Friday Feature: Knitsy Bitsy

A co-worker introduced me to Knitsy Bitsy crafts just this week. I fell in love with her unique hand crafted creation. The stay-at-home mom behind this adorable operation was kind (and quick) about doing a little feature.  

If you are in search of a unique cap to put atop your little ones noggin or maybe something for a friend (or even a treat for yourself) check out Knitsy Bitsy!

Here is a little bit about her and what she does:

Right now I am a stay-at-home Mom. I taught Kindergarten for 10 years, and am planning on going back after my kids get a bit older.  

What do you make handmade?

I make knit and crochet hats, baby pants, and my newest creation is crocheted hoop earrings.

How long have you been a crafter? Where/ how did you learn?

I started to knit when I knew I was pregnant with my first child. I wanted my Grandma to teach me to knit and sort of "hand down" her talent. She was too old at that point, so I took a class at a local craft store. I've been knitting for 8 years, and crocheting for 3.

What do you enjoy most about your hobby?

My son ended up being born 8 weeks premature. So, I sat by his incubator for four weeks and just practiced. My first creation was a blanket for him. When he was there, there were a bunch of hand-made blankets that the parents could choose from. Amidst all those tied-ends fleece blankets, there was this beautiful baby blue knit one. I thought that I would knit some preemie hats and donate them to the NICU to give back. So, for every sale made, I donate a preemie hat to my local NICU. I enjoy making people happy with the end product and hearing about how much their kids or the person they gave it to loves it.

What is your favorite piece you've created?

My favorite item I've made is my newsboy hat.

Thank you so much Knitsy Bitsy for letting me share your story and great items. 

I just can't stop looking at all the different creations she's made. And all while staying at home with her children. What great inspiration for all the stay-at-home moms.

You can find Knitsy Bitsy on Etsy or on Facebook.

Keep Loving. And crafting!

Our VERY first sewing project.

Saturday

We finally opened M's sewing machine (a Christmas gift.) I'm 99.9% sure I just opened a whole new world. I want to sew everything! It's the most adorable little sewing machine I have ever seen. I plugged in the pedal. M placed 4 batteries into the bottom. We pushed the petal and ta-da the needle goes up and down. So simple.

So her and I have been looking at all kinds of simple sewing projects on Pinterest and Google. M likes to Google things and look at pictures that way. We didn't run the machine very long because E was taking her afternoon nap so M has yet to sit down behind the little machine but her eyes got so big when she saw a little patterned owl on Google that I know she'll be a novice sewer in no time.

I couldn't help myself; I got sucked in to the wonder that Pinterest holds. All the bright, fun patterns of fabric, the DIY blogs, the one of kind stuffed animals, bags and more. Endless ideas. I now have to try my hand at sewing. I am sure within no time I will wonder why I didn't try it sooner...another craft. Oh boy!

Speaking of crafts: I have found time to add to my current crochet projects. The weekend is a perfect time for doing the things you love, hence the reason I look forward to it so much. I've spent very little time with my projects lately (including my blog). Maybe it's work or spending time with family and friends that consumes me. If it is, then I am okay with putting my projects on the shelf for awhile.

Sunday

We did it! We sewed our very first usable item! One of the patterns M received with her sewing machine is a school yard, complete with a red school house. It is the sort of pattern that is just right for a teacher. M, the little giver that she is, wanted to make something for her teacher.

Look at those clouds!

A little pouch! 

All I did was plant the "idea" seed, cut two rectangles and tied yarn. M did all the rest. I give it an A for adorable! She put for excellent effort and patience when we had to take a break to play with E.

I can see many more sewing projects in the future. 

Keep Loving.

Friday Feature: Amber Rude

Friday Feature: Amber Rude

Amber and I have been friends since 8th grade. That's 14 years! We spent summer days floating in her pool, dancing, singing and scrapbooking. So I am proud to present this nifty little thing she calls a rice buddy.

When I asked Amber to describe herself and her craft she said:
I'm 28 and have been crafting for about 15 years. I work in the surgery department at the local hospital. 

What do you make handmake?

Rice buddies...which are Rice filled fabric pouches in different sizes. They can be heated up for a hot packpack or put in the freezer for a cold pack. I have made my rice Buddies for many friends and co-workers. And they love them. They come in handy on cold nights or when you have joint or muscle pain. 

How long have you been a crafter? Where/ how did you learn?

I've been craftng since 8th grade. I started out scrapbooking. 

What do you enjoy most about your hobby?

The outcome. I love seeing them finished.

What is your favorite piece you've created?

 My jumbo rice buddy...I heat it up and use it everyday. 

Check out that mustache print!

I was rather excited when Amber's new creation popped up on my Facebook news feed. I immediately put an order in for a medium sized rice buddy. She chose a pretty purple and blue paisley fabric and I chose a lavender scent, which releases when heated. She did such a great job choosing a pattern for my rice buddy but you can always request a pattern. Both R and I use my rice buddy for aches, pains, cramps, etc. It is rather soothing.

You can find Amber here. I think she'd be more than happy to make a one of a kind rice buddy for you or someone you love.

Thank you for your time Amber!

Keep Loving.

Friday Feature: The Hairbrained Hobby

Friday Feature:

The Hairbrained Hobby

The "brains" behind this operation is Denae, a stay at home Mom of 2 kiddos. I must say, this Mom is rather talented; proving that having a hobby and children CAN be done.

When asked her to tell me a little bit about herself she simply says,
"I enjoy spending time with my family, listening to music, reading and creating."

What do you make handmade?

I make many handmade items. I crochet, sew, and also make headbands and hair accessories. 

She dabbles in a little bit of everything. How adventurous. 

How long have you been a crafter? Where/ how did you learn?
My Mom taught me to crochet a few years ago, I come from a family of crocheters. I learned to sew by hand as a child. (I also learned to knit as a child but have since forgotten how.) I learned to sew on a sewing machine around 15 years ago. My Junior year of High School I was in a Living History class in which we made outfits from the late 1800's and wore those items on outings where we learned more about the history of that time. My senior year I was the 'teacher aide' in that same class. It helped me learn the ins and outs of the sewing machine. This past summer I started making hair accessories. It was something quick I could do to pass the time to use some creativity.

What do you enjoy most about your hobby?
I love getting to the end of making something and having the satisfaction of knowing I made something with my own two hands.

What is your favorite piece you've created?
I've had many items that I truly enjoyed making, but the favorite thing I think I've ever made was an apron made for my sister. Also, I don't know if this was a "favorite" of mine, but I had a special order of a purse with an elephant on it. That was interesting, to say the least. It turned out well, but it had some funny beginnings, that's for sure. 

To see more works of creativity by The Hairbrained Hobby stop by her Facebook page. 

Thank you for your time Denae!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday in a flash.

Here it is Sunday night ALREADY! The weekend flew by, as usual and all though we didn't have much planned we've been busy. The last three days have been rather nice just hanging out together. Here is our weekend in a nutshell.

Friday: We picked up M and rented movies. Despicable Me 2 has been on our to-watch-list for awhile now. The Millers are HUGE fans of Gru, minions and the rest of the gang. We had a slumber party style movie night. A+ for Despicable Me 2! Cute, funny and family friendly.

Saturday: Chores, chores, chores. I look around now and wonder if I really did anything yesterday. I mean I know I did dishes, laundry, and tidied the kitchen…but you can't tell. R spent several hours outside fixing the heat blower in the car. Thank you so so so much. I can tell he accomplished his chores because my nose and fingers aren't cold when we're riding around. I am so glad he has an ambition to fix things himself.

We were able to sneak in a Christmas craft while E was napping. We decorated little Christmas tree cut outs with ribbon, stickers, sequins, pipe cleaners, etc. R even joined us too. His stuff always turns out great!

I squeezed in a little shopping trip at a resale shop in Muskegon. Aunt Kacey bought E some adorable clothes for Christmas. Thank you, Aunt Kacey! We really appreciate it and love the outfits.

Sunday: Today we had a little Christmas celebration with M's Great Grandpa. We watched Christmas movies, played games and at dinner. It was nice to see him, Gigi, Papa and Uncle B again and relax for the day.

I suppose I should ready us for a busy week ahead. I have a few more gifts to wrap and then Christmas preparation is complete.

Keep loving.

Adorable Yarn Ornament

I did it! I did it! Or should I say, We did it!? M and I completely our first Christmas craft! #5 on my holiday to-do list is almost complete. Only because I want to do atleast one more craft with M, which I already have a few ideas in mind. Because we had so much fun I'd like to share our process for making these adorable yarn ornaments because it is so easy!

You will need:

Scissors
Glue
Empty cereal or cracker box
Yarn
Buttons and/or sequins or small embellishments

1. Draw star, or any shape on cardboard from empty cereal box/cracker box.
Idea: Let your child draw their own shape. It will be a beautiful memento for years to come.

2. Glue end of yarn to your shape.

3. Start wrapping yarn around the shape to cover as much of the shape. And wrap. And wrap. And wrap. Hint: Glue as you go to hold yarn in place. I used a glue gun because the glue dries quickly.

4. Once your shape is wrapped in yarn decorate with sequins or buttons.

5. Don't forget to add a piece of ribbon to hang it. Idea: Also add a small tag with your little ones name and date of creation.

Ta da! Now hang it up for the holidays!

Keep Loving.

All kinds of crafts.

It only seems natural that the first item I want to cross off my holiday to-do list is something crafty. I can't help but hop online and search for inspiration. I quickly narrowed my list to kid friendly, inexpensive holiday themed crafts. Of course, the list is endless. But, I decided I'd share some of my favorite ideas with you. 

I found easy snowflake ornaments here.

When the creating is over EAT this craft.

All you need for this one is: 

Needle, thread and buttons.

How about a countdown to Christmas craft list? How adorable are those pizzas?

I love snowmen. Check out this lil guy.


So, invite the kids to the kitchen table and start creating.

Keep loving.