Easter's On It's Way!

So I've been wanting to do the "Mantel Thing" for awhile and decided what better holiday than Easter! Spring decor is the best!  I also have a console in my entryway that I like to

"dress up" with a theme. Today I finally made my garland for the mantel and have another one almost ready to hang above the console or maybe on the entertainment center. But, lets go with the "bunny" garland first. This one is one that I found today on a blog. Thank you Talia!  (taliaaudenart.blogspot.com)  I decided it was way too cute and easy not to copy it. I don't know that I drew my bunny pattern EGG-zactly like hers but I think it's pretty close.  If you want the pattern I will share it or you can be daring and draw you own.

Here is how mine turned out. Notice there is only on cotton ball on one bunny. That is because I can't decide if I should do the cotton balls or not.  PLEASE VOTE!  Yes or no.

Like I said I will give you the bunny pattern. I will also show you how I made the holes in the ears for the ribbon to go through. Sometimes I amaze myself with the "genius" moments I occasionally have. This one is not going to win me the Nobel Prize or anything, but it's a handy trick. You don't want the ribbon to ever tear through your slit in the paper, so what I do is first put a piece of scotch tape (the thin shiny kind) over the area on the back side where I want to make the slit. 

Then I turn it to the front side and use the sharp point of my paper cutting scissors to make the slit by just pressing in and pulling downward.

Now I have a nice opening for the ribbon but it is also reinforced!

Next I take the ribbon and fold a piece of scotch tape over the end of it.

Then I trim the sides of the scotch tape off. Now my ribbon is more stiff and I can push it through the slit easier.

I went from back to front as you can see here. Make sure your ribbon is not twisted before you insert it into a slit. 

Now I just need to add some doo-dads and thing-a-ma-jigs on the Mantel ledge. I'll post again when it's done!  :)

                              

Here is the bunny garland pattern - If you right click on it and choose "open link in new window then print from there or choose "save to downloads" and then go to your downloads file - choose the bunny garland pattern and then print it. I hope it works. It did for me! (acutal size is 4.5" wide by 7.5" tall)

Sew Much Fun!

I have a friend whose baby shower is coming up (first baby - it's a girl)!  I wanted to make her a swaddle blanket.  Lucky for me ETSY had a free pattern.  Printed it, cut it out and sewed it up all in about 3 hrs.  See what you think.  I did all flannel instead of cotton and plush.  I just need to attach the velcro strips and it's ready to wrap.  The pattern is by Lotta Jansdotter.  Put baby in pouch and then wrap the flaps around her securely. Nice and cozy! Also going to make these two cute bibs I found on ETSY - (www.creationsbykara.com) from fabric that coordinates with the swaddler.  Easy peasy!