OC Family She's Crafty

Win a Janome embroidery machine!

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:27:00 GMT

Are you just starting to dabble in this whole crafting world??
Check out The DIY Dish for awesome ideas AND there is a chance you can win a sewing machine or embroidery machine to get those creative juices flowing!
Go here for detail about the giveaway.
Below is a little video about the new site!
Good luck!! You better believe I entered!!
That embroidery machine is calling my name.
I may have to monogram all Hot Hubby's work shirts... ha!

Coming soon...
...St Patrick's Day crafts to decorate you home
...a week long series about thowing a baby shower!!

Kara-Noel (5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Goodbye Valentines Day!

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:52:00 GMT

I'm taking down Valentines Day today!

Goodbye heart votives.

Goodbye handprint hearts.

Goodbye heart garland (don't tell the others... but I will miss you MOST of all!)

Goodbye Valentine's Day runner I never finished.

I'll be packing you away unfinished.

But you will be first on the list for next year!!

Hello all things GREEN!!

Look for St. Patty crafts coming soon.

I'm off to pick up some green spray paint :)

Kara-Noel (5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Fabric rap... I mean wrap

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 08:41:00 GMT

Instead of wrapping small gifts in paper, get crafty and use fabric (or a pillowcase!) with REAL ribbon.
It's easier for kiddos to open and gives the gifts a whimsy touch!

Now I need your help!
Is your birthday on a holiday? (or near one?)
What did your parents do that totally sucked?
What did they do that was totally awesome?
Go here and leave a comment with ANY tips you have!!
Trying to keep Cora out of therapy because of her Valentines Birthday!

Kara-Noel (5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Crafting up birthday dessert

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:03:00 GMT

I can't cook worth beans.

(ha)

But I can craft up a few cupcakes to make a memorable Birthday dessert!

A few cupcakes + sprinkles + awesome cake plate + kisses + whimsy candles =

Awesome Birthday Dinner Dessert!

Do you do a birthday dessert or something else special on your kiddo's actual Birthday?

(If you have a post about it leave the link in the comments! I would love to get ideas!)

Kara-Noel (4.5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 23:12:00 GMT

Make this simple Valentine's Day garland this afternoon!

Cut felt hearts, then sew right down the center.
I ran them through once with red and again with pink.
Love it!

Have a heart for Valentine's Day

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:14:00 GMT

I love this sweet Valentine's Day craft!

So simple.

And it doubles as a V-Day decoration and childhood keepsake.

Kinda like the Hand print Turkeys!

~Paint one sweet little hand like this:

~Stamp.

~Repeat on the other side, making a heart shape on the paper.Do a few practice runs, especially if you are doing it on a canvas and only get one shot.
(I had to press their pinkys down on the paper because it didn't get enough paint on the paper without an extra push.)
~Frame
~DONE!

Use this as a decoration or make into tags for Valentine's Day gifties!

Get Crafty!!

Kara-Noel (4.5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Valentine's Day votives

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:58:00 GMT

I save containers.

One of my "quirks."

Hot Hubby HATES it.

I have a whole cabinet in my kitchen filled with empty jars, cans, jugs... whatever.

Just waiting for me to be inspired.

Remember the awesome bath toys I made?

Well, my container cabinet saved the day again when I decided to make some Valentines votives.

Just grab some jars and craft paint and get going.

This one was inspired by conversation hearts...

Paint little hearts all over the jar, fill the bottom with heart candy, and a votive and you are done!

Don't waste money on loads of craft paint. If you have primary colors you can add a bit of white to get pastels:

This one was inspired by heart lace...

Dip a pencil eraser into white paint and stamp on the jar for perfect uniform circles every time!

Get Crafty!!

Kara-Noel (4.5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Valentine's candy necklace

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:36:00 GMT

This is a craft your kiddos will beg to do with you.

Make these as Valentines for the whole class!

You'll need:

Cut the plastic wrap to about a yard long then lengthwise. So you'll have 2 long skinny strips.

Be sure to leave 1-2" in between each candy. You can do more than one candy in each section. I did 9 sections total.

I thought we were going to lose fingers with this next step...

Tie a 3-5" ribbon in between each of the candies or candy clusters.

Curl the ribbon (or not) and wear!

Switch up the colors and do this craft for any holiday!!

Kara-Noel (4.5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Use pillowcases to wrap presents

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:19:00 GMT

Now that you can make all those adorable pillowcases, you can use them to wrap gifts.

Save money on wrapping supplies.

Be Green.

(Cuz that's totally in right now!)

Here is a picture of Cora Jane opening one of her Christmas gifts wrapped in a pillocase.

Kara-Noel (4 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

15 minute pillowcase

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:56:00 GMT

If you can sew a straight line you can make this pillowcase.
(Even if the straight line isn't so straight this project will still turn out awesome!)
This pillowcase looks fancy but I promise it is super easy and guaranteed to impress your friends.
(REALLY!!)

She's Crafty - Pillow Case from Kara Noel Lawson on Vimeo.

You'll need:
Main fabric - 3/4 yard - cut fabric 27" x 41"
Cuff fabric - 1/3 yard - cut fabric 10" x 41"
Trim fabric - 1/8 yard - cut fabric 3" x 41"

Expanding a bit on the video:
Fold the trim in half lengthwise and iron wrong sides together...

Here is a still picture showing how the fabric is layered before sewing... double check before you sew or you won't be happy after you do the turning!

One thing I forgot to mention in the video...
After you sew the bottom and sides of the pillowcase, go back and do a zig zag stitch along the edges for more reinforcement!

Finish by making a bow with your fabric scraps.

Be Crafty!

Kara-Noel (4.5 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Aprons for all

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:42:00 GMT

I found these awesome aprons.
They are perfect for boys or girls.
For baking or crafting.
For real or pretend.
For you!

These aprons are made by Stringbean Company.
Everything in their store is made in the USA!
AND they are giving away a Rockets & Robots Apron Duo!!

That's right folks... an apron for you AND your little one.
Go here for details.
I think these little suckers would make a perfect Valentine for your lil' Valentine!!

Rockets on one side and robots on the other in delicious fabric...

Rockets not your cup of tea?Buy one of the other styles (or anything else at Stringbean) for 20% off using the coupon code LIDS.

Good luck!

Kara-Noel (4 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Countdown to Valentines

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:29:00 GMT

Countdown to Valentines Day starts NOW!!
26 Days to get the class gifties ready.
26 days to plan that party.
GO!

Download this free pattern to make an awesome Valentines Pillow:

Or check out all these free Valentines crafts.

More to come...

Kara-Noel (4 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Beading necklaces

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:30:00 GMT

Have you ever passed the beading aisle at the craft store?
Beautiful shiny rocks everywhere.
Love it.
I would pass by and think to myself...
"All you have to do is add a clasp to that string of beads and you got yourself a necklace for under $4!"
So I tried it.
I bought this beautiful string of beads for $1.97 at Walmart then added a clasp.
It turned out lovely.
See...

So I was feeling kinda cocky.
I spent about $12 on a few more things with dreams of my own jewelry line dancing around my imagination.
It would have a name like BEAD. Which everyone would think was lame at first, then they would see the awesomeness and I could sell one of my funky-retro-uber-hip-necklaces for like 70 clams!
My supplies...

Here are the 5 necklaces I came up with.

I'm sad to say I don't have much talent in the beading department.

As in zip, zero zilch!!

I'm OK with it.

Failure isn't the end of my crafting world.

It is the crafting world!!

I'm proud that I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried a new craft.

I'm also pretty stoked that my original idea of adding a clasp to the string of beads turned out.

See how awesome it looks...

Me being pensive and me being me... but either way, the necklace rules the world!

Only two bucks for that beauty!

Your turn!

Get out of your crafting comfort zone and try something new.
Be Crafty!!

Kara-Noel (4 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Drawstring bag

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:49:00 GMT

Did Santa leave your living room filled with toys?

Is one of your New Years resolutions to organize?

I made up this easy drawstring bag pattern anyone (really, anyone!) can make in minutes!

Dust off that sewing machine, watch this 3 minute video and get organized!

She's Crafty - Drawstring Bag from Kara Noel Lawson on Vimeo.
(Don't you love how it looks like I'm about to tell someone off in the frozen video!)

If you don't have ribbon then you can make your own.
Warning: Making your own ribbon is time consuming and it makes the bag a bit smaller...
~Cut a 2" strip off the long end of both of your fat quarters:

~Sew the short ends of the two strips together.

~Be sure you catch all the layers when you sew down the open end!

~To give the ribbon a bit more structure, sew along the other end also.

~Reinforce the folded end by going forward and backward with you stitch.

~Knot the ends and you are finished!

Kara-Noel (4 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Repurpose a cracker container into toy storage

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:24:00 GMT

Do you get those yummy animal crackers from Sam's Club?
You know, the ones that aren't that bad for you (unless you melt chocolate chips and dip them in the warm chocolaty goodness). The containers are awesome and I felt horrible throwing them away so I started using them to store small toys (I'm so Green). The actual container is the perfect size but the narrow top can get flustering for little ones (and moms) when they are trying to pull out or put in a toy that just barely fits. I got out my trusty craft supplies and did a little plastic surgery (I think I'm so funny)!!!
You can too...
Cut the top off the bin. I sliced it with an exacto knife then cut it all the way around with my craft scissors. Try to cut it in one fail swoop so you don't have any sharp edges.
You can be done here, or if you think your bin needs a bit of extra cuteness grab your Mod Podge & cute paper and have some fun!
You'll need:

I had intended to cover the whole bin with paper. But the clear bin is great for spying out it's contents. So instead I opted for covering up the animal cracker logo.
I used paper that would show my kiddos what goes inside. Footballs for the ball bin and cars for the car-train-anything-with-wheels and tracks bin. You can just to a rectangle cut and stick it on (footballs) or you can layer it up (cars). These bins are awesome for organizing sets with small pieces... Polly pocket, blocks, lego, doctor kits, animals...!
Great FREE storage to keep that New Year's Resolution to organize!

(How could I resist putting up this photo of 8 month old Cindy-Loo-Who, aka Cora Jane with the boxes!?!)

Kara-Noel (4 months preggers) has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

New Years banner

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:51:00 GMT

Last year we started the tradition of taking pictures with signs to ring in the New Year.

(fyi we are all in our PJs... more about that at the end!)

I used white paint on black construction paper then let Eli finger paint all over them. Use the "art" to decorate a front window or make a decorative banner. Then snap some family pictures on New Years Eve.

Very fun.
Very easy.
And makes some memorable photo opts...

Grab some paint, get messy and create memories with your kiddos!

Celebrating New Years Eve with young kiddos?
Try New York New Years.
Every year we have a Pajama party at our friend's house. Instead of trying to keep the kiddos awake till midnight we do the countdown, toasts and kisses on New York time via cable.
New York midnight = 9 pm California time.
Read about last year's party here!

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Gift for grandparents - Decoupaged frame

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:22:00 GMT

There is still time to make this awesome frame for your grandparents before Christmas.
(You know all they want is pictures of your kiddos anyway!)

You'll need:
~Frame (I got mine at IKEA for $2.99)
~Mod Podge (you can get this at any craft store)
~Paint brush or foam brush
~Paper (I used newspaper but fun scrapbooking paper would be cute too)
~Letter beads (in the kids section at the craft store NOT the bead section)
~Other embellishments (optional)

1. Take the glass out of the frame.
2. Prepare the paper. You can cut or tear it into various size strips. I think tearing it gives it some extra depth.
3. Take one strip and paint both sides with Mod Podge. Paint a bit of Mod Podge on the frame and stick the strip on the frame.
4. Do step #3 about 100 times (not really) till the frame is totally covered. Vary the angle and sizes of the strips so the frame looks super cool. This gets messy so it's super fun to do with kiddos!
5. Let the frame dry. (about an hour)
6. Glue on letter beads to spell out your message. We used ours for the "Big Announcement." Any other embellishments can be glued on at this time too. I think a red silk flower would look awesome in the corner. I just couldn't get my rear to the craft store (again) before Christmas!

See how my parents reacted (very delayed reaction) to the "Big Announcement!"
She's Crafty - Baby News from Kara Noel Lawson on Vimeo.
Be Crafty!!

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Gift for mom - Cake plate

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:11:00 GMT

Still looking for a gift for your mom?
You can make these cake plates in minutes.

She's Crafty - Cake Plate from Kara Noel Lawson on Vimeo.
(Don't you just love the poses the video puts me in? Thankfully, I'm OK with being a dork!)

Epoxy info: I used Devcon 2 Ton Clear Epoxy We bought it at Walmart but they no longer carry it (lame). Any clear drying epoxy will work, my Mom found one at Tall Mouse called 5 Minute Quik-Cure Epoxy. They also carry epoxy at Home Depot.

One of the best things about this craft is you can make it for as little as $2 or go more high end with designer brands. (I got my plates and votives at The Dollar Tree.)
Finish your gift by tying fabric scraps around the base or filling the plate with home baked goodies!

Be Crafty!!

Coming tomorrow:
A HUGE announcement & another quick giftie with a hysterical video (if I do say so myself)

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Gift for your daughter - Play purse

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:36:00 GMT

Does your little gal need a place to store her lip gloss?
Try making this simple purse.

2 fat quarters
2 fun buttons
& some fabric scraps in coordinating colors.

1. Fold fat quarter in half lengthwise right sides together.
2. Cut a 2" strip off the long edge (these will become your handles).

3. Set the strips aside and cut the big piece in half width-wise. You'll have two folded rectangles about 7"x11"

4. Right sides together, sew across the bottom and side seems. You'll have two inside-out pouches.

5. Turn one right side out. This is the outside of the purse. The one you leave inside out is the lining.
6. Fold the the top edge of the lining about 1" and iron.
7. Fold inside the top edge of the bag outsides about 1" and iron.

8. Grab the strips. Fold the long edges in toward the center and iron.
9. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and iron.

10. Sew up the edge. Make sure you are sewing through all the layers.

11. Repeat everything above with the other fat quarter!

12. Take one lining and stuff it inside one outside.
Side note: If your fat quarters coordinate you can switch the linings and handles to have contrasting purses.
13. Pin along the top of the purse. The outside and the lining should fit snugly. If they are off just a little you will end up with a wrinkle in your purse.
14. Insert the handles about 1.5" between the layers on each side. I placed them about 2 " from the edge of the purse.
15. Start sewing around the purse. I reinforced the stitch 3 times over the handles.

16. Do one final iron and sew on the button. I did a fun little flower under mine. (Flower will get it's own tutorial another day.)

DONE!

Be Crafty!!
Enter to win these purses and loads of other awesome handmade loot here. AND help me save a village in Africa at the same time!!

Coming Soon...
Cake Plates (one of my all time favorite gifts to make!)
Christmas Crafts for kiddos (Cuz you know you need something to do when your kiddos are home all day for Winter break!)

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.

Gift for your son - juggling bags

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:01:00 GMT

For the clown in your life...
Juggling bags!

You'll need...

Fill the bag about 3/4 full. (For me, this was 2 not-quite-filled 1/4 measuring cups.)

Be sure all the filling stays away from your sew line.

Step 7: ENJOY!
Here is a video of my Hot Hubby using the bags I made.
If you watch the video you'll get to see my mad parenting skills as I threaten Eli that Santa doesn't come to bad little boys.

She's Crafty - Juggling Demonstration from Kara Noel Lawson on Vimeo.

Be Crafty!
Enter to win these juggling bags and loads of other awesome handmade loot here. AND help me save a village in Africa at the same time!!

Kara-Noel has been "crafting" since she could hold a glue gun! When she isn't hanging with her Hot Hubby or chasing down her two kiddos you'll find her blogging here.