Patriotic Pinwheels {Washi} style

I have been racking my brain at what I wanted to do for my 4th of July Mantel.  I have had a few things in mind but it needed some finishing touches. I was blog hoping the other day and found 52 Mantels.  I saw Emily's all paper mantel and loved her flowers on the wall.  It totally gave me the idea why not use pinwheels. So I started looking for paper.  When I couldn't find what I wanted I thought "I have all this washi tape.  What if I ..." and there it was. Just what I needed to finish my Mantel.  Washi Tape Pinwheels. So here you go.

4th of July Mantel

4th of July Mantel

Its time again for a new Mantel.  I started a summer mantel but didn't get it finished. So I figured I would do my 4th of July Mantel and use it for most of the summer. Here are a few features on my Mantel. I decided to go with an Uncle Sam Kind of theme.

Uncle Sam print.  I used the tutorial (Here) to make the print.  My Uncle Sam is 11x14. The little Uncle Sam hat was made from a pattern from The Quilted Fish.  (Here) The Small Fire crackers tutorial is Here.

Simple striped bunting with felt star. I have them stuck to the shelf with poster putty.

Washi Tape Pin wheels. Who needs fancy paper when you have washi and plain paper. 

 I used my 4th of July Printable here for the framed subway art.

So there it is my 4th of July Mantel.  It looks amazing on my shelf.  So fun and Patriotic.  Come back tomorrow or a Tutorial on the Washi Tape Pinwheels.  They are super easy and fun to make in with the kids in your Free Time.  Thanks for visiting.

Little Bo Peep Costume Inspiration

Since I found out I was having a little girl.  I wanted to make her a Little Bo Peep Costume. She is finally the ripe old age of 4 so I thought I had better get the costume done before she starts wanting to think of her own costumes. I found this beautiful Little Bo Peep Costume on Etsy one day (Pinned it) and decided it was what my Little Miss was going to be for Halloween.

                                     

(Photo from Etsy store Mom2rtk)

She makes lots of beautiful costumes year round in her shop.

Isn't is beautiful??  I just loved the colors and the style.  Perfect for my Little Miss. She has these beautiful natural blond curls and a sweet little smile, to go with the outfit. The price was a little out of my budget.  So off I went to make my own with a little twist.

I found a lamb at the end of the Easter season for $3. I made a bonnet instead of a fabric cap out of Tim Tex, fabric and ribbon. And I used an old outdoor candy cane from Christmas as her crook wrapped in ribbon and fabric flowers. It was the perfect size for her.  I used my own peasant styled shirt pattern and made a basic skirt and bloomer pattern.  For the vest I used a simple tutorial from Make it - Love it and added the hip plumes myself. Here is how it turned out.

My Little Bo Peep.

{Pin}tastic Friday- Ham & Cheese Sliders

Do you love to cook? Bake?  I do.  I love to bake anything. Especially desserts.  In the winter I love to make soups with fresh baked wheat bread.  I love to make yummy food but in the summer I want fast and easy. (As little effort as possible.)  I found my next little find at the Girl Who Ate Anything. Don't you just love the name.  It sounds so Brave! (I myself are not so adventurous) I worried at first about this little dish because I do not like mustard.  But I will know eat the mustard on these yummy little sandwiches. 

Ham and Cheese Sliders

(Photo Source)

These little babies are tasty on a hot summers day. I popped them  in my toaster oven for a few minutes add a salad on the side and voila dinner is served.   My kids even liked them. Definitely a dish we will keep in the family cook book.(I have a home made cook book of favorite family recipes.  Some day my kiddos will ask to take a copy to college or something.  I keep family favorite recipes from when I was a kid and add new ones every know and then.) Some day I will share. Until then.  Check this one out over at the Girl Who Ate Anything and stay a while she has some wonderful recipes you can try with your own family. 

Please pin from the source.  She has been working hard for great recipes she totally deserves the credit. 

I you would like to follow me on Pintrest click the "P" to the right or click HERE. Thanks for spending your Free Time with Me. Happy Pinning and have a Great Weekend.

4th of July Threads +Quilted Fish Giveaway

Its that time of year for a new outfit for the holiday.  This year is an Uncle Sam theme.  (I am using it for my Mantel too.

Wrist corsage in just the right colors.

A skirt {of course} Broad Stripes  & Bright Stars

Tuxedo styled shirt

And a Top Hat just like Uncle Sam.

I love how her outfit turned out.  And she loves it too.  Now she is ready to sport her new threads at any holiday party! 

Do you like her hat??? Want to make one of your own???

 I contacted Amanda at  The Quilted Fish. She is the designer of  "We're all Mad Here"  the pattern I used to make this hat. She designs beautiful fabric for Riley Blake and Patterns.   I found the pattern and had to have it.  It is so versatile and could be used for a bunch of holidays.  It;s going to be adorable on my mantel too.  How are you dressing your kiddos for the holidays?

Womens Tank to Little Girl Maxi

Maxi's are all the rage this season.  I wanted one for my little miss but they are hard to find.  I was shopping at a local mall and found an adorable tank for women.  I am not much of a tank top wearer but it is adorable for my Little Miss. Here is what I started with.... A lacey tank from Down East.

I cut off the bottom of the tank just below the arm pit.  Leaving the most length possible.

Stitch a basting stitch around the top of the skirt.  You may need to gather the skirt a bit  before sewing on the waist band.

For the waistband I had a piece of knit that was a perfect match . I measured my Little Missy's waist and subtracted 1 inch. Knit is really stretchy.  I cut my fabric 19 by 6. Fold your waistband in half lengthwise and right sides together. Short ends together.  Stitch. You should have a circle for a waistband. 

Fold the band in half to make it 3 x 18 round. Pin the band to your skirt. Giving the skirt and even gather if your must gather. Stitch around with a knit stitch. securing the waistband to the skirt.

Here is how my skirt turned out.

I think it turned out so cute.  She loves it! I think it makes her look so grown up.  Fun and easy for the summer.  Great for the beach, church or a day of shopping. Head out and find a tank for your Little Miss.