Frogs to Fairy Dust

Lego Star Wars Birthday Party Favors

2010-09-10T13:02:00.002-05:00

I can't believe my baby is 8 years old. He wanted ANOTHER lego party this year (had one two years ago), and he wanted to do it at home! Coming up with a new set of ideas was difficult, but I think we did ok considering the time constraints. Last time, I sent out lego invitations that were handmade to look like bricks (just rectangle cardstock with circle punches stuck on with raised dot glue). For party favors, I bought those little minifigure sets online and wrapped them in solid colored papers and then added dots the same way. It was a hit. We had great games, so I have to top that now!

I'm a big fan of anything handmade and unique, but I also didn't want to go overboard. I started by making personalized notecards in Microsoft Publisher with clipart I found online. I cut those out with my paper trimmer. Then, I decided I needed lego crayons (but didn't know these were even possible until 2 days before the party so it was too late to order from Etsy. So off to Hobby Lobby for a mold making solution (oh yeah, the lego store is completely out of ice molds so I decided I would make my own.) Unfortunately, I couldn't find the mold making solution I wanted, so I settled for something called Amazing Putty. Instead of doing a large mold, I had to make individual molds, but the stuff is cool. It sets in 20 minutes! It isn't oven safe though so we had to melt the crayons in the microwave and then pour that liquid into the molds. I wasn't 100% happy, but they are cute nonetheless.I also made soaps, and these were my favorite. Because the lego store doesn't have any molds in stock, I used what I had which was a minifigure popsicle mold that we bought at California Legoland a couple of years ago. I just bought glycerine and dye and melted in the microwave - so super easy and cute! I had to experiment with colors - wish I had more glycerine and time, but these will do. The goodie bags came together nicely (topped off with a personalized tag bought on Etsy and printed myself).
I marked the soap just in case they thought it was chocolate - lol . . . mmmmm.

New CUSTOMIZED dolls for your Princess!

2010-08-20T14:31:00.003-05:00

Here is the first doll in my new line of customized dollies. For $40, you can get a doll similar (remember, they are handmade) to this with your choice of hair color, dress color (I will take pattern requests too), banner with embroidered name/saying, and bloomers with embroidered year or date).
Imagine how cute this gift would be for a little girl on her birthday or a newborn baby with the birth date! It's a truly unique gift that will be cherished forever!
Email me today to order yours! Frogstofairydust@cox.net. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

And the winner is . . . . . . . . .

2010-07-13T10:01:00.003-05:00

The winner of the Party Pooper Doll Giveaway is:

Sike-O

The winner of the Party Pooper E-Pattern (plus two of your choice) is:

Chris

Please contact me at frogstofairydust@cox.net so I can get mailing information and choices.

CONGRATULATIONS! I HOPE TO HAVE ANOTHER GIVEAWAY SOON SO CHECK BACK!

Happy Birthday to Me Give Away - Free Doll!!!

2010-07-08T10:21:00.005-05:00

Because it's my birthday (seriously, it's my 32nd birthday), I am having my first ever dolly give-away through my blog. This dolly is a party pooper because she's a brat (not a representation of myself) and she wants the world to stop and revolve around her for the day (and it's not because she's watching 9 kids - again not representing myself here - lol).

To enter, leave a *nice* comment on this blog between now and July 12th at midnight, and I will randomly draw a winner on July 13th (to be announced on my blog). U.S. only for the dolly, but since I know there are some international gals, I will also have an e-pattern giveaway for this dolly plus two others of your choice. Be sure to comment in the blog that you are international so I can pull names from separate drawings.

To see this e-pattern and details on the dolly, go to www.patternmart.com and view Frogs to Fairy Dust patterns. Thank you everyone!

PrImiTiVe PiG - HaMmY

2010-06-03T12:08:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I have sewn anything because of my schoolwork, but I found a few free hours (over a matter of a week or so) to create a dolly. I will be turning this into a pattern and selling the original as well. I've missed the prim world and hope I can manage to fit in some patterns this summer! I hope Hammy makes you smile

UGLEE MAKE-DO'S - PRIM DOLLS

2010-02-15T15:56:00.003-06:00

Somtimes you just have to make something for yourself. The large local craft show was this weekend, and I went two of the days. Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and my 8th wedding anniversary. Hubby was so sweet and made reservations for us at a great restaurant and got us a jacuzzi suite Saturday night. He surprised me by agreeing to go to the craft show during the day on Saturday. That was soooo sweet, but I prefer to shop with the girls. There are very few things I don't like to do with my husband (get your mind out of the gutter), but shopping is DEFINITELY one of them. He can't help it that he hates the stuff, so I feel guilty the whole time. On the other hand, we were able to make it through all of the buildings in record time, and I felt like I had a decent idea of what I wanted to see when I went back out there with my mom, sister, and daughter yesterday. Still, I didn't spend as much as usual or get anything too exciting. I got a few knick knack things. I bought an old rusty looking lantern, a small hanging stitchery, and some letters to spell out my last name across a shelf. I was sorta disappointed. Still though, I have some things I want to do around the house, and these gals were the first.
There's never enough (if any) primitive decor to purchase, and it's very difficult to find uglee stuff (maybe that's because people think it's ugly!) I just find old stuff so charming . . . . can't help it. They fit well on my little tiny shelves. Each girl is probably 8 inches tall. One is holding some flowers and the other has her crow. They are mounted on stained candlesticks.

Robot Valentine Box for School Party

2010-02-09T14:17:00.002-06:00

I just had to share these adorable robot Valentine boxes with you all! My kids had to make their own this year at home (as a family project), and they both decided on robots. Thankfully, these were made with supplies we already had (except for the rhinestones - and I actually probably had some of those in my stash, but I was too lazy to look for them - lol.

FINISHED THE WINDOW COFFEE TABLE!!!

2010-02-02T09:35:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I sorta finished the window coffee table project this morning. School is STILL out, so I only have my kids and my nephew. I was supposed to have two others (whose mother is not a teacher), but there's a stomach bug on the loose - EWWWWWWWW! That gave me a little free time (that I really should be using to clean or do homework, but where's the fun in that?) I am not completely satisfied with this finished product. I know there are some things I will change, but here is an idea of what can be done with your shadow box. I am a photo freak, so naturally, I wanted our memories in the glass. I added some scrapbook paper, buttons, and a few domino dolls (from Kirrily in Australia). I'm sure I will add more of my treasured items as I find them around the house (as long as they fit).

OLD WINDOW COFFEE TABLE - UPDATE

2010-02-02T07:26:00.004-06:00

Just a quick update on the coffee table . . . . it's been sanded, primed, painted, sanded, distressed, and sanded again. I am very happy with the ALMOST finished product, but these darn pictures aren't showing the distressing at all. The snow and ice are barely melting away here, and I can't get outside for good pics so here it is . . . . try to imagine it more distressed! Remember, the part that shows through the glass is going to be covered with pictures and other stuff - just can't seem to figure out - I'm sure that will always be a work in progress. I thought about painting that a different color, but I can't decide . . . . this is why I am always doing home improvement - INDECISIVE AMY!

New Pattern Release - Puppy Love

2010-01-30T16:48:00.002-06:00

I love Valentine's Day . . . always have! The colors just make me happy. In fact, I love it so much that I got married on Valentine's Day 8 years ago! Of course, now I realize how dumb that was because HE THINKS he can get away with one gift!!! lol

Above is my newest pattern (and dolly) . . . Primitive Puppy Love! The doll is up for auction on ebay, and so is the paper pattern http://shop.ebay.com/frogs2fairydust/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25. Click to go there. The e-pattern is available on patternmart.com under Frogs to Fairy Dust.

I am typing this as I wait for the paint to dry on my coffee table . . . can't wait to get it finished so I can show you all! My 50 cent can of OOPS paint from The Home Depot is a great almond color . . . love those good buys!

Old Window Coffee Table Project - Tutorial

2010-01-25T14:36:00.008-06:00

So, hubby decided to get started on the old window coffee table without me, and I didn't get to take pics before, but this project was honestly one of the easiest we have done. (He thinks I am silly when I take pics of half-done projects - so he gave us a little extra to look at!) Find an old window (I was lucky enough to have my FIL give me two of them for Christmas a couple of years ago). I have seriously been dreaming about this table since then, and hubby finally agreed and found some free time to help me. I'm not kidding when I say I have the best husband - he's so good to me - he puts up with my crazy whims and tries to make me happy. Anyway, he used some wood we had in the shed already. I don't know if it was plywood or what, but it was NOT MDF. I love MDF because it's so soft and smooth - lol. It doesn't matter what you use, but measure your window and cut a piece of 3/4 wood exactly the same size. Your window will sit on top of this base piece. You will also want to buy or make some legs. Hubby chose these for me, and I'm happy with them. You can use old porch posts if you know where to find them. Nail the base piece to the legs being sure to match up the corners. Set aside the window until later.

Next, you will want to measure between the legs. Using 1x3 or 1x4, cut your frame pieces to fit between the legs. We set ours back in the middle of the legs. Nail these in place. Hubby used the air nail gun and went from the bottom up.

And this is the way it looks after you put those pieces on . . .

Now, you lay your window on top of your table base (and hopefully it matches up perfectly). The purpose of this part is so that I can put pictures or other items on the base of the table that will show through the glass. I wanted the ability to change those from time to time, so we put hinges on the back side of the table.

And then add some trim. Measure the width of your window. Mine was about 2 inches, so I got 2 inch trim, and I needed 9 feet of it because I went around the three sides. I would love to go around all 4, but I wanted those hinges, so . . . . it is what it is. Measure and miter the edges of your trim to fit around the window edge. Nail in place. It is also recommended that you use a piece of twine and staple one side to the base and the other to the window to ensure that the window doesn't break off the hinges by accident.

It's cold and very windy here today, so there will not be any more work done until the weather gets better. I need to sand, paint, sand, distress, stain . . . . I will keep you updated on this project!

Primitive Panda Bear - Valentine Doll

2010-01-19T13:25:00.003-06:00

I have been sketching pandas for the past year or so, and I wanted to create something for Valentine's Day, so here he is . . . . My Primitive Panda!

This dolly is sold, but the e-pattern is available on http://www.patternmart.com/pattern/10248/Primitive+Panda+Bear+-+Valentine+Door+Doll+-+Prim+Teddy, and the paper pattern is up for auction on

http://cgi.ebay.com/Primitive-Panda-Bear-Pattern-Prim-Rag-Doll_W0QQitemZ160396341624QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item25585df178.

Ellyphant Pattern Released - First of 2010

2010-01-11T14:09:00.003-06:00

Here is Prim ELLYphant and her little mouse pal. This pattern is available on patternmart.com or email me at FrogstoFairyDust@cox.net.

Primitive style gift wrap ideas

2009-12-17T12:48:00.002-06:00

Every year, I try to think of a new way to wrap presents (to match my prim tree), and I am always stumped. It's nice when I can find the time to sew handmade ornies to attach, but this year, I just couldn't find enough time to do that. So, instead, I used kraft wrapping paper and my Quickutz Silhouette craft cutter and glued names on the gifts and made simple tags. Then I wrapped homespun around them and voila - they are done! Top it off with the uglee old bear, and Christmas presents are done! So what do you do to make your presents prim?

My Prim Christmas Tree and Ornie Swaps

2009-12-16T18:48:00.004-06:00

First of all, I wanted to show you my 9 ft skinny prim tree. It's a "work in progress", but I love pulling it out every year and adding a few new ornaments. Each one has a special place in my heart.

Through one of my wonderful customers, and now a great friend, I have met a wonderful group of women who also love primitive dolls and crafting. I was able to participate in a few Christmas swaps, and I wanted to share my goodies with you.

THESE ADORABLE ORNIES CAME FROM SHARON IN AUSTRALIA!

along with tons of goodies for my kids and other fun stuff for me:)

These are the ornies that I sent her (and the big blackie is a tree topper).

This is the snowgal I received from Sue of Rabbit Hollow Prims!

And this is the snowman I sent to Sue.

This is the lovely parcel I received from Kirrily in Australia. It has the crow banner (which matches my living room perfectly), ornies, and goodies for my kiddos.

I can't show you her stuff because it's lost somewhere, and I'm still hoping and praying it gets there by Christmas so she can at least see it before she tears down the Christmas decor.

And this is my fireplace with the banner. The colors look a little off in the picture.

WISHING ALL MY PRIM LOVING FRIENDS A WONDERFUL (SIMPLE) CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-15T14:13:00.004-06:00

I am feeling a little bit like Cindy Lou Who this year as I watch everyone around me stress about getting everything just right, and I realize I may have gone a little overboard with my own preparations. "Isn't there more to Christmas than this?" keeps ringing in my head. And of course there is more to CHRISTmas than all of this hustle and bustle, but how do we ever change the commercialism mentality and get things back to simple? I want a simple Christmas where we celebrate the birth of Christ, and where we spend time enjoying our family, and everyone brings HANDMADE gifts to show how much they love each other!

But, since that isn't the case, I have created these angel gift card holders to bring some handmade loveliness to your Christmas gift giving. I haven't figured out how to make them available on here, so just email me at FrogstoFairyDust@cox.net, and I will send you the pattern piece for FREE.

Thanks for a wonderful year, and Merry Christmas to each and every one of you!

HUGE E-PATTERN SALE

2009-11-18T20:35:00.001-06:00

ALL E-PATTERNS ARE $3 EACH OR TEN FOR $20 - NO LIMIT!

THIS SPECIAL WILL GO THROUGH THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SO STOCK UP NOW FOR CHRISTMAS GIFT MAKING!

Thank you!

More handmade ornies

2009-11-17T13:08:00.003-06:00

Here is my newest pattern release - owl ornies. My craft studio has owls all over it, so I couldn't resist making some owl ornies to match. I can't wait to decorate the little "aluminum" silver tree I purchased, but I have to find or make some garland and other items for it first.

The ornie pattern is available on http://www.patternmart.com/ under Frogs to Fairy Dust, or you can email me. I am also offering a limited number of ornie sets for sell in your choice of colors. 5 ornies for $20. Email me at frogstofairydust@cox.net to order.

Why would anyone use store bought ornies?

2009-11-11T13:37:00.005-06:00

I can't get into the spirit of Christmas. It may still be too early, but usually by this time, I am thinking about the perfect gift for everyone on my list, dreaming up new fun ways to wrap my gifts, and overflowing with inspiration for handmade gifts and decor! But this year, I am in a funk! School is kicking my tush, and working with two year olds all day can be exhausting, so I feel as if I am never going to come around. The other day, an online friend, shared some ornies with me, and immediately I felt inspired to make them. Since then, I really want to make more extreme prim and uglee ornies to cover my entire tree so I think these sweet uglee ornies are getting me out of my slump! Aren't they adorable?

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that theseangels are a pattern by Crows Roost Prims. They are available on Pattern Mart. :)

LAUNDRY ROOM MAKEOVER

2009-11-08T14:11:00.004-06:00

I am a slave to laundry! It seems that I spend a huge chunk of my time washing, drying, folding, hanging, and ironing, and yet my laundry room is the ugliest area in the house. Not only do I have to stare at it when diligently cleaning everyone's soccer stained shirts and smelly socks, it sits between my kitchen and my craft studio / playroom so I walk past it countless times each day. Every parent who drops their child off in my daycare has to see this ugly little closet area. I did not take pictures of the before, but I'm sure you can imagine. Just undress it with your eyes!

It's that time of year where money isn't abundant (not that it ever is around here), so I had to get creative. I grabbed some extra fabric from my stash and trimmed to size, coffee stained it, and hemed the top to fit on the wire. I cut wire to length and wrapped around a nail tapped into each side of the wall. I added some aged safety pins. Then, I made a banner out of scrapbook paper and pinned it on to a section of wire with tiny safety pins.

Now, I don't have to stare at those ugly pieces of laundry equipment, AND I get to hide some of my craft supplies back there, and nobody knows. I have the nastiest looking cookie sheets you've ever seen, but they get a lot of use with the painting, staining, etc.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MAKEOVER YOUR LAUNDRY ROOM? Share!

New Reindeer Pattern Released

2009-10-27T13:40:00.002-05:00

Here is my newest Reindeer pattern. There aren't many reindeer patterns out there, so I wanted to create something simplistic that would fit in with primitive Christmas decor. I hope you like him. He is available in e-pattern and paper pattern form at http://www.patternmart.com/cms/view_pattern_details.php?id=9603.

Also, I have the sample doll available for purchase and will take a limited number of custom orders so email me at frogstofairydust@cox.net if interested. Reindeer is $28 plus shipping.

Thanksgiving Pilgrim Couple

2009-10-17T12:49:00.002-05:00

Oh, I just love them, and they are so perfect for Thanksgiving Decor. Set them on your table with a pumpkin or on a shelf or chair . . . . .your family/guests are going to LOVE that you decorated with these cute little pilgrims. They measure approximately 15 inches without hats. They are wearing handpainted clothing and hats. They have handpainted and handstitched faces. The price for the couple is $42 plus shipping. If you want to order them individually, the price is $24 per doll plus shipping. Thank you!

Thanksgiving Prairie Doll

2009-10-15T08:48:00.003-05:00

My latest creation is this Thanksgiving prairie doll. She is approx. 15 inches from head to toe, and she's a real sweetheart. She is wearing a handpainted and distressed dress, apron and bonnet with lace trim. Her face is handpainted and stitched. She has an acorn bell around her neck. Her hair is my favorite part. It's a light brown wool that has a frizziness to it that is so charming. I know you are going to love this doll. She is $25 plus shipping. Custom orders also available for the same price. Email me at FrogstoFairyDust@cox.net to request yours!

Thanksgiving Indian Doll Pattern now available

2009-10-12T19:47:00.004-05:00

I'm getting in the mood for the holidays and all the fun festivities as well as time spent with family! To help set the mood, I am creating a few Thanksgiving themed dollies before I start on my Christmas stuff. The first one is this adorable little Indian gal - hope you love her!

BIRTHDAYS EVERYWHERE!

2009-10-10T19:58:00.006-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL FATHER!

I have the best dad in the world. He's amazing and such an inspiration to me.

Last night was my adorable niece's birthday party. Paige turned one and had a lovely (cold) pumpkin patch party with friends and family. It's tradition to make dolls for the girls who are special to me on their birthdays so I created a dolly for Ms. Paige and felt inspired to paint blue eyes . . . see why? Isn't she a gorgeous little girl?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAIGEY!

2009-10-07T19:16:00.003-05:00

EBAY AUCTION STARTED TODAY!

Prim Skeleton is up for auction on ebay right now, or you can custom order one by emailing me!

Price for custom orders is $30 plus shipping. I look forward to hearing from you.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160367995083&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

NeW sKeLetOn DoLLy

2009-10-06T12:46:00.003-05:00

Check out my new skeleton dolly! He will be up for auction on ebay soon. I have hated skeletons for as long as I can remember, so I challenged myself to create a skeleton doll that I would not mind having in my home. Here he is, and I hope you like him too.

Amy

Craft Room Cleanout - Ebay Auctions

2009-10-03T10:02:00.002-05:00

I've decided that I need to make some room in my craft studio for my stuff . . . lol! I've been storing dolls for a craft show that I am not going to be able to do. Sometimes my ambitions are much larger than me! I like to sleep unfortunately, and with work, school, and the extra-curricular activities of my children, I can't find the time to do it all so I am going to stick with online sales and pattern design for now.

I have listed a lot of stuff at really low prices to clear it out - take advantage of me!

http://shop.ebay.com/frogs2fairydust/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=

CaNDy coRn pRiNcESs

2009-08-17T12:47:00.002-05:00

Well, here she is . . . . everyone has a different opinion of this sweetie. She's a little (okay a lot to me) on the grungy side, but she still has a cuteness to her. I am going to list her on ebay soon, but I have to get some better pictures, and finding the time to do that . . . well, is difficult.

I hope you like her!

BACK TO SCHOOL AND $2 E-PATTERNS

2009-08-17T12:38:00.003-05:00

How did a month pass without a single post? Well, I like to overwhelm myself like most people. I wanted to get a quick post on here to let you know I am still chugging along, but slowly. This is my busiest week of the year because my daycare group (5 toddlers and 1 infant plus a kindergartener) start coming back, and my kids are still here because the teachers have to report, but school doesn't start until Thursday. So I have my full group plus my own kids, and then a few who are now school-age but have nowhere to go for the few days before school starts. Anyway, I'm already exhausted, and the house is a pit, but my group is absolutely adorable and sweet, and they are going to be so much fun this year. I just started my first week of my major courses to get my Bachelor's in Elementary Education. The general education is finally completely done, and I am well on my way to having my degree after all of these years! Woo hoo! But what about the sale you say?

What's going on with the primitive business side of Frogs to Fairy Dust? Well, I have a Candy Corn Princess that I am going to list on ebay, and I am going to turn that into a pattern. On my website, I have two $2 patterns listed that will be changed out every two weeks. Right now, Prim Pirates and Frankie are available - this is a great deal! Get them while you can!

Magnet Board Mania!

2009-07-21T08:12:00.006-05:00

So . . . . I go through these phases where I need to create new wall decor, and this time I decided I needed a magnet board. Well, I couldn't just go with one, so I made three! Originally, I was going to do one for each of the kids and myself so we could hang our creations on them, but it turns out that I needed all three of them for me! LOL.

I put one above my desk in the craft room, one on the wall down low in the daycare (for magnetic letters and other toys), and then I put one in my bedroom and added a little bit of paper piecing to match my decor in there.

And the one in the bedroom . . . . my favorite -

To make these fun magnet boards, go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get a piece of sheet metal in whatever size you want (I used 2x3). Also get some trim to go around it. You can play with options, but my husband was with me and didn't give me much of a choice so mine is all the same. You can paint it if you want. I painted the one in my bedroom black and distressed it. To add paper embellishments, just cut them out and use spray adhesive to stick them on. I haven't made magnets for this one, but to do so, you just buy some of those clear stones in the floral department. Take some cute paper or magazines and trace around the stone, cut out, glue to back of rock with glass glue, and you have an adorable magnet. Use your imagination. I am thinking about making some flower magnets for this board from buttons . . . maybe I'll blog about that soon. Take care. - Amy

Website Grand Opening!

2009-07-07T16:54:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it . . . . (ok, I can't sing, and I really should stick with my day job!)

Frogs to Fairy Dust has re-opened, and I have stocked the store with all of the dollies I had stored for my craft show in October. Please take a look and see if there's anything ya like!

www.FrogstoFairyDust.com

Amy

Gorgeous New Blog Template

2009-07-04T12:19:00.003-05:00

Look! Look! I found this awesome designer with a pretty cool name - Amy - at AmyBug's Primitive Attic (http://amybug.com/). I love frogs and vintage stuff, so I had to have this for my summer template. I can't wait to shop for Fall and Winter templates from her. She was really speedy and super nice. Go check out her stuff. She does all kinds of templates.

Thanks again, Amy!

Meet Sparkle - the Americana gal

2009-07-02T16:22:00.003-05:00

In a hurry today but wanted to post this since I am running like a week behind! I am having a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE SALE on the website for e-patterns at http://www.frogstofairydust.com/. Also, this is my newest pattern and doll available on there. Her name is Sparkle, and she was named by a great customer and now friend, Jeanne! Jeanne received the Sparkle pattern free for naming my dolly. Thanks so much Jeanne! She's actually named another pattern that will be out soon, but it's a secret as it's a swap gift for another friend, Kerri, in Canada! The only hint I'm giving is that it's a critter dressed up as a bug! Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh . . . . mailing tomorrow, but you never know how long it could take to travel from Oklahoma to Canada!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend! Take care!

Liberty Doll listed on Ebay

2009-06-24T14:06:00.003-05:00

Here's my newest grungy creation - Liberty. She's listed on ebay

I had this idea to take dowel rods and create fireworks from them. I had my husband cut the dowel rods down and drill a hole so I could put glue down in the hole and stuff some jute/twine in it. With most of my dolls, I start out with an outline template and then I add the face without having any real plan and just see how it turns out. I thought she turned out to have a very sweet, old looking face.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Primitive-Liberty-Independence-Day-doll-raggedy-prim_W0QQitemZ160344357323QQihZ006QQcategoryZ83905QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286.m7QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D2%26ps%3D5.

I seem to feel more inspired to create the grungy gals at the moment, but I have a whimsical dolly in the works as well.

Voila - some eye candy for the wall!

2009-06-05T09:24:00.006-05:00

The craft studio / playroom is finally getting some dressing for the walls. Those naked walls were driving me nuts. I'm sure I will continue to add to it frequently, but for now, I at least have something up there and can get back to focusing on fun craft projects. For the biggest wall, I had hubby hang a shelf (which I didn't like once it was up, but it's too late) that I plan to put my new creations on. Under that, we have black giant clothespins where I hang the children's artwork throughout the week. Below that, I made some fun block letters by taking 12x12 inch pieces of MDF and MDF letters I bought at Hobby Lobby. I traced the letters on the back of scrapbook paper, cut that out, used spray adhesive to attach the paper to the letter, sanded around the edges and then stuck it to the wood with spray adhesive. (I guess I should say I painted the background white with orange dots and then used a permanent marker to decorate around the edges). Under that, we hung a piece of sheet metal and put some trim around it so the kids could play with their magnet letters and magnet toys.

On the back wall, I did the same method with letters I purchased a while back and hung white giant clothespins down at the children's eye level. (Hmmmm . . . how many of you don't know I have a daycare?)

The next wall(s) have my desk which also has a magnet board about it and my new banner that says "CREATE". That's my favorite saying . . . play, inspire, create . . . it's kinda my motto for the daycare.

The last wall has the closet area with the curtains. Hubby put a small shelf above it for a few of my dolls that I've collected.

Ok, there's the tour of the room! Now, I'm off to start creating in it! :)

It's time for some Paper Piecing!

2009-05-28T14:37:00.003-05:00

My son's room is blah . . . the walls are empty, and I can't ever find anything that will match. I recently grabbed a bed in a bag set because his beloved camo comforter had one too many holes for me. He really wanted to keep the camo, but I was just ready for a change. I thought this bedding was adorable, and it started my creative juices flowing . . . . and here's the product of that!

I don't know how to do tutorials yet (so if anyone wants to help, email me) so I will explain what I have done, and you can contact with questions. I had my hubby cut some 1/4 inch MDF to the size of choice. In this case, I believe they are just under 12x12 inches. Then, I chose my paint colors and gave each piece two coats. I used a foam circle stamp that I already had (I glued a wooden clothespin doll body onto the back of it to give me a handle). I added white dots to the painted wood. I drew out the patterns on cardstock to match the comforter. I cut those out of different colors of scrapbook paper and then used modge podge to attach them. I let that dry overnight and put a top coat on with the Modge Podge. I then drilled holes in each corner and used ribbon for the hanger.

I hope that makes sense to you . . . the options are endless with this craft. I have made some others, and my mind is spinning with ideas. I'd love to hear your comments and ideas.

I am Mighty Mom!

2009-05-22T11:56:00.004-05:00

Here's a sneak peek of my newest dollie. She has a bit of a softie flare to her. I am falling in love with softies right now, so I feel like my style is changing. Nah, I just have multiple personalities when it comes to my doll making. Tomorrow I will make something so uglee, only a mother could love it! Anyway, Mighty Mom here is representing the way we all feel from time to time . . . we know we have super powers, but we are not always happy about having to use them! It's the end of the school year, so I am worn about as thin as I can go, and Mighty Mom is sitting on my desk to remind me that . . . well, I have no other choice but suck it up and deal with all the extra activities. My desk is cluttered with water balloons, balloon animals, tattoos, face paint, teacher gifts, prizes, etc. (it's the end of year party this afternoon). Mighty Mom will be available on my website as an e-pattern shortly, but I'd love to know what you think about her. Thanks guys!

New Craft Space (1st Post Ever)!

2009-05-19T14:29:00.002-05:00

I am ecstatic because this is my first blog post ever, and I just remodeled my craft space so I wanted to share it with all of you. I appreciate my husband so much because he worked tirelessly to get this space in order for Mother's Day. It is not finished - the walls are naked, but it's a work in progress, and I'm just thankful that it's functional again. What started as a simple texture, paint, and carpet job turned into 1/4 of the ceiling falling down. Hubby worked hard to get it repaired and in working order for me. I love the new bright colors, and I am hoping they will inspire me to create some fun new patterns. (psssstt . . . I am working on a Superhero gal, but you'll have to check back for your sneak peek soon!)