Creative Endeavors

I've been in a bit of a creative haze lately. As in, I am bookmarking DIY projects like crazy and planning out an insane amount of crafty things to complete before Little Sprout arrives. Last week was particularly productive in the creative arena.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I really wanted to try this flip-flop makeover. I found an old pair of flip flops that were ready to throw out two seasons ago, and with a little matching fabric, I transformed them into these cute ruffly T-strap sandals.

The Drama Queen saw my "new" sandals and wanted a pair for herself. She had no pair of flip flops (we tend to go the Crocs route for the littles around here) so off we went to Old Navy to score a cheap pair of the current favorite color - yellow. She chose some leftover Amy Butler fabric from my stash for her ruffly straps. I had enough left over to make her a matching belt. (the poor girl cannot keep a pair of jeans or skirt up without one!) Even at age five, though, she struggles to keep flip flops on her feet when she walks. I think it's because little kids don't have a deep enough crevasse between their big toe and second toe. Anyway, today I am going to sew on little elastic straps on the back to help those cuties stay on her feet!

The Drama Queen's best friend is at our house every day - so naturally she needed a pair too. We couldn't find her size at Old Navy, but my favorite store Target filled our need with a fun pair of pink flip flops. Little J. ended up choosing a fabric that matched the purse the girls had made in our "home ec" class, and I think they turned out super adorable. :)

On Friday, I was blessed to have my mother-in-law take all the kiddos for the day. I need a hair band to push my hair out of my face but couldn't find one that went with my outfit. Still in "I can sew" mode, I decided to make my own. I think it turned out rather well. The big flower was in part inspired by the ruffles I sewed on all those flip flops. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of each step of the process - so a tutorial will have to wait for a little while. I like it so much though that I am going to make it in a few more fabrics - hence an opportunity for tutorial photos.

The project currently on the table is a nursing cover for Little Sprout. I originally was going to make a very simple one, but once I saw the tutorial for this reversible cover, I was hooked. It is almost finished! Here is a sneak peek at the fabrics I chose.

We'll see how long these creative juices last. . .

Found It Friday - Stars

It's that time again for some more inspiration! Welcome to Found It Friday, where I take a theme, draw inspiration from it, and show you five results of that inspiration. I hope you can join in this week and show us all some starry goodness.

And that is our theme this week: Stars!

1. The first thing that came to mind with this week's theme was origami stars. These little cuties are super easy to make and can be used for so many things - jewelry, garlands, confetti, etc. I think a glass bowl filled with origami stars in similar colors can be quite beautiful as home decor. You can make your own or even buy origami stars premade by crafters on Etsy. (origami stars by zhoira at smashingapps)

2. I always love to include at least one food inspiration each week. I googled "star cupcake" and found hundreds of starry cupcakes, many of them Fourth of July inspired. My favorite was this sweet swirly pink frosted one with dainty purple stars scattered on top. (cupcake from donuts to delirium)

3. And now, moving on from cupcakes (but not necessarily from sprinkles!), these fun yet chic star hair pins caught my eye. The resin stars contain hundreds of tiny neon sprinkles, perfect for the party girl or the girl who wishes she were at a party. The best part? These flashy pins can be yours for the low price of just $12.00. (bad hair day neon sprinkle pins by high strung beads)

4. Another way to add a touch of the celestial beauties to your home is by bringing in some beautiful star-shaped flowers. There are several kinds, and I found this red star flower to particularly striking. Just one placed in a simple bud vase would brighten a room instantly. (red star flower photo by DLC Flower Photos)

5. I see those metal barn stars displayed everywhere - front doors, porches, even living rooms or entryways. Usually they are painted a dark red, navy blue, or rust color and then distressed on the edges. I love this take on the traditional barn star - cleverly decoupaged with coordinating papers and then distressed at the creases. This Olivia Star would be a great addition to my daughter's green and pink butterfly room! (Olivia Star by 4 guys and a girl)

Well, it's time to see what star-inspired finds you came up with this week. Go ahead and link up below, and I will be sure to check it out!

There will be no Found It! Friday posts for the next two weeks. I will be in Canada visiting my sister and her husband and lavishing a lot of hugs, kisses, and cuddles on my new niece, Delaney Hope. I may still post here and there throughout the weeks, but Found It! Friday will have to wait until I get back. And when I do, the theme will be: Back to School. :) woohoo!

Wordless Wednesday - go big or go home!

when it comes to getting flowers, the more impressive the better. . .

more wordless fun at 5 Minutes for Mom...