No-Sew Pumpkin Purse Tutorial

What is the one line every creative person you know has said?  Any guesses?  You'll laugh when you hear it.  Ready?... 'I COULD MAKE THAT'.   You're laughing now aren't you?  Because we all know it's SO true!  We have all seen something in a store or online and thought that we could do a better (or at least cheaper) job at DIY-ing it than we could buying it.  Sometimes this works out great and other times we spend a lot more time and money on it than it's worth.  I know this to be true not just for myself but others because there is a world of memes out there:

[Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products that can be used to make this project.  Purchasing through these links may earn me a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.]

I had one of those projects this week (a successful one).  I saw a cute fall/halloween layflat online and part of it included a little pumpkin purse.  I did a quick search on Amazon and Target (because Target always has cute purses like this in the toddler/kids section) to no avail.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money because it was for my 2.5 year old.  She isn't that gentle with things, it's going to have a short lifespan (pumpkin= fall/Halloween) and the girl already has 4 other purses.  (ridiculous right?)  So instead, I made one.

The best part? You can make it too.  I did it entirely NO-SEW so that anyone out there could enjoy this project as much as we do.

Here's what you'll need:

- orange craft felt (plus black and green felt for the face & stem)

- interfacing (I'm sorry I don't remember the exact kind I used. It was a scrap! Anything to add stiffness will work great.)

- hot glue gun & glue sticks

- trim of your choice for the strap




How to make it:

I like to use tissue paper when I make my patterns because it's almost like using an actual sewing pattern (and it's super cheap!)  Just draw out a pumpkin shape in the size you want the finished purse to be.

I drew out the lines on the inside of the pumpkin and also the face on my pattern but only to get the right shape/size because I'm terrible at drawing freehand.  Nothing is actually used except the very outside edge of the pattern so no need to add them like I did.


Next, cut out 2 pumpkin shaped pieces from the orange felt as well as 2 from the interfacing.  Also cut a long rectangle from the orange felt in the size you would like the depth of the purse to be.  Ours was about 1.5 inches.  It needs to be long enough to go across the bottom and up the sides of the pumpkin shape but you can adjust this as you put it together if you aren't sure.

Now is also a good time to cut out a green stem and the black jack-o-lantern face or you can do it later if you aren't sure whether to add it or not.  I wasn't sure at this point in the project but it definitely adds a little Halloween fun!

Next, hot glue the interfacing to the orange felt pieces.  I suggest trimming the interfacing down just a tiny bit so that it doesn't go all the way to the edge of the orange.  It will make it easier to hide the white (which I didn't realize until I had already started. Learn from my mistakes!)

Next, hot glue the rectangle strip of orange felt to one pumpkin cutout.  Fold it under as you go so that no rough edges are showing.  Hot glue is very helpful for this because you really can just pinch and smooth it down as you need.  I started at the bottom and went up both sides so I could get a feel how high I wanted the edges to be. 

This is an example of how it will look after one side is finished.  You can see how the felt is folded to the inside around the curve.  The second photo below shows how it will look from the outside after this step.

As you can see, some of my white interfacing peeks out. It isn't very noticeable when the purse is being worn but I still wish I would have cut it down a shade and glued it orange to orange.


You're almost done already.  Crazy right? Now do the same thing to the other side of the purse with the second pumpkin shaped piece.

Lastly, add your trim or purse strap by hot gluing it to the inside of the finished purse.  My 2 year old picked out the mini pom pom ball fringe  (which I got last Christmas in the Target dollar bins!)  This trim looked fine without anything over it, but feel free to add a square of orange felt on the inside to finish off the edges of your trim.

All done!  How darling is this fun little purse?  My 2 year old loves it and my (almost) 5 year old has asked me to make him one too!  This would make a great little gift or a perfect addition to all those cute fall outfits.  Now... bring on that fall weather!

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Pumpkin Decorating Activity

As is often the case, I try to keep these posts short and sweet and then take 20 photos during the process. Why? Just call me photo-addicted I guess! Aaaaanywho- today I wanted to encourage a little messy play with you and your littles (kids, nieces, nephews, neighbor friend, classroom, etc) or to do yourself!

[Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to products I suggest using for this project. If you choose to purchase anything through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. This helps me fund future blog posts, so thank you.]

There are so many beautiful pumpkin DIYS out there, from using paper & mod podge, to washi tape, to classic painting in a whole new grownup way:

{source: ReadyCartInstagram}

{source: Pinterest}

{source: Pinterest}

These are all amazing but right now, we like to focus a bit more on the creative process than having the house decorated with perfect pumpkins. (although as a mama, you know I think their pumpkins are perfect too!) 


Here's what you'll need:

- Pumpkins for everyone (we used pie pumpkins for that medium size) You can also buy assorted packages of artificial pumpkins on Amazon if you'd like to keep them forever.

- Paint. Lots of paint. We use acrylic paint like it's going out of style in our house!  I also found that my kids (especially 18 month old) really favored using the scribbles paint writers so that would be a good option for making fine-details or for little ones!

- Other small accessories like beads (those aren't the ones we used but I just found them and OMG animal shapes!), googly eyes, small strips and pieces of fabric and glitter. You may also add ribbon or trim around the stem if you'd like!

- Hot glue gun. (and adult supervision!) The heavier beads wont stick to the paint itself so you'll need to attach them with hot glue and have your littles point to where they want their bead.

Spread everything out on a table (Don't forget to cover with newspaper or magazine pages!) and let the fun begin!  My son had a blast with the glitter and writer pens (this isn't even what his finished pumpkin looked like. It's 3 layers deep!) and my daughter did a little pumpkin decorating and then moved onto decorating the magazine pages instead.

(It still dried in less than 24 hours! I couldn't believe it.) 

(I also love how my son looks like he's doing a magic trick or is a fine culinary chef back there)

It's all about having fun so don't push them any direction and just let them explore the textures and give them the chance to practice their creativity. Today's world seems to struggle with letting kids do that sometimes.

Most importantly, have fun! We aren't trying to win any pinterest competitions here, we're trying to raise confident, capable children #amiright?

Oh... and maybe take off your rings before you start. I didn't even make a pumpkin but I got a lot of paint and glitter on my very special rings.  Oops (don't worry, I got it all off!)

Here's a look at their finished pumpkins. My son made a man (the yellow is his mustache) with glitter hair and my daughter went for the more understated simple design.  If that doesn't describe their personalities, I don't know what does! It's funny how things like that happen.

Can I let you in on a secret? The kids (especially my daughter) are SO PROUD of their pumpkins. Showing them off to everyone and pointing them out every time we walk past.  Trust me... it's definitely worth the mess!

Burlap Halloween Signs {Plus Halloween Party Ideas}

Can you believe Halloween is only 13 days away?  As I mentioned in my last post, I am running a tad behind on my decorating for the fall.  I LOVE Halloween and am a little disappointed in myself for not having my decorations up yet.  Since I needed to get on this and because a girl can never have too many decorations, I thought I would make a few new ones!  Check out these easy burlap signs:

One is cute and pun-ey, one is scary and one is traditional... a style for everyone and all situations! Each one uses different tools/materials as well, so there is something for everyone to make.

The wolf one was made using paint, the Silhouette (cutting machine) and heat transfer vinyl.

The shape is called "Howling Wolf" (ID #4085) and was made by Nathan Jenne.  This shape can be purchased in the Silhouette store.

Using the freezer paper method of stenciling (there are several tutorials online), I painted the yellow moon and then (once it was dried), painted the wolf on top of it.

I finished it up by cutting out my words from heat transfer vinyl and ironing it on.

For a crisper look and long life (burlap will unravel!) make sure to stitch along each edge.  Try to stay with the grain as best you can.  I also folded over the tops and stitched a "loop" into it, so that it cold be hung by a dowel rod.

Easy enough, right?

Next, I made a scary one for when we are not having little ones at the house!  I am a huge fan of horror and gore (who would have guessed it, right?) and had to include something like that into this craft!

The only materials I used on this one were paint and a paintbrush.  I thought that having the message written out in handwriting, instead of in a perfect stencil would look spookier.  For the hand print, I did what every child (and adult)  loves to do... stuck my hand in red paint and smeared it across the burlap!

This was also the only sign that I left without stitching (except to loop it at the top.)  This is because I wanted more of that torn "horror" look to it.  To achieve this, grab a hold of the threads and just pull it out as far as you like.

Are you brave enough to enter?  If not... let's move on to the next one.

I might love horror, but I am also a sucker for the classics.  Every house needs something pumpkin at it around Halloween and when I saw this design I was in love!

The shape is called "Stacked Pumpkins" (ID #21902) and was designed by Loni Stevens.  This can also be found in the Silhouette store.

Using the freezer paper stenciling method, I cut out my shape and then painted it!  Simple as that.

One of the many things I love about burlap is how painted designs look on it.  Crisp enough that the design is visible but broken enough that it has that rustic feel.

{Are you new around here?}
If you weren't a follower of Cut, Craft, Create last Halloween, check out this post for (over) FIVE fun and easy Halloween party ideas , including games, prizes and food ideas.  Don't be fooled by the picture, there are even more ideas on the post.  It also includes free printables, so check it out if you're having a party.

Click here to check it out!

{That's it for today}
I hope you enjoyed the new Halloween signs and are excited to make your own.  Which do you prefer?  Pun-ey, Scary or Traditional?  Although I thought I would like the scary one best, I can't help but love that adorable wolf!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Guest Blogging + 5 Halloween Party Ideas + Free Printables!

Happy Thursday everyone!  Today I have TONS of stuff for you!  First things first:  I am guest blogging over at U-Create (my first EVER guest post!) and I would love for you to go check it out.  Then, stay a while and look around.  The girls over there are just too sweet and have a slew of awesome craft ideas.  You will just love them, I'm sure of it.

Secondly, I have another craft for you on here.  Actually it's over FIVE crafts!  I told you today was a biggie.  Still wondering what to do for your upcoming Halloween party?  Or, do you just want some fun ideas for your own family?  Check out these five easy and totally fun ideas for your Halloween gathering:

{"You'll DIE Laughing"}
An easy-to-make treat container that you can "unwrap" to expose a string of Halloween jokes!

This mummy is too cute to be spooky, plus he tells jokes!  Oh, and don't forget the treats hidden inside- it's almost too good to be true!  He's easy to make too:

-Take an old Oatmeal container and cover it with fabric.
-Cut strips of the same fabric and pull at the edges to fray them.
-Write jokes along the strips for people to "unwrap".  Example:  What is a mummy's favorite kind of music? WRAP!  Cheesy yes, but admit it: it's funny!
-Attach the strips together and glue to the container at the beginning.  Wrap the mummy up.
-Fill with candy and share!


{Messy Fun for Everyone}
Individual pumpkins for everyone with treats hidden inside.  Can be done clean or messy style!

For all the kids out there who were anything like me, this activity is fun and best of all.. MESSY!  Don't worry mom, it can be done mess-free as well!

-Get a small pumpkin.  This is a great way to give something personalized to each child without buying several large pumpkins.
-Carve it out and remove the insides just as you would normally.
-Fill it with Halloween treats (inside of ziplock bags)
-For messier fun, put the "goop" back inside on top of the treat bags so that kids have to dig through it to receive their candy.


{Pin the Head on the Skeleton}
A new spin on an old game, this magnetic "pin the head on the skeleton" is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

This game seems to always be fun for any age... and, it's easy to make!

-Draw (or sketch) a skeleton onto a large sheet on paper.
-Cut a head out of magnetic paper.
-Hang the large sheet of paper up on the fridge using magnets.
-Laugh at all the silly places the head ends up!


{Food for Thought}
What event is complete without food?  Here are a few dinner ideas to really spook your guests!

There are three separate things shown here, but they are all very easy to make.

Brain Pasta
-Make spaghetti and add a light coating of sauce (too dark will look less 'real').
-Put half of the desired amount into a ziplock bag, shaping it to look like half a brain.  Do the same with the other half.
-Freeze the pasta until the shape is formed.
-Before eating, remove from freezer and either thaw or microwave to eat.

Spider Web Utensils
-Get plastic forks, spoons and knives (if you will be using them).
-Paint the handles with black non-toxic paint.
-Using a hot glue gun, quickly run back and forth across the utensils.  Let the ends get stuck to the newspaper a little bit.  Give it a second to start drying and then lift off of the paper.  This will cause the strings to bunch up and look like spooky webs.

Creepy Crawly Jello
-Make Jello as instructed.
-Fill a container half way and let it stand in the fridge.
-Place a plastic spider (or other creepy crawly) on top of the layer.
-Top the spider with the remaining Jello.



{What's Your Poison?}
What is scarier than going to choose your drink and finding that your options are "poison" "truth serum" "blood" and "monster guts"?

I made all of these printables myself and would be happy to share them with you:

1. Monster Guts
2. Poison
3. Truth Serum
4. Happy Halloween
5. Blood

{Your Turn!}
I hope you have enjoyed today's post and I hope you went to check out my guest post on U-Create as well!
I am so tickled that they allowed me to guest blog for them and I am also excited to share all these fun and easy Halloween ideas with you over here.  Let me know what you think and if you plan to use any of these ideas at your house.  I love Halloween and I love sharing the "holiday spirit"!  Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Link Love! Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and D.L Art

Free Fall and Halloween Printables

Happy Monday!  Is everyone excited for the week ahead?  I know I am- I have some very exciting stuff happening on Thursday (oh the suspense).  Until that point I am working to learn some really neat new blog techniques.  They may be old hat to you or maybe it is brand spankin' new... either way, everyone loves a free printable right?

I have been wondering for quite some time how to make and link my own printables to this blog.  Then I found I Am Momma- Hear Me Roar and she told me everything I needed to know.  She told me all about PicMonkey and Design House Digital: my two new best friends.

Using those websites, I created a few Fall and Halloween printables for you.  Please enjoy them and share with me in the excitement of a new technique!  Here's to learning more everyday, right?!


{Favorite Fall Things}

{I think this one is my favorite.  The colors, the fonts.. it just makes me excited for FALL!}

Do you love it too?  Get it here!

{Cheesy Fall Lines}

{Okay, I am a major cheese when it comes to play on words.  I may or may not have something else already titled "FALLing in Love"... I can't help myself}

Are you a big cheese too?  Get this printable here!

(This one is sized smaller to fit a 5 x 7 frame.  Good things come in small packages, right?)

{The Definition of Halloween}

{I am also a bit of a sucker for definitions.  I don't know why but it seems to add a cuteness to everything it touches.  I would suggest bookmarking dictionary.reference.com right now for future craft use}

Are you a bit of a word nerd too?  Brighten your day with this free printable, found here!

{Your Turn!}

I am so excited to have learned how to make my own printables and I hope that someone has been inspired from this post as well!  Let me know what you like, what you don't, or anything else on your mind!  This is a learning process after all and we are all in this together.

Note: You no longer have to do the word verification to comment on this blog (yay!) If that was holding you back before, then you're free to comment now!  Thank you for your patience. 

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Link Love!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and D.L Art 

Jumping Spider Pull-Tab Can

I have been itching to try one of those pull-tab can crafts where you put goodies like candy or gifts inside.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Check them out here, here, or here!  This time however, the can is filled with spiders (fake, of course) and when the tab is pulled, a spring causes the spiders to jump out!  How perfect is this for a Halloween party?

Materials
- 1 can with a pull-tab top
- Fake spiders
- 1 compression spring (I made my own using a slinky!)
- Cardboard

{Step One}
Peel the label from the can.  Then remove the bottom (the side without the pull tab) with a can opener.  I would suggest keeping one spot connected.  Remove everything inside and wash it out.

{Step Two}
Glue your label onto the can.  Remember that the open side will be the bottom when you're finished!

 {I designed this myself using picmonkey.  They have a GREAT selection of "Halloween" effects right now}

{Step Three}

Cut a piece of cardboard that is just slightly smaller than the can opening.  It needs to be able to move, yet not let the spiders fall through it.  Next, glue one end of the spring to the center of the cardboard.

 {If you can't find a good spring at the hardware store (I couldn't), pick up a mini-slinky and just twist it as you pull it apart.  This will create a loose compression that you can cut to any size.  Let us take a moment to thank my brilliant husband for saving this project with his idea!}

{Step Four}

Place the spiders in the bottom (really the TOP) of the can, face down.

{Step Five}

Glue the other end of the spring to the center of the open lid (the actual bottom of the can).

{Step Six)

Place the spring fully inside of the can, making sure that the cardboard lays right over the spiders.  CAUTION: Be careful not to twist the spring too much or it may not spring out correctly.  Then close the lid and glue all around the edges, sealing it up.

 {It is okay if the bottom looks messy.  No one will see it and it is more important that it stay closed}

That's it!

Now all that is left is to give it to a friend and watch them JUMP as the spiders fly out at them!  I think all the pull-tab crafts are great but this one is really neat for all of you Halloween Scare fans out there... and it goes perfectly for a scary movie invitation!

I apologize for not having a video/pictures of the spiders jumping out.  Our computer has been experiencing some problems and I am unable to open any video editing program and currently, even the video itself!  I promise though, it works and is super fun!

Your Turn!

What is your favorite scary movie?  Or... are you more of a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown kind of person?  (I like both kinds!)

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Link Love!  Linking to the Craftaholics Anonymous Fall Frenzy Link Party! Every Day is an Occasion and D.L. Art