chalkboard closet

I've wanted to use chalkboard paint for a long time so when decorating my son's room I knew there was a chance to get creative with a chalkboard. I went through a number of ideas before i landed on this one - a chalkboard closet door. 

I like the fact that I can write messages on here, whether for encouragement of just to remember what we are doing that day and therefore what he needs to wear. I also like that the low level of the board on the bottom makes it the perfect doodle spot for him now. 

A quick tip on using chalkboard paint - read all the instructions about curing. Frankly, I was not aware of the process and how many coats I would need (x5) or the time I would have to wait before using the surface (3 days). It seemed to take forever and for my 2.5 year old the wait was torture but we are so pleased with the outcome that it was worth the wait. 

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. 

I am linking to some super link parties - check them out. 

superhero mask - tutorial & pdf

It is a superhero love fest in our house at the moment. "The guys" have to go everywhere with him, even to bed. I decided to have a go at making a simple superhero mask and all of sudden, best mum ever! I even had to make a second one for myself or Daddy to wear. As soon as he put it one he was out zooming around the garden and showing me examples of "incredible strength" as he puts it. 

Tutorial:

Materials:
8 - 10 inches of 1/4 inch soft elastic depending on your little one's noggin.
10" x 6" of felt or other material - 2 pieces.
PDF template
Note - if you use another material other than felt you might want to add fusible interfacing for support.

Print out PDF and cut out template.
Place PDF on both pieces of material with wrong sides facing. Pin and cut. 
Measure the elastic by putting it around your little person's head and pulling it slightly so that it will stay put. Cut. Hint - use a small scissors to cut the eyes out.

Place elastic between the front and back, like a sandwich with right sides facing each other. Pin.

I found it helpful to pull the elastic through one eye hole to be sure I wouldn't sew over it.
Sew all around the mask with a 1/4 inch seam leaving a small hole to turn it right-side out. 

Cut notches for turning or use a pinking shears as I have done below. 

Turn right side out and hand sew the small opening shut.
Zig zag stitch around the eye holes. This is tricky. I used the smallest zig zag stitch on my machine. Don't worry too much about perfection - kids don't notice :)

That's it, the mask is ready! 

And your superhero is ready to zoom! 

The "green lantern ring"on his finger is literally a strip of felt tied with a knot. I love imagination. 


I am sharing this post at some fun link parties - check them out. 

jammies

The other night my little one started complaining that his all-in-one pajamas were hurting his legs and sure enough they were getting pretty tight. He is 2.5 and I had him in 3T p.j.s but it was clear we needed to go up a size. Off to Target and of course there were no 4T footed pajamas left. I need to go online to get him some as we still have a couple of cold months left but to bridge the gap I scouted through my fabric stash and found this cute little woodland creature flannel.

Wide leg gives lots of room to move around

To cut the shape I simply traced around a pair of pants that do fit him well and sewed from memory. Since pajama bottoms were the first thing I ever learned to make a sewing class and it has been etched on to my brain. I made the leg a little wider than his regular pants so that they would be more comfortable for lounging and sleeping. I love making pajama bottoms - they take about 30 minutes for me to do and there is so little cutting and thinking involved!

The heart really makes I think!

I had some left over fabric so I took a t-shirt that had seen the last of its "day-time" wear (due to chocolate stain I can't shift!) and put a little applique heart on it. Given the time of year I think they are a super cute nod to Valentine's  Day and he really loves them so that's all that matters.

Love those toes :)

Linked to:

Pocket full of pink - Friday Frolic 

Ginger Snap Crafts - Valentine's Day Party 

30 Handmade Days - Pity Party 

Whipperberry - Friday Flair 

The Shabby Nest - Frugal Flair 


Be Different Act Normal - Show and Tell Saturday 


Rae Gun Ramblings - What we wore and made Wednesdays 


The Not So Functional Housewife - Functional Friday 


Tales of a Trophy Wife - Linky #27 


Simply Designing - Friday Link Party 


I Heart Naptime - Sundae Scoop Link Party 


Flamingo Toes - Think Pink Sundays 


Itsy Bitsy Paper - I Heart Projects Link Party 

Candy Corn Hat Tutorial

Here is the hat I knit for my son. It's supposed to be candy corn! I think it's adorable but I would, wouldn't I? Want to make one for your sweetness? Here is the tutorial.