Big Sibling Kit

Before Baby J. was born, I took a week to assemble these kits for the big siblings.  They received them at the hospital when they first came to look at the baby.

The bags were purchased at Hobby Lobby.  After a little freezer paper stenciling action, they were labeled.  There are so many tutorials on how to do this.  Then I searched my trim bin and added some trim to the top.

Each sibling got a new shirt.  I purchased these iron on decals off of etsy and just ironed on them quick.  These shirts were awesome.  When they were wearing their shirts at the hospital, they got so many comments.  They went into the "snack room" with no questions.  It made them feel very important.

I also added some activities that could keep them busy.

Items included: smelly markers, legos, bead jewelry, paper notebooks, etc.

It was so fun to give them!

I'd love to get to know you better.  Could you please follow me on the left?  On Facebook?  On Pinterest?  Awesome - can't wait!

Link parties I participate in: A bowl full of lemons, Be Different Act Normal,  Blue Cricket Design, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime,  Lolly Jane Boutique, Ninth Street Notions, Serenity Now, Sew Chatty, Skip to my Lou, Someday Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Today's Creative Blog

Rainbow Ruffle Headband

Oh March - what a tease you are with the weather!  Just when we are enjoying some sunshine, the rain and snow come around.  This headband has me dreaming of bright sunny days!

There are a lot of steps that I forgot to photograph - so sorry.  Hope you can get the general idea.  I cut out strips of rainbow color tulle - about 10" long and varying in width.  I started at 2 1/2" wide and ended at 1 3/4" side.  By the time I had gathered it, however, they could have all been the same width and it would not have mattered.  I stacked the strips on top and ran two long stitches down the middle.

To gather, pull only the top threads until it is all ruffled.  Knot the ends so the ruffles don't fall out and glue onto a headband.  Then I took my scissors and snipped it so it got all fluffy.

My girls love it!  I love it!  It was easy - and it will be perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

Here it is on a blondie who refuses to look at me:

And on my brunette - the headband hides more.

Rainbows, ruffles, bright colors, hair accessories, inexpensive, easy - what is not to love?

ink parties I participate in: A bowl full of lemons, Be Different Act Normal,  Blue Cricket Design, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime,  Lolly Jane Boutique, Ninth Street Notions, Serenity Now, Sew Chatty, Skip to my Lou, Someday Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, The NY Melrose Family, Thrifty Decor Chick, Today's Creative Blog

Kate Spade Inspired Wreath

This wreath is inspired from me oh my!  I remember it last year and I loved the bright pink and red color combo!  Very Kate Spade-ish, don't you think?

I did two versions - a heart shaped wreath and a circle one.  One for my secret sister and one for me!  I like them both!  This could not be easier - wrap yarn and tie bow!  But it brings in some Valentines Day Whimsy - don't you think!

Link parties I participate in: A bowl full of lemons, Be Different Act Normal,  Blue Cricket Design, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime,  Lolly Jane Boutique, Ninth Street Notions, Quilted Euphoria, Rae Gum Ramblings, Serenity Now, Sew Chatty, Skip to my Lou, Someday Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, Thrifty Decor Chick, Today's Creative Blog

Tie Secret Love Note

My sweet sweet husband wears a tie at least 4 days a week.  I snuck one of his ties out of his closet and left a little note.  This is on the back of the tie - just for him!

I first embroidered it on my machine - you could totally do this by hand if you wanted to.  My  hand embroidery isn't the best, though, so I chose my machine.  This is on cheap felt.

I just cut a heart around it - and held it up to the tie to make sure it wasn't too big.

Pin it on the tie - making sure you don't catch the front.  Stitching on the front will give away your secret!!

I stitched around the edge and was done!

I can't wait for him to find it.

You could hide a little message on so many things.  I love that it is simple and subtle and secret!

Link parties I participate in: 504 Main,  A bowl full of lemons, Be Different Act Normal,  Blue Cricket Design, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime, I Should Be Mopping, Lolly Jane Boutique, Ninth Street Notions, Serenity Now, Sew Chatty, Skip to my Lou, Someday Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, The Girl Creative, Thrifty Decor Chick, Today's Creative Blog

Mommy and Me Journals

Sometimes I feel that I am not able to give each one of my kiddos the individual attention that they need - that they deserve.  I, of course, feel super guilty about this.  At the start of this school year I decided to do something about it.  I made these "mommy and me journals."  

It is a simple composition book that I covered with scrapbook paper.  I personalized it with their names (but of course, I'm showing you the back so you don't see their names :)

In the back is a simple ribbon hot glued to the inside cover - it's our bookmark.

My kids write a letter to me and let me know what they are thinking.  They let me know what they wanted to tell me but I was too busy running around to listen.  They write and I take the time to listen.

This is I.'s page telling me what bugs her:

G. is writing:

And then I write back and tell them how wonderful they are.  I just set it on their bed when I'm done.

And they set it on my bed when they are done.  We are averaging about one letter every other week.  But I love it - I hope this reinforces how incredible they are and how much I value our relationship.

It doesn't ease all the guilt I have about not giving them individual attention - but it is one step closer!

Link parties I participate in: 504 Main, A bowl full of lemons, Be Different Act Normal,  Blue Cricket Design, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime,  Lolly Jane Boutique, Ninth Street Notions, Serenity Now, Sew Chatty, Simply Sweet Home, Skip to my Lou, Someday Crafts, Tatertots and Jello, The Blackberry Vine, The Girls Creative, Thrifty Decor Chick, Today's Creative Blog

Favorites of 2011

As we are nearing the end of this year, it's kind of fun to see how the year went.  I am amazed at the growth of this little hobby of mine.  Thank you so much for spending a little bit of my life with me!  I looked through the archives and pulled out some favorites from the past year.  These aren't necessarily the ones with the  most hits or the most comments.  Just ones I like, a lot.


Dishtowel into Pillow  - I bought a dishtowel of Colorado, but didn't want it to get dirty.  I sewed it into a pillow and it sits on a bench in our foyer. 

 Bench Makeover - I bought a bench for cheap and gave it a makeover.  I painted the legs, added more padding, covered the buttons and tufted this.  It sits at the end of our bed and we love it.

Green Smoothie - we drink these several times a week.  In fact, after all the Christmas goodies that have been coming into our home, this smoothie is the perfect way to bounce back!

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Arts and Crafts Thursday with kiddos series - every Thursday, when my kiddos are out of school, we try to do some art project.  I loved looking back at all the things we've made together.  It's become one of our favorite things to do together.

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Ruffle Bag Tutorial - such a pretty bag.

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Allowance with our kids - this is the way our family does allowance.  It isn't complicated, it works, and I really think it is teaching them some basics of money.  All kids spent their own money on Christmas presents for each other this year!

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Our office - this year, we got moulding up around the room, put in an executive desk, started filling up the bookshelves, and sewed some drapes.  We still have to get a light fixture, something on the walls, replace the office chair and cozy this room up.

Source: themacdougallfamily.blogspot.com via Laurel on Pinterest

Our Baby - yep, we've got #4 on the way.  I'm not sure if projects are going to slow down as I get bigger or speed up as I anticipate no spare time once this little duckling arrives. 

Again, thank you!  You have made our year such an awesome year!  We are very excited for the year 2012 and anticipate another fantastic year!

Also linking to:  Serenity Now, Someday Crafts