tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35644278924632901902024-03-05T06:30:14.280-08:00Mama's Felt CafeServing Up Homemade Felt Food Treats!Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-57519222439185565222014-09-22T10:15:00.000-07:002014-09-22T10:15:18.992-07:00How to Turn an Infantino Sash Mei Tai into Your New Favorite Baby Carrier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbuMuqpKzFg/VCBIqAY6KkI/AAAAAAAACi8/PENt11yinbA/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YbuMuqpKzFg/VCBIqAY6KkI/AAAAAAAACi8/PENt11yinbA/s1600/IMG_7007.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well, my obsession for dyed baby carriers continues. We have a trip to Disneyland coming up soon and I wanted something comfortable and easy to travel with. Enter the <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1805947/infantino-sash-3-in-1-convertible-baby-carrier.jsp">Infantino Sash Mei Tai</a>. You can find this carrier at many big box stores, Amazon, Babies R Us, basically everywhere. I ordered the gray "birds" print from Kohl's because I had a coupon but the shipping takes for-eeev-veeer! But the price is very affordable and the carrier is surprisingly comfortable, even with my extra chunky girl. The tan and gray versions make fantastic dye blanks and with the variety of hard-to-find fabric available from places like Ebay, Etsy, and Spoonflower, the possibilities for personalization are endless. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPrpPkDQ4sg/VCBKFNkmp9I/AAAAAAAACjI/xfHysn5FtHE/s1600/ariel%2Bsheet%2Band%2Bdye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPrpPkDQ4sg/VCBKFNkmp9I/AAAAAAAACjI/xfHysn5FtHE/s1600/ariel%2Bsheet%2Band%2Bdye.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wanted to make an Ariel carrier for my Arielle so I hunted down a "vintage" bed sheet (how can something from my childhood be considered vintage already?!) on Etsy. I also had a very specific color in mind for this carrier. I wanted it as close to mermaid tail teal as I could get it. So I stepped up from the craft store dye brands and ordered the color "Sea Glass" from <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/dharma-fiber-reactive-procion-dyes.html?lnav=dyes.html">Dharma Trading Co.</a> Their procion dyes were so much easier to use and a 2 oz jar will dye A LOT of projects. Also you get a <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/clothing/free-gift-with-your-first-order.html">free gift with your first purchase</a> and I chose this silk play scarf which delighted my 5 year old. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbeEq1Ae4KY/VCBQ9tX0RLI/AAAAAAAACjk/gmrZNOtSZtQ/s1600/ombre%2Bonesie%2Band%2Bsheet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbeEq1Ae4KY/VCBQ9tX0RLI/AAAAAAAACjk/gmrZNOtSZtQ/s1600/ombre%2Bonesie%2Band%2Bsheet.JPG" height="309" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did a couple of test runs with this dye and a onesie, since I wasn't sure how the color would really end up. I was pretty pleased with the hue. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4sZ53idVFc/VCBL2R0-wSI/AAAAAAAACjU/Yztd_IBRVJU/s1600/ariel%2Bpinned%2Bgray%2Bcarrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4sZ53idVFc/VCBL2R0-wSI/AAAAAAAACjU/Yztd_IBRVJU/s1600/ariel%2Bpinned%2Bgray%2Bcarrier.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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After the carrier pigeons released my mei tai from the slowest shipping time ever, I picked the part of the sheet I wanted for the panel. The size, including a quarter inch on each side for the hem, is 11 1/8 inch wide by 12 inches tall. I cut this a bit big and pinned the hem under so it would be ready to sew on later. Obviously, don't pin the fabric panel on the carrier unless you want to dye it too! </div>
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I followed the directions on the Dharma site for using the procion in a tub dye. I used a tablespoon of dye, 3 gallons of water, 3 cups of salt and 1/3 cup soda ash (or a heaving 1/3 cup of washing soda). BE CAREFUL here! It is easy to end up with a really dark green and not mermaid fin. In retrospect, I would have diluted the dye bath more. But at that concentration, I only swished the carrier around for maybe 5 minutes. If you leave it for a full 20 like the directions say, it will be very dark. When it reaches the color you want, what ever color that may be, take it out of the dye bath! I ran it through a couple cold rinse cycles in the washer, then a hot wash with a few drops of blue Dawn and a splash of rubbing alcohol to catch any leftover dye, then dried in the dryer. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5sbselEu3I/VCBR5ySYugI/AAAAAAAACjs/fAvDCntjOAc/s1600/placement%2Bon%2Bdyed%2Bcarrier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5sbselEu3I/VCBR5ySYugI/AAAAAAAACjs/fAvDCntjOAc/s1600/placement%2Bon%2Bdyed%2Bcarrier.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now it was time to sew on the panel. I laid it out how I wanted it one more time and then ironed it so the hem would be crisp and fold over on it's own. I trimmed the extra hem down and pinned to the top layer of the carrier. I found it easiest to kind of fold the carrier at the panel seam to catch the stitch. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wSewZNeXdq4/VCBR9INB35I/AAAAAAAACj0/LdpPrJLT_UU/s1600/close%2Bup%2Bof%2Bside%2Bstitches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wSewZNeXdq4/VCBR9INB35I/AAAAAAAACj0/LdpPrJLT_UU/s1600/close%2Bup%2Bof%2Bside%2Bstitches.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The stitching is nothing special. You can find YouTube videos for hand sewing appliques and that is a similar process. I just used a whip stitch with cotton floss and secured the fabric right over the existing panel. Of course if you actually know how to use a sewing machine, you can use that too. Be sure to go through all the layers of the hem fold of your new panel at the corners so they are secure. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOXLt9CVkIM/VCBVFWGAGlI/AAAAAAAACkA/E2h0ogB7NzY/s1600/completed%2Bariel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MOXLt9CVkIM/VCBVFWGAGlI/AAAAAAAACkA/E2h0ogB7NzY/s1600/completed%2Bariel.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now it's ready to be worn and loved.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgQY41dXjY0/VCBVvN4VvQI/AAAAAAAACkI/ktZFZftvvV4/s1600/sleep%2Bdust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgQY41dXjY0/VCBVvN4VvQI/AAAAAAAACkI/ktZFZftvvV4/s1600/sleep%2Bdust.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
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The mei tai even comes with sleepy dust! Enjoy!</div>
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~Brittany </div>
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<br />Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-80977855062495148942014-08-10T09:10:00.000-07:002014-08-10T09:10:00.356-07:00Dyed Watermelon Ergobaby Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYzYLBSHbXg/U-eLltilsfI/AAAAAAAACfs/Oz3rrdb-5io/s1600/completed+watermelon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nYzYLBSHbXg/U-eLltilsfI/AAAAAAAACfs/Oz3rrdb-5io/s1600/completed+watermelon.JPG" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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After completing an <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2014/07/how-to-turn-ergobaby-carrier-in-tardis.html">Ergo to Tardis redo</a> recently, I was excited to try another baby carrier dye job. When REI put the camel Ergobaby on clearance, I took it as a sign to start another project. Enter the Watermelon Ergo. This was considerably more difficult than the dye for the Tardis, which was a solid color. This would require a gradient between the pink and green while leaving some natural to give the look of the rind. Give yourself plenty of time to work on this one because it will need more than one dye application. I will warn that I didn't take as many pictures of this process as I probably should have, but my daughter was napping and I was trying to get as much possible done while she slept. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvgDbuCbDGk/U-eNdz27_VI/AAAAAAAACf4/6wVWSf_h_NA/s1600/tan+ergo+prepped+for+red+dye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvgDbuCbDGk/U-eNdz27_VI/AAAAAAAACf4/6wVWSf_h_NA/s1600/tan+ergo+prepped+for+red+dye.jpg" height="320" width="293" /></a></div>
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First, prep the Ergo by washing and drying. Then soak it for about 30 minutes in one gallon of water and 1 1/3 cup of Washing Soda (or a cup of Soda Ash). I wring mine out and leave it damp overnight. When you are ready to dye, wrap a couple plastic bags around the waistband of the Ergo and secure with rubber bands. This helps keep dye splashes to a minimum. Then prepare the dye. I used two packets of Dylon Tulip Red. I mixed 4 cups of hot water with 4 TBS of non iodized salt then added one packet of dye and mixed well. Like really, really well. There should be no clumps of dye in your solution. I didn't do a good enough of a job and ended up with some speckling. Don't make my mistake. Repeat the water and salt mix with the other dye pack and pour into a tub big enough for the Ergo. Starting with the straps (which I unbuckled), dip into the concentrated dye bath and lower down until you get to the bag at the waistband. Since I wanted the color to be graduated, I worked the straps most and was careful about getting the dye too close to the bag. After about 15 minutes, I rinsed in my bathtub until the water was pretty clear. Then I used a garbage bag and put all but the waistband in, securing again with rubber bands, basically bagging it in reverse. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ6YBCBEmdo/U-eRWlvknhI/AAAAAAAACgE/S7w8hera5qM/s1600/prepped+for+green+dye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJ6YBCBEmdo/U-eRWlvknhI/AAAAAAAACgE/S7w8hera5qM/s1600/prepped+for+green+dye.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the green dye, I moved to a covered table in the garage. I prepared a packet of Dylon Tropical Green in the same proportions as the red dye-- 4 cups hot water, 4 TBS salt and the dye pack. I put this in an extra large 8 cup measuring cup. I also grabbed some paint brushes. Do yourself a favor and get good quality ones. The brushes I bought at the craft store had bristles falling out all over. I started by painting a layer of dye on the waist band, trying to let any excess dye flow downward towards the bottom of the carrier. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYfRCRsS3T8/U-eTD9-AblI/AAAAAAAACgQ/Ml-qOI7FIF4/s1600/dip+dye+green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYfRCRsS3T8/U-eTD9-AblI/AAAAAAAACgQ/Ml-qOI7FIF4/s1600/dip+dye+green.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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After I had a good base color painted on, I dip dyed the bottom of the Ergo in my cup of dye. I left this in for a couple minutes, letting the dye concentrate at the bottom and moving it up and down. Then I rinsed a bit in the tub and threw the Ergo unbagged into the washing machine. I did a rinse/spin cycle on cold then a warm wash. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-wlTJY1nmk/U-eTpgSlIYI/AAAAAAAACgY/GGZKSpqPjnk/s1600/ergo+before+dark+green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R-wlTJY1nmk/U-eTpgSlIYI/AAAAAAAACgY/GGZKSpqPjnk/s1600/ergo+before+dark+green.JPG" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
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The waistband needed another pop of color so I mixed up a batch of Dylon Dark Green in the same fashion as the Tropical Green and re bagged the red portion. I did the same process with the dark green, painted on with a paint brush, paying close attention the top as to not mix colors and letting the dye flow down and finished with a dip dye at the bottom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk6hG3a8ZPldv8iRIZRiEgaOjn-KOBY8E579T7gDd1C_ilohaod-7C1HvlUoHa9Izx7i0yFw4HGeqOmUczo14YpFfuDBzoCLXd94hvHwNxD70LULOBdwgRntEml0TTyy1gMdkqAeL1xc/s1600/wet+ergo+after+dark+green.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk6hG3a8ZPldv8iRIZRiEgaOjn-KOBY8E579T7gDd1C_ilohaod-7C1HvlUoHa9Izx7i0yFw4HGeqOmUczo14YpFfuDBzoCLXd94hvHwNxD70LULOBdwgRntEml0TTyy1gMdkqAeL1xc/s1600/wet+ergo+after+dark+green.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I gave the Ergo another rinse, wash and dry. It was time for the seeds! I used a pencil to outline my seeds first then colored them in with black Jacquard fabric marker. I tried to be balanced with their placement and avoided drawing any on the straps where it is common for babies to suck. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPSLgCxy5f8/U-eWyhP7MuI/AAAAAAAACgw/4Zg2ESwGOd8/s1600/watermelon+ergo+on+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TPSLgCxy5f8/U-eWyhP7MuI/AAAAAAAACgw/4Zg2ESwGOd8/s1600/watermelon+ergo+on+floor.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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Then it was all done! I'm pretty happy with how the waistband turned out and even though it wasn't in the dye long, the color is vibrant. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7VO_YilAFU/U-eX3nNdKbI/AAAAAAAACg8/Glts5wUZoEE/s1600/completed+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h7VO_YilAFU/U-eX3nNdKbI/AAAAAAAACg8/Glts5wUZoEE/s1600/completed+close+up.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
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It's like carrying baby in a little slice of summer. Delish!</div>
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~Brittany</div>
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<br />Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-10521346425421826292014-07-16T20:32:00.000-07:002014-07-17T12:09:51.936-07:00How to turn an Ergobaby Carrier into a TARDIS<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's been over a year since I posted a blog and something fantastic has happened since then; I gave birth to a baby girl! Arielle Eve was born at home on May 1 after an intense labor. Like many babies, she wants to be held and we have started over with <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/06/adventures-in-babywearing.html">Adventures in Babywearing</a>. A new carrier I've tried this time is a linen ring sling, ours made by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WillowTreeRingSlings">Willow Tree Slings</a>. Jenn was kind enough to make me a "plain" one and I embellished it with this <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/481155">Van Gogh inspired Doctor Who fabric</a> pocket. </div>
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Apparently, this was not enough to satisfy my need to mix babywearing and Doctor Who. When I learned that Ergobaby carriers are fairly easy to dye, I had to try it out with our Galaxy Gray Ergo. Even the name, galaxy gray, sounds like it is describing the lonely, ageless space traveler and I thought it would be perfect to turn into a TARDIS. </div>
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First, I gathered all the dyeing supplies I would need: Plastic bin to tub dye in, Super Washing Soda to help fix the color, a nylon ladle to mix and distribute the dye, three packets of Dylon brand dye in Jean Blue, non-iodized sea salt to add to the dye mix, kitchen gloves, a large measuring cup and a recently washed Ergo. I also got a seam ripper and took off the tags from the hood and pocket of the carrier. Next I soaked the Ergo in a mixture of 1 gallon warm water and 1 1/3 cups Super Washing Soda for 30 minutes (not pictured). I then drained off the mixture, wrung out the Ergo and let it sit over night so I could dye it the next morning while my daughter was napping. Then I dyed the Ergo with the 3 packets of Dylon dye, 12 tablespoons salt and 12 cups of lukewarm water. Mix the salt into the water then add the dye packets. Stir thoroughly until the dye is fully incorporated and not "crunchy" at all. Add the soda soaked damp Ergo to the dye and swish it around in the tub for 45 minutes. Don't let it sit in one spot for more than a couple minutes or the dye job might be uneven. I also threw in a couple onesies so they would match the Ergo. Then rinse with cold water for forever. Ok, not quite that long but until the water is totally clear which is going to take a while. Give it a wash in hot water and liquid detergent and air dry. Now your Ergo is Tardis blue! The stars don't dye because they are polyester and the color reactive dye only works on the natural fiber of the cotton on the rest of the Ergo. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mPF7nwFjUs/U8cor55GKII/AAAAAAAACdw/4RZVs7QJr6E/s1600/patches+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mPF7nwFjUs/U8cor55GKII/AAAAAAAACdw/4RZVs7QJr6E/s1600/patches+wm.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I wanted to add the appropriate wording to the Tardis colored hood. I ordered these patches from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PandorasProductions">Pandora Productions on Etsy</a>. The Police Box patch is 7x1.25 inches and the Pull to Open patch is 2.53x2.04 inches. All I needed was to make the windows out of felt!</div>
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For this step, I would recommend using a rotary cutting tool and a self healing mat to cut your windows. Mine were supposed to be 3 inches long by 2 inches high but I eye balled this and cut them a little short. Use the grid on the mat to help mark off one inch squares with a disappearing ink fabric pen. </div>
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I then used all six strands of embroidery floss to back stitch the outline for the windows.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtpY-9PO4lk/U8cwXfugFiI/AAAAAAAACeI/kiNnSxt_8vw/s1600/pinned+patches+close+up+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtpY-9PO4lk/U8cwXfugFiI/AAAAAAAACeI/kiNnSxt_8vw/s1600/pinned+patches+close+up+wm.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I decided to use permanent, washable fabric glue to apply the patches so I didn't have to sew them through the hood. Placing the patches was difficult because the hood of the Ergo is not flat. The easiest way I found to do this was to buckle the carrier around a chair and poof it out like there was a baby in it. Then you get a sense of how the fabric falls when it's actually worn. The line in the "P" for Public was the center line of the Police Box patch and I used the seam in the hood as a center guide. After it was pinned, I glued it carefully with Fabric-Tac, paying close attention to the corners of the patches. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAM-wY2Q-3o/U8col-uPYLI/AAAAAAAACdg/IEuc9I8ykAQ/s1600/competed+ergo+on+chair+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NAM-wY2Q-3o/U8col-uPYLI/AAAAAAAACdg/IEuc9I8ykAQ/s1600/competed+ergo+on+chair+wm.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
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I let the glue dry while it hung on the chair. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Uvulj-2ZY/U8cohpL41MI/AAAAAAAACdY/BWXnrGTPZ9s/s1600/baby+in+tardis+ergo+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H9Uvulj-2ZY/U8cohpL41MI/AAAAAAAACdY/BWXnrGTPZ9s/s1600/baby+in+tardis+ergo+wm.jpg" height="320" width="265" /></a></div>
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I really love how it turned out. I plan to have a friend knit a blue hat with a white pom pom on top so that baby's head is the light at the top of the Tardis. Add a pair of navy Babylegs and it's an awesome Doctor Who babywearing Halloween costume. I can't wait to take this fun Ergo through time and space. Allons-y!</div>
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~Brittany </div>
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Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-74907920449168024932013-03-31T08:19:00.000-07:002013-03-31T08:21:02.379-07:00Giveaway--Copy of Sacred Pregnancy and a Handsewn Felt Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJRCTakjy8c/UVhRC3ClkGI/AAAAAAAAB7g/qOQUlATvOAE/s1600/sacred+pregnancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJRCTakjy8c/UVhRC3ClkGI/AAAAAAAAB7g/qOQUlATvOAE/s320/sacred+pregnancy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Today happens to be my birthday. So what better way to celebrate than with a birthy giveaway? I've teamed up with Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Birth-Nerds/160024657401484?fref=ts">Birth Nerds</a> to send one lucky winner a copy of <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1583944443?ie=UTF8&tag=innerevetaro-20&linkCode=shr&camp=213733&creative=393185&creativeASIN=1583944443&redirect=true&creativeASIN=1583944443">Sacred Pregnancy</a></i> by Anni Daulter and a felt surprise hand sewn by yours truly. Use the handy Rafflecopter entry form below for your chance to win! If you have any questions about the giveaway, please email me at mama@mamasfeltcafe.com. The value of the book is $19.95 and the value of the surprise is yet to be determined. Mostly because I don't know what it is yet. </div>
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Happy Winning!</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f9c9ff2/" id="rc-f9c9ff2" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-68576287971142119692013-03-25T16:31:00.000-07:002013-03-25T16:31:48.590-07:00A First Foray into Birth Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was so touched and elated when my friend Helen asked my to take photos at the home birth of her son. When she sent me a text message at about 1 am on March 19 telling me to come over, my camera bag was packed and ready by the door. </div>
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When I arrived and got myself together, it was almost two in morning. I learned the midwife (<a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/05/happy-international-midwives-day-ashers.html">who was also my midwife</a>) was already at another birth, as was her assistant. A doula neither myself nor Helen had ever met was on her way to help out. Helen was already in her bath tub, vocalizing through contractions. </div>
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Helen's husband Lou was the official back rubber and hand holder. </div>
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Around that point, close to 2:30 am, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RenoLaborDoula/info">Ashley the doula</a> arrived. I guessed Helen to be in transition by the pace of her contractions and the vocalizations she was making. Ashley let the midwife know the baby was not going to wait for her. </div>
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This was one of my favorite shots. Helen's two year old was awake for almost the entire labor and she did so great. </div>
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Not long after, Helen was feeling pushy and wanted to get out of the tub. We ended up laying down some towels and chux pads on her carpeted bathroom floor. Ashley had never caught a baby on her own before but she did a great job. </div>
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At 3:17 am, baby Nicholas was born. He pinked up and started to breath without any trouble. For a surprise unassisted birth, everything went amazingly smooth. I was so proud of Helen! </div>
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About 10 minutes after the baby was born, the midwife's assistant Celeste arrived. She helped with the placenta delivery. When the cord stopped pulsing, Lou did the honors of separating mother and baby. </div>
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Nicholas nursed like a champ right away. I went downstairs and made my friend her first postpartum meal--a beef burrito with black beans and corn. </div>
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Celeste and Ashley did the newborn exam. Nicholas was 20 inches long and weighed 8 pounds even.</div>
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Getting dressed for the very first time:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEITZRX5d0w/UVDZSAdYXmI/AAAAAAAAB64/a5qyjLHrjaw/s1600/1-IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEITZRX5d0w/UVDZSAdYXmI/AAAAAAAAB64/a5qyjLHrjaw/s320/1-IMG_2220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The new family, minus their 4 year old Sara, who slept through the entire birth!</div>
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So sleepy after filling his tiny belly with colostrum. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7UpdJutGs6l0JWuKzNaTp9n_kd1JMHTpUZZn7L7xRsd3Mm2a1EwVrzoXLJPebTUApzNJE4xf3QDSg_yjGdPIZQ62uYg4OXGmo7D5LFufuGschHKLcV4UIpIkvBgnTf3cTsJLYAIlfFo/s1600/1-IMG_2265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7UpdJutGs6l0JWuKzNaTp9n_kd1JMHTpUZZn7L7xRsd3Mm2a1EwVrzoXLJPebTUApzNJE4xf3QDSg_yjGdPIZQ62uYg4OXGmo7D5LFufuGschHKLcV4UIpIkvBgnTf3cTsJLYAIlfFo/s320/1-IMG_2265.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y13ehH5gQlk/UVDZx2rSrwI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/oqaf2Df32ls/s1600/1-IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y13ehH5gQlk/UVDZx2rSrwI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/oqaf2Df32ls/s320/1-IMG_2277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was such an amazing experience for me and I learned a lot of lessons from Baby Nicholas' birth. It's very fun to be part of the birthy action but not have to do the actual work. It's also very tiring to be up all night without the oxytocin cocktail that comes after you do the actual work. Bathroom lights on a timer may be a birth photographer's worse enemy. My 50 mm lens was far too slow for the low light conditions I was in and I was surprisingly thankful for my kit lens. All in all, it was an awesome first foray, and I hope I get the chance to do it again. </div>
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~Brittany</div>
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Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-4319403704933030322013-03-11T18:03:00.000-07:002013-03-11T18:03:54.823-07:00Super Mario Quiet Book <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POy1DZVB4U0/UT5v5AZv7wI/AAAAAAAAB2U/QB1FLQXuVv0/s1600/Mario+cover+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POy1DZVB4U0/UT5v5AZv7wI/AAAAAAAAB2U/QB1FLQXuVv0/s320/Mario+cover+wm.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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An upcoming family vacation has sent me searching for ways to entertain my 3 year old on a plane. Enter the Super Mario Quiet Book. I did not make a pattern for this book because honestly, it disrupts my creative process. Most of this if done free hand or by using clip art or coloring pages as item patterns. There are several Super Mario Bros themed fonts that can be downloaded for free for the lettering. I used more glue than stitches for this particular project. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5YpqQN5anELouFbhXjRa8pId4U8CZ_SAmltg89slKBV8IRK7jTAvWhNU_7iDbMTMCwTvIVnrKC2r5Glw4_JBgCki6xKlkrYO9oJLt6KvK7GxnkZpEr16pD9Xd0rf98JEqfFebg89zCU/s1600/Dress+Mario+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5YpqQN5anELouFbhXjRa8pId4U8CZ_SAmltg89slKBV8IRK7jTAvWhNU_7iDbMTMCwTvIVnrKC2r5Glw4_JBgCki6xKlkrYO9oJLt6KvK7GxnkZpEr16pD9Xd0rf98JEqfFebg89zCU/s320/Dress+Mario+wm.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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For the first page, Mario needs to get dressed before he can set out for an adventure. All these pieces I cut free hand. There are Velcro pieces for the hat, pants, shirt, overalls, shoes and gloves (not shown). The clothing all fit in Mario's hamper on the bottom right of the page. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xWPU5A74zs/UT5xm3HfXFI/AAAAAAAAB2s/agECm8XErS8/s1600/count+coins+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_xWPU5A74zs/UT5xm3HfXFI/AAAAAAAAB2s/agECm8XErS8/s320/count+coins+wm.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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Next, count the coins from the coin box. All ten coins fit inside the box which is a little pocket. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjnO4aU0Gzo/UT501_gY_-I/AAAAAAAAB20/7fZeaJWf6Zo/s1600/put+on+the+mushroom+cap+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjnO4aU0Gzo/UT501_gY_-I/AAAAAAAAB20/7fZeaJWf6Zo/s320/put+on+the+mushroom+cap+wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can help the mushroom decide which cap to wear with this color recognition game. Each cap Velcros to the blank, cream colored mushroom. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IShwPIhCco0/UT53IwXHQVI/AAAAAAAAB3A/AgyH2Jw5MPs/s1600/Hatch+Yoshi+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IShwPIhCco0/UT53IwXHQVI/AAAAAAAAB3A/AgyH2Jw5MPs/s320/Hatch+Yoshi+wm.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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Yoshi is waiting to hatch out of his egg and join Mario. I made the egg just as it looks, the egg shape first then cutting the zig zag down the center. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8YAztDjbko/UT53nBqumKI/AAAAAAAAB3M/BfdPl8iC2vs/s1600/yoshi+close+up+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8YAztDjbko/UT53nBqumKI/AAAAAAAAB3M/BfdPl8iC2vs/s320/yoshi+close+up+wm.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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The Yoshi stuffie was designed off of a <a href="http://www.321coloringpages.com/images/yoshi-coloring-pages/yoshi-coloring-pages-2.png">coloring page</a> I found. The body and face are sewn and the eyes, arms and belly are glued. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POoiS6LyzlE/UT53q9leRBI/AAAAAAAAB3U/WMUB4gnGhqo/s1600/find+pairs+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POoiS6LyzlE/UT53q9leRBI/AAAAAAAAB3U/WMUB4gnGhqo/s320/find+pairs+wm.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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Lastly, help Mario find matching pairs under the red flaps. There is a coin, star, Yoshi egg, and a traveling pipe. This could be made more challenging by using Velcro under the items instead of glue so they can be moved around. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGG8wstXFiU/UT53teyVtWI/AAAAAAAAB3c/redTcNxwZKw/s1600/pirhana+plant+end+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IGG8wstXFiU/UT53teyVtWI/AAAAAAAAB3c/redTcNxwZKw/s320/pirhana+plant+end+wm.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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Don't let the Piranha plant at the very end of the book get you! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgcECvdZy4I/UT5wPJK4TXI/AAAAAAAAB2g/4efax3CYKEU/s1600/bottoms+of+pages+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgcECvdZy4I/UT5wPJK4TXI/AAAAAAAAB2g/4efax3CYKEU/s320/bottoms+of+pages+wm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I added light weight pieces of white poster board in between each page as I sewed them together to give the book some shape. The spine is two layers. All of the pages are sewn to the spine first layer and then the edges of the front and back cover are sewn to the second spine layer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdR7XmXAMmNNrQ9UimJ49f26wvwE9WRAxscRsLLHwL0xTnksuNctLHm602-rsat8hNuR9rFN7XNu2WBWb5Uhf6wHHzbNr_tRrbkHk_tZdDI6tFWhMJaXopZDM4AqQX1yKstHMiPqa8z8/s1600/mario+book+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdR7XmXAMmNNrQ9UimJ49f26wvwE9WRAxscRsLLHwL0xTnksuNctLHm602-rsat8hNuR9rFN7XNu2WBWb5Uhf6wHHzbNr_tRrbkHk_tZdDI6tFWhMJaXopZDM4AqQX1yKstHMiPqa8z8/s320/mario+book+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, I'm really please with how this came out. I hope my little guy likes it and it keeps him entertained!</div>
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~Brittany</div>
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Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-63162675035603478812013-03-02T13:41:00.000-08:002013-03-02T13:47:05.866-08:00A First Foray Into Newborn Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w14Ti6jIERg/UTJosSfaumI/AAAAAAAABxE/ZEZO1joKlu4/s1600/sleeping+close+up+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w14Ti6jIERg/UTJosSfaumI/AAAAAAAABxE/ZEZO1joKlu4/s320/sleeping+close+up+bw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My friend Melinda gave birth to a sweet baby girl the day before Valentine's Day. Little Lana arrived 4 minutes before the midwife, caught by her mama with barely enough time to get in the birth tub set up in their bedroom. I came to visit when Lana was two weeks and two days old, bringing lunch and my camera. I had not done any newborn photography before but I was definitely eager to try. Since she was already past the sleepy newborn stage, she was alert and wide eyed most of the time I was there. I'm pretty happy with some of the moments I caught and this really made me excited to photograph my friend Helen's home birth later this month (hopefully)! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U03R3acUT4c/UTJqh7Smt6I/AAAAAAAABxM/38CFFaaOY_o/s1600/lana+bw+no+head+band+face+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U03R3acUT4c/UTJqh7Smt6I/AAAAAAAABxM/38CFFaaOY_o/s320/lana+bw+no+head+band+face+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuuHHp--YE4/UTJqqpfPLoI/AAAAAAAABxU/dDkbtZY06zY/s1600/lana+nursing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fuuHHp--YE4/UTJqqpfPLoI/AAAAAAAABxU/dDkbtZY06zY/s320/lana+nursing.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVgzWn0QLrw/UTJqxMQNheI/AAAAAAAABxc/sn7BdGxZRfM/s1600/lana+head+bw+shamrock+headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zVgzWn0QLrw/UTJqxMQNheI/AAAAAAAABxc/sn7BdGxZRfM/s320/lana+head+bw+shamrock+headband.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made this shamrock headband following <a href="http://bbpaperandink.blogspot.com/2011/03/shamrock-barrette.html">this tutorial from Paper&Ink</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_yR8lGe0R8/UTJq2R0iblI/AAAAAAAABxk/Jn7SRXQ-5gM/s1600/black+and+white+face+close+up+green+shamrock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_yR8lGe0R8/UTJq2R0iblI/AAAAAAAABxk/Jn7SRXQ-5gM/s320/black+and+white+face+close+up+green+shamrock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2nT6DRVAIY/UTJrWI2zbEI/AAAAAAAABxs/iBV8dnAR9eY/s1600/lana+name+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2nT6DRVAIY/UTJrWI2zbEI/AAAAAAAABxs/iBV8dnAR9eY/s320/lana+name+heart.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I also made this heart with her name.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKB7vzj9J6w/UTJrib3oPDI/AAAAAAAABx0/W7E6Bf9H1Ew/s1600/melinda's+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sKB7vzj9J6w/UTJrib3oPDI/AAAAAAAABx0/W7E6Bf9H1Ew/s320/melinda's+ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ned89J5rc5o/UTJscMSjICI/AAAAAAAAByc/_AjYrjngMxs/s1600/soft+baby+hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ned89J5rc5o/UTJscMSjICI/AAAAAAAAByc/_AjYrjngMxs/s320/soft+baby+hair.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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You can almost feel her whisper soft hair.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rmjYID7-L4/UTJrob17k1I/AAAAAAAABx8/Hc7NeLAr8Iw/s1600/lana's+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_rmjYID7-L4/UTJrob17k1I/AAAAAAAABx8/Hc7NeLAr8Iw/s320/lana's+feet.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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I love baby feet!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ0-MBWxgFs/UTJruplTnvI/AAAAAAAAByE/Y_8Ndvr4c9s/s1600/Kaelyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ0-MBWxgFs/UTJruplTnvI/AAAAAAAAByE/Y_8Ndvr4c9s/s320/Kaelyn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lana's big sister Kaelyn was a baby when I met her mom at La Leche League 4 years ago. She will probably always be that bald headed baby, just learning to crawl, in my mind. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo0VYzqGeaY/UTJsGmN4rWI/AAAAAAAAByM/1dUH9damzGI/s1600/sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yo0VYzqGeaY/UTJsGmN4rWI/AAAAAAAAByM/1dUH9damzGI/s320/sisters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made these matching heart headbands for the girls. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDRoC8Jr2Hg/UTJsSGDp7lI/AAAAAAAAByU/AT_IW42UIC4/s1600/Lana's+foot+Kaelyn's+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDRoC8Jr2Hg/UTJsSGDp7lI/AAAAAAAAByU/AT_IW42UIC4/s320/Lana's+foot+Kaelyn's+hand.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Despite Melinda's husband Matt being a perennial jokester, the photos of him and Lana were some of my favorites and I happen to think these two look quite a bit alike. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KR-5ALRkgFo/UTJs0TOeKZI/AAAAAAAAByk/YNaVDV_oElU/s1600/Matt+licking+his+nose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KR-5ALRkgFo/UTJs0TOeKZI/AAAAAAAAByk/YNaVDV_oElU/s320/Matt+licking+his+nose.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8EvewA9_Jk/UTJtXXOrdvI/AAAAAAAABys/bwy2KlTkjfo/s1600/Matt+eating+Lana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8EvewA9_Jk/UTJtXXOrdvI/AAAAAAAABys/bwy2KlTkjfo/s320/Matt+eating+Lana.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFd4IGnh4Jc/UTJtlF5JAKI/AAAAAAAABy0/N_dm-Nfz8Dg/s1600/matt+loving+lana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFd4IGnh4Jc/UTJtlF5JAKI/AAAAAAAABy0/N_dm-Nfz8Dg/s320/matt+loving+lana.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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And lastly, we can't forget Barley, the family dog. The clicking of my camera made him a little nervous but he still kept valiant watch over the newest member of the family. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hV2__3abnA/UTJuEwpR91I/AAAAAAAABy8/2LhapVz6X5Y/s1600/Barley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--hV2__3abnA/UTJuEwpR91I/AAAAAAAABy8/2LhapVz6X5Y/s320/Barley.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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Thank you so much to Melinda and Matt for letting me come over and fuel my latest photography obsession!</div>
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~Brittany</div>
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Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-70962258069997343092012-12-07T14:46:00.001-08:002012-12-07T14:47:22.526-08:00Send a Little Love Holiday Contest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us4vUkGWXYE/UMJinhFZG_I/AAAAAAAABro/9HHdR_wNfMs/s1600/sandwich+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-us4vUkGWXYE/UMJinhFZG_I/AAAAAAAABro/9HHdR_wNfMs/s320/sandwich+set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's hard to believe December is here again, already. This can be a hard time of year for families, emotionally and financially. To lighten the load by one present, I decided to have a "Send a Little Love" Holiday Contest. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXV6OcvxHuk/UMJs4OQLRBI/AAAAAAAABsU/Hl93Ystg8Yo/s1600/send+a+little+love+contest+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NXV6OcvxHuk/UMJs4OQLRBI/AAAAAAAABsU/Hl93Ystg8Yo/s320/send+a+little+love+contest+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tell me (via email mama@mamasfeltcafe.com) why the little one in question has the BIGGEST HEART and they will be entered to win this heart shaped PB&J Felt Food Lunch Set. This set includes sandwich, two heart shaped jam cookies (one with a jingle bell inside) and three slices of apple, all hand sewn from wool blend and Eco-Fi felt. This contest will run from today, December 7th, 2012 until midnight PST December 14th. I will share the winning entry and announce the winning child on the<a href="http://www.facebook.com/mamasfeltcafe"> Mama's Felt Cafe Facebook page</a> on December 15th, 2012, sometime before the end of the day my time. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8ZZB5aCBIE/UMJiteFm_CI/AAAAAAAABrw/GiJV2JqcTqk/s1600/sandwich+profile+and+cookies+upright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8ZZB5aCBIE/UMJiteFm_CI/AAAAAAAABrw/GiJV2JqcTqk/s320/sandwich+profile+and+cookies+upright.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Please email me if you have any questions. I look forward to reading your entries!</div>
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Happy Holidays, </div>
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~Brittany</div>
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Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-11553615747123260282012-12-04T17:45:00.000-08:002012-12-04T17:45:07.684-08:00DIY Wedding Craft Round Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivwDw3hazv0/T-aBNiS8YwI/AAAAAAAABmo/LyfyX2dWa70/s1600/wedding+craft+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivwDw3hazv0/T-aBNiS8YwI/AAAAAAAABmo/LyfyX2dWa70/s320/wedding+craft+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Long time, no blog! I wanted to get a post together with all the crafty type things I've done in preparation for my sister-in-law's nuptials. A few items already have tutorials, including the <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2012/05/diy-felt-rose-ring-bear-pillow.html">felt rose ring bearer pillow</a> and <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2012/04/easy-diy-glass-cupcake-stand.html">glass cupcake stand</a>. If anyone has questions about how to make any of these things, feel free to leave me a comment!</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_870669524"></span><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q1QTG8m0XeI/T-Zjh_-B5cI/AAAAAAAABko/nR5-Kn-FgsM/s320/rings+tied+on+pillow+instagram.JPG" width="320" /><span id="goog_870669525"></span></a></div>
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Here is my son walking down the aisle with the ring pillow. My hubby walked down with him. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H7BGUdR1Mk/UL6XZo01qcI/AAAAAAAABo4/0k8SDdSlSWg/s1600/Asher+and+Eric+down+the+aisle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8H7BGUdR1Mk/UL6XZo01qcI/AAAAAAAABo4/0k8SDdSlSWg/s320/Asher+and+Eric+down+the+aisle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These rose petal cupcake wrappers can be found at Michael's Crafts or <a href="http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=52F9195D-1E0B-C910-EA30B63851C7E3CC">HERE direct from Wilton.</a> <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPIOfEm75Xo/UL6XJRvi_uI/AAAAAAAABoo/-RO_vWnMX_Y/s1600/Table+Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NPIOfEm75Xo/UL6XJRvi_uI/AAAAAAAABoo/-RO_vWnMX_Y/s320/Table+Centerpiece.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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A few of these crafts I've had pinned on Pinterest for a while. You can find my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mamasfeltcafe/leah-getting-married/">wedding related pin board HERE</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SiOS4PqQTk/T-i8EaxQ_8I/AAAAAAAABm4/b2m_tmOD8rk/s1600/instagram+angled+candy+dish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SiOS4PqQTk/T-i8EaxQ_8I/AAAAAAAABm4/b2m_tmOD8rk/s320/instagram+angled+candy+dish.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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These candy bowls will be out near the card box at the reception. They are made similarly to the cupcake stands, with a glass taper candlestick holder and glass serving bowl glued with E-6000 (both pieces from Dollar Tree). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JkcyeGdHJswnMNazwG5IdKdw04H7WbrjzFyHYGz_08ZBEyZumq8SR__2-xtVL2g4EBG5BCVhJwtMcmhf_G4mrwW9ApFp1fiNYrNnfGMjFW0LlUtjSmMJjslmRzEW0Y7EbUJZ5O_ZvKg/s1600/rose+bubbles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JkcyeGdHJswnMNazwG5IdKdw04H7WbrjzFyHYGz_08ZBEyZumq8SR__2-xtVL2g4EBG5BCVhJwtMcmhf_G4mrwW9ApFp1fiNYrNnfGMjFW0LlUtjSmMJjslmRzEW0Y7EbUJZ5O_ZvKg/s320/rose+bubbles.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>
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Bubbles are fun and popular wedding favors. I used ribbon roses and carefully wrapped them around the tops of bubble tubes (both from Michael's Crafts). The completed roses were then "planted" in glass cups (from Dollar Tree) wrapped in ribbon and filled with colored glass filler beads. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAiNfr_8dg8/T-ZjzLfHYpI/AAAAAAAABlA/ZQXSQqR6D8s/s1600/close+up+of+bubble+wands+in+cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lAiNfr_8dg8/T-ZjzLfHYpI/AAAAAAAABlA/ZQXSQqR6D8s/s320/close+up+of+bubble+wands+in+cup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These ivy bowls with rose shaped floating candles with sit on either side of the cupcake stands on each table:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeDbBUcH074/T-i9nHD2jWI/AAAAAAAABnA/sZatBDAXxMM/s1600/ivy+bowl+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeDbBUcH074/T-i9nHD2jWI/AAAAAAAABnA/sZatBDAXxMM/s320/ivy+bowl+collage.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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As you can see, we made a lot of those ivy bowls!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Wk-wi_0c44/T-ZkBHmXZOI/AAAAAAAABlQ/wbzehs22kyU/s1600/Ivy+bowls+profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Wk-wi_0c44/T-ZkBHmXZOI/AAAAAAAABlQ/wbzehs22kyU/s320/Ivy+bowls+profile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also made this felt Mr and Mrs banner. It hung in front of the bride and groom at the head table when not being used as a photo prop. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-essCVB7mNuQ/UL6XUKfQSqI/AAAAAAAABow/tfN6C5zEMnQ/s1600/leah+and+derek+with+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-essCVB7mNuQ/UL6XUKfQSqI/AAAAAAAABow/tfN6C5zEMnQ/s320/leah+and+derek+with+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made a pattern piece for each section of the banner, found a free font I liked for the lettering (this happened to be called Carnival Freakshow), and used it to make felt letters. I glued the letters to the banner pieces and sewed each banner section to a ribbon, leaving a two foot tail on each end of the banner. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-1VI4JfSfI/UL6ld2TRXtI/AAAAAAAABrE/CcUr7Z4HCsA/s1600/banner+on+fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b-1VI4JfSfI/UL6ld2TRXtI/AAAAAAAABrE/CcUr7Z4HCsA/s320/banner+on+fence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a bridal shower gift, I made these toasting glasses that say Bride and Groom. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME5WBOfOGDI/T-ZnWjoi2_I/AAAAAAAABmI/6ZtzPQjpV7E/s1600/toasting+glasses+no+ribbon+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ME5WBOfOGDI/T-ZnWjoi2_I/AAAAAAAABmI/6ZtzPQjpV7E/s320/toasting+glasses+no+ribbon+2.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
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The materials are all from Michael's Crafts. Just measure where you want the wording to start, carefully mark it with scotch tape and apply the stickers, using the tape line as a guide. </div>
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I also made these wine charms for the glasses. The rhinestones and earring hoops are also from Michael's. I found a clip art of a heart, reduced it down, found a nice font for the Bride and Groom wording and printed it out. I then used Modge Podge to glue the paper to the acrylic rhinestones. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_n_C7tSHdQ/T-ZnHgLcrsI/AAAAAAAABl4/HfPKvJjfpMw/s1600/wine+charms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X_n_C7tSHdQ/T-ZnHgLcrsI/AAAAAAAABl4/HfPKvJjfpMw/s320/wine+charms.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of all the things I made, I think I'm most proud of the way the bridesmaid bouquets came out. </div>
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Here is my "P"inspiration and the bouquet I actually made. The roses are from Costco and the calla lilies from Trader Joe's. I wish I had known it wasn't as hard to make a nice bouquet as I originally thought. I would have made bouquets for my own wedding! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyI7bpGuWuE/UL6kakDP4qI/AAAAAAAABq0/h7nlVLbkc6s/s1600/pinspiration+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyI7bpGuWuE/UL6kakDP4qI/AAAAAAAABq0/h7nlVLbkc6s/s320/pinspiration+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Well there you have it! The wedding was definitely a success, and congratulations to my sister-in-law and her new husband!</div>
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~Brittany</div>
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Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-91865899307736207582012-07-18T13:14:00.000-07:002012-07-18T13:14:11.397-07:00Wordless Wednesday--Puppy Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kotl_syVnsQ/UAbuHqza9eI/AAAAAAAABnQ/yyWFobYh-Rs/s1600/New+Puppy+070112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kotl_syVnsQ/UAbuHqza9eI/AAAAAAAABnQ/yyWFobYh-Rs/s320/New+Puppy+070112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm sure my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mamasfeltcafe">Facebook fans</a> are tired of me posting about my new dog. But look at that face! How can I not gush about such an adorable creature? This post is dedicated to Sadie, my Golden Retriever lady. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeelArXxYd8/UAbwRv2r5fI/AAAAAAAABng/gyGxUJiad_8/s1600/Fleece+Sadie+Bed+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeelArXxYd8/UAbwRv2r5fI/AAAAAAAABng/gyGxUJiad_8/s320/Fleece+Sadie+Bed+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fourth of July fell during Sadie's first week home. I made her a festive red, white and blue dog bed to commemorate. The fleece was felt over from my <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2012/06/felt-pirate-fort-ikea-kura-bed.html">Ikea Kura bed curtains</a> and the letters for her name are glued and sewn for durability. You can find a tutorial for the <a href="http://littlepawspetclub.blogspot.com/2007/01/no-sew-fleece-pet-bed.html">no-sew pillow HERE</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHZXcQCfOi8/UAbwlx3L7KI/AAAAAAAABno/kurowyPIimY/s1600/sleepy+puppy+shiny+floor+070812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHZXcQCfOi8/UAbwlx3L7KI/AAAAAAAABno/kurowyPIimY/s320/sleepy+puppy+shiny+floor+070812.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Sleepy puppy, shiny floor.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtIM56rTqOg/UAbxAxBw7bI/AAAAAAAABnw/Fgi-qyjbDFo/s1600/Sadie+Smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VtIM56rTqOg/UAbxAxBw7bI/AAAAAAAABnw/Fgi-qyjbDFo/s320/Sadie+Smiles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty convinced that Goldens are the smilest, happiest dogs on the planet. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkZ6ZLKG3iU/UAbyC02crCI/AAAAAAAABn4/tZ_ePr4pwOI/s1600/asher+sadie+power+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nkZ6ZLKG3iU/UAbyC02crCI/AAAAAAAABn4/tZ_ePr4pwOI/s320/asher+sadie+power+wheel.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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A (Birthday) boy, his dog and his awesome new Mustang (Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!). </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkItOWqCFzE/UAbyppzquqI/AAAAAAAABoA/COpH2xdIOpc/s1600/Mew+and+Sadie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkItOWqCFzE/UAbyppzquqI/AAAAAAAABoA/COpH2xdIOpc/s320/Mew+and+Sadie.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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My matching golden pets. Don't let the cat fool you, he (not so secretly) loves the puppy. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WP5vRaZHbOY/UAcEP6WWwAI/AAAAAAAABoQ/9tKphSy09yI/s1600/wet+sadie+through+the+screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WP5vRaZHbOY/UAcEP6WWwAI/AAAAAAAABoQ/9tKphSy09yI/s320/wet+sadie+through+the+screen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A run through the sprinklers cools even the hottest dog. </div>
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Welcome to our family, Sadie! And thanks to your adorable face for making me<a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-photograph-pets"> mildly obsessed with pet photography</a>.</div>
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~Brittany</div>
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<br /></div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-71562804938599055512012-06-18T16:00:00.000-07:002012-06-18T16:00:03.743-07:00Felt Pirate Fort Ikea Kura Bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aDIoldWVyAWNISOB2xSAwTZIlEX-ZSJpU35M4ZV-UfN8yBF1tzCjjFgZoIi3zJmvdVBlb-6SwHVANtqx_Fpgv8EQ8ek7nsRymPpZP-s9-PXceDFUsDi4sD1zYB4983WeeR80VhgXh9E/s1600/pirate+outside+celestial+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aDIoldWVyAWNISOB2xSAwTZIlEX-ZSJpU35M4ZV-UfN8yBF1tzCjjFgZoIi3zJmvdVBlb-6SwHVANtqx_Fpgv8EQ8ek7nsRymPpZP-s9-PXceDFUsDi4sD1zYB4983WeeR80VhgXh9E/s320/pirate+outside+celestial+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My son's third birthday is coming up next month and my husband and I decided to get him a new "big boy" bed for his room. While internet browsing for said bed, I came across <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_320054879">this gem from Ikea:</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10123996/" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OkZNV7WYMzE/T9-Gk68EtnI/AAAAAAAABhU/NZFRwi3SPJU/s320/kura+bed.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bed is reversible and can either be a low bed with a canopy or a loft bed with space to play underneath. The versatility and crafting potential (see: <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2011/03/ikea-kura-bed-felt-playhouse.html">Ikea Hackers</a>) piqued my interest and I convinced my husband to drive us 300 miles round trip in a borrowed minivan to the nearest Ikea that weekend.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsNy7-MiN9A/T9-IvsU8ZrI/AAAAAAAABhc/zrMZM0FSwqs/s1600/curtain+scrunch+shoe+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsNy7-MiN9A/T9-IvsU8ZrI/AAAAAAAABhc/zrMZM0FSwqs/s320/curtain+scrunch+shoe+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last year, I made these easy-sew curtains for my son's room with a fabric called "<a href="http://www.cottonnoveltyfabrics.com/fabric/kidstuff.html">Baby Pirate</a>" (and had <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrunchNoseSews">Scrunch Nose Sews</a> make matching slippers from the remnants). I used this pattern as my inspiration for decorating the bed. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qzSDXNfS7g/T9-M7lKmXHI/AAAAAAAABhs/xA_gSPCn0aE/s1600/full+length+front+panel+and+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qzSDXNfS7g/T9-M7lKmXHI/AAAAAAAABhs/xA_gSPCn0aE/s320/full+length+front+panel+and+door.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately, I cannot provide any patterns for the individual pieces because I did them all free hand. I can provide the measurements for the big curtain piece. The front panel piece with the ship and the palm tree measure 62 inches long by 35 inches tall, in sky blue felt. The door piece with the crab, treasure map and sun measures 16 inches long by 44.5 inches all the way to the bottom. </div>
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Here are some close ups so you can get an idea how they are pieced:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cNpgspK6SU/T9-POEeGRWI/AAAAAAAABiA/QR97eeLohTc/s1600/close+up+of+ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0cNpgspK6SU/T9-POEeGRWI/AAAAAAAABiA/QR97eeLohTc/s320/close+up+of+ship.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBjje5EvVlM/T9-PUS1C04I/AAAAAAAABiI/NuMBdsxqr98/s1600/close+up+of+palm+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBjje5EvVlM/T9-PUS1C04I/AAAAAAAABiI/NuMBdsxqr98/s320/close+up+of+palm+tree.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The treasure map is detachable with adhesive Velco keeping it on the beach. The map itself is pieced together from remnants of the curtain fabric. All of these items are glued using Fabri-Tac adhesive, but any permanent fabric glue would probably work. So far it has held up really well. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hnKAc9yRaQ/T9-PZy8Sq9I/AAAAAAAABiQ/FdhaXoj_PV8/s1600/close+up+of+crab+and+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hnKAc9yRaQ/T9-PZy8Sq9I/AAAAAAAABiQ/FdhaXoj_PV8/s320/close+up+of+crab+and+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The final outside piece is the pirate's treasure chest. The light blue felt panel for this one measures 41 inches long by 32.5 inches high. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OdhQqyyIQQ/T9-Qr3jeT6I/AAAAAAAABic/UMM4YLSxMa8/s1600/treasure+chest+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6OdhQqyyIQQ/T9-Qr3jeT6I/AAAAAAAABic/UMM4YLSxMa8/s320/treasure+chest+1.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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There are 10 numbered coins in the chest, attached with adhesive Velcro. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZacV5R70e8g/T9-RqQF9LPI/AAAAAAAABik/wqDDTCJ4_T8/s1600/close+up+of+coins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZacV5R70e8g/T9-RqQF9LPI/AAAAAAAABik/wqDDTCJ4_T8/s320/close+up+of+coins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My little swashbuckler had fun counting out the coins: </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj7KxdtIKu4/T9-SIbmeuAI/AAAAAAAABiw/i0U97XG8g2c/s1600/Asher+counting+treasure+coins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj7KxdtIKu4/T9-SIbmeuAI/AAAAAAAABiw/i0U97XG8g2c/s320/Asher+counting+treasure+coins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next are the inside panels. Since the canopy that Ikea sells that matches the bed has a starry look to it already, I wanted the insides to have a celestial feel. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8j62dHikAtQ/T9-StUL7zdI/AAAAAAAABi4/R3DCJanqSn4/s1600/inside+looking+down+on+three+sides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8j62dHikAtQ/T9-StUL7zdI/AAAAAAAABi4/R3DCJanqSn4/s320/inside+looking+down+on+three+sides.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To achieve this, I cut panels from dark blue fleece that matched the blue of the bed as best as I could find. The two long panels measure 77 inches long by 30 inches high (I cut the door piece once the panel was hanging. The shorter side measures 38 inches long and 30 inches high. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nM3ASSGkdM/T9-WlpPfwFI/AAAAAAAABjI/XcMRVyl5tzg/s1600/foam+stars+and+moons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nM3ASSGkdM/T9-WlpPfwFI/AAAAAAAABjI/XcMRVyl5tzg/s320/foam+stars+and+moons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I found these foam glow-in-the-dark stars and moons at the craft store. Using the fabric glue, I adhered them all over the fleece panels. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHdIKbyZ6j8/T9-Xim0VHFI/AAAAAAAABjQ/B26Y6yn0DIs/s1600/foam+stars+glued+to+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHdIKbyZ6j8/T9-Xim0VHFI/AAAAAAAABjQ/B26Y6yn0DIs/s320/foam+stars+glued+to+panel.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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I hung the panels using as little glue and Velcro as I could so that if I wanted to change things later, I could. The clips of the canopy keep the bulk of the panels in place. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdpWYG7MICw/T9-X4LdK5-I/AAAAAAAABjY/Hx2Y-KsotFU/s1600/inside+facing+window.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdpWYG7MICw/T9-X4LdK5-I/AAAAAAAABjY/Hx2Y-KsotFU/s320/inside+facing+window.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to add some glow-in-the-dark stars to the canopy as well. I used some plastic ones I found at Walmart, but I'm sure comparable ones could be found at any big box or toy store. I researched a few constellations and decided to make the Big Dipper, Orion, Hercules, and Cancer on the inside of the canopy. They look a little upside down in the photo, but when you are laying underneath looking up, they go the right direction. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgQOLdHKVB4/T9-ZYM23DfI/AAAAAAAABjo/2fEoTQoY6dI/s1600/canopy+constellations+with+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dgQOLdHKVB4/T9-ZYM23DfI/AAAAAAAABjo/2fEoTQoY6dI/s320/canopy+constellations+with+words.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's like napping in space! (The Super Mario blanket was my son's choice.) The effect is really cool in the dark but unfortunately I don't have a camera responsive enough to capture "glow". </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_K71OKkNL_c/T9-dhKD6v1I/AAAAAAAABj4/bGz6TaXuvFU/s1600/napping+in+space.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_K71OKkNL_c/T9-dhKD6v1I/AAAAAAAABj4/bGz6TaXuvFU/s320/napping+in+space.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I made this felt pirate banner to decorate the wall opposite the bed. I'd give a run down on banner making but this post is long enough as it is. If you have a question about any of these things, leave me a comment and I'll try to help you out. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqsEJGVm0v4/T9-eRKTSdfI/AAAAAAAABkA/ln5SgkJRep8/s1600/pirate+banner+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bqsEJGVm0v4/T9-eRKTSdfI/AAAAAAAABkA/ln5SgkJRep8/s320/pirate+banner+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now his room is complete!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_RcUX3olgU/T9-e3fvRFcI/AAAAAAAABkI/xM8iQcMu3M8/s1600/Asher+in+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_RcUX3olgU/T9-e3fvRFcI/AAAAAAAABkI/xM8iQcMu3M8/s320/Asher+in+bed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Crafting!</div>
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~Brittany</div>
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<br /></div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-91314201408276710532012-06-06T09:53:00.000-07:002012-06-06T09:54:08.873-07:00Felt Marshmallow and Roasting Stick Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byq_xxfX6oo/T895lNb4ClI/AAAAAAAABeo/5twTnCsKI1o/s1600/roasting+marshmallow+over+fire+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-byq_xxfX6oo/T895lNb4ClI/AAAAAAAABeo/5twTnCsKI1o/s320/roasting+marshmallow+over+fire+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ah, summertime. Warmth is in the air and and the days are long. I wanted to create something felt foody that gave ode to this wonderful time of year. Enter charcoal fire bowl and the roasting marshmallow. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuHP5ByI44I/T896VF0T9JI/AAAAAAAABew/TNYD9E08jow/s1600/felt+fire+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uuHP5ByI44I/T896VF0T9JI/AAAAAAAABew/TNYD9E08jow/s320/felt+fire+bowl.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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I noticed an abundance of felt BBQ grills (some taken straight from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Little-Felt-Universe-Squeeze/dp/1600596754/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338997391&sr=8-1">Jeanette Lim's awesome pattern book</a>) and campfire logs. But I'm dying to get a fire bowl for our back yard. So if I can't have one in real life, I can definitely make one out of felt. But the ultimate accessory is surely the soft, gooey, sweet roasted marshmallow (which could be enjoyed year round if I had said fire bowl. Just sayin'.) I also made the roasting stick with a pipe cleaner. I saw lots of wooden dowels out there in the felt food s'more world but I am reticent to give my two year old a long tapered wooden stick. It's all fun and games until someone pokes their eye out! So here is how to make your own felt food marshmallow and (non wooden) roasting stick: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Ingredients: </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ZR-6ISfNA/T897yAPYDPI/AAAAAAAABe4/J0NXd1pVj8s/s1600/marshmallow+materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-ZR-6ISfNA/T897yAPYDPI/AAAAAAAABe4/J0NXd1pVj8s/s320/marshmallow+materials.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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- 1 large pipe cleaner, 9 inches long</div>
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- roasting stick casing, 8 inches long and 1 inch wide, in dark brown felt</div>
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- 2 cream or white felt circles for marshmallow top and bottom, 1.25 inches wide</div>
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- outer casing, cream or white felt, 4.75 inches long by 1.75 inches wide</div>
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-inner casing, 1.5 inches tall and 1.75 inches wide</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Recipe:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa4GaGy8eJI/T89_2hZPzGI/AAAAAAAABfI/ydv2bAMd6mk/s1600/pipe+cleaner+with+cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa4GaGy8eJI/T89_2hZPzGI/AAAAAAAABfI/ydv2bAMd6mk/s320/pipe+cleaner+with+cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The first step is one I did not originally do up front but should have. Fold over about a half inch of pipe cleaner on both top and bottom loosely so that the raw wire isn't sticking up. Take a scrap of felt and cover the pipe cleaner end. Sew both sides so the pipe cleaner has a little cap at both ends. This will help keep the pipe cleaner from shifting too much and keep the wire from readily poking through. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBZ5ve_wDus/T8-ApWSd6ZI/AAAAAAAABfU/KrUNZPFolg0/s1600/sew+up+roasting+stick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBZ5ve_wDus/T8-ApWSd6ZI/AAAAAAAABfU/KrUNZPFolg0/s320/sew+up+roasting+stick.jpg" width="320" /></a>\</div>
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Next, fold the roasting stick casing in half, position the pipe cleaner inside, and sew up the sides. As you can see my pipe cleaner ends are not covered but yours should be. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8RDVv9GxAY/T8-BGC-v0FI/AAAAAAAABfc/aPrWQq2245k/s1600/sew+marshmallow+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8RDVv9GxAY/T8-BGC-v0FI/AAAAAAAABfc/aPrWQq2245k/s320/sew+marshmallow+inside.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then, take your inner marshmallow piece and wrap it around the roasting stick, leaving about an 1/8 of an inch overhang at the top. Sew up to the piece and when you get to the top, close the seam. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8wFvahxpJU/T8-BqXEM4oI/AAAAAAAABfk/OE6qXWytsHg/s1600/trace+marshmallow+bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8wFvahxpJU/T8-BqXEM4oI/AAAAAAAABfk/OE6qXWytsHg/s320/trace+marshmallow+bottom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, take the inner piece that was just finished and trace the bottom of it on to one of the felt circles. My circle was about a half inch wide. Cut the circle out from the middle of the piece, which is now the bottom of the marshmallow. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE8pwyMLYMo/T8-GQedthfI/AAAAAAAABf4/d5ONyquicls/s1600/sew+bottom+onto+marshmallow+insides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZE8pwyMLYMo/T8-GQedthfI/AAAAAAAABf4/d5ONyquicls/s320/sew+bottom+onto+marshmallow+insides.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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Position the opening of the inner piece in the middle circle of the bottom we just cut out and sew the two together as shown. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrTUws1z4qE/T8-G1gJWkjI/AAAAAAAABgA/SGJSXC88mx8/s1600/sew+outer+body+around+base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SrTUws1z4qE/T8-G1gJWkjI/AAAAAAAABgA/SGJSXC88mx8/s320/sew+outer+body+around+base.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, sew the outer marshmallow rectangle piece around the bottom circle. Trim this piece as needed when you sew it around. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8sLoAI3I08/T8-HRxKpgaI/AAAAAAAABgI/1_9ShTK9yNE/s1600/stitch+up+seam+towards+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8sLoAI3I08/T8-HRxKpgaI/AAAAAAAABgI/1_9ShTK9yNE/s320/stitch+up+seam+towards+top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stitch up the side seam towards the top of the marshmallow. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRjHFL8QwrI/T8-HqftcCyI/AAAAAAAABgQ/0dqstKepWWo/s1600/add+stuffing+to+marshmallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRjHFL8QwrI/T8-HqftcCyI/AAAAAAAABgQ/0dqstKepWWo/s320/add+stuffing+to+marshmallow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, add stuffing. Be careful not to over stuff and throw the inside piece off. I suggest putting the marshmallow on the roasting stick and then adding the stuffing so it maintains the proper shape. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgauuhkwHgM/T8-IUP3Y8NI/AAAAAAAABgc/PdeinmcDhOs/s1600/sew+top+circle+to+marshmallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hgauuhkwHgM/T8-IUP3Y8NI/AAAAAAAABgc/PdeinmcDhOs/s320/sew+top+circle+to+marshmallow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, stitch the last circle on to the top of the marshmallow. If you wanted to add a dark brown or black piece to the top/side of your marshmallow for a burned or melted look, you can do that too. But I was lazy and wanted to get out and roast my mallow. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tf-_bBIgLw/T8-JVk3_xuI/AAAAAAAABgk/bC3ip31D4j8/s1600/roasting+marshmallow+over+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Tf-_bBIgLw/T8-JVk3_xuI/AAAAAAAABgk/bC3ip31D4j8/s320/roasting+marshmallow+over+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yum!</div>
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Happy Felt Fooding!</div>
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~Brittany</div>
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<br /></div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-72765060405937696592012-05-20T16:15:00.002-07:002012-05-21T09:36:38.377-07:00DIY Felt Rose Ring Bearer Pillow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1ojqbWWqIcc2WSZNURW_neIvGd9sqcSLO1vggIt7Sl_zssyv69MdsZL4RyVXPBlpgas-c4LsIVbINx5xpFAxo8Ock4WbaptIbgwbkxJI_Aw1krFAeIBvbr9leOSim5y0T3dyDnqufg4/s1600/rings+tied+on+pillow+instagram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1ojqbWWqIcc2WSZNURW_neIvGd9sqcSLO1vggIt7Sl_zssyv69MdsZL4RyVXPBlpgas-c4LsIVbINx5xpFAxo8Ock4WbaptIbgwbkxJI_Aw1krFAeIBvbr9leOSim5y0T3dyDnqufg4/s320/rings+tied+on+pillow+instagram.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since my son is going to be a ring bearer for the first time in his Aunt's wedding, I wanted to make him a special ring bearer pillow. I used the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/rose-barrettes/">felt rose pattern from The Purlbee.</a> Those roses are so easy and cute, no need to make up something new. I chose white and dark red to match the decor, but this could easily be changed to what ever colors were necessary. <a href="http://americanfeltandcraft.com/">Andie over at American Felt and Craft</a> has compiled a great Pin board of <a href="http://pinterest.com/feltandcraft/felt-flowers/">felt flower tutorials HERE</a>. You can modify the center flowers to match a wedding theme. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Ingredients:</span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_uHToTobG4/T7lxU5CwAII/AAAAAAAABdA/1IAIPZ5K4qI/s1600/holder+ribbon+before+it+is+attached.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T_uHToTobG4/T7lxU5CwAII/AAAAAAAABdA/1IAIPZ5K4qI/s320/holder+ribbon+before+it+is+attached.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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-3 Felt Purlbee roses in the color of your choice</div>
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- Felt Pillow Square front and back, mine is about 7 inches on each side</div>
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- Ribbon for tying rings, about 18 inches long, I used organdy but satin works well. Use a lighter to lightly seal the edges of the ribbon to keep it from running.</div>
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-Ribbon for holding the pillow on the underside, 8.5 inches long. I used 1.5 inch wide satin ribbon</div>
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-Coordinating embroidery floss</div>
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-Polyfil Stuffing</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Recipe:</span> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7j7cYOs-ho/T7lzFmiPwxI/AAAAAAAABdI/JDkvkKyMoxE/s1600/attach+ring+ribbon+to+center.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7j7cYOs-ho/T7lzFmiPwxI/AAAAAAAABdI/JDkvkKyMoxE/s320/attach+ring+ribbon+to+center.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
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Find the center of your pillow top piece and sew the ring ribbon (folded in half) with an X. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-_qao9FLxM/T7lzOlCWU8I/AAAAAAAABdQ/E6QIvAGKEwo/s1600/stitch+roses+into+a+bundle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-_qao9FLxM/T7lzOlCWU8I/AAAAAAAABdQ/E6QIvAGKEwo/s320/stitch+roses+into+a+bundle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, stitch together the three roses to form a small bunch. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEs26-6XCbU/T7lzRZ-ViUI/AAAAAAAABdY/vNNdX-MEf0E/s1600/position+roses+on+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEs26-6XCbU/T7lzRZ-ViUI/AAAAAAAABdY/vNNdX-MEf0E/s320/position+roses+on+front.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Position the rose bunch over the ring ribbon. Be sure to pull the ribbon up through the center between the flowers. Stitch the roses in place on the front pillow piece. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMiglz2xLXc/T7lzdKO6LUI/AAAAAAAABdo/H1nOiyIyO3I/s1600/mark+ribbon+placement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMiglz2xLXc/T7lzdKO6LUI/AAAAAAAABdo/H1nOiyIyO3I/s320/mark+ribbon+placement.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mark the back pillow piece where the hand hold ribbon needs to go to be evenly centered.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsxqyQ_F0ac/T7lzWBeOWWI/AAAAAAAABdg/xXJh0nWW7_0/s1600/sew+first+holder+ribbon+side+to+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DsxqyQ_F0ac/T7lzWBeOWWI/AAAAAAAABdg/xXJh0nWW7_0/s320/sew+first+holder+ribbon+side+to+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Start sewing your front and back pillow pieces together. When you get to the marked spot where the ribbon goes, keep a half inch of the ribbon down between the felt and carefully sew it between the layers. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88MzC7U9ZBw/T7lzkCWdwAI/AAAAAAAABdw/fAih7eF1jhw/s1600/sew+second+holder+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88MzC7U9ZBw/T7lzkCWdwAI/AAAAAAAABdw/fAih7eF1jhw/s320/sew+second+holder+ribbon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Keep sewing around to the opposite side and attach the other end of the holder ribbon to the back. Make sure you angle your needle down when you sew through the ribbon so it doesn't stitch through the top. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8wEN3wapyM/T7lzq-6kPoI/AAAAAAAABd4/HIYeYVSvqPY/s1600/embroider+name+and+initials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8wEN3wapyM/T7lzq-6kPoI/AAAAAAAABd4/HIYeYVSvqPY/s320/embroider+name+and+initials.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a special detail, I embroidered the wedding date and the bride and groom's initials on the back for a personalized touch before I finished sewing the pillow up.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdS-EQ-Apv0/T7lzxdqNy4I/AAAAAAAABeA/Xxjw46ZBhxM/s1600/add+stuffing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdS-EQ-Apv0/T7lzxdqNy4I/AAAAAAAABeA/Xxjw46ZBhxM/s320/add+stuffing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you get half way through sewing the final side of the pillow, add all the stuffing. Use a stuffing dowel to make sure the fluff gets into all the corners. Finish sewing the pillow shut. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLZT6_dCiM4/T7lz1GATvfI/AAAAAAAABeQ/LvP9AVaV59E/s1600/back+detail+of+pillow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLZT6_dCiM4/T7lz1GATvfI/AAAAAAAABeQ/LvP9AVaV59E/s320/back+detail+of+pillow.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The back of the completed pillow, </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYAcpgnZAkI/T7l47lj8_YI/AAAAAAAABec/m2Kz1h8HyJE/s1600/instagram+heart.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYAcpgnZAkI/T7l47lj8_YI/AAAAAAAABec/m2Kz1h8HyJE/s320/instagram+heart.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and the front. This pillow is easy, pretty and inexpensive while creating a special hand sewn keepsake.</div>
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Happy Wedding Crafting!</div>
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~Brittany </div>
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<br /></div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-25692018757900488832012-04-30T16:44:00.001-07:002012-04-30T16:44:07.090-07:00Easy DIY Glass Cupcake Stand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjRtPCFG7Q4/T5rlADy9BjI/AAAAAAAABbU/WMKRQT2GZEo/s1600/cupcake+stand+instagram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vjRtPCFG7Q4/T5rlADy9BjI/AAAAAAAABbU/WMKRQT2GZEo/s320/cupcake+stand+instagram.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My sister-in-law is getting married this August. Thanks to the ridiculousness that is <a href="http://pinterest.com/mamasfeltcafe/leah-getting-married/">Pinterest</a>, I have spent many hours looking at all the wedding pretties on far too many pin boards. Since cupcakes are being used as wedding favors, I thought it would be a fun idea to display the cupcakes as a table centerpiece. Enter this DIY cupcake stand. It turns out Dollar Tree stores have a great selection of glassware and you can order in bulk on their website and pick it up in store for free, a handy feature for the spendthrift bride.<br />
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To construct the cupcake stand, I got<a href="http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/Wholesale-Bulk-Candles-Holders-Votives/Glass-Taper-Candleholders/202c205c205p65171/index.pro"> </a><a href="http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/Wholesale-Bulk-Candles-Holders-Votives/Glass-Taper-Candleholders/202c205c205p65171/index.pro">two of these taper candle holder sticks</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.dollartree.com/floral-decor/Wholesale-Bulk-Candles-Holders-Votives/Glass-Taper-Candleholders/202c205c205p65171/index.pro"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wuzRhZ5u9JY/T58aPM4GBpI/AAAAAAAABbg/TPM2iv8MNVA/s320/dollar+tree+candle+sticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and one of these <a href="http://www.dollartree.com/kitchen-tableware/drinkware/Dinnerware/Elegant-Cut-Glass-Dinner-Plates-10-/213c264c391p314945/index.pro?method=search">10 inch cut glass plates</a>: </div>
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<a href="http://www.dollartree.com/kitchen-tableware/drinkware/Dinnerware/Elegant-Cut-Glass-Dinner-Plates-10-/213c264c391p314945/index.pro?method=search"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nG9iY25iN14/T58aj-mR4oI/AAAAAAAABbo/Rha1zG-h1UE/s320/dollar+tree+cut+glass+plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The plate is surprising sturdy and pretty. All of these items were a buck a piece (so we're up to $3 worth of material, if you are keeping count).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zwk2IFuyM4/T58bDubRmBI/AAAAAAAABbw/5QD_Nwm6Oto/s1600/candle+sticks+and+glue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5zwk2IFuyM4/T58bDubRmBI/AAAAAAAABbw/5QD_Nwm6Oto/s320/candle+sticks+and+glue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To glue all this together, I used E-6000 craft glue. You can find this at pretty much any craft store for about $5 and it is pretty awesome. It does have a strong smell so I recommend using it in a well ventilated area. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etDFId-hKrc/T58cJeLreoI/AAAAAAAABb4/kVp3EBV0j-Y/s1600/candlestick+pillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-etDFId-hKrc/T58cJeLreoI/AAAAAAAABb4/kVp3EBV0j-Y/s320/candlestick+pillar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Start by cleaning and drying all your glass pieces. Place a small amount of glue around the rim of one of the candlestick holder tops. Flip the other candlestick over and place it on the gluey piece. Any excess glue can be wiped away with nail polish remover. I let this candle holder pillar sit for about an hour. It was still tacky so take care not to bump it too much. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnJPXc51jYQ/T58dsjdPGaI/AAAAAAAABcA/tET5EEVbcHM/s1600/gluing+pillar+to+plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnJPXc51jYQ/T58dsjdPGaI/AAAAAAAABcA/tET5EEVbcHM/s320/gluing+pillar+to+plate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Find the center of the underside of the plate. This is easy on this particular one because the candle stick top fits right around the perimeter of the flowery star burst design in the center. Add a small amount of glue around the rim of the candlestick pillar then carefully set it to the underside of the plate. Let this dry for at least 24 hours, though the glue says it can take up to 72 hours to cure, so be careful with it until then.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYrdypJrPw0/T58jZmVNARI/AAAAAAAABco/QSGBbVcPVBM/s1600/stand+with+felt+food+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WYrdypJrPw0/T58jZmVNARI/AAAAAAAABco/QSGBbVcPVBM/s320/stand+with+felt+food+2.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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And Viola! Here is the stand with some of my felt food on it. I can't wait to see it with real cupcakes. This stand would also be great for displaying brunch goodies if a wedding isn't really on your radar.<br />
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Happy Crafting!<br />
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~Brittany<br />
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</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-58814117901418802402012-04-13T15:00:00.000-07:002012-04-13T15:00:35.940-07:00What's in a Doula's Bag?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KynGg5eUQwM/T4YoA2C_KhI/AAAAAAAABW0/lE67fASTJ74/s1600/doula+set+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KynGg5eUQwM/T4YoA2C_KhI/AAAAAAAABW0/lE67fASTJ74/s320/doula+set+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Last month, <a href="http://www.worlddoulaweek.com/">World Doula Week</a> was celebrated March 22-28. These humble birth attendants certainly deserve their own week, probably their own month. A kindred sister to the <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/10/midwives-in-training.html">midwife</a>, a doula provides physical and emotional support to a laboring mother and her partner. She plays an important part in the births she attends, reducing incidences of c-section and epidural use while increasing breastfeeding initiation and overall birth satisfaction. If you aren't at all familiar with what a doula is and what they do, be sure to check out <a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2011/05/what-doulas-do.html">THIS ARTICLE.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ld8c-rHYKI/T4YtYdxdm-I/AAAAAAAABZI/UaTWLNwDijw/s1600/Doula+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ld8c-rHYKI/T4YtYdxdm-I/AAAAAAAABZI/UaTWLNwDijw/s320/Doula+Set.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When a fellow blogger asked me if I had an item similar to the Midwife kit that she could give as a gift to her doula, I thought a felt playset would be a fantastic idea. In addition to a fun appreciation gift, I think this set would help a child conceptualize the tools a doula would use at a new sibling's birth. Here are my felt doula tricks-of-the-trade, developed with suggestions from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamasfeltcafe">Mama's Felt Cafe Facebook</a> community:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2TXeGQVN4s/T4hrngQagjI/AAAAAAAABa8/mK7yV2rHK98/s1600/just+doula+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p2TXeGQVN4s/T4hrngQagjI/AAAAAAAABa8/mK7yV2rHK98/s320/just+doula+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Of course we need a bag to carry all our birthy goodies in. I chose a tote style bag so that it would be easy to grab for the on-the-go doula. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35R-O3zr8zyUVsnPGzYoeWVVUF19HhtDyYPJBrxKbC425fWyGtHS3QNd875XKcQiE9NOL1BjkKwQXIk7vw3UQ3nPbXMWB7jOq9gbu_YjQlUu5OoHQec5GUVERIjfmMLhwLRq_49Fih80/s1600/fan+and+rice+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35R-O3zr8zyUVsnPGzYoeWVVUF19HhtDyYPJBrxKbC425fWyGtHS3QNd875XKcQiE9NOL1BjkKwQXIk7vw3UQ3nPbXMWB7jOq9gbu_YjQlUu5OoHQec5GUVERIjfmMLhwLRq_49Fih80/s320/fan+and+rice+pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First up for items are a fan and a purple rice tube. No matter what time of year you are giving birth, laboring is well, labor. I remember feeling alternatingly too cold and too hot while <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/05/happy-international-midwives-day-ashers.html">I was having Asher</a>. A fan helps keep a mama cool while she is working oh so hard. The rice tube is filled with real rice and although I would not suggest heating the felt, a real rice sock can be warmed and provide relief to achy muscles. It's also provides a fun texture to play with. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bMkYptbzhs/T4YoR858s8I/AAAAAAAABXM/2ov-LF937Jk/s1600/granola+bar+out+of+wrapper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bMkYptbzhs/T4YoR858s8I/AAAAAAAABXM/2ov-LF937Jk/s320/granola+bar+out+of+wrapper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next comes the granola bar, this one is cranberry oatmeal flavor. This item could be for the mama or the doula. During long labors, both the mom and her support team need to make sure they feed to hunger and drink to thirst. We know there is no reason to deny a birthing woman food and labor can even be stalled if the mother is hungry and uncomfortable. Many doulas make sure to carry some healthy snacks with them to births.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMqVy3qhMNY/T4hdIyslNlI/AAAAAAAABas/Z943RX3pUUQ/s1600/two+mints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMqVy3qhMNY/T4hdIyslNlI/AAAAAAAABas/Z943RX3pUUQ/s320/two+mints.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also included two starlight peppermints in the kit. One is for the mother, to help ward off any labor induced nausea. The second is for the doula, so she will have sweet breath while working with the mother. Smells seem heightened during labor and anyone who has breathed coffee or onion breath on a birthing mama has probably been shown the door!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQt9zGJuGRM/T4hfzYUhN2I/AAAAAAAABa0/R-3iEIDApIo/s1600/lavender+oil+cap+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQt9zGJuGRM/T4hfzYUhN2I/AAAAAAAABa0/R-3iEIDApIo/s320/lavender+oil+cap+off.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Last was a bottle of lavender essential oil, complete with removable cap. Many find the scent of lavender calming and relaxing. It can also be mixed to be used as a massage oil and rubbed on the mother if she likes. If you happen to be a doula (or just a person of interest) you can win a (non-felt) <a href="https://www.iact1.com/doterra/ShoppingCart/Shop.cfm?pid=69149284943015256">doTERRA Essential Oils kit</a> from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlackSheepPrincess">The Black Sheep Princess</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Essential-Oils-for-Family-Wellness/221970537836525">Essential Oils for Family Wellness.</a> The kit contains lavender, peppermint and lemon oil plus a list of suggested uses. Enter to win <a href="http://www.blacksheepprincess.com/2012/04/11/bsp/">HERE</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.everyday-miracle.co.uk/"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyW_-TbEb3E/T4ifn-P-CtI/AAAAAAAABbE/s9b5OLnjA8Y/s320/everyday+miracles+felt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Based off a logo by Everyday Miracle Doula Services</span><br />
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So there you have it, all the tricks in my doula bag. Did you have a doula at your birth? Would you consider a doula for your next birth?<br />
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Happy Felting!<br />
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~Brittany<br />
</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-55474794692752906302012-04-04T16:00:00.000-07:002012-04-04T16:00:40.226-07:00Star Trek + Felt + Giveaway = Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qghulcF-jvU/T3zMiHWAhII/AAAAAAAABWs/EEZIrsqPJFw/s1600/picard+words+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qghulcF-jvU/T3zMiHWAhII/AAAAAAAABWs/EEZIrsqPJFw/s400/picard+words+3.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Being a kid in the early 90's means there is a good chance you've seen an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. I'll admit to a long standing crush on Commander Will Riker, though only in the seasons when he had a beard. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCFmT9WI-Gk/T3zAp3k1BCI/AAAAAAAABV0/KQi1JxwyC-A/s1600/picard+pieces.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCFmT9WI-Gk/T3zAp3k1BCI/AAAAAAAABV0/KQi1JxwyC-A/s320/picard+pieces.JPG" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When a friend *ahem* asked for a Star Trek Kindle case, it sounded like project worth taking on. I chose Captain Picard's rank and uniform design and went to work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YelTExlsvH0/T3zBAPQmocI/AAAAAAAABV8/J2TSMQbKIdA/s1600/picard+case+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YelTExlsvH0/T3zBAPQmocI/AAAAAAAABV8/J2TSMQbKIdA/s320/picard+case+2.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I discovered some other pieces of Star Trek felt awesomeness during research and development: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83142930/star-trek-inspired-quiet-book-pdf"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weBvyfg3Tws/T3zCCEI-QNI/AAAAAAAABWE/6JbMjbnLv7k/s320/star+trek+quiet+book+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83142930/star-trek-inspired-quiet-book-pdf">Star Trek Quiet Book Pattern from Julie Bell</a> is complete with template for TNG finger puppets, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83142930/star-trek-inspired-quiet-book-pdf"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bQ9H2uUIPqQ/T3zCnakQM-I/AAAAAAAABWM/liq4ZRq9Yrc/s320/star+trek+finger+puppets.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89992535/star-trek-spock-felt-pillow">Spock pillow is crafted by Victoria The Germ</a>,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89992535/star-trek-spock-felt-pillow"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja537b-6tpziQuiw5netiDj3eyiKvTJbHGklWKl4O1AKwAKAkdQq0q4e4wijDU6IwQnDZzNyelFOxMFqquu83EhG8N56tArpqyZAIOutSAhjZ9lkqZTLrox7Ecwp19vjFbLbJhhWufwMM/s320/spock+pillow.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and just in time for <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2012/02/fun-felt-easter-basket-craft-round-up.html">Easter</a>, this wool felted bunny, an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62014315/expendable-bun-wool-figure">ode to the Expendable Ensign, made by WoolyKins</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62014315/expendable-bun-wool-figure"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9E2ZcGwsYY/T3zFqmUlJdI/AAAAAAAABWc/cwDa_8fCl40/s320/expendable+bunny.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now to celebrate this feat of geekery, I'm giving away a custom made Star Trek: The Next Generation device sleeve. Completely hand stitched with two layers of felt on top and bottom to protect and clean your electronics. The winner can choose between Command Red and Engineering Gold and the rank (those gold buttons on the collar) from Ensign to Captain. Winner can also specify the device (Kindle, Nook, Tablet, Ipad, smart phone, ect.) but you'll have to provide me with measurements for something other than a Kindle or Iphone. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enter to win with the easy Rafflecopter form below. This contest will be open for two weeks and end midnight EST April 18, 2012. Will will be notified by email and must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Open to residents of US and Canada. Star Trek is copyrighted by Viacom. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">May the odds be ever in your favor</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and Happy Winning!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Brittany</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-67179680601322613122012-03-15T10:19:00.000-07:002012-03-15T10:19:31.833-07:00Peeta's Goat Cheese and Apple Tart Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shesuggests.com/"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcnuO0gFtS4/T2ILH3Sz8wI/AAAAAAAABUk/4kfUChrDNDo/s320/she+suggests+goat+cheese+and+apple+tart+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently, my friend <a href="http://www.shesuggests.com/">Yuliya</a> and I threw ourselves a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunger-Games-Suzanne-Collins/dp/0439023521/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331825616&sr=8-1">Hunger Games</a> birthday party. She did a wonderful job recapping the highlights from our Tribute themed get-together, which you can <a href="http://www.shesuggests.com/2012/03/13/hunger-games-the-party/">see HERE.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The best part of the party was<a href="http://www.shesuggests.com/2012/03/14/hunger-games-the-menu/"> undoubtedly the food.</a> We had been collecting menu ideas on <a href="http://pinterest.com/mamasfeltcafe/hunger-games-birthday-party-ideas/">our Pinterest board</a>. <a href="http://www.fictionalfood.net/">Fictional Food</a> was a fun resource for our literary eats come to life. The item that caught my culinary eye was<a href="http://www.fictionalfood.net/2011/10/goat-cheese-apple-tarts/"> Peeta's goat cheese and apple tart.</a> There were a few versions of the <a href="http://www.fictionalfood.net/2012/01/mellarks-bakery-goat-cheese-apple-tarts/">recipe</a>, but I wanted to make one big pie to share rather than individual tarts so I made some modifications. The result was rather scrumptious and worthy of being made as a dessert for non Hunger Games functions. The goat cheese is a rich surprise complimented by the cinnamon apples on top. Here is the first "real" food recipe I've shared on my blog!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">-1 frozen pie crust, thawed (I used a Trader Joe's pre-made frozen crust. If you have a tried and true crust recipe, feel free to use it, just leave it unbaked.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-1 egg wash comprised of one egg beaten with 2 Tbs water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apple Topping:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: -webkit-auto;">-4 cups diced apples (I used Gala but other varieties would probably work just fine.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">- 1 cup sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">-1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs cornstarch</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">-1 tsp cinnamon</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">-1 pinch salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">-1 pinch nutmeg (or apple pie spice)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: initial; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left;">-3 cups water</span></div><br />
This will yield more cinnamon apples than you need for your tart but the leftovers are a delicious treat on their own!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Goat Cheese filling:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-9 ounces creamy goat cheese (This I also got at Trader Joe's)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-1/3 cup regular cream cheese</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-1/4 cup honey</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-6 Tbs sugar</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-1 tsp vanilla extract</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-2 eggs</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The Recipe: </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-First, prep the crust. Unroll thawed crust into 10 inch pie pan (or have your homemade crust in a pan ready to go). Brush crust with egg wash, set aside. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-Next comes the apple filling. Put the 3 cups water in a large sauce pan. Add dry ingredients to the water and heat over medium heat, stirring well to combine. Add the diced apples once the cinnamon sauce starts to thicken just a little. Cook apples, stirring constantly, for about ten minutes.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPN2dzyTluY/T2IaB8FB3EI/AAAAAAAABUs/CtfuOZbhjWM/s1600/cook+diced+cinnamon+apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPN2dzyTluY/T2IaB8FB3EI/AAAAAAAABUs/CtfuOZbhjWM/s320/cook+diced+cinnamon+apples.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-Now, get your oven pre-heating to 350 degrees. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-Time for the goat cheese filling! Using a stand mixer (or a whisk if you feel like it), combine goat cheese, cream cheese, sugar and honey. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrap the bowl and add the vanilla. Beat until well combined. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrV7IOPGNy4/T2Ia69z8ApI/AAAAAAAABU0/--8vk_H_AqQ/s1600/beat+cheese+filling+until+smooth+and+creamy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrV7IOPGNy4/T2Ia69z8ApI/AAAAAAAABU0/--8vk_H_AqQ/s320/beat+cheese+filling+until+smooth+and+creamy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-Once you have your creamy cheese filling, pour it into the prepared crust. It should fill the pie between half and two thirds full. Bake the cheese filling and crust in the oven for 30 minutes or until the center has a soft set. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WruvtsS1jU/T2IbZfhV1CI/AAAAAAAABU8/lsDJsZzq5MQ/s1600/cheese+filling+before+baking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WruvtsS1jU/T2IbZfhV1CI/AAAAAAAABU8/lsDJsZzq5MQ/s320/cheese+filling+before+baking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-After the half hour of baking, remove the tart and spoon apple filling over the top. If the apple completely sinks, bake for 5 more minutes at a time until the center can support the apples. The apple doesn't need to completely cover the top, I left some goat cheesy goodness visible on the edges. Leftover apple filling can be refrigerated and reheated. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GuX8RxqWF_I/T2IcvxynquI/AAAAAAAABVE/vY4nMF7ndMU/s1600/tart+after+first+baking+with+apples+on+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GuX8RxqWF_I/T2IcvxynquI/AAAAAAAABVE/vY4nMF7ndMU/s320/tart+after+first+baking+with+apples+on+top.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">-Return pie to the oven and cook an additional 20-25 minutes. If the crust starts to get too golden, loosely cover with foil. Allow to cool then refrigerate, I left mine in over night. Serve cold from the fridge or room temperature, if you can stand to let it sit around that long before diving into it. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2jRjk5C4to/T2If42kHYbI/AAAAAAAABVM/iBPSxJME3HA/s1600/she+suggestsapple+goat+cheese+tart_+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2jRjk5C4to/T2If42kHYbI/AAAAAAAABVM/iBPSxJME3HA/s320/she+suggestsapple+goat+cheese+tart_+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Oh, I wish I had another one of these so I could eat it for breakfast. No joke, it's that good. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Stay tuned for a tutorial for these hand made wine charms I put together for our party:</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--gSJCmfxDvM/T2Ij57Y35II/AAAAAAAABVU/O6CZyKI7YOw/s1600/wine+charms+with+districts+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--gSJCmfxDvM/T2Ij57Y35II/AAAAAAAABVU/O6CZyKI7YOw/s320/wine+charms+with+districts+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Happy Hunger Games!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">~Brittany</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span></span></div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-29294929009338098302012-02-29T09:49:00.000-08:002012-02-29T09:49:18.528-08:00Fun Felt Easter Basket Craft Round-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZKGR8HiXWobYxWVeBlSjRXSJtSHs7Apt6MUNSBdJEwpNBvARDqDk9G2gUHOiICwrESZBfFb15aZoku32RrWo7AaL3SdGAciU4-36wlL-rgmgjdrZR5-JEPdxipOj126W4_9hDGXolqs/s1600/eggsinbaskit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZKGR8HiXWobYxWVeBlSjRXSJtSHs7Apt6MUNSBdJEwpNBvARDqDk9G2gUHOiICwrESZBfFb15aZoku32RrWo7AaL3SdGAciU4-36wlL-rgmgjdrZR5-JEPdxipOj126W4_9hDGXolqs/s320/eggsinbaskit.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Ok, I realize today is Leap Day and that Easter is still more than a solid month out, but my friend Lauren was asking me about felt goodies for Easter baskets this morning. While I was doing a search, I found some awesome free patterns and tutorials and decided it was time for a felty round-up post. So, let's put winter behind us, look towards the spring and get crafting with some of these fun items!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/04/hippity-hoppity-easters-on-its-way-lets.html"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFqH0Sx8eeA/T05Y074_yOI/AAAAAAAABTU/NxOyZCaWvCQ/s320/two+eggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">First, I'll start with my own Easter post from last year. These over-sized felt eggs are perfect for Baby's First Easter. The tutorial for them can be found <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/04/hippity-hoppity-easters-on-its-way-lets.html">HERE</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/2011/04/easter-gift-idea-felt-peeps-bunnies/"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xt472LKSAOI/T05Z05OIXuI/AAAAAAAABTc/sAHcqcgaYfE/s320/Felt-Peeps-Bunnies-766x1024.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, we need some Peeps for our basket. <a href="http://www.mommysavers.com/2011/04/easter-gift-idea-felt-peeps-bunnies/">The tutorial for these bunny peeps can be found courtesy of Mommy Savers.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dustybottomacres.com/FreePatterns.html"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgopKU9ZXAQ/T05aZsr8pdI/AAAAAAAABTk/apoi1fxmwFs/s1600/birdiepeeps.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If birdie Peeps are more your style, check out <a href="http://www.dustybottomacres.com/FreePatterns.html">this handy pattern from Dusty Bottom Acres.</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2009/04/fillable-soft-egg-tutorial/"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbzeA1fjHyE/T05a-Gtu_ZI/AAAAAAAABTs/O6O-1iO6dHM/s1600/fillable+soft+felt+eggs.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you would like some felt eggs you can fill with candy and other goodies plus have the added bonus of reusing them year after year, <a href="http://oneinchworld.com/blog/index.php/2009/04/fillable-soft-egg-tutorial/">One Inch World has you covered</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/03/tutorial-and-pattern-felt-egg-design.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNtva3kaHr0/T05bdAh2iWI/AAAAAAAABT0/9TvlplOl8To/s320/Easter+Egg+quiet+book.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Toddlers LOVE quiet books, and <a href="http://chezbeeperbebe.blogspot.com/2010/03/tutorial-and-pattern-felt-egg-design.html">this free pattern from Chez Beeper Bebe is Egg-cellent!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apineindustriose.org/numero/56/ita/Coniglietta-pasquale.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dw5PsxfYwk/T05b7CexFBI/AAAAAAAABT8/cY4wvEftdxc/s320/bunny_C.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apineindustriose.org/numero/56/ita/Coniglietta-pasquale.html">This tutorial from Apine Industries for this super cute bunny</a> is in Italian, but thanks to the wonders of Google Translate, it is still very easy to follow. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://playingfood.blogspot.com/2010/02/ostaraeaster-chocolate-bunny.html"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1Gkk4-2OYM/T05dv-WnOwI/AAAAAAAABUE/_qBBakys7QY/s320/chocolate+bunnies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you need a little chocolate in your life, <a href="http://playingfood.blogspot.com/2010/02/ostaraeaster-chocolate-bunny.html">these delicious bunnies from Playing With Your Food</a> are sure to get your sweet tooth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://americanfeltandcraft.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/jelly-beans/"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V5cJC9dDe3Y/T05jO4rLCDI/AAAAAAAABUc/UzuXTwMHQB8/s1600/jelly+beans.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are in the market for felted jelly beans in their own box, <a href="http://americanfeltandcraft.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/jelly-beans/">American Felt and Craft has a lovely tutorial.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/bunny-finger-puppets/"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoiwVT8JlEo/T05hB6ecFBI/AAAAAAAABUM/95M0cacEjSk/s320/bunny-finger-puppets-2-425.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/bunny-finger-puppets/">This herd of felt bunny finger puppets</a> from The Purl Bee were too cute not to include. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2009/03/simple-spring-basket-how-to.html"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgPaIXPPPm0/T05hpUHEbOI/AAAAAAAABUU/Obq7BVufTag/s320/DIY+basket.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, if you need a basket to fit all your goodies, <a href="http://mayamade.blogspot.com/2009/03/simple-spring-basket-how-to.html">this pattern from Maya Made</a> takes care of all your spring basket making needs. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, there you have it, plenty of patterns to keep you busy! Time to break out the felt and get your Spring craft on!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Easter Felting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Brittany</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-37094738893545178272012-02-08T06:00:00.004-08:002012-03-06T10:25:50.633-08:00CLOSED: Anniversary Giveaway--Felt Midwife Play Set from Mama's Felt Cafe and One Month Supply of Oatmeal Butterscotch Lactation Cookies from Mommy's Milkin Cookies ($83 Value, Cookies US Only)<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7tLjP7iy2c/TzHLiywSS3I/AAAAAAAABTA/SQfoALVvoVw/s1600/oatmeal+chocolate+midwife+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7tLjP7iy2c/TzHLiywSS3I/AAAAAAAABTA/SQfoALVvoVw/s320/oatmeal+chocolate+midwife+set.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It's so hard to believe that a whole 12 months has passed since I <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.etsy.com/">open my Etsy shop last February</a>. This has been an amazing creative journey that has taken me places I haven't expected. <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/09/here-lately.html">My felt tamales and enchiladas are in a Children's Museum in New Hampshire</a>. <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/11/mamas-milk-ina-may-birth-matters-oh-my.html">My Mama's Milk Carton has been in the presence of midwifery great Ina May Gaskin</a>. I've shipped items as far as Australia, Spain, Nova Scotia, Sweden and all over the United States and have Facebook fans from 19 countries around the world. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To celebrate this Etsyversary, I wanted to giveaway my most cherished item, the one closest to my heart. Enter this oatmeal and chocolate colored Midwife Play Set. You can read all about the pieces of this <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/10/midwives-in-training.html">midwife kit HERE.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWlCKSTJXOA/TzGOMA5LFVI/AAAAAAAABSw/A4l15-82DF4/s1600/oatmeal+giveaway+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DWlCKSTJXOA/TzGOMA5LFVI/AAAAAAAABSw/A4l15-82DF4/s320/oatmeal+giveaway+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This makes the perfect gift for the midwife, doula or birth junkie in your life or a great way to introduce new siblings to the tools of a midwife. I also donate a portion of the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84145686/felt-midwife-playset"> sale of this set</a> to <a href="http://cfmidwifery.org/">Citizens For Midwifery.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-Xt3lgmPKI/TzGPgf82lNI/AAAAAAAABS4/lrdCiLvW0nA/s1600/mommysmilkincookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-Xt3lgmPKI/TzGPgf82lNI/AAAAAAAABS4/lrdCiLvW0nA/s320/mommysmilkincookies.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To sweeten the deal (and stay on an oatmeal theme), Katie of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mommysmilkincookies">Mommy's Milkin Cookies</a> is providing a one month supply (3 dozen) of her scrumptious Oatmeal Butterscotch Lactation Cookies. These yummy treats contain 6 <span style="font-family: inherit;">galactagogues known for boosting milk supply and are delicious even if you aren't lactating. I recently sent a couple dozen as a gift to a girlhood friend who is pumping for her micro preemie NICU twins. If you are interested in ordering some of Katie's cookies, you can contact her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mommysmilkincookies">Facebook</a> or at MommysMilkinCookies (at) gmail.com. Thanks, Katie!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can also save 20% off an order at the <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.etsy.com/">Mama's Felt Cafe Etsy Shop</a> with coupon code ANNIVERSARY at check-out in the month of February. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To enter the giveaway, just use this handy, dandy Rafflecopter entry form. </span>Contest will run from February 8th to midnight, February 15, 2012, EST. Winner will be notified by email and must respond within 48 hours or a different winner will be selected.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> NOTE: Due to their perishable nature, the lactation cookies will be shipped in the US only. The Midwife set is available to international entrants. If the winner selected is a US resident, they will win both prizes. If the winner is outside the United States, they will receive the Midwife set and a small set of FELT "lactation" cookies hand sewn by me. A second winner in the US will then be chosen to receive the Mommy's Milkin Cookies prize. If you have any questions, please email me: Mama(at)mamasfeltcafe.com. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much to everyone who has lent their support to Mama's Felt Cafe. I wouldn't be here without you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
Happy Winning!<br />
<br />
~Brittany</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;.</noscript>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-23013543432119072792012-01-26T11:42:00.000-08:002012-01-27T09:27:05.610-08:00Valentine's Day Craft-- Felt Hand Print Owl Stuffed Toy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMRJWfIPEGPcPoyVZiD9q3HTWY6quZ5CUczX1Yte8qx0t8FGIT7UcP9FV1pqZ367SBi6GhhMk8PDOVNY7bJDqJYBsza7c7jN8n28qySY-IZ_xTso1iMDvaPmntdnaq6E3FXihsSfXDYc/s1600/valentine+owl+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMRJWfIPEGPcPoyVZiD9q3HTWY6quZ5CUczX1Yte8qx0t8FGIT7UcP9FV1pqZ367SBi6GhhMk8PDOVNY7bJDqJYBsza7c7jN8n28qySY-IZ_xTso1iMDvaPmntdnaq6E3FXihsSfXDYc/s320/valentine+owl+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Oh January, how you have just flown on by! Now that we are several weeks into the New Year, it's time to start thinking about Valentine's Day. Last year, I posted <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/01/heart-shaped-peanut-butter-and-jelly.html">how to make a heart shaped PB&J felt food sandwich</a> and <a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/01/cut-out-heart-valentines-day-felt.html">cut-out heart felt cookies</a> to create a lovey lunch for your little one. This year, I was inspired by a pin I saw on the awesomeness that is <a href="http://pinterest.com/mamasfeltcafe/">Pinterest</a>: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.meetthedubiens.com/2010/11/handprint-owls.html"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JrYW4rdadsA/TyGgQUzQY-I/AAAAAAAABRA/U4Nc0JMQwxc/s320/meetthedubienshandprintowlphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can check out the<a href="http://www.meetthedubiens.com/2010/11/handprint-owls.html"> hand print paper owl craft over at Meet the Dubiens.</a> I thought these owls would be perfect to make into a felt stuffed animal and I love that the wings commemorate your kiddo's wee hands. I have dubbed him Owlbert Hootsweet. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Ingredients: </span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSBBr-UtBxY/TyGY50mt9bI/AAAAAAAABPQ/l8hDsMd48Nc/s1600/1+felt+owl+materials+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JSBBr-UtBxY/TyGY50mt9bI/AAAAAAAABPQ/l8hDsMd48Nc/s320/1+felt+owl+materials+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Front and back red felt owl body piece. This I drew free hand. It's 6 inches wide and 8.5 inches tall from the tip top to the bottom. The dip at the top that forms the owl's ear tufts 2 inches deep at it's deepest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Left and Right felt hand tracing "wings". I used red glitter felt for a little sparkle. Be sure to trace each hand over two layers of felt there is a front and back. These don't have to be perfect or even. I liked the "wing" made with the spread fingers a little better myself, though. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Two white felt circles for eyes. These circles are 2 inches wide.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Two small black felt circles for pupils. Mine are about a quarter inch wide.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-One small yellow felt triangle nose. The short side is three-quarters inch and the long sides are just under an inch long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Two pink felt heart cut outs for the belly applique. I used <a href="http://www.2020site.org/templates/Heart-Template.html">this free heart template</a> and the 4 inch wide heart and the 1 inch wide heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Polyfil stuffing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Matching Embroidery Thread</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Recipe:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnHgFTmhCPw/TyGY_gwCuEI/AAAAAAAABPY/K6brIx3CP-U/s1600/2+sew+owl+eyes+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FnHgFTmhCPw/TyGY_gwCuEI/AAAAAAAABPY/K6brIx3CP-U/s320/2+sew+owl+eyes+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">First, sew the eye pieces to the owl front body piece. I positioned the white pieces about 1.25 inches in from the edges of the owl's body. Whip stitch a few stitches to attach the pupils to the white circles then sew the eye circles onto the body with a running stitch.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50zM7dCMP3NY7XVC4NV-n-kwKCLfNWi7RijDBxM7qTyscZyoGh2o-2J5VnkdiWTAk2d1lDSUn11fMHUBTp0izTjWdUeMyRC6N5SKP7gJ3jiBiUuOsPSacd4uZjZrffLu4abI1oCnFaXU/s1600/3+whip+stitch+owl+nose+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50zM7dCMP3NY7XVC4NV-n-kwKCLfNWi7RijDBxM7qTyscZyoGh2o-2J5VnkdiWTAk2d1lDSUn11fMHUBTp0izTjWdUeMyRC6N5SKP7gJ3jiBiUuOsPSacd4uZjZrffLu4abI1oCnFaXU/s320/3+whip+stitch+owl+nose+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, whip stitch the nose piece so that it is nestled in between the two eyes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwjF8S6J3j8/TyGZKVhKuRI/AAAAAAAABPo/56pjD_23Mco/s1600/4sew+heart+applique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PwjF8S6J3j8/TyGZKVhKuRI/AAAAAAAABPo/56pjD_23Mco/s320/4sew+heart+applique.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then, sew on the hearts to make the owl's belly. The little heart is centered on the big heart and the big heart is positioned about and inch down from the bottom tip of the nose. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LGevzh1cY/TyGZOn2r8LI/AAAAAAAABPw/qdaWO3AUo6w/s1600/5+owl+so+far.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LGevzh1cY/TyGZOn2r8LI/AAAAAAAABPw/qdaWO3AUo6w/s320/5+owl+so+far.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is our owl so far. Now it's on to the wings. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln07h3Cc3rk/TyGZU51OdhI/AAAAAAAABP4/wnaaj3bAODc/s1600/6+sew+hand+pieces+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ln07h3Cc3rk/TyGZU51OdhI/AAAAAAAABP4/wnaaj3bAODc/s320/6+sew+hand+pieces+together.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whip stitch around each each hand, sewing the top and bottom pieces together. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0KYmmvsHVI/TyGZaZCrsQI/AAAAAAAABQA/MLNlw78cnRY/s1600/7+pin+owl+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0KYmmvsHVI/TyGZaZCrsQI/AAAAAAAABQA/MLNlw78cnRY/s320/7+pin+owl+together.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, arrange the hand pieces how you would like them on the owl. Mine were about even with the eyes, though you could angle yours down a bit more than mine were. Pin the front and back body pieces together with the wings in place. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tz_FlO-f5i0/TyGZfvbAzrI/AAAAAAAABQI/tXqfvmuhjbc/s1600/8+embroider+year+on+back+of+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tz_FlO-f5i0/TyGZfvbAzrI/AAAAAAAABQI/tXqfvmuhjbc/s320/8+embroider+year+on+back+of+owl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Before I sewed up the body, I quickly embroidered the year on the back of Owlbert in white floss. That way I would always know how old my son was when I traced those hand prints. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFSU9kXk_CM/TyGZoZMaccI/AAAAAAAABQQ/xf5IJ0y51U8/s1600/9+sew+owl+sides+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFSU9kXk_CM/TyGZoZMaccI/AAAAAAAABQQ/xf5IJ0y51U8/s320/9+sew+owl+sides+together.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, starting in the upper left side of the owl, whip stitch the front and back pieces together. Pay close attention when you sew the wings and be sure to go through all the layers of felt. Keep sewing until you get to the top of the right ear tuft. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcBVBbDcKBvmboUjehs9GYuAdF-x6bFWYT5zETf6Id6IQGC3VulmuAQnCgDbMPKkT_7j_SGObhsShMHapv6dHjMW1STghMYsjwYadsCSpfjJ41PMBuwYvAQ6MTt-yMzuUAYMBPdo_Xtk/s1600/10+add+stuffing+to+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcBVBbDcKBvmboUjehs9GYuAdF-x6bFWYT5zETf6Id6IQGC3VulmuAQnCgDbMPKkT_7j_SGObhsShMHapv6dHjMW1STghMYsjwYadsCSpfjJ41PMBuwYvAQ6MTt-yMzuUAYMBPdo_Xtk/s320/10+add+stuffing+to+owl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Add stuffing, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6SXWvqFImuwOg5E1d1S8KrYFjnOB8mY1i6LnkOKQQiNJ80oo43Ei8tO9Uoyfe6kbg4l8LGs0sUSazCJ3XEyLGUSXFJCZecW7VRL3FJaqYjVHY5GeqAsXketLzixPJs2Bk0SaqwrqRf0/s1600/11+sew+owl+top+shut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6SXWvqFImuwOg5E1d1S8KrYFjnOB8mY1i6LnkOKQQiNJ80oo43Ei8tO9Uoyfe6kbg4l8LGs0sUSazCJ3XEyLGUSXFJCZecW7VRL3FJaqYjVHY5GeqAsXketLzixPJs2Bk0SaqwrqRf0/s320/11+sew+owl+top+shut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and finish sewing the top shut. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L08je6C7A_Y/TyGZ63essRI/AAAAAAAABQw/QiV9iGc5_jI/s1600/Valentine+owl+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L08je6C7A_Y/TyGZ63essRI/AAAAAAAABQw/QiV9iGc5_jI/s320/Valentine+owl+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ta-da! Owlbert Hootsweet is complete. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6GFXLf5I4M/TyHRukoZG2I/AAAAAAAABRI/Tjgv8CeS84g/s1600/asher+owl+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6GFXLf5I4M/TyHRukoZG2I/AAAAAAAABRI/Tjgv8CeS84g/s320/asher+owl+edited.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My son and his new owl lovey </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day Felting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Brittany</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-10388452753822485852011-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:002011-12-28T12:36:50.205-08:00Easy Felt Poinsettia Christmas Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYoiMwFcCziJg7Fax6P4b0ljxqANqSAFw7TRV4fYHSlNNDP7xf95WfNCyYvoiBUds5crUMgaxLnrIRlZAZaZ-0sIuyuyZT3DByMz-p8h8XcA0PsAJ3IcqGE7XpC2xjRNu5TGGTSLTH68/s1600/all+three+on+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYoiMwFcCziJg7Fax6P4b0ljxqANqSAFw7TRV4fYHSlNNDP7xf95WfNCyYvoiBUds5crUMgaxLnrIRlZAZaZ-0sIuyuyZT3DByMz-p8h8XcA0PsAJ3IcqGE7XpC2xjRNu5TGGTSLTH68/s320/all+three+on+table.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I took my car in yesterday to have the alignment done and the battery replaced. Since I knew I would have some kidless time to sit in the auto shop lobby and wait, I packed myself a felt craft to work on. When I was done, I had three poinsettia ornaments I'm going to use as embellishments on my holiday packages. They are super easy yet adorable so you still have time to make some before Christmas. Poinsettias have been associated with Christmas for centuries and I remember my mom keeping the red leafed plant around our house this time of year when I was growing up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Ingredients: </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwhhcqeVEsg/TvIYEKDA7pI/AAAAAAAABNQ/LOw70a25WGE/s1600/materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwhhcqeVEsg/TvIYEKDA7pI/AAAAAAAABNQ/LOw70a25WGE/s320/materials.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Two cream felt circles, 3 inches in diameter</div><div style="text-align: center;">-One red (or cranberry or dark magenta or similar colors) 3 inch felt circle</div><div style="text-align: center;">- One small yellow circle for flower center</div><div style="text-align: center;">- One 7 inch long piece for the hanger. I used pinking shears and cream felt but you could also use ribbon.</div><div style="text-align: center;">-Cream Embroidery Floss</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Recipe:</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlNkxlCtpy8/TvIYKLZLrqI/AAAAAAAABNY/pYrou-Zh3rE/s1600/poinsettia+template.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JlNkxlCtpy8/TvIYKLZLrqI/AAAAAAAABNY/pYrou-Zh3rE/s320/poinsettia+template.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing I did was make a template. I traced a 3 inch circle on paper. I also drew a flower petal, about a inch long. I cut a small hole about centered on the circle. Then I traced and cut my flower petal in six places around the center. It doesn't have to be perfect and the petals don't have to all be uniform. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICAUrOME-tk/TvIYUxrygmI/AAAAAAAABNo/oi9vhfL-ZrI/s1600/tape+template+on+felt+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICAUrOME-tk/TvIYUxrygmI/AAAAAAAABNo/oi9vhfL-ZrI/s320/tape+template+on+felt+circle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Once you have your template ready, the easiest way to cut this out is to tape the template on to one of the cream felt circles. It will keep the paper from getting too weak and hold the pattern steady. I folded the petal area and snipped in then cut around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9epaBjhV0o0/TvIYibqll5I/AAAAAAAABNw/YfJq_oWUd1A/s1600/template+and+cut+circle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9epaBjhV0o0/TvIYibqll5I/AAAAAAAABNw/YfJq_oWUd1A/s320/template+and+cut+circle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Be careful to pull the template off slowly when you are done so that it doesn't tear the felt. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6L2WnKdjd9s/TvIX_QoC3cI/AAAAAAAABNI/euWei9SGK_s/s1600/layer+pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6L2WnKdjd9s/TvIX_QoC3cI/AAAAAAAABNI/euWei9SGK_s/s320/layer+pieces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, layer the red and yellow pieces under the top circle. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMK0nn18vJw/TvIYO_wJRPI/AAAAAAAABNg/5lnwJDjeRW8/s1600/stitch+top+layer+to+colored+layers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hMK0nn18vJw/TvIYO_wJRPI/AAAAAAAABNg/5lnwJDjeRW8/s320/stitch+top+layer+to+colored+layers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Using cream thread, stitch the colored layers to the top layer. When you are done, trim up the red layer so that it won't be visible when you sew on the back cream layer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaNBYTdcZD3WAn0lgWMDcwiJx842Ie6HHeo1Sa7pGeJOuKZBWscwZ84WIAVG8QLeEaNkSgJMxaXjb-GKKd_W2dbrnXCvAfoabYqBEGcDUvsj6WImSyvaGKYJQX2YM0HR5cHv43KcAx5Q/s1600/attach+the+hanger+piece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaNBYTdcZD3WAn0lgWMDcwiJx842Ie6HHeo1Sa7pGeJOuKZBWscwZ84WIAVG8QLeEaNkSgJMxaXjb-GKKd_W2dbrnXCvAfoabYqBEGcDUvsj6WImSyvaGKYJQX2YM0HR5cHv43KcAx5Q/s320/attach+the+hanger+piece.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loop the hanger piece and decide which way you want the flower to hang. Sandwich the looped hanger between the front and the back layer, then whip stitch around the circle. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJq47orPeZM/TvIXQwrQkWI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Fd28UpaoWlY/s1600/add+back+layer+and+sew+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJq47orPeZM/TvIXQwrQkWI/AAAAAAAABMQ/Fd28UpaoWlY/s320/add+back+layer+and+sew+together.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I left my back piece plain but you could easily embroider the date or a gift recipient's name for an extra special touch. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bNBeAHd9VQ/TvIX4f3Qp_I/AAAAAAAABNA/dUTxaQ8ygjw/s1600/close+up+on+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6bNBeAHd9VQ/TvIX4f3Qp_I/AAAAAAAABNA/dUTxaQ8ygjw/s320/close+up+on+red.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now our ornament is complete!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mq2WWewRgPU/TvIXqxIAWkI/AAAAAAAABMw/tAfJvbSLf6o/s1600/close+up+on+cranberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mq2WWewRgPU/TvIXqxIAWkI/AAAAAAAABMw/tAfJvbSLf6o/s320/close+up+on+cranberry.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I repeated these steps with a cranberry </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuTDlk3EmMM/TvIXxwYurhI/AAAAAAAABM4/WrNUZuYwxM4/s1600/close+up+on+dark+purple+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuTDlk3EmMM/TvIXxwYurhI/AAAAAAAABM4/WrNUZuYwxM4/s320/close+up+on+dark+purple+one.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and dark maroon backing. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cPaA_6cFj4/TvIpcfmv43I/AAAAAAAABN4/2kCc3uW-AmE/s1600/threeintreeedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cPaA_6cFj4/TvIpcfmv43I/AAAAAAAABN4/2kCc3uW-AmE/s320/threeintreeedited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They will be the perfect addition to my Christmas wrapping!<br />
<br />
In case you are in need of more felt ornament cuteness, be sure to check out these <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2011/12/felt-ornament/">snow flake ornaments by Oh, Happy Day.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Felting!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Brittany</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-85720421535081265262011-12-12T11:54:00.000-08:002011-12-12T11:59:09.609-08:00When Felt Food Meets Hanukkah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfySizS1nl4/TuZHmGWrdlI/AAAAAAAABKk/ULjVW_xSCOs/s1600/hanukkah+set+in+silver+pan+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JfySizS1nl4/TuZHmGWrdlI/AAAAAAAABKk/ULjVW_xSCOs/s320/hanukkah+set+in+silver+pan+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Today, I'm guest posting over at <a href="http://www.naturalparentsnetwork.com/">The Natural Parents Network.</a> I wanted to share a little about how to make this fun felt Hanukkah play set, as the holiday is quickly approaching. If you are short on time, materials or both, I have a set available in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83566894/felt-hanukkah-playset-dreidel-gelt-and">Mama's Felt Cafe Etsy shop</a> for easy gift giving. Check out the <a href="http://naturalparentsnetwork.com/hanukkah/">tutorial HERE.</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In case you've missed some of my latest projects ( <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mamasfeltcafe">Facebook</a> holds my day-to-day doings), here is a little round up: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-_i9f5n2f4/TuZKvwyPMxI/AAAAAAAABKs/kg5o-q8fFXM/s1600/leslieecotexturescustomorderedit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-_i9f5n2f4/TuZKvwyPMxI/AAAAAAAABKs/kg5o-q8fFXM/s320/leslieecotexturescustomorderedit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The holiday season has brought several requests to my shop for custom orders. It's rewarding for me to stretch my creative talents to create something new and I loved some of the results so much I added them to Mama's Felt Cafe as permanent items. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx3YSiYasjk/TuZNnbcXmdI/AAAAAAAABLk/jJG9ymHqBV4/s1600/Pourable+Mama%2527s+Milk+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fx3YSiYasjk/TuZNnbcXmdI/AAAAAAAABLk/jJG9ymHqBV4/s320/Pourable+Mama%2527s+Milk+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Mama's Milk went interactive with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87358074/pourable-felt-mamas-milk-carton">this pourable carton</a>. The top hides a secret spot for a piece of felt "milk" and the spout folds back up to look like a regular carton. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tKga5LNIig/TuZRHsKY9nI/AAAAAAAABLs/1LJb882aCdU/s1600/Toast+and+Honey+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0tKga5LNIig/TuZRHsKY9nI/AAAAAAAABLs/1LJb882aCdU/s320/Toast+and+Honey+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87373951/felt-food-toast-and-honey-breakfast-set"> toast and honey set</a> is the bee's knees. It includes two pieces of whole wheat toast and a spread of "honey". The bee detail was my favorite part.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pX0kaA0iUSQ/TuZTebZPHrI/AAAAAAAABL0/KSjk6pHoVqc/s1600/tea+and+cookies+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pX0kaA0iUSQ/TuZTebZPHrI/AAAAAAAABL0/KSjk6pHoVqc/s320/tea+and+cookies+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To add a little sweetness to my dessert line up, I created this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87161087/felt-tea-and-cookies-set">tea and cookies set.</a> There are three different flavors of tea: mandarin orange, peppermint and chamomile. Perfect for pretend tea parties!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0iuuy-wxtU/TuZNBCCqAYI/AAAAAAAABLc/0jPE_jryGoc/s1600/edited+spaghetti+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0iuuy-wxtU/TuZNBCCqAYI/AAAAAAAABLc/0jPE_jryGoc/s320/edited+spaghetti+close+up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87158407/felt-food-spaghetti-with-meatballs-sauce">Spaghetti and Meatballs arrive at Mama's Felt Cafe</a> by request for a little girl who loves Lady and the Tramp. The bread stick is two-toned, with cream on the underside. Little chefs can pretend "bake" the bread stick for more imaginative fun. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w311tJuVx4M/TuZLYx3zRlI/AAAAAAAABLE/DPubSFxb5NA/s1600/philly+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w311tJuVx4M/TuZLYx3zRlI/AAAAAAAABLE/DPubSFxb5NA/s320/philly+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amy ordered a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich as a Christmas gift for a special pediatric orthopedic doctor who has cared for her daughter (and loves a good cheese steak). I'm thinking of serving it with felt wedge cut sweet potato fries. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3l4bDSLm0sM/TuZVQmoZWpI/AAAAAAAABL8/I3xG4eMpxSs/s1600/Ornament+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3l4bDSLm0sM/TuZVQmoZWpI/AAAAAAAABL8/I3xG4eMpxSs/s320/Ornament+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lastly, my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70267379/mamas-milk-carton-and-activism-cookies">Mama's Milk and Cookies</a> set got Christmas tree approved make-over. Thanks to Jacqueline for the idea! One Mama's Milk was even made into a special "First Christmas" ornament, with Baby's name embroidered on the back. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As we come closer to the New Year, this Mama is ready to take a little break in January. Kristy has been kind enough to volunteer to man the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mamasfeltcafe">Mama's Felt Cafe Facebook page</a> and you may see a guest post or two on the blog. I'll be back to celebrate the one year anniversary of my Etsy Shop with a big giveaway, so stay tuned!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday Season!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Brittany</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-9630159934149744572011-11-16T07:15:00.000-08:002011-11-16T07:15:43.113-08:00Wordless Wednesday--Baby's First Food<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lauren was kind enough to share these photos of her adorable little guy chowing down on his first food--my felt watermelon! You can read more about Eli and his breechy born twin sister Eleanor <a href="http://thetwinsbirth.blogspot.com/2011/06/june-7-2011.html">here</a>. Thanks, Lauren!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHsvbwg4zcQ/TsPSHAo3TwI/AAAAAAAABJ0/LtfBuoCFfAs/s1600/eli1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHsvbwg4zcQ/TsPSHAo3TwI/AAAAAAAABJ0/LtfBuoCFfAs/s320/eli1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrVKZxpAeGw/TsPSHUIGB5I/AAAAAAAABJ8/OHH2ToB8ccY/s1600/eli2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrVKZxpAeGw/TsPSHUIGB5I/AAAAAAAABJ8/OHH2ToB8ccY/s320/eli2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrwimMGD_QM/TsPSIM9jNVI/AAAAAAAABKM/DWzH9YDANwk/s1600/eli4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jrwimMGD_QM/TsPSIM9jNVI/AAAAAAAABKM/DWzH9YDANwk/s320/eli4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn-DjkeK9xX59pm3xMVNzF2SPUUzZSXBTcw9eWEdbuBIX-WrXxGLmZcSf5EX5MLGcnfCxqXbjBwZA2tu5U0_pHnWQDTPzjMRusQnkEHvlfkcmMhE_nYhgOiDwFVY-DR8AaJQAwsE__7c/s1600/eli3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn-DjkeK9xX59pm3xMVNzF2SPUUzZSXBTcw9eWEdbuBIX-WrXxGLmZcSf5EX5MLGcnfCxqXbjBwZA2tu5U0_pHnWQDTPzjMRusQnkEHvlfkcmMhE_nYhgOiDwFVY-DR8AaJQAwsE__7c/s320/eli3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-yQ8YDcHEI/TsPTCXK355I/AAAAAAAABKU/pt1NsD3oNZ8/s1600/eli5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X-yQ8YDcHEI/TsPTCXK355I/AAAAAAAABKU/pt1NsD3oNZ8/s320/eli5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Wednesday!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Brittany</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-10886893262456494462011-11-09T17:10:00.000-08:002011-11-09T21:51:16.789-08:00Mama's Milk, Ina May, Birth Matters, Oh My!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVK48JUwN1s/Trsczm-02ZI/AAAAAAAABHc/JOoRFlDNDTY/s1600/bottle+cozy+and+carton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVK48JUwN1s/Trsczm-02ZI/AAAAAAAABHc/JOoRFlDNDTY/s320/bottle+cozy+and+carton.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This set of a Mama's Milk carton and bottle cozy will soon be in the presence of midwifery greatness. They are heading out to<a href="http://www.health-foundations.com/"> Health Foundations Birth Center</a>, just in time for <a href="http://healthfoundations-birthmatters.eventbrite.com/">a special fundraiser </a>to benefit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama-Latte/152813738101203?sk=wall">Mama Latte</a>, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes donor breast milk in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62THbTxRrut0ZdUTndQot-sEg9s5Zi_dktAtuUdwpErif0cgG_brZ7bjFjHz2PLRwJAYAy2-pfxK3KaO2JiTifYMg8qHexxNKbhJglh3hbAFqsbjLIzrOij3ZH-6Y2u_MZCLPdFqb4Fo/s1600/red+cozy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62THbTxRrut0ZdUTndQot-sEg9s5Zi_dktAtuUdwpErif0cgG_brZ7bjFjHz2PLRwJAYAy2-pfxK3KaO2JiTifYMg8qHexxNKbhJglh3hbAFqsbjLIzrOij3ZH-6Y2u_MZCLPdFqb4Fo/s320/red+cozy.JPG" width="222" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The special guest at this fundraiser is <a href="http://www.inamay.com/">Ina May Gaskin</a>, a world renown midwife and author. Her books include Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding and her most recent, Birth Matters. I still remember the much loved copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Midwifery-Ina-May-Gaskin/dp/0913990639/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320886766&sr=8-1">Spiritual Midwifery</a> sitting on my mother's bookshelf for many years, it's hippy-dippy blue cover unmistakable. The stories in Guide to Childbirth helped me prepare for the birth of my own son. Ina May's work is an inspiration and I'm thrilled that my items will even been in the same room with her, displayed at this milky event. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7hhmggd8JI/Trsc8Qqpc-I/AAAAAAAABHs/YIvGYbxX0qc/s1600/health+foundations+midwife+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7hhmggd8JI/Trsc8Qqpc-I/AAAAAAAABHs/YIvGYbxX0qc/s320/health+foundations+midwife+bag.JPG" width="308" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For further reading about Ina May Gaskin, please visit: <a href="http://www.inamay.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">http://www.inamay.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For tickets to the fundraiser dinner in St Paul, Minnesota November 14, 2011 please see: <a href="http://healthfoundations-birthmatters.eventbrite.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">http://healthfoundations-birthmatters.eventbrite.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and for more information about the fabulous Health Foundations Birth Center, please visit: <a href="http://www.health-foundations.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">http://www.health-foundations.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Brittany</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564427892463290190.post-41205528241543226632011-10-26T15:21:00.000-07:002011-10-26T15:21:49.075-07:00Midwives-in-Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofOVkCVHZmo/Tqh-0RzGaxI/AAAAAAAABFg/svCpG81wRgw/s1600/items+minus+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofOVkCVHZmo/Tqh-0RzGaxI/AAAAAAAABFg/svCpG81wRgw/s320/items+minus+bag.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In case you are wondering why my blog has been so dead lately, I'm finally writing up a post to tell you. Recently, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BellaLaneBoutique">Brittany over at Bella Lane Boutique</a> had asked me to make a felt doctor set for her kiddos. I had found a pattern for a doctor kit in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Little-Felt-Universe-Squeeze/dp/1600596754/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319647135&sr=8-1-spell">Jeanette Lim's Big Little Felt Universe</a>, but the idea wasn't really unique. Knowing <a href="http://thetwinsbirth.blogspot.com/2011/09/mias-birth.html">Brittany had her youngest baby in a birth center with midwives</a> in attendance, I started to ruminated on what a felt midwife's kit would look like instead. I asked on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mamasfeltcafe">MFC Facebook page</a> what items should be included in the birthy set, and got lots of great responses. I ultimately decided on a kid-sized fetoscope, blood pressure cuff, red raspberry leaf tea, bottle of homeopathic arnica, measuring tape and a carrying bag. Here is a little run-down of everything in the set and how real life midwives would use each item.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RaPCMBk9E/Tqg5T2FIEsI/AAAAAAAABEY/pNyJo_9Qlzc/s1600/fetoscope.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RaPCMBk9E/Tqg5T2FIEsI/AAAAAAAABEY/pNyJo_9Qlzc/s320/fetoscope.JPG" width="218" /></a></div> <br />
Before the days of hand-held dopplers and readily available ultrasounds, midwives used fetoscopes to listen to the baby. Many midwives still use fetoscopes as the <a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2010/06/ultrasound-doppler-fetoscope-pinard.html">safety of ultrasound devices is still rather questionable.</a> The flat end generally rests against the midwife's forehead and the cone end is placed on the mother's belly. You can see my silly husband demonstrating on my 37 week pregnant belly here:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X-RmkWQk1o/Tqg5MGYydcI/AAAAAAAABEQ/GyAby6L9bqY/s1600/fetalscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X-RmkWQk1o/Tqg5MGYydcI/AAAAAAAABEQ/GyAby6L9bqY/s320/fetalscope.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><br />
Next is the blood pressure cuff:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m0Ahn20CJQ/Tqg6kyqpxJI/AAAAAAAABEg/JvRYXCw_v5E/s1600/bp+cuff+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9m0Ahn20CJQ/Tqg6kyqpxJI/AAAAAAAABEg/JvRYXCw_v5E/s320/bp+cuff+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
This item is used routinely in prenatal care to keep track of the mother's blood pressure. Her pulse is also taken. High blood pressure can be a sign of complications like pre-eclampsia, so it is important to keep an eye on it throughout pregnancy. I sewed a bellowed squeaker toy (ok, it's really a Kong dog toy squeaker) into the bulb part of the cuff so that it would have a realistic pumping feel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys9cbbNHBMU/Tqg-OYXiV-I/AAAAAAAABEw/GJNxNRWlkNE/s1600/red+raspberry+leaf+tea+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys9cbbNHBMU/Tqg-OYXiV-I/AAAAAAAABEw/GJNxNRWlkNE/s320/red+raspberry+leaf+tea+bag.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><br />
Red Raspberry leaf tea has been used by midwives for ages. <a href="http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm">Raspberry leaf tea</a> helps tone the uterus, making contractions more effective. It is also known to help stave off hemorrhage, ease morning sickness, reduce labor pains, and aid in milk production. Red raspberry leaf contains a slew of good vitamins such as C, E, A, and B complex, as well as minerals including <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">phosphorous and potassium. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ilK4wV2ZDo/TqhBAg5ltwI/AAAAAAAABE4/ow2pqYnc0-E/s1600/red+arnica.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ilK4wV2ZDo/TqhBAg5ltwI/AAAAAAAABE4/ow2pqYnc0-E/s320/red+arnica.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Arnica Montana is a yellow flower that looks like a daisy. This remedy has also been used for centuries to relieve bruising, sprains, reduce inflammation and promote healing. I took arnica right after<a href="http://www.mamasfeltcafe.com/2011/05/happy-international-midwives-day-ashers.html"> Asher's birth</a> and the day after when I was one big ball of sore. This felt bottle has a removable lid and a bell inside so it makes a fun sound when the "medicine" is dispensed. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toj1iXEAZZ0/TqhEVfpoUxI/AAAAAAAABFA/_fYAf9R9ixE/s1600/juiceplus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toj1iXEAZZ0/TqhEVfpoUxI/AAAAAAAABFA/_fYAf9R9ixE/s320/juiceplus.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Brittany, who sparked the first midwife set I made, requested a bottle of "Juice Plus," the brand of vitamin supplement she takes. The label has a little apple applique on it. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3z7Rzxzc46itWcW6ZJuxHAwxQHbMQuwCIb9qU7IzaeMd1dmkp1aRZt9CnutSDQieLZo0P7_PcQZvSY72uhZU6HQgmqD2N3nTQRoMYPfwheG3G3TPIQzWYAGghnvrKgkxTgx2DhIA6O8/s1600/cmtape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3z7Rzxzc46itWcW6ZJuxHAwxQHbMQuwCIb9qU7IzaeMd1dmkp1aRZt9CnutSDQieLZo0P7_PcQZvSY72uhZU6HQgmqD2N3nTQRoMYPfwheG3G3TPIQzWYAGghnvrKgkxTgx2DhIA6O8/s320/cmtape.JPG" width="252" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I originally made the measuring tape 12 inches long. After the first set, I decided to switch the unit of measure. Most midwives (especially those outside the US) use centimeters to record fundal height (how big the uterus is growing), dilation and baby's measurements. Since there are 30 cm in 12 inches, this tape also has more digits for number recognition and counting fun. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgjyhIh6T5o/TqiGQVEiuxI/AAAAAAAABFo/tOhgFsMN2W8/s1600/midwife+bag+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WgjyhIh6T5o/TqiGQVEiuxI/AAAAAAAABFo/tOhgFsMN2W8/s320/midwife+bag+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">Lastly, there had to be a bag to carry all the midwifery items. The first one I made was cranberry (placenta?) red with a cream colored lining. It's always important for a midwife to keep her bag packed and ready, as you never know when a baby decides to enter the world!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">This set is probably the best I've created and closest to my heart. Making each one is a labor of love. If you would like me to make one for you, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84145686/felt-midwife-playset">you can find it on Etsy.</a> Ten percent of the purchase price goes to <a href="http://cfmidwifery.org/index.aspx">Citizens for Midwifery</a>, a non-profit organization working to increase local access to midwives and supports the Midwifery Model of Care. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C9CVC3L1Wuw/Tqh7OVJeOaI/AAAAAAAABFY/CWRkmKFOGvA/s1600/midwife+letters+on+brown+felt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C9CVC3L1Wuw/Tqh7OVJeOaI/AAAAAAAABFY/CWRkmKFOGvA/s320/midwife+letters+on+brown+felt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> Encouraging midwifery play is important. If we wish to normalize birth for our children, we must give them the tools to understand the mechanism of birth and allow them to process the information in a way that makes sense to them. Imaginative play does both. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> I have seen parents who are planning home or out-of-hospital births look for ways to help prepare their child for a sibling's arrival and come up rather empty handed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"> There were no other midwife play sets on Google or Etsy, though doctor toys are common place (and medical idolization starts early in our culture). But as an increasing number of families look to have their baby outside the hospital setting, we can work with the next generation to make peaceful birth a realized, every day occurrence. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">~Brittany</span></div>Mama's Felt Cafehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11487660250292193319noreply@blogger.com4