Dollar Store Cake Stands

SOURCE: http://www.joyshope.com/2010/06/carnival-of-tiered-trays.html
But first you need to head to Dollar Tree and pick up:

One tube of Super Glue Fix-All Adhesive,

three silver-esque trays,

two crystal-esque candlesticks,

per tiered tray that you plan to make.

Be warned.

You will want to make many more than just one.

Many, many, more.

On your way home stop by your fave hardware or craft store to get

spray paint,

spray primer &

a mask.

This is stinky business.

Also get a canvas tarp if you don't have one.


First spray the front and back of each tray and candlestick with primer.

Sort of an annoying step, but so very worth it, considering how shiny and smooth they are.

This will help the color stick and stay on through what is sure to be many a use.

Then start your rainbow party.

Two to three light coats is the way to go.

Be patient. Spray paint dries fast, but drips and goops if you get all crazy and lay it on too heavy.

Spray the bottoms of the trays too, since you will be able to see them, if even just a little.

Run a bead of glue along the bottom of each candlestick and then press it to the center of the bottom of two of the trays.

Let dry.

By using the candlesticks upside down, you get more useable area on your trays.


When the glue is dry, flip it over and attach the third tray on top.

Again, let dry with added weight for better adhesion.

When this tier is dry, add the other tray and candlestick beneath it.

Let dry.

{Keep in mind that these trays are NOT food safe or dishwasher safe.}

Reversible Sun Top

SOURCE: http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2010/06/reversible-sun-top-tutorial-by-from.html


Use 1/4 inch seam allowance unless otherwise noted.


What you will need:

- Aprox 1/2 yard each of two different fabrics

- 1/2 inch elastic

- Sewing machine, thread, and all that stuff

Your Pieces:

When you are done cutting you will have 6 pieces.

2 shirt panels

4 Strap Pieces


To cut these you need to take a couple of measurements from your kiddo.

1. Measure all the way around your child's chest (We'll call this measurement A)

2. Measure mid chest, up over the shoulder to the same spot on the back- This is for the strap length.

(We'll call this measurement B) Be conservative on the measuring so the straps don't end up too long.

3. Measure mid chest down to where you want your top to end. (We'll call this measurement C)


Shirt Panels (cut 1 of each fabric)

Measurement A multiplied by 1.5 + 1 inch

For example my measurement A was 23 inches X 1.5 + 1 inch = 35.5 inches

Now take Measurement C and add 1/2 inch

For example my measurement C was 13 inches + 1/2 inch = 13.5 inches

I am going to cut two panels (one of each fabric) 35.5 inches by 13.5 inches

Straps (Cut 2 of each fabric for a total of 4)

Measurement B multiplied by 1.5 + 1/2 inch by 1.75 inches (all sizes)

For example my Measurement B was 10 inches X 1.5 + 1/2 inch = 15.5 inches .

I am going to cut 4 pieces (2 of each fabric) 15.5 inches by 1.75 inches

Let's get sewing! Take one strap piece of each fabric (so you will have two strap pieces which are different). Right sides together sew down the long edges leaving the ends open. Do this with the other two pieces.

Turn your straps and press. Top stitch in from either side 1/4 inch. This is going to be the casing for your elastic.

Cut two pieces of elastic the length of your measurement B + 1/2 inch. So I cut two pieces of elastic 10.5 inches. using a safety pin insert into the casing of each strap. Sew the very ends just to secure the elastic. Even out the fabric along the elastic to create nice pretty gathers. Set straps aside.

Grab one of your shirt panel pieces and fold right sides together sewing down the short end. You will create a tube like shown. Now opposite your seam sew along the fold 1/4 inch. I like side seams on things. If it doesn't bother you just having one seam you can skip this step. Do the same thing with the other shirt panel.

Take one of your shirt "tubes" and using a ruler mark into thirds. Pin your straps to the two marks you made. Your opposite fabric should be facing up.

Take the other end of your straps and pull under your shirt panel and up to the same spot on the other side. Pin.

Place inside your other shirt panel, right sides together matching side seams. It is a good idea to pin all the way around. I'm going to be a rebel and not pin. I like to take risks like that. Sew all the way around and remove pins.

Turn right side out and press. This is what you should have so far.

Top stitch along the top edge 1/2 inch in. Then in again a little more than 1/2 inch to create a casing for your elastic. The second line of sewing you do make sure you leave an opening of about an inch to insert your elastic. To create an even line of stitching I just place my elastic on top lined up to my first row of stitching to make sure I am going to have a wide enough casing. I am just using the elastic as a ruler, not sewing it!

Cut a length of elastic equal to measurement A. Putting your hand up between both layers of your top insert your elastic. Sew ends of elastic together and then close up the inch you left open to insert the elastic. This is what you will have now. Almost done!

Press up your shirt panels 1/4 inch. I am showing you one panel. Do this with both.

Top stitch the bottom hem in about 1/8 inch. Your hem should be completely even on both sides and the top stitching should show through on the other side on the same spot. This will enclose the raw edge of the bottom of your top. You're done!

Ruffle Felt Rosette Wreath

SOURCE:  http://www.domestifluff.com/2009/11/how-to-make-a-ruffly-felt-rosette-wreath/

What you’ll need for the wreath:
- a 12 inch styrofoam wreath form
- approximately 2 1/2 yards of felt
- straight pins (enough to match the number of felt circles needed, plus two for attaching the hanger)
- scissors
- a 3 inch circle template
- a pencil
- ribbon for hanging


Using a pencil and your circle template (or that great tutorial from maya*made), trace circles onto the felt. Cut the felt circles, and fold them in half twice to form rosettes. Insert a pin near the bottom corner of the rosette, about 1/8 inch from the corner.

Attach the felt rosettes to the wreath form, making sure to group the rosettes tightly enough that no styrofoam is showing through the rosettes. After you’ve added a few, fluff and adjust the rosettes to your liking. Continue making, pinning, and attaching the rosettes until you’ve worked your way around the wreath form. If you have circles that are slightly misshapen or that have a little pencil or ink on them, place them toward the outside or inside edges, where they can’t be seen when the wreath is hanging.

This is what my wreath looked like on the back when I was finished. As you can see, I started off with ball point straight pins, but I switched to flat head pins when the rosette count started to get up there and I had to run out and buy more pins. If you use flat head pins, then I suggest using a thimble to push them into the wreath form, or your thumb will take a beating. Ask me how I know.

After you’ve finished adding the felt rosettes, cut a 5 inch length of ribbon, fold it in half, and attach it to the wreath form with two pins to form a hanger.

Hooded Towel Bathing Suit Cover Up

SOURCE: http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2010/06/beach-towel-dresses-tutorial-ish.html


No real tutorial for these, as they were stunningly easy to make, but here is a run down to show you what I did.
These are the pieces you'll need. The red lines that I drew indicate where you want to use the finished edges of the towel to save yourself some work.
First, ruffle the trim and sew it to the bottom of the dress pieces. Sew the two hood pieces together.

Then sew the dress together on the side seams and shoulder seams. Sew the hood to the neckline. Finish the arm holes and neckline with bias binding. When you sew the bias binding around the neck, make sure you catch the hood's seam allowances also.
That's it!

Ruffle Flower Onesie

SOURCE: http://mintnclandycreate.blogspot.com/2010/04/flower-ruffle-onsie.html


Materials:

Scissors
Ruler/Measuring Tape
Lighter/Candle
Bowl of water
Synthetic Fabric
Beads or buttons
Fabric paint with small tip (or q-tip)
Cordinating Thread
Onesie


Directions:

1. Begin by cutting various sizes of circles out of your synthetic fabric. You'll want Large, medium and small circles.

2. Light your candle, or grab your lighter. Make sure your bowl of water is nearby. Hold the circle of fabric just outside the flame, so that the fabric is melted slightly around the edges. Approach this as you would if you were roasting marshmallows & BE CAREFUL! You don't actually want to catch the fabric on fire. Using a synthetic material is also important - natural fibers won't singe.
3. Once your petals have all been prepared, arrange concentric circles. I used 1 large, 3 mediums & 3 smalls for the corsage on the front of the onesie and several large & smalls for the bottom ruffle. You can play with the arrangements. Some fabrics look better with more layers. For the corsage ruffles, this is the point where you would place your bead on top, and sew through the bead with your thread doubled. Knot it on the back of the flower and repeat until the bead is securely fastened.
4. Secure the flowers to the front of your onesie by hand following the same technique as above - through the bead. After all flowers are in place, sew through all layers from the wrong side of your onesie out through the flower layers to create anchor points to keep flower from wrinkling up after washing.

Step back & admire your handiwork! Your front is finished.
5. Measure up 3 inches from the edge of the leg on the onesie. Arrange your flowers in a straight line and across the onesie and pin in place. I chose to use only large and small petals at this point. Gradually move them through your machine, being careful to pull the pins out before sewing & make sure the petals are laying flat as you continue sewing in a straight line. Backstitch at the beginning and end of your line of flowers to secure them in place. (You could hand sew these if you are uncomfortable with a machine. Just be sure to secure your flowers in place). The sizes of the flowers can vary some, so don't worry if your circles are imperfect. These imperfections give it more personality. I used 7 flowers across the length of the onesie.
6. Using fabric paint, dob the center of each flower to bring them to life. I chose not to use beads on the back, to make it more comfortable & practical for little ones to wear.

Hair Bow Holder

SOURCE: http://mommymeatloaf.blogspot.com/2010/02/little-girl-hairbow-holder.html


After making all the hairbows for my daughter during the blizzard, I decided I better find somewhere to keep them. I wanted to keep them so that I could easily tell what bows she had, but I also wanted it to be cute. I decided to make this cute little face; its just like one I had as a kid.


So, I took a piece of cardboard, traced a bowl to make a circle, and cut it out. I covered the circle with stuffing (because I was out of batting). I then took an old pillowcase and covered the circle, flipped it over, and hot-glued it to the cardboard. I glued a piece of ribbon on the back to hang it from.

To make the hair, I took yarn and made 3 sections with 10 pieces each. I tied them at the end and then braided them together (to keep it tight, I actually tied it to the cabinet while braiding). I then glued the braid around the face and added some bangs.

To make the face, I cut eyes and a mouth out of felt and glued them on.

Pop-Up Puppets

SOURCE: http://mommymeatloaf.blogspot.com/2010/03/peek-boo-puppets.html

Start off with a wooden dowel. Take a styrofoam ball and stick it on the end of the dowel to form a head (I guess it would really be the skull since it will be covered, but anyway...) Then, take a plastic cup, cut out the bottom, and slide it up onto the stick.


Next, take a sock (I used an old one because its cheaper than buying one) and slide it over the ball, down the dowel, and up over the cup. The sock needs to be hot-glued to the cup. Before you glue it, make sure the cup is all the way at the end of the dowel; this is so you have room to move the puppet up and down when its finished. If the sock is longer than the cup, just cut the sock.

Now you want to take fabric, felt, or whatever and cover the cup.

Ok, so on to the fun part. You can use felt cut-outs, wiggly eyes, pom-poms, pipe cleaners,or whatever else you want to make a face and decorate your puppet. This is a part thats fun for the kids. Now of coarse, they can't use the hot glue gun, but you can give them Elmer's and let them go crazy. The Elmer's doesn't stick so well, but when they aren't looking you can use your hot glue gun and re-secure their pieces. For mine, I made curly hair by wrapping yarn around a dowel, wetting it, and microwaving until dry. Make sure to microwave at small increments (20 seconds or so) or you will burn the dowel and yarn. Trust me, I know!!

Plastic Easter Egg Snakes

SOURCE:  http://mommymeatloaf.blogspot.com/


Grab some line and some plastic egg halves
String the eggs onto the line.
Turn the very last egg backwards to give it a "finished" look and tie a knot.
Paint a face on it and glue on a piece of ribbon to make a mouth.

Crayon Iron-Ons

SOURCE: http://mommymeatloaf.blogspot.com/2010/04/crayon-iron-ons.html

Crayon Iron-Ons


Take a piece of coarse sandpaper and color your design on the rough side. I free-handed some hearts and flowers. Since my son isn't old enough to really draw designs yet, I cut out some shapes and letters for him to color. Remember: When cutting out letters or when coloring words, you must make them backwards so when they are transfered, they face the right way.

Now for the adult portion! Take your material (shirt, bag, whatever) and put it on your ironing board. Be sure to put a piece of white paper or aluminum foil under the layer of fabric you are putting your iron-on on. If you don't, the crayon will bleed through. Place your picture on the fabric, crayon side down. Now iron it on. Be sure to move the iron very slowly and iron for 10-20 seconds (don't burn your shirt though).
Now, carefully peel off the sandpaper while its still hot and ALL done!!

Wait until your child sees their masterpiece on a piece of clothing. They'll love it!
BE SURE TO READ THIS: While handwashing is best, you can wash your project in the machine on cold. DO NOT DRY YOUR PROJECT IN THE DRYER! Not only will the crayon melt all over your project, it will probably ruin all the clothes in the dryer. I know this from experiences with crayons left in pockets.

super letter hunt

ages 2-6 

supplies

Paper and pen

activity detail

Play a hidden alphabet game with your child. Write each letter of your child's name on a separate piece of paper. Then hide the letters throughout your house and send your child on a letter treasure hunt. When she has found them, help her put the letters in order to spell her name. When she has mastered this, try it with other words. Another variation would be to write the whole alphabet on 26 pieces of paper and then have your child place them in order after finding them all.

Source: http://www.savvysource.com/activities/activity_a2-3i601_SuperLetterHunt

paper bag pinatas

ages 3-6 

supplies

Small brown paper bags, candy, yarn, crayons, decorative materials of parent's choice

activity detail

Give your child a small brown paper bag and let them decorate it how they want. This can be elaborately, with sequins and glitter, or simply, with crayons. Put a few pieces of candy in the bag and close by folding over the top. Punch two holes at the top and run enough yarn through the holes to be able to hang it from a high place and still be at children's height to swing at.

Source: http://www.savvysource.com/activities/activity_a2-3i129_PaperBagPinatas

Snacklaces

Source:   http://www.savvysource.com/activities/activity_a1-2i114_CreatingSnacklaces

creating snacklaces

ages 2-6 

supplies

Yarn or string, pretzels or Cheerios

activity detail

This is a slightly more nutritious variation of candy jewelry. Cut yarn or string in different lengths for your child to wear as a necklace or bracelet. Let your child decorate it by stringing on Cheerios or small pretzels. Make extras - they're fun to carry around for your child to nibble on!

Clothes Pin Names

Source: http://www.savvysource.com/activities/activity_a1-2i49_ClothesPinNames

ages 2-6 

supplies

A clothes pin for each letter in your child's name, paper.

activity detail

Write each letter of your child's name on a separate clothes pin. On a piece of paper, write your child's name. Mix up the clothes pins and have your child find each letter in their name, match it to the letter on the paper, and clip it on the paper. For an added challenge, add extra letters on clothes pins that your child will have to eliminate from the pile. This activity is a great way for kids to learn to identify the letters in their names.