Look What You Can Do With a $1.62!

When I walk an isle at Goodwill my eyes are always on the look out for really nice fabrics. Be it a shirt, sweater or skirt. Not to be worn, but to be repurposed into something new and fun!

 This cute red and white stripe women’s shirt caught my eye last week. It would be perfect for the Valentine shirts I wanted to make the kiddos. And rang up to $1.62!

 First, I went through their closet’s to find a plain solid t-shirt.

Then, I cut the arm off the red/white stripe shirt.

 Using Heat-n- Bond I ironed one side to the fabric.

 Drew the design that I wanted. In this case, a tie for Gabe and a peace sign for Hannah.

 Cut out the design, peeled the back side off the Heat-n- Bond, and ironed it onto the desired location on my t-shirt. For Gabe's tie I cut an additional knot with the stripes going the other direction. 

 Finally, I stitched along the appliqué. I used a zigzag stitch leaving a small edge to show, for the ones you see here.

 After washing they will have a nice worn frayed edge to them.

 I love making my own appliqués out of old fabrics. They really give it a touch that you just can’t buy in the store. Plus, it’s so much cheaper than buying new fabric.

I will be linking up to these other great blogs so stop by if you get time! Silly Little Sparrow – A Soft Place to Land – Today’s Creative Blog - Reinvented

Valentine Bookmark Goodies!

Well it’s getting closer to that big RED day, and I thought I would share a few ideas with you this week. Because, if you are anything like me, I am always looking for something new!

The fabulous site of Living Locurto has this awesome bookmark printout for you FREE! FREE people!

Down load and print as many as you need. If you have time please give her a shout-out!

I happened to take mine by Kinko’s and had them laminated.

Then, using a square whole punch, punch two wholes side-by-side at the top.

Thread a cute ribbon through the wholes.

Pass out just like they are to classmates. Or, if you need a cute gift for your kiddos, add a Valentine book or $5.00 gift card to your local bookstore.

I will be linking up to all these great blogs make sure to stop over and visit The Persimmon Perch - It's So Very Cheri- More Than a House-  The DIY Show Off

Haiti

It’s hard not to miss it, and even harder for your heart not to ache. I feel so guilty driving in my car through Chicl-Fil-A as my kiddos watch a T.V. in the back seat. As thousands are dead and dying.


 The poorest country in the Western hemisphere was devastated, and what little they had is now gone. There are so many ways we can help right now. You can text “disaster” to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion’s disaster relief program. They will be working directly with the local churches who know where these families live and will provide immediate relief to them. You can also click HERE to donate.

My heart is heavy that it took an earthquake to open my eyes to what was already happening daily for them. How could I have been so naive and taken up with my worries over the recession, taxes and the bad weather?

I am blessed to be an American, to live in a country where my children can worship as they choose. Where I am able to work and provide food, shelter and medical care for them. Yet, we I still wine about all our my “needs”. I have no doubt it is all part of God’s master plan, and I am not one to question why something so devastating hit a part of this world that was already devastated.

Maybe it was to open our souls, to open our eyes, to what God has called us all to do. I know that he opened mine. Does this woman know that her God has not left her?


If you’d prefer to give to the Red Cross, you can text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 or go directly to the Red Cross website to make a donation.


Another option is to donate through Samaritan’s Purse.


Don't forget the power or prayer!


The needs are so massive right now and every little bit helps.


“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

You Don't Want to Meet Him in a Dark Alley!

In lieu of so many toys this Christmas, my mom purchased Gabe Ta Kwon Do lessons and an official uniform. I think this will long outlast any toy. And bring us some really great memories!

It finally happened…

Little man had his first organized Tae Kwon Do class.

Can you see the excitement in his face?

He sure did look official.

And the entire family went to cheer him on.

I asked him, after class, how he liked it.

Yah, mom, I can’t wait to learn how to hurt someone!

Hello!!!WHAT? No honey this is about self discipline and defining your fine motor skills.

Huh?? Mom, I just learned how to Karate chop!

Looks like I have a bit of “guiding” to do.

Hemming Kate's Way!

****WARNING****

I am a newbie, self taught sewer. Therefore, I am 100% sure there is a better way to do this. So I’m calling this one, keeping the distressed hem on my family’s jeans, the Kate way.


Start by having your subject try on the jeans in shoes that will be most worn with them. Pin accordingly to desired length.

Personally I like to pin all the way around to keep the garment from moving when I sew.

Line up the outer hems, starting at one hem and making a complete circle.

Slowing stitch {using a very tight, short stitch} just up under the top of the original hem.

Then fold jeans back up into the leg of the jean.

Iron … don’t be blowing this picture up cause’ my line is a tad off {smile}.

And there you have it, hemming 101 Kate’s way!


At this point you can keep the material turned up and just whip stitch down. Or, what I do is sew an enforcement stitch all around and then trim off the access.

Works for ME!


Now, if I can figure out how to make mine longer, it may save me from trying to find tall’s!

Krispie Kisses!

For the past couple of years the kids and I have been making these for teachers and friends.

Hannah has just about out grown the “idea” of them. But not my little man!

He really wanted to make them with his favorite cereal he saved from his birthday in October!

I usually make them with Rice Krispies… but a promise is a promise!

Start by making your favorite Rice Krispie treat just like the box says.

I have been using a funnel, bought {and boiled}, from Wal-Mart’s automotive department.

Spray the inside with PAM along with both your hands.

Mold the Krispies into the funnel and then turn onto a sheet of aluminum foil.

Print {landscape} 8 x 11 ½ sheet of vellum paper with your saying. Make sure to leave space at the beginning to tuck down in your Kiss.

Then wrap the foil up and you have yourself the perfect Krispie Kiss!

I will be posting at these great blogs Balancing Beauty and Bedlam - Tales of Bloggeritville - The Shabby Chic - It's so Very Cheri

The Never Ending Red Burlap!

So, I am still trying to use up the bolt of red burlap that I got this summer for $2.00.And decided to put a twist on all those Christmas hanger ball wreaths that we did.

 I laid out about 8 feet of burlap and cut four, six-inch strips.

 Then, using an untwisted hanger as a “needle” threaded the strips back and forth.

 Twisted off the hanger to make a wreath shape and added layers of ribbon and a L.O.V.E sign that I Martha glittered!

 I still have enough burlap to make oh… a few hundred more!

F.Y.I... If for some reason your daughter happens to “accidently” drop her itouch in the sink, while brushing her teeth, listing to I Gotta a Feeling.  Then proceeds to earn herself an Oscar over her reaction.

Dry off the phone, turn it off, and drop it into a bag of dry rice. This will pull the moisture out and, if you are lucky, will restore life to ‘I Gotta to a Feeling’.

 Never use a hairdryer, as this will only push the water deeper into your device.

Don't forget to stop by The Persimmon Perch -So Very Cheri- The DIY Show Off - A Soft Place to Land - The Creative Blog - Skip To My Lou - Reinvented- Silly Little Sparrow - Blue Cricket Design - Tales Of Bloggeritaville - Life as Lori