Snow Day Crafts

The day started off a little shaky. The mounds of snow determined to keep us indoors made me worry about what we'd do today. Through clenched teeth and spilled milk (literally everywhere), I scrubbed the stove top in protest of another day inside. It's winter, I thought to myself, get inspired. Deep breaths and a cup of coffee while O played trains and I had a simple idea. Let's make something kiddo. 

Our craft shelves are overflowing with things to do, I just have to actually do them. I have to come up with the ideas, this kid would happily just watch T.V. on a day like this but I didn't want to start that up.  We gathered up the X and O stamp, some nice craft paper, a glue stick, and scissors and made Valentine's Day cards together.

I helped with the cutting and the tape, and stopped my inner control freak from intervening beyond that. They look great and he was really proud of himself and listed off the names of friends and family that he'll be giving these to. Plus we easily spent a good hour on them.

 

"Don't worry, mama, the ink will wash away." It's tough sometimes to find an activity that we both want to do, I can only play train chase for so long before I'm bored…so  crafts are always a great alternative. Now I just need to stay motivated for the rest of winter. When't it over…April? Happy Friday!

Last Minute Market.

There is just something special about a handmade gift. And if you don't have the time to make it yourself finish up your shopping this Saturday, December 21st at Last Minute Market in Lakewood! 13000 Athens Ave, Lakewood, 44107. It is a huge show and so much fun every year. This will be my third time participating and I look forward to seeing familiar faces and also getting a few last minute gifts! Check out their website for more details about all the vendors that will be there.

I have lots of great new things for all of the dashing gentlemen in your life, including those of the canine type.

I'll have neckties, bow ties, tie clips, and more! Come by and say hello!

For Wreaths.

Thanks to my Instagram feed I have become aware of so many amazing artists and artisans out there in the world. One of which is a floral designer from California, Moon Canyon. I don't know too much about them other than their amazing and beautiful floral arrangements that they post. I was inspired by a wreath that I saw and I knew I had to make my own version.

Materials:

Grapevine Wreath from Michael's

Trimmings from the bottom of our Christmas Tree

Branches from the tree in the backyard, with berries

Thin gauge wire

Wire cutters

I was out in the falling snow cutting down low hanging branches feeling very merry. I was happy to know that other than the wreath, we had all of the required materials in the house.

I swept the Christmas tree branches along the bottom and secured it with the wire. Then wove the berry branches into the wreath and on top of the greenery. I wanted the branches swept to the side and kind of loose and falling to add to the dramatic look. The lion on our front door was happy to have some company and it only took me about twenty minutes total. Did you make a wreath this year? I'd love to see if you did! 

Happy birthday Dad!!

Get Made.

It's that time of year again! Time for holiday shopping and parties! Come out and see me and tons of other fabulous Cleveland artists at the MADE in the 216 Holiday shop! The kick off party is this Friday and here's the scoop from the one and only Jennie Doran, shop owner extraordinaire!

It's MADE's 6th Birthday!!

Join us this holiday season as we celebrate great design and the Cleveland artisans that make it happen at R/S's annual MADE IN THE 216 HOLIDAY SHOPPE!! There is tons to do in our fabulous Ohio City neighborhood, and MADE is right in the thick of it!

We've got THE gifts for everyone on that list, and we are open 7 days a week, 11-6!! Located inside Room Service at 2078 W. 25th St.

(Extended evening hours beginning 12/8)

Do be sure to join us for our OPENING NIGHT PARTY shenanigans on "Black Friday" NOVEMBER 29th at 4pm. 

Our favorite DJ Peter Pleasurecruise is on the tunes, and we'll have very own MADE brew on tap, wine and hot toddy's! Scrumptious treats provided by the fabulous Becca Ritterspach of the newly launched Save Room!!

Afterparty goes down at The DUCK ISLAND CLUB, just a skip from R/S at 2102 Freeman Ave in Tremont. 

Don't miss it friends!!!   Love Local. Shop MADE.

Rainy Day and Allergic Reactions.

Wednesday was rainy and I wasn't feeling too hot when we first got up so I was concerned about the days activities. Luckily we had a morning play date so that took care of a good chunk of time. Lately O has been pretty obsessed with Playdoh. He needs to make cookies, carrots, and people like everyday. We have a fun set of cookie cutters that make the play time even more fun for him plus the bright colors cheered up the dreary day.

He was pretty proud of his creations and helped take some pictures to document the fun. He's my son alright. The funny thing about the cookie cutters is that he can't quite recognize all of the shapes until he uses them. He was pretty serious about the above animal being a kangaroo, he had it hopping all over the room until suddenly he realized it was a dolphin. Suddenly meaning I had told him that initially but I guess he thought I was wrong.

We hit up the grocery later and picked out a pineapple to have with lunch. He diligently cut it up with me with his little spreading knife and like any good chef was sampling along the way. I had no cause for concern since we've had pineapple before. But suddenly after having a healthy serving he started to yell that his tongue was hurting and kind of freaking out. I looked in his mouth to see some large bumps forming on the back of his tongue. No tongue swelling but he was clearly uncomfortable. So naturally I called my mom, then the advice nurse. I have enough sense to know it wasn't life threatening at that point but it was kind of scary anyway. We calmed down, cooled his tongue with a combo of things and safely ended the mild reaction. I wasn't expecting it so it seemed scary and I was nervous about his nap, but he was fine and was able to eat comfortably by dinner. Yikes! I've heard awful food allergy stories and I know this one was pretty tame but I wanted to share it anyway.

We've got another fun weekend coming up...this mama is turning 35 on Sunday. Have a great weekend and steer clear of really acidic pineapple!

Sunday Funday!

Another post about Sunday, you ask?! This time I'm inviting you to join me! This Sunday, August 11 from 12:00-5:00 I will be joining some really fun local artists, musicians, and entertainers for the 12th Annual Cedar- Fairmount Festival. Some of those people include Grey Cardigan, On the Lookout, and Three Little B's! Come and ride the rocket car and check out the fun in Cleveland Heights! I'd love to see you.

Crib Sheet DIY.

Sometimes you just have that a-ha moment (for lack of a better term). But the obvious just becomes so clear. I've had my eye on some fancy new sheets for Little Man's bed but I cannot bring myself to pay some of the ridiculous prices out there. Friday I was just about at the point of breaking down and doing it, buying yet another new thing that we can live without, when it occurred to me that I could probably just make it. Enter this MADE tutorial. I cannot tell you how happy I am with the results!

All you need is 2 yards of fabric and 80 inches of 1/4 inch elastic and a long enough nap from the little one to get it done. Her tutorial is so simple and straight forward I don't really need to walk you through it but here are my step by step pictures anyway since I took them.

1. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise and widthwise with the outside edges lining up.

2. Cut out 8 x 8 inch squares from the folded corners.

3. Fold over and iron a pocket to thread the elastic through and pin.

4. Sew the four corners together to create the corner pockets that wrap around the mattress. She recommends a serged edge but I don't have a serger so I did this stretch stitch and then a straight stitch to ensure that it will stay secure. I looked at sheet we already have to figure that out. Make you you unfold the elastic pocket before you sew the corners in. Next you sew the elastic pocket seam closed with a straight stitch.

5. Use a safety pin to thread the elastic through, sew the elastic together then sew the pocket and put it on!

The woman at the cutting counter thought I was nuts to use this fabric for a crib sheet, she said "it will keep the baby awake!" I doubt it. Look how happy he is. If you make it let me know!

Fine Young Gentleman

May was a very busy month for us. Work, new house, toddler maintenance, life. I'm sure you can relate. But we've also been busy making new bow ties and O agreed to model some for me too which is nice! This little blue eyed bandit looks so handsome in the new colors and I just wanted to share. 

I am obsessed with this anchor fabric and am so glad that I impulsively (and compulsively) laid in bed one morning and bought it before my feet even touched the ground! I have a bit of an issue sometimes. Some of these are listed in the shop and some of them are for a very excited upcoming project...stay tuned for that. Happy Monday!

Tiny Artist.

Yesterday was deemed a pajama day. At least for the first half of the day. It was cold, windy, and snowy and we really didn't have a reason to go out. Sometimes days like this can be fun and sometimes we both get tired of one another and stir crazy. So I tried to keep things interesting.

We did some stamping and drawing and unavoidable face painting. I tell myself each time we start a project that I have to keep my expectations to a minimum, because let's be real...I'm not the one in charge. He had a fun time with the stamps, toilet paper roll, and glue stick. Then we cut up the pictures and turned them into notecards for toddler correspondence. He has really good penmanship.

Dressed to Kill.

I've been busy over here thinking of spring...and to me it apparently means black, white and turquoise. 

One of these double sided beauties has already made an appearance out on the town and now there's one in the mix for that special man. Mix it up and get flashy with it.

And finally, here's a diamond point linen. I love it. I'm not trying to toot my own horn (any further than usual) I'm just excited! Tell me, what do you think? I hope you have a great weekend. I also hope it's a long one for all of you! We are headed to Chicago to see our friends and I am excited to adventure out of town for a bit, relax with friends, and enjoy the frenzy of four kids! Enjoy yourselves and I'll catch you next week.

Valentine Bandit

Last year O's BFF gave him this cute little neckerchief for Valentine's Day. His mama made a few and I think they are just so cute...sometimes I wear it around the house! It's a really simple project and you just need a few things!

Materials

One piece of fabric measuring 16 x 16

Red felt

Embroidery thread

Metal snap

Cut a heart shape out of the felt and sew on with the embroidery thread on the right side of the fabric. Fold the fabric in half diagonally into a triangle with the right sides facing in. Sew the seam together leaving a small hole to turn the fabric right side out. Sew the rest of the seam and iron flat. Add the metal snap closure and you have yourself a cute little Valentine Bandit! This would be so cute for a children's Valentine party favor!

Project designed by K.D.R.

Hot Pink Garland

Really?! More garland? Yes, more garland. Initially I was making this specifically for a little Valentine decor but once I was finished I decided to hang it more permanently in our bedroom. The bare cream walls needed some sprucing up. It's a simple 20 minute project, here's what you do.

Materials

2 sheets of tissue paper (makes 8 pom poms, so if you want more, use more)

Twine

Washi tape

Scissors

Fold the tissue in half lengthwise, then widthwise twice. Cut fringe about a half inch apart, leaving 2 inches at the top. The top edge should be the middle lengthwise fold.

Unfold and cut in half twice, leaving four pieces that look like this.

Roll up the middle of the tissue with the shiny side (if there is one) on the outside and then twist.

Loop the tissue in half to create this little pom pom. I used the washi tape to secure the loop but you could also use a hot glue gun. Make eight pom poms and then string them up with the twine. I used the same tape to hang up the garland. It's as simple as that! You could use multiple colors or just stick with one. All set for your next party or to liven up a bare wall!