Here’s what you will need:

• Backpack – https://amzn.to/48gZDuH

• Large piece of stiff cardboard

• Measuring Tape – https://amzn.to/3JTFn8v

• Marker – https://amzn.to/42m8ffM

• Utility knife (Box Cutter) – https://amzn.to/3HYDC9r

• Dress or Dress Shirt (Black or dark color is best) – https://amzn.to/3VKZubk or https://amzn.to/3VSPgWp

• Black Tulle – https://amzn.to/4pmxzw6

• Scissors – https://amzn.to/4n6ptpS

• Hot Glue Gun – https://amzn.to/3IeYIQW

• Metal Wire Hangers – https://amzn.to/4mhExj3

• Wire cutters

• Tape – https://amzn.to/4nyQi61

• Hat – https://amzn.to/47CRWyN

• Other Clothing to complete outfit (Black Pants, Oversized Jacket – https://amzn.to/4gFXdIt or  https://amzn.to/4gizLjY , Gloves, etc)

Watch the full video Tutorial on my Youtube Channel….

https://youtu.be/HhuLMHD6c7A

Instructions:

1. Put on the backpack and measure from the bottom of the inside to the top of your head. Mark that measurement on your large piece of cardboard.
2. Measure from the head from front to back and mark that distance on the cardboard, above the other mark you just made.
3. Lay your dress or shirt on the top line and mark where the shoulder seams are. Then lay your backpack at the bottom of the cardboard (centered) and mark the 2 sides. Draw a line from the top to the bottom, moving inward after you pass the first head mark.
4. Cut the piece out. Be sure to cut a rounded corner on the top 2 corners. Use the end of a pen to score the cardboard at your first head mark.
5. Put the cardboard cutout in the backpack while on and put the dress over and mark where your eyes and mouth are. Remove the dress and cut 3 circles out.
6. Cut Tulle pieces to cover the holes. I cut 3 pieces layered per hole. Hot Glue into place. Then trim any excess tulle.
7. Get a wire hanger and cute off the top of the hanger. Straighten one side out and bend the other like an ‘L’ shape. Paint Black. Attach the L part into the inside of your hat with glue. And tape the other end to your cardboard back.
8. Assemble the outfit. Put the cardboard in the backpack, cover with your dress, add Jacket and accessories and you’re done!

TIPS:

• Make sure you cover any exposed skin with black.
• Make sure the top of your cardboard is black – paint or add fabric.
• Shop at thrift stores/yard sales to inexpensive clothing items.
• Get Dress, dress shirts and jackets that are a couple sizes too big to fit over your body.

Be sure to Subscribe! Have a question? Leave it in the comments, I’m happy to help!

*NOTE: This is not a sponsored post. However, some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no added cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.

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Learn how to make these adorable Stuffed Animal Birth Stat Gifts. These are a perfect gift for a new mom after baby is born, or to make and sell! You can customize them however you like, using different colored vinyl or different stuffed animals. They are so cute and pretty simple to make. Let’s get started….

Here’s what you’ll need…

Supplies:

• Stuffed Animal – Elephant Grey – https://amzn.to/3Ztsrff or Elephant Pink –  https://amzn.to/3ziaN3s
• Heat Transfer Vinyl – https://amzn.to/4eaTyQG
• Mini Heat Press – https://amzn.to/4guIv6v
• Silhouette Cutting Machine –https://amzn.to/3TCChaP or Cricut Cutting Machine – https://amzn.to/4guIHTh
• Parchment Paper – https://amzn.to/3XBohPG

Follow along as I show you how to customize a stuffed animal with baby’s name and birth stats. This tutorial is simple and easy to follow. Watch the video tutorial and follow along…

Watch the Tutorial HERE:

STEP-by-STEP Instructions:

• Unwrap your stuffed animal, press for a few seconds where you are going to press your vinyl.
• If you are using a different stuffed animal be sure to measure the area you will be pressing your vinyl to before cutting out your vinyl.
• Open Silhouette Studio (or Cricut if you are using that). The editable Silhouette file I created can be downloaded here:

• Once you open the file click on each text box, highlight the text and type in your own info.
• Cut inverted text on your vinyl using your cutting machine
• If you’re creating your text from scratch here are the fonts I used for reference:

• Once your vinyl is cut, peel away the excess vinyl around your font.
• Line up your vinyl face down on your stuffed animal. Press with your mini heat press according to the directions that came with your vinyl.
• Press each piece to that section and then remove the backing, if your vinyl is not sticking to the stuffed animal lay the backing back down and press longer. Repeat on other ear.
• Finally lay parchment paper over each ear and press one last time.

Now you have an adorable custom made Birth Stat Stuffy!

Thanks for checking out my blog! Be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel for more great tutorials… Taya Somes – YouTube

*NOTE: This is not a sponsored post. However, some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no added cost to you. Thank you for supporting my channel.

The post Birth Stats Stuffed Animal Tutorial appeared first on .

Learn how to make your own character cakes at home. These cakes are so fun to make. Whenever one of my kids has a birthday they usually request a character cake to go with the theme of their birthday party. Star cakes are so detailed yet simple to create. come along as I teach you how you can make any character shape for your next party.

Here’s what you’ll need…

Supplies:

• 9×13 cake and pan – https://amzn.to/3XpWwbF
• Frosting – https://amzn.to/3D2Ffxc
• Food Coloring – https://amzn.to/3GU8zag
• Piping Bags – https://amzn.to/3wj3pPX
• Star Tip 18 – https://amzn.to/3XKaOn7
• Piping Couplers – https://amzn.to/3ZRvBqD
• Spatula – https://amzn.to/3IZLghO
• Cake Board – https://amzn.to/3wjGXXa
• Other items like bowls, knives, toothpicks
• Picture of your Character if needed

Follow along as I show you how to stencil and cut your own character cake out, how to crumb coat it and pipe it with a star tip 18. You can use this method with pre-made character molds or design and cut your own. Perfect for your child’s next Birthday party or bake for others. It’s the perfect customized cake for any party.

Watch the tutorial here: https://youtu.be/RmmRni7w5fA

Make any character or design you want. Your kids are going to love their Birthday Cake!!

Step-By-Step Tutorial:

• Bake cake and let cool.
• Cut out Character picture (if needed)
• Place on 9×13 cooled cake and trace along outline with toothpick.
• Cut out outline (this is optional you can also leave the edges and frost them later).
• Coat the cake with frosting (crumb coat) – refrigerate or freeze for a little bit, till frosting begins to harden.
• Cut out picture elements and trace onto cake with toothpick.
• Mix frosting colors and place in piping bags.
• Using star tip 18, start icing cake with little stars, filling in each area with its correct color.
• Add any little details needed at the end.
• Optional: Decorate Cake Board if desired.

Thanks for checking out my blog! Be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel for more great tutorials… Taya Somes – YouTube

*NOTE: This is not a sponsored post. However, some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no added cost to you. Thank you for supporting my Blog.

The post Star Tip Character Cakes Made Easy appeared first on .

Work Bench Tutorial

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. However, some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no added cost to you. Thanks for supporting my channel.

DIY – How to build a work bench or work platform for all your construction needs. Great for using while doing drywall, ceiling work, hard to reach projects. This bench is easy and quick to assemble with minimal supplies. Here’s what you’ll need to get started…

Materials needed:

• Qty. 3 – Item: 8ft 2x6s

• Qty. 1 – Item: 8ft 2×4

• Miter Saw  – https://amzn.to/35yYzB4

• Drill – https://amzn.to/2XvNIDI

• Screw Gun – https://amzn.to/2XvNIDI

• Wood Screws – 2-1/4″ to 2-1/2″- https://amzn.to/3oDGgCB

• Measuring Tape – https://amzn.to/3nxQzqk

• Pen or Pencil – https://amzn.to/2LiTqGN

Measurements:

• Top 4 feet long

• Leg height 24.5”

• 2×4 side step about 46”

Video Tutorial

Written Instructions:

First cut one of your 2x6s in half, creating 2 boards each 4 feet long. These are the top of your bench.

Cut the other 2x6s to make your legs. Change your saw pitch to 12 and your angle to 8. Then cut the end of the board. Rotate and cut the other end of the board, we made each of our legs 24.5” long (you can make the legs longer or shorter depending on the height of your ceiling – our ceilings are 9 feet). Repeat this process for all 4 legs.

Drill 3 holes at the top edge of the leg and set it in place 1.5” inches from the edge of your top piece. Screw into place. Repeat this step for the other 3 legs.

Place the bench pieces face down next to each other.

Take one of your leftover pieces of 2×6 board and line it up along the side. Using a pen or pencil mark the board where it needs to be cut. Using the same angle cut, cut the board. Drill holes in at the edges and attach to the bench legs. Repeat this process on the other end of the bench.

Flip the bench right side up and drill and screw the top to the side pieces.

Cut your 2x4s the length of your side legs, the top should be about 12” from the ground. Attach by drilling and screwing them to the legs.

Your bench is now complete!

**Optional: This bench is very versatile. You can adjust the leg length, and/or add a 3^rd piece of wood to the top to make it wider and taller…depending on the project height you are working on. You can even make multiple sizes for different size projects. Add wheels to one side for easy rolling around. So many options for this workbench! Here are some other examples…

The post DIY Work Bench Tutorial appeared first on .

**These instructions are the property of Taya Somes @EatPrayCreate. They can not be sold of distributed. They are for personal use only.

**This is not a sponsored post. However, some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no added cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Watch the Tutorial on Youtube:

Print the Pattern:

These are the different Printer settings for different sizes: (once the PDF pops up – click printer options – print size and adjust the percentage based on the chart below).

• 110% for X-Large Adult Size
• 100% for Regular Adult Size
• 93% for Teen Size
• 88% for 10-14 year olds
• 83% for 6-9 year olds
• 78% for 3-5 year olds

**Masks are NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3!!

*If you don’t have a printer try opening the pattern on your computer screen, brighten your screen and trace the pattern on a thin piece of paper. These are about how much distance is between each section of the pattern (for a regular Adult size mask):
Top 5″ (including swoop)
Top nose to chin 9″
Chin to Jaw 3-1/2″
Jaw to upper ear 4″

NOTE: Seam Allowance is about ¼” except when top stitching, that is 1/8”

SUPPLIES:

– 100% Cotton Fabric Scraps (Pre-washed and dried) See Fabric amount needed for each size mask below. – https://amzn.to/2AbEeFR

– Elastic (or Soft Elastic for around the head) – you can find it here: https://amzn.to/2VJOITu

 or https://amzn.to/3auRFwk

– Flexible Garden Tie (aka soft plant tie) – you can find it here: https://amzn.to/39vV6mf

 – Wire Cutters – https://amzn.to/3dVFuLW

– Sewing Clips or Pins – https://amzn.to/2URgNId

– Scissors or Rotary Cutter – https://amzn.to/2UqISX5 or https://amzn.to/3dQW7YP

– Ruler – https://amzn.to/30tHyXA

– Sewing Machine and Thread – my sewing machine https://amzn.to/2XLbvR4 – another great more affordable option https://amzn.to/2XLPzW2

Amount of Fabric Needed for Different Size Masks:

(a ¼ yard can make about 2 masks – depending on the width of the fabric and size of masks)

Mask Size –  Fabric size in inches

• XL –  8”x 6” (4 pieces)
• Regular –  7”x 6” pieces (4 pieces)
• Teen – 6-3/4” x 5-1/4” (4 pieces)
• 10/14 – 6-1/4” x 5” (4 pieces)
• 6/9 – 6” x 4-3/4” (4 pieces)
• 3/5 –  5-1/2” x 4-1/2” (4 pieces)

Elastic Options:

*For Behind the Head Elastic – cut measurements as follows: (these are approximate measurements)

• Large Adult Men’s – 15″ and 11″
• Regular Adult – 14″ and 10″
• Teen – 13-1/2″ and 9-1/2″
• 10-14 year olds – 13″ and 9″
• 6-9 year olds – 12-1/2″ and 8-1/2″
• 3-5 year olds – 12″ and 8″
• Masks are not recommended for children 2 and younger!

*Cut Behind the Ears Elastic as follows: (these are approximate measurements, you can adjust to fit to your face by measuring before you cut)

• Large Adult – 6″ each
• Regular Adult – 5″ each
• Teen – 5” each – (if your teen is the size of a regular adult do 6″)
• 10-14 year olds – 4-1/2″each
• 6-9 year olds – 4″ each
• 3-5 year olds – 4″ each

*For Ties cut your bias tape, t-shirt strips, or ribbon as follows: (these are approximate measurements)

• Teen and Adult – amount 2 each – 15” & 13” strips
• 10/14 – amount 2 each – 13” & 11” strips
• 6/9 & 3/5 – amount 2 each – 12” & 10”

Instructions:

*Cut pattern out.

*Trace pattern onto fabric. Cut 2 lining pieces and 2 outside pieces, opposite each other. Can also cut Non-woven interfacing to include in the pattern for more filtration or a third layer of fabric.

*Cut Fabric out.

*Put right sides together of each set and sew along the front curved edge.

*Cut notches along the seam so it will lay flat when turned. Be careful not to clip the thread you just sewed.

*FOR THE FILTER POCKET: fold bottom section under twice (about 1/4”) and iron, then stitch in place from one end to the other. Repeat for both layers. (Skip this step if you don’t want a filter pocket)

*Put the 2 pieces – front and back – right sides together.

*Cut Elastic (see guide above for how long to cut elastic) – ear and head elastic and tie options.

*Put elastic in between fabric layers. Clip or pin into place.

*Sew along right, top, and left side. Be sure to backstitch over elastic to secure.

*Cut pointy corners off and any excess elastic. Don’t cut any seam threads.

*Turn right side out. Push corners out.

*Iron Edges Flat.

* Begin sewing along the outside edge of mask starting at the bottom and working all the way around the mask. Be sure and leave about a 3” gap at the bottom of the chin area for inserting a filter if desired.

*Create Wire Pocket by cutting a piece of fabric 3” x 2-1/2”. Fold in half the long way, right sides together, and sew along the 2 short sides. Trim upper edges. Turn right side out and fold open seam inward. Iron flat.

*Sew top edge of Nose pocket to the top of inside of mask. Sew bottom edge next. Leaving the 2 short ends open.

*Cut a 2” piece of wire. Clip the wire ends shorter than the cover on each side and insert into mask pocket. (Remove when washing)

* Clip pleats in place along the sides of the mask (about ½” each side for regular and XL size masks, ¼” for other masks) Sew over the pleat 2 or 3 times.

Your mask is complete!!

**Recommended washing after each use. Remove Wire before washing. Wash on warm and hang to dry (mask will last longer) or dry on low setting in dryer.

The post UPDATED – DIY Fitted Face Mask Tutorial & Pattern appeared first on .

I’ve been working for weeks to perfect a DIY Face Mask that will fit snug on the face (without gaps) and help protect against germs. You can print the PDF pattern HERE:

Printer settings for different sizes: (click printer options – print size and adjust the percentage based on the chart below).

• 100% for Regular Adult Size
• 110% for X-Large Adult Size
• 93% for Teen Size
• 88% for 10-14 year olds
• 83% for 6-9 year olds
• 78% for 3-5 year olds

Here’s what you’ll need:

Supplies:

• 100% Cotton Fabric Scraps (Pre-washed and dried)

• Elastic (or Soft Elastic for around the head) –   https://amzn.to/2VJOITu or https://amzn.to/3auRFwk

• Flexible Garden Tie (aka soft plant tie) – https://amzn.to/39vV6mf

• Wire Cutters

• Sewing Clips or Pins – https://amzn.to/2URgNId

• Scissors

• Sewing Machine and Thread

NOTE: Cut Behind the Ears Elastic as follows: (these are approximate measurements, you can adjust to fit to your face by measuring before you cut)

• Large Adult – 6″ each
• Regular Adult – 5″ each
• Teen – 4-1/2″ each – (if your teen is the size of a regular adult do 5″)
• 10-14 year olds – 4-1/2″each
• 6-9 year olds – 4″ each
• 3-5 year olds – 4″ each

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew your masks:

How to add a Filter Pocket and Head Elastic:

NOTE: For Behind the Head Elastic – cut measurements as follows: (these are approximate measurements)

• Large Adult Men’s – 15″ and 11″
• Regular Adult – 14″ and 10″
• Teen – 13-1/2″ and 9-1/2″
• 10-14 year olds – 13″ and 9″
• 6-9 year olds – 12-1/2″ and 8-1/2″
• 3-5 year olds – 12″ and 8″
• Masks are not recommended for children 2 and younger!

Instructions:

*Print Pattern – See link above.

*Cut pattern out.

*Trace pattern onto fabric. Cut 2 lining pieces and 2 outside pieces, opposite each other. You can also cut Non-woven interfacing to include in the pattern for more filtration.

*Cut Fabric out.

*Put right sides together of each set and sew along the front curved edge.

*Cut notches along the seam so it will lay flat when turned. Be careful not to clip the thread you just sewed.

(OPTIONAL) *FOR A FILTER POCKET: fold bottom section under twice (about 1/8”) and iron, then stitch in place from one end to the other. Repeat for both layers.

*Put the 2 pieces right sides together.

*Cut Elastic (see guide above for how long to cut elastic) – ear and head elastic options.

*Put elastic in between fabric layers. Clip or pin into place.

*Sew along outside edge of mask. Be sure to backstitch over elastic to secure. (Leave about a 3” gap for turning at the bottom.

*Cut pointy corners off and any excess elastic. Don’t clip any seam threads.

*Turn right side out. Push corners out.

*Iron Edges Flat.

* Clip or pin pleats in place along the sides of the mask (about ½” each side for regular size mask, smaller for other masks)

*Cut a 2” piece of wire for nose. I prefer the garden tie flexible wire. (See supplies for details)

*Using the wire as your guide…at the top of your mask sew to the left and right of where the wire will go.

*Place your wire inside the mask, pushing it all the way to the top, in between the 2 lines you just sewed.

*Begin sewing to the left of your wire and then continue along the edge of your mask until you get to the bottom. Leave about a 3” gap if you are adding a filter pocket, and then continue sewing around the mask until you get back to the nose area, where you started.

Congrats!! Your mask is complete!!

**Recommended washing after each use. Wash on warm and hang to dry (mask will last longer) or dry on low setting in dryer.

**It is NOT RECOMMENDED for children 2 and under to wear masks.

FAQs:

• Kid sizes now listed above
• Printable instructions are coming soon!
• Seam Allowance is about 3/8″ I try to do as small as my machine will allow.
• The pleat on the side is about 1″ total – 1/2″ on each side then laid down to sew. For larger size make it a little smaller, for kids sizes make it a little smaller as well.
• Ignore the 1″ square on the pattern, that was for sizing purposes but print according to the percentage you need for the size mask you wish to make.
• If you don’t have a printer try opening the pattern on your computer screen, brighten your screen and trace the pattern on a thin piece of paper. These are about how much distance is between each section of the pattern (for regular size):
  Top 5″ (including swoop)
  Top nose to chin 9″
  Chin to Jaw 3-1/2″
  Jaw to upper ear 4″
• Removable Nose Wire Instructions are coming soon as well!!
• 1 Adult mask takes about 1/4 yard of fabric.

Have any other questions please leave them in the comments. Happy Sewing!

*This is not a sponsored post. However, some links may be affiliate links where I earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no added cost to you. Thanks for supporting my channel.

The post DIY Face Mask Tutorial and Pattern appeared first on .

Having trouble figuring out what to do when your kids are home all day? I’ve created a block schedule that we use with our 5 kids that helps us stay on track, keep the house in order, and have fun together. Hope it helps.

The post Kids No School Block Schedule appeared first on .

Having a good food storage is essential during an emergency. I’m showing you some of the best deals at Costco in the March/April 2020 Ad.

The post Coronavirus – What to stock up on at Costco appeared first on .

I live in Washington State, we currently have the highest number of confirmed cases in the US. I’ve put together a video full of information about what you need to know and how to be prepared for when it hits your area.

The post Corona Virus Pandemic – What you need to know appeared first on .

In cases of National Emergency a sense of panic may arise. Being prepared and having a plan can help alleviate those fears. I made a video to summarize how we are preparing and stocking up as this crisis hits our area.

The post Preparing for Coronavirus – What to stock up on in an Emergency appeared first on .