Buzzmills: August 2015 posts

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August 2015 posts

08/27/2015

Paneled Sunsuit Tour, Mix & Match...

At the beginning of the summer Ajaire of Call Ajaire asked me if I'd like to be a part of her "Not Just a Sunsuit" pattern tour and seeing that Violet loves the romper I made for her earlier this summer (and loved the one from last summer as well...) I happily agreed, I mean with all of the options this pattern has to offer how could I not!

And then...summer flew by in a blink of an eye and suddenly we are closer to fall than the beginning of summer and quickly moving away from "peak sunsuit" weather. But, not to worry, because this is the "Not Just a Sunsuit" pattern tour after all.

To start I opted for the separates option of the Paneled Sunsuit rather than the the sunsuit itself. I chose the top and shorts (there are also pants, skirt and maxi to choose from as well)...

The top is made with lovely yellow polka dot double gauze from Imagine Gnats. I made several changes with the top, some were planned, some were not...None had anything to do with the pattern, all me! First, instead of using fabric and elastic for the straps, I decided to use this beautiful ribbon that we recently picked up from a trip to Joann. Violet picked it out wanting a headband, which she got, but it also looked so nice next to the yellow double gauze that I couldn't resist the sweet little ribbon touch.

For the straps I measured the ribbon the same length as the pattern recommend for the fabric straps and then simply added a small amount of foldover elastic to the back part of the straps and attached the FOE to the back bodice.

The FOE gives just enough ease to aid in getting the shirt off and on, but not so much that the straps are falling off. After changing up the straps I hadn't intended on any other changes, but then my measuring skills completely failed me! I blame fuzzy post 22 mile runner head that's allowed right? Well, the top fit, but just barely and not comfortably...so I made it work by adding "gussets" on the sides...

This makes the top much more billowy and full, but in the double gauze it also makes it lovely and super comfy!

After fixing the top to correct my mismeasuring mistakes, I found it to be a bit too short, so I added a contrast waistband by cutting a 6" piece of fabric that measured the width of the bottom of the bodice, folded it over wrong sides together and stitched it to the bottom of the bodice. I gave Violet the option of it being snug with elastic or loose, she chose snug so I tucked elastic into the waist band...

For the shorts, well, I must have cleared the running cob webs out for making these...They are made using the remnants of Robert Kauffman Railroad Denim from these pants and didn't need any changes. They came together perfectly.

They are cute and comfy and such a great pair of shorts!

Violet loves both pieces together and apart. I let her pick the fabrics from my stash, she really loves to mix her patterns! But, secretly, I helped to veer her in the direction of "neutral" ish so that she could wear each piece more often because, while we may not have gotten a full summer out of Violet's new Paneled Sunsuit, we definitely have plans to get a full Fall/Spring out of them!

That's the beauty of separates right? Mixing and Matching...

The top pairs perfectly with twirly jersey knit circle skirts...

a swishy woven circle skirt and a cardigan make a sweet pairing...

or wear with a pair of city gym shorts and it's time for tree climbing...

And the sweet silhouette of the shorts allows them to pair perfectly with a fun freezer paper stenciled tank...

or "nerdy" tee...

They are also perfect for full flowy tops, like the bohemian babydoll...

Or simply with a tank and a cardigan...

(Of course the top will look great with these pants as well...we just haven't dug those out of storage just yet...)

Violet had such a fun time mixing and matching these outfits with me (I think it was helpful for her to get a little guidance in the mixing and matching too) and whether they are worn together or apart I know that they will get a lot of wear!

The Paneled Sunsuit is a great pattern, with loads of options and a large size range. Once you choose which option you want to make (that itself might be a difficult decision) the pattern instructions are thorough and easy to follow. Ajaire includes instructions for mixing two different sizes together as well if making the sunsuit/jumper options. I think the jumper might be the next on my list!

Ajaire is offering a 15% discount on her patterns during the tour! You can use the code SUNSUIT15 both at UpCraft Club and Etsy through the 7th of September. She is also offering a 20% discount code in the Designs by Call Ajaire Facebook group so join there! (If you enter the giveaway below and win one of her patterns, she will happily refund your purchase so don't hesitate.)

Check out the other amazing bloggers on the tour!

And don't forget to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a great day!

Posted at 07:00 AM in Sewing | Permalink | Comments (1)

08/18/2015

Moveable Craft Stick Puppets...

With less than two weeks until school starts we are winding down our summer here... We've squeezed in a ton of fun and adventure over these summer weeks. But now as we slow things down a bit in preparation for regular bedtimes and school time routine the adventures will likely be pushed more toward the weekends. But, that doesn't mean there can't be a few post school crafting afternoons!

We made these moveable craft stick puppets last year...

as a guest post for MollyMoo as a prelude to the Happy Handmade ebook (which you can buy here!)

and now I'm thinking that it might be time for updated versions this year...

Anyhow, check it out...I promise these are loads and loads of fun!

Hi there! I'm Jane and I blog over at Buzzmills where you will often find me sharing a variety of sewing projects, but my two children also like to get in on the creative fun and love to craft, create and sew with me as well, so really it's a balance of creativity between us all!

Today, I am so excited to be here on mollymoo and to share this super fun project with you! It's one of those projects that's been floating around in my head for quite some time so I'm glad to finally get it out there in the open!

This project is pretty quick, doesn't require too many supplies, and it will surely give you loads of entertainment afterward.

To get started here is what you will need:

A photo of you, your child, your pet, etc...

cardstock

scissors

mini brads

craft stick

tape

Begin by taking a photograph of the person (or pet) that you'd like to turn into a puppet. For people it's best to have them stand with their arms out to their side and legs slightly spread apart, this makes it easier to cut out. Once you've taken your photo upload it to your computer, edit it and print it, as large as you can (fill the entire page), onto a piece of cardstock.

Carefully, cut your "puppet" out.

Next, it's time to make all of the parts movable! Cut puppets apart at joints such as knees, shoulders, and elbows. I cut the head for some of my puppets, but also left it attached for others.

Reattach joints using your mini brads. Lay the main body of your puppet on top of the unattached limb, carefully poke a small hole through both the main body and loose piece where you will be reattaching. Insert your mini brad through the hole and now you have a movable joint! After making the joint I moved it around and carefully rounded off the edges in all directions. Once you've reattached all pieces to make move-able joints tape a craft stick to the back of your puppet and then play!

Have fun with your new puppets and put on a fun puppet show!

My kids had a blast watching their photos come to "puppet-life" and then had even more fun putting on a fantastic puppet show for me...one in which they went for a walk to the nature center and ran into a forest of fairies!

There are so many ways to have fun with these movable photo puppets! I see entire families of puppets, perhaps even giving them as gifts!

I hope you enjoyed this project! For some more creative kid crafts check out these kid made & sewn toy stuffies, fun scrappy fabric bowls, hand drawn fabric bags or this hockey stick horse! We love to create something little everyday in our home whether it's sewn, crafted, planted or explored and imagined...it's what gets us through the day and fulfills us!

Keep up with our creative adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, G+, Bloglovin', Etsy

Thanks for having me here today Michelle and letting me share with your mollymoo readers!

Now, time to enjoy the last days of summer!

Have a great day!

Posted at 10:03 AM in BoyCraft, Crafty things, Creative Kids, Dolls, Happy Handmade ebook, Preschool Projects, Tutorials | Permalink | Comments (2)

08/06/2015

Backyard Art Camp - Re-useum, Artwork made w/Recycled Materials...

Kids aren't the only ones who are making fantastic pieces of art and sculpture out of recycled materials. Artists from around the world have been embracing this idea as well using everyday objects like soda cans, water bottles, toys, hangers and toilet paper rolls to make stunning pieces of art.

So, in the spirit of Backyard Art Camp and our Re-useum theme...why not share some of these amazing pieces to inspire you at home even more!

To begin...this giant skull...

Made from recycled kitchen utensils, this sculpture was crafted by Indian artist Subodh Gupta. (source)

Next this beautiful artwork is made with something we all have hiding in our craft closets...

Toilet paper rolls! Made by Yuken Teruya a New York based artist who works with many different types of recycled materials.

Artist Robert Bradford creates large animal sculptures...

using tiny plastic toys and bits of plastic. So cool! And Cute!

And speaking of giant animals...

David Mach makes sculptures using metal coat hangers! (Now, we certainly have plenty of these in our house!)

This chicken is so simple, yet I can't stop looking at it and it's beauty...

Kyle Bean made this chicken sculpture out of chicken eggs! I'm not sure I have the patience for this, but it is amazing!

This fish was made to help bring attention to the pollution in our oceans...

The vision of a fish made of plastic bottles certainly brings it into perspective and acts as a giant reminder of the harm we are doing to the ocean and it's animals with our pollution!

Jane Perkins calls herself a "re-maker"...

"taking inspiration from found objects and working them into something new." This new "Sunflowers" is stunning!

I am drawn to the beauty and movement of this butterfly sculpture...

This piece is made by Paul Villinski and is made from soda cans!

And this giant elephant...

by Anthony Haywood called "Broken Family" is made from all of those outdated household appliances of ours...I suppose that gives them another life after we've moved on to bigger and better things.

There are sculptures and art being made everyday from recycled materials. One of the biggest items people are re-using right now? Pallets!

In fact, right now there seems to be an entire design contest being built around these slats of wood!

Look around you, I'm sure you will see and find recycled materials surprise you in everyday places and art... Violet herself was inspired by the works of Ed Kidera...

And made her first Re-usuem sculpture entitled "Tube Hair".

Keep your eyes open to art in the world and find art re-imagined!

Posted at 02:00 PM in BAC, Crafty things, Recycled/Upcycled projects | Permalink | Comments (1)

Backyard Art Camp - Re-useum, Books that Inspire Art w/Recycled Materials...

Today for Backyard Art Camp, Re-useum...

Tara has a roundup of books to inspire you and your children to make and create art using recycled materials.

While the recycled materials themselves are surely going to give you loads of inspiration...books are often helpful as visual guides for your creativity...

Tara joined us last time in Backyard Art Camp with a fantastic Charley Harper inspired project. We asked Tara to join us because well, she's awesome and we knew she'd put together a fun and eclectic roundup of books! She's also often at the library with her kiddos and bringing home an amazing variety of books. She is a talented artist herself. She and her family seem to live creatively and artistically everyday. They are not at all afraid to dive right in and get dirty with their creativity either!

Stop by Girl Like the Sea to see Tara's roundup of book Inspiration...There are a couple favorites of ours on her list...but many that are new to us as well!

And, for more books to inspire art check out our Picture Books to Inspire Art post...

and Kid art Project books post...

Also...Looking for more summer time kid art and craft ideas?

Check out Happy Handmade an ebook filled with 115 pages of kid crafts!

Posted at 08:07 AM in BAC, Books, Crafty things, Creative Kids, Recycled/Upcycled projects | Permalink | Comments (0)

08/04/2015

Backyard Art Camp - Re-useum, Child-Led Art with Recycled Materials...

Today on Backyard Art Camp, Re-useum, Melissa is sharing some great tips on how to nurture creativity with child-led art projects...

While hosting a great big neighborhood art party is super fun...it might not always be feasible. But, that shouldn't stop you from having your own Re-useum at home! Stop by A Happy Stitch and follow her simple tips for successful art making at home.

Want a few guiding ideas for re-cycled materials art/craft projects...Make masks...