Easy Pinwheel Banner

I decided I wanted something special for July 4, but didn't want to create another typical triangle banner. After seeing a wreath made out of pinwheels, I decided that was the way I wanted to go. It's really easy to put together - create the pinwheels (instructions can be googled), punch holes on the ends of the pinwheels and tie together.

Enjoy!

Easy Tea Towel Apron

If I have failed to mention it before, I will do so again. I love Amy Karol's book, "Bend-the-rules Sewing." It has so many great patterns in the book for projects that are easy to complete. For example, I made a couple of tea towel aprons for my daughter a few months back. I added a kangaroo pocket, but if you just want an apron sans pocket, it is easy to complete this project by simply sewing on either binding or ribbon for the apron ties.

Happy (simple) sewing.

Mother's Day Slide Mailer Card

Last year, I created a slide mailer "card/picture frame" for my kids grandma. It was fun to create and I really like the outcome of the project. To create, glue or decoupage scrapbooking paper to a slide mailer. Print, cut to size and add pictures and embellishements to the slide sections of the mailer. Add glass slides to the mailer and adhere using glue. Add embelishments and more pictures to the mailer. Add tape (electrical or fancy) to the edge of the mailer for a bound look.

May Day Baskets

May 1 is fast approaching, so why not surprise a friend or neighbor with a traditional May Day basket, without the tradition of an actual basket. Use thrift store finds to decorate and create your own version of a basket filled with flowers. Last year, I used a salt shaker, a mug,  and a glass jar to create the below baskets. I decorated each with paper, ribbon, and embellishments and added wires for hanging the baskets from doors. Beautiful, fun and a great use for old items.

Earth Day Favor

Why not give friends and neighbors a taste of the green life for Earth Day? Present them with a seed packet all dolled up with a mini-pinwheel, tag and twine. Simple and easy, just how Earth Day should be.

Paint Chip Butterfly Lantern

Ah, how I love paint chips. All of the beautiful colors in so many shades, who can resist? Today, I took my passion for these wonderful home store finds and turned them into butterflies that I then glued onto a paper lantern.

All that is needed to complete this project is paint chips in the desired colors, a paper lantern, and a butterfly paper punch and/or butterfly template (there is a great template here on the Martha Stewart site - just fold the paint chips in half, trace, and cut).

Cut or punch out the butterflies from the paint chips. Then, using a gel glue, glue the butterflies to the lantern in a random pattern.

Enjoy.
Kristin

Spring is here - well, almost

There is still snow on the ground in Minnesota, but the sound of birds outside is filling the air. Inspired by the impending change of seasons, I created a banner. Complete with dozens of butterflies, this banner is a cheery addition to our home.

To make, cut out triangles, sew together, punch holes to string ribbon through, then add your own embellishments to complete.

Kristin