small + friendly

I'm Thankful for You!

Photo by the incomparable Meg Messina.

I just wanted to pop in from my frantic-yet-festive Thanksgiving making to tell you, my dear readers, how much I appreciate that you take the time to visit small + friendly.  It brings me so much joy to know there is a whole group of wonderful guys and gals (okay mostly gals) that enjoy what I share here.  You are so supportive and inspirational.  I feel like you get me, and that is a wonderful feeling.  Thank you!

Alright, now I'm off to hem a pair of pants and bake three pies!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

P.S. - If you're looking for any last minute Thanksgiving crafts head over to Classic Play where I made really fun leaf stick puppets and kid's table placemants!  

No Sew Leather Napkin Rings

We use cloth napkins everyday, but for me, nothing screams special occasion like napkin rings.  So for Thanksgiving I whipped up these super simple no sew leather napkin rings.  We use my great grandmother's beautiful china each year and I thought simple leather straps would compliment the dishes nicely.  I couldn't resist incorporating my hen's pretty feathers, although twigs or leaves with sturdy stems would be just as cool.   If you're looking for that little something special to add to your holiday table, read on for the how to.  

(P.S. - For all of you that have moved on to Christmas crafting, a wintry version is coming soon!) 

You'll need

• scraps of leather
• a craft knife or scissors
• feather, twigs, or leaves with sturdy stems

Step one

For each napkin ring you will need to cut a piece of leather about 1 3/4" wide and 6" long.

Step two

Using a ruler as your guide cut slits in each end of your strip.  They should be 1/4" in from the short edge, 1/2" in from the long edge, and 1" long. 

Step three

Wrap your leather in a circle and thread a feather or twig or leaf stem through the slits.

Step four

Slide over your napkins and set the table.

Happy Thanksgiving Crafting!

Glittery Fall Leaves

I noticed that while the front sides of our preserved leaves were quite stunning, the backs were a bit lack luster.  Since I plan to hang them from my mom's dining room chandelier on Thanksgiving, I decided they needed a little flair.  Nothing a little glitter and a very agreeable little helper couldn't fix.  Want to make your own?

You'll need:

• Preserved fall leaves
• Glue
• Glitter in fall colors

Step one

On the back of you your leaf, line the veins with glue.

Step two

Sprinkle with glitter.  (Glitter tip: use a paper plate for each color so that you can save all the excess)

Step three

Let dry and enjoy!  

I hope everyone (stateside) has fun plans for Turkey Day!  I'll be back Friday with another fall craft, just in time for your holiday table!

Happy Glittering!

DIY Advent Calendar

This post is sponsored by Avery.

For years I have resisted the DIY advent calendar craze.  However, when I was presented with a bunch of cool supplies from Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery, inspiration struck and there was no turning back.  

Twenty Weeks and a Little Announcement

I've reached the half way point, yippee!  I'm finally feeling better; although, I'm waiting for my appetite to return.  It feels strange to not be constantly hungry, but if it continues, I'm sure I'll be pretty happy about it post-baby.  Other than hellish nausea, this pregnancy feels so different from my experience with Jude, it's such a trip.  I am very grateful that this little one spared me a face full of acne, that's a real score right there; and I've been feeling happy little kicks for a quite a while now.  Jason even felt a little kick last night, so cool!  That might be my very favorite part of being pregnant.

We had our ultrasound last week.  For those of you who don't follow on instagram, want to guess the sex?  Here's a hint, a stack of fabric from a recent trip to Joann's:

Yep, it's another boy!  

When we had our sonogram they told us everything looked perfect, and I cried tears of joy.  Then they told us it was a boy ... they let me go to the bathroom, where I proceeded to shed a few more tears...not so joyful this time.  I struggled with whether to admit this second bit publically; I was so embarassed for not just being thrilled to have a healthy baby.  But I like to keep it real, and sharing is caring, so I figure it might help someone else with similar feelings.  We always wanted just two children.  Financially and physically, having babies is tough stuff; awesome, but difficult.  So here's the thing, we tried really hard to have a girl this time:  Shettles, Chinese gender chart, supplements, finger crossing: you name it, we did it.  The universe decided to bless us with a little boy instead.  

I had my moment of sorrow; mourning the tiny skirts I wouldn't sew, the tutu clad ballet classes I wouldn't witness, etc...and then I got over it.  First of all, I am thrilled to be having a healthy baby.  Second, I loved having sisters, and I love the idea of Jude having a brother.  Third, we've decided not to make any rash desicsions about family size just yet.  Forth, the hand-me down's!  All those mama-mades will be worn again.  Fifth, I absolutely love having a son, so I know I'm going to love having another one just as much.  Sixth, I already got to experience all of the girl stuff with my little sisters.  The list goes on and on.  But you get the idea, I am so grateful and truly excited to be welcoming another tiny gentleman into our family.  

Now if we could just settle on a name ... any and all suggestions are welcome!

DIY Leaf Mask

I love the idea of a dress up item that is made of natural materials and celebrates the season.  Last spring Jude loved his crown of clover, so this fall we decided to make a leaf mask.  It was really simple to create and the results, if I do say so myself, are quite stunning.  Jude had a blast playing "leaf man" and I think your little one would too!  

Want to make your own?  Read on for a full tutorial.

You'll need:

• fall leaves of various sizes (we picked these off of our maple tree)
• thin cardboard (I used a paper plate but a cereal box would work great)
• string
• scissors
• hot glue

Step one

Preserve your leaves.  We skipped this step and I wish we wouldn't have because after a few days the mask got all curly and crunchy.

Step two

Draw a mask shape on your cardboard.

Step three

Cut out the mask, check the eye holes on your little one and adjust accordingly.  Punch holes on the sides and add strings to each side with a simple knot.

Step four

Using hot glue, apply the leaves.  Start with the largest leaves on the outside and move towards the center with the smaller leaves.  

Step five

Tie on and enjoy!

Happy Fall Crafting!

How to Preserve Fall Leaves

I am excited, I found a super simple way to preserve fall leaves!  I've tried dipping in wax - it was a hot mess!  I've tried wax paper - how did my great grandma get that to work so well?  Third times a charm right?  Read on to find out exactly how to preserve fall leaves, the easy way!

Step One:  Gather freshly fallen leaves.  This is the funnest step!

Step Two:  Press the leaves between the pages of a heavy book.  Wait a day or two.  (Note: I've read you can skip this step and nuke them in the microwave instead but I can't vouch for that.)

Step Three:  Spray them with acrylic fixative.  Lay out your leaves in a single layer in a well ventilated area.  Give them a good coating, wait 20 minutes, flip and repeat.

Step Four:  Enjoy your handiwork!  

I'll be back soon with a few cool ways to use those autumnal beauties!

The Power of Perspective

Today is another installment of The Best Part with Folgers.  I decided to share how I cultivate positivity and optimism in my daily life.  First, I'd like to say that it does not always come naturally to me.  Some days I am inclined to throw myself a pity party because I haven't been on a vacation in years.  Or get down on myself for losing my patience with my "challenging" three-year-old again.  It's easy to feel like everyday is going to be hard when it begins with morning sickness.  Heck, I'm even partial to complaining that our California weather is too nice; I want to wear my boots already!  Don't even get me started on what I read in the news.  All of these little negative thoughts can add up to one big old bad mood.

Luckily, focusing on just a few good things, no matter how small, can turn the whole thing around.

1.  Get outside.  Nothing improves my mood, or that of my preschooler's, like fresh air.  It can be as simple as sipping coffee on the front porch or as thrilling as an impromptu trip to the beach.  When in doubt, go out.

2.  Give thanks.  When we focus on what we've got we worry less about what we might be lacking.  For me, the easiest way to make gratitude a habit is by keeping a gratitude journal.  I also try to catch myself when the "I wants" and "why me's" crop up, I stop what I'm doing and think of five things I'm thankful for.  Sometimes this is a bit of a "fake 'til you make it" exercise, but it often helps almost immediately.   

3.  Pay it forward.  Positivity is easiest to find when you work to create it.  It can be as simple as smiling at everyone you meet, as easy as paying a heartfelt compliment.  Or you could take it a step further by volunteering your time or resources to a good cause.  

What tips do you have for focusing on the positive?  Does it come naturally to you or do you have work at it?  

The Best Part is an online community that’s dedicated to brightening your day—every day. How? By spreading optimism, one share at a time. The Best Part posts inspirational stories, encouraging quotes, good news and other upbeat items on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—and encourages fans and followers to share that optimism with their friends. Because when optimism is shared, it grows, making an even more positive impact on our world. Check out what others are sharing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.