tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62622795151917038472024-03-19T03:29:14.202-07:00blue eyed freckleblueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.comBlogger357125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-72086635313369140662018-11-13T18:34:00.003-08:002018-11-13T18:34:45.544-08:00Check out my new blog!!<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Hey anyone who finds this site via pinterest! I want you to know that I have a new blog over at </span><a href="http://www.katiekortman.com/" style="text-align: start;">www.katiekortman.com</a><span style="text-align: start;"> Go check it out! I talk about sewing, teaching (art and sewing), and my artwork!</span></div>
blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-69636499410195657362015-02-24T12:10:00.003-08:002015-02-24T14:07:00.534-08:00Homeschooling Part 1: Goals and Preschool In the past this blog was about design and DIY's and projects and headbands. I quit blogging shortly after I had Luca, my third child, because it wasn't how I wanted to spend my free time. And I didn't want to constantly be thinking about blogging or my business when the most important thing for me was to focus on my little guys. I know this time is fleeting and I didn't want to have regrets. (Instead I painted, sewed, and read books... without feeling like I had to BLOG about it!)<br />
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My kids are still small, but I am now homeschooling and have had so many questions over the past 2 years that I figured a few blog posts would be the best place to refer people to for answers! Who knows, maybe I'll want to blog again. I am passionate about homeschooling and love helping others that want to try it out so I hope these posts help someone.<br />
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First off: How we started.<br />
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I didn't know exactly how I wanted to homeschool when I started my oldest daughter in pre-k 4. My main thoughts and goals for homeschooling my children then and now have been as follows:<br />
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<b>I want my children to LOVE learning always and forever.</b></h4>
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<b>I want my children to have close relationships with one another and with my husband and I.</b></h4>
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<b>I want my children to be challenged and to be able to explore their interests and ideas to the fullest, and I wanted to show them how.</b></h4>
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<b>I want my children to be confident, well-adjusted, fun, and a little nerdy. </b></h4>
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<b>I want them to love books.</b></h4>
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Is that so much to ask? I know, I know, you can't ensure any of those things in life for other people. But I will know I tried my hardest to make it happen at the end of all this! And I have not ruled out ever sending my kids to school. I don't think schools are evil or that homeschooling is the only solution. I think it is a great solution for my kids at this time in our lives, and I'd love for it to continue until they go to college.<br />
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For Pre-k I bought a few things to get started.<br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Get-Ready-Code-Nancy-Hall/dp/0838817807/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424750530&sr=8-1&keywords=get+ready+for+the+code" target="_blank">Get Ready for the Code</a> (we breezed through books A,B, and C because she already knew the sounds of the alphabet) and then started with <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Explode-Code-1-Nancy-Hall/dp/0838814603/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424750642&sr=8-1&keywords=explode+the+code+1" target="_blank">Explode the Code Book 1 </a><br />
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I think these are great because they have the kids do lots of different visual exercises to see if they know the sounds of the letters. They also practice handwriting. With my second daughter we have also been loving <a href="http://get ready for school handwriting without tears" target="_blank">this book</a> for preschool. I made my own set of the shapes for making letters (Handwriting Without Tears). We also practiced letter and number writing on chalk and slate boards, and with our fingers in sugar and yogurt.<br />
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For math and numbers I used some books my mom passed onto me (she homeschooled my youngest brother who is 18 years younger than me for a few years). We mostly did math with her dolls and duplos though. Oh and food. She loved counting and adding food (and so does her sister currently). <br />
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Above you can see from my instagram feed, a photo of some things we did with <a href="http://duplo lego sets" target="_blank">duplos</a>. She graphed objects around the house, she did fractions, and solved equations. On the right is a sample of how I planned a week of school (sometimes-- I wasn't always this organized last year). I wanted preschool to be about what she was interested in. So I would ask her what she wanted to learn about that week (often we got ideas after reading or watching something) and we'd go to the library and check out lots of books on the subject. Then I'd come up with little projects to do as well and occasionally find a documentary. It was fun and laid back. My 2.5 year old would join us when she felt like it. My baby slept (we did "school" during his nap). Off the top of my head here are a few subjects we explored: Killer whales, dolphins, deep sea creatures, sea slugs, animal classification, microscopes, factories, food groups/nutrition, the human body, fish, bats, foxes (after loving the song "what does the fox say" we checked out and read every.single.book. on foxes from the library system in our county), weather, costa rica, rocks, and arctic animals. I learned so much myself! One of the perks of homeschooling is relearning things you'd long since forgotten, or perhaps never knew.<br />
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(ABOVE PHOTOS FROM PRE-K): We got memberships to museums and living history places. We studied the human body and made our own. We learned math and engineering concepts by building large structures with <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/CitiBlocs-Precision-Building-200-Pieces-0BCTBSL200/dp/B003BWVJ72/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1424805262&sr=1-1&keywords=citiblocs" target="_blank">these</a> blocks. We studied and then dissected fish (very cheap from a fish market!). I gave her the challenge of making a drawing solely out of squares, rectangles, triangles and circles.<br />
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For art, I made sure I had <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/?wmcp=msn&wmckw=%5Bdick%20blick%5D&wmcid=msn01&cid=psgex0120131" target="_blank">good supplies</a> (as in <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/canson-xl-watercolor-pads/" target="_blank">quality paper</a> and <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-essentials-tempera/" target="_blank">paints</a>) for them to use. I'd usually just put out the supplies and collage materials (pom-poms, sequins, feathers, popcicle sticks) and let them have at it. I really dislike teacher-led art projects with a specified result in mind. Perhaps that's good for teaching something else, but not creativity. This year I took a different approach and put out the supplies so that they can be used at any time (except tempera paints and other messier things that I need to monitor). We always have out tapes, glues, collage materials, pipe cleaners, watercolors and brushes, crayons, washable markers, colored pencils, pom-poms, and a giant roll of white butcher paper ($10-15 at costco or sams).<br />
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Perler Beads are great for practicing fine motor skills! And they take lots of patience.<br />
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We sometimes worked out of this awesome <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2014/06/preschool-daily-learning-notebook-2014-2015.html" target="_blank">preschool daily notebook from Confessions of a Homeschooler. </a>This year I have A kindergartener and a 3 1/2 year old (and 2 year old) who wants to do school when big sister does it. I use that notebook but I also added in pages from various pre-k workbooks I owned. She loves "doing her school" notebook. We also use the <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Handwriting-Without-Tears-School-Activity/dp/B0042SR46Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424750819&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=get+ready+for+school+handwriting+without+tears" target="_blank">Handwriting Without Tears book</a> I mentioned above. Next year I will use the "Get Ready for the Code" with her since she is still learning the alphabet and numbers more thoroughly this year.<br />
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Here is my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/blueeyedfreckle/homeschool-preschool/" target="_blank">homeschool: preschool board</a> where I pin lots of ideas to use for this age! Ive used many already.<br />
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<b>Books to inspire your teaching</b>:<br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Well-Trained-Mind-Classical-Education-Revised/dp/0393059278/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424807223&sr=1-2&keywords=the+well+trained+mind" target="_blank">The Well-trained mind</a>- I don't follow this exactly but liked alot of her ideas and she makes great school-age curriculum.<br />
<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Teaching-Your-Tiara-Homeschooling-Book/dp/0615791506/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424807301&sr=1-1&keywords=teaching+in+your+tiara" target="_blank">Teaching in Your Tiara</a> - great for people who are scared of homeschooling and don't know where to start!<br />
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<b>Great Homeschooling blogs</b>:<br />
<a href="http://www.creativehomeschoolblog.com/?m=0" target="_blank">Creative Homeschool</a>- lots of freebies!!<br />
<a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/" target="_blank">Confessions of a Homeschooler</a> - freebies, posts about how she homeschools, and curriculum she's written that you can print out in the comfort of your home!<br />
<a href="http://wildflowerramblings.com/montessori-learning/learning-sounds-with-montessori-alphabet-objects/" target="_blank">Wildflower Ramblings</a>- she's also a teacher turned homeschooler (there's lots of us out there!) who does a lot of montessori and Reggio-inspired activities.<br />
<a href="http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/10/alphabet-crafts.html" target="_blank">No Time for Flashcards</a>- great source for preschool ideas<br />
<a href="http://www.monthome.com/pl.htm" target="_blank">Mom at Home</a>- montessori ideas<br />
<a href="http://www.mudhutmama.com/" target="_blank">Mud Hut Momma</a>- I think she has great ideas out there in the Bush of Africa!<br />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/" target="_blank">Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers</a>- I mean the name says it all. Love this blog.<br />
There are a MILLION-and ONE homeschool and teacher blogs out there you could read, but those should get your started! <br />
(Also everyone always says, "oh but homeschooling.... your child wont get socialized!" It makes me want to laugh and say rude things, but I usually hold my breath. Oh darn, so my kids wont learn about condoms and the "f" word in kindergarten? They won't have boys telling them they want to have sex with them and pinching their butts in fourth grade? They won't have all the girls in their class leave them out intentionally so their self-esteem lowers gradually over the years? They won't have a teacher squash their creativity and tell them people don't have purple hair? DARN! (Those are true stories of people I know and love.) They will have chances to socialize. At church, at homeschool playgroups and outings, in the myriad classes offered to homeschoolers everywhere, and with neighbors. I mean come on. Also, kids usually only turn out as weird as their parents. And I hope mine are as nice and weird as me!<br />
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If you have more questions about things I wrote in this post please leave it in the comments as it will help me in writing more posts. <br />
<br />blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-35584031595507179672013-03-04T12:04:00.000-08:002013-03-04T12:04:02.895-08:00Clip-on bow-tie for GIRLS (or boys)!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe4oXfXkVODNoOOcQ66hhZxLPY68Ha6pSMN829T4bsywftAdPiOGO9nihuEx_BnsXtDKJgVqZ-tCJ8658lTVD1bIo7xgRbH8r2BRNCyLJRd-cVe45zaFyEkuUCISmePXGi3HkKzugZJQ/s1600/luca+bowtie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwe4oXfXkVODNoOOcQ66hhZxLPY68Ha6pSMN829T4bsywftAdPiOGO9nihuEx_BnsXtDKJgVqZ-tCJ8658lTVD1bIo7xgRbH8r2BRNCyLJRd-cVe45zaFyEkuUCISmePXGi3HkKzugZJQ/s640/luca+bowtie.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
I really should have a better "Introducing baby Luca!" photo for you
all, but if you really care about seeing my adorable, now 2 month old
baby boy who weighs THIRTEEN POUNDS, we are probably already friends on
instagram. If you follow me on there then you already know how super
cute and pudgy he is, how he looks just like my husband, and how the
reason I haven't blogged in 2 months is due to trying to cope with 3
kids 3 and under, and a week long stay in the hospital that lead to 2
more weeks of double vision. <----not at="" computer....="" for="" good="" p="" staring="" the=""><br />
I am now getting into the swing of things
and am better adjusted to this crazy crazy life of mine. It is NO JOKE
taking care of three baby/toddlers! Just taking them somewhere is a
workout. Getting three kids buckled, un-buckled, into strollers etc is
killing me. I don't like having to go too many places because I'm sweaty
and worn out! But one day they will all be able to walk themselves,
unbuckle themselves, and get themselves situated in the car and life
will be a tad easier in that department. For now I am just
trying to focus on how cute they all are (when they aren't screaming at
each other or coloring on the walls of course). I love being a mother,
more than I ever imagined (I always thought I didn't want kids--HA!),
but its also even harder than I imagined. Luckily I have a really great,
helpful partner/husband who gives me lots of rest on the weekends. Only
3 more months left til that's over and he starts his Ob-Gyn residency!
ahhh!<br />
<br />
Okay, so on to the subject for today: BOW-TIES!
Yes, tutorials are all over the internet, and in fact one of my most
popular posts of all time on pinterest, is the <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-bow-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Big Bow Tutorial</a>. Which
you can use to make the bow-tie itself. <i><b>This</b></i> tutorial is for making it
work on girls, women, and baby boys with crew neck instead of collared
shirts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSmmBNEiRvVnwtIqj7MwiVLQiB52xbPiBcyhTvX0LdGWjnSvGDfnlT7REYE3hrV-cPxaBGSpDiHax4pingeuzuwda8ZOlJQU313lsr-CoaWZkccHG0GKl7sdEYsF5VS6ElfWeTlG1lVs/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSmmBNEiRvVnwtIqj7MwiVLQiB52xbPiBcyhTvX0LdGWjnSvGDfnlT7REYE3hrV-cPxaBGSpDiHax4pingeuzuwda8ZOlJQU313lsr-CoaWZkccHG0GKl7sdEYsF5VS6ElfWeTlG1lVs/s320/-1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<u><b>Materials needed:</b></u></div>
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a bow, <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-bow-tutorial.html" target="_blank">large</a> or small, fabric, leather, felt, crochet/knitted, whatever you want! </div>
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2 snap clips as shown below</div>
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hot glue/gun</div>
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<br /></div>
I love <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2010/04/big-bow-tutorial.html" target="_blank">bows</a> and bow-ties, but the traditional way to make one has a band around the neck, or a clip that goes sideways, and both require a collared shirt to be worn. I
originally came up with this solution when a friend of mine asked me to
make some felt bow-ties for her baby who mostly wore onesies, but I
figured out it works for adults as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTzh7AfToIAKOPuCKRDStiNMvxVxMn0wWpORh6yUdI1ZBeLVWhpNV3tGzmQdF-8H_9Dk6uYoaJfPPTXwHlA5XZ84oCyzz0q1yFnfPD5SjZ07bjlfUt84NBN5NMW5Jcw5ZKVF02cq66-4/s1600/bow+clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTzh7AfToIAKOPuCKRDStiNMvxVxMn0wWpORh6yUdI1ZBeLVWhpNV3tGzmQdF-8H_9Dk6uYoaJfPPTXwHlA5XZ84oCyzz0q1yFnfPD5SjZ07bjlfUt84NBN5NMW5Jcw5ZKVF02cq66-4/s400/bow+clip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
1. hot glue the two clips on to the bow, at the width apart that works for the wear-er/ bow. Okay, now you are finished. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiceOmPidxDV-Rx2FID5CRHnHbi72-euS5qOg22ze-uDry1HPfqxB6bTmJlfbzXv0p1LM9cMKN3ngec4Cga3QHe-iXARc0ai5c-QKKhvMkUqJUF1PAjwGh08IxbWfx5a8wTFED9sjnSQ/s1600/bow+on+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiceOmPidxDV-Rx2FID5CRHnHbi72-euS5qOg22ze-uDry1HPfqxB6bTmJlfbzXv0p1LM9cMKN3ngec4Cga3QHe-iXARc0ai5c-QKKhvMkUqJUF1PAjwGh08IxbWfx5a8wTFED9sjnSQ/s400/bow+on+me.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Attach to yourself, your baby, your son or daughter! I love love love mine, and made 3 at once.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5EQp9GIqhkvls15oL0iBGKVO_6S1aattyP6V0ZhAoiUQZf30qxwgZs9yjfsIHRSBq0Q_8BNDVvNJsS6jf2eJwSmXg-UfUeMvqASEatnGB4EpIXnkanfljZ2XnEZhZAqtDOxIlMSP8M0/s1600/bow+on+collar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5EQp9GIqhkvls15oL0iBGKVO_6S1aattyP6V0ZhAoiUQZf30qxwgZs9yjfsIHRSBq0Q_8BNDVvNJsS6jf2eJwSmXg-UfUeMvqASEatnGB4EpIXnkanfljZ2XnEZhZAqtDOxIlMSP8M0/s640/bow+on+collar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And if you happen to own one of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFreckledPurl?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">THESE adorable collars</a>, then you can attach it for another look! Eek! (note: she didn't make the collar shown above, hers are higher quality (I own quite a few), this was an attempt at making a rectangle that I somehow accidentally made into a curved rectangle, much like a collar!!)<br />
<br /></----not>blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-23150905646373494222012-12-21T06:39:00.003-08:002012-12-21T06:39:27.375-08:00Merry Christmas Everyone! (early)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17I2mcVwoL_qD4pW5XITnZsOT-gIl8bVWby3iieRgwYTc7WhvqaYE-yWPh7J2c9yKomfsPUstMCI7s5CYZgOous1_VnYhltLEQjt-4iT2chcEcPBo-c_cGz00jB7BEQjQpL7NJgyeuls/s1600/kortmanchristmas2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17I2mcVwoL_qD4pW5XITnZsOT-gIl8bVWby3iieRgwYTc7WhvqaYE-yWPh7J2c9yKomfsPUstMCI7s5CYZgOous1_VnYhltLEQjt-4iT2chcEcPBo-c_cGz00jB7BEQjQpL7NJgyeuls/s640/kortmanchristmas2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Just in case I go into labor before Christmas (which there is a very high probability of), I thought I would post my virtual Christmas card for everyone. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday (or HAD one if you celebrated Hanukkah)! blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-25381119588014856982012-12-20T06:37:00.001-08:002012-12-20T06:37:38.611-08:00projects only seen on my instagram! (some of what I've been making this month)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEipMEP_QRAkZoY3fCln4XWAKc4SXj9TATJexNfqbeuDJpMmvXiFfvuCuctdwaWDBRFjZHOWcCfOjj8r2zyvXZ6EnX9xRfet0r5vIZJrDxi1IyKWMzoXictdgAi8QKw3FLDPLIcUSkCzk/s1600/photo-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEipMEP_QRAkZoY3fCln4XWAKc4SXj9TATJexNfqbeuDJpMmvXiFfvuCuctdwaWDBRFjZHOWcCfOjj8r2zyvXZ6EnX9xRfet0r5vIZJrDxi1IyKWMzoXictdgAi8QKw3FLDPLIcUSkCzk/s640/photo-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
a pom-pom garland I finally strung and hung in my girls' new shared room! (I made the pom-poms almost a year ago)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY3wyh8CsZztFFUZ2zYLpEYzaMgfBk7vXyMFq3aE1YhmWP4nE-2JcgcrSwvB1eLKZB8V5abBP8kADNZdX0mzuPlKr8W430GPXRHn_PgYrHzrWwDJGQClbgWF4emdLgd4FTcYCMpSoC5M/s1600/photo-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJY3wyh8CsZztFFUZ2zYLpEYzaMgfBk7vXyMFq3aE1YhmWP4nE-2JcgcrSwvB1eLKZB8V5abBP8kADNZdX0mzuPlKr8W430GPXRHn_PgYrHzrWwDJGQClbgWF4emdLgd4FTcYCMpSoC5M/s640/photo-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
and the felted ball garland I strung after buying the balls a year ago to make a wreath (but discovered what I had bought would only have filled a 1/4 of a wreath form).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDc5lkhZAbfeThloaN_I9qkOFxqCtNSKrAHhe6sEKNw8NwUSy9qZ27bEmPDs4ubf4Jr1C5wgSdkpAUju1i1beiKru6-3XWHlQ95F1wkS8kAffhuGFhmhlRSt8TWoQ6swvxUqjPLbJOJk/s1600/photo-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDc5lkhZAbfeThloaN_I9qkOFxqCtNSKrAHhe6sEKNw8NwUSy9qZ27bEmPDs4ubf4Jr1C5wgSdkpAUju1i1beiKru6-3XWHlQ95F1wkS8kAffhuGFhmhlRSt8TWoQ6swvxUqjPLbJOJk/s640/photo-25.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
a Gold posterboard triangle bunting/garland for my tree!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwUfVy-l3C4xD7qCiKK9qQzbQ_FKrfsuqUTuakN0J_DO3STdR9casEJK7b9yl1M6bjLp-7IzZcYlk9d7sN7e3alZfFvcRkm7l1S_piktg3FKQqVodIsCj29I538yZ2EYy-EVH_K9Eik4/s1600/photo-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwUfVy-l3C4xD7qCiKK9qQzbQ_FKrfsuqUTuakN0J_DO3STdR9casEJK7b9yl1M6bjLp-7IzZcYlk9d7sN7e3alZfFvcRkm7l1S_piktg3FKQqVodIsCj29I538yZ2EYy-EVH_K9Eik4/s640/photo-26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
died (food coloring) and glittered (spray adhesive+glitter) pasta garland (I re-strung onto twine and tied each pasta bow on, rather than gluing which didn't work well).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DBhx76Ufi2-BqQ616pQH2MmxSHl-AK4iDAJy3i22tzWdnjL-GddL9LHm0MNBiD2mso6bPpC-hcp26JUGP32JcAWDVNTpjQRo8pKAi8b1NvyUjbY6UNjY-7brELKfOwKJrl-uioRPMaA/s1600/photo-27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DBhx76Ufi2-BqQ616pQH2MmxSHl-AK4iDAJy3i22tzWdnjL-GddL9LHm0MNBiD2mso6bPpC-hcp26JUGP32JcAWDVNTpjQRo8pKAi8b1NvyUjbY6UNjY-7brELKfOwKJrl-uioRPMaA/s640/photo-27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Made stockings for my family (and made 3 extra just.in.case.) out of a felted wool blanket, antique doily trim, and turkish (antique) wool felt coasters! All things my mom had so nicely passed on to me as she cleaned and organized all her vintage finds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzWPwROzr0PQ-YAIWAwHhj4HWzhc4z5Y9gX1kIhDEjT5PXCSSfv5WOwdi96rkbZqsQuyxcwVT2eBjrB9UWkQgD-9l7abii6a7I1AR5wybvUucoROSvsUCrNzGh3TJ4ZJy9Lk0HclM-9I/s1600/photo-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzWPwROzr0PQ-YAIWAwHhj4HWzhc4z5Y9gX1kIhDEjT5PXCSSfv5WOwdi96rkbZqsQuyxcwVT2eBjrB9UWkQgD-9l7abii6a7I1AR5wybvUucoROSvsUCrNzGh3TJ4ZJy9Lk0HclM-9I/s640/photo-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
spray-painted the front of Amélie's new $2.50 shoes (on sale) from H&M.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ikaOUXROe_ctQrriXJyUOFk0jj1bu1Wi_1qk5A_vLfNooNTLcPqHmf5fUgL4r5A4gqkDpBNIxmUWskzVDkAzycJ2Z7f4dgdGbo6iGJAEV2NQ_W4A22YqOc72A8j2XSu01GbXV8MLls/s1600/photo-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ikaOUXROe_ctQrriXJyUOFk0jj1bu1Wi_1qk5A_vLfNooNTLcPqHmf5fUgL4r5A4gqkDpBNIxmUWskzVDkAzycJ2Z7f4dgdGbo6iGJAEV2NQ_W4A22YqOc72A8j2XSu01GbXV8MLls/s400/photo-29.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And bleached a bunch of bottlebrush trees that I bought last year for this very purpose!<br />
<br />
The last trimester of pregnancy (plus not having to do a fab.com sale this year) really helped me kick my butt in gear! And this is only maybe 40% of what I have actually made and done. I don't like to be TOO obnoxious on instagram or this blog so I try to leave some of it out... or spread it out:)blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-90342297050042140092012-12-18T10:43:00.002-08:002012-12-18T10:43:29.655-08:00New Sponsor: REEVE WRITES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlISyQ1n68TpQRpTQEHaVL7dZOL4VIj_wPjKMpv_f7x2Qtx-DBu46Gj6WEmDg0dfu1HVTSl2nlyMj1WBOv3_blIUWf79fg-ycpk8LRNo0ZxiYKmhZB6v84ha7A8OxGFdUnc1WvLLeErI/s1600/Reevesidebarimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlISyQ1n68TpQRpTQEHaVL7dZOL4VIj_wPjKMpv_f7x2Qtx-DBu46Gj6WEmDg0dfu1HVTSl2nlyMj1WBOv3_blIUWf79fg-ycpk8LRNo0ZxiYKmhZB6v84ha7A8OxGFdUnc1WvLLeErI/s1600/Reevesidebarimage.jpg" /></a></div>
I am thrilled to tell you all about my new sponsor Reeve Coobs of the blog <a href="http://www.reevewrites.com/" target="_blank">"Reeve Writes</a>." I often look at decorating and crafting blogs, but until now hadn't wandered onto the blogs of any musicians. I love Reeve's perspectives on things, not as a just a DIY'er (though she does have some cool DIY's as seen below), but as a <a href="http://www.reevemusic.com/fr_home.cfm" target="_blank">song writer and singer.</a> And her music? Her voice? Amazing. <br />
<br />
In Reeve's words: I'm a singer-songwriter living in Davidson, NC. I'm in the process of
finishing up my first full-length studio album, YAY! I love sad songs,
dissonant harmony, drums that make you move, and songs with an element
of surprise. You can read more about her fun, quirky personality <a href="http://www.reevewrites.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I personally can't wait to here her album when it is finished. Her voice, both literal and written are the kind I like to listen to when I paint, craft, or do other creative things. Gorgeous.<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByX7nNpxvULDga2PhnnzTZKeO6jtvu5uQ7mOT0BSsZkYJAwrTIQLrndPbmtO-gEcRhk4a9r0sVPka3hjVApeVcpOqnCLG6OyIxIq9mQ7YPOAbOa-oV03U-nXa0btEE6DOEmqrCU3gAI0/s1600/981529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjByX7nNpxvULDga2PhnnzTZKeO6jtvu5uQ7mOT0BSsZkYJAwrTIQLrndPbmtO-gEcRhk4a9r0sVPka3hjVApeVcpOqnCLG6OyIxIq9mQ7YPOAbOa-oV03U-nXa0btEE6DOEmqrCU3gAI0/s640/981529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Music to<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/store/store/artist_28013?item_type=music" target="_blank"> buy and sample here</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg5p_SoZGavCubKf-cuRTDnzjJnMpTrsc-at2Ew1hxktmCxbZX7FOOHJlC7IWS45Kcv_vDSitZqZwne6oRz8aKhmPtj6FGyJHVXLpycNUpYnhznLJmnAXZ0TNKa7pwGIUXw6a_KrHpAk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRg5p_SoZGavCubKf-cuRTDnzjJnMpTrsc-at2Ew1hxktmCxbZX7FOOHJlC7IWS45Kcv_vDSitZqZwne6oRz8aKhmPtj6FGyJHVXLpycNUpYnhznLJmnAXZ0TNKa7pwGIUXw6a_KrHpAk/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
tutorial found <a href="http://www.reevewrites.com/2012/09/earring-display-diy.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
So check this girl out! You will love her too, I am sure!blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-84664595826564719122012-12-17T06:19:00.000-08:002012-12-17T06:19:30.131-08:00Magnetic DIY Nativity Advent calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made this advent calendar the last week of November, and somehow I didn't get around to posting about it until a week before Christmas. Sorry peeps. That is just the lame kind of blogger I am! My family and real life take priority over this little space, and so I make and do a million projects that never get posted on here! I guess you could always pin this one for next year:)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ijn84B-FcAF653ZWLBPd0mclc4UodbRd-0_elh1shiGoCrCIhVIo8u6amMEeFyPp_Rog6rO3rMthgbuZJfa5NnVpTJRylV2Qgl97xWABnxf4TJ19F8x1xERF6Aed-geaAugHiQtTnGY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ijn84B-FcAF653ZWLBPd0mclc4UodbRd-0_elh1shiGoCrCIhVIo8u6amMEeFyPp_Rog6rO3rMthgbuZJfa5NnVpTJRylV2Qgl97xWABnxf4TJ19F8x1xERF6Aed-geaAugHiQtTnGY/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div>
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MATERIALS NEEDED:</div>
Metal serving tray, or the like (I used a vintage t.v. dinner tray!) that magnets will stick to.<br />
Magnetic "Canvas" (available where you find the magnets at Michaels or JoAnn's)<br />
Acrylic paint/brushes<br />
kitchen scissors (or scissors you don't mind cutting the thin magnet canvas with)<br />
Felt, or fabric to make a pouch for storing the pieces (I used felt of course)<br />
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PIECES TO PAINT:<br />
Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, hay for the manger, the manger, mouse (cow, or other barn animal), donkey, 3 wisemen, 3 gifts, large Shepard, small Shepard, 2 sheep, 3 angels, 1 large star, 2 small stars, the stable logs (there are 4 of them-used all for one day of the advent)<br />
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These are the pieces I chose to paint so that we would have enough to last 24 days. You can do it differently, those are just my suggestions. I had a hard time figuring out 24 different things to put up there that would all fit on my tray!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZT4W2QMwrMtxBIby561iKbb7LYGhaXfkxE-hbRYoVNwS_tOYvBERiSinBPfMDAYGdkN2BkGlB7uCn4frkcaeQLifg4QB-bOP0t8Y31HnjomikQqHQZjycG8NIofWmO5iooBZSC1CVTM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZT4W2QMwrMtxBIby561iKbb7LYGhaXfkxE-hbRYoVNwS_tOYvBERiSinBPfMDAYGdkN2BkGlB7uCn4frkcaeQLifg4QB-bOP0t8Y31HnjomikQqHQZjycG8NIofWmO5iooBZSC1CVTM/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div>
I first created a basic envelope with velcro closure to store the pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJjqPbiIScRogggZR9Rg2cKfEg0tsml_y6CT6r5ZZZryMxsl7qLCPhy5PvBqfZRkkz6dVh_LtSolGtjkKFsqHMrJSbLjtq37Dh3qdXV2d3QRQs7W5L76cMka5f-Ga1zfo644yiMaJx_k/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUJjqPbiIScRogggZR9Rg2cKfEg0tsml_y6CT6r5ZZZryMxsl7qLCPhy5PvBqfZRkkz6dVh_LtSolGtjkKFsqHMrJSbLjtq37Dh3qdXV2d3QRQs7W5L76cMka5f-Ga1zfo644yiMaJx_k/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></div>
2. I then painted directly onto the magnet canvas little cartoonish figures. I wanted this to be a fast and easy project so I didn't stress about how they looked, just on having different colors, and having them be small enough to fit the tray. Make this simple. Paint circles for their heads, and a solid shape of color for their bodies. It doesn't have to be a work of art!<br />
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3. Once they were all very dry (I let them dry over night), I cut them out with my kitchen shears.<br />
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4. I then took an paint marker and marked them all on the front with
their number for the day they should be put up.... before realizing I
could've just done it on the back.... duh<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12JkWiemVWQ1z1oJScMcRlH73Mznw4HifIc5R43HYvhpAztlzl3uma66vmq6J9-XlyejneBGNrQS5qIOYKY91os_swLNXhfu5oRYOiOHDVcdQAFHlde4Kz6NIEu_fCM78SLRe2N-pZfI/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12JkWiemVWQ1z1oJScMcRlH73Mznw4HifIc5R43HYvhpAztlzl3uma66vmq6J9-XlyejneBGNrQS5qIOYKY91os_swLNXhfu5oRYOiOHDVcdQAFHlde4Kz6NIEu_fCM78SLRe2N-pZfI/s640/5.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
You are finished! My daughters have been so excited to take a magnet out of the pouch each day and put it up on the board. It was so simple and easy to make this nativity advent calendar and I am so glad I did. I hope it gets entered into their memories of childhood Christmases as we do it year after year:)blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-77333743956919604292012-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:002012-12-07T11:58:11.930-08:00Easy DIY kids ornament!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCQWCoC9uF-x2u45D0dY5YrK_SgB6Fcnav7vAAIyucb3CoNXs2pXtc4RMYZjuWFVB2iIf-J6c7_EVXytk_jsmz84ZjI1SVefHXc8OQOdORrcHScySJqrVh6Q3iroRmmPrjonJGyDJeG8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCQWCoC9uF-x2u45D0dY5YrK_SgB6Fcnav7vAAIyucb3CoNXs2pXtc4RMYZjuWFVB2iIf-J6c7_EVXytk_jsmz84ZjI1SVefHXc8OQOdORrcHScySJqrVh6Q3iroRmmPrjonJGyDJeG8/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
We are doing a holiday activity every day as one of our advent "calendars" this year, which has been really fun! It has helped me get in the spirit of Christmas, and since my oldest is 3 1/2 this year she is really into everything we do. One of the first cards she pulled out said to "Make an ornament for the tree." And I came up with this fun idea when we were at the Christmas tree lot!<br />
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<u><b>Materials needed:</b></u><br />
free slice of christmas tree trunk (you can go to a lot and ask for whatever they have. We didn't even buy a tree, just gathered loose branches and this trunk disc!)<br />
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paint, glue, glitter, spray paint (whatever materials you have on hand)<br />
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twine/yarn/string and hot glue (or drill a hole)<br />
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1. I spray-painted the disc gold on both sides<br />
2. Olivia (3 yrs) painted it with her tempera paints<br />
3. She added drops of elmer's glue and then sprinkled a few colors of glitter on top. We left it to dry over night.<br />
4. I cut twine and hot glued it to the back, sandwiched with a piece of felt. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQct9-A0fHfQIl7c6SlnJIVvoBZp6TeB-bBQXPz5k9aKyzq5uA1EtKw_PMKfLvqpcMBsviuIOH4O66YnQhVLeMJ5SgTOK1MFuN26VZFDabBbte5ZPujU9-21TKZ6WAqgv3Qbp1XT2J-Kw/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQct9-A0fHfQIl7c6SlnJIVvoBZp6TeB-bBQXPz5k9aKyzq5uA1EtKw_PMKfLvqpcMBsviuIOH4O66YnQhVLeMJ5SgTOK1MFuN26VZFDabBbte5ZPujU9-21TKZ6WAqgv3Qbp1XT2J-Kw/s640/2.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
Easy! They make an ornament that is gorgeous and so simple! I like those kind of projects:)!!blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-90691566819584461812012-12-06T07:42:00.000-08:002012-12-06T07:42:38.132-08:00DIY: Holiday Garlands and Tassels!Remember when we made that <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-indecisive-shirt.html" target="_blank">awesomely versatile shirt</a>? Well, thanks to <a href="http://myownfringemaker.com/" target="_blank">My Own Fringemaker</a> I have been busy making more awesome things out of yarn for the holiday season. I seriously love this contraption, as it allows me to make fringe, tassels, pom-poms, and so much more out of yarn and ribbons you already have around the house. If you want some ideas for using fringe and such check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/blueeyedfreckle/fringe-ideas/" target="_blank">pinterest board here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfqHkMgoUWiMLUkNuN0lXu8jMsik5G20zCOR8k2YrfDwWwD9uCWm98zJFOhZXJhWWSyxrN4J_jUXMaWAn9rE3HjShOzy8RJchU9xqQJeaUYhdOYW4pJmGs18XgCbBUHG-kOhu_BvU7oM/s1600/fringemaker+idea1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfqHkMgoUWiMLUkNuN0lXu8jMsik5G20zCOR8k2YrfDwWwD9uCWm98zJFOhZXJhWWSyxrN4J_jUXMaWAn9rE3HjShOzy8RJchU9xqQJeaUYhdOYW4pJmGs18XgCbBUHG-kOhu_BvU7oM/s640/fringemaker+idea1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
For my first holiday decoration idea, I tied on my yarn and wrapped at about 1 inch apart (I did 2 at once on the fringemaker). The <a href="http://myownfringemaker.com/shop/cid-66/My-Own-Fringemaker-a-unique-embellishing-system.htm" target="_blank">Fringemaker</a> allows you to just hold the yarn ball, and then you twist the crank really fast and it winds it all on there in seconds! I also made several pom-poms at once on it and then put the two together to make a garland you could hang on your wall or Christmas tree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSbV928kyUYv7shId3Kj6moBC_anPy8QXvTo-K4Zz2pWylSiXLlRHcVYPyGO-DaB1ITxe2E2gBIhYhx0QyfsXc9cffd5lVTPsFsDWLd3w-yVKg2lyx0Ti8-BNLvGbF2LMVRP3PHefA0U/s1600/fringemaker+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSbV928kyUYv7shId3Kj6moBC_anPy8QXvTo-K4Zz2pWylSiXLlRHcVYPyGO-DaB1ITxe2E2gBIhYhx0QyfsXc9cffd5lVTPsFsDWLd3w-yVKg2lyx0Ti8-BNLvGbF2LMVRP3PHefA0U/s640/fringemaker+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also made a large tassel out of my twisted strands and pom-poms (I really really love pom-poms, and not just cause they are trendy, but I always have! I even made a pom-pom scarf my freshman year of college--13 yrs ago).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWxjwtno5VN_YXk4ueiRI_WbF6VaXtGZfl8CGP0mxN8geMTwsWcw-aE98lqKEdaWpiE0eozdDD82CXRAZ1dHVmr4mwy2TGKgjwM6V0ZUHQbndE6PtVXe1THXZUeEV_ztQ50kGD54MiwA/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWxjwtno5VN_YXk4ueiRI_WbF6VaXtGZfl8CGP0mxN8geMTwsWcw-aE98lqKEdaWpiE0eozdDD82CXRAZ1dHVmr4mwy2TGKgjwM6V0ZUHQbndE6PtVXe1THXZUeEV_ztQ50kGD54MiwA/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
Here is my tassel hanging proudly with my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86813906/reindeer-garland-bunting" target="_blank">reindeer garland</a> and wood flag bunting (made from balsa wood and twine). I love it!blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-53918927721932385472012-12-03T17:51:00.002-08:002012-12-03T17:51:49.412-08:00Giveaway winner!!Sorry to announce this so late today, but the winner of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFreckledPurl?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">the Freckled Purl</a> collar is .........comment #27! From Mari who said,<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"All the collars are wonderful!! Trying to pick only one is like going to Dylan's Candy Bar store and choosing one type of candy; impossible. I like them all!! If only allowed to select one, I pick the white Peter Pan collar. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wonderful talent and giveaway, thank you!"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
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mari please contact me with your information and I will forward it to heather so she can begin your collar! </div>
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Don't forget everyone, you can still get free shipping if you use The code FREESHIP2012 at checkout! She can make all the collars you see onmy blog in adult of child. Make a great gift or photo prop!</div>
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</span>blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-83795566540223278202012-11-27T08:28:00.000-08:002012-11-27T13:15:48.957-08:00The Freckled Purl: the only accessory you'll need this winter! (plus a GIVEAWAY!!)!!!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UpikWH525pFc0EWSuJWJjuzNoyf_AQSvCCmGvhhCiyJAh6xorqMTR8h9CyMg9Iy_ib_63ZLaFqD7txsyi-PQqJrkOMp-tC67bGk7RRBIu-L01dVr6ZiHODnWcqKJbV1_vZQzHZONrFU/s1600/heathercollarwear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UpikWH525pFc0EWSuJWJjuzNoyf_AQSvCCmGvhhCiyJAh6xorqMTR8h9CyMg9Iy_ib_63ZLaFqD7txsyi-PQqJrkOMp-tC67bGk7RRBIu-L01dVr6ZiHODnWcqKJbV1_vZQzHZONrFU/s640/heathercollarwear.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Heather of the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFreckledPurl?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">Freckled Purl</a> is a friend of mine, and when I discovered her talent for making adorable crocheted collars, I commissioned 7 for myself and family members. If you are friends with me on Instagram (I'm still private so you have to request) you know how obsessed I am with them! And if you follow my blog, then you know how much<a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/search?q=collar" target="_blank"> I love a collar</a> to make a solid shirt or dress have a little more character.</div>
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Well, I am here to tell you some good news. We are giving away one of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFreckledPurl?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">her collars</a> this week!! You can win one to give as a gift or keep for yourself this holiday season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdm4XnizFVejJoqriZpd2RWxOlYvoXiEsKG9AD-Toi2HlLJPewkANp7-JYjcU9RadHz1tVbpCTA9ga890AW_U3E8QkHlRGFfn8ANA6n1ENlLW5800ljugWSNAv1LvFLnUD900umdt-gE/s1600/heathercollars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdm4XnizFVejJoqriZpd2RWxOlYvoXiEsKG9AD-Toi2HlLJPewkANp7-JYjcU9RadHz1tVbpCTA9ga890AW_U3E8QkHlRGFfn8ANA6n1ENlLW5800ljugWSNAv1LvFLnUD900umdt-gE/s640/heathercollars.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I actually own 4 of the collars you see pictured above:) If you go to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFreckledPurl?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">The Freckled Purl</a> you won't see all the colors pictured, but you can have any size (adult or child) or style (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/111193598/collar-scalloped-crochet-handmade-pink" target="_blank">scalloped </a>or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110974453/peter-pan-collar-crochet-white-orange" target="_blank">peter pan</a>) done in any of the colors she has shown here (yarn color options also indicated in the listings) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDu8wGQsvpj-l_ECoJ874DKrYSPhAw6sPFmm-V8hy5Q7sw4Hm8oiPanVaqpp6AC0MHkm9GWENEzM1Xz3oB6AZScmzkikP7cIrIKCsy4fyKyhe46KgKxFoyZ1P7C9QK1fPXlV0aWfho9g/s1600/heather9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwDu8wGQsvpj-l_ECoJ874DKrYSPhAw6sPFmm-V8hy5Q7sw4Hm8oiPanVaqpp6AC0MHkm9GWENEzM1Xz3oB6AZScmzkikP7cIrIKCsy4fyKyhe46KgKxFoyZ1P7C9QK1fPXlV0aWfho9g/s640/heather9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can use coupon code <span style="font-size: 19px;">FREESHIP2012 <span style="font-size: small;">at
checkout to get free shipping right now, just because you read my blog<span style="font-size: small;">!</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMaJKtSeR5qFQ_5BHhXJc0ZAzW23xVuMzIIcrqP1BZpNffytjAzwAZB9FRSKkp1TNFkPq8ivjX7kU_I2NSMo74FLNi6jnf6nkscDG_jmDiCQIEn6kTGC2NEeM7qIa4Bu3rPC8LSbQpr4/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMaJKtSeR5qFQ_5BHhXJc0ZAzW23xVuMzIIcrqP1BZpNffytjAzwAZB9FRSKkp1TNFkPq8ivjX7kU_I2NSMo74FLNi6jnf6nkscDG_jmDiCQIEn6kTGC2NEeM7qIa4Bu3rPC8LSbQpr4/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And look how cute they are on little girls! ahh!</div>
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Here are the ways you can get a chance to win one of these cute collars. Remember, each needs to be left in a separate comment!</div>
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1. leave a comment about what you think of her collars/ and or a link to your favorite one</div>
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2. like The Freckled Purl on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheFreckledPurl" target="_blank"> Facebook</a> (then leave a comment saying so here)</div>
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3. Post about this giveaway on your Facebook/ twitter/ and/or instagram! (and give me the link)</div>
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Good luck to all! The giveaway ends on Friday, November 30 at 11:59pm PST. </div>
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blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-24906793699900966832012-11-26T10:03:00.002-08:002012-11-26T10:03:35.229-08:00CYBER MONDAY/ HOLIDAY SALE!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzY3roMtj6lQe0iXh5J8GyvdfSbQRCLTX4lQaQvh8ysq0PXLsY1_bF1pU-451gjX9D87G8W6oyFRL0AM3uRx7JuEsncAFHNwlZL_zcuK8zwpMdjEDCDY4hJSGibuugHGQUa-0b4v1sFY/s1600/il_570xN.310075451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzY3roMtj6lQe0iXh5J8GyvdfSbQRCLTX4lQaQvh8ysq0PXLsY1_bF1pU-451gjX9D87G8W6oyFRL0AM3uRx7JuEsncAFHNwlZL_zcuK8zwpMdjEDCDY4hJSGibuugHGQUa-0b4v1sFY/s1600/il_570xN.310075451.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJB_E1rjczs8Bj5afPzw4f5TMLivwZQ8kqBlNnNwJ6Fyjzewtems-3HtBwB9ALlymOs6gAiUn_XntXSV2Gbe0rxamhFMf-PCWSviQ9Rzxl4KUmPTnW1FwNULqQiyXpZbEzztZ83x9iws/s1600/il_570xN.310210426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJB_E1rjczs8Bj5afPzw4f5TMLivwZQ8kqBlNnNwJ6Fyjzewtems-3HtBwB9ALlymOs6gAiUn_XntXSV2Gbe0rxamhFMf-PCWSviQ9Rzxl4KUmPTnW1FwNULqQiyXpZbEzztZ83x9iws/s1600/il_570xN.310210426.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlezBRutX_oUxj43Iw7Nrb8f5eo4OzSyuyynNoTibtj-570yZK_Ev8ZTVPuxTgjwoZIgtVIa-ebnSNATGNhU01_3D6YhYgIboeZ5ajIQRywgvOOpdzsJ_xW68ZO98UUTqX2NgMqeOcem8/s1600/il_570xN.333542515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlezBRutX_oUxj43Iw7Nrb8f5eo4OzSyuyynNoTibtj-570yZK_Ev8ZTVPuxTgjwoZIgtVIa-ebnSNATGNhU01_3D6YhYgIboeZ5ajIQRywgvOOpdzsJ_xW68ZO98UUTqX2NgMqeOcem8/s1600/il_570xN.333542515.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpqos5wKuZZSSAv0-_N-PFoE4ptSnZSR0sFy4705C9EAr6kR5srYT8ipaHCqarEmMGZ5Yqy6A9gQLW7pUH2FP4QD9UGrOBXuvwFTc4qTa5FH1d8ugSCf_JN95mBk0nQgvHCy3XMNS4wo/s1600/il_570xN.333674204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpqos5wKuZZSSAv0-_N-PFoE4ptSnZSR0sFy4705C9EAr6kR5srYT8ipaHCqarEmMGZ5Yqy6A9gQLW7pUH2FP4QD9UGrOBXuvwFTc4qTa5FH1d8ugSCf_JN95mBk0nQgvHCy3XMNS4wo/s1600/il_570xN.333674204.jpg" /></a></div>
Hey everyone! Just wanted to let you know that today, and for the next 3 week, EVERYTHING in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blueeyedfreckle" target="_blank">my shop</a> will be 40% off!!!! That's right EVERYTHING. Use coupon code BEFHOLIDAYSALE at checkout. blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-82177206450879249712012-11-21T12:17:00.000-08:002012-11-21T12:17:08.686-08:00The 3rd Thanksgiving bunting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlzGtd8TAcUyl9rKzsFzn0PlHyEqmj2WusGHS239uhJXimpB6qeSeBhesfMDdUVZnNmaImBVi1kZ6JhEfVIm1PFEsbhpjmblxTF7UjOrGcV5NcOBcTiSo4y2-ZbBswbzWj9faXI8jdq0/s1600/arrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlzGtd8TAcUyl9rKzsFzn0PlHyEqmj2WusGHS239uhJXimpB6qeSeBhesfMDdUVZnNmaImBVi1kZ6JhEfVIm1PFEsbhpjmblxTF7UjOrGcV5NcOBcTiSo4y2-ZbBswbzWj9faXI8jdq0/s640/arrows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Luckily I got the<a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-decorations-to-hold-you.html" target="_blank"> 3rd bunting up</a> a week before Thanksgiving.... and luckily I can use it again next year so it wasn't a waste of work! I had this thing ready to go since November 3rd, it just needed my mom's special hole punch for stringing. Oops. Here is the how-to. Just in case you want to make one for next year... or for a Hunger Games party? Or perhaps just because you love golden arrows.<br />
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<u><b>Materials:</b></u><br />
Gold Poster board<br />
black or white poster board<br />
string/ribbon (I used some holiday gold)<br />
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1.I cut 3 long strips from my poster board. One was 2.5" wide, one was 3.5" wide and one was 4.25" wide.<br />
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2.I then free-handed the arrows with my exacto knife. (I didn't cut the little "feathery" slits until after I had cut out the main arrow shape.)<br />
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3.I paired up my arrows and cut a circle big enough for the center of each pair out of the black posterboard.<br />
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4. You can do 2 hole punches (I used my mom's punch that creates smaller, rectangular slits), and then string the ribbon through them so they hang flat. Make sure you do the punches at the TOP of the circle!<br />
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Hang your festive bunting for all to see.blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-90639998125868538382012-11-16T06:53:00.000-08:002012-11-16T06:53:06.697-08:00The Indecisive Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever made a shirt embellishment that A. you weren't sure would
hold up well in the wash or B. weren't sure if you could solely commit to? I have, over and
over. So when I received my <a href="http://myownfringemaker.com/shop/cid-68/Yarns-Ribbons-Threads-STRAND-Snap-Tape-Purse-Handles.htm" target="_blank">s</a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6262279515191703847" target="_blank">nap-tape</a>,
which is so awesomely available in separate pieces (meaning you can buy
JUST the "male" side or JUST the "female" side--depending on which you
need more of), I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them! Indecisiveness problem solved!</div>
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<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE25UDTUrr2va-jG7lqIAPg81B758QeESAyV0_auKJH_C7JwU-JYgHU6mHrIumVQoRpDC8ryG3fdFeo-aRw6Fug9G908BvHPC5VTazjvXN10GPh6uD8N36bEsGr16BMGXqBxauQ0jvU38/s640/pompom.jpg" width="640" /></div>
1. I first sewed a strand of FEMALE sided <a href="http://myownfringemaker.com/shop/cid-68/Yarns-Ribbons-Threads-STRAND-Snap-Tape-Purse-Handles.htm" target="_blank">snap-tape</a> to the shirt, top-stitching down each side (and I folded it over the top of the collar and the bottom hem of the shirt, so that there is one snap inside on both ends)<br />
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2. I made 4 (okay, no really, I made like 15 because its SOOOO quick and easy) pom-poms using my "<a href="http://myownfringemaker.com/shop" target="_blank">My Own Fringemaker</a>" (which is my new favorite quick-crafting machine!!) and hot-glued 1 MALE sided snap-tape button (I cut one square of snap-tape) onto the back of each pom-pom. (One pom-pom is large and the others are medium.)<br />
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3. I snapped those suckers on that shirt. Easy Peasy! And I can take them off when I wash the shirt. And maybe its just me, but I also like the look of just the snap-tape just down the middle of the shirt....perhaps its from watching so much Project Runway over the past years (they always use utilitarian materials in innovate ways).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArtP89pkPKmbAUfrMaiqc4pzFaarmfmlwU6gPcSJ7l8Yd02Qw5EQGmWhaNHohRYCSQW0nFuzY2ldHXf8mt9WsvJpp7FONHUT4sLkLEJMAAM6du7l46ZDFTUE1Majjfw60Rm6maBJHZDc/s1600/pomstrand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArtP89pkPKmbAUfrMaiqc4pzFaarmfmlwU6gPcSJ7l8Yd02Qw5EQGmWhaNHohRYCSQW0nFuzY2ldHXf8mt9WsvJpp7FONHUT4sLkLEJMAAM6du7l46ZDFTUE1Majjfw60Rm6maBJHZDc/s640/pomstrand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
SECOND OPTION:<br />
And then I had another idea...<br />
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(1. and 2.) I used my "<a href="http://myownfringemaker.com/shop" target="_blank">My Own Fringemaker</a>" to make a bunch of the long, loopy hot-pink strands you see above. Its easy, since this machine allows you to do 2 at a time. I simply wrapped the yarn around the 2 poles, tied off, and then transported my wrapped poles to my sewing machine, where I sewed down the center.<br />
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3.I got a strand of MALE-sided snap-tape, my loopy pink strand, and some pre-made pom-pom strand .<br />
4. I sewed the snap-tape down on both sides to JUST the loopy strand.<br />
5. I hot-glued the pom-pom strand to the loopy stuff (which I could do, simply because this strip will be taken off before I wash the shirt!).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoC-pZBtIi_cRVVc-C21gkZ_zOS_GgpqRA5JfY_KuPOQq4Ujj0A_SlomMmw5IcMOe0VEk_AeUsWhU023mH1OlxzmbXg916tn_l6R9HFe9YXJ0zSkNtBu2dSXJFMnHhu2oBlGblGoC3UE/s1600/pomshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoC-pZBtIi_cRVVc-C21gkZ_zOS_GgpqRA5JfY_KuPOQq4Ujj0A_SlomMmw5IcMOe0VEk_AeUsWhU023mH1OlxzmbXg916tn_l6R9HFe9YXJ0zSkNtBu2dSXJFMnHhu2oBlGblGoC3UE/s640/pomshirt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And then I snapped the strip to the shirt. Love. And yesterday my daughter Olivia wore this version of the shirt for our first professional family photoshoot. I am so in love with this idea of multiple decorations for one shirt! blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-9846950487064322172012-11-08T10:10:00.000-08:002012-11-08T10:10:21.533-08:00pom-poms and mis-matched shapes!I am on a ROLL! How many posts have I done this week? THREE!! And this is the FOURTH! woohoo! Hopefully people are still reading my blog, and not coming here solely from pinterest... Though I am greatful to all those who have pinned my blog and keep people reading it! One day I will decide to make more money off this thing using those stats. Speaking of, any of you want an ad on my blog? I'm thinking $10/month same size as those on the right. I get usually 11,000 hits/month!<br />
<br />Email me if you are interested. Now's the time, its the holidays!<br />
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Okay, on to today's little inspiration station.<br />
Pom-poms and such.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX3FP0NGn5I1h2hSOs1IjSLcKbsUzdxyMfor5Fmi896gXc6qUxLnmmxhVDSJ18XsysIens8i2tUoEsRNNDkX_IJA9IsO7YMQ4-Oc77QrbabtUKD0vk8gaiYjk9Cy9cPpchAZpM2tp-I0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhX3FP0NGn5I1h2hSOs1IjSLcKbsUzdxyMfor5Fmi896gXc6qUxLnmmxhVDSJ18XsysIens8i2tUoEsRNNDkX_IJA9IsO7YMQ4-Oc77QrbabtUKD0vk8gaiYjk9Cy9cPpchAZpM2tp-I0/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoLzavsfQtw5MMy-tKFNWVmRJqtuvd19s0XvZr48wq1gIN0EMaSLSMKRXNzgHTdVp7Rs0Bzw8jMfF7rQxeG9OCjY_izemDFwZAulHRPThlg4IgEXGwIhyphenhyphenUeRrifrYKYoheVoLCj7nQig/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoLzavsfQtw5MMy-tKFNWVmRJqtuvd19s0XvZr48wq1gIN0EMaSLSMKRXNzgHTdVp7Rs0Bzw8jMfF7rQxeG9OCjY_izemDFwZAulHRPThlg4IgEXGwIhyphenhyphenUeRrifrYKYoheVoLCj7nQig/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div>
The jumper. It was a hand-me down of course, and so I was excited to re-vamp it. I bought some strung pom-poms at Jo Ann's and just pinned and sewed them straight to the hem of the jumper. Done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUY3j-zC0ITy9ZYmZvqUfsQFtTbhEW8GpSnF1bah-ySYaQCSShu4kv4Toxg_4Ja54bKPpoqtqDuhYbZ4gWT7t8xvyMt5yxBkmUbfjEqQvGLX2FgmlNf1p7sJs7k9y01k5DZ3vEwmK-Kw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUY3j-zC0ITy9ZYmZvqUfsQFtTbhEW8GpSnF1bah-ySYaQCSShu4kv4Toxg_4Ja54bKPpoqtqDuhYbZ4gWT7t8xvyMt5yxBkmUbfjEqQvGLX2FgmlNf1p7sJs7k9y01k5DZ3vEwmK-Kw/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div>
The leggings I spotted on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/2392606023275843/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> and knew immediately that I had to make some knock-offs! She has worn them for three days now bc I think they look cute with everything.<br />
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The top, which you can't really see, is just a plain shirt that I sewed a cut-in-half doily onto the shoulders of.<br />
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The shoes, again can be found <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-dotted-kid-shoes.html" target="_blank">here</a> (tutorial).<br />
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And there you have it. Living vicariously through my children with their wardrobe. While they still let me!blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-72232754013936665262012-11-06T17:18:00.002-08:002012-11-06T17:18:22.789-08:00Thanksgiving chalk lettering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclgzX7chL5yvp9x0LoTIkTCBK09GBhMM7NWWTbBfoRFdnRL8E-pFykSLqzfBVR7pViiF8BQLbNb6lRIwFfOslOJoUKF3oaUkahPCjghCppPbN3i7j9YtJZXcGTXgCqBghFIJvCMsNWj8/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclgzX7chL5yvp9x0LoTIkTCBK09GBhMM7NWWTbBfoRFdnRL8E-pFykSLqzfBVR7pViiF8BQLbNb6lRIwFfOslOJoUKF3oaUkahPCjghCppPbN3i7j9YtJZXcGTXgCqBghFIJvCMsNWj8/s640/thanksgiving.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I tried my hand at some chalkboard lettering yesterday. Not the coolest quote, and I will most likely erase and change this whole thing soon (I have better font ideas now), but I thought I should post on this blog more often, so I am slapping this photo up here for you all to see. blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-47131183681804148232012-11-05T17:53:00.003-08:002012-11-05T17:53:40.295-08:00make me feel so cool:)I forgot to mention last month that I had a cool feature from Rachel of Handmade Charlotte who writes for the Coats and Clark blog!!!! She did a post about my stuff <a href="http://coatsandclarksewingsecrets.blogspot.com/2012/10/adorable-simple-sewing-for-kids.html" target="_blank">here</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tAZ9JmI7JSsNfOAwph17zg4pTwIgn3kEj6tG9o1ZKUYsfgV1Ba-Bkaa3nCaKWpG9yqLvH-zA78sbLQTZ7_lskKGSUvEXOK8SfO8m-y8S01Cf6VWLVX54cGEiRz659c7bOtrtj5ZyC7o/s1600/sewingsecrets_blogheaderREV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tAZ9JmI7JSsNfOAwph17zg4pTwIgn3kEj6tG9o1ZKUYsfgV1Ba-Bkaa3nCaKWpG9yqLvH-zA78sbLQTZ7_lskKGSUvEXOK8SfO8m-y8S01Cf6VWLVX54cGEiRz659c7bOtrtj5ZyC7o/s640/sewingsecrets_blogheaderREV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-36053026688707546222012-11-05T17:41:00.000-08:002012-11-05T17:41:49.810-08:00Thanksgiving decorations to hold you over....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJCGbjfhpTTPQiH5VzTdstYNrOyuWED1bWSqznYlqiOlyXmAtCD2dnLvBfyQieTeLVfNjOtMJaRNmvX4EuKPRIaFnk4eBclLtW6sVOku3pQhk6Hx2IdFoPqjrD_mGftu7oN6JgAEuUMU/s1600/give+thanks+bunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJCGbjfhpTTPQiH5VzTdstYNrOyuWED1bWSqznYlqiOlyXmAtCD2dnLvBfyQieTeLVfNjOtMJaRNmvX4EuKPRIaFnk4eBclLtW6sVOku3pQhk6Hx2IdFoPqjrD_mGftu7oN6JgAEuUMU/s640/give+thanks+bunting.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
My daughter was really upset when I took down the Halloween decorations this year. And I felt a little tug to put up Christmas decorations, but knew that November 1st was a<i> bit</i> too early... So I decided this year I would make some Thanksgiving bunting!<br />
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Now, I made THREE different buntings, but the third one has yet to be hung because I have yet to punch the holes in it to be strung. <br />
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1.I made the circular accordions out of book pages for my wedding 6.5 years ago. My mom saved them, and here they are finally being put to use again! I mounted them on black posterboard and scalloped the edges. Then I cut out cursive letters to spell "give thanks." I couldn't think of anything better (I'm not so clever with words).<br />
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2.The wooden bunting was inspired (copied) from <a href="http://www.hankandhunt.com/home/2012/2/8/diy-wood-bunting.html" target="_blank">this</a> and though I never read the tutorial, I had a visual in my head when I was at the craft store. I have no idea where you would get the veneer cards they are referring to, but I just bought thin balsa wood (not the thinnest, the next one up) and cut it with an exacto knife. I thought about dipping them in gold, or adding something to them, but then I realized that's what I always do, and maybe a little simplicity would be better for now:) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rrrbu5djNI-S81SBT38FhkErMyhqKaMdxtck8-mYFDzwwUzu0u3-XgTuKF4Jb4SycqQh_MaAk2NJucfneR15KwdOdpv8-jbtuLGA8YxpC5q4MmrN_8NtKQvpJZELpxmzqgxytEuraaM/s1600/rhino2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_rrrbu5djNI-S81SBT38FhkErMyhqKaMdxtck8-mYFDzwwUzu0u3-XgTuKF4Jb4SycqQh_MaAk2NJucfneR15KwdOdpv8-jbtuLGA8YxpC5q4MmrN_8NtKQvpJZELpxmzqgxytEuraaM/s640/rhino2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pink/cream decoration on the side is a tutorial I have coming soon (as well as the 3rd bunting!). and lastly, I spray-painted this giant toy rhino gold, because he hangs out on the shelving that divides the living room from the "play room," and I thought it looked more sophisticated! Also I plan on strapping some presents on his back for Christmas.</div>
<br />blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-58147560067309778192012-11-01T13:05:00.002-07:002012-11-01T13:05:34.537-07:00Halloween, we'll miss you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSbGCspeEEcYShH9dnAEMBqFeCnWr_1Z3QogtwHw_HGglhMQQZ9Yqr3BM93QbpnRACRA2Xkwv1tIS2fiSN28jHnQ0d4RmOzyYeosEbwgEeUvXCNuRq9dgAoGC0PsCNnt6_PzKMrRgRk0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSbGCspeEEcYShH9dnAEMBqFeCnWr_1Z3QogtwHw_HGglhMQQZ9Yqr3BM93QbpnRACRA2Xkwv1tIS2fiSN28jHnQ0d4RmOzyYeosEbwgEeUvXCNuRq9dgAoGC0PsCNnt6_PzKMrRgRk0/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Because she wanted to be both Sleeping Beauty AND a Butterfly.... I introduce Sleeping Beauterfly, who couldn't have been happier in her outfit all day (this was right before her preschool parade).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xcm4pGEZKzrEuOU9SnEkwrf5kIFElauHhDVAOnM0ZKWs97QYDaRZ6VFEBHiWlwo1CaFQJiAMiqJMInE5ck0yyKE5yWnS7pS9vU8MxId6x-zuJeFxIYyDWF81h4uLi0EzZ6KpZYhq0YU/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xcm4pGEZKzrEuOU9SnEkwrf5kIFElauHhDVAOnM0ZKWs97QYDaRZ6VFEBHiWlwo1CaFQJiAMiqJMInE5ck0yyKE5yWnS7pS9vU8MxId6x-zuJeFxIYyDWF81h4uLi0EzZ6KpZYhq0YU/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div>
I know being a butterfly isn't super original but Olivia is 3 now and turns out she is very opinionated about what she does and does not want to dress up as. Pink anything would've worked for her (as determined by her browsing through the Party City ad sent to our house), but Sleeping Beauty was her top choice (which I had luckily already made for her pink princess birthday). When I showed her <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/853611/mademoiselle-butterfly" target="_blank">some butterfly costumes</a> she said she also wanted to be a pink butterfly! So I decided all three of us girls could do the butterfly thing this year and be a super girly bunch since this is our last year as all girls (and a daddy). Franc was the "butterfly catcher" (thanks to a friend who suggested it to me when I was trying to figure out how to incorporate him)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmBL_K0NVSIh4WDOnlqRFyQLM5V-HqpTjme9mkYhyphenhyphen00BnUxqxEfrE5F__RdHFJ_tCYnCHTG4Noh6Bf8eQZf-IbuNVEU4FdtgI3SWqXzmTea87zJLWt-vi05wTIT2c7N_b2Wj-8h2foaI/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmBL_K0NVSIh4WDOnlqRFyQLM5V-HqpTjme9mkYhyphenhyphen00BnUxqxEfrE5F__RdHFJ_tCYnCHTG4Noh6Bf8eQZf-IbuNVEU4FdtgI3SWqXzmTea87zJLWt-vi05wTIT2c7N_b2Wj-8h2foaI/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
Olivia also picked out this bright pink wig, but then refused to wear it for anything but photos. yay! This was her version of the costume for our trunk or treat and for her ballet class. That day she told me she wanted to be Minnie Mouse, because her friend was going as that. Uh. what? We don't have that costume, but luckily I was able to convince her that this LaLaLoopsy dress (which we already had) was just like Minnie Mouse because of the polka dots...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGEpd2a0iOQzYjRsn8T0k4TX0_R3mt8vZjVxwuTOVf2xb_W-J101t0EZnQapUhhQnz-K7JAQCDdMYYbyLmHA3WHOnhDt2ZKeXrcSQdSPz_nXpeHdEHiBha4JYAw4H97Wr8LHwZYWH04c/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGEpd2a0iOQzYjRsn8T0k4TX0_R3mt8vZjVxwuTOVf2xb_W-J101t0EZnQapUhhQnz-K7JAQCDdMYYbyLmHA3WHOnhDt2ZKeXrcSQdSPz_nXpeHdEHiBha4JYAw4H97Wr8LHwZYWH04c/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2L5-FQ7LYnBXS8tYGn6lJrBYUBwxgoH0O70rAH5DG7nz453HhzZYazoHN_4jlZo7v6gLeIYxO35LDQ5Qf7OKO8jYLAeF9q1U_n16UMbgrNscz_ZVAMx53ip_FgosU3tQuwfUqxiojUg/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2L5-FQ7LYnBXS8tYGn6lJrBYUBwxgoH0O70rAH5DG7nz453HhzZYazoHN_4jlZo7v6gLeIYxO35LDQ5Qf7OKO8jYLAeF9q1U_n16UMbgrNscz_ZVAMx53ip_FgosU3tQuwfUqxiojUg/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div>
And my other cutie butterfly:) It was fun watching her figure out the whole trick-or-treating thing this year. She ate more candy than made it into her purse.<br />
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FYI : I used the Martha Stewart tutorial linked above to make the wings, but just made my own cut-outs/shapes/patterns for the inside of the wings. Amélie's wings were pre-made hand-me-downs from the Gap:) <br />
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Hope you all had a HappY HAllowEEn!!! To see our past costumes look at these links:<br />
<a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2011/10/happy-halloween.html" target="_blank">Quetzalcoatl </a><br />
<a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2010/10/olivia-pig-costume-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Olivia the Pig</a><br />
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<br />blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-5642281646346504212012-10-25T14:13:00.001-07:002012-10-25T14:14:19.712-07:00The Frances Collar Tutorial!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED4T_io8T3F4N8SO8le8bwWTseEsNKWvpNG9iqa9KVbHOx9qdCc2IdWx-5QkOcIp1b8LA-3-mANAJwyTJYb7obEwZCe1Un3LXpexJa4pwPsotksVhYie3iWWMFEGtc9UE6KZrqyo97d8/s1600/IMG_3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED4T_io8T3F4N8SO8le8bwWTseEsNKWvpNG9iqa9KVbHOx9qdCc2IdWx-5QkOcIp1b8LA-3-mANAJwyTJYb7obEwZCe1Un3LXpexJa4pwPsotksVhYie3iWWMFEGtc9UE6KZrqyo97d8/s640/IMG_3332.JPG" width="427" /> </a></div>
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(Olivia insisted on wearing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blueeyedfreckle" target="_blank">that clip</a> even though I know its a little much with the shirt....) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC2WuOxvsxEJ8ajhAW2KpfCZj1W9v55T4Q0V0di3BQQZmXn0dB_FQKaw6q9nuVZONfKYY55rRjhdp5PyUOxRLzpEyLMx5RsTx9mGIl5l9MNO5G7DwPAnX_Q8HqlxClIIOQDMmj8ZwnX0/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC2WuOxvsxEJ8ajhAW2KpfCZj1W9v55T4Q0V0di3BQQZmXn0dB_FQKaw6q9nuVZONfKYY55rRjhdp5PyUOxRLzpEyLMx5RsTx9mGIl5l9MNO5G7DwPAnX_Q8HqlxClIIOQDMmj8ZwnX0/s640/IMG_3315.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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My little cutie-pies have a lot of plain shirts that need to be snazzed up, so I came up with this faux-collar recently. You can check out the full tutorial (and pattern) for this "collar" over at <a href="http://leafytreetopspot.blogspot.com/2012/10/frances-collar-tutorial-by-katie-of.html" target="_blank">Leafy Tree Top Spot</a> for her TOP-TOBERFEST (there are lots more great top-re-do's over there!) Go check it out!</div>
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(P.S. Amélie's shoes were made using t<a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-dotted-kid-shoes.html" target="_blank">his tutorial</a>)</div>
blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-40429629744468190972012-10-16T09:52:00.000-07:002012-10-16T09:52:24.926-07:00Baby Boys (and girls!): Newborn shirt re-doWhen I get ready for a new baby, I make a lots of new clothes, blankets, and room decor. In order to get more bang for my buck (which is more about time than $$), I like to take existing (hand-me downs usually) clothes and just put a new twist on them. You can see this on the following girl and boy tutorials:<br />
<a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/09/reconstructed-boy-pants-diy.html" target="_blank">BOY PANTS</a>, <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/08/little-boy-shirt-re-vamp-diy.html" target="_blank">BOY'S Oxford shirt re-vamp</a>, <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-painted-leggings-herringbone.html" target="_blank">Girls herringbone leggings</a>, <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-dotted-kid-shoes.html" target="_blank">French dotted baby shoes</a>, <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2010/03/tuxedo-dress-or-shirt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Tuxedo dress</a>, and many more!!<br />
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Why? It takes less time, and I can still feel like their clothes have a special "Katie" touch to them! Then I can spend more time making special pieces later. And in that spirit, here is my latest "Preparing for baby BOY??!!" shirt re-vamp tutorial. Its easy! Its fast! DO IT!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVkD3KQ3t_6N50Nc6jL8JPhqzgaDFI-5mi8atIQIzMXcRbSOfVysyfErB2r_Y3HKj1N8Bq_vr8YskP-_elwmaXvYsxwh2xSj1y2IOTsGvxQLcjQlHEP14w6-NlFu6G9iuzdrxtftF0po/s1600/boyshirt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVkD3KQ3t_6N50Nc6jL8JPhqzgaDFI-5mi8atIQIzMXcRbSOfVysyfErB2r_Y3HKj1N8Bq_vr8YskP-_elwmaXvYsxwh2xSj1y2IOTsGvxQLcjQlHEP14w6-NlFu6G9iuzdrxtftF0po/s1600/boyshirt3.jpg" /></a></div>
What did I do exactly? I added bias tape to the top of the shirt, and velcro for better coverage/ less weird bunching. (And I dyed the green one obviously!)<br />
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<u><b>Materials:</b></u><br />
-kimono tops from the hospital (I had these from my 2nd baby's birth) or I believe carters and gerber make them too...<br />
-bias tape (I used single fold, but just use whatever you have that will cover the original shirt trim.)<br />
-sew-on velcro--about 1- 1.5 inches.<br />
-RIT dye (if you want to dye it first) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh-DHbYWvICXPq7gIiCAmW126sufer7TkA1t-G6DaG1gylCrDGaqpKupmBc-kvNTKHSgjEg3U29eg0lgzQwfvDfiYMi16AlSI6j9cslLNnZXyv1KetyE3DL3h6Q2cd86UcLGIGgMohyM/s1600/boy+shirt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh-DHbYWvICXPq7gIiCAmW126sufer7TkA1t-G6DaG1gylCrDGaqpKupmBc-kvNTKHSgjEg3U29eg0lgzQwfvDfiYMi16AlSI6j9cslLNnZXyv1KetyE3DL3h6Q2cd86UcLGIGgMohyM/s1600/boy+shirt1.jpg" /></a></div>
(YOU CAN DYE IT FIRST IF YOU LIKE--see my tips for <a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2008/10/im-dyeing-for-new-colors.html" target="_blank">dyeing here</a>) <br />
1. pin the bias tape around the existing hem of the shirt, making sure to tuck under the raw edge of the bias tape at the ends.<br />
2. Top stitch it to the shirt 2 times, as you can see in the above photo. Be careful as you go around any snaps you are covering!<br />
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3. I find these newborn kimonos to be frumpy and easily disheveled, so I added velcro for stability. Make sure you bring it in from the edge, so that now velcro edges will touch the baby's skin and irritate it!<br />
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And that's all folks! An easy newborn shirt for boys (or girls!) <br />
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<br />blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-15499555990065663532012-09-26T11:40:00.000-07:002012-09-27T05:21:33.170-07:00Bat Silhouettes for Halloween! With free pdfs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKhHCz0KuSkCOZf2XJMm24R8m4aGeIuNaxDXWwO0Nerc3rFf-pXog_Iwal2f612hT3fACmzNd4yF7vjKm4qCKRCLGfX7PwzmCc8t7tL3La6Zi3gQBQC3IkoOZsnh0Qcl_bbY7JSE_Kmc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKhHCz0KuSkCOZf2XJMm24R8m4aGeIuNaxDXWwO0Nerc3rFf-pXog_Iwal2f612hT3fACmzNd4yF7vjKm4qCKRCLGfX7PwzmCc8t7tL3La6Zi3gQBQC3IkoOZsnh0Qcl_bbY7JSE_Kmc/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div>
This year Olivia is 3 (not pictured) and old enough to be super into Halloween. So I finally decided to do some real decorating. I've been waiting for the day I had kids old enough to make the holidays magical again! I can't wait to be an awesome holiday mom, like mine always was! (Speaking of... check out<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/grandpaspocket" target="_blank"> her shop</a> for high-quality, beautiful paper holiday decor (including some sweet<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60331894/five-pressboard-crows-life-size-over-the" target="_blank"> large crows</a> for Halloween!)<br />
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So here are my flying bats. I need to cut out more so I can continue them onto this wall.... (and the little circles on those wood things are actually skulls).<br />
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So, if you want to make some of these bats yourself, here are the ones I drew, which you can print onto cardstock, and then cut and trace them onto black posterboard! So easy (though it takes awhile).<br />
<a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0By5wOYcAdG0gbTNoa2ZibkJzZTg" target="_blank">BATS 1</a> <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0By5wOYcAdG0gWWliamVpR0QxN0U" target="_blank">BATS 2</a> <a href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0By5wOYcAdG0gN2VYaFVPa0RhNDg" target="_blank">BATS 3</a><br />
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And here are the decorations (the only ones) I've been putting out for the past 3 years. Still love these skeletons, and this year olivia and I made fingerprint spiders. She was so proud of her "spooky" spiders, she kept trying to show and scare her daddy (and when he feigned fear, she told him not to worry, "they are just cute daddy, they aren't real").blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-74471877751541131252012-09-18T17:40:00.002-07:002012-09-18T17:40:36.957-07:00Reconstructed Boy Pants: DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The finished product. Not quite as cool as the pants below (which are about $60 each), but if you are short on time and have a stash of hand-me-down boy clothes (or girl!!), here is a quick and easy way to give those basic baby pants a little character.</div>
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links to these and more boy ideas <a href="http://pinterest.com/blueeyedfreckle/baby-boy-ahhhhhh/" target="_blank">found here</a>. P.S The above pants/leggings could also be easily made from scratch, but this is the <i>revamp-your-hand-me-downs</i> version.</div>
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<u><b>Materials needed:</b></u><br />
some basic cotton pants<br />
stitch ripper<br />
fabric similar to the pre-existing pant<br />
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1.fold your pants in half and cut at an angle (or straight across)<br />
2.Fold your new fabric in half and cut 2 of the same shape as you just cut off the old pants. MAKE SURE YOU ADD IN A SEAM ALLOWANCE for all 4 sides, and extra for the bottom, which you will be rolling up (see the image in #3?--that shows the difference in size for the one I cut off and the one that will be replacing it). <br />
3. see above<br />
4. Use your stitch ripper to undo about an inch of stitches up the inside seam of the existing pants' legs.<br />
5. fold and pin the bottom of your new pant leg bottoms so they equal the same size as the old piece you cut off and top-stitch the cuff (one line across the top of the cuff, and one across the bottom).<br />
6. pin right sides together and sew the new pant leg, but don't close up the leg on the inseam. (see below #7).<br />
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7. You see how we left those inseams open? Now turn the entire pair of pants inside-out and sew up the new inseam so that everything lines up. Clip your strings and you are finished!<br />
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Pin it! Do it! Woo hoo! We can make baby boy clothes cool too!!blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-57186593069415415082012-09-10T16:00:00.000-07:002012-09-10T16:00:18.583-07:00vegas? Anyone?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My husband is applying for Navy residencies this fall and wanted to attend the Armed Forces Obstetrics and Gynecology Distric meeting in Vegas (my husband wants to do OBGYN) so he could meet and greet and learn right along the residency directors... and he thought it would be a good idea if I came along.<br />
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I said the only way I would go to Vegas is sans-children... and we have booked the trip! We will be there from a Saturday to Wed. in October. I need suggestions of interesting things to do, places to shop, etc. I am putting this on my blog because I am hoping I have readers with similar interests as I (art, design, crafting and sewing, etc) with suggestions I can't find on every top 10 Vegas list. Okay, now if you aren't a commenter normally (ahem, most of you), now is the time! Suggestions please!<br />
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Also I have a few more<a href="http://blueeyedfreckle.blogspot.com/2012/08/little-boy-shirt-re-vamp-diy.html" target="_blank"> baby boy tutorials</a> coming up, I've just been painting a lot lately (thanks to my new class) and haven't been in the mood to blog. They are coming though!blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6262279515191703847.post-30963481885319982242012-09-01T05:16:00.000-07:002012-09-01T05:16:39.214-07:00Pregnant and trying to look cool?...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />blueeyedfrecklehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18177649596311869079noreply@blogger.com2