Ruffled Tablecloth Tutorial (31 Days: Day 15)

**UPDATED 4/2015** This post is now also reposted HERE on the blog at the new domain www.alaynascreations.co  Please follow the link to see all the photos and a detailed tutorial.

Rainbow Dance Party Slumber Party (31 Days: Day 14)

Reposted on the new blog.  You can see all the details HERE.

It's the Little Things (31 Days: Day 13)

Kids, husbands, friends, parents....no matter who it is, something small but out of the ordinary really does go a long way to brightening up a regular day.  I've been trying to go out of my way a bit more often for things like that lately.  The cupcakes whipped up for a friend's birthday at the last minute.  Grabbing some sliced gouda (one of the husband's favorites) for sandwiches instead of the husband's usual (cheap) stuff.  Stopping to give the kids my full attention when they are talking to me instead of half-listening and answering email at the same time.  Etc etc.

I thought today would be a good day to give us all a little reminder of the small things.  Partially because I'm dead tired from the big party yesterday (massive blogging updates to do on all of that - stay tuned!) and I need a quick filler post today :)  But also because they really are important, and they don't require much from us.
My small things from yesterday:  remembering Hat Day for the kids (they were so excited!).  And taking the time to dress up the treats I sent in to Kaitlyn's classroom for her birthday (she was very annoyed that the school won't let you do anything home made so I couldn't bake the cupcakes she wanted). Kaitlyn in particular pays attention to the details and feels extra special that I took the time to add a birthday message to each one.  I'm sure a couple of her friends and her teacher noticed it too :)

So what are a few of your Small Things this week?

 

Candy Corn! (31 Days: Day 12)

I am constantly amazed by the number of fun ways there are to recreate classic holiday items.  Who knew Candy Corn could be so cute?  But sure enough, I'm seeing all kinds of fun Halloween decorations and the like using the candy corn color scheme and I just can't help it - I wanted to make some too!  So far I've only had time to whip up a few candy corn crochet hats, but there are at least two more ideas I have on the back burner that I'm hoping to get to soon.

I'm not the only one with Candy Corn on the brain.  My friend Jessie made an adorable outfit for her toddler and we just had to grab a quick two minute photo session.  The little one wasn't in the mood to sit still, she just wanted to carry the pumpkin all over the place.  And my own children had just arrived home from school and needed homework supervision and dinner needed some attention too.  So it was quick and chaotic - but lucky for us, that worked!  Isn't she a cutie?!  I love the big blue eyes.
{I do believe Jessie has a pair of those adorable leggings listed in her shop if you're interested :) As for the beanie, it is in my shop too and I'm thinking about writing up the pattern.  If I ever get the time... }

Oh!  And let's not forget this little cutie!  He sleepily modelled all my new hats for me a few weeks ago :)  Aren't newborns just the best thing ever?!

 

 

 

2x4 Pumpkin Tutorial (31 Days: Day 11)

These little beauties are so popular I didn't want to leave them behind when I changed blog domains.  The full tutorial can now be found on my new blog HERE.  Happy Fall!  And Happy Crafting!

Fall Hair Pretties (31 Days: Day 9)

Quick show and tell today.  Just in case you need a few quick and easy ideas to dress up your girly girl for fall.

I love the look of this style of fabric rosette.  I've been experimenting with all different types of fabric from satin to denim.  These particular ones are made out of knit - you know, the stuff your Tshirts are made from.  Cool, right?

It's my Birthday! (31 Days: Day 8)

So what was on today's agenda for Fall Fun?  My birthday, of course!  In my world, the onset of Fall also means the arrival of our Birthday Month.  We've already had at least 2 family birthdays in the last couple of weeks, mine is today, and we have a few more birthdays to come including Kaitlyn's big party next weekend (more on that later this week).
I'd like to sit here and write something witty or funny or philosphical on my birthday.  But it's been a long weekend - a FUN, GREAT weekend, but a long one none-the-less - and I'm tired.  The kids are upstairs yelling at each other as they work on cleaning up the playroom.  And while dinner is done (a yummy one, made and completely cleaned up by the husband!) we still have dessert, then whirlwind grocery shopping while Kaitlyn is in dance class.  (late dance class on Mondays is killer)  So, I'll just leave you with a photo of me with my birthday gift - my pantry re-do!  I'll do a more in depth post later this week.

 

Thanks everyone for all the well-wishes!  There's nothing like facebook and calls/texts to make you feel loved :)  It really has been a good birthday!