Barbie Wedge Shoes from a Wine Cork!

I was looking through a Barbie book when I came across some cute cork wedges.  I remembered I had a wine cork and decided to try my hand at making a pair for my daughter's shoeless doll.

First, I cut out half a circle from the top of the wine cork and then cut that half into quarters.

With the other half of the cork, I cut two soles.

I just Mod Podged  them together and ta-da!  Barbie cork shoes!

The white part is just white computer paper glued to the soles.  I added a lot of layers of Mod Podge to make them durable, and they have lasted the wrath of a two and half year old so far. 

This is the picture that inspired the Barbie shoes!

Barbie trying on her shoes.

Number Prop Tutorial

I wanted to make a number prop for my daughter's 2nd birthday photoshoot  last year.  Unfortunately for me, I didn't decide until two days before!

I made a simple prop using stuff I purchased at the dollar store: Foam board and streamer!  

Since then, I have used this technique on other stuff, including wrapping presents!

Genevieve as The Princess & the Frog
2nd Birthday Photoshoot

Photography by ValentinPhotography.com

Total cost:  $3!

Supplies:

1 foam board 
4 rolls of streamer (sold 2 per pack)
Scissors
Glue stick

Step 1:
I stenciled out the shape of the number I wanted.  I made it the size of the board, so it was a good size.  My number was basic, but if you want something fancy, you can look for a font you like and make it whatever shape you like.

Step 2:  
I cut out the number using scissors.  It doesn't have to be perfect, the streamers cover any inperfections.

Step 3:  
I covered the number front and back with streamer.  It was glued together using a basic Elmer's glue stick.

Step 4:
This is the most tedious task.  I suggest cutting as many squares ahead of time, cutting the squares about an inch in size.  Pinch the middle of the squares and make part of the pinch a little flat to glue it to the board.

Fluff up any smashed pieces, and it's done!

This is a fun technique to use for wrapping presents as well!

Clipboard Makeover for $1

I love all those pretty clipboards I always see at Target.  Unfortunately, I can never justify spending even $5 on it, because my daughter thinks my clipboards are coloring books!

I've had it for years, so other than that, it was in good condition.

I had some leftover wrapping paper from Target from their dollar section.  After tracing out the pattern, I used Mod Podge to glue it and then added a few more coats over it for a nice glossy effect.

The color difference in the picture is due to the first one taken at night, and the other one taken in the morning the next day.  What a difference bad lighting makes! 

BEFORE & AFTER

DIY Barbie Cake Tutorial

This cake was actually inspired by my daughter.  I overheard her singing "Happy Birthday" to her dolls, and she was using this little purple candle as the "cake."

I decided to make it look more real and surprise her.

I used white streamer, rolled into a strip and used Mod Podge to glue it to the cake as the "icing" and "roses."

I used scalloped scissors to cut out the base from a shiny lid I had lying around in my craft drawer.

It's been fun making my daughter a collection of stuff for her dollhouse that she loves and it's been easy on my wallet.

DIY Doll Sized Cotton Candy Tutorial

I made this craft for Valentine's Day a few months ago.

All I did was add pink food coloring to a small bowl of water, and dipped a cotton ball in it.  Then I used that cotton ball to dab color on a new cotton ball.

I let it dry over night, and then stuck it on a small cone I made from paper.  

Another fun and free craft!

I recommend making a few at a time in case one gets lost or smashed.

Barbie Tutorial: DIY Barbie Checks

As a frugal mom, I love finding ways to save money, so this turns into a habit of seeing projects everywhere!

I was recently cutting coupons when I came across a deal on check ordering.

I instantly saw Barbie checks!

I love that they already have all the little details, and if she loses them or crumples them, I can always get more with my Sunday paper.

I cut them all up and put them inside her little Barbie clutch, also handmade from a piece of wallet I found around the house.

Where else are you going to find Hello Kitty and Betty Boop checks?  Aren't they cute?

Now Barbie can go shopping for more Barbie shoes!