Frozen Elsa Cape {tutorial w/ pictures}

I bought the movie Frozen this last week because we all enjoyed it so much. I was kind of upset at myself though, because I rented it from family video the week prior, and ended up keeping it overdue. I paid almost $20 in late fees. No bueno :( I should have just bought it right away since it would have cost the same amount!

You live and you learn :) My sister in law saw a pin on pinterest for making an Elsa cape rom the movie Frozen, for my niece, and asked if I could make it.  I said yes, of course! This project was actually really simple, and easy to make. I looked at a bunch of tutorials to find ideas and then went to work. I think this tutorial is one of the best. It turned out great and I'm so excited for my niece!

I found my fabric at JoAnns Fabric Store, and it was really on sale. I always look at the sale stuff before I pay full price because fabric can get costly.

1. To start fold your fabric in half. I folded the widest part of the fabric, so it would make a longer train for the cape, but it would be smaller around the neck.

2. I started by sewing the top part of the cape where the neck would go. I used my iron to press the fold I made for a hem. I folded it twice because this fabric is very thin and you need a good amount for the string to really hold it nicely.

3. I then pinned my hem, and got to sewing the hem. I made sure to sew over the ends of the hem twice, just to make sure it would hold nicely.

4. Now, I took thread and a needle and went about 2 inches from my hem. I just weaved in and out of the fabric and when it was though to the end, I just pushed the fabric down the string to make frillies :)

5. Next I carefully held my frillies as I guided them through my sewing machine to make the neck piece of the cape.

6. I took my pins and pinned a piece of ribbon on my sewing line over the frillies that I did. I left about half a foot (6 inches) of ribbon hanging off each side of the cape, so my niece would have a way to keep it tied on.

7. After that, I hemmed the bottom of the garment the same way I hemmed the top. I made a double fold, used my iron to press it, pinned it and sewed it.

8. Then just like above I pinned a piece of ribbon along my hem line and sewed that on, but without leaving any hanging off. I just pinned it underneath and sewed it on so the end were secure. And I made sure to double stitch the ends.

9. Lastly, I used my sharpie paint marker and made the snowflakes! They are so pretty!

Sorry if my sewing lingo is bad, I don't really know many terms and am just learning myself! I hope I explained it enough to understand and if not hopefully the pictures fill in the gaps. Have fun making your Elsa cape!

While I was sewing, my little guys were outside enjoying the beautiful weather and getting muddy! At first his face was so serious because I told him he was to messy to walk in the house, then I said smile! It was really cute. We also had beautiful walk to the park and got to play. It was a nice day.

DIY Picture Frame Chalkboard {Craft Time!}

How many times do your kids ask, "Whats for dinner?". Mine ask everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, and sometimes I get a bit annoyed. I know I shouldn't because if I wasn't the cook I would want to know too!

So I saw this awesome picture for using chalkboard paint and it gave me an idea! I can make a chalkboard out of a old picture frame, SO I can write the weekly menu out AND hopefully I will be asked less about whats for lunch AND the kids will know whats for lunch more! And honestly, sometimes I forget what I'm making that day so this will help me too :)

I'm sure this will take some adjusting, so I do expect to be asked, but I will be able to direct them to the chalkboard. Well, at least I can direct my 6 year old and he can relay the information to his 2 year old brother ;) This will ALSO help my 6 year old expand his vocabulary, and read aloud! Mom's are geniuses!!

DIY Picture Frame Chalkboard

-1 large picture frame from thrift shop or one you have {I used an old picture frame I already had}
-chalk paint {I found mine @ walmart for $5}
-sponge, OR something with a smooth surface to paint on chalk paint

 First thing you need to do is clean the glass with vinegar water, OR whatever window cleaning product you use. {Vinegar water is non toxic, cheaper and works just as good!}

Next you will use your sponge, paint brush, or whatever you have to paint on the chalkboard paint.

After you paint on the first coat let it dry for 1 hour.

Once the first coat has set for one hour, you will apply a second coat.

Let the painted glass sit for 24 hours before use.

You can then put your frame back together and get your chalk!

 

I used mine like I said above for a weekly menu but you can use yours for a grocery list, any kind of list, reminder board, chores bored, time outs, home school, whatever you can think of!

Hope you enjoyed this and it inspires you to create something new!

Little Girls Headband & Apron {Great for Beginners}

I have been using my sewing machine a lot more lately, and I think I'm improving. My mind is starting to see ahead of my project, which REALLY helps when your sewing. So, I'm encouraging anyone who is a beginner at sewing or who wants to learn, TAKE THE CHALLENGE AND DON'T GIVE UP! In the beginning you will make mistakes, get frustrated, break a few needles, but you will be setting the groundwork to becoming a proficient in the sewing world! You will be able to know how to make clothes in case anybody needs them! LOL.

And when you do make your first project you will be soo proud and excited, BUT you may not use it because while you did a really good job, its not really that good, you still need to work out some kinks.

This week I decided to work on some sewing projects for my niece who is turning 4 years old. I have three boys and don't get the chance at making girly things a lot unless they are for me, so I get excited when I have the opportunity :) I was looking on pinterest for some neat ideas and found this awesome headband tutorial and super easy apron pattern tutorial. They were easy to follow, and had great pictures! I can't wait to try making my own patterns and upload my PDF files for all of you. Until then you can enjoy my tried and true projects, and there owner links!

I have made head bands before on my own without a tutorial and they turned out okay but this tutorial really helped! I bought some fabric that was on sale for 80% at JoAnns fabric, and used some scraps from my own supply, which made the cost of my project very affordable. The real critic will be the person receiving the gift! Nonetheless I truly enjoyed making this headband and apron.





Check back for more tried and true sewing tutorials and hopefully some of my very own!

Paper Flowers Tutorial with Mod Podge Jar {Craft Time}

Last weekend we went to visit Grandma for a very special occasion. The boys and I decided to get crafty and make a special gift. So I decided to make flowers that would last longer then a week, and after the flowers were made my imagination kept going and we turned out with this :) Grandma really liked it!

To make this craft you will need:

Construction paper, and/or pages from an old book

Scissors

Pencil

Glue

Glue Stick

Glitter

Tape

Mod Podge

White Out Pen

Cleaned out glass jar from pickles or jelly

Scrap from cutting out your paper flowers 

Step 1: Trace a line making your construction paper into a square {It doesn't have to be perfect}

Step 2: Draw a spiral on your square as seen in the picture

Step 3: Cut out your spiral

Step 4: Cut off the piece of paper where to square part ends and the spiral begins

Step 5: Use your glue stick and spread on outside part of spiral

Step 6: Rub glue into your glitter until all glue is covered in glitter

Step 7: Start with the outside end of your spiral and fold it over in tiny folds a few times {Am I doing good at explaining? LOL Good Thing I have pictures to help}
Step 8: Now tightly fold the remaining paper until you get to the last curve

Step 9: While holding the middle of your flower slowly allow the "petals" to release and widen. Do this to your liking.
Step 10: While still holding the middle and button of your flower, place a good amount of glue on your base, which is also the inner part of your spiral and press down.

 

Yay! You just made your first flower! How did I do for my first tutorial? Please let me know. What can I improve? What did I do good on?

If you have questions about the rest of the project let me know, I figured the rest was pretty simple and you can get creative and make your own jars. Also if your interested in seeing how the book page flower was done, let me know and I'll add that.

After you made your flowers, you can create "stems" by simply rolling green construction paper. I used tape to secure them to the bottom of the flower, if you have a glue gun it may make it easier on you. { I don't have one yet}

Get creative with your jar and decorate as you want. Our jar was for Grandma but it can be for whoever you want.  I cut out a heart and used the white out pen to write on the jar. BUT if your going to use the white out pen I would suggest covering it with Mod Podge to make sure it stays and doesn't rub off eventually.

I hope you enjoy the tutorial! And please post pictures so I can see how yours turns out. BTW My 6 year old was able to do this with me and make the flowers, so let the kids join too :)