Altered Composition Books

These are the Nature Journals that I created for my children's Explorer/Discovery kits. We will use these as journals and to keep track of some of our experiments we do over the summer months. These are a fun way to get my children to continue using their writing and drawings skills over the summer holidays. I made these out of ordinary composition books and simply covered these with leftover scrapbooking papers.

What all will be in our kits??? I will be making personalized canvas totes to carry all of their supplies and snacks on our outdoor adventures. They will include their clipboards and journals, writing tools and glue, a ruler (so they can take measurements), a magnifying glass ( which will only be used under supervision - we don't want to start any fires!!!), binoculars, and assorted other bug catching accessories.

Altered Clipboards

EXPLORE, DISCOVER, LEARN

These altered clipboards were so much fun to create. Originally, these were supposed to be for organizing my children's school papers. However, I became inspired by the papers and decided that they will become part of Explorer/Discovery Kits for my boys which I will give to them as an Easter gift. We love the outdoors and exploring all the wonders of nature. I am hoping these kits will allow us to enjoy some family time together and they will be used as teaching tools, as well.

Bugs, worms, birds, and bees are a big deal around here. So, what better way to learn than with these, right? I've got big plans for these Explorer kits, these will be great on our nature walks. The clipboard will come in handy for many things from holding their maps and treasure lists, to providing a solid writing surface for them to write or draw their findings. I just couldn't resist sharing these cute clipboards with you. I left them rather plain because I know they will be getting plenty of use out of these. I will be posting more of what will be in our kits and the finished projects.

How do you promote learning in your home?? I always love to hear how others include creative ways to promote positive learning.

Quilt Progress Update

Here are my two newest Wonky Log Cabin Quilt blocks, I completed over the weekend. Since, I have decided to put my crafting budget on hold, I have been much more productive. It's forcing me to be more creative too. This quilt will be constructed only from fabrics I already own. This quilt will be a combination of Amanda Jean's Whirlygig tutorial http://www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/ and Jacquie's Wonky Log Cabin Quilt Block tutorial http://www.tallgrassprairiestudios.blogspot.com/ . I only had 4 co-ordinationg fat-quarters, 2 yds of white cotton fabric, and some leftover blue cotton fabric. I am anxious to see where this quilt will go from here. I am determined to stay on track and to not purchase any more material to go with this.

I only have a small amount of print fabric left for this quilt. This is what I plan on doing next with this quilt. On the whirlygig quilt top I plan on piecing another border with white and the small scraps of fabric. The Wonky Log Cabin blocks will be used on the backing. So, what do you think??

Girls Pillowcase Dress/Top

Isn't she adorable????

I received this scrap piece of fabric in a box of quilting supplies that a friend dropped off early this week. As soon, as I saw this Butterfly material, I knew just what to make. I turned it into this sweet pillowcase top for my 5 yr old niece. My friends were kind enough to allow me to photograph their daughter for this photo shoot. She's just so cute. Now, I have to make another one - just for my sweet little model. I just love these pillowcase dresses!!! They are so easy to make. I plan on making these for all the little girls in my life. I used ribbon for the ties and added elastic to make them bunch a bit at the top of the dress. I can't wait to see this on my niece. I might even attempt to make a matching headband with the leftover scraps. What do you think???

Wonky Log Cabin Quilt Block

Wonky Log Cabin Quilt Blocks

This is my first time making these Wonky Log Cabin quilt blocks. I found this awesome tutorial for these blocks over on Tallgrass Prairie Studio blog. She is such an inspiration.

Visit her blog here: http://www.tallgrassprairiestudios.blogspot.com/

These are my first two blocks. What do you think? The blue is done using the exact template, from Tallgrass Prairie Studios. The pink block is a tad different from hers. I can't wait to make more of these, I will keep you updated on my progress. Thanks for visiting, I'd love to hear all your comments. What are you working on???

Happy New Year!!!

Another year has come to an end, Goodbye 2009 - Hello 2010. I am looking forward to all the possibilities in 2010. Resolutions really aren't my thing, but I thought I'd make a list of goals to share with you. Are you a resolution setter? What do you want to do in 2010? I would love to hear from you!

• Set up my ETSY SHOP
• go to a live concert
• Start BLOGGING
• start EMERGENCY fund
• get Thrifty
• join a SWAP
• Lose 30 lbs
• create with my STASH
• learn to "parle en Francais"
• READ more
• Support HANDMADE
• DONATE quilts to Victoria Quilts Canada
• upgrade my EDUCATION
• simply "BE HAPPY"

Best Wishes to everyone in 2010.