Flower Zipper Flat

The Inspiration! ($198)

The Solution! ($2.68)

Okay, so I am not one of those people who looks at every thing and says, "I could make that way cheaper!" My sweet hubby does that sometimes, and honestly, it drives me BONKERS!!! I guess it shouldn't bother me because sometimes I do say I could make that cheaper and CUTER. Guess what? Sometimes, I am right, like $196 right!

Here is what you need!

1. A pair of flats, new, used, ugly, or otherwise neglected. (I am not exactly sure why I ever had a pair of white flats in my closet. I have definitely never been a nurse and I think that might be the only excuse for a pair of all white shoes!)

2.  Two Zippers

3. Two circles cut from felt

4. Two alligator clips or Bobby pins (optional)

Cut one zipper into 10 equal rectangles (5 for each shoe)

Fold and hot glue like pictured.

Then glue onto a felt circle.

Twist and glue another zipper to form the center.  There is no hard-fast technique for this, just play with your zipper until you are satisfied.

You can glue an alligator clip or Bobbi pin to the felt on back to attach the flower to your shoe or just glue the zipper directly onto the ballet flat.

A "Moss" Have!

I know, I know,  you have all seen these mossy monograms everywhere on the Blogosphere and of course at Pottery Barn for a whopping $80 a letter...

BUT, I thought I would share my interpretation anyway.  First, of all it was free!  Do I have your attention yet?  I was at the craft store getting ready to purchase my cardboard letter and bag 'o moss when I thought, "WHY?"  I have a back yard full of moss and I am sure I have Styrofoam some where.  Plus my boys could get involved with this project. Gotta love that. Here is what I did, all with the help of my trusty glue gun of course.

I have tried my "B" two ways, on the door as pictured at the top and as a topiary. Can't decide which I prefer, what do you think?

What's in your Easter Basket?

I know what my munchkins are going to find in their baskets this year! Not only those nasty little PEEPS candy they love so much but some stuffed PEEPS too.

Visit Dandelions & Lace for a wonderfully easy tutorial.

Lace for Baby & Momma

 I am loving the lace and ruffle trend right now.  But, let's face it, I live in T-shirts and Belle lives in legwarmers.  Never fear here is how to lace-up both baby and momma with this T-shirt refashion and a pair of lace baby legs.

For a tutorial on how I created both pieces click the read more button below!

Topiary Treasures

I made these two topiaries to enhance our Spring Decor, but they turned out so cute that they ended up as permamnent fixtures in Harley Belle's room. 

Here is what you need! 

Styrofoam ball, paper, pins, and flower paper punch found HERE.

I bought the trees at the dollar section of Target.

Punch a million or so paper flowers and pin them onto your ball.

After the ball if full of lovely flowers, stick it onto your tree, some twigs, or place a few in a basket!

I also found these little gems HERE. Aren't the jellybeans adorable?

It's Spring! Feed the Birds

It is beginning to look like spring and we are so happy!  I am a Cub Scout leader, last week we built bird houses (you can buy kits online at home depot they are great!). We also made the traditional pine cone/peanut butter/birdseed bird feeders. The cub scouts had so much fun that I decided to do it with my kids.  This is a project that is messy and so if possible do it outside. 

Here is what you need and the recipe:

Peanut Butter 

Shortening, Lard or suet 

Bird seed or Pine cones

Steps: 1. Mix the peanut butter with an equal amount of shortening. 2. Tie the string around the bagel or pine cone. 3. Spread the mixture onto the bagel or pine cone 4. Hang it up outside, on a tree or wherever you please.  

Cherry Blossoms

Springtime in Washington D.C. brings the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  This two week celebration commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the people of Japan.  The trees were given as a token of friendship between the Japanese and American citizens.  The festival takes place during the height of the cherry tree's blossoms-this year, March 29th-April 13th.   As the Cherry Blossom Festival approaches and we are reminded of our friendship with Japan, our hearts and minds also reflect upon the countless tragedies in this island country.

When I saw this amazing Cherry Blossom Tutorial from Sarah at Sarahndipities, I was excited for so many reasons. First, it is spring! Second, it is Cherry Blossom season in our fair city, and third, perhaps I could bring some attention to this very special festival and the people of Japan. 

Here is my very own Tissue Paper Cherry Blossom-so fun, so easy, and absolutely beautiful!

(If I do say so myself)

This year the festival is hosting a  Stand with Japan Walk  on March 24th at the Tidal Basin. This fundraising event will benefit the American Red Cross.  If you want to become involved or if you can donate please click below and you will be directed to the National Cherry Blossom/American Red Cross site. Thanks everyone and thanks Sarah for such a fabulous idea!

CLICK HERE!

Leather Purse Bracelet

I must have been inspired to keep this old purse that was stained from spilled milk like four years ago. 

First, cut off the straps.

Measure your wrist and cut the straps accordingly.  Remember, the bracelet will need to slide on and off of your wrist.

Glue the ends of both straps together forming two circles.

Start cutting up your purse into salvageable leather pieces.

Make one circle, 8 large petals, 8 medium petals, and 6 small petals with the leather.

Begin gluing the large petals to the circle as pictured above and then layer the additional petals on top.

My purse happened to have brass studs. I cut one out and glued it to the center of my flower. 

Cut a rectangle from the leather. It should be long enough to wrap snugly around your bracelets.

Glue rectangle in place using a generous amount of glue.

Glue leather flower on top!

Bath Time Fun!

I saw this fabulous idea at Filth Wizardry.  It has been fun for the boys and also useful in teaching Nash his letters and numbers.  Using simple craft foam found Here .
Cut all the shapes, pictures, and letters you want.  Surface tension keeps them sticking to the tile surrounding the tub.  This little guy was in the bath for  2 hours cutting shapes and moving around the alphabet and city pieces that we created.