Halloween Costumes 2011

I know it's only August, but if you're making your own costumes this year like me, you'll want to get an early start, especially if parties start at the beginning of October like last year! I must throw in that we're moving (again) across the country mid October, so you know I'm not completely crazy to start *this* early!
A couple weeks ago I finally made the decision on what we'd all be this year, within my costume-making capabilities. Lucky for my my 4 year old was on board!
Last year was my first experience in making costumes for my kids, and I was really pleased with how they turned out, considering I'm not the most talented in the sewing department. Skylee was a fairy and Parker was an owl.



This year I wanted to keep a theme for our family, this is what we agreed on; Ryan and I will be bakers, Skylee will be a fancy cupcake, and Parker will be a blueberry muffin. Sounds kinda silly, I know, but it looks amazing in my head right now!
I have all the fabric for Skylee's cupcake costume, just need two more things to get it started. I haven't gotten anything for Ryan or Parker's, but since mine consists of a cute apron and possible baker's hat, I thought I'd make it well in advance to get some use out of it ;) Here is how my apron turned outI used the same pattern that I used to make this apron for my Mom. I liked it so much that I wanted one for my own, that will double as my Halloween costume...it gave me a great excuse to make a cute apron!
Have you/your kids talked about Halloween costumes yet? Better yet have you started making any?

*Brittney*

Kids Craft: Ballerina Puppets and Stage

It's a strange day here in our household, only Parker and I are at home...Skylee started her very first day of school. ever. :( All last week we were getting things ready for her to start, which included a special skirt and matching headband made my me. I figure there are only so many years I can get away with these things, so I must take advantage! While I was working away on her skirt, she asked if she could do a craft too. Since I don't have all my craft supplies with me, I had to do something really simple, but she's been loving it and playing with it ever since.

We took a shoe box and turned it into a stage, then I cut out ballerina silhouettes with "leg holes" for her to color and decorate. Since I was working with pink tulle, she put "tutus" on some of her ballerinas , and although she didn't, it would be fun to decorate the stage too!She had a lot of fun, and thought I'd share it for those of you who may have little ones around who want to feel included in your crafting :). It was a great way to keep her busy, creative, and out of my hair ;) This can be modified to be anything or anyone with legs :) The only downside to doing ballerinas was that they couldn't really spin :(

(backstage)
Hope you're all having a great week! I'll be taking advantage of the time I have on my hands to play with Parker and get my house in order!

*Brittney*