Farm Birthday Cake

For my older daughters birthday I decided to do a farm animal "theme," which really was just an excuse for me to make her a farm cake. I love making cakes like this because they are more like doing a fun craft than they are baking.  I must say that I am rather proud of how it turned out, mostly because I improved upon last year's cake a bit and didn't go totally crazy in the prep. Everything is edible again this year-The base is made of two easy funfetti type sheet cakes, layered with butter-cream frosting. The barn and silo are shaped out of rice krispie treats, covered with fondant, and the rest of the cake is covered with green fondant with all fondant animals with candy eyes. For her party I also prepared animal cupcakes- pigs, cows and chickens- made with frosting and candy.

Child Aprons

I grew up wearing these aprons all the time and wanted to make some for my girls. They are a Joy School pattern and are super easy to make. One piece of fabric (I used canvas and terrycloth), bias tape, sew down shoulder straps, and sew elastic to hold in place. I love them because they cover EVERYTHING, children can put them on without any assistance, and they are super durable. They cost about $6 to make. My daughter loved modeling them...

Baby Swing Makeover

Here is our baby swing cover before... yuck!

And after! Better I think, don't you? This was not as easy as I thought it would be (dang ruffles), but I am pretty proud of the finished product and it looks way more attractive than before (I just don't look too closely at my stitching!).

Baby Car Seat Canopy

I knew I wanted to make one of these before baby girl #2 popped out. I was surprised by how simple it was to make! A yard of two types of fabric, sewed together and turned out, straps with velcro, and a bow to top it off. Lovely. I made it brown and blue because those are my car seat colors. Way better than draping a blanket. How nice would it be to be carried around in a snuggly, dark, warm bed all day?

Bows and Buds

Flower clips designed by Lauren and Julie for craft group, July 4th bows designed by me!

Freedom Blocks

July 4th Blocks designed by Margo for craft group (This is her picture). I happily made my own set.  I love these!

Spring/ Summer Reversible Blocks

Dance Costumes

I designed and sewed these dance costumes for my eleven adorable little dancers... the recital made it all worth it!

Subway Sign and Temple Tile.

I welcome any religious crafts in my home... the more the merrier. These were each designed for craft groups by friends, put together by me. Nice, huh?

Spring Hangers

These door hangers were designed to go on my favorite little hanging fence. Kite, chick and umbrella designed and cut by me, rabbit designed by Cami, put together by me.

Spring Blocks

Spring blocks... idea and design from a friend. I redid them a little later (above) and added some summer blocks to the back.

Valentine's Poofs and Pops

Decorative poofs made from folding, tying, trimming, and fluffing tissue paper. We hung these at a church dance along with balloons, and painted, glittered poster board hearts. Suckers made with chocolate molds. Always sweet!

Gem Magnets

Christina designed these magnets for craft group. They are super easy, made with large gems, craft paper, and cheapy magnets. This is her picture- mine had hearts, smiley faces, stars and such behind to use for reward charts. I love affordable fun.

Autumn/ Winter Blocks

These are reversible Autumn/ Winter blocks that were designed by two of my favorite crafters, Candace and Cami. (These are Cami's lovely pictures as well). I just love these! I made a set for myself, my mom, and my mother in law. These go nicely with the Spring/ Summer blocks I made earlier.

Finger Puppet Animals

I found these finger puppets at http://theidearoom.blogspot.com. I ordered the templates and made the animals very affordably out of felt and google eyes. My daughter has had hours of fun with these cute puppets!

Zoo Cake

 

Ladybug and Watermelon Door Hangers

Stroller Remake

These are every toddler's favorite toy, boys usually included. How come they are made so cheaply? After the seat fabric ripping after three days of use, I made this new seat by removing the bias tape from the old seat and making a pattern from it. I used sturdy (and cheap) duck cloth, the original bias tape and buckle, and ribbon. Play to your hearts delight, children.

Dumpster Remakes

I love dumpster finds. I cleaned, painted, and prettied this kitchen cart up a bit. I also took this TV table, removed the lower shelf, added a top shelf, repainted it (after this picture), and voila! A place for the cat stuff. Free is best.

Baby Shower Banner

Ceramic Baby Hand and Footprints

Tree and Flag Door Hangers

These were designed by Candace for a craft group, put together by me. The tree has changed to all black buttons and has been weathered.

Fence and Hangers

Designed by Cami for craft group. I love this fence! I have since made hangers for every month of the year, plus some. The fence was simple to put together so I remade one for each of my sisters and recreated some of the hangers for them as well. I love that I always have something to put on my door, no matter the month.