Halloween Card

My daughter made this sweet Halloween card- I LOVE the tree...

Another Blogging Break

                                                                                                  Pictures from the web

I'm headed for some thrifting in the Portland, OR area (and to spend some time with family).  I'm hoping to get to swing by a Japanese Craft Bookstore, too.

I've scheduled a post or two and might even get a chance to post while on the road... or not.  But I'll return.  Until then happy Fall crafting!

My Version of the Fall Burlap Wreath

There are so many CUTE burlap wreaths out and about.  Here is my version.  I used dark brown burlap purchased on sale at Hobby Lobby- they have a nice selection of colors.  I used my rotary cutter to cut 3 inch strips.  I wrapped, and hot glued the burlap to a straw wreath form.  Then I added some odds and ends from my craft box- all together it cost about $7.

 Not being delusional- I realize that flower arranging is not my forte- but this wreath will suffice as front door decor until Dec. 1 when the Christmas wreath goes up.

Making Tiny Halloween Buttons

These two tiny buttons were made by doodling with cross stitch.  I think next time I'll doodle on muslin or some other fabric less likely to fray- this fabric threw a fit when I tried to attach the button backs. 

To make them- simply use the pattern on the back of your button package (vintage buttons are more fun, but the new ones work, too). 

Trace your pattern onto the fabric of your choice- doodle a design with your embroidery floss- cut out the fabric circle and follow the directions on the package to  make your buttons.  Then enjoy looking at them- or if necessary attach them to a craft or sewing project.... enjoy!

9/18/10  I linked up with tatertots and jello

Making Her Doll Bunkbeds

My ten year old and her dad completed this project a few Saturdays ago.  I did help a bit with the mattresses.  Dad used scrap lumber from the shop and put together the beds.  He and sweet daughter painted them and covered them with pink fabric.  I helped by showing sweet daughter how to sew covers for the foam mattresses (just a bit of foam from the fabric store cut to size)- and she sewed all three.  We made the mattress covers just like a pillowcase, inserted the foam, and then slip stitched the ends closed.

All three dolls are tucked in cozy.  Sweet daughter believes that they feel claustrophobic and is in negotiations for some bed alterations- however, she totally enjoyed the project and I love how she had some extra fun,quality one-on-one time with dad! 

Simple Sweater embellishment with crocheted lace

picture from Target

I purchased this sweater at Target last spring for $5.  It has been sitting in a to-do pile all summer and I FINALLY got to it.

I was going to add ruffles, but I already have a ruffly sweater the same color.  So, instead I used some crocheted lace from Hobby Lobby.  I used simple stitches to attach the edge of the lace and then I decided to just glue down a few places so that it's not an ironing nightmare every time I wash it.  I used Aleene's ok to wash it glue. 

I'm trying to decide if I should add some little lacy roses or just keep it simple..... The mustard yellow shirt was $12 at Stein Mart- I LOVE it- so comfy.  I think I'll watch for a sale and get another color.  This outfit just needs a skinny belt and some boots and it's good to go.

Long Exercise Pants

Picture from Target

I'm tall and have a 34"/ 35" inseam.  It's a bit tricky finding pants that are long enough.  So I was tickled when I found these Champion extra long boot cut Exercise Pants at Target.  I held them up and thought they were too short- but when I put them on they just stretched right out and- hurrah- I can exercise without the whole high water thing going on. 

There is one problem- they are so comfortable that I don't want to take them off and often end up lounging in them all day~

Free Halloween Cross stitch pattern- boo!

Here is a simple cross stitch sign for your Halloween decor - my favorite part is the fuzzy spider made with french knots- go ahead and throw in a few more then the pattern suggests to make him really fuzzy.

I didn't have any white or cream aida cloth on hand so I used this mushroom color- but white would have been better- then the border would have more of a corn candy look to it- but I'm not the fastest stitcher so this will have to do for this year.  The free pattern is here.  Happy Haunting!

9/5/10  Check out the cute Fall decorating ideas at This Blessed Nest- I've joined her linky party, too!