Ruffly Birthday Party!! Part One

Pay no attention to the child's arm on the right of this photo as she is trying her darndest to get into this picture. We just celebrated our youngest's first birthday. We had a great time. I thought I would share some of the fun things that we did. Everything we did was on a tiny little budget, and was really easy. I thought they turned out super cute (not to toot my own horn or anything, I got a lot of my ideas from other people.)

Invitation:
Here is our invitation for the party. I know the saying makes it seem like we should have decorated with a balloon theme, but I thought the string globes could pull it off. Whether they did or not, I don't think people really cared since we had food. For the invitation I created the words, banner and little swirls on photoshop, glued on scrapbook paper air balloon pieces, and then sewed the invitation to a scrap of burlap. I think it would have been cute on printed fabric too, but the burlap was super cheap.

Decor:
Next I spent my time working on the decorations. There is a great tutorial outlining how to make these string globes here. The tablecloth was a little more intense than I thought it would be. I estimated that it would be a good afternoon nap or two worth of time, but it ended up taking me a good week's work of afternoon naps and some work at night to finish it. I did alter it so that there were three narrow ruffles instead of the two larger ones on this ruffled tablecloth tutorial, so if you stick with the original instructions it probably won't take nearly as long. I used the ruffled crepe paper tutorial here. They were quick, cheap and easy. I think if I make them again though, I would buy a gathering foot, since keeping my machine on such a tight setting made me feel like I was abusing it.

Sustenance:
What's a party without food right? We served sweets and italian sodas for this party. I wish I would have gotten a closer shot of the cake. Oh, the things you forget when you have a bunch of people over at your house! We made a mini ruffle cake for the birthday girl, and a double layer cake for the party goers. We made a mini banner to go across the larger cake. We got the directions for the ruffle cake off of this awesome video here. It was so easy and it looked really cute.
We also served the oreo truffles from Bakerella . Those are awesome because they can be made about a week in advance. We just dipped them in colored vanilla bark.
Macarons were the trial dessert of the event. I had never made them, and some of the blog posts about them made them seem outright terrifying, but I found this site with a video that I followed to the letter and they turned out great. The filling is awesome, totally worth the extra work. I froze one batch of macaron shells for about a month and filled them the day before, and they still came out great.

I got the italian soda idea from this post . It seemed like something fun,  especially in the heat of summer and everyone seemed to really like it. I got this frame from Hobby Lobby for $10 on clearance, it was 24x36 and a rockin' deal! I wanted to make a sign like we used to see at an ice cream shop we liked to go to before we moved. I primed a large piece of cardboard and sketched the italian soda picture with pencil. I then painted the color in with artist acrylics (I'm not sure if the quality would have really mattered.) Lastly, I outlined it and wrote in the ingredients with a Sharpie. I wish I would have used a thicker marker, but that was all that I had on hand. The Sharpie didn't take very well with the primer and I went through two markers.

All in all, things went really well. My two splurges were the table cloth ($15) and the picture frame ($10). I have a tutorial of a great way to use up an empty picture frame coming up soon too!

It has been a little while since I last posted. Life has been slightly busy with going out of town for a few months, having a new little one arrive, getting a new job and relocating. I just didn't have time to post and keep up with the day to day. But I was still crafting and am currently crafting and hope to share a lot of fun new things soon. I understand if you don't forgive me.

Free Printable August 2010 Calendar

Well, this is going to sound really pathetic, but I am just barely looking into getting a 2010 calendar. I had been using a combination of my computer calendar and a mini dayplanner, but I just think I need something I can hang on the wall and there is no ignoring it. I went looking for a calendar this week, and let me tell you it is slim pickin's out there!! I have something against spending $10 when half of the months are already over (isn't that some form of highway robbery??), so I decided to spend hours creating a fun one to print out instead. Sometimes I wonder about my thought processes, anyway I thought I would share just in case someone else out there in the world needed a calendar and also didn't want to spend superfluously. I will work on September-December and post those soon. To download a full sized version go here.

car seat canopy with peek-a-boo tutorial

Only one more month left before our sweet little baby will be here. I've been super busy trying to get all of the little projects done before life gets even crazier. I have been wanting to make a car seat canopy for a long time, I think it is because I am extra paranoid about taking a little baby out into the world after working at a hospital for many years. People think I'm crazy, but I'm okay with that. Anyway, I think the canopies, tents, whatever you would prefer to call them are an awesome idea to keep whatever it is you want away from your new little one: bugs, the sun, others. And I based mine on this tutorial, but I wanted to make it with a little peek-a-boo so that I could open or close the cover as much I wanted. I couldn't find a tutorial that gave measurements for that type of alteration, so I thought I would write a post just in case there are others out there who would like to make one too. Hope it helps:) 

As with all tutorials on my blog, this is for at home use only, so please play nice.

What you need:
1 1/4 yd.          lightweight fabric
1 1/4 yd.           coordinating lightweight fabric
a little extra fabric or ribbon for handle straps
60" of coordinating ribbon for peek-a-boo closures
velcro

*All seams are 1/4" unless otherwise specified.

These fabric requirements are based on my Chicco car seat, you may want to measure your car seat first to make sure that the cover will be all that you desire and more. My finished cover was about  43" L x33" W. The length running from the front to the rear of the carseat. Also in fair warning, I am over estimating the amount of ribbon for the peek-a-boo closures. Personally I only used about 30", but the ties are much shorter than I would have liked. I was in a very anti-go-to-the-store mood, so I just used what I had on hand. Probably will regret my laziness later, but oh well. With that said...

Cut out your pieces:
Cut out one 35 1/2"x 26 1/2" piece and two 17 1/2"x18" pieces from both yards of fabric. Also cut two 5x9" pieces for the handle straps (I cut four so it could be reversible). You know, so I could coordinate the cover with whatever I am wearing that day, since I am that put together. Right.

Sew on peek-a-boo flaps:
Lay one 35 1/2"x26 1/2" piece of fabric down in front of you right-side up, so the 35 1/2" length is going from left to right. Pin one 18"x17 1/2" piece of the same fabric starting at the bottom left corner of the larger fabric piece. See diagram for details. Sew starting at bottom left corner toward center stopping about 1/4" from center.

Attach second 18"x 17 1/2" piece to opposite end likewise. There should be about 1/4" overlap at the center. Begin sewing from bottom right corner toward the center, again stopping 1/4" from center. Press.

Sew coordinating fabric pieces together in the same fashion.

Attach ribbons for closure:
Really you can use whatever you would like for closures, I'm sure buttons or snaps would work great too. I just had the ribbon on-hand, and I think ribbon is especially cute for little girl things. Anyway, Place ribbon as shown below down the center of both fabric flaps as desired, be careful to align both sides the best you can. Pin in place.

Sew together front and back pieces:
Place coordinating fabric over your fabric with attached ribbons. Sew around all edges, leaving about 3-4" open for turning. 

Create rounded edges: 
If you would like the edges of your canopy rounded, take a bowl from your kitchen and place at each corner marking the rounded edge. Sew around each corner. You can do this before sewing the pieces front to back, but I think it is easier to keep everything in place if you do it after. Turn cover right-side out and press. Top-stitch around all sides. I actually sewed around it twice just for fun, once closely around the edge and again about 1/4" inch from the edge.

Make straps:
To make straps, place the 5"x9" squares of fabric right-side down if front of you. Bring each edge toward the center 1/2" and press into place. Finally, fold the piece in half width-wise and press. Top stitch around all sides. Test out where you want to place your velcro using your car seat handle. Sew on velcro where desired.

Attach straps to cover:
The final and perhaps most tricky step is to attach straps to the cover. I just measured my car seat and pinned them in place, then I tried it out to see if that was really where I wanted them. When I was happy, I sewed them in place going around it a few times to ensure they were very secure.

Embellish as desired: 
Of course, if you would like you can embellish your handiwork a little. I thought mine could use a little festiveness so I just added some fabric flowers.

I feel a little like I have mommy-brain right now, so if there is something I forgot to include or that doesn't make sense leave a comment and I will try my best to clarify. Thanks for stopping by:)

asphalt pie

Whenever we are on the west coast, we like to get this little piece of heaven at Winger's. We love to get this dessert, it is super yummy. That is why I wasn't surprised when my husband requested we have it on Father's Day, and since he was considered King of the Day, I was happy to oblige. It is a fast and easy to make, and everywhere we have take it we have had requests for the recipe. Just be careful because it can be terribly addicting. I just had another piece about an hour ago, and I think it may be calling my name for a second. Don't worry, I just had a little first piece that way I can justify a much larger second piece, right?

Asphalt Pie 
1 (18oz) pkg            Oreo cookies

1/4 c                         butter, melted

       1 c                            hot fudge topping

                          2 qt                          mint chocolate chip ice cream

1. Crush half of the cookies (about 20) to crumbs. Combine crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9" spring-form pan or pie plate. Stand remaining cookies around edge of pan. Spread 3/4c. fudge over crust. Freeze 15 minutes.


2. Meanwhile, soften ice cream in microwave or on counter top. After crust has chilled, spread softened ice cream over fudge layer, freeze until firm (4hrs-overnight). 


To serve, garnish with more hot fudge, whipped topping and cherries.

Cupcake Box Tutorial

Who doesn't love a cupcake? I had a friend who liked cupcakes because she didn't have to share, they come individually packaged. Well, whatever your reason may be cupcakes rock!! If you are looking for a fun way to give them to a friend, here is a quick tutorial on the making of a cupcake box. This box will house four lovely cupcakes rather comfortably. Just make sure to use a reasonably heavy paper, something equivalent to the thickness of card stock should work great.

All of the instructions are in the document below, but I thought I would include a picture of attaching the bottom portion to the top as I thought it might be a little confusing. Let me know if you have any questions.
 

Cupcake Box Tutorial

edgy toddler top tutorial

My little Sweetie was short on cute tops for summer so I used some scraps from past projects to put this little one together. It was fast and easy, so I decided to put together a little tutorial for ya'll. Wish my little model were up from her nap, I would take a picture with her wearing it, you get the free store hanger instead!


For this project you will need:
                         W        L
Main Front:    15" x 10 1/2" piece
Main Back:      15" x 8 1/2" piece
Collar Fabric:   15" x 3" pieces(x 2)
Bottom Back:   15" x 3" piece
Bottom Front:   15" x 5" piece

Tie:                  2" x 45" piece (or 2 x the width of your fabric)
Coordinating Bias Tape (about 28")
Matching Thread

My finished shirt ended up being about a 2T. Just keep in mind that I mentioned the width and length above the piece sizes just in case you are working with a directional fabric.

All seams are 1/2" unless otherwise specified.
This pattern is purely for home use only. Please do not take this and make or sell a pattern of it.

Cut out fabric pieces:
Cut out your fabric pieces as indicated above. You should have one of each piece, except for the collar fabric where you should have two pieces.

Create front piece's bottom edge:
This is the trickiest part of the tutorial, and please keep in mind I am not a professional pattern maker. I would definitely brag about it if I was, but sadly I'm not.
 
Step One:
Hope the glare in this photo doesn't blind ya! I am a mother by day and a crafter by night, so my pics aren't the greatest. Anyway, I about 2" from the bottom edge of the 15" x 10 1/2" cut into the fabric 1/2", cutting out a 1/2" x 2" rectangle of fabric on both sides.

Step Two:
Measure 14 1/2" from the bottom left corner of fabric (starting at your newly made edge), mark fabric lightly on bottom edge. Line up ruler from top corner of newly made left rectangle to the marking, as seen in the photo below. Cut along this line.

Step Three:

Do likewise to the other side by lining ruler up at the top corner of newly made right triangle to the same marking. Cut along this line, giving you a nice corner. Your fabric piece should now look like the photo below.

Step Four: 

This part is to make the bottom edging for the front of the shirt. Place 5 x 15" bottom piece of fabric right-side down in front of you. Place front main piece of fabric right-side down on top of bottom fabric piece, so the right and left edges overlap about 1/2". Please see picture for details. Use a fabric pencil (or if your me a regular pencil) and trace along the bottom edge of the front fabric piece.

Step Five: 

Make a second line 1/2" above the initial line to create a 1/2" seam line.

Step Six: 

Create a third line three inches from top edge, as shown in the picture. Please don't mind the glare from the light, just as I am not a professional pattern maker, I am also not a professional photographer. 

Sew together front main and front bottom pieces:

Place main fabric right-side up in front of you. Place bottom piece right-side down, lining up top edge of right side of bottom piece with the right side bottom edge of main fabric piece as shown in photo. Pin in place. Sew from right edge to center.

Starting at center (where you left off stitching) pin bottom and main fabric pieces together making your way to the left edges. Sew seam. Clip corner of bottom fabric at center point as pictured to allow fabric to lay flat. Press.

Sew together back main and back bottom pieces:

Place back main fabric piece right-side before you, place back bottom piece wrong-side up on top of main piece. Line up top of bottom piece with bottom of main piece. Pin and sew.

Sew together main and collar pieces:

Place front main fabric piece in front of you right-side up. Place front collar fabric piece on top of main piece wrong-side up. Pin and sew. Do the same with back main and back collar pieces. Press both sides.

Iron in casing:

Place front main fabric piece wrong-side up in front of you. Fold top edge down 1/2" and press. Then maintaining previous fold, bring folded edge down again 3/4" fold. This should create a small casing. Do  not sew casing yet. Do likewise to back main fabric piece.

Create arm holes:

Place front main fabric piece wrong-side up in front of you, keeping casing fold in place. I used a large mat with a ruler for this part, but you could figure it out without one. Place a cd 5" from the top of the folded casing edge and 1 1/2" from left side raw edge, as shown in the picture. Place a ruler 1 1/2" from left raw edge. Using a pencil trace (beginning at top folded edge) along ruler until you meet the curve of the CD, at that point follow the CD to left raw edge. Do the same on right side of front main fabric, and also on left and right sides of back main fabric. Cut along line.

Sew on bias tape:

Unfold casing. Pin on bias tape, and sew on around each armhole. When you are finished your pieces should look like the picture below.

Sew in casing:

Refold casing, press again if needed. Sew seam 3/4" from top fold making sure to catch fabric, creating a 3/4" casing. Sew in both front and back piece casings. 

Sew together front and back pieces:

Place main front piece in front of you right-side up. Place main back piece on top of main piece wrong-side up. Starting at the bottom of either sides arm hole, pin down to bottom edge. Sew 1/2" seam. Do the same for the opposite side.

Hem bottom edge:

Fold bottom edge up 1/2", press. Open fold and bring raw edge to center of fold, creating a 1/4" seam. Press, pin and sew. 

Create tie:

Fold the 2 x 45" fabric piece in half lengthwise, press. Open fold, bring raw edges to newly created fold, press. Refold and press again. This should yield a 1/2" tube of fabric. Sew a seam to close tube. I didn't finish the ends since I was planning on knotting them. If you would rather have ties on both shoulders, you will probably need two 2 x 45" fabric pieces.

Feed tie through casing:

Starting on the side you would like your bow to be, feed tie through the front casing. When you reach the opposite end, feed tie through back casing so tie ends ends up on the side your bow will be. Adjust as desired, knot the tie ends, and tie a bow. Yay, all done!

I hope this tutorial is clear, please feel free to leave any questions or comments below.