Friday Favorites: Best Projects of 2010

In looking back at the various projects I've made over the past year I've enjoyed making just about everything I've tried my hand at, but there are definitely some that have seen more use than others. Here's a look at some of those projects and the impact they've had on our family:

1. Liam's Quilt--This quilt actually took over a year to make, but I was finally able to finish it right around Liam's third birthday. It was definitely a labor of love and I don't know that I'll ever make such and intricate quilt again (or at least not for a very long time). I did learn a thing or two about stick-to-itivness and it's used every day. There's no way I'm ever getting rid of this baby. 

2. Eleanor's Jumper--Although this wasn't the first dress I made for Eleanor, I felt like I was a little more successful with this one. It actually fits her still (most of the other dresses I've made so far have either been way to big or only fit for a month tops). 

I also learned how to sew button holes with this one. Now that I've figured them out, it doesn't seem like a big deal, but it was one of those things I was avoiding learning because I felt a little intimidated. This was a great project for the kids clothes week challenge, and I was even able to make three more for Amelia (that's one that only fit for a week) and my sweet nieces. 

3. Crochet-Edged Receiving Blankets--Of all the things I made for Amelia while awaiting her arrival, these have proven to be the most useful. At nearly five months now she still loves being swaddled, and these blankets are still big enough to do the job! I took them everywhere with me while working on them--in the car, Skyler's t-ball practice, doctor's appointments. They already hold so many memories of Amelia's baby days, and they'll definitely be a go-to gift for baby showers!

4. Men's Shirt Quilt-- My most recent blanket was a much simpler quilt than the first one, but it's also made of memories--albeit of Chris's teaching days and the long nights of planning that came with it. It's also a reminder of all of his hard work in supporting our family, and that he gets to spend more time with us here at home now that he's a firefighter. And I can cuddle up with it on chilly nights when he's working at the station.

I'm proud of all that I've been able to create this year and I'm definitely not stopping anytime soon! The most cherished handmade items are those that evoke memories--and create them--so here's to many more well-loved projects in 2011!

Gag Reel, Or A Baby's First Solids

These pictures are actually about a week old. Somehow you start to get a little behind on things with your fourth baby...

As you can see she really loved her rice cereal...

She's been much more interested in eating her spoon...

And tugging at the strange thing around her neck.

So far we haven't tried feeding her regularly (ok I realize that sounds like we're starving her, but you know what I mean!)

We may just wait until she's more interested before we try anything new...


 


And until her gag-reflex has subsided!

Peaking Under the Christmas Tree

Only a week left of Advent, and although I'm done with all of the shopping, there's still a lot of gift-making to finish up (along with an out-of-town trip to pack for!). So in lieu of the regular Friday favorites, I decided to give you a little peak at one of the gifts the kids and I have been working on.

When I was about five or six, I convinced my younger brother and sister to peak at some of the presents under the tree before the big day. I came up with the clever plan of tearing off just a little piece of the wrapping paper and then gluing it back down with a glue stick (yes, I was a child prodigy).

I do remember spying Tinker Bell on what turned out to be a vhs of Peter Pan. I don't recall if we actually figured out what any of the gifts were, but I'm sure my parents were pretty suspicious when all the presents had little pieces of wrapping still stuck to them!

So, following in tradition, here's a little peak for some of the family members who will be receiving this gift (act really surprised and amazed when you do!). What last-minute holiday preparations are you up to?

Friday Favorites: Random

1. anna maria cowl  2. recycled crayons   3. chalkboard blocks   4. crocheted butterflies

How This Mama (Sometimes) Copes

photo by raine*

Although I have four kids, I'm not an expert. I forget at what month babies start to teeth or crawl. I don't have potty training down to a science. My house is not all kisses and cuddles day in and day out. I've had my share of go-without-a-shower, dishes-up-to-the-ceiling, the-kids-(and me)-are-all-crying crazy days. Sometimes all you can do is just plow through it. And I know that sounds like one of the worst pieces of advice for an overwhelmed mother ever, but it's true. Sometimes the only thing you can do is remember to take deep breaths. Or even try to laugh at yourself.

Yesterday, my three-year-old absolutely did not want to take his nap in his room. He was Mr. Oscar the Grouch, so I played right along with him. I goofily grumped and made three-year-old jokes (even if they did involve the word poop) until he laughed and played along. I eventually got him to quiet down and agree to take his nap, only to find him making himself at home on the couch thirty minutes later. Naptime was a no-go in the end, and it turned disastrous by bedtime (picture two tired toddlers and a teething baby), but at least I managed to ward the melt-down off until then.

There are seasons when sometimes the best is just making it through the day without killing anyone (I'm joking...but I certainly feel like it sometimes!), and that's ok. I would like to meet the mama who hasn't had one of those days. Until then, keep stocking that stash of dark chocolate, stay up late to watch your favorite show, indulge in a cup of coffee from Starbucks, and even give yourself a little extra grooming time now and then (omg I got to blow-dry my hair today!). I haven't quite made it over the hump yet, but I do believe there are calmer days (and maybe even a date with my husband) ahead!

5-Minute Wreath Tutorial

So in making our Christmas budget last month, I didn't leave much for new decorations. We have a fair amount of Christmas decor already, so I figured I would probably make something if anything. 

Well, I found myself at Hobby Lobby and really wanted to get/make a wreath for our front door. There are tons of awesome crafty wreath tutorials out there, but I wanted to stick with something quick and simple (I'm talking ten minutes or less with no sewing!). All the Christmas stuff was on sale, so I thought about getting a ready-made wreath, but they were all still more than I wanted to spend. 

They did have this plan 'ole wreath on sale for four bucks though...

And these wire berry sprigs for just under fifty cents a piece...

And I had this ribbon at home already...

So I bring to you... 

The 5-Minute Wreath Tutorial!

 

=

Step 1:  Round up your supplies (shopping is not included in the five-minute tutorial!)

Step 2:  Wrap the wire berry sprigs around the wreath any which way you like to secure them (and I guess you could add a little hot glue if you really wanted to).

Step 3:  Tie the ribbon on (the top, bottom, or side will do).  

Step 4:  Find a door! 

See, wasn't that easy??

(I need to go back and shorten that ribbon a little!)

Friday Favorites: DIY Gift Ideas

1. gathered clutch tutorial  2. melted soldier bowl   3. yoda crochet tutorial   4. fabric nesting dolls