do-it-yourself nursery art

There is some really great nursery art out there, but since I was on a budget, I decided to make my own. I bought 3 12x12 inch canvases from Lee's Art Shop (on special buy 2 get one free!) and painted some very simple shapes.



Amateurish, yes, but kind of cute too. After painting the canvas with a glossy white, I used the paint can to trace the polka dot birds, and traced enlarged numbers that I printed from the computer. After a lot of paint mixing and a few little details later, I had my counting art.

I like painting on canvas, since you can just hang it straight on the wall, no frame required.


No baby yet ... we are crossing our fingers that he makes his appearance sometime this week. :)

yarn-wrapped letters - made cheaper than cheap

I love the yarn-wrapped letter trend that seems to be so popular these days, but I can be a total cheapskate.  So when I went to make some word art for the kids' playroom, I made my own from scratch.

Instead of buying cardboard letter forms from the craft store, I cut my own out of foam board.  To make a template, simply find a font you like in MS Word (or a similar program), and print it out as large as you'd like your letter.  I used the font "Rockwell," in bold (not to be confused with "Rockwell Bold", which was a little too chunky for my taste). To get really big letters, you can print out multiple pages or get them blown up at a copy shop.

Then wrap, wrap, wrap your letters in yarn, until they are completely covered.  Use dabs of hot glue in the corners and around edges to keep the yarn in place.

As a bonus, the foam board letters are really thin and lightweight, and which helps them hang flat against the wall.  I hot glued round picture hangers I had on hand to the back of each letter to hang.

My letters got a lot tidier with practice, so if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.  I made this big letter G for our mantel using a thinner yarn and a little more patience.

So far, I've used less than a full piece of foam board and all other materials I've had on hand ... so this project is coming in under $2.   Not bad for a bit of DIY decor!

paper punch art

I've been wanting to do a butterfly "specimen case" ever since I first saw it on Ali Edward's blog back in Feb. '08. Then I walked into Michael's this weekend and everything was on major sale, including the whole Martha Stewart Crafts line. I think I had a stroke, because when I came to, I was walking out with several bags of goodies. I can't be held responsible for my actions.

You can find other versions of this project at Samster Mommy, LollyChops, and Peacock Chic.

tissue paper art

There are a lot of walls to fill in our new apartment, so I need artwork ... the cheaper the better. And unlike art I've made previously, this is one project I don't want to look homemade. I made these canvas "prints" using stuff that I already had on hand - blank canvases, tissue paper, and mod podge.

I've been holding onto this tissue paper for years. I've used a sheet or two on the occasional special present, but for for the most part I've been saving it for a special project, not knowing exactly how to use it.

• So first, gather your supplies. I think this would also work well with pretty wrapping or scrapbook paper, but tissue paper works especially well because it is so thin. If you don't have any canvases to cover, you could cover a thin piece of cardboard and put it in a frame. You'll also need Mod Podge, a paintbrush, and a picture hanger if you are using a canvas.

• Cut the tissue paper to the size of the canvas, leaving about 2 inches to wrap around each side.

• Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front of the canvas.

• Carefully lay the tissue paper on top of the canvas. Working from one corner, press the tissue to the canvas, smoothing out any wrinkles and bubbles. You can pull the tissue up if you make a mistake, but be gentle because it is so delicate, especially when wet.

• Apply Mod Podge to the sides of the canvas and wrap the tissue paper around it, as you would wrap a present. Set aside to dry.

• When the front and sides are dry, flip the canvas over. Apply more glue to the back of the canvas and press the tissue paper to secure. I added a top coat of Mod Podge over the back edges to make sure they would not come up.

• Add a picture hanger and find a the perfect spot to display your new, one-of-a-kind artwork.

chalkboard contact paper

Here I go, jumping on the chalkboard bandwagon ...

We recently moved into a new house, but since we are still renting, I can't really go crazy with the chalkboard paint.   We did, however, purchase the refrigerator, so I went ahead and ordered a roll of chalkboard contact paper, hoping it would do the trick.

It is so easy, and really works like a real chalkboard.  And did I mention it is easy?  You literally peel and stick (you can also pull it off and reposition).

I cut off a big piece for the kids to doodle on for the bottom of the fridge, and used my Silhouette to cut a smaller, prettier shape (you can run contact paper through the machine just like vinyl) to make notes on up top ... grocery lists, love notes, or whatever else springs to mind.

For best results, prep the chalkboard by rubbing a piece of chalk all over the surface, then erase, and repeat.   Now you're ready for maximum doodling!   My kids love it, and I love not having them attached to my leg while I'm trying to fix lunch.

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office chair makeover

So we are in a new apartment and I am on a mission to make things more home-y, starting with our eye-sore of an office. In about an hour's time and with less than a yard of fabric, our office chair transformed from this:

to this!

Big improvement, right? I found the instructions at Design*Sponge in the DIY section. I don't have a staple gun (really need one of those...) so I just used generous amounts of hot glue and it worked like a dream. Now if only I could do something about this carpet...

bird mobile

You've probably seen this bird mobile floating around the blogosphere ... it is really popular right now.

When I saw it for the first time on Craftzine, I knew I had to make one. First step - make a bunch of cute birds from the Spool Sewing pattern.




Step two, go to the park and find some nice branches. We headed to Riverside Park in Manhattan and Jared proved to be an extra-good stick finder. I'm not sure what kind of tree they came from, but the bark peeled off easily to reveal a nice, smooth interior (a branch with bark would look good, too). You'll also need thread and screw eyes from the hardware store.

Next, sew the birds to the branches - I used yellow thread to look like feet. Sew through the underbelly of the bird and around the branch several times. In the end, my birds were still sliding around a little, so I secured them with a small amount of hot glue.


Screw in the eye hooks to the branches and hang each tier from thread - this took a lot of experimenting to get the balance right (mine's still a tad crooked). Start from the bottom and work your way up.


Lastly, act crazy-proud of your new bird mobile, which cost all of $2.50 and scrap fabric.

See some other great examples of these mobiles here, here and here.

shirt refashion in two ways - part 2

After my original attempt at refashioning this shirt failed (I sized the first one wrong and it was way too small - the post below is my second attempt), I had to come up with a plan B. And the ruffle pillow was born:

I've seen ruffly pillows around online (like here at kelly + olive), so this isn't a new idea, but making a pillow from a shirt is easy and fast, because all the hard parts are already done.

First I removed all the ruffles. Then I cut a 12 1/2 inch square of fabric from the back of the shirt, and a 12 1/2 inch square from the front of the shirt, centering it on the buttons.

I re-attached the ruffles to the fabric cut from the back of the shirt (the solid piece), which now becomes the front of the pillow.

With right sides together, sew around all sides. You now have a cute, ruffly pillow with a button-up back closure. Easy!

Here's what the back looks like:

Have I mentioned how my husband hates this ruffle-craze? Really hates it. And I am wearing a lot of ruffles these days. Oops.

I have a good sized piece of the original shirt left over from this project and I can't bear to throw it away. What do you think I should do with it?

I'm thinking it could be the top of a little girl or baby dress. We'll see!

Color and Scheme winner

Congratulations, edeenut! You are the lucky Color and Scheme winner.

Your new pillow covers will look fabulous on your newly improved couch. I have to say, your slipcover is impressive. Please email your contact info to homemadebyjill@gmail.com to claim your prize. And enjoy!

Many thanks to Color and Scheme for a lovely giveaway.
(Don't forget to check out the new fabric options available August 4.)

my new love: silhouette craft cutter (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

I told you this was big ...

A couple weeks ago I was shipped a Silhouette SD Craft Cutter to test out ... with the understanding that if I didn't like it, I could send it right on back with no obligation.  I couldn't resist!  And, um ... I'm keeping the Silhouette, thank-you-very-much.

I've always been under the impression that craft cutters were for the scrapbooking set only.  So while I can see how this product would definitely appeal to scrapbookers, the Silhouette is made for anyone who loves to craft.  If you like to make personalized gifts, home decor, DIY clothing, or just awesome stuff in general, this is the tool for you.  This slim little beauty can cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, and heat transfer material.  I don't know how I crafted without it!  Ok, that is a little over-dramatic, but the point is, I really love it.

The Silhouette hooks right up to your computer so you don't need a bunch of cartridges or extra tools.  You can download literally thousands of images from their online store for a very reasonable price, or simply create your own using the included software. In my mind, this is its best feature, for paper cutting alone - it is like having an unlimited source of paper punches in every shape and size imaginable.

I can't wait to use it for ...

The Silhouette is awesome for paper party crafts - it has templates for favor boxes, cupcake wrappers, table tent cards, cake stencils(!) ... you name it. With a click of a few buttons, you could easily (and quickly) create an entire party theme and decorations (and later this week, I'll show you how).

Of course, the first thing I had to try was the heat transfer.  I couldn't resist decorating a few onesies for the baby.  For the pink onesie, I created my own image using a free graphic and font that came with the machine's software (there is a whole image and font library built in).  For the white onesie, I downloaded the flower graphic (detailed flower 1 by Sweet Afton)  from the online store.

If you want to see even more examples of what this amazing little machine can do, just check out the Silhouette website or blog. 

So, are you ready for the giveaway?  You can win:

A Silhouette Machine  

(a $299.99 value)

And it includes...

• Silhouette machine
• Software for Windows XP/Vista
• Power cable, USB cable
• 2 Cutting mats (one for thick media, one for thin media)
• One cutting blade
• $10 gift card to the Silhouette Online Store

This giveaway is now closed!  Thanks for entering!

You know you want it!  Let's keep things simple ... there is only ONE way to enter.  Visit the Silhouette website and take a look around.  Then come back and leave a comment on this post by August 7th telling me how you'd use your new favorite craft tool (as if you could pick just one project).   The winner will be randomly selected on August 8th.  This giveaway is available only to U.S. residents (sorry!).  The only rules: one entry per person and you have to leave me some way to contact you - anonymous comments will be ignored.

Silhouette is also offering a couple of fantastic promos to my readers!

1) Truly Amazing promo - Purchase a Silhouette online by midnight, August 9th and enter the code homemade and you'll receive:

- $50 off the Silhouette Craft Cutter

- 2 rolls of vinyl (Valued at $15.98)

- 1 roll of transfer tape (Valued at $7.99)

- Scraper (Valued at $6.99)

- Home Décor CD (Valued at $50)

- $10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store

- Cutting Blade

- 2 Cutting Mats

All for $249.99

A Savings of $130.96

Just think of how much you’ll save on gift giving this year!

2) Still really great promo - Purchase a Silhouette online between August 10 and midnight, August 14th and enter the code homemade and you'll receive:

$50 off (receive for $249.99)

2 rolls of Heat transfer ($29.89 value)

$10 Gift Card to the Silhouette Download Store

Cutting Blade

2 Cutting Mats

All for $249.99

A savings of $79.98

Color and Scheme Giveaway (closed)

I've got a spectacular giveaway for you today, particularly if your living room is in desperate need of a spruce.

Meet Color and Scheme. Sariah, owner of this cheery etsy store, got started just this past May. It all began with a plan to redecorate her living room inexpensively. Her search for colorful curtains and throw pillows brought her to Etsy, and then extended to every online fabric store she could find. Sariah had so much fun that she decided to open up shop, and Color and Scheme was born.

I've never met Sariah in person, but she is a good friend of one of my very best friends, so I know she's good people. :) I have, however, met her pillow covers, and they are fresh and lovely and make my boring brown couch say, "how you doin'?" a la Joey Tribbiani.

My favorite part about Color and Scheme is the fabric selection - there are so many gorgeous prints I have never seen before. Here are some of my favorites:

Light Blue Bird and Floral Print

Yellow and Blue Dandelion Burst

Serafina Floral Print

Color and Scheme's goal is to bring unique fabrics to Etsy and help others with their decorating projects. Throw pillow covers are an affordable way to change the look of a room with a little color. If you are a color-lover too, this is an easy (and affordable) way to change your decor to fit your mood, the season, or the current trend.

Color and Scheme is generously offering the winner of this giveaway a pillow cover set (2) of their choice! You heard me ... two pillow covers. In your favorite fabric (good luck choosing).

Be sure to check out the Color and Scheme Blog to see custom orders and a preview of upcoming fabric choices.

What is your favorite fabric choice from Color and Scheme?

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!

guest blogging at UCreate

Happy Friday! Today I am a guest blogger at UCreate. Hop on over to check out my new tutorial on making a custom silhouette pillow.

fabric toy bucket

Hi friends,

Sorry I have been so absent lately! My move has gone remarkably smoothly so far, and my little babe travels like a dream. Thanks so much for all your well wishes! Southern California is a very lovely place, and while I am missing New York City something dreadful, I am sure I will grow to love it here too.

All of my crafty belongings are in a truck somewhere in the country, so I am on a brief crafting-hiatus. In the meantime, I am baking and reading excellent books (maybe I should share some recipes and recommendations?). In anticipation of this, I saved up a few projects from recent months to share now (yep, I've been holding out on you).

First up, a new version of the fabric bucket:

I jumbo-sized the fabric bucket tutorial from RicRac (this thing has endless variations). The bottom is 12 inches in diameter and the side piece is 18 inches tall, 42 inches wide.

I recycled some of my husbands old jeans for the fabric and added pockets on the outside for extra storage. The inside is lined with soft flannel.

I love it because it holds all of Oscar's toys, and Oscar loves it because he can dump it, sit on it, roll on it ... and I don't pull him away like with the old wicker toy basket.

Exciting stuff to come soon!

grocery bag dispenser

hi friends...

I'm down in Virginia, eagerly awaiting the arrival of a sweet baby nephew. Just wanted to recommend a lovely tutorial over at Make It and Love It (great blog!).

I like to re-use shopping bags, and for a long time, my broom closet has looked like this:

But now it looks like this:
Yay! Much better. This tutorial was easy, fast, and so functional. She has oodles of other fab tutorials as well.

Have a great weekend!

glueing fabric to my walls (and a book wreath)

I saw a book wreath by Living with Lindsay a while back and thought it was pretty dang cute.  So I made one.  And then I hung it up on the sad, white walls of my apartment and was a little disappointed: 

That's a lot of white on white - we're not allowed to paint.  Sometimes apartment dwelling sucks.  When I finally own a house, the walls are going to have color!

I didn't want my pretty wreath to go to waste though, so I tried something a little daring and pasted fabric to my wall! (click on the link for instructions and the cornstarch paste recipe).  Ok, so it isn't really daring.  It is actually very apartment-friendly, because the fabric will just peel off when it is time to come down (I can even wash the fabric and re-use it!).  A little color goes a long way, don't you think?

It was so much fun I have been looking for other places to paste fabric.  Like this little peekaboo of color I added to the peephole on our front door:  

I still have about a quart of cornstarch paste left over.  This could get dangerous.

we are family

A family tree has been on my project to-do list for a long time (like, years).  But after seeing a few beautiful family trees on Pinterest (especially this one), I was inspired to finally get started.

I began with a funky old tray that I snapped up last year when one of the closets at church was being cleaned out.  Sure, the paint was ugly, but it had a nice shape.

I painted the middle white and the border Valspar's Dreamy Clouds. Then I put my Silhouette Cameo to work.   I didn't take a picture of all the cutting, but this is just one of those instances I was so glad to have a Silhouette.  About a million tiny leaves later, I was ready to start gluing.

I used mod podge to glue down all the pieces.  The shape of the tray really helped me define the fullness of the tree.  My original plan was just to put this on a canvas, but I think the curvy tray adds a lot more character.

My husband's family went on the left of the tree, my family on the right, and our children are the little acorns below.  For the sake of space, this family tree only has 4 generations, but someday I'd love to make a huge one (like this) and really dig in.

Oscar was excited when he found out he was one of the acorns.  I'm excited to have a long over-due project crossed off my list.

This is what happens when you ask your kids to help you take pictures:

For Silhouette Users

here are the shapes I used for this project:

house of 3 banner

leafless - bare tree, by Alaa'K

4 leaves, by Lori Whitlock

acorn, by Silhouette

6 labels, by Lori Whitlock