It’s hard to believe that it is almost Easter!  We are still getting snow in the midwest, so it makes it even harder to imagine we are almost into spring.  I made this jelly bean topiary last year, but made a few grand mistakes.  It is a super easy project, so it has nothing to do with skill level.  I had a great idea that I would have my then four year old twin boys help.  Hot glue and four year olds is just not a good idea.  The project ended in tears and frustration.

This year, I let them help a little.  They got to pick out the jelly bean color and hand it to me to hot glue.  One year wiser.

Let’s get started…

SUPPLIES:

• foam topiary or foam ball
• hot glue gun
• jelly beans (~ 3 packs to make two)
• ribbon
• floral tape (optional)
• small vase
• floral moss

The small flower pots were purchased at Hobby Lobby and my boys helped with the painting.  I limited their paint colors to a light blue and light green.  Left up to them, it would most likely come out looking like mud swirls.  I found the foam topiary at our Wal-Mart in the craft section.  They also have them at Hobby Lobby.

Pretty easy here…hot glue the jelly bean onto the foam top.  I told you it was easy.  The one on the right, I started in the center making rows.  The one on the left, I started at the top and did them a bit more freely.  I’m not sure it made a big difference which way you choose.

Wrap the base with the floral tape or leave the stem natural colored.

Cut a small strip of ribbon and hot glue it onto the stem.  I am horrible at bows (thank goodness I have boys), so I opted for the simple cross over.  Snip the end to give a tailored look.

Hot glue the moss on top to cover the foam bottom.

Go on now, give yourself a pat on the back.  And, in my case, celebrate that no one left this year in tears.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I will help you out.  Happy Easter!

I love projects that are pretty easy to put together when it comes to my boys.  I think my type-A personality can take over wanting the end project to be perfect, so I often forget to take a deep breath and let them create.  I usually look for ideas that will not cause me to have a coronary in the process and instead allow me to spend quality time with them.

This project did just that…they were creative, mom was calm.  We picked up a couple little totes from Hobby Lobby along with a bottle of puffy paint and fabric crayons.

That’s it…provide a space to work on and let ‘em go.

We had a lot of luck with the Pentel Fabric Fun crayons.  Goes on very easy.

The boys had so much fun decorating their bags…and it was stress free for mom.  That is a win-win.

Have you tried it?  It is AMAZING!  The colors are gorgeous, the prep is easy and it makes anything look vintage.

We each brought a project to work on during the class as we learned how to use the paint.  I brought this small wall cabinet with a chalkboard front.  It is a great piece, but I’ve never loved the oak finish.

I picked the kitchen scale color and love the way it turned out.

And now on to how to use a skip-it.  We had this cutie as our teacher.  With a little reminder that I do have rhythm and it is okay to act like a kid in public, I was on my way to the skip-it profession.

This is totally normal, right?

I can’t wait to do more projects using milk paint (and keep my skip-it skills sharp).  Have you used milk paint?

Picking Your Curtain Style:

Start out by deciding what look you would like for your space.  The most common curtain with be your floor length curtains.

1. Floor Length Curtains – Usually fall about 1/4″ to 1/2″ from the floor.  This a good length for curtains that will be opened and closed regularly.
2. Breaking Curtains – Think of a man’s trousers hitting his shoes.  It gives a small crease where t will hit the floor.  Usually about 1″ longer than the distance you measured from the rod top to the floor.  This style works well for curtain panels that will NOT be opened and closed much.  This is an example of form, not function.
3. Puddled Curtains – This will be your most elegant option, often used for a formal dining room.  The fabric creates a puddle on the ground.  Measure about four to eight inches more than the distance from the curtain rod top to the floor.  The more puddle, the more dramatic.

Calculating the Amount of Fabric:

Let’s do a math example to figure out the whole picture.  Oh yah, get your nerdy on…and then get creative!

My window measures 84″ from the top of my curtain rod to the floor.  I decide to make the floor length curtains, because my space will require a lot of opening and closing of the curtain.

Floor Length Curtain Calculation

Window Measurement = 84″
Subtract the Distance = -1/2″
Add your Bottom Hem = +4″
Add your top and bottom seam allowance = +1″
Add your top opening for curtain rod = +3″

Total Length of fabric needed = 91 1/2″

Tip:  I usually get a little more than I need for any project.  Remember to multiply this number by the number of panels needed.  And don’t forget your curtain liner.

Have any questions…leave a comment.

We painted this IKEA Tarva 6-drawer dresser to give extra storage in our kitchen.   Right now, you will find dish towels, play-doh, paint and crayons in those drawers.

A big thanks to The Kitchn for including our kitchen!

Last year, I attended the Influence Conference in the fall.  And it was. Life. Changing.  It was a whole new way of looking at blogging, on-line community and encouraging others.  About spreading the Good News and living as an example.  So, when they announced an Influence Network I was thrilled.  The ladies behind this organization are REAL and wonderful and full of love and spirit.

Before the conference last year there was a link-up for all attending to tell a little about themselves.  The idea was thrown out to do another link up, but this time to get to know other members of the network.

Hello.  My name is Kim.  Nice to meet you! (that was my introduction).  Three things about me…

1. I have a bearded collie named Duffy.  She is named after the guy that introduced me to my husband, Duff.  They are both hairy and kind spirited.

1. We are moving to Louisville, Kentucky in the spring.  So, my tally right now is five cities and four states in the past five years.  I’m pretty sure out twin boys will never really know what zip code they live in.
2. I painted my friend’s entire first floor for fun.  Who does that?  Oh yah, me.  I am more likely to come over to your house and paint than bring you a cooked meal.

I love the constant inspiration from this group to learn and grow.  Thanks ladies!

Nice to meet you!

I’ve had a few days of hair cut remorse, but remind myself that it is hair and it will grow back.

I’m also attempting to skip washes and having dirty hair.  I’m kind of a clean freak, so this is a challenge.  I’ve been using Dove Dry Shampoo and it seems to be working okay. In the past, I dropped a lot of money of dry shampoo and felt like my hair was greasy all day. I’ve also added a hair mouse back into my routine.  A whole lot of hair care products going on over here.

Anyone have a dry shampoo or hair product they love?

(Here was my last major hair adventure from long to chin length.)

What does that mean?

I had the best of intentions to start back up in full force on January 7th.  Well, we are now rolling into March and the shop is still closed.  Let’s back up a bit…

In the middle of December, we found out that Doug’s job would take us on another move.  He builds really BIG bridges, so we pack up and move when one job is done.  And guess what, it is time for another move.

January was spent finding a good school for our twin boys who will be entering kindergarten next year!  We went back and forth a lot on public versus private, but ended up going the private route.  We want our values and religious views to be integrated into their daily activities.  One thing down…several to go.

In February, we put our old house up for sale and took a big sigh when the sign went in the yard.  Only to take a deep breath and pray for a buyer.  In three days, Doug and I painted the ENTIRE house!  I trimmed and he rolled…a LOT!  We painted our bathroom cabinets and staged it for the next family to love.

We are now rolling into March and beginning to look at where we will live in our next city, Louisville.  I am very lucky and met this great gal at the influence conference…and am looking forward to getting to hang out again in REAL life.

And with all these changes, came a strong feeling to find a new home for my blog…welcome to “Mornings on Main”.  A creative community to encourage you to try something new, learn something or pursue your passion.

My shop will remain closed until after our move (or if I change my mind), but feel free to send me a note if you would like to purchase a bag.

So, here is what we have been up to in the past few months.  A whole lot and yet, not a whole lot.  Isn’t that life with little kids?

Playing in snow, visiting family, drinking coffee, painting, attempting to fix stuff  and relaxing!  Oh my!

You may be wondering what in the world is goo.  It is an odd slimy substance that is oh so much fun to play with.  Since it is Christmas break and that means all forms of entertainment must stem from mom, I try to look for projects that will keeps the boys occupied.  Let me tell you, this one does the trick!  The best part is that this is non-toxic, cheap and easy to make!  I like that combo.  Let’s get started.

SUPPLIES:

• Glue (make sure it is non-toxic)
• Borax
• Food coloring
• 2 medium size bowls
• Spoon

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of Borax with 1/2 cup of warm water and stir.  The water needs to be warm to help the Borax dissolve.

In a separate bowl, pour in the bottle of glue.  Make sure you try to get as much as possible out of the bottle.  This is a fun step to let the kids help.  Now, fill your empty bottle of glue with water.  Place the lid back on the bottle and shake.  Pour the water into the bowl with the glue.  Add a few drops of food coloring.  Stir the water and glue together.

Pour the water/borax mixture into the glue bowl and stir.  It should start to get slimy.

***If you want the goo to be more transparent, use clear glue.

That was it, you are now the proud maker of goo!  Go ahead, pat yourself on the back.  Put on your mom of the year cape and do a lap!  Your kids will think you are a hero and you will enjoy the quiet time as they play with their goo.

A thirty minute wrestling match, several shots of bums, lots of giggles and FINALLY the one shot that makes it on the card!

Tips for taking pics of your kids:

• Place them next to a window during a time of day with nice light.  In the pic above, the window is to the right of the boys.
• Let them play and have fun.
• Something like a white duvet works great for a neutral backdrop
• Take way more pictures than you think you will need.  They may just be the ones that make the best memories.
• Start taking pictures a few weeks before you actually need them…this will keep the stress level low.
• Have a friend that is good at taking pics, ask for their help.

This is such a fun, quick and easy holiday project!  These would be great for your front door or easy holiday party decorations.  A great way to add pops of color to your house.  Grab a cup of coffee and gather your yarn, we are about to make a wreath!

Supplies:

• yarn
• straw wreath (can be found at Hobby Lobby)

Start out by deciding how many different colors you want on your wreath.  You can see below an example with three colors and above with two.  Once you decide, layout your plan of attack.  Feel free to grab a sharpie and mark a few guidelines right on your wreath.

I made a small ball of yarn from my large ball to make it easier to manage.  Don’t worry if you have too much or too little…it is easy to adjust.  Begin wrapping the yarn and tuck your end piece under the others.  Do the same as you finish your section.

Repeat for each color.  Viola…you are done!

Add a hanger or lean it on your fireplace mantle. Pretty easy, eh?

Enjoy my other Christmas DIY tutorials here.

On to brunch, and then to the Christmas tree farm.  We live in the Midwest…it is December 1st…we should be putting on our snow gear to brave the winter weather.  Nope, it was 65 degrees and sunny.  Still okay, we can handle that.  We pull up to the farm, all excited to head out and cut down our very own tree.  Until we are told that the trees that have been pre-cut are much nicer.  Plan B, we cut the string off the pole holding our tree instead.

And to make the trip even a little more interesting, we were informed that their reindeer and dancing pig died last year.  You heard that right, a Christmas tree farm with a dancing pig.

We get home and start to untie the tree…it is like a scene out of National Lampoons Christmas vacation…it is HUGE!  As the branches fall, the boys giggle and squeal with delight at its comical size.  Our play area has been converted to the tree area and is now consumed by this beast.

I guess the moral of my story is that even the day you picture as perfect that does not go just as planned can still be pretty perfect.

I will leave you with a picture of my child pleading for his Christmas wishlist to come true.  Or maybe you can assume he is saying his afternoon prayers with great intensity.

Don’t forget to place your orders before December 10th to guarantee delivery by Christmas!  Happy Holidays!

I love Christmas time and it is so exciting to get to see our boys’ experience all the joy of the holiday season.  I grew up with Christmas time being filled with crafts and cookies.  I want to carry on this tradition with our family, so what better way than fill a house with special handmade decorations.  Please check out my other holiday tutorials and let me know if you try any of them!  I would love to hear from you!  Happy Holidays!

Supplies:

• Burlap – 3/4 yard
• Cotton Fabric (for back of calendar) – 3/4 yard
• (5) different fabrics for your pockets – 1/4 yard each
• Interfacing (Decor Bond by Pellon) – 1/4 yard
• Muslin fabric for the days – 1/9 yard
• Small set of rubber stamps for days (you can use letters or numbers)
• Rubber stamp pad
• Dowel rod – 2 feet long
• Disappearing ink fabric pen
• Sewing machine
• White thread
• Iron
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter

Step #1: Cut Fabric & Interfacing

Cut the following pieces of fabric:

• Main Front Burlap: 21″ wide x 27″ tall
• Back Cotton Fabric: 21″ wide x 27″ tall
• Pocket Fabric: 21″ wide x 7″ tall(dot his for each of your five fabrics)
• Interfacing: (5) strips 21″ wide x 3″ tall
• 1″ x 2″ strips of muslin for days (if you are doing just numbers, you may prefer 1″ x 1″)

Step #2: Stamp the Days

The stamps shown above are from The TomKat Studio Shop.  Another alternative would be to use a number stamp set.  Stamp as shown above.  A little time consuming, but not too bad. If your kids are old enough (and you are not too much of a perfectionist), this would be a good step to have them help you out.  Set these aside for later.

Alternative: For the 25th day, I hand-stitched a Christmas tree in place of the stamped day.

Step #3: Making the Pockets

Fold your fabric in half (wrong sides together) and iron (middle left photo).  This will create a guide for where to place your strip of interfacing.  Place your interfacing along the crease (top middle photo).  If you want, you can fold the fabric back over and iron to adhere your interfacing.  Fold and iron 1/2″ seam (middle right photo).  Now fold and iron 1/2″ seam on other side (bottom left photo)  Fold wrong sides together and iron (bottom right photo)

Do this for each of your fabric.  And then head over to your sewing machine with your pockets.

Step #4: Stitch the Pockets

Top stitch the edge you just created above.

Do this for all five pocket strips.

Step #5: Layout for Pockets

Using your fabric pen, you are going to make the layout for the pocket.  Start out drawing a line 1/2″ in from edge.  From there, measure and mark every 3″.  This will be used later when stitching the pockets and also in the next step for laying out the days.  As shown above, the days are just there to show you the mark better.

Do this for all five pocket strips.

Step #6: Sew on Days

Place the days on the pockets and top stitch.  If you would like, you can use your fabric pen to create guidelines.

Do this for all five pocket strips.

Step #7: Layout Pocket on Burlap

Before you place your pockets, I would recommend giving your burlap a good ironing.  It will want to warp a little, so this will help.

You are now going to place and pin your pockets into place.  The top pocket is 4″ from the top of the burlap to the top of the pocket.  I find it helpful to use a ruler guide and my fabric pen to draw a line on the burlap where the pocket will line up.  So, I drew a line 4″ from top and then 3″ down from that mark.  There will be 1″ between each pocket.   Follow diagram below.

Be sure to pin often.  This will help a lot when sewing the pockets into place.

 Step #8: Stitch the Pockets on Burlap

You will now stitch the pocket along the bottom side and on all your purple guides you marked in step #5.

Almost there…

Step #9: Sew on Back Piece

Place your burlap piece with all of your pockets on a flat surface.  The pockets should be facing up.  Now, place your back piece on top…right sides together.  You should be looking at the back of your fabric (the not pretty side).  Pin in place.

You are now going to stitch around the whole piece, but LEAVE A 5″ OPENING AT THE TOP.  Like below…

Step #10: Turn Right Side Out

Pull your calendar through this opening, making sure you poke the corners out nicely.

Iron so there are nice seams and then top stitch around the outside edge.  Looking good!

Step #11: Make a Hanger

Take out your 2 foot dowel rod.  Fold the top edge over the rod and mark where it falls.  Fold the fabric down and top stitch to create a channel.  Poke your dowel rod through your channel and then create a hanger.  For my hanger, I used a strap of fabric from the pockets and just tied it on the end.  Pretty easy and looks great!

CONGRATS!  You made an Advent Calendar…now go fill it with goodies.

Feeling festive and inspired, please check out my other Christmas tutorials here.

Have yourself a very merry Christmas!  Please let me know if you have any questions…OR if you give this tutorial a try.  I would love to see pics of your project.  Send me a note at hello@lucyjanetotes.com!

Growing up, Christmas time was full of crafts and handmade gifts.  We would make ornaments and my mom was usually busy sewing gifts for others.  I want to carry on this tradition with our boys, so what is better than filling your house with handmade items during the holidays.  This is an easy step by step guide to making the pillow above.

Supplies:

• Scissors (or rotary cutter)
• Main Pillow Fabric: 3/4 yard
• Cotton Fabric (Large Tree #1): 6″ x 5″ piece
• Cotton Fabric (Medium Tree #2): 8″ x 6″ piece
• Cotton Fabric (Small Tree #3): 9″ x 7-1/2″
• Brown Cotton Fabric : Strip of fabric 1.5″ x 4.5″
• Interfacing: Pellon 808 Wonder-Under
• Pillow Insert (I used the IKEA 20″ x 20″ down insert)

Steps 1 thru 5 will be prepping your Christmas trees.  Then you will go on to make the pillow and place the trees.  Let’s get started…

STEP 1: Making the Pattern for Your Trees

I used a few pieces of computer paper to create my tree patterns.  Fold the paper in half and then make measurements like above.  Here are the dimensions of my triangles shown above:

3″ x 5″tall  (this means the finished triangle will be 6″ wide x 5″ tall).

Dimensions of my three triangles:

• 6″ wide x 5″ tall  (folded 3″ wide x 5″ tall)
• 8″ wide x 6″ tall (folded 4″ wide x 6″ tall)
• 9″ wide x 7 1/2″ tall (folded 4 1/2″ wide x 7 1/2″ tall)

***You can customize the trees to be any size you would like.  These are just suggestions.

I like to press my fabrics when doing projects like this and LOVE this product.  It doesn’t leave a starch behind and gets out some pretty serious wrinkles.  I buy mine at Hancock Fabrics.  Now back to our program…

STEP 2: Cut Out Your Trees and Interfacing

Cut out the triangles in the cotton fabric and the wonder-under interfacing.

STEP 3: Iron Interfacing onto Fabric

Place your interfacing on the ironing board with the bumpy side up.  The paper backed side should be touching your ironing board.  This is very important, because otherwise you will fuse your interfacing to your ironing board cover.  I speak from experience!  Follow the manufacturer’s directions for ironing.

Do this for each of your triangles.

STEP 4: Peel off Interfacing

Make sure your fabric has cooled and then slowly peel off the interfacing.  (Look, my nails are actually looking good in this pic!)

STEP 5: Make your Tree Trunks

Using the brown cotton fabric, cut three small 1 1/2″ x 1 12″ squares.  Do the same with your interfacing.  Follow steps 3 & 4 for your tree trunks.

STEP 6: Cut Fabric for Pillows

Note: This is for a 20″ x 20″ square pillow insert.  If you have a different size, please just add 1 1/2″ to the dimensions of the pillow.

Take out your fabric for your pillow.  You need to cut the following:

• (1) 21-1/2″ x 21-1/2″ (front main piece)
• (1) 17″ x 21-1/2″ (back piece)
• (1) 12″ x 21-1/2″ (back piece)

STEP 7: Make a Seam for Back Pieces

You will need to make a seam for the back pieces of your pillow.  On the side that is 21-1/2″ long, you will iron the seam.  Fold material over 1/2″, iron.  Now fold again 1/2″, iron.  Machine top stitch the seam.  Do this for both of your back pieces.

STEP 8: Layout the Trees

Grab the 21-1/2″ x 21-12″ pillow piece and place your trees.  For mine, I placed the about 7″ from the bottom.  Make sure the trees are straight.

STEP 9: Iron in Place

Once you have your trees all placed, you will need to iron them.

STEP 10: Top-Stitch your Trees

Stitch around the trees and the trunks.  I like to use white thread, but you can also match if you prefer.  Try to stitch as close to the edge as possible.

STEP 11: Make the Pillow

Assemble the pillow as shown above.  You will have your “right” sides together.  This means, the back of your seams should be facing up on the photo above.  The finished side of the seam should be against your Christmas trees.

Pin around the edge and head over to your sewing machine.  We are almost at the home stretch.  Stitch around the four sides, using a 1/2″ seam allowance.  Turn your pillow right side out.  Now place your pillow insert in there and give yourself a pat on the back!

CONGRATS!  You made a Christmas pillow!

Have yourself a very merry Christmas!  Please let me know if you have any questions…OR if you give this tutorial a try.  I would love to see pics of your project.  Send me a note at hello@lucyjanetotes.com!

If you are feeling inspired – check out the Christmas Stocking Tutorial.

I’m linking up with Thirty Handmade Days today.

She has a FREE template that you can download.  FREE, y’all!  And they are so pretty!

If you love variety of choices, she also has offers the following templates you can purchase.

If you have Photoshop, she also offers a complete tutorial on how to place your images on the card.  If you are not that comfortable with Photoshop, she offers a service to place your pictures for you…awesome!

THIS IS GREAT, BUT HOW DO I PRINT THEM?

This is where the deal gets even better.  I LOVE overnightprints.com and use them for all of my packaging items.  They are high quality paper and great printing.  They are having a HUGE SALE right now, so Christmas cards just became affordable!  The cards above are 5×7, so you can print them out as postcards.  You will most likely need to upgrade to priority ground shipping when checking out.

The sale ends tomorrow, so better get busy!  Be sure you remember to add envelopes on to your order when checking out!

Christmas just got a little easier.  Thanks to Rebecca for the inspiration.  Check out her blog…it is full of pretty pics and great photography tips!