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. 

novel wall decor

Generally I would be opposed to chopping up books for almost anything. But as my little boy's room began to take shape I needed to find some fun things to put on the wall. 

I had two matching frames that went with the previous 'girly' guestroom style that was there previously. You can see one below. They were from Marshall's I think.

I took out the pictures of the flowers which was a bit tricky because the backs of the frames was firmly sealed. But with a bit of tuggin' and pryin' (and swearin') I got the backs off without causing too much damage. 

So, what to fill them with? I went online to Amazon and did a search for kids' cowboy books. I found this cute little one and did a "quick look inside" to see what the pictures were like. 

Sure enough there were two pages that were perfect. You can see the finished product below. The book was $2.99 and in excellent used condition so it was a cost effective way to get some updated artwork in his room. The best part was that the pictures were from the front and back inside cover pages so the book is still completely readable. 

I have shared this post at some funky link parties - check them out here. 

tote bag birthday gift

My best friend had a birthday recently and she asked me to make her a tote bag. As the busy mom of two little boys she needed a bag that was stylish but big enough to hold everything that she carries around on a daily basis.

Here she is modeling the new bag. The only change I made to the tutorial was to give her extra long handles to suit her 'tall drink of water' frame. 

For her birthday I got her a gift card to a fabric store and so chose the fabric and had it sent to my house. I think this is a really good idea if you are planning to make something special for a friend. It was great for her to be able to choose the pattern and style that she wanted. Ironically she choose a fabric that is the same pattern I have on my outdoor furniture but in a different color. There are many reasons we are best friends, which now includes the fact that we have the same taste in fabric. 

We found this bag tutorial on Delia Creates. It is very simple and the pockets are perfect for a mom that carries a phone, keys, bottles, diapers, snacks and the kitchen sink. The fabric she choose has such a great bold pattern that works really well on the bag. 

The only shame is that her birthday was in March and she didn't get the bag until now! Oh, well!

I'm sharing this bag on some fun link parties. Check them out here. 

double the love

Yesterday was my birthday and Sunday was Mother's Day so I've been feeling very loved. On Saturday we went for lunch and stopped into an antique shop and finally found what I've been looking for. Add some cupcakes and it couldn't be more perfect. Hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day.

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. 

superhero mask - tutorial & pdf

lilac and butterflies

My lilac bush is at peak at the moment and I have cuttings all over my house - the smell is fantastic. These beautiful flowers have attracted a lot of butterflies to our garden so it's a double treat. This post is a little tribute to my Dad who gave me the camera I used and who, apart from everything else that is wonderful about him, is an amazing and inspiring photographer. Happy Birthday Dad.