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!

Mother Nature's Revenge!

My husband had the day off yesterday, so what better than to spend a nice hot day at the local kiddie beach.

After a long week, I wanted nothing more than to not wash dishes, so I used some left over paper plates from my daughter's birthday.

So why do I still have a sink full of dirty dishes?!??!?!

Karma, I tell ya! 
Sorry, Mother Nature!