Easter Chair Backer

I had seen a really cute Valentines Chair Backer on tv the other day and loved it. It looked like a rectangular mailbox made out of red felt with some embellishments, personalized with embroidered names and straps with velcro (to attach to the chair). I started browsing online and found something similar for Easter through Pottery Barn Kids.



I ended up finding a Valentine Mailbox Chair Backer on Pottery Barn that was similar to what I saw on tv. It is no longer available, but maybe it will be when Valentine season rolls back around. I was thinking that it would be nice to create a neutral mailbox chair backer that you could add temporary embellishments to (maybe using velco?). I think it is something that I would love to keep up year round and change throughout the seasons. Then anyone in the family could put little notes in each other's mailboxes. Now I know it wouldn't suit a formal dining room, but it may be fun for your everyday table. I could also see it on bedroom doors, when not used on chairs.


I love getting ideas from Pottery Barn Kids.
They have so many things that I would love to buy when I have kids! These Metal Easter Baskets caught my eye, because I thought they would be sturdy and good for both boys and girls. It is one of those crafts that can be recreated and last for many years.

Little Chicky

I had a reality check last night when I was talking to my mom on the phone. I knew that Easter was approaching quickly, but I didn't realize that it was much earlier this year than normal...only one day after my birthday. I guess it can fall anywhere between March 22nd (my bday) and April 25th. Anyway, I actually made a little chicky before I got really sick this last week.

I found the pattern on Ravelry and it started out as a chicken, but I thought it looked cute as a chick. I used materials I had on hand, so I was thinking that it would just be a tester. It is an easy amigurumi (crochet) pattern that doesn't take much time to complete. I also made a little nest for the chick. I think these would be really fun in an Easter basket.

I also found another crochet pattern for chicks and a basket. I think the chicks kinda look like Peeps...yummy! I haven't tried the pattern yet, but they look fairly easy. The basket it quite basic and could be used for other things throughout the seasons or decor around the house.

Spring is Coming

Since I have been stuck in bed sick, I've been able to spend more time on my laptop browsing through a lot of the craft blogs I have bookmarked. I'm going to try and compile a list of links to post on my page within the next week or two. One of the coolest crafts I found this morning is something that you can do with your kiddos...Homemade Window Clings.


I found this tutorial on Skip To My Lou. She tends to post a lot of kids crafts and I love her ideas. They are great additions to my idea book for when I have kids. Now that winter is coming to an end and the sun is shining more, these Window Clings would be fun seasonal decor to welcome in Spring!

Girls Spring Tote & Bunny Tutorial

In my last post I mentioned a book called, Warm Fuzzies by Betz White. I was browsing the author's blog and found some cute patterns with tutorials. With Easter just around the corner (already?!?), I thought it would be nice to share these tutorials with everyone. The best part is the option of using recycled materials, so you really could make these for little to no cost at all!


Girls Spring Tote Tutorial




Bunny Tutorial









I don't have little ones and generally find more girly crafts to do, but I was thinking that you could alter the tote pattern by leaving it rectangular rather than in a trapezoid shape. Then you could applique something more masculine to the front. They could use it as a little church tote or travel bag. I'll try hard to find some more crafts catered to those who have boys.

Calling All Cupcake Lovers!

Whether you enjoy consuming cupcakes or just creating them, they seem to keep their charm through out the years. I adore little cupcake appliques and accents in children's clothing. At Christmas time, I browsed the Collections at Gymboree, one of which was the Cupcake Cutie Collection. They had everything from Cupcake dresses to sprinkle leggings and hair accessories! It is enough to give yourself baby fever!


Often, I like to try new recipes and recently found an amazing cupcake blog with tons of creative recipes. You can find them all at the Cupcake Bakeshop by Chockylit. My favorite so far is the Walnut Cupcakes Topped with Rose White Chocolate Mousse and Baklava. It looks like a lot of work, but I may try it sometime ...because Baklava has to be one of my favorite desserts. There are also basic recipes for vanilla & chocolate cupcakes and icing, techniques, tutorials and other helpful information for any level of baker. My other favorite websites for cupcakes are Martha Stewart and Family Fun. They have too many to mention, so just do a search for cupcakes and have fun browsing.


Now for the fat-free, sugar-free cupcakes! No you can't eat them, but they are so cute and make fun gifts for anyone or yourself. I've found many crocheted & knitted, but haven't tried them all out...I'll include a few links at the end of the post. If you do neither, there is a great book called Warm Fuzzies by Betz White. This book uses cast-away sweaters (that would otherwise be left hanging in your closet or donated) to create cute crafts including cupcakes! They even have a practical use as a pincushion with the heads of the pins resembling sprinkles.


I also loved the cupcake line they had (for the kitchen) at Target over Valentines. Sadly, the last time I went they had hardly anything left! On the same trip, I did find a really cool Giant Cupcake Pan by Wilton. I wish I could justify purchasing it, but I couldn't see myself using it very often.




I think I have hit the caloric intake for the brain on this post. So hopefully this will give you a sugar high and you will be inspired by cupcakes like I have!

Cupcake Craft Patterns
Crocheted:
Bake Me a Cake
Ana Paula's Cupcake

Knitted:
Cupcake *There is a list of links to others' creations from the pattern.*
One Dimensional Cupcake
Cupycakes Apron

Loom:
Loomy-licious Cupcake *There is a list of links to others' creations from the pattern.*

New!

I've had intentions to start a crafty blog for a while now, but haven't followed through on it. I wanted something separate from our personal blog and hopefully the blog for my future business. I'm planning on putting my logo in the header or something more fancy. There will also be a lot of things popping up in the next few weeks. For now it will serve as an outlet for all my crafting and creating!