Fabric Flowers

I was looking for a valance or some kind of decoration for my daughter's nursery window. I already had the blinds, so I wanted something to dress it up! Fabric flowers turned out to be just what I was looking for!

I took several coordinating (but not too matchy-matchy) fabrics-- I used thin, value fabric from Joann's-- at $2-$4 per yard, you can't go wrong! Start with about a yard of each. Then, I used iron-on interfacing (also purchased at Joann Fabrics) to stiffen the fabric. I ironed it on to the backs of the square fabric pieces. I cut 5 petals of each pattern out of the now stiffened fabric. For the smaller layered flowers I didn't cut individual petals, just a wavy flower shape.

After I had all my flowers/petals cut out, I grouped the 5 petals of the same pattern and made a small fold in the center of the flat end of the petal. I hot glued the tucks so that they would stay, and I didn't have to wait for the glue to dry. This added a nice dimension to my final flower! After my petals were tucked and glued, I simply layered the smaller flower shapes on top of the larger petals and fabric glued the different layers on top of one another.

For a center decoration, I glued on loose beads, or I used buttons with raffia woven through them for a textured and 3-D look. That's it! I used plain tape (pretty primitive) to put them up around my daughter's window frame, and I had enough extra to decorate the outside of her door, plus a few over the changing table! You could use wall adhesive, or a 3M Command removable tack up strip as well. I have cut the "removable sticky poster tabs" into smaller pieces before, and it has held beautifully. 

They really give her room a sweetness, and since they are so light, if one fell, it wouldn't hurt anyone :) I love how customizable they are-- they would make a great baby gift! Or, use the idea to do butterflies, letters, etc for an older girl's room!

Tweet

I see the moon, and the moon sees me....

I looked and looked and LOOKED for something to put over my daughter's crib and just couldn't find anything I liked! One night we were reading "The Moon Shines Down" by Margret Brown and it hit me-- I loved the phrase, "I see the moon, and the moon sees me. God bless the moon, and God bless me". I decided I could make my own wall mural using that quote.
I used the Cricut Alphabet font with my Cricut Expression machine, and cut the words out of white vinyl. I used a 3" letter height. I used the "&" and lowercase letters for a more whimsical look. I didn't worry about getting everything straight- in fact, I tried to make it look dream-like! It really took the pressure off :)
I used regular acrylic paint in 3 shades of yellow + white to paint the moon and stars. I like the way it turned out-- hopefully you do too! Tweet

Cricut Cut-Out Card

I  love the simplicity of these cut-out cards. For these cards I used pre-folded, solid color 5X7 cards. I flattened the card and put it on the Cricut mat and cut out the image. As you can see, my little fairy didn't quite make it to the center, but I almost like it better that way!! You could also make your own cards from total scratch by using patterned or solid scrapbook paper and cutting your image first, and folding afterwards.  Initials would make cute stationary! Such a simple way to dress up a card!   Tweet

Alphabet Letter Magnets!

I didn't like the plastic "classic" alphabet letters that toddlers like to play with on the refrigerator. So, I decided to make my own!
I used clear glass "pebbles" (there were more than enough for a whole alphabet in the bag) that I got from the dollar store. I cut out letters (1") using the Cricut (if you don't have a die-cutting machine, you could print letters on cardstock, or use letter stickers on cardstock!!).
I used Modge Podge to glue the letters *backwards* on the flat part of the stone. I then took a contrasting color of solid scrapbooking paper and "glued" it on using Modge Podge again. I was able to trim around the edges of the paper to fit the circle before it dried completely.
Then just hot glue a magnet (I got some from Michaels) on the back and there you have it! I tried patterned scrapbooking paper too, if you don't want letters, and they turned out great! They would be great to give as a gift (think totally customizable-- initials, photos, themes, birthday party favors, wedding favors, etc!)

Source: Uploaded by user via Emma on Pinterest

Tweet

Vinyl Bird on Door Frame

Isn't he cute? I used my Cricut personal die cutting machine and cut a 3" silhouette bird (from the "Give a Hoot" cartridge) out of white vinyl. My 2 year old daughter calls him "tweet birdie" and we love the simple touch of whimsy he gives in the family room!

Tweet