Super Easy Flower Pin

The little girl in my house has discovered tutus. Though I still can't get her to take a dance class (anybody else with a shy kid out there), I'm hooked on making her these tutus and pretty flower pins.

This flower pin could not possibly be easier. All you need is a fake flower, a pin, some felt scraps and a glue gun.

First, deconstruct the flower (this is easier than you might think)


Here are the parts.


When the flower is deconstructed, glue the petal layers together if they aren't already.

For this one I wanted to reuse the center, so I cut off the stem part and glued it back to the center.

I added a leaf to the back and glued on a pin.

Glue on a little felt scrap to extra secure the pin.

I'm totally addicted! It's so easy and the flowers are so pretty.

The perfect addition to a pretty tutu on a pretty girl.

A New Skirt For ME!

Simplicity 2226.  I had to make some serious alterations to this pattern.  I made a muslin first which I wish I took a picture of before I put it in the trash.  The basic design is cute, but the skirt was so full it was ridiculous.  Not flattering on me at all. 

I really like the end result and love the pockets.  I used contrasting thread, but it doesn't show up too well unless you're up close.

It was a fun challenge taking pictures of myself with my tripod and remote.  The kids got involved too.

  Who says blogging isn't fun for the whole family :)




 
And, I have to give a shout out to my good friend over at Jane of all Trades.  I made this skirt after seeing her in a very similar and very cute skirt.  Imitation is the highest form of flattery! 

Toy Bag Party Favors

My kids' both have birthdays in September and possibly for the last time, we're going to have one big party for both. In typical fashion, I think, why not make some toy bags as party favors....18 of them.....

At the time, it didn't seem like a lot, and I was on a roll until about bag 9. Then, I was done, the novelty wore off. But, I powered through and finished them up with a few weeks to spare.

If you are wacky like me and think this might be a fun thing to do, here are a few tips to make it a little easier.

• As nice as the mitered corners are in my original tute, rounding the corners goes much quicker.

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• use a zig-zag stitch to secure the bias tape. I found that often times I'd have to go back over parts where all the layers didn't get enclosed.

• I made these bags bigger than the original and also used spray adhesive to hold the velcro in place before sewing.

Hope the kids enjoy them!

Check back next week for a new tutorial for a fun and relatively easy kid's birthday present. Have a great long weekend!