Jane of all Trades

DIY Stuffed Animal Shelf

2015-01-03T08:34:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

In the spirit of resolutions to get organized, I have a quick and easy project for you today. I'm not going to lie - we have a bit of a problem with stuffed animals in our house. Try as we might, we can't seem to pare them down at all. They all have a back story (even the flimsy ones from various fairs and carnivals)! So, instead, we built them a spot so they won't keep clogging up closets.

All you need are two 1 x 4s and one 1 x 2 boards. Ours were 10 feet long but you could do any length. Sand them down a bit to smooth out ends. We painted ours first, but you could wait until they are assembled, too. We didn't paint the back or bottom.

Nail the two 1 x 4s together at a 90 degree angle. (The bottom board of the shelf should butt up against the back, giving you the most width.) Then attach the 1 x 2, having the bottom board butt up against that.

Find some stuffies for quality control. Is it me, or is that cat smiling extra wide?

Side view: you can see how their bottoms nestle in to the ledge and don't slip out.

We took the entire shelf and screwed it right into the studs of the wall (a stud finder, drill and husband are all very handy at this point!).

Dig out all your stuffies from drawers, closets, underneath blankets, etc. and line them up. Don't they look happy?

Thankful

2014-11-27T10:10:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a day of love, peace, and a grateful heart!

Happy Valley Dog: hands-free leash review and GIVEAWAY!

2014-08-16T08:33:00.001-04:00

Seems like I start every post lately with "long time no blog", but when I logged on and saw my last post was Easter!? Yikes!

I do have an excuse! Ever since last fall, I've been getting back into running. In fact, I ran my first 10K in the spring! For me, that was a huge accomplishment - setting a goal in the fall and working towards it - even running all through the New England winter - outside!

Ooops! We're not running in this photo!

All along, I have had the best training partner - this guy! Normally, he's a pokey walker, stopping to sniff every plant. But, when his harness is on, he knows it's go time.

Christmas morning - sky is blue but temps were low!

Skip ahead to this spring, when my friend Jen of Happy Valley Dog asked me to try out her hands-free dog leash. Ever since our first run, it's the ONLY leash we use! It's totally adjustable and gives just enough leash length without us getting tangled up. It's sturdy enough for me to grab if I need to pull him closer, but still lightweight enough to be comfortable.

Jen's girls with their dog Mason.

My girls had fun using it (it adjusts to their tiny waists) to take the dog for walks this summer. And, with the clips on both ends, I can use it to clip the dog to a post (especially helpful if I need to hose him off!).

Good boy, Mason!

I'm so happy with this leash - we immediately bought one for friends who have a new puppy! Jen also makes these amazing dog toys out of repurposed t-shirts. Our friends' puppy couldn't get enough of his (I don't have any clear pictures of him playing with it because he was so excited - all the photos are blurry!).

Like what you see? Good! Jen is generously giving away one of her adorable dog toys to one lucky reader! All you have to do is leave a comment about your favorite product in her shop (and your email so I can contact you!). For an extra entry, you can like her on Facebook. Just leave a comment that you did.

Giveaway will close Sunday, August 24th at midnight EDT.

I'll be back soon with another review - this one just in time for school to start!

Happy Easter

2014-04-20T08:01:00.006-04:00

Kids' craft: repurposed owls

2014-03-06T17:54:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this adorable tutorial for paper tube owls through Craft Gossip. Seemed just the thing for the resident preschooler home on a chilly afternoon. The first grader jumped right in when she got home from school. What a great project when both kids are equally engaged!

I always love crafting with the kids because theirs come out SO much more creative than mine! Can you tell which one is mine? Hint: it's the most boring by far!

I hope, by creating these owls, we are inviting spring to arrive (any day now, PLEASE!) in New England. I'm pretty sure I have been smelling it in the air, despite the piles of snow and frigid temperatures. Call me crazy!

Just in time for Valentine's Day: easy freezer stencil totes kids' craft

2014-02-02T21:02:00.006-05:00

First off, hello! Long time no blog!

Secondly, it's almost Valentine's Day! Are you getting ready to celebrate?

The girls and I created these easy freezer stencil bags for their teachers (if J.Z. is reading this, spoiler alert!). It was fun to get back to some crafting and be able to do it with little E and A.

Disclaimer: this bag is pretty much a knock-off of one I have from Old Navy. I LOVE it and thought the teachers would find it handy and cute. We found a 3 pack of medium totes at Joann's and some Tulip Soft Matte fabric paint. Oddly, the pink and yellow were sparkly, but you cannot tell from the outside! A roll of freezer paper from the local grocery store and we were good to go.

Little E dabbing on the yellow. We found these thick, strong brushes were best to really get the paint in all the grooves of the canvas.

Little A's hand moving at super speed!

This one is done and drying...

...and the big reveal. It was really cute to watch the look on the girls' eyes as they peeled back the paper. I love how the "messy" heart turns into clean lines.

Here are three of the six we made. With four paint colors, we managed to make all six different. This was the perfect project for the little ones - they could be messy and inexact, and it didn't take too long to dry so their interest was maintained. I loved that they thought of their teachers as they picked colors, reasoning who would like which combinations.

We are blessed with wonderful teachers and we hope we make them feel special this Valentine's Day with our gifts.

Giving thanks...for kids

2013-11-14T12:40:00.000-05:00

Last year, I shared this link for a great family Thanksgiving activity. We just pulled it out and read over what we wrote. It was cute to see the kids read their responses.

This year, I found this via Craft Gossip and wanted to share with you. It would be a great project for school, or home, either before or on Thanksgiving.

Hope you are finding many reasons for giving thanks!

New Blog Button...finally!

2013-11-12T08:52:00.001-05:00

After working on it way too long yesterday, I finally figured out how to include a blog button (at the request of one lovely reader - thanks, N!).

If you are in a similar boat, look no further than HERE. It took me all of 3 minutes! Not bad for a severely inept techy like me!

Feel free to grab the code and post the button on your blog - especially if you've referenced one of my tutorials. Share the love!

Custom Halloween Pillows

2013-10-27T20:45:00.001-04:00

A while back, I fell in love with this pillow. It was on my list of Halloween crafts, but I just hadn't found the right template for my oversize couch pillows (remember them from this?).

Flash forward a few weeks, and I found the above skeleton sketch in the trash! Little E had drawn it to carve on her pumpkin, but didn't like it after all. I pulled it out, enlarged it on the copier and turned it into a felt applique for the pillow cover. Instead of a blanket stitch, I made coordinating felt piping (see here for the how-to). I didn't have to worry about cutting on the bias because the felt is stretchy enough with the straight cut. I basically followed these directions to make the pillow.

With one pillow done, I was inspired to cover the other two in the same fashion. Little E supplied the ghost. Little A was more hesitant to draw on demand, so I found one of her drawings of a happy face and turned the hair into a stem. Can you keep a straight face when you look at him?

I'm so excited to have festive, custom pillow covers for the Halloween season. They are even more special because they are based on my girls' art work. I know we'll have fun pulling them out every year and remembering their 4 and almost 7 year old versions of these Halloween classics.

Orange and Pink

2013-10-25T08:23:00.002-04:00

This fall, oranges and pinks seem to abound. My eye is drawn to this vibrant combination, and I can't seem to get enough!

While walking through Joann's a few months ago, I spotted this fabric. I couldn't resist scooping it up - especially with two new baby friends in the world.

Two simple baby blankets, with rounded corners and a cozy chenille backing. Perfect for that tummy time, and totally machine-washable for the mamas. I hope the baby girls love the colors and print as much as I do! Perhaps I'll inspire a (very) early love of fabric.

Wishing you a vibrant day!

Halloween wreath, take two

2013-10-17T14:54:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I shared this wreath, with some thoughts on a second version. Miracle of crafting miracles, I actually made a second version!

Same grapevine wreath, but different paint. This time, I used Rust-Oleum American Accents Ultra Cover Gloss in Real Orange. I was really happy with the color, shine and coverage, even with the first coat.

For the flowers, I loosely followed this tutorial. The cream and yellow flowers were made with 2 1/2" circles, while the smaller gray ones were made with 1 1/2" circles.

I cut a simple 3" strip of felt with this and tied it to the top with a simple overhand knot.

Except for my uber-procrastination, this project would have taken about a night. I think I might be slightly addicted to this spray paint/wreath/fabric flower wreath project. Don't be surprised if you see a few more (dozen) in the future!

What are you doing to decorate for Halloween? If you are looking for some other fun, simple projects, check these out:

Falling into Fall: Halloween Wreath

2013-09-22T08:11:00.000-04:00

It's the first day of fall! For us New Englanders, this means the promise of apple picking, leaf peeping, and, of course, Halloween!

As an early house-warming gift for a friend, I made this Halloween wreath. A simple grapevine wreath spray painted with Krylon Pumpkin Orange Interior and Exterior Decorator Paint (took a few coats to get in all those nooks and crannies!). I followed this tutorial to make the flowers - altering the length and width of the fabric strips for the various sized flowers.

Between the paint and rolled flowers, it only took an evening. I love projects like these - quick, simple, uses materials on-hand - and yields a beautiful result!

Now I have to go out and make more for myself! I have a few other flower styles I want to try - maybe black, gray and white felt?

What's your favorite part of fall?

Skirt-A-Day giveaway winner!

2013-09-17T19:06:00.000-04:00

We have a winner!

Katie F, who said, "Oh wow! I love this book already! I would have a hard time deciding between the Tuesday, and Saturday skirt!!!!!"

Katie, start thinking hard about which skirt to sew because the book is coming your way! Please email me your mailing address and I'll send it along to Storey Publishing. They'll ship the book out speedy quick so you can get sewing!

Thanks to all who entered - either via blog comment or email!

I'll be back soon to share something new to my crafty repertoire.

Skirt-A-Day Sewing: Book Review and Giveaway!

2013-09-09T11:45:00.000-04:00

Happy September, everyone!

I'm so excited to share another new book with you all: Skirt-a-Day Sewing: Create 28 Skirts for a Unique Look Every Day

If you've read my blog at all, you know I aspire to sew more clothes for myself. I've attempted store-bought patterns but am always stuck when it comes to sizing - my curves don't fit exactly what's on the package! Enter: Skirt-a-Day Sewing

This book walks you through the steps of creating your own customized sloper (a pattern made exactly to YOUR measurements). From that sloper, the book shows you how to springboard and create 28 different skirts, based on four basic styles: wrap, straight, flare and high-waisted. Each project is rated beginner, intermediate or advanced.

To start, I went with the author's advice and sewed a wrap skirt. It was hard to choose because all the skirts are so cute!

Creating a sloper, and the subsequent patterns takes time. These are not one-hour projects. But, the time put in is well worth it as you'll create a skirt that fits you EXACTLY how you want it!

I treated myself to a new tool suggested by the author: the Dritz Styling Design Ruler
It helps draw curves (which I definitely have!) and other pattern needs.

Because it's getting cool here in New England, I wanted to use a fabric that would transition into fall - a light-weight corduroy felt right. Works with wedges for now, tights and boots later. My goal was to use leather trim for the ties and pocket.

A work in progress here. I ended up cutting the ties too short (so they don't actually wrap!) and I decided to forego the pocket. But...can you see the fit? Pretty spot on for my curves.

I'm looking forward to trying more skirts (27 to go!) and working more with my sloper. For never having done sewing like this, Skirt-a-Day Sewing is a great resource for construction, drafting, designing and sewing.

Would you like to try your hand at it?

Thanks to the lovely Storey Publishing, I have a copy of Skirt-a-Day Sewing to give away!

Leave a comment about which style you would try first. Giveaway is open until Monday, September 16th at 11 p.m. EST. Open to U.S. residents only.

And, if you just can't wait for the giveaway, you can find a copy HERE !

Good luck!

And, for more chances to win, check out these amazing blogs:

9/10 http://www.sewingrabbit.com/

9/13 http://www.kollabora.com/blog

9/16 http://www.windylou.com/

9/17 http://www.brettbara.com/

9/18 http://www.craftbuds.com/

9/19 http://hodgepodgefarm.net/

9/23 http://sewmamasew.com/

Beginning of school projects abound

2013-08-29T10:06:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again - back to school!

This year, we have a first grader in the house. Her little IKEA craft table wasn't cutting it anymore - her sewing machine barely fit on it, and she was hunched over sewing. Time for a grown up desk.

Enter this guy from Salvation Army. I loved the slightly smaller size, but still lots of storage and space for homework and a sewing machine.

Here it is after MANY days of sanding off that ugly dark brown stain and finish! Already looking better.

And here it is done! I had to negotiate a bit so the whole thing didn't end up magenta, but I think Little E did well with the drawer pulls. Stay tuned for the matching (and I mean hot pink) stool I'm working on now.

With the desk finally done, and Little E sewing up a storm, I had some time to get back to my machine too. First up, some snack sacks for three friends starting new schools. Pattern based on this tutorial.

Next up, a book sling for Little A. She starts preschool this year and was in need of a spot for her books. Remember the one I made for Little E? That was already 3 years ago!

Last but not least, I couldn't resist this "apple for the teacher". Based on this tutorial and using this pattern, I sewed this up the morning school started (it's super quick). I have another one for Little A's teacher for next week, too.

Phew! I think that makes us officially ready for the start of school! Now, to get to some selfish sewing (and a giveaway for all of you)...stay tuned...

Crafty Warning!!

2013-08-25T18:54:00.002-04:00

water bottle holder

If you purchase a copy of Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing; 20 Projects Kids Will Love to Make, you might create a sewing monster! We certainly have one in our house!

sleepy bear

As I said in my book review HERE, these projects are so appealing and accessible for young sewists. Little E has been sewing up a storm, and is SO proud of her accomplishments (could her smile be any wider?).

I am enjoying being able to repurpose so many scraps and see them turned into something wonderful and loveable.

I'll be back soon to share some of my completed projects - just in time for school! And, I'll have another book review and giveaway soon. Stay tuned!

Winner, winner...Sewing School 2!

2013-07-18T07:29:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all of you who entered the Sewing School 2 giveaway. This is such a great book, I wish I could give one to each of you! Luckily, the book is very affordable - if you don't win a copy, you can buy one HERE .

And, now...for the winner of Sewing School 2 ....

njmendel, who said...

We have the first Sewing School book which has a lot of great ideas for all ages. My older daughter (9) is ready to learn how to use a sewing machine to make skirts for herself and her American Girl doll.

Congratulations! Please email me your mailing address.

And, the two lucky winners of the Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pens ...

Niki, who said...

I learned to sew a tiny bit with my mom teaching me to sew a crop top when I was in middle school. I didn't sew again until I was bored in my third year of law school and bought a sewing machine on a whim. Since then, I am completely self-taught!

and

Sherry D, who said...

This looks like a great book. I would love to win either the book or the pens. I will save this book for my granddaughter. It will not be long before she will be ready to sew.

Congratulations, ladies! I hope you enjoy the pens as much as I do! Please email me your mailing address.

Thank you to all who entered, and don't forget to check out Sewing School 2 even if you didn't win! You'll be so happy you did!

Only one more day...

2013-07-16T09:57:00.002-04:00

...to get your Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing giveaway entry in!

Sewing School 2 Book Review and Giveaway!

2013-07-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited for today's post - a book review and giveaway. The mom, teacher and sewist in me all LOVE this book and think it's a must-have for any young crafter!

Our review copy arrived just before the last day of school - perfect timing for planning out some summer projects. My little sewist (age 6 1/2) has been eager to sew on her machine, but I've been a bit stumped as to how to make projects accessible, fun and appealing to her. Thank goodness for Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing! There are over 20 projects organized into four kid-appropriate chapters: "In My Room", "Let's Go", "Time to Play", and "The Great Outdoors".

The book starts out with a series of 12 lessons to start young sewists with the basic skills they'll need to complete the projects. The book is written for children, but certainly doesn't "talk down" to its readers. I found the information to be concise, quite clear and intuitive. For example, some standard sewing terms that could be confusing were changed - "good side" vs. "right side", "one-way print" vs. "directional", and "everything else scissors".

Speaking of which, the book offers up realistic suggestions for setting up a sewing space, and supplying it with kid-appropriate tools. Again, not watering anything down - these kids are using real fabric scissors, but they are ones suggested for younger fingers. And, all the suggestions are accessible - with a few simple ground rules and supplies, anybody can get sewing. And, that's just what we did!

Little E's first job was to choose some projects that appealed to her. To help that process, all the projects in the book are rated with one, two or three stars. Always positive and supportive, the language used to describe these ratings talk about how much time the project might take (vs.level of difficulty).

Each project has a list of materials needed, and skills used in that project. Additionally, the authors provide page references to go back review those skills. Throughout the directions for each project are quotes from kids that help reinforce lessons and points. These are visually appealing, appearing in little speech bubbles with a fun font.

All the patterns for the book are located in the back in a very sturdy pocket. There is a list of all pattern pieces on the pocket for easy location. My favorite of all is that most of the pattern pieces have a picture of the completed project right on them! So, for even the emerging reader, s/he can be independent finding the necessary pattern for the project.

Little E chose the "Art-to-Go-Go" project first. Another thing I marvel at with this book is that it offers multiple suggestions for how to customize each project. So, while very much encouraging creativity, it provides guidance and support to young sewists. The directions for this project call for felt, but we found this great piece of corduroy little E wanted to use.

The authors suggest using chalk to trace and mark patterns (including "stop and start marks" when sewing "good sides" together). I discovered Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pens and have been using them in my sewing. It marks fabric easily and disappears with heat (erasing or ironing). I LOVE this pen for sewing with a little one!

This book incorporates beautifully clear photographs to show each step of each project. All the "models" are kids, and the projects are sure to show imperfections - supporting the authors' ground rule that "nothing has to be perfect". I think it really helps young sewists see similarly-finished projects in the book.

Here's little E's completed "Art-to-Go-Go" case - customized for the materials she wanted utilizing the books' directions. Upon completion, we went out for pizza, and the art case came with us. I wish you could have seen how proud and grown-up little E was pulling out her art supplies at the dinner table.

Soon after our book arrived and little E finished her first project, we were heading out on vacation. But, look what came with us! She picked two projects, gathered all the materials and packed them up. Another appealing aspect about Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing is that the projects are all things kids can really use. And, the materials are basic and easily-attained, never calling for anything expensive. Little E was able to "shop" my sewing supplies and fabric, and pack it all in this bag.

Little E tried out the "Extra Pocket and Belt" project as well. It was her first foray into handsewing, and I found it soooo helpful to have the book spell it out for her. I read the directions, and she followed step-by-step.

As soon as she finished the project, she put it on and headed to the beach to collect shells.

Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing makes sewing fun, appealing and accessible to kids. Projects are clear, interesting, and manageable. Even my 6 1/2 year old could finish a two-start project within an hour or so. She is so proud of her accomplishments.

So...have I teased you enough with how wonderful and amazing this book truly is? Would you like a chance to win your very own copy?

Leave a comment telling how you learned to sew, or with whom you would use this book.

Giveaway will be open for the next week. Winner will be announced Wednesday, July 17th. Open to U.S. residents only (sorry, international readers - but PLEASE click on any Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing or photo for the link to purchase).

And, just for fun, I'm also giving a pack of Pilot FriXion Ball Erasable Gel Pens to two lucky winners! Winners for the book and pens will be chosen at random.

Thank you to Alee at Storey Publishing for asking me to be a part of the Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing blog tour. For more reviews of the book and chances to win your own copy, check out the full tour HERE.

Good luck and happy sewing!

Exciting news, and an upcoming giveaway!

2013-06-27T16:56:00.002-04:00

Greetings from an almost- two month hiatus! I am sure you have all been as busy as we are here with the end of school and start of vacation.

There has been a fair amount of sewing behind the scenes - tutorials to test, gifts to make - but no photographs to show (sorry!).

However, with those projects completed, we now get to turn our attention to something super fun! Remember this post about Jane of All Trades expanding? That little girl and her machine have been busy testing projects from Sewing School 2: Lessons in Machine Sewing. And, we'll be back July 10th with our full review and a giveaway! Hooray!

We are so honored to be included in this blog tour along with these other amazing bloggers:

July 7 – Our Busy Homeschool

July 8 – scrumdilly-do!

July 9 – Crafty Moms Share

July 10 – Jane of All Trades

July 11 – Windy Lou

July 12 – Adventures of a DIY Mom

July 13 – Improv Diary

July 16 – He Sewed She Sewed

July 17 – Teach Beside Me

July 18 – All Things with Purpose

July 19 – The Crafty Crow

July 20 – Family Style School

July 21 – Such Designs

July 22 – Red Bird Crafts

July 23 – The Long Thread

July 25 - mayamade

Until then, happy summer!

May Day Fabric Flower Pails

2013-05-01T16:20:00.001-04:00

It's the first day of May - May Day! Did you ever leave little bouquets of flowers on May Day? I have fond memories of picking violets, wrapping them in paper doilies and delivering them to favorite teachers.

These fabric pails are my grown-up version of that.

They are lined with duck cloth to stand up tall...

...and have grommet-reinforced holes with cotton cording to make the perfect hanging handle.

These are cute for flowers, but could also hold pencils, candies, potted plants, anything! And, they are quick and easy to make, so you could make up a bunch for gift bags, or brightening up the house.

Check back for the tutorial soon, and happy May Day!

Mini tent

2013-04-30T13:45:00.003-04:00

First off, I know I hinted at a giveaway (25 days ago!?). I guess I underestimated how busy things get this time of year (see HERE). The giveaway IS coming!

Secondly, this project is not on my long list of things-to-be-completed.

But...I saw it last night from Kid Giddy via Tip Junkie (via Sew Mama Sew) and had to try it.

A great stash buster project! I had this left-over IKEA fabric and found matching lime green duct tape for the poles.

The perfect size for stuffies and outdoor play, especially now that spring has finally sprung!

P.S. Do you think the rabbit to the right of little A is scoping out the tent? Does he have an envious glint in his eye, or is it my imagination? Perhaps the pika should watch his back?

Winner, winner...

2013-04-05T13:42:00.000-04:00

Thank you to all who entered this week's Girls' Night Out Clutch Giveaway! I loved reading all your comments - especially the fabric ideas! Even if you don't win, you can still get a copy of the pattern HERE for a very reasonable price!

And now....drumroll, please...

The winner of the clutch of her choice is....Ellee, who said "The retro glam one is my favorite!". Ellee, you'll need to send me your mailing address.

The winner of her very own pattern is...Cathy, who said "I really like the black and silver....but the silver and purple is beautiful.....too hard to choose!! I need the pattern so I can make a collection!!" Cathy, you'll need to send me your email address.

Congratulations, ladies, and thank you to all who entered. Tune in next week for another fun giveaway!!

Good things are coming...

2013-04-05T08:43:00.000-04:00

Remember this little guy?

Here he is, soaking up the warm sunshine (finally!). I think spring is finally making its way to New England!

Other good things coming are another giveaway next week (hmmm...what could it be?), and this week's Girls' Night Out Clutch Giveaway winners. Just 3 1/2 more hours to post your comment for a chance to win Ruby's pattern, or your choice of clutch!

Here's a sneak peek of next week's giveaway!

Spring?

2013-04-02T08:17:00.003-04:00

It is April 2nd, the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and it is snowing!

Three more days to enter the Girls' Night Out Clutch Giveaway!