DIY embellished elastic hair ties

These gifties were made just a bit ago for the newest teenager in our family.  It was her birthday and she is very pleased to be 13.  She was so happy and kind to all of us.  I could tell she felt special, and I hope this little gift made her feel such.


Here's how to make them:

Owl rice bags with tutorial

We call these warmers "Owlies".  One night a few years back, in a desperate attempt to get my 4 kids to actually sleep when we put them to bed, I decided that a warm, fragrant buddy would help.  So I whipped up an owl shaped rice bag.  I figured owls are nocturnal, and we could tell our kids that they'll stay up watching for anything to happen, while the kids sleep.  And they did sleep!  Even my babies have responded beautifully, and are quiet within minutes of getting their warmed up Owlie.

 This is version 2, with a few improvements.

 To make these beauties, Download and print off this template.  

Trace them on fabric.  Cut each piece in different coordinating fabrics, if you want.  Use pinking shears, so the fabrics don't fray excessively.  Then lay the pieces out in front of you.

Begin pinning all of the pieces together, leaving the back of the owl aside until later.  

Sew the large eye circles on first, in a rounded stitch like I did, or a simple straight stitch.

Sewing the eyes will also catch the beak and the belly piece, so keeping them all tacked together won't be hard after this.

Now stitch over each eye pupil shape, and around the belly and beak.

Finally, sew up the front and back together, wrong sides touching.    Sew directly on top of the pieces of fabric you've already sewn on there.  It'll just reinforce them.   Be sure to leave a 3 inch gap open so you can add the rice!  I recommend sewing midway along the flat bottom to begin, that way you'll end off at the wing. 

Now get 2 Cups of rice per bag, and drop about 10 drops of fragrance oil into it.  We chose vanilla Spice, citrus grove, and lavender from Wal-Mart.  It was only 97 cents, and is the same stuff you'd put in a ceramic dish to diffuse.  Put only one scent in per bag, and beware they're really fragrant when you heat up the owlie, so don't put too much oil in!

Next, let your toddlers scoop the rice into a funnel that you're holding, with the owlie fabric stretched around it.

This is how it will look with the 2 C of scented rice added.

The Owl will be baggy enough that you can still scoot the rice over to one side of the bag and sew up the 3 inches of gap on your sewing machine.  Be sure to back stitch on the beginning and end of the 3 inches.

And now you have a cute little guy who smells nice and keeps the night watch while your sleeper sleeps.

My boys made sure that theirs had tools and gears on them so they were boy owlies.  So funny!

One happy buddy!  Enjoy!

Banners to celebrate!

These banners were quickies made for my wonderful Aunt, who is always Johnny-on-the-spot for us.  When she called to ask for a couple of banners for co-workers who were leaving and getting married, I was happy to make these.  I really like the font for the turquoise/teal red one. 

These were made with a bunch of silver scalloped chipboard medallions, which I believe were intended for the center of blue-ribbon style awards. I was given a large quantity of them from my cousin.  Thanks Lisa!

This banner said we'll miss you, with cameras between words. 

Hopefully the simplicity and clean design is what she likes.  Over the top with details is never been attractive to me.

I hope these generate good ideas for you!

15 ingenious DIY teacher gifts that will blow their socks off

I have told myself that I will find a way to thank my kids' teachers for one thing or another probably 6 times now.  For things that were really important to me (like working with our boy on listening and obeying class rules better, and helping our daughter to establish confidence in academics).  We have really great teachers.  That translates to 'I wish I could buy you some lavish gift, but you're probably going to get the best gift 10 dollars can pay for'.

These brilliant DIY gifts will probably knock their socks off!

Darling note cards from Mommy by Day Crafter by Night

Genius 'App' card with chocolates.  Free printable and tut at I heart Naptime

This lady makes the dollar store look like Tai Pan.  By Passionate Penny Pincher

This treat is not only beautiful but exciting when you realize that it's an ice cream sundae kit!  When I made mine, I simply went to my local grocery store and asked if I could buy a couple of their pastry boxes.  They p0let me, and it turned out so cute.  Visit A Pretty Cool Life for more.

Darling and low cost terra cotta apple stuffed with treats from 733 blog

Dr. Seuss mason jar made by The Country Chic Cottage

This gift is so creative and it upcycles!  She uses a drink cartridge from Sonic and tin cans for those pansies.  SO Brilliant!!  From Nest of Posies

Darling way to give a gift card, and would be a great memory keeper of your kiddos for an excellent teacher.   I also really liked that she had her kids write down their favorite things about class on the inside of these. From Come Together Kids

Beautiful free printable tags at Sweet Metel Moments

Also from her:

Darling gum gift with free printables also at Sweet Metel Moments

This is so brilliant, and I love that it goes with these adorable friend gifts for the end of the year:

Brilliance by Lisa Storms

I love the spray painted pups at the top!  By Smashed Peas and Carrots

Darling and as she says, perfect for last minute teacher gifts.  From Skip To My Lou

These chic beauties are also useful!  By Balancing Home

I love the simple design.  It would be very easy to give these even if you weren't sure of the teacher's taste.  By Shanty 2 Chic

Enjoy, and may your teachers be amazed by your goodness!