Momathon Blog

Make This: Sock Bunnies for Easter

I've made a few sock toys, but none of mine are this CUTE. Oh my! I absolutely love them! And lucky us, we can download the pattern at Mandie's Etsy shop The Miners Wife . Here's the link to the pattern listing at her shop: Sock Bunny Sewing Pattern.

Details:

This item is for a PDF pattern that includes all the instructions needed to create this cute little bunny - and all you need is a pair of socks.

The finished size of the bunny is 6 1/2 x 3 1/4 inches (16.5 x 8.25cm), but this will vary slightly depending on the amount of stuffing used.

The pattern is suitable for beginner sewers as it has complete, step by step, easy to read instructions with colour photos, tips and diagrams.

This pattern includes:
~ a colour photograph of the finished bunny
~ a list of materials required to complete the project
~ clear, easy to follow instructions
~ colour photographs, tips and diagrams to help guide you through the process

The pattern will be emailed to you in PDF format within 24hrs (usually less) of payment clearing Pay pal.

Happy crafting! And check out more cute ideas at Mandies's shop—fun and easy to follow PDF patterns and handmade items.

 

Images: Graphic above by me, Chris Olson, and features the lovely photography of Mandie at her Etsy shop The Miners Wife. Feel free to pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

Valentine's Day Printable: Sweetheart Cards

Hello, friends. Today I'm offering free printable PDF for Valentine's Day. The digital file includes 6 cards—perfect for classroom use. Finished cards have printing on one side and are blank on the reverse side for you to write on. Link to download this Valentine printable below. 

To use this printable, you will need:

• Computer and Printer
• 8.5" x 11" card stock paper
• Paper cutter or scissors
• Optional: Attach the cards to Valentine candy (See example below).
• Adobe Reader (If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it for free at get.adobe.com/reader)

Here is the link to download the cards. NOTE: If you have issues downloading try right-clicking on the download link above ('Option' and click for the mac) and saving directly to your computer.

Conditions of Use

The downloadable printables content across my site is property of CHRIS OLSON, editor at MOMATHON BLOG. The printables are free for PERSONAL use only. They are strictly not for commercial use. You may not make any direct or indirect profit from the use of my downloads. If you would like to incorporate any of my designs in your own personal projects, please credit Chris Olson and MomathonBlog.com and include a link to this web site. Please do not distribute any of my downloadable files. If you are kind enough to blog about the printables, please feel free to use my photos as long as they are clearly accompanied with a credit and link back to this blog post and website. As a courtesy please do not link directly to the downloadable file but rather link to the post containing the download.

Any other use not stated above requires permission obtained from Chris Olson.

All images by Chris Olson.

Valentine Heart Pin {DIY}

Today I wanted to share a tutorial for a quick and easy Valentine's Day project. These Valentine's Day mini heart pins can be made with felt or fabric scraps you have on hand and they are oh so cute.

Pin it on a shirt to add some Valentine bling. Or attach the heart to a postcard. For this easy craft I used craft felt (or try any "Valentine-y" fabric scraps) as the heart structure. I added embellishments using embroidery thread, beads, more felt hearts, sequins, and even recycled jewelry. The darker pink heart used medium-size pearl beads from a favorite bracelet that unfortunately broke one day. Instead of throwing away all those adorable beads I added a few here and there to craft projects. Easy peasy! See the complete directions below. 

Directions: Mini Heart Pins

Supplies:

• Felt in a variety of colors: I am using white, dark pink, and light pink
• Embroidery thread
• Safety pin or other fastener
• Bead and sequins: I use a variety of round beads and heart-shaped beads
• Recycled jewelry beads or parts
• Sewing tools: needle, scissors, fabric marker
• Small amount of poly fill to make the tiny heart pillows

Directions

1. Create a heart shape pattern piece: You can draw the heart freehand--my hearts are approximately 2.25" wide. Or download my heart shape pdf here (Option-Click on macs). Cut out the paper heart shape to use as a pattern in step 3.
2. Place the felt or other fabric you use on a table.
3. Trace the paper heart shape pattern on the fabric using a fabric marker.
4. Repeat step 3 to make the back side of the pin.
5. Sew the two hearts together with embroidery thread using a straight stitch or blanket stich. For more help with the hand stitching. If you want a tutorial on blanket stitching, check out futuregirl's step-by-step tutorial for the Blanket Stitch and more sewing.
6. Leave small opening in the side to add poly fill, and then finish the sewing the edges together.
7. Add embellishments such as beads or additional felt shapes.
8. Attach a safety pin or other fastener to the back with embroider thread.

Image: HANDMADE HEART PINS TUTORIAL graphic are by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

Valentine's Day Printable: Pink Roses Box

Hello, friends. Today I'm offering a free printable gift box I created that features a bouquet of pink roses. Perfect for Valentine's Day! Link to download this printable below. 

Free Printable: Pink Roses Box

The digital PDF file includes one pillow box designed by me and featuring a photo image of roses taken by me. Box is the perfect size for holding a gift card.

Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free downloadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tap, and scissors. You can also embellish the box with glitter.  

Link to the downloadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the box in the steps below.

DIY Inspiration: Sewing with Sarai Mitnick at Colette Patterns

My mom was a home-ec teacher so I started sewing—or really playing—with one of her older Singer sewing machines when I was about six or seven. She stored a big box of fabric remnants in the closet for me to use in my sewing creations. When I wanted to make something really adventurous, I remember going to my neighbor to get fabric remnants from their daughter's fancy and often sparkly prom dresses. 

Fast forward a few years—don't ask me to specify—and I still love to sew. One of my sources of inspiration are the "little sewing epiphanies" via Sarai Mitnick at Colette Patterns. Her book Colette Sewing Handbook is an amazing guide for sewers of almost any skill level to create your own unique wardrobe: 

"Five simple fundamentals can help you perfect any sewing project: a thoughtful plan, a precise pattern, a fantastic fit, a beautiful fabric, and a fine finish. With these five core ideas,The Colette Sewing Handbook shows you how to start sewing the wardrobe of your dreams." 

 

I'm a fan of the classic lines of Colette patterns. My favorite patterns by Sarai are the double-breasted Anise jacket and the simple slim Clover pants—so amazing because they both go with practically anything. (See images above.) Sarai even ranks the sewing level needed for her patterns. The jacket is best for intermediate level sewers and the pants are beginner and above skill level. 

Even though Sarai's sewing handbook says on the cover it is for the new seamstress, I think the detailed information she gives about how to finish a garment places it on the must-have list for sewers of ANY skill level.

Monica Lee interviews Sarai Mitnick 

I love a good behind-the-scenes story about artists and finding out how creatives get their start in the biz. That's probably why I'm a huge fan of Monica Lee's video interviews at SmartCreativeWomen.com. Recently she interviewed Sarai Mitnick from Colette Patterns on how and why she started her own pattern company.  

Be social. Get the latest Facebook updates from Monica Lee at Smart Creative Women and Sarai Mitnick at her page Colette Patterns.

IMAGE: The sweet double-breasted Anise jacket and Clover pants via Colette Patterns.

 

Handmade Holiday {Learn to Knit Kit}

I'm on a mission to make this a handmade holiday season. I love to knit and when I saw this new kit at Purl Soho I knew it was perfect for gift giving. I remember my first knitting projects as a teen. I made cozy scarves and even a baby sweater for my niece. Fortunately I had a very patient Norwegian friend teaching me how to knit and eventually I got the hang of it and now I'm addicted :)  

Knitting is a craft you can do almost anywhere. I'm the type of person that likes to keep busy, so I carry my projects on subways, buses, planes, and of course, in the car. I love the message on the Purl Soho blog:

Our new Learn To Knit kit is specially designed to spark a creative fire in the hearts of new knitters everywhere! Our goal was to create an experience for new knitters that would be as satisfying and enchanted as were our own first forays into knits and purls.



Do you know someone who would like to learn to knit? Check out the Purl Soho kit here.

Note to my readers: This is not a sponsored post. I just love crafts and Purl Soho is one of my faves!

Images: LEARN TO KNIT KIT graphics by me, Chris Olson and feature photos from the fabulous Purl Soho. Feel free to Pin images on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

I Heart Handmade {The Linden Tree Shop}

The Linden Tree Shop in Minneapolis is a specialty craft store that celebrates the goodness of all things handmade.

The shop is a gathering place for seasoned crafters and newbies. Shop owner Melissa Pederson sells fabulous designer fabric—by Michael Miller, Kaffe Fassett, Amy Butler, and many more—as well as unique fabric designed by local artists via custom fabric maker Spoonflower. If you want to learn how to sew or brush up on your skills, the store offers personalized sewing classes for children and adults. If you like to quilt this is your go to shop with quilting supplies and patterns.

Making handmade gifts for the holidays is a personal fave. The shop sells brilliant DIY kits with sewing patterns and fabric for making a variety of chic items from bags, to bibs, to head bands, to doll clothes, and much more. As you know, I like no-fuss crafts, so on a recent trip to Minneapolis my daughter and I bought several kits to make gifts that will only take a few hours or less to whip up.

Forty-plus local artists also sell their handmade goods in the shop, including stationery, custom fabric, unique sewing patterns, jewelry, children's clothing, natural soaps and candles, earth-friendly crayons made from soy and non-toxic mineral pigments, and cozy quilts and blankets that will be treasured and used for decades. 

Looking for DIY  inspiration and the latest news on this shop? Like shop on Facebook and follow it on Twitter and Pinterest.

 

Images: THE LINDEN TREE SHOP graphic by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin image on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

DIY: 19 Bags to Sew and Give as Gifts

I am always on the look out for gifts you can make. Designer Sue Kim has 19 easy projects with step-by-step directions in her book Bags—The Modern Classics: Clutches,Hobos,Satchels & More. The patterns are in the back of the book. 

You can check out a free tutorial—includes the sewing pattern—for the Glenda Clutch Purse here. Find out more about what inspires pattern designer and author Sue Kim here.

I can't decide between the eyeglass case, over-the shoulder purse, or the wristlet. And I do adore the sweet clutch too! Maybe I'll make them all. Now I'm off to the fabric store! 

NOTE: This is not a sponsored post. My book review is my honest opinion.

Images: The BAGS book review images are by me, Chris Olson, and feature the book Bags—The Modern Classics: Clutches, Hobos, Satchels & More by Sue Kim. Feel free to Pin it Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

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Pinterest Halloween {Party Food and Decorations}

Pinterest is a wonderful place to find Halloween treats! Check out some of my faves for party food and decorations below.

Sibylle, blogger at Funkytime, always has original ideas. Love her ombre twist on DIY pumpkins. 

Source: fun.kyti.me via Chris on Pinterest

 

Creating a pumpkin design freehand can be tricky—that why Chelsey at  The Paper Mama has a free printable you can use to make this dreamy Welcome pumpkin. Pumpkin is featured on BHG Style Spotters. 

Source: thepapermama.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Over at Nikkis' Nacs, I found this cute Herringbone Pumpkin.

Source: nikkisnacs.blogspot.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

Imagine a s'mores and apple combo. Yum. Country Living has a delicious recipe for Triple Dipped S'mores Apples.

Source: countryliving.com via Chris on Pinterest

 

 

DIY: Reinvention {Sewing with Rescued Materials}

If you are like me you probably have a box or two filled with scraps of fabric or gently worn clothing that you would like to re-purpose. The book Reinvention: Sewing with Rescued Materials by award-winning blogger Maya Donenfeld is a wonderful guide to working with recycled materials—linen, burlap, wool and more.

Reinventing everyday materials into extraordinary items is my fave. This practical and pretty guide—the photography is awesome—includes patterns as well as step by step directions for making 28 projects. It includes a detailed section on sewing basics and extras including printing on fabric techniques, stencilling and more. 

You can order it here or here. Looking for more inspiration, check out Maya's blog and see her make projects. And of course, follow @MayaDonenfeld on Twitter.

NOTE: This is not a sponsored post. My book review is my honest opinion.

Images: REINVENTION book review images are by me, Chris Olson, and feature the book Reinvention: Sewing with Rescued Materials by Maya Donenfeld. Feel free to Pin it Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

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Snug as a Bug {Knitting a Hoodie Popover for Baby}

Simple knitting projects are my fave and this cozy popover hoodie for babies is the sweetest! With a snuggly hood this popover is perfect for layering over a shirt or sweater and then you can layer the jacket on top. Imagine how easy it will be to get your babe dressed for going outside—and easy to get them undressed once you get indoors again!

The pattern and directions are from the clever Laura at The Purl Bee. Complete directions for the hoodie popover here. The pattern uses the softest yarns from the amazing store Purl Soho. 

IMAGE: The graphic above is by me, Chris Olson and features the photos by Laura at The Purl Bee.

Free Printable: Gift Tags {Vintage Fabric}

Do you heart vintage? Vintage fabric was my inspiration for these gift tag printables—free to download at the end of this post.

The downloadable PDF (see link below) contains 1 page that includes 6 tags—2 tags of each of the 3 designs shown above. 

Easy Handmade Gifts to Sew

Are you looking for inspiration for making gifts that you can sew in an afternoon or less? I am always on the look out for fuss-free sewing projects. And I like projects that are very forgiving—because I will probably make a few mistakes in the process. Above all, I want to have fun while sewing. 

Recently I shared in a post one of my favorite new sewing books by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut called Improv Sewing. Besides loads of lovely fashions to sew, this book is packed with pretty gifts to make. Here are just a few of the many projects in their book: little star mittens, a reversible belt, a simple jersey shawl, vintage hankie tissue case, blanket stitched armies.

BEADED CUFF

I am going to try the beaded cuff bracelet from the book this weekend. All it takes is a 5" x 8" scrap of fabric—I'm going to recycle some fabric from an old t-shirt. Plus you'll need 2 sets of pearl snaps, thread, seed beads, and a needle and thread. The project requires a sewing machine to zigzag stitch around the pre-folded bracelet.

In a nutshell, here's how: To form a finished edge, on both of the 8" sides, fold in 1/2" to the wrong side. Then press the folded edges. Now fold the fold the fabric in thirds—the finished cuff will be approximately 1-1/2" wide. Do a neat zigzag stitch close to the edges to form the bracelet. Then add the snaps and embellish with beads.

Easy peasy! Check back and see how my project turns out.

. . . . . . .

This is not a sponsored post. I am featuring this post because I love what these gals have created. 

CONNECT WITH DIY EXPERTS & AUTHORS NICOLE AND DEBRA

• The book blog Improv Diary
• On Facebook: Improv Sewing
• Nicole's blog: One Golden Apple
• Debra's blog: evergood workshop
• Nicole on Twitter @nicoleblum
• Debra on Twitter: @debraimmergut
• Book trailer (video): Watch the Improv Sewing book trailer here on YouTube.

Image: IMPROV SEWING image by me, Chris Olson, featuring pages from the book. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Here's another DIY post you might be interested in too:

DIY: Improv Sewing

 

 

DIY: 3 Steps to Create Ribbon Letters

If you like to scrapbook or add embellishments to note cards, then including styled hand lettering is a fun addition. One of the easiest lettering options to try is ribbon lettering. My mom first taught me the ribbon lettering technique when I was a kid. The OH HAPPY DAY letter art above started out just black and white, then I added the color. (I was was inspired by @jordanferney blog called OH HAPPY DAY.)

Want to try some lettering? First, don't worry about rules. Have fun! Play with letters, doodle a bit, and see what styles you like. The best part of ribbon lettering is you can make the letters as unique as you want. Plus you can try it with printing or cursive handwriting. Check out my tutorial below.

 

The graphic I created above gives the 3 basic steps to create each letter. One tip to make the lettering stand out is to make the foundation for each letter a bit wider than you normally write. The wider your letters, the more noticeable the ribbons will be. The narrower or tighter your letters, the smaller your ribbons will be.

When you get to step 3 above, you can draw the ribbon edge line on either the outside or the inside of each letter. If you draw the line on the outside of the edge of a letter you will need to add a little "bridge" to close the top and the bottom of the ribbon. Does that make sense? If you have any questions, just add them to the comment sections.

Have fun! And if you want, try this activity with your kids. That is how I learned to make interesting letters—with my mom. xo Chris O.

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Images: OH HAPPY DAY and 3 STEPS TO CREATE RIBBON LETTERS images are by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

 

DO YOU LIKE TO DO CRAFTS WITH YOUR KIDS?

You might be interested in the following "quiet time" craft activity to do with kids:

Fill in the Loop Doodles for Kids

DIY: Improv Sewing

Freestyle sewing has always interested me—especially when I want to create something quickly that really fits me. With 101 easy projects, the new sewing book by Nicole Blum and Debra Immergut, Improv Sewing, is the perfect addition a DIY library. 

The book's fast, fun, and fearless sewing projects include dresses, tunics, scarves, skirts, accessories, pillows, curtains, and more. Today's post features clothing projects. You can read more about creating decor items and gifts using the book in a future post. Be sure to watch the book trailer below for more inspiration.

CONNECT WITH NICOLE AND DEBRA

The book blog Improv Diary

On Facebook: Improv Sewing

Nicole's blog: One Golden Apple

Debra's blog: evergood workshop

Nicole on Twitter @nicoleblum

Debra on Twitter: @debraimmergut

BOOK TRAILER

Watch the Improv Sewing book trailer below or view it here on YouTube.

 

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Image: IMPROV SEWING image by me, Chris Olson, featuring pages from the book. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

 

DIY: Make It Sew Modern

If you like to sew and are looking for a book that adds texture to your sewing projects, then check out the new book Make It Sew Modern by the mother of four and craft diva Vanessa Christenson. In her patterns she uses ruffles, twisting, gathering, and pleats to make quilts, pillows, scarves, purses, bracelets, rings, and more.

Connect with Vanessa:

• on her blog V and Co.
• on Twitter @vchristenson
• on Instagram vchristenson
• on Facebook V and Co.

Image: MAKE IT SEW MODERN photo graphic above is by me, Chris Olson and features pages from Vanessa Christenson's book. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

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A few CRAFT BOOK REVIEWS by me:

DIY: 50 "Weekend Knitting" Projects

DIY: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps

DIY: Sewing Projects for a Handmade Weekend

DIY: Weekend Handmade

 

 

DIY: Sunshine Bead Necklace

DIY: Summer Crafts for Kids

Building Your Brand on Etsy

 

DIY: Summer Crafts for Kids

Spending time at the beach is always fun, but we all know having a few rainy day activities is a smart idea too. Here are a few of my faves. Just click on the link below each image for craft details.

1) GIANT CANVAS PAINTINGS

Source: warmhotchocolate.com via Julee on Pinterest

2) LIQUID SIDEWALK CHALK

Source: domesticcharm.blogspot.com via Design on Pinterest

A new twist on sidewalk art—make your own liquid sidewalk chalk!

3) VOTIVE CANDLES

Source: fellowfellow.com via Julee on Pinterest

This votive candle craft project below is great for older kids. Plus, I like the fact you can make the candle family-friendly and extra safe by using this votive with battery-operated tea lights.

 

4) FILL IN THE DOODLE LOOPS

 

Are you looking for a fun "quite time" craft activity to do with your kids that even works while sitting in church or while you wait for an appointment. All you need is a sheet of paper—almost any size works—and a few pens or markers. Try the doodle activity with step by step directions here. 

 

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Images:

• SEASIDE and DOODLE WITH KIDS images above by me, Chris Olson. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post.

• All of the kid craft ideas are Pinterest images—included with their sources below each image. Just click on the link for details.  

 

Free Printables: Happy Mother's Day Cards

Hello, friends. Mother's Day is almost here so I'm offering two free printable cards (and a printable A2 envelope) I designed. The cards feature photos by the talented D Sharon Pruitt. Link to download the printables below.

Looking for a last-minute card? Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free down loadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tape, and scissors. You can also embellish the card with glitter. Directions for assembling the card are on the PDF.

Link to the down loadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the card in the steps below.

DIY: Retro Fabric Patterns from Little Golden Books

I'm already dreaming of fun ways to use this adorable Poky Little Puppy fabric. I loved the Little Golden Book illustrations as a kid and now I can't wait to sew a pillow or a small tote featuring this pup! Perfect for a kid's room—or for grownups too!

Artists: Wall Art Design Challenge at UncommonGoods.com

 

Do you dream of selling your artwork at UncommonGoods? Now is the perfect time to enter your original artwork in a contest sponsored by UncommonGoods for a chance to produce a limited edition run of prints to be sold by UncommonGoods this summer.

GRAND PRIZE: $500 + 5% royalties on a limited edition of 100 prints

DEADLINE: April 26, 2012 at 11:59 PM

HOW IT WORKS: According to UncommonGoods: 

We'll pick our favorite entries to share with customers on our Community Voting App. Our guest judges will choose a winning design from among the top vote-getting entries. We'll announce the winner in May. Your art should tell a story, be intelligent, and show your creative individuality. Take a look at some of our other art for inspiration. We don't have a set aesthetic - we want to see yours.

QUESTIONS? UncommonGoods is an online retailer that specializes in handmade, eco-friendly and uniquely designed gifts and accessories. You can find out more about the mission of UncommonGoods.com here. Find the contest rules on this pdf. You can send an email to: art-contest@uncommongoods.com

(Diptic image above features the following artwork as seen on UncommonGoods: PLACES IN AMERICA WALL ART, SONGBIRD BOX PRINT, DO WHAT YOU WANT WALL ART, YOU SIMPLY GLOW WALL ART)

DIY: That's a Wrap

My favorite gift wrap often includes personalized embellishments. I wrapped this package for my daughter's birthday. I think the gold leaf letter K—her initial—is a nice contrast with the simple brown wrapping paper and twine.

How to do it:

• Wrap the gift in brown butcher block paper (available in a roll at office supply stores)

• Use twine as the gift wrap ribbon

• Add a personalized embellishment. In this gift wrap project, I wanted to use my daughter's first initial and I found a golden letter K that can be displayed in her room after the package is opened. A wide selection of letters can be found at craft stores.

Image above by  me, Chris Olson. 

Free Printable: Easter Bunny Gift Box

 

Hello, friends. Today I'm offering a free printable Easter gift box file for you to download. The digital PDF file includes one Easter pillow box designed by me and featuring a vintage card. Great for filling with candy or other surprises for an Easter basket. 

Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free downloadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tap, and scissors. You can also embellish the box with glitter. After I printed copies of the boxes at home, I added a hint of white glitter to the bunny ears. 

 Link to the downloadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the box in the steps below.

DIY: Sunshine Bead Necklace

My mouth waters when I walk into a bead store. So many bead options. So many amazing colors. My Sunshine Necklace bead project is easy to do if you enjoy mixing and matching 3 or more bead styles on your bead cord. I also included decorative beads such as a tabular beads to add some dimension and variety. Perhaps the best part about making this necklace is you can make up your own pattern. Anything goes! I suggest limiting the larger decorative bead to every 24th to 32nd bead. I like to use sterling silver findings—clasps, crimps, and jump rings—but you can use a less expensive type also. A silk bead cord with an attached "needle" makes beading a snap. Select a silk bead cord with the proper strength/weight for the beads you want to include and the length of the necklace. You can make the necklace a variety of lengths. I like to have the finished piece approximately 18" or if I want to loop it and make it a double necklace I will make it up to 32" long. Remember to allow for some extra silk cord due to the knots at the end and the cord you trim off. Also, the clasp and tab will add some length to the necklace.

See the supply list below. Let me know about your beading projects on Facebook or in the comments. Happy beading!

Images above by me, Chris Olson.  Feel free to pin this image tutorial on Pinterest as long as the pin links back to my blog post.

Building Your Brand on Etsy

How does Janell Anderson of Prunella Soap on ETSY make her shop stand out? Unique photos, lovely products, and pretty packaging are just a few reasons.

Having a shop with a clear brand message is the key to getting noticed and remembered. What are the core values of your shop? Once you know what your brand values are, you can explore the details of what makes your brand stand out from the rest. What is your brand style? According to Janell, Prunella Soap's brand style is minimalist, playful and good clean fun. Next consider the packaging and other materials—they should mirror the appearance of your brand.

Putting the message of your brand into words takes time and patience. If you can be a fearless editor and tweak the wording until you find the essence of your brand, then you will have the pitch to attract customers. 

Here is how she puts these core values and keywords into her Etsy shop description.

Prunella is vegan cold process soap made with organic ingredients in Portland, Oregon. It is made utilizing the old-fashioned method of soap making and cures for a minimum of four weeks from the time it is made until it’s available for sale. Eco-friendly, super sudsy and wonderful for your skin!

Perfect phrasing, don't you think? Learn how she did it, and how you can do it in this short ETSY video. Also, check out the FREE Etsy Success Symposium: Get Found today, Friday, March 30th.

Image above by me, Chris Olson. Photo from Prunella Soap video on ETSY.

Lovely Links: Lemonade, Chalk Lettering, and Zooey

 



Hope you are having an AMAZING and lovely spring weekend. Sunny and warmer here makes me think spring is almost here. 

Lovely links:

• Just in time for spring and Mother's Day, the "Lemonade Roses" fine art print above at Etsy.

• Perfect musical pairing with a tall glass of lemonade, listen to the music of Zooey Deschanel (She & Him) and similar artists on Pandora Radio

• Lemonade and sidewalk chalk is a warm weather fave. If you like the chalk lettering you will enjoy the WSJ.com interview with Dana Tanamachi. Check out the WSJ video below.

 Lemonade Rose image by Luna Blue Studio on Etsy.

DIY: 50 "Weekend Knitting" Projects

Melanie Falick's lovely knitting book will keep you busy and inspired for many weekends.

Knitting is therapeutic in so many ways. I love to keep busy with my hands doing a handmade project while watching TV or sitting outside watching my kids and dogs play. Picking out new yarn colors and textures that will go together for a specific knitting a pattern is a fun twist on picking out a paint colors for my illustration and design work.

Quick knitting projects always appeal to me and author Melanie Falick and photographer Ericka McConnell have assembled beautiful book with both easy-to-do as well as some more challenging projects in Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas. The book also includes a sweet selection of favorite weekend recipes and even movies that feature knitting.

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Image: WEEKEND KNITTING PROJECT graphic is by me, Chris Olson featuring photos from Weekend Knitting. Feel free to Pin them on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks! 

Other handmade craft posts you might enjoy: 

DIY: Make It Sew Modern

35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps

Sewing Projects for a Handmade Weekend

Feed your creative soul with the craft book Weekend Handmade

DIY: Sewing Projects for a Handmade Weekend

Designer and blogger Heather Ross includes a variety of lovely "weekend" sewing projects for you, your kids, and your home in her book Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching. Some projects will only take a couple of hours to make, others are a bit more lengthy. Her pullout patterns in the back of the book make this book very sew-friendly! The step-by-step illustrations for how to sew the projects are adorable and useful. She even includes a handy "Sewing Basics" section and a comprehensive resources section.

If you like to sew for little ones, Ross dedicates an entire section to sewing for kids--including  Ruby's Bloomers, Smocked Sundress, Kai's Shirt, Patchwork-Trimmed Baby Blanket, Huck Finn Pants, Flower Girl Dress, and Lucy's Kimono. 

Here is a sampling of a few more of her sewing projects to make home decor and clothing for adults: Everything Tote, Fat Quarter Napkins, Guest-Room Slippers, Weekend-Away Travel Bag, Quick Garden Gloves, All-Weekend Sundress, Town Bag, Summer Blouse, Pajamas For Everyone, and a Kimono Dress. You can download her Quick Garden Gloves Pattern on her blog here. And you can follow Ross on Twitter here: @HRossTweets. If you want to attend one of her workshops, here's the link.

Time for me to return to my sewing machine. But first, maybe I need to whip up her recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream with Vermont Maple Syrup. Hope you are inspired to sew too. 

 

Free Printable Gift Tags: English and French Sayings

Hello, friends. Handmade tags are wonderful to have on hand to attach to a gift so today I'm offering a free printable gift tag file for you to download. The digital PDF file includes 9 designs I created. Great for packaged gifts--and several tags with a L-O-V-E theme are perfect for Valentines. The 3" x 2" tags include the following sayings in a versatile graphite hue font: happy birthday, cheers, to, and I love you. Plus these sayings in French:  bonjour, je t'aime, and l'amour. The Valentine-y tags also have light pink hearts. The back side of the tags is left blank for you to write on.

All you need is the PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, a printer, hole punch. To attach the tags to a gift use ribbon, yarn, or twine. You can also embellish the cards with glitter. I added a hint of pink glitter to the hearts after I printed them.

Here is a link to the PDF file that you may download and print. Please use these for personal use only. Thanks!

DIY: Handmade Heart Pin

Create my handmade heart pin to add some Valentine bling. Or attach the heart to a postcard. For this easy craft I use felt as the heart structure and add embellishments using embroidery thread, beads, more felt hearts, sequins, and even recycled jewelry. The dark pink heart uses medium-size pearl beads from a favorite bracelet that unfortunately broke one day. Instead of throwing away all those adorable beads I add a few here and there to craft projects. Easy peasy! See the complete directions below.

Step-by-step directions below.

Feed your creative soul with the craft book Weekend Handmade

Turn your weekend into a creative weekend with a copy of Weekend Handmade featuring more than 40 projects and ideas for inspired living. Written by Kelly Wilkinson of the popular Make grow gather blog, the book includes an eclectic mix of projects in three sections: "Make offers projects to wear or decorate with; Grow presents projects inspired by gardens, fields, and farmers markets; and Gather spotlights projects that enrich casual get-togethers." You can find out how to make Kelly's Pressed Floral Luminaria project below.

What I like about this book:

• variety of craft skills covering paper crafts, sewing, gardening/outdoors
• each project includes step-by-step directions illustrated with splendid photos and line drawings
• can be completed in a few hours or over the course of a weekend
• unique "weekend" project ideas make this perfect book for both the experienced crafter and newbies
• useful resource section at the end of the book

Here are a few of my favorite page spreads from the book: 

Winter Blossom Cowl

Adas Story Box

Botanical Note Cards

Bohemian Necklace

DIY Gift: Rose and Grapefruit Oil Bath Salts

 

Looking for a fun gift to give your mom, sister or a friend on Valentines? Give the gift of pampering with this easy DIY gift you can make at home.  I have several recipes for bath salts, but I like this one best from Martha Stewart's magazine Whole Living. Stewart got the recipe from Bettijo Hirschi, founder of Bath by Bettijo. I also like the bath salt and shower scrub recipe by Kelly Wilkinson in her book I reviewed. (In Kelly's book she also shows you how to make a lovely label for the bath salts jar.)

The recipe below is similar to Martha's recipe, I made some changes to make it easy for you to whip up a batch with your kids helping. Also, remember some bath salts can irritate young children's skin, so this is not to be used in a child's bath.

Rose and Grapefruit Oil Bath Salts

Ingredients to make approximate 2-3 jars of bath salts:

• 4 cups sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 1 cup Epsom salts
• 1 cup baking soda (optional)
• 3/4 cup dried rose--or calendula, citrus rinds
• 2-3 drops soap coloring (optional)
• 3/4 tsp. grapefruit essential oil--or bergamot oil
• 2 or 3 air-tight jars like a mason jar to hold bath salts and labels or tags

(Note: This recipe makes a large amount. If you want to make a smaller amount, just divide this recipe in half)

Directions

1. Combine the dry ingredients: sea salt, epsom salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl or a large ziplock baggie. 

NOTE: If you are doing this with kids, try mixing it up in a large ziplock baggie. Seal it tightly! And knead it.

2. Add essential oils (This is the fun part--pick the scents you like best!).

3. Add petals or citrus.

4. Let the mixture rest. After it rests for an hour or two, check to see if the scent is what you wanted. If you want to add scent, only add ONE drop at a time, then let it rest and check it again.

5. Divide the mixture into air-tight jars. Attach a label

How to use the bath salts: Just add one or three spoonfuls to the bath.

Just Add Glitter (Video)

I love glitter. More is better. Can you ever have too much of it? Glitter generally makes people happy. Some of my favorite blogs talk a great deal about glittery things--The Pretty Blog on Pinterest, Design is mine, Rue, Design Mom, {frolic!}, sfgirlbybay, and The Etsy Blog.

So where does glitter come from? Here's a short sparkling video from my friends at Etsy via the amazing Retronaut .

All That Glitters: The History of Shiny Things from Etsy on Vimeo.

Valentine-y things for you

 

Valentine's Day has always been one of my faves, so it isn't surprising I keep adding new heart-worthy Etsy items to my Salt and Paper Designs  shop.

I love printables. Here are just a few of mine for Valentines:

Pink Flower Printable Gift Box 

Eiffel Tower Printable Gift Box

Valentine Yorkie Set "Be Mine" and "Hello Love"

Valentine Yorkie printable envelope

Minty Heart Valentine Postcard with Envelope at LunaBlueStudio

Weekend Inspiration

Happy Friday! Hope you had a great week. Now it's time to kick back and enjoy a long weekend. What are you going to do for fun? I will be busy with my kids. Hope to sneak in some window shopping in between errands. And I will be giving one of my dogs some extra TLC since she is recovering from surgery. (We are counting down the days until her cast comes off!)

Before the weekend zips by, take a few moments to pamper yourself too. Remember, friend, you are BEAUTIFUL!

A few things:
The amazing homeless lab mix Oscar that I wrote about recently may have a new home soon. Cross your fingers. I will keep you updated. Special mommy hugs to everyone who spread the word about this dog.

As you know I have two shops on Etsy, LunaBlueStudio and SaltandPaperDesigns. I just added a new printable note card set with my cheery cat illustration. You can check it out on Etsy here.

Note about the photo at the top of this post: I have always admired the flower boxes at this Minneapolis shop. Recently I decided to do some window "redecorating" with a special message just for you. (This photo illustration is by me, Chris Olson.) 

 

DIY: Knit Your Own Dog

Combine a love of knitting and dogs and who can resist this craft book: Knit Your Own Dog. Authors Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne transform yarn into pedigree pooches in 25 easy-to-follow knitting patterns.

Here are just a few of the 25 dogs included: Afghan Hound, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Portuguese Water Hound (Hello, Bo Obama), Pug, Corgi, and Lab.

Perfect for dog lovers, this user-friendly craft book also includes sections on knitting hints and methods. Thanks to the editors at the Guardian.co.uk, the link to the pattern for the Jack Russell Terrier is here.

You can find the book here:

• Amazon.com: Knit Your Own Dog
• BARNES & NOBLE: Knit Your Own Dog
• Best in Show: Knit Your Own Dog
• Guardian bookshop: Knit Your Own Dog

Photos: Knit Your Own Dog.

DIY: Epsom Salt Snow Candles

After such a mild start to January, I am ready for some snow! I am hoping the storm this weekend brings a layer of the white stuff. Even if it doesn't snow, this sparkly DIY candle craft will create a shimmery winter mood in your home.

Espom Salt Snow Candle

Supplies: 

• Epsom salt
• Modge Podge
• Pillar candles--any color works, I like white or a light creamy color
• Shallow baking pan or a similar pan with edges

Directions:

1) Pour a layer of epsom salt into a shallow baking pan.

2) Use a sponge brush to coat the side of a candle with Modge Podge.

3) Before the Modge Podge dries, quickly roll the candle in the epsom salt to create a light snowy layer on your candle.

4) Let candle with snowy coating dry completely before using the candle.

5) To help the candle burn evenly, place the candle in a cylinder vase suitable for candles.

(Photo by me, Chris Olson.)

DIY: Free Vintage Santa Pillow Box Printable

Hello Friends! Hope you are having a nice Monday. I created a little Christmas DIY gift for you. Just click on this PDF link to download my Vintage Santa pillow box printable. Directions for assembly in the steps below.

DIY: Amethyst & Pearl Earrings

 

One of my favorite parts of making my own jewelry is recycling cool pieces from broken or vintage jewelry. I love the polished amethyst stones from a necklace combined with the creamy pearls off a bracelet.

Supplies:

• small round nose pliers
• small flush wire cutters
• ruler
• chain segments (pick a size you like on existing jewelry)
• silver headpins
• silver earring hooks
• recycled pieces from old jewelry: pearls, semiprecious stones

 Photo by me, Chris Olson

DIY: Vintage holiday ornament tutorial

Brrrrr! The snow is falling and even though the calendar says October it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas outside. Blame the snowflakes on my holiday craft mood. I found a sweet vintage Christmas ornament tutorial by Julia Stainton. Love the fact the project uses Studio Multi-Medium Gloss and Studio Artist Brushes by my art instructor and DIY guru Claudine Hellmuth. Check out the vintage ornament tutorial here.

It's So Etsy: "Let It Snow" embroidery

 

We are expecting a big snowstorm this week and it is not even Halloween yet. So when I saw this cute embroidered "Let It Snow" wall decor by Danielle on Etsy I had to share it with you. 

You can find more embroidered hoop wall art, initial necklaces and more at her online shop The Merriweather Council.

"Let It Snow" details:

• "Let it snow" hand stitched in an icy light blue cotton floss on creamy white cotton fabric
• stretched in a 5 inch wooden embroidery hoop
• $40

I also adore Danielle's "This Is My Happy Place" embroidered hoop wall art (see below).

Photos: via Danielle's shop on Etsy,  merriweathercouncil

Crafts: Do you miss Mary Engelbriet's HOME COMPANION magazine?

I am a huge fan of Mary Engelbreit and I cried three years ago when I heard publication of her HOME COMPANION magazine was ending.

If you want to her to bring back the magazine, check out this Mary Engelbreit link. Here's the scoop from her website:

It’s still a very risky business to put a magazine out in these tough economic times, so to convince a publisher and advertisers that this would indeed be a worthy endeavor, we need you to write in and tell us why you’d like to subscribe to the magazine again.  A petition, if you will.  Because if we can show that a gajillion people want the Home Companion, need the Home Companion, will BUY the Home Companion– we will have a better chance of success.

Do you miss the magazine? Vote today!

DIY: Letterpress art you create using an iPad app

Letterpress is an art I both admire and fear as an artist. Letterpress is the oldest form of printing. Think Gutenberg printing back in 15th century. In a very general summary, this process produces a print by inking a surface with raised letters and then presses this to a printing substrate to reproduce an image in reverse. 

   

Creating letterpress artwork takes loads of practice with more than your average amount of artistic intuition. Now a virtual letterpress version via the iTunes store is avaialable with the LetterMPress iPad app ($5.99) and a Mac version ($9.99). 

Summer collage

 

 

Summer is the perfect time to try something new and get creative. So this month I am testing out collages in an online class taught by the fabulous instructor Claudine Hellmuth at Big Picture Classes. The boating collage above is my first attempt. Lotsa fun!

Art: by me, Chris Olson

Jersey knit bracelet–a cool craft for you and your kids via V and Co.

 

via www.vanessachristenson.com

Vanessa Christenson has a knack for finding the chic and hip new styles and turning them into DIY projects. L-O-V-E her blog V and Co.

You can find the complete directions with helpful photos for creating the jersey knit bracelet on her blog V and Co how to: jersey knit bracelet.

Looking for more crafty ideas? Soon you can find more of Vanessa's work in a lovely book that will be available in June: Fresh Fabric Treats: 16 Yummy Projects to Sew from Jelly Rolls, Layer Cakes & More with Your Favorite Moda Bake Shop Designers.

Like V and Co. on Facebook.

Follow vanessa christenson (vchristenson) on Twitter.

Indulge in some retail therapy at Vanessa's shop: V and Co the shop.

 

Photos: via www.vanessachristenson.com

Knit a baby cap, help a newborn with Save the Children

Gabrielle over at DesignMom.com brought to my attention the very cool baby cap knitting project organized by Save the Children. According to the organization:

In many developing countries, something as simple as a knit or crocheted cap can help the baby keep warm, which is key to helping newborns survive.

Save the Children is looking for volunteer knitters. Directions for knitting the caps at this link. Caps you knit will be sent to Save the Children’s newborn health programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

 

 

It's so Etsy: Down2Earth handmade jewelry

   

I have two relatives with birthdays coming up and I'm thinking of buying them each a piece of hand-hammered and hand-stamped jewelry created by Michell Mathis, an Etsy artist and mother of two. The handmade jewelry is available at down2earthjewelry at Etsy. All jewelry is made of natural and vintage materials and gift packaged in an earthy brown box made of 100% recycled materials.

For more beautiful handmade items at Etsy, check out Momathon's Etsy faves.

Photo above is a screenshot of the Mathis online Etsy store, down2earthjewelry. Sending a special shout out to my best bud and a craft guru, Kathy, who introduced me to this jewelry. 

It's So Etsy: Honey Drop Earrings

 

These honey drop earrings look delish! Etsy jewlelry designer Nanette Bevan says it best: my earrings "look as though amber honey is slipping off a spoon, just catching the light." 

The handmade glass drops measure 30 x 10 mm. The entire earring from the arc of the sterling ear wire to the bottom of the luscious drop measures 47 mm. $28. Bevan has more delectible earrings and other jewelry in her Etsy shop.

 

 

Bevan is a member of the Creative Glass Guild of Etsy (CGGE) www.cgge.org. For more about her jewelry visit her blog: Nanette Bevan. 

For more of my handmade favorites, check out Momathon loves Etsy.

DIY: Homemade sugar bliss lip scrub

 

Feeling a bit flaky? I know the feeling. In the morning when I put on layer after layer of my favorite cotton candy gloss, sometimes the flakiness won't go away. 

If you are longing for the days when your lips felt soft and smooth, then try this homemade lip scrub to make your lips ultra kissable. The sugar in the recipe exfoliates and softens your lips and the Vaseline moisturizes and soothes your lips. 

Sugar Bliss Lip Scrub:

• Moisturize your lips generously with Vaseline or generic petroleum jelly.
• Add a tsp. of sugar into a small bowl.
• Lightly moisten your finger in water and dip it into the sugar.
• Apply sugar to both the upper and lower lips with your finger.
• Gently rub the sugar into the Vaseline for about 30 seconds in a circular motion and you will remove the dry, flaky skin.
• Rinse off your lips with warm (not cold) water.
• Dry off your lips and add your favorite lip gloss or lipstick.

(Lip photo by Apdk on Flickr)

I also posted this DIY lip scrub recipe in April.

For more recipes, click on Momathon recipes.

I also posted this DIY lip scrub recipe in April.

For more recipes, click on Momathon recipes.

It's so Etsy: Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake

A twist on the "Keep Calm and Carry On" World War II poster from England. 

 

Keep Calm and Eat a Cupcake necklace pendant from repurposed Scrabble tiles (3/4") is available at PrettyWhimsical on Etsy. $6.95

Can you really make money on ETSY?

I frequently post about some of my favorite Etsy.com artists and their handmade products. I have a small store on Etsy also. So far, my Etsy experience has been fun, but not very profitable. My other work projects end up taking most of my time and my Luna Blue Studio projects on Etsy do not get the marketing/networking push from me that they deserve. My store is down to only 4 items. After I read Inc. Magazine's article, How to Make Money on Etsy, I realize I definitely need to make some changes.

According to Inc., handmade arts and crafts is growing in popularity. Artists need to invest time and energy to get noticed: "It takes a village to build a business, and that's especially true online."

If an artist wants to get noticed on Etsy, she needs to think of her online store as window shopping for the products--in order to catch a shopper's attention, artists need to make sure product photos and descriptions are top notch. Also, the name you give each item is so important because it is the key to getting noticed and shorter titles are better than longer. Remember to make the tags relevant--the tags help potential buyers find you in a search. Keeping new items coming into your store is key to getting noticed because the most recently listed items show up in search results first.

For more tips, check out the Inc. article: How to Make Money on Etsy.