Baby Projects

Bumper that I made for the baby's moses basket.

I have been filling my time waiting for baby to arrive with some fun projects. I picked out a few fabrics that I loved and decided to do some sewing. 

Colorful, fun fabrics.

I started with two diaper bags: one for mommy, one for daddy. Very simple designs that I got from this book.

Mommy's diaper bag.

I loved the white jean material, knowing full well that this will dirty quickly. These simple bags can be tossed into the laundry, though, so I am not worried. I have since added a flat, aged gold button that I love!

Simple pouches to hold random items; this one will hold diapers.

The book also has instructions for creating these simple pouches that can be used for a number of random items. I made Bry and I each one to hold diapers and wipes. The purple and grey fabrics will be used to make other pouches in varying sizes to hold other baby items.

Daddy's diaper bag and another diaper pouch.

Daddy's diaper bag is made of linen and slightly larger. I love how these bags turned out and I made all the above projects in just a day!

Moses basket bumper; soft blankie and rabbit plush from Grandma Kelli.

This was my favorite fabric that I picked out. I had originally intended to use this for a baby blanket, but really needed to create a new bumper for this sweet basket. I ADORE how well it turned out and cannot wait to see out little baby resting peacefully in his/her new bed (that is if we EVER decide to put the little one down!).

Simple ties hold the bumper in place.

I came up with my own design for this bumper. It was really a matter of fitting the fabric and filler to match the dimensions of the basket. It was an easy project overall, with the ties being the most difficult to create. I made 20 ties so I could secure both the top and bottom of the bumper to the basket. I am so pleased with how well these projects turned out! Now we are just STILL waiting for our little babylove...

Rustic Table Runner

This weekend was my friend Claire's birthday party. I have been mulling over this little project for awhile and Claire just happens to have an UH-mazing dining room table... I couldn't resist. I made this Rustic Table Runner to adorn said lovely table.

I had not intended on burlap, but when I came across this at the fabric store, I was sold. I treated the rough jute by soaking it (a number of times) in warm water with laundry detergent to soften the fibers and remove the strong smell. The monogram letters were cut from foam craft sheets: print out the letters on regular paper and use an exacto knife to trace around the letters, cutting directly through to the foam. Then it is just a matter of fraying (or trimming) the edges and stamping the image. 

the beautiful birthday girl... it was a "Dress Like A Tourist" themed party

the much-adored table... full of yummy food!

 
Lastly, after all that work, make sure your presentation is just as lovely... I opted to use a green ribbon to wrap up my gift. Voilà!

Tin Can Candle

I decided to make use of these lovely aluminum cans I had laying around. I love their shiny, reflective exterior and beautiful, symmetrical ridges. Here is a candle holder that I made for tealights to help lightly illuminate our bathroom. Simply fill a cleaned, empty tin with water and place in the freezer. Once frozen, use a nail and hammer to punch a decorative design of your choice. Place your tin in the sink and run some warm water over the ice to help defrost (if the bottom of the can rounds with the expanding ice, gently hammer it back in).

I used a larger can to place silverware in during a recent casual dinner party, and have most recently placed a can on the counter to use as a "trash bowl" during cooking. It's a little bit country, a little bit... recycled chic. I really like these funky additions and think they would look great with a simple wire handle and hung throughout a backyard during warm summer evenings.

Matt and Claire

My sweetheart compiled the 600 or so photos that we took at our friends' wedding last year into a beautiful animated video. I cried the first time I watched it.

Take My Breath Away by {Copeland}

Fringe Scarf

I had some time to kill before we left for our Noir Film date so I decided to make a quick scarf... this was so easy and it took all of about 15 minutes start to finish.

My Inspiration:

*cute Ms. Avila and her ever so stylish ensemble

*I saw an easy how-to while flipping through this book (p.s. check out her blog... really creative DIY projects for the thrifty fashionista!)

How-to:

Calendar Journal

I have never been very diligent in keeping a journal, but love discovering the thoughts, stories and notes from when I actually did write them down. Yet this vintage postcard calendar journal from design*sponge makes it to irresistible not to scribble life down as it happens. I love the idea of having the same day over a number of years all on one list in a cute, repurposed fruit box. The vintage postcards are great as month dividers; you could also use recipe cards or old black and white photos. A great gift for a graduating senior moving off to college, or expecting parents.

image via {design*sponge}

Cards, Labels, Menus and More

Here are some neat FREE downloads from West Elm to help jazz up your holiday gift-giving, parties and the like. Here are some more freebies discovered via babble. (ps... I love FREE!)

Christmas Tree

Finally! I have found the perfect Christmas Tree idea for our little home: small, cute, homemade, simple. I love this little tree with oversized lights, monogrammed felt ornaments and a red tin bucket. Just what I was looking for...!

discovered on {Say Yes To Hoboken}, inspired by {MADE}

It Began with a Post-It...

...and my desire for a warm, cozy fireplace. There's not much room in our little studio, and floor space is rather valuable. I came up with this faux-fireplace to satiate both my longing for a hearth and to fulfill a need for an inviting/functional entryway. This does both.

I made a quick sketch of the idea at work on, yes, a post-it note.

In a smaller then 4x4 entryway, this project provides not only a lovely focal point, but a nice place to hang your hat (or purse, or umbrella).

StephanieMade

Since my recent infatuation with EmersonMade, I decided I would have a go at making my own little blooming accessory. I like the frayed, unfinished edges of the petals. I repurposed a lone jewel to add sparkle.

I really like the added color on this vintage coat.

It was a fun little project on a rainy weekend morning while watching Vicky Cristina Barcelona ("yes" on this film).