I’m still having fun putting together Olivia’s first Birthday Party.  The party is less the 2 weeks away, so I’m making lists and trying to check off at least one thing everyday.  After making all the pompom for the Pompom Bunting, I still had some yarn left over.  So I decided to make this yarn wrapped 1.  It was easy to make and I think it will look cute somewhere on the day of the party.  Maybe I’ll put it on the dessert table or the front door, not sure yet.  

I simply printed out a large number one.  I chose the font Verdana because it has a great classic number one shape.  Then I cut two number ones out of card board using an exacto knife and straight edge.  Then I taped the two pieces of cardboard together.  

Next I started wrapping the yarn around the number.  I went all one direction first and then the other direction next to cover all sides.  On the final wrap, I placed a little dot of hot glue on the corners to keep then yarn in place there.  And, as you can see, I wrapped the last layer in a kind of hap hazard manor to give it more of the homemade feel.  But, it would look great wrapped perfectly even and straight as well.  

To finish it off, I made a few rosettes and leaves with felt.  These are the rosettes are showed how to make in my Yarn Wrapped Wreath DIY video. 

It could be cute to do the birthday child’s initials as well for a party.  Don’t you just love custom decor that costs pennies? 

And I got some exciting news this morning, my San Diego nephew just got a baby sister this morning.  I’m so excited to meet her.  Of course, we were just in SD this weekend for his 2nd Birthday, she had to come the day after we left.  I’m itching to get down there and meet her.  Maybe I should make her some pink, girlie fabric balls too.  Congratulations Josh and Jacq, she is a lucky baby to have you as parents.

Very sad story, recently our birch tree died.  So, I had lonnie save some of the branches for me.  I love birch trees and their beautiful white bark.

I had recently gotten rid of the topiary that sat on my mantel in our living room.  It was cute 7 or so years ago, when I first bought it.  But, I was ready for something new and fresh.  I felt like something with some height was needed in that corner.  I decided to fill my white pot with a bundle of birch branches (say that quickly 3 times).  I cut the branches all to 3 ft in length.  I got to use a drop saw to do this, power tools are always fun.

I think it brings the outside in, adds texture, height, and modernizes my decor for no cost at all.  This is a decorating win for me.  What do you think?  Have you got any other creative ideas of how to display some birch branches?  Or what else would look great in that corner of my room?  I’d love to hear what you think.

I was recently invited to compete in the Mason Jar craft challenge.  This was a little difficult, seeing there are so many unique and creative ideas out there using Mason Jars.  I came up with a few ideas, googled them, and they had already been done.  But, I’m pretty excited about my Monogram Light and believe it truly is an original idea.  I came up with this Monogram Light using canning jars as the bulb covers.

I originally designed this light to use outside on our back patio, to enjoy on warm California evenings.  But, now that it is finished, I kind of love the modern touch the plywood and white adds to the interior of my house.  It a playful accent in our 1920’s bungalow.

Supplies:
2ft square piece of 1/2″ plywood
11 quilted canning jars and rims (you may need more or less depending on your letter)
1/2 wood screws
white paint
blue painters tape
power drill with a 3/4″ bit
1 string of outdoor lights
1 nail and hammer
measuring tape

It looks more complicated then it really is.  Once I had the right supplies, it didn’t take me long to make.    Start by taping off your monogram, mine is an M.  Then paint it white.

Lay out the jar rims on your monogram and trace the center of each, so you can remember where to place them.  Then, using a good sized nail and hammer, punch 2 holes in the center of the jar rim.  This will make it much easier for you to put in the screws.Then, using a 3/4″ bit, drill out the center of each marked circle.  Lastly, using the 1/2″ screws, secure the rims to the board.

Insert the light socket in the holes and then screw in the light bulbs.  Screw down a jar over each light bulb. Plug it in and you are done!

I’m sorry for the absence of posts.  I’ve been pretty busy with projects, sewing, and not to mention the first weeks of school and trying to figure out pick up and drop off schedules.

I finished my new niece’s baby quilt this week.  She is due to arrive in a few weeks.  I made her big brother’s quilt and helped out with his nursery.  I went totally girlie on this quilt.  They have painted the nursery a pale grey and have super cute white birch tree decals on the walls.  They also have some calico birds perched on the branches (and I made them a fun mobile, here it is).  I took the quilt colors from the bird colors and patterns.

I’m calling this quilt “Squares in Pairs”.  I took 4 pairs of fabrics and put them together in rows.  It’s a pretty eclectic and free quilt.  I gave it a couple simple borders and then backed the whole thing in a grey tree branch fabric that my sister in law picked out.