Owl Pin Cushion

I know it has been a super long time since I've posted anything. Things have been really hectic over here. Luckily, there are two of us. And Tristin has done a terrific job of updating the blog all by herself! (She's like a crafting wonder woman... sometimes I wonder how she accomplishes so many crafts and with a kid!)

Anyways, here's a little something that I have done recently. It's an owl pin cushion. I found the wonderful tutorial on My Owl Barn and just copied it exactly. The DIY Dish even did a video tutorial of Kim and Kris making one. With the free printable PDF pattern and clear directions, who wouldn't want to try to make one of these cuties??

Some modifications I made:

1. I sewed a straight line across the middle of the legs to create the "knees" instead of knotting it. This is purely preference, but I liked the look a little better. 
2. I forgot to do this, but I think it would be a good idea to add a little bit of litter to the bottom of the legs (in the feet) to add weight to them so they would hang easier. 
3. And lastly, I used clay litter instead of walnut litter simply because I couldn't find it and clay litter was only $3 for a huge bag. It's slightly larger than walnut litter, but I think it works great for this project. 

 

He's by no means perfect, but I think all his little imperfections give him character. :) If you have no need for a pin cushion, you can also try blowing up the pattern to make a kids pillow.

Baby got Bach a.k.a. A fun printable card for big-bootied music-lovers!

Don't you love humorous cards?  I have a reputation for somewhat irreverent card-giving, and it can be hard to keep up with expectations 'cause Hallmark and I are not always on the same page.  So, I go to the drawing board and make something when necessary.  For instance, last week my gal pal Suzanne celebrated her birthday and because she's a music-lover (and a Choral director) I wanted to give a card that spoke to her.

So, here's what I came up with...

I even created it as a printable so YOU can give one to your music-loving, big-bootied friends! 

You can check out the printable version of the "Baby got Bach" card here. 

The card is formatted to be printed as a 5x7 image, then you can simply fold it into a card and trim the small excess of cardstock on the edges to make it just the right size.  The printable card is only available in black and white (since I only have a black and white printer).  To all of you who have plain printers like me but love free printables, you're welcome! 

I used Sharon's mod-podge coaster idea to create some special coasters, too.  Suzanne loved them and plans to put drinks on them.  That was supposed to be funny, but whatever.  I think stating the obvious is hilarious.  Maybe you don't.  That's ok.  I still think it's funny.

Houndstooth ribbon was the perfect ribbon to tie up these little gems with.  I love me some houndstooth.

On the inside of the card, instead of writing something lame like "Happy Birthday" in plain English, I wrote out the first line of the happy birthday song...  you know, 'cause I'm speaking Suzanne's language!

And there you have it--the perfect gift for your musically inclined friends.  Boo-yah! 

(And Happy Birthday, Sue-Sue!)