Baby Blanket

 

One of the caregivers at my mom's memory center is pregnant, and they had a shower for her yesterday.  I am out of town on a scrapbook trip, but I made her a baby blanket and dropped it off, along with a gift card, before I left. 

It's made from patterned and solid cozy flannel with a satin binding. 

It is not perfect, as you can see in the photo.  This is only the second time I've used a satin binding, and it was harder than I remember from the first time.  I recommend this Youtube video for instruction on mitering corners.

 What's a crooked seam in a handmade gift?  Not a huge deal, right?  My purpose today is not to show you how to make a blanket, but to encourage you to try something new even if it's difficult and even if you're worried it won't be perfect.  Finished is better than unfinished, even if it has flaws and regardless of what type of craft it is.  It's how we learn.  Be proud of what you make!

Visit Craft Schooling Sunday and Sew Can Do for more crafts and creativity!

Make a Paper Heart Wreath for Valentine's Day

 A little bit early for Valentine's Day, but I'm going to be prepared.  This is a very beginner-friendly paper craft project.

I made this cute paper wreath to put on my mom's door at her memory care facility.  It's 100% cardstock paper.  It's very easy to make.

You need:

11 inch paper wreath (or any size you want)

various colors of cardstock such as red, pink, purple, in whatever textures you like such as smooth, glitter, or foil.

Heart punch

Glue of your choice.  I used Bearly Art Glue.

First, make your circle that is the base for your wreath.  You can use something circular in your home such as plate to trace and cut out by hand, but you can also do this on a cutting machine.  I used my Cricut, 12x12 black cardstock,  and started with an 11 inch circle in Cricut Design Space.

I put a 9 inch circle on the canvas next to the black circle.

  I dragged the 9 inch circle in the middle of the 11 inch circle, aligned center, and clicked slice. I deleted all of the pieces I no longer needed.  I was left with a wreath that is 11 inches in diameter that measures 2 inches.  I clicked "Make," loaded my paper, and let the cutting begin.

Next, punch out heart shapes in a variety of colors and textures.  I punched 40, but I had several left over.

Last, glue the hearts all the way around the wreath overlapping each one slightly and turning them in opposite directions as you go.  

I decided to make a paper bow for the bottom of my wreath, but it's totally optional.  I just chose a simple bow, hid the layers, and cut it out in one color, then glued it at the bottom of the wreath.

I can't wait to hang it on Mom's door.  If you have any questions, please let me know!

Check out Craftastic at Sew Can Do  and The Really Crafty Link Party for a variety of fun creations!

Floral Drawstring Bags

 

Recently I made some drawstring bags from some cute floral fat quarters I had hanging around.  The bags measure 8.25x8 inches.  I love that they are perfectly portable.  I use them to take small craft items with me to craft retreats, but they could be used for any number of things such as coins, hair accessories, or even Legos! 

They also make cute gift bags!  A gift in a gift!

For more crafty goodness, check out Craftastic Monday Link Party on SewCanDo and the Really Crafty Link Party on Keeping it Real.