Momathon Blog

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!

DIY: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps

If you're like me, then you probably have a box or two (or three!) of fabric scraps you wish you could use in handmade projects because you love them so! PortabelloPixie blogger and fabric designer Sandi Henderson comes to the rescue with her book Sewing Bits and Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps. The book includes chapters with projects for the kitchen, bed and bath, children, party, crafts, and adults. My favorite projects are the party lights using fabric scraps with lantern lights, the Mary Jane slippers, and the tattered rose headband.

Images: Sewing Bits and Pieces: 35 Projects Using Fabric Scraps.

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

Creative kickstart

Inspiration for my illustration and design projects comes in many forms. Before I go to my studio each morning, I check in on my favorite blogs and see what they are talking about.



Victoria over at the blog sfgirlbybay always features something interesting--photos, artwork, interviews, or reviews--to get the creative juices flowing. 

And sometimes the luscious imagery makes me hungry...

Anthology Magazine featured on sfgirlbybay.

 

Found this lovely wallpaper by illustrator Julia Rothman on sfgirlbybay. I adore the wallpaper's rich colors and the heavenly drawings of birds in the clouds. The wallpaper is also featured on grain edit and includes Victoria's interview with Julia.



Julia's new collaborative book The Exquisite Book is on my wish list.

(photos via sfgirlbybay and grain edit)

via my style blog Luna Blue Studio: Creative kickstart

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)

The gremlin dolls are coming

 

Handmade plush gremlins made out of recycled fabrics will be available at my Etsy store starting in May. The image above is a sketch of one of my favorite gremlins--my Three-Eyed Bex.

Gremlin dolls are mutant plush dolls with any number of funky button eyes, some big white teeth or fangs, and crazy yarn hair. In the gremlin doll world, the crazier, the better. Just don't call them ugly!

Make your own gremlin dolls--just don't call them ugly

Gremlin dolls are mutant plush dolls with any number of funky button eyes, some big white teeth or fangs, and crazy yarn hair. In the gremlin doll world, the crazier, the better. 

 

  (Photo of Jeero by Walknboston: 
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkn/)

The popular Uglydolls like Jeero featured above started the trend to adopt the craziest doll possible.

Make your own gremlin doll

On their blog, Rosie and Anna show how to make their own version of these crazy creatures they call Chelsea Dolls. In their video below they take you step-by-step through this easy sewing project. On their website they include complete sewing instructions plus a PDF pattern for the doll.

In a future post I'll share some of my gremlin doll creations. My favorites are the "ugly" gremlin royalty--Queen Bex and King Lexi.

It's so Etsy: Baby teddy bear ear hat for newborn

Baby photographers get your cameras ready! This olive green beanie hat with teddy bear ears and ear flaps is hand knit by KnittedByNanny on Etsy. Knit with Australian wool with mohair trim. $25.00

Love this book: One-yard wonders

If you like to sew--no matter your ability level--this book is for you. Filled with 101 quick sewing projects that only need one yard of material.

 

The book written by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins includes easy directions with patterns and full color photos to help you complete your project in an afternoon. Projects include apparel, plush toys, bags, pet beds, baby items, home decor items, and more.

Shop, Look, + Learn Art

The studio/shop Collage Collage just opened in Vancouver. This inspiring place is an art destination designed for kids that adults love too. Definitely on my to-do list next time I visit Vancouver. Owner Erin Bonnifero teaches art classes for kids and hosts crafty birthday parties. Based on the photos and descriptions I think the store is geared toward younger kids and elementary age students. Store features cool art supplies that you can try out. Be prepared to get messy. Plenty of gift items for crafty kids including hand made toys, books, music and more. 

 

(image by Collage Collage)

DIY: Sew fabric storage baskets

I am fixing up my work/craft room so I was excited to find an easy DIY pattern for making storage baskets by jcaroline creative. I love the Peapod and Flora fabric too. Sewing directions for a small and large basket here.

 

(image: jcaroline creative)