Wood Nymphs

Spurred on from a mystery book I read during school time,  we ate a picnic lunch we chatted of Greek and Roman mythology, of gods and goddesses. Natalie formed a wreath out of ivy vines and old man's beard, and placed it upon her head like the delicate treasure it was. I announced they would have an extra long recess and could roam about as wood nymphs, enjoying the splendor of the day. (Here my friends with more boys than girls snicker, but in our house, this lingo flows naturally. Perhaps you spend your free time as Neptune and Zeus?) A little while later I peered out the window to see Lindsey floating by holding a bouquet of tiny white flowers, her blond mane whisping behind her, the lace trim on her dress bouncing. Enchanted, I grabbed my camera.

DIY Duvets

Macy and Natalie moved into their own room and decided it was time for a decor change. They started by making their own confetti duvets. They drew circle on twin flat sheets and then painted in the circles. Once their room is complete I will take bedroom pictures. 

The girls needed a cute throw pillow to go along with their new duvets. We looked at pictures online, and they settled on a pillow from Pottery Barn Teen (their favorite!). I sketched a design and then painted it. They turned out pretty cute, and the girls were delighted.

Halloween 2013

Halloween was great. Since my husband was in class that night, my brother went out with us. The kids absolutely adore him and were thrilled that he was there, as was I. This was our second year with him- a tradition in the making? 

Natalie was a 80's girl. We had so much fun putting this outfit together! The earrings were classics from my mom's jewelry stash- straight from the 90's (eh, close enough!). The crimper we used? My Conair crimper from 3rd grade! I can't believe I still own it, let alone that it still works!

I snagged treat bags last year from Pottery Barn Kids, but Natalie's didn't work well with her outfit. After a quick Pinterest search I found boombox messenger bags! A quick run to the fabric store, a little clipping, pinning, and sewing, and viola! Boombox treat bag! Remember friendship bracelets? They have made a comeback, and Natalie made all these on her wrist.

When we were in Disneyland last year there were girls dressed up as pinatas in one of the parades. I fell in love, and knew one of the girls must be a pinata this year! Lindsey was more than happy to be my guinea pig. I took some old shirts from my dad that were destined to be rags, and used them as the base for the dress. We used what crepe paper we had left over from birthdays past, and this is the result! I was nervous that most people wouldn't know what she was, but she was the talk of all the people we met. As we were walking back to the car at the end of the night she asked, "Mommy? Am I going to be in a magazine?" "I don't think so, honey. Why do you ask?" "Because everyone we saw said how cute I am." Well said. 

Macy HAD to be a peacock, there were no other options. I love a girl who knows her mind! We made a simple tail and headpiece out of felt, and this came together well. She felt beautiful and regal without looking too little girlish (my first suggestion was to make a tu-tu, it was quickly turned down). 

I think Hudson was also a shark last year. The costume still fit and most importantly, it was WARM! He loved that it was scary, me that it wasn't too scary. :) It's hard to tell, but his treat bag was a shark head. 

And one full length for the full effect.

Princess Lily and Chief Bear

I am WAY behind on the blog updating scene, but came across some photos I wanted to share from last summer.

I was given oodles of fabric and in the piles was a brown faux suede. I immediately thought of Native American costumes, and got online for some inspiration pictures. I had a lot of fun making these, and the best part- the kids loved them! I wanted Hudson's costume to be able to swing from Indian to Cowboy and I think that was achieved.

How adorable are these paint stained fingers and arm?

 I saw the head-dresses on Pinterest and am such a sucker for a good craft. The kiddos had a blast painting their designs, and even got several wearings out of them, before the leaves were crushed.