small + friendly

Let's Talk Modern Homemaking

I was recently gifted this amazing box of quilt pieces.  They belonged to my great-great grandmother.  They are all hand sewn, and the fabric came almost exclusively from feed bags and flour sacks.  I love them.  And I obviously must learn to quilt.  I can't wait to give these beautiful pieces a meaningful life.  Plus, I've never met a craft I didn't like, so I'm pretty sure quilting was inevitable.  When I sort through these squares, I am all at once sad that this art form was not handed down from generation to generation (and deeply saddened that my chicken feed doesn't come in beautiful cotton fabric) and also thankful that because quilting in my family is a lost art, I get to be the one to revive it.  

I love learning a new, useful skill.  I love the idea that someday there will be a quilt in my home that is a magical collaboration between two homemakers separated by generations.  My great grandmother was a practitioner of "Old Domesticity"; she grew a garden and raised chickens because her family needed to eat.  She sewed quilts and clothing from feed bags because her family had to keep warm.  

Joining the workforce and paying for these things instead wasn't an option for her.  Since we never met, I can't ask her whether she enjoyed her role as a homemaker.  Looking at the love put into those perfect little stitches, I can't help but think it wasn't a total drag, but I could just as likely be romanticizing it.  You see, I have a choice.  If I don't get around to making this quilt I can just pick up a comforter at Target with money I've earned at my job.  I am mostly grateful but sometimes overwhelmed by this choice, and the many other choices our generation is faced with.  

Homemade Body Butter

Honestly, for me in my current state this is more of a DIY belly butter than a body butter, but it is fabulous for all skin, not just that which is being pulled as tight as a drum.  With just three ingredients it couldn't be easier to make and the results are nothing short of divine.  That is, if your definition of divine is slathering your body in a rich moisturizer that is 100% natural and smells like freshly baked cookies.  I guess I should warn you: use of this product may cause an uncontrollable cookie craving.

I'm pretty sure I don't have to mention that this would make a wonderful shower gift.  Oh, and don't  forget to whip some up for mom on Mother's Day.  Delicious homemade body butter for all!  Now for the recipe.

Homemade Body (Belly) Butter  

• 1/2 cup coconut oil (I love the one from Trader Joe's)
• 3/4 cup cocoa butter*  
• 1/4 cup olive oil (or jojoba or almond)

Directions:

1. Melt the coconut oil and cocoa butter in a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave.
2. Place melted mixture in the refrigerator to cool until slightly solid, about an hour or two.
3. Add olive oil and beat with an immersion blender or hand mixer.
4. Place in an airtight container and store at room temperature.  Note: if it is really hot in your neck of the woods this will get soupy, stick it in the fridge.  Alternately, in the winter it is fairly solid but will melt quickly with your own body heat.
5. Use liberally to soften skin, naturally.

I hope this super simple recipe inspires you to ditch that bottle of lotion with far too many unpronoucable ingredients, or save big bucks by creating your own natural product.

Here's to sweet smelling super soft skin! 

* Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase after clicking on those links, I make a tiny commission - Thanks!

Baby Fever

As you might imagine, I've got baby on the brain!  With my due date fast approaching I would like to introduce a new series - Baby Fever!  For the next few months you can expect quite a few baby related posts around here.  

It won't be exclusively baby focused on small + friendly, but anytime you see that little logo you can bet you will be getting a baby related post.  I've got big plans: DIY's, product reviews, motherhood musings and more!  The best part?  There will be a lovely group of guest bloggers adding to the fun while I snuggle up with our newest addition. Oh, I can't hardly wait for that new baby smell!  

P.S. - If you read Homeward Bound, I will be posting a review Friday.  I hope we can chat, I've got a lot of thoughts!

What Would Celina Do?

Do you know Celina of Petit a Petit & Family?  I'm sure you do.  She's a mega talented sewist who creates thee most stylish clothes for her children.  She is also one of the most famous pinners around.  And the creator of my all time favorite emag, Stylo.  Oh, and she is one of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.  I feel beyond lucky to count Celina among my friends.  So, when Laura invited me to be a part of this special event I jumped at the chance.  Today a huge group of sewing bloggers is thanking Celina for all of her inspiration and kindness by creating something Celina-style.  

Now, if I was really going to do what Celina would do I would have sewn at least seven garments and a handful of accessories, but alas, I am not such a super star.  Especially in my current state.  I was inspired by her Sewing for Kindergarten series.  I created these upcycled sweats with color blocked details.  

The pattern is 100% self-drafted, I think Celina would be proud.  I used a pair of sweats Jude already had as a guide, dropped the crotch a bit and added a block of patterned sweatshirt material at the sides and on the knees. And they are finished quite professionally, thanks to my favorite Christmas present - a serger!  

I tried to take some cool shots from above and of course I styled my model in a handmade shirt and cool shoes.  The best part?  Jude loves them!  I've already got a similar pair planned for the near future.  I also have a Celina backpack ready to be sewn up, now if I just had some of Celina's energy!  

My dear beautiful Celina, thank you so much for the amazing inspiration.  Love and hugs my friend.

Be sure to check out all of the Celina-spired creations, just click on an image below and get ready to be amazed!

Chocolate Hazelnut Granola

In college I studied abroad in Siena, Italy.  It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  I have so many wonderful memories from that short, but life changing stay.  The food, the wine, the language, the people, the art ... Tuscany, I really can't recommend it highly enough.  On this beautiful day of amore I wish I could transport us all to that enchanted place.  Alas, while that is impossible, I can offer you a recipe that is both delightful and decadent.  A recipe so good some might argue it's life changing, at least my life was forever changed when my "house mom" (I had the pleasure of living with a wonderful family during my stay) served me granola studded with chunks of dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts for breakfast.  Chocolate for breakfast people, that's how much I love you!  

Head over to Spoonful for the recipe.  Oh, and if you want to enjoy it the Italian way, be sure to serve it with warm milk.

Happy Valentine's Day!         

I am ...

This month's assignment for the Bold.Brilliant.Beautiful.YOU project is to write out a list of I am statements.  Well, I sort of already did that in my first post.  So today I would like to share with you just one "I am", it is one that is very true and yet I need to remind myself of daily.  You see, I've got a lot going on and especially with a new baby on the way, large goals and grand plans just aren't in the cards for me right now.  In fact, as much as I wish to add giant #boldbrilliantbeautiful goals to my plate, that plate already runneth over.  And that's okay.  If I can keep all the balls I have in the air from crashing down on my head I will consider it a fairly bold feat indeed.  And if I can really own my awesome and focus on what I'm doing right, well that will be nothing short of brilliant.  And if I can manage to shower regularly, that will be pretty beautiful.  So my friends, without further ado ...

I am doing my very best ... and that is always enough.

Oh, and before I forget again - I'd like to mention that the photos from my first post were taken by Jude (with the help of a tripod) and he sure got into it.  He was like a tiny Austin Powers, hilarious and awesome!

Would you like to join the #boldbrilliantbeautiful movement?  Write your I am statement and share it on instagram with the hashtag #boldbrilliantbeautiful.  If you've got a blog you can also join the blog hop below.  Facebook more your thang?  Join the facebook group!  

I've Been Published! (Plus Giveaway)

Note: This post contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase after clicking you help support small + friendly, thanks!

Alright so it's a far cry from my own book deal, but I do have a project in a really cool craft book!  Never Been Stitched is book with 45 No-Sew and Low-Sew Projects by some very talented designers (I had to pinch myself when I found my name next to the amazing Dana of MADE).  What I love about the projects in this book is how accessible they are, you don't need any fancy equipment or advanced skills.  From beautiful home decor to cute kid toys to adorable grown up clothing, this book has got something for every one.  And I've got a copy to give away!

Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Can't wait to get your hands on a copy?  Find it here: Never Been Stitched: 45 No-Sew & Low-Sew Projects

Shot Through the Heart: Valentine Stenciled T-Shirt

We have entered the (pre)school years where Valentine's Day is a pretty big deal.  And while we are still deciding on the perfect notes and treats to hand out, we've got the wardrobe covered.  I have wanted to create a freezer paper stencil for years and I finally found the perfect excuse.  I also can't believe I waited this long, it's so easy and the results are nothing short of amazing!  

I created this hip, not too "cute" arrow design that (sort of) met Jude's approval.  He said he didn't want the heart (I added a heartless version to the template download) but then he decided that the heart could shoot lasers at bad guys, so it's pretty much the coolest shirt ever.

Along with the free template I have included some very simple instructions.  However, for a very detailed and beautiful freezer paper stenciling tutorial you must check out my friend Sara's blog: Bonzo, Chooch, Mushy & Me.  

Valentine T-Shirt Tutorial

You'll need

• A plain t-shirt in a fairly light color
• Arrow template (click to download)
• Freezer Paper*
• Self healing mat and craft knife
• Fabric Paints*(I used black and red)
• Paint brushes
• Iron

How to:

1. Pre-wash your shirt and print the template.  This size is perfect for a 5T, scale it down for smaller shirts.
2. Tape the template to a self healing mat, tape a piece of freezer paper over it matte side up.  Using a craft knife, cut out around the design.
3. Place the cut out freezer paper on the shirt shiny side down and iron (no steam) the paper into place.
4. Insert a piece of cardboard into the shirt to prevent paint from getting on the back side.  Paint inside the stencil.  Use a dabbing motion to apply the paint and gentle strokes to smooth it out.
5. Allow to dry at least 1 hour.
6. Peel up the freezer paper and heat set your paint according to the instructions on the bottle.  
7. Rock your love tee in style.

Happy Stenciling!

* Please note this post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase after clicking these links I make a tiny commission - thanks so much for your support!