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I hope all of you had a most lovely holiday weekend. We are stuffed to the gills with delicious chocolates, candies and...well, more chocolate, and more candy! Every year I try to go for less candy and it seems like every year we end up with just a bit more than the year before (I think it's all those extra egg hunts that I wasn't calculating into my candy consumtion ratio). I'm definitely going to have to figure out the formula for the perfect balance one of these years. Well at least I did have a slew of stickers in the mix to help things out a bit.
And remember when I mentioned that I had no idea what my Littles would be wearing this year? Well, that was no lie. And I can't deny, that made me a little sad. I love to sew for my children and feel like I haven't been able to do so as much as I'd like to as of late. So I was really counting on Easter to sink my teeth into a great project, such as a pair vintage inspired suits or something equally inspiring.
Well, I didn't manage to sneak in enough time to sew any suits this year...but I did at least get a little sewing in. Thanks to Leisel of Oliver & S, I managed to sew two bunny hoods adapted from her Cozy Winter Hood pattern found in her Little Things to Sew book. (And I can't help but give a shout out to two friends involved in the identity of the Oliver & S brand; designer friend, Brooke Reynolds, and illustrator friend Dan Andreasen [he illustrates their paper dolls]. OK and my own little shout out and teeny, tiny, contribution: I helped Brooke find Dan for the job back when I worked in NY as an illustration agent. And he's just so perfect, don't you think?! So needless to say, I'm pretty much in love with all things Oliver & S - and that's not even getting into how utterly darling Liesel's patterns are!).
So back to the hoods. To make these I used the Cozy Winter Hood pattern from the book and changed up the ears to be two long and floppy bunny ears - to fit the festive occasion of course. I really wanted use fabric I had on hand so I used some of Jon's old pants and blue fleece for Little O's bunny hood and some brown velvet and leftover tan fabric for Little A's. And once I was finished with these, and placed them on their little heads, I couldn't hold back my motherly squeals of delight. The boys just looked too darn cute. (And something tells me that this is the last year I'm going to get away with such "cute" items of clothing for Little A. In fact, it took him realizing that these looked like their hooded bath towels [something I hadn't even thought of] to help him feel like they were cool enough to wear. That and a Belgium chocolate bunny).
As for the rest of their Easter ensemble, well if you follow my blog at all, you'll quickly see that it ended up being an mix-n-match amalgamation of clothing from the past. And you know what, I really couldn't be more pleased with how it all came together. I might even like how it turned out better than if I had planned the whole look out from the beginning.
I've always been a big proponent of finding great style by using a large percentage what you already have in your closet. I believe "styling" an outfit is 80% of what makes a person look stylish or well put together. In fact, my dear friend Mara blogged about just such a concept when she invited J.Crew stylist, Marina Dobreva, to share a few tips. Some of my favorite tips from Marina are:
-"Force yourself to try new things with your wardrobe. Take some items from your own closet that you never thought you'd wear together and try new ways to put together an outfit."
and
-"Mistakes and Lack of Finances often make for the best style ideas!"
I believe that this holds true not only for our own closets, but for our little ones as well! So when I was up against a wall this Easter, I went scrounging through my Littles closets to see what sort of magic I could muster up. And if you care to take a look at a few of these posts from the past, you'll see where just about everything came from (OK, and you'll be forced to go down memory lane with me, realizing just how little my Littles once were and wonder with me "where did those chunky cheeks and legs go to anyway?"). Take a look here: 1, 2, 3, 4.
I really love the eclectic, "Mexican wedding shirt, meets little story book French boy, meets a hint of something Scandinavian", look to the final overall ensemble. Again, something I couldn't have planned if I hadn't been forced to get creative.
And if you are wanting to do something similar, I think it helps to have slowly built up an arsenal of items that you are fond of and can work with. Here are just a few tips I would share with you on how to build up your child's wardrobe so that you can make some mix-n-match magic any time, and for any occasion.
TIPS FOR CREATING A GREAT KIDS WARDROBE THAT BOTH YOU AND YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE:
- Have an assortment of some really great and simple staples that you can use to layer and mix-n-match (i.e. solid knit shirts, button ups, sweaters, French striped tees, staple jeans and slacks, dresses, skirts, etc.)
- Throw in an mix of vintage/thrifted goods to keep things fresh, unique and unexpected. I love the timeless quality you get whenever you introduce something vintage. And you can pretty much bet that now one else will have that same piece.
- Buy just a few unique, statement pieces from some of your favorite kids designers. They don't have to be outrageously expensive (I love to buy from Etsy) but don't be afraid to stretch just a bit on one or two unique shirts, that one-of-a-kind sweater, a stand out colorful skirt or those bright yellow pants that are sure to make any outfit pop. (And I confess, if you know another kid will be wearing it down the road, it makes more sense to buy a few pieces that stand the test of time both in design and quality). Read more about my thoughts on mixing hi+low here.
- Make some of you own clothes! You don't have to sew to do this. You could dress up a few t-shirts with freezer paper stencils, freehand a fun illustration with fabric paint, or refashion thrifted finds. And if you do know how to sew, by all means, do it! Find whatever time you can to sew something special here or there. It will make a big impact on your kids closet. In fact, 75% of the clothing found in this years Easter ensembles are from past items I have sewn.
- Don't be afraid to play with sizing. I know that this might sound odd, but I'm telling you, don't feel like you have to stick with what the tag says. I know a number of t-shirts and jackets that look better a bit more snug than the tag suggests. And when you are working with skirts, capris and gauchos, well there is quite a range of sizes you can work with (adjusting the waist to fit of course). Just don't be afraid to try it. You never know what might end up creating the perfect balance. That slightly snug sweater from 2 years ago, slung over that boxy blouse, paired with a tutu and tiara must might be the right ticket. And if you don't like it, well just go back to what you were doing before. No harm done.
- Let your kids have a say in it. Oft times letting them mix that batman shirt with those tailored dress pants and flip flops turns out to be better than anything you could have preplanned. Kids are seriously some of the best stylists...seriously. In fact, I actually try to put together my little ones wardrobes to that they can pull out pretty much anything they want and it more or less works. And if not, well, just pat yourself on the back for fostering independence. (See that sliver of red sports shorts, worn by Little A, seen ever so slightly in this pic? Do I love how they go with that much adored Winter Water Factory top. No. Not really. But our house rule is that when you get home from school, you can change into whatever you want...so that means that Little A is wearing comfortable sport shorts pretty much every afternoon. But hey, if he stuck it out with the skinny jeans at school, I think he's entitled.) *Oh and another soap box side note: Having your kids give input doesn't mean you have to only have a wardrobe entirely comprised of Dora and Buzz Light year because that is what your kid is into and you don't want to "squash their identity". Well guess what, Nick Jr. or Disney already chose their "identity" and they are just responding to what they were exposed/enticed to (I can appreciate both of these networks btw, but just in moderation, and when using thoughtful selection) . You are in charge of giving them a gamut of options and have a great opportunity here to teach them diversity of design and trying new things.
- Buy fun/great shoes! An ordinary grey knit shirt with some simple dark jeans turns into the perfect outfit with paired with some really great orange converse.
- Just try it and don't over think it. Kids fashion should be fun, easy, unexpected, and a reflection of them! Sometimes it might look silly and others might not appreciate it. Buy hey, they are kids! you can get away with it. And fashion should be fun and just a little unexpected. I once had a friend tell me that "If I didn't feel just a little silly at first when trying something new, then I wasn't approaching fashion right".
 Well anyway, we had fun. The boys enjoyed seeing their old clothes brought out again and were right there with me in deciding which boy would wear what and found it rather humorous that both of them got to wear elements of the same suit at the same time.  And I was pleased with how Little O's look continued to surprise and delight even when deconstructed. I was afraid that this Gap Kids embroidered guayabera shirt would not pair well with the rest of things but ended up loving the element of the unexpected.  And my two little bunnies? Well if nothing else, in the end they were happy to have devoured an entire chocolate bunny and then happily hop onto other things such shredding apart those much anticipated surprise balls. And me, well I couldn't have been more pleased with how things serendipitously turned out.  So what about you? What are some of your favorite staples or tricks to styling your kids wardrobes? Any favorite places to shop? I always love to hear new ideas and great resources!
Are you running around crazy realizing that you have yet to purchase Easter candy, egg dye and various other Easter hunt amenities, and have absolutely no idea what your Littles will be wearing on Easter Sunday? If so, you're not alone. I'm right there with you. But I can help...at least just a little bit. Forget some of that candy and fill up those plastic eggs with some free downloadable Easter stickers that I illustrated. Your kids will love it and you'll enjoy forgoing some of that after-sugar shock.
To get started you just download the free printable stickers and print them out on full sheet label paper (found at your local office supply store).
You can then cut them up and place them in plastic eggs or have fun with it and hide them in a crepe paper surprise ball! (or surprise "lemon" as mine turned out to be).
A group of us got together last night to make some of these for our Littles and it was so fun! Read more about it here on Sarah Jane's darling blog (and be sure to download her adorable little bunny puppet while you're at it). Surprise balls are so fun and not as much work as I would have originally thought. It's an endeavor I'd highly recommend (especially amongst friends).
And as for the stickers, well my Littles have really enjoyed playing with them and have created identities for each character. I just gave them some paper, crayons and the stickers and let them go at it. And for about 15-20 min they were happily self-entertained. I'd say that's a success.
I wanted to do something simple and fun for Easter baskets this year that I could use over and over again. We love using our bunny nesting dolls to place little snacks and treats in and then hide away in a grand Easter hunt. This has become a special tradition for the boys and they look forward to finding them each year and discovering what treasure they might hold inside. I wanted to add to our arsenal of reusable treat containers this year so I made this simple felt bunny bag.
In fact, you can make these so fast, you won't want to stop at just one. Make a slew of them (trust me, you can totally make these before Easter weekend!), fill them up with candy or tiny toys and contribute them to an Easter egg hunt or to place them on plates for your guests to enjoy as they arrive for Easter dinner. Family and friends, young and old, will sure to love this little cutie (not to mention the treats & treasures inside!).
1. To make this little bunny friend, begin by downloading my simple template.
Use the template as a pattern and place it on two pieces of white felt (or whatever color you choose to make your bunny out of). Pin the pattern together with both pieces of felt and then cut them out.
2. Take one of the pieces of felt and create a simple bunny face on it. To do this I used thread to make a delicate sleeping bunny face- but you could also use embroidery floss if you prefer. Feel free to use my template for the eyes and nose or get creative and make another face of your choosing. In fact, this is a great craft to bring the kids in on! Have them embroider their own little bunny faces. It would be so fun to see what they came up with!
3. Once the face in on, place the two pieces of felt together (with the piece with the face on it facing up and out). Pin and sew them together from ear to ear, being careful to leave an opening at the top to insert treats and treasures. (Again, you could have little beginning sewers help you out with this part too!)
4. And now the fun part! Fill up your bunny with candy or little gifts. If using candy, and it's not prepackaged, I would suggest placing it inside of a little plastic bag before inserting into the felt bunny (not show here).
3. Once your bunny friend is full, pull together the ears and tie them together with yarn, ribbon, string, you name it. This keeps the candy tucked tightly inside and makes the ears, just Oh so cute.
4. Share your bunny friend with your loved ones!!
I love the idea of getting together with family and friends for a delicious Easter feast. I think we will be going to Jon's parents this year. Most of the time we are not able to meet up with family for Easter and I have always wanted to host an egg hunt and dinner party for friends. A pretty big endeavor, but well worth it I'm sure.
What about you? Have you ever had an Easter dinner party with just friends? Have you hosted? Did you split up the responsibilities? And if you are meeting up with family, do you have any fun traditions you do all together? I'd love to hear some tips!
After Jon and I had been married for a few years Jon's parents went on a trip to Europe. Knowing our love of theater, puppeteering and European toys in general, they returned home with two pop-up puppets for us. I have loved having them around (as have the boys) and have often looked over at them, and thought, "you know, I really need to make my own version of one of these". And after I made these Halloween paper mache puppets, I knew right away, I wanted to do a version of these in pop-up form. So for Easter this year, that is just what we did.
TO MAKE THE RABBIT:
1. To get started on this, I created the paper mache rabbit head using the same technique I used in my Halloween puppets. I liked the sort of rough, vintage look of things so I kept the head a little imperfect. If you want to spend time smoothing the paper mache down, you can get a more refined look to yours.
2. When the rabbit head was dry and painted I then cut out a neck hole, making sure it was just slightly larger than the wooden dowel that I would be using to pop this puppet up and down. For this puppet I used a 5/16" round wooden dowel and cut the length to be 19 3/4" long.
3. I then stuffed the head with knit fabric (you could also use newspaper) on the sides, and a bit on the top, so that the dowel would fit snugly when it was placed inside the head. I then put gobs of hot glue on the top part of the dowel (about 1 3/4" from the top) and quickly placed it in the rabbits head. I then let this dry and sit for a few hours.
4. While the head and dowel were drying and setting, I created the salmon pink knit jumper in the same fashion as I did for the cat and pumpkin puppets. I then decided that our little hopper needed a bow tie and created one out of the fabric I would be using for the cone.
5. Once the dowel was securely set in the head, I placed the gathered end of the knit jumper onto the base of the rabbit, and hot-glued it securely to the head and dowel. I then hot glued the bow tie on afterwards (yes, I am kind of obsessed with hot glue - but you could hand sew the bow tie on if you wish). I then let that dry and set while I worked on the cone base.
TO MAKE THE CONE:
1. To make the cone, I created a template based on the European pop-up puppets I already had. To make your own, you can start by downloading my template for this here:
DOWNLOAD THE CONE TEMPLATE HERE
(The template is larger than an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and was created for an 11x14 size paper. If you don't have a large format printer you can print it out on more than one sheet of paper and then piece it together.) After printing the template I then traced it onto rigid chip board (actually taken from a stay flat mailer I use for shipping my prints in my shop, but you can use any sort of rigid chip board you might have lying around, such as a thick cereal box, etc.). Once the template was traced onto the board, I then cut it out and chose the piece a fabric that I wanted to use to cover my cone. 2. I then trimmed the fabric to be about 1/2" larger than the cone template on all sides. 3. Then using hot glue, I glued down all the sides of the fabric to the back side of the chip board. 4. I then shaped the board with my hand to form a cone like shape. 5. To adhere both sides of my fabric covered cone board, I ran a strip of glue down the side of the flap and quickly adhered the flap to the back of the other side of the cone. 6. To make sure everything set well, I clamped down the "seam" and let it sit overnight. (I might suggest making the paper mache head and cone on one day, let them sit overnight and then paint and assemble the puppet on the next day).  FINISHING THE PUPPET:1 Once the rabbit puppet and cone base were complete, I was ready to assemble it all together. I did so by placing the bottom end of the wooden dowel (with the rabbit head and jumper attached up top) through the cone. I did this by starting at the wide end of the cone and pushing it through the smaller hole at the bottom of the cone. 2. I then, once again, grabbed my hot glue and simply placed a ring of glue on the inside of the top of the cone and glued on the base of the rabbit jumper. I let this dry and sit for a bit. 3. I then added a piece of velvet ribbon around the top of the cone. 4. Let everything sit and dry for a couple of hours. 5. Once everything is set and dry, bring your Littles out and have fun, fun, fun with your new "hop-up" bunny puppet!  And fun, fun, fun is just what the boys had with our new little bunny friend. I love how easy it is for Little O (3) to puppeteer our new friend. He's really become quite the master.  And little A is quite the fan as well. They love taking turns creating puppet shows for one another.  The possibilities for pop-up creatures are endless and I'd love to have a go at a few more of these. I'm thinking a little bear, a squirrel and an elephant would be so cute. What sort of creature would you have popping up out of your puppet? 
Hello friends! Sorry I have been so MIA lately. We have been sick, sick, sick. Basically every virus going around, we caught it...and one right after the other. But I'm happy to say, that we are seeming to be more or less in the clear and feeling much much better. Which is great, because I'm super excited about spring and Easter this year and have loads of ideas.
To get things started, I thought it would be fun to gift the boys spring time pj's in their Easter pails this year. Like so many, we have the tradition of gifting warm and cuddly pj's on Christmas Eve but I've found that as Easter rolls around, warm and cuddly needs to be swapped out for light and airy, in anticipation of the warmer months ahead. So what a better time to gift a set of spring time jammies, but at Easter?
I'm a fan of kimono style pajamas and the Littles love them too. They are simple and pretty fast to sew and the boys love the fun element of the ties on the sides. I use Amy's pattern, from Habitual, for the kimono top (she no longer has the instructions on her blog but you can email her for them if you wish). And for the pants, I typically just grab a simple pj bottom pattern from my archives. For this set, I used the pants from Simplicity's 3584 pattern.
I've made kimono pajamas for the boys in the past and have really enjoyed using a variety of fabrics. This year, however, I thought it would be fun to design my own fabric to use this Easter. And I'm so glad I did. I like minimal motifs so I decided to start with a simple line drawing of a sweet little rabbit. I then used Spoonflower to create my fabric, which allowed me to choose just how I wanted my repetitive rabbit motif to look. I then ordered a couple of yards and waited anxiously for my fabric to arrive. When the fabric did arrive, I couldn't have been happier!
And if you want to purchase some of this bitty bunny fabric, you can! Just hop on over to Spoonflower and shop away. I also have a couple of other Christmas motif patterns up for sale now and a number of additional fabric designs are spinning around in my head that I just can't wait to share. I'm thinking a corresponding line of fabric to accompany these bitty bunnies would be a fun start and great for a little baby quilt. I can't wait!
And in the mean time, Little O is head over heels for his new bitty bunny pj's. He loves to put them on and snuggle in our quilt with his cuddly "Darth Bunny" (named by Little O as this little bunny has his very own Darth Vador costume...a true dream come true for Little O).
He knows he's not officially allowed to wear them to bed yet (as it's not Easter yet) but he steals every chance he can get to sneak them on and pal around.
I'm not sure if I'm going to make matching or corresponding kimono pj's for Little A but I'm excited for the possibilities. And I'm excited for spring! I need me some green grass, some springtime sunshine and breeze and some serious spring cleaning!
So what about you? Do you do add any fun surprise in your kids Easter baskets? I remember one year my mom gave us all swim suits and I was in heaven. I think this is a really great idea too (helps get your kids out of the winter rut and looking forward to summer's sunny days!). I'd love to hear what you do! Or what are some things you remember your parents added to your Easter basket to make things extra special?
I'd also love to hear if you have ever used Spoonflower before and what you think of it. Have you designed your own fabrics? Purchased designs by others? What is your experience?
And now I'm off to finish up plans for Little A's birthday party. He turns 6 tomorrow, and on the first day of spring! So happy spring!
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