ShoeMint Holiday Give Away!

<center></center>We've got some fun holiday parties coming up over the next few weeks and I'm so excited to try out <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">these new heels</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0861.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0861.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The front is the softest, buttery camel leather, and the heels have this cool modern lucite panel. I love them!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0869.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0869.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0873.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0873.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />This week's give away is from <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">ShoeMint</a> (where I got these heels!). They are giving away an amazing pair of shoes to three readers. (I'm eyeballing these little black suede booties here!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo SM1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/SM1.jpg" /></div><br />In case you aren't familiar with the company, <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">ShoeMint</a> was started by Rachel Bilson, stylist Nicole Chavez and Steve Madden. They work together to designer beautiful, real leather and suede shoes at a great price point. New designs are added monthly, so there is always something new to want on the site!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo SM2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/SM2.jpg" /></div><br />To enter to win one of the gorgeous three pairs of shoes, <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">sign up for ShoeMint</a> (completely free, no obligation to buy) and then leave a comment here with your favorite pair of shoes. Contest is open to US and Canada only, and ends Dec 25 at midnight. Winners will be emailed. Good luck!<br /><br /><i>PS For 20% off your first ShoeMint purchase, <a href="http://9nl.be/83ut" target="_blank">click here</a>!</i>

ShoeMint Holiday Give Away!

We've got some fun holiday parties coming up over the next few weeks and I'm so excited to try out these new heels . The front is th...

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DIY Concrete-Topped Office Credenza

<center></center><center></center>For months, I've been keeping an eye out for a mid-size vintage console table or credenza that wasn't too bulky and that had a functional, easily accessible storage area for a printer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0922.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0922.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />I've seen a few here and there, but nothing jumped out at me as the perfect fit. I saw this vintage credenza a week or so ago at a used furniture store for only $39 and while it didn't jump out at me at first glance, it sort of grew on me over time.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9999.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9999.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I actually took a few quick photos and then I decided to pass on it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9993.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9993.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />But as soon as I had the idea to cover the bad formica top in concrete, I knew it could be something super-functional <i>and</i> beautiful, so I hustled back to the store to buy it a day or so later.<br /><a name="more"></a>I repeated the same steps on the credenza's top that I used in <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-concrete-countertops.html" target="_blank">our laundry room redo</a>. The basic idea is to rough up the formica, trowel on the Feather Finish concrete in several thin coats, with drying time and sanding sessions in between.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0137.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0137.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0144.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0144.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0149.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0149.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />A good sealer is a must here. Ardex makes one, but I just used a brand called Silkagard in a really thick coat. I don't know if this sealer would be heavy-duty enough for a kitchen application, but it's served me well in our laundry room and now on this credenza. (PS - in case you were curious about the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-concrete-countertops.html" target="_blank">laundry room counters</a>, they're holding up really well! No regrets!)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0175.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0175.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the two or three coats of sealer were drying, I brushed on an oil-based coat of Benjamin Moore's Galapagos Turquoise using this <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-strip-vintage-furniture.html" target="_blank">same approach of placing the paint</a>, sort of in the way you paint your nails.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0186.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0186.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're careful to not put too thick of a coat on, you won't get any drips. But if you do, just let it dry and then sand and light touch up the mistake areas. The result should be a glossy, glass-like surface.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0197.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0197.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0912.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0912.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't that side detail pretty? I love the simple line.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0851.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0851.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so happy with how the matte concrete pairs with the glossy lacquered look. I left the concrete a little more raw-looking this time and I really love the contrast of pretty things with the industrial material.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0808.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0808.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0780.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0780.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also, how great is that giant yellow lamp I picked up at Goodwill for $5?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0897.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0897.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It needed a new shade in the worst way, so I put one of my old black ones on it and the proportions are much better now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9935.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9935.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love seeing the gold tortoise shell pattern peeking out from under the shade while I'm working a few feet away at my desk.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_1023.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1023.jpg" /></div><br />Also, can I just say that a can of white paint does wonders for any room?! My office felt like a beige cave just a few days ago and now it looks bright and cheery with the new white walls and the new furniture. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_9820.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_9820.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0750.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0750.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0746.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0746.jpg" /></div><br />Three cheers for progress toward a happy and functional office space!

DIY Concrete-Topped Office Credenza

For months, I've been keeping an eye out for a mid-size vintage console table or credenza that wasn't too bulky and that had a funct...

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Tara Andris Cloud Paintings

<center></center>I am fascinated by clouds and cloud patterns. I am the geek that sits plastered to the plexi during flights so I can see all the beautiful clouds along the way. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0981.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0981.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://www.taraandris.com/" target="_blank">Tara Andris</a> is a Kansas City artist who paints the most beautiful cloud and abstract scenes. She starts out by gold or silver leafing her canvases, so that after her painting process, the end result is a dreamy, luminescent and very life-like cloud pattern.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0680.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0680.jpg" /></div><br />I hung my Tara Andris cloud painting in our library and I think it looks lovely in here. It might end up having another home as I hang more art and more around furniture, but it looks great here for now. It might be extra perfect here when I finish our blue glossy walls in the music room.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1003.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1003.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love how you can see some of the texture on the surface from the leafing process.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0998.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0998.jpg" /></div><br />Tara also happened to be a blog reader and she asked if I would like to give away one of her paintings. She sent me this beautiful painting called 'Brooklyn' (fitting!!) to gift one of you lovely readers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0860.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0860.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1010.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1010.jpg" /></div><br />Here's a close up. Isn't it stunning? Tara's paintings are best in rooms with great natural light.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0870.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0870.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0854.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_0854.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's like they light up in the sun! So pretty!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0845.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0845.jpg" /></div><br />Tara sells her original works <a href="http://shop.taraandris.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and her prints, iPhone and iPad covers, totes and pillows <a href="http://society6.com/TaraAndris" target="_blank">here</a>. To enter to win this beautiful original oil on top of leaf on canvas, <a href="http://shop.taraandris.com/" target="_blank">visit Tara's shop</a> and leave a comment on this post with your favorite painting of Tara's.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-12-13at110838PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/ScreenShot2013-12-13at110838PM.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Contest ends Dec. 21 at midnight. Winner will be emailed. Good luck!! (and many thanks to Tara!)

Tara Andris Cloud Paintings

I am fascinated by clouds and cloud patterns. I am the geek that sits plastered to the plexi during flights so I can see all the beautiful c...

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DIY Children's Flannel Story Board

<center></center><center></center><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was <i>thrilled</i> when the good people at <a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">Children's Miracle Network Hospitals</a> reached out to me about developing a DIY gift idea that would be both special and safe for a child in a hospital bed this holiday season. There are a lot of restrictions on hospital gifts (no latex balloons, stuffed toys, sports cards, living plants or flowers, food or candy, etc.), but I think these amazing, brave kids deserve extra attention and support at this time of the year especially. The thought that more than a million children will spend the holidays in a hospital is heart-breaking.</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1048.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1048.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">CMN Hospitals</a> raise funds and awareness for 170 children's hospitals in North America (including Phoenix Children's Hospital, where my sister in law works!). The hospitals provide $3.4 billion in charitable care every single year.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> If you'd like to help them in their noble efforts by contributing to the CMN Hospitals holiday initiative, <a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">visit here</a>. Donations stay local, and the children's hospitals use the funds first where there is the most need.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1074.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1074.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I made this super simple no-sew flannel storyboard for my DIY gift idea - I think it would be perfect for a child that is bed-bound and also a great present for the lucky kiddos that are healthy. I am hoping to make a lot of our Christmas gifts this year, and this one will be for Evie. I had Gracie and Claire do a little secret test drive on it for me this week. I think they would have played with the book all day if I had let them. And both of them requested their own flannel boards for Christmas (and threw in their story choices and color preferences for the binding!), so I think it's safe to say this gift idea is going to be a winner around here. :)</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1130.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1130.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the tutorial </span>breakdown<span style="font-family: inherit;">:</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_1044.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1044.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For supplies, you'll need:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- 1/4" thick foam core board (a colored one makes for a pretty cover - I used baby blue)</div>- Assorted ribbons in different colors, patterns and sizes (ranging from 1/4" to about 2.5")<br />- Fabric glue (Fabritac will forever be my favorite)<br />- Assorted colored sheets of craft felt<br />- Sharpies<br />- Pencil<br />- Ruler<br />- X-acto knife<br />- Very sharp scissors with a fine tip (I like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006842S2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006842S2&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">these a lot</a>)<br /><br />First, use a ruler and pencil to mark out two equal-sized rectangles on your foam board. The book I made is 10x13" and I feel like it's the perfect portable size without being too small. If you keep the (new and sharp!) blade up tight against the ruler and push down hard, you should have a crisp edge when you're done.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0974.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0974.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For the left side of my flannel board book, I wanted to simulate grass and sky so I cut the felt to fit and glue them about a 1/2" set in.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0978.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_0978.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The right side I decided to keep white.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0207.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0207.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once the felt for the inside of your book is glued down, run a few lines of glue along the inside center seam of the two boards (you'll want them spaced just like shown above - close, but not flush) and glue down your 2 or 2.5" ribbon on top of the seam. Let that dry for a few minutes and then fold the boards on top of each other and glue the continuous ribbon around the other side of the spine. Be pretty generous with the glue.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0991.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0991.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once you've finish glueing the ribbon around the entire board, snip and glue down the edge.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0212.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0212.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Use various types of ribbons and trims to fill in the gaps where the white foam core shows and where the book could use some finishing.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0236.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0236.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For the back of the front cover, you'll want to make a little pocket for storing your pouches of felt pieces. I was going to head over to the jersey/spandex section of the fabric store when I remembered this old and too-small swimsuit of Evie's that was sitting in our donation bin. She loved this suit <i>so much</i>, I'm glad she gets to keep using it in a new way. Plus, that seersucker pattern was a perfect pairing with my vintage trims! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0944.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_0944.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I cut the suit down at it's widest points and glued a U-shaped pocket down on the back of the cover.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0220.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0220.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And then added more trim for finishing. I bought this one at SAS in Phoenix. EBay is a treasure trove for vintage trim though if you don't have a good place locally.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0222.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0222.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought about twenty small bundles of this mustard velvet ribbon on clearance at a teeny-tiny, but so beautiful art supply store in Brussels (we stayed there for a whole summer about five years ago). I've used bits and pieces of it here and there and this seemed like a fun place to dedicate a few of the remaining bundles.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0230.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0230.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It worked beautifully to cover up the foam core edges.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0231.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0231.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For the front cover, I used some felt letter stickers from the craft store and free-handed my daughter's name with pencil and later filled in with Sharpie.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0239.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0239.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1054.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1054.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">One of Evie's most favorite books is "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805047905/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0805047905&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?</a>" We've had the same little board book version since Gracie was a baby and the poor book is nearly falling apart after so many years of heavy rotation from the toddlers. Evie keeps the book by her bed and reads it to herself all the time. I knew I wanted one of the "story bags" to be from Brown Bear.</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0242.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0242.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can use the book for reference obviously, but I wouldn't worry too much about cutting out the shapes perfectly or even exactly. I'm actually hoping my girls end up making a lot of their own story bags. You just cut out the rough shapes, glue the pieces in layers, and then use a little permanent marker for shading and smaller features. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1113.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1113.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most important part is to make the shapes and characters small enough to fit in your pouches. The wedding favor aisle at craft stores sells these small bags that are the perfect size.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_0166.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_0166.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> I like these muslin ones best because you can write the story titles right on the pouches using a sharpie.</div><br /><img alt=" photo zDSC_1058.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1058.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can fit a ton of these small story bags in the large (stretchy!) back pocket.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1092.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1092.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1070.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1070.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The book is a great way to work on spelling and math problems (using those pre-cut felt numbers and letters!) and a perfect way to encourage imaginative play. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_1065.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1065.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I started a new pouch earlier today for Evie with a little paper-doll style dress ups. There's going to be a princess in there for fun, but mostly occupational dress ups, like a doctor and a scientist and a designer.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1048.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1048.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It seems like the best way to play with these books though is to let your child reenact the story with the felt characters while you read from the book (or vice versa, where your child reads and you show them the story). It's a great way to to help kids fall in love with books and characters, even the most simple animal characters!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1098.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/DSC_1098.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_1120.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1120.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While it doesn't take all that long to make the flannel board itself, the felt characters can be a little time-consuming. But they're easy to do while watching a show or talking on the phone. My mom would make a lot of our Christmas gifts each year growing up. I keep reminding myself that I can hardly remember a thing that I got that was store-bought, but I can tell you every special present she made for me, and I still have many of them now.  <span style="font-size: x-small;">♥</span></div><br /><img alt=" photo xDSC_1068.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/xDSC_1068.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo zDSC_1061.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/zDSC_1061.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is brought to you by <a href="http://holiday.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org/" target="_blank">Children's Miracle Network Hospitals</a>. Donate $5 and give a miracle to a child in the hospital this Christmas.</span></i></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JDHQ4Zid0cNjss9Eg_9grRCDw8ieQ4aIG-GLkLnh_1OQgHKrbDo1s4bZgvwwRvKvSr7XLFD2faqVRgLDwO8RK8TAUWhXRU6EjDhb8P6jOGzecEg0WwLHGNEZ7VLQfcDs8TeXqWMOtxEc/s1600/CMNH+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JDHQ4Zid0cNjss9Eg_9grRCDw8ieQ4aIG-GLkLnh_1OQgHKrbDo1s4bZgvwwRvKvSr7XLFD2faqVRgLDwO8RK8TAUWhXRU6EjDhb8P6jOGzecEg0WwLHGNEZ7VLQfcDs8TeXqWMOtxEc/s200/CMNH+Logo.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span>

DIY Children's Flannel Story Board

I was thrilled  when the good people at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals reached out to me about developing a DIY gift idea that wo...

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