Honest To Nod

Bouncy Ball Valentines

Here is another fun Valentines idea. I picked up bouncy balls at the party store for about a quarter each. My store sold them in packs of 12, but they also had the balls available individually, which I thought was nice in case your kiddo’s class has, say, 26 students, you won’t be stuck buying a whole extra pack.

I couldn’t decide whether I liked the “have a ball” or “make my heart bounce” saying better, so I decided to do them both. I was thinking the “have a ball” phrase might be a better Valentine for boys to handout in class since it’s not too mushy.

The packaging is simple. Pick up some of the mini (3×5 inch) zipper-top bags, often available at local craft stores in the jewelry section. Then print out our free Bouncy Ball Valentine Labels template on white or colored cardstock. Cut out each card, fold in half, then put each baggie between a card and staple.

 

Post by Aimee and Bettijo : www.supermommoments.com

Teacher Appreciation Gift - Class Book of Love

My girls' attend Walorf preschool and as a teacher apreciation gift, I organized a book for each of the two teachers.

My firend Anri, who is a talented illustrator, designed the pages. We included the beautiful school pictures taken by Brydget. Both mums of kids in the class.

Each Daisy, as our class is named, was given two simply and sweetly designed pages with their name, photograph, and a few lines for a special memory.

On Monday mornings we often make it outside a little early to pick flowers to take to class.       It started with violets and we have moved through daisies and heather as our 'weeds' have changed. So it was fitting for the girls to draw pictures of them giving flowers to their teachers.

I am amazed at how well the girls are able to communicate their feelings in such and honest and unguarded way.

Next week Anri and I will collect all the pages and make each teacher a book filled with smiling faces, happy drawings, beautiful memories and exubing love. Perfect!

Post by Helen Bird : www.curlybirds.typepad.com

Thumb Print Valentine’s Day Cards

Again, all props for this craft must go to my mom as she was the first person (and only really) that I’ve ever seen make these.  I don’t know if she ever used them as Valentine’s Day cards but she made Christmas ornaments out of them and little framed pictures for our bedrooms.  It’s a super simple craft to do with your kids and really, what’s more basic for our “back to basics” month than your finger-prints.

We’re posting this prior to February so you have plenty of time to make these for Valentine’s Day cards if you want to.  You can mount the fingerprint cards on different colored pieces of paper, blank cards, or leave them as is.  I’ve included pictures for you to reference that detail a number of different ways the finished product could look.  I don’t know about you but I think these would make adorable Valentine’s for your child’s school Valentine’s Day party—if your child is lucky enough to go to a school where they still do that! Otherwise, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and all kinds of special friends will love these.

What you need:

• Valentine’s Day colored paper
• Valentine’s Day colored ink pads
• Glitter…the more the better!
• Fine tip black marker
• Glue
• I also recruited Martha Stewart glitter photo corners, stickers, borders, and glitter glue….but really, it’s completely up to you.

Step One:

If you’re doing this with someone as little as my Georgia….almost two….make sure you pick a very “agreeable” time of day…like one where she won’t mind getting her fingers dirty, sitting still for a few minutes, and not bolting out of her seat as soon as possible  to touch other stuff with her inky fingers.

Cut your papers to size.  Decide how big you want your Valentine’s cards to be and cut your colored papers appropriately before you ink them up.

Decide on a few thumb print ideas….love bugs, love monkey, love birds, hearts, etc.

Step Two:

I decided on four sayings for my cards and printed those on the paper I wanted to use.  I made sure they were spaced far enough apart that when I cut the paper to size it would be a reasonable size for a card.  And then…… I started the thumb-printing.  This in no way was meant to be a topless craft, however, not ruining Georgia’s favorite “birdy” shirt necessitated it in the end.  Also, please note….the finished products that I include below are not the ones that Georgia “helped” with.  She ended up just playing with stickers.  However, should you have kids that are a bit older they can take part in 100% of this craft….and will do just fine!

Step Three:

Once your thumb-printing is complete begin the decorating.  Add whatever you need to to the thumb-prints to finish what they are; antennas, eyes, legs, polka dots, glitter of course… your choice.  And then…mount them on a different colored paper to complete the cards!  Happy Valentineing!

P.S. My finished product pictures are a bit dim…I thought it was a brighter day out than it actually was apparently.

Post by Maggie Terryn : Mom Colored Glasses

I’m so excited that I can barely sit in my chair!

I have had the unmitigated pleasure of managing The Land of Nod Merchandising department for the past 9 months.  I know, serious dream job.  Honestly, not really work at all, more like a dream where you get to play with dolls, sit in piles of gorgeous linens, and travel the world creating anything you can dream up and trust me I can come up with some wacky stuff.              So, unfortunately for me my dream job is coming to an end, (don’t feel bad – my new gig at The Land of Nod is pretty good).

So, why am I so excited?  In the last 9 months we have been putting together the most exciting product collection I have ever seen, (obviously I am biased).  There has been so much creativity here, that at times I thought we might burst with the excitement.  And I’m excited, because the initial assortment is available right now!  It’s bright and bold and has a great sense of humor.  The assortment is amazing and it will just keep getting better over the next year.

Some of my favorite items:

Grey Low-Rise Crib. My children no longer sleep in a crib, but this one is so good looking it makes me want to have another.

Rapsberry Jenny Lind Bed. It’s been a personal dream of mine to “color” our Jenny Lind bed, you better believe it was the first thing I did!

Watermelon Stripe Bedding. This is the anti-thesis to Chicago in January (where I am) – delicious!

Head in the Clouds Pillow. A smiling cloud – who wouldn’t be happy!

Woodgrain Ceiling Lamp. I love all things woodgrain.

I hope you enjoy the new product, as much as we’ve enjoyed creating it.  Stay tuned for more to come.

 XO

Michelle

 By Michelle Kohanzo

Aside from being the Managing Director of The Land of Nod, mother to four kids (yes I said FOUR!) and a gourmet cook, Michelle is a retail junky. From Zara to Marc Jacobs, Target to Nordstroms, she doesn’t discriminate, there’s room in her heart and closet for them all.         And the addiction doesn’t stop at fashion, she’s painted her dining room at least 5 times, and changes rugs like most women change their sheets. Retail isn’t therapy for Michelle, it’s more like oxygen.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Hello fellow-LON-lovers. My name is Amy and I write about my sewing projects and my love of collecting vintage items at my blog, Diary of a Quilter.  I especially love those great vintage finds at thrift stores. They are few and far between, but I love finding those rare vintage gems. One of my latest obsessions is vintage school books.

This is one of the finds from my most recent trip: a spelling book from 1963.

My favorite part is the illustrations. This one was more of a proper text book with actual work in it, so there are fewer illustrations. But what there is is good stuff.

 Over time, I am starting to gather a small collection of them.  

This is from the 1951 classic "I Wonder Why." Such stimulating content: "Picture of Weather. See this picture of weather." But  I'm sure the charming illustrations captured the hearts and imaginations of many young students.

 Look. This one explains where babies come from!

And that's about as much detail as you get. :)

This one is my favorite. It must have been for really young students because it is full mostly of illustrations with very little text. And the illustrations are fabulous. 

The book has already been used as a cutter so I don't feel any obligation to keep it pristine.       I'd like to cut it up some more but I don't actually know what to do with the illustrations.           Any great ideas? I'd love suggestions. (I'm so not creative in these areas.)  I want to live in that house with the red roof.

Oh no! Someone opened the chocolates, smashed the walnut shells on the table, left out the newspaper and their blue sweater!  Those pesky kids! What should June Cleaver do??         (Are you glad no one expects you to wear a lovely dress, heels and pearls every day?  Or do you wish you could?)

Machines! 

And last, but certainly not least, another fabulous vintage school find from the thrift store.           I LOVE IT!  I got it for $14.  It's not in mint condition (has anyone ever seen a school desk that was?) But it looks good. I gave it a good Lysol job when it got home. I'm now trying to decide whether to spray paint the metal or leave the 'aged patina.' I wonder what the Keno brothers would tell me to do. They'd probably say leave it.

My little guys love it too. Sweet!

(Which is good, because as much as I'd like to, I can't actually fit in it myself.)

Post by Amy Smart : www.diaryofaquilter.com

DIY No-Sew Tutu

We've hit the "dark ages" as we call them around here. While it's not terribly cold here in South Texas, it does get dark pretty early & we are forced to get creative with inside activities. Imaginary play is one of our favorite ways to pass the time & what better way than to play princesses! :) We like props--especially DIY props--so here is one of my favorites! I took these pictures back on Halloween, but have recently made tutus in every color of the rainbow--pink, purple, orange...they are well loved & a breeze to do! They just take a little bit of time.           Here's how! 

SUPPLIES

• ribbon (2-3 yards, about a half inch to 3/4 wide)
• scissors
• tulle (if using spools like below, about 3 spools at 10 yds each OR on the bolt, about 5 yds)
• a bread knife
• cardboard (between 10-18 inches long)

*If you are more of a "watch it" not "read it" kind of gal, there is a video at the end. ;)

1) Begin by making a knot about a foot into the piece of ribbon. Measure the ribbon around the little girl's waist, tying another knot to mark the circumference of her waist, leaving another foot of ribbon at the end. Knot to knot should wrap around the child's waist perfectly, with a foot of ribbon on each end to tie a pretty bow. 

2) Next, take your spool of tulle & use the bread knife to cut it in half.

3) Wrap the tulle around the piece of cardboard until you run out. My cardboard piece was 10 inches long. You can make yours shorter or longer, but this will be the length of your tutu, waist to knee. 

4) Cut the tulle that you have wrapped, which will produce a bunch of pieces that are the same length. I like to cut mine at an angle, resulting in a pointy edged tutu, but you can cut it straight across if you'd prefer. 

5) Next you are going to tie the tulle pieces to the ribbon. Take one strip of tulle & fold it in half.

6) Feed the tails of the tulle through the loop, around the ribbon. & pull tight. Repeat.                 If you need a visual, watch the video--it's much easier to show than to photograph.

7) Continue to tie the tulle to the ribbon, sliding the pieces as tight together on the ribbon as you like. 

Other things you can do:

• mix colors during or after, by sliding the tulle on the ribbon & adding little pops of color in.
• add patterned/textured ribbon to the tutu in the same way that the tulle is attached.
• add a bigger bow to the back.
• make extra long for a real princess effect.
• experiment with the different kinds of tulle--"shiny" or "glitter" or "flat"
• make as gifts for little girls for special occasions. add a crown & a wand and your gift will be a huge hit! My nieces are getting fairy kits for Christmas. :)
• what else??

Here is our finished spider princess tutu. :) 

glitter tulle is not the easiest to work with & it does get sticky (as in, it does not really "float" or lie flat) but it sure is pretty!

 We had quite a battle to get if off on Halloween...so I do believe there will be more of these in our future, just for everyday play around the house! :)

Do you need to watch instead of read? Well here's a video tutorial showing you how to make a no-sew tutu. Enjoy! & if you are feeling like putting on a show (or delighting in the imagination of your kiddos)          I think these would pair SO nicely with the Home Sweet Play Home.

I would have LOVED this as a little girl! My own stage! & tutu! DREAMY!

Source: landofnod.com via miss shawna on Pinterest

 

Post by shawna of styleberryBLOG.com

Despite days full of washing diapers & messy fun, Shawna is determined to make mommyhood a stylish adventure. Married to the military & mother to one feisty girl, she is a passionate DIYer & loves sharing how to make the complicated simple. Shawna talks creativity, style, food, decorating, green-chic living & mommyhood at styleberryBLOG, a daily-ish dose of something fab..

Melt my Heart Decorations

Valentine’s Day, in my opinion is the very best day for crafting. The color palette bursts with poppy reds, hot pinks, juicy oranges and purples…from grape candy to dark plum.

Then there is the heart, which in this project will symbolize the love of “getting crafty with it!” These waxy creations look stunning when the light shines through. They are so easy, you’ll fall in love!

Supplies

Wax paper (12 x 16” sheets)

Crayons

Sharpener

2 large paper bags

Iron

Pinking shears or scissors

Hole punch

Yarn or String

1.    Remove the paper from your crayons, and determine your colors.

2.    Sharpen a small handful of different colored crayons and distribute evenly on one side of the wax paper.

3.    Fold the wax paper over, creating a “sandwich.”

4.    Lay down a brown paper bag on your ironing surface. Then place the wax paper “sandwich” on top of it.

5.    Protect your iron by using the 2^nd paper bag to cover everything.

6.    On medium heat, carefully iron in a circular motion, but not too long!

7.    Set the iron aside and slowly peel back the brown bag. Check to see if all the shavings have melted. Repeat to make several sheets.

8.    After the sheets have completely cooled, cut a heart shapes with your pinking shears or scissors.

9.    Punch a hole and string yarn through.

10.  Hang your beauties in the window!

By Cara Reche

When young, Cara had two imaginary friends. As their friendship grew, so did her imagination. Cara loves to “get crafty with it” and is the Associate Art Director at the Land of Nod.

Inspiration to Crib

Inspiration can come from so many places, and in so many ways- it can be a mood, a color, a feeling, a texture, an item. I always have my eyes peeled (and my camera ready) for something to strike me.

The below two images were the jumping off points for our new Clothes Make the Crib- Boy’s Bedding Set. I loved the contrast colors and somewhat grayed out hues of the below kitchen.    It is an updated- more modern color palette and something different than the go to of navy or light green for Nursery.

1.

This reference is something I’ve kept around for a long time. I love the mix of multiple patterns. To me- it just reads BOY. The combination of plaids, gingham, stripes and solids used in the set where derived from this idea of pattern play. 

2. (Reference unknown)

Though there are a lot of patterns in this set- it has been designed to mix and match to suit your taste and style. A gingham fitted sheet and plaid bumper is too much for you? Try a light blue striped fitted sheet or a solid. You can mix in several different styles of rug and room décor options to give this set a funky modern or truly traditional spin.

I also love that we went a bit untraditional with the knitted blanket instead of a quilt. Throw it over a rocker, use it when your snuggling, this blanket adds texture to the set and is very user friendly!

3.

By Sarah Culbertson
Once upon a time a fashion plate from Seattle met a childrens retailer from Chicago, and it was love at first sight.  After spending a lot of time together at the mall, they both knew it was a perfect match. So Sarah packed up her fabulous Kate Spade suitcase and headed for the Windy City. Where they lived happily ever after, designing and developing textiles for little kiddos everywhere.

 

Monkey Cupcakes & Toppers

Last week my office celebrated a co-worker with a 'little monkeys' themed baby shower and lunch.  His wife is having twin girls, so I decided to have some fun with a purple and yellow color scheme.  Since there wasn't much space to decorate at the restaurant, we brought in a few stuffed monkeys, balloons and baby bottle centerpieces for the tables {in retrospect we should have filled them with banana candy, but all I had on hand was lemon}.  Naturally I baked cupcakes for dessert, and what better flavor for a monkey party than banana, right?

This indulgent recipe for Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting was simply to die for.  The cupcakes themselves were moist & rich, and paired with the frosting they were over the top delicious.  I highly recommend giving them a try.

I also designed some simple toppers, and though I doubt many of you will have a chance to throw a shower for twin girls... I'm happy to share them with you HERE.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

adapted from Bon Appetit

Ingredients

-1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

-1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-2 very ripe large bananas, peeled

-1/2 cup sour cream

-1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

-3/4 cup sugar

-1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

-1 large egg

-1 large egg yolk

-10oz semisweet chocolate chips

 

Directions

1. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F.

2.Line 12 standard (1/3-cup) muffin cups with paper liners.

3. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl to blend.

4. Mash bananas with fork in another medium bowl until smooth.

5.Mix sour cream and vanilla into bananas.

6. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

7. Add egg and egg yolk and beat until well blended.

8. Add flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with banana-sour cream mixture in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture and beating just until blended after each addition.

9. Add chocolate chips and stir by hand.

10. Divide batter among prepared muffin cups (generous 1/4 cup for each).

11. Bake cupcakes until tester inserted into center of each comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to rack and let cool completely.

 

Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup smooth peanut butter (do not use old-fashioned or freshly ground)

 

Directions

1. Sift powdered sugar into large bowl.

2. Add cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter.

3. Using electric mixer, beat mixture until smooth.

4. Spread frosting over top of cupcakes, dividing equally.

Tip: Frosting can be made 1 day ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

Download cupcake toppers HERE.

Post by Becca : www.cakeeventsblog.com

Apple Cider Bar + Printable Freebies

Apple Cider is a staple in our house this time of year… the smell alone makes me dream of warm and cozy places, like nestling by a fire after a day of skiing or opening the first present under the tree on Christmas eve.  Everyone prefers their cider prepared a bit differently, so I decided to put together a complete apple cider bar, to be enjoyed by all whether at a large party or small family gathering. 

To encourage people to get creative, an assortment of cider toppings includes cinnamon sticks, cranberry juice, bourbon and salted caramel sauce.  A variety of fresh apples (Macintosh, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious) garnishes the wooden kitchen cart and adds a pop of fresh, seasonal color.  Tip: whether you serve your cider cold in a dispenser or warm from the stove, cut some thin slices of whole apple from the center of the core, and toss them into your cider for garnish.

The recipe for homemade cider is below, along with a link to FREE printable labels, designed by yours truly and available in either round or standard labels.

 photos © cake. 2011

Download Free Printable Labels HERE

Homemade Apple Cider

Ingredients 
10 apples
quartered 3/4 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground allspice

Directions 
Place apples in a large stockpot and add enough water cover by at least 2 inches. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, for 1 hour. Cover pot, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours. Strain apple mixture though a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids. Drain cider again though a cheesecloth lined sieve. Refrigerate until cold if desired.

Post by Becca : www.cakeeventsblog.com