St. Martins Day Tutorial

{This post is brought to you by Stephanie from Toastie Studio}

It makes me sad seeing all the fun Halloween posts in blog land over the last few weeks. So many beautiful costumes made and decorations but in the Netherlands no one really celebrates it.
But we do celebrate St. Martins Day on 11th November!
On St. Martins night kids walk around the neighbourhood with handmade paper lanterns or candles. They knock at your door and sing you a little song about St. Martin in exchange for some candy.

Although St. Martins Day is not celebrated everywhere in the world, I am sharing a little tutorial to make paper lanterns today. You can always use the tutorial to make some lanterns for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
And if you like this printable check with my etsy shop in the coming weeks as I expand into party and celebration printables.

You will need:
Template (download here, includes small and medium template)
Coloured card
Tissue paper
Glue
Decorating materials, this can be what ever you have on hand, pencils, glitter, stickers, felt etc.

Print off the template onto your coloured card stock and cut around the edge and cut the 4 squares out of the panels. Score along the fold lines to make it easier later on.
If you are making the medium lantern, glue the two pieces together so it looks like the small lantern template and keep some scrap card to make the hanging loop.

Cut your tissue paper into squares big enough to cover the cut out panels and glue them into place on the back side of the lantern.

Turn your lantern over and take your decorating materials and make your lantern look super pretty! You can really use anything to decorate it with.

Once you have finished glue the end tab of the lantern to the other side so you get a square.

Then glue each of the tabs on the top two sections all the way around making the lanterns shape.

Now glue on the little handle strip, or use ribbon if you prefer.

In the Netherlands you can buy little sticks with string on one end and an electric candle attached so you can hang them from the stick to go out and sing with. But you can always leave them on the table with an electric candle inside.

NOTE these lanterns are made from paper, do not use a real candle in them as its a fire hazard!!

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6 Things I wish I’d known (or I’m glad I knew) before my mammogram

{This post is brought to you by Salinda from personalitychildrens}

October was breast cancer awareness month, and although it is a little late, Salinda from personalitychildrens has one last post to share on the topic.

6 Things I wish I’d known (or I’m glad I knew) before my mammogram

I had a mammogram today. Nothing crazy is going on, but my obgyn said I needed a baseline screening at my recent check-up. Here’s what I wish I’d known, or that I’m glad someone told me, before today:

1. Some recommendations suggest that women have baseline mammograms at age 35. I always thought it was 40, so my doctor really surprised me when he suggested I get a mammogram. (I’m only 35 29.)

2. The machine is this tall thing with a platform. You stand up, they line you up and smoosh. Why is it important to know you’re standing up? Well, I wear dresses and skirts pretty much all the time. Thankfully, I was in a blouse and skirt today and I only had to remove my top layer. So…no dresses.

3. No deodorant, powders, etc. Thankfully, a friend mentioned this to me last night at church. Apparently these can cause false reads.

4. It really doesn’t hurt. Really. I promise. It is uncomfortable, but for like 3 seconds. Honestly, it was easier than an x-ray at the dentist with those crazy films they put in your mouth that almost gag you. For the record, I did take a preemptive Advil dose.

5. Your mammogram tech is not a radiologist, so she can’t give you any diagnostic info. That said, Lisa (my friendly mammogram tech this morning) was full of information that I did need. She told me when and how I would hear from the doctor’s office. She also told me:

6. “Don’t panic if you get called to come in for more views.” Apparently, “re-dos” are quite common, mainly to establish that the baseline is all clear. Good to know.

So, that’s it. That’s what I’m glad I knew (or wish I’d known) before this morning. Is there something you could add to the list?

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Easy Last-Minute Halloween Party Ideas

Happy Halloween! Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks here. After Christmas, Halloween is probably my favorite holiday to decorate for and celebrate. We started our festivities on Sunday with a little party with our friends. (We wanted an extra night to show off my husband's crazy decorations and fog machine!) For a few weeks before the party, I kept my eyes open for cool, quick ideas (Thanks, Pinterest!). Here are a few of my favorites that I used over the weekend:

Clementine Pumpkins! (From The Princess and The Frog Blog)How cute are these guys?!?

Monster Masks -- Thanks, Sesame Street!

Cemetery Cake (From Family Circle)

(Ran out of time to bake? Modify store-bought cake, cupcakes, or brownies!)

We'll also give bobbing for apples a shot and filled the house with the smell of mulled cider. And, everyone enjoyed the cool witches' brew punch. I love this time of year!

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Halloween Personal Pizzas

Looking for a fun snack for a Halloween party or an easy dinner to serve Halloween night?  These personal pizzas are yummy, cute and simple to make.  Here's what you'll need:

1 recipe of quick pizza dough (see below) - makes ~20 - 4" pumpkins pizzas
Pumpkin cookie cutter, we used a soft grip one from Wilton
pizza or tomato sauce
mozzarella cheese
pepperoni
small paring knife

Directions:
Roll out pizza dough to ~1/4" thick.  Cut with cookie cutter, and transfer to prepared cookie sheet.  Leave a little space between each to allow for the dough to rise and spread while baking.  

Spread each pumpkin shaped piece of dough with sauce and sprinkle which cheese.  Cut a few piece of peperoni into smiles and eyes.  The picture below offers one suggestion for how to cut the peperoni.  Place peperoni pieces on each pumpkin pizza and bake for 5-6 minutes at 450 degrees, or until crust is done and cheese is melted.   

If needed you can carefully reposition eyes or mouths right after they come out of the oven.  Cool on a cooling rack and serve.  They can be made a head of time and warmed in the oven before serving.  Refrigerated biscuits or pizza dough from the freezer section, could also be used. 

Quick Pizza Dough Recipe 

1 pkg. quick rise dry yeast (aka 2-1/4 teaspoons)
1 cup lukewarm water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon honey
2-1/2 cups flour (1 cup wheat + 1-1/2 cups white)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Mix yeast in water in glass measuring cup or small bowl.  In a medium size mixing bowl, combine other ingredients.  Once yeast is dissolved, pour over other ingredients and mix well by hand.  Let sit in bowl 5-10 minute, or use immediately.  Flatten on greased pan.  For pumpkin pizzas, flatten using finger tips on floured counter for cutting.  Add toppings and bake at 450 for 10-12 minutes.

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Introducing Woolly Boo!

Today we introduce you to Selma from Woolly Boo

• what motivated you to start your shop?

Actually, it was my neighbor and a good friend, Rachel. She loves our bedding, and she thought it would be a great fit and a transition from the craft show circuit. This was back in 2009. I had two small kids, and having to travel for craft shows with them was taking it's toll on my sanity.

• what is the story behind your shop name?

The name was actually my husband's idea. We were brainstorming what to name this new business and we wanted to make sure that it has branding capabilities. Unfortunately, all derivatives of wool and baby were already taken. Then he said to call it "boo", because that was my term of endearment for him and our son. I was pregnant with our daughter at that time.

• do you have a favorite Etsy Shop (non-child related)?

A few, actually. I love jewelry by FiligranaGallery and Metalicious, accessories by MontclairMade, stained glass by peaceloveglass, wall decals by WilsonGraphics, home accessories by MaidenLove, and the list goes on and on...

• what surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?

The biggest surprise was how many different people liked our products. And their geographic location. Then it was how much work it takes to network and sell on Etsy. I didn't like that part. It ate up my nights and all my free time with very little effect. However, I have to congratulate Etsy on the new improvements to the search options. It has catapulted us exactly where we should be in search results, and our views/likes/hearts skyrocketed. According to Google Analytics, we get over 500 unique visitors each week, and that is amazing.

• what do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?

Well, selling. We fill a very distinct niche in the baby bedding market, toddler bedding to be exact. And since we offer eco-luxury product, that narrows the market even further. Also, our use of organic wool has some people on the fence, because they are not familiar with the material. All of these melt away once people see our product in person, so we had to take to the road again.

• what's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?

We set out to make the experience of healthy and peaceful sleep available to all children. Our products might require an initial investment, but that is an investment that will pay out long term dividends. Because, there is nothing more wonderful for a parent than knowing their children are sleeping safe and sound. And creating healthy sleep habits for the children will help the children as they get older. This is what our products provide. We have two ingredients: organic wool and cotton. Not too much explaining and definitely no excuses. If you don't like it as it is, than it is not for you.

• how would someone (other then you) describe you?

Assertive, passionate, and hopefully empathetic and caring.

• What music do you have on while you are creating?

That depends on a day. The easiest to write to is classical music, but when sewing I love to listen to a whole range of styles, from hip-hop and R&B to heavy metal and alternative rock. Yesterday it was Mumford & Sons, and today it's Black Eyed Peas. I like good music, so I try not to limit myself to English-speaking artists. Buena Vista Social Club albums are on a regular rotation, as well as Tinariwen.

• what do you do when you aren't working?

All my free time is dedicated to my family, my husband and my kids, just because there is so little of it. The kids are at that amazing age where everything is "why?", and I absolutely love it.

• anything else you'd like to tell us or share?

We would like to say thank you to all the wonderful EtsyKids members who have supported us over the years by making us their favorite and including us in their treasuries. We love the community feeling that has been created and we congratulate everyone, especially the team leadership, on the amazing accomplishments.

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Halloween Wreath DIY Times Two!! by The Sewing Loft

The cooling night air is starting to settle in which means the leaves will soon turn and the fall season will be here soon! To prep for the change of seasons and Halloween I thought it was time to add a wreath to the door. This super simple craft will transform your front door in no time flat! You just need to pick- will you make it spooky or sweet?

This project is for sewers or all levels.

Skill Level- 1 Button

Materials:

• Wreath form (I picked up a 14" straw wreath from my local craft store. $3.99)
• 1/2yard muslin
• Colored Tee's (I used cream, orange & black)
• Straight pins
• Scraps of fabric
• Sewing machine or needle & thread
• Optional- Sequins or buttons

Basic instructions:

1. To cover the wreath form I ripped the muslin into 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" strips. Just clip the fabric at the selvage and rip from side to side. This will create a frayed effect and help create the "mummy" look. (no ironing is needed!)
2. Using straight pins, pin the end of muslin on the back of wreath. (I even left the plastic on mine. This way it will not breakdown from the elements of mother nature!) Wrap the muslin around and around, pin in place.
3. .Repeat until the wreath is covered. (You could use hot glue but I like the option of "reusing" the wreath!)

4. Cut your tee shirts and scraps into strips of 1 1/2" wide. (Note, I made one black strip 3" wide. It created the big flower.) If you would like to use printed woven fabric for this step be sure to fold it in half, wrong sides together and then stitch. This will give you the print on both sides.

5. Using your sewing machine on a basic straight stitch - longest length, stitch down the center of each strip. Be sure not to backstitch and leave long tails at each end.(**If you do not have a machine, this step can be done with a needle and thread.)

6.Pull one thread of long tail to create gathers in each strip.

7. One strip at a time, pin to form at the stitch line. Wrap the strip around center and continue to pin in the center. Do not worry, the fullness from the fabric will hide the pins. When flower is desired size, trim strip and pin down behind fabric.

8. Alternating fabrics, continue to create flowers around form. I applied flowers to the lower portion of the wreath.

9. Once you have applied the desired amount of flowers you can create a "hanger" from the strips of ripped muslin . Just take one strip and create a loop at the top edge. Pin in place at the back of wreath.

Now, if you want to make your wreath a bit more spooky, you can add a spider webs and a few friends.

Materials:

• a few plastic spiders (I used a few rings from last year)
• bits from an old worn out wig (again, from last year)
• spray glitter

1. Cut a few thin sections of the wig from the underside. Tuck the strands in between the flowers. Pin if needed. Wrap the strands under and over until you have desired web. (Note- you can also use a store bought web.)
2. Since my web is black the spiders did not pop. So, I found a can of spray glitter in the art closet and added some sparkle! A few blasts and they were all set. Just simply tuck in place.

So, which one do you like better? Please share photos on my facebook page!

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

Be sure to visit The Sewing Loft and  her creations at:

 Etsy Shop

http://www.thesewingloft.etsy.com/

 Site

http://www.thesewingloft.com/

Blog

http://thesewingloftblog.com/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TheSewingLoftFB

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What Every Breast Cancer Survivor Needs ~shared by GigiCreations

One of our EtsyKids Team members, GigiCreations, shared this post of her volunteer experience at The Little Pink Houses of Hope Retreat who provide breast cancer survivors and their families some much need R& R.  Thank you Stephanie ~ GigiCreations for sharing this wonderful place with us.
 

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A couple of weeks ago, I was given the unique opportunity to volunteer at a Little Pink retreat. This one was held in Nags Head, North Carolina and it was my first trip to the Outer Banks. Little Pink Houses of Hope provides beach retreats for breast cancer survivors and their families. This is an emotionally-charged week with an outpouring of love like you, quite possibly, have never experienced in your life.. seriously. Little Pink has sponsored 7 retreats this year, with plans to offer more in 2012. If you're interested in a domestic mission trip like no other, you can apply to volunteer with them directly on their website.


One of the activity highlights from the week was hang gliding at Jockey Ridge State Park in Kitty Hawk with Kitty Hawk Kites. Amazing day! Seeing these survivors enjoy their families doing things they had yet to experience was sheer delight. We giggled and cried a LOT that evening and loved the gorgeous sunset over the bay in the distance. Truly a day to remember :)
I thought you guys might enjoy seeing our view from Nags Head :) Here are quite a few photos!

The village where the LPHOH Volunstar House was located..

   

See the crab below?

Hiking the sand dune to get started gliding!!

People on another dune looked tiny!

That was ME with a perfect landing, thank you very much!!

It felt really amazing to be out there.. so beautiful.

The instructors carried those gliders back up the dunes over 50x.. I can't imagine doing that all day long!

One of the LPHOH Volunstars with our Kitty Hawk Kites instructors.
studs

Our smallest glider getting locked in.

Take off!!

To infinity and beyond!!!

One of our instructors

Another Volunstar conquering her fear of heights and the unknown.

Sunset over Jockey Ridge

Hope you guys have a super week!!

Hugs,

GigiCreations

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