Category Archives: DIY/Crafts

Hats, haircuts, and washi tape…

I could have just titled this post random but where would the fun be in that?

hat

First off, I made a hat from a sweater!

Usually these sorts of things are epic fails for me but this one worked out!

sideslouch

I actually mashed together three different tutorials to make this.

This was another reason I was surprised that it turned out.

For the sizing part, I used this one.

For how to cut it into a slouch shape and how to connect the top, I used this one.

For how to sew the top, I used this one.

I did all of the sewing by hand since I do not have a machine.

slouch

I like how it turned out but if I did it again, I would probably cut it in more of a rectangle like the last link.

clips

I wore this all day and really liked it!

Score for being to cheap to buy a new hat!

smiles

In other news, this boy was in dire need of a haircut.

upsidedown

We were hanging out at their fort and I was thinking how nice it would be to cut it outside.

before

I then remembered that the extension cord was still out by the fort because Nick is still working on it.

hair

So this wild haired boy went inside and got the clippers…

silly

It’s gone!

growl

No more wild hair!

Plus, no mess to clean up!

after

I think he was happy to be rid of it.

Too much maintenance.

washitapefail

Also, I gave up on washi tape for my family wall.

I tried two different kinds and it peeled right off.

I am still too cheap to buy more white picture frames right now though so I just hung some of the prints with these clips I found at Hobby Lobby.

Has anyone else tried to hang things with washi tape and it failed?

Marshmallows vs. Gumdrops

marshmallows

After seeing this post on the Money Saving Mom site, I decided a toothpick and marshmallow structure would be a great idea for the boys to try.

building

I bought the marshmallows and toothpicks over a month ago but kept putting off getting them out.

I am lazy.

minehis

We broke them out finally when I chose a zoo trip on the day it was closed…

It helped curb the disappointment a bit.

Well, that and ice cream.

ours

Thankfully I keep the Magic School Bus dvd’s in the vehicle so they watched the one about building bridges called “The Magic School Bus Under Construction” on the way home from the zoo.

The boys got frustrated with how flimsy the marshmallows were.

Their buildings kept leaning and it got worse the warmer our house got.

gumdrops

Since the Magic School Bus episode used gum drops, I picked up a package at the store the next day.

gumdrops2

They liked them a lot better!

They were nice and sturdy and tasted good also!

gumdropbridge

They thought their bridge should be over water…

structures

I had them do a contest to see who could build the tallest structure.

My youngest won with the one on the left.

I have seen some amazing structures done with marshmallows and spaghetti on Pinterest!

I think the boys would break them easily and get discouraged but if you have older kids or a very patient child you should try it out!

Travel Lego Box

gluegun

I bought the boxes for the project over a year ago when I first saw the project on the Dollar Store Mom blog.

It was not until after I bought them though that I realized finding the lego plate would be difficult.

I did not want to use any of my boys lego plates because they are all part of a set.

Buy the lego plate first!

box

Thankfully my husband gave himself a 3-D printer as a christmas gift!

Here are the directions:

Step 1 -Print a Lego Plate on your 3-D printer.

What? Not everyone has one?

Crazy.

I guess you unlucky people will have to go buy one then…

Lego Travel Box

I found a really good chart on Design Sponge for adhering plastic to wood, here.

I used a glue gun which is not their top choice but so far it is working well.

Travel Lego Box2

Now we need to go on a long trip!!!