Crafty Mamacita

Shrug

2010-07-07T02:17:00.002-07:00

I was looking at this wonderful website: Make it and Love it

And saw this adorable shrug:

Click on the pic for the full tutorial

And I thought "Why don't I do that with one of my shirts?"

So I did.

Sorry for the spotty-mirror-messy-bath deal, but I thought it would...umm...add character. Right? ;)

Anyway, I took this shirt. Sorry, I don't have a pic of it before I cut it up.

Cut it up/made ruffles out of the bottom half/added to top...done.

Okay, there's a bit more than that, but click on the full tutorial above to really know how to do it. Ashley explains it so well, we'll just leave that up to her :) Thanks for the tutorial Ashley, I love my new shrug!

Have you ever wondered why we don't live in a purple world? Looks like fun, huh?

Peek-a-boo

Also, did I mention that I got the COOLEST gift from the "Christmas in July, Gift Exchange" from over at Craftaholics Anonymous. It came from Jessica in Georgia! Check it out.

What cute fabric! I've been trying to find outfits to match it all week so that I can wear it everyday :) Thanks Jess!

The gift exchange was so fun! I got to send a little gift to a lovely lady in St. Louis. I totally wanna do it again next year.

Wanna see something awesome?

2010-06-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

My Father-in-law made this bed as a surprise for my Mother-in-law while she was away on a trip. Isn't that so sweet?
I think it's comprised mostly of fence posts, and 2x4's. I'd have to double check on that though. Then he put on a beautiful dark cherry-like stain (again, my poor memory can't remember what the exact color was called). And added the decorative pieces to the 4 posts. And voila! Beautifully done Bryll. Thanks for letting me share it online. :)

This pic is without the flash.

This one is with the flash, so you can see the depth of the color better.

And I just LOVE their bedspread, don't you? So cute and simple. Love it.

Sweetsy Sugar Scrub

2010-05-25T19:37:00.001-07:00

Usually when giving a gift I've made, I don't blog about it 'till after I've given it away, but I'm break'n the rules today. We're probably going out of town this weekend, so I figured this time it would be fine. :)

For Mother's Day I made some Sweetsy Sugar Scrub for my Mother and Mother-in-law. Shhh, you won't tell right? We're going to see my Mother-in-law this weekend.

Here's what you'll need:

Pour sugar in mixing bowl

Pour in E.V.O.O. to a good consistency. I used around 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 cup.

I didn't measure too much, just went with it. Mix really well.

It should look kinda clumpy like this.

This little bottle of scented oil I got at the dollar store. They have several different scents.

I poured in about 1/3 of the bottle.
Edit to add: After I made the scrub I was reading the fine little print on the bottle, and it is acually not made for skin use. But I've noted that if I leave the little jars of scrub open they make my room smell so nice! Try using scented oils from Bath & Body that are made for the skin; or vanilla, or lemon juice instread. (I have heard that pure vanilla extract is actually good on sunburns, so that might be best.)

Then I added some drops of red and blue food coloring to make a light lavender color.

I should've used more and made it more purpley, but the stirring was making my arm SO tired!

This was as purple as it was gonna get.

Then scoop into your 2 beautiful Ball Mason Jars (16 oz.)

Maybe add a little ribbon.

Happy belated Mother's Day!

Glass Chore Chart

2010-05-25T13:09:00.002-07:00

Today is a beautiful day in sunny Arizona! Despite the wonderful weather outside, I will be inside cleaning because I've put it off for way too long....aaand I'm super forgetful. I estimate that since getting pregnant I've probably lost about 50% of my short term memory, some days it's more like 80%. So, I've determined to get organized!

Being new to this wonderful Wife/Mommy world I've found I need a few things to keep up. I've never really used a planner, never kept a calendar, never had to! I had a great memory! I'll even admit that I used to laugh a little at those Moms that would say "Yeah, hold on, just let me check my appointment book. No, can't do it we've got ballet, soccer, etc." Now I think to myself "Wow, check out how organized those Moms were!"
This is me today: "Yeah, I'll totally be there to that youth activity, and we can use my car to drop off the kids." That day: --------(crickets chirping) no me. 'Cause I forgot again!!! And the next day: Hey I better get to that activity. Umm...that's not today, is it? AAaahhh!
I feel like I have CFS (Chronic Flake Syndrome).

So.... I got a little pocket planner from Wal-Mart and I check it at least 4 or 5 times a day just to see what I'm forgetting. And for my sadly ignored house (aka: apartment) I made this:

I've seen this idea a couple times on blogland, but I don't remember exactly where. It was a plain frame from the dollar store and now it's a dry erase chore board for me! Here's how I made it.

Took one of the plain unpainted wood frames from the dollar store and painted it satin white on my painting pyramids (love those things!).

While that was drying I cut out little strips of some extra fabric I had. They're probably 2.5 x 0.5 inches. I left them frayed and tied a little not in the middle. Now they're cute little rag bows!

Hot glued them in the corners. (I made 8 bows and only used 6) I did put three in the top left corner and one in the rest of the corners. I kinda liked the Wabisabi (something I heard on King of the Hill, not sure if it's real. Haha, love that show!). It means the off-balance, or defect makes it more beautiful.

The is the actual chart, in case you wanted to see what was on there. Yes, I have to put almost everything! The font is "Alice in Wonderland" (from the new movie). The saying at the top is from the Doctrine and Covenants, that is an added section to the Book of Mormon. My favorite book :)

I felt it was still a little plain so I took two strands of matching thread and hot glued them between each of the bows, down the frame. Just to add a little color.

Added some magnet strips to the back, 'cause the kitchen is probably the room I go through the most, so the fridge is a good place for me to be sure and see it everyday.

Voila!

Frame: $1

Fabric Scraps: On hand

Spray Paint: On hand

Hot Glue: On hand

Thread: On hand

New Dry-Erase Marker (from the looks of it, I really need a new one): $1 (will buy today)

Total: $2

Love it!!!

P.S. - I highly recommend little planners ;)

Linking up to:

We're back up and running!

2010-05-15T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah! After much, much reasearch online I figured out how to fix the sidebar problem. Now we're up and running again! Halleluja!

Lame post

2010-05-07T19:47:00.002-07:00

Sorry for the lame post. Should be some exciting project, but it's not.
I just wanna let you know that there is some construction going on with Crafty Mamacita and that's why the sidebar is now at the bottom of the entire blog. All will be fixed as quickly as possible. Hopefully I'll have some new projects to post on Monday!

A New Room for my Niece

2010-05-05T16:14:00.005-07:00

I'm home again! Arizona feels so good to come home to, espeically after being in cold Utah. But I had a really good time seeing my family and friends. Also, I had my first time being a bridesmaid, at my friend Jessica's wedding.

Isn't she such a beautiful bride? Her wedding turned out so beautiful, and she did it all herself. Good job Jess!

So, my niece just moved into my parents house and she's getting my old room. While I was there we made a few alterations to try and make it her own. I wish I could've done more, but you know how on trips or vacations even though you have lots of time, you really have no time 'cause you plan so much to do? Yeah, it was like that. Here's what we did get done:

First she got a new comforter for her bed.

(from Ikea)

Isn't it awesome! If I were a teenage girl again I would want the exact same one. So we used the colors in the bed to work off of to finish off the room. We also got some cheap throw pillows from Ikea that matched.

Then we each took a pillow and some embroidery floss and we stitched on some easy abstract designs to match the bed (using matching colors of floss).

After that we had a little spray painting party and did over a little table, lots of frames, and a lamp.

This table was green, gray and butter yellow. We got it for $8 at D.I. (it's like Goodwill).

Do you ever get a piece of furniture and just wonder "What were they thinking?"

Gray, green, and yellow? Yuck. The picture doesn't even do it justice, it was pretty bad.

We got some liquid sander to take off the paint, but turned out to be acrylic paint. The liquid sander didn't work so well with that so we just buffed it up using sand paper and then spray painted.

So much better! Rustoleum Heirloom White, and Satin Black. What a breath of fresh air.

The color is off in this picture. It was actually more of a light brown/mustard-y color. Here it looks almost like taupe/brown. But we took care of it with some of that metallic "hammered-look" spray paint. I don't remember the name of it now.

The texture of the lamp really made the "hammered-look" come out nicely. It looks so much better! Sorry there's no lamp shade. It wasn't done.

A live-and-learn moment here. At Crafterhours I saw them do somthing similar to this with twill tape, and they slipped pictures in-between the flaps, but the ribbon we used was too slick and soft to hold up. But it turned out nicely as a piece of artwork. Basically we just overlaid lots of ribbon strips and sewed down the sides. But it turned out pretty, right? Oh and that little rose candle holder we got for about $1.00 to decorate with. So cute!

These little fames are the gold ones you've probably seen at the dollar store. We painted them black. Then with a little fabric...

Aren't they so cute?! I love how they turned out with the black and white prints!

This is where we ended up putting them, but they might find a new home.

Oh, and we bought that young woman statuette at D.I. for really cheap too. Like somwhere around $2.00. We also spray painted that frame up there. I'm not so sure about the color, but I love how it looks without the back and the glass!

Anyway, there's tons more my Mom and Niece can do around the "stiching" theme to match the bedspread. We were really excited about that. But since I have to return home again, I won't see the final result.

Back to home projects!

Linking up to

Me? Featured? Sweet!

2010-05-04T11:10:00.002-07:00

Can you believe it? I was featured at Craftaholics Anonymous! Linda is such a sweetheart, and I love everything she does. Especially her amazing creativity with zippers! Wow, that woman does it all.

She was so sweet to feature the black shirt I refashioned a while back.

I wanted to show you some of my favorite things she's made.

Zipper Ballet Flats. So creative! I've gotta try this. (And she sells them on her etsy shop)

How adorable are these framed pine cones? And such an easy idea too.

I just love how this vintage ruffle headband came out. Super cute.

I think this St. Paddy's day Lucky-pillow is so fun for any time of year! And it's out of burlap, even better.

Well, if you've never checked out Craftaholics Anonymous you better get to it. Especially if you need a little support group for the crafter in you.

Thanks again Linda!

A little su'mm su'mm

2010-04-19T12:07:00.001-07:00

I know I said I'd be gone 'till the end of April, but guess what happened? The blogging pressure was gone, and I got board! So, I made baby girl a new little summer dress from an old AE shirt of mine, and some bows and headband 'cause she tore apart her last ones with her new, sharp little tooth! Silly baby.

So, here's what I've been up to:

I used a dress she already has, and used it as a pattern to cut this one out. Then I cut out the AE logo and patched it on. It's not yet sewn together in this picture though.

Here are the bows I made yesterday too.

I know she looks kinda funny in these pics, but she was watching Baby Einstein and wouldn't look away. Hey, at least she was staying still, right? I think she really looks like a little model in the first one. Cute girl.
What was so funny was that after I took these pictures she was rolling around, and I found her blue bow on the floor. She had crumpled it all up and guess what? It looked so cute! Here it is after.

So, I did the same with the gold one too. :)

Did you know that Hobby Lobby sells these bags called "Ribbon Sachet" and it has 2 yards of 30 different strips of ribbons, all different colors and styles?? I had no idea! I was just looking for ribbon and I found these bags hidden at the very bottom.

Then I went to that little random ends section that has trimmings on sale, and I got 2 bags for $2 each that had lots of really different kinds of trim in there, and ribbon too. It's so great 'cause I don't need a whole lot of one kind, and some of the trims can be really expensive, even for a little bit. This way I get lots of different kinds for really cheap! If you can't tell, I was pretty excited. :) But the gold and blue ones above were made with wired ribbon that was from a post-Christmas sale. Sweet!

But I really am leaving on Wednesday, so I'm not sure when I'll be posting again :)
Have a wonderful week!

Linking up to:

On Hold

2010-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

After some thought, I've decided that Crafty-Mamacita will be put on hold for a little while. Probably 'till the end of April when things start slowing down. Phew, I'm just crazy busy right now with traveling and organizing, and helping a friend with his campaign. Just busy, busy.

I just wanna say I'm so grateful to my wonderful followers! I really didn't think I'd have any, and I'd just be talking to myself. So I really appreciate all of you! Thanks!

I'll be back soon!

Busy April!

2010-04-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

So far April has started out really busy, and it looks like it's gonna stay just as busy.

Just an update to let you know where I've been. In the gorgeous state of Kentucky!!! Baby girl and I went to visit my sister and had a blast! It's so beautiful out there. It's almost like a dream world. Full of perfect grassy rolling hills, beautiful homes and architecture. And really great food, especially what we bought from the Amish. We visited one family that my sister knows, and they were so nice! Probably some of the nicest people I've ever met.

Anyways, projects to come, but I'm just getting settled in at home again.

Sorry, I wanted to upload a picture, but it looks like my camera battery is dead. I'll have to post it later. :)

Crystal Clear Monday

2010-03-29T14:00:00.002-07:00

I need your feedback!
I rescued this beautiful frame from the dumpster. It wasn't IN it, just beside the dumpster (thank heavens), but I'm so excited about it!

So, what I've been wondering is, what to do with it now? Here's where I need your input:

Should I:

Spray paint it white then add a brown glaze to accentuate detail. (This is the fun, classic look I'm seeing everywhere and I love it!)
Paint it black, then distress it. (This would match more of my furniture which mostly black.)
Paint it white then add a black-ish glaze, then distress it. (I admit that I'm a little afraid to use a black-ish glaze, but I'm willing to try.)

What do you guys think? I love any other ideas too.

And I'm thinking that I'll put in a mirror and kick out the paris painting. It's beautiful, I know, but doesn't really go with my decor. Maybe for another room sometime.

So, let's hear it. What should I do??

A Little Refashion

2010-03-27T13:42:00.002-07:00

This is the original shirt I bought last year, just after I got pregnant. Even though it's not a maternity shirt.

*Apparently my 'startup disk' is full and it won't let me use Photoshop. What a sad day! So, I couldn't fix any of my photos, so forgive the bad coloring and imperfections.*

I wasn't such a fan of the turtleneck after a while...or the length. So, I cut a round-square neck out, and took about a foot off the bottom.

Then I pleated a long strip and attached it to the neckline. I forgot to take a close-up of it. But you can see a detailed one HERE that Disney used on her lampshade.

The neck ended up bigger than I planned, so I took it in, in the corners.

Still looks kinda maternity, so I think I'll take it in on the sides 'cause I love the front detail. But it's really comfortable! I'm pleased with it for now.

Linking up to:

Tuesday Tip

2010-03-23T19:49:00.001-07:00

Cooking

This one comes from my Sister-in-law, who is an incredible cook...more like chef.

Wanna know how to get that potent smell off your hands when chopping onion or garlic?

Wash your hands with stainless steel! Sounds wierd, I know. My husband who is very fond of cooking with garlic tried it, and it worked for him. He was so pleased because usually the smell lasts for days.

Also, I made a casserole with a little too much onion the other night and just couldn't take the strong smell coming out of my mouth. I couldn't even stand to breath my own air. Sounds bad. It really was. So, I took one of our spoons and rinsed my mouth out while rubbing it on my tongue and it really helped!

Crystal Clear Monday

2010-03-22T23:31:00.001-07:00

Short and sweet today.

This is what's been on my mind a lot lately: I am so blessed!

I found the man of my dreams, and was able to marry him. A man that loves me unconditionally; that cares for, provides, and protects me and our little family.

We have a comfortable home. And even though sometimes we wish we could buy a house like a lot of our friends have, living in our apartment has made our lives better and easier. We live within a 50 ft (ish) distance of 3 other little families that are our very close friends. We spend time together, exercise together, help eachother, and support eachother. It's wonderful!

I am blessed with the most wonderful baby girl. She is perfect! She eats well, sleeps well. She is always smiling, and is very content to play by herself.

I've heard that those with the strongest character are the ones that are tried the most in life, and I think maybe I'm not counted among those because my life is so great and seems so easy to me. Maybe it's just perspective, I don't know.

Of course I have an incredible family, and In-law family as well! Which is something everyone hopes for, and I got it! :)

And YOU. I'm grateful for you! Anyone who is reading this little blog, or has read this blog. I appreciate your support in my little attempt at having something that I can to to remain ME in this new transition of life. Mamahood ;) In this new crafty world I need all the support I can get because it sure gets hard to find any motivation to just get it done. I like crafting, but you know that little voice of doubt, that doesn't know if it will turn out great, or if it's just gonna clutter your house (aka: apt) and you'll have to toss it. Anyway, I'm making headway, and I'm getting there, but still thanks for your help.

I could go on and on, but I"ll stop here. I love my life!

New - Tuesday Tip

2010-03-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

I love getting some good tips. I get them from random places like websites, friends, teachers, friends of friends. So, why not share them with all of you? So from now on I will post a new tip every Tuesday. It could be anything from makeup tips, fashion tips, driving tips, cooking tips...anything good I find. To start it off right I'll post a few tips today. Enjoy!

Mom/Cooking Tip

Automatically when I think of eating ice cream cones as a kid (or adult), sticky, ice cream-covered fingers come to mind. How to prevent it:
Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to
prevent ice cream drips. (courtesy of: e-cookbooks.net) You just know a Mom thought of that. ;)

Fashion Tip

Horizontal Stripes. I think this one is pretty common knowlege, but in case someone hasn't heard yet here it is. Horizontal stripes make you look wider than you really are. So, unless you're not worried about your width (lucky you ;), try vertical stripes which make you look thinner. Love that! And use vertical stripped pants to look like you have longer legs. (courtesy of: Style tips 101)

Driving/Car Tip

And last but not least, a drving tip. When you're driving up a hill and need to stop at the top, or even just slow down, start braking about mid-hill (depending on the size of the hill), and let gravity help slow you down. This helps save gas, and your brakes too! (courtesy of: my high school driving instructor and my uncle that's a mechanic)

Hopefully at least one of those tips weren't total common knowledge.

Crystal Clear Monday

2010-03-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

4 in 4? 3 in 6? 6 in 10? How fast did you have your kids, and did you like the way you did it? I'm in need of some feedback!

This subject has been on my mind a lot lately.

I've heard of doing 4 kids in 4 years, and always thought that was insane! BUT I know that I want a lot of kids. Not like 10, more like 6. Of course we'll take it one child at a time (hopefully no twins, I don't know if I could handle that), but we're thinking about 6 for now.
I used to think that waiting 2 years was perfect, but for some berserk reason I keep thinking I might need another baby now. You know, to give little angel (up there in the picture) a friend? Then again, having one newborn and one toddler...hmmm, I don't know. How about pros and cons? Cons first, let's get those out the door.

Cons: Pregnant again. Morning sickness most likely, while tending the little pumpkin. Pregnant again (I list it twice for emphasis of discomfort). Possiblity of being pregnant during Arizona summer can you say "hot, hot, hot". Crawling/walking baby girl while pregnant, nursing, or and giving birth. Disgruntled Mama (side-effect of pregnancy). Two babies in diapers.

Pros: Two lovely babies. Little pumpkin has someone to play with. They will play together and keep eachother busy so I don't have to entertain, and can get stuff done! Better chance that I won't be having babies into my mid-thirties, and getting all that birthing done and out of the way quick. Kids will be close together, very important to me, since I'm 9 years apart from from my next sibling, and I'm the youngest.

I hear both ways are good. Kids a little farther apart, and closer together.
Hmm...I still don't know. What do you think? What did you do? Pros and cons?

*Disclaimer: This is assuming that we can get pregnant again fairly easily. The last time (also the first time) took about 6 months.*

Goodwill Treasures

2010-03-10T13:35:00.003-07:00

Sorry it's been a little while. I've got a really good excuse, I promise!

Here she is:

Too cute, right?

I know. I made her. ;)

Anyway I want to show you some of my Goodwill finds and what I did to some of them.

Isn't it beautiful? It says something about being made in Italy on the bottom.

Love it!

About 2 yards of beautiful tan fabric, a beaten up little globe,

and a little mousey critter.

Also, I thought that our Goodwill's here didn't carry any patterns, but I

found them in a little basket. I got some good stuff!

Oh, and did I mention that it was 1/2 off day, on the WHOLE store!

I got all this plus 2 super cute skirts, and an extention cord that was much needed for about $17!

I ran home and told my husband right away.

I also stopped at home depot to get some white spray paint for the little mousey,

and I thought I'd get some painter's pyramids that I'd been hearing about.

Guess what the paint guy said when I asked where they were?

"So you're the one that buys them?"

Uh.....Yeah, and tons of awesome crafter/decorators I read about!

So, here's the end result of the mousey and the globe after some white paint and twine got involved:

I didn't do anything to the bowl. It's perfect as is. I just wanted to use it to display my new decor ball!

So little mousey is for Baby Girl's room when that's finally all set up. I love the white so much better than the gold. Husband said he might've liked the gold better and I said "You won't think so when her room is done." I haven't decided yet where I want my bowl and ball. But I've been thinking about making one of these:

and using them to decorate it.

It's a sofa table that goes behind your couch.

Thrifty Decor Chick shows how to make one for under $20 HERE.

I just need a new battery for my drill first. Maybe for my birthday ;)

My next project that I'm working on is this baby:

Another Goodwill find ($5), from a long time ago. She's almost done. I'll show you soon!

Anyone else scoring at Goodwill lately?

I'm linking up to:

Crystal Clear Monday

2010-02-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

I know, it's been a while. Eeek! But I've got things ready to post, so hopefully it'll be a good, productive week this week. I'm back and inspired, and ready to get it done!

But I wanted to start something new. A weekly posting, for Monday's specifically, called Crystal Clear. A look into the chaos of my thoughts and mind. And hopefully it'll be an entertaining or interesting little blip for you to read, and also help me sort out and organize my brain. Since it feels like it's gone to mushhh................where was I? Oh yeah, brain gone to mush, since getting pregnant last year. ;)

So something that's been on my mind today is acts of service. I had an interesting experience at church today. We have a class that is made up of almost all the women (called Relief Society, if you're not familiar), and we were talking about serving others. Which I think is a good principle to live by no matter your beliefs, right?

Well, our teacher had everyone write down on a piece of paper an act of service that someone could do for them (the person writing it. I hope that makes sense). No one wrote their names down. She took them all and read them out loud. It totally pierced my heart to hear some of them. Such as:
"Ask me how I am, and really listen."
"Babysit for an hour or two so I can take a break."
"Talk to me, I need a friend."
"Help me with my daughter's wedding."
"Pull my weeds."
"Babysit so I can get caught up."
And so many more.

Strangely enough the ones that were repeated the most were the about pulling weeds, babysitting, and chatting or listening to someone.

It actually made me really sad to know that these women that I meet with at least once a week may be so lonely, or in need of help, and that I could be doing more to be a better friend. And what really hit me is how often I can spend hours and hours on my laptop looking at blogs, and checking facebook, or reading this and that, then I realize I've wasted so much time doing nothing really. All that time that may or may not have been wasted, I could've been helping a friend and lighten their burden.

So, in lieu (cool word) of that I want to share this awesome video of an incredible high school basketball team, and their friendship, kindness, and service to a young boy.

And happened in New York of all places!

Have a wonderful day!

Keeping Busy

2010-02-12T00:49:00.004-07:00

Happy Thursday, soon to be Friday in the next 30 minutes. ;)

Sorry about the comment problem. I know some of you tried to comment and it didn't work. But It should be fixed now. Yea!

I've been working on a couple things, but they aren't ready to post yet. So, I thought that for today I'd just show you a list of stuff that I've got on my project list.

Cutest Pom-Pom Lamp from Ruffles and Stuff

Made from microwave dish covers!

A Tulle Pom-Pom Skirt from Happy Together

I guess I'm into Pom-Pom's lately.

But I really wanna have one of these for the Little Angel for Easter!

Super, super easy earrings from Trey and Lucy

30 Seconds to make, woohoo! And so cute.

Darling stockings made from old tights from over at Ruffles and Stuff again.

Disney's such a genius!

"So much time and so little to do!...wait a minute, strike that...reverse it."

(Willy Wonka. I'm way into movies, and quote them much too often. Sorry. ;)

Well, that's that for today. Have a wonderful weekend!

Cargo Pants to Bag

2010-02-09T23:13:00.001-07:00

For years now I have been building a collection of great jeans and pants. It's really hard to find a good pair of pants, but I have managed to fill a whole drawer full of them over time. Pretty much all of them were very good looking, and very well fitting. Then come the "Big-Mamacita-Birthing-Hips". I have been kicked out of all my pants. None of them fit me. Not a one. But that's okay, I'd much rather have a pretty little angel, than a drawer full of fun jeans. But that means that I have all these pants leftover.

One of my favorite pairs were camo-cargo pants. I felt so sassy and menacing in those. But they are now the product of a fab refashioning! I used Noodlehead's Tutorial (Messenger bag from Cargo Pants) as a guideline. I used the same measurements, but I didn't add a lining like she did. First, because I didn't have any fabric on hand that I would've liked to use for lining, and second, because...I like to keep it as easy as possible. Haha! And here's the result:

Turns out that Photobucket has all sorts of features to add fun effects to your pictures! And good thing too, 'cause my laptop is "out of order" since the charger cord busted, and I didn't wanna have to use the old Photoshop version on my hubby's computer. So, you get to witness the product of my playing around with their new tools.

Just random books from the shelf. But I do highly recommend the first two in front! One for great hikes and adventures in Zion National Park (my fav!), and the other for a good story (you'll need a box of kleenex though).

Fun frame, huh? Probably be even better spray painted black. Or Heirloom White, with a nice brown glaze, and some distressing?? Huh?
And yes, I'm...uh...in my pj's. I couldn't wait to get this posted, so there you have it! I have to tell you though, I do love me some PJ's. I think 1/3 of my dresser is devoted to comfy nightwear. I love 'em!
So, I was planning on giving this bag away to one of the boys in my family, but I'm so in love, I think I'm gonna keep it. ;)

~Crystal

Still Learning & a Question

2010-02-06T23:33:00.002-07:00

Okay, my super duper "dream" idea didn't work out like I thought. Hmph...
Well, live and learn, right? It was going to be like a "fabric/lantern looking basket" to hang and hold my baby girl's hair accessories. Maybe if I can get the kinks all worked out I'll try again later.

You know, I'm still working on being the super crafty-domestic wife and mommy, that has super great ideas. Like you I'm sure! And all the fun crafty ladies I follow (like Jennifer :). No worries, I still have many projects lined up. More ideas will come to me later when I need them, I'm sure.
Right now I'm going to ~~start on my next project~~ go to bed and get some rest before an early church tomorrow. Maybe I'll start on something tomorrow afternoon, since I have the whole day.
QUESTION: How do you feel about working on crafty projects on Sunday? They are very relaxing to me, and help me think clearly, but they're fun too. So is it a good spiritual relaxation, or is it recreation?
What do you think?

I have an idea!

2010-02-05T10:14:00.000-07:00

It came to me in that place between waking and sleeping. As I was falling asleep I thought "I really hope I remember this tomorrow!" And I did! I'll try to post it on Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Birthday Wishes

2010-02-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

Since the husband just recently celebrated his birthday last month, for some reason it got me thinking about mine, which is still two months away. Which is weird 'cause usually I don't really care. Every year I just pray for the same thing on my birthday: a good day. And I pretty much always get it! It's wonderful!

But I guess this year I just wanted to fantasize about a somewhat realistic 'good day/birthday' possibilities, that include a little bit more. Maybe I'm getting spoiled or something...nahh!

First I wanna start out with this lovely breakfast

from here

Then I wanna get one of these with some girlfriends

and one of these

Then I wanna go here for lunch

And how about shopping here for a little while.

I love shopping for a bargin!

Then here for hours!

I know, can you believe it? On my birthday, haha!

After all that I think dinner here would be nice

But most of all I really, really want dessert from here!

If you've never heard of it, it's kind of like Red Mango, only I think it's way better!

The thing is that my husband prefers a different place, so I almost never get to go to Ocean Blue anymore, and I really crave it, so that would be my birthday miracle ;)

(And even better would be if it was NOT chocolate ice cream.

I'm one of those wierdos that doesn't really like chocolate much.)

Then it'd be so fun to have our friends come over to chat and play games!

Maybe even watch a movie (any suggestions?)

Then if we're really feeling young and daring, like the old days, do a

late night run here for Carne Asada tacos

As you can probably tell, I really like food. Yum! Plus, eating out means not having to cook, hehe.

And if it was possible for all of this to come together, I think the only thing that could make it better was if we had a really good rainstorm! (this del taco picture made me think of it)

So, there it is. My perfect (somewhat reasonable) birthday-day. ;)

As it turns out my birthday is on the same Friday that a friend of ours is getting married, but no worries! I'll just take Saturday, then Ben will be home to watch Rowan while I get my toesies done. Did I plan that well or what? Jk ;)

What are your perfect birthday plans?

Fashion Forward- Cuffs and Collar

2010-02-01T01:09:00.007-07:00

I'm so excited about my first tutorial today. It was inspired by Disney over at Ruffles and Stuff, and the cuffs and collar that she made, but mine are a little different....and maybe a little bit fashion forward. Sounds intense right? But it's really not. So, here we go.

This is how they turned out. You like?

I think I was getting a little too serious during our fun little photo shoot. ;)

To start I took:

* Scraps of white linen fabric

* 5 white buttons (small)

* White thread, and black thread

Yep, that's it.

First I cut two pieces that were 4.5'' x 14''

(allowing for 1/2'' seam allowance)

(Two pieces are for one cuff only. You'll actually want 4 pieces total for two cuffs)

Then I cut 4 strips 2'' x 1/2''

Two strips per cuff, so you need four total, then one more for the collar.

These will be the loopies for your button to go through.

Then I folded each strip in half lengthwise and sewed a straight stitch close to the open edge.

I went over the edge again with a zigzag stitch.

I left it with the slightly frayed look, 'cause that's what I was going for.

I folded it with the frayed/zigzag side facing out, just like so.

*Side-note: please forgive the horrible tablecloth, we got it when we first got married and we never use it, but it's waterproof so it's now my crafting tablecloth. Joy!*

I then pinned my little 'loopies' to the end of the fabric at 1'' down from each long side, facing inward.

I placed the other piece of fabric on top of that one with the 'loopies', and pinned it.

I stitched nearly all the way around, I left a little opening to fold it inside-out...or would it be rightside-out? You know what I mean, right.

Then I hand-stitched the small opening I left open, closed.

Here's where I switched to my black thread. I loosened the thread tension a little, and took the stitch length all the way up. I sewed a line just above the first 'loopy', at 1'' down.

Then I did the same just below the lower 'loopy', and ruffled it! I kept putting it around my wrist to make sure it wasn't too short. Better too long, then too short. Once it was a good size I tied off my 'ruffle strings' and trimmed 'em.

Here was the fun part for me!

I tried out my 'free motion foot' for the first time! Did I mention this is a new sewing machine? And that I LOVE it?! Singer Quilter's Confidence, in case you're interested.

I tightened the tension a little tighter than the 'Auto' it's normally on.

Then I went to work going back in forth (with the black thread still), in a carefree kinda way, with the feed-dog down. I wanted it to have a slightly...umm..what's the word? Rogue-ish look?

You don't have to have this foot to get this look, just use your regular presser foot and pivot at each end.

Here's after going back and forth in my 'free motion fashion'.

I know it doesn't look like anything super special, but like most great accessories you gotta put them on to get the whole effect, right?

Oh, and add both the buttons to the opposite end of the 'loopies'. If it's too long, just move the buttons back a bit.

Ooooh, I L.O.V.E. IT!

I then proceeded to make the second cuff, and a collar that was 14'' x 3 1/2'' (with 1/4'' seam allowance), with one 'loopy' and one button. Go off your own measurements though if you plan to make any. I have unusually small wrists. And I barely had any ruffle to my collar 'cause my scraps weren't any longer. But it turned out great!

Thanks for checking out Crafty Mamacita!

Now, take a break and go have yourself some pizza!

I know, graceful, huh? BUT, it's still elegant if you hold your pinky finger out. ;)

I'm linking up to:

Hi There!

2010-01-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Crystal and this is my newly 'crafted' crafty blog! I'm excited to show you what I've been up to. Please join me in my adventures!

Crafty Mamacita

*Shrug*

Wanna see something awesome?

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On Hold

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A Little Refashion

Tuesday Tip

Crystal Clear Monday

New - Tuesday Tip

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Goodwill Treasures

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Keeping Busy

Cargo Pants to Bag

Still Learning & a Question

I have an idea!

Birthday Wishes

Fashion Forward- Cuffs and Collar

Hi There!

Shrug