DIY Parenting

The perfect handmade children’s gift

by Stacy on October 25, 2008

Traveling Art Studio

I don’t know why women are so instantly drawn to beautiful stationary and paper gifts, I have to contain myself each time I enter a shop or book store where journals are sold. Perhaps that is part of the reason I am so drawn to this fantastic idea posted at JCasa Handmade. I found the post a few days ago but find myself going back to it again and again. I truly believe these are the perfect gifts. For children, for parents, and if modified a bit for adults, for myself

Children's coloring wallets

The link to this tutorial is a bit different than our other posts, you’ll have to buy it from the seller’s etsy store. The bargain is the seller doesn’t care how many you create, give, or sell. So if you wanted to you could go into your own traveling art studio business. How fun would that be?

Purchase the tutorial here

Looks like it’s time to start compiling the Christmas Gift list, look back soon for tons more holiday gift idea posts …

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Fairy Wishes, Butterfly Dreams

by Stacy on October 15, 2008

Butterfly costume
Photo from here

I stumbled across this image a few months ago and just knew I wanted to recreate this costume for my daughter for Halloween. I threw all reality out the window and went sheerly on impulse disregarding the fact that my 20 month old has never worn a costume, let alone a super pouffy tutu and is pretty particular about her clothing. In preparation for the event, I scooped up tons of gorgeous tulle, I researched the easiest ways to create a tutu online, and then I got to work creating my own version of this fairy skirt each night after work. Hours later I ended up with one gorgeous tutu if I must say so myself. I chose to mix colors pink, blue, and purple in several layers creating a beautiful effect. I was so excited for my little one to see the finished product. I waited patiently all day on Saturday waiting for the perfect opportunity to introduce her to my beautiful creation. It never once occurred to me, no not even once, that my wee one would be DEATHLY afraid of the thing. Yes, deathly. Just being near it brings her to tears, its a real shame- she would have made the most beautiful butterfly/fairy. So it goes, there’s always next year – or the year after that…

I used this method with more layering and color blending to create a no-sew tutu. I’ll post pictures of my version this weekend.

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Sticking with the bird theme…

by Stacy on September 14, 2008

Halloween is fast approaching and we’ve decided to give you plenty of alternatives to the typical store bought costumes. Take this super cute bluebird costume for little ones, it will be warm without suffocating your child like the furry costumes you’ll find in the stores. Thanks again Martha! Check out the link here for how-to instructions.

Be sure to check out the new DIY Halloween Costumes category for more great ideas

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Eco-Friendly Doll Furniture

by Stacy on August 29, 2008

We are so excited to feature Anna’s Kid-Friendly, Earth-Friendly, easy on the pocketbook cardboard doll furniture. We have visions of what we could do with a little contact paper and some craft glue.

You’ll probably recognize Anna from her well known diy cardboard kitchen that is still circulating the blog worlds a year later. If you haven’t seen it, check it out here. Yu can still purchase the plans on her Etsy store and build your very own.

Stay tuned for more from this talented blogger and even a possible interview from Anna herself.

Your purchase from the Etsy store includes plans to build the bed and sew the quilt, create the mattress and the pillow (not pictured), construct the chair, and even a matching table (also not pictured) for all your doll tea parties

Forty-two roads: Doll Furniture and Linens are Finished!

Check out her blog for more photos and details and be sure to stop by her Etsy store for your copy of the Doll Furniture and the Cardboard Kitchen

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Potty Training? Try This

by Stacy on August 23, 2008

Photo by Jackyamsc via Flickr

Trying to warm your child up to the idea of potty training? The first step is to help make the experience not quite so scary (and well…grown up). Here’s an easy way to relax the whole process: start by teaching your child’s favorite stuffed animal or doll how to go on a makeshift/pretend potty. Before you know it your child will be taking their playmate to the potty over and over again. Pretty soon they’ll want to go potty like their friend too.

You’ll need:
- a child in need of potty training
- A favorite bear, softie, or doll
- A pot, bowl, or children’s pottie
- A positive attitude

Good Luck and be sure to let us know if this technique works for you

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