Fancy Washing Gloves

Several years ago, I made some fun gloves for the girls in my Bible Study.  It was a group of newly married ladies and our teacher was encouraging us to find joy in our work at home (washing dishes, folding laundry, dusting, etc.)  I made a pair for each girl so they could have a little more fun while standing over those dirty dishes at the kitchen sink! :)

I had totally forgotten about them until one of my friends who was in the Bible study requested several pair for some wedding gift baskets she was putting together.  The first ones I made had sequins dangling from the ribbon, but she requested some fabric flowers instead and they turned out SO CUTE!  I wanted to share this idea because it would make a darling gift (birthday, Mother's Day, wedding, shower, etc) for almost any lady!  You just sew the ribbon around the base of the glove and then make two fabric flowers to attach to each one.  

* I used the white Mr. Clean brand gloves that are lined with a soft flannel.  They hold up much longer than the regular yellow kind and the soft inside makes them feel more plush! I can usually find them in Wal-Mart.

**You may experience some trouble sewing the ribbon to the glove with a sewing machine.  I had to try several times to get the machine to stitch the ribbon without tearing the glove.  You may choose to hand-stitch the ribbon instead.  

"Ruthie"

I wanted to share this special doll because she is truly one of a kind and has such a sweet story behind her creation. 

 Her name is "Ruthie" and she is a very special present for Gracie, who's 3rd birthday is later this month.  Gracie's mom, Heather, contacted me about making her because her own mother passed away 3 years ago while Heather was pregnant with Gracie.  She wanted her daughter  to have a special keepsake of her grandmother so she mailed me some of her mom's old clothes to use to make a doll.   Gracie requested that she have black eyes, light pink lips, and a pink bow.  She also wanted her to be named "Ruthie."  She turned out so precious that it was hard for me to let her go!  I hope Gracie will love her for years to come. 

Shades From Mini Blinds

Just thought I'd share this tutorial that I found on a decorating blog, Little Green Notebook, that teaches you how to turn ordinary mini blinds into beautiful & functional shades.  No sewing involved!!  I can not wait to try this out for our kitchen! 

 For months I've been thinking about what to use as window treatments.  I don't like blinds, nor do I like traditional curtains, but this just may be exactly what we need.  Thank goodness I haven't thrown out the blinds I took down in AC's room and the nursery.  I have all of the materials... if I could only find the time!  

  

Amazing Frugal Makeover

This makeover was just too amazing and inspiring not to share!! One of my favorite blogs to check everyday is Resolved 2 Worship.  This amazing mom of 6 (soon to be 7!) is so creative and inspiring that she never ceases to impress me with all of her energy and just her overall outlook on life.  

Her family recently had to move into a rental home and they were unable to find a landlord who would rent to a family with that many small children.  Their only option was to make their home in a commercial building.  Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she has beautifully TRANSFORMED the building into a lovely home for her family only using the resources she has available.  And I thought I was a frugal decorator!!  You have to check out her blog for yourself to see the results she has achieved just using what she already had and combining it with "side of the road" finds.   

Just a few of the "before" and "after" shots"

KITCHEN BEFORE:   

KITCHEN AFTER:

MASTER BEDROOM BEFORE:

MASTER BEDROOM AFTER:

Sweet Sarah Kate

I have a mini baby shower this evening for one of the girls in our Bunco group.  She is having her first baby, Sarah Kate, in April so we are throwing her a surprise shower tonight - fun fun fun!

How adorable did this little onsie and burp set turn out?!? I just love it and wish I was going to be the one opening it tonight. :)  This is what I really miss since we always wait to find out what we are having... all of the cute boy or girl gifts.  I'll just have to enjoy making the cute stuff for others until I know what we are having. 

Not that I'm complaining because it is all worth the wait in the end.  I can think of no greater rush than being in the delivery room and hearing the doctor announce, "Congratulations!  It's a ...!"  Ohhhh I get goosebumps thinking we get to do it all over again in just a few months! 

Crafting Project ADD

I don't know if it is the winter blues or if it has something to do with hormonal imbalance due to pregnancy, but I have a serious problem right now with ADD - specifically related to crafting projects that are on my "to do" list!  (Maybe I just subconsciously know how little time I'll have once the baby gets here in June so I'm anxious to make make make while I still have some free time!)

Have I finished AC's room or the nursery you may ask?  Of course not!  However,  while they still sit waiting to be finished, I've moved onto more "pressing" issues, like the lack of spring clothes that are in AC's closet and my desire to sew up an entire new wardrobe for her.  My cousin Stephanie invited me to a house show in her neighborhood this weekend of ADORABLE children's clothing by Just Ducky because she thought it would give me some ideas for stuff to make for AC.  Oh did it ever! I have so many ideas floating around in my head and only so much time to make them!  I'm trying to be very good and use up the fabric I already have on hand in my sewing room to make some cute dresses and outfits for her, but I don't know how long I can resist the urge to go buy some colorful spring fabric!

I've found several free tutorials online for some cute stuff I'm going to try to sew.  Stay tuned because I plan on sharing them here, along with a review on how easy (or not!) they were to make.  :)

Pic of a super simple "pillow case" dress I made last summer... instructions to soon follow! ;)

A Little Sweetness for Valentine's Day

Several new dolls to celebrate the month of February...

And a cute little accent pillow too!