Handmade // What to do with a doily

I bought some doilies at the dollar store (2 for $1) I cut them down a little, careful not to cut any "arterials". I later found some small ones at JoAnn Fabric and Craft store - 1 for about $1, which would've saved the hassle of the cutting. Then, I sewed the doily onto a onesie. I think they turned out super cute - and SO easy! I have always wondered what to do with a doily...so, here's one idea!

To nourish

A couple of nights ago for our Family Home Evening activity, we decided to plant some seeds. Herbs, to be more specific, to be grown in our window sill.

It was actually a little kit I got Jacob for Christmas, as he loves to cook with fresh herbs. And it's always fun to grow things, right? So, he let us all help plant his herbs.

As I watched, I saw Aspen looking around, wide-eyed, and Sawyer, curious and anxious to help his dad with the dirt. I also saw Jacob, with a wide grin, patiently helping Sawyer place the dirt in the pots, and then sweep up the floor when the dirt spilled. He gently helped Sawyer plant the seeds (I got to help a little, too!)

We explained to Sawyer that the tiny seeds would grow to be little plants -- if we nourish them. We told him that they need to be put in a safe place, where the sun can shine on them, and that we need to give them water so they will grow. In essence, we were explaining about how to nourish a plant to growth - to reach it's full potential.

I couldn't help but look at my little children, and think about the vital role that Jacob and I play in their lives: we are their keepers and our job is to nourish them so that they, too, can reach their full potential.

It sounds easy, but in this world of ours with all it's beauty and goodness, there are so many poor choices one could make, that would get in the way of the sunshine, or block the flow of much-needed water.

Oh how I pray that we, as parents, can keep them in a good place, and give them the sunshine and the water - and the LOVE - they need to grow. May God grant us the blessing of watching them blossom and bloom.

baby toes for lunch

Pretty much, I could just eat her little toes for lunch, and maybe breakfast and dinner, too.

Every. Day.

(love her!)

Handmade // Fabric Magnets

Now that Sawyer goes to Nursery Class at our church and comes home each week with a little something special that he made, I decided it was time to make some pretty magnets.

You see, up until now, I have been the type of person who has a blank refrigerator. I am a minimalist. I don't like clutter. And I especially don't like un-matching magnets on a refrigerator (unless, of course, there is a quirky artfulness about it). So, I decided to use scraps of leftover material, to make some magnets that are pleasant to look at, yet functional. If you'd like to make some, too, it's easy! Here's how I did it:

Materials:

old magnets
or
new, blank magnets

scissors

scraps of your favorite fabric
or
leftover scrapbooking paper, stationary, or wrapping paper

Mod Podge - with lustre (don't you LOVE it?)

An inexpensive, small-ish paint brush

Method:

*If you are recovering old magnets, first put a layer of Mod Podge down and cover it with a solid color paper or fabric (I used white).

1. Cut fabric or paper of choice just about the size of the magnet. Use Mod Podge to glue it to the magnet. Don't be too sloppy, because it's nice to trim the edges (if you are using fabric it will likely stretch a bit). Trim edges. Wait a few minutes to make sure it's adhering to the magnet.

2. Next, cover the new, prettified magnet with another layer of Mod Podge. This will help to "seal" the material or paper onto the magnet, as well as make it a little harder and just a bit glossy.

3. Wait for it to dry for an hour or so...then prettify your refrigerator with your creation, along with a photo of a loved one, a special postcard, a love note, or a toddler-esque drawing. ;) Oh, and

4. Let your toddler play with the pretty magnets so he knows how important his Nursery lesson and works of art are to you.

Bonus: I decided to draw a little sparrow and cut it out with some more fabric and then repeat step 2.

These were fun and super-easy to make. If you have older children, or don't mind getting Mod Podge in your toddlers hair, give it a try! You could easily make these as a cute custom gift...or with a theme...I was thinking of doing some with trains so Sawyer could play "choo choo" on the refrigerator while I am cooking...or we could always re-invent abc magnets in a cool font...

If anyone decides to make these, let me know, and - have fun!