DIY liberty baby bibs

seen: Liberty of London baby bib kits, $35

Today is the day I finished my very first sewing project!  I grabbed one of these baby bib kits a couple of months ago with the intention to learn how to sew.  I finally found the time and now understand why they sold out the very first day they were introduced.  Sewing is made easy with a breeze of a pattern (even on my very first time sewing anything) and the combo of organic Michael Miller cotton terry and like silk Liberty of London's Tana Lawn is amazing.  Available in 7 color-ways (I chose the gray... & now want bright blue, red and yellow.)  

Now someone I really like just needs to have a baby.  I think it will complete the perfect gift.  

message in a spotted egg.

seen: message in an egg tutorial

I saw this and instantly wanted to start a new tradition: a message in a real spotted egg inside each boy's Easter basket.  It looks like magic.  

Plover charm packs.

seen: Plover Organic charm pack, $9.50

Maybe I'll never get enough of Plover.  Martha Stewart tipped me off to these 5 inch fabric squares and my head is suddenly full of ideas.  Although she recommends making scented lavender sachets (which is so European and I love using them- see page 38 of the latest Living), I also love the idea of quick bean bags (hello indoor play to survive this rainy season) and easy coasters.  42 squares for $9.50.  

a treasure: printable pirate valentines

We went easy for Valentine's this year (bought these), but since I was clearly thinking pirates for the 4/5 year old preschoolers, see my favorite free download/DIY (via a new-to-me & really great blog):

seen: printable pirate valentines from Mer Mag

Aren't those awesome (grrreat)?  I can't wait to sort through his loot with him after Thursday's preschool.  So much better than Halloween candy, I think.  

*****

If my boy wasn't so set on eye patches, this is another favorite printable: bubble valentine's cards.

to love: felted balls

seen: hand dyed and hand felted wool balls

I know there are better felted ball deals available, but these colors!  Now at Purl Soho.

And my favorite of felted ball projects:

seen: 1. felt ball necklace (for the non-DIYers)

2. Felt ball trivets (especially because I love the word trivet)

3. Felt ball garland (here and here)

[seen: my version in Finn's bedroom]

4. Felt ball wreath

diy activity albums

seen: handmade activity albums from LMNOP magazine (pages 21-23)

Made By Joel is pure creative brilliance, especially in these albums.  I'm imagining years from now, what I'll want to remember more than what they wore on their first day to school is how and what they've created- from peanut butter and birdseed pine-cones to those block towers that look just like the Golden Gate bridge.  Because it shows pieces of who they'll be forever and I got to watch it first.  

Be sure to see his DIY in the newest lmnop issue.  

inspired: gift wrap

seen: water colored gift wrap

make a modern chalkboard christmas tree

seen: DIY modern chalkboard christmas tree (via poppytalk)

Canadian House and Home does an instant modern take of a Christmas tree.  "No fuss and needle free" if that's what you're going for.  Or maybe just another super & simple decoration to deck the halls (with only a canvas, a dowel and chalkboard paint).  

armelle blog's: magnetic chalkboard frame

seen: magnetic chalkboard frame via Armelle Blog

Isn't the grey/silver perfect!  This framed magnetic chalkboard is not so much shabby chic (their rap, I think) but pretty and functional and sleek.  Of course it came from Armelle blog.  Go here for how-to instructions.

how to make a fresh wreath

seen: "bits & bits wreath" by Studio Choo for Sunset Magazine

I haven't made my way through Sunset's December 2010 issue yet, but I do have page 75 opened on my desk (see above).  It's gorgeous and inspiring and comes with a how-to decorate your house with your "backyard" foliage.  I'm not sure Christmas season will feel quite right until I get something like this onto our front door.  

Read their DIY (beautiful & natural) wreath instructions here.  

Note: My local Whole Foods is selling 24" fresh evergreen wreaths for only $14.99.  (Nice and thick and heavy even.)  I swept up that deal this afternoon and am excited to add my own bits and pieces (especially succulents).  

diy glass jar labels

seen: label making on glass, via Ready Made

I've typically seen glass etching on the bottom of casserole dishes and it just hasn't been my thing.  But this is super- the instructions are simple and the results are too, which is exactly the way I like it.  (I'm still dreaming about these jars/this cupboard though!  Dear Jamie, please open a US shop.)

I found this DIY on the new & great looking blog dear Inspiration (friend Lindsey's cousin).  You should bookmark it.  

*****

Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow!

DIY stamped christmas cards version 2010:

 my inspiration:

seen: Greetings from San Francisco cards by Hello Lucky!

my DIY:

seen: Winterscape and San Francisco stamp sets by Yellow Owl Workshop 

+

seen: stamp pads from paper source

+

plain cards and envelopes in superfine soft white from paper source

+

one favorite family photograph by Justin Hackworth

I love sending & receiving Christmas cards and am excited that twenty-ten will bring back a Burgoyne family greeting.  This year, coming from The Bay area.  

diy holiday gift wrap

seen: DIY potato-stamped gift wrap via Bloesem Kids

Oh man.  I love this image.  And the idea of potato or apple stamping our gift wrap this year.  Wouldn't that be an incredible on-going craft project this month?  Coordinating colors and choosing shapes and letting the boys help!

I would probably start here.  And maybe try something like this in blue + metallics.  

diy pinata

seen: d.i.y. piñatas

Giddy Giddy blog: We've known piñatas all our lives, but doesn't Teri suddenly transform them into fantastic?  We could go anywhere with this.  D.I.Y. tutorial here.  

diy encrypted invites

seen: encrypted invitations

I still love encrypted messages and think any child would have a party just opening this invitation-- the perfect prelude to a secret agent birthday party, maybe.  

potato print monster tees

LMNOPs issue 12 is out and it's always a treat.  And I don't think it would be far fetched to say that the little 4 year old of mine who now insists on picking out his clothes every day would do flips for a potato stamped monster tee.  And maybe I wouldn't mind if one of these became a new favorite for him or baby brother.

See tutorial below.