Do it yourself I-Spy bag!

If any of you are people like me who enjoy hunting threw garage sales, or thrift stores for those simple treasures and things that can be fixed and made into something new and great. This blog is for you! I love finding used things and making them into something new. First because it saves money, second its fun to see what you can do with some of the things you find!

I came up with a new idea for something new today, a baby crinkle chewy toy. I don't know about your little guy but mine seems to have a fascination with chewing on the ribbon of his soother clip. In the end his soother clip ends up all wet and slobbery not the greatest feeling. The eyes are put on using Kamsnaps so they wont come of like buttons do, they ribbons are heat sealed and sewn into the middle of the toy. They perimeter is double stitched for more durably.

$5 each

This is something I saw somewhere that I thought was a really cool idea. Its my first one and not near perfect, but next one will look much better! This is an I-Spy bag. Great for taking along in the car rides, dr. app, church, or anywhere you need a quiet toy that will keep them busy! 

How to Make your own I-Spy bag using second hand items

What you will need:

-a felt blanket or piece of fabric

-a small clear floating tube for the pool ( or at dollorama )

- 3 beanie baby toys ( you will use the plastic pellets inside to be the base of your I-spy bag contents )

- random buttons, pennys, marbles, dice, rock, bottle cap...etc.

-sewing machine and thread

First cut out two squares 6 inches x 6 inches. Cut a square window in the fabric so it looks like a diamond shape ( like shown above ) Next take your tube and cut out a piece of the clear plastic for sewing onto the inside of the square with the window. Make sure the cut the plastic at least 1/2 inch extra on each side for seam allowance. When you sew the plastic take a damp cloth and rub down the side that is facing up, this way when you go to sew it the sewing machines foot will not stick to it. It will easily slide over it and sew smoothly. Now sew three of the sides together, be sure to backstitch to secure it so it doesnt come undone. Now take your 3 beanie babies and cut of a foot and pour the plastic pellets into to bag. You may only need 2 of them, remember you want to have room to add your spy items and have room to move it all around. Add all your I-Spy items. Once you have added all your pellets and items go back to your sewing machine and sew one last line across the top to seal it off. Trim up the edges to give a finished look. And TA DA your done! Your very own I-Spy bag. You can also add on your last stitch across the top add two ribbons 6 inches long with the ends heat sealed with a lighter. This will give you something to hold onto or tie the bag to the shopping cart or stroller. 

Make your Own....

Coming later this week... How to design your own T-Shirt using stamps or stencils, acrylic paint, and a secret ingredient to make it pemanent even when washed!!!

Holiday Whirlwind...

I don't know how your Christmas season is but ours seems to be like a whirlwind with so many good meals were we eat to much, more desserts than your love handles know what to do with, a very excited two year old, 2hr long car rides that seem to last a lifetime, and more 'are we there yet?'  than I ever thought I would hear, a sick 4 month old... must I go on? Am I alone or does this sound like you? The exciting part my house is finally back in order, though I cant say that for my sewing area! All in all though, I love it! With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, family, friends, fellowship, and great food!

My little girl surfing her present! She was so excited to start tearing them open!!

I got a huge pack of thread for my sewing machine in any color imaginable! I'm so excited to start sewing up more fun stuff!!  

A Picture after getting ready to go for Christmas Eve at my parents. My little girl and I all pretty. I love this picture! It makes me smile to look at it and see what a smart, beautiful, and clever little girl she has become!

  

Whats a new memory you will always remember this from this Christmas holiday 2010?

New Idea

I had a new idea for a fun new product. It does need some work yet. Its not near what I was envisioning but I don't think its to bad. I will be giving it a shot a few more times to see if I can get it looking better. I love the idea of having it look like my little guy is wearing a tie with out all the fuss of putting one on such a little stinker! I doubt it would stay on anyway, even if I could get a real one on him! :)

So what do you think? Should it make it into the list of products? Any changes you would make?

Close up on the tie

Oh and something else I have been up too. I made a few new bibs this last week my little guy seems to have found his tongue and lips make noise and drool!! So a bib making I went. I made this bib by using an old men's dress shirt. I'm really pleased with how it turned out! I love that its absorbent for the mass drooling and also cute. Style & Functional all in one! :) What more could a mom want!?

Make your own...

Hey Everyone! Sorry for the delay in posting. It seems having a sick 4 month old is more draining than I thought. Praying things start to look up from here it sure has kept me on my toes that's for sure!

Anyway, our new how to do it yourself is how to make your own baby wipes or Lysol cleaning wipes.

What you will need:

1) bounty paper towel roll (cut in half)

2) large enough container to fit 1/2 paper towel roll into

3) Lysol & your favorite baby soap

4) measuring cup, & TBSP

Lysol Wipes

First cut your bounty paper towel roll in half, and then place it in the container ( a large peanut butter jar works good, cleaned and empty of course! ) Then take 1-2 cups of water in a large measuring cup and add 2 Tbsp of Lysol. Pour the mix over your paper towel roll. Allow to soak and then pull out the center cardboard once softened. And  TA DA!!!! You have a much cheaper and handy cleaning wipes!  ( You can also make these with bleach using less than Tbsp though. They work great for those jobs that need a little more sanitation, or camping to wipe down the picnic table or all the camping gear that's been in storage for a year!)

Baby Wipes

First cut your bounty paper towel roll in half, and then place it in the container. Take 1-2 cups of water in a microwavable container. Add 1 tsp of baby soap, & 1/2 tsp of oil. The oil will help to sooth and moisturize the skin, the soap will clean it and give it a nice scent! You may want add more or less of each the soap and the oil, feel free to play around with it. Next place the mixture in the microwave to blend the oil, soap, and water ( 1-2minutes). Next take and pour it over the paper towel. NOTE: You many not need all of the mixture just add enough till the paper towel is wet enough to your liking. Once softened again remove the cardboard center. You can store these in the fridge also to keep them fresher if you make a large batch.

I use the Homemade Lysol wipes in my house all the time!! They clean great and smell wonderful!! What do in your home to save money and be thrifty?

Wipes Cases

I made these two wipes cases custom for two orders I did over the weekend. I LOVE these two!! I think if I could I would have one of each of these! Which one of the wipes cases is your favorite? If I had a baby girl I would love to use the brown and pink one! Since I have a little boy Ill spare him the embarrassment later and stick with brown and blue! :)



New Soother Clips

I figured I would try something new with the soother clips. I got a whole bunch of new ribbons in which can be used for mitten clips or soother clips using the flat clips.

I cant seem to decide which one of these ribbons is my favorite. It would be between the brown with Polka-dots, Butterflys, or the Owls!!

My Husbands choice for out little guy is the camo. Whats your favorite?

New soother clips. Flat clips come in white, pink or blue. New staps on ribbon shown come in many colors to match ribbon. And wont come undone on there own or when baby plays with soother. They fasten very well and are very safe!

New option for soother clips, Added beads. Beads are wooden and wont slid off ribbon since the soother clip or the snap holds it on.

All soother clips are $5



I Love...

...hitting up garage sales and thrift stores. Fining new treasures and neat things I love, that someone else had no use for! Maybe its the thrill of the hunt, finding something at a cheap price when its still in new condition! Today I hit up the local thrift store and found a bunch of very neat buttons in a package!! These can be used on sootherclips or hairclips or sewen onto a large wipes case cover to add some fun! Which on is your favorite? Mine is the heart with star and strawberry!!

What do you enjoy and love to do?

Merry Christmas!!

I just realized this week I realized i have an abundance of clips. So from now until futher notice hairclips with large and medi um bows are 5/ $5 instead of the regular 5/ $10. Custom ribbon and bows are available.

Coming next week I will have a tutorial on how to use regular acrylic paint and stamps to make your own shirt. There is a secret to making it permanent so once you wash it the paint stays put! Im really looking forward to trying this myself!

A new product that I am hoping to try is like sewing a fabric to a shirt or onzie in the shape of a tie!! I saw it somewere and it looks very cute!! I will post a photo in the days to come!! If you have any ideas of tutorial ideas or new products leave me a comment! It would be great to hear from you readers!

It is looking like I will also be part of the Neepawa anual Lily festival in July!! I am very excited!!! Stay tuned for details! :) Merry Christmas!! Have a great holiday and fellowship with family and friends!!

Something Fun! Make your own Mittens!

I have decided to do something new and fun with the blog! Every week I will be posting a project of some kind with all the how to intructions to do it yourself! Any of you have one of those old sweaters kickin around the house that you love how it looks and cant seems to part with it. I have a solution! Something I found today that I find inspiring and crafty is how to make mittens using an old sweater!  Lets get started!

What you'll need:

1) Scissors

2) Paper and pen

3) Sewing machine

4) an old sweater

First trace your hand or the hand of whoever the mitten is intended to fit. After you trace the hand and an outline around the first tracing about 1/2 inch around for seem allowance.

Now you have your pattern! Cut it out of the paper and put on the cuff of your sweater. (or any part of sweater will work) Trace onto sweater and then cut out your two mitten pieces. To make sure they stay in place pinning them will make it easier to ensure your two halves stay aligned properly!

Now begin sewing about 1/2 inch from the edge of you mitten. Make sure when your sewing that you put the nice sides of the fabric facing inward towards eachother and the 'bad' side out. That way when you turn your mitten rightside out after sewing it will be the way you planned it. Make sure when you start sewing you back stitch with your sewing machine to knot your stitch so it wont come undone over time.

Before you flip it rightside out. Cut small slits in the fabric around the outside of the seam towards the seam. Make sure when you do this you dont cut the seam! Do this around the thumb area to help it to sit better when rightside out.

And there you have your first set of homemade mittens! Well done!! Id love to see yours! Send me a photo of your project to be featured on the blog at T_Doerksen@hotmail.com! Happy sewing! Stay tuned for next weeks project! ( not all will be sewing projects!! :P )



Large wipes case cover!

Large huggie, pampers or any large wipes case cover. Easily pull over case and its good to go. Easily removable if it needs to be washed or put on a new case. $10

 Could also be used to hold together a stack of cloths when on the go, or a large stack of diapers when going away for a weekend. Many other prints and patterns to come!

Also we have lots of new ribbon added to the shop! I will be posting photos later today. The shipment of buttons is here to now. I have a HUGE assortment of stars and flowers in many shapes, sizes, and colors. I also have some new ribbon that will be used for mitten clips or soother clips made with the clips that sit flat to skin ( both are $5) Be sure to check back in later today! Im really excited about this ribbon on of them is shown above the cream ribbon with brown owls!!! Let me know if you have any ideas for something new!?

All Natural Vanilla Honey Lip Balm

This is an all Natural Beeswax based lip balm. It its sent is Vanilla Honey!! It feels great on the lips, and last longer than the leading lipsmacker brand. I dont know about you but my lips in winter are always cracking and bleeding, and sore. I used this the other day and only a day and half of using it my lips are back to normal!! It works great! This container shown in the photo is a 15ml container it sells for $5. I have smaller containers to come in the future they will sell for $3.

Christmas Deal!

New Deal on now!!! When you spend over $15 in store on a purchase you will recieve a free gift of $5 value!!! Come and get your Christmas shopping and stocking stuffers done!

New Hair Clips

New Hair clips in store now more coming. The clips shown below can also be made with any of the other ribbon selections of your choice to. Hair clips shown below are all $2 each unless specified on photo.

The flower

The larger Flowers. Can also be done i any other ribbons I have available.

$2

Baby tummy pillow/ sitting pillow

The newest product of the boutique is a baby tummy time pillow. Its great to lay your baby on to enjoy some tummy time with toys. I dont know about you but my little guy is not very fond of laying on the floor with his face staring at the rug. This pillow is great to get them on there tummy and lifted up to see and play if they cant! It is also helpful for babies learning to sit on there own. Toys are not included. $15

Loops to add rings and toys to. More loops can be added when ordered.

Improved Diaper bag

I just wasn't happy the the finished product of the diaper bag I have posted in a previous post. So I decided to take it back to sewing machine for some help. Now this is a bag im truely proud of!!

$30



Customize a festive soother clip!

New Buttons. Choose a button shown below then select a ribbon on the numbered ribbon chart. Comment or email with your button choice and ribbon and weather you prefere a snap or a looped soother clip and then your all set for the holidays! $5 each

New mix and matched fabric bibs! These were a lot of fun and my favorite! $5 each

Will be made with snap closers not velcro to prevent wreckin in wash and coming undone easily.

New Blanket $10

New stuff!

New product coming soon at the end of the day! Check back in to see what it is! Also new to the store coming soon are Kamsnaps! Great cute new snaps that come in almost any color! Easier to apply to ensure not falling off or breaking, and are also much firmer when snaped together so they wont undo and open up on their own like the sew on version!

Diaper Bag

My Latest project!!

 This diaper bag is the perfect medium size bag for grabbing what you need to go up town or just out to a friends. Also a great styling bag for Mom too! The two large pockets you see in on the front of the bag are also the same on the other side also!  

 Great pockets on both sides, elastic around top of each pocket to prevent your stuff from spilling out!

Inside of bag. Two large pockets that fit diapers and wipes case great! And a smaller pocket for daiper cream, thermometer, or even for Moms keys!! Diaper bag is $30 alone, or $25 when purchased with another item!

Gift Cards

Gift cards now available! Can be purchased for any amount you desire! A great Christmas gift, or for the new Mom to be, or just any great Mom you know who needs a treat to some shopping! Comes with envelope also!

New things to come!!!

I have a few new things that will be coming soon! New snaps will be here soon, kamsnaps!! Many different colors to choose from, much easier application ensures they will stay on and not break!! Im very excited about these!

I also have a few new projects on the go. They may take some time yet though. Bear with me as I figure out the patterns and fine tune the little things. None the less the new projects are a hand bag/purse, diaper bag, nightys, and really cute hairbows. Ill post photos soon as I have some of them complete!!

New Products

Soother Clips to choose from $5....

If you dont see what your looking for in the soother clips above one can be made custom for you. Choose a ribbon below by using the numbers. Comment your choise and order. These ribbons can also be used for mitten clips, soother clips, reg. hair clips, and small hairclips.

Coloring Wallets. More prints and fabrics available. ( will be listed in a new post )

Coloring wallet $12 Crayons, Stickers, & Notepad included!!

Cozy Toes Shoes $15... 6-18months

Cozy Toes Shoes $15...0-6months

Medium Bibs. Double sided bibs with an absorbant backing for spills and  messy eaters but also with a cute front print!! $5 each

Large Bib $8 Each

Regular size Hair Clips $2 each. Ribbon options for clips listed above. Clips and bows can be the same ribbon or if you would like you can pick two seprate ribbons for your clip one for clip one for the bow. Please specify in your order.

Small Hairclips. Stay great in fine hair or almost no hair!! 2/ $1 same ribbon options as above

Hair Clips $2

Large flower hairclips also available in headbands $4 each...

Mitten Clips. No more loosing mittens!! Simply clip to the jacket and to the mitten and your set!! $5 for the set!

Mitten clips options also ribbon options above to have one to match a jacket for your little one!

Nursing blankets. Large enough hole to pull over your head without messing up your hair but small enough to keep covered and private. Easily peek on your little one. Blanket is large enough to wrap around sides of yourself and tuck behind you for privacy.



To order any of the above Comment with your order and choices or Message me at t_doerksen@hotmail.com.