Felt Playhouse #2

I am almost done with felt playhouse #2, which, now that I say that, I realize I didn't post any pictures of the first one I made for Maggie at Christmas time. Oh well. This one has a tent/camping theme and is for my two nephews (ages 4 and 6). It isn't assembled yet because I had to take pictures first. It will go on their dining room table, which isn't the same size as mine.



This is one of the sides where the side of the tent comes down. I thought about putting an owl or squirrel in the tree. Hmm...I still might add that. It looks a little plain now that I stare at it.


This is one of the shorter sides. It needed a picnic basket because I included smores ingredients. mmmm...
.

Here's my favorite part! A fire for roasting marshmallows. Hooray!


And here are the supplies...what a tasty treat!


This is the top or roof of the playhouse.




This is the entrance. I'm going to attach velcro so the flaps can fold back and let some light inside.




This is the fish pond. The fish have washers or bolts or something inside and the poles have magnets.

Oh no! MONSTERS!

Before you run away, you should know that these monsters, although insanely vicious, are also incredibly friendly. :) I created them for four cute little boys for easter/ birthday gifts. Allow me to introduce them.

This is Squiggy. He's going places.

This is Mug. He's a remote hog.

Meet Lenny and Brick. They're twins. Not identical, of course.

They are a tight knit group. (Note: That was supposed to be funny. You see, I made them out of recycled sweaters, which have to be shrunk first. Get it? Tight knit? Never mind, one should never have to explain one's joke. Stop reading now.)

- Marli :)

Really Really Loving Felting!!

For Christmas this year, my cousin, a former employee of Baa Baa Zuzu, made these adorable felted hats for everyone from recycled sweaters. You can check out her awesomeness here. Anyway, I started growing curious so I went goodwilling and oh, what fun! I found way too many wool sweaters in fantastic patterns and colors. Here is what I ended up creating!



If you could only see the plethora of other ideas I've got stored away inside my head! Oh boy! Sweater dresses, jumpers.

Etsy Shop!

Hooray! My Etsy shop is now open! I've listed just a few items (barrettes and some holiday skirts) to give it a try. I sold two pair of barrettes within an hour of opening up so I'll keep my fingers crossed that the success continues! There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in picturing another sweet, little girl wearing something you created.

If you are interested in a festive skirt for your little one and holiday barrettes to match, visit my shop: www.marlioliver.etsy.com. (I have everyday barrettes as well.)

M

Clown Suit?

I've had enough. No more jumpers for Maggie. Time to expand my horizons and therefore, her wardrobe. I picked up this Moda fabric in Charlevoix at Hearts to Holly, an adorable fabric shop. I had trouble with these bibs from the start. They looked huge when I got them done, but they actually ended up being too tight in the crotch and too short! I made my crotch seam smaller and added a ruffles to the bottoms. I think I still need to lengthen them though if she's going to wear them for longer than a month. Although the bright and colorful fabric make them a little "clown-like", I think they are cute and comfy too!

Our Little Bugaboo is One!

I'll save the cliches for now...

I can't believe she's one already.

The time really flew by.

They grow up so fast.

It has been one year. I'm sure of it. It's been a trying year medically and an extraordinarily enjoyable year otherwise. And now she's one. New adventures and challenges await- all of them exciting. I'm kicking myself for not snapping pictures of Maggie in her tutu ensemble I made. I guess there's nothing wrong with dressing her in it again and getting a few. Something to add to the "to do" list. Nevertheless, I did get a shot of her official birthday hat. I purchased a pack of dollar store traditional cone hats. I cut a large triangle of fabric and glued it around the hat with Mod Podge. I added a fabric flower (3 layers) to the front with leaves and a button in the middle. The edge and point of the hat consist of a ruffle I had left over from another project. I switched the cheap elastic for green plaid ribbons and VOILA- a girly birthday hat! Problem: She didn't want to wear it. Am I surprise? No. Am I sorry I spent ten minutes making it? No way. :) I plan on creating a fun hat for her each year for her birthday until she tells me that hats are "uncool". So...until she's like 30, right? :)

Mother Margo's Hats

I've been meaning to post some pictures of the adorably fashionable baby hats that my mom has made for Maggie. She is quite the expert habberdasher. That is what they call hat makers, right? Anyway, I can't wait to see what she concocts for our show in Grand Rapids coming up in November. There are going to be some very cute kids in hats this winter!