Fabric Covered Notecards (Don't Peek, MOM!)

A couple weeks ago, I saw some fabric covered notecards being given away on MADE. They were really beautiful. And it struck me that they were something that my mom would probably enjoy.

Good thing Mother's Day was coming! I don't REALLY think ya'll need a tutorial for this, but I took the pictures anyway.

You need:
Pre-cut Cards (or just hack down some cardstock to the size you want)

Fabric Scraps (mmm... I love me some fabric scraps.)

Heat N Bond (or Wonder Under, etc)
Rotary Cutter, Mat & Ruler - though... your mat will probably be in better condition than mine.. oy.

IRON
Sewing Maching (could totally be optional)

Step One:
Put on a good movie. I recommend this one.

Step Two (aka the real first step):
Cut your Wonder Under to the same size as the front of the card you'll be making. Mine was 4"x 5.5". Evs.

Step the Third:
Cut (or tear!) your fabric into random widths and play around with the layout.

Step Foursies:
Pretend you know how to quilt and sew them together all pretty like. Iron. Notice how I added an extra strip from the previous picture? As I was sewing it together, I realized it wouldn't be wide enough, so I improvised. I give you permission to do the same.

Step Five:
With your ruler & rotary cutter, cut down your mini quilt into the dimensions of the front of your card (and the piece of Wonder Under you've pre-cut. 

Step Sixaholic:
Iron your Wonder Under (sticky side down unless you WANT to ruin your iron) to the wrong side of your fabric. Follow the directions on your particular brand of sticky stuffs. Peel the paper backing off. You should be left with the back of your mini-quilt looking shiny. 

Step VII:
Flip it over and iron it onto the front of your card. The adhesive on the back of the fabric will fuse it to the paper. I do, however, recommend doing a better job at lining up your fabric than I did on this particular card. Duh. I had to pull it off quickly and re-iron. I'm a genius. 

Step Eight is Great:
You're done if you want to be. You could add some embellishment in the form of buttons, ribbons, etc etc.

I added a little heart shape that I cut out on my Cricut (yes! it cuts fabric too!).

Some other tips and ideas:

• I mentioned before that you don't NEED a sewing machine. True story. I made two without using mine. I simply laid my fabric strips (overlapped slightly) carefully on top of the Wonder Under and ironed them right to it. They stuck together. 

• You could add some decorative stitching after the whole thing is sewn together... I recommend doing it after you've applied the Wonder Under and peeled the paper off and before you iron it to the card. 

 That's it, mostly. Feel free to ask any questions. I had fun making them for my mom, and now I need some for myself.

For FREEEEEE!

What movie is that from? Anyone remember?

While I don't love everything about my husband's job, they do treat us, as a family well.  A couple times a year, they hire a company called SuperSitters to babysit everyone's kids so they can have a date night. They have a fabulous family Christmas Party with Santa, they do Trick or Treating around the office (6 floors of cubicles!) and they have a wonderful company picnic during the summer.

Except this year. Instead of doing a picnic/carnival like they did last year, they opted instead to pay for everyone to go to Universal Studios. They even paid for parking and a catered lunch. Sounds like a blast, eh?

Well, I'm sure it would if you didn't have 5 children ages 8 and under. We decided to brave it anyway. The kids will enjoy the memories, right? Well, those that are old enough to have memories of it. We're TRYING to be good parents over here.

So, we headed off with our bags packed full of snacks and water. We weren't about to buy any food. No sir.

We arrived at the park and it was already crowded and hot. This is the first picture we took just inside the gates. Kids = Sweaty. Matt = Already Irritable.

We headed to play in Seussland. And that was fun. I think. Matt was REALLY paranoid about losing one of the kids. And rightly so, Lucas loves to wonder and we know he's just so darned cute that someone's bound to take him, right? Note: Please only take him if you promise to keep him. No Returns Allowed. I'm serious.

We rode the (NO WAIT) Carousel and Matt and the older three kids stood in line for 30ish minutes to ride some other ride in the Seuss area.  Then we marched over past the new Harry Potter Area to the Jurassic Park play area. It involved a lot of shade. Wahoo!

Then we headed back OUT OF THE PARK (read: 1 mile) to eat our catered lunch at Universal CityWalk. Lunch was all the chaos of eating out with 5 kids, one of whom pooped all over me. Can you tell this is headed downward, and quickly? Do I look amused?

At that point, I was totally ready to LEAVE. But I was trying to be a good sport. My feet were tired, Libby was tired but wouldn't sleep and it was HOT. We marched back the mile into the park and ran into their SuperHero Parade. Those dudes were HUGE. Cyclops was probably 6'9" or taller and Captain America was quite the hunk. Lucas was terrified. Hence, his absence. He was gripping my side in utter terror. Poor kid. He didn't get the memo about them being the good guys.

We made our way to what would prove to be our final destination... a splash pad. A tiny one. Our kids couldn't have cared less how big it was. They were in heaven. After they'd been thoroughly soaked, we started to head for the gate. I could sense our freedom. It was within my grasp. As we neared the entrance, Matt said to me, "Let's just take the kids over to the Seuss play area one more time."

Folks, I started to cry. I couldn't walk anymore... I was done. In desperation, I turned to my right where I noticed an ice cream shop and quickly said, "Kids, do you want ice cream, or do you want to go play?" It was a risky venture but I won. We, in an intensely cheap move, shared a single ice cream cone.

And left. Phew.
So yes, we went to Universal Studios where my children rode exactly two rides, ate one $4 ice cream cone, and walked ALL OVER. I couldn't be more glad that it was FREE.

My Cup Runneth Over

Full. Complete.

Blessed. Abundance.

Matt has a game that he plays with our kids.  Tickle Time. He lines them all up like this, and tickles them mercilessly. This was Libby's first experience. She didn't really enjoy it. Apparently, it was too loud for her. She's just going to have to toughen up.

Printed. Or the lack thereof.

I have to admit something embarassing.

I have never had pictures of Lucas printed for our home. Gah! Can you believe that?! What kind of mother am I?

Since he's now 2, I'm guessing we'll be keeping him, and I think it might be time. And while I'm at it, I might as well get some printed of the other kids, too.  Maybe I'll even try to get a family picture... maybe.

Either way, I'm having this one printed at least an 11x14. Love this crazy kid. And his big teeth too.

So Proud.

My husband was recently informed that he has high cholesterol. While we don't eat SUPER healthy, we also don't own our own deep fryer, either. I blame genetics. However, since we don't want him to die, we're all trying to eat a little better and get more exercise. A step in the right direction.

Or a lot of steps, if you're my husband (his name is Matt). Matt's decided to run. I hate running, so it is highly unlikely that I will be joining him. However, we are SO proud of him.  He ran his first 5k last week.  The kids and I wanted to let him know how proud we were, so we employed the use of my good friend, Mr. Cricut (yes, it's a man... who else could wield a blade so adeptly).

In no time flat we had cut the letters, the shapes, glued, punched and strung up this sweet little banner for Matt to find when he got home.

My kids loved being allowed to push the buttons on the machine and to peel the letters off. I'm a little concerned about finding them using it without permission now...

In other news, Matt's signed up for another 5k next month. Go Matt! Love you!

I Made This

Actually, I made it before Christmas. I make my kids each a handmade gift from Mom every Christmas. It's my tradition. This year, Lucas got a Felt Mr. Potato Head. Abbie got some crocheted fingerless gloves. Anna received a Sewn Drawing Pad/Marker holder dealy. And Miles got a tie. He wore it this past Sunday for the first time since Christmas. 

 It certainly involved a lot of ironing and hand sewing, but it really wasn't that hard.

And you know, every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man!

The Cradle

I mentioned the cradle that my dad made for us, a couple of weeks ago. I finally got around to taking some proper pictures of my dad's amazing handiwork and I wanted to show everyone how lucky I am. (This is MY blog. I'm allowed to brag!)

I wanted to add that Libby sleeps in it every night and it makes me so happy knowing that she's got a bed of her own (Lucas still occupies the crib, and will till the end of time if I have my say).

And finally, the picture that my dad has requested.

And if any of you feel like you must absolutely have one too, I believe he sells them.

Wordless Wednesday: Brotherly Love

The Kindness of Strangers

A couple of months ago, I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of Kris from Resweater. Not only is her blog totally fabulous with all kinds of tutorials and tips, but her Shop is stock full of all the sweaters you could possibly need for your projects. Personally, I'm going to be making a dog sweater for a friend... she makes it look so easy!

At any rate, Kris sent me this beautiful cashmere soaker for Libby.

I can't even begin to tell you how buttery soft it is.Also, how cute are baby legs?!

Is it bad that Libby has worn cashmere and I never have?

Freezer Paper is my New BFF

I'm not sure where or when I heard about this idea that when a women gives birth to her husband's child, she is entitled to a "Push Present." Some people find it appalling. I find it to be a good reason to get something new.

When Lucas was born, I got this chair:

(Lucas at 10 weeks old).
I still love that chair.

When Libby was born, I requested a Cricut (but please don't buy it from that link). I also requested this program. It allows you to cut any .ttf font including dingbats. It makes cartridges a think of the past (in my opinion).

Combine that with some freezer paper and you can stencil just about ANYTHING you want.
Which is why I made this onesie for a friend expecting her first girl:

The possibilities here are endless. What about some of these awesome fonts? I'm so stoked.

What is UP with my hair??

Frankly, I'm not sure. 

I got it cut two days before Libby was born. And not just cut. Lopped right the heck off.

(Hi Melinda!)

I love my stylist, Nancy. I really do. In four years of having her cut my hair, she's never gone wrong. I'm blaming me. You see, I have this insanely thick hair.

(Hi JoAnn!)

It's also unbelievably wiry. Coarse. Every time I get my hair cut, Nancy tells me that I have more hair than any person whose hair she cuts. Which is saying something since she's wildly popular and I have very short hair. 

  (Hi Marilee! And Squee! It's Libby!)

So, when I got my hair whacked, I think I went just a bit too short. You see, the majority of my hair stands straight up regardless of the amount of gel I use. No amount of coaxing and smoothing will make my hair look "normal." 

 (Hi Michelle!)

Which is why if you've seen me lately, my hair almost always looks like I haven't bothered to do anything to it. And it's also why I'm embracing this fauxhawk. 

Sorry Mom (I know you hate it.)

Fiddling. And a Winner!

Hey everyone... just fiddling around with my blog. I realize it's been FORfreakingEVER since I changed anything over here so, I thought I'd play a little. Most of you are probably reading in a feed, so you won't notice the changes, but if you get a chance, click over and let me know what you think...

I still haven't figured out how to make my picture stretch across the entire top... don't know what that's about.

Also, I did a random draw for all the awesome people who posted and let me know they're reading.  Congrats to Andria! Lucky #13. Shoot me an email with your address and you'll be the proud owner of a single sock... Kidding.

Thanks for reading, everyone. And for your viewing pleasure, I present Miles, being totally weird. 

The Truth Is.

Here's the deal, folks.
I get a lot (A LOT) of comments about how on Earth it is that I possibly have time to craft. To knit, to sew, to scrapbook.

"You have five children, where do you find the time??!"

Folks, if something is important to you, you MAKE time. I go to bed late. I give up naps. My house is rarely clean all at once (we don't live in squalor, either!). Crafting is that important to me.

And why? It is my outlet. My way of making sense of my life.
For some people, they make time to read. Others watch TV. Others exercise. I craft.

I am editing this post to add that it greatly helps that I have a highly supportive spouse. 

I'm missing something.

I made this. Yes, with my own two hands and five knitting needles.

 Yes. I started this sock about a month before Libby was born. And I took it with me to the hospital and worked on it after she was born. I have been plugging away at it fairly regularly and all that hard work pays off, because look!

It fits! And well! As it should, since it's custom made for MY foot. I feel awesome.

Now I get to sit back, relax and enj....

Oh wait. Time to cast on the other sock and get moving. At this rate, I might be done around November, just in time to wear them.

That's How We Roll

Easter Weekend was a great one but I'm the type of mother that doesn't remember to: 1. Take pictures of the adorable skirts I made for the three girls using the Lazy Days Skirt methodology (with some tweaking). 2. Do any sort of Easter Basket for my kids whatsoever.

My children. They will survive. My ego, however, may not.

This Easter, however, was a threefold celebration. You see, Saturday the 3rd represented 2 years since I gave birth to the wiriest little string-bean of a boy.


Saturday was also the beginning of my faith's General Conference where we spend two days receiving counsel and instruction from our worldwide leadership via satellite broadcast. It's wonderful.

And of course, this was all taking place on Easter Weekend. So, we needed to find some time to celebrate the sacrifice and resurrection of our Lord and Savior. Throw it all together and it sounds like we had need of a party, eh?

So, on Saturday we invited some of our friends over to do just that. There were 29 people in attendance. 19 of those were 10 and under. Yes, folks. That's how we roll.
We sent the dads to the back yard to hide the over 400 eggs we had. The moms took our horde to the front lawn to occupy their time. It looked sorta like this:

I admit to loving the chaos of all those kids... as long as I'm not the only one watching them.
Once all the eggs were hidden, we first released the "Littles" (5 and under) to find some eggs. I use the term "find" loosely. It was more of a picking up of eggs off the ground.

Then the big kids were released and made short work of the rest of the eggs. Once the kids has stuffed themselves full of candy, we brought them inside and sang a quick "Happy Birthday" to Lucas. It was followed by one of my favorite things in the entire universe. CUPCAKES.

This may have been my favorite Easter/Birthday/Conference Weekend ever.

Are you a follower? Some Business and A Prize.

I have a hard time understanding what it means to "follow" someone's blog. Yes, I know, I'm a bit blogstupid. But I noticed that I have more than 2 people following my blog. And I don't even know most of you.

Are you following? Who are you? I need some new blogs to read! If you want me to read yours, leave a comment... it's easier for me to comprehend. I'll pick one commenter at random to send a little handmade something.

Also, if anyone has the time or patience to help me figure out how to spruce this here blog up, I'd be truly grateful. (Like, handmade somethings in the mail, grateful.)

She Fits

Miss Libby Mae (as she's known round these parts) has made a seamless transition to our family.


She naps with anyone who'll hold still (thus excluding Lucas).

And she tolerates Lucas. Even if her expression in this picture does indicate fear at his presence.

Final Word

I promise this is the last time you'll have to look at these pants. Mostly because they're getting too small for my tiny beefcake/princess. Capris are okay, right?

Time to make a bigger pair, apparently.

Color Combinations to suggest?

Things that make me wish I had a boy...

About a year ago, I came across a fabulous clearance sale at Target. They had Babylegs on clearance for $2.74 each. I bought about 8 pair with the thought that they'd make wonderful baby gifts.

Recently, I attended a baby shower for a church friend having her first little boy. I remembered the Babylegs! But it wasn't enough to give a clearanced pair of Babylegs. I quickly grabbed my freezer paper and went to work.


It was hard for me not to keep this set.

Libby Randoms

Because there isn't alot else to say, you get to look at my beautiful baby. Aren't you lucky?