Painting a Snow Day

This is a painting I made while having winter art time with my children. It's been a LONG time since I did this, so I'm rather impressed. Using kids cheap paint brushes and old paint on a mini canvas, it was a nice challenge.

 

The key to these paintings is layering. Sky first, midground, then foreground. It adds depth.  I was trying to teach my kids to do this instead of just painting in the lines. Remember that shadows aren't always black, sometimes it's just darker in color. Add pops of bright color to keep interest. Think of objects creating invisible lines that draw your eye from one object to another. Use ragged bristles to paint leaves/pines, use end of brush or toothpick to make dots, and don't be afraid to use your fingers!

 

Leave a comment on my blog with a link to your spur of the moment project.

Stitching up a gift

Here's some quick peeks at what I made this past week for my kiddos' and their stockings.


My old doll bed needed a makeover (since 1980 something). So this fabric I found at Joann's clearance section made the perfect sheet and comforter set. The comforter is top cotton and bottom fleece.



After looking on Etsy for modest fashion doll clothes, all I could say was "i can make that!" So I did. [Not the man's clothes, I bought that set to free up my time.] I pulled most from my scrap fabric bag, and tried the ideas I had seen without a pattern. I'm pretty pleased with myself at what I could make, and hope it will just get better until I hand over this project to my oldest daughter.

The key to making the clothes is to use elastic bobbin thread, stitched by hand at waist or top. I must say, I love my serger for doll clothes, though I did turn over a few edges. Maybe this time around, I won't find SO many naked barbie dolls around the house?!


Moose had surgery on his arm, and went home with a fleece coat, hat and mittens. No pattern, just made it up as I went. Happy that fleece stretches to fit, and hook'n loop helps pull it together. My son couldn't be happier.


My little guy also loves his crocheted hat, complete with a Santa beard. He wore it to hand out candy canes at gymnastics class. Wish I had a picture of that!

Pocket Saints and Holy Friends

We've enjoyed our Pocket Friends, and moved on to making Pocket Saints. These are all character drawings on wood craft sticks. A fun family project, a quiet time activity, party favor/activity, or stocking stuffer!
Saints were ordinary people who did extraordinary things in the name of God. You can find images of the saints online for inspiration, and be sure to read about them too! I’d suggest writing a fun fact on the back of each Pocket Saint and use them like flash cards with your children. We wrote the saint name, patron of… and feast day. Our daughter enjoyed making these three Saints for her collection. We’re hoping to make a Nativity play set for her little brothers!   Read more about Pocket Friends on Modest Mommies

My First Boutique Sale

After a week of excessive sewing, I loaded up the van for my first craft sale. It was at our church, and fees went to the CCW which benefits the church. So I felt that it was no loss if I didn't sell anything. That way I just had fun meeting everyone, talking about babies and sharing my talent with others.

 

The event helped me take a good look at my logo, my prices, and other business stuff. I offered a drawing from a stocking to get 5, 15 or 20% OFF their purchase with a code to use it online later.

I sold the camouflage cozy car seat canopy, the starry night valance and a pocket friends kit. I also received interest from the parish to enlist me to make Quiet in the Pew mass kits for children to grab as they come to church. I sold enough to pay for my booth and lunch - so you could say I broke even.

My daughter came along, but only lasted one of four hours before becoming bored. Lots of old ladies with no intent to buy for mommies or babies in their family. But that week she learned a bit about business, profit margins, crafting and more. She took her $3 profit and ran with it! My husband and I made the switch and our littlest guy grabbed smiles for me and modeled his car seat canopy.

 

The items that did not sell will be available on my Etsy shop very soon! See anything you like and don't want to wait? Email me today     4modestmommies@gmail.com