Cute Crafts for Easter and A Weekly Link Party

Hop into the season with some fun Easter crafts! This cute collection of crafts includes eggs, bunnies, pom poms and more! Featured below you'll find crafty ideas that the whole family can enjoy together this spring. Which would you want to try?

1. Chalky Easter Eggs / Lolly Jane
It's amazing what a little chalk paint can do for plain, plastic eggs! These eggs are the perfect pops of pastel color for spring!

2. Stuffed Easter Bunnies / Grandma Ideas
Here's a sewing idea that quick and easy--my favorite kind! And the bunnies at the end are oh so cute!

3. Easter Bunny Banner / Of Faeries & Fauna Craft Co.
The pom pom bunny tails on this garland are absolutely adorable! The best part about this craft is that the banner pieces are all ready for you to print out. Just click on over, print, cut, and put it together.

4. Easter Candy Topiary / Lolly Jane
I'd have a hard time not eating the candy, but the end result of this topiary would be worth it! It's the perfect table decoration for the Easter meal.

5. Easter Basket Tags & MORE! / Just Measuring Up
Here's a super fun post! It's 12 Easter crafts--including these sweet tags--that can all be made using the same bunny template. Click on over to see them all!

6. Coloring Page Decoupage Easter Eggs / The Country Chic Cottage
Turn boring plastic eggs into an adorable keepsake decoration with Mod Podge and coloring pages. This is such a creative idea!

7. Easter Wreath / All That's Jas
I love a good yarn craft! And this one is adorable! It's a yarn-wrapped wreath that's perfect for Easter.

8. Easter Egg Ornament / The Life of Jennifer Dawn (right here!)
These 3-dimensional paper ornaments are super cute and super simple to make. Add a few pony beads for added cuteness!

Now it's time for...

Top Crafts, Recipes, and Activities for Kids

I've been doing this little blog of mine for eight years. Eight years! And in that time, a lot of life has happened--some good and some...well, not so good. There have been babies, miscarriages, celebrations, birthdays, holidays, beautiful moments with the kids, hard days, job changes, devastating losses (my dad and sister), new adventures...the list could go on and on. It's been the good and the bad all muddled together into a beautiful, messy journey. Yes, the last eight years have taken some BIG twists and turns. Life--the very heartbeat of it--seems to happen not in the BIG events of our lives, but in the simple, ordinary moments though. Leaning over the sewing machine to stitch together a blanket for a much prayed for, new baby or crowding around the kitchen counter with the kids to whip up a handmade treat... Those are the moments that are the makings of beautiful, delicious memories!

With all of these life changes there have also been a lot of changes to the blog. It's evolved from essentially an online journal only read by two people--my mom and sister--to a place for me to come and share recipes, crafts, DIY projects, and the life lived in between all of those creative outbursts. It's my place to share things with you, sweet friends. The pictures are a little sharper. The camera equipment is a whole lot better. My blogging knowledge is a lot wider. But one thing has not changed.  In the midst of all life's chaos and tragedies, I've always wanted the blog to be a colorful, happy place for you to come enjoy and leave inspired.

I'm am not a master cook or an expert seamstress. I'm not even some "supermom" who "does it all". Those don't really exist. I'm just a mom who finds great pleasure in cooking, crafting, and creating for and with my family. I also enjoy sitting down with you and sharing all of that. I know my posting can be a bit inconsistent with lapses in between posts. In fact this post was supposed to go live two days ago, but between one of my boys turning five, a church cookout, and the family dog going missing (he's been found now), I just couldn't get it out on time. I'm excited to sit down with you today though. And I'm honored when you stop by to spend time with me, read about a family recipe, comment on a craft, or e-mail me about your own creative endeavors. Thanks you, sweet friends, for following along.

Today I've complied a list of the TOP 24 POSTS that have gone live over the last eight years. They are your favorite recipes, crafts, and kids' activities (at least according to stats). I'm also sharing a little "inside information" about each one. Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea (or any beverage you prefer), take a seat, and enjoy taking a little trip down memory lane with me...

30+ Fall Leaf Crafts

Fall is one of my favorite times of year! The leaves always turn such brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and gold as the season progresses. Living here in the Great Smoky Mountains is truly one of the most beautiful places to enjoy the season!

I also love crafting during the fall months. Who am I kidding?! I love crafting during any season. But as the air turns crisp and the season begins to change, it especially puts me in the mood to do something creative. Combining my love of all things crafty and fall leaves, I've pulled together a compilation of Fall Leaf Crafts for you to enjoy.

Below you'll find over 30 crafts inspired by the colorful leaves of Autumn. There are ideas for the whole family to enjoy. From leaf activities for kids to crafty creations for decorating your home, you're sure to find at least one creative project to try this fall. Oh, and don't forget to stick around to the very end of this post for a special surprise!

Five Cute Crafts to Try Today and A Little Bird Told Me Weekly Link Party #170

Welcome to...

Running short on storage? Just make your own! Here are five fabulous crafts to try today. There's a tote with loads of pockets, unique leather trays, and more! You're going to love these cute and functional DIY projects. Grab those supplies and start crafting your own storage solutions!

1. Multi-Faceted Succulent Vases / The Scrap Shoppe
These have got to be some of the cutest vases I've ever seen. These are sure to add some fun pops of color to your home. And the gold edges give them a polished touch.

2. Cute and Easy Zipper Pouch / Flamingo Toes
Donut you love this adorable pouch? (Sorry. I just couldn't help myself.) This donut pouch is so much fun! Be sure to click over to get a closer look at the zipper pull. It's the perfect finish to this cute sewing project.

3. Leather Tray / The Logbook
How unique are these?! With just a few simple supplies, you can make your own trays to store jewelry and other odds and ends.

4. Ethel Tote / Nap Time Creations
I love all of this pockets in this roomy, stylish tote. The pattern is FREE, so click on over to see how to make your own bag.

5. Geometric Jewelry Dish / AKI 1 a.m.
If you're looking for extra storage for your jewelry, these clay dishes are a perfect option. They can be decorated and painted to match any decor.

Amazing ideas, ladies! Now...

6 Amazing Sewing Projects to Try Today and A Little Bird Told Me Link Party #164

Welcome to...

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I'm so glad you're here! It's link party day, and I'm sharing six amazing sewing projects. Get out your sewing supplies and prepare to try these unique crafts. Whether you're looking for something to make for yourself or as a gift for someone else, you're sure to find the perfect project!

1. Sewing Scroll Saw Sign

This first one is not a sewing project with fabric and thread, but this cute scroll saw sign from Virginia of Fynes Designs would look fantastic in any sewing space!

2. Owl Stuffies

Sew adorable owl stuffed animals with Lynda of Lynda Creates. I love the different expressions on these little birds' faces.

3. Fabric Mug Cozy

Coffee never looked so cute! Whip up a few mug cozies using this tutorial from Bev of Flamingo Toes. Wouldn't these make fantastic gifts?

4. Embroidered Pendant Necklace

What a lovely and unique piece! I can't wait to try this embroidered necklace also from Bev of Flamingo Toes.

5. Modern Jelly Roll Quilt

I'm loving this gorgeous quilt made by Leslie of The Seasoned Homemaker. From beginner to expert, it looks like the perfect quilt to try.

6. Origami Dress

Lisa from Mabey She Made It shared this beautiful dress. The lace trim on the bodice is perfection. Want to know the best part? There's a free pattern included in her post!

Amazing posts, ladies! Now...

Sewing Tips and Tricks

"Put the thread in here and then pull it down through there." Momma first showed me how to thread a sewing machine when I was just a little girl. I'd watch as the foot of the machine pulsed rhythmically up and down stitching the fabric pieces together that she had carefully cut. She sewed a little bit of everything--clothes for my sister and me, costumes, patches on the knees of worn out jeans, buttons on daddy's shirts, rips along the seams of treasured stuffed animals...

It was years later before I had an interest in trying my hand at it. My sister actually picked up the craft first. When my own passion for sewing struck, it was momma who bought me my first machine. Now I'm turning pieces of fabric into creations for my kids and home just like momma used to do.

Lydia Grace is already showing an interest in wanting to learn. "Can I press the pedal, mommy?" I must have asked my momma that same question dozens of times when I was around her age. So under my watchful eye, I let her glide the fabric through the machine and try out the pedal. I've also been passing a few tips down to her. They are ones that I learned from my momma or have picked up from personal experience. And I'm delighted to share them with you too...

Sew Your Own Gift Card Holder

Gift cards get a makeover when tucked inside a cute gift card pocket! This sewing project is so quick and easy, you'll be able to sew several at once. And they can even double as business card holders. Ready to start sewing? Here's how to make these handy gift card pockets...

Quick Guide: Basic Sewing Supplies

The first step to any successful project is having the right supplies. A sewing project is no exception to that rule. If you are just beginning to learn how to sew, you may be wondering what supplies you even need to get started. Or perhaps you're a seasoned seamstress wanting to cut your plethora of supplies down to just the basics. Below you'll find a quick guide on the supplies every sewing box should contain to keep you well-stocked and organized...

Pumpkin Appliqued Tees and Onesies

I love making my own appliques and turning a plain tee or onesie into something cute. For fall, I recently made these cute pumpkin tops for my three kiddos! The fabric for both the pumpkin and the leaf came from Raspberry Creek Fabrics! Here's Lydia Grace in her tee...

Craft for Kids: Finger Puppet Monsters

It's Friday and day 5 of the Halloween Bash Blog Hop--a fun collaboration between 110+ bloggers! If you are looking for Halloween ideas, this is the perfect stop! You'll find costume ideas, recipes, crafts, treats (not tricks), and more! For my part, I'm sharing how to make these cute monster finger puppets with the kiddos!

Onesie Dress Tutorial

I started making onesie dresses when Lydia Grace was a baby. They were the perfect outfit--girly and cute while still being comfy and casual. Through the years, I've made ruffle adjustments, perfected the measurements, and added the pinwheel flower. Although I've shown a few people how to make them, I hadn't created a tutorial. Until now...

Several variations of the onesie dress are floating around the internet. Here's how I make mine though...

Craft Party

Do you remember the craft party I threw last year with a yogurt bar and Brit Kits? Two weeks ago, several ladies came over for another fun night of crafting! Here's the rundown on this year's Brit Kit Craft Night...

Wildly Loved {Product Review}

As soon as I opened the package from Wildly Loved containing Lydia Grace's new scarf and headband, I found myself wishing they were my size. I even tried the scarf on only to have Lydia Grace insist that it was hers. Even at five, she is becoming quite the fashionista.

Nichole, the creative maker behind Wildly Loved, writes that she uses only the best fabrics for her handmade items. I can personally attest to how true that is. The fabric for these items was gorgeous and oh so soft! And her work was flawless. Lydia Grace won't typically wear headbands. She complains that they bother her and pulls them off within minutes. Since this Jersey cotton headband was so soft, Lydia Grace had no problem at least giving it a try. She loved it and declared, "Momma, this one doesn't bother me!" Headband dilemma solved! Just look how sweet she looks...

If you are interested in purchasing the Minty Aztec Infinity Scarf and Headband for your little one, that link is here.  Nichole is launching a new line for fall soon, so the items currently in the shop won't be available for long. Be sure to browse all of this shop's unique, handmade items.

Wildly Loved

OWNER: NICHOLE ZAPATA

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Happy shopping! 

Coloring Book Pillows

You may remember seeing Lydia Grace in her new school outfit from FabKids. We truly love their clothes! Did you know they also have a blog? I was honored by the invitation to whip up a post for them. Visit me over at FabKids Blog to see how to do this fun craft with your kiddos...

See the full tutorial here!

Happy crafting!

Back to School Lunch Ideas

It's back to school time which means many of you are are searching for school lunch ideas for your kids! Even though we will be homeschooling, we'll still need a packed lunch and snacks for co-op days. Here's an easy way to make those lunches a little more colorful and eco-friendly...

View the full tutorial here!

More Lunch Ideas
Dinosaur Lunch
Homemade Lunchables
Learn Colors with Food
Budget-Friendly Bento Boxes
Packing for Five Days at a Time

Happy packing!

Ombre Paint Chip Garland

I'm over at See Vanessa Craft sharing the tutorial for this fun, colorful garland. Grab some paint chips and come visit with me there. See the full tutorial. Happy sewing!

Two Easy Ways to Sew Pillows

I love to keep our home beautifully decorated, but since we are a family on five on one income, our budget calls for creative ways to accomplish this. Toss pillows are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add interest and color to an area and to freshen up a room's decor. Sewing your own toss pillows is even better because you can choose the style, fabric, and size that you want. It's also less expensive than buying pillows from the store especially when you get creative with the materials like I did for this first pair of pillows...

Summer Sponsors and a GIVEAWAY

There are fabrics aplenty with coordinating bundles, knits, flannels, and more! This is truly my favorite source for designer fabrics.

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This shop has a plethera of paper goods, but did you know they carry fun accessories too?

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Photo source: Ellison Made

You are not going to want to miss taking a peek at this shop that specializes in handcrafted home accessories! My mother and I both have a few of the shop's items in our own homes.

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Here you'll find custom wall art and personalized calling cards. Aren't those birds pure cuteness?

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Amy absolutely amazes me with all of her blog's creative projects! She has an adorable Etsy shop too! This is such a bright, happy place to visit!

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I love the garlands, handcrafted party supplies, and home decor offered by this happy shop!

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Here Tanya, my lovely friend, expertly covers a wide range of topics from homeschooling to healthy living!

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I love all the handcrafted goodies from this shop, but one of my favorites things is the Package of Pretties Subscription.

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My sweet friend, Lena, blogs here! She's expecting her second baby very soon. Maybe you could stop by and leave her some comment love. Visit her cute shop too!

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Stitchwerx Designs Blog Tour: Ainsley & Aiden Baby Collection

A BIG thanks to Stitchwerx Designs for providing me with the pattern featured in today's post.

I am thrilled to be participating in the release sale, blog tour, and giveaway for the Ainsley & Aiden Baby Suite I collection by Stitchwerx Designs. Look at how cute this pattern collection is...

Slumber Party Bundle: Sew a Tote and Pillowcase

Have you seen the Baby Bundle or the Naptime Bundle I made using flannel bundles from Raspberry Creek Fabrics? After having made a bundle of items perfect for babies and a bundle of naptime items ideal for toddlers/preschoolers, I decided it was time to make something for my BIG girl who will start kindergarten in the fall. That's when I came up with the Slumber Party Bundle! I love sewing things with the flannel bundles from Raspberry Creek, but for this handmade collection of sleepover essentials, I felt like cotton fabric would work best. Here's the cotton fabric bundle I used...

It's Riley Blake Designs "Madhuri" by the Quilted Fish. Isn't it gorgeous?! I love all of the collections that Raspberry Creek Fabrics carries. The pre-bundled fabrics are especially great for projects like these where coordinating fabrics are needed. The bundles really take the guesswork out of having to piece together different fabric designs yourself. Ready to complete the Slumber Party Bundle? Grab some fabric and let's get started...