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creative gift idea: make your own suncatcher

I can’t believe it’s the middle of October and I haven’t told you about all of the cool arts and crafts gifts my daughter received for her birthday. I haven’t even blogged about her art party. I’m a slacker.

First up is this awesome blast-from-the past suncatcher. Do you remember making these when you were a kid? It’s a metal frame that you fill with plastic bits and melt in the oven.

suncatcher

I was a little worried about this project because it says 6+ years, but my daughter did pretty good. We made it together: she dumped the bits into the frame and I used tweezers to corral any stragglers into their proper space. She did get a little frustrated toward the end and we had to take a little break, but all in all, it was a fun project.

She’s really proud of it and it’s hanging in her window.

inspiration: I did a search on pinterest and came up with some really fun ideas for suncatchers. I’m thinking we need to make a wax paper one with some autumn leaves and crayon shavings.

p.s. I’m writing about this because I think it’s cool and my daughter loved it. I have no affiliation with any catchers of sun. I’m just spreading some creative love.

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talking about better role models for our children

Since I wrote “Which came first: dumb t-shirts or dumb attitudes?” I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, reading, watching and writing — trying to figure out how I’m going to help my child become a smart, successful, confident adult.

I’ve also been trying to sort out my feelings for this blog post all week and they are all over the place. There are so many things that make me angry and frustrated, but based on the comments on the t-shirt post, I know I’m not alone. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

We know these attitudes exist and have strong opinions about them, so awareness isn’t the issue for us. Plus, there are plenty of blogs out there already focusing on that. Instead, I’d like to focus on the good.

Here’s a simple analogy: One of the ways to rid your lawn of weeds is not to kill them with poison, but to plant more grass seed. More grass plants will thicken the lawn and prevent weeds from sprouting.

Too many stories about hope, courage, strength, bravery, determination, faith, cooperation and kindness are getting lost in today’s world. I want to celebrate these stories, these people and their work. Our children need better role models than what they are getting.

I’d like to start by talking about the three women who won the Nobel Peace Prize, but they deserve their own post. The documentary “Pray the Devil Back to Hell,” which focuses on Leymah Gbowee’s work toward peace in Liberia, airs next Tuesday on PBS. I plan to have something written up by then. You can view some powerful clips from the movie here.

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my creative space

my creative space

This week I crocheted a little flower bookmark for a friend. I mailed it to her “just because.”

I wish I did things like this more often, but I tend to get wrapped up in my own little world. I’m going to try and change that.

What about you?

More creative spaces here.

updated to add: This is my standard bookmark pattern. I replaced the ornament with “Daisies” from Crochet Embellishments. There’s a similar pattern online here.

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going back to kindergarten

volunteering at daughter's school

I knew when my daughter started kindergarten that I wanted to be involved with her school. I checked the PTO committees and even went to a meeting, but nothing clicked. I also looked at the part-time positions available on the school website. Still nothing.

Then, a few weeks after school started, volunteer forms came home. Yes. This was something I could do. Something I wanted to do. I signed up to help in the classroom and library.

Today was my second time in the classroom. I’m just doing little things like math folders, cutting out trees for a Fall project, and helping with numbers and letters. Slowly I’m putting faces to all of the names my daughter talks about at home. I even got to tag along when she went to reading group.

I remember talking about volunteering with a friend one day and she replied: “Do it! Even if you have to take time off from work. You won’t regret it.” I’m starting to understand her enthusiasm. In a few weeks, I’ll be in the library helping kindergartners choose books. I just know it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Have you volunteered at your child’s school? Share your experiences in the comments!

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this moment

this moment

breaking the rules with a few words today: It’s hard to tell in this photo, but my daughter has her sketchbook on her lap. She carried it around with her all morning, making notes about what she wanted to draw once she got home.

{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Join in the fun here.

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a beautiful day at the park

When my daughter was in nature school, we were at Pioneers Park at least twice a week. It’s a gorgeous wildlife sanctuary with paths, an outdoor classroom, water, flowers, bison, elk, and even a bald eagle. When I saw the weather report for her first day off from school, I knew we had to go for a visit.

After a full morning of climbing, playing and eating lunch in the shade, we stopped by the Butterfly Garden and oh my, how it has blossomed!

pioneers park

It’s hard to believe that so much change can occur just in one season. I think of the changes in my daughter since then. Her long braid has been replaced with a short bob. She’s grown at least an inch, maybe more. She’s in elementary school now and at yesterday’s book fair we bought her first chapter book. Seems like just yesterday she was chewing on her board books.

Here’s a peak at the Butterfly Garden back in May (and that beautiful long braid).

pioneers park

flashback: Mother’s Tea in May

What changes have you noticed lately?

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crafty finds the library book sale

library book sale

I love books — old, new, hardback, paperback, electronic — I just can’t get enough of them. I am currently downsizing my collection, but couldn’t resist going to our city library’s book sale. I found non-fiction titles for myself, brand new books that will become gifts for others, and children’s books for my daughter.

Of course I had to check out the craft books and I came home with some not-so-typical choices. No sewing, knitting or crochet! Here’s what I got:

The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be The Artist You Truly Are This book looks like fun. Here’s the sentence on the back cover that sold me: “Somewhere deep inside, we all have a longing to make things — be they drawings, music, hand-knit sweaters or loaves of bread.”

Country Living Making & Displaying Quilts I don’t ever see myself making a quilt and don’t own any other quilt books, but I love Country Living publications. The beautiful pictures always inspire me.

Crafts and Keepsakes for the Holidays: Christmas with Martha Stewart Living I don’t own any holiday craft books, either. I am still committed to handmade holiday gifts and there are some really cute ideas in here, plus lots of yummy recipes.

Good Things from Tag Sales and Flea Markets Does this book even need an explanation? Honestly, I think I have checked out this exact copy at least twice. It’s filled with information on how to shop, what to buy, and how to restore thrifted items.

Print Magazine’s 2004 European Design Annual: Print is one of my favorite graphic design magazines. I love all of the annuals, but there’s something special about the European edition. It’s a nice change of pace from the design we are surrounded by every day.

I’ll be devouring these over the next few weeks and will let you know how they are. I’m curious what everyone else is reading these days.

Share your favorite crafty recommendations in the comments!

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how to: sew a reusable filter for cold brewed coffee

how to make an cold brewed coffee toddy filter

When I first moved to Lincoln, it was a no-Starbucks town. As I explored the local coffee shops for my daily iced latte, one of them recommended an iced toddy. It was love at first sip.

If you’ve never had cold brewed coffee, let me tell you it’s the most amazing thing ever. It’s less acidic than the hot stuff and therefore easier on your stomach. It also has a subtle sweetness that’s just about perfect, and I say that as someone who cringes at the thought of adding sweetner to a cup of joe.

I immediately purchased a Toddy Coffee Maker so I could make decaf at home and drink it all day long. That’s only a slight exaggeration. My only frustration was the darn filter. They’re supposed to last a few months in the fridge, but mine were only making it through 2-3 brews. Then one day, the Pioneer Woman posted her recipe for The Perfect Iced Coffee and a lightbulb went off. I could make my own reusable filter!

how to make an cold brewed coffee toddy filter

Here’s how I did it:

  1. Grab a tea towel, the thinner the better.
  2. Fold in half and trace the top of the toddy maker as your pattern.
  3. Cut through both layers of the towel to get two circles.
  4. Sew circles together right sides facing, leaving a gap for turning.
  5. Turn right side out, tops titch around to close up the gap.

I’ve used this a few times and it works great. I just rinse off the grinds and throw it in the wash. If you cold brew at home, quit buying filters and make your own!

project details: I used the tea towels from my failed attempt at coffee grind dyeing, and yes, they’re still blue. I bought my toddy online, but a lot of local coffee shops carry them. Buy local if you can. Here is Ree’s recipe for the Perfect Iced Coffee. Note: I just use coffee and almond milk, but her concoctions sound sinfully delicious.

This is not a product endorsement or paid review. The Toddy folks have no idea who I am. I just love cold brewed coffee and dislike buying disposable filters.