Project #151: Play Diapers

Play Diapers
 by Nora Vrba from La Fête

Now that Puck is going to be a big sister, playing with her doll Doris is one of the main activities. Bathing, sleeping, feeding and changing diapers became serious business. So these play diapers turned to be very handy.

what you'll need:
• the doll that needs some diapers
• piece of paper
• pencil
• some thick cloth (I used flannel, but an old towel will work too)
• velcro
• thread (I used contrasting colors)
• scissors
• sewing machine
• pins

Step 1 – make your pattern
. Fold the piece of paper, to get the center. Put your model on top of it. Make a rough sketch of the diaper on the left, right and bottom. Remove the doll, fold the paper, so you get a quarter of the diaper. Cut. Open the pattern and fit it on the doll. Trim the front, and shape the edges. So get a good fit. If it’s not working, just take a new piece of paper and repeat until you have a good fitting pattern.

Step 2 – cut
Place your pattern on top of your diaper cloth, trace and cut.

Step 3 – sew
Choose a stitch to finish the edges, any form of zigzag will do. If you have stretchy material, choose a stitch according to that. Pin one larger piece of velcro on the front and two smaller pieces on the inside of each side of the back flaps. Sew to secure.

Step 4 – play
Your done. Happy diaper changing!

All images by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

Project #150: DIY bird garland

Bird Garland by Nora Vrba from La Fête

We have this little tradition of making a bird garland every winter. A small fun project to help the birds get through the time of year they have a little less food. It’s fun to watch them eat and spot all kinds of birds. It also makes very nice gift.



what you'll need:
about 250grs raw, unpeeled peanuts
a piece of string
knitting needle
long (upholstery) needle

 


Step 1 – pierce
Pierce all peanuts with the knitting needle. The center of the peanut works best.

Step 2 – string
Thread the string through all the peanuts. A little helping hand to slide the nuts is very welcome

Step 3 – enjoy
Find a nice spot to hang your garland, so you can watch the birds enjoy their peanut banquet.

 

All images by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

Project #148: Milk Light House

Milk Light House by Nora Vrba from La Fête

It’s getting colder and darker outside (at least here in Holland :), time to light some candles.

what you'll need:

• empty milk/yoghurt cartons
• spray paint – I used matte white
• glue and/or double-sided tape
• ruler
• (colored) tracing paper
• pen/pencil
• scissors
• cutting knife
• (electric) tealight candle

 

Step 1 – prepare your cartons
Rinse the cartons and let them dry. Close the opening with some glue or double-sided tape. I used a paperclip to secure during drying.

Spray paint your cartons, according to the instructions on the paint. Mostly a few thin layers work better than one thick one. Let the paint dry. I did this overnight to make sure it’s completely dry.

Step 2 – design your house

Draw windows on your house, wherever you like them. You can place them only on the front but also on the sides. I draw different kind of windows to create a little city. Cut the windows with a sharp cutting knife.

Make an opening at the back of your house, where you can insert your tea light. If you use regular candles, don’t forget to make an opening at the top of the carton, so the hot air can get out.

*** NOTE – be careful with regular candles! If your carton is too small or you don’t place your candle in the right way, the carton could burn. So I prefer electric candles.

 

Step 3 – decorate your windows

Cut the colored or white tracing paper in the size and shape of your windows. Stick some double-sided tape around the edges. Now you have to fiddle around a little to get the paper in the right place on the inside of the carton. With larger cartons a knitting needle can be useful to place and stick the paper.

Step 4 – light your house

The house is finished! Place your candle and wait until it get’s dark outside.

Alternative option

Great idea for Halloween next year or for Dutch people .... On the 11^th of November we celebrate St.Maarten, where little kids go from door to door with a lantern and sing. This milk light house is perfect to make into a lantern. Just don’t make an opening at the back, but make window all around. At the top, make an opening big enough to get the light in. With some string or wire you can attach the house.

 

 

All images by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

 

Project #145: Treasure garland

Treasure garland by Nora Vrba from La Fête

Collecting little treasures is probably a universal behavior of kids.  It’s very possible it’s genetic too ;) But what to do with all the shells, sticks and stones we bring home every vacation? We had this batch from our trip to Thailand lying around for over 6 months and I finally made this garland.

what you'll need:

• collected holiday treasures (shells, sticks, leaves, stones) Preferable the imperfect ones, already with little wholes in it
• a sharp knife and/or hand drill
• a piece of string (length depending how long you want to make your garland). I used 2 meters of neon pink for a nice contrast with the pastels of the shells

Step 1 – select
Select the treasures you want to use. Pick a nice order, contrasting in shape, color and size. Save a heavier item to use as bottom weight.

 

Step 2 – drill, thread & knot

Make wholes with the knife or drill. Work slowly with a little pressure, so you won’t break your shells. I started from the bottom up. So first attach your bottom weight. I tied a big shell with a simple double knot. No you attach the rest as they come. A shell with one whole will stay on top of a simple knot. Tie ticks and stones by wrapping the string around and secure with one or two knots.

Step 3 – hang

Finished? Measure the length and make a loop at the top of your garland. Find a nice place where you want to hang it and share your holiday memories.

All images by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

Project #141: Paper Bird

Paper Bird by Nora Vrba from La Fête

I learned to fold this bird from my mother a long time ago. And even before I had a daughter, it proved to be a very handy skill. This way you can create a little toy anywhere and make children smile. A few years ago we made a trip to Bhutan. In one village I folded about 7 of these little birds. Some of these birds travelled ahead because the next day when we arrived in the next village, I saw children playing with my birds. All you need is a square piece of paper. And learn the folding instructions by heart ;)

what you'll need:

• (scrap) paper
• some pencils or stamps to decorate

Step 1 – prep your piece of paper
Draw or make a pattern on your piece of paper. Make it into a square. (if you don’t have a pair of scissors, make the fold ultra sharp and tear along the side) 

Step 2 – make the basic folds and shape

First we have to make an origami bird base. Fold your square straight across and diagonal. Open after every fold. Now we make a star shape. Fold one of the sides along the diagonal fold. Fold from the right-angled fold towards the end. Do this both ways, eight times. When you open the paper you have a 4-point star shape.

Now we have to fold the paper into a diamond shape. It’s hard to explain in words, so I hope you can follow the pictures. There is also a different technique.

 

Step 3 – fold the bird.

Now you have the diamond shape in front of you, fold the longer part downwards. Flip. Repeat. Now fold sideways. Flip. Repeat. You have two pointy things in the middle. I turned the shape, so the two pointy things point up. Fold the longer end (wings) back up. Flip. Repeat. Now pull the pointy things out to the left and right and fold. Make a head on one end. Curl the wings a little towards the head. The bird is finished.

 

Step 4 – fly away

Hold the base (on the head end) with two fingers and pull with your other hand the tail with a horizontal movement. The first time will be a little rigid, gently pull through. Let’s fly away!

Note: As my experience goes, most children from 2,5 and up are able to let the bird fly. Younger children will keep on pulling until the tail comes off. But still have lot’s of fun with it :)

 

 

All images and Video by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

Project #139: make a kids Apron

Make a Kids apron by Nora Vrba from La Fête

I do believe that one of the best ways to get your kids eat well, is to involve them in cooking. Feeling, tasting, smelling it’s fun (but messy ;). So here a tutorial to make a little chef’s apron. 

what you'll need:
• A piece of fabric (approx. 100 x 60 cm)
I found mine at Ikea, they have lots of very cool, study fabrics
• twill tape – 200cm (2,5 – 3 cm wide)
• wooden button
• measuring tape
• (tracing) paper
• pen/pencil
• scissors
• pins
• yarn
• sewing machine
• iron(ing board)

About the pattern
I drew my own pattern, you can find the template here. I made the smaller sized apron and cut the pattern from craft paper, but any paper will do. The smaller size will probably fit kids from 2,5 – 5 years. For bigger kids, use the bigger pattern. Note: I didn’t test the bigger one.

 

Step 1 – cut the fabric
The pattern is a half apron, so fold your fabric, right side facing and pin the pattern on top of it. The longest side along the fold. Trace the pattern and cut the fabric. Leave a seam allowance of 2cm at the armholes, about 4 cm on the side and about 6 cm on top of the apron.

Place the cut apron (folded & pinned) with the armhole curve on top of the two quarter circle pieces you just cut off along the armhole curve. Trace. You should have a strip in shape of the armhole curve. Cut.

Unpin the paper, turn the apron and trace the pattern on the wrong side of the other half.

Step 2 – sew the armhole

This is the hardest part of this project, and needs maybe a bit fiddling around with the iron and a lot of pins!

Pin the armhole linings quickly on top of the apron (right sides facing). Turn, now repin the linings, so that they are placed neat and correct and you can see the pattern. Sew along the armhole curve.

Turn the apron, open the lining and iron. Fold to the back (wrong sides are facing nu. Iron along the seam. Turn the apron. Here comes the fiddling. You have to fold the lining into the inside and pin it. If the lining is too long, trim it. Making little cuts can help to get the curve right. Remember, this is the inside of the apron, so it doesn’t have to be perfect. Double stitch: make two seams, on either side of the lining.

Step 3 – attach neckband

Fold the top of the apron inward. Pin and double stitch.

Cut your twill tape. You’ll need one small piece (8 cm). Divide the rest of the tape into 3 equal pieces (about 3 x 64 cm)

Thread your tape through the wooden button. It should be a bit stiff, because we will use this as a closing. If you can’t find the button, you can use a cord stopper, or don’t use anything, just make a knot when worn. 

Fold the tape, pin it on the top of backside of the apron. Sew.

Step 4 – make to length

I used Puck to measure how long the apron should be. She is about 95cm tall. I folded the apron on 60cm from the top. Cut, fold, pin, double stitch.

Fold the right and left side inward, pin and double stitch.

Attach the two pieces of tape on the left and right side of the apron. The same way as the neckband. Fold the ends twice and zig zag.

Step 5 – add pocket

Pockets are supercool, because you can put all kinds of stuff in it. And it makes the apron look like a real one. You can make a rounded one (out of the leftover armhole pieces) or an easy and quick square one. For the square one I used a cut off piece of the length. Turn it 90 degrees. The top is already folded and sewn. Fold the sides inward & pin. Take your small piece of twill tape, fold it and pin the ends between the apron and the pocked.
Double stitch. 

Your apron is finished. They make a lovely gift for mini-chefs, just add twill tape in their favorite color. No twill tape? I used some pink recycled gift bag handles on the dotted apron.

All images by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

Project #137: Doll bed(ding)

Doll bed(ding)
 by Nora Vrba from La Fête

A while ago we got Puck this adorable doll from moyoh, but she never had a proper place to sleep. I wanted to find her a doll bed, but until today didn’t find anything I liked. Through a second hand buying and selling website I found this lovely, very old doll bed. It only had to be reupholstered.

 
What you'll need:
*a piece of foam, cut to fit the bed
*some pieces of fabric

*a piece of flannel / batting material
*pen

*scissors

*pins
*thread + needle

*sewing machine
*embroidery yarn + needle


Step 1 – make the pattern


Mattress
Get your little mattress, lay it on top of the wrong side of the fabric. Draw around the mattress. Measure the thickness of the mattress. Draw two rectangular strips: height x thickness, and another height x width.
 
Cut, leaving a seam allowance of 2cm. Make 2 pieces of each. You will end up having 6 pieces of fabric.

Blanket
Measure the size of your bed and make the blanket big enough so you can tuck in the doll. Cut three pieces of the same size of the top fabric, the batting material and the bottom fabric.

Step 2 – sew
Mattress
With the wrong sides facing, sew together all the pieces for the mattress cover. It’s a bit of a puzzle and on the corners I had to fiddle a bit around to get everything into place. Leave one seam open at one end of the cover. Turn the cover inside out.
Put in the mattress, fold the open seam. I used pins to keep everything in place, so you can close the last seam by hand.

Blanket
I used an old sheet for the top and a contrasting lavender color for the bottom. The sheets have a little woven dot pattern, and as you know I have this thing for confetti. So I decided to decorate the top with some hand embroidered dots, using this technique.

Pin the three pieces: bottom (wrong side up), top (right side up), batting material. Sew along the edges. On one end leave about 5-10 cm open. Turn through this opening. Fold in the seams of the opening and sew another time around.

All images by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

Project #135: dotted Birthday invitations

Dotted Birthday Invitations By Nora Vrba from La Fête

We have a birthday coming up! And my daughter is talking all day about who is coming to her party. So we came up with the idea to send invitations.
I am always looking for diy ideas we can do together, and this one is simple and easy for both of us.

What you'll need:
• Round multi-purpose labels in different colors (we used 8mm)
• white cardboard
• waterproof ink/pen

Step 1 – stick it
Cut the cardboard in to 10 x 15 cm pieces. Start sticking dots onto one side of the card. I just let my daughter do her thing, helping her a little with picking colors. Timing will do the trick, grab the card the moment you think it’s done!

Step 2 – finish it
On the front I wrote with waterproof ink (we have a lot of rainy weather over here ;) “Hurray Puck 3 years” and on the back I draw some lines, as if it was a real postcard.

Step 3 – send it
Last but not least, we wrote our message to our guests. And went out to post them. Now we hope that everybody will turn up!


PS. I just found the coolest store in Berlin, modulor. They had all the colors of dots you can dream of. The good news: they have an online shop.
Happy dotting!

All images by Nora Vrba 

 .. La Fête 

ps. Happy Birthday dear Puck!

Project #133: foamchip-necklace

Foamchip-necklace By Nora Vrba from La Fête

Every time we receive and open a package at home, we are having a mini-party! And sometimes the packaging material is as exciting as the original content.

 

what you'll need:
*foamchips (or any other material you could string)
*felt pen, or paint
*shoelace



Step 1 – color your chips
Color your foam-chips. We made a mix-and-match of solid color chips (by my daughter Puck)  and some patterned ones by me. Dots, stripes, chevron everything goes.


 

Step 2 – finish the necklace

Because of the aglet at the end of the shoelace, even little fingers can string the chips.

Now, slide the chips into the center of the lace, and make a circle, with both ends of the lace overlapping each other. Take one end of the lace, and make a simple knot around the other end. Repeat with the other, loose end. You should have two knots that you can slide along the lace to adjust the length of your necklace.

Have fun!

Note: Because of the material of the chips, they stained a little after coloring. Maybe letting them dry for a while will help.

 .. La Fête 

All images by Nora Vrba  

Project #131: Animal Mask

 

An animal mask by Nora Vrba  from La Fête

My almost 3 year old is totally in love with panda bears and playing in character at the moment. So I decided to make a panda bear mask for her.

 


What you'll need:

*felt sheets, color depending on the animal you want to make
* Iron-on interfacing (vlieseline)
* yarn (in the colors of your felt sheets)
*pen
* scissors
* elastic cord
* eyelets + hammer
* black embroidery thread + needle
*sewing machine

- Panda bear mask template -

Step 1 - Make the pattern

In this case we are going to make a panda bear. But you can create any animal you want. I always use a basic template and sketch the animal we want to create on top of it to make the pattern. (Google a lot of images and try to figure out what the characteristics of the chosen animal are.)

Cut out the pattern using this template.

 

Step 2 - Prep & cut your felt

Because I wanted the mask to be strong enough to survive for some time, I backed the felt with some iron-on interfacing. Put the pattern on top of the interfacing and trace it. Cut out the mask.

Now I cut the pattern in pieces, so I can trace and cut out the black bits of the panda bear mask.


 

 

Step 3 - Sew the mask

Use the zig zag stitch to hem the edges.  Leave the ears open, because they are going to be black. I used yarn in matching colors of the felt. Pin the black pieces in place and use zig zag again to secure.

Turn the mask. The eye holes should be in the middle of the seams, not touching one of the edges. Cut out the eye holes and zig zag the edges with black yarn.


 

Step 4 - Finishing up

Take a scrap piece of felt with interlacing and cut out two circles, a bit bigger than the eyelets. Cut a cross on both sides of the mask and in the middle of the circles. Be carful, it can easily get too big.

Insert the eyelet through the mask and one of the circles; the nice rounded edge of the eyelet is on the front of the mask. Set it with a hammer (and a finishing tool). Set the other eyelet on the other side.

To give the mask a hand sewn finish I added some decorative embroidery.

Attach the elastic cord.

And if your child rather likes a Fox why don't you try and make one looking like the one below.

.. La Fête