Eden's Flower Garden

Latest Projects

2011-04-14T15:32:00.001-07:00

I have been in craft mode again! I feel so accomplished when I make something I actually like. Usually I hate everything I make at first, then after a few days I either keep hating it or decide it's not as bad as I originally thought.

I started a new picture wall using a bunch of frames I got at the DI and my silhouette for the vinyl.

I made this for our front room, I know it's very valentinsey so I might remove the vinyl hearts until February.

I am so excited about this year round wreath. My friend suggested we do it for a craft night and I'm so glad we did! It was kind of tedious but worth it. Burlap is pretty messy! We got the idea and tutorial from here.
I still have to make Halloween, Christmas, and Valentines but these are the ones I have done so far. Sorry about my picture quality, not sure why everything looks so foggy!!

St. Patrick's Day

Easter

July 4th

When there's no holiday near this one will be used.

Toddler Activity: Itsy Bitsy Spider Gloves

2011-02-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to come up with some fun ways to play with my busy toddler, these itsy bitsy spiders were a huge hit! Be sure to make a pair for you too!
I got the idea from the nursery at church, only they used pom poms to make theirs. I didn't have big pom poms so I decided to make my own spiders from fabric I had. For the spiders head I traced the cardboard circle from an empty spool of ribbon onto the fabric. For the body I used a large lid from a hot chocolate container as my template. I just cut my circles and did a running stitch around the edges, stuffed with batting and pulled it tight. Then I sewed (ok, I really hot glued) the head and body together and then on the gloves (which I found at target two pair for $1.5o). Then I just glued on some googly eyes. She loves it!

One of her other favorite activities is scattering the DVDs everywhere!

Paper Rose Wreath

2011-01-23T19:10:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this wreath. It took me about 2 weeks to make. Every night after I put the kids to bed, I would work on it for at least an hour. Cutting, rolling, and then gluing (my husband works full time and goes to school at night, I need projects like this to keep me busy) It was a bit tedious but worth it!

I found the idea for the paper roses here. I just got a cheap wreath at Michael's and wrapped some red felt around it, just so it's red underneath and will blend (I had some on hand, you could also do ribbon, spray paint, colored tape, yarn.... etc...) I used construction paper from Michaels for the roses. It's the only kind I could find the same color of in a whole pack. It worked great and much better priced then card stock! When I was all done, I took the wreath outside and sprayed it with some red glitter adhesive. You can't see it well in the pictures but it gives it the perfect amount of shine.

Linking to:
All things related
Somewhat Simple

Look What I Made! Kids Art Display

2011-01-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

Since my little one started nursery almost 6 months ago she has been bringing home the sweetest coloring pages! I've been seeing some fun ideas to display kids art, here is my version!

Here's how I made this:

I have a few of these wood boards in my garage that I got from my neighbors trash a while back. They measure 24''x7''. I got one out and gave it a nice coat of paint.

I downloaded a free font from dafonts.com that looked like cute kids handwriting, then I used my silhouette to cut the vinyl. I also thought of doing "art gallery" but I decided "look what I made" was more fun. If anyone wants me to cut vinyl for them, I charge $4.00 for the saying in this general size.
I got some wooden clothespins I had laying around and traced them on some scapbook paper, using colors that matched our play/tv room. Then I just cut out the paper and modge podged it onto the clothespins.
I added the hardware to the back of my project before I glued the clothespins on

Then I kind of eyeballed where to put the clothespins and used hot glue to glue them on.

Linking to:
Todays Creative Blog
ABC and 123
All Things Related
Sugar Bee
My Backyard Eden
Blue Cricket Design
Sister Stuff
Somewhat Simple

Crepe Paper Rose Heart

2011-01-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

Using THIS tutorial to make the crepe paper roses, I made this to add to my small (but growing) collection of Valentine decor.

Sorry the picture isn't even straight or even decent quality! I really need to get a clue when it comes to photography!

(those wooden blocks were at target for $2.50)

I got the frame from the DI for 50 cents, the scrapbook paper I had on hand (thanks Shaela) and the crepe paper came from the dollar store. $1.50 for the total cost.

I just took out the glass in the frame made the roses until I had enough for the heart and hot glued them onto the paper which I had already cut and modge podged to the back of the frame. Easy!

Using the same tutorial, I also made this wreath for my daughters door. I got the wreath at the dollar store and used 2 rolls of crepe paper @ 50 cents each from the dollar store. $2 for the total cost, but it was a little time consuming!

Tutu Tutorial

2011-01-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

I did a guest post a while back on my friend Kirstikoos blog. I thought sharing the tutorial on my own blog would be a good way to kick off posting again! Enjoy!

This is a very simple tutorial for a cute poofy ballerina tutu!

Tutus are super fun for little girls! My 23 month old LOVES to prance around in them!

I included lots of pictures because I am a very visual learner! I tried to be extra clear on everything but if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

You will need:

♥ About 18'' sewn elastic for the waist (this fits 6 months to about 8 years)

♥ 4 or 5 yards of tulle (I get mine at wal-mart for $1 a yard.) Get as many colors as you want!

♥ A good pair of scissors

For this tutu, I used 2 yards of black and 3 yards of pink. The first step is to unfold your tulle (not all the way, just so it looks like it was freshly cut from the bolt). Then cut into separate yards. So I cut my black right down the middle and my pink into 3rds. You could also just ask the fabric cutter to cut each yard separately for you when you buy it!

After that you need to turn your pieces long ways... like the picture on the left. The fold should be on either the right or left NOT top or bottom. So in the picture, the one on the left is CORRECT, the one on the right below my doggie is WRONG.

Take your yards and roll each one of them up like the tulle on the left.

Your tulle should be all rolled up now like the picture shows. One roll per yard.

Then, cut a little off each end of your rolls and discard. This gets rid of the fold on the one side, and makes everything nice and even.

Then cut each roll of tulle into 5 or 6 inch pieces. It doesn't have to be perfect, tutu's are a very forgiving craft!

You should end up with several small rolls like these.

Then unroll your little rolls, you will have two long strips from each roll. Cut right down the middle (making 4 strips), do this with each roll. Now you are ready to make your tutu!

This part is hard to explain but hopefully will make sense. Take one of your strips and fold it down the middle. Lay your elastic on top of your strip, close to the center fold (should be a loop) at the top. Take your two ends at the bottom and put them through the loop, the elastic should be in the middle of the loop and two ends. Pull it tight.

It should look like this, if the elastic folds in half, it doesn't matter. It wont end up showing!

Keep adding your strips in the pattern you want. For this tutu I did 2 pinks then 1 black repeated. Be sure to keep the strips close together so you can make your tutu really poofy!

Your done!! Wasn't that easy???

Linking to:
I heart Naptime
My backyard Eden
Blue Cricket Design
Sister Stuff
Somewhat Simple

I'm Back!

2011-01-15T08:19:00.001-08:00

I know I have seriously neglected this blog for the past year! Last March, a month after my daughters first birthday, we were very blessed and fortunate to be placed with a sweet baby boy. Two kids, 13 months apart makes little time for crafting, but now I feel like I'm getting the hang of things and I am in serious craft mode again! The silhouette I got for Christmas is definitely a major factor in my motivation! I'm not sure if anyone still reads this blog but I am planning on posting lots more now!! Stay tuned!

Fabric Rolled Roses

2010-02-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

These are so fun, quick, and easy! You can make just about any kind of accessory with them. Tonight I made this simple necklace for me and I think tomorrow I will do some hair clips for Eden! Alayne Studio has a great tutorial HERE.

Young Women's Personal Progress Neckalce

2010-01-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

To help encourage our girls to do their personal progress we came up with an idea to hand stamp each of the values on washers for necklaces, and as the girls pass off each value they will get that value added to their necklace. Using sharpies we colored each value the color associated with it.

To learn how to hand stamp washers go to this tutorial here.
If you have problems getting the left over marker off your washer with just a baby wipe an alcohol pad works great!!

We made the washers look styling by weaving them through ribbon with this tutorial here

The girls love the necklaces, and hopefully this will get them excited and motivated to continue to work on their personal progress!

The high chair cover

2009-12-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

Today I felt the urge to make something other then hair bows! I looked over my list (below) and picked the one I wanted most, of course it also seemed to be the hardest! The high chair cover. I read the tutorial found here very carefully. I felt I knew pretty much how to do everything it described except I had no idea what bias tape was or what to do with it exactly. Luckily a lady at Joanns knew just what it was and she gave me all kinds of good info on the stuff! Anyway, you all know I am a beginner sewer so if anyone else wants to make this go for it! If I can do it you can too!

Before:
Do you see why I wanted a new one?

After:
I simplified the tutorial a little by just using one piece of fabric for the front, I was too scared to cut up my original cover in case things didn't work out and doing it this way I didn't have to cut it! I love this fabric! I have a girl but those colors match the room we keep our high chair in so it works.

My List Of Things To Make (or try to)

2009-12-05T21:20:00.000-08:00

There are so many fun crafty tutorials out there! Thank you craft geniuses for inspiring me! I recently started bookmarking all the neat things I want to try to make. Some are simple and some may take me a few times to get it right but I really want to at least try to make everything on my list! Here are just a few of my favorites so far...

Teether Toy By Patchy Apple

Mod Podge Memory Game by Green Apple Orchard

Fabric Magnets by Make it and Love it

Industrial Strength Jewelry By Crafting Chicks

Play Makup for Little Girls By Not So Idle Hands

Super Cute Headband By Foofangle

Easy as Cinch Little Kid Bag By Make it and Love it

Cute Stuffed Animals By Make it and Love it

Fun Monogram Bags By Crafting Chicks

High Chair Cover By Make it and Love it

Dollar Store Hedgehog

2009-10-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

I saw this super cute idea a while back and just got around to trying it out! It's a hedgehog made from a car washer mitten from the dollar store! I looked and looked and could not find the original tutorial to link to so I did my own tutorial. If this was your idea please let me know so I can link to you!!

Update: Here is where I found the idea and from there you can get to the original tutorial. Enjoy!

To make your hedgie you will need
-1 car washer mitten from the dollar tree
-two buttons for eyes
-1 pom pom for nose
-batting

First take your car washer mitten and....

Cut the black part off as well as the thumb, you will want to leave a little extra material when cutting the thumb so you will be able to sew it shut when the time comes

Turn your mitten inside out and cut two diagonal lines as shown below

Sew it using your machine lining it up with the foot. Do not sew the thumb hole shut yet!

Very carefully turn it right side out through the thumb hole and sew the eyes on

Stuff with batting and hand sew the thumb hole shut. Sew on the nose securely! TaDa! You have a super cute, easy, hedgehog for a dollar!

Cute Spider Decorations

2009-10-12T13:35:00.001-07:00

These are fun Halloween decorations that your kids can easily make! You just need black fuzzy... I think they are called pipe cleaners? Well anyway you know what mean by the photos! And if you want them to be super cute, you will need some google eyes and hot glue! They are very easy to make:
Take 4 pipe cleaners and line them up next to each other
Bend them all the way around at the middle (kind of twist like a twisty tie)
Arrange the legs, make a knee and foot for each leg
Glue on google eyes if desired!
Decorate!

On lamps

Outside

Without google eyes for extra creepiness!

Alphabet Lids!

2009-10-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Eden loves playing with baby food jar lids! I thought it would be fun to save a bunch of them and put all the letters of the alphabet inside for when she gets a little older.

Here's what I did:
I traced a lid on some cardstock paper
I cut out all the circles (26 of them) and wrote the letters on each one
I pushed the circles down into each lid, it should fit nice and snug and be very hard to get out
I covered a formula can with scrapbook paper to store all the alphabet lids in

I think I will keep saving lids so I can do numbers and shapes too. I think when I do the shapes I will make two of each one so they can also be a memory game!

Baby Legs

2009-09-28T16:37:00.001-07:00

I was at the dollar store a few months ago and I spotted these adorable striped scarfs! I thought "too bad those aren't tube socks, they would make the cutest baby legs." It never dawned on me to actually sew them into baby legs! I'm so creative huh?

So, I forgot about those cute scarfs until today when I found this GREAT tutorial on obsessively stitching. She teaches how to turn those exact adorable dollar store scarfs into baby legs!

I don't have a serger but I was able to do the tutorial the exact same except instead of serging I zig-zag stitched, I went around each end twice and I made the stitches short. I think it worked well!!

So cute!! I think I am going to have to make a pair out of every color scarf they have!

I added the cute flower bow Eden is wearing to the boutique today!
I am going to be doing some more in different colors soon hopefully!

Little Apron

2009-09-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

This is sooooo easy and fun! It's a little apron made from a place mat! Of course Eden wont be able to use this for a few years but it was only $1 to make and I can save it for her! I got the idea and tutorial HERE on dollar store crafts!

Hooded Bath Towels and a FIRST!

2009-09-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Don't you love the idea of hooded bath towels for babies? Don't you hate the ones you buy at the store that only last for maybe 3 months before your baby out grows them?? I was sooooo pleased to find an awesome, simple, tutorial at Green Apple Orchard HE RE. Like I have mentioned before, I am a beginner when it comes to sewing so I was excited when I saw how easy a project this was. I got my towels and wash cloths at wal-mart on clearance. The big towels were only $2.00 each and the wash cloths were only $1.00 each! Yah!! I made two and love how much more functional they are compared to those tiny baby hooded towels!

My mom was in town this past week and she helped me make a jumper for Eden! This was the first time I have ever sewn something like this. My mom helped me follow the pattern and basically told me what to do! This pattern had "easy" on the cover and after doing it with help, I just might be able to make another one all by myself, just maybe!

Baby Shower Idea

2009-08-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

A friend from my ward is having a baby girl soon! This is what I came up with for her baby shower gift! It was super easy and it works as a bow holder!

Create

2009-08-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Cloth baby rings

2009-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

I found this great tutorial on make it and love it for cloth baby rings. I was a little worried at first because I am not the best at sewing, but I am trying to get better so I thought I'd give it a shot! I'm glad I did because it ended up being pretty easy and only took about an hour to do both sets! I do need to get some cuter fabric though! There is no place to get cute fabric in Vegas! Does anyone know any good places online to buy fabric at a good price? I guess the important thing is Eden loves these!! They are going to be part of her quiet toys for church!

Headband Holder

2009-08-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

I have a ton of these cute lace headbands with bows made out of sheer ribbon attached to them. I learned the hard way that these do not do well shoved in a box with the rest of my headbands! Last night I finally came up with a solution for storing them.
I took an old formula can, the tallest one I had, then I took the label off. I'm sure you can guess what I did next!

Covered it up!!
To cover it I just cut out a piece of material the same size as the can, then I took the lid off and lined the edge of the fabric to the very top. I used hot glue around the top and bottom edges. Any fabric I had hanging over the bottom edge I just folded under and glued to the bottom of the can. I also covered the top part of the lid with fabric just by tracing it, then I lined the edge of the lid with ribbon. You could also use scrapbook paper with mod podge to make one of these.

Here is what it looks like with all the headbands on it. You can also store any non-fragile headbands or anything you want inside the can!

I still had more headbands so I am going to take this smaller can and cover it with different fabric that matches and stack it on top! But I need to find the perfect fabric first!

T-Shirt Quilt

2009-07-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

I made my t-shirt quilt a few years ago, just after I got my first sewing machine. I had to post it because it's one of my favorite things I have ever made. It's all of my t-shirts from high school sports. I loved high school and this quilt just brings back all those fun memories! If anyone has any questions on how I made it you can email me meka.duane@gmail.com

Blog Award

2009-07-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Lara from Heizzy Scraps gave Eden's Flower Garden an award! Check out her digi scrapbook pages, aren't they adorable? Thanks for the award Lara!

Here are the rules:

1. Put the award on your blog.

2. Include a link to the person who gave you the award.

3. Nominate 6 or more blogs

4. Leave a message on their blog letting them know they have an award on your blog.

I want to give this award to:
1. A Frugal Friend- Thanks to her blog I know about swagbucks, and youdata. Plus I get awesome freebies in my mail daily!
2. The Craft Patch- Awesome blog that has all kinds of thrifty crafts and ideas. I seriously go through withdrawal when she doesn't update!

3. Adopt a 'Do Cute Girls Hair Styles- This blog is great in so many ways, first the author is an adoptive mommy as well! And she has so many cute ideas for girls hairstyles that I am so excited to try on Eden some day!
4. Shes Crafty-Fabulous craft blog with great ideas, plus her blog design and layout is awesome!
5. Creatively Crafty Baby- I love baby crafts! This blog has tutorials and she makes the CUTEST polka dot baby shoes I've ever seen!!
6. I AM infertility. adoption. motherhood- This blog is amazing! I love the title and she describes infertility the way I wish I could!

Another Bow Holder Idea

2009-07-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

First, thanks to those that suggested I sell the tutus at my boutique. I made some to sell today and I just posted them! Let me know what you think. And don't worry, I am saving my extra poofy one for Eden's birthday!
Since I have decided to start selling hair bows it seems I am running out of room to store them! I have a simple, cheap, idea for another bow holder and I thought I would share.

I took some sturdy cardboard, traced and cut out the letter E (for Eden)
Apparently I have a hard time cutting within the lines.

Then I took a square of some cute fabric I got on clearance from Wal-Mart and mod podged it to my letter.

Then I cut around my letter leaving a little extra fabric so I could mod podge the edges to the back.
Then I hot glued some ribbon to the letter! I used the gift wrapping kind so I wouldn't have to use up my bow making ribbon!

Toilet paper rolls

2009-07-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

There are many many ways to recycle toilet paper rolls around the house, this is an idea I learned from my aunt to help keep your bathroom a little more organized. The drawer I stuff my hair dryer, curling iron, etc. in was usually a huge mess. The wires would always get tangled together and some how tied in a bunch of knots. Well thanks to aunt Jo, problem solved...

If you want, you could even cover the toilet paper rolls with scrapbook paper or fabric. I will probably do that, some day.

Dragonfly Clip Tutorial!

2009-06-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

I am not even sure if a tutorial is necessary for these, you can probably just look at the picture and be able to tell how to make them but just in case....

Start by covering your 2 alligator clips with some cute ribbon. If you aren't sure how to do this check out this link for a tutorial on that

Choose a thinner ribbon for the wings, cut out 4 pieces all the same size

Using hot glue, make them into circles

Make the circles into figure 8's by gluing two opposite ends together.

Glue two wings together, layer them slightly or whatever way you want and put rhinestones or buttons or something else cute in the middle! If your kid has fine hair you may want to glue a no slip grip on the inside of the clip so it will stay in better. I get mine on ebay along with the alligator clips!

FRAMES!!!

2009-06-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

There are so many neat things you can do with picture frames other then the norm. Here are some of the ways I have put those frames I had just laying around in my garage to good use!

First, I saw this way cute idea on make it and love it. It's a dry erase board! For my family it's our new grocery list! I don't think I ever realized you can use dry erase markers on glass like that but it does make sense! I love the idea of having such a cute grocery list only I thought it would be nice to make it a magnet to hang on the fridge. So I just took an old frame and added some cute scrapbook paper that would match with my kitchen and came up with this...

Then on the back I just added some old magnets we had laying around! It holds well, but keep in mind the frame is cheap and very light weight!

I spent 59 cents on scrapbook paper. I already had everything else, so this was a super cheap project!

Once again, I came across another cute idea on make it and love it! I know I already have a bow holder, but I had to try this one out! I didn't want to cover the frame with fabric, because I liked the frame a lot. So I just added some girly fabric with ribbon going diagonal.

Make it and love it is such a good blog! I didn't realize it until now, but I got this idea from that blog as well. We had this boring white board/cork board we purchased from the thrift store that really needed some help!

Before...

After...

Our office is so boring, what a perfect opportunity to add some color with some fabric I had been saving for something like this. I was lucky enough to have a frame in my garage that fit perfectly!
I also made some square thumbtacks out of the same fabric to match with a tutorial on how about orange. So after a little cleaning up and some color, I think it looks much better!

Homemade Laundry Soap

2009-06-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am into saving money, but I didn't know I was capable of taking it this far! When people talk about this kind of thing I usually don't pay much attention. Homemade laundry detergent? It seems like homemade stuff like that would have tons of weird ingredients that I would never be able to find! But it's sooooo simple, I wouldn't be doing it if it wasn't! All you need is borax, washing soda and a bar of soap! You can get the borax and washing soda I'm pretty sure at any grocery store on the laundry aisle. I got mine at Smiths so I know they have it there for sure. Click Here for my favorite tutorial on how to make this stuff! You can also check here for other recipes, they all have the same ingredients pretty much, just different proportions. A few tips the first tutorial does not mention, you should have a lid for your bucket, and you need to shake or stir well before each use. Oh and this is good stuff, I like it a lot better then the cheapo detergent we had been buying! Good luck and if anyone makes it let me know how you like it!

Polka Dot Onesie!

2009-06-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Remember the shoe boxes I covered with a receiving blanket here? Well I had just a tiny bit of fabric left over. So this is what I made....

I love polka dots!
I cut out the circles from the fabric, then I just use iron-on adhesive from the craft store. I used the no-sew kind so we will see how it washes! It seems to be stuck on there pretty dang good! I have some cute ribbon to match that I want to try to do ruffles on the butt with. I am not the best at sewing so if anyone knows any easy tutorials on how to do it please share!

StArBuRsT!

2009-06-03T18:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this idea on HGTV and have been wanting to do it for some time. Its a starbusrt! The only problem is for this to be "cheap" the way I insist on, you need to use tinker toy you have laying around or that you find at the thrift store for cheap, if you buy tinker toy new it just isn't worth it because they are like $15-$20! So basically you just take tinker toy and build it like the picture shows.

Then you spray paint it (semi-gloss works best for this) I used brown because it matches my bedroom but I think it would be fun to do a multi-colored pink, green, and brown one for Eden's room, be creative! Then hot glue little mirrors around it and one in the middle. Very simple!

Tinker Toy: $1
Spray paint: $ 1.12
2 packages of mirrors from Michaels: $3.24
Total cost: $5.36

Storing spooless ribbon

2009-06-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is how I have been storing my ribbon that is not on a spool. I use index cards and fold them in half, then I just wrap the ribbon around it and put a little piece of tape on the end. You can probably also use cardboard or popsicle sticks or something like that. I was also thinking you could use old empty thread spools? Then it would probably be able to go on a ribbon organizer like mine in the post below!! I need to try that! Until then, card stock type paper works just fine. It may not look that organized but it's a lot better then having it all shoved in a bag!

Easier way to do flower clips

2009-05-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

If you have any brass "brads" handy you can use them to hold your flowers together. You will still need to glue something pretty in the middle of your flower. The great thing about the brads is you can switch the flowers around the way you like. Also, you can even use the brad to hold the alligator clip in place making it so you wouldn't have to buy a lot of clips. I saw the brads at office max, 100 ct for 3.24. I chose not to get them since I already have a lot of clips and glue sticks, but it would be worth if for someone just starting out.

Korker Bow Tutorial

2009-05-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ever since February this year, when my husband and I adopted our sweet baby girl, I have been making hair bows left and right for her! She looks adorable in them! I, like most of you, am a thriftaholic! I refuse to pay full price for anything unless I absolutely have to! That is why bow making — instead of bow buying — is a must in our home! I recently learned how to make the "korker" bow. They are easy and fun to make and absolutely adorable on any little girl!

You Will Need: Wooden Dowels: They should each be around 1/4" thick and around 10" long. You can purchase your dowels at Walmart or use pencils instead. But if you choose to use pencils, your curls will not be as tight.

Ribbon: The best is grosgrain, and it should be around 3/8" wide. Korkers use more ribbon then most bows. Michaels always has lots of ribbon for a dollar; just make sure each spool has at least 9 feet. Michaels also always has a 40% off one item coupon in their ad each week, so be sure to use it! Also, I love checking my local Craigslist for people selling unwanted ribbon. Check the garage sale section, and search ribbon. I have been very lucky in doing that!

Wooden Clothespins: I got 36 of them at the dollar store, which is plenty!

Cookie Sheet and Oven

Scissors and Ruler

Clear Nail Polish

Needle and Thread: I use embroidery floss for a tighter hold.

Alligator Clip/Barrett/French Clip: For the best deal, get your clips on Ebay. Sallys Beauty Supply also has them, as well as CVS.

Hot Glue

To Make:

Preheat your oven to 275 degrees.

First, you have to make your korker ribbon. To do this, clip the end of the ribbon to your dowel with a clothespin and wrap the ribbon around it by twirling the bottom of the dowel. Once you've reached the end of the dowel, clip a clothespin on and cut the end of the ribbon.

To make one decent sized korker bow you need to fill at least 3 dowels. 4 would be even better, it just depends on how big you want it. For my 3-month-old, I usually use 3-4 dowels per bow, but she is still tiny. For an older child you may want to use 5 or 6. So fill up as many dowels as you want, depending how many korkers you want to make.

When you are finished rolling your dowels, cover a cookie sheet with tin foil, (to prevent the ribbon from getting dirty) set your dowels on the cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 275 degrees for 25 minutes.

When your ribbon is done cooking, take them out and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Unwrap them, and you should have wonderful looking korker ribbon!

Using the ruler, you're going to want to cut your ribbon into 2 1/2"-3 1/2" pieces. Make sure whatever size you choose they are all the same. Once all the pieces are cut, brush some clear nail polish on all the edges to prevent fraying.

Now comes the fun part. Take your needle and thread and tie a knot in the end of the thread, leaving about 2 inches to spare.

Take all the korker pieces you want for one bow and thread the pieces on the needle in the patten your want. Make sure you are sticking the needle in the middle of the ribbon.

Pull all the korker pieces down to the knot all at once. Then string the ribbon back through the middle making sure not to go through the same hole. It's actually easier to hold the ribbons, pinching the middle while doing this last step. I just couldn't do it that way while taking the picture.

Tie the two ends of the string together in a double knot.
Fluff the ribbon, glue the bow to your Barrett/clip on the back and attach it to a crochet headband or in the child's hair!

The bottom two on the right were made with pencils.

Cover it up!

2009-05-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

I love covering things with fabric remnants/ribbon/paint! Some of my favorite things to cover are cardboard boxes for storing things. I always check the local thrift stores for fabric and I have been quite lucky!! I have found yards of several kinds of fabric bundled together for a dollar!
Here is a cardboard box I covered with some fabric from the thrift store, it's a nice for storing toys and fits perfectly under the crib!

My baby ended up with a TON of recieving blankets, she has outgrown them all anyway so I used a few of the ones that match her bedroom to cover up..

a thrift store storage box

and some shoe boxes

I know many of you have seen these wipe cases, they were pretty fun to make and easy. I use this tutorial HERE.
The one on the top was made with thrift store fabric and the one of the bottom was made with part of a receiving blanket!

This lamp was purchased at the thrift store for 2 dollars. It was just a plain, wood lamp when I brought it home. I wish I would have taken a before picture. After a some paint, ribbon, and little wooden circles, it was a perfect fit for the nursery!

We have built ins in our master closet so instead of crowding up our bedroom with a dresser we put those built ins to good use! I could not get myself to purchase storage bins for our socks and underwears however! They are too expensive when you need 4 of them! I of course got some cardboard boxes and covered them up with fabric and old sheets. Hot glue is one of my best friends!

Eden's Flower Clips

2009-05-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

Flower clips are becoming more and more popular! They look adorable when clipped on crochet headbands for your baby, or clipped in any little girls hair! They are fun and so easy to make!

You will need:

-Hot Glue Gun

-Flowers

There is only one important thing to remember when buying your flowers, do not get the flowers from craft stores! They charge so much for them! Why pay that much when you don't have to? All the flower clips I've made have been made by flowers from the dollar store. You get several flowers for a dollar! There are different dollar stores depending on where you live, check several kinds. I have never found them at the 99 cents store but all the other ones have had them. It's so much cheaper and I think they still look great.

-Alligator Clips

The best place I've found to get your alligator clips is in bulk on Ebay. Try to find an auction that has the "buy it now" and "free shipping" options. I got 50 of them for 6.00 and that was with free shipping! If you only want to make a few clips you can get a 12 pack at Sallys, or I have even seen them at CVS. But it is much cheaper to buy in bulk.

and if you want something more dressy in the center...

-Rhinestones or you could also use different styles of buttons

For the rhinestones, use the 40% off one item coupon for Michaels that comes in your local paper, and I think it comes in the mail as well. I have actually found the Rhinestones at Michales to be cheaper then the ones at Wal-Mart, even without the coupon! And always always be sure to check your local thrift stores for any of these items. I found a giant bag of different buttons once for 50 cents!! That is what I've been using for some of my flowers!

To make the flowers:

-Take the flower apart (I usually do at least two, or you can mix and match)

-With a tiny dab, glue each piece together near the center.

-Glue your Rhinestone in the middle, if you want to keep the original center stick it back through the hole and trim the stem down so you can glue the clip on back.

-Glue your alligator clip on.

You're Done!