Great Give-Away!!

Cool Munchkins is having a give-away. Not crafty oriented, but there always seems to be a need for baby onsies! Might be great addition to your next hand-made gift creation!
Check it out here

Egg Carton Critters

I'm a huge fan of recyclable materials, and one of the great benefits to using them in this economy is that they really are a cost saver. Egg cartons are especially great because chances are you always have one on hand, and they make fantastic childrens crafts. Egg Carton Critters are a classic, and there are so many variations- you simply cannot do them wrong! Here is what I used-
1 egg carton, with the bottoms cut out and trimmed for uniform length
Pipe cleaner (s) depending on how many you plan to do

Paint (we used watercolors )
Glue
String (optional)
Googly Eyes OR paper circles from hole-punch
Craft Scissors

We spread out some paper ( we used left over paper bags ) to catch any spilling, and got to work painting the bodies, and when they were dry I punched 3 holes on each side for the legs. Cut 1 pipe cleaner into 3 equal sections, pushed through and pressed the inside part up and against the side. Glued on eyes, punched a hole through the top, added string, knotted on the bottom, and Voila! Critter who could be held from above while he scuttled along on the ground.

We also did some 'winged' critters. First step was to color the bodies, and set aside to dry. While they were drying we took another egg carton bottom painted it in the desired color and pattern, and when it was dry- cut it in half (or fourths depending on the type of wing). Glue heavily along the side you are going to place on the body, prop, and let dry. Add eyes, legs, or antennas, string- and go have fun!

The picture above is the variations my four year old did! They include spider, lady bug, moth, and just 'bug'. A great easy craft with materials you already have on hand! And a great opportunity to craft something fun together.

Quilting, Love, And Ketchup

I have been working on the quilt for my four year old, from just before my one year old was born. It's been a journey, let me tell you! Excitement ran rampant when I picked out the fabric, and I had wonderful visions of  a truly stunning master piece bedecking his bed in no time. I had that whole 'Quilt In A Day' book and everything.

Ha Ha.

Finally, after cutting strips, and then putting it away, and piecing it together, and putting it away- it actually became time to put it all together! Even more excitement ran rampant. My son very anxiously sat watching me, run each strip through the machine. This quilt means a lot to me. Like all the things I make, especially for my boys, I try to make with all the love I have in my heart. I thought it would be fun to explain that to him. Love is a very important secret ingredient to put in all things, even for little boys. It's important that they know it, too.
     My meaningful conversation went something like this:
Me: Do you know what we put in to everything we make?
4 year old: In E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G?
Me: Yes, everything. Food, quilts, paintings- everything!
4 year old: No, what?
Me: Love
4 year old: Love?
Me: Yes love! Like this!
And I began chanting lovelovelovelovelove while I pressed the foot to my sewing machine. My son was very intrigued, so I told him it was totally and completely important to get as much love into his quilt as possible. I told him that he should help. He held out his hands towards the quilt 'Darth Vader' style, squinted his eyes up tight and went 'LoveloveloveloveloveloveloveloveloveLOOOOOVVVVVVE!'. I smiled, he smiled, and I carried it on.
'What other wonderful thing can we put into it?'
'Hugs and kisses!' came the reply.
'Hugsnkisseshugsnkisseshugsnkisses' we laughed as we verbally added them to the quilt. I loved it. I basked in his smile, his excitement, his love. I had to ask again, I had to carry it further...
'That's good! That's good! What other wonderful thing can we add to your blanket!'
'KETCHUP!' shouted out his little voice.

Yes, ketchup. So, we squinted up our eyes, held out our hands, and chanted 'Ketchupketchupketchup'. Apparently, and it's good to know, that's his secret ingredient.