Just Jen

I know it's the 6th, but HAPPY 4TH!!

The 4th of July is my favorite holiday besides Christmas. I love the hot dogs, the fireworks, the patriotism, the fireworks... :)

I am usually the one out there with a lighter right there in the middle of it, but this year, I had to sit with this little booger who wasn't much of a fan of the firecrackers.

Once it got dark, though and she could see them all lit up, she decided she didn't mind the noise so much. That's my girl. :)

I did make sure I fired off a few of these - well, only 1 of the 3 I bought actually worked, but that's why I buy 3... This little $1.50 firework makes my whole 4th of July. There's only one stand around that stocks them, so we hit them every year. It's just not the same without it... Watch this and you'll see why:

I sewed a top!

I consider my sewing skills to be pretty basic, and clothing has always intimidated me. But having a little girl makes me want to sew up all kids of cute ruffly tops and dresses. So I am spreading my wings a bit. My "sew" board on pinterest is full of great inspiration, and with the long holiday weekend ahead of me, I decided to tackle one of them.

I settled on this pattern by EverythingNiceSewing on Etsy. It had some gathers, and (gasp) a button closure - which I usually avoid - but I was willing to give it a try. I just used the measurements in the pattern for a 2t-3t (my daughter normally wears a 2), but I should have measured her first, because it was a little snug on her. I ended up adding a little bit of the contrasting green on the sides to give her a little more room, which did the trick. I love the way it turned out, and think I'll probably make it again in a longer dress version soon.

New! Texas tees in the shop

My son has been asking for a shirt with Texas on it, and as a proud Texan who is proud of my proud little Texan, I just couldn't deny him. So...new Texas tees in the shop for everyone!

Because it's never too early to instill that Texas pride. :)

http://store.dixiebellegifts.com/new-little-texas/

Kids' Folding Chairs Makeover

Last weekend I hit Canton with a dear old friend for some much needed catch-up time. We definitely found more than a few treasures (necessitating a trip to the car to unload midday), but my favorite find has to be these kid-sized folding chairs. They were a happy sun-faded yellow, but in much need of a makeover. I paid $9 for the pair (score!), so that left some room in the budget to splurge on some fun vinyl fabric to cover them with. A little happy green spray paint, and they are better than new!

Visitor

Caught this guy hanging out on my butterfly bush this afternoon. Completely in awe of the beauty of God's creation and happy to know the bush actually lives up to it's name. :)

Welcome back anytime, friend!

Andie Hat Makeover

Last night, I decided that one of Jack's old ball caps needed an Andie makeover. Though he did not see the improvement, I think she was a fan. She is such a hat girl. And a shoe girl. And a dress girl. She is such a girl!

The flowers and petals are much easier than they look. I cut strips of t-shirt and sort of folded and twisted them around like a cinnamon roll, starting in the center and sewing with my machine to keep the swirls in place as I went. The key is to not try too hard to make them perfect and just go with it!

I'd do a little tutorial, but I can't take pics while I'm sewing, so...
There are TONS of fabric flower tutorials already out there anyway, so take your pick!

I hand stitched the flowers to the top part of the hat and hot glued the one on the bill. Before I knew it I was done! So quick and easy!

Andie's Amineko

Andie doesn't know yet that we're dog people. She loves her "meows". I decided a stuffed one would be better than a real one, so I set out to find a cute kitty crochet pattern. I discovered the popular Amineko pattern (how have I missed this?) and decided to make it for her.

I love the way it turned out, and I think she does too. Now brother wants one - in blue and red, and minus the bow. Of course.

 

Lunch hour crafting - old school granny plastic canvas tissue box cover

In progress. For my desk at work. So tacky it's going to be awesome.

Wood bead t-shirt necklace

Jack has a few special friends that we made (ok, I made...) these cute necklaces for as Valentines. It's never to early to start training him that girls love to get jewelry on Valentine's Day...right?

Here's how to do it:

Paint wooden beads with acrylic craft paints and spray them with a clear acrylic sealer when dry.

Cut a 1.5" wide strip horizontally (so it will have some stretch) across the bottom of a white t-shirt. (You'll want to cut off the bottom hem of the tee first and then cut your strip. ) You'll end up with a big loop.

Cut into the loop so you end up with one long strip.

Center the first bead in the middle of the strip. Knot the fabric on each side to hold it in place.

Add the remaining beads to each side, knotting as you go.

Tie a simple double knot at the top to close it, and done!

Of course, we had to make one for little sister, too!

Jack's Valentines

For the kiddos in Jack's class, I made these owls with paper lunch sacks and filled them with popcorn. I was inspired by these, but wanted to "man" them up a little. I thought they looked a little more mean and tough...

And his teacher got a jar of my salted caramel sauce. I was a little distracted while making this batch, so I am afraid it was a little grainy...but it still eats good anyway!