Monday, July 23, 2012

DIY Boutique Wipes Case (a tutorial)

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Have you seen boutique baby wipes cases?  They're adorable but so darn expensive!!  I wanted one to put in Maia''s bag, but the voice of reason inside my head stopped me.

Seriously??  $25 for a wipes case?  No, thank you!



But then I heard the voice of my mom saying, "You could make that!" and I decided I'd try.
I found out they definitely do not cost $25 to make.  And they don't take a lot of time either.  Want to see how to make one for yourself?

What you need:
  • A Huggies travel wipes case (which you can find pretty much anywhere they sell diapers and wipes) 
  • A piece of fabric (I used a Fat Quarter*)
  • A piece of medium weight batting (about 8 1/2" by 10 1/2") 
  • 1/2" Gimp** in coordinating color
  • Mod Podge 
  • A hot glue gun 

*My fabric was a "Fat Quarter" which is typically used for quilting.  They are pre-cut and the perfect size for this project.  Plus, they generally cost about $2, making this a relatively cheap project!  You can buy both fabric and batting at a local sewing store, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, and online at Fabric.com. 

**I bought black Gimp through Fabric.com.  I'm sure you can also find it at your local craft store!

Ok, ready?

Start by ironing your fabric.  There's nothing worse than working with fabric that's all wrinkled!!


Then, using your rotary cutter and mat (or scissors!) cut your fabric to size.  It should be about 9" by 11".    


Also cut your batting to about 8 1/2" by 10 1/2".


Using a thin layer of Mod Podge, glue the batting to the case.  


If you're like me, you'll end up spilling it at some point or another during this project!


Once the batting is on, open the case and leave it upside down (batting side up) to dry.  While it was drying, I was worried about the Mod Podge also drying and ruining my foam brush.  I wrapped it in plastic wrap!  This is such a great little trick that you can also use when you're painting.  Now you don't have to wash the brush and start over or risk it drying out!


Once it's dry, Mod Podge the fabric to the case.  I put it directly on the fabric so I could see how much I was using.  You want to use very little!!  It will seep through the fabric if you glob it on!


Again, open the case and let it dry.


You're almost done!

Now, tuck in the edges as shown in the picture below.  Use your hot glue gun to carefully glue the gimp to the case.  Be sure to tuck the edge under like you see below!!


Go all the way around the case until you can cut and tuck the edge under on the other side.  (You should use clear nail polish on each cut end of the gimp to keep it from fraying out of control.)


Go back and add the gimp to the other half of the case.


Ta da!!  You're done!! 


You now have a boutique wipes case at a FRACTION of the cost!  
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Friday, July 20, 2012

Maia's Goody Bag

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This is an older post that I found in the blog that I hadn't published.  (And there are honestly a few others as well that will soon make their debut!)  This a a tote and crayon roll that I made for Maia in the spring.


I wanted her to have something to use as an Easter basket, without buying an actual basket.  I used fabric I already had to create it.  On the left, is the crayon roll.


I'm still a relative amateur when it comes to sewing.  I know the basics and love my new Project Runway (Brother) sewing machine, but I definitely call my mom at least once during each project to ask for help!  


I love that the tote will fit a coloring book, notepad, the crayon roll and anything else I might want to bring along.  We're going to start using this now that we're back in the States.  There are many more options for eating out and as we explore our new city, I'm sure it will come in handy.

Each slot fits three regular crayons and the roll holds an entire box!  Definitely no shortage of colors to choose from!  Jumbo crayons would work great too…but only one per slot.


Maia had fun carrying it around.  She's rapidly entered the "carrying Mom's purse and wearing Mom's shoes" stage!  It's great for her to have her own tote that's proportionate to her little body! 


She really enjoyed it and has had a lot of fun with the crayons as well.  She's such a big girl now!!  She's gone from a diaper bag to a purse in a matter of a couple months!


Do you bring anything with you to keep your kids occupied when you go out?  
What's your favorite go-to item to keep your kids busy?

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: This Girl Can Lip Sync Like Milli Vanilli!

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

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We are back in the States and almost done unpacking!  We're getting really good at unpacking and putting things away after so many moves.  It's just so much work!!  As I unpack, I just keep thinking, "In exactly one year I'll be doing this all over again!"  

Yes, we are only stationed here for one year.  

No, we have no idea where they will send us next!

Ok, enough talk about moving.  I want to show you what yummy treat I made to kick off our summer in America!

I love strawberry shortcake, but we've been trying very hard to avoid processed foods (like the yellow cakes they strategically place next to the strawberries in the supermarket!)  Those are no better than Twinkies, so here is a homemade alternative you can make that everyone will love!  (The recipe is adapted from Pinch My Salt.)


Yummy!!  The strawberries are perfect this time of year.  You can get a huge container for just a few dollars.  I used ReddiWhip, but you can whip your own if you'd like instead.  

This recipe makes about 4 cakes but can be doubled if you need more.  (We always need more!)  

For the printable recipe, click HERE
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