Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Felt like a Tutorial: Celebrating Easter

My youngest daughter asked me the other day if the Easter Bunny was the only bunny that lays eggs! I am always amazed at how kids hold onto their belief in something like a big white bunny hopping around the yard leaving plastic eggs filled with candy and coins. If we tell them it’s true, it must be, right? But who can resist the wonder and awe Easter egg hunts bring to the holiday; fun traditions and memory makers for kids and adults alike.

I recently read through the book, “Moonwalking With Einstein” by Joshua Foer, which talks about how to create more lasting memories. Getting out of our daily routine helps our brain retain memories more readily. Doing something unexpected, taking time for a vacation, or changing up our daily rhythm are all examples of how to incorporate this concept.

Life goes by too fast for us to not take advantage of times such as holidays and seasonal changes to do something special to commemorate the event. I am challenging myself to do something different this spring, to make the house feel like the season has arrived inside as well as outside.
These felt finds for Spring/Easter are sure to be memorable for you and your family this season.

1. Felt Egg Design Book - from Chez Beeper Bebe
Kids can decorate the eggs again and again with this quiet book.

2. Easter Chick Card - from incy wincy stitches
Sweet chick greetings on this Easter card.

3.Bunny Ears – from Martha Stewart
Homemade bunny ears for the little bunnies in your life.

4.Easter Egg Hunt Bags – from the Purl Bee
Treasure bags for a hunt or Easter morning goodies. 

5. Finger Puppets – from Fiskars
Spring animals couldn't be cuter!

6. Bunny Finger Puppets – from the Purl Bee
Encourage play with these Easter basket fillers.

7.Felt Chick Egg Warmer – from Craftideas.info
Wake up to a bright Felt Chick keeping your morning egg warm.

8. Felt Peeps Bunnies – from Mommy Savers
These are even better than the edible variety, they will last much longer!

9. Carrot Goodie Bags – from betz white
So simple and practical, jelly beans would fit perfectly inside.

Jen Van Oosbree enjoys the versatility of Benzie felt and the awesomeness of graphic design. She brings monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Striped Straws: Valentines

I can't get enough of striped straws these days -and no party is a party without them! And thus my inspiration for these candy-free classmate valentines. You make every sip sweeter, Valentine. Oh yes you do.

Materials needed:
Printable Labels, cut to size:
Red front / Polka-dot back (click on bright green download button)
Gray front / Polka-dot back (click on bright green download button)
Benzie Blend Felt (I used Strawberry and Parchment), cut into hearts (I used a die-cut)
Striped straws in red and gray
Double sided tape
Scissors

Step 1: Fold felt heart in half and make two small cuts into the fold approximately 1/2" apart.

Step 2: Place an inch of double sided tape along the back side of the labels (polka dot side).

Step 3: Slide heart and label on the straw.

Step 4: Press down to adhere.

And you're all done! There is also a place for your child to write his or her name on the back of the label. I suggest this to be done first -before the valentines are assembled. These would also be a perfect match to your favorite beverage, tied with twine. You make every sip sweeter valentine!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Valentine Surprise: Felt like Love

I made some special valentines for you this week. I wanted to share some Benzie love -you know, I "felt like love".

And you want to know what's inside? Well, felt hearts of course, die-cut from Benzie's very own. Six little (and not so little) hearts in complementary colors and in multiple sizes. In love yet?

Valentines will be included in every felt purchase $18.00 and up (before shipping) until Valentine's day or unless the Valentines run out. But no worries -felt like love can never run out...

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Felt like a tutorial: Be Mine, Valentine

His name was Russell. My third grade crush. He had spiked blond hair and I thought he was the cutest boy in the whole class. I would always put his thumb down for the game Heads up Seven up, and he always knew it was me who had done it. After our class Valentine exchange that year when we were lined up to leave for the day, I gave him a very special Valentine, an Iowa Hawkeyes watch! He accepted it and that was that. I was sure he understood how at that moment, with the gift of the watch, just how much I liked him.

I will never forget the excitement of my third grade Valentine exchange. It was so important that certain people received the simple cards, and others got ones with lots of hearts drawn on for extra emphasis! And who could forget Nathan’s mom with her cookie sheet of homemade sugar cookies with each student’s name frosted on one of them. It was not a holiday at school without one of those cookies!

The magic of Valentine’s Day is truly made better with homemade gifts. These felt finds for February are sure to give you a spark or a start on your way to making the day exceptional for those closest to you.

1. Fortune Cookies – from Martha Stewart
Felt fortune cookies stuffed with your own fun sayings.

2. Felt Rosette Ball – from Frankly Speaking Too
Decorate in style with this burst of color and texture.

3. Be My Bluebird – from Sew, Mama, Sew!
Make a valentine that will last from year to year.

4. Heart Garland – from My Pile of Sugar
A creative way to make heart shapes that will hold.

5. Valentine Pins – from The Purl Bee
These Valentine pins would be great to hand out to classmates.

6. Arrows and Hearts – from Katie Did
Let the kids use their own scissors to make these bracelet Valentines.

7. Felt Heart Pockets – from All In One Day’s Time
Stuff these darling creations with whatever candy you please.

8. Arrow Cupcake Toppers – from The Sweetest Occasion
Felt arrows to push into heart shaped treats.

9. Felt Valentines & Envelopes – from Everyday Celebrate
Fun for the kids to play with, and even more fun to giveaway. 

Jen Van Oosbree has lots of love for Benzie felt, graphic arts and anything Girl Scouts. She will be bringing monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.
 
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