Spooky & Fun - Digital Scrapbooking Kit

Good morning my spooky lovelies!

Halloween is just days away, and boy am I excited! Halloween is my FAVOURITE holiday! I love the creative freedom to dress up and decorate in any way you want! The spookier the better!

Halloween is slowly gaining traction here in Australia which is pretty exciting. Each year we get more and more trick or treaters! Last year we had over 150 kids! Incredible!!!

Today's scrap kit is, of course, Halloween themed! I can't wait to use this one myself once I get photos of the kids in their costumes this year (and me too!) My fav element in this kit, is the pumpkin stickers, ahh so cute!!

October's Free Digital Scrap Kit

Included In This Kit:

15 Papers

7 Frames
3 Journal Tags

2 Balloons
4 Splitpins
4 Stitckers
3 Buttons

3 Webs

2 Ribbons
19 Other Elements

Get The Zip File Here!

Shape Matching File Folder Game

Good morning all!!

Today I'm back with yet another file folder game! (I've mentioned how much I like these.. right??)

Shape matching! This game goes beyond the basic square, circle, triangle, and introduces preschoolers to a larger range of shapes. Now, I'm not expecting a toddler to understand the difference between a hexagon and an octagon straight up, but there is no harm in exposing them to these shapes and words from the get go.

For younger kids it will be a simple matching game, and learning to recognise the shapes, their names, and also colours (eg, What colour is the star?, Which shape is green?) For older kids you can talk about the shapes some more, for example, how many sides they have or what other things in life resemble the shapes.

New to file folder games? It's super simple to do!

Here's How!

You'll need to download the files at the bottom of this post. The PDF contains both sets of shapes and a cover page.

Print out each set twice.

Take one copy of each set and laminate the entire sheet. If you don't have a laminate machine you can use clear contact, or if you like you can leave the sheets as is. I laminate everything, so it can be used over and over.

Stick these 2 laminated sheets into the inside of your file folder. I used double sided tape to attach them as I find it sticks better.

Take the second copy of each set and cut the shapes out. Laminate the shapes, and cut them from the laminate sheet.

Here comes the fun part.. Velcro dots! I know I've talked about these before, but honestly, the VERY best way of attaching Velcro to laminate is by using the self adhesive sticky Velcro dots! Easy!

Place one dot on the back of the shape, and the other on the shape it matches on the folder. That's it! Your done!

If you are not using laminate or contact to cover your pieces, then I strongly recommend that you also avoid the Velcro. The pieces will rip when being removed if you have Velcro on them, so just sliding them into place would work fine. If this is the option you use, you can store the pieces in an envelope, and stick the envelope to the back of the folder, so pieces don't go missing.

Put the cover on the folder. Again, I used double sided tape. Boy I love that stuff!

That's it lovelies, you are done! Now let your toddler/preschooler have some fun with it!

Barbie Dress - Full Length Fishtail Gown

Good morning all and welcome to another Barbie gown!

Today's gown is super elegant, and very glitzy. Helped in part by this fantastic Moda Vera Lillium yarn, which has tiny little sequins in it. So pretty! I've actually been sitting on this yarn for a while waiting for the right project, and this was absolutely it. This fishtail gown is a quick afternoon project, and an excellent scrap buster too!

You Will Need:

4ply/Fingering Weight yarn, I used Moda Vera Lillium
2.5mm hook
Closure of choice (button/snap/velcro/hook & eye. I use snaps)
Stitch Marker

1: Ch31, sc in the second chain from hook and each across. -30

2: Ch1, turn, sc in the first 12 stitches, 2sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc in the next 2 stitches, 2sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc in the last 12 stitches. -34

3-5: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. -34

6: Ch1, turn, sc in the first 12 stitches, sc2tg 5 times, sc in the last 12 stitches. -29

7: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. -29

8: Ch1, turn, sc in the first 12 stitches, sc2tg, sc in the next stitch, sc2tg, sc in the last 12 stitches. -27

9: Ch1, turn, sc2tg, sc in the next 23 stitches, sc2tg. -25

10-15: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. -25

16: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch around, join. -25 

17: Ch1 sc in the first 4 stitches, 2sc in the next stitch,  *sc in the next 4 stitches, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat around, place marker. (We'll be working in continual rounds here on) -30

18-22: Sc in each stitch around. -30

23: Sc2tg, sc in the next 13 stitches, sc2tg, sc i the last 13 stitches. -28

24: Sc in each stitch around. -28

25: Sc2tg, sc in the next 12 stitches, sc2tg, sc in the last 12 stitches. -26

26-27: Sc in each stitch around. -26

28: Sc2tg, sc2tg, sc in the next 13 stitches, sc2tg, sc2tg, sc in the last 5 stitches. -22

29: Sc2tg, sc2tg, sc in the next 7 stitches, sc2tg, sc2tg, sc in the last 7 stitches. -18

30-39: Sc in each stitch around. -18

40: 2sc in each stitch around. -38

41: *Sc in the next stitch, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat around. -54

42: Sc in each stitch around.

End off, weave in tails.

Add closure of choice and you're finished!

Peter Preemie Blanket

Good morning all, and hello to July!

It's really starting to cool down now here in Tasmania, which is perfect for making blankets!

Today I have a pattern, that ties in with some others I've released this year. The Peter Gown and the Peter Beanie both feature a sweet cluster stitch, and this blanket does too. All 3 together make for a great coordinating set.

I know you guys have been asking for matching pieces for a long time now, and I am so excited to have this one ready for you all. I have many more to come too!

Just a heads up, when making this blanket, I carried the contrasting yarn on the back as I worked, making sure to stitch over it (instead of droping it and picking it back up). This creates a really neat effect, but you need to be VERY careful that you keep your tension on that strand loose, or the blanket will bunch and pucker.

Of course, you can also complete it with just one colour and avoid that issue entirely, but I love how the clusters stand out with a contrasting yarn.

The size I've given here is to also fit a 24 week bub, so it matches the sizes of the hat and gown, but it's very easy to increase (or decrease if you want it smaller), and once you've done a few rounds you'll see how.

You could also make multiple small ones, and join them together for a much larger cot/bed sized blanket.

If you are confident with chainless dc starts you can use that in place of the starting ch3 throughout.

The Peter Blanket

You Will Need:
5mm Hook
DK/8ply/Light Worsted Weight yarn in a main and contrasting colour.

Cluster Stitch (cl) - yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through (3 on hook), yarn over, pull through 2, yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through 2, (3 on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 stitches. Cluster complete. (clusters count as stitches, remember to work into the top of them each following round)

Start with main colour

1: Ch5, join to make a ring (or make a magic ring), ch3 (counts as first dc here and throughout), into the ring do 2dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, ch2, join to the starting chain.

2: Ch3, dc in the next 2 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 3 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat around, join to the starting chain.

3: Ch3, dc in the next 4 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 5 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch with main colour, join to the starting chain.

4: Ch3, dc in the next 4 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 7 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 2 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

5: Ch3, dc in the next 5 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 9 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 3 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

6: Ch3, dc in the next 6 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 11 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 4 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

7: Ch3, dc in the next 7 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 13 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 5 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

8: Ch3, dc in the next 8 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 15 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 6 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

9: Ch3, dc in the next 9 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 17 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 7 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

10: Ch3, dc in the next 10 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 19 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 8 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

11: Ch3, dc in the next 11 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 21 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 9 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

12: Ch3, dc in the next 12 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 23 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 10 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

13: Ch3, dc in the next 13 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 25 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 11 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain.

14: Ch3, dc in the next 14 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour, *With main colour dc in the next 27 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space in alternate colour*, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 12 stitches with main colour, join to the starting chain (join with contrasting colour).

15: Complete this round using only the contrasting colour. Ch3, dc in the next 15 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space *dc in the next 29 stitches, (cl, ch2, cl) in the next ch2 space *, repeat twice, dc in the last stitch 13 stitches, join to the starting chain.

16: Continue with contrasting colour. Ch2, hdc in the first 16 stitches, (3hdc, ch2, 3hdc) in the next ch2, *hdc in the next 31 stitches, (3hdc, ch2, 3hdc) in the next ch2*, repeat twice, hdc in the last 14 stitches, join to the starting chain.

End off and weave in tails.

Alternative edge ideas: You could easily add a second round for a thicker edge, or even reverse sc (ch2 in each corner) after round 16. For a more feminine blanket try a picot edge after round 16.

Blocking: It is best to block this blanket. I use acrylic yarn, so I went block by getting the blanket damp, and pinning it out on some old foam letter mats.

Sweet Girl - Digital Scrapbooking Kit

Good morning all!

I think, probably one of the most popular things to scrapbook, and indeed the reason a lot of people take it up, is when a new baby enters their lives. It's a great way to preserve photos and create something beautiful. Indeed, it's the very reason why I started scrapbooking years and years ago!

Today's scrapkit, Sweet Girl, is all about things PINK! From sweet little tags to the alpha set, this kit is bursting with pretty! Shiny, glittery, and very very PINK!

June Free Digital Scrapbook Kit - Sweet Girl

Included in this kit:

14 Papers

6 Buttons

1 Alpha

9 Ribbons and bows

5 Frames

5 Stickers

1 Journal block

7 Tags

and

43 Other Embellishments!

Grab The Zip File Here!

DIY Embellishment Clusters From Scraps

Good morning all!

Recently I've been playing with paper crafts! I've always loved to scrapbook, and now I've been playing with cards and happy mail, and having oodles of fun along the way!

One thing I noticed though, was that I have a LOT of leftover pieces. You guys know, Im a huge fan of not wasting stuff, and upcycling, so today Im going to show you how I made some cute little embellishments from scraps!

Today Im focusing on circles. I recently purchased a set of hole punches that make 3 sizes of circles, so it was a good chance to play with them.

I've never blogged anything like this before, so.. Are the descriptions ok? Would you prefer no descriptions and just the photos? Something else I've not thought about? Let me know. I can't wait to share more paper craft adventures!

To make these embellishments you will need:

Scrap paper or cardstock
Glue

A Stapler
Some Bling (I found some stashed in the craft draws, the small silver shapes are about 8 years old!)
Words or phrases. These could be stickers, cut out from magazines or just leftover from other projects. I had a heap left from some cards I'd made (I just printed words onto cardstock, and cut into strips)
Foam Tape

Cluster 1: Position a small circle over a larger one and glue down. Offset a word of phrase to the bottom right with foam tape for height. Add some bling to the top left!

Cluster 2: Cut one circle in half, and cut 2 different length strips. Place the shorter of the 2 strips on the large circle, and attach a half circle on top. Add the longer strip to the right of the shorter one. Cover the strips with a smaller circle. Use foam tape to attach a word or phrase to the main circle, in the middle so it covers the half circle line. Put some bling beside the word.

Cluster 3: Glue one smaller circle to the center of a larger one. Choose 2 words of phrases and attach them to the circle using a stapler. I stapled twice. Add some bling under the staples.

Cluster 4: Cut 2 circles in half. Alternating colours, fan them out over a 90 degree angle, adding glue to adhere them together. Attach a word of phrase to the bottom, and some bling to the left of the word.

See, I told you these were easy! Probably you didn't even need the descriptions! It's a great way to use up all those little pieces of scrap that are sitting around, and can be added to so many things! Scrapbooks, cards, loaded envelopes, flip-books, as paperclip toppers or even used in planners. Oodles of options, all from a few pieces of scrap!

Barbie Dress - 3 Row Ruffle Dress

Good morning all!

Back on the Barbie outfit kick lately. Yes, I admit it, I just love making little dresses for dolls. Too much fun!

Today's pattern is the first in a series of dresses I've been working on lately, that are all strapless, and all use 4ply (Fingering or Sock weight yarns) yarn. I personally use snaps for closing the back of these, but you could use Velcro or hook and eye closures.

The best part about these dresses is how fast they are to whip up! Gotta love an afternoon project.

Today's dress is a fun party dress with rows of ruffles! I made it with one variegated colour, but you could easily add some dazzle by changing the ruffles to another colour, or even make an ombre dress with each ruffle a different shade!

You will need: 
2.5mm hook
4ply/sock/Fingering yarn in a main colour
Both pieces of a press stud to close

1: Ch31, sc in the second chain from hook and each across. -30

2: Ch1, turn, sc in the first 12 stitches, 2sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc in the next 2 stitches, 2sc in each of the next 2 stitches, sc in the last 12 stitches. -34

3-5: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. -34

6: Ch1, turn, sc in the first 12 stitches, sc2tg 5 times, sc in the last 12 stitches. -29

7: Ch1, turn, sc in the first 12 stitches, sc2tg, sc in the next stitch, sc2tg, sc in the last 12 stitches. -27

8: Ch1, turn, sc2tg, sc in the next 23 stitches, sc2tg. -25

9-14: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across. -25

15: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across, join to the ch1. We'll be working in rounds from here.

16: Ch1, sc in each stitch around, join. -25

17: Ch1, *sc in the next 4 stitches, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat around, join. -30

18: Ch1, sc in each stitch around, join. -30

19: Ch1, *sc in the next, 2sc in the next stitch*, repeat around, join. -45

20-23: Ch1, sc in each stitch around, join. -45

24: Ch1, sc in the back loop only of each stitch around, join.

25: Ch1, sc in each stitch around, join. -45

26-27: Repeat rounds 24 and 25

28: Ch1, 3sc in each stitch around, join. End off and weave in tail.

29: Rejoin your yarn on one of the unused loops from round 26, towards the back of the dress. Ch1, 3sc in each stitch around, join. End off, weave in tails.

30: Rejoin your yarn on one of the unused loops from round 24, towards the back of the dress. Ch1, 3sc in each stitch around, join. End off, weave in tails.

Sew your snaps on the back and weave in tails from that and you are done!

Nature Play Dough Mat - Free Printable

Good morning all!

Well, we're officially in winter here now in Australia, and it's been getting colder and colder! This means lots more inside time with Master J.

This week I whipped up a new playdough mat set for Master J, and I have to say, he just loves it!

Not only is this a great set for play dough, but it is also perfect for dry erase markers AND for some outside play. That's right, because these are laminated you can take them outside! Master J had a blast sticking leaves on the tree and picking flowers from the lawn to put on the stalks. A quick wipe when we were done and the mats are good as new!

This set has a rainbow, flower stalks and 2 trees, one with leaves and one without.

New to play dough mats? It's easy as can be! Download the file, print it, laminate the sheets and BAM! That's it, you are done.  Grab the PDF below!

Airlie Keepsake Diaper

Good morning all and hello to  June!

Today's pattern, the Airlie Diaper, aims to start bridging gaps in pattern sizes.

I feel that we need to make sure even the smallest of the small are represented and respected, and making sure size appropriate items are available, regardless of if they would be worn or kept as a keepsake, is a huge part of that. Sometimes people get confused at these tiny items, but from an angel mums perspective, trust me when I say they mean the world 💗

This diaper, is tiny. So very tiny. It is designed to fit a baby of 18 weeks gestation. For some, it will be wearable, and for others, it may just be a keepsake. So much depends on the baby so having the option there for parents should they need it, is what we're aiming for.

The pattern itself is a very fast one, and uses a tiny amount of yarn. I imagine if you were to use a full ball, you would get quite a lot of them from it! I've chosen to close with a small pin, but if you are looking for other options, velcro may be a good one. Normally I wouldn't suggest velcro for a preemie item, but there are not a lot of ways to hold something so small together, and still be practical. If you do decide to use velcro, make sure you cut it small. It won't need much to hold together. It might also be easier to glue the velcro on, instead of stitching the tiny pieces.
Very small hook and eye closure fixings might also work. Unfortunately I don't have any to test that right now.

Airlie Keepsake Diaper

Sized To Fit:
18 Weeks Gestation

You Will Need:
4ply baby yarn (fingering weight for non Aussies)
2mm hook
Pin or Velcro or Hook and Eye to close

1: Ch30, sc into the second chain from hook and each across. - 29

2: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 29

3: Ch1, turn, slst in the first 6 stitches, ch2, hdc in the next 17 stitches, leave the last 6 unworked. - 17

4: Ch2, turn, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 13 stitches, hdc2tg. - 15

5: Ch2, turn, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 11 stitches, hdc2tg. - 13

6-7: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 13

8: Ch2, turn, hdc2tg, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 5 stitches, hdc2tg, hdc2tg. - 9

9: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 9

10: Ch2, turn, hdc2tg, hdc in the next 5 stitches, hdc2tg. - 7

11-15: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 7

16: Ch2, turn, 2hdc in each stitch across. - 14

17: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 14

18: Ch2, turn, 2hdc in the first stitch, hdc in the next 12 stitches, 2hdc in the last stitch. - 16

19: Ch1, turn, sc in each stitch across, do not end, instead sc evenly around the entire diaper (being sure to add 2sc in corners to help with turns) and join to the ch1 from the start of this row. End off and weave in all tails.

Birthday Bash - Digital Scrapbooking Kit

Morning all!!!

Well, May is almost over, and here's this month's Scrapkit, Birthday Bash! Because May is the month all the best people were born *hint hint* That's right, yours truly had a birthday this month! Actually.. it was yesterday! WOOHOO!

This kit is full of fun bright bold colours, perfect for scrapping those amazing birthday photos! Have some fun with this one. The Birthday Bash kit also comes with 2 full sets of numbers, so you can be sure to add ages and dates too!

May Free Digital Scrapbook Kit - Birthday Bash

Included in this kit:

18 Papers

13 Word Arts

3 Stickers

7 Ribbons

3 Banners

3 Frames

4 Split Pins

18 Other Embellishments 

Grab The Zip File Here!!

Chris Jacket - Free Newborn Crochet Pattern

Good morning all and welcome to May's newborn pattern.

The Chris Jacket has been something I've had in the works for a while, and you may remember I used the same stitch for a pair of Preemie Pants back in 2015.

Gosh, I really do love this little jacket. Just enough texture to mix it up, but not too busy, and very neutral. It's a quick make too, and wouldn't take more than a day to complete,  making it perfect for last minute baby showers. Made as instructed, this jacket will fit a newborn baby, up to maybe 2 months, depending of course on bubs size.

The Chris Jacket

Sized To Fit:
Newborn to 2 months

You will need
4mm hook
DK weight (8ply, light worsted) yarn in main and contrasting colour. 1 100g ball of the main colour is plenty.
3 buttons
3 stitch markers

1: Chain 50, hdc in the second chain from hook, hdc in the next 2 chains, 2hdc in the next chain, *hdc in the next 3 chains, 2hdc in the next chain*, repeat across, hdc in the last stitch. - 61

2: Ch3, turn, *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat across, dc in the last stitch. - 61

3: Ch2, turn, *hdc in the first 4 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch*, repeat across, hdc in the last. -73

4: Ch3, turn, *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat across, dc in the last stitch. - 73

5: Ch2, turn, *hdc in the next 7 stitches, 2hdc in the next stitch*, repeat across, 2hdc in the last stitch. - 83

6: Ch3, turn, *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat across, dc in the last stitch. - 83

7: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 83

8: Ch2, turn, *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat 6 times, chain 5, skip 18 stitches, dc in the 19th stitch, dc in the 18th (previous) stitch, *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat 9 times, chain 5, skip the next 18 stitches, dc in the next stitch, dc in the previous stitch, *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat 4 times, dc in the last stitch. - 59 including chains

9: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch and chain across. - 59

10: Ch3, turn, *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat across, dc in the last stitch. - 59

11: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. - 59

12-17: Repeat rows 10 and 11.

18: Ch2, turn, hdc in each stitch across. End off.

Sleeves.

1: Attach yarn to any stitch towards the back side of an arm hole and ch2, hdc in the same stitch and evenly hdc around the arm hole for 28 stitches, join. (28)

2: Ch2, *hdc in the next 5 stitches, hdc2tg* repeat around, join. - 24

3: Ch3 *skip one stitch, dc in the next stitch, dc in the skipped stitch*, repeat around, join. - 24

4: Ch2, hdc in each stitch around, join. - 24

5-10: Repeat rounds 3-4. - 24

11-12: Ch1, sc in each stitch around. - 24

End off and weave in all tails. Reattach yarn to the second arm hole and complete 1-12 to make the second sleeve.

Finishing.

Figure out what position you would like your buttons in, and place markers there. I picked 3 buttons, but you could do any number you like.

Join your contrasting colour to the bottom right corner of the jacket and ch1, sc evenly up the side of the front opening of the jacket, sc in each stitch around the neckline, sc back down the other side of the front opening, when you reach a stitch marker make a button hole, I chained 3 for my button holes, but you may need more or less depending on the size of your buttons, once you have chained 3 for your button hole sc back into the same space before continuing to sc down the opening. When you reach the bottom, sc in each stitch across the bottom of the jacket until you reach the starting ch1, and slst to join.

End off and weave in all of the tails. Add your buttons and done!

Multiple Use Sticker Squares for Learning and Games

Morning all!

Sometimes, the most versatile busy bag games can also be the cheapest! Which is always a plus when you have little ones to entertain!

Today's project is so cheap and simple, but it has a whole variety of uses, sticker cards!

That's right. Stickers and cardstock. Sounds pretty basic right? Well, it is! In fact, it's barely a tutorial, it's so simple.

I picked up these packs of 180 stickers from The Reject Shop last year, they cost me only $2 a pack, and as of writing this, they still have them available too, wahoo! If you don't have a Reject Shop in your area, most discount/bargain stores stock packs of stickers, cheap.

You'll also need some cardstock. I have a stack of A4 sized coloured cardstock I picked up for $3.

Optional: A laminate machine! Now, you don't NEED one of these. In fact, the sticker cards work EXACTLY the same without being covered. I prefer to use it, because it means my cards will last longer, and be able to be used year after year. You could also cover them with clear contact if you wanted to.

Cut your cardstock into squares. Mine are 1.5 inches (just shy of 4cm)

 

Stick your stickers to the middle of the squares.

Laminate, if you wish!

See, I told you it was simple!

What I love about these cards though, simplicity aside, is how many things you can use them for!

Colour Matching.

Kids can match either the colour of the cardstock or the colour of the stickers.

Grouping.
Group together the same items (even if they have different coloured backgrounds)

Play a game of Memory.
This can be a simple 4 or 9 square game for smaller kids, right up to as many cards as you can make for older ones. Imagine using all 180 stickers for the ultimate Memory challenge!

Pattern Recognition.
Figuring out what comes next in a sequence, either with the sticker, or flipping them over and using the blank side to make patterns from the colours. For older children, the challenge could be matching the sequence with both the card colour and the sticker!

Story Prompts.
This is a great one for older kids to practice their creative writing skills. Get them to pick out 3-5 cards at random, and write a story using the images as prompts. Lots of fun!

So, there are just a handful of ideas of fun and learning games, all from $5 worth of supplies. Budget games? Yes please! 

Pinspiration - Halloween Signs from Pallets

Morning all!

Gosh, Halloween is getting closer and closer, and I am sooooo not prepared! My project list is huge! Thanks Pinterest, haha!

This month I've been working on some upcycling. Actually, this project, cost me nothing! Nope, not a penny! I already had the paints and brushes, and the pallet boards I used to paint on came free from a store that was getting rid of them! A lot of companies that receive goods on pallets will give these away for nothing, so it pays to ask around.

We'll be moving mid year, and as yet I don't know what space we'll have for a haunt, so I've been making things I can easily adapt for any space. These signs are perfect for that.

I can hang them on walls, attach them to trees or add a base and sit them in the yard!

So, how did I do it?

First, cut your pallet up and make the planks the size you want! Mine are 43x8 cm (give or take on height) and that wasn't actually planned by me. It's just the size the planks came off at when I started cutting. Of course, you can actually measure if you want to have signs the same height. All 3 got a coat of grey primer first that I let dry overnight.

Spooky:

This was the easiest sign to make. I picked a font out, opened it in Photoshop and printed out the letters to the size I wanted. Once a coat of black paint dried, I just laid the letters over the plank and traced them on. The pressure was enough to lightly mark the wood so I could see where ti paint. The words are white, just one coat, and then once that dried I touched the edges up with some red paint. See, super easy.

Headstone Scene:

This one took a few more steps, but still, pretty easy. I started with the blues and purples for the background, and brushed them on, getting darker at the top, lighter at the bottom. I also took some black (a very tiny amount) and brushed it into the wet paint around the edges. Then I took a pencil and outlined where everything would go. The moon went on first, then the hill. I popped the headstone on the hill and waited for it to dry, and then came in with a super fine brush and some black to paint in some grass in front of it. The tree went on last, so that it could over hang the moon.

Black Cat:

I can't take credit for this one. Miss M found the image on Pinterest (which started this whole post today!) and recreated it in pencil onto the wood for me. Thankyou to Bronwyn Goulding for sharing. This one started with an orange background, and again some black on the edges. I painted in the spider and cobwebs first, then the house and cat, and the cats eye last.

I'd call this a Pinterest Win Right?? YES!

I have a bunch more to make yet! Free Halloween decor? YES PLEASE!