Forth of July Banner- Made with stuff I have

This is slightly embarrassing to admit, but I have ZERO Forth of July Decorations. I did make a flag frame to celebrate Memorial Day this year, but besides that I have zip. Maybe it is because I do not have enough storage for another holiday box. Or maybe it is because I am normally not around the 4th. Whatever the reason...I decided this year I was going to change that.

I saw on 504 Main a beautiful DIY 4th of July Banner and I was inspired. Thanks, Holly.

Here is my USA 4th of July Banner…made with stuff around the house…

I used drop cloth material for the triangles, jute for the string, & the red ribbon is burlap. To make the letters I cut out letters from freezer paper and painted it with acrylic paint. I am a banner cheat...I stapled the triangles to the jute.

I did get the kids involved with painting the letters. They love helping me! Great moment to talk about why we celebrate the 4th of July and work on our letters (Mr. Wesley)

To anchor the banner I made a metal stars out of Coke cans. The beauty of this… It is waterproof and free. Plus, I do not have to store these...just throw them in the recycle next week!

Here is how I made it in pictures. Pretty easy!

There you have it…my 4th of July Decoration made with crap stuff I already have!! Don’t you just love décor that does not require a trip to the store???

Happy Birthday, America!!

Enjoy your 4th of July!!!

Calling all my Designer Friends…What would you do?

I need your advice…I am the proud owner of a vintage Soda Crate. My grandmother gave this to me and I believe it use to belong to her father who was a General Store owner in, Emelle, AL.

 

How cool is it that I received something that has a wonderful history, and cost me $0?

Currently, you can find these vintage crates at Pottery Barn that costs $24 (which I do not think are really vintage). They use them as magazine holders, beverage holders, and carnation holders.  Those are great suggestions, but not exactly what I am looking to do with mine.

My question to you…what would you do if you had this vintage soda crate?

Currently, it is on my hearth (notice the noggin protector) and I want to fill it with something…you know that looks designer-ish but practical.  Thoughts or suggestions would be fabulous.  I know there are lots of you out there…so what should I do???  Throwing it in the trash is not an option!!

**Once I get some feedback I will post what I did and who suggested it!**

Thank you in advance for your help!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday #12 plus Features

Hi Friends! Welcome back to Strictly Homemade Tuesday #12.

Are you ready for another round of great and inspiring projects? I love having this linky party...you guys really knock my socks off with your creativity.

Now time for some great summer time features...I had a hard time choosing who to feature because you are all amazing.

Whitney, from A Touch of Yellow, made this 4th of July wreath from cupcake holders. So patriotic and cute!!

Sky from Capital B made these Alphabet Water Gun Targets. What a fantastic way to keep your kids learning and staying cool. So smart!!

Last but not least, Lilli Francesca from Confessions of a Craft-a-Holic (love her name) made this Shark Bites Watermelon. Can you imagine how impressed your guest would be to see this as the centerpiece at your summer party??? Heather- you need to make this for your boys!

You ladies are awesome. Please pick up a Feature button on the bottom right and show it off with pride!!

Onto Strictly Homemade Tuesday #12. Anything homemade goes here (G-Rated please) Link up your latesr recipes, home projects, crafts, etc. I love seeing them all.

Rules: No esty shops or giveaways, please! Also, be sure to stop by some other links and pass along some encouraging words!!!

Upcycled Skirt to Paper Bag Skirt

Last week I guest posted at Momma's Kinda Crafty. Here is the post I shared with her readers!

Today I am going to share a Paper Bag Skirt made from an old (outdated skirt). I love upcycling clothes. Her is the trendy skirt I made for myself and today I am going to show you how.





My grandmother, from Arizona, came to visit me in NC and brought a whole bag of old clothes she no longer wanted. She figured she got 2 free bags to check (rare) so she brought me one with her old clothes!! So sweet! Most people would probably think "really...jeez, thanks grandma!" Me...I thought it was Christmas!

Here is how my mind works....Right side up you see an old denim skirt.... Upside down I see a Paper Bag skirt...Do you?


The key to a Paper Bag Skirt is the waist width needs to start out 2 times the size of your waist. Let's say your waist is 28" (I wish) then your skirt width needs to be 56" around. Plus, the skirt needs to taper in at least 3". All of these things occurred when I flipped the skirt upside down! The bonus to this skirt is I did not need to add a zipper because it was a button front!!

Here is how I constructed the skirt.

1. I cut out the pockets very carefully. I needed all the length I could get.

2. I cut off the top of the skirt.

3. This is double checking I have a 3" taper from the top of the skirt to the bottom of the skirt. Then hem the bottom of your skirt. Like I said I needed the length so I did a 1/4" hem. Top stitched.

4. This skirt sits on your natural waist and the "bag" part is above the waist. I turned over the top 3" to where my waist line would be. Stitch. Do not worry about stitch being seen a belt will cover it up.

5. Make your pleats (4 on the front, 4 on the back) facing inwards. It is easy to divide the skirt into quarters and size down your pleats to your waist width. Example: One quarter of 56" (current width of skirt) is 14" I needed to size each quarter down to 7" (to make waist 28") I just folded until I was happy with the pleats.

6. Duplicate these pleats on all quarters.

7. Press and stitch down.

Make the Belt Loops

1. Cut a strip of fabric 2"X 12" Fold each side to meet in the center

2. Stitch on each side and cut into 3" pieces (there should be four but I had already pinned it on the skirt when I realized I needed to take a picture)

3. Turn each end under 1/2" press and pin onto skirt. I added mine past the first pleat.

4. Add a ribbon (did not have enough material to make a matching belt)

DONE!

I will admit this is not a typical "Mommy skirt" and will not wear this to a park but it would be fun to wear on a date with hubby or a girls night out!!

While this was over at Momma's Kinda Crafty it was featured at Blissful & Domestic. How cool is that!!

I am over at Babes & Sages today

Hi Friends, today I am over at Babes & Sages guest posting while Sophie is taking care of her little man. 

If you have kids with dirty hands you will love it!!

Go here to check it out!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday #10 Features

Last weeks Strictly Homemade Tuesday #10 some of the projects just blew me out of the water.  I mean seriously people, do you guys sleep or do you just think, and make things 24/7.  I know my mind is always thinking of stuff to make…I just don’t have the time to put it all together.  Here are some awesome projects where these women have it all together!

Kim from Kin’s Kandy Kreations made this amazing Alice in Wonderland Tea Pot Chandelier.  Downright amazing!

Tanya from Greetings from Asylum made her First Knock off -and it is and Anrtho.  I personally LOVE pins and this one I might have to try and make.  So sassy!!!

Thank you all you creative souls out there who love making things Homemade!! Great job.  I still have a linky party going on right now Strictly Homemade Tuesday #11.  I would love to see what you have created!!!

If you have been Featured here please grab a button from the bottom right!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday #11

Happy Tuesday everyone!! I think my brain is on vacation these days!! I almost forgot today was Tuesday and it was time for another round of Strictly Homemade Tuesday!! Since I am running late (seems to be the story of my life) I will do features tomorrow. You guys are awesome and so talented!! I love seeing what you have created and you are all so inspiring!

Simple Rules: No Esty shops or giveaways. I do hope you will stop off and show some other bloggers some love. Also, I have added a new feature were you can "like" a project. Try it out! This party will be open until Saturday!!

I will see you tomorrow with Strictly Homemade Tuesday's Features from last week!

Printer Tray to Jewelry Holder

Space in my house is limited, so often times decor has to do double duty..it has be be beautiful and functional. I converted an old printer tray that I have had since I was a child into a jewelry holder and picture frame. I now have it hanging in my bathroom and it is like a piece of artwork too. I love it!

Here is how it started....

How I did it...

1. I purchased tea cup hooks and picture frame eyelet thing-ys (don't know the real name) and secured them into the frame. These hold my earrings and necklaces.

2. I cut my paper to size for the back of the small holes. I chose not to cover the entire background because it is beautiful "as is." I spelled out family in the top holes.

3. To hang my flower pins I glued a magnet in the center.

4. For the pictures I wanted those to really stand out and nothing ever to be placed in front of them. I made a box to insert in the hole. Now the pictures are flush with the frame.

I absolutely love this frame and it's multi-purpose use!!!

You might be wonder why I didn't spray paint it- I thought about it long and hard and decided not everything needs to be spraypainted! Gasp!!

Today I am doing a guest post over at Momma's Kinda Crafty (Grandmommy, you have to check it out!!)

Strictly Homemade Tuesday #10

Welcome back to Strictly Homemade Tuesday. We had some great projects link up last week. I hope you had a chance to stop by and check them out. Sorry I haven't had a chance to comment on most of them, blogger was not liking me last week!!

Here are some of my favorites but I really enjoyed looking at them all.

Do you have a boy do you know someone with more then one boy? They need this sign in their home. Domesticated Nomad made this Boy Subway Art Sign and has made a tutorial on how too. Jen can you send me the PDF? I know a couple people who would LOVE this!!

Last week there were a good deal of recipes. Inspire me to cook- please!! If you have a recipe to share...show us!

Mindy from The Purposed Heart makes Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge- Mindy you had me at Healthy!! Because I am always looking for great sewing patterns, I have to add a great sewing project...

Amanda from Simply Homemade (love her blog name, wink!) made a beautiful Big Pocket Skirt and has a great zipper tutorial as well. Check it out...the woman also has 5 kids!!


Now it is time for more projects to inspire us! Strictly Homemade Tuesday #10

RULES: No Etsy or giveaways and don't forget to stop by another blog and encourage one another. We all feed off of each other's feedback!

Tutorial: Shirred 18” Doll Dress with a Bonus

One of the many bonuses of having a little girl is in some ways you get to relive parts of your childhood that you absolutely LOVED.  Mine was engineering doll clothes and their habitat.  I use to make my dolls their clothes along with their couches, kitchen, etc. out of shoeboxes and little things around the house  Oh the hours I spent creating.  Sing with me “Memories….”  moving on.

Reliving some of my chld memories I made (with a little bit more skill) my daughter’s American Girl Doll a summer Shirred Dress.  So easy and so cute…

Supplies Needed…10x18” piece of material, 18'X2” piece of material, thread, and elastic thread.

Here are the quick steps….you should be able to make this in less then an hours.

DRESS BODY

1. Cut your 10”X18” piece of material.  Rule of thumb…if your doll is 12” around multiply that by 1.5 to get your width. 

2. Do a small 1/4” hem on both 18” sides.

3.Wind your elastic thread on the bobbin BY HAND!! Very important.  With medium tension.

4. With your fabric facing up start stitching.  For my doll the stitches are 1/8” apart and I did 10 rows.

5.10 rows of stitches complete

6. With a hot steam iron press the elastic.  Like magic it all shrinks up.  LOVE THIS PART!

7. Stitch your side seam with a 1/2” seam.  Press open.

STRAPS

For little straps I personally despise turning them inside out.  I seem to break out in an unnatural  sweat and I have all those little gismos too.  I am going to share with you my quick and easy no-turn straps.

1. Cut your material 18”X2”

2. Fold in half length wise and iron.

3. You should have a nice center line

4, Fold one side to meet the center line- iron

5.Fold the other side to meet the center line- iron

6. On each side open up trim fold 1/2” trim the sides (as shown) and refold.  These are your finished edges.

7. Fold again in half so both your folded edges meet.  Sew down one side.

8. Cut in half and you have 2- Nine inch straps.

ADD Stitch your No-turn Straps to the front of the dress body about 1” apart. 

COMPLETE!!

Here is the bonus…make your daughter’s day and make her a matching dress.

Watch your daughter have the best time…

The best reward was when her I overheard this conversation with her friend…

Friend: Your mom made that?  That is so cool.

Lawson:  Yep, my mom made this. She makes lots of things. She is really cool!!

MUSIC TO MY EARS!!  I had to document this because one day homemade things might not be so cool!!

I am sharing this at these parties…

Email me if you have any questions.

Week in Review- 6/10

Today is my oldest daughter's last day of Kindergarten. I CAN.NOT.BELIEVE.IT!! Wow, 1 school year goes by lightening fast. Geez! Next thing you know she will be graduating….I thought I would share with you this picture. I really need a kleenex.

Now our summer has officially begun.  YIPEE!!!

Next, you know they say when you reach the top it is a long way down.  Well, today I can attest it is a long way down.  Last week I got the most votes for my Burlap Purse…and went out with my Family Treasure Frame in week two.  Oops!  Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.  Best of luck to the other contestants.

Last, I did get featured today over at A Step in the Journey.for my Burlap Purse.  It was nice to have a little pick-me-up!!  Thank you, Laura Beth.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Homemade Teacher Flower Tote

Last Day of school for my kindergartener is tomorrow!!  I swear you blink and a whole school year has gone by.  To thank my daughter’s teacher I made her this fun Flower Tote.  I hope she likes it.  I personally love it.

Shhhh….this bag is made out of a drop cloth!!!

Flower close-up…

To add a personal touch I put this on the inside so she will always remember Lawson.

After Friday it is officially summer vacation for us….YIppee!!!

Strictly Homemade Tuesday #9

Are you thinking about summer and all the projects you want to get done?? Seems to be the only thing on my mind these days. Well, if you are looking for some great ideas and want to share some of your homemade projects you have found the right place!!! We are all here to motivate and inspire with a dash of make you crazy because there are some many fabulous ideas and not enough time to complete them all :)

Here are some features from last week that are on my to do list!

First and foremost, Ladies we need to do something for ourselves. Soap Deli News has a fabulous Homemade Foot Scrub. Take care of your feet it is sandal weather!

Then Stephanie from Full of Great Ideas made this Special Place in my heart Anniversary Gift. If you have an anniversary coming up (like me!) this is so sweet!

Then 'throw' in something for the kids. Adeela from Sew Kool made this Stuff Bomb. I can just see my son having an explosive good time with this!! (Pun intended!)
If you were featured here grab a feature button from the bottom right. Display it proudly...you are awesome.


Thanks again to everyone who linked up last week. I am always amazed at your wonderful talent!

One last thing....don't forget to go over to OMTWI and vote for your favorite project. PLEASE!

Here we go again for a wonderful week of ideas...

RULES: No Etsy or giveaways and don't forget to stop by another blog and encourage one another. We all feed off of each other's feedback!