog. But when I was approached to test out MyMemories and give away a copy I was totally jazzed.

Although I was gifted the software I have purchased a couple digital kits. This Thanksgiving one in particular ad another gorgeous Christmas one I can't wait to use to make our Christmas cards.

I spent two weeks playing around with the software and I managed to create the Thanksgiving cupcake toppers I posted last week and the Thanksgiving finger puppets I posted this morning. I know, where is the scrapbooking? Well, how about these quick pages I downloaded (For free!)and popped a picture in. Took ten minutes including the downloading time.

That is another thing, My Memories has lots of digital freebies, like five (web)pages worth. There are always sales on the kits that are or purchase AND you can download the files in Mymemories format and PNG format or use in other software applications.

But wait! There's more! I you would like to find out more about My Memories software you can always check out their Facebook page where there are always contests and giveaways going on. In fact right now, there is an Ipad waiting to be given away when they reach 10K likes.

Do you think you could get down with a copy of the software? Awesome! Now, all you have to do is hop on over to MyMemories and browse their gorgeous digital scrapbooking kits and come back and tell me which ones are your favourite.

There are so many additional ways you can enter or this giveaway!
You get one entry for:
Being an Until Wednesday Calls follower (Comment telling me you are a follower.)
Creating a blog post spreading the word.(Comment with a link to your post.)
Tweeting this blog post (Comment with the link.)
Following me on Twitter (Comment with your username.)
Following the MyMemories blog (Comment to let us know.)
Like the Mymemories page on facebook (Comment to let us know.)

**PLEASE LEAVE EACH ENTRY AS A SEPARATE COMMENT**

Bonne chance mes amis!

Free Printable : Thanksgiving Finger Puppets

2011-11-22T10:34:00.002-05:00

Hey folks! I am working on the giveaway post as I type this so this is going to be another quickie freebie! Like I said last week when I posted the Thanksgiving cupcake toppers I have been creating things in MyMemories software. This week I tried my hand at finger puppets and I think they turned out fabulous!

I thought I would squeeze in more goodie before Americans celebrate their Thanksgiving. They print out with holes that can be cut smaller for little fingers or bigger for bigger kids. I was able to get most of my fingers in the holes. I might recommend covering the holes in clear tape before cutting though.

Click here for the Google.Doc download.
Please do not share the file but PLEASE DO share the link to here for others to enjoy.

Comeback this afternoon for a chance to win a copy of the MyMemories software I used to create these fun little guys!

***Pilgrim bears are from Cindi Gilmour's Pilgrim Bears DigiDoodles clip art kit.
***Turkeys are from MyMemories Let's Talk Turkey Digital Scrapbooking kit designed by Just So Scrappy.

Free Printable : Thanksgiving Cupcake Toppers/Food Picks

2011-11-18T09:00:00.003-05:00

Hey there folks! I have a quick little goodie for you today! I have a great giveaway coming this weekend (Starting Sunday night!) and this printable ties in with it. For now my American readers can bask in the cuteness that these topper will bring to their food next week.

I made these little numbers with my new copy of MyMemories digital scrapbooking software. Aren't they adorable? I wish I had time to whip up a batch of muffins to pop these in but I am rearranging my house. (Serious undertaking!) So you will just have to use your imagination (and printer).

Click here for the Google.doc download.

Printable sheet made using graphics from MyMemories suite 2 and Let's Talk Turkey digital design pack.
Come back on Sunday to enter the giveaway for your very own copy of MyMemories scrapbooking software! I am so excited about this you don't even know!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-11-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

So, sometimes I am not the most patient mom. I know! I seem like such a calm and peaceful person right? Heh. Well, yesterday morning, Wednesday made me insert both feet into my mouth. I was upstairs folding laundry while she was downstairs in the living room when she yells up "Mom! I'm just using the computer!" To which I nearly panic and yell back. "Do NOT touch the computer!"And when I look down over the banister this is what I see:

Wednesday working on her 'laptop'. Cute as a freakin' button right?

P.S. She wore that bathing suit all day waiting to go to the pool last night.

Jimmy Fallon's Reading Rainbow

2011-11-15T07:44:00.002-05:00

It is very rare that I will post a video of Wednesday, even more so a video of someone or something else. But this video of Jimmy Fallon singing The Reading Rainbow theme song as Jim Morrison had me in tears it was so amazing. I LOVED Reading Rainbow with Levar Burton, so this entire bit had me grinning from the first couple words. Also, I am so proud I recognized all the children's book quotes at the end. Please give it a listen, I promise you will NOT be dissappointed!

How To: Turn a Bread Box into a Charging Station

2011-11-11T23:49:00.000-05:00

This pretty little unnassuming number is one of my most recent accomplishments. It has been in the works since July or August. Yup. I think I received the breadbox from a friend in July, and it was sanded and painted in August. But I was two(ish) months finding just the right knobs, a grounded extension cord and then waiting for a drill to come back home. (Captain awesome has about seven hundred but you think I could have just one?!) Anyways, it was all worth it because looky what it does!

That's right! It is a handy dandy (and might I say beautiful) gadget charging station! On that shel is a Nintendo DS, my Blackberry and the battery charger for my brand new Olympus Pen camera. There is also room for Captain Awesome's Blackberry. We are not against Ipods, we are just not cool enough for them (But we are accepting donations and sponsorships.).

Look at that neat and tidy awesomeness. Seriously. See those cable ties? Reusable little numbers called Q-KNots from UT Wire. They are great! This really speaks to The Storage Geek in me you know?

Would you like to make your own? You would? Sweet. We can be Geeks together.

Gather ye materials:
Wooden bread box (Mine had one door in the front and a door on top for a shelf.)
Paint (I used Rustoleum Glass Black spray paint)
Knobs (if you are not using the ones it came with.)
Power bar and grounded extension cord if you, like me are not lucky enough to have an outlet right behind your planned charging station location.
Cable ties (again optional but really make take the project up a notch I think.)

Gather ye tools:
Palm sander (Or a sanding black)
Medium grit sandpaper
Drill
1/2" drill bit
1 1/2" hole cutting drill bit (I didn't have one but I wish I did)

Watch and learn:

Okay, this is not mine but it is as close as I could find to mine (I cannot for the life of me find the pictures i had of my bread box sanded before painting!). See the top knob? On mine it is fake. The top lid just lifts up, but I added a third knob to deter people from using the lid as a flat surface. I kept the fake knob because there was already a hole, and the sweet knobs I found came in a pack of three. But I digress!

Step 1: Remove knobs and sand breadbox, inside and out.
Step 2: Paint. I spray painted mine with two light to medium coats of Rustoleum's Glass Black. The second picture caught a lot of sun light but looks just as black as the outside.

Step 3: Put your gadgets on the top shelf so you can get an idea of where you want your holes drilled.
**TIP** Attach your charging cords so you can see how far they stick out to the side. If I had done that, my first hole would have been as far to the left as possible.

Step 3: Drill holes.

Step 4: At the back of the bread box, make a hole large enough for your power chord plug to fit. This is where a 1 1/2" hole cutting bit comes in handy. I did not have one so I just used my 1/2" drill bit until I had a hole big (and ugly) enough. But nobody sees this hole, so don't worry your pretty little heads about it.

Step 5: Replace your knobs. Check out these GORGEOUS curio knobs from Tim Holtz's Idea-olgy line. I had literally been looking for two months for knobs JUST like these in thrift stores and Re-Stores. Even in new stores. Nada. Then I am walking through Michaels, minding my own business and in the clear acrylic stamp aisle they jump out at me. I nearly screamed at mom "I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THESE FOR MONTHS!" I think she thought I was nuts. But yeah, knobs in the scrapbooking aisles? Go figure. I hope I am not committing blasphemy by using the curio knobs as actually cupboard knobs. ;)

Step 6: Add power bar and plug in your adapters.
Step 7: Cable tie your chords to keep them neat.

Step 8: Feed chords through holes you drilled and plug in your (probably way cooler than my) gadgets.

Step 9: Add more storage to it by gluing and/or screwing a pocket system to the upper door for more gadget holding space. Do the same to the front door for holding more wires or extra USB cables etc. Plug another power bar into your power bar for more outlets. BUT! If you do this, make sure your extension cord can handle the load. I used a heavy duty one meant for air conditioners that Captain Awesome found for me in Mart-Wal.

Step 10: Bask in the awesomeness that is you and your creation! Seriously, I already love this thing more than my dog. (Just kidding, Sweetie is irreplaceable...by inanimate objects.)

Hope you both enjoyed this how to and are maybe a little bit inspired to create your own? I would love to see your creations if you do!
Happy creating!

P.S. Seven More days to vote Until Wednesday calls into the Top 25 Canadian Mom blogs at Circle of Moms.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-11-09T08:47:00.001-05:00

Wednesday rockin' her new winter gear from The Children's Place. She is a little bit gorgeous right?! Seriously though, it was a bit o a relief to take care of all of her winter needs in one shot. Now I have a 'good suit' and a 'play suit'. last year she had three and half snow suits and we used all three all winter.

Are you ready for winter? Have any cool mittens and toque tutorials or links?

PS There are five more days of voting left and you can vote every day! I need about a hundred votes to just crack the Top 25. Help a momma out? <3

How To: Manage Your Fabric Scraps

2011-11-08T11:01:00.003-05:00

When you create timeless works of art as we all do, you also generate something else; scraps. Yup, I said it. That five letter word, scraps. Every crafter defines scraps differently. Myself, I define scraps as any pieces of fabric smaller than a fat quarter (It is not as generous as it sounds.). I have a couple systems for storage such as the jar of long wide scraps and those smaller than charm squares which are mostly used to adjust tension at the beginning of a project. The ones that are closer to a fat quarter than a charm square in size are folded and stacked in a small pile and kept at arms reach for small accessory projects. But what do I do with them when my jar is full and my stack is no longer easily accessed? Well, I start by looking a for a couple good scrap projects. Planning is vital. The above pile will be turned into two things.

Sewing Bit & Pieces by Sandi Henderson

You might know Sandi by her blog name Portabello Pixie. This book is a gem! I have yet to make anything from it but it is a constant source of inspiration. I will be making the Ruffled Head Scarf found in Sandi Henderson's Sewing Bits &Pieces. I cannot seem to ind a picture of it anywhere and the book pages are too shiny for my scanner. But it is a pretty little patchwork number.Which is to say, I will be cutting out 3"x3" pieces of fabric until I have enough for the head scarf construction.

And lots of these. That is to say lots of fabric flowers made with technique. Which I will be sharing this weekend! I was asked a couple times about how I made this pretty little brooch and I thought it high time I show everyone. So come back and check us out m'kay!

Now take your patterns and start tracing. I usually start with the biggest piece first and once I run out of space I go to my next size. Like this piece, first I traced my head scarf squares, then I traced some medium sized circles. I actually had three circle sizes I was tracing.

Keep tracing until all of your scraps are covered in circles and squares and petal and leaf shapes etc. And you have a lovely pile sitting on your work station.

Cut, cut and cut some more. I wish I had a pair of spring loaded Fiskars scissors for this job but having a razor sharp pair of Fiskars classic orange handled did me just fine. These are my piles about half way through. I doubled each of them at least. Now they are ready to be sewn patchwork style into a ahead scarf (Or two) and made into brilliant flowers for hair clips, brooches and all manners of accessories.

Alas, due to the nature of cutting so many circles, my scraps still had scraps. But I am okay with that. What I do with these is keep them in a zippered pillowcase and use it along with stuffing for felt pieces and pillows etc.

For me, scrap management boils down to storage until the scraps become a small stash and then planning what I will do with them. Sometimes, I do all these steps as the scarp comes across my table. But usually, like yesterday it is a say long affair. Now, hopefully the weather cooperates with me tomorrow and there is ample lighting for tutorial photos. *fingers crossed*

What do you do with your scraps?

Summer Canning, Had me a Blast...

2011-11-05T08:17:00.001-04:00

This summer's weather was, intermittent to be kind. Crappy, soul sucking and/or cold and rainy to be truthful. I didn't have the largest garden, but I loved it and tended to it and babied it like it was my a child. I dreamed of yields that would need their own zip codes or a storage locker at the very least. I envisioned so many tomatoes that I would never have to buy another can of tomatoes again. Ever. I mean c'mon, look at the ~~plantation~~ patch that was my passion this summer.

Towards the end of the season I knew the dozen Roma plants we had were not going to yeild any ripened tomatoes without some serious help. So we butted up some restore windows against the stakes I used for the plants. And crossed our fingers. I opened them up on days where the rain was heavy enough to give them a heavy watering. Other than that though, they stayed like this and it did work. I was able to get a bushel and a half before the first frost. I only wish I had done it sooner.
Alas, such was not the case for the thirteen rogue vine tomato plants that popped up from fallen tomato plants last year. Instead I ended up with more green tomatoes than I knew what to do with, barely enough red tomatoes to warrant the fossil energies it takes for a canning session. I did have a couple dates with the canning pot and here is some of the bounty.

A few samples of my efforts in canning.

Green tomato refrigerator pickles made using Meathead's AH-MAY-ZING deli pickle recipe found here. I made eighteen jars for thanksgiving and I am already down to three. I think I'll be making these next year for Christmas gifts.

Plum tomatoes raw packed and hot water processed.

In the back is pickled beets made using the Bernardin/Ball recipe. Although I do not eat them, everyone I gave a jar to, or shared some with loved them. Swore they were the perfect blend of crunchy and sweet.

A neighbor brought me a basketful of jalepeno peppers for my dilled green tomatoes and instead of watching the leftovers wilt in the crisper I decided to pack them in olive oil and hot water process.
Strawberry rhubarb pie pillingmade with Bernardin recipe. I used two jars and added 1/4 cup cornstarch to filling before baking in a deep dish pie and it turned out wonderful.
The bruschetta mix was made with Bernardin's recipe as well but I'll be honest, i don't like it. It is way to vinegar-ry for my liking. I am thinking of draining all my remaining jars, adding fresh tomatoes and re-processing. I'll let you know how it turns out.

All in all it was an amazing experience, first growing the food and then preserving it. Most definitely eating it and loving how it turned out.next year, I'll start my mini hothouses earlier so I yield more tomatoes. I'll be growing my own dill as well. I have a list and I will be sticking to it!

What do you love to preserve? Did you do any canning this year? I was nearly addicted, is it the same for you?

And now, I must run. But I leave you with Grease's Summer Nights because that has been in my head since I started this post.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

I trust your Halloweens were all wonderful! Candy filled and TP free I hope! Here it was amazing. The weather was wonderful. The costume came together and the friends were friendly!

My little Musketeer.

Mid-way through a shopping trip to Wal-mart in the beginning of October just as they were putting out the Halloween costumes Wednesday found the above pictured mask and sword and was inspired to be a Barbie Musketeer. What is a Barbie Musketeer you ask?

A Barbie Musketeer is Corin from the movie Barbie & The Three Musketeers. She's a country girl who moves to the big city to prove that girls can indeed be musketeers. In other words, she kicks butt and takes names. It is a great girl movie. (We are big fans of the Barbie movie franchise around here though.)

Wednesday's costume came together quite easily. It was the winterizing that took any effort really. I made a cape and pettiskirt out of pale pink polar fleece. Found a matching sweater in her closet the day of, and those adorable pink Ugg-ish boots are hand me downs that she reuses to grow out of. For her hat, I added feather that were originally on the mask tot he side and added a pin I found on a thrifting trip months and months ago. Oh and the bulk under the bargain store princess dress? That was the tu-tu I made for her two year photos. Done like dinner. Seriously, so simple and yet I think this is easily my favourite costume yet.

On guarde!

Free Printable : Halloween Cupcake Toppers

2011-10-29T10:57:00.000-04:00

Halloween is coming! And around here that means festive treats. This year I made my famous pumpkin bread recipe into twenty four cupcakes and topped it with my famous cream cheese icing (updated). To add a little holiday fun I made up some cupcake toppers and thought you might like to use them too.

This is what the sheet looks like. Just enough for a dozen fabulous cupcakes. Just cut, glue together with a toothpick inserted between two circles and bada bing you're fabulous. Download from Google Docs here. As I am still new to this printable business, please do not hesitate to ask me for help or let me know that something is amiss and you cannot get it to work!

A note about the images used: The top two rows of images were found over at The Graphics Fairy. (You might remember a few from my Vintage Garland of Halloween past.)
The next two rows were made with vector images from AllSilhouettes.com
The last wto rows were made using the Monsterfreak font from Urbanfonts.com

Happy Halloween!!

Oh and one more thing?! Recently I was nominated for Circle of Moms Top 25 Canadian Mom Blogs. Could you be so kind as to hop on over and vote for me? You can vote once a day so if you could do that too I would be eternally grateful. Thanks!

How To : Candy Corn Patchwork Pillow

2011-10-27T10:28:00.000-04:00

Autumn is upon us and I am loving it! Today I spent the entire day outside cleaning and organizing my front yard and deck and porch waiting for our outdoor Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. But, before the weather turned amazing I did some serious sewing. One of the things I made was this pillow, from the scraps of the other projects I did believe it or not.

Cute right?! I know! And it was honest to goodness a scrap project. I love those!

If you want to be cool like m and make one for yourself I took pictures in the hopes I would get my bum in gear and make a tutorial. And look! A tutorial! You will have to forgive the first few steps do not have pictures, but it was an 'a ha' moment I had just after I began. I figured we have all cut out pieces and sewn right sides together enough right? If not, please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you may have regarding the project.

Gather ye materials

Fabric scraps (2) orange

(2) Yellow

(2) White

Pattern (See step 6.5)

Stuffing

Modus Operandi

Step 1. With right sides together sew a white piece to an orange piece.

Step 2. With right sides facing together, sew an orange piece to a yellow piece.

Step 3. Repeat steps 1 & 2

Step 4. Iron seams flat.

Step 5. Top stitch seams. (I like to do this from the bottom but it is your preference.)

Step 6. With right sides together, lay flat on table.

Step 6.5. This is when you will make your pattern. Which is just a triangle made as tall as your scraps will allow and rounded corners.

Step 7. Trace your pattern, pin fabric together and sew on top of markings.

Step 8. Cut out leaving 1/2" allowance notching corners as you go.

Step 9. Turn and press.

Step 10. Fill and close up. I am not known for my ladder stitching so I chose to use some fabric glue and a couple clothes pins. Again this is one of those steps that is up to you.

I think this project would have the biggest impact if multiple pillows were made. Maybe next year I'll add a few more so that my little pillow is not so lonely. For now though it is an adorable bit of seasonal decor that will be welcome in the house until Christmas decorations start popping up.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-10-12T10:47:00.000-04:00

I hope both your weather and your holiday (For my Canadian readers) weekend have been amazing where you are as they have been here. Temperatures in the high twenties have been keeping me from blogging. After an amazing dinner with family and friends on Sunday, we went on day trip to check out the fall foliage. Living in South eastern Ontario is really quite a treat this time of year. Cheers.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-10-05T08:38:00.000-04:00

How To: Harry Potter Text Book Covers

2011-10-01T14:34:00.001-04:00

I have created a lot of things in my time, some amazing, some big fat fails, some with a sewing machine and every now and again I am able to create something with the computer that just makes my heart happy. Right now the combination of Halloween decoration and harry Potter inspiration has me just tickled pink (or a festive orange and black).

The original inspiration for this project came from a ceramic set of books from Michaels Halloween deco section. I have a picture somewhere just a sec...here is a clearer one then my horrible cell phone pic.

Original pieces are titled: Hexes & Curses, Essential Potions, Rituals and Charms.

Source

With some recycled paper shopping bags and Photoshop, this is what I came up with.....

In case you are wondering about the absolutely amazing Nightmare before Christmas mugs, my sister and her husband bought them for me for Christmas from last year's Tim Burton exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum.

At first, when I started designing the book covers I went with the titles in the original photo. But it then occured to me that these were very similar to subjects the Hogwarts taught. I was then inspired further to make textbooks from the actual books and movies. To keep the Halloween theme the spines have a sinister feel them while the front of the jacket is titled and authored just as it was in the books (and movies.)

Each book cover is inspired by the actual book but none are identical. I have neither talent or the time but I am incredibly happy with each and ever book. (Did you notice there were seven books?)

How about a look see at each cover.

Left book: On the spine this one says BEASTS, but the front cover is the first year textbook Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by Newt Seamander.
Right book: On the spine is DIVINATION, on the front is the third year text Unfogging The Future by Cassandra Vablatsky.

Left Book: The spine reads HERBOLOGY, the cover is Magical Water Plants of The Highland Lochs by Hadrian Whittle. This was the book Neville learned about gillyweed which Harry used to compete in the Tri-Wizard tournament.
Right book: The spine reads HORCRUXES, the is Secrets of the Darkets Art by Owle Bullock, This was the book that Tom Riddle would have gleaned his initial knowledge of horcruxes from.

Left book: Spine reads POTIONS, front is the sixth year potions text, Advanced Potion Making by Libatius Borage. (Half blood prince would have used this same book.)
Right: Spine reads SPELLS, front is first year text Standard Book of Spells by Miranda Goshank.

Left book: Spine reads VAMPYRE, cover is perhaps my favourite just for the cheekiness factor. It is second year text Gilderoy Lockhart's Voyages With Vampires.
Right book: The back of each book cover reads Happy Halloween!

Pretty amazing right? Seriously, I am in love. They were worth every single second they took to make. And they took awhile let me tell you. They won't take you any time though because I have made a handy dandy zip folder of the finished covers for printable just for you to download!

All I did was cut the paper bags to fit the book and then feed it through the printer.
Do you see how each book is a little different in size? I did that on purpose. I did not want them to like a Harry Potter box set.
♥ Every cover is designed to print out onto paper no wider than an regular sized printer allows. So when cutting your pages from paper shopping bags just remember to never make them taller than 8.5" and no longer than 16".
♥ The height of each book varies from 7" to 8.5". Please take note of the image size when you are printing and adjust your print settings accordingly.
♥ The width of each book cover also varies from 14" to 16". Please check each document and adjust your print settings accordingly.
♥ Each cover is set up to give approximately 1" of cover inside each book. If you would rather a more snug fit you can always use low tack painters masking tape.
♥ And just in case you're wondering:
-Horcruxes is a hundred year old Latin Dictionary
-Beasts is an electrical wiring handbook
-Herbology is Clan of the Cave bear
-Potions is Douglas Adams' Hitchhicker's Guide to the Galaxy (A trilogy in five parts)
-Divination is Anne Rice's Pandora
-Spells is Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix
-Vampyre is Book Thirteen of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events

Notes about the graphics & fonts:

♥ I could not have made any of these book covers without the graphics from a couple great websites: The Graphics Fairy and Vintage Feed Sacks were easily the biggest help.
♥ I downloaded almost every font from fontspace.com that link is a great list of Harry Potter related and/or themed fonts. Some mimic the fonts used in the movies.

A few notes before I give up the link though, if you wouldn't mind reading them.
♥ So as not to detract from the sheer awesomeness of the graphics I have not added a watermark anywhere to the covers. That being said, I would appreciate it you do not share these files via email. Please, link back to this page whenever you would like to share the files. Which I encourage you to do. Go forth, make the world a little more spooky!
♥ I have never shared files before so if for some reason you cannot access the files, or have trouble using them PLEASE leave a description of the issue in the comment section and I promise to notify you as soon as it has been remedied.

Finally, HERE is the link for download. There is seven book covers in a zipped folder. Click the link, it will bring you to a Googledoc page in the upper left corner click on file>download original.You will need a program to unzip it. If you do not have one, I recommend Winrar.

If you have any issues please do not hesitate to leave a comment with your issue, I will help you out in any way I can. Happy crafting and happy haunting!

How To: Felt Ghost Bunting

2011-09-28T23:58:00.000-04:00

When I first started this blog, my intention was only share tidbits of my family life, with a side of eco-conciousness. Soon the sewing bug bit me and I was sharing what I created and then not long after that I was creating my own tutorials. Not many at first but then Valentine's Day came along and I was so inspired that I went a little mad with the tutorials. Well, that same spirit has inspired me two years later for Halloween and again I cannot wait to share with you what I have created/am creating.

I absolutely adore this felt ghost bunting. It came together in just a couple hours. Cutting out the ghosts took the longest. I hung it up to see if it worked for me and it looked so good I left it up waiting for Halloween.

Materials

White felt (Enough for nine ghosts)

Stuffing

9 eyeets (I used back and metal finish)

Sharpie marker (Black)

Jute twine

Orange ribbon
Embroidery thread

Modus Operandi

Step 1: Cut pieces. I traced a Wilton cookie cutter as a pattern.

Step 2: Set eyelet in front piece of felt.

Step 3: Sew around perimeter of ghost, leave opening for stuffing. Stuff and sew closed.

Step 4: Add eyes with Sharpie marker.

Step 5: Braid three pieces of twine either with the orange ribbon, or wrap ribbon around the braided twine like I did.

Step 6: Use coordinating embroidery thread to attach ghosts to twine at fairly equal intervals. Make sure to thread through just the back piece of ghost.

And voila! You have the most adorable bunting with just a side of spooky!

I hope you enjoyed this little mini-tutorial. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and I promise to answer as soon as possible! I have plenty more Halloween projects, but the weather has turned wet and dreary these past couple days, so photos are on hold. But, until then you can always check out my Halloween tag for past posts about Wednesday's costumes and delicious baking. And here is a vinatge-esque Halloween garland with printable sheets to keep your hands busy.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-09-28T08:04:00.000-04:00

The joys of a dress up chest are just as great for a mama watching as they are for a little girl imagining.

Long Time No Blog!

2011-09-23T09:31:00.000-04:00

Wow! It sure has been awhile! Big changes have been going on in The Sweet Home.

This little girl started school! This is Wednesday waiting for the bus on her first day. I cried on and off all day, it was a roller coaster of a day. I have since found a nice balance of homemaking and housework that changes depending on Wednesday's attendance.

Serious homemaking has been happening. Expect some fabulous Halloween tutorials and printables over the next couple weeks.

My Storage Geek blog hit 12,000 followers yesterday! Pretty amazing so I'm working on how to develop a website with a way or three to generate some income. But for now it is an ad free, amazing collection of DIY, design and storage with a side of gardening. If you would like to view it in your Google Reader this is the link to add.

Finally, sometime over the next couple months (Depending on how busy I get with the holidays.) Until Wednesday calls will become The Sweet Home Companion. I am so excited about the changes. I think it will really help me streamline the momma-crafter-entrepreneur in me. So stick around and wish me luck!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-07-06T15:20:00.000-04:00

On a Don-Keh!

Mother Bear and Little Bear

My cutie patootie tree hugger.

Father Bear & Little Bear.
I hope your Canada Day and Independence Day were as wonderful as ours! (Canada Day)

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-06-29T13:38:00.002-04:00

I cannot believe my little girl is turning four! We're celebrating with lots of bubbles! Last year's Mad Hatter Tea Party was such a hit, I worry I set the bar too high for any parties since. Ahh well, at least Captain Awesome can't call me a party mom this year...I hope.

Reader Question : Simple and Inexpensive Dorm Storage Ideas

2011-06-24T08:56:00.000-04:00

musicxmylove asked:
So happy I found this blog! I am going to be studying abroad soon and cannot bring a lot with me and won't have any extra furniture except for what is included in my room. Do you have any easy and inexpensive do it yourself storage ideas for dorm rooms? If it's something that can be recycled later when I fly home or takes up very little room in a suitcase would be great. Maybe something reusing cardboard or other recycled materials that I could get for free?

Hey there! Sorry this took awhile to answer but there are a lot of photos and posts to sift through. I really wanted to give you some super practical ideas.
Below are some ideas made with recycled and/or super cheap materials. While I am not sure how many you could pack back up, given the relative cheapness of materials you could give them away and people would be happy to use them likewise, you can recycle a lot of the materials as well. So, that being said let's see what I found!

First storage option: string. String is cheap (You can almost always find a handful somewhere free.) and fits any sized room. Create a gorgeous photo banner wherever you room and room mate will let you. Found via Dorm Design.

Cearal box magazine (Notebook, binder) holders. Grab a cereal box and cover with pretty paper or fabric. Although this won't fit in your suitcase I bet someone would be happy to have them when you're done. Full how to at The Wicker House.

This was one of the very first DIYs I posted here at Storage geek and I still love the idea. Add some cardboard dividers to some cookie tines (You know your Mom has at least three kicking around.) and voila, instant (stack-able) desk caddy! Full how to at Design Sponge.

Have some chain and a few hangers? Now you have an instant mud room or extra closet. Chain is cheap you can buy it in plastic or metal at hardware stores but you could also probably find some on freecycle.org if you asked nice enough. Hangers well, I am sure you can put a few of those in your suitcase when you head over. Found via Apartment Therapy.

Another fabulous bit of recycling here. Can cubbies make great storage because they are free and come in a variety of sizes from the small tomato paste size to the giant tomato ketchup size. Ask a local restaurant to sort through their recyclables, you'd be amazed at how many cans and glass jars you will find! The how to on this pretty system can be found at Leethel.

Have cork and pushpins? You now have necklace storage. Bonus, you can bring this with you or back with you since they pack up so nice and flat in your suitcase. Photo from Pretty in the Desert.
If you sew I found two great projects that could come in super handy and fold up nicely.

These denim wall pockets made by Flickr member Made by Beag would be invaluable as an organizer for everything from desk supplies to toiletries. Made out of recycled denim makes this project cost a whopping zero dollars.

I love this laundry bag. While you don't have to make one this elaborate (But if you do you can find the tutorial here at Sew 4 Home.) But a sturdy laundry bag will be invaluable to you in your student living.
How awesome are these projects? I know! But, while Storage Geek is my name, and DIYs are my game decorating is a very personal (and uysually drawn out process for me) so if you would like to see some great dorm deco may I direct your attention to a couple Tumblr blogs I found? Dorm Design and EFFyeahcooldormrooms Both of these blogs have pages and pages of great dorm rooms.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope it inspired you. Thanks for asking such a fantastic question and I would love to see photos of what you make! Cheers,M.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-06-22T15:15:00.000-04:00

Wednesday helping her daddy in the garden like only a garden fairy can.

Nuno Magazine : Rustle

2011-06-21T10:04:00.001-04:00

Today is the first day of Summer! Huzaa! The weather has been amazing for all sorts of things like T-ball games, family picnics and gardening. But when it rains it pours right? And sometimes it is just too darn hot and sunny (SPF 700 anyone?) to be outside. So you know what I like to do then? Make pretty things. You too? Well then, you will love the digital magazine Nuno then.

For those of you unfamiliar with Nuno magazine it is a seasonal digital format (PDF only) magazine created by the talented sister duo Elizabeth and Rachel Abernathy. Nuno focuses on crafts and art created from recycled and found materials.Some of my favourite examples fromt his issue are:

This curvy clutch made from recycled linen.

And these gorgeous water colour butterflies made from recycled book pages.

Some of my favourite past projects include:

This knitted fern pillow (Pattern included in issue) from the premier issue fall 2010. Made from from recycled yarn.

These beautiful "kokeshi doll inspired finger puppets" from the winter issue titled Shades of Gray had my gears turning.

The latest issue Rustle is guaranteed not to disappoint. With projects like this beautiful crocheted Irish rose purse.

And at $3.75 how can you resist this 95 page ad free, independently published, beautifully photographed periodical? It's a steal! But for those of you who haven't the dollars to spare check out the three previews below complete with projects.

Click here to purchase the 95 page Spring 2011 Issue Rustle for $3.75.

Winter 2010/2011 Shades of Gray Issue Purchase the 125 page magazine here for five dollars.

Purchase the 150 page Fall 2010 issue here for five dollars.
For more great projects, tutorials, inspiration and vintage and artsy photo goodness, visit Elizabeth Abernathy's blog. For more photos and free projects from Nuno magazine, visit the website here.
Now I am going to grab a coffee and re-read my issues of Nuno.

Reader Question : DIY Ring Storage & Display

2011-06-18T09:26:00.000-04:00

ally74 asked you:
hello: i am a new follower and i really love a lot of ur ideas, i was wondering if u have any for storing rings! i have over 100 rings and i love to wear a different one every day most of them are chunky rings, do u have any idea's?
&eahrts;♥
Thanks for following and thanks for the great question!
This one was a little bit trickier than when I did a post on chunky necklace storage. There are far fewer posts on ring storage, and even less DIY ring storage posts but I did find a couple absolutely awesome ones!

Easy peasy and super practical (Not to mention eco friendly) is this egg carton displays from Whimsy Love. Not only to they display each ring perfectly but thy make great storage for your home (Label each carton with fat markers) or craft show booth. Bonus: Dust Free. Found via Etsy Handmade MN

These are black BEANS! I know super clever right? While they might be more practical for a craft show booth, it is a totally viable, practical and green solution for a dressing room table or dresser top. Photo belongs to Lean Dog Pottery & Jewelry and was found via Etsy Handmade MN

I think this is my favourite. Completely customizable in size (Most craft stores sell two three different sizes) and in finish (Have at 'er with Mod Podge and paint!) it hangs on the wall or sits on a dressing room table/dresser. C'est tres bon oui? Source: Punky Style

This super adorable cigar box holder was made by Stef with an old sweater folded accordion style. You needn't use a cigar box, you can use whatever sort of box you have laying around. Bonus: Dust Free. Full how to here @ Craftside.

Take a trip to your local dish washing aisle and you have some pretty adorable ring holders. While this is not practical for those of you with dozens of rings (Lucky ladies!) this is great for those of us with much more modest collections. Visit the how to here at Dana's Fashion Blog.

Some of you may recognize this photo from Tumblr user Legally Crafty (She has some great DIYs). A simple chocolate box turned ring storage is very eco chic (And I bet it smells divine every time you open it!). Bonus: Dust Free.

Last but not least we have the clear pocket hanging organizer. While not super fun in a crafty recycling sort of way it is super efficient storage. For those of use with next to no storage space, slim solutions like these are both dust free and see through making it a very practical choice.
And that concludes our lesson for today class! I hope you enjoyed the post and thanks for the super duper question! As always, I love to answer them (Even though they might take me awhile.) So keep them coming! Cheers,M.

Reader Question : Any Good Moving Box DIYs?

2011-06-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

tiaras-tumblr asked:
I have a bunch of boxes from where I just moved and I'm not sure what to do with them. Got any ideas of any D.I.Y.?
Yes, yes I do! Well, they are not my ideas, more like my suggestions after some super fun Googling. :)

Tell me this shelf is not gorgeous? The one pictured is made by Leo Kempf but a DIY version can be found here at Instructables.

Cardboard Lamps made by Joe Manus of Shiner International. Made in Atlanta Georgia. goto.interiordesign.net Found via Inspirationgreen.com. I don't have a DIY link but I am sure with some thought and research you could Jimmy-rig yourself up a couple.
For the craftier sort of DIY's:

To make this show stopping recycled vase and bouquet visit Inspiration&Realisation.

At first I thought these little pretties were a wall installation, but in fact they are magnets! So cute! For the how to click here for the PDF link.

Romantic bird houses are easily made with glue, paint and lace. Source: This Recycled Life.
For the more artistically gifted or adventurous sort of DIY'er you could also try your hand at sculpting with cardboard.

With layered flat cardboard like Chris Gilmour.

Or blended like paper pulp and then sculpted like clay and finished like wood. This AMAZING table was made in Domingos Tótora's studio, Maria da Fe, Brazil
For some truly inspiring cardboard pieces of design and sculpture visit this post at Inspirationgreen.com.
I hope this post was both helpful and inspirational! I had so much fun writing it up, and now I am on the hunt for some boxes! Cheers,M.

Wednesday on Wednesday (Or Thursday)

2011-06-16T10:24:00.000-04:00

For this week's installment of Wednesday on Wednesday I was going to share with you some wonderful photos of Wednesday helping her daddy in the garden dressed in her faery princess skirt and looking incredibly adorable. But, last night we went to a fun fair for Wednesday's nursery school and there was face painting. I know you're thinking "That's nice..?" Well it was, but this was nicer:

Only Wednesday goes to a face painting booth and gets her feet painted.

First thing this morning she insisted o more face paint. So Daddy obliged her, water colours mostly come off...

Storage Geek on Facebook

2011-06-09T08:56:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! I finally made a page for Storage Geek on Facebook! But, before they'll give me a facebook.com/storagegeek address I need twenty five likes. Could you guys be dearies and click THIS link and like me? I'd really appreciate it!
Cheers, M♥

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-06-08T10:14:00.000-04:00

Good morning! I know I am a couple weeks behind with this but things got pretty hectic around here what with nursery school, T-ball and well...summer! That's right, Captain Awesome and I are parents to a little leaguer. We found a great program that does T-ball for six weeks and then soccer for six weeks and we couldn't be having more fun. Well, most of the time, I mean it is like herding cats right? But cute! Oh my goodness the cute. I took a ridiculous amount of photos at her first game and so it took me forever to sort through them. I'll of course keep this post to a minimum but prepare for the cute!

Checkin' it all out.

The cute! It hurts!

In toddler preschool t-ball there are no strikes, no outs and every hit is a home run. I heart it.

In Wednesday's world there is always time for a little song and dance.

A little action.

The fruit of their labours. The kids only make it through the four innings because they know at the end there will be iced treats at the end.

We have since been to a couple games and it is so much fun, for us and her. We have some close friends with kids in the same league as well as a close mom friend of mine and a playmate of Wednesday right on her team so that is always nice. As well, Ron is amazing he helps the kids and keeps Wednesday on track I think he should be a coach next year.

Do you have children in organized sports? Have any tips for us newbie parents?

How To : Rock N' Roll Ballet Flats

2011-06-05T18:18:00.003-04:00

Whoo! *Kicks tumbleweeds aside* I'm back! And with a tutorial no less! Have a looksie at a super fun how to I did up today!

Last summer I found a couple pairs of ballet flats at Wal-Mart for nine or ten bucks a pair so I thought I would be cool and grabbed two pair (One black and one purple) well, not five minutes into wearing the first pair I got the beginnings of a blister. Gosh darnit! I was stubborn though, instead of taking back the unworn pair and donating the other I kept them. The first pair I carefully removed the grosgrain ribbon and voila! No blisters except now I had a very boring pair of shoes. Which also looked a little unfinished. So the two pair sat in my to-do box for a year until I could figure out how to use them. Enter Ebay and the awesome cone studs I found. I couldn't wait to attach those bad boys to my girly shoes and when I did, I was in love.

Now they are not only much more comfortable they are cute too! Also, I found that with the studs, the stitching holes worked perfectly.

They were super easy to make. The hardest part is getting your hands on these little babies. I bought mine from an Ebay seller called Crush Crush, I think they also have an Etsy account but don't quote me on that. I bought ten and I wish now I had bout a hundred (Instead of the pyramid studs that I can't seem to lay straight!) they are so much fun to use.

Step 1: Using a razor blade or seam ripper remove sewn in trim. (Mine was gros grain ribbon.)
Step 2: Remove bow (Or other decoration), again I use a razor blade as mine was sewn on.
Step 3: To colour in the vinyl, I just used a black Sharpie, if your shoes are more colourful may I suggest a coordinating fabric marker?
Step 4: Thanks to the threaded bottom of the stud, all you need to do to fasten one to your object is make a hole big enough for the threaded bit to fit through and screw the cone stud on top. Easy peazy lemon squeezey!

I really think they turned out fabulous. Just a little bit of rock and roll for this soccer mom you know what I mean?

I haven't quite decided what to do with the purple pair yet, I am thinking a bright contrasting ribbon of yellow or orange woven around the edge, not sure but I'll share them when I get to it.

Linking to these great parties:
Skip To My Lou Made By You Mondays
Between naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Mondays

I know my blogging has seen less sporadic days but I am trying to figure things out! Thanks for sticking with me and thanks to my new followers as well! ♥ M

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-05-18T14:40:00.001-04:00

Wednesday has the performing gene. We are not sure where it came from but we love it. When she is not singing and dancing she is "playing guitar" I am hoping next year to have her in lessons. Until then we delight in her rendition of Workin' on the Railroad.

Reader Question: DIY Hiding Cables & Wires

2011-05-17T10:59:00.000-04:00

Over at my Storage Geek blog, I get asked advice questions on organization and storage. (I know! Isn't that just the coolest?!) And since the posts take some time to search and type I thought I would post them here as well.

Photo Credit: Adam Pash

imakesht asked: Do you know of any ways to store/hide wires both inside a house and out? It's making my place look cluttered and disorganized.

Cables got you down? Wires tripping you up? Go wireless. Just kidding. Unfortunately, wireless doesn't work for power cords. Boo-urns! But I did some searching and found a lot of options. Unfortunately, most are not cheap and/or little effort required.
The other thing was without clarification on where your wires were located I just kind of collected a general assortment of cable corralling solutions. So lets start with the cheapest and easiest first.

This computer cord tamer from Instructables user trainwiththom is fashioned from wire hanger and hangs off the back of your flat screen monitor. Super easy and super cheap. Bonus. But unfortunately not a help to thos of us with lap tops (Or giant pre-flat screen monitors).

Photo Credit: Adam Pash

The first step in hiding your cords and cables is to corral them together. At your computer area (If you have a desk) you can use an under desk basket like this one from Ikea to keep them flowing together tangle free and in the same direction (toward your surge protector and/or cable outlets). Use a few cable ties to keep them neat. You could also cable tie them to your desk legs if you have legs on your desk.

This is my new favourite. Created by Karl Zahn for the 2006 MUJI International Design Competition it is not in production yet but could easily be DIYed for little to no money I think. The effort is there though with the cutting, painting and installing but I think it would be totally worth it. Some 1/4" thick plywood, paint and double sided tape and your sitting on a lovely little fence.

That pretty much takes care of the minimal effort alternatives. After that you can install WireTracks CM which "WireTracks CM WireTracks CM kits turn regular crown molding into removable wiring channels that you can use to hide low voltage or electrical cables (check your local codes). They can be used for simple jobs such as getting wiring from the front of a home theater to the back. Or, they can be installed throughout a building to give building owners the ability to run wiring between any two points that are linked by connected walls. And because crown molding is installed above doorframes, it is easy to get uninterrupted coverage of an entire floor." I am not going to lie, I think this is brilliant. I couldn't find a price but I see it being worth it if you have a serious amount of wires and cables to conceal.

UT Wire cord protector and concealer. This looks to be a great option for renters as it does not require permanent installation and you can also take it with you when you move. From the website "Our unique flexible material makes installation simple to do. Easy to lie flat and ready to tape on the floor in seconds. Three individual separate compartments for extra storage and easy identification of cords. Remove cords from the 2 top loading compartments for any future adjustment needed. Adjust the length of this cord cover to desire length using a pair of scissors.

Photo credit HomeImprovementsdepot.com

Finally, you could also hide them in your walls using various wall plates at various locations in your house. If you feel up to this sort of project (Because you own or have really nice landlords) here is a great link about Doing It Yourself.
Regarding outdoor wires, I am sorry, short of burying them in PVC pipe I haven't any ideas.
A few goodies I have posted over the last little while include:

From Crinkled Cupcakes

From Facebook-Pimpandpomme

Wireless peripherals are not the be all end all solution although I sure wish they were and not everything can be wireless (Right?) so I hope these suggestions helped in some way.
Thanks for asking such a great question! Don't forget to stop by the Storage Geek blog for more great storage tips and fantastic DIY inspiration!

Wednesday on Wednesday (or Thursday)

2011-05-12T15:06:00.000-04:00

I must have done something right in a former life because this week has been AMAZING for weather. I have been outside almost all week (Hence the lack of online presence.) Today Wednesday asked if she get crafty, I thought what a great idea! I brought all the paints outside, set up her easel and let her get to it. What a great way to spend the morning, watching my little one create in the fresh air and sunshine!

The Wednesday on Wednesday feature helps me not only share with you the reader bits and pieces from Wednesday's growth and development, but also helps keep me blogging, no matter how much craft/word content comes with it. I have some ideas for blog posts coming soon and a long over due review of the spring issue of Nuno titled Rustle. I'm also knee deep in Storage Geek stuff and sewing up a storm. Hope you guys have had weather just as nice and days just as productive! ♥M

Reader Question: Handbag Storage

2011-05-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

Over at my Storage Geek blog, I get asked advice questions on organization and storage. (I know! Isn't that just the coolest?!) And the code copies perfectly to here, so I thought I would share with you the bigger posts I write up as a warm up to the new website (Which is ages from being launched!) so I hope you enjoy.

teafondknee asked:

Any advice on how to store purses and bags? I have a ton but haven't found a good way to store them!

Another fabulous question! Purse storage can be tricky much like shoes, we tend to acquire so many so quickly. And a great bag is worth holding onto until it no longer functions. I never used to be a handbag gal, I was so picky about them that I rarely found one that 'did it for me'. Now though, I can't get enough quality leather purses, granny purses, vintage beaded party bags, plus I love making clutches so storage has become an issue for me as well. That being said I have done some googling and this is what I have discovered.

First off, for storing your high end bags I recommend a shelf system with divider supports. You can use these stylish clear Acrylic Shelf Dividers or more practical metal ones. The reason I recommend a shelf system is because long term storage by hanging can eventually damage(stretch) the strap.

These hanging closet organizers are probably my favourite because they are reasonably priced and also protect against dust. I had one for shoes given to me by my mom because she was tired of wiping the clear vinyl free of dust. To clean it, I just throw it in the washing machine with towels and hang to dry.Unfortunately, I haven't the space for the sweater hanger or carousel one though. *tear* US residents can purchase the two pack of organizers here on Ebay and the carousel organizer can be purchased here on EBay.

If you are not lucky enough to have shelf space to devote to your handbags, or none at all you have other options.

These Handy Hold Alls from Simply Sarah Shaw are definitely handy. My room mate bought me one for Christmas years ago and when I had grown out of it I passed it on to my mom who loves hers. For those with a small to medium sized purse collection this is definitely an option. I like it because it doesn't have to hang on a door (Which are of short supply in lofts and studio spaces.) but is small enough to fit in closets of all sizes or on bedroom walls. You could also DIY one these easy enough with fabric and snaps/buttons/ribbons etc.

Although I haven't the door for this you might and I think it is a fabulously pratical solution. The Jokari Purse rack holds up to eight purses per strap and mounts on a door. That is a lot of purse storage for under twelve dollars.

Source: beckster740

For those of you with more space and higher budgets you can always build cubbies and store your purses like works of art like this lucky lady on Flickr.

♥♥I would like to add two quick tricks as well; The first came from a Tweet on Twitter and that is to stuff the purses with newspaper. I thought brilliant because we already do that with our boots. Right ladies? You have boot forms for those fabulous boots right?!
The second was for your little handbags (You know the gorgeous beaded vintage ones you take to dinner parties.) You can keep them dust free and still visible by putting them in clear shoe bins.

There you go, handbag storage solutions for every budget and (hopefully) space limitations. Thanks so much for asking another great question! For those of you who have storage and organization questions you can reach me at any of the four links on my sidebar. And for those of you who haven't yet checked out my Storage Geek blog I encourage you to do so. Lots and lots of great DIY projects, fabulous design photos and even some container gardening and library photos.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-05-04T09:54:00.000-04:00

Wednesday has known since last Halloween that she wants to be a witch this coming Halloween. Apparently, so did my mom. Wednesday found her hat and broom. I am excited though, it should be a fun Halloween costume to make. Do your children (or you) know what they want to be for Halloween yet? I'm going dressed as Astrid from How to Train Your Dragon.

What is going on around here?!

2011-04-28T10:25:00.000-04:00

Are you as confused as me as to the state of things around here? Sorry for that, I just have some serious moving and shaking going on and this place can get pretty barren when things pick up elsewhere. But! I have been creating a lot lately, having finally found a sort of peace where my studio is concerned. That is another post for another day though. Today I wanted to show you what I have been up to!

I made this super hot set for a friend's birthday. It is a beach tote set. I thought it would make the perfect beach accessory because the entire set is made from four PVC coated nylon place mats meaning sand cannot penetrate the fabric. Also, c'mon hot pink at the beach? Yes please! It is lined with a coordinating fabric (a bed sheet turned fabric stash years ago.) With a matching make up size bag and key fob/zipper pull/wristlet handle. I sure hope she likes it!

This little cutie was made from a hoodie the hubby bought me that shrunk on the first washing. (Damn you cotton fleece!) I cut the kangaroo pocket off for another project and then cut around the laptop. Serged the edges (for interest not necessity) and then sewed up the sides. Voila! A great little lap top sleeve for travel. We rarely bring the lap top out and about so this is just what we need for now.

Finally, I have this toy hammock made from a vintage pillowcase. I love it, it helps to corral the ever growing (no matter how I try to curb it) collection of plushies. I know that a branch from my yard, or a painted doweling would be more aesthetically pleasing but I had a curtain rod kicking around, I'll change it up when I find the right branch.

There you have it, I do still create! I have been sewing a bit every day and it feels great! As soon as I stopped waiting for the right light to take tutorial photos, my to do list got smaller! But, I am still going to do tutorials for all three projects I just worked out the kinks ahead of time. (You're welcome.*wink wink*)
I am also creating a website, something to combine my Storage Geek blog with this blog. My Storage geek blog has almost 3000 followers to this ones 352. But I love this one because I can show off my little turtledove Wednesday and I have such wonderful bloggy BFFs here. So I figure if I can combine the two I can find a nice balance of DIY/Mama blog. So stay tuned and thanks for bearing with me!
P.S. Any helpful advice on building and/ore maintaining a website would be most appreciated.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-04-27T09:26:00.002-04:00

Wednesday at Sunset, originally uploaded by Cara.Mia.

My little turtle dove on Easter Sunday.

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-04-20T10:38:00.000-04:00

Last week when The Mister listed his kayak on Kijiji for sale someone offered to trade their Canon Rebel XT and we jumped on it. (By jumping I mean we drove almost two hours away to meet him halfway as he was coming from Quebec!) I am in love, the weather has been utterly horrible so I haven't been able to take too many photos but I did manage to get some great ones at a conservation area on the way home from the day trip. I am so excited for spring to warm up so we can spend more time outside!
How are your families holding up waiting for some sunshine?

Mind The Mess

2011-04-18T13:14:00.000-04:00

Some of you may be able to tell I am "redecorating' as a friend so kindly put it. I am not sold on the fonts and definitely not the buttons but I was editing until 1am last night and I was anxious to see how it looked. Feel free to give me your constructive criticisms.

Happy Monday ♥

Secret Stash Busting!

2011-04-14T23:11:00.000-04:00

A few months ago Heather of Dollar Store Crafts had a hiccup on Twitter that announced a year old stash busting giveaway. Without reading the dates ('cause that is how I roll) I filled out the form, only to be red faced later when Heather was kind enough to reply letting me know my error. I thought "Hey, why not do it again?!" and offered my supplies to join in on the fun if she so chose to repeat the process. She did, and I did but do to a communication hiccup (Read stupid tooth infection that made me useless for weeks!) I was not able to send mine directly to her to mix up and mail out, instead what I am doing is sending off four packages to Canadians as a bonus to Heather's randomly chosen ten picks.My packages are a bit smaller (I have no sponsors and a smaller stash lol), but hopefully the recipients find them to be satisfactory. (I'm all nervous as I address them to mail off!)

I kind of dropped the ball and didn't get a chance to announce it here so that you could at least apply to be a secret stash bustee so I will be collecting one more package to send to one of you. (Although I am sure that every single one of you read Dollar Store Crafts!) Stay tuned for that and a few more giveaways and announcements, times be a changin' around here!

P.S. For those of you who love this idea and have an excess amount of supplies you could always head on over to Swap Bot Supply Swap where everyone is a winner!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-04-13T16:27:00.001-04:00

Just look at that pink nose and those pink cheeks!

I am beyond grateful that the stars aligned and we were able to pick up a this second hand play structure for Wednesday. Now that we live in the country, we are not able to walk to the nearest park. We are working on bringing the park to us. ♥ My heart swells knowing that we will get to enjoy our yard(!) to the fullest this year. Now...if Mother Nature would just cooperate and give us more than one sunny day in a row we'd be set!

Storybook Sunday : The Birdman by Melvin Burgess

2011-04-09T23:58:00.008-04:00

Stay tuned for a bird related kids craft after the review!

With spring in full swing (for most of us) I have had birds on my mind for some time. Feeders and houses and such. So when I had an idea to do some related crafts I thought it fitting to share with you a book we recently discovered. It is called The Birdman and is illustrated by Ruth Brown and written by Melvin Burgess.

Regardless of the controversy that surrounds the author`s more current works, this book I found to be wonderful. A little dark maybe, but that seems to be how we like our fairy tales around here.

The story begins with some beautiful carnival-esque imagery that I couldn't help but be taken with. (I love that sort of thing; Cirque De Soleil, Mirrormask etc.) Then slowly you are taken into a wonderful story that has a hint of mystery. A boy meets a man who sells what appear to be wild birds. At first the boy is apalled at the thought of it and uses his only coin to purchase one with the best intentions of setting it free. But we all know where good intentions get us! I won't tell you any more because this is a short story with a twist, a beautifully illustrated tale about karma.

♥♥♥

But we can make a little bit of good karma of our own, we are going to help some wild birds pimp out their nests. Without giving any strange men our last coins. In fact, this shouldn't cost you a single penny. We are going to help the birds build their nests this spring! To do so you will only need a few things from your craft cupboards (I know you all have said cupboard with these supplies!)

I used onion and apple mesh bags I had been saving, some scrap yarns (The green stuff had been pre-cut to 4: lengths for a project but I changed my mind at the last minute), jute twine, some hot pink synthetic twine for colour and wool.

I say this for two reasons, for super little ones (like mine) this is tricky and best done by an adult in advance. Also, trying to fill the mesh bag strand by strand is super tesious as they catch on the holes.

We used a mixture of synthetic and natural fibres. The natural fibres separate really nicely into super fine strands, the synthetic didn't like to be pulled too small but I couldn't help add a bit of colour to the mix.

Please ignore the carcass like appearance!

The Mister fashioned this bird feeder out of an old satellite dish today. We haven't quite worked out a cover yet but when the tree leafs up nicely it shouldn't much matter. Like it? The birds do! Took them about ten minutes to scope it out the smorgasbord!

Now your backyard birds will have the hottest nests out there! I hope you enjoyed the how to and I hope you skip on down to your local library and check out a copy of The Birdman, I promise you will love the twist at the end!
I think we'll do at least one more kid friendly bird craft before the week is out, what with Earth Day coming up and all!
Cheers!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-04-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

The camera was found! (In the mister's pocket no less!) I can now share with you photos from our trip to Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area Sugarbush!(Say that three times fast!) We enjoyed ourselves so much that we will be back for many an outing this summer.

Photo heavy post so I made a jump for you to view the rest.

Good clean early spring fun! This was our first trip to Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (We do not live in Kingston) but we are close enough to enjoy it a few more times this summer and of course in the fall. My favourite time to visit conservation areas is in the fall. In the summer, I am a beach baby (and camper!) Did you make it to a sugar bush? Do you (I'm looking at you Southerners *wink wink*) know a sugar bush is?
What is your favourite crappy spring weather activity? Because we all know that spring weather (For us Northerners anyhoo) is terribly unpredictable, no serious outdoor plans can be made I tell you what. We are going to make bird seed shapes this week and mama is going to clean the yard(s) while Wednesday enjoys her new found seasonal toys.
Happy Wednesday!

My Crafty Weekend

2011-04-05T11:37:00.000-04:00

Hey there! Ho there! Hi there! Sorry for the delay in posting this but I was incredibly busy yesterday. Didn't stop until bedtime and it felt like it couldn't come soon enough. But here I am well rested and super excited because I have already finished one ~~and a half~~ super top secret project! So, no pictures of course (You know being top secret and all) but I have your pictures to share!

Megan of Cut The Craft! made these super tasty looking Rocky Road Brownie Balls. Don't they lok heavenly next to that glass of milk? For the full recipe and how-to visit her blog here

This beautiful upcycled vase was made by Phone Home Designs. Have you ever seen a Pringles can look so stylish?

Believe it or not, this is two people dressed up at stick people for Halloween! Sue of Counting Bunnies Too is just so clever! This is totally going in the vault for a future Halloween! To see how she made it look to authentic, visit the post here.

Busy busy bees you all have been! What have you been up to lately? Baking, scrapbooking, sewing? How about papier mache? Distressed any great flea market finds? Share with us your creative endeavors! Feel free to grab and share the buttons below! Also, don't forget to visit the link before yours and leave some good comment karma! Have fun crafties!

2011-03-31T23:59:00.002-04:00

Anniversaries are special aren't they? They sure are, and a great blog I read called The Vintage Sheet Blog recently turned one and to celebrate Jen has been hosting a month of giveaways. Some seriously wonderful prize packs have been given away and some are still available!
Because of my roller coaster ride that is/was the month of march, I did not get to do a lot of sewing. But, I did manage to get a small fat quarter bundle together to give away!

These are five fat quarters (18x22")but really they are at least that in size, some are much bigger. And, in case you are wondering, I haven't even had the chance to sew with a couple of these. The top yellow one? I allowed myself that little goody recently (I have been on a very strict no new stash buying policy.) But it was too gorgeous not to pick up, I mean c'mon it is yellow and lacy!
The brooch is a little number I whipped up mostly because I felt bad that it was not a more exciting giveaway. ;)
If you would like a chance to win this pretty little pack, all you need to do is head over to The Vintage Sheet Blog and follow her instructions.
Bonne chance!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-03-30T15:18:00.000-04:00

My camera has disappeared. I am not even kidding, I have not been able to find it for more than a week. Which sucks because I hadn't had a chance to upload the Little Cataraqui Creek Sugarbush photos yet. So, to keep the Wednesday on Wednesday truck motoring along, I'll share with you a moment, that Wednesday herself has not forgotten for a moment since it happened.
What could I be be talking about? Dinosaur skeletons? Halloween costumes? Christmas morning? These all sound most wonderful, but alas, these are not the memories she asks about almost daily.
"Mommy, can we dye eggs again?"
This is what she asks me almost daily since the first time we did it. Don't believe me? Watch the super short video below and listen for the sheer delight in her voice. I had not heard this tone before nor have I heard it since.

"We made eggs! Do you see? Isn't it beautiful? Do you want to touch it? We made it!" The excitement she experienced from dying eggs was awe inspiring. And when spring was approaching I told her we could dye eggs when the snow had melted away (As in when spring was here.) Well, the snow has melted and she asks me every day to dye eggs. But we are brown egg consumers here so I keep forgetting to pick up a couple dozen white eggs for Wednesday to to go to town on.
We just did the old food colouring with vinegar to set it. This year I would like to try the all natural methods with beet roots and onions skins etc.

Well, I am on top of ti this year, this week we'll pick up some stuff and try round one of egg dying. How about you? Do you do anything fun when you dye eggs? Are you one of those ridiculously talented Ukrainian Egg designers? Go au natural? Care to share your tips and tricks?

Happy Wednesday everyone!

My Crafty Weekend

2011-03-27T23:30:00.002-04:00

Good morning my fellow crafties. I am going to make this weeks post super quick as I am suffering from a most horrendous toothache. Seriously bed ridden here, for when the pain killers work, the combination of them plus antibiotics keep me moving fairly slowly due to stomach upset. Anyways, even the computer can be trying at times, so I am going to do a condensed version of My Crafty Weekend. I hope you understand. On with your creations!

This tasty number was made by Kelly of The Rhinestone Beagle. In her attempts to eat less meat and still get protiens she shares with us this Tomato and Corn Black bean Salad. Yum. Picture this on organic corn tortilla chips and sour cream?!

In the spirit of Mend & Make Do I had to share one of Michelle Pacey's most recent creations. Over at Michelle Made Me you can get the full how to on these lovely upcycled paper flowers. I think I might make a garland of them (when I am feeling better of course.)

Selina of Creative Juices shared with us this fabulous plate makeover. She shows you not only how to make this great piece but shows you a super great way to hang them as well.

Wow you guys have been busy! What have you been up to lately? Baking, scrapbooking, sewing? How about papier mache? Distressed any great flea market finds? Share with us your creative endeavors! Feel free to grab and share the buttons below! Also, don't forget to visit the link before yours and leave some good comment karma! Have fun crafties!

Mend & Make Do

2011-03-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

What's this? A new button? Are you intrigued yet? Good! For those of you that read Cynthia's blog The Sewing Dork, you will already know what this is about. For the rest of you ;) let me share with you this wonderful bit of awesomeness.
Mend & Make do is a sort of 'series' for lack of better word of posts that will focus on repairing, reusing and generally un-consuming in our daily life. Inspired by some vintage war era reading material Cynthia wanted to do a few blog posts (Not of the sew along sort or anything really rigid at all.)that erred on the more frugal side of creation. I thought it was wonderful, being a wanna-be refashionista I was totally up for the challenge.
So, expect some posting about being frugal, great mending and reusing posts and of course, everyone's favourite; refashioning! If you have an idea for a guest post please feel free to contact me via one of the links on my sidebar!

And because Cynthia is much more ont he ball then me, here is her most recent refashioning post!

Cheers and happy NOT spending!

My Crafty Weekend

2011-03-21T08:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday my fellow crafties! What a weekend, what a weekend! We went to a sugar bush (MMMm freshly boiled maple syrup!) had a date night and did some major Grandparent visiting. Needless to say I did not get a single stitch of crafting done. I still have some pics of what I got up to last week though.

With my machines doing weird things I could only craft, not sew (Beyond frustrating!) And I am desperately trying to make enough stuff for an upcoming craft fair (my first!) so I felt pretty darn accomplished when I made a six brooches and twenty two hair clips! I wanted to show you pictures today but alas, we are having a mid March snow storm so natural lighting in this house is only a fantasy.But I have since worked out my machine issues and will have oodles of fabric goodies to share soon!But, enough of my craft endeavors, what you want to see is yours!

Do these make you hungry? They should. Denise of Extreme Personal Measures
linked to this yummy looking dish. To get the recipe for these personal macaroni pies visit the post here.

Melissa of Those Northern Lights shared with us this wonderful coin box. Made for her father-in-law, she embroidered the image and used corduroy for the coin 'ridges'. So cute, and so clever.

Lori of Paisley Passions linked up photos of her craft space. Serious crafter envy here. I was totally geeking out on all of her storage ideas and solutions. Great job on the deco too. To see some great pics (some seriously messy before ones too!) visit the post here.

Wow you guys have been busy! What have you been up to lately? Baking, scrapbooking, sewing? How about papier mache? Distressed any great flea market finds? Share with us your creative endeavors! Feel free to grab and share the buttons below! Also, don't forget to visit the link before yours and leave some good comment karma! Have fun crafties!

How To : T-Shirt Poppy

2011-03-17T17:03:00.001-04:00

You know, this blogging thing is not like riding a bike. I took such a long break that I am having trouble typing things like introductions. I know weird right? It could also be that between My Crafty Weekend and the two Tumblr blogs that I have gotten used to typing quick and informative blurbs about photos and posts. Maybe? So how about I just show you a picture of what we'll be making and move on to the directions?

Every now and then I surprise myself. This jersey poppy is one of those times. There are a lot of fabric flower tutorials out there. Like, a lot. I know, I have them bookmarked! But this is one I don't remember seeing anywhere and came up with just kind of messing around. I think the best ideas come that way don't they? No pressure to create, just playing. Anyhoo, it is super simple, super cheap (Old t-shirts, scraps and eyelets.) and super fabulous. This is how it is done:

Gather ye supplies.

Voila! Ca c'est tres bon!

Enjoy your awesome handiwork.

This is what I used mine on. More on that (the pillow) next week!

Now go one with your crafty selves!

♥♥♥

p.s. I'm proudly linking to:

Made By You Mondays @ Skip to My LouInspire Me Monday @ Singing Three Little Birds Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping it Simple Making The World Cuter Monday @ Making The World CuterTutorial Tuesday @ Hope Studios
Creative Share Wednesday @ The Trendy Treehouse
Idea Sharin' Wednesday @ Women Who Do It All
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts We Did It Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple Make It & Wear It @ The Train To CrazyWeekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots & Jello

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-03-16T15:22:00.002-04:00

Sunny Days Are Here Again., originally uploaded by Cara.Mia.

My Crafty Weekend

2011-03-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Wow another Monday already! And March break too! Are you psyched? This is our first March break, Wednesday attends a play school twice a week and they close with the schools. I didn't realize it until Friday though so I haven't anything awesome planned. Maybe some Grandma time, a little messy paint and glitter fun and a playdate? Hopefully a dinosaur dig at the local museum as well, Wednesday loves her some dinosaur bones.

Last week I seemed to never be home, so I have a lot of projects planned, and even some begun but nothing finished. I did get around to making some flowers though.

Super fun yes? The felt ones were super fast and the tutorial can be found here. The others were a lot more tedious but well worth it yes?! I followed the tutorial for those here.

Ready to see what you crafty folk got up to last week? me too!

The brilliant Nancy of Nancy's Couture has a tutorial for this cute and clever card wallet. You have to know I am making myself one this week, the little plastic thing I use is falling apart (and business cards don't fit anyways!)

The always inspiring Donna of Comin' Home created this clever seed catcher. To get the full how to visit her blog here.

Over at House To Your Home you can check out this gorgeous fireplace make over. Seriously, the before photo will make you drop your jaw. Isn't his just beautiful?

Wow you guys have been busy! What have you been up to lately? Baking, scrapbooking, sewing? How about papier mache? Distressed any great flea market finds? Share with us your creative endeavors! Feel free to grab and share the buttons below! Also, don't forget to visit the link before yours and leave some good comment karma! Have fun crafties!

How To : Sew a Vinyl Zippered Clutch

2011-03-09T20:58:00.001-05:00

My latest and greatest creation!

Good morning! I hope your week is going well? Mine has been motoring right along. Between my tumblr blog Storage Geek taking off (447 followers yay!), my sewing space finally being workable, my handmade goods shop looking more and more like a reality, blogger relations (Think sew alongs, read alongs and giveaways!)on the rise oh yeah, and you know, family life I have been kept very busy. And loving it. I forgot how much I thrive in a packced schedule. That old adage "I do my best work under pressure." well that is me in a nutshell. My adage is "If I can't put it off until the night before than it is not worth doing!" (Kind of.) But, during my lull that was December through February I had been saving ideas on my computer, scratching out rudimetary designs in my notebook(s) and gathering my supplies.

Photo Credit: Honestly...WTF

Inspired by this fabulous electric blue zippered leather clutch back in February I have been dying to make one but my leather stash was lost in the move. (No joke, I had a giant soft red leather coat I bought at a thrift shop just vanish in the move it made me very sad.) One day I remembered the faux croc skin vinyl place mat I bought at a dollar store. I had one of those a-ha! moments and now you can share in my joy.

And this is what I made. I made the black and red one last week and used it all weekend as my purse. I made the brown and teal one for the tutorial. Now, making a clutch from a place mat is not necessarily tutorial material, but sewing with vinyl is and also my clutches have no bottom seam, I folded it over which made the zipper sewing a bit tricky. So when you come back looking for the tutorial it will be listed under the techniques section on my tutorial page.

Ok, I think I said the word tutorial enough, lets get on with it!

Materials
Vinyl place mat (Or leather piece)
Zipper (A little longer than the short end of your place mat)
Matching thread
Painter's masking tape (Super low tack)

Modus Operandi

1.

Line tape up with short edge of place mat.I would tell you to do this to both ends now but with the low tack tape it will come off before you get to the second side.

Now it is time to sew the place mat to the zipper wrong side of mat to top side of zipper. Using a straight stitch foot line up tape edge with inside edge of foot. keep them as close as possible while sewing.

See? Nice clean (approx) 1/8" seam.

4.

When you remove the tape, tear it in half and slowly tear up from the bottom. This makes the seam act like a perforated seam so that you do not rip out your stitching. Same goes with the top half piece of tape, slowly tear downwards to remove it.

5.

MMm, nice clean edge. No fancy zipper foot needed here!

6.

Now you are going to repeat steps 1 - 3. Because we did not cut the place mat in half we were not able to sew down both sides of the zipper with ease. So when you go to sew the second side, make your zipper is open to the end and the watch the tails.

7.

It is fairly easy until you get to the end of the mat/zipper and you notice that last inch is going to be super tricky, stop there. (Sorry for the blurry photo, I was trying to show how it gets bunched up.)

8.

Pull the mat out and turn it around so that it looks like the picture above. Now you can finish that last inch without wrecking your (very unforgiving) vinyl or serious frustration.

9.

Turn inside out. If you have a label to attach, now is a good time to add it in. I opened up an inch of the seam and sewed it closed before sewing the side seams.

10.

Open zipper a couple inches. Now, line up the sides so that they are even at the zipper. You need to sew from the bottom up. Oh yes, I forgot to add tape the sides again, this time top and bottom because now there will be vinyl along the plate too. (I guess you could just tape the metal plate, that didn't occur to me until just now.)

11.

When you have sewn your side seams and you are happy, trim off zipper pieces.

12.

Tadaa! Your newly fashioned oversized zippered clutch! What I really want is to make one of these with TWO place mats so that it is just huge. Unfortunately, the dollar store I bought the mats at was out of stock so I have to do some shopping around to find more.

And that is all she wrote folks. It has been a long time since I wrote and photographed a tutorial and it is not like riding a bike lol. Anyway, please feel free to ask me any questions I am more than happy to answer them. If they are tutorial related I'll respond here so that others can benefit from the answer.

I will definitely be linking!

Made By You Mondays @ Skip to My LouInspire Me Mondays @ Singing Three Little Birds Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping it Simple Making The World Cuter Monday @ Making The World CuterTutorial Tuesday @ Hope Studios
Creative Share Wednesday @ The Trendy Treehouse
Idea Sharin' Wednesday @ Women Who Do It All
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts We Did It Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple Make It & Wear It @ The Train To CrazyWeekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots & Jello

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-03-09T12:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend Wednesday was invited to a birthday party at Misuraca's Karate Academy. It was really really cool. There was a mini zip-line for the kids, wall climbing and some foam swords and shields play. And at 15 dollars per child (minimum ten kids) (plus an extra fifty for a bouncy castle)it is well worth it. It had a mezanine upstairs for smaller kids with hamster tunnels to rival the local McDonald's (which we don't go to because they smell). But I digress. Although Wednesday did not want ot try the zip line, she did participate in the rest of the activities.

Watching the girls climb the walls.

All harnessed up and ready to climb.

This one if for the showing-the-future-date photo album.

Wednesday was the last one to climb and so she had a case of the I-changed-my-minds "I'm not a big girl." (The other girls were mostly 7-8years old.) And when they wandered off she didn't want to anymore.

We managed to convince her to swing for a bit though. She had fun with her daddy and cousin Alli. I was proud of her. (I have a debilitating fear of heights.)

After cake came the sword fights! This was so cool for the girls. Wednesday loves herself some swordplay.

But mostly, she loves to be dramatic.

♥♥♥

My Crafty Weekend

2011-03-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon crafties! This post comes to you a little later than usual but still on Monday so go me! I have been working on a tutorial (Yay my first in aaaaaages!)but I need better lighting than what I have been getting. I'll have the post up before the week has ended though I promise! Also in the works is a collaboration with My bloggy BFF Cynthia The Sewing Dork so stay tuned for that announcement. And a few giveaways are in order as well. Super busy times here at Until Wednesday Calls. But enough about me, it is you that you want to see yes?!

In the spirit of march being Reading month, I couldn't think of a more fitting post to start us off today. Amy of Flexible Dreams shares with us how a tub of alpahbet cookies from Trader Joes has begun a spelling frenzy at the table. A tasty one too! To see the nifty ways they played with the letters before chowing down on them visit the post here.

Another fabulous reading related post is this Harry Potter themed one from Anji of Starking Crafty & Party. Visit this post to see the great stuff the kids did in those spell books and to find out how to make those fabulous capes.

Totally unrelated to reading, but amazing all on it's own is this bedroom makeover by Kyra of Racks and Mooby. Those gorgeous flowers were free handed copies from the bedding design. What a wonderful room for a little girl to wake up in.

Now it is your turn again! What have you been up to lately? Baking, scrapbooking, sewing? How about papier mache? Distressed any great flea market finds? Share with us your creative endeavors! Feel free to grab and share the buttons below! Also, don't forget to visit the link before yours and leave some good comment karma! Have fun crafties!

Storybook Sunday : Hooper Humperdink...? Not Him! (Read-Along Post)

2011-03-05T23:49:00.001-05:00

When Polly of Helping Little Hands announced that March is Reading Month (And March 2nd was Dr. Seuss's birthday) and that she was hosting a read along of sorts I knew that was what I needed to get my but in gear for a children's book review.

In honour of Mr. Geisel's birthday I thought I would share with you Wednesday's and my favourite book; Hooper Humperdink...? Not Him! not just by him but anyone.

This book brilliantly runs through the alphabet in true Dr. Seuss fashion. Quick, rhythmic stanzas that you can't help enjoy. I mean c'mon, who wouldn't like to know an Olivetta Oppabeam and Pinky Pasternak?
Wednesday particularly liked the quintuplets, and the children in masks riding the Chinese dragon.
I love how in every picture, poor Hooper is watching the show become more and more fantastic and eventually, he gets invited to the party.
The picture I posted is of the cover that I have, but upon searching for that same edition it appears to be re-released with new illustrations by Scott Nash.They are pretty but they are not the Charles Martin ones I love. Charles Martin is the illustrator for this book and I wouldn't have it any other way. he gets the expression on Hooper's face just right throughout the book. He also creates one fantastical affair with every letter of the alphabet!

As an added bonus to the read along, any corresponding activities would be added. I had thought about doing another Fancy Nancy affair since Wednesday's favourite book is her Tag Reader Fancy Nancy at The Museum. But since A)our weekend magically filled with birthday parties and B) we have already done a Fancy Nancy activity I thought something simple would be perfect.

I visited the Seuss website Seussville.com and found some great printables to download and colour and play. Right now Wednesday is all about connect the dots and mazes so I thought these would all be groovy for you guys too!

Bartholemew's 500 Hats Counting Sheet
Cat in the Hat Colouring
cat in the Hat Birthday cake Maze
Hop on Pop colouring page
Hop on Pop reading worksheet
Horton Hears a Who connect the dots
Horton Hears a Who Colouring Page

For information on how to participate in the March Read Along visit this post at Helping Little Hands. To see what we have been reading and sharing check out the March Read Along Label at Helping Little Hands.

Happy Reading Month!

Cabin Fever!

2011-03-04T19:23:00.002-05:00

Tonight I am aching for springtime. I want to wash my deck furniture, till my garden and just be outside without any ice, snow or negative temperatures. I have been thinking about the kind of ambiance I want and I think I am going to go for flea market/junk style chic.You know, repurposed, paint chipping and rusty kind of stuff. I have lots of ideas. But, what I can't decide on is the outdoor lighting for my deck. You now, farmhouse chic or rusted iron? Lots of table lights? Or some pole style lamps? Or my favourite string lighting. Seriously, anything more bed and breakfast-y than a string or two of globe lights? How would you light your conversation area?

I don't think anyone could blame me for becoming twitterpated when I see photos like this:

Or This:

Or This:

Or this positively dreamy scene:

I have some great pieces and some even better ideas but I need the weather to co-operate!

Seriously...is it spring yet?

Wednesday on Wednesday (or Thursday)

2011-03-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

Tutus & Toolbelts

Who says you have to dress like a boy to build things? Wednesday is always traipsing after her carpenter Daddy with her little Home Depot tool kit.

My Crafty Weekend

2011-02-28T15:42:00.000-05:00

Good afternoon crafties! Sorry this post comes a little late, busy morning today, busy indeed! I did managed to squeak out a post though. Below is what got me excited this weekend!

Absolutely INSPIRED by this photo from the same post at Little Birdie Secrets I went thrifting almost the next day and found five shakers plus the cute tray for a dollar. A dollar folks! After a scrubbing (some still had salt and pepper!) I filled them with my very minimal glitter collection. I even raided Wednesday's stash I wanted them filled so badly! Cute though right? I can't wait to pick up more shakers and of course the glitter to go in them. Have any good glittery crafty links? I'm thinking Martha Stewart would have a few yes?

Aside from that I made some top secret stuff, to be revealed soon. And on that note let's have a look at what you got up to last week! The links were few but awesome!

Don't knit? Don't crochet? Then this is the scarf for you! Maya of Little Treasures has concocted this great tutorial for a no knit-no crochet scarflette! A little secret though...you can totally crochet this as well! Visit the link to see what the heck I'm talking about.

Laurie of House To Your Home shared this fabulous guest bath redo. Wait until you get a load of the subway tile shower, it is just suburb! I do love me some subway tile. For other great photos visit her blog here.

Amy of Flexible Dreams shared this wonderful tutorial on how to refashion a drab cardigan into a fab girl's dress. If you are a sucker for a great refashion (especially for girls!) visit her blog here for the great step by step!

Now it is your turn again! What have you been up to lately? Baking, scrapbooking, sewing? How about papier mache? Distressed any great flea market finds? Share with us your creative endeavors! Feel free to grab and share the buttons below! Also, don't forget to visit the link before yours and leave some good comment karma! Have fun crafties!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-02-23T14:55:00.000-05:00

This morning, within minutes of waking.

Wednesday received her first Barbie doll sometime ago, I think maybe over a year? She was playing with Barbies at a friends house which was part of an overnight trip out of town and as a reward for being a super duper awesome child, we bought her her own barbies. Nothing fancy, two fairy barbies that didn't even come with shoes. (Little pieces and airways and all that.)

This afternoon, directly after getting home from playschool.

After that though, well, just about every trip to the thrift shops resulted in at least one naked, matted hair Barbie doll coming home with us. She has amassed quite the collection, both new and (very) used since. But I tell you, for being three and a half they are her favourite toys. She brings them to bed with her (they sit patiently on the night tables waiting for her to wake up.) she acts out different things she has learned from the nursery rhymes at play school to real life situations she has been through like time outs.

Dinah loves to sleep in the Barbie suitcase (scored for a dollar! at the local charity shop.) full of clothes.

Last week we played dress the Barbies together. She always undresses my dolls though?!

For Christmas, my main gift to her was a Barbie backpack filled with Barbie dolls. babrie clothes, and babrie shoes all found on Ebay. For a song, I found Wednesday all the vintage(and not so) babrie clothes and shoes I had been scouring thrift shops for (and coming up unsuccessfull 98% of the time.)

The radius of clothing, shoes and dolls can get pretty big for such a little girl with limited space.

Her interest would wane and then come back double time. But lately, her barbie play is non-stop. From the moment she wakes up (as in the first photo of the post) until she goes to bed (with Barbies on the nightstand) she is wrapped up in imaginative play with these dolls.

Clothing I made from discarded t-shirt sleeves and some leftover 1/4" elastic.

Some folks might not think Barbies are age appropriate for a three year old but I think Barbie is for every age (minus the wee ones) there are Barbies for eveyone. For the first months (almost year) of playing with the dolls, Wednesday did not want clothing on them, when at a friend's house, the first thing she would do was undress the Barbies. Then she discovered shoes. And then clothing came shortly after it, so that now she regularly spreads the suitcase of clothing around her play space. She has a ridiculously sized collection that was compounded at Christmas (Thanks Ebay, Uncle Rob & Uncle Matthew!) And I am having some trouble finding a satisfactory storage system (I just don't have the wall/door space that the super duper awesome clear shoe holder calls for) but it just fills me with joy to watch her play for hours on end with these dolls.

Today, showing off her "Rock & Roll pants". Coincidentally, that is one of her two first Barbies.

I'll worry later about Barbie's measurements and always fantastic hair having an adverse effect on Wednesday's self esteem. For now she is a little girl who loves all of her dolls equally for different reasons. She loves to dress and undress them, she loves to mix and match clothing and shoes and she loves to name them different names, sometimes after her friends and sometimes completely made up one (my favourite is Stacia.) but most importantly she loves to play. I can let her do that and feel like we are both winning.

P.S. For those Mamas with large naked Barbie collections I reccomend this seller for shoes. You receive lots of different kinds, and bonus is some of the open toe shoes fit the cheap Wal-mart Barbies even better than the shoes that came with them.
Also, for clothing, I did searches for lot barbie clothes used on Ebay and this got me some great auctions. Don't fight the collectors, watch them until they are almost up and bid what you are willing to pay. I scored some great clothing and accessory lots that way, at Christmastime no less.

My Crafty Weekend

2011-02-21T09:15:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday Crafters! And, happy Family Day to my fellow Canadians! I hope your weekend was filled with much love, luck and laughter! Mine was absolutely wonderful, crafting, family nad the most wonderful girls night out on Saturday. A French bistro + Chapters + Starbucks + Chatty Cathies = super duper awesome times! Crafty though, did you catch that? Yes, I made myself a necklace. Would you like to see it? Okay...

I am torn about the red seed beads to be honest. That little detail took me over an hour, making me committed to them lol, but I just don't know if I love them you know? Here is the thing with me and jewlery design/making; I am not gifted at it, in fact I don't even think I could call myself good at it. In fact, I am pretty sure if there was a word for opposite of gifted I would be it. But, I cannot help myself! I love it. And whenever I get enough materials together to make an idea a reality (ish) I get lost in it. I guess I am hoping the law of averages takes over and if I try enough times, I am bound to succeed right?

Anyhoo enough about me, what have you been up to? With Valentines Day behind us and St. Patrick's Day and Easter on the way are your creative juices flooding your crafty minds? I have a few ideas for Easter that I am excited to try, I even have an idea that the wee one and I can do together (I rely on the web for the ~~all~~ majority of those ideas!) Last week there were some super cute links, here is just a sample!

Maleah of Little Eme created these amazing little booties. And, now you can make your own pair because she not only has the free pattern but a tutorial to go along with it her blog!

A couple weeks ago Michelle from Falafel and the Bee linked to this adorable messenger bag she made for her little one's valentine collecting. When I asked her if she had a pattern, she responded with a complete tutorial! Is that fabric not just to-die-for?!

Jenn of My Delicious Ambiguity linked to this cute St. Patrick's Day countdown calendar tutorial. So sweet and simple!

Now it is your turn again! What have you been up to lately? Baking, scrapbooking, sewing? How about papier mache? Distressed any great flea market finds? Share with us your creative endeavors! Feel free to grab and share the buttons below! Also, don't forget to visit the link before yours and leave some good comment karma! Have fun crafties!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-02-16T11:27:00.000-05:00

This week,friends of hours held a lil' Valentine soiree for the kids and it was just wonderful. Four kids all age three just having a blast decorating cookies, crowns and eating pizza.

We managed to get a group photo before they were thoroughly involved in the decorating.

The fabulous mama who through the soiree and her little man!

Laying the icing foundation for sprinkles!

I think she liked the Cake Mate Scribblers more than the sprinkles.

The always fabulous Sydney!

Little A sticks his tongue out even more than Wednesday when he is concentrating heavily. So cute!

Decorating the crown together.

Waiting patiently for the pizza.

Our lovey weekend was full of love.

The party was great. I was surprised that the children (all age 3) participated full in each of the activities, even after eating some cookies. I think part of the success was due to the ten minute play times in between activities. I am so glad we were invited and I can't wait for Easter now! (Wednesday has been talking about dying eggs for over a week now!)

2011-02-13T23:59:00.000-05:00

Alright craftees, are you sitting down? You're on your pcs, of course you're sitting down. Anyways, get this; I got crafty this weekend! I know, did it rain? Nope, not even a snow day. I have been trying to keep my projects simple though, and practical and for my workspace. Also, all projects have been stash busters, which has helped make space in the space. I made a table skirt out of a really pretty thrifted duvet and a dust cover for my serger but I haven't pictures of those yet. What I do have a is a picture of a bulletin board cover I did. I'd like to think it is pretty cool and kind of mod. Not your usual ribbon board, but I'll let yo be the judge.

I have made the ribbon boards, and there are some pretty ones out there but I wanted something different. I didn't want just fabric and tacks but sometimes ribbons just don't cut it. So I wrapped some cork pieces laying around (From the aforementioned ribbon board) in the same fabric and black, then attached them with upholstery tacks. Easy peasy. I have also covered a lampshade but have yet to take final pics of it or hang it. It is on the to do list though.

Last week the entries were all so wonderful! Below is just a sample of the fabulousness of last week.

Shauna of His Frugal Servant baked this delicious looking "Hint O' Cocoa" bundt cake. Visit here for the full recipe broken down to steps and with a few notes. I know I will be making this one!

This gorgeous workspace is also part family space and was created by Heidi of Budget Wise Home. I cannot believe she shares this space with her boys! To see more great pictures visit the post here.

Amy of Flexible Dreams made this a-freakin'dorable batch of "Nilla Girls". Omgoodness, have you seen anything cuter? If you can handle the cute, visit her blog here for more pictures.

Wow, busy little bees you have been! Now, time to show us what you have been baking, embroidering, painting, scrapbooking! (You know and all the other great stuff you have been up to!) I managed to wrangle up a thumbnail linky for the occasion. I hope that you will visit eachother and leave some good bloggy karma in the form of comments! As usual, here are some buttons, I would love it if you shared them but it is not necessary to play the game! Have fun and get crafty!

Wednesday on Wednesday

2011-02-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

Someone has been painting up a storm! I know that I am her mom, but sometimes I think Wednesday is better with a paint brush than I some grown ups are with pencil and paper. And it is true, the adage practice makes perfect because every time she picks up a paint brush she wows me more than before.

Almost as fun as the painting itself, dispensing the paint herself in incredibly important to the process.

You half expect to see the tongue sticking out she is so focused.

She's all smiles while she paints. She said her favourite part of painting is "Making the colours and boys and girls. That is my favourite part."

Right now she is on a mermaid kick and asks The Mister and I too paint her mermaids to copy. This is her version of a mermaid, I was blown away.

This one is my favourite though, it is a rocket ship, and I'll be darned if it isn't a fantastic one at that!

Lately Wednesday has been on a poster paint kick, but most often we keep a water colour set with water and brushes out like most people use crayons. Wednesday can colour in the lines like nobody's business. She is slower and more deliberate with a paint brush than with a crayon. I was going to show you some colouring book pages she has done but it seems she has ripped them all out to give to the neighbor as a gift.

What is your child's colouring medium of choice? Markers, crayons or paint?

My Crafty Weekend

2011-02-06T23:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday! There has been much going on here; much organizing, much photoshopping and much scratching ideas into my notebook. I finally have some teaser photos of my craft/sewing area. For your viewing pleasure I present to you a small series of colour.

This is my vintage pillowcase and fat quarter shelf. (Although there are a couple pairs of fabulously printed pajama pants tucked in there as well.)

Since my first love was scrapbooking, and my new love is sewing, I have amassed a fabulously huge ribbon collection as this is but a sample.

I have since moved my spools to yet another drawer so that I could fit the black, white and neutral threads as well but isn't the colour wonderful?

And I think most of you either know about or have noticed the new blog changes. Complete with newly made painkalicious buttons! As with my first buttons, the old ones will continue to be hosted so don't worry about little image error messages on your sidebars and posts. But for those of you who enjoy the new look please feel free to replace the old buttons.

Two absolutely fabulous links from last week have the same punches of red but are for two completely different holidays.

This stunning bit of red awesomeness was made by Steph of Silly Precious Piggies (Not to be confused with Three Little Piggies!) and I just love it. It is a faux firework wall decoration for Lunar New Year. The 'firecrackers' are filled with goodies. I love it, and that rabbit is adorable! You can read the entire tutorial here.

Another gorgeous bit of red, this time made for Valentine's day by Maleah of Little Eme. Those rosettes are just wonderful! It is made out of crepe paper and you can make your own by visiting her blog here.
Alright folks. It is your turn again. Show me what you have been building, painting, baking and sewing. Also, since I cannot find a linky tool service that offers free thumnail linky tools this week it will be a text only link event. I will visit every link though I promise.

Please Mind The Mess

2011-02-05T22:30:00.000-05:00

Source.

Those of you who read me via a feed reader or Facebook have probably not noticed the changes going on over the last few days. But for those of you who come visit the blog directly, please mind the mess. I am trying my best to freshen up this place but it can be tricky.I want to change it, but I liked the old layout. I want to ad sponsors but I don't want them to take over. I want to add some graphics but where is the 'too busy' line? I think I have found a nice balance though. I hope? Please feel free to give me your constructive criticisms or compliments!

Speaking of sponsors, yes I have sold out. But in a good way...kind of. I thought maybe I could begin bartering ad space. I haven't really figured out how that would work but I liked the idea. I also love supporting the handmade industry and the ads in my sidebar are from such businesses so please go visit them. If you would like to see your 125x125px ad in my sidebar give me a shout (There are a few links in my sidebar you can use to reach me.) and I am sure we can figure something out!

About Us...Right Now

2011-02-03T10:08:00.001-05:00

This is me. My name is Melissa, Missy to most. I am the incredibly fortunate stay at home mama to Wednesday and wife to Ron (AKA The Mister). I am a coffee loving, Supernatural watching, zombie fearing crafter in my early thirties. I have a bazillion interests but primarily I adore creating (particularly sewing) and natural living. I am also a fairly apt baker if I do say so myself. I am a patriotic Canadian to the core living in South Eastern Ontario (Belleville to those familiar with the geography.) Here in my corner of the blogosphere you will posts on sewing, crafting, baking with a little gardening (coming soon) and every now and then an editorial piece. Please grab a coffee (because you know I have one!) or tea if that is your pleasure and poke around, and if you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact me via any of the links in my sidebar.

Wednesday is my three year old daughter and I am able to type, sew, craft, read, cook and bake "Until Wednesday Calls". She is my reason for waking in the morning. I love her to bits and pieces. She is a diva all the way. She loves to play dress up, perform for friends and family (And the odd strangers at the bus stop), she loves her Barbie dolls and making them dress up and perform. She is rarely seen imitating domestic activity but positively glows when using glue and glitter. She is a three-nager and sometimes you can hear our battle of wills in the next room but the self discovery (both hers and mine) is worth more than all the ~~coffee in Columbia~~ tea in China. I post recent photos of her every Wednesday in a weekly post called Wednesday on Wednesday. Sometimes it is a simple photo and other times it is a short photo essay about her, but always it is a super tenderhearted moment here.

Ron AKA The Mister. He is the reason I can be a stay at home mom taking care of Wednesday and the house. He is also one of the most wonderful people I know. I have yet to meet anyone quite as generous of both self and possessions. He is also a skilled carpenter and artist. We bonded over coffee (no joke) and it continues to keep us together (We have a rule in our house: No talky talky before the coffee drinky drinky.) . He is our provider, our mechanic, our comic relief and all around Captain Awesome.

Even in hard times I know that we are a blessed family to have each other and I am most thankful.