Tee to Headband

Bed rest --> Day 8 = another DIY project using my old tees!!!  I'm quite obsessed.  They're recycled, easy, convenient, soft, and free -- all things I love and need in my life right now.

This particular headband is sized for my {soon to be here} baby girl.  This is a newborn headband, however, the same exact tutorial can be used for child or adult sizes just make the braided bit longer.

Tee to Headband:  Newborn version

What you need:

- Old T-shirt

- Thread and needle

- Hot glue gun/fabric glue (optional)

- Scrap felt (optional)

- Scissors

Step 1

~ Take your old t-shirt and cut { 4  } - 2 inch (width) strips

[ I cut my strips vertical but only used the length (hem to collar) of the shirt for this particular headband.  To make a longer headband you could cut horizontal (side to side) then cut that "loop" of fabric on one end to open it up in 1 longer strip. ]

Note:  This particular shirt had a colorful pattern on one side of the shirt.  I cut the 3 strips for the braided headband out of the plain blue side and the 4th strip from the colorful side to be used in the fabric flower embellishment

Step 2

~ Take 3 of the strips and put a safety pin through all three binding them together.

~ Braid the strips into one long braid

Step 3

~ Measure the length desired for your headband.  If the braid is longer than needed, cut the excess off.{ for this newborn version I needed it to be about 13 inches.  If this is for a child or an adult it's best to measure with the actual persons head. }

 ~ Secure both ends of the braid by tacking it with a quick and simple stitch.  { I used the most basic stitch but went back and forth a couple of times.  This can easily be done with a sewing machine, but until I get one, I hand sew! }

~ Bring both ends together (being sure the braid is not twisted) and sew the ends together.  { Technically this can be done in place of the above step but I wanted to ensure this braid was NOT coming undone so I did both. }

Step 4 

(For newborn/baby headbands only - for children or adults this is optional)

~ Cut an additional small piece of fabric from the t-shirt (approx 1 inch x 2 inches)

~ Wrap this piece around the joint part of the headband that you just sewed and sew them together a smidge above where they meet the headband {you want this to be somewhat snug around the braid, but not too tight}.

~  Once this is sewn together, turn this loop inside out.  It should look like so...

Note:  This is to add softness to the joint since it will be going on a newborn's head.  For an older child or adult headband this wouldn't be necessary.

Step 5

~ Set the headband aside

~ Create the fabric flower embellishment { see tutorial here --> If you're using fabric/hot glue  Fabric embellishment  / If you're using needle and thread Tee to Tank, Step 3}

Step 6

~ Add flower to headband

Options :

- Needle and thread

- Hot glue

- Fabric glue

- Attach to a hair clip for easy change out

Since this version was for a newborn I stuck with needle and thread.  I liked the all over color scheme and didn't want the hassle of the flower being removed.  I chose to sew the flower to the "joint" of the braided bit.

Love it!!  Can't wait to put it on my little girl.  And these were so easy to make!  I have 11 days left of bed rest.  I see many more headbands {and variations} in my future!  The possibilities are endless...multiple flowers, different types or colors of flowers, flowers with beads and rhinestones....but wait...there's also a completely different headband style to come :)

Fashion Forward :: Tee to Tank {{TAKE TWO}} - Nursing Tank

Bed rest ---> Day 7...brought me some creative juices, and of course, the time to embrace some of them.  I decided to run with the Tee to Tank that I created yesterday.  Not only are these just plain old t-shirts that are no more comfy, adorable, and perfect for summer; they are also perfect for newborn baby spit up and poops!  And what else would I need comfy shirts for?  Nursing!  Nursing tank tops can be expensive and I just can't bring myself to spend the extra money on them.  However, the concept of a nursing tank top is ideal.  This led me back to the Tee to Tank....why couldn't I create a nursing tank top out of this same idea?!?

A few pinterest pins later and I was on my way!!!

{{ Thank you to the following tutorials....I used them all on different levels in order to create my very first Tee to Nursing Tank :  Tee to Tank, Twisted flower embellishment, DIY Accessories from T-Shirt }}

Here is my step by step....bare with me and the pictures since I am on bed rest.  Photo ops aren't the greatest, but you get the idea!

Tee to Tank :: Nursing Tank

What you'll need:

- 2 old/recycled t-shirts

- yarn in matching colors & needle (or sewing machine)

- scrap felt (can substitute any fabric)

- velcro

Step 1

- Create the base for the Tee to Tank.  Take the t-shirt you want to actually wear and trim off the top/collar, sleeves, and hem.  Fold the top of each side down, pin, and sew a hem 1/2- 1 inch from the top.

( use this -->  Tee to Tank tutorial since I didn't get any pictures of this process)

- Take the 2nd t-shirt and cut the hem off and 4 additional strips 1-2 inches wide (tip: cut side to side, parallel to the hem)

Step 2

- Take 3 strips cut from the second shirt, cut each strip so that they are 1 long piece rather than 1 continuous (circular) piece.  

- Bind the three strips together with a safety pin and hold in place (I just held it in my mouth, but a better option would be to attach it to something that can't move since you'll be pulling on them).

- Now braid the strips the entire length, secure with a safety pin, and set aside

(I used this tutorial --> DIY Asseccories from T-Shirt)

Step 3

- Create 2 flower embellishments.  You can use any type of fabric flower, but I chose to use the t-shirt method since those are the supplies I had.  Feel free to change the color, texture, type, ect.

(I used this tutorial --->  Headband embellishment)

Note:  I didn't use a hot glue gun (again, bed rest wouldn't really permit the mess), instead I just used a needle and thread and loved the outcome.

- When using needle and thread, sporatically (and often) tack down the fabric as you twist in the circular motion.  This will both keep the flower whole as well as add some texture.

  

1 - 4th strip from the 2nd t-shirt

2 - two circles (use pill bottle for sizing) from scrap felt (for the base)

3 - Twist the fabric starting at the end corner and secure with needle/thread (or hot glue) to the center of one of the felt circles

4 - Secure the twists as you go with a small stitch running through a particular twist down through the felt and back up. (increasing the tension on the thread occasionally will give the flower more texture in places...there is not right or wrong, just "the way you like it")

5 - when you're to the edge of the felt, fold over the remaining fabric and tack several times going all the way through the felt and material in the center (almost like sewing a button)

TA DA :)

6 - create 2nd flower and set both aside

Step 4

Sorry, no pictures for this one.

- Return to your Tee to Tank that you started.

- Thread the braided bit through what will become the back of your new tank

- Thread spare material through the front hem of your new tank (for this, I used the hem that we trimmed off the spare shirt.  I didn't cut the hemmed piece, but rather left it "doubled" to add a similar thickness as the braided version.  You could use ribbon, elastic, or an additional strip from your spare t-shirt if you like.

Step 5

Attach velcro

1 - pre-"scrunch" the shirt hem a little so that is is close to where you want it to be when you wear it.  You may want to "size" it on yourself first.

2 - Attach a piece of velcro to each end of the material on what would be the front "strap".  I attached the velcro (hand sewn) at the very edge so because I wanted my straps to fasten on the front just like a nursing tank.  If you want the straps to fasten higher on the shoulder than plan for the length of material that will become the strap and attache velcro where you wish.

3 - Attach velcro to the back of each flower/embellishment

Step 5

- Attach a flower/embellishment to each braided strap (be sure the direction of the velcro matches up to the front)

( be sure to trim off any additional braided material that might be covering the velcro )

 

Step 6

- Try it on!

I, of course, cannot fit into mine just yet since I'm 35+ weeks pregnant; I did try it on but it looked silly.  However, the shirt I used was one of my husbands size mediums that got "shrunk" slightly in the dryer.  I figured this would be the perfect "looser" fitting Nursing Tank.  When I start to lose weight, if this tank holds up I can simple take it in at the sides and can adjust the straps if needed.

My finished product :)

I have 12 more days of bed rest!  Lets see if I can get a few more of these made.  Nursing tanks for FREE!?!  Yes, please :)

Fashion Forward :: Tee to Tank

I've officially been on bed rest for 6 days.....6 long days.  In my attempt to keep boredom at minimum {{ a difficult task when sitting around isn't your forte }}, I've been surfing the next, pinning on pinterest, and looking for crafts I can do from my couch.  That's when I found this summer-inspired-fashion-forward little craft that actually {{RECYCLES}} and gives me a new wardrobe -- FOR FREE!

This was my inspiration and you can find the tutorial here.

And this is my version:

It took me a little over an hour since 1. it was my first time and 2. because I sewed the hem by hand.  I also didn't cut the 2nd strip from the bottom since I wanted to keep it longer (just in case).  I used black ribbon for the straps to give it a little more appeal and cuteness.  If you have a sewing machine, you could easily make this in under 30 minutes.

I'd model it for you but this 35 + week pregnant belly just won't let me model it properly, lol.  I do think this will make the perfect tee for summer though....especially with a newborn!

Off to make more :)

{{ Tutu }} Cute!

My creativity (well, more like my physical energy) has stalled the last few months.  I only have 4 weeks until my little bun in the oven is here.  I've been wanting to make a tutu for her newborn pictures, because, let's face it....who can deny the absolute adorableness of a newborn baby girl in a fluffy tutu and a big bow???  If you can, you're heartless! j/k.

There were several version and tutorials out there.  I've made adult sized ones before, but they weren't necessary the best version for a newborn.  Then there is the elastic version which is great - IF - you have a sewing machine or want to take the time to do it by hand.  I was looking for something more simplistic and I found this. {A HUGE THANK YOU to the creator and author of this blog/tutorial}

Here's what I came up with {and I'm quite pleased!}.  Now to find (or make) some frilly white or pink bloomer then this outfit will be complete and just waiting for our Baby Girl to arrive!!!

More Wall Art - Scrapbook Style

Nesting.  Crafting.  Resting.  More Nesting!  Thank goodness for nesting though.  There are quite a few "empty places" in my house that need a decorative touch! 

Here are some projects I worked on last night.  All of them were scrapbooked (or used scrapbooking material) and some picture frames I either had laying around or purchased at the dollar store.  I decorated my guest bathroom and a wall in our master bedroom for under $5.00 (for BOTH!).  It doesn't get much better than that and I am quite satisfied (and proud) of my simple creations.

Guest Bathroom Wall Art:

Picture frames - Dollar Store - $1.00 each =$2.00

Scrapbook Paper - Michael's - 7 for $1.00 ($0.15 each) = $0.30

Large Butterfly Wall Decals - Sheet of 8 - Dollar Store = $1.00

Blue/White cardstock (scraps) - Free

Small Butterfly - butterfly punch - Free

TOTAL COST:  $3.30

p.s. the additional butterflies from the wall decals sheet are now on the mirror adjacent the picture frames so it all flows :)

Master Bedroom Wall Art:

Scrapbook Frames - gifted by sister-in-law = FREE

Scrapbook Paper - Michaels - 7 for $1.00 = $0.45

Printed Pictures - $0.19 each = $0.76

Johnny & June letters - Scrap paper - Cricut to cut = FREE

Flowers/Embellishments - scraps on hand = FREE

Lyrics to song/Scrapbook paper - Printer/scrap paper on hand = FREE

TOTAL COST:  $1.21

p.s.  Johnny & June is our "nicknames" based on the Johnny & June Cash love story and the basis for the theme of our wedding.

Stay posted for more projects!  I'm working my way down the list and it feels great to have 2 items ticked off!  Love my new artwork and newly decorated walls.  It's refreshing.

Butterfly Dreams :: Wall Art

I have 11 more weeks.....until Baby Girl is here!  So much to do...and so much wall space still to cover in the nursery.  I'm trying to be both creative and frugal since we all know that baby additions can cost a pretty penny if you're not careful.  While brainstorming I noticed (again) my wall art now displayed on the living room wall adding so much color to a mostly bare room.  Ah ha!  I have extra wood left over.  Even better, I have extra material left over from the Owl {Always Love You} Friend.  Score!  No additional shopping trips needed.  I see both savings and loveliness in my future.  What became of my left over scraps, odds, and ends?

Butterfly Dreams Wall Art

And here's the how to (my 1st ever tutorial!)...

What you need:

Wood squares (or a canvas)

Pattern material

All purpose glue

Accessories of your choice

Picture hangers or 3m double sided tape

Step 1:  Cut the material a few inches (squared) bigger than your board or canvas.  I originally purchased my wood from the hardware store and they cut it down into 12x12 blocks.   There were 12 but I used 9 in my DIY Wall Art.  You can use any size of wood or canvas though, whatever meets your needs (and your wall space).  My material was cut to 15"x15".  Lay the material good side down and place the wood square on top in the center of the material.  (Note:  You might want to iron your material first to ensure there are no wrinkles when flush on the wood).

Step 2:  Apply glue along one side of the wood about 1/4 inch from the edge.  Fold material over and secure to glue.  Repeat this step for the opposing side.

Step 3:  Apply glue to the wooden corner of one of the flaps that has not yet been folded (refer to  pictures).  Fold corner in, then down (refer to picture).  Apply glue along the wood 1/4 inch in, and be sure to include a larger dot of glue on each corner. Fold entire side over onto the glue.  Repeat for the opposing side.

Step 4:  Flip boards over.  Choose embellishments.  

For the gray flowered pattern material I chose a ribbon that would bring out the pinks (A ribbon that was actually received around a chocolate box at work.  The ribbon was up for grabs and I just had to have it!).  I also found a beautiful pink flower and chose to use a pink button for the center.  I used the all purpose glue to adhere the ribbon to the material, wrapping it around the back.  I used a hot glue gun to adhere the flower since the texture was different and would take longer to dry with the regular all purpose glue.

For the pink material I chose to use flower petals (left over from the DIY Mobile I made for the nursery) and the butterfly punch my sister-in-law has been using for the baby shower invitations.  I used a silver cardstock for the butterflies and adhere them using the all purpose glue (after folding the wings up slightly for a 3D affect).  I also used pink buttons for the center of the flowers to give the two different wood squares a "matching" affect.

Step 5:  Attach hanger of choice to the back of each wood square.  I chose to use aluminum picture hangers.  The DIY Wall Art on my living room wall was actually hung with 3M double sided foam tape. (Note:  If you choose the 3M double sided tape, use a little glue in each corner of each square, let it dry, then apply double sided tape.  This seals the wood in case there are any air holes or natural oils which would cause the 3M tape to peel away).

 And finally, an hour later, my finished projects!!!  I am in love.  I can't wait do get them hung on the wall.  I ADORE that these will actually match Baby Girl's Owl friend pillow that will be placed in her crib. 

 Look for pictures of the finished nursery to come in the next month!!

Daily Dose of Love - Sun :: Energy

Today I wrote this - my new project to promote rediscovering myself and find healing through the passions I keep under lock and key.  I received my first Daily Dose of Love from my camera.  The email message read:

Light me up today baby! Just not with the flash. Point me towards the sun, shoot, and soak in my incredible energy. xo. Your Camera

So here goes nothing -- or hopefully something!

Point the camera towards the sun, shoot.... GOT IT.

Attempt 1 - 4

Well, it's the sun alright.  I will be the first to admit that I am not the best "user" of my camera functions and therefore I feel I failed this simple test my Camera gave me.  The sun was so beautiful, so round, and illuminated everything.  Yet, I could seem to catch the glare.  The light from the sun was just too bright.  Disappointed in my attempt, I laid my camera back down on the table where it had been sitting for the past 2 weeks.

Wait....I was missing the key phrase of my Camera's little love note.... "soak in my incredible energy"  Sun. Soak.  Energy.  Sun. Soak. Energy.  Logan.  My thoughts always return to Logan.  My angel baby.  Brighter than the sun could ever be.  Energy, incredible energy.  My internal sunshine.  Then I saw it, out of the corner of my eye.  The solar powered "dancing flower" that I had bought to remind me of Logan.  He has an exact replica sitting on his gravestone at the cemetery.  This little flower sits still, lifeless, and motionless through the night; but the moment the first evidence of sun light comes into the sky this little flower begins to sway back and forth with slow rhythmic motions.  As the sun comes up over the trees and sets high in the sky, my dancing flower really dances, flapping it's leaves up and down and bobbing it's bud from side to side.  It always makes me smile.  Maybe this is what Beryl meant, I mean, my Camera (yes, I am playing along!).  Maybe the love note wasn't literal but interpretive...just like life.

Here is my "sun, shoot, and soak in my incredible energy."  I took this from the outside looking in (forgive the dirty window) to capture the full affect of both feeling and seeing the affects of the sun and it's incredible energy.  Without the sunlight, my little dancing flower would never dance.  And without it's dancing, my heart would feel less joy.  This is my Logan flower....a flower that never dies and dances constantly in the suns rays.