Handle Bar Bag

Ya know those bags that new toys come in sometimes, the clear plastic ones that you don't know what to do with but they're too nice to just throw away?...well I have a simple solution.

We found this bike at D.I. a few years back for my oldest for only five bucks, it was still working great but needed a little make over so we added some new streamers and a bag to the front.  I added some straps and velcro to the bag so we could attach it to the handle bars...now my little girl can take all of her necessities on those long bike rides.  Who doesn't need a pony, rock cell phone and some shades?  Are you in need of a rock cell phone?...if so check them out here.

And if you're in need of some new streamers check out an old project chip bag streamers they are really easy and give an old bike some new life.  And good luck trying to find purple or pink chip bags...we have looked and looked and yellow was the best we could do.

The bag I saved happened to have handles that I cut off and used as straps for my new bike bag.  Just sew velcro to the top and bottom on opposite sides of each strap.  Then sew the straps onto your bag, I sewed a rectangle with an x in the middle for added strength.  If your bag doesn't have straps I'm sure some ribbon would do the trick.

Then strap your new bag on to the bike and you're set to go!

Floppy Sunhat Flop

We have been busy around here with all the fun that summertime brings....reunions, swimming, Oregon Coast, Bear Lake, baby blessing and trying to keep up with laundry and dishes in between. 

I did manage to make this sun hat for my little boy who apparently has an extra large head...can't find a sunhat that will fit the kid!

I am calling it the floppy sunhat flop because it didn't turn out as well as I had hoped....it's a little floppy and a lot puckery.  The fabric I used was a bit heavy and hard to work with, cotton would be a better choice.

He likes it and it does a great job of keeping the sun off so I'm happy!

He's a bit of a cheese!

Sooo since this didn't turn out as I had hoped...I was a little frustrated and gave up on the tutorial, I'm sure there are plenty of tutorials to be found on line if you're interested in making one.

Airplane Hanger for Artwork

We are currently trying to wean my little boy off of his binky/pacifier....to say the least it is painful for everyone involved, this morning especially.  As he was crying and crying I was doing my best to distract him (which I thought I was the master at) well nothing seemed to do the trick...I had to turn to my last resort painting or play dough!!  I've had this little project in mind for a while but didn't think to involve the kids... turns out they were great help and loved making it.

The planes are made out of popcicle sticks, foam, clothespins and hot glue.  My little boy likes taking the planes down and playing with them... so even if you're not interested in making a hanger the planes are fun just as toys.

A little bit of rick rack and some foam propellers and you are ready to display your kids artwork some where other than the fridge, which tends to get a little cluttery looking in my opinion.  My kids feel proud to display their artwork here and like hanging it up themselves when they are done.

Enjoy your summer and if your're feelin brave take the kids outside and make some airplanes it's a great time and what better place to make a mess than out on the lawn...easy clean up.

DIY Flag Pole

We have been busy busy lately with all of the activities of summer...lots of swimming,  my girls both had swimming lessons every day for two weeks they loved it and my oldest is swimming like a little fish now...money very well spent!  Even with all the summer craziness I have managed to get a few projects done like a little boy summer hat and a handle bar bag for my girl's bikes...  first the crafty man has a  project he came up with for flag day

He has been busy with work and trying to get started on building a new home for us but he still managed to show some pride for this great country that we are blessed to live in.

All you need is a about a 9' length of pvc pipe (we got ours for 7.00) a drill, scrap piece of pipe and some zip ties....we are still looking for the perfect gold ball or eagle to put on the top. Lay out your flag on the pvc pipe and mark where your holes need to be and drill, attach flag with zip ties, hammer pipe into the ground and slide pvc pipe over. 

 If you  don't have time to put up a  flag in your yard you can easily sport some flag nails in no time at all... my girls and their cousins had a great time!

Have a great Fourth of July!

If you're interested in another patriotic project, check out my Flag Blocks from last year they are quick and easy and turn out really cute.

click here for tutorial