Life before Pinterest...

Busy Bag Swap

2011-11-20T14:10:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of busy bags? I love them, and so does Bailey! To sum it up, they are activities for toddlers, fun games that teach numbers, colors, letters, help develop fine motor skills, etc. I was scanning Pinterest (follow me here) and came across this and wanted to make my own set of bags. Then I thought, why make my own set when I could host a swap and get a wide selection of Busy Bags at a fraction of the time! Done!

The bags needed to meet certain criteria; self-contained, transportable, convenient, inexpensive, easy to make, re-usable. Love it. For more info, check out The Ringeys blog!

Here's the activities we chose, (link to instructions under picture)

Textures

Letters;

Match lower and upper case letters, Play memory, or spell out words.

Geo Board

Popsicle Stick Puzzles

Lacing Cards

Foam Shape Puzzle

Matching Color Shades

Bead and Pipe Cleaners

Finger Puppets

Mini Reversible Felt Board

I had so much fun working on my project, and love playing the different games with Bailey. Thanks so much to all of the women who participated! Autumn, Brinda, Chantele, Colette, Erinn, Jenn, Kari, Karla, Kim, Kourtney, Lara, Lindsey, Marlese, Melissa, Natalie R., Natalie S., Rian, and Sarah!

Knit Circle Skirt

2011-07-28T21:33:00.002-06:00

Knit Circle Skirt

Creative Guest: The Starboard Skirt by Simple Simon & Co.

2011-07-14T21:43:00.002-06:00

Creative Guest: The Starboard Skirt by Simple Simon & Co.

{Summer FUN Chart and Photo Journal}

2011-05-17T20:07:00.002-06:00

{Summer FUN Chart and Photo Journal}

The Bapron Tutorial {baby bib apron!}

2011-05-08T16:47:00.003-06:00

The Bapron Tutorial {baby bib apron!}

Creative Carmella: Painted Wall Art

2011-04-28T21:55:00.002-06:00

Creative Carmella: Painted Wall Art: "Happy Saturday everyone! I wanted to share a project I worked on yesterday..... This was such a fun project to do....the best part was ..."

9 MORE Kid Craft Websites You’ve Got to Know | Make and Takes

2011-04-28T21:32:00.002-06:00

9 MORE Kid Craft Websites You’ve Got to Know Make and Takes

Easter Printables

2011-04-13T11:30:00.002-06:00

http://www.howdoesshe.com/were-hooking-you-up-40-free-easter-printables

Teacher Appreciation

2011-04-13T11:28:00.003-06:00

From I am Momma

Kids Craft Sites

2011-04-13T11:27:00.003-06:00

http://www.makeandtakes.com/9-kids-craft-websites-youve-got-to-know

Another Bow Tie

2011-04-13T11:23:00.002-06:00

From Pleated Poppy.

Bow tie

2011-04-13T11:19:00.003-06:00

Living The Swell Life via Papernstitch.

Veggie Muffin

2011-04-13T11:16:00.003-06:00

From MADE

Birthday Box

2011-04-13T11:14:00.003-06:00

From You are my fave.

Felt Flowers

2011-04-13T11:11:00.003-06:00

From The Fickle Pickle

Jersey Bracelets

2011-04-13T11:04:00.003-06:00

From V and Co.

Little Guy Cap

2011-04-12T18:59:00.002-06:00

Featured on Ucreate, from Women Who Do It All

Belle Dress

2011-04-12T18:57:00.003-06:00

From Crafterhours

Skinny Tie

2011-04-12T18:55:00.001-06:00

From See Kate Sew

Duffle Bag

2011-04-12T18:53:00.001-06:00

From Saltwater Kids

Knot Headband

2011-04-12T18:49:00.004-06:00

Featured on Craftaholics Anonymous, by Maybe Matilda.

Yoga Band Skirt

2011-04-09T11:17:00.004-06:00

Super cute, simple looking skirt. From Make it and love it.

St. Pat's Pot o Gold

2011-02-26T19:01:00.005-07:00

Such a cute little gift for St. Patty's day. From Crafting Chicks.

Knotted Headband

2011-02-26T19:00:00.005-07:00

This headband is really cute. From You Seriously Made That!?

"My Home" Scrapbook

2011-02-26T18:58:00.004-07:00

We've moved A LOT! I love this idea to keep all of the information together and memories.
http://sistersstuff.blogspot.com/2011/02/my-home-scrapbook.html

From Sisters Stuff.

Easy cute cards

2011-02-26T18:55:00.003-07:00

Love the simplicity of these cards. From Little Birdie Secrets.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2011-02-11T20:06:00.004-07:00

Vanessa has a secret recipe. Not much of a secret now that it's on her blog!

"Vanessa's special ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies (no not *that* kind of special ingredient)
2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1tsp salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
**1 package of instant vanilla pudding: small package (3.4 oz)
1 cup (two sticks) of butter room temp
*1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 package of chocolate chips
preheat oven to 375 degrees. *if you don't plan ahead (ahem like me) and don't have your butter at room temp, you can always put your butter in the microwave for a few seconds till it's super mushy. just trying to help you fly from the seat of your pants people. in a large bowl place your butter, baking soda, salt, brown sugar, vanilla pudding, extract, and eggs. mix till creamy. gradually add flour. keep mixing till all flour is in. add choc chips. bake for 9-11 minutes. hear yourself and all those around you get fatter by the minute. because you will not be able to eat just one."

Thread Holder

2011-02-11T20:05:00.004-07:00

I dream of owning a house full of closets; and a craft room. In my craft room I'll have something like this! From The Creative Homemaker.

Digital Scrapbooking

2011-02-11T20:03:00.004-07:00

I'm really interested in learning more about digital scrapbooking. The Crafting Chicks have a lot of information for beginners.
http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/02/digi-scrapping-what-is-it-2.html

Muffins

2011-02-11T20:00:00.003-07:00

I love me some muffins! I became obsessed when my Bailey girl was a newborn. I would get up at night with her and be starving but not wanting to make anything I would eat a muffin.
Soon my nights will become interrupted again and I am looking for some healthier recipes. Honestly, my favorites are pretty much just cupcakes :)
I want to give these a try:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/banana_bran_muffins.html

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/lemon_raspberry_muffins.html

Antique Sign

2011-02-11T19:59:00.005-07:00

I L-O-V-E this sign. I love the saying, I love the aged look. So cute. From Attempting Aloha.

Heart Clip

2011-02-11T19:57:00.003-07:00

Such an easy and adorable clip. From Crafting When I Can.

Party Skirt

2011-02-11T19:56:00.005-07:00

Cute skirt from 2 yrds of fabric. From Creative Spaces.

Chocolate Cupcake

2011-02-11T19:49:00.005-07:00

This cupcake looks so delicious! With Nutella frosting... From Tonya.

More awesome cupcake goodness featured on Make and Takes here.

Casserole Carrier

2011-02-11T19:47:00.004-07:00

One day I might make some of these. I think it would be a great wedding gift, or just for myself. From Jill.

Let's get ORGANIZED!

2011-02-11T19:44:00.004-07:00

Here are some quick links to help get things organized; household stuff, menus, grocery lists. Love it.

http://sistersstuff.blogspot.com/2011/01/get-organized-with-household-notebook.html

http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/01/cooking-sanity-the-dinner-book.html

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2011/01/menu-planning-saves-me-money-at-grocery.html

Sanitizer Holder

2011-01-02T17:41:00.004-07:00

What a great way to keep the germs at bay! The tutorial looks great too, from A lemon squeezy home.

Ruffled Bustle

2011-01-02T17:40:00.005-07:00

Seriously! I don't know what to say, just look at this!! From no big dill.

Oreo Snowmen

2011-01-02T17:38:00.005-07:00

Snowmen made from Oreos, YUM. From The idea room.

Melted Snowman Cookies

2011-01-02T17:36:00.004-07:00

These cookies are adorable and too funny. From Crazy domestic.

Milk Glass

2011-01-02T17:34:00.005-07:00

I love how Leanne used spray paint to finish this display. I'm so doing this, one day... From Elle Aparel.

Pleated Mary Jane

2010-12-28T09:32:00.004-07:00

These are too adorable!! From Shwin and Shwin

T Shirt Bib

2010-11-17T15:16:00.003-07:00

These bibs are too cute. From A little tipsy.

Upcycled T dress

2010-11-17T15:13:00.004-07:00

I totally want to do this. I'm loving making clothes for my little cheese ball lately! From I am Momma.

Preschool at home

2010-11-17T15:11:00.004-07:00

Love love love this. Can't believe I didn't think of something like this before. Bailey gets so bored some days, I would love to have different activities for her to do. So fun. From A little tipsy.

Blessings Board

2010-11-17T15:07:00.005-07:00

Just in time for Thanksgiving, I love this idea. I also love that it isn't too specific and can stay up year round. Yay for Optimism! From Less than Perfect.

Magic Paint

2010-11-17T15:05:00.005-07:00

Bai has been showing a lot of interest in art projects lately, I think she would love painting a picture like this. From Heather Now.

Bella Band

2010-10-29T13:22:00.004-06:00

Ashley shares her tutorial to a homemade bella band. (Just in time for my belly!)

Baby Sweater Dress

2010-10-29T13:20:00.004-06:00

This might be the cutest thing I have ever seen! What a great use for an old sweater. From Naptime Crafters.

Fabric Flower Links

2010-10-29T13:16:00.003-06:00

Dana has compiled a list of adorable fabric flowers and links to where to find them.
http://www.dana-made-it.com/2010/09/fabric-flower-tutorial-roundup.html

Circle skirt

2010-10-29T13:14:00.004-06:00

Dana has done it again. This skirt is too cute, and she makes it sound simple. There's also a tutorial for a mama sized one.

Candy Pencils

2010-09-11T09:31:00.004-06:00

What a cute idea. From Poppies at play.

Go To Dress Pattern

2010-09-11T09:29:00.005-06:00

I like the versatility with this pattern. From The Train to Crazy.

Pleated Pillowcase Dress

2010-09-11T09:12:00.004-06:00

Here's another super cute pillow case dress. I'm afraid Bailey's too big for these now. Still so cute! From Simply Modern Mom.

Ice Cream Love

2010-09-11T09:10:00.004-06:00

Cute, simple way to tell the hubby I love him. (even though Ice Cream is more my thing). From Love, Actually.

Ruffled Tablecloth

2010-09-11T09:08:00.005-06:00

What a fun girly tablecloth. Love it. From The Planner and the Procrastinator.

Cinderella Tutu

2010-09-11T09:04:00.004-06:00

This tutu is adorable. Just might have to be Bailey's Halloween costume. Too cute, from Samster Mommy.

Lace and Pearl Necklace

2010-09-11T09:03:00.005-06:00

Pretty and simple necklace. From Flamingo Toes.

Ruffled Bloomers

2010-07-31T18:11:00.005-06:00

Seriously, these are too cute. And I had no idea that fabric came pre-ruffled, ha ha. So fun. From no big dill.

Puff quilt

2010-07-31T18:09:00.004-06:00

I'm not big on quilting, but this puff quilt is so cute, I just might have to give it a try. From HoneyBear Lane.

Twisted hem

2010-07-31T18:07:00.006-06:00

I'm not sure my sewing skills are up for this yet, but one day I'll give this hem a try. From Adventures in Dressmaking.

Crochet Butterfly

2010-07-31T18:05:00.005-06:00

I really have no idea what I'd do with these, but I thought they were cute, and I just don't come across too many crochet crafts I like. From Little Birdie Secrets.

dElia Dress

2010-07-31T18:03:00.005-06:00

What a fun ruffly dress. From Baby Night Night Boutique.

Lady Like Lace Skirt

2010-07-31T18:01:00.004-06:00

I'm so sad that Disney isn't posting any more. Love her stuff. This skirt is too cute.

Backpack into towel

2010-06-21T23:03:00.004-06:00

What a smart idea!! The backpack turns into a beach towel. From The train to crazy.

Crochet Toys

2010-06-21T22:53:00.007-06:00

Honest truth, I'll most likely never make this adorable dino or this sweet puppy, but I need to save the link. I'm sure the pattern is a little out of my league, but it's cute, and crochet, so maybe I will actually give it a shot.

From All about you.

Fabric Flowers

2010-06-21T22:29:00.016-06:00

I'm a little obsessed with fabric flowers lately. So here's a bunch of links:
*From Martha Stewart Weddings

*Again, Martha Stewart Weddings
*Another Martha Stewart Weddings

*From Maize Hutton
*From Boutique NutMeg
From Pink Paper Pepperments.

From Molly Chicken

From Primrose Corner.

From Wise Craft.

Find many different links on The Domestic Diva

Whew! Can't wait until we get unpacked to start making some!

Can of Dates

2010-06-13T20:02:00.005-06:00

I think this is such a cute idea for myself, and any newlyweds. Just because you're married, doesn't mean you should stop dating :) From My creative stirrings.

Aprons

2010-06-12T12:31:00.007-06:00

My latest project started while I was visiting family in Idaho in April and May. My Aunt Debbie lives in Portland, OR, and recently started working in a nursing home-like environment in a cafe/gift shop, or something, and my mom asked me to make some holiday aprons for Debbie as a birthday present. So here is what I came up with:

They're all a little different.

This one is the most basic in an Autumn print.

On the Halloween apron I added a ruffle to the bottom.

The Valentine apron has lace lining the bottom edge.

I really like this fabric. It makes me think of an old fashioned soda shop. So cute, with beads dangling on the bottom.

I put ric rac on the top of the Easter apron, and a pocket with ric rac on the bottom.

The Fourth of July apron might be my favorite. My husband gave me the idea to do a reverse applique in stars at the top. I also stitched the aprons to keep them from shifting when washed, and I tried to make a shooting star effect on this one.

The package should get there next week, I'm excited to see what she thinks!

Nursing Cover

2010-05-28T13:01:00.005-06:00

I think that these are kind of a must have lately. Simple, sweet, awesome gift. Time to save a tutorial. From Diary of a quilter.

Ruffled Pillow Case Dress

2010-05-28T12:58:00.004-06:00

Last time I was home, my sister gave me an old pillow case that has been embroidered by either my grandmother or great aunt, it is so pretty and this dress would be a perfect use. From The crafty clique.

Beachcomber dress

2010-05-28T12:56:00.005-06:00

Seriously, another ridiculously cute dress from Ruffles and Stuff! (I'm so happy she has a girl!)

Shirred and Shared dress

2010-05-28T12:53:00.004-06:00

What a fun dress from Ruffles and Stuff. And it's a two-for one!

Cricut Tips

2010-05-28T12:52:00.005-06:00

The Creative Crate has gathered up some awesome tips for using the Cricut. I just don't want to loose the link!

Pillow Case Dress

2010-05-28T12:50:00.005-06:00

This is one of the cutest pillow case dresses I have ever seen. Simply Modern Mom shares the tutorial on V & Co.

Mei Tai

2010-05-28T12:46:00.004-06:00

I really want to make one of these before our next baby comes. This one from Still learning life has a head rest. So cute.

Joy in a bag o' beans!!

2010-05-28T12:23:00.002-06:00

When I saw this idea on Lil Blue Boo, I fell in love!!

The tutorial is super easy to follow. The main change was that I used my Cricut with the Learning Curve cartridge which made it even easier!

I bought the fabric one joyous afternoon back in October. I actually finished my version about a month ago. I just think they are so adorable.

Even still, when I walk past the woven box full of them, I smile. Hooray for Bean Bags!

Pleated Pillow

2010-05-18T14:43:00.005-06:00

I think I have saved a few pleated pillows, but I really like this casual/messy version. From House of Smith's.

Distressed Art

2010-05-18T13:43:00.004-06:00

L-O-V-E this! I love the abc's, but think it would be awesome with a photo too! deliacreates.blogspot.com guess blogs on Happy Together with the tutorial.

Woven Pillow

2010-05-18T13:39:00.005-06:00

Another fabulous pillow from Sew4Home. (where am I going to put all of these pillows...? Guess I'll worry about that until after I've actually made one!)

Heating pad

2010-05-18T13:32:00.004-06:00

I know that there are tons for tutorials for heating pads/rice packs, but the fabric used by The Green Wife was too cute, I had to post. I like the idea of using the essential oils making it more soothing.

Layered Skirt

2010-05-18T13:27:00.004-06:00

I don't absolutely love the colors in this skirt, not quite my taste, but the fact that she made a skirt, from scratch, without a real "pattern" to follow, I'm impressed! I'd like to try with a mono-tone pallet maybe... Added to my list of things I want to do! From Ruffles and Stuff.

Ashton Top

2010-03-31T11:51:00.007-06:00

What a cute shirt. Love using old men's shirt for cute girly stuff. From Brown Paper Packages.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-03-31T11:45:00.005-06:00

I've always wanted to have a recipe for THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES EVER! These are really good cookies, not sure if they're the best ever, but really good! I did like Sisters' Stuff suggested and froze the extras to eat later. (Most of the frozen dough didn't make it to the oven though, I ate 'em right out of the freezer.) Mmm.

Adult peticoat

2010-03-23T13:09:00.006-06:00

This adult sized peticoat skirt is made of muslin. LOVE it! From Alisa Burke.

Baby Tights

2010-03-23T13:07:00.004-06:00

Made by Rae uses old shirts to make new baby tights! Oh the possibilities!

Colors Book

2010-03-23T13:05:00.005-06:00

This book is a cute option to use up scraps, and a great quiet book, AND helps learn colors! From Everyday Celebrations.

Camera Strap

2010-03-10T20:49:00.005-07:00

I've seen these camera straps all over the place. Super cute. We don't have a fancy camera yet, maybe I'll make one for my photographer friend. Tutorial on Crap I've Made.

Maternity T

2010-03-10T20:46:00.004-07:00

What a great idea! Take and oversize t and turn it into a maternity t. From Homemade by jill.

Storage Cube

2010-03-04T09:07:00.004-07:00

I love boxes, baskets, and all things containers. I like the ability to personalize this cube from Obsessively Stitching. I just might want to make it larger, if possible.

Dino Mittens

2010-03-04T09:00:00.004-07:00

These mittens are so cute, and perfect for my nephews! rom Mme Zsazsa.

Baby Doll Bassinet

2010-03-04T08:59:00.005-07:00

This little bassinet is so cute. The project look a little advance, or at least detailed, which is what makes it so cute. From Nothing Fancy.

Oxford Napkins

2010-03-04T08:57:00.003-07:00

These napkins are made from old oxford shirt. From Martha.

Slim Slack

2010-03-04T08:53:00.004-07:00

I keep thinking that I'll make some children's clothing. For now it will have to stay on my to-do lits. These pants are too cute. From This Mama Makes Stuff.

Bath Toy Bag

2010-03-04T08:51:00.004-07:00

I've wanted to make this for a while. Now I've got the motivation. We only have one bath tub, and this would make things less cluttered. From Make It and Love It.

Claypron

2010-02-28T20:39:00.001-07:00

My husband is taking a ceramics class this semester. He told me he needed an apron, and I said I would like to try and make one. I wanted to try to copy this idea. Here is what I came up with:

We bought a soft canvas and went for it... This was a bit stressful for me, no tutorial to copy, just the picture of the one for sale. I made a "pattern" to copy, and it worked. I don't think I could duplicate it, but am happy with the end result. For now, I'll stick with following other's tutorials.

Pillows

2010-02-23T08:33:00.004-07:00

Another great tutorial from Sew4Home, and more awesome pillows. Not sure where I would put all of the pillows I want to make...

Mixer cover

2010-02-23T08:31:00.006-07:00

Jill made this cute KitchenAid mixer cover by following this tutorial. I love that she added pockets.

Crystal/chain necklace

2010-02-23T08:26:00.004-07:00

I like the mix of crystals and metal for this necklace. I'd probably use ribbon to tie it off instead of the clasp. From Kosmic Chai Crafts.

Fabric Flower

2010-02-23T08:15:00.004-07:00

I love these flowers from Sew Mama Sew. They're too cute. And the tutorial shows how to use them for wedding flowers, hair clips, pretty belts.