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DIY Space Robot Costume

Happy Halloween!!!!

I am super excited to share the costume that Jude and Jason and I made this year.  So without further adieu, I present you with the DIY Space Robot:

Jude originally wanted to be an astronaut and while I thought that was a great idea, this morning sick mama did not want to commit to that much sewing.  So, gathering inspiration from Jude's current favorite little golden book, Robots, Robots Everywhere!, I suggested a space robot instead.  He loved it, score!

We already had the awesome robot mask, a dress up gift from a friend, so all we had to do was make the box.

The box (size small from Home Depot) was easy to cut with a craft knife.  With one large hole for the head, two small holes for the arms, and almost the whole bottom cut out, you've got your base.

We used modpodge to cover the whole thing in foil and reinforced the edges with chrome duct tape.  Good old dryer vent makes the perfect robot arms.  Jude and I painted a "space map" and half styrofoam ball "buttons" while Jason installed an on/off switch.  

Under the costume he is wearing black thermals, perfect for chilly trick or treating.  And his "moon boots" are actually his grandma's snow boots with the toes stuffed.

The best part for me is seeing how much he likes it.  Even though he can't sit down or move particularly freely, he is all about it.  Perhaps it's because he can still manage to get candy to his mouth without any trouble.

I hope your Halloween is full of treats!  

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  I was gifted a copy of Robots, Robots Everywhere! but all opinions are my own (and Jude's).    

Kid Craft: Mummy Me

Looking for a fun Halloween craft that doubles as rad door decor?  Well, have I got just the thing for you!  Plus, an afternoon of not too spooky craft fun is the perfect way to procrastinate making that pesky Halloween costume.  Tracing, paper ripping, glues sticks, OH MY!  I designed this project with preschooler-favorites in mind, although I must admit I had just as much fun ripping and gluing as Jude did.  

Jude is at that age where he is both scared and fascinated with the darker side of Halloween.  We decided a life-sized mummy guarding the door was just what we needed to keep the zombies, spooks, and other undesirables at a safe distance.  That's right, we've got a mummy bouncer.  

Want to make your own? 

From Doodle to Doll

Today’s project is a part of the Kids Inspiration & Design Series with The Sewing Rabbit!  If you are stopping by from Jessica's site, welcome!  

I'd like to introduce you to Jude's newest friend, Dorky Monster.

Dorky Monster is a toy that Jude and I created based off of a doodle Jude drew.

When it comes to drawing, Jude is a slightly reluctant artist.  He is easily frustrated when he can't create an image like the one in is mind (something his perfectionist mama totally gets).  I have been trying to gently encourage that he tries and it has helped quite a bit with his confidence.  The subject of choice?  Monsters.  Monsters are a bit of a fascination recently, do you remember being both scared and wildly interested in certain things as a child?  I sure do.  I was both obsessed with and terrified of The Never Ending Story, for example.  Monsters are this way for Jude.  I think that this particular monster is "dorky" because that makes him goofy and silly and therefore harmless.

When I asked Jude if he'd like to turn his doodle into a doll he was wonderfully enthusiastic.  He took his role as designer very seriously: choosing the colors of both felt and thread, overseeing each snip and stitch, and actually doing quite a bit of the work himself.  In fact, he cut out the teeth with absolutely zero help from me and assisted in all other stages of production.  It was so much fun to work on this project with him.  

No sewing machine or fancy skills are required for this little project, making the perfect choice for collaborating with your kiddo.  Here's how to make your own.

You'll need:

• A drawing by your child
• Felt
• Embroidery thread
• Poly-fill stuffing
• Scissors
• Embroidery needle

How to:

Note: Let your little one help as much as possible, the results will be amazing!

1. Have your little one draw the type of doll he/she would like to create.
2. Using that doodle as your guide cut out the felt.  Hold the felt doubled for the body, arms, legs, ears, ect. Don't get caught up in trying to make it perfect, just cut everything freehand and have fun, it will come out more doodlish that way.  
3. Apply all of your embellishments (eyes, mouth, ect.) before you sew the doll together.
4. Sew the doll together with a simple whip stitch, leaving a hole for stuffing.
5. Stuff your doll and sew up the hole.
6. Enjoy!

As soon has his last thread was cut, Dorky Monster received the high honor of right-next-to-the-pillow placement.  Jude loves his new doll and so do I.  I love how cute he is (in that Ugly Doll kind-of way) but mostly I love that Jude and I made him together.  I can see the pride in his face when he plays with this toy that he designed and created.  And that's something you could never buy at the toy store.     

I want to thank Jessica of The Sewing Rabbit so much for inviting me to participate in this series.  We had such a blast!  Be sure to head over to her site and check out what the other amazing bloggers created with their kiddos.

DIY Cork Boats

Wednesdays are Jude and mama days.  I don't work, he doesn't have preschool and I try my hardest to make it a fun day for both of us.  A few Wednesdays ago, I asked Jude if he'd like to make a craft and he said, "Yes, I want to make a boat."  This is what we came up with.  I originally had no intention of blogging it (sometimes that gets in the way of our fun) but this was such a blast for both of us I simply had to share it.  Be prepared for hours of fun.  Seriously, this might be my all time favorite kid craft.  Especially because when you are finished you have a toy!

Firefighter Birthday Party

This year we decided to throw Jude a half-birthday party.  I wanted our little Christmas baby to experience the fun of a backyard birthday bash.  So he chose the theme (surprise, surprise) and I got to work.  

Road Trip Activity Countdown Paper Chain

Alright, this little countdown could not be easier to make and it really worked!  The idea is that there is one link for every hour in the car (give or take) and written inside is a suggested activity.  It helped Jude understand that we were getting closer AND kept him occupied.  I will never take a long car trip without one!  

What to make your own?

Galaxy Jams: A Fancy Pants Review and Giveaway

I am more than a little excited about Jude's newest pajama pants.  First, I am thrilled because I have found my new favorite pj pattern, the Fancy Pants Legging by Titchy Threads.  And second, I am over the moon (pardon the pun) for this diy galaxy print.  

Okay, a little more about the pattern.  Laura of Craftstorming has really outdone herself.  If you want to get better at sewing knits, this is a wonderful place to start.  The instructions are fabulously clear and thorough.  My favorite feature is all of the options you get: you can have an elastic free waist, cuff or not, shorts, and the bum panel means lots of cute ways to play with fabric.  And of course, for me a pattern for knits means an excuse to upcycle old t-shirts.  As always in my sewing room, this was sewn on the most basic of machines, so don't let not having a serger stop you from trying these fab fancy pants.

  

I made the size 4T for Jude, and because my fabric had very little stretch, I went with 1/4" seam allowances.  They are a bit snug in the calves, but again, that's just because I used a t-shirt that didn't have much stretch.  Otherwise, the fit is spot on.   Plus, the pattern comes with a great variety of sizes, from 0-3 months to 4T, if you've got a baby to sew for, you'll be set for years!  

Now, let me tell you how easy it was to make this galaxy print: too easy.  As in, "you will likely see much more of it around here soon" easy.  First, I cut my pattern pieces from two (prewashed) navy t-shirts that I had in my stash (don't throw out those business promo tees).  Then I laid them out on a garbage bag outside and sprayed them with undiluted bleach.  My spray technique was simply to test on a piece of dark paper and then go to town: here and there, a few close, a few sprayed from further away.  Once that dried, I dipped an old tooth brush in watered down metallic (acrylic) paint and gave it a little sparkle by running my finger over the bristles, which sprayed the paint in a starry fashion.  

Want proof Jude and I love this pattern?  How about a few too many pictures?

Alright ladies and gents, how about a free copy of this pattern?  You'll have all weekend to enter.  

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm the last stop on this fun blog tour.  Be sure to check out what these fabulous bloggers have made:

20th - Abby from Things for Boys
21st - Rachael from Imagine Gnats
22nd - Celina from Petit à Petit and Family
23rd - Jane from Buzzmills
24th - Heather from Feather's Flight
27th - Stacey from Boy, oh Boy, oh Boy
28th - Gail from Probably Actually
29th - Jenny from The Southern Institute
30th - Ros from Sew Delicious
31st - Carla from Small + Friendly

Full disclosure: I was given a copy of this pattern for review.  As always, all opinions are my own.  

DIY Chicken Coop

Want a coop tour?  Oh, I'm so glad you said yes!  I am more than a little stoked about my chicks' new digs. 

 

 This was a DIY green build through and through.  We spent exactly zero dollars on wood.  All of the wood was reclaimed and generously gifted to us.  I love how the reclaimed wood and modern design gives us a great mix of style.  It's sort of rustic-modern; an eclectic, eco-friendly style that is very much in keeping with the rest of the garden.  

 

 

The predator-proof coop boasts skylights, vinyl flooring, nesting boxes, roosting bars, and ample ventilation.  

 

 

The coop and run were designed by my amazing husband.  He also built the entire thing with the help of my very handy and fabulous father.

 

 

The coop is situated in a spot in our yard that gets only morning sun, the rest of the time it is in the shade, perfect for our warm summers.  

 

 

The run is covered in sand, which makes poop scooping a breeze.  In case you were worried that the run is not very large, please know that my beloved chickens are free-range birds, spending most of their time with full access to our large (for California) suburban lot.  

 

 

Jude and I painted the coop and door (Grenadine by Behr) and sealed the other wood with low-voc sealant.  All of the hinges were purchased at Restore, saving us a bundle and helping a great cause.  

 

 

To save space (and for ease of feeding) Jason made this DIY gravity chicken feeder.  The girls love it and there has been almost no waste (tutorial coming soon).  

 

 

We still need to take a trip to the beach to find the perfect piece of driftwood for a perch in the run.  And Jude insists that we make a sign with lots of glitter.  But so far the girls love their new home and we love our girls.  

 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by.  We hope you enjoyed the tour.  I'd like to take a quick moment to thank my fantastic husband and awesome dad for making such a great coop.   

 

Here's to happy hens in cozy coops!