Oh my, it is nearly two years later and I am FINALLY posting pictures! I have seriously got to get a handle on that!
We have SO much fun putting together our Epic vacation bible school every year and I wanted to share with you what we have been up to! With it nearing VBS season again I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and share with you some great ideas that you can use for your own VBS! This year (2014) the theme was Wilderness Survival. The vision was to decorate the church with both desert and jungle themes! This was my first time in the role of "lead decor" and I had NO idea what I was doing (picture having to keep this all in fire code, yikes!) but luckily it all came together in the end!
I will try to explain my technique for making things as I go...
Here we covered the wall in kraft paper (Lowes or Home Depot in the painting section). Using tan wall paint and a large rectangle sponge, we "stamped" the wall to create bricks then went back and outlined sections in dark brown to make them stand out. It goes really fast if you stick to groupings of stone instead of every single one.
The "sand" is just tan fabric by the yard from Joann's. I believe we ordered a few bolts online. The camel prop was ordered from the VBS catalog (we have since created out own VBS curriculum). The rocks are painted pieces of styrofoam. Keep going to see how we did the palm trees and vines.
This large hallway I wanted to look like a cave! We used brown paper bags (amazingly cheap on dollartree.com) and crinkled them up and stapled them to the wall. WARNING: this took forever so I would suggest you stretch them as your staple to cover way more wall with less bag. And MUCH less staples! The effect in here was amazing!
Here are our palm trees! We used pool noodles to create these. Cut a hole in a box a tad smaller than the noodle (so it stands up), cut the bottom off brown paper bags, and string them onto the noodle! I put a large paper plate on top to tape the leaves to. The leaves are just traces and cut from a roll of non-fade green paper. Drape the base in burlap or tan fabric to look like sand.
That last picture is of our class photo area!
The vines were my favorite craft! We used plastic table cloths from the Dollar Tree in a couple of different shades of green. These were really easy and each table cloth yeilds a ton of vines. Fold your tablecloth the long way a few times will it is about 5" wide. Trim the sides so you end up with long strips. Cut diagonal lines to the middle. TIP: make sure you stagger them so you dont ever cut all the way through! And even if you do you can always use short vines too!
We used these EVERYWHERE! They were great fillers and really tied the theme together! As you will see in the second picture, we also used nets and hula skirts (dollartree.com) everywhere!
The monkeys were also ordered online and below I will tell you how we made the rope vines...
These rope vines were made using cut, twisted and staples brown paper bags. If I did this again, I would use skinny strips of rolled kraft paper instead. If would have gotten done much faster! We stapled leaves (again cut out of the non-fade paper) when we were done. These also went everywhere and were great for covering large expanses like the ceiling in the cafe. We also wrapped them around the check in area.
Also on the ceiling you will see colorful paper lanterns. These are from Oriental Trading Company.
This giant tree was my biggest project! The frame is made from PVC. It ended up being 12 feet tall! We used the rolls of brown kraft paper here as well. It is simple... roll it out, wrinkle it up, stretch it out, and tape it on top to bottom! The last picture shows you what it looked like from the inside.
The branches were made the same way but left wrinkled and twisted. I wanted to add more but we ran out of time!
This hallway is always the kids favorite. The black light hallway!
Luckily one wall was already dark, the other we wrapped with a roll of black non-fade paper. The volunteers had fun make fish, octopus, turtles and other sea creatures using white paper and fluorescent paint! These were then stapled onto the wall. The floor was covered in clear balloons that we squirted with the florescent paint on the inside.
The jellyfish are paper lanterns lightly painted with fluorescent paint, with streamers and white string hanging from them. The ceiling also had streamers and nets.
The openeing to this hallways was made to look like a waterfall. We used clear celo wrap, paper bags (done in the same way as the cave hallway) and the flowers were made using more non-fade paper.
And because the nursery kids are important too... we gave them a little decor!
!!!IMPORTANT!!! THIS BLOG HAS MOVED! HURRAY! CLICK HERE TO FIND A MORE ORGANIZED VERSION OF THIS PATTERN :) LOVE YOU FRIENDS!
I finally have some free crochet time on my hands now that I finished my girls fall sweaters. I had to rip it out and start over twice! All the while these little shoes were tickling my brain saying "make me!" Well, here they are... the cutest little moccasins ever! Here is the free pattern, enjoy!
Supplies:
Size H crochet hook
Worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna White in Honey)
Small beads
Tapestry needle
Super glue (optional)
This pattern is for size 3 months. To make them smaller, go down a hook size. To make them larger, go up a hook size. This pattern is worked in the round. No chaining and no turning.
WARNING: beware small parts
Instructions:
Ch9
Rnd 1: Work 2 sc into 2nd chain from Hk. Sc 4. Hdc 2. Work 8 Hdc into last chain. Working across other side of chain, Hdc 2. Sc 4. Work 2 Sc into last chain. (24)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc into the first sc from previous round. Work 2 sc into the next stitch. Sc 7. Work 2 sc into each of the next 6 stitches. Sc 7. Work 2 into the next two stitches. (34)
Rnd 3: Sc 2. Work 2 sc into the next. Sc 10. Work 2 sc into the next two stitches. Sc 4. Work 2 sc into the next 2 stitches. Sc 10. Work 2 sc into the next stitch. Sc 2. (40)
Rnd 4: Sc around in BLO (back loop only) (40)
Rnd 5-6: Sc around (40)
Rnd 7: Sc 14, (sc2tog, sc) four times, Sc 14 (36)
Rnd 8: Sc 13, (sc2tog, sc) three times, Sc 14 (33)
Rnd 9: Sc 9, (sc2tog) seven times, Sc 10 (26)
Rnd 10: Sc2tog, sc 8, sc2tog three times, sc 8, sc2tog. Slip stitch to finish. Tie off and weave in end. (21)
Fringe:
Wrap yarn around your flattened hand many times. Cut one edge, this will leave you with a bunch of strands.
Insert hook from outside pointing in through the top stitches, and pull through a loop. Put cut ends through loop and pull tight. For security, place a drop of super glue on the backside of your fringe. You wont see it or feel it but it will keep the fringe from coming undone.
After you finish all the fringe, give it a 1" hair cut.
Bow:
Cut a long length of yarn and tie a bow around the very front sc column. Knot it three times.
String beads and tie each end off with three knots on top of each other to keep the beads from being pulled off. You can also use your superglue on the knot as well.
Voila! Please pardon my awful photography... a new camera is on my Christmas list!
I am so excited to share with you my first ever PDF pattern! I have had so much fun making and selling these adorable little elephants and now I feel it's time I stop hogging this beautiful creature and let you make some! The pattern is available in my shop and is ready and waiting for you to create!
Pattern Includes:
Large and small sizes
Full color photos and crystal clear instructions
Lots of ideas on customization!
I hope you enjoy Ellie as much as I have!
I am excited to share with you this fun pattern! I bought a whole bunch of Cotton yarn to make swim covers for my girls months ago... and like normal I got side tracked. Well, now that they are turning into fantastic swimmers, I decided it was time! This turned out so cute and it was really quick to make. This pattern will fit a size 18-3T. My girls are 2.5 and these will fit this year and next! For a smaller and larger size you can use a smaller or larger hook. If you have any questions feel free to ask or email me at thislovelylifeblogger@gmail.com
Supplies:
Cotton worsted weight yarn- I used Sugar n' Cream and had to use one and a half skeins
Size L hook
Tapestry needle
Stitches:
CH- chain
DC- double crochet
SC- single crochet
SS- slip stitch
Note: the body of the cover is done with *DC, CH 1* repeated across to get the open spaces.
Instructions:
Leaving a really long tail before your slip knot, CH 32.
Rnd 1: DC in 5th chain from hook, *CH 1, DC in next* Repeat to end of round. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 2-15: DC on top of previous DC, *CH 1, DC* Repeat to end. CH 3 and turn.
Now you will be working the shoulder:
Rnd 16: *DC, CH 1* 5 times ending with another DC. CH 2 (only two this time) and turn.
Rnd 17: DC on top of previous DC, *CH 1, DC* to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 18-19: *DC, CH 1* 4 times to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 20: *DC, CH 1* 5 times with last two placed together in the last st. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 21: *DC, CH 1* to end. Tie off.
Now working other shoulder:
Tie yarn onto outside of round 15.
Rnd 16: CH 3, *DC, CH 1* 5 times. CH 2 (only two this time) and turn.
Rnd 17: DC on top of previous DC, *CH 1, DC* to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 18-19: *DC, CH 1* 4 times to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 20: *DC, CH 1* 5 times with last two placed together in the last st. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 21: *DC, CH 1* to end. CH 7, continue across other shoulder *DC, CH 1* to end. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 22-35: *DC, CH 1* to end, ending with a DC. CH 3 and turn.
Rnd 36: *DC, CH 1* to end, ending with a DC. Tie off and leave a really long tail. You will use it and the beginning chain tail to stitch up the sides.
Using your tapestry needle, stitch the sides together, making sure you are lining it up correctly, and ending 2 rows under the neckline. Weave in ends. This will give you armholes.
Tie yarn onto one of the hem side seams and CH 3.
Rnd 37: *5 DC into the next CH 1 space. SS on top of next DC* repeat around for a scallop edge. Tie off and weave in ends.
TA- DA! Wasn't that easy???
*This is a free pattern. Please do not re-post or distribute pattern in whole or part. You may sell what you make from this pattern! By using my pattern and selling your items, you are also agreeing that you will give credit by adding a link to my original blog post in each individual listing, or on your tags. Please DO NOT use my photos to sell your items! Thank you!
I am so excited to share with you this fun project! I love quirky things. I also kill plants regularly. I have a black thumb. I even managed to kill the three beautiful succulents I got as a wedding favor with a tag that read "Let Love Grow"... I let love die.
Here we are at the solution to my problem. Crochet cactus'! Why not right? Below you will find the pattern for these two cacti and I am working on a couple more varieties as we speak!
Supplies:
G hook
Worsted weight yarn
Tapestry needle
Stuffing
Small terracotta pots
Hot Glue
Terms:
Ch- chain
Sc- single crochet
Dc- double crochet
BLO- back loop only
Ss- slip stitch
Tall Cactus:
Chain 27
R1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook. Sc across. Ch 1 and turn (26)
R2-28: Sc across in BLO, chaining 1 and turning at the end of each row.
Fold in half and SS the long side together.
Using your tapestry needle, run some yarn around one open end. Pull tight like a drawstring. Tie a couple knots to secure.
Turn right side out and stuff till mostly firm.
Drawstring the other end closed.
Arm:
R1: Sc 10 into magic circle. Ss to first sc. Ch 1
R2-9: Sc around
R10-15: Sc 5, ss 5. It will get thick where the ss are, that's the way you want it.
R16-17: Once you have a right angle, continue with only sc. Tie off and use tail to attach to cactus with needle.
Cactus needles:
Using a tapestry needle and white yarn, locate the "ribs" going up the sides of the cactus. Whip stitch around them all the way to the top then back down another "rib". Make sure they are evenly spaced.
Tie off as base of cactus.
Flower:
Ch 4 and ss closed to form a circle.
*Ch 2, 2 dc into circle, ch 2*
Repeat * for 4 or 5 petals. Tie off and use tail to attach to top of cactus.
Short Cactus:
Chain 17.
R1: Dc in 2nd ch from hook. Dc across. Ch 2 and turn.
R2-13: Dc across in BLO.
Fold in half and ss long side together.
Drawstring close one end like you did before. Turn right side out.
Stuff then close the other end.
Flower outer:
R1: Sc 12 into magic circle. Pull tight.
R2: *Ch 11 and ss in next stitch*. Repeat * for 12 petals.
Tie off.
Flower Inner:
R1: Sc 6 into magic circle. Pull tight.
R2: *Ch 8 and ss in next*. Repeat * for 6 petals.
Tie off. Stitch both flower pieces to top of cactus.
Attaching cactus into pot using hot glue.
*This is a free pattern. Please do not repost or distribute pattern in whole or part. You may sell what you make from this pattern! By using my pattern and selling your items, you are also agreeing that you will give credit by adding a link to my original blog post in each individual listing, or on your tags. Please DO NOT use my photos to sell your items! Thank you!
Hello all! These last couple weeks have been a whirlwind! Finally I have some down time and am able to finish up some projects that I left hanging.
Isn't this little outfit the cutest? I wanted to make something super adorable yet modest and easy to play in. I have graded the pattern to fit sizes 0-5T. Now all I have to do it get my brother over here to install my Adobe Photoshop and I can digitize it for you! I hope to have that done by next week.
As a bonus, and because I love you dear readers so much, I will offer the smallest size free so you can try it out!
The bubble shorts pictured will also be available for free download and contain sizes 0-5T!
Come back soon to check it out!
Rhianna
I have been a busy bee lately! This last Mother's day weekend (yes, I deserve a whole weekend) was a dousy! The finale was a lovely tornado that hit out city on Sunday afternoon. As panicked as I was, the exhileration was exciting! I snapped an awsome shot of it that landed on the front page of the paper. Now im a photojournalist too I guess!
Thank you for allowing me a moment to brag. Anyways! On to the tutorial!
You will need:
16x16 pillow form
White fabric 17"x17" (2 for each pillow)
Pom Poms- about 2 yards
Fabric Paint or Fabric Markers
Print out of words
Light table or bright window
Instructions:
1. Print out the PDF file here. Cut and tape the words together so they fit nicely on the pillow and are centered with each other.
2. Tape the words to either your light table or a bright window and tape your fabric nicely over it so it is centered.
3. Use your marker to draw the words or use a pencil to roughly trace them and go over with your fabric paint and a small brush after you take it down. Allow to dry completely.
5. Pin your trim down with the pom poms facing in and with the start of the flat tape just under 1/2" mark. Stitch down center of tape. It is easiest to cut the trim at each corner rather than trying to turn it.
6. Place the backing fabric on top of the words making a sandwich and pin in place, leaving an opening around 6 inches at the bottom. Stitch down at 1/2".
7. Turn your case right side out and gently stuff it with your pillow form. Hand stitch the opening closed.
Voila! A cute little piece of humor to adorn your bed! I feel like I need to bring something like this into my bedroom as well. Do you have any ideas for a funny use of words? -Rhianna
