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Axel was invited to his first friend-birthday party last weekend. He was really excited...as was I. For the gift, I hit up my new "source" for ideas...Pinterest. Although Pinterest requires that you belong to Facebook or Twitter in order to join, I look at their stuff anyway. My personal feelings on mass-social-networking will have to wait for another time. However, until Pinterest changes their feelings about allowing "outsiders" in, I will continue to enjoy the ideas of other people until I can contribute myself. The idea that struck me as fabulous for a boy birthday was this: Fort Making Kit! What kid doesn't love to hide-out in a fort/cave/tent/secret lair?! Adapting a bit from the original inspiration, this is what I came up with: Fort Supplies: 2 flat sheets - Savers: $2 each 1 Energizer Lantern - Target: $5 2 packs of glow sticks - Dollar Store: $2 1 piece of rope - Dollar Store: $1 14 clothespins - from home Also needed was the fabric for the drawstring bag and the old t-shirt to cut up (to make the ties on the sheets). All-in-all, this gift cost about $12. 
custom drawstring bag 
A look inside. 
One of the sheets with t-shirt ties sewn on corners and down the middle. I included 2 sheets total in the Fort Kit. 
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Today I introduce what could be my most favorite "Built by Jahred" project. While my husband spent his last few days working at the hospital, I was secretly collecting materials for our latest rusti-chic project – a day-bed made from upcycled industrial pallets. While I gave up a bit in "studio space" to make room for our overnight guests, I do believe this room has turned into a "sanctuary" (no pun intended Jesus). Here is a list of what I spent...and of course the photos. Pallets: Craigslist - $3 x 4 = $12 Wood for bracing: Habitat for Humanity ReStore = $1 Steel wheels: Menards - $4 x 4 (minus the Lowe's coupon which Menards matched) = $14 Sandpaper and screws: Used scraps from previous projects. Mattress: Slumberland = $88 Linens: Savers (50% silver tag day) plus a 30% Earth Day coupon - Sheets, Pillowcases and a blanket = $6 Total = $121    I was going to wait until tomorrow to post these awesome Savers finds, but I'm just too excited about it. In the last week at Savers I have found two mirrors. The first a bronze/gold oval with a hint of sparkle – hung in my basement hallway to add a bit of light. The second a gold beauty – hung in no other room but my studio because I'm hoarding this feminine masterpiece all to myself. Total cost of mirrors: 1 - $8.99 (used a 20% coupon besides) 2 - $4.99 (used an Earth Day 30% coupon) Total - $10.63 Hooray to reducing, reusing and recycling! 
Yesterday was my 4th Etsy-versary. It's hard to believe it's been 4 years – Axel's whole life. Although the above photo isn't my own, all the Etsy magic of the last four years I will fully claim – with a sincere hope that it will continue! Over the weekend a couple of friends and I re-made something old-fashioned and I think the result is just darling. Here are our latest "friendship bracelets." 
So I'm not being lazy, just distracted. I realize that my blog has slowly been slipping...and as I approach my 4th Etsy-versary I'm hoping to be renewed in my commitment to both the shop and my readers. Here is what I've been up to in the last couple of weeks: What the boys have been eating: 
Personal Pot-Pies. They report - Yum. 
Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread. They report - Spicy What Mom's been sewing: 
All shapes and sizes...I'm obsessed. What the boys have been up to: 
When your kid turns 4, it's ok to admit you can't fit inside their play-things anymore. Jahred has made a compromise with Axel...only part of him fits. It's really hard to say "no" when he just wants you to come inside and read!
I've been a bit quiet on here lately – perhaps it's the nice weather! Axel and I did manage a fun project the other day however, one you may already have all the tools needed to make with your kids! Here's what you need: Sharpie Permanent Markers in assorted colors 91% Rubbing Alcohol Medicine Dropper (makes things easier) Plastic Cups Rubber Bands Here's what you do: 
Place plastic "Solo" cup inside shirt. Rubber Band around the lip of the cup (from the outside). "Really mom, I'm going to write on this shirt?" "Yes Axel, go nuts!" Make small dots or scribbles inside the cup lip. Use plenty of color. 
When you're satisfied with your coloring, use the dropper to place the Alcohol over the design. You only need about 5ml per spot. It will continue to spread long after you stop adding drops. Add another cup and repeat. 
Make as many circles as you want and allow then to dry. Once they are dry, remove the cups and "set" the color by rinsing in a cold water/vinegar mixture (or place in the dryer for 15 minutes). We still have to do the back of Axel's shirt, but we'll save that for a gloomy day.
Seriously, it's a no-mess, tie dye project that even a 4-year-old BOY can love! This would make a great, inexpensive "kit" to give as a Birthday gift! |
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