Harper, this one has your name on it (literally).
I'll get to work on writing up the pattern instructions. Hopefully I'll have it ready to share with you sometime next week!
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Showing posts with label I'm a Mormon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I'm a Mormon. Show all posts
"the ruby" blessing dress
Last night I finished up the second blessing dress. Here's a view of the back:
Harper, this one has your name on it (literally).
Harper, this one has your name on it (literally).
working on a display
I was asked to put together a display for a church function this weekend. Last night I made doily garland to decorate my table:
And spent a little time with a chocolate mold:
Note to self: next time you want to make lots of little chocolates, make sure you have more than one mold.
In other news, I have 7 1/2 yards of felt scheduled for delivery today. I've never been so eager to see the UPS guy.
And spent a little time with a chocolate mold:
Note to self: next time you want to make lots of little chocolates, make sure you have more than one mold.In other news, I have 7 1/2 yards of felt scheduled for delivery today. I've never been so eager to see the UPS guy.
retro homemaking night
Sorry to be so absent this week! I've been prepping non-stop for another ladies event at my church, which was held last night. I no longer have as much responsibility as I've had in the past (phew), but these things are always a lot of work.
We had a retro-themed homemaking night, complete with classes about pressure cooking, making apple pies (in a jar - cute!), and sewing an apron.
Our tables were decorated with a fun assortment of vintage items, and a sweet bouquet of flowers in a can (idea from Rachel Ray, which I saw on Pinterest).
My favorite part of the night (besides the fun activity, delicious food, and wonderful company, of course) was definitely getting all dolled up with retro hair and make up.
As a mom who is admittedly frumpy and often sports a wet french braid and no makeup, I felt fabulous last night! How weird would it be if I started rocking a retro look more often? Because it was kind of awesome. I found really helpful hair and makeup tutorials on YouTube. Is there anything you can't learn on YouTube?
I lead the apron sewing class (with lots of helpers - thanks Holly & Lori!), and we made the apron in a hour that I posted about previously. Since we are always on tight budgets for these types of things, we had to find a great deal on fabric ... which last week lead me here:
the Fabric Barrel in Solvang, CA. I kid you not, this was one of the nuttiest places I've ever been. Crazy, I tell you! There are two buildings, two stories each, plus a separate cafe, all manned by one lady. On the bottom floors are several rooms of fabric, some on giant bolts, others just piled in bins, like the photo above. All the fabric is 99 cents a yard, and you cut it yourself. There is not an employee to be seen (she is busy in the cafe, cooking burgers).
My friend Lori and I went together, with four toddlers in tow, and it was an adventure to say the least. When we first walked in, I was so overwhelmed, I didn't think we would find a thing.
Fifty yards of fabric and 20 zippers later (zippers are 5 cents, buttons only a penny), we hauled our kids and our spoils over to the cafe for hot dogs, burgers, and root beer floats.
There were so many great knits ... and 99 cent fabric makes me kind of dizzy with excitement. I can't wait to go again, but definitely without kids!
Anyway, that's what I've been up to. I haven't forgotten about the vinyl wipes case template - I'll post it next week!
p.s. today is the last day to enter the Just Bunch Designs giveaway. Don't forget to leave a comment if you haven't already. :)
Our tables were decorated with a fun assortment of vintage items, and a sweet bouquet of flowers in a can (idea from Rachel Ray, which I saw on Pinterest).
I love my blue Singer. I don't actually use it, but it sure is pretty, right?
I lead the apron sewing class (with lots of helpers - thanks Holly & Lori!), and we made the apron in a hour that I posted about previously. Since we are always on tight budgets for these types of things, we had to find a great deal on fabric ... which last week lead me here:
My friend Lori and I went together, with four toddlers in tow, and it was an adventure to say the least. When we first walked in, I was so overwhelmed, I didn't think we would find a thing.
Anyway, that's what I've been up to. I haven't forgotten about the vinyl wipes case template - I'll post it next week!
p.s. today is the last day to enter the Just Bunch Designs giveaway. Don't forget to leave a comment if you haven't already. :)
Ruby's blessing dress
Point being, I am quite tired, so more details later.
ace of cakes
Remember when I said I was going to make a cake that looks like this?
I (sort of) did it! I may or may not have made some serious structural changes and left off lots of details (like most of the windows), but the point is, I captured the essence of the Nauvoo Temple. :)
No tutorial for this, but here is a look at the progress in photos:
Notice how the bottom two layers look good, and the top two look saggy and undercooked? I prefer to call that "moist."
At this point, I was seriously questioning my judgment. Looks like a disaster in the making.
Fondant helps! It went a bit easier than last time.
Frosting bags are the worst. I am just not good at using them. Frosting always comes out of both ends, and I get claw-hand. I prefer to use the metal syringe kind (someday I will rescue mine from storage!).
almost there...
Ta-Da! The writing around the cake says, "Build a house to my name, for the Most High to dwell therein," which is part of Doctrine & Covenants 124:27.
So, like I said ... not exactly a replica, and it doesn't match the vision in my head, but it is recognizable. I am satisfied. Tonight it received a few oohs and ahhs, won the competition, and then was gobbled up.
Supplies used for this cake:
To all of my non-LDS readers, this post probably makes little sense to you. Sorry! I now return to my regularly scheduled, non-religious crafting.
I (sort of) did it! I may or may not have made some serious structural changes and left off lots of details (like most of the windows), but the point is, I captured the essence of the Nauvoo Temple. :)No tutorial for this, but here is a look at the progress in photos:
Notice how the bottom two layers look good, and the top two look saggy and undercooked? I prefer to call that "moist."
At this point, I was seriously questioning my judgment. Looks like a disaster in the making.
Fondant helps! It went a bit easier than last time.
Frosting bags are the worst. I am just not good at using them. Frosting always comes out of both ends, and I get claw-hand. I prefer to use the metal syringe kind (someday I will rescue mine from storage!).
almost there...
Ta-Da! The writing around the cake says, "Build a house to my name, for the Most High to dwell therein," which is part of Doctrine & Covenants 124:27.So, like I said ... not exactly a replica, and it doesn't match the vision in my head, but it is recognizable. I am satisfied. Tonight it received a few oohs and ahhs, won the competition, and then was gobbled up.
Supplies used for this cake:
- 2 French Vanilla cake mixes, prepared the delicious way - substitute milk and melted butter for the water and oil, and add an extra egg. Each was baked in a large cookie sheet pan.
- 2 1 lb. boxes of ready to use fondant
- 2 batches of buttercream frosting
- 1 batch of royal icing
- 1 decorative wooden spool (random, I know - I used it inside the steeple to keep the shape)
- 1 wooden skewer
- black food coloring
- round wilton cut outs
- wilton's metallic shimmer powder
To all of my non-LDS readers, this post probably makes little sense to you. Sorry! I now return to my regularly scheduled, non-religious crafting.
work in progress ... Ruby's blessing dress
This weekend I made the bodice for Ruby's blessing dress.
I've been making up the pattern as I go along and the design itself is pretty simple. I opted against the diamond pintucks for now because I found this sweet lace trim for the neckline that I love. It was just too much with all the diamonds. I am making two dresses, one for Ruby and one for a friend, so maybe they'll make it into the next design.
And since I'm making two dresses, my plan is to perfect the pattern on this version and make a tutorial for the little dress on the next version. Is that something you'd be interested in? You'll have to be patient with me though ... I've got a lot coming my way soon.
The inside of the dress is fully lined, and since I don't want any exposed seams, it requires a bit of hand stitching. I think I'll embroider the baby's name and blessing date somewhere inside there as well.
The skirt of the dress is going to have a few rows of horizontal pintucks, and a sash at the empire waist. Very simple overall, but so far it is turning out exactly how I had envisioned it. I love when that happens.
And since I'm making two dresses, my plan is to perfect the pattern on this version and make a tutorial for the little dress on the next version. Is that something you'd be interested in? You'll have to be patient with me though ... I've got a lot coming my way soon.
The skirt of the dress is going to have a few rows of horizontal pintucks, and a sash at the empire waist. Very simple overall, but so far it is turning out exactly how I had envisioned it. I love when that happens.
My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories Vol. 2 (Giveaway Closed)
*Double post today! See Oscar's new Parsley Pants in my first day of Kids Clothes Week post below.*
Back in February, I introduced you to My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories, Volume 1. My kids have enjoyed their book so much (to the point of arguing over it), I'm pleased to share that Volume 2 is now available!
* Watch for the Old Testament and New Testament volumes to be released later this year!
This Book of Mormon for Children is a PDF that you print and create for your own family. It is easy to make - no sewing, or hours of coloring. All the hard work is done! Simply print, laminate and attach pieces.
There are 9 stories in Volume 2:
Volume 2 includes stories from the second half of the Book of Mormon, telling the stories from the Prophets in a fun, interactive way. It is wonderful as a quiet activity in Sacrament Meeting, and can also be a valuable tool in Family Home Evening or Primary lessons, or just a fun book for your kids to read.
Check out the demonstrative video on YouTube to see Volume 2 in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSGIlY8n09E
Volume 1:
Want to make a set for your family? The creator, Natalie Severts, is giving away 3 copies of the PDF combo pack - volumes one and two! See the entry guidelines below for your chance to win.
Can't wait to get started? Use the code HOMEMADE now through April 27th to receive 10% off your order of My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories.
Back in February, I introduced you to My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories, Volume 1. My kids have enjoyed their book so much (to the point of arguing over it), I'm pleased to share that Volume 2 is now available!
* Watch for the Old Testament and New Testament volumes to be released later this year!
This Book of Mormon for Children is a PDF that you print and create for your own family. It is easy to make - no sewing, or hours of coloring. All the hard work is done! Simply print, laminate and attach pieces.
There are 9 stories in Volume 2:
1. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies
2. Captain Moroni
3. The Stripling Warriors
4. Samuel the Lamanite
5. Signs of Christ's Birth
6. Signs of Christ's Death
7. Jesus Visits America
8. The Brother of Jared
9. Moroni Buries the Plates
Volume 2 includes stories from the second half of the Book of Mormon, telling the stories from the Prophets in a fun, interactive way. It is wonderful as a quiet activity in Sacrament Meeting, and can also be a valuable tool in Family Home Evening or Primary lessons, or just a fun book for your kids to read.
Check out the demonstrative video on YouTube to see Volume 2 in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSGIlY8n09E
Volume 1:
Want to make a set for your family? The creator, Natalie Severts, is giving away 3 copies of the PDF combo pack - volumes one and two! See the entry guidelines below for your chance to win.
Can't wait to get started? Use the code HOMEMADE now through April 27th to receive 10% off your order of My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories.
- For a chance to win a pdf copy of My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories, simply leave a comment. Check out the book in the Etsy shop or watch the YouTube video and give Natalie some feedback. What do you think of the book? What is your child's favorite scripture story? What would you like to see in an interactive scripture book?
- For one extra entry (for a total of 2 entries per person only), PIN My Interactive Book of Mormon on Pinterest, then please leave separate comment telling me you've done so.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored. Please make sure I have a way of contacting you if you're the winner!
- This giveaway is open until midnight, Thursday, April 26th, and a winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday, April 27th.
spring church party 2011
Please forgive my recent absence ... things have been busy around here! Last night we had our annual spring celebration for the women's organization at my church. I had a lot of fun with the decorations this year - the theme was light-oriented, so we went overboard with lanterns, twinkle lights, and etched candle votives (75 of them!). And of course, lots of pretty flowers. You can never go wrong with flowers.
It was a special evening with delicious food, a fun atmosphere, and lovely company. And I'm not kidding on the food - our dessert bar included vanilla bean creme brulee. My mouth is still watering!
p.s. I found my white paper lanterns for a great price at The Paper Lantern Store. I went with the 10 inch lanterns, and they were a nice quality and the perfect size.
p.s. I found my white paper lanterns for a great price at The Paper Lantern Store. I went with the 10 inch lanterns, and they were a nice quality and the perfect size.
spring church party
I think I'll spend the rest of the weekend sleeping.
purl bee rose clips and cupcakes
This weekend I tried out the Rose Barrette tutorial from The Purl Bee:
Talk about a quick and satisfying project! I attached one to a clip as directed, and one to a ponytail holder, which I am far more likely to wear. I'm always amazed at how pretty felt can be.
The majority of this weekend, though, was spent baking. Then baking some more. I made over 6 dozen cupcakes as a reminder for a church party this week. Despite some hiccups in the kitchen, they turned out really yummy. And when I say hiccup, I mean this:
Making buttercream frosting with a toddler is NOT a good idea.
I took notes from Kristin at the Blonde Designs Blog and tried the 1-2-3-4 Cake recipe from the back of the Swans Down Cake Flour box. It was really good! (I loved the flavor from the almond extract.) For the frosting, I used Wilton's Buttercream recipe, which never fails.
This photo is horribly fuzzy ... I forgot my camera and had to take one with my phone.
All in all, my weekend was tasty (though sticky), and my ponytail has never looked so good. Hope you had a great weekend, too!
The majority of this weekend, though, was spent baking. Then baking some more. I made over 6 dozen cupcakes as a reminder for a church party this week. Despite some hiccups in the kitchen, they turned out really yummy. And when I say hiccup, I mean this:
I took notes from Kristin at the Blonde Designs Blog and tried the 1-2-3-4 Cake recipe from the back of the Swans Down Cake Flour box. It was really good! (I loved the flavor from the almond extract.) For the frosting, I used Wilton's Buttercream recipe, which never fails.
All in all, my weekend was tasty (though sticky), and my ponytail has never looked so good. Hope you had a great weekend, too!
Strawberry Lemonade Bars
These perfectly pink beauties are going to be one of many treats on a dessert buffet I am putting together for an upcoming church party. I'm no Amy Atlas, but I'm really excited to do a dessert buffet.
Do you know of any wonderful pink desserts?
party invitations
I am working on a party for the women's organization at my church and these are the invitations. The color scheme is inspired by this spirograph wedding featured on Design*Sponge, and I made the pom pom/starburst graphic to look like this fabric print.
I've never been in charge of something like this at church, so I'm doing my best to channel Jordan Ferney, who, as far as I can tell, throws the best parties around. And when I say channel, I do mean that I plan copy her in any way possible. :)
I'd love to hear about your best party decorations and tips on serving dinner to a crowd of 50+ people!
My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories (Giveaway CLOSED)
I've mentioned it before, but like many of your friendly neighborhood bloggers, I'm a Mormon. This giveaway caters to my LDS readers, but I hope you'll all like taking a look at this fun product.
I was recently contacted to try My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories, an easy to assemble PDF book. I've had this type of project has been on my mind for a while, because I want to get my kids more excited about reading scriptures and learning scripture stories. The book features 9 stories from the prophets of the Book of Mormon with a story summary and activity on each page.
The best part about this activity book is that all the hard work is done for you. There is not even coloring involved ... just print the pdf, and laminate the pages! I used my home-laminator and took the book to Kinko's to be spiral bound. To keep the pieces a little quieter for church use, I opted for poster putty on the back of the movable pieces. Easy!
Oscar was looking over my shoulder the first time I watched the book's explanatory YouTube video, and the first thing he asked was, "can you make one of those for me?"
I finally had it ready to hand off at church yesterday, and the book did not disappoint. Oscar and Ruby both loved moving the pieces, assembling the puzzles, and listening to the stories. I think they will enjoy it for a long time to come!
Want to make one for your kids? The creator, Natalie Severts, is giving away 3 copies of her pdf book! See the entry guidelines below for your chance to win.
Can't wait to get started? This would make a fun Valentine's day gift for the kids. Use the code VALENTINE now through Friday to recieve 10% off your order of My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories.
I was recently contacted to try My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories, an easy to assemble PDF book. I've had this type of project has been on my mind for a while, because I want to get my kids more excited about reading scriptures and learning scripture stories. The book features 9 stories from the prophets of the Book of Mormon with a story summary and activity on each page.
The best part about this activity book is that all the hard work is done for you. There is not even coloring involved ... just print the pdf, and laminate the pages! I used my home-laminator and took the book to Kinko's to be spiral bound. To keep the pieces a little quieter for church use, I opted for poster putty on the back of the movable pieces. Easy!
Oscar was looking over my shoulder the first time I watched the book's explanatory YouTube video, and the first thing he asked was, "can you make one of those for me?"
I finally had it ready to hand off at church yesterday, and the book did not disappoint. Oscar and Ruby both loved moving the pieces, assembling the puzzles, and listening to the stories. I think they will enjoy it for a long time to come!
Want to make one for your kids? The creator, Natalie Severts, is giving away 3 copies of her pdf book! See the entry guidelines below for your chance to win.
Can't wait to get started? This would make a fun Valentine's day gift for the kids. Use the code VALENTINE now through Friday to recieve 10% off your order of My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories.
- For a chance to win a pdf copy of My Interactive Book of Mormon Stories, simply leave a comment. Check out the book in the Etsy shop or watch the YouTube video and give Natalie some feedback. What do you think of the book? What is your child's favorite scripture story? What would you like to see in an interactive scripture book?
- For one extra entry (for a total of 2 entries per person only), PIN My Interactive Book of Mormon on Pinterest, then leave a comment telling me you've done so.
- Anonymous comments will be ignored. Please make sure I have a way of contacting you if you're the winner!
- This giveaway is open until midnight, Thursday, February 14, and a winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday, February 15th.