Hubb Picks Nursery Theme - WTP - Oh, Huney!

I had big plans for the nursery. Modern, strong colors but still a room for a baby. I scowered all the blogs and design sites. I exhuasted room tours on ohdeedoh.com and I made a file on my computer with a million inspiration photos. And then it happenned.

I went to the stores. I looked online. I couldn't decide. I started making things. A mobile, an alphabet chart. And nothing was what I wanted.

Maybe, I didn't know what I wanted.

Enter the Hubb.

My husband is my partner in all things and not because we're so much alike. Mostly because we're very different. Whereas I am a quick starting perfectionist, he's a laid back calculator. I had TOLD him what I wanted the nursery to look like and he'd nodded. I really didn't think he had any preference in the matter. We agreed. Classic white furniture. No pastels. No princesses. Nothing too adult. A baby room.

But when I came back from the 100th store trip, empty handed and we went in for our 33 week doctor appointment --- the Hubb stepped out of easy going mode and offered a hand. We went to the baby super store and looked around for bedding. I hadn't planned on doing this. I was going to order something custom and chic. Nothing cartoony.

And then he fell in love. .....with a Pooh Bear, of all things. A huge Pooh. See it here .

He looked at me, wide eyed and excited and said, "Let's make it a Winne the Pooh room."

Admittedly, I wasn't as taken with the idea of Pooh. Wasn't I supposed to be making it a designer nursery? But his excitement was contagious. The Hubb wanted to decorate! And before we left the store we had one of just about everything Pooh. And we had a plan.

Isn't it funny how you can change your mind? Did this happen to anyone else?
The light in his eyes was worth giving up the posh nursery for a brightly colored cartoon theme.

So, there will be crafts and designing but now it's all Pooh centered. Pictures soon. Because well, the baby will be here soon!

Oh my how time flies.

Thanks for stopping by,
~Dee

Thank You Gift Frame: A Hodpodge of Crafts

I have a colleague who is beyond supportive and a great mentor. We recently went on a work trip together and she was a lifesaver. Her kindness and patience with my slow, tired 7 month pregnant brain and body made our co-presentation a success and resulted in a good boost for my career.

I decided to make her something as a thank you. But what?

She'd commented on a doodle I'd drawn during a seminar and I'd joked that I'd doodle her a violin one of these days (she played semi-professionally for many years). I started out with just a doodle of a violin with some detailed pen work and then decided that I wanted something more involved than a sketch in a frame. It turned out great if I say so myself.

You can make one too!


Here's what I used:
A frame - Any kind will do, but I picked up one with some depth, almost like a shadow box for a 3D effect.
Craft Paper
Sketch
Craft Foam Sheet
Glue or some other adhesive - I used Elmer's Spray Adhesive

Embroidery Floss - I used this to frame the note tag inside and also to crochet a flower. If you don't crochet, a fabric flower would do.

Scissors
Beads
Other embelishments 

You can assemble the frame components in any order.
He is how I made the violins:
The Violins
1. I drew a doodle of the violin and then printed it out on a fancy sheet of craft paper. I made two in two different sizes.


2. I cut out the violin sketches and adhered them to the sheet of craft foam and then cut the foam around the shape of the sketches.


3. Then to add more depth to the violins, I sewed the strings on with black embroidery thread.
Front View

Back View


Finished Project:
I placed each component in the frame and used tape to secure the components into place.


Close up!

I plan to give it to her tomorrow. I hope she will like it.

Tell me what you think,
~ Dee

A Tip for Tuesday: Straight Hand Stitched Hem

I am a shortie. 5'2" to be exact. So anytime I buy clothes, if I can't get them in petite, they more likely than not need altering. In my non-preggers state I would never buy a pair of jeans or pants that weren't petite but maternity clothes are an entirely different story. I buy what I can on sale and hope for the best.

A few weeks ago I went to the Meijer and they had maternity jeans on sale for $5. Yep, 5 bucks. I bought 5 pair. Not because I'm a shopaholic (well, not totally because I'm a shopaholic and haven't fed the fever in about 8 months) but because I was going on a work trip and the thought of worrying about the elastic on my more expensive jeans staying tight was driving me crazy. I can't wear most pants for more than five hours without the elastic stretching out and the pants saging. So, I bought a bunch of jeans for 20 bucks.

I got them home and they were super long. SUPER LONG. What to do?
I have a horrible - can't stitch through light weight felt - mini-sewing machine and no funds to dedicate to a better one. I refuse to pay a seamstress for pants I am going to wear for a few more months, so the only option was to hand hem the jeans. UGH.

I usually hate to handstitch hems. I remember when I was 11 and my mom taught me how. I always sewed in crooked line and made the back stitch too big and the hem wouldn't stay. In college I gave up handsewing hems and became a fan of Stitchery Witchery and Heat n Bond.

But these maternity jeans were made out of uber-stretchy material and the no sew method wasn't going to work. SO, after much trepedation, I decided to handstitch the hem.

AND HERE'S THE TIP -- To make a straight stitch, I used Scotch tape to space my stitches. The sewing actually went faster with the tape guide. And Viola! A hem line I could live with. Sure, they weren't machine perfect, but they looked perfect from afar and kept my pants off the ground.






Ahh, shortcuts. A tired woman's bestfriend.

Thanks for stopping by,

~ Dee

Mittens and Hats! A Baby is Coming..oh my!

I've finally eased back into crafting. Mostly, I've been crocheting quick little hats, booties and mittens (see picture below) for the baby. I am getting really nervous, excited and well, overwhelmed. Last doctor visit, my funny (sarcasm) midwife says, "oh, it won't be long now." ARGH!

We just bought the crib and changing table and agreed on a theme (we think) for the nursery. I've given myself and the Hubb a deadline for next Friday to have the major components put together. I'll post pictures.

Hopefully all of these crafty projects will help me get over these first baby jitters.



This hat and mitten set worked up super easy and quick. I found the pattern on Ravelry.com. I am thinking about adding a bit of white ribbon as embelishment but I sort of like them plain.

Thanks for dropping by,
~Dee

Returning Soon!

I know, I know. It's been a while. It couldn't be helped. Work loose ends that required all of my limited energy and travel to several states took me out of crafting commission.  But nursery crafts, new dolls (crochet and felt) and a few gifts for friends are in the making! I have about 51 days till my due date and I plan to get a lot done in the next 40 or so.

Wish me luck and cross your fingers!
~Dee