Recycling smart - Bookmarks

I have some discontinued books of wallpaper samples.

The reason I keep them because the papers are very nice. I framed some of the pieces but now, I’ve decided to go with more practical approach – bookmarks. I am using wallpaper border samples, they are perfect length and all you need to do – cut the desired width fold them in a half. Take a look! All you need is a good book, for example this one.

Cruising the blogosphere

In my group of friends and the only "crafty" person, nobody else share my passion for crafts and some people just don't get: why make it if you can buy it?! Oh, well.... I am not changing myself!

That's why it's sooo exciting for me to explore this blogosphere and find so many people like me. Here is one example:

punk projects: Featuring YOU! *Erin*

I can sign my name under every single answer of this girl and I don't even know her! But it feels so good to know that you are not alone. Thanks blogosphere! Thanks crafty people for being out there for someone like me:)

Remakes

I love Naartjie brand clothing for kids. Probably 90% of my daughter's wardrobe is made by this brand. Quality, quality, quality. Their store is the only one where I can get 1 piece in three different colors:) I love some pieces so much that I don't let them go. Here are few examples.

Before

During

After

Before

After

The two tone shoulder ties are sleeves from the first and the second blouses. Worked out well and I think we'll put them to a good use this summer:)

I have am still working on the last blouse of the third color. I'll post soon)

My daughter loves Oswald - Toy tutorial

My daughter loves Oswald, that is a great show on Nick.Jr channel, but toys with characters from that show are so hard to find, so with her Birthday coming up, I've decided to create two characters for her - Oswald and his dog Weennie.

I couldn't use any patterns because I couldn't find any on the Internet (and that is unusual), so I went on my own.

Let's start with Oswald!

This is the bottom of Oswald

Then you will need 8 plus 5 pieces of same size for legs and body

Height

and width

Start with the legs - you'll use 8 pieces. Fold them in a half, length wise - it will give you a nice

curve

I stuffed them with old plastic bags and added some chenille stems for an ability to bend.

Then work on the body - you''ll use the remaining 5 pieces. You'll sew them together along long sides -you'll get a hat time shape. I stuffed Oswald's body with pillow stuffing, because I wanted weight and stability.

Now it's time for finishing touches: eyes, mouth and black hat. You've got Oswald:)

I think Oswald is getting a good care at our home:)

Talk to you soon!

Dress and apron from an old bed sheet

I love Shabby Chic style a lot and lately I found this old bed sheet, not even a bed sheet any more just what is left of it. I've used it to create a crib bedding when my daughter was born and this lonely piece of fabric was sitting on a shelf for almost three years since that, I guess it's time to use it!

I love this fabric a lot.

I've decided to go with a pillow case style dress (because it's supper easy)

and an apron.

I still have a tine piece of fabric left and I'll use it as well. I just have to think about it. It's a size of a handkerchief. Any ideas?

Decorative pins

My daughters bedroom decorated in Shabby Chic Style. I love the charm and flexibility that comes with it. You can always add something whimsical and it will look great.

This is my cute and simple project on how to transform a simple pin(nail) into decorative picture hanger:)

You'll need a pin with clear plastic top (or just a simple nail). Hot glue and some flowers. In my case, I am using silk ribbon flowers (leftovers from my dress making projects).

Apply a drop of hot glue to the top of the pin (mail). Attach the flower of your choice.

Let it cool.

You are done!

Nice and easy, or and cute:)

Have fun!

Organizing, organizing, organizing......

I guess, I am into organizing lately, but this project has an educational background as well. I want to teach my daughter early how important it is to organize and how easy it is to find what you need if everything is in place. She is not even 3 years old, so she can't read but she knows shapes really well..... Take a look! Can you guess what is inside each bag? You are right - we have Lego, Play sets of dishes, Train and Building blocks. Now, she is able to put her stuff away and finds what she needs really fast and easy. I hope she'll keep it through her teen years (just kidding)

Money spent? None!

I've used cotton bags from my purses and shoes and just added appliqué with shapes related to bag contents.