Kid Craft: Superhero Stuffed Animals

Just for fun, I decided to make some superhero eye masks and capes for my children's stuffed animals. My inspiration came from a how-to kid cape post I saw on Ohdeedoh. Just like in the Ohdeedoh post, I used old t-shirts to make the capes. They were simple to make and it only took about 5 minutes to whip up a set. After my kids saw the first set I made, a whole line of stuffed animals were waiting to be turned into cape crusaders.

Click on image for a larger view.

For the eye mask: if it's too loose, just cut the back of the mask down the center and tie around the head. I also found it was easier to cut out the eyes when the mask was on the stuffed animal to get it positioned just right.

For the cape: Look for old t-shirts that have interesting prints on them. Center the image in the center of the cape to cut. In the picture below you can see how I did this for the smaller stuffed animal. Other option, have your child decorate the capes with fabric markers.

Online Magazine: Styled

The newest issue of Styled is out. It's an online magazine dedicated to handmade entertaining, filled with crafts, recipes, and loveliness. The magazine is created by Victoria Hudgins, author of A Subtle Revelry. View the free online copy or buy the newest issue in print.

Below are a a couple photos from the newest issue.

Handmade wooden stamped tags

Fabric Balloon Parade

Craft: Friendship Bracelet Inspired Earrings

Photo credit (minus earrings) - Calvin Klein Ad

In case you're not tired of the whole friendship bracelet trend yet, and I'm hoping you're not, I've got one more craft tutorial for you. This time I decided to make some earrings based on the knotted patterns of the bracelets. If you've made a friendship bracelet before, you'll find these earrings very simple to make. Use this tutorial as a template and change up the colors, beads and length to make them your own.

Supplies:
2 earwires - I used a Leverback Earwires with a closed loop
5 14" strands of embroidery thread
2 Beads
Scissors

Click on imaged for a larger view.

Left picture: Thread all 5 pieces of embroidery thread through the bottom loop of the earwires making the thread equal on both sides. Right picture: Thread one bead through all 10 strands of embroidery thread and bring to top.

Use this tutorial (click here) to make the friendship pattern. Once you get to your desired length, knot off thread in pairs of two (refer to picture). Trim and fray ends. Done.

Back To School Shopping

Colorblock Dress by Truly Me

It's that time again, back to school shopping. And I'll tell you a little secret, I actually enjoy it. I like seeing what the newest fashion trends are and picking out that perfect first day of school outfit. Anyone else like me? Well this year I got a little help from my local mall (Stoneridge Shopping Center) and was given a $100 gift certificate to purchase a few things and share about my experience. I'll also be sharing a few tips for maximum savings, regardless of where you're shopping.

To start off the school year, I always like to purchase one special item which I consider "the splurge". I can't afford designer everything but I can afford to buy at least one special piece. This year I purchased a colorblock knit dress by Truly Me at Nordstroms ($48). I love that it has an art deco feel to it which has been popping up on the runways.

Another must have item on my back to school list is a hooded sweatshirt or sweater. With the weather still warm, kids are not ready to wear a fall coat so a hoodie is perfect for those in between temperatures. I chose this knit sweater hoodie from the GAP ($34.95) for my son. It's casual enough for him to wear with a t-shirt but has just enough style to be paired with a polo. It's the perfect compromise for parent and child.
This year my son wanted a pair of Converse. We picked up this blue pair of chucks at JC Penney for $30. I like these shoes because they're classic, reasonably priced and will hold up on the play ground.

Even though all these item are full price, I also like a deal. In fact, most of the time I will buy items on sale. Currently Labor Day sales are in full swing and you can snag some really good deals by shopping now. Here are few tips:

*To ensure you get the best selection, shop as soon as the store opens. It will be less crowded, the racks will be organized and the clothes will not be picked over. Also, many stores have special sales for only the first few hours which are known as doorbusters.

*Almost all deep discounted items are placed in the back of the store or on the back side walls.

*Ask if what you're purchasing will be going on sale soon. Most stores will give you an adjustment if your purchase goes on sale within the next ten days of purchase. You just have to come back to the store with your receipt at the time of sale to get the adjustment.

*Check to see if your mall has a website. Simon Malls has a website with a list of discounts and sometimes there are even coupons to print!

What are your best back-to-school shopping tips? Please share in the comments.

This post does not necessarily represent Simon Property Group's positions, strategies, or opinions.

Kid Craft: Moving Ballerina Toy

If you haven't noticed, my favorite crafts are the ones easy to make and require basic craft supplies. Of course I appreciate craftsmanship and projects that require time and planning. However, sometimes it's nice to sit down for even 10 minutes and have an end product to show for it. Such is the case with this little tin box with a moving ballerina. Make one for a child or have a child make one for themselves. Simple directions below.

Supplies:
Candy tin - An Altoids box would work well too
Toothpick
Extra strength small magnet - can be found at the hardware store
Paperclip
Paper + colored pencils or markers to draw
Scissors
Glue

Cut toothpick to fit on one side of tin. A regular pair of scissors will cut a toothpick, you don't need anything fancy. I used some E-6000 glue to adhere the toothpick.

Fold the center of the paperclip up. Cut part of the paperclip off (refer to picture). I also coiled the bottom of the paper clip which isn't shown in this picture but can be seen in the top picture.

Create a small drawing along with a mirror image of it. Glue onto paperclip. Click on images for a larger view.

Place an extra strength magnet on the bottom and move around to move your ballerina.

When not in use, place all pieces in box and close shut. Decorate the box anyway you want. I also made an alien version. I colored the inside of the box with a sharpie to look like outer-space. There's lots of possibilities with this craft so have fun.

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