Strictly Homemade

Press’n Seal as Vinyl Transfer- REALLY WORKS

2012-02-10T14:16:00.001-05:00

I am always on the hunt for a money saving tips and when I saw Leirad's Card Making Corner’s Inexpensive way of transferring Vinyl I knew I had to try it. The whole concept is use Glad’s Press’n Seal as the vinyl transfer and save lots of $$.

Here is the savings…

Press’n Seal $3.00 for 23.7 yds= 10 CENTS a yd

Silhouette Transfer paper $14.99 for 6yds =40 CENTS a yd. Plus, I haven’t even included the shipping costs!

Plus, if the Press’n Seal fails I can use it in my kitchen!!

Here are your typical supplies for vinyl application including the Press’n Seal

Apply the sticky side of the Press’n Seal to the vinyl cut out. And use a scrapper (anything you can find in the kitchen) to help it adhere to the Press’n Seal Be careful, this stuff is thin and can tear!

Here is the moment of truth… it does need a little help but all in all it works.

Ta-da!! There is my vinyl….

It wasn’t until I got it to this point that I realized…oops where is the apostrophe?

Easy fix… and here is a beautiful gift for my daughter’s friend who is turning 7. Filled inside of it is make-up and nail polish from the dollar section and clearance section at Target. This gift cost me a total of $7.50 including the 1 cents for the Press’n Seal Transfer!! {wink, wink}

All of you that have a Silhouette or Cricut Press’n Seal REALLY WORKS!!!

I am sharing this at these great parties!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday Features plus your 18” Doll clothes

2012-02-09T08:23:00.001-05:00

I am really looking forward to doing this post. I love going through all of your links and seeing all of your fabulous creations. Then, I have the hardest time picking just a few to feature! But it must be done. All of you are fabulous but here are 2 that just stood out for me.

Ellementary home made this beautiful and I mean BEAU-T-FUL art work with paint chips. WOW!! I just need the patience to do this. Love this. Go check out these sisters. They are new to the blogging world and have LOTS to share.

Next, is a simple yet beautiful reminder of all the AWESOME things a Silhouette can do. Suzie from Living between the words made these beautiful tea towels and used her Silhouette to cut out the monogram!!

Thank you ladies for linking up and be sure to grab a feature button from the right side. Also, remember when you are featured here on Strictly Homemade I “PIN” you on pintrest to make sure millions of others see your awesome creations.

Next, I want to share some of the clothes people have made with my patterns. I have a brand new pattern called Annabelle that includes 3 skirt patterns. Kathy made all three and sent me pictures. Love the material she chose.

Strictly Homemade Tuesday 2/7

2012-02-07T06:51:00.001-05:00

Good morning friends. I am late, late, late…For a very important date.

Sorry I am late getting this up and running!

Don’t forget features from last week will be on Thursday this week. Also, today marks 1 week until Valentine’s Day. Wow, time is flying.

You know how much I love each and one of your projects and thank you so much for linking up!!!

Have a fabulous and wonderful week!

18” Doll Skirt Pattern {Annabelle}

2012-02-06T14:03:00.001-05:00

Today I am introducing a new 18” Doll Skirt Pattern called “Annabelle'” by Maridith’s Designs.

Included in this pattern are instructions to make 3 skirts!

A. Full Skirt with waist band

B. Elastic waist band with ruffles on the bottom

C. Elastic waist band skirt with knife pleat bottom

The beauty of this pattern is you can make these skirts out of scrap material or old clothes to be upcycled!

The cost of this pattern is $2.50 pay through Paypal ( no paypal account needed credit card accepted.) I will send out the pattern pieces within 24hrs of the time of purchase but most time it is within 12 hours

This pattern is sent to you electronically through email. It does not include pattern pieces but instructions for the pattern pieces needed.

If you liked the Free Winter Fleece Outfit or the Holiday Dress Pattern you will love this.

If you have any questions or concerns please email me at maridithdesigns@gmail. I am always happy answer any questions.

If this one does not fit your fancy be sure to come back I will be coming out with a ballroom pattern soon!!

Do you “LIKE” me on Facebook??

2012-02-03T21:30:00.001-05:00

Did you know Strictly Homemade has a Facebook page? I sure do. If you know somebody who has an 18” doll you might REALLY want to “LIKE” Strictly Homemade and leave a comment on the post with this picture.

Why? There might be a giveaway going on there and only there… Otherwise, you can buy these 18” doll stockings here…other designs available!!

Have a great weekend!

Also, on Monday I will have another pattern ready for 18” dolls. SO EXCITED to share it with you all!!

Pintrest Tips and Tricks that REALLY Work

2012-02-03T11:40:00.001-05:00

If you fallen into the trap of having a Pintrest account you know how unbelievably AMAZING it is. If you don’t have an account you actually might be doing yourself a favor as it is a HUGE and I mean HUGE time-stealer.

I try to limit my time on Pintrest but I will tell you sometimes it is really hard. As you may or may not know this is a site where you “Pin” ideas, tips, recipes, that you love and want to store them all in one place. Then other people see your pins, pin them to their boards and it is an endless cycle of pinning.

One thing I am always looking for is good tips in cleaning, organizing, or just fun stuff (I have tons pinned).

I am happy to report on some AMAZING TIPS that really work that I just had to share. Of course, I can not FIND the original links on Pintrest…but they are out there I promise.

#1. Cornstarch Removes Oil Stains on furniture, clothes and carpet. My handsome hubby gave me the chance to see if this really works when he ate baked chicken on my slipcovered wingback chair. (Thanks, babe!) Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain, let it sit for a little, then with your nail or a dull butter knife scrap it along the nap of the material and vacuum up. Grease/oil stains are GONE!!! Amazing.

2. Grow your own Spring Onions on your window seal. Buy spring onions at the grocery store, use the green part then place in a vase or glass container and they will GROW!! It regenerates itself. I love having fresh spring onions accessible to me all the time. Because you know this stuff does not last 3 days in the refridge!

#3. The best tip of the week. Place a wooden spoon over a boiling pot of water and it will NOT boil over. I am not kidding this works. My hubby and I had a $1 bet on this…guess who won…ME. Not sure why it works. It just does. You can take that to the bank.

If anyone knows where I saw these ideas originally please send me the link and I will be happy to give them full credit!!! I am not trying to steal these as my own ideas I just want to share with you all awesome tip that work!!!

Enjoy!!!!

I am sharing these ideas here.

Showcasing your creations at Strictly Homemade

2012-02-02T06:12:00.000-05:00

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who emailed me or sent me a note hoping everything is okay in my household. I am happy to say we are all healthy! My son took a hard fall last week and got a concussion. We thought we were on the rebound until 3 days later he started throwing up again and wanting to sleep. Scared the life out of all of us. After a thorough visit to the ER our prayers were answered and he seems to be okay!!

Now, I can focus on some fun stuff now that things have settled here a little…

Today is a two for the price of one deal!! I have some awesome features from Jan 24th’s Strictly Homemade Tuesday’s Linky Party and some pictures I received from people who have created clothes for 18” dolls using my patterns.

First the Fabulous Features. I always have such a hard time choosing because you are all so talented. I decided to go with a theme. FELT. Felt is an absolutely amazing material. It is washable, withholds to heat, and it does not fray.

Jennifer from Laughter and Grace created a wonderful tutorial on how to make felt flowers. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SEW!!! No excuses not to make these!!!

Next, Esther from My Life in Namibia made this gorgeous necklace and bracelet. I WANT ONE!!! Wouldn’t that look beautiful with a black scoop neck shirt!!

Thank you Jennifer and Ester. Please feel free to grab a feature button!! ALSO, as a bonus for linking up to Strictly Homemade Tuesday I am going to start “PINNING” my features on Pintrest to make sure everyone knows how awesome you are!!

Next, I have to share with you two dress pictures I received from Carol. She has made several dresses for her granddaughter and I love how she has made the pattern her own. Thank you Carol for sharing with us!! If you would like to make your daughter/granddaughter/or friend a 18” doll clothes, check out my 18” Doll Patterns.

If you have made anything from my patterns send me a picture and I will be sure to feature it here on the following Thursday!!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party

2012-01-30T23:03:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends! I hope you had a nice weekend and a great Monday. I will be honest mine could have been better but I think we are on the upswing of things!! Something about your children being hurt can just takes away years of a mommy’s life!!

Since life has been a little out of control these days I am not doing to do features today, but I promise they will be here on Thursday. Along with some pictures of some my customer’s creations with the 18” doll patterns you can find here. I have also decided that when I feature you here I am going to “Pin” your creation on my boards on Pintrest called Strictly Homemade Linky Party Features!!

Last week’s linky party was one of this blogs largest to date and I am in awe of your talent. You guys are amazing. I hope you know how much I enjoy seeing all of your homemade goodies. You all inspire me!!

You know the rules, have fun, no etsy stores!!

Today’s Menu Sign

2012-01-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

In my home I am responsible for feeding 5 mouths. I have 4 mouths that will eat pretty much anything. Then there is that one kid. That one kid, who seems to only like hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. Some of you might say, “if that is what he likes then give him what he will eat. “

You are so nice…I am not.

When I was scrolling through Pintrest (love this sight) I pinned an awesome sign that made me Laugh out Loud. Seriously, I almost choked on my drink. I knew immediately I needed it in my home!! Here is the link to the sign I was inspired by.

Here is my version made with stuff around my house.

I had some old plates laying around and threw on some vinyl. Viola!

A wonderful simple (yet POWERFUL) reminder!!

Now when my kids start whining about what is for dinner I just have to point to the sign!!!

I think I am nice…I am giving them two options!!!

I am sharing this at these wonderful linky parties.

Strictly Homemade Tuesday plus Features

2012-01-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends! Hope you are having a Terrific Tuesday. If you love making homemade gifts, clothes, recipes, or crafts you have come to the right spot. Here we are Strictly Homemade.

Lasts week's party was awesome. We had lots of links plus THOUSANDS of visitors. Awesome job ladies (and gentlemen)!!!

Onto some great projects. I had lots of favorites but I am going with a theme and the most viewed this week!

You know Valentine’s Day is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. Geez. So here are some great projects to decorate your home…

The ladies over at Uncommon made the beautiful Valentine's Apothecary Jars. The story behind them is so sad yet so sweet and I am sure many of us can relate. Check it out.

Next, from my friend Janet over at I HEART my glue gun made a fabulous Valentine’s Day Wreath. LOVE THIS!!!

Am I making you feel like a procrastinator because you have not started on any Valentine’s Day projects? haha!!

Next is one of my favorites and the most viewed. Check out Leslie’s Yardsale Table Makeover. She made this over with FOIL!! FOIL!!! Isn’t that crazy and beautiful all at the same time.

Ladies, please feel free to pick up a Feature Button!

Thank you again to everyone who linked up!! I so enjoy looking at all your creativeness and so do many many others.

Now onto the party! Where Homemade Rules!

18” Doll Headband Tutorial {Free}

2012-01-23T12:58:00.001-05:00

Every 18” Doll needs some accessorize. Today I am going to share with you a fun tutorial for an 18” Doll Headband. This is a fun and easy project that I know you will enjoy making!

Here is your supply list.

11" of 1/4” Double folded binding tape (color of choice)

3” of 1/4” elastic

Embellishments (rhinestones, bow, rosettes, etc.)

1. Open up the 11” double folded binding tape and fold over the end 1/2” then place the elastic between the binding tape and sew. Be sure to go back and forth 1-2 times to secure.

2. Do the same thing on the other side but this go all around the circumference of headband to sew the double folded binding tape.

3. Fold your headband in half to help you with the placement of embellishments

4. Hot glue them on.

5. (optional) On the backside of the headband glue a piece of felt so the hair goes over the gems smoothly.

YOU ARE DONE!!!

Do you like the skirt? The pattern goes on sale this week!!

Here is another version. The possibilities are endless.

I hope you have enjoyed. If you love to make 18” doll clothes be sure to check out my 18” Doll Clothes Patterns by Maridith’s Designs.

I am sharing this at these great parties!

Showcasing your 18” Doll Clothes Thursday–Matching Outfits

2012-01-19T11:11:00.001-05:00

Today is Thursday and the day I get to share with you some of the pictures people have sent me of their creations. This week I was blown away by the talent. Wow, you guys are good. I love it that some of you have taken my pattern and restyled it with trim, lace, or made matching outfits for your girls.

This picture is of Jodi’s granddaughter. LOVE that the girls are wearing matching outfits. Doesn’t she look so happy!!! Yes grandma, homemade clothes are best!!! Pattern: Holiday Dress

Next is Matching Fleece Outfits from Heather. She purchased 2 fleece outfit from Old Navy (on sale) one was for her daughter the second was for her daughter’s doll. She made the fleece winter outfit pattern. Get this, it is a Fancy Nancy Doll!! ADORABLE!!!

Thank you Jodi and Heather for sharing with us. You did an amazing job!!

If you have made anything from Maridith’s Designs Patterns please me a picture at maridithdesigns@gmail(.)com and I will be sure to feature them here on Thursday.

PLEASE NOTE: If you send me a picture I assume it is okay to publish them here.

On a final note: A new pattern is coming out next week. YIPPEE!!

Here is another sneak peak…

It is a 3 for 1 skirt patterns. If you are part of my Facebook Page you saw one of the other patterns. If you are not click here to “like” me!

4th Birthday Spiderman Party

2012-01-18T11:21:00.001-05:00

This weekend we celebrated my son’s my 4th birthday. We had it at a local jump house and this kids had a blast!!! In the past I have just showed up with cake, snacks, and goodie bags, but this year I decided to put a little bit of my homemade touch to his party and accessorize!! (you know like we have all seen on blogland)

Here is my Spiderman!!

Here is the all important food table. The first thing I will share with you is the table cloth.

Supplies: $1.00 table cloth and masking tape… Lay out the table cloth on a flat clean surface. Then start laying out your pattern…

Continue until you have a web pattern… Custom web table cloth for $1.00

Then I made a Spiderman platter with spiders!!

Spider Platter:

Supplies needed: Clear platter from dollar store, masking tape, red and white spray paint.

Clean platter back with rubbing alcohol. Let it dry then add masking tape to the back side to make a web pattern.

Spray paint red. Takes 2-3 coats.

Then remove masking tape

Then spray paint back white. (no picture) to get this effect.

Then once the party is done your son can use the platter as a shield until it breaks!!

Here are the spiders goodies… would be great also for Halloween but they fit with the Spiderman theme too!! This is melted chocolate with snap pretzels, stick pretzels cut in half and red hots.

The the goodie bags… all cut out made with my Silhouette. I designed the eyes myself. I was quite proud of myself since that was my first time doing something from scratch on there software.

Last but not least, I couldn’t help myself I made the kids temporary applique shirts for the day…Here are the girls.

And the birthday boy!!!

I would say it was a great birthday party and I loved giving it that personal touch!! The only major flub was the fact I forgot the candle…duh!!! As I said on FB (if you have not liked me you totally should!) I have proven once again I will never be Martha Stewart!! haha!

Hope you enjoyed and I am sharing this at these great parties.

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2012-01-16T22:56:00.000-05:00

Hello, it is Tuesday again!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and got over the fact yesterday was Monday. I am like the guy in Office Space and have a serious case of the Mondays…but nobody better tell me I have a case of the Mondays…or they are in serious trouble. LOL! Good news is, today is Tuesday and everything is right with the world.

Today I am talking to my MOPS friends about my little ol’ blog. I am slightly nervous, but don’t tell anyone. I am suppose to talk about what I do on this blog…hmmm, I am trying to figure out the same thing. I am not a super blog with 1000s of followers (and I am grateful for all my followers no matter how big or small this blog is) I am a small blog trying to find my niche and still trying to figure out who I am. I love to sew, I love to craft, I love to try to figure out how to make most anything by myself (and the help of awesome tutorials on the internet), & I love everything homemade!!!

I guess that is why you are here today too. Because you love to create things homemade!! And you love to show them off to help inspire the rest of u!!!

I am so glad you are here!!

Last week’s links were awesome. The homemade goodies were over-the-top.

The most viewed post was from DIY Dishwasher Packets from the Lady with the Red Rocker. Excellent tutorial!! I am going to have to try this!

Next is one of my favorites. I love pictures but do not have enough hanging up in my house. Raising Oranges shows us how to make a $5 Canvas. Here is the tutorial. She also is real honest and tells you how she messed up so we don’t do the same!

Thank you ladies!! Great job!! If you would like please be sure to grab a feature button!!

Now onto the party!! You know the rules…all things homemade goes!

Showcasing your 18” Doll Clothes

2012-01-11T11:30:00.001-05:00

I am like a proud mother!!! When one of you sends me a picture of your creations from my patterns I so tickled. I can’t explain it but it is awesome.

Then Ms. Stephanie showed her real creative side by using my shirt pattern to make a dress!!! GENIOUS!!!

Here is how she did it…

“I used your top to work as the bodice for a dress - I just strip-pieced the two colors together, and made the shirt longer and flared to match the dress.”

FOR YOU": I am going to create a pattern called “Stephanie” so you can all make a dress like this!!! I realize not all of us can manipulate one pattern to make another!!

The to top it all off Stephanie made her daughter a matching dress!!!

Her description: The girls dress is Simplicity pattern 5234. There is ribbon trim sewn across the seam between the two sections (front and back), a bow in the front, and ties in the back (I used the same ribbon as for the trim on the dolls dress - the girls pattern had me make ties out of the corduroy).

Thank you SO MUCH STEPHANIE!! For sharing!! Next week I will have a free pattern called “Stephanie” so you all can make this same dress!!

Also, if you have created a dress/outfit for your 18” doll send me a picture and I will showcase it here!!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday plus features

2012-01-10T07:50:00.001-05:00

Good morning friends!! Sorry this post is running a little late. You will find on this blog no matter what family comes first and I had some family stuff come up last night that needed my full attention.

With that said lets get this party started!!!

I am so glad you are here and wow so many of you are off to an awesome start this new year. Here are some of my absolute favorites from last week.

Sew Much Ado made this beautiful doll house. This totally inspires me because my daughter just received my old wooded doll house and it needs a total makeover- this is my inspiration!!!

Alderberry Hill has some awesome advice on how to make your life easier. Wow, these are some great tips!!! Here is a sample. “Pump up the volume by placing your iPhone & iPod in a bowl. The concave shape amplifies the music”

Thank you so much ladies and please pick up a feature button!!! Thank you to the rest of you for linking up last week. We had a great start to the new year. Now onto this weeks party!!

You know what to do!!!!

Don't forget to visit some other links!!!

Making Progress on my Organization Goal for 2012

2012-01-09T12:30:00.001-05:00

Oh my, cleaning out feels so good. I am working so hard on purging, simplifying, cleaning out, and cleaning up. But what I task!!!

I have set up small manageable goals for myself, my daughter has truly helped me immensely with these goals. You know, my 6 year old daughter, who acts like she is 26…the one who was vacuuming and washing dishes after our new year’s eve party…yep, that one!!

Anyway. While she is tracked out (we are year round school) she has been helping me tackle some hard jobs. We started small with my buffet…

I am happy to say I finally have a silver chest, with silver felt lining, inside my buffet. (What a concept!!)

Then we moved onto a huge task my kitchen pantry…WHAT A JOB!!! Here is the ~~crap~~ food and supplies we are blessed to have all over my kitchen.

I love having a girl who LOVES to clean and organize. Wow, I am blessed!!

At first when we cleaned everything out and I was just going to organize and put it all back….but I decided to do a overhaul on my pantry. I think it has been 24 years since the walls have been painted…

Rather then painting I decided to use contact paper. It was so easy to apply!!! What a difference!!

Then I got extra fancy. I decided to make the top of the pantry pop. I added a pattern contact paper!! Since my doors are open all the time anyway…make it fun!!!

Check out my organized panty!! LOVE!!

Remember my motto for this year??? Here is my stuff for goodwill!!! I feel lighter already!!!

I have also conquered my side of the closet…I even went a little OCD and got all matching hangers!!!! Yes, this is all the room I have in my closet. I put my summer clothes in my son’s closet!!!

Well, more stuff to organize…drawers to clean out. Tomorrow on my linky party I am going to feature some awesome ladies who give some great organization tips. Come back and check it out!!!

Keeping up with my New Year’s Resolutions

2012-01-06T08:31:00.000-05:00

I have come up with my very own motto…

Yep, I am pretty much putting this up every where in my house as a small reminder!!! I have a tendency to be a packrat!!!

My other New Year Resolutions are… (this keeps me accountable)

1. Pray more and learn more about the Bible

2. Gain more financial peace

3. Organize (seriously, I will do it this time)

Okay…that is it folks. Rome was not built in a year!!!

Ipad cover from a placemat

2012-01-05T11:39:00.001-05:00

Did you get an ipad for Christmas? I was fortunate enough to get an ipad as a Christmas/Birthday gift. It pays to have a birthday close to Christmas!!

What I didn’t get was a cover. Of course, that wasn’t a problem I can make one that completely fits my style- Black and white plus an upcycle project too! You know I am kinda partial to anything upcycled!!

Now that it is complete, I can share with you how I did it…

Step 1: Cut the placemat width to 11”. To make sure I explain this well enough the original dimensions was 24”X14” now it is 24”X11”. (gee wiz, look at those finger marks!!!)

Step 2: On the long side take your double bias tape fold over and place on both sides.

Step 3: Fold over 10” to make sure there is still a flap. Sew down the sides with a 1/2” seam. Be sure to lock your seams by going back and forth at the start and finish!!

Step 4: For extra sturdiness I folded over the top of the flap 1/2” and sewed down

Step 5: Place button/s where you would like them. Sew in place.

Step 6: Cut elastic or hair rubber bands 3” (if you have small rubber bands you may not have to cut them at all.)

Step 7: Sew elastic in place, matching up to the buttons.

You are done!! Now you have an ipad cover uniquely yours!!! Costing you little to no money if you have the supplies on hand!!

Today I am sharing this at these great linky parties!!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday- It’s a New Year with New Ideas

2012-01-02T21:19:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends!! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday!! Mine was over-the-top wonderful. I had a fabulous Christmas with my family, celebrated my 29th birthday (for the 5th time) and brought in the New Year with a party at my pad with my family and friends! It can’t get any better then that.

Now that the holidays are over…I am ready for my routine again! I am ready for a schedule and time to sew again! I stopped sewing around the 23rd and have not had a date with my machine in almost 2 weeks. That is a long time for me! Although, I have not been sewing my mind has been thinking about all the wonderful things I would like to create. If you missed it I did post my 2011 Wrap-up so you can get an idea of the stuff I like to sew.

Enough about me…on to the wonderful things you all are creating! I can’t wait to see what you all have up your sleeves and what you have been creating.

There are pretty much no rules here. Although, please make time to visit some other people who have linked up. As you know…COMMENTS FUEL OUR CREATIVE SOULS!!!

Best of Strictly Homemade 2011

2011-12-30T07:06:00.000-05:00

Can you believe we are wrapping up 2011?? This year has just flown by for me. I started off 2011 with the birth of my precious baby girl…

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love being a mom to my 3 kids!

When I am not in full-time mom mode, I love to sew (this is what keeps my sanity)…it thrills me to no end that many of you like to see what I create!! Today I will share with you the best of Strictly Homemade 2011.

The most popular post (11,787) was American Girl Doll Winter Outfit.

Next was the Tutorial for the Shirred 18” Doll Dress

I bet you can guess what you will seeing more of in 2012??? 18” Doll Patterns for sure!

Next in popularity were some fun Upcycling Projects…

Upcycled Men’s T-shirt to Pillow

Then one of my favorite projects of 2011 was Recycling a shirt for every holiday.

It is funny, I guest posted this at Seamingly Smitten and it is one of her most Popular Posts right now!!!

Then I end 2011 turning a year older…today (30th) is my birthday!! I don’t look any older do I? Don’t answer that!

From the bottom of my heart thank you to all my loyal readers!! 2011 was an excellent year for Strictly Homemade and I so appreciate your support. I have a silly goal one that I have never made public but I will tell you it. My goal has always been to have more followers then blog posts! I accomplished that goal. Therefore, I say 2011 was a successful year!!

In 2012, I will continue to host Strictly Homemade Tuesday (Starting Jan. 3rd). I will start publishing more patterns for 18” dolls. I am very excited about this adventure, and ladies who graduated from Meredith College….I have something very special lined up for your daughter’s/granddaughter’s 18” doll. SO EXCITED to share!!! Plus, anything else homemade!!! I hope to see you around in 2012!!

Happy New Years!!!

XXOO

Maridith

Christmas House Tour

2011-12-24T11:22:00.001-05:00

This is a little late (kinda 11th hour type deal) but that is how I work!! I thought since most of my family live all around the country and my friends and blogging friends only see me through a computer screen. I would give you a small tour of my home decorated for Christmas.

This is my home. I love just traditional décor!

This year we moved our tree from the living room to the family room and you can see it from the street!!

My friendly (palm tree) reindeer is ready to greet you too. I love this guy! My mom made this last year with the kids!

When you walk through the garage the first thing you see is my tree. I LOVE our tree and I can stare at it for hours. So can my little girl!!

Some of my new ornaments include…

Here are some other fun things around my house. Most of it is homemade and you have found tutorials on my blog.

Then the dining room has a pretty village scene….

Most importantly a nativity set for this kids to play with.

Well, that is about it! I hope you have enjoyed the small tour of our home. It isn’t over-the-top it is just right!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sharing the Christmas Spirit with our Neighbors

2011-12-22T22:17:00.001-05:00

We live in an older neighborhood and we happen to be one of the youngest family in our neighborhood too. We are very fortunate to have neighbors directly beside us who have pretty much adopted our family. I can call them in a heartbeat and they will watch my kids, change a flat tire, or just have a cold beverage with me at 5:00!! The rest of my neighbors are just stuck in their routine, never come outside, and seem kind of grouchy (although I am sure they are nice once you get to know them.)

After living here for 6 years I decided to reach out to them and spread some Christmas Cheer! I got this idea from Your Creative Juices to give them a role of wrapping paper, tape, and a card saying “Wrap yourself in the holiday spirit. Merry Christmas”

For some of our neighbors we also added a Salt Dough Ornament!!

On my daughter’s first day off on Christmas Break we set forth to pass out some Christmas Spirit!! I didn’t even realize it at first but it was an EXCELLENT opportunity to teach my kids a valuable lesson. Don’t you just love when things work out that way??

While I was getting everyone ready my daughter and I’s conversation:

M: We are going to pass out small gifts to our neighbors so get your shoes on!

L: Mom, we don’t know them are they going to give us a gift too?

M: No honey, this is not about receiving this is about giving some Holiday cheer to people we do not know. You know Christmas is about giving NOT receiving!

L: How do we know if they believe in Christmas?

M: We don’t, and that is okay, our job as Christians is to tell everyone about Jesus Christ.

L: Won’t they get mad at us if they are not Christians?

M: Possibly, but that is okay. We still need to try and one way is to wish them a Merry Christmas.

L: okay…

(I think that went well don’t you!!)

Here are my kiddos ready to go. What troopers.

I will be honest. This was a lot easier to do because I had kids in tow. I am pretty sure I would have been too much of a coward to hand out wrapping paper without them. That is the honest truth! Thank goodness for kids, right?

Well, we went to about 8 homes and the kids really got into it. Wesley was pretty upset when all the rolls were gone. They wanted to pass out gifts to EVERYONE in the neighborhood. That is not an option as there is about 100 homes in our neighborhood.

You might be asking if I have heard from any of my neighbors…no, but that was to be expected and that is okay….the message of the Christmas Spirit was the most important thing!! Hopefully, the surprise gift put a smile on their face and cheer in their hearts!!

One funny note: it was pretty slippery outside because the ground was wet and my daughter insists on wearing heels. Running from the last house she slipped and fell and scrapped her hands. She got up trying her best not to cry and said “I am not feeling the Christmas Spirit right now.” Silly girl!!

One last note: as a speaker at my MOPS meeting, Tara Furman said “Say Merry Christmas to everyone!! As Christians we should gladly and proudly say Merry Christmas without fear.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I am sharing this at these parties…

No Strictly Homemade Tuesday until 2012!

2011-12-20T13:20:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends!! The Christmas preparations are in full throttle right now in my household. There are presents to make, presents to wrap, goodies to prepare for holiday gatherings, and on top of that the kids are out of school. I am not sure about your household but in mine it makes for “crazy town.”

I have decided to not host Strictly Homemade Tuesday again until January 3rd, 2012. (Seems like a long time but really it is only 2 weeks.) Strictly Homemade Tuesday is one of the highlights of my week. I truly love seeing everything you are all creating week after week!!

In the mean time, I may post a few things to prepare you for everything Strictly Homemade will have to offer you in 2012 (I am very excited about a few announcements!!!), but for the most part I will be off the computer and focusing on my family and enjoying Christmas Season.

From my family to yours,

We wish you a Very Merry Christmas!!

Be sure to come back in 2012!! I will miss you if you don’t!

Day 12: Neck Wrap from sweater…close to my heart

2011-12-16T16:17:00.001-05:00

Today is it…the last day of my Upcycle Christmas Ideas. Hope you have enjoyed this series. I have really enjoyed sharing my ideas with you and opening up a little to you all. I really can not tell you how much I appreciate the kind words and emails I have received from you all especially when I shared with you my Upcycled Candleholders from a sweater with sentimental meaning.

Since you have all been so kind and I feel I can share my heart I have decided to share with you what I did with another part of the sweater. I made a neck wrap…

One thing I miss the MOST about my brother is his giant bear hugs. He was 6’5”, and his hugs just embraced you. Chad, is on the right (he is an identical twin too).

Everyone loved his hugs.

With the remaining part of the sweater several of you suggested I make a pillow with the remaining sweater but I wanted something a little closer to my heart.

Here is the what is left of the sweater. (don’t you love the little hands reaching in the picture!)

I cut the front piece off to the armpits.

I cut that in half from the bottom up and sewed the unfinished side together. This will make it longer.

Then I folded the piece in half and sewed only the unfinished edges (right sides together) then turn inside out.

Mark where you want to place your button and add a button hole.

Add a button to the other side and you are done!!

Tip: Notice how the sweater is all pill-y. Take an razor and scrap it gently along the sweater. It really works!!

This idea (even without sentimental meaning) would be a great gift. Look how nice and not bulky it looks under a jacket!! Your neck will stay nice and warm!!

Now, a sweater that was un-wearable can now be worn and inside my heart I can remember my brother!!

BTW- If you are wondering…there is still more of this sweater left…maybe now I will make a sweater pillow!!

As I said before, I hope you enjoyed the Upcycle Christmas Idea series here on Strictly Homemade. Thank you so much for joining me. I have loved showing you ideas that can be upcycled from things you may already have to make your home beautiful or gifts for loved ones.

Above all else, Jesus is the reason for the season. I truly wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

Love,

Maridith

Featuring Your Holiday Dress for an 18” Doll

2011-12-15T21:40:00.001-05:00

If you don’t know or you never visited this blog before…I have some patterns on my blog for 18” dolls. It all started when my daughter received her American Girl Doll, Lanie, Christmas 2010. I have only made a few outfits for her but when I have I have also shared my patterns on my blog.

Winter Fleece Outfit - Free

Ruffled Cape - Free

Holiday Dress – $

It really never occurred to me until I sold my pattern that I would ask for a picture of your creation. Maybe I was nervous because it wouldn’t turn out, or maybe I just didn’t want to bother you all. Well, I am so glad I asked Wendy!! She was kind enough to send me a picture of the Holiday Dress she made for her daughter’s doll, Jenny.

I honestly could of cried when I got this in the mail. To see my pattern work for someone else and be so beautiful…all I can say is wow!!! Wendy you did a fabulous job!! Wendy is also making another one for her other daughter (she is a busy lady!!) Thank you, Wendy, for sharing with us Jenny. Your daughter/s are going to absolutely LOVE this gift.

If you have used my pattern/s and have a picture I would love to see them!!

***Also, is there anyone out there interested in being a pattern tester for 18” doll clothes? I am praying/thinking about doing this to bring in some extra income and I will need some pattern testers. Send me your email address so I can contact you in the new year!! Thanks!

Day 11: Wooden Spool to Christmas List

2011-12-15T16:01:00.001-05:00

Almost to the end of my Upcycle Christmas Idea Party. Hope you have enjoyed all the ideas I have shared. Today’s idea is on a whim. I found this on Pintrest and I HAD to make it and share with you!!

It is super easy and an awesome keepsake. Take a wooden spool, paint it red, wrap paper around the spool with child’s wish list. Hang it on your tree with ribbon running through the center hole.

Here are two versions I did…

One I printed out…

The second one I hand wrote…

Love these, and I really don’t have a favorite!! The best part is we will always remember what they dreamed of getting from Santa in 2011!!

Today I am sharing this here…

Tomorrow is the last day of my Upcycle Series!! Be sure to come back!!

Day 10: Infinity Scarf from T-shirt

2011-12-14T15:09:00.001-05:00

This one is really easy even a NON-SEWER can make this. Plus, the person you give it too will love it or maybe this will be a gift for yourself, I won’t tell anyone.

Supplies needed: Old T-shirt OR store bought t-shirt (XL) I purchased mine at Family Dollar for $4.00.

Cut 12” up from the bottom.

Now you have one continues piece. Sew the unfinished seam if you would like, use heat n’bond or leave as is because knit material will not fray.

You are DONE!! Wrap it once, twice or three times. Your pick!!

I have gotten lots of use out of my infinity scarf because #1 it is light weight but warm, #2 tis the season to wear red and look Jolly!!!

BY THE WAY- be sure to keep the top portion for tomorrow’s upcycle idea.

Hope you enjoyed Day #10. Only two more days!!

Holiday Dress for 18” Doll Dress Giveaway - Winner

2011-12-14T10:32:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all those that entered. I know it was a quick giveaway but I wanted to make sure the winner received the dress before Christmas. Sorry, if you were unable to enter.

The winner chosen by Random.org out of 11 entries is Joyce…here is her comment…

Joyce said...

I would give it to one of my 3 daughters. They all have 18" dolls and would all love this dress!

Congratulations, Joyce. I will be contacting you for your mailing address today.

Again, thank you to everyone who entered. Coming later today (once I get my act together) Day 10 of the Upcycled Christmas Ideas!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday- It is busy over here {give away too}

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am going to get right to business. First, last week I totally messed up on the Linky Party so if you made your way over here thank you so much for linking up!! I will try not to mess up this week…

Second, today is Day 9 of Upcycled Christmas Ideas.

I am going to show you a fabulous Upcycled idea from last weeks linky party. This is 2 for 1 type deal. {wink}

Butterbean Row, made this beautiful artwork out of an old window frame her husband picked up somewhere. Now it sits as artwork on her mantel. I love upcycling old window frames. Old frames add so much character to a room!!

Thank you Butterbean Row for sharing and please be sure to pick up a feature button!!

Now, for another announcement. I am hosting a giveaway to one lucky winner a Holiday Dress for an 18” Doll. You might of seen the pattern for sale on my blog where you can make your own dress. This giveaway is for the actual DRESS!!

If you know a special little girl who has an 18” doll (does not need to be an American Girl Doll) she will love this dress for her special doll.

Here are the rules. This giveaway will be open for 24 hrs ending Dec 14th 12AM EST (I want to make sure I have enough time to get it to you by Christmas)

Mandatory Entry-

Leave a comment here telling me who you would give the dress too. Leave your email address if your comment is linked to “no-reply”

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of Strictly Homemade (leave a comment telling me you are a follower)

2. Like Strictly Homemade on FB (leave me a comment saying you are entering to win the Holiday Dress

That is it. I will announce the winner Dec 14th.

Onto the party, I can’t wait to see all the fabulous Homemade crafts, recipes, décor and gifts you are creating!!

You know the rules!!

Day 8: Upcycled Sweater to Candleholder {with special meaning}

2011-12-12T16:15:00.001-05:00

I am going to share with you a really EASY project for you, but for me it came with a flood of emotions.

First, let me share with you the sweater candleholders I made from an old sweater…

How I did it…I took the sleeves of an old sweater wrapped it around a glass votive I got from the Dollar Tree, wrapped jute around it and viola you have beautiful candleholders.

Why would silly candleholder cause me lots of emotion? No, I did not hurt myself. This sweater was given to me by my brother who passed away 9 years ago.

He gave me this sweater to me on our last Christmas we spent together in 2001. This is my sweet brother, Chad.

I won’t get into the details of how he died but know he died too soon at the age of 22, and my heart still aches every time I think of him. Wow, I miss him.

Then you add to the formula of emotions that I am a packrat and keep everything. Well, I have kept this sweater all this time even though I have not been able to wear it in years. Just couldn’t bring myself to put it in the goodwill bag.

Rather then keeping it in a box under my bed I decided to make something I would see out and about in my house and remember Chad. This was the perfect solution and I absolutely LOVE IT!! It is not a shrine nor is it a monument. It simply looks like home décor but for me it has an extra special meaning. Then when I have a candle lit, inside my heart will rejoice knowing he is with Jesus and I know I will see him again one day.

So yes, it was very hard for me to pull out this sweater and even harder to cut it, but now that it is done…I wonder why I didn’t think of this sooner!!

I love you, Chad!!

Thank you for letting me share this with you. I should add I have the whole bodice of the sweater to make something with…I think you will be seeing this sweater upcycled again!

Holiday Dress Pattern for 18” Doll

2011-12-11T22:49:00.001-05:00

It appears that my readers like my 18” Doll Patterns. {SMILE} I have been so inspired that I decided to make another pattern. When I thought of what style of dress I wanted to create I couldn’t help but think of the dress I made my daughter last year for Christmas. It was classic and in my mind just beautiful.
Based on my daughter’s 2010 Christmas Dress…
First a little business: I have reeled over this decision but this pattern is not free….but I promise it is CHEAP. I am setting up a paypal button and the pattern pieces will cost $1.00. I hope you feel that my efforts are worth at least $1.00. Okay, now that we have gone over the business portion…I will post the instructions here but as I said before the pattern piece (emailed to you within 24 hours of payment) will cost $1.00. Do not worry, I will be creating other patterns that will be free in the future!
Supplies Needed: Less then a 1/4 yard of material for main dress (I used corduroy), scrap material for waistband, matching thread, velcro.
1. Lay out your pieces based on the instructions on the pattern pieces. Cutting 1 of the front on the fold, 2 of the back, and 1 the skirt.

2. Here are the pieces for the dress. (dimensions of skirt on pattern piece)

3.DRESS SKIRT: To assemble the skirt fold right sides together (Matching up short sides). Measure 3” down, mark, sew the rest. This is the back seam of the dress skirt.
4. On the bottom portion of the skirt hem with 1/4” rolled hem. This means you fold if over once 1/4”, then fold it over again 1/4”. Therefore you have a nice finished hem.

5. On the top portion of the skirt do a gathered stich 1/4” down. A gathered stitch is accomplished by setting your stitch length to the longest stitch, once you go all the way around, you pull one of the threads to gather the material.

This picture shows you the placement of everything on the skirt. Now set this temporarily to the side.

6. Bodice. With right sides together stitch the shoulder seams together on both sides.

7. Turn under and stitch the neck hole and armpit hole as shown.

8. Right sides together, stitch the side seams together.

9. Cut out your coordinating waist band.

10. Fold in half, wrong sides together and stitch.

11. Place waist band on the right side of bodice bottom. The waist band will be too long, but my motto is better to be too long, then too short. Trim once sewn.

Bodice with waistband connected.

12. Connect the bodice to the skirt with wrong sides together. You will have to tweak your gathers to make sure it is evenly distributed .

13. Fold under the back seam 1/4”and stitch.

14. I cut my velco 1/4” to be the same width as the hem. Stitch into place.

16. Optional: I included a rosette. I took 1”X5” of material. Folded it in half, put a running stitch on the raw edges, pulled and wrapped around and around until I had a rose.

I placed a button in the center. Then sewed onto the dress.

Now you are done!! Admire your beautiful creation!! Some little girl/s out there is going to flip over this new Holiday Dress for their doll!! You will flip because #1 you created something beautiful and #2 this cost you a fraction of the cost of most 18” doll patterns!! Have I told you how much I love homemade gifts!!

Since it is cold outside you will need make sure you make a snuggly Ruffled cape for them too. Free tutorial found here.

Now if you would love to make this dress. Here is where you buy the pattern for $1.00.

Day 7: K Cups to Christmas Bells

2011-12-11T16:27:00.001-05:00

Do you have a Keurig and feel throwing away those cups is wasteful and could be used for something else? I have felt that way for a long time and was happy to come up with one way to recycle K-cups. By turning them into Christmas Bells!

I love our Keurig. I drink Chai Latte in the winter but my hubby drinks coffee.

1st. Clean out your grounds, but keep them. My friend Vivienne from The V Spot shows us why.

Set the up to be spray painted gold!!

Then add a bow and a string to the top and you are done. No these do not really ring and I am okay with that!

I have not completely finished my garland so I photo shopped some on some bows. You get then idea.

Hope you enjoyed and are looking at items around your home in a whole new way.

Also, if you are looking for my new 18” Doll Pattern here is a sneak peak as to what it will look like! Should be up later tonight.

Day 6: Gold Star Ornaments made from Toilet Paper Rolls

2011-12-10T15:28:00.001-05:00

Today is day 6….did you think I was going to take a break just because it was Saturday? I think not!

I am super excited to share this project with you because I promise you everyone and I mean EVERYONE has the main supply for this project- Toilet Paper Rolls.

This is a super easy project that you can make solo or do with your kids. If you do this with your kids, as I did, this is a wonderful time to talk to them about Jesus and why we paint things Gold at Christmas time. I want to share with you piece from a Christmas Journal I recently bought by Tara Furman. Love her, go visit her blog.

The symbols of Christmas: Gold Decorations The gold decoration you see at Christmas all point to Jesus. Gold is symbolizes the royalty of Jesus because He is the King of all Kings. “He will rule with an iron scepter. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords” Revelation 19:15-16.

Remember that when you see Gold all around you this Christmas!

Now onto the project.

What you need:

Toilet paper, glue, spray paint, glitter, string.

1. Cut toilet paper roll in 3/8” pieces. I just guessed…

2. Pinch ends to make point and put together 6 pieces touching in the center.

3. Spray paint gold. (found spray paint at Family Dollar for $3.00

4. Put glue around the edges and put apply glitter. add string to top

COMPLETE!! Beautiful ornament on the cheap!!

Now do I need to go over the lesson on what stars represents at Christmas or do you have that covered?

Here are the posts so far…

Day 1: Upcycled Coffee Can to Plant Holder

Day 2: Upcycled Tomato Cage

Day 3: Temporary Holiday Applique Shirt

Day 4: Women Socks to Ruffled Baby Legs

Day 5: Upcycled Pallet to Cardholder

Thanks so much for joining me and I hope I am inspiring you to make your Christmas Homemade!!!

Today I am sharing this special at 504 Main where the hot topic is all about GOLD!!

Day 5: Upcycled Pallet to Christmas Cardholder

2011-12-09T08:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday and welcome to Day 5 of my Upcycled Christmas Ideas!!

Do you remember on Tuesday when I featured Good Time Charlie from Redoux with her beautiful Cardholders? As a refresher I also told you my friend made 5 of them (with the help of her hubby)!! Well, I decided to put on my big girl panties and try my hand and some woodworking and make one for myself.

One problem- I have no wood at my house that I am allowed to use. This problem was quickly resolved when I walked over to my neighbor’s home* (The Clampetts, I lovingly call them behind their backs) and kindly asked for one of the 4 pallets they had leaning up on the side of their RV, that was suppose to be gone 5 years ago. Breath, breath…

Anyway. They said I could have it.

There you have it the start of a beautiful upcycle project!!!

One ugly pallet transformed to this…

Here is my sweet helper with me.

My neighbor was also kind enough to give me some tools to disassemble the pallet. I have NO clue what that black thing is called but it was a wood-saver.

Once it was disassembled I used a wood saw to cut it to the length I needed. No power tools here. I have to say I am quite proud of myself. (Thanks Redoux for your email of encouragement!!)

I decided I wanted mine twice the width so I needed to put both board on top of eachother. Not really sure how do accomplish this feat (hubby was not home) this is my redneck version. Don’t be a hater and tell my how wrong this is…It is the best I could come up with!!

Once I had my upcycled boards (which I did nothing to the finish because I liked the way it was) I followed Redoux tutorial for the rest…

Here is my Upcycled Pallet to a Christmas Cardholder. I LOVE IT!! To secure the cards to the ribbon I used paperclips, in the tutorial she used clothespins.

I think the thing I love most about this idea are the beautiful Christmas cards we receive are displayed for everyone to enjoy!! It is like artwork!!

**I really love my neighbors they are like our second family. You just have to take the good with the bad, right? I have decided as part of their Christmas gift I am making them one of these cardholders from the pallet they gave me!! I am nice like that!

I am sharing this at these wonderful parties and here…

In case you missed it this is what you missed on the previous days…

Here are the posts so far…

Day 1: Upcycled Coffee Can to Plant Holder

Day 2: Upcycled Tomato Cage

Day 3: Temporary Holiday Applique Shirt

Day 4: Women Socks to Ruffled Baby Legs

Thanks so much for joining me and I hope I am inspiring you to make your Christmas Homemade!!!

Day 4: Upcycled women socks to Ruffled Baby Legs

2011-12-08T08:32:00.000-05:00

I think it is time to share with you a gift idea for little girls.

How about some Ruffled Baby legs? Retail Baby Legs run anywhere from $10-$18. These cost me $1.

Here is how I did it…

Buy size 7-10 women’s tube sock from the Dollar Store. Cost $1.00, then search through your scrap material pile for matching material.

Cut your tube sock right above the heel…

Then cut your material. Because my material is thick the width is cut 2Xs the circumference of the sock tube. Example 6” circumference = 13” (plus hem allowance) piece of material. Then the length is 5”. If this material was thinner I would of done 3Xs for lots of fullness.

Fold material in half like so, and stitch (repeat on both pieces of material)

Now fold the length in half and put a gathering stitch on the non-folded side. Then pull gather stitch…

Once gathered connect to the cut side of the sock. Stitch together.

For added security and make sure things do not unravel do a zigzag stich on the seam allowance.

Repeat on the other sock. You are done.

Wrap them up real pretty.

Give them to an adorable kid in your life. All the boutique-y-ness without the cost!!!

How am I doing so far on all my Upcycled Posts? Do you like them? I would love to hear from you.

Here are the posts so far…

Day 1: Upcycled Coffee Can to Plant Holder

Day 2: Upcycled Tomato Cage

Day 3: Temporary Holiday Applique Shirt

Thanks so much for joining me and I hope I am inspiring you to make your Christmas Homemade!!!

Day 3: Temporary Holiday T-shirt at Seamingly Smitten

2011-12-07T10:29:00.001-05:00

Welcome to day 3 of 12 days of Upcycled Christmas Ideas. Today is going to be a little different.

Today my post is over at Seamingly Smitten. I am guest posting how to create this…

Not the baby…the shirt. Go check it out!!

I am participating in Sew Crafty Christmas. She is having some wonderful giveaways too.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for another great Upcycled Christmas idea!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday plus Day 2 Upcycled Christmas Ideas

2011-12-06T01:46:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends! Welcome back to another week of Strictly Homemade Tuesday. Where you get to share with us your latest homemade creation. If it was made my your two hands we want to see it!!!

Last week’s party we started getting warmed up on all the Christmas items. One of my favorite links and one of my good friend’s favorite who was nice enough to tell me “you need to feature the cute cardholder signs next week, so cute!” Is an easy and practical Cardholder Sign.
Good Time Charlie from Redoux made these beautiful Cardholders from things you have.
My friend loved this idea so much she made 5 of them. One for herself and 4 as gifts!! Thank you Good Time Charlie for the inspiration, be sure to grab a Feature Button!!
Next I want to share with you Day 2 of Upcycled Christmas Ideas.

This is a pretty easy idea and has been around, but sometimes the easiest ideas can be forgotten. Today I am going to share with you how to make a tomato cage into a Christmas Tree for outdoor decoration .

Supplies needed- Tomato Cage, Strand of Lights, & wire ties (had to ask my neighbor for these)

Turn the cage upside down and secure the legs with wire ties. Wrap lights around cage. Secure. Trim wire ties. Add greenery from yard (or neighbors) if putting in pot.

Add bow so it looks pretty during the day! Easy. Upcycled- Tomato Cage. Cost= $0

Previous Upcycled Christmas Ideas
Day 1: Upcycling a coffee can to a Santa Plant Holder.
Now onto the party!! You know what to do!! I can’t wait to see what you have in store this week!

Day 1 Upcycled Christmas: Santa Plant Holder from a Coffee Can

2011-12-05T11:59:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my 12 days of Upcycled Christmas Ideas. Christmas décor and gifts do not have to cost you an arm and a leg. You can make stuff “Christmas-y” with stuff you have around the house or with minimal costs.

Today I am going to share with you an idea I got from Pintrest. Love that site. It is a Santa Plant Holder from a Coffee Can. The original idea was shared by Sew Many Ways. Here is my version…

Supplies Needed: Coffee Can, Red Spray paint, Foil, Cardboard, something black to wrap for the belt.

Spray Coffee Can Red…

With Cardboard (don’t forget to cut out your Box Tops for the school) cut out the shape of a belt loop.

Belt loop free handed…

Wrap in foil…

For the black belt I used some vinyl I bought at a yard sale but you can use felt, cloth, construction paper, etc… Wrap around can and secure with tape.

This adorable Santa Pot holder now holds my son’s Christmas Tree for his room.

Disclaimer: This is his tree so he can decorate it anyway he wants and would NOT allow me to move or add any ornaments. He chose the minimal look. haha!

This idea cost me $0 because I had everything on hand. Doesn’t it make you giggle out loud when you made something pretty WITHOUT going to the craft store??

I hope you enjoyed Day 1 of the 12 Days of Upcycled Christmas Ideas. I have some other great ideas lined up. Also, tomorrow we will still be Strictly Homemade Tuesday. Hope to see you here!

Cheers!

Bartering or Bribery–either way it is a win-win

2011-12-02T10:40:00.001-05:00

One of my dear friends asked me to make her curtains for her bathroom. She knows I would do pretty much anything for her, I just might do it at my own pace, ha! Before I had a chance to get over to her house and pick up the material (1 drape panel from Target) she called me up and said “I have made the all the kids winter hats.”
Are you serious for all three of my kids?
I was so surprised and thrilled! How super generous of my dear friend. I think….her next question was “so when can you come over to look at my curtains?” haha. She knows me…I tend to be a little bit of a procrastinator.
When I got to her house she had ready for me 3 beautifully knit hats for my kids. Check out my kiddo in her designs…

My favorite has to be the football hat for my little man!!
Well, I got busy…I really hate “owing” anybody anything (except the bank), plus don’t tell her I said so but her hubby can like remodel a bathroom in a weekend. Therefore, I knew he would not have much patience for me and why it would take a week to make 1 curtain. haha!
In less then a week they had a new curtain. They are thrilled with it. Didn’t she do a great job matching the curtains to the colors of the room?

My friend called it bribery….I called it friendly bartering. They like their new curtain and I am thrilled with my kids’ 3 hats. It truly is a win-win for everyone.
Thanks E for the 3 hats. We love them. Anytime you want to ~~bribe me~~ barter with me again, let me know!!
The reason I share this post with you is don’t be afraid to barter with someone you know!! It is a win-win and how awesome is it to not have to exchange money for a service you need!! Think about it!

Handmade Boy’s Gift- Dinosaur Eggs {Tutorial}

2011-12-01T15:22:00.001-05:00

My 3 (almost 4 year) old LOVES Dinosaurs. He plays dinosaurs pretty much everyday. One day his T-Rex was sitting on another dinosaur (do not ask me the name) and he screamed out “mommy, the baby is about ready to hatch.” He was like a proud daddy watching his baby as he moved the dinosaur away and a new baby dinosaur was “hatched”. It got me thinking…what a GREAT gift for all little boys who love dinosaurs. Homemade Dinosaur Eggs!

I promise, anyone can do this and it costs no more then a square of felt (29 cents at Michael’s).

Supplies: Felt, Hot Glue Gun (if you don’t sew), scissors, and crayon.

1.Cut a template the shape of an egg based on the size of your “Mini-Dinosaurs” (I got ours in the Target Dollar Section.) Make sure there is plenty of room around the edges.

2. Sometimes pictures are better then words. Sew around edge 1/8” or hot glue. Do not turn inside out.

3. Once eggs are sewn (hot glued) together color with a crayon. It gives is a more realistic look (if that is possible).

Here is the egg with the dinosaur inside.

I was able to make 3 eggs from one piece of felt.

I think my son is going to love his dinosaur eggs and if your son/grandson likes dinosaurs he will too.

See there are homemade gifts for boys out there!!!

I am sharing this at these great parties.

18” Doll Ruffled Cape Pattern {Free}

2011-11-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

Who would of guessed that some of my most popular (and I mean POPULAR like 10,000+) would be a free pattern for an 18” Winter Outfit, that I made for my daughter’s American Girl Doll, Lanie. It is not professional by any means, because I am not a pattern expert, although I did take a pattern making class in college (thank you, mom and dad). It is just something I thought others would enjoy having. Other’s like me who are on a strict budget and can’t afford $25+ dollar outfits. Now that I know how helpful it can be to those who want to make homemade gifts I am driven more then ever to put up more patterns here for you to use!
Today, I present to you the 18” Doll Ruffled Cape Pattern.

This pattern was adapted from a pattern I received from Seamingly Smitten. I made both my daughter’s a Ruffled Cape!! Her patterns are wonderful and I highly recommend her pattern if you want your daughter/ grand-daughter to match her doll! Wouldn’t that be an awesome gift?

How to make a 18” Doll Ruffled Cape
Materials Needed: Fleece body 13” X 13” , ruffle .75”X15” Pretty much scraps! I really could get into sewing for 18” Dolls. It uses pretty much scrap material. In my mind that means FREE!
1. Cut a piece of fleece 13”x13”
2. Fold in half, then fold in half again.

3. Cut from one folded edge to the other an arched cut.
4. Do the same at the point. You can tell from the picture it was about an 1".

5.When you open it up it should look like this.
6.Cut the circle on one side like pictured.
7. Take your .75”x15” piece and in the center stitch a gathering stitch.
8. Place on the neck seam and stitch in place on the gathered stitch.
9. Add a button to the left side and cut button hole on the right side.
When buttoned it should look like this…
You are done!! Now your AGD has a cape and can stay snug and warm!! Doesn’t Lanie look FANCY??

Not to tease you, but under this cape is a holiday dress! I will be posting the pattern very soon (~~12/3/11~~)! EDIT 12/5/11 I promise to have the pattern up by 12/10/11 Sorry for the delay!- I can’t wait to share it with you. YOU WILL LOVE IT!

Don’t forget if you want to make your daughter a matching cape go to Seamingly Smitten the pattern it is sized from 6mo-8yrs old. Jennifer, from Seamingly Smitten is kind enough to offer you all 25% off the Ruffle Cape Pattern. Go to her Etsy Shop and use code CAPE25 now through 12/4/11.

I am sharing this at these wonderful parties.

Also, be sure to join me for…

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2011-11-28T00:10:00.000-05:00

Hi Friends! I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was wonderful. I traveled to VA to see my family and during our dinner (postponed to Friday) I had this moment where I sat their quietly to soak it all in. Soak in all my blessings that God has blessed me with. I was overwhelmed…but not overwhelmed enough to not eat! Goodness, I ate, and ate, and ate. Tis, the season for excellent food!! (I will think about these extra pounds after our New Years Party).

Time for a few Features from last week. Since we are talking about excellent food let me show you Peppermint Crunch Brownies from Katie at Raising Oranges. This will be made this year for sure!!

Sarah from Alderberry Hill made this beautiful wreath…next time you see ice skates at the thrift store…PICK. THEM. UP!! Just beautiful.

Thank you ladies!! Be sure to pick up a Feature Button on the right side!

I want to tell you one other thing…starting on December 5th I will have a series of Upcycled Christmas Ideas. Christmas Ideas upcycling items you have around the house to use during the holidays…gifts, decorations, ornaments, and clothes! For little to no money! I hope you will join me.

Now onto the weekly party. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you who join me week after week and thank you for those of you are new here!!

You know what to do…

I am dreaming of an…

2011-11-25T08:34:00.000-05:00

Upcycled Christmas…

What?

That is not the way the song goes. Well, that is how my version of the song is going this year.

In these tough times for many people money does not drop out of the sky so you can decorate your home Southern Living Style or give your kids all the toys they have been dreaming of from FOA Swartz. Therefore, you have to start thinking outside the box and thinking HOMEMADE!!

On December 5-16th I will present…

12 Ideas for 12 days! Ideas that cost little to no money at all. Best of all it is made of items that are UPCYCLED. I am so excited to share this series with you. I have been praying over this and I feel in my heart that even if this inspires 1 person to make a Homemade Christmas Item I have done my job to bring some joy in your home!

I hope you will join me!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:25:00.000-05:00

From our family to yours I hope you find yourself amongst people you love, your bellies full, and your heart over-flowing with things to be thankful for.

Blessings my friends!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2011-11-21T22:26:00.001-05:00

Happy Tuesday Friends!! Are you ready for Thanksgiving or are you fortunate, like me, and going somewhere? Oh the joy of not having to cook so I can do important things like…sew and craft!

If you don’t hear from me until after Thanksgiving I want you all to know how thankful I am for all of my loyal followers. You all inspire me to continue to be creative!! Also, I am so thankful for the friends I have made through the blog world. Let me tell you bloggers (crafter bloggers especially) are some of the best in the world. They are sweet, sincere, and wow they are generous!! What a blessing you are. I can be having a tough day and one sweet comment can turn my whole day around!! Thank you, Thank you!!

Now onto some great projects…

Susan, from Compulsive in Texas refinished her steps with brown paper bags!! Talk about amazing. Love this idea!! I wonder if my husband would go for this!

Andrea from Decorating Cents made this beautiful Thanksgiving Subway Art and shows us how to make it using Picnik.

Thank you so much ladies for linking up!! Please grab a feature button and display it proudly.

Onto this weeks Strictly Homemade Tuesday. You know what to do!! Like I said before have a Fabulous Thanksgiving and be sure to count your many blessings!! I know I am!!

Our 3 Turkeys Frame

2011-11-19T15:14:00.001-05:00

How many turkeys do you have living in your home?? I have 3 (probably should count my hubby) turkeys living in this household. In honor of Thanksgiving I made this little ”Our 3 Turkey” Frame. Real simple, $1 frame from Michaels, Rust-Oleum Spray paint and cut some letters out on my Silhouette with vinyl.

The hardest part of this was finding a picture where the kids were close enough to fit in the hole!

I am SO THANKFUL for my 3 Turkeys!!

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend and not stressing too much getting ready for the holidays!

Have a blessed day!

I am linking this here… Kissed by a Frog Rust-Oleum Love Parade.

And these other great parties!

Thankful Pillow Gift

2011-11-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

I have a good friend who’s birthday is in November and I am 99.9% confident she likes my homemade gifts so I was eager to think of something to make for her birthday. Then you mix in the fact her favorite holiday happens to be Thanksgiving (which is in the same month) combine the two…and a “Thankful” Pillow is what I came up with!

Simple, yet beautiful!!

I used my Silhouette to make the stencil with freezer paper.

Then I sewed around all 4 sides leaving a 4” hole on the bottom for stuffing. Then I added the fall-ish touch. Folded flowers. Here is a picture tutorial on how to make these. All you need is felt, needle thread and a button.

I hope my friend likes the new pillow for her holiday décor and also knows how thankful I am to call her my friend!!

I am sharing this at these parties!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2011-11-15T06:42:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends, welcome back to another week of Strictly homemade Tuesday. I am so glad you are here. Sorry, I am a little late. I had dinner with some of my girlfriends last night, I SO needed the break, so my scheduling is a little off!! Oh well!

I am so excited to tell you last week’s Linky Party was my largest linky party to date PLUS it had the most views to date. Thank you ladies (and gentlemen) for making this party such a success. I love looking at all the fantastic projects you are up too. You are all so inspiring. God gave us each a special talent and he told us to share our creative talent. It makes my heart so happy that so many of you have found your God given talent and share it with us week after week! Thank you! You are all so inspiring!

I am going to do things a little different this week. I do not have features today. I am going to share those with you tomorrow!

Announcing Shabby Apple Giveaway WINNER

2011-11-14T15:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday.

Thank you to all of those who entered my Shabby Apple Giveaway! I am excited to announce the winner picker through Random.org.

Out of 25 entries it was entry number 23…

Lauren who said…

Lauren said...

I "Like" Shabby Apple now on FB.

November 11, 2011 1:47 PM

Congratulations, Lauren!! You have won the Shabby Apple Dutchess Necklace. I will contact you for your information to send to Shabby Apple.

Don’t forget tomorrow is Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party.

Ruffled Cape- Pattern Tester

2011-11-10T22:00:00.001-05:00

I had the great opportunity to be a pattern tester for the Ruffled Cape by Seamingly Smitten. I have made her Miss Mod Top and love the simplicity of the pattern and the Ruffled Cape was not different.

I was asked to make my oldest daughter the Ruffled Cape and she loves it. Here is my little diva…

Of course, I can’t make a cape for one daughter without making one for the other. Here are my two in matching capes. I love my girls matching.

Thank you, Seamingly Smitten for letting me be a pattern tester! For my sewing friends this is great pattern for a great price. Go check it out!!

Temporary Holiday Shirt- Turkey Lurky

2011-11-09T21:19:00.001-05:00

I just love the idea of having a shirt that is holiday appropriate that will not go in the good will a day after the holidays. How do you do that? You add a temporary applique.

For the month of October I added a Temporary Ruffled Pumpkin. This month I decided to make a Turkey-Lurky Temporary Shirt.

I ripped off the pumpkin applique…

Then made a turkey applique with scrapes I had around

TIP: The key to a temporary applique is to have the backing be the same color as the t-shirt you are applying it too. I use felt.

ANOTHER TIP: Do not make your ribbons as long as I did. These were a little bit floppy and I had to tack them onto the shirt. Ugh!

Good news is, my daughter has a shirt for the Thanksgiving Holiday for free!!

Next month she will have a Christmas Shirt!!! Stay Tuned.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a fabulous Vintage Shabby Apple Necklace! Ends November 13th.

I am sharing this at these fabulous Linky Parties.

Strictly Homemade Tuesday!

2011-11-07T23:20:00.000-05:00

Hey ya’ll! Yes, I live in the south and I am PROUD of it!! Today is the day were we all share our most recent projects and creations. You ladies always inspire me and 100s of others every week. Thank you to all those who come back week after week and if you are new here I am so glad you are here!!

First, a little fun business! Shabby Apple is offering one of my readers a beautiful Vintage Necklace called The Duchess. Click here to enter!! This necklace would be perfect for you OR a Christmas gift!! Giveaway ends November 13th. Don’t miss out!!

Now back to Strictly Homemade Linky party…FEATURES!!

Cherise from Sewingly Along made this cute Thanksgiving Apron. Just love the idea of having an apron for every occasion!

RoCa and Company made this Canalis T-shirt Tutorial. I just love funky t-shirt makeovers!

Thank you ladies and please be sure to pick up a Feature Button, you rock!

Now onto Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party. I have no real rules but I have to tell you it makes me smile ear to ear to see my button on your blog! THANK YOU!!

Shabby Apple Vintage Jewelry Giveaway

2011-11-06T21:39:00.001-05:00

I am beyond thrilled to announce that I am hosting an giveaway from Shabby Apple. If you have been around blog land you know who Shabby Apple is, if you haven’t let me introduce you to an amazing company who dresses women in the most fabulous vintage inspired dresses. Their clothes are classic designs with a modern twist.

Here are just a few of my favorites (hubby, if you are reading this I want these for Christmas, wink, wink!)…
Truman from their 1943 Collection.

Aspen: Brown Cowl Neck Sweater

Get ready for Holiday Parties with this GORGEOUS Plum Dress L.A …

Not only do they have women’s clothes they have maternity dresses (my sister is 19 weeks pregnant, she would look so cute in this dress!)
Black Rose: Maternity Dress

Moving onto accessorize!! Never underestimate the importance of the perfect accessory. It can turn an ordinary outfit into something stunning!!
I am so excited that Shabby Apple wants to giveaway to one of my readers this gorgeous necklace called THE DUCHESS! Isn’t it timeless and beautiful??

This has a $52.00 value and you could win it!!
I know you want one OR you know someone who would love one for Christmas!
There are 4 ways you can win…
Leave one comment for each of the below entry methods that you complete
MANDITORY:

Be a follower of Strictly Homemade(see my left sidebar) and leave me one comment here telling me that you are either a new follower or that you already follow me= 1 comment/entry

Extra Entries:

Leave a comment on Strictly Homemade Facebook Page telling me that you want to win this necklace! Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did. = 1 comment/entry
Follow Shabby Apple on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did = 1 comment/entry
Announce this giveaway on your blog or Facebook Page and leave me a comment letting me know you did= 1 comment/entry

As a BONUS Shabby Apple is offering my readers a 10% off coupon when you use this code strictlyhomemade10off.(Code expires in 30 days)
This giveaway ends Sunday November 13th 12AM. I will announce the winner on Monday the 14th. ** MUST HAVE A U.S. MAILING ADDRESS
NOTE: If you have noreply@blogger.com as your email please leave me your email address on your comments. I would hate for you to miss the opportunity to collect your necklace!
GOOD LUCK and THANK YOU FOR ENTERING TO WIN!!

Thankful Jar

2011-11-03T12:29:00.001-04:00

Newsflash: Thanksgiving is right around the corner!! You didn’t need me to tell you that I am just saying…
Typically this time of year I start making our “to do lists” with no end insight. Plus, life keeps on happening and it can get VERY overwhelming and I can miss the big picture. I for one, start focusing on the negative and then end up depressed ..yada, yada, yada…it isn’t pretty. For me that is. I read a post from Seriously Shawn where she is going to post for 30 days what she is thankful for and I got inspired. I am not going to bore you with my 30 days of things I am thankful for…I am going to keep a jar on my counter and I am going to write something I am thankful for everyday in November!!
Here is my Thankful Jar…

It is nothing fancy just an old spaghetti sauce jar with some decorations on it.
I then keep on the side cut up scrapbook paper for my notes…

I am also getting the kids involved. I am not forcing them, but if that have something they want to share I can write down what they say too (what an awesome keepsake, too)!!!
I really feel like this will help keep my spirits up and a simple reminder there is SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!

I am sharing this at these parties!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2011-11-01T02:21:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends!! Welcome back to another week where we share homemade projects, crafts, and recipes! I have to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who posted to last weeks Strictly Homemade Tuesday party. It was one of my largest yet (who cares if some of them were double entry) it still made me smile. THANK YOU!

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween. Ours was almost a bust due to the cold weather and rain but my two oldest troopers (and their daddy) braved the elements to go ~~get me some candy~~ get some treats!!

Now for some great features…

Kim from Too Much Time on my Hands has tested the theory you can make your OWN Annie Sloan Paint. If you have been anywhere on Blog land you are sure to of heard about AS Paint. It is expensive!! Here is a cheaper and usable version!! I WILL be trying this out.

Next, to me anything pumpkin is comfort food. Here is a Pumpkin Roll Recipe from Rachel at Loving Life.

Thank you Kim and Rachel please pick up a feature button if you don’t already have one!!

One other thing…I have a new FB page that I would love for you to join. I post other things on there. So if you like to do the FB thing come on by and “like me”

Now onto the party!! You know what to do…and if you would like add my button to your blog somewhere too!!!

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T16:24:00.003-04:00

Smell my feet...

Give me something good to eat.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!!

My Miss Mod Top

2011-10-28T14:19:00.001-04:00

I recently purchased a wonderful pattern from Seamingly Smitten and get this…made something for myself!!! I don’t often sew for myself but I really need too. I started this month making this top!

The pattern is called Miss Mod Top, by Seamingly Smitten. It was super easy to make with excellent directions. She recommends soft material,l however, with it turning colder outside I wanted something a little thicker and that I could wear with a turtleneck underneath.

I found in my stash some blended wool. You know I didn’t buy it because look at the price tag!! haha!

The pattern can be made in all sizes and you have the choice of making a tie belt, wearing it beltless or using a thin belt or as I did. I just love this look and think it turned out great. I will be making myself some more of this pattern and I might even buy some material the next time!!

The best part was my 6 year old daughter who thinks I have no sense of style after going through my sisters closet told me “Mommy you are soooooo fashion!!” She makes me smile!!!

Right now Seamingly Smitten is having a giveaway on her patterns. If you sew (any level) you will love using her patterns! Tell her Maridith sent ya!!

I am sharing this at these parties.

Today I am Guest Posting at Live.Love.Craft

2011-10-27T12:57:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends, today I am guest posting at Live.Love.Craft. I am showing you how to make a wreath form for less then a dollar!! This is the wreath I made with my form!!

Check out her other blog posts she is super talented!!

Thanks, Alyssa for letting me guest post for you!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2011-10-25T03:08:00.001-04:00

Hello, hello!! Welcome back to another week of Strictly Homemade Tuesday. I am so glad you are here.

Last weeks party was so inspiring. Wow, you guys are talented. I want to take the time to feature two of my personal favorites.

Cori, from Created by Cori made this precious thank boo card. I am a sucker for anything personalized with handprints or footprints!!

Second, it is apple season and ~~Stephanie made,~~ Stephanie’s sister made Bite Size Apple Pies. I actually had the ingredients for this and made them for my hubby. Yep, he pretty much thinks I rock. Especially, whenever I make dinner and a dessert! Thanks, Stephanie!

Okay, now it is your turn to share all of your homemade goodies. I love seeing all of your projects!! Thanks so much for stopping here to inspire so many of us!!

Here is the link, you know what to do!!

Kudos to the Blog Feeding Four

2011-10-23T14:08:00.001-04:00

I have to give a huge shout out to a blog written by a good friend of mine Feeding Four!

She wrote about a Tilapia, Blackbean Salsa and Green Rice last year and I have made it before. However, this time I made it with some bluefish hubby caught so I had lots. I decided to feed my neighbors as well (they are my life line, it is the least I can do.) Let me just tell you they think I am a gourmet cook!! HAHA!

Here is the kicker...this meal looks gourmet but it only took me 30 minutes to make. Thank you, Feeding Four for making it look like I can cook. Go check out her blog. You will thank me!

Twice as nice

2011-10-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

Last fall I made my niece (left) an Madras Top/Tunic. A year later my daughter (right) is now wearing the same top!!

I HEART Hand-me-downs!!

This is a great reminder for me that I should sew more often for my niece because a year later my little girl will benefit!!

Broomstick Skirt from a Dress Pattern

2011-10-19T08:07:00.000-04:00

I have boxes of patterns in my home but I am coming to the realization that I do NOT need all these patterns because once you have the basics you can pretty much do a few minor alterations to make them customized. For instance I had this wonderful Easy Stitch’n Save Pattern and made my oldest daughter her Easter Dress from this pattern.

This time I did not want the top just the skirt. The fantastic thing about using a store bought pattern you really do not have to calculate and mess with measurement. The math is already done!

Here is how I did it. I took the top two tier pattern pieces(that made the tunic) to make my skirt (I did not have enough material for the third tier (that made the dress) so I cut the 1st tier twice (different materials) and then made the first piece approximately 4 “ shorter in the width.

This picture illustrates the width difference. Now sew all your side seams together.

To make the waist band I decided a different method. My daughter has sensory issues so I chose a sew-in waistband rather then make a pocket for the elastic.

1st I turned under the material 1/4” and stitch

Then I took one of her favorite skirts that fit and cut my elastic. (she was in bed because I decided to make this the night before going to the pumpkin patch)

Divide you elastic in half.

Then you place your elastic on the heml stitch line at the side seam. sew a few stitches and then start pulling gently the elastic so it stretches making sure you pull it taunt enough that the halfway point of your elastic reaches the other side seam.

Once you are done your material will gather nicely like so…

Then I followed the pattern instructions to attach each tier. Hem the bottom and you are done…

Here is Miss L in your pumpkin outfit. She LOVED it! Recognize the shirt??

I think her favorite part was it twirled!! So girly!

Also, my girls coordinate!! Yes, I will have my girls coordinate and match as long as they will let me!!

I have to attach this picture of my Mama 2 she was the one who taught me to sew. This picture makes me so happy because she shared her special talent with me and taught me to sew and now I am able to share my talent with my children. Truly priceless!!

Remember a pattern is a great tool for many other designs then the ones shown. The pattern companies just want you to buy different patterns for ever minor change!!!

I am sharing this at these wonderful parties.

Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party

2011-10-17T22:28:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends, it is that time again for Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party. I don’t know about you but I LOVE this time of year, yes I love the fall weather, pumpkin spice, football, etc…but what I really love is all the crafters and non-crafters are coming out of the woodwork with some FANTASTIC ideas!! Wow!!

I want to feature two projects from last week.

The first one is from The Project Corner. She made this BEAUTIFUL dress on the post Arsenic and Old Lace. First the dress is made out of my two favorite colors in the world and it is just stunning…It was also the most viewed project from last week.

The next feature is from Sarah @ My Crazy Blessed Life she made a beautiful Anthro knockoff necklace. LOVE this!!

You are awesome ladies!! Please be sure to grab a feature button. Thank you to the rest of you who link up!! You are awesome as well and I appreciate you all being here!!

Now onto the party!! You know what to do!!

Reversible Baby Dress for the Fall

2011-10-13T16:03:00.001-04:00

In my mind it is appropriate to wear “Halloween” clothes starting Oct 10-ish then abruptly put them away November 1st. However, “Fall” clothes can be worn from Sept 23rd (or when the weather turns cold) through the Thanksgiving Holiday. Call me weird that is just the way I feel.

Even though this is the way I feel my pocket book says..”I don’t think so.” Therefore, I have to get creative like make a Temporary Ruffled Pumpkin Shirt and make a REVERSIBLE dress for baby girl. Why reversible…so for 2 weeks she can wear it like this.

Then for Thanksgiving, pumpkin patches, apple picking she can wear it like this…

Did you notice the knife pleats at the bottom??? LOVE, this detail.

It is rather simple- However I will say if you are going to add a trim like I did be prepared for a little more work.

Here are a few snapshots of the details. If you would like a tutorial let me know.

The applique.

The knife pleats…

I love ideas like this.

#1. They save you time because you are only making one dress rather then two.

#2. It is much more economical. Especially if you are able to make it with scraps & material you picked up form a MOPS Swap! hehe!

#3. It can be worn much longer and your hard work is not short lived!

I hope you have enjoyed and has got you thinking of what you can make reversible!

I am sharing this at these wonderful parties.

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2011-10-10T21:52:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! It is that time again for another Strictly Homemade Tuesday to show off your recent homemade goodies. I am going to have to keep this post short and sweet as I am a little under the weather. Before I got it my son had it... Ugh!

Last week the most viewed post was from my friend, Jennie, at Kissed by a Frog where she has broken the code on how to get soap scum off shower doors. YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE what she uses. I can attest and so can another one of my friend that this WORKS. I am not going to tell you what the secret ingredient is...go check it out.

Now it is time for another Strictly Homemade Party. I have to apologize I have not been the best at commenting on all the links but please know I look at them all and I am so appreciate you all here!

Paper Bag Pumpkin- No need to go to the craft store

2011-10-05T14:30:00.000-04:00

I love projects that do not require a trip to the craft store, plus I know many of my readers are not die-hard crafters and have lots of extra crafting supplies- I thought of this one for you. I am 90% sure you have all these supplies in your home.

I am going to show you how to make a Paper Bag Pumpkin to help get your home ready for the fall!

See I told you!!! Not a huge supply list and I am sure you have most of these items on hand!!

Cut your paper bag open and cut off any handles and bottom portion. Once laid out I cut off enough to wrap the toilet paper roll.

Then wrinkle the bag. I gave it to my sweet C and she had a blast getting it wrinkly. (always helpful to get the kids involved!)

Place the toilet roll in the center of the paper and start wrapping and tucking the bag in the center…

Once you have all the edges tucked in the center, puff it out some to get the shape of a pumpkin then place a stick in the center.

Add some leaves from outside and place in your powder room (or where ever) I recommend powder room incase you run out of toilet paper…

Just like that you have some fall décor WITHOUT going to the craft store!

Hope you enjoyed. I am sharing this at these wonderful parties!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party

2011-10-03T22:06:00.001-04:00

Hi Friends, I hope you are having a wonderful Tuesday and being here to join me to show off or see some awesome homemade creations.

Before I get started, I need to apologize for the lack of creative posts. I have been sewing/creating but this weekend hubby was gone fishin' so I decided to paint my eclectic yellow kitchen. Woot, woot!! The yellow is gone! haha! Pictures soon.

Also, I have to add my email/Facebook page was hacked and that is been nothing less then a pain in my neck. My whole contact list got an email saying I was in Madrid, Spain and I need help. I can’t access any of my accounts so they might be lost. NICE! I have to say that people who steal, hack, take away from others are just scum. It is just disgusts me and saddens me at the same time. It makes me think of my kids when they ask “Mommy, why do people do bad things? Don’t they know it makes God angry?” I don’t know the answer…

Moving on to happier things like last week’s Strictly Homemade. Thank you so much for making it my biggest party yet!! THANK YOU!

Here is the most viewed link…

I was thrilled to see my friend, Melissa, from Those Northern Skies made Men’s shirts into skirts was the most popular link! So creative!

Thank you so much for linking up, you know the rules and be sure to leave some comments on other blogs. It fuels all of our creative souls!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday

2011-09-26T23:09:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Strictly Homemade Tuesday. I am so glad you are here. A great place to show off your homemade goodies. Where Homemade rules, and prefabbed drools.

Normally, I would show you some of my favorites from last week, but today I will show the most viewed…or your favorites.

From Claudia and Justin over at Remodeholic shares with Fall Décor Ideas

Now it is time to share your homemade creations! Be sure to visit some of you fellow bloggers links and comment!!

Temporary Ruffled Pumpkin Shirt Tutorial

2011-09-26T13:48:00.001-04:00

Hello, FALL! To celebrate the first day of fall I decided to make my daughter a new pumpkin shirt that was 1.) TEMPORARY 2.) FREE. Two very important elements for me.
My daughter is very picky about clothes (this is an understatement). When she has a shirt that “fits” her I can not just go and put an applique on it for a holiday. Nope comfy clothes for Lawson are too rare!!! I have come up with a solution that is a win-win for us both. Today I will show you how I did it with felt!
Supplies needed…

Instructions how to make…
With your orange stripes or material put a gathering stitch in the middle.
Pull one thread to gather and create a ruffling effect. Circle gathers around and around to create a pumpkin shape.

Pin gathered orange strip onto black felt. DO NOT TRIM FELT!
Stitch the ruffles to felt sewing down the center again.
Cut two green pieces of material (I chose felt and jersey knit) for the stem and a leaf.
To give it a little more interest I sewed it down and made stitches to look like the lines on the stem
I did the same for the leaf.

Once everything is sewn down trim your black felt. Leave approx. 1/8”

Position the applique where you so desire and with black thread and a sewing needle sew the applique down with a simple running stitch. One that can easily be snipped and pulled.
FINISHED!! Simple as that. Now when the fall is over I can cut the black threads and my daughter will have a plain black shirt again. Until then we have this…

You might be wondering about washing. I washed this shirt this weekend and it washed beautifully!!
Temporary and Free Fall shirt!! Projects like this make me happy!!!
I am sharing this at these wonderful parties.

When it rains, it pours…

2011-09-23T13:39:00.001-04:00

Literally.

As if it wasn’t enough that it is really pouring outside, I’ve had WAY too many things break (or in need of repair) on me today. Seriously all in one darn day!! I could go through the list but it might just depress me, so I will just talk about the icing on the cake. When my iron FELL APART!! You know like minutes before I needed to go to my daughter’s school.

Just Fabulous!

Is it Friday the 13th? Geez.

Anyone have a suggestion for a good iron? In the mean time do not mind me and my wrinkles!!

As Annie would say “The sun will come out tomorrow!!” Have a great weekend!!

Dinosaur Hoodie Towel Tutorial

2011-09-22T11:42:00.001-04:00

Last Christmas (why does that seem like yesterday) I made my son a Dinosaur Hoodie Towel. It is his favorite towel BY FAR! I love to here him roar and smile so big thinking he has scared me. Too cute! I asked back then if anyone was interested in a tutorial and I got the sweetest email requesting a tutorial. Then my sister asked for a big girl towel for her daughter so combine the two requests and here you go. Your wish is my command!!

Here are the supplies needed…

* The bath towels should not be plush and thick. They need to be on the thin side or you will NEVER get the towel under your presser foot. This is your warning!! Plus, thinner towels dry faster.

Step 1. Cut 1 Bath towel to make the hood. Most hoodie towels say get a hand towel and cut in half to make the hood. Since we need lots of extra towel material for the spine and nose I chose to get another bath towel. This means you will need to cut your bath towel to the size of half hand towel.

Step 2: Make Spines Cut out 8 spine pieces. My spines are a 3.5” triangle on all sides. Sew 2 sides of the spine to make 4 spines and turn inside out.

Step 3: Make the Spine Hood. Take the hood and place 2 spines close to the center and 1/2” from the bottom

Fold material over spine pieces, pin and sew.

Once turned inside out this is what the outside looks like.

This is optional… the material is so thick a surged seam is out of the question. So I opted to put a piece of material on the inside to cover the seam. Fold the long edges to the center place on the seam and stitch.

Finished stitch with material covering seam.

To create the snout…I cut 2 pieces of a half circle. Mine has about a 5” diameter. Sew the circle portion and turn inside out.

Step 4: Making the Snout. Find the outside trim of the hood.

Cut the finished seam off plus 1/2”.

Position the snout in the center on the right side of the hood as well as the piece you just cut. Stitch.

Trim. Fold under and top stitch. This will leave you with a finished edge and no fraying.

Add 2 buttons for the nostrils.

Step 5: Finishing the hood. Cut two pieces of fleece for the eyes. The shape of the eyes is up to you. I chose two oval shapes. Sew on and add two buttons for eye balls. (not shown)

Step 6: The bath towel. Fold the towel in half and pin 4” in and 6” down. This is your stitch line.

Insert 2 of the spines where the stitch line be. Stitch.

This is what it will look like from the top. Fold open and press down.

Step 6: Connecting the Hood to the towel. With right sides together find the center of the hood and the center of the towel and line them up together. Then line up the rest of the bottom portion of the hood towel. Sew together. YOU ARE DONE!!

Here are some pictures with my precious model.

Backside…

I think my niece is going to LOVE it!!

If you have any questions please let me know. I will forewarn you SEW SLOW over the thickness…it can break needles!!!

I am sharing this at these wonderful parties.

ALSO don’t forget to sign up to win a Digital Scrapbook Software from My Memories. Ends Sept 25

Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party

2011-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Strictly Homemade Tuesday. I am so happy you are here so we can share with each other our latest homemade creations.

Before I get to the features I have two announcements.

1.I am having a wonderful giveaway of My Memory Suite. You can win the digital scrapbooking software. I promise you will love it! The giveaway ends Sunday so be sure to enter!! Go here to enter!

2. Strictly Homemade now has a facebook page!! Come on over and “like” me. wink, wink!

Onto the Features from last week.

I love this paper bag skirt! Good Time Never Seem so Good made this simple, fashionable skirt PLUS has a great tutorial. LOVE it!

Reduox shows us how to make these beautiful Gilding Jacques. This gets me in the mood for fall- how about you??

Thank you ladies! Pick up a feature button and display it proudly!

Onto this weeks linky party!! You know the rules. Have fun!

“Where homemade rules, and premade drools!!” Don’t you like the ring that has?? hehe!

My Memory Suite Giveaway

2011-09-19T11:27:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I was contacted by My Memory Suite to host a giveaway for a digital scrapbook software. I will be honest, at first I was hesitant because I do not scrapbook. My personal blog is my “scrapbook'” and it takes everything I have to keep that up. Then I remembered a fellow blogger hosting the same giveaway who like me did not scrapbook and raved how much she loved it so I thought I would give it a try.
Let me tell you…My Memory Suite is AWESOME!!
It is the perfect solution for ~~lazy~~ busy ~~scrap bookers~~ moms like me.
Top 2 reason I love My Memory Suite.
First, you download My Memory Suite to you computer. Therefore, you do not, I repeat, do not have to redownload your pictures to another website. (Timesaver)
Second, you can make digital scrapbook so you can link your still pictures with your videos. HOW COOL IS THAT? They are no longer in two places. Brilliant.
I quickly started on a scrapbook that was in my head for my oldest daughter. I made her a kindergarten scrapbook. Here are a few samples of the pages.

Here is where it really gets good. I took a picture of her fabulous artwork that I love (just have no room to keep) and placed it in this treasured scrapbook. Now I will have them forever!!
I created her Kindergarten Scrapbook in 1 day! No cutting, pasting, fretting over design, or running to the scrapbook store several times, it was easy pea-sy! Plus, I got it done!
My Memory Suite is not just for digital scrapbooking. The possibilities are endless. I made my son’s birthday invitations on My Memory Suite. Seriously. It was easy, and NO ONE will have one like it. It is personalized just for my special little boy.

So you want to know how YOU could win this fabulous software?
MANDETORY ENTRY: Visit My Memory Suite and leave a comment here saying what your favorite digital paperback or layout.

For extra entries: (leave separate comments for each)
1. Become a follower of Strictly Homemade
2. Become a follower of My Memories Blog
3. Become a follower of My Memory Facebook Page
4. Become a follower of Strictly Homemade's BRAND NEW Facebook Page!! Give me shout out there!
This is a total of 5 chances to win a My Memories Suite!!

Also, My Memory Suite has another fabulous offer. As a special for all my readers, I have my own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!
BE SURE TO USE THIS CODE: STMMMS97627
Giveaway ends September 25th. Winner will be announced Mon. Sept 26th.

Bay Window Seat Voting Results

2011-09-16T13:03:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all those who voted on what I should so with my bay window seat cushion. I really appreciate the help. Here is the final tally...

Poll: What should I do with my bay window seat?

Stripes Won!

I personally was torn between the stripes and the black check. What can I say I am sucker for all things black and white, and from the votes several of you agree with me!

So now I just need to make the final decision. hmmmm.... I am planning on ordering the material soon. If you have any parting thoughts as to exactly WHY I should chose one and not the other. Please let your voice be heard!

I have to share with you a note I got from my grandmother.

When you asked if we could find the eyesore in the room, all I could see was the
covered grill on the sundeck. Loved the new corner in the yard. You did a good
job with the pillows in the chairs. Maybe you could create a an outdoor scene on the deck where the grill is. Like a cute bistro table and chairs with plants and potted flowers. That would give a picture to see as you look through the beautiful bay window.

Yep, that is an eye sore too. I need to work on that next!!! You can see a picture of it here! I love her honesty!!

ALSO- next Monday I have a very exciting giveaway here on Strictly Homemade. I am super excited to share it with you!! I hope you come back for a chance to win! Have a wonderful weekend.

Homemade Baby Food

2011-09-14T15:38:00.001-04:00

I am not much of a cook…or maybe I should say I do not really get a kick out of cooking. It is more of a chore to me but I do it because I love my family and I like to eat!!

Although, I am not the best cook and do not find much joy cooking meals (7 days a week). I DO find a great deal of joy making Homemade Baby Food for my sweet baby girl.

To me it seems healthier, I am in total control of what she is getting, and I feel like within perimeters, my daughter is experience a better assortment of food then she would get buying jarred baby food.

Since I call my blog Strictly Homemade I thought I would share the homemade baby food I make for Cailyn. My baby food guide is Super Baby Food Book. This is the Mac-Daddy of all Baby Food books (in my opinion).

My daughter has successfully eaten all the food I have given her including cottage cheese and tofu!! Crazy, but true!! Next month we have broccoli!

Not only is this book great for baby food but it also has wonderful tips for cleaning, food for picky eaters (my son) and recipes galore. We are now huge fans of tofu (the whole family) thanks to this book.

**I am not getting compensated in anyway to promote this book I just had to share because I love it that much.

Here are some pictures illustrating how easy it is to make your baby’s homemade food.

All you need is a blender. I have a food processor but I find a blender does a much better job especially when the food needs to be pureed.

Avocado Puree….one of Cailyn’s favorites!

Ice Tray to freeze baby food.

I will be honest the Cailyn was not a fan of was mangos!! However, the girl loves to eat so no matter what face she gives me she still asks for more!! Funny girl!

Tonight on the menu is Avocado with tofu and a side of peaches. Yum!! Also, the other good part of making your baby’s food is if you try to feed yourself and your baby at the same time and you ACCIDENTLY put her spoon in your mouth you are not totally grossed out, because it tastes good. I am just saying…

Just thought I would share.

Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party

2011-09-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday ya’ll!! Yep, I am from the south and proud of it too!! hehe!

You know why it is a Happy Tuesday? Well, it isn’t Monday anymore so that is a start, and my little man starts preschool today. Do not get me wrong I LOVE my son. He has my heart on a string but since his buddy started 1st grade, 7 weeks ago (no I am not counting), he has needed more social interaction then I can give him. He is all boy and goes non-stop 13 hours a day!! He needs other people his age to wear him out!! Add to the fact it is Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party and it is a good day!!!

So again, Happy Tuesday!!

As always before we get to the party I want to feature some wonderful projects from last week.

Bloom in Color made a wonderful tutorial for this Traveling Bag. This would make excellent Christmas gifts!

Kim from The Sasse Life (already decked out for Halloween) made this DIY Ottoman. She turned a standard coffee table into an ottoman and gave it a TON of style. Check it out!

Fabulous job ladies, be sure to grab a feature button!!

Onto the new Strictly Homemade Tuesday Linky Party. You know what to do…and be a sweetheart (I am southern remember?) comment on some other blogs. We all thrive on comments!

My Curtain Confessions

2011-09-12T15:23:00.001-04:00

I bought curtain panels today!!

Yes, you read that correctly. I bought curtains. I pride myself on making all of my curtains for my home but some deals are too good to pass up. Especially when you have a major faux pas going on in your home!! Let me explain…

This is my daughter’s nursery. I love this area. It is so beautiful during waking hours.

However, when my daughter is sleeping. This is what it looks like. To block out the east sun I have to put up another piece of material!! MAJOR Decorating FAUX PAS!!

I can not believe I am admitting to this!!

But If I didn’t the sun just soaks in….

I was planning on relining my existing curtains with blackout lining but that stuff is EXPENSIVE. Today, (not really knowing what I was looking for just diggin’) I went through the clearance section at Target and I found black, blackout curtains for $9.08 a panel!!! Then when I got to the checkout they were $6.49!! Bonus!

I was not planning on putting black panels in her room (I mean who puts black in a nursery, right?) but the price was right and my current solution was driving me bananas!

Here is what they look like now…

I absolutely LOVE the black panels in her nursery. They look so good and the bonus is no more light penetrates through so this little girl can get a good rest. Sleep and great décor are VERY important to us both!

So, yes I bought curtain panels for a total of $13.83 and I am THRILLED with results.

(Jenn- I checked to see if they had brown and they didn’t so please do not think you got a bad deal!! Haha!)

Also, please help me decide what material I should recover my bay window seat. Go here to vote! I am a seamstress not a decorator!! Thank you!!

New Bay Window Curtains but new problem…

2011-09-09T02:58:00.001-04:00

I have a confession to make.

I am a curtain-holic.

I love making curtains probably more then anything I sew. I just love it.

Plus, it is the one thing I can change cheaply (if not for free) in my home.

I was sitting in my den one morning and thought to myself…I am tired of these curtains. (They have only been up for 4 years but they gotta go!!)

It was too much gold, to much contrast, I was just over it. Although I remember how hard these were to make I was ready for something new. I started shopping my cloth boxes and found 5 yds of material my mother bought years ago for her den. I realize not many people have as many resources as I do (meaning get unwanted material from people) but my tip to you if you ever offered NEVER turn away material!! hehe! You never know when you find a purpose for it.

I got immediately to work…sometimes when I get a crazy idea in my head I can not seem to get to it fast enough!!

Work-in-progress. The new curtain being stapled on to the board. Bay windows are tricky are not impossible. I have 3 separate board for each wall, but I stable my curtain (one continuous piece) on as if the board is one piece. Does that make sense?

Here are my new bay window curtains. I really like how they blend with the red rather have such a high contrast. Believe it or not I did this window and the front window for free with supplies I had on hand. Yep, hand-me-outs are a good thing!

Of course as it always goes, once you change one thing it is a domino effect and many things start changing…

I moved this monster chair to the backside of the den, removed some pillows, moved some rugs around, but there is still a HUGE eye sore to me, do you see it?

The bay window seat cushion has got to be changed….this is where you come in…

Help me decide what to do here. I am going to put up a poll for you to vote. I would really appreciate you opinion because I have NOT A CLUE!!

Here are some of my options I have come up with…

What should I do with my bay window seat?

1. Remove the seat cushion since the big chair is blocking a portion of it anyway

2. Check Black

3. Something neutral

4.Stripes

5, None of the above…try again.

I would love your help!!! I will leave the poll open for a week and I will let you know what the majority of you voted on and show you what I did!!!

Coordinating Koozies

2011-09-08T12:28:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I showed you how to make a lounge chair cushion into 2 chair cushions. I told you there was one piece left and I CAN NOT throw anything away, but I am trying hard to not store stuff for a “one day I will use this” project and get right on top of it!!

Here is what I did with the remaining material. It is the same concept as when I made Recycled Burlap Koozies.

Simple Instructions on how I did it… You need: Old koozies, 5X16” piece of material and hot glue.

1. Old koozies. I happened to have two orange koozies that matched pretty well.

2. Cut your strips 5X16”. Turn over 1/2” on each of the long side. You can either sew this down or hot glue it down. On these I opted to sew them down.

3. Your hemmed material will be 4”X16”

4. Start hot gluing your material directly onto the old koozie. Top and bottom

5. To finish the koozie turn under the raw edge hot glue and then hot glue the hemed edge onto the koozie. Be sure it covers the whole koozie.

6. Finished!!

Here are my koozies next to the coordinating chair. **Isn’t this a pretty little sitting area?

Let’s not be fooled. These koozies are only perfect with the perfect drink in them!! Ha!

Enjoy!

I am participating at these fabulous parties!