Handmade Highlights, Month by Month

 

I haven't posted since July, but I've had many ideas swirling around in my head for this blog. You see, I don't like to blog about my daily activities, since I have just as much time in my day as you do. I do like to read other blogs, but forcing myself to sit down and write what is on my mind is what sometimes takes a little effort. So instead, I try to sit down and post about a new project or something I'm really into.

Besides the usual, albeit boring, tasks we do each week, I have had some creative fun here and there. So let me share a few things that I've been up to. I left off in JULY, where we returned from our annual family vacation. My son had just turned one. My daughter then turned 3 at the end of the month.

In AUGUST, we took an unexpected second trip to the coast for my sister-in-law's wedding. It was my first beach wedding experience and it was wonderful spending time with family members we didn't see the first visit.

In SEPTEMBER, Olivia started preschool, which she absolutely loves. Here she is on her first day of school. I made her a little dress and headband to match.

She's also holding two apple pins for her teachers. We spent a lot of time at the library this summer, where I found the sweetest little book, Heart-Felt Holidays: 40 Festive Felt Projects to Celebrate the Seasons. I attached brooch pins to the back, embroidered "From Olivia 2013" to the back, and also embroidered each teacher's name on the front. They were adorable.

A matching backpack was the last thing I made for her. You can find the backpack tutorial I followed here, though it is slightly altered in size. It had to be a little bigger, so that it would hold papers and a folder.

And, of course, it had to have something crocheted on it! You may recognize the eyes and beak from Mamachee's Killian's Owl Hat pattern. She's a sweet friend of mine, that lovely Tara Murray.

In OCTOBER, I designed the Witchy Hat Table Centerpiece crochet pattern...

and the Witchy Hat in 6 Sizes crochet pattern.

Then I made Halloween costumes for the kids. Here they are as Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. (Clicking on the photo will show a much larger, clearer view).

This photo was taken by Timeless Reflection Photography & Studio. So cute with my little man giving a GROWL!

 

In NOVEMBER I designed the Frostbite Mittens crochet pattern, which are available in all of my shops (Etsy, Craftsy & Ravelry) as a 2 for 1 combo, along with...

the new Despicable Me Minion (Inspired) Mittons crochet pattern.

 

It has been a busy and fun several months. And as the Farmer's Almanac claims, we could be looking at a nasty winter. So I look forward to designing so many more patterns to share with you, since we're certain to be snowed in for a while. In the meantime, Happy Crocheting!

Matching Mommy & Me Makeup Bags For Mother's Day [A TUTORIAL]

  

Olivia loves the play makeup I made her. Whenever I'm getting ready, she rushes in, asking for her makeup. I had been keeping it in my own makeup bag, but I thought it was only right to make one to hold her new stash. And in the meantime, I made one for me, too. Plus, it was just another reason to break out the sewing machine!

She's still only allowed to play with her makeup if I'm watching. I just don't want her to lose the tiny brushes somewhere around the house, just begging for her baby brother to find (and eat) them. Since Mother's Day is just around the corner, I couldn't resist to share this fun tutorial with you.

This is one project you can do for yourself or a friend, and enjoy the finished product with your favorite little gal, no matter how young or old she is.

These bags hold so much more than I expected. I don't wear much makeup, really, but both bags have so much more room than I need. And the little ones could fit a bunch more faux makeup containers and brushes.

And one of the best parts? The inside is just as pretty as the outside! Since I hate ugly, visible seams, I made these so that every seam faces in towards the wrong side of the fabric. And you never see them. Score.

They're as cute as can be.

They have fun, boxed-out bottoms, which helps them to stand up on their own.

And they really do hold the perfect amount of goodies inside.

Plus, I may have snuck in an extra one for a certain Minnie Mouse-loving niece of mine. She'll need some play makeup, too. Shh!! It's for Christmas. Yes, the earlier, the better in my book!

 

Want to learn the low-down on how to make them?

 

Let's get started.

How to Make Bunny Masks {An Easter Craft} TUTORIAL

 

Today, I want to share with you an easy tutorial for making cute bunny masks. They're fun and adorable. They're perfect for Easter, too!

 

You need only a few basic supplies to make these masks. And in minutes, your kiddos will be enjoying them. These will be going in our Easter baskets, next weekend. I also included adult sizes with the pattern. I think they would be so fun for all the family to wear in photos.

 

Let's get started.

How to Make Play Makeup - For Under $5! [A TUTORIAL]

 

If your little girl is anything like mine, she is totally intrigued with Mommy's makeup process. What could be 5 or 10 minutes usually ends up being 15 or 20, after I explain to her what each item is. She loves it when I rub some on her face, or what she thinks is real make up. All it takes is my finger and an imaginary swipe across the eyeshadow to keep her content. After all, little girls just want to be like Mommy. And I don't want her to grow out of that!

 

Since she's still only 2 years old, I wanted to make something for her to play with ONLY while I am putting on my makeup. So until she's a wee bit older, the play makeup will stay with me, and will come out when I'm getting ready.

You might be surprised at how easy and inexpensive this project is. I was able to buy everything at my local Dollar Tree store for $4.23, which included 0.23 cents in tax. I walked out with a blush brush, two cheap makeup containers, and a two-pack of fingernail polish. What a deal!

Here's how to do it:

New Product Sneak Peek - Dress Up Playtime Prince Crown

A couple days ago I showed a sneak peek of the new Dress Up Princess Crown with a promise to debut a boy's version, and here it is!

 

I found the girl's crown pattern, and couldn't WAIT to try it out! After making the girl version, I decided to write a pattern that has a similar look to the girl crown, but would be unmistakeably for a boy. Here's a sneak peek before it hits my "virtual shelves."

 

 

This crown measures 18" - 21" before and after stretching. I estimate that it will fit snugly on a young child. I am working on more sizes, which is why I'm only offering a sneak peek for now.

I hope you like it!

<3

Sugar Mama 

New Product Sneak Peek - Dress Up Playtime Princess Crown

I am so excited to show you the latest addition to my lineup! I have a few plans for adding toys and dress up items to my products.

I found this pattern, and couldn't WAIT to try it out! It's funny, too, since the only yarn I had on hand that would work for the crown is the same color as the pattern displays. I try to change things up, for sure, but I usually carry only very soft yarn in my collection. Since I had some stiffer, pink yarn, it was the only way to go, without going out to buy more. And why not use up what you have? You can find the pattern on the Alli Crafts blog, and I suggest you "follow" this blog, as she has the cutest patterns!

I will be changing the pattern a little, to make room for a PRINCE crown, too! So if you have a little boy, keep your eyes peeled! Here's a sneak peek before it hits my "virtual shelves." haha

This crown measures 16" - 19" before and after stretching. I estimate that it will fit snugly on a 6-12 month old. It fits my 7 month-old very well, with little give. I am working on more sizes, which is why I'm only offering a sneak peek for now.

I hope you like it!

<3

Sugar Mama