Choosing the Fun and a Project Idea

Life is not always fun. Believe me I know this. Yesterday our air conditioner and dishwasher broke and to top it off, the kids lost the remote. Lost--as in, I think it may be in the garbage which was picked up this morning. I've spent the better half of today scheduling repair appointments and pruning bushes away from the AC while juggling all my mommy tasks. 

That being said, yesterday amidst all the crummy things that happened, my son took his first steps. He teetered on his toes walking forward in amazement as his three sisters cheered for him. It was a moment I wanted to last forever so I watched it unfold in slow motion. 

While all of the misfortunes of yesterday may seem silly compared to those struggling with more serious issues, I point them out to make it clear I don't have any misconceptions about life. Life is really hard sometimes and there are days we all suffer. 

But I do hold firm the belief that our lives are what we make them. 

We can choose to look at all the broken things or we focus on the baby's first steps or the smile that a neighbor gave us. I'm going to continue to keep my heart and mind focused on all the good in life and this blog will be a reminder of that. 

Around here we make crafty things and that's what keeps our sense of creativity and humor alive. 

So "Life Made Fun" is my new blogging mantra. And I couldn't have "unveiled" it on a better, more challenging day! 

An Idea for You

Make: Fabric Coasters

As a beginner at sewing, I've often found many projects online to be intimidating which is why I loved this project so much.  Fabric coasters are not only easy to make, but they are also a great way to use scrap fabric. And if you're just starting a don't have scrap fabric, you can purchase quilting "quarters" for normally under $1 at any fabric store. 

I reviewed several tutorials for this and they were all very helpful: 

Using 2, 4.5" squares of fabric and 1, 4" quare of felt, sew making a sandwich in this order--fabric square 1 outside face facing fabric quare 2's outside face then felt on top. Pin together (optional) then sew the edges leaving a 2" opening. Pull fabric right-side out through opening and sew opening closed and all the way around the edges. You can sew a decorative "X" in the middle if you wish. I've broken these down in steps for you on the photo. 

This is definitely a beginner level project, and if it tells you how easy it is, I did it with my 4 children afoot. And my children are definitely spirited so that's saying something! 

I think if I can perfect my technique a little, this will be a great gift idea for a party, the holidays, or even just a little housewarming welcome for a new neighbor. 

Total time to make? It took me about 20-25 minutes to make 4. 

Enjoy!