Halloween Decor and Invitations

 I had so much fun with Halloween this year. Not only did we end up having a costume party, we went all out with (my type of) Halloween decor.
I couldn't find a font I loved for the invitations so I made them by hand. Crazytown, I know. I had gotten these envelopes not knowing what we would use them for at Artco (in Rexburg). They were perfect!!!

 I had two different kinds of envelopes and ribbons.

 Food table. I borrowed some decor from Laura Black for the party.

 This painting is so perfect for Halloween. Just creepy enough. I sprayed some cattails black and they looked so great! Love the ravens always and pumpkins. Some potion bottles that Todd and Jen made.

 Love these flying bats.

 We got a little taxidermy alligator and put a fake hand inside.

 Every surface was spooky. Even in the bathroom we had some decorations.

 Front porch.

Pinata. I was so pleased with how it turned out. I like the silver and black paint. The structure was pretty difficult and we only got to hit it twice, but it looked great!!

infant circle skirt

Okay, so I am modeling this skirt on my leg. I wish I had a picture of it on my little niece, for whom it was made. I used this tutorial. Super easy, super cute!

striped knit cowl

Okay, so I am a little obsessed about cowls and scarves. I love keeping my neck warm! I decided I wanted a super soft knit one. Actually, my inspiration is a funny story, so I will share it. Last year my husband sent me to Hawaii for ten days because I was so miserable to live with he knew I needed a break. It was the most perfect, inpiring, life-changing, soul searching, rejuvinating trip ever! On the way home (it is February, by the way) I was freezing. I hadn't packed many warm clothes, but all the ones I had packed were on my body. I needed a scarf! During a layover I grabbed my pajama pants out of my suitcase and I tied them around my neck for a super comfy scarf!
So, inspired by how comfy my PJ pants were as a scarf, I went to go get some soft fabric to make one. I made 3 in a matter of 10 min (there is really nothing to it...one straight stitch). The other two I gave as gifts to ladies I HOPE enjoy them as much as I do. Also, when I bought the fabric the lady that sold it to me said that she had never seen uglier fabric in the 6 years she had been working there. I consider that a success!

Little boys cloth tie

 I am utterly horrified that I haven't posted since August. I guess there have been some projects being made, though not as many as I would have liked. I thought that once the kids (all 4!) were in school I would have oodles of time. Turns out, it is filled before I can blink.
Here is a little boys tie that I made out of some fun fabric that I had. Love how it turned out. Of course, it would be cuter on a model but my little guy was not coopertive.

reversable baby skirt

Made big sister a skirt, so wanted a matching one for baby sister. Decided to make it reversable. Not my best work, but it looks adorable on Finley, so I am happy.

Purple zip pouch

 I have made a gazillion of these pouches. Since I am currently obsessed with purple, I decided I needed a purple for myself.
I also put a fun floral print inside. I didn't mean for it to look Hawaiian, but everytime I opened it when I was in Hawaii it felt right.

Christmas gifts- another fabric necklace

We only have one sibling per year to give gifts to in my family. It was so fun to find gifts for my brother's family this year. This necklace I made for my sister in law. I don't know how I feel about it. I guess it would look cute on some people. I don't like it on me, but my SIL is super cute and could pull it off. I hope she likes it.
The other thing I made for my nephews was a tent that fits over their table, making an instant fort inside. I already wrapped and sent said item without taking a picture. I hope to get a picture when it is in it's home, in use. I made it from old sports sheets. I hope it is loved.

Twirly skirt with pockets

 Found this skirt from Matilda Jane clothing. Also, I pinned it on my Sewing Clothing board on Pinterest. It is so adorable. I love the pockets. I nearly couldn't contain myself. I HAD to make it immediately! Luckily I had some fabric!

 I started out taking tons of pictures, planning on doing a tutorial. Well, I was very sure several times during the process that I had ruined the skirt and it wouldn't be savable, so I scrapped the tutorial idea.

 But it worked out. I want to make another one soon. If it turns out easier than this one, I will post the tutorial. Maybe one in fall colors. I was trying to convice Zoe to let me make her one. I think a ten-year-old could pull it off in the right colors, and some chunky tights? Don't you think?

Birthday Banner (girl version)

Since Zoe's birthday was coming up, I decided I needed to make a girl version of this boy birthday banner that we have enjoyed having up around the boy's birthdays. It makes the house feel festive and fun. Not the greatest picture, but you get the idea.

Fabric Necklace

A friend was making a prototype of this necklace (following this tutorial) for a Super Saturday project, so we figured it out together yesterday. It was so cute that I came home and had to make one. 
I didn't have any yellow felt so I backed it with a royal blue that I liked at the time, but am wondering about, now.
Let me just state, I could never have enough felt. I would love a lifetime supply of beautiful wool felt in every color. Then I wouldn't have to settle on a "maybe will work" color. mmmmm, birthday maybe? Along with a new camera that doesn't wash everything out with it's flash.

satin hair flower

 To go with Lydia's new dress I made a hair flower. I made two and put one on the belt of the dress. I did her hair in a waterfall braid, ending in a bun. I think it looked really pretty.

I didn't follow a tutorial, though I think I have seen one before. I just cut circles of fabric that was left from the skirt. Then I held the edges by a flame and they sealed and curled. Then I put some silver beads in the center.

Reupholstered Chair! Finally!

Before: After:

Thank goodness for photographs being so forgiving (at least photos of furniture).There are definatly some major issues with this chair, but it looks great here.

I had a lot of help from my friend Jen who finished her chair a little while ago.

I figured out some of the reasons I ran into trouble and am excited to do it right the second time. I have another chair that is a twin to this. I am excited to try again. Hopefully with less trouble this time.