Buzzmills

Little Engineer...

Trains, no matter how big or how small, are awesome!  Don't you think? 

We've got a weekend full of flower planting, party planning, sewing and merry making...I wish you all a full and wonderful weekend! 

Don't forget today is the last day to enter the Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day Giveaway.  I will announce the winner tomorrow.

Linking this moment up here.

Fabric Beads: necklaces, bracelets, and dream catchers...

I've got another kid craft to share! 

Remember when I said yesterday that I wasn't quite sure what to expect for my kid crafting table?  Well, I wanted to have all of my bases covered, so in addition to the tissue paper crafts the kids could also choose to make necklaces. 

But not with just regular old beads, with fabric beads... I got this idea from Kelley when she made some during her 365 makes project, only I sort of cheated a little...Instead of making each of my beads individually, which seamed like it would take forever, I twirled my modge podge covered fabric around a pencil to make several very long beads. 
Once the modge podge was dry I snipped the long beads into smaller ones.
Violet was so eager to make her fabric bead necklace that day.   And happily and proudly wore it for the entire day... I don't think my beads turned out quite as pretty as Kelley's did.  I was a bit sloppier than she, I think.  But, it was fun.  It gives a simple kid beaded necklace on plastic craft cord a unique twist. 

They also make fun bracelets when strung on some elastic cording... And, I've got to say, they look pretty cool on a simple silver chain too... A great way to use up those scraps.  And, another fun idea for Mother's Day or for a special teacher!

PS, we also used them in a dream catcher we made last week using pipe cleaners, feathers, and an embroidery hoop... So far, it's done the trick!

Tissue Paper Flower Corsages and Butterflies...

A couple of weekends ago I had the opportunity to do a little kid crafting as part of a craft show that Gala Artisan Jewelry & Gifts was hosting.  I wasn't completely sure of what to expect, ie. what age ranges to expect or how many children would be there, so I kept it fairly simple and inexpensive.

We made tissue paper corsages and butterflies...It was a windy daythus the wood blocks holding down our supplies...But, it was also a ton of fun, especially because we got a visit from the Moxie family!  What a treat it was to be able craft with another Jane!  And, of course, to be able to catch up with Jill in person!  Super sweet and nice of them to swing by and spend the morning with us, thanks guys I really really appreciated it! 

So, with Mother's Day fast approaching as well as the end of the school year, I thought that these would make lovely gifts or gift toppers for your favorite mom, grandmother or teacher.  And, bonus, the supplies are all fairly inexpensive, you probably even have them in your craft supplies already.

What you need:  tissue paper, clothespins, marker, pipe cleaners, construction paper (for leaf), hole punch, scissors

To make the flower corsage:  cut circles approximately 5" in diameter, stack several, poke hole through the center with a pipe cleaner Here's Violet in action... Next, fold over the pipe cleaner about a half an inch to make a "stamen", bring hand up from the bottom and push up the "petals" (kind of like closing an umbrella), pinch petals at the bottom and twist the pipe cleaner around the pinched area, fluff out the petals, add a leaf, twist pipe cleaner around the leaf Next twist your pipe cleaner flower around your wrist and there you have it, a fun and pretty little corsage... To make a clothespin butterfly:  cut two rectangles of tissue paper approximately 10" x 6", although it really doesn't need to be exact, fold in half lengthwise and then in half lengthwise again, pinch open clothespin, tuck tissue paper inside clothespin Fold pipe cleaner in half, pinch that inside the clothespin as well.  Fluff out the wings.  Add a face, and there you have it, a cheery butterfly who is ready to flap and fly where ever little hands take him... or to pollinate a flower... And, because he's made with a clothespin...he can be clipped just about anywhere... On a shirt, in your hair, or on top of a gift! 

Have fun with them!

It's Giveaway Day!...

I always have so much fun participating in Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day Even though, I often forget until the night before!

Anywho, I am participating again this time around.  Here's what I've put together for my giveaway... 1) A fat quarter of hanprinted linen that I made, 2) A blank muslin bag, similar to the ones we made last week only yours will be sewn together, with a lining.  3) A package of Fabric Fun Pastel Dye Sticks to use on your blank muslin bag (or on whatever other project you think up!) 4) A remoldable Magic Stamp to have fun with and use for handprinting either for the kids or for your own projects, they are a lot of fun! Lots of fun stuff! 

Now, how to win?

This giveaway is open to international readers as well.

Leave me a comment.  It can be anything, but if you want tell me if you've tried handprinting (of any sort) before...

Bonus entry if you "like" me on Facebook or if you subscribe to my blog either through Bloglovin' or anyway you'd like really (trying to keep it simple).  So, two possible entries. 

Giveaway is open from now until 5PM PST May 10th.  I will announce the winner on Saturday, May 11th. 

Good Luck!  And don't forget to check out all of the other fabulous giveaways going on! 

**************Giveaway is now Closed**************

The winner is
#67  rainjerette who said..."I haven't tried handprinting before, but would like to try. Really intrigued by the pastels, too."

Congratulations!!

And thanks to all who entered in the fun!

Covert Robin Winners Announced...

i'm exciting to be announcing the prize winners for the covert robin! it was so much fun looking through all of the great projects that were linked up!


without further ado, the lucky winners are...

winner of a vintage sheet fat quarter pack from Cassie (elegantitus) is: Shannon of Sweet Puddles

winner of a gift certificate from Clara (Clover & Violet) is: Ruth of ruth plus two

winner of a lotta scrap bag from Courtney (mon petit lyons) is: Bobbie of From This to That

winner of MY handmade market tote is: Wendi of Sew Cat Sew Creations winner of a fat quarter bundle from Jill (Made with Moxie) is: Samantha of At Home with Mrs. H.

winner of pdf patterns from Karen (Sew Well Maide) is: Melissa of a happy stitch

winner of a gift certificate from Kelley (casa crafty) is: Lilly of Lilly Hillage Urban Textile Art

winner of a creativity pack from Melissa (a happy stitch) is: Nissa of Nissa Made

winner of an embroidery kit from Rachael (imagine gnats) is: Lisa of In The Boon Docks

winner of organic zippers from Stephanie (The Crafty Kitty) is: Kelley of Casa Crafty

Congratulations to all of the winners!  I hope you all had a ton of fun making and getting your gifts.

Have a great weekend.