B is for Backpack Fob Valentines

diy backpack fob valentines

The quest is over this year for candy free valentines.  Each year I try to come up with something different (and candy free) for my kids to hand out on Valentine's Day.  This year it will be personalized backpack fobs.

What better way to combine my love for scrap wood and paint than make a cute and functional valentine gift for my kids' classmates? 

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Balance Board

Summer is finally here and I'll do anything to keep my kids busy outside so today I'm sharing this diy balance board made from scrap wood.  I can't take full credit for this project, I found my inspiration here, but I did write up plans for my version below.

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D is for Drawstring Backpack

Who's ready for summer and camp season?  I'm sharing a fairly simple sewing project today: drawstring backpacks.  I made these for my girls to take to camp this summer (I have blocked out the camp name for safety reasons) just so they have something to tote around small necessities when going down to the lake, taking a day trip, etc.

There are lots of drawstring backpack tutorials out there so this is nothing new but I thought I'd share how I made this version along with the personalization tutorial.  (I followed the Purl Bee tutorial here as a starting point.)

Also I used drop cloth canvas on the exterior and cotton gingham for the lining.  The pink drawstring poly rope can be found at Home Depot.

The finish size you see my girls (ages 9 and 10) wearing above is:

11 1/2"w x 13 1/2"h

This is the medium size from the Purl Bee tutorial.

If I were to make these again in the future I would definitely make them bigger.

Below are the materials and step by step instructions:

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H is for Heart Wall Art

diy fabric collage heart wall art

Another Valentine's Day themed project today and one that's easy for kids to do too!

I cut out a heart shape from 3/4" plywood but you could easily purchase one of those heart shaped frames that are precut at Michaels (and I think only $1) and do this same project.

Cut plywood edges are my favorite because it shows the layers of the pressed wood sandwich.  And use all your cute fabric scraps for this one, my squares are 1" but any size will work.

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E is for Extra Long Sideboard

I'm so excited to share this beast of a build with you today!  And no build would be complete without plans from my friend Ana White.  Buildy friends this is one really long sideboard with TONS of storage:

I asked Ana to help me with a sideboard build and sent her multiple ideas which she mashed into this beauty.  Truly unique and one of a kind, it's the perfect combination of drawers and doors.

The best part is the height and the depth.  It's just over 40" high (close to bar height) and only 17 1/2" deep so it doesn't protrude into the room but offers so much counter space at 91" long.

And I cannot take credit for the copper pipe hardware idea.  Thank you to Katie at Upcycled Treasures for this beautiful idea which I borrowed.

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DIY Star Napkins

Who's ready for a little holiday?  July 4th is days away and I have a fairly simple table decor project: diy star napkins.

Use premade white cotton napkins or hem up cotton fabric then paint a simple red star at the center.  I'll show you how down below.

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