diy

Easy Green Pins for St. Patrick’s Day

March 4, 2014 by Sharon Garofalow 1 Comment

I’m going to be honest with you. I am not a huge fan of St. Patrick’s Day. I don’t need my beer colored green and I hate that if you don’t wear green (look, that color doesn’t work for everyone) you will get pinched. So I have figured out the absolutely easiest way to wear green on St. Patrick’s day without having to dress any differently than you do every other day. Isn’t decorative tape the best? And while these pins are reading very blue in the photos, this is the cutest mint green in all the land. All you need is decorative tape (I used this Scotch masking tape which is my new favorite thing) and some safety pins in just about any size, although these work perfectly with the width of the tape.

Simply tear off a piece of tape and thread it through the safety pin.Stick the tape to itself and then cut a decorative end at the bottom.

Or you can fringe it. Just about anything will work.

Easy and cute. Just how I like my crafts. Ok. So maybe I will drink green beer.

Filed Under: Craft Ideas, Fashion, Holidays Tagged With: accessories, crafts, diy, St. Patrick's Day, tape

Straw Garland Party Decor Kids Can Help With

February 18, 2014 by Sharon Garofalow 2 Comments

Do your kids always want to help you when you are in DIY crunch time leading up to a party? Mine do. And while I love that they want to spend time with me and be part of it, it sometimes slows me down. So I came up with the idea to have them make these super easy straw and knot garlands. You can pretty much find straws in every color so it will easily coordinate with the rest of the party decor. And these are super inexpensive to make. Another plus. As for how many you will end up, well, that is totally dependent on their attention span. I’m not saying these have to be the focal point of the party, but you won’t need to hide it somewhere either.

These straw and knot garlands are also a great way to put up some last-minute decor for a teacher’s birthday, kid’s birthday or a holiday where you want to add something to make your house more festive.

I found a bag of sommarfints at Ikea. Does anyone else think their word for straw is super crazy? I do. And are you also now going to only refer to straws as sommarfints? I am. This bag of straws probably cost around a dollar. And I still have a bunch left. I love using different kinds of ropes in crafts and this one is a cloth laundry rope I think. But you could easily use yarn or some other kind of string you have on hand. And then you just need scissors. Super simple stuff.

Have the kid decide what length they want the straws to be and have them start cutting. When cutting the straws, the unheld end will fly thus leaving the room riddled with straw parts. This will make the kids laugh like crazy. Just know you will most likely have to gather the pieces off the floor before you string them.

Have the kids string on the straw parts one at a time. And they can choose to add the knots wherever they want. It is a great way to talk about patterns and symmetry, etc. Once they figure out where they want it, you can show them how to knot the rope.

No need in making super difficult macrame type knots. A simple knot is all you need. Tip: If you hold the rope where you want the knot to be and then pull the free end with your other hand you can guide where the finished knot sits. Reading that back, it makes no sense so play around with it, but you can get the knot to sit where you want it. And there we go, I’ve increased the difficulty of this tutorial on tying simple knots by trying to be helpful. Never ask me for driving directions anywhere…

After you tie the knot, add more straws. Repeat for the desired length of the garland.

Super easy. Super colorful. Super kid friendly.

Hang them wherever you feel a knot garland should go.

And did you see my straw heart tutorial? These won’t be right for everyone’s party decor needs but it is another craft you can have your kids do to keep them busy. And who doesn’t love hearts?

Filed Under: Craft Ideas, Family Life, Party Planning, Tutorials Tagged With: diy, easy kid craft, garland, hearts, knots, Party Decor

Easy No Sew Fabric Heart Pillows for Valentine’s Day

January 20, 2014 by Sharon Garofalow 2 Comments

Valentine’s Day IS hearts. Plain and simple. So I made Easy No Sew Fabric Heart Pillows. I wanted to make tiny little heart pillows for my kids but guess what? I hate to sew! I have been exploring alternative methods for fabric adhering lately. Luckily, I had a chance to check out the CHA show (full wrap up of all the cool things tomorrow!) last weekend and was given some supplies that were absolutely perfect for this tutorial. (This post is not sponsored but I do want to let you know that I was given product) While the hold is pretty permanent, I always want to remind you that pretty much all of my crafts are not heirloom quality. The cost is low and these can be tossed after the holiday. Or as I am sure will happen in my house, they will be ripped apart and the stuffing will be thrown at each other like snowballs. That is what happens when you have little boys.

Choose your favorite fabrics, a pair of scissors and for this I used two kinds of fabric tapes: the Permanent Fabric Sheets and the Permanent Fabric Tape. I love these tapes and will totally use them again. Originally I had bought Fabric Fusion to use, but the dry time is too long (well, it’s not really THAT long, but I am a super impatient crafter).

I do not free-hand so I cut several hearts out of paper until I found the perfect shape. Then I made a smaller version to decorate the front of the pillow. I traced the heart on to the fabric (2 hearts for the pillow and 1 small heart for the decoration) making sure to leave an overhang. I removed the backing of one permanent fabric sheet and placed the smaller heart fabric on it, making sure to smooth out any bubbles or lumps. Then I cut out the smaller heart following the outline (Because this is going on the front, I wanted to make sure I could see the tracing. I just tried to cut just on the inside of the line so you wouldn’t see it on the finished pillow).

Then I removed the second side of the adhesive sheet and stuck it to one of the larger heart pieces.

I turned over the heart and started using small section of the permanent tape. I wanted to make sure that the fabric would hold together but leave an overhang around the edge. I just liked that it looks a little floppy. Once the shape was finished, I started peeling off the back to expose the adhesive. Then I tried to match up the edges as best I could of the second heart and rubbed to get the tape to adhere really well. See that one little open spot at the bottom? That is where you will stuff the pillow.

So then, duh. Stuff the pillow. I bought this enormous bag of stuffing 1) because it was on sale for half off and 2) because I couldn’t find a smaller one. So what that means for you is that I am now going to attempt to stuff everything. Yeah for puffy crafts! Once you have it as full as you would like it, use another small piece of the tape to close off the opening.

Pretty cute, right?

How cute would these be as a little bedtime surprise on Valentine’s Day for the kids. Or even on your hubby’s pillow.

Super easy, no sew heart pillows. I want these all over my house.

He liked them too. If you like things all nice and neat use some pinking sheers or some of that fabric edger stuff that stops the fraying. You know I like my stuff a little messy so these wayward strings do not bother me. And you guys, I heart you. Really I do!

*Full disclosure: I was given these permanent fabric tapes in a goody bag from the show. Which was super awesome because I literally was going to go buy them on that following Monday so this saved me about $16. But then bought the Fabric Fusion for $8 so I’m up just $8. But still! Yahoo!

Filed Under: Craft Ideas, Holidays, Tutorials Tagged With: crafts, diy, hearts, Holidays, kids crafts, stripes, Tutorials, valentine's day

Easy Party Hat Headband Tutorial

January 6, 2014 by Sharon Garofalow 13 Comments

I love a good party hat, don’t you? But I thought they could also be cute when done as headbands. These could be made before a party, ready for the guests, or done as an activity at the party. And I love the versatility that fabric gives you in terms of look and texture but you could easily do these with paper. The next question is, which one do you want to put on your noggin?

All of the supplies were found at my local craft supply store that carries fabric (Jo-Ann). If you haven’t worked with Phoomph yet, you HAVE to! I freaking love it! (see it in other tutorials here {the HBD sign} and here). It really gives body to fabric making it work in all kinds of new ways. Genius. So pick up your favorite fabric combos, some elastic and Phoomph, then grab your scissors and glue gun and you are all set.

Phoomph is sticky on both sides. All you have to do is peel the backing off and it is ready to go.

Smooth on whatever fabrics you want for your party hats then cut off the excess material. Since the hats rise a bit over the crown of the head, I did a different fabric on the back side as well. You could easily get 8 hats out of one sheet of Phoomph.

Next you get your talented friend to draw the hat shape son free hand. If you are like me and you can’t draw to save your life (no, quite literally, if your life ever depended on me winning a game of Pictionary – well, it was nice knowing you, friend) then just find a template online that you can trace.

And just about any shape would work. I kind of have a thing for crowns. That is why there are so many of that kind. But I also really love the simplicity of the triangular party hat shape. The choice is yours. You can get with this, or you can get with that (old school rap reference, anyone?…)

You make the headband part by hot glueing the elastic ends together, totally easy. Except for that because of the open weave elastic the hot glue came oozing out all over my fingers. Whoops. And ouch. Since that part looks messy, that is where you will want to glue the crown or party hat shape.

And there you have it. I probably should have shot these hats in more of a party situation. But what says party time better than not wearing a shirt? And if you have children, or have ever tried to take a picture of children when they don’t want to then you know what a feat getting this shot of three little boys together was. I even decided to let my son’s hideous DJ tank top slide. Pick your battles, people.

Cute, right?

These hats totally make your fly. (*Disclaimer: These hats don’t really make you fly).

Look at that wonky front tooth! He would absolutely not let us touch it, even though it was pointing straight out!

So, in conclusion, you should totally make these easy Party Had Headbands. The head’s of your party guests will thank you.

Filed Under: Craft Ideas, Party Inspiration, Tutorials Tagged With: craft, diy, kid's birthday, party hat, party idea, tutorial

December Loves

December 19, 2013 by Sharon Garofalow 2 Comments

Sorry for the terrible iPhone pic, but we tried out a new restaurant a few weeks ago and it was AMAZING! If you are in Orange County and haven’t tried Pizzeria Mozza yet, you HAVE to. It was phenomenal. We tried a bunch of different things and all of it was perfection. And this cocktail, the Holiday Garland I think it was called, was sensational! A spiced cranberry reduction with bourbon and a cranberry gelee garnish. FTW! I had 3 of them! 3!! I never have three cocktails when I’m out. And I was able to walk myself out so they may have been light on the liquor. Or my belly was THAT full of delicious yumminess. We also spotted a celeb chef eating there. That is always a good sign.

Kristin and I attended a party thrown by Microsoft hosted by Erica of P.S. I Made This to showcase holiday gift DIYS that can be done with their products. We got to take home these awesome plastic ornaments that were printed on a 3D printer! (image via Getty Images for Microsoft)

We also got to create our own wrapping paper. Using the Fresh Paint program, Kristin drew a Christmas tree pattern and then it was printed out for her! SO cool! I’m dying to play with Fresh Paint some more.

It is rare that a company sends out a thank you note after working with you on a project. It makes sense, you sometimes are working with a PR company and not the actual brand. And some of their campaigns include a huge number of bloggers. But I got this thank you note from Chinet (remember this post?) and thought it was super cool. Not only was the message very nice but it was personalized with the name of my blog right on the front. I thought it was a really nice touch.

You all know that I love U.S. President’s right? I saw a girl wearing this sweatshirt when we were at Disneyland and I almost stopped her to ask her where it was from. I googled it once we got home and found out it was from Forever 21 (says no longer available but they have this version too)! Sold! It’s my fave.

I can’t wait to use this cake topper from Little Cat Design Co. available at Sweet and Saucy Shop! My youngest is turning 5 a few days after Christmas and this will be coolin’ out on top of his cake. They come in a bunch of colors and phrases and if you live in Orange County, you can order over the phone/email and then pick it up in one of their stores (I went to the Newport Beach location). That way you save on shipping AND since you are in the bakery, you might as well pick yourself up some delightful treats.

What did you love this month?

Filed Under: Blogger Meet Ups, Fashion, Lifestyle, Orange County Resources, Party Planning, Things I Love Tagged With: birthdays, blogger events, cocktails, diy, Eating out, fashion, Microsoft, Mozza, orange county, Party Decor, Presidents

Easy Green Pins for St. Patrick’s Day

Straw Garland Party Decor Kids Can Help With

Easy No Sew Fabric Heart Pillows for Valentine’s Day

Easy Party Hat Headband Tutorial

December Loves

Lego Dance Party

For Like Ever Themed Bridal Shower

Cake, Confetti & Balloons Old School Party

{Neon & Neutral} So Glad You Were Born Party

Ziggy Stardust inspired Space Birthday Party

Family Life

Fashion & Lifestyle

Food Favs

Parties & Crafts

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