Allie B Dallie

Baby Boy Diaper Cake

2011-04-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd share a diaper cake with you that I made last month. My cousin's wife commissioned me to make it for her sister-in-law because she liked the one I made for her (HERE) baby shower so much. She told me the baby shower theme and I took it from there. This is what I came up with.
I used my Cricut to cut out the animals on top. Used some receiving blankets that were on their registry to wrap around the diapers and added some ribbon and chipboard letters (baby) for pizzaz.
I shipped it to her in peices and she stacked it together at the shower.
Voila!!
Beware: the picture was taken from my cousin's cell phone. It may not be the best quality. I'll upload some better pictures if I come accross some!
Enjoy :)

Now go make one!!

Peace,

allie B

ShareThis

allie B dallie is on Facebook!

2011-04-24T18:47:00.001-04:00

   Wow, the last couple of weeks have been great since I started blogging again after my post-surgical sabbatical!! I have gained even more readers and am so excited! :) We made it over 150 followers, plus I gained a lot more who follow via RSS feed, email, etc. I am so happy that you are enjoying my work!!
   Also, in the last few weeks I have been featured on THREE blogs! Sugar Bee Crafts, My Backyard Eden, and Just So Sassy!!. I am so grateful to these women!:) Thank you so much!! Click on their buttons below and check out their awesome blogs!!

Also, I wanted to let you know that allie B dallie is now on Facebook! Please click the "like" button on the upper left corner of the page. It would be awesome if you "liked" me, because right now....I'm looking like a bit of a loser with only one like!! LOL!

Bloggers: if you have any Facebook fan page advice, I'd love to hear it! THANKS!!

Psst.....don't forget I'm on Twitter too!! Look me up} allieBdallie

Thank you all so much for checking out my site and for all of your great comments! I love reading them! I am excited to continue this journey and hope that I will continue to inspire you! I have A LOT planned! So, stay tuned...tell your friends...and enjoy the ride! :)

Spring Rag Wreath

2011-04-18T09:11:00.005-04:00

I'm sprucing up the house for spring, so I decided to make a wreath that incorporated some spring-ish colors but was not too girly for my hubby to look at.
I ripped (about) 1 1/2 x 8 inch pieces of unbleached muslin and simply tied them with an overhand knot onto a wire wreath frame. I made sure to bunch it really close together so that it looked fluffy and the green from the wire didn't show through.
After the wreath was all set, I made three ribbon roses of various sizes. I then attatched the roses to the wreath using saftey pins so that I can switch it up in the future if I want to.
I made the wreath while watching the Nate Burkus (love him) show. So, it took about an hour to rip and tie the fabric onto the wreath. The roses took about another 20 min. to make and secure them to the wreath.

This is a very cheap and easy project. I already had everything on hand, but I'm guessing it cost about $5.00 in materials. Muslin is cheap and I LOVE the way it looks. A yard costs around $3.00 or less and I probably used about half of a yard for this project. The ribbon was free to me and leftover from another project for which I was comissioned. I love how the roses add that spring color without making it look so pastel and pukey! I'm sure my husband appreciates it too! :)

Now go make one!!!
Peace,
allie B
Pssst...Check out my "Link Parties"page to see where I'm partying this week. Like http://www.thethriftyhome.com/ and http://www.houseofhepworths.com/ Thanks to all of the hosts! You rock!
If you have a party you think I should attend that is not shown, leave me a comment and let me know where to meet up. I LOVE to Party!! :)

ShareThis

Altered Easter Eggs

2011-04-12T09:53:00.000-04:00

Hello! Just a quick little upload of some eggs I altered the other day. I plan on adding these to my Easter decor (no, I still haven't decorated yet! LOL) I 'rustically' covered some plastic eggs with gold and silver leaf. I'm practicing a bit for an upcoming project where I will be covering our bedside lamps with some silver leaf. This stuff is CRAZY to work with!!

I also covered some eggs with some vintage-looking paper from my scrapbooking stash (I think it is K&Co). The paper was almost too high quality and thick. The Mod Podge made it a little more malleable, but not much. I didn't exactly get the look I was going for. But, it's good enough for who it's for ;)

Finally, I covered some MORE eggs with some white(ish) buttons that I had leftover from a project I did for Christmas. Maybe I'll show it to you someday! I only burnt myself three times with the hot glue gun!! I plan on removing all of the glue boogers before I display these at home....they are EVERYWHERE!
Thanks for looking! Now, go alter some eggs!!

ShareThis

PB Teen Peace Wall Light Knock-Off

2011-04-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you, but I often see home decor that I KNOW I can make myself for a fraction of what it costs to buy in the store. In fact, it is always my goal to keep the costs down.

A few months ago, my oldest daughter was looking through the PB Teen catalog with me and saw THIS light

Photo from PB Teen

She has been totally obsessed with peace signs lately. She wanted one so badly for her new room. So, I told her I'd make her one, because I sure as H..E..double hockey sticks wasn't going to buy one for a cool $149.00!!
It cost me about $6.00 dollars to make because I had most of the 'ingredients' to make one. It would probably cost about $10.00-$15.00 from scratch.
I simply took a decorator table top (like the one below) that I had from my college days and cut out the peace sign openings with a jig saw. I knew someday I was going to use that table top for something creative! Being a pack rat pays off sometimes!! :)

After I cut out the image, I sanded it down with a little sandpaper. I then primed and painted it. For an added bonus, I used chalkboard paint. I thought that would be fun for her and her friends! After the paint was dry, I flipped it over and added a picture hook for hanging and some battery operated LED Christmas lights. You could very easily use a lamp kit with a small night light type bulb or plug-in Christmas lights. I prefer this way because I'm not a fan of exposed cords, plus I was planning to hang it above my daughter's bed and felt like it could be a hazard. I'm paranoid like that! I let me daughter pick out the lights. She went for the multi- color lights. I, of course, would've used white lights. She's 8, so I totally get her decision! :)

This was a really cheap and easy project!

Here is the breakdown:

Table top: FREE

Paint: about $1.00

LED lights: $4.99

Labor: FREE :)

Total savings compared to PB teen: about $143.00

It is a little smaller than the PB model, but big enough for us!Enjoy!!

Thanks to my little sweetie for writing peace, love, craft!!

Peace,

allie B

ShareThis

I'm still here!

2011-04-04T13:19:00.000-04:00

I would like to thank you all for your patience. My ankle surgery was way rougher on me than I had imagined it would be. I was unable to drive for 3 months, I couldn't walk for about the same time, I couldn't sit at a table to craft either. I know....GASP!! All of this, PLUS, trying my best to take care of 3 kids, one of whom can't walk either!!
I did manage to get a few projects done between physical therapy, my doctor visits, my son's doc visits, and my son's surgery. FEW!!
I'm going to show a shirt I did for my youngest daughter's 2nd birthday (insert a few tears and sniffles) I used the same technique cutting the fabric with the Cricut as I did HERE.
This picture is from our failed photo shoot. She was NOT in the mood to get here picture taken. The majority of pictures are of her crying. My favorite ones are where she is pushing my oldest daughter's face away because she is trying to kiss her! LOL!! The picture quality isn't as good as a would like. Apparently someone with small fingers was messing with the settings on my camera.
I have another project that I'll be showing you this week. It is a Pottery Barn Teen knock-off ...so stay tuned.....
Without further ado, the shirt......

ShareThis

The Winner Is....

2010-08-20T00:23:00.001-04:00

I'm so sorry to flake out on you all. It has been a little crazy around here!! Really though, when isn't it crazy? It just slipped my mind that I was supposed to announce the winner of the GIVEAWAY!! Soooooo I suppose you're wondering who the GIVEAWAY winner is. I went to random.org and plugged in the numbers and the winner is.....

Rachel from Keep it Simple

CONGRATULATIONS RACHEL!!!!

*email me and give me your address so I can get these goodies out to you!!!

Thank you all so very much for your comments and for following me! It really makes me SUPER HAPPY!! I really hope you'll tag along with me and that I can inspire you to get crafty!! I'm hoping to show you a new project very soon. It has been 8 weeks since my surgery and I got my cast off on Monday, so I'm hoping to get crafting ASAP!! I have an air cast now and have to go to physical therapy, so I'm not 100% yet. BUT, I am feeling better every day and can finally sit for awhile without having to elevate my leg! Thank you all for your well wishes! I'll be back soon with another project! Take care!

Peace,

allie B

ShareThis

Check out my Guest Post!

2010-07-30T12:10:00.000-04:00

Check out my 7-year-old daughter's photography session...she is TOO funny! She is definitely a budding photographer!!!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Friday!! Just a reminder to check out my post on Sew Can Do I'm teaching you how to make fabric flowers using the Cuttlebug. Also, don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY!! Have a great weekend! I hope you all get some fun projects done!!
~allie B
ShareThis

Applique Shirt, My Guest Blog Appearance & A GIVEAWAY!!!!

2010-07-28T01:29:00.003-04:00

First off, let me apologize for being MIA for awhile. I had ankle surgery about a month ago and it hit me harder than I thought It would. Prior to my surgery, I was thinking about all of the crafts I was going to get to do while my 3 kids were at my mom's for two weeks while I recooperated. Um...that didn't exactly happen. I felt way worse than I anticipated and spent a lot of my time sleeping. Don't get me wrong, it was nice to catch up on eight years worth of missed shuteye...but still..I wish I would've gotten more done. I had also promised that when I reached 50 followers, I would have a giveaway. Well, 50 came and went and now I'm almost to 100 followers! How exciting! Don't worry, I'm automatically giving everyone from 50 on up an entry in the GIVEAWAY!!

So anyway, here is one thing I actually did get done. I made this shirt for my 18-month-old DD. I cut the tree and clouds by hand and used my Cricut to cut the letters. I thought it turned out pretty cute. How about you?

Ok, I'm so excited to tell you that I will be a guest blogger on Sew Can Do this Friday July 30th!! This is my first appearance as a guest blogger. Woo Hoo!! The CraftShare theme this week is die cutting machines. Hop on over and check out my tutorial using the Cuttlebug!!

Now FINALLY (drum roll please) I am hosting this GIVEAWAY to celebrate the rebirth of my blog. I started out blogging just for myself a while back. I wanted a way to record projects I made. A lot of my work was/is for other people, so I wanted a way to remember the hard work and love I had put into each project. After awhile, I began sharing my stuff with my fellow CTMH girls. I have had many people suggest that I share this blog with the world..soooooo... I changed my blog name from "She's Crafty" (borrowed from one of my favorite Beastie Boys songs) to a more original one "allie B dallie" named after my childhood nickname. I also changed from a free blogger template to one I created myself using digital scrapbooking elements. So HERE I AM! I've put a lot of work into making this blog my own. I am just so excited to share my love for arts and crafts with you! I hope you follow me on my journey and I especially hope that you are inspired to create your own beautiful works of art!

So what is the GIVEAWAY? A bunch of loot!!

Included in the GIVEAWAY:

Spellbinders Nestabilities Die Set

4- pkgs. of chipboard letters

K&Co Stickers to Go

2- naked board books

1- naked chipboard album

1- 8x8 paper and embellishement kit

5- sets of clear stamps

1-stamp pad

1-clear stamp "block"

How to Win:

*Leave a comment on this post = 1 entry

*Subscribe to/follow my blog = 3 entries

*Post my blog button on your blog/site = 3 entries

*Post a link to my Giveaway on your blog/ site = 2 entries

*follow me on https://twitter.com/alliebdallie =2 entries

That's 11 possible ways to win!!

This GIVEAWAY closes on

Sunday, August 15, 2010 @ 11:59pm EST

The Winner will be randomly picked using random.org

Please check back the week of Aug. 9th to see if you are the winner

Good luck!!!!

ShareThis

Cutting Fabric with the Cricut

2010-06-27T23:03:00.004-04:00

Through much trial and error, I have come up with a pretty good way to cut fabric using the Cricut. I have tried many methods and the one I'm about to show you is fairly foolproof. From time-to-time, the fabric will snag or something undesirable will happen. I would suggest that you have extra fabric on hand incase something goes wrong with your cuts. I just kinda threw this tutorial together, so I will add more tips as I think of them. Remember* BE PATIENT and HAVE FUN!!! Be sure to take pictures!. I will eventually put a linky party up for all of your applique projects!!! I'd love to see what you come up with!!

For this project you will need:
                                          -A garment or item to which you will be applying the applique
                                          -fabric
                                          -an iron and ironing board
                                          -spray starch
                                          (liquid would probably work well, I just can't find it anywhere)
                                          -Cricut
                                          -Fusible web like "HeatnBond" or "Steam-a-Seam 2"

*Please note: the picture shows "Steam-a-Seam 2 Lite" I DO NOT recommend using the "lite" version! It is not stiff enough to use with the Cricut. It is, however, GREAT for hand-cut applique.
I have used both "HeatnBond" and "Steam-a-Seam2." I prefer the "Steam-a-Seam2" It is a little sticky, so it is easier to keep in in place on your garment before ironing. It is also a little less stiff once it is ironed onto the garment.

**FOR THIS PROJECT, I USED "Steam-a-Seam2"**

OPTIONAL:
                                             -Sewing machine or thread and needle
                                             -a pillowcase or fabric to protect the ironing board
                                             from getting fusible web stuck on it when ironed.
                                             (this has happened to me and it is a pain because it can
                                              get on other items you iron. )
                                             -a bone folder or brayer to assist with pressing the fabric onto
                                             the Cricut mat
HERE WE GO:
                                                                          SUPPLIES

**Make sure to use your Paper blade for this part**

***I recommend starching and ironing a couple of times until the fabric is stiff like paper.***

TIPS:

-I suggest washing & drying your garments and fabrics first

to prevent bleeding & shrinking (don't use fabric softener)

-I usually keep the blade depth at 6

-I use the normal blade housing.

No need for the Deep Cut housing

-For thicker fabric, you may need to use the Multi Cut feature

-Intricate images do not cut well

-I prefer to cut the "shadow" image because it is

easier to sew around

-Stretchy fabrics do not cut well. Cotton works best.

-before cutting with the Cricut, use the arrows on the machine

to move the blade downand over just a teeny bit.

You are less likely to snag the fabric this way

-When starching your fabric multiple times, it may leave "boogers"

brush those off before cutting with the Cricut.

-It helps to have a sticky mat

-Label the Cricut blades used for cutting fabric.

Don't use these blades to cut paper as paper dulls the blades

-you might want to use a Test piece of fabric so you can

adjust the speed and pressure as needed.

-really small images do not cut well

-I usually put the speed and pressure on max...

but again..every image is different..

so you might have to make adjustments until you get it right

-If a baby or someone with sensitive skin will be wearing

the clothing, I suggest washing it before wearing it

because the starch may irritate their skin

-The applique will get less stiff after it is washed a few times

Please note* I have Never used fusible web on clothing without sewing it afterwards. Therefore, I can not guarantee that the appliques will stay when washed. I suggest washing in cold water and line drying if you will not be sewing the appliques on.

Thanks for looking!! Good luck! Please link back to this post if you post the tutorial on your blog. If you have any questions, email me or leave a comment. I will help you the best I can!!

If you would just rather have someone design and make a garment for you, I'm the lady to ask! Just email me!

Peace!!

~allie B

ShareThis

Birthday Boy Shirt

2010-06-21T22:49:00.003-04:00

I have been on a real kick lately cutting out appliques with my Cricut! It is so easy and I think it looks so cute! This is a shirt I made for my Nephew for is 2nd birthday (as you can see.) I cut out the fabric using the Plantin Schoolbook Cartridge, ironed it on, then sewed around the edges. So easy!

I also jumped on the bandwagon and made a tie shirt for my nephew. Every little boy needs one right? For this one, I just drew the design on paper and then cut the image out of fabric that was backed with "Steam a Seam."

I have EVEN MORE applique projects coming soon! Stay tuned!! Also, I will be having a GIVEAWAY when I hit 50 followers!!

Summertime Applique... I'm hearing Cricuts...

2010-06-13T00:05:00.000-04:00

So, the day before my daughter was to attend her last day of second grade (sigh) I decided...why don't I make her a cute little shirt to wear on the last day of school (as if I don't have a MILLION other projects I would like/need to get done!) The fabric on the wording makes it kinda hard to read. I think if I were to do that again, I would use a darker thread. It says I heart Summer Vacation. Don't mind the stain on the heart. I didn't get a chance to take pictures before she went to school..so OF COURSE she got food on it. I practically ripped it off of her when she got home from school so I could take a picture before she TOTALLY ruined it!! I also made a couple of shirts for my nephew's bday..so stay tuned... Also the GIVEAWAY is coming soon! Peace!
~Allie B

Rock Star baby gift

2010-04-19T00:53:00.000-04:00

I made this little gift for my friend's baby girl. My friend and I have known each other since high school. We met at a gig. We were both vocalists in bands. He ~~attempted~~ played the bass too. I thought this would be appropriate for him...I mean his baby girl. A friend of mine gave me a blanket with the same skull fabric when I had my last baby. I thought it was so cute, I went out and bought some. Like every other craft item I ~~hoard~~ buy, I knew it would come in handy one day. The wipes case is just your standard wipe case covered with fabric. I'll do a tutorial someday for you if you'd like. The guitar on the onsie was simply made by cutting out fabric that was ironed on some Steam a Seam. I used my Cricut for that. I then sewed it on the onsie using my sewing machine. You can just iron it onto the fabric, but I prefer to sew it too. I feel like it gives it a more finished look. So Sorry about the picture. True to my procrastinator form...the photo was taken at about 2:00a.m. the day I was due to give it away.
Thanks for looking! Keep checking back. I'm working on a lot of changes for this blog. The name has already changed (incase you didn't notice), I'm working on a new blog design, and I have a lot of things I want to show you!! Oh yea, and when I have my "Grand Re-Opening" there will also be an AWESOME giveaway!! So keep checking back or follow me...that way you won't miss out on any action!!

Baby Gift Wall Hanging

2010-03-25T15:24:00.000-04:00

I am so sorry that is has been so long since I last posted. I know you've been DYING to see one of my newest creations! LOL! No, seriously, I promise to try to post more. I love sharing my creations with you! I hope you enjoy this new one!

This is a wall hanging I made for my cousin's daughter. I used a wood plaque that I got at Michaels for $.50. It was not exactly my style, so I gessoed (is that a word ?:) ) it, painted it, and then covered it with paper. The butterfly and Letters were cut from my handy dandy Cricut. I applied gel medium over the top to protect it. I found the flower at Hobby Lobby in the scrapbooking embellishment section. There was a brad in the center that I took out and replaced with a coordinating button. The Close to My Heart paper I used coordinates perfectly with Isabellas bedroom. I hope she has it for years to come!!

ShareThis

Wall Hanging~ Teacher Gift

2010-01-17T02:50:00.000-05:00

My daughter had a wonderful student teacher for her first trimester of 2nd grade. In December, she had to move on to bigger and better things. I decided every teacher needs a sign with their name on it...right? I got this wooden sign ages ago at the dollar store. I covered it with CTMH paper and added a twist to the old apple-for-a-teacher theme with die cuts from my handy-dandy Cricut. This was a simple creation. My only issue was trying to find the right size for the letters because her name is so dang long! LOL!! I ended up making one for her head teacher because she was so jealous!! :) Makes me smile when people like my creations!!

Baby Shower Diaper Cake

2009-12-13T14:34:00.000-05:00

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

2009-07-11T13:44:00.000-04:00

It has been so long since my last post! I was on a much needed vacation. My son has special needs and with that comes a lot of Doctors appointments, therapy appointments, and trips to the hospital. Since he was a baby, we decided to take a break from those things (if possible) during the month of July so that we can act like a "normal" family. It is great for the kids because they get to have so much fun and such a nice break for me!! My three kids and I spent most of the month "up North" (if you're from Michigan...you totally get that) at both of my parents' cottages. It was great except the weather wasn't so nice. It, of course, would've been better if my husband was there too. He did get 5 days off and we spent the time with extended family. I LOVE July!!

Since I haven't been working on any art projects, I thought I would share a gift I made for my nephew when he was born. I made it to match the adorable bedding that my BIL and SIL got from Landofnod.com called "All Creatures Great And Small" you can see it HERE

Because I am such a procrastinator and wait until the last minute to finish things, I was unable to take a picture without the glass. So, I apologize for the bad photos full of reflections. Hey, I'm just glad I finally remembered (during his 1st bday party) to take a photo of the thing!!

Hope you like it!!

1st Birthday Card

2009-06-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

I made this for my Nephew's First Bday. I can't believe he is already a year old!! I used a Making Memories paper pack. I can't remember the name. I'll get back to you on that. The stamp is made by See D's.

Teacher Gift

2009-06-05T01:14:00.000-04:00

I made this gift for my daughter's first grade teacher. I've seen plenty of these coaster cubes and considering I have HUNDREDS of coasters...I took a stab at it. I used the CTMH Silhouette paper pack again. Our school Colors are red, black, & white.

I found these post it notes at a dollar store. I love how well they match!!

This photo holder is made out of a plastic tag. You can just slip the photo in from the top. For now a gift card takes place of a photo. Too bad they only had bday gift cards left in stock...oops!

I covered this side with a little cork board that It painted white. I took these Imaginesence brads and ripped the pokey part off, then glued basic push pins to the back with E6000.

This is a CTMH "Big" flower with some cardstock and an Imaginesence brad in the middle.

Pens filled with paper. Unfortunately, I only had two (thought I had more) and the store was out. Luckily, I found those black and white pencils for a buck!

I also gave her some cards. 5 of each.

I had fun doing this project. It was really simple and not TOO time consuming!!
Now on to the next project........see you soon!

Money Tree Graduation Gift

2009-05-29T15:04:00.000-04:00

I made this graduation gift for the daughter of my special needs son's aid. I used red, black, and white because they are the school colors.

The paper is from the Silhouette paper collection from CTMH.

The flowers are Big 'Pink's from CTMH

The red brad is from Imaginesence.

I rolled the bills and secured them with clear hair bands and the tied the to the "tree" with ribbon.

Baby Boy Chipboard Album

2009-05-18T13:58:00.000-04:00

This is an album I made for my friends son. He is celebrating his first birthday today!! I got the naked chipboard album at Michaels for a buck!! What a steal!! I used the "Sharon Ann, Little Ones Collection" by Deja Views. I hope they like it!!

Mother's Day Card

2009-05-18T13:56:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick Mother's Day card I made. I love these Cosmo Cricket papers!! They are so beautiful, you really don't have to do much with them!!!

Baby's Birthday Farm theme

2009-05-18T13:51:00.000-04:00

My cousin's son turned One last week. He is having a Farm themed bday party, so I just HAD to make him a farm card!

Male Birthday Card

2009-05-18T13:49:00.001-04:00

This is a quick card I made for my dad for his birthday. Not my fave, but he liked it!!

Bday Card for my BFF

2009-04-23T14:06:00.000-04:00