Breaking out the Sewing Machine

My niece is a HUGE Dora the Explorer fan.  In fact her birthday party is Saturday and her theme party is...you guessed it, Dora.  So for her birthday present I have decided to make her something.  Dora, for those that don't know her, carries a back pack that talks and sings which always stores whatever she might need to help her in her adventure.  In the back pack is also a map.  Just like the back pack it too has a face and sings.  So for her gift I made a Dora Back Pack with a Map.  I went to the fabric store and bought about 1.5 yards of purple fabric.  I also bought felt sheets in black, red, yellow, blue, and white.  I actually bought 3 in white b/c I the only white our store had was glittered on one side and I didn't want glitter so I was going to have to sew 2 of the glitter sides together.

My picture makes this fabric look blue, but I promise it is a dark purple

It took me a day, but here are my step by step pics.

Here is the finished product:

That is a real map.  I used a transfer sheet.  However, I had the iron too hot and it melted a little, but I'm hoping Callie won't mind and instead think it looks like the map is old.

I can't wait to see her face when she gets this!!!

Party Crafts

Today's topic: Crafts at your Party

At most of my kids birthday parties I try to have a craft for the kids.  A good craft can also double as a favor.  It is always best to have the craft age appropriate.  Have everything ready for easy assembly.  For the Mickey & Minnie party this past weekend I had a table set up to make your own Mickey or Minnie ears.  I had headbands, ears, and bows ready and all the kids had to do was assemble.  My ears were two pieces of scrapbook paper sewed together with a small opening for the headband. 

Next is my craft that I had for Sesame Street party, which was "Make your own Elmo puppet". 

Have you had some fun crafts for your party?

Plates

Today's topic is plates.  I am one that likes to save money anywhere I can.  I would rather put in a little extra time than  money.  You could go out and buy a themed pack of plates for $3-$5 but would only get anywhere from 8-10 plates.  However, if you get plain colored plates you can get 20 for less than $1.  My project today is my Mickey and Minnie Plates.  I started out with just my plane basic black plate.  I cut out several circles and for Minnie I cut out several hair bows. 

All you need is glue or glue dots (my preference) and poof you have instant hit.

Mickey and Minnie Birthday Party

Here are a couple of collages of the twins' 3rd Birthday Party.  For more pics click here or here.  I will be going over all the details in the next few days. 

Happy Birthday Maddie and Zack

Here is a little teaser from today's party.  I can't wait to share!!