Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Boo Boo Box


With an upcoming road trip vaca, I needed a way to corral all our medical supplies, most of what is squishy and one quick step from a disastrous mess. 


I picked up a bead box from Joann's for 50% off, similar to what Sara used for her Teacher Appreciation Gifts.  I then grabbed my vinyl, dusted off my cricut {remember those?  I still use mine} and made this.




Here's the inside.


If you'd like my svg file: DOWNLOAD here.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Car Mats

My boys are completed obsessed with cars, trucks, airplanes, and trains.  I wanted to make them something that would be good to take with us somewhere to help keep them entertained.  

Here's my take on a car mat.


Firstly, I'm not quite a sew-er.  Before this, I've only made crayon rolls.  And this isn't quite a tutorial, since I winged it.  But, there are step by step photos to show you what I did.

Here's what I started with:


The fabric was Timeless Treasures Airport Bright with Multiple Choice Black purchased from UberStitch on Etsy.  Here are the details, how cute is that all the boys favorites are incorporated right into this fabric.


I convo'd UberStitch for a coordinating fabric suggestion.  She made a fantastic choice.  


Late night Saturday in our house, this is what my husband stayed up late watching while I set up shop on our coffee table


First step: add velcro to coordinating fabric for car/plane pockets.


Other side of Velcro goes on the pocket material.  I chose black felt.  I wasn't concerned with stretching since the Velcro would act as a stabilizer.


Sew on pocket.  Sew tunnels for individual cars.  I just laid the cars & planes down as a guide.


With right sides together, sew around 3 sides.


 Flip and press.

Fold and press a hem for your unfinished side.  Sew all 4 sides.  Don't forget your loop of elastic to hold your roll together.  I backstitched for added strength.


Here is the finished product on the back side.


Just add cars.


Fold in half, then roll!


Secure with elastic cord and you are ready for some fun on the go!!


Thanks for reading, please comment if you have any suggestions on posts, something you'd like to see, or any mistakes {even typos} that need to be corrected.

Happy Crafting.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

End of Year Teacher Gifts

My boys recently celebrated their last day of their first year of preschool.  We wanted to do a little something for the staff, but needed to be budget friendly.  Additionally, this had to be quick since I waited until the very last day to throw it together.

Between the two boys, there are 2 teachers, 3 aides, 1 bus driver, and and aid for the driver. 

Here's what we came up with:


I was inspired by:
http://www.nothingbutcountry.com/
with their clever "Mint to Teach" gifts

along with "fortunate to be my teacher"

I was able to pick up vinyl paint cans and take out boxes at my local Michaels on the cheap.  I also grabbed a hand full of ribbon in fun, primary colors.  I then headed to Target for goodies.  I needed something mint for the teacher pails.  When I discovered the Wint-o-greens were sold out, I went with York Peppermint Patties.  For the take out boxes, I just used a general chocolate mix.  My boys helped me stuff all the containers.

To jazz up the boxes, I made a quick graphic in Photoshop {I use Elements} very similar as is available to download HERE.  The polka dot is a digital scrapbook paper freebie available HERE. My circles were about 4" in diameter, so I used my creative memories circle template system because I lack the skills to be a neat cutter.  I wanted to personalize the tops so at the end of the day we got all the credit we deserved for such cute packaging.  I simply made a smaller version of the circle as shown here.


Here they are, all together:


For less than $40 {including ribbon}, we have personalized, thoughful, edible gifts for seven special people that keep my kiddos safe and happy 4 days a week.

If you want to read more about my boys, visit our family blog here.