Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Free artwork

There are so many choices out there for wall decor,  but none that showcase our family quite like our own art!  I picked a couple of my favorites then I scanned them into the computer and increased the contrast so they showed up darker when printed.  Then I took some mats and frames I had stashed in the basement and gave them a make over -  I covered the mats with some scrapbook paper and gave the frames a coat of black spray paint. 


The girls feel so proud that something they created is framed and on display in our family room! 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Fabric flower headband

With four girls, there is a crazy amount of bows and headbands around here.  When I discover a new style I tend to go crazy and make at least one in every color.  (I'll post more bow craziness later : )  For today, I've got to share these little gems!   If I didn't get so terribly overwhelmed in a fabric store I would make loads of these, but this is all I've got for now.  I have made quite a few as gifts for birthday parties, and they have been a hit!   Cute fabrics, endless possibilities, and easy to make!

 
We start with 7-8 large circles (mine are 3 1/4 in.)
and 7-8 small circles (mine are 2 1/2 in.)
I just traced the top end of a cup for the large circles and the bottom end of the cup for the small.
Then to make each circle a petal,  put a dab of hot glue on the wrong side of the fabric
Fold in half,
put another dab of hot glue,
and fold into thirds.
 It will look like this:
 Do this to each circle.  Then take a piece of felt cut into a circle and begin placing and gluing the larger fabric petals onto the felt going in a circle

 Until you get this:
Then just place and glue the smaller fabric petals on top
Add a button to the center (or a cover button, or jewel, or anything :) and hot glue the whole thing right to a headband. 

 Then grab the nearest little girl to put this on and admire! 
Tip: The Dollar Store sells great fabric covered headbands in a pack of 3.  That's where I get mine.  JoAnn's fabric store also has a big selection of colors and sizes.  They are $1.99-$3.99 each.
Have fun trying lots of combinations and colors!  I'm excited to make more!