31 Days of ...

I decided to join The Nester and blog for 31 days about one topic, handmade gifts. It's a bit of a stretch for me since I haven't blogged for 31 days in a row, let alone that much about the same topic! But I am trying to make most of my gifts these days, and with Christmas coming up (only 86 days people!) I'm doing some research and planning now. I also have been trying to make other gifts too...baby shower, birthday, etc. so my ideas won't just be for Christmas (hopefully).  The ideas will probably be some of my Pinterest finds, gifts I made in the past, or gifts I want to make. I hope to have some things I have made to show you too. I will also try to share ideas for men, women and kids. Feel free to comment with questions or ideas of your own!

Do you like the button I made?  I used Picnik for the first time.

On another note, I am so addicted to Pinterest!  The craziest thing is one of my pins has been re-pinned 416 times!!  Wow!! I got a text last night that told me to get off Pinterest and go to bed. Haha!  And it wasn't from my mom.  :)  If you want an invite to Pinterest, let me know.

Be sure to come back tomorrow, October 1st, for Day 1 of 31 days of Handmade Gifts! 

Baby Shower Banner {For Sale}

A while back a friend asked me to make a banner for a baby shower that she was hosting.  Using my Silhouette I got to work.  Here is the finished banner.

 

My friend and the expecting mother loved the banner.  And the great thing is that it can be used in the baby's room once the baby arrives!  I haven't opened my etsy shop yet, but when I do this will be one item in it.  If anyone wants a banner in the meantime, let me know! It doesn't have to be for a baby shower either, they can be used for any occasion, even holidays!  I can put make any phrase, use any color or type of paper (card stock, book pages, scrapbook paper, etc), any shape and make any "filler" image. They will cost $20 (+ shipping if necessary).  Email me at lemonandlimedesigns at gmail dot com.  (That will be my etsy shop name by the way!)

Ric Rac Owl Toy Pattern Review

One of my favorite blogs to read, See Kate Sew, invited some of her readers to become pattern testers.  I jumped at the chance to sew something new and was selected to review her newest pattern, the Ric Rac Owl Toy!  I was very excited to get started.  I selected a solid pink and black and white polka dot cotton fabrics that I had on hand (purchased from JoAnn's).  Here is my finished owl!

Isn't she such a cutie?!   If we have a girl, it will be the first thing I have sewed for her!  And a boy, then I guess I will save it for later.  :)

If you are interested in making your own sweet Ric Rac Owl, head on over to Kate's blog or her shop where you can purchase the pattern!  She has some other great toy patterns available so be sure to check those out too!  The dino is perfect for a little boy! Also, if you are wanting to learn to sew, Kate has some great tutorials and posts to get you started.

Coffee Filter Wreath

If you have read some of my posts, you know I love wreaths.  Our bedroom was lacking a wreath so I decided to make a coffee filter wreath like many others, like The Nester, have done.  I decided not to do a tutorial for this wreath because it is pretty simple.  If you would like one though, you can use the book page wreath I made and use coffee filters instead.  It's not an original wreath, but I love the look, kind of like a bunch of flowers.  Here are the supplies you will need:

• Wreath form (I used a foam dollar store wreath I had already)
• Coffee filters (I picked mine up at CVS a while back but you can get them practically anywhere, even the dollar store I believe)
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Ribbon and pins (if you like)
• A comfy seat and a good movie! 

 A few tips after creating mine:

1. Use the same method as the book page wreath: start with an outer ring that essentially lays flat when the wreath is laid on a flat surface and work your way in with subsequent layers.  I started in a random spot and it was not even and took longer than the "layer" method.  Keep working in til you are satisfied (and if you are like me this will take you a while and eventually you just need to accept it's imperfections and stop!)
2. Fold the filters in half, fold in half again and fold in half one more time.  This is the quickest way to get a full flower look every time.
3. I decided to add the ribbon hanger last so I could change the ribbon out when I got tired of the original one.  So I made a small loop that I could tie a larger piece of ribbon to that could be changed,  Currently it is just hanging from the small ribbon loop because I haven't decided on a color for a thicker ribbon hanger.  A trip to Michael's is in order!

Here is my finished wreath!

And now the wreath over our bed. 

Yes, I know it is a plain and boring bedroom.  We are renting an apartment so paint isn't an option.  I want to get a new duvet cover and make some throw pillows. The wall needs something more, but I'm not sure what.  I may not get around to doing much since we will be moving again in a few months, but pillows have been on my sewing to do list for a while, so I will probably start there (unless I can find a good deal on a duvet cover).

I am linking up with the Nester for her "You Made A Wreath Out of What?" party.  If you want some wreath inspiration, there are hundreds so go check it out!