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Category: tutorial

Outdoor Summer Dinner Party

posted in crafts, decor, diy, holidays, inspiration, party, thrifted, tutorial by Hanna on

Besides blogging, one of our favorite things to do together is to host a great party full of delicious food, good company, and fun decorations. Since we bought our house last fall, I’ve been itching to throw an outdoor party on our spacious deck. With Sara and her family here visiting, and with it being our one year blog anniversary, we decided to throw a little outdoor summer party to celebrate. Usually we have things planned out several weeks in advanced, but besides our dinner menu everything else came together last minute.

dinner party2

You might be wondering how we managed to pull this off with such a limited budget in such little time? Honesty, we were quite amazed ourselves, but in the end we were very pleased with the turnout. It was the perfect combination of fun and classy. The key to throwing together a nice dinner table layout with limited time and money is being creative and resourceful. Everything you see on the table, besides the white flower centerpieces and the aqua colored plates, were things we already owned that we used or re-purposed.

dinner party

I think what really made the table, were the fun ikat patterned chargers. And would you have guessed that we made them for under $2 a piece?! About a year ago Sara found a bunch of these gold charges at Goodwill for $1. They have truly been a great purchase as we have used them at several other occasions. For this outdoor summer party we wanted something a little more bright and playful, so we purchased some wrapping paper to cover them with. Below is a simple tutorial on how we did it.

First, trace around the charger on the back side of your wrapping paper, then cut it out. Make sure to cut the circle about 1/2 inch bigger than the actually size the of the plate. Since you only see the outside edge of the plate we decided to only cover the edges, in which case we measured and cut out the middle as well.

chargers redo

Second. use spray adhesive to bond the paper to the plate.

chargers redo2

chargers redo4

Flip the plate over and spray the excess paper with glue, then fold over to the underside of the plate.

chargers redo5

Lastly, spray a clear acrylic coating or sealant over the top for added durability and protection from food and water.

Allow each plate to dry before using, then add these fun new chargers to your table setting for some added color and interest.

dinner party1

dinner party4
dinner party3

 

Linked To:

http://theblissfulbee.com/work-it-wednesday-no-55/

Share your Fun Creations – From Dream To Reality #125

http://www.bravenewhome.com/diyers-link-party-8/

http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2014/07/wow-me-wednesday-162.html

http://elizabethjoandesigns.com/2014/07/designs-time-no-18/

http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2014/07/making-monday-49.html

Floral Stamped T-Shirt Refashion {Using Celery}

posted in diy, inspiration, tutorial, women's fashion by Hanna on
Big floral prints are all the rage in fashion right now and I’m all for jumping on the that band wagon. It’s bold, classic, and feminine… everything I like when it comes to my wardrobe. And, for all you “DIY-ers” out there I’ve discovered a way for you to create this bold fashion statement yourself. The answer: celery. I know it sound weird, even my husband gave me the “you’re crazy” look when I told him I wanted to buy celery for a t-shirt refashion. But the results were fabulous, and the steps to re-create this look are so simple!
1. Cut top off of celery.

2. Dip in paint. I recommend using fabric paint; however, you can also mix a textile medium with acrylic paint to make your own. 

3. Stamp on fabric. Be sure to place a piece of cardboard inside your shirt  before you begin stamping so the paint does not bleed to the other side.

shirt: refashioned // skirt: Gap (old) // vest: JC Penny // shoes: Famous Footware // earrings: Kohl’s
Below are some of my sources of inspiration. If you can’t tell, I’m kind of into the color blue right now.

~SARA

Anthropologie Inspired Tote + Tutorial

posted in crafts, diy, inspiration, sewing, tutorial by Sara on
If you caught our Friday Find’s: Summer Essentials post last week you may remember seeing this adorable beachy tote bag from Anthropologie. And as most of you know, when I see something I love but don’t have the money for… I make it. It was literally a fourth of the price to make and I was able to whip in up in less than an hour (for less experienced sewers, this project can easily be done in two hours max)!
To make this yourself, all you need is:
–  1 yard of upholstery fabric
 –  1 yard of a lightweight cotton fabric
–  3-4 yards of webbing for the straps
–  coordinating thread
–  a sewing machine
Happy sewing!
~ SARA
 
Linked to:

Springtime Eyelet Blouse + Tutorial

posted in diy, sewing, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on
To start out, I hope all you mommies had a wonderful Mother’s Day! I felt spoiled all week! My husband had the week off from school and did most of the cleaning and cooking… I didn’t even ask him too! It certainly made my days off much more enjoyable because I could simply relax with my two favorite people instead of having to stress out about housework. Truly it was fantastic, and I even got some sewing done over the weekend!
Maybe you’ve noticed the beautiful eyelet trend in all the stores this spring. I happen to love it! What I don’t love about it are some of the prices. While I would love to have any one of these eyelet blouses in my closet, I could never bring myself to pay $50+ for it. Having become a little more handing with my sewing machine, now my first thought when I see something in a store that I like but don’t want to pay the price for is, “I could make that”! So, that is exactly what I set out to do.

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/Collection/tops/PRDOVR~76799/76799.jsp Image Map
Here is what I used to make this top:
1 1/4 yard of eyelet fabric
1 yard of thin cotton fabric
1/4 inch double folded bias tape
7 inch closed bottom zipper
coordinating thread
I picked up this white eyelet material at Joann’s on sale for half price. They also gave me an addition 75% off of that because the very edge of the material was damaged. I think I ended up paying around $5.00 for a yard and a half!
Since I wanted a more fitted blouse I thought I’d stick to a pattern this time. To be honest, this is the first time I’ve ever used a store bought pattern, or one that I haven’t drafted myself… I was feeling a bit lazy. I really only used if for the basic fit of the shirt, then made a few alterations. Here is a FREE downloadable pattern by Colette Patterns that would also be a great pattern to use of a basic blouse like this. Once you have your basic pattern, here are the simple steps to follow:
Since I decided to line my shirt, I cut out both the front and back of the shirt twice. Once on the eyelet fabric and once on the lining fabric (illustrated above). I did not put a lining in the sleeves. I also added an exposed zipper to the back for embellishment.
I hope this tutorial was helpful and that you can away inspired. I can’t wait to see your creations!
Best of luck!

Linked to:
http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/link-lump-37.html
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/05/11/sunday-best-linky-party-14.html
http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-diyers-61.html
http://www.persialou.com/2014/05/just-got-back-from-great-trip-to-orange.html
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/117-link-up-your-projects/
http://ladybug-blessings.com/?p=4448
http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/2014/05/too-cute-tuesday-linky-par-tay-188.html
http://justagirlandherblog.com/hit-me-with-your-best-shot-18/

Contact Paper Furniture Update

posted in crafts, diy, home, tutorial by Sara on
There is always something about springtime that makes me what to start fresh– out with old and in with the new. As soon as the warm weather hits I’m ready to throw the dull winter clothes into storage and replace them with bright new colorful ones. I clean out, get organized, and rearrange almost my entire house. It’s all so refreshing! First on my list this year is a bedroom makeover, starting with this dresser update.  
Update your furniture with contact paper: It''s easy, inexpensive, and produces fabulous results // Stripes and Polka Dots
We inherited these drawers from my mom after we got married due to the fact that we were poor college students with hardly any money for furniture. They’re actually those inexpensive Closetmaid drawers, and while they’re nothing fancy, they certainly did the job. Really, we were just happy with anything we could get.
Well, four years later we’re still poor college students with no money for new furniture. Since we didn’t have it in the budget to go out and buy a new dresser, I basically had to work with what I had. My husband kept suggesting we paint them, but to be honest I hate painting furniture (especially laminate furniture). I simply don’t have the patience for it. After some thought, I finally came up with an easy solution to my problem…contact paper! 
Update your furniture with contact paper: It''s easy, inexpensive, and produces fabulous results // Stripes and Polka Dots
You all know how much I love shiny metallics so naturally I went with a faux stainless steal look. It just seems so sleek and sophisticated! The great thing about contact paper is that it is inexpensive, easy to apply, easy to replace, and comes in many different colors and patterns. So, if in a couple of months I decide I want a different look, it would be an easy fix.   
Anyway, here is how I transformed my dresser in just 4 simple steps:
Update your furniture with contact paper: It''s easy, inexpensive, and produces fabulous results // Stripes and Polka Dots
Update your furniture with contact paper: It''s easy, inexpensive, and produces fabulous results // Stripes and Polka Dots
Update your furniture with contact paper: It''s easy, inexpensive, and produces fabulous results // Stripes and Polka Dots
This whole project costed me under $15! I got my contact paper at Home Depot but you can get it on Amazon for a little cheaper. I was going to buy new hardware for it as well but it would have cost me over $25 so I settled for a $4 can of spray paint. Overall, I love how it turned out! It is the first step in my bedroom makeover and I can’t wait till it all comes together. To give you an idea of what I what the end results to look like I’ve created a little inspiration board below (final reveal to come later!). 
Update your furniture with contact paper: It''s easy, inexpensive, and produces fabulous results // Stripes and Polka Dots
– SARA
Linked to:

Link’n Blogs Linky Party {#20}

posted in baby, blogging, crafts, diy, family, food, health, holidays, inspiration, kids, lifestyle, marriage, motherhood, organization, parenting, party, recipe, sewing, thrifted, tutorial by Sara on
Today we’re honored to be guest hosting the Link’n Blogs linky party brought to you by Put a Bird On It. This is our first time ever “hosting” a linky party and we couldn’t be more excited to share with you the inspiration and talent of so many wonderful bloggers! It is actually through linky parties that we have come across some of our favorite blogs and have connected with some amazing people. With that being said, we invite you all to share, connect, inspire, and be inspired yourself!

Welcome to Link’n Blogs {#20} !
A place to link up your projects and make new friends. We are all about visiting links and following new bloggers here at Link’n Blogs. Remember to leave comments and PIN PIN PIN!
Cause sharing is caring. 


**Your links will show up on ALL blogs hosting the link party!**

Interested in guest hosting Link’n Blogs?!
I’ve created a spreadsheet where you can sign up to host a link party! It’s a great way to get to know other bloggers, share a recent post with other party goers and pick the features. Sign up using the link below!

Grab my party button! 
 



*Feel free to post my party button on your blog and say you linked up here!*



I am sharing a feature I did on Warby Parker collaborating with Architecture for Humanity. It’s a good company working towards a good cause!

Warby Parker + Architecture for Humanity






Katelyn is sharing a DELISH recipe for a spin on cheesy pasta. This looks so good! I love that it has bacon in it. Everything is better with bacon!



Be sure to give some love to our guest hosts – you will love their creative blogs!



These two girls have one of the cutest blogs! You’ve got to check out the Pinterest challenge they’re doing. Today, Hanna and Sara are sharing some divine cinnamon rolls – with a twist!






Chastity has a fun lifestyle blog and is momma to an adorable little cowboy! Today, she is sharing a heart filled printable perfect for the upcoming Easter holiday. I love it!





Carolyn’s blog is all about her life as a stay at home mom to her two daughters {which she never thought she’d be!}. And her post this week is about just that.




Here are this week’s features:

My Pick

DIY Felt Flower Headbands by Maddie Moe’s




Katelyn’s Pick

DIY Stenciled Tray by Life in Velvet



Hanna and Sara’s Pick

DIY Geometric Photo Display by The Caldwell Project



Chastity’s Pick

Picnic Basket Tutorial by Over the Apple Tree



Carolyn’s Pick

Bacon, Egg and Avocado Sandwich by Belle of the Kitchen


Fan Favorites


Reversible Easter/Spring Wood Blocks by Something Splendid



Pantry Makeover by View from the Fridge




I know the bloggers featured would love if you would visit their posts and say hello!

All features will be pinned to my Link’n Blogs board. Follow it here!



Follow my blog! If you want to receive an email reminding you about the link party, leave your email when adding your link.
Link to your blog post — not just your blog.
Share the love! Visit the other links and say who sent you.
If you enjoy a link, you can LIKE it {new feature!}
Adding your link gives me permission to feature you on my blog. 
Grab my party button! – See more at: http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2013/12/diy-christmas-scriptures-advent.html#sthash.mPINNYsH.dpuf
Ok, here are the guidelines for the link party:  


Follow your HOSTS and GUEST HOSTS

If you want to receive an email reminding you about the link party, leave your email when adding your link

Link to your blog post — not just your blog.

Share the love! Visit the other links and say who sent you

Adding your link gives me permission to feature you on my blog
Share this link party on social media to help Link’n Blogs grow!

*Don’t be a LINK & RUN partier. Visit a couple links before you and a couple after!*


Happy Linking!

Leave a permalink on your blog back to the party to help our party grow!
*here is the link*
http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2014/04/linkn-blogs-20.html


 

**********************************************


I monitor each link and may delete a link if it is not something I want to promote on my blog. If you see your link was deleted, please email me. I’d be happy to chat about why! Thanks! 

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The Wednesday High-Low Dress for Girls

posted in diy, kids, sewing, tutorial by Hanna on
I wouldn’t consider myself anywhere close to as good a sewer as Sara, but every now and again I like to try my hand at it. It’s usually something that involves a lot of straight lines or is something for one of my girls. I find kids clothes much easier to make since you don’t have worry about perfect fit and the curves that we adult, women have.
It has been awhile since I’ve sewed anything for my daughter, but I’ve been itching to make her a casual, comfy dress with some fun design element to it and to use up all the material I keep buying but never use! Is anyone else guilty of this? And so the Wednesday High-Low dress was created!
For those of you who don’t have a serger or haven’t sewed much this is the perfect dress to make for your wee one. Plus I’m thinking it would even translate well into a dress for yourself. Dare I give that a try?

My daughter was SO excited to get to wear this. While I was sewing it she kept asking to try on her “princess” dress. Everything is princess with this girl!
Now let’s get to the nitty gritty…oh wait, there’ll be none of that as it’s pretty straight forward.
Supply list:
– knit fabric (I used around 1 yard of fabric for my dress to fit a 3 year old.)
– matching thread
– measuring tape/rule
– fabric scissors
– sewing machine
– a dress or shirt that fits your child
– cutting mat (optional)
Fold your knit fabric in half, right sides together. This way anything you cut out you’ll be getting double. Now take a dress or shirt that fits your child and use that to make your measurements for cutting the 2 different sized rectangles shown below.
Rectangle 1 will be the top piece of the dress. To figure out how wide I needed rectangle 1 I took a short sleeved dress that fits my daughter and measured from the end of one sleeve to the other.
Once you have your two sized rectangles cut out at the right measurements you’re ready for the next steps.
Before you gather the bottom rectangle fold it with the side seams together in the middle and cut the high-low part of the dress as shown below.
Now gather the top of rectangle 2 to match the width of rectangle 1 using the gathered stitch you sewed earlier. Pin and sew rectangle 1 to rectangle 2 and finally hem the sleeves, neckline and bottom of the dress by folding under once and sewing with a stretch stitch.
Wallah! You’re finished and now you’re little princess has a cute, new dress to wear.

Linked To:
http://persialou.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-makers-no-9.html

We Did It! Wednesday


http://theblissfulbee.com/work-it-wednesday-no-39/
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2014/03/share-it-link-party-106.html
http://staceyembracingchange.com/2014/03/20/creative-inspirations-linky-party-76/
http://www.lambertslately.com/2014/03/create-it-thursday-46-plus-features.html#more
http://sparklesandastove.com/things-pretty-linky-party-52-features/