HAPPY EASTER!

navy and tie dye eggs
navy and tie dye eggs

Cabbage Dye:

1 head of red cabbage, chopped
5 cups water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 pinch baking soda

In a large stainless steel pot, bring all the ingredients to a boil, then reduce and simmer for 30 min. Strain out the cabbage, and separate from the liquid dye. You can pour the dye into glasses and soak your eggs overnight.

Cabbage Dye Eggs

We chose to save the strained cabbage and use it to tie dye some of our eggs. We created a nest of sorts and buried our eggs in the left over leaves. Let them sit over night, and you’re left with white and blue tie eggs!

navy and tie dye eggs

 

Creative Kids : Storytelling

DIY Storytelling

 

Good Morning! The last couple weeks we’ve had fun practicing storytelling with Sydney, all thanks to Elmer’s Early Learners Academy. As soon as our fun box filled with supplies arrived, Syd couldn’t wait to open it up and get crafting! Continue reading

DIY Spring Felt Flower Box Craft

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

 

Good morning! I hope everyone is set and ready for a great weekend!  I am really excited to share a DIY feature I did for Delighted Magazine! Sydney and I had so much fun with it.

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

You can check out the full tutorial in the online publication by clicking here.

Spring Flower Box Craft for Kids, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Springy Spring Spring : Yarn Wrapped Candles

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

These yarn wrapped candles are the perfect way to add a bright & cheery touch of spring to your table!

And they couldn’t be any easier to make. You just need candles (I picked up mine at Target for under two bucks a piece), colorful yarn, and some glue.

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Start by glueing one end of your yarn to the candle, then get to wrapping. Make sure you wrap tightly, and add a dot of glue every so often. If you’re using hot glue like I did, be sure  to just use a little dot. If the glue builds up it creates bumps under your yarn.

Yarn Wrapped Candles3

Switch up the colors to make different designs.

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then they’re ready to display! As always use caution when working with hot glue, and make sure you keep the yarn far enough away from the tops of your candles!

Yarn Wrapped Candles for Spring, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

DIY Patterned Name Sign

DIY Patterned Name Sign, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

I am so excited to share another fun craft project I made for Shutterstock! Head over to their blog to check out the full tutorial. I used Photoshop for this one, but if you don’t have the program you can simply print out your patterns & use stencils to cutout your letters.
(if you’re liking the neon animal mobile, you can find that tutorial here)

DIY Pattern Name Sign, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

DIY Driftwood Candle Holders

DIY Driftwood Votive Candle Holders, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

I finally got around to using the great pieces of driftwood we collected during our little Kauai getaway. I made candle holders!

DIY Driftwood Votive Candle Holders, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

If you already have a drill, then these are super easy to make. You just need your driftwood, and a drill bit that can make 1 1/2″ holes. I picked one up for about $8.

DIY Driftwood Votive Candle Holders, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

First, I used my tea candles to  figure out exactly where I wanted them to sit on the driftwood. Then I drilled away. Make sure to used extreme caution when handling a drill, work on a safe surface, and wear protective eyewear. I also recommend holding your wood in place with some sort of clamp.

DIY Driftwood Votive Candle Holders, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Now clean them up with a vacuum, drop in your candles, and…

DIY Driftwood Votive Candle Holders, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

… light!

DIY Driftwood Votive Candle Holders, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Not only do my driftwood candle holders make the perfect addition to our coastal navy bedroom, they’re also a great keepsake from our trip!

DIY Driftwood Votive Candle Holders, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

DIY Neon Animal Mobile

 

Last week I made a fun mobile to add to Sydney’s new reading corner!

DIY Neon Animal Mobile, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s a very easy and inexpensive DIY. The first thing I did was pick up some toy animals at the dollar store.

DIY Neon Animal Mobile, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

I drilled a small hole in each animal, all the way through, (closer to the head to help balance out weight).

DIY Neon Animal Mobile, via www.thegoldjellybean.com
Then I painted them different neon colors. I used acrylic paints, spray paint, and nail polish.

DIY Neon Animal Mobile, via www.thegoldjellybean.com
I then added a glossy clear coat for extra protection.

DIY Neon Animal Mobile, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Next, using a needle and thread, I strung each animal onto a string, and secured them tightly with hot glue.

DIY Neon Animal Mobile, via www.thegoldjellybean.comI created the base of the mobile by simply using two wooden dowels, glue, and lots of string. Then I tied all of my threaded animals onto the mobile.

DIY Neon Animal Mobile, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

And that’s it! Sydney loves the fun, bright colors. The mobile is the perfect addition to her brand new reading nook!

DIY Finger Print Valentines

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and this year is Sydney’s first Vday at school. So, we have been hard at work on some DIY Valentines!

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

All we used was an ink pad, card stock, pen, and her cute little fingers.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Syd tackled the first step, using two thumbprints to make a heart.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then, I added some black ink to create a heart balloon and sweet greeting.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

I wrote Sydney’s name in pencil, then let her trace over it in pen.

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Now these cute little cards just need some candy and they’re ready to give!

DIY Fingerprint Valentines, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

DIY Kids Valentines Day Peter Pan Collar

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

I did this project with Syd, but it can be done by anyone, big or small!
It just takes a few simple supplies:
– paper, pencil & scissors to make a pattern
– felt or other fabric and ribbon
– pins to hold things in place
– fabric glue, and/or hot glue (not for kiddos!)
– various sequins, jewels, etc. for embellishment

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Then, just follow the simple steps pictured above.

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Here are just a couple that we did on a rainy day. The pink one Sydney made to wear for Valentine’s Day!

Kids Peter Pan Collar, Perfect for Valentines Day, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

Fun & Free Toy Storage for Kids

Shoe Box House Storage viawww.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Ever since Christmas, I have been working with Sydney to get rid of some old toys, and make room for the new ones. In doing so, I am also trying to make organizing her toys fun. She loves everything little, and has tons of tiny erasers, dolls, etc. So I took some old shoe boxes, paint, & markers, and made fun little homes for her favorite micro toys.

Shoe Box House Storage viawww.thegoldjellybean.com
These cute little houses are fun & free to make, will help keep rooms clean, and can even be used to play! Doesn’t get better than that…

Shoe Box House Storage viawww.thegoldjellybean.com2

There’s less than a week left to vote, so please stop by and show your support. It just takes one little click!

Personalized Wine Gift Bags, A Free & Easy DIY

Easy Thank You Gift Bags for Wine

 

Sydney and I are still working on a fun DIY today, something that will add a little sparkle to her wardrobe. While we finish that, I want to share these super easy and free personalized gift bags for giving bottles of wine, champagne, etc.

Easy Thank You Gift Bags for Wine

The only supplies you need are the brown bag the bottle came in, string or twine, and a sharpie. Feel free to doodle and get creative, perfect handwriting not required! But if you’d like a little help, you can always print something off and trace it!

Easy Thank You Gift Bags for Wine

 

Throwback Thursday : Dinosaur & Animal Photo Holders

 

Today I’m bringing back an old post from last spring. I originally posted this project on my old site Sunbutter & Jelly, and I wanted to get it back up on my blog to share with you! This is a super easy dollar store DIY. Using some spray paint and an x-acto, I turned these little plastic figures into photo / place card holders. I love the finished product, they add playfulness and humor to our decor!

Pick out the plastic animals of your choice.

Use an utility knife or x-acto to cut a slit in the top of the animal.

Be sure to cut deep enough to hold a card or pic, but don’t cut all the way through.

In a well ventilated and protected area, spray color of your choice.

Let dry, and then they’re ready to use!

You can even use them for place card holders. How cute would these be for a kids birthday party!?

Dinosaur Card Holder, via www.thegoldjellybean.com


And don’t forget to stop by and vote for me COM Top 25 Creative Moms of 2013!

Christmas Roundup

Christmas Roundup, wrap, make, create, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

Good Morning! The Holidays are fast approaching us, and I am finally going to take some time off. While I enjoy relaxing with family and friends, I have compiled my Christmas posts here to help you with some last minute ideas. Enjoy, and have a wonderful holiday!

Cinnamon & Glitter Ornaments
Borax Crystal Snowballs
Doily Garland
Snowflake Window Clings
Salt Dough Handprint Ornament
Waterless Snow Globes
Bow Tie Garland
Wrapping Giftcards
Snowy Scenes Apothecary Jars
Travel Wrapping Essentials
Creative Wrapping
Wood Gift Boxes

Creative Gift Wrapping: What to Pack in Your Suitcase

Creative Gift Wrapping, Essentials to Pack in Your Suitcase, via www.thegoldjellybean.com

 

If you’re anything like me, then you still have Christmas shopping to do. Actually you’ve barely done any shopping thus far, so you’ll have to do it once you get to your final Christmas destination…. and so you may be wondering how you can make your gifts pretty without spending a fortune on new supplies while you’re out of town for the Holidays. Well, I have planned ahead for just this situation, and Continue reading

Christmas Gift Wrapping : Re-using Boxes

 

I’ve had a busy month thus far, and am finally getting around to gift wrapping. Once I got started, the first thing I did was take a good look around the house for items I could reuse. I ended up with some leftover gift boxes and a few empty brie containers. With a little paint and a few embellishments, I completely transformed Continue reading

Creative Christmas Wrapping : Personalizing Gift Cards

 

Good morning! I am excited today is day one of the Coca-Cola Balanced Living Workshop! I’m looking forward to a day jam packed with healthy information! While I’m off learning with other Chicago moms, please enjoy some thank you gift cards I wrapped Continue reading

Shaving Cream Art : Snowmen

 

Last week Sydney and I got messy and had fun with shaving, cream, glitter, and construction paper. Shaving cream can be used for all sorts of fun learning and art with toddlers & preschoolers. We decided to be festive and make some snowmen and snowy scenes. Enjoy! Continue reading

Snowy Scenes Apothecary Jars

 

I recently started decorating our buffet, which acts as my mantel since we don’t have a fireplace, and I am excited to add my snowy scene apothecary jars to it! They have a pretty vintage feel, and are super easy and inexpensive to make. I picked up the trees and street lamps from the dollar store, and the fake snow was a couple bucks at the craft store. The apothecary jars are from Home Goods, and were a great deal.

Continue reading

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