Craft Archives - Busy Moms Helper

Craft Lightning: Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft

July 8, 2019 by Danielle 8 Comments

Wow, what an insane couple of months it’s been! I’d say time has flown by…but even that’s an understatement! In just a month, Wonder Woman will be heading to 3rd grade and ALL of my boys will be going to preschool three days a week. Am I excited? Heck Yeah!!!! But there is still a little sadness that the summertime fun is over. Until then, though, here’s a super fun activity for Craft Lightning: Ladybug Bird Feeder Summer Camp Craft! originally shared July 2014

As part of Craft Lightning with The Country Chic Cottage and 30 Minute Crafts, this month’s theme is Summer Camp Crafts. What could be more fun that a super-simple, totally adorable Ladybug Bird Feeder?!

For those that have checked out the Craft Lightning posts before, you know that the rule is they must be able to be completed in 15 minutes or less (not including drying time, of course). So as busy as the summertime is, I’m sure anyone can fit in 15 minutes of fun craft time to make this Ladybug Bird Feeder with their kiddos!

Ladybug Bird Feeder Supplies

Can (#10 works great, or you can do smaller if that’s what you have), cleaned out
Lid to can
Red paper
Black paint
Large googly eyes
Wood stick/peg
Scissors, tape and/or glue
Plastic foam-mesh pieces
Bird seed

Directions

Use your black paint to add dots onto the red paper. When dry, tape or glue it around your can sides.
Cut a large hole in the lid, and put it on the can. Cut or poke a hole in the lid for the wood stick/peg and attach it. Glue the googly eyes onto the top of the face (lid) part.
Cut the foam-mesh pieces into rounded wings for your Ladybug. Attach one to each side.
Fill with bird feed, and enjoy watching the birds come munch!

To check out the other awesome ideas based on this month’s Craft Lightning theme: Summer Camp Crafts….be sure to head over to check them out!!!

Graduation Gift Bottle Set

May 10, 2019 by Danielle 25 Comments

It’s that time of year again. The time when you get lots of announcements of those lucky ducks finally leaving school and heading on to ‘adulthood’. This is all exciting and great, sure, but a problem arises: what gift to give? Well, I’ve got you covered with this fun and stylish Graduation Gift Bottle Set, with Free Printables!

Whether it’s a neighbor friend, childhood buddy, sibling or other relative, this Graduation Gift Bottle Set is totally changeable. Each bottle label has different fun things you can fill the bottle with (unless you feel like leaving it as soda…that’s totally fun, too!).

Here’s the different labels you can switch around:

Congratulations SMARTIE PANTS You did it! – Add Smarties
Your future is looking Bright! – Add Lemon Heads, or other ‘bright’ thing
Hard work will result in positive change! – Add a bunch of coins
You’ve got a Whopper of an adventure ahead of you! – Add Whoppers
Here’s some DOUGH to get you by! – Add some bills, $1, $5, whatever!
Here’s to your sweet success! – Add candy, something sweet (I did Skittles)

Supplies Needed

Free Printables (located at very bottom of this post)
6-pack of Crush Soda
Scissors
Tape or Glue Dots
Treats and/or money to fill the bottles with

Directions

Print off the Free Printables
If you’re not keeping the soda, make sure the bottles are emptied, washed, and dried out completely.
Cut out the Printables. Tape or Glue them to their appropriate place on the bottles and box.
Fill with the treats and/or money you choose.
Give your gift!!!

This post is part of the Craft Lightning fun by The Country Cottage Chic and 30 Minute Crafts. Go check out other amazing crafts you can do in 15 minutes or less!

Graduation Gift Bottle Set Free Printables

More Graduation Gift Ideas & Bottle Sets…

Mother’s Day Flower Photo Gift

May 6, 2019 by Danielle 2 Comments

I can’t believe it’s almost Mother’s Day – but I guess that happens with every holiday lately! Totally creeps up on me, then it’s gone in a blink. Luckily, this Mother’s Day Flower Photo Gift is adorable, fun and super simple to make! Plus, it’s the type of gift she’ll want to hold on to for a long time to come!

Mother's Day Flower Photo Gift / by BusyMomsHelper.com for ThirtyHandmadeDays.com

Originally shared on Thirty Handmade Days in April 2015.

Growing up, I thought that I had to go all-out for Mother’s Day, spending tons of money and loads of time creating something amazing. Guess what? It never meant as much as the simple things; things that held more memories or sentiment to them! Now that I’m a mom, I totally understand this! Now we focus on really special gifts that don’t take a ton of time or money….but that she’ll want to keep for a long while. This Mother’s Day Gift is perfect for that, so let’s get started!

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Supplies

The free printable templates (found below)
Cupcake wrappers in color of choice (I use 5-8 per pic for layering/thickness)
Photo to cut for center
Tape (double-sided preferably)
Photo frame, if desired

Directions

Print out one of the Free Printable Templates by clicking these links: Tall Straight Stem in Pink or Blue. Sideways Stem in Pink or Blue. Each of these print 8×10 in size.
Use your tape (either double-sided, or fold over one-sided) to secure the first cupcake liner to the top of the flower stem.
Insert the rest of the liners one-by-one, using tape below to stick it to the bottom liners. I like to make sure the ridges don’t fit together perfectly, to add some fun dimension and texture to it.
Use the center circle of the liners to trace out your photo, then cut it out and tape to the center of the top liner.

That’s it! Now you have a beautiful Mother’s Day Photo Gift for her to display for all to see! A little tip – I found it easier to tape the liners on AFTER putting the print into a frame. If you want, you can put an initial or name in one of the corners to make even more personalized!

My kids had a lot of fun choosing their cupcake liner colors, so even THAT showed a bit of their personality in each framed print!

I know my mom is going to LOVE these special gifts from her grand-babies! Honestly, these would make a fun craft just for Spring, and a gift for anyone, really – gotta love flexibility, right?

Who would YOU give these special Flower Photo Gifts to?

Check out these other great posts that would be PERFECT for Mother’s Day!

Sweet Sunshine Sunflower – a little sweet with a lot of pretty!

Give her something EXTRA special with this Give Extra Gift Idea!

Paper Plate Easter Baskets

March 29, 2019 by Danielle 6 Comments

Who’s ready for this month’s Craft Lightning post? I sure am, and this month the theme is recycled crafts. I wanted something totally customizable, super cute and give it an Easter twist. There were plenty ideas to choose from, but I really wanted to share these Paper Plate Easter Baskets!

Everyone has paper plates around, right? I find uses for them all the time, and mostly it’s not for holding foods! They work perfectly for make this baskets, and you can switch it up to go along with any holiday or occasion…even just for fun! The best part about them is how quick and simple they are to make….just a few minutes from start to finish!

Supplies

Round Paper Plate
Tape
Ribbon
Scissors
Stuff for Inside

Directions

Cut two slits on opposite sides of the plate. Go in until the cuts are past the ‘ruffled rim’ edge.
Fold along the bottom of the cuts all the way across on both sides, so there’s a crease.
Fold right along the cuts across, bringing the sides up. Have the little cut ‘side’ folded behind.
Tape the two sides securely.
You’re done with your basket! Fill as desired 🙂

I filled mine with some fake grass, then some baskets have Easter Eggs inside.

In others, I put some wax paper and then a bunch of my Dad’s Healthier Cookies. The average cookie is the PERFECT size to fit in a row inside these fabulous baskets!

I also added ribbon on the outsides for a fun little POP of color! Pretty pastels in green and purple just shout SPRING to me! I’m letting my kiddos color the white part of the plates to create their own, unique ones to take to a couple friends because, well, why not?

What would you put in YOUR paper plate basket?

Now don’t forget to go see all of the other amazing recycled crafts joining in this month’s Craft Lightning fun!

More Easter Crafts…

Pirate Growth Chart

February 25, 2019 by Danielle Leave a Comment

My boys are really into Jake & The Neverland Pirates right now. Well, for like the past YEAR. They sing the songs all day long, they call each other one of the characters, and are always fighting Hook the ‘Sneakety Snook’. Way cute! (originally shared January 2014)

I’ve been wanting to do a growth chart for awhile, and have stressed about it more and more since my kids are already growing so much. I’m going to miss all their little growth spurts! So what better for them than an adorable (yet simple and budget friendly) DIY Pirate Growth Chart?!

Supplies

6′ tall board – $13

Small canister stain – $8 (I used English Chestnut)

Small canister sealant – $8 (I used clear semi-gloss)

Vinyl for letters and lines – $8

Vinyl for Pirate shapes – $4

Directions

Take your plain board, lay it on something you don’t mind painting on. Choose an area with good ventilation, too, since the stain and sealant smell STRONG. You’ll also need to leave it in place for awhile to dry, so keep that in mind.

Apply the stain according to canister directions. I did two coats on mine. Be sure to allow it to dry completely before adding the sealant, then after applying the sealant before handling.

I then starting adding the vinyl. I chose to do bone shapes for my FOOT lines, so started by measuring and applying those. I did start with 1′ six inches from the bottom, since I’ll attach the board to the wall six inches off the ground.

Then the ‘fun’ part, measuring out each inch. Tiny vinyl lines are not my friends!

There’s your ‘almost’ complete board!

Now you have the option of applying fun Pirate shapes and fun things: skulls, swords, flags, ships, steering wheels, bandanna caps. Or phrases like ‘Ahoy Matey’ or ‘Yo Ho Yo Ho’ or ‘Walk the Plank’. Have fun with it!

I can’t wait to track my little Pirate Mateys on this fun growth chart!!!

Gift Idea: Cute Treat Tubes

December 15, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

A couple years ago my mom and I saw these adorable little Treat Tubes at a craft show, and couldn’t wait to make some of our own! It took some practice getting the shapes just right, but finally they turned out just like we’d hoped, and our friends LOVED them!

Cute Treat Tubes with Free Printable Patterns / Busy Mom's Helper

You don’t have to spend hours figuring out the shapes, because I’ve included a printable for your to print and cut out – then all you have to do is trace and assemble!

Supplies Needed

Thin, long tubes to fill with the treats. I got packs of them from a Stampin’ Up consultant

Hole Punch (helps with the small circle shapes)

Glue or 2-sided tape

Googly Eyes

Elf: Green paper, Red paper, Skin-colored (peach/pink) paper, White paper (or puff), Ribbon

Santa: White paper, Red paper, Skin-colored paper

Reindeer: Dark brown paper, Light brown paper, Red paper

Snowman: Blue paper, Dark brown paper, Green paper, Orange paper, Black paper, Ribbon

Directions

Print out this pattern sheet. Some you will use for multiples, but I only included them once per sheet. Cut out (preferably on card stock) and use as stencils.

For the squiggly circle (2nd from right on top row) – you can use a tiny puff instead.

For the Elf:

Cut out the shapes as follows……

Green on bottom, then red

Then skin-colored

The ears tuck behind the peach, then the nose in center.

Draw a smile, add the eyes, ribbon and squiggly circle or puff. Attach to the tube – DONE!

For Santa:

Cut out the shapes as follows. For the white I used a patterned paper, to make it more fun.

First assembly….

Then this – VIOLA! That’s one sexy Santa Claus!

For the Snowman:

Cut out the shapes as follows. I used patterned for the blue (different ones) for fun. The black dots are simply hole punched – keep it simple

His assembly is probably the easiest….But he’s sure one adorable Snowman!

For the Reindeer:

I’m so sorry, but I did forget to take a photo of the reindeer pieces. What you will need for him:

Two ornament shapes in Dark Brown

Two antler shapes in Light Brown

One nose shape in red

Two ear shapes in Dark Brown

Insert the ears and antlers between the 2 ornament shapes, then the nose, eyes and draw a smile on front. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!!! Ya, you know you just sang along with that 😉

When you’ve got them all done, just add cocoa and marshmallows, or treats like M&Ms….give and enjoy!!!

The Ultimate Free Christmas Printable Round Up

December 1, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

I couldn’t do a Christmas in July week without doing an AMAZING list of the most adorable, fun and elegant prints I could find, so here y’all go: The Ultimate Free Christmas Printable Round Up!

There’s a TON of beautiful, artistic and down-right funny prints on this list, and they’re all FREE! Yup, I’m a lover of free things, especially ones that will help with my holidays! So without further ado, check out this Free Christmas Printable list!

So many great ideas in this list of 20 Free Christmas Printables from DIY Candy

I had so much fun making these 12 Days of Christmas Printable Tags last year!

You can’t go wrong with this amazing list of 100 Free Printable Gift Ideas for Christmas from Craftionary

I really need this When you stop believing…from That’s What Che Said, for my Wonder Woman who is starting to doubt!

I love chalkboard printables, and these Free Christmas Chalkboard Printables from Mother Thyme are simply lovely!

Look at all the fun prints in this Round-Up of Free Christmas Printables from Pampers, Play Dates and Parties

This Holiday Cheer Printable from Today’s Creative Blog has such cute colors, and love the words she chose to use!

I’m for sure printing off this Jesus is the Reason for the Season Free Printable from How To Nest For Less for my mantel (or on top of my piano) this year! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

So yes, this Free Printable Christmas Planner from I’m An Organizing Junkie is from 2011…but you could still make it work! It’s just too cute to not include here 🙂

Seriously, Desiree from The 36th Avenue is such a talented (and super sweet) lady, and I’m loving her Bright Christmas Printables

Oh my gosh, how fun are these 11 Free Christmas Printables from My Blessed Life?! Super fun, I say!

These Christmas Subway Art & Banner from Mod Podge Rocks Blog are the perfect colors for the holidays!

What a simple-yet-fun print, this Eat Drink & Be Merry Printable from Two Twenty One would be a cute holiday item for my office this year!

My kids loved this Dear Santa: Kids Wish List Printable last year, and I’m hoping to put off this year’s lists at least a few more months!

Sassy Sites has More Than Thirty-Five Adorable & Free Christmas Printables that are just fabulous!

Tutu Bow Holder

April 16, 2018 by Danielle

I now have TWO girls in my family, not including myself. And three boys (four if you count their dad, who’s a kid often as well!). Ya, there’s quite a bit of testosterone at our home. Now, I’m not a very girly person. Feminine, yes, but not much for the frilly, pink butterflies, multiple purses and closet full of shoes type. That being said, my girls do tend to be a bit more into things like hair bows, ribbons, sparkles and such, so I get to enjoy the fun frills and butterflies of motherhood, not just the Hot Wheels and airplanes. And, of course, adorable girly crafts like this Tutu Bow Holder! Originally published January 2014

Tutu Bow Holder Tutorial / Busy Mom's Helper

One of the ‘girly’ things I do like are cute little hair bows. Seriously, I was stocking up on all sorts of these before Black Widow even had enough hair to put a piggy in! Now that she’s 11, she isn’t as into bows as she once was. It’s often headbands (specifically Mavi Bandz). On occasion, though, she allows me to stick one of the cute clips in her hair. Plus, Songbird really loves her hair bows. One problem we have is, they’re often just stuffed in a drawer in their bathroom. Hard to get to, harder to sort through to find the right one.

That’s where this adorable Tutu Bow Holder comes in! I was intimidated at first, but then found that Trisha over at Momdot has the absolute BEST tutorial! I loved her very clear and precise instructions. So for the complete tutorial, go over to her tutorial.

Here’s some photos from the one I made Black Widow years ago…

She picked out all her own colors and supplies. It will fit along quite well with her room makeover that’s currently taking place (first room makeover/remodel in our new house – so excited!!!)

I’m so excited how this turned out!

Here’s the one we recently made for my little cousin’s birthday!

Don’t forget to go see Trisha over at Momdot to get the Tutorial!

90 Graduation Gift Ideas

April 9, 2018 by Danielle

I cannot BELIEVE it’s the end of the school year already. Seriously…WHERE HAS THIS YEAR GONE?! Luckily, none of my own kiddos are even close to graduation (ya, MANY years before that!), but I do have one of my fabulous sisters graduating high school and moving on to college life. CRAZY! I was frantic trying to get a good gift for her, and came across so many fabulous ideas! If you’re struggling to find something, check out this list of over 90 Graduation Gift Ideas! (post originally published May 2014)

Now, if you want to know what I DID finally decide to get my little sis, check out this Graduation Gift Bottle Set! I love how it turned out. And you can nab the Free Printables to make your own!

Now on to the FABULOUS ideas!

This DIY Chalkboard & Tassel Graduation Frame from My Sister’s Suitcase is so simple and cute! What a perfect way for your graduate to display their grad photo!

I love this oh-so-tasty Celebrate S’More Graduation gift with Free Printable Tags from Parties & Patterns.

What a great personalized gift – a letter block with photos and sayings from The Little Hobbit!

So maybe I’m a little biased because my high school colors were blue and yellow, but this display and Graduation Round-up over at Skip to my Lou is darling!

You all probably know that I’m a SUCKER for cute and FREE printables, so this 2014 Printable Graduation Money Card Holder from Thirty Handmade Days is definitely a keeper!

Okay, so I know this is technically a ‘birthday’ post from She’s Crafty…but what a FABULOUS idea for giving money in a fun way!

We had a blast with these Star Wars Graduation Bottle Set Prints!

Aren’t these Graduation Cap Toppers from Lil’ Luna adorable? LOVE THEM!

Especially nice for the root beer-loving graduation are these Awesome Graduate Free Printables from Leslie Miller.

Too many cute choices from these 15 Handmade Graduation Gifts over at I Heart Naptime!

If I were graduating, I would totally love one of these Crafty Ways to Give Money from Good Housekeeping.

Another clever-and-cute way to give money from Larcie Bird!

You just can’t go wrong with these 40 Fabulous Graduation Gift Ideas from How Does She?!

Yes, another one from Lil’ Luna, but she just has so many wonderful graduation ideas! Head over and learn How to Make Money Leis!

Maybe it’s because I’m in love with purple, and cupcakes….but these Graduation Cupcakes with Fondant Diploma Toppers from Framed Frosting are adorable! Almost too good to eat….ALMOST 😉

Want to give something ‘inspiring’ for your graduate? Check out this Graduation Gift to Inspire from Create it Go!

Good luck just choosing ONE idea from this fabulous list of 24 Graduation Crafts & Recipes from Family Corner.

Not only a perfect gift, but this Graduation Mason Jar Money Gift from Creative Capital B is a wonderful use of spare change!

‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’! I love that book, and I LOVE this Free Graduation Gift Printable from my friend Claire over at A Little Claireification!

What graduate wouldn’t love some delicious cookies in a cute jar? And don’t forget to add the adorable Smart Cookie Free Printable from Crazy Little Projects!

Okay, just ONE MORE from Lil’ Luna, but I couldn’t resist these cute (and easy!) Money Cupcake Toppers!

Minecraft Birthday Party

February 16, 2018 by Danielle

My twins turned 5 this month. FIVE! Ya, I’m still in shock a bit. When we started talking about what type of birthday party they want, it was a definite MINECRAFT answer from both of them! No surprise there, of course. Although this was a few weeks ago, I’m finally getting around to sharing our Minecraft Birthday Party!

One thing that I was really excited about is that there’s SO MUCH you can do with a Minecraft party, from the food, to the decor, to the activities…really, it’s crazy how many possibilities you have to work with! I really like not going broke for a 5-year-old birthday party, though, so I kept it really budget friendly and as stress-free as possible.

Minecraft Invitations

I’m really a fan of making our own invitations because 1. usually I can get them cheaper and 2. they’re totally fun! I made sure to include some Creepers, Steve? and his pup, even an Enderman! There’s a spot at the top of the text area you can write who’s celebration it is, then all the spots for details!

Print off the invitation HERE, cut it out and tape/glue the blank sides together. Then just fold on the designated lines, fill in your details, and pass them out. Now get ready to Par-Tay!

Minecraft Decorations

We had a ton of fun creating the setting for our party! Our awesome backdrop was a huge hit with the kiddos, and was really simple to put up! All you do is get some square plates in 2-3 shades of green and some black. Lay them out on a table or the floor, creating your Creeper pattern.

Turn them over, being careful to keep them in the patter you’re wanting, and tape all along the plate backs. Across, down, and diagonal.

See how easy it picks up? Then just use little nails or something at the top corners and one in the middle to hold it onto your wall. Easy and fabulous!

On our tablescape we used these fun Minecraft paper/box sets to really make the place look like the game. They come in sheet patterns that you just pop out and fold together. Great activity idea! I also nabbed this Grass tablecloth, which worked perfect!

I hung balloons and put Creeper faces or Enderman faces on them in our kitchen area and at the front door. For the favor bags I just got simple green baggies and taped black construction paper Creeper faces on the front!

I found these awesome swords and pick-axe and the kids LOVED them! Perfect for the decor, then you can use them for a game of ‘fight the Creeper’, then the birthday kid can keep them afterwards. We HAD to get a diamond sword version along with the iron, since my family is kind of obsessed with this game and it just ‘topped it off’.

There’s also PLENTY of Minecraft items HERE you can check out, from glowing wall torches, to pins, to spinning Wither and more!

Like the fabulous torches? Get the Tutorial HERE

Minecraft Food

Seriously, you could go even more crazy here, too! Here’s some of the delicious snacks and drinks we served up…

Creeper Juice & Creeper cups (green cups with marker faces)
Gold Brick boxes (also good for favors) with Coal (chocolate)
Sticks (pretzels)

Water (blue jello)
Lava (red jello)
TNT (licorice bits)
Dirt & Grass (pudding with green frosting)

Bread (biscuits with pizza toppings)
Redstone (rice krispies with black/grey food coloring and red candy chunks)
Diamonds (rice krispies with black/grey food coloring an blue candy chunks)
Creeper Cake (with green/white/black fondant squares to make a face)

I got the fun Free printable food name place cards from Catch My Party.

Minecraft Games & Activities

Like I said, you could play ‘fight the Creeper’ with the foam swords, or go ‘digging’ through some boxes with the pick-axes. You could also create your own sword with this fun Free Printable Sword Stencil HERE.

There’s also a Creeper Pinata – Get the Tutorial HERE

My boys seriously LOVED their party, and everyone had a wonderful time. We were also able to keep most of the decor for the kids to enjoy for a long while yet!

Don’t miss out on more Minecraft Fun…

Ruffled Tree Skirt

December 7, 2017 by Danielle

Oh. My. Gosh – this skirt was a LOT of firsts for me, and can I just tell you I’m SO IN LOVE with it!!! I’ve always wanted a Ruffled Tree Skirt, and now I can make one anytime I want! Originally shared December 2013.

DIY Ruffled Tree Skirt / Busy Mom's Helper

It turned out better than I had hoped, and actually ended up being a lot simpler than I originally planned (once I stopped TRYING to do it the hard way)! If you couldn’t tell by now, I love Blue and Silver Christmas. Don’t know why, it’s just B-E-A-U-tiful to me. Love. It.

Now, this tutorial is based on how I did MY skirt – you may want different sizes, pattern, materials, etc. Change it based on what YOU want, but I can only write from my experience with the one I made. I wanted a big skirt, so my measurements are all based on 52″-ish skirt.

Supplies Needed

Sewing Machine/thread OR Hot Glue (lots of it)

Fabric – amounts will vary based on your pattern and TYPE of fabric (see Step 6)

Good Scissors

Fabric Pen (I used a normal pen)

Fabric Measuring Tape

Ruler or Yard Stick

Directions

#1: Take a base fabric (flannel, cotton, scrap – it won’t show). Mark your center and pin the measuring tape there, then tie a pen to the 26″ mark on your measuring tape. Carefully draw a circle evenly (as much as possible) 26″ from the center all around.

#2: Using your Ruler or Yard Stick, draw a line from the center all the way to the edge, doing 90 Degree angles all around. Mark a noticeable X in the middle of the circle.

#3: Now mark 3″ out from the X in the center, doing a large 3″ circle all around the center.

#4: From the X in the center again, do a circle 7″ out. Then 11″. Continue, adding 4″ every circle until you’re to the edge – your last row may not be 4″.

#5: On one of your lines from the center to the edge, cut straight in. This will be where your skirt opens. Now cut out that 3″ circle in the very middle – this is where it will be around your tree bottom.

#6: This is where it gets a bit tricky and ‘guessy’. How much fabric you use will depend ENTIRELY on your pattern and what TYPE of fabric. For example, the dark blue I used ruffled more than the silver, so I had to use more to go further. Here is what I used on my skirt, using the fabrics and pattern I did. Measurements are what I CUT them, so PRE-RUFFLING

Center Row: 1 – 6″ x 52″ strip of dark blue

2nd Row: 2 – 6″ x 52″ strips of silver

3rd Row: 4 – 6″ x 52″ strips of dark blue

4th Row: 5 – 6″ x 52″ strips of silver

5th Row: 6 – 6″ x 52″ strips of dark blue

6th Row: 5 – 6″ x 52″ strips of clear/sparkly silver

Cut your strips – keeping in mind you may need more/less, depending on how they ruffle.

I did allow a margin of error when I cut mine – and also keep in mind if you’re going to hem them. I just did a cross stitch.

Note: You do NOT have to use expensive fabrics. I just chose these fabrics for my own. You could do it just great with cotton, flannel, sheets….make the skirt how YOU want!

#7: I did a cross stitch around all of my strips. You could also hem them (keep enough room when cutting). Your choice.

#8: Now for the gathering. I used a Gathering Foot on my sewing machine – first time ever! LOVED it! You could also do a basting stitch. Another option is to just HOT GLUE the pieces to the large circle piece, gathering yourself as you glue it on. I didn’t do this, but it’s an option.

#9: Now you sew (or hot glue, if you choose) the pieces to your large circle base. START AT THE OUTSIDE!!! Pin a few pieces at a time (VERY difficult if you try to do a large row all at once), then sew (or glue) them on…..

……Continue until the row is complete, going clear to the other end. If it hangs over the last edge a bit, that’s perfectly fine.

#10: Continue with all of the other rows, working your way from the outside towards the inside.

If it hangs off too much, like more than 1/2-1″, trim it off.

#11: When you’ve done all of the rows, take the edges (the long line you cut earlier towards the center, where it will open and wrap around the tree) and hem them under.

And you’re done!

Note: I left the little gathering edge in the center, because I liked the look. You can always hem that, or wrap a ribbon/fabric piece around it, if you’d like.

Seriously, I absolutely LOVE my skirt – the colors, the ruffles, the size – it’s perfect (for me)! I also love how much EASIER it was than I originally thought – I should’ve made this years ago!

Make Your Own Stocking Advent Calendar

December 2, 2017 by Danielle

Wow, this project is a bit late getting up today, but there’s a really good reason (I’ll explain at the end). Just goes to show that even us bloggers, who may appear to have it all together online, are as much a mess as anyone else…possibly more so! I’ve been really excited to share this tutorial on how to Make Your Own Stocking Advent Calendar, and hope you enjoy it!

Now, I ended up doing more than one, so please don’t be confused if the pictures show different fabrics. ALL the tutorial steps are done from the same stocking advent calendar, so it shouldn’t be hard to follow these simple steps. Our kids love it when we pull ours out at Christmas, especially because we do put treats in ours for each day. You can do small toys, notes with a special surprise or activity for them, or whatever you want that works for your family! The point is, it’s a really beautiful and fun holiday decoration, plus gives the kids a way to count down the days!

Supplies Needed

1/2 yard Main color fabric (I’ve used felt, fleece and a silky one, you choose) – in the pics it’s the blue or the red
1/2 yard Secondary color fabric for the pockets – in the pics it’s the silver or green
1/4 yard lining (I use just a plain white, cheap fabric)
1/4 yard Quilt batting or thin foam lining
Sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, etc.
Ribbon for a hanging loop
Bell that fits into the little pockets
Ribbon/rope/cord to hang the bell
Ribbon for the trim along the top flap, if desired
If you don’t want to/can’t sew the numbers on, you can get iron-on numbers or use puffy paint (I don’t recommend the last option, but it’s up to you)

Cut out your fabric

Cut out your stocking shape…a total height of about 20″ and a width (toe to edge) of about 13″. This allows for the seams. What you will need of this shape: 2 Main Fabric, 1 batting/foam, 2 liners.
Cut out the top over-flap….it’s one piece, folded on the fat edge (toe side of the stocking). Total height about 4″ on the low side, about 6.5″ on the tall side. Total length of 26.5″. What you will need of this shape: 1 Main Fbric, 1 batting/foam, 1 liner.
Cut out your rows, about 11″ long and 2.5″ tall, this allows for seams.

The Pockets

Sew a little hem along the top and bottom of each row, as well as the ends.
Either sew on your numbers now (you’ll need 4 pockets on the top 4 rows, 5 on the bottom two rows….leave more room on the two sides to allow for seams and such. If you’re ironing or using puffy paint, you can wait until the end.
Sew each row onto the front Main fabric piece. JUST the bottom, since the top needs to stay open.
Then sew the edges up the side of the stocking, so they don’t fold over funny.
Going from the center, pin where you will sew DOWN the stocking, creating each little pocket. Keep in mind the edges will still be used in a seam, so allow room for that.

Put the Stocking together

To sew the front and back of the stocking together, put the layers ‘inside out’….so the two white liner pieces will be on the outside. The foam/batting goes between the FRONT main piece and one of the lining pieces, and the other main fabric goes on the back.
Pin and sew all the edges for a pretty seem (once it’s right-side out it’s pretty).
Making sure you keep the top OPEN (the stocking will actually be open at the top, so you can put things inside if you want) also hem the top edges around.
Sew together the top ‘flap’ pieces….main fabric, then batting/foam, then lining. Hem the top edges really nicely, then sew the two side ends together. So the pieces would stay together nicely, I quickly stitched along the bottom. If you’re going to add the trim to the flap edge, you’ll CAREFULLY fold the ribbon (so the middle edge) is sticking out between the main fabric and lining, then the edges sticking inside. It’s a bit tricky, but looks better. I don’t have photos of the trim, but will try to add some soon.
You’ll then sew the bottom of the flap piece to the top of the stocking, as shown in these photos… The stocking is inside out, then put together at the top like this. When you fold the flap over, it will look like this. And the inside will look like this.

Finishing touches

Take a loop of ribbon and just sew it inside the stocking, so it hangs near the top edge, as shown.
Also sew in one end of the rope/ribbon/cord for the bell. Attach the other end to the bell, making sure the entire thing can reach the bottom pockets on the stocking.
If you didn’t sew on the numbers, now you can iron them on, or use puffy paint.

THIS IS WHY I HAD ISSUES TODAY: I tried the puffy paint on this beautiful silver and blue Stocking Advent Calendar. It looked terrible….and we accidentally spilled some on one of the pockets so it smeared and looks AWFUL! I went to quickly remake that stocking, since I had enough fabric and such anyway….and my sewing machine decided to break. Until I can get that repaired, no ‘finished’ pics of the pretty silver/blue stocking 🙁

Having used various fabrics, I decided I prefer the felt/fleece best. It doesn’t slide around and wrinkle like the other shiny stuff. Go with what YOU prefer, though! We love our stocking, and can’t wait to get started on it in just over a week….so fun!