Poplar Porch

Eclipse Party

2010-07-18T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is a party I did for a large group of my friends for the release of Eclipse.

I used printables from Hostess with the Mostess for the cupcake picks and for the framed quotes throughout the party.

"Wolf Kibble"

"Doggie" bags to take "Emmet's Grizzly Bears" (cinnamon bears) for the movie.

"Vampire Venom" and party favors

We had such a fun night, and I had a great time putting the party together!

Baby K Turns 1

2010-06-02T23:11:00.000-07:00

For Baby K's 1st birthday

I decided to have a kite party .

It was at the end of March, so I figured it would be the perfect weather for kite flying.

The plan was to have it outside under the canopy tent, with picnic blankets all over the lawn. But you know what they say about best laid plans... we moved inside.

There was a large bucket filled with kites for everyone.

Everyone did get to go out for a bit to fly kites.

Sorry for the poor pictures. I was running late and didn't have much time to take pictures.

We had barbeque beef sandwiches, salads, and chips followed by cupcakes. Even though it didn't go exactly as I had planned, it was still a very fun party.

Here's the Story of a Lovely Lady...

2010-03-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Who was busy with three kids... That's the way this story starts. I'm the lovely lady :) and this story starts with my having three wonderful children. Life was good. Was I busy? Absolutely. Did I have "those" days where everything went wrong? You betcha. But was I overwhelmed? No. Did it all seem like too much? No. I was in my element. I was in control.

Then I did something that didn't seem like too big of a deal. I had another baby. I know, every child is a big deal and changes your life blah, blah, blah... but I mean in the overall big picture I didn't think it would be that big of a deal. Each of my kids brought new joys and new challenges, but each one just meshed into my life so nicely. Maybe my overconfidence was the problem.

Fourth child enter stage right. Chaos ensues.

I am a very "in control" sort of person that has found myself completely out of control. Not that the fourth child is difficult. He is an absolutely adorable boy who is mostly quite content and happy. I couldn't ask for a better baby. I'm not sure why I am so overwhelmed, but I am. I keep telling myself it will get better. No luck so far, but I do have hope. One of these days I will begin to feel in control once more. I just know it. (It's the only thing that keeps me sane.)

The crafter in me is longing for that day because there are so many projects I want to do and just can't find the time for. So, I know I am not on here very often. I wish I was, but occassionally I will find a minute to make something and then I might even find a minute to write about it. Those are very good days. Like today. Today is a good day. I found a minute to craft, and a minute to write.

(The styrofoam balls I had on hand for my topiary were a little too small, so I covered them in sapnish moss first to kinda beef them up a bit.)

Now back to reality. I have a pile of laundry, and a dishwasher calling my name. Where's my "Alice?" Hopefully you will see me again soon.

Pink Cupcake Party

2010-02-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

I have to start by saying that this wasn't an actual party. Today the princess and I had what she called a "pink cupcake party." She was just dying to make cupcakes, so we made pink cupcakes with chocolate and vanilla frosting with pink, white chocolate hearts on top. Of course we had to have pink milk to go with it!

I just love having a daughter to do things like this with.

It's a Pirate Party, Savvy!

2010-02-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

This party was a blast to put on! It was for my son who was turning 8. The invitations really helped set the mood

This was the walkway up to the house

Inside the door was a large treasure chest for coats, boots, etc.

I had the soundtrack from Pirates of the Caribbean playing and there were skulls, bones, treasure, and snakes everywhere. As each boy came in he was given a pirate hat and an eye patch.

The Captain got to sit at the head of the table where everyone had hotdog boats, gold fish, tropical fruit on skewers, treasure (chex mix with candy), and rootbeer.

The centerpiece was an opened treasure chest that held the first clue to our treasure hunt. (We did the hunt last. The treasure they found was their own treasure box favors.)

This was the awesome cake that my mom made for the party. Whatever other talents I may have, cake decorating is not one of them. Thank you, Mom!

This was the sign on the bathroom door because they are 8 year old boys and I just couldn't resist.

One of the games we played was Pass the Pretzel. Each boy got his own hook to wear and they divided into two teams. They had to pass the pretzel from one hook to the next all the way down the line.

They also had to walk a plank blindfolded and had a cannonball war.

There were two ships in the room, each with a Jolley Roger flag hanging behind it. They divided into teams and were each given a stack of scrap paper. They wadded up the paper threw "cannonballs" at each other. They loved it!

The captain got to sit up in the pirate ship to open his presents while all the rest of the pirates sat on the floor. I think he felt pretty cool being up higher than everyone else.

This party was a huge hit, and so fun to do. Hope you got some good ideas for your next pirate party.

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

2009-12-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone! Here is a bit of Christmas cheer from me to you! I apologize for the picture quality. I can never seem to figure out how to photograph a Christmas tree, so you will only get little glimpses of parts of the trees. If you have any helpful hints (my photographer friends) please share!

The Princess' Tree

We'll start with my favorite tree. I really wanted to do a lot more with the ornaments and topper on this tree, but I just didn't have the time this year. Maybe next year. But I love the fun pink color and the super cute garland.

Family Room Tree

This tree has a very rustic feeling. I made these balls a few years ago, and I love them. I just glued small red beans and black-eyed peas to a styrofaom ball and used jute as the hanger.

I the pictures you can catch a glimpse of the garland. It looks kind of like rope, but up close you can tell it isn't. This used to be a broken basket. I just pulled the basket apart and used it as garland. I love the way it looks, and best of all, it was free.

Tree in the Library

This tree was the worst to photograph, so again, sorry. I got this tree topper years ago, not long after I got married. I paid entirely too much for it, and would never even consider spending that kind of money on a tree now, but I do love it. And I am so glad I was frivolous years ago so I've been able to enjoy it for all these years.

I made these ornaments with some frosted balls, ribbon, and two floral picks that I intertwined.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year!

I'm linking up to Funky Junk's Christmas Trees Unite.

Let the Countdown Begin

2009-12-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well okay, it actually began a couple of days ago, but whatever.

Take one unfinshished wood frame. Add scrapbook paper, chipboard, stencils, stamps, ribbon, and of course the everfaithful Mod Podge... and voila! You're counting down until Christmas.

I don't know about you, but I better get off this computer and start getting ready for Christmas.

Confession

2009-11-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

There is something that consumes me, and if you know me, you will instantly know what it is, but if you only know me through this little blog, you probably have no idea. That's because this is the one place I try to keep free of my obsession. The one place you will not have to listen to me go on and on and on about EDWARD, and BELLA, and JACOB, and VAMPIRES, and WEREWOLVES...etc. My plan was to always keep this one little area of my life Twilight free, but alas, when something becomes such a fulblown obsession, it is bound to show up everywhere. Nothing can be left free of it. So this is me officially coming out of the Twilight closet on my crafty and -up until now - Twilight free blog.

Is there any relevance of my "outing" to this blog? Why, yes there is, otherwise it would still be Twilight free. For the opening of New Moon I went to a pre-movie party and was asked to bring a dessert. I was so excited. And suddenly my creative juices stopped flowing, maybe I was just a little too emotional over the whole thing to think clearly. I wracked my brains, I scoured the internet... nothing. I found lots of ideas, but nothing "spoke" to me. Then my neighbor sent me this link. Here it was, the idea I had been looking for. The one that finally said, "pick me, pick me!" So I did. And here is the final result:

They are obviously red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. The frosting has clear sugar sparkles on top (a nod to Edward's sparkling body). The fork picks, for Forks, WA where the story takes place, are holding quotes from New Moon. And of course, the quotes are typed in each character's font used in the book. I think they turned out great, and they were very fun to make!

Use #158 For An Old Window Frame

2009-11-16T22:11:00.000-08:00

A hair clip holder.

I found an old window frame for $3.00. I knew what I wanted it to become almost instantly. I had to paint it so it would match the princess's room, but there was so much texture going on that I didn't want to mess that up.

So I used plain old acrylic paint and just gave it one light coat. It is completely flat and very thin so that you can still see through it in most places.

I stapled some pink ribbon to the back and and screwed in some hooks at the bottom for bracelets and necklaces.

I love it when something is not only pretty, but functional as well. This has them both covered, and the princess loves it, too.

Pink Shabby Christmas

2009-11-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

This summer I picked up the most adorable little pink tree with pink lights to go in the princess's very "shabby" (as in Shabby Chic, not as in crappy) bedroom this Christmas. I got it for a just a few pennies.

Yesterday I decided that it would look great with a tied garland. I used scraps from the quilt I made for her bed.

First I cut the scraps into strips.

Why are they sorted on the carpet? Yes, I do have a craft table with a chair... I prefer to work on the floor.

I got some ribbon and started tying the fabric strips into knots around the ribbon. When I was finished, I trimmed all the ends of the fabric to about the same length.

Isn't it lovely?

Garland done, ornaments are next!

Hickory Dickory Dock

2009-11-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

This little mouse did not go up the clock, but he was the most adorable little trick-or-treater ever.

I made this costume for my six year old's 1st Halloween. Then when my daughter was 1 I moved the cheese bow up by her ear, and she was the sweetest little girl mouse. Now it has come out again for Baby K's first Halloween. That's not to mention all the times it has been loaned out to friends.

I know there are some great store-bought costumes out there, but this thing has held up incredibly well over the years. Quality - that's what I love most about homemade.

Where Have I Been?!

2009-10-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

I love Mod Podge.

No - I adore Mod Podge.

It has got to be one of the greatest inventions of all time. A little Mod Podge, a little paper, and voila! Instant masterpiece. Well, okay, maybe not masterpiece, but you get the idea. This stuff is a crafter's dream.

So as much as I love Mod Podge and as much as I am always searching out new crafty blogs, how on earth did I miss Mod Podge Rocks ?

And why have I always thought it was "Modge Podge"? Did I never once actually read the bottle?

Anyway - back to Mod Podge Rocks. I'm probably about the only crafter in the world who hasn't been to this blog, but if by some chance there is someone out there reading this who, like me has been completely missing this, you must go check it out.

This is the picture from today's post, and I feel so inspired. I'm thinking... little girl... playset... Santa... adorable pictures are swimming in my mind right now.

Boo!

2009-10-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is a quick and easy craft the women in my church's craft group will be making this week.

Now I get to start thinking about our Christmas craft.

Refinishing Wood

2009-10-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

On my last post about my refinished desk, I was asked a question about how I did it. I started to give a quick response in a comment, but I decided it would make a good post. So here is the skinny (or probably not so skinny) on refinishing wood.

1st - you have to consider what kind of condition the wood is in and how you want the finished product to look. If you are painting it you just need to scuff in up a little with sandpaper. If you are staining it the wood will need to be completely stripped with some kind of chemical stripper.

If you are painting it and want the piece to be nice and new-looking, fix any holes or cracks or dings with wood putty. Let it dry and sand it flush. I'm not sure of the exact process for fixing imperfections if you are planning to stain the wood.

I like a more aged and worn look, so I leave the dings and cracks as they are. I think it adds character.

Next - If you are staining it, just rub the stain on, wait a bit, and rub off the excess. Then seal it with polyurethane or wood wax, and you are done.

If you are painting, give a good even coat or two of primer (I like the spray - it's quicker and easier). If you are painting, you need to use a good primer to cover the entire surface. There are different color primers. Basically, if you are painting a light color use a light color; if you are painting a dark color, use a darker primer. Easy enough.Then just paint and enjoy!

Tips (learned from experience):

Paint with primer in it does NOT equal a primer coat. You will have problems with pealing.

Black stain is not really black. If you want black you have to paint.

For the desk I just finished I didn't do any surface repairs. I painted the body with Kilz Semi-Gloss Bulgar Wheat paint. (The guy mixing the paint kept calling it "Burglar Wheat" hehe.) Then I mixed 1 part water and 1 part Ralph Lauren Satin Ebony paint and used it as a wash for the desk surfaces so the wood shows through just slightly.

Hope this was helpful for anyone starting a refinishing project. Good luck!

A New Look for an Old Desk

2009-10-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

I loved the form of this old desk. All the compartments and drawers were beautiful. It was worn out and ugly, but I just knew it had potential.

Here is the finished product.

That is one amazing transformation! It's amazing what a little paint can do.

Welcome Fall!

2009-10-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

I just love the fall.

And Modge Podge is a very dear friend of mine.

A Fairy Tea Party

2009-09-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

My little princess just had her 4th birthday. She wanted to have a fairy tea party. We had the party in the back yard. A party with fairies just has to be held outdoors, if at all possible, don't you think?

The invitations

At the party, the girls sat on toadstools.

The place cards were tiny flowerpots.

We ate flower-shaped sandwiches, fruit wands, and white chocolate dipped strawberries.

We had flower and toadstool cupcakes.

When the girls first arrived, Tinkerbell sent them on a treasure hunt. When they completed the hunt, they each received their own set of wings.

We played Evil Fairy Freeze Tag, Musical Toadstools, and had a buzzing contest. The fairies each made their own wand that matched the color of their wings.

All the fairies sat in a circle on their toadstools while the birthday fairy opened her gifts.

All the little fairies had a wonderful time, and the birthday fairy was so happy with her party that she wants to do it again next year!

Jam, Pie, and a Blue Ribbon

2009-08-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I entered my strawberry pie in a neighborhood fair pie baking contest. I didn't take a picture of it because I wasn't going to win. I was just doing it for the fun of it. Well, guess what? I won!!! Can you believe it? I won the blue ribbon!!! (I do have to point out that it was just a neighborhood contest and only included about 9 or 10 pies - I'm not ready for a "real" contest by any means.) But I was still quite pleased with myself. Then I realized I hadn't taken a picture of my pie. Probably the only pie contest I will ever enter and win, and I didn't have a picture of it. AAAACCCKKK!!!! This has got to be documented because I am sure that 100 years from now my great-grandchildren are going to want to know all about how their great-grandma won a neighborhood pie contest thereby changing the entire course of their lives. They will want to know what this wonderful pie looked like, and I will have failed them all because I didn't take a picture. This is all they will have to look at:

The shame, the guilt, it's all too much. So I took a picture of my ribbon with the pie that I had made for my family, because no mother can make a pie to take somewhere else without making an identical pie for her family. She may just find herself kicked out of the house for a blunder such as that. So, although this is not the actual pie that won the contest, it is pretty darn close. The other pie was a bit prettier, it was fuller and the whipped cream was not melting, but it's close enough.

To celebrate my victory I made Triple Berry Jam.... mmmmmmmmmm.

I love homemade jam.

ABC's & 123's

2009-08-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

How do I help my kids get rid of "summer squishy-brain," as we call it at our house?

By making alphabet and number shaped sugar cookies. You would be amazed at all the number and alphabet games that were played in our house.

"Summer squishy-brain" has left the building!

Semi-Homemade

2009-08-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

A REALLY long time ago I posted about how I was wondering if I should make Baby K's blessing outfit, or if I should use one of the ones I made for my other boys. Later I told you that I had "sort of" made him his own outfit, but that I was waiting to get the pictures back before I wrote my post. I know you thought the day would never come, but I just got the pictures back about 2 days ago, so here is the long-awaited post.

I decided to call his outfit "Semi-Homemade"

Shirt - Store bought

Tie - Homemade

Socks - Store bought

Booties - Homemade

Shorts - Store bought

Blanket - Homemade

There you have it - "Semi-Homemade."

{Thanks to my wonderful friend for the great pictures. She took some REALLY fantastic pictures. Visit her blog here.}

Everything's Better in Miniature!

2009-08-17T21:03:00.000-07:00

I have a very girly party coming up soon. Here's a quick peek at something I'm working on for the party.

These tiny terra cotta pots are only about 1 inch diameter. I love these! Why is everything so much better when it is tiny?

Sectional Reupholstery - Day 1

2009-08-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday began the reupholstery of my sectional sofa. Here is a glimpse of the before:

I thought it would be best to tackle this one section at a time. I decided to begin with the corner section.

The tools I used...

pliers, hammer, flathead screwdriver, seam ripper, and a sharpie for labeling the fabric pieces as they came off. Are they the proper tools for this job - probably not. Did they do the job - absolutely!

Three whole minutes into the project I broke my seam ripper. I guess not all seams are created equal. Is that a bad omen?

30 minutes into the project and here's what we have:

At this point I'm thinking, "This is a piece of cake! This isn't going to take me near as long as I thought. I'll have this piece stripped in another hour."

4 1/2 hours later...

The first piece is stripped and ready to go. Today I get to start cutting fabric!

"Ties for Little Guys"

2009-08-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

If you have been to my Etsy shop recently, you will have noticed that it is empty. With the move, the kids home for summer, and all our summer visitors there has been no time to keep up with my shop. So I finally decided that the shop would have to be on hold until school starts again. But I am getting things ready. This is something new I will be adding to my shop. My "Ties for Little Guys" (thanks to my SIL for the cute name) will be in the shop this September (or late August if I am really ambitious).

Refinished Crib

2009-07-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

So here was the before for the crib. I just knew it had potential!

And here is the after.

Wash. Sand. Prime. Paint. And voila, a beautiful new crib!

Himalayan Poppy... the color even sounds pretty.

Update: I am linking this post up to Furniture Feature Friday on Miss Mustard Seed's Creative Blog. Check it out!

It's a Jungle in Here!

2009-07-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Big "K" just had his 6th birthday last week. Well, you know me... we had to do it right! We went on a jungle expedition. Enjoy the journey....

Preview

2009-06-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

WOW! All I have to say is that moving is a daunting project with 4 small children, one of which is a newborn. It is consuming me and all my fun stuff has been put on hold, but that is about to change.

First some unfinished business... I'm sure you are wondering "Did she make Baby K a blessing outfit, or just use one of the other ones she had?" It's been keeping you up at night, I know. :D Well, rest easy, I made him his own... sort of. I have been waiting on some pictures I had taken to I post about it. Still waiting, so the full post will be forthcoming as soon as I get the pictures.

Now for new business... I have several projects in the wings. Here is a brief look at just a few (these are in no particular order).

First is this crib...

It needs painting. I know what you're thinking, "You already had your baby and you are just now painting the crib?" Well, I always keep my babies in a bassinette in my room for the first 3 months, so I haven't been too worried about it. Baby K will be 3 months in about a week (where did that time go?) so now I figure it is time to start worrying about it.

Next comes this desk...

I am loving this desk. I just picked it up the other day. Great form... not so great color. Another painting project. I haven't settled on a color yet. I'm toying with red, cream and antiqued, dark brown, or olive. I'm kinda loving green these days, so we'll see. It's going in a room with a large bookcase that is distressed black. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

And finally, the piece de resistance...
This is getting reupholstered. And if you think that looks daunting, look at the whole thing.

It's huge! I know, I'm overwhelmed just looking at it. To tell you the truth, I'm terrified to start. But I see it completed in my mind's eye, and it is beautiful, and that gives me courage. Obviously, this is no weekend project. This is going to take a while, but I will be posting all the ups and downs throughout the project.

I have a few fears concerning this reupholstery job.

1. IT'S HUGE!!!!!!

2. My attention span. I'm hoping I can keep a steady pace and get it completed soon, but I'm not really known for that.

3. IT'S HUGE!!!!!!

4. My skills. I'm affraid this project might exceed my ability.

5. IT'S HUGE!!!!!!

6. My sanity. I'm affraid that when it is finally completed I may need to be checked into an institution (if I make it that far).

7. Did I mention IT'S HUGE!!!!!!

So, there you have it. A quick overview of things to come. Not to mention the 20 or 30 other projects I have churning around in my overactive brain. I think someone needs to stop me before I hurt myself.

Moving

2009-06-01T11:37:00.001-07:00

I'm sure you are wondering, but the answer is, no, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. This is what I have been doing...

It's been keeping me a bit busy. It will probably continue to keep me busy for a while.

Decisions, Decisions

2009-05-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

We will be blessing Baby K in a couple of weeks, so I am naturally thinking about what he should wear. I've had something different and handmade for each of my other kids.

I made this outfit and blanket for my first son to be blessed in.

I made this for my second son.

This beauty was made for my beautiful little princess, but not by me. It was made by someone much more talented than me.

Look at the amazing detail on this thing. Isn't it gorgeous?!

I pulled them all out the other day and it got me thinking, "Am I wasting my time making another blessing outfit for Baby K? I have two perfectly fine outfits to choose from right here. They've only been worn once. The next one I make will just be worn once and then packed away like the others."

Then my other side says, "All the other kids have their own special outfit, he deserves his own. And I have been wanting to put them out on display somehow. If I don't make another one, I won't be able to do that." So I am torn. I'm definitely leaning towards making another outfit, but I'm just not sure.

So here are my questions for you:

1. Should I make him his own outfit or just use one of the others?

2. Do you have any good or unique ideas for displaying the blessing clothes?

Please comment. I need some good advice.

A Beanie for Baby Revised

2009-04-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Remember this post with the creepy picture? Well, here is a replacement picture. Much cuter, don't you think?

And just in case you were wondering what is under that hat...

Lots and lots of hair.

Down to the Wire

2009-03-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

The final project I wanted to get done before Baby "K" makes his appearance was completed this morning. Whew! That was a close one considering he will be arriving by c-section tomorrow morning at 8:00. So, here is the last project I had planned for the Amy Butler fabric...

I LOVE how this turned out. It is so roomy and so stylish. I found the tutorial at A Mingled Yarn. And she did a fabulous job on the tut. Very clear directions.

There are 10 pockets in this thing! Can you believe that?! There is a large zipper pocket on the back, 1 on each side, and 2 in the front.

Then there are 5 more on the inside.

There is plenty of room to keep all this stuff that I made to coordinate with it, and it isn't even starting to fill up. But somehow it isn't big and bulky like a lot of diaperbags.

(nursing cover, changing pad, diaper and wipes pouch, and baby sling)

Of course, I can never leave a pattern "as-is." I always have to make some alteration. This time I kept it to a minimum. Rather than using the vinyl lining, I thought I would use a regular cotton lining and then cover it with clear plastic vinyl, the same way you use a stabilizer. I attached the vinyl to each lining piece before sewing it. Not too big of a change, right? I DON'T recommend doing this! It turned out great, just the way I pictured it, but it was a pain the the butt to work with. It took me WAY longer to make than it should have. Will I learn my leasson and just follow the patter next time I make something? ... Probably not.

I am so excited to use my new bag. The great thing about this messenger-style diaperbag is that it doesn't just have to be just a diaperbag. It could be used by anyone for anything. So versatile... so attractive.

I've made a lot of stuff for myself recently, but I figure I've worked hard to get this little guy here. I deserve it!

Baby "K"

2009-03-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

This is a little something I put together for my baby.

The tutorial for the little booties is at Stardust Shoes. I can't wait to see him in it. Actually, I can't wait to see him period.

Ultimate Blog Party

2009-03-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'm joining in on all the fun of the Utlimate Blog Party, and you can, too. It runs from March 20th thru 27th. There are tons of prizes to win and blogs to visit. This is the first time I've done it, so I'm still figuring it all out, but it looks like a ton of fun. All the blogs are "mom" related. So check it out, and join me in the Ultimate Blog Party.

Old Things are New Again

2009-03-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Just a little something to keep baby covered up and a little padding for the handle.

A adore this fabric, and it conveniently matchs perfectly with the carseat/carrier I have.

Baby Girl Gifts

2009-03-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

My oldest boy's teacher is having a baby girl this month. I wanted to send something quick and easy, but still cute. I think I achieved it with this...

An appliqued onsie and a crinkly square in an adorable purple flower fabric.

I do plan on eventually getting some of these in my shop, but there are a few projects I want to get done before my baby makes his appearance. Once I get those finished, then I will concentrate on adding to my shop.

Stuff for the Mommy

2009-03-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

So lately I've been doing A LOT of sewing, but very little blogging (none). I will not bombard you with a ton of projects all at once, but I will post them all over the next several days.

First up are some more projects I've been making with the Amy Butler fabric I picked up.

There is a nursing cover, a changing pad, and a diaper and wipes pouch. I just love the idea of having all these coordinating items.

There are 2 more projects coming that are made with this same fabric, but they aren't finished yet, so you will be seeing a few other projects first.

Reversible Pouch Sling Tutorial

2009-03-05T17:58:00.000-08:00

So now you get to see my 1st project I'm working on with the fabric I just got. This tutorial came about because I couldn't find a decent one ANYWHERE unless I wanted to pay for it, which I didn't. So here it is... my very first tutorial.

Step 1
The first thing you need to do is figure out how long your fabric needs to be. Take a tape measure and measure across your body from your right shoulder to your left hip. On your shoulder the tape measure should be right where a t-shirt seam would be. On your hip measure to the top of your hip (where your hand would be if you were standing with your hands on your hips). I hope that's clear. Now take that measurement, double it, and add 6 inches (this extra is for baby room, and seam allowance). So if you measured 22 inches from shoulder to hip your total length would be 50 inches. This is how long you fabric needs to be.

Step 2
Now is the fun part... picking your fabrics. Choose 2 coordinating fabrics and cut them so each is 21 inches wide and the length that you calculated in the first step. (This will make your final sling 20 inches wide. You can go slightly wider if you would like, but DO NOT go any wider than 24 inches when complete. It is unsafe for the baby at that point.)

Step 3
Now, position your fabrics right sides together and fold in half width-wise.

Make sure all layers of the fabric are laying smooth. Now, fold in half again, this time length-wise. Again make sure all the layers are smooth. You are going to be making another cut, so you really want all your fabric to be smooth and crease-free. (It has been brought to my attention that this photo makes it look like the material is narrower on one side. Sorry, that is just the angle of the picture. Your fabric should be a perfect rectangle at this point.)

Step 4
Using a pencil mark a curved line (like a half smile) along the side where all the loose ends of the fabric are. Notice that the curve straightens out close to the edge.

Now, cut along that line through all the layers of fabric.

Step 5
Unfold the fabric, but leave the two pieces right sides together.

Stitch each long side together. Trim edges to 1/4 inch if necessary.

Turn right-side-out and press seams.

Step 6
Put the open, curved sides together and stitch through all layers.

Trim edge to 1/4 inch if necessary.

Turn so the other fabric is on the outside and stitch the curved side again. This makes a french seam. All rough edges should now be enclosed.

Take the flap that the french seam made, and lay it flat. Stitch it in place.

Step 7
This step is completely optional, I just like the way it looks. Stitch all the way around each side of the upper edge and lower edge of the sling.

Fold in half length-wise and your sling is finished.

I hope this tutorial was clear. If you find any problems with it, or something doesn't make sense, please let me know so I can correct it or clarify myself. If you make a sling, let me know. I'd love to see the finished product.

I'm Back!

2009-03-03T15:28:00.000-08:00

I know I've been MIA for a little while now. What have I been up to? Well, with all my family being sick, I haven't done much sewing, but I've done a lot of planning. I finally got to the fabric store yesterday, so today the cutting began...

I absolutely LOVE the colors of these Amy Butler fabrics. Aren't they beautiful? So what is it going to be? Actually it's going to be several things, but I'm going to keep you in suspense. You'll have to check back as I keep updating on the progress I'm making. My goal is to be finished with all of it by next week, but you know me and my goals, so we'll see what happens.

A New Tote

2009-02-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

I just finished this fun tote with matching accessories... a cell phone case, a wallet, and a tissue cozy. I made mine slightly different, but for a great tissue cozy tutorial visit my good friend at Chicken Coop Crafts.

Felt Ponytail Holder

2009-02-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

I love these "springy" felt ponytail holders, and they were so quick and easy to make. I found the tutorial at vlijtig. I did make one small adjustment. Instead of using elastic cord and tying it through the button, I just used a plain ponytail holder. I pulled it through one hole in the button, back out the other, and then through the other side of the ponytail holder to knot it.

A Beanie for Baby

2009-02-04T10:42:00.001-08:00

I absolutley LOVE the little hats at this Esty shop. They are adorable. I've looked everywhere for a tutorial or a pattern for these cute visor beanies, but I have had no luck. That's probably just as well because I've never been very good at following a crochet pattern. So when I couldn't find one I decided to just wing it. So here is my first visor beanie made for the little guy who will soon be joining my family...

Is it just me, or is the second picture a little creepy. I wanted to show the hat being worn, but since I don't have anyone that small around here I had to settle for a doll, but it's kinda creeping me out. Dolls just do that to me anyway, so maybe it's just me.

Spring Flowers in January

2009-01-30T16:37:00.000-08:00

The last few days I've been getting a little anxious for spring. I saw some folded flowers a few months ago, and decided now was a good time to make some. Nothing says "spring" quite like flowers. So, if you're longing for warmer days, as I am, here's a little spring from me to you.

Look for these in my shop in the next few days.

And if you're wondering about the table runner... it's still screaming at me.

Ice Cream Shop and Breakfast

2009-01-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the banana split that I know you have all been waiting on pins and needles to see :D ...

And how about some breakfast

(Once again, sorry about picture quality. Being stuck in bed, I can't get the best lighting.)

I believe I am going take a break from the food for a bit now. There is a quilted table runner I've been working on that is screaming to be finished. Let's see if I can stay on task and get in done in the next couple of days.

My Love Affair

2009-01-21T07:48:00.001-08:00

There is a new love in my life these days. It is felt. My mind is racing with all the possiblities, my hands just aren't quick enough to keep up with the ideas. For the moment I have been focussing on play food, but the ideas don't end with food, oh no. I was having so many ideas I had to start writing them down so I wouldn't forget. I wake up at night and my mind is full of new ideas. Thank goodness for the pen and pad next to my bed. This felt thing is quickly becoming a full-blown obsession.

Bag of pasta with sauce and a bagette.

Chocolate sandwich cookies and valentine sugar cookies.

Peanut butter and jelly or cold cut sandwich... you decide.

I'm in the midst of creating an adorable banana split. Stay tuned!

Finally Finished

2009-01-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

Several buttoned scarves that I have FINALLY finished and will end up in my shop this week.

Baby Shower

2009-01-11T09:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend I went to a baby shower for a friend who is having twin girls. So I made her a couple of cute little crocheted hats

Sorry about the picture quality. The lighting was really bad, but I couldn't make it any better no matter what I tried. The flower is on an alligator clip so it can be removed and worn with a headband or just in their hair when they get bigger. She can also use other clips on the hat instead.

Then I made a couple of Crinkly Squares for the girls to play with. When you move them they make a crinkly sound.

Making these gifts reminded me of just how much I need to get done before my little boy arrives. So many projects, so little time.

Upholstered Toy Chest

2009-01-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Remember that I said I have short attention span? The biggest problems this causes me in my crafting is that I get a project started, get bored, start another, then see a really cute idea, and start another project, think of something else I've been wanting to make, and start another project. The result is that I am currently in the midst of about 8 projects that are halfway to mostly finished. My goal is to get at least a couple finished this week. Hopefully I can keep myself focussed for that long.

I thought I would share one project that I have managed to complete. I came across this beat-up old trunk at DI and thought it would make a great toy chest for Mara's room. Karl did all the hardware removal, sanding, and painting since I'm not in any condition to do that stuff these days, but I upholstered the top, so I can claim some credit. Let's call this a joint effort. Don't I have a great husband? I wish I had taken a before shot, but I didn't, so just image a navy blue trunk that has been completely beat-up and covered in stickers. Okay, do have your mental picture? Here is the result:

I like how it turned out, and now the toy issue is under control. Well, I'm off to make some buttoned scarves.

Buttoned Scarf

2009-01-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

I keep seeing these cute little scarfs for kids (I even got one for my little girl) and they all have the same problem... how are you suposed to keep them on your kids? They either slip off, or you worry that you little one is about to get strangled. So, while I was contemplating this issue, I was looking through my own scarves and came across one where you slip one side of the scarf through a hole on the other side. That gave me some inspiration. Rather than slipping it through the other side, I put a button on it. So the buttoned scarf was born. No more worries about falling off, or getting pulled too tight. My girly loves hers, and of course, I had to make a matching flower for her hair. These will definately end up in my shop (but I'll have to make more because someone is most definately not parting with this one.)

Welcome to Poplar Porch

2008-12-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

I've been toying with the idea of creating an Etsy shop for quite some time, and I finally decided to do it (after much encouragement from my husband, family, and friends). I decided if I was going to have a shop I should probably have a blog to go along with it, so here we are. This blog will be all about my latest crafting venture. The things I post on here may or may not end up in my shop. It all depends on how much I liked the project, and if I feel like making more. I am one of those people who has an incredibly short attention span. What I blog about will be what I'm doing at the time, whether that is sewing, quilting, general crafting, woodwork, cooking, etc. I hope you enjoy what you see, and come back often. You never know what I may be up to.