tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86789947049691381592024-03-14T05:59:53.942-05:00The Bean Sprout NotesCreative Pursuits With a Splash of Mommy Talk. The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-3031190989118229622015-05-18T22:13:00.002-05:002015-05-18T22:13:54.493-05:00Ribbon and Bead Necklace for First Birthday InvitesI saw a child wearing a ribbon necklace with large, multi-faceted crystal looking beads. It was beautiful, and I wanted to replicate the look.<br />
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I was able to make the necklace for under five dollars and maybe ten minutes of my time. The beads are from Hobby Lobby (use a coupon or wait for a sale) and the ribbon I already had on hand.<br />
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I had my daughter wear the necklace while I snapped some photos to use on her first birthday invites. here's an outtake. Gotta love the drool!<br />
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and here's the invite<br />
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<br />The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-29484274867136259462015-04-29T21:28:00.001-05:002015-04-29T21:28:02.627-05:00How to Draw a Pineapple: A Step by Step Guide for KidsWe recently discovered step by step drawing guide books for children. The books illustrate how to draw simple objects in a series of three to six sequential boxes or steps. I wasn't sure my barely five year old was old enough, but I was wrong. She LOVES them!<br />
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The step by step boxes really help her identify shapes within a picture by breaking down a drawing project into small manageable steps. In the later steps, its also good for detail recognition and noticing change. If she gets stuck I ask, what's different between this box and the last? <br />
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Our most recent art club venture was a mother's day gift involving a sharpie drawn pineapple and tissue paper paint. All the how-to-draw books we own depict animals or cartoon characters, so I've begun attempting my own versions for the inanimate objects we draw. </div>
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<b>How to Draw a Pineapple: A Step by Step Guide for Kids</b></div>
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(Our project was a mothers day gift, but you could easily omit the text in the final step.)</div>
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Here are the kids' results. Both artists are five years old. </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Stay tuned to see what we did with the pineapples next!</span></div>
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-80879802185319427762015-03-29T23:14:00.002-05:002015-03-29T23:14:27.350-05:00Fun with Foamies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weekends ago, my daughter and I sat side by side in our newly established art room each working on our own creative pursuits. It was awesome. For my 4.5 year old, it was a fun with foamies sort of day. She completed two activities with the peel and stick foam shapes, and was engaged for a long time as I worked on my own projects.<br />
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The first activity was filling a rectangle grid labeled with the numbers 1-8 with the corresponding number of foam shapes. Count, peel, stick. Easy peasy.<br />
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For the second activity, I drew six curved rainbow lines and asked my daughter to place matching colored foamies on top of the rainbow lines. I was surprised by how long she stayed engaged with this craft. She loved it! She put a great amount of effort making her picture just right.<br />
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-73832943229341096782014-11-17T08:48:00.000-06:002014-11-17T08:48:00.099-06:00Tire Swing Meets Rocking Horse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We visited a different pumpkin patch than usual this year and they had the coolest tire swings! The tire swings were formed into the shape of a horse. All the kids (and even some of the adults) had a blast rocking and riding the tire swing horses.</div>
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I did a quick google search and discovered that the horse shaped tire swings can be DIY'ed from a single tire, cut and turned inside out. All you need is an old tire, some sharp shears and a lot of strength. Here is a link to one of the DIY <a href="http://davesgarden.com/files/Pony_Tire_Swing/" target="_blank">Pony Tire Swing Tutorial</a>s I found online. <br />
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Now, who wants to make me one? :-)The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-85486330009502612022014-11-14T20:10:00.000-06:002014-11-16T15:57:46.126-06:00Wooden Number Birthday Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A special friend turned seven this fall. Here is a photo of his gift. Instead of a traditional birthday card, we wrote our birthday wishes on the back of a wooden number which corresponded to his age.</div>
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Little wooden numerals like this can be found at any craft store and are generally pretty cheap. Ours came from Walmart and was only $1.47.<br />
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Trace, cut, and mod podge scrapbook paper onto both sides of the wooden number. Write your birthday wishes on the back side and attach with ribbon or raffia.<br />
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Happy Gifting!!<br />
<br />The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-68256046317672102982014-10-14T09:02:00.002-05:002014-10-14T09:11:27.205-05:00Pete the Cat Four Groovy Buttons Costume<br />
My kid cries over spilt milk. That's why I love Pete the Cat. This series of children's books has an underlying message of don't sweat the small stuff. The repeating line from the four groovy buttons book is a repeating line in our household as well. <br />
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"Did Pete cry? Goodness no! Buttons come and buttons go." </div>
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The four year old has multiple costume parties this year and asked if she could be Pete the Cat for the Halloween party at the library (and Frozen's Anna for the school party and trick-or-treating). Loving the character, I was more than happy to oblige and put this entire costume together for less than $7.<br />
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In the Four Groovy Buttons book, Pete wears...<br />
- a yellow shirt with long sleeves and a collar<br />
- four <em>groovy</em> (aka large) buttons: teal, dark blue, green, and red<br />
- Optional red sneakers. Pete is barefoot for most of the book, but the opening page shows him wearing his famous red sneakers. (Which he also wears in several of his other books.)<br />
- Pete has blue fur, a white nose, and yellow eyes.<br />
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Our costume....<br />
Yellow cardigan - $5 Walmart<br />
Yellow sunglasses - already owned<br />
Red sneaker shoe slipcovers - 2 sheets of red felt $0.23 each and spool of white ribbon $0.44 Walmart (template to follow)<br />
Blue cat hat - scrap fabric (template to follow)<br />
Four groovy buttons - scrap fabric and Cheerios box<br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>To Make Buttons</strong></span><br />
Trace and cut four circles from an empty cereal box. Glue teal, blue, green and red fabric to cardboard circles. Paint on button holes with white paint. Attach to shirt with safety pins.<br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: yellow;">To Make Pete the Cat Shoe slipcovers (for child size foot)</span></strong><br />
1. Cut two of the following shapes from each sheet of red felt. You will need four total. Fold felt in half hamburger style before cutting to get matching shapes.<br />
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2. Cut small holes for shoelaces.</div>
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3. Hot glue along back seams only. Also add a small piece of scrap felt to the bottom center. </div>
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4. Using child's shoe as a sizing guide, attach strap to other side.</div>
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5. Use ribbon to lace shoes in the oh-so-cool (but not very practical) horizontal bar way that Pete does.</div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>Blue Pete Hat</strong></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">If you use polyester or fleece this hat is easy enough for even a beginner like me because it's all straight lines and you can cheat and leave unfinished edges because polyester is a non-fraying material. </span></div>
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I am not a sewist -See? I don't even know the correct term!- so I am not even going to attempt a full tutorial on the hat. But I will share my crappy scribbly template sketches - just to give you an idea of what shape to cut your fabric. Don't forget to measure your kid's head! (My kid has a huge head!)<br />
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You will need TWO of each piece. I should note that the seams for the top of the hat will be at the sides and the seams for the ear flap pieces will be the center of forehead.</div>
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*If I were to do it again, I would make the ears a bit smaller and reposition them more medially.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons</span></strong></div>
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Post shared <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank">at these link up parties</a>The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-21619132388719183192014-08-26T22:19:00.002-05:002014-08-26T22:29:30.154-05:00Sibling Footprint Art - You Are My SunshineThere are hundreds of creative ideas for making handprint and footprint art, but I haven't seen very many sibling varieties- incorporating prints from brothers and sister into a single piece. That is why I was so excited when I saw this idea by<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119551036/baby-footprint-art-you-are-my-sunshine?ref=shop_home_active_11" target="_blank"> Pitter Patter</a>. Here is my version of the "You Are My Sunshine" sibling footprint art.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryYE2tfUVI2sCXRNuc14r453JL6-euPLSjHVhKBZK6tBrwLn2xtS_tL-c00faN1DmbV0_kZh7lJHYtdtfnDpkzJtYxN9t1GJ89mn8_me2agFCdzjagcy_RLUZTrVj1vKk0cCqateTXEY/s1600/You+are+my+sunshine+footprint+art.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryYE2tfUVI2sCXRNuc14r453JL6-euPLSjHVhKBZK6tBrwLn2xtS_tL-c00faN1DmbV0_kZh7lJHYtdtfnDpkzJtYxN9t1GJ89mn8_me2agFCdzjagcy_RLUZTrVj1vKk0cCqateTXEY/s1600/You+are+my+sunshine+footprint+art.JPG" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
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The footprints were done in alternating shades of yellow paint while the sun's center was cut from scrapbook paper. The graphic and text was done with my Silhouette Cameo's sketch pen function. For size reference, my canvas size was 12" x 16" and my four year old wears a size 11 shoe. (And baby sister was three months old at the time.) <br />
<br />The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-62008792939110329932014-08-10T21:02:00.001-05:002014-08-10T21:02:04.119-05:00Sharpie Tie Dye ShirtsEver since the baby was born, I've been making a deliberate effort to carve out some one on one time with my older daughter. We call it Mommy-Daughter Dates. Sometimes its simple, like going to the grocery store while Daddy stays home with baby. Sometimes we go to the pool or do a craft. This week we made sharpie tie dye shirts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPT-wCak2z56ow6G_c7ilKLEm-at3sUuAlwReYdvK1W5ENTCzrWHM3gm3qaXMkNELqpkd27MTESyMQYON1JVu8D2jXLZadhdHbASc5XuWLPRgxBSZtk1r9gEEN8Uc-yCmaWX5AZdi0gw/s1600/Sharpie+Tie+Dye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPT-wCak2z56ow6G_c7ilKLEm-at3sUuAlwReYdvK1W5ENTCzrWHM3gm3qaXMkNELqpkd27MTESyMQYON1JVu8D2jXLZadhdHbASc5XuWLPRgxBSZtk1r9gEEN8Uc-yCmaWX5AZdi0gw/s1600/Sharpie+Tie+Dye.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The idea for this shirt came from <a href="http://thebutterflyjungle.blogspot.com/2010/06/fireworks-t-shirts.html" target="_blank">Butterfly Jungle's Fireworks t-shirt</a> who shares a great tutorial on the subject. Basically, you take a Sharpie or other permanent marker and make dots and lines in a small circular pattern. Then you use a medicine dropper to drop rubbing alcohol onto the center of each circle. The rubbing alcohol makes the colors bleed, resembling a tie dyed shirt.<br />
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This was a fun and simple craft that my four year old and I enjoyed doing together. And the results were quite impressive. Even better than I had hoped. Look how pretty her shirt is!<br />
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Although a word to the wise .... <strong>don't skimp</strong> <strong>on the heat setting</strong> part! Butterfly Jungle recommends 4 min of ironing followed by 20 mins tumbling in a hot dryer. I only did a quick ironing and skipped the dryer. Results? The colors bled just a smidge during the first washing. My daughter hasn't notice the difference, but next time I will follow the directions a bit more thoroughly :-)The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-2112426853179225342014-08-03T21:54:00.002-05:002014-08-03T21:54:36.464-05:00Was it Worth It? The Five Sewing Projects I Made for BabyDuring the last trimester of my pregnancy I had an overwhelming desire to make stuff - specifically to sew stuff. Now that I've had a few months to put my hand crafted items to test, I am thought I'd share which projects were worth the time and effort and which items were not. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GFcMypELDRtAzsjm9QtTkAUbzfdYhwQhkVpcnFep4C5X9JC5wLzETACg_NInB6-JTZd757ekkvMry5Lzu3S5-kXssytK8FXyy7QMUbdrVc3NkvMkmB9JHeb_tqqHjecZysvyipwmPHk/s1600/car+seat+canopy+diy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7GFcMypELDRtAzsjm9QtTkAUbzfdYhwQhkVpcnFep4C5X9JC5wLzETACg_NInB6-JTZd757ekkvMry5Lzu3S5-kXssytK8FXyy7QMUbdrVc3NkvMkmB9JHeb_tqqHjecZysvyipwmPHk/s1600/car+seat+canopy+diy.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0fQchf3z8Pgj0xI8myCrA8ZnJpb3LNPWwI9_3U-NY3hziTsr1468Wx0Q1S4yWiOS9ocT0i9yfk1BD5xdfIy4WL1elCHXt5VyiEt1fqqm8B-JrZWRCLbD2gdxLiI4jUHlhy_0bXslvTM/s1600/carseat+canopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0fQchf3z8Pgj0xI8myCrA8ZnJpb3LNPWwI9_3U-NY3hziTsr1468Wx0Q1S4yWiOS9ocT0i9yfk1BD5xdfIy4WL1elCHXt5VyiEt1fqqm8B-JrZWRCLbD2gdxLiI4jUHlhy_0bXslvTM/s1600/carseat+canopy.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<strong>Car Seat Canopy</strong><br />
<strong>Skill Level</strong>: Easy<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> Under an hour<br />
<strong>Tutorial Used?</strong> Not really, but heavily inspired from tutorials like <a href="http://www.theribbonretreat.com/blog/car-seat-canopy-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this one</a> and <a href="http://suttongrace.blogspot.com/2010/05/infant-seat-canopy.html" target="_blank">this one</a><br />
<strong>Tips/Suggestions:</strong> Don't make it too long (or it will touch the ground and get wet/dirty)<br />
<strong>Would I make it again?</strong> YES. I almost didn't make this project because I got along just fine without it the first time around, but let me tell you - second babies are different. When you only have one child you can choose to stay indoors if it's raining buckets. But your second baby gets trekked all over town- rain or shine - taking big sister to preschool, story time, playdates, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItO8DC4VTElq0w7rBrbfvYA5H0c5dKd1rKgry9mJ4V-ZyaObOho_0IiWfjWk20S4A0Zk3UrJAt2ztZq2WYr93O3pleZLppXzC1sYWct0nkE7ZeuWNXsqP5OtzjHGeem05Qy3y1o9bOdw/s1600/burp+cloths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItO8DC4VTElq0w7rBrbfvYA5H0c5dKd1rKgry9mJ4V-ZyaObOho_0IiWfjWk20S4A0Zk3UrJAt2ztZq2WYr93O3pleZLppXzC1sYWct0nkE7ZeuWNXsqP5OtzjHGeem05Qy3y1o9bOdw/s1600/burp+cloths.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Burp Cloths</strong><br />
<strong>Skill Level</strong>: Easy<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> About an hour start to finish<br />
<strong>Tutorial Used?</strong> Yes, this tutorial by <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/04/celebrate-baby-tutorial-burp-cloth-gift-sets.html" target="_blank">Dana Made It</a><br />
<strong>Would I make it again?</strong> Maybe. Great tutorial (especially her tips on packaging burp cloths for gifting and selling) and they look super cute, <em>but </em>I've found that I actually prefer using the boring white trifold cloth diapers over fabric lined burp cloths. Just personal preference. Except for in public. Then I use the cute ones :)<br />
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<strong>Fitted Crib Sheet</strong><br />
<strong>Skill Level</strong>: Moderate<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> One evening <br />
<strong>Tutorial Used?</strong> Yes, but I wouldn't recommend the one I tried<br />
<strong>Tips/Suggestions:</strong> Use elastic all the way around, not just in the corners<br />
<strong>Would I make it again?</strong> No. It was kind of a lot of effort and I wasn't pleased with the results. It didn't fit as snug as I would have liked. So my recommendation is to buy some cute crib sheets at Target. It's a lot easier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eFamg3k4gzwvoewx8rhTWk7z16f2awUQwhv4wieyy1c7yznVL3bhjXocbarh09TxeQceneqgdrXeasmB2bprJW6NMz78XqktCyqoASkhap23uM5V-LspRbtAtEMamv_dLWE8b-g6ZAg/s1600/Easy+DIY+Panel+Crib+Skirt+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eFamg3k4gzwvoewx8rhTWk7z16f2awUQwhv4wieyy1c7yznVL3bhjXocbarh09TxeQceneqgdrXeasmB2bprJW6NMz78XqktCyqoASkhap23uM5V-LspRbtAtEMamv_dLWE8b-g6ZAg/s1600/Easy+DIY+Panel+Crib+Skirt+Tutorial.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<strong>Crib Skirt</strong><br />
<strong>Skill Level</strong>: Easy<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> Under an hour<br />
<strong>Tutorial Used?</strong> Here is the<a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/2014/02/easy-panel-crib-skirt-from-5-walmart.html" target="_blank"> tutorial I wrote on how to make an easy flat panel crib skirt from a $5 Walmart Bed Sheet.</a> <br />
<strong>Tips/Suggestions:</strong> Using a bed sheet for you fabric source saves time compared to buying material at a fabric store because you can utilize pre-sewn hem lines.<br />
<strong>Would I make it again?</strong> Yes. Easy, cheap and now I can use the under crib space for hidden storage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOvZ3ll0PXZYXBBLvOJWvg-CNPVzE1ZHx_pfrTLbRInVI66hw9_bc9sni8F2J414OpwBp62IBl6wop6EGKtK2Z3wWMRpXYg2aS151rriLGZQCnB1AYxSwCLStVfzNnKV-Z42lxDr34L0/s1600/2014+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOvZ3ll0PXZYXBBLvOJWvg-CNPVzE1ZHx_pfrTLbRInVI66hw9_bc9sni8F2J414OpwBp62IBl6wop6EGKtK2Z3wWMRpXYg2aS151rriLGZQCnB1AYxSwCLStVfzNnKV-Z42lxDr34L0/s1600/2014+summer.jpg" height="273" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong>Equilateral Triangle Quilt</strong><br />
<strong>Skill Level</strong>: Difficult<br />
<strong>Time:</strong> About a month working a few hours at a time here and there.<br />
<strong>Tutorial Used?</strong> No, but you can read about <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-first-triangle-quilt-colorful-baby.html" target="_blank">my quilt here</a>.<br />
<strong>Tips/Suggestions:</strong> Don't iron/press the dimensional minky fabric. The little raised circles will flatten out.<br />
<strong>Would I make it again?</strong> Yes. This project required the most effort, but it was also the most fulfilling to make. The colors and fabrics totally fit my style and I love that my daughter has something handmade by mommy.<br />
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Bonus, it makes a good photo backdrop.<br />
The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-88591870760099909722014-07-24T22:23:00.004-05:002014-07-24T22:26:21.281-05:00Life Lately- Summer '14I'm not sure if it's the relatively mild weather we've been having, or the fact that we have a baby, but this summer seems to be flying by. I can't believe that August (and back to school) is just around the corner!<br />
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Here's a peek into my life lately....<br />
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As you might expect, most of our focus this summer has been "Baby Ray Ray," who is now three months old. I kind of thought that having a second child would be a repeat of our first experience, but I could not have been more wrong. Maybe it's because we are seasoned parents, or maybe we just got lucky, but this baby is sooooo much easier than our first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAlq2D-Bi6xAp-4Cmdnf8pn_c5wLKn6RBkpMhCKq1JjlHToFqyjWDbsksfnTCcQoIQ90h37GEDbiLYrC2_ruH_ZvCmtdXVuEgKAMgH0N1zoWmz8XrVpftzf9j6ZY9atnki2TiN2naDG4/s1600/2014+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAlq2D-Bi6xAp-4Cmdnf8pn_c5wLKn6RBkpMhCKq1JjlHToFqyjWDbsksfnTCcQoIQ90h37GEDbiLYrC2_ruH_ZvCmtdXVuEgKAMgH0N1zoWmz8XrVpftzf9j6ZY9atnki2TiN2naDG4/s1600/2014+summer.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a>In fact, she's been such an easy baby that I sometimes find myself entertaining crazy thoughts that nobody in their right mind should be considering with a newborn. Things like, <br />
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"Maybe I should open an Etsy shop."</div>
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"Is she too young to bring to Disney World?" </div>
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"Lets buy a house and move across town before school starts!" </div>
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"Do we really need birth control? A third child 12 months apart wouldn't be THAT difficult."</div>
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...you get the idea...craziness....</div>
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The four year old is still adjusting to her new roll as big sis. Some days she adores her sis and other days... not so much. She talks a lot about "eating the baby," which I finally figured out is her way of asking to put the baby back in my tummy. <br />
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I tried to explain that food goes into your stomach, but "babies grow in a separate part of your tummy", yada yada, "babies come from a special seed", yada yada, "only God can put a baby in your tummy" yada yada yada. <br />
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I mean how much anatomy/biology do you really share with a preschooler? It didn't matter because she didn't believe me anyways. She still asks me to eat the baby.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3u3pAEvRXPmG5Z_8PCxhzxJ5EPayXDTHSv1wyyBRchOGLvWVLvYHDb_9qes4OiJCZNJWLTAU0l0GnNJVhXfjagDU9g_1Z_P-ueQbjPFWKgi8UrOr0GnMTFNRJz3uSwHFdwUBCH2pcPk/s1600/pool+noodles+on+stairwell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3u3pAEvRXPmG5Z_8PCxhzxJ5EPayXDTHSv1wyyBRchOGLvWVLvYHDb_9qes4OiJCZNJWLTAU0l0GnNJVhXfjagDU9g_1Z_P-ueQbjPFWKgi8UrOr0GnMTFNRJz3uSwHFdwUBCH2pcPk/s1600/pool+noodles+on+stairwell.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This year's VBS theme was Weird Animals. The kids enjoyed learning how, we're all a little different, but God loves us the same. I typically don't like children's music, but the corresponding CD for this theme is really good. Anyone else enjoy the music as much as I did?</div>
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All of the VBS decoarations were great, but one idea really caught my attention - </div>
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<strong>Spiral cut pool noodles!</strong> </div>
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They're big, bold, and looks easy enough to replicate. Just think of all the possibilities!</div>
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I also chopped off all my hair this summer. Nine months of pregnancy hormones left my hair longer and thicker than ever before. But I rarely had time to dry and straighten that long of hair, so I traded my long locks for a shorter 'do and sent my eight inch ponytail off to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths hair donation program. Did you know it takes more than eight hair donations to make a single wig?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvt3enVaXg5tmGpl9wDasqDK01cD1oZVj5oyrPvczbd-2xIdlUjQT_EgISaHKPSDkIilPim78Ujbv3f0Mg3JKZ3KiRgOicG6w8dWGiYDKMRSG19fKpZ15qW0MRQPEZZUuNK9wWTHECOk/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvt3enVaXg5tmGpl9wDasqDK01cD1oZVj5oyrPvczbd-2xIdlUjQT_EgISaHKPSDkIilPim78Ujbv3f0Mg3JKZ3KiRgOicG6w8dWGiYDKMRSG19fKpZ15qW0MRQPEZZUuNK9wWTHECOk/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="277" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's about all for now. Take care!
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-44080829797436235692014-06-22T22:08:00.003-05:002014-06-22T22:08:57.220-05:0011 Updates to My Blogger Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb9yUw0hYfUkXJuntQxpbVNO9NvhU8rF0opzIcg4T7fZaxGg5xd33xSNZeaBjWtM2ExJcgGA5qf6xoZFVqEkSRIJYi67QEAXmk6quStEjPergUW41Ed0py6tfkO6wMn39_Zm5nIdZOmI/s1600/Blogger+Layout+Updates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb9yUw0hYfUkXJuntQxpbVNO9NvhU8rF0opzIcg4T7fZaxGg5xd33xSNZeaBjWtM2ExJcgGA5qf6xoZFVqEkSRIJYi67QEAXmk6quStEjPergUW41Ed0py6tfkO6wMn39_Zm5nIdZOmI/s1600/Blogger+Layout+Updates.jpg" height="640" width="406" /></a></div>
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I've made a few updates recently to this little blog's layout and appearance. I'm going for a simpler and more streamlined look. Do you like it?</div>
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Here's the complete rundown of the new changes.... </div>
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<ol>
<li>Switch to a simple layout with a plain white background.</li>
<li>New About Me Page - Want to know which TV shows are on my DVR? <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/p/contact-me.html" target="_blank">Check it out!</a></li>
<li>Create a new welcome headshot photo - the standard blogger intro photo I had been using was smaller than I wanted. I replaced it with an "image" gadget from the Google layout page and used <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">picmonkey's</a> new circle cutout feature to create an updated welcome photo of myself.</li>
<li>Update Pinterest and Blogger profile photos to match welcome photo. </li>
<li>Move the sidebar from the right to the left side.</li>
<li>Use a <a href="http://business.pinterest.com/en/widget-builder#do_pin_it_button" target="_blank">Pinterest Board Widget</a> in place of an image gallery to display previous post under the craft index tab.</li>
<li>Clean up old posts - Some of my early posts were a little rough. I deleted a handful of old posts.</li>
<li>Uninstall LinkWithin - A decision I made after reading this post, <a href="http://www.geekinheels.com/2012/02/02/bloggy-thursdays-why-i-stopped-using-linkwithin-and-switched-to-nrelate.html" target="_blank">"Why I stopped using LinkWithin"</a></li>
<li>Install nRelate - still on my to do list</li>
<li>Adjust sidebar and overall blog widths. My previous overall blog width was narrow, resulting in a title header that appeared centered on the page (rather than left aligned). A larger sidebar also accommodates the preferred ad sizes on Google AdSense.</li>
<li>Consolidate ads and optimize ad sizes - I realized that if I ever want to reach the magical $50 AdSense payout, I needed to optimize my ad sizes and switch to one of the recommended ad dimensions. Also, instead of splitting my earning between one Share-A-Sale ad and one Google AdSense ad, I consolidated, making both ad spaces through Google AdSense.</li>
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What do you think? How does the new layout appear on your web browser? Any sugggestions<br />
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-29583846579432330482014-06-14T22:46:00.002-05:002014-06-15T21:31:44.981-05:00Big Sister, Little Sister Shirt and Onesie (and Silhouette Cut Files!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUddPPdF7thnNC7Z0h8vX1kvboNV-2hurMZnAfESEj1E_hjC-HwSlsKb7Kz3ThFUA1A8oqSEjSrqG_szoEYMDe_49J3drzOKAvS0_lnduqlc7uuGa9L6Inuwe3uB15ng-E00hSPlLXOls/s1600/Big+Sister+Little+Sister+Silhouette+Cut+Files.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUddPPdF7thnNC7Z0h8vX1kvboNV-2hurMZnAfESEj1E_hjC-HwSlsKb7Kz3ThFUA1A8oqSEjSrqG_szoEYMDe_49J3drzOKAvS0_lnduqlc7uuGa9L6Inuwe3uB15ng-E00hSPlLXOls/s1600/Big+Sister+Little+Sister+Silhouette+Cut+Files.jpg" height="640" width="614" /></a></div>
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The first project I made using heat transfer vinyl was a Big Sister/ Little Sister shirt and onesie for my girls. I ordered my vinyl online from Happy Crafters and used my Silhouette cutting machine to cut the design. Designing and making custom shirts just might be my favorite craft of all time. <br />
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I'm sharing my Silhouette cut files for the Big Sister Little Sister shirts at the end of this post if you'd like to make your own. Let me know if you have any trouble opening the files. Personal use only please.<br />
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Here are my girls wearing the shirts I made. Aren't they adorable? Miss L is such a protective big sister.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iYgGI2tcjrid82HAyBSNkO82B2d4Eb7mC91-jtDinOfd9WZhIEIn8e4tvpeSWDqfZSNISsl7_IS4U06rOgTDjn0IoS8-xlrWQQVAB8XUXalApXiCycjQeAD7b6JsayKmBI7CfTLI_9g/s1600/sister+shirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iYgGI2tcjrid82HAyBSNkO82B2d4Eb7mC91-jtDinOfd9WZhIEIn8e4tvpeSWDqfZSNISsl7_IS4U06rOgTDjn0IoS8-xlrWQQVAB8XUXalApXiCycjQeAD7b6JsayKmBI7CfTLI_9g/s1600/sister+shirts.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWtdTZcnhuqbyJvekVGihJIl_PJJa0cSy-DW5nLGOlnGFbVsP3a0d9upDfrVksKag5D3Hzb_R-NQn_-taPLvrA4ZVpaVvlCGK9A5EF578RDubyVl98kbMtjGJVJLzuk5dY4ND55rPSqg/s1600/little+sister+onesie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWtdTZcnhuqbyJvekVGihJIl_PJJa0cSy-DW5nLGOlnGFbVsP3a0d9upDfrVksKag5D3Hzb_R-NQn_-taPLvrA4ZVpaVvlCGK9A5EF578RDubyVl98kbMtjGJVJLzuk5dY4ND55rPSqg/s1600/little+sister+onesie.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje-HdoCViVCUw8kgjyZDkcsGqrh02SgNXEOqHr3SSS7kR84Ke9Ze-hf29v1c1NPMeDRsUByJdrv1zUgThnlsvTeKcrDPas3Qguj9sAO7IIT6nWgjfScwQWezUwiwoWUr2emf_sk36EuM/s1600/little+sister+onesies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje-HdoCViVCUw8kgjyZDkcsGqrh02SgNXEOqHr3SSS7kR84Ke9Ze-hf29v1c1NPMeDRsUByJdrv1zUgThnlsvTeKcrDPas3Qguj9sAO7IIT6nWgjfScwQWezUwiwoWUr2emf_sk36EuM/s1600/little+sister+onesies.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are the cut files if you'd like to make your own shirts. The text is already reversed for use with heat transfer vinyl, but you can flip it back if you'd like to use the files with another medium, like paper.<br />
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<a href="https://app.box.com/s/vzh6pswpka82st701yze" target="_blank">Big Sister Little Sister Free Cut Files</a><br />
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If you like this post, I'd love for you to pin an image or follow my blog :-)<br />
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Post shared <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-85239268127496716692014-06-06T15:43:00.000-05:002014-06-06T15:43:41.338-05:00Scrabble Tile Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiBVCQVAdQJuquQbzSu_I35lTI7VC2pbboNEbkAIQjUoHOt2muXQAxDtlrGwU_XoGQ1vi_8ggaEkxjOs2hL-9cFd0bccbQkHfj74lr8_f6uCnwLZHgkK2B3l-MkOWJqTCDaZuBbA7LBs/s1600/scrabble+tile+dream+with+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiBVCQVAdQJuquQbzSu_I35lTI7VC2pbboNEbkAIQjUoHOt2muXQAxDtlrGwU_XoGQ1vi_8ggaEkxjOs2hL-9cFd0bccbQkHfj74lr8_f6uCnwLZHgkK2B3l-MkOWJqTCDaZuBbA7LBs/s1600/scrabble+tile+dream+with+me.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfaytElOvHTfwe6cylVrrA4PEhbGitEbu7UjKocPkKepIdQX4Mm0AwRTnMHw3yQZ6WbXlhJNhoxm4ItXX5mHt1m8wCmlCmwaJOJFzVhfkuqMaaawH3Yq6tbSUd4VX0ra49ascRkQSsXg/s1600/scrable+tile+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfaytElOvHTfwe6cylVrrA4PEhbGitEbu7UjKocPkKepIdQX4Mm0AwRTnMHw3yQZ6WbXlhJNhoxm4ItXX5mHt1m8wCmlCmwaJOJFzVhfkuqMaaawH3Yq6tbSUd4VX0ra49ascRkQSsXg/s1600/scrable+tile+art.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a project my sister recently made using wooden Scrabble letter tiles. "Dream With Me" is such a great sentiment that fits well with the rest of her Parisian décor. I'll have to ask her where she got that frame - I love the modern French farmhouse vibe!<br />
<br />The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-17714070299450739742014-05-31T14:31:00.001-05:002014-05-31T19:27:27.021-05:00Chalkboard Tag Maternity and Newborn Photo Prop "Gift from God"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some pregnant women clean their houses heavily during the nesting phase at the end of pregnancy, but for me, instead of feeling a need to clean I felt a need to create. It was a burst of creative energy that defined my nesting period and I completed several projects in the last few weeks of pregnancy including this chalkboard tag photo prop which I used as a photo prop in both maternity and newborn photos. The "Gift form God" lettering was designed and cut with my silhouette cameo and software. </div>
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<strong>Silhouette Tip: </strong>If you're having trouble finding a decorative scroll or flourish that fits your design, consider making your own using Silhouette's edit points feature. In my design, shown below, the decorative swirl under the text began as a letter "f". I elongated, rotated, and used the edit points feature to eliminate the cross arms in the middle of the letter. Once you like the way it looks, hit the duplicate object button and you have yourself a double scroll.(Compare to the letter f in the word gift and from on the tag.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLRsO62S9uAT2BQPY24D_tj-RxzS3BE9SgK7y4J71Pz9gnUEHcHQyNWImWWIaIMQrATls3DWeORiekst4JNA6mu2UZI8chdB5FBBo1Szk2A8ewKRQtDeFD64HZ_aOeQyZEkXk3W4lTk4/s1600/Gift+from+God+newborn+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLRsO62S9uAT2BQPY24D_tj-RxzS3BE9SgK7y4J71Pz9gnUEHcHQyNWImWWIaIMQrATls3DWeORiekst4JNA6mu2UZI8chdB5FBBo1Szk2A8ewKRQtDeFD64HZ_aOeQyZEkXk3W4lTk4/s1600/Gift+from+God+newborn+photo.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-pjRmK-cIGOTTC6gzW1rN7OOGG1ovwuWYsZ_RdAfnQyCR3TYAbuoIW9CQ-GXNdMZrg5kRh3nn1hUW-5eUsrQCQhzKztmepYSe2mHTJghNrgtiGM3e08F1IBHFaosJQ3mahYpmU0bTRY/s1600/Gift+from+God+Newborn+baby+photo+prop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-pjRmK-cIGOTTC6gzW1rN7OOGG1ovwuWYsZ_RdAfnQyCR3TYAbuoIW9CQ-GXNdMZrg5kRh3nn1hUW-5eUsrQCQhzKztmepYSe2mHTJghNrgtiGM3e08F1IBHFaosJQ3mahYpmU0bTRY/s1600/Gift+from+God+Newborn+baby+photo+prop.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ0lzX_nq5_I7-LqGZQ0x0vJo6aArX9jea0Z9DgIPoxDZ9MkmBli2OMcjGqumVK4sqkHVVAdIf3VtgSpQVUxEAXtBr3fAinJM3FGJbJsF2VW_s2rf1ZFo2p_NW75eyDDo-0_sqhJlOoo/s1600/Gift+from+God+Maternity+Photo+Prop+chalkboard+tag+with+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJ0lzX_nq5_I7-LqGZQ0x0vJo6aArX9jea0Z9DgIPoxDZ9MkmBli2OMcjGqumVK4sqkHVVAdIf3VtgSpQVUxEAXtBr3fAinJM3FGJbJsF2VW_s2rf1ZFo2p_NW75eyDDo-0_sqhJlOoo/s1600/Gift+from+God+Maternity+Photo+Prop+chalkboard+tag+with+bow.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-17633090240683876962014-05-26T18:49:00.003-05:002014-05-26T18:49:33.250-05:00Infertility and the Child We Almost Named ElizabethConceiving our first child was relatively easy, but conceiving our second child proved to be much more difficult. After one miscarriage and nearly two years of trying, we were beginning to wonder if we would ever have another child. Neither one of us was comfortable with fertility treatments, but we were open to the idea of adoption and began to consider that possibility.<br />
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We researched various adoption methods, read books about the subject, contacted agencies, even attended a seminar for prospective adoptive parents. After extensive research, we were comfortable and knowledgeable on the subject. While laying in bed one night, we agreed to move forward with the adoption process. The plan was to call the agency in the morning and get started on the paperwork.<br />
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That very next morning I found out I was pregnant.<br />
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Obviously we were thrilled to be expecting, but after trying for so long, it seemed too good to be true. I feared we would have another miscarriage and tried to protect myself by not getting too emotionally invested. <br />
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Even as the pregnancy progressed, I found it difficult to connect with the growing life inside. I heard the heartbeat and saw the baby on a first trimester sonogram, but it was still hard to believe. My husband felt the same way. I guess that during all those months of trying to conceive we had conditioned ourselves not to get our hopes up too soon.<br />
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By the time we finally felt convinced that the pregnancy was "real", my morning sickness was in full force. I was sick all the time. The slightest little smell, temperature change, etc. would send me running to the bathroom. I was hugging the toilet morning, noon, and night.<br />
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I actually lost weight in the first trimester from so much vomiting. Morning sickness is such an ugly side effect of something that is supposed to be so joyous.<br />
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Again, we were thrilled to be expecting, but we still had trouble connecting with the baby. I thought it might help if we gave our baby a name and we named her early in the pregnancy. Although we didn't know the gender yet, we both felt fairly certain that it was a little girl. We decided to name her Elizabeth. And it worked. Naming our baby finally helped us connect with the pregnancy. <br />
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After a sonogram confirmed that she was in fact a girl, we began sharing her name with the world. We were committed to the name and told everyone that her name was Elizabeth. <br />
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We took maternity photos using her name.<br />
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I made a piece of nursery art using her name. (<a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-cut-thick-glitter-sequin-paper.html" target="_blank">Seen in this tutorial</a>.)<br />
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Our older daughter would pat my belly daily and say, "Hi baby Elizabeth, I'm your big sister."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tDP4fBkmgzr0DJdwz4LPGjRa5h2WGwZFcpdOCU92NV7DqMmRIbfa0wFqwzRWZm_sn_4qwXZKtqGOFrneAI5k9MFj5KjtE1bCDPgLc_gX5y6yaYLkt__VzpZLZU7ihmEulK9-OSkvvJU/s1600/Hello+my+name+is+Elizabeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tDP4fBkmgzr0DJdwz4LPGjRa5h2WGwZFcpdOCU92NV7DqMmRIbfa0wFqwzRWZm_sn_4qwXZKtqGOFrneAI5k9MFj5KjtE1bCDPgLc_gX5y6yaYLkt__VzpZLZU7ihmEulK9-OSkvvJU/s1600/Hello+my+name+is+Elizabeth.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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But in the end we decided not to name her Elizabeth. And now that I've built this story up so much, I'm sure you're all probably all wondering why. The short answer is that a vague acquaintance called our older child - whose two syllable name isn't one to be typically shortened- by an abbreviated nickname.<br />
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Granted we call her "Lindz" at home all the time, but this acquaintance didn't know that. So why did this bother me so much? Well, I realized that if practical strangers were eager to use abbreviated versions of names that aren't typically shortened, then they most certainly would shorten a name like Elizabeth, which literally has a dozen different derivatives.<br />
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I love the name Elizabeth - but only when used in its entirety. As her parent I thought that I could coach others to call her by the full name and not by nicknames. I probably could have been successful at keeping her the full Elizabeth for the first couple of years, but what happens when she goes to school and her friends want to call her Beth, Ellie, or Lizzie? I don't particularily care for the first two nicknames and "Lizzie" is only two small consonants away from sounding identical to our four year old's name.<br />
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The idea of choosing a new name after so many months of calling her Elizabeth was really difficult for me. It almost felt like if we changed her name, we would also be changing her identity. That seems like a rather silly thought now, but at the time I was very pregnant and very hormonal.<br />
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In the end, we decided that our dislike for the name's derivatives was greater than our love of the full name Elizabeth. We selected another name that we equally loved. The moment our daughter was born, I knew that we had made the right choice. The name we selected for baby "R" suits her perfectly, and I can't imagine calling her anything else.<br />
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<br />The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-10535431466504763892014-05-03T14:24:00.003-05:002014-05-03T14:24:23.174-05:00She's Here!Our little peanut made her grand debut a few weeks ago, weighing in at 8lbs 3oz and 20inches long. Everyone is healthy and adjusting well. God is so good! <br />
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Here's a few photos from her first day at home. I just love that crocheted hat my mother made!<br />
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-87650106267814693222014-04-14T09:21:00.001-05:002014-04-14T09:21:41.719-05:00Happy Fourth Birthday PrintableSomebody around here is celebrating her fourth birthday this month! The new baby is due almost the same date as big sis' birthday, so we hosted her birthday party with friends a few weeks in advance. I'll try to share a few photos from the party, and maybe a tutorial on how I made the fours in a four print, but for now, I just wanted to pop in with a super quick blog post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1o3-QEEBguJuHPCO-KMdg4vw-F2thrgKiU9wsiMMXknOZyCX-aNJIyAQ3Hq1gVRw4V7CDYia1soVbx4H-yWEyV75TjZvq8MuEgrrq_MjvHZdR5gJh_enMBO1fGX65EgyHj93L5ecWisw/s1600/Fourth+Birthday+Printables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1o3-QEEBguJuHPCO-KMdg4vw-F2thrgKiU9wsiMMXknOZyCX-aNJIyAQ3Hq1gVRw4V7CDYia1soVbx4H-yWEyV75TjZvq8MuEgrrq_MjvHZdR5gJh_enMBO1fGX65EgyHj93L5ecWisw/s1600/Fourth+Birthday+Printables.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are the prints I displayed on our counsel table by the front entryway. The one on the left is a free printable from Petit Lemon which you can find<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/59320920066341981/" target="_blank"> at this link</a>. The file downloads with blank spaces for you to customize with your child's details. It's actually intended to be a giant poster, aka engineer size print, but I chose to print it at home in a smaller size.<br />
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The print on the right, the fours in a four, is the one I designed specifically for the occasion using her favorite colors. It took a little bit of time to get the coloring and spacing just right, but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I took screen shots during the design process and plan to type a tutorial later, but for now, here's a closer look at my fours in a four, Happy 4th Birthday print. <br />
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Feel free to copy, save, and print this image if you'd like to use this print in your own party celebrations. Personal use only, please :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_UFqFFXEWFlqDrZ2uxmDIgUKygbq6DhyphenhyphenymmusUQqtlx6lPw_ml9t0xBZETUJcdmSUS_M1iO8ECJlZliaOz7K8x5svvR2FUE2dYsMDOWsZd7_OYMKq7toiOW-IVSPENgRt5444sLqAyM/s1600/Happy+4th+Birthday+Fours+in+4+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_UFqFFXEWFlqDrZ2uxmDIgUKygbq6DhyphenhyphenymmusUQqtlx6lPw_ml9t0xBZETUJcdmSUS_M1iO8ECJlZliaOz7K8x5svvR2FUE2dYsMDOWsZd7_OYMKq7toiOW-IVSPENgRt5444sLqAyM/s1600/Happy+4th+Birthday+Fours+in+4+print.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-27931469597561002642014-03-25T11:03:00.001-05:002014-03-25T22:46:18.168-05:00Build it! Display Stands for Miniature Garland and Buntings Tutorial<br />
I think miniature garlands are just the cutest things ever. And they're so simple to make. Pretty much everyone can sew a few paper circles together (or glue tiny burlap flags) to create instant decor for pretty much any occasion. It's cheap and easy. My two favorite adjectives.<br />
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However, I sometimes struggled to find places in my home for displaying those tiny little buntings.<br />
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I've seen plenty of images online of perfectly styled mantels with miniature garland draped along old window panes, shutters, and even giant chalkboards. And it all looks beautiful. But without those vintage decor elements, finding a spot to display miniature garlands in my home was difficult. Thus, although I love them, I rarely decorated with them.<br />
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Until the day I saw <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/59320920065933305/" target="_blank">THIS</a> brilliant idea at Find It, Make It, Love It. I absolutely loved it. And I had to have it. But I don't live in Utah, and the supply store mentioned doesn't ship.<br />
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So........ I crafted my own version, DIY style. Here's what I came up with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y_5Jh2dWqfnrs2kzyXut4bQzb3lvHmSVDqPuPp-LZ7hGoJkngE1OLKBBeEKOfIvVblv_b0vkRyDn2EPnYWHGQBhwHcUIritWkkUrULlSfcTy5ne5ha7ofZG4nwMadxKm1x2aC53fwfk/s1600/wooden+display+stand+tutorial+for+mini+paper+garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Y_5Jh2dWqfnrs2kzyXut4bQzb3lvHmSVDqPuPp-LZ7hGoJkngE1OLKBBeEKOfIvVblv_b0vkRyDn2EPnYWHGQBhwHcUIritWkkUrULlSfcTy5ne5ha7ofZG4nwMadxKm1x2aC53fwfk/s1600/wooden+display+stand+tutorial+for+mini+paper+garland.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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<b>Project Estimates</b><br />
<u>Total cost: </u>Under $10<br />
<u>Total time:</u> Less than an hour<br />
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<b>Supply List </b>(all items found at a hardware store)<br />
(1) 1- 1/4 x 48" Poplar Dowel<br />
(1) Wood Closet Rod Socket set<br />
(2) Wooden Finials in the same diameter as your dowel (marketed as furniture legs)<br />
***Verify that all items are the same diameter, and will fit together<br />
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You will also need to use a saw, drill, screws, and paint.<br />
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<b>Step 1: </b>Determine how tall you would like your display stands. Keep in mind that the taller you make it, the less sturdy it will be.<br />
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<b>Step 2:</b> Cut two pieces of equal length from your dowel rod.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdz4UzZ-swoaYLIC3dIXNObKAwJsK5QqGjekZRHzW9Bjod0yq4E0b0UyiPwiOhE_-_pxpeSDwRa7V-CBq5JmGGbNdTyTNqf_H0MNr1_p45Z52HPieVhqP54EKYVHtGJmUQ99JQtzNwnE/s1600/Bunting+Display+Stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdz4UzZ-swoaYLIC3dIXNObKAwJsK5QqGjekZRHzW9Bjod0yq4E0b0UyiPwiOhE_-_pxpeSDwRa7V-CBq5JmGGbNdTyTNqf_H0MNr1_p45Z52HPieVhqP54EKYVHtGJmUQ99JQtzNwnE/s1600/Bunting+Display+Stand.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Step 3:</b> Drill guide hole for screwing on the finial top. Attach finial.<br />
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<b>Step 4:</b> Attach the closet rod socket to the base with a drill and screw. You may need to use a countersink drill bit first to ensure the head of your screw will lie flush - we don't want our display stand to wobble! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSPjxbssMUd6PE2j3XTlU9L4BepsaWFqFimTqZErkif1GM9flsazvVcrFdWJmqw9P__1TJXFn56yg3iT5gaexwxzoVvAZrT6rj7oEsAqdrtvzOMFiz0ZqVeJ952GadnoErDpmp4GezYM/s1600/tutorial+wooden+bunting+display+sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSPjxbssMUd6PE2j3XTlU9L4BepsaWFqFimTqZErkif1GM9flsazvVcrFdWJmqw9P__1TJXFn56yg3iT5gaexwxzoVvAZrT6rj7oEsAqdrtvzOMFiz0ZqVeJ952GadnoErDpmp4GezYM/s1600/tutorial+wooden+bunting+display+sticks.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 5:</b> Paint or stain<br />
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<b>Step 6: </b>Enjoy!<br />
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-85846064868737732022014-03-20T23:07:00.000-05:002014-03-20T23:08:15.754-05:0035 Weeks Belly Bump Photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Getting bigger..... Here's a new belly bump pic for you Grandma :)</div>
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-75960454126259920502014-03-17T10:19:00.001-05:002014-03-17T10:19:59.689-05:00Thirty Years of Christmas Letters: A Shutterfly Scrapbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Friends! Today I want to share something that I've been meaning to make for a long time... a photo scrapbook with over thirty years of my family's annual Christmas letters.<br />
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Every year since their marriage, my parents have been including a Christmas letter and family photo with their annual holiday cards. In the days before email, Facebook, and Instagram, these Christmas letters helped connect our family and update long distant friends and relatives of our happenings throughout the year.<br />
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Fortunately for me, my parents thought to save a copy of each year's letter and photo as a keepsake for themselves. Looking back at old Christmas letters written by my parents about me and my siblings is a trip down nostalgia lane - almost like reading an old diary about yourself. <br />
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I thought it would be neat compile all of the annual Christmas letters - over thirty years - into one book. I also knew that my siblings would want a copy, so I turned to <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=420133&u=889118&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly</span></a> to create a photo scrapbook that could be printed in multiples. One for each of my family members.<br />
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Making a photo scrapbook with <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=420133&u=889118&m=12808&urllink=&afftrack="><span style="font-size: large;">Shutterfly</span></a> is super easy. I've ordered numerous photo books through them in the past. Great price, great quality and their website is really user friendly, making photobook creation a breeze.<br />
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Here is a peek inside my completed photobook. (Check out the frilly hat hanging in the background of these photos. Gotta love the 90's!)<br />
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<em>This post contains affiliate links, meaning I make a very small commission on any orders placed after clicking on the links contained in this post.</em></div>
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-71777716469444117862014-03-10T00:05:00.002-05:002014-03-14T21:55:45.915-05:00Maternity Bow Belts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few months ago I whipped up some DIY Maternity Bow Belts. I wore this style belt quite a bit during my second trimester to provide definition and give the illusion of a waistline when regular tops no longer fit, but my maternity shirts were still a bit roomy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5hpzgqVFIYGdAUzZxpS6wMm1lN54ku6u_Yg1Zb181XbO9xyIDOgbwlwnuKAo_O7Qo14_4kDGnhtqSLphiKE157nuCWMmLE17OaPzT0JIPzt4TMA-4A3l224j5UjWr7lxKo9Ianlix3o/s1600/Maternity+Bow+Belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5hpzgqVFIYGdAUzZxpS6wMm1lN54ku6u_Yg1Zb181XbO9xyIDOgbwlwnuKAo_O7Qo14_4kDGnhtqSLphiKE157nuCWMmLE17OaPzT0JIPzt4TMA-4A3l224j5UjWr7lxKo9Ianlix3o/s1600/Maternity+Bow+Belt.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKHR7udPznj0_RY3OusJYn7ljC1pXjaWz8akgq5mzK00ZjqbKG3BnE5v07jc77G2qIpsDvGpiXOT8sP0JGeOD-gG-1zUqZlBReU_ZOXmUIVkXAnMyfEhCRnzlMJmOD2kNKqRQO9mKcJQ/s1600/Empire+Maternity+Belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKHR7udPznj0_RY3OusJYn7ljC1pXjaWz8akgq5mzK00ZjqbKG3BnE5v07jc77G2qIpsDvGpiXOT8sP0JGeOD-gG-1zUqZlBReU_ZOXmUIVkXAnMyfEhCRnzlMJmOD2kNKqRQO9mKcJQ/s1600/Empire+Maternity+Belt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3LyFwmgQz48E75jWY7gzi89WW6wp1ICVI8c2MgubBvCQbiDowTO34vbMOinsfYjcNSVyG6O8grnMszVwrRAE4NWV7jkjpILm8lrtRzGRac_fypwDDdDWgMoEBYFC8ZKuHJemIIgo_AE/s1600/DIY+Maternity+Bow+Belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3LyFwmgQz48E75jWY7gzi89WW6wp1ICVI8c2MgubBvCQbiDowTO34vbMOinsfYjcNSVyG6O8grnMszVwrRAE4NWV7jkjpILm8lrtRzGRac_fypwDDdDWgMoEBYFC8ZKuHJemIIgo_AE/s1600/DIY+Maternity+Bow+Belt.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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These belts were super easy to make. If you can make a headband, you can make this belt. <br />
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The white bow belt was made using two different ribbon types stacked together and the bow was assembled using <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/2013/06/bread-tie-bows-easy-diy-hairbow.html" target="_blank">THIS TUTORIAL</a>. The bow was then stitched onto piece of elastic trim. <br />
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The green bow was made from an old knit tank top. The elastic band was salvaged from the shelf bra liner band on the same tank. <br />
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The coral colored bow belt is on a satin ribbon with an elastic closure. Here is a closer look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF-qWUj9-UiCe48MQtjC7lwIloUOJp7R7hZlMbaT00QSvXgZtrPLAubmByAhhbzX9OVD56KzefvKplZo-N1JLgIaZTLR3nSUIQnHSqMTww4uvqloH_u_-RUscH0Rlc-mOl5xFF58MadE/s1600/DIY+Bow+Belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF-qWUj9-UiCe48MQtjC7lwIloUOJp7R7hZlMbaT00QSvXgZtrPLAubmByAhhbzX9OVD56KzefvKplZo-N1JLgIaZTLR3nSUIQnHSqMTww4uvqloH_u_-RUscH0Rlc-mOl5xFF58MadE/s1600/DIY+Bow+Belt.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_jAKr90iuaJkVSUwNHr5ed_fgReYWAo-gN-8NduuLSoSOETdNnfxRnkIe5eF9p3FSV0lsZQmpmvEKlHcweFnQvkMuNJgGKFdFbgjSBs3YwkT1XEOdUYe0rARnbytGEDc6U-BLWzQ5YM/s1600/Maternity+Belts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_jAKr90iuaJkVSUwNHr5ed_fgReYWAo-gN-8NduuLSoSOETdNnfxRnkIe5eF9p3FSV0lsZQmpmvEKlHcweFnQvkMuNJgGKFdFbgjSBs3YwkT1XEOdUYe0rARnbytGEDc6U-BLWzQ5YM/s1600/Maternity+Belts.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6ng4zutRWVMoFYYAo95fTF4ztCqz6485b9Il2P_MnYuq2K_d_x7TiLhq1tv2ll0w3S66EnKysEt-poU5ksD04J1oBLsWJXXFY8B4tgmek_TujzBVISouonlnFllV3HsQ1FKvppOHDB0/s1600/Maternity+Bow+Belts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6ng4zutRWVMoFYYAo95fTF4ztCqz6485b9Il2P_MnYuq2K_d_x7TiLhq1tv2ll0w3S66EnKysEt-poU5ksD04J1oBLsWJXXFY8B4tgmek_TujzBVISouonlnFllV3HsQ1FKvppOHDB0/s1600/Maternity+Bow+Belts.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlXfzzHFnjJu4f47epKUDc7YYjxhpbv6hlONPnw_6Oke2IQ2OHO7iW6q3S5hYArxR1V1Gup9_VVO_jmHqidN_ZDT0cf-TdUXCGOWypmPVVlLucJR1y_nK63BW3IRDaOjHAcDRoH0bfyk/s1600/DIY+Maternity+Bow+Belts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRlXfzzHFnjJu4f47epKUDc7YYjxhpbv6hlONPnw_6Oke2IQ2OHO7iW6q3S5hYArxR1V1Gup9_VVO_jmHqidN_ZDT0cf-TdUXCGOWypmPVVlLucJR1y_nK63BW3IRDaOjHAcDRoH0bfyk/s1600/DIY+Maternity+Bow+Belts.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/2014/03/maternity-bow-belts.html" target="_blank">Linking up HERE</a></div>
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<script async="" data-pin-color="red" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-hover="true" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-38286520626150991002014-03-05T06:45:00.000-06:002014-03-05T06:45:00.557-06:00How and What We Save: Children's Keepsake Files<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gGtlXZWCigA0Rea76vV7kBq8ckadipvxX712sXD6VisM4jkWLPHxh3pOpzpy_2x-5Ml82-Fe6C9xgeNwFuhMeWxvF_Oodx8Yk2-Q58KcSJboFJK01kh7ovR8ZmCTKRPcFWOsPrrVgJQ/s1600/Children's+Keepsake+Files.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gGtlXZWCigA0Rea76vV7kBq8ckadipvxX712sXD6VisM4jkWLPHxh3pOpzpy_2x-5Ml82-Fe6C9xgeNwFuhMeWxvF_Oodx8Yk2-Q58KcSJboFJK01kh7ovR8ZmCTKRPcFWOsPrrVgJQ/s1600/Children's+Keepsake+Files.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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As most parents will attest, children generate sentimental paperwork at an alarmingly fast rate. Memorable cards, photos, and pediatrician papers begin piling up in the first few weeks of life. The rate of keepsake production accelerates more and more as your child begins to scribble, color, and draw. By the time your kid goes to preschool, it's easy to find yourself swimming in a sea of brightly colored construction paper art.</div>
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Creating and maintaining a keepsake folder is how our family addresses the sentimental clutter. Let me show you how and what we save.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKYhkIkxweFbRP4TNvv1_FfEFzGxJTX6FVyhJZD-Vizg8VmIyxMljt918J0zaaZNhtrekjtwbVZ8rmyq6aop8LZ2ndw_2uusLAXjz27UoHLMQtg3fvJe3s2KEZdmaXtgCVc27NqU-VbY/s1600/IMG_5037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKYhkIkxweFbRP4TNvv1_FfEFzGxJTX6FVyhJZD-Vizg8VmIyxMljt918J0zaaZNhtrekjtwbVZ8rmyq6aop8LZ2ndw_2uusLAXjz27UoHLMQtg3fvJe3s2KEZdmaXtgCVc27NqU-VbY/s1600/IMG_5037.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><strong></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Where Do We Save?</span></strong></div>
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A few years ago I began using this accordion file folder to save and organize our daughter's keepsakes. Having used it for a few years now, I am really happy that I spent the few extra bucks for the extra features, like the larger size, the canvas exterior, and the clasp closure on front. (Purchased at Walmart and still very affordable, even with the extras.) </div>
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Here are some things to consider when purchasing an accordion file for children's keepsakes.</div>
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Size - Does a piece of construction paper artwork fit inside without folding?</div>
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Capacity - How much will it hold? How many dividers?</div>
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Construction - a canvas exterior is sturdier and will last longer than a plain plastic one.</div>
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Method of closure - elastic closure or plastic clasp?</div>
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Do you want a handle?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNohSveiPCG8NHvC4HG2wpqZO4xFKkRreFM55WDIu2Z3egy1HfynfueXglh12eUR3l4yUKUCLJCmTAi7QnTQ4BS-GwwpKrMwT95zehixXumANAI1RIZ0LyaAb7IpHqfC1QQbYykwwK_Xc/s1600/Keepsake+Folder%252C+what%2527s+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNohSveiPCG8NHvC4HG2wpqZO4xFKkRreFM55WDIu2Z3egy1HfynfueXglh12eUR3l4yUKUCLJCmTAi7QnTQ4BS-GwwpKrMwT95zehixXumANAI1RIZ0LyaAb7IpHqfC1QQbYykwwK_Xc/s1600/Keepsake+Folder%252C+what%2527s+inside.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What Do We Save?</span></div>
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A few cards and letters - Only the most meaningful ones get saved.</div>
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A select representation of the child's artwork. More on that process in a minute.</div>
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Pediatrician handouts with child's height, weight, and percentiles from check-up visits.</div>
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A few wallet size photos from photography sessions. (Majority of professional photos are stored elsewhere.)</div>
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Yearly highlight DVD. I like to edit our home videos into manageable, 30-45 minute films compiling the best video clips from the year. When creating the DVD, I burn an extra copy for her keepsake file.</div>
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A CD with digital copies of the year's photos.</div>
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Our annual Christmas Card</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fqGKB247tFgV5lc-SkWhPiH5gpNGHBotETdz7CS6kbj3f3R_IUMNhR9qbr6ULvpV3LJbLn8YC9DZ1jQ_5GSSDmL0bjHNQW1UrrfPOIprJ-vrgWx5aMWHj1YRUM64PUS93wFg5kln-KE/s1600/Keepsake+Folders+Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fqGKB247tFgV5lc-SkWhPiH5gpNGHBotETdz7CS6kbj3f3R_IUMNhR9qbr6ULvpV3LJbLn8YC9DZ1jQ_5GSSDmL0bjHNQW1UrrfPOIprJ-vrgWx5aMWHj1YRUM64PUS93wFg5kln-KE/s1600/Keepsake+Folders+Inside.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">How to Decide Which Art to Save? (And What to Toss)</span></strong></div>
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Chances are, you won't be able to save every piece of art your child brings home from school. (Unless you're willing to devote massive amounts of your home to storage.) Personally, I am of the less is more mentality. When my child eventually grows up, moves out, and receives her keepsake files, I want it to be a manageable collection of meaningful childhood keepsakes - not overwhelming or burdensome.</div>
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So how do you determine which art to save? Here's the process that works for us. </div>
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All artwork (regardless of quality) is proudly displayed on the refrigerator upon initial completion. Then, after being displayed for an appropriate amount of time, the majority of her artwork is thrown away. (Easier to do if the child is not watching.)</div>
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Obviously, milestone artwork is saved, like the first time drew a stick figure person. I also try to save a few representative pieces of the child's ability or interests at particular stage, i.e. pink crayon scribbles all over a Disney Princess coloring page.</div>
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The best of the best school artwork is saved. This is a tough one because almost everything coming home from preschool is adorable.</div>
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3D art like glued cottonballs or noodles is difficult to save. (In my opinion) The most impressive pieces will be photographed for a digital memory, but eventually be thrown away.</div>
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Glittery artwork is not saved. Glitter "shedding" is a pet peeve of mine. I don't mind it displayed on the fridge for a few days or even weeks, but I really don't want everything else in the keepsake files to get covered in loose glitter.</div>
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Photograph any pieces which you'd like to remember, but just aren't practical to save. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g7fEaQ_cTdiC7KRR3uzHaecdNZjaqUvfHObRGiEr4h1r9lmVxeKOTcT1ZTMeAQl8LA-C5JOCed_VNobhxyQoGg2Bq8AnWYOnswLVRLkwSCYeK-57J2ptcjkNg4_mNh_F2Q5_qYLti1I/s1600/Photographing+Your+Children's+Artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2g7fEaQ_cTdiC7KRR3uzHaecdNZjaqUvfHObRGiEr4h1r9lmVxeKOTcT1ZTMeAQl8LA-C5JOCed_VNobhxyQoGg2Bq8AnWYOnswLVRLkwSCYeK-57J2ptcjkNg4_mNh_F2Q5_qYLti1I/s1600/Photographing+Your+Children's+Artwork.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every family is different and there certainly is no right or wrong way to save keepsakes. I hope this post has inspired you. Good luck finding a method that works for you!</div>
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-38437302743340176432014-02-27T10:59:00.001-06:002014-02-28T08:27:18.108-06:00Magnetic Display for Printables and Project Life Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q8jth39jizEUcPEI7z-yFsLkiDcgFksEwCfS0wsvVUv2Wfkn-xKJsC3pEyoaiyoN9PndnbxHH42_gjZrkIH7l1QpHKRukyIUU1JZXuhtEURRymFQpxglfPvJvVzeZzeqP1gDFXy1_zY/s1600/Magnetic+Display+for+Printables+and+Project+Life+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q8jth39jizEUcPEI7z-yFsLkiDcgFksEwCfS0wsvVUv2Wfkn-xKJsC3pEyoaiyoN9PndnbxHH42_gjZrkIH7l1QpHKRukyIUU1JZXuhtEURRymFQpxglfPvJvVzeZzeqP1gDFXy1_zY/s1600/Magnetic+Display+for+Printables+and+Project+Life+Cards.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love decorating my home with printables that I find online. And because many of them are free, you can download, print, display, and swap your art as often as you like. Searching for Project Life cards (and resizing in Microsoft Word) is another great way to find graphic art prints for your home. <br />
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One way to display and rotate your collection of printables and project life cards is by creating a magnetic display stand like the one shown above. What appears to be washi tape, is actually magnetic strips covered in scrapbook paper. The structural component is an approximately 5x7 metal stand which has also been covered in scrapbook paper. (You could also create a non-magnetic version using a wooden stand and mini clothespins.)<br />
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A colorful envelope is attached on the back to neatly store your collection of printables.</div>
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This project was a Christmas gift for a good friend of mine who recently birthed three kids within 25 months. Needless to say, her life is very busy. The cards I chose to include with the gift were mostly cheery and uplifting in nature, but you could create this gift with any theme. Another great idea would be to include a holiday set with a different printable to display in each season. The beauty of this project lies in its easy interchangeability.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4Mpkm0vZLY8CJZovqml4evhdcuEHZedSXAqQbH8ZbwjgKH3T3cwI19TmhZNB50JVEPar42a158jpkYQoiu40iwspFBrW9kM8f_37WG0eaAKK1ff4RC4cFCKf9qH8HwFE8JythDMDISk/s1600/free+printables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4Mpkm0vZLY8CJZovqml4evhdcuEHZedSXAqQbH8ZbwjgKH3T3cwI19TmhZNB50JVEPar42a158jpkYQoiu40iwspFBrW9kM8f_37WG0eaAKK1ff4RC4cFCKf9qH8HwFE8JythDMDISk/s1600/free+printables.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned earlier, I used both Project Life Cards, and free printables which I downloaded and printed at home. But most of them were either too big or too small to fit my needs. To fit this project, most of them needed to be resized. To do this, I simply opened Microsoft Word, inserted the downloaded image, and resized by dragging the corner edges before printing. I would also recommend printing on something sturdy, like cardstock.</div>
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A vintage feel was given to some of the cards by rounding the corners and inking the edges.</div>
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This gift was such a fun project to make. I think I need to go make one for myself! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg2bbK-ujV5g5jiJ3oPhhQInK1H07d1adKTDkv2DpfU6NcYUbU7zAqKhJkgKVwNQ2ot0724Q_cl_XFqBDZOaI5TiK7QZwmeOPLe3bdXZh5fKnjNhyD6E183WpRtajcn7upYVa46bRvvo/s1600/display+stand+for+free+printables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYg2bbK-ujV5g5jiJ3oPhhQInK1H07d1adKTDkv2DpfU6NcYUbU7zAqKhJkgKVwNQ2ot0724Q_cl_XFqBDZOaI5TiK7QZwmeOPLe3bdXZh5fKnjNhyD6E183WpRtajcn7upYVa46bRvvo/s1600/display+stand+for+free+printables.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sharing at these <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank">awesome link up parties</a>!</div>
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-25328707877579040112014-02-26T08:17:00.003-06:002014-02-26T08:37:16.646-06:00Easy Panel Crib Skirt from a $5 Walmart Bed Sheet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eFamg3k4gzwvoewx8rhTWk7z16f2awUQwhv4wieyy1c7yznVL3bhjXocbarh09TxeQceneqgdrXeasmB2bprJW6NMz78XqktCyqoASkhap23uM5V-LspRbtAtEMamv_dLWE8b-g6ZAg/s1600/Easy+DIY+Panel+Crib+Skirt+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eFamg3k4gzwvoewx8rhTWk7z16f2awUQwhv4wieyy1c7yznVL3bhjXocbarh09TxeQceneqgdrXeasmB2bprJW6NMz78XqktCyqoASkhap23uM5V-LspRbtAtEMamv_dLWE8b-g6ZAg/s1600/Easy+DIY+Panel+Crib+Skirt+Tutorial.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Hey everyone! Today I am going to share with you just how easy (cheap) it can be to sew your own crib skirt. By using a twin sized flat sheet you can save money on fabric and save time by utilizing the already hemmed edges. I made the crib skirt shown above for less than $5 using a flat sheet from Walmart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE6xU24qb153ha-aa2j-pMfH6dNqywaMemSkJF7hQ49V9k1i0VPL5tUqxeNUb2lbxIuUr8JoDHbhzTU-1lcSNtSJUz0OgTYejcyZ-xFkqoz0HBJUzSzRgJxUV3_U4CrZM0LjJe5WxIyk/s1600/Walmart+Twin+Sheet+into+Crib+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE6xU24qb153ha-aa2j-pMfH6dNqywaMemSkJF7hQ49V9k1i0VPL5tUqxeNUb2lbxIuUr8JoDHbhzTU-1lcSNtSJUz0OgTYejcyZ-xFkqoz0HBJUzSzRgJxUV3_U4CrZM0LjJe5WxIyk/s1600/Walmart+Twin+Sheet+into+Crib+skirt.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is the same crib we used with our first child and last time we didn't use a skirt. But with a growing family and shrinking closet space, I anticipate I'll need to use the under crib storage space this time and as cute as those floral storage containers are, I'd rather have them discreetly hidden behind a crib skirt.</div>
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I've seen some really cute DIY ruffled crib skirts, but frankly, I'm not that good of a sewist so a flat panel crib skirt was a better option for me. It's literally just two rectangles of fabric tied to the mattress frame. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98JyGZ7QA1LXYNFhlt0jJSnzX6thxyCEpuQ6OX7FfxXrUpyqsvm6ngIsRmPZQuxblzI1k7L04fu9D0Que5fj6bXugQjWXLOVqYvSvAVJpyxjtSltRzAITQQfMZ0jrsJC7PU61Edtzkzw/s1600/how+to+measure+crib+for+DIY+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98JyGZ7QA1LXYNFhlt0jJSnzX6thxyCEpuQ6OX7FfxXrUpyqsvm6ngIsRmPZQuxblzI1k7L04fu9D0Que5fj6bXugQjWXLOVqYvSvAVJpyxjtSltRzAITQQfMZ0jrsJC7PU61Edtzkzw/s1600/how+to+measure+crib+for+DIY+skirt.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step 1: To begin, you will need to measure your crib with the mattress at the highest (newborn) setting. Consider if you plan to hem the cut edges and add extra for seam allowances as needed.</div>
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Step 2: Prewash and cut your fabric. If you are strategic in your placement and cutting, you can eliminate the need for hemming two of the four sides by utilizing two of the bed sheet's hemmed edges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnzIGn5ZuwGk-iN0fkhE34P5yal6UG-oitynLGUpUKcWPf3PVWsUJBIoMzi24FCbqAyZRqEfKbCjFLdEUPGPhSVZ0FR0D_Wb7WM3DFTOqzMNGbr-MG4Hv-5ATyUYQCCst4E_R9rbTV7Q/s1600/DIY+panel+crib+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnzIGn5ZuwGk-iN0fkhE34P5yal6UG-oitynLGUpUKcWPf3PVWsUJBIoMzi24FCbqAyZRqEfKbCjFLdEUPGPhSVZ0FR0D_Wb7WM3DFTOqzMNGbr-MG4Hv-5ATyUYQCCst4E_R9rbTV7Q/s1600/DIY+panel+crib+skirt.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 3: If desired, press and hem the two cut edges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_lxNU9upubpUIut2IXZnXaONM-b_iq6r8gegTB4-r3n3jxuC0n5jkWoKk8XPAoQql-1ZaJSbNvxmvyGQr9rKWUmKZxZXAReDyslXRGXJ3KMGn_wGLexojjH4Vo9-ccrzuFEHhJPURww/s1600/crib+skirt+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_lxNU9upubpUIut2IXZnXaONM-b_iq6r8gegTB4-r3n3jxuC0n5jkWoKk8XPAoQql-1ZaJSbNvxmvyGQr9rKWUmKZxZXAReDyslXRGXJ3KMGn_wGLexojjH4Vo9-ccrzuFEHhJPURww/s1600/crib+skirt+tutorial.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Step 4: Cut fabric for remaining panels. Again, making use of the manufacturers hem line means less work for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVpr3DNfwo9H8GSinCzoJYa-GuEXfz8cblzxAGLC1Ds87GfXwQNxS7-5AznJKxFX0USqWrvTqS69HHPyexRFAcQUzZUGKUi8VfRE57FVJ8rBpiOlDiiwYn5k48cuVKSlVh34KuZQMwDY/s1600/DIY+crib+skirt+from+bed+sheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZVpr3DNfwo9H8GSinCzoJYa-GuEXfz8cblzxAGLC1Ds87GfXwQNxS7-5AznJKxFX0USqWrvTqS69HHPyexRFAcQUzZUGKUi8VfRE57FVJ8rBpiOlDiiwYn5k48cuVKSlVh34KuZQMwDY/s1600/DIY+crib+skirt+from+bed+sheet.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Step 5: Sew small strips of ribbon to back side of the panel. These will tie the skirt to the mattress springs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0keO6DYGaf_YvW2BLGodPb1SwnVDw86jrL8PBVIVTLmh4uCM9BsGtHmvBBdvJjRG1xGyra6mb6K3SbPJC4H8OAfz6m14LCitvD-WBZD6eBVfSMAjJhmG7gRmdpJCItC6jOBBBE5TkJo/s1600/Easy+cheap+panel+crib+skirt+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0keO6DYGaf_YvW2BLGodPb1SwnVDw86jrL8PBVIVTLmh4uCM9BsGtHmvBBdvJjRG1xGyra6mb6K3SbPJC4H8OAfz6m14LCitvD-WBZD6eBVfSMAjJhmG7gRmdpJCItC6jOBBBE5TkJo/s1600/Easy+cheap+panel+crib+skirt+tutorial.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
For me, I found it easiest to sew back and forth down the center of a single piece of ribbon near the hem line. Backstitching for stability.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMaBvxcWgNnP5jDbbxC-3EIlPNUFHQlzOV8Gf-PwSuHXgQdCmU0my9LC7LW4CyCO6-a1ZgH1iYfyxxzwal9fFbZ6UiuT30XoGSl-boCXO_e-UiGUPmPbMkXgTyzF7FzH-BJ6AhmVpLpg/s1600/IMG_5049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMaBvxcWgNnP5jDbbxC-3EIlPNUFHQlzOV8Gf-PwSuHXgQdCmU0my9LC7LW4CyCO6-a1ZgH1iYfyxxzwal9fFbZ6UiuT30XoGSl-boCXO_e-UiGUPmPbMkXgTyzF7FzH-BJ6AhmVpLpg/s1600/IMG_5049.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 6: Tie to mattress springs and you're all finished!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikE6xU24qb153ha-aa2j-pMfH6dNqywaMemSkJF7hQ49V9k1i0VPL5tUqxeNUb2lbxIuUr8JoDHbhzTU-1lcSNtSJUz0OgTYejcyZ-xFkqoz0HBJUzSzRgJxUV3_U4CrZM0LjJe5WxIyk/s1600/Walmart+Twin+Sheet+into+Crib+skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YzIUcne0aos4Vo0HyqILQLr_y851881UfdN1EXmCfozRIuM7rNoTYmAGh5xZs03CTyipZ-we0w8AzhmHoZv1KyUtMATSF2q_SWpZ9QL0wxHt_8HQU05PE1Q8ax2k6jmeh8Z4FyqYUZY/s1600/flat+panel+crib+skirt+tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YzIUcne0aos4Vo0HyqILQLr_y851881UfdN1EXmCfozRIuM7rNoTYmAGh5xZs03CTyipZ-we0w8AzhmHoZv1KyUtMATSF2q_SWpZ9QL0wxHt_8HQU05PE1Q8ax2k6jmeh8Z4FyqYUZY/s1600/flat+panel+crib+skirt+tutorial.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8678994704969138159.post-74767222072423770992014-02-13T15:58:00.000-06:002014-02-17T08:14:43.307-06:00Save Grandma's Wedding Dress in a Keepsake Necklace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beansproutmama/" target="_blank">follow me on Pinterest</a>, you might have noticed I've been pinning a lot of vintage bridal shower ideas recently. As Matron of Honor, I've been having fun helping my sister brainstrorm ideas for upcoming vintage themed wedding. (Check out the clever way she asked her bridesmaisd, <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/2013/11/i-found-my-man-but-i-still-need-my.html" target="_blank">written about here</a>.)<br />
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Part of her vintage chic wedding planning included using Grandma's heirloom wedding dress in some sentimental fashion. My crafty and talented sister decided that with a few modifications, Grandma's wedding gown would be the perfect dress to wear at the rehearsal dinner the night before. With some serious sewing skills which I wish I possessed, my sister altered the conservative looking gown into a hip vintage chic dress with a more flattering, and modern looking cut. <br />
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After completing alterations, my sister gathered up lace and fabric scraps from the dress, and preserved pieces of Grandma's bridal gown in these chic memory charms. She made several of these necklace pendants and gave one to each of the women in our family at Christmas this year.<br />
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I wear my memory charm as a necklace. It's nice to have a sentimental piece of family history in such a modern presentation. Thanks Sis!<br />
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This project may be shared at some the <a href="http://thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com/p/link-parties.html" target="_blank">Link-up Parties listed HERE</a></div>
The Bean Sprout Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01406513716738694249noreply@blogger.com1