Author: Carrie Spritzer

Embroidered Portrait Fun

I wanted to embroider something special to hang with the “create” felt banner I made for above the desk in our daughter’s new big girl room (similar to the “sweet dreams” felt banner above her bed).

I read about a portrait embroidery project in Country Living Magazine and couldn’t wait to try it. After printing out the photo that I would use as a template, I drew in pencil on the photo where I planned to embroider. I’m glad I used pencil because I drew and redrew the lines until I felt confident with the outline placement.

Then I taped the photo template to watercolor paper with scotch tape, placed it on top of some thick cardboard and used a thumb tack to punch holes into the watercolor paper to embroider. (See the Country Magazine link above for the complete directions).


Framed and ready to hang above her desk

I was nervous that the picture wouldn’t look like her, but I’m quite pleased with the final result. In fact, I like her embroidered portrait so much that I’m toying with the idea of making a family portrait for our bedroom.

Meanwhile, our daughter is busy embroidering a picture of her own design. I love it when inspiration hits!

Arts and Craft Storage IKEA Fail

Remember that arts and craft organization project that I started but haven’t yet finished?!

Two weeks ago the little miss and I headed down to IKEA to pick up these metal boxes to fill with paints, glue/tapes, stickers, pipe-cleaners, sewing supplies, etc.

Despite the IKEA website saying they were in stock (with 3 units left — exactly what I needed!), the sales associated couldn’t find them! (“I have no idea where they are. They really could be anywhere.”)

As of yesterday, the IKEA website STILL showed our local store as having those three sets in stock SOMEWHERE IN THE STORE! I could cry.

MAJOR IKEA FAIL!

To make matters worse, it doesn’t look like the store will be getting more (according to the sales associate) and other stores appear to be out of stock across the country. I’m feeling a little defeated over here.

I want to find something that’s not translucent (so I can “hide” what’s in there from the toddler), not plastic, not cardboard, is stackable, has a tight fitting lid and is super affordable. Maybe something like these tins, but larger? I’ll let you know what we figure out. Sigh.

The Sick House

I feel like we’ve been sick all winter.
David reminds me that we were sick all last winter too.

Ah, building a toddler immune system. It’s tough on all of us, but worth it in the end.

Besides, sometimes it’s really nice to have an excuse to drink smoothies in Mommy and Daddy’s bed and watch a little Sesame Street.

Speaking of being sick, have you read A Sick Day for Amos McGee? This recent Caldecott winner is a delightful book about reciprocity and friendship. We LOVE it!


I think we all need to have special friends to come cheer us up when we’re feeling down.

Tea Time

When we visit our local thrift store, I always check their kitchen section for stainless steel platters, tea pots and creamers for the little miss.

Paired with BPA-free tea cups made from recycled milk jugs, we have the most wonderful, thrifty, eco-groovy tea party.

Mama and daughter both love (decaf) Engligh Breakfast tea with milk. We take such joy in sharing a pot of tea together, our morning ritual.

A thrift store score!

Inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Yesterday I wrote about our daughter’s Very Hungry Caterpillar obsession. Today I want to share an in-progress art project that she spearheaded: her Very Own Hungry Caterpillar Board Book.


The blank board book is from Bare Books. The clip art comes from the The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Pad that also contains stencils and drawing paper. For more on that sticker maker machine, see our post here.