Family Home Evening

I made this FHE chart for our family. I used poster board, velcro and pictures. I wrapped the pictures with clear wrapping tape, glued velcro to the backs, and the other side of the velcro on the poster. It was super easy.

Photo Family Tree

For both sets of parents I decided to make a family tree that they could update with new pictures every year. It turned out awesome! I can't wait until I'm done having kids so I can make one for myself.

Here's the basic steps of how it's done.

1. Choose picture size and cut out plastic tablecloth pieces 1/3 in. bigger on all sides (I recommend using a rotary cutter for this, to make the pieces straight).

2. Layout pictures on fabric for tree and freehand draw tree shape around the pics. That way you know they will all fit in the pattern you desire. (The picture pattern I used was grandparents as roots, then parents and original family pic on trunk, then the kids in the tree. That way as spouses and grand kids come along you can put family pics of them in their kid slot). Freehand draw a trunk and roots that fit the tree. 

4. Choose a back panel that is thick or double sided. You need something that can hold the weight of the pics and plastic slots.  I used about 2 yards for the back panel. Just depends on the family size.

5. Use heat and bond to put the tree and trunk on back panel. Then zigzag stitch around the edges to make sure it's permanent. (I was lazy and you can see all the stitching on the back of the panel. If you want you can sew on the tree and plastic slots, then sew the double sided panel together. But you have to make sure you tack it in a couple places, or heat and bond, so the panel stays connected to the back or it will become saggy).

6. Sew on the plastic slots using a denim needle. Make sure after sewing there is still enough room to slide pictures in and out easily. (If you have to rip out the seam it usually ruins the plastic slot and you'll have to cut out a new one).

6. Sew a flap along the top to put a dowel through

7. Add vinyl lettering to spell out the family name

8. Add pics and a dowel and your done!

This was a pretty intense project, but well worth the time and effort. The best part about this family tree is you can update it every year!

Another idea I toyed with was on the trunk to put the wedding picture of the parents, and a slot for a recent picture. Then you could see where they started out, and what they look like now, but decided it was too much work for me.

(closer view of the plastic slots and how their sewed on. Also the dowel and lettering.)

Tie Skirt

My friend Lacey gave me this idea for a skirt. I collected a bunch of ties from missionaries that I served with. When I got home I put this together. 

I did it really horrible, but here's the gist of it. I cut all the ties the same length, and unfolded it so I could sew the sides together. Once they were all sewed in a line I sewed on a liner and waistband. I connected the last 2 ties to make it a circle, and put the zipper there. It's a pretty heavy skirt but super fun.

Baby Clothes

Gabe wanted his baby to have clothes. This was my first try in 15 years. It turned out ok.

Game Piece Fixes

Here are some tips to fixing game pieces:

1. If its cardboard and the bottom starts to shred and won't go in the plastic holder anymore, tape the bottom with packing tape. 

2. If you don't have a plastic stand for your game pieces, use an alligator clip.

Counting Game

I found this in a brite book. You make a bunch of the same character and draw a random amount of buttons on each one. Attach a cup or bag to put a corresponding # of tokens or beans to the buttons. Its a fun way to teach kids counting.

Magnet Boxes

I made these magnet boxes for my boys for Christmas. They are super easy and fun.

Supplies: 

-Metal box (I use the gift card boxes that go on sale after christmas)

-Stickers

-Permanent Marker

-Magnet page (Dollar store often has magnet to do list pages that work great for this, or buy a magnet strip in the craft aisle at walmart)

Color inside of the box with permanent marker (scenery or patterns) or keep it plain. Stick stickers to magnet and cut out. Place sticker magnets inside and your done!

Star Wars Snow Flakes

Go to this webpage:

http://www.anthonyherreradesigns.com/index.php/8-ahd-blog/8-star-wars-snowflakes-2013

Print off design wanted, and follow directions.

Needed: Exacto knife, printer, scissors, and cutting board

Kid Ties

I made a tie skirt and had a bunch of leftover ends of ties. So I decided to make ties for my baby boys.  If you have ties that have stains on the front you can use the back for these ties!

After you tie the knot, snip the excess off. Measure an elastic piece the size you need to fit around your babies head, or 2 pieces with velcro on the end. String the elastic through the knot, and glue the knot and elastic on the inside to keep together. and you have a tie!