Happy Monday! We had a busy weekend of celebrating my hubby’s birthday and trying to work on the many projects I have stacked on my desk (and around the house!).
The girls and I joined in the Children’s Stationary Swap organized by Amanda at Kiddio. Today is mailing day — our package is headed to Australia for Melissa’s lovely kiddos. I made some stationary holders using canvas tote bags. I was sure I saw something like this on the internet somewhere, but I could not find it! So, I had to wing it… Here’s a little look at what we put together for them – I hope they enjoy the goodies!
I’m also furiously working on a quilt for my Grandma’s 90th birthday, which we are celebrating this coming Saturday. My girls and my two nieces are each making a square for the quilt. We tried out these neat Pentel Fabric Pastels and loved them!
I decided to trace a bird onto muslin for the girls to decorate. I used a stencil and a black fabric pastel. I also ironed some freezer paper on the back of the muslin to make it easier to color on.
(By the way, these plastic stencils are great! I find myself using them for all sorts of projects – they’re not just for kids!)
I went ahead and heat-set the black outline so it wouldn’t smear all over the place while the girls were decorating. They loved coloring their birds!
The pastels have nice, rich color and heat set with an iron. They do smear a bit, but it didn’t seem to bother the girls. More quilt photos to come when I get it finished! In fact, I should be sewing right now… 
Happy creating!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
sorry one more question…how did you make those books? I would love to know and make one for my neice… any info would be much appreciated. My email is julie(dot)anderson(at)ccci(dot)org Thanks!
I just realized I posted another comment telling you that I liked it but didn’t realize I had to approve and submit it… sorry
oh my goodness, the stationery kits are just GORGEOUS!!! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful…I love them and I know James and Bella will adore them so much
Thankyou!!
We’ve got some of those fabric pastels, they’re so great hey.
Enjoy your week
Melx
They turned out beautiful!
Holy cow, I love those! I _so_ appreciate that you put so much effort into your swap. I’m sure Melissa’s kids will love them
Yay!!!
I love your quilt idea, too. I’ve thought of doing something similar for a new baby in the family, but time’s gotten away from me a bit. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love love love this – esp that it was made from a tote; how inventive!
I LOVE the stationery holders!
I LOVE the stationery holders!
love the stationery holder! are you going to post a tutorial!?
i too love the tote bag stationary kits. my brother is preparing to leave for flight school and i would love to make him something like that and fill it with things he can use to keep in touch with my sons. they adore their uncle ‘mir’. are you planning on posting directions or could you email them to me, please?
skdrabant(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m making christmas quilts for my two daughters and now I want to add their own art work. This is fantatstic and your quilt turned out beautifully. Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad I found your blog!