Tag Archives: Crafts

July 12, 2018 · 1:14 pm

Make These Captain Underpants Sock Puppets

Do you have kids in your house that love the Epic Tales of Captain Underpants books? I sure do! That is why I am so excited to let you know that tomorrow, July 13th, DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants premiers on Netflix!

DreamWorks generously sent us a package filled with goodies to celebrate this great premier. In our package we had some craft supplies to create 2 sock puppets of the best friends Harold Hutchins and George Beard from Captain Underpants.

If you would like to make these sock puppets you will need:

  • 1 Tan Sock
  • 1 Brown Sock
  • 1 Green/Blue Stripe Leg/Arm Warmer
  • 1 White Leg/Arm Warmer
  • 4″ by 6″ Piece of Red Craft Felt
  • 4″ by 6″ Piece of Black Craft Felt
  • 4 Black Buttons
  • 4′ of Yellow Blanket Yarn
  • 4′ of Black Blanket Yarn
  • Glue Gun
  • Glue Sticks
  • Scissors

Check out our step-by-step video tutorial below:

You can adapt the above tutorial to make all kinds of sock puppets using whatever kind of socks and yarn you have in your house. It is a great way to entertain the kids on a rainy day. If you don’t have leg warmers, you can make some by cutting off the foot of a sock.

In our goodie bag my boys were thrilled to find the The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants Wedgie Power Handbook.

Let me know what you think and remember this new series is a great way to get your kids reading the Captain Underpants Books. Are you planning on watching The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants when it premieres on Netflix July 13th?

This post is sponsored by DreamWorks Animation.


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April 7, 2018 · 7:34 pm

Easy DIY Birthday Shirt – Video Tutorial

I know that I have shared a DIY Birthday Shirt with you before in a blog post. This time, I decided to do a video tutorial. I hope you see how easy this is, even if you are brand new to sewing. This shirt is great for kid’s birthdays or as a photo prop. You can even make them as gag gifts for adults. You can make the shirt for under $5!

Beyond the birthday theme, you can applique them with letters, symbols, animals objects and more. Watch the video below to get all the details.

Let me know what you think, and if you try this, I would love to hear about your results.


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January 15, 2018 · 1:45 pm

5 Family-Fun Valentine’s Day Activities

When you have a tribe of kids like I do, it can be hard to just get away with my husband. I know it is important, but sometimes, it is just not possible. We tend to embrace the time we do get alone together, no matter when it occurs. I guess, it is good that I am a, “fly by the seat of my pants” kind of girl. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I thought I would highlight some things you can do as a family to celebrate your own house full of love.

Bake Something Sweet

Set aside to bake some sweet treats. It does not have to be a complicated recipe. It should be something everyone can take part in. It can be as simple as opening up a box of cake mix and making some cupcakes. Let the kids take turns adding the ingredients and then pour the batter into some festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners.

Make a simple buttercream frosting, or if you are so inclined, open up a can of ready-made frosting. I know it might get messy, but let the kinds help you frost the cupcakes. I like to pipe my frosting on, so it can be fun to let kids try that. Have some fun showing them the different tip patterns and let them take a guess as to what kind of design it will create.

To top your cupcakes, use candy conversation hearts, red, pink or purple sugar crystals, sprinkles, cinnamon candies or a milk chocolate heart placed in the center.

If you would rather make a cake, use heart shaped cake pans to make it fun. If you love baking like I do, you can find all kinds of festive cupcake liners, baking pans and decorative accents online or in your favorite store.

Make homemade cards for each other

Sit down at the kitchen or craft table with an assortment of cardstock, construction paper, markers, decorative paper punches, ribbons, stickers, crayons, paper lace doilies, glue sticks and scissors and craft homemade cards for each other. Have your child write a poem and print it out. Then glue the poem to the inside of the card.  There are so many great ideas on sites like Pinterest for inspiration.

Make a Fun Family Video or Photo Slideshow

Take all those great moments you have captured as photos or videos, and put them together to create a special slideshow or video. Editing software like Photoshop Premiere Elements 2018, makes it easy to make instant movies. You just put in the media, make some design choices and enjoy the results in minutes. You will love the way it turns out, and people will think you spent hours editing. If you don’t have that software, there are many other programs that will work. You probably already have something on your computer to do it. When finished, you can share it on social media, as well as, cast to your TV for everyone to enjoy together.

Make A Coupon Book

Cut out some dollar bill size strips of construction paper and then staple 10 together to form a coupon book. Give everyone a book and let the make coupons for things they would do for someone. Kids could offer to clean the bathroom, take out the trash, walk the dog etc. When everyone is finished, put the books in a bag or box and let each person pull out a random coupon book. If they pick their own, have them put it back and try again.

Have A Special Valentine’s Day Family Meal

Sit down together, and plan the menu for a special Valentine’s Day Breakfast or Dinner. Some breakfast ideas are heart-shaped waffles or pancakes. Dinner can be simple or elaborate. A heart-shaped cookie cutter can be used to create sandwiches in the shapes of hearts.

When you have decided on a meal and menu, assign everyone a part and work together to create a meal with love you can all share. Make your table super festive with Valentine’s Day linens and fun paper roses that the kids will have a blast making.

I hope these ideas gave you some inspiration on you can celebrate the love of your family this Valentine’s Day. Let me know some of your best family ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day.


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October 12, 2017 · 9:15 pm

Try Upcycling Instead of Buying New

Upcycling is really trending now, having gained momentum over the last few years with no signs of slowing down. Upcycling is when you reuse materials to create something new. It can be as simple as giving an old piece of furniture a fresh coat of paint and a new purpose, or as crafty as creating something from what some think is junk. Upcycling is a great way to add new pieces and elements to your home for much less than buying new.

1| Jars

Old pickle and jelly jars can be reused as storage pots for makeup brushes, craft materials, and so many other things. Clean them out, and use glass paint to give it a new chic look, paint the lid to compliment them and place them around the house.

2| Cans

By drilling holes around a tin can and painting it, you can create a candle holder that shines dots of lights all over the place. Alternatively, you can attach cord through two holes and create rustic planters.

3| Bed Frame

Normally it’s the slats that give out on the bed before the rest of the frame. Use it again by cutting the end in half and fixing them to the headboard as armrests, and using the sides as the seat of your new bench. You can paint it with bright colors to really lighten up your garden.

4| Pallets

Pallets are the miracle material; they are made and discarded everywhere. You can often get this discarded wood for free of minimal money from a local delivery yard. You can make shelving, benches, a garden sofa, or even tables from these things. If you’re making a big piece of furniture, then use something like a guide to choosing a functional dining table set to help with dimensions and styles.

5| Tires

People often replace their tires twice a year – for winter and summer. But what do you do with your old tires? Why not take them home and turn them into garden furniture. Create a lid/seat and base out of plywood. Attach the base but use seating foam and fabric to cover the loose lid. If you like the look of the tire then just paint it, or you can use rope to disguise it.

6| End Table

An old or extra end table can easily be made into an ottoman. Use a thick piece of furniture foam and upholstery fabric on the top of the table. If you need to, cut down the legs to the right height and paint it.

7| Doorknobs

Interesting and fun doorknobs don’t have to be thrown out when the door is. Use them on other upcycled furniture, on the top of boxes and even as coat hooks.

8| Tiles

Chipped or odd tiles are usually thrown out by hardware stores and decorators. There are three great ways to upcycle tiles; the first is to polish them up and use them as drink coasters. The second is to tile the top of a table with them, and the third, is to use them to create a  garden path.

This is a sponsored guest post that may or may not reflect the ideals or views of Mommy Ramblings.

 


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October 8, 2017 · 8:24 pm

Candy Corn Painted Rocks-DIY Craft Tutorial

It seems that rock painting is all the rage now. I certainly was ahead of my time and ahead of this craze. I love painting rocks, river rocks are my favorite. Gathering them is a fun family adventure we all look forward to.

Sometimes I know exactly what size and shape rocks I want. This is due to the fact, that I have a specific project in mind. Other times, I try to find rocks that inspire me.  You might not think rocks can inspire people, but they can!  I see them as a blank canvas and they speak to me…well, some of them do.

A few rocks I made for my daughter.

I can  clearly visualize the masterpiece they can become. Sometimes it is a fish, ladybug or owl, and other times it is a heart. One of my favorite projects was making rock candy corn.

The one that started it.

It was so much fun to find the shapes I needed. Since I wanted to make a candy corn family that represented ours, when I found the especially tall and thin triangular river rock, I literally squealed with delight. That rock clearly represented my son Michael, it was so easy to see. I asked my youngest sons, who were gathering rocks with me, and they wholeheartedly agreed. It was definitely Michael, no doubt about it.

A Trip to find triangular rocks.

All you need is some acrylic craft paint, paint brushes, paint markers for detail painting and ModPodge sealer. If you want you can paint your rocks white on both sides first. It will take at least 2 coats of paint to get nice coverage.

When the tri color rocks are dry, you can then add personality with the paint markers.

He reminds me of Bozo!

Use ModPodge to seal and protect your creations.

This guy makes me laugh!

Please let me know if you try this project, I would love to hear about your results.

 They needed personality, so I gave them some!!!

 


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October 20, 2015 · 1:55 pm

NY Sheep & Wool Festival #sheepandwool2015

Last Saturday my daughter and I embarked on a day trip to Rhinebeck, NY to attend our first ever New York Sheep & Wool Festival. This 2 Day Day Extravaganza of Fiber is a yearly pilgrimage for many. Held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds it is full of workshops, book signings, lectures, livestock, fleece sales, competitions, shows, parades, demonstrations, food, music, kids’ activities and more!

sheep f 2

baskets 3yarn 7

 

yarn 10

 

yarn 3

rabbit

mini stockings

NY Sheep Wool Festival

october

festival 3

felt cookies

alpaca yarn

bunny

first place

hats

felt hats

llamma llamma

llamma

llamma 1

koi

kitchen

mini stockings 2

goat

snowmen

stocking

tote bag

whoopie pies

yarn 6

yarn 5

schoolhouse

project bags

sheep f3

sheep knit

sheep f4

figures

baskets 2

pillows

yarn 1

wood 2

yarn 14

train station

yarn 9

yarn 8

yarn 4

wood 1

snowmen

sheep festival

tomatoes

felt dino

halloweensheep no bite

I have so many more photos but you can check out our Instagram for some more. Did anyone go this year?  If so let me know. I am going to try my hand at felting this year after seeing so many of the whimsical creations at the festival.


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September 27, 2015 · 11:50 pm

Make Our Get “YOU” Back To “YOU” Treat Bags -#EatASNICKERS

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EatASNICKERS #CollectiveBias

#EatASnickers Collage

Have you ever been so hungry you turn into a different person? Do you find it hard to even think straight at that point? If so, you need something to take the edge off that hunger. You need something fast that’s going to satisfy that extreme hunger that’s transforming you.

Many people including myself seem to turn into someone else when that hunger strikes. I have found it is better to be prepared for these hunger attacks. For me, SNICKERS® bars are an extremely satisfying and delicious way to curb my hunger. Mine usually strikes mid day for me.  SNICKERS® has been one of my favorites as far back as I can remember. I love the caramel, milk chocolate, nougat, and roasted peanuts that are packed into each bar.

SNICKERS® Get “YOU” Back To “YOU” Treat Bag Tutorial:

I want to share a fun and easy gift bag tutorial with you.  These SNICKERS® Get “You” Back To “You” Treat Bags are funny and serve a purpose. Keep some in a basket on your counter, on your desk at work or in your purse. You can hand one to that mom in the school pick up line that is clearly not herself. Give one to your coworker who is coming unhinged or your best friend, who is turning into someone you don’t know. Whoever you share them with, they are sure to appreciate you helping them get back to themselves. Don’t forget about yourself, you want to be able to get back to you fast too!

snickers gift basket

I was in Walmart recently and picked up some multi packs of SNICKERS® full size bars in the candy aisle. SNICKERS® individual full size bars can be found on store displays and in/near the checkout aisles. While I was there I picked up some craft ribbon, treat bags in clear, red and yellow and some colorful paper napkins.

Snickers in store collage

I made three different bag labels with PicMonkey and Microsoft Word and printed them. You can add your own touch in saying what you want. Next, I glued them  to some heavy construction paper using a glue stick. You could also use card stock.

Snickers printable tutorial

Snickers printable 3

After that, I cut them out and punched a hole in the tag for the ribbon.

Snickers printable 4

Snickers printable 6

Snickers Printable 7

I took a treat bag and put one full size SNICKERS® bar and a colorful paper chevron stripe napkin. You need the napkin because as you or someone else turns back into themselves they will remember their manners.

Snickers Gift bag

Then use the little twist ties that come with the treat bags to close the bag. Use any kind of ribbon your like to attach the tag. That’s it! Wasnt’ that easy. You can do all kinds of variations of this idea. All kinds of treat bags can be used, you could add a mini bottled water if you like. You really can make it as simple or elaborate as you want. Customize them for your child’s teachers, bus driver or babysitter.

Snickers gift bags 3

Snickers Gift Basket 1

snickers gift basket 3

Now I have something really fun to share with you. Find out who you are when you’re hungry by taking the quiz below. Let me know your results in the comments. I also love to hear what you think of the treat bags and if you are going to give them a try.

 

 


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December 29, 2014 · 6:17 pm

How To Make An Adorable Applique Birthday Shirt!!! Easy and Quick Project!

I like to have birthday shirts for my kids and take a picture of them in it on their actual birthday.  A few years ago I made one but most of the time I buy them. However, after the success I had with the Christmas shirts, I decided to try and make an applique birthday shirt for my son.  It was so easy and looked great!  If you would like to try, you can follow the easy tutorial here.

DIY Birthday Shirt Collage

Supplies:

  • Plain Shirt- short or long sleeve
  • Material- small amount for number
  • Number Template- easy to find online
  • Scissors-Craft and Fabric
  • Thread to coordinate with number fabric and shirt
  • Sewable Heat Bond
  • Iron
  • Straight Pins
  • Sewing Machine with Applique Stitch or you can Zig Zag.

Prep:

Make sure to wash your fabric and shirt before starting and then iron.

 

1. Cut some fabric for your number

bday shirt 1

2. Cut a piece of sewable heat bond and iron it on the back side of the fabric.  **Remember when cutting the sewable heat bond or the fabric that has it ironed on, never use your fabric scissors!  You will ruin them.  Always use your craft scissors when cutting anything with heat bond.

bday shirt 2

 

bday shirt 3

 

3. Place the number template on the front side of the fabric, pin and cut.

bday shirt 4

4. Remove the heat bond paper backing from the number,  the nice shiny texture will allow you to iron the number on and hold it securely to sew.

bday shirt 6

bday shirt 7

 

bday shirt 5

5. Iron the number on the shirt.

bday shirt 8

 

6.Take the shirt over to your machine and use an applique stitch around the edges

bday shirt 10

 

7.Trim the loose threads and iron the shirt and you are finished.

bday shirt 11

Please share with me if you try this.  I would love to see and hear about your creations.

 


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December 15, 2014 · 6:04 pm

Epson LabelWorks LW-600P Label Printer Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Epson Logo

Are you trying to get more organized?  Do you ever pack things up in boxes and totes and forget what’s inside?  Do you ever want to do something crafty like create professional looking monogrammed or personalized ribbons  for cards, wedding favors, hair bows and more?  If you answered yes to any or all of these things, I want to introduce you to the Epson LabelWorks LW-600P Label Printer.  

Epson-LW-600P-Label-Printer

This compact desktop label printer will let you create original labels that you can customize with clip art, your own photos and even your own handwriting or drawings.  You can also take a picture of what is in the boxes you are packing and create a bar code label to stick on the outside of the box.  If you scan the bar code label you will see a picture of what is inside the box!

 

 

 

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Epson-LabelWorks

 

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Labels are not the only thing it prints.  How about printing on beautiful ribbons.  What a great way to make wedding and party favors, your own cards, custom ornament hanging ribbon, hair bows, and so much more.

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It’s so simple to start printing with the bluetooth capability.  I was able to create and print from my laptop, iPad and iPhone in a flash.  Just download the app and I was ready to roll.  I cannot wait to use this to organize our home which is in the middle of at least 4 major home improvement projects at the same time.  I am so excited to start taking back some order and taming the chaos around here.  I will update with more of my own projects and organization examples very soon.  You can find the Epson LabelWorks LW-600P on Mommy Ramblings’ 2014 Holiday Gift Guide!

More about LabelWorks LW-600P:

Print labels smarter

Now, it’s easier than ever to print customized labels — virtually anywhere — with the LW-600P portable label printer. Print labels from your smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac. Print date labels for food items, QR code labels, or labels to organize cables. Create ribbons for gifts, or even labels with symbols or hand-written messages. Preview labels before printing. Or, use smartphones with voice recognition2 to create labels fast. Download the Epson iLabel app for iOS or Android devices or choose from other compatible apps3 available. With multiple tapes to choose from (up to one-inch wide) and an automatic cutter, you’ve got all you need for customized labels on the go.

Connect smarter

The battery-operated1 LW-600P can print wirelessly from iOS and Android devices, via Bluetooth. Simply download the Epson iLabel app or other compatible apps.3 Use your mobile device to create handwritten labels, iron-on labels, ribbons and more. This compact printer can also print from Windows® and Mac systems via a USB cable.

Enter The Giveaway:

Epson is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win an Epson LW-600P Label Printer. Than you Epson for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Epson LabelWorks  LW-600P Label Printer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Continue reading →


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October 20, 2014 · 12:57 am

Easy Appliqued Holiday Shirts You Can Make For Thanksgiving & Christmas!!!

You may remember my tales of woe from learning to sew in my post where I showed how I finished an antique vanity as a sewing table.  Aside from an owl pillow I made in 6th grade Home-ec, my attempts at sewing were nothing to write home about.  However, I’m not a quitter, so I was ready to give it another go when I wanted to create some cute whimsical holiday shirts for my kids and family.

I bought some long sleeve cotton shirts and then visited the craft department for some fabrics.  The first shirt I was going to try to make was a turkey for Thanksgiving.  I planned to make the turkey body in brown flannel fabric so I bought a yard of that since I also planned to use it for the Christmas shirts, then I picked several other fabrics for feathers.  I also purchased some polka dot fabric for the antlers and solid red, yellow, black and green for various accents.  Armed with my array of fabrics and some notions like colorful buttons and embroidery thread, I was ready.

I drew my turkey template free hand onto some card stock and cut it out.  I thought I would do feet too but did not end up putting feet on the design.

Turkey shirt 1

I washed the shirts and all the fabrics prior to sewing anything.  After I ironed the fabric I cut the pattern shapes and laid them out how I wanted, then when my design was the way I liked, I secured the fabric pieces with a sewable heat bond.  After that it was off to the sewing machine where I sewed around the pieces with an applique stitch.  The first shirts were a bit laughable but my little ones thought they were great and with every shirt I got better.

Turkey shirt 3

Turkey Shirt 4

Turkey Shirt 5

Turkey Shirt 2

Turkey Shirt

 

For the Christmas shirts I did the same thing except I made a moose template which honestly ended up looking more like a reindeer but nevertheless is still cute.  I was in a rush because we were using them for a picture but would like to add bows on my daughter’s shirt and mine as well.  For all the boys I want to add a bow tie.

This is the light hold heat bond that is sewable, I just wanted to hold it in place so I did not need to use pins for sewing. It worked well.

This is the light hold heat bond that is sewable, I just wanted to hold it in place so I did not need to use pins for sewing. It worked well.

 

Moose Shirt 1

Moose Shirt 4

Moose Shrit 2

 

Moose Shirt 5

Moose Shirt 6

Christmas Shirts

 

Applique shirts_edited-1

I made 9 shirts in all (2 turkey shirts and 7 Christmas shirts). It really gave me confidence to make friends with my sewing machine and if I could do this, anyone can.  I know they are far from perfect but they are made with love and to me that is what matters the most.  If you would like any more specifics please ask.


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