Santa's Workshop #2: Felt Flower Barrettes

Now you knew that if I was creating Hair Clip Holders that there had to be some barrettes as well.  For these I utilized two primary felt flower tutorials...

• Yoonie's Felt Peony Template (first seen by me on Mia Moo's darling daughter)
• Purl Bee's Rose Template

For my barrettes, I experimented with the peony template, using different pieces to create different sized flowers.  Using just the three smallest pieces makes for an adorable baby clip, whereas larger ones make great additions for headbands.  You can adorn them with buttons for the centers or just some fun contrasting stitching (such as if the headband is for a baby).

For the rose barrettes, I used the same base as on my other barrettes, but her base is lovely.  And those roses are just as sweet as can be.

Want another easy felt flower design?  Check out Purl Bee's Poppy Template.  I am loving this for adorning my Christmas packages.  I even made a charcoal grey one with a black button center for a more sophisticated package.

Next peak into Santa's Workshop... ribbon barrettes and an easy tutorial.

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Santa's Workshop #1: Hair Clip Holder

Does anyone else feel like their house has become Santa's Workshop.  In general, we are trying to simplify the holidays this year.  The kids are getting very few presents (truthfully, they don't need them).  And I am trying to make almost everything for their stockings.  So between their stocking stuffers and gifts for a few friends, we have quite a few little gifts underway.

#1: HAIR CLIP HOLDER
I have previously shared the Monkey Hair Clip Holder I made for my daughter.  I'm making a few more this Christmas to go along with some barrettes I am making.  These are really easy to make.  They could easily be Stocking Stuffers or even party favors for a party of little girls.

Supplies:

• Wooden Figure (I found the Lady Bug and Flip Flops pre-painted at Michael's)
• Felt
• Thin Ribbon
• Thick Ribbon
• Hot Glue
• Scissors

Instructions:

• Trace wooden figure on paper.  Cut out template slightly smaller than tracing.  Pin to felt and cut out.

•  Cut small piece of thin ribbon and long strip of thicker ribbon.  Hot glue thin ribbon to the back of the wooden figure, forming into a loop.  Hot glue thicker ribbon to the back.  Once the ribbons are set, hot glue the felt on the back.  That is all there is to it.

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Years ago I began to make these cornhusk flowers with the plan to create a wreath.  I ran out of time to make enough flowers for the whole wreath, and two children later, I haven't quite found time to finish it.  However, I still love pulling them out every year for Thanksgiving.

One day I will finish that wreath, perhaps when I replace my door and need something special to adorn it.

Want to create your own?  Directions are on Martha Stewart.  She has even more amazing cornhusk projects here.

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Gobble Gobble... a sweet memory

[ Disclaimer:  Please forgive the bad lighting.  The time change is resulting in nighttime photography.]

Want an easy Thanksgiving project?  Grab a dishtowel and fabric paint in your choice of colours.  Carefully apply fabric paint to your child's hands.  (Be very careful and close to a sink to wash up.  This is fabric paint after all.)  Once paint is applied, carefully press hand on cloth and allow to dry.  Repeat with other hand.

Once the handprint is dry, carefully paint feet, a beak, etc with a thin paintbrush.  Allow to dry.  Iron to set the paint.  And voila... a memento for years to come.

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

"Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"

How do you have a Snow White day?  Start with a Snow White, twirling in her skirt.

Then add a dwarf...

And complete the picture with an apple or two... though not poisoned in this case.

Interested in your own?  The Snow White costume is "minimal-sew"... a no-sew tutu skirt made of yellow tulle, white tulle, and yellow satin ribbon, a blue leotard with decorative ribbon lightly stitched on the front, and a red ribbon for the hair.

Dopey's costume was even easier... a green shirt, several sizes too large (5T for my 12 month boy), with big yellow buttons and hat sewn from thick purple felt.  Add a little jute string for a belt and the picture is complete.

And the Snow White story couldn't be complete without the apple of course.  Otherwise there would be no need for the kiss.  So how about apple place cards for lunch and then sweet "apple" cupcakes for dessert.  A sweet ending for a sweet fairytale.

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Theme of the Day: Candy Corn... just a little late

After entirely too long, and entirely too many service calls, it looks like we may once again have Internet.  And that means I can share some very-belated Halloween posts.  But on the chance that you still have candy corn lying around, or perhaps in withdrawal over the lack of candy corn, here's to a little sweet fun...

Perhaps some "candy corn" pancakes...

 or just tri-colored ones when making the triangles gets too exhausting

Maybe a Breakfast parfait of yogurt (dyed yellow and orange) and banana slices

And we can't let breakfast have all the fun.  What about cheesy "candy corn" made with a sharp New Zealand cheddar, a Wisconsin cheddar, and a Wisconsin Monterrey Jack.

And for a little kitchen education... how about learning what red and yellow make



And to top off the day, a sweet little treat of pudding and whipped cream.

I'm suddenly a fan of orange and yellow.

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Technical Difficulties

Due to technical difficulties, I have been learning what life is like without being able to blog or even check my personal email.  Hopefully the issue will be fixed shortly and I will be back on-line.  Until then, enjoy a nice cup of tea and be inspired.

Oh, and tried a new tea yesterday that was excellent... Tazo Sweet Wild Orange (I think that was the name).  Excellent afternoon tea when you just need to calm down.

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