"Pink's" Make-over at 531

Abigail got a little pink stroller from Grandma and Grandpa at Christmas time. She was so excited when she saw it that all she could say was "it's a, a, PINK!" Well, pink had seen better days and today, Abby asked me to fix it and it was beyond fixing. (Usually her idea of fixing it, is just putting the seat on. The ribbon that held the back on, came off.) I decided with a bit of stitch ripping and pattern tracing, I could replace the seat. And so I did.

Something else that's been needing attention for ever so long... in fact, since we've moved here in December of 2007. Our apartment door number has been missing the "3" this whole time. Our number is 531 and so it's been 5 1 for some time. About 6 months ago, I added a paper 3 though I never intended for it to stay there this long. I had such a fun time bending wire that I decided I would bend a couple of numbers, too. Then I mounted them on a blank ($ store) canvas and hung it with ribbon. Viola! We finally have 531 on our door.

In Wire

I had another "bee in my bonnet" moments with a project that I was just itching to do. I went to the local dollar store (it's not really a dollar store, but one of those under $10 stores, but it's closing and everything is half price). I picked up florist stem wire - I think it's about 18 gauge wire and had some fun bending it into this:

(click to enlarge)

It might be a little bit girly looking, which is why it's hanging in my corner (above the kitchen/dining room door) and not in a more obvious location, we'll see what David says. I'm not sure I could manage to bend the wire into something less curly. Of course the placement of the flowers probably doesn't help, but I couldn't resist. The first letter 'g' is wrapped in fabric, which is inspired by this post here, found on pinterest, but I left the rest bare and I think I like it better.

Summer List Check-In #2

•  Explore Assiniboine Park (we've done a large portion of this and will be doing a Winnipeg review on our experience)

(in the English Garden)

(Inside the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden-funny, we didn't get a picture with a sculpture)

• Finger paint (I made my own finger paints using this tutorial)

• Play dough sculpting (I also made my own using this recipe, though I may try a different one next time as I found it grainy and only lasted one sitting before it started falling apart)

Abby and I also pulled out a miniature tea set that Grandma Ang sent her ages ago. They're ceramic and special and are only for her (she doesn't have to share them with Malachi, which is a huge thing right now).

 (her guests, Mr. Giraffe)

(and Mr. Bug)

A New Wallet and Coffee Cozy

One of the reasons I haven't gotten as far as I'd like on my picnic blanket is because I throw in little projects in the middle that keep me from the big projects. Last week's "sew" art is one example and this week's projects are another.

I've had it in my head for quite sometime that my clutch (which I use as a wallet) needs a zipper pocket for cash/change. I don't often have actual money in my wallet, but for the times I do, I don't like change loose in my wallet. I figured I use the divider and turn it into a zipper pocket. I need to tweak it some more yet, but this one will work for now.

You can see how the divider pocket bunches and I have to reach far into the side of the wallet to reach the zipper. Well, the next one, I'll snug up the size a bit, shorten the zipper portion and put it in the top seam instead on the side. Can't picture it? That's okay, I'll get one done eventually and will be sure to show you.

Of course, I had to make a new coffee cozy to match.
Tutorial for the Gathered Clutch courtesy of Noodlehead. You can see my old clutch here.

Summer List Check-In

Well, one week in and we checked off one item from our summer list: Splash Park.

 Abby was a little tentative, the water was cold and there were crazy amounts of children.

 "Mommy, I all done." Dried off and munching on strawberries.

Auntie Kirsty holding Malachi. (I didn't get a picture of her son, Zach - he was busy)

Kirsty picked the three of us up in her van for this great adventure. Thanks, darlin'!

Just SEW!

This was supposed to be a quick whip, boy did I over estimate my bias tape abilities! Don't look too close. I love it high up on my sewing corner wall. I'm glad I didn't choose a longer word.

Our Summer Fun List 2011

I've seen these popping up online and thought I'd copycat the idea with my family. David and I brainstormed some things that we'd like to do this summer and this is what we ended up with. Some ideas are for the whole family, some are date ideas and some are for little dates with Abby. It's a good mix of free and not so free ideas. It will be fun to check them off the list and to document our time together.

(click on images to enlarge) 

I didn't make it too fancy, but did have some colour fun! 

Here's David to show some perspective.

Happy Birthday, CANADA!

Happy CANADA Day!

O Canada!

Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.