Displaying the Memories – A Tutorial

I am super sappy and sentimental.  So when I am given a card with a heartfelt message, whether for a special occasion or just because, I can’t get rid of it.  Please tell me I’m not alone in this!  I love to go back and re-read these cards, but that’s tricky [and impractical!] when they’re just packed away in a box somewhere.

So I came up with an easy way to display the cards, so that I can re-read them any time I want.

I started with an empty frame.

The frame I used was from a bulletin board [I had taken the bulletin board out to use it for something else]

I then pounded four nails on each side of the frame.  The frame itself is plastic, but since there was wood inside, I put the nails in like you see above.  Repeat this on the other side of the frame, so that the nails are directly across from each other. [Most people would probably measure, so that their nails are spaced equally and the nails really are directly across... I, of course, am not most people and just eye ball it]

I then cut some pieces of ribbon, slightly longer than the width of the frame.  You want enough extra length to be able to tie the ribbon, which you will trim later.  Cut one length of ribbon for each pair of nails.

Tie the ribbon to the nails and trim any extra ribbon.

[Close up view... just for fun]

Now, hang your cards!  I used some mini-clothes pins that I found at IKEA years ago, plus some cards I just hung right on the ribbon. [And after looking at the photos, I decided to tighten the top ribbon... looks much better now!]

Easiest. Project. Ever.

And P.S. thanks so much for all your congrats and well-wishes for our newest babe.  We’ve been blessed to have lots of help over the last three weeks [seriously... my mom = ah-may-zing], and now we’re trying to figure out our new routine.  I’ve got a lot of projects and new ventures that I’m going to be diving into and sharing with you soon!

Here’s where I’ll be linking up!

Mama’s Got a Brand New Bag

With the arrival of baby number three, I knew I needed a new purse.  I’m not a big fan of diaper bags, so I like to try to carry a large purse that has everything I need for me and for my littles.  (You can see my first purse attempt from last year here – not bad for my first time making a purse, but I was in need of an upgrade)

This purse is quite big as far as purses go, but it will definitely hold everything I need to take my three kiddos out with me. [Not that I have done that on my own yet... that's crazy talk.  I haven't even been on my own in the house for more than a couple hours!]

Not surprisingly, both of these fabrics were snagged from the remnant’s section at JoAnn’s.  I am a remnant addict.  I feel badly walking up to the counter with an armful of remnants, knowing they have to key in all the numbers by hand.  But I just can’t pass up those good deals!

Inside the purse, I made two smaller pockets on one side, for my phone, iPod, lip gloss, and other small items.  The other side has a larger pocket that is usually stuffed with granola bars, pacis, hand sanitizer, and a slew of other random things.

I can’t make a purse without pockets for sippy cups.  This time around, I decided to use some felted wool (upcycled from an old sweater) for the pockets.  This helps keep any condensation away from the rest of the items in the purse, plus keeps the cups a little insulated.  The wool I used is also stretchy, so there is no need for elastic.

See how much stuff I can shove in this purse?  And really, I probably carry more than this.  I tend to be Mary Poppins with the random things that I can find in my bag.  I once emptied my purse and found 13 granola bars.  No joke.

I didn’t use a pattern, and hopefully I’ll be able to recreate it, because I’m really happy with how it turned out.  These little pleats on each side just might be my favorite part.

I’m slowly figuring out this whole mothering three children thing, but I haven’t figured out how to work some sewing in quite yet.  And I think I may be close to developing a little twitch from sewing withdrawl.

In the meantime, though, this little face is melting my heart and helping to keep that twitch at bay:

photo by Elle Photography

You can see a few more pictures of Emmett on the Elle Photography blog.  [And p.s. if you happen to be in the Southeastern Wisconsin/Chicago area and need a photog, Courtney is amazing]

Here’s where I’m linking up!

Introducing: Emmett Charles

I’d like you to meet our newest miracle, Emmett Charles

He was born a week and a half early (surprise, Mama!) on Saturday, July 30th at 7:10am. He is absolutely perfect in every way — all 9lb 1oz, 21.5in. of him.

Our little family of five is now enjoying some time together.  I’ll check in here again soon! In the meantime, I’ll be snuggling that sweet little face, soaking in that amazing little baby smell.