A look at Pediped + Giveaway!

I don't know about you but this summer has been crazy!  First it took forever to get here (any other Hoosiers here that completely missed spring thanks to our crazy weather?) then once it got here it's been a flurry of activities and appointments and running every which way.  I've been dying to write this post for months now and I'm finally getting around to doing so.

Why have I been itching to write it?  Because I get to feature and GIVEAWAY one of my all-time favorite products! Seriously y'all, we are lifetime customers.

[Disclaimer: I have received free product in exchange for writing this review.  However, as always- all opinions are my own and I am in no way required to give a positive review.  Giveaway items are sponsored by PediPed and administered by Cut, Craft, Create]

pediped is a shoe company for babies, toddlers and big kids that practices their slogan "the next best thing to bare feet".  As a barefoot fan, this first caught my attention. But a couple years and three pairs of shoes later- I have a lot more reasons to love them.


Here's why:

1- Barefoot (or close to it) is good for kids!  Bare feet strengthens and promotes agility from the feet all the way up to the hips.  When we don't wear shoes our feet are able to feel the ground beneath us better and thus learn to respond in a healthier way.  Those tiny adjustments add up and over time improve our balance, movement and posture.  (I mentioned this in my last pediped post here) Sometimes though, we have to wear shoes so this is literally the "next best thing."



2- These shoes are quality.  I'll admit, I'm generally a "buy cheap stuff" gal but when it comes to everyday shoes for the kids, I want quality.  These are shoes the kids play in, climb in, even hike in! I LOVE how flexible they are while also being sturdy.  My kids climb over rocks, scale trees without slipping and simply do everyday play in their pediped shoes. 

[He's checking out the flexible grip design.  Really!  He commented about how they 'bend' ha! Even kids notice!]

3- They are machine washable.  It sounds silly but this is something specifically that I look for when children's shoe shopping and both pairs we currently own are completely machine washable. (I don't believe our baby ones were though so double check before purchasing!)  I've washed both shoes pictured on this post multiple times in our regular washing machine!

[It's hard to see but the silver on these shoes is SPARKLY!  And they continue to stay sparkly after lots of puddle jumps and runs through the washing machine.]

4- They look really nice. There are so many options avilable on their website that you are bound to find one, or two.. or a dozen that you love! The easy to navigate website allows you to shop size (baby/toddler/big kid) plus special deals, gifts and sizing help.  Within each category you can choose the style of shoe you want or even shop by gender or search bar!

[This is the pair we had when my son was about 18 months old]

5- They are easy to put on.  My daughter has the 'silver glitter' "Minnie" shoes and is 2 years old.  She is able to put them on quickly by herself with no trouble.  The elastic strap is not only easy to close but she can even get it through the loop if it comes all the way undone.  I love that she is able to do it all herself because she is Miss Independent in everything she does and this has eliminated a lot of meltdowns from mommy "trying to help".

6- Last but not least- They are a GOOD company. They run all sorts of fun events and giveaways throughout the year.  We actually WON the Dani Grey/Orange that my son is wearing during their online Easter egg hunt for only 1 penny! They gave away dozens of pairs of shoes over a couple of days!  Even more amazing, they send out shoes to customers simply for the sake of 'paying it forward" called the Serendipity Program.  They also offer a ton of vegan material-made shoes so you can buy quality without harming animals!

 [Screenshot taken directly from pediped Instagram story]

If I haven't made it clear yet, I love these shoes and this company.  I think it's a worthy company to support but if you'd like to snag a FREE pair while you shop around- then enter the giveaway below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


Contest open to residents of the US ages 18 years of age and older. No purchase necessary. Must complete prompts using widget above.  Winner picks "girl or boy" and size of shoe and Pediped will send a style of their choice to the winner free of charge.

Lace Earrings DIY

I am so into easy-peasy DIYs right now.  As I try to balance my time with kids, housework, my business, socializing... life in general (!) I find that crafts or really anything creative gets pushed to the side.  I enjoy crafting with my kiddos but it feels good to make something that I want to make.  That's why the fast and easy projects are my jam.  I only need a handful of minutes and I get that sense of accomplishment that carries me into the next craft time.

Earrings have been a favorite of mine lately; maybe because my kids are finally at the age where they aren't tugging on my earrings all the time in fascination.  I've created several super cool earrings lately like these motherhood earrings (from shrinky dinks) and I even let my son make these rainbow earrings (instagram).  I received a bag full of lace scraps from a church friend and as I sifted through them the ideas rushed into my head.  The first of course-earrings.

[I was unable to edit any photos for this post so please be respectful and make sure you link back to my blog or social media if you share my content.  Thank you!]


These were my 3 favorites (I think I'll turn the others into bracelets!

[Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products I used in making this project. Purchasing through these links earns me a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.]

All you need to make this project is:

- small pieces of lace
- Mod Podge
- earring hooks

How to make it (in minutes!)

Step 1: Lay out your lace. 

Step 2: Cover your lace with Mod Podge.

Step 3: If the Mod Podge is filling any holes in the lace, use a pin or other small object to open the space back up.  Do this while the Mod Podge is still wet.

Step 4: When it's dried, take your jewelry hook and attach them together!  It's so easy. Don't you love it?

Don't you just love the delicate lace look?  And it's more durable with the Mod Podge. Win- Win!

It even dresses up a solid tee!

And here's something really cool:  This would be an AMAZING little DIY for your wedding.  Find a lace that matches the feel of your dress or if you have to alter your dress, save a spare piece and whip up identical matching earrings!  I made these earrings in 2019 and this is my wedding dress from 2012 and I swear that flower looks almost the same!  Isn't that fun?

(For those wondering, I try my wedding dress on again every year on our anniversary so that's how I have a photo of me in my dress!  It was a happy coincidence with these earrings.)

Imagine the possibilities! Costing only pennies to make and only a few minutes of your time- what's holding you back from making these now?  I'd love to see your creations, so please comment or tag me on Instagram @CutCraftCreate.

DIY Handwriting Necklace

This week has been a long one and I can't believe I actually got a craft done (on top of business orders!).  In the spring, my husband is always gone coaching, in meetings or just getting ready for the end of the school year. That makes for some long nights with the kiddos.  The benefit is that I get a lot more 1 on 1 time with my babies and it makes me appreciate all their sweet qualities even more (you know.. and also some more moments of mama going crazy because the kids are crazy. But it all evens out).

For mother's day, my son gave me a card and of course, wrote "MOMMY" on the envelope.  I've seen this a hundred times but I just remember looking at it, feeling like someday he won't call me that anymore, someday his letters will be a little more organized & grown up looking. I want to keep this sweet handwritten "mommy" forever.  So I created this...

I'm going to go ahead and apologize for the low-quality photos.  Pictures in my house are never great, especially on selfie-mode at 10 pm!  But you get the idea. The others are better!



[Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to the products you can use to make this project.  Purchasing through these links earns me a small commission at no extra charge to you.  Thank you for supporting my blog!]



If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen in my stories that I am *obsessed* with Shrinky Dinks right now.  Especially for jewelry.  I can't stop myself!  First I made these amazing motherhood earrings (pictured below) and then I had my kids each draw me pictures which I turned into more earrings for myself. I think I've got enough Shrinky Dink earrings for now...

But back to the necklace.  Here's what you'll need to make this easy DIY:

[Materials]

- Crystal Clear Shrinky Dink Paper
- Black Sharpie Marker
- Open Jump Rings
- Necklace Chain of your choice


[How to Make It]
Simply follow the directions on the packaging.  As for the design, since the shrink paper is clear you can place it directly on top of their sweet handwriting and trace!  Remember that it will shrink to about 1/3 of it's original size so if you need to enlarge your child's drawing before tracing it, don't forget!  I copied his lettering exactly but moved over the shrink paper in between letters so that they were almost touching on my necklace trace. (just the look I wanted). You can see how large it was before and after baking in the photo below:

After it's traced, carefully cut around your letters as best as you can, leaving a small amount around the edge.  If you did not put the letters against each other like I did, make sure you leave some clear shrink paper in between them so it all stays once piece. Don't forget to punch holes on the top edges for the jump rings. Remember they shrink too! (I had to re-do mine)

^^^There's how it looked before...


...and after

Attach the jump rings and hang on your necklace chain!

We love Mouse and he would totally make a necklace like this too- don't you think?


I am feeling all the emotions over this necklace and I think I'll be wearing this for many years to come. I mean, look at that sweet little "Y".  #ohmyheart

What would you put on yours?  Your name, their name or maybe a sweet drawing?  Share yours below or tag me @cutcraftcreate on Instagram and I'd love to share it in my stories!

(Beginner Sewing) Pillow for Mother's Day

As Mother's Day quickly approaches, I'm sure many of you are still trying to think of that perfect gift to give.  If you're here, I'm guessing that you probably are looking for some great do-it-yourself inspiration!  That's why I wanted to share this sweet pillow my son made when he was 3.  I think he may have actually given it as a Valentine's gift to his Mamaw (my mom) but it probably works even better for Mother's Day! 

If you've got a kiddo just learning to sew, this is a great beginner project.  The pillow uses fabrics that don't fray so you don't even have to "turn it" which makes it both easier and faster!  And don't worry- if you don't quite trust your little on the sewing machine just yet, let him or her sit on your lap and help "guide" your own hand.  Then let them stuff the pillow or cut the threads all by themselves!  Either way, it's a gift that mom or grandma will be sure to treasure forever AND something that your child can be proud to have made.

I'm not kidding when I say "something your child will be proud of".  This pillow still brings him pride and joy every time he goes to his Mamaw's house!




So here's how you do it:

First, buy your fabric (you will also need some stuffing/fiber fill).  Both sides are made from fleece (one is blizzard fleece and one is anti-pill I think but it doesn't matter at all).  Then cut out whatever shape you want. I cut out the heart shape myself because I was using a rotary cutter and those things will cut off your finger if you aren't careful! ha! But feel free to give your child free reign over this part as well.

Next, Lay the two pieces on top of each other.  Since you are not turning this, there is no need to put right sides together like with most sewing projects, unless you want to make it more finished looking on the edges. You or your child can now sew along the entire edge, leaving a short opening to put in the stuffing.

I love to watch this kid sew...

Allow your child to "make mistakes" or sew crooked lines.  This pillow is from them and that's part of the learning process.  Every wavy stitch is a perfect element to this thoughtful gift. (I don't know about you, but I treasure the "real" stuff way more than perfect things). I know that comes really hard for a lot of mamas, but try to just let it happen.

After the edges are all sewn (minus the small opening), it's time to fill it.  Let your child rip off pieces of pillow filling and stuff it themselves.  This is something that any age and skill level can do and boy do they enjoy it!

Once it's as full as you'd like it, head back to the sewing machine and stitch closed the opening.  Here's where not turning your fabric really comes in handy because you don't have to try to hide this stitch- it's just visible like the rest of them!  Honestly, it's just a lot easier for little ones to do themselves.

All done!  Front and back:

That's it! 
All they have to do now is wrap it up and share it with a special "mother" in their life.  I'll be honest, I'm a little jealous that I didn't get my son's first real sewing project for myself, but I'm glad that he wanted to make it for the woman who is so special to me, my mother.

Felt "skip counting" board

For those of you with preschool/kindergarden aged kiddos, you know all about the world of learning numbers.  My son is one of those learning-obsessed people who laser focuses on something until he's figured it all out.  Because of that, he quickly earned his status in the "100 club" (counting to 100) and I wasn't sure where to go next.  Then I heard about skip counting.  I found some worksheets online but wanted something that we could use over and over again (and even later when his little sister learns her numbers) so I created this:

[This post contains affiliate links to products you can use to make this project.  Purchasing through these links earns me a small commission at no extra charge to you.  Thank you for supporting my blog.]


We are big fans of flannelboards and have everything from cars to farm to road construction to money!  So why not work on our numbers that way too?  This is easy to make and helps teach children how to:

- count numbers up to 100
- skip count by 10's
- skip count by 5's
- skip count by 2's (odds and evens)

There's only a few materials you need:

- felt by the yard (for background) I get mine at Joann Fabrics.
- other felt (sheets or by the yard) for the number pieces.
- Heat Transfer Vinyl (or iron on numbers)



I cut all the felt shapes out by hand and then cut the numbers with my Silhouette Cameo.  If you have a Cricut or other cutting machine that work work fine.  No cutting machine?  Just buy a pack of iron on numbers instead!


Here's the important part: Make sure you find ways to differentiate so that you can clearly tell what numbers belong in the 10's, 5's and 2's categories.  It's tricky because the 10's are also 5's and 2's so it has to cover all three!  Here's what I did:

Odd numbers were white,
Even numbers were tan,
Then I cut all the 10's in squares (the rest were circles)
All 5's were numbered in blue (all others in red)

Using different background colors, text colors and shapes allows for this to work.  For example, now the number 20 can easily be identified as an even number, a multiple of 5 and a multiple of 10 all at a quick glance!  Easy peasy.



One thing I would change:
I definitely recommend hanging your background felt on something solid. Ours is hanging on sort of bar stand and because it's not solid underneath, it's hard to press each piece onto the felt.  I'll be moving ours to it's permanent hanging against the wall here soon.   The benefit of the pieces not being pressed on very well is that it is pretty fun to knock them all off onto the floor.

I mean really, look how much joy it bring him to totally destroy all of that!

Whatever you do, have fun.  Learning is an exciting journey that you and your kiddos can take together.  Just make sure you don't put too much pressure on either of you and HAVE FUN!

Free Spring Printable

It might be spring officially, but it was c-c-c-COLD today in the Hoosier State!  So I was inspired to make some easy spring décor to brighten things up inside while we wait for things to warm up outside.  Of course, I wanted to share it with you.  So please enjoy this FREE PRINTABLE of one of my favorite quotes (it's even hanging in my daughter's room) in a very clean, crisp design.

Just click on the link below and download your free printable.  Sized to fit an 8x10 but because of it's white background you can easily resize it in whatever program you have and it will work in whatever frame you'd like!  I'm on the hunt for a great square frame to put mine in!

FREE "Bloom where you are planted" PRINTABLE 

I'd love to see how you display your new printable so make sure to tag me @cutcraftcreate and inspire us all!  Thanks so much for stopping by! 

DIY Motherhood Earrings

Oooh boy oh boy you guys, I am SO excited to have actually gotten a craft for myself done.  Not to mention- It. Is. Spectacular.  So here's how this came about: a woman from my church started selling handcrafted earrings (check her items out HERE). I love her pieces and asked about custom designs.  She's not currently doing that but I just kept longing for the design I had in mind. The motherhood symbol.  The problem is, I don't have a machine that cuts wood and I wanted something sturdy. So I came up with this solution that only took me about 15 minutes!

[Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products I used to create these earrings. Purchasing through these links earns me a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.]



Y'all. This is made from Shrinky Dinks.  The process is simple and fast.  Here's how:

Materials:
-'Crystal Clear' Shrinky Dink paper
- Sharpie Marker
- Dangle Earring Hooks (jewelry making supply)
-(optional) Printoff of your design to trace *I do not own this design.*

STEP 1:
If you are tracing a design, print off your photo. Make sure that it is 3x larger than you want the finished earrings to be. Mine was about 4.75 inches tall to start. If you are blessed with more of an artistic skill than I am, free hand your design! When finished, cut around your shape.  I suggest using the clear Shrinky Dinks so that your design can look detailed without having to cut a bunch of small pieces. Lastly and very importantly: Using a hole punch, make sure to put a hole at the top to hang the earring pieces from. (remember it gets smaller, so use an actual hole punch!)

STEP 2: 
Bake your pieces! Following the instructions on the Shrinky Dinks, bake your design.  It only takes a minute or two so keep an eye on it. This is the exciting part!

[you can see how large the pre-baked pieces are on a baking sheet vs how small they are in my hands after being in the oven!]

When shrink paper bakes, it not only get smaller but much thicker as well.  So the flimsy pieces become thick and sturdy- perfect for a pair of lightweight but strong earrings!

STEP 3:
Attach your new shrunk pieces to the earring hooks using pliers or a small tool (I used tweezers!) and enjoy!

These turned out exactly how I was hoping and that rarely ever happens so perfectly.  You can do any design you want in any color. Just remember that the marker color does darken when you bake it. I am so in love with these earrings and I love being able to wear a piece that is such a beautiful reminder of this crazy amazing journey of motherhood that I've been blessed to be a part of.

[although my eyes look tired, it's actually allergies.  But I thought tired mom eyes made a good photo too! ha!]

What design would you make?  The opportunities are endless! Join me on Instagram & tag me in your own creations. I'd love to see what you make!