Fabulous play kitchen

Can you believe that this kitchen was once this:

Awesome huh! Found here.

Just last night I told Matt that when we are old (ish) and retired or at least have older kids, we should make things together (woodish things). He agreed, so we are all set.

Laundry Day Quilt

I want to make this quilt with all my heart.

Problem #1 I have no time.
Problem #2 I have many other projects to do
And oh yeah, problem #3, I don't know how to quilt! Dang, I just might have to learn for this one.

Quilt design by Pine Mountain Designs, seen at Pine Needles at Gardner Village.

Sewing 101

Over the weekend, my cute sister-in-law and I visited Gardener Village for a little time away. The store we spent the longest in was Pine Needles, a fabric store. It is pure heaven for the visually inclined, like myself.

Now, I'm not much of a seamstress, but boy did I want to be on Saturday (and the last two nights where I spent hours of pregnancy-induced wakefulness dreaming of sewing projects and other random things).

And today on Bloom, a blog I like to follow, there was a post about a new-to-me blog Pickup Some Creativity that is hosting a big Sewing 101 party all month long with lots of guest bloggers. I've only read a few of them, but already think it will be a gold mine of information. So check it out!

Then maybe you can help me make my quilt.

Making Felt Food

Long ago I posted about homemade food, felt and crocheted or knitted here. I have wanted to try it for so long. We brought the play kitchen out of the play room and put it in Charity's room a few months ago. She likes playing with it, so I thought it was time to try it out.

I started with easy stuff, like cheese and turkey, just making it up as I went. Then I moved on to the bread, fruit and veges and the donuts, which were probably the hardest of all. Hm, my apple slice seems to be missing.


She loves the donuts though. They fit over her wrist, so she'll wear them as bracelets until it's time to chow down.

Festival of Trees, part 2

Besides the trees, the Festival of Trees is known for the fabulous gingerbread houses they auction off for Primary Children's Medical Center. We were not disappointed.

This castle must have been 5 feet tall. It was huge!

The Ginch's mountain, cave, and the Who Village


Park City Main Street

I especially liked the trees on this one.

Nightmare before Christmas

There were 2 depictions of the "Up" house.


You can't go wrong with a beautiful house like this. Plus I love any house that has lit windows.



And then there was the gingerbread train. Wow.





And a few other pictures I snapped. I really want this Nativity Tree. All the levels rotated.

And included was the Disney Princess Carousel.

There are usually a few play houses. This one was awesome with two levels and a flat screen tv! (look throught the upstairs window)


Aren't people amazing. And remember they are all donated for the Children's Hospital. If you've never been look for it next year and go! You won't be disappointed.

Giving thanks for cute cards

Thank goodness for people with talent and kindness on the internet. Go here to print these free cards from Cottage Industrialist.

Jewelry Box Cake

Who can find a a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

A few weeks ago I made this cake for a Relief Society birthday party cake decorating contest. It was a nightmare. It looked easy, but the lid kept falling apart, the sides kept tipping over, blah. I'm glad it's over.

Can you believe I won? I did, out of two entries! Ha ha. At least I won a fabulous prize! a gift certificate to Panda Express.



Then, as a double bonus, I gave it to my friend and her sweet new baby, Anne.

Moss Stitch Scarf for Scott

I finished my third scarf. I used a new stitch, the moss stitch. I also changed colors (for the stripes) which was fancy for me.


Next up, hats!

P.S. Please disregard the shaggy hair, it has been cut.)

How to sew on a button

When I was an eager young 8-year-old (or there abouts) I took sewing 4-H from my friend's mother. I started with a pillow and pot holders and eventually made a skirt with gathers, stretch pants and a shirt with a collar and buttons. It was very impressive.

During these classes I learned how to sew on a button with flair (or something like that). It involves wrapping the thread between the button and the fabric. It is hard to explain, but I just happened on a great tutorial on The Purl Bee. You should check it out.

A Spot of Sun

The creative output of my kids is sometimes overwhelming but always delightful. Here is a sample of how my house looks today. Go here to hear my husband rhyme his way through the paper jungle.

My two cozy girls

Two scarfs, down the hatch! Two happy girls. One jealous boy (not shown).

Underwater basket weaving

Minus the underwater part.



On our Sunday walk, we passed a huge pile of willow tree branches that had been pruned. I thought I would grab a few and make myself a spring basket. My kids doubted me, it's true. But I had faith, and I prevailed.

I have a new talent--basket making. I could use a little guidance to be sure, but I'm totally happy with my new Easter basket. What do you think? Could this qualify for nesting?

Oh, I also made these recipe card dividers. The most surprising part of all, they are finished.

I wish I sewed

One talent that I wish I had more of and used often, was sewing. I learned some when I was younger. I made a skirt, shirt, button holes, collars, etc. But I've forgotten. Here are a few things that look really easy to try, maybe I will.


Little girl's ruffled skirt from Grand Revival Design
Lula Louise's reversible shoulder bag
Many kinds of headbands from Altered Cloth

via How About Orange

Silver leafing

I "inherited" an old gold mirror from my in-laws years ago. It has never been my favorite color. I've always wanted to paint it silver. I few months ago I was inspired by this article in Better Homes and Gardens.




I finally bought some silver leaf at Roberts the other day and the sunshine motivated me to get to it. It took me hours! It wasn't as easy as I had hoped, but was fun to try. Here is my mirror so far. I still need to seal it with something and I may use something to tone it down a little.

Midnight Valentine Inspiration

Did I ever tell you that I forgot to send Christmas gifts to school for my kids' teachers! FORGOT! Can you imagine my mortification (as well as my girls')? Dawn wrote her teacher a special letter telling her how much she liked her etc. because she felt so bad.

Well, we sent one on the first day back from Christmas vacation and felt like shulps. But we got it done.

You'd think with this recent experience I'd be looking to redeem myself on Valentine's Day. Well, I wasn't. However, midnight (or 9 P.M.) inspiration reared its ugly head, and I came up with these cute little treat containers. I only got a picture of Scott's, but the others were similar.

All in all, I'm hoping a little chocolate will go a long way towards my good standing with their teachers. :)

Resurrecting furniture

I really love the idea of re-finishing furniture. I have never really done it and am scared to try. I have several pieces that need refinishing badly. This might just inspire me.

Before



I found these chairs on Design Sponge.

After



Cute, no?

Stocking dilemma

I am really needing to pick out a stocking to make for Andrew. It will be pushing it even now to get it done before Christmas decorations go up the week after Thanksgiving. It all started with my Grandma Nina who made stockings for all her grand kids. I always loved mine
so I made one for Matt

and Dawn

and Rachel

and Scott.


Here are my favorites that I am considering right now.





Which one do you like?