Simple Chenille Stem (Pipe Cleaner) Bunny

I admit it...I am a bit of a banner or garland or bunting - whatever you want to call it! - addict. I really find it is one of the easiest ways to decorate and redecorate. And I L-O-V-E to layer these banners. Before I made my Watercolor and Pastel Bunny Banner, I made these cute (at least I think so) pipe cleaner bunnies. Well, I'll fess up, I made them a long time ago and I have always loved them...but never posted them because I could not get a photo to do them justice. I adore them for the fuzzy simplicity! And...don't they look cute paired with the other bunny banner? I think their fuzzy, fluffiness and single color compliments the colorful bunny banner - it makes the colors pop!

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Watercolor Bunny Printable T-Shirt Transfer

I like to make my daughter a special t-shirt for every holiday. I have to fit them all in now, because she is almost "Over it." Last year, I made a painted striped bunny T-Shirt, and if I do say so myself thought it was pretty dang cute! This year, I wanted to do it again, but thought how can I make it different and even simpler for you to make one yourself. So, I pulled out some old watercolor originals of mine added it to my bunny template from my bunny banner and voila...its almost done for you!

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Printable Bookmarks Valentines: I've Got My Eye On You

I classify these printable Valentines "oops-I-forgot-it-was-Valentines day-easy-peasy-printable -bookmarks." For some reason I am overcome with Valentines this year (which is a complete 180 from previous years - my whole life even!). I have been dreaming about kiddo Valentines. Now, all designs for Valentines MUST be 8 year old approved...and apparently she does not share my sense of humor...BUT this one passed! And it has googly eyes! BONUS!

This printable Valentine has a lot to like:

• It is pretty cheap.
• Supplies are easy to find
• And it is quick to make! 

Now, lets do it! We are running out of time!

SUPPLIES
Cardstock (white)
Printer
Scissors
Elmer's glue
Template (find it here!)
Googly/Wiggly eyes (I used basic eyes, but there are colored one, ones with eyelashes - be creative!)

Optional:
Hole punch
Ribbon or thread

Make it!
Print out the template on cardstock (there are four per sheet)
 

• Cut them out
• OPTIONAL: punch hole in one corner and thread 16" lengths of ribbon through 

• Place a small dot of glue on each googly eye.

• Place the eyes on the heart. 
• All done. That took, what, 5 minutes - so easy and so stinkin' cute!

Want some more ideas...check out my JUST DUCKY printable Valentines too!

Happy (EASY) Valentines Crafting!

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

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Heart Surprise Pound Cake

In my house we are creatures of habit. So, every year as hearts go up around school and stores, cupid makes his appearance, and everything starts turning pink, my daughter begins to ask for the "Special Valentines Bread." I am always happy to oblige...I mean this pound cake with a surprise heart is so darn cute and always surprises not only the kiddos but adults too!

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Printable Valentine Tags: You're just DUCKY!

Do you remember those adorable Just Ducky Valentines from last year...well, guess what? The rubber duck OBSESSION continues!And it doesn't hurt that these ducky valentines were a big HIT last year. This year, my daughter wants to do them again (There is only one kiddo in her class from last year, so it is practically a new idea for everyone else).  However, this year, I designed some CUTIE-PATOOTIE printable tags to go with them!

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Polar Bear No-Sew Applique Tote Bag

We don't have snow here, even though my daughter wishes for it every night (chances are good it is not going to happen). It is cold but not that cold, but I thought with a few polar bear and Arctic inspired crafts we could create our own winter wonderland and appease her need for cold and snow.

My daughter has been super excited to go see the movie Norm of the North. Of course polar bears and all those adorable arctic creatures have something to do with it.  I created -with close supervision and approval from my daughter - this CUTE tote bag inspired by Norm and I also entered it on the #NormOfTheNorthSweeps (Instagram Sweeps).

Supplies

• Polar Bear template (download it Bear 1 and Bear 2!)  
• Blank white (or colored) tote bag. These are available at local craft stores and mass retail merchandisers.

• IMPROVISE:
• Buy a colored tote instead of what to skip the dyeing.
• This is also adorable on a sweatshirt! See photo below

• Fabric Dye. I chose to dye my bags and used a Turquoise dye  - it seemed arctic and icy! 
• 2 black 5/8" buttons 
• White Sherpa fabric (I bought this at Michaels in the sewing area) 
• White felt
•  Black felt 
• IMPROVISE:
• To cut costs or accumulating more supplies, white felt can be used in lieu of white sherpa fabric

• Heat N Bond Ultra (Iron, ironing board, clean white cloth/towel for pressing).
• You can try fabric glue, but I really LOVE this stuff Hot glue gun or fabric glue (for eyes)
• Scissors

Make It

• Dye your tote bag according to package directions (followed by washing an drying)
• OR
• If you are not dyeing the tote, wash and dry it before proceeding.

• Press the tote to remove wrinkles.
• Print out the templates Bear 1 and Bear 2.
• Cut out shapes.

• READ and USE package directions for applying Heat N Bond.
• Apply heat and bond to the white sherpa fabric (make sure the face fits on the piece of fabric), the white felt, and black felt.

• Once the Heat N Bond is applied, flip the fabric over. You will trace your templates onto the backing of the Heat N Bond.  

• Cut 1 face in sherpa
• Cut 1 snout in felt
• Cut 2 ears and one nose in black.

• NOTE: The sherpa will shed a bit around the cut edges.

• Remove the backing from the nose and iron it onto the snout. Use a blank/clean cloth for pressing. Trim if necessary.

• Remove the backing from the snout and iron it onto the face. Use a blank/clean cloth for pressing.
• Remove the backing from the ears and iron it onto the ears on the face. Use a blank/clean cloth for pressing.

• Remove the backing from the polar bear face.
• Place the (almost) completed face onto the tote bag, into position. Using the clean cloth, press the face onto the tote bag. (see photo above for approximate placement)

• Use hot glue to apply the buttons/eyes onto the polar bear.

Look at that cute face!

We loved the tote bag so much we made a sweatshirt too!It is exactly the same process, you just put it on a sweatshirt!

Who can resist a polar bear???? There are a ton of fantastic polar bear and Arctic inspired crafts on on the Norm of the North Pinterest Board.

Want a chance to win a $500 gift card or one of 5 Norm of the North Swag Bags in the #NormoftheNorthSweeps...visit the rules and upload your creation to Instagram

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre disclosure: I was asked to participate in the #NormoftheNorth Instagram Sweeps by Megan Media. This craft was created by me for that contest. No blog post was required.

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Magical Floating Halloween Ghost

I made these DIY Magical Floating Ghosts for my son's first grade Halloween party. He's 14 now...so yeah, sometimes it take me awhile to get around to sharing my ideas (I did not even know what a blog was back then!). They kids loved these little ghosts. I still have the ghost my son made in first grade and my daughter was playing with it...so it was time to revamp it and share!

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Salad Bar On The Go

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Rubbermaid. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

For my kids, back to school means early mornings and homework. For me, it means early mornings and packing lunches! Well, let me be honest, I will not be bragging about my ability to pack lunches. However, that is changing. At the high school, my son can spend between $8-$10 on lunch...every day (ouch)! On the other hand, my daughters lunch is less expensive, but she likes her food "a certain way." So this year, I am sending them off with a healthy Salad Bar On The Go packed up in a Rubbermaid Lunch Blox.

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Who Doesn't Want to Be a Mermaid?

I vividly remember wanting, wishing to be a mermaid growing up. My daughter has the same wish and thanks to this opportunity with Fin Fun Mermaid Tails, my little cutie has transformed into a gorgeous mermaid.

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The Lazy Moms Guide to Disneyland

My family loves going to Disneyland. Growing up in Southern California, I remember going for special occasions...it was such a treat! When I had my son, we bought season passes and we went all the time. We'd just pick up on a Sunday afternoon or in the middle of the week, and head to Disneyland. Now, I do not profess to be an expert at Disneyland. When we go I like to concentrate on having fun. I do not over think the process, but I do have a few tips that have worked VERY well for us over the past years and many, many trips to the "Happiest Place on Earth."

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Get Your Kids to Drink Green Smoothies

I love the energy green smoothies give me. I also love being able to get all those vitamin and minerals in me with a great tasting smoothie. And, guess what? My kids drink them too...without complaint! In fact, they love them. They ask for them. When I talk to people about the green smoothie craze, they often tell me that their kids wont drink them...and sometimes they wont either! But I have a few tricks that helped me get my kids started b green smoothies, and have helped a few adults conquer their "fear" of the green smoothie!

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Kid Fun: How to Make GOO

My daughter's class recently had a financial literacy day at school. My cutie needed a product to sell and she decided on GOO. Every once in awhile I like to tap into my mom's years and years of preschool teaching expertise...and this time it led us to the proper recipe for making GOO. My daughter is loving this ooey gooey creation...and it is pretty darn easy to make! 

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Bullies Suck

Bullies are heavy on my mind and heart these days. 

So its time to revisit this post.

Help "Stop the Mean."

Pure and simple...Bullies Suck.

Over the last two years,

my family has had to deal with bullies on many levels.

Yeah, don't be fooled, bullies are not always kids...

there are adult bullies, dad bullies, boss bullies, coach bullies, teacher bullies,

mom bullies, cyber bullies, and blog bullies.

photo/graphic credit

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Moving Away Note Cards (for kids to keep in touch)

I can hardly believe it has almost been one year since we moved from California to Texas...and, no, the transition has not been easy, but we have found a few bright spots, and on of them are the sweet notes my daughter has received from her friends back home.

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DIY Mother's Day Gift (featuring your kids art!)

Mother's Day is HERE (basically). I know I have no gifts for anyone...and then as I was searching for something else, I found this floursack towel I made last year (or quite possibly the year before) with my daughters artwork...TA-DA! Magical, melt-your-heart cuteness for Mother's Day!

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Easy Valentines Using Foam Plate Printing

At my daughter's elementary school we have an Art Docent program to acquaint the kids with different types and methods of art and to also get hands on time in our art room. A few weeks ago, we did this type of a project and I instantly fell in love with the technique and look of using foam plates for creating printing "plates."

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Disney FROZEN Fun and Snowman Cocoa Treats (tutorial)

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

Every little girl I know had one request over Thanksgiving weekend...

"To go see FROZEN."

My daughter and her friends were making plans to see FROZEN the Movie for weeks.

The FROZEN fascination in our house began the first time we saw the movie trailer...

a FROZEN book followed, and by the time the movie was released,

my daughter was already in L-O-V-E with Anna and Elsa and Olaf!

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A New Christmas Tradition: An Unexpected Christmas

I did not grow up with religion in my life. I attended church on and off with some friends. I have celebrated Christmas with presents, Santa, and family, but here was never much religion involved, but my kids are very interested in all aspects of Christmas. Recently my daughter went to a church event with a friend called The Streets of Bethlehem. She was fascinated and has been talking about how she "Saw Baby Jesus in God's Old World." (I love how a six year old describes things) Clearly, she wanted to know more.

Thankfully, I had just received the book An Unexpected Christmas by Simone Graham. I have "known" Simone for awhile and was thrilled to read this story she created. It was exactly what my daughter wanted to hear. She could understand more about Baby Jesus, and the book did a better job explaining it all to a child that I ever could.

Whether you are religious or not, this book is a wonderful read. I do believe it will become one of our Christmas traditions.

You can also head over to You Tube to watch a short video of An Unexpected Christmas.

An Unexpected Christmas is available on Amazon, in print or Kindle edition.

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre   a single copy of the book was provided to me for review. affiliate links are contained in the post.

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