living with threemoonbabies

Halloween 2017

2017-12-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Yes... I know there's only a couple days until Christmas, but I have been wanting to share our Halloween costumes from this year!

Here's the list:

Yoshi
Darla
Barnacle Boy

YOSHI

Inspiration:

Finished Costume:

-made with a green sweatshirt, felt sheets, and stuffing

-all hand sewn, mostly using a blanket stitch

DARLA

Inspiration:

Finished Costume:

-made with a purple sweatshirt (image added with inkjet iron-on paper), plaid skirt, fake braces, wire, and nemo fish in a plastic bag with water

Barnacle Boy

Inspiration:

Finished Costume:

-made with black shorts (she already had), orange t-shirt (thrift store), foam paper (for M on belt and shell bra), elastic, felt (for belt- pinned onto shorts), green leggings, and slippers (from Dollar Tree)

It was another fun year of creating costumes! Thanks for letting me share! Also, please let me know if you have any questions. Unfortunately, I didn't save any of the patterns I made to use....but maybe these photos can serve as inspiration.

Happy Holidays!

Have You Checked Out My Etsy Shop Lately?

2016-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Have you checked out my Etsy shop lately?

I've added a bunch of new pieces since I last blogged!!!

This is my newest design:

A Metamorphosis Butterfly Fine Silver Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain

Star Wars: Yoda Best Valentines (free printable)

2016-01-10T13:53:00.001-08:00

Hello!

With the release of the new Star Wars movie and its popularity, it is hard to deny, almost everyone LOVES Star Wars!

I made these valentines two years ago for my son and thought I would share:)

Not only are they cute and fun, but they are a great candy-free valentine alternative!

Here is the FREE PDF! I believe I got the glow sticks at Dollar Tree. They were the bracelet size.

Hope you have fun with these!

P.S. We watched Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the El Capitan Theatre! It was pretty cool!

Happy New Year!

Copper Clay Success!!!

2015-06-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

So.... I had success with firing the Art Clay Copper! I did a lot of online research before firing and decided to follow the directions I found HERE. I fired it in the coconut shell-based carbon (even though it wasn't necessary), mainly to avoid the thick, black layer of fire scale that was supposed to happen if you fired without it. I pretty much followed the directions for firing the COPPRclay, but the results with the Art Clay Copper were much better! I fired at 1778°F for 3 hours. I did not put a lid on my firing pan. This firing schedule is also recommended on the Art Clay Copper online info sheet (which I discovered later).

Here are my results:

The top ornament was made with the COPPRclay (it was under-fired), and bottom was made with Art Clay Copper. You can see the pitting that occurred when I tried to polish the COPPRclay with a wire brush (both ornaments were polished using only a wire brush). The COPPRclay did shrink more than the Art Clay Copper too:

Here is another photo of the wire-brushed ornament made with Art Clay Copper:

And now for fun with adding a patina (part of the reason I wanted to work with copper clay so badly)!!! This patina was created using only vinegar and salt. I put some salt on the ornament and placed a vinegar soaked cotton pad on it. The patina will wash off, so you might want to add a sealer to protect your desired finish.

Another picture of the finished ornament:

Well, I was excited to share my finished results with you! Hope to have more copper pieces to share soon! Thanks for stopping by:)

P.S. While doing some of my research, I found there are lots of different copper clays out there....you can even make your own! Also, check out the work of this amazing metal clay artist!

Hello! It's Been a Looong Time!

2015-06-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

Oops...it's been quite a long time since I blogged! Sorry!

Hope you all have been well! I did add a few new items to my Etsy shop.

Also, I'm working on making a house ornament out of copper clay. I didn't have great success firing the COPPRclay I posted about earlier. I don't think I fired it at a high enough temperature. I just bought a new brand to try out that doesn't need to be fired in the coconut shell–based carbon. I'll let you know how that goes. Fingers crossed!

Oh...and I've had the idea for a beading loom made from a yogurt container for a while, and I hope to be posting a tutorial soon. I'm also trying to design pieces combining my seed bead work and metal clay creations....so stay tuned!

Here are my newest listings:

Close to My Heart with Awareness Ribbon Fine Silver Pendant

POW Pop Art Comic Book Roy Lichtenstein Inspired Fine Silver Pendant

Finding Balance Tiny Yin Yang Fine Silver Post Stud Earrings

Hello Sunshine Sun Fine Silver Pendant

Btw...two of these new designs were inspired by custom orders, so feel free to request one! I love hearing your great ideas!

Yes...More New Listings: Instagram Camera, Sun and Moon, Chevron, Retro Camper, and Owl Pendants

2015-03-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

I added even more new pendants to my Etsy shop!

They are all pretty cute:) Check them out!

Hashtag Instagram Camera Logo Fine Silver Pendant

Be Wise Owl Fine Silver Pendant

Road Tripping Retro Travel Trailer Vintage Camper Fine Silver Pendant

Shine On Sun and Moon Fine Silver Pendant

Chevron Pattern Fine Silver Pendant

Use coupon code: FREESHIP (domestic orders only) to get free shipping!!!

New Listings: Fish, Neck Tie, and Bow Pendants

2015-03-12T17:43:00.001-07:00

I've been on a creating spree! I have so many ideas and have been trying to make as many as I can before they disappear from my brain! I just finished up a few more new pendant designs. They are already available in my Etsy shop.

Tribal Fishy Fish Fine Silver Pendant

Ready for Work Neck Tie Fine Silver Pendant

Wrap Me Up with a Bow Fine Silver Pendant

Also, I make most of the jewelry in my shop after it has been ordered, so if you would like a name or message stamped on the back...just let me know!

New Listings: Vampire Teeth, Cow's Skull with Rose, and Heart Initial Pendants

2015-03-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

I added a few new listings to my Etsy shop! One of them is the Vampire Teeth/Fangs pendant I shared yesterday.

Cow's Skull with Rose (Georgia O'Keeffe inspired) Fine Silver Pendant:

Personalized Heart Initial Bridesmaid Gift Fine Silver Pendant

Love at First Bite Vampire Teeth Fangs Fine Silver Pendant

And don't forget...

***Get free shipping with coupon code: FREESHIP (domestic orders only)!!!!***

Remember These?

2015-03-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

My oldest daughter recently bought one of those "tattoo" bracelets at Hot Topic. When I saw it, I was thinking... wait... I used to wear a choker like that! I can't believe they are back in style! I was also thinking... I CAN MAKE THAT! So, I looked for tutorials online and found a bunch. Even though the one she bought felt like it was made with some type of fishing line, the tutorials I found all used Stretch Magic. I couldn't find it in craft stores, they were all out of black everywhere I looked, so I ended up buying some from Jo-Ann Fabric online. I used black and gold in 1mm, but they have all different thicknesses and colors.

I ended up liking this tutorial the best. The only thing I did differently was, instead of cutting two strands of string, I cut one (6 times the length around my neck), folded it in half, and knotted a loop at the end. This made it easier to tie it together when finished. There are lots of ways to finish these off though...

Here's my youngest wearing a gold tattoo choker and a vampire teeth pendant (also made by me and soon to be added to my Etsy shop!!!).

Copper Clay and Free Shipping!

2015-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hi!

I have a couple new shop announcements.

#1. I recently purchased some copper clay, so stay tuned! The firing process seems much more complicated, but I'm excited to create some new designs using this clay! Wish me luck!

#2. I'm offering Free Shipping in my Etsy shop (http://emelinepurcell.etsy.com) right now (domestic orders only)!!! Use coupon code: FREESHIP at checkout.

More New Items and a SALE!!!

2015-02-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Hi again,

I added a few more items to my shop today! A custom guitar pick and two really cool (ready-to-ship) rings are now available!

And...If you make a purchase this weekend you can save 20% by using the coupon code: PRESIDENT2015 at check-out (expires 2/16/2015).

Visit http://emelinepurcell.etsy.com to find all of my handmade jewelry and accessories.

Thank You and Happy President's Day!!!

Earrings, Earrings, and More Earrings

2015-02-11T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hi! I've added a bunch of new post earrings to my shop! Check them out HERE.

Doctor Who

2015-01-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

My two oldest are BIG fans, so I had to make a TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space) pendant to add to my Etsy shop!

Don't Blink Doctor Who TARDIS Fine Silver Pendant with Sterling Silver Chain

The back is hand stamped with "Don't Blink":)

It was funny, I took my kids to see the movie Paddington, and they got so excited when they noticed that one of the characters was the newest Doctor! They are super fans or, should I say, Whovians!

Oh, and since it's almost Valentine's Day, I found a couple free printable valentines for you too!

Doctor Who Valentines That Will Melt Even the Doctor’s Two Hearts {Free Printable} by Bake No Prisoners
Doctor Who Free Printable Valentines by Heidi Schulz
Printable Doctor Who Valentines! by Rachelle Abellar

Shine Bright

2015-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

Hi again!

I wanted to re-share the diamond ring valentines I posted last year.
You can find them HERE. They are fun and would be perfect for any little princess (or prince)!

And if you want a matching necklace (haha), you can find one in my Etsy shop!

We have some light rain here, but hope everyone has a bright and shiny day!

My New Etsy Shop

2015-01-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I have some exciting news... I opened a new Etsy shop, Emeline Purcell!

It is probably apparent by some of my previous posts that I enjoy making jewelry...and creating with clay. Finally, I have found a way to combine these two loves! In this new shop, I plan to offer unique, handmade jewelry and accessories. I use a combination of techniques and PMC (precious metal clay) to create unique earrings, pendants, and all types of jewelry and accessories. I have already added some pieces to the shop, but have lots more to add....so stay tuned!

Unfortunately, I don't plan to add anything to my other etsy shop, ThreeMoonBabies, anytime soon (sorry!).

You can read more about my new shop HERE.

A preview of the awesome new pieces I've already added:

OOOhhh...and check out all of the ♥ heart items ♥ that would make perfect gifts for Valentine's Day!!!

If you get a chance, please stop by and check out my new shop!!! I would appreciate it greatly!!!! Thanks!!!!

emelinepurcell.etsy.com

Satyr Costume Tutorial

2014-10-30T15:25:00.001-07:00

sa·tyr

ˈsatər,ˈsātər/

": one of the forest gods in Greek mythology who have faces and bodies like men and ears, legs, and tails like goats" -(source)

A satyr is what my son wanted to be for Halloween this year. He was inspired by the books written by Rick Riordan. We were even lucky enough to snag a signed copy of his latest book! Exciting!

Here is the finished costume and how we made it...if you would like to create a similar one yourself. It pretty much consists of a hat, shirt, pants, and shoes.

You will need a hat, orange t-shirt, sweat pants, slippers, fur fabric, Sculpey Ultra Light Polymer Clay, paint, hot-glue, a strong glue (like E6000), and inkjet iron-on transfer paper.

1. the hat: My son had the great idea of attaching the horns to a hat, instead of a headband or something like that. We couldn't find a "trucker" style hat while shopping, so we made one by painting a black hat. I sketched and painted the word satyr on the white painted portion of the hat to get a graffiti look. I made the horns using Sculpey Ultra Light Polymer Clay. It was my first time working with it, and it really is super light! It felt like taffy! I made the bottoms flare out to anchor them in the hat. After I baked the clay, I painted them and sealed them with mod podge. To attach the horns to the hat, I made an "X" like slit where I wanted them in the top of the hat, pushed them through, and hot-glued them in place. You can use a stronger glue too. I also hot-glued felt over the exposed clay on the inside of the hat to make it more sturdy and comfortable.

2. the shirt: This was easy, and I'm sure there are multiple ways to do it (like using a freezer paper stencil). We just found an image online and printed it on inkjet iron-on transfer paper, then ironed it on the shirt. Camp Half-Blood is from the Rick Riordan books. It's "a state-of-the-art training facility for young demigods"-(source).

3. the pants: We used gray sweatpants. I cut two large circles from the fur fabric (purchased at Jo-Ann Fabric), using a plate to trace out the shape. I also cut long rectangles to wrap around the bottom of the legs, using the pants as a guide. I cut out a small circle, cut it in half, and folded it to use as the small tail. I attached the fur to the pants with hot-glue, but also stitched around the edges to hold in place.

4. the shoes (hooves): For the hooves, I also used the Sculpey Ultra Light Polymer Clay. I shaped them to fit around the slippers we purchased. The fake ugg type slippers would work well too. We lucked out and found the perfect slippers in gray to use, so we didn't have to cover the entire slipper with fur, just the front. I baked the polymer clay hooves on glass bowls, so they would keep their shape. After they cooled, I painted them, sealed them with mod podge, and glued them (with a strong glue, like E6000) to the front/toe portion of the slippers. You will also want to rough up the underneath of the hooves, so they adhere better to the slippers. I used a plate to trace and cut a circular piece of fur fabric for the tops of the slippers and cut a slit down the middle, then hot-glued in place. They turned out so cool and are really comfortable!

Oh, and we purchased pan pipes for him to carry! I forgot to get a photo:/

Overall....both my son and I were really pleased with how the costume turned out! Plus, he has a shirt he can wear after Halloween!

Feel free to email me with any questions!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Check out my other tutorials...

Sneak Peek: Halloween Costumes 2014

2014-10-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

We've been having fun imagining and gathering stuff for the kids' Halloween costumes! I hope to share a tutorial for my son's costume soon. Can you guess what they are dressing up as from the pictures below?

(Tinker Bell...yes, this giant t-shirt will be transformed into a cute little strapless dress!)

(Satyr...or goat boy)

(Dorothy!)

More pictures coming soon!

Nathan Earrings Beading Pattern

2014-10-22T12:45:00.001-07:00

Here is a new beading pattern! They are pretty simple earrings, but the endless possible color combinations can make them stand out and WOW!

In my example, I used primary colors and turquoise. I was going for a tribal look.

This pattern was completed using a combination of ladder stitch, two drop brick stitch, and fringe. A foundation row is created using a ladder stitch with two beads in each row (9 rows). The rest of the beadwork is completed using a two bead brick stitch. It's a good pattern for a beginner because there are no complicated increases or decreases. I used round, size 11/o seed beads for the earrings pictured above, but feel free to experiment with the pattern using various sizes, shapes, and colors of beads.

You can get the PDF download for this pattern HERE.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Enjoy!

(P.S. This pattern was named after my cousin Nathan.)

Recent Orders

2014-04-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of recently completed orders:

You can find my etsy shop at 3moonbabies.etsy.com.

Thanks for stopping by!

Love is in the Air!

2014-04-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

Most of my orders have been for wedding cake toppers or engagement ornaments lately, which leads me to believe LOVE must be in the air!

Here are a couple of my most recently finished orders:

A custom lovebird wedding cake topper:

A custom diamond Ring ornament:

If you would like to order your own custom cake topper or ornament (they make great gifts!),
check out my Etsy shop!

Tweets in Love: Mint, Teal, & Mustard

2014-03-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a lovebird cake topper I recently finished:

I really love how this one turned out! The color combo is so pretty!

Congrats on your upcoming wedding Adeline and Andrew!

Would you like your own, unique, custom cake topper?

Check out my Etsy shop!

Lost Wax Casting

2014-03-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

I recently finished a lost wax casting class.

Here is my finished pendant!

(Yes, it was Georgia O’Keeffe inspired.)

I think I'm in love:)

It was such a fun class!

P.S. I'm thinking I can recreate similar pieces using metal clay...so stay tuned!

More Completed Orders

2014-03-06T14:37:00.000-08:00

Hi! Here are a couple more of my recently completed orders:

Thanks for looking!

You can find my etsy shop at http://3moonbabies.etsy.com.

Recently Completed Orders

2014-02-27T14:15:00.000-08:00

Hi guys!

Here are some photos of my most recently completed orders:

Thanks for looking!

You can find my etsy shop at http://3moonbabies.etsy.com.

The Easiest Ice Cream Cake Ever....

2014-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Want to know how to make the easiest ice cream cake ever???

My oldest recently celebrated her 12th birthday! She is not a huge fan of cake, but LOVES ice cream. I had seen an idea for a cake made out of ice cream sandwiches on Pinterest and thought this was the perfect time to try it out....it was SO GOOD! I'm thinking of making another very soon...no special occasion needed!

All you have to do is stack up ice cream sandwiches. We bought a box full of 12, so our cake was 4 layers tall (with 3 sandwiches in each layer). I criss-crossed each layer. I also added a thin layer of hot fudge ice cream topping between each layer. To frost, you just use thawed out cool whip! I finished it off with toppings of M&Ms and hardening chocolate shell ice cream topping. Oh, and my daughter picked out mint chip ice cream sandwiches. With all the different flavors of ice cream sandwiches and ice cream toppings, the possibilities are endless!

Sorry I didn't take step-by-step photos but if you do a quick search on Google or Pinterest for an ice cream sandwich cake, you should find plenty!

Hope you enjoy your ice cream sandwich cake as much as we enjoyed ours!