A Crafty B

The BEST DIY breastpads EVER!!!

2013-05-23T15:21:00.001-07:00

Like my first child it was a no-brainer that I was going to breastfeed and I was shooting for a year with my second child (With my first I thought I would give it 6 months but liked doing it and it helped me loose weight so I continued until 10 months when she decided she was done)
But like any breastfeeding mom knows breastpads and a great bra are essentials. I have used the disposables but hated the expense and the added waste to the environment so I used cloth pads but the first ones I bought where very small and I had to double them so that I didn't leak through (even then I sometimes did) so I experimented and searched the internet and came across Adventures in Fluff

tutorial I tweaked it a bit by adding rubber sheeting (you know the kind you put under your kids sheets incase they wet the bed) they sell it at Joann's and they are the BEST BREAST PADS EVER!!!

What You Will Need:
Anti-Pill Fleece (for the back)
Flannel
Towel ( I used one that was about to become a rag/thrown out)
Rubber Sheeting material (I got mine at Jo-Ann's)
5" Circle Template

Sewing Machine or Serger Machine-I don't have a Serger so I just use the zig-zag stitch on my sewing machine)

To Make:
Cut out 2 circles from each: Flannel, Fleece, Towel and Rubber Sheeting for each pair of pads you want to make (I made 6 pairs so I didn't have to do laundry so often)
I made shaped breast pads so I followed Adventures in Fluff's Tutorial and stacked my fabric flannel, terrycloth, rubber sheeting, fleece (fleece being the bottom) in that order on each pad. So if anything soaked through the terrycloth it would be stopped by the rubber sheeting before hitting the fleece which is another barrier.

After creating the cone shape I zig-zag stitched all the way around. They aren't the prettiest thing but no one sees them anyway. Wash them once to remove all the fuzzies from the towel. Also try not to wash them with fabric softener/laundry soap with fabric softener/or those drier sheets as it prevents some absorption of the milk into the fabric.

Creamy Chicken Chipotle Cups & Mexican Chop Salad

2013-05-06T10:02:00.003-07:00

We just had our housewarming party/Cinco de Mayo party and I decided to try some new recipes so where do you go to find great recipes but pinterest of course! I found this recipe for chicken chipotle cups but I wanted something creamy so I altered the recipe so below is the recipe I made up and everyone thought they were delicious and wanted the recipe

Creamy Chicken Chipotle Cups
Serves ~30 cups

30 wonton wrappers
Pam Spray
1 cup shredded cheddar-Jack cheese (or other favorite cheese)-divided
1-1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or small-diced (I used rotisserie chicken for ease)
1/2 cup jarred roasted red bell peppers, diced(I used the ones packed in water)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp. salt (to taste)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp. chipotle powder

Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
Fit 1 wonton wrapper into each muffin cup coated with cooking spray (I used regular size muffin tin not the mini muffin tin) press the wrappers carefully down into the cups so they hug the sides. Spray the wrappers with pam spray as well. Sprinkle with a tiny bit of cheese in the bottom of each wrapper (my daughter helped with this part and thought it was fun) Bake at 350º for 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
Combine remaining ingredients in a medium-sized bowl along with the remaining 3/4 cup of shredded cheese, mix well, season to taste. Place about 1 Tblsp of mixture in each wonton cup close to serving (so the cups stay crisp)-can be made about 1-2 hours prior to serving.

Cooked with cheese on bottom

I also made a delicious chop salad I found on Pinterest and altered I didn't use their dressing either I made this copy cat recipe for Cafe Rio's Tamatillo Dressing

Mexican Chop Salad

Sliced Red, Yellow, Orange and Green peppers arranged on plate

Rinsed and drained canned black beans (cold)

Marinaded Spicy Carrots

Roasted corn (I used a bag of frozen corn sauteed it in a frying pan with a little olive oil, and added salt to taste, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp chipotle powder and 1 tsp cumin.)

I put chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and grated cojita cheese for people to add as they wished.

I wanted to add avocado and jicama but I ran out of space on the plate and could not find jicama.

bunting

2013-05-01T13:49:00.002-07:00

I free-handed a triangle template utilizing the whole 8.5x11" piece of cardstock but you can use this template if you wanted to. I also made my own bias tape to make the streamer this tutorial is awesome for that.

To cut out the triangles: layer two pieces of fabric wrong sides facing each other then cut out the triangle I then sewed about 1/2 inch from the edge on the two long sides (left top unsewn because it will be inside the bias tape) then I trimmed the two sewn edges with pinking shears to prevent fraying.

Randomly line the triangles inside the bias tape and sew the sandwiched triangle inside the bias tape. I tacked them up with heavy duty tacks.

Tie and Suspender Onsie

2013-04-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

I found this pin over at Pinterest and decided to make one for the new baby, for something cute to wear, (I will probably make another one for a friends wedding we will be going to later on in the year). I loved the idea, but I adjusted a few things such as the bottom of the suspenders I curved to match the curve of the onsie leg edging (just cut the fabric a little long, lay it in place and trace along the fabric using the edging underneath as a bumper for your curve then cut with scissors) and I didn't like the tie they had so I searched on line and found one I liked better (they actually gave me 2 sizes)
I also found this one

We have a wedding to go to in September so I might be making this in a bigger size for him to wear.

Coconut Diaper Ointment

2013-04-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

I am going to give cloth diapering a shot this time around and you are not able to use commerical baby ointments I started asking my friends and sister who cloth diaper what they use as well as doing some research on my own on the internet. Most ointments that are made for cloth diapering are SOOO expensive (~$9 per ounce!) so I decided to make my own diaper ointment.

Recipe:

1/8 c Coconut oil(extra virgin) -blend until whipped cream consistency

¼ c raw unrefined shea butter

3-5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

(arrowroot or talc-free cornstarch for thickening if needed)

Whip the coconut oil with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Melt the shea butter (just until melted) and pour into the mixer as it is going. Drop the tea tree oil in and any arrowroot if you need it. Place in a reusable container with a lid (you will want a small jar for your diaper bag as well. You can get various size jars at local pharmacies for a small fee usually, just ask or mason jars work well also.

Coconut Oil is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial. Tea Tree Oil is also antifungal, antibacterial and has healing properties. The Shea butter and arrowroot help with thickening and keeping it all together. The shea butter also helps as a protective barrier against the acidic urine and baby poop.

Some great websites I found are here and here and here

Faux Wainscotting and Bathroom redo

2013-04-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

I redid our 1/2 bathroom and decided to try doing some faux wainscotting similar to this one I found over at Young House Love My walls have a subtle texture but I think it still looks great and was very easy to do and reasonable in cost. I think the whole room including paint cost us $60

To paint behind the toilet I wrapped tin foil behind the toilet after I took the lid off. The room used to be 2 shades of brown. A chocolate brown on 2 walls and 1/2 the ceiling and a tan on the other 2 walls and ceiling portion

Before

After

Oh the places you go artwork

2013-04-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

Oil Painting I did for Landon's room. I made this by cutting out letters and the plane shape using my silhouette machine on contact paper and placing the stickers where I wanted them and then painting the canvas. Once the paint dried I peeled off the stickers revealing the white canvas below.

You can see the letters I still need to peel off up above and down below. Make sure you don't allow the stickers to slide to keep the letters crisp.

Muslin swaddle blankets

2013-04-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

I saw a Pin on Pinterest about DIY Muslim blankets (some of them like the Aden and Anais can go for $30+)
I made several types of blankets all using cotton Bubble gauze muslim from Joann's Fabric. You will need 1 1/4 yards per blanket (45x45 inches) I don't have a serger but that would be the easiest way to finish off the edges of the fabric or you can double roll and zig zag stitch the edges like I did. I dyed some blue and left some white.

Felt whale and embroidered waves

We love Oregon

Dyed Ombre blue (I dyed this by dunking the whole thing into the bucket of dye and then slowly pulling the blanket out every 5 minutes about 3 inches)

I sewed the all of these on a corner so that they would be visible when he was swaddled.

Best Banana Crunch Muffins Ever

2013-03-12T21:09:00.003-07:00

Banana Crunch Muffins

(Yields 12 muffins)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp vanilla bean paste
3 ripe bananas mashed
1 egg
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup broken banana chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 375F Line cupcake tin with wrappers.
In one bowl mix the first 5 ingredients together. In separate bowl mix the sugar, oil, butter, bananas, vanilla, egg together. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Fold in the walnuts and banana chips if desired. I have also added mini chocolate chips to this recipe if you want chocolate chip banana muffins. Fill each muffin cup 3/4 of the way full. Top with below recipe

Crumb Topping

1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 TBLSP Butter
2 TBLSP flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

In a small bowl mix together the ingredients cutting in the butter until the mixture looks like coarse cornmeal sprinkle over muffin mixture.

Bake 15-18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread

2013-03-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

I love this Shortbread cookie recipe it is so delicious, easy to make, easy to roll out and use with cookie cutters and freezes nicely too. Since I had my baby we are kind of homebound for the next few weeks to keep him away from germs I decided we should make cookies as an activity.

Shortbread Cookies:

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon (2 grams) salt

1 cup (2 sticks) (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered (confectioners or icing) sugar

1 teaspoon (4 grams) pure vanilla extract

Beat the butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute) with a mixer. Add the sugar and beat until pale and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Beat in the vanilla extract. Mix in the flour and salt 1/2 cup at a time just until incorporated. Flatten the dough into a disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill the dough for at least 1/2-1 hour or until firm.

Preheat oven to 350F I used SilMats on the cookie sheets to prevent the cookies from sticking, but you can use parchment paper if you prefer. Roll out dough into 1/4" thickness and cut into shapes. Bake 7-9 minutes until edges are very lightly browned. Cool on cookie racks.

For Chocolate Dipped Shortbreads:

6 ounces (180 grams) semi sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 TBLSP shortening

Place ingredients in microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 second blasts stirring between until smooth. Dip 1/2 of the cookie into the chocolate and place on parchment paper or wax paper until dry.

My daughter loves to help but hates the sound of the mixer. Our creative solution so she doesn't have to cover her ears with her hands or ask me to shut off the mixer (how am I suppose to make cookies with the mixer off?)

Absentee

2013-02-27T13:19:00.004-08:00

Sorry for being MIA lately, I have been super busy. We had our second baby Landon Sawyer on 2/17/13 so I have been settling into being a mommy to two kiddos. We also moved so I have been buried in boxes. Should calm down soon and I will be back posting things I made while I was on bedrest during my maternity leave.

Felt Robot Plushie

2013-01-28T19:12:00.001-08:00

I made this little robot for the new baby on the way (due soon), of course my daughter claimed him as her own and has had the little felt guy eating lots of play food and playing with her toys with her so I may have to make another one.

I saw several of these robots on Pinterest and around the web but couldn't really find any tutorials or dimensions that worked so I made this one up.

Need (24) 1-3/4" squares for the hands/feet

(6) 2-1/2 " squares for the head

(6) 3-1/2" squares for body

(4) 3"x 4-1/2" rectangles for arms/legs

2 bead style buttons for eyes

small red felt heart

I took one of the 2 1/2" squares and stacked it on top of a 3 1/2" square and sewed an X and circle in the center (this attaches the head to the body) I then attached the eyes to a different piece of felt (2 1/2" piece)and the heart to a 3 1/2" piece of felt.

I used a blanket stitch to hand sew the pieces together.

For the arms and legs I did a simple weaving stitch and then pulled it tight to "scrunch" the felt up.

Football Onsie

2013-01-27T13:52:00.001-08:00

Little Football Onsie for our little Football on the way.

I found a brown onsie at a consignment shop (who knew it was so hard to find a plain brown onsie!) This one had Little Brother embroidered where the second white stripe is. I cut out several 1" pieces of cream colored felt and then laid them on the onsie until I figured out what I liked. They are about 1.5 inches on each side of the center line (total of the horizontal line was about 4-5 inches). There is about 3/4 inches in between each horizontal line.

I am thinking of using this onsie for newborn photos. It would be pretty cute to have my husband cradle him like a little football.

Peanut Butter Buckeye Candies

2013-01-23T14:34:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine had some delicious peanut butter candies made by a friend of hers and didn't know what they were called or what the recipe was so I went on a mission to figure out what they were and how to make them.

I knew what they looked like and tasted that is about it. So a few weeks after we ate them all and after looking on the internet and asking her friend for information on the candies I was at the gas station (of all places) and they had the exact same candies....Peanut Butter Buckeyes!!!

Recipe:
1-1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. butter (softened)
1 tsp. Vanilla
4 c. powdered sugar

8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-2 Tblsp. Shortening

In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar with hands to form a smooth stiff dough. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. Place on pan covered in wax paper, and refrigerate.

Melt shortening and chocolate together in a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water (or in the microwave on 30-60 second bursts)Stir occasionally until smooth, and remove from heat.

Remove balls from refrigerator. Insert a wooden toothpick, and dip into melted chocolate (do not dip all the way, leave the top of the candy exposed). Return to wax paper, chocolate side down, and remove toothpick. Repeat with remaining balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Valentine's Day Envelope-Pottery Barn Style

2013-01-21T14:05:00.002-08:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while, I have been on bed rest for the pregnancy and pretty tired in general. I will hopefully be better about posting in the future. I decided to make Karsyn a Valentines day envelope similar to one I saw in the pottery barn magazine.

I followed this tutorial but modified it by sewing the envelope with my sewing machine (not gluing it) and then hand embroidering around the edges. I wanted to embroider her name on the envelope but couldn't find my embroidery machine for my sewing machine at the time.

I sewed the velcro on to the heart then sandwiched it with the other heart with the tip of the envelope in between the hearts. I also hand sewed the velcro onto the front of the envelope in the place the top velcro piece landed.

I also sewed a piece of ribbon on the back from one top corner to the other top corner so I can hang it from the back of her dinner table chair.

I think I will make one like this for the baby.

Ying Yang Bag

2012-12-12T18:30:00.002-08:00

I saw a tutorial over at Design Sponge for a Ying Yang Bag that self closes when you pick it up and I fel in love! I decided to make one with what I had on hand which would be great for anything from beach trips to trips to the grocery store.

I plan on making a larger size bag (about twice the size of the one shown on Design Sponge) out of canvas and tracking down some leather strapping and rivets (best source I have found so far is Etsy) but was anxious to make one.

I used a piece of ribbon for the handle.

Attaching the handle was the "trickiest" part make sure you attach them properly so the bag closes.

I love that the bag only has one handle to contend with. Since I used ribbon my ribbon is actually wider than the grommets I used but it slides just fine.

Carseat Cover and Strap Cover

2012-12-11T20:03:00.002-08:00

After we found we were having a boy I decided the little yellow flowers on the first cover would confuse people (even though I liked it) so I made a second cover, grey chevrons, teal flannel underside with teal piping.

I also made strap covers with the gray polka dots, teal blue on the other side (they can be reversed) and a thin layer of batting.

For each strap cover you will need:

2 pieces of fabric cut to 6” x 6”
one piece of batting cut to 6” x 6”
5" piece of velcro

So for a set of strap covers you will have 2 batting squares and 4 fabric squares and 2 pieces of velcro

You will lay down your batting first, the first piece of fabric right side up and the second one right side down.Pin together and sew all the way around using a 1/4” seam allowance leaving a 3 inch opening on one side so you can turn it right side out.

Turn right side out, putting the batting to the middle. Push each corner out nicely and iron the entire piece. Iron each opening to the inside then using a 1/4” seam allowance top stitch all the way around each piece.

Cut a piece of velcro each about 5" long. The fuzzy side of the velcro pieces will go on one side of the cover and the loop side of the velcro will go on the opposite side and end of the cover.

Here is a great tutorial as well

Car Seat Canopy Cover-Take One

2012-12-10T20:19:00.001-08:00

Since I will be having the baby in the next few months my nesting instincts kicked in and I decided to make a few things that I wished I had the first time around. When I had my daughter I made something called a Go Blankie which worked great but it wasn't the easiest to take her in and out of the carseat so this time I wanted to make a carseat cover that would open differently and block peoples nosey faces and fingers from putting their hands in the carseat.

I saw similar car seat covers and they were $40+! and I hated the fabric choices. I made this one before I knew it was a boy (I was convinced it was another girl-figured if I was wrong it would be a great baby shower gift) I used a tutorial over at Cluck-Cluck Sew

Double topstitching and yellow piping for a pop of color

I love that it attaches ot the handle but doesn't block your hand from really gripping it. and it flips up for easy access to the baby.

DIY Computer Case

2012-12-07T15:07:00.002-08:00

For my birthday my husband got me a new computer...YEAH!!! so I decided to make a paded case for it to protect it when I am not using it and also when traveling to limit the size of the case and to protect it from the bumps and bangs of travel.

I came up with the design after looking at several cases on Etsy. It has a button/loop closure at the top (zippers can scratch/damage the side of the computer) and velcro closures for the 2 pockets. I didn't use a pattern but did use the sewing tutorial from the reusable snack bags I made to create the lined look.

Measure the computer dimensions and added 2 inches on each side. I cut out the pockets the height I wanted (same width as the bag) and lining for both the bag and the pockets.
I also used 1/4" foam for the padding cut to about 1.5" bigger than the computer (0.5"smaller than the fabric) cut 2 pieces or 1 large piece you wrap around (protecting the bottom.
sew the pockets-sew on the velcro (about 1/2-1 inch from the top of the lining) then sew the lining and outside fabric (right sides facing each other) only along the top of the pocket
sandwich each of the large pieces of fabric with the liner (right sides together) place an elastic hair tie with a large amount sandwiched between the fabrics and a small amount showing on the top edge and sew along the top edge only (I put a piece of teal cording between these layers along the top for a cute edge)-make sure you go back and forth a few times along where the elastic band is so it doesn't pull out.
Once the top edge was sewn open the large pieces up see this tutorial and layer the outside fabric with the two pockets then top with the other large outside piece of fabric having the 2 large liner pieces also laying with right sides together. Sandwich the cording between the two large outside pieces of fabric, lay the foam on top of the outer fabric (this will be pretty thick to sew on) or you can hand tack the foam in place after completely the below step prior to turning it right side out just to hold the foam in place
Sew around the entire outside piece and liner leaving about a 3-4 inch hole on the bottom of the liner piece for turning right side out.
Turn the piece right side out, sew the hole in the lining closed and then hand sew the button on in the location best suited for the elastic to keep a good grip without being too tight or too loose.

Unfortunately this is not TSA approved so I still have to remove the computer from the case when going through airport security

Reusable Snack Bags

2012-11-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

Being from Oregon you are constantly surrounded by messages to recycle, conserve and save the earth. I have slowly started picking up different ways to do so in my day to day life as I can including increasing my recycling (which reduced my trash output thereby reducing my monthly bill...Hurray!), and I am even going to attempt cloth diapers with my second child (fingers crossed).

Since my daughter loves her snacks I got tired of how many plastic bags I was throwing away and her insistance on using a bag instead of a snack trap or tupperware was driving me crazy so I decided to sew her some fun reusable snack bags, some have PUL fabric inside which makes them waterproof, some are just plain cotton.

I used the tutorial over at Owen's Olivia and I have gotten really fast at making these.My co-workers are in love with them and I have made them a few as well (I traded one person help fixing my computer for a couple of bags-I am sure we each thought we got the better end of the trade!).

We took them to Disneyland a few months ago and they were perfect, especially on trips so you don't have to purchase or bring Ziplocs with on the trip.

All of them have Velcro instead of zippers so crumbs don't gunk up the zippers. I either turn them over and pull out the insides to shake out the crumbs or throw them in the washing machine to wash them. (Recommend washing them with the insides pulled out to get all the crumbs out of the inside corners.

My daughter is now coming up with requests like making one with leaves on it. (see below)

(Inside of the tree bag)

Lemon slice bag with embroidered lemon the the front (I just drew a lemon free hand on a piece of paper and then cut it out and traced it onto the fabric with a pencil that will wash out).

Blue and Red polka dot cotton fabric with Red PUL Fabric interior.

I used PUL fabric in some bags and regular cotton in others and canvas in a few as well. The PUL Fabric is waterproof so it is great for grapes, sandwiches, etc (moist things)

Boxy storage bag

2012-11-15T17:00:00.001-08:00

I used this tutorial because it had lots of pictures, a good tutorial and it had two tabs on each end which helps when pulling on the zipper. I am going to use this bag to store electronics cords and ipod/ipad accessories (especially when I travel). The finished dimensions of this bag are only about 9"x6"x4" so next time I may make it a bit bigger.

There was also this website I found that had 25 different zippered bag tutorials, and this one I found that had a cute tutorial made out of old suits (Goodwill???)

Owl Cake

2012-11-02T14:17:00.005-07:00

I was asked to make an owl cake for a baby shower a while back. After looking up inspirations I decided on the design you see below. The owl is make of cake (rice krispies work too) covered in frosting and fondant, which also helps add to the slices of cake to feed people.

The cake was a 10 inch round white cake covered in buttercream and then fondant so that it could travel well (it was going from Portland to Seattle)

I used small pearl sprinkles for the sparkle in the owls eye

I used a gum paste cutter to cut out all the flowers, assembled them with centers and layers and then dried them in clean unused paint palette like the one below for a few days belfore placing them on the cake.

Halloween Costume 2012

2012-11-01T14:51:00.001-07:00

So for anyone waiting on baited breath to find out what Karsyn's halloween costume was (from this post) she was Snow white!

I made the costume from a McCalls pattern I got at Joann's for $1.99 when it was on sale and since I have a million projects going on all at the same time (besides moving a 4000sq foot house) I started making this in July and got a two for one when we went to Disneyland in September and she got to wear it there as well.

Although when we went to Disneyland I made sure not to bring the cape and collar piece that after 5 minutes she would hate and want me to carry for the rest of the day. For halloween I also paired it with a long sleeve shirt and pants under the dress and rain boots since we live in rainy ol' Portland.

I also left the hem really LONG and just tacked it up all the way around since she is so tall so I can let the hem out as she grows as long as it fits around her middle still.

I Love Oregon Shirt Applique

2012-10-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

I got some basic shirts at Costco and decided to spruce them up one of them I used a reverse applique technique and the other one I decided to just to a traditional applique technique.

I printed and cut out a shape of my state and then traced it onto the paper side of a piece of fabric backed by Wonder Under. (Make sure your image is reversed or like me you will have to do it twice when your state/image comes out backwards)

I them ironed on the state and heart and blanket stitched around it.

FYI that isn't a beer belly I am 24 weeks pregnant, due with a little boy Valentine's Day 2013.

Princess Sugar Cookies

2012-10-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

These were the sugar cookies I made for the girls princess survival bags.

Each one had their name on it in pink frosting, of course. I used a crown cookie cutter, frosted the cookie in pink royal icing (let that dry) then misted each cookie with pearl misting spray then piped on 20 second icing for a border, their name and the swirls.

I put small pearl sprinkles in at the crown points while the icing was wet then poured pink sanding sugar on.