Artwork for a librarian's kid

I recently put up new artwork in Calvin's room - inspired from some favorite picture books of ours.  A very (very) talented friend did Lowly Worm and his Apple Car (from Richard Scary) and I did the Happy Lion (by Louise Fatio).

I was pleased with both of them, and I confess to be in love with Lowly Worm.  For real.  But it wasn't until I found these large width frames at Hobby Lobby - with a pinch of ornate flair - that I really thought the images popped.  And, ah hem, I paid $30 total for these sweet frames! Once Calvin outgrows them, stop by my office at the Library; they'll be on the walls there!

More doorhangers!

I am particularly proud of the cupcake - it was made just in time for a special birthday at our house. 

There is a technique to making these:
1. Make them outside! Burlap is soooo messy.
2. Acrylic paint is the way to go; buy more than you think you need.
3. Think about your shape.  The flower got tricky because it was a lot harder to cut out. (There's a pretty big error on one of the flower petals; you can see it if you are looking.  Oh well.)  The cupcake was the easiest shape I've made yet.

Tic-Tac-Toe Pouch

My sister gave us this great tic-tac-toe-board for Christmas (or maybe birthday?) and it is one of Calvin's favorite games.  The best part is him telling you where you can put your pieces.  The box was falling apart, so I thought it would be a fun project to make a pouch for it.  Since I'm working on my ability to let things go (like chores) in pursuit of a bit more weekend fun, I spent my free 30 minutes on this project instead of a task.  It's a personal triumph, for sure, and it was a sweet moment to have Calvin in my lap helping me sew.

This would be a great gift  for someone.  You could even make a tic-tac-toe game for them - I've seen some super cute ones out of rocks that look like ladybugs.  Makes me want to go find 10 or so small flat rocks, pronto!  I love the hand-stamped front; Mr. Calvin did that tic-tac-toe board all by himself.