The Winner and the Shop

Thank you to all who entered the Monkey Hooded-Towel Giveaway! It was a lot of fun getting to read all the comments and emails that I received. I wrote down all the names {from Facebook and links}, numbered them, and used a random number generator....and, with no delay: Congratulations to Michelle L. for her Facebook entry which won the Monkey Hooded-Towel! And, because she left a comment, she also gets a matching wash mitt. Check back soon for another giveaway!

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For those of you who didn't win one, but still really want a Monkey Hooded-Towel set, you can now find them in my Etsy shop! I hope to add a Pig and Frog Hooded-Towel sets later this week.

Kids Hooded Towels and the First Giveaway!

We have an {unnatural} fascination with monkeys around my house. We simply love them! And, now that the little one is getting bigger, the old hooded baby towels just are not enough to keep the munchkin warm after we get him out of the tub. When I saw this tutorial, I thought, I need to make one of those! However, nothing around our house can be left plain. Especially when it can be made into a monkey! I give you, the Monkey Hooded Towel....

Noah really seems to like it, but, then again, he likes anything that has to do with monkeys and bathtime.


The finished size is 30" x 54" - perfect size for any child {or child-at-heart}. My favorite part of the monkey towel is the tail!

Create a link on your blog for a chance to win a Monkey Hooded Towel! If you would like a chance to win a monkey hooded towel, create a link back to this post. If you do not have a blog, you can still enter by joining the group "Green Akers Creations" on Facebook. Simply join the group, post a note about the giveaway on your profile {a sample note is on the discussion board}, and "share" it with me. {More detailed directions are on the discussion board of the group.} Feel free to enter twice if you have a blog and a Facebook account. If the winner also leaves a comment, I'll send a matching wash-mitt as well!

Links and comments must be made by Friday, January 23 at midnight PST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, January 24th. Good luck!

{If you are unsure how to create a link, simply copy and paste the following into your post: Monkey Hooded Towel Giveaway }

The Appliqued Onesie

One of my Aunt and Uncle's sons had a baby boy recently and since my Mom was already planning on mailing the new parents a package, I thought I would add a personalized onesie to the gift. I've tried several different ways of sewing on appliques and this is by far the easiest way I've done it:

Trace your image {in reverse if necessary} onto Lite Steam-a-Seam 2 {I like the Steam-a-Seam brand best, but I know there are other companies}. Trim around the image, but do not cut it out completely! Peel off one side of the paper and press it firmly to the wrong side of ironed {and cooled!} fabric. Cut it out.

After removing the remaining piece of backing paper, place the cut out image, right side up, onto the fabric that it is to be appliqued on. Iron it down for approximately 10 seconds. Behind the base fabric, pin a piece of tear-away stabilizer that is bigger than the applique {there are also many types of stabilizer, I just like the tear-away kind best}. You are now ready to sew down the edges! On this onesie, I used a thin satin stitch {a very close-stitched zig-zag}.

Once you are finished, be sure to pull the loose threads through the back and tie them off {this helps prevent raveling!}. Carefully tear away all the stabilizer.

Welcome to the world Luca!

{Easy} Nursery Wall Decor

Ever since we moved into our new house, I've been meaning to get the art work done for the nursery. I painted a mural on one wall of the nursery, but I felt like it still needed something more, particularly on the opposite wall. And while I'd eventually like to do another mural with the alphabet, I've got too many other things on my plate. Noah had been given an adorable monkey canvas by a friend, so I decided to create more artwork like it so that they would all match. I chose to go the semi-easy route: stickers! It was really so very simple to do...

Start with a blank canvas {or four} and paint the sides and a letter or number a single, coordinating color:

Apply the sticker and the letter/number:


I also put a coat of Mod Podge on top of the sticker and canvas to help hold the sticker on and to give it a more "painted on" feel.

Hang on the wall and enjoy!

The Ultimate {and Ever-Growing} "To Make" List

Here is my ultimate list of things I want to make {and it will be ever-growing... check back often for updates}. Click on it to be taken to the tutorial. Or, if it is red, click on it to see my completed version {tutorial link will be in the finished post}. If you've made one of these before, leave me a comment and let me know... especially if you have any tips!



To Crochet:

Tiramisu Baby Blanket {unless, Mom, you'll make it for me!}

Mini-animals

Fairy Tale Finger Puppets

Farmyard Finger Puppets

To Sew:
for kiddos:

Felt Food

On-the-go High Chair

Bean-Bag Chair

Nine-Patch Baby Quilt {possible Project Linus quilt?}

Multi-stripe Baby Quilt {or perhaps this one for Project Linus?}

Book Cozy

Felt Barrettes

Baby Girl Dress

Crib-Rail Guard

Diaper Bag

Kid's Hooded Towel

Crayon Roll

Play Mail Center

Molly Monkey {maybe I can make a boy version?}

Fabric Dollhouse {or farmhouse}

Kids Drawings Brought to Life

Teething Ring

Cupcake Felt Food

for others/myself:

One-Hour Bag

Birthday Banner {"Celebration" Banner}

Crochet Hook Holder

Reversible Notebook Cover

Oilcloth Lunch Bag

Men's Tie

Sling Bag

Yoga Mat Bag

Zippered Pouch

Nursing Cover

Camera Strap Cover

Coffee Cozy

To Paper-Craft:

Homemade Board Books

To {generally} Craft:

Sugar Scrub


last updated: 07/23/09

Welcome!

Welcome to my {online} craft space! I'm just your average girl, who just happens to love all things crafty: sewing, crochet, paper crafts, and learning more about all the rest! Here you'll find some of my favorite projects, links to fun ideas, and maybe even a giveaway or two. Enjoy and come visit often!