be inspired: mailboxes
I know that snail mail is being replaced with online interactions, but who doesn’t LOVE getting something exciting in the mail? I mean, really. Plus, there’s just something charming about the cute mailbox out front, validating your little home. With that in mind, I creepily leered outside of homes and apartment complexes to find mailboxes with personality. If I could name the mailboxes I photographed above, I’d call them Stan, Lou, and Dot, respectively.
Have I lost your attention? Your respect? Ha.
Pockets seemed like the perfect interpretation of a mailbox. I was inspired by the geometric shape, and the function of a box. Maybe it’s totally weird to have four pockets consuming the side of a tee, but I’m so excited about it.
What would you keep in all of your pockets?
You know the drill: inspiration today, tutorial tomorrow. Can’t wait to show you how simple this is!
when the sewing machine is off
I have distinct memories of sitting on the hood of my parent’s car as a kid. I felt on top of the world… and a little reckless. Silly really, since I’m sure they put me up there.
Yesterday Lenna came running inside with the energy of a puppy who’s seen it’s first squirrel, telling me all about the “cool trick” she just did. She then proceeded to lead me outside and show me how her daddy could put her up on top of the car.
I’m pretty sure she felt on top of the world… and maybe even a little reckless.
scrapped animal: bunny
In honor of Easter, this month’s scrapped animal is a little bunny. Seeing this bunny float around our house with two happy girls has made it feel a little more like spring. The sunny weather helps too!
I think my favorite parts are her colorful tail and bendy ears.
MATERIALS NEEDED
scrapped bunny PDF pattern
scrap fabrics in 2 or more color
matching thread
embroidery floss
fiberfill
thin wire (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Applique the heart to the bottom left corner of the body front using a zigzag stitch.
2. Prep the ears. Start by lining the ear pieces with right sides together using a small seam allowance, and leaving the bottom edge open for turning. Turn the ears right side out and press.
3. (OPTIONAL) Run wire around the edges of each ear using a running stitch. Be sure to secure the ends of the wire very securely with multiple knots.
Line the bottom edges of the ears with the top edge of the body front, with the right side of the body front facing the front side of the ears. Baste near the edge.
4. Make the tail by folding each tail circle into fourths, and running a needle through the inner corner. After all of the circles have been threaded together, run the needle through all of the layers several more times and tie it off tightly.
Fluff the tail and secure it to the back body piece by hand or machine.
5. Hand stitch the face to the body front.
6. Sew the side piece ends together and then sew it to the front body piece with right sides together. (see more detailed instructions for this step HERE)
7. Pin the body back to the raw edge of the side piece, and sew, leaving a 3″ opening to turn.
8. Turn, stuff, and stitch closed.
Simple and special, just like your little one.
MORE SCRAPPED ANIMALS
their playhouse
My girls are obsessed with forts. Obsessed. So this past Christmas, they got a sheet fort for our folding table (inspired by this one).
I used a thrifted sheet, and added a door and windows. The door scrunches up with rope and cord stops, which gives it a cute valance look when the door is “open”. The windows are made from a lace material; Rauland says it looks like a confessional!
To that I say, psssh, there is nothing cuter than seeing Bev pop her head over to the lace and say, “hi mom… winnow, winnow!”
The best part about this little playhouse, is that we can easily pull it out of it’s folded place in the corner of their closet for some fun, indoor, girl time!
life gives and takes – but mostly gives
About three months ago Lenna lost most of the top joint of her finger. Through guilt and tears I’ve learned a lot, and have come to realize that this traumatic little event of ours was incredibly minor in the big scheme of things. It’s just a finger, and it’s fully functional. She even has a new nailbed!
My brave little sweetie is perfect, and life has been good to us.