Chalkboard Ideas for Every Season

A LONG while back one of my sisters requested that I do a blog post with ideas for chalkboard designs and messages.  Over the past 3 years, I have been snapping pictures of the chalkboards I have in my home each time I change the design, with a plan to one day share them.  

Now that I have an good number to share, I am finally fulfilling my sister's request. 

I made my chalkboards from thrift store pictures and chalkboard paint a few years ago, but they can be found just about anywhere. I have a small board in the kitchen (similar here), a larger one in my dining room (similar here); and I also use a tall, skinny one as a menu board. 

I have tried out the chalk markers that your can buy nowadays. This one writes beautifully, but if you plan to change your board very often, I recommend classic crayola school chalk. It is dirt cheap, and is super easy to wipe off and change often.

Be sure to pin or bookmark this post, because I will continue to add photos to it as I add new designs in the coming months and years!

This was from this past Christmas. My talented 13-year-old son drew the Santa. 

 I kept this one up for several months. Here in rainy WA, I need a reminder of all the bright spots in my life!

 Newsies. I hope you are singing and dancing now.

 Valentines Day. Or just because.

A little reminder for each of us as we leave the house each day. 

I did this one for a bridal shower and wedding reception. 

In the kitchen.

Halloween

I love layering my chalkboards in with my other decorations. 

More kitchen fun.

I did this for the first week of the art class I teach.

Another Christmas design. 

Origami Butterfly Wreath

I am so ready to welcome Spring warmth and sunshine. Bring on bright colors and bright days! We have had the sun peek out a handful of times in the past week, and it gave me the itch to make this new, bright butterfly wreath.  

Origami butterflies are one of the most easy origami folds to do. Once you make a couple, you will have it down. I used origami paper, but any square-shaped, foldable paper will work. I found this excellent picture tutorial from Simple Joys. I also made a video tutorial to share here:

Once your butterflies are made (I made 18 of varied sizes), you will need:

• 1 foam wreath form (I show how to make one from foam insulating tubing here).
• Fabric, yarn or ribbon to wrap the wreath
• Sewing pins (I had pearlized headed ones on hand, flat headed pins would be great)
• Pom-pom trim, ribbon, or other embellishments, if desired

1. Wrap the foam wreath tightly in your desired textile and secure with a sewing pin. 

2. Arrange origami butterflies, securing them with hidden sewing pins (see pictures below).

3. Add other trim if desired, also using pins to secure.

So easy, right??

 Here you see where I pinned the butterflies to the wreath.

Pins are only visible from this angle because I want to show how I they are pinned. They are well-hidden looking at the wreath from the front.

 With the varieties of paper out there, the possibilities for creative color combinations and themes are endless! I'd love to see what you come up with!

Participating in these link-ups. 

Blueberry Brunch Cake

Fresh blueberries, sweet cream butter, and rich Greek yogurt make this a coffee cake that works for breakfast, brunch, or as a midnight treat.  Every part of this cake is delicious--the crust, the baked batter, the berries, and the ribbons of brown sugar and cinnamon!  

If you need a fail-safe dessert, a celebratory treat to share, or something to make for a friend who deserves more sweetness in his/her life, this is it!  My husband and kids are in love with it, and I ate mine slowly to savor each bite. 

Blueberry Brunch Cake

Makes 2 large loaves

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour (whole wheat works)

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)

1 3/4 cups fresh blueberries (frozen work)

1 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 large loaf pans with cooking spray.

2. In a medium/large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth. 

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and soda, Alternate adding flour mixture and Greek yogurt to creamed mixture.  Fold in blueberries. 

4. In a small bowl, stir brown sugar and cinnamon well. 

5. Spread 1/2 blueberry batter in prepared pans. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar mixture over the wet batter. Top with remaining blueberry batter, and finish with a sprinkling of the remaining brown sugar mix. 

6. Place in center of hot oven and bake 38-42 minutes. Let cool in pans. Use a knife to loosen edges before removing.  Serve warm or cooled. 

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The Noosa Shift Dress Pattern

I had the opportunity to test the pattern for this darling, comfortable and versatile dress. What a pleasure it was to work with Lindsey from Sew To Grow! I have only good things to say about this pattern.

The pattern fit true to the size requirements stated. It includes pictures with each step and is worded very clearly. I never used my seam ripper the entire time! 

I was able to customize the length of the dress to fit my long-waisted body with built-in adjustment lines on the pattern. This is a HUGE feature that too many dress patterns don't have. 

I made my dress from a printed linen, so it is light and airy for summer but not at all see-through--so no need to wear layers underneath. It is perfect for the heat of the summer! I am looking for a good deal on more fabric to make myself a second one. I like it THAT much! 

To purchase your own downloadable pattern: CLICK HERE.

Use code NOOSASHIFT for 25% off through June 19!

Participating in these link-ups.

Easy Head Scarves Sewing Tutorial

While visiting with a dear friend who is going through chemotherapy, I asked her if she would like me to make her a head scarf to wear. She said she really would, especially some that were better for the coming warm weather.  

This reminded me of an excellent story from this podcast: Wigs, Wigouts, and Insurace, in which a woman beautifully and hilariously determines if she is Wig Person or a Scarf Person while going through chemotherapy. It's a great listen.  And between it and my friend's request, I was determined to make some cool, ventilated, and not-too-heavy head scarves for my friend.

My husband came home when I was finishing these up. I had on this one, and he said, "Oooh. Cool head thingy!" He thought it was a fashion head wrap I had made for myself. And it totally could be! Head scarves are for everyone--whatever our health situation. 

I found an excellent tutorial from Daydream Believers, but uses a ribbed knit band and silky scarf. This didn't sound very comfortable or breathable for warm weather. So, I made a tutorial that uses thin jersey knit or stretchy lace fabric. I was so happy with the results!

To make an Easy Head Scarf, you'll need:

• 1/2 yard of thin jersey knit or other fabric that stretches in at least one direction.
• Measuring tape, measuring board and/or ruler.
• Scissors or rotary-cutter
• Sewing machine/serger with corresponding thread

Directions: 

1. Cut the band piece 6 inches x 20.5 inches. The stretch for this piece should be along the length of the cut.

3. Cut the scarf section: 44 inches x 12.5 inches.  Stretch can be in either direction here.

4. Fold the scarf section in half along the width.  Find the mid-point (6.25") of the width  on the open side of the folded fabric. Measure 5 inches straight down each side. Use a ruler or other straight edge to make a straight line from the mid-point to the 5 inch mark on each side.

6. Cut along those lines.  If you are using jersey knit, no finishing is required for the edges of the scarf. I decided to sew a thin rolled hem on my lacey fabric to prevent fraying.  If you are finishing the edges of your scarf, do so now. Then, set this piece aside.

7. Fold the band piece in half along the width, right sides together. Sew the open edges. (This is a good time to try it on your head. It should fit snug enough to not move, but not too tight. If it is too loose, trim 1/4 inch from the sewn edge, re-stitch, and try again, repeating until the fit is right).

8. Fold the band in half along the length, wrong sides together. 

9. Sew that edge up with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

10. Lay out your scarf piece right side up and find the mid-point along one length. Pin the band's front mid-point (directly opposite the seam) to the mid-point on the scarf piece. 

11. Continue to pin the scarf all the way around the base of the band. The right side is inside here, pinned all around the band. 

Make sure to finish pinning each end of the scarf right at the seam of the band, so the sides will be even. 

This head scarf shows the pinning process better because of the contrasting fabrics.

12. Sew along the pinned edge, all the way around  the band. 

And you are done! 

These are such an easy project, and a great item to make as a community service project and donate to cancer centers in your area. I did a simple internet search for "Where to donate to cancer centers" and had several options. 

Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions as you are making these scarves. I'm happy to help!

Participating in these link-ups.

4 Season Wreath

I have had wreath envy lately.  A friend and neighbor of mine has had the cutest wreaths throughout the year, and so I finally asked her if she made them. She said she did, then she showed me her big, BRILLIANT secret. She has VELCRO on the wreath and changes out the flowers! I asked her if she would mind if I shared her genius on my blog, and she was gracious enough to allow me to. 

What you'll need: 

• 1 wreath form
• sewing pins
• 1 skein of yarn (something that will go with each season/holiday you plan to do)
• Flower making supplies: Felt / fabric; needle and thread; beads/buttons; fabric/hot glue
• Velcro--preferably something close to the color of your yarn
• hot glue gun and glue sticks

1. Tie a knot in one end of the yarn. Put a sewing pin through the knot and into the wreath form.

2. Wrap and wrap and wrap. Here's what I learned that sped this process up: (1) Wrap several loops around the form without trying to keep them close together, then stop every 10 or so loops and push them together; (2) As the skein starts getting more small, it will get looser. I would pull out several feet of yarn then wrap it around the center of the skein in tight loops. Then I held the wreath form between my knees and used both hands to wrap the yarn more quickly around and around. 

3. Once you have covered the form, cut the yarn off and tie another knot in the end. Use another pin to secure it. 

4. Hot-glue Velcro to the wreath where you will be placing flowers.

Now to make some flowers.I will share one tutorial for felt roses. 

Here are some links to other flower tutorials: 

Looped felt flowers from Infarrantly Creative

Circle petal flowers from The Fickle Pickle

Felt poinsettia tutorial from Stone Gable Blog

Rolled fabric flowers from Little + Lovely

I decided to share this  rose tutorial for one reason: I avoid using hot-glue whenever possible, and the method of flower making I will show uses a needle and thread. Why go to the trouble, you ask? Isn't a hot-glue gun easier?  I say NO. It is hot and messy. And using a glue gun to put something together that could be done with a needle and thread is asking for it to fall apart over time. A needle and thread is quick, clean, and secure. No glue clumps to pick at or hide. 

1. Begin with a square-ish piece of felt. Round or scallop the edges. 

2. Cut a swirl from the outside in. The larger you make the width of your cut, the deeper the rose will be. If you want a rose that is more wide and flat, make a skinnier swirl. This was a deep, small one.

3. Beginning at the center of the swirl, start a tight roll and work outward.  **For the roses that I did a wavy/scalloped skinnier width cut, I started on the outside and worked inward with my rolling. Both ways work and achieve slightly different looks. 

4. Continue rolling. Felt is great for these because it kind of sticks to itself as you go, so holding the rose in place as you work is easy.

5. Once it is all rolled up, turn it upside down. Using a needle and thread with a knot in the end, push through all layers of the base of the rose. On larger roses, I pushed through half of the layers to the middle first, then worked my way around.

6. Continue sewing back and forth through the bottom of the rose, working your way around the whole circle.

7. Tie off the bottom once it is as drawn in and secure as you want it.

8. Hot-glue (yes, it has it's purpose because it is a PAIN to sew through Velcro by hand) small squares of Velcro to the bottom of the flowers you make.

9. Arrange and re-arrange over and over again on your wreath! 

I did a blanket stitch around some felt to make the leaves for this Spring/Summer wreath. 

My neighbor let me borrow her Fall flowers to show this (I haven't made my own yet). Aren't they pretty? I was lucky they matched my yarn!

Participating in these link-ups.