DIY pen holder

i made this little pen holder the other day in about 10 minutes - maybe less. it was so easy and now we have something stylish to hold our pens in since our computer desk is in the family room. i'm sure there are many different ways to use this idea - besides a pen holder...but that's where YOUR creativity comes in ;)

...materials...

empty formula can, hot chocolate can, or something small like that
cute cardstock, wrapping paper, wallpaper, etc.
any embellishment you want (ribbon, etc.)
double sided tape
scissors

...what to do...

simply cut the paper to be the size needed to fit around the can, then use double sided tape to adhere it. embellish it with whatever you love - i chose a simple thick ribbon around the top of the can - again, adhered with double sided tape. you're done! see how easy??

making the switch to cloth

bumGenius 3.0 all in one cloth diaper (one size)

i have been doing research over the past few days (almost 24/7!) and have decided to switch my baby to cloth diapers. it's more economical (in the long run), healthier for my baby, better for the environment, and let's face it...super cute!

here is a list of very valuable websites that have helped me (and will continue to help me) in this process of switching from disposables to cloth. i am amazed at the resources that are out there! thank you to ALL of the websites, seriously.

if you are somewhat interested or curious about cloth diapers, i highly recommend checking out the websites i am listing. i am listing them for me personally, so i can remember where to find all of this information, but if it helps someone who's curious, that's an added bonus.

information on cloth diapers
http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php *this solidified my desire to use cloth
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth
http://clothdiapers.blogspot.com/
http://www.cottontails-diapers.com/pages/verses.php
http://www.mumsthewurd.com/2008/11/are-you-a-bumgenius/

sewing cloth diapers
http://www.diaperjungle.com/sewing-cloth-diapers.html
http://www.diapersewing.com/measurements.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/prices.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/fitted_with_velcro.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/quick_dry_aio.htm
http://www.diapersewing.com/prefold_to_fitted.htm
http://diapersewing.wordpress.com/
http://fernandfaerie.com/sewing_fitteds.html *this is the diaper i am going to sew
http://diaperfabric.com/very-baby-diaper-tutorials/
http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html

sewing wet bags
http://www.polliwogged.com/detail/five-ways-to-make-your-own-wet-bag/
http://doityourselfec.blogspot.com/2008/01/making-wet-bag.html
http://etsylabs.blogspot.com/2007/05/long-overdue-fusing-plastic-bag.html
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/sew-along/226517-sewalong-zippered-wet-bag.html

fabric shops
http://www.sewzannesfabrics.com/
http://www.celticclothswholesale.com/
http://www.verybaby.com/
http://www.diapercuts.com/

cloth diaper products i am thinking of using
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/products/clothdiapers/gentlyused/gentlyusedbumgeniusonesizeclothdiaper
http://www.purelynurtured.com/item_277/Wonder-Wraps-One-size-Diaper-Covers.php
http://www.babyearth.com/bumgenius-diaper-sprayer.html

taking care of cloth diapers
http://www.bumgenius.com/help.php
http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth/washingcloth

diaper deals and announcements
http://www.diaperpin.com/forum09/announcements.asp

pacifier clip tutorial

i have really needed one of these for my son but they have always been pretty girly in the stores so i've never bought one. it would have come in VERY handy on the streets of new york city as he was chucking his binky out the stroller.

i definitely want to use this tutorial to make a pacifier clip for my next baby, since mine's now a little old to be clipping his binky on (he'd probably just tear the clip off anyway!)...

baby's first book

i found this baby's first book idea awhile ago and can't get it out of my head so i needed to make sure i post it so i can remember the idea.

i have been tossing around ways to make an ABC book for my baby. my sisters have made ABC books that use most of the names of family members plus familiar objects and i have really loved how they turned out. what i love about this particular book is the format...i think i'll kind of combine the two ideas and hopefully end up with something cute and functional.

see more here.

things to make with felt

i just came across some super cute ways to use felt...

first, a paper bag lunch set! we all know how much kids like to play with pretend food (at least, i know i did when i was a child). i think this would be fun to make for my little boy when he gets older. see the tutorial here.

now look at this cute little animal cracker play set. how cute! check it out here.

play tent

i saw this idea on design mom - you can buy these tents from Mignon on etsy here, but i think i'd like to file this idea away and attempt to make one of my own when my little boy is a bit older {they are a BIT out of my price range, haha}. it's such a great idea though...i am loving it!

polka dot party

for a tutorial on making a polka dot cake, click here.

i am so excited for my little boy's 1st birthday, coming up in less than a month! i am having so much fun planning it. while i won't spoil the little details, i will say that it will be polka dot themed (blue, green, and brown). i found this adorable polka dot party which is inspiring some of my ideas!

i love this garland above the table.

all images taken from inchmark journal.

tote bag

use this tote to pick apples, oranges, or just go grocery shopping. can't wait to make one!!

tutorial over at {the purl bee}

fabric tufted ottoman

i love ottomans but they are just so darn expensive...here is a great tutorial on how to make one yourself for under $100! i am definitely keeping this in mind for the future...

$100

$60

you decide...
here's the tutorial!

ruffle cake

from {martha}

someday when i have a little girl, i'm going to make this for her birthday party. i am in love with it!