Upgraded Machine= Fresh Start

Yesterday I got a new embroidery/sewing machine!!!  Major purchase...I was sweaty writing out the check!!! Hoping once we get back to school I'll have time to really create.  My youngest is off to pre school MWF 8-12. I plan to work on monogramming items for people (towels, backpacks, lunchsacks, stockings etc)and do some items to put on Etsy again. 

I've had an Etsy store in the past under InchBuyInch and will likely list baby/children's items- monogrammed burp cloths, pillowcase dresses, capes, maybe applique and monogramming.  I shall make one or two of each  item as samples or gifts, post it then do custom orders. 

Hoping to make a little money eventually. I promised my husband that I could so I'm going to give this 100%.  It's going to be a really rough aspiration given that I don't like sewing, painting, embroidering.  Just kidding -bring on back to school!

Easter Ideas

Easter is coming and I'm working on some gift ideas for my little people and others.   Feel free to drop your basket liners by if you want them embroidered!  I did a lot of stockings this year for Santa and anticipate a basket liner back up for the Bunny.

2 years ago I made some "Happy Easter" banners with colorful fabric panels and contrasting fabric letters on a ribbon for a craft show.  We hang ours every year- great project to do with your children.

I've starting thinking about our baskets....we traditionally go light on candy and the Bunny brings new beach towels, goggles, flip flops, and/or bathing suits.  The Bunny hides our baskets and the kids have to go on a search Easter morning to find their loot! The Bunny must bring towels to other families as I have 5 on my embroidery pile right now to get done and return.

My youngest doesn't remember Easter so we've just started telling him about the Bunny.  He's a little concerned about a giant rabbit but does like the idea of finding candy in eggs.

Ideas for you from Baby to Teen:

1st Easter or Happy Easter Bib (I have Easter designs to embroider/embellish)

Bean Bags spelling out a child's name

Monogrammed Pool or Bath Towel

Chalk, playdough, bubbles

Happy Spring everyone!  

Band Hero Party

We are in party planning mode again.  This time it is for Kassidy's 10th birthday. She wanted Band Hero for her birthday and is having friends sleep over and sing the night away.  Keeping with the theme the guests will join a band, design an album cover, tie dye shirts and create guitar pick necklaces.  They can take home all of their crafts in the morning as a memory and lasting party favor!

Wine Bottle Lamps

I was finishing a bottle of wine the other night and decided to google ideas for projects reusing wine bottles. I came up wine bottle lamps and got the bug to try it. Here are a few observations:

Recycling day makes a great day to go find wine bottles. A neighbor called me a "reverse wino"!!! I totally went rummaging! Collected a few to play with them put the bottles in a bubble bath in my sink to soak off the labels.

I had to figure out the right size drill bit and got crackin'. I must have had beginners luck drilling into the first one. The second bottle shattered in my hand. There is a little art and patience needed to drill into the glass. I did start wearing safety goggles after the 2nd bottle and am still at it.

Once the hole is drilled and lights are inside the bottle I'm handpaiting grapes, fleur de lis or whatever comes to mind on the exterior.

Retro Stick Horses

Mason is having his 3rd birthday party out at a horse Ranch. The kids will get to ride on a pony, enjoy a petting zoo and then PAINT a pony! He's so excited. We decided to make stick horses for decoration and party favors using unexpected fabrics.  The project is so easy that my "bigger kids" (11, 9 and 7) were able to help with the manes, right side out heads, sew on eyes and stuff them.  It was a fun family activity.  We used the horses as a centerpiece on the main table and then let our little guests ride a pony all the way to their cars and for days to come!

Antique Door Headboard

Last February I purchased an old door at an antique store with a great fleur de lis handle. We recently bought a king size bed but didn't want to buy a new bed set. I had a carpenter add crown moulding to the top with a shelf cap. It came out so cute- we love it. We have a pine garland with white lights strewn across the top for the holidays that looks beautiful!

Sugar and Spice Aprons

We know a few sweet little girls having birthdays soon. Every time I'm in the fabric store I pick up remnants that I think are cute with no real plan for them. Turns out -they are the perfect size for aprons!