baby blanket!

It is so much fun (and admittedly easier) to make things for babies, infants, toddlers, etc.

Which is why I took on the task of making this adorable blanket for George's cousin who is due in May with her first baby. She and her husband are going with the monkey theme and I found some great monkey fabric to go with the uber-soft minky fabric.

Tricks to working with minky fabric.
1. PIN THE CRAP OUT OF IT! I used two cases of pins (300+ pins). Otherwise the fabric bunches and won't look nice.
2. Take your time cutting. Minky fabric can get thick if you are doubling up while you cut. Just be cautious.
3. If you have a walking foot attachment for your sewing machine - use it! It helps keep your fabric from bunching (so my mom says). It sure helped with this 'lil number :)

Doing my very best Betty impression (it was a blast doing this project when my mom was in town visiting). She was even able to scope out my craft cave!

The final project!

Chalkboard Paint

I love chalkboard paint. Plain and simple. There is something magical about how many uses come from paint that dries and is writable. My brand of choice is Rustoleum. You have the option of green or black. I prefer the black. Although, I'm sure green would be quite fabulous too! Don't even get me started on dry erase paint and magnetic paint - I haven't purchased those yet but I imagine when I do, I won't turn back!

Here are a few crafts I've completed with chalkboard paint...



These glasses were awesome. We used these at the Christmas party I had with my friends from school. I found some cheap, mismatched martini glasses at TJMaxx and after I dipped them in chalkboard paint the girls and their men were able to write their name on the glasses so no one messed up their drinks for the night! Super fun!
[the setup for this craft was horrid and George was appalled, but it all worked out in the end - as it usually does!]

I was also able to turn in an old (rarely used) white Ikea end table into a fun chalkboard table. I will probably use this in my classroom or a future baby Thompson bedroom/playroom. As for now it sits in the basement collecting craft paraphernalia.

Upcycling Old Bangles

I found a cute idea on Pinterest. Someone had taken some old bangle bracelets and wrapped them in old ripped up t-shirts and scrap fabric. I thought what a cute way to upcycle some bracelets and get rid of my ever-growing fabric pile!

So, of course before bed last night I decided to make one to see how easy it was. Turns out, it was super easy. No glue required, no mess, just scissors, fabric and old bangles!

Accesories Organizer

This project required a lesson on the use of some power tools :) I was able to use the circular saw and power drill. After the initial shock wore off I was all for the use of some good machinery to get any job done! ha.

I was excited when I picked up some cute knobs from Goodwill and finished off the collection with some random ones from Hobby Lobby. Hobby Lobby has a wall-0-knobs and they are usually on sale (SCORE!)

I am totally into the red and robin's egg blue color scheme for whatever reason. It is no where to be seen in my house so I'm afraid this little number will have to hide in my closet but it was fun to make nonetheless :) After I drilled the holes I did add a bit of E6000 glue in the holes so the knob would stay secure and George (Deren, my husband, I refer to him as George a lot) will have to shave off the back of the knobs with his dremmel because they do stick out farther than the wood does. Hopefully when you get your supplies you pick up a thick enough piece of wood that this doesn't happen to you. I just tend to use the supplies I have lying around my house so I make do!

Finish product....