Craft Vault: The Basic Bow

Happy Leap Year, islanders!  I found some cute printables here because I want to document how Munchface changes from leap year to leap year... I'll post the crafts/recipes from dinner tomorrow... Today, however, I'm serving up another bow tutorial and it's SO easy that even a rookie can do it. ENJOY!!

Basic Bow Tutorial

1. Cut 6" of ribbon. Fold in half to form a crease like so:

 2. Dab hot glue down the crease:

 3. Fold the ends of the ribbon to the glue line. The ends should MEET in the middle

4. Add a dot of glue in the center of your line and squish your bow. Hold for 10 second to allow the glue to cool.

 5. For a professional appearance, create a "dimple" (like the one above).  Do this by turning your bow over and dabbing glue on top of the center "bump" and then again on the bottom (see pic below of reference)

  6. Wrap the center with a small piece of ribbon (that pink ribbon is from the Dollar Tree).  Be sure to leave a flap like below (if it's too long, you can cut it and heat seal later so don't worry) 

 7. Glue your bow to a covered clippie like this one:

7.  Use your ribbon "flap" for added security. Dab a dot of glue on the underside of the clippie's covered portion and wrap the "flap" (hey, that rhymes, lol). Cut any excess "flap" and glue the end down

8. Repeat steps 1-7 to create a matching hair bow because these make PERFECT pig tail bows! 

Isn't it darlin'??

I've used this same technique (with ribbon or fabric scraps) to create headbands... Rather than a hair bow, I've sewn them to onesies for infant bow ties (SO cute - tutorial coming soon), I've used paper versions to create bows for pinatas, garlands, cards, etc.  Don't believe me? Check out this SAME bow technique in action:

The possibilities are endless!  Feel free to get creative and SHARE your projects... I'd love to read about them :)

Linking up:

Craft Fail or FaBOWlous?

This message is sent from the moon... You know I'm still giddy about the Sunshine Award, right? Wait. What?! You didn't know I got another award? OMG. You must read about it... Like. Now.

I'll wait ;)  

Now that you're all caught up... At the bottom of the Sunshine post, I asked islanders to come BACK for a St. Patty's day hair bow tutorial.  I had BIG plans for some pretty ribbon I snagged at Walmart.

I got started and quickly realized my BIG PLANS just weren't going to happen.  So, I had to come up with a Plan B because... Well, someone might be expecting it (and because I had 4 pieces of ribbon...)!  This whole blogging thing is the accountability I need to meet self-inflicted deadlines.

Craft fail or fab? You be the judge...

Here are the Steps

1. Cut 4 7" strips of ribbon

2. Heat seal the ends of the ribbon with a lighter (to prevent fraying)

3. Use a small dot of glue create a "loop" (pictured below)

4. Use a small dot of glue to create double loops.  NOTE: make sure the patterns line up and that they are comparable in size (pictured below)

5. Stack the glued double loops like so:

6. Pull out your handy-dandy craft floss (I got a grocery store bag of *like* 50 from the thrift store for $2 but they are sold at Walmart and craft stores). You'll need roughly 6" 

7.  Wrap the bow in the center and tie a double knot to ensure it is secure.

VOILA! You have 1 BIG BOW! You can choose to use the other side OR this side if you want to stack a smaller one on top... It's up to you. For some reason, my bow looked better on this side.

8. I used some scrap ribbon BUT you can certainly use the same ribbon to cover the center.  Steps pictured below (1 plain loop followed by a "knot" version):

9. At this point, you can EITHER adhere it to a headband by a) gluing the bow to a piece of felt b) gluing the bottom of the felt to the headband c) re-enforcing by gluing another piece of felt from underneath the bow

OR

You can cover a clippie with small ribbon and glue your bow right on. 

My little model was asleep when I made it so, with my deadline in mind, I had to be my own model.  Check it out (don't mind the giant star fish from our trip to the Bahamas... Consider it a co-star from my beachy powder room, lol):

So, what do you think? Craft fail or faBOWlous?

Linking up:

 **This post was featured in the Craft Dailies via Twitter!** 

Blog lovin'

I'm linking up to Jenny's Bloglovin' link party. Bloglovin' is the new way to follow your favorite reads. I figure I either move forward with technology OR get left behind :)

So, if you're fancy and using Bloglovin' feel free to click the link below to follow me!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Get Your Shine On: An Award

Happy Mama-Made Monday!  I would typically serve up some goodies but today I'm over-the-moon giddy about some great news I received over the weekend.

THE ISLAND GOT ANOTHER AWARD!

AND, not just any award but the Sunshine Award!

The Sunshine Award is given to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jenny not just for presenting me with this award but for having cute (and frequent) posts that keep me stalking coming back for more!

The rules, once this award is received, are as follows:

1. Post the logo on blog

2. Present the award to (no more than)12 fellow bloggers

3. Link to the nominees' blogs so others can get to know them

4. Let the nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog 

5. Share the love and link to the person who you received this award from

6. Answer 10 questions about yourself

10 Q&As

1. Favorite color:

For decor - gray. I'm loving all of the shades and options in the classic and neutral shade!

For wear - Electric blue. It's pulls me in and does NOT let me go lately, lol.

2. Favorite animal: ZEBRA. One of God's miracles... I could stare at them all day! I also LOVE elephants (and birds... and dogs... and frogs... and... Maybe everything except possums, skunks, spiders and snakes? IDK.)

3. Favorite number: 7! God's number of perfection :)

4. Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Starbucks Caramel Macchiato - YUM!

5. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook.

6. What's your passion? Redefining the importance of family.  Documenting my acts of love for my family, my stumbles along the way and even my coping with my daughter’s journey through little personhood helps me, of course.  I’ve learned that it also has the ability to help someone else be a better parent or to make time for their children.  My immediate reward is in the happiness of my family but my heart is warmed when I read notes of encouragement and inspiration from mothers and fathers everyday… They make my hot glue burns all worth it.

7. Getting or giving presents: GETTING My excitement for giving has grown over the years and Munchface fuels my need to find unique and perfect gifts.

8. Favorite pattern: CHEVRON. I LOVE IT!

9. Favorite day of the week: Saturday

10.  Favorite flowers: Peonies

*DRUM ROLL* Now, to pass on the award...

Source

1.Leslie, of Sugar Sweet Sarcasm, left a comment on (and followed) my blog over the weekend. I found myself clicking through her blog drooling over the yummy sweets! What better way to show my appreciation for her follow than to send an award her way?  Leslie, I know this week will be tough but I hope this little award brought some SUNSHINE your way ;)

2.  Tammy, of Crafted By Tammy, is another of my sweet followers who was *like* my first not-my-mom comment, lol.  Her cards are amazing and I get Cricut envy every time I see her work... Especially since I can't seem to figure out making my Cricut CUT through the paper!!

3. Wendy, of Inspiring My Sisters, followed a few weeks ago. Click here for genuine rays of SUNSHINE for the soul.  In a world where, so often, HATE and jealousy fuel the relationships among women, she encourages us to take care of ourselves and to maintain our positive outlook on life.  Can't be mad at that!

4.  Krystle, of Life Revolves Around Them, documents her days in the life of a happily married mommy of 2 (with #3 on the way).  She has a great blog and I'm just happy for her and my buddy, Matt; they are the cutest!

5.  Melanie, of Once a Miss Now a Queen, is so fabulous!  Ever have those friends who are good at everything? You know, the ones who make pretty babies, take awesome pictures, are graphic designers, make amazing crafts, work a full-time job AND have the time to document their beautiful baby's growing up?  Well, Melanie is one of "those" and her blog is awesome.

6. Shelly, of House of Smiths, is totally *like* designing *like* my dream home.  When she's finished, I'm going to get a loan and buy her out of her fully-furnished, perfectly & cheerfully decorated home in UT (yes, I JUST told my husband that I totally want to go thrift shopping there because Shelly has the BEST finds. He thought I was crazy... Then made an announcement. I'll give you a hint - GUESS who is going there on business? HIM. ::eyeroll::). Anways, she's like my celebrity-DIY-blogger-crush-person and I HAD to finally include her in my awards because she IS my blog sunshine. I may have said that with a bang on my desk for emphasis. Seriously people, if you don't know about her (her pantry and her skills) WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

A-frikkin-MAZING!

>End Scene<

I really appreciate (and will continue to share) the love.  I will ALSO give the award to other bloggers as soon as I can get over the moon and come back to Earth... I was just so excited that I had to release an oober important press release post about the latest amazing island honor! 

So, that makes 2 blog awards in a span of 2 weeks?  We're BREAKING RECORDS, Islanders :)

Tune in tomorrow for the St. Patty's Day hair bow tutorial :)

Craft Vault - Diva Topiary

I LOVE Pinterest and not JUST for the inspiration I find but for the heightened visibility and new visitors 'pinners' bring to the island as a result!  I have gotten several questions, as recent as last night, from MULTIPLE 'pinners' requesting a tutorial for the diva topiary I made for my cousin's baby shower.

The baby shower was in Savannah, GA and meant *squeal* the girls (my mommy, Munchface and I) scheduled a ROAD TRIP!  As an event obsessed planner, I like to contact the mommy-to-be and offer my help (can't it be stressful?!).  After the conversation, it was settled that I would provide the CENTERPIECES. What fun!! I needed something that would survive the long ride and that would fit the shower theme, DIVA BABY!

Here's how I did it:

Supplies

- 18" topiary form (scroll down for pics)

- Feather boa (easier to work with than individual feathers)

- Artificial flowers (depending on the size of individual blooms, 9-12 per topiary)

- Duct Tape (check your craft store for a great selection)

- Scissors

- Hot glue gun

Steps

1. Cover the topiary (base and "stick") with duct tape.  Tip: Cut the duct tape the same length as the "stick."  It's easier to wrap lengthwise and saves a LOT of time and tape! 

They're sold at Michael's but you can order them from HERE.

2. Use small squares of duct tape to cover the 'under' area of the ball (closest to the "stick"). 

3.  Remove the artificial flowers from their stem. Tip: Choose flowers with larger blooms, like daisies.  Check your local Dollar Tree for a great selection!

4.  Glue the flower heads around the top (or ball).  Ensure even distribution of the flowers (I like to eyeball before I actually glue).

5.  Fill in the space between the flowers by cutting then gluing pieces of your boa.  Tip:  Cutting the boa could get messy (loose feathers can get everywhere).  I recommend working on a surface that will allow for easy clean-up!

...AND, that's it. EASY RIGHT? They were a hit at the shower and my pretty cousin loved the centerpieces!!

Side note: Can you believe how tiny she was? Full-term and ONLY a size 4!

The girls had a blast in Savannah too!  Some highlights of our trip include:

The amazing Sunday buffet at Paula Dean's restaurant...

Market shopping and impromptu photo shoots...

An awesome church service where we made new friends...

All in all, the trip was a SUCCESS!

The centerpieces really helped to pull the event together and I had a blast making them!

Cheers to celebrating new life and new blessings with NEW ideas!

Linking up:

This post was featured in the Good Blog Dailies.  Click here to check it out! Once again, social media is amazing!