Momathon Blog

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.

It's So Etsy: Handmade Holiday II

Add  a vintage touch to your mantle or on a coffee table with this magical winterland scene by Julie at her JoyfulStudio shop on Etsy. The woodland winterland scene in a vintage Ball glass jar features a deer, pine tree, with snow, and 3 hanging stars that glow in the dark. 

These red felted wool slippers are more than comfortable. The felted slippers  are handmade by Ilona at her Etsy shop Kadabros. Looking for an another style or color? Check out the lovely selection of slippers in many colors and styles a Ilona's shop.

Antique brass and sunflower yellow Swarovski rivoli crystal earrings are handmade by Erin at her Etsy shop OstaraMoonJewelry.

IMAGES via JoyfulStudio, Kadabros, OstaraMoonJewelry.

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!

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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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

 

 

It's So Etsy: Kitty Karma

 

Kitty Karma is the theme of my It's So Etsy picks this week:

1) Safe Plants for Kitty Cats Archival art print by Rebekka Seale, $30

2) Cat Collars with Bow Tie or Flower by LearnedStitchworks, $18

3) Cat Bed Cat Cave Cat House Felted Wool by LoveCatCaves, £36.50 GBP, Approx. $59 USD

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Graphic above created by me and featuring photos via 1) Rebekka Seale, 2) LearnedStitchworks, 3) LoveCatCaves.

It's So Etsy: "Love You More" Nursery Print

Are you creating a nursery? One sweet way to personalize your child's room is to add handcrafted wall art. I love the artwork by Sarah Jane Studios on Etsy and her adorable Love You More print would make a wonderful addition to a little girl's room. 

Sarah Jane is a mother of three small children, and as she says at her Etsy shop:

It always starts with a sweet "I Love You!" and it ends up turning into an "I love you more!" 

"Love You More" details:

• Art print created from a hand drawn & digitally colored original illustration 
• Giclée prints are archival printed on museum quality archival paper
• Ships flat in a protective sleeve within 3-5 days of payment
• Printed locally in the USA
• 8x10 print, $26
• Also available in 11x14” & 16x20” and as a poster print in 18x24”
• For other sizes & pricing go to www.sarahjanestudios.com

Follow Sarah Jane Studio updates on Twitter and Facebook. Check out her blog here.

 

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Image: Graphics above by me, Chris Olson featuring the "Love You More" print by SarahJaneStudios on Etsy. Feel free to Pin it on Pinterest with a link back to this post. Thanks!

 

It's So Etsy: Hand Embroidered Clutch

I heart all things handmade. This Etsy find, Love Bird clutch with hand painting, would make a cute Mother's Day gift. You can find more of my Etsy favorites here.

Details:

• Clutch with hand embroidered "You & Me" on grey wool fabric. 
• Handmade by Sylvia Lee in Shanghai and sold via her Etsy shop iFashionLady.
• Dimensions: 5.5"×3.54"×2.55"
• Perfect for day or night—just the right size to hold makeup for a date night, or an iPhone, small camera, cell phone, etc.
• Detachable and inner hide-able bronze chain--47" chain makes it long enough to wear it over shoulder.
• Lined purse with a floral Bali gold cotton fabric
• $34.99 at her Etsy shop.
• Check out her other purses in a variety of colors and designs here.

Image by Chris Olson with photo via Sylvia Lee's shop iFashionLady.

 

It's So Etsy: Pastel Flowers Print Is My Fresh Pick for Mother's Day

Bree Madden's photography makes me want to jump on Travelocity and book a trip to the coast. She captures scenes I love—the ocean, beaches, flowers, and birds—in the softest pastels that make me smile. I think her photos would make the perfect Mother's Day gift. You can  find her amazing photography on Etsy at Maddenphotography. You can find Bree on Twitter here.  

The Pastel Flower print featured above is a signed 8x10 print by Bree (also available in a variety of other sizes) and sells on Etsy for $25.

Find more of my posts about lovely Etsy items here.

You can find my free Mother's Day gift box PRINTABLE here.

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

Sweet things: Handmade cards that build confidence and pride

Spread a little love with these handmade cards created by adults with intellectual disabilities. 

The card featured above is one of a series of designs featuring a unique paper folding design that adds texture and color. Many of the  cards feature a silhouette of a variety of dog breeds and cats. I especially love the doxie card above as well as the poodle designs. The cards are made by a super talented group of adults at Chrestomathy , an organization that specializes in creatively providing work opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

If you are interested in the cards, email Kara Townsend, the vocational coordinator at Chrestomathy. 

 

It's So Etsy: Halloween Banner

This cute and spooky hand-painted burlap banner is guaranteed to add plenty of sparkle to your Halloween decor. Created by Brandy and available for $16.99 at her Etsy store baybeedahlboutique. Her store includes more banners. I also love the banner that says "Halloween." Perfect to hang on a front porch or across a dining room for a party!

Notes:

• Designer orange and black fine glitter spell the word "Spooky."
• Burlap is treated to prevent fraying edges and sewn onto natural jute twine.
• Banner can be used for many years as glitter is also treated to prevent sparkle loss.
• Individual burlap pennants measure 10 inches tall and 7 inches wide.
• "Spooky" portion measures 46 inches.
• Total banner length measuring over 9 feet long.

Photo: baybeedahlboutique

The first step is believing in yourself

No sock toys were harmed in the creation of this blog post.

Actors: Chuck, the sock toy

Art direction: Chris Olson at Luna Blue Studios, 2010.

(Blog post via my style blog, LunaBlue Studio)

Cooking with Kids: Pizza Lollipops

Is it possible to combine two of my favoriet things--lollipops and pizza?

Meaghan Montford, The decorated cookie blogger, loves tiny versions of things. And she can almost always think of a clever way to add a lollipop stick to an edible craft. (She also writes the Edible Crafts blog.)

Recipe:
In her pizza pops post Meaghan tells you exactly how to make your own Pizza Lollipops at home. And if you are really adventurous you can make a lollipop calzone too! Too cool.

I think making a half a dozen of the cute pops would make a clever gift idea.

(Photo: the decorated cookie blog.)

 

It's so Etsy: luxurious handsewn leather totes

Gorgeous leather totes by Etsy artist Joanna at her shop cecil and edith. You can read more about Joanna at her blog stardustshoes.

 

 

Hand sewn Sunday Best red leather tote. Price $260.

Sunday Best tote facts:

• Lined with linen. 
• Reinforced in all the right places. 
• Antique brass hardware w/ snap closure. 
• Dimensions:11" x 14" x 2.5"
• Strap drop: 12"
• Outer pocket: 6" x 6"
• Inner pocket: 5" x 4"

 

 

The Emma Tote in cactus green distressed leather by Joanna is both luxurious and utilitarian. According to her website, the tote is "great for holding in your hand, in the crook of your arm, or thrown over your shoulder." This lovely green bag has already been sold.  I  hope she makes more!  

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

 

 

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: Angel Kiss Organic Coffee

 

 

Perfect for iced coffees or hot in a mug, Angel Kiss organic coffee is a delicious mix of caramel pecan, butter rum, vanilla notes and a touch of cinnamon. Coffee orders are available ground or whole bean. Perfect for gift giving. You can even add a custom label. Each order comes with a simple recipe for making your own Lattes at home too. $11.45

Angel Kiss flavored coffee beans available at katherynmd's online store at Etsy.com--your place to buy and sell all things handmade.

Don't read this if you are hungry...

Last week at the BlogHer 10 conference in NYC, 2,400 bloggers/attendees gathered to discuss all things blogging and, of course, to have fun. I was delighted to meet blogger and artist Carol Gillott who creates the lovely blog Paris Breakfasts. 

 

Carol's blog is filled with her whimsical watercolors and mouth-watering photos of French pastries, bakeries, cafes, and many more decadent treats. 

"Macaroons, jam jars, cafe cups--reflections 

of everyday life in Paris"

-- Carol Gillott on Etsy

You can find more of Carol's watercolors at 

• Paris Breakfast on Etsy
• Paris Breakfast on Flickr
• Paris Breakfast on Zazzle

I'm sending special mommy hugs to Carol for her inspirational conference presentation and her yummy blog. Thanks for sharing your talents at BlogHer 10.

At the BlogHer conference Carol mentioned she isn't on Twitter or Facebook yet, but I am going to convince her to join us :)

(Photo above is a screen shot of her Paris Breakfasts blog.)

It's so Etsy: Pink sunhats for babies and toddlers

Looking for the perfect baby shower gift? Check out the handmade hats and bows and more at the Etsy.com store TinyTotsBows.

A mother of two in Wisconsin designs these adorable hats and bows. One of my personal faves is the Hot Pink Sunhat with Interchangeable Zebra Gerbera, $22.95. This hat set is available in a variety of sizes: infant (0-6+months) and toddler (6-18+months).

According to her Etsy store: 

"This sunhat is made of special water resistant UV fabric (50+ UPF) with an extra wide brim to provide excellent sun protection! It is adjustable to achieve the perfect fit and has a chin strap, so it can't be pulled off. Attached to the hat is an interchangeable strip, so all bows and flowers can be attached to create a custom look to match any outfit!"

(Photo above from the TinyTotsBows online store; photography by www.siribenrudphotography.com)

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.

 
 

DIY no-sew tutu by Gabrielle @ DesignMom.com

Yep, I admit my weakness. I am obsessed with craft projects and anything with loads of fluffy tulle. 

 

Gabrielle offers step-by-step directions and great photos showing how to make this no-sew tutu on her blog Design Mom. Perfect DIY gift to make for kids. Love the fact you can adjust the length of the tutu pattern easily.

(Tutu Photo: Design Mom blog)

It's so Etsy: Sweet tutus for little girls

 

 

Love this sweet and fluffy cotton candy tutu available at Simply Sweet Shoppe at Etsy.com. A variety of sizes available--newborn to 5 year-old sizes. Matching hats and headbands available too. (Tutu, $30)

(Image: Cotton Candy Tutu Aqua by SimplySweetShoppe)