Em's Dresser #2

 

My sister gave me this bigger outdated dresser with the other dresser I painted. It had 6 drawers, so I decided to paint each one a different colour of the rainbow. This was my inspiration. I mixed each colour with my acrylic paints. As each drawer front isn't very big, it didn't use much (expect white, as I lightened the colours a lot) I was very happy with my colour mixing skills. I white washed it all over once dry to give it some texture and cohesion. I really wanted gold handles and looked at all different options but set on spray painting the wooden ones I had, which actually came out fine, I believe.

Em's Where's the Green Sheep craft

 

 This was an easy recycled toilet paper roll craft. I used this tutorial to create the sheep. Cut the shape out, then painted them and added the faces and details once dry. We made the green one asleep :) You could make a lot of different animals this way. Dogs, horses, foxes, tigers, rabbits, reindeer, dinosaurs even giraffes.

Em's Egg Carton Dragon

We made this egg carton dragon, which was a great activity for a 3 year old. We mixed the colours to make green, he could paint the pieces I cut out and then he could thread them onto the rope after I put a hole in them. We also used pencils to make it a puppet.

We also made some fire breathing dragons from toilet rolls. They were really effective and you could blow through them to make it look like fire!

 

 

Via: Egg carton dragon and fire breathing dragon

Em's Cardboard Car Wash

We went through the car wash to entertain Bubby the other day, which was a hit! So we then made a cardboard car wash with a tissue box, toilet rolls, string and crepe paper. He loved it "washing" all his cars, animals and then blocks or whatever fit through.. Using a more sturdy box would've made it last longer as it is already getting squished and ripped but he still loves it.

Em's Glasses Cases

 

I have wanted to make these glasses cases using metal measuring tape as the closure for a while and once I had finally gathered the supplies they were super simple and effective. I got the idea from Melly Sews, who also has a video tutorial that was handy. I followed the tutorials (using the adult measurements she gave in the video) without the clasp part. I used an iron-on fusible foam as the padding (any kind of batting would work) and a thinner measuring tape (as we had one that broke, which motivated me to finally start). A wider tape would probably be better but it still works fine. I should have measured my sunglasses as I find they are a bit deep in the pouch and slightly annoying to get out of but not enough for me to resew.

I'm keeping one for my handbag, gifting one and want to make another for my glasses in my car glove-box. I've got plenty of tape and fusible foam!

Em's Tub Chair

I bought an old worn out tub chair from an op shop years and years ago. I liked the classic shape and we had an empty spot in the house. It has been covered up all these years and been on the to-do list forever! I had a whole lot of stripey fabric sitting aside for the project taking up space in my sewing room, which was part of the motivation to do it. I wanted to patchwork stripey fabrics together and tried to use more durable fabrics than just cotton, so upholstery fabrics and other tough cottons. Most of the fabrics I used were from meaningful places. For example leftover upholstery fabric from the van all those years ago,  green upholstery fabric used as curtains in our first house together, an old bag, a few repurposed old projects and my old favourite pants..

I used the existing fabric as a pattern and had a go making the cushion first. It turned out great and I really wanted to finish it so put the sewing room aside to do it all. I started by removing the existing fabric, which was attached with a million staples! I got a blister from removing them with a screwdriver and pliers! Then, using the old fabric as a pattern, patchworked what pieces I had together trying to coordinate the colours and stripes as well as use what sizes I had. I had limited pieces for some fabrics but it worked well. I then had to staple it all back together. Luckily I took pictures of me taking it apart and followed that. It was actually easier and quicker than I thought to do. I am so happy with it and glad I've finally done it!

So many staples!

I reused the cardboard from inside

A nod to the old chair- usinhg the old fabric on the bottom

Bubby approves

Em's Dresser

 I was given this old outdated dresser by my sister, and we needed one for Bubby's new room, so a revamp was needed. We still have this orange paint from when I painted the van so I used it for the handles and used other paint we already have for the rest, mixing some grey and white paint to get the right shade of grey. Simple and easy to update and freshen. My sister might want it back now!

Edit: I added some wooden planes and boats to the draws to create more interest. (we also got new carpet!)

Em's Sock Monkey

I have always wanted to try making a sock monkey using this pattern. They are so neat and tidy. So when a pair of patterned socks were being thrown out I decided to try it. It was relatively easy, just need to be patient to get it neat. I cut the top of the socks off by accident somehow so his legs and arms, I think, are too short! :( I really want to make another one now I have practiced with this one. I have so many cool old long stripes socks I can use!

So many cool ideas!

Bubby loves playing with the button eyes. I made sure I sewed them on well!

Kids Stuffed Toys

There are so many cute DIY ideas for making kids stuffed toys! I love the sock monkeys/animals and elephants always seem to be my favourite but rabbits, giraffes and Octopuses can all be so cute! I made the tag dinosaur and a sock monkey. If only I had enough time now to make more of these for Bubby. Too bad he takes up my time now! 

Sock Animals:

Sock monkey- Love these!! So cute! I made mine below based on these

Em's own first sock monkey- want to make another one! (instructions via)

Sock elephants- Gotta do this next!!

Sock Kangaroo- with pattern LOVE these!

Glove squirrel

Baby Tag Toys: 

Lion, Sun, Bear

My own tag dinosaur- easy and cute (pattern via)

Felt Dinosaur- great bold colours

Giraffe- with pattern

Hedgehog

Elephants:

Elephant- with pattern and picture instructions- This is on my next to do list!

Or these Sock elephants

Elephants- Love the patterned fabrics!

Elephants

Elephant

Felt baby elephants

Contrasting fabrics and stitching

Elephant

Unavailable on Etsy but may be able to replicate using an old jean pocket!

Octopuses:

Octopus

Octopus- gotta make this once Bubby is older!

Braided yarn Octopus- not a stuffed toy but still cute and simple

Braided Yarn Dolls- Similar simple yarn toys!

 

Other Toys:

Hedgehog doorstop- or could be a lighter stuffed toy!

This is mine I made as a door stop

Koi free pattern download- I've always wanted to make this!

Stuffed balloon animals- similar technique to my knot pillow

Cute owl bookends or Stuffed toys

Felt Chooks

Patchwork Scottie Dog

Toy Dachshunds-
love the folksy patterns on these fabrics designed by Alice Apple

Animal Patterns