Crafty: Easy Wall Decorations Anyone Can Make

Patti — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:04:00 GMT

I still haven't finished painting the kids' new bedroom, which means there's absolutely nothing on their walls but little spots where I've spackled over some old nail holes. But painting's on my schedule for this coming weekend, which means that it's time to start thinking about how I can make those walls work a little harder for us. This craft from SouleMama is definitely on my radar.

Embroidery hoops are dirt cheap and come in about a million sizes, and in brightly colored plastic or bare paint-ready wood. Any fabric with great graphics can become instant art (the precut "fat quarters" you find in fabric or quilting stores are a great size for this project, and quilting fabrics come in some pretty incredible prints). You can reach for the Martha within and make something more elaborate: fabric paints, embroidery, collage, appliqué, the sky's the limit. I'm thinking about taking a couple of special but worn-out clothing items and immortalizing pieces of them as part of a little art installation with other favorite souvenirs.

If you can cut with scissors, and if you can nail a little brad into the wall for hanging, you're more than skilled enough for this one.

(via Nested)

You Better Recognize: Mama Merit Badges

Patti — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 12:39:00 GMT

"But, but, but," you say, "But I get paid in hugs and kisses! I get validation when my little Schatzie cups my face in her grubby, sticky hands and says she 'wubs' me! I don't need any external recognition of my job as a mother!"

Well, that's you. Me, I'd like to have a nice crispy piece of paper that I could deposit into my shoe buying account every two weeks with "Bad-Ass Mama" scrawled across the memo line. In lieu of that, I'll take the whole damn set of Mama Merit Badges.

This is one of those totally purposeless ideas that to me, manages to come off as totally genius. I can't say if I'd actually wear them, but in my head, I've got a bright pink sash across my chest, full of patches trumpeting my many accomplishments as a parent. And I've earned every single motherfreaking last one of 'em.

(via Nested)

Strollerderby : nested

Crafty: Easy Wall Decorations Anyone Can Make

You Better Recognize: Mama Merit Badges