DIY Cameo Plaque


There’s something about cameos that I find a little bit spooky. It might have something to do with Disney’s Haunted Mansion. Regardless, I LOVE THEM and decided to try one out for Miss Quinn Frances. And then we decided to use a cameo in our new banner (see above) and then I decided to use my new cameo plaque as part of my Halloween decor for a bit before it takes up permanent residence on one of my bare walls (hence the weird photo with skeleton.) This was super easy and inexpensive! These would look really cute printed on mugs, totes, t-shirts too…

DIY after the jump


What you need:
Wooden plaque (Walmart): $4.62
Acrylic paint (black & white): $2.50
Photo of child’s profile, on solid background if possible: $0
x-acto or small scissors
Pen or pencil: I used a “Skilcraft Free Ink Roller Ball 0.7”: Stolen from husband’s desk (this is an amazing pen!!)
Large paintbrush: $1-ish
Tiny paintbrush: $1-ish
Varnish (optional): $?

Total: Less than $10

Traditionally this type of silhouette art is actually cut from black paper and placed under glass or, in this case, under varnish/Mod Podge. For this version, I painted the art directly on the plaque but the paper cut would definitely work as well.

1. Paint the entire surface of your plaque white (I think it could also look cool and modern to leave the wood showing. I might try that next). Let dry while you move on to step 2.

2. Print out a profile photo of your baby and trim with an x-acto or small scissors.
3. Trace your cut-out directly onto your plaque with pencil, a fine black Sharpie or the heavenly “Skilcraft Free Ink Roller Ball 0.7” You don’t have to reverse your photo, feel free to trace either side.

4. Using your tiny brush, paint inside the detailed edge of your silhouette black and then fill in with your large brush. Make your black paint as smooth as possible.
5. Add the subject’s name and age (or the date) along the bottom (if you wish) using your pen or a fine brush.

6. When dry, apply a sealant (optional)

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DIY Cute Crib Sheet

You know the nesting urge set in and you invested in a giant crib set only to find out within a few months that it was virtually useless.  The bumpers are dangerous and come off before the baby even sleeps in it, and the skirt lasts a few months but comes off as soon as she learns to sit up.  And if you’re like me, your child has one special blanket she insists on sleeping with, so you are left to play around with fanciful sheets.

With so many adorable fabrics available there’s no reason to stick to store-bought crib sheets, especially when it’s so simple to make them yourself.  I made my first crib sheet today and I think I’ll do it a little differently next time, but it turned out great and took less then an hour!

Get the full Crib Sheet DIY after the jump…

(more…)

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Circus Party!

To celebrate Miss S’ first birthday last April we threw a legendary circus party and had a blast! These pics have floated about the Internet and I’ve had many emails requesting more info & how-to’s so I’ll post a bunch in the coming weeks, but for now check out some pictures and links to where to buy…
a simple homemade pennant…
favor bags in neon bandanas also made bright decorations…
Jacinda made and shipped these amazing cookies all the way from Texas!
my first homemade cake…
these party hats were insanely fun to make, get the DIY Party Hat Template here
popcorn boxes and raffle prizes make everyone smile..
especially the birthday girl herself…

more after the jump including the invite…

you can’t go wrong with a giant octopus in a party hat and color coordinated tissue balls…
a cotton candy machine is inexpensive to rent and adds a lot…
Grandpa manned the popcorn machine…
the adults sipped champagne…
the kids had their faces painted…
the kids loved the circus themed tin toys…
the circus-themed sandwich shop Zanzabelle in Silver Lake was the perfect setting…
and my little circus honeybee had a wonderful day!
more to come on the invite and how to April Fool’s your friends in a way they’ll never forget!

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Giraffe Softy


My super crafty sister-in-law made this gorgeous giraffe softy for Clare using Vogue Pattern 8349. It now resides in Quinn’s room, given the color scheme, and I’ve been feeling a bit guilty about the theft so I just ordered a copy of the pattern to make one for Clare. I would ask my sister-in-law to make another but she is working on her PhD (smarty-pants) so I’m guessing she has a 1-fabulous-giraffe-softy-per-year limit.

I also ordered this pattern which I think would look really cute in felt or a sweet cotton print. There are alot of new babies around. These would make a-dor-able holiday gifts.

Funny how the fabric choice truly makes-or-breaks these, no?

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DIY Cake Stand


Amesh from Indonesia shared an adorable project with us today and it reminded me of a tip from one of my cake decorating classes. Using canned goods to create DIY cake stands! Instructions after the break…

What you need:

– Corrugated cake boards
– Canned goods (unopened)
– Several sheets of scrapbooking-weight paper
– plus: x-acto knife, ruler, cutting mat, pencil, rubber bands, non-toxic glue (I prefer Aleene’s Tacky Glue.)

1. Trace closely around the edge of each cake board with the pencil and cut out your circles with your x-acto knife on the cutting mat

2. Apply glue fairly close to the edge of the wrong side of your paper circle and attach to your cake board. Repeat for each.

3. Measure the height of your canned goods and cut strips of paper to height.

4. Wrap paper around can, marking a 1″ overlap and trim length of paper.

5. Apply glue to the length of the 2 short ends and wrap paper around canned good, overlapping and gluing down the end. Wrap with rubber bands to dry. Repeat for each.

6. Cut 1″ strips of paper to create the “thickness” of the “plates.”

7. Place cake board bottom-side up and apply glue along very top of the entire length of your 1″ strip and begin wrapping strip around edge of cake board. If there is a “front” of your cake-board, be sure to place paper seam towards the back. Repeat until the entire circumference of all of your circles is covered. Glue the strips of paper together as you go.

8. Place your largest can at the bottom and center your largest cake board on top. You can stop there for a pretty cake stand. You should glue your stand to the can (I would probably use a glue gun but haven’t tested this yet)

9. You can add additional tiers by centering another can on top of your first cake board and gluing another cake board on top.

These are great because they are sooo inexpensive to make, totally customizable and you never have to worry about leaving a pretty plate behind at a party!

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Crochet Donut



Now that it’s getting all Fall-ish, I’m thinking of getting back to yarn crafts. If you need a sweet handmade something for a little person, I highly recommend this. A simple and satisfying beginner project. Wrap it up in parchment paper and tie with baker’s twine for additional themey cuteness. These would also be super cute in multiples if you’re feeling ambitious. The pattern is free, courtesy of KTBDesigns.

PS. I sewed a few jingle Bells inside before closing mine up.

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One Frame Three Ways

Buttery yellow with wallpaper in my daughter’s room

Vintage turquoise as a chalkboard via Little Green Notebook

White as a display sign for Cuppielove via Yes, Please

Before & After pics and where to get it after the jump…


Before & After

Prudent Price:

Frame $24.99 at Ikea

Julia Rothman Daydream wallpaper remnant $0 (or $20/yard at Hygge & West

One can Rust Oleum Painter’s Touch in Satin Summer Squash $7.33 on Amazon or at Home Depot

Total $32.32

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