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.